(Grassroots Page 3)
By Todd Curran
Oilfields High School held an all-school and community assembly on Thursday, February 3rd, in celebration of receiving a national award from the Canadian Education Association (CEA) for innovation in teaching and learning for its first-year Quest program.
Quest is an alternative education program geared to students who want to perform better academically, but have become disengaged from regular programming. The students self-select to participate in the program, which is designed to help them discover their inner strengths through customized, self-paced learning, service work and volunteering, weekly adventure learning, personal and group counseling as well as career exploration involving placements and career counseling.
Part of the award ceremony included Quest students and instructors speaking about the powerful and positive impact the program has on their lives. The students have learned to succeed physically, mentally, socially and academically through activities that engage them in learning. The program has been so successful that it already has a waiting list for year two.
The award was presented by CEA council member Dr. Michele Jacobsen, Associate Professor specializing in educational technology, Faculty of Education, University of Calgary. Her parting words to the OHS Quest students were, “You make us all proud.”
For more information on the Quest Program contact Oilfields High School at 403-938-4973.
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Monday, February 14, 2011
Family Fun
(Grassroots Page 3)
By Todd Curran
In celebration of Family Day on February 21st, the Town of Turner Valley is hosting a Family Day Scavenger Hunt and Skating Party.
Registration begins at 10:00am at the Flare ‘N Derrick Community Centre, located on Main Street, Turner Valley, and at 11:00am the hunt is on! Scavenger Teams will set out to turn Black Diamond and Turner Valley upside down to find and collect as many items as possible from their lists. Teams will finish the Scavenger Hunt at 12:30 back at the Flare ‘N Derrick Community Centre, meeting up for hot dogs, hot chocolate and prizes awarded to the teams with the most items and points.
But the fun doesn't end there, as the Turner Valley Fire Department invites you to join them for their annual skating party at the outdoor rink. There is no charge to register for the event, which promises to be fun for all ages.
To learn more about this fun Family Day event or to volunteer, please call Hazel at 403.933.4944 or email:
hazelm@turnervalley.ca
By Todd Curran
In celebration of Family Day on February 21st, the Town of Turner Valley is hosting a Family Day Scavenger Hunt and Skating Party.
Registration begins at 10:00am at the Flare ‘N Derrick Community Centre, located on Main Street, Turner Valley, and at 11:00am the hunt is on! Scavenger Teams will set out to turn Black Diamond and Turner Valley upside down to find and collect as many items as possible from their lists. Teams will finish the Scavenger Hunt at 12:30 back at the Flare ‘N Derrick Community Centre, meeting up for hot dogs, hot chocolate and prizes awarded to the teams with the most items and points.
But the fun doesn't end there, as the Turner Valley Fire Department invites you to join them for their annual skating party at the outdoor rink. There is no charge to register for the event, which promises to be fun for all ages.
To learn more about this fun Family Day event or to volunteer, please call Hazel at 403.933.4944 or email:
hazelm@turnervalley.ca
Oilfields High School - Students For Hire
(Grassroots Page 3)
By Todd Curran
Need some work done around your home or acreage? Oilfields High School is hiring out students to raise funds for their Quest Program.
Shoveling snow, hauling wood or bales, washing windows, mending fences, painting, cutting grass and more, these students will do it for you! “The program costs a lot to run and we don't want to limit students from an outing or joining the program,” says OHS guidance counsellor Paulette Morck. “Plus, they have significant outings like our big goal of a kayaking excursion in the Ucluelet area of Vancouver Island this year.”
The Quest Program recently won the Canadian Education Association's Ken Spencer Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. As an alternative high school program targeted to meet the needs of students who have experienced limited academic success and feel disengaged from school, Quest blends classroom work and experiential learning such as field studies, class trips and outdoor education to engage youth in multiple facets of learning. The Job Board maintains this theme by encouraging students to contribute to the community.
“They gain a sense of ownership and pride in earning the money for their program,” Paulette says. “They're also helping people in situations who can't take care of things on their own. We have people who've donated generously and provided an ongoing work commitment that the kids can honour and complete.”
The price to hire students is negotiable and significant donations can earn you a tax deduction.
To hire a student or find out more about the OHS Job Board, call Paulette Morck at 403-938-4973 extension 18161.
By Todd Curran
Need some work done around your home or acreage? Oilfields High School is hiring out students to raise funds for their Quest Program.
Shoveling snow, hauling wood or bales, washing windows, mending fences, painting, cutting grass and more, these students will do it for you! “The program costs a lot to run and we don't want to limit students from an outing or joining the program,” says OHS guidance counsellor Paulette Morck. “Plus, they have significant outings like our big goal of a kayaking excursion in the Ucluelet area of Vancouver Island this year.”
The Quest Program recently won the Canadian Education Association's Ken Spencer Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. As an alternative high school program targeted to meet the needs of students who have experienced limited academic success and feel disengaged from school, Quest blends classroom work and experiential learning such as field studies, class trips and outdoor education to engage youth in multiple facets of learning. The Job Board maintains this theme by encouraging students to contribute to the community.
“They gain a sense of ownership and pride in earning the money for their program,” Paulette says. “They're also helping people in situations who can't take care of things on their own. We have people who've donated generously and provided an ongoing work commitment that the kids can honour and complete.”
The price to hire students is negotiable and significant donations can earn you a tax deduction.
To hire a student or find out more about the OHS Job Board, call Paulette Morck at 403-938-4973 extension 18161.
Bring Home the Provincial Banner from Hanna
(Grassroots Page 4)
The High Country Rockies Midget Tier 1 Team won the Provincial Zone 5 Tournament on Friday, January 28th. This win secured their place at the Provincial Tournament in Hanna on March 25th, 26th and 27th.
The game was fast-paced and hard with Coaldale never letting up the pressure for a minute. The Rockies hit the ice with a mission and followed it to the end with hard work and true team performance.
“I want to say how proud we are as coaches. It takes a lot of trust and commitment for 16 to 18 year old boys to buy-in to a core set of values. We are beginning to see "team-first" players who value hard work and focus,” said Coach Jeff Ovens following the Zone 5 Championship win.
This Zone 5 Playdowns started out with High Country Rockies playing Picture Butte and after a home game tie of 3-3 the boys went to Picture Butte where they won 9-5.
Series #2 saw Coaldale playing Lethbridge, where after losing their first game 5-4 they came back in the second game with a 4-2 win, giving them the series win by a one goal lead.
Tension was high and the Oilfields Arena was packed as our boys came out flying. All the boys played hard but special mention must go to Blake Roney for four goals and three assists and the honour of being named player of the game. The final goal, with two seconds left on the clock, precluded the need for the second game in the series.
Thank you all for a superb game of hockey.
The High Country Rockies Midget Tier 1 Team won the Provincial Zone 5 Tournament on Friday, January 28th. This win secured their place at the Provincial Tournament in Hanna on March 25th, 26th and 27th.
The game was fast-paced and hard with Coaldale never letting up the pressure for a minute. The Rockies hit the ice with a mission and followed it to the end with hard work and true team performance.
“I want to say how proud we are as coaches. It takes a lot of trust and commitment for 16 to 18 year old boys to buy-in to a core set of values. We are beginning to see "team-first" players who value hard work and focus,” said Coach Jeff Ovens following the Zone 5 Championship win.
This Zone 5 Playdowns started out with High Country Rockies playing Picture Butte and after a home game tie of 3-3 the boys went to Picture Butte where they won 9-5.
Series #2 saw Coaldale playing Lethbridge, where after losing their first game 5-4 they came back in the second game with a 4-2 win, giving them the series win by a one goal lead.
Tension was high and the Oilfields Arena was packed as our boys came out flying. All the boys played hard but special mention must go to Blake Roney for four goals and three assists and the honour of being named player of the game. The final goal, with two seconds left on the clock, precluded the need for the second game in the series.
Thank you all for a superb game of hockey.
Millarville-Stockland 4-H Beef Club Had a Busy January
(Grassroots Page 4)
By Hunter Egeland
Happy New Year everyone!!! Our club started out January with District Curling and Public Speaking Workshop in High River on the 8th and 9th. I curled on the Saturday, along with Ben and Brent Arkes from our club. It was my very first time curling. A friend of mine from the Longview Club, Nevada Nelson, was on my team so she helped me. A blizzard moved in during the afternoon so we left a little early to avoid the bad roads.
We had our regular club meeting on January 12th. Everyone had to hand in their completed record books to be marked. On January 26th, at our workshop meeting, we had a public speaking guest speaker. Her name was Kathleen Cranswick. She is a past 4-H member and an amazing public speaker. She gave us tips on how to write our speeches and how to project our voices for our club speak-off. Thank you very much Kathleen for all your tips and advice! Our club's Public Speaking competition will be held February 12th at 10am at the Millarville Race Track Hall. My speech title is "Are You Itchy?"
By Hunter Egeland
Happy New Year everyone!!! Our club started out January with District Curling and Public Speaking Workshop in High River on the 8th and 9th. I curled on the Saturday, along with Ben and Brent Arkes from our club. It was my very first time curling. A friend of mine from the Longview Club, Nevada Nelson, was on my team so she helped me. A blizzard moved in during the afternoon so we left a little early to avoid the bad roads.
We had our regular club meeting on January 12th. Everyone had to hand in their completed record books to be marked. On January 26th, at our workshop meeting, we had a public speaking guest speaker. Her name was Kathleen Cranswick. She is a past 4-H member and an amazing public speaker. She gave us tips on how to write our speeches and how to project our voices for our club speak-off. Thank you very much Kathleen for all your tips and advice! Our club's Public Speaking competition will be held February 12th at 10am at the Millarville Race Track Hall. My speech title is "Are You Itchy?"
Eden Valley Employment Training Program
(Grassroots Page 5)
Contributing writer: Kenneth Amiotte-Dixon
January 2011 is the beginning of a new year, the beginning of many changes for people everywhere, but one thing for sure has remained constant: the successes of the Eden Valley Employment Training Program. The class has had its lows and highs, but lately everything has been really good. We are learning new things about ourselves that we never would have known.
We learn our strengths, and how to apply them to the everyday situations as well as making a professional resume and specifically tailoring it to the type of employment we seek.
We were all just random people in the beginning, not knowing what to expect. That has all since changed. We are now all best friends encouraging each other to push ourselves harder and excel, to succeed, and we all know now why we are here.
Now that we have completed one third of the program, we are popping the clutch and kicking it into high gear as the work is more intense, but we are all ready and willing. Learning used to be dull, lifeless, boring. Now it's exciting, sharp and full of life, like a child on Christmas morning. Everyone is animated and eager to learn. The certificates and respect for ourselves and each other is filling up quickly, yet there is always room for more.
We are gaining recognition about our positive classroom, even from outside sources such as The Gateway Gazette, rather than negative things such as crime and court dates. We all look forward to graduation in April and encourage everyone to sign up for the next program in September.
A few of the many certificates we have worked hard for and earned, are currently earning and will earn in the near future are:
Personal Development
Personal Finance & Budgeting
Stoney History
Goal Setting
Medicine Wheel
Career Force Coaching
Nutrition
Life Works Counseling & Training
Natural Healing
Therapeutic Counseling
Values & Traits
Functional Resumes
Anger Management
Cover Letters
Time Management
It may seem irrelevant now, but employers look for little things like this that show your dedication and work ethics. These will greatly benefit us in anything that we do, even in our everyday lives. The feeling of completion and earning these certificates is not an overwhelming one, but rather a sense of pride that can't be taken away.
Contributing writer: Kenneth Amiotte-Dixon
January 2011 is the beginning of a new year, the beginning of many changes for people everywhere, but one thing for sure has remained constant: the successes of the Eden Valley Employment Training Program. The class has had its lows and highs, but lately everything has been really good. We are learning new things about ourselves that we never would have known.
We learn our strengths, and how to apply them to the everyday situations as well as making a professional resume and specifically tailoring it to the type of employment we seek.
We were all just random people in the beginning, not knowing what to expect. That has all since changed. We are now all best friends encouraging each other to push ourselves harder and excel, to succeed, and we all know now why we are here.
Now that we have completed one third of the program, we are popping the clutch and kicking it into high gear as the work is more intense, but we are all ready and willing. Learning used to be dull, lifeless, boring. Now it's exciting, sharp and full of life, like a child on Christmas morning. Everyone is animated and eager to learn. The certificates and respect for ourselves and each other is filling up quickly, yet there is always room for more.
We are gaining recognition about our positive classroom, even from outside sources such as The Gateway Gazette, rather than negative things such as crime and court dates. We all look forward to graduation in April and encourage everyone to sign up for the next program in September.
A few of the many certificates we have worked hard for and earned, are currently earning and will earn in the near future are:
Personal Development
Personal Finance & Budgeting
Stoney History
Goal Setting
Medicine Wheel
Career Force Coaching
Nutrition
Life Works Counseling & Training
Natural Healing
Therapeutic Counseling
Values & Traits
Functional Resumes
Anger Management
Cover Letters
Time Management
It may seem irrelevant now, but employers look for little things like this that show your dedication and work ethics. These will greatly benefit us in anything that we do, even in our everyday lives. The feeling of completion and earning these certificates is not an overwhelming one, but rather a sense of pride that can't be taken away.
Branch To Branch
(Grassroots Page 5)
ATB Financial presented a donation of $5,000 to the new Sheep River Library on February 1st, 2011.
The donation will support development of the garden area on the south side of the new library, to be called the “ATB Financial Reading Garden.”
The donation was presented by Marlene Ryks, Black Diamond Branch Manager and Rob Smith, Vice-President, South Region. The entire Black Diamond branch staff also participated in the presentation. “At ATB, we love libraries,” commented Mr. Smith. “We see them as a community focal point and meeting place. So when we learned of the opportunity to support this new library, we jumped right in.”
Diane Osberg, Chair of the Sheep River Library's Board of Directors, was on hand to receive the donation, along with Holly Quan, President of the Friends of the Sheep River Library Foundation. “ATB is a well known and respected business in our community and we are very happy to have their support for this exciting project,” said Ms. Quan.
ATB Financial presented a donation of $5,000 to the new Sheep River Library on February 1st, 2011.
The donation will support development of the garden area on the south side of the new library, to be called the “ATB Financial Reading Garden.”
The donation was presented by Marlene Ryks, Black Diamond Branch Manager and Rob Smith, Vice-President, South Region. The entire Black Diamond branch staff also participated in the presentation. “At ATB, we love libraries,” commented Mr. Smith. “We see them as a community focal point and meeting place. So when we learned of the opportunity to support this new library, we jumped right in.”
Diane Osberg, Chair of the Sheep River Library's Board of Directors, was on hand to receive the donation, along with Holly Quan, President of the Friends of the Sheep River Library Foundation. “ATB is a well known and respected business in our community and we are very happy to have their support for this exciting project,” said Ms. Quan.
Millarville’s Cool News
(Grassroots Page 6)
Principal Notes
We live in interesting times and the role of an educator has increasingly become much more than working with “reading, writing and arithmetic.” While those elements are certainly still present and worked with in a very different way than most parents have experienced, the way in which our children think has a greater bearing on the road they will travel as adults.
In many respects, your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. As in most growth situations, the quality of what goes in determines the outcomes. Our children are at their most vulnerable time as they set out to develop who they are, building the foundations upon which their many rooms will rest. The British politician Benjamin Disraeli said: “Nurture your mind with great thoughts for you will never go any higher than you think.”
There are so many items that impact our thinking but the greatest of all is the ability of the individual to “weed” their own garden. It is this attitude of self-discipline and positive thinking that leads to higher ground. In light of this, exposure to good literature is essential to stimulate and open the mind to provocations and what could be.
The American historian Barbara Tuchman states: “Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature is dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill. They are engines of change, windows on the world, lighthouses erected in the sea of time”.
Through reading, listening and watching, we develop a fuller dialogue within ourselves. We open our minds and lives to experiences that otherwise would not be. The former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan notes: Literature is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development.... Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.
I had a letter from a friend who is doing some volunteer teaching in Cairo. Here is a portion of that note:
I spent my first day at the refugee school today and what a culture shock. The students are all refugees from the southern Sudan - so polite and courteous. They have about 200 students housed in this squalid basement of an old apartment building with about six 8' x 8" classrooms. These children have seen more atrocities in their short lives than I have even read about. But despite how poor they are, they are so thankful to be in Egypt. Some of the children have a mother, some have both parents, some are orphans because both parents were killed. Because they have such limited space, Grades 1 to 4 come in the morning - Grades 5 to 8 in the afternoon. They are using a very basic Sudanese curriculum sent up from Khartoum. They write Sudanese exams which are then sent back for grading. For a week or two I will be teaching one of the afternoon classes. Most of the children are Christian, but when their mothers come to pick the little ones up from school, they disguise themselves as Muslims so as not to be hassled. Many of them live up to 20 in a cheap one-room apartment. Much of their backpacks and their clothes are supplied through the Maadi Community Church which helps sponsor the school. Nobody is allowed to refer to it as a "school" - it is called Found Africa Learning Center.
I was pleased to hear a reference to honour the work that teachers do, as I watched part of the Golden Globe Awards recently. Unless you have been in the role as a teacher with all its variables, demands and complexities, there are few outside of the profession who can relate to the stresses, satisfactions and rewards that come from such a career. The author Henry James speaks of teachers with this:
“To believe in a child is to believe in the future. Through their aspirations they will save the world. With their combined knowledge the turbulent seas of hate and injustice will be calmed. They will champion the causes of life's underdogs, forging a society without class discrimination. They will supply humanity with music and beauty as it has never known. They will endure. Towards the ends I pledge my life's work. I will supply the children with tools and knowledge to overcome the obstacles. I will pass on the wisdom of my years and temper it with patience. I shall impact in each child the desire to fulfill his or her dream. I shall teach.”
We are very fortunate to live where we do and in the times in which we find ourselves. For me, Millarville Community School and teaching have and continue to provide challenges and rewards that are unparalleled in most professions.
This past week we celebrated Family Literacy Week. At MCS, we enjoyed the company of a number of community members coming into the classrooms to share readings from their world of literature. Take time to open a book and read. This is a gift that many do not have yet we are surrounded by opportunity, adventure, wisdom, knowledge, self-discovery, comfort for the soul and intrigue. If there is a parallel universe out there.... it surely is to be found between the covers of a book.
Ted Thorne
Principal Notes
We live in interesting times and the role of an educator has increasingly become much more than working with “reading, writing and arithmetic.” While those elements are certainly still present and worked with in a very different way than most parents have experienced, the way in which our children think has a greater bearing on the road they will travel as adults.
In many respects, your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. As in most growth situations, the quality of what goes in determines the outcomes. Our children are at their most vulnerable time as they set out to develop who they are, building the foundations upon which their many rooms will rest. The British politician Benjamin Disraeli said: “Nurture your mind with great thoughts for you will never go any higher than you think.”
There are so many items that impact our thinking but the greatest of all is the ability of the individual to “weed” their own garden. It is this attitude of self-discipline and positive thinking that leads to higher ground. In light of this, exposure to good literature is essential to stimulate and open the mind to provocations and what could be.
The American historian Barbara Tuchman states: “Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature is dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill. They are engines of change, windows on the world, lighthouses erected in the sea of time”.
Through reading, listening and watching, we develop a fuller dialogue within ourselves. We open our minds and lives to experiences that otherwise would not be. The former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan notes: Literature is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development.... Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.
I had a letter from a friend who is doing some volunteer teaching in Cairo. Here is a portion of that note:
I spent my first day at the refugee school today and what a culture shock. The students are all refugees from the southern Sudan - so polite and courteous. They have about 200 students housed in this squalid basement of an old apartment building with about six 8' x 8" classrooms. These children have seen more atrocities in their short lives than I have even read about. But despite how poor they are, they are so thankful to be in Egypt. Some of the children have a mother, some have both parents, some are orphans because both parents were killed. Because they have such limited space, Grades 1 to 4 come in the morning - Grades 5 to 8 in the afternoon. They are using a very basic Sudanese curriculum sent up from Khartoum. They write Sudanese exams which are then sent back for grading. For a week or two I will be teaching one of the afternoon classes. Most of the children are Christian, but when their mothers come to pick the little ones up from school, they disguise themselves as Muslims so as not to be hassled. Many of them live up to 20 in a cheap one-room apartment. Much of their backpacks and their clothes are supplied through the Maadi Community Church which helps sponsor the school. Nobody is allowed to refer to it as a "school" - it is called Found Africa Learning Center.
I was pleased to hear a reference to honour the work that teachers do, as I watched part of the Golden Globe Awards recently. Unless you have been in the role as a teacher with all its variables, demands and complexities, there are few outside of the profession who can relate to the stresses, satisfactions and rewards that come from such a career. The author Henry James speaks of teachers with this:
“To believe in a child is to believe in the future. Through their aspirations they will save the world. With their combined knowledge the turbulent seas of hate and injustice will be calmed. They will champion the causes of life's underdogs, forging a society without class discrimination. They will supply humanity with music and beauty as it has never known. They will endure. Towards the ends I pledge my life's work. I will supply the children with tools and knowledge to overcome the obstacles. I will pass on the wisdom of my years and temper it with patience. I shall impact in each child the desire to fulfill his or her dream. I shall teach.”
We are very fortunate to live where we do and in the times in which we find ourselves. For me, Millarville Community School and teaching have and continue to provide challenges and rewards that are unparalleled in most professions.
This past week we celebrated Family Literacy Week. At MCS, we enjoyed the company of a number of community members coming into the classrooms to share readings from their world of literature. Take time to open a book and read. This is a gift that many do not have yet we are surrounded by opportunity, adventure, wisdom, knowledge, self-discovery, comfort for the soul and intrigue. If there is a parallel universe out there.... it surely is to be found between the covers of a book.
Ted Thorne
C. Ian McLaren
(Grassroots Page 7)
Family Dance
On January 28th, a cold and snowy night, C. Ian McLaren hosted our first Family Dance of the year.
Students, parents, siblings and friends all came for a night of fun and dancing.
Our DJ, Alex Mulder, who has deejayed for the past two years for us, did an excellent job of playing old and new favourites for all to enjoy.
The dance floor was packed for the duration of the dance.
Thanks to our school council for providing the spot dance prizes.
A special thanks to Mr. Ellis for running the canteen to quench the thirst of the dancers.
Our next Family Dance will be on May 6th.
Family Dance
On January 28th, a cold and snowy night, C. Ian McLaren hosted our first Family Dance of the year.
Students, parents, siblings and friends all came for a night of fun and dancing.
Our DJ, Alex Mulder, who has deejayed for the past two years for us, did an excellent job of playing old and new favourites for all to enjoy.
The dance floor was packed for the duration of the dance.
Thanks to our school council for providing the spot dance prizes.
A special thanks to Mr. Ellis for running the canteen to quench the thirst of the dancers.
Our next Family Dance will be on May 6th.
Something Fishy at Millarville 4-H Multi Club
(Grassroots Page 7)
By Kashley Meyer, Club Reporter
Hello again everyone, this is Kashley Meyer with an update on the Millarville 4H Multi Club. What a wonderful time we have had since I last reported.
On December 18th the Millarville racetrack was home to the 2nd annual reindeer races. What a blast everyone had. The track was divided down the middle with a reindeer in each lane. The reindeer were harnessed and a ski rope attached to them. Once the gates were open the reindeer took off down the track with 4H participants holding the ski rope following behind them at a high rate of speed.
The participants went out and practiced the night before and were helped by the reindeer trainers and helpers. We were instructed how to race and how to be safe. It was cold but very exciting.
Prior to the races we had hay rides, Christmas carols, games, hot chocolate, hot dogs, prizes and a large bonfire. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a wonderful day.
We also had our meeting on the 16th of January, after the meeting it came time to cook our dishes. The food selection this month was seafood. It was all very scrumptious.
Jessica made Classic Shrimp Scampi, Haley made Crabby Bites, Jade made Crab Quiche, Jenissa made Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Denae made Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Kashley made Fish Cakes, Katelyn made Seafood Salad and May made Tuna Casserole. We also had White Wine Shrimp, Tuna Melts and Honey Ginger Shrimp.
After we had cooked our dishes and all of us had eaten, we practised our Public Speaking speeches and impromptu speeches for our next meeting.
By Kashley Meyer, Club Reporter
Hello again everyone, this is Kashley Meyer with an update on the Millarville 4H Multi Club. What a wonderful time we have had since I last reported.
On December 18th the Millarville racetrack was home to the 2nd annual reindeer races. What a blast everyone had. The track was divided down the middle with a reindeer in each lane. The reindeer were harnessed and a ski rope attached to them. Once the gates were open the reindeer took off down the track with 4H participants holding the ski rope following behind them at a high rate of speed.
The participants went out and practiced the night before and were helped by the reindeer trainers and helpers. We were instructed how to race and how to be safe. It was cold but very exciting.
Prior to the races we had hay rides, Christmas carols, games, hot chocolate, hot dogs, prizes and a large bonfire. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a wonderful day.
We also had our meeting on the 16th of January, after the meeting it came time to cook our dishes. The food selection this month was seafood. It was all very scrumptious.
Jessica made Classic Shrimp Scampi, Haley made Crabby Bites, Jade made Crab Quiche, Jenissa made Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Denae made Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Kashley made Fish Cakes, Katelyn made Seafood Salad and May made Tuna Casserole. We also had White Wine Shrimp, Tuna Melts and Honey Ginger Shrimp.
After we had cooked our dishes and all of us had eaten, we practised our Public Speaking speeches and impromptu speeches for our next meeting.
Travel Tracks by Dave Heron
(Grassroots Page 8)
Never A Dull Moment
A few years back while half heartedly watching a not so great musical on the idiot box with the sound turned down, an ad came on that offered a 12 step program of potential benefit to anyone whose life had become unmanageable.
Of course I've since had the volume control repaired on the remote because what I thought I'd heard was "if your wife has become unmanageable - this program's for you", and immediately signed up.
Ironically, after I stood up and told MY tale, most of the members in attendance having discovered someone whose day to day was a train wreck worse than anything THEY'D experienced, broke down and wept.
After 10 years of wishing and 18 months of planning, my charming bride and I along with a dozen or so tag alongs are headed out on an African Safari.
5 days before departure, the situation in Egypt erupted somewhat which forced us to change the game plan for 4 of our gang who had booked a Nile cruise immediately following the safari.
No big deal - a few 20 hour days later the itinerary was somewhat modified and the additional week is now being spent elsewhere.
4 days before departure, my lovely bride for reasons known only to a higher power, decided to test the laws of gravity when traversing an icy surface which resulted in the immediate separating of certain bones in the ankle area.
To be clear, this sort of thing is nothing new for Calamity Jane.
Early during our courtship, she settled into a soothing tub filled with steaming water and bathing salts, and with the area bathed in candle light, managed to set fire to the bathroom.
The loss of towels and my favorite dressing gown were insignificant compared to the water damage sustained during her attempts to put the damn thing out with the contents of the tub.
I let it slide.
Two weeks later she called to tell me she'd be a bit late as she was waiting for the fire department to extinguish a minor flare up on her vehicle.
Interesting.
Despite this we continued down the path and a month or so later while enjoying breakfast in a mountainside chalet, the newspaper I was reading went up in flames thanks to a candle lit moments earlier.
I was starting to get a bit concerned.
While the fire phase seemed to end, other disasters would occur on a regular basis.
Like the time she borrowed my car and loaded 4 cases of fresh tomatoes in the trunk.
If you've never seen what happens to tomatoes after 7 hours locked in a trunk in 40 degree Celsius temperatures, consider yourself fortunate.
A few weeks later this charming girl decided to make amends by cleaning out my freezer.
And clean it out she did.
I will never again keep close to $1000 in foreign currency in a freezer bag tucked under 200lbs of prime Alberta beef.
I won't even begin to describe the feeling of being told her dog ate the interior of my brand new vehicle.
Life with this girl is many things - boring it's not.
And so when I got the call from her asking in a rather matter of fact monotone, "if you've got a moment let's take a quick drive over to the emergency room", it just didn't faze me.
"Broken" decreed the fellow whose folks had spent hundreds of thousands getting him his degree.
“What about our trip?" I asked the good doctor.
"As long as she's able to prop her feet up on the flight there should be no problem" exclaimed this fellow who I'm sure was a fine physician but probably hadn't seen the inside of a commercial aircraft in years.
In the time it took me to glance through our cancellation insurance policy to see if her name had become exclusion number 46 on the policy, CJ had managed to contact the airline and in exchange for a sum of points that if cashed in could probably feed a small nation for 7 months, upgraded to lie flat business class.
"He told me I had to keep my feet up" was the rationale.
I suppose I should look on the bright side.
The cast will be on for 6 weeks.
That pretty much negates any shoe shopping at Harrods on the way over.
That saving alone makes up for the cost of the upgrade.
But I do feel badly for her.
And as such I've a special device made up that will take a lot of the weight off the effected ankle.
That way she can still manage to haul my luggage around without risking another fall.
Adios until next time
Dave Heron
Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; P.O. Box 612, 49 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free: 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email:
pacesetter@nucleus.com
Never A Dull Moment
A few years back while half heartedly watching a not so great musical on the idiot box with the sound turned down, an ad came on that offered a 12 step program of potential benefit to anyone whose life had become unmanageable.
Of course I've since had the volume control repaired on the remote because what I thought I'd heard was "if your wife has become unmanageable - this program's for you", and immediately signed up.
Ironically, after I stood up and told MY tale, most of the members in attendance having discovered someone whose day to day was a train wreck worse than anything THEY'D experienced, broke down and wept.
After 10 years of wishing and 18 months of planning, my charming bride and I along with a dozen or so tag alongs are headed out on an African Safari.
5 days before departure, the situation in Egypt erupted somewhat which forced us to change the game plan for 4 of our gang who had booked a Nile cruise immediately following the safari.
No big deal - a few 20 hour days later the itinerary was somewhat modified and the additional week is now being spent elsewhere.
4 days before departure, my lovely bride for reasons known only to a higher power, decided to test the laws of gravity when traversing an icy surface which resulted in the immediate separating of certain bones in the ankle area.
To be clear, this sort of thing is nothing new for Calamity Jane.
Early during our courtship, she settled into a soothing tub filled with steaming water and bathing salts, and with the area bathed in candle light, managed to set fire to the bathroom.
The loss of towels and my favorite dressing gown were insignificant compared to the water damage sustained during her attempts to put the damn thing out with the contents of the tub.
I let it slide.
Two weeks later she called to tell me she'd be a bit late as she was waiting for the fire department to extinguish a minor flare up on her vehicle.
Interesting.
Despite this we continued down the path and a month or so later while enjoying breakfast in a mountainside chalet, the newspaper I was reading went up in flames thanks to a candle lit moments earlier.
I was starting to get a bit concerned.
While the fire phase seemed to end, other disasters would occur on a regular basis.
Like the time she borrowed my car and loaded 4 cases of fresh tomatoes in the trunk.
If you've never seen what happens to tomatoes after 7 hours locked in a trunk in 40 degree Celsius temperatures, consider yourself fortunate.
A few weeks later this charming girl decided to make amends by cleaning out my freezer.
And clean it out she did.
I will never again keep close to $1000 in foreign currency in a freezer bag tucked under 200lbs of prime Alberta beef.
I won't even begin to describe the feeling of being told her dog ate the interior of my brand new vehicle.
Life with this girl is many things - boring it's not.
And so when I got the call from her asking in a rather matter of fact monotone, "if you've got a moment let's take a quick drive over to the emergency room", it just didn't faze me.
"Broken" decreed the fellow whose folks had spent hundreds of thousands getting him his degree.
“What about our trip?" I asked the good doctor.
"As long as she's able to prop her feet up on the flight there should be no problem" exclaimed this fellow who I'm sure was a fine physician but probably hadn't seen the inside of a commercial aircraft in years.
In the time it took me to glance through our cancellation insurance policy to see if her name had become exclusion number 46 on the policy, CJ had managed to contact the airline and in exchange for a sum of points that if cashed in could probably feed a small nation for 7 months, upgraded to lie flat business class.
"He told me I had to keep my feet up" was the rationale.
I suppose I should look on the bright side.
The cast will be on for 6 weeks.
That pretty much negates any shoe shopping at Harrods on the way over.
That saving alone makes up for the cost of the upgrade.
But I do feel badly for her.
And as such I've a special device made up that will take a lot of the weight off the effected ankle.
That way she can still manage to haul my luggage around without risking another fall.
Adios until next time
Dave Heron
Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; P.O. Box 612, 49 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free: 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email:
pacesetter@nucleus.com
Turner Valley School News
(Grassroots Page 9)
A Message from the Administrator
Groundhog Day is a holiday that originated in New York and Pennsylvania and celebrated on February 2nd. In weather lore, if a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, marmot or ground squirrel emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see it's shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees it's shadow, it will return into its burrow, and the winter will continue for 6 more weeks. Around these parts we depend on the famous gopher (a.k.a. Richardson's ground squirrel) Balzac Billy to let us know how much winter is left. Regardless of the weather, Turner Valley School promises to be a very busy place in the coming month.
We are very excited to announce that our school has been selected to present our school improvement project at the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) conference in Edmonton on February 7th and 8th. This is indeed an honour that recognizes the outstanding work our entire staff has been doing in the area of school-wide reading improvement.
Parent-Teacher-Student interviews are happening this month. It is our hope that we keep parents up to date on the progress of their children. Informed parents supporting their children are an important part of the foundation for learning. We look forward to seeing you all at interviews.
During the Family Day week when students are not at school teachers will be participating in two very important professional development activities. On February 23rd our staff will continue its learning in the areas of assessment and teaching reading. This is a continuation of the theme we have been pursuing for the past several months. On February 24th and 25th teachers will attend their annual teacher's convention. This convention gives teachers an opportunity to hear world class presentations on issues in education, explore teaching resources and network with colleagues.
Finally, many parents are aware that we are celebrating our student's character, competence and community contributions by awarding bricks that form the Principal's Wall of Fame. We continued this tradition at our assembly on February 11th which was led by our Grade 2 class.
In closing we wish to thank our parent council for their incredible support and our parent volunteers who give freely of their time to help us be the best we can be. Stay warm!
Yours in Education,
Rob Bennington
Curling Rox
Curling is a sport. They have had curling since 1960. Curling has a broom, ice, rocks and the hack.
What's a hack?
You put your foot in it.
- Michael
Random Acts of Kindness Week - February 14th to18th
Our school will be participating in Random Acts of Kindness Week. Led by the Grade 2 class, we learned what these acts of kindness can be, at our kick-off assembly on Friday, February 11th.
Daily announcements will also provide examples and encouragement to do something nice for your classmates, teacher and even colleagues! Students can also test their math skills as they enter their ballots to win one of the “Estimation Jars” of yummy Valentine candy. The draw boxes for the candy will be on the main office counter. To be eligible, students need to share their kind deed by writing or drawing about it. Draws will be held at lunch time on Friday, February 18th.
For more info and ideas, for your classroom or what to do at home, please visit:
www.randomactsofkindness.org.
A Message from the Administrator
Groundhog Day is a holiday that originated in New York and Pennsylvania and celebrated on February 2nd. In weather lore, if a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, marmot or ground squirrel emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see it's shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees it's shadow, it will return into its burrow, and the winter will continue for 6 more weeks. Around these parts we depend on the famous gopher (a.k.a. Richardson's ground squirrel) Balzac Billy to let us know how much winter is left. Regardless of the weather, Turner Valley School promises to be a very busy place in the coming month.
We are very excited to announce that our school has been selected to present our school improvement project at the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) conference in Edmonton on February 7th and 8th. This is indeed an honour that recognizes the outstanding work our entire staff has been doing in the area of school-wide reading improvement.
Parent-Teacher-Student interviews are happening this month. It is our hope that we keep parents up to date on the progress of their children. Informed parents supporting their children are an important part of the foundation for learning. We look forward to seeing you all at interviews.
During the Family Day week when students are not at school teachers will be participating in two very important professional development activities. On February 23rd our staff will continue its learning in the areas of assessment and teaching reading. This is a continuation of the theme we have been pursuing for the past several months. On February 24th and 25th teachers will attend their annual teacher's convention. This convention gives teachers an opportunity to hear world class presentations on issues in education, explore teaching resources and network with colleagues.
Finally, many parents are aware that we are celebrating our student's character, competence and community contributions by awarding bricks that form the Principal's Wall of Fame. We continued this tradition at our assembly on February 11th which was led by our Grade 2 class.
In closing we wish to thank our parent council for their incredible support and our parent volunteers who give freely of their time to help us be the best we can be. Stay warm!
Yours in Education,
Rob Bennington
Curling Rox
Curling is a sport. They have had curling since 1960. Curling has a broom, ice, rocks and the hack.
What's a hack?
You put your foot in it.
- Michael
Random Acts of Kindness Week - February 14th to18th
Our school will be participating in Random Acts of Kindness Week. Led by the Grade 2 class, we learned what these acts of kindness can be, at our kick-off assembly on Friday, February 11th.
Daily announcements will also provide examples and encouragement to do something nice for your classmates, teacher and even colleagues! Students can also test their math skills as they enter their ballots to win one of the “Estimation Jars” of yummy Valentine candy. The draw boxes for the candy will be on the main office counter. To be eligible, students need to share their kind deed by writing or drawing about it. Draws will be held at lunch time on Friday, February 18th.
For more info and ideas, for your classroom or what to do at home, please visit:
www.randomactsofkindness.org.
Faith Forum by Gloria Wessner - Be Still
(Grassroots Page 9)
In today's world of high speed internet, fast lane living, the pressures of job, family life and all the extra curricular activities we enjoy doing and in all that squeezing in a few hours sleep – there aren't many people who know how to 'be still.' Some may practice various forms of meditation; go for a walk or settle down to read a good book, but even these quieter times don't cause us to think much beyond ourselves at the present time and our place in the world.
God invites us to really be still, for very good reasons:
“Be still, and know that I am God!...” (Psalm 46:10a NLT)
There is no better way to get to know God than to be quiet and still with an open heart. He does not come to us with megaphones and neon flashing lights to make himself known to us. He most often comes when our hearts are quiet and receptive to his message. When we are still, we can know that he is indeed, “God.”
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:10 KJV)
Another very good reason to be still is so that we are able to communicate and 'reason' with him about the condition of our heart. Even though wrongdoings (sin) come between us and God, when we reason with him or as another translation puts it: “Come now, let's settle this,” says the LORD… (Isaiah 1:10a NLT) we are able to see that our heart condition is fatal unless we are rescued by Him. In choosing His cure of our condition, our wrongdoings are made right by the death of his son, Jesus, and we are free to live for him and have the abundant life he promised:
“The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10 NLT) The thief here is the devil whose only purpose is to steal, kill and destroy us and all that is good. The stark contrast here is that Jesus' purpose is to give each and every human being a 'rich and satisfying life' – in Him.
If you would like to know more about this rich and satisfying life, feel free to write me at: gloriawes@hotmail.com, and I will be glad to get back to you.
In today's world of high speed internet, fast lane living, the pressures of job, family life and all the extra curricular activities we enjoy doing and in all that squeezing in a few hours sleep – there aren't many people who know how to 'be still.' Some may practice various forms of meditation; go for a walk or settle down to read a good book, but even these quieter times don't cause us to think much beyond ourselves at the present time and our place in the world.
God invites us to really be still, for very good reasons:
“Be still, and know that I am God!...” (Psalm 46:10a NLT)
There is no better way to get to know God than to be quiet and still with an open heart. He does not come to us with megaphones and neon flashing lights to make himself known to us. He most often comes when our hearts are quiet and receptive to his message. When we are still, we can know that he is indeed, “God.”
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:10 KJV)
Another very good reason to be still is so that we are able to communicate and 'reason' with him about the condition of our heart. Even though wrongdoings (sin) come between us and God, when we reason with him or as another translation puts it: “Come now, let's settle this,” says the LORD… (Isaiah 1:10a NLT) we are able to see that our heart condition is fatal unless we are rescued by Him. In choosing His cure of our condition, our wrongdoings are made right by the death of his son, Jesus, and we are free to live for him and have the abundant life he promised:
“The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10 NLT) The thief here is the devil whose only purpose is to steal, kill and destroy us and all that is good. The stark contrast here is that Jesus' purpose is to give each and every human being a 'rich and satisfying life' – in Him.
If you would like to know more about this rich and satisfying life, feel free to write me at: gloriawes@hotmail.com, and I will be glad to get back to you.
Canada Cowboys Aim Top Guns At Europe
(Grassroots Page 10)
By Todd Curran
The Canada Cowboys have invited hockey players born between 1996 and 2000 to an exciting once in a lifetime opportunity to tour Europe and play hockey in Prague's prestigious Czech Hockey Challenge Cup.
Local player Josh Younker rocked his Holiday Season tryout and will soon be making his way to the historic Czech capital city. Players and their families will also be taking in some culture on the trip, touring such attractions as the Bavarian capital city of Munich, Mozart's hometown of Salzburg, the World Heritage town of Ceske Krumlov, medieval Rothenberg, the German Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle and the Legoland Amusement Park.
“There was a five session tryout between Christmas and New Year's,” says Josh, a 14 year-old centre for High Country Rockies Bantam A Tier 3 team. “Kids from all over Alberta tried out.” Josh's teammates Colby Walden (right wing) and Kirk Jackson (defense) from Millarville have also made the Top Guns team of 15 players.
As ambassadors for Canada, the Top Guns will be wearing red and white Canada Cowboys jerseys. Although the tour is a busy event, time is always left after every game to exchange jerseys, pins or even sign autographs with opposing players and fans.
The teams will be leaving in July and August of this year at a price tag of over $5,500 per player and $4,600 per non-player, scheduled to return two weeks later. The cost includes a pre-departure training camp, flight and hotel costs, two daily meals, travel insurance, tournament fees and other expenses.
“I'm really excited,” Josh says. “I can't wait to go.” Although the Top Guns team has a different coach, the boys' regular season coach Chet Musgrove is wishing the inspirational young leaders all the best on their European tour.
By Todd Curran
The Canada Cowboys have invited hockey players born between 1996 and 2000 to an exciting once in a lifetime opportunity to tour Europe and play hockey in Prague's prestigious Czech Hockey Challenge Cup.
Local player Josh Younker rocked his Holiday Season tryout and will soon be making his way to the historic Czech capital city. Players and their families will also be taking in some culture on the trip, touring such attractions as the Bavarian capital city of Munich, Mozart's hometown of Salzburg, the World Heritage town of Ceske Krumlov, medieval Rothenberg, the German Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle and the Legoland Amusement Park.
“There was a five session tryout between Christmas and New Year's,” says Josh, a 14 year-old centre for High Country Rockies Bantam A Tier 3 team. “Kids from all over Alberta tried out.” Josh's teammates Colby Walden (right wing) and Kirk Jackson (defense) from Millarville have also made the Top Guns team of 15 players.
As ambassadors for Canada, the Top Guns will be wearing red and white Canada Cowboys jerseys. Although the tour is a busy event, time is always left after every game to exchange jerseys, pins or even sign autographs with opposing players and fans.
The teams will be leaving in July and August of this year at a price tag of over $5,500 per player and $4,600 per non-player, scheduled to return two weeks later. The cost includes a pre-departure training camp, flight and hotel costs, two daily meals, travel insurance, tournament fees and other expenses.
“I'm really excited,” Josh says. “I can't wait to go.” Although the Top Guns team has a different coach, the boys' regular season coach Chet Musgrove is wishing the inspirational young leaders all the best on their European tour.
Turner Valley School - Acts of Kindness
(Grassroots Page 10)
The Grade 2 class at Turner Valley School held a morning assembly last week to focus on the fact that next week is Random Acts of Kindness Week.
A poem was recited to celebrate the 100th day of school marking the half way point of the year. The Grade 1 and 2 students danced and sang for the assembled parents and friends.
The Grade 2 kids then talked about some suggestions that can be done as Acts of Kindness.
Daily announcements will also provide examples and encouragement to do something nice for their classmates, teachers and even colleagues!
Students can also test their math skills as they enter their ballots to win one of the “Estimation Jars” of yummy Valentine candy. The draw boxes for the candy will be on the main office counter. To be eligible, students need to share their kind deed by writing or drawing about it. Draws will be held at lunch time on Friday, February 18th.
For more info and ideas, visit www.randomactsofkindness.org
An act of Kindness goes a Long Way
The Grade 2 class at Turner Valley School held a morning assembly last week to focus on the fact that next week is Random Acts of Kindness Week.
A poem was recited to celebrate the 100th day of school marking the half way point of the year. The Grade 1 and 2 students danced and sang for the assembled parents and friends.
The Grade 2 kids then talked about some suggestions that can be done as Acts of Kindness.
Daily announcements will also provide examples and encouragement to do something nice for their classmates, teachers and even colleagues!
Students can also test their math skills as they enter their ballots to win one of the “Estimation Jars” of yummy Valentine candy. The draw boxes for the candy will be on the main office counter. To be eligible, students need to share their kind deed by writing or drawing about it. Draws will be held at lunch time on Friday, February 18th.
For more info and ideas, visit www.randomactsofkindness.org
An act of Kindness goes a Long Way
C. Ian McLaren - Grade 3 Fable morning
(Grassroots Page 10)
Grade 3 class of C. Ian McLaren school have been learning about fables. On Thursday, February 3rd, they put on a small series of plays, acting out the fables and showing their parents what they have been learning about.
Both kids and parents thoroughly enjoyed the mini-plays and the kids did a great job! Well done Grade 3!
Grade 3 class of C. Ian McLaren school have been learning about fables. On Thursday, February 3rd, they put on a small series of plays, acting out the fables and showing their parents what they have been learning about.
Both kids and parents thoroughly enjoyed the mini-plays and the kids did a great job! Well done Grade 3!
Literacy For Life - Lunch With Jaqueline Guest - Runners Up
(Grassroots Pages 10 and 11)
Fun with GrandpappyMy grandpappy is my hero. He is tall, wears glasses and he has more hair on his arms than on his head!
When he comes to visit we play boats together. The sofa is our big fishing boat and the carpet is the ocean. It is a beautiful blue boat with a shiny brown wheel for steering.
We hold our fishing rods over our boat and wait patiently for our catch. We have to watch for my little sister who pretends to be a shark!
When we finally catch a fish (which are really slippers!) we carefully haul it into the boat and wrap it up to keep it fresh. When we are hungry we clean it, cook it and eat it….mmm delicious! Then we head for home.
Before we get off our boat we make sure there are no dangerous animals like crocodiles or sharks around! We have lots of fun on our sea voyage adventures!
I love my grandpappy. He is funny when we play games together, taking me to imaginary far away places, like the time when we went on a very dangerous adventure out on the stormy seas but I knew I would be ok because he keeps me safe.
Our adventures take their toll on grandpappy though. It is not long before he is snoring, fast asleep on our blue fishing boat…most probably dreaming of our next big adventure!
Written by Phoebe Harrop (8) and Mom Stephanie Harrop
The Thumb Family PicnicMr. and Mrs. Thumb and their sons Ryan and Michael are very tiny and are the size of our thumb. They live in a tiny village called Small-town in a house which is no bigger than a shoebox.
It was a lovely sunny Saturday and Mrs. Thumb suggested a picnic. They all got into their tiny car made out of a walnut shell and drove to the river.
The first thing they saw was a large spiderweb. “Climb up it boys and have some fun” said Mr. Thumb. The boys climbed up and down and round and round, up and down and round and round until they were quite dizzy.
On the path by the river they saw Sam Snake slithering and slipping by. Sam told the boys to climb onto his head and he would coil himself up really tall and make a giant slide. The boys slid from Sam Snake's head all the way down to his tail. It was great fun.
“Picnic time” said Mrs. Thumb. They ate tiny tuna sandwiches and tiny blueberries.
Suddenly they heard “ribbit, ribbit, ribbit” and there was Fred Frog. Ryan and Michael hopped onto his back and went for a ride on the river. Flop, hop, flip, flop, hop they went. Ryan and Michael laughed so hard they fell off with a big splash.
“Time to go” said Mr. Thumb so they climbed into their walnut shell car and drove home. What a wonderful day!!
Written by Ryan and Granny
The Cats Go Crazy
It was a full blue moon when the cats went out to play. One cat was a cool tabby cat named Chloe; the other was a wild cat with long black hair. His name was Prince Charming and it was this very crazy night that these two cats decided to get married.
They hunted for the church and found it, but could not find the Minister to marry them. It was a catastrophe. It was so catastrophic that they just began to dance. Then when no one was looking, Prince Charming dipped his lady Chloe for a whole twenty-five seconds. After the dip they decided to go out for a Sushi Dinner. For some reason, they could not figure out why, the cook was hissing at them and so they decided to go home.
At home it was quite a surprise to see them in the garbage can. As dawn came the cats found their room and they had a five minute cat-nap. When they awoke they put the Christmas tree up and it was the middle of summer.
A week later they went to the church and ran into the Minister. He asked what they were doing dressed up so fancy. Chloe and Prince Charming replied, “We are going to marry”. The Minister said, “Why didn't you call me, I would be happy to marry you”. And so it was settled and they were married that very day.
Written by Melissa Esparo (7).
The Kernal Who Was Afraid to Pop
There once was a young kernel named Pip, the smallest kernel in the popcorn machine. Around him was grownup popcorn, including his own dad, Pop. It was a popping party. Pop saw that Pip was hanging on to the side, frowning. “Pip, why are you frowning?” “I am afraid.” “Why do you say that, Pip?” “I don't know what it feels like.” Just then, a crowd of new popcorn jumped in front of Pop. “Pop! I need your help!” Pip yelled. “Maybe we can help,” the new popcorn replied. Pip thought for a moment. “What does butter feel like?” “Mmmmm,” replied a fat, fluffy piece. “Melty.” “Marvelous,” said another, particularly buttery piece. Pip spotted a mature piece of popcorn in the crowd, white with salt. “Could you tell me, sir, what salt feels like?” “At first it's prickly,” said the gentleman. “But you get used to it.” “Why don't you jump in?” “I don't know,” Pip mumbled, watching the last few kernels frolicked in the heat. He yelled to them, “what does it feel like to be hot?” “It feels funny,” said a shiny kernel playing tag on the bottom. Suddenly, he exploded into a white cloud. “Does it hurt to pop?” The last two kernels burst into white puffs. “Wish we could do that again,” they said to him. “Found you,” Pop said. “Still hanging on? Why don't we go together?” “OK.” The two dropped to the bottom. Pip bloomed into the biggest piece of popcorn in the bowl.
Written by May (12), Ezra (14), Elise (12) and parents Bill Bunn, Linda Bunn
Fun with GrandpappyMy grandpappy is my hero. He is tall, wears glasses and he has more hair on his arms than on his head!
When he comes to visit we play boats together. The sofa is our big fishing boat and the carpet is the ocean. It is a beautiful blue boat with a shiny brown wheel for steering.
We hold our fishing rods over our boat and wait patiently for our catch. We have to watch for my little sister who pretends to be a shark!
When we finally catch a fish (which are really slippers!) we carefully haul it into the boat and wrap it up to keep it fresh. When we are hungry we clean it, cook it and eat it….mmm delicious! Then we head for home.
Before we get off our boat we make sure there are no dangerous animals like crocodiles or sharks around! We have lots of fun on our sea voyage adventures!
I love my grandpappy. He is funny when we play games together, taking me to imaginary far away places, like the time when we went on a very dangerous adventure out on the stormy seas but I knew I would be ok because he keeps me safe.
Our adventures take their toll on grandpappy though. It is not long before he is snoring, fast asleep on our blue fishing boat…most probably dreaming of our next big adventure!
Written by Phoebe Harrop (8) and Mom Stephanie Harrop
The Thumb Family PicnicMr. and Mrs. Thumb and their sons Ryan and Michael are very tiny and are the size of our thumb. They live in a tiny village called Small-town in a house which is no bigger than a shoebox.
It was a lovely sunny Saturday and Mrs. Thumb suggested a picnic. They all got into their tiny car made out of a walnut shell and drove to the river.
The first thing they saw was a large spiderweb. “Climb up it boys and have some fun” said Mr. Thumb. The boys climbed up and down and round and round, up and down and round and round until they were quite dizzy.
On the path by the river they saw Sam Snake slithering and slipping by. Sam told the boys to climb onto his head and he would coil himself up really tall and make a giant slide. The boys slid from Sam Snake's head all the way down to his tail. It was great fun.
“Picnic time” said Mrs. Thumb. They ate tiny tuna sandwiches and tiny blueberries.
Suddenly they heard “ribbit, ribbit, ribbit” and there was Fred Frog. Ryan and Michael hopped onto his back and went for a ride on the river. Flop, hop, flip, flop, hop they went. Ryan and Michael laughed so hard they fell off with a big splash.
“Time to go” said Mr. Thumb so they climbed into their walnut shell car and drove home. What a wonderful day!!
Written by Ryan and Granny
The Cats Go Crazy
It was a full blue moon when the cats went out to play. One cat was a cool tabby cat named Chloe; the other was a wild cat with long black hair. His name was Prince Charming and it was this very crazy night that these two cats decided to get married.
They hunted for the church and found it, but could not find the Minister to marry them. It was a catastrophe. It was so catastrophic that they just began to dance. Then when no one was looking, Prince Charming dipped his lady Chloe for a whole twenty-five seconds. After the dip they decided to go out for a Sushi Dinner. For some reason, they could not figure out why, the cook was hissing at them and so they decided to go home.
At home it was quite a surprise to see them in the garbage can. As dawn came the cats found their room and they had a five minute cat-nap. When they awoke they put the Christmas tree up and it was the middle of summer.
A week later they went to the church and ran into the Minister. He asked what they were doing dressed up so fancy. Chloe and Prince Charming replied, “We are going to marry”. The Minister said, “Why didn't you call me, I would be happy to marry you”. And so it was settled and they were married that very day.
Written by Melissa Esparo (7).
The Kernal Who Was Afraid to Pop
There once was a young kernel named Pip, the smallest kernel in the popcorn machine. Around him was grownup popcorn, including his own dad, Pop. It was a popping party. Pop saw that Pip was hanging on to the side, frowning. “Pip, why are you frowning?” “I am afraid.” “Why do you say that, Pip?” “I don't know what it feels like.” Just then, a crowd of new popcorn jumped in front of Pop. “Pop! I need your help!” Pip yelled. “Maybe we can help,” the new popcorn replied. Pip thought for a moment. “What does butter feel like?” “Mmmmm,” replied a fat, fluffy piece. “Melty.” “Marvelous,” said another, particularly buttery piece. Pip spotted a mature piece of popcorn in the crowd, white with salt. “Could you tell me, sir, what salt feels like?” “At first it's prickly,” said the gentleman. “But you get used to it.” “Why don't you jump in?” “I don't know,” Pip mumbled, watching the last few kernels frolicked in the heat. He yelled to them, “what does it feel like to be hot?” “It feels funny,” said a shiny kernel playing tag on the bottom. Suddenly, he exploded into a white cloud. “Does it hurt to pop?” The last two kernels burst into white puffs. “Wish we could do that again,” they said to him. “Found you,” Pop said. “Still hanging on? Why don't we go together?” “OK.” The two dropped to the bottom. Pip bloomed into the biggest piece of popcorn in the bowl.
Written by May (12), Ezra (14), Elise (12) and parents Bill Bunn, Linda Bunn
Rowan House - Volunteers Count
(Grassroots Page 11)
Submitted by the Friends of Rowan House
Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped out during the Christmas Campaign and all of the other events and fundraisers that were held during 2010. Without you, these things would not be possible! We look forward to what's to come in 2011. Our most recent fundraisers were: The Cowboy Christmas Dance on December 11th which raised $1588.87, Hockey Day in High River raised $5,600, The Foothills Training Centre Call to Arms Seminar raised $5000, The Charity Checkstop in Okotoks raised a total of just under $10,000 which was split with the Salvation Army, with Rowan House receiving $4700! Also a big thank you to everyone who helped out and donated during the Christmas Campaign! Almost $4000 in gift cards were donated for client use this year.
Thank you to those who have come on board to fill a number of needed positions. We now have Newsletter Publishers, a Social Networking volunteer, Child Care Attendants for the Healthy Relationships Group, a Donations Coordinator, a Storage Facility Organizer, and our 2011 Gala Committee! We are still in need of drivers for pick-up and drop off of donations and/or to take donations to Outreach Clients. If you know of any gentlemen that are willing to volunteer their time for Rowan House, please have them contact Gisele. We will try not to over use their generosity, but sometimes we need to move heavier donations to and from different locations.
Something else to think about: The Soup Sisters organization and the Diamond Willow Artisans Retreat are partnering with Rowan House! Here's what they're looking for: The Soup Sisters support women's shelters across the country with the very simple and heartfelt gesture of providing homemade soup. They were founded in March 2009 by Calgarian, Sharon Hapton and their local launch is February 28th. We will need a maximum of 4 volunteers for these bimonthly soup making events. We would really like to get at least 8 volunteers so that they would only have to work every second event, although if you wish to be at every event that is okay too. The events will be held on a Sunday but the exact time is still to be determined. We will be used for meet and greet, registration, and of course clean up. The participants in this event will be paying a fee to make the soup (this is how the ingredients for the soups are purchased). The participants will make 4 different kinds of soup at this event and all of the soup will be donated to Rowan House for its women and outreach clients. After the soup is made and packaged it will be dropped off at the shelter. If you are interested please let Gisele know ASAP so she can set up a meeting with Pat Lothrop at the Diamond Valley Artisan Retreat about 4.5 km west of Turner Valley and clarify the rest of the details. Visit:
www.soupsisters.org for more information.
If you would like to volunteer or you're looking for more information, please contact Gisele at volunteer@rowanhouseonline.org or at the office at 403-938-6785. The next volunteer meeting will be held on February 7th at the Elizabeth Street Office at 1:00pm. For those that cannot do daytime meetings we are working on a time that is best for those who wish to meet in the evening.
Submitted by the Friends of Rowan House
Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped out during the Christmas Campaign and all of the other events and fundraisers that were held during 2010. Without you, these things would not be possible! We look forward to what's to come in 2011. Our most recent fundraisers were: The Cowboy Christmas Dance on December 11th which raised $1588.87, Hockey Day in High River raised $5,600, The Foothills Training Centre Call to Arms Seminar raised $5000, The Charity Checkstop in Okotoks raised a total of just under $10,000 which was split with the Salvation Army, with Rowan House receiving $4700! Also a big thank you to everyone who helped out and donated during the Christmas Campaign! Almost $4000 in gift cards were donated for client use this year.
Thank you to those who have come on board to fill a number of needed positions. We now have Newsletter Publishers, a Social Networking volunteer, Child Care Attendants for the Healthy Relationships Group, a Donations Coordinator, a Storage Facility Organizer, and our 2011 Gala Committee! We are still in need of drivers for pick-up and drop off of donations and/or to take donations to Outreach Clients. If you know of any gentlemen that are willing to volunteer their time for Rowan House, please have them contact Gisele. We will try not to over use their generosity, but sometimes we need to move heavier donations to and from different locations.
Something else to think about: The Soup Sisters organization and the Diamond Willow Artisans Retreat are partnering with Rowan House! Here's what they're looking for: The Soup Sisters support women's shelters across the country with the very simple and heartfelt gesture of providing homemade soup. They were founded in March 2009 by Calgarian, Sharon Hapton and their local launch is February 28th. We will need a maximum of 4 volunteers for these bimonthly soup making events. We would really like to get at least 8 volunteers so that they would only have to work every second event, although if you wish to be at every event that is okay too. The events will be held on a Sunday but the exact time is still to be determined. We will be used for meet and greet, registration, and of course clean up. The participants in this event will be paying a fee to make the soup (this is how the ingredients for the soups are purchased). The participants will make 4 different kinds of soup at this event and all of the soup will be donated to Rowan House for its women and outreach clients. After the soup is made and packaged it will be dropped off at the shelter. If you are interested please let Gisele know ASAP so she can set up a meeting with Pat Lothrop at the Diamond Valley Artisan Retreat about 4.5 km west of Turner Valley and clarify the rest of the details. Visit:
www.soupsisters.org for more information.
If you would like to volunteer or you're looking for more information, please contact Gisele at volunteer@rowanhouseonline.org or at the office at 403-938-6785. The next volunteer meeting will be held on February 7th at the Elizabeth Street Office at 1:00pm. For those that cannot do daytime meetings we are working on a time that is best for those who wish to meet in the evening.
From The Lions Den
(Grassroots Page 15)
Submitted by Lion Ann Granberg
At a recent Lions Multiple District Convention, the Foothills Lions Club pledged $2,500 to L.C.I.F. (Lions Club International Foundation) LIONS QUEST PROGRAM, celebrating 25 years of Service Commitment to Youth. The program has brought Social and Emotional Learning, Character Development, Negative Behaviour Prevention and Service Learning to the K to 12 classrooms. LIONS QUEST is currently active in 50 countries and program materials have been translated into 24 languages.
Welcome and congratulations go out to 2 local gentlemen, namely Barrie Crane and David Campbell, who were inducted into the Foothills Lions Club at a candlelight ceremony performed by District Governor, John Goodrich.
Thank you to all the players that came out to support our last bingo. Your attendance is greatly appreciated. The next Bingo will be held February 18th. Hope to see you there!
The Foothills Lions Club
“Serving Our Community”
Submitted by Lion Ann Granberg
At a recent Lions Multiple District Convention, the Foothills Lions Club pledged $2,500 to L.C.I.F. (Lions Club International Foundation) LIONS QUEST PROGRAM, celebrating 25 years of Service Commitment to Youth. The program has brought Social and Emotional Learning, Character Development, Negative Behaviour Prevention and Service Learning to the K to 12 classrooms. LIONS QUEST is currently active in 50 countries and program materials have been translated into 24 languages.
Welcome and congratulations go out to 2 local gentlemen, namely Barrie Crane and David Campbell, who were inducted into the Foothills Lions Club at a candlelight ceremony performed by District Governor, John Goodrich.
Thank you to all the players that came out to support our last bingo. Your attendance is greatly appreciated. The next Bingo will be held February 18th. Hope to see you there!
The Foothills Lions Club
“Serving Our Community”
Longview School - Let Your Learning Soar
(Grassroots Page 14)
In celebration of Family Literacy Week January 24th to 28th and in the spirit of our Soaring Literacy Program at Longview School, a number of literacy activities were planned and enjoyed by everyone including:
The Multi-Media club of Longview School published the first edition of The Eagles Pages, Longview School's student newspaper.
Students enjoyed extra library time with Ms. Dyck all week, to participate in a variety of literacy activities including playing scrabble on an oversized game board.
All students had the opportunity to visit the Village Library to explore everything (books and programs) that our community library has to offer. The students very much enjoyed this field trip, with most students indicating that they would be interested in getting library memberships.
The Grade 3/4 and 5/6 classes had the opportunity to read with the preschool class on Wednesday and Friday.
A number of literacy guests including Mr. Muelaner, Mr. McCorquindale, Mrs. LaDouceur, Mr. Smith, Ms. Bews Anderson and Ms. Graham, as well as, Longview Seniors, community members and grandparents who came to read to Longview students.
Students dressed-up as one of their favourite fictional book characters and shared their favourite book with other students during Eagle Pride Time. A big thank you goes out to Chet Meston who volunteered to read and share his book with the entire school.
Students enjoyed eating alphabet cereal for breakfast program, alphabet pasta for lunch and alphabet letter cookies for dessert.
Literacy has always been the keystone of learning and we want our students to develop a broad and deep range of literacy skills. Learners with strong literacy skills, acquire, create, connect and communicate meaning in a wide variety of contexts. During our Soaring Literacy time at Longview School, students learn different strategies to improve their literacy skills. Teachers have implemented literacy strategies from the book 40 Reading Intervention Strategies for K-6 Students by Elaine K. McEwan-Adkins in both our tier 1/core program, as well as, our tier 2 Literacy Soars program. “Research shows that students need opportunities to use literacy knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts to master and efficiently transfer them from one area to another.” (Literacy First: A Plan for Action 2010: Government of Alberta)
A big thank should be extended to Ms. Dyck, our amazing librarian, for the absolutely wonderful job she did in organizing literacy week at Longview School. It was a very busy and active week of which students really enjoyed! When I asked the students their favourite part of the week, most indicated going to the Village Library.
In celebration of Family Literacy Week January 24th to 28th and in the spirit of our Soaring Literacy Program at Longview School, a number of literacy activities were planned and enjoyed by everyone including:
The Multi-Media club of Longview School published the first edition of The Eagles Pages, Longview School's student newspaper.
Students enjoyed extra library time with Ms. Dyck all week, to participate in a variety of literacy activities including playing scrabble on an oversized game board.
All students had the opportunity to visit the Village Library to explore everything (books and programs) that our community library has to offer. The students very much enjoyed this field trip, with most students indicating that they would be interested in getting library memberships.
The Grade 3/4 and 5/6 classes had the opportunity to read with the preschool class on Wednesday and Friday.
A number of literacy guests including Mr. Muelaner, Mr. McCorquindale, Mrs. LaDouceur, Mr. Smith, Ms. Bews Anderson and Ms. Graham, as well as, Longview Seniors, community members and grandparents who came to read to Longview students.
Students dressed-up as one of their favourite fictional book characters and shared their favourite book with other students during Eagle Pride Time. A big thank you goes out to Chet Meston who volunteered to read and share his book with the entire school.
Students enjoyed eating alphabet cereal for breakfast program, alphabet pasta for lunch and alphabet letter cookies for dessert.
Literacy has always been the keystone of learning and we want our students to develop a broad and deep range of literacy skills. Learners with strong literacy skills, acquire, create, connect and communicate meaning in a wide variety of contexts. During our Soaring Literacy time at Longview School, students learn different strategies to improve their literacy skills. Teachers have implemented literacy strategies from the book 40 Reading Intervention Strategies for K-6 Students by Elaine K. McEwan-Adkins in both our tier 1/core program, as well as, our tier 2 Literacy Soars program. “Research shows that students need opportunities to use literacy knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts to master and efficiently transfer them from one area to another.” (Literacy First: A Plan for Action 2010: Government of Alberta)
A big thank should be extended to Ms. Dyck, our amazing librarian, for the absolutely wonderful job she did in organizing literacy week at Longview School. It was a very busy and active week of which students really enjoyed! When I asked the students their favourite part of the week, most indicated going to the Village Library.
Longview Link By Chey Nickerson
(Grassroots Page 14)
Longview Library is hosting a Pancake Supper from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Tuesday, February 15th. Cost of the supper is by donation. This will be held at the Longview Hall.
On February 19th the Youth Group will be taking a ski trip which will be great fun for all involved. Have a great and safe trip everyone!
Hopefully spring really is “just around the corner” as everyone keeps saying. With that in mind, the volunteer based committees will soon be looking for help to get things back in shape for the next season. Planters will be put back out on the streets, flowers will need to be planted and fresh ideas are always welcome. There can never be enough good words said to encourage our volunteers. As in any small community, it's almost always the same faces who you see out there doing the work. What better way to get outside, get some fresh air and get to know your neighbours than to volunteer on one of the committees. The rewards? Good friends, great times and joy of seeing your work flourish throughout the summer. Pop into the Village Office if you wish to put your name on a list for when things are ready to get moving.
The 2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix was a huge success with many entries and lots of talented people showing their skills. Great job everyone! A true Race to the Finish!!!
Here's hoping for that early spring and more sunshine.
Chey
Longview Grand Prix hosted by Longview Bible Fellowship
Winners: Speed – 1st Nathan Todd, 2nd Ethan Todd, 3rd Philip Todd
Design for Non-Automobile - Carissa Teichroeb, Honorable mention: Austin Caumartin
Design for Automobile - Ted Stobbe,
Honorable mentions: Brendan Sheridan, Jim Ould, Lane Perwiznuik
Longview Library is hosting a Pancake Supper from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Tuesday, February 15th. Cost of the supper is by donation. This will be held at the Longview Hall.
On February 19th the Youth Group will be taking a ski trip which will be great fun for all involved. Have a great and safe trip everyone!
Hopefully spring really is “just around the corner” as everyone keeps saying. With that in mind, the volunteer based committees will soon be looking for help to get things back in shape for the next season. Planters will be put back out on the streets, flowers will need to be planted and fresh ideas are always welcome. There can never be enough good words said to encourage our volunteers. As in any small community, it's almost always the same faces who you see out there doing the work. What better way to get outside, get some fresh air and get to know your neighbours than to volunteer on one of the committees. The rewards? Good friends, great times and joy of seeing your work flourish throughout the summer. Pop into the Village Office if you wish to put your name on a list for when things are ready to get moving.
The 2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix was a huge success with many entries and lots of talented people showing their skills. Great job everyone! A true Race to the Finish!!!
Here's hoping for that early spring and more sunshine.
Chey
Longview Grand Prix hosted by Longview Bible Fellowship
Winners: Speed – 1st Nathan Todd, 2nd Ethan Todd, 3rd Philip Todd
Design for Non-Automobile - Carissa Teichroeb, Honorable mention: Austin Caumartin
Design for Automobile - Ted Stobbe,
Honorable mentions: Brendan Sheridan, Jim Ould, Lane Perwiznuik
The Life of A Labyrinth-Minded Artist
(Grassroots Page 15)
Good day to you faithful and loving readers. I've received more responses to my 'Calmed Artist' articles and wanted to touch on one specific reader. I was invited to join her in a 'Labyrinth Walk' last Thursday. Since I was unavailable, I found the next best thing: I looked it up, and this is what I found:
“Come and experience a centuries old spiritual tradition. Walking the labyrinth is a sure way to tranquility, harmony and peace of mind. It is not a maze”…“Walking a labyrinth quiets the busy mind and inspires creative thinking.” (Clearly, Rebecca knows me well:) “The winding path can become a metaphor, a mirror for one's life. If you walk with an open mind and an open heart, the labyrinth can reveal joy, sorrows, insights, peace and healing. Labyrinth walking is for all people and all faith traditions; it is a way to come together in love, solidarity and understanding.” Sounds enticing doesn't it?
Last Thursday, I was walking the main streets of Okotoks, spreading “love, solidarity and understanding” with a new venture that the Arts Council is working on (more about that another time).
The artistic mind gets inspiration from such an endless array of outlets, casual events, social and political issues etc., that it leads to spreading ourselves thin. It is so easy to find ourselves in a labyrinth of busyness. Ironically, it is the quieted, calmed mind that creates the most expressive and powerfully-charged artwork. So, we must make the time to meditate, labyrinth-walk, pray, rest and just be, in order to really 'live' our creative lives well. Very recently, I was thanked by three of my soon-to-be high school graduate students. Separately, they told me my instructions on drawing helped them to see the process as being more important than the outcome, as well as seeing the 'bigger picture' first, rather than getting lost in the details. I was so enthralled both by their successes in their art portfolios, and acceptances into their prospective schools, I celebrated. And so should you. Whenever you have a great day, for whatever reason, be sure to celebrate, to commemorate the event. Congratulate yourself. Because figuratively, you have walked your own 'labyrinth of busyness'.
~Love and light from The Real Robin Thibodeau
RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
Good day to you faithful and loving readers. I've received more responses to my 'Calmed Artist' articles and wanted to touch on one specific reader. I was invited to join her in a 'Labyrinth Walk' last Thursday. Since I was unavailable, I found the next best thing: I looked it up, and this is what I found:
“Come and experience a centuries old spiritual tradition. Walking the labyrinth is a sure way to tranquility, harmony and peace of mind. It is not a maze”…“Walking a labyrinth quiets the busy mind and inspires creative thinking.” (Clearly, Rebecca knows me well:) “The winding path can become a metaphor, a mirror for one's life. If you walk with an open mind and an open heart, the labyrinth can reveal joy, sorrows, insights, peace and healing. Labyrinth walking is for all people and all faith traditions; it is a way to come together in love, solidarity and understanding.” Sounds enticing doesn't it?
Last Thursday, I was walking the main streets of Okotoks, spreading “love, solidarity and understanding” with a new venture that the Arts Council is working on (more about that another time).
The artistic mind gets inspiration from such an endless array of outlets, casual events, social and political issues etc., that it leads to spreading ourselves thin. It is so easy to find ourselves in a labyrinth of busyness. Ironically, it is the quieted, calmed mind that creates the most expressive and powerfully-charged artwork. So, we must make the time to meditate, labyrinth-walk, pray, rest and just be, in order to really 'live' our creative lives well. Very recently, I was thanked by three of my soon-to-be high school graduate students. Separately, they told me my instructions on drawing helped them to see the process as being more important than the outcome, as well as seeing the 'bigger picture' first, rather than getting lost in the details. I was so enthralled both by their successes in their art portfolios, and acceptances into their prospective schools, I celebrated. And so should you. Whenever you have a great day, for whatever reason, be sure to celebrate, to commemorate the event. Congratulate yourself. Because figuratively, you have walked your own 'labyrinth of busyness'.
~Love and light from The Real Robin Thibodeau
RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
From My Bookshelf....by Lynn Willoughby
(Grassroots Page 18)
Sometimes at the beginning of a movie or TV show you just know it's not going to end well. The same can be said about the two books I'm reviewing today. How easy it is to see the flaws in the emotions and reasoning of someone else.
Beloved Stranger - Clare Boylan
'Marriage as a trap, prison, confinement, an endless compromise with no end in sight, Beloved Stranger is enough to drive one screaming from the altar' - Jennifer Howard of Washington Post Book World.
Although I agree with her - that prospective brides and grooms are advised NOT to pick up this novel, it was complex, well written but left me perplexed and with many unanswered questions.
An Irish couple, married for fifty years not a bit happily and with many 'accommodations' is now separated. How can Lily still long for Dick (who is in a locked psychiatric ward), when he has bullied her, terrorized her (once stroking her cheek with the barrel of his rifle as he drank tea), kept her ignorant of all financial affairs, refused to upgrade their old home in any way and rudely driven off their few friends? He is frantically jealous of Lily, even with their daughter Ruth. What brought these two mismatched souls together in the first place?
While Dick's mad scenes are among the book's best, it seems to be what Lily HASN'T done that is the focus of this novel. When Dick dies, "I'm free, she (Lily) thought. The notion swam into her, seductive and profane. The marriage is ended." What will Lily do now - we never find out!
It's no shock that Ruth has an uneasy relationship with both her parents. As the story progresses we find out why - they are each so jealous of the other's relationship they must keep Ruth away at all costs. And cost it does - especially for Ruth. Dick may suffer episodes of manic-delusional paranoia, but the entire household is fraught with craziness!
"If Boylan can't find a fresh marital story to tell, at least she has discovered new ways of describing an old one: stuck together until the bitter end." - Jennifer Howard
Holy Pictures
Last Resorts
….and many others
The White Masai - Corinne Hofmann
This is a kind of travel writing that takes you into other lives and other cultures.
The author is hit by a thunderbolt when she first saw Lketinga, a Masai warrior, on a ferry in Mombasa. She ditches her boyfriend, sells her boutique in Switzerland and marries her warrior and goes off to live with him in the bush.
An Information Age woman and a Pastoralist man will mean their relationship has limited success, for in his village, Samburu, women are worth less than goats. Hofmann lives with Lketinga's mother in a cow dung hut so tiny she cannot stand upright. Getting water is difficult and the diet consists mostly of goat meat, tea and sugar. This diet, a bout of Malaria, Hepatitis and pregnancy all pose a grave threat to Hofmann's health and survival.
As Hofmann struggles - although she never does learn his language, nor does he learn hers, and tries to improve the lives of the villagers she is blocked at every turn. She buys a truck and eventually opens a small store to sell dietary staples. Lketinga is jealous of each success and sabotages them in his way. This, of course, leads to further tensions and she eventually returns to Switzerland for a "vacation", taking her small daughter with her.
Although the writing was so-so and the photographs fascinating, I was so fed up with the idiocy of the author I have never read the two sequels. This true story was beyond belief for me.
Back From Africa
Reunion in Barsaloi
Who Knew?
The traditional Masai home is a very impermanent. The stick structure is plastered with a mix of mud, grass, cow dung, human urine and ash to make it waterproof. It measures about 3m x 5m, standing 1.5m high. Within this space the family cooks, eats, socializes and stores food, fuel and other household possessions.
Sometimes at the beginning of a movie or TV show you just know it's not going to end well. The same can be said about the two books I'm reviewing today. How easy it is to see the flaws in the emotions and reasoning of someone else.
Beloved Stranger - Clare Boylan
'Marriage as a trap, prison, confinement, an endless compromise with no end in sight, Beloved Stranger is enough to drive one screaming from the altar' - Jennifer Howard of Washington Post Book World.
Although I agree with her - that prospective brides and grooms are advised NOT to pick up this novel, it was complex, well written but left me perplexed and with many unanswered questions.
An Irish couple, married for fifty years not a bit happily and with many 'accommodations' is now separated. How can Lily still long for Dick (who is in a locked psychiatric ward), when he has bullied her, terrorized her (once stroking her cheek with the barrel of his rifle as he drank tea), kept her ignorant of all financial affairs, refused to upgrade their old home in any way and rudely driven off their few friends? He is frantically jealous of Lily, even with their daughter Ruth. What brought these two mismatched souls together in the first place?
While Dick's mad scenes are among the book's best, it seems to be what Lily HASN'T done that is the focus of this novel. When Dick dies, "I'm free, she (Lily) thought. The notion swam into her, seductive and profane. The marriage is ended." What will Lily do now - we never find out!
It's no shock that Ruth has an uneasy relationship with both her parents. As the story progresses we find out why - they are each so jealous of the other's relationship they must keep Ruth away at all costs. And cost it does - especially for Ruth. Dick may suffer episodes of manic-delusional paranoia, but the entire household is fraught with craziness!
"If Boylan can't find a fresh marital story to tell, at least she has discovered new ways of describing an old one: stuck together until the bitter end." - Jennifer Howard
Holy Pictures
Last Resorts
….and many others
The White Masai - Corinne Hofmann
This is a kind of travel writing that takes you into other lives and other cultures.
The author is hit by a thunderbolt when she first saw Lketinga, a Masai warrior, on a ferry in Mombasa. She ditches her boyfriend, sells her boutique in Switzerland and marries her warrior and goes off to live with him in the bush.
An Information Age woman and a Pastoralist man will mean their relationship has limited success, for in his village, Samburu, women are worth less than goats. Hofmann lives with Lketinga's mother in a cow dung hut so tiny she cannot stand upright. Getting water is difficult and the diet consists mostly of goat meat, tea and sugar. This diet, a bout of Malaria, Hepatitis and pregnancy all pose a grave threat to Hofmann's health and survival.
As Hofmann struggles - although she never does learn his language, nor does he learn hers, and tries to improve the lives of the villagers she is blocked at every turn. She buys a truck and eventually opens a small store to sell dietary staples. Lketinga is jealous of each success and sabotages them in his way. This, of course, leads to further tensions and she eventually returns to Switzerland for a "vacation", taking her small daughter with her.
Although the writing was so-so and the photographs fascinating, I was so fed up with the idiocy of the author I have never read the two sequels. This true story was beyond belief for me.
Back From Africa
Reunion in Barsaloi
Who Knew?
The traditional Masai home is a very impermanent. The stick structure is plastered with a mix of mud, grass, cow dung, human urine and ash to make it waterproof. It measures about 3m x 5m, standing 1.5m high. Within this space the family cooks, eats, socializes and stores food, fuel and other household possessions.
Household Hints by Rosemary - Spring Redecorating
(Grassroots Page 19)
We're getting a jump on spring cleaning and redecorating. My husband is painting throughout the house and I'm repapering the walls where we like to have a touch of wallpaper. Wallpapering done properly, to me is complicated; I just muddle along in my own way and do a fair job that I'm happy with, but wouldn't presume to give anyone advice. However, I did come up with some time and stress savers that I thought I could pass on.
Standing on a ladder to paint the ceiling is no longer necessary, the major home renovation centers have extension sticks for rollers that will reach up to twelve feet, and I think in some cases further. This was a big help and the ceiling paint that goes on blue or pink then turns white as it dries is another great innovation.
Have a large plastic bin to put prints and paintings, clocks, wall hangings or other decorations in. Have a smaller covered plastic container to put picture hangers, outlet covers and the accompanying screws, nails and picture hangers in. When you're ready to put the room back together all the pieces are where you can find them, easy to clean and ready to be reinstalled. Keep the screwdrivers you used to remove the items in the same container and you won't have to search them out again.
As I've gotten older, I'm nervous standing on a ladder but a three level stepstool is just perfect. I'm not a tall person, but the top step is high enough that I can reach the top of the wall without a stretch and wide enough that I can stand comfortably, making paper hanging and matching the pattern much easier. Even so, getting up and down the stepstool for various tools is a chore. To overcome the hassle, when removing the old paper, wear a bib apron with large pockets, having a bib with a tie around your neck will help to keep the apron in place once you've filled the pockets with the following: a small tack hammer to remove picture hangers, a small spray bottle prepared with water, a scoring tool to pierce the paper and allow water to penetrate, a plastic scraper (don't use a metal putty knife as it will leave dark marks on the wall). Once the old paper is removed, use a clean squeegee sponge mop and clean water to help remove any residue paste. Get a tube of prepared drywall repair to fill cracks and holes made by screws or nails. Be sure the wall is clean and dry before hanging the new pattern.
Putting the new paper up, in your pockets you'll need the edge roller, a plastic smoother and a pair of small sharp scissors; don't use the cutting knife on wet paper, it's more likely to tear, the scissors will give you a clean cut to corners or window edges. I wait until the paper is completely dry before trimming away any excess and use the scraper to guide the utility knife. Instead of along the wall, at the bottom edge cut down toward the baseboard and at the ceiling cut towards the ceiling. Hope this helps those of you who are tackling a re-do.
You can contact Rosemary at gazette@telus.net.
We're getting a jump on spring cleaning and redecorating. My husband is painting throughout the house and I'm repapering the walls where we like to have a touch of wallpaper. Wallpapering done properly, to me is complicated; I just muddle along in my own way and do a fair job that I'm happy with, but wouldn't presume to give anyone advice. However, I did come up with some time and stress savers that I thought I could pass on.
Standing on a ladder to paint the ceiling is no longer necessary, the major home renovation centers have extension sticks for rollers that will reach up to twelve feet, and I think in some cases further. This was a big help and the ceiling paint that goes on blue or pink then turns white as it dries is another great innovation.
Have a large plastic bin to put prints and paintings, clocks, wall hangings or other decorations in. Have a smaller covered plastic container to put picture hangers, outlet covers and the accompanying screws, nails and picture hangers in. When you're ready to put the room back together all the pieces are where you can find them, easy to clean and ready to be reinstalled. Keep the screwdrivers you used to remove the items in the same container and you won't have to search them out again.
As I've gotten older, I'm nervous standing on a ladder but a three level stepstool is just perfect. I'm not a tall person, but the top step is high enough that I can reach the top of the wall without a stretch and wide enough that I can stand comfortably, making paper hanging and matching the pattern much easier. Even so, getting up and down the stepstool for various tools is a chore. To overcome the hassle, when removing the old paper, wear a bib apron with large pockets, having a bib with a tie around your neck will help to keep the apron in place once you've filled the pockets with the following: a small tack hammer to remove picture hangers, a small spray bottle prepared with water, a scoring tool to pierce the paper and allow water to penetrate, a plastic scraper (don't use a metal putty knife as it will leave dark marks on the wall). Once the old paper is removed, use a clean squeegee sponge mop and clean water to help remove any residue paste. Get a tube of prepared drywall repair to fill cracks and holes made by screws or nails. Be sure the wall is clean and dry before hanging the new pattern.
Putting the new paper up, in your pockets you'll need the edge roller, a plastic smoother and a pair of small sharp scissors; don't use the cutting knife on wet paper, it's more likely to tear, the scissors will give you a clean cut to corners or window edges. I wait until the paper is completely dry before trimming away any excess and use the scraper to guide the utility knife. Instead of along the wall, at the bottom edge cut down toward the baseboard and at the ceiling cut towards the ceiling. Hope this helps those of you who are tackling a re-do.
You can contact Rosemary at gazette@telus.net.
Div. 4 News from Councillor Suzanne Oel
(Grassroots Page 19)
Dear Residents,
This information may help you to understand what happens with your tax dollars at the municipal level, within the M.D. of Foothills:
M.D. of Foothills
The results of the 2006 Census indicate that 19,736 people live in the M.D. of Foothills, plus the growth of the years following. In 2010, records show 14,491 taxable rolls; that is, properties to which property taxes are applied.
How are my property taxes calculated?
Property tax is a key source of revenue for financing municipal operations. Each year during its budgetary process, the council for a municipality approves an amount of revenue required to operate the municipality. The amount of income expected from utility revenues, grants, licence fees, permits, etc. is subtracted and the remainder represents the amount to be raised by property taxes. This amount is divided by the total value of all the assessable property in the municipality to arrive at the overall tax rate. Council may set different tax rates for the four classes – residential, non-residential, farm land, machinery and equipment. The M.D. of Foothills does not levy a business tax.
A portion of your property taxes collected by the MD is for Schools. Education property taxes support an education system that is producing the workforce of tomorrow. All Albertans benefit from a quality education system - whether or not they have children in school. The M.D. of Foothills is required by legislation to collect taxes on behalf of the Provincial Government, which is forwarded to the Alberta School Foundation Fund. Land owners must pay education taxes on property owned in every municipality in the Province. Your share is based on the assessment value of your property and the local education property tax rate. The assessment value of your property multiplied by your local education property tax rate determines the amount of education property tax you must contribute. Education taxes accounted for 45% of the total taxes collected in 2010.
Best Regards,
Suzanne Oel,
Councillor - Division 4
www.suzanneoel.com
so@suzanneoel.com
Next issue I will answer the question: What do my property taxes pay for?
Dear Residents,
This information may help you to understand what happens with your tax dollars at the municipal level, within the M.D. of Foothills:
M.D. of Foothills
The results of the 2006 Census indicate that 19,736 people live in the M.D. of Foothills, plus the growth of the years following. In 2010, records show 14,491 taxable rolls; that is, properties to which property taxes are applied.
How are my property taxes calculated?
Property tax is a key source of revenue for financing municipal operations. Each year during its budgetary process, the council for a municipality approves an amount of revenue required to operate the municipality. The amount of income expected from utility revenues, grants, licence fees, permits, etc. is subtracted and the remainder represents the amount to be raised by property taxes. This amount is divided by the total value of all the assessable property in the municipality to arrive at the overall tax rate. Council may set different tax rates for the four classes – residential, non-residential, farm land, machinery and equipment. The M.D. of Foothills does not levy a business tax.
A portion of your property taxes collected by the MD is for Schools. Education property taxes support an education system that is producing the workforce of tomorrow. All Albertans benefit from a quality education system - whether or not they have children in school. The M.D. of Foothills is required by legislation to collect taxes on behalf of the Provincial Government, which is forwarded to the Alberta School Foundation Fund. Land owners must pay education taxes on property owned in every municipality in the Province. Your share is based on the assessment value of your property and the local education property tax rate. The assessment value of your property multiplied by your local education property tax rate determines the amount of education property tax you must contribute. Education taxes accounted for 45% of the total taxes collected in 2010.
Best Regards,
Suzanne Oel,
Councillor - Division 4
www.suzanneoel.com
so@suzanneoel.com
Next issue I will answer the question: What do my property taxes pay for?
Carmangay Turns 101
(Grande Page 2)
While not nearly the same scale as its 100th birthday bash, Carmangay celebrated its 101st January 21st with a party organized to thank the 75-plus volunteers for their efforts putting on Carmangay's centennial celebration last year.
Organizers of the centennial figure volunteers logged over 1,200 hours organizing and putting on the three-day event. "We just wanted to let them know how much we appreciated all their hard work," said Kym Nichols, Carmangay's mayor.
Many of those volunteers showed up January 21st for beef on a bun and cake. About 100 people in all attended the 101st party, which unveiled the community's new flag of sketches people submitted.
The new flag flies next to the Canadian and Alberta flags just off Highway 23, by the Carmangay sign.
While not nearly the same scale as its 100th birthday bash, Carmangay celebrated its 101st January 21st with a party organized to thank the 75-plus volunteers for their efforts putting on Carmangay's centennial celebration last year.
Organizers of the centennial figure volunteers logged over 1,200 hours organizing and putting on the three-day event. "We just wanted to let them know how much we appreciated all their hard work," said Kym Nichols, Carmangay's mayor.
Many of those volunteers showed up January 21st for beef on a bun and cake. About 100 people in all attended the 101st party, which unveiled the community's new flag of sketches people submitted.
The new flag flies next to the Canadian and Alberta flags just off Highway 23, by the Carmangay sign.
Alberta Curls Up Its Pros
(Grande Page 2)
The 2011 Alberta Boston Pizza Cup held in High River had curling fans clapping as their favourite Alberta male curlers competed for top spot.
The competition was scheduled for a big finish with the week’s winners playing the A-event winner and Olympic champion Kevin Martin in the Page playoff on Saturday at 6:30pm. The Sunday championship game was broadcast by Shaw Cable
The 2011 Alberta Boston Pizza Cup held in High River had curling fans clapping as their favourite Alberta male curlers competed for top spot.
The competition was scheduled for a big finish with the week’s winners playing the A-event winner and Olympic champion Kevin Martin in the Page playoff on Saturday at 6:30pm. The Sunday championship game was broadcast by Shaw Cable
Communities Unite
(Grande Page 2)
A recent hockey game in Vulcan helped out a Claresholm couple whose 16-month-old son was diagnosed with liver cancer last August.
The Bisons hockey organization held its annual fundraiser at the game for the Peddle family’s 16-month-old son Isaac. The Bisons and the Wheatland Chiefs combined for 16 goals at the Vulcan Iceplex, 11 of them scored by the Chiefs. The amount of money raised was not known by press time.
Last month, Isaac underwent an operation to remove the tumors. "They're pretty confident that they got it all," said Max, adding the family is waiting on tests to make sure the cancer is gone from his son's liver.
The fundraiser included Calgary Flames tickets, jerseys, artwork and other silent auction items, as well as a 50/50 draw and door prizes.
"It's just so wonderful that another community would do this," said Max.
A recent hockey game in Vulcan helped out a Claresholm couple whose 16-month-old son was diagnosed with liver cancer last August.
The Bisons hockey organization held its annual fundraiser at the game for the Peddle family’s 16-month-old son Isaac. The Bisons and the Wheatland Chiefs combined for 16 goals at the Vulcan Iceplex, 11 of them scored by the Chiefs. The amount of money raised was not known by press time.
Last month, Isaac underwent an operation to remove the tumors. "They're pretty confident that they got it all," said Max, adding the family is waiting on tests to make sure the cancer is gone from his son's liver.
The fundraiser included Calgary Flames tickets, jerseys, artwork and other silent auction items, as well as a 50/50 draw and door prizes.
"It's just so wonderful that another community would do this," said Max.
Nanton On Wheels
(Grande Page 2)
By Todd Curran
Nanton will be home to a new skatepark dedicated to Nathan Hornberg, who lived and skateboarded near the town but died in Afghanistan serving his country.
Other rural skateboarding communities in locations such as Okotoks, Cochrane, Claresholm and High River also stand to benefit from the new skatepark, as skaters can easily head to Nanton for a quick day trip.
Reports indicate that Vancouver-based Spectrum Skatepark Creations designed the 8138 square foot park featuring a large bowl on one end and a street style plaza with plenty of rails, ledges and even some stairs on the other.
Funds for the park are being raised by The Nanton Skatepark committee and construction is scheduled to begin this year.
By Todd Curran
Nanton will be home to a new skatepark dedicated to Nathan Hornberg, who lived and skateboarded near the town but died in Afghanistan serving his country.
Other rural skateboarding communities in locations such as Okotoks, Cochrane, Claresholm and High River also stand to benefit from the new skatepark, as skaters can easily head to Nanton for a quick day trip.
Reports indicate that Vancouver-based Spectrum Skatepark Creations designed the 8138 square foot park featuring a large bowl on one end and a street style plaza with plenty of rails, ledges and even some stairs on the other.
Funds for the park are being raised by The Nanton Skatepark committee and construction is scheduled to begin this year.
News For The Non-Newsy
(Grande Page 3)
Calgary transit users willing to fork over the cash may soon have the option to reserve a spot in park-and-ride lots.
Calgary City Council voted 8 to 7 in favour of going ahead with the proposed Airport tunnel at a cost of $295 million.
Calgary City council is considering a proposal to allow Taxi drivers to wait for fares at fire hydrants. The fire department has yet to give the prospect its blessing.
Toronto and London Stock Exchanges announce their intention to merge.
Fluoride to be removed from Calgary's drinking water.
Picasso painting, La Lecture, sells at Sotheby’s auction for $40.7 million.
Ottawa - Canada's big Internet providers are sticking to their demand that they be allowed to charge heavy users more than other customers for internet usage.
With a new fire hall to be constructed near Heritage Pointe, the MD of Foothills is looking for more volunteer firefighters.
Nanton Town council approved a reduced rate for rental of the curling rink for the Nanton Farmer's Market.
Relocation of the Farmer’s Market is being considered in response to safety concerns of the current location.
Calgary transit users willing to fork over the cash may soon have the option to reserve a spot in park-and-ride lots.
Calgary City Council voted 8 to 7 in favour of going ahead with the proposed Airport tunnel at a cost of $295 million.
Calgary City council is considering a proposal to allow Taxi drivers to wait for fares at fire hydrants. The fire department has yet to give the prospect its blessing.
Toronto and London Stock Exchanges announce their intention to merge.
Fluoride to be removed from Calgary's drinking water.
Picasso painting, La Lecture, sells at Sotheby’s auction for $40.7 million.
Ottawa - Canada's big Internet providers are sticking to their demand that they be allowed to charge heavy users more than other customers for internet usage.
With a new fire hall to be constructed near Heritage Pointe, the MD of Foothills is looking for more volunteer firefighters.
Nanton Town council approved a reduced rate for rental of the curling rink for the Nanton Farmer's Market.
Relocation of the Farmer’s Market is being considered in response to safety concerns of the current location.
My Love Affair with Bali - Part 3
(Grande Page 3)
By Lona Lineham
Every year that I have been in Bali I have had an opportunity to attend one of their many special ceremonies. My favourite was the wedding of my friend’s cousin, which took place in the yard of a family member. I arrived at the village about 10am and was quickly whisked away behind a shed to be dressed in a sarong and have a special sash tied around my waist so I could enter into the temple when the time came. The High Priest was sitting cross legged on a mat, chanting, sprinkling holy water, burning incense and ringing little bells. Family and invited guests were just sitting around visiting. A special chair had been saved for me right in the front row. I looked around and realized I was the only foreign face in the crowd. The Balinese guests around me were only too happy to explain the details of the ceremony. About 2 hours later, two people appeared, which I assumed was the bride and brides-maid. The bride wore a huge gold head piece with a beautiful gold sarong. Both were made up with heavy make-up - dark eye shadow, black eye liner, red lipstick and blush. The bridesmaid turned out to be the groom. They sat by the High Priest - for another 2 hours the chanting and blessings continued. A beautiful feast of Balinese food was put out for the guests to eat during this time. I decided to go find my friend who was helping prepare the food.
Walking around the village I came upon 5 very old women sitting behind some bushes, smoking cigarettes. Balinese women do not smoke! These were my kind of gals. I took out my cigarettes and motioned that I would like too join them. I was welcomed with open arms and big smiles. Eight hours had passed and the ceremony was still going on, I decided to take my leave as we had a long drive home. Two years later, while shopping, I ran into the bride carrying a beautiful baby girl. I was invited to attend the babies 6 month ceremony, where, for the first time, their little feet are allowed to touch the ground.
By Lona Lineham
Every year that I have been in Bali I have had an opportunity to attend one of their many special ceremonies. My favourite was the wedding of my friend’s cousin, which took place in the yard of a family member. I arrived at the village about 10am and was quickly whisked away behind a shed to be dressed in a sarong and have a special sash tied around my waist so I could enter into the temple when the time came. The High Priest was sitting cross legged on a mat, chanting, sprinkling holy water, burning incense and ringing little bells. Family and invited guests were just sitting around visiting. A special chair had been saved for me right in the front row. I looked around and realized I was the only foreign face in the crowd. The Balinese guests around me were only too happy to explain the details of the ceremony. About 2 hours later, two people appeared, which I assumed was the bride and brides-maid. The bride wore a huge gold head piece with a beautiful gold sarong. Both were made up with heavy make-up - dark eye shadow, black eye liner, red lipstick and blush. The bridesmaid turned out to be the groom. They sat by the High Priest - for another 2 hours the chanting and blessings continued. A beautiful feast of Balinese food was put out for the guests to eat during this time. I decided to go find my friend who was helping prepare the food.
Walking around the village I came upon 5 very old women sitting behind some bushes, smoking cigarettes. Balinese women do not smoke! These were my kind of gals. I took out my cigarettes and motioned that I would like too join them. I was welcomed with open arms and big smiles. Eight hours had passed and the ceremony was still going on, I decided to take my leave as we had a long drive home. Two years later, while shopping, I ran into the bride carrying a beautiful baby girl. I was invited to attend the babies 6 month ceremony, where, for the first time, their little feet are allowed to touch the ground.
Critically Speaking - Hubba Hubba! Arousing Aphrodisiacs
(Grande Page 4)
By Lex Monoxide
Food can be soooo sexy. Sensual by sight, erotic by taste, scent and texture, a variety of foods have a stimulating history as aphrodisiacs.
Sought to boost the sex drive, bolster performance and increase fertility, sexy foods excite the mind and body through sensory perception or ingestion, ramping up desire in proportion to our belief in their effect on our bodies. Try some of these Arousing Aphrodisiacs for a cruise on the aphrodisiac autobahn!
Pumpkin Seeds: Although they're not very sexy in appearance, word around the jack-o-lantern is that pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which sustains sexual desire in women and is essential to testosterone production in men.
Chocolate: This sassy sweet contains chemicals that your brain secretes when you're in love, mashing the gas pedal of your libido.
Arugula: Reigning supreme among leafy greens, arugula is rich in vitamins and minerals that put the body into prime sexual condition.
Visit Lex Monoxide on Facebook for more food news and restaurant reviews!
By Lex Monoxide
Food can be soooo sexy. Sensual by sight, erotic by taste, scent and texture, a variety of foods have a stimulating history as aphrodisiacs.
Sought to boost the sex drive, bolster performance and increase fertility, sexy foods excite the mind and body through sensory perception or ingestion, ramping up desire in proportion to our belief in their effect on our bodies. Try some of these Arousing Aphrodisiacs for a cruise on the aphrodisiac autobahn!
Pumpkin Seeds: Although they're not very sexy in appearance, word around the jack-o-lantern is that pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which sustains sexual desire in women and is essential to testosterone production in men.
Chocolate: This sassy sweet contains chemicals that your brain secretes when you're in love, mashing the gas pedal of your libido.
Arugula: Reigning supreme among leafy greens, arugula is rich in vitamins and minerals that put the body into prime sexual condition.
Visit Lex Monoxide on Facebook for more food news and restaurant reviews!
Almost FameIce
(Grande Page 5)
For the first time in Canadian history, Citytv and Hockey Calgary team up to give young players the experience of a lifetime - the chance to play on the NHL Heritage Classic Ice - live on TV!
The thrill of the NHL Heritage Classic gets thousands of excited hockey fans across the city dreaming of the day that they might be able to skate on that outdoor ice themselves. Citytv and Hockey Calgary recently decided to make that dream a reality.
Hockey Calgary and Breakfast Television will be teaming up to put on the first annual BT Outdoor Classic, hosting 952 Atom hockey players (9-10yrs) from February 21st to 25th on rinks all throughout Calgary, ending with two gold medal games on the NHL Heritage Classic ice at McMahon Stadium.
This tournament is open to all Atom players in every division. The tournament will be accepting 56 teams and 7 divisions and is on a first come first serve basis.
“We're really excited to partner with Breakfast Television and give kids the opportunity to be a part of a very exciting hockey tournament. Playing hockey is all about having fun and making friends and this tournament will showcase just that,” said Perry Cavanagh, president, Hockey Calgary.
Every morning during that week, there will be two one-hour games on an outside pond or rink in the city. These games will count towards the round-robin and will be played live on Breakfast Television to give kids an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As a hockey mom herself, general manager Paula Davies is equally enthusiastic, “The most exciting thing for us at Citytv is the impact we'll make on these young kids lives. We wanted to do something really exciting for Calgary youth and showcase some of the amazing people in our city at the same time. We'll be covering this as if it were the NHL and really want to give these kids one of the best weeks of their lives.”
Family and friends will have the chance to vote for their division to play their final game at McMahon Stadium. The two divisions which receive the most votes will get to play on the same ice as the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadians when they go head to head at the 2011 Heritage Classic the week before.
Following the tournament, Citytv has rented the McMahon Ice for the remainder of the day and will give the rest of the city the chance to skate on the ice. With a skills competition in the early afternoon and a family skate for the general public from 3-8pm, players, kids and families will get the once in a lifetime chance to skate on the same ice as the hockey greats.
Visit www.btcalgary.ca and www.hockeycalgary.com
For the first time in Canadian history, Citytv and Hockey Calgary team up to give young players the experience of a lifetime - the chance to play on the NHL Heritage Classic Ice - live on TV!
The thrill of the NHL Heritage Classic gets thousands of excited hockey fans across the city dreaming of the day that they might be able to skate on that outdoor ice themselves. Citytv and Hockey Calgary recently decided to make that dream a reality.
Hockey Calgary and Breakfast Television will be teaming up to put on the first annual BT Outdoor Classic, hosting 952 Atom hockey players (9-10yrs) from February 21st to 25th on rinks all throughout Calgary, ending with two gold medal games on the NHL Heritage Classic ice at McMahon Stadium.
This tournament is open to all Atom players in every division. The tournament will be accepting 56 teams and 7 divisions and is on a first come first serve basis.
“We're really excited to partner with Breakfast Television and give kids the opportunity to be a part of a very exciting hockey tournament. Playing hockey is all about having fun and making friends and this tournament will showcase just that,” said Perry Cavanagh, president, Hockey Calgary.
Every morning during that week, there will be two one-hour games on an outside pond or rink in the city. These games will count towards the round-robin and will be played live on Breakfast Television to give kids an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As a hockey mom herself, general manager Paula Davies is equally enthusiastic, “The most exciting thing for us at Citytv is the impact we'll make on these young kids lives. We wanted to do something really exciting for Calgary youth and showcase some of the amazing people in our city at the same time. We'll be covering this as if it were the NHL and really want to give these kids one of the best weeks of their lives.”
Family and friends will have the chance to vote for their division to play their final game at McMahon Stadium. The two divisions which receive the most votes will get to play on the same ice as the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadians when they go head to head at the 2011 Heritage Classic the week before.
Following the tournament, Citytv has rented the McMahon Ice for the remainder of the day and will give the rest of the city the chance to skate on the ice. With a skills competition in the early afternoon and a family skate for the general public from 3-8pm, players, kids and families will get the once in a lifetime chance to skate on the same ice as the hockey greats.
Visit www.btcalgary.ca and www.hockeycalgary.com
The Informant
(Grande Page 5)
Tax Tips “The Man” Doesn't Want You To Know
Trying to navigate the Canadian Tax Code is like wandering shoeless and blindfolded in Antarctica. We still have to do it, but you can reduce the pain by taking the time to implement some of these tax-saving strategies before year end.
According to Darlene Cox of Stevenson Consulting medical expenses don’t need to create a significant loss for taxpayers. In some scenarios you can claim your travel mileage and other expenses.
Doctor prescribed pharmaceuticals, therapeutic massage among other items may also qualify for a tax credit and refund supplement.
Full-time students establishing a home at least 40 km closer to their educational institution can also claim their moving expenses.
Keep an eye out for expenses that may be eligible for tax deductions or credits such as: alimony and maintenance, child care expenses, investment counsel fees, professional dues, charitable donations, medical expenses and political contributions.
Speaking from personal experience, late filing and paying can result in costly penalties and interest. My advice: file and pay by April 30th to avoid these costs. In some cases, you might even be better off borrowing to pay the tax.
More tax tips next issue.
Tax Tips “The Man” Doesn't Want You To Know
Trying to navigate the Canadian Tax Code is like wandering shoeless and blindfolded in Antarctica. We still have to do it, but you can reduce the pain by taking the time to implement some of these tax-saving strategies before year end.
According to Darlene Cox of Stevenson Consulting medical expenses don’t need to create a significant loss for taxpayers. In some scenarios you can claim your travel mileage and other expenses.
Doctor prescribed pharmaceuticals, therapeutic massage among other items may also qualify for a tax credit and refund supplement.
Full-time students establishing a home at least 40 km closer to their educational institution can also claim their moving expenses.
Keep an eye out for expenses that may be eligible for tax deductions or credits such as: alimony and maintenance, child care expenses, investment counsel fees, professional dues, charitable donations, medical expenses and political contributions.
Speaking from personal experience, late filing and paying can result in costly penalties and interest. My advice: file and pay by April 30th to avoid these costs. In some cases, you might even be better off borrowing to pay the tax.
More tax tips next issue.
Rein in Spending with Debt Management
(Grande Page 5)
By Wayne Coristine
Money Mentors is a not-for-profit credit counselling organization that is dedicated to educating Albertans on debt resolution, the wise use of credit and unbiased personal money coaching.
For many people, debt is another four letter word they wouldn't say in public. While nobody likes being in debt, it's important to understand what debt is, how to manage it and when to seek help if it gets out of hand.
Believe it or not, debt isn't always a bad thing. Without debt, most people would never be able to buy their homes or vehicles or perhaps go to university to get their dream jobs. To better manage your spending, learn how debt works and use it to your advantage.
Secured vs. Unsecured Debt
When it comes to borrowing money, there are two key categories for the average consumer to know: secured debt and unsecured debt. A secured debt means having something of value attached to the debt. If the loan isn't paid back, the creditor has the right to take the asset as payment. For example, if somebody finances a car but doesn't make the payments, the financing company has the right to take the car.
Unsecured debt is a little different. The loan is based on the promise of it being paid back on time. The most common form of unsecured debt is a credit card.
More on Debt Management in the next issue.
By Wayne Coristine
Money Mentors is a not-for-profit credit counselling organization that is dedicated to educating Albertans on debt resolution, the wise use of credit and unbiased personal money coaching.
For many people, debt is another four letter word they wouldn't say in public. While nobody likes being in debt, it's important to understand what debt is, how to manage it and when to seek help if it gets out of hand.
Believe it or not, debt isn't always a bad thing. Without debt, most people would never be able to buy their homes or vehicles or perhaps go to university to get their dream jobs. To better manage your spending, learn how debt works and use it to your advantage.
Secured vs. Unsecured Debt
When it comes to borrowing money, there are two key categories for the average consumer to know: secured debt and unsecured debt. A secured debt means having something of value attached to the debt. If the loan isn't paid back, the creditor has the right to take the asset as payment. For example, if somebody finances a car but doesn't make the payments, the financing company has the right to take the car.
Unsecured debt is a little different. The loan is based on the promise of it being paid back on time. The most common form of unsecured debt is a credit card.
More on Debt Management in the next issue.
The Heartland by Revera
(Grande Page 5)
Affordable Paradise for Seniors
Located close to Okotoks Public Library, grocery stores and other amenities, The Heartland retirement community is an affordable paradise for seniors. With chefs preparing the meal program and an onsite activities coordinator promoting mental, physical and social health, residents will truly be celebrating life in The Heartland.
The first owners of this independent living complex are moving in this month and “It's going to be wonderful,” says resident Doris Vernon.“I love the place so much I'm trying to get a friend of mine to move in.”
Affordable Paradise for Seniors
Located close to Okotoks Public Library, grocery stores and other amenities, The Heartland retirement community is an affordable paradise for seniors. With chefs preparing the meal program and an onsite activities coordinator promoting mental, physical and social health, residents will truly be celebrating life in The Heartland.
The first owners of this independent living complex are moving in this month and “It's going to be wonderful,” says resident Doris Vernon.“I love the place so much I'm trying to get a friend of mine to move in.”
Views On Vision - Matt's Story
(Grande Page 6)
In the next two editions, I will tell you Matt's story. Matt is a lucky boy. His doctor told his mother that she should investigate the possibility that his vision might have something to do with reading and learning, and his poor performance in school in particular. Matt was in trouble and everyone knew it. He is only in Grade 3 and already he has been in 4 schools, is clinically depressed and has started a prescription for antidepressants. His trouble at school is that severe.
This is a true story. Reading disability is not a black and white thing. There are many reasons children have trouble reading and very often there is some degree of visual dysfunction getting in the way. You might say the car is not well-tuned. Sometimes the dysfunction is mild, in which case the overall impact to the child will be hardly noticed. In many cases, the impact is moderate and this can change A's to B's, and B's to C's. Moderate visual dysfunction can be a chronic source of mental 'interference' during the work day and can seriously impact focus and productivity. Severe visual dysfunction can be debilitating and change lives completely if undetected and treated.
Keep these points in mind as you read Matt's story.
Most significant visual dysfunction goes unnoticed. Severe problems are usually made obvious to some observant parent or teacher, but moderate dysfunction can linger like a hobgoblin and cause havoc for many years undetected. Children feel their vision is normal, regardless of how bad it is.
With regards to success in the classroom, vision and audition (hearing) are the key senses. Seems obvious. It should also seem obvious that if either of these are significantly dysfunctional (by 'delayed' development, trauma or disease), the child will be disadvantaged from the outset (See 'The Matthew Effect' at: www.LearningManagement.ca), and if left uncorrected, the impact of the dysfunction will be amplified over each year of life.
Pain interferes with our daily function in two important ways. First, it makes us pay attention to it; while our pain distracts us, we can't pay attention to the things we need to do, like work or study. Pain can easily account for the majority our our attention, leaving little for other things and other people. Second, pain drives us to become extremely irritable and of limited patience and empathy for others. Children find it difficult to understand pain and, like adults, will react to it.
When deprived of necessary and basic elements for success (call it survival) in the classroom (like vision and sight), a student will begin to question his own abilities and sense of identity - Why can't I do this (hear, see, write, draw, remember, etc.) while my classmates can? Negative thoughts and doubts can spiral and lead to more outbursts and despondency. Again, to the child, his bad vision is normal, so why can everyone else do the task so easily?
About one of every four students in elementary classrooms has some sort of visual dysfunction that puts them at a disadvantage with respect to their peers. Often enough in moderate and severe cases, this is taken as dyslexia and treated as such at great expense and with questionable outcomes. In the end, these children can still find dealing with text to be difficult and continue to perform at less than optimal levels because the root problem remains unresolved.
It is an important and kind thing to ensure all children are properly equipped to function in the classroom. My advice is that a detailed assessment of children's visual function be performed in the Spring of Kindergarten and again Grade 2. The Province does not require the schools to petition parents to ensure their children are fully assessed, but they should - this service is covered by health care, but be sure to ask your optometrist what checks they do for vision-related learning problems and if there are additional charges.
The schools have an important role to play in ensuring all children are checked for visual dysfunction at regular intervals throughout the school years. Parents should not be forced to bring their children in for examination, but they should be educated as to availability and reasons why this should be done yearly. Problems don't have to be as severe as Matt's to be real problems. If your child is struggling with school, you should consider the possibility that there is at least a moderate problem with visual function and that it is likely correctable.
To be continued....
Dr. Boulet is an optometrist and owner-operator of Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond (403-933-5552 or info@dvvc.ca.) He is also a former high school teacher and continues to work with children who have trouble learning.
In the next two editions, I will tell you Matt's story. Matt is a lucky boy. His doctor told his mother that she should investigate the possibility that his vision might have something to do with reading and learning, and his poor performance in school in particular. Matt was in trouble and everyone knew it. He is only in Grade 3 and already he has been in 4 schools, is clinically depressed and has started a prescription for antidepressants. His trouble at school is that severe.
This is a true story. Reading disability is not a black and white thing. There are many reasons children have trouble reading and very often there is some degree of visual dysfunction getting in the way. You might say the car is not well-tuned. Sometimes the dysfunction is mild, in which case the overall impact to the child will be hardly noticed. In many cases, the impact is moderate and this can change A's to B's, and B's to C's. Moderate visual dysfunction can be a chronic source of mental 'interference' during the work day and can seriously impact focus and productivity. Severe visual dysfunction can be debilitating and change lives completely if undetected and treated.
Keep these points in mind as you read Matt's story.
Most significant visual dysfunction goes unnoticed. Severe problems are usually made obvious to some observant parent or teacher, but moderate dysfunction can linger like a hobgoblin and cause havoc for many years undetected. Children feel their vision is normal, regardless of how bad it is.
With regards to success in the classroom, vision and audition (hearing) are the key senses. Seems obvious. It should also seem obvious that if either of these are significantly dysfunctional (by 'delayed' development, trauma or disease), the child will be disadvantaged from the outset (See 'The Matthew Effect' at: www.LearningManagement.ca), and if left uncorrected, the impact of the dysfunction will be amplified over each year of life.
Pain interferes with our daily function in two important ways. First, it makes us pay attention to it; while our pain distracts us, we can't pay attention to the things we need to do, like work or study. Pain can easily account for the majority our our attention, leaving little for other things and other people. Second, pain drives us to become extremely irritable and of limited patience and empathy for others. Children find it difficult to understand pain and, like adults, will react to it.
When deprived of necessary and basic elements for success (call it survival) in the classroom (like vision and sight), a student will begin to question his own abilities and sense of identity - Why can't I do this (hear, see, write, draw, remember, etc.) while my classmates can? Negative thoughts and doubts can spiral and lead to more outbursts and despondency. Again, to the child, his bad vision is normal, so why can everyone else do the task so easily?
About one of every four students in elementary classrooms has some sort of visual dysfunction that puts them at a disadvantage with respect to their peers. Often enough in moderate and severe cases, this is taken as dyslexia and treated as such at great expense and with questionable outcomes. In the end, these children can still find dealing with text to be difficult and continue to perform at less than optimal levels because the root problem remains unresolved.
It is an important and kind thing to ensure all children are properly equipped to function in the classroom. My advice is that a detailed assessment of children's visual function be performed in the Spring of Kindergarten and again Grade 2. The Province does not require the schools to petition parents to ensure their children are fully assessed, but they should - this service is covered by health care, but be sure to ask your optometrist what checks they do for vision-related learning problems and if there are additional charges.
The schools have an important role to play in ensuring all children are checked for visual dysfunction at regular intervals throughout the school years. Parents should not be forced to bring their children in for examination, but they should be educated as to availability and reasons why this should be done yearly. Problems don't have to be as severe as Matt's to be real problems. If your child is struggling with school, you should consider the possibility that there is at least a moderate problem with visual function and that it is likely correctable.
To be continued....
Dr. Boulet is an optometrist and owner-operator of Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond (403-933-5552 or info@dvvc.ca.) He is also a former high school teacher and continues to work with children who have trouble learning.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Boys & Girls Club of Diamond Valley and District - Take it EASY Program
(Page 3)
The pre-teen and teen years can be a time of anxiety and confusion as young people face a myriad of changes and pressures. Without support and guidance navigating these difficult transition years, young people often experience a drop in self-esteem and self-confidence putting them at greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse, dropping out of school, eating disorders, unplanned pregnancy and other pitfalls that can impede life success. The Boys and Girls Club of Diamond Valley is pleased to announce the launch of Take it EASY, a program to teach youth strategies that foster self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to make better decisions and life choices during these challenging years.
Take it EASY, a program developed by Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and offered at many Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada, addresses issues including bullying, peer pressure, body image, sex and sexuality, which are identified by youth as priority issues. The twelve week program is designed to support pre-teens and teens as they are confronted by profound physical and emotional changes in their daily lives, and incorporates guest speakers, hands-on activities and field trips.
“We are pleased to have received the funding to facilitate this important program in our area,” said Shirley Puttock, Executive Director.
The Take it EASY program will be launched at fifteen Boys and Girls Clubs across the country this year, thanks to the generous support of Tupperware Canada. This is the fourth year that Tupperware has supported this national program offered through Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. For more information about the Take it EASY program being offered by the Boys and Girls Club of Diamond Valley, contact Mady Thiel-Kopstein @ 403-933-4066.
Boys and Girls Club of Diamond Valley provides preschool, after school, teen programs and summer camps. Since 1994, we have been providing services to families from Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Longview, Millarville, Nanton and High River. We currently have 228 members involved with the Club.
You can see us on Facebook or check out our website at:
www.bgcdvd.com. For a complete listing of Clubs across Canada please see www.bgccan.com.
Tupperware Brands Corporation, a global direct seller of premium, innovative products across multiple brands and categories. For more information visit:
www.tupperwarebrands.com
The pre-teen and teen years can be a time of anxiety and confusion as young people face a myriad of changes and pressures. Without support and guidance navigating these difficult transition years, young people often experience a drop in self-esteem and self-confidence putting them at greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse, dropping out of school, eating disorders, unplanned pregnancy and other pitfalls that can impede life success. The Boys and Girls Club of Diamond Valley is pleased to announce the launch of Take it EASY, a program to teach youth strategies that foster self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to make better decisions and life choices during these challenging years.
Take it EASY, a program developed by Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and offered at many Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada, addresses issues including bullying, peer pressure, body image, sex and sexuality, which are identified by youth as priority issues. The twelve week program is designed to support pre-teens and teens as they are confronted by profound physical and emotional changes in their daily lives, and incorporates guest speakers, hands-on activities and field trips.
“We are pleased to have received the funding to facilitate this important program in our area,” said Shirley Puttock, Executive Director.
The Take it EASY program will be launched at fifteen Boys and Girls Clubs across the country this year, thanks to the generous support of Tupperware Canada. This is the fourth year that Tupperware has supported this national program offered through Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. For more information about the Take it EASY program being offered by the Boys and Girls Club of Diamond Valley, contact Mady Thiel-Kopstein @ 403-933-4066.
Boys and Girls Club of Diamond Valley provides preschool, after school, teen programs and summer camps. Since 1994, we have been providing services to families from Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Longview, Millarville, Nanton and High River. We currently have 228 members involved with the Club.
You can see us on Facebook or check out our website at:
www.bgcdvd.com. For a complete listing of Clubs across Canada please see www.bgccan.com.
Tupperware Brands Corporation, a global direct seller of premium, innovative products across multiple brands and categories. For more information visit:
www.tupperwarebrands.com
Sheep River Health Trust - Second CR Reader Donated
(Page 3)
The Sheep River Health Trust is pleased to announce that they have met and exceeded all of their fundraising goals for 2010. With this success, they were able to fund a second CR Reader, valued at $40,000 for the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre.
The CR Reader develops the images from pictures taken with the x-ray machine and the Technologists can manipulate and enhance the image for the Radiologist and Physicians to read using the CR Reader.
Currently, the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre sees approximately 1200 patients per month. They have one machine that is used for outpatients with a requisition and patients sent from Urgent Care.
The second reader will reduce down time due to reader malfunction, maintenance or service. The CR Reader will increase the productivity of staff and reduce patient wait times at the health and wellness centre” said Wade T. Cooper, Supervisor of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre.
Through supporting the provision of a second CR Reader, the Trust is ensuring that our rural patients receive quality healthcare when they need it without having to be sent off-site for a simple procedure.
Since 1994, the Sheep River Health Trust, formerly known as the Oilfields/Okotoks Health Foundation, has raised over $2.5 million for health-related programs, services and equipment urgently needed in our local area. Last year alone, the Trust raised $300,000 to help deliver optimal health care to our communities. If you would like to support rural health care in your community, please call us at 403-995-5400. Together we make a difference!
The Sheep River Health Trust is pleased to announce that they have met and exceeded all of their fundraising goals for 2010. With this success, they were able to fund a second CR Reader, valued at $40,000 for the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre.
The CR Reader develops the images from pictures taken with the x-ray machine and the Technologists can manipulate and enhance the image for the Radiologist and Physicians to read using the CR Reader.
Currently, the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre sees approximately 1200 patients per month. They have one machine that is used for outpatients with a requisition and patients sent from Urgent Care.
The second reader will reduce down time due to reader malfunction, maintenance or service. The CR Reader will increase the productivity of staff and reduce patient wait times at the health and wellness centre” said Wade T. Cooper, Supervisor of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre.
Through supporting the provision of a second CR Reader, the Trust is ensuring that our rural patients receive quality healthcare when they need it without having to be sent off-site for a simple procedure.
Since 1994, the Sheep River Health Trust, formerly known as the Oilfields/Okotoks Health Foundation, has raised over $2.5 million for health-related programs, services and equipment urgently needed in our local area. Last year alone, the Trust raised $300,000 to help deliver optimal health care to our communities. If you would like to support rural health care in your community, please call us at 403-995-5400. Together we make a difference!
Chronicles & Costumed Characters
(Page 4)
By Todd Curran
Family Literacy Day came to life at Turner Valley School on January 27th, as literary characters leapt from their pages and into the classroom.
In celebration of the day, students came dressed as their favourite book characters and brought their favourite books to school. If students were caught reading by Principal Bennington, they were awarded prizes such as books and bookmarks.
Dignitaries and local celebrities also got into the act, promoting literacy by discussing the importance of books and reading to children at local libraries and recreation centres. “We thought a less academic approach would be a fun way to recognize Family Literacy Day at school while engaging kids to read,” says teacher Carol Webb.
The students are encouraged to describe what they like about books, pull their favourite characters out and bring them to life. “Books have a lot of competition with the electronic devices available to this generation,” Carol says. “Our goal is to produce brilliant readers and keep them reading.”
A great local source for used books is Oren's Gallery & Craft Market located at 109 Centre Ave in Black Diamond. Call 403-933-3661 for more information.
For more information visit Literacy for Life at www.litforlife.com.
By Todd Curran
Family Literacy Day came to life at Turner Valley School on January 27th, as literary characters leapt from their pages and into the classroom.
In celebration of the day, students came dressed as their favourite book characters and brought their favourite books to school. If students were caught reading by Principal Bennington, they were awarded prizes such as books and bookmarks.
Dignitaries and local celebrities also got into the act, promoting literacy by discussing the importance of books and reading to children at local libraries and recreation centres. “We thought a less academic approach would be a fun way to recognize Family Literacy Day at school while engaging kids to read,” says teacher Carol Webb.
The students are encouraged to describe what they like about books, pull their favourite characters out and bring them to life. “Books have a lot of competition with the electronic devices available to this generation,” Carol says. “Our goal is to produce brilliant readers and keep them reading.”
A great local source for used books is Oren's Gallery & Craft Market located at 109 Centre Ave in Black Diamond. Call 403-933-3661 for more information.
For more information visit Literacy for Life at www.litforlife.com.
Rox Stars
(Page 4)
By Todd Curran
Turner Valley School students got a chance to experience the sport of curling on January 26th, when volunteers from the Southern Alberta Curling Association (SACA) arrived to present their Curling Rox program.
“We're bringing the sport to schools in rural areas to get the kids involved,” says SACA board member Shannon Gross. With some undersized curling rocks on wheels, the volunteers engage children with games that develop accuracy, scoring, technique and brushing. “These are coaching drills that give the kids hands-on experience,” Shannon says.
The program was conceived when the association discovered that the number of senior curlers was dwindling and few young people were taking up the sport. “We need to get them interested or risk losing our clubs,” says Shannon, a curler for 30 years. “The schools have been phenomenal about bringing the program in and we've received a good response from all age groups.”
The program is inexpensive to run and comes at no cost to the schools, keeping the fun in the sport and perhaps discovering the next generation of curling's rock stars. “We just want to give back to the kids and the sport we love,” Shannon says.
For more information call the Southern Alberta Curling Association at 403-246-9300 or visit www.saca.ca.
By Todd Curran
Turner Valley School students got a chance to experience the sport of curling on January 26th, when volunteers from the Southern Alberta Curling Association (SACA) arrived to present their Curling Rox program.
“We're bringing the sport to schools in rural areas to get the kids involved,” says SACA board member Shannon Gross. With some undersized curling rocks on wheels, the volunteers engage children with games that develop accuracy, scoring, technique and brushing. “These are coaching drills that give the kids hands-on experience,” Shannon says.
The program was conceived when the association discovered that the number of senior curlers was dwindling and few young people were taking up the sport. “We need to get them interested or risk losing our clubs,” says Shannon, a curler for 30 years. “The schools have been phenomenal about bringing the program in and we've received a good response from all age groups.”
The program is inexpensive to run and comes at no cost to the schools, keeping the fun in the sport and perhaps discovering the next generation of curling's rock stars. “We just want to give back to the kids and the sport we love,” Shannon says.
For more information call the Southern Alberta Curling Association at 403-246-9300 or visit www.saca.ca.
Faith Forum by Gloria Wessner - Left to Ourselves
(Page 4)
Have you ever wondered what would happen to a child if, left to themselves to grow up with no rules, training or discipline – what they'd be like?
Having worked with children for many years in elementary schools, I see the differences and results all the time in children that come from homes where they pretty much do what they want, compared to those children who have discipline, moral training and structure in their lives.
It is no guarantee that when they grow up they won't always make good choices and end up in trouble with the law or worse – but the difference is that they have a better chance of being a good citizen, employee, husband or wife and dad or mom.
In God's word in Ephesians 2, a piece was written to those who at one time followed only what they wanted (here called our 'evil or sinful nature'), but then chose God in a personal relationship and His ways. It was written as a reminder for them to remember where they came from when they lived for themselves, to what they had become because of what God had done for them through Jesus Christ and their choice to follow Him.
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:1-10 NLT)
How about you? Will you choose to be God's masterpiece today – his special work of art? Our choices today affect our future tomorrow and for eternity.
Feel free to write me at gloriawes@hotmail.com and I'll be more than happy to chat with you.
Have you ever wondered what would happen to a child if, left to themselves to grow up with no rules, training or discipline – what they'd be like?
Having worked with children for many years in elementary schools, I see the differences and results all the time in children that come from homes where they pretty much do what they want, compared to those children who have discipline, moral training and structure in their lives.
It is no guarantee that when they grow up they won't always make good choices and end up in trouble with the law or worse – but the difference is that they have a better chance of being a good citizen, employee, husband or wife and dad or mom.
In God's word in Ephesians 2, a piece was written to those who at one time followed only what they wanted (here called our 'evil or sinful nature'), but then chose God in a personal relationship and His ways. It was written as a reminder for them to remember where they came from when they lived for themselves, to what they had become because of what God had done for them through Jesus Christ and their choice to follow Him.
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:1-10 NLT)
How about you? Will you choose to be God's masterpiece today – his special work of art? Our choices today affect our future tomorrow and for eternity.
Feel free to write me at gloriawes@hotmail.com and I'll be more than happy to chat with you.
Longview Link by Chey Nickerson
(Page 5)
A welcome break from the cold has arrived making the winter a week or so shorter and giving us back our blue sky! It's amazing how just being able to get outside and get fresh air changes the outlook we have isn't it?
With the cold snap that arrived, getting all the Christmas decorations down and stored has been delayed a bit, but soon things will be done and Longview's streets will a little less colourful until next year! Great job with the lights, they are beautiful and certainly put smiles on lots of faces. I have even had calls at the Village office to say how nice things looked this Christmas season, which is always nice.
The Youth Group is hosting a “Grand Prix Pine Box Race” at the Fire Hall on February 5th from 9:30 to 12. For more information on this event call 403-558-2243. Should be lots of fun to watch even if you aren't competing yourself! On February 19th the Youth Group is also sponsoring a Youth and Family ski trip. For anyone interested in taking part, please contact 403-558-0002 before February 5th.
The Longview Library has been hosting many information sessions with our residents in mind. Keep checking the boards at the bottom of the stairs to see what's happening in the library as updates are posted and sign- up sheets are available there.
For residents of Longview, please keep in mind that many of the boards and committees will need new members in the very near future. Many of the people who donated their time and ideas have been on the boards for a few years and it's time for new members to step up, bringing with them, new outlooks. Once again, watch the boards at the bottom of the stairs at the Village Office or contact the office for more information.
V O L U N T E E R S, the backbone of our communities!
Make it a great day!
Chey
A welcome break from the cold has arrived making the winter a week or so shorter and giving us back our blue sky! It's amazing how just being able to get outside and get fresh air changes the outlook we have isn't it?
With the cold snap that arrived, getting all the Christmas decorations down and stored has been delayed a bit, but soon things will be done and Longview's streets will a little less colourful until next year! Great job with the lights, they are beautiful and certainly put smiles on lots of faces. I have even had calls at the Village office to say how nice things looked this Christmas season, which is always nice.
The Youth Group is hosting a “Grand Prix Pine Box Race” at the Fire Hall on February 5th from 9:30 to 12. For more information on this event call 403-558-2243. Should be lots of fun to watch even if you aren't competing yourself! On February 19th the Youth Group is also sponsoring a Youth and Family ski trip. For anyone interested in taking part, please contact 403-558-0002 before February 5th.
The Longview Library has been hosting many information sessions with our residents in mind. Keep checking the boards at the bottom of the stairs to see what's happening in the library as updates are posted and sign- up sheets are available there.
For residents of Longview, please keep in mind that many of the boards and committees will need new members in the very near future. Many of the people who donated their time and ideas have been on the boards for a few years and it's time for new members to step up, bringing with them, new outlooks. Once again, watch the boards at the bottom of the stairs at the Village Office or contact the office for more information.
V O L U N T E E R S, the backbone of our communities!
Make it a great day!
Chey
Longview School - Let Your Learning Soar
(Page 5)
The Christmas Fair and Christmas Concert at Longview School were huge successes this past holiday season. We thank school council and parents for hosting such a wonderful Christmas Fair and thank the students and staff for presenting a fantastic Christmas Concert.
Everyone at Longview School would like to send out a great big thank you to all of the businesses for supporting Longview school by graciously donating items to our Christmas Fair. Your continued kindness and thoughtfulness are very much appreciated. Thank You to: Timothy Fred's, Hidden Charm Boutique, Marv's Classic Soda Shop, Foothills Pizza, Millenium Lanes, Animal House Pet Centre, Playtopia, Sobey's (Okotoks), Pixie Hollow, Merle Norman Cosmetics & Day Spa, Mark's Work Wearhouse, Highwood Art & Framing, Bali Bling, Peavy Mart, WalMart Canada Corp, Sandul's Pharmacy Ltd., Twin Cities Hotel, Maryanne's Eden, ATB Financial, OK Tire, Pharmasave Black Diamond, High Country Video, Longview Steakhouse, Village of Longview, Brandt Tractor Ltd., Pure Jeanius, Fat Burger, Sweets & Blooms, Boothill Gallery, Navajo Mug, Sears Ranches, Vale's Greenhouse, The Energy Shop, CPA, Kel-Terra Inc., Hayden's Machine Shop Ltd., Royal Bank, Exhibit Studio, Highway 22 Liquor Store, Longview Esso, Longview Jerky Shop, Longview Library, Finishing Touches, Pop's Barber Shop, Little New York Bistro, Bump's Pit Stop, Erica O'Callaghan, Atco Gas, Neil's Custom Carpentry, Blue Rock Gallery, Finishing Touches, Chinook Ranch, 7P Ranch, Kentucky Ranch, Teresa de Groisbois, Norma Lacey Crafts, Longview Fire Department and Little Chinook.
The Christmas Fair and Christmas Concert at Longview School were huge successes this past holiday season. We thank school council and parents for hosting such a wonderful Christmas Fair and thank the students and staff for presenting a fantastic Christmas Concert.
Everyone at Longview School would like to send out a great big thank you to all of the businesses for supporting Longview school by graciously donating items to our Christmas Fair. Your continued kindness and thoughtfulness are very much appreciated. Thank You to: Timothy Fred's, Hidden Charm Boutique, Marv's Classic Soda Shop, Foothills Pizza, Millenium Lanes, Animal House Pet Centre, Playtopia, Sobey's (Okotoks), Pixie Hollow, Merle Norman Cosmetics & Day Spa, Mark's Work Wearhouse, Highwood Art & Framing, Bali Bling, Peavy Mart, WalMart Canada Corp, Sandul's Pharmacy Ltd., Twin Cities Hotel, Maryanne's Eden, ATB Financial, OK Tire, Pharmasave Black Diamond, High Country Video, Longview Steakhouse, Village of Longview, Brandt Tractor Ltd., Pure Jeanius, Fat Burger, Sweets & Blooms, Boothill Gallery, Navajo Mug, Sears Ranches, Vale's Greenhouse, The Energy Shop, CPA, Kel-Terra Inc., Hayden's Machine Shop Ltd., Royal Bank, Exhibit Studio, Highway 22 Liquor Store, Longview Esso, Longview Jerky Shop, Longview Library, Finishing Touches, Pop's Barber Shop, Little New York Bistro, Bump's Pit Stop, Erica O'Callaghan, Atco Gas, Neil's Custom Carpentry, Blue Rock Gallery, Finishing Touches, Chinook Ranch, 7P Ranch, Kentucky Ranch, Teresa de Groisbois, Norma Lacey Crafts, Longview Fire Department and Little Chinook.
From My Bookshelf.... by Lynn Willoughby
(Page 6)
Unless - Carol Shields
A 2011 Canada Reads choice defended by Lorne Cardinal.
I believe I have read all things written by Carol Shields, so am puzzled by the choice of this novel. Her work is wonderful, full of well rounded, knowledgeable characters, triumph, tragedy and everything in between, but I had real trouble connecting to Reta Winters - the protagonist in Unless. Not everyone feels this way, however, so you must read it for yourself. "A novel for the ages...Unless is the work of a master writer at the peak of her powers..." writes the reviewer for the Vancouver Sun.
The bulk of the book consists of descriptions by Reta of the many small daily pleasures that arise from being at the centre of a loving, close-knit family (very Shields). Yet all is not what it seems. Reta's nineteen year old daughter has dropped out of collage and now sits mute, on a piece of cardboard at the corner of Bathhurst and Bloor, with a begging bowl in her lap.
Norah sleeps at night in the Promise Hostel - a shelter for the homeless. Her sisters, Natalie and Chris, visit her on a regular basis, bringing gifts and necessities. Her father, Tom, makes the trip to Toronto to silently sit beside her every Friday, bringing his own lawnchair. Reta drives by or covertly watches her daughter from diners and stores.
But Unless is not about Norah - it is about Reta "a strong, insightful woman, with a wonderfully dry sense of humour." Reta is a comic writer and her material is close at hand - the duo of town librarians, her three close friends who meet once a week for coffee, her editor and Danielle Westerman - a French poet and friend who Reta has worked with for many years. Her best source of wry comedy is herself; "I seldom wear scarves myself, I can't be bothered and besides, whatever I put around my neck takes on the configuration of a Girl Guide kerchief, the knot working its way straight to my throat and the points sticking out...and I am most definitely not a shopper."
This is a novel in praise of "the pleasures of ordinary existence."
Small Ceremonies
Happenstance
The Stone Diaries
and many others as well as poems.
Clara Callan - Richard B, Wright
Two sisters, one small town in the midst of a depression and World War II - this is the substance of a wonderful novel by a great Canadian author. This book is written in a diary and letter form that reveals the lives of the Callan sisters - Nora and Clara.
It is extraordinary to me that a male writer could capture so well the inner lives of these female characters. Not since Dolores Claiborne, written by Stephen King, have I read a book like this.
The Dionne quints are often featured throughout this novel, where Women's Auxiliary ruled the social life of small towns everywhere. "Wright's portrait draws a world of young women - pre-divorce, pre-pill, pre-liberation, where judgment weighed heavily upon anyone who defied convention."
The characters are so well defined they seem real and the themes are many and familiar in this complex novel, for anyone growing up in small town Canada. Depression era politics and economics, sexual politics, the influence of radio and movies, the melodrama of guilt - all play a part in the heroine's life and the lives of those nearest and dearest to her. The cultural shifts taking place in and around Clara and her sister are adroitly handled by Wright. This is a great read for baby boomers - both men and women - who can clearly relate to the lives of the Callan sisters.
Adultery
October
Who Knew?
The Dionne quintuplets, born to Oliva and Elzire Dionne in Corbeil, Ontario in 1934 were the only quintuplets to survive more than a few days. This miracle, plus their baby’s cuteness, the poverty of their French Canadian parents and the controversy over their guardianship, made them the sensation of the 1930's. They became Canada's biggest tourist attraction.
Unless - Carol Shields
A 2011 Canada Reads choice defended by Lorne Cardinal.
I believe I have read all things written by Carol Shields, so am puzzled by the choice of this novel. Her work is wonderful, full of well rounded, knowledgeable characters, triumph, tragedy and everything in between, but I had real trouble connecting to Reta Winters - the protagonist in Unless. Not everyone feels this way, however, so you must read it for yourself. "A novel for the ages...Unless is the work of a master writer at the peak of her powers..." writes the reviewer for the Vancouver Sun.
The bulk of the book consists of descriptions by Reta of the many small daily pleasures that arise from being at the centre of a loving, close-knit family (very Shields). Yet all is not what it seems. Reta's nineteen year old daughter has dropped out of collage and now sits mute, on a piece of cardboard at the corner of Bathhurst and Bloor, with a begging bowl in her lap.
Norah sleeps at night in the Promise Hostel - a shelter for the homeless. Her sisters, Natalie and Chris, visit her on a regular basis, bringing gifts and necessities. Her father, Tom, makes the trip to Toronto to silently sit beside her every Friday, bringing his own lawnchair. Reta drives by or covertly watches her daughter from diners and stores.
But Unless is not about Norah - it is about Reta "a strong, insightful woman, with a wonderfully dry sense of humour." Reta is a comic writer and her material is close at hand - the duo of town librarians, her three close friends who meet once a week for coffee, her editor and Danielle Westerman - a French poet and friend who Reta has worked with for many years. Her best source of wry comedy is herself; "I seldom wear scarves myself, I can't be bothered and besides, whatever I put around my neck takes on the configuration of a Girl Guide kerchief, the knot working its way straight to my throat and the points sticking out...and I am most definitely not a shopper."
This is a novel in praise of "the pleasures of ordinary existence."
Small Ceremonies
Happenstance
The Stone Diaries
and many others as well as poems.
Clara Callan - Richard B, Wright
Two sisters, one small town in the midst of a depression and World War II - this is the substance of a wonderful novel by a great Canadian author. This book is written in a diary and letter form that reveals the lives of the Callan sisters - Nora and Clara.
It is extraordinary to me that a male writer could capture so well the inner lives of these female characters. Not since Dolores Claiborne, written by Stephen King, have I read a book like this.
The Dionne quints are often featured throughout this novel, where Women's Auxiliary ruled the social life of small towns everywhere. "Wright's portrait draws a world of young women - pre-divorce, pre-pill, pre-liberation, where judgment weighed heavily upon anyone who defied convention."
The characters are so well defined they seem real and the themes are many and familiar in this complex novel, for anyone growing up in small town Canada. Depression era politics and economics, sexual politics, the influence of radio and movies, the melodrama of guilt - all play a part in the heroine's life and the lives of those nearest and dearest to her. The cultural shifts taking place in and around Clara and her sister are adroitly handled by Wright. This is a great read for baby boomers - both men and women - who can clearly relate to the lives of the Callan sisters.
Adultery
October
Who Knew?
The Dionne quintuplets, born to Oliva and Elzire Dionne in Corbeil, Ontario in 1934 were the only quintuplets to survive more than a few days. This miracle, plus their baby’s cuteness, the poverty of their French Canadian parents and the controversy over their guardianship, made them the sensation of the 1930's. They became Canada's biggest tourist attraction.
Millarville’s Cool News
(Page 7)
The Grade 5 class has been working like 'busy little bees' completing our Hero project, getting ready for our D.A.R.E graduation and starting “Reading... Give it a Shot.”
In Grade 5 we have recently finished a planner called Heroism. Each of us picked a Hero and studied them and then wrote an Exit Piece. A few examples of Heroes that we studied are, Pound Maker, a native chief, Michael J. Fox, a Canadian actor and Vicki Cianciarulo, a famous hunter and many more. A Hero is someone who helps others. They don't do everything for themselves they do things to help others. Every Hero has an inner-mountain to climb. An inner-mountain is a fear or a goal that they want to accomplish. Everyone can be a hero to someone else. “No one has to be famous to be a hero.” - a quote by Shannon. The Grade 5's want to know… what is a hero to you?
This year the Grade 5s were a part of the D.A.R.E program. D.A.R.E stands for: Define what your problem is, Assess, take the drug or don't, Respond, say yes or no, Evaluate, take a look back and evaluate. A police officer, Mrs. Melanie Glanville, came to our school to talk about drugs and alcohol and what they can do to your body. We learned about the drugs that we will have to face in the world and we learned how to say no! We have our D.A.R.E graduation this month and we are really looking forward to it. At our graduation we will receive a medal, a t-shirt and certificate.
“Reading... Give it a Shot” has started again this year for the students at Millarville Community School. Grades 4 to 6 are trying to read lots until March 14th, 2011. If you reach 2400 minutes you will get all the Flames bookmarks made into a poster. Some of the students in our class are competitive so we race each other to see who will get all the bookmarks first. Teachers will choose a student from each class. Each student's names are put into a draw to be chosen to go to a Calgary Flames Game. If you are the lucky student you will be able to go to a Flames game and meet some of the players. If you are participating in the “Reading... Give it a Shot,” be sure to keep track of your minutes!!!!!
Our Grade 5 class is super excited about our new planner “Powerful Forces” and our electricity unit. Keep checking the Gazette for the next up-coming article.
The Grade 5 class has been working like 'busy little bees' completing our Hero project, getting ready for our D.A.R.E graduation and starting “Reading... Give it a Shot.”
In Grade 5 we have recently finished a planner called Heroism. Each of us picked a Hero and studied them and then wrote an Exit Piece. A few examples of Heroes that we studied are, Pound Maker, a native chief, Michael J. Fox, a Canadian actor and Vicki Cianciarulo, a famous hunter and many more. A Hero is someone who helps others. They don't do everything for themselves they do things to help others. Every Hero has an inner-mountain to climb. An inner-mountain is a fear or a goal that they want to accomplish. Everyone can be a hero to someone else. “No one has to be famous to be a hero.” - a quote by Shannon. The Grade 5's want to know… what is a hero to you?
This year the Grade 5s were a part of the D.A.R.E program. D.A.R.E stands for: Define what your problem is, Assess, take the drug or don't, Respond, say yes or no, Evaluate, take a look back and evaluate. A police officer, Mrs. Melanie Glanville, came to our school to talk about drugs and alcohol and what they can do to your body. We learned about the drugs that we will have to face in the world and we learned how to say no! We have our D.A.R.E graduation this month and we are really looking forward to it. At our graduation we will receive a medal, a t-shirt and certificate.
“Reading... Give it a Shot” has started again this year for the students at Millarville Community School. Grades 4 to 6 are trying to read lots until March 14th, 2011. If you reach 2400 minutes you will get all the Flames bookmarks made into a poster. Some of the students in our class are competitive so we race each other to see who will get all the bookmarks first. Teachers will choose a student from each class. Each student's names are put into a draw to be chosen to go to a Calgary Flames Game. If you are the lucky student you will be able to go to a Flames game and meet some of the players. If you are participating in the “Reading... Give it a Shot,” be sure to keep track of your minutes!!!!!
Our Grade 5 class is super excited about our new planner “Powerful Forces” and our electricity unit. Keep checking the Gazette for the next up-coming article.
Millarville Saddle Sores - We’re Off To The Races!!
(Page 7)
By Nicole Oliver, Club Reporter
On December 18th the Millarville Saddle Sores loped off to the Reindeer Races hosted by the Millarville Mutts and Mustangs. Thank You to the Millarville Mutts and Mustangs and our enthusiastic volunteers. We started off our wonderful, but chilly day, at the Millarville race track with a great big bonfire. Our day also included six activities including a Tug-o-War; Ball Toss and Pole Bending. Thank you to the seniors for helping out. After that we had a wonderful lunch. At 1:00 we started the races and what fun it was to watch, they even made Dennis Halstead join and race on a sled.
On January 8th and 9th we had our district public speaking, curling and radio workshops where we learned how to write speeches, do a radio report and some got to try curling for their first time. Even though the weather was horrendous we still managed to get enough players for 4 teams of 3. All 4 teams were very close in the rankings.
Coming up we are looking forward to our winter workshop project. We would like to extend a big huge Thank You to Rowe Water Systems who have kindly donated the materials for us to make salt block holders for our horses. We will also be holding our public speaking competition on January 29th. February we have a horsemanship clinic as well as the 4H winter bonanza camps in Water Valley. With our regular rides in there we will be very busy in the next few month.
Stay warm everyone and have a great year in 2011!!!
By Nicole Oliver, Club Reporter
On December 18th the Millarville Saddle Sores loped off to the Reindeer Races hosted by the Millarville Mutts and Mustangs. Thank You to the Millarville Mutts and Mustangs and our enthusiastic volunteers. We started off our wonderful, but chilly day, at the Millarville race track with a great big bonfire. Our day also included six activities including a Tug-o-War; Ball Toss and Pole Bending. Thank you to the seniors for helping out. After that we had a wonderful lunch. At 1:00 we started the races and what fun it was to watch, they even made Dennis Halstead join and race on a sled.
On January 8th and 9th we had our district public speaking, curling and radio workshops where we learned how to write speeches, do a radio report and some got to try curling for their first time. Even though the weather was horrendous we still managed to get enough players for 4 teams of 3. All 4 teams were very close in the rankings.
Coming up we are looking forward to our winter workshop project. We would like to extend a big huge Thank You to Rowe Water Systems who have kindly donated the materials for us to make salt block holders for our horses. We will also be holding our public speaking competition on January 29th. February we have a horsemanship clinic as well as the 4H winter bonanza camps in Water Valley. With our regular rides in there we will be very busy in the next few month.
Stay warm everyone and have a great year in 2011!!!
The Oral Health Connection by Penny Judson-Benny, Registered Dental Hygienist
Smoking – Are the risks worth it?
(Page 8)
It has been known for quite some time now that smoking is highly linked with lung cancer and heart disease. Emphysema is almost exclusively found in smokers and 35% of all cancers can be attributed to smoking. There is an increased risk for early tooth loss and the main cause of throat and lung cancers is smoking.
Smoking contributes to 95% of lung cancer deaths. Lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, and cervical cancer in smokers is 8-17 times higher due to the increased concentration of nicotine found in the cervical mucus.
No amount of smoking is risk free! The amount of risk depends on how long someone has smoked, how deeply one inhales, as well as genetic factors.
Tobacco smoking lessens the effectiveness of medications (ie pain relievers, anti-depressants, tranquillizers, sedatives, ulcer meds and insulin). Smoking also destroys certain vitamins and creates the need for other specific nutrients. With every puff of a cigarette, a smoker breathes in 4700 different chemicals!
Smokers are more likely to have grey hair and have increased hair loss. Smokers are also more likely to have a chronic sinusitis.
Ninety per cent of all regular smokers began smoking before the age of eighteen.
Smoking and Oral Health
Smoking and chewing tobacco damage the gums and other areas of the mouth. The risk of tooth loss is 2X more in a smoker than a non-smoker. There is also a delay in healing after tooth extractions and it sometimes can lead to a temporary and painful condition called 'dry socket'. It is also the main cause of throat and oral cancers. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of periodontal disease by at least 4X compared to a non-smoker. There is also less success with dental implants as well as treating periodontal disease. There is a higher incidence of inflammation of the salivary glands.
Less riskier side effects from smoking include: an increase in halitosis (bad breath), a decrease in taste and smell, increased staining of the teeth as well having 'black, hairy tongue' (growths on the tongue making it look like the tongue is hairy and can be black or brown in appearance), as well as a more constant build-up of tartar and plaque.
Nicotine addiction is very strong and hard to lose and this makes tobacco companies very successful! In order to reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease, as well as live a long, healthy life smoke cessation is necessary.
Tips for smokers
Quit! Quit! Quit!
Get regular oral health exams and teeth cleanings from your dental professional. It is important to have a regular oral hygiene program including brushing, flossing, using an antibacterial mouthrinse and tongue cleaner. Learn to do oral cancer self examination which include checking for sores and/or lumps around the face, neck, lips and in the mouth that do not heal in two weeks time. Check for white, red or dark patches on the cheeks, palate, tongue and under the tongue. If these patches have not healed in two weeks time, have them checked by a dental professional. Also be aware of any numbness, pain or loss of feeling in any area of the mouth. It is important to be very familiar with what feels 'normal' in the orofacial area and what doesn't.
'Keep Your Smile For a Lifetime!'
Penny Judson-Benny, RDH, is the owner and operator of Mountain View Dental Hygiene Clinic in Black Diamond and can be contacted at 403-933-7722.
(Page 8)
It has been known for quite some time now that smoking is highly linked with lung cancer and heart disease. Emphysema is almost exclusively found in smokers and 35% of all cancers can be attributed to smoking. There is an increased risk for early tooth loss and the main cause of throat and lung cancers is smoking.
Smoking contributes to 95% of lung cancer deaths. Lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, and cervical cancer in smokers is 8-17 times higher due to the increased concentration of nicotine found in the cervical mucus.
No amount of smoking is risk free! The amount of risk depends on how long someone has smoked, how deeply one inhales, as well as genetic factors.
Tobacco smoking lessens the effectiveness of medications (ie pain relievers, anti-depressants, tranquillizers, sedatives, ulcer meds and insulin). Smoking also destroys certain vitamins and creates the need for other specific nutrients. With every puff of a cigarette, a smoker breathes in 4700 different chemicals!
Smokers are more likely to have grey hair and have increased hair loss. Smokers are also more likely to have a chronic sinusitis.
Ninety per cent of all regular smokers began smoking before the age of eighteen.
Smoking and Oral Health
Smoking and chewing tobacco damage the gums and other areas of the mouth. The risk of tooth loss is 2X more in a smoker than a non-smoker. There is also a delay in healing after tooth extractions and it sometimes can lead to a temporary and painful condition called 'dry socket'. It is also the main cause of throat and oral cancers. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of periodontal disease by at least 4X compared to a non-smoker. There is also less success with dental implants as well as treating periodontal disease. There is a higher incidence of inflammation of the salivary glands.
Less riskier side effects from smoking include: an increase in halitosis (bad breath), a decrease in taste and smell, increased staining of the teeth as well having 'black, hairy tongue' (growths on the tongue making it look like the tongue is hairy and can be black or brown in appearance), as well as a more constant build-up of tartar and plaque.
Nicotine addiction is very strong and hard to lose and this makes tobacco companies very successful! In order to reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease, as well as live a long, healthy life smoke cessation is necessary.
Tips for smokers
Quit! Quit! Quit!
Get regular oral health exams and teeth cleanings from your dental professional. It is important to have a regular oral hygiene program including brushing, flossing, using an antibacterial mouthrinse and tongue cleaner. Learn to do oral cancer self examination which include checking for sores and/or lumps around the face, neck, lips and in the mouth that do not heal in two weeks time. Check for white, red or dark patches on the cheeks, palate, tongue and under the tongue. If these patches have not healed in two weeks time, have them checked by a dental professional. Also be aware of any numbness, pain or loss of feeling in any area of the mouth. It is important to be very familiar with what feels 'normal' in the orofacial area and what doesn't.
'Keep Your Smile For a Lifetime!'
Penny Judson-Benny, RDH, is the owner and operator of Mountain View Dental Hygiene Clinic in Black Diamond and can be contacted at 403-933-7722.
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