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Grade four student Gabby LaSalle from C. Ian McLaren School has been named a winner of ATB Financial’s Young Artists Competition. Gabby is among 31 artists whose works were selected by a panel of expert judges to be displayed in the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton until May 20th.
ATB asked grade four students across Alberta to submit works of art that told an Alberta story in conjunction with their Social Studies curriculum. Entries were judged on content, creativity, composition and craftsmanship. They received hundreds of entries from all corners of the province.
Your source for the Good News of your community. Visit our website to view our FULL online e-edition (it's like flipping through the real thing right on your screen!) http://gatewaygazette.ca ----- Click on an article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of each post.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Teddy For A Toonie
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2011 marks the 12-year anniversary of ATB Financial's Teddy for a Toonie Campaign, which raises money province-wide for the Stollery and Alberta Children's Hospital foundations. This year, proceeds will support the expansion of the Stollery's pediatric emergency department and Bone Marrow Transplantation at the Alberta Children's Hospital.
ATB Financial in Black Diamond raised $3887.95 and would like to thank every person and business that helped make this year such a success!
2011 marks the 12-year anniversary of ATB Financial's Teddy for a Toonie Campaign, which raises money province-wide for the Stollery and Alberta Children's Hospital foundations. This year, proceeds will support the expansion of the Stollery's pediatric emergency department and Bone Marrow Transplantation at the Alberta Children's Hospital.
ATB Financial in Black Diamond raised $3887.95 and would like to thank every person and business that helped make this year such a success!
Rowan House To Break Ground This Summer
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By Todd Curran
Rowan House Emergency Shelter is very close to reaching its fundraising goal for the building portion of its new shelter and expects to have shovels in the ground this June.
The Shelter needed $300,000 to start construction on their new High River facility in June, which looks very probable with the province's recent generous donation. “We are ecstatic that Provincial monies came to us in the form of Community Enhancement Grants to the tune of $250,000. The cheque was presented by George Groeneveld, MLA Highwood and the Honourable Ted Morton, Minister of Finance, at the Hope & Healing Gala held on May 14th, 2011”, says Executive Director, Sherrie Botten. “We are now in need of an additional $200,000 for the furnishings, fencing and landscaping to complete the house. We are optimistic we will be able to get started next month.”
Having outgrown their current Foothills facility, Rowan House will need to fundraise $1.2 million in operating dollars (over the next 3 years) to open at the full capacity the new facility will allow. “Alberta Children and Youth Services may not fund us past our current capacity of 6 beds,” Botten says. “This is why it will be important for us to continue to fundraise once the new facility is under construction. The community has always been there to support Rowan House programming and we are very appreciative and optimistic that this will continue.”
Rowan House Emergency Shelter exists to provide integrated services to all women and their children affected by violence with a specialized focus on rural communities. Please visit: www.rowanhouseonline.org for more information.
By Todd Curran
Rowan House Emergency Shelter is very close to reaching its fundraising goal for the building portion of its new shelter and expects to have shovels in the ground this June.
The Shelter needed $300,000 to start construction on their new High River facility in June, which looks very probable with the province's recent generous donation. “We are ecstatic that Provincial monies came to us in the form of Community Enhancement Grants to the tune of $250,000. The cheque was presented by George Groeneveld, MLA Highwood and the Honourable Ted Morton, Minister of Finance, at the Hope & Healing Gala held on May 14th, 2011”, says Executive Director, Sherrie Botten. “We are now in need of an additional $200,000 for the furnishings, fencing and landscaping to complete the house. We are optimistic we will be able to get started next month.”
Having outgrown their current Foothills facility, Rowan House will need to fundraise $1.2 million in operating dollars (over the next 3 years) to open at the full capacity the new facility will allow. “Alberta Children and Youth Services may not fund us past our current capacity of 6 beds,” Botten says. “This is why it will be important for us to continue to fundraise once the new facility is under construction. The community has always been there to support Rowan House programming and we are very appreciative and optimistic that this will continue.”
Rowan House Emergency Shelter exists to provide integrated services to all women and their children affected by violence with a specialized focus on rural communities. Please visit: www.rowanhouseonline.org for more information.
Views on Vision ~ Celebrating Our First Year! By Dr. Charles A. Boulet
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Let's start by saying thank-you to our many clients from Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Millarville, Longview, Okotoks, High River, Priddis, Calgary and others. Diamond Valley Vision Care is celebrating it's first year in business and we couldn't be more pleased with our choice to set up shop in the Diamond Valley.
It's funny, one nice lady of 85 years chastised me for saying 'Diamond Valley' because they were separate towns and should remain 'Black Diamond' and 'Turner Valley'. I explained that it was that I found this 'valley' was a real 'diamond' and that it had nothing to do with the town names. Perhaps she believed me.
We will be celebrating our first year in business over the June 4th parade day weekend, but the actual anniversary was April 19th. We served a nice gentleman who had lost his glasses to a fight in Mexico the day before. He lost more than that, but had good enough sense to quit while he was ahead. He was the first of several hundred patients we've served since opening our doors, including the great many children assessed for health and optimal learning readiness.
The local schools are to be commended for having us attend on site so we could check the Kindergarten classes. These were not simple 'screening' exams and we were able to do some more detailed checks into visual function and efficiency as the children were starting in the reading programs. In some cases, surprising numbers of trouble areas were found and we were able to help many children even up the playing field. Sadly, many more children go on without appropriate investigations into eye health and visual function. In the end, it was a great convenience to parents and prevented needless pain and needless costs to schools. What good is language training if vision isn't working optimally?
One of the more moving examples was 'David', four years old, and for all intents and purposes a very normal kid, though his parents noted he liked to look at things rather closely. David, as it turned out, was very highly farsighted and effectively legally blind. He navigated largely by shadows and colour differences, and was very good at it. When David got his final prescription (it was so high, we had to step him into it), he looked up, pointed to a tree and asked what the leaves were. He then studied his mom for a minute, then said very simply with a matter of fact smile of his face, 'Mommy, you're pretty!' No one had a dry eye in the clinic that day. There are many 'David's' out there.
When looking for a location to set up a new clinic, I knew this region was underserved. Still, many people advised against setting up a high-tech clinic in a small town. The fact is, in the last year, we have:
Accessibility has always been a priority for me and so the clinic was designed to accommodate all people, especially wheelchairs. We have also tried to extend our reach with home and site visits, but unfortunately the Province does not allow for this in any way. (Not only are site visits not covered under health care, but even if people want to pay me to see them at home, I cannot accept payment. Seems terribly odd in today's day and age given all the rhetoric around healthcare.) The longterm cost of NO care is often much greater than the service charge required to motivate more doctors to do house calls. It's complicated, I know, but the current answer of 'no care at all' is not acceptable.
Over the next year, we will be expanding our product line to include more low vision devices. We'll also be keeping our selection of fashion and safety frames current and interesting. We are always working to serve you better and are truly honoured to serve our communities.
We will be around Parade day with some fridge magnets, gift certificates and free sunglasses for the kids. Please feel free to bother us for a pair or to simply ask questions about your eyes and vision, or that of your children. Thanks again for a great year!
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties. Call 403-933-5552.
www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
Let's start by saying thank-you to our many clients from Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Millarville, Longview, Okotoks, High River, Priddis, Calgary and others. Diamond Valley Vision Care is celebrating it's first year in business and we couldn't be more pleased with our choice to set up shop in the Diamond Valley.
It's funny, one nice lady of 85 years chastised me for saying 'Diamond Valley' because they were separate towns and should remain 'Black Diamond' and 'Turner Valley'. I explained that it was that I found this 'valley' was a real 'diamond' and that it had nothing to do with the town names. Perhaps she believed me.
We will be celebrating our first year in business over the June 4th parade day weekend, but the actual anniversary was April 19th. We served a nice gentleman who had lost his glasses to a fight in Mexico the day before. He lost more than that, but had good enough sense to quit while he was ahead. He was the first of several hundred patients we've served since opening our doors, including the great many children assessed for health and optimal learning readiness.
The local schools are to be commended for having us attend on site so we could check the Kindergarten classes. These were not simple 'screening' exams and we were able to do some more detailed checks into visual function and efficiency as the children were starting in the reading programs. In some cases, surprising numbers of trouble areas were found and we were able to help many children even up the playing field. Sadly, many more children go on without appropriate investigations into eye health and visual function. In the end, it was a great convenience to parents and prevented needless pain and needless costs to schools. What good is language training if vision isn't working optimally?
One of the more moving examples was 'David', four years old, and for all intents and purposes a very normal kid, though his parents noted he liked to look at things rather closely. David, as it turned out, was very highly farsighted and effectively legally blind. He navigated largely by shadows and colour differences, and was very good at it. When David got his final prescription (it was so high, we had to step him into it), he looked up, pointed to a tree and asked what the leaves were. He then studied his mom for a minute, then said very simply with a matter of fact smile of his face, 'Mommy, you're pretty!' No one had a dry eye in the clinic that day. There are many 'David's' out there.
When looking for a location to set up a new clinic, I knew this region was underserved. Still, many people advised against setting up a high-tech clinic in a small town. The fact is, in the last year, we have:
- assisted nearly a hundred people through surgical procedures including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and others.
- detected serious sight and life threatening conditions that were otherwise undetected in many dozens of cases.
- prevented blindness in many more through management of disease and amblyopia (lazy eye).
- provided hundreds with great custom glasses, contact lenses and specialty eyewear.
- served dozens of people on location when they could not attend our clinic.
- saved healthcare and patients literally tens of thousands of dollars by dealing with eye health issues locally rather than in Calgary in a specialty clinic.
- helped some quit smoking.
Accessibility has always been a priority for me and so the clinic was designed to accommodate all people, especially wheelchairs. We have also tried to extend our reach with home and site visits, but unfortunately the Province does not allow for this in any way. (Not only are site visits not covered under health care, but even if people want to pay me to see them at home, I cannot accept payment. Seems terribly odd in today's day and age given all the rhetoric around healthcare.) The longterm cost of NO care is often much greater than the service charge required to motivate more doctors to do house calls. It's complicated, I know, but the current answer of 'no care at all' is not acceptable.
Over the next year, we will be expanding our product line to include more low vision devices. We'll also be keeping our selection of fashion and safety frames current and interesting. We are always working to serve you better and are truly honoured to serve our communities.
We will be around Parade day with some fridge magnets, gift certificates and free sunglasses for the kids. Please feel free to bother us for a pair or to simply ask questions about your eyes and vision, or that of your children. Thanks again for a great year!
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties. Call 403-933-5552.
www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Battle of the Bands
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By Todd Curran
Presented by the Longview Stampede and Festival Association, nine bands from Calgary and area played to a motley crowd, with Dreams of Reason barely beating out local favourite Rolling Thunder for the win.
“Those two were actually tied,” says Joy Lantz, organizer of the event. “We anticipated the possibility of a tie and narrowed it down to the highest score in two categories to determine the winner. The top thee bands were only about three points apart.”
Dreams of Reason won contracts to play at different bars, a guitar hand painted by local artist Matts Zoumer and $200 in cash. Cash prizes were awarded to Rolling Thunder and third place winner The Enemy. Also, several bands were booked for gigs by the different bar owners who were judging the battle.
“I just want to thank all the bands, volunteers, judges and our great sound guy for coming out,” Joy says. “Their help brought in a lot of proceeds to support Little New York Daze.”
By Todd Curran
Presented by the Longview Stampede and Festival Association, nine bands from Calgary and area played to a motley crowd, with Dreams of Reason barely beating out local favourite Rolling Thunder for the win.
“Those two were actually tied,” says Joy Lantz, organizer of the event. “We anticipated the possibility of a tie and narrowed it down to the highest score in two categories to determine the winner. The top thee bands were only about three points apart.”
Dreams of Reason won contracts to play at different bars, a guitar hand painted by local artist Matts Zoumer and $200 in cash. Cash prizes were awarded to Rolling Thunder and third place winner The Enemy. Also, several bands were booked for gigs by the different bar owners who were judging the battle.
“I just want to thank all the bands, volunteers, judges and our great sound guy for coming out,” Joy says. “Their help brought in a lot of proceeds to support Little New York Daze.”
Sheep Creek Arts Council Requests Help!
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Submitted by Muriel Dais
The Sheep Creek Arts Council is asking for help to obtain rhubarb. The late, cold spring has had a very serious effect on rhubarb growth. Our usual supplier, Roberta Danforth, is not going to have rhubarb ready for our Rhubarb Festival Tea, Bake Sale and Quilt Show scheduled for June 4th, after the Diamond Valley Parade. We are putting out an urgent request to anyone in the community who may have frozen rhubarb in their freezers and who would be willing to provide it for the Festival. We understand that rhubarb may be growing in sheltered gardens in town as well, if you have some and could make it available to us by May 31st, we would really appreciate your help. Please call and leave us a message on the Sheep Creek Arts Council number: 403-933-4020 or Jackie at 938-2032.
On the assumption that we will be able to find enough rhubarb somewhere in the province, plans are going ahead for the Tea, Bake Sale and Quilt Show on June 4th at 1:00pm (the Bake Sale will open at 11:00am). The Quilt Show, involving submissions from many local quilting groups, will be located in the Sheep Creek Arts Council gallery at 133 Sunset Boulevard, Turner Valley. Ribbons will be awarded for the top three quilts selected by popular vote. The Tea will be held again this year in The Valley Neighbours' Club in the same building as The Arts Council. The cost for the Tea will be five dollars per person and will include the Quilt Show. If anyone wishes to visit the Quilt Show only, admission is a Loonie. Watch for Doug Lansdell driving the antique truck in the Diamond Valley Parade, carrying signs advertising the Rhubarb Festival and then parking it in front of 133 Sunset Boulevard in Turner Valley. The truck, owned and restored by the late Stuart Cameron, draws a great deal of attention in the parade and in our parking lot.
Submitted by Muriel Dais
The Sheep Creek Arts Council is asking for help to obtain rhubarb. The late, cold spring has had a very serious effect on rhubarb growth. Our usual supplier, Roberta Danforth, is not going to have rhubarb ready for our Rhubarb Festival Tea, Bake Sale and Quilt Show scheduled for June 4th, after the Diamond Valley Parade. We are putting out an urgent request to anyone in the community who may have frozen rhubarb in their freezers and who would be willing to provide it for the Festival. We understand that rhubarb may be growing in sheltered gardens in town as well, if you have some and could make it available to us by May 31st, we would really appreciate your help. Please call and leave us a message on the Sheep Creek Arts Council number: 403-933-4020 or Jackie at 938-2032.
On the assumption that we will be able to find enough rhubarb somewhere in the province, plans are going ahead for the Tea, Bake Sale and Quilt Show on June 4th at 1:00pm (the Bake Sale will open at 11:00am). The Quilt Show, involving submissions from many local quilting groups, will be located in the Sheep Creek Arts Council gallery at 133 Sunset Boulevard, Turner Valley. Ribbons will be awarded for the top three quilts selected by popular vote. The Tea will be held again this year in The Valley Neighbours' Club in the same building as The Arts Council. The cost for the Tea will be five dollars per person and will include the Quilt Show. If anyone wishes to visit the Quilt Show only, admission is a Loonie. Watch for Doug Lansdell driving the antique truck in the Diamond Valley Parade, carrying signs advertising the Rhubarb Festival and then parking it in front of 133 Sunset Boulevard in Turner Valley. The truck, owned and restored by the late Stuart Cameron, draws a great deal of attention in the parade and in our parking lot.
Local Treasure Wins Minister's Award
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By Todd Curran
Bob Lochhead is well-known for his work with the Royal Canadian Legion, Valley Neighbours Club and the Lions Club. He drives seniors to appointments, helps in the kitchen and assists seniors by mowing their lawns.
He's a treasured Turner Valley local whose efforts recently earned him the Minister's Seniors Service Award.
It was to recognize this exceptional community spirit that the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #78 in Turner Valley nominated Bob for this prestigious award.
The Minister's Seniors Service Awards recognize Albertans who volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of seniors, and Bob has certainly earned that distinction. He and a few other recipients from the 60 plus nominees will be receiving their awards at a ceremony in Edmonton during Senior's Week this June.
“These volunteers give so much to our province and our seniors,” says Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. “The Seniors Service Awards are our chance to formally recognize their incredible efforts and contributions. It's an honour to be involved in this awards program that pays tribute to so many deserving Albertans.”
“Nominate someone today,” she adds. “Volunteers give so much to our communities — these awards are one way we can give back.”
For more information visit: www.seniors.alberta.ca/awards.
By Todd Curran
Bob Lochhead is well-known for his work with the Royal Canadian Legion, Valley Neighbours Club and the Lions Club. He drives seniors to appointments, helps in the kitchen and assists seniors by mowing their lawns.
He's a treasured Turner Valley local whose efforts recently earned him the Minister's Seniors Service Award.
It was to recognize this exceptional community spirit that the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #78 in Turner Valley nominated Bob for this prestigious award.
The Minister's Seniors Service Awards recognize Albertans who volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of seniors, and Bob has certainly earned that distinction. He and a few other recipients from the 60 plus nominees will be receiving their awards at a ceremony in Edmonton during Senior's Week this June.
“These volunteers give so much to our province and our seniors,” says Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. “The Seniors Service Awards are our chance to formally recognize their incredible efforts and contributions. It's an honour to be involved in this awards program that pays tribute to so many deserving Albertans.”
“Nominate someone today,” she adds. “Volunteers give so much to our communities — these awards are one way we can give back.”
For more information visit: www.seniors.alberta.ca/awards.
Friday, May 27, 2011
C. Ian McLaren Playground Construction – Postponed
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Due to the current weather conditions, the construction of the new playground at C. Ian McLaren School has been postponed until Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th.
If enough volunteers can gather on the Friday to help, the suppliers are hoping that there will not be much left to do on Saturday, as that is Parade Day.
Please call the school at 403-938-7295 if you are able to volunteer and help get this project finished – the kids are all very excited!
Update On Local Flooding Concerns
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The following bodies of water are under an Alberta Environment Flood Watch: Sheep River, Three Point Creek and Fish Creek. The Highwood River has been upgraded to a Flood Warning.
A state of emergency has been declared for the Town of High River as Alberta Environment placed the town under a Flood Warning. The Wallaceville community is under a mandatory evacuation order and the Willow 's Garden Apartments is under a voluntary, but high recommended, evacutaion order. The flood tubs that were keeping the river flow manageable gave way and water is flowing towards 1A Street and the Willow’s Apartments. The estimated water levels are currently at 6-8 inches. A reception centre has been set up Highwood High School for evacuees and residents are encouraged to check-into the centre.
Black Diamond’s Emergency Operations Centre was partially activated at 8:45pm Thursday evening.
Remediation work that has been done by the Town since the 2005 floods appears to have been effective.
At this time, no volunteers are being requested and no emergencies have been reported.
Campers are being evacuated from the Okotoks Lions Campground.
Another full day of rain is expected today.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Rocky Mountain Heritage Days - Postponed
The Rocky Mountain Heritage Days scheduled for May 28th at the Millarville Race Track has been postponed until later in the year due to the potential current outbreak of a virus affecting the horse community.
This decision was made as a precaution until the horse virus nEHV-1 is no longer a threat.
According to Turner Valley Veterinarian, Dr. Wayne Steiger, all the reported cases have been associated with the cutting horse world and all the horses that may have been in contact with the reported cases have been well quarantined.
The first wave of the infection is over and a second wave is not anticipated but it will be another two weeks before we know for sure.
Good husbandry and bio-security practices are all that is required for the general horse community until all the quarantines have been lifted.
Dr. Steiger commented that the cancellation of upcoming events is just a precaution.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Oral Health Connection by Penny Judson-Benny, Registered Dental Hygienist
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Temperomandibular Joint Disorder
My jaw hurts! What is TMJ?
TMJ, or tempero-mandibular joint disorder occurs when the hinge connecting the upper and lower jaw isn't working properly. This hinge is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for moving the lower jaw forward, backward and side-to-side. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working as it should is called 'TMJ' or 'TMD'. Often, TMJ feels like your jaw is popping or clicking or even 'getting stuck' for a moment. The exact cause of this misalignment is often impossible to determine.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ disorders have many signs and symptoms. It's often difficult to know for sure if you have TMJ, because one or all of these symptoms can be present for other problems. Your dentist can help make a proper diagnosis by taking a complete medical and dental history, conducting a clinical examination and taking the appropriate x-rays.
Some of the most common TMJ symptoms are:
Headaches (often mimicking migraines), earaches and pain and pressure behind the eyes
A clicking and popping sound when you open or close your mouth
Pain brought on by yawning, opening the mouth widely or chewing
The jaw gets 'stuck', locks or 'goes out'
Tenderness of the jaw muscles
A sudden change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
How is TMJ treated?
While there is no single cure for TMJ, there are different treatments you can follow that may reduce your symptoms dramatically. Your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:
Trying to eliminate muscle spasm and pain by applying moist heat or taking medication such as muscle-relaxants, aspirin or other over-the-counter pain-relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Reducing the harmful effects of clenching and grinding by wearing an appliance, sometimes called a 'bite plate' or 'splint'. Custom-made to fit your mouth, the appliance slips over the upper teeth and keeps them from grinding against the lower teeth.
Learning relaxation techniques to help control muscle tension in the jaw. Your dentist may suggest you seek training or counseling to eliminate stress.
When the jaw joints are affected and other treatments have been unsuccessful, jaw joint surgery may be recommended.
'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.
Temperomandibular Joint Disorder
My jaw hurts! What is TMJ?
TMJ, or tempero-mandibular joint disorder occurs when the hinge connecting the upper and lower jaw isn't working properly. This hinge is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for moving the lower jaw forward, backward and side-to-side. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working as it should is called 'TMJ' or 'TMD'. Often, TMJ feels like your jaw is popping or clicking or even 'getting stuck' for a moment. The exact cause of this misalignment is often impossible to determine.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ disorders have many signs and symptoms. It's often difficult to know for sure if you have TMJ, because one or all of these symptoms can be present for other problems. Your dentist can help make a proper diagnosis by taking a complete medical and dental history, conducting a clinical examination and taking the appropriate x-rays.
Some of the most common TMJ symptoms are:
Headaches (often mimicking migraines), earaches and pain and pressure behind the eyes
A clicking and popping sound when you open or close your mouth
Pain brought on by yawning, opening the mouth widely or chewing
The jaw gets 'stuck', locks or 'goes out'
Tenderness of the jaw muscles
A sudden change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
How is TMJ treated?
While there is no single cure for TMJ, there are different treatments you can follow that may reduce your symptoms dramatically. Your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:
Trying to eliminate muscle spasm and pain by applying moist heat or taking medication such as muscle-relaxants, aspirin or other over-the-counter pain-relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Reducing the harmful effects of clenching and grinding by wearing an appliance, sometimes called a 'bite plate' or 'splint'. Custom-made to fit your mouth, the appliance slips over the upper teeth and keeps them from grinding against the lower teeth.
Learning relaxation techniques to help control muscle tension in the jaw. Your dentist may suggest you seek training or counseling to eliminate stress.
When the jaw joints are affected and other treatments have been unsuccessful, jaw joint surgery may be recommended.
'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.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Life of An Omniscient Artist
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The New Moon has arrived! Were you focusing on what you want? I certainly hope so. Because if you were focusing (or stressing) on what you don't want, like bills, problems or being sick then that is exactly what you will get. I know it sounds 'hokey', but if you ask a wizened farmer to plant their seeds on the Waxing (or 'coming into') of the New Moon, they'll already have done it three days ago. Not only does the waxing of the new moon bring you what you want, it also encourages growth! The next New Moon is on June 1st, at 10pm but remember to cast your wish at least three days before. After the New Moon, be aware of the Waning Period, or 'going out-of' of the New Moon. During this phase, consider letting go of a bad habit, a negative thought pattern or stress in general. Visualize it!
Speaking of which, let's get down to the business of art. Artistic types really love to watch people. It's fascinating. We watch how the public reveals themselves to the world. Figure drawing is a wonderful art form that (unfortunately) people tend to shy away from because it's mistakenly assumed to be drawing 'someone naked'. But if you've ever taken a figure drawing class, you know that once you remove yourself from your physical self, you become something of an omniscient. You suddenly see the figure you're drawing as a living sculpture. It is so quiet, usually darkened with one light source on the figure. The shadows and highlights become your muse. It feels like writing visual poetry. After the class, you feel like you need to 'shake yourself awake'. It's very much like meditation. And guess when the best time to do this particular form of art is? You guessed it, during the Waxing of the New Moon. The model is relaxed, you are relaxed and so are all the other participants in the room. Completely content, you take your drawings home. Naturally, you share it with your loved ones, your friends. Curiously, since they weren't in the room with you, they didn't see what you saw, or felt what you felt. And here comes the weirdest feeling ever: you have now experienced what it's like to be an artist. And you'll love it!
~Love and light from The Real RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
The New Moon has arrived! Were you focusing on what you want? I certainly hope so. Because if you were focusing (or stressing) on what you don't want, like bills, problems or being sick then that is exactly what you will get. I know it sounds 'hokey', but if you ask a wizened farmer to plant their seeds on the Waxing (or 'coming into') of the New Moon, they'll already have done it three days ago. Not only does the waxing of the new moon bring you what you want, it also encourages growth! The next New Moon is on June 1st, at 10pm but remember to cast your wish at least three days before. After the New Moon, be aware of the Waning Period, or 'going out-of' of the New Moon. During this phase, consider letting go of a bad habit, a negative thought pattern or stress in general. Visualize it!
Speaking of which, let's get down to the business of art. Artistic types really love to watch people. It's fascinating. We watch how the public reveals themselves to the world. Figure drawing is a wonderful art form that (unfortunately) people tend to shy away from because it's mistakenly assumed to be drawing 'someone naked'. But if you've ever taken a figure drawing class, you know that once you remove yourself from your physical self, you become something of an omniscient. You suddenly see the figure you're drawing as a living sculpture. It is so quiet, usually darkened with one light source on the figure. The shadows and highlights become your muse. It feels like writing visual poetry. After the class, you feel like you need to 'shake yourself awake'. It's very much like meditation. And guess when the best time to do this particular form of art is? You guessed it, during the Waxing of the New Moon. The model is relaxed, you are relaxed and so are all the other participants in the room. Completely content, you take your drawings home. Naturally, you share it with your loved ones, your friends. Curiously, since they weren't in the room with you, they didn't see what you saw, or felt what you felt. And here comes the weirdest feeling ever: you have now experienced what it's like to be an artist. And you'll love it!
~Love and light from The Real RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
Friday, May 20, 2011
From My Bookshelf.... by Lynn Willoughby
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of this article.
The Book of Awesome - Neil Pasricha
Reviews of this book, interviews with the author, praise by those who had read it kept popping into my life. So, Christmas gift card in hand, I bought it. I'm so glad I did. At the end (or the beginning) of the day, when you need a smile - read a few pages.
This great book reminds us of all the little things that are extremely important to our happiness - popping the bubble wrap your package arrived in, the smell of sun-dried sheets, someone flashing their high beams at you to warn you about the cops. You cannot read this book without smiling and/or laughing out loud.
Don't borrow this book - buy it! Pull it out when you need it. It is often tongue-in-cheek: the boss is out of town, who's up for a three hour lunch; Yipee, we're the first table called up for the dinner buffet! - but don't we all love it when that happens?
It is wonderfully funny, very observant, with lots of Pollyanna memories over everyday occurrences, but I loved it. There are many photos which makes it lovely and personal, and it does challenge you to make your own list of "awesome!" The first entry on my list is the absolute joy of dogs - that gives me absolute joy. Awesome!
The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein
This book was recommended by a book club and when I started it I wondered why. It seemed very simplistic - the protagonist is a dog! But I persisted and, indeed, it got a lot better, dealing with issues usually unexplored: child custody, death, cancer, being broke and desperate. The bonus was a lot of information new to me about Formula One car racing.
Enzo tells this story from a dog's perspective - with the wonders of human life (opposable thumbs), but also human absurdities; Enzo learns and philosophizes about information he gleans from human conversations and TV. Often his conclusions are wildly funny, but just as often they are extremely insightful.
After Denny's wife, Eve, dies there is a battle over their three year old daughter Zoe. Her maternal grandparents are suing for custody. Denny is out of money, worn down, grieving, unable to make a living as he can't leave the state and is ready to sign over custody. Enzo grabs the papers and runs away with them - eventually urinating on them. This is so out of character it jolts Denny back into reality and he chastises himself for even considering this move.
This book captures the wonders and foolishness of human life. It especially deals with how we face death - and how dogs face death. "My soul has learned what it came to learn and all the other things are just things," Enzo says.
"This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human." - Sara Gruen author of Water for Elephants.
Raven Stole the Moon
How Evan Broke His Head
Who Knew?
The Mayans believed dogs were guardians of the afterlife and the sacred mummification of a dog would allow the dead canine to help the deceased to his ultimate destination. Clay and ceramic effigies of dogs date back more than 3000 years.
The Book of Awesome - Neil Pasricha
Reviews of this book, interviews with the author, praise by those who had read it kept popping into my life. So, Christmas gift card in hand, I bought it. I'm so glad I did. At the end (or the beginning) of the day, when you need a smile - read a few pages.
This great book reminds us of all the little things that are extremely important to our happiness - popping the bubble wrap your package arrived in, the smell of sun-dried sheets, someone flashing their high beams at you to warn you about the cops. You cannot read this book without smiling and/or laughing out loud.
Don't borrow this book - buy it! Pull it out when you need it. It is often tongue-in-cheek: the boss is out of town, who's up for a three hour lunch; Yipee, we're the first table called up for the dinner buffet! - but don't we all love it when that happens?
It is wonderfully funny, very observant, with lots of Pollyanna memories over everyday occurrences, but I loved it. There are many photos which makes it lovely and personal, and it does challenge you to make your own list of "awesome!" The first entry on my list is the absolute joy of dogs - that gives me absolute joy. Awesome!
The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein
This book was recommended by a book club and when I started it I wondered why. It seemed very simplistic - the protagonist is a dog! But I persisted and, indeed, it got a lot better, dealing with issues usually unexplored: child custody, death, cancer, being broke and desperate. The bonus was a lot of information new to me about Formula One car racing.
Enzo tells this story from a dog's perspective - with the wonders of human life (opposable thumbs), but also human absurdities; Enzo learns and philosophizes about information he gleans from human conversations and TV. Often his conclusions are wildly funny, but just as often they are extremely insightful.
After Denny's wife, Eve, dies there is a battle over their three year old daughter Zoe. Her maternal grandparents are suing for custody. Denny is out of money, worn down, grieving, unable to make a living as he can't leave the state and is ready to sign over custody. Enzo grabs the papers and runs away with them - eventually urinating on them. This is so out of character it jolts Denny back into reality and he chastises himself for even considering this move.
This book captures the wonders and foolishness of human life. It especially deals with how we face death - and how dogs face death. "My soul has learned what it came to learn and all the other things are just things," Enzo says.
"This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human." - Sara Gruen author of Water for Elephants.
Raven Stole the Moon
How Evan Broke His Head
Who Knew?
The Mayans believed dogs were guardians of the afterlife and the sacred mummification of a dog would allow the dead canine to help the deceased to his ultimate destination. Clay and ceramic effigies of dogs date back more than 3000 years.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Faith Forum by Gloria Wessner - Breaking Down The Wall
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of this article.
There is a wall higher than any other known wall in the world that was built back in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of time. When Eve chose to disobey God and eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the minute she took a bite that wall was built between God and all of humankind (Genesis 2:16, 17 and 3:6, 11, 19). The wall cannot physically be seen, but we know that it exists because there is no way that any human being can go over, around it, through it or under it. That wall is made by our wrong doings, 'sin' as God's Word calls it, and it separates us from God. It is him, not us, who had to break this wall down so we could find God and have a relationship with him. This is the way he did it:
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” (Ephesians 1:4-7 NLT)
That wall stays up, however, unless we choose to believe in God and what he has done for us through his son, Jesus Christ. When we do choose him, that barrier falls down and we clearly see God, and become his children, 'adopted into his own family' as the above piece says, and he becomes our heavenly Father. He knew before the beginning of time that we would choose the wrong path, so he planned from the very start how this wall between him and us would come down.
“God saved you by his grace (special favor) 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 2:8-10 NLT)
When that wall comes down and we are a part of God's family – all kinds of good things happen and our eyes become opened. We are aware of things in such a different way – we see the world differently, our family becomes more precious and we now have resources in God to help them (these are learned as we grow in God in so many different ways through God's word, his people and as we meet with other believers), our priorities change, we long to help others, and so many other things as God's spirit works in our hearts and we cooperate with him as he does so.
An important thing to know is that the result of God's actions in what he has done (mentioned above) are about you and me. But life, and all that has been created, and all that we see and don't see, is about him, and about his love that holds and binds all things together and enables us to have a wonderful and personal relationship with him.
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,..” (Ephesians 2:14 NKJV)
Readers are invited to write Gloria at: gloriawes@hotmail.com.
There is a wall higher than any other known wall in the world that was built back in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of time. When Eve chose to disobey God and eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the minute she took a bite that wall was built between God and all of humankind (Genesis 2:16, 17 and 3:6, 11, 19). The wall cannot physically be seen, but we know that it exists because there is no way that any human being can go over, around it, through it or under it. That wall is made by our wrong doings, 'sin' as God's Word calls it, and it separates us from God. It is him, not us, who had to break this wall down so we could find God and have a relationship with him. This is the way he did it:
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” (Ephesians 1:4-7 NLT)
That wall stays up, however, unless we choose to believe in God and what he has done for us through his son, Jesus Christ. When we do choose him, that barrier falls down and we clearly see God, and become his children, 'adopted into his own family' as the above piece says, and he becomes our heavenly Father. He knew before the beginning of time that we would choose the wrong path, so he planned from the very start how this wall between him and us would come down.
“God saved you by his grace (special favor) 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 2:8-10 NLT)
When that wall comes down and we are a part of God's family – all kinds of good things happen and our eyes become opened. We are aware of things in such a different way – we see the world differently, our family becomes more precious and we now have resources in God to help them (these are learned as we grow in God in so many different ways through God's word, his people and as we meet with other believers), our priorities change, we long to help others, and so many other things as God's spirit works in our hearts and we cooperate with him as he does so.
An important thing to know is that the result of God's actions in what he has done (mentioned above) are about you and me. But life, and all that has been created, and all that we see and don't see, is about him, and about his love that holds and binds all things together and enables us to have a wonderful and personal relationship with him.
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,..” (Ephesians 2:14 NKJV)
Readers are invited to write Gloria at: gloriawes@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Household Hints by Rosemary - Visitors In The Attic
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of this article.
For the past two weeks we've had “visitors” at our home. We awoke one night to hear growls, thumps, bumps and general ruckus in the attic. When my husband checked outside he discovered the air vent from the roof had been torn off, a hole where it had been and a family of raccoons moved in. The mother had also given herself another escape route by tearing away some aluminum soffit.
Mother raccoon was a large aggressive female with as far as we could see by peeking through the vent in the peak of the roof, three or four small babies. Now, we don't mind sharing some space with our local fauna as long as they stay outside. But, we draw the line at them moving in, tearing up the attic insulation and racing up and down the drywall all night. Not to mention the fact they were directly about our bed and I had images of them dropping through the ceiling onto us. There was no decent sleep to be had; we moved into the guest bedroom at the back of the house to get some rest.
We had called the game warden when it happened several years ago and they rented us a live raccoon trap for thirty dollars. Unfortunately, we kept catching the wrong raccoon; each time my husband went up to remove the babies to join the trapped animal the mother came running to warn him off. She finally took them away one at a time when July came around and heated up the attic to unlivable temperatures. This time we knew we couldn't wait until July.
So, we checked the internet, family and friends and came up with a working plan. First, by lifting the access door to the space near the nest we put out basins of undiluted ammonia. This was very dangerous as we were not sure how close the female was to the door. Then my husband managed to squeeze through the main part of the attic and put in a radio and light, in accordance with internet instructions.
The radio and light were plugged in all during the daytime hours and, after a week, she finally took the babies and moved out. I hope she found a snug dry den.
We're happy the plan worked but, a better objective is to prevent them from getting in, in the first place. Protect your home against invasion by moving trees away from the house and cutting branches that overhang your roof. Seal air vents with screws, not nails; she was able to pull away two inch finishing nails. Seal loose soffit by making sure it's tight. Make sure your garbage cans have tight fitting lids and keep all pet food and feeding inside.
If you do have raccoons hanging around, discourage them by leaving a radio on, it need not be loud, just constant, and installing motion detector lighting. Spray ammonia around the trash area. I refuse to give up my bird feeders, but we do have bafflers on the poles as well as greasing them. None of these methods will harm the animals, but will encourage them to move on.
Don't forget, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is near, call your municipal government to find out when and where, and sign up.
Editor’s Note: These tips work well for squirrels too!
For the past two weeks we've had “visitors” at our home. We awoke one night to hear growls, thumps, bumps and general ruckus in the attic. When my husband checked outside he discovered the air vent from the roof had been torn off, a hole where it had been and a family of raccoons moved in. The mother had also given herself another escape route by tearing away some aluminum soffit.
Mother raccoon was a large aggressive female with as far as we could see by peeking through the vent in the peak of the roof, three or four small babies. Now, we don't mind sharing some space with our local fauna as long as they stay outside. But, we draw the line at them moving in, tearing up the attic insulation and racing up and down the drywall all night. Not to mention the fact they were directly about our bed and I had images of them dropping through the ceiling onto us. There was no decent sleep to be had; we moved into the guest bedroom at the back of the house to get some rest.
We had called the game warden when it happened several years ago and they rented us a live raccoon trap for thirty dollars. Unfortunately, we kept catching the wrong raccoon; each time my husband went up to remove the babies to join the trapped animal the mother came running to warn him off. She finally took them away one at a time when July came around and heated up the attic to unlivable temperatures. This time we knew we couldn't wait until July.
So, we checked the internet, family and friends and came up with a working plan. First, by lifting the access door to the space near the nest we put out basins of undiluted ammonia. This was very dangerous as we were not sure how close the female was to the door. Then my husband managed to squeeze through the main part of the attic and put in a radio and light, in accordance with internet instructions.
The radio and light were plugged in all during the daytime hours and, after a week, she finally took the babies and moved out. I hope she found a snug dry den.
We're happy the plan worked but, a better objective is to prevent them from getting in, in the first place. Protect your home against invasion by moving trees away from the house and cutting branches that overhang your roof. Seal air vents with screws, not nails; she was able to pull away two inch finishing nails. Seal loose soffit by making sure it's tight. Make sure your garbage cans have tight fitting lids and keep all pet food and feeding inside.
If you do have raccoons hanging around, discourage them by leaving a radio on, it need not be loud, just constant, and installing motion detector lighting. Spray ammonia around the trash area. I refuse to give up my bird feeders, but we do have bafflers on the poles as well as greasing them. None of these methods will harm the animals, but will encourage them to move on.
Don't forget, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is near, call your municipal government to find out when and where, and sign up.
Editor’s Note: These tips work well for squirrels too!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Little Britches PARADE will still take place (despite the rodeo event being cancelled)
To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.
TOWN OF HIGH RIVER
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
HIGH RIVER, AB: The Little Britches Rodeo and 4-H Beef Show which were to be held on the High River Agriculture Grounds, Monday, May 23 have been cancelled. As of today’s date, the High River Ag Society will be closing the facility for precautionary measures due to an outbreak of EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus) for the next 21 days.
The decision to cancel the rodeo and show was a collaborative decision made by management, stakeholders and veterinarians in the best interest of all the animals and everyone concerned.
In light of this recent epidemic, all horse entries for the parade have been removed and committee members are encouraging participants to enter a truck or float instead.
The Little Britches Parade will continue as scheduled, start time at 10 am, line-up for participants at 9 a.m.
“The parade and rodeo has always been a huge draw for this town, for competitors, tourists and residents,” said High River’s Mayor Emile Blokland. “It’s unfortunate that the rodeo will not be taking place this year, but the parade and scheduled activities promise to be just as exciting as in previous years.”
Immediately concluding the parade the Little Britches Parade Committee would like to invite everyone to George Lane Park for a $5 beef-on-a-bun lunch and to kick up your heels to the battle of the bands concert.
Further information about the parade can be found on the High River Chamber website, www.hrchamber.ca
TOWN OF HIGH RIVER
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
HIGH RIVER, AB: The Little Britches Rodeo and 4-H Beef Show which were to be held on the High River Agriculture Grounds, Monday, May 23 have been cancelled. As of today’s date, the High River Ag Society will be closing the facility for precautionary measures due to an outbreak of EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus) for the next 21 days.
The decision to cancel the rodeo and show was a collaborative decision made by management, stakeholders and veterinarians in the best interest of all the animals and everyone concerned.
In light of this recent epidemic, all horse entries for the parade have been removed and committee members are encouraging participants to enter a truck or float instead.
The Little Britches Parade will continue as scheduled, start time at 10 am, line-up for participants at 9 a.m.
“The parade and rodeo has always been a huge draw for this town, for competitors, tourists and residents,” said High River’s Mayor Emile Blokland. “It’s unfortunate that the rodeo will not be taking place this year, but the parade and scheduled activities promise to be just as exciting as in previous years.”
Immediately concluding the parade the Little Britches Parade Committee would like to invite everyone to George Lane Park for a $5 beef-on-a-bun lunch and to kick up your heels to the battle of the bands concert.
Further information about the parade can be found on the High River Chamber website, www.hrchamber.ca
Views On Vision - Glasses Can Be Cool
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of this article.
Do you recall the episode of Happy Days when Fonzie needed glasses? Suddenly wearing glasses was elevated from something you did only out of extreme need (for fear of a solid pounding), to something that was most definitely cool.
People have a very strong reaction to getting a newly fit, custom pair of lenses. Like a great new pair of shoes, you don't really appreciate what you were missing until you try a new pair on. For their part, glasses provide many great benefits, sometimes subtle, sometimes extreme, but always worthwhile. Here are just a few examples.
The most obvious benefit is to clear vision and make the world easier to deal with and navigate through. Glasses and other corrective lenses like contact lenses and safety equipment, make our world more accessible and allow us to derive more information from it. Glasses can also be customized and applied to many different therapeutic situations, from fixing eye-turns, to protecting the eyes from the environment, to improving efficiency of vision for particular tasks.
With the right prescription for lenses, you can also make a great improvement in different areas of your general health. Dry eye, for example, is a very common complaint among my patients and frequently they will have 'farmer's eyes', that is, dry yellowed bumps on the sides of the iris, or coloured ring of the eyes. These bumps are largely a result of extended exposure to the elements. Nowadays, not only farmers have this problem as more and more 'cubicle' workers and small business owners spend hours in front of computers, maintaining a stare and not blinking nearly enough. With appropriate prescription lenses, near vision becomes effortless and one no longer has to stare to see things clearly and quickly. With this, the eyes blink more frequently and hydrate the sensitive tissues more effectively. It's just common sense.
Another common example is that of people with chronic neck, upper back and shoulder pain. Again, for those who work at near distance with books, paper, keyboards and screens, progressive addition lenses (progressives or no-line bifocals) can be a life saver as they allow for clear and effortless vision at all distances, near, computer distance and far.
When the eyes squint, they recruit several other muscles in the face and head. The resulting constant muscle tension, sometimes severe, can work strongly against you as you manage through your day. Some people also have eyes that are mis-aligned (at least one in 200) vertically, horizontally or a combination of both. This leads to odd postures and more muscle tension with the potential for spinal involvement. Again, appropriate correction of vision and alignment is frequently an elegant and lasting solution to many common ailments that pain medication cannot budge.
One last example, and perhaps my favourite. A survey of studies will reveal a range of numbers, but generally about 25-30% of children in average classrooms have some sort of addressable visual dysfunction that is holding them back. Very frequently, these issues go unnoticed because the children are not properly assessed. They then spend many years performing at less than their full potential for lack of appropriate management of vision. Glasses and visual training offer real benefits to these children, sometimes in subtle ways and sometimes in life-altering ways.
Whether glasses are cool or not is not really the question. Of course, they should meet the wearer's style needs, but they should also be durable, functional and provide some real benefit. You don't need to use a hammer all the time, but when you need to pound nails, it's better than an old shoe. Glasses, like a hammer, a pencil or a computer, are tools and should be used as required to make your life easier, more comfortable and to promote good health. They can also definitely be very cool.
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties.
Call 403-933-5552.
www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
Do you recall the episode of Happy Days when Fonzie needed glasses? Suddenly wearing glasses was elevated from something you did only out of extreme need (for fear of a solid pounding), to something that was most definitely cool.
People have a very strong reaction to getting a newly fit, custom pair of lenses. Like a great new pair of shoes, you don't really appreciate what you were missing until you try a new pair on. For their part, glasses provide many great benefits, sometimes subtle, sometimes extreme, but always worthwhile. Here are just a few examples.
The most obvious benefit is to clear vision and make the world easier to deal with and navigate through. Glasses and other corrective lenses like contact lenses and safety equipment, make our world more accessible and allow us to derive more information from it. Glasses can also be customized and applied to many different therapeutic situations, from fixing eye-turns, to protecting the eyes from the environment, to improving efficiency of vision for particular tasks.
With the right prescription for lenses, you can also make a great improvement in different areas of your general health. Dry eye, for example, is a very common complaint among my patients and frequently they will have 'farmer's eyes', that is, dry yellowed bumps on the sides of the iris, or coloured ring of the eyes. These bumps are largely a result of extended exposure to the elements. Nowadays, not only farmers have this problem as more and more 'cubicle' workers and small business owners spend hours in front of computers, maintaining a stare and not blinking nearly enough. With appropriate prescription lenses, near vision becomes effortless and one no longer has to stare to see things clearly and quickly. With this, the eyes blink more frequently and hydrate the sensitive tissues more effectively. It's just common sense.
Another common example is that of people with chronic neck, upper back and shoulder pain. Again, for those who work at near distance with books, paper, keyboards and screens, progressive addition lenses (progressives or no-line bifocals) can be a life saver as they allow for clear and effortless vision at all distances, near, computer distance and far.
When the eyes squint, they recruit several other muscles in the face and head. The resulting constant muscle tension, sometimes severe, can work strongly against you as you manage through your day. Some people also have eyes that are mis-aligned (at least one in 200) vertically, horizontally or a combination of both. This leads to odd postures and more muscle tension with the potential for spinal involvement. Again, appropriate correction of vision and alignment is frequently an elegant and lasting solution to many common ailments that pain medication cannot budge.
One last example, and perhaps my favourite. A survey of studies will reveal a range of numbers, but generally about 25-30% of children in average classrooms have some sort of addressable visual dysfunction that is holding them back. Very frequently, these issues go unnoticed because the children are not properly assessed. They then spend many years performing at less than their full potential for lack of appropriate management of vision. Glasses and visual training offer real benefits to these children, sometimes in subtle ways and sometimes in life-altering ways.
Whether glasses are cool or not is not really the question. Of course, they should meet the wearer's style needs, but they should also be durable, functional and provide some real benefit. You don't need to use a hammer all the time, but when you need to pound nails, it's better than an old shoe. Glasses, like a hammer, a pencil or a computer, are tools and should be used as required to make your life easier, more comfortable and to promote good health. They can also definitely be very cool.
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties.
Call 403-933-5552.
www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Travel Tracks - Heading Back
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of this article.
Okay – let's be clear.
We're heading back to Tanzania next January essentially because it was that extraordinary a journey – once wasn't enough.
That said – this old boy ain't makin’ the same mistakes twice.
For openers, we've no intention of travelling via London.
London has as a prime tenant- Harrods.
Harrods has as a prime product – shoes.
I have as prime target – my lovely bride.
To wrap it all together – 4 hours in Harrods runs about the same cost as a trip to Tanzania.
We're searching for a routing that has Iqaluit as a transfer point because in terms of high end shopping – there'll be Nunavut there.
As well, transferring via Nairobi's out of the question.
If I'm going to spend 5 hours at an airport waiting for them to clear Wildebeests off the active runway, let it be at an airport that has a 1st class passenger lounge.
Memo to the Nairobi Airport Authority: “A 1st class lounge is *not* defined as a spare storeroom where in exchange for $30, passengers can avail themselves of tap water and leftovers from the employee lunchroom.”
On arrival into Arusha, I will personally check the amount of fuel remaining in the tank of the vehicle dispatched to transport us 50 kilometers in the dark over terrain that looks remarkably like a lunar landscape only with fewer signs of civilization.
Yes I signed on for some excitement but examining what may or may not be an empty tank after the engine dies at 1am with a bic™ lighter goes a bit beyond what I agreed to.
I will avoid going into the Arusha Cultural Center with any thoughts of picking up a small souvenir.
It was only after the first go around earlier this year that I came to the realization they have some magnificent artwork, however most of the good stuff comes in the form of wooden carvings, stands about 2 meters high and weighs in excess of a thousand pounds.
Ideal if you're furnishing an Ethiopian museum perhaps – but as a carry on – not so much.
Unless of course you cut a deal with Harrods on the way back in exchange for a pair of shoes.
A supply of very large Ziploc bags will travel with me this go around.
Never again after numerous cups of coffee at breakfast do I want to have to choose between the old eyeballs turning yellow or a quick jaunt outside the Safari vehicle in the epicenter of lion country.
Especially with a brisk wind blowing.
I'll pay extra to have the lodge pack me something other than the standard safari take out lunch.
Not that there's anything wrong with it.
Cold chicken, hardboiled egg, carrot sticks, bran muffin, essence of nectar and tap water, and an O Henry are all good.
Just not 14 days running.
Unless you're one of the wandering gangs of baboons who delight in regularly removing these lunch kits from the safari vehicles as you're getting ready to depart.
I'll order up a creamed garlic bran & tofu salad.
Ain't nobody gonna swipe that one.
This time round I *will* heed my lovely bride's advice and take a supply of one dollar bills equivalent in value to the gross national expenditure of most third world nations.
No one in all of Africa has change.
For anything.
The bill comes to four dollars, you hand them a ten and you wind up with a baboon tooth and a box lunch for change.
Last, but not least, I'm going to pack a five million candlepower solar flashlight with me this time.
The whole concept of conserving energy by shutting down the power at the lodge at night boggles the mind.
If ever I needed to see where I was going in the dark it would be in the middle of lion country.
Hmm.
I wonder if Harrods stocks those?
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
Okay – let's be clear.
We're heading back to Tanzania next January essentially because it was that extraordinary a journey – once wasn't enough.
That said – this old boy ain't makin’ the same mistakes twice.
For openers, we've no intention of travelling via London.
London has as a prime tenant- Harrods.
Harrods has as a prime product – shoes.
I have as prime target – my lovely bride.
To wrap it all together – 4 hours in Harrods runs about the same cost as a trip to Tanzania.
We're searching for a routing that has Iqaluit as a transfer point because in terms of high end shopping – there'll be Nunavut there.
As well, transferring via Nairobi's out of the question.
If I'm going to spend 5 hours at an airport waiting for them to clear Wildebeests off the active runway, let it be at an airport that has a 1st class passenger lounge.
Memo to the Nairobi Airport Authority: “A 1st class lounge is *not* defined as a spare storeroom where in exchange for $30, passengers can avail themselves of tap water and leftovers from the employee lunchroom.”
On arrival into Arusha, I will personally check the amount of fuel remaining in the tank of the vehicle dispatched to transport us 50 kilometers in the dark over terrain that looks remarkably like a lunar landscape only with fewer signs of civilization.
Yes I signed on for some excitement but examining what may or may not be an empty tank after the engine dies at 1am with a bic™ lighter goes a bit beyond what I agreed to.
I will avoid going into the Arusha Cultural Center with any thoughts of picking up a small souvenir.
It was only after the first go around earlier this year that I came to the realization they have some magnificent artwork, however most of the good stuff comes in the form of wooden carvings, stands about 2 meters high and weighs in excess of a thousand pounds.
Ideal if you're furnishing an Ethiopian museum perhaps – but as a carry on – not so much.
Unless of course you cut a deal with Harrods on the way back in exchange for a pair of shoes.
A supply of very large Ziploc bags will travel with me this go around.
Never again after numerous cups of coffee at breakfast do I want to have to choose between the old eyeballs turning yellow or a quick jaunt outside the Safari vehicle in the epicenter of lion country.
Especially with a brisk wind blowing.
I'll pay extra to have the lodge pack me something other than the standard safari take out lunch.
Not that there's anything wrong with it.
Cold chicken, hardboiled egg, carrot sticks, bran muffin, essence of nectar and tap water, and an O Henry are all good.
Just not 14 days running.
Unless you're one of the wandering gangs of baboons who delight in regularly removing these lunch kits from the safari vehicles as you're getting ready to depart.
I'll order up a creamed garlic bran & tofu salad.
Ain't nobody gonna swipe that one.
This time round I *will* heed my lovely bride's advice and take a supply of one dollar bills equivalent in value to the gross national expenditure of most third world nations.
No one in all of Africa has change.
For anything.
The bill comes to four dollars, you hand them a ten and you wind up with a baboon tooth and a box lunch for change.
Last, but not least, I'm going to pack a five million candlepower solar flashlight with me this time.
The whole concept of conserving energy by shutting down the power at the lodge at night boggles the mind.
If ever I needed to see where I was going in the dark it would be in the middle of lion country.
Hmm.
I wonder if Harrods stocks those?
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
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sheep River Library - Springs Into Action
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Over 325 visitors attended the Grand Opening of the Sheep River Library which was entirely organized and orchestrated by a fabulous team of volunteers headed up by Janet Graham. The unveiling of the Tile Wall started the pageantry of the day. Children with amazing painted faces circulated amongst the guests with their balloon creations. And the formal ribbon cutting complete with local dignitaries officially opened the facility for the community. Appreciation for the generosity of many donors was noted during the speeches and is evident on the donor wall above the circulation desk. The results of donor generosity are evident with the arrival of new things every few days. This week, the ATB Reading Garden furnishings arrived and will be set up for all to enjoy now that spring weather is on its way.
New books are arriving every week. If you have any current novels or reference books that are in excellent shape, please consider donating them to the library. Magazine subscriptions are also being sought. If you were not in time to purchase a TILE, consider purchasing an annual subscription for an interesting magazine. Some of our subscriptions are running out and there is room for new and interesting magazines in our state of the art display units.
Spring courses are in full swing. The first of the Terrific Tuesday Talks was well attended. Some folks from the High Country Lodge attended, not only to hear John Barlow, but to check out the furnishings that they were instrumental in choosing for the library. This monthly afternoon event, which includes afternoon tea, will feature Muriel Knowler talking about Art Without Borders on Tuesday May 24th and Carmen Ditzler talking about What's New at the Market on June 28th. Sign up at the library if you're interested in either of these Talks with Tea!
Nigel Douglas of the Alberta Wilderness Association will be giving a presentation on Alberta's Grizzly Bears. These magnificent beasts were designated a threatened species. Join Nigel on May 25th to find out how we got here and what the future is for these animals. And talking about big beasts! Learn all about personal encounters with the magnificent wildlife of Africa with Dave Heron as he shares his experiences of a recent trek through Kenya and Tanzania. Dave is always a popular speaker at Sheep River Library, so sign up early for this May 11th presentation.
What to do with all those family and holiday digital pictures. Learn how to organize, edit, backup and sort your photos. In three easy sessions you can learn how to create your own storybook and maybe even do some on-line scrap booking. Class size is a little limited for these three sessions, so sign up early by calling the library at 933-3278.
To find out about what is new at the library, check out the new web page - sheepriverlibrary.ca. It is here that you can find out about new courses and new book arrivals. This is just another one of the services put in place by the fabulous volunteers of the Diamond Valley area.
Over 325 visitors attended the Grand Opening of the Sheep River Library which was entirely organized and orchestrated by a fabulous team of volunteers headed up by Janet Graham. The unveiling of the Tile Wall started the pageantry of the day. Children with amazing painted faces circulated amongst the guests with their balloon creations. And the formal ribbon cutting complete with local dignitaries officially opened the facility for the community. Appreciation for the generosity of many donors was noted during the speeches and is evident on the donor wall above the circulation desk. The results of donor generosity are evident with the arrival of new things every few days. This week, the ATB Reading Garden furnishings arrived and will be set up for all to enjoy now that spring weather is on its way.
New books are arriving every week. If you have any current novels or reference books that are in excellent shape, please consider donating them to the library. Magazine subscriptions are also being sought. If you were not in time to purchase a TILE, consider purchasing an annual subscription for an interesting magazine. Some of our subscriptions are running out and there is room for new and interesting magazines in our state of the art display units.
Spring courses are in full swing. The first of the Terrific Tuesday Talks was well attended. Some folks from the High Country Lodge attended, not only to hear John Barlow, but to check out the furnishings that they were instrumental in choosing for the library. This monthly afternoon event, which includes afternoon tea, will feature Muriel Knowler talking about Art Without Borders on Tuesday May 24th and Carmen Ditzler talking about What's New at the Market on June 28th. Sign up at the library if you're interested in either of these Talks with Tea!
Nigel Douglas of the Alberta Wilderness Association will be giving a presentation on Alberta's Grizzly Bears. These magnificent beasts were designated a threatened species. Join Nigel on May 25th to find out how we got here and what the future is for these animals. And talking about big beasts! Learn all about personal encounters with the magnificent wildlife of Africa with Dave Heron as he shares his experiences of a recent trek through Kenya and Tanzania. Dave is always a popular speaker at Sheep River Library, so sign up early for this May 11th presentation.
What to do with all those family and holiday digital pictures. Learn how to organize, edit, backup and sort your photos. In three easy sessions you can learn how to create your own storybook and maybe even do some on-line scrap booking. Class size is a little limited for these three sessions, so sign up early by calling the library at 933-3278.
To find out about what is new at the library, check out the new web page - sheepriverlibrary.ca. It is here that you can find out about new courses and new book arrivals. This is just another one of the services put in place by the fabulous volunteers of the Diamond Valley area.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sheep Creek Arts Council - New Logo and Website Announced
Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of this article.
At the Annual General Meeting of the Sheep Creek Arts Council, our new logo and the Web site were introduced after many months of effort and co-ordination by our Vice-president, Brenda Thompson. The photo on the home page of the website, showing the Sheep in all its splendor, was taken by Michael Hullah, a member of the Camera Club and the web design was by High Country Web Design, of Okotoks. Jackie Brassard, SCAC President, and Brenda Thompson collaborated on the design of the new logo which also includes a modernized ram as well as the Sheep River. It is hoped that the Web page will allow our members a simple way to keep up to date on the activities of the Sheep Creek Arts Council as well as a means of registering for classes online. The web site address is:
www.sheepcreekarts.ca.
Some new faces were welcomed on The Sheep Creek Arts Council Executive. The Treasurer is now Barbara Ducharme and the new Secretary is Sheila Virgo. Presentations of Bernie Brown prints were made to the retiring Treasurer, Linda Schaal and her helper, Helen Winthrop, both of whom were thanked for their many long hours given to serve the Council. Muriel Dais, outgoing Secretary, also received a Brown print for which she thanked the members, but she will be continuing as a Director of the Council.
The Arts Council wishes to remind students that we provide two Five hundred dollar scholarships for students who live within the Oilfields High School bus zone and who wish to study some aspect of the arts (music, drama, fine art, journalism, architecture, etc.) at a post secondary institution. Application information is available from guidance councellors in the local schools or by contacting Mrs. Dais at 403-933-4578. Completed applications must be received by the Sheep Creek Arts Council before September 1st.
The Annual Rhubarb Festival and Quilt Show planning is well under way. Everything rhubarb will be available at the tea, held in the Valley Neighbours' Club in Turner Valley on June 4th beginning at 1:00pm. The Bake Sale will begin at 11:00am after the Diamond Valley Parade is over. Again this year Stuart Cameron's antique truck, driven by his son-in-law, Doug Lansdell, will carry the Rhubarb Festival signs in the Parade and will lead patrons over to the Sheep Creek Arts Council parking lot on Sunset Blvd. The Quilt Show promises to be a colourful feast for the eyes and the Tea will feature rhubarb crisp or pie to tempt the tastebuds.
At the Annual General Meeting of the Sheep Creek Arts Council, our new logo and the Web site were introduced after many months of effort and co-ordination by our Vice-president, Brenda Thompson. The photo on the home page of the website, showing the Sheep in all its splendor, was taken by Michael Hullah, a member of the Camera Club and the web design was by High Country Web Design, of Okotoks. Jackie Brassard, SCAC President, and Brenda Thompson collaborated on the design of the new logo which also includes a modernized ram as well as the Sheep River. It is hoped that the Web page will allow our members a simple way to keep up to date on the activities of the Sheep Creek Arts Council as well as a means of registering for classes online. The web site address is:
www.sheepcreekarts.ca.
Some new faces were welcomed on The Sheep Creek Arts Council Executive. The Treasurer is now Barbara Ducharme and the new Secretary is Sheila Virgo. Presentations of Bernie Brown prints were made to the retiring Treasurer, Linda Schaal and her helper, Helen Winthrop, both of whom were thanked for their many long hours given to serve the Council. Muriel Dais, outgoing Secretary, also received a Brown print for which she thanked the members, but she will be continuing as a Director of the Council.
The Arts Council wishes to remind students that we provide two Five hundred dollar scholarships for students who live within the Oilfields High School bus zone and who wish to study some aspect of the arts (music, drama, fine art, journalism, architecture, etc.) at a post secondary institution. Application information is available from guidance councellors in the local schools or by contacting Mrs. Dais at 403-933-4578. Completed applications must be received by the Sheep Creek Arts Council before September 1st.
The Annual Rhubarb Festival and Quilt Show planning is well under way. Everything rhubarb will be available at the tea, held in the Valley Neighbours' Club in Turner Valley on June 4th beginning at 1:00pm. The Bake Sale will begin at 11:00am after the Diamond Valley Parade is over. Again this year Stuart Cameron's antique truck, driven by his son-in-law, Doug Lansdell, will carry the Rhubarb Festival signs in the Parade and will lead patrons over to the Sheep Creek Arts Council parking lot on Sunset Blvd. The Quilt Show promises to be a colourful feast for the eyes and the Tea will feature rhubarb crisp or pie to tempt the tastebuds.
From The Lions Den - We Serve the Community
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Camping and Golf - Spring is Here at Last!
Submitted by Lion Lona Lineham
What a beautiful day it was on Sunday, April 30th - the day the Lions opened the Lions Campgrounds in Black Diamond and Turner Valley. We still had too much snow in some of the locations in the south end of the campgrounds where our long term campers stay and a few could not get into their usual places. We already have 5 or 6 long term campers and the rest will be coming very soon. There wasn't much clean up work to do so we just had a fun gathering where "Top Chef" Lion Davis Whitehead, along with ''Sous Chef" Lion John LeBoutiller whipped up a mouth watering garlic shrimp and vegetable stir fry and Lion Willi Craciun showed us his well known Bar-B-Q skills with hamburgers and smokies. The Campgrounds are now officially opened!!
The Sheep River Health Trust Golf Tournament on July 21st, at the D'Arcy Ranch golf Course was given $2500. Four Lion golfers will be playing in it. Come on boys - make us proud.
The STARS and Lions Golf Classic Tournament, to be held at the Lynx Ridge Golf Course on June 2nd, received $900. Four of our Lion members will also be playing in the tournament.
Our Foothills Lions Club donated $5000 to the Lions Clubs in Japan to help their people.
We were ever so pleased with the crowd we had at the last Lions Bingo on April 29th. Thank you to all the players that came out to help support this game. The next Lions Bingo will be held at the Valley Neighbour Club on Friday, May 13th, 6:30pm. This will be the 4th last game of the season.
The Foothills Lions Club
“Serving Our Community”
Camping and Golf - Spring is Here at Last!
Submitted by Lion Lona Lineham
What a beautiful day it was on Sunday, April 30th - the day the Lions opened the Lions Campgrounds in Black Diamond and Turner Valley. We still had too much snow in some of the locations in the south end of the campgrounds where our long term campers stay and a few could not get into their usual places. We already have 5 or 6 long term campers and the rest will be coming very soon. There wasn't much clean up work to do so we just had a fun gathering where "Top Chef" Lion Davis Whitehead, along with ''Sous Chef" Lion John LeBoutiller whipped up a mouth watering garlic shrimp and vegetable stir fry and Lion Willi Craciun showed us his well known Bar-B-Q skills with hamburgers and smokies. The Campgrounds are now officially opened!!
The Sheep River Health Trust Golf Tournament on July 21st, at the D'Arcy Ranch golf Course was given $2500. Four Lion golfers will be playing in it. Come on boys - make us proud.
The STARS and Lions Golf Classic Tournament, to be held at the Lynx Ridge Golf Course on June 2nd, received $900. Four of our Lion members will also be playing in the tournament.
Our Foothills Lions Club donated $5000 to the Lions Clubs in Japan to help their people.
We were ever so pleased with the crowd we had at the last Lions Bingo on April 29th. Thank you to all the players that came out to help support this game. The next Lions Bingo will be held at the Valley Neighbour Club on Friday, May 13th, 6:30pm. This will be the 4th last game of the season.
The Foothills Lions Club
“Serving Our Community”
Friday, May 13, 2011
Longview Link by Chey Nickerson
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Firstly a huge Thank You to Michele for stepping in and updating everyone on ACE and the Choosewell programs while I was away enjoying some “summer weather”. It was an absolutely wonderful break from winter for us and as usual, an adventure! I'm also very thankful that the weather cooperated so wonderfully upon our return where we were met with 15 degrees rather than the minus temperatures that we arrived home to last year.
Everyone please remember that the Longview Youth Group will hold a bottle drive on Saturday, May 14th from 9am to 12 (noon) and welcome any donations. Also we still have the recycle bin at the rear of the Village Office for bottles and containers that also is a fundraiser for the Youth Group so mark your calendar for the 14th and have your bottles ready!
Also on the 14th is the Battle of the Bands to be held at the EAST Longview Hall. This will be a great time with friends and great music for certain. For more information or tickets, please contact 403-558- 2344.
Spring Clean up will be held on May 21st, 22nd and 23rd in Longview this year. For more information on what will be picked up please contact 403-558-3600. All items must be placed in the alley and you MUST call the number listed for pick up.
Tales and Trails Campground is now open for the season in Longview and under new management. Should you wish to book a campsite please contact Mitch at 403-620-4993.
Very special congratulations go out to Hayden's Machine Shop on their 65th anniversary. Longview is very lucky to have a family business that has survived all the changes in the past 65 years. Watch for more information in the near future as we help celebrate their 65th year!
Have a great few weeks everyone.
Firstly a huge Thank You to Michele for stepping in and updating everyone on ACE and the Choosewell programs while I was away enjoying some “summer weather”. It was an absolutely wonderful break from winter for us and as usual, an adventure! I'm also very thankful that the weather cooperated so wonderfully upon our return where we were met with 15 degrees rather than the minus temperatures that we arrived home to last year.
Everyone please remember that the Longview Youth Group will hold a bottle drive on Saturday, May 14th from 9am to 12 (noon) and welcome any donations. Also we still have the recycle bin at the rear of the Village Office for bottles and containers that also is a fundraiser for the Youth Group so mark your calendar for the 14th and have your bottles ready!
Also on the 14th is the Battle of the Bands to be held at the EAST Longview Hall. This will be a great time with friends and great music for certain. For more information or tickets, please contact 403-558- 2344.
Spring Clean up will be held on May 21st, 22nd and 23rd in Longview this year. For more information on what will be picked up please contact 403-558-3600. All items must be placed in the alley and you MUST call the number listed for pick up.
Tales and Trails Campground is now open for the season in Longview and under new management. Should you wish to book a campsite please contact Mitch at 403-620-4993.
Very special congratulations go out to Hayden's Machine Shop on their 65th anniversary. Longview is very lucky to have a family business that has survived all the changes in the past 65 years. Watch for more information in the near future as we help celebrate their 65th year!
Have a great few weeks everyone.
Longview Library Literally Speaking
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To honour our Seniors during Senior's Week in June (June 6th to 12th) the Longview Library Board will be hosting their annual Strawberry Tea on Wednesday, June 8th at the Community Hall from 2 to 4pm. This is a very popular event for both the Seniors and the Board, so do come by!
Also coming up is the K-100 Race on June 25th. The Kananaskis 100 Mile Relay Race is marking its 25th Anniversary. It is a major fundraiser for Hostelling International and the Pacific Mountain Region is part of the International Youth Hostel Federation Network. The library board ladies are on deck at 4am, preparing a light breakfast for the racers in the park, where the starting line is. Coffee, juice and toasted bagels will be ready for the racers and the volunteers when they arrive. Our homemade jams and jellies are a very favourite. We have had several jars of marmalade donated, but would very much appreciate some strawberry or raspberry jams. If you are able, could you drop them off at the library with Joan? We had a racer from Holland say that he had heard our jams were worth running for! So we have a reputation to uphold.
A fun read is The Best Laid Plans by Terry Ferris. Ferris tried to find a publisher for his book and not having any luck, decided to self publish. The book took off and he won the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour and was chosen for the Canada Reads award. It is a satire on Canadian politics, is very clever and truly makes you laugh out loud. He makes fun of all the current issues facing our politicians and does it with a good story.
Another book I'd like to mention is Move on Without Me by Susan Beer. It is an honest, touching book about her first year as a widow. It is a welcome and helpful guide for anyone who has to come to terms with any kind of loss. It is an easy, wise and comforting read.
Happy Reading
Sylvia Binkley
To honour our Seniors during Senior's Week in June (June 6th to 12th) the Longview Library Board will be hosting their annual Strawberry Tea on Wednesday, June 8th at the Community Hall from 2 to 4pm. This is a very popular event for both the Seniors and the Board, so do come by!
Also coming up is the K-100 Race on June 25th. The Kananaskis 100 Mile Relay Race is marking its 25th Anniversary. It is a major fundraiser for Hostelling International and the Pacific Mountain Region is part of the International Youth Hostel Federation Network. The library board ladies are on deck at 4am, preparing a light breakfast for the racers in the park, where the starting line is. Coffee, juice and toasted bagels will be ready for the racers and the volunteers when they arrive. Our homemade jams and jellies are a very favourite. We have had several jars of marmalade donated, but would very much appreciate some strawberry or raspberry jams. If you are able, could you drop them off at the library with Joan? We had a racer from Holland say that he had heard our jams were worth running for! So we have a reputation to uphold.
A fun read is The Best Laid Plans by Terry Ferris. Ferris tried to find a publisher for his book and not having any luck, decided to self publish. The book took off and he won the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour and was chosen for the Canada Reads award. It is a satire on Canadian politics, is very clever and truly makes you laugh out loud. He makes fun of all the current issues facing our politicians and does it with a good story.
Another book I'd like to mention is Move on Without Me by Susan Beer. It is an honest, touching book about her first year as a widow. It is a welcome and helpful guide for anyone who has to come to terms with any kind of loss. It is an easy, wise and comforting read.
Happy Reading
Sylvia Binkley
Longview School - Let Your Learning Soar
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Young Authors
Students from Longview School had the amazing opportunity to attend Foothills Young Authors' Conference on Saturday, April 16th at Ecole Highwood High School in High River. Students started the conference by attending a presentation by keynote speaker Ben Mikaelsen who spoke about his journey in becoming an author and his many life adventures. As it stated in the conference student handbook, “Author Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writer's Golden Spur Award. His novels have been nominated for and have won many State Readers' Choice awards. These novels included: Rescue Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown, Petey, Touching Spirit Bear, Red Midnight, Tree Girl and Ghost of Spirit Bear.”
Students attended three different sessions put on by authors and illustrators throughout the day. Some of the workshops our students participated in included: Have Fun Writing & Publishing by Elaine Bailey, Character Creation Crash Course by Lorna Bennet, Toys or Tools by Val Lawton, Drawing on the Imagination by Derek Mah, Telling Tall Tales by Donna MacNaughton, Crafting Your Magic by Derek Donais, Character Design & Comic Illustration by Tim Huesken. Students enjoyed a pizza lunch while meeting and visiting with other students from all over the Foothills area. At the end of the day, they were given the chance to purchase books from their favourite authors and illustrators. They then got to meet them personally and have their books autographed as a keepsake of the day. The students of Longview School would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to make this conference such a great success especially Mary Donaldson and Maryke Brummelhuis.
We welcomed many parents and community members to our musical drama performance of Pinocchio with the theme of “Always Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide”. This play adaptation, by Kathryn Schultz Miller, was held on Wednesday, April 20th. Students in kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2 performed the songs: When You Wish Upon a Star, I've Got No Strings, Give a Little Whistle and Baby Beluga. Students in Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 all had either lead or supporting roles in the performance. Students played the characters of Pinocchio, Geppetto, Hickory, Lorenzo, Blue Fairy, Ivana, Lucky Star, Fibber the Fox, Lefty the Cat, Lampwick, Coachman, Jack, Jill, Puppeteers and Puppets. One of our Grade 1 students went home and said to her mom that she needed to learn how to “klutzy” for the play. Her mom had a good laugh when she figured out that she really meant to say she needed to learn to “curtsy”. The overall goal of our drama presentations at Longview School is to foster a positive self-concept in students by encouraging them to explore life by assuming theatric roles and acquiring dramatic skills. Throughout the year we have presented a number of dramatic performances in meeting the learner outcomes outlined in the drama program of studies. A Big Thank You goes out to Ms. Thomson and Ms. Smith as co-directors; Mr. Musgrove and Ms. Winfield for their assistance in programming, photography sound and lighting; Ms. Hoyle, Ms. Dyck and Mrs. Graham for helping behind the scenes with students; Barb McDonald for decorating the gym so magically; Joan Stuart for organizing treats; School Council for supporting this event, as well as, our fine arts program; the parents for helping students learn their lines and finding costumes to wear; and especially all of our students for the amazingly job they did!!
Young Authors
Students from Longview School had the amazing opportunity to attend Foothills Young Authors' Conference on Saturday, April 16th at Ecole Highwood High School in High River. Students started the conference by attending a presentation by keynote speaker Ben Mikaelsen who spoke about his journey in becoming an author and his many life adventures. As it stated in the conference student handbook, “Author Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writer's Golden Spur Award. His novels have been nominated for and have won many State Readers' Choice awards. These novels included: Rescue Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown, Petey, Touching Spirit Bear, Red Midnight, Tree Girl and Ghost of Spirit Bear.”
Students attended three different sessions put on by authors and illustrators throughout the day. Some of the workshops our students participated in included: Have Fun Writing & Publishing by Elaine Bailey, Character Creation Crash Course by Lorna Bennet, Toys or Tools by Val Lawton, Drawing on the Imagination by Derek Mah, Telling Tall Tales by Donna MacNaughton, Crafting Your Magic by Derek Donais, Character Design & Comic Illustration by Tim Huesken. Students enjoyed a pizza lunch while meeting and visiting with other students from all over the Foothills area. At the end of the day, they were given the chance to purchase books from their favourite authors and illustrators. They then got to meet them personally and have their books autographed as a keepsake of the day. The students of Longview School would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to make this conference such a great success especially Mary Donaldson and Maryke Brummelhuis.
We welcomed many parents and community members to our musical drama performance of Pinocchio with the theme of “Always Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide”. This play adaptation, by Kathryn Schultz Miller, was held on Wednesday, April 20th. Students in kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2 performed the songs: When You Wish Upon a Star, I've Got No Strings, Give a Little Whistle and Baby Beluga. Students in Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 all had either lead or supporting roles in the performance. Students played the characters of Pinocchio, Geppetto, Hickory, Lorenzo, Blue Fairy, Ivana, Lucky Star, Fibber the Fox, Lefty the Cat, Lampwick, Coachman, Jack, Jill, Puppeteers and Puppets. One of our Grade 1 students went home and said to her mom that she needed to learn how to “klutzy” for the play. Her mom had a good laugh when she figured out that she really meant to say she needed to learn to “curtsy”. The overall goal of our drama presentations at Longview School is to foster a positive self-concept in students by encouraging them to explore life by assuming theatric roles and acquiring dramatic skills. Throughout the year we have presented a number of dramatic performances in meeting the learner outcomes outlined in the drama program of studies. A Big Thank You goes out to Ms. Thomson and Ms. Smith as co-directors; Mr. Musgrove and Ms. Winfield for their assistance in programming, photography sound and lighting; Ms. Hoyle, Ms. Dyck and Mrs. Graham for helping behind the scenes with students; Barb McDonald for decorating the gym so magically; Joan Stuart for organizing treats; School Council for supporting this event, as well as, our fine arts program; the parents for helping students learn their lines and finding costumes to wear; and especially all of our students for the amazingly job they did!!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Gardens Galore by Karen Brewka - The Grass is Always greener
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Giving my lawn a good scratch with the dandelion rake, I think about how much spring work goes into growing healthy turf. I guess it's worth it. Thick, healthy lawns help to reduce weed populations and are safe, fun places to play. Spring work means greener grass later in the summer.
After a good rake to remove dead grass blades, any leftover fungus from winter snow cover, deer poop, leaves and other detritus, I like to do a bit of topdressing. A thin layer of compost/soil raked into the lawn, maybe with some overseeding with Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue and ryegrass generally sets me up for a good summer. The ryegrass, although coarser than the other two species, tends to stay green in the heat of summer when the bluegrass sometimes goes into dormancy.
Spring fertilizing is important for green lawns. Turf uses lots of soil nutrients. Leaving the clippings on the lawn after mowing helps but an additional fertility boost is needed. A couple of light applications of 16 – 20 – 0, once when the grass starts growing in early spring and again in late spring (end of May, early June), encourages thick growth. I always try to fertilize just before a good rain. Otherwise, the fertilizer needs to be watered in.
As the spring dandelions show up, the battle front includes mechanical control (digging them up), and spot spraying with 2, 4–D, if needed. Herbicide application inhibits growth so should be done when a stretch of hot weather is coming. One of the reasons Weed n' Feed is off the market is because herbicide application and fertilizing are two different actions and need different kinds of weather to be most effective. Also, overuse of 2, 4-D (people using it even if there are no weeds on the lawn) leads to chemical pollution. Olds College has some interesting articles on their lawn care web page about non-chemical weed control research.
So, raking, topdressing, overseeding, fertilizing, deep watering, if needed, and an early attack on dandelions leads to thicker, greener grass that needs frequent mowing to keep the turf at 2½ to 3” in height. Sigh! Even more work! Until the days start getting shorter again in mid June, mowing twice a week might be needed. Warmer weather makes the grass grow faster. Cooler weather slows growth. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has a good page about turf called Lawn Care Tips.
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403 – 933 – 7131. Don't forget the Plant Sale taking place on June 4th at Valley Neighbours, 133 Sunset Boulevard SW.
The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403 – 931 – 3989.
Giving my lawn a good scratch with the dandelion rake, I think about how much spring work goes into growing healthy turf. I guess it's worth it. Thick, healthy lawns help to reduce weed populations and are safe, fun places to play. Spring work means greener grass later in the summer.
After a good rake to remove dead grass blades, any leftover fungus from winter snow cover, deer poop, leaves and other detritus, I like to do a bit of topdressing. A thin layer of compost/soil raked into the lawn, maybe with some overseeding with Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue and ryegrass generally sets me up for a good summer. The ryegrass, although coarser than the other two species, tends to stay green in the heat of summer when the bluegrass sometimes goes into dormancy.
Spring fertilizing is important for green lawns. Turf uses lots of soil nutrients. Leaving the clippings on the lawn after mowing helps but an additional fertility boost is needed. A couple of light applications of 16 – 20 – 0, once when the grass starts growing in early spring and again in late spring (end of May, early June), encourages thick growth. I always try to fertilize just before a good rain. Otherwise, the fertilizer needs to be watered in.
As the spring dandelions show up, the battle front includes mechanical control (digging them up), and spot spraying with 2, 4–D, if needed. Herbicide application inhibits growth so should be done when a stretch of hot weather is coming. One of the reasons Weed n' Feed is off the market is because herbicide application and fertilizing are two different actions and need different kinds of weather to be most effective. Also, overuse of 2, 4-D (people using it even if there are no weeds on the lawn) leads to chemical pollution. Olds College has some interesting articles on their lawn care web page about non-chemical weed control research.
So, raking, topdressing, overseeding, fertilizing, deep watering, if needed, and an early attack on dandelions leads to thicker, greener grass that needs frequent mowing to keep the turf at 2½ to 3” in height. Sigh! Even more work! Until the days start getting shorter again in mid June, mowing twice a week might be needed. Warmer weather makes the grass grow faster. Cooler weather slows growth. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has a good page about turf called Lawn Care Tips.
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403 – 933 – 7131. Don't forget the Plant Sale taking place on June 4th at Valley Neighbours, 133 Sunset Boulevard SW.
The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403 – 931 – 3989.
Millarville Community School
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Principal Notes
A year ago we found ourselves in a very similar difficult time in education, as the provincial government was to cut back on funding and as a result teacher layoffs or restricted hiring was the plan. Midway through the summer, funding was restored and we were able to move forward. Once again we find ourselves in a situation where cutbacks are being mandated due to funding withdrawal from Edmonton. In Foothills School Division a variety of avenues are being explored to address the needed deficit free budgeting as mandated by the government. Among these is an early retirement incentive plan (ERIP) aimed at senior teachers in their fifties.
Here at MCS, as well as in most schools, our “senior” teachers are strong mentors and role models for our younger and newer professionals. I am hopeful that we will be able to retain most of these. They have led the initiatives here at Millarville for school improvement and have taken up the challenge in developing and implementing our International Baccalaureate Programme over the past six years.
In November 2010, Bill Gates addressed the Council of Chief State School Officers (state governors) in Washington regarding deep deficits in education funding; herein are a few excerpts from his speech:
One of the most expensive assumptions embedded in school budgets - and one of the most unchallenged - is the belief that reducing class sizes improves student achievement.
This view has driven school budget increases for more than 50 years. We've gone from a student-teacher ratio of 26:1 in 1960 – to 15:1 today. But smaller class sizes have not correlated with rising achievement. California spent $20 billion reducing class sizes, and student achievement did not change.
There is a well known study out of Tennessee that found some increased student achievement from smaller class sizes in Grade 3. But those findings – even if true – do not end the debate. Proponents have to argue that reducing class sizes promotes student achievement better than any other possible use of that money. And there is a lot of money tied up in class-size requirements.
We know that of all the variables under a school's control, the single most decisive factor in student achievement is excellent teaching. It is astonishing what great teachers can do for their students.
As a school administrator, while I have supported smaller class sizes, it may not always be feasible to keep to the recommended class size initiative that the provincial government seems to waffle on in mandating when and if budgets allow. The bottom line is the quality of the teacher in the classroom that makes the biggest difference to children.
It is very difficult to execute a consistently high quality education system when funding varies so greatly from one year to the next. For educators it is frustrating, exasperating and discouraging. Alberta has had a program in place for quite a number of years now to introduce innovative and high quality initiatives to our education of children at the school level. This program, known as AISI (Alberta Initiative for School Improvement), has become recognized world-wide for its step forward and excellent results in moving education beyond the “industrial age” model that has dominated how we deliver education to our students for so long. That funding has now been drastically reduced and will negatively affect school divisions and their schools' initiatives towards improvement.
In education and in health care, a consistent level of funding must be available so that future planning and growth can take place in order to maintain excellence for our populace.
Ted Thorne
Principal Notes
A year ago we found ourselves in a very similar difficult time in education, as the provincial government was to cut back on funding and as a result teacher layoffs or restricted hiring was the plan. Midway through the summer, funding was restored and we were able to move forward. Once again we find ourselves in a situation where cutbacks are being mandated due to funding withdrawal from Edmonton. In Foothills School Division a variety of avenues are being explored to address the needed deficit free budgeting as mandated by the government. Among these is an early retirement incentive plan (ERIP) aimed at senior teachers in their fifties.
Here at MCS, as well as in most schools, our “senior” teachers are strong mentors and role models for our younger and newer professionals. I am hopeful that we will be able to retain most of these. They have led the initiatives here at Millarville for school improvement and have taken up the challenge in developing and implementing our International Baccalaureate Programme over the past six years.
In November 2010, Bill Gates addressed the Council of Chief State School Officers (state governors) in Washington regarding deep deficits in education funding; herein are a few excerpts from his speech:
One of the most expensive assumptions embedded in school budgets - and one of the most unchallenged - is the belief that reducing class sizes improves student achievement.
This view has driven school budget increases for more than 50 years. We've gone from a student-teacher ratio of 26:1 in 1960 – to 15:1 today. But smaller class sizes have not correlated with rising achievement. California spent $20 billion reducing class sizes, and student achievement did not change.
There is a well known study out of Tennessee that found some increased student achievement from smaller class sizes in Grade 3. But those findings – even if true – do not end the debate. Proponents have to argue that reducing class sizes promotes student achievement better than any other possible use of that money. And there is a lot of money tied up in class-size requirements.
We know that of all the variables under a school's control, the single most decisive factor in student achievement is excellent teaching. It is astonishing what great teachers can do for their students.
As a school administrator, while I have supported smaller class sizes, it may not always be feasible to keep to the recommended class size initiative that the provincial government seems to waffle on in mandating when and if budgets allow. The bottom line is the quality of the teacher in the classroom that makes the biggest difference to children.
It is very difficult to execute a consistently high quality education system when funding varies so greatly from one year to the next. For educators it is frustrating, exasperating and discouraging. Alberta has had a program in place for quite a number of years now to introduce innovative and high quality initiatives to our education of children at the school level. This program, known as AISI (Alberta Initiative for School Improvement), has become recognized world-wide for its step forward and excellent results in moving education beyond the “industrial age” model that has dominated how we deliver education to our students for so long. That funding has now been drastically reduced and will negatively affect school divisions and their schools' initiatives towards improvement.
In education and in health care, a consistent level of funding must be available so that future planning and growth can take place in order to maintain excellence for our populace.
Ted Thorne
Gifts and Gripes - Letters to the Editor
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Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Culture and Community Spirit, owners of the Turner Valley Gas Plant, announced on April 7th they will be spending $340 million on a new museum in Edmonton. Replacing the 44 year old building now known as the Royal Alberta Museum, the new building will open in 2015. This likely explains why Minister Blackett cannot afford to turn the Turner Valley Gas Plant, which he considers to be "historically significant" into the World Class Historic Site, that it is apparently been destined to become, in time for the 100th anniversary. Looks like Turner Valley will just have to wait. We've only been waiting since they bought it in 1985!
Roxanne Walsh
All “Letters To The Editor” are more than welcome at the Gateway Gazette and whenever possible we will endeavour to print them. We reserve the right to edit or not publish submissions if they are in extreme bad taste, vulgar or could do damage to other specific persons. Please note that published submissions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Gateway Gazette, staff, associates or family. The Gateway Gazette (along with anyone connected to the Gateway Gazette) does not assume any liability or responsibility in light of the opinions of others. With all of that out of the way, please feel free to send us your thoughts or opinions, preferably by email at: gazette@telus.net, you can fax them to: 938-2473, or you can drop them off in our drop-box at Coyote Moon in Turner Valley or at Pharmasave in Black Diamond.
Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Culture and Community Spirit, owners of the Turner Valley Gas Plant, announced on April 7th they will be spending $340 million on a new museum in Edmonton. Replacing the 44 year old building now known as the Royal Alberta Museum, the new building will open in 2015. This likely explains why Minister Blackett cannot afford to turn the Turner Valley Gas Plant, which he considers to be "historically significant" into the World Class Historic Site, that it is apparently been destined to become, in time for the 100th anniversary. Looks like Turner Valley will just have to wait. We've only been waiting since they bought it in 1985!
Roxanne Walsh
All “Letters To The Editor” are more than welcome at the Gateway Gazette and whenever possible we will endeavour to print them. We reserve the right to edit or not publish submissions if they are in extreme bad taste, vulgar or could do damage to other specific persons. Please note that published submissions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Gateway Gazette, staff, associates or family. The Gateway Gazette (along with anyone connected to the Gateway Gazette) does not assume any liability or responsibility in light of the opinions of others. With all of that out of the way, please feel free to send us your thoughts or opinions, preferably by email at: gazette@telus.net, you can fax them to: 938-2473, or you can drop them off in our drop-box at Coyote Moon in Turner Valley or at Pharmasave in Black Diamond.
Telus Supports Boys & Girls Club of Diamond Valley & District
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Lesley Ritchie, President of the Calgary Telus Community Ambassadors, presented the Diamond Valley and District Boys and Girls Club with a $5,000 donation on May 5th.
Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Shirley Puttock was pleased to receive the funds, which will be put toward purchasing technology for their teen group program.
“We're pleased to be able to help the community,” Lesley says. “The Telus Community Investment Grant helps finance initiatives like this, where employees and retirees can help the community.”
Lesley Ritchie, President of the Calgary Telus Community Ambassadors, presented the Diamond Valley and District Boys and Girls Club with a $5,000 donation on May 5th.
Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Shirley Puttock was pleased to receive the funds, which will be put toward purchasing technology for their teen group program.
“We're pleased to be able to help the community,” Lesley says. “The Telus Community Investment Grant helps finance initiatives like this, where employees and retirees can help the community.”
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Sheep River Health Trust Appoints New Executive Director
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The Sheep River Health Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Myra Miller as its new Executive Director. “We have found an excellent professional to lead the Trust to the next level as it plans to raise $2-million over the next three years,” said Board Chair Frances Jackson Dover.
Funds raised by the Trust support health priorities in Foothills communities, including improvements to the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre and the Rising Sun Long Term Care facility. Another funding focus of the Trust is establishing a Pediatric and Family Wellness Network as well as supporting programs in public and mental health including the purchase of much-needed equipment for Oilfields Hospital and Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre.
Myra Miller comes to the Trust from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary where she was responsible for managing endowment funds for the Research Chairs. In the role of Executive Director of the Alberta Mentorship for Youth Foundation, she facilitated its tripling in size, making it a model that has been replicated in many locations across North America.
Myra succeeds David Lynn who, as Executive Director for two years, has been a leading force in implementing procedures and infrastructure in the organization. Through his efforts the Sheep River Health Trust has grown in keeping with the Sheep River region.
The Sheep River Health Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Myra Miller as its new Executive Director. “We have found an excellent professional to lead the Trust to the next level as it plans to raise $2-million over the next three years,” said Board Chair Frances Jackson Dover.
Funds raised by the Trust support health priorities in Foothills communities, including improvements to the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre and the Rising Sun Long Term Care facility. Another funding focus of the Trust is establishing a Pediatric and Family Wellness Network as well as supporting programs in public and mental health including the purchase of much-needed equipment for Oilfields Hospital and Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre.
Myra Miller comes to the Trust from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary where she was responsible for managing endowment funds for the Research Chairs. In the role of Executive Director of the Alberta Mentorship for Youth Foundation, she facilitated its tripling in size, making it a model that has been replicated in many locations across North America.
Myra succeeds David Lynn who, as Executive Director for two years, has been a leading force in implementing procedures and infrastructure in the organization. Through his efforts the Sheep River Health Trust has grown in keeping with the Sheep River region.
Sheep River Library Is OPEN
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The new Sheep River Library is a reality, thanks to major funding and support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the Town of Turner Valley.
Through the Canada-Alberta Infrastructure Stimulus Funding Agreement, the Federal and Alberta governments contributed a total of $1.966 million towards construction. The Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and the Town of Turner Valley each contributed $983,000 to this project. The total cost for this project was $2.9 million. Additional fundraising for furniture, equipment, amenities and programs was conducted by the Friends of the Sheep River Library Foundation.
The library serves the Towns of Turner Valley, Black Diamond and the surrounding area within the Municipal District of Foothills. “The new library is a great improvement over the former facility and better meets the needs of this growing community,” said Ted Morton, MLA for Foothills-Rocky View. “It will be both a centre of learning and a centre for the community. This project is a good example of co-operation and shared investment by all orders of government.”
“On behalf of Turner Valley Council, I applaud the dedication and perseverance of all participants for the accomplishment in getting this wonderful facility open to service the residents of Turner Valley and region,” said Kelly Tuck, Mayor of Turner Valley. The 10,000-square-foot facility is a true focal point for the community. Centrally located in Turner Valley, it features large, bright areas for book stacks, a lively children's area for reading and activities, learning and study centres, meeting rooms and specially designed storage for community groups' archives. A double-sided fireplace and cozy leather furniture also invites reading and social interaction.
The building includes environmental benefits such as; reduced Green House Gas emissions from building operations, reduced energy consumption and reduced water and sewer loads on municipal systems. The new Sheep River Library is the culmination of five years of planning, advocating and fundraising. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 30th, 2010 and the new library opened for business on April 4th, 2011. The grand opening celebration drew a large crowd on April 23rd, gathering to observe the Official Ribbon Cutting.
The new Sheep River Library is a reality, thanks to major funding and support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the Town of Turner Valley.
Through the Canada-Alberta Infrastructure Stimulus Funding Agreement, the Federal and Alberta governments contributed a total of $1.966 million towards construction. The Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and the Town of Turner Valley each contributed $983,000 to this project. The total cost for this project was $2.9 million. Additional fundraising for furniture, equipment, amenities and programs was conducted by the Friends of the Sheep River Library Foundation.
The library serves the Towns of Turner Valley, Black Diamond and the surrounding area within the Municipal District of Foothills. “The new library is a great improvement over the former facility and better meets the needs of this growing community,” said Ted Morton, MLA for Foothills-Rocky View. “It will be both a centre of learning and a centre for the community. This project is a good example of co-operation and shared investment by all orders of government.”
“On behalf of Turner Valley Council, I applaud the dedication and perseverance of all participants for the accomplishment in getting this wonderful facility open to service the residents of Turner Valley and region,” said Kelly Tuck, Mayor of Turner Valley. The 10,000-square-foot facility is a true focal point for the community. Centrally located in Turner Valley, it features large, bright areas for book stacks, a lively children's area for reading and activities, learning and study centres, meeting rooms and specially designed storage for community groups' archives. A double-sided fireplace and cozy leather furniture also invites reading and social interaction.
The building includes environmental benefits such as; reduced Green House Gas emissions from building operations, reduced energy consumption and reduced water and sewer loads on municipal systems. The new Sheep River Library is the culmination of five years of planning, advocating and fundraising. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 30th, 2010 and the new library opened for business on April 4th, 2011. The grand opening celebration drew a large crowd on April 23rd, gathering to observe the Official Ribbon Cutting.
Grand Opening Well Attended
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By Todd Curran
The Sheep River Inter-municipal Library hosted a grand opening in celebration of the new facility on April 23rd, welcoming a huge knowledge-hungry crowd.
“I applaud the efforts of everybody involved in getting this project completed,” says Turner Valley Mayor Kelly Tuck. “It's an exceptional building that this town is really proud of and I'm looking forward to the education and learning that it'll bring to our area.”
With the project propelled by many committed volunteers and board members, MLA Ted Morton commented, “It takes a lot more than money to do something like this. It's a nice example of co-operation.” Diane Osberg, Library Board Chairperson, is in complete agreement, saying the new facility is the result of hard work performed by many different people.
Universally impressed with the facility, services and programs being offered by the new library, attendees say it may become the hub of the community.
By Todd Curran
The Sheep River Inter-municipal Library hosted a grand opening in celebration of the new facility on April 23rd, welcoming a huge knowledge-hungry crowd.
“I applaud the efforts of everybody involved in getting this project completed,” says Turner Valley Mayor Kelly Tuck. “It's an exceptional building that this town is really proud of and I'm looking forward to the education and learning that it'll bring to our area.”
With the project propelled by many committed volunteers and board members, MLA Ted Morton commented, “It takes a lot more than money to do something like this. It's a nice example of co-operation.” Diane Osberg, Library Board Chairperson, is in complete agreement, saying the new facility is the result of hard work performed by many different people.
Universally impressed with the facility, services and programs being offered by the new library, attendees say it may become the hub of the community.
Menzies Wins Again!
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He asked his Riding to re-elect him and re-elect him them did!
Ted Menzies is seen here at his celebratory party following his landslide win in the Federal Election on May 2nd. Menzies’ smile says it all!
“My main job is to make sure that I reflect what the constituents of MacLeod think, how they think and what they want to see our government do,” said Menzies.
He was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004. He served as Parliamentary Secretary to two ministers, the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of International Cooperation. In 2007, he became Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, and in 2011, he was sworn in to Cabinet as Minister of State (Finance).
Validated Results from Election Canada website for MacLeod Riding:
Conservative - Ted Menzies 40,007 ~ 77.5%
NDP-New Democratic Party Janine Giles 5,335 ~ 10.3%
Green Party - Attila Nagy 2,389 ~ 4.6%
Liberal - Nicole Hankel 1,898 ~ 3.7%
PC Party - Brad Carrigan 1,754 ~ 3.4%
CHP Canada - Marc Slingerland 252 ~ 0.5%
Total number of valid votes: 51,635.
Polls reporting: 258/258 Voter turnout: 51,792 of 84,182 registered electors (61.3%)
The number of registered electors shown does not include electors who registered on election day.
He asked his Riding to re-elect him and re-elect him them did!
Ted Menzies is seen here at his celebratory party following his landslide win in the Federal Election on May 2nd. Menzies’ smile says it all!
“My main job is to make sure that I reflect what the constituents of MacLeod think, how they think and what they want to see our government do,” said Menzies.
He was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004. He served as Parliamentary Secretary to two ministers, the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of International Cooperation. In 2007, he became Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, and in 2011, he was sworn in to Cabinet as Minister of State (Finance).
Validated Results from Election Canada website for MacLeod Riding:
Conservative - Ted Menzies 40,007 ~ 77.5%
NDP-New Democratic Party Janine Giles 5,335 ~ 10.3%
Green Party - Attila Nagy 2,389 ~ 4.6%
Liberal - Nicole Hankel 1,898 ~ 3.7%
PC Party - Brad Carrigan 1,754 ~ 3.4%
CHP Canada - Marc Slingerland 252 ~ 0.5%
Total number of valid votes: 51,635.
Polls reporting: 258/258 Voter turnout: 51,792 of 84,182 registered electors (61.3%)
The number of registered electors shown does not include electors who registered on election day.
Team Beef Is Raising Research Funds
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By Todd Curran
Even a month before participating in the June 12th Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walking fundraiser, Bronwyn Wheeler and Brittne Rasmussen are taking an extra step. The 21 year-old pair of Okotoks locals are organizing a garage sale on May 14th to help raise even more research money.
“Both of our fathers are diabetic,” Brittne says. “So we want to raise some awareness and make a donation that'll help make things better for people with this disease.”
The fundraising Garage and Bake Sale is taking place on May 14th from 8am to 4pm, at 33 Crystal Ridge Way in Okotoks. The Bake Sale is featuring ½ sugar-free treats and half regular baked goods. If you can't make the Sale, donate online by going to http://jdrfca.donordrive.com/index.cfm and searching team name "Beef". The team is donating all proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, so come out to support Juvenile Diabetes Research and two local Okotoks girls with big hearts!
By Todd Curran
Even a month before participating in the June 12th Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walking fundraiser, Bronwyn Wheeler and Brittne Rasmussen are taking an extra step. The 21 year-old pair of Okotoks locals are organizing a garage sale on May 14th to help raise even more research money.
“Both of our fathers are diabetic,” Brittne says. “So we want to raise some awareness and make a donation that'll help make things better for people with this disease.”
The fundraising Garage and Bake Sale is taking place on May 14th from 8am to 4pm, at 33 Crystal Ridge Way in Okotoks. The Bake Sale is featuring ½ sugar-free treats and half regular baked goods. If you can't make the Sale, donate online by going to http://jdrfca.donordrive.com/index.cfm and searching team name "Beef". The team is donating all proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, so come out to support Juvenile Diabetes Research and two local Okotoks girls with big hearts!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #78, Turner Valley - To Manage Cemetery Expansion
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By Todd Curran
On April 23rd, MLA Ted Morton presented an $85,700 cheque to the Turner Valley Legion in aid of the Foothills Cemetery expansion project.
The project, which aims to double the regional cemetery's current size, is being executed by the MD of Foothills and the Towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley under Legion management. “The cemetery is nearly at capacity right now,” says Turner Valley Legion President, Michel Jackson. “So, we're eager to get the expansion going. This money should go a long way toward achieving our goal.”
“This money is being really well spent,” Ted Morton says. “For families and communities to have a proper cemetery to bury their loved ones is important and we're hoping to see more collaboration between Black Diamond and Turner Valley on projects like this.”
The project is scheduled to start as soon as the ground thaws and is targeted for completion this summer.
By Todd Curran
On April 23rd, MLA Ted Morton presented an $85,700 cheque to the Turner Valley Legion in aid of the Foothills Cemetery expansion project.
The project, which aims to double the regional cemetery's current size, is being executed by the MD of Foothills and the Towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley under Legion management. “The cemetery is nearly at capacity right now,” says Turner Valley Legion President, Michel Jackson. “So, we're eager to get the expansion going. This money should go a long way toward achieving our goal.”
“This money is being really well spent,” Ted Morton says. “For families and communities to have a proper cemetery to bury their loved ones is important and we're hoping to see more collaboration between Black Diamond and Turner Valley on projects like this.”
The project is scheduled to start as soon as the ground thaws and is targeted for completion this summer.
Lewis Memorial United Church - Spring Turkey Dinner
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Something smells good in the kitchen at Lewis Memorial United Church.
Their annual Springtime Turkey Dinner fundraiser will be held on Monday, May 16th at 125 Royal Avenue in Turner Valley.
This United Church is a bustling and busy home to various programs within the community such as Scouts, Guides, Sparks, Brownies, Literacy for Life, Mommy & Me and Middle Age Exercise programs, the Oilfields Food Bank and many more. These fundraising events are a vital and important aspect for continuing their Outreach into the community.
On May 16th, you'll be greeted by the aroma of roasting turkey. What could be better than that! Well, dessert of course, and this crew of volunteers will be offering a tempting, not-to-be missed selection of pies!!
There will be two seatings for dinner: 4:30pm and 5:30pm:
The cost is: Adults $12.00
Children (age 6-12) $7
Preschoolers – free
Tickets available at the door (cash or cheque only please). Or you may pre-purchase tickets during regular office hours (Tues/Thurs 9 am-3 pm).
Phone 403-933-4114 or visit: www.unitedchurchinthevalley.ca
Something smells good in the kitchen at Lewis Memorial United Church.
Their annual Springtime Turkey Dinner fundraiser will be held on Monday, May 16th at 125 Royal Avenue in Turner Valley.
This United Church is a bustling and busy home to various programs within the community such as Scouts, Guides, Sparks, Brownies, Literacy for Life, Mommy & Me and Middle Age Exercise programs, the Oilfields Food Bank and many more. These fundraising events are a vital and important aspect for continuing their Outreach into the community.
On May 16th, you'll be greeted by the aroma of roasting turkey. What could be better than that! Well, dessert of course, and this crew of volunteers will be offering a tempting, not-to-be missed selection of pies!!
There will be two seatings for dinner: 4:30pm and 5:30pm:
The cost is: Adults $12.00
Children (age 6-12) $7
Preschoolers – free
Tickets available at the door (cash or cheque only please). Or you may pre-purchase tickets during regular office hours (Tues/Thurs 9 am-3 pm).
Phone 403-933-4114 or visit: www.unitedchurchinthevalley.ca
Diamond Valley Project Green Day
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It's May—that means it's time for our annual Diamond Valley Project Green Day! This is the day when green-minded volunteers from Black Diamond, Turner Valley and the MD of Foothills come out, spruce up, help conserve the green areas of our communities.
“It's a great family event to kick off summer,” says John Stoll, chairman of the Town of Black Diamond Parks and Recreation Committee. “Our plans for this green morning include a river cleanup, green spaces cleanup, pocket garden weeding, Friendship Trail and highway cleanup, and planting trees in a park,” he adds.
According to Monique LeBlanc, manager of community services for the Town of Turner Valley, “Project Green Day is in line with our two communities' proud stewardship of the environment and we're delighted to be a part of such a great event.”
To speed up the registration process, we now have online registration at the towns' websites www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca or: www.turnervalley.ca, plus in-person registration starting at 8:30am will be available, too.
What's in it for you? Project Green Day volunteers go first class all the way, from receiving feel-good work assignments, eco-friendly door prizes and an opportunity to check out energy- and water-saving displays, to being served morning tea and coffee and a fabulous BBQ lunch by the friendly folk of the Foothills Lions Club.
As this event grows bigger each year, several sponsors, including the Town of Black Diamond , the Town of Turner Valley, AG Foods-Country Food Mart, Hortscape, Foothills Lions Club, Volker Stevin and Diamond Valley Disposal have stepped up to show their support.
Please come out on May 14th morning, from 9:00am to noon, to show your support, too.
It's May—that means it's time for our annual Diamond Valley Project Green Day! This is the day when green-minded volunteers from Black Diamond, Turner Valley and the MD of Foothills come out, spruce up, help conserve the green areas of our communities.
“It's a great family event to kick off summer,” says John Stoll, chairman of the Town of Black Diamond Parks and Recreation Committee. “Our plans for this green morning include a river cleanup, green spaces cleanup, pocket garden weeding, Friendship Trail and highway cleanup, and planting trees in a park,” he adds.
According to Monique LeBlanc, manager of community services for the Town of Turner Valley, “Project Green Day is in line with our two communities' proud stewardship of the environment and we're delighted to be a part of such a great event.”
To speed up the registration process, we now have online registration at the towns' websites www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca or: www.turnervalley.ca, plus in-person registration starting at 8:30am will be available, too.
What's in it for you? Project Green Day volunteers go first class all the way, from receiving feel-good work assignments, eco-friendly door prizes and an opportunity to check out energy- and water-saving displays, to being served morning tea and coffee and a fabulous BBQ lunch by the friendly folk of the Foothills Lions Club.
As this event grows bigger each year, several sponsors, including the Town of Black Diamond , the Town of Turner Valley, AG Foods-Country Food Mart, Hortscape, Foothills Lions Club, Volker Stevin and Diamond Valley Disposal have stepped up to show their support.
Please come out on May 14th morning, from 9:00am to noon, to show your support, too.
Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area
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Discovery is at the Root of Nature Safari Day Camps
By Kate Payne
It is almost that time of year again: the time for flowers to bloom, birds to sing and kids to be free for the summer.
But as always, there is the looming question… “what are we going to do this summer?” There are only so many levels of video games to complete and brothers and sisters can only be tolerated for so long before rivalries emerge. Luckily, the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is back with their Nature Safari Day Camps to keep kids busy through the summer.
The Nature Safari Day Camps are sure to have an activity for everyone, featuring everything from investigative treks across the land, to creative eco-crafts and exciting nature-based games. With four weeks of action-packed, theme-based days, there is always something new to discover.
Take the chance to delve into pond exploration, discover your creative side with the help of an inspiring vista and uncover the habits of native animals. Campers will play, laugh and explore together, making new friends and lots of terrific memories.
Camps cost $150/ week and run on the following dates from 9:00am - 4:00pm:
July 11-15 (ages 9-12)
July 18-22 (ages 6-8) - FULL
July 25-29 (ages 6-8)
Aug 8-12 (ages 9-12)*
*Please note that we will be allowing students as young as 7 ½ into our August camp if they have an older sibling attending the same camp who is over the age of 9 to accommodate parents’ schedules.
If you are interested in giving your children a summer filled with fun and discovery, call Laura at 403-931-2042 or e-mail lgriffin@crossconservation.org. For more information on the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area, visit www.crossconservation.org
Discovery is at the Root of Nature Safari Day Camps
By Kate Payne
It is almost that time of year again: the time for flowers to bloom, birds to sing and kids to be free for the summer.
But as always, there is the looming question… “what are we going to do this summer?” There are only so many levels of video games to complete and brothers and sisters can only be tolerated for so long before rivalries emerge. Luckily, the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is back with their Nature Safari Day Camps to keep kids busy through the summer.
The Nature Safari Day Camps are sure to have an activity for everyone, featuring everything from investigative treks across the land, to creative eco-crafts and exciting nature-based games. With four weeks of action-packed, theme-based days, there is always something new to discover.
Take the chance to delve into pond exploration, discover your creative side with the help of an inspiring vista and uncover the habits of native animals. Campers will play, laugh and explore together, making new friends and lots of terrific memories.
Camps cost $150/ week and run on the following dates from 9:00am - 4:00pm:
July 11-15 (ages 9-12)
July 18-22 (ages 6-8) - FULL
July 25-29 (ages 6-8)
Aug 8-12 (ages 9-12)*
*Please note that we will be allowing students as young as 7 ½ into our August camp if they have an older sibling attending the same camp who is over the age of 9 to accommodate parents’ schedules.
If you are interested in giving your children a summer filled with fun and discovery, call Laura at 403-931-2042 or e-mail lgriffin@crossconservation.org. For more information on the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area, visit www.crossconservation.org
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