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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
How-To Guide to Holiday Hosting
The holidays are once again right around the corner and families across the country are preparing to reunite.
With hosting family and friends on the holiday horizon, the following guide can help those responsible for entertaining the troops this season become the holiday host with the most.
Prepare for the Feast
* Plan ahead. The key to minimizing holiday-induced anxiety is to plan in advance. Take inventory now to make sure you have the essentials you will need to serve your holiday meal - both basics and serving pieces.
* Save time and space. Use serving pieces with warming trays to free up essential cooking space on your stove. To create additional space in your oven, use a three-tier oven rack on one side that leaves the other side open for more bulky food allowing you to cook more than one dish at a time.
* Think off the wall. If you're hosting a buffet, set up the buffet table away from the wall to utilize both sides of the table to serve food. Add unique, multi-level serving dishes to give your table a fresh look.
* Offer your guests a choice. Set up at least 2 urns for your party, one with coffee and one with hot water for the tea drinkers. Consider a third for decaf.
Gear up for the Guests
Once you've prepared for your holiday feast, give your home a fresh face with a few simple and affordable updates.
* Seasonal solution. Transform your entertaining area by replacing sheer window treatments with more luxurious ones made of taffeta or chenille in warm, rich colors of the season. Pick the length that suits your style. More formal looks are achieved with longer treatments. Drape a throw in a rich burgundy or chocolate over the back of your couch and update your decorative pillows with covers that tie in with your existing decor.
* Bathroom make-over. It doesn't take a coat of paint to freshen up the guest bathroom. A new bath ensemble and some decorative seasonal hand towels will do the trick. Fresh flowers and scented lotion on the counter are welcoming treats.
* Guest bedroom blues. Looking to breathe some life into a guest bedroom? Start with the bedding. Since it's typically the biggest piece of decor in the room, changing the bedding alters the overall look and feel of the room. Add several extra pillows to the bed for that picture perfect catalog look.
* Entertaining essentials. Being prepared helps avoid last minute panic. For the main event, make sure you have enough chairs for guests (including folding chairs) and consider whether you need an extra folding table to serve as a "kids" table or dessert station. For overnight guests, be sure you have clean towels and sheets and that you can put your hand on the extra inflatable mattress in case of a surprise guest.
With hosting family and friends on the holiday horizon, the following guide can help those responsible for entertaining the troops this season become the holiday host with the most.
Prepare for the Feast
* Plan ahead. The key to minimizing holiday-induced anxiety is to plan in advance. Take inventory now to make sure you have the essentials you will need to serve your holiday meal - both basics and serving pieces.
* Save time and space. Use serving pieces with warming trays to free up essential cooking space on your stove. To create additional space in your oven, use a three-tier oven rack on one side that leaves the other side open for more bulky food allowing you to cook more than one dish at a time.
* Think off the wall. If you're hosting a buffet, set up the buffet table away from the wall to utilize both sides of the table to serve food. Add unique, multi-level serving dishes to give your table a fresh look.
* Offer your guests a choice. Set up at least 2 urns for your party, one with coffee and one with hot water for the tea drinkers. Consider a third for decaf.
Gear up for the Guests
Once you've prepared for your holiday feast, give your home a fresh face with a few simple and affordable updates.
* Seasonal solution. Transform your entertaining area by replacing sheer window treatments with more luxurious ones made of taffeta or chenille in warm, rich colors of the season. Pick the length that suits your style. More formal looks are achieved with longer treatments. Drape a throw in a rich burgundy or chocolate over the back of your couch and update your decorative pillows with covers that tie in with your existing decor.
* Bathroom make-over. It doesn't take a coat of paint to freshen up the guest bathroom. A new bath ensemble and some decorative seasonal hand towels will do the trick. Fresh flowers and scented lotion on the counter are welcoming treats.
* Guest bedroom blues. Looking to breathe some life into a guest bedroom? Start with the bedding. Since it's typically the biggest piece of decor in the room, changing the bedding alters the overall look and feel of the room. Add several extra pillows to the bed for that picture perfect catalog look.
* Entertaining essentials. Being prepared helps avoid last minute panic. For the main event, make sure you have enough chairs for guests (including folding chairs) and consider whether you need an extra folding table to serve as a "kids" table or dessert station. For overnight guests, be sure you have clean towels and sheets and that you can put your hand on the extra inflatable mattress in case of a surprise guest.
Do Pets Make Good Gifts?
To the millions of pet owners across the globe, pets are more than just furry friends around the house. Pets put many people in a good mood and can also make for a valuable addition to families with children, instilling a sense of responsibility in kids they might otherwise never learn.
But pets are also a very personal choice. Such a reality makes giving a pet as a present during the holiday season a difficult proposition - one that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons before making a final decision.
The Pros
* Companionship: Pets make fine companions and many people think giving a pet as a present during the holiday season is a great way to put a smile on a lonely friend or relative's face. However, when giving a pet in the hopes it will provide companionship, be sure to find a pet that's known for liking attention, such as a golden retriever, and not a pet that doesn't require much care or appreciate the attention.
* The surprise element: Oftentimes, when a family pet dies it takes awhile before the family is ready to get a new pet. However, if sufficient time has elapsed, the surprise element of a new pet at the holidays can make it one of the more memorable holidays ever.
The same can be said when giving a child their first pet. For moms and dads who have decided the kids are ready for their first pet, the holidays make a great time to surprise them with a Fido or Morris of their own.
* Cost: Particularly in the current economy, not all families can afford to adopt or buy a new pet. While they might be able to afford to feed and care for a pet, the initial costs (some adoptions can cost several hundred dollars) might be well beyond their budget. For gift givers who can afford the costs of adoption or the purchase price from a breeder, giving a pet can be a gift the family will greatly appreciate.
The Cons
* Personal choice: Pets don't take long to become a member of the family. And that's often because pets are a deeply personal choice made by the pet owner and his or her family. Giving a pet as a gift might be a nice gesture, but many people would prefer to pick their own pets.
* Timing: Not all families are ready for a pet. Even parents who want to add a pet to their home should consider if the timing is right. Are kids ready for the responsibility of a pet? Is the family ready to add another member?
Timing should also be a consideration for those thinking of giving a pet to someone they don't live with. It might be a nice gesture to give newlywed friends a pet, but they might also be trying to have a baby and might not have the time to care for a pet.
* Allergies and additional health considerations: Not everyone can have a pet in their home. Many people are allergic to animals. It could prove a disaster to give a kitten to someone who is highly allergic to cats. Shoppers who are unsure if a friend or loved one has a pet allergy should avoid giving a pet as a present.
In addition to pet allergies, another medical concern is some people might not be physically capable of caring for a pet. Dogs, for instance, need to be taken on daily walks or, at the very least, taken outside to relieve themselves. What's more, training a puppy is no small task. If a friend or family member does not appear capable of caring for a pet, consider a different gift.
But pets are also a very personal choice. Such a reality makes giving a pet as a present during the holiday season a difficult proposition - one that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons before making a final decision.
The Pros
* Companionship: Pets make fine companions and many people think giving a pet as a present during the holiday season is a great way to put a smile on a lonely friend or relative's face. However, when giving a pet in the hopes it will provide companionship, be sure to find a pet that's known for liking attention, such as a golden retriever, and not a pet that doesn't require much care or appreciate the attention.
* The surprise element: Oftentimes, when a family pet dies it takes awhile before the family is ready to get a new pet. However, if sufficient time has elapsed, the surprise element of a new pet at the holidays can make it one of the more memorable holidays ever.
The same can be said when giving a child their first pet. For moms and dads who have decided the kids are ready for their first pet, the holidays make a great time to surprise them with a Fido or Morris of their own.
* Cost: Particularly in the current economy, not all families can afford to adopt or buy a new pet. While they might be able to afford to feed and care for a pet, the initial costs (some adoptions can cost several hundred dollars) might be well beyond their budget. For gift givers who can afford the costs of adoption or the purchase price from a breeder, giving a pet can be a gift the family will greatly appreciate.
The Cons
* Personal choice: Pets don't take long to become a member of the family. And that's often because pets are a deeply personal choice made by the pet owner and his or her family. Giving a pet as a gift might be a nice gesture, but many people would prefer to pick their own pets.
* Timing: Not all families are ready for a pet. Even parents who want to add a pet to their home should consider if the timing is right. Are kids ready for the responsibility of a pet? Is the family ready to add another member?
Timing should also be a consideration for those thinking of giving a pet to someone they don't live with. It might be a nice gesture to give newlywed friends a pet, but they might also be trying to have a baby and might not have the time to care for a pet.
* Allergies and additional health considerations: Not everyone can have a pet in their home. Many people are allergic to animals. It could prove a disaster to give a kitten to someone who is highly allergic to cats. Shoppers who are unsure if a friend or loved one has a pet allergy should avoid giving a pet as a present.
In addition to pet allergies, another medical concern is some people might not be physically capable of caring for a pet. Dogs, for instance, need to be taken on daily walks or, at the very least, taken outside to relieve themselves. What's more, training a puppy is no small task. If a friend or family member does not appear capable of caring for a pet, consider a different gift.
Christmas 2011 BIRTH OF A NEW CHRISTMAS TRADITION
This is making it's way around via email, Facebook and other Social Media. Christine Stinnissen of Brooks, AB forwarded it onto us because she feels it makes a very good point. Let us know your thoughts, better still ~ Shop Locally This Year.
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian labour. This year will be different. This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadian hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese-produced wrapping paper?
Everyone - yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local Canadian hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down big bucks on a Chinese made flat-screen or computer? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed or lawn mowed for the summer or driveway plowed all winter or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants - all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember folks this isn't about big National chains - this is about supporting your home town Canadians with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the Canadian working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up,and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a movie, play or ballet, at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining Canadian pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new Canadian Christmas tradition.
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian labour. This year will be different. This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadian hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese-produced wrapping paper?
Everyone - yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local Canadian hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down big bucks on a Chinese made flat-screen or computer? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed or lawn mowed for the summer or driveway plowed all winter or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants - all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember folks this isn't about big National chains - this is about supporting your home town Canadians with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the Canadian working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up,and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a movie, play or ballet, at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining Canadian pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new Canadian Christmas tradition.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
From My Bookshelf ~ Christmas Readings....by Lynn Willoughby
I didn't do a Christmas Wish List/Children's Book Review last year. However, I've had many people ask for it again, so here goes, with a lot of help and input.
For the very young crowd - up to about age 2
Some you can read together, some they will enjoy reading on their own.
1. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff, this is one you'll get to read together. It is wonderful fun.
2. The Kissing Hand - Audrey Penn, a perennial favourite and for every good reason
3. Barbara Parks books especially the Junie B. Jones series
4. Magic Tree House series like "Dinosaurs Before Dark", "Pirates Past Noon", "Afternoon on the Amazon", etc
5. Beverly Cleary's "Beezus" and "Ramona" books
6. The Madeline books by Bemelmans - great rhythm and easy to read
9-12 group
This gets harder as kids are starting to be selective in their reading. However, there are still standby's:
Hope this helps with your shopping. I know eBooks, iPads, etc are handy, but I still love to get a great book to hold and read all night. It's still my favourite thing!
For the very young crowd - up to about age 2
- The Bear Stays Up For Christmas - Karma Wilson, Jane Chapman, this has great illustrations and a catchy lilt to the story
- The Nativity
- That's Not My Reindeer (Snowman etc.), all are touchy-feely books for the very young from Usborne Books
- The Animal's Advent, 25 flaps until Christmas - Lisa McCue
- Jingle Bells - Jeffrey Ebbeler great illustrations
- Olivia Claus, Olivia and the Christmas Present or any of the Olivia books; my personal favourite’s by Jared Osterhold
- any of the age appropriate Dr Seuss books
- Guess How Much I Love You? - Sam McBratney
- anything by Sandra Boynton - kids love the rhymes, the illustrations and the silliness. So do I!
- Christmas in the Mouse House - Maggie Kneen; lift the flaps as well as pop-up surprises to be read next year as well
- Merry Christmas: Look and Find - Julia Lobo, great for finding and identifying details
- Fancy Nancy's Splendiferious Christmas - Jane O'Connor, your Fancy Nancy girls will love this one
- Oh, What a Christmas! - Michael Garland, this is a wonderful NOT the Night before Christmas, which will have kids, parents and grandparents giggling.
- Olivia Helps With Christmas - Atheneum Books for Young Readers; your kids will love it and you will love reading it to them again and again and again!
- Go, Dog. Go! - P.D.Eastman, my grandson's very favourite and easy to read
- The Paper Bag Princess - Robert Munsch, enough said if you know Robert Munsch!
- Someday - Allison Meghee, a great story to read together
Some you can read together, some they will enjoy reading on their own.
- Geronimo Stilton series - Scholastic Books, but especially look at A Very Merry Christmas
- Thea Stilton and the Ice Treasure
- A Porcupine in a Pine Tree - Helaine Becher
- A Canadian Twelve Days of Christmas - Werner Zimmerman, "seven sled dogs sledding", "four calling moose”, "five Stanley Cups"….you get the idea. I just loved this one.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas - Charles M. Schulz, one to read together every year
1. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff, this is one you'll get to read together. It is wonderful fun.
2. The Kissing Hand - Audrey Penn, a perennial favourite and for every good reason
3. Barbara Parks books especially the Junie B. Jones series
4. Magic Tree House series like "Dinosaurs Before Dark", "Pirates Past Noon", "Afternoon on the Amazon", etc
5. Beverly Cleary's "Beezus" and "Ramona" books
6. The Madeline books by Bemelmans - great rhythm and easy to read
9-12 group
This gets harder as kids are starting to be selective in their reading. However, there are still standby's:
- anything by Roald Dahl and Johnny Depp has made the movies to prove these are still popular!
- Judy Blume books are also timeless
- Kenneth Oppel books are especially appealing to boys who may not be readers
- Carl Hiaasen is a great writer of adult comedy, but also has three books for younger readers - "Hoot", "Scat", "Flush" - mysteries for edge of the seat thinkers
- there are lots of graphic novels out there for young readers, as well as "you choose the ending" books.
- The Fly Guy - Tedd Arnold, comes highly recommended
- A Great and Terrible Beauty - Libba Bray series for older girls
- Harry Potter books are still around and still popular - J.K.Rowling
- The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins; a futuristic series that is well written and riveting
- The Lightning Thief series (Percy Jackson) - Rick Riordan; my grandson read this series from beginning to end with stops only to eat!!
- Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism - Georgia Byng, another all-nighter!
- The Garbage King - Elizabeth Laird, takes kids into Ethiopia and shows life in an new part of the world for most of them
Hope this helps with your shopping. I know eBooks, iPads, etc are handy, but I still love to get a great book to hold and read all night. It's still my favourite thing!
Dos And Don'ts For Exchanging Gifts With Coworkers
When among the masses shopping for holiday gifts, consumers might want to take a close look at the expressions on their fellow shoppers' faces. Note the ones whose eyes are glazed over, who are anxiously biting their bottom lips or seem to be exhibiting recurring facial twitches. These are not individuals on the verge of a nervous breakdown. In fact, many are otherwise well adjusted people in the throes of choosing holiday gifts for their coworkers or bosses.
While there is nothing inherently complicated about choosing tokens of appreciation for one's associates or superiors, the challenge is not just choosing the right token, but in choosing something without the potential to offend or confuse the recipient.
To help make the process go smoothly from purchase to presentation, here are some of the chief do's and don'ts for office gift-giving.
Do:
* Make sure that you know your company's policy on gift-giving. For example, are there specified or unstated spending limits?
* Be clear about who should be on your gift list. Do you get gifts for everyone in your department or just those individuals with whom you interact most frequently?
* Choose thoughtful and tasteful gifts, whether buying a different item for each person or the same item for all.
* Consider gifts that can be used in the office, such as distinctive office supplies, a photo frame, gadget, calendar or pen.
* Go for gifts that can be shared either at home or work, such as gourmet food items, books or plants.
* Find out if colleagues have food or plant allergies before selecting gifts in those categories.
* Take the time to package and wrap gifts with care.
Don't:
* Overspend, especially when purchasing a gift for your boss.
* Give presents to colleagues outside of your "gift circle" in order to make a good impression or curry favour.
* Choose "joke" or "gag" gifts, even for coworkers you think you know well. While the recipient might appreciate the gesture, it could be misinterpreted by others.
* Re-gift or give items that are used or in anything but pristine condition.
* Stray outside the limits of "good taste." In other words, don't even think about gifts that could be considered too personal (including clothing, perfume or jewelry) or are in any way political, religious, racial or sexual. And unless you are absolutely certain of the recipient's tastes and habits, steer clear of alcoholic beverages of any kind.
* Give gifts that can be misconstrued as having a hidden meaning or agenda, such as flowers (especially roses), cash, lingerie or personal hygiene products.
* Leave anyone out. Hurt feelings are hard to overcome and can strain otherwise productive working relationships.
While there is nothing inherently complicated about choosing tokens of appreciation for one's associates or superiors, the challenge is not just choosing the right token, but in choosing something without the potential to offend or confuse the recipient.
To help make the process go smoothly from purchase to presentation, here are some of the chief do's and don'ts for office gift-giving.
Do:
* Make sure that you know your company's policy on gift-giving. For example, are there specified or unstated spending limits?
* Be clear about who should be on your gift list. Do you get gifts for everyone in your department or just those individuals with whom you interact most frequently?
* Choose thoughtful and tasteful gifts, whether buying a different item for each person or the same item for all.
* Consider gifts that can be used in the office, such as distinctive office supplies, a photo frame, gadget, calendar or pen.
* Go for gifts that can be shared either at home or work, such as gourmet food items, books or plants.
* Find out if colleagues have food or plant allergies before selecting gifts in those categories.
* Take the time to package and wrap gifts with care.
Don't:
* Overspend, especially when purchasing a gift for your boss.
* Give presents to colleagues outside of your "gift circle" in order to make a good impression or curry favour.
* Choose "joke" or "gag" gifts, even for coworkers you think you know well. While the recipient might appreciate the gesture, it could be misinterpreted by others.
* Re-gift or give items that are used or in anything but pristine condition.
* Stray outside the limits of "good taste." In other words, don't even think about gifts that could be considered too personal (including clothing, perfume or jewelry) or are in any way political, religious, racial or sexual. And unless you are absolutely certain of the recipient's tastes and habits, steer clear of alcoholic beverages of any kind.
* Give gifts that can be misconstrued as having a hidden meaning or agenda, such as flowers (especially roses), cash, lingerie or personal hygiene products.
* Leave anyone out. Hurt feelings are hard to overcome and can strain otherwise productive working relationships.
Wrap It Up ~ Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas: Green Alternatives to Gift Packaging
If your holiday halls are decked with stacks of paper bags, mounds of crumpled wrapping paper, an array of random ribbons and a gaggle of gift tags that are destined for the local landfill, it's time to add a little "green" to your gift-wrapping regimen.
Given that the average household's waste jumps by more than 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day and that holiday debris adds an additional one million tons per week to landfills, there is a lot that everyone can do to recycle, reuse and reduce during the holidays. According to Eco-Chick.com, "If every family reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet. If every family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. The 2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year could fill a football field ten stories high. If we each sent one card less, we'd save 50,000 cubic yards of paper."
Here are some ways to go green and even save green on gift packaging this year:
Recycle: Conventional wrapping paper typically cannot be recycled since it is often coated in metal foil or is plastic laminated. But if the paper rips and doesn't glitter or shine, it can - and should - be placed in the recycle bin along with other paper products. Check with your local recycling provider to find out which types of wrapping paper they accept. The good news is that recyclable wrapping paper is increasingly available from both online and brick-and-mortar retailers such as Amazon.com, Office Depot and UncommonGoods.com.
Reuse: Before the opening of the gifts begins, set aside a box for collecting reusable boxes, wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, ribbons and other decorative items. Even if wrapping paper is torn, it can be used for craft projects, packaging filler or to enclose smaller gifts the following year. Gift bags are also great candidates for reuse. If the surface of the bag is marred from removing ribbon or a bow, the spot can be covered with other decorative items or scraps of used wrapping paper.
Reduce: Recycling and reusing boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon and gift bags is a big step in the right direction. But the best way to avoid waste is to reduce the use of these items in the first place. Rather than wrapping gifts in paper, consider using scarves, old tea towels, cloth napkins or leftover fabric. If you're crafty, consider creating your own simple fabric sacks that can be easily sewn by hand or machine. If you're not, try painting an old pillowcase and tying it up with fabric ribbon, string or even shoelaces. And don't forget newspaper! The comics make colourful gift wrap any time of year, particularly for kids.
Given that the average household's waste jumps by more than 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day and that holiday debris adds an additional one million tons per week to landfills, there is a lot that everyone can do to recycle, reuse and reduce during the holidays. According to Eco-Chick.com, "If every family reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet. If every family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. The 2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year could fill a football field ten stories high. If we each sent one card less, we'd save 50,000 cubic yards of paper."
Here are some ways to go green and even save green on gift packaging this year:
Recycle: Conventional wrapping paper typically cannot be recycled since it is often coated in metal foil or is plastic laminated. But if the paper rips and doesn't glitter or shine, it can - and should - be placed in the recycle bin along with other paper products. Check with your local recycling provider to find out which types of wrapping paper they accept. The good news is that recyclable wrapping paper is increasingly available from both online and brick-and-mortar retailers such as Amazon.com, Office Depot and UncommonGoods.com.
Reuse: Before the opening of the gifts begins, set aside a box for collecting reusable boxes, wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, ribbons and other decorative items. Even if wrapping paper is torn, it can be used for craft projects, packaging filler or to enclose smaller gifts the following year. Gift bags are also great candidates for reuse. If the surface of the bag is marred from removing ribbon or a bow, the spot can be covered with other decorative items or scraps of used wrapping paper.
Reduce: Recycling and reusing boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon and gift bags is a big step in the right direction. But the best way to avoid waste is to reduce the use of these items in the first place. Rather than wrapping gifts in paper, consider using scarves, old tea towels, cloth napkins or leftover fabric. If you're crafty, consider creating your own simple fabric sacks that can be easily sewn by hand or machine. If you're not, try painting an old pillowcase and tying it up with fabric ribbon, string or even shoelaces. And don't forget newspaper! The comics make colourful gift wrap any time of year, particularly for kids.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Faith Forum ~ What is Salvation By Gloria Wessner
The word 'salvation' is a word that many people aren't very familiar with and isn't used very often. We seem to know the word 'redemption' more than the word 'salvation.’
Dictionary.com gives a few meanings of the word:
“1. the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc.
2. the state of being saved or protected from harm, risk, etc.
3. a source, cause or means of being saved or protected from harm, risk, etc.
4. Theology - deliverance from the power and penalty of sin; redemption.”
What is interesting about all of these meanings is that all of them are found in one person, Jesus Christ. Through His action on the cross of dying for all our wrongdoings and then rising again from the dead, He did definition number one. Because of his actions just mentioned, we who choose to believe in Him and have that personal relationship with Him, have as our own, definition number two: being in 'the state of being saved'. In definition number three, Jesus Himself is the Source and the Cause for our being able to be saved and He protects us from the eternal damning effects of sin. Instead, we get to go to heaven to be with Him. In definition number four, again because of His selfless actions on the cross, He has delivered us from the power and penalty of sin (as mentioned in number three) and given us redemption.
The following story emphasizes from God's word the truths stated above.
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4: 8 – 13 NLT)
There is one more section of God's word that is very timely in light of this article:
“For God says,
“At just the right time, I heard you.
On the day of salvation, I helped you.”
Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT)
How about you? Are you ready to receive his gift of salvation today? Readers are invited to write me at gloriawes@hotmail.com and I would be more than happy to visit with you or write with you how to receive this very special gift from God.
Dictionary.com gives a few meanings of the word:
“1. the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc.
2. the state of being saved or protected from harm, risk, etc.
3. a source, cause or means of being saved or protected from harm, risk, etc.
4. Theology - deliverance from the power and penalty of sin; redemption.”
What is interesting about all of these meanings is that all of them are found in one person, Jesus Christ. Through His action on the cross of dying for all our wrongdoings and then rising again from the dead, He did definition number one. Because of his actions just mentioned, we who choose to believe in Him and have that personal relationship with Him, have as our own, definition number two: being in 'the state of being saved'. In definition number three, Jesus Himself is the Source and the Cause for our being able to be saved and He protects us from the eternal damning effects of sin. Instead, we get to go to heaven to be with Him. In definition number four, again because of His selfless actions on the cross, He has delivered us from the power and penalty of sin (as mentioned in number three) and given us redemption.
The following story emphasizes from God's word the truths stated above.
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4: 8 – 13 NLT)
There is one more section of God's word that is very timely in light of this article:
“For God says,
“At just the right time, I heard you.
On the day of salvation, I helped you.”
Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT)
How about you? Are you ready to receive his gift of salvation today? Readers are invited to write me at gloriawes@hotmail.com and I would be more than happy to visit with you or write with you how to receive this very special gift from God.
Minister Ted Menzies Announces Funding for New War Memorial in Longview, Alberta
On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Minister of State (Finance), announced support for a new monument to honour Veterans and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It is our sacred duty to remember and honour our Veterans and the brave men and women in uniform who serve Canada so selflessly,” said Minister Blaney. “The memorials we build today will forever reflect our nation's gratitude to the generations of Canadians who allow us to live in peace and freedom.”
“Our Government is proud to support projects that help keep the memory of our Veterans alive,” said Minister Menzies. “Our community war memorials serve as lasting reminders of the achievements and sacrifices of our Veterans and the men and women who continue to serve our country today.”
The Village of Longview is receiving a maximum of $4,680 through the Community War Memorial Program.
The project will include the construction of a new memorial commemorating those who died in Canadian military service and those Veterans who served Canada as peacekeepers. The new memorial will be installed in front of the Village of Longview's municipal office.
Through the Community War Memorial Program, our Government is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of our Veterans and members of our armed forces by partnering with community groups and local organization to build new cenotaphs and monuments.
Applications to the Community War Memorial Program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding to build new memorials or to make major additions to existing ones.
Veterans' Week is a time when all Canadians come together to honour those who have sacrificed to make our world a safer place. Make remembrance more than something you feel, make it something you do. How will you remember? For information on Veterans' Week, benefits for Veterans and Veterans Affairs Canada social media communities visit veterans.gc.ca.
“It is our sacred duty to remember and honour our Veterans and the brave men and women in uniform who serve Canada so selflessly,” said Minister Blaney. “The memorials we build today will forever reflect our nation's gratitude to the generations of Canadians who allow us to live in peace and freedom.”
“Our Government is proud to support projects that help keep the memory of our Veterans alive,” said Minister Menzies. “Our community war memorials serve as lasting reminders of the achievements and sacrifices of our Veterans and the men and women who continue to serve our country today.”
The Village of Longview is receiving a maximum of $4,680 through the Community War Memorial Program.
The project will include the construction of a new memorial commemorating those who died in Canadian military service and those Veterans who served Canada as peacekeepers. The new memorial will be installed in front of the Village of Longview's municipal office.
Through the Community War Memorial Program, our Government is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of our Veterans and members of our armed forces by partnering with community groups and local organization to build new cenotaphs and monuments.
Applications to the Community War Memorial Program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding to build new memorials or to make major additions to existing ones.
Veterans' Week is a time when all Canadians come together to honour those who have sacrificed to make our world a safer place. Make remembrance more than something you feel, make it something you do. How will you remember? For information on Veterans' Week, benefits for Veterans and Veterans Affairs Canada social media communities visit veterans.gc.ca.
Views on Vision By Dr. Charles A. Boulet ~ The Elephant in the Room
Reading Disabilities in the Classroom, Pt. 2 of 4
No one will disagree that children with reading trouble should receive help, in some form, and the longer a reading problem is left unaddressed, the consequences will be more severe and the remedy more complicated. What's better is when you train visual skills to go along with reading training. Either way, while intervention in reading and learning problems is important, more important is early intervention and prevention. Even slight problems can grow silently, slowly marginalizing students and amplifying their frustration with school. Worse yet, reading impediments can make reading a tedious chore which then closes the door to a world of learning and discovery for a lifetime. You don't have to want to go to college or university to benefit from strong reading skills. And yes, reading and learning problems can often be avoided.
Every week in clinic, I meet at least a few adults who feel that they have been somehow “short-changed” in school - had they known then what they know now about their vision, they might well have followed a different path. In some cases, the frustration with schooling and reading is so intense that there is a deeply embedded sense of anger with the school system. Careful assessment of behavior, especially visual behavior, can quickly pick up potential problems, then corrective measures can be applied immediately.
As a Province, we don't do this, however. We do things the way we do because that's the way we do them and that's the way we will always do them. Meanwhile, other jurisdictions have shown that a proactive approach to reading and learning problems - assessing ALL children as they enter the 13-year schooling cycle - saves money and saves families much anguish. In vision problems alone, around 25% of school children, and nearly all of those affected with reading and learning problems, have impaired visual skills or eyesight. These children are sitting in classrooms with no knowledge of their problems, struggling against their vision and they will never know how things could be easier, if only someone looked a little closer. In some areas, like in the Diamond Valley, the rates of problems with vision appears to be even higher than average which indicates an even greater need overall.
Currently, however, the schools have no plans for early intervention, neither locally nor provincially. With the prevalence of hidden vision-related learning impediments alone, how often they are mis-diagnosed as other problems, and the potential to avoid many of these problems in the first place, there is no reason to let students suffer needlessly for lack of a proper vision and developmental examination when they start school. This issue is important to all of us and I will come back to it in Part 4 (now available online at www.LearningManagement.ca).
Part of the problem is that there is a general conception that vision is the same as “eyesight”. “Eyesight” is a noun, it refers to the clarity of the image formed in the eye. “Vision” is a noun, but its nature is much more of a verb. Vision is an active process that integrates all of our senses, except for smell and taste. If one element is out of balance, everything else is affected. Reading eye charts does not detect problems with vision, other than blurry eye sight. Yet, that is the extent of vision checks currently. Imagine taking your car to the mechanic for a check and he kicks the tires, checks the tires' tread and says “yep, she's good”. I don't think I'd pay that bill or feel confident in the assessment.
Often enough, reading impediments manifest or are interpreted as other learning disabilities (LD) - even if the supposed LD is well treated, there will not likely be any improvement unless the underlying visual dysfunction is addressed. This is a problem of education - professionals are simply not taught to pay attention to the single most important sensory component required for learning (vision). I know this from my own training in psychology and education. Still, the signs of reading impediments are almost always there to be seen when a child is having trouble and a trained eye can spot it even before the trouble arises. It's an easy thing to look early and can save a lot of unnecessary cost and grief.
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.
No one will disagree that children with reading trouble should receive help, in some form, and the longer a reading problem is left unaddressed, the consequences will be more severe and the remedy more complicated. What's better is when you train visual skills to go along with reading training. Either way, while intervention in reading and learning problems is important, more important is early intervention and prevention. Even slight problems can grow silently, slowly marginalizing students and amplifying their frustration with school. Worse yet, reading impediments can make reading a tedious chore which then closes the door to a world of learning and discovery for a lifetime. You don't have to want to go to college or university to benefit from strong reading skills. And yes, reading and learning problems can often be avoided.
Every week in clinic, I meet at least a few adults who feel that they have been somehow “short-changed” in school - had they known then what they know now about their vision, they might well have followed a different path. In some cases, the frustration with schooling and reading is so intense that there is a deeply embedded sense of anger with the school system. Careful assessment of behavior, especially visual behavior, can quickly pick up potential problems, then corrective measures can be applied immediately.
As a Province, we don't do this, however. We do things the way we do because that's the way we do them and that's the way we will always do them. Meanwhile, other jurisdictions have shown that a proactive approach to reading and learning problems - assessing ALL children as they enter the 13-year schooling cycle - saves money and saves families much anguish. In vision problems alone, around 25% of school children, and nearly all of those affected with reading and learning problems, have impaired visual skills or eyesight. These children are sitting in classrooms with no knowledge of their problems, struggling against their vision and they will never know how things could be easier, if only someone looked a little closer. In some areas, like in the Diamond Valley, the rates of problems with vision appears to be even higher than average which indicates an even greater need overall.
Currently, however, the schools have no plans for early intervention, neither locally nor provincially. With the prevalence of hidden vision-related learning impediments alone, how often they are mis-diagnosed as other problems, and the potential to avoid many of these problems in the first place, there is no reason to let students suffer needlessly for lack of a proper vision and developmental examination when they start school. This issue is important to all of us and I will come back to it in Part 4 (now available online at www.LearningManagement.ca).
Part of the problem is that there is a general conception that vision is the same as “eyesight”. “Eyesight” is a noun, it refers to the clarity of the image formed in the eye. “Vision” is a noun, but its nature is much more of a verb. Vision is an active process that integrates all of our senses, except for smell and taste. If one element is out of balance, everything else is affected. Reading eye charts does not detect problems with vision, other than blurry eye sight. Yet, that is the extent of vision checks currently. Imagine taking your car to the mechanic for a check and he kicks the tires, checks the tires' tread and says “yep, she's good”. I don't think I'd pay that bill or feel confident in the assessment.
Often enough, reading impediments manifest or are interpreted as other learning disabilities (LD) - even if the supposed LD is well treated, there will not likely be any improvement unless the underlying visual dysfunction is addressed. This is a problem of education - professionals are simply not taught to pay attention to the single most important sensory component required for learning (vision). I know this from my own training in psychology and education. Still, the signs of reading impediments are almost always there to be seen when a child is having trouble and a trained eye can spot it even before the trouble arises. It's an easy thing to look early and can save a lot of unnecessary cost and grief.
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.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Flu and You
As President and CEO of Alberta Health Services, I see first-hand our physicians, our clinicians and our nurses working to improve our health care system every single day; working to ensure the right care is available, right when you need it. They are working flat out to help you be healthy and also to help you stay healthy.
Our goal is to create the best-performing publicly-funded health system in Canada and we are committed to realizing that goal. We cannot do that alone. You are an active participant in your own health.
You can make a big difference in protecting your own health and the health of those around you by doing something simple this fall and every fall: get your flu shot.
Each year, we see the impact of influenza on our communities. Each year, we also see the impact of influenza on our health system and, in particular, on our emergency departments and hospitals.
When Albertans get sick with influenza, our wait times increase and care becomes less accessible. Emergency care isn't immune to influenza and, without a flu shot, neither are you.
Alberta's influenza immunization clinics opened around the province on October 17th, offering annual flu shots, free of charge, to all Albertans six months of age and older. As of November 5th, AHS has immunized 322,916 Albertans against influenza.
This is a good start, but we have a long way to go.
Last year, we immunized more than 830,000 Albertans. This sounds like a big number, but we know it was not enough. We still saw hundreds of cases of influenza last year. Week over week, influenza-related visits to our emergency departments increased. And, regrettably for some, influenza was too severe to overcome. Last year we saw approximately 300 influenza-related deaths across the province.
Influenza affects us all. Immunization protects us all. Everyone – including healthy people – should be immunized against influenza, every year.
Get the flu shot and you'll be protected against three strains of influenza circulating this season. Get the flu shot, and you'll protect our communities from influenza. Get the flu shot and you'll help us preserve emergency care for those who need it most.
For more influenza information, including complete immunization clinic schedules, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca or call Health Link Alberta, 24/7, toll-free at 1.866.408.5465 (LINK).
Dr. Chris Eagle
President and Chief Executive Officer
Alberta Health Services
Our goal is to create the best-performing publicly-funded health system in Canada and we are committed to realizing that goal. We cannot do that alone. You are an active participant in your own health.
You can make a big difference in protecting your own health and the health of those around you by doing something simple this fall and every fall: get your flu shot.
Each year, we see the impact of influenza on our communities. Each year, we also see the impact of influenza on our health system and, in particular, on our emergency departments and hospitals.
When Albertans get sick with influenza, our wait times increase and care becomes less accessible. Emergency care isn't immune to influenza and, without a flu shot, neither are you.
Alberta's influenza immunization clinics opened around the province on October 17th, offering annual flu shots, free of charge, to all Albertans six months of age and older. As of November 5th, AHS has immunized 322,916 Albertans against influenza.
This is a good start, but we have a long way to go.
Last year, we immunized more than 830,000 Albertans. This sounds like a big number, but we know it was not enough. We still saw hundreds of cases of influenza last year. Week over week, influenza-related visits to our emergency departments increased. And, regrettably for some, influenza was too severe to overcome. Last year we saw approximately 300 influenza-related deaths across the province.
Influenza affects us all. Immunization protects us all. Everyone – including healthy people – should be immunized against influenza, every year.
Get the flu shot and you'll be protected against three strains of influenza circulating this season. Get the flu shot, and you'll protect our communities from influenza. Get the flu shot and you'll help us preserve emergency care for those who need it most.
For more influenza information, including complete immunization clinic schedules, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca or call Health Link Alberta, 24/7, toll-free at 1.866.408.5465 (LINK).
Dr. Chris Eagle
President and Chief Executive Officer
Alberta Health Services
Town of High River activates Emergency Operations Centre
High River, AB: The Town of High River activated it’s Emergency Operations Centre at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 27 due to emergency conditions created by the extreme wind storm that has affected the southern part of Alberta.
A firewall at Sunrise Terrace Apartments has separated from the building and residents are being evacuated. All those affected by the evacuation are requested to go to the Town Office where they will be directed to appropriate accommodations. “Even if they have somewhere to go, we are still asking them to check in with the Emergency Operations Centre,” said Ross Shapka, emergency operations director. They can call 403.652.6960.
Updates on conditions and information will be provided through the website and on both the town’s Twitter (@HRroadreports) and Facebook (Town of High River) accounts.
Holiday Community Calendar - December 2nd to 4th
Friday, December 2nd ~ The 25th Annual Santa Claus Parade and Moonlight Madness. Parade starts at 6:30pm and many business will stay open until 11pm.
Friday, December 2nd, 2:00 to 9:00pm ~ Christmas Craft Fair, Highwood Memorial Centre. High River. 403-652-4042.
Friday, December 2nd, 2:00 to 8:30pm ~ Diamond Valley Christmas Market, Flare N Derrick, Turner Valley.
Saturday, December 3rd ~ Royal Canadian Legion and Town of Turner Valley Children's Christmas Party. Breakfast with Santa 9:30am and11:30am.
Saturday, December 3rd, 1:00 to 3:30pm ~ High Country Lodge Annual Tea & Bazaar. $5.00 per person at the door. There will be a raffle, silent auction, crafts and baked goods. Carol Bishop 403-933-4028.
Saturday, December 3rd, 10:00am to 3:00pm ~ Community Christmas Fair Highwood Memorial Centre. 403-652-4042.
Saturday, December 3rd, 10:00am to 5:00pm ~ Diamond Valley Christmas Market, Flare N Derrick, Turner Valley.
Saturday, December 3rd, 5:00pm ~ Diamond Valley Light Up, Black Diamond. Photos with Santa, Pet photos with Santa, Chilli Cook-off. Please note change from our print version.
Sunday, December 4th, 1:00 to 5:00pm ~ MarketSquare’s 1st Annual Christmas Festival. Gym at Okotoks Rec Centre. www.themarketsquare.ca.
Friday, December 2nd, 2:00 to 9:00pm ~ Christmas Craft Fair, Highwood Memorial Centre. High River. 403-652-4042.
Friday, December 2nd, 2:00 to 8:30pm ~ Diamond Valley Christmas Market, Flare N Derrick, Turner Valley.
Saturday, December 3rd ~ Royal Canadian Legion and Town of Turner Valley Children's Christmas Party. Breakfast with Santa 9:30am and11:30am.
Saturday, December 3rd, 1:00 to 3:30pm ~ High Country Lodge Annual Tea & Bazaar. $5.00 per person at the door. There will be a raffle, silent auction, crafts and baked goods. Carol Bishop 403-933-4028.
Saturday, December 3rd, 10:00am to 3:00pm ~ Community Christmas Fair Highwood Memorial Centre. 403-652-4042.
Saturday, December 3rd, 10:00am to 5:00pm ~ Diamond Valley Christmas Market, Flare N Derrick, Turner Valley.
Saturday, December 3rd, 5:00pm ~ Diamond Valley Light Up, Black Diamond. Photos with Santa, Pet photos with Santa, Chilli Cook-off. Please note change from our print version.
Sunday, December 4th, 1:00 to 5:00pm ~ MarketSquare’s 1st Annual Christmas Festival. Gym at Okotoks Rec Centre. www.themarketsquare.ca.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78, Turner Valley - From Flanders Field To......Us
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year in this century the Royal Canadian
Legion Branch #78, Turner Valley held their largest Remembrance Day Service ever at the Oilfields High
School in Black Diamond. The honour of being the Silver Cross Mother this year fell to Jenny Hughes
seen in the photograph below with her grandson, Christopher. The laying of the wreaths at the Legion’s
Cenotaph in Turner Valley was followed by lunch and fellowship in the Legion.
Legion Branch #78, Turner Valley held their largest Remembrance Day Service ever at the Oilfields High
School in Black Diamond. The honour of being the Silver Cross Mother this year fell to Jenny Hughes
seen in the photograph below with her grandson, Christopher. The laying of the wreaths at the Legion’s
Cenotaph in Turner Valley was followed by lunch and fellowship in the Legion.
The Oral Health Connection: Oral Health for Seniors By Penny Judson-Benny ~ Registered Dental Hygienist
Your teeth can last a lifetime with proper home care and regular dental visits. No matter what your age, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing a minimum of twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and seeing your dental provider regularly for professional cleanings and examinations.
What special oral health issues should I know about as I approach my senior years?
Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain issues in your later years when it comes to oral health. Wearing dentures, taking medications and general health conditions are some of the issues many seniors face. Your dental and medical providers can help you meet most of these challenges quite successfully.
Cavities and decay on the root surfaces of the teeth are more common in older adults. It is important to brush with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and see a dental provider regularly. Daily fluoride rinses can be used as an added preventive measure to try and prevent decay.
Sensitivity can be an increasing problem as one ages. Your gums may recede over time, exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by the enamel. These areas are particularly prone to pain when in contact with cold or hot food/drinks. Sensitivity to cold air can also occur. If you experience sensitivity, try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. If the sensitivity persists then it is advisable to have your dentist check the areas of concern as a cavity or crack in the tooth may be the source of discomfort.
Dry Mouth is a common condition in seniors and one that may be caused by medications or certain medical disorders. If left untreated, dry mouth can cause damage in the mouth. Your dental provider can recommend various methods to restore moisture in the mouth, as well as appropriate treatments and products to help prevent problems associated with dry mouth.
Existing Health Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer can affect your oral health. Be sure to let your dental provider know of any general health issues you are facing. It is important that he/she understands the whole situation and can meet your special needs and requirements.
Dentures can make life easier for many seniors, but they require special care. Proper fit is important in order to chew and begin the process of digestion in the mouth. The denture needs to be comfortable enough so that it can be worn consistently. Regular visits to your dentist or denturist is important.
Gum Disease is a potentially serious condition that can affect people of all ages, especially those over the age of 40. A number of factors can increase the severity of gum disease, including: a bad diet; poor oral hygiene; systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer; stress and smoking; certain medications that can influence gum condition.
Because the earliest stages of gum disease are reversible, it is important to spot it early on. Regular visits to your dental provider can insure early detection and treatment of gum disease. Always remember, it is easy to prevent gum disease from developing in the first place, by practicing proper oral hygiene.
'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.
What special oral health issues should I know about as I approach my senior years?
Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain issues in your later years when it comes to oral health. Wearing dentures, taking medications and general health conditions are some of the issues many seniors face. Your dental and medical providers can help you meet most of these challenges quite successfully.
Cavities and decay on the root surfaces of the teeth are more common in older adults. It is important to brush with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and see a dental provider regularly. Daily fluoride rinses can be used as an added preventive measure to try and prevent decay.
Sensitivity can be an increasing problem as one ages. Your gums may recede over time, exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by the enamel. These areas are particularly prone to pain when in contact with cold or hot food/drinks. Sensitivity to cold air can also occur. If you experience sensitivity, try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. If the sensitivity persists then it is advisable to have your dentist check the areas of concern as a cavity or crack in the tooth may be the source of discomfort.
Dry Mouth is a common condition in seniors and one that may be caused by medications or certain medical disorders. If left untreated, dry mouth can cause damage in the mouth. Your dental provider can recommend various methods to restore moisture in the mouth, as well as appropriate treatments and products to help prevent problems associated with dry mouth.
Existing Health Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer can affect your oral health. Be sure to let your dental provider know of any general health issues you are facing. It is important that he/she understands the whole situation and can meet your special needs and requirements.
Dentures can make life easier for many seniors, but they require special care. Proper fit is important in order to chew and begin the process of digestion in the mouth. The denture needs to be comfortable enough so that it can be worn consistently. Regular visits to your dentist or denturist is important.
Gum Disease is a potentially serious condition that can affect people of all ages, especially those over the age of 40. A number of factors can increase the severity of gum disease, including: a bad diet; poor oral hygiene; systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer; stress and smoking; certain medications that can influence gum condition.
Because the earliest stages of gum disease are reversible, it is important to spot it early on. Regular visits to your dental provider can insure early detection and treatment of gum disease. Always remember, it is easy to prevent gum disease from developing in the first place, by practicing proper oral hygiene.
'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, November 26, 2011
Do You Get It? Should You Be?
The ins and outs of the Gateway Gazette circulation
The Gateway Gazette is classified as a Community Newspaper. This isn't just the “style” of newspaper based on the type of content included. This is an actual classification that impacts our circulation. One of the biggest things that this classification impacts is that we do not receive “publication government grants” to help with the costs associated with printing and mailing our paper. We also do not charge the readers within our home base to receive the print version of the Gazette, which means that the only revenue that enables the Gazette to exist comes from the advertisers.
The second biggest thing impacted by our classification as a community newspaper is the fact that in specific areas we are allowed to mail to 100% of all mailing addresses without having to put address labels on each paper. Flyers and other unaddressed mail are not allowed to do this. Because of this, we don't supplement revenue by accepting flyers, which keeps the Gazette neat and tidy.
So who gets the Gateway Gazette and how?
Our home base includes Priddis, Millarville, R. R. #8 Calgary, Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Longview.
Therefore, anyone whose mailing address has the postal code of: T0L 1W0, T0L 1K0, T2J for RR8 Calgary, T0L 2A0, T0L 0H0, T0L 1H0 – should be receiving the Gateway Gazette every two weeks via Canada Post no matter what.
We also mail outside of these areas to Bragg Creek and Okotoks RR1 and RR2 residents. So if your postal code is T0L 0K0, T1S 1A1 or T1S 1A2 AND you accept flyers in your mail (not counting the ones that come inside other publications), then you too should receive the Gateway Gazette every two weeks in your mailbox.
If your mailing address includes any of the above postal codes and you do not receive the Gazette every two weeks, talk to your post office to find out why.
If your mailing address is not within one of the above postal regions and you randomly get a copy of the Gazette, this is because of our rotational circulation that we do to help increase awareness and to grow the circulation of the Gazette. For these people, there are two options to becoming a regular reader of the Gazette.
1) Our paper is provided online, in original print format for the world to see for free. Simply go to www.gatewaygazette.ca and click on “Readers” in the top menu bar.
2) We do offer a subscription for the print version for only $25+gst per year. This is just under the actual cost of printing and mailing 25 editions in one year.
The Gateway Gazette is unique in its concept of hyper-local, good news and we are dedicated to spreading that good news as far and wide as we possibly can. We are also dedicated to drawing in as much of that good news from other areas as we possibly can. Having said that, we are also a small business, with a very lean and modest staff. We are not part of a corporation or tycoon media conglomerate that uses this publication as a tax write-off. We are a family of individuals and the Gateway Gazette is our bread and butter to support our families just the same as everyone else.
To clear up a common misconception, the Gateway Gazette is in no way affiliated with the Western Wheel either. It's just us monkey's here and loving it!
If you would like to see this fun and unique community newspaper grow and expand, but have no need to advertise, we do have another option for you. You can sponsor the delivery of the Gateway Gazette to specific postal code areas. This is done on a cost only basis of the printing and mailing costs for the number of papers needed for a particular postal code area – the Gazette does not calculate in a profit margin for this sponsorship. If you think this would be of interest to you, call Tanya at 403-933-4283 to discuss the details of the available areas and the cost of sponsorship for specific areas.
The Gateway Gazette is classified as a Community Newspaper. This isn't just the “style” of newspaper based on the type of content included. This is an actual classification that impacts our circulation. One of the biggest things that this classification impacts is that we do not receive “publication government grants” to help with the costs associated with printing and mailing our paper. We also do not charge the readers within our home base to receive the print version of the Gazette, which means that the only revenue that enables the Gazette to exist comes from the advertisers.
The second biggest thing impacted by our classification as a community newspaper is the fact that in specific areas we are allowed to mail to 100% of all mailing addresses without having to put address labels on each paper. Flyers and other unaddressed mail are not allowed to do this. Because of this, we don't supplement revenue by accepting flyers, which keeps the Gazette neat and tidy.
So who gets the Gateway Gazette and how?
Our home base includes Priddis, Millarville, R. R. #8 Calgary, Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Longview.
Therefore, anyone whose mailing address has the postal code of: T0L 1W0, T0L 1K0, T2J for RR8 Calgary, T0L 2A0, T0L 0H0, T0L 1H0 – should be receiving the Gateway Gazette every two weeks via Canada Post no matter what.
We also mail outside of these areas to Bragg Creek and Okotoks RR1 and RR2 residents. So if your postal code is T0L 0K0, T1S 1A1 or T1S 1A2 AND you accept flyers in your mail (not counting the ones that come inside other publications), then you too should receive the Gateway Gazette every two weeks in your mailbox.
If your mailing address includes any of the above postal codes and you do not receive the Gazette every two weeks, talk to your post office to find out why.
If your mailing address is not within one of the above postal regions and you randomly get a copy of the Gazette, this is because of our rotational circulation that we do to help increase awareness and to grow the circulation of the Gazette. For these people, there are two options to becoming a regular reader of the Gazette.
1) Our paper is provided online, in original print format for the world to see for free. Simply go to www.gatewaygazette.ca and click on “Readers” in the top menu bar.
2) We do offer a subscription for the print version for only $25+gst per year. This is just under the actual cost of printing and mailing 25 editions in one year.
The Gateway Gazette is unique in its concept of hyper-local, good news and we are dedicated to spreading that good news as far and wide as we possibly can. We are also dedicated to drawing in as much of that good news from other areas as we possibly can. Having said that, we are also a small business, with a very lean and modest staff. We are not part of a corporation or tycoon media conglomerate that uses this publication as a tax write-off. We are a family of individuals and the Gateway Gazette is our bread and butter to support our families just the same as everyone else.
To clear up a common misconception, the Gateway Gazette is in no way affiliated with the Western Wheel either. It's just us monkey's here and loving it!
If you would like to see this fun and unique community newspaper grow and expand, but have no need to advertise, we do have another option for you. You can sponsor the delivery of the Gateway Gazette to specific postal code areas. This is done on a cost only basis of the printing and mailing costs for the number of papers needed for a particular postal code area – the Gazette does not calculate in a profit margin for this sponsorship. If you think this would be of interest to you, call Tanya at 403-933-4283 to discuss the details of the available areas and the cost of sponsorship for specific areas.
Investment In Safety: New Funding For Railway Crossing Improvements In Okotoks
The Honourable Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Minister of State (Finance) announced that the Government of Canada is providing up to $196,580.00 in new funding to improve safety at the Lineham Avenue railway crossing in the town of Okotoks.
“Our Government is increasing its commitment to rail safety,” said Menzies. “While Canada has one of the safest rail systems in the world, improvements can still be made. This additional funding will go a long way toward enhancing safety and helping to save lives.”
This year, the Government of Canada is providing almost $14 million in new funding for the Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP). The GCIP supports projects to upgrade railway crossings and improve safety where road and track meet. The Lineham Avenue Railway Crossing will have LED flashing light units installed, gates, constant warning time control and dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) activation control.
Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. Through the GCIP, eligible railway crossings are upgraded, relocated or closed, based on factors such as traffic volume and accident history. Improvements may include installing flashing lights and gates, linking crossing signals to nearby traffic lights or adding new circuits or timing devices. Transport Canada finances up to 80 per cent of the total cost of grade crossing improvements, with the balance provided by the railways and road authorities.
Brought to you by:Ted Menzies,
M.P. Macleod Minister of State
(Finance)
“Our Government is increasing its commitment to rail safety,” said Menzies. “While Canada has one of the safest rail systems in the world, improvements can still be made. This additional funding will go a long way toward enhancing safety and helping to save lives.”
This year, the Government of Canada is providing almost $14 million in new funding for the Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP). The GCIP supports projects to upgrade railway crossings and improve safety where road and track meet. The Lineham Avenue Railway Crossing will have LED flashing light units installed, gates, constant warning time control and dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) activation control.
Transport Canada works closely with railway companies and communities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. Through the GCIP, eligible railway crossings are upgraded, relocated or closed, based on factors such as traffic volume and accident history. Improvements may include installing flashing lights and gates, linking crossing signals to nearby traffic lights or adding new circuits or timing devices. Transport Canada finances up to 80 per cent of the total cost of grade crossing improvements, with the balance provided by the railways and road authorities.
Brought to you by:Ted Menzies,
M.P. Macleod Minister of State
(Finance)
Gardens Galore: Day Length ~ By Karen Brewka
Nothing about winter gets me as much as the short days. Hibernation is looking better all the time! One of the good things about short days is my Thanksgiving Cactus. Well, really, it's a 'between Canadian and American Thanksgiving' Cactus. It's filled with blooms and more buds are coming. (The Christmas Cactus has rounded lobes on the leaves and the Thanksgiv-ing Cactus has pointy lobes.) Christmas and Thanksgiving Cacti set flowers based on day length. These and many other plants are sensitive to day length and flower according to a set photo period.
If I lived in Yellowknife, my plant would probably be a true Canadian Thanksgiving Cactus. But I wouldn't notice because I would be hibernating.
Chris Curray (2011) in The Simple Gardener, Inc. explains photo-periodism very well. “What causes the differences in the flowering time of these two species is a photo-periodic response. These plant initiate flowers in response to the shortening days of summer and fall and are termed short day plants. A short day plant with a critical photo-period of twelve hours will flower when the days are twelve hours or shorter.”
So the Thanksgiving Cactus started to respond around September 15th (twelve hours of day light) and began to form flower buds at the ends of the branches instead of more leaves. The flowers started to appear a couple of weeks ago. It looks like flowering will last for another couple of weeks.
Lots of flowers are day length sensitive and the forced flower industry has taken advantage of this to manipulate blooming time. That's how we get poinsettias and chrysanthemums blooming in time for Christmas sales. The growers use black cloth to cover the plants for twelve hours (or however long that particular plant needs to have a photo-periodic response) in order to get buds to initiate at just the right time The covering must be perfect – no light, not even moonlight – for as long as it takes for perfect flowering. If you ever get a chance to tour a production flower greenhouse before Christmas, take it. It is a beautiful sight. Acres of flowers all blooming at the same time!
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club has changed its meeting times. Now they meet on the second Thursday of each month at Valley Neighbours on Sunset Boulevard in Turner Valley. The club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403–933–7131. The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403–931–3989.
If I lived in Yellowknife, my plant would probably be a true Canadian Thanksgiving Cactus. But I wouldn't notice because I would be hibernating.
Chris Curray (2011) in The Simple Gardener, Inc. explains photo-periodism very well. “What causes the differences in the flowering time of these two species is a photo-periodic response. These plant initiate flowers in response to the shortening days of summer and fall and are termed short day plants. A short day plant with a critical photo-period of twelve hours will flower when the days are twelve hours or shorter.”
So the Thanksgiving Cactus started to respond around September 15th (twelve hours of day light) and began to form flower buds at the ends of the branches instead of more leaves. The flowers started to appear a couple of weeks ago. It looks like flowering will last for another couple of weeks.
Lots of flowers are day length sensitive and the forced flower industry has taken advantage of this to manipulate blooming time. That's how we get poinsettias and chrysanthemums blooming in time for Christmas sales. The growers use black cloth to cover the plants for twelve hours (or however long that particular plant needs to have a photo-periodic response) in order to get buds to initiate at just the right time The covering must be perfect – no light, not even moonlight – for as long as it takes for perfect flowering. If you ever get a chance to tour a production flower greenhouse before Christmas, take it. It is a beautiful sight. Acres of flowers all blooming at the same time!
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club has changed its meeting times. Now they meet on the second Thursday of each month at Valley Neighbours on Sunset Boulevard in Turner Valley. The club welcomes new members. For information call Bea at 403–933–7131. The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. For information call Sheila at 403–931–3989.
Foothills Performing Arts is Black & Green
The Foothills Performing Arts 4-H Club began their fifth year of operation with a re-organizational meeting in September at the Foothills Composite High School. An executive was elected and new members were introduced to Blacklight Theatre.
Blacklight performances are in complete darkness, where people and objects that glow move to songs and even play while trying not to bump into things. We recently experimented with blacklight during our October Halloween party where we played many games in our costumes. Our members are enjoying many drama activities varying from 'Ninja to Sharkie', but our main focus is presently on improv.
Our club would like to thank you, our community, for helping us at our Bi-Annual Electronic Recycle Round Up that was held in October at Country Living. As a club, we collected TVs and computer equipment, as an environmental fundraiser; we raised over $500.00 which we are going to spend on costumes for our blacklight performances.
The Foothills Performing Arts 4-H Club showed their colours at the Corporate Partnership Appreciation Event on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 in Crossfield, Alberta. Our club provided an incredible display which included videos playing of past Monologues and Achievement Days. The members and leaders all enjoyed speaking to the sponsors and learning more about the amazing past, present and future of 4-H.
In conclusion, the Foothills Performing Arts 4-H Club is having an amazing National 4-H month and will continue to show their green throughout the community in the month of November.
Gabrielle Wilson
Club Reporter
Blacklight performances are in complete darkness, where people and objects that glow move to songs and even play while trying not to bump into things. We recently experimented with blacklight during our October Halloween party where we played many games in our costumes. Our members are enjoying many drama activities varying from 'Ninja to Sharkie', but our main focus is presently on improv.
Our club would like to thank you, our community, for helping us at our Bi-Annual Electronic Recycle Round Up that was held in October at Country Living. As a club, we collected TVs and computer equipment, as an environmental fundraiser; we raised over $500.00 which we are going to spend on costumes for our blacklight performances.
The Foothills Performing Arts 4-H Club showed their colours at the Corporate Partnership Appreciation Event on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 in Crossfield, Alberta. Our club provided an incredible display which included videos playing of past Monologues and Achievement Days. The members and leaders all enjoyed speaking to the sponsors and learning more about the amazing past, present and future of 4-H.
In conclusion, the Foothills Performing Arts 4-H Club is having an amazing National 4-H month and will continue to show their green throughout the community in the month of November.
Gabrielle Wilson
Club Reporter
Friday, November 25, 2011
Longview School - Let Learning Soar
Longview School Council will be having their annual Christmas Fair on Friday, November 25th at Longview School. Tickets are $6 dollars in advance and can be purchased at the school office and $7 at the door on the evening of the Fair. Doors open at 5:00 pm and dinner is served from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. It is a ham dinner with all the fixings and dessert. Activities will run from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and include a cake walk, everyone wins booth, elf self, photos with Santa as well as a 50/50 draw, bucket raffles and silent auction items. It is a wonderful and fun evening and a great way to start the holiday season and support Longview School. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Students enjoyed the Halloween Parade and Carnival on Monday, October 31st. A big thank you goes out to Ms. Hoyle for taking the lead for this special event. The Grade 5 / 6 class did a wonderful job of organizing and running the different stations. Our celebration included all of our kindergarten students when kindergarten was switched to Monday from Tuesday. It is great fun for everyone to see each other dressed in their Halloween best and all students really enjoyed this type of Halloween Celebration.
The Remembrance Day service was held at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 10th. Thank you to Mrs. Winfield, who took the lead on this assembly. Everyone, all staff and students, did such a wonderful job in recognizing those individuals, past and present, who have served our country so well and with such dignity. Our students take great pride and honour in planning, decorating and presenting for this service. All classes contributed beautiful art work and made wreaths for the wreath laying ceremony. We greatly appreciate the address by Retired Master Corporal Ken Harris who represented the Royal Canadian Legion, Mayor Ivor McCorquindale and Neil Howk who escorted the students during the wreath laying ceremony. Each class did a presentation of some type. Kindergarten presented the poem, Poppy. The Grade 1 / 2 class presented a couple of poems Little Poppy and Remembrance Day. The Grade 3 / 4 class presented the poems, Freedom Road and What Heroes Gave. The Grade 5/6 class did the reading of Flanders Fields and sang the song Ode to Peace. Also, thank you to Flynn Roberts for playing March by Robin Adair on his chanter.
Many parents and community members also attended the service and expressed their appreciation for the wonderful job the students and staff did.
Students enjoyed the Halloween Parade and Carnival on Monday, October 31st. A big thank you goes out to Ms. Hoyle for taking the lead for this special event. The Grade 5 / 6 class did a wonderful job of organizing and running the different stations. Our celebration included all of our kindergarten students when kindergarten was switched to Monday from Tuesday. It is great fun for everyone to see each other dressed in their Halloween best and all students really enjoyed this type of Halloween Celebration.
The Remembrance Day service was held at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 10th. Thank you to Mrs. Winfield, who took the lead on this assembly. Everyone, all staff and students, did such a wonderful job in recognizing those individuals, past and present, who have served our country so well and with such dignity. Our students take great pride and honour in planning, decorating and presenting for this service. All classes contributed beautiful art work and made wreaths for the wreath laying ceremony. We greatly appreciate the address by Retired Master Corporal Ken Harris who represented the Royal Canadian Legion, Mayor Ivor McCorquindale and Neil Howk who escorted the students during the wreath laying ceremony. Each class did a presentation of some type. Kindergarten presented the poem, Poppy. The Grade 1 / 2 class presented a couple of poems Little Poppy and Remembrance Day. The Grade 3 / 4 class presented the poems, Freedom Road and What Heroes Gave. The Grade 5/6 class did the reading of Flanders Fields and sang the song Ode to Peace. Also, thank you to Flynn Roberts for playing March by Robin Adair on his chanter.
Many parents and community members also attended the service and expressed their appreciation for the wonderful job the students and staff did.
Holiday Community Calendar - Foothills School Division Christmas Concerts ~ High Country Region
Longview School
Friday, November 25th – 5:00-8:00 pm School Council Christmas Fair. Tickets are $6 at the school office or $7 at the door. Ham dinner with all the fixings followed by activities (cake walk, Santa photos, 50/50 draw, bucket raffles and silent auction.
Tuesday, December 20th – 1:00 pm Christmas Tea. Enjoy coffee, tea and treats while the students perform a dress rehearsal of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Thursday, December 22nd – 6:30 pm Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
High Country Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 7th – 6:30 pm in the gym at Oilfields High School - Black Diamond: Featuring Band students from Oilfields, C. Ian McLaren, Longview, Millarville and Turner Valley schools.
Oilfields High School - Black Diamond
December 14th to 17th: Oilfields' Senior High Performing Arts Department presents an adaptation of Charles Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby. Tickets at the door – $2 for December 14th matinee (12:45 pm) and $5 for evening shows December 15th to 17th (7:00 pm).
Turner Valley School
Wednesday, December 21st – 7:00 pm “The Best Gift Ever” drama and musical production also featuring performances by the school choir and Grade 6 Band students.
C. Ian McLaren School – Black Diamond
Thursday, December 22nd – 6:30-8:00 pm Christmas activities and carols.
Millarville Community School
Thursday, December 22nd – 7:00 pm Christmas concert.
Friday, November 25th – 5:00-8:00 pm School Council Christmas Fair. Tickets are $6 at the school office or $7 at the door. Ham dinner with all the fixings followed by activities (cake walk, Santa photos, 50/50 draw, bucket raffles and silent auction.
Tuesday, December 20th – 1:00 pm Christmas Tea. Enjoy coffee, tea and treats while the students perform a dress rehearsal of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Thursday, December 22nd – 6:30 pm Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
High Country Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 7th – 6:30 pm in the gym at Oilfields High School - Black Diamond: Featuring Band students from Oilfields, C. Ian McLaren, Longview, Millarville and Turner Valley schools.
Oilfields High School - Black Diamond
December 14th to 17th: Oilfields' Senior High Performing Arts Department presents an adaptation of Charles Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby. Tickets at the door – $2 for December 14th matinee (12:45 pm) and $5 for evening shows December 15th to 17th (7:00 pm).
Turner Valley School
Wednesday, December 21st – 7:00 pm “The Best Gift Ever” drama and musical production also featuring performances by the school choir and Grade 6 Band students.
C. Ian McLaren School – Black Diamond
Thursday, December 22nd – 6:30-8:00 pm Christmas activities and carols.
Millarville Community School
Thursday, December 22nd – 7:00 pm Christmas concert.
Holiday Community Calendar - November 18th to 26th
November 18th to December 23rd ~ A Christmas Past, Okotoks Museum, 49 Elizabeth Street.
Friday, November 25th, 7:30pm ~ Live Nativity at Lions Campground, Black Diamond. Black Diamond Gospel Chapel. 403-933-4957.
Friday, November 25th ~ Annual Longview School Christmas Fair. Doors open at 5:00pm. Tickets: $6 in advance or $7 at the door, includes dinner. 403-601-1753.
Saturday, November 26th ~ Nanton Lights the Way Christmas Festival.
Saturday, November 26th ~ Distinctly Nanton Market 10:00am to 6:00pm. Nanton Community Centre.
Saturday, November 26th, 2:00 to 4:00pm ~ St. George's (Turner Valley) Christmas Tea and Bake Sale. Fancy sandwiches & homemade cakes for tea and lots of baked items for sale.
Saturday, November 26th, 7:30pm ~ Live Nativity at Lions Campground, Black Diamond. Black Diamond Gospel Chapel. 403-933-4957.
Friday, November 25th, 7:30pm ~ Live Nativity at Lions Campground, Black Diamond. Black Diamond Gospel Chapel. 403-933-4957.
Friday, November 25th ~ Annual Longview School Christmas Fair. Doors open at 5:00pm. Tickets: $6 in advance or $7 at the door, includes dinner. 403-601-1753.
Saturday, November 26th ~ Nanton Lights the Way Christmas Festival.
Saturday, November 26th ~ Distinctly Nanton Market 10:00am to 6:00pm. Nanton Community Centre.
Saturday, November 26th, 2:00 to 4:00pm ~ St. George's (Turner Valley) Christmas Tea and Bake Sale. Fancy sandwiches & homemade cakes for tea and lots of baked items for sale.
Saturday, November 26th, 7:30pm ~ Live Nativity at Lions Campground, Black Diamond. Black Diamond Gospel Chapel. 403-933-4957.
C. Ian McLaren ~ Remembrance Day
On November 10th, at 10:00am, C. Ian McLaren School held our Remembrance Day Ceremony to honour and remember those who have served our country. We learned that the soldiers uphold the freedoms and rights that we know and appreciate in Canada.
The ceremony was led by our grade five and six students in Mr. Ellis' class. The students who led our ceremony were: JB, Paige, Jami, Cassie, Travis and Sydni. The Colour Guard from the Turner Valley Legion once again began our assembly with a march. Ruth Lindsay gave a moving speech about what it was like to be a child during times of war which was a very relevant way for students to understand the impact of war at their own level. Following the presentations of wreaths by each grade and a minute of silence to remember, we watched a video tribute created by Emma Wight, a former student of Oilfields High School. The moving video exemplified the effects of war from the past to the present day.
The ceremony was led by our grade five and six students in Mr. Ellis' class. The students who led our ceremony were: JB, Paige, Jami, Cassie, Travis and Sydni. The Colour Guard from the Turner Valley Legion once again began our assembly with a march. Ruth Lindsay gave a moving speech about what it was like to be a child during times of war which was a very relevant way for students to understand the impact of war at their own level. Following the presentations of wreaths by each grade and a minute of silence to remember, we watched a video tribute created by Emma Wight, a former student of Oilfields High School. The moving video exemplified the effects of war from the past to the present day.
Literacy at Sheep River Library
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ~ Dr. Seuss
Bernard Schlink's 1998 novel The Reader tells the story of an illiterate young woman's struggle to function in the world. We see how she arranges her life to survive without having to ever read or write and the lengths to which she goes to ensure that nobody discovers her secret. It is a source of continual shame that she cannot read the stories she loves to hear read to her. Some find it hard to believe that in this day and age, with the access to education for all, there are still those who are considered to be illiterate. In June 2000, Statistics Canada and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released the final report from the ground-breaking 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey. It disclosed that almost 50% of Canadian adults can't work well with words and numbers. The survey showed that 22% of Canadians have difficulty reading and have few basic skills or strategies for decoding and working with text. 26% of Canadians read but do not read well. Canadians at this level can deal only with material that is simple and clearly laid out. 33% of Canadians can read well but may have problems with more complex tasks. This level is considered by many countries to be the minimum skill level for successful participation in society. 20% of Canadians have strong literacy skills, including a wide range of reading skills and many strategies for dealing with complex materials. These people can meet most reading demands and can handle new reading challenges. The survey also showed that the higher a nation's literacy skills, the more likely its population is to have healthier habits and lifestyles. Those with higher literacy skills tend to be more involved citizens who participate in their communities and in society. Literacy is also linked to economic success. Literacy levels determine the kind of jobs people find, the salaries they make and their ability to upgrade their work skills. Literacy also contributes to society's overall economic and social performance. Literacy is not a fixed asset. It operates on the 'use-it-or-lose-it' principle. Like muscles, skills can deteriorate if not used. Those who read, write and use numbers regularly have higher literacy levels. Education strongly influences literacy but is not the only factor. Some less-educated people who practice their literacy skills regularly have higher literacy levels than well-educated people who do not practice their literacy skills. But the most important factor identified in the survey is that the earlier a child is exposed to reading the less likely they are to have problems with literacy as they get older. Early exposure can also help with early detection of problems that can hinder literacy development such as dyslexia or eyesight problems. The Sheep River Library in partnership with Literacy for Life offers several programs for pre-schoolers of all ages to get children on the right track long before they darken the door of a school. Children are introduced to reading and word recognition through a variety of fun and interactive activities. Check out the library for the session that would best suit your child. All courses will be run again from January to May.
“Happy is he who has laid up in his youth, and held fast in all fortune, a genuine and passionate love of reading.” ~ Rufus Choate
Bernard Schlink's 1998 novel The Reader tells the story of an illiterate young woman's struggle to function in the world. We see how she arranges her life to survive without having to ever read or write and the lengths to which she goes to ensure that nobody discovers her secret. It is a source of continual shame that she cannot read the stories she loves to hear read to her. Some find it hard to believe that in this day and age, with the access to education for all, there are still those who are considered to be illiterate. In June 2000, Statistics Canada and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released the final report from the ground-breaking 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey. It disclosed that almost 50% of Canadian adults can't work well with words and numbers. The survey showed that 22% of Canadians have difficulty reading and have few basic skills or strategies for decoding and working with text. 26% of Canadians read but do not read well. Canadians at this level can deal only with material that is simple and clearly laid out. 33% of Canadians can read well but may have problems with more complex tasks. This level is considered by many countries to be the minimum skill level for successful participation in society. 20% of Canadians have strong literacy skills, including a wide range of reading skills and many strategies for dealing with complex materials. These people can meet most reading demands and can handle new reading challenges. The survey also showed that the higher a nation's literacy skills, the more likely its population is to have healthier habits and lifestyles. Those with higher literacy skills tend to be more involved citizens who participate in their communities and in society. Literacy is also linked to economic success. Literacy levels determine the kind of jobs people find, the salaries they make and their ability to upgrade their work skills. Literacy also contributes to society's overall economic and social performance. Literacy is not a fixed asset. It operates on the 'use-it-or-lose-it' principle. Like muscles, skills can deteriorate if not used. Those who read, write and use numbers regularly have higher literacy levels. Education strongly influences literacy but is not the only factor. Some less-educated people who practice their literacy skills regularly have higher literacy levels than well-educated people who do not practice their literacy skills. But the most important factor identified in the survey is that the earlier a child is exposed to reading the less likely they are to have problems with literacy as they get older. Early exposure can also help with early detection of problems that can hinder literacy development such as dyslexia or eyesight problems. The Sheep River Library in partnership with Literacy for Life offers several programs for pre-schoolers of all ages to get children on the right track long before they darken the door of a school. Children are introduced to reading and word recognition through a variety of fun and interactive activities. Check out the library for the session that would best suit your child. All courses will be run again from January to May.
“Happy is he who has laid up in his youth, and held fast in all fortune, a genuine and passionate love of reading.” ~ Rufus Choate
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Travel Tracks ~ *SUCH A DEAL - AGAIN* by Dave Heron
Lal Dadrah of Amritsar India graduated from the school of hard knocks last week with two very valuable lessons that will probably stick around a while.
The first was that mid-November's not a particularly great time of year to visit Birmingham UK.
The second was that if obsessive compulsion forces you to make the journey, don't fly with an airline headed by someone with a name like Dick Fluck.
Dick it seems, is listed as the head monkey for an airline calling itself COMTEL, an Austrian based outfit with two airplanes at their disposal.
At their disposal however's not quite the same as owning the two airplanes is it?
No - that distinction goes to a Madrid based outfit called Mint Aviation who owned the 18 year old birds that will factor into this story that we'll eventually get around to telling.
Neither of these two fine outfits however were the outfits whose names were on tickets sold to the general public - that distinction goes to SKYJET and ASTONBURY, two UK based outfits that predictably on November 17th, folded faster than the Liberal Party of Canada.
On the morning of November 15th, Lal and 200 or so of his fellow travellers boarded the Comtel/Mint/Skyjet/Astonbury flight in Amritsar with the goal of arriving in Birmingham some ten hours later.
Armed with their web receipts for the flight and a few bits of coinage to cover on board costs such as purchasing safety demonstration cards and washroom vouchers, few could contain their giddiness in anticipation of letting Mother Nature water the Birmingham gardens for the next six months.
Except of course for Bubba Johnson in seat 21D who would soon discover that his web booking skills weren't going to get him home to Birmingham, Alabama quite as soon as he'd anticipated.
For most, the first sense that something was a tad amiss came when passengers noticed after landing that everyone on the ground looked like cast members from The Sound of Music.
Snow capped mountains at the edge of the runway coupled with the announcement "Welcome to Vienna" added a nice touch to the mystery as well.
It was when flight attendants began passing the hat to cover fuel and other costs that concern began to set in.
Except for Bubba in 21 D who came to realize that Momma was really 'gonna give him a whooppin' if he missed Turkey Day.
As the story began to unfold, it seems that Comtel owed a few folks a few dollars.
Some creditors went as far as to suggest that Comtel's president - Tricky Dick - had Flucked them over once too often and decided to hold the aircraft and the passengers somewhat captive until an amount said to be roughly $40,000 was collected in cash - and turned over by the passengers to the crew.
Passengers were advised the only way they'd be permitted to continue on to Birmingham would be to pony up.
Most agreed - Bubba however indicated he'd need to use an ATM in the terminal which is of course the last anyone on that flight saw of Mrs Johnson's boy.
A day late and few dollars short, the Boeing 757 landed in Birmingham and before discharging the passengers, presented each one of them with autographed crew photos to commemorate two milestones:
1. It was the 1st recorded hi-jacking of passengers by an airline itself
2 It was pretty much the last flight sold through SKYJET who unceremoniously shut down a couple of days ago.
Dick Fluck and the cast of Comtel will have - I suspect - a bit of a tough go over the next little while.
That said - their website's still up and running and under the Welcome Aboard section it says, and I kid you not here folks - "Enjoy our unique service during your flight."
Mint Aviation, the owners of these aircraft, have reclaimed their planes and are currently retrofitting them with a new type of seatback in-flight entertainment system that's coin operated.
It shows the usual route maps, 4th run movies, day old sandwich selections etc, but a new feature will allow passengers to view the amount of debt accrued by whichever outfit decides to charter these birds in the future.
When it reaches a certain level - a fuel gauge will appear on the screen and as the needle edges closer to E, passengers will have the opportunity to insert coins into the slot to keep things in the air.
For the convenience of passengers, each aircraft will be outfitted with ATM's as well as credit card point of sale processors.
As for Bubba?
Seems he made it home in time for the holidays.
He's planning his next trip on Google.
Off to Australia in January.
Not quite sure if I should fire off an e-mail to him as a reminder that there's more than one Sydney.........
Nah.
If a tourist from Birmingham UK survived his oops a couple of years ago winding up in Nova Scotia instead of Australia as a result of his on line expertise - let's leave Bubba be.
Adios until next time
Dave Heron
Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; P.O. Box 612, 70 McRae Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free: 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email: pacesetter@nucleus.com
The first was that mid-November's not a particularly great time of year to visit Birmingham UK.
The second was that if obsessive compulsion forces you to make the journey, don't fly with an airline headed by someone with a name like Dick Fluck.
Dick it seems, is listed as the head monkey for an airline calling itself COMTEL, an Austrian based outfit with two airplanes at their disposal.
At their disposal however's not quite the same as owning the two airplanes is it?
No - that distinction goes to a Madrid based outfit called Mint Aviation who owned the 18 year old birds that will factor into this story that we'll eventually get around to telling.
Neither of these two fine outfits however were the outfits whose names were on tickets sold to the general public - that distinction goes to SKYJET and ASTONBURY, two UK based outfits that predictably on November 17th, folded faster than the Liberal Party of Canada.
On the morning of November 15th, Lal and 200 or so of his fellow travellers boarded the Comtel/Mint/Skyjet/Astonbury flight in Amritsar with the goal of arriving in Birmingham some ten hours later.
Armed with their web receipts for the flight and a few bits of coinage to cover on board costs such as purchasing safety demonstration cards and washroom vouchers, few could contain their giddiness in anticipation of letting Mother Nature water the Birmingham gardens for the next six months.
Except of course for Bubba Johnson in seat 21D who would soon discover that his web booking skills weren't going to get him home to Birmingham, Alabama quite as soon as he'd anticipated.
For most, the first sense that something was a tad amiss came when passengers noticed after landing that everyone on the ground looked like cast members from The Sound of Music.
Snow capped mountains at the edge of the runway coupled with the announcement "Welcome to Vienna" added a nice touch to the mystery as well.
It was when flight attendants began passing the hat to cover fuel and other costs that concern began to set in.
Except for Bubba in 21 D who came to realize that Momma was really 'gonna give him a whooppin' if he missed Turkey Day.
As the story began to unfold, it seems that Comtel owed a few folks a few dollars.
Some creditors went as far as to suggest that Comtel's president - Tricky Dick - had Flucked them over once too often and decided to hold the aircraft and the passengers somewhat captive until an amount said to be roughly $40,000 was collected in cash - and turned over by the passengers to the crew.
Passengers were advised the only way they'd be permitted to continue on to Birmingham would be to pony up.
Most agreed - Bubba however indicated he'd need to use an ATM in the terminal which is of course the last anyone on that flight saw of Mrs Johnson's boy.
A day late and few dollars short, the Boeing 757 landed in Birmingham and before discharging the passengers, presented each one of them with autographed crew photos to commemorate two milestones:
1. It was the 1st recorded hi-jacking of passengers by an airline itself
2 It was pretty much the last flight sold through SKYJET who unceremoniously shut down a couple of days ago.
Dick Fluck and the cast of Comtel will have - I suspect - a bit of a tough go over the next little while.
That said - their website's still up and running and under the Welcome Aboard section it says, and I kid you not here folks - "Enjoy our unique service during your flight."
Mint Aviation, the owners of these aircraft, have reclaimed their planes and are currently retrofitting them with a new type of seatback in-flight entertainment system that's coin operated.
It shows the usual route maps, 4th run movies, day old sandwich selections etc, but a new feature will allow passengers to view the amount of debt accrued by whichever outfit decides to charter these birds in the future.
When it reaches a certain level - a fuel gauge will appear on the screen and as the needle edges closer to E, passengers will have the opportunity to insert coins into the slot to keep things in the air.
For the convenience of passengers, each aircraft will be outfitted with ATM's as well as credit card point of sale processors.
As for Bubba?
Seems he made it home in time for the holidays.
He's planning his next trip on Google.
Off to Australia in January.
Not quite sure if I should fire off an e-mail to him as a reminder that there's more than one Sydney.........
Nah.
If a tourist from Birmingham UK survived his oops a couple of years ago winding up in Nova Scotia instead of Australia as a result of his on line expertise - let's leave Bubba be.
Adios until next time
Dave Heron
Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; P.O. Box 612, 70 McRae Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free: 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email: pacesetter@nucleus.com
Mutts and Mustangs are Good to Go
By Katelyn Braun, Club Reporter
The Millarville Mutts and Mustangs 4-H Club just started our new year about a month ago. Karen Barnert and D'Arcy Falasconi have come back to be our leaders once again, much to our delight. Our new executive is Rachel Falasconi/ President; Jolene Bohn/ Vice-President; Nicole Oliver/ Secretary; Nathan Glatt/ Treasurer; Katelyn Braun/ reporter and Paula Josefiak/ historian.
Mutts - The mutts have already learned lots with our two new trainers: Julie Gomke who runs Animal Instincts in Priddis and Cassidy Barnert, who is a Senior member. The first group is working on heel on leash, sit, stay and the basic commands. The advanced group is working on the basic commands too, but the new thing that we are learning is the clicker, which is meant to replace the treat. But with some dogs, the treats are too important to them and one of those dogs is mine, who thinks treats are too important to lose. But some dogs do not care about treats as much.
Horses - The horse side of the club is working on the basics, handling and the anatomy of the horse. Their trainers are Niki Breslawaski who is helping the members with their dismounting skills and Dawn Kidd is teaching the mounting skills. We are glad to have both these ladies working with us. Both riders and their mounts are working very hard.
The club has just volunteered at the Millarville Racetrack gate for the Christmas Market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We had a lot of fun. It was cold but we made it. This will help cover some of the cost of the arena rental for our club.
We are also seeking interested businesses, community groups and families who are interested in sponsoring advertising space on our cargo trailer to help the club offset the costs of maintenance, insurance and purchase of the trailer. For more info email us at millarvillemutts@radius.ca
This was our first month and what an adventure, but there is plenty more to come.
The Millarville Mutts and Mustangs 4-H Club just started our new year about a month ago. Karen Barnert and D'Arcy Falasconi have come back to be our leaders once again, much to our delight. Our new executive is Rachel Falasconi/ President; Jolene Bohn/ Vice-President; Nicole Oliver/ Secretary; Nathan Glatt/ Treasurer; Katelyn Braun/ reporter and Paula Josefiak/ historian.
Mutts - The mutts have already learned lots with our two new trainers: Julie Gomke who runs Animal Instincts in Priddis and Cassidy Barnert, who is a Senior member. The first group is working on heel on leash, sit, stay and the basic commands. The advanced group is working on the basic commands too, but the new thing that we are learning is the clicker, which is meant to replace the treat. But with some dogs, the treats are too important to them and one of those dogs is mine, who thinks treats are too important to lose. But some dogs do not care about treats as much.
Horses - The horse side of the club is working on the basics, handling and the anatomy of the horse. Their trainers are Niki Breslawaski who is helping the members with their dismounting skills and Dawn Kidd is teaching the mounting skills. We are glad to have both these ladies working with us. Both riders and their mounts are working very hard.
The club has just volunteered at the Millarville Racetrack gate for the Christmas Market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We had a lot of fun. It was cold but we made it. This will help cover some of the cost of the arena rental for our club.
We are also seeking interested businesses, community groups and families who are interested in sponsoring advertising space on our cargo trailer to help the club offset the costs of maintenance, insurance and purchase of the trailer. For more info email us at millarvillemutts@radius.ca
This was our first month and what an adventure, but there is plenty more to come.
Turner Valley School News ~ Internet Safety
Learn about llamas, read up on your favourite skateboard star or study a stegosaurus. You can do all these things online and then email or text message your best friend about it. But when you're moving through cyberspace, you need to stay safe.
It comes down to just a few simple guidelines:
1. Don't communicate with strangers online and never agree to meet in person.
2. Tell a parent or another adult if a stranger contacts you in a chat room or through email or text messaging.
3. Don't enter contests, join clubs or share your personal information for any reason, unless your mom or dad says it's OK. Personal information includes your name, address, age, phone number, birthday, email address, where you go to school and other facts about you.
No Talking to Strangers
Since you were a little kid, your mom or dad has probably told you not to talk to strangers. The same goes for the online world. It's easy to meet a stranger on the Internet. You might visit a chat room or get an email or text message from someone you don't know.
It can be fun to make new friends, but do not communicate with strangers you meet online. Don't talk to them, agree to phone them or email them photos of yourself. To a kid, this can seem kind of silly. Why not make a friend with someone who likes skateboarding just as much as you do? The writer might seem really nice and tell you how you sound really smart and cute.
Unfortunately, kids have been tricked online by people who pretend to be something that they're not. Someone might lie and say they're in sixth grade, too, when they're really all grown up and they don't even know how to skateboard. Some kids have found themselves in a dangerous situation when they agreed to meet the mysterious online "friend" in person.
Let your parents know if a stranger emails you, sends a text message or starts a conversation with you in a chat room. The email could be from a person or a company trying to sell you something. A grown-up should decide what's best to do, which may include changing your email address or telling the police.
Keep Your Privacy
Anybody who uses the Internet has been asked to sign-in, log-in or create a personal profile. Kids need to check with a parent or grown-up before doing so. Why? This information could be used for reasons you wouldn't like, like getting a lot of junk email.
Another word about email: If you have your own account, let your mom or dad know before you reply to email that asks for your personal information. Some email looks official, as if it was sent by your Internet provider, but it's actually a trick to get your personal info.
Another way to keep your privacy is to choose a screen name or email account name that isn't your real name. For instance, instead of "Jack_Smith," why not choose:
"Sk8boardKing21"? Only your friends and family will know your code name!
Information from Kids Health Website 2011. See www.kidshealth.org
It comes down to just a few simple guidelines:
1. Don't communicate with strangers online and never agree to meet in person.
2. Tell a parent or another adult if a stranger contacts you in a chat room or through email or text messaging.
3. Don't enter contests, join clubs or share your personal information for any reason, unless your mom or dad says it's OK. Personal information includes your name, address, age, phone number, birthday, email address, where you go to school and other facts about you.
No Talking to Strangers
Since you were a little kid, your mom or dad has probably told you not to talk to strangers. The same goes for the online world. It's easy to meet a stranger on the Internet. You might visit a chat room or get an email or text message from someone you don't know.
It can be fun to make new friends, but do not communicate with strangers you meet online. Don't talk to them, agree to phone them or email them photos of yourself. To a kid, this can seem kind of silly. Why not make a friend with someone who likes skateboarding just as much as you do? The writer might seem really nice and tell you how you sound really smart and cute.
Unfortunately, kids have been tricked online by people who pretend to be something that they're not. Someone might lie and say they're in sixth grade, too, when they're really all grown up and they don't even know how to skateboard. Some kids have found themselves in a dangerous situation when they agreed to meet the mysterious online "friend" in person.
Let your parents know if a stranger emails you, sends a text message or starts a conversation with you in a chat room. The email could be from a person or a company trying to sell you something. A grown-up should decide what's best to do, which may include changing your email address or telling the police.
Keep Your Privacy
Anybody who uses the Internet has been asked to sign-in, log-in or create a personal profile. Kids need to check with a parent or grown-up before doing so. Why? This information could be used for reasons you wouldn't like, like getting a lot of junk email.
Another word about email: If you have your own account, let your mom or dad know before you reply to email that asks for your personal information. Some email looks official, as if it was sent by your Internet provider, but it's actually a trick to get your personal info.
Another way to keep your privacy is to choose a screen name or email account name that isn't your real name. For instance, instead of "Jack_Smith," why not choose:
"Sk8boardKing21"? Only your friends and family will know your code name!
Information from Kids Health Website 2011. See www.kidshealth.org
Millarville’s Cool News
Recently, the Grade 6 class of Millarville Community School helped with the organization of the Turner Valley food bank. We put in a lot of effort towards the food bank. Some said that we would not get finished in time but as a result all the items were packed up. We helped organize over a hundred bags of food for the Turner Valley food bank. We help out the food bank for people who aren't as fortunate as us. When you make a donation people will be filled with joy that there is food being donated to such an advantage.
The Remembrance Day assembly, Thursday 10th 2011, saw the Grade 6 class performed the poem In Flanders Now by Edna Jacques. Two people carried up wreaths from each classroom from K to 8, decorated with the symbols of remembrance. The kinders did the poppies; the Grade 1 class did Winnie the Pooh bear; Grade 2 did the crosses; Grade 3, the dove; Grade 4 did the horse; Grade 5 did flags; Grade 6 did the Vimy memorial; Grade 7, the identification tags; Grade 8, the yellow ribbons. A boy from Grade 5 named James Varty helped with bringing the wreaths up to the stage. Mr. Garth Pritchard shared his photos and experiences in Afghanistan, where he worked closely with the Canadian military as a war correspondent. This was an eye-opening presentation.
There is a trailer outside of our school to collect bottles for a fundraiser. The funds from the bottle drive goes towards our Edmonton trip at the end of the year. We do the bottle drive every year and this year Mr. Fisher lent us his trailer.
In our archery class we took the test to use the bows on the range and you needed to get mastery to step foot on the range.
We just completed the navigation course, where we had to use compasses in outdoor pursuits to complete a pre-set course.
The Remembrance Day assembly, Thursday 10th 2011, saw the Grade 6 class performed the poem In Flanders Now by Edna Jacques. Two people carried up wreaths from each classroom from K to 8, decorated with the symbols of remembrance. The kinders did the poppies; the Grade 1 class did Winnie the Pooh bear; Grade 2 did the crosses; Grade 3, the dove; Grade 4 did the horse; Grade 5 did flags; Grade 6 did the Vimy memorial; Grade 7, the identification tags; Grade 8, the yellow ribbons. A boy from Grade 5 named James Varty helped with bringing the wreaths up to the stage. Mr. Garth Pritchard shared his photos and experiences in Afghanistan, where he worked closely with the Canadian military as a war correspondent. This was an eye-opening presentation.
There is a trailer outside of our school to collect bottles for a fundraiser. The funds from the bottle drive goes towards our Edmonton trip at the end of the year. We do the bottle drive every year and this year Mr. Fisher lent us his trailer.
In our archery class we took the test to use the bows on the range and you needed to get mastery to step foot on the range.
We just completed the navigation course, where we had to use compasses in outdoor pursuits to complete a pre-set course.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Legion Leanings
Phew! While it is not yet over, the Campaign to ensure that our Veterans in need can continue to rely on assistance from the Poppy Trust Fund is wrapping up as we write. While we will probably fall a little short of last year's incredible total, the citizens of our area have once again come through in these hard economic times. We thank you all for your unwavering support.
This campaign is a long one through the planning, execution and wrap-up, though its public face only begins locally with the presentation of the poppies to our civic leaders. It is possible only through the dedicated assistance of many, many volunteers; they help distribute the poppies throughout the region, sit with boxes at the various large stores and service/pick up those boxes that were placed around in banks, stores, restaurants and schools.
Amidst all this was the preparation for the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. This year once again, a packed house was the order of the day at Oilfields High School where the service was led by our co-Chaplains. The assistance of the Oilfields Cubs and Scouts added to the ceremony as did the presence of several members of the RCMP Detachment along with members of the Air Cadets. Later, a Branch Colour Party attended to assist with a short ceremony of Remembrance at the Okotoks Oilers' Hockey game.
All our area schools hold their own Remembrance Day Ceremonies and we veterans who attend are always moved by the efforts put into the presentation. Music, videos and recitations are often part of the programme and the respect with which the speakers' talks are received is a tribute to the schools, the teachers and the students.
We are now awaiting the expected deluge of entries for the Poster and Literary competition. These will be collected shortly and put to the judges. If our past history is to be relied on, Turner Valley Branch will once again receive more entries than any other branch in Canada. We thank our schools and teachers for taking part in these annual events and reminding our young people of the huge importance of remembering the debt we owe our service personnel.
Services to veterans in need are available by contacting the Service Officer at the branch. This is a very confidential service and names of those who make use of those services are never announced. At this time, more than ever, as the use of local food banks as well as the dedicated veterans' food bank in Calgary is increasing, we must be ever vigilant in protecting our veterans from the effects of economic or medical hardship. We are seeing more and more stories of homeless veterans, many suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their service in various theatres. Pride can often prevent them from coming forward to seek help so somehow, we have to find ways to reach out to them.
In Branch business, our Early Bird Membership drive is entering its final phase. All 2012 dues paid on or before November 30th will entitle the member to an entry into the draw for one of six offers to refund the money or pre-pay 2013 dues. There has been a significant increase in enquiries about membership in the Legion and several new member applications were approved at the November meeting. We welcome any who can subscribe to the goals of our organisation whether or not they have a military background. There are several membership categories and most people can be accommodated within our structure.
If you are interested in the ever-popular seniors' dinners, please be sure to phone and book your seats for the Christmas Dinner to be served on Monday, November 28th. The menu will include turkey and all the trimmings and the hall will surely be seasonally decorated. This is always a heavily booked event and delay will almost inevitably result in disappointment. The annual New Years' Eve gala is presently in the planning stages. Details will be announced shortly.
December is a busy month for Christmas Parties at the branch. Some of these, depending on the size of the group, could require the use of the entire building and would mean that normal operating hours are restricted. Please watch for announcements if any such were to occur. The popular "Breakfast With Santa" is set for Saturday, December 3rd. Parents please register your children for this event in order to be able to attend. The Branch will be closed during the holiday period but actual dates are not yet available. Again, please watch for announcements.
The very successful indoor sports programmes will all take a break over the holidays. Last dates for participants will be announced as will the dates for starting again in January. Area A play downs for pairs Cribbage players are scheduled for Turner Valley Branch on Saturday, November 26th.
There will not be a general meeting in December. We will resume in January.
~ Serving our Veterans, Seniors, Youth and the Community.
Malcolm Hughes
This campaign is a long one through the planning, execution and wrap-up, though its public face only begins locally with the presentation of the poppies to our civic leaders. It is possible only through the dedicated assistance of many, many volunteers; they help distribute the poppies throughout the region, sit with boxes at the various large stores and service/pick up those boxes that were placed around in banks, stores, restaurants and schools.
Amidst all this was the preparation for the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. This year once again, a packed house was the order of the day at Oilfields High School where the service was led by our co-Chaplains. The assistance of the Oilfields Cubs and Scouts added to the ceremony as did the presence of several members of the RCMP Detachment along with members of the Air Cadets. Later, a Branch Colour Party attended to assist with a short ceremony of Remembrance at the Okotoks Oilers' Hockey game.
All our area schools hold their own Remembrance Day Ceremonies and we veterans who attend are always moved by the efforts put into the presentation. Music, videos and recitations are often part of the programme and the respect with which the speakers' talks are received is a tribute to the schools, the teachers and the students.
We are now awaiting the expected deluge of entries for the Poster and Literary competition. These will be collected shortly and put to the judges. If our past history is to be relied on, Turner Valley Branch will once again receive more entries than any other branch in Canada. We thank our schools and teachers for taking part in these annual events and reminding our young people of the huge importance of remembering the debt we owe our service personnel.
Services to veterans in need are available by contacting the Service Officer at the branch. This is a very confidential service and names of those who make use of those services are never announced. At this time, more than ever, as the use of local food banks as well as the dedicated veterans' food bank in Calgary is increasing, we must be ever vigilant in protecting our veterans from the effects of economic or medical hardship. We are seeing more and more stories of homeless veterans, many suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their service in various theatres. Pride can often prevent them from coming forward to seek help so somehow, we have to find ways to reach out to them.
In Branch business, our Early Bird Membership drive is entering its final phase. All 2012 dues paid on or before November 30th will entitle the member to an entry into the draw for one of six offers to refund the money or pre-pay 2013 dues. There has been a significant increase in enquiries about membership in the Legion and several new member applications were approved at the November meeting. We welcome any who can subscribe to the goals of our organisation whether or not they have a military background. There are several membership categories and most people can be accommodated within our structure.
If you are interested in the ever-popular seniors' dinners, please be sure to phone and book your seats for the Christmas Dinner to be served on Monday, November 28th. The menu will include turkey and all the trimmings and the hall will surely be seasonally decorated. This is always a heavily booked event and delay will almost inevitably result in disappointment. The annual New Years' Eve gala is presently in the planning stages. Details will be announced shortly.
December is a busy month for Christmas Parties at the branch. Some of these, depending on the size of the group, could require the use of the entire building and would mean that normal operating hours are restricted. Please watch for announcements if any such were to occur. The popular "Breakfast With Santa" is set for Saturday, December 3rd. Parents please register your children for this event in order to be able to attend. The Branch will be closed during the holiday period but actual dates are not yet available. Again, please watch for announcements.
The very successful indoor sports programmes will all take a break over the holidays. Last dates for participants will be announced as will the dates for starting again in January. Area A play downs for pairs Cribbage players are scheduled for Turner Valley Branch on Saturday, November 26th.
There will not be a general meeting in December. We will resume in January.
~ Serving our Veterans, Seniors, Youth and the Community.
Malcolm Hughes
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