Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Your source for the Good News of your community. Visit our website to view our FULL online e-edition (it's like flipping through the real thing right on your screen!) http://gatewaygazette.ca ----- Click on an article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of each post.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Millarville Mutts and Mustangs Get Speaking
By Katelyn Braun
The Millarville Mutts and Mustangs have just finished our public speaking. In our club public speaking for juniors, Gracie got alternate, Jessie received second and Shannon placed first. In the intermediate class, Nicole was the alternate, I won second and Paula achieved first. And, for the seniors, Rachel accepted second and Cassidy made first. Only three members went on to Area level public speaking and they were Nicole, Shannon and Jessie. No one placed, but everyone still did great.
On another occasion, some members went to the race track to bake cookies for the dogs. There were cookies with garlic, blue berries, baby food and peanut butter. All of the dogs loved them and a couple of the boys had a taste, too.
We are now starting agility. I think this is our favourite part of training and the dogs love it, too.
The horse group has been working on their assessments and has learned a lot from the clinics that they have had. But once in a while they make time to go on a ride with the horses.
In just a month or two our lives are going to be jam packed with 4-H activities. For one, we will have our Achievement Day which is where we have fun little competitions with agility, showmanship and obedience. The horse section will do English and Western pleasure. It is all on the same day so we can see what both sides of our club does. Another event is highway clean-up. We do this every year and it helps club funding. It is not as easy as it looks because you have no idea of what we might find. The biggest event is 4-H On Parade which everyone looks forward to. We have competitions with the other clubs. But before that, we get our ideas together on how we are going to decorate the stable and our dog cages. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
Our 4-H club is keeping very busy, but we are having lots of fun.
The Millarville Mutts and Mustangs have just finished our public speaking. In our club public speaking for juniors, Gracie got alternate, Jessie received second and Shannon placed first. In the intermediate class, Nicole was the alternate, I won second and Paula achieved first. And, for the seniors, Rachel accepted second and Cassidy made first. Only three members went on to Area level public speaking and they were Nicole, Shannon and Jessie. No one placed, but everyone still did great.
On another occasion, some members went to the race track to bake cookies for the dogs. There were cookies with garlic, blue berries, baby food and peanut butter. All of the dogs loved them and a couple of the boys had a taste, too.
We are now starting agility. I think this is our favourite part of training and the dogs love it, too.
The horse group has been working on their assessments and has learned a lot from the clinics that they have had. But once in a while they make time to go on a ride with the horses.
In just a month or two our lives are going to be jam packed with 4-H activities. For one, we will have our Achievement Day which is where we have fun little competitions with agility, showmanship and obedience. The horse section will do English and Western pleasure. It is all on the same day so we can see what both sides of our club does. Another event is highway clean-up. We do this every year and it helps club funding. It is not as easy as it looks because you have no idea of what we might find. The biggest event is 4-H On Parade which everyone looks forward to. We have competitions with the other clubs. But before that, we get our ideas together on how we are going to decorate the stable and our dog cages. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
Our 4-H club is keeping very busy, but we are having lots of fun.
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
TURNER VALLEY SCHOOL NEWS - From Leprechauns to Art
The month of March has certainly come upon us quickly and looking at the thermometer confirms that we are getting close to being done with winter. As we move toward warm spring weather we remain clearly focused on learning. We appreciate the participation of parents in the February round of student led conferences. We had nearly 100% participation and the survey results are very positive indeed.
March is a transition month in the school year as well as in the seasons. The second term report cards will be prepared by teachers and will be sent home on April 5th. While there are no further interviews scheduled, parents are encouraged to discuss any aspect of their child's learning and school life with our staff. A strong home-school relationship optimizes learning and successful school experiences.
On the sports scene, we congratulate the Tigers on an excellent season in basketball. We had a great wind-up tourney at Percy Pegler School. Next up is a Choir Festival for our Grade 3-5 students, and of course our annual spring theatre production is well under way and will happen March 29th and 30th.
Finally, some comments on the annual Fraser Institute Alberta school ranking that was published in the media on February 26th. While we once again see that Turner Valley School has improved in the academic ratings on this report, we're not feeling too smug yet. Our school does tend to go up and down quite dramatically on these reports. We do analyze the PAT results and add that information to the larger body of data that we collect and analyze each year including provincial test results, staff, student and parent surveys, curriculum reviews and how well we are meeting the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement targets and school goals in our Education Plan. We are proud of the efforts that our staff and students make every day at school and don't rely on judgments from afar to inform. Rather than rely upon a single indicator, we believe that all of these sources must be considered in order to draw valid conclusions about current school effectiveness and to reveal areas for future improvement.
~ Education Together,
Rob Bennington
ST PATRICK’S DAY
St Patrick's Day is on Saturday March 17th.
St. Patrick was a priest who chased snakes out of Ireland and was very kind to people.
Some of the symbols are shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold and the color green.
For fun, build a leprechaun trap.
By Danielle
WORLD OF WHEELS
Did you go to the World Of Wheels 2012? Well I did, it was fun! They had famous Chip Foose, Zendaya Coleman and a special presentation from the one and only, Bigfoot the Monster Truck. When I was there I got to interview Josh Levair. His favorite car that he owns is a 1969 orange Dodge Super Bee and it was the first car he ever built. He started building cars at the age of 15. In 2009 he won the highest Award, you can get at the show; it's called the Jim Lesley Award. He won it with a 1969 red and white Dodge Super Bee and it was the first time a restored car won it. Even though Josh is in his early 20's studying Criminal Justice at University of Lethbridge, he has already built 6 cars and 1 truck.
By Garrett
DESTINATION RED DEER
This touring art exhibit is open March 5th to April 16th in the school library. This exhibit was developed by the Alberta Society of Artists in partnership with the Visual Art Department of Red Deer College for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program. The AFA Travelling Exhibition Program is financially supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
March is a transition month in the school year as well as in the seasons. The second term report cards will be prepared by teachers and will be sent home on April 5th. While there are no further interviews scheduled, parents are encouraged to discuss any aspect of their child's learning and school life with our staff. A strong home-school relationship optimizes learning and successful school experiences.
On the sports scene, we congratulate the Tigers on an excellent season in basketball. We had a great wind-up tourney at Percy Pegler School. Next up is a Choir Festival for our Grade 3-5 students, and of course our annual spring theatre production is well under way and will happen March 29th and 30th.
Finally, some comments on the annual Fraser Institute Alberta school ranking that was published in the media on February 26th. While we once again see that Turner Valley School has improved in the academic ratings on this report, we're not feeling too smug yet. Our school does tend to go up and down quite dramatically on these reports. We do analyze the PAT results and add that information to the larger body of data that we collect and analyze each year including provincial test results, staff, student and parent surveys, curriculum reviews and how well we are meeting the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement targets and school goals in our Education Plan. We are proud of the efforts that our staff and students make every day at school and don't rely on judgments from afar to inform. Rather than rely upon a single indicator, we believe that all of these sources must be considered in order to draw valid conclusions about current school effectiveness and to reveal areas for future improvement.
~ Education Together,
Rob Bennington
ST PATRICK’S DAY
St Patrick's Day is on Saturday March 17th.
St. Patrick was a priest who chased snakes out of Ireland and was very kind to people.
Some of the symbols are shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold and the color green.
For fun, build a leprechaun trap.
By Danielle
WORLD OF WHEELS
Did you go to the World Of Wheels 2012? Well I did, it was fun! They had famous Chip Foose, Zendaya Coleman and a special presentation from the one and only, Bigfoot the Monster Truck. When I was there I got to interview Josh Levair. His favorite car that he owns is a 1969 orange Dodge Super Bee and it was the first car he ever built. He started building cars at the age of 15. In 2009 he won the highest Award, you can get at the show; it's called the Jim Lesley Award. He won it with a 1969 red and white Dodge Super Bee and it was the first time a restored car won it. Even though Josh is in his early 20's studying Criminal Justice at University of Lethbridge, he has already built 6 cars and 1 truck.
By Garrett
DESTINATION RED DEER
This touring art exhibit is open March 5th to April 16th in the school library. This exhibit was developed by the Alberta Society of Artists in partnership with the Visual Art Department of Red Deer College for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program. The AFA Travelling Exhibition Program is financially supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Longview School ~ Inspired Artists
The Art Program at Longview School provides a variety of experiences for students which include a chance to grow and develop as an individual; to develop perceptual awareness; to learn visual arts skills and concepts; to interpret and communicate about art; and appreciate cultural and everyday aspects of art. Our Art Program develops a student's understanding of the four components of reflection, depiction, composition and expression by learning about the elements of art (Line, Colour, Shape, Form, Texture, Space, Value) and the principles of art (Balance, Emphasis, Proportion, Movement, Rhythm /Repetition /Pattern, Variety and Unity).Recently, the Grade 5/6 students have been studying the work of American Modernist: Georgia O'Keeffe and creating compositions inspired by her artwork. Students have showed strength in using art materials as a way of expressing themselves in a meaningful way. They used models and pictures to make drawings with increasing skill and accuracy and developed techniques to add detail, create texture, pattern and volume in their compositions. Students have done sketches using paper and pencil and compositions using oil, pastels, ink and watercolours of flowers and South Western landscapes.
Because Longview Students are so very proud of their school and community, each Grade 5/6 student has donated one of their Georgia O'Keeffe inspired oil pastel flower art pieces to the Longview Public Library for a fundraiser. Library Manager, Joan Maxwell, has organized an art exhibit, showcasing Longview Talent. Longview Student works of art will be on display and available to be purchased for the entire month of March. Please support our local library, by acquiring one of these beautiful pieces through your donation.
This activity was organized with the help of Mrs. Dyck, Longview School Librarian, to develop student artistic skills, share their talent and give back to the community in which they live. There is heart and soul in everything that goes on at our school. Our school is a supportive environment that empowers everyone to do their best and be involved. We know we need to step forward and not back when things need to be done. Our students take great pride in being an EAGLE which stands for E (Engaged), A (Academic and Athletic), G (Goal Setters), L (Leaders), E (Excellence Achievers), S (School Spirit Promoters). These words are about the qualities, characteristics and behaviors our students stand for. Our students understand and work on the characteristics of responsible learning which include confidence, respect, independence, work habits and citizenship every day. These characteristics are an important piece in learning and leading an active, creative and engaged life. It is wonderful to see Foothills School Division students and employees modeling these characteristics and giving back to their community. Our school and community embrace individuals that are caring, genuine, positive, friendly and kind like Mrs. Dyck. Thank you for all that you do!
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Lions Den ~ Lions of the Internet
Submitted by Lion James Lee
Everyone seems to be connected with the internet these days, via touch pads, lap tops, phones, wii machines, play station and of course the old stand-by, the desk top computer. New Age and Old School Lions members stay connected via the internet also. We tweet, skype and email information about meetings, community events that include local Lion projects and Lions International initiatives and objectives. You are aware that this is how we do IT. So what is all this computer hype about? What you perhaps are not aware of is Lions, expanding partnership with the Gates Foundation, to save children across the world from MEASLES. The initiative is entitled One Shot, One Life. We work hand in hand on this medical issue and a plethora of other causes with UNICEF and The World Health Organization. By years end, Lions and our valued partners will have vaccinated 157 million children worldwide in our fight against measles. It costs $1 per measles vaccine dose. The Gates Foundation has challenged Lions to raise $10 million dollars in the fight to eradicate measles worldwide. The Gates Foundation will then match every $2 we raise with $1 from their trust fund. This is just another way that Lions are using the Internet to Serve the communities of the world. Serve is what Lions do!
At the Black and Gold Awards Program at Oilfields High School, Lions Don Ward and Dave Parsons presented a $1000.00 bursary to former student Haleigh Brown, for her extensive community involvement and academic excellence. Haleigh is presently attending the University of Lethbridge, where she is studying Nursing.
Recently, Foothills Lions donated $2500.00 to Education Plus for Art workshops and a School Ski Day. The Longview Youth Group received $3000.00 to create Youth Recreation Programs and $1500.00 to the High Country Minor Hockey Association for Player of the Game Awards for the upcoming Pee Wee “D” Provincial Championship, March 15th thru to the 17th at the Black Diamond Arena.
Interested in becoming a Lion? Our Membership Coordinator Don Ward can be contacted at (403)931-3587 or email Don at: ferndon@telus.net
Bingo starts at 7pm March 16th and 30th at the Valley Neighbours Club.
The Foothills Lions Club
“Serving Our Community”
Everyone seems to be connected with the internet these days, via touch pads, lap tops, phones, wii machines, play station and of course the old stand-by, the desk top computer. New Age and Old School Lions members stay connected via the internet also. We tweet, skype and email information about meetings, community events that include local Lion projects and Lions International initiatives and objectives. You are aware that this is how we do IT. So what is all this computer hype about? What you perhaps are not aware of is Lions, expanding partnership with the Gates Foundation, to save children across the world from MEASLES. The initiative is entitled One Shot, One Life. We work hand in hand on this medical issue and a plethora of other causes with UNICEF and The World Health Organization. By years end, Lions and our valued partners will have vaccinated 157 million children worldwide in our fight against measles. It costs $1 per measles vaccine dose. The Gates Foundation has challenged Lions to raise $10 million dollars in the fight to eradicate measles worldwide. The Gates Foundation will then match every $2 we raise with $1 from their trust fund. This is just another way that Lions are using the Internet to Serve the communities of the world. Serve is what Lions do!
At the Black and Gold Awards Program at Oilfields High School, Lions Don Ward and Dave Parsons presented a $1000.00 bursary to former student Haleigh Brown, for her extensive community involvement and academic excellence. Haleigh is presently attending the University of Lethbridge, where she is studying Nursing.
Recently, Foothills Lions donated $2500.00 to Education Plus for Art workshops and a School Ski Day. The Longview Youth Group received $3000.00 to create Youth Recreation Programs and $1500.00 to the High Country Minor Hockey Association for Player of the Game Awards for the upcoming Pee Wee “D” Provincial Championship, March 15th thru to the 17th at the Black Diamond Arena.
Interested in becoming a Lion? Our Membership Coordinator Don Ward can be contacted at (403)931-3587 or email Don at: ferndon@telus.net
Bingo starts at 7pm March 16th and 30th at the Valley Neighbours Club.
The Foothills Lions Club
“Serving Our Community”
Saturday, March 17, 2012
No Tax Hikes. Period. Wildrose Releases Commitment to Taxpayers
Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith announced the fourth Wildrose Commitment to Albertans on February 28th in Calgary - a firm promise not to raise or introduce taxes if Albertans elect a Wildrose government this spring.
The Wildrose will release five Commitments in key policy areas between now and the next provincial election. Since January 31st, Smith has announced the Wildrose Commitment to Power Consumers, the W ildrose Commitment to Parents on Education and the Wildros e Commitment to Municipalities.
Smith - along with the four Wildrose caucus members - marked the commitment by signing a No Tax Hikes pledge to Alberta taxpayers.
Wildrose MLAs have repeatedly asked Premier Alison Redford to sign a similar pledge, but she has refused. Instead, she insists on having a "conversation" about taxes - including a review of income tax rates - but only after the election.
“Today's commitment is all about doing what Premier Redford refuses to do - be up front and honest with Albertans about taxes," Smith said. "We think Alberta families and businesses are taxed enough. That's why we won't raise taxes. I hope she will come clean before the election. Albertans deserve to know.”
Since Redford became premier, the PCs have indicated they are looking for additional sources of stable revenues. Redford and members of her cabinet have openly mused about increasing sin taxes, bringing back health care premiums, even implementing a Provincial Sales Tax. Most recently, Redford's Throne Speech confirmed her government will review income taxes after the election.
“Premier Redford has ducked and dodged the tax question for weeks," Wildrose Finance Critic Rob Anderson said. "The longer she refuses to rule out tax hikes, the more reasonable it is to assume she will raise taxes. I'm proud of our commitment today. A Wildrose government will not raise taxes. Period.”
To read the full commitment, visit:
http://wildro.se/taxpayers
The Wildrose stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.
The Wildrose will release five Commitments in key policy areas between now and the next provincial election. Since January 31st, Smith has announced the Wildrose Commitment to Power Consumers, the W ildrose Commitment to Parents on Education and the Wildros e Commitment to Municipalities.
Smith - along with the four Wildrose caucus members - marked the commitment by signing a No Tax Hikes pledge to Alberta taxpayers.
Wildrose MLAs have repeatedly asked Premier Alison Redford to sign a similar pledge, but she has refused. Instead, she insists on having a "conversation" about taxes - including a review of income tax rates - but only after the election.
“Today's commitment is all about doing what Premier Redford refuses to do - be up front and honest with Albertans about taxes," Smith said. "We think Alberta families and businesses are taxed enough. That's why we won't raise taxes. I hope she will come clean before the election. Albertans deserve to know.”
Since Redford became premier, the PCs have indicated they are looking for additional sources of stable revenues. Redford and members of her cabinet have openly mused about increasing sin taxes, bringing back health care premiums, even implementing a Provincial Sales Tax. Most recently, Redford's Throne Speech confirmed her government will review income taxes after the election.
“Premier Redford has ducked and dodged the tax question for weeks," Wildrose Finance Critic Rob Anderson said. "The longer she refuses to rule out tax hikes, the more reasonable it is to assume she will raise taxes. I'm proud of our commitment today. A Wildrose government will not raise taxes. Period.”
To read the full commitment, visit:
http://wildro.se/taxpayers
The Wildrose stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Legion Leanings ~ Bursaries
The Legion has bursaries available for local High School students that are descendants of veterans.
It was an exciting night at the Branch on February 24th. Following the buffet meal, meat draws and Chase the Ace run by the Ladies' Auxiliary and with a good crowd looking on, the Longview Fire Department passed the New York Flags on to their colleagues from Okotoks.
This was followed by a couple of presentations by area businesses; first up was a donation by Rose and Geoff Dallyn from the Powderhorn Saloon in Bragg Creek who handed over 10% of the gross revenue from their Remembrance Day opening. The cheque was presented by Comrade Tony Iati on their behalf; secondly Torben Sherwood and Rik Falch of Valley Games in Okotoks who have developed a board game called “D-Day Dice” made a donation that reflected one dollar on behalf of each investor in the endeavour and there were over 2400 of them; thirdly we were able to recognise publicly the donation made by Tilly Jackson in memory of her late father. The approximately $2400 allowed the branch to purchase new computer and copying equipment.
We thank all these people for their support of the Legion and the work undertaken on behalf of veterans and the community in general.
The Honours and Awards committee is in the process of finalising this year's list of honourees. Those whose names have been submitted are screened to match national standards following which citations are prepared and submitted to Dominion Command for approval. Our Honours and Awards Night and Installation of Officers is scheduled for May 26th.
The three high schools in the area now have all the forms and information needed by students to apply for the new $1000.00 bursaries being made available for the first time this year. Applications from graduating students at these three schools must be submitted through the school. To qualify, a student must be the descendant of a veteran. This refers not only to Canadian Veterans but those of Britain and the Commonwealth countries along with the forces of Canada's allies.
We remind students who live in our area but who attend a different public or separate high school that they too are eligible for similar awards. Application forms for these students can be obtained from the Branch. In order to be considered, all applications must be received by the April 30th deadline.
In addition to the usual sports programmes on March 10th there was the Ladies' Pie Auction. On Friday March 16th at 7:00pm we will welcome a group of Irish Dancers. The following Day we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a Dinner/Dance. Dinner is at 5:00pm with the dance starting at 7:00pm. Music will be provided by Kim Cote who brings an impressive musical resume with him. Tickets are $20.00 and should be purchased in advance.
On March 30th at 7:05pm we will make the draws for the prizes in our local raffle. Two prizes of $500 and two flat-screen TV's will be given to the lucky ticket holders. There are still tickets available at the Branch. On the topic of gaming, don't forget the Legion Provincial Million Dollar Lottery. When you purchase your tickets please indicate that you support Branch #78 and we will benefit from that.
Finally, and following the recent and very successful “Jelly Bean Dance” for children, there will be a party for the youngsters on March 31st at 1:00pm. We ask that parents register their children for this event.
Serving Our Veterans, Seniors, Youth and the Community
Malcolm Hughes
It was an exciting night at the Branch on February 24th. Following the buffet meal, meat draws and Chase the Ace run by the Ladies' Auxiliary and with a good crowd looking on, the Longview Fire Department passed the New York Flags on to their colleagues from Okotoks.
This was followed by a couple of presentations by area businesses; first up was a donation by Rose and Geoff Dallyn from the Powderhorn Saloon in Bragg Creek who handed over 10% of the gross revenue from their Remembrance Day opening. The cheque was presented by Comrade Tony Iati on their behalf; secondly Torben Sherwood and Rik Falch of Valley Games in Okotoks who have developed a board game called “D-Day Dice” made a donation that reflected one dollar on behalf of each investor in the endeavour and there were over 2400 of them; thirdly we were able to recognise publicly the donation made by Tilly Jackson in memory of her late father. The approximately $2400 allowed the branch to purchase new computer and copying equipment.
We thank all these people for their support of the Legion and the work undertaken on behalf of veterans and the community in general.
The Honours and Awards committee is in the process of finalising this year's list of honourees. Those whose names have been submitted are screened to match national standards following which citations are prepared and submitted to Dominion Command for approval. Our Honours and Awards Night and Installation of Officers is scheduled for May 26th.
The three high schools in the area now have all the forms and information needed by students to apply for the new $1000.00 bursaries being made available for the first time this year. Applications from graduating students at these three schools must be submitted through the school. To qualify, a student must be the descendant of a veteran. This refers not only to Canadian Veterans but those of Britain and the Commonwealth countries along with the forces of Canada's allies.
We remind students who live in our area but who attend a different public or separate high school that they too are eligible for similar awards. Application forms for these students can be obtained from the Branch. In order to be considered, all applications must be received by the April 30th deadline.
In addition to the usual sports programmes on March 10th there was the Ladies' Pie Auction. On Friday March 16th at 7:00pm we will welcome a group of Irish Dancers. The following Day we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a Dinner/Dance. Dinner is at 5:00pm with the dance starting at 7:00pm. Music will be provided by Kim Cote who brings an impressive musical resume with him. Tickets are $20.00 and should be purchased in advance.
On March 30th at 7:05pm we will make the draws for the prizes in our local raffle. Two prizes of $500 and two flat-screen TV's will be given to the lucky ticket holders. There are still tickets available at the Branch. On the topic of gaming, don't forget the Legion Provincial Million Dollar Lottery. When you purchase your tickets please indicate that you support Branch #78 and we will benefit from that.
Finally, and following the recent and very successful “Jelly Bean Dance” for children, there will be a party for the youngsters on March 31st at 1:00pm. We ask that parents register their children for this event.
Serving Our Veterans, Seniors, Youth and the Community
Malcolm Hughes
Friday, March 16, 2012
C. Ian McLaren News - Drama Club
Our grade five and six students have been part of a drama club. They were meeting every Monday after school for the last several weeks to put together a drama production for the school. Friday, February 17th was the day. They put on two plays for the school which were different versions of well know fairy tales. The first was called The Three Little Elephants and the second one was called Spiderella. The kids did a great job and the audience enjoyed it immensely.
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Longview Youth Group Ski Trip
The Longview Youth Group went on a ski trip to Castle Mountain on February 25th. The 34 in attendance enjoyed an amazing day of snow-filled slopes. Everyone enjoyed the comforts of the motor coach that was so generously donated by Southland Transportation Ltd. Also, a special thanks to our driver, Rick, for his support and skill for our safe journey.
This event was also supported by the donations from the Longview Rec. Board, the Foothills Lions Club, Rick Smith and the organizers of the Longview Youth Group. Thanks to all!
This event was also supported by the donations from the Longview Rec. Board, the Foothills Lions Club, Rick Smith and the organizers of the Longview Youth Group. Thanks to all!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Lucky Eleven?
Working towards his goal of owning eleven liquor stores in Alberta, Nik Kaushik will be opening his fourth store in Turner Valley on March 23rd next door to the bottle depot.
His nephew, Arjun Arora, will be managing the store for him. Arjun lives two blocks from the store and says, “I really like Turner Valley it’s a quiet, peaceful town.”
Nik and his family have been in the liquor business since 2002 when they opened their first store in Calgary, called 11-Eleven Liquors. “It turned out to be a lucky name because a year later our daughter, Vaenisha, was born on 11-11-2003,” said Nik with obvious father’s pride, “so we decided to keep the name and open 11 stores.”
Since then Nik and his family have opened stores in Langdon and High River.
“We love to do business in small towns because there are nice, friendly people and a homely atmosphere in them,” commented Nik.
Their business motto is to provide the best in customer service. They also plan to provide the best selection of wines so residents will be happy to shop locally.
His nephew, Arjun Arora, will be managing the store for him. Arjun lives two blocks from the store and says, “I really like Turner Valley it’s a quiet, peaceful town.”
Nik and his family have been in the liquor business since 2002 when they opened their first store in Calgary, called 11-Eleven Liquors. “It turned out to be a lucky name because a year later our daughter, Vaenisha, was born on 11-11-2003,” said Nik with obvious father’s pride, “so we decided to keep the name and open 11 stores.”
Since then Nik and his family have opened stores in Langdon and High River.
“We love to do business in small towns because there are nice, friendly people and a homely atmosphere in them,” commented Nik.
Their business motto is to provide the best in customer service. They also plan to provide the best selection of wines so residents will be happy to shop locally.
Left to right: Rimpy and Nik,
daughter Ravneet, Arjun
and in front Vaenisha
daughter Ravneet, Arjun
and in front Vaenisha
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Sheep Creek Arts Council Travel to Argentina
You don't have to pack for this visit to Argentina and it's FREE!
The Annual General Meeting of the Sheep Creek Arts Council will be held on March 25th beginning at 2:00pm, in the Council's gallery at 133 Sunset Blvd in Turner Valley. The meeting will be preceded by a demonstration of dance with Karla and her Diva Dance group and a slide presentation of some of the best photos taken by members of the Turner Valley/Oilfields Camera Club. The Camera Club is one of the oldest continuously running clubs which make up the Sheep Creek Arts Council and the Diva Dance group is one of the newest. The Decorative Painting club has mounted a display of the work of many of their members on the west wall of the Gallery. Please take this opportunity to view the wide variety of artistic talents in this presentation.
As Jackie Brassard has submitted her resignation as president, the election of officers and board members of the Sheep Creek Arts Council is particularly important. We invite all members of the community to come to the Annual Meeting, to join the Arts Council and to participate in the elections.
The second free slide show travel evening will take place on Friday, March 30th at 7:30pm. Pat McDonell and Hank Wiechel of the Camera Club, will take those attending on what was a month long tour of Argentina. Join the two photographers on what they describe as a trip to a traveller's paradise. Argentina stretches almost 3500km and encompasses a wide variety of geography and climates. Pat and Hank hiked the towering peaks and glacier carved landscape of Patagonia, walked among thousands of penguins, visited Buenos Aires, toured the jungle and witnessed the roar and drenching mist of Iguazu Falls*, said to be South America's greatest spectacle. Please accept this invitation to join the photographic tour of Argentina on March 30th at the Sheep Creek Arts Council located at 133 Sunset Blvd in Turner Valley. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
*Note: Iguazu Falls is one of the “New7Wonders of Nature”, recently announced on November 11th, 2011 nature.new7wonders.com
The Annual General Meeting of the Sheep Creek Arts Council will be held on March 25th beginning at 2:00pm, in the Council's gallery at 133 Sunset Blvd in Turner Valley. The meeting will be preceded by a demonstration of dance with Karla and her Diva Dance group and a slide presentation of some of the best photos taken by members of the Turner Valley/Oilfields Camera Club. The Camera Club is one of the oldest continuously running clubs which make up the Sheep Creek Arts Council and the Diva Dance group is one of the newest. The Decorative Painting club has mounted a display of the work of many of their members on the west wall of the Gallery. Please take this opportunity to view the wide variety of artistic talents in this presentation.
As Jackie Brassard has submitted her resignation as president, the election of officers and board members of the Sheep Creek Arts Council is particularly important. We invite all members of the community to come to the Annual Meeting, to join the Arts Council and to participate in the elections.
The second free slide show travel evening will take place on Friday, March 30th at 7:30pm. Pat McDonell and Hank Wiechel of the Camera Club, will take those attending on what was a month long tour of Argentina. Join the two photographers on what they describe as a trip to a traveller's paradise. Argentina stretches almost 3500km and encompasses a wide variety of geography and climates. Pat and Hank hiked the towering peaks and glacier carved landscape of Patagonia, walked among thousands of penguins, visited Buenos Aires, toured the jungle and witnessed the roar and drenching mist of Iguazu Falls*, said to be South America's greatest spectacle. Please accept this invitation to join the photographic tour of Argentina on March 30th at the Sheep Creek Arts Council located at 133 Sunset Blvd in Turner Valley. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
*Note: Iguazu Falls is one of the “New7Wonders of Nature”, recently announced on November 11th, 2011 nature.new7wonders.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
St Patrick's Day Facts, Trivia and Myth-Busting
On March 17th there is a popular saying “There are two types of people in this world - the Irish and those who wish they were Irish” so the best way to describe St. Patrick's Day is “Everybody is Irish on St Patrick's Day”
- March 17th is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17 in the year 461 or 493. He is buried under Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, County Down, and is one of the three patron saints of Ireland. The other patron saints are St Brigid of Kildare and St Columba.
- St. Patrick was not actually Irish. He was born in England in 287 and was taken as a slave to Ireland at the age of 16. Patrick found religion during his captivity and after 6 years escaped back to his family. He returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary. The “snakes” he is reputed to have chased out of Ireland are believed to be representative of the pagans and druids.
- According to Statistics Canada (2006) the Irish are the 4th largest ethnic group with 4,354,000 Canadians claiming full or partial Irish descent or 14% of the country's total population. That's pretty close to the population of Ireland itself which is about 4.4 million.
- St Patrick's Day is a public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador on the nearest Monday to March 17th each year, however post offices, schools and most businesses remain open.
- The colour originally associated with St. Patrick was blue; green became associated during the 19th century. Blue is the official colour as seen on Ireland's Presidential Standard or flag, while the Irish Guards sport a plume of St Patrick's blue in their bearskins. A green shamrock was a symbol that St. Patrick had used to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish and 'the wearing of the green' meant to wear a shamrock to display your faith. This was misinterpreted as wearing green garments and a new tradition was born in North America!
- In Ireland it's bad luck to wear green because it attracts leprechauns (you don't want to the kind of mischief they can dream up for you). Many Irish will wear blue to honour St Patrick on his feast day.
- Shamrocks have three leaves. Four-leafed clovers are so rare that finding one was considered lucky, but not traditionally associated with St. Patrick.
- The current Irish flag, adopted in 1919, is green, white and orange. The green symbolizes the native people of Ireland, the orange represents the British supporters of William of Orange who settled in Northern Ireland and the white represents the peace that brings them together as a nation.
- In some Canadian cities, notably Toronto and Montreal, large scale St Patrick's Day parades are held, often on the Sunday closest to March 17th. The parade in Montreal has been held every year since 1824. However, the first recorded celebration of St Patrick's Day was in 1759 by Irish soldiers serving with the British army following their conquest of part of “New France”. In some places there are Irish cultural events. For instance, the Irish Association of Manitoba organizes a three-day festival of Irish culture in the week of St Patrick's Day.
- At the beginning of March, McDonald's offers its Shamrock Shake.
- On any given day 5.5 million pints of Guinness, the famous Irish stout brand, are consumed around the world, but on St. Patrick's Day, that number more than doubles to 13 million pints. Guinness was first brewed in Dublin in 1759 and is the unofficial drink of St Patrick's Day.
- Traditional Irish dishes often served at St Patrick's Day celebrations in Canada can include Colcannon or Irish stew. Colcannon is a dish of mashed potatoes mixed with kale or cabbage and Irish stew is traditionally made with lamb and root vegetables. Traditional Irish drinks include stout, a dark beer and whiskey. The Americans put their own twist on it and hold that corned beef and cabbage is the traditional dish but the Irish would be more likely to have bacon with their cabbage.
- St. Patrick's Day did not become a national holiday in Ireland until 1903 and all the pubs were closed for the holiday, so until the 20th century you couldn't celebrate with a pint in an Irish drinking establishment on this day.
- When celebrating St. Patrick's Day raise your pint and wish your drinking buddies “Slainté!”(pronounced SLAN-cha) which means “health!”.
Longview Library Literally Speaking - Pancakes to Travel
Plan to visit the library March 14th at 7pm for a tour of South Africa in photos and words.
Our Annual Pancake Supper was a great success! Not only was the food wonderful, but the hall looked beautiful with coloured table clothes, fresh flowers, candles and candy dishes---just the setting for Valentines Day. Doris Lesik's presentation of her healing work with the orphans of Indonesia on Wednesday night was very special and we hope to hear more from her soon. She kindly brought a platter of Indonesian food to share that she had prepared herself. On March 14th at 7pm in the library, Jan Dyke will give a talk, along with pictures, of her and her husband's trip to South Africa-----so mark that on your calendars.
We have had a second session with the Marigold Technician on how to download library books to your e-readers. Please come in to the library to see what is available. It's an exciting change in the world of books!
Don't forget that the Crib Club is always looking for new members. They play every Thursday afternoon from 2 to 4pm.
Two books worth mentioning this month are Empire Falls by Richard Russo, and Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay. Empire Falls is a story set in a small town in Maine and is about the lives of the people who hang out at the Empire Grill on Main Street. Russo delves into the hearts and minds of these patrons and shows how their paths cross and re-cross. He does this with decency, humor and wit. You can't wait to get back to the grill to see how everyone is getting on.
Russian Winter is a debut novel that captivates because of its intriguing history of family, memory and solitude. An aging ballerina from the Bolshoi escapes from Stalin's regime to America, arriving in Boston with her invaluable collection of jewels. The portrayal of this aging dancer confined to a wheelchair with only her memories for company is very moving and thought provoking.
Happy Reading
Sylvia Binkley
Our Annual Pancake Supper was a great success! Not only was the food wonderful, but the hall looked beautiful with coloured table clothes, fresh flowers, candles and candy dishes---just the setting for Valentines Day. Doris Lesik's presentation of her healing work with the orphans of Indonesia on Wednesday night was very special and we hope to hear more from her soon. She kindly brought a platter of Indonesian food to share that she had prepared herself. On March 14th at 7pm in the library, Jan Dyke will give a talk, along with pictures, of her and her husband's trip to South Africa-----so mark that on your calendars.
We have had a second session with the Marigold Technician on how to download library books to your e-readers. Please come in to the library to see what is available. It's an exciting change in the world of books!
Don't forget that the Crib Club is always looking for new members. They play every Thursday afternoon from 2 to 4pm.
Two books worth mentioning this month are Empire Falls by Richard Russo, and Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay. Empire Falls is a story set in a small town in Maine and is about the lives of the people who hang out at the Empire Grill on Main Street. Russo delves into the hearts and minds of these patrons and shows how their paths cross and re-cross. He does this with decency, humor and wit. You can't wait to get back to the grill to see how everyone is getting on.
Russian Winter is a debut novel that captivates because of its intriguing history of family, memory and solitude. An aging ballerina from the Bolshoi escapes from Stalin's regime to America, arriving in Boston with her invaluable collection of jewels. The portrayal of this aging dancer confined to a wheelchair with only her memories for company is very moving and thought provoking.
Happy Reading
Sylvia Binkley
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society: ST. PADDY'S DAY PUB NIGHT
Green beer, Guinness, live music, great pub food, pots of gold, shamrocks and all the green you'd expect awaits you at St. Paddy's Day Pub Night set for 7pm, March 17th at the Millarville Racetrack Hall.
Both old and young are welcome with movies, crafts and green punch for the kids.
"We want to make it as Irish and fun as we can without actually being on the Emerald Isle," quipped Threepoint Kitchen & Catering chef Stephanie Quackenbush, organizer of the event on behalf of the non-profit Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society. "A local musician, Bill Battensby, will provide his usual excellent music and we know the food and fun is going to be fabulous."
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, either in advance at the Millarville Racetrack office or at the door but for MRAS members and invited guests only. If you would like to be invited, please call the MRAS office at 403-931-3411.
St. Patrick's Day, St. Paddy's Day or just Paddy's Day is a yearly festival of celebrations around the world. It is an annual feast that celebrates Saint Patrick who was one of the patron saints of Ireland.
St. Patrick, then known as only Patrick, lived in Britain and then France before eventually finding himself in Ireland where he achieved Sainthood, converting the Celtic people to Christianity, using Ireland's famous three-leaved Shamrock as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity.
St. Patrick died on March 17th and mourning by the Irish soon turned to a celebration of his life. The custom of celebrating St. Paddy's Day has since spread around the world.
Threepoint Kitchen & Catering is part of the non-profit Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society and provides on-site and off-site catering services in your local area.
The MRAS hosts not only events like St. Paddy's Pub Night but also the famous Millarville Farmers' Market, Saturday's, June 16th through October 6th, 9am to 2pm, the Millarville "Run To The Farmers' Market" Half Marathon on June 16th, the 107th Annual Millarville Races on July 1st, Canada Day, the 16th Annual Millarville Rodeo, August 3rd to 5th, the 105th Annual Priddis & Millarville Fair August 18th and the Millarville Christmas Market, November 9th to 11th.
For more about the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, go to www.millarvilleracetrack.com
For more about St. Paddy's Day Pub Night, contact Stephanie Quackenbush at 612-6557 or email her at:
threepointkitchen@millarvilleracetrack.com
Both old and young are welcome with movies, crafts and green punch for the kids.
"We want to make it as Irish and fun as we can without actually being on the Emerald Isle," quipped Threepoint Kitchen & Catering chef Stephanie Quackenbush, organizer of the event on behalf of the non-profit Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society. "A local musician, Bill Battensby, will provide his usual excellent music and we know the food and fun is going to be fabulous."
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, either in advance at the Millarville Racetrack office or at the door but for MRAS members and invited guests only. If you would like to be invited, please call the MRAS office at 403-931-3411.
St. Patrick's Day, St. Paddy's Day or just Paddy's Day is a yearly festival of celebrations around the world. It is an annual feast that celebrates Saint Patrick who was one of the patron saints of Ireland.
St. Patrick, then known as only Patrick, lived in Britain and then France before eventually finding himself in Ireland where he achieved Sainthood, converting the Celtic people to Christianity, using Ireland's famous three-leaved Shamrock as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity.
St. Patrick died on March 17th and mourning by the Irish soon turned to a celebration of his life. The custom of celebrating St. Paddy's Day has since spread around the world.
Threepoint Kitchen & Catering is part of the non-profit Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society and provides on-site and off-site catering services in your local area.
The MRAS hosts not only events like St. Paddy's Pub Night but also the famous Millarville Farmers' Market, Saturday's, June 16th through October 6th, 9am to 2pm, the Millarville "Run To The Farmers' Market" Half Marathon on June 16th, the 107th Annual Millarville Races on July 1st, Canada Day, the 16th Annual Millarville Rodeo, August 3rd to 5th, the 105th Annual Priddis & Millarville Fair August 18th and the Millarville Christmas Market, November 9th to 11th.
For more about the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, go to www.millarvilleracetrack.com
For more about St. Paddy's Day Pub Night, contact Stephanie Quackenbush at 612-6557 or email her at:
threepointkitchen@millarvilleracetrack.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
From My Bookshelf ~ by Lynn Willoughby: Featuring Alice Hoffman
The Beauty of Humanity Movement - Camilla Gibb
This novel is set in contemporary Viet Nam, but the protagonist - Old Man Hung, has lived through decades of political upheaval. As he remembers friends and family we get a glimpse into life in Viet Nam when it was occupied by the French, then with Ho Chi Minh and the communist revolution, followed by war against (or with) the Americans.
"Food is the cornerstone of our social life and can spur conversations about the deepest and most fundamental issues." Just how Gibb has used this connection to make an itinerant pho chef the central character in this work, and used "pho" to give us the history of Viet Nam is so original.
I really liked this book and the characters in it, especially Hung. As he survives the decades by learning new ways to feed his neighbours the noodle laden broth - pho, commonly eaten for breakfast, his interaction with his "family" gives us a wonderful over view of Hanoi. We meet Maggie Ly, born in Viet Nam but raised in the USA, whose goal is to locate someone who knew her father. Tu, who sees Hung as a grandfather, Lan, Hung's neighbour in the shanty town where he lives, Binh, Tu's father and a host of other characters create a tapestry of Hanoi and Vietnam.
Food, politics, religion and love are at the centre of this novel, but food comes and goes, political systems change, love is lost and gained or missed. Poetry and art add to the humanity of the characters as they try to help their fellow human beings.
This is a sensitive, beautifully written book with lots of history and well-rounded characters. My favourite kind of read!
The Dovekeepers - Alice Hoffman
In 70 C.E. nine hundred Jews held out for over four years against armies of Romans, on Masada, a mountain in the Judean dessert. This fortress had been built by Herod, had beautiful inlaid floors in the palace, orchards, vineyards and huge storehouses - all full of wine, oil and olives. It had many cisterns - for bathing, for laundry, for watering livestock and for drinking. The largest cistern was as wide as fifty men with outstretched arms. Amazing!
Hoffman spent five years researching and writing this novel and it shows. It felt like living history. We all know the end of the story - over 900 Jewish defenders committed mass suicide rather than submit to the Romans. But what makes this book a "story" is the way the author describes life and events at Masada from the point of view of five very different women - during the seige of the Sicarri.
These women tend the dovecotes on Masada - especially mindful of the droppings used to fertilize the fields and orchards. Each woman arrives from a different place and carries her losses and secrets with her. This sisterhood of women spans several decades, age-wise. Each has endured incredible hardship - the loss of loved ones, homes, brutality, starvation - yet at Masada they develop a complex relationship. Each woman has an affinity for an element - fire, air, metal or water and I found how their personality and their development linked to their element utterly fascinating.
This book is rich in detail - down to the food, clothing, amulets and spells, names, armour, childbirth, "pharmaka" or herbal remedies. It is a long book and not easy reading, but is certainly rich in culture and history.
Who Knew?
Masada became important to the British during the 'Mandate' era during WWII. The plan was to man defensive positions in order to stop Erwin Rommels expected drive through the region in 1942. The plan was abandoned following Rommels defeat at El Alamein.
A 2000 year old seed was discovered here in the 1960s and has successfully germinated to become a date plant, the oldest known germination.
This novel is set in contemporary Viet Nam, but the protagonist - Old Man Hung, has lived through decades of political upheaval. As he remembers friends and family we get a glimpse into life in Viet Nam when it was occupied by the French, then with Ho Chi Minh and the communist revolution, followed by war against (or with) the Americans.
"Food is the cornerstone of our social life and can spur conversations about the deepest and most fundamental issues." Just how Gibb has used this connection to make an itinerant pho chef the central character in this work, and used "pho" to give us the history of Viet Nam is so original.
I really liked this book and the characters in it, especially Hung. As he survives the decades by learning new ways to feed his neighbours the noodle laden broth - pho, commonly eaten for breakfast, his interaction with his "family" gives us a wonderful over view of Hanoi. We meet Maggie Ly, born in Viet Nam but raised in the USA, whose goal is to locate someone who knew her father. Tu, who sees Hung as a grandfather, Lan, Hung's neighbour in the shanty town where he lives, Binh, Tu's father and a host of other characters create a tapestry of Hanoi and Vietnam.
Food, politics, religion and love are at the centre of this novel, but food comes and goes, political systems change, love is lost and gained or missed. Poetry and art add to the humanity of the characters as they try to help their fellow human beings.
This is a sensitive, beautifully written book with lots of history and well-rounded characters. My favourite kind of read!
The Dovekeepers - Alice Hoffman
In 70 C.E. nine hundred Jews held out for over four years against armies of Romans, on Masada, a mountain in the Judean dessert. This fortress had been built by Herod, had beautiful inlaid floors in the palace, orchards, vineyards and huge storehouses - all full of wine, oil and olives. It had many cisterns - for bathing, for laundry, for watering livestock and for drinking. The largest cistern was as wide as fifty men with outstretched arms. Amazing!
Hoffman spent five years researching and writing this novel and it shows. It felt like living history. We all know the end of the story - over 900 Jewish defenders committed mass suicide rather than submit to the Romans. But what makes this book a "story" is the way the author describes life and events at Masada from the point of view of five very different women - during the seige of the Sicarri.
These women tend the dovecotes on Masada - especially mindful of the droppings used to fertilize the fields and orchards. Each woman arrives from a different place and carries her losses and secrets with her. This sisterhood of women spans several decades, age-wise. Each has endured incredible hardship - the loss of loved ones, homes, brutality, starvation - yet at Masada they develop a complex relationship. Each woman has an affinity for an element - fire, air, metal or water and I found how their personality and their development linked to their element utterly fascinating.
This book is rich in detail - down to the food, clothing, amulets and spells, names, armour, childbirth, "pharmaka" or herbal remedies. It is a long book and not easy reading, but is certainly rich in culture and history.
- Practical Magic
- The Ice Queen
Who Knew?
Masada became important to the British during the 'Mandate' era during WWII. The plan was to man defensive positions in order to stop Erwin Rommels expected drive through the region in 1942. The plan was abandoned following Rommels defeat at El Alamein.
A 2000 year old seed was discovered here in the 1960s and has successfully germinated to become a date plant, the oldest known germination.
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Gardens Galore: Bring on the Hummers by Karen Brewka
This is the time of year when we are looking at seed and plant catalogues and dreaming about what will be new in our gardens next summer. I would like to see more hummingbirds in my garden. I've never put out bird feeders of any kind so attracting hummers will be a new thing for me.
When the caragana on the side of my house is blooming, I see a few hummingbirds flitting from the big spruce to the yellow flowers so I know there are some around. How do I entice them into the back yard so I can enjoy them close to the deck?
Brent Johner (Nature's Corner), a writer based in Calgary, has lots of info about attracting hummingbirds. He says it might take years for the birds to put your place on their map. They come north to breed with the males showing up ahead of the females in early to mid May. First comes the Rufous, then the Calliope and then the Ruby-Throated. They stake out territory with dense vegetation nearby and wait for the females to choose them and their territories for nesting.
The hummingbirds need to feed heavily towards the middle of August to get ready for the long trip south.
Johner sets out his feeders in early May and again in mid August to fit in with the travelling schedules of the hummingbirds. He uses fake red flowers to attract them to his feeders in the spring and then relies on garden flowers to attract them later in the season.
The feeders have to be kept clean with the nectar changed daily if it is hot and every 2nd or 3rd day if it is cool. If the nectar gets cloudy, it needs to be changed right away. Bacteria and fungus can cause disease in the birds. Only use nectar that is made up out of 4 parts sterilized (boiled) water and 1 part white sugar – no dyes, no artificial sweeteners, no honey or molasses.
Johner also mentions that the feeders need to be protected from ants and wasps and, of course, be set up so that cats can't get at the birds.
So, if you have natural areas close by, the chances of attracting hummingbirds are good. There are lots of garden flowers that will attract hummers even without the use of a feeder. Johner recommends Bee Balm, Coral Bells, Weigela, Delphinium, Monk's Hood, Columbine, Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle, Lilac and Red Maltese Cross. Lois Hole also recommended Beardtongue, Campion, Day Lily, Foxglove, Hollyhock, Lilies, Garden Phlox and Pinks.
These are all great plants to have in the garden whether or not your plan is to attract hummingbirds.
Have a gardening question or a problem? Send it along to the Gazette gazette@telus.net and Karen will answer it in her column.
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club meets 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
When the caragana on the side of my house is blooming, I see a few hummingbirds flitting from the big spruce to the yellow flowers so I know there are some around. How do I entice them into the back yard so I can enjoy them close to the deck?
Brent Johner (Nature's Corner), a writer based in Calgary, has lots of info about attracting hummingbirds. He says it might take years for the birds to put your place on their map. They come north to breed with the males showing up ahead of the females in early to mid May. First comes the Rufous, then the Calliope and then the Ruby-Throated. They stake out territory with dense vegetation nearby and wait for the females to choose them and their territories for nesting.
The hummingbirds need to feed heavily towards the middle of August to get ready for the long trip south.
Johner sets out his feeders in early May and again in mid August to fit in with the travelling schedules of the hummingbirds. He uses fake red flowers to attract them to his feeders in the spring and then relies on garden flowers to attract them later in the season.
The feeders have to be kept clean with the nectar changed daily if it is hot and every 2nd or 3rd day if it is cool. If the nectar gets cloudy, it needs to be changed right away. Bacteria and fungus can cause disease in the birds. Only use nectar that is made up out of 4 parts sterilized (boiled) water and 1 part white sugar – no dyes, no artificial sweeteners, no honey or molasses.
Johner also mentions that the feeders need to be protected from ants and wasps and, of course, be set up so that cats can't get at the birds.
So, if you have natural areas close by, the chances of attracting hummingbirds are good. There are lots of garden flowers that will attract hummers even without the use of a feeder. Johner recommends Bee Balm, Coral Bells, Weigela, Delphinium, Monk's Hood, Columbine, Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle, Lilac and Red Maltese Cross. Lois Hole also recommended Beardtongue, Campion, Day Lily, Foxglove, Hollyhock, Lilies, Garden Phlox and Pinks.
These are all great plants to have in the garden whether or not your plan is to attract hummingbirds.
Have a gardening question or a problem? Send it along to the Gazette gazette@telus.net and Karen will answer it in her column.
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club meets 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
Monday, March 12, 2012
Household Hints by Rosemary ~ Quick and Easy
I love getting quick and easy hints from family and friends, they make my day brighter and happier. I also enjoy passing them on, so here are some more life easing tricks.
This is a terrific idea, it helps to control the size and is a smart time saver. When making multi omelets for the family, beat the amount of eggs you'll need for the servings, butter up a muffin tin and pour the egg mixture in the individual pots, add cheese, bacon, ham, peppers or any other ingredient you wish. The muffin omelets can be customized for each person. Put the muffin tin on a cookie sheet for balance and bake for about 20-25 minutes in a medium oven or until the eggs have set in the center. Any unused portions can be frozen and kept up to a week, just pop them in the microwave, cover and heat for one to two minutes.
Fast and healthy snack for kids: sandwich peanut butter between two thin slices of apple or cut a celery stalk into one inch chunks and fill the hollow with peanut butter or spreadable cheese.
No paper plates? Serve snacks to children in coffee filters. Also great for serving hot dogs, just wrap it around.
Use a coffee filter in the serving bowl under chips, cheese treats or other snack foods to soak up extra fat.
If you've dropped an earring or contact lens it's more easily found by attaching a panty hose with an elastic to the vacuum cleaner hose the item will be sucked into the stocking and can be recovered quickly.
A scratch on wood furniture can be covered up by rubbing the meat of a walnut on it.
Well, that's all we have space for today, hope some of these little tricks make life easier.
This is a terrific idea, it helps to control the size and is a smart time saver. When making multi omelets for the family, beat the amount of eggs you'll need for the servings, butter up a muffin tin and pour the egg mixture in the individual pots, add cheese, bacon, ham, peppers or any other ingredient you wish. The muffin omelets can be customized for each person. Put the muffin tin on a cookie sheet for balance and bake for about 20-25 minutes in a medium oven or until the eggs have set in the center. Any unused portions can be frozen and kept up to a week, just pop them in the microwave, cover and heat for one to two minutes.
Fast and healthy snack for kids: sandwich peanut butter between two thin slices of apple or cut a celery stalk into one inch chunks and fill the hollow with peanut butter or spreadable cheese.
No paper plates? Serve snacks to children in coffee filters. Also great for serving hot dogs, just wrap it around.
Use a coffee filter in the serving bowl under chips, cheese treats or other snack foods to soak up extra fat.
If you've dropped an earring or contact lens it's more easily found by attaching a panty hose with an elastic to the vacuum cleaner hose the item will be sucked into the stocking and can be recovered quickly.
A scratch on wood furniture can be covered up by rubbing the meat of a walnut on it.
Well, that's all we have space for today, hope some of these little tricks make life easier.
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Riverwood Estates Sponsors Young Curlers
Black Diamond's newest community, Riverwood Estates, is thrilled to announce its involvement as a sponsor of the Oilfields Curling Academy.
The sponsorship, which comes in the form of team uniforms, is the first of many community involvement initiatives of Riverwood Estates.
“We want to build more than just homes in Black Diamond,” says John Huot of Riverwood Estates Inc., “we want to help build the sense of community as well. The kids are really excited about us helping out.”
Riverwood Estates donated sweaters for 21 kids aged 7 to 15 – three different junior teams – with a professionally designed custom logo for the club.
With a bonspiel in Claresholm this weekend, the players will be proudly sporting their new gear and new team logo.
“The excitement that team sweaters brought to the kids was fantastic,” says club manager Mike Libbus, “it made them feel more like one big team. We'd really like to thank Riverwood for the support to the Oilfields junior curling program.”
As Riverwood Estates ramps up for the opening of their second show home in early March, they are getting more involved in the community with more sponsorships, community events and exciting announcements to come.
“We were excited to have the opportunity to help the curling club,” says Huot, “we look forward to following the teams throughout the year and sponsoring the kids for a long time to come.”
Riverwood Estates is a brand-new family-oriented community in Black Diamond, Alberta and features two exclusive builders: Sheep River Homes and Compass Rose Homes. Riverwood Estates is currently selling its Phase I homes and are already 60% sold.
The sponsorship, which comes in the form of team uniforms, is the first of many community involvement initiatives of Riverwood Estates.
“We want to build more than just homes in Black Diamond,” says John Huot of Riverwood Estates Inc., “we want to help build the sense of community as well. The kids are really excited about us helping out.”
Riverwood Estates donated sweaters for 21 kids aged 7 to 15 – three different junior teams – with a professionally designed custom logo for the club.
With a bonspiel in Claresholm this weekend, the players will be proudly sporting their new gear and new team logo.
“The excitement that team sweaters brought to the kids was fantastic,” says club manager Mike Libbus, “it made them feel more like one big team. We'd really like to thank Riverwood for the support to the Oilfields junior curling program.”
As Riverwood Estates ramps up for the opening of their second show home in early March, they are getting more involved in the community with more sponsorships, community events and exciting announcements to come.
“We were excited to have the opportunity to help the curling club,” says Huot, “we look forward to following the teams throughout the year and sponsoring the kids for a long time to come.”
Riverwood Estates is a brand-new family-oriented community in Black Diamond, Alberta and features two exclusive builders: Sheep River Homes and Compass Rose Homes. Riverwood Estates is currently selling its Phase I homes and are already 60% sold.
Scavengers to Skaters
Over 180 people formed 39 teams and dashed around Diamond Valley on Family Day in an attempt to be the winners of the 3rd Annual Scavenger Hunt. A total of 117 points were up for grabs and the winning team was Jaedon, Kiera and Leigh Bretzlaff as they not only found all the items but were also the fastest to report back to the Flare ‘N Derrick.
According to several participants finding the Antler Bud was the most difficult item. One team’s member even admitted to going and making one!
A total of 24 prizes were handed out to the top teams. Sponsors of the event were the Towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley, Chuckwagon Café, Hi-Ho Gas and Grocery, Turner Valley Golf and Sandul’s Pharmacy.
Following the hunt, everyone enjoyed hot dogs and hot chocolate and an afternoon of skating at the outdoor rink.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Family Day Fun Event.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Longview School - Valentines and Winter Carnival
Longview students celebrated Valentine's Day a big way by wearing pink, red and white. Everyone exchanged Valentine's Day cards and brought treats like cupcakes and heart shaped cookies to share. The whole school gathered in the gym for a Wii Just Dance Party. Students, staff and parents had a great time dancing, singing and laughing.
We had a very full program for Talent, Show and Share last Friday. We had students sing, dance, play instruments, tell jokes, do magic tricks and demonstrate different athletic abilities. It was a great afternoon of entertainment and we really appreciate the attention and effort students dedicate to their special skills and talents. The Grade 1 /2 class had a great deal of fun on February 15th in celebrating the one hundredth day of school. Students were spotted lining the hallway with one hundred feet they had cut from paper.
Basketball season is well underway and the Grade 5 / 6 class have participated in tournaments at home, Turner Valley School and upcoming at Ecole Percy Pegler on March 2nd. The team would like to send out a big thank you to Michelle Nelson for helping coach the team and Mr. Musgrove their teacher.
Longview Students are very proud of their school. They take pride in being an eagle and proudly wear the school colours of blue and gold. Our students are great role models and do an excellent job representing themselves and our school.
Students, staff and parents had a wonderful time at our annual Winter Carnival held on Friday, February 17th. We thought we might have to celebrate winter minus the snow because of the unusually warm weather we have had lately. But luckily, just a couple of days before the big event, we received a significant snowfall which put smiles on everyone's faces. Students participated in fox and duck tag games, treasure hunts for coloured ice blocks buried in the snow, building and decorating giant snow castles, ball hockey and curling activities. At the end of the day, everyone gathered around with rosy cheeks and cold toes to have a cup of hot chocolate and a couple of biscuits. A big thank you is extended to Mr. Musgrove, from all of the students, in organizing such a fun day.
We had a very full program for Talent, Show and Share last Friday. We had students sing, dance, play instruments, tell jokes, do magic tricks and demonstrate different athletic abilities. It was a great afternoon of entertainment and we really appreciate the attention and effort students dedicate to their special skills and talents. The Grade 1 /2 class had a great deal of fun on February 15th in celebrating the one hundredth day of school. Students were spotted lining the hallway with one hundred feet they had cut from paper.
Basketball season is well underway and the Grade 5 / 6 class have participated in tournaments at home, Turner Valley School and upcoming at Ecole Percy Pegler on March 2nd. The team would like to send out a big thank you to Michelle Nelson for helping coach the team and Mr. Musgrove their teacher.
Longview Students are very proud of their school. They take pride in being an eagle and proudly wear the school colours of blue and gold. Our students are great role models and do an excellent job representing themselves and our school.
Students, staff and parents had a wonderful time at our annual Winter Carnival held on Friday, February 17th. We thought we might have to celebrate winter minus the snow because of the unusually warm weather we have had lately. But luckily, just a couple of days before the big event, we received a significant snowfall which put smiles on everyone's faces. Students participated in fox and duck tag games, treasure hunts for coloured ice blocks buried in the snow, building and decorating giant snow castles, ball hockey and curling activities. At the end of the day, everyone gathered around with rosy cheeks and cold toes to have a cup of hot chocolate and a couple of biscuits. A big thank you is extended to Mr. Musgrove, from all of the students, in organizing such a fun day.
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
The Life of An Artist and Quantum Physics
Halfway through February and 2.5 months into owning my new blue car… it feels pretty good. Somehow, it has helped me feel my successes and accomplishments. I'm working on letting go of my past and not allowing it to muddy what I've always assumed my life will be like in the future. Now I'm going for my BFA, working towards becoming an official mentor for young artists looking to get into art school, being more in-tune with galleries outside my comfort zones. It's funny, you think you've figured out what you want in your life and then you suddenly realize you could have more.
Fact: We teach our kids to make a wish after blowing out their birthday candles - but they are not to tell anyone this since this makes the wish disappear. How crazy is that? I mean, don't we want to know our kids' wishes? I mean sure, it could be a wish for a new toy, but it could also be a wish for mom and dad to be happier or maybe for them to feel good all the time. Don't we want to encourage love and honesty in families? Quantum physicists have actually found ways to prove that thoughts can in fact create physical manifestations? Most interestingly, if we collectively focus on one thought, the power of that thought or wish truthfully magnifies with each person's 'thought energy'. Going back to the birthday wish: If we allow our children to share their wishes with us, wouldn't that be a collective wish? And thus become grown-ups who encourage dreams to come true? Artists are often dismissed as dreamers, idealists, eccentrics… but have you noticed how the creative people in your life often become the problem solvers? In December, I wished for free mochas from Starbucks… and instead of the usual one free birthday drink voucher… I actually got FOUR mailed to me! Let's start encouraging more wishes and dreams to come true, whether big or small, and the world will be a happier place!
~Love and light from The Real RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
Inspiration Studio Okotoks
www.robinlisathibodeau.com
Fact: We teach our kids to make a wish after blowing out their birthday candles - but they are not to tell anyone this since this makes the wish disappear. How crazy is that? I mean, don't we want to know our kids' wishes? I mean sure, it could be a wish for a new toy, but it could also be a wish for mom and dad to be happier or maybe for them to feel good all the time. Don't we want to encourage love and honesty in families? Quantum physicists have actually found ways to prove that thoughts can in fact create physical manifestations? Most interestingly, if we collectively focus on one thought, the power of that thought or wish truthfully magnifies with each person's 'thought energy'. Going back to the birthday wish: If we allow our children to share their wishes with us, wouldn't that be a collective wish? And thus become grown-ups who encourage dreams to come true? Artists are often dismissed as dreamers, idealists, eccentrics… but have you noticed how the creative people in your life often become the problem solvers? In December, I wished for free mochas from Starbucks… and instead of the usual one free birthday drink voucher… I actually got FOUR mailed to me! Let's start encouraging more wishes and dreams to come true, whether big or small, and the world will be a happier place!
~Love and light from The Real RobiN Thibodeau
allseasonchick@gmail.com
Inspiration Studio Okotoks
www.robinlisathibodeau.com
What's in the Stars for You? Capricorn - Aquarius - Pisces
Horoscopes for those born between December 22nd and March 20th
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
The job of any leader is to get people working together. Humans are motivated by making money and going to war, so you might say that the job of any humane leader is to find motivations that are neither destructive nor based on greed. That's another way of saying honoring life and what we do with it for its inherent value, which you have a gift for noticing and expressing at the moment. State the obvious both when writing and speaking. Get feedback and make sure people are onto what you're talking about. It seems inevitable that you'll be involved in some unusual depth or amount of written communication, and I suggest you begin any project by defining a clear strategy. The kind of writing you're doing now is not about being inspired, though that would help. This is writing that has to work, like a sheepdog or plumber has to work. I'm not suggesting that you not use elegance or beauty, but rather that you set goals for your projects, so that you give yourself guidance and you have a way to measure whether your efforts are getting results.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Yours is the sign of groups, but you're equally invested in one-to-one relationships. Recent developments in an intimate situation are suggesting that it's time to get out and be among people. You may have a tendency in the opposite direction: to withdraw, close up and avoid groups. However, I think you'll find that once you get into a wider space and meet some new people you will feel like your old self or perhaps some new self you've never quite met before. Meanwhile, self-esteem questions persist. I suggest that you not view this as a crisis, but rather as an opportunity for growth. If you're experiencing doubt in any form, one logical answer to that is to seek some information that might confirm or deny whatever issue you feel up against. However, the planets strongly suggest you look for the source of the doubt itself, remembering that it may have no basis in reality. The truth is, you're a more sensitive person than you let on, and your sensitivity is running at an all-time high. So, proceed gently and the truth will come to you.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Many factors have contributed to your having an unusually confident grip on your life, one of which has been a measure of self-reliance. Another has been an intuitive sense of belonging and purpose. Both of these point to the kind of autonomy that will be the thing to focus on as the next four weeks progress. The Sun enters your sign over the weekend, beginning with a conjunction to Neptune, also newly arrived in Pisces. Your charts indicate a powerful empathy with people around you, and you have their attention in more ways than you recognize. But attention is not what you want -- focus, collaboration and a state of harmony are. Remember that your mission comes first and what others need comes second. I suggest you favor those who make themselves available and are willing to contribute positive energy and let everyone else do their thing. You are beginning what could be one of the most confident and creative years of your life, but the condition is living from the center of yourself and at the center of your world.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
The job of any leader is to get people working together. Humans are motivated by making money and going to war, so you might say that the job of any humane leader is to find motivations that are neither destructive nor based on greed. That's another way of saying honoring life and what we do with it for its inherent value, which you have a gift for noticing and expressing at the moment. State the obvious both when writing and speaking. Get feedback and make sure people are onto what you're talking about. It seems inevitable that you'll be involved in some unusual depth or amount of written communication, and I suggest you begin any project by defining a clear strategy. The kind of writing you're doing now is not about being inspired, though that would help. This is writing that has to work, like a sheepdog or plumber has to work. I'm not suggesting that you not use elegance or beauty, but rather that you set goals for your projects, so that you give yourself guidance and you have a way to measure whether your efforts are getting results.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Yours is the sign of groups, but you're equally invested in one-to-one relationships. Recent developments in an intimate situation are suggesting that it's time to get out and be among people. You may have a tendency in the opposite direction: to withdraw, close up and avoid groups. However, I think you'll find that once you get into a wider space and meet some new people you will feel like your old self or perhaps some new self you've never quite met before. Meanwhile, self-esteem questions persist. I suggest that you not view this as a crisis, but rather as an opportunity for growth. If you're experiencing doubt in any form, one logical answer to that is to seek some information that might confirm or deny whatever issue you feel up against. However, the planets strongly suggest you look for the source of the doubt itself, remembering that it may have no basis in reality. The truth is, you're a more sensitive person than you let on, and your sensitivity is running at an all-time high. So, proceed gently and the truth will come to you.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Many factors have contributed to your having an unusually confident grip on your life, one of which has been a measure of self-reliance. Another has been an intuitive sense of belonging and purpose. Both of these point to the kind of autonomy that will be the thing to focus on as the next four weeks progress. The Sun enters your sign over the weekend, beginning with a conjunction to Neptune, also newly arrived in Pisces. Your charts indicate a powerful empathy with people around you, and you have their attention in more ways than you recognize. But attention is not what you want -- focus, collaboration and a state of harmony are. Remember that your mission comes first and what others need comes second. I suggest you favor those who make themselves available and are willing to contribute positive energy and let everyone else do their thing. You are beginning what could be one of the most confident and creative years of your life, but the condition is living from the center of yourself and at the center of your world.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Millarville Cool News - Kindergarten Similes
The Kindergarten class at MCS have been engaged in an inquiry looking at the things we learn from family and friends. We've been investigating the roles and responsibilities in families, relationships with our friends and our connections to each other. We've been using information about our family members as we look at numbers in math.
We read the book, My Dog is as Smelly as Dirty Socks by Hanoch Piven, a very cool artist and author. This book looks at the family portrait in a very different way – using similes to describe each member. Then we used Mr. Piven's collage technique of using everyday objects to create our own works of art. We then wrote some similes to describe our family member.
Here's a sample!
Raine: My mom is as loving as a heart and as snuggly as a cat
Jack: My dad is as prickly as a hedgehog and as tall as a building
Stetson: My mom is as lovey as a heart and as lovely as a flower
Elizabeth: My mom is as cute as a kitten and as lovely as a birthday party
Shona: My mom is as sweet as a candy and as soft as a feather
Amelia: My mom is as soft as a feather and as sweet as hot chocolate
Wyatt: My mom is as light as a feather and as ranch-ish as a cowgirl
James: My sister is as funny as a clown and as quiet as a mouse
Tyree: My dad is as furry as a sheep and as cowboy-ish as a cowboy
Reese: My mom is as soft as a feather and as loving as a heart
Danika: My mom is as soft as a feather and as sweet as a flower
Ava: My mom is as sweet as a feather and as sweet as a heart
Nathan: My sister Emily is a lovey as a heart and as sweet as a candy
Alyssa: My grandma is as lovey as a heart and as small as a snowflake
Amber: My dad is as funny as a clown and as nice as a candy cane
Bailee: My grandma is as soft as a feather and as sweet as a candy
We read the book, My Dog is as Smelly as Dirty Socks by Hanoch Piven, a very cool artist and author. This book looks at the family portrait in a very different way – using similes to describe each member. Then we used Mr. Piven's collage technique of using everyday objects to create our own works of art. We then wrote some similes to describe our family member.
Here's a sample!
Raine: My mom is as loving as a heart and as snuggly as a cat
Jack: My dad is as prickly as a hedgehog and as tall as a building
Stetson: My mom is as lovey as a heart and as lovely as a flower
Elizabeth: My mom is as cute as a kitten and as lovely as a birthday party
Shona: My mom is as sweet as a candy and as soft as a feather
Amelia: My mom is as soft as a feather and as sweet as hot chocolate
Wyatt: My mom is as light as a feather and as ranch-ish as a cowgirl
James: My sister is as funny as a clown and as quiet as a mouse
Tyree: My dad is as furry as a sheep and as cowboy-ish as a cowboy
Reese: My mom is as soft as a feather and as loving as a heart
Danika: My mom is as soft as a feather and as sweet as a flower
Ava: My mom is as sweet as a feather and as sweet as a heart
Nathan: My sister Emily is a lovey as a heart and as sweet as a candy
Alyssa: My grandma is as lovey as a heart and as small as a snowflake
Amber: My dad is as funny as a clown and as nice as a candy cane
Bailee: My grandma is as soft as a feather and as sweet as a candy
Small Town Saturday Night
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite community.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
Go to www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/stsn/vote.
You can vote every day until March 20th.
Two of your local towns have entered this competition – Black Diamond and High River.
Show Your Support.
What's in the Stars for You? Libra - Scorpio - Sagittarius
Horoscopes for those born between September 22nd and December 22nd
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23)
You've been through a tense few weeks, and you may not be feeling any more confident or like things are heading in any better of a direction. I promise you, however, that you will be able to pull back from the edge and that you're not being pushed into anything you cannot handle. And events over the next few days will do a lot to reassure you that you're not as close to the edge as you thought. You'll feel more assured once you know that, and you'll also feel less alone. There have been several moments the past week where you felt like you didn't quite belong on the planet, but now even in the midst of similar circumstances, you seem to be aligning more closely with a source of nourishment. Also I would remind you -- and you soon may discover -- that you're not alone in any way. But this will be more obvious over the next few days, as the Sun finishes its run through Aquarius and opens a few doors for you. One thing to keep in mind is that not only is there no rush; you're in an important time of completions. Take those one at a time.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
Your life has presented you with many ideas and possibilities lately, though often falling short of the best possibilities actually materializing. That said, your imagination has been venturing into some daring territory and you seem to allow yourself to consider some of the saucier possibilities, at least in theory. As the Sun enters your fellow water sign Pisces over the weekend, you'll either have opportunities to go beyond merely thinking or imagining, or you'll feel more compelled to actually experiment. You've yet to discover whether what you feel in potential and what you can actually manifest will have much in common. There's always a difference -- we're talking about two different realms, one of which is a lot more dense than the other, and where there are actual consequences of action. Just as with your imagination, it's a good idea to open up to what you're not expecting. That's the one significant contact point between 'fantasy' and reality.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22)
You don't need anyone else's approval to make a decision. You may not recognize that you're even seeking that approval. It may come in the form of 'thinking like someone else' or imagining what they would do. I suggest that you think like yourself, align with your own desires and needs, and make the decision that's right for you. There's a good chance that someone you know won't agree with you, but what difference does that make? That person doesn't have to live your life. As soon as you focus on your own intentions, and get centered about what is right for you, you'll see how little the feelings of others matter. That said, if you can discern emotions from facts (both yours and anyone else's), you might gain some clarity based on the actual data you become aware of. It will be an excellent exercise for you to stick strictly to the observable, verifiable facts. This won't interfere with your intuition -- it will only strengthen it.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23)
You've been through a tense few weeks, and you may not be feeling any more confident or like things are heading in any better of a direction. I promise you, however, that you will be able to pull back from the edge and that you're not being pushed into anything you cannot handle. And events over the next few days will do a lot to reassure you that you're not as close to the edge as you thought. You'll feel more assured once you know that, and you'll also feel less alone. There have been several moments the past week where you felt like you didn't quite belong on the planet, but now even in the midst of similar circumstances, you seem to be aligning more closely with a source of nourishment. Also I would remind you -- and you soon may discover -- that you're not alone in any way. But this will be more obvious over the next few days, as the Sun finishes its run through Aquarius and opens a few doors for you. One thing to keep in mind is that not only is there no rush; you're in an important time of completions. Take those one at a time.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
Your life has presented you with many ideas and possibilities lately, though often falling short of the best possibilities actually materializing. That said, your imagination has been venturing into some daring territory and you seem to allow yourself to consider some of the saucier possibilities, at least in theory. As the Sun enters your fellow water sign Pisces over the weekend, you'll either have opportunities to go beyond merely thinking or imagining, or you'll feel more compelled to actually experiment. You've yet to discover whether what you feel in potential and what you can actually manifest will have much in common. There's always a difference -- we're talking about two different realms, one of which is a lot more dense than the other, and where there are actual consequences of action. Just as with your imagination, it's a good idea to open up to what you're not expecting. That's the one significant contact point between 'fantasy' and reality.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22)
You don't need anyone else's approval to make a decision. You may not recognize that you're even seeking that approval. It may come in the form of 'thinking like someone else' or imagining what they would do. I suggest that you think like yourself, align with your own desires and needs, and make the decision that's right for you. There's a good chance that someone you know won't agree with you, but what difference does that make? That person doesn't have to live your life. As soon as you focus on your own intentions, and get centered about what is right for you, you'll see how little the feelings of others matter. That said, if you can discern emotions from facts (both yours and anyone else's), you might gain some clarity based on the actual data you become aware of. It will be an excellent exercise for you to stick strictly to the observable, verifiable facts. This won't interfere with your intuition -- it will only strengthen it.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Faith Forum ~ What Kind of Soil Are You? By Gloria Wessner
As springtime approaches, those who make their living off the land and those who love to grow gardens and flowers are giving thought to the kinds of seeds they will plant and the varieties that will do the best. This is important depending on the kind of soil they have where the seeds will be planted. Especially for farmers, the type of soil they have on their land (along with weather patterns, precipitation, etc.) determines the type of crop or crops they will plant and the kind of harvest they receive.
When seeds fall on any other ground besides the fertile, cultivated soil they were intended to be planted in, they do not grow or produce the bountiful crop that was anticipated. Otherwise the roots do not go down deep and will wither, as they cannot get the moisture they need under the hot sun, or weeds grow with the seeds and suffocate them; these are among some of the conditions that can happen. Here in our area we are blessed with highly productive soil that is used to grow a wide variety of agricultural crops.
Our hearts are like soil waiting to be planted in. We need to be careful what we allow to be planted there. There are innumerable destructive forces clamouring for our attention, minds and hearts. A positive, personal and loving Force is what we should be allowing to take place in our hearts and lives. That force is a very loving and personal God who takes a deep and permanent interest in you. Depending on where we are at in our journey towards, or with, God will determine the effect that His words have in the soil of our hearts. Jesus spoke directly to us about this in a parable (story)*, and then explained it to his disciples (helpers) after he spoke with the crowd.
Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed
“Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn't have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one (the devil or Satan and his destructive ways) comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Matthew 13:1 – 9, 18 – 23 NLT, parenthesis mine)
What kind of soil are you? No other human being, energy force, karma, positive thinking or any other power, good or evil, can hold a candle to what God is or what He can offer in a personal way to you.
Readers are invited to write Gloria at:
gloriawes@hotmail.com, and I will be glad to get back to you.
*Footnote: Jesus gave the reason why he spoke in parables or stories instead of just plainly saying what he meant: “His disciples came and asked him, 'Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?' He replied, 'You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand.” (Matthew 13:10 - 13 NLT)
When seeds fall on any other ground besides the fertile, cultivated soil they were intended to be planted in, they do not grow or produce the bountiful crop that was anticipated. Otherwise the roots do not go down deep and will wither, as they cannot get the moisture they need under the hot sun, or weeds grow with the seeds and suffocate them; these are among some of the conditions that can happen. Here in our area we are blessed with highly productive soil that is used to grow a wide variety of agricultural crops.
Our hearts are like soil waiting to be planted in. We need to be careful what we allow to be planted there. There are innumerable destructive forces clamouring for our attention, minds and hearts. A positive, personal and loving Force is what we should be allowing to take place in our hearts and lives. That force is a very loving and personal God who takes a deep and permanent interest in you. Depending on where we are at in our journey towards, or with, God will determine the effect that His words have in the soil of our hearts. Jesus spoke directly to us about this in a parable (story)*, and then explained it to his disciples (helpers) after he spoke with the crowd.
Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed
“Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn't have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one (the devil or Satan and his destructive ways) comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Matthew 13:1 – 9, 18 – 23 NLT, parenthesis mine)
What kind of soil are you? No other human being, energy force, karma, positive thinking or any other power, good or evil, can hold a candle to what God is or what He can offer in a personal way to you.
Readers are invited to write Gloria at:
gloriawes@hotmail.com, and I will be glad to get back to you.
*Footnote: Jesus gave the reason why he spoke in parables or stories instead of just plainly saying what he meant: “His disciples came and asked him, 'Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?' He replied, 'You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand.” (Matthew 13:10 - 13 NLT)
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