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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
World Day of Prayer – 2012: Pray for the People of Malaysia
On Friday, March 2nd, the women of Malaysia invite you to join with them in the World Day of Prayer celebration praying under the theme: “Let Justice Prevail”. From the very beginning the women who prepared this worship service cultivate an inner orientation to their context with their opening greeting “Selamat Datang”, which means peace and welcome. There is an accompanying gesture of placing our palms together with a slight bow as a sign of respect. This greeting is a daily reminder that harmony as a people is rooted in peace and welcome. To be able to live together in harmony is a blessing from God for which the people of Malaysia give thanks. Along with the theme “Let Justice Prevail”, the women of Malaysia name fair and just governance as the basis for peace and harmony in the social order:
‘In the midst of such diversity, tolerance and harmony, fair and just governance for all is vital. It is our prayer that all races, ethnic groups and religions will work together for religious harmony and a just and integral development for everyone.'
Please join us and invite your friends and family to attend the World Day of Prayer service and learn more about Malaysia and its unique culture and heritage. Join Christians in more than 170 countries around the world and 2,000 communities across Canada who will gather on the World Day of Prayer to pray and act in solidarity with the people of Malaysia.
A local World Day of Prayer Service will be held at St. George's Anglican Church in Turner Valley at 1:30pm. St. George's is located south of the Royal Bank in Turner Valley.
The World Day of Prayer has its roots in an ecumenical day of prayer organized by women in Canada and the United States in 1920. This event became the International World Day of Prayer in 1922 and Christians around the world began celebrating this event annually on the first Friday of March.
‘In the midst of such diversity, tolerance and harmony, fair and just governance for all is vital. It is our prayer that all races, ethnic groups and religions will work together for religious harmony and a just and integral development for everyone.'
Please join us and invite your friends and family to attend the World Day of Prayer service and learn more about Malaysia and its unique culture and heritage. Join Christians in more than 170 countries around the world and 2,000 communities across Canada who will gather on the World Day of Prayer to pray and act in solidarity with the people of Malaysia.
A local World Day of Prayer Service will be held at St. George's Anglican Church in Turner Valley at 1:30pm. St. George's is located south of the Royal Bank in Turner Valley.
The World Day of Prayer has its roots in an ecumenical day of prayer organized by women in Canada and the United States in 1920. This event became the International World Day of Prayer in 1922 and Christians around the world began celebrating this event annually on the first Friday of March.
Riverwood Estates Celebrates Second Showhome With A Contest
Tour a beautiful showhome in Black Diamond on March 3rd and enter for a chance to win a wonderful holiday getaway!
Black Diamond's newest community, Riverwood Estates, is excited to announce the completion of its second showhome. To celebrate, the community will be throwing a party on Saturday, March 3rd from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, with free food, fun and a vacation giveaway.
The new showhome is built by Compass Rose Homes, one of Riverwood Estates' two exclusive builders, next door to the Sheep River Homes Showhome. The neighbouring showhomes will be the hot spots of the launch celebration, with a first look at the brand new Compass Rose Showhome and an exclusive look at the “Man Cave” entertainment room in the Sheep River Showhome.
“We're very excited about the launch of our second showhome,” says John Huot of Riverwood Estates Inc., “It's going to be a great party. Both of these homes are so beautiful and have such great features. We've got oversized lots, great walking paths and tons of great family amenities in Riverwood, so we want to celebrate and show this community off to everybody.”
With food and fun for the whole family, everyone is invited to join the celebration, during which Riverwood Estates will be giving away a trip for 4. The lucky winners will spend 4 nights at the Residences at Fairmont Ridge and enjoy 4 ski or golf passes and 4 passes to the Fairmont Hot Springs. To enter visit the showhomes during the party and pick up an entry card.
You'll recognize the entry cards by the question “______________ is important to me.” Answering what's important to you in your life will qualify you for the draw and, at the same time, allow the community to connect with real world feedback.
“We're engaging the community to learn from the people that live in Black Diamond, Calgary and the surrounding area.” Continues Huot, “By finding out what's important to the people who live here and love it here, as well as the people who are thinking about moving here, we can meet the wants and needs of our residents now and into the future. So whether you care about having an environmentally sustainable home or a safe community with great walking paths, we want to hear about it.”
“If you can't make it out to the party,” finishes Huot, “pop into the showhomes on your own time. They really are great homes that will inspire you and show you what's really possible with our two great builders in this community.”
For more information about Riverwood Estates, visit BlackDiamondLiving.com or take a scenic drive out to Black Diamond, visit the showhomes and see everything the community has to offer.
Riverwood Estates is a brand-new family-oriented community in Black Diamond 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.
Black Diamond's newest community, Riverwood Estates, is excited to announce the completion of its second showhome. To celebrate, the community will be throwing a party on Saturday, March 3rd from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, with free food, fun and a vacation giveaway.
The new showhome is built by Compass Rose Homes, one of Riverwood Estates' two exclusive builders, next door to the Sheep River Homes Showhome. The neighbouring showhomes will be the hot spots of the launch celebration, with a first look at the brand new Compass Rose Showhome and an exclusive look at the “Man Cave” entertainment room in the Sheep River Showhome.
“We're very excited about the launch of our second showhome,” says John Huot of Riverwood Estates Inc., “It's going to be a great party. Both of these homes are so beautiful and have such great features. We've got oversized lots, great walking paths and tons of great family amenities in Riverwood, so we want to celebrate and show this community off to everybody.”
With food and fun for the whole family, everyone is invited to join the celebration, during which Riverwood Estates will be giving away a trip for 4. The lucky winners will spend 4 nights at the Residences at Fairmont Ridge and enjoy 4 ski or golf passes and 4 passes to the Fairmont Hot Springs. To enter visit the showhomes during the party and pick up an entry card.
You'll recognize the entry cards by the question “______________ is important to me.” Answering what's important to you in your life will qualify you for the draw and, at the same time, allow the community to connect with real world feedback.
“We're engaging the community to learn from the people that live in Black Diamond, Calgary and the surrounding area.” Continues Huot, “By finding out what's important to the people who live here and love it here, as well as the people who are thinking about moving here, we can meet the wants and needs of our residents now and into the future. So whether you care about having an environmentally sustainable home or a safe community with great walking paths, we want to hear about it.”
“If you can't make it out to the party,” finishes Huot, “pop into the showhomes on your own time. They really are great homes that will inspire you and show you what's really possible with our two great builders in this community.”
For more information about Riverwood Estates, visit BlackDiamondLiving.com or take a scenic drive out to Black Diamond, visit the showhomes and see everything the community has to offer.
Riverwood Estates is a brand-new family-oriented community in Black Diamond 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.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
From My Bookshelf ~ by Lynn Willoughby: Featuring 11/22/63 by Stephen King
If you could go back in time where would you go and what would you do? Stephen King explores this in his latest book.
The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Beginning in 1950s Barcelona, at the "Cemetry of Forgotten Books", this novel should be a book lovers dream. However, as ten year old Daniel selects his one book to read and protect forever - it lost me.
The story explores the power of a book, the power of words and how that power can be threatening to so many. And while I liked the originality, this was a surreal world of implausibility - homeless men are heroes, the "mad" hatter is not the only mad one, Barcelona shrinks to about two blocks. And the romantic notion of the one and only love, the cosmos wants-us-to-be-together kind of love is appealing to teenagers, but we know it's not like that in reality.
This book is wordy and Daniel himself never seems to grow. Others in the book are charismatic - like Fermin with his tortured past as a prisoner of war. There is a colourful cast of characters and many gothic turns, but the florid descriptions left me skimming much of this book.
11/22/63 - Stephen King
The title of King's latest novel refers to the day President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Texas. But what if you were the one person in the world who could stop that assassination? Would you, at any cost? And if you DID prevent that one incident, how is history changed? How are you changed?
Those of us who remember that November day can tell you exactly where we were and what we were doing. We remember Jackie's pink Chanel suit and matching pillbox hat, spotted with blood. We remember Lyndon B. Johnson as he was hastily sworn in as the new President and we remember his policies on the war in Vietnam, on racial integration and the theories of the corruption of J. Edgar Hoover and the F.B.I.
This novel begins in 2011 in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where a 35 year old English teacher, Jake Epping, makes extra money teaching GED classes. He asks his adult students to write an essay about an event that changed their lives, and the school janitor writes about the night more that fifty years before, when his drunken father came home and killed his mother, his brother and his sister with a sledgehammer and severely injured him. This gruesome story causes Jake's life to change forever.
Soon after reading the essay, Jake's friend Al divulges a secret - he has discovered a portal to the past, to a particular day in 1958. Will Jake go back and derail this triple murder, and if so, what are the consequences? If he can change that day in history, what about getting rid of Lee Harvey Oswald before 11/22/63?
The meat of this novel is the research King has done on Oswald - his defection to Russia, his re-defection back to the USA, his championship of Cuba, his fraternization with wealthy and influential communist sympathizers.
Like other King novels, this one has many really funny moments. How will Jake make enough money to survive from 1958 to November 1963? Sports betting anyone? It's so much easier when you already know who's going to win?
The use of 2011 words and slang, a forgotten cell phone, unfamiliarity with the music of 1958, norms of the times long out of use in 2011, trying to shop for items not yet invented, all threaten to trip up Jake. As always, I found this book hugely entertaining and on those windy, windy days we had in our November, it was a great excuse to get lost in a good book.
Who Knew?
In 2007 Stephen King was inducted as a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America.
The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Beginning in 1950s Barcelona, at the "Cemetry of Forgotten Books", this novel should be a book lovers dream. However, as ten year old Daniel selects his one book to read and protect forever - it lost me.
The story explores the power of a book, the power of words and how that power can be threatening to so many. And while I liked the originality, this was a surreal world of implausibility - homeless men are heroes, the "mad" hatter is not the only mad one, Barcelona shrinks to about two blocks. And the romantic notion of the one and only love, the cosmos wants-us-to-be-together kind of love is appealing to teenagers, but we know it's not like that in reality.
This book is wordy and Daniel himself never seems to grow. Others in the book are charismatic - like Fermin with his tortured past as a prisoner of war. There is a colourful cast of characters and many gothic turns, but the florid descriptions left me skimming much of this book.
- The Price of Mist
- The Angel's Game
11/22/63 - Stephen King
The title of King's latest novel refers to the day President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Texas. But what if you were the one person in the world who could stop that assassination? Would you, at any cost? And if you DID prevent that one incident, how is history changed? How are you changed?
Those of us who remember that November day can tell you exactly where we were and what we were doing. We remember Jackie's pink Chanel suit and matching pillbox hat, spotted with blood. We remember Lyndon B. Johnson as he was hastily sworn in as the new President and we remember his policies on the war in Vietnam, on racial integration and the theories of the corruption of J. Edgar Hoover and the F.B.I.
This novel begins in 2011 in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where a 35 year old English teacher, Jake Epping, makes extra money teaching GED classes. He asks his adult students to write an essay about an event that changed their lives, and the school janitor writes about the night more that fifty years before, when his drunken father came home and killed his mother, his brother and his sister with a sledgehammer and severely injured him. This gruesome story causes Jake's life to change forever.
Soon after reading the essay, Jake's friend Al divulges a secret - he has discovered a portal to the past, to a particular day in 1958. Will Jake go back and derail this triple murder, and if so, what are the consequences? If he can change that day in history, what about getting rid of Lee Harvey Oswald before 11/22/63?
The meat of this novel is the research King has done on Oswald - his defection to Russia, his re-defection back to the USA, his championship of Cuba, his fraternization with wealthy and influential communist sympathizers.
Like other King novels, this one has many really funny moments. How will Jake make enough money to survive from 1958 to November 1963? Sports betting anyone? It's so much easier when you already know who's going to win?
The use of 2011 words and slang, a forgotten cell phone, unfamiliarity with the music of 1958, norms of the times long out of use in 2011, trying to shop for items not yet invented, all threaten to trip up Jake. As always, I found this book hugely entertaining and on those windy, windy days we had in our November, it was a great excuse to get lost in a good book.
- Under the Dome
- Bag of Bones
- The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
- The Shawshank Redemption
Who Knew?
In 2007 Stephen King was inducted as a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Views on Vision By Dr. Charles A. Boulet ~ The Case of the Missing Children
Are your kids slipping through the cracks?
The sign above the school secretary's desk reads “I don't have an attitude problem. You don't like my attitude. That's not my problem.” I like that. It's clear, simple and you know where you stand. Nearsightedness (myopia) is like that: The child can't see far away. Easy. Other visual problems, not so much.
Site visits are the best thing in the world, especially when it's in a school: Dollar for dollar, we make more of an impact in people's lives through school visits than any other treatment available to children today. I could only start to guess why, but children in more isolated and/or more impoverished communities suffer a higher rate of significant visual problems. The questions of why are best left to others to study, my interest is more in 'what now'? Well, 'what now' is you assess and treat. You enable education and life options by fixing problems early and there are many of them in schools all over the country side and right here in our communities.
In one community (a nearby community, much like the other nearby communities), 35% of children in elementary have enough farsightedness and astigmatism to make vision difficult, and studying a chore, if not impossible. These problems are in addition to other serious muscle coordination problems and amblyopia ('lazy eye'). These problems, unlike myopia, are difficult to spot for parents and teachers but have far-reaching consequences. They are not nice and children suffer with them silently not knowing any better.
When we looked in the High School, we noted many fewer kids were troubled with these same problems as a percentage of the population. In general, the kids in high school tended to have either neutral vision (which is good) or more nearsightedness (which is better for students and desk jockeys). So, where did all those farsighted kids go? Some might ask if the children grew out of the astigmatism or farsightedness. Rather than make this into a whole whodunnit, I'll just skip to the chase: The fact is, you don't grow out of difficult vision - there are so few cases of bad vision in the high school because the kids quit somewhere along the way. Even the brightest students will be held back by bad vision.
Now, let's think about this. Imagine you are a student, trying your best, but you find you simply CAN'T study, yet people are constantly on your case to get your marks up. You constantly find trouble and frustration associated with school. Maybe you've been tested, retested, given pills. Depending on your circumstances, resources, brains and ambition, you can struggle through and do the best you can, or simply do like most others do: Quit school, try something else. Again, depending on where you live and your circumstances, this 'something else' can be a labour job, minimum wage at a convenience store, the sex trade or more often than not, the drug trade. You'll not be surprised to learn that the other place you find a high rate of bad visual problem is in prisons.
A recent study showed how Alberta is ranked 2nd in the country for money spent in early childhood development. That is, 2nd from the bottom, just above Newfoundland. We seem to like spending money on police and prisons more than preventing trouble with kids. Trouble with vision and development is easy to spot, can usually be fixed easily and make school possible for the affected child. Why we don't make such intervention an imperative through the schools is beyond me. As I've said before, it also gets my taxpayer's hackles up: An ounce of prevention and all that.
The schools I work with now recognize that simply looking for trouble areas and intervening early saves years of misery for parents, teachers and students (literally thousands of man-years) in one school alone. This isn't to speak of the incalculable costs to families and societies through crime for those who look for alternatives to school. As for investigating why remote and impoverished communities have higher rates of visual problems, maybe the question should be 'how are the visual problems contributing to their plight' and 'why aren't we addressing this issue'? This is not a new idea and the studies showing the benefits are out there in abundance. It's time the Province make developmental assessments and intervention mandatory for all children in all schools, for the sake of children, parents, and taxpayers.
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties.
Call 403-933-5552.
www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
The sign above the school secretary's desk reads “I don't have an attitude problem. You don't like my attitude. That's not my problem.” I like that. It's clear, simple and you know where you stand. Nearsightedness (myopia) is like that: The child can't see far away. Easy. Other visual problems, not so much.
Site visits are the best thing in the world, especially when it's in a school: Dollar for dollar, we make more of an impact in people's lives through school visits than any other treatment available to children today. I could only start to guess why, but children in more isolated and/or more impoverished communities suffer a higher rate of significant visual problems. The questions of why are best left to others to study, my interest is more in 'what now'? Well, 'what now' is you assess and treat. You enable education and life options by fixing problems early and there are many of them in schools all over the country side and right here in our communities.
In one community (a nearby community, much like the other nearby communities), 35% of children in elementary have enough farsightedness and astigmatism to make vision difficult, and studying a chore, if not impossible. These problems are in addition to other serious muscle coordination problems and amblyopia ('lazy eye'). These problems, unlike myopia, are difficult to spot for parents and teachers but have far-reaching consequences. They are not nice and children suffer with them silently not knowing any better.
When we looked in the High School, we noted many fewer kids were troubled with these same problems as a percentage of the population. In general, the kids in high school tended to have either neutral vision (which is good) or more nearsightedness (which is better for students and desk jockeys). So, where did all those farsighted kids go? Some might ask if the children grew out of the astigmatism or farsightedness. Rather than make this into a whole whodunnit, I'll just skip to the chase: The fact is, you don't grow out of difficult vision - there are so few cases of bad vision in the high school because the kids quit somewhere along the way. Even the brightest students will be held back by bad vision.
Now, let's think about this. Imagine you are a student, trying your best, but you find you simply CAN'T study, yet people are constantly on your case to get your marks up. You constantly find trouble and frustration associated with school. Maybe you've been tested, retested, given pills. Depending on your circumstances, resources, brains and ambition, you can struggle through and do the best you can, or simply do like most others do: Quit school, try something else. Again, depending on where you live and your circumstances, this 'something else' can be a labour job, minimum wage at a convenience store, the sex trade or more often than not, the drug trade. You'll not be surprised to learn that the other place you find a high rate of bad visual problem is in prisons.
A recent study showed how Alberta is ranked 2nd in the country for money spent in early childhood development. That is, 2nd from the bottom, just above Newfoundland. We seem to like spending money on police and prisons more than preventing trouble with kids. Trouble with vision and development is easy to spot, can usually be fixed easily and make school possible for the affected child. Why we don't make such intervention an imperative through the schools is beyond me. As I've said before, it also gets my taxpayer's hackles up: An ounce of prevention and all that.
The schools I work with now recognize that simply looking for trouble areas and intervening early saves years of misery for parents, teachers and students (literally thousands of man-years) in one school alone. This isn't to speak of the incalculable costs to families and societies through crime for those who look for alternatives to school. As for investigating why remote and impoverished communities have higher rates of visual problems, maybe the question should be 'how are the visual problems contributing to their plight' and 'why aren't we addressing this issue'? This is not a new idea and the studies showing the benefits are out there in abundance. It's time the Province make developmental assessments and intervention mandatory for all children in all schools, for the sake of children, parents, and taxpayers.
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties.
Call 403-933-5552.
www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Household Hints by Rosemary ~ Smart Quick Tips
Here are some quick and easy hints for everyday applications that have been sent to me by friends over the internet. I'm sure at least a couple will make it into your list of best hints.
1) Push a straw up through the bottom of a strawberry to easily remove the hull.
2) Re-use a wet wipe container to store plastic bags for trash in the car or house.
3) Add a small container of baby powder to your beach bag to easily remove sand; just sprinkle it on and the sand brushes off.
4) In a baby's room it's much easier (and cuter) to store plush toys by mounting a Velcro strip on the wall and attaching the toys. Also saves lots of room in the toy box.
5) Attach two wires about two feet apart to a wall just below ceiling height in a closet to store rolls of wrapping paper.
6) Make a cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into the lid of a box, sit it inside a larger box to transport them without damaging the cupcakes or decoration.
7) Glue a strip of magnetic tape to the inside of a medicine cabinet to hold your hairpins, tweezers or other small metal essentials.
8) Make a craft caddy from a metal muffin pan. Put magnets in the bottom of plastic cups to hold them in place and fill them with crayons, markers and other craft items.
9) Have a problem sorting out the wires to your computer, or electronic system? Use bread bag tags to identify each of the wires, you can easily write on them with a marker pen.
10) Bake cupcakes directly into flat bottom ice cream cones as a tidy and cute treat for kids.
11) Turn your muffin pan upside down and bake cookie dough on it for instant ice cream or fruit cup cookie bowls.
Well, that's all we have space for this time, hope you enjoyed these, and if you have any favorites, please send them on to me.
1) Push a straw up through the bottom of a strawberry to easily remove the hull.
2) Re-use a wet wipe container to store plastic bags for trash in the car or house.
3) Add a small container of baby powder to your beach bag to easily remove sand; just sprinkle it on and the sand brushes off.
4) In a baby's room it's much easier (and cuter) to store plush toys by mounting a Velcro strip on the wall and attaching the toys. Also saves lots of room in the toy box.
5) Attach two wires about two feet apart to a wall just below ceiling height in a closet to store rolls of wrapping paper.
6) Make a cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into the lid of a box, sit it inside a larger box to transport them without damaging the cupcakes or decoration.
7) Glue a strip of magnetic tape to the inside of a medicine cabinet to hold your hairpins, tweezers or other small metal essentials.
8) Make a craft caddy from a metal muffin pan. Put magnets in the bottom of plastic cups to hold them in place and fill them with crayons, markers and other craft items.
9) Have a problem sorting out the wires to your computer, or electronic system? Use bread bag tags to identify each of the wires, you can easily write on them with a marker pen.
10) Bake cupcakes directly into flat bottom ice cream cones as a tidy and cute treat for kids.
11) Turn your muffin pan upside down and bake cookie dough on it for instant ice cream or fruit cup cookie bowls.
Well, that's all we have space for this time, hope you enjoyed these, and if you have any favorites, please send them on to me.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Gardens Galore: Should We Haul Out the Hoses? by Karen Brewka
Is this winter too dry for our plants?
I was having lunch with a friend from High River and we talked about how there was no snow on the ground east of Highway 2. I mentioned that the closer you got to the foothills, the more snow could be found. This is one of those winters where we don't have snow cover all winter and we are enjoying lots of Chinooks. I've heard on TV that Calgarians are being urged to haul out the hoses and water their gardens. Do we need to do the same?
It seems to me that every time I start to get antsy about the dryness and the warmth, it snows. So far, so good. The hibernating hose is staying in the shed. Calgary is warmer because it is a city. I'm sure there are places there that need to be watered.
The trick is to know your yard and know your plants. Young trees, shrubs and perennials that you just planted last year might need some additional water if they are in a warm spot where the snow is gone and the ground is warm.
South beds get dry and warm fairly quickly. They might need some extra water, too.
If you watered well in the fall, there should be no problem for older trees and shrubs. If you mulched in all your beds in the fall, again there should be no problem.
If you have some snow in the yard, you can shovel it onto south beds. That will slow down any growth that might be starting in those areas. A watering can might do the trick if you don't want to haul the hose out of its winter hiding place. Cover these beds up with some mulch after watering. Mulch could be branches, leaves, wood chips, straw or even peat moss.
Most of my south beds are filled with native perennials and they are well established. I don't worry about them at all. They are genetically programmed to withstand dry and bare winters. Watering in well in the fall and some light mulching is all they need. My south bulb beds, however, need to be helped through these dry winters. I don't want growth to start when I know there will be cold times coming.
I am so enjoying this mild winter! With a bit of vigilance, our gardens should make it through relatively unscathed.
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
I was having lunch with a friend from High River and we talked about how there was no snow on the ground east of Highway 2. I mentioned that the closer you got to the foothills, the more snow could be found. This is one of those winters where we don't have snow cover all winter and we are enjoying lots of Chinooks. I've heard on TV that Calgarians are being urged to haul out the hoses and water their gardens. Do we need to do the same?
It seems to me that every time I start to get antsy about the dryness and the warmth, it snows. So far, so good. The hibernating hose is staying in the shed. Calgary is warmer because it is a city. I'm sure there are places there that need to be watered.
The trick is to know your yard and know your plants. Young trees, shrubs and perennials that you just planted last year might need some additional water if they are in a warm spot where the snow is gone and the ground is warm.
South beds get dry and warm fairly quickly. They might need some extra water, too.
If you watered well in the fall, there should be no problem for older trees and shrubs. If you mulched in all your beds in the fall, again there should be no problem.
If you have some snow in the yard, you can shovel it onto south beds. That will slow down any growth that might be starting in those areas. A watering can might do the trick if you don't want to haul the hose out of its winter hiding place. Cover these beds up with some mulch after watering. Mulch could be branches, leaves, wood chips, straw or even peat moss.
Most of my south beds are filled with native perennials and they are well established. I don't worry about them at all. They are genetically programmed to withstand dry and bare winters. Watering in well in the fall and some light mulching is all they need. My south bulb beds, however, need to be helped through these dry winters. I don't want growth to start when I know there will be cold times coming.
I am so enjoying this mild winter! With a bit of vigilance, our gardens should make it through relatively unscathed.
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
Longview School - Being Creative With Reading
In celebration of Family Literacy Week January 23rd - 27th and in the spirit of our Soaring Literacy Program at Longview School, a number of literacy activities were planned and enjoyed by everyone including:
A big thank you is extended to Ms. Dyck, our amazing Librarian, for the absolutely wonderful job she did in organizing literacy week at Longview School. It was a very busy and active week, which students really enjoyed! When I asked the students their favourite part of the week, most indicated going to the Village Library and dressing up as a character from a book.
- Students enjoyed extra library time with Ms. Dyck all week, to participate in a variety of literacy activities including playing scrabble on an oversized game board.
- All students had the opportunity to visit the Village of Longview Library to explore everything (books and programs) that our community library has to offer. The students very much enjoyed this field trip, with most students indicating that they would be interested in getting library memberships.
- The Grade 5/6 classes had the opportunity to read with the Preschool and Kindergarten classes.
- A number of literacy guests including Mr. Muelaner, Mr. McCorquindale, Mrs. LaDouceur, Mr. Smith, as well as, Longview Seniors, community members and grandparents came to read to Longview students.
- Students dressed-up as one of their favourite fictional book characters and shared their favourite book with other students. Students also had the opportunity to play literary charades.
- Students enjoyed eating alphabet soup for lunch and alphabet letter cookies for dessert.
A big thank you is extended to Ms. Dyck, our amazing Librarian, for the absolutely wonderful job she did in organizing literacy week at Longview School. It was a very busy and active week, which students really enjoyed! When I asked the students their favourite part of the week, most indicated going to the Village Library and dressing up as a character from a book.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Getting the Most Out of Training
Martial Arts training isn't at all like other activities. Most physical sport activities are seasonal and social in nature. Neither of these terms should be used to describe what we do in martial arts training. Martial arts training is a lifelong process where the focus is on the self. It is important to understand this to get the most out of your or your child's training.
First off let's look at the idea of seasonal training. Martial arts skill is very precise motor movement executed under stress. The consequences of not being accurate or precise are resulting injury for any person involved in the training or injury in a self protection environment. Because of the nature of the skills and the process of refining them these skills deteriorate very quickly when not in use. People who only attend seminars or attend martial arts training seasonally will have difficulty obtaining a level of mastery. In the case of children this can result in diminished self confidence and low self image.
Second is the idea that martial arts training is a social event. Most parents enroll children in martial arts to learn focus, respect and discipline. Most adults enroll for similar reasons. It's counter productive to use martial arts class as a system of punishment. For example, "if you don't clean your room you're not going to class," or, "if you don't obtain a particular grade you're not going to class." Martial arts class is what teaches people to have the discipline to clean their room or the focus to study for good grades. If the issue is time management then it's very appropriate to restrict or limit training time but should be taught as a time management lesson and not as a punishment.
Understanding both of these ideas will help adults who train, and parents of children who train, how to get the most out of class. These ideals are summed up best by an ancient Japanese proverb, "Cry in the dojo, laugh on the battlefield." The proverb is often perverted to represent only sweat or blood in training. Tears however is more accurate. Training in a well run school with proper instructors and instruction forces students to look inwards to work on perfecting themselves. This means confronting personal demons, fears, anxieties and skills to learn to become better as a person as a whole. It's not just about punching and kicking or grappling.
This is the same for those of you who are law enforcement professionals. How do you view training days? As a burden? An excuse to show up late and leave early? An excuse to get drunk during the entirety of the event? Do you think you only have to train on scheduled days or do you make opportunities to train and perfect your skills all year round?
People who view martial arts the same as other physical activities will be missing out on a great opportunity to maximize their training and personal growth. It boils down to not giving up when the going gets tough, to stick it out, to get to class when it's difficult and not viewing the dojo as a social event or a seasonal activity.
Stay safe, be well.
Sensei Tom Gillis
First off let's look at the idea of seasonal training. Martial arts skill is very precise motor movement executed under stress. The consequences of not being accurate or precise are resulting injury for any person involved in the training or injury in a self protection environment. Because of the nature of the skills and the process of refining them these skills deteriorate very quickly when not in use. People who only attend seminars or attend martial arts training seasonally will have difficulty obtaining a level of mastery. In the case of children this can result in diminished self confidence and low self image.
Second is the idea that martial arts training is a social event. Most parents enroll children in martial arts to learn focus, respect and discipline. Most adults enroll for similar reasons. It's counter productive to use martial arts class as a system of punishment. For example, "if you don't clean your room you're not going to class," or, "if you don't obtain a particular grade you're not going to class." Martial arts class is what teaches people to have the discipline to clean their room or the focus to study for good grades. If the issue is time management then it's very appropriate to restrict or limit training time but should be taught as a time management lesson and not as a punishment.
Understanding both of these ideas will help adults who train, and parents of children who train, how to get the most out of class. These ideals are summed up best by an ancient Japanese proverb, "Cry in the dojo, laugh on the battlefield." The proverb is often perverted to represent only sweat or blood in training. Tears however is more accurate. Training in a well run school with proper instructors and instruction forces students to look inwards to work on perfecting themselves. This means confronting personal demons, fears, anxieties and skills to learn to become better as a person as a whole. It's not just about punching and kicking or grappling.
This is the same for those of you who are law enforcement professionals. How do you view training days? As a burden? An excuse to show up late and leave early? An excuse to get drunk during the entirety of the event? Do you think you only have to train on scheduled days or do you make opportunities to train and perfect your skills all year round?
People who view martial arts the same as other physical activities will be missing out on a great opportunity to maximize their training and personal growth. It boils down to not giving up when the going gets tough, to stick it out, to get to class when it's difficult and not viewing the dojo as a social event or a seasonal activity.
Stay safe, be well.
Sensei Tom Gillis
Travel Tracks: *Not So Much - Part 2* ~ by Dave Heron
Is Mexico on your travel radar?
Until Global Warming impacts Thunder Bay on a predictable long term basis, Mexico will continue to lure snowbirds in record numbers.
There are however signs of reluctance in some, to return to the decades old sunspot over fears raised concerning personal safety.
And although budget seekers will continue to flock to Mexico's hotspots, a number of folks who are prepared to spend the higher dollar amount in exchange for their getaway, are beginning to look elsewhere.
Which potentially leaves Mexican hoteliers with the distinction of being the destination of choice for the $599 package holiday crowd – but not much else.
And as a hotelier who's spent half a billion or so on a new state of the art facility, $599 is not going to pay the bills.
A combination of bad press coupled with the perception of lackadaisical investigative work by Mexican law enforcement in a number of recent incidents involving tourists, has more than a few potential visitors spooked.
And the recent event in Mazatlan that saw officials whose previous track record rivaled the Toronto Maple Leafs for post season success, suddenly investigate, arrest and solve the alleged crime in less time than it takes to set up a speed trap on the Deerfoot – let's just say there's some degree of skepticism out there in the minds of the general public.
While tourism officials are, I suspect, hopeful that speedy closure will restore the faith, a bull's eye from the gang that previously couldn't shoot straight is not necessarily going down well with everyone.
In the early ‘90's, a fast food chain known as Jack in the Box suffered a near fatal collapse after an incident of e-coli contamination in the supply chain was deemed responsible for 4 deaths.
In the 3 or so years that followed, a massive effort directed toward solving the problem by identifying a root cause was undertaken.
Experts in the area of safety in food handling were brought on board and the number one priority was to produce a safe product.
Coupled with these efforts, an unprecedented public relations campaign directed at keeping folks updated as to what they were doing to make things safer was undertaken.
It took what I'm sure seemed like forever to those behind the scenes to turn the company around, but the effort paid off when in 2004 the company won the coveted Black Pearl Award for innovations in food quality and safety.
It's time for tourism officials and hoteliers in Mexico to borrow a chapter or two from Jack's survival guide.
That areas in Mexico have safety issues is a given.
As does Canada, the United States, Germany, Australia – this list goes on infinitum.
And while it's unlikely that any effort will succeed in making Ciudad Juarez across from El Paso a sought after resort area, there are people far wiser than I who are more than capable of effecting a turnaround in the brand name resort areas.
Start with identifying the weak points in existing hotel security in the all you can drink 24/7 resorts that seemingly allow less than stellar behavior to go unchecked.
And because as hoteliers you possibly can't see the trees for the forest – go to outside sources for guidance in identifying the areas of weakness.
In collaboration with tour operators that feed into your product and federal tourism officials who suggest that safety's important to them as well, properly fund the recommended fix.
Whether it be additional surveillance monitoring, on-site personnel – and no we're not talking about $4 an hour casual labour hires or curtailing the urge to “fire sale” unused rooms out the door to anyone and everyone for $29 a night – improve the quality of the product.
And do this in conjunction with recognized accredited firms that specialize in safety, security and corporate image turnarounds.
Create an industry standard that exudes public confidence – the resort equivalent if you will of an ISO 25,000.
Call it STAYSAFE if you will, or anything else that solidly portrays and backs your commitment to safety standards to your valued guests.
And don't be afraid of getting your rate structure out of the cellar to reflect the difference between a STAYSAFE experience and the Casa el Dumpo down the street who chose to opt out of the program.
No one lying in a hospital bed after an incident has ever gone on record as saying “No problem – I take solace in having scooped the bargain of the week at $599.”
When hotels let their rooms go for the equivalent of three or four bucks an hour including all you can ingest, the type of guest that permeates the facility is often questionable.
And that's not what, in the long term, is going to return equity to the resort's shareholders.
Neither will it culminate in the return of guests who are looking to spend a reasonable dollar in exchange for a positive experience.
And there's no time like the present.
The forecast for Thunder Bay this morning is a balmy 3 degrees and climbing.
Adios until next time
Dave Heron
Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; P.O. Box 612, 70 McRae Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free: 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email: pacesetter@nucleus.com
Until Global Warming impacts Thunder Bay on a predictable long term basis, Mexico will continue to lure snowbirds in record numbers.
There are however signs of reluctance in some, to return to the decades old sunspot over fears raised concerning personal safety.
And although budget seekers will continue to flock to Mexico's hotspots, a number of folks who are prepared to spend the higher dollar amount in exchange for their getaway, are beginning to look elsewhere.
Which potentially leaves Mexican hoteliers with the distinction of being the destination of choice for the $599 package holiday crowd – but not much else.
And as a hotelier who's spent half a billion or so on a new state of the art facility, $599 is not going to pay the bills.
A combination of bad press coupled with the perception of lackadaisical investigative work by Mexican law enforcement in a number of recent incidents involving tourists, has more than a few potential visitors spooked.
And the recent event in Mazatlan that saw officials whose previous track record rivaled the Toronto Maple Leafs for post season success, suddenly investigate, arrest and solve the alleged crime in less time than it takes to set up a speed trap on the Deerfoot – let's just say there's some degree of skepticism out there in the minds of the general public.
While tourism officials are, I suspect, hopeful that speedy closure will restore the faith, a bull's eye from the gang that previously couldn't shoot straight is not necessarily going down well with everyone.
In the early ‘90's, a fast food chain known as Jack in the Box suffered a near fatal collapse after an incident of e-coli contamination in the supply chain was deemed responsible for 4 deaths.
In the 3 or so years that followed, a massive effort directed toward solving the problem by identifying a root cause was undertaken.
Experts in the area of safety in food handling were brought on board and the number one priority was to produce a safe product.
Coupled with these efforts, an unprecedented public relations campaign directed at keeping folks updated as to what they were doing to make things safer was undertaken.
It took what I'm sure seemed like forever to those behind the scenes to turn the company around, but the effort paid off when in 2004 the company won the coveted Black Pearl Award for innovations in food quality and safety.
It's time for tourism officials and hoteliers in Mexico to borrow a chapter or two from Jack's survival guide.
That areas in Mexico have safety issues is a given.
As does Canada, the United States, Germany, Australia – this list goes on infinitum.
And while it's unlikely that any effort will succeed in making Ciudad Juarez across from El Paso a sought after resort area, there are people far wiser than I who are more than capable of effecting a turnaround in the brand name resort areas.
Start with identifying the weak points in existing hotel security in the all you can drink 24/7 resorts that seemingly allow less than stellar behavior to go unchecked.
And because as hoteliers you possibly can't see the trees for the forest – go to outside sources for guidance in identifying the areas of weakness.
In collaboration with tour operators that feed into your product and federal tourism officials who suggest that safety's important to them as well, properly fund the recommended fix.
Whether it be additional surveillance monitoring, on-site personnel – and no we're not talking about $4 an hour casual labour hires or curtailing the urge to “fire sale” unused rooms out the door to anyone and everyone for $29 a night – improve the quality of the product.
And do this in conjunction with recognized accredited firms that specialize in safety, security and corporate image turnarounds.
Create an industry standard that exudes public confidence – the resort equivalent if you will of an ISO 25,000.
Call it STAYSAFE if you will, or anything else that solidly portrays and backs your commitment to safety standards to your valued guests.
And don't be afraid of getting your rate structure out of the cellar to reflect the difference between a STAYSAFE experience and the Casa el Dumpo down the street who chose to opt out of the program.
No one lying in a hospital bed after an incident has ever gone on record as saying “No problem – I take solace in having scooped the bargain of the week at $599.”
When hotels let their rooms go for the equivalent of three or four bucks an hour including all you can ingest, the type of guest that permeates the facility is often questionable.
And that's not what, in the long term, is going to return equity to the resort's shareholders.
Neither will it culminate in the return of guests who are looking to spend a reasonable dollar in exchange for a positive experience.
And there's no time like the present.
The forecast for Thunder Bay this morning is a balmy 3 degrees and climbing.
Adios until next time
Dave Heron
Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; P.O. Box 612, 70 McRae Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free: 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email: pacesetter@nucleus.com
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Turner Valley School News - February is in the Pink
Being "In The Pink" has a whole new meaning....
Groundhog Day is a holiday that originated in New York and Pennsylvania and celebrated on February 2nd. In weather lore, if a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, marmot or ground squirrel emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow, it will return into its burrow and the winter will continue for 6 more weeks. Around these parts we depend on the famous gopher (a.k.a. Richardson's ground squirrel) Balzac Billy to let us know how much winter is left. Given the rather balmy weather we have had some of us might say “no worries! Winter is almost over”. Regardless of the weather, Turner Valley School promises to be a very busy place in the coming month.
February is bullying awareness month at Turner Valley School. We have a number of things happening throughout the month. Besides a “Pink Shirt Day” and a visit from our RCMP liaison officer Const. Joel Turcotte, our Grade 5 class has a number of things planned throughout the month culminating in their assembly on February 29th at 10:30am.
In closing we wish to thank our parent council for their incredible support and our parent volunteers who give freely of their time to help us be the best we can be.
~ Yours in Education, Rob Bennington
We are pleased to report that our week long Artist in Residence 'One World Drumming' has been a huge success. Here is what some of the students wrote about their experience:
I like drumming and they were hard and they were easy. And drumming is awesome. And the drums are big and round. The drums are hand drums. - Raya
We go to it every day. Mr. K is our teacher. We will be having a concert soon. The drums come from West Africa. The drum is a djembe hand drum. - Keegan
The drumming that we did was fun to do but it hurt my hands. Some of the drums are really big and some are really small. - Kaity
Drumming: Drumming is fun. We have learned a lot but we have a lot to learn. Mr. K. is a fun teacher. Some drums are big and some are small. Sometimes I get small and sometimes I get big. - Tristan
The drums are called a djembe. And you use it with your hands. - Saydee
Groundhog Day is a holiday that originated in New York and Pennsylvania and celebrated on February 2nd. In weather lore, if a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, marmot or ground squirrel emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow, it will return into its burrow and the winter will continue for 6 more weeks. Around these parts we depend on the famous gopher (a.k.a. Richardson's ground squirrel) Balzac Billy to let us know how much winter is left. Given the rather balmy weather we have had some of us might say “no worries! Winter is almost over”. Regardless of the weather, Turner Valley School promises to be a very busy place in the coming month.
February is bullying awareness month at Turner Valley School. We have a number of things happening throughout the month. Besides a “Pink Shirt Day” and a visit from our RCMP liaison officer Const. Joel Turcotte, our Grade 5 class has a number of things planned throughout the month culminating in their assembly on February 29th at 10:30am.
In closing we wish to thank our parent council for their incredible support and our parent volunteers who give freely of their time to help us be the best we can be.
~ Yours in Education, Rob Bennington
We are pleased to report that our week long Artist in Residence 'One World Drumming' has been a huge success. Here is what some of the students wrote about their experience:
I like drumming and they were hard and they were easy. And drumming is awesome. And the drums are big and round. The drums are hand drums. - Raya
We go to it every day. Mr. K is our teacher. We will be having a concert soon. The drums come from West Africa. The drum is a djembe hand drum. - Keegan
The drumming that we did was fun to do but it hurt my hands. Some of the drums are really big and some are really small. - Kaity
Drumming: Drumming is fun. We have learned a lot but we have a lot to learn. Mr. K. is a fun teacher. Some drums are big and some are small. Sometimes I get small and sometimes I get big. - Tristan
The drums are called a djembe. And you use it with your hands. - Saydee
Highway 2 Road Closure Planned
A portion of Highway 2 south will be closed during the February 24th weekend so crews can erect the girders for the new interchange at the intersection of 498 Ave (Hwy 541).
Weather permitting, southbound lanes will be closed at the Aldersyde interchange on Friday, Feb. 24th from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m., Saturday morning. The northbound lanes will be closed at the High River interchange (Hwy 23) the following evening Saturday, Feb. 25th from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m. Sunday. Should additional time be required to finish the work, both lanes will be closed on Sunday from 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Traffic will be rerouted onto Highway 2A at High River and Aldersyde with clearly marked signage.
The detour is specifically designed to avoid residential areas in High River so all traffic will be directed down Centre Street to 12 Ave. To ensure any heavy truck traffic will be able to navigate safely through town, Alberta Transport will not be issuing any permits for oversize loads during this time.
The route closure has been scheduled during the quietest times of the night on the weekend to cause the least disruption to travellers. According to traffic counts completed by Alberta Transportation in Feb. 2010, the maximum amount of vehicles that will be affected is between 125 per hour earlier in the evening and as low as 15 per hour in the early morning hours.
Graham Construction is the contractor working on the project, which is scheduled to open in the fall 2012
For more information contact Reiley McKerracher, manager of engineering services at the Town of High River, 403.603.3404 or Hugh Pettrigrew, deputy director of public works and engineering at the MD of Foothills, 403.652.2341.
Millarville Cool News - From Blizzards to Basketball
The Grade 3s were eager to return to school to share all the adventures of the holidays. What better way to share the excitement than in a story. The assignment: write a story that is loosely based on an event that happened over the past few weeks. Here is one of those stories. *Don't worry no one really got hurt!
The Spectacular Blizzard – By Emily
One day two boys Mateo 16 and Weston 20 and one girl Taylor 11 all went on a hike to Mount Everest. Weston was first, Taylor was second and Mateo was third. They walked a long way. Finally they got there. They looked in their backpacks. In their backpacks there was a rope and spikes to put on their feet. The only thing that they forgot was hooks so they wouldn't bang against the rocks and to help them climb. So they started to climb and their hands got cold because of the snow. When they got close to the top a blizzard came. Weston went the wrong way and Taylor and Mateo followed. Weston put his hand on a loose rock and fell but he quickly grabbed a different rock. Then he put his hand on another loose rock and he fell to the ground. Taylor went to find him. Weston had to go to the hospital but in the end he was ok.
Girls Basketball - Sierra and Shayla
We are now into Millarville grade seven/eight girls basketball league. So far we have successfully won all three of our games. The team has eight girls and is coached by Mr. Hayden and Mrs. Simard. We also had a tournament on January 27th and 28th at Oilfields High School, and another on Saturday, February 4th at Millarville.
Mr. Davidson - Katelyn, Caitie and Charizma
At the end of Christmas break, Millarville Community School got a new Vice-Principal - Mr. Davidson. He is also the Grade 6-7-8 humanities teacher. We do a lot on the computers with him and like him a lot as he is has a great sense of humour and he explains things slowly and clearly. Millarville Community School is thrilled to have him here!
Archery - Seth and Max
At Millarville Community school we have started archery in Outdoor Pursuits class. Our teacher is Mr. Beacom and he is helping us with our skills. We have taken a test, and are now target shooting. We are very much looking forward to continuing with this fun program.
Boys Basketball - Ethan
The boys have had a great start to the season under the guidance of Mr. Beacom with tons of practicing plus the bonus of defeating Edison 22-18 in their first game of the season. The boys basketball team has also started a tradition of wearing a shirt and tie for game days to show that the boys are wildcats. The team of 10 is looking forward to the rest of their season and their annual home tournament Wildcat Chaos.
The Spectacular Blizzard – By Emily
One day two boys Mateo 16 and Weston 20 and one girl Taylor 11 all went on a hike to Mount Everest. Weston was first, Taylor was second and Mateo was third. They walked a long way. Finally they got there. They looked in their backpacks. In their backpacks there was a rope and spikes to put on their feet. The only thing that they forgot was hooks so they wouldn't bang against the rocks and to help them climb. So they started to climb and their hands got cold because of the snow. When they got close to the top a blizzard came. Weston went the wrong way and Taylor and Mateo followed. Weston put his hand on a loose rock and fell but he quickly grabbed a different rock. Then he put his hand on another loose rock and he fell to the ground. Taylor went to find him. Weston had to go to the hospital but in the end he was ok.
Girls Basketball - Sierra and Shayla
We are now into Millarville grade seven/eight girls basketball league. So far we have successfully won all three of our games. The team has eight girls and is coached by Mr. Hayden and Mrs. Simard. We also had a tournament on January 27th and 28th at Oilfields High School, and another on Saturday, February 4th at Millarville.
Mr. Davidson - Katelyn, Caitie and Charizma
At the end of Christmas break, Millarville Community School got a new Vice-Principal - Mr. Davidson. He is also the Grade 6-7-8 humanities teacher. We do a lot on the computers with him and like him a lot as he is has a great sense of humour and he explains things slowly and clearly. Millarville Community School is thrilled to have him here!
Archery - Seth and Max
At Millarville Community school we have started archery in Outdoor Pursuits class. Our teacher is Mr. Beacom and he is helping us with our skills. We have taken a test, and are now target shooting. We are very much looking forward to continuing with this fun program.
Boys Basketball - Ethan
The boys have had a great start to the season under the guidance of Mr. Beacom with tons of practicing plus the bonus of defeating Edison 22-18 in their first game of the season. The boys basketball team has also started a tradition of wearing a shirt and tie for game days to show that the boys are wildcats. The team of 10 is looking forward to the rest of their season and their annual home tournament Wildcat Chaos.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Changing Vices at Oilfields High School
There's a new school coming to Okotoks in the Fall giving Oilfields own Cynthia Glaicar a promotion.
Foothills School Division is pleased to announce that Cynthia Glaicar has been appointed Principal of its new Westmount School in Okotoks. She begins her new position on April 2nd to guide activities leading up to the school’s official opening in September 2012.
This will be Ms. Glaicar’s second administrative position in Foothills School Division. She has served as Vice Principal at Oilfields High School since 2005 and was instrumental in the development of Oilfields’ national award-winning Quest alternative education program.
"We are delighted that Cynthia has accepted the position. She is a forward thinking leader with a passion for public education and building trusting relationships, which will be a valuable asset as she embraces the challenge of opening our newest school in Foothills School Division," says Stacey Meyer, Assistant Superintendent, Employee Services.
Ms. Glaicar is excited about the opportunity: "Opening a new school also opens doors to so many possibilities. It is invigorating to know that the inaugural Westmount team will create the footprint for the school for years to come. I am looking forward to working with the Westmount community and our “Foothills Family” in Okotoks to create exceptional learning opportunities for our students."
"I will miss the High Country and Oilfields, where I have developed close relationships in the community and loved building opportunities for Oilfields students. I am proud of our work and know that the staff and community will continue with the fantastic things taking place in the school," adds Ms. Glaicar.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University in Toronto, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts, Education from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Ms. Glaicar joined Foothills School Division as a teacher in 2001.
Markes Fredriksen has been appointed Acting Vice Principal for Oilfields High School, effective April 2nd until the end of the school year. He will step into the post currently held by Ms Glaicar.
Mr. Fredriksen joined Foothills School Division in September 2009 and is currently a teacher at Oilfields High School, where he has been instrumental in establishing the national award-winning Quest alternative education program.
"We are very excited to have Markes move into this Acting Vice Principal-ship. The skills he has developed as a classroom teacher and his outstanding work with the Quest program will serve him extremely well in this opportunity," says Stacey Meyer, Assistant Superintendent, Employee Services.
"I am excited to support the vision of Oilfields High School in my new role as Acting Vice Principal. The opportunity to work with staff to ensure the school continues to offer exceptional programming that meets the needs of our unique and diverse community is a challenge I look forward to with great anticipation," says Mr. Fredriksen.
He has a Bachelor of Education, Secondary Route as well as a Master of Education in Education Studies in Leadership & School Improvement (K-12), both from the University of Alberta. Mr. Fredriksen began his teaching career in 2003 in Essex & Hertfordshire, U.K. before relocating to Alberta.
Foothills School Division is pleased to announce that Cynthia Glaicar has been appointed Principal of its new Westmount School in Okotoks. She begins her new position on April 2nd to guide activities leading up to the school’s official opening in September 2012.
This will be Ms. Glaicar’s second administrative position in Foothills School Division. She has served as Vice Principal at Oilfields High School since 2005 and was instrumental in the development of Oilfields’ national award-winning Quest alternative education program.
"We are delighted that Cynthia has accepted the position. She is a forward thinking leader with a passion for public education and building trusting relationships, which will be a valuable asset as she embraces the challenge of opening our newest school in Foothills School Division," says Stacey Meyer, Assistant Superintendent, Employee Services.
Ms. Glaicar is excited about the opportunity: "Opening a new school also opens doors to so many possibilities. It is invigorating to know that the inaugural Westmount team will create the footprint for the school for years to come. I am looking forward to working with the Westmount community and our “Foothills Family” in Okotoks to create exceptional learning opportunities for our students."
"I will miss the High Country and Oilfields, where I have developed close relationships in the community and loved building opportunities for Oilfields students. I am proud of our work and know that the staff and community will continue with the fantastic things taking place in the school," adds Ms. Glaicar.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University in Toronto, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts, Education from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Ms. Glaicar joined Foothills School Division as a teacher in 2001.
Markes Fredriksen has been appointed Acting Vice Principal for Oilfields High School, effective April 2nd until the end of the school year. He will step into the post currently held by Ms Glaicar.
Mr. Fredriksen joined Foothills School Division in September 2009 and is currently a teacher at Oilfields High School, where he has been instrumental in establishing the national award-winning Quest alternative education program.
"We are very excited to have Markes move into this Acting Vice Principal-ship. The skills he has developed as a classroom teacher and his outstanding work with the Quest program will serve him extremely well in this opportunity," says Stacey Meyer, Assistant Superintendent, Employee Services.
"I am excited to support the vision of Oilfields High School in my new role as Acting Vice Principal. The opportunity to work with staff to ensure the school continues to offer exceptional programming that meets the needs of our unique and diverse community is a challenge I look forward to with great anticipation," says Mr. Fredriksen.
He has a Bachelor of Education, Secondary Route as well as a Master of Education in Education Studies in Leadership & School Improvement (K-12), both from the University of Alberta. Mr. Fredriksen began his teaching career in 2003 in Essex & Hertfordshire, U.K. before relocating to Alberta.
Horoscopes from Planet Waves by Eric Francis: Capricorn - Aquarius - Pisces
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
I suggest you be cautious of any ideas that equate money to power. They are likely to be turned against you. You can think of money as creative potential or energy, but that is different than this thing we call power, as in the power to get people to do things, or to motivate you to action. If you're looking for motives or inspiration, find more imaginative ones. You might think in terms of what inspires people to cooperate toward a creative goal, or any goal, for that matter. These days it seems that ideas have more energy than cash when it comes to focusing the energy of groups, and there's certainly no shortage of those right now. I would note that there is a bold, new quality to what is coming through, which may seem to challenge your preference for what is tried and true. Yet it's a fact that time marches on, and you've been trying to light the fires of progress for a long time.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
One of the defining characteristics of our moment is the refusal to think in terms of consequences. Notably, this is happening at a time when a lot of consequences of the past are emerging for everyone to notice. An aspect between the Sun in your birth sign and a small, potent object called Nessus, are a reminder to think your plans and desires through. Consciously consider a diversity of what-ifs. This is not for the sake of 'worry' but rather for the sake of considering your options based on the potential of what they might create. At the same time you're doing this, you may be experiencing a boomerang effect of things that you initiated in the past and to which you did not devote this consideration. Now is the time to make the necessary corrections, one at a time, as you become aware of what needs to be done. Note that some will require going through layers to get to the core of the matter.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
There seem to be many hidden factors at work in your life, though the most significant, useful and creatively rich are the ones you can see, feel and hear. Certain factors in the astrology suggest that you have a line into the unseen aspects of your life, which you can navigate intuitively. Therefore, use your senses. Look and listen for opportunities, both to express yourself and to exchange with others. Most of all, feel what you've got: notice your resources, your potential and how much freedom you actually have to make choices. The truth is that many options are open, and your freedom is available to the extent that you can mix potential with focusing power. To get that equation right, it's necessary to work both sides, and I suggest you experiment with one and then the other till you can put them both together. If you keep your eyes open and your mind on your priorities, that ability will come sooner rather than later.
I suggest you be cautious of any ideas that equate money to power. They are likely to be turned against you. You can think of money as creative potential or energy, but that is different than this thing we call power, as in the power to get people to do things, or to motivate you to action. If you're looking for motives or inspiration, find more imaginative ones. You might think in terms of what inspires people to cooperate toward a creative goal, or any goal, for that matter. These days it seems that ideas have more energy than cash when it comes to focusing the energy of groups, and there's certainly no shortage of those right now. I would note that there is a bold, new quality to what is coming through, which may seem to challenge your preference for what is tried and true. Yet it's a fact that time marches on, and you've been trying to light the fires of progress for a long time.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
One of the defining characteristics of our moment is the refusal to think in terms of consequences. Notably, this is happening at a time when a lot of consequences of the past are emerging for everyone to notice. An aspect between the Sun in your birth sign and a small, potent object called Nessus, are a reminder to think your plans and desires through. Consciously consider a diversity of what-ifs. This is not for the sake of 'worry' but rather for the sake of considering your options based on the potential of what they might create. At the same time you're doing this, you may be experiencing a boomerang effect of things that you initiated in the past and to which you did not devote this consideration. Now is the time to make the necessary corrections, one at a time, as you become aware of what needs to be done. Note that some will require going through layers to get to the core of the matter.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
There seem to be many hidden factors at work in your life, though the most significant, useful and creatively rich are the ones you can see, feel and hear. Certain factors in the astrology suggest that you have a line into the unseen aspects of your life, which you can navigate intuitively. Therefore, use your senses. Look and listen for opportunities, both to express yourself and to exchange with others. Most of all, feel what you've got: notice your resources, your potential and how much freedom you actually have to make choices. The truth is that many options are open, and your freedom is available to the extent that you can mix potential with focusing power. To get that equation right, it's necessary to work both sides, and I suggest you experiment with one and then the other till you can put them both together. If you keep your eyes open and your mind on your priorities, that ability will come sooner rather than later.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Power in the Foothills
It was 100% RAW in Okotoks on February 11th.
The Foothills Powerlifting Association presented “Power in the Foothills”, the western component of a Canadian Challenge on Saturday, February 11th at the Foothills Centennial Centre in Okotoks….. and in Scarborough, Ontario at the same time.
Powerlifting, at its most basic, is lifting weights on a bar, as heavy as you can. You get three attempts at what is referred to as a “lift”. The three lifts are the Squat, the Bench Press and the Deadlift. Basically it's the person who lifts the most (in their weight class) on the day that wins.
The overall best lifters were recognized at the event and the best in the country will be recognized after the results for both events are compiled.
100% RAW is a Powerlifting Federation that is new to Canada and runs on the principal that no support suits or drugs are allowed while lifting. All lifts are 100% the effort of the athlete.
This Federation is also unique in that they have a 14 & under age category. There were 4 young ladies and one young man participating in this category at this competition.
All proceeds from the meet will go to Special Olympics Alberta.
Deanna Stiller, age 9, of Turner Valley
The Foothills Powerlifting Association presented “Power in the Foothills”, the western component of a Canadian Challenge on Saturday, February 11th at the Foothills Centennial Centre in Okotoks….. and in Scarborough, Ontario at the same time.
Powerlifting, at its most basic, is lifting weights on a bar, as heavy as you can. You get three attempts at what is referred to as a “lift”. The three lifts are the Squat, the Bench Press and the Deadlift. Basically it's the person who lifts the most (in their weight class) on the day that wins.
The overall best lifters were recognized at the event and the best in the country will be recognized after the results for both events are compiled.
100% RAW is a Powerlifting Federation that is new to Canada and runs on the principal that no support suits or drugs are allowed while lifting. All lifts are 100% the effort of the athlete.
This Federation is also unique in that they have a 14 & under age category. There were 4 young ladies and one young man participating in this category at this competition.
All proceeds from the meet will go to Special Olympics Alberta.
Deanna Stiller, age 9, of Turner Valley
Longview Link - Congrats to the Travelling Mabels
Local ranchers are encouraged to leave their brand on Longview!
On behalf of the residents of the Village, we would like to send congratulations to Eva Leveque, Suzy Levesque and Lana Floen, The Travelling Mabels. The ACMA awarded them Group of the Year. Great job girls. You rock.
February 14th was another wonderful Pancake Supper at Longview Community Hall.
Legacy hosted an open house on February 16th at the Longview Community Hall. There was lots of great information to come out of this meeting for all residents concerning Legacy, the Village of Longview and surrounding areas.
The Longview Memorial Gardens Committee has a fund raising initiative where local ranchers can display their brands on the outline of the mural being created by Matts Zoumer. A donation of $25.00 for each brand displayed would be placed towards the total project cost of the Memorial Gardens, which are estimated at $45,000.00. For more information please contact either Winnie Hayden at (403)558-3935 or Ivor McCorquindale at (403)558-3600.
Youth Group Ski trip on February 25th. Phone (403)558-3932 to register ASAP.
Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day as well as Family Day!
On behalf of the residents of the Village, we would like to send congratulations to Eva Leveque, Suzy Levesque and Lana Floen, The Travelling Mabels. The ACMA awarded them Group of the Year. Great job girls. You rock.
February 14th was another wonderful Pancake Supper at Longview Community Hall.
Legacy hosted an open house on February 16th at the Longview Community Hall. There was lots of great information to come out of this meeting for all residents concerning Legacy, the Village of Longview and surrounding areas.
The Longview Memorial Gardens Committee has a fund raising initiative where local ranchers can display their brands on the outline of the mural being created by Matts Zoumer. A donation of $25.00 for each brand displayed would be placed towards the total project cost of the Memorial Gardens, which are estimated at $45,000.00. For more information please contact either Winnie Hayden at (403)558-3935 or Ivor McCorquindale at (403)558-3600.
Youth Group Ski trip on February 25th. Phone (403)558-3932 to register ASAP.
Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day as well as Family Day!
Monday, February 20, 2012
One Year On at the Sheep River Library
The Sheep River Library opened its doors at its beautiful new location in Turner Valley almost a year ago and to celebrate that milestone and to showcase all that the library has to offer we are hosting an Open House on Saturday March 24th, 12-4pm. We encourage everyone to drop by and take in all the displays that will showcase the community groups that partner with the library to bring life-long learning programs to your door. If you are not already aware of all the programs the library offers this is your time to find out! Everything from career programs, film screenings, children's activities and groups who meet at the library will all have representatives on hand to talk to you about their programs and answer your questions. Many of the exhibitors are also offering door prizes and in addition to these the library will be offering two major door prizes of a Wii and a Kobo E-Reader. All you need to do to enter for the draw is turn up on March 24th and fill in a short questionnaire. Extra ballots can be earned if you bring in a non-library member and they take out a membership. Of course no event would be complete without snacks so coffee and goodies will be served. We look forward to seeing you!
In the meantime there are plenty of other reasons to drop into the library. February 16th's ChickLit Class is looking at Jane Eyre, a great classic by Charlotte Bronte. Drop by the fireplace table at 1:30pm if you are interested in being part of this group. Tuesday, February 21st we have Search and Rescue instructing “Adventure Smart”. If you want to know how to be safe in the outdoors then this is the class for you. Follow this up the next Tuesday (February 28th) with “Map & Compass Reading” if you really want to make sure you make it back home again. Mortgages Decoded will run on Wednesday, February 22nd at 7pm and the Law at Lunch teleconference on Separation and Divorce will be at noon on February 29th. Resume Writing will be held on Tuesday February 28th, 1-4pm with our wonderful McBride consultant. If you haven't updated your resume for a while then this class will be most helpful.
Don't forget all our regular weekly happenings such as Yoga (Thursdays at 9:30am), TIPS (Treasures in Progress Society) on Fridays at 10:30am, StoryTime (Thursdays at 2pm & Fridays at 10:30am) and the Board Game Club on Tuesdays at 4pm.
Due to the high number of people wanting to take both our Computer Basics and Social Media Courses, both of these courses will be run again in the future. If you missed out on them this time then look for them in the Fall.
In the meantime there are plenty of other reasons to drop into the library. February 16th's ChickLit Class is looking at Jane Eyre, a great classic by Charlotte Bronte. Drop by the fireplace table at 1:30pm if you are interested in being part of this group. Tuesday, February 21st we have Search and Rescue instructing “Adventure Smart”. If you want to know how to be safe in the outdoors then this is the class for you. Follow this up the next Tuesday (February 28th) with “Map & Compass Reading” if you really want to make sure you make it back home again. Mortgages Decoded will run on Wednesday, February 22nd at 7pm and the Law at Lunch teleconference on Separation and Divorce will be at noon on February 29th. Resume Writing will be held on Tuesday February 28th, 1-4pm with our wonderful McBride consultant. If you haven't updated your resume for a while then this class will be most helpful.
Don't forget all our regular weekly happenings such as Yoga (Thursdays at 9:30am), TIPS (Treasures in Progress Society) on Fridays at 10:30am, StoryTime (Thursdays at 2pm & Fridays at 10:30am) and the Board Game Club on Tuesdays at 4pm.
Due to the high number of people wanting to take both our Computer Basics and Social Media Courses, both of these courses will be run again in the future. If you missed out on them this time then look for them in the Fall.
Horoscopes from Planet Waves by Eric Francis: Libra - Scorpio - Sagittarius
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23)
Mars retrograde (now through April 13) is about you turning a corner in your relationship to fear. The thing about fear is that it seems so real, yet it so rarely works out to be true. Have you ever noticed that? Here is the thing about fear that is true, in my experience: it points to an energy source. What could be creative potential is converted into something, heavily tinged by the negative elements of the imagination, and something 'unreal' is created. The objective your charts seem to be describing is learning how to convert fear back into something creative. This would start first with feeling the fear or inner tension, acknowledging the inherently neutral nature of energy. Then notice how you color it one way or the other; how you make it into whatever it is. Though it's emotionally difficult, stay with the feeling a little longer than you might otherwise, so you can get to the good stuff.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
One theme of this season is discerning what you think from what is true. Thoughts are powerful in that they have the power to subsume the mind. Whether you believe in 'manifestation', thoughts are creative, and they can also be destructive. It's not a coincidence that the most destructive ones are those that are not true, by which I mean, the ones that are based on fear, attack or have no basis in verifiable reality. Yet one challenge you face is discerning those thoughts from what is real for you. The easiest way to tell the difference is going to be by the results. What leads to a creative outcome was a creative thought; what leads to conflict was a destructive or deceptive thought. To use this method of discernment you'll need to track your mental process, through the actions it leads to, and then observe what happens. Think of this as observing yourself, which is a vital skill any time, but especially with Mars traveling retrograde for the next few months.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22)
You need to apply effort, but a certain kind that to you might feel passive. The idea is to slip into the flow, and know when you're there. You're in one of the richest and most abundant creative moments for many moons -- though this also has a potentially disruptive quality if you don't ride the tiger just right. This is why I am suggesting a move-with-the-energy, no-resistance approach to what you have to do, and for engaging with the thoughts and ideas that pass through you. Definitely keep a notebook, and remember that not everything is worth acting on -- but nearly everything will be worth considering, and some will be worth developing. Ideas for career development may have to wait, but it's never too early to prepare with knowledge, strategies and most meaningfully, with a vision for what you want to do. Remember, visions develop in layers, and are combined of adding what you want and removing what you don't want.
Mars retrograde (now through April 13) is about you turning a corner in your relationship to fear. The thing about fear is that it seems so real, yet it so rarely works out to be true. Have you ever noticed that? Here is the thing about fear that is true, in my experience: it points to an energy source. What could be creative potential is converted into something, heavily tinged by the negative elements of the imagination, and something 'unreal' is created. The objective your charts seem to be describing is learning how to convert fear back into something creative. This would start first with feeling the fear or inner tension, acknowledging the inherently neutral nature of energy. Then notice how you color it one way or the other; how you make it into whatever it is. Though it's emotionally difficult, stay with the feeling a little longer than you might otherwise, so you can get to the good stuff.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
One theme of this season is discerning what you think from what is true. Thoughts are powerful in that they have the power to subsume the mind. Whether you believe in 'manifestation', thoughts are creative, and they can also be destructive. It's not a coincidence that the most destructive ones are those that are not true, by which I mean, the ones that are based on fear, attack or have no basis in verifiable reality. Yet one challenge you face is discerning those thoughts from what is real for you. The easiest way to tell the difference is going to be by the results. What leads to a creative outcome was a creative thought; what leads to conflict was a destructive or deceptive thought. To use this method of discernment you'll need to track your mental process, through the actions it leads to, and then observe what happens. Think of this as observing yourself, which is a vital skill any time, but especially with Mars traveling retrograde for the next few months.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22)
You need to apply effort, but a certain kind that to you might feel passive. The idea is to slip into the flow, and know when you're there. You're in one of the richest and most abundant creative moments for many moons -- though this also has a potentially disruptive quality if you don't ride the tiger just right. This is why I am suggesting a move-with-the-energy, no-resistance approach to what you have to do, and for engaging with the thoughts and ideas that pass through you. Definitely keep a notebook, and remember that not everything is worth acting on -- but nearly everything will be worth considering, and some will be worth developing. Ideas for career development may have to wait, but it's never too early to prepare with knowledge, strategies and most meaningfully, with a vision for what you want to do. Remember, visions develop in layers, and are combined of adding what you want and removing what you don't want.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Legion Leanings - God Save the Queen
There's something for everyone at the Turner Valley Legion!
The first item of this column is to update the branch closing schedule for the Family Day weekend. Contrary to what was reported in our last column, there will be the usual Friday evening buffet on the 17th but the branch will be closed as announced on Saturday the 18th.
We have witnessed an increase in the number of members and guests at the Friday evening buffets. The changes to the menu and pricing have brought very positive feedback and the executive looks forward to more of your comments whether or not they are complimentary. As an aside, the next Seniors' dinner is on Monday, February 27th at 5pm.
The branch recently received a handsome donation of more than $2,000 from Tilly Jackson in memory of her late father, Sgt Gerard Hogan who served in WWII and Korea as well as Regular Force. With her approval the donation was used to bring the computer systems into the 21st century for which our volunteer office “manager” and the membership committee are enormously grateful.
The children of the area enjoyed a great Saturday event at the “Jelly Bean Dance” arranged by the entertainment committee. Feedback was entirely positive and reflects well the Legion's commitment to our community.
The monthly General Meeting on February 14th saw the initiation of an unusually large number of new members. We welcome them into our service tradition and look forward to their contributions to the welfare of the branch its veterans and its outreach.
On Monday, February 6th, the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession, at an outside ceremony by the flag pole, a number of members met at 6pm to honour her achievement. A carillon of bells originally played on VE Day in 1945 was heard followed by the Royal Anthem. A rousing three cheers was called for Her Majesty, following which the members moved inside where a toast was offered for her health. The Sovereign's Canadian Flag was proudly flown for part of the day including the ceremony itself.
The Honours and Awards Committee has started work on this year's programme. For this to be successful we require input from members. We ask that you look around the branch and nominate those whom you believe have made significant contributions over a period of years. Our website has information on the various levels of these awards from a Certificate of Appreciation through to Life Member and Meritorious Service Awards.
The committee will receive recommendations for local approval up to February 29th. We require this much lead time before the presentations on Saturday, May 26th as most awards must ultimately be approved at either Provincial and/or Dominion Command. This approval depends on the nominee achieving a level of service that meets national standards and will also include service in the community beyond the Legion. The evidence of that commitment is contained only in the citation which is based on member input and submitted by the committee.
Finally, planning for the “Vimy Day” Parade in Turner Valley is in its preliminary stages. This year, as on that fateful day in 1917, April 9th falls on Easter Monday. We honour those Canadians who, in their first campaign under its own leadership, achieved in a relatively short time what no other army had been able to do over months of fighting; they dislodged the German defenders from the Ridge and opened up the possibility of an ultimate Allied victory. More detail later.
Serving Veterans, our Youth, Seniors and the Community at large.
~ Malcolm Hughes
Raising the Royal flag in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's 60th Anniversary
Three Cheers for her Royal Highness!
The first item of this column is to update the branch closing schedule for the Family Day weekend. Contrary to what was reported in our last column, there will be the usual Friday evening buffet on the 17th but the branch will be closed as announced on Saturday the 18th.
We have witnessed an increase in the number of members and guests at the Friday evening buffets. The changes to the menu and pricing have brought very positive feedback and the executive looks forward to more of your comments whether or not they are complimentary. As an aside, the next Seniors' dinner is on Monday, February 27th at 5pm.
The branch recently received a handsome donation of more than $2,000 from Tilly Jackson in memory of her late father, Sgt Gerard Hogan who served in WWII and Korea as well as Regular Force. With her approval the donation was used to bring the computer systems into the 21st century for which our volunteer office “manager” and the membership committee are enormously grateful.
The children of the area enjoyed a great Saturday event at the “Jelly Bean Dance” arranged by the entertainment committee. Feedback was entirely positive and reflects well the Legion's commitment to our community.
The monthly General Meeting on February 14th saw the initiation of an unusually large number of new members. We welcome them into our service tradition and look forward to their contributions to the welfare of the branch its veterans and its outreach.
On Monday, February 6th, the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession, at an outside ceremony by the flag pole, a number of members met at 6pm to honour her achievement. A carillon of bells originally played on VE Day in 1945 was heard followed by the Royal Anthem. A rousing three cheers was called for Her Majesty, following which the members moved inside where a toast was offered for her health. The Sovereign's Canadian Flag was proudly flown for part of the day including the ceremony itself.
The Honours and Awards Committee has started work on this year's programme. For this to be successful we require input from members. We ask that you look around the branch and nominate those whom you believe have made significant contributions over a period of years. Our website has information on the various levels of these awards from a Certificate of Appreciation through to Life Member and Meritorious Service Awards.
The committee will receive recommendations for local approval up to February 29th. We require this much lead time before the presentations on Saturday, May 26th as most awards must ultimately be approved at either Provincial and/or Dominion Command. This approval depends on the nominee achieving a level of service that meets national standards and will also include service in the community beyond the Legion. The evidence of that commitment is contained only in the citation which is based on member input and submitted by the committee.
Finally, planning for the “Vimy Day” Parade in Turner Valley is in its preliminary stages. This year, as on that fateful day in 1917, April 9th falls on Easter Monday. We honour those Canadians who, in their first campaign under its own leadership, achieved in a relatively short time what no other army had been able to do over months of fighting; they dislodged the German defenders from the Ridge and opened up the possibility of an ultimate Allied victory. More detail later.
Serving Veterans, our Youth, Seniors and the Community at large.
~ Malcolm Hughes
Raising the Royal flag in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's 60th Anniversary
Three Cheers for her Royal Highness!
Family Literacy Day at C. Ian McLaren School
These kids show they have been inspired by reading!
On January 26th, it was Family Literacy Day in Foothills School Division. At McLaren, we have had the tradition of beginning our day with our annual “Rise and Read”. Parents, family members and friends are invited to stay for the first half hour of the day to read with their children. As you wander around in the school, all the available tables, chairs, nooks and crannies are filled with children reading to adults and adults reading to children. We also incorporated a special dress up day into the Family Literacy celebrations. Students and staff were encouraged to come dressed as “Your Favourite Literary Character”. From Anne of Green Gables to Laura Ingalls, from Cinderella to Harry Potter, many students participated in the chance to dress up and have some fun with a favourite book.
Family Literacy Day highlights the importance of reading for children, not only learning to read but the continuation of reading as one grows older and the sharing of reading with regular, on-going occasions for story times or bed time stories. Often, in this day and age, reading is missed as families turn to digital technology for entertaining kids. However, reading will continue to be an important skill for children to develop as they go through the grades. Research has shown that students who read for fifteen minutes each day improve in all areas of their school work. Keep on reading to keep on learning!
On January 26th, it was Family Literacy Day in Foothills School Division. At McLaren, we have had the tradition of beginning our day with our annual “Rise and Read”. Parents, family members and friends are invited to stay for the first half hour of the day to read with their children. As you wander around in the school, all the available tables, chairs, nooks and crannies are filled with children reading to adults and adults reading to children. We also incorporated a special dress up day into the Family Literacy celebrations. Students and staff were encouraged to come dressed as “Your Favourite Literary Character”. From Anne of Green Gables to Laura Ingalls, from Cinderella to Harry Potter, many students participated in the chance to dress up and have some fun with a favourite book.
Family Literacy Day highlights the importance of reading for children, not only learning to read but the continuation of reading as one grows older and the sharing of reading with regular, on-going occasions for story times or bed time stories. Often, in this day and age, reading is missed as families turn to digital technology for entertaining kids. However, reading will continue to be an important skill for children to develop as they go through the grades. Research has shown that students who read for fifteen minutes each day improve in all areas of their school work. Keep on reading to keep on learning!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Rowan House - Generosity Encourages Progress
This much needed facility is planning a summer opening. Can you help?
Well, it was a hectic end to 2011! November was busy with Family Violence Prevention. We did a number of presentations through our Branches Public Education Program in the local schools and with community groups.
December saw a very successful Christmas Gift Card campaign. We were able to offer gift cards and community donations to all the women that came into the shelter as well as those that were supported through our outreach program. This allowed women the opportunity and dignity to purchase gifts for their children and items for themselves that they would not have been able to without the generosity of our community partners.
We also continued to see our new facility grow. Work started in mid October, the weather was good and we are now well on our way to being open by summer 2012. You can watch our progress on our website:
www.rowanhouse.ca.
Our Healthy Relationship Group for women involved with Rowan House started another 8 week session in January. Delicious soup made at Soup Sisters is offered to the moms and children that attend. Thank you to Parent Link for their support and partnership.
We also look forward to you supporting us in our annual fund raiser – The Hope & Healing Gala, May 5th, 2012. We are planning a fun filled evening with a fantastic meal and great entertainment. We will have wonderful auction items for you to bid on and maybe even a sneak preview at what our new facility will look like. Get your tickets soon.
In Gratitude,
Sherrie Botten
Well, it was a hectic end to 2011! November was busy with Family Violence Prevention. We did a number of presentations through our Branches Public Education Program in the local schools and with community groups.
December saw a very successful Christmas Gift Card campaign. We were able to offer gift cards and community donations to all the women that came into the shelter as well as those that were supported through our outreach program. This allowed women the opportunity and dignity to purchase gifts for their children and items for themselves that they would not have been able to without the generosity of our community partners.
We also continued to see our new facility grow. Work started in mid October, the weather was good and we are now well on our way to being open by summer 2012. You can watch our progress on our website:
www.rowanhouse.ca.
Our Healthy Relationship Group for women involved with Rowan House started another 8 week session in January. Delicious soup made at Soup Sisters is offered to the moms and children that attend. Thank you to Parent Link for their support and partnership.
We also look forward to you supporting us in our annual fund raiser – The Hope & Healing Gala, May 5th, 2012. We are planning a fun filled evening with a fantastic meal and great entertainment. We will have wonderful auction items for you to bid on and maybe even a sneak preview at what our new facility will look like. Get your tickets soon.
In Gratitude,
Sherrie Botten
Highway 2 Road Closure Planned
Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 HighRiver, AB: a portion of Highway 2 south will be closed during the February 24 weekend so crews can erect the girders for the new interchange at the intersection of 498 Ave (Hwy 541).
Weather permitting, southbound lanes will be closed at the Aldersyde interchange on Friday, Feb. 24 from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m., Saturday morning. The northbound lanes will be closed at the High River interchange (Hwy 23) the following evening Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m. Sunday. Should additional time be required to finish the work, both lanes will be closed on Sunday from 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Traffic will be rerouted onto Highway 2A at High River and Aldersyde with clearly marked signage.
The detour is specifically designed to avoid residential areas in High River so all traffic will be directed down Centre Street to 12 Ave. To ensure any heavy truck traffic will be able to navigate safely through town, Alberta Transport will not be issuing any permits for oversize loads during this time.
The route closure has been scheduled during the quietest times of the night on the weekend to cause the least disruption to travellers. According to traffic counts completed by Alberta Transportation in Feb. 2010, the maximum amount of vehicles that will be affected is between 125 per hour earlier in the evening and as low as 15 per hour in the early morning hours.
Graham Construction is the contractor working on the project, which is scheduled to open in the fall 2012
For more information contact Reiley McKerracher, manager of engineering services at the Town of High River, 403.603.3404 or Hugh Pettrigrew, deputy director of public works and engineering at the MD of Foothills, 403.652.2341.
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