(Page 15)
April 10th to 16th is Volunteer Week across Canada and the theme this year is “Passion, Action and Impact!” Volunteer Canada describes volunteers as “Real-life superheroes who accomplish remarkable feats with real impact. They may not be faster than a speeding bullet. And they may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. But their contributions are most definitely creating community change that is more powerful than a locomotive!” Sound familiar? They could be talking about our fabulous team of dedicated volunteers at the Sheep River Library who recently spent hundreds and hundreds of hours helping the staff and Board of the library to ensure that the recent move into the new building went smoothly.
Volunteers attended pre-move meetings where they signed up for specific tasks and despite a week of wintry weather conditions the move was accomplished in record time. More than fifty volunteers spent up to 6 hours a day moving books, audio/visual equipment, furniture and supplies into the new location and then cleaning, re-shelving and organizing items. A talented group of people finalized the lay-out and design of the Tile Wall and yet others volunteered their time baking and providing tea breaks for all the workers.
This was an example of the Diamond Valley Community coming together and embodying the Volunteer Canada Theme. Passion has always been evident in our volunteer group, but never more so than since the initial plans for the new building were first discussed. Action has been evident in the thousands of volunteer hours that have been donated over the past three years and in the tireless efforts of the “Friends” who have secured much needed funding. Most significantly, the passion and actions of the volunteers will in turn have a huge impact on the community as a whole as the library is now able to offer more choices, more programs and more opportunities for all residents. In addition to the 'shelf readers' and individuals who replace borrowed books to their rightful location, there are several teams of volunteers undertaking new positions.
Terrific Tuesday Talks will provide the tea and support for this new program which will run from 2 till 3:30 the last Tuesday of every month. The Library Garden Group will look after the indoor and outdoor flower pots. And a whole team of people are organizing the Grand Opening events!
The move was just the beginning! There are many volunteer tasks in the new library and if you would like to help out please drop by and look over the list of choices. Our biggest challenge at this time is to enlist volunteers for the evening hours and we are currently looking for people who can commit two to three hours on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening. Another project for a team of volunteers is the Art Group to arrange for the bookings and set up for emerging artists that need a location to exhibit their work. Please talk to Muhammad if you are interested in any of these new volunteer opportunities.
So, a huge “Thank You” to everyone who has been involved in our volunteer program since it began to expand three years ago -you are truly “Real-Life Super-Heroes”.
Your source for the Good News of your community. Visit our website to view our FULL online e-edition (it's like flipping through the real thing right on your screen!) http://gatewaygazette.ca ----- Click on an article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of each post.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
High Country Rural Crime Watch
(Page 15)
BearSmart
A reminder from Fish and Wildlife, High River to all Foothills residents that around April 1st the bears will start emerging from hibernation. The end of hibernation is more the result of increased daylight than weather conditions. The two species of bears that inhabit our area, including east of Highway 22, are the Black and Grizzly Bears.
Fish and Wildlife offer the following suggestions to help keep bears away from your yard:
Keep garbage and recyclables in bear resistant, airtight containers. Look into using an indoor composter. Consider removing bird feeders from April to October and clean up any spilled seed or grain. Clean barbeques after use and store in a shed or garage if possible. Consider landscaping choices, avoiding fruit and berry producing trees and bushes; alternatively remove ripening fruit as early as possible. Never leave food out for wildlife. If you feed your pets outside remove left over food. Talk to neighbours and alert them if you see a bear. Bears are more active in the early morning and around dusk.
You can visit the website: www.srd.alberta.ca/BearSmart for more detailed information.
BearSmart
A reminder from Fish and Wildlife, High River to all Foothills residents that around April 1st the bears will start emerging from hibernation. The end of hibernation is more the result of increased daylight than weather conditions. The two species of bears that inhabit our area, including east of Highway 22, are the Black and Grizzly Bears.
Fish and Wildlife offer the following suggestions to help keep bears away from your yard:
Keep garbage and recyclables in bear resistant, airtight containers. Look into using an indoor composter. Consider removing bird feeders from April to October and clean up any spilled seed or grain. Clean barbeques after use and store in a shed or garage if possible. Consider landscaping choices, avoiding fruit and berry producing trees and bushes; alternatively remove ripening fruit as early as possible. Never leave food out for wildlife. If you feed your pets outside remove left over food. Talk to neighbours and alert them if you see a bear. Bears are more active in the early morning and around dusk.
You can visit the website: www.srd.alberta.ca/BearSmart for more detailed information.
From My Bookshelf....by Lynn Willoughby
(Page 17)
Those of you who follow this column know that I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but today's books came highly recommended and both were a delight to read. There is so much insight contained in these two very different volumes.
Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely
Ariely is a Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics - so on the face of it this would appear to be dry reading about market forces. Wrong! In fact it is not only appealing, but often very funny.
Ariely tells us that "life with fewer market norms and more social norms would be more satisfying, creative, fulfilling and fun." This is a book detailing the data Ariely has himself created and collected by studies and experiments of what people actually do when they buy, sell, change jobs, marry or make other real life decisions. In other words, what is it that makes us tick and how do marketing experts use that information.
I was especially astounded by the chapter on the concept of zero, or free. It turns out I am just as predictable as everyone else when offered something for "free," when in fact, market researchers and behavioral economists already know how I will react, and you and you and you!
At the heart of the "market approach to understanding people is a set of assumptions. First, you are a coherent and unitary self. Second, you can be sure of what this self of yours wants and needs...Third, you get some information about yourself from your body." And that, my friends, is what marketers are depending on. How many of you have taken home a red pen from the office because your child needed it for a project? How many of you couldn't find a red pen at work, saw the open petty cash drawer and could have taken the money to buy a pen on the way home? Exactly!! To quote Bill Cosby "having a child is surely the most beautiful irrational act that two people can commit." Yet here we are.
You can be rational or irrational - there are many different versions of you. "We aren't cool calculators of self interest who sometimes go crazy; we're crazies who are, under special circumstances, sometimes rational." Look at Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde!
The Upside of Irrationality
Effort for Payment
...many published papers and books
In Praise of Strong Women - David Kirkpatrick
This memoir is written by a master storyteller, he captures emotions absolutely eloquently. He tells us how bold women have shaped his life, beginning with his grandmother, then his mother, teachers, lovers, wives and friends. He takes us on a journey through his life, via these women.
Kirkpatrick's quirky humour made me laugh out loud. His personal and engaging anecdotes kept me reading. His praise of these strong women showed me his wisdom and growth, as he is forced to deal with the crisis we all face throughout life - birth, death, illness, war, divorce and losses.
Kirkpatrick is a psychologist who balances his working life between community mental health in Vancouver's Downtown East Side ("Canada's poorest postal code") and a private psychotherapy practice.
He says about his life with his wife Betsy "they would fight and laugh, argue and make up, cuss and discuss the returns of the day, they would function more effectively and competently..." I personally believe this too, None of us just always agree on everything. Why would we?
Also regarding Betsy, Kirkpatrick writes "I asked why I was the one who seemed to be making all the apologies. Her answer was simple. 'Oh, I don't know, honey. Probably it's because you're the one making most of the mistakes." Don't you love Betsy?
This book is appealing to women and men on many levels. It helps both sexes to understand women better. ..."typical of strong women, they did what they had to do to get the job done, and didn't ask for any special recognition for their efforts or skill. Like strong women throughout history, they were unsung heroes."
numerous health care and humourous articles,
Who Knew?
"Rosie the Riveter" inspired a social movement that increased the number of working women in the US. It has been said that it was this process of whites working alongside blacks that encouraged a breakdown of social barriers and a healthy recognition of diversity, where African-Americans were able to lay the groundwork for the postwar civil rights revolution, by equating segregation with Nazi white supremacist ideology.
Those of you who follow this column know that I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but today's books came highly recommended and both were a delight to read. There is so much insight contained in these two very different volumes.
Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely
Ariely is a Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics - so on the face of it this would appear to be dry reading about market forces. Wrong! In fact it is not only appealing, but often very funny.
Ariely tells us that "life with fewer market norms and more social norms would be more satisfying, creative, fulfilling and fun." This is a book detailing the data Ariely has himself created and collected by studies and experiments of what people actually do when they buy, sell, change jobs, marry or make other real life decisions. In other words, what is it that makes us tick and how do marketing experts use that information.
I was especially astounded by the chapter on the concept of zero, or free. It turns out I am just as predictable as everyone else when offered something for "free," when in fact, market researchers and behavioral economists already know how I will react, and you and you and you!
At the heart of the "market approach to understanding people is a set of assumptions. First, you are a coherent and unitary self. Second, you can be sure of what this self of yours wants and needs...Third, you get some information about yourself from your body." And that, my friends, is what marketers are depending on. How many of you have taken home a red pen from the office because your child needed it for a project? How many of you couldn't find a red pen at work, saw the open petty cash drawer and could have taken the money to buy a pen on the way home? Exactly!! To quote Bill Cosby "having a child is surely the most beautiful irrational act that two people can commit." Yet here we are.
You can be rational or irrational - there are many different versions of you. "We aren't cool calculators of self interest who sometimes go crazy; we're crazies who are, under special circumstances, sometimes rational." Look at Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde!
The Upside of Irrationality
Effort for Payment
...many published papers and books
In Praise of Strong Women - David Kirkpatrick
This memoir is written by a master storyteller, he captures emotions absolutely eloquently. He tells us how bold women have shaped his life, beginning with his grandmother, then his mother, teachers, lovers, wives and friends. He takes us on a journey through his life, via these women.
Kirkpatrick's quirky humour made me laugh out loud. His personal and engaging anecdotes kept me reading. His praise of these strong women showed me his wisdom and growth, as he is forced to deal with the crisis we all face throughout life - birth, death, illness, war, divorce and losses.
Kirkpatrick is a psychologist who balances his working life between community mental health in Vancouver's Downtown East Side ("Canada's poorest postal code") and a private psychotherapy practice.
He says about his life with his wife Betsy "they would fight and laugh, argue and make up, cuss and discuss the returns of the day, they would function more effectively and competently..." I personally believe this too, None of us just always agree on everything. Why would we?
Also regarding Betsy, Kirkpatrick writes "I asked why I was the one who seemed to be making all the apologies. Her answer was simple. 'Oh, I don't know, honey. Probably it's because you're the one making most of the mistakes." Don't you love Betsy?
This book is appealing to women and men on many levels. It helps both sexes to understand women better. ..."typical of strong women, they did what they had to do to get the job done, and didn't ask for any special recognition for their efforts or skill. Like strong women throughout history, they were unsung heroes."
numerous health care and humourous articles,
Who Knew?
"Rosie the Riveter" inspired a social movement that increased the number of working women in the US. It has been said that it was this process of whites working alongside blacks that encouraged a breakdown of social barriers and a healthy recognition of diversity, where African-Americans were able to lay the groundwork for the postwar civil rights revolution, by equating segregation with Nazi white supremacist ideology.
Faith Forum by Gloria Wessner - Check God Out
(Page 19)
When someone asks you to join a club, or try out a new restaurant or to try a new activity with them – usually one goes a time or two to check it out. We're just not quite sure until we see for ourselves that this might be a good thing that we want to get involved with or go to. It's hard to take someone else's word for it and just know it will work for us.
God knew that it would be that way with us. He says: “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see how good GOD is. Blessed are you who run to him.” (Psalm 34:8 The Message)
Even though he is totally reliable to take him at his word that he is good for us, he knows our human nature and how we tend to be. That's why he works with us the way we are. In other words, he gives us, as human beings, the tools with which to 'check him out.' One of the tools he talks about is faith –“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT) We have to have faith when we check God out: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (check him out).” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT, parenthesis mine) This is God's way of saying “Trust me, and we'll walk on this journey of life together.” God will help us to have that faith as we honestly search for him.
Another tool he gives us is to 'seek': to search for, pursue and run after God and in the end, find him. “Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” (Isaiah 55:6, 7 NLT) There will come a time when we may not be able to seek him as world events continue to bring us closer to the end of time or if something happens that our lives are cut shorter than a normal life expectancy. When we seek God and find him, we will want him to change our ways such as living for ourselves in selfish ways and instead learning to love and serve others. It is “…a change of heart produced by God's Spirit…” (Romans 2:29b NLT)
We need to seek God for the right reasons, not because we want to use him to give us the things we want. “But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” (John 6:27 NLT)
So, we need to: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:6-8 NLT)
The door will be opened to a life with a personal God in a real and living relationship if you choose to 'check God out.' He invites you to do that, and if you're real in your search - when you knock, the door to heaven and abundant life in Him will be opened to you.
Readers are invited to write Gloria at: gloriawes@hotmail.com.
When someone asks you to join a club, or try out a new restaurant or to try a new activity with them – usually one goes a time or two to check it out. We're just not quite sure until we see for ourselves that this might be a good thing that we want to get involved with or go to. It's hard to take someone else's word for it and just know it will work for us.
God knew that it would be that way with us. He says: “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see how good GOD is. Blessed are you who run to him.” (Psalm 34:8 The Message)
Even though he is totally reliable to take him at his word that he is good for us, he knows our human nature and how we tend to be. That's why he works with us the way we are. In other words, he gives us, as human beings, the tools with which to 'check him out.' One of the tools he talks about is faith –“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT) We have to have faith when we check God out: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (check him out).” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT, parenthesis mine) This is God's way of saying “Trust me, and we'll walk on this journey of life together.” God will help us to have that faith as we honestly search for him.
Another tool he gives us is to 'seek': to search for, pursue and run after God and in the end, find him. “Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” (Isaiah 55:6, 7 NLT) There will come a time when we may not be able to seek him as world events continue to bring us closer to the end of time or if something happens that our lives are cut shorter than a normal life expectancy. When we seek God and find him, we will want him to change our ways such as living for ourselves in selfish ways and instead learning to love and serve others. It is “…a change of heart produced by God's Spirit…” (Romans 2:29b NLT)
We need to seek God for the right reasons, not because we want to use him to give us the things we want. “But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” (John 6:27 NLT)
So, we need to: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:6-8 NLT)
The door will be opened to a life with a personal God in a real and living relationship if you choose to 'check God out.' He invites you to do that, and if you're real in your search - when you knock, the door to heaven and abundant life in Him will be opened to you.
Readers are invited to write Gloria at: gloriawes@hotmail.com.
Gardens Galore by Karen Brewka
(Page 19)
Spring Lists Bring Summer Bliss, Part 2
When choosing flowers for summer containers, knowing what colour, size and type of plant is the way to start. For example, light colours and whites look best against a dark siding or house colour while darks look good against a light background. Bluey greens, blues, purples and purply reds work well together. Add a splash of complimentary colour (opposite on the colour wheel) for contrast. Many of these cooler colours become luminous in a shady, north-side location.
Yellows, oranges and orangey reds go well together and look great in a sunny spot. Plan your colour schemes ahead and then choose from plants that will do well where you want them to spend the summer. Location is more important than colour. An orangey tuberous begonia will wilt in a sunny spot but will do well in a spot protected from direct sun and wind. Reputable garden centre staff will help you to make good decisions about what flowers will grow well where.
Tall, spiky plants like grasses and sunflowers look good in a large container. Surround spiky plants with shorter rounded masses like petunias, marigolds, geraniums, margarites or coleus. The contrast in form will draw the eye. Big leaved plants like datura can command a container all by themselves and can be a feature surrounded by smaller containers. Trailing ivies, wave petunias, lobelias and other viney plants are great for hanging baskets.
Don't forget the neutrals! Whites, grays, greeny grays and beiges will bring out the brightness of your colour choices.
So, let's plan a container. You have a large half barrel in a hot sunny location on an exposed deck or in a perennial bed. Your list might read:
1 tall, spiky plant, green or beige
3 rounded medium bushy flowers, bronze or yellow
6 smaller rounded flowers, yellow and blue
Garden centre staff may recommend a tall ornamental grass, 3 Crackerjack marigolds, and 6 pansies. But wait! You might need a neutral as well. Add 2 margarites to your purchase. Plant the grass in the centre surrounded by the marigolds and margarites, Tuck the pansies in around the outside. The pansies will be great through spring and early summer while the marigolds and margarites are growing. As the larger plants get bigger, the pansies will be done and can be pulled out. The grass, the marigolds and the margarites will last 'til fall. Pull off (deadhead) the blooms as they are finished. This will encourage further blooming.
Let your imagination run free. There's no reason not to mix vegetables in with your flowers if they fit your general colour scheme. Bright new lettuce makes a great contrast with purples and purply reds. A zucchini can fill up a large container all by itself, providing interest with their large leaves and zucchini bread at the end of the summer.
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. For information call Susan at 403 – 933 – 7675.
The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. For information call Sheila at 403 – 931 – 3989.
Spring Lists Bring Summer Bliss, Part 2
When choosing flowers for summer containers, knowing what colour, size and type of plant is the way to start. For example, light colours and whites look best against a dark siding or house colour while darks look good against a light background. Bluey greens, blues, purples and purply reds work well together. Add a splash of complimentary colour (opposite on the colour wheel) for contrast. Many of these cooler colours become luminous in a shady, north-side location.
Yellows, oranges and orangey reds go well together and look great in a sunny spot. Plan your colour schemes ahead and then choose from plants that will do well where you want them to spend the summer. Location is more important than colour. An orangey tuberous begonia will wilt in a sunny spot but will do well in a spot protected from direct sun and wind. Reputable garden centre staff will help you to make good decisions about what flowers will grow well where.
Tall, spiky plants like grasses and sunflowers look good in a large container. Surround spiky plants with shorter rounded masses like petunias, marigolds, geraniums, margarites or coleus. The contrast in form will draw the eye. Big leaved plants like datura can command a container all by themselves and can be a feature surrounded by smaller containers. Trailing ivies, wave petunias, lobelias and other viney plants are great for hanging baskets.
Don't forget the neutrals! Whites, grays, greeny grays and beiges will bring out the brightness of your colour choices.
So, let's plan a container. You have a large half barrel in a hot sunny location on an exposed deck or in a perennial bed. Your list might read:
1 tall, spiky plant, green or beige
3 rounded medium bushy flowers, bronze or yellow
6 smaller rounded flowers, yellow and blue
Garden centre staff may recommend a tall ornamental grass, 3 Crackerjack marigolds, and 6 pansies. But wait! You might need a neutral as well. Add 2 margarites to your purchase. Plant the grass in the centre surrounded by the marigolds and margarites, Tuck the pansies in around the outside. The pansies will be great through spring and early summer while the marigolds and margarites are growing. As the larger plants get bigger, the pansies will be done and can be pulled out. The grass, the marigolds and the margarites will last 'til fall. Pull off (deadhead) the blooms as they are finished. This will encourage further blooming.
Let your imagination run free. There's no reason not to mix vegetables in with your flowers if they fit your general colour scheme. Bright new lettuce makes a great contrast with purples and purply reds. A zucchini can fill up a large container all by itself, providing interest with their large leaves and zucchini bread at the end of the summer.
The Valley Neighbours Garden Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. For information call Susan at 403 – 933 – 7675.
The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. For information call Sheila at 403 – 931 – 3989.
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