GIFTS AND GRIPES

Time for Premier to Deliver
There are approximately 17,000 disability workers in Alberta providing much needed services to over 9,300 disabled Albertans. Workers in the sector were excited by Premier Redford's recognition of the challenges faced by them and the charitable non profit agencies they work for during the Leadership Campaign. As the government creates its next budget it is too easy to overlook the disability services sector. That has happened in the past and with Allison Redford at the helm we hope it will not happen this time as well. Closing the 40% gap between governmental and non-governmental workers doing the same work will provide increased professionalism, a safer work environment and ultimately a higher quality of life to the most vulnerable people in our society. Premier Redford is a breath of fresh air and we look forward to her promises being realized in the 2012 budget.

~ Colin Reichle, Executive Director
Alberta Disability Workers Association
St. Albert
www.disabilityworkers.ca

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Last Minute Gifts - Gift Ideas When You're Pressed For Time

The Christmas countdown has begun and the days will no doubt fly off the calendar like they do every year. Before you know, it's only a few days until the holiday is here.
Those who haven't yet started shopping may feel pressed for time and worry that they will not be able to find gifts for everyone on their lists - at least gifts that don't look like they were afterthoughts. But good gifts can be found in the eleventh hour.

Adults
* Visit the local liquor store for a bottle of wine in the price range desired. Wrap it in a wine bag or leave it as is with a nice bow.
* Pick up passes to a local attraction, such as an amusement park or a museum. Put together tickets for a play paired with a soundtrack of the production.
* Food is often appreciated. A box of fine chocolates or one of those edible fruit arrangements will be a tasteful, and tasty, gift.
* Fill a large bowl with a scooper, sprinkles, cherries and other toppings for making ice cream sundaes.
* Pick a gift that embraces the holiday spirit. Holiday music, ornaments or table decorations can be used this year or next.

Children
* Pop into a toy store and pick up a cuddly stuffed animal.
* Buy an art set for older children, full of paints and markers. If a complete set can't be found, make an art package with a bunch of supplies packed into a gift bag.
* Choose an educational gift that is still fun, like alphabet flash cards or puzzles. A subscription to a children's magazine would also work, seeing as children love getting mail.
* Few kids will turn down a DVD of their favourite television characters. The DVDs should feature an age-appropriateness rating to make choosing one even easier.

Teenagers
* Teenagers can be finicky, so a monetary gift will be one-size-fits-all.
* Teenage girls may appreciate a gift basket of delicious scented lotions.
* Passes for movies can make date night less expensive.
* Consider a gift card or e-gift coupon for digital music downloads.
* Give a subscription to a teen magazine so that everyone can keep abreast of their favourite celebrities.

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Cookies and Christmas: A Match Made in Holiday Heaven

There’s a good reason fitness club memberships tend to spike come January. After a holiday season spent party-hopping and letting diets fall by the wayside, many people look to the gym as the means to helping shed those inevitable holiday pounds.
Perhaps no food is more popular around the holidays than cookies. Cookies are as much a part of the holiday season as Christmas trees, long lines at the mall and kids searching the house for presents. For those with guests to entertain this holiday season, the following recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies, or one of the variations, is sure to please.

DJ Ranch
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Makes about 72 cookies
2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
2 tspn vanilla
3 cups flour
1 tspn soda
1 tspn salt
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375°F.

Cream butter, shortening and sugars.
Add eggs and vanilla, mix thoroughly.
Blend in remaining ingredients.
For a softer cookie, add an extra ½ cup flour.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown.
Cool slightly before removing from sheet.

Variations
Substitute:
2 cups salted peanuts for the chocolate chips. Flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in butter and sugar
or
12 oz butterscotch or peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips
or
2 cups raisins for the chocolate chips
or
For a festive touch, use 2 cups of red and green glace cherries, cut into small chunks

Keep a supply of the cookie dough in the freezer. Wrap in aluminum foil, freezer paper or plastic wrap. Thaw until just soft enough to handle.

Both baked cookies and cookie dough can be frozen and stored for up to nine months.