Travel Tracks - We Value Your Business

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Pharmaceutical companies of the world take note – my lovely bride has indicated I'm available as a test subject for any new product you're in the process of developing.
It's been an interesting week.
As airlines and tour operators continue to engage in the practice of relocating their call centers offshore, we now spend more time on hold waiting for the 1st available operator than we do actually flying to the selected destination.
I suppose it's not all that bad because on the average hold, I'm told over and over again that I'm in the VIP priority queue which makes me feel more valued that the poor schlep who's a nobody.
Then again, the schlep can probably close up the shop, go home, have dinner and a good night's sleep, and come back in the morning without losing HIS place in non VIP queue.
One particular airline's a dilly however amongst a strong field of contenders.
The drill usually starts at around 9:00am when out of compulsive neurotic habit, you dial into their call center at the instant you open the office doors.
Not that you have anything pressing to discuss with them – but by the time they actually answer – you might.
Always entertaining.
By about hour 2 of hearing them “thank me for my patience”, I'm beginning to mutter obscenities, the sound of which escapes my cage and meanders into the outer office.
Clients begin to ask our staff, “Is he okay?”
No one volunteers to open THAT Pandora's Box.
By noon the hold music kicks in which in this particular case is the founder of said airline belting out show tunes.
It's an improvement over hearing for the 600th time that my call is being held in priority sequence and I can't help but wonder what adding a 2nd staff member would do for their operation.
Hearing an old Sinatra tune recycle its way through the Muzak I stay awake by humming along.
Other clients are now asking, “does he need help?”
EUREKA – the show tunes stop, a line starts ringing, and I get ready to conduct business.
But No.
A new recording comes forth announcing the new and special deals that are available – “just call us toll free at …….”
Latin verbiage is now making its way through my system.
“Is he not well?” a voice from the business end of the office volunteers.
Actually, truth be known – I'm fine.
While on hold, I've managed to book 4 passengers on an around-the world-cruise, upgrade my credit card to one that allows me to access a super VIP priority line, write 4 new chapters on The Art of Customer Service, and shovel 4 feet of snow from in front of the door.
Unfortunately, I've yet to accomplish getting through to an organization that now has 4 files that require an intervention.
"I can see the sun starting to set" I exclaim to no one in particular at which point a client in the general office asks, "is he aware he's in a windowless cage?"
Someone tosses a couple of small blue pills over the wall, they land in my coffee and 15 minutes later I'm patiently talking to a recorded message.
Right up until that very instant the recording changes to, " I'm sorry- our offices are now closed - please call back tomorrow between the hours of 9am and 6pm Eastern Standard Time."
I'm not sure if the defining moment of 'losing it' was when my inbox pinged with notification of an alert, from the very airline I'd been on hold with, advising me that their offices were now open Saturdays to cope with the overload, or when I screamed out in Aramaic that were they to try answering their phones Monday through Friday there'd be no need to open Saturdays - but there was indeed a defining moment somewhere.
My lovely bride suggests it was when I went out for a walk to purchase cat food - despite the fact we have two Great Danes.
Nonetheless we'll try again tomorrow.
Or perhaps not.
Fact of the matter is - by now I really can't remember what the hell I was trying to contact them for in the first place.

Adios until next time
Dave Heron

Dave Heron is the owner and operator of: Pace Setter Travel & Tours (1995) Inc; 
P.O. Box 612, 49 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks.
Tel: 403.938.5454
Toll Free
 1.800.206.7223.
Fax: 403.938.5568
Email:
pacesetter@nucleus.co

C. Ian McLaren News

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McLaren Honours Our Veterans and Soldiers
C. Ian McLaren remembered our Canadian soldiers, past and present on November 10th. The grade six students led the school though a moving assembly, honouring those who have ensured the freedoms that Canada enjoys including freedom of speech and religion. The members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Turner Valley Legion also participated in our ceremony. Ida Wegelin gave an eloquent presentation to the students describing her childhood experiences during World War Two, including the role children had to play during their fathers' absences and the tragedies that children dealt with. The grade three class sang for us as well.

Salute To Holland - Royal Canadian Legion Branch #78, Turner Valley

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By Comrade Gordon Day

The eighth annual Salute to Holland was again a masterful success with even a record breaking attendance.
The day began with the Dutch Market which featured tables dominated by well displayed fresh baking, Delftware, photos, art and crafts. It was certainly well visited and the vendors reported a truly successful day.
Sgt-at-Arms, Cde Malcolm Hughes gave the Call-to-Order as the guests located their places and the colour guard consisting of Cdes Floyd Schatz, Wayne Odegard, Wilm Guerjes who carried the Dutch flag. Following the Dutch National Anthem sung by the Dutch Choir and O Canada by Cde Malcolm Hughes, Comrade President Michel Jackson gave the opening ceremonies.
Wilm Guerjes offered grace in Dutch and English and, following the meal, Willie deWit, former Olympic Boxer and now a successful lawyer gave an impressive talk, not only on his career, but how important it is to continue honouring the Canadian Liberation of Holland. This was followed by a presentation of George Zuiderveen representing the Netherlands Consulate. This presentation not only gave an informative talk but a power point presentation on many situations of the liberation.
Several members of the Dutch community expressed their gratitude to the Branch and related some of their own experiences.
Toasts were given to the Netherlands, Queen Beatrix and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Clog Dancers made the first presentation of the entertainment portion of the program. Traditional dress and dances were presented and their excellent performances brought a strong positive response from the audience.
Following, the Dutch Choir, Her Schorre Kikkerje, presented a number of selections and sing-along providing a most entertaining portion of the evening. Also, in traditional dress for the choir, their presentation was lively and motivating.
The evening certainly ended on an enthusiastic note as words of praise and appreciation were expressed for George Zuiderveen, Willie deWit, Mrs deWit (Dutch Dancers, Mrs. Christine deWit who was responsible for organizing the Clog Dancers), Peter Cerhyde (Dutch Choir and was a strong motivator and did much to help organize the evening including the Dutch Market), the vendors and organizers of the Market; Wilm Guerjes, represents the Dutch Community and acted as co-emcee, and was active in the initial organizing of the event and certainly to the kitchen and bar staff who organized the meal. They included Wendy Williams, Larry Williams, Donna Sharp, Marie Pippus, Darlene Robertson, Betty Foran, Ida Wegelin, Tillie Jackson, Jessie Friesen and Shirley Schatz.
Cde President, Michel Jackson expressed praise for Cde Day for his relentless efforts in organizing the event.
Salute to Holland has been a unique tradition for Branch 78, which is shared by no other Branch and annually brings the bonds of International comradery and friendship to an uplifting spirit.

Boys & Girls Club Ghoul Gala

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By Todd “Hari Kari” Curran
It was a real monsters ball at the 10th Annual Diamond Valley and District Boys and Girls Club Gala, a dinner and murder mystery fundraiser for the organization.
The "Night of the Living Dead" theme for the October 30th event was a hit with the hideously costumed guests, who vied for the best costume prize. “Everyone dressed up and the costumes were amazing,” says Club Director Shirley Puttock. “The meal provided by Lynnwood Ranch was great and we raised $9,200 over the evening. It was a complete success!”
Over 130 creatures came out to haunt the gala and have a little Halloween fun with the 50/50 draws and silent and live auctions. “All of the auction items were donated,” Shirley says. “We've seen wonderful support from the people and businesses in our community.”
Creepy reaper Merv Page won the gift basket for best male costume, the pre-guillotine Queen Marie Antoinette costume won first prize for the ladies and a pair of watery corpses bobbed up from the Titanic to claim the couple's award. Ghosts, goblins, guys and gals all had a great time at this gala for a good cause.
For more information on the Diamond Valley and District Boys and Girls Club call 403-933-4066.

The ABC 's Of Learning At Millarville Community School

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By: The Grade 8 Class

Awesome football tournament at McMahon Stadium
Beautiful, serene, pristine, Forget Me Not Pond, School Wide Outdoor Pursuits
Chinook Country Band Festival…Musical Extravaganza
Delicious Friday pizza days
Explore… Develop… Celebrate our FSD mission is reflected in all we do!
Fantastic pheasants flying free
Ghoulish Halloween activities
Haiti's children will receive Christmas boxes through Samaritan's Purse
Imaginative and talented Hoja
Jason Parker (Silver Medalist Olympic Speed skater) shares powerful message
Kananaskis Country… here we come!
Lively drumming workshops and presentations
Mark, Set, Go, (450) Foothills Students attend our Cross Country Running Meet
Networking with other students at Camp Caroline Band Workshop
Oilfields Food Bank Thanksgiving Food Drive
Poppies and Respect abound at Remembrance Day Assembly
Quests in pursuing our learning goals and opportunities
Radical Rally Pointe volleyball games
Successful student led conferences
Terrific Terry Fox run
Uniting our school community through Friday Assemblies
Valiant Recycling efforts
Wild U of C Dino's games
X-treme 3 Day Mountain Back Packing experience for junior high students
Yummy Opening Day Pancake Breakfast
Zoom… the last three months have zipped by!

Hold on tight as great learning adventures are ahead at
Millarville Community School!