Calgary man charged with kidnapping, drugging, and assaulting women on acreage near Chestermere
E-scooters will be operational in Chestermere by the summer.
Provincial government approves disappointing number of modular classrooms for Rocky View Schools
Published since 2000, The Chestermere Anchor News Magazine is a hyper-local digital publication that provides readers local news coverage, community and social events, information on local shopping, and contemporary coverage of arts and entertainment.
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The residents of Chestermere, Langdon, Conrich, Lyalta, and area are nothing like you’ve seen elsewhere in the region. Literate, Highly articulate, Politically aware, and Socially conscious. They are a group with a mind all their own.
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E-scooters will be operational in Chestermere by the summer.
By Emily Rogers
Chestermere residents will have a new mode of transportation throughout the city this summer.
City council is in the process of negotiating with Bird Canada to bring e-scooters to Chestermere.
“This program will offer residents of Chestermere a fun and environmentally conscience way to travel throughout the city this summer,” Legislative Administrator Kallen Morrison said.
He explained there are many benefits to offering e-scooters, such as having a fun and safe way for residents to commute throughout the city, resulting in fewer vehicles on the roads.
“It’s a very small financial responsibility to the city. The majority of the costs associated with the program are covered by Bird Canada, providing the scooters, repairing, and replacing,” Morrison said.
The city’s off-highway vehicle bylaw already permits the use of scooters within city limits. However, a potential concern for city administration is the age restrictions to operate the scooters.
The off-highway vehicle bylaw permits individuals 16 years of age to operate an e-scooter, but Bird Canada prohibits anyone under the age of 18 to operate their e-scooters, Morrison explained.
The top speed of the scooters is 25 km/h, however the scooters can be programmed to a lower top speed, to comply with city speed limits.
Bird Canada implements geo-fencing, creating an area where the scooters are operational, Morrison noted. The geo-fence prevents the scooters from going onto highways or major
intersections.
Users must download the Bird Canada app to ensure safety measures are followed, use the safe start feature, designed to prevent users who are under the influence to ride and wear a helmet attached to the scooter during each use. There’s no cost to bring the e-scooters to Chestermere, repair, or replace, as Bird Canada owns the scooters, however, the city could
develop marked parking sports for the scooters to avoid congestion resulting in potential costs.
“Bird Canada is responsible, and covers the cost of delivering and retrieving scooters,” Morrison said.
A City of Chestermere representative is expected to meet with Bird Canada monthly to discuss operations and possible concerns, Morrison said.
ACalgary man has been charged with kidnapping, drugging, and sexually assaulting women working in the sex trade on an acreage east of Chestermere.
In March, Calgary Police Services (CPS) began an investigation after allegations that a man was targeting women working in the sex trade in Calgary.
Between December 2021, and March 2023, three women were approached by a man in Forest Lawn, where they were allegedly drugged, and taken to a rural property where they were physically and sexually assaulted, a CPS press release said.
On April 6, with assistance from the RCMP, CPS executed a search warrant for the rural property on Vale View Road in Rocky View County. Officers took a tenant of the property into custody.
Richard Robert Mantha, 59, of Rocky View County was charged with 13 offences including kidnapping, forcible confinement, administering a noxious thing, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, uttering threats, pointing a firearm, outstanding warrants for sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm and failure to attend court.
Mantha appeared in court on April 12.
“Over the past several weeks, this investigation has evolved rapidly,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Shelby Stewart of the CPS District 4 General Investigations Unit. “We are grateful to the victims who have come forward and trusted us with this investigation and ask anyone else with information to contact police.”
The property search was completed on April 11, but CPS and RCMP are continuing to investigate, with the possibility of additional charges.
“These charges are very significant, they are serious charges, and serious allegations. The
investigators were very thorough, it was a large property. The evidence is what the evidence is. They went in looking for evidence around these crimes,” Calgary police Supt. Cliff O’Brien said in a news conference.
He added investigations are often like jigsaw puzzles. In this case, CPS received information along with partner agencies, who started putting all of the information together.
Throughout the multiday property search, police officers protected the scene while the forensic team and cadaver dog searched the property.
“The homeowners of the property have cooperated with the police, the accused was living on an outbuilding on the property,” O’Brien said. CPS have engaged resources to ensure all the victims have access to wrap-around support.
“Anytime a victim is confined it’s going to be traumatic. In a case like this, as you can tell from the charges, it’s probably just that much more traumatic for them,” O’Brien said.
He noted typically crimes committed against women working in the sex trade are underreported, because the victims don’t feel comfortable reporting to incident to the police or feel like they won’t be believed.
“As a result, they don’t come forward. Really, for these victims to come forward and talk to
us, they were very courageous, and we’re very appreciative that they did,” O’Brien said. “We encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to report it to their local police agency and want to remind victims that there is no statute of limitations on the reporting of a sexual assault in Canada,” the release said. Victims of sexual assault can reach out directly to resources, such as Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse, 211 Alberta, and the Alberta One-Line for Sexual Violence.
Anyone with information about the case, or who is looking to report a crime, can contact police by calling 403-266-1234.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or www. calgarycrimestoppers.org.
The school is on track to be ready for students by September 2024.
By Emily RogersThe provincial government has invested half of the allocated funds promised to food banks.
In November, Alberta’s government announced a $20 million investment over two years to support food banks and food security organizations. Since then, $10 million has been distributed to more than 200 organizations.
“After hearing from those representing food banks in Alberta, we knew our government needed to act. These grants are ensuring that food banks and other organizations big and small can carry out the incredible work they do. Our government is proud to be partnered with so many individuals dedicated to supporting those in need,” said Jeremy Nixon, Minister for Seniors, Community and Social Services.
“As we continue to see unprecedented demand for emergency food support, Albertans across the province are benefiting from the Government of Alberta’s investments into food security. It takes government, communities, organizations and individuals all coming together to fight hunger and its root causes,” said Melissa From,
president and CEO of the Calgary Food Bank.
In addition to the funding announcement, the provincial government also announced grant streams for food banks in November.
The Food Bank Grant was awarded to 109 food banks with $2.8 million in funding, 76 organizations were provided up to $50,000 through the Food Security Grant, and 113 organizations will be provided donation matching funds up to $50,000 through the Donation Matching Grant, a government of Alberta press release said.
Along with the grants, the provincial government is providing $510,000 to Food Banks Alberta. The funding will be used to provide training to food bank staff, develop an improved data system and enable bulk food purchases, the release said.
“Food Banks Alberta and organizations across the province are grateful for the support from Alberta’s government. We are encouraged by their actions to address food insecurity and the issues Albertans are facing today,” said Arianna Scott, CEO of Food Banks Alberta.
The Rocky View School (RVS) board of trustees is beginning stakeholder engagement on grade configuration for the new Langdon School.
“We’re looking at the spring. A lot of parents are excited to hear about RVS’ thoughts for the grade structure,” RVS director of operations Colette Winter said. “The grade structure for the school is still to be determined, with administration recommending proceeding with a stakeholder consultation.”
RVS administration proposed the stakeholder engagement session to be held at the Langdon School on May 2.
Delegations will be presented to trustees on May 25, with a final decision expected on June 15.
“As part of the stakeholder engagement, we would provide information, and talk about how we anticipate changes that might occur in that area that might affect the grade structure of some of the schools that feed into Chestermere High right now,” Winter said.
The stakeholder engagement process comes after the provincial government announced the design and construction of a new high school in Langdon by September 2024.
“RVS is looking forward to the opening of the doors as this will allow students residing in the community of Langdon and surrounding rural areas to attend the school and will relieve the accommodation pressures currently being felt at Chestermere High School,” the RVS report said.
Superintendent of Schools Greg Luterbach noted the stakeholder engagement session is a consistent process that RVS has utilized in the past.
“Given the situation, we think having one community meeting is appropriate,” he said.
Ward 2 RVS trustee and vice chair Shelley Kinley added that Langdon’s parents have expressed their concerns to her regarding the grade structure for the new school.
“I’m so pleased we’ll be able to do it this year. I know it’s a great concern for parents in the area, I’m pleased we’ll be able to do it this year and set their minds at ease,” Kinley said. “It’s highly anticipated, the opening of this school, it’s all really good news.”
The Bow Valley Flames community involvement won them the Giuseppe’s Practice with a Pro contest.
By Emily RogersThe U-15 Bow Valley Flames have been awarded a once-in-a-lifetime hockey experience, Giuseppe’s Practice with a Pro.
Hall of Famer and long-time Calgary Flame Jarome Iginla will join the Bow Valley Flames for their April 29 practice at the Chestermere recreation centre.
Albertans were encouraged to nominate their favourite youth hockey team for the Giuseppe’s Practice with a Pro contest between September 2022 and January 2023.
“The winning entry provided the opportunity to team up with one of hockey’s greatest teammates and an epic pizza party with their friends, family members, and members of the community,” a practice with a pro press release said.
The Bow Valley Flames were chosen to practice with a pro based on their community involvement. The team was out in the community helping wrap gifts, gathering toys for toy mountain, packing food bank boxes, sending time at seniors homes, and helping mentor a younger hockey team throughout the season.
“These boys had no idea they were even being entered into the consent. They did these things out of the goodness of their hearts, and that’s a lesson they will learn from this,” team manager Stephanie Shantz said.
Shantz is hopeful the team will not only learns new skills from Iginla, but also recognize the importance of community, and helping others when they can.
“These boys are capable, confident, strong, kind, respectful, and they can help. My philosophy as a parent and as a team manager is if we can
do something for someone that will make a difference, then we should do it,” Shantz said. “The players weren’t expecting a reward for the service and the time they put out into the community, but somebody saw what they were doing, and recognized that what they were doing was important.”
Shantz added, helping others in the community gives the players a sense of pride, while bettering themselves as individuals in society.
“The purpose behind it was to help our community, they truly had no idea they had been entered into the contest. There were no ulterior motives for any of the players,” Shantz said. “This is a reminder that there is a lot of good behind this sport.”
The Bow Valley Flames, coaching staff, and family members learned the team had been nominated and won the contest during their latest practice, after watching a video from Iginla.
“What is so impressive about this team is that they were unaware they were being nominated. They weren’t being good members of the community because they had a goal in mind. Rather, the commitment they have to their community is a true reflection of who they are and the character that is being instilled in them by their coaches and families,” said Shane Burleigh, assistant team coach.
“Jarome Iginla is actually my favourite player. I’ve loved him forever. I’m still in shock over getting to meet him,” a Bow Valley Flames player said. The Practice with a Pro campaign is designed to forge a strong relationship between Albertans through the love of hockey.
“There is nothing more grassroots, and connects people more than hockey,” the release said. “By the same token, there is no one more authentic to help bring this home than Alberta’s very own Jarome Iginla, so this is in every sense, a perfect match.”
The Bow Valley Flames won the Giuseppe’s Practice with a Pro contest for their volunteerism and community involvement throughout the hockey season.
Photo/Kelly Gleeson
he Rocky View Schools (RVS) board of trustees received disappointing news following a modular classroom request from the provincial government.
Every year, school divisions across the province review student accommodations, and request additional or relocated modular classroom units from Alberta Education.
RVS requested 32 modular units, with Alberta Education approving nine, and relocating one modular washroom.
Among the nine approved modulars are three units slated for Chestermere Lake Middle School.
“We have no confirmation as to when the units will arrive, or be ready to install,” Superintendent of Schools Greg Luterbach said.
Like previous years, RVS will receive the modulars, with the province paying 100 per cent of the costs to deliver and set up each unit. The province will also consider additional costs to support a connection link between the school and the modular.
“Though it is preferred to have modular classrooms attached to the core school, this is becoming rare, as RVS needs to add modular classrooms to schools that were not intended for this additional modular classroom capacity,” Luterbach said.
He explained the modular units are necessary for RVS due to continued enrolment growth, with 1,294 more students in the school division than last year.
All of the schools proposed for additional modular classrooms are expected to be above 100 per cent utilization.
RVS requested four modular units for Chestermere Lake Middle School, with an expected 118 per cent utilization rate by 2024 without the units, or 105 per cent with the units. Four units were also requested for Chestermere High with a 115 per cent utilization rate in 2023 without the units, or 105 per cent with the units.
“Prioritization and the number of requested
units are based on the expected accommodation changes, projected enrolments, and utilization numbers,” Luterbach said.
RVS administration will review the unit approvals and consider possible location alterations based on student accommodation pressures.
Ward 5 trustee Judi Hunter expressed her gratitude that RVS did receive some modulars to ease space pressures schools are facing.
“This is not just Rocky View, we’re not alone. Governments in general have dropped the ball when it comes to school builds, if there’s this kind of back log, it’s going to take a lot of time,” Hunter said. “I’m happy to see we did receive modulars, even though we heard modulars by large are hard to come by. Student growth was unanticipated and underfunded, we’re not alone in the demand.”
Ward 3 trustee Fred Burley explained that he is not disappointed in the news, but he’s angry. “We requested 750 spaces, we got 225. Growing at 1,000 students a year, this is nothing. Schools themselves are what we need, not modulars,” Burley said. “The fact they didn’t even come through, I blame the government. There are businesses out there that will make these but they’re not using them, they have selected clients, but there are other companies out there that make modulars that could do the job. I think it’s a joke what we got.”
Ward 3 trustee Todd Brand said although there are future schools in the construction queue, it’s meaningless without construction funding.
“The queue is meaningless and irrelevant, construction funding is all that’s viable, we didn’t get that, we should have at least got a full slate of modulars,” Brand said. “The message is they are not meeting the space needs of Rocky View students, yes it’s happening elsewhere in the province, that’s even more shameful on the provincial government.”
An established Chestermere author is switching storytelling genres, but diving into the horror romance realm.
“It’s about a vampire who falls in love with someone who is much more dangerous than she expected him to be,” Marius Pintea said.
Pintea is no stranger to writing horror short stories and poems but was inspired to write the horror romance Concubinus after his mother jokingly asked when he was going to write a romance story.
“Horror is not a new genre for me, but this is the first time I’ve written a novella that’s horror romance,”
Pintea said. “I personally enjoy the more romantic stories, and plays like Romeo and Juliet, and I was thinking about the kind of romance I like, instead of what other people are used to seeing.”
His original concept idea for Concubinus was about the reality of finding a significant other, and the expectations that coincide.
When writing, Pintea ran into challenges, like deciding which point of view he wanted to tell the story from, and finally deciding to tell the story by switching from both characters’ perspectives in each chapter.
For now, Concubinus is a one-anddone project for Pintea.
“I always go into a story with that mindset,” he said. “If I go into it with sequels in mind, I feel like I have to hold myself back.”
Before starting to write, Pintea spent time reading and watching horror romance stories.
“Because it’s a different genre, I had to study up a little bit, to figure out what makes this genre work,” Pintea said. “What keeps people wanting to read it, and why it’s appealing. I feel like I had to learn that before writing this book.”
Pintea read traditional folklore to tell a classic story, but in a new way that readers aren’t expecting.
“I read a lot of folklore, and romance stories through history,”
he added.
Pintea is hopeful that readers will be entertained by the story, but also get a bittersweet feeling at the end.
“When you meet your significant other, it’s not as simple as you think it is,” Pintea said. “It’s not all fairy tales and perfect happy endings, there are still trials to come.”
Going forward, Pintea is working on two other projects, and frequently updating his YouTube channel with book updates.
For updates, visit, https:// www.youtube.com/@ Ninaproductions2020/featured.
Concubinus is now available on Amazon, at https://www.amazon. ca/dp/B0C1HRWDZW/ref=mp_ s_a_1_7?qid=1680643887&refi nements=p_27%3AMarius+And rei+Pintea&s=digital-text&sr=17&text=Marius+Andrei+Pintea.
The Electric Highway Festival brought an eclectic mix of bands to Calgary for three packed days of music.
From March 23 until March 25, bands from British Columbia throughout the prairies returned to Dickens to celebrate music.
“Calgary’s Electric Highway Festival has wrapped up for 2023 and it was a resounding success according to festival organizers,” a festival press release said.
The release described the festival as a fully immersive experience that offers more than just music, but also art, and vendor exposition.
“Three days of killer bands, rad artists, and fuzzy vibes at Dickens in downtown Calgary,” the release said. “The 2023 edition of the festival focused on Desert Rock and Metal, Doom, Sludge, and Heavy Psych and had expanded to include some punk and hardcore bands as well.”
The festival featured California headliners Sasquatch, bringing their fuzzy, desert rock and heavy psych sound with support from Vancouver’s La Chinga.
Edmonton and Vancouver’s Black Mastiff returned to the festival with support from Calgary’s Gone Cosmic, Lethbridge’s HypnoPilot and Calgary’s Citizen Rage.
Additional bands include Space Queen, Tebby & the Heavy, The Basement Paintings, Owls & Eagles, Set & Stoned, Molten Lava, No More Moments, Father Moon, Musing, and The Astral Prophets.
The festival was one of the first large-scale events to be shut down at the beginning of the pandemic and after many months of health and travel restrictions, made a comeback to Calgary.
This year’s festival included bands that were set to play in the 2020 event. Without the support of a festival restart grant from Factor Canada, the festival wouldn’t have made a comeback this year.
“After the pandemic cancellation and financial losses, the boost has really allowed the festival to continue and move forward,” the release said.
On May 7, 2023, Strathmore is holding its Hike for Hospice event to raise much-needed funds for Hospice palliative care. This helps to improve end-of-life care in our community. The event is held at Kinsmen Park, and here is the agenda. 10: 00 am: Firetruck Pull
11:00 am: Registration and activities, including face painting & Wheatland Whirlers) Noon: Opening Ceremonies
12:30 pm: Walk, Run, Hike, Bike or, if you prefer, complete a walk or hike at your convenience! Up-to-date information can be found on the website www.wheatlandhospice.ca. or, if you prefer, donations and pledge sheets may be dropped off at Gray’s Ltd. in Strathmore. Ensure your full name, mailing address, and phone number are clearly marked on your envelope. Questions? Call 403-934-8199.
On that note, I would like to share some information about the ongoing work with Wheatland Housing and the anticipated lodge. Thank you to the Strathmore and Wheatland County municipalities for their work and advocacy to build this much-needed facility. There has been great consultation and conversation and so much fundraising. This is fundamental to having everyone onside to get this work done.
From Wheatland housing: Wheatland Housing Management Board (WHMB) has a credible history of fulfilling the provincial mandate given to municipalities to supply low-income housing for seniors for over 50 years. Wheatland Lodge was built in the 1960s. It is well cared for but needs to be updated in structure and design. Wheatland County is an area of economic and population growth, and future demographic projections demonstrate an urgent need for seniors housing. There are 4 phases until construction starts. We recently hired a Project Manager to keep things
moving, especially in directing the proposal to provincial and federal funding programs.
Please send letters to your councils to get letters of support from both Strathmore and Wheatland County for this project.
Here is what we know so far. Wheatland Housing Management Body (WHMB) requests provincial funding to support its proposed development of a seniors’ lodge in Strathmore.
Background:
On December 7, 2022, the government announced the release of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP), which brings together public, non-profit, and private sector partners to provide more affordable housing options where they are most needed.
Applications for the first round of funding were accepted from December 7 to January 11, 2023. Provincial funding under the program will be up to one-third of the project’s total capital cost in the form of capital grants or, where applicable, transfer of ownership of an Alberta Social Housing Corporation (ASHC) owned asset and/or long-term lease of an ASHC owned asset. WHMB is encouraged to review the parameters of the AHPP and apply for grant funding if the proposal is aligned with eligibility criteria.
On July 14, 2021, WHMB proposed developing a seniors’ project estimated at $63.5 million. The proposal included 165 seniors’ lodge units with support from supportive living levels two to four (SL2 to SL4), designated a supportive living level four dementia (DSL4D), six hospice care units, and three independent living units.
WHMB is requesting the province provide $23.4 million, approximately 50 percent of the estimated $46.8 million cost of the seniors’ lodge units.
The estimated $2.9 million cost of the hospice care units will be funded directly by the Wheatland and Area Hospice Society. It will not result in a capital or operational impact on the project or WHMB. WHMB has had discussions with the hospice board to provide services such as cleaning, laundry, and food services. The partnership between these two groups focuses on providing complete end-of-life support to community members.
The proposal, estimated at $13.8 million, to develop 33 independent living suites on the 5th floor as a “Life Lease” project is expected to generate a net positive cash flow to the project and effectively bring 33 private purchasers into the project as investors. In the summer of 2019, WHMB completed a detailed housing study that indicated the need for a 165-unit lodge. WHMB committed $580,000 to begin the design process with Berry Architecture + Associates. On August 26, 2022, WHMB informed ministry staff it had hired an outside consultant (Derek Weiss) with specific experience with the current funding/ financing programs for affordable housing to assist with delivering this project.
I appreciate the commitment and partnerships developed between the Town of Strathmore, Wheatland County, Wheatland County’s communities, and the WHMB.
All community members must be fully included in community life, and seniors’ housing needs to be in the heart of the community. This is demonstrated by the Town of Strathmore’s support and commitment by dedicating prime land for this project.
Wheatland County has indicated it would provide matching funds, equal to the value of land, to WHMB. This is fantastic news.
As always, we love to hear from you.
Welcome to Rainbow Falls Dental!
Family Dentist Chestermere
Rainbow Falls Dental is excited to introduce their brand new state of the art Dental practice to the town of Chestermere and surrounding area. Our dynamic team will strive to ensure you are comfortable and confident with the complete oral health care you are receiving and will continue to receive.
You’ll always leave a lasting impression with a bright and confident smile. At Rainbow Falls Dental, we want to help you claim and maintain a strong healthy smile to enjoy for your entire life.
Rainbow Falls Dental is a full-service clinic providing everything from routine check-ups & cleanings for your children, to the complex cosmetic and restorative dentistry sometimes needed.
Our team understands that there is often a sense of uneasiness and anxiety associated with dental visits. We strive to put these emotions at ease by creating a positive and relaxing experience. It is very important to establish a great foundation of trust with each and every patient and take the time to accommodate to the specific needs of the individual. Our entire team is dedicate to providing you with a comfortable, pleasant, and friendly experience.
We offer dental services for families and individuals of all ages. We are Unit 214 100 Rainbow Road, Chestermere, AB. We are right beside the No Frills.
Call Rainbow Falls Dental to set up an appointment!
The Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
Lures attract fish. Lures too, can attract birds, with the intentions of appreciation, digital capture and release. In our quest of drawing in a greater variety of winter birds in Brady Heights, contemplation was needed. Was sticking with Heinz Ketchup the best choice, or should one try French’s Ketchup every now and then? My thought process regarding suet cakes had moved in this very direction. Should I stick with manufactured suet cakes or turn our kitchen into a suet factory of sorts? Buying suet cakes and the accompanying wire suet cage was easy. Was it the healthiest choice, or could I manufacture the high energy food source for cold weather birds, using choice ingredients, all the while presenting it in more natural looking suet holders? Bring it on!
In searching for a suet receipe, I came upon the website “whoneedsacape.com” that provided a
solution for my challenge. All of the ingredients seemed to be very tasty in and of themselves, except the lard. These birds will get a treat! Simply called “Homemade Wild Bird Suet” on the website, the recipe was easy to assemble and execute. Using a 1/2 cup of lard, 2 cups of oats, 2 cups of chunky peanut butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of raisins and 1 cup of wild bird seed, I had the ingredients ready to blend. Using a larger pot, I combined the lard, oats, peanut butter and sugar, heating the mix to a low boil. This was followed by putting the stove on simmer, letting the magic mixture thicken. I added in the raisins, stirring those into the brew. Once the pot was off of the stove, I tossed in the wild bird seed, mixing it well. Normally, the mixture is tossed into a freezer to harden, then cut into suet cakes as desired or it can be poured
into the plastic packages of store bought suet. After hardening the mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes, it was ready for use.
Having found birch tree deadfall branches, I drilled holes into the birch using a large drill bit and enlarging it as I saw fit. With the heavier birch log, I inserted a larger hook, and smaller hooks into the lighter branch lengths. With holes drilled, it was then simply a matter of stuffing each hole with my homemade suet. Once hung using the hooks, strategically pf course in the front and backyard for photography purposes, it was a joy waiting for a potpourri of birds to enjoy the concoction. Chickadees, flickers, sparrows and three kinds of woodpeckers adorned the new suet sources and the camera shutter clicked! Sensational, seasonal suet success was ours!
on their crisis line 24/7 at 403-775-CWCS (2927). They are also looking for volunteers to help on the crisis line and grant writing. Unfortunately, there is a need for this service in our community and it is important for residents to know help is available.
The Chestermere Foodbank are also having their AGM on April 17th at Dunn & Company. Must be that time of year! They have a few events coming up that need your support. On May 19th they are planning a Fill the Fire Truck event at No Frills. Keep an eye out for the specific details. As always, any and all support of the Foodbank is welcome.
There is some great programming going on at the Chestermere Public Library. Chestermere Community Support Resource Fair is there April 27th and May 25th. It’s an opportunity to learn about a variety of free community supports that are available. It runs from 10am – 12pm so be sure to stop by.
Well – spring has sprung! At least we hope there isn’t a surprise winter blast, after all, we do live in Alberta. I have to say it has been wonderful to see people out and about. Chatting and catching up and seeing smiles! While everyone has to do what is comfortable for them personally, seeing smiles and facial expressions rather than it being concealed by a mask makes my heart warm. Engagement and interaction with your friends and neighbours and being social again really does make our Community an amazing place.
OACC is looking to fill the Vice-Chair position on our Board. Your commitment would be to work with the Coalition members in meeting the needs identified by the members. As a stakeholder you must reside or work within the geographical boundaries of Chestermere and surrounding areas. The Vice Chair role works closely with the two Co-Chairs and Secretary to organize and coordinate all projects and meetings. It is a twoyear term. If you are interested, please contact Joanne, Shannon, or Betty (see contact information below).
Some updates from around the community and our not-for-profit partners…..
Check out the Whitecappers website at http://whitecappers.ca/ for their monthly calendar and newsletter OR you can stop by and pick copies up at their location on the south end of the Rec Centre at 201B Chestermere Drive. Their AGM is scheduled for May 30th for anyone interested in joining their board or attending.
The Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society continue to provide assistance to clients in need. Whether it be basic needs or domestic violence issues, they are there to help residents in any way they can. They can be reached
So if you are a history buff, you might want to stop by the Chestermere Historical Foundation event happening on Tuesday, April 18th at 2:00pm. The topic is Horses & Mules in WWI. It will be presented at the Whitecappers premises at 201 W Chestermere Drive. It is free admission and should be an interesting presentation (full disclosure – my daughter Samantha is presenting). If you want to know more about the historical programs and upcoming events that the Historical Foundation are hosting, check out their website at www.chestermerehistoricalfoundation.org.
Did you know that the Chestermere Community Support Services (CSS) has a program that supports individuals and families to meet their daily needs? The Community Access Program or CAP supports Chestermere residents in accessing multiple, subsidized resources. While there are some eligibility requirements, the program helps you access subsidies to various programs throughout the City. To apply, you must provide proof of Chestermere residency, ID for each household member and proof of income. For more information, reach out to CSS at 403-207-7079 or email them at cssinfo@chestermere.ca.
With the warm weather quickly approaching, it is a great time of year to have some neighbour or family fun time. The City of Chestermere has a Block Party based program designed to build connection and community. So, gather your neighbours or family and have cookoff or BBQ with the help of the City. Each kit includes cookware, dishes, utensils and recipe books to use, along with a gift card to help purchase some of the ingredients. Check it out by contacting Craig at 403-7050 ext. 7094 or email him at cmcleod@chestermere.ca. It’s a great way to have some fun!
Mark you calendar! Senior’s Week this year is June 5 through June 11. There is a committee of non-profit organizations working with the City to build a calendar of events for the week. While in the early planning stages, we expect there will be something scheduled every day to celebrate the Older Adults in our community. As things get firmed up, watch our article and listen to our segment on The Rogue radio station for more details!
Chestermere Senior Services & South Asian Seniors Social Outreach is having meeting groups at Lakeshore Manor. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Kiran Randhawa at 403-472-1490 or
kiranran786@gmail.com. There is a men’s group as well as a women’s group. All are welcome!
Finally, a reminder about the Chestermere Conversation Café. As previously mentioned, this group is intended to support caregivers and family members of those working with Dementia or memory loss. Regardless of where you or your family member is in the dementia journey, it is a casual conversation setting offering peer support. Family members and dementia patients are welcome to join in. Future meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of every month from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). You can contact Don at 403-473-1564 or check out the link for more information: https:// dementianetworkcalgary.ca/event/ new-chestermere-conversationcafe-in-person/
Happy April from your local CRPCN (Calgary Rural Primary Care Network). It is energizing to enter Spring and uplifting to have longer days ahead. Updates from the clinic include a reminder to get your vaccine boosters when advised.
Check with your family doctor or nurse practitioner or prescribing pharmacist for the next eligibility. Don’t forget about Shingles and Pneumonia vaccines as well! There are come online courses coming up on www.crpcn.ca. Staring April 26th, Craving Change will launch online. It is a 3-week series focusing on why you eat what you do. As you become more aware of your personal eating triggers, you will be able to control your food cravings and change your problematic eating behaviours. This is a cognitive-behavioural approach that encourages you to consider how your thoughts, emotions and behaviours all interact. The workshop is once a week for 3 weeks. It is a free course, so check it out online and register.
Have a wonderful Easter with your family and friends. Stay well!
Join the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere
Are you an older adult? Do you live or work in Chestermere or the immediate surrounding area? Do you want to engage and/or volunteer in the community with similar residents? Do you have
family that fits this demographic that you care for or have living in Chestermere? Did you know that as a business or organization that has an interest in providing services or programs for our older adults you are more than welcome to be a member of OACC? We welcome adult children of older adults, caregivers, educators, agencies, service organizations, funders, community partners and the community at large. The common goal is to work for the betterment of older adults in our community. Please join us at our next monthly meeting! We meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
OACC – Upcoming Meeting Dates –Wednesday, April 19 & Wednesday, May 17 at 1:30PM – 3:30PM Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). While walkins are welcome to our meetings, RSVPs are appreciated. Please email Joanne jumpmaster2@ shaw.ca or Betty illingw8@telus. net or Shannon shannon.fetterly@ lakeshoremanor.ca.
The OACC welcomes community businesses, organizations, and service providers to join our meetings as a guest speaker. If you are interested, please reach out to Joanne, Betty, or Shannon.
The Chestermere Older Adults’ Resource Handbooks (2023) are available at the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere meetings. They are also available at the Chestermere Library, Whitecappers Association, Lakeshore Manor, and Synergy as well as medical offices and pharmacies throughout the City. Please pick yours up or take one for a neighbour. You can also access these Handbooks by contacting the City of Chestermere at 403-207- 7079 or online at https://www.chestermere.ca/ DocumentCenter/View/20176/ Chestermere-Older-AdultsResource-Handbook-2023
Lakeshore Manor also provides a wide variety of resources and information for Older Adults within our community. They can be contacted at 587-349-7444 or online at https://lakeshoremanor.ca
Chestermere Community Services
The City of Chestermere website also has some great resources for older adults and seniors programming, events, and information! https://www. chestermere.ca/658/Programs-forSeniors
Buildings For Sale
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Coming Events
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items for Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us @ sales@switzersauction. com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.
Employment Wanted
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-2826903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.
Feed and Seed
CERTIFIED SEED. - WHEAT – AAC Goodwin, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC SO1 Super Oat. BARLEY – AB. Standswell, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609.
WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. “On Farm Pickup”. Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.
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FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
For Sale
WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $125-175. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.
Health
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.
Miscellaneous
GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna. com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.
Services
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf. com.
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
Wanted
BUYING LARGE AMOUNTS OF COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS! Purchasing ENTIRE COLLECTIONS & accumulations. Also buying bullion, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, gold, silver, platinum, estate collections +++ Todd 250-864-3521. nd more. Sign up by visiting our website at chestermerepubliclibrary.com
Library Hours:
Monday through Thursday – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday and Saturday – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday – 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
For more information about what is happening at the Library, check our website. Don’t forget to follow and like us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Tune in to our new radio chat show: 50+ Shades of Gray with Sharron where we talk about all subjects related to mature living
Starting April 13, With CFTR The Rogue, Chestermere Radio
Your Host Sharron Matthewman (The Brit)
Every Thursday at 10:00 – 11:00am
Join Sharron for an hour of lively conversations, entertaining stories, and expert advice on topics that matter to you. From health and wellness to travel and hobbies, we’ve got you covered.
Our experienced host and her guest experts will share their insights and expertise on a variety of issues affecting seniors today. We’ll also feature music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and beyond, so you can sit back and reminisce with your favourite tunes.
Whether you’re tuning in from home, on the go, or in the car, 50 + Shades of Gray is the perfect companion for your day. So mark your calendars and join Sharron for an informative and entertaining hour of radio just for you.
Text, call, or email to ask questions on everything that you need to know and want to know about healthy ageing. Guest speakers and more. Please let me know of topics of interest. Let’s keep connected, all shades of GRAY welcome.
50+ Shades of Gray , airing every Thursday at 10:30 am on Chestermere’s Best Radio. Don’t miss it!
January 2022
• Concerns of Chestermere’s governance expressed to municipal affairs
• Former and current city staff, former and current city councillors, and citizens expressed their concerns of Chestermere’s governance to municipal affairs.
• The previous Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver, received letters, phone calls, and emails, sharing concerns until March 2022.
February 2022
City employees begin the unionization process
• Chestermere city employees began the process of applying to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), to protect their rights.
• Communications Representative of CUPE Lou Arab confirmed to Anchor Media that the unionization application was submitted on Jan 26, 2022.
• “They signed all their cards within two weeks of the application. Our union drive was conducted entirely in the month of January 2022,” Arab said.
• Chestermere employees began the process of joining CUPE for better treatment from their employers, and respect for the services they provide.
• The union would add a layer of protection between city staff and the employer and outline how things must be done within the employment contract, such as laying staff off and negotiating pay and other benefits.
• Every staff member that fell within the scope of the union was asked to send in a ballot, and with 50 per cent or more of votes in favour to join the union, negotiations proceeded.
employees
• CUPE began a membership drive among Chestermere city employees.
• Cheryl Oates, a Communications Representative of CUPE confirmed to Anchor Media that the petition was completed with enough signatures to apply to the Alberta Labour Relations Board for certification.
• The voting ballots were submitted to the board, sealed, and waited for the result of objections from the employer and the union.
• The hearing was scheduled for May 25 until May 27, 2022.
March 2022
• The city received a letter from McIver informing them that department officials would review the municipality to have a better understanding of issues and determine if further intervention was necessary, and if further action was required.
• Municipal affairs ordered a formal inspection of Chestermere’s municipal governance, after completing a preliminary review.
• An independent contractor was appointed to carry out the inspection to determine whether any legislative contraventions or improper conduct had occurred, Municipal Affairs Press Secretary Scott Johnston said.
• The inspection report addressed issues such as members of council acting alone and outside of a council resolution, members of council performing administrative functions and duties, code of conduct infractions, improper council meeting procedures and conduct, and the sale of municipal property not in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
• “The inspection process is designed to ensure objectivity and procedural fairness, while also ensuring that all allegations are given appropriate
consideration,” Johnston said.
• The process typically takes between six to 18 months to complete.
• The City of Chestermere welcomed the municipal affairs inspection and agreed to begin the inspection in the last week of May.
• Council was hopeful that the inspection would be completed quickly, and would help in any way necessary, and later share the inspection findings with residents.
• City representatives said they had refuting information on when the first city employee application to unionize was submitted.
• They indicated the first application was submitted before the last municipal election, not in January 2022. However, appropriate documents could not be submitted, due to confidentially concerns.
• Arab explained that the evidence must be signed within 90 days of the union application, and 50 per cent or more of the votes had to be in favour of the union to proceed with negotiations.
City workers unionize
• City of Chestermere employees voted to join CUPE.
• CUPE Alberta President Rory Gill welcomed Chestermere city employees into CUPE after the majority voted in favour of certification.
July 2022
City employees move forward with CUPE
• CUPE began work with Chestermere city employees to negotiate a union agreement.
• After city employees were approved to join CUPE, the Alberta Labour Relations Board conducted a vote of all eligible employees.
• If over 50 per cent of eligible employees voted to unionize, the board would become the official bargaining agent for all employees.
• Representatives organized by the union then serve on the bargaining committee, ask members about their concerns, and prepare proposals for a first collective agreement.
• CUPE expected the city to also prepare proposals.
• Bargaining a first contract can be a slow process, taking over a year to finalize.
• When both sides have completed negotiations and come to a full agreement, the union will present the deal to members for vote.
• Throughout the process, city employees have a codified condition of employment, work rules, and can file any grievances that are backed up by union representatives if they feel the city is not following the set conditions or rules.
September 2022
Municipal affairs reviews Chestermere’s governance inspection report
• The inspection report into Chestermere’s governance was submitted to municipal affairs for review.
• Municipal affairs was set to give Chestermere council an embargoed copy of the inspection report for review and comment.
• Based on the report and councils’ response, the minister would then determine the next steps.
November 2022
City reviews municipal inspection report
• Municipal affairs shared an embargoed copy of the inspection report with city council for review and comment.
• City council had until Dec. 9, to provide any feedback to the newly appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, Rebecca Schulz.
• Based on the responses from city council regarding the report, Schulz will determine the next steps.
• After considering input from council, municipal affairs will share the report with Chestermere residents through a public meeting.
• Until the public meeting, municipal affairs couldn’t comment on the contents of the inspection report.
• An inspection report is used to identify significant concerns with the governance, management and administration of a municipality, and to take corrective actions if necessary.
• Although an inspection report does not result in the dismissal of members of council, or a municipal Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), under specific conditions of the MGA the Minister of Municipal Affairs could take action to dismiss council members or a CAO.
Wallace with assault.
• Wallace was released on conditions and will appear in provincial court in March.
February 2023
KPMG requests city correct misleading information
• KPMG issued a letter to the City of Chestermere requesting misleading information be removed from the city website.
• The letter, dated for Feb. 21, explained that the city’s website indicates KPMG completed the 2021 audit.
• However, KPMG resigned from the city’s audit committee.
• “As a result of our resignation, we did not complete an audit of the city’s 2021 financial statements,” the letter said.
• The City of Chestermere rejected the embargoed copy of the municipal affairs inspection report, due to a “Lack of evidence and a flawed process.”
• Council called a special meeting where Mayor Jeff Colvin and city councillors Mel Foat, Stephen Hanley, and Blaine Funk passed a resolution rejecting and opposing the draft report.
• City Councillors Shannon Dean and Sandy Johal-Watt opposed the motion but were defeated by a majority vote.
• Councillor Ritesh Narayan was not present for the entire meeting and did not vote.
• The city-run website Chestermere Today suggested municipal affairs rescind or redo the report, and that the draft report was biased against the city.
• The city declined to respond to the draft report based on “Breaches to the principles of Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness.”
• Municipal affairs was made aware of the inspection report rejection, and continues to uphold the process under the MGA, and will review the city’s feedback.
• The ministry has yet to release the findings of the draft report publicly.
• Chestermere residents can expect to receive an update from municipal affairs in early 2023.
January 2023
City rejects municipal affairs draft inspection report, again
• City council disallowed the Dec. 9, special meeting rejecting the municipal affairs draft inspection report, due to a time stamp issue.
• Kim Wallace, the City Director of Corporate Services presented the city’s official response to the draft inspection report.
• Wallace explained the city’s refusal of the report was due to breaches of the Public Inquiries Act, breaches to Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness, and a lack of evidence.
• The city’s response indicated sections of the Public Inquiries Act were not followed, including evidence, attendance of witnesses, admissibility of evidence, the right to call witnesses, and notice of an allegation of misconduct.
• A motion was carried authorizing Colvin to write a letter to Schulz requesting to meet, with Colvin, the deputy mayor, and chosen councillors.
City director charged with assault
• Chestermere’s city director of corporate services was arrested and charged with assault.
• The Chestermere RCMP were made aware of an assault at city hall.
• Following an investigation into allegation, RCMP arrested and charged Kim
• KPMG requested that the city remove the information indicating they completed the 2021 audit from the city’s website and issue a statement expressing that the city’s financial statements for 2021 have not been audited by KPMG.
• KPMG also requested the city provide a written confirmation from city council that no parties were directly advised by the city that KPMG had completed the 2021 audit.
• The City of Chestermere was unavailable for comment.
• KPMG declined to comment.
• Chestermere City Council and administration were given 12 directives to return to good governance.
• The directives issued following the inspection report include reviewing and implementing the recommendations from the report, reviewing the procedural bylaw, developing a strategic plan and a timeline for completing the 2021 audit, and appointing an independent third party to handle all complaints.
• Councillors have also been directed to discontinue performing CAO duties, and report back to Schulz by-monthly on the progress made.
• “If the city implements these directives as they are required to, Chestermere will be in a better position to return to effective decision-making,” Schulz said. “My hope is to have a respectful and collaborative council with open and transparent processes that align with legislative requirements.”
• Chestermere city director of corporate services, Kim Wallace plead not guilty to assault charges from January at Strathmore Provincial Court.
• “I am innocent of the charge brought against me and I look forward to being able to clear my good name in court, before a judge, who will hear all the facts of the case. I have plead not guilty and a wait for the court date to be announced,” Wallace said in a statement to Anchor Media.
• City council began to tackle the directives issued by municipal affairs, based on the findings of the inspection report.
• The CAOs were directed to create a report of all code of conduct complaints, conduct the procurement of an independent third party with municipal governance experience, develop protocols for council conflict, develop a strategic plan, hire an audit firm, and list all municipal land sales.
Welcome to this week’s a minute with Michelle and the market update for Langdon, Chestermere and Strathmore for April 1st to April 8, 2023
For available properties in Langdon we have 11 available all are detached homes and of those 8 of those are new builds priced from 689900 for a new 2 storey in hanson park up to a beautiful bungalow backing onto the boulder creek golf course priced at 984,900 for properties that are conditional sold there are 8 ranging from a condo bungalow listed at 384900 up to 824650 for a new build in boulder creek of the pending sales 2 are new builds
What’s sold in langdon in the past week? we had no firm sales in langdon in the past week.
The market in Strathmore continues at a strong and steady pace with 35 active listings priced from 124,900 for a 500 square foot apartment up to 1.5 million for a walk out bungalow in hillcrest manor estates
Conditional solds include 13 properties including an apartment listed at 172900 up to 840,000 for a large two storey in wildrose
For sales in strathmore there were 9 properties sold starting at 239900 for an apartment on westmount up to 563000 for a detached bi-level which sold for 563000
And then for Chestermere and area there are 76 available properties starting at 227500 for a 2 bedroom apartment in the complex behind the safeway to 3.49 million for a large lakefront home.
There are a whopping 25 pending sales in Chestermere right now from a townhouse condo listed for 320 behind the shoppers drug mart up to 1.050 for acerage just outside the city.
there were 18 properties sold in chestermere from 245 for a 2 bedroom apartment behind the saleway up to 998 for a large 2 storey in kinniburgh.
of the listings in chestermere 22 of the 76 are new builds
Thank you for your time and I hoped you enjoyed this edition of a Minute with Michelle and your market update for langdon, strathmore and Chestermere
April 21 – June 25, 2023
9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970’s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy & Daralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down.
Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
with Hana Shaw
Art, for many people, has provided not only an outlet of expression, but a method of educating others about the true complexity of the human spirit. For Emmeline Keeling, a Strathmore teacher and children’s book writer, art can be used to express the inherent beauty in nature and human emotion. By synthesizing the two, and intertwining symbols that represent both sentiments and the natural world, she has created several unique masterpieces.
Although you may recall from the previous week that I mentioned discussing the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, I recently read this article and was astonished by this local artist’s talent and found it more than worthy of attention. Also, it is crucial to discuss local achievements as well as national and international contributions to the arts, as our small community has much to offer regarding the preservation and development of the arts.
Kneeling is the creator of “Petals and Promises”, depicted above. This
illustration perfectly portrays Kneeling’s initial source of inspiration, which comes from “(Nature) is beautiful, and it’s everywhere around us, and I’ll just be going for a walk and I see something, even if it’s small and it just inspires me to create a piece about it.”
Apart from being inspired by the natural beauty of her environment, Kneeling is also motivated a great deal by her own imagination. Often, these creative images are thought of moments before or even during her sleep, and contribute to the dream-like quality of most of her works. Not only does Kneeling use the beauty of the natural environment to express herself, but in this work she uses it as a symbol to allude to a greater meaning when it’s interpreted as a whole rather than just by its individual components. The thorns that appear to be wrapped around the girl’s chest and neck represent that pain that one may feel from traumatic experiences. As the viewer moves their gaze upwards, they notice that despite the traumatic experiences, she has managed to fully blossom into a magnificent flower.
“She’s become the rise, she’s accepted the pain and then she’s grown into it if that makes sense. She’s grown on from the pain, she’s moved on,” says Kneeling as she explains the intricate meaning of each symbol.
Furthermore, as I came upon Kneeling’s work I was inspired, as I believe that we can all somehow relate to this work and the underlying meaning behind it. Experiences, whether positive or negative, provide every individual with a foundation on which they firmly establish their thoughts, opinions, and outlook towards life. It is necessary for us as humans to avoid using our trauma, our unfavourable upbringings as a crutch, but rather as a tool and a crucial source for growth that is required for one to reach their fullest potential.
Join me again next week, as I will then be describing the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. I was recently informed that this museum is the location where the greatest art heist in Canadian history took place in 1972. I will be describing this next week along with all the nitty-gritty details of the museum itself and how it furnishedthis truly astonishing event.
As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, comments, or writing opportunities please do not hesitate to contact me at hana.chestermere@ gmail.com .
My wife lived in Africa for a time and she learned that when she would walk up to a neighbour’s home, it was courteous to let the neighbour who lived in the hut know that she was coming. Without a phone to call ahead, or a doorbell, it was common to clap loudly. A few claps and a ‘hellooo!” would often be met with a greeting and a warm welcome. Our communities are built on good manners. We wave and smile, ask about the weather, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. We act with these behaviours because we believe that if we do, we will find peace between us. This barrier of smalltalk and polite words protect us from each other, even on bad days we hold open a door for another. We work to make sure others are not hurt by our rough edges and crassness, and so we put on a half-smile and offer our place in line at Tim Hortons to another.
Courtesy and politeness are, in many ways, vital to a community. On the days when we do not feel like being a good neighbour, at least we can fall back on the fact that we did not hurt anyone with our words or actions. We were polite. I recently met some Americans who laughed when they heard our group of Canadians say ‘sorry’ to each other. They were amazed that the rumours were true, Canadians are truly polite and apologetic. In some ways this is our way to get along. A frequent and well-placed ‘sorry’ smooths over our relationships, or at least ensures we can pass each other peaceably.
Polite manners, however, reveal a challenging truth about our communities. We may have a veneer of courtesy, but below the surface
we may not actually care about each other. In one moment we can offer a polite gesture, and in the next we speak cruelly about another. Courteous words do not easily make kind hearts, a brief reflection on our recent interactions may reveal that we do not care well, even if our words try to cover up our true intentions.
Instead of working to be polite and courteous, we may find hope in another way. Compassion is a way to live among others. It literally means, “to suffer with.” It is the idea that we do not pass by, but stop and join others where they are. Compassion invites us to do something uncomfortable and relate to another person. This relating often results in kindness, and attentive care, but starts from another place. It means knowing someone’s name, appreciating who they are, and where they come from. It is not in thinly veiled polite words that lives are changed, but in ‘joining-with’ others that we become fully human. While courtesy is certainly something we should maintain, it pales in comparison and simply points to the kind of responses that come out of our compassion for others. Compassion and mercy for others changes us and transforms how we connect with others. When we experience compassion ourselves, we can enter our neighbourhoods with compassion for others.
In an era when we long for a better life, we may want to experiment with a new way to live among others. Mercy and compassion do not feel like the path to the Good Life because it is hard and complex. However there may be a new kind of freedom found between us and our community as we do.
By Marilyn King
April marks volunteer appreciation week for many organizations in Canada. Community Therapy Dogs Society owes it’s success to over two hundred volunteers, some twolegged and some four-legged.
On a regular basis these dog and handler teams are making a difference in the lives of so many people, in hospitals, seniors homes, schools and libraries. Canine therapy helps to brighten someone’s day, eases stress, and comforts people when dealing with loneliness or loss. It often helps children, dealing with emotional and behavioural issues, improve academic engagement, and improve reading literacy.
CTDS, having began it’s life in Chestermere in 2013, now extends to many areas of Rocky View, Wheatland County, Calgary and more. So, if you meet up with one of our volunteers please be sure to give them a belly rub or pet and if they are human, say thanks! If you have a family pup that you think might make a great therapy dog, we would love to hear from you. Fill out the application form on the website and our volunteer coordinator will contact you to let you know the next step. You can see many of our dogs on the website at www.ctds.ca but here are some of the Chestermere/Langdon locals.
I was hosting a dinner party for the usual suspects last week, and was searching the cellar for a nice white wine to pair with the garlic shrimp appetizers. After sifting through a variety of dull and dreary Chardonnays, I came upon a bottle of Marsanne that I picked up last year on my annual pilgrimage to Okanagan wine country.
For those not familiar with the varietal, Marsanne is a white grape from the famed Rhône region of France, which has been producing wine since 600 BCE. Dozens of grape varietals are planted in the Rhône region, with Grenache being the most popular red in the southern part of the valley, while Marsanne is the most popular white planting in the cooler northern section of the Rhône.
Marsanne is commonly blended with Roussanne and/or Viognier grapes to produce a more balanced wine, and will produce a deeply golden white wine, with plenty of pear and spice on the tongue, followed by a rich and nutty finish. Its slightly oily texture lets it pair well with food, coating your taste buds for extended savouring. Fortunately, Marsanne tends to thrive in the same climes as its companion wines of Roussanne and Viognier, with Marsanne ripening slightly later in the season.
While the ancestral home of Marsanne lies in the Rhône Valley of France, and is still home to the majority of plantings worldwide, the grape has thrived in other climes, most successfully in California and Australia, and we even have plantings of Marsanne right here in Canada, especially in the southern region of the Okanagan Valley near Osoyoos, the hottest and driest part of Canada’s wine country.
Marsanne thrives in dry and rocky soils, so the desertlike climate in the southern part of the Okanagan Valley produces shining examples. Canadian vineyards tend to blend Marsanne with a bit of Roussanne to add some herbal notes, and possibly even a bit of Viognier to provide a silky finish.
Faithful readers may recall me waxing poetic about Terravista Vineyards, a small hobby winery started by the Tennant family, a rockstar husband/wife pair that went into semiretirement after selling their famed Black Hills Estate Winery in 2007 to an investment group that included 90s heartthrob Jason Priestly of 90210 fame.
The Black Hills Estate Winery had a cultlike following in the early years of the new millennium, with their Bordeaux-styled Note Bene selling out immediately after each release, so the wine lovers of the Okanagan watched and waited for the Tennant family to get bored of retirement and open another winery, and were rewarded with Bob and Senka Tennant opened Terravista Vineyards in 2008.
The Terravista Figaro uses the time-tested blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier to produce an off-dry white wine with notes of nectarine and almond, with a silky lemon meringue finish. I visit the small vineyard on the Naramata Bench just outside of Penticton every year or two, and always bring home a case of their small-batch white wines lovingly produced by luminaries of the BC wine industry.
Church & State is another Okanagan Vineyard that produces a single-varietal Marsanne, as
well as bends of Marsanne with Rousanne and Viognier. The single-varietal bottling of Marsanne leads with aromas of apricot and honeycomb on the nose, followed by subtle notes of orange peel and almond on the palate, and a very dry finish. I like to pair this wine with seafood dishes, or with the salad course at a dinner party.
My favourite domestic example comes from the Moon Curser Vineyard, located just outside of Osoyoos, where they produce a Marsanne blended with Rousanne in the classic Rhône style.
Moon Curser Vineyards opened their doors in 2006, and specialize in unique European grape varietals that are rarely found in Canada, with Marsanne, Tannat, Dolcetto, and Touriga Nacional being some of their best sellers. Being located in a hot and dry region of the Okanagan, the majority of the plantings at Moon Curser are big and bold reds, with the Petit Verdot and Tempranillo being my favourites. Fortunately, they have small but well-curated plantings of all the popular white grapes, with the less-common Marsanne growing in popularity every year. Skip that boring old Chardonnay at your local wine shop, and take home a Marsanne today!
100 Women Who Care (or 100 Men/People/Kids Who Care) groups are making a difference in their communities around the world by strengthening and growing the giving circle movement.
100 Women Who Care
100 Women Who Care Chestermere launched in mid-October 2021, and the first giving circle meeting was held on February 3, 2022. At that meeting, $3,100 was donated to the Community Therapy Dogs Society.
100 Women Who Care Chestermere is a group of local women who care about the Chestermere community and want to make a big impact within the community, but don’t necessarily have the time to commit to helping make that impact. Members commit to four one-hour meetings a year and donate $100 to a local charity or not for profit organization voted on by the members at each meeting. The next meeting is Thursday, November 3, 2022. If you would like to join and help make a huge impact in the community, please visit our website chestermere100.ca.
When: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: • Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere RSVP: • jumpmaster2@shaw.ca • illingw8@telus.net
Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated
Chestermere Lions Club
Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm Meetings are currently by zoom. Checkout our facebook page for more information,
Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am
Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079
1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road
Camp Chestermere Camp Chestermere is OPEN for Day Care, Rentals, and Community Events! We’ve even opened up registration for Summer 2021 Day and Overnight Camps! We are constantly reviewing and updating our policies to fall in line with current COVID protocols. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you and your needs. More at www.campchestermere.com
The Chestermere Fine Art Guild
The Chestermere Fine Art Guild meets every Thursday at 1pm, at the Recreation Centre North side, upstairs in room 2. Come and explore your artistic potential. Welcoming new members beginner to advanced. Like us on Facebook and email chestermereartguild@gmail.com
Lakeside Quilters’ Guild Meeting each month at the Chestermere Recreation Centre on the first Wednesday of each month. Sew days are on the third Wednesday of each month and a sew Saturday each month, including summer. Quilting experience not required, new members welcome. For more information please contact Joyce at 403-383-1940.
St. Gabriel's the Archangel Parish
Catholics in Chestermere: Weekend masses are now open for public celebration without seating restrictions at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School (197 Invermere Dr.). There is no longer advanced registration required to attend mass (Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am, and 10:30 am), but please stay home if you feel sick that day. For more information please call 403-455-0196
The Rotary Club Of Chestermere
Holds virtual meetings via Zoom on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 5:00pm and hosts in-person “Socials” at local venues on the last Wednesday of the month.
Guests are warmly welcomed to “Zoom in” to our virtual meeting or join us for some social time when they can!
Please email us for more information at: rotarychestermere@gmail.com
Check out our website at: www.rotarychestermere.org
April
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Miscellaneous
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Services
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