Chestermere’s city director of corporate services and former chief of staff Kim Wallace was arrested and is now facing the formal charge of assault.
When approached by another media source, Wallace indicated that the allegations are “very, very false.”
On Jan. 26, the Chestermere RCMP was made aware of an assault that occurred at city hall. On Feb. 1, after an investigation into the allegation, RCMP arrested and charged Wallace, 56, of Calgary.
Wallace was released on conditions for Strathmore Provincial Court in March March 3rd.
Mayor Jeff Colvin denied this incident took place in an interview with Calgary’s CTV News , calling it a wild goose chase for the media that was exaggerated and propagated by people with their own political agendas. Colvin did not mention who those “people” might be.
Colvin went on to say “The city takes very seriously its commitment to a safe and respectful workplace,” the mayor said in an emailed statement Thursday, adding the city will hire an independent third party to further probe the matter. Colvin had previously called the assault claim an unfounded political attack.
Multiple Chestermere employees have made anonymous calls to the Chestermere Anchor over the past year of complaining of harassment and bullying at city hall, among other allegations of poor working conditions. Staff successfully unionized last May following the firing and resignation of several employees and heads of multiple departments.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees confirmed Wallace is the city’s chief labour negotiator in ongoing collective bargaining agreement talks. Spokesman Lou Arab said the union is awaiting word from the city as to whether Wallace will continue in that role.
Wallace is one of the city’s three chief administrative officers. The current council split the typically solitary CAO position into three roles.
After working on Mayor Jeff Colvin’s campaign in 2021, Wallace came to the city roughly a year ago as the manager of the communications department before being shifted to chief of staff and then to director of corporate in a matter of months. Her company, Oliver Spence Creative, which is operated by her husband, was contracted to the city to provide IT services last year.
Wallace reports directly to Mayor Colvin and council.
Anyone interested in joining the choral group is encouraged to visit the information session on Feb. 9.
By Emily RogersAlocal choral group, the Chestermere Soundwaves are calling for new members.
Since 2008, the Soundwaves have performed at local events sponsored by the City of Chestermere, the rec centre, senior’s homes, and at Chestermere Whitecappers Association events.
The Soundwaves performed under the directorship of Dr. Sarah Moore for seven years, but she has recently relocated, and now only joins the group when she’s able.
“We are forever grateful for her time and direction over the past seven years,” Karen Rideout said.
Going forward, the Soundwaves are excited to bring local MLA Leela Aheer on board to direct the group.
“Leela brings a wide array of musical talent including her beautiful voice and the ability to sing in many languages along with her competency in many musical instruments to our group,” Rideout said. “We are very excited to work with her.”
With the changes the Soundwaves have recently undergone, the choral group is excited to offer new membership positions.
“For the first time since 2019 we are in a position to expand our group membership,” Rideout said.
The Soundwaves are only offering membership twice per year, once at the beginning of the year, and again in the fall.
“To be a member you should have some vocal ability and a desire to be a part of the
community at large,” Rideout said. Members are expected to be able to commit to practices and contribute $100 per session to cover the operating and travel costs of the group.
Practices are structured events and fluctuate between Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chestermere Whitecappers Association centre, located on the south side of the Chestermere rec centre.
“You will find the group to be most welcoming and fun to be around but of course, our primary focus is on our music,” Rideout said.
Anyone interested in joining the Soundwaves is encouraged to attend an information session on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., at the Chestermere Whitecappers Association centre.
“It will give you a feel for the group and what we hope to accomplish over the course of the year,” Rideout said.
Anyone who joins will be asked to complete an information form and commit to a five month period, from February to June.
Members of the Soundwaves will be available throughout the information session to answer any questions.
The Alberta RCMP is reminding motorists of the dangers that come along with distracted driving.
“Operating a vehicle out on our provincial streets and highways requires complete focus to reduce the risk of collision and serious injury,” an Alberta RCMP media release said. “Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.”
Alberta RCMP Traffic. Insp. Chris Romanchych said traffic officers have heard every excuse for why a motorist might have been distracted driving.
“‘I was just checking the time, I was calling my mom, my phone fell between the seats, and I had to pick it up.’ There is never a good enough reason to put yourself and those you share the road with at such risk. Don’t drive distracted,” Romanchych said.
RCMP say it’s important for motorists to know a distraction when they see one.
“We know texting and calling on a handheld device while driving is a distraction, but that’s not all,” the release said. “Activity that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely is also considered a distraction.”
Drivers can be distracted from personal grooming, reading, writing, adjusting a GPS and audio devices, and attending to passengers and pets. However, motorists can set themselves up for success by setting up any hands-free device, GPS, radio, or music before even shifting their vehicle into drive.
“This way you do not have to worry about making any adjustments while driving,” the release said.
Drivers are encouraged to pull over their vehicle in a safe area, and park, if they need to make a text or a call, as stopping at a red light, is not safe.
In 2022, the Alberta RCMP charged more than 5,000 motorists with distracted driving offences.
“Distracted driving will cost you,” the release said. It is a dangerous behaviour that comes at the price of a $300 fine as well as the safety of yourself and others.”
The provincial government is offering physician training to address physician shortages in rural Alberta.
“Alberta has the best front-line health-care workers in the world, and Alberta’s government is working to ensure that Albertans have access to the care they need, when and where they need it,” a government of Alberta media release said. “Rural Albertans are disproportionately affected by the nationwide shortage of healthcare workers and their community members cannot access physician training close to home.” Through a $1 million investment, the provincial government is exploring ways post-secondary institutions can offer medical education outside of Edmonton and Calgary.
“Over the past year, we’ve made strategic investments to address healthcare labour shortages, including through the largest expansion of post-secondary seats in Alberta’s history. Partnering with Alberta’s two medical schools and institutions in northern and southern Alberta to train doctors locally is the best path to ensuring we meet rural needs,” Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides said.
The investment will be allocated to the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge and Northwestern Polytechnic to support collaborative planning and will include plans to support training centres in Lethbridge and Grande Prairie.
“Expanding medical training in rural areas creates new opportunities for students who want to remain in their communities while making other students familiar with regions of the province and types of work they may not have considered before. Expanding training opportunities is just one way we’re addressing the shortage of rural doctors to ensure Albertans get the care they need when and where they need it,” Minister of Health Jason Copping said.
“Research shows that positive learning experiences in rural healthcare settings lead to more physicians choosing to pursue careers in rural areas,” the release said.
Training will include hands-on learning experiences in rural communities that will support the recruitment of physicians to train medical students and residents and increase access to physician services.
“We at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine are excited about working collaboratively with our colleagues across the province to provide innovative educational solutions for health workforce shortages, particularly in the rural areas. There are many factors and initiatives required to help the situation and expanding physician training capacity in Alberta post-secondaries can lead to a healthier population,” dean of the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Dr. Todd Anderson said. “This funding is the latest investment from Alberta’s government to ensure students have access to the education, training and skills students need to succeed in tomorrow’s economy,” the release said. “At the same time giving confidence to industry, businesses and investors that regional workforce needs will be met.”
In the 2022 Budget, the provincial government invested more than $171 million in Alberta’s post-secondary system, creating almost 10,000 seats over three years in programs, with more than 2,400 seats in nursing, health care aide, and paramedic programs.
The provincial government and the Alberta Medical Association will work together to support physician recruitment and retention and provide programs that offer incentives for physicians to work in rural Alberta communities.
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.
The Anchor reaches more than 30,000 active, educated and affluent readers, who look to the Anchor to guide their lifestyle, shopping and entertainment choices. Readers rely on the Anchor’s coverage of local social issues, politics, arts and culture to keep themselves apprised of what is happening in their community.
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.
To reach out to our eclectic group of readers, you need an eclectic publication. The Chestermere Anchor’s magazine style reaches that group of people.
Hyper-Local news has always occupied a specific niche in the media marketplace. We are a vehicle for highly localized communications, linked to community interests and issues.
The views, opinions and positions expressed by all columnists and contributors are the author’s alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of The Chestermere Anchor News Magazineor Anchor Media Inc.
Funding is allocated to not-for-profits to help build positive, healthy and engaged communities.
By Emily RogersLocal not-for-profits have three avenues to receive funding from the City of Chestermere throughout the year.
Historically the city has provided grants through two committees, the Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB), and the Community Grant Funding Adjudication Committee, community grants coordinator Muriel Gavilan explained during the Jan. 31 council meeting.
The HSAB was responsible for funding that was externally sourced by the United Way, and the Family Community Support Services (FCSS) provincial funds, while the Community Grant Funding Adjudication Committee was responsible for funds that were internally sourced by city council.
“To better facilitate funding, the two committees have been joined to form the Human Services Advisory Grant Funding Adjudication Committee,” Gavilan said. “All applications for grants are reviewed by this committee, and recommendations are made to council for final approval.”
The city offers three grants, including the human services advisory grant, the community grant, and the vitality grant.
“The City of Chestermere has developed a joint application process, this process contributes to effectively allocating resources and achieving desired social outcomes,” Gavilan said. “The application has been developed with prevention, early intervention, and community development as foundational program delivery strategies for reaching overarching goals and priority outcomes.”
The human services advisory grant call for proposals opened on Jan. 30, and funding up to $183,394 will be available from Jan. 1 until Dec. 31, 2024.
Chestermere City Council also allocates funding to local organizations through the community grants program.
“The propose of community grants is to support community organizations that facilitate local activities, which enhance amenities, sports and recreation, arts, culture, history, and projects that promote the social well-
being of residents of Chestermere,” Gavilan said.
Community grant funding is awarded annually and is subject to the annual budget approved by council.
Proposals for the community grant open on March 27, and funding up to $280,000 will be available for projects between June 2023 and June 2024.
Vitality grants are a branch of the human services advisory grant and was designed for special projects initiated by Chestermere residents.
“Up to $500 is available for projects for residents who wish to lead neighbourhood projects that are inclusive, and engage Chestermere residents in active participation,” Gavilan said.
Neighbourhood project ideas meeting the vitality grant requirements include building birdhouses, door wreaths for the block, or a summer splash park for the block.
Vitality grant applications open on May 29, with another possible call for proposals in the fall.
A total of $5,000 is available, however, $5,00 will be awarded per project, which must be completed by the end of the year.
Last year, 12 projects were awarded the human services advisory grant with $179,894 awarded, community grants funded 17 projects with $176,587, and seven projects were funded by the vitality grants with $3,500.
Last year, the human services advisory grant and FCSS allocated $130,000 in funding to not-for-profits such as Camp Chestermere, Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, Chestermere Food Bank, Chestermere Public Library, and Synergy.
In 2023 the human services advisory grant and United Way funding allocated $43,394 to organizations including Accredited Support to the Community, Camp Chestermere, Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, Synergy, and the Trellis Society.
Listen Monday’s at 1:00 PM
https://chestermereradio.ca
The Rogue is pleased to have Michelle Eldjarnson from Chestermere’s own Re/Max Key to our regularly scheduled programming.
Listen Monday’s at one to hear about things going on around town and to hear Michelle’s eclectic picks of music
Michelle has loved music all her life and was exposed at an early age to every type of music from Jazz to Hillbilly, old fashioned country, with stops in between at classical rock and classical piano, in a variety of languages including English, French and Spanish.
Michelle’s Weekly topics will cover
The people in your neighborhood
Local sports teams
All about our schools
The walking paths
The parks
The ponds
The lake
The wildlife
Walkability
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
Don Cassidy Elaine Cassidy
When I heard the above question by Jacob, a novice bird watcher and Christmas Bird Count volunteer, I wondered what age group actually ruled the roost in this hobby. As it turned out, the age range from 35 to 54, had the highest number of watchers. However, the age group of 55 to 64 has the highest participation rates in this hobby, according to Bird Canada. In the interests of conservation, learning and outdoor experiences, it is of course necessary to ensure future birders start at a young age. I could imagine a parent or grandparent determined to develop an interest to be shared. How could one then, get a young person involved in this outdoor activity?
With a myriad of distractions youth manage during any given day, especially within the techno-sphere in which we live, developing that initial interest in birding might require a variety of actions by a family member. Depending on how the youngster in question obtains information, either by reading, listening, viewing, doing, or using computer technology, your strategy should adapt to incorporate birds into those learning styles.
For the active youngster, getting involved in a physical manner may be the way to start. Draw attention to commonly recognized backyard birds, such as the house sparrow, house finch, chickadee, crow and robin. The Audubon Society hosts events such as the Christmas Bird Count done from midDecember into January. Being a bird counter in this event both outside and feeder watching can create curiosity. Inviting one into a walk at a park, slough or area where birds frequent, accomplishes a few things. Enjoying nature, getting exercise and identifying birds by sight and/or sound, as well as developing a relationship via a mutual experience can add quality time for participants. Adding a pair of binoculars to such a walk would be of great benefit. Early spring, fall and winter walks can provide opportunities to spot and identify bird nests. Shopping together for a bird feeder, selecting bird feed and locating a spot to hang feeders inevitably draws a child’s curiosity and of course the anticipation of seeing birds at that feeder can be magnetic. Technically savvy youth will no doubt be drawn to websites like allaboutbirds.org, audubon.org or birdscanada.org to expand their knowledge. Smartphone applications such as Merlin or ebird Mobile can incorporate learning styles for both the adult and youthful novice. Getting involved in citizen science can be rewarding as well. A provincial website is naturealberta.ca that encompasses things from learning to action, may be worth pointing out for further exploration. If your granddaughter or grandson has an artistic bend, drawing birds and painting them adds to their learning and enjoyment. There may indeed be a time, when placing a camera in the hands of a novice birder, further engages one. With digital cameras, there is no need to worry about running out of film. For the bookworm, getting a bird field guide can lead to a greater appreciation for the diversity of birds that call Alberta home for a part of the year.
Do you have to be old to bird watch? No. But there is an opportunity that awaits grandparents, parents and children when looking to the trees and sky and a treasure of shared experiences to build a wonderful life story.
The Rocky View Schools (RVS) board of trustees carried a motion to install an artificial turf playfield at the new Langdon School.
The funds for the playfield will be allocated from grants, cash in-lieu, and reserves to a maximum of $1.84 million of RVS funds.
“The Langdon site was developed in partnership with the county and RVS. We’re at a stage where we need to develop the field, and there are a few options,” RVS Director of Operations Colette Winter said during the Jan. 26 school board meeting.
The first option Winter presented to RVS trustees was leaving the field at a basic level.
“The field is not irrigated, it has grass, and RVS will do the best they can to make sure it’s a safe field for students,” Winter said. “We can spray water on it, it’s a typical field you see on a lot of our school sites.”
RVS would mow the grass, fertilize it, and paint the lines. However, the field would not be for community-use, because if it had too much use, the grass wouldn’t grow.
“It’s difficult to maintain,” Winter said. The first option had lower upfront costs, with an initial cost of $700,000, and annual maintenance of $25,000.
The second option Winter presented was an irrigated field, with an initial cost of $1.1 million. “Irrigating would allow the sod to grow more
efficiently, allow for more use of play on the field,” Winter said. “It’s a better quality of field, and we can have more use of the field.”
The final option Winter presented to trustees was artificial turf, with an initial cost of $1.8 million, and annual maintenance of $5,000. More than $1.3 million of the funding for the field was intended to be allocated from cash in-lieu, and depending on trustees’ vote, administration could explore other funding sources, Winter explained.
RVS administration recommended that the board of trustees provide an artificial turf playfield for the new Langdon School, with funds coming from cash in-lieu, grants, and reserve funds.
“I whole-heartily support this motion. I want to talk about what RVS can do for its students, and that’s an artificial turf,” Ward 1 RVS trustee Shali Baziuk said. “This isn’t going to be one of the high school fields, this is the only high school field, and will likely be the only high school field in Langdon for many years, if ever.”
Baziuk believed an artificial turf would not only be the best option for Langdon students, but also the best investment of funds.
“It’s low maintenance, it has the best opportunity for revenue generating rent, and it has the highest usable time. To me, that’s the best value for the dollar,” Baziuk said.
She expressed to trustees the importance of the board putting their best foot forward when they have the funds and the opportunity to benefit students in Langdon.
“RVS has an opportunity to do something really great for Rocky View kids, we have the means to do it, and it’s important,” Baziuk said.
Ward 5 RVS trustee Judi Hunter explained that the soil and water conditions in Langdon would make growing grass on a basic or irrigated field difficult.
“We need to look at the money side, our obligation is to our kids, we have an opportunity because it’s a new build, and the east side of our division is inadequate in terms of the sports opportunities for kids,” Hunter said.
Ward 2 RVS trustee and Vice Chair Shelley Kinley said the artificial turf could benefit all students in Langdon, and it would be an excellent addition to RVS fields.
“Our ultimate goal is making sure all of our students have access to what they need,” Kinley said. “The fact that this community doesn’t have a lot of other amenities shouldn’t preclude them from getting this field.”
Going forward, administration will plan for the inclusion of artificial turf fields in all future RVS high school sites.
Hello Chestermere-Strathmore readers.
Do you “Love to Sing”? The Chestermere Soundwaves are looking for new Members. The Chestermere Soundwaves is a local choral group established in 2008. We perform at local events sponsored by the City of Chestermere, at the Recreation Centre, Senior’s homes, Whitecapper’s Centre events, etc. In recent years we have been under the directorship of Dr. Sarah Moore. Sarah has relocated to Sylvain Lake to practice and will join the group when time permits. We are forever grateful for her time and direction over the past seven years. The Soundwaves are excited to expand group membership and offer memberships twice per year - once at the beginning of the year and again in September.
To be a member, you should have some vocal ability and a desire to be a part of the community. There will need to be a commitment to practices and a small financial commitment of $100.00 per session to cover the operating/travel costs of the group. Practices will fluctuate between Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for the next few months at the Whitecapper’s Centre, which is located on the south side of the Chestermere Rec Centre. You will find the group to be most welcoming and fun to be around, but our primary focus is on our music. Practices will be structured events.
Please attend our information session on Thursday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m. at The Chestermere Whitecapper’s Centre if you wish to join. It will give you a feel for the group and what we hope to accomplish over the course of the year. If you want to join, you will be asked to complete an information form and commit to the session fee for February to June 2023.
If you have any questions, we will answer them for you on that date. Thanks to Karen Rideout, Communications for the Chestermere Soundwaves, for this wonderful opportunity.
This month we celebrate Black History Month and honour International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This horrible practice involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights, the health, and the integrity of girls and women. It leads to complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in passing urine, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health. We can eliminate this harmful practice through education and policy, such as Bill 10 in Alberta, and partnerships with men and boys whose voices are transformative to girls and women to realize their rights and potential.
As always, we love to hear from you!
City administration is reviewing city assets and completing the final financial statement.
By Emily RogersChestermere City Council is working to complete the dissolution of Chestermere Utilities Incorporated (CUI) by the end of the year. City of Chestermere Financial Services Manager, Ann Thai presented a progress update on the dissolution of the utility company during the Jan. 31 council meeting.
The dissolution of CUI has been a multiple-year process, with city council directing administration to completely dissolve the municipal-controlled company in November 2021, with asset management and appreciation accounting to roll the company back into the city.
In June 2022, residents were notified of the proposed dissolution of the utility company, and in July, a public hearing was held for residents to share their feedback.
On Jan. 27, all utility accounts were transferred to the city’s accounting system, Thai explained.
“The January billing will be run through the city’s accounting system. The revenue will now be city revenue,” Thai said. “Accounts payable and receivable balances as of Dec. 31, 2022, have been transferred to the city’s opening balance for 2023.”
Going forward, all assets will be reviewed and transferred to the city, consolidated debts will be transferred to the city, and the financial statement for 2022 will be completed.
Thai expects the review, liability transfer and final financial statement to be completed by March.
The dissolution of the utility company project will be completed by the end of the year, after the termination of services, agreements, and when the dissolution of corporation form is submitted.
“The plan is, we do the complete asset review,” Thai said. She added, “The next update will be in March when we do the financial statement, and asset review, that will be a major report.”
Update for January 21, January 28, 2023
There are presently 70 Active Listings avaialble in Chestermere We have no apartment style properties available for sale there are 2 townhouse condos available
1 in rainbow falls with no garage priced at 319999 and one behind the safeway in the Station complex - priced for 369,900.
There are 5 duplexes available 5 new builds priced from 469,000 up to 579,000 and 1 resale in west creek priced at 539,900
For detached homes there are 63 ranging from a 2 storey in Chelsea priced at 529,900 all the way up to 4M for a to be built lakefront home
For conditional sales there are 10 from a new build in dawson landing to a lakefront home priced at 1.999M
For the past week there were 2 sales both bungalows one in the cove for 592,500 and one for 655 on the golf course.
There are presently 16 properties available throughout langdon, all are detached homes
Ranging from a bungalow on Anderson Avenue for 589,900 all the way up to a beautiful new build bungalow on Cowan Street
For conditional sales we have 2 on on Hanson Drive and one on Besse.
For solds there was one a large two storey in Boulder Creek which sold for 720,000.00
There are presently 35 active listings in Strathmore 8 apartment style priced from 120,000 up to 246400
For townhouses there are 2 one listed at 159900 in the strathaven area and one for 195000 on parklane
Duplexes there are 4 avaialble ranging in price from 384900 up to 549900 for a large duplex in Edgefield
for detached homes there are 21 presently available from a modular home in briarwood to an amazing 1.5m home in Hillview Estates.
there are five properties conditionally sold all are detached homes ranging in price from 255900 up to 980000
for sales in the last 7 days there were 4
1 townhouse style in strathaven
1 in a fourplex on centre street and 2 detached homes in Edgefiled and lakewood.
Listen to Michelle’s daily up[dates on https://cftrtherogue.com
Grant funding will help local organizations offer community-based programs and services.
By Emily RogersThe Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) awarded Chestermere not-for-profits with more than $170,000 in grant funding for 2023 programs.
A total of $173,394 grant funding from Chestermere Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and United Way will be allocated to 11 programs offered from local organizations.
“On behalf of myself and fellow committee members, it is truly rewarding to see the positive impact and successes of the local programs and agencies who have benefited from the Human Services Advisory Board grant funding,” Committee Chair Scot Caithness said.
The city received 15 applications from organizations requesting $338,993.24 of grant funding, a City of Chestermere media release said.
Every year, the HSAB which is made up of two city councillors, and community volunteers, awards FCSS and United Way funds to project proposals that contribute to social programs that achieve equity and social inclusion goals set out in the Social Investment Framework (SIF).
The SIF outlines goals such as achieving a vibrant, connected, and engaged neighbourhood and community, promoting positive mental health, and ensuring individuals and families are healthy, connected and engaged.
United Way funding of $8,000 was allocated to Accredited Supports to the Community for the Healthy Families Home Visitation Program, $9,388 for Camp Chestermere’s CLTD Teen Leadership Program, $5,000 for the Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, and Entrepreneurship for Chestermere Youth program, $15,187 for Synergy’s SHOUT Program, and $5,819 for the Trellis Society Six Week Circle Time in the Park 0–5 Years Old Program.
FCSS Funding of $24,888 was allocated to Camp Chestermere for the Helping All Campers Succeed Program, $9,880 for Camp Chestermere’s Volunteer Mentorship Program Coordinator, $34,000 for the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association Counselling Supports for Immigrant Families, $10,000 for the Chestermere Food Bank’s Community Kitchen, $5,732 for the Chestermere Public Library’s Afterschool Program, and $45,500 for Synergy’s SHOUT Program.
The HSAB grants are distributed annually to local not-for-profits and organizations.
The application for 2024 project funding will be open on Jan. 30 and must be submitted by March 31.
Additional grant funding opportunities will be available through the Community Grants and Vitality Grant in March.
Rocky View Schools (RVS) is continuing to advocate for additional modular classrooms, and new school approvals to keep up with student growth.
Superintendent of Schools Greg Luterbach presented RVS trustees with a mid-year enrolment update during the Jan. 26 school board meeting.
“The reality is, we grew by 990 students, we see that growth happening all throughout the year, and that has impacts on schools in different ways,” Luterbach said.
In September 2022, RVS had 27,612 students, nearly 4 per cent more than in 2021.
Although the September enrolment count is important for government funding, the count fluctuates as students join RVS throughout the entire school year.
RVS current enrolment is 27,825 students, 213 more than in September.
“That’s a large amount of students, 213 students, that’s all of Indus School,” Luterbach said. “Those students come, we accept them with open arms, and we intergrade them into our schools as they come along.”
When students joining RVS are spread out over various schools, it reduces the impact on classes, Luterbach explained. However, in some cases, schools need to adjust the configuration of classes if a single school has a significant number of new students in one grade.
“The tricky spot is when multiple students join the same grade, trying to fit the students into classrooms,” Luterbach said. “Our team works hard in
September, trying to put a few spots in most classes, but sometimes the classes are within our limits at the end of September, and now they are higher than our guidelines into the fall.”
Luterbach anticipates nearly 200 more students will join RVS during the remainder of the school year.
“Growth in Rocky View is continuous, it’s happening all the time, new neighbourhoods are being built, and with that typically means new kids,” Luterbach said. “Schools do a fantastic job of intergrading students into the schools, but our school division is rapidly growing and demonstrates the need for additional modular classrooms, and approvals for new schools now and in the future.”
Ward 3 RVS trustee Melyssa Bowmen explained that having the enrolment update is a helpful way for trustees to highlight the growth in RVS, and will help trustees with advocacy to communities about the challenges RVS is facing.
“We can go out to communities to share, and remind, that we’ve grown by a significant amount of students within the school year, and the work there is to ensure those students have the space they need, and the challenges that can be at the school level,” Bowmen said.
“We track the growth in our communities, and we’re always trying to be vigilant about students in schools, keeping our numbers as reasonable as we can,” Ward 2 RVS trustee and Vice Chair Shelley Kinley said. “Growth and enrolment is an ongoing process.”
Our Winter Program Session 1 is almost finished. Give us a call or visit for program availability. Session 2 registration begins on February 21st. Find our full program guide on our website. www.chestermerepubliclibrary.com
Please note, the library will be closed from February 18th to February 20th and reopen on February 21st for Family Day weekend. Our return bin will be open during our closure.
Storytime
Storytime is back! Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:15AM for storytime. No registration is required,
Join us February 16th at 6:00PM in the library to discuss Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. No registration is required, and copies are available at the library for borrowing.
Have you taken part in any of our library services? We are looking for feedback on the library and our programs. Let us know what you think and how we can improve. Your feedback directly impacts our services and programming so we can continue to make the library better for everyone. Email your feedback to info@ chestermerepubliclibrary.com or drop it off in our feedback box.
This month our teen and adult Graphic Novel and Manga Club are discussing books about friendship on our Discord. Any friend duo or group in comics are welcome to be discussed this month. Join our discord on our website.
Are you aware that the library is a Registered CHARITY? This means that we depend on donations from the public to support us. We are looking for corporate or personal sponsors for our Winter Program Session! Any donations help and allow us to improve all our programming. Contact info@chestermerepubliclibrary.com if you would like to donate.
Are you wondering what’s happening at the library? Would you like to know? Sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates on programming, Reading Programs, Featured Displays, Community Outreach, Featured Artists, and more. Sign up by visiting our website at chestermerepubliclibrary.com
403.272.9025
Library Hours:
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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. Chestermere Public Library
Many Canadians will view the new drinking recommendations with great skepticism
Looks like we all need to drink less alcohol. Last fall, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), a national organization that provides information and advice on substance use and addiction, shared recommendations that we should all drink no more than one or two drinks a week. We just learned that these are now Canada’s official guidelines.
Since 2011, in Canada, moderate drinking has been defined as up to two standard drinks per day for women and up to three standard drinks per day for men, with no more than 10 standard drinks per week for women and 15 standard drinks per week for men. So, a limit of one or two drinks a week is a complete departure from the public recommendations we had been given before. Furthermore, the CCSA also recommends adding warning labels on bottles, stating that alcohol can cause cancer.
It’s unclear whether Canadians would appreciate such labels, but when looking at the scientific literature and the links between alcohol consumption and cancer, the findings in recent years are overwhelming. The evidence that alcohol causes seven types of cancer is now incredibly strong. Numerous studies from all over the world can easily be found; many of them aren’t cited by the CCSA. Some articles claim that current estimates suggest that alcohol-attributable cancers make up 5.8 per cent of all cancer deaths globally.
These studies, coupled with the CCSA’s recommendations, will likely be received by many Canadians with great skepticism. After all, we are living longer, and many seniors drink regularly and responsibly without experiencing any health issues.
Alcohol has been around for a very, very long time. Historians claim that fermented beverages existed in ancient Egypt. Some archives also suggest alcohol was drunk by the Chinese over 9,000 years ago. Intuitively, it’s hard to understand why anyone would put alcohol in the penalty box, as we did with cigarettes or other such harmful products in our lives. According to multiple studies, other substances and factors can cause cancer. But the risks have now been demonstrated scientifically.
But the CCSA’s scientific evaluation is far from perfect. For one, a number of studies still show the benefits of moderate consumption when considering all the causes of mortality in determining health risks. In other words, drinking may not be the main cause of death,
even for a regular consumer of alcohol. These studies are mentioned in the report but barely in passing.
Another of the CCSA’s most significant oversights is its evaluation of the social and cultural aspects of drinking. Alcohol is very much part of many celebrations, leisure events, holidays, vacations, end-of-day routines, and more. The CCSA dismissed all research which looked at the social value of alcohol, believing none of it was worthy of scientific consideration. Perhaps overlooking such an important piece of behavioural science will only make more Canadians unconvinced. This research area requires more attention, and many Canadians would likely concur.
Socializing alcohol doesn’t just have its bright side, though. Undesirable social problems are also obvious, including mental and physical ailments, incidences of abuse, sexual and domestic violence, harassment, and so forth. Alcohol is often part of our society’s darker side.
The CCSA’s recommendations point to an opportunity for Canadians to have a deeper, better understanding of our relationship with alcohol. We need to be open and honest with
ourselves while appreciating the fact that enjoying our favourite alcoholic beverage responsibly, in moderation, remains the most balanced policy.
But there is hope. If we can make chicken meat in the laboratory, we can certainly make synthetic, non-cancer-causing alcohol. In fact, GABA Labs, based in the U.K., has already launched a product called Sentia, which mimics the effects of alcohol, but doesn’t cause a hangover or long-term health consequences. Many expect the science to be perfected and commercially available in many outlets within five years. Quite promising.
Still, our beverage industry has done wonders for Canadians and will undoubtedly continue to innovate and offer great products for all to enjoy.
Food science can come to the rescue and help many Canadians lead better, healthier lifestyles. But in the meantime, the CCSA’s report is likely a difficult message for Canadians to swallow.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. © Troy Media
Episode: Inclusive business practices: finding hidden potential of employees with autism and other neurodivergent conditions with guest Tom D’eri
This week on Unpacked we are chatting with guest Tom D’eri, Owner at Rising Tide Carwash and Employment Change-maker. We chat with Tom about his family starting a car wash because they wanted to build a business that was engaging, supportive, and, most importantly, inclusive for Tom’s brother Andrew who has autism. Today it’s one of the highest-volume washes in Florida whose impact on using diversity as a strength rather than weakness. With roughly 80 percent of Rising Tide’s workforce consists of people with autism Tom has taken his experience building a thriving non-traditional workforce and combined research and lessons in his new book The Power of Potential (HarperCollins Leadership 1/24/23). Tom shares what life was like growing up, his decision to start an inclusive business environment that embraces diversity and gives practical tips for business owners to start the change today.
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
with Hana Shaw
The concept that humans experience pleasure through variations of sound waves and vibrations created through the collision of materials or reverberation of vocal cords is truly bizarre. When it comes down to it, that is the simplicity of music, sound waves manipulated in such a way to be long or short. The sequence of these vibrations determine whether a song or piece of music sounds joyful or grim (major, or minor.)
Throughout the month of February, I will be discussing the history of music including the Renaissance and Middle Ages, Baroque Era, Classicalism, Romanticism, and Modernism all of which have cumulatively composed the current understanding of music in the modern era. In order to understand where the future of music is headed, it is necessary to have knowledge on the concept of music in past centuries.
Beginning with the Middle Ages in 400 CE, music was almost exclusively used by the Church as a way of expressing religious values and drawing people into participating in religious gatherings. Because of the domination of religious influences occuring at this time, much of the music created was in the form of chants and monophonic songs, which contrasts greatly with the more secular approach to music that took place during the Renaissance. At this point in history, the Church had obtained most of the wealth of a nation, and thus had the required funds to pay composers to develop music whereas secular organizations and individuals did not have the education themselves to create music or the wealth to pay others to write music for them. As there was only a limited selection of musical instruments that had been developed at the time, most of the music was lyrical with the absence of rhythms and dynamics that are inherently present when instruments take part in a choir.
It is important to note that prior to the Middle Ages, philosophers in Ancient Greece invented systematic ways for reading and communicating music. Consider the terms such as octave, and tetrachord, both of which are musical vocabulary that has been derived from ancient Greek language. Also, secular music has been produced since the humanities earliest stages, but only became significantly relevant in society during and after the Renaissance.
As the Middle Ages transitioned into the Renaissance, there were significant societal changes that forever changed the world of music. The development of the printing press along with an established system of reading music made learning and creating music more accessible than ever before. People began not only to learn to play music, but to compose and use their creativity to produce masterpieces that are still known to this day, such as Ave Maria written by Josquin des Prez. The use of instruments incorporated in music began to become more popular compared to the
Middle Ages as instruments such as the trumpet, violas, and organs were developed and learned around the world.
However, vocal music without instruments was still the most popular style of music, especially in religious organizations. As the world of music was rapidly expanding and being studied internationally, the idea was emerging that music could be used as not only a medium of expression from a religious standpoint, but also as a method of expressing individual passions and feelings. Human emotion at the time was mostly represented through art mediums such as painting and sculpting. Music brought a revolution of innovators into the artistic community, as a new means of interpreting and displaying emotion was now being globalized. From this, music branched out into not only a privilege reserved for the Church, but something to be universally enjoyed by all, despite religious values or socioeconomic status.
Humanist values that were becoming widely spread during the Renaissance as it emerged into the dawn of the Enlightenment Era was a significant reason for this secular take on music. Madrigal music became popular amongst the population as it could be easily learned and accessible to even the lower class who did not have the funds for expensive instruments. This type of music was composed of mostly harmonic voices without instrument accompaniment and included around five to eight people. As the evolution of music continued, we soon learned that madrigal music was what initiated the idea of an orchestra or symphony, which are still enjoyed and practiced today.
Join me again next week where I will continue on the topic of the evolution of music, as I will dive into the Baroque Era and its influences on society.
1. Zuryhel Rivera, Music History Timeline, link.
2. Camilla, Evolution Of Music: A Brief History of Music Through the Ages, February 11 2021, link.
3. Keep It Classical, The Rise of Classical Music During the Renaissance (video), June 20th, 2021, link.
Iwas having problems with my internet and had the Telus repair man visit my house. The speed of the internet coming into my house was super fast, but by the time it got to my computer, it was slow. Why? He explained to me that the internet was just too fast for my older machine. I just did not have the capacity to receive the speed coming at me.
How many people can we really know? What is our capacity for human connections? Social media would have us think that we can have hundreds and even thousands of meaningful connections - and we often do. Daily we get a peek into the lives of those we care about as we read about them, see what they share, and celebrate life’s milestones with them. The gift of this is that we feel some connections that would not be there otherwiseold college buddies still make us laugh, and distant cousins do not feel so far away through our screens.
The challenge is not our accessibility to those we care about, rather in our ability to really connect. Researchers have found that social media platforms like Instagram can actually make people feel lonely and separate from friends - it seems counter intuitive. The clues might be in how much capacity the human brain has when it comes to fostering relationships.
Anthropologist Robin Dunbar did research to try and discover how we can find true connection with others. He found that, typically, most humans can relate socially with about 150 people. However, we do not relate to all 150 people in the same way. He says that we are capable, generally,
of having 5 people who we might call close friends. From there we can maintain a “super family” of about 15 people, a “clan” of 50, and finally a “tribe” of 150. Like concentric circles of connection, we are able to relate well with a few, and less-so with others. Dunbar’s number of 150 has become a kind of upper limit of real social connection.
While we may or may not have a community of that size, we are recognizing that humans are made for meaningful connections. We are capable of being a part of a “tribe,” “clan” and more intimate “family” and “close friend” groups. Humans, for eons, have found hope in personal connections, but we may still be learning how to have good connections in a world that is hyper-connected.
Neighbourhoods are becoming, for some, the foundation of our tribe or clan. Even as I write this my daughter is playing lego in the living room with a neighbour kid. Our home is a little hub of activity as neighbours swing by for coffee and a visit - these are “our people.” Our church is another place where we have “our people.” Each is a circle of connection where I am known and loved.
Dunbar’s number and series of circles might help you in this season. For some, this might help you consider ways to find a tribe and clan to call your own. For others you might find freedom in focusing on meaningful relationships closer to home. In this post-covid world we have a chance to find our people, build new connections, and find peace where we live.
Therapy dogs, Service dogs, Assistance dogs, Companion dogs, Emotional Support dogs. These are all terms that refer to dogs that help people in some way and that in most cases is where the similarity ends. Training and access to these dogs varies by organization but I hope to clarify some of the common assumptions that members of the public often make.
Service dogs: You’ve probably seen a puppy in the mall or an area where dogs generally don’t go. This would be a puppy in training to become a service dog in training. It will be wearing a special harness and probably have the words “Service dog in training. DO NOT TOUCH”. This is very important. The puppy is fostered with a recognized agency individual for up to 18 months and during that time has to experience all kinds of environments that it might encounter with the person who will be the ultimate owner. For a dog-loving human it’s tempting to want to pet that adorable pup but the puppy has to learn that wearing the special harness means we’re working and needs to focus on the handler avoiding all distractions.
In Canada, there a number of organizations that train puppies to become service dogs - Autism Dog Services Inc. Autism Dog Services - Safety, Companionship, Independence., BC and Alberta Guide Dog Services BC and Alberta Guide Dogs | 604-940-4504, CNIB CNIB Guide Dogs –Urgently needed: CNIB Guide Dogs supporters (sponsorpuppies.ca), Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society About Us - Dogs with Wings , MIRA Foundation Inc. Homepage Mira – Improving lives of people with disabilities , National Service Dogs Training Centre, Inc. and some also breed the dogs like Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides Get in Touch with Us - Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides which is based in Oakville, Ontario but has links throughout Canada.
The latter is one I am most familiar with, knowing people in Chestermere, who have been involved with this organization and one person who has a Dog Guide and another person who fostered a puppy. It costs $35,000 to breed, train and match a Dog Guide, however all Dog Guides are provided at no cost to qualified applicants. The individuals who apply for a dog may come into one of seven different categories- Hearing, Seizure response, Vision, Service (for example for people in wheel chairs), Autism assistance, Diabetic alert and Facility support. They are permitted to go anywhere that the assigned handler can go in order to give that person a good quality of life.
Therapy Dogs: Where you are expected not to make contact with service dogs, the opposite is true with therapy dogs. Therapy dogs are normally family pets trained their owner or by professional dog trainers and are expected to be trained to a level of obedience which covers basic command. They may be any breed of dog and definitely like the attention of people as they could visit schools, hospitals, seniors’ facilities and so on. They are also encouraged to be accessible to more than one person during a therapy session. Unlike service dogs they are not generally permitted to go into public places like restaurants and shopping malls. Standards for therapy dogs are not federally controlled but many organization follow the Canine Good Neighbour guidelines as recommended by the Canadian Kennel Club. For the organization that I am involved with, Community Therapy Dogs Society Dogs | Community Therapy Dogs Society | Alberta (ctds.ca), in order to become certified, the dogs have to pass an assessment, have a medical check with a local vet and the owner must have a vulnerable sector police check in good standing.
Next week: Assistance dogs, Companion dogs and Emotional Support dogs.
By Marla Forth
The Chestermere and Indus Curling Clubs hosted their Annual Combined Modified Mixed Bonspiel on January 27th, 28th & 29th, 2023. The qualifications to enter were that the Skip and Third must be of opposite genders. Teams alternated their draws between the two ice rinks, the ice conditions were great, and the competition was very close with several games going to an extra end. The two clubs have a terrific relationship, and great fun was had by all! Our bonspiel was full this year with 24 teams from vying for the top spot in 3 Events. In the end it was the McConnell team that captured the “A” Event consisting of Vanessa
While commiserating over missed vacations and travel during a Zoom call with my regular drinking companions, one person announced that they booked a trip to Rio de Janeiro in the carefree pre-pandemic days of early 2020, but are still waiting to make the trip, as Carnaval was cancelled for 2021 and 2022.
For those unfamiliar with Carnaval, it is held every year just prior to Ash Wednesday, which signifies the beginning of Lent, that six-week period of prayer, self-denial, and basically no fun at all.
Since Brazil is home to more observers of the Catholic faith than any other country, it only stands to reason that they need to throw a huge party to get their ya-yas out before six weeks of repentance and woe.
Carnaval is typically a six-day bacchanalia in February, with the exact date varying depending on when Easter falls each year, and is widely believed to be the world’s largest festival, with two million people crowding the streets of Rio de Janeiro every day.
The first Carnaval was held in Brazil in 1723, and was based on the ancient pagan spring festival of Saturnalia. The Catholic Church has a long history of co-opting pagan festivals for their own use, so the feast of Saturnalia was modified into a solemn and dignified affair to mark the beginning of Lent, entirely devoid of impropriety or excess. The holy fathers were less than impressed when Carnaval descended into the lewd and salacious hotbed of depravity that it is
today, but the locals seem to prefer it this way! This accursed pandemic caused Carnaval to be cancelled in 2021 and 2022, for the first time in more than a century, after partying hard through two world wars and decades of military dictatorship without missing a year. I am hopeful that Carnaval will return in February of 2023, fully of sexy salsa dancing the streets, sexy costumes and floats, sexy frozen drinks with slices of fresh fruit, and plenty of sexy Brazilians looking sexy.
Until then, I will be celebrating Carnaval this year with a bottle of Cachaça in the solitude of my windowless wine cellar, as I wait out the waning days of the fourth wave. For those not familiar with Brazilian hooch, Cachaça is widely known in the southern hemisphere as Brazil’s national spirit.
Cachaça is made by fermenting fresh sugarcane juice, then distilling it into a potent spirit. Some people refer to Cachaça as Brazilian Rum, as the taste is somewhat similar. Purists may insist that since Rum is made from the molasses left over from sugar production, Cachaça is a more noble spirit, but let’s not split hairs.
It turns out that Cachaça is by far the most popular booze in Brazil, with per capita consumption of around 8 litres. Remember, that’s 8 litres of a distilled spirit, which would correspond to around 100 litres of beer, or 50 litres of wine.
The history of Cachaça goes back to the early 1600s, when Brazil was still a Portuguese colony.
The peasant workers toiling in the sugarcane plantations would collect the freshly pressed cane juice and let it ferment in the sun for a stiff drink at the end of a work day.
Much like the story of Rum in the Caribbean, or Gin in Victorian England, Cachaça was originally considered a poor man’s drink, with the upper classes preferring French Brandy.
However, as time went on, the stigma disappeared, and the Cachaça spirit was enjoyed by those from all walks of life.
It turns out that cocktail culture is alive and well in Brazil, with the most famous cocktail being the Caipirinha, made from 4 wedges of crushed ice, muddled lime, sugar, and 2 ounces of Cachaça.
Think of a Caipirinha as a slightly sweeter version of a Mojito, then think of knocking them back while doing the samba at Carnaval and you’ll get the idea.
While available only in Brazil for many years, the Caipirinha cocktail exploded onto the international scene about a decade ago, and is now available in fancy cocktail bars the world over.
Luckily, we can now find bottles of Cachaça at well-stocked booze merchants in Alberta. My personal favourite is the Leblon Cachaça, which is the leading exporter of premium Cachaça. Aged in vintage Cognac XO casks for up to 6 months before bottling, this is a premium liquor, but can be widely found for around $35 in Alberta. Pick yourself up a bottle and bring some tropical joy to this endless winter!
Rural Primary Care Network’s continued support and resources help make this book possible. A special thanks to Quinn Wright.
The Lakeshore Manor has become the home of the OACC, and we appreciate the resources that they have made available to us during this project.
For the tireless compiling and editing, we thank the volunteers of the OACC – residents, businesses and organizations that form the membership.
Handbook content is ever-changing, and updates or suggestions for future editions are welcome by the OACC. We hope that you will provide updates and additions that will make our next edition even better!
Anchor Article - Jan 31, 2023, Edition
Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere (OACC)
As things get back to normal after the holiday season, the OACC will be adding guest speakers to upcoming meetings. Be sure to keep an eye out for our meeting invites. We are also doing a segment with the Chestermere Radio Station – CFTR The Rogue. Please take the time to listen in at https://cftrtherogue.com/. It is local content, and we appreciate the opportunity that Steve Jeffrey has afforded us to get our message out there. Thanks to Steve for his continued support of local not-for-profit organizations.
OACC News & Events
Well, we did a thing! The Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere (OACC) is pleased to announce the release of the 2023 Chestermere Older Adults’ Resource Handbook. This booklet is now available at businesses, organizations, and various locations throughout the City. A digital copy will be available on the City of Chestermere website as well.
https://www.chestermere.ca/DocumentCenter/View/20176/ Chestermere-Older-Adults-Resource-Handbook-2023
We extend our thanks to many people that participated in the making of the 2023 edition of this resource for Older Adults in Chestermere.
For the funding of this handbook, we thank the City of Chestermere, Community Grant Fund Program. The generosity of the Community Grant Fund has ensured that this valuable resource will continue to meet the needs of the older adults in Chestermere.
In-kind funding also deserves recognition and our thanks. The Calgary
On January 17, 2023 the Alberta government announced the Affordability Payment program that, beginning January 18, 2023, “… eligible seniors and parents can apply for $600 in affordability payments over six months to help offset inflationary pressures. Eligible households can apply for affordability payments for each child under 18 and each senior 65 and up which will help to keep Alberta affordable.” The website announcement also states that:
“The secure online application portal will launch on January 18 at 9 a.m. Families with household incomes below $180,000 are eligible to receive $100 per month for six months for each dependent child under 18. Seniors 65 or older who have household incomes below $180,000 and do not receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit can also apply for monthly payments.
Anyone who cannot easily go online can apply in person through any registry agent or Alberta Supports to receive support in 50 locations and over 100 languages during regular business hours.
Applications will be accepted any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023. Once the application process is completed, most Albertans will receive payments at the end of that month. The exact timing will vary.”
With the rising inflation impacts on families, this is a welcome announcement for our older adult community. The release went on to say that some payments will be received automatically. Here is the link for full details: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=863948C59A4EFCC45-3DFE-F942A72ABCBB7E40
Rocky View Adult Learning has just released dates of their English Language Learning (ELL) classes in Chestermere. They will run from February 27, 2023 – May 15, 2023 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Please go to adultlearning.rockyview.ab.ca to register. There is a cost for this course.
Mark your calendars – 2023 Spring Energizer Night is on March 29, 2023
from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Chestermere Rec Centre, MPP Room (organized by Macaroni Kids). OACC will be there so please stop by and see us!
News & Views on Health
Happy Heart Month from your local CRPCN! The new Chestermere Family Medical Center is open in Kinniburgh and accepting new Patients. This is a CRPCN Clinic, meaning they have access and support to our CRPCN Team of Professionals, Dietician, Diabetic Nurse, Footcare Specialist, Registered Nurse, and Behavior Specialist. This Clinic is the only Walkin Clinic for the general public (you don’t have to be their patient) in Chestermere, and they are open on Saturdays.
The launch of Conversation Café was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and is rescheduled to Monday, February 27, 2023. This event is intended to support caregivers and family members of those working with Dementia or memory loss. Many thanks to Don Montpetit for bringing this well needed support to our city. 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. Thanks to Don’s initiative and the support of Calgary Rural Primary Care Network (CRPCN), Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere (OACC), Lakeshore Manor and the Chestermere Whitecappers Association, the first Chestermere Chapter – Conversation Café is set to take place on, Monday, February 27, 2023, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). Future meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of every month. 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/
CRPCN continues to offer online courses that are available to anyone – free of charge. Check out www. CRPCN.ca to see what courses are available and to register. Topics include: Anxiety to Calm, Craving Change and Happiness Basics.
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 – Next Meeting –Wednesday, February 15, 1:30PM – 3:30PM Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). While walk-ins are welcome to our meetings, kindly RSVP. 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. Please pick yours up or take one for a neighbour. You can also access these books by contacting the City of Chestermere at 403207- 7079 or online at https://www.chestermere.ca/DocumentCenter/ View/20176/Chestermere-Older-Adults-Resource-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-for-Seniors
Community Support Services ........................ 403-207-7079 Text option. 403-826-2611
CSS offers programs and services to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in Chestermere. They provide free and confidential services related to social support, information, and referrals to local resources. Email: crcinfo@chestermere.ca
100 Women Who Care (or 100 Men/People/Kids
100 Women Who Care
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 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.
Older Adults
Coalition of Chestermere Meeting
When: TBA
Time: Wednesday, February 15, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere RSVP: jumpmaster2@shaw.ca or illingw8@telus.net
Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated
Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am
Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079
1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road
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,
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
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.
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
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Call: Kevin, Katrina or Tegan 780-842-5666. Scribner Auction, Wainwright, Alberta. Website: www.scribnernet.com.
INTEGRITY POST FRAME
BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@ integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt.com.
LUCRATIVE BUSINESS FOR SALE!
Work 3.5 months. Holiday for 7.5 months. 1smalltownalberta.com.
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.
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.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT
HIRING: AG Equipment Techs, Heavy Equipment TechsJourneyman, Apprentices, and CVIP/Truck Techs. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/ careers. Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.
Feed and Seed
ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh.
Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.
WE BUY DAMAGED GRAINHeated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola.
“On Farm Pickup”. Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.
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. 1-844453-5372.
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.
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.
GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit?
Bills? Unemployed? Need Money?
We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www. pioneerwest.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
WANTED SASQUATCH SKULLAlso purchasing SILVER & GOLD coins, bars, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, 999+ BULLION, maple leafs, bulk silver, pre-1969 coins. Coin collector BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS, old $ & Royal Canadian Mint coins. TODD 250-864-3521.