Chestermere Anchor July 17th 2023

Anchor Chestermere

Bulls on the Beach this week July 21

The Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society is proud to present Chestermere’s third annual Bull Riders Canada professional bull riding event, “Bulls on the Beach” on July 21, 2023, at the Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society corral, 201 West Chestermere Drive.

This one-of-a-kind event in Chestermere will feature 25 of the best bull riders in Canada battling it out in the long go. 10 riders will be back for the short go to see who will be Chestermere’s “Bulls on the Beach’’ Champion. This is a BRC doublepoint event with $7,500 in prize money on the line.

Calgary radio personality Megan Pierson will be on the ground keeping the crowd entertained, along with Miss Strathmore Stampede and her successor. Live music is provided by Joel Olstom and the Tin Star Band. Tickets are still available: www.bullsonthebeach.ca

INSIDE Contents

Unpacked podcast inspiring listeners to live aUthentically

Mla chantelle de Jong appointed

parliaMentary secretary for affordability and Utilities

calgary Man pleads gUilty in road rage incident involving gUns in last septeMber’s road rage incident

Meta’s threads experiences decline in engageMent

$20 Million in bonUses at bank of canada despite 40-year high inflation

the critical iMportance of fUnding for chesterMere’s not-for-profit organizations

Unearth the Wonders of alberta: an exciting staycation gUide for chesterMere residents

healthcare shake-Up looMs as alberta lpns seek Union change

5 tips for sUstainable sUMMer entertaining

proJect arroW is advancing the fUtUre of aUtoMobiles

oacc older adUlts coalition of chesterMere

chesterMere pUblic library

contribUtors

a real estate MinUte

croWs feet - birding With don & elaine

entertainMent ~ local theatre

the syringa tree

chesterMere Whitecappers

Whitecappers calendar

tUne in to the rogUe

l akeside libations

OPENING SHOTS

Unpacked Podcast inspiring listeners to live authentically

The Unpacked Podcast is creating a safe place for individuals to explore the messy parts of life.

By Emily Rogers

Local founders of the Unpacked Podcast, Evan Dewald and Tara Linsley are opening the conversation between guests and listeners by hosting live recording events.

The first live event featured guest local psychologist Maureen Speidel and gave the audience of approximately 40 people an opportunity to hear an unedited-raw interview, ask questions, and enjoy appetizers and drinks.

“The event was a chance to share the messages of Unpacked while having discussions and getting the chance to see some of our listeners in person,” Linsley said. “The event went great, and the recorded part of the evening went very well.”

The live event initiated important discussions around relationships and what restoration looks like, while audience members asked what it means to be resilient, and what it looks like to repair and heal.

“The feedback we received was thought-provoking and challenged people to think about their relationships and think about how they personally handled the pandemic,” Linsley said.

Dewald and Linsley enjoyed the intimate and small feeling of the event, and are hopeful to host panel discussions, and have more live events with audiences.

By starting Unpacked, it has been Dewald and Linsley’s goal to ask more questions of their guests, others, and themselves. It’s important to Dewald and Linsley that they choose guests based on interest, knowledge, and awareness of a topic, and how they care for themselves and others.

“The podcast was named Unpacked so we could keep our topics as general and wide-ranging as we like,” Linsley said. Dewald and Linsley are looking for guests that will help to grow their audience, ask questions, and challenge guests to seek help or go deeper into their own lives.

“It’s conversations with counsellors, industry leaders, and storytellers, discussing their 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,” Linsley said.

“We are unpacking the messy parts of life and we use the lens of storytelling to help our audience to grow and hopefully

give them the chance to reflect on their own lives,” Linsley said. “There is strength and courage that comes from sharing vulnerable and authentic stories and we hope our audience gets a sense they are not alone in whatever they are struggling with and if they need help. We do our best to encourage and provide resources in the episode and the notes.”

Although Dewald and Linsley aren’t used to having an audience watching them have a conversation with the Unpacked guest, they were able to get into the flow.

“It was a new way and trying something new,” Linsley said. The energy from the audience helped Dewald and Linsley to clarify, ask questions, and change the path of the conversation depending on what the audience wanted to hear.

“One of the highlights was the response from the audience and being able to use the energy in the room,” Linsley said. “We also really loved having previous guests from the show in the room It was exciting to see them and thank them publicly.”

The Unpacked Podcast received a Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and United Way Chestermere grant to continue hosting live events.

Dewald and Linsley are now preparing for season three of Unpacked and are excited to continue spreading awareness around mental health and supports available in the Chestermere area.

“We are so grateful for the support of our community,” Linsley said.

The Unpacked Podcast can be found on Chestermere’s internet radio station, CFTR the Rogue

MLA Chantelle de Jong appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities

NEWS RELEASE:

MLA De Jonge

Welcomes New Parliamentary Secretary Role

(CHESTERMERE-STRATHMORE, AB) July 14, 2023: Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities, reporting to the Minister of Affordability and Utilities, on July 13, 2023.

“I want to thank Premier Danielle Smith for appointing me as the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities. With the cost of living on the rise, we need more people in government advocating on behalf of the interests of Albertans to ensure the financial stability and wellbeing for people across our province,” said De Jonge.

Our Office Follows

The Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide

Calgary man pleads guilty in road rage incident involving guns in last September’s road rage incident

The plead was guilty to charges relating to a road rage incident involving guns in September 2022

by Steve Jeffrey

Just east of Chestermere in Strathmore Provincial Court, 51-year-old Trevor Hauck, a resident of Calgary, has admitted guilt to a variety of charges stemming from a road rage episode in September 2022, which involved the display of firearms. The charges include:

• Pointing a Firearm

• Using a Firearm during an Offence

• Improper Storage of a Firearm

• Concealing a Weapon

• Possession of an Unauthorized Prohibited Weapon

• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device

The charges were formally addressed during a court session at Strathmore Court House on July 4, where the circumstances of the incident were reviewed and confirmed by Hauck.

On September 10, around 9:00 a.m., Strathmore RCMP were alerted by a complainant who reported that Hauck’s truck had dangerously cut him off on Highway 1. Following this, Hauck allegedly brandished a pistol in a threatening way. Police were able to locate Hauck’s truck and executed a high-risk takedown, which Hauck surrendered to without resistance.

A thorough search of the truck revealed:

• A loaded handgun, stored in a black cloth holster under the driver’s seat. This gun had an over-capacity magazine loaded with 11 rounds of 9-millimetre ammunition.

• A large canister of bear spray in the driver’s door.

• A Remington pump action tactical shotgun in the back seat, accompanied by a side saddle containing 6 rounds. It was disclosed by the court that Hauck was not licensed to possess a handgun. Subsequent to his arrest, a search warrant was executed at his home where more firearms were discovered. Some of these were licenced, while others fell under restricted or prohibited categories. The Strathmore RCMP confirmed that all firearms were not stored properly:

• 1 X AR15

• 22 X Long guns (inclusive of shotguns, rifles, air rifles, and an M1 Carbine)

• 20 X Revolvers and semi-automatic handguns

• 4 X Airsoft replica handguns

• Various types of ammunition

The court stated, “The defendant had registered certificates for some of these firearms, but all of the handguns were illegal for him to possess.”

The case has been postponed until July 18. On this date, additional court appearances may be scheduled, as well as a potential sentencing date.

Photos and press release compliments of Strathmore RCMP

Meta’s Threads Experiences Decline in Engagement

Chestermere, a city that seems to have a larger than average participation in social media engagement follows closely

by Steve Jeffrey

Meta’s newest social media platform Threads, a supposed contender to Twitter, has reportedly seen a marked decline in user engagement and time spent on the app since its groundbreaking debut that attracted 100 million users in the first week. Local Chestermere social media users and tech enthusiasts have been keeping a close eye on these developments.

Data from marketing intelligence firm Sensor Tower and Similarweb reveals that Threads has experienced a decrease in daily active users since its initial success. Anthony Bartolacci, managing director at Sensor Tower, informed news outlets that despite the unprecedented initial hype around Threads, there has been a substantial drop in growth and engagement.

Bartolacci highlighted that on Tuesday and Wednesday following the launch, the daily active users on Threads decreased by approximately 20% from Saturday. Simultaneously, average time spent on the app plunged by 50%, from 20 minutes to merely 10 minutes.

“Despite the launch hype, Threads will need a stronger value proposition than simply being ‘Twitter, but without Elon Musk,’” Bartolacci stated, suggesting that the platform’s future remains uncertain despite the backing of Meta and integration with Instagram.

On the same lines, Similarweb’s data mirrors Sensor Tower’s findings. Threads’ daily active users plummeted more than 25% from its July 7 peak to Monday for Android phone users worldwide. Meanwhile, the average usage time for users dropped from roughly 20 minutes on July 6 to just above 8 minutes on July 10.

“We noticed a dip in engagement over the weekend, estimating that Threads had 36.6 million active users on Android on Monday,” David Carr, senior insights manager at Similarweb, reported.

However, there is still a silver lining for Threads. Carr revealed that Twitter’s web traffic had dipped since Threads’ launch, which could potentially influence Twitter’s user base in the future.

“Initial indicators show that Threads has potential to take a substantial portion of Twitter’s user base, especially as the Threads team begins to introduce key features like hashtags and topical search,” Carr concluded.

While Chestermere’s digital community awaits further developments, the potential of Threads still holds promise despite the initial engagement decline.

$20 million in bonuses at Bank of Canada despite 40-year high inflation

Bank of Canada bureaucrats got $20 million in bonuses in 2022 while the Crown corporation hiked interest rates seven times and inflation reached a 40-year high.

By Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director

Bonuses are for people who do a good job, not people who fail at their one and only job,” Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said. “Most organizations don’t shower employees with bonuses when they have their worst year in four decades.”

The average bonus among staff was $11,200, with 80 per cent of the workforce receiving one, according to internal government records obtained by the CTF through a series of access-to-information requests.

The Bank of Canada also dished out $6.5 million in raises in 2022.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank of Canada rubberstamped nearly $72 million in bonuses and pay raises for staff.

Not a single Bank of Canada employee had their pay cut in 2020, 2021 or 2022.

Year Bonus Pay Raise Total Cost

The Bank of Canada’s mandate is to keep “an inflation target of two per cent inside a control range of one to three per cent.”

In November 2020, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem told the federal finance committee that “inflation is projected to remain less than two per cent into 2023.”

But inflation was 6.8 per cent in 2022, representing “a 40-year high, the largest increase since 1982,” according to Statistics Canada. Despite failing to meet its mandate, the Bank of Canada still handed out $26.7 million in bonuses and raises in 2022. The Bank of Canada also failed to meet its inflation target in 2021 when it handed out $23.6 million in bonuses and raises. Only three industrialized countries had higher inflation rates than Canada in 2021, according to a January 2022 Fraser Institute report.

Macklem also told the committee the central bank expects to keep its interest rate at its “effective lower bound [of 0.25 per cent]” into 2023. However, it increased interest rates seven times in 2022. Its policy interest rate is currently five per cent.

In 2022, Macklem admitted “we got some things wrong” and the deputy governor acknowledged “we haven’t managed to keep inflation at our target,” adding that Canada’s central bankers “should be held accountable.”

“Handing out big bonus cheques is an odd way to hold your organization accountable,” Terrazzano said. “Central bankers shouldn’t get bonuses when Canadians can’t afford groceries, gasoline or homes.”

The number of Bank of Canada bureaucrats receiving six-figure salaries has also doubled since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

came to power, according to records obtained by the CTF through a separate access-to-information request.

In December 2015, a total of 487 Bank of Canada staff took home more than $100,000 annually, representing 30 per cent of its workforce.

In December 2022, 1,095 staff took home more than $100,000 annually, representing 49 per cent of the workforce.

There are now 309 more central bankers taking a six-figure salary than there were before the pandemic.

The Bank of Canada’s total labour costs increased by four per cent in 2022, 12 per cent in 2021 and 13 per cent in 2020, according to its annual reports.

“I would cancel bonuses for failing government authorities and that would include, for example, the Bank of Canada,” Pierre Poilievre said on the Canadian Taxpayers Podcast. “I don’t think we should reward failure.”

In Budget 2023, the federal government said it plans to work with Crown corporations to “ensure they achieve comparable spending reductions, which would account for an estimated $1.3 billion over four years starting in 2024-25, and $450 million ongoing.”

“At best, the Bank of Canada failed to keep a lid on rising inflation and, at worst, it drove inflation higher by printing hundreds of billions of dollars out of thin air,” Terrazzano said. “Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland should find savings by ending bonuses at failing Crown corporations like the Bank of Canada.”

The Critical Importance of Funding for Chestermere’s Not-for-Profit Organizations

We need to support the Lifelines of our Community

By Steve Jeffrey

Most of the residents of Chestermere pride themselves on being a close-knit and caring community, and at the heart of this spirit are the not-for-profit organizations that tirelessly serve the needs of our residents. These organizations are the unsung heroes, working diligently to address social challenges, foster community connections, and enhance our quality of life. However, the vital work they do would not be possible without the necessary funding. In this article, we shed light on why funding is so crucial for the operation and sustainability of not-for-profit organizations in Chestermere.

Ensuring Program Continuity:

Not-for-profit organizations rely heavily on funding to ensure the continuity of their programs and services. These programs often support vulnerable populations, including individuals and families in need, youth, seniors, and those facing mental health challenges. Funding enables organizations to provide essential services such as food banks, counseling, housing assistance, educational programs, and recreational activities. Without adequate funding, these vital services would be at risk of being scaled back or even discontinued, leaving a significant gap in our community’s support system.

Supporting Staff and Volunteers:

Not-for-profit organizations depend on dedicated staff and volunteers who are the backbone of their operations. Funding plays a critical role in providing fair compensation to staff members, allowing organizations to attract and retain talented individuals who are passionate about serving the community. Additionally, funding helps cover volunteer training, recognition, and support programs, empowering volunteers to continue making a difference in the lives of Chestermere residents. By investing in these invaluable resources, funding ensures the organizations’ capacity to deliver high-quality services effectively.

Enabling Outreach and Awareness:

Funding is essential for not-for-profit organizations to raise

awareness about their mission, programs, and impact within the community. It allows organizations to conduct outreach campaigns, organize community events, and engage in public relations efforts. These activities are vital for educating the public, recruiting volunteers, and cultivating partnerships with other stakeholders. Without funding for marketing and outreach, organizations may struggle to reach those who would benefit from their services, hindering their ability to make a meaningful impact.

Enhancing Organizational Capacity:

To operate efficiently and effectively, not-for-profit organizations require funding to invest in essential infrastructure, technology, and administrative support. Funding enables them to maintain and upgrade facilities, purchase necessary equipment, and implement modern technologies that streamline operations and improve service delivery. Moreover, funding assists in covering administrative costs, such as accounting, legal compliance, and fundraising efforts. By investing in organizational capacity, funding ensures that not-for-profits can operate sustainably and adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

Leveraging Further Support: Funding is not only crucial for day-to-day operations but also serves as a catalyst for attracting additional support. Adequate funding allows not-for-profit organizations to build credibility, establish strong partnerships, and unlock further financial support, enabling them to expand their reach and impact in the community.

The not-for-profit organizations in Chestermere are the lifeline of our community, addressing critical social issues, fostering connections, and enhancing our overall wellbeing. However, they heavily rely on funding to continue their important work. By recognizing the vital role funding plays in sustaining not-for-profit organizations, we can ensure their long-term success and, in turn, strengthen the fabric of our community. It is only through continued support and investment that these organizations can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of Chestermere residents.

Unearth the Wonders of Alberta: An Exciting Staycation Guide for Chestermere Residents

Some ideas for having fun closer to home

by Steve Jeffrey

As the charm of Chestermere Lake keeps our hearts close to home, sometimes a little adventure within our province can be just as refreshing and invigorating. With Alberta’s breathtaking landscapes, history-rich towns, and eclectic range of activities, planning a ‘staycation’ within our home province can be an opportunity to discover and explore local treasures. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or someone looking for relaxation, Alberta offers countless staycation destinations that cater to all tastes. So, pack your bags and let’s embark on a journey right here, within the borders of our beautiful Alberta!

Alberta’s Outdoor Paradise

For those seeking an immersion in nature, Alberta is nothing short of a paradise. A trip to the renowned Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, is a must. Famous for its turquoise glacial lakes and majestic peaks, you can indulge in a range of activities like hiking, canoeing, or even wildlife spotting.

Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, is another natural haven. Its stunning scenery, serene glaciers, and picturesque lakes offer a peaceful retreat away from everyday life. If you’re an astronomy enthusiast, you’re in for a treat, as Jasper is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve. Should water activities be your preference, Sylvan Lake, with its sandy beaches and warm, clear waters, offers various fun-filled options like boating, fishing, and even water skiing.

The Culture and Heritage Trail

For history enthusiasts, Alberta is rich with stories. The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller is one of the world’s largest dinosaur museums, offering an opportunity to step back into prehistoric times.

Headlands, the small town of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, provides a fascinating insight into indigenous history and culture. Here, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can learn about the hunting practices of the Plains People over thousands of years.

Urban Experiences and Unique Towns

Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta’s largest cities, offer a multitude of urban experiences. In Calgary, the Calgary Tower, with its impressive panoramic views, or the Calgary Zoo, are wonderful family-friendly attractions. The city’s thriving culinary scene is also not to be missed.

Edmonton, home to the largest shopping mall in North America - the West Edmonton Mall, is a shopper’s paradise. This metropolis also hosts a multitude of festivals yearround, ensuring you’ll never run out of things to do. Unique towns like Canmore, known for its artisan boutiques, and the quaint Bavarian-styled town of Kimberley, provide for unique experiences with their distinctive charm.

Recharge and Relax

For those seeking relaxation, the hot springs in Banff and Jasper or the numerous wellness resorts scattered throughout the province offer the perfect opportunity to unwind.

As Chestermere residents, we are incredibly fortunate to live in close proximity to such diverse experiences and natural beauty. Staycations within Alberta can be a chance to explore our province’s many wonders and to create unforgettable memories. By choosing to vacation within our province, we not only enjoy ourselves but also contribute to our local economy and foster a deeper appreciation for our home, Alberta.

Healthcare shake-up looms as Alberta LPNs seek union change

AUPE, feeling under threat, responds to Labour Relations Board application

Submitted

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) is standing firm in backing its members who are nurses in reaction to a recent request made to the Alberta Labour Relations Board that could change the union that these nurses belong to.

On April 25, 2023, five nurses, known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who work for Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Covenant Health, submitted their request to change their union. If they get their way, it will cause a big shake-up in Alberta’s healthcare system, moving the LPNs from AUPE to another union called the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA).

Susan Slade, who is both an LPN and the Vice-President of AUPE, stressed how important LPNs are in healthcare in Alberta. She warned that if LPNs are forced to change unions, it could make their working conditions worse. She said, “The recent Labour Board application worries us because, if it’s approved, it would unfairly force LPNs out of AUPE and lead to worse working conditions for these workers, who all deserve better.”

To deal with this situation, the AUPE arranged three phone meetings on July 5 and 6, where AUPE members from all over the province could join in to talk about what this re-

quest to the Labour Board could mean for them.

Slade said, “I’m glad to see so many members getting involved, asking questions, and sharing their thoughts on this issue. We knew it was important to talk with our members and share information about this issue.”

AUPE pointed out data showing that LPNs in places with similar bargaining units to Alberta’s tend to get paid more and have more job opportunities. LPNs who are part of AUPE have seen their wages go up by about 130 percent over the last 23 years, which is almost 30 percent more than the wage increases that Registered Nurses (RNs) have had over the same time. The wage difference between LPNs and RNs has shrunk by nearly 25 percent.

Slade said, “Our main goal is to build our combined strength so that we can go into the next round of bargaining with strong demands that AHS and Covenant Health have to take seriously. LPNs in Alberta deserve more, and that’s what we’re fighting for.”

AUPE is the biggest union in western Canada, with over 95,000 members. Two-thirds of these members work in healthcare, and about 11,000 of them are LPNs.

© Troy Media

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!

Our Office Follows

The Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide

5 tips for sustainable summer entertaining

(NC) As the weather warms, people flock outdoors, indulging in BBQs, cookouts and backyard hangouts. All that entertaining adds up, so consider how the little choices you make can have a big impact on the environment. Here are five tips for a greener outdoor gathering.

Stay local

Avoid adding to pollution levels by choosing a venue that’s local to most of your guests. This reduces the need for guests to drive or take transportation. If your house isn’t a suitable venue, opt for a local park or shoreline for a serene setting.

Choose reusables

It may be tempting to have a sink free of dishes following a summer gathering, but consider eliminating single-use cutlery, napkins and plates. Instead, use reusable options that better protect the planet.

Is coffee good for you?

One of the most persistent myths about coffee is that it’s bad for your health. However, while there are some people who should avoid it due to underlying ailments, for most of us, coffee is a treat that should be enjoyed guilt-free.

Indeed, drinking coffee in moderation — no more than four cups a day — has a host of health benefits. Just don’t overdo it on the cream and sugar, which add quite a few calories to the mix.

Studies have linked coffee consumption to a host of health benefits. Drinking coffee contributes to:

• Lowering the risk of stroke

• Lowering the risk of certain cancers

• Reducing symptoms of depression

• Regulating blood sugar levels

• Stimulating digestion

• Relieving headaches

• Preventing Alzheimer’s disease

• Relieving symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

• Improving athletic performance

Treat yourself to this delicious healthy beverage at a coffee shop near you.

Plants over flowers

Consider decorating with potted plants over fresh-cut flowers. These bouquets come with more emissions and a shorter shelf-life. Plants can liven up a space with greenery, are more cost-effective and along with producing oxygen throughout the day, may help purify the air by ridding it of common toxins and indoor pollutants.

Grill greenly

Make more eco-conscious grilling choices, whether that’s choosing products from carbon-neutral food companies like Maple Leaf Foods or considering new innovations such as electric grills that cut down on emissions.

Love leftovers

Take orders from guests in advance to cut down on food waste. If you have leftovers, think of ways to “upcook” them for a follow-up meal such as tasty toppings for salads or fillings for wraps. Of course, bones can be used in broth and veggies in stews, too.

If you love to entertain during the summer months, make the planet your guest of honour and treat it kindly.

ART FOR ALL

These programs run every week.

Drop-ins are always welcome! The studio will provide most supplies needed

Adaptive Art Mondays and Fridays

Young at Heart Art Mondays 12:30 to 3:30 PM

Instructor's Studio – Mentorship Wednesdays 2 – 9 PM

Open Studio Thursdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wood Carving Fridays 9:00 to 11:00 AM

ENCAUSTIC

FAMILY PAINT DAY

GLASS FUSION

HYDRA DIP

INK PAINTING

JEWELRY MAKING

MIXED MEDIA

NEEDLE FELTING

OIL

OIL ROUGHING

PAINT POUR

ACRYLIC ACRYLIC POUR

ALCOHOL INK

BULLET JOURNALING

CLAY

COLD WAX

COLLAGE COLOUR

COLOURED PENCIL

DOT MANDALA

DRAWING

After School Program (ages 6 to 9) Mondays – 4 to 5:30 PM

Preteen (ages 9 to 12) Mondays - 6:30 to 8 PM

Preschool (ages 3 to 5) Tuesdays – 10 to 11 AM

Homeschool Art (ages 5 to 9 )Wednesdays– 10 to 11 AM (ages 10+) Wednesdays– 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM

Teen Night (ages 13 to 18) dates and times vary

Let us create a custom artistic event for any occasion.

• Birthday parties

• Team Building

• Corporate Events

• Family Celebrations

• priority information on all programs

• reduced pricing on all programs

• exhibit your artwork on the website

• be a part of a vibrant art community in Strathmore and area

@wheatlandarts

wheatlandartsociety

www.wheatlandarts.ca

POTTERY PASTELS PAVERPOL

PRINT MAKING

WATER COLOUR

WINE & PAINT

ZENTANGLE

115 3rd Avenue, Strathmore 403 934 6665

info@wheatlandarts.ca

Project Arrow is advancing the future of automobiles

Project Arrow unveils Canada’s first zero-emissions concept vehicle

By Yogi Schulz

Project Arrow, backed by its many Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) partners, a few universities and the governments of Canada and Ontario, unveiled its high-tech concept car at CES in Las Vegas in January 2023.

The “unveiling is the culmination of years of collaborative work by the team to develop Canada’s first zero emissions concept vehicle,” said Colin Singh Dhillon, Chief Technical Officer at APMA. “We aim to have automobile manufacturers adopt its components for their large volume models.”

The concept vehicle is an all-Canadian effort. It was designed, engineered and built through the joint efforts of 50 companies in our world-class automotive supply sector and post-secondary institutions. Project Arrow brought together the best of Canada’s technology companies and their intellectual property for:

• Electric-drivetrain.

• Alternative-fuel components.

• Connected vehicle components and software.

• Autonomous vehicle components and software.

• Light-weight materials.

Among various innovations, it’s the first-ever vehicle to incorporate a fully 3D-printed chassis produced by the Xaba Intelligent Machine using advanced composite materials. Meta Materials Inc. contributed its NANOWEB® highperformance materials and nanocomposites.

The motivation for the significant scope, effort and multi-

million dollar investment in Project Arrow is to retain and perhaps grow the Canadian automotive industry. The number of automobiles assembled in Canada has been declining over many years. The industry is in the midst of a wrenching change as it retools from producing gasolinepowered cars to producing electric, hybrid and perhaps hydrogen vehicles.

The Canadian auto industry built the car to showcase its ability to manufacture electric vehicles. In 2023, the concept vehicle will tour key North American automotive industry centers to encourage companies to incorporate its many components into their designs. Adoption saves automakers development costs and elapsed time. There are no plans to build the car.

APMA previously launched a fleet of demonstration vehicles in Stratford, Ontario, as part of Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network and is currently working with more than 90 auto tech startups.

APMA is Canada’s industry association representing OEM producers of parts, equipment, tools, supplies, advanced technology, and services for the worldwide automotive industry.

Yogi Schulz has over 40 years of information technology experience in various industries. Yogi works extensively in the petroleum industry. He manages projects that arise from changes in business requirements, the need to leverage technology opportunities, and mergers. His specialties include IT strategy, web strategy and project management.

© Troy Media

Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere (OACC)

July

2023

Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere (OACC)

June seems to have come and gone in a flash. What a month of celebration in Chestermere. From Seniors Week to the Carnival, it was wonderful to see residents of all ages out in the community enjoying themselves.

The OACC will not be meeting in July (a little vacation for everyone), but we hope to see all of you at our August meeting.

OACC News & Community Events

SENIOR’S WEEK IS A WRAP!

What an amazing week full of events - one that we believe, was the best ever. With over 650 participants and daily events, it was

wonderful to see such an inclusive and diverse celebration of Seniors and Older Adults in our community. From having tea, riding a bicycle, catching the sights from a different perspective on a pontoon boat ride, or making new friends at games night, the energy at every of the event was incredible. What a great way to recognize the contributions of our most treasured residents!

And of course, the week could not have happened without the hours of work from the 2023 Seniors Week Planning Group and the over 100 volunteers! A heartfelt thank you everyone involved. Bigger and better next year!

Did you know that there are bicycles available at the City to “rent” for Seniors and Older Adults? The bicycles that were featured during

the Seniors Week Tour de Chestermere are available for use. The City, using a grant dedicated for Seniors, was able to purchase some bicycles, a tricycle, and a few electric bikes for Seniors to sign out to use on the amazing paths throughout our community. If you are interested, contact Craig or Christian at the City (cmcleod@chestermere.ca or 403-7050 ext. 7094; clutzorozco@chestermere.ca or 403-7050 ext. 7092). 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 a cook off 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!

Don’t forget to check out what’s happening at the Library. Stop by the library to see what’s going on or send an email to Jackson at jlongworth@ chestermerepubliclibrary.

com for a copy of their monthly newsletter. Whitecappers have sent out their monthly calendar of events as well. They post it at the club, or you can check online at www. whitecappers.ca for all of the activities they have planned. They have something for everyone so take a moment to check out their events.

Finally, a reminder about the Chestermere Conversation Café. 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). NOTE: The next meeting will be on Monday, July 24th.

Remember you can contact Don at 403-473-1564 or check out the link for more information: https:// dementianetworkcalgary. ca/event/new-chestermereconversation-cafe-in-person/

News & Views on Health

Here is the health update from Calgary Rural Primary Care Network (CRPCN) which services Chestermere. Welcome to summer from CRPCN! We all look forward to this time of year to get outside, get in our gardens, meet friends on patio’s and take in the many walking, cycling paths in Chestermere. Our health is often taken for granted till something changes. For more education around diet and exercise please know that your doctor likely belongs to a Primary Care Network, and you can ask to speak to the Diabetic Nurse, General Nurse, Dietician, Foot Care Specialist, or Social Worker to gain knowledge and education, one on one, to get support and stay healthy. Did you know a simple blood test called A1C tests for blood sugars and is a good

indicator of pre diabetic states. Normal is less than 6.0 ug/L Watching your intake of high sugar and processed foods as well as a 20-minute walk daily can keep this level down. Please be aware that CRPCN will be at several of the Wellness Wednesday at Anniversary Park this summer. Also, we are bringing an Elder Abuse Awareness Project to the area that all are welcome to attend through Lunch and Learns at Lakeshore Manor and Whitecappers. As well, our workshops are available online at www.CRPCN. ca and include Happiness Basics, Heart Health, Craving Change.

Enjoy your summer activities and take a moment to appreciate your health

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. OACC – Upcoming Meeting Date – Wednesday, August 16th at 1:30PM – 3:30PM (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). While walk-ins 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.

Summer: THE season for refreshing desserts!

The heat of summer and all its pleasant activities often put you in the mood for refreshing desserts. Want to try your hand at making some delicious homemade desserts to help you survive the hot weather? Here are some ideas to inspire you.

ICE CREAM SUNDAES

Use local or exotic fruits to create fresh ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt. Mango, raspberries, lemon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and blueberries are great options. You can also opt for classic flavours, such as chocolate and vanilla, or get creative by using edible flowers and fragrant herbs like lavender and mint. Top it all off with granola, chocolate shavings, nuts, fruit coulis, caramel sauce or maple syrup.

FRUITY DELIGHTS

Let your imagination run wild and have fun concocting fruity pies that pair perfectly with a dollop of ice cream. Layer jam, custard, whipped cream and chopped fruit on a delicious, sweet pastry. Mousse cakes, pavlovas and panna cottas are other tasty options you can make with the fruit of your choice.

UNIQUE TREATS

Enjoy ice cream in a new way by making a bite-sized Japanese dessert called mochi or assembling a cake roll. You could also make oversized ice cream sandwiches by placing your favourite flavour of ice cream between two giant chocolate chip cookies. When it comes to dessert drinks, slushies and milkshakes are also irresistible options.

Many restaurants, snack bars and creameries offer a wide variety of frozen and refreshing desserts. Indulge your appetite this summer!

Beet and orange salad with goat cheese

This colourful salad is a mouth-watering summer treat that makes the perfect starter or side dish.

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

For the vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon grainy mustard

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the salad:

• 2 oranges

2 cooked beets

• A handful of pomegranate seeds

• 2 cups of greens of your choice

(e.g., mesclun or spring mix)

• 200 grams goat cheese

How to choose a barbecue

Do you dream of cooking meals on the grill in your backyard or balcony but don’t yet have a barbecue? Here are some tips for choosing the right one.

TYPE

Propane barbecues are versatile, easy to use and quick to heat up. Charcoal or wood-burning barbecues impart delicious flavour but are more difficult to light and take longer to reach an optimal temperature. On the other hand, electric barbecues offer even heat distribution, except at low temperatures.

MATERIAL

Certain materials, like stainless steel, will ensure your barbecue has a long service life. If the appliance’s firebox is made of enamelled cast iron, it should be at least four millimetres thick. Remember that metal- or porcelain-coated steel grates are generally more difficult to clean.

COOKING SURFACE

The size of the barbecue and the number of burners you need largely depend on what you’ll be grilling and how much of it. The larger the barbecue, the more energy it needs to reach the desired heat. If you often cook fish or white meat, it’s a good idea to look for a model with at least two independent burners. This gives you the option of not cooking directly over the flame.

ACCESSORIES

Some models come with additional accessories, such as a side burner (similar to a cooker), a sear burner (perfect for blue steaks) and a rotisserie for cooking on a spit.

The many criteria you consider when looking for the perfect barbecue are chiefly about how you plan to use the grill. Other elements to consider include your budget, the number of wheels, the ignition system and whether it has a built-in thermometer. Happy shopping!

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all the dressing ingredients. Set aside.

2. Trim the oranges to remove the segments.

3. Cut the cooked beets into pieces of similar size to the orange segments.

4. Arrange the beets, orange segments, pomegranate seeds and greens on four small plates.

5. Crumble a quarter of the goat cheese over each serving.

6. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.

Use a sharp knife to remove the orange segments. Remove the peel and white membrane from each wedge, leaving only the flesh.

Shrimp tacos

Blueberry crisp

Packed with fresh, crisp ingredients, these tacos conjure memories of a seaside holiday. Blueberry crisp is a classic summer dessert. When blueberry season is in full swing, make the most of it with this “berry” delicious antioxidant-packed treat.

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

• 6 soft tortillas

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or sour cream

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)

• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon flour

• 450 grams medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (green, Savoy or Chinese)

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 avocado, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

2. Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for 10 minutes before serving.

3. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt and hot sauce. Set aside.

4. In another small bowl, combine the cayenne, garlic powder and flour.

5. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and sprinkle with the flour mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.

6. Heat the oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over high. Add the shrimp and cook on both sides until slightly charred.

7. Lay the warm tortillas out on a clean work surface. Add a tablespoon of hot sauce to each tortilla. Then, divide the cabbage, onion slices, avocado slices and shrimp evenly among the tortillas. Serve immediately.

Do you love to grill? Use your BBQ to make this recipe!

Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups fresh (or thawed)

whole blueberries

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 4 tablespoons sugar

1 cup and 2 tablespoons flour

• 1 cup oatmeal

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 3/4 cup melted butter

1/2 cup almonds, coarsely chopped

For garnish (optional)

• A few mint leaves

• 1/2 cup whole almonds

• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

8 quick and simple recipes to add to your summer meal plan

Looking for delicious, easy-to-make dinners for those low-energy evenings or when you want to make the most of the sunshine? These eight ideas will surely find a place on your meal plan this summer.

1. BLT pizza. Decadent bacon, crisp lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes give this meal a summery feel. Plus, you barely have to use the oven.

2. Tofu quesadillas. Tortillas, vegetables, shredded Tex-Mex cheese, a tofu spread and less than 10 minutes in the oven are all you need to cook this dinner.

3. Moroccan couscous. Seasoned with garam masala and mint leaves, this couscous is a perfect match for ground lamb and Asian-style vegetables.

4. Pasta salad with pesto and prosciutto. Garnish it with chunks of cheese and fresh tomatoes, and this salad will have it all.

5. Halloumi cheese and grilled vegetables. Grill these tasty ingredients on the barbecue to bring out the fresh flavours.

6. Spring rolls. Assemble the rolls at the

table so everyone can create their own combinations.

7. Creamy coleslaw. This salad is a great opportunity to use your cooked broccoli stalks. Thinly slice them and let them macerate for a few minutes in the creamy dressing.

8. Shredded turkey or crab rolls. Easy to eat on the go, these classic rolls are endlessly customizable!

Visit your local shops and food producers to stock up on fresh ingredients. Bon appétit!

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.

2. Place the blueberries in a large bowl and add the lemon juice. Sprinkle the mixture with the sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix well.

3. Divide the mixture among 8 small ramekins or pour into a regular pie dish.

4. In the same bowl, combine the cup of flour, oats, brown sugar and salt.

5. Slowly pour in the melted butter to moisten all the ingredients. Then, spread the mixture evenly over the blueberries.

6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

7. Meanwhile, lightly toast the chopped almonds in a pan.

8. Remove the crisp(s) from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Divide the toasted almonds among the crisp(s) and garnish with the other toppings, if desired.

Get any 3 concerts for only $70

(regular price $84)

Lewis & Royal

2023 Open-Air Summer Concerts

Incredible Live Music every Saturday in August

Bring your blanket or lawn chair, your sunscreen and hat, and enjoy incredible music in the heart of the Rosebud Valley.

Single concert tickets are $28 each. Call Box Office to book at 1-800-267-7553.

Performing August 5 & 26 at 4:30pm on the Rosebud Festival Stage

Lewis & Royal’s first project was composing CHICKENS, a runaway musical hit combining blues, bluegrass and oldtime rock. No strangers to Rosebud, they have toured and performed across the country, including Calgary’s Jack Singer concert hall and iconic Saddledome. lewisandroyal.com

John Wort Hannam

Performing August 12 at 4:30pm on the Rosebud Festival Stage

In 2001, roots/folk musician John Wort Hannam quit his teaching job and spent 10 months depleting his savings while sat at his kitchen table, wearing a lucky hat, writing his first ten songs. Eighteen years later, with a few feathers in that lucky hat that include a JUNO nomination and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Album of the Year, he’s got a new energy fueled by a new band, a new sound and a ton of new songs. www.johnworthannam.com

Maria Dunn

Performing August 19 at 4:30pm on the Rosebud Festival Stage

Photo Credit: David Williamson, 2020

A true preserver of the spirit of folk music, 2022 Juno Award Winner Maria Dunn is often compared to Woody Guthrie for her keen social awareness and unvarnished melodic songs about ordinary people. Her latest album Joyful Banner Blazing (2021) celebrates resilience, grace, gratitude, solidarity, joy and the love that fires our actions to make the world a better place. www.mariadunn.com

Shades of Gray

Older Adults weekly radio chat

Tune in to our new radio chat show: 50+ Shades of Gray with Sharron where we talk about all subjects related to mature living

Your Host Sharron Matthewman (The Brit)

Live Every Thursday at 10:00 – 11:00am

Podcast: https://www.theanchor.ca/showname/50-shades-of-grey/

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 10:00 am on Chestermere’s Best Radio. Don’t miss it!

ChestermerePUBLIC PUBLIC LIBRARY LIBRARY

105B Marina Road Chestermere

Upcoming Library Closure

Please note: The library and return bin will be closed from August 5th – August 7th for August Long Weekend. We will reopen on Tuesday, August 8th for our regularly scheduled hours.

Summer Reading Program Workshops!

Register for our Summer Reading Program Workshops for kids aged 3-12. A FREE library card is required to register for our workshops. Call or visit for program availability and registration.

Workshop registration not required for entry to prizes. Ask the front desk to register your child (ages 3-12) for the Summer Reading Program and pick up a reading log. Returning a reading log will earn your child either an INSTANT PRIZE, or a ballot to one of our GRAND PRIZES!!!

Teen Summer Reading Program

Teens between the ages of 12-17 can read and compete for activities for a chance to win prizes throughout the summer through the Marigold Teen Summer Reading Challenge. Learn more and sign up online at www.marigoldprograms.ca

Adult Summer Reading Program

Visiting the library pays off this summer. Register for our Adult Summer Reading Program and every visit to the library will earn you a ballot for a chance to WIN one of our ADULT PRIZES! Ask the front desk for registration and ballots.

Fun Family Friday Mad Science: All About Animals

Join Mad Science Calgary on Friday, July 21st at 1:00PM as they teach all about animals!

Learn about habitats, methods of camouflage, how animals protect themselves, animal tracks, and more in this wild Fun Family Friday!

Registration is required, call or visit for program availability and registration.

Adult Craft Macrame Feathers

Keep your summer creativity flowing and learn how to make beautiful macrame feathers on Tuesday, August 1st at 5:30PM. These make great wall hangings, key chains, features for mobiles or shadow boxes, library bag/purse

403.272.9025

accessories, and more!

Registration is required, please call or visit for program availability.

Mother Goose By The Lake

Join Trellis, Chestermere Public Library, and PCSS (Parent & Caregiver Support Services) in front of the library for songs, play, and snacks on Wednesdays from 10:15AM – 11:15AM throughout the summer. This program runs from July 12th to August 16th for ages 0-5. Enjoy a take-home craft kit and resources each week. No registration required.

Mindful Readers

Join Alberta Health Services – Mental Health Capacity Building, Stepping Stones to Mental Health, and the Chestermere Public Library in-person for a FREE drop-in mindfulness program for caregivers and children ages 5 - 10. Each week will be a new mindfulness story and activity. Runs Mondays 10:30AM – 11:30AM from July 10th to August 14th at the library.

Graphic Novel and Manga Club

This month our teen and adult Graphic Novel and Manga Club are discussing Crossover Comics on our Discord. Any comic where a character moves from their world to another comic world is welcome to be discussed.

Share Your Library Experience

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.

Support Your Local Library

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 Summer Reading Program! Any donations help and allow us to improve all our programming. Contact info@chestermerepubliclibrary.com if you would like to donate.

Monthly Newsletter

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 www. 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

Contributors

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 Magazine or Anchor Media Inc.

Steve Jeffrey

Marylin King

Emily Rogers

Joanne Leema

Nick Jeffrey Lakeside Libations

Publisher/Producer

Michelle Eldjarnson CFTR - Out & About CFTR - The Swifty Hour

Don Cassidy Crows Feet

Bill Biko CFTR - Biko Show

Leslie Racz

Cathy Burness CFTR Nutritious Nuggets

Barb Jeffrey Publisher/Producer CEO

Boba Fett collections

Julie Anne McRae Content Support

Sharron Matthewman CFTR - 50+ Shades of Gray

Kari Zalik CFTR - Bad Parade

Otto Dee Jay Automated Radio Content

A Real Estate Minute With Michelle Eldjarnson

Real estate Sales

In Chestermere for June 2023

There were 59 Sales

There were 89 new listings

There are presently 96 properties for sale

There is 1.63 Months of supply

The medan price is $611,600

With an average days on Market of 29

In Strathmore For June 2023

There were 41 sales

There were 43 new listings

There are presently 55 properties for sale

There is 1.34 Months of supply

the average sale price is $411,062

The Average Days on market is 27

for Langdon here are the June 2023 numbers

There were 18 new listings

There were 13 sales

An average of 34 days on the market

There are 22 properties available for sale

There is 1.69 months of inventory

The average sales price is $620,460

Is it time for a Change The Home Inspection after the renovation

Staring at the same wallpaper and pondering if it’s time for a change? Here’s a 5-point checklist to help you decide between selling your home or giving it a renovation glow-up:

• Cost: Factor in closing and moving costs if you’re selling, and get several quotes if you’re considering a renovation. Which option makes the most financial sense?

• Space: If you’re feeling squeezed, remember a kitchen remodel, or new floors won’t add square footage. In that case, moving could be your answer.

• Emotional Readiness: Do you feel ready to say goodbye to your current home, or does it still pull at your heartstrings?

• Renovation Effect: Sometimes, updating your home before selling can reignite your love for it.

Are you ready for that possibility?

• Future Steps: Have a game plan. If you do decide to sell, be sure you have a backup plan if your next dream home isn’t readily available. Whichever route you choose, make sure it aligns with your lifestyle and future goals.

Real Estate 7 Day update

Chestermere July 9 to the 16th

Active Listings 89

Pending Listings 17

Sold Listings 15

Langdon

Active Listings 27

Pending Listings 0

Sold Listings 0

Strathmore

Active LIstings 39

Pending LIstings 16

Sold Listings 6

Have you had renovation work completed lately and the quality wasn’t what you were expecting?

If you are in need of a second opinion, a home inspector has a tool kit full of experience and skills to assess most renovations. There are a few checklist items that you can use to reduce your risk of an unfavourable renovation.

• Verify your contractor is licensed and insured.

• Follow up with references provided. If possible go and view the contractors work.

• Ensure the appropriate permits are pulled.

• Be present when the Building Inspector conducts progress inspections.

• Fully document in a contract all the work that is to be completed along with time lines, progress payment schedule and material details.

• Request a copy of all material and sub contractor paid invoices prior to paying progress payments. (You want to ensure the materials

have been paid for and the sub contractors have been paid. An unpaid subcontractor can put a lein on your home.)

• Record the progress of the work. Take a lot of pictures that you can use to refer back to in the future.

• Discuss with the contractor anything that you aren’t sure of as the work progresses. Don’t wait until the end if you have questions.

• Hire a third party inspector to review the work if you don’t have the skill set to evaluate the work yourself. This is where a Home Inspector comes into play. Look for a home inspector with construction experience who can walk you through the process and provide you with an education of the work being performed.

Open or closed mortgage: which is right for you?

Finding the right house is only half the battle. The other half is choosing the best type of mortgage. Among the many variables to consider — including its duration and interest rates — you must decide whether you want an open or closed mortgage.

OPEN MORTGAGE

The advantage of an open mortgage is that you can pay off the entire amount, or a portion of it, at any time. You aren’t penalized for paying it off early.

CLOSED MORTGAGE

A closed mortgage limits the amount of money you can pay toward your balance every year. This is often a percentage of your original balance,

which may vary by lender. You’re penalized for paying more than your monthly payment.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Open mortgages usually have higher interest rates to make up for the flexibility of being able to pay them off at any time. On the other hand, closed mortgages have much lower interest rates because you must commit to the lender for a set amount of time. To make an informed decision, consider your needs and financial situation in the short and long term.

Not sure which type of mortgage to choose? Contact a mortgage professional to discuss your needs.

Crows Feet Birding with Don & Elaine

The Bird Seed Thief

My partner in birding, Elaine takes an annual adventure to one of Canada’s favourite islands to visit family and friends. Elaine recently returned from a three week sojourn in Courtenay, located near the central east coast of Vancouver Island. Elaine’s mom, who we affectionately call “Izzy”, looks forward to Elaine’s arrival knowing full well that she will be engaging in the perpetual search for the next great bird photograph. Indeed without skipping a beat, Elaine and Izzy visited both old and new birding sites, sharing the experiences of feathery finds.

Elaine also hoped a plan to attract birds to a feeder she had cached at her mother’s home a few years ago would increase her chances of success. Elaine placed the feeder on a brick retaining wall that she could easily see from the guest bedroom. Additionally, the motion activated light located between the back door and guest bedroom window might increase possibilities for a desirable picture in the evening. Over the course of her stay the most common species that visited the feeder were house finches, chipping sparrows and the spotted towhee.

On one of the last nights of her visit, during the predawn darkness, Elaine heard the sound of the feeder moving across the retaining wall. The security light came on for its time sequence and then dimmed. Peering out of the bedroom window, Elaine thought that the solar lights in the flower bed appeared to go off, temporarily it seemed, but in truth they had not. A silhouette of something larger than a bird had made contact with the bird feeder. It became clear that the “night bandit”from the neighbourhood had arrived. Elaine watched as a raccoon extend one hand into the feeder slot to grab some seeds. Being successful, seeds were now a part of its meal. Eager to eat more, the raccoon put both of its hands to work, increasing the size of its treasure-- a wholesome breakfast. As the light of dawn brightened up the backyard, it was indeed time to put the camera into action. The whir of the lens focus motor and the soft click of the shutter combined to reward Elaine’s capture of the “night bandit”, nabbed holding the evidence. During the nearly hour long encounter, Elaine came to realize that the raccoon was likely aware of her presence, looking in her direction from time to time. With the distant bark of a neighbourhood dog breaking the silence, the raccoon’s attention changed, its ears tuned into the sounds of the morning. After a moment had passed and with its breakfast needs fulfilled, the raccoon sauntered off without a care in the world.

With CATHY BURNESS

THE SYRINGA TREE

Wow! Just wow! I know I should really keep you in suspense, so you read my whole review, but that was so amazing. Now do me a favour and read to the end.

Okay, there is so much to say about Rosebud Theatre and Rosebud itself. I love it there. I attended this play with one of my best friends. She is really into all things fancy and creative, so I wanted to make sure we had time to see the Banks and Braes bed and breakfast. I first saw this place over a year ago and although I had always meant to go back, I never seem to leave enough time. This place is amazing! I know I won’t be staying there anytime soon, as it is appropriately priced for what they offer, which makes it out of my reach, but just going on a quick tour with the owner was awesome. I’m a simple creature so I just see pretty, fancy rooms and that’s enough to impress me. My friend was wowed by details like the fabric choices for curtains, the height of the ceilings, and the antiques etc. Each room has a different theme. They have a website with photos if you want to check it out. It would appear that no expense

was wasted, and these are very creative people who have put this place together. I predict that this is going to be a destination for people who may not even be aware of the school, theatre and all the other Rosebud awesomeness. I need to allow more time on these trips so I can discover the other gems that Rosebud has to offer.

Ok, so I have ranted in the past about not being able to eat out with my dietary restrictions. These guys get it. There were multiple menu choices labelled as gluten free, vegan, dairy free etc. I mentioned this to our server, so I’m hoping she relayed the message to the chef or whoever is responsible for the choices at the buffet. I had a wonderful meal. Thank you, Rosebud!

So, I am a bit of a softy. Yes, I can be emotional, but really! The lights went dim, and a woman appeared on stage. She immediately emoted angst, love, longing, sorrow, and joy. I had goosebumps and there was no point even trying to fight the tears that were welling up in my eyes. Keep in

mind this is 30 seconds into the play. I was with her for all her memories. I felt the pain, the joy, the playfulness, the injustice and bigotry. What a journey we had!

The set consisted of a swing, a scarf and a kind of fabric backdrop revealing a portrait of a woman. The Syringa Tree is about growing up in Apartheid South Africa. It’s about a family. It’s about love, cruelty, race and so much more. It’s no surprise to me that Morris Ertman directed this production. He was responsible for the direction of some of the best shows I have seen, among them are Stones in His Pockets, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and A Christmas Carol.

Let’s not forget the writer Pamela Gien who was commissioned to write the Syringa Tree as a novel which she then adapted into a screenplay. She dedicated it to her parents and to the children of South Africa.

There are 22 characters represented in this story of the heart. They are all portrayed by Katharine Venour. I can’t begin to imagine memorising the volume of lines she delivered, not to mention her seamless transformation from

one character to another. She never lost me. She was an adorable innocent child, an old man, a middle-aged woman, and Elizabeth or ‘monkey’ as Salamina called her. There are some light moments, filled with childlike wonder and humour and so much passion. Not the lovey dovey romantic kind, but love between Lizzy and her caregiver, and her family and friends. There was love for her homeland, love of the earth and passion for justice. It left me feeling devastated, hopeful and satisfied, having been on such a wonderful journey with Elizabeth. You know at the end of a really good performance there are a few people standing up, then more join in? Ultimately even the unimpressed or those who are unenthusiastic about standing end up standing as well. This is not how it happened. The play ended and everyone stood and clapped. It was immediate. Sometimes I love a performance and I wonder if the other attendees saw what I saw or if it was different for them. It was clear to me that we all saw the same heart wrenching, loving, wondrous performance. I’m not crying, you’re crying!

Katharine Venour - The Syringa Tree

Photo credit: Morris Ertman

CHESTERMERE WHITECAPPERS

JULY 2023

NEWSLETTER

BOARD MEETINGS

2ND Wednesday of each month. 7:00 pm

SENIOR’S WEEK – June 5 -10, 2023

Senior’s Week 2023 was very busy and very successful. Approx. 40 people attended the Whitecappers Open House and Historical Society presentation of Origin Place Names. Participation from the audience was good and the Evaluation Form feedback from attendees was very positive. Winner of the Door Prize (a gift basket valued at $150.00) was Wilfrid Mallette. The attendance at the Friday Open Games Night was approx. 40 people as well with many new faces in attendance. The feedback from the Evaluation Forms was very positive with. The event was described as having a “Welcoming Atmosphere”.

Winner of the Door Prize (a gift basket valued at $110.00) was Cheryl Butterley. The cumulative total of all of the attendees from all of the events was 642. Thanks to everyone for your support and I hope you enjoyed all of the other activities that were part of Senior’s Week.

Our Fundraiser Was a Resounding Success!

The Chestermere Soundwaves in conjunction with the Chestermere Whitecappers held an amazing event full of fun, entertainment and good old camaraderie for an amazing cause. Over $1900 was raised for the Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society through door proceeds, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction. A big thank you to all those who supported this event and an even bigger thank you to Sue Woods who graciously donated her 50/50 winnings to the Society. It’s about

People Helping People!

We look forward to hosting more events like this in future.

Our annual Stampede Breakfast will be held on the morning of Saturday July 15th from 9:3011:30. The cost will remain at $5.00 per person and the breakfast will consist of Tea/Coffee, Sausage, Pancakes, Fruit and Schwartz Potato Casserole. We will have live entertainment provided by Wilf, Connie and Stephen Poole along with some lively country tunes. Put on your best Western Bib and Tucker and come out for a morning of fun! Prizes will be awarded for the best Male and Female Western wear!

CHESTERMERE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Meeting July 18th at 1:00 pm.

2023 -2024 MEMBERSHIP CARDS AND RECEIPTS

For those of you who have renewed your memberships but have not yet received your Membership Card and Receipt, they are available for pickup at the office. Pins for New Members are not yet available.

A Signup sheet is located on the Events Board in the Lobby at Whitecappers.

BIG THANK YOU TO THE KNITTER

The Quilting group would like to send out a BIG THANK YOU, to all the knitters. We receive wool/yarn that is donated to us along with the material we use in quilting.

Jean Waite, Barb Cottrell, Kashmir Basi, Gail Jerome and Art Christensen, knit baby sweaters, children’s sweaters, baby blankets, ladies hat and scarf sets, men’s toques and knitted toys. We give these items out to the different Charities along with our quilts. They all are beautiful knitters and their items are much appreciated. Thank you all for your time and efforts and thank you to all that donate the wool/yarn, and material to us. It is put to good use and much appreciated!!!

The next Potluck Supper will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Bring your favorite dish or something from your favorite deli or grocery store.

Doors Open 4:30 Supper 5:30

Volunteers are required for this event. Please see the signup sheet at Whitecappers. Please make a note of the contents of the dish so we can advise anyone with allergies.

DROP-IN COFFEE AT THE WHITECAPPERS

Drop- In coffee at the Whitecappers is available on Saturdays at 10:00 am.

CASINO August 25 th and 26th

The next Whitecappers Casino will be held Aug 25 & 26, 2023 at the Ace Casino Blackfoot. We are in need of a few additional volunteers for this event particularly for the late shifts. Even when the slots are filled we require spares to be available If you have not yet signed up but are able and available to help please sign up on the registration sheet at Whitecappers. No previous experience is required. Thanks to those who have already signed up. A preliminary schedule has been posted at Whitecappers

This is a critical event for Whitecappers as it pays the rent for our facility

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating birthdays in July! I hope you have an enjoyable day! Byron Black, Debbie Ferguson, Betty Illingworth, Ken Jonah, Rik ie McDonnell, Lila Mee, Shelley Quinney, Sherri Standish and Margaret Stewart.

LINE DANCING

Line dancing has finished for the summer. Will resume again in September.

POOL

Pool has finished for the summer. Will resume again in the fall.

CHESTERMERE FOOD BANK

Non-perishable food donations for the Chestermere Food Bank are being accepted at Whitecappers.

CHESTERMERE OLDER ADULTS RESOURCE BOOK

The new Chestermere Older Adults Resource Book is available at the Whitecappers.

CONVERSATION CAFE: DEMENTIA

4th Monday of each month 2:00 -4:00 at the Lakeshore Manor

Enjoy a friendly conversation in a safe and welcoming space. Everyone is welcome, including care partners and people living with dementia. Support each other by sharing experiences, information and resources. Conversation Cafes have no agenda and no prescribed topic of conversation. This is simply an opportunity to make new friends who are on or have been through the dementia journey.

For further information contact Don at 403-473-1564 or email: drmontpetit@shaw.ca

PHONE BOOKS

Members Phone Books are available at Whitecappers. $1.00 each.

HARD COPIES OF THE NEWSLETTER AND CALENDAR

Whitecappers: IF you do not have access to a printer and would like a hard copy, please contact Ellen Neary.

WRITE FOR SENIORS CONNECT!

Tell your story or share an experience in the Chestermere Anchor. Columns needed for August-September. Email Don at cassidyd@telus.net for details.

ACTIVITIES PRESENTLY AVAILABLE AT WHITECAPPERS

Please consult our Whitecappers Calendar for activities and classes for June

Drop-in Coffee at the Whitecappers Saturday at 10:00 am Cancelled May 6th

Cards or Crib Do you enjoy a good game of cards or crib?? Why not come out on Wednesday and/or Saturday afternoons at 1:00 – 4:00 and play your favorite game of cards/crib with the group. They would like to see you Bridge – Thursdays at 1:00.

The Chestermere Historical Society meets the 3 rd Tuesday of the month at 1:00 Exercise Class with Julie – Fridays - 10:30.

Drop in Chair Yoga - Monday, Wednesday 11:30 and Friday 11:45 am. This class is suitable for both women and men. Walk Fit – Mondays and Wednesdays – 11:00.

Line Dancing –Tuesdays 10:30 – 11:30. Will resume in September

Carpet Bowling Mondays and Wednesdays 12:45

Quilting – Thursdays 9:30

Artisans of Chestermere – Thursdays 1:00

Pool –Fridays and Saturdays 2:00 - 4:00. Will resume in the fall.

Please let us know of anything you would like put in the newsletter . We would love to hear from you.

President: Ellen Neary

Treasurer: Sue Woods

Board Member June Marie Body

Board Mem ber Dorothy Britten

Past President: Carollyne Collier

403-813-1669

403-273-6901

403-616-2059

403-390-1534

403-807-1234

Vice President: Dawn Hovey

Secretary: Todd McBride

Board Member Karen Weyman

403-217-8831

403-816-7285

403-860-9360

Board Member Cynthia Babcock 613 291-7195

Newsletter Ellen Neary

Email: chestermerewhitecappers@shaw.ca

Phone: 403-235-2117

Website: whitecappers.ca

Facebook: Chestermere Whitecappers Association

403-813-1669

Whitecappers Calendar

Whitecappers Activity Schedule

July 2023 Calendar

Lakeside Libations

Tea for Two (to Brew)

Nick Jeffrey

libations@theanchor.ca

Faithful readers may recall me waxing poetic about the Reinheitsgebot, also known as the Bavarian Beer Purity Law of 1516, which decreed water, barley, and hops as the only permissible ingredients in beer.

Those regulations have fallen away over the centuries, with modern brewers limited only by their imaginations when designing new brew recipes.

Coffee has long been a popular ingredient with craft brews, usually in the dark roasted stouts and porters whose malt bills already impart similar flavours.

However, tea has been making inroads as a beer adjunct, with the much more diverse flavours available making it possible to use in many beer styles.

I have often made my own shandy on hot summer days by mixing a light lager or blonde ale with locally produced Wild Tea Kombucha, for an extra bit of effervescence with just hints of tea flavour.

Perhaps the first tea-infused beer I ever tried was from

Calgary’s Annex Ales, who put out a seasonal brew called the King’s English Black Tea Lemon Pale Ale. This seasonal brew makes an appearance every summer, with plenty of citrusy hops that are complemented with lemon and bergamot for a classy drinking session on a sunny patio.

Located just a few blocks away from Annex Ales is Born Brewing, in Calgary’s popular Barley Belt district. Born Brewing has a similar offering called Earl’s Ale, an English Pale Ale with Earl Grey tea leaves added during the brewing process to infuse the beer with hints of tea and bergamot.

Travelling just a few more blocks will lead to ’88 Brewing, whose brewery is adorned with the neon fashions of the 1988 Calgary Olympics, where you will find a non-alcoholic version of a Kombucha-styled Hibiscus tea, pleasantly effervescent from pressurization on a nitrogen tank (like Guinness) instead of the more common CO2.

For a harder version of a Hibiscus tea, look no further than Calgary’s Good Mood Brewing, conveniently located in

the same part of town as the last three, for their Sparkling Hard Tea with Hibiscus & Rosehip. This is more similar to a hard seltzer like Zima or White Claw than a beer, with vodka used as a base spirit, then infused with Hibiscus and Rosehip petals.

Perhaps the most unique spin on a tea-infused beer is from Calgary-based High Line Brewing, who has a Pale Ale beer made with Yerba maté tea and BC cherries. The cherries give the brew a sort of Radler or Shandy vibe, with the caffeine kick from the brewed leaves of Yerba maté plant providing a little pick me up.

Looking north to Red Deer, Troubled Monk Brewing makes a brew called Troubled Tea, which is technically a malt liquor steeped with tea leaves rather than a beer. On the plus side for the celiacs in the audience, it does claim to be gluten free. I tried it once when the liquor rep was pouring samples at my friendly neighbourhood liquor retailer, and the flavour profile is like an iced tea with a twist of lemon and a shot of neutral grain spirit.

Fortunately, there is no cloying sweetness that you might remember from iced tea served at a restaurant, as Troubled Monk brews everything from scratch, using small amounts

of Alberta beet sugars for just a touch of sweetness, balanced by lemon-lime, and then steeped with close to 1000 teabags for a truly craft iced tea with a kick.

Looking north to Edmonton, Town Square Brewing makes a Peach Sangria White Tea Sour, starting with a base of a sour beer, then adding fuzzy peach concentrate and the tips of white tea flowers during the brewing process, producing a brew that will make you think you are sipping a sangria on the streets of Barcelona.

And to ensure our southern brewers do not feel left out, Hell’s Basement Brewery in Medicine Hat produces a hard tea, technically a malt liquor rather than a beer, and tastes like a brewed ice tea with a lemon twist, and a 5% ABV kick. Unlike the dark and stout coffee-infused beers that are best enjoyed on cold winter nights, tea-infused beers are quintessentially a summer brew, made to be enjoyed during our too-short Alberta summers. Look for some at your friendly neighbourhood liquor retailer, or check the offerings from your grocery delivery service while you remain hunkered down at home.

Chestermere Christian Fellowship

Free Stampede Breakfast outdoors at Chestermere Christian Fellowship.

9 AM on Sunday, July 16th.

There is good food, fun for the kids, gospel music and plenty of parking.

Older AdUlts Coalition of ChesterMere Meeting

When: Wednesday, August 16th Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: • Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere

RSVP: • jumpmaster2@shaw.ca • illingw8@telus.net

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated

Everyone is welcome. Located 1.6 km north of highway #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,

Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am

Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079

1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road

WHERE PLAYING AND LEARNING GO HAND IN HAND!

Registriation for the 2023/2024 School Year is Open!

Registration will be available on a continuous basis until all classes are full

Located in: the the Indus Recreation Centre (Bill Herron Arena) in Indus Alberta, this not for profit preschool has been serving the community and surrounding area for 25 years.

Indus Preschool offeres a dynamic, hands-on learning approach that offers: art • IMagination stations • early literacy • & physical activity

Our program gives some of Rocky View’s youngest residents a chance to connect in a fun and positive environment while helping them to develop a sense of self and independence.

We help kids prepare for kindergarten and learn important skills that will help them in their daily lives.

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

https://induspreschool.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

Rogue Smiles W

DID YOU KNOW?

Pringles wants a spider named after it. The chip manufacturer, owned by Kellogg’s, is petitioning the International Society for Arachnology to recognize the little-known Kidney Garden spider as the “Pringles Spider”. Why? The snack food maker says the arachnid bears an uncanny resemblance to its mustachioed logo. A press released says: “”In 1968 the world was introduced to the iconic Pringles can and logo, but little did we know there was a creature… who was unknowingly spreading the Pringles love.” An online petition began last week and has over 6,000. If it’s “officially recognized” Pringles said it will give away free cans to the first 1,500 signatories to celebrate the spider’s new name. LINK: https://www.pringles.com/us/pringles-spider.html

hat’s the first thing your kids do after school? New research says that children who play sports are happier and healthier than those who go straight to their screens. Scientists from the University of South Australia found that those who meet up with friends, practice sports, or take music lessons feel much better about themselves. They also found that kids who did other things, such as homework or reading, also experienced better well-being than those on screens. The team analyzed data from 62,000 students in 4th through 9th grade to see what they did between 3-6pm each day. They found that most students watched TV about 4 days a week and spent time on social media about 3 times a week. (What about the kids who, like I did, go straight to the cookie jar?) (Are they really trying to tell us that kids only use social media after school SOMETIMES?)

You know the old saying that goes “50 is the new 30.” Well, there might be some truth to that. A survey found that women over 50 are happier, more secure, and more content with their relationships than women in their 20s. That’s from the responses of 1,000 British women in a survey commissioned by Platinum Magazine. Over half of women over 50 said they are happy with their relationship status, and a quarter report being “happy” with their age. Interestingly, one sixth of older respondents even say they are more confident in their looks and attractiveness than at any other time in their life. Only 44% of 20–30-year-olds said they are comfortable with their current love life. The over-50 crowd also reported exercising and dating more often than those in their 20s.

Classified Marketplace

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 1-800694-2609, Email Us @ sales@switzersauction. com or Visit Us @ www. switzersauction.com.

Employment Opps

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 $799 to get your message out! Auctions, Employment Opportunities, Feed and Seed, For Sale, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 80 plus Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now

or email classifieds@awna. com for details. 1-800-2826903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Service Managers, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment TechsJourneyman, Apprentices and Sales roles. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/ careers. Possible 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. 1-888483-8789.

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. 1-844-453-5372.

Real Estate

LOOKING TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE to accommodate the College/University Student in your family?

•Edmonton •Red Deer •Calgary •Lethbridge. Call/ Text/ Email Dan Rizzoli at Maxwell Devonshire Realty 780-940-6508; drizzoli@ maxwellrealty.ca.

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. 1-800-3472540. 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

BUYING

Help Wanted

Coldwell Agencies have been servicing the Strathmore area community for the last 40 years! We are family-owned and operated. We provide farm insurance, auto insurance, commercial insurance, home insurance and much more. Providing bundle packages, our insurance brokers will get you the coverage you need. Give us a call to learn more about our services at Coldwell Agencies Ltd.

TOP 8 REASONS to advertise

IT’S A FACT: when consumers feel personally connected to an advertisement, they’re more likely to support your business. Here are 8 good reasons to allocate an advertising budget.

1. INCREASE TRAFFIC. Consumers are more likely to visit a business after seeing an advertisement — and more consumers mean more sales!

2. IMPROVE YOUR IMAGE. Dynamic and engaging advertisements attract consumers, no matter how strained the economic situation or how stiff the competition.

3. ATTRACT NEW CUSTOMERS. The market is always changing, and new consumers are constantly popping up in your region. There you go, a new target audience to inform that your business has what they want.

4. BUILD CUSTOMER LOYALTY. Once-loyal customers may drift away as their options multiply. By advertising, not only do you instill a sense of belonging and trust, but you also encourage them to remain loyal to you.

5. IMPROVE YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE. The hard truth is that a limited number of consumers are willing to buy your products. Advertising is the best way to convince them that your products are THE best, no matter what the competition says.

6. STAY TOP OF MIND. When you advertise your products, you alert potential customers to your products or services. This increases the likelihood that they’ll think of you when they need the products or services you offer.

7. INFORM THE PUBLIC. When you launch a new product, for example, advertising allows potential customers to find out about it without having to do research.

8. INCREASE REVENUE. Effective advertising attracts customers to your business and improves sales. In short, it increases your success!