The Chestermere Anchor June 26, 2023

Strathmore, rocky View, and wheatland county partner to improVe policing SerViceS rec centre offering welcoming Space for youth

notice to cheStermere regional community how to make the moSt out of a beach day

community wellbeing with new taSk force

Joni - on loVe

federal newS - martin ShieldS mp bow riVer

federal firearmS buyback program StartS to take Shape city haltS community grant program

unpacked podcaSt inSpiring liStenerS to liVe authentically oacc older adultS coalition of cheStermere

eatS and treatS

poultry petS are now permitted in cheStermere urban areaS

cheStermere public library contributorS

a real eState minute with michelle eldJarnSon

multi-award winning indigenouS rootScountry artiSt Jade turner releaSeS brand new Single about bullying, “deadweight”

canadian-themed gift ideaS and tipS for Sending parcelS abroad

opinion

danielle Smith’S firSt challenge

alberta goVernment SaVing young driVerS time and money

attackS on ma Jor newS outletS: cbc, ctV, and global newS

whitecapperS calendar

tune in to the rogue

l akeSide libationS

Strathmore, Rocky View, and Wheatland County partner to improve policing services

Funding for an RCMP Watch Clerk Program was approved.

By Emily Rogers

The Town of Strathmore Council approved a multi-year RCMP Watch Clerk Program to improve policing services.

Strathmore Town Council approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Rocky View County and Wheatland County for the continued funding of the RCMP Watch Clerk Program.

“This is a great opportunity to extend a regional partnership in a meaningful way. Ensuring we can attract and retain talented candidates for watch clerk positions will improve the efficiency of our RCMP detachment and their ability to serve our communities,” Director of Community and Protective Services, Mark Pretzlaff said.

The funding agreement will cover the costs for three Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) watch clerk positions for three years. Under the agreement, each partner municipality will share the costs equally, a Town of Strathmore press release said.

A watch clerk is an administrative staff member who works the same shifts as constables on a particular RCMP watch. The watch clerks perform administrative duties, allowing RCMP members to be more active in the community. Previously, the funding agreements were reviewed annually. However, a multi-year agreement creates a predictable funding

model that facilitates better recruitment and retention for the watch clerk positions, the release said.

Wheatland County Council has approved the Memorandum of Agreement.

Rocky View County voiced their support to Strathmore Town Council, and their approval is expected to be finalized in the near future.

“The Town of Strathmore is looking forward to finalizing this ongoing partnership, and the continuation of effective policing services in our region,” the release said.

Strathmore Town Council is partnering with Rocky View County and Wheatland County to improve policing services with a multi-year RCMP Watch Clerk Program.

Rec Centre offering welcoming space for youth

“We wanted to provide a space where youth feel welcome to be themselves and have fun with friends.”

By Emily Rogers

The Chestermere Recreation Centre is offering a space for youth to develop positive connections and improve mental and physical health.

Youth between 12 and 16 can visit The Drop at the Chestermere Recreation Centre to hang out with friends, listen to music, play games including Xbox, ping pong, and foosball, and have the gym to play sports.

The Drop will have a trained youth leader on site, who can support youth and help develop positive connections.

After working with various not-forprofit organizations, Chestermere Regional Community Association (CRCA) General Manager Jody

Nouwen knew there was a need in the community for spaces and programs for youth that encourage positive relationships and improve mental and physical health.

“The Rec Centre is the hub of the community, and we have a lot of youth who come here with nothing to do. We wanted to provide a space where youth feel welcome to be themselves and have fun with friends,” Nouwen said.

Since opening, Nouwen has heard from youth that they are excited to have a drop-in space to call their very own.

The Drop has been in the works for several years after the recreation centre received a grant to provide a safe and welcoming space for youth, however, the timeline was slowed

down due to the pandemic.

“We would like to thank the Chestermere Rotary Club for their generous donation of $5,000 to support the youth centre,” Nouwen said. “These funds will assist with staffing costs and supplies for the centre.”

Synergy, Olympus Boxing, the Chestermere Rec Centre staff and board of directors, and Leela Aheer also had a vital role in opening the new facility.

The Chestermere Recreation Centre is seeking financial donations to support the new youth facility to keep it operational, as current grants and donations are expected to be depleted by the end of the summer.

Email manager@chestermerecrca.com to help.

The Drop is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for June.

July hours will soon be posted on the Chestermere Recreation Centre website at, https://www.chestermerecrca.com/.

Our Office Follows

The Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide

Chestermere youth between 12 and 16 are encouraged to visit The Drop at the Chestermere rec centre to hang out with their friends, listen to music, or play games.

Photo/Metro

How well do you know Canada’s provinces and territories?

IN

True or false?

1. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s freshwater is in Ontario.

2. Saskatchewan has approximately 20 per cent of Canada’s agricultural land.

3. New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, is known as the Tuna Capital of the World.

4. The West Edmonton Mall in Alberta receives around 30 million visitors annually.

5. The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick has the highest tides in the world.

6. The people of Halifax, Nova Scotia, are called Halifanians.

7. The largest ski resort in North America is in British Columbia.

8. Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s youngest province.

9. The first national museum built outside of Ottawa is in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

10. Quebec City is the only fortified city in Canada.

11. The smallest desert in the world is in the Yukon.

12. Great Slave Lake, the deepest lake in Canada, is in New Brunswick.

13. Inuit people make up 99 per cent of the population of Nunavut.

5 fun ways to celebrate Canada Day

ANSWERS

1. True. Ontario has more than 250,000 lakes.

2. False. It’s closer to 40 per cent.

3. False. North Lake, Prince Edward Island, holds this title.

4. True. More than 20,000 people work there.

5. True. The tide can rise as high as 16 metres.

6. False. They’re called Haligonians.

7. True. It’s called Whistler Blackcomb.

8. True. It joined Confederation in 1949.

9. True. It’s the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

10. True. It still has more than 4.5 kilometres of walls.

11. True. The Carcross Desert is less than three square kilometres.

12. False. It’s in the Northwest Territories.

13. False. They account for 85 per cent of inhabitants.

Do you want to celebrate Canada on July 1? On top of participating in local events, you could observe the day with family and friends. Here are some inspiring ideas.

1.Forehead name game. Write the names of famous Canadians, like politicians, athletes and musicians, on sticky notes and stick them to each other’s foreheads. Each person must try to guess who they are by asking yes and no questions.

2.Canadian potluck. Buying local is essential to your community’s economic vitality. Invite your family and friends over for a potluck that exclusively fea- tures food and drinks produced in the country.

3.Crafts contest. Enjoy some friendly competition with arts and crafts done in small teams. The goal is to create artwork symbolic of Canada, such as a beaver, the Rocky Mountains or a maple leaf. Take a vote to decide on the winner and hand out little prizes — made in Canada, of course!

4.Sing or dance to local music. There are plenty of Canadian music artists whose songs inspire the urge to cut a rug or sing along at top volume. Make a win- ning Canadian playlist and crank it up!

5.Typical Canadian sport. Work off that extra energy in good company by organizing a lacrosse or hockey mini-tourney — make it ball hockey if you don’t have access to a rink. After the games, gather around a bar- becue to celebrate.

How will you celebrate Canada Day?

HONOUR OF CANADA DAY, PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST BY ANSWERING THESE 13 QUESTIONS.

Notice to Chestermere Regional Community Association (CRCA) Members and the Public

Thank you to all CRCA members, community stakeholders, friends and family who have approached the CRCA for comment on the social media chatter related to redevelopment of the lands occupied by the Chestermere Recreation Centre.

The Chestermere Regional Community Association would like to confirm that we have been communicating with representatives from the City of Chestermere regarding options for collaboration. Both the CRCA and the City of Chestermere see the great need for - and even greater opportunity for – improving the indoor and outdoor recreation spaces in Chestermere.

Just like you, the CRCA staff and volunteer Board are parents, athletes, artists, and community members who dedicate our passions to facilitating recreation for those who play here. There is an immediate need for more ice, pitches, fields and all other forms of affordable recreation space in Chestermere.

We can also confirm that on May 18, 2023 the CRCA was notified of the City of Chestermere’s decision to end collaborative negotiations with us. Now that we are no longer engaged in these conversations, we would like to comment on what the process has been thus far.

We believe the first step in redeveloping these lands would be to coordinate a land sale between the City of Chestermere and Rockyview County. Rockyview County currently owns the land. On June 14, 2022 Rockyview County’s Council stated that it would not continue discussions with the City of Chestermere related to the CRCA-occupied lands. The motion they passed was recorded as:

Moved by Deputy Mayor Kissel that Administration be directed to withdraw from current and future negotiations with the City of Chestermere for the sale of the Chestermere Recreation Centre - Carried

The CRCA has continued conversations with the City of Chestermere since the Fall 2022 in good faith, curious whether positive collaboration between two parties could engage the third. However, the CRCA also leases its space from Rockyview County and has no authority over the sale of the land. Our legal and functional relationship with Rockyview County is complex. This puts the CRCA in a delicate legal position as we take steps towards the already-shared concept plans. However, land ownership is not the only major consideration; the CRCA has asked for clarification from the City of Chestermere on how these plans impact our current tenants, user groups and staff. We have asked about budgets, funding models, governance and conflict of interest. We thank the City of Chestermere for engaging us in these discussions. Following these discussions, we still have many questions.

Please rest assured that the CRCA continues to engage with all parties. We are prepared to resume conversations with the City of Chestermere at any time. We will recommend the model to CRCA members when we are confident that it is in the best interest of members/stakeholders, follows best practices

for governance, is financially sustainable, and considers the relationship with Rockyview County. The CRCA is focused on ensuring the long-term viability of community recreation in Chestermere and will continue to work with the City of Chestermere to support, promote and achieve this goal. The CRCA believes that the land and Recreation Centre itself will continue to be used well after the current lease ends, no matter who owns the land or building(s).

We’re all in this together. Thank you once again for your many questions and comments. Please consider joining us at an upcoming Board meeting to learn more about what the CRCA is tackling in 2023. Email boardinfo@chestermerecrca.com for more information.

Together in community, The Board of Directors of the Chestermere Regional Community Association

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I get more information?

Please email boardinfo@chestermerecrca.com with your questions and we will do our best to respond promptly. CRCA Board meetings dates are open to the public; see meeting dates on Chestermere CRCA.com/history/Board-ofdirectors. We ask that you tell us you are attending in advance (via boardinfo@chestermerecrca.com) to help us plan around busy agendas.

What has the CRCA agreed to so far?

At the request of the City of Chestermere, the CRCA has:

• Signed a document stating we would be willing to donate the CRCA building to the City of Chestermere if they became owners of the land and the decision were to be passed by the CRCA Membership at a Special General Meeting.

• Taken the draft proposal to legal counsel to verify against the Societies Act. Further review would still be needed after the draft had been finalized.

• Engaged in several months of meetings and document review.

• Maintained confidentiality throughout.

Why hasn’t the CRCA shared more information before now?

The CRCA and the public were made aware of City of Chestermere concept plans, and subsequently updates to those plans, at the same time. We have been in frequent communication with the City of Chestermere for several months, identifying the benefits and risks associated with the proposed model. The model would involve significant changes

to the way members participate in recreational activities in CRCA spaces. We have taken steps to thoroughly review the information provided and otherwise practice due diligence to ensure that what has been proposed is in the best interests of our members. These conversations have been kept confidential at the request of the City of Chestermere.

Who owns the CRCA and how is the CRCA funded?

The Chestermere Regional Community Association is a notfor-profit organization established to facilitate recreation in Chestermere. We are registered as a charity under the Societies Act and with the Canada Revenue Agency. As such, the CRCA is owned by its members. Members elect a volunteer Board of Directors who are obligated to act in the best interest of the CRCA by avoiding conflicts of interests and practicing sustainable financial practices, among other things.

The land that the CRCA occupies is owned by Rockyview County. The CRCA leases from Rockyview County. The City of Chestermere does not own the CRCA land, building, or parking lot.

The CRCA is funded primarily by membership fees and space rentals. While we do apply for and receive ad-hoc grants, we currently receive no sustained funding from any municipality, including the City of Chestermere. Both Rockyview County and the City of Chestermere provided annual funding to the CRCA in the past. Given that the CRCA is currently the only organization with recreation expertise, and the Recreation Centre is the most used (by far) facility in Chestermere, we hope that both municipalities will resume funding in future years.

When does the lease with Rockyview County end?

The lease ends Dec 31, 2029. The CRCA Board and staff have been working to renew the lease with Rockyview County.

The parking lot is awful every year, what is up with that?

Very true! The CRCA is continually funding towards a permanent fix. One that includes fixing the base, expanding the # of spaces and improving linage and lighting. The substantial cost involved is an obstacle. We have sent several ideas to the City of Chestermere, including a recent one that also alleviates the beach parking overflow issue that the City of Chestermere did not plan for. However, thus far spending tax dollars on land not owned by the City of Chestermere has been an issue, even though the facility is the hub of Recreation, Community Events and Meetings.

What about the plans being shared on social media?

The CRCA is very excited by the prospect of adding more recreation opportunities for its membership and the local community, whether that is through the CRCA, the City of Chestermere or other avenues on the Rec Centre lands (or on other sites!). These expansion plans have been part of the CRCA vision for the property for many years.

How can you help?

We are all in this together. Support recreation in Chestermere by purchasing a CRCA membership and advocating to the City of Chestermere and Rocky County Council.

How to make the most out of a beach day

(NC) What could be better than a sunny day at the beach?

Beach trips are accessible and offer countless hours of fun and relaxation. Clear your calendar and make the most out of your day trip with these four tips.

Pack like a pro

Hydration is important if you’re spending all day outdoors, and you may also work up more of an appetite than you think. Pack your cooler with ice at the bottom, then your lunch, then water bottles and snacks on top for easy access. A hard cooler with wheels and handles is often easiest to pack, pull across a parking lot and carry on the sand.

Beat the heat

The sun can be both our friend and our foe. To avoid pain and regret tomorrow, an all-important beach day step is to protect yourself from the sun. Bring an SPF 30 or higher sunblock and reapply frequently. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying before going in the water. However, the best protection from the sun is limiting your exposure. Camping supply manufacturers like Coleman have popup shelters that are great options to protect you from the sun, so you can spend even longer at the beach.

Swimming safely

Even if you feel the beach is safe, it’s always a good idea to be aware of potential dangers and watch young swimmers closely. Make sure kids have a strong foundation when it comes to swimming and teach them to float on their backs when they get tired. Lastly, know what to do if you get caught in a riptide: Remain calm and try to swim parallel to shore.

Enjoy the day at your own pace

Some members of your party will be active all day, while others will be perfectly happy lounging with a book, taking in the fresh air. Remember to pack fun things like footballs and frisbees, but don’t forget a few good chairs. Compact ones can allow you to relax inside or outside your shelter.

Strathmore empowering community wellbeing with new task force

The task force is guiding two community projects.

By Emily Rogers

The Town of Strathmore is fostering a healthy, welcoming, and inclusive community by launching a Culture and Wellbeing Task Force.

The task force will guide Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) with the implementation of two grant-funded projects including, the Strathmore Welcoming Initiative and the Connected by Culture project.

“The task force gives us the opportunity to actively involve the community to develop programs and execute efficient use of the grant money,” Community Support Coordinator with Strathmore FCSS Melissa Masse said. “We’re looking for the advice and expertise of Strathmore’s residents to help decide what programs Strathmore will benefit from most, ensuring these funds will create meaningful and lasting change.”

The Strathmore Welcoming Initiative was possible through funding of $258,381 from the Government of Alberta’s Settlement, Integration, and Language Projects (SLIP), a Town of Strathmore press release said.

“This project will support programs that increase the community’s capacity to meet the unique needs of newcomers and develop a welcoming and inclusive community for all,” the release said.

Additional funding of $12,950 was received from the Canadian

Mental Health Association to support community well-being, strengthening Strathmore’s heritage, the release said.

Both projects will provide opportunities for community programming, events, and educational opportunities for community members and professionals.

Strathmore residents are invited to apply to become a member of the Culture and Wellbeing Task Force by calling Strathmore FCSS at 403-934-9090.

The Town of Strathmore has launched a Culture and Wellbeing Task Force, to help guide community projects, including the Strathmore Welcoming Initiative and the Connected by Culture project.

Photo/Metro

Joni - on love

Federal News

Dear Constituents,

“I don’t know if I’ve learned anything yet! I did learn how to have a happy home, but I consider myself fortunate in that regard because I could’ve rolled right by it.

Everybody has a superficial side and a deep side, but this culture doesn’t place much value on depth — we don’t have shamans or soothsayers, and depth isn’t encouraged or understood.

Surrounded by this shallow, glossy society we develop a shallow side, too, and we become attracted to fluff. That’s reflected in the fact that this culture sets up an addiction to romance based on insecurity — the uncertainty of whether or not you’re truly united with the object of your obsession is the rush people get hooked on.

I’ve seen this pattern so much in myself and my friends and some people never get off that line.

But along with developing my superficial side, I always nurtured a deeper longing, so even when I was falling into the trap of that other kind of love, I was hip to what I was

doing.

I recently read an article in Esquire magazine called ‘The End of Sex,’ that said something that struck me as very true. It said: “If you want endless repetition, see a lot of different people. If you want infinite variety, stay with one.”

What happens when you date is you run all your best moves and tell all your best stories — and in a way, that routine is a method for falling in love with yourself over and over.

You can’t do that with a longtime mate because he/ she knows all that old material. With a long relationship, things die then are rekindled, and that shared process of rebirth deepens the love. It’s hard work, though, and a lot of people run at the first sign of trouble. You’re with this person, and suddenly you look like an asshole to them or they look like an asshole to you — it’s unpleasant, but if you can get through it you get closer and you learn a way of loving that’s different from the neurotic love enshrined in movies. It’s warmer and has more padding to it.”

― Joni Mitchell

As I write this column for our great newspapers in the Bow River riding, I’m reminded how important it is to keep our weekly newspapers alive. Recently I had the opportunity to question the Minister of Heritage at committee about the main estimates (government spending). I asked him how his government, that purports to wanting to promote Canadian journalism, can justify splashing over $60 million in advertising dollars to online foreign tech giants while local outlets like in the Bow River riding are seeing federal advertising dollars dry up – sometimes to zero. This money used to go to our papers and now they’ve lost it. He didn’t have a straight answer for me, but I pressed him to rethink about his government’s priorities.

The reason I mention this interaction is because I’m always hearing from constituents about the issues that matter most to them. In fact, keeping our local newspapers alive is an important topic for many. If you weren’t aware, I publish a monthly survey released along with my e-newsletter that you can sign up for through my website. But in my regular snail mail correspondence, I’m also asking constituents their thoughts on relevant issues. The mail surveys can be returned to my office in Ottawa postage free. It’s one of the best ways for me to stay up to date with your thoughts.

In my latest mailer, I highlighted some of the work my Alberta MP colleagues and I have been focused on in this Parliament. Included was a survey with 10 questions on a variety of topics including: inflation, government spending, internet regulation, community safety, firearms laws, foreign interference, among other topics. When the responses to this survey start trickling into my office, I always read and respond to them.

Ultimately, Members of Parliament are accountable to their constituents, and I believe MPs should be doing everything they can to stay in communication with their constituents. Be it through social media, email, letters, or phone calls, I always enjoy hearing your thoughts.

So I will leave you with this ask: Next time you see an email from my office in your inbox or a constituency mailer in your mailbox, fill it out with your thoughts! I’d like to hear from as many constituents as I can. In a riding with such a vast geographical footprint and such a diverse population like Bow River’s, it’s important to hear your thoughts – no matter where you live.

As always, be sure to stay in touch with me through the following options, and sign up for my e-newsletter below:

• Send me an email: Martin.Shields@parl.gc.ca

• Facebook: @MartinShieldsBowRiver

• Twitter: @MartinBowRiver

• Instagram: @MartinShields_BowRiver

• E-Newsletter (scan code to sign up with smartphone):

Federal News - Martin Shields MP Bow River

Martin Shields MP Bow River

This Joni Mitchell reflection is brilliant:

More than ever

We would like to take a moment to honour the indigenous children and their families who suffered as a result of residential schools

Turning trash into treasures

What’s a wildlife corridor?

Many species of plants, animals and insects are becoming endangered at alarming rates. Consequently, it’s become more important than ever to increase initiatives to protect flora and fauna. Here’s what you need to know about wildlife corridors.

DEFINITION

Wildlife corridors are land or water passages that link multiple natural environments. For example, they connect woodlands, wetlands, undeveloped areas or bodies of water. Due to invasive human activities, these natural passageways are under threat. Fortunately, many organizations are working to protect, restore or develop them.

USE Healthy grasslands, forests and lakes provide several benefits, and the passages that connect them ensure plant species and wildlife can continue to disperse and thrive. It’s been proven that when natural environments are connected, they create healthier ecosystems with better biodiversity.

Wildlife corridors are also crucial for combating climate change – they benefit everyone!

An increasing number of environmentally conscious companies are using waste materials to create new consumer products and reducing the load in landfills. Here are some innovative ways these companies are recovering waste.

POSSIBILITIES

In factories, workshops, laboratories and other industrial settings, unusable materials are separated, melted, crushed, shredded or chemically treated and given a second life. Here are a few examples:

• Outdoor furniture made from writing materials, like pens Sports turf made out of old tires

• Furniture upholstered with used clothes

• Organic waste, like table scraps, turned into biogas

• Old drywall made into fertilizer

RESEARCH

Scientists worldwide are working hard to find

new and inventive ways to use waste. For example, according to researchers at the École de technologie supérieure in Montreal and the University of Saskatchewan, it may be possible to use eggshells to increase the strength of the printing material used in 3D printers.

Do you care about the future of the planet? Look for businesses in your area that promote waste recovery. Support them whenever you can by purchasing their products and services.

Although hydrogen is a colourless gas, it’s categorized into colour codes, like black, grey and blue, representing the processes used to make it. Green hydrogen is a clean fuel that could eventually replace fossil fuels in many industries.

PRODUCED RESPONSIBLY

Instead of being produced with fossil fuels that generate massive amounts of carbon dioxide, including coal and natural gas, green hydrogen is created using renewable energies, like hydroelectricity, wind energy and biomass.

For example, green hydrogen can be pro-

duced by passing an electric current through water to separate the molecules and extract the hydrogen. Also, biomass heated to a very high temperature can produce a synthesis gas, which can then be turned into hydrogen.

EXCITING POSSIBILITIES

Green hydrogen is creating a lot of buzz because it can help combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, it can be used to:

• Produce heat and electricity

• Replace fossil fuels in the transportation industry

• Store electricity in remote communities

Green hydrogen is currently considered a

novelty because it’s extremely expensive to produce. That said, several industries in Canada and the United States are already using green hydrogen, including various electronics, chemical, steel and transportation companies.

One thing is certain: it’ll be interesting to see how this solution contributes to the worldwide evolution of energy in the years to come.

Green hydrogen: what you need to know

Federal firearms buyback program starts to take shape

by Sara Fine

The federal government recently signed a contract with the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (CSAAA) to facilitate the initiation of a planned buyback program for prohibited firearms. The program is part of a broader effort to adjust contentious gun control amendments.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, who made the announcement in Ottawa on Wednesday, deemed it a “significant milestone” for the initiation of the Firearms Buyback Program. He stated that the primary goal of the buyback initiative is to enhance Canadians’ safety against gun crime.

According to Mendicino, the federal government is currently collaborating with several partners to implement this program, which will operate in strict collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.

In this program, the CSAAA, which represents the Canadian hunting and sports shooting industry, will join forces with Public Safety Canada and retailers. The initial phase of the program, expected to commence later this year, will primarily target businesses holding prohibited firearms, as per a government statement.

The CSAAA’s role will be to determine

the quantity and types of prohibited firearms held by businesses and to optimize the buyback process. Mendicino shared that the CSAAA has already identified approximately 11,000 assaultstyle firearms eligible for the buyback scheme, which are part of the retailers’ existing inventory.

These firearms were outlawed via an order-in-council in May 2020, and they do not comprise firearms owned by individuals, added Mendicino. The subsequent phase of the program, for which there is yet no definite timeline, will concentrate on individual gun owners and will not involve the CSAAA. However, the CSAAA maintains its strong opposition to the ban, even while agreeing to collaborate with the federal government. The group questions the timing and budgeting of the initiative, as well as the process of implementation. The collection and destruction of firearms on behalf of the federal government, which is prohibited by Alberta and Saskatchewan’s provincial regulations, are expected to pose significant challenges.

Minister Mendicino stated that the federal government is working in close

collaboration with the provinces and territories to implement the program. He expressed the government’s commitment to getting the buyback program right, while moving forward as quickly as possible.

In May 2020, the Liberal government banned approximately 1,500 models and variants of firearms, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14, via an orderin-council. The proposed buyback scheme would require firearm owners to either sell these firearms back to the government or have them rendered inoperable at the government’s expense. The government is aware of the need for clarity in its communication around the program, especially given past controversies related to the definition of “assault-style” firearms. The emphasis is to ensure that legitimate and responsible firearm use, such as hunting, is respected, while preventing firearms that pose a significant risk to public safety from being in the hands of civilians.

As always, Albertans are encouraged to stay informed and involved in these discussions, and to ensure their use of firearms remains in compliance with federal law.

Not everyone is on board

City halts community grant program

The 2023 community grants have been paused until further notice.

By Emily Rogers

$ $ $ $$ $ $ $

The City of Chestermere has temporarily paused the 2023 community grants.

Local not-for-profits received an email notice from the City of Chestermere on May 24, explaining that community grants are paused until an audit on programs and social services is completed.

An independent assessor will review the programs and services offered by the city to ensure they meet the needs of residents and council’s social master plan, the email said.

Effective immediately the 2024 Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and United Way Chestermere Partnership Grant Awards Notifications have been postponed until the fall.

When the audit and the community needs assessment is completed, the city will issue award notifications.

“As the city reserves the right to change the schedule as needed, the 2023 Community Grants must also be put on hold until further notice,” the email said.

“We recognize the impact that this may have and apologize for the inconvenience,” the email said.

In a video posted on the city’s Facebook page, Mayor Jeff Colvin explained that the city wants to ensure the city is supporting residents through social programs and social services.

He said the city is looking at issuing a survey to residents to help identify how they feel about programs and services being offered, what’s missing, and what needs to be improved.

An independent third party will also complete a social programming analysis regarding how effective local programming is, what should be done differently, and find efficiencies to ensure funds are being spent wisely.

“We’re very lucky that we’ve restructured the city, so we now have the ability to take advantage of all of the things we should be doing but there is only so much money,” Colvin said. “There is opportunity, but we still have to spend it wisely, it’s very important to us.”

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

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 uneditedraw 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 thoughtprovoking 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

Evan Dewald and Tara Linsley of the Unpacked Podcast are hosting live events, where listeners can see an unedited-raw interview and ask questions.

Photo/Tara Linsley

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

POTTERY PASTELS PAVERPOL

PRINT MAKING

WATER COLOUR

WINE & PAINT

ZENTANGLE

www.wheatlandarts.ca

115 3rd Avenue, Strathmore 403 934 6665

info@wheatlandarts.ca

Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere (OACC)

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 4037050 ext. 7094; clutz-orozco@chestermere.ca or 403-7050 ext. 7092).

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!

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, May 29th due to the long weekend. Remember you can contact Don at 403-473-1564 or check out the link for more information: https://dementianetworkcalgary. ca/event/new-chestermere-conversation-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.

Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere Meeting

When: Wednesday, August 16

Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where:

• Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere

RSVP:

• jumpmaster2@shaw.ca

• illingw8@telus.net

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated

Date – Wednesday, August 16 at 1:30PM – 3:30PM Lakeshore Manor (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.

RESOURCES

The Chestermere Older Adults’ Resource Handbooks (2023) are available at the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere meetings. They are also available at the Chestermere Library, Whitecappers Association, Lakeshore Manor, and Synergy as well as medical offices and pharmacies throughout the City. Please pick yours up or take one for a neighbour.

You can also access these Handbooks by contacting the City of Chestermere at 403-207- 7079 or online at https://www.chestermere.ca/ DocumentCenter/View/20176/ Chestermere-Older-AdultsResource-Handbook-2023

Lakeshore Manor also provides a wide variety of resources and information for Older Adults within our community. They can be contacted at 587-3497444 or online at https:// lakeshoremanor.ca

Chestermere Community Services – CSS offers programs and services to enhance the well-being of individuals and families in Chestermere. They provide free and confidential services related to social support, information, and referrals to local resources. They can be reached by Email: cssinfo@chestermere.ca, or you can call 403-207-7079 or text 403-826-2611.

5 ways to enjoy citrus this summer

Citrus fruits are bursting with freshness. Here are five refreshing ways to indulge in your favourite citrus or discover new varieties this summer.

1. In salads. Add a few pieces of clementine to your favourite salad or take a chance on a new recipe with citrus as the primary ingredient. For a tasty twist, add lemon juice or zest to a vinaigrette.

2. In a cake. Bake a delicious upsidedown cake that combines different varieties of oranges or add some citrus zest like lemon, lime or bergamot directly to the batter. You can also make a topping flavoured with orange or garnish your creation with a few mandarin slices.

3. With fish. Garnish your plate with pieces of Ugli fruit, drizzle bergamot-infused oil on your halibut or create a salmon confit with grapefruit, orange or lemon. You can also use orange slices to cover your fish before grilling.

Shellfish is equally excellent with citrus, including red grapefruit and lime.

4. With meat. Several summer recipes combine citrus flavours with meat. For example, lemon-roasted chicken and beef stew flavoured with orange.

5. In drinks. Adorn your glasses with pretty slices of lime, Cara Cara oranges or another citrus fruit. You can also create a delicious clementine smoothie or add the citrus juice of your choice to a cocktail.

Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Orange, lemon, clementine, grapefruit, pomelo, Ugli, lime, mandarin, kumquat, bergamot, the list goes on. Put citrus on the menu this summer to stimulate your tastebuds and top up on vitamin C.

This summer, cool down with a cocktail

This summer, enjoy lounging on a restaurant patio or in your own backyard with one of the following delicious cocktails in hand.

• Hard lemonade. Lemonade is a hot-weather staple. Jazz it up with some bourbon served neat or on the rocks. If you want some fizz, try a sparkling vodka lemonade.

• Irish ice. This simple cocktail has only two ingredients: Irish cream and ice cream. Smooth, creamy and ice-cold, this treat is perfect on a hot day.

• Sangria. Whether made with white or red wine, sangria is everything you want in a festive summer cocktail. If you’re making

it yourself, shake things up by using different types of fruit or another wine like sparkling or rosé.

• Daiquiri. Put your own unique spin on this classic cocktail. There are endless flavour variations — from strawberry and lime to lemon to pear.

• Mimosa. This low-calorie cocktail is a brunch must-have. In addition to the traditional mix of orange juice and champagne or sparkling wine, indulge in an updated version with strawberries, watermelon and mint.

Cheers to summer!

Milkshake with local strawberries

It’s strawberry season! Enjoy these sweet berries by the handful, in jams, jellies and pies or whip them up with milk.

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 2

• 200 grams fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream

• 1/2 cup milk

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar and vanilla. Let stand to macerate for one hour.

2. Pour the macerated strawberries into a food processor, saving a few for garnish. Add the ice cream and milk. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Pour into pretty glasses and garnish with strawberry slices.

Creamy broccoli salad

This delicious summer broccoli salad makes eating your greens a breeze.

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 6

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 heads of broccoli, cut in florets and gently blanched

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• 1/2 cup red seedless grapes, cut in half

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and celery salt. Add the salt and pepper and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, bacon, almonds, grapes and cranberries. Add the dressing and mix well.

Vegetable rolls with peanut sauce

These vegetable rolls and tasty sauce are bursting with freshness and make the perfect patio snack on a sunny day.

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 4 rolls

• 4 leaves lettuce

• 1 red pepper, julienned

• 1 yellow pepper, julienned

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 1 cucumber, julienned

• A few sprigs of fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons mirin

• 1/4 cup lukewarm water

• 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts

• 1 lime, cut in half

• 1/2 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. Lay one lettuce leaf flat on a plate. Take one-quarter of the peppers, carrots and cucumber and place them at one end of the leaf. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Wrap the lettuce around the vegetables to create a roll. Repeat for the remaining three rolls. Set aside.

2. In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, rice vinegar and mirin. Gradually add the water, stirring constantly until you achieve the desired consistency.

3. Serve the rolls on a small plate garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh parsley and lime. Garnish the sauce bowl with chopped peanuts and dried chili pepper flakes.

During summer, the smell of barbecued food wafts through all the backyards in the neighbourhood. If you’re a vegetarian or want to offer meatless options to your friends and family the next time you grill, try some of these tips.

1. Take care with your vegetables. Wash and dry your veggies and cut them into uniformly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Coat them with heat-resistant oil to prevent them from burning or sticking to the grill.

2. Choose local, in-season produce. Your guests will appreciate the extra freshness and flavour of locallygrown veggies. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’ve supported producers in your community.

3. Vary your cooking methods. If sliced thick enough or threaded on skewers, many foods can be cooked directly on the grill. However, you can cook small food items en papillote by wrapping them in parchment. You may also want to consider adding a grilling basket or wok to your outdoor cooking arsenal. Use a cast-iron griddle on your barbecue to cook a la plancha.

4. Diversify the flavours. In addition to serving a variety of vegetables, you can include meat substitutes like lentil patties, tofu burgers and sausages made with tempeh or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Cheeses like brie and halloumi are also delicious when grilled.

5. Prepare a dessert. Serve frozen treats combined with succulent fruit grilled on skewers. Pineapples, melons, bananas and peaches are excellent choices.

Visit a home supply store in your area to stock up on barbecue accessories and find the freshest produce at your local farmers’ market.

5 tips for hosting a vegetarian barbecue

Rosebud Theatre presents The Syringa Tree by Pamela Gien, opening July 7, 2023.

June 22, 2023 – Rosebud, Alberta

As we celebrate 50 years of Art in the Valley, Rosebud Theatre is excited to announce its Studio Stage summer production, The Syringa Tree by Pamela Gien.

Elizabeth, a middle-aged woman, longs to rest her back against the syringa tree in her childhood home. She recollects an exhilarating story of the abiding love between two families, one black, one white, and the two children that were born into their shared household in early 1960’s Sou th Africa. With humour and heart, the story follows their destinies through four generations, from early apartheid to the present -day free South Africa. An inspiring story of two families separated by racism but connected by love.

This one-woman show is led by the accomplished and supremely talented, Katharine Venour. A darling of Vancouver’s theatre scene, Katherine brings 22 vibrant characters to life during her 2 -hours on stage. She has over 30 years of professional acting experience, with numerous leadi ng roles played on stages across Western Canada. In fact, our Artistic Director, Morris Ertman, has directed Katharine in several performances over the course of her career at Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre including titles like Shadowlands, Saint Joan, My Name is Asher Lev, Holy Mo, The Hungry Season, Sister Calling My Name and Jesus Freak . Though Katharine now makes B.C. home, she grew up in the small Alberta town of Priddis and Rosebud Theatre is thrilled to be hosting this homegrown Alberta talent.

The Syringa Tree is a captivating story highlighting the enduring bonds of family love and is right at home on a Rosebud Theatre stage. The play explores themes of deep -abiding love and friendship, resisting a world divided and a lasting connection to place, all of which harkens back to the heartwarming message of finding home.

Performances run July 7th to September 2nd, 2023, on the Rosebud Studio Stage, an intimate, “black box” theatre that offers unparalleled connection with the protagonist . Showtime is 4:30pm Wednesdays –Saturdays and adult tickets are $35 for Theatre Only. Theatre & Buffet tickets are available on Friday s & Saturdays subject to availability.

The Syringa Tree by Pamela Gien is a life-affirming and defiantly hopeful story. For interviews, contact Marli Hadden, Marketing & Communications Manager at marlih@rosebudtheatre.com.

It has been 50 years since the first Summer Arts Camp was established in the remote Rosebud Valley. Five decades later, over 35,000 guests arrive annually to see plays on two stages, to dine, listen to live music and gather with friends and family. Rosebud School of the Arts is still going strong providing post-secondary training for the next generation of theatre artists and storytellers, while Rosebud Theatre offers valuable professional apprenticeship opportunities. The Theatre has received multiple awards over the years, including Travel Alberta’s Alberta Pride ALTO Award, the Rural Tourism Champion Award and the Rozsa Award. In this, our 50th year, we celebrate Finding Home – a return to a place of belonging. Visit us today to experience the magic of Rosebud.

Poultry pets are now permitted in Chestermere urban areas

Chestermerians can now have chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese.

By Emily Rogers

Chestermere City Council passed the third reading of the amended animal control bylaw, allowing residential poultry pets on June 13. Under the amended bylaw, Chestermere residents can have a maximum of six residential poultry pets, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese.

“No roosters are allowed in urban areas,” Community Peace Officer Sgt. Trever Bowman said.

Chickens must be at least four months old to ensure they are female.

Keeping a rooster in an urban area would result in a fine penalty and be the property owner’s responsibility to remove it from the property.

The bylaw indicates that Chestermere residents cannot cause or allow any animal in their care to be in distress, and they must ensure the animal has adequate food and water, care when the animal is wounded or ill, reasonable protection from injurious heat or cold, and shelter with ventilation and space.

The bylaw suggests that chicken keepers should

provide opportunities for essential behaviours such as scratching, dustbathing, roosting, pecking, and socializing with the same species.

Chicken keepers should also meet space requirements for the interior floor area, and coop-run outdoor area, in addition to providing a minimum of one nest box for every three chickens, and one perch for chickens that are of a specified size.

“If the animals are being used as pets and companions, they are different than farm animals, and they would subscribe to different guidelines under animal welfare,” Bowman said.

He explained at a previous council meeting, that the size of the property, the type of animal, the potential for noise, odour, cleanliness, and potential effects on adjacent property values would determine if livestock would be permitted in an urban area.

Residents are not currently permitted to keep livestock in any area of the city, except for residential poultry pets.

A zoning map indicating what areas of Chestermere are permitted to have residential poultry pets under the amended animal control bylaw.

Chestermere City Council passed the third reading of the amended animal control bylaw, now allowing poultry pets in urban areas on June 13.

Upcoming Library Closure

Please note: we will be closed July 1st and July 2nd for Canada Day Weekend. Our return bin will also be closed during this time.

Summer Reading Program Registration is now Open!

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. Programs begin Monday, July 3rd.

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

Are you between the ages of 12-17 and want the chance to win a Nintendo Switch? Marigold, our library system, is hosting a Teen Summer Reading Challenge. Read books, participate in activities, and earn your chance to WIN BIG PRIZES throughout the summer.

Find more information and register at https://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.

Graphic Novel and Manga Club

This month our teen and adult Graphic Novel and Manga Club are discussing Cyberpunk comics on our Discord. Any comic where there is a dystopian society surrounded by high tech is welcome to be discussed on our Discord!

Featured Artist

Our current featured local artist, Val Dickie, is a self-taught painter of 30 years. Come on down and check out Val’s stunning artwork, which includes acrylics and pen & ink, until the first week of August.

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 current Program Session and our upcoming 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 chestermerepubliclibrary.com

Library Hours:

Monday through Thursday – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Friday and Saturday – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday – 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

For more information about what is happening at the Library, check our website. Don’t forget to follow and like us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Chestermere

Public Library

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

Starting April 13, With CFTR The Rogue, Chestermere Radio

Your Host Sharron Matthewman (The Brit)

Every Thursday at 10:00 – 11:00am

Join Sharron for an hour of lively conversations, entertaining stories, and expert advice on topics that matter to you. From health and wellness to travel and hobbies, we’ve got you covered.

Our experienced host and her guest experts will share their insights and expertise on a variety of issues affecting seniors today. We’ll also feature music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and beyond, so you can sit back and reminisce with your favourite tunes.

Whether you’re tuning in from home, on the go, or in the car, 50 + Shades of Gray is the perfect companion for your day. So mark your calendars and join Sharron for an informative and entertaining hour of radio just for you.

Text, call, or email to ask questions on everything that you need to know and want to know about healthy ageing. Guest speakers and more. Please let me know of topics of interest. Let’s keep connected, all shades of GRAY welcome.

50+ Shades of Gray , airing every Thursday at 10:30 am on Chestermere’s Best Radio. Don’t miss it!

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 - News Gathering

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

Welcome to this edition of a minute with Michelle - a new buyers guide and how to get started!

Step 2..be prepared for the hidden cost on this edition of a minute with Michelle

Many people know that you have to save up for a down-payment to buy purchase a property.

But not everyone is ready for the “hidden” expenses of buying a house, although they aren’t hidden, most people just simply don’t know or aren’t informed by their agents, and sometimes aren’t aware of what the actual costs are, and how quickly they can add up. Above and beyond the down-payment for your next purchase, you’ll also have the following expenses:

• Legal fees (roughly $1,000 to $1,500)

• GST if you’re purchasing a new home

• Appraisal Fees (typically $200-500) these are sometimes covered by your mortgage provider.

• Home Inspections ($300-$750)

step 3 of your personalized home buying process!

Creating your wish list and must have list! This next step is simple for most buyers! As most have been dreaming about buying for quite some time. Before you dive too deep into the home search process, it’s idea for you to create 3 lists.

1. Your must have items - These are the things you can’t live without under any circumstances

2. Nice to have items - Things you probably could live without, but if you can get them it’s a big plus!

3. Can’t live with X items - These items are your true deal-breakers or the things you just don’t want.

Whatever your choices are, note them down and give this to your Calgary Real Estate Agent. That way they know what to look for, sometimes we’ll know of, or hear about a property before it’s listed, if we know what you want, we can notify you before it’s made available to the general public. Some other factors that you’ll want to consider when creating your lists:

Access and proximity to public transit Locations.

Parking

Amenities you desire

Urban vs. Suburban

Lifestyle

Total monthly carrying costs

Types of finishes in the home

And those are some of the hidden costs you may encounter as a buyer when purchasing a home.

Stayed tuned for the next edition of a guide for a new home buyer on a minute with Michelle!

Canadian Music Scene

Multi-Award Winning Indigenous Roots-Country Artist Jade Turner Releases Brand New Single About Bullying, “Deadweight”

Jade is a multi-award winning Indigenous artist who recently teamed up with her musical hero, legendary Canadian artist Crystal Shawanda, on her brand new single “Deadweight” - a powerful and moving song about bullying and finding the strength to move past it. As we celebrate Indigenous History Month, this song marks an important, full circle moment for Jade, as she notes that seeing Shawanda on TV was the first time she ever saw someone who looked like her creating and performing music, inspiring Jade to launch the exceptional career she has today.

Canadian Roots-Country artist Jade Turner is an exceptional storyteller and emotive vocalist with an innate ability to make anyone who listens to her music feel as though they too

have had the experiences she writes and sings about. A proud member of Misipawistik Cree Nation, Turner was raised in Northern Manitoba with an upbringing rooted in the nature of storytelling. Her exposure to Indigenous artists and Country music paved the way for the artist to take home the Best Country Album at the 2017 Indigenous Music Awards, and the Emerging Artist of the Year award at the 2018 Manitoba Country Music Awards where she has received a whopping 18 nominations. Her lyrics tell personal tales that range from serious topics to satirical, and are delivered with her dynamic vocals

Kari Zalik Publicist, Bad Parade kari@badparade.com

that span from gritty and raw, to spirited and energetic. From a career that seemed nearly impossible due to the absence of Indigenous female representation in mainstream music, Turner credits Blues artist Crystal Shawanda as one of her major inspirations, as through Shawanda’s presence Turner knew a career in music was possible for her too. In an incredible, full circle musical moment, Turner and Shawanda teamed up to write “Deadweight” - Turners’ exceptionally poignant new single about shedding the opinions of others and moving forward with confidence, was just released on Friday, June 2 2023.

Turner teamed up with her longtime musical partners, Stephen Arundell (Desiree Dorion) and Murray Pulver (Crash Test Dummies, Doc Walker) on guitar to help bring the track to life. The song was mixed by Bart McKay (Doc Walker, Brett Kissel), and was mastered by Trevor Case at Case Mastering. Turner will release a stripped down version of the song along with a video later in June.

About “Deadweight”:

Firmly in the center of Americana and Country, Jade Turner’s “Deadweight” shares her deeply personal experience with the cruelty of social media. Soon after giving birth to her son while enjoying the early days of motherhood, Turner experienced negative comments about her appearance on Facebook from someone she had never met. Sharing her experience with legendary

Canadian Country turned Blues artist Crystal Shawanda, Turner teamed up with the icon to pen one of her most personal tracks to date. Opening with a harmonious blend of acoustic and electric guitar, Turner expresses painful memories of bullying, often moving as a child, and a lack of Indigenous representation in the media. The verses culminate into a powerful chorus centered on the theme of resilience, self-acceptance, and not allowing others to determine her worth. A moving song about letting go of societal pressures and what others say, Turner cuts her losses and stands tall, unwavering and resolute in not allowing external factors to determine who she is.

With the intent of creating a song where the melody, instrumentation, lyrics, and vocal performance unite in a way that deepens the experience for the listener, Turner focused on the dynamics of the guitars, her emotive vocals, and lyrical simplicity to create a powerful ballad that so many can relate to. Noting that of all her music, “Deadweight” is her favourite song to perform live. Most importantly, and part of the message she hopes the song will convey, Turner says, “I am perfectly fine with myself”.

Quote:

“Deadweight is about believing in yourself and finding the strength to let go of what happened. It’s only you that can determine who you are.” - Jade Turner

Biography:

With a natural gift for telling stories through music, rising Canadian Country artist Jade Turner continues to share and support the Indigenous culture that inspires her. Recognized for her original songwriting and stunning music videos, the member of Misipawistik Cree Nation has already established a diverse audience attracted to her energetic stage presence and singles like “Somehow Someone,” “Hangover Blues,” and “Worth.” Her 2017 debut album, North Country, was named Best Country Album at the Indigenous Music Awards in 2017 where the cinematic music video for her single, “Worth”, also received a nomination.

Turner was raised in northern Manitoba, where local radio stations played Indigenous music and songs by country artists. Because she doesn’t play an instrument, Turner knows that her songwriting approach is unusual, yet it’s already earned her the 2018 title of Emerging Artist of the Year from the Manitoba Country Music Awards, and an incredible 18 other MCMA nominations. In 2022, Turner received a nomination from the Western Canadian Music Awards in the Indigenous Artist of the Year Category, as well as three nominations at the Manitoba Country Music Awards. With the upcoming release of her brand new single, “Deadweight”, Turner is showing no signs of slowing down.

Terry Fox Route 2023

Traveling from Chestermere High School to E Ridge Gate, then north on E Ridge Blvd, then west down Township Rd 241 A, then north around High Point Estates, then south along High Point Estates, then down Township Road 241 A, then south on E Ridge Blvd, then east on E Ridge

Canadian-themed gift ideas and tips for sending parcels abroad

(NC) Do you have family or friends who live in another country? Mailing gifts is a common way to celebrate milestones with loved ones far away, or to maintain connections and share a part of the place you call home. Sending something uniquely Canadian is a fun way to include them in your life.

Here are some Canada-themed gift ideas and tips to consider before assembling the items.

Share Canadian art

• Soapstone carving

• Print or postcard of a classic painting by Norval Morrisseau or the Group of Seven

• Professional photograph of majestic moose, polar bears, grizzly bear and beavers

• A streaming playlist of Canadian music, television and movies

Represent Canada on their sleeve

• Hockey jersey or fan apparel

• A cozy toque

• Canadian clothing brands that may not be available overseas

• Authentic moccasin slippers

Feed them uniquely Canadian snacks

• Canadian all-dressed or ketchup-flavoured chips

• A recipe for butter tarts

• Ice wine or rye whiskey

• Maple syrup, cookies, tea or candies

Before you send your gift:

Double-check shipping prices to avoid surprise sticker shock after you assemble the package.

Check the import rules of the country you’re mailing it to, to make sure your gift gets through customs. For example, many food, plant and animal products are prohibited or tightly regulated to prevent diseases from entering the country.

Who We Are

Bringing our community together to increase awareness and provide access to resources with compassion and dignity.

Integrity – Ensuring every interaction with stakeholders is confidential, respectful and professional. Compassion – We strive to provide service in a discreet and empathetic manner.

Equality – No matter where we come from or what we have, life events can impact us all. We are all equal in our need for food.

Partnership – We are committed to enhancing our current relationships and working with our community to build new ones.

The Chestermere Regional Food Bank Foundation has been in operation since September 2007 and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers.

The Food Bank serves the City of Chestermere and the surrounding rural areas.

You can reach out to us here or by phone at 403-273-0777.

OPINION

Danielle Smith’s first challenge will be to fix Alberta healthcare

Will Premier Smith revamp the outdated Alberta healthcare system?

By Susan Martinuk

All right government and opposition - It’s time to move on.

The Alberta election is over: Danielle Smith is the premier, and that means it is time for the politicians to put aside the campaign’s empty rhetoric and face the realities of how they can best fix a broken healthcare system.

It is estimated that as many as 800,000 Albertans do not have a family doctor to guide their care. The province is leaking physicians and struggling to recruit doctors for family medicine positions, particularly in rural areas. It will take many years to ensure that each Albertan has a doctor to guide their care.

Nurses are being recruited (especially from abroad), but far too many are still leaving the profession due to poor working conditions and burnout.

Wait times for emergency responders, surgeries, and care at emergency departments were dire just one year ago but have improved somewhat since a government action plan was implemented in November 2022.

This plan made both a muchneeded investment in human resources and innovative structural changes, including hiring more paramedics and nurses, devising alternative methods (i.e., not ambulances) for transferring patients between facilities, farming out surgeries to non-hospital surgical centres, and creating room for acute care patients by transferring eligible patients to newly established continuing care spaces.

The government has said it is committed to continuing this action plan, and, given its relative success, Smith should support the continued use of private providers in caring for patients. Almost every provincial government has turned

to private clinics when surgery wait lists get too long; it’s time to stop pretending this doesn’t happen and give private providers an official role in healthcare delivery. Another way Smith could improve and ensure the timely delivery of healthcare is to do away with a unique, yet antiquated, feature of our universal care system: the bulk funding of hospital services, also commonly known as global budgeting.

Currently, the government provides an annual sum of money to hospitals, and it is up to them to allocate funds to physicians’ services, procedures, and surgeries. If that budget runs out before year-end, the hospital has to stop doing certain types of surgeries, and wards are closed.

Under this budgeting system, each patient represents a cost to the system. It can’t be a customerfriendly system when treating fewer patients is the only way to stay within the budget!

A more appropriate alternative is activity-based funding, whereby the money follows the patient through the system. Hospitals are paid for each procedure performed and for each patient treated. More patients and more surgeries mean more money for the hospital. Wards don’t close. Operating rooms aren’t shut down. Costs are often reduced, and efficiencies improve. The government still pays for the patient’s care, but hospitals are incentivized to treat more patients. A key obstacle to reform is, perhaps surprisingly, too much money. Alberta is the envy of the provinces in that its oil revenues have produced a $2.4 billion budget surplus. More money is typically a positive, but, in this case, too many financial resources could become an obstacle to making significant healthcare reforms. It’s simply

too easy to maintain the status quo by pouring more cash into a lower-performing system instead of making necessary or money-saving innovations.

On a broader level, another obstacle to real healthcare reform in Alberta is a stubborn and naïve reliance on universal healthcare ideology. The NDP opposition party is ideologically (and, frankly, illogically) opposed to any structural reforms. It abides under the shibboleth that modern healthcare can be free, universal, and equally accessible to all Canadians.

That may have been true in the 1960s when the highest medical costs were physicians and hospital stays. But 60 years later, hightech care that includes imaging, pharmaceuticals, and complicated surgeries has made it impossible for governments to provide enough money to care for everyone and every health need. As a result, governments are forced to ration care, and patients are relegated to months- and years-long waitlists. This increasingly stale, onesize-fits-all model also ensures as much healthcare as possible is delivered by the unionized public monopoly at a higher cost to taxpayers.

We may want to believe we have universal medical care, but Canadians are increasingly forced to acknowledge that our formerly beloved medical system is rapidly collapsing. Urgent attention is required, and how Smith deals with it will undoubtedly be a key determiner of her success as premier.

Susan Martinuk is a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and author of Patients at Risk: Exposing Canada’s Healthcare Crisis.

© Troy Media

Alberta Government Saving young drivers time and money

Eligible Alberta drivers aged 18 and over will now automatically exit from the Graduated Driver Licence (GDL) program.

Alberta’s government is following through on a promise from April to save new drivers the $154 cost to exit the GDL program. GDL drivers who have completed their 24-month driving period and have no suspensions or demerits within their last 12 months of probation, including zero tolerance for any alcohol and/or drug consumption, will receive a letter informing them of the change in their driver’s licence status to non-GDL.

“GDL was an expensive, duplicative licensing scheme that discriminated against good young drivers. There are 500,000 young Albertans with clean driving records who would need to pay $154 and waste their time to take another driving test. Alberta’s government will continue to make common-sense rules and make life more affordable for Albertans.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

Drivers are not legally required to obtain a new licence card when their GDL period ends. They may do so if they prefer, but they will be required to pay registry fees after June 25. Drivers who don’t obtain a new licence card will have their physical licence upgraded the next time they renew their driver’s licence. Drivers who do not exhibit safe driving behaviours and incur demerits, suspensions or are ticketed for other unsafe driving offences during the last year of their probation will have their probationary period extended for an additional year.

If the driver is stopped by law enforcement in Alberta, the officer will know they have a full licence through information in the Canadian Police Information Centre.

If drivers are travelling outside of Alberta, they need to keep their letter with them in their vehicle or visit a registry and update their physical licence, as law enforcement agencies outside Alberta may not have access to Alberta’s data.

Quick facts

• As of April 1, about 700,000 Albertans were in the GDL program.

• About 500,000 drivers were eligible to exit the GDL program on April 1 under the new rules.

• About 150,000 GDL drivers have exited the GDL program through the interim process since April 1.

• The Graduated Driver’s Licence program was established in 2003.

Media and Federal Attacks on Danielle Smith and Albertan’s

A few weeks ago, Alberta held their provincial election that resulted in incumbent Premier Danielle Smith winning a majority government. Our electoral process had some issues with its ability to expediently tabulate votes but in the end the results rolled in, and Albertans had spoken. Post victory, Smith gave a speech that echoed exactly what her and her governments intentions were and how she would govern this great province. Unfortunately, since that celebratory evening Albertans have been inundated with, and exposed to the most repulsive and unrelenting series of insults, accusations and disingenuous attacks against Smith leave me disappointed and angered. The CBC, CTV, Global news as well as several print media led by the Calgary Herald should be collectively ashamed of the way they have injected biased, politically motivated denunciations against this woman and her character. These media consortia are not simply left-wing leaning, they are zealots who have absolutely no shame in how they disparagingly set about plying their inglorious trade in attempts to destroy the credibility of anyone who dares present an opposing view.

All this negativity, yet in seven short months Danielle Smith has won a majority government, resolved issues surrounding ambulance pick-up and emergency room drop off times, succeeded in creating a “Alberta is open for business” climate, as well as establishing clear goals for net zero that are realistic and achievable and not pie in the sky unattainable and unrealistic targets that those on the left have inanely anchored themselves

OPINION Letters To The Editor

to. Smith is a leader who is steadfast in her commitment to put Alberta and Albertans first and has demonstrated such by clearly outlining her plans and the direction she intends on progressing an Alberta First agenda, despite a meddling federal government intent on destabilizing Alberta’s recovering energy sector. Danielle Smith has four years to bring this Province back to its rightful place in this barely functioning confederation; she will do this despite the federal interferences and relentless negative media narratives, sadly, it’s all they know and understand. Further, as media and federal entities rail against Smith and her UCP successes, it becomes apparent that the gap between a lagging NDP continues to grow. Apparently, the left never gets the message that negative narratives will inevitably produce a positive outcome somewhere else as witnessed in the recent election results. While the UCP and Smith invigorate the Alberta economy, improve healthcare, and create a vibrant business atmosphere across the length and breadth of this province the more a wedge will be driven into the hearts of those wielding swords of negativity. Wealth creation, individual accomplishment, and the overall positivity of a province and its inhabitants who are on pathways to success will prevail over those who rely heavily on negative messaging, bias and untenable debtor policies and agendas.

~Ken Pirie

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.

Accusations of Political Party Attacks on Major News Outlets: CBC, CTV, and Global News Letters To The Editor

Dear Editor,

As a new U of A graduate, and educated young adult entering the world of making a living and understanding the roles and powers of governance, and how they affect my day to day life, I felt that I had to get some frustration on attack ads the blame game, and media disparaging that our political are engaging in to muddle the truth off my chest.

Introduction

In the increasingly digital and interconnected world of the 21st century, the world has come to witness an unnerving trend - a wave of systematic attacks on leading news outlets, including some of the most venerable in Canada such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), CTV News, and Global News. These attacks, both physical and digital, represent a direct affront to freedom of the press and have sparked broad concerns about the safeguarding of democracy and the upholding of basic human rights.

The Nature of the Attacks

The attacks on these news outlets have been diverse in their nature. They’ve ranged from coordinated cyber-attacks intended to disrupt their digital platforms and expose sensitive information, to direct physical assaults on reporters in the field, and various forms of online harassment targeting journalists and news personnel. All these actions have the shared goal of undermining the operations of these media outlets and instilling fear among journalists.

The Era of Cyber Attacks

The digital nature of the majority of these attacks should come as no surprise. As more media organizations transition to digital platforms and increase their online presence, they inevitably become more vulnerable to cyber threats. The attacks on CBC, CTV, and Global News have involved sophisticated techniques such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and the deployment of ransomware. These cyber-attacks aim to cripple the digital infrastructure of these news organizations, thereby disrupting their ability to broadcast news and information to the public.

Physical Attacks and Harassment

While the cyber threats are alarming, equally concerning are the direct physical attacks and harassments faced by journalists from these outlets. Reporters and field staff have been assaulted while covering news stories, with some instances even captured on live television. These attacks are disturbing reminders of the risks journalists face in their pursuit of truth and accountability. Additionally, the rise of online platforms has led to increased virtual harassment, with journalists being subjected to doxing, threats, and hate speech.

Implications and Reactions

These attacks on media outlets are an assault on the freedom of the press, a principle that forms the bedrock of any democratic society. They are intended to intimidate journalists and hinder the free dissemination of information. Media organizations, human rights groups, and the public have expressed their outrage and concern at these developments. Calls for improved protection measures for journalists and stronger cyber-security protocols have become more frequent and more urgent.

Government bodies, such as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), have launched investigations into these attacks, aiming to bring the perpetrators to justice. Internationally, there has been widespread condemnation, with calls for concerted global action to protect journalists and uphold the freedom of the press.

Conclusion

The wave of attacks on CBC, CTV, and Global News represents a dangerous trend that has wide-reaching implications for democracy, human rights, and the free dissemination of information. Society must rise to the challenge of safeguarding the freedom of the press, which underpins the very fabric of our democratic institutions. It’s a collective responsibility to stand in support of these institutions, condemning these attacks, demanding justice, and fostering a safe environment for the invaluable work of journalism to continue unhindered.

~Sara Sims

Walking Each Other Home

Sindikiza is a Swahili word that means, “to escort a guest back on their way home after they’ve come to visit.” It’s a word that captures so much friendship, hope, and grace between a guest and their neighbour. It imagines that we’re doing more in our community than just waving hello as we pass, we’re making space for each other in our liveswe’re walking each other home.

“Into the Neighbourhood,” this little corner of the Chestermere Anchor, has been on an eight year journey to walk us home each week. It all started in March of 2015 when I was invited to write a few pieces to explore the theme of ‘neighbourhood,’ and imagine what we could become as we reach out to love our neighbours in simple ways. My very first article wondered if our neighbourhoods could truly be “a gracious space for everyone.” It was a genuine question as I wondered what it would mean for me to be a neighbour, too.

I expected that I would write only four articles, total. I did not think great deal could be written about creating gracious neighbourhoods and community connections. It would, however, begin a long journey of discovery, with plenty of goodness alone the way. With hope, stories, and insight from neighbourhoods around the world and here in Chestermere, we set our sights each week on making our community a place of grace. Since that time we offered 450 articles and 250,000 words - more than I could have imagined, to set the table for a conversation about becoming a truly neighbourly community.

“Into the Neighbourhood” took on a life of its own and opened doors for thousands beyond Chestermere, too. Some articles were later freely reprinted in other local magazines, newspapers, and newsletters in small communities, which opened the door for broader conversations about neighbourhoods and

why they matter. Then, in 2017, a publisher in California published my first book, “The Bees of Rainbow Falls: Finding Faith, Imagination, and Delight in Your Neighbourhood.” This book, along with the follow-up book, “The Neighbours are Real and Other Beautiful Things” each won a Canadian Word Guild Award. The conversation, which at the start seemed small, became a deep well of hope for many. From Scotland to Australia, readers reached out interested in becoming good neighbours, too.

This is my final entry for the “Into the Neighbourhood” column. We’re happy to look back and celebrate how far we’ve come and the lives we’ve touched. We’re also delighted to take a rest and work for the good of our community in other ways. I’m continuing my work as pastor of Lake Ridge Community Church, as the volunteer RCMP Chaplain for our community, and as a neighbour. We’ve just moved our church offices over to Camp Chestermere and we’re expanding into new space for more people to connect more often, so please reach out. If you’d like to keep reading, you’ll find more of my writing in Ekstasis Magazine and Love is Moving Magazine this summer.

After eight years, I’m happy to walk us home one last time. As we do, be reminded that you matter and your neighbourhood matters. The heartbeat of a community is the love shown between neighbours - never underestimate the potent goodness of neighbourhoods alive with deep care for each other. Every small act of grace you give is a gift that, like a small seed, grows. While we may not see things grow quickly, it is the gardeners, peace-makers, and gentle neighbours in our community who enjoy the fruit of love, hope, and joy in our city. You are never alone. It’s be my pleasure to walk this far with you. Welcome home.

Iwas in the Maritimes on a business trip last week, and since I had the weekend free, I drove over the bridge to PEI, looking to sample the local hooch, as the island reputation punches above its weight in tippling circles. No other province has a longer history of moonshining than PEI, whose citizens suffered under the harsh yoke of Prohibition from 1900 to 1948, plus another 20 years of only being able to obtain booze with a government permit, making it the longest dry stretch of any jurisdiction across North America. Most Canadian provinces had to endure Prohibition from around 1916-1924, with the exception of our wise Quebecois brethren, who emphatically voted Non to the whole idea. Let me tell you, Montreal was quite the tourist destination in the 1920’s, being pretty much the only place in North America to legally buy a drink. However, isolated and insular PEI, with its small-town morals, fell under the spell of a fire-and-brimstone-spouting Anglican minister, who basically railroaded his entire congregation into supporting Prohibition, which eventually spread to the entire island.

Unsurprisingly, the devout parishioners seemed to develop selective amnesia as soon as the Sunday church services let out, as they went right back to the barn to tend their personal moonshine stills. Apparently, a snootful of shine helped take the edge off the message of eternal damnation as the just reward of a life of debauchery that the demon liquor entailed.

Moonshine had become a deeply

Nick Jeffrey

ingrained tradition on PEI for decades by the time Prohibition ended in 1948, and it didn’t stop then just because hooch was legal to purchase down at the Government liquor store.

No gentle reader, those crafty islanders kept right on cooking up their shine, just like their pappy and their grandpappy did before them.

In fact, the first legal distillery in PEI is not even old enough to drink yet. The Myriad View Artisan Distillery opened their doors in 2006, itself on the site of a former illegal still. Lest you think that is a bit scandalous, there probably isn’t a single farmhouse on PEI that didn’t have a moonshine still at one point, so that claim may be for marketing reasons more than anything else.

The flagship product from PEI’s first legal distillery is called Strait Shine, which was their only product when I first visited more than a decade ago, so I was pleasantly surprised to find they had added Gin, Vodka, Rum, and Brandy in their tasting room.

Unlike the more common corn-based moonshines, Strait Shine is made from molasses and cane sugar, in homage to the historical trade of fish for molasses that PEI had with the Caribbean hundreds

of years ago.

Using molasses as the base for distillation produces a spirit with a smoky flavour, and just a hint of caramel. For comparison, a shot of Strait Shine is not unlike a young and unaged Tequila.

Because of the harsh taste, locals usually cut their shine with a cocktail mixer, often something sweet like apple juice or soda. For special events like weddings, a huge punchbowl spiked with moonshine has come to be expected by all guests.

I do not claim to take a slug from the bottle of Strait Shine every day, but when I do, my favourite recipe is a shot of shine over ice in a tumbler glass, then add two ounces of bar lime, and fill with soda water.

The bar lime adds sweetness to mask the harsh shine flavour, and the soda water classes up the whole affair to shake off any hillbilly connotations.

For many years, Strait Shine was only available in PEI, but distribution recently expanded into Alberta, and can be found at Willow Park and Co-op Liquor Stores. This is another one of those moments that we should all bow our heads and give thanks to the privatized liquor distribution system that we enjoy in Alberta, which is the envy of boozers in the rest of the provinces. Free from the shackles of tyrannical government purchasing agents, our fair province enjoys a much wider selection of spirits than any other.

Do your bit to keep the system going by picking up a bottle of Strait Shine today!

Chestermere

Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere Meeting

When: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: • Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere

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

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated

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

Registriation for the 2023/2024 School Year is Open!

PLAYING AND LEARNING GO HAND IN HAND!

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

Happy 60th Anniversary Ken & Shirley

We would like to send a huge Congratulations to our parents, Ken and Shirley Senft on the huge milestone of their 60th Anniversary! Ken and Shirley were married on June 29th, 1963 in Wapella, Saskatchewan. They raised their family in Lipton, Saskatchewan, where Ken farmed, and Shirley was the local Post Master. In October 2020 they made the big move to Chestermere to be closer to their children, Sheldon, Cameron (Kaylene), Shannon (Dacey), their 11 grand children, and now 9 great grand children!! Chestermere has become home and they absolutely love it here! Thank you Mom and Dad for all you do for your family, and for giving us a legacy of 60 years of love and commitment! Sending you blessings for many more years ahead!

Classified Marketplace

Announcements

GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS

Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details.

1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

Buildings For Sale

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt. com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com.

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.

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306921-9942.

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. 1-800-347-2540. 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

BUYING LARGE AMOUNTS OF COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS! Purchasing ENTIRE COLLECTIONS & accumulations. Also buying bullion, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, gold, silver, platinum, estate collections +++ TODD 250864-3521.

WANTED OLD ADVERTISING: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908.

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.