Chestermere Anchor March 20 2023

Local gym owner working towards a healthy community

Brett Leonty is on a mission to help 100 people lose 1,000 lbs.

By Emily Rogers

AChestermere gym owner is encouraging residents to live a healthy lifestyle, with a new community-wide fitness initiative.

Strong and Free Fitness owner Brett Leonty is on a mission to help 100 individuals lose 1,000 lbs. collectively by April 22.

“It’s an initiative to encourage and support the overall health of the City of Chestermere,” Leonty said.

Leonty is offering three ways individuals can get involved with the initiative, either by joining the gym to gain unlimited access to workouts, receiving a meal plan of 55 recipes highlighting healthy eating habits or receiving an information package filled with weight loss and healthy lifestyle tips.

“There are a lot of misconceptions that can be cleared up,” Leonty said. “They don’t have to do the workouts, or even the meal plan, they can request the information package, which is going to give them the information on how to lose weight, how to live a healthy lifestyle, and how to implement fitness into their life.”

If individuals already have a workout program that works for them, they can request only the meal plan to help spur their results.

Although Leonty has offered similar fitness initiatives in the past, he’s never offered a program of this size before.

“We’ve been operating both under the Strong and Free brand and Fit Body Boot Camp, we’ve been helping people in Chestermere lose weight and get in shape for almost six years,” Leonty said. “In that time, we’ve helped hundreds of people lose weight, get in shape, burn fat, build strength, and improve their health.”

Leonty wanted to offer the fitness initiative as a way to inspire Chestermere residents to invest in themselves, and in their community.

“Sometimes people need that spark to get themselves started and being part of a large group living healthier as a community might be the start that somebody needs to pull the trigger and do something for themselves,” Leonty said. “The end goal is to help Chestermere as a whole and make movement towards fitness.”

Through the initiative, Leonty is hopeful to encourage others to invest in themselves, eat well, exercise on a regular basis, and implement routines to establish a healthy lifestyle.

“When you’re eating well, exercising on a regular basis, and investing in yourself you can give more to the people in your life. By encouraging people to invest in themselves, and invest in their health, the entire community can grow together, and people can be more involved in the community,” Leonty said.

“If the last three years have taught us anything, it should be the importance of making our own health a priority. The only way to prioritize our health is by investing our time and effort,” he added. “By taking on a challenge like this one, not only are we investing in our own health, but we’re also setting an example for our children’s generation. We’re holding ourselves to a higher standard, we’re raising the expectations of our community, we’re leading our children to a healthier, happier, more prosperous future, and we’re doing it by example.”

Fitness has always been important to Leonty and has helped him not only manage his physical health, but also his mental health, and he wants others to see the benefits of exercise.

“What I’ve been able to do through my facility is help people through their struggles, both mentally and physically, and that’s very important to me,” Leonty said.

“By being active, I pay more attention to my health, I’ve been able to be a better father to my children, and a better contributor to my community,” Leonty said. “I know the value that health brings to all other aspects of your life, when you make your health, fitness and diet a priority, you’re able to give more to the people around you. If we can do that collectively as a community, we can make some pretty impressive transitions.”

To register for the fitness initiative before March 23, visit the https://strongandfreefitness.com/, or email Leonty at brett@ strongandfreefitness.com, for more information.

Strong and Free Fitness owner Brett Leonty is on a mission to help 100 individuals lose 1,000 lbs collectively by April 22.

Photo/Brett Leonty

Brett Leonty is working to encourage a healthy community, where residents invest in themselves, through a new community-wide fitness initiative.

Photo/Brett Leonty

Verve Cruise Week Open House

Saturday, March 25 th from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Cruise Prince of Peace Manor and Harbour during our Open House! Join us for live entertainment, themed appetizers, treats and cocktails all while learning about what our amazing residence has to offer when it comes to inspired senior living!

Call (403) 285-5080

300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County, AB ThePrinceofPeaceRetirement.com

Alberta police mandated to wear body cameras

The cameras will capture all interactions between police and the public.

By Emily Rogers

Alberta police services are now mandated to wear body cameras by the provincial government.

“Mandating police to wear body-worn cameras is a transformational decision that will ensure all interactions with officers are objective. Whether living in large cities or smaller rural communities, Albertans have the right to feel safe and have trust that police will assist and be fair in doing so. Alberta will be the first province to mandate body-worn cameras as we work to position Alberta as a role model for safe, secure communities across the country and North America,” said Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis.

“Alberta is undergoing a paradigm shift of policing across the province, where police transition from the strong arm of the state to an extension of the community they serve,” a government of Alberta press release said. “The most effective way for police to become an extension of the community they serve is by building trust and relationships with the public.”

In a partnership with the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP), the provincial government has developed standards to implement the body-worn cameras, costs, and logistics.

The work done includes discussions with Alberta police officers, municipal police services, and self-administered Indigenous police services.

“AACP looks forward to receiving details of the body-worn camera mandate to support transparency and further build trust within our communities and welcomes the opportunity to work together to support this,” said Dean LaGrange, vice president of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police.

The program will capture split-second decisions made by police members and is expected to ease

potential public concerns.

The cameras will have a microphone, and storage for video footage, making it easier to review interactions, and ensure transparency between police and the public.

“The most effective way to keep Albertans safe and secure in their communities is to build relationships and trust with the police that serves them,” the release said.

The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis announced Alberta police services are now mandated to wear body cameras, capturing all interactions. Photo/YouTube

Local speed skater takes silver at Canada Winter Games

Robyn Salie is now finishing her season.

By Emily Rogers

Robyn Salie qualified for the Canada Winter Games in December and quickly began training for the February races. Salie is now finishing her season in Calgary.

Chestermere speed skater brought home a silver medal during the Canada Winter Games.

Robyn Salie represented her home province of Manitoba for the second time at the Canada Winter Games, winning a silver medal in the team pursuit.

“The games went pretty well, and it was a positive experience,” she said. In December, Salie qualified for the games and began her training regimen.

“The coaches made the programs we do to complement the games and get us ready for the games,” Salie said.

Two weeks before the race, Salie was training heavily. The week before, she started to taper and focus on technical training, focusing on her position, and what she wanted to achieve during the races, and the day before the competition, she practiced a mock race.

During Salie’s regular season training, her coach incorporates weight training, however, she stopped weight training before the games.

“Weight training destroys us, we get very sore after, and it’s not worth doing it before a competition. Especially because this competition was one of the last of the season,” Salie said. “The coach didn’t want us to be sore for the competition.”

Throughout the games, Salie competed in six races.

“I ranked well in some of my races,” Salie said. “A big goal was to do well

individually, trying to place high in the rankings, and in the team pursuit, we had a good team and our team worked well together.

Going into the games, Salie knew the weather and racing against the wind would be a challenge, so she worked on positioning herself properly. However, the biggest challenge Salie had to overcome she couldn’t prepare for.

“The biggest challenge was the ice and trying to persevere through it. The first two days, it was too hot for the ice to stay frozen, so it was slushy, and really hard to skate on,” Salie said. “It was hard, talking to the coaches you needed to do certain things differently, and transitioning from Calgary ice to that ice was a big change.”

The start lines were melted down to add colour for the racers but never froze again.

“The coaches and ice maintenance people were trying to get it to freeze again, they were trying to squeegee the water and slush into the corner and fix it during the competition, but they couldn’t really fix it,” Salie said. Going forward, Salie is now finishing her skating season and will start summer training in the spring.

Salie is now seeking sponsors and is encouraging individuals or businesses interested to email her at robyn.s0210@gmail.com, or shakushinetsu@ yahoo.ca, for more information.

Our Office Follows

The Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide

Chestermere speed skater Robyn Salie represented her home province of Manitoba at the Canada Winter Games, winning a silver medal in the team pursuit.

Photo/Robyn Salie

Photo/Robyn Salie

More funding to support significant student enrolment in Alberta schools

The funding will support schools experiencing high student enrolments.

By Emily Rogers

Budget 2023 will support schools as enrolment numbers continue to increase across the province.

The provincial government is investing $820 million over three years to support increasing student enrolments in 2023.

“As one of the fastest-growing school divisions in the province, the funds provided for enrolment growth will help Rocky View Schools hire more staff to support the 1,000 new students we will welcome in the fall. Knowing additional funding will be available is positive news, as RVS continues to experience increasing enrolment pressures across the division,” Rocky View Schools board chair Norma Lang said.

“With Alberta’s rising population, we know many school authorities across the province continue to face growing enrolment pressures. Our strong funding commitment in Budget 2023 will empower school authorities to hire more teachers and obtain more resources for students,” Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange said.

Over three years, education operating expenses are expected to increase by nearly $2 billion, which will support education staff, teachers, educational assistants, bus drivers, and school support staff, a government of Alberta media release said.

The funding increase will allow school authorities to receive grants, including the Early Childhood

New bylaw permitting professional boxing events in Chestermere

Events can be hosted anywhere in the city.

By Emily Rogers

Services and Grades 1-9 Base Instruction grant, the High School Base Instruction grant, Specialized Learning Support, English as an Additional Language, and Program Unit Funding.

An operations and maintenance grant will also give school authorities the flexibility to decide how to use the funding to best support their students, the release said.

School authorities were given the funding manual for the 2023/24 school year to review funding information for the coming year.

“ASBA is pleased that government has been responsive to school boards’ requests for early release of the funding manual and operational funding profiles, as it assists in informed decisionmaking. Government’s investment in enrolment growth is welcome news as boards address the growing, diverse and complex student needs within their divisions while remaining accountable to their communities,” said Alberta School Boards Association president Marilyn Dennis.

Last year, the supplemental enrolment growth grant allocated more than $21 million to schools with significant enrolment growth.

In the 2020/21 school year, school boards were funded for about 730,000 students, with enrolment at 705,000. In the 2021/22 school year, student enrolment increased to about 716,000.

commission is doing work diligently and ensuring work is done properly before officially signing off on an event.

“The city can remove its approval from any previously signed document based on the city’s best interest,” Morrison said.

Anyone interested in hosting a boxing event is required to pay a regulated combative sports permit fee, a promotor license fee, and a business license if the event is being held on city-owned property.

“In my opinion, it makes sense for a business license to be for-profit, as opposed to not-for-profit, that’s a good distinction,” Mayor Jeff Colvin said.

“We want to make it clear to people interested in conducting a regulated combative sports event that they have to get an event permit, and an event agreement from the city if the event is hosted on city property,” Morrison said.

Chestermere issued 12 directives following municipal inspection

“The City of Chestermere is managed in an irregular, improper, and improvident manner.”

By Emily Rogers

Chestermere City Council and administration were given 12 directives to return to good governance.

Minister of Municipal Affairs Rebecca Schulz explained during the March 15 public meeting that the government department doesn’t intervene lightly in municipal affairs.

“We must always be respectful of local autonomy, and intervene only in extraordinary circumstances, but let me be clear when we must intervene, we will,” Schulz said.

After a careful review of the City of Chestermere’s inspection report by independent contractor George B. Cuff & Associates Ltd., a review of council and administration submissions, and public concerns, Schulz felt it necessary to intervene.

A preliminary review into Chestermere’s governance leading to the inspection found allegations of council members acting alone and outside of council resolution, the review process of code of conduct complaints involving the mayor or the entire council, councillors performing administrative functions and duties, improper council meeting procedures and conduct, and the sale of municipal property not in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

The inspection report found that Mayor Jeff Colvin felt the election tilted against him, city administration was not trusted, and city staffers that were not cooperative were on the outside looking in.

“What we found was a mayor who appeared to recognize that legislation was an impediment to his plan, a mayor who saw his role as presenting his plan and expecting support, and a council, when elected, that was not clear on what the priorities were,” Cuff’s presentation said.

“The mayor did not understand that the MGA did not confirm power on the mayor to act, but rather to lead, and provide advice and guidance,” Cuff said.

The inspection found a perception form some members of council that other councillors were privy to information, heightening a level of distrust.

“We spoke to the hope that this organization will find its footing, changes will be absorbed, new and preferably experienced local government management will gradually arise and take on senior roles, and that council may begin to understand its potential as a collective body, as opposed to individual players, focused on their own agendas,” Cuff said.

The report recommended that council reconsider its support of the three Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) model, and that council seek the assistance of an experienced relationship advisor to rebuild relationships.

“This is not to suggest that all members are expected to vote as one voice on all council decisions, but rather the mayor and councillors are expected to find ways to act in a more respectful manner regardless of individual differences,” Cuff said.

Based on the inspection report, Schulz issued a series of formative directives, that are corrective and intended to address key concerns that were identified in the report, to restore governance.

“I consider that the City of Chestermere is managed in an irregular, improper, and improvident manner,” Schulz said.

Council and the CAOs are expected to review all of the recommendations outlined in the inspection report in an open council meeting regarding the city’s plan to address the recommendations by the end of June.

The CAOs are expected to provide printed copies of the inspection report to the public upon request.

Council must review the current procedural bylaw and determine if changes should be made, with a focus on ensuring concurrent access to information, the responsibilities of council, and then provide Schulz with the implementation plan for any changes.

An independent third party, not currently employed by the city, must be appointed to review the effectiveness of the CAO structure and the Strategic Advisory Group.

The CAOs must provide the minister with a report listing all code of conduct complaints since October 2021, the validity of the complaints, and

Chestermere residents filled the gym at the CRCA for the Municipal Affairs public meeting on March 15.

Photo/Emily Rogers

how each was addressed.

An independent third party must be appointed to handle all complaints, including conducting preliminary reviews, documenting, investigating, and presenting the findings to council.

In addition, council is expected to engage an experienced municipal consultant to provide advice and guidance on developing protocols.

Council has been directed to develop a comprehensive strategic plan through planning sessions.

Councillors have been directed to discontinue performing duties assigned to the CAOs and must attend a role and responsibility workshop conducted by municipal affairs.

Council can only act by resolution, following the MGA.

Administration is expected to hire an audit firm and develop a timeline for completing the 2021 financial statements.

The CAOs are required to provide the minister with a list of all municipal land sales since October 2021, including market value, council resolutions, the sale price of each parcel of land, the date of the sale, and the identity of the purchaser.

Lastly, council and administration must provide a summary to the minister by-monthly on the progress being made, until all directives have been completed to satisfaction.

“If the city implements these directives as they are required to, Chestermere will be in a better position to return to effective decisionmaking,” Schulz said. “My hope is to have a respectful and collaborative council with open and transparent processes that align with legislative requirements.”

If the directives are not fulfilled to the minister’s satisfaction, she will take appropriate next steps, which can include the dismissal of councillors or CAOs.

“It’s my hope and expectation that it will not come to that. Our goal is to help Chestermere develop appropriate governance for its residents, and our pursuit of that goal continues, but let’s be clear, these directives are basic expectations,” Schulz said.

Schulz acknowledged that many city councillors were new to the municipal governance business when the concerns began, 18-months ago.

“I see no reason why Chestermere City Council and administration cannot or should not meet the requirements set out in the directives, and it’s my sincere hope and expectation that they will,” Schulz said. A press release issued by the City of Chestermere said the recommendations and directives will be carefully reviewed and legal counsel will be consulted.

“There is some initial concern regarding some of the findings in the Cuff report, the process by which the report was arrived at, the recommendations in the report and the directives of the minister. Legal counsel will be reviewing options, although at this point no decision has been made regarding any actions and no decisions will be made without due consideration,” the release said.

The release expressed that the city is committed to providing good governance, being a positive environment, and a functioning legislative body to properly serve residents.

To read the full report, visit the government of Alberta website at, https://www.alberta.ca/chestermere-municipal-inspection.aspx#report.

Independent contractor George B. Cuff & Associates Ltd., was appointed to conduct an inspection report into the City of Chestermere’s municipal governance.

Photo/Emily Rogers

A timeline of the province’s deep dive into Chestermere’s governance

Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing municipal affairs inspection into the city’s governance.

By Emily Rogers

January 2022

• Concerns of Chestermere’s governance expressed to municipal affairs

• Former and current city staff, former and current city councillors, and citizens expressed their concerns of Chestermere’s governance to municipal affairs.

• The previous Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver, received letters, phone calls, and emails, sharing concerns until March 2022.

February 2022

• City employees begin the unionization process

• Chestermere city employees began the process of applying to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), to protect their rights.

• Communications Representative of CUPE Lou Arab confirmed to Anchor Media that the unionization application was submitted on Jan 26, 2022.

• “They signed all their cards within two weeks of the application. Our union drive was conducted entirely in the month of January 2022,” Arab said.

• Chestermere employees began the process of joining CUPE for better treatment from their employers, and respect for the services they provide.

• The union would add a layer of protection between city staff and the employer and outline how things must be done within the employment contract, such as laying staff off and negotiating pay and other benefits.

• Every staff member that fell within the scope of the union was asked to send in a ballot, and with 50 per cent or more of votes in favour to join the union, negotiations proceeded.

• City employees apply to join Alberta Labour Relations Board

• CUPE began a membership drive among Chestermere city employees.

• Cheryl Oates, a Communications Representative of CUPE confirmed to Anchor Media that the petition was completed with enough signatures to apply to the Alberta Labour Relations Board for certification.

• The voting ballots were submitted to the board, sealed, and waited for the result of objections from the employer and the union.

• The hearing was scheduled for May 25 until May 27, 2022.

• March 2022

• Municipal affairs launches preliminary review into city’s governance

• The city received a letter from McIver informing them that department officials would review the municipality to have a better understanding of issues and determine if further intervention was necessary, and if further action was required.

May 2022

• Municipal affairs orders formal inspection

• Municipal affairs ordered a formal inspection of Chestermere’s municipal governance, after completing a preliminary review.

• An independent contractor was appointed to carry out the inspection to determine whether any legislative contraventions or improper conduct had occurred, Municipal Affairs Press Secretary Scott Johnston said.

• The inspection report addressed issues such as members of council acting alone and outside of a council resolution, members of council performing administrative functions and duties, code of conduct infractions, improper council meeting procedures and conduct, and the sale of municipal property not in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

• “The inspection process is designed to ensure objectivity and procedural fairness, while also ensuring that all allegations are given appropriate consideration,” Johnston said.

• The process typically takes between six to 18 months to complete.

• The City of Chestermere welcomed the municipal affairs inspection and agreed to begin the inspection in the last week of May.

• Council was hopeful that the inspection

would be completed quickly, and would help in any way necessary, and later share the inspection findings with residents.

• City representatives said they had refuting information on when the first city employee application to unionize was submitted.

• They indicated the first application was submitted before the last municipal election, not in January 2022. However, appropriate documents could not be submitted, due to confidentially concerns.

• Arab explained that the evidence must be signed within 90 days of the union application, and 50 per cent or more of the votes had to be in favour of the union to proceed with negotiations.

• City workers unionize

• City of Chestermere employees voted to join CUPE.

• CUPE Alberta President Rory Gill welcomed Chestermere city employees into CUPE after the majority voted in favour of certification.

July 2022

• City employees move forward with CUPE

• CUPE began work with Chestermere city employees to negotiate a union agreement.

• After city employees were approved to join CUPE, the Alberta Labour Relations Board conducted a vote of all eligible employees.

• If over 50 per cent of eligible employees voted to unionize, the board would become the official bargaining agent for all employees.

• Representatives organized by the union then serve on the bargaining committee, ask members about their concerns, and prepare proposals for a first collective agreement.

• CUPE expected the city to also prepare proposals.

• Bargaining a first contract can be a slow process, taking over a year to finalize.

• When both sides have completed negotiations and come to a full agreement, the union will present the deal to members for vote.

• Throughout the process, city

employees have a codified condition of employment, work rules, and can file any grievances that are backed up by union representatives if they feel the city is not following the set conditions or rules.

September 2022

• Municipal affairs reviews Chestermere’s governance inspection report

• The inspection report into Chestermere’s governance was submitted to municipal affairs for review.

• Municipal affairs was set to give Chestermere council an embargoed copy of the inspection report for review and comment.

• Based on the report and councils’ response, the minister would then determine the next steps.

November 2022

• City reviews municipal inspection report

• Municipal affairs shared an embargoed copy of the inspection report with city council for review and comment.

• City council had until Dec. 9, to provide any feedback to the newly appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, Rebecca Schulz.

• Based on the responses from city council regarding the report, Schulz will determine the next steps.

• After considering input from council, municipal affairs will share the report with Chestermere residents through a public meeting.

• Until the public meeting, municipal affairs couldn’t comment on the contents of the inspection report.

• An inspection report is used to identify significant concerns with the governance, management and administration of a municipality, and to take corrective actions if necessary.

• Although an inspection report does not result in the dismissal of members of council, or a municipal Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), under specific conditions of the MGA the Minister of Municipal Affairs could take action to dismiss council members or a CAO.

December 2022

• City rejects inspection report

• The City of Chestermere rejected the embargoed copy of the municipal affairs inspection report, due to a “Lack of evidence and a flawed process.”

• Council called a special meeting where Mayor Jeff Colvin and city councillors

Mel Foat, Stephen Hanley, and Blaine Funk passed a resolution rejecting and opposing the draft report.

• City Councillors Shannon Dean and Sandy Johal-Watt opposed the motion but were defeated by a majority vote.

• Councillor Ritesh Narayan was not present for the entire meeting and did not vote.

• The city-run website Chestermere Today suggested municipal affairs rescind or redo the report, and that the draft report was biased against the city.

• The city declined to respond to the draft report based on “Breaches to the principles of Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness.”

• Municipal affairs was made aware of the inspection report rejection, and continues to uphold the process under the MGA, and will review the city’s feedback.

• The ministry has yet to release the findings of the draft report publicly.

• Chestermere residents can expect to receive an update from municipal affairs in early 2023.

January 2023

• City rejects municipal affairs draft inspection report, again

• City council disallowed the Dec. 9, special meeting rejecting the municipal affairs draft inspection report, due to a time stamp issue.

• Kim Wallace, the City Director of Corporate Services presented the city’s official response to the draft inspection report.

• She explained the city’s refusal of the report was due to breaches of the Public Inquiries Act, breaches to Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness, and a lack of evidence.

• The city’s response indicated sections of the Public Inquiries Act were not followed, including evidence, attendance of witnesses, admissibility of evidence, the right to call witnesses, and notice of an allegation of misconduct.

• A motion was carried authorizing Colvin to write a letter to Schulz requesting to meet, with Colvin, the deputy mayor, and chosen councillors.

• City director charged with assault

• Chestermere’s city director of corporate services was arrested and charged with assault.

• The Chestermere RCMP were made aware of an assault at city hall.

• Following an investigation into allegation, RCMP arrested and charged Kim Wallace with assault.

• She was released on conditions and will appear in provincial court in March.

February 2023

• KPMG requesting city correct misleading information

• KPMG issued a letter to the City of Chestermere requesting misleading information be removed from the city website.

• The letter, dated for Feb. 21, explained that the city’s website indicates KPMG completed the 2021 audit.

• However, KPMG resigned from the city’s audit committee.

• “As a result of our resignation, we did not complete an audit of the city’s 2021 financial statements,” the letter said.

• KPMG requested that the city remove the information indicating they completed the 2021 audit from the city’s website and issue a statement expressing that the city’s financial statements for 2021 have not been audited by KPMG.

• KPMG also requested the city provide a written confirmation from city council that no parties were directly advised by the city that KPMG had completed the 2021 audit.

• The City of Chestermere was unavailable for comment.

• KPMG declined to comment.

March 2023

• Chestermere given 12 directives following municipal inspection

• Chestermere City Council and administration were given 12 directives to return to good governance.

• The directives issued following the inspection report include reviewing and implementing the recommendations from the report, reviewing the procedural bylaw, developing a strategic plan and a timeline for completing the 2021 audit, and appointing an independent third party to handle all complaints.

• Councillors have also been directed to discontinue performing CAO duties, and report back to Schulz by-monthly on the progress made.

• “If the city implements these directives as they are required to, Chestermere will be in a better position to return to effective decision-making,” Schulz said. “My hope is to have a respectful and collaborative council with open and transparent processes that align with legislative requirements.”

5 signs that you’re (finally) ready to move into a seniors’ residence

Are you wondering if you should move into a seniors’ residence? Here are five indications it may be time to take this step.

1. Maintaining your property is a burden. Washing windows, clearing leaves, shovelling the driveway and mowing the lawn can take a toll. If you have to ask for help with most regular chores, or if you’re simply exhausted by them, living in a residence may prove to be a relief.

2. You need daily support. If showering or bathing is strenuous and getting dressed is a struggle, you could improve your quality of life with the care services offered by most seniors’ residences.

3. Your loved ones are worried about your safety. Do you tend to fall or forget to lock your doors? Have you ever almost started a fire by leaving a pot on the stove for too long? Residences are places where safety is a key consideration. You and your loved ones will sleep better knowing help is available if you need it.

4. It’s hard to eat a healthy diet. Do you often eat frozen or canned meals? If grocery shopping and cooking are major chores for you, remember that in a seniors’ residence, you’ll have access to a variety of healthy meals every day.

5. You want more opportunities to socialize. Do you long for lively conversations and enriching encounters? In seniors’ residences, there are many opportunities to make new friends.

To find your future home, contact the seniors’ residences in your area.

anchormedia

Chestermere, AB, T1X 1K8

Published since 2000, The Chestermere Anchor News Magazine is a hyper-local digital publication that provides readers local news coverage, community and social events, information on local shopping, and contemporary coverage of arts and entertainment.

The Anchor reaches more than 30,000 active, educated and affluent readers, who look to the Anchor to guide their lifestyle, shopping and entertainment choices. Readers rely on the Anchor’s coverage of local social issues, politics, arts and culture to keep themselves apprised of what is happening in their community.

The residents of Chestermere, Langdon, Conrich, Lyalta, and area are nothing like you’ve seen elsewhere in the region. Literate, Highly articulate, Politically aware, and Socially conscious. They are a group with a mind all their own.

To reach out to our eclectic group of readers, you need an eclectic publication. The Chestermere Anchor’s magazine style reaches that group of people.

Closed Weekends and Statutory Holidays

Contributors

Hyper-Local news has always occupied a specific niche in the media marketplace. We are a vehicle for highly localized communications, linked to community interests and issues.

The views, opinions and positions expressed by all columnists and contributors are the author’s alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of The Chestermere Anchor News Magazineor Anchor Media Inc.

Nick Jeffrey

Steve Jeffrey

Marylin King

Michelle Eldjarnson

Emily Rogers

Vaishali Kumar

Don Cassidy

Dale Reimer Baljinder Sull

Dr. Preston Pouteaux

Bill Biko

Joanne Leema

Lakeside Libations

Publisher/Producer Realestate Guru

News Gathering Crows Feet

Sales Neighbourhood provocateur

Biko Show

Hana Shaw

Barb Jeffrey

Leslie Racz Kari Zalik

Arts & Culture

Directory

Boba Fett

Julie Anne McRae collections

Content Support

Letters To The Editor

Hello Anchor News,

I am offended that you continue to give Brian Giesbrecht a voice. Another opinion piece from him that reinforces a very tradiational conservative viewpoint.

Majority of Canadians did not support the “Freedom Convoy”. People who took over Ottawa for over 3 weeks were not peacefully protesting and had no respectful regard for the citizens of Ottawa. There were seizures of weapons found in Coutts. Borders were blocked and billions of dollars in trade with the US was stopped. There was a full independent public inquiry into the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act with Commissioner Paul Rouleau’s five-volume report that found Prime Minister Trudeau met the threshold to invoke the act.

Giesbrecht’s statement “the civil rights battles over skin colour,gender and sexual orientation rights were largely won years ago. That kind of “diversity” is already well accepted and here to stay.” is inaccurate. Women and people of colour continue to fight for equal representation. White women make up 6.8% of those who are now CEOs. Only 1% of the Fortune 500 CEOs are African Americans, 2.4% are East Asians or South Asians, and 3.4% are Latinx. Thus over 85% of White men continue to hold CEO Fortune 500 positions. So I would not say equal representation has been well accepted.

Then he continues to recommend that more people read the Rebel News!! Rebel News routinely publishes news with loaded emotional wording that favors the right. Stories are linked to strongly right-leaning sources and many untruths. In general, most stories favor the right and denigrate the left. Rebel News is known to publish inaccuracies, untruths and completely biased white nationalist viewpoints and to spur hatred for non whites. More people do not need to be reading Rebel news!

Brian Giesbrecht is a senior fellow of the Frontier Centre of Public Policy. Your readers should be aware this Frontier Centre is a group that has published mistruths regarding the Residential School system abuses and debunks Climate change. Please stop giving this man full page ads to spread his mistruths. Yes its about “diversity” of opinion but his biases can be clearly seen. Try to give the other side a full page sometime.

~Margaret Harpelle

Chestermere’s Radio Station

Welcome to the FAQ page for Chestermere’s internet (streaming) radio station, CFTR the Rogue. Here, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about our station and the services we offer.

Q: What is an Internet radio station?

A: An Internet radio station is a radio station that broadcasts over the internet, allowing listeners to tune in from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

While we can and do reach the whole world, as our slogan says, our target listening area is “from the bow to the badlands”. In real terms, we have regular listeners in: Calgary, Conrich, Chestermere, Langdon, Indus, Lyalta, Cheadle, Carseland, Mossleigh, Arrowwood, Siksika Nation, Gleichen, Strathmore, Irricana, Biesiker, Acme, Linden, Rosebud, and Drumheller.

Q: Do I need special equipment to listen to your station?

A: No, you don’t need any special equipment to listen to our station. You can listen to us on any device that can connect to the internet, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, Alexa, Google Home, and desktop computers.

Q: How do I listen to your station?

A: You can listen to our station by visiting our website and clicking on the “Listen Live” button.

• Play Store – Search for and install CFTR the Rogue

• App Store – Search for and Install CFTR Radio

• Alexa – Say “Alexa enable CFTR the Rogue” to enable the skill, then simply say “Alexa play CFTR the Rogue” Every time after that.

• Google Home: Say “Hey Google, Talk to CFTR the Rogue.

Q: Is your station free to listen to?

A: Yes, our station is completely free to listen to. We do not charge any fees or require any subscriptions to listen to our content.

Q: Can I make song requests?

A: Yes, you can make song requests by emailing us or using our website’s contact form. While we cannot guarantee that we will be able to play your request, we always appreciate hearing from our listeners.

Q: Do you have a mobile app?

A: Yes, we have a mobile app that you can download from the App Store or Google Play. Our app makes it easy to listen to our station on the go and provides additional features, such as song requests and push notifications for special events.

Q: Do you offer advertising opportunities on your station?

A: Yes, we offer a range of advertising opportunities on our station, including sponsorships, on-air commercials, and banner ads on our website. Please contact us for more information about advertising on our station.

Q: How can I contact you?

A: You can contact us by emailing us at rogue@anchormedia.ca, using our website’s contact form, or reaching out to us on social media. We’re always happy to hear from our listeners and answer any questions you may have.

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

Crows Feet Birding with Don & Elaine

After a visit to Cold Lake in late September of 2022 , Elaine and I headed east to Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Traveling on the edges of the boreal forest and prairie parkland we looked forward with anticipation to discover and photograph massive flocks of migrating birds. Our son and guide, Darryl, took us south of the little village, Codette. Within minutes, sheer joy radiated from the pickup truck. With zoom lenses poking out from passenger side windows, our migrating wonders posed on Schindel’s Slough. Timing of course during migration season as well as finding ideal locations on one of North America’s four major flyways is key to clicking the shutter on the sought after species.

Most of Alberta, all of Saskatchewan and nearly all of Manitoba are positioned nicely under the Central Flyway. Flyways are more or less general pathways for migratory birds and not all migrating birds use one of these four routes. Gravitating towards the most efficient paths where food and plenty of rest stops are available, wildfowl tend to use those routes quite consistently. Songbirds are less constricted in migration, changing routes heading north and south. In addition oddities occur where specific species migrate through our province when they should be on a different continent.

No less than 50 percent of our migratory waterfowl in North America use the Central Flyway, giving bird watchers lots of opportunities to view thousands of birds. All three provinces have lots of pothole lakes, essential

to successful reproduction of many of our species of ducks. Snow Geese as well as Ross’s Geese head north from the Gulf of Mexico to their breeding grounds in the high Arctic. Reflecting on our trips to Cold Lake, we were able to estimate a count of nearly 8000 Snow Geese north of Lamont in late April of this year, On September 19th, near the Warspite turnoff on Highway 28 we counted about 250 Snow Geese, mixed with White-Fronted Geese and Canada Geese as well. Moments later a flock of 50 sandhill cranes flew over, with all species in migration.

Although songbirds use multiple changing routes, Canadian researchers have a focused study on the blackpoll warbler in recent years. Male warblers had miniature geo-locators attached like tiny backpacks at the starting points of Churchill, Whitehorse, and two locations in Alaska. Using data from recovered birds, research lead, Bill Deluca, found that warblers from these locations flew south to Venezuela over a time period of just 72 hours, with a stopover in Florida.

Perhaps most unusual is the presence of the Ruff, a member of the sandpiper family that breeds in Siberia and winters in Senegal, Niger and Mali, Africa. The author has seen one in south-east Calgary in its fall migration, one of less than 30 sightings in Alberta history.

In birding, both spring and fall migratory seasons bring energy and excitement to those who love the flights of the millions of birds that take to our skies, each on its own super highway.

Winter Programs 2023

Session 2 programs are over halfway finished. Call or visit the library for program availability. Find our full program guide on our website. www. chestermerepubliclibrary.com

Lego (Wednesday’s at 4:15 - 4:45pm) and Game On (Friday’s at 4:15 - 4:45pm) are Drop-In programs available to kids from 6 - 12 years of age (Last program date is Wednesday April 5th.)

Upcoming Closure

We will be closed from Friday, April 7th to Monday, April 10th for Easter Weekend. Our bin will remain open for returns during our closure.

Storytime

Storytime is back! Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:15AM for storytime. No registration is required,

Novel Book Club

Join us on Thursday, April 20th at 6:00PM in the library to discuss Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki. No registration is required, and copies are available at the library for borrowing.

Adult Craft Upcycled Planter

Join us on Wednesday, March 22nd at 5:30PM for our first adult craft of Session 2. Grow your home library collection and create your very own upcycled planter! Registration is required, call or visit to register.

Adult Craft Seed Bombs

Join us for our final adult craft of the Winter session on Saturday, April 1st at 1:00PM. Make your own self-sowing seed bombs. Add bee-friendly or wildflower seeds to your garden, a friend’s garden, a planter pot, or any outdoor space that could use some beautiful blooms.

Featured Artist

We are displaying Jennifer Schinschick’s artwork from now until April 5, 2023. Jennifer’s lovely artwork encompasses the beauty and boldness of nature. Come on in and check out Jennifer’s collection.

Graphic Novel and Manga Club

This month our teen and adult Graphic Novel and Manga Club are discussing books 90’s Comics on our Discord. Any comic from the 90’s are welcome to be discussed this month. Join our discord on our website.

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 Spring Program Session! 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

Celebrating

Is it time for your mammogram? Screen Test is coming to Langdon April 5 to 10, 2023

Thank you for supporting Screen Test over the past 30 years. It has been our pleasure bringing screening mammography to you. Together we are saving lives, one community at a time.

Screen Test is a free service provided by Alberta Health Services that offers screening mammograms Our mobile screening units travel to 121 communities throughout Alberta to provide convenient access to breast cancer screening.

Having regular screening mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early, before symptoms appear and when treatment may work better.

Who should have a screening mammogram?

If you’re 45 to 74, you don’t need a referral to have a mammogram. Make screening part of your regular health routine. Plan to have a mammogram every 2 years or as decided by you and your healthcare provider.

If you’re 40 to 44 or over 75, discuss the risks and benefits of screening with your healthcare provider. You will need a referral if you’re 40 to 44 and it’s your first mammogram, or if you’re over 75.

Call 1-800-667-0604 (toll-free) to book a mammogram with Screen Test.

Breast density scores are now included in your Screen Test result letter

Breast density is the amount of dense tissue compared to the amount of fat in a person’s breasts. It can be harder to find cancer in dense breasts because this tissue appears white on a mammogram, the same colour as many kinds of breast cancer. It’s common to have dense breast tissue.

Dense breasts are only one of many risk factors for breast cancer. Other factors, such as age and genetics, have a bigger impact on your overall risk. You can’t tell how dense your breasts are by size, look or feel. The only way to find out is by having a mammogram.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your breast density score and your personal risk of breast cancer Learn more about breast density on screeningforlife.ca

Is it safe to go for screening mammograms during COVID-19?

Enhanced safety measures are in place to keep patients and staff safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Details will be shared when you call to book your mammogram.

For more information on Screen Test and breast cancer screening, visit screeningforlife.ca.

A screening mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early. And it can truly save your life.

The SCREEN TEST mobile mammography unit will be in: Langdon April 5 to 10, 202 3 Appointments are required. Please call: 1-800-667-0604 (toll free) screeningforlife.ca

Our local newspaper: A FUNDAMENTAL ROLE

SO MANY BENEFITS!

Creates jobs for the people who drive your local economy.

Publishes credible, verified news stories.

Supports community organizations and foundations that empower local people.

Showcases local cultural activities and artisans.

Covers local sporting events and teams.

Organizes buy-local campaigns to support merchants in your area.

Promotes local businesspeople.

To keep up to date on current events or build connections among the various players in your community, THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER IS AN INVALUABLE ASSET!

Absolutely!

So much so!

True!

Clearly!

110%!

Yes, of course!

Always!

When you think about it, IT MAKES SENSE!

A Real Estate Minute With Michelle Eldjarnson

Welcome to a minute with Michelle This segment is about getting buyers to fall in love with your home!

What Buyers Want to See when They Walk into a Room -

When buyers view your property, they’re likely to visit each room and look around. Their imagination is turned on high. Often, within just a few moments in a space, they’ll form an impression — ideally, a positive one! So, how do you ensure each room shows well? Here’s what buyers want to see:

1. Space. Buyers will often mentally fit their furniture into a room when they see it. So, make sure each room is uncluttered and staged in a way that showcases its spaciousness.

2. Functionality. Buyers want to see the room for what it is. So, if it’s a bedroom, but you’ve turned it into an exercise room, it might become a distraction to buyers. Consider restoring the room to its original purpose.

3. Themselves. Buyers want to imagine the room as part of their home, not yours. They want to see themselves in it. That’s why it’s smart to depersonalize the space as much as possible. For example, replace the family picture on the wall with a landscape print.

Anticipating how buyers will view each room will help you stage your property effectively.

When your ready to sell, be prepared! Make the best first impression that you can!

And this has been a minute with Michelle - thank you for reading....and take care of each other.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois scientific director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab Dalhousie University

What ChatGPT will do to the food industry

OpenAI will change our world and has the potential to change the food industry

We all know that the food industry has been adopting AI slowly compared to other sectors. Well, that’s about to change.

Rather, it is changing already. Technologies like ChatGPT are simply retailing AI, allowing consumers to fully appreciate what AI is and how it can change their world. While it took Facebook 10 months to get a million members, ChatGPT got to one million members in just five days. Things are changing fast.

Machine learning and AI have existed for at least 15 to 20 years. Nothing is new. AI is already everywhere in our lives. But the Elon Musk-funded company OpenAI, which designed ChatGPT, decided to go out and provide public demos to show the world what AI can do.

In many ways, this could become a game changer for the food industry. AI doesn’t create knowledge, at least not yet. But it can help us forecast and become better planners and risk managers.

For instance, think about the food we waste. With AI and smart labels, we could have more data about our food’s shelf life at home before we throw anything away. Best-before dates could become obsolete. Same for recalls. Labels, fridges, cellphones, and watches could tell us when a product was recalled without relying on the news. Our model for food recalls, to throw away everything, is plainly obsolete.

The widely unpopular COVID app was developed a few years ago to keep us safe. We can certainly develop better technology and do the same for recalled food products by using AI to keep us safe.

Our visits to the grocery store could also change. As you prepare to leave, you could have AI optimize your diet based on what’s more affordable that day before you browse aisles physically at the store. Call it your own “inflation cookbook,” if you will. One day, you could also be walking into a grocery store and be asked to either have your face or fingers scanned, giving you suggestions on what to buy to make a favourite recipe based on your own needs, size of household, if you’re hosting,

dietary preferences and restrictions and so on. Menu development at the restaurant will also be impacted. Heck, the first cookbook with all recipes entirely created by AI came out just a few months ago. In turn, industry use of AI will also likely be enhanced. Grocers will likely use more dynamic pricing because consumers will be better equipped to confront higher food prices. For example, if a product sells, prices go up using digital tags. It’s already happening in many places around the world. Accessible AI could get consumers to appreciate the utility of dynamic pricing in realtime. Things could get interesting.

Consumers are affected by everything – mood, weather, context, the economy, pricing –and so impacts our food choices. Seeking an ideal balance between supply and demand could stabilize food prices over time. A food inflation rate of 10 per cent is just cruel and unsustainable, for both consumers and industry. Up the food chain, AI is already alive and well. AI algorithms are helping farmers analyze soil, climate, and crop data to predict crop yields, optimize irrigation and fertilization schedules, and improve the efficiency of farming practices. Not all farmers are doing this, of course, but a growing number are.

It’s the same with the supply chain. AI can help predict supply chain disruptions, optimize delivery schedules, and reduce the effect of “shelflation” when a product’s shelf life is compromised by a supply chain issue.

With ChatGPT and other emerging chatbot websites, all of us will better understand

what lies ahead. The food industry, especially grocers, will likely respond by embracing more technologies and using consumers as active participants. Scary but exciting at the same time. But AI won’t have an answer for every challenge the food industry faces. Technology has no ethics or morals; today, food is all about ethics and morals. Food companies have always been caught in this skittish symmetry between traditions, cultures, and technologies. Using new advanced approaches cannot be done to the detriment of what food represents for consumers and communities. But that could change over time. OpenAI will change our world, as the internet did. And it has the potential to change the food industry as well.

Some predict that by 2050, one computer will have the capacity of all human brains on earth. Mindboggling. The food industry needs to be ready for this.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. © Troy Media

The opinions expressed by our columnists and contributors are theirs alone and do not inherently or expressly reflect the views of Anchor Media

UNPACKED UNPACKED

POD POD POD POD

Episode: Next generation of men and boys experiencing less pain and cause less harm with guest Jake Stika

This week on Unpacked we are chatting with Jake Stika, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Next Gen Men. We chat with Jake on gender-based issues related to the social and emotional development of young men and boys, the health and well-being of men in communities, workplaces and their vision for a future where boys & men experience less pain, and cause less harm. We talk about power dynamics, breaking down gender roles, what to say to young men and boys, how to create more inclusive spaces at home, school and at work.

Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!

Links: https://unpackedpod.buzzsprout.com/

OPINIONS

Canada is suffering a care economy crisis

Canada’s governments must apply the lessons of COVID-19 to create a more gender-just future

Kathrine Scott

International Women’s Day, was March 8th, and was the annual commemoration that invites Canadians to take stock of the progress made toward gender equality in our country and beyond. But in 2023, more than three years after the COVID-19 crisis was declared, this day reminds us that Canada still has a long way to go. Only a small share of the hundreds of federal and provincial measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic addressed its disproportionate impact on women and marginalized communities.

Between March 2020 and June 2021, both levels of government invested approximately $57.5 billion – 13.6 per cent of total pandemic spending – in programs that, directly or indirectly, addressed the gendered risks and challenges affecting women, such as increased violence, low income and precarity, and heightened care demands.

The federal government, for its part, used its considerable spending power to support Canada’s pandemic response, covering over 75 per cent of spending on investment in gendersensitive programming, representing roughly $1,155 per capita.

Federal emergency transfers, for instance, more than offset what would have been a steep rise in poverty, and they expanded eligibility (at least temporarily) to caregivers providing essential

care and schooling, or educational support, to those in need.

At the same time, the provincial contribution to gender-sensitive programming during the pandemic was much smaller by orders of magnitude.

A detailed look at provincial government investments shows that Quebec had the strongest gender response, as measured by the number and breadth of gender-sensitive measures, while Alberta and Saskatchewan had the weakest, despite the relative severity of the pandemic in each of these jurisdictions and available provincial resources.

But it was British Columbia that led the group in terms of net provincial investment, spending $844 per person on gender-sensitive measures (43 per cent of all gender-sensitive spending in the province) – 17 times the amount spent by Alberta (at $50 per capita), Canada’s wealthiest province.

In total, eight provinces, with the exception of B.C. and Quebec, spent less than the provincial per-person average of $357 on gender-sensitive measures. And six of those eight spent less than $100 per person on those measures.

This was a disappointing showing by many provinces which are charged with overseeing critical health and social services. In effect, the provinces let the federal government pick up the tab and assumed women, as

always, would absorb the exponential increases in unpaid care work.

Indeed, the provinces’ refusal, in particular, to invest meaningfully in the care economy is playing out today in the reality of short-staffed hospital emergency departments, long-term care facilities, and childcare services.

Had it not been for federal transfers tied to specific goals, such as providing child care or services for vulnerable and marginalized populations, the number of provincial programs qualifying as gender-sensitive would have been much smaller, and potentially non-existent. Such as it was, there were significant policy gaps that neither provincial nor federal programming addressed.

The most obvious lesson of the COVID-19 crisis is that gender equality can be furthered when strong public leadership marshals adequate gender-sensitive support. The key now is to apply those lessons to create a more equitable, gender-just and resilient future where those who bore the brunt of the pandemic are not left behind once again.

Katherine Scott is a senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and serves as its director of gender equality and public policy work.

© Troy Media

The opinions expressed by our columnists and contributors are theirs alone and do not inherently or expressly reflect the views of Anchor Media

OPINIONS

With information overload comes great responsibility

Wading through the rampant disinformation in media today requires a healthy dose of skepticism

Gerry Chidiac

We live in an age of information and misinformation simultaneously. Never has there been so much useful information and so much nonsense to weed through. This puts a great deal of responsibility on the shoulders of those who consume media. It is also very liberating.

Many of us remember the days when the news we received was limited to our local newspapers and radio and television stations. Special interest magazines and newsletters offered some alternative perspectives, but their distribution was limited.

Not long after the end of the Cold War, we saw the dawn of the internet and hoped for the free flow of information. The rise of social media, with its preference for sensationalism, seemed to exterminate this dream, and our world became more polarized.

But maybe the dream is not over. Hopefully, we are learning that an informed public is the greatest hope for the future. With the rise of healthy skepticism, we are beginning to recognize when we are being manipulated and can dig deeper to find the truth.

Just as we saw contradictions in reporting during the Cold War, we now see “alternative facts” from various news sources.

How do we know who is telling the truth? The

best way is to simply ask a lot of questions. The most important question is, “Who is paying for this?” Is it a particular government? Is it a corporation trying to promote a product? Is the news source more interested in good ratings than telling the truth? Is this seemingly alternative news source funded by a nefarious billionaire trying to create confusion and turn potential allies into enemies? Is it funded by a not-for-profit that has a particular agenda?

One example of disregard for the truth now coming to light is Fox News reporting of the “big lie.” While the network began reporting the 2020 American presidential election honestly, its realization that its viewers wanted to hear about how the election was stolen from Donald Trump led it to change its narrative. The issue is now in the courts, and the findings will give us a clearer idea of what happened in the Fox News corporate office.

Another example of misinformation was MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow reporting on the Rage Against the War Rally in Washington, DC last month. Maddow’s narrative portrayed the rally as a small gathering of people waving Russian and Soviet flags, white supremacists, and rightwing extremists. In fact, the rally included wellrespected representatives from the left and the right. It would not be unreasonable to question

whether Maddow’s cynical “reporting” on this peace rally had something to do with the generous funding her network receives from the arms industry.

Fortunately, there are reporters and news services that prioritize truth. To distinguish them from conspiracy theorists, manipulators, and liars, we need to ask more questions, such as “Why are you telling me this?” We can also question their sources, listen for gaps in their logic, and question their biases, expertise, and reputations.

We are no longer bound to the narrative that CTV and the CBC impose on us. There is a plethora of news from many sources available to us at the click of a button. Our challenge is to search intelligently, avoid echo chambers, keep an open mind, and continue asking questions.

Finding the truth is not always easy, but it’s worth the effort. No other generation has been as fortunate as ours when it comes to freedom of information, but with this freedom comes our responsibility to be critical media consumers.

Gerry Chidiac specializes in languages and genocide studies and works with at-risk students. He is the recipient of an award from the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre for excellence in teaching about the Holocaust.

© Troy Media

ARTS & Culture

ARTS & Culture ARTS & Culture

with Hana Shaw

Philosophy: Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccolo Machiavelli laid a prominent, firm foundation of diplomatic ideology that affects political systems even today. After one reads his works, it can be concluded that the rationale behind the reasons of war and ways of government he proposed are applicable to contemporary society, and in fact provide sufficient rationale with regards to some of the current political turmoil. Among his most famous works are The Prince, The Art of War, and Discourses on Livy, which describe a paramount level of understanding as to how a tyrant can rise to power, almost to the point of which his proposed knowledge reveals something a bit more sinister about his intentions.

As I am describing philosophy and its many achievements and discoveries it has attained from the beginning of humanity to the present day, I thought that going in-depth of one specific philosopher would add a bit of texture and variation among the very broad and general information that has been presented in my previous two articles this month. When one thinks about philosophy, the philosophers of antiquity such as those of Aristotle and Socrates are usually the first to pop up in your mind. Rarely, the Italian-born Machiavelli of the 15th century is one’s initial idea.

Niccolò Machiavelli is often described by historians and political scientists to be a provider of information that promotes authoritarian governments, and describes how tyrants can become the ultimate ruler of a republic or monarch. The philosopher himself was brought up in a time of severe political turmoil. Thus, it can be said his ideas were also a representation of what he had observed throughout his childhood and adolescence, and how he interpreted these observations in such a way that reflected his intellect. These ideals were later brought to life as he managed to procure a self-organized militia of Florentine citizens during the height of his reign that later went on to conquer Pisa in 1509. Despite his intellect and philosophical discoveries, he unfortunately utilized his knowledge in such a way to reinforce wickedness rather than to contribute to efforts to diminish the forces of tyranny that were so often exhibited in his time.

Obtaining a paramount position in popularity when compared to his other works, The Prince published in 1532 discloses a wealth of information regarding the ability for principates (a form of government by which a prince rules a republic, this term is not used as much in the modern day as these forms of government are mostly obsolete) to not only strive for accession, but how to maintain their position of authority over a population for a prolonged period of time. This text explains why Machiavelli is considered a more sinister political thinker, as the methods of rising to power he describes can be acquired through immoral means, and as long as these im-

moral means contribute to the supremacy of the prince, are rational, warranted, and should be accepted in society. The novel itself was considered extremely controversial at the time of publication as it contradicted the use of authority of the Church, which was a potent barrier to many prospective tyrannizes within Florence at the time.

Although Machiavelli described his ambitions of sinstry and hostility through many of his literary works, and carried out these notions through the militia of Florence he brought about during his career, he also displayed emotions of amusement and joy through his many fictional plays and poetry. One of which is a five-act prose comedy called Mandragola (The Mandrake) which Machiavelli used to express his frustration towards the Florentine government. Most of his other fictional works describe certain political themes, and of course, utilize his passion for politics to be transferred to comical pieces of literature and art.

Thank you for joining me again this week to discuss the father of modern political philosophy, Niccolò Machevelli and his substantial contributions to philosophical ideologies that shaped not only the political state of his time, but also defined how many governments around the world organize positions of power and maintain tyranny, despite the marginalization of their own people.

Next week, I will be wrapping up this month’s theme of philosophy with the incredible philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who introduced several significant notions regarding the human condition and how we determine what is good and what is evil. When examined, this topic is very interesting and a bit of a mind-bender!

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or writing opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact me at hana.chestermere@gmail. com. I have greatly enjoyed reading some of your comments and how my articles inspire you!

1. Niccolò Machiavelli, Wikipedia, March 10th 2023, link.

Our homes are not just buildings where we sleep and eat, they are gathering places where life happens and where new relationships spark to life. From my travels I have photos of landmarks and wonders of the world, but it was the meals shared in local homes that have embedded most profoundly on my imagination. It was a bottle of Pepsi a family shared with me in a Kenyan slum apartment, the stories told around a bare lightbulb in a Amazonian hut on stilts, and the amazing hospitality I received in a Bedouin tent in the Middle East that taught me that homes can transform relationships, but only if they are opened up to others.

Author Christine Pohl says that hospitality is different than entertainment. She says that when we view our homes as a service or product, or as a means to entertain a guest, then our home is never ready. When we believe hospitality is about impressing others, then our home will never feel clean enough, nice enough, or good enough for others. But when we see our home as a place for gathering, for community, for

friendship and authentic connections, then all that we have is more than enough. Our focus becomes on knowing our visitors and guests, not on how we may or may not be living up to an expectation we have created for ourselves.

Some of the best times of hospitality in my life were experienced when I was a poor student. I had little money and no fancy food or ways of impressing anybody. Yet my memories of friendships and conversations with others over a bowl of Campbell’s Soup are lasting. It was the people in my home, not the old sofa or soup, that was the focus.

There is something more that happens when we open our homes to others. Our children grow up meeting strangers and learning to shape their own appetite for meaningful relationships and kind hospitality. They learn that sharing our lives with others makes our lives rich and beautiful. It is often in homes that care is received and given. In our own living room we have spent many evenings sharing stories of sorrow and

hope, listening to others and finding new courage. Homes are more than buildings, they can become places where strength is renewed and new ideas and faith take root. Homes are also places of laughter and joy. Some of the best jokes and belly laughs have happened around a kitchen table.

Today it might seem daunting to invite others into our homes. Somewhere along the way we may have come to believe the message that our food, our living rooms, or our stories are not entertaining enough. There’s good news: your home is great just as it is. Our homes and the hospitality we share may be the doorway to new life for us and anyone who we invite in. We live in a time when lists of Facebook friends are growing but time for face-to-face friendships is becoming rare. It is a deeply counter cultural move to re-awaken the joy of intentional hospitality by opening up our homes. It may be just the right time to begin again.

Vaishali Kumar

Co-Founder: KrishnaKul

Law & Society Graduate | University of Calgary

KrishnaKul

उस पतंग को उड़ाते हुए बहुत खुश था, और उसे और उचाई तक उड़ाना चाहता था। उसने पूरी कोशिश

उसने अपने पिता से

, की मेरी पतंग तो इतनी अच्छी थी, इतने ऊपर उड़ रही थी फिर ये अचानक

कर रखा, खासकर के हमारे परिवार ने लेकिन शायद हम ऊपर उड़ने की इच्छा में ये भूल जाते हैं कि डोर हमें रोकती नहीं, बल्की हमें हवा का सामना करने के लिए समर्थन देती है। हमें सहारा देती है ताकि हम आराम से उड़ान भर सके। हमें

दिशा देती है ताकि आसमान की ऊंचाइयों में हम कहीं खो ना जाए। आज कल

सब को लगता है कि आगे बढ़ने के लिए, ऊपर उड़ने के लिए रिश्तों

पतंग सी जिन्दगी.

Paws 4 Thought

Which end is which?

By Marilyn King

Have you ever wondered whether to pet a dog on it’s head or belly?

As a rule of thumb, first ask the owner if it is okay to pet their dog. I always reinforce this with a “thank you” when asked by someone, particularly a child, if they can pet my dog. If given the okay, then approach the dog from the front. Being gentle and talking reassuringly can go a long way to putting the pup at ease, particularly if it is one that doesn’t know you well. Under no circumstance should you be rough with a dog. Making eye contact with your own pup when you talk to them or give them a command can strengthen the bond you share and helps develop trust between you. Though it should be noted that eye contact with a strange dog can be interpreted as threatening but you’ll know if the dog comes to greet you that it is open to being petted.

My own dog, Finn, loves nothing better than having a scratch behind the ears and it’s his regular nightly habit to demand a head rub, follwed by a back rub. Long, slow, downward strokes are more predictable, calming, and relaxing for your pup. And who doesn’t love a good massage!

The spot behind the ears is a nerve centre which triggers pulses throughout your dogs body and releases endorphin hormones giving the dog a good feeling and can also act as pain relievers.

As with best places to pet a dog there are a few ways you shouldn’t touch a dog and knowing this you are less likely to run into any major problems – like triggering a fear reaction. The top of the head is one of these.

As much as you might be tempted to give the dog a good ol’ head rub, they may find it unsettling. A pup of any age or size can feel threatened by something – or someone – looming over their head. It’s best to get down to their level and offer your hand out if your pup seems unsure. Although there are certain dogs who love scratches anywhere on their body, most will have at least one spot they prefer not to be touched and best to be avoided. For example, Finn isn’t wildly keen on having his feet touched. Common spots that dogs keep to themselves include their tails, paws, and faces but you will get to know your own dog’s preferences. I personally spend quite a bit of time with dogs in various locations and I’m always happy to find a dog that is friendly and approaches me in a calm manner to be petted rather than flying head-on with exuberance, or worse coming up from behind. An experience to be related another time possibly. Recently, however, I was presented with a conundrum. I actually met a dog and until it opened it’s mouth, couldn’t tell which end was which, head or tail! It was a Puli. The breed is an ancient Hungarian herding dog with a coat of tight curls that look rather like dreadlocks. They are intelligent and self-confident and according to the owner, a great family pet that loves to be the centre of attention. It certainly had no problem at the dog park letting everyone know how friendly it was and was clearly a good deal of fun in the snow!

Cousin Ernie Joins the League of Rogues

Listen Monday’s at 1:00 PM

https://chestermereradio.ca

Mondays 1:00 pm - 2:oopm MST

Out & About with Michelle

The Rogue is pleased to have Michelle Eldjarnson from Chestermere’s own Re/Max Key to our regularly scheduled programming.

Listen Monday’s at one to hear about things going on around town and to hear Michelle’s eclectic picks of music

Michelle has loved music all her life and was exposed at an early age to every type of music from Jazz to Hillbilly, old fashioned country, with stops in between at classical rock and classical piano, in a variety of languages including English, French and Spanish.

Michelle’s Weekly topics will cover

The people in your neighborhood

Local sports teams

All about our schools

The walking paths

The parks

The ponds

The lake

The wildlife

Walkability

Nick Jeffrey

Rather than spending Saint Patrick’s Day in a crowded pub filled with people in leprechaun hats and green beer, I will be sitting down for a dignified sampling of Irish whiskies with a well-curated list of my regular drinking companions.

The origin of Irish Whiskey goes back more than 600 years ago, when it was just assumed that every good Irishman would have a simple pot still at home to provide hooch for the family.

Although the details have been lost in the mists of time, the generally accepted theory is that Irish monks learned the techniques for distilling perfumes while traveling in Mediterranean countries around 1000CE, which was later adapted for making booze, which eventually became known as Irish Whiskey.

Scotland eventually surpassed Ireland in whiskey production, but it took four centuries to do so. Up until the early 1900s, Irish Whiskey was considered the best in the world, and was outselling Scotch Whisky five to one. However, when the Irish War of Independence broke out in 1919, Irish Whiskey was quickly embargoed at all ports of the British Empire, instantly losing access to their most lucrative markets.

The final nail in the coffin came a year later, when the USA entered their own dark days of prohibition in 1920, eliminating the last big overseas market for Irish Whiskey.

By the 1960s, the last few remaining Irish distilleries had to amalgamate in order to survive. Irish Whiskey was near the brink of extinction until the late 1980s, but is now on the upswing, thanks to a resurgence in world demand for whiskey.

While Scottish Whisky is typically make from twice-distilled malted barley, Irish distillers often prefer to use unmalted barley, and distill it three times for a lighter and smoother taste.

Since the barley is usually unmalted, it avoids the smoky flavours so common in Scottish Whisky from roasting the barley over a peat fire.

Irish Whiskies can be divided into three major types; Single Malt, Single Grain, and Single Pot Still.

Single Malt Irish Whiskey is very similar to Single Malt Scotch, and is the type preferred by the whiskey snobs of the world. Irish Single Malt is made from single batch of malted barley in a single distillery using a copper pot still. This style is typically the most expensive, and has the strongest flavours.

Single Grain Whiskey is made from something other than 100% malted barley, most commonly by blending barley with lesser grains such as corn, wheat, or rye. To make matters more confusing, there can be multiple grains in a Single Grain Whiskey, as the single part refers to being a product of a single distillery, rather than blends from multiple distilleries.

Essentially, since both styles must be entirely produced within a single distillery, the difference between Single Malt and Single Grain is the usage of 100% malted barley rather than blending with other grains.

Finally, Single Pot Still is a uniquely Irish style of whiskey, made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley in a copper pot still. The origins of this style date back several centuries, when

the English lords were trying to stick it to the rebellious Irish by taxing malted barley, forcing the Irish distillers to switch to the less expensive unmalted barley.

In the days of my squandered youth, I was always under the impression that the DEW part of Tullamore DEW referred to tiny droplets of condensed vapour forming on the copper stills in an old-world distillery in a far-off village.

Imagine my surprise to learn that DEW refers to the initials of Daniel E. Williams, the distillery manager who started stamping his own initials on each bottle in 1829 as a guarantee of quality, a tradition that continues to this day.

With annual sales of nearly one million cases, Tullamore DEW is the second most popular spirit of the Emerad Isle, although still far behind the best-selling Jameson Irish Whiskey, which sells close to five million cases per year.

Since Tullamore DEW is a blend of the three main types of Irish Whiskies, the flavour profile is tweaked to be very smooth and light, making it attractive to the mass market. Expect malty notes with hints of lemon and spice, with a warming finish of toasted vanilla and light citrus. Look for it at your local bottle shop!

Canadian Music Scene

Coming to Calgary & Canmore: Suzie Vinnick, Charlie A’Court & Lloyd Spiegel’s “International Roots ‘n’ Blues Kitchen Party” Tour - April 15 & 16 2023

Hi Steve,

With over 60 international awards combined in the Roots and Blues genres, two acclaimed Canadian artists have teamed up with an Australian Blues legend to create an invigorating, expertly crafted new album. 3x JUNO Award nominee Suzie Vinnick, 5x East Coast Music Award winner Charlie A’Court, and 14x Australian Blues Award Winner Lloyd Spiegel have joined musical forces to release “A’Court, Spiegel and Vinnick” - a dazzling celebration of Blues and all its iterations by a trifecta of leading artists in the genre today.

Performing in Calgary and Canmore: A’Court, Spiegel and Vinnick will be performing at Calgary’s Bow Valley Music Club on Saturday, April 15th, and at Canmore’s ArtsPlace on Sunday, April 16th.

Details below!

Ahead of its May 2023 release, the trio will be taking the album on the road this spring, bringing the lively, joyful spirit of an East Coast Kitchen Party to the stage with their “International Roots ‘n’ Blues Kitchen Party” tour. A’Court, Spiegel and Vinnick will be performing at Calgary’s Bow Valley Music Club on Saturday, April 15th (Tickets), and at Canmore’s ArtsPlace on Sunday, April 16th (Tickets). Their uniquely collaborative and engaging show will present the talents of each artist both individually and combined, for a delightfully warm and creative musical experience.

“Multi-award winning Australian artist Lloyd Spiegel delivers one of the most unique solo concert experiences in the world. Blending jawdropping guitar chops with a commanding voice, powerful songwriting, storytelling and comedy, it’s no wonder that he’s described as an “Oz Roots & Blues Icon”

- Rolling Stone Australia

With names synonymous to the Roots and Blues genres locally, regionally, and internationally, Charlie A’Court, Lloyd Spiegel, and Suzie Vinnick have made a significant musical mark in their individual careers. Combining A’Court’s seamless ability to traverse Blues, Roots, R&B and Soul in a single song, Spiegel’s globe-spanning notoriety, and Vinnick’s incredible 11 Maple Blues Awards, the upcoming collaborative album and tour from these three decorated artists packs a brilliantly crafted and masterfully delivered punch.

Together, A’Court, Spiegel and Vinnick bring their decades-spanning experience as musicians, storytellers, and performances to the Canadian stage, with a dynamic new album and show sure to delight current fans and captivate new listeners. Their “International Roots ‘n’ Blues Kitchen Party” tour has been designed with East Coast Kitchen Party delights, bringing together the singing, storytelling, friendship, and laughter for an evening that showgoers wish would never end.

“We are all friends with tremendous respect for one another. If we caught up for dinner, we’d no doubt end up playing music, laughing and telling stories. Simply putting those friendships and moments on stage is what makes this tour so special.”

Charlie A’Court

Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, Charlie A’Court possesses a mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary songwriting that is felt by fans across Canada and beyond. His latest album, When Country Gets The Blues, was nominated for Country Recording of The Year at the 2022 East Coast Music Awards. Often stylistically compared to mentors like Eric Clapton and Otis Redding, Charlie has always been recognized for exploring his musical horizons. As a five-time ECMA winner and eighttime Nova Scotia Music Award winner Charlie has earned awards for Blues, Pop, and R&B/Soul Recordings of the Year, and on multiple occasions been recognized as Entertainer of the Year. A’Court has also received multiple Maple Blues Award nominations including Male Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year.

Lloyd Spiegel

Blending blues with soul and folk, Australian blues musician Lloyd Spiegel’s musical flair is an emotional and visual roller coaster. His masterful command of the guitar, both dynamic and expressive, works in tandem with his powerful, full-bodied vocals to deliver a show full to the brim with dazzling technical wizardry, grounded storytelling and wicked humour. There is no doubt that Spiegel is first and foremost, a performer. Whether performing original numbers or honouring those who have inspired him, Spiegel’s deep connection to the blues and profound respect for its traditions are at the core of everything he does. The ultimate goal of forging himself a link in the chain of blues music’s evolution has driven him to study the music that grew from his chosen genre and inject it back

into the blues style to create a new version of modern blues. Simply put, the blues is the canvas he uses, but his style is built from vast musical influences, which have challenged him to push to the edge and see what happens – etching his own mark on the genre.

Suzie Vinnick

A Saskatoon native transplanted to the Niagara Region of Ontario, Suzie Vinnick is the proud owner of a gorgeous voice, prodigious guitar and bass chops, and an engagingly candid performance style. Her career has seen triumph after triumph. Among her most recent successes: being awarded the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival 2019 Special Recognition Award and being nominated for a 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award for Producer of the Year with her coproducer, Mark Lalama. Suzie achieved finalist status in the Solo/Duo Category at the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN; received the 2012 CBC Saturday Night Blues Great Canadian Blues Award and the 2012 SiriusXM Canada Blues Artist of the Year. Suzie has won 11 Maple Blues Awards, 1 Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Vocalist of the Year and is a 3X Juno Nominee. Suzie has toured nationally with Downchild, Stuart McLean’s The Vinyl Café, the John McDermott Band and she has performed for Canadian Peacekeepers in Bosnia and the Persian Gulf. She was also the voice of Tim Horton’s for 5 years.

Kari Zalik Publicist, Bad Parade kari@badparade.com

Entertainment ~ Local Theatre

With CATHY BURNESS

ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING

Icome from a long line of Elvis fans, so although I wasn’t sure exactly how ‘Elvisy’ this play would be, I was very excited to see what was in store for us. I am always hoping for a musical, so I checked the program as soon as we were seated. There wasn’t a list of musical numbers, so I reluctantly adjusted my expectations. I pacified myself with food. The Grilled Mushroom Salad, Cucumber Avocado Rolls and Fresh Spring Vegetables did the trick. There were plenty of hot and cold dishes for every taste and as always a wide array of sweets. The buffet at Stage West never disappoints..

The play was set in the office of Elvis’ manager, ‘The Colonel’. There was a high back studded leather chair, a desk complete with longhorns and a small side table that was being used to support several bottles of liquor. That sounds about right from what I know about the music business in those days. The red paneled walls were adorned with Elvis posters and his records.

The opening was awesome, in the true sense of the word. I was in awe, spellbound. So grand was it that I don’t want to spoil it for you. If you know what ‘sprach Zarathustra’ is, you’re more up on your classical music than I am. If not, you might want to google it. Suffice to say, we were off to a great start.

The general premise for the story is that Elvis Presley is missing and the Colonel needs to find him, and quickly. He has made a promise, (in the form of losing a bet) for Elvis to perform the very next day. It’s as if his life depends on it and the sense we get is that his life may indeed be on the line.

The only solution is to come up with an Elvis impersonator, to perform in his place. Now, if he could only find one. The Colonel looks at Rosco to determine whether or not he could pull it off. This reminds me a bit of when the Grinch needed a reindeer and decided to put antlers on his poor little dog to pull his sleigh. Rosco? Just so you know, Rosco is a skinny little nerdy Elvis fan and to my eye, this was just not going to work.

My conviction to this assessment was even greater when Rosco was told to talk, walk, and act like Elvis. My favourite part of the evening was

watching Rosco’s initial attempts to mimic both the voice and the moves of Elvis. Al Braatz is truly gifted. His portrayal of an inept, uncoordinated nerd trying to be the cool sexy superstar was a sight indeed and physical comedy at its best. I had to catch my breath in between laughs. My apologies to anyone sitting near table 99. I know my giggle sounds like a cross between a cartoon character, a cackling witch and a pod of angry dolphins. Fast forward to the Elvis performance. YES, there was Elvis music afterall. Al Braatz did an amazing job. He was totally believable as an Elvis impersonator and so unexpected after witnessing the earlier spectacle of awkward moves.

I was also dazzled by the sheer volume of dialogue. Daniel Williston not only had lines upon lines of rants one after the another, but he delivered them with the tone, volume and all round booming voice that was reminiscent of Jackie Gleason in the Honeymooners. Fellow old people will understand that reference. Sorry young folk, I don’t know a similar reference that is more up to date. No, he didn’t sound like Darth Vader. Everyone has their pet peeves. I have a few, maybe more. The one that comes to mind is when people are drinking on a TV show, play or even a high budget movie. The actor is handed a cup that is supposed to be full, but is obviously empty and they usually tip it way up as if they are drinking the last drop. I always think to myself that they would have coffee pouring all over their face if that cup had really been full. They do a very poor job of making it look like there is anything in the cup, which makes sense since again the cup is empty.. Not this time. The coffee was poured. The alcohol was poured. Whether the drinks were what they were representing is irrelevant to me. There was fluid going into the cups and the actors were drinking it. It may seem like a small thing, but it made me so happy. Even the sandwich that Rosco eats is actually a sandwich. Just small details that were not wasted on me.

Andrew Scanlon, Susie Burnett and Arinea Hermans all gave solid performances.I loved this play and would gladly see it a second time even knowing that Elvis had left the building.

100 Women Who Care (or 100 Men/People/Kids

100 Women Who Care

Who Care) groups are making a difference in their communities around the world by strengthening and growing the giving circle movement.

100 Women Who Care Chestermere launched in mid-October 2021, and the first giving circle meeting was held on February 3, 2022. At that meeting, $3,100 was donated to the Community Therapy Dogs Society.

100 Women Who Care Chestermere is a group of local women who care about the Chestermere community and want to make a big impact within the community, but don’t necessarily have the time to commit to helping make that impact. Members commit to four one-hour meetings a year and donate $100 to a local charity or not for profit organization voted on by the members at each meeting. The next meeting is Thursday, November 3, 2022. If you would like to join and help make a huge impact in the community, please visit our website chestermere100.ca.

Older Adults

When: TBA

Coalition of Chestermere Meeting

When: Wednesday, March 15, 2023 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere RSVP: jumpmaster2@shaw.ca or illingw8@telus.net

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated

Chestermere Lions Club

Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm Meetings are currently by zoom. Checkout our facebook page for more information,

Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am

Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079

1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road

Camp Chestermere Camp Chestermere is OPEN for Day Care, Rentals, and Community Events! We’ve even opened up registration for Summer 2021 Day and Overnight Camps! We are constantly reviewing and updating our policies to fall in line with current COVID protocols. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you and your needs. More at www.campchestermere.com

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild meets every Thursday at 1pm, at the Recreation Centre North side, upstairs in room 2. Come and explore your artistic potential. Welcoming new members beginner to advanced. Like us on Facebook and 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

Classic Rock & Community Talk

CHESTERMERERADIO.CA

Classified Marketplace

Buildings

Employment Opps

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment

Coming Events

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items for Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us @ sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction. com.

EDMONTON STAMP CLUB STAMP SHOW. March 25-26, 2023. Saturday 10-5 pm, Sunday 10-4 pm. Central Lion’s Rec Centre. 113 Street & 111 Avenue.. Stamps for sale, Evaluations, Door Prizes, Jr Table. THEME: Edmonton’s Hockey History. Free Admission, collecting for Food Bank. www. edmontonstampclub.ca.

Techs - Journeyman, Apprentices, CVIP/Truck Techs and RAP Students, Shop and Field positions available. View Open Roles www. rockymtn.com/careers. Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.

Feed and Seed

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh.

Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAINHeated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. “On Farm Pickup”. Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

Health

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund.

Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844453-5372.

Motorcycles

GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN

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

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

Services

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss?

Travel/business opportunities?

Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com.

Services

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

BUY SELL TRADE GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM! Bullion, Coins, Bars, Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling +. Also purchasing complete coin collections, old money, Royal Canadian Mint, Gold, Silver +++ Todd 250-864-3521.

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 306221-5908.

Volunteers

The Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society will be starting the Chestermere 4-H Multi Club (to begin October 1, 2023) and we are in need of adult volunteers. There are three categories of adult volunteers: Trained Screened Leaders, Screened Volunteers and Supporters. To read more, or to register your interest, visit our website at www.rvcagsociety. ca/4-h

I don’t know the first thing about 4-H, I can’t be a leader!!

That’s ok! And, you also don’t have to be an expert in a particular project topic either (for example, you don’t need to be a photographer to lead a 4-H photography project). By following the provided project resources, learning along with your members and involving others, there is no limit to the variety of 4-H clubs or projects you can run!

What are the responsibilities of 4-H leaders?

• Develop a caring relationship with members.

• Create a safe environment for 4-H members.

• Provide opportunities for youth to build skills

• Create opportunities for youth to value and practice service to others.

• Allow youth to make decisions and lead.

• Create an inclusive environment.

• Keep up-to-date and trained.

What qualifications/skills do 4-H leaders need?

• Sincere interest in the safety and well-being of youth.

• Desire to facilitate and motivate youth while nurturing self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility, and leadership.

• Successfully pass the volunteer training process.

• Ability to organize information and materials and delegate responsibility.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively both verbally and written.

• Desire to motivate parents and other volunteers

• Interest in working in partnership with youth, other volunteers and professional staff in an educational setting.

• Willingness to adopt the philosophy, policies, and procedures of your 4-H organization

4-H focuses on youth-led projects for children ages 9 - 20. 4-H projects are in-depth learning experiences for 4-H members. At the beginning of each club year, each member chooses one or more projects to work on throughout the year. A few examples of projects are training pets, keeping bees, taking photos, building remote control airplanes, archery, and urban biking. 4-H may even be used towards school credits (please talk to your principal or counsellor first).

Members are required to:

Complete project records and have them signed by the club or project leader.

Attend a minimum of 70% of club activities.

Complete a communication activity that is: prepared by the member, presented by the member in front of a group and at least three minutes in length

Be involved in a club activity that is a benefit to your community. Participate in the club’s achievement event. If the member’s project is unavailable (for example, a calf dies), the member is still expected to have some part in the achievement event.

Interested in learning more about 4-H? Join our group and follow along as we try and answer some common questions and keep you up-to-date on the club’s progression. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1419930731874413

Careers

Chestermere Public Library

We are hiring! Temporary Full-Time Summer Reading Program Coordinator

Term: June 5 to August 18 (Summer 2023)

37.5 hours/wk @ 19.00 per hour

Position Description: The Summer Reading Program Coordinator facilitates efficient, innovative, and effective library service in a rapidly shifting environment, managing the multiple priorities for the creation, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of the library’s summer reading program.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Preference given to those in the academic fields of education, library science, and community development

• Some experience working with children, especially an ability to create curriculum and activities for younger age children

• Some experience in customer service

• Competence and confidence with computer technology

• Loves reading and learning

• Creative, enjoying crafting, art, or performing arts

• Organized and positive, possessing a ‘can-do’ attitude

• Multilingual ability will be considered an asset

• Experience with marginalized communities and/or work that supports diversity, equity and inclusion will be considered an asset

This position is partially funded through the Young Canada Works program which additionally requires the following:

• Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada

o Note: Non-Canadian students or graduates holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible

• Be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment

• Must have completed Grade 12 and be enrolled in post secondary studies in the fall

• Intend to return to studies during or after the YCW work assignment

• Be willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment

• Not have another full-time job during the YCW work assignment

Please submit a resume and cover letter to:

Miranda Johnson, Director

Chestermere Public Library

miranda.johnson@chestermerepubliclibrary.com

Closing Date: March 1, 2023

The Chestermere Public Library is an inclusive work environment driven by a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan. Additionally, please let us know if you require any accommodations during the application and interview process.

Only those candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your time and effort in submitting a resume and cover letter. Please check our website for ongoing position opportunities with Chestermere Public Library.