Chestermere Anchor May 02 2023

Council exploring programs permitting livestock within Chestermere

Chestermere experiences “incredible” year-over-year change

All-female hockey coming to Wheatland County

Chestermere, AB, T1X 1K8

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Art show and sale highlighting talents in the community

The show will feature acrylic, watercolour, and oil paintings.

By Emily Rogers

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild is showcasing the talent of local artists during the spring show and sale.

This year, the Chestermere Fine Art Guild is excited to highlight Lorraine Everett as the featured artist.

On May 6, between 10 a.m., and 7 p.m., Chestermere and area residents are invited to the show and sale at the recreation centre.

More than 20 years ago, artist Ellen Lorne was inspired to start the Chestermere Fine Art Guild while she was painting in her home studio with her friends.

About a year later, artists in the club wanted to show off their art to the community and started the show and sale.

Lorne explained that anyone who visits the show and sale can expect acrylic, watercolour, a few oil paintings, and greeting cards.

“I encourage people to come and see the wonderful artists in their own community and pick up a card,” Lorne said. “If you don’t want to buy a

painting, most homes are already full of paintings, buy a greeting card.” She noted the 20 artists in the club have been working through the winter preparing for the show and sale.

“Everyone’s been working on pieces for the show. Our last show was in the fall, and artists have been working on paintings for this show since then,” Lorne said. “We want to show our new paintings, not our older ones.”

The art show and sale not only give Chestermerians an opportunity to get out into the community, but it also gives artists a chance to connect.

“It gathers artists together to paint, and for the shows, the artists can show off their work, and impress their community with what wonderful work they do,” Lorne said.

“It’s another thing that people in the community can do on a Saturday, they can stop in and bring their kids,” Lorne added. “It’s a community thing.”

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild is inviting Chestermere and area residents to the art show and sale on May 6 at the recreation centren between 10 a.m., and 7 p.m.

Photo/Chestermere Fine Art Guild

Chestermere Fine Art Guild artists have been preparing pieces for the upcoming show and sale on May 6 since the fall.

Photo/Chestermere Fine Art Guild

Council exploring programs permitting livestock within Chestermere

Possible programs include a Backyard Hen Program or Livestock Emotional Support Animal Program.

By Emily Rogers

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Chestermere Municipal Enforcement is reviewing ways surrounding communities are addressing livestock living within the urban jurisdiction. Livestock under the bylaw typically includes horses, cattle, swine, sheep, chickens, geese, ducks, and goats.

During the April 25 council meeting, Municipal Peace Officer Sgt. Trever Bowman explained that municipalities have similar bylaws, not permitting livestock, unless allowed under the Land Use Bylaw, or through an agricultural permit issued by the municipality.

Bowman noted, the size of the property, the type of animal, the potential for noise, odour, cleanliness, and potential effects on adjacent property values would determine if livestock would be permitted in an area.

“We also found that almost every municipality offered some sort of exception to their bylaw, as they offered their residents some type of Backyard Hen Program,” Bowman said.

The program allows residents to keep chickens, typically between two and four, on their property to produce eggs. Under the program, the property owner is required to apply to the city, complete a course in animal care, provide an approved chicken coop, and pass a site inspection before the license is issued.

While reviewing livestock programs municipalities offer, Bowman discovered the City of Calgary offers a Livestock Emotional Support Animal Program.

“This is a relatively new program, that permits livestock within a municipality, but only on the condition that a licenced psychologist or psychiatrist has determined that the support animal is part of the patient’s treatment,” Bowman said. “As emotional support animals are not classified as service animals it would be at the municipalities discretion when approving what type of animals would be permitted, and the conditions for keeping such animals.”

The support animals can include livestock; however, some animals would be restricted under the Wildlife Act, Public Health Act or the Agriculture Pest Act.

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Chestermere City Council is reviewing the animal control bylaw, and exploring ways to address livestock within the city.

Photo/Emily Rogers

All-female hockey coming to Wheatland County

Registration for U9 to U18 teams opens on May 15.

By Emily Rogers

All-female hockey is coming to Wheatland County for the inaugural 2023/24 season. The Strathmore Minor Hockey Association (SMHA), with support from the Chestermere, Indus, and Siksika Associations, is excited to introduce the Wheatland Wranglers.

“The Wheatland Wranglers represents the opportunity for girls in all minor hockey age groups to play in a home association, close to home,” Lisa Hempel-Wurz, Director of the Wheatland Wranglers Hockey Association said. “Previously, girls have travelled to Okotoks, Calgary, or Airdrie for the opportunity to play on all-female teams, or they would play on local teams alongside the boys.”

Hempel-Wurz explained the Wheatland Wranglers will offer a district-amalgamated allfemale team from U9 to U18.

“The Wranglers are excited to welcome all regional females to ensure sufficient registration and appropriate skill divisions,” Hempel-Wurz said.

The draw zone will include all-female players east of Calgary, such as Strathmore, Chestermere, Indus and Siksika associations, and surrounding communities including Drumheller, Standard, Bieseker and Bassano.

U7 female players will have an opportunity to play as a Jr. Wrangler for a local-only team as registration permits, a Wheatland Wranglers press release said.

“There is a strong interest in all-female hockey in our communities and we hope to see strong registration numbers for our first season this fall,” Hempel-Wurz said.

The release noted there are approximately 8,000 female players participating in Hockey Alberta projects and the programs are quickly growing.

There are many benefits that the minor hockey associations are hopeful players can gain when joining the Wheatland Wranglers, such as meeting female peers, and having the opportunity to engage with other female players who share similar interests in sport, giving them a sense of acceptance.

The associations are also focused on female coaching, and they understand the differences between the mainstream and female game and can work with and inspire athletes, the release said.

Specialized coach development and mentorship will be a priority for the Wheatland Wranglers, with a variety of

specialized programming for volunteer coaches.

The release noted that associations with female teams are more likely to have female coaches working with the athletes.

“Female coaches understand the needs of their athletes, the pathway for female athletes and can provide important mentorship for your daughter,” the release said. “Playing female hockey will give your daughter more of an opportunity to become a leader on her team that she may not receive on a mainstream team.” Not only will players be able to connect with like-minded athletes, and learn leadership skills, but they will also develop their skills, with more ice time.

“It’s important to think of development in terms of playing time. An important piece of development is getting the opportunity to get ice time in a variety of situations during games as it helps to build the player’s confidence and motivates them to improve their skills,” the release said.

For the latest updates on the Wheatland Wranglers, or to register on May 15, visit https://www.wheatlandwranglers.ca/.

The Wheatland Wranglers will offer female U9 to U18 hockey for athletes not only in the Chestermere-Strathmore area but to Drumheller and Bieseker.

Photo/Wheatland Wranglers

All-female hockey is coming to Wheatland County for the 2023/24 season. The Strathmore, Chestermere, Indus, and Siksika Minor Hockey Associations are excited to introduce the Wheatland Wranglers.

Photo/Wheatland Wranglers

Rocky View Schools celebrating grand opening of online schools

The ceremony will feature guest speakers and presentations from students.

By Emily Rogers

Rocky View Schools (RVS) is celebrating the grand opening of online schools with a learning showcase. Parents, guardians, and community members are invited to RVS’ Education Centre in Airdrie to celebrate the opening of the Discovery Trails Online School and the Summit Trails Online High School.

“We are proud of the offerings from Discovery Trails and Summit Trails schools. These online schools offer students another path to achieve success through a quality learning experience that works for them,” said Superintendent of Schools, Greg Luterbach. “It is rewarding to hear the different stories of how attending the online school has positively impacted students’ lives.”

The celebration will start at 1:30 on May 1, with a showcase display playing videos of the different aspects of online learning. At 2 p.m., the grand opening ceremony will begin, and feature poetry and music from students, a presentation from school staff and students, and guest speakers including RVS trustees and senior staff.

“The experience of learning online is unfamiliar to many

people, and we are excited to give this opportunity to see what our students experience day-today,” said Summit Trails Online High School Principal, Dave Smith. “While our students learn in many locations, both schools are truly connected communities, with their own cultures and spirits.”

The online schools were the result of the pandemic and were made into permanent schools due to community demand, and success, an RVS press release said.

The schools use real-time video interaction and instruction, online activities and resources, prerecorded videos, and independent work.

“We are thrilled to use this event to celebrate the learning that has already taken place at our schools and to look forward to the coming success of both our current and future students,” said Discovery Trails Online School Principal, Bob Rodgers. “Our students have grown and succeeded with us, and we are excited to watch them continue to flourish.”

Online school registration is open for Grades 1 to 12 for students across the province.

Visit www.rockyview.ab.ca/ onlineschools for more information, or to register.

Rocky View Schools is celebrating the grand opening of online schools, Discovery Trails Online School and the Summit Trails Online High School with a learning showcase.

Photo/Metro

Strathmore Library showcases local art teacher and children’s book illustrator

Emmeline Keeling’s art is featured in the Strathmore Library, The Vault Cultural Collective, and the Wheatland Society of Arts.

By Emily Rogers

The Strathmore Library shined the spotlight on Wheatland Society of Arts teacher, and children’s book illustrator for the month of April.

Emmeline Keeling’s love of art was first sparked about 10 years ago after her mother got her a book on how to draw fashion.

“From there I was kind of hooked, and just continued doing art ever since,” Keeling said. Since then, she’s experimented with various mediums, but her favourite to work with is combining watercolour and coloured pencils.

“It all starts with an idea, I’m really inspired by my life experiences, the people around me, and by nature,” Keeling said. “My inspiration is all over the place, I’ve had ideas come to me in my dreams.”

After Keeling has an idea, she starts to roughly sketch it out, then she builds up the watercolour and will finish the piece with a layer of coloured pencils.

Typically, a piece will take Keeling anywhere from 40 to 80 hours.

Art started out as a hobby for Keeling, but it’s morphed into her career, as she teaches art classes at the Wheatland Society of Arts and illustrates children’s books.

“I’ll do art for art classes, and illustrate the pictures the authors want, but this is my personal art,” Keeling said. “My art skills from doing my own personal work have transferred over to art instructing and children’s book illustrations.”

Keeling prides herself on having a diverse portfolio, highlighting a mix of art styles.

For children’s books, she enjoys pushing shapes

and colours to create classic cartoons. She describes her own personal pieces, as realistic to semi-realistic, with elements of fantasy and nature.

Although Keeling has been making art for nearly a decade, she does struggle with art block, or unexpected challenges, like her cat stepping on a painting she’s working on.

“Things happen, especially with traditional art,” Keeling said. “I’ve had my cat step on my picture before when I’m working on it, and he wrinkles it.”

Overcoming art block has proven to be a bit more challenging, however, Keeling has found different ways to get through it, such as

switching to a new piece or stepping away and taking a much needed a break.

“Oftentimes when I’m working on a piece, I don’t like it, and it’s only after stepping back and allowing time to pass that I can truly appreciate my own art,” she said. “Sometimes I need to switch to a different piece if I’m working on a painting for a long time, and take a break, even just going for a walk to clear my head, that can help. Other times art block just takes time to get over.”

Despite the challenges, seeing how happy the authors are after seeing the final book illustrations, makes up for the challenging times.

“The children’s books I illustrate, I’m so proud, just seeing it in stores, and seeing people read it has been truly a delight. I also really love my job working in the art studio, that has been a real peak,” Keeling said.

She added, “I’ve always experienced the joys of art, and how art has made my life so much better, but working in an art studio, it means I get to see other people benefit through art. I get to see kids and their days get better because they get to do art.”

Keeling’s art is currently in The Vault Cultural Collective, the Wheatland Society of Arts, and the Strathmore Library, and she is hoping to expand into Calgary galleries soon.

To see Keeling’s art visit, https://www. instagram.com/emmelines.art/, or email emmelinekeeling@gmail.com for information on commission pieces.

The Strathmore Library featured art teacher and children’s book illustrator Emmeline Keeling as April’s Artist of the Month.

Photo/Emmeline Keeling

Art teacher and children’s book illustrator Emmeline Keeling has been making art for about 10 years and is excited to have her art featured in the Strathmore Library, The Vault Cultural Collective, and the Wheatland Society of Arts.

Photo/Emmeline Keeling

Strathmore artist Emmeline Keeling describes her art as realistic to semirealistic, with elements of fantasy and nature.

Photo/Emmeline Keeling

Chestermere experiences “incredible” year-over-year change

“This particular year-over-year change was the greatest.”

By Emily Rogers

Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. described Chestermere’s 2022 market year-over-year change as incredible.

Assessment Specialist Bob Daudelin presented the 2022 overview assessment to councillors during the April 25 council meeting.

“This was a very healthy assessment year, 2022. There were a profound number of development permits taken out, new construction, and the market year-over-year change was quite incredible,” Daudelin said. “In all of the municipalities we do, this particular year-overyear change was the greatest.”

Daudelin explained the residential assessment year over year increased by 19 per cent, nonresidential increased by 26 per cent, linear increased by 7 per cent, and exempt increased by 10 per cent, with a zero increase to farmland.

“Overall, a total assessment base increased by 19 per cent,” Daudelin said. “This year was quite incredible.”

He noted growth and market inflation contributed to the increase of the residential assessment, with an 8 per cent increase in new construction and more than an 11 per cent inflation increase.

A 26 per cent increase in the non-residential assessment was due to a 15 per cent increase in new construction, and approximately an 11 per cent market increase.

In 2022, there were 1,343 development permits issued.

“This is the highest number of development

permits that we’ve ever encountered with the city,” Daudelin said.

There are approximately 9,000 taxable properties in the city, and more than 80 per cent of the properties incurred an assessment increase with the majority being between 1 per cent and 25 per cent.

“Approximately 70 per cent of the properties are incurring anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 increase in value year over year,” Daudelin said. He explained a variety of factors are taken into consideration when calculating the assessment value including location, lot size, age, condition, and market value.

Residential Assessor Jesse Nelson explained that every five years a property has to be physically re-inspected.

During the inspection, the condition of the property is reviewed, if anything has been renovated, or is deteriorating, and if new structures have been installed. Photos of the properties are also updated to confirm if there have been any changes.

Property owners will then receive a request for information letter within the reinspection area, seeking updated information about the property. “In most cases, the assessment stands where it’s at, with ample evidence to support where it is,” Daudelin said.

Going forward, Accurate Assessment Group Ltd., will mail out assessment notices, respond to inquiries, and concerns until May, then begin to reinspect properties.

Accurate Assessment Group Ltd., explained to councillors at the April 25 council meeting that the city’s year-over-year change was been incredible.

Photo/Metro

Cookbook highlighting everything Alberta has to offer

Eat Alberta First is the ultimate guide to sourcing, cooking, and eating local.

By Emily Rogers

Renowned author, travel writer and founder of Alberta Food Tours, Inc., Karen Anderson’s latest project, Eat Alberta First is helping readers choose local first.

Anderson was inspired by her love of Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, food artisans, and the diverse food produced in the province.

In 2018, when co-writing Food Artisans of Alberta, with Tilly Sanchez, Anderson travelled across Alberta, meeting with, and writing about 200 people.

“I’ve been blessed to partner with and befriend people of many cultures since living in Alberta,” Anderson said. “It’s a real thrill for me to share the recipes of my family and all my home cook and professional chef friends.”

After finishing the project, Anderson was inspired to create a cookbook that would inspire Albertans to utilize the abundance of signature foods grown in their own backyards.

“Readers can expect a celebration of the bounty of produce grown in Alberta,” Anderson said.

Eat Alberta First features fresh produce for the spring and summer, canning and pantry recipes for the fall and winter, along with recipes highlighting farmers and artisans.

Anderson explained Alberta has seven signature foods, including beef, bison, canola, honey, Red Fife wheat, root vegetables, and Saskatoon berries.

Eat Alberta First features 90 recipes that have been created to inspire home cooks to source and use local ingredients, with stories highlighting cultures with recipes to celebrate throughout the year.

“The recipes are things you’ll want to make. They are laid out in a fun way with six micro seasons that reflect our very specific climate and way of life in Alberta. From the long, dark, and deep winter to

cabin fever to our dicey spring and full-on summer to the time when fall is back, and we hurry up and harvest,” Anderson said.

She added, “I hope these recipes become part of the fabric of their lives. They are tied to this place. They are tied to our seasons. They can create connections and they can create community.”

For Anderson, teaching readers how to support local, and share information categorized by six regions throughout the province was extremely important.

“With about a million households in the province, spending $20 a week on local food could add up to over a billion dollars each year,” Anderson said.

“That’s a huge impact that could help the next generation of farmers make a go of it.”

When writing Eat Alberta First, Anderson kicked her cooking up a notch.

“It’s one thing to cook so something is tasty, it’s a whole other ball game cooking a dish so it’s also beautiful enough to be photographed,”

Anderson said. “I’m very grateful to the photographers I worked with to produce food photos that will inspire people to actually want to make the recipes.”

Going forward, Anderson is on a mission to connect people with soil and food to ensure healthy people, and a healthy, vibrant community.

Eat Alberta First not only shares stories and recipes to connect people, but also teaches readers how to forage responsibly, how to make sourdough, how to can and preserve, where to source food, and challenges for proficient cooks.

“So far, the people who’ve tried the recipes and gotten copies of the books have said, ‘These are things I want to make.’ That makes me happy,” Anderson said.

“I hope everyone who picks up the book will find something they identify with and something they will love,” she added. “I hope the book helps Alberta’s food culture develop further as people recognize and own the bounty we have here.”

Author and founder of Alberta Food Tours, Inc., Karen Anderson is celebrating Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, and food artisans in Eat Alberta First.

Photo/Savour Calgary

Karen Anderson’s latest project, Eat Alberta First features 90 recipes that have been created to inspire home cooks to source and use local ingredients, featuring fresh produce for the spring and summer, and canning and pantry recipes for the fall and winter.

Photo/Karen Anderson

Canadian Music Scene

Multi-Platinum, Two-Time JUNO Award Winning

Bassist for The Strumbellas, Darryl James, Announces Sophomore EP Under Solo IndieRock Alias, Close Kicks

As the bassist in two time JUNO-award winning band The Strumbellas, Darryl James is no stranger to the power of collaborating with multiple musicians. Spending over a decade with the chart-topping Canadian Indie-Rock outfit, James is an original band member who serves as both a musician and co-writer in the group. In 2021, James launched his solo musical endeavour under the name Close Kicks, created as a separate artistic entity where he could explore and develop his own original music as both writer and producer. His brand new EP “Colours” marks the first time he was dedicated to exploring the craft of writing, producing, and mixing his music independently from the ground up. James adds the final touches to his music by inviting local artists to record the instrumentation, adding a unique take on an otherwise completely solo project. With wideranging musical depth that oscillates between Alternative-Folk and Indie-Rock, Close Kicks sound encompasses the vintage feel of analog recordings with a modern edge, behind lyrics that cleverly traverse socially focused themes of mental health, community activism, and vulnerability.

From multi-platinum and gold certified singles, global tours, and playing some of the most coveted festivals and TV shows in the world including Bonaroo, Governor’s Ball, Jimmy Kimmel, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Darryl James has achieved major career successes in what can be considered a short tenure in music. As a former arboriculturist working in turf management, James began his musical career at the age of 30 having never previously played bass, proving that it is truly never too late to start. Following the successes of The Strumbellas, James pushed beyond his comfort zone and began to collaborate with world renowned artists including Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra) and Erika Nuri Tayler (Fantasia - When I See You) while educating himself in musical production, self-recording, and mixing. “I’ve learned that no matter the obstacle, if you’re willing to put in the work and you believe in yourself, anything is possible.” His debut EP as Close Kicks, “Dreamers”, celebrates James’ dedication to his continuous growth as an artist, love of collaboration, and his artistic endeavours beyond music, incorporating his love for photography and film. Reaching close to one million streams across platforms and prominently featured on broadcasts ranging

from the MLB, to Toronto Blue Jays, and NHLAA, Close Kicks’ debut project was a resounding success, marking the first time James created and released music on his own.

With his sophomore EP as Close Kicks titled “Colours”, James dives deeper into his creativity than ever before, delivering a project that once again unites all areas of his artistry. Written, performed, recorded, and mixed by James, the artist collaborated with local musicians from his hometown on each of the five tracks, providing them with the framework of how he wanted each song to sound and inviting them to add their own flare to each part. From creating the EP and single covers from photos he took himself to filming video content on his own, “Colours” marks a new chapter for James, where he began to trust his solo artistic instincts more than ever before. Starting the project in 2022 while also embarking on a journey of sobriety, James paused the recording process to begin to care for his mother who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Calling her his biggest supporter who always encouraged him to pursue music, James continued to work on the project throughout her illness, and was able to share the songs she encouraged him to complete with her before her recent and untimely passing.

Close Kicks sophomore EP, “Colours”, features vibrant soundscapes, expressive lyrics, and the powerful result of following your heart. Opening with lead single “Never Going To Give This Up”, a retro Indie-Rock track about standing up for what one believes in, James calls upon his experience as an active member of his community in Lindsay, ON. Drawing inspiration for the song from wanting to make an impactful contribution to society for his children and for future generations, James calls “Never Going To Give This Up” his protest song, sharing “I want to stress that being active within our communities can leave a lasting, positive impact for generations to come”. With an engaging melody and unforgettable chorus, the Indie-Rock track features a prominent, striking electric guitar and driving drumbeat.

“Somewhere Lost” and “You’ll Find Me” both focus on mental struggles and the processing of complex emotions. Marking a notable departure from his musical comfort zone, “Somewhere Lost” is a slow-tempo, vulnerable, and melancholy piano ballad with comforting

harmonies and James’ distinctly longing, echofilled vocal performance. Released as the first single off of the project, the song has been prominently featured on numerous playlists across Amazon and Apple Music. “Colours” also features Folk-tinged “Long Way From Home”, a lonely yet hopeful mid-tempo track, featuring delightfully intricate instrumentation creatively juxtaposed against sorrow-filled lyrics, along with “Running Wild”, an Alternative-Rock track about the realization of a need to change.

Refreshingly honest and bursting with radiant sound, “Colours’’ definitively marks what creativity can look like when an artist chooses to trust their creative instincts. As a student of his craft, Darryl James ventures into multiple areas of new territory with Close Kicks second ever release, becoming the sole song creator, storyteller, and artistic director of a project all his own. Showcasing an exciting realm of creative possibilities for the artist, the release of “Colours’’ also celebrates over seven months of sobriety for James, and is what he attributes to helping complete the project during one of the most challenging times of his life. Brimming with artistic dexterity, vivid musical textures, and unbound vulnerability, “Colours” delivers a thrilling world of creativity from a musician who is finally learning to embrace what can happen when he trusts himself. Most importantly, his mom will always be his biggest fan.

“Colours” will be available everywhere on May 5 2023.

Kari Zalik Publicist, Bad Parade kari@badparade.com

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!

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Crows Feet Birding with Don & Elaine

WISDOM WAITS FOR THOSE WHO WATCH

Our fascination with owls seems universal. A unique transcendental connection with owl and human radiates an energy and is inspirational. The owl symbolizes many things including wisdom, death, a regal silence and a fierce intelligence. Athena, Greek goddess of war, had the owl as her sacred animal, symbolizing victory. The ancient Egyptian owl god is a sacred of guardian occult knowledge. Chinese culture views the owl as a spirit animal and a shield of protection against negative energies. The first Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, displayed the great horned owl in a promotional poster. Truly, seeing an owl brings an air of magic both on and off screen.

Hearing the deep hoot of a great horned owl on the hillside of

the Beaver River in 1969, while building a lean-to at night, was my introduction to this wonderful bird. Common across all of North America, this owl can grow to 2 feet in length and sports a wingspan of over 4 feet. Most noticeable are the deep yellow eyes and the feathered, tall ear-like tufts the great horned owl has, making it easily recognizable. Great horned owls have a facial disk that can range from grey to cinnamon in color. Body feathers tend to be a mottled grey-brown in hue. As Canada’s second largest owl, the grip of the talons is strong (28 pounds pressure to release their hold), it is indeed a formidable predator. Its nature filled menu includes but is not limited to shrews, mice, shunks, geese, rabbits, gophers, squirrels, house

cats, ducks, other owls, ravens, crows and porcupines. Hunting between dusk and dawn, the owl cannot move its eyes from side to side, but rather its head can swivel 180 degrees to look in any direction, searching for prey. Combined with an acute sense of hearing and specialized flight feathers for silent flying, the great horned owl is at great advantage.

Great horned owls take over abandoned nests and begin a new generation well before the snow melts. Broods range from 1 to 5 young. Fledglings can make short flights after a mere 8 weeks of life. When fledglings become adults, they will live out their lives within 50 miles from their place of birth. Sadly about half of the of the new owls die within the first year of life.

Causes can include starvation, hitting power lines, being struck by vehicles or being shot.

At the end of a most certainly unsettling year when nearly everyone of us have been impacted in some or many ways by Covid-19, and our world seems to be tossed in the throes of uncertainty. We may seek certainty, a calmness and hope that both knowledge and wisdom get humanity through troubling times. As writer, Ilan Shamir notes “Advice from an owl: stay focused, be whoo you are, trust in a wise friend, live off the land, glide through the dark times, be observant, because life’s a hoot!”

Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere (OACC)

APRIL 2023

on their crisis line 24/7 at 403-775-CWCS (2927). They are also looking for volunteers to help on the crisis line and grant writing. Unfortunately, there is a need for this service in our community and it is important for residents to know help is available.

The Chestermere Foodbank are also having their AGM on April 17th at Dunn & Company. Must be that time of year! They have a few events coming up that need your support. On May 19th they are planning a Fill the Fire Truck event at No Frills. Keep an eye out for the specific details. As always, any and all support of the Foodbank is welcome.

There is some great programming going on at the Chestermere Public Library. Chestermere Community Support Resource Fair is there April 27th and May 25th. It’s an opportunity to learn about a variety of free community supports that are available. It runs from 10am – 12pm so be sure to stop by.

Well – spring has sprung! At least we hope there isn’t a surprise winter blast, after all, we do live in Alberta. I have to say it has been wonderful to see people out and about. Chatting and catching up and seeing smiles! While everyone has to do what is comfortable for them personally, seeing smiles and facial expressions rather than it being concealed by a mask makes my heart warm. Engagement and interaction with your friends and neighbours and being social again really does make our Community an amazing place.

OACC News & Community Events

OACC is looking to fill the Vice-Chair position on our Board. Your commitment would be to work with the Coalition members in meeting the needs identified by the members. As a stakeholder you must reside or work within the geographical boundaries of Chestermere and surrounding areas. The Vice Chair role works closely with the two Co-Chairs and Secretary to organize and coordinate all projects and meetings. It is a twoyear term. If you are interested, please contact Joanne, Shannon, or Betty (see contact information below).

Some updates from around the community and our not-for-profit partners…..

Check out the Whitecappers website at http://whitecappers.ca/ for their monthly calendar and newsletter OR you can stop by and pick copies up at their location on the south end of the Rec Centre at 201B Chestermere Drive. Their AGM is scheduled for May 30th for anyone interested in joining their board or attending.

The Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society continue to provide assistance to clients in need. Whether it be basic needs or domestic violence issues, they are there to help residents in any way they can. They can be reached

So if you are a history buff, you might want to stop by the Chestermere Historical Foundation event happening on Tuesday, April 18th at 2:00pm. The topic is Horses & Mules in WWI. It will be presented at the Whitecappers premises at 201 W Chestermere Drive. It is free admission and should be an interesting presentation (full disclosure – my daughter Samantha is presenting). If you want to know more about the historical programs and upcoming events that the Historical Foundation are hosting, check out their website at www.chestermerehistoricalfoundation.org.

Did you know that the Chestermere Community Support Services (CSS) has a program that supports individuals and families to meet their daily needs? The Community Access Program or CAP supports Chestermere residents in accessing multiple, subsidized resources. While there are some eligibility requirements, the program helps you access subsidies to various programs throughout the City. To apply, you must provide proof of Chestermere residency, ID for each household member and proof of income. For more information, reach out to CSS at 403-207-7079 or email them at cssinfo@chestermere.ca.

With the warm weather quickly approaching, it is a great time of year to have some neighbour or family fun time. The City of Chestermere has a Block Party based program designed to build connection and community. So, gather your neighbours or family and have cookoff or BBQ with the help of the City. Each kit includes cookware, dishes, utensils and recipe books to use, along with a gift card to help purchase some of the ingredients. Check it out by contacting Craig at 403-7050 ext. 7094 or email him at cmcleod@chestermere.ca. It’s a great way to have some fun!

Mark you calendar! Senior’s Week this year is June 5 through June 11. There is a committee of non-profit organizations working with the City to build a calendar of events for the week. While in the early planning stages, we expect there will be something scheduled every day to celebrate the Older Adults in our community. As things get firmed up, watch our article and listen to our segment on The Rogue radio station for more details!

Chestermere Senior Services & South Asian Seniors Social Outreach is having meeting groups at Lakeshore Manor. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Kiran Randhawa at 403-472-1490 or

kiranran786@gmail.com. There is a men’s group as well as a women’s group. All are welcome!

Finally, a reminder about the Chestermere Conversation Café. As previously mentioned, this group is intended to support caregivers and family members of those working with Dementia or memory loss. Regardless of where you or your family member is in the dementia journey, it is a casual conversation setting offering peer support. Family members and dementia patients are welcome to join in. Future meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of every month from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). You can contact Don at 403-473-1564 or check out the link for more information: https:// dementianetworkcalgary.ca/event/ new-chestermere-conversationcafe-in-person/

News & Views on Health

Happy April from your local CRPCN (Calgary Rural Primary Care Network). It is energizing to enter Spring and uplifting to have longer days ahead. Updates from the clinic include a reminder to get your vaccine boosters when advised.

Check with your family doctor or nurse practitioner or prescribing pharmacist for the next eligibility. Don’t forget about Shingles and Pneumonia vaccines as well! There are come online courses coming up on www.crpcn.ca. Staring April 26th, Craving Change will launch online. It is a 3-week series focusing on why you eat what you do. As you become more aware of your personal eating triggers, you will be able to control your food cravings and change your problematic eating behaviours. This is a cognitive-behavioural approach that encourages you to consider how your thoughts, emotions and behaviours all interact. The workshop is once a week for 3 weeks. It is a free course, so check it out online and register.

Have a wonderful Easter with your family and friends. Stay well!

Join the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere

Are you an older adult? Do you live or work in Chestermere or the immediate surrounding area? Do you want to engage and/or volunteer in the community with similar residents? Do you have

family that fits this demographic that you care for or have living in Chestermere? Did you know that as a business or organization that has an interest in providing services or programs for our older adults you are more than welcome to be a member of OACC? We welcome adult children of older adults, caregivers, educators, agencies, service organizations, funders, community partners and the community at large. The common goal is to work for the betterment of older adults in our community. Please join us at our next monthly meeting! We meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

OACC – Upcoming Meeting Dates –Wednesday, April 19 & Wednesday, May 17 at 1:30PM – 3:30PM Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). While walkins are welcome to our meetings, RSVPs are appreciated. Please email Joanne jumpmaster2@ shaw.ca or Betty illingw8@telus. net or Shannon shannon.fetterly@ lakeshoremanor.ca.

The OACC welcomes community businesses, organizations, and service providers to join our meetings as a guest speaker. If you are interested, please reach out to Joanne, Betty, or Shannon.

Resources

The Chestermere Older Adults’ Resource Handbooks (2023) are available at the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere meetings. They are also available at the Chestermere Library, Whitecappers Association, Lakeshore Manor, and Synergy as well as medical offices and pharmacies throughout the City. Please pick yours up or take one for a neighbour. You can also access these Handbooks by contacting the City of Chestermere at 403-207- 7079 or online at https://www.chestermere.ca/ DocumentCenter/View/20176/ Chestermere-Older-AdultsResource-Handbook-2023

Lakeshore Manor also provides a wide variety of resources and information for Older Adults within our community. They can be contacted at 587-349-7444 or online at https://lakeshoremanor.ca

Chestermere Community Services

The City of Chestermere website also has some great resources for older adults and seniors programming, events, and information! https://www. chestermere.ca/658/Programs-forSeniors

Spring Programs 2023

THERE’S A SPRING IN OUR STEP!!! Spring programs have begun! This sessions registration is 100% online. Instructions on how to register can be found on our program guide. We have lots of brand-new programs coming to the library for this spring. Find our full program guide on our website. www. chestermerepubliclibrary.com

Zucchini Growing Kits

HEY KIDS: Are you an aspiring gardener? Do you already have a green thumb? Zucchini growing kits are back for the second year. Stop by the library on May 6th while supplies last for a free kit at the library. Growing instructions are included with your zucchini kits and we have some presentations on how bees and worms help make your zucchini grow! Zucchini grown from these kits can be entered in a special category at the Annual Country Fair in September.

Chess Sunday

Join us at the library for our popular Chess Sunday on May 7th at 1:00PM. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join in this free play chess afternoon. We will have boards set up in the library for play. No registration required.

CPAWS Outdoor Field Study

Join us for a free outdoor field study on May 13th at 1:00PM around the lake presented by CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society). This program is for families and children ages 8-12. Registration is required for this program.

Storytime

YAY!!! Storytime is back! Join us on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:15AM for songs and stories. No registration is required.

Novel Book Club

Join us May 18th at 6:00PM in the library to discuss Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. No registration is required, and copies are available at the library for borrowing. We will be taking a break on our Novel Book Club throughout the summer.

Graphic Novel and Manga Club

This month our teen and adult Graphic Novel and Manga Club are discussing Sports Comics on our Discord. Any comic involving sports 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 current 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

Older Adults weekly radio chat

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

Starting April 13, With CFTR The Rogue, Chestermere Radio

Your Host Sharron Matthewman (The Brit)

Every Thursday at 10:00 – 11:00am

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wallace with assault.

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

February 2023

KPMG requests city correct misleading information

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

City director charged with assault

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

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

• Following an investigation into allegation, RCMP arrested and charged Kim

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

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

• The City of Chestermere was unavailable for comment.

• KPMG declined to comment.

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.”

City director pleads not guilty to assault charges

• Chestermere city director of corporate services, Kim Wallace plead not guilty to assault charges from January at Strathmore Provincial Court.

• “I am innocent of the charge brought against me and I look forward to being able to clear my good name in court, before a judge, who will hear all the facts of the case. I have plead not guilty and a wait for the court date to be announced,” Wallace said in a statement to Anchor Media.

City Council takes first steps in fulfilling municipal affairs directives

• City council began to tackle the directives issued by municipal affairs, based on the findings of the inspection report.

• The CAOs were directed to create a report of all code of conduct complaints, conduct the procurement of an independent third party with municipal governance experience, develop protocols for council conflict, develop a strategic plan, hire an audit firm, and list all municipal land sales.

A Real Estate Minute With Michelle Eldjarnson

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

Step 1...getting approved for financing.

Not being approved is like trying to drive a car with a blindfold on… It is simply a recipe for disaster!

The word “mortgage” truly sounds a lot scarier to people than it really is. Getting yourself pre-approved for a mortgage really provides you with the ability to know how much you can afford when you’re looking at buying a home and ensures that you are in the position to make a competitive offer when you find the right home, especially in multiple offer situations.

You have two choices on how to obtain a pre-approval. Typically you can talk with someone at your bank we always recommend though that you speak with someone who is fluent in mortgages, and works with them daily or weekly, a simply financial representative who’s licensed for mortgages has in many instances lead to detrimental situations for our clients, as they typically only work... ‘Bankers hours’ Or you can talk with a Mortgage Broker. In most cases we almost always recommend a Mortgage Broker, simply because they work with 20 to 60 different lenders, including the big banks, whereas the bank only has one option to offer you.

Your bank or Broker will analyze your financial situation including: credit history, and the type of home you will be purchasing.

It’s vital to let them know if you are buying a home or a condominium, as your pre-approvals for each will be calculated differently. This will let them know what the maximum purchase price is!

A great Mortgage Broker will also consult and give you advice on what a comfortable home purchase price would be based on your financial situation. Often your max purchase price isn’t in line with and typically won’t support your lifestyle that you presently live.

Best of all? Utilizing a Mortgage Broker is FREE and doesn’t commit you to anyone or anything when you’re simply just obtaining a pre-approval. It’s the perfect way to lock in the best interest rates and understand your options financially better, before you go house shopping. You should also know that mortgage preapprovals are usually good for 90-120 days, so you’ll have ample amounts of time to purchase once approved by a Mortgage Broker.

Stayed tuned for the next edition of a guide for a new home buyer on

April 21 – June 25, 2023

9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970’s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy & Daralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down.

Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

ARTS & Culture

& Culture ARTS & Culture

with Hana Shaw

The Mystery of the Mona Lisa

How an individual interprets a painting is not only affected by the actual depictions in the image itself, but also the historical and societal situations the work has endured. When a painting (or any artifact in this case) is held in common knowledge as an object of mystery or conundrum, a sense of thrill is inevitably procured by an audience, and its popularity will rise astoundingly. That being said, it is important to acknowledge and become informed of what turmoil a painting has withstood in order to appreciate and observe a work in its various circumstances.

Through this article, I will be kicking off the month of May by explaining the mystery of the Mona Lisa, and how it came to prevail out of its numerous situations that put the work in serious threat.

The first question that this work arises is: who even is Mona Lisa? And how was she significant in Leonardo’s life? Contrary to what the title of the painting suggests, the name of the woman in the painting is Madam Lisa Giocondo, a woman who lived in Florence and brought up by an aristocratic family alongside six other siblings. After being married for ten years already at the age of 25, her husband, Francesco del Giocondo, requested that a portrait be painted of her. Her marriage significantly increased her social status, and gives reason to her choice of her Spanish-influenced clothing, a dress regarded as a symbol of affluence in Florentine society.

The theft of the painting also augmented its overall fame. As with other artifacts and noteworthy objects, when the media is involved with the existence of the work, an audience is immediately drawn. In 1911, a man by the name of Vincenzo Perugia put on a workers uniform, walked into the Salon Carré, made sure no one was looking, and simply detached the painting off the wall. He proceeded to steal into a nearby stairwell and remove the frame in order to comfortably cover the work with his smock. It wasn’t until November of 1913, two years after the theft, that the crime was fully revealed. Perugia had been conversing with an art dealer in Italy and blatantly asked him if he would like to purchase the Mona Lisa. Originally thinking it was a joke, but having some suspicions after knowing

about the theft, he agreed to the deal and met Perugia (under the alias of Leonard, suspiciously enough) and found himself provided with a crate of wood filled with worthless, random miscellaneous objects. Only after emptying the articles did the dealer notice a false bottom that latched open to reveal a silk covered package containing the world’s most famous work. Out of surprise, the dealer dropped everything he was occupied with and immediately phoned the police.

Thank you for joining me this week for a fun introduction to many more mysteries in historic art. Next week, I will be explaining The Scream by Edvard Munch, a commonly known piece embellished with clever artistic secrets.

As always, if you have any suggestions, feedback, or writing opportunities please do not hesitate to contact me at hana.chestermere@gmail.com.

The community of Thorold, Ontario has found new life in local community initiatives aimed at reconnecting and supporting each other. “One Thorold” is a project shared between churches in the city, politicians, business owners, agencies, and citizens. Their goal is to “work towards the transformation of our city, to make a great city even better.” They found that the best way is to go together and get up and close with the people on each street.

One Thorold focuses on supporting housing, reconciliation and addiction, which are vital to their programming. However, what really inspires connection are the Neighbourhood Hubs. The aim is to help support neighbourhoods where people feel connected, supported, cared-for, and seen. Over a dozen streets have a champion, a person who fosters connections and reaches out to those on their street.

One hub champion in Thorold shared their story. “A personal face-to-face connection is so big,” explains hub champion Karen Schilstra, in an interview with ThoroldToday. “Technology is great and wonderful, but it’s not helping our anxious souls. We need a hug, we need a high five. Get away from our screens, get away from our phones and sit out on the porch… Everybody’s hub is catered to their street and to their personalities,” Schilstra says. “When we moved on our street we build a big front porch. We are intentional about living in the front yard.”

Communities like Thorold are fast growing, among the fastest in Canada, and they have recognized the need for deeper connections along the way.

Organizations like “Abundant Communities” have championed this way to connect across a city. ‘Block connectors’ or ‘hub champions,’ as they are called in Thorold, are those who enthusiastically and hopefully reach out and meet everyone on their street. This may be a couple dozen homes, but often it is enough of a connection to begin something special. In Edmonton, Alberta, for example, dozens of streets have designated connectors who reach out, get to know names, and find connections in the most interesting places.

I heard one story of a block connector who met their neighbour, an elderly woman who often kept to herself. As they got to know her, she revealed what she wanted most in life. It was her dream to teach kids how to paint.

The block connector learned that this woman was a famous Canadian artist with art in the National Art Gallery! Soon, she was connected with the local elementary school and was invited in to teach art to children. Everyone benefitted because someone was willing to say ‘hello’ and ask connecting questions.

What would Chestermere look like if streets had connectors and champions? What new and good thing would emerge between us if we simply took time to ask? It seems the best communities begin on front porches.

Australia and New Zealand

Photos & Words by Paul & Diane

OUR TEAM

Paul and Diane are Travel Consultants based in the Calgary area. They provide all types of vacation options, but specialize in groups, river and ocean cruising. Click here to contact us today to start planning your next trip!

If you follow us on Facebook, you’ll know that Paul and I were in Australia and New Zealand this month. Australia is a vast and diverse country, home to worldclass beaches, exotic wildlife, ancient culture, and stunning landscapes. From Canada, it is a long distance to travel, and in 26 days we only saw 2/3 of New Zealand and the east coast of Australia! Let me tell you about some of our Australian highlights and what you would experience on an adventure to this amazing country, where every corner has something to offer.

First, let’s start with the coastal city of Sydney. It was warm and humid when we arrived, which we were told is unusual for this time of year. Their seasons are opposite ours, so April is autumn for them. Sydney is clean and seems very safe. Since we were taking a cruise shortly after we arrived, we decided to stay by Circular Quay. The cruise ships dock about a 5 minute easy walk from the hotel. We had 3 days in this bustling metropolis, famous for its iconic landmarks, such as the Opera House and the Harbour

Bridge. We took a stroll through the Rocks, which is a cool area with lots of bars and restaurants and beautiful old buildings. There are art galleries, shops and plenty of spots to just people watch. And we did climb the bridge which is an awesome experience. The views from the top are spectacular and the hike up there is thrilling!

The next day we took the HopOn HopOff bus and got a real sense of the city, seeing sites such as the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, the Royal Botanic Gardens and amazing views from high up overlooking the Sydney Harbour. We took an interesting guided tour of the Opera House which are very popular so you need to book well in advance.

The Blue Mountains area is beautiful and only about an hour outside of Sydney. There are many spectacular viewing points, but you need to go on a clear day.

Unfortunately all we saw were clouds. And the Taronga Zoo is a quick 10-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. For wildlife lovers, you can get your first glimpse at cuddly koalas to mighty kangaroos, and several of the world’s most unique creatures. There are a few teaching events you can attend as part of your admission, Check their website for times so you can align you visit with the ones you want to see.

After some time in New Zealand, we picked up our rental car and left Sydney, headed to wine country self driving on the “wrong” side of the road! Our first stop was Hunter Valley and an great wine experience at Tullock Wines. This winery is over 100 years old and is still family run. Surprisingly only 2% of the wine produced in Australia comes

Paul & Diane pdumouchel@tpi.ca

from the Hunter Valley where there are over 250 wineries in the area!

Our next stop was Port Macquarie, an oceanside town about 400 km north of Sydney. Port Macquarie is famous for its population of koalas, and you can see these cuddly characters and many other native species at local animal sanctuaries and in the region’s national parks. We were not lucky enough to see any in the trees but there were plenty of road signs warning you to watch for them! There are 17 dazzling beaches in Greater Port Macquarie, each as beautiful as the last, so finding a secluded spot to pull up a patch of sand is easy. And the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is the second largest coastal rainforest reserve in the state and is a lush pocket of wilderness in middle of Port Macquarie.

The following day we were on the road early to be at Dorrigo National Park before the crowds. It’s an easy drive up the Pacific Coastal highway and then a “video game worthy” drive inland to the park. The speed limits were crazy; 80-100 km/hr on a super windy road 2 lane road up the mountains. Paul did really well driving! The Skywalk lookout is a 70m boardwalk that soars over the edge of the escarpment some 21m above the rainforest. The panoramic views of the Rosewood rainforest basin below were incredible! Then we hiked down to Crystal Shower Falls. It’s about 3km down a partly paved, partly dirt trail. Another 3km back to the entrance and we were back in the car, with a short 65 km drive to Coffs Harbour, our home that night.

Coffs Harbour is on the north

edge of New South Wales. It’s known for its beaches and the Big Banana monument and amusement park. The waters off Coffs Harbour Marina are home to abundant wildlife, seasonal whales and coral reefs. Just east is the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, with its large population of wedge-tailed shearwater birds and learning centre.

The next day was our longest driving day, about 325km to the Gold Coast with a quick stop added in Byron Bay. Gold Coast is a metropolitan region south of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. It’s famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and elaborate system of inland canals and waterways. It’s also home to theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. Inland, hiking trails crisscross Lamington National Park’s mountain ridges and valleys, home to rare birds and rainforest. It is a beautiful city that reminded us of Miami Beach in Florida. The sand is soft and warm and very clean. It doesn’t seem crowded at all even though there are lots of people. If you’ve ever thought of trying surfing, this is the place.

Our next and final driving destination was Brisbane. When we arrived, we had driven 1230 kilometers in 6 days. It was a comfortable pace, giving us plenty of time to see the sites at each stop, and not be too tired from driving. Our first stop in Brisbane was the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary that opened in 1927 initially with just two koalas, Jack and Jill, at a time when wild koalas were being culled for the fur trade. We had a great time watching and learning about the koalas! We also saw lots of kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, a laughing cucaburra and platypus. Interesting as we don’t see these

in North America. Brisbane is a nice city, with lots of cool architecture, ancient and modern.

Our last stop, the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world required a 2 hour flight from Brisbane. This underwater paradise is bursting with marine life, from colourful corals to majestic whales. Snorkel or dive among the vibrant schools of fish and witness the magic of the world’s largest living organism. We spent a day on a catamaran, and just loved snorkelling amongst the fish and coral. It was an unbelievable experience! If you prefer to stay dry, you can take

a scenic flight over the reef, and witness the breathtaking beauty from above. It’s a must do if you’re going to be in this area.

And that, my friends, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Australia has to offer. So, pack your bags, and come explore the Land Down Under for yourself. You won’t regret it. If you’re interested in a trip to Australia we’d love to help you plan it. Click here to get started!

Are you interested in any of our other group trips? Just click on the link below and send us an email with your questions. We’d love to add you to our group!

Vaishali Kumar

Co-Founder: KrishnaKul

Law & Society Graduate | University of Calgary

KrishnaKul

भी बढ़ जाती है। प्राणायाम से आपको साँसों की, नींद की, high blood pressure की, और फेफड़ो की दिकत में सुधार होता

है। ध्यान करने के अनेक लाभों से एकाग्रता बढ़ती है, मन को शान्ति मिलती है, और घबरात

है, खासकर अगर आप योग बहार प्रकृति में यह किसी सुनसान जगह करे। लेकिन योग के अधिक

सबसे प्रिय आसान हमारे साथ ज़रूर share करे Chestermere Anchor की साइट पर, और अगर आप अपना यह हिंदी आर्टिकल पड़ने की जगा सुन्ना पसंद करेंगे तोह ज़रूर हममे लिखे बताएगा ताकि हम आपके लिए Chestermere Anchor के रेडियो पर भी एक हिंदी भाग ला सके।

योगा से ही होगा!

Mental Health May: LiveDifferent is helping young people feel connected

Circles program’s road team is coming to schools across the country to deliver a message of purpose and belonging to students who need mental wellness support

Elissa Grohne, Director of Marketing, LiveDifferent

PRESS RELEASE

April 28, 2023

Elissa Grohne, Director of Marketing, elissa@livedifferent.com 403-829-5751

CALGARY, Alberta – LiveDifferent, a non-profit organization that focuses on inspiring young people to make positive changes in their lives, is encouraging schools and organizations to book their Circles program for the upcoming school semester.

With all the issues that youth are facing—depression, bullying, peer pressure, suicide—there tends to be a common thread: A lack of connection and purpose.

In about 70% of cases, symptoms of mental illness begin before age 18.

During this month of May (Mental Health Awareness Month), LiveDifferent invites schools to invest in their students’ well-being and host its Circles mental wellness programming.

Through in-school assemblies and peer-mentorship curriculum, the Circles Program gets to the root cause and helps youth deal with these issues in a positive way. Circles helps young people explore important values, build stronger relationships and get activated in kindness—leaving them more compassionate, resilient and hopeful.

“At LiveDifferent, we believe that young people have the power to make real positive change in our world,” says Johnny Henderson, Director of School and Community Programs.

The Circles Program is designed to give students an opportunity to explore topics such as resilience, empathy and altruism. It includes interactive activities such as group discussions and compassion projects that help students develop strong relationships with one another while learning about teamwork and empathy. The program also encourages students to take ownership of their mental health by creating action plans for managing stressors such as bullying or anxiety.

“Our goal is to help them build a sense of purpose while giving them practical ways to make a difference—our starting place is helping build meaningful and authentic peer-to-peer relationships,” says Henderson. The road team will be in the Calgary area the week of May 8th for onsite coverage. Bookings for the 2023/2024 school year are available now. Schools can book a one-hour assembly and choose to include additional breakout sessions or book an entire LiveDifferent Day. Learn more about Circles at LiveDifferent.com/circles or watch this short video to see Circles in action: https://youtu.be/gciw2-AiN8A

Iattended one of those snooty wine tasting events recently, and had a rare opportunity to sample an Amarone. For those not in the know, Amarone is often considered the godfather of Italian wines, and most certainly has a price to match.

Amarone is not a type of grape, but rather a style of wine made from the Corvina and Rondinella grapes, grown in a particular area just a bit north of the Italian town of Verona, which is well known to all college students who read Romeo and Juliet.

Unlike most wines, Amarone is made by picking clusters of grapes from the vines, then laying them on straw mats or special drying kilns for up to 120 days to dry the grapes to a shriveled raisinlike form.

When around 60% of the water has been evaporated from the grapes, the winemaker then proceeds with the regular process of crushing and fermenting.

In some ways, the drying of the grapes prior to crushing is the warm-weather equivalent of how countries like Germany and Canada make ice wine. In both cases, removing the majority of the water from the grapes means that the fermentation process is started with a much richer and thicker nectar-like drop of concentrated liquid from each grape.

However, unlike ice wine, which is typically very sweet, all the residual sugar in an Amarone is consumed by the yeast, resulting in a very dry wine. In fact, the word Amarone is Italian for The Great Bitter.

It is thought that the first Amarone was created by accident, by a winemaker who forgot about a barrel of sweet dessert wine, and came back months later to find that the yeast in the barrel had consumed all the residual sugar, resulting in a more dry and bitter wine. The results were quite pleasant, and a new style of wine was born that very day.

The flavour of an Amarone can be a bit overwhelming, in no small part due to the

My Throne For An Amarone

Nick Jeffrey

higher alcohol content, which is rarely less than 15% ABV. Expect a full and lush mouth feel, with more tannic structure than most wines.

Because of the full flavour, Amarone is best paired with a strong aged cheese, or maybe a braised lamb shank. Mild foods would taste washed out when paired with such a wine, so Amarone is definitely not for pairing with chicken or salad.

Amarone is a very difficult and labour-intensive wine to make, as the long drying period for the grapes presents many opportunities for spoilage or faults to develop in the wine. Unsurprisingly, the extra effort by the winemaker contributes to the high price. Expect to pay at least $50 for a bottle at your local well-stocked liquor store, and usually much closer to $100.

For those who prefer a less expensive tipple, Amarone has a little brother named Ripasso with a much more reasonable price.

Wines made in the Valpolicella Ripasso method start with the crushed grapes that have already been used to make Amarone.

Rather than throw out the used grape skins, they are re-fermented with fresh grapes, which results in a wine that is more flavourful and full-bodied than a traditional Valpolicella, but less intense (and much less expensive) than an Amarone. for a much more reasonable price.

Finn and I spend a lot of time outside in the summer, as do many of you I suspect. Three years ago, I set myself and Finn a challenge to visit as many of the dog parks in and around the area as possible. Based on a personal criteria of what I like to see in a safe, convenient and fun place to “walk” my dog, I scored the parks out of five. Knowing what Finn was going to get up to in an off-leash park and his safety being important, the list focussed on a number of safety aspects.

Dog waste: I do like a clean park where responsible owners deposit their dog’s waste in a bin, though surprisingly there are still people who haven’t worked out how to open these! Picking up is important for a number of reasons. Pathogens from dog poop can pass to people and other pets, it is a major waterway contaminant and stating the obvious, picking up after your pet will avoid fines.

Over-heating: Finn likes water. So finding parks with water, preferably moving water is good. Alternatively, a treed area, where he can walk in shade, helps on the hot days.I always have a couple of water bottles with me too.

Boundaries: I like to take Finn to off-leash parks, so I need to be aware of areas that are not

Paws 4 Thought (hooman)

Keeping Safe in Summer

By Marilyn King

fenced in. He will chase after rabbits, gophers and magpies and though fencing doesn’t stop them,it will curtail his pursuit. Happily, because he makes so much noise when on the chase, he has never caught anything!

Multi-use parks: bicycles and joggers can be an issue for some dogs as they like to chase moving objects. I taught Finn as a pup to sit when one of these was about to pass.

Plants: Gardening is a passion of mine and he usually is close by when I’m digging. Often in search of new and interesting plants, I’m drawn to the garden centres, so I was impressed by the recent sign at a local garden centre that posted a Plant Guide for Pet Owners. It listed those that are pet-friendly plants and more importantly those that might be toxic or poisonous to our dogs. Those of you who know me well, will know my passion for sunflowers and I’m pleased to say they are on the safe list for dogs.

Cousin Ernie Joins the League of Rogues

Listen Monday’s at 1:00 PM

https://chestermereradio.ca

Mondays 1:00 pm - 2:00pm Mountain

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

100 Women Who Care

100 Women Who Care (or 100

Men/People/Kids

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

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

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

Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere Meeting

When: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: • Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere Special Guest:Dopnelda Lang (Elder Abuse for PCN) RSVP: • jumpmaster2@shaw.ca

• illingw8@telus.net

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated

Chestermere Lions Club

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

Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am

Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079

1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road

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

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild

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

Lakeside Quilters’ Guild Meeting each month at the Chestermere Recreation Centre on the first Wednesday of each month. Sew days are on the third Wednesday of each month and a sew Saturday each month, including summer. Quilting experience not required, new members welcome. For more information please contact Joyce at 403-383-1940.

St. Gabriel's the Archangel Parish

Catholics in Chestermere: Weekend masses are now open for public celebration without seating restrictions at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School (197 Invermere Dr.). There is no longer advanced registration required to attend mass (Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am, and 10:30 am), but please stay home if you feel sick that day. For more information please call 403-455-0196

The Rotary Club Of Chestermere

Holds virtual meetings via Zoom on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 5:00pm and hosts in-person “Socials” at local venues on the last Wednesday of the month.

Guests are warmly welcomed to “Zoom in” to our virtual meeting or join us for some social time when they can!

Please email us for more information at: rotarychestermere@gmail.com

Check out our website at: www.rotarychestermere.org

Auctions

MEIER ODD AND UNUSUAL

LIVESTOCK AUCTION., Saturday, May 6, 10am, 4740 - 57 Street, Wetaskiwin, AB. Selling Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Peacocks, Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Horses, Cattle and more. Consign Now! 780-4401860.

Buildings For Sale

INTEGRITY POST FRAME

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

Coming Events

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

April

9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970’s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.

Hey,

Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details.

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

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800694-2609, Email Us @ sales@ switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.

Custom Homes

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

Feed and Seed

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.

CERTIFIED SEED. - WHEAT – AAC

Goodwin, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC

Mustang, Derby, CDC SO1 Super Oat. BARLEY – AB. Standswell, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609.

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.

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

For Sale

WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19.

Includes: hole augered, Wurzel

Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $125-175. Crystal Springs. 403820-0961. Quality guaranteed

Health

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

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

Services

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss?

Travel/business opportunities?

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

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit?

Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www. pioneerwest.com.

PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval.

Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

Wanted

BUYING LARGE AMOUNTS OF COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS!

Purchasing ENTIRE COLLECTIONS & accumulations. Also buying bullion, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, gold, silver, platinum,

estate collections +++ TODD 250864-3521.

WANTED OLD ADVERTISING: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306221-5908.