Lacombe Express, December 26, 2013

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

LOOKING AHEAD: Mayor Steve Christie looks to a successful year ahead for Lacombe – PG 3

PASSIONATE: AnnaMarie Lea discusses the growth of her Cow Patti Theatre Company – PG 15

HIGH HOPES: Local hockey player sets her sights on a flourishing career – PG 17

STICK HANDLING - Chayse O’Byrnen, 14, keeps a puck in the air by bouncing it on his stick during a skate and shiny session at the Blackfalds outdoor arena.

Brian Vossen/Lacombe Express

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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Mayor Steve Christie reflects back on 2013 Lacombe City council is set to tackle more challenges in the year ahead

BY PAIGE PARSONS Lacombe Express

M

ayor Steve Christie doesn’t mind criticism.

In fact, the newly reelected mayor, who is ending the year by beginning a new term after a narrow election victory, welcomes it. Reflecting on the year 2013, Christie said that over his first term he learned that actively seeking out and including public input in City projects is a priority.

“Some people can take criticism negatively when it comes to projects or things happening with the City, but I tend to take it on as a challenge,” he said. “I’m not afraid of information. Information is what it is.”

Christie said campaigning before the election gave him an opportunity to come face-to-face with many people who he hadn’t met before, and to get a better handle on some prominent issues.

“You’re walking through neighbourhoods, you see all the cracks in the sidewalk, all the things you maybe wouldn’t see on a daily basis,” he said. “It’s a learning experience, it’s a reigniting of a flame - it definitely works against complacency.”

One of the issues that had to be re-evaluated earlier this year was the implementation plan for the solid waste road map.

“When we got to the implementation stage, there were citizens in the City of Lacombe that weren’t happy with the recommendations and the implementation so we put it on hold, we reengaged the public.”

Though the City had initially gathered some feedback from the community, after hearing people were dissatisfied, they re-evaluated the plan and spent time asking for more input through open houses and written and online submissions. Using the new information, Christie said the City changed direction on some parts of the original plan.

This policy of consultation will colour many of the upcoming challenges that Christie and the City council will face in 2014. Spurring economic growth by working closely with the La-

combe Chamber of Commerce and dealing with the lack of housing in Lacombe by collaborating with the development community are both part of Christie’s plan going forward. A housing needs assessment conducted by an independent consultant in 2013 found Lacombe is in dire need of more affordable, higher-density housing. Christie said the assessment is indicative of the cooperation that will be needed between the City and developers to address the problem.

“We didn’t get to what the housing needs assessment showed overnight. We got to this point together and we have to come out of this together.”

Christie and his council faced several challenges in 2013 and will come up against new ones in 2014, but that’s not to say most of the feedback the City received this year was negative. In fact, Christie said Lacombe has a lot to be proud of when looking back at the past 12 months.

This year the City engaged an outside consulting firm to conduct a citizen satisfaction survey that pulled in data from various demographics across the City.

“Ninety-six per cent of respondents to the survey rated overall quality of life in Lacombe from good to excellent,” said Christie.

He is pleased with the results, and thinks it demonstrates that the city is on the right track.

“It says people love Lacombe, that they’re invested in Lacombe - that they love living here. I think that says that we’re probably doing something right.”

And it’s not just the people who live in the City who are impressed by where Lacombe is going. Moneysense magazine ranked Lacombe as the eighth best Canadian city to live in, up from the 26th in 2012.

“I think being rated the eighth best city in Canada in which to live is definitely a feather in Lacombe’s cap,” he said.

Other achievements that stand out for Christie in 2013 include successful events such as Lacombe Days, the Lacombe Culture and Harvest Festival, the Light Up the Night Festival and the attempt to set the Guinness

LOOKING AHEAD – Mayor Steve Christie looks towards a successful year in 2014.

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“Just thank you to each and every person that gets out there and takes interest. People are engaged here in Lacombe, and that’s great to see.”

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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Biorefinery construction could begin in 2014

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express A project nearly five years in the making could finally come to fruition in the new year.

In 2014, the plan to place a biorefinery plant in Lacombe should be realized as BioRefinex plans to put shovel into ground.

BioRefinex President and CEO Chris Thrall said as a development project, BioRefinex and Lacombe have been working together for at least three years but first starting looking at potentially placing a biorefinery in Lacombe nearly two years before that. He added that he is excited to get construction of the project underway.

“Once we break ground that will be a very important time for us,” said Thrall.

Currently, BioRefinex is finalizing their financing for the project and obtaining the last of the necessary permits to begin construction in Lacombe, said Thrall. He added that come spring, sometime in April or May, BioRefinex hopes to break ground.

When it last appeared before Lacombe City council in May, Thrall said he hoped for the plant to be operational by fall of 2014. Now, that is no longer a possibility and he foresees construction of the plant will take a full year from start to finish.

Lacombe will be the first site for a BioRefinex biorefinery. Once completed, the plant will be an excellent facility to demonstrate how organic waste can be safely treated and turned into valuable products, said Thrall.

Thrall said the Lacombe biorefinery will process organic waste, mostly animal byproducts, to produce useable products like dry fertilizer, liquid fertilizer and electricity.

Most of the by-products the plant processes will be obtained from food processors and livestock producers, he added.

BioRefinex uses a process called thermal hydrolysis to produce organic waste.

Thrall said the process destroys all pathogens in the waste and uses no chemicals, making it very environment friendly.

There will also be economic benefits Lacombe may experience because of the plant. One of the most immediate and obvious perks being the jobs the plant will create once constructed.

Thrall said that the biorefinery will also be a major industrial facility that will produce tax revenue for the City and will be seeking to work with a number of local related industries that may be able to benefit from spin offs. He added that the plant will be demonstrating the greenhouse ap-

plication of food through aquaponics and hydroponics.

Lacombe was chosen as the location for the BioRefinex plant for a number of reasons. It is situated within one of the most diverse and dense regions when it comes to livestock, said Thrall. Cattle, hog and chicken farmers can all be found in the area.

“There is quite a significant source of animal by-products and material within the region,” said Thrall.

Much of the research stage of the proj-

ect was also done in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research station in Lacombe, said Thrall.

He added that plans to continue collaborating with the station in future research were another reason Lacombe was an ideal locale for the biorefinery.

Lacombe’s central location between the Calgary and Edmonton international airports as well as its proximity to Hwy. 2 will make the future plan accessible, said Thrall. news@lacombeexpress.com

FOR A CAUSE - Students of Lisa Koropczak’s Grade 5 class at Father Lacombe Catholic School display the blankets they made for the Blankets for Canada program. The students made 11 blankets for the program, which provides blankets to less fortunate Canadians Brian Vossen/Lacombe Express across the country.

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Lacombe Express 5

Thursday, December 26, 2013

City responds to Trinity Crossing concerns

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express The conversation continues over the proposed rezoning of a parcel of land in the Trinity Crossing at Terrace Heights development.

Earlier this month, Lacombe City council voted unanimously in favour of giving second reading to the proposed rezoning.

While the public hearing at the meeting, held earlier this month, was to deal with the rezoning specifically, many of those who spoke at it expressed opposition to the development as well.

Among the concerns cited by residents were too much high density in the area already and other areas, such as downtown Lacombe, would be much better suited for high-density residential developments.

Of course, the obvious answer to why there are no highdensity developments happening in downtown Lacombe is that downtown is lacking vacant lots in which to build them.

Jennifer Kirchner, planner for the City of Lacombe, said that Lacombe’s downtown is quite old and at the time most of it was developed, high-density developments were not thought of because they were not needed and no one had the foresight to think they might be necessary sometime in the future.

“I’m sure that people who live downtown would have the same argument of ‘Why isn’t it in the new areas?’” said Kirchner.

Kirchner said that when infill does happen downtown, it is traditionally fourplexes, row houses and other multifamily units that are built.

She added there may not be high-density apartment complexes downtown but the size of the lots in that area, which were zoned decades ago, are not suitable for those types of development.

However, the City of Lacombe is already taking steps towards remedying the lack of density downtown.

Kirchner said the City recently completed its Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP) which contains a lot of properties that have been re-zoned for higher density should they be developed in the future.

The reason higher density developments appear to be happening in the newer areas of Lacombe is because that’s where there is room to build developments of any density, said Kirchner.

“It’s something that you will see in any area where a new quarter-section is developed,” said Kirchner.

“That’s when you are going to see maybe more diversity than you are used to because of its newer areas.”

Several of the residents who attended the public hearing were also somewhat confused about why Trinity Crossing, a new project, was being treated as part of the

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Terrace Heights development.

Kirchner said that the reason for this is because Trinity Crossing actually is part of the Terrace Heights development, even though it may not look like it.

Kirchner said that when development for Terrace Heights began, the area for Trinity Crossing was earmarked for future development at the same time.

Technically, this makes Trinity Crossing a different phase of the Terrace Heights development rather than a different project entirely, added Kirchner.

“Usually, you would see it as phasing,” said Kirchner.

“In this case the property owners decided to do two different sub-developments.”

At this point, it is unlikely that changes to the development will be made to address the public’s concerns.

Kirchner said the outline plan for the proposed develop-

ment has already been approved by council meaning any changes to the development would have to be made by the developer.

City council still has the ability to stop the development from going ahead at all, but cannot make changes to the plan themselves.

That is not to say those concerns will not be addressed though. Kirchner said that some issues can still be dealt with in ways other than making changes to the development.

For example, traffic and speeding or reckless motorists, two concerns that were brought up in the public hearing, can be dealt with by increased police presence rather than changes to the plan.

“It’s more of an enforcement issue.” news@lacombeexpress.com

6 Lacombe Express

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Realtors offer to trade $1 million property for bitcoin

BY PAIGE PARSONS Lacombe Express Fancy a $1-million development property just off Hwy. 2? It could be yours if you invested in bitcoin— the increasingly popular unregulated digital currency that’s become an alternative way to pay for almost anything, including land.

Penny and Bryce Kander—a Red Deer-based mother and son realty team—are accepting offers to trade bitcoin, cash, houses, condos or vehicles for Penny’s 3.33 acre property, situated on Gasoline Alley, right across from Woody’s RV. Since putting the listing on the market in October, Bryce said there’s been significant interest, particularly from a few different

Central Alberta builders.

He said it’s likely the buyer will be someone looking for a short-term investment.

“It’s most likely going to be a very specific investor who is wanting to sit on it for a couple of years and then make a million dollars in profit because it is development land,” said Bryce.

He also suspects that his mother will come away with a mixed payment.

“I have a feeling that if they do bring an offer it will actually be a mixture of property, bitcoin and cash.”

And if the buyer offers a straight trade of bitcoins for the property? Bryce said his mother wouldn’t mind that at all.

“Her plan is to keep about 20 per cent of the value of the property in bitcoins and then the rest she

would use to pay off her mortgage and then reinvest in real estate as well.”

Though it hasn’t sold yet, the listing has generated some unexpected benefits.

Thanks to new interest in bitcoin, in January the Kanders will be launching a new project in Central Alberta that will also offer buyers the option of paying with digital currency.

“We’re going to be having fully property-managed properties that you can buy and just instantly start seeing cash flow, and you’ll be able to purchase them with bitcoin as well,” Bryce explained.

He and his mother are also looking into building an apartment in Lacombe, where tenants would have the option of paying in bitcoin.

Bryce said the idea of

Wishing you every happiness in the New Year.

May the coming year bring health, wealth and joy for you and your family.

We are very grateful for your support this past year.

Lacombe/Blackfalds...

We want your input.

We would like to receive ‘Letters to the Editor’ as well as local story ideas from the community.

Please submit to the Lacombe Express editor at news@lacombeexpress.com or call 403-782-5306

NEW APPROACH - The $1 million property that Red Deer realtor Penny Kander is willing to trade for bitcoin. trading bitcoin for property came after they were told about it by a family friend and after his brother starting investing in the digital currency.

“I bought a couple bitcoins myself and eventually so did my mom, and then we got this bright idea ‘Well, hey, if we want to invest in this why don’t we just sell our property for bitcoins?”

Bryce has had the chance to try using some of his bitcoins for transactions that are a bit more affordable than property.

“I bought McDonalds with it. I paid my friend in bitcoins to pick it up for me,” he said, chuckling.

“You just transfer straight from your phone. So easy.”

And it seems that for fans of bitcoin, things will keep getting easier.

The world’s first bitcoin ATM opened in a downtown Vancouver coffee shop at the end of October.

Users deposit cash in exchange for bitcoins, which are sent to an online wallet.

Bryce Kander, Realty Executives Red Deer photo

Europe’s first permanent bitcoin ATM was installed in a record store in Helsinki, Finland on Dec. 16.

Users cite low or nonexistent transaction fees as one of the benefits of the currency. Once you have bitcoin in your digital wallet, the list of goods and services that can be purchased is ever expanding.

Bitcoin users can pay for property, vehicles and most recently, university tuition.

In a time when many Canadian post-secondary institutions have stopped accepting credit card payments for tuition, the University of Nicosia in Cyprus announced it will accept bitcoin as payment for tuition and other fees.

The university made the announcement in late November, making it the first accredited university to accept the digital currency.

As bitcoin increases in popularity, the unregulated currency has rocketed up and down in value. On Nov. 18, after a U.S. congressional hearing concluded that

digital currencies were legitimate financial services, the price of bitcoin soared.

On Dec. 18, in the wake of the Chinese government’s decision to ban financial institutions from using the currency, Yeepay, China’s largest bitcoin exchange, announced it would stop trading bitcoin and the value plummeted to a low of $446 CAD—dropping to almost 50% of the week’s highest valuation of $944 CAD. This incredible volatility makes writing about bitcoin a challenge. At the time of the interview with Bryce on Dec. 16, VirtEx, a Canadian Virtual Exchange web site listed bitcoin as being valued at $700 CAD. The Kanders’ online listing of the property near Gasoline Alley specifies that the price of bitcoin will be based on the weighted price of 12 hours on the day the offer is made. If the property is successfully traded for bitcoin, it will be the highest valued bitcoin trade ever made in Canada.

Lacombe Express 7

Thursday, December 26, 2013

5019A - 51 St Lacombe, AB T4L 2A3 Main phone:

403-782-5303 Fax:

403-782-5344

Editor

Brian Vossen 403-782-5306 news@lacombeexpress.com

Sales

Karina Folden 403-782-5330 sales@lacombeexpress.com

OPINION Keeping your resolutions With Christmas come and gone, it is time to start thinking about the New Year.

Of course, in thinking of the New Year, it is also time to think about making a New Year’s resolution.

Lots of people make New Year’s resolutions, but few keep them longer than the first few weeks.

According to a Journal of Clinical Psychology report, a team of researchers led by John Norcross found that 50% of the population make a New Year’s resolution.

Among the most common of these resolutions of course are commitments to lose weight, to get in shape, to stop smoking and to manage money better.

Timothy Pychyl, a professor of psychology at Carleton University, has stated that resolutions are a form of “cultural procrastination” that we partake in to motivate ourselves. However, they often fail to do so because we aren’t fully ready to commit to changing our habits.

To that effect, we offer these tips to help you keep your resolution this New Year.

Millions each year make resolutions to lose weight or to get in shape. Trouble is, these goals are

quite vague and people making them don’t plan the specifics of how to reach those goals.

To counter this, choose specific goals for New Year’s resolutions.

Instead of resolving to get in shape or lose weight, resolve to go to the gym commit instead to running a marathon or going to the gym three times a week for the year.

Also, take the time to plan your New Year’s resolution and think about the specifics of how you will reach your goal. Don’t wait until Dec. 31 to decide on a goal, choose now and start planning how you are going to reach it.

New Year’s is a great time to create a ‘new you’, but, don’t try doing it all at once.

Instead of adopting a list of selfimprovement objectives for your New Year’s resolution, pick just one. This allows you to keep focused on one goal and devote all your energy towards then trying to split yourself between multiple targets.

It is also best to set a small goal as your New Year’s resolution.

Reach that one within the year and then set another larger goal. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself and

start setting multiple goals right from the start.

Keep in mind when making and attempting to fulfill your New Year’s resolution that change is a process and you are going to

stumble. Recognize that you will experience several small failures before you reach your goal so and remember the important thing is to continue working through the obstacles.

Everything you wanted to know about snow Customer Service

Tanya Kenyon advertising@lacombeexpress.com

Publisher

Tracey Scheveers publisher@lacombeexpress.com The Lacombe Express is a proud newspaper of

Copyright.

No material - news, photographs or advertising - may be reproduced without the express written consent of the Publisher.

Failure to obtain such consent may result in legal action without further notice.

Canadians have a special relationship with snow and ice. We ski in it, skate on it, play in it, shovel it, drive through it, sometimes even bicycle through it and suffer through it for many months of the year – some of us more than others, depending on what part of the country we call home. But how much do we know about it?

Do Inuit really have dozens of words for snow and ice? Are snowflakes always six-sided? Can two ever be alike? Why is snow white?

Is it a mineral? What makes frozen water so important to us?

Some of the answers are more complicated than you might imagine.

Even though English-speaking skiers and snowboarders use multiple adjectives to more accurately describe different types of snow, such as powder, corn and champagne, some say the claim of numerous Inuit words for snow and ice is a myth. But is it?

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “The few basic words used by the Inuit to refer to different types of snow or ice do not translate everything they can say about these two natural elements.”

In Inuktitut, words consist of a foundational element that provides basic meaning, along with other elements “To clarify and/or modify

DAVID

SUZUKI the basic meaning. New words can therefore easily be created from another term.”

For example, the word siku refers to ice in general, and sikuaq (‘small ice’) refers to ‘the first layer of thin ice that forms on puddles in the fall.’ Sikuliaq (‘made ice’) refers to ‘the new ice appearing on the sea or on rock surfaces.’ Some words also have broader meanings, depending on the context. The word maujaq, for example, means ‘soft ground’, but when referring to snow, it means ‘the snow in which one sinks’.

So, ‘the total number of terms referring to the various aspects of snow and ice goes far beyond 10 or a dozen,’ allowing Inuit to ‘draw very subtle distinctions between a very high number of snow or ice types.’

When it accumulates on the ground, snow appears white because, unlike many natural materials, it reflects most light rather than absorbing it, and visible light is white. And although snowflakes

form in near-infinite patterns and shapes depending on temperature, wind, humidity and even pollution, each single crystal is always hexagonal, or six-sided, because of the complex way water molecules bond. When a frozen droplet or crystal falls from a cloud, it grows as it absorbs and freezes water from the air around it, forming a six-sided prism. The almost infinite variables mean it’s unlikely, although not impossible, for two snowflakes to be exactly alike.

And yes, snow can be classified as a mineral.

According to the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center, “A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous solid, inorganically formed, with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement.” Frozen water fits that description.

Snow and ice are important to life on earth for many reasons.

Both are part of the cryosphere, which includes “Portions of the earth where water is in solid form, including snow cover, floating ice, glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets, seasonally frozen ground and perennially frozen ground (permafrost),” according to the Snow and Ice Data Center. It covers 46 million square kilometres of the planet’s

surface, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere, and helps regulate the planet’s surface temperature.

Changes in the cryosphere can affect climate and water availability, with corresponding effects on everything from winter sports to agriculture.

By reflecting 80 to 90% of incoming sunlight back into the atmosphere, snow cover cools the Earth.

Losing that reflective protection, as is happening in the Arctic, upsets the energy balance and accelerates global warming. Snow also insulates parts of the Earth’s surface, holding heat in and keeping moisture from evaporating. When soil freezes, it prevents greenhouse gases like carbon and methane from escaping into the atmosphere.

When snow melts, it fills rivers and lakes.

Instead of complaining about the dark and cold of winter, we should celebrate snow and ice. The cryosphere is an important piece of the intricate, interconnected puzzle that keeps us alive. So, build a snowperson, play some hockey, get out on the slopes and enjoy the gifts that winter brings.

Dr. David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author, and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. His column is distributed through Troy Media.

8 Lacombe Express

Thursday, December 26, 2013

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EVENTS Lacombe Dance Lessons - social and choreographed ballroom dancing. Traditional Two-step or Cha Cha/Jive. For details phone Cliff at 403-782-4094.

Real Men Sing Barbershop! The Wild Rose Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus is a chorus for males of all ages who love to sing four-part a cappella harmony. We are a proud member of the Barbershop Harmony society providing entertainment at seniors’ lodges, hospitals and numerous community and private functions throughout the year. No experience is required, just a love to sing. Join us on Tuesday evening, rehearsals from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Davenport Church of Christ (#68 Donlevy Ave.) For information, call David at 403-342-1318 or email crozsmit@telusplanet. net. Visit www.harmonizers.ca.

The Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (RDRWA) will be holding their first Ambassador Breakfast of 2014 Jan. 17 from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. at the Quality Inn North Hill, 7150 50 Ave. Cost: $15 per person. Jim Duncan, Clearwater County Councilor & Clear Water Landcare Chairperson will be presenting on the Sasquatch and Partners initiative. This project came about as a result of ongoing issues from large numbers of visitors to the West Country which have been a concern of municipal governments, provincial government departments, in-

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The Lacombe Legion has bingo on Mondays at 7 p.m. in the upstairs hall. Coffee time runs Wednesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. ($2 for coffee, tea and cookies).

On Fridays, there are four meat draws and tickets are $2/set of three tickets. Draw starts at 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays, there are four meat draws which start at 4:30 p.m. Chase the ace starts after meat draws.

New to Lacombe? Contact Lacombe Welcome Wagon at 403-348-9567 for free maps, information about the City & area, as well as free gifts from local businesses. New baby in the family? Contact Lacombe Welcome Wagon at 403-3489567 for free information, baby product samples as well as free

Love to sing? Hearts of Harmony, a chapter of Sweet Adelines Interna-tional, is an a cappella cho-rus for women of all ages who love to sing and harmonize. Rehearsals are Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Davenport Church of Christ (68 Donlevy Ave. in Red Deer.) Join us any Monday night, you will be welcomed. Experience the joyful sound of four-part harmony with a group of wonderful women. For more information, call Nancy at 403-357-8240, or our director, Sheryl @403-7424218 or check out our web site at www.heartsofharmony.ca.

Taoist Tai Chi - a relaxing, low impact exercise; continuing classes

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Drop in Pool Tournament runs every Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Lacombe Hotel.

Circle of Friends - free weekly supper for the community, nutritious meals for anyone interested. It runs at Bethel Christian Reformed Church.

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dustry, environmental groups and private citizens for many years.

Engineering, enforcement and education are involved to manage this resource in a sustainable way. This partnership is a new twist on the educational aspects of west country management.

Not only will this enhance the message but also provide a more positive way to pro-mote compliance and respect for the use of this valued Alberta resource.

Jim’s presentation will outline this initiative as well as the benefits of developing a branded program that is widely recognizable and at-tractive to all those who live, work and play in the west country. RSVP to: info@ rdrwa.ca or call Kelly at 403340-7379 by noon on Jan. 15.

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Imperial Daughters of the Empire is a non-profit women’s volunteer program that raises money in support of numerous initiatives supporting educations. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month and begin at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church. For more information, contact Mary Lou Wilson 403-782-3923.

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The Red Deer Legion Pipe Band is actively recruiting experienced and inexperienced people from the Central Alberta area, who are interested in joining the Band. Anyone with piping or drumming experience, or if you would like to learn piping or drumming, are asked to please contact us at 403-782-7183 or by email at amacaskill@telus.net. Practices are held at the Red Deer Legion on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

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year round, for those who have completed beginners or have learned Taoist Tai Chi before.

Participate in classes of your choice. Available in Red Deer, Lacombe, Rocky Mountain House, and Innisfail. Contact 403-3466772 for more information.

Coffee Time at the Lacombe Legion runs every Wednesday morning. Come join us for coffee. $2.

Gatherings run from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Lacombe Legion.

Old-time dances run at the Red Deer Legion every Wednesday evening. Smorg at 5 p.m. with dance at 7:30 p.m. Cover charge $6. Country music runs Friday and Saturday evenings 7 to 11 p.m. 403-342-0035.

MEETINGS The Lacombe Hospital Auxiliary meets the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 p.m. in the Education Room at the hospital. New members welcome. For more information, call Rilla at 403-782-6165.

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about widow to widow interaction and socialization. It’s about being able to express with like-minded women the pain and confusion that comes with loss, as well as the encouragement and friendship to help you once again live a life filled with meaning and purpose...an earnest life. There are no councillors present, only a facilitator to help keep conversations moving. W.H.O.L.E meets monthly and is open to widows of all ages. Space is limited, so please phone to book a spot. Refreshments will be served. Call 403-550-4508.

Lacombe Art Guild - the guild meets regularly on the second and third Tuesday of each month.

A variety of workshops are provided for developing artists.

Membership is $15 per year.

Contact Betty Peers at 403782-9968 or blog lacombeartclubwordpress.com. Meetings runs in LMC Credit Union Room at 5214 50 Ave. in Lacombe.

Are you having problems with someone else’s drinking? We

are an anonymous group of men and women who can offer encouragement and support. Call Al-Anon Family groups at 403-346-0320 for a list of meetings in Red Deer and the surrounding area.

Local residents wishing to kick their tobacco habits can access the tools and support needed to build a tobacco-free lifestyle when QuitCore, a free Alberta Health Services (AHS) tobaccocessation program, returns to the community next month. Led by trained cessation professionals, the QuitCore program teaches tobacco users how to develop a plan to quit while providing strategies to address recovery symptoms, manage stress and, ultimately, prevent relapse. The program also connects participants with others trying to quit. QuitCore will be offered from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., on seven consecutive Thursdays starting Jan. 23, in room 102 at Johnstone Community Health Centre, 300 Jordan Parkway in Red Deer. Please call toll-free 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) to register. More information is also available from www.albertaquits.ca. Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and premature death in Alberta. AHS offers various programs and services to help Albertans quit tobacco, including telephone and online support services, one-on-one counselling and group cessation programs such as QuitCore, which launched in 2008.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is a 12-step support group offering a solution for all forms of food addiction.

No dues, fees or weigh-in.

Central Alberta groups meet in Red Deer, Lacombe and Rimbey. 403-314-1972.

The Parkinson’s Society Education and Support Group runs the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Davenport Church of Christ. 403-346-4463.

An Amputee Support Group Meeting, sponsored by the Alberta Amputee Sport and Recreation Association at 7:30 in Room 2207 in the South Complex of the Red Deer Regional Hospital.

Meetings the fourth Monday of each month. 403-357-3671.

Lacombe Express 9

Thursday, December 26, 2013

POLICE BRIEFS POLICE INVESTIGATE BREAK-IN On Dec. 19 at about 3:30 a.m. a man was awoken to noise in his home in the McKenzie subdivision just off Township Road 374 in Red Deer County.

Upon investigating the noise, the man was met by two young men who had allegedly entered the residence through the unlocked front door.

The young men told the homeowner a story that was not believable and when questioned by the homeowner one of the males pulled a kitchen knife from his hoodie and departed.

The two suspects are believed to have stolen a wallet and a cellular telephone.

They left the scene in a non-descriptive truck which was parked down the road.

Evidence suggests that the young men were checking several residences for unlocked doors and vacant premises.

The first suspect is described as being in his late teens, Caucasian, approximately 5’7” with short dark brown hair.

He was wearing a white jacket and gloves.

The second male is described as being in his late teens and possibly aboriginal.

He was wearing a black hoodie and scarf that partially covered his face.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime stoppers or Blackfalds RCMP. The Blackfalds RCMP would also like to remind homeowners to lock their doors at night.

INCREASED CHECK STOPS The RCMP would like to remind motorists that the holidays are here and that increased patrols and check stops will be occurring across Central Alberta throughout the holiday season, with an increase on New Year’s Eve. Please keep in mind the provincial penalties in place for driving after you have con-

by Brian Vossen

sumed alcohol.

1. If your drivers licence reads that you have a Graduated Drivers Licence (GDL) - if a roadside test is completed while your behind the wheel, and your reading shows you have 1mg or higher of alcohol in your body, you will immediately lose your licence for one month and have the vehicle you are driving seized for a minimum of seven days.

Those with Graduated Drivers Licences are not to consume any alcohol whatsoever before driving.

2. A 24-hour suspension can still be issued in certain circumstances.

Some of these circumstances include driver fatigue, drug impairment, medical/physical impairments and for alcohol - special circumstances.

3. If you are charged with impaired driving or driving while over .08, you will immediately lose your license until the court proceedings are completed.

Police also point out that it’s vital to keep in mind that the conclusion of court proceedings can take several months.

Also, the vehicle you are driving will be seized for a minimum of three days.

SENIORS SCAM RCMP are reminding Albertans to continue to be on the lookout for telephone scam artists.

In Alberta there has recently been a resurgence of the ‘Grandparent Scam,’ where scammers telephone posing as fake grandchildren or relatives of the victim claiming to be in a desperation situation and in immediate need of money.

RCMP wish to advise people, especially the elderly, that this types of call is nearly always a scam and they should take time to confirm the request with other mutual relatives prior to sending any monies.

If there is any doubt as to the validity of the request, contact local police for assistance.

Holiday Season Garbage Schedule: Christmas Garbage Collection: Regular Collection Day

Revised Collection Day

Monday, December 23

collected on

Thursday, December 19

Tuesday, December 24

collected on

Friday, December 20

Wednesday, December 25

collected on

Monday December 23

Thursday, December 26

collected on

Monday, December 23

Friday, December 27

collected on

Tuesday, December 24

New Years Garbage Collection: Regular Collection Day

Revised Collection Day collected on

Thursday, January 2

Residents are reminded to have their individual black rollout bins on the street for collection by 7:00am, on the scheduled day Contact: Infrastructure Services Office Phone: 403.782.1261

to perform at a benefit concert for A Better World. Here, Brooks, (right) is shown with her photo submitted former voice instructor, Melrose Randell and pianist Elliot Kam.

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Wednesday, January 1

HOMEGROWN SOPRANO - Soprano singer Nicole Brooks returned to Lacombe recently

www.lacombe.ca

10 Lacombe Express

Thursday, December 26, 2013

SPCA turns to public for financial help About $100,000 is needed for the organization in the month of December

BY ERIN FAWCETT Lacombe Express The Red Deer and District SPCA is in desperate need of financial support from the community this holiday season.

Tara Hellewell, executive director at the SPCA, said the organization needs to raise $100,000 in the month of December to break even.

“Our fiscal budget year runs until the end of September and this year we had a $75,000 deficit this year. It is always a struggle to try and bring in enough revenue to support all of the programs we offer. Especially since moving into the new building – it’s a very expensive facility to maintain,” she said.

“We operate on close to $1 million annually and this year we’ve increased

that by $200,000.”

Since moving into the new facility in 2010, Hellewell said operational costs have increased by 60%, but so has the number of adoptions annually as well.

‘WE WILL BE REACHING OUT EVEN FURTHER INTO THE COMMUNITY IN 2014...’

TARA HELLEWELL She added the SPCA is making a greater impact in the community as their adoptions were up 30% this past year.

This year well over 550 animals have been adopted from the SPCA so far, this is compared to 200 adoptions annually before the organization moved to the

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new facility.

“We do have adoption fees that are linked to those adoptions but by no means do they cover anywhere close to what it costs to run the adoption program,” she said.

Although the increase in adoptions is good news, Hellewell said the SPCA has also seen a 30% increase in animals coming into the facility as well. “So our costs increase significantly. It’s always a revolving door.

“We’re not depending on these adoption fees and user fees from some of our programs to cover our costs – it is not covering our costs. We still need the support of the community through donations to help operate, to keep the doors open and to keep the power on,” she said.

Do to the increase in animals being adopted out and coming into the shelter, Hellewell added staff hours needed to be increase to meet the demand.

“We haven’t had a fundraiser for our organization for over three years. I have been managing that for the last two and as an executive director it’s already a very big job and there just isn’t enough time,” she said.

“It’s always the thing that gets left, but it’s the most important part.”

To help with this, the SPCA has recently hired a new fund development coordinator.

“We will be reaching out even further into the com-

IN NEED - Tara Hellewell, executive director at the Red Deer and District SPCA holds Misty, a two-month-old husky cross. The facility is asking for community support this holiday season.

Jenna Swan/Lacombe Express

munity in 2014, but I also feel that the programs and community support that we are offering is such that we can look to the community to help us – we are more than just animals.”

Another reason the SPCA is feeling added pres-

sure is because of the over population of cats.

“It is putting a significant strain on our resources and we are not able to keep up with the number of cats that need safe shelter and we are having to turn people away – we have no

Christmas Tree Disposal WHAT:

WHEN:

Residents can take their Christmas Trees to the Wolf Creek Recycle Site for recycling. Trees are then chipped into mulch and re-used for landscaping material.

Please remove decorations and tinsel.

No wreaths or other greenwaste.

December 27, 2013 to January 31, 2014

WHERE: Wolf Creek Recycle Site, 5214 Wolf Creek Drive, Lacombe An area will be marked “Christmas Tree Drop Off”

PLEASE NOTE: Christmas trees left in alleys or left on front lawns will NOT be picked up by City staff and will be left for the homeowner to dispose of appropriately.

For Information Contact: Infrastructure Services Office Phone: 403.782.1261

www.lacombe.ca

choice,” said Hellewell. “At any point in time we have 130 cats in the shelter.”

Adding to the financial strain is the fact that the SPCA has to repay a $1 million loan from the City of Red Deer. The money was used to help build the organization’s new facility.

“We need to work on paying that off. We do still have some liabilities out there that cost every year.”

Meanwhile, Hellewell said she is hoping the Central Alberta community will open their wallets this holiday season and donate to the SPCA. “We hope that the community will be generous Christmas because December is the biggest month in terms of donations,” she said. “Last year we raised over $80,000 in the month of December.

“While a lot of people want to bring us gifts and items and things for the shelter, financial donations are by far the best gift for us right now. It is always appreciated, but monetary donations are needed.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

Lacombe Express 11

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Local MADD chapter needs more volunteer support

BY MARK WEBER Lacombe Express The local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is hoping to attract more volunteers as they continue to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

Currently, there just aren’t enough volunteers onboard to help promote and plan various events and activities throughout the year, said Aleta Neville, president of the local chapter of MADD, which was formed in 1993.

Neville can sadly relate to the horrendous pain of being affected by the actions of an impaired driver.

She lost her son Brent to an impaired driver in March of 2006.

He was 21.

“We do need new volunteers to be able to help us carry on with all the duties,” she said.

“The most important thing people also need to realize is that you don’t have to be a victim to be a volunteer.

“We have a volunteer who is not a victim (of impaired driving) who has been with us for 20 years, and she’s been so gracious with her time in helping out with everything in the chapter. We just need more people.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility. If everyone would just come forward and do a little bit, it would make a world of difference.”

Victims certainly bring much passion to working with the chapter, but people who have never experienced the tragedy of losing someone to a drunk driver do as well, plus lots of ideas to strengthen the organization.

There are a number of events that run year-round that rely on volunteer planning and execution, such as presentations, fundraising events and awareness activities as well.

“We’ve only got four people on our executive,” she said.

“And they’re doing all the duties.” These run the gamut from various presentations, bookings for schools, the Charity Checkstop, the voluntary toll (in the spring) and the annual candlelight vigil to court monitoring and the Red Ribbon campaign.

There are also the victim services supports that MADD offers.

Neville said the ideal

situation would be if they had someone to take care of Project Red Ribbon, another to organize the candlelight vigil in November, and someone to also handle the Strides for Change fundraising walk in June. Another volunteer

“WE DO NEED NEW VOLUNTEERS TO BE ABLE TO HELP US CARRY ON WITH ALL THE DUTIES. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING PEOPLE ALSO NEED TO REALIZE IS THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A VICTIM TO BE A VOLUNTEER.” ALETA NEVILLE

could book presentations for schools or organize the voluntary toll in May. The voluntary toll has been successful for the chapter, raising more than $12,000 in its first year and $13,000 in its second year this past spring.

“Two years ago, MADD Canada chose Red Deer as a pilot project for it. We put it together, and it was so successful we decided to make it an annual event.

“We always do it the day before Mother’s Day.” Meanwhile, the Project Red Ribbon Campaign

runs from mid-November through to the beginning of January, she said. There wasn’t an official local launch this year, but folks can arrange to pick up the ribbons at the local office by calling 403-347-9922.

According to MADD Canada, on average, four Canadians are killed and 175 are injured every day in Canada by impaired drivers annually.

Approximately 65,000 Canadians are impacted by impaired drivers each year as well.

“The reason we do what we do is so other families don’t get that knock on the door,” she said. “And nobody is immune to these tragedies. It can happen to anybody out there. Those people on the roads who are drinking and driving and taking other people’s lives, they aren’t picking their victims.”

Neville believes there should be random breath testing in Canada to step up the deterrence factor. “If you have nothing to hide, then it should be worth your time.

“Every place that it’s going on already, there’s a huge, huge decrease in fatalities. The thing is, there isn’t enough of a deterrent.

(It would help) if they knew that the police could pull them over at any time. We also need stiffer sentencing.

“What’s a life worth?

And look at the ripple effect on families.”

POIGNANT REMINDER - Aleta Neville, president of the Red Deer chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) tied a ribbon onto a vehicle to kick off a previous Red Ribbon Express file photo campaign. The campaign raises awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.

As Neville points out, the pain of losing someone doesn’t fade.

“I’ll always be involved with MADD at some level.

I do it because I don’t want to see other families living the nightmare that we do every day.

“It’s been almost eight years, but it’s a scab on your heart that keeps bleeding and bleeding,” she said. “It never stops.”

For more information about MADD or volunteer opportunities, call the local chapter office at 403-3479922 or visit www.madd.ca/ reddeer.

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12 Lacombe Express

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Think

INSIDEthe Box!

Our paper is delivered to homes weekly in the City of Lacombe and in the Town of Blackfalds.

If you live outside our delivery areas or would like an extra paper, you can pick up a copy at any one of these convenient locations:

LACOMBE LOCATIONS

Second Glance Books Fisher’s Pharmasave Mac’s Esso Fas Gas Lacombe Regional Tourism Royal Bank Newsbox Lacombe Arena Lacombe Express Office City of Lacombe Office Winks Sobeys Canadian University College ABC – Adventist Book Center Lacombe Co-op Grocery Store No Frills Gas Bar No Frills Grocery Store Lotto Counter at Lacombe Mall Shoppers Drug Mart Mary C. Moore Public Library Anna Maria’s Café Rexall Drugstore Petro Can Lacombe County Office

BLACKFALDS LOCATIONS Family Foods Store Blackfalds Library Blackfalds Town Office

ALIX LOCATIONS Alix Foods Alix I.D.A. Drugs

GULL LAKE The EXPRESS is also available online cover to cover.

5019A 51 Street Lacombe, AB T4L 2A3

THINK GREEN (403) 782-5303 Fax: (403) 782-5344 www.lacombeexpress.com

Lacombe Express 13

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Lacombe Express

deadline: Monday @ noon

CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad, call Toll Free: 1.877.223.3311 or email: classifieds@lacombeexpress.com

Lost

54

KEYS, lost around the Dawe Centre area. Please call 403-346-1469 if found

Companions

58

58 YR old farmer seeks honest, romantic, slim lady 48-64 for lifetime commitment in the Red Deer area.

Not looking for a hired hand. Please include likes, dislikes & phone number.

Reply to Box 1071, c/o RED DEER ADVOCATE, 2950 Bremner Ave., Red Deer, AB T4R 1M9

Personals

60

COCAINE ANONYMOUS 403-396-8298 Is someone’s drinking causing you problems?

AL-ANON 403-346-0320

Clerical

720

RONCO OILFIELD HAULING Sylvan Lake is looking for a P/T Admin. Assistant.

Email resume tom@roncooilfield.ca or fax. 403-887-4892

Hair Stylists

760

JUST CUTS is looking for F/T - P/T HAIRSTYLIST No clientele necessary.

Christie 403-309-2494

Oilfield

800

RONCO OILFIELD HAULING Sylvan Lake is looking for a Dispatcher. Knowledge of Travis Permit System and computer skills are req’d. Wages negotiable dependant on exp.

Email resume tom@ roncooilfield.ca or fax. 403-887-4892

BIDELL GAS COMPRESSION

Oilfield

800

Professionals

810

Trades

850

Truckers/ Drivers

860

Store Manager required for PartSource in Red Deer.

Applicant will be responsible for directing day to day operations.We are looking for store managers that have strong leadership and communication skills. ASE certification is an asset.

Please apply in person at 6722-50th Ave or via email @ ps791@partsource.ca

RONCO OILFIELD HAULING Sylvan Lake is looking for a Dispatcher. Knowledge of Travis Permit System and computer skills are ST req’d. Wages negotiable 1 RATE ENERGY dependant on exp.

SERVICES INC., PETROFIELD Industries, Email resume tom@ a growing Production the Leader in manufacturing roncooilfield.ca Testing company, based Hydrovac trucks, is accepting or fax. 403-887-4892 out of Sylvan Lake, is resumes for the following currently accepting resumes positions: for the following positions: * General Labourers RONCO OILFIELD HAULING * Industrial Painters Sylvan Lake. Openings for * Experienced * Sandblasters Picker operator, bed truck * Material Handler Production Testing drivers and swamper’s.

Trades * Automotive Electrical Top wages and benefits. * Day Supervisors Technician Email resume tom@ * Night Operators * Journeyman Welder / roncooilfield.ca F/T PAINTERS * Experienced Apprentice or fax. 403-887-4892 Exp. Req’d. One of Production Testing Alberta’s largest painting * 2nd Yr Welder with Aluminum experience Assistants companies with offices in Edmonton & Calgary is Celebrate your life Visit our website at: If you are a team player now hiring for with a Classified www.tornadotrucks.com interested in the oil and ANNOUNCEMENT Red Deer. for more details. Our gas industry, please Email: drew@ Company has an submit your resume, calibregroup.ca enthusiastic fast paced current driver’s abstract Company website: working environment, with and current safety www.calibrecoatings.ab.ca advancement possibilities Misc. certificates to the following: for the motivated person, Help Fax 403-887-4750 and offers an excellent mbell@1strateenergy.ca FLUID EXPERTS LTD. benefit package. fax Is looking for experienced 403-742-5544 Please specify position TRUCKING DISPATCHER e-mail: hr@petrofield.com when replying to this ad. to start immed.

Good Verbal, Writing, We would like to thank all Looking for reliable Texting and Computer those candidates who Truckers/ skills. Company Pickup, newspaper carrier apply, however only benefits, above avg. salary Drivers for 1 day per week qualified personnel will and great atmosphere. be contacted. delivery of the Clean Class 1 drivers Central Alberta Life license and abstract.

Completed Basic Training in the town of TOO MUCH STUFF? Courses. Will train the Let Classifieds right individual.

INNISFAIL help you sell it.

Fax Resume w/all tickets and Drivers Abstract to Packages come 403-346-3112 or email to roger@fluidexperts.com ready for delivery.

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Please include 2 work Bidell offers a competitive reference names and wage, company paid health numbers. benefits & best in the Please fax resume to: business savings plan.

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IMMEDIATE F/T POSITION For Year Round Work.

JOURNEYMAN PICKER OPERATOR In Sundre, AB. Competitive wages, guarantee for right applicant.

Benefits. Must have Journeyman Ticket.

Accommodations available.

Please sent resume to: mross@calmena.com

MILLENIUM Mechanical Services Ltd. is currently looking for full-time service plumbers with some HVAC knowledge to provide service to the Red Deer area. Residential and commercial experience is required. Please fax resume to (780)986-2109 or email your resume to customerservice@ milleniummechanical.ca

SHUNDA CONSTRUCTION Requires

Site Superintendents & Foremen For Alberta sites.

Email resume to: admin@shunda.ca

www.lacombeexpress.com www.reddeerexpress.com

WELDER NEEDED for small shop based out of Lacombe. To start in the new year. Must be dependable, have valid drivers licence & reliable vehicle. Call 403-318-9445 8-4:30 Mon. - Fri.

Central AB based trucking company requires

Owner Operators & Company Drivers in AB. Home the odd night. Weekends off. Late model tractor pref.

403-586-4558

Contact Quitcy at 403-314-4316

BASHAW SPORTS CENTRE Bashaw, Alberta Has an opening for a F/T employee in a high volume Sporting Goods Store.

Misc.

Help

880

NEWSPAPER CARRIERS REQUIRED For afternoon delivery once per week In the towns of: Blackfalds Lacombe Ponoka Stettler Call Rick for more info 403-314-4303

Misc.

Help

880

NEWSPAPER CARRIERS REQUIRED To deliver the SYLVAN LAKE NEWS & CENTRAL AB LIFE 1 day a week.

Please call Debbie at 403-314-4307 PIKE WHEATON CHEVROLET is now accepting applications for a full time Parts Person.

Must have good communication and computer skills and have the ability to work independently.

Excellent company benefits.

Please email resume along with wage expectations to: philparts@gmail.com or fax to 403-347-3813

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc. for Sale

1760

2 MATCHING suitcases like new $25; antique oak student chair $75; Kenmore microwave oven, 1200w, $30; 3 wool accent matching carpets, clean, will sell seperate, $50, David Winters collectors house in original box $25 403-352-8811 POTTERY soup set w/urn and ladle, 4 bowls, casserole dish, salad bowl w/4 plates, like new $100; Canon K920 copier w/metal stand exc. cond. $65 403-352-8811

Wanted To Buy

1930

WANTED: de-humidifier in working order 403-347-4390

Livestock

2100

14 BRED Red Angus Heifers, bred Red Angus, due Apr. 1. 1100 lb. home raised, very quiet, take 5 or more. 403-631-2373, 403-994-0581

Horses

2140

WANTED: all types of horses. Processing locally in Lacombe weekly.

403-651-5912

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

SMALL Square Hay Bales: 1st & 2nd cut.

SMALL Square Straw Bales 403-784-2276

Roommates Wanted

3080

3 ROOMS for rent in Lacombe. $500. per room plus split bills, or $1300 for all 3. No smokers or pets.

Avail. Jan. 1. 403-782-3461

Rooms For Rent

3090

ROOM, Avail. immed. $600. + dd 403-505-4777

Industrial

3130

BAY FOR RENT, 1800 sq. ft., drive through bay in heavy industrial area.

780-674-3711

Houses For Sale

4020

BRAND NEW 1340 sq. ft. bungalow, 2 bdrm., den, dbl. att. garage. $384,900.

Call Glen 403-588-2231

MASON MARTIN HOMES Custom new homes planning service.

Kyle, 403-588-2550

MUST SELL New Home. 1335 sq.ft. bi-level, 24x23 att. garage.

403-588-2550

Condos/ Townhouses

4040

NEW CONDO 1000 sq.ft. 2 bdrm., 2 bath. $192,000. 403-588-2550

Cars

5030

TIMOTHY & Brome square bales, great for horses, approx. 60 lbs. put up dry and covered, $5/bale Sylvan area. 403-887-2798

Bashaw Sports is looking F/T TRUCK drivers req’d.

2007 CHRYSLER 300 Houses/ for a person with: Minimum Class 5 with air 103198 kms., $10,888 Duplexes customer and clean abstract. Exp. • Excellent 348-8788 Sport & Import service skills preferred. In person to Key SPLIT level house in newer Towing 4083-78 St. Cres. • Retail sales experience • Valid Firearms License part of Anders, 4 bdrm. 2 Red Deer.

• Good working knowledge baths, laundry, parking in Ironman Scrap Metal of firearms, ammunition Recovery picking up scrap back, fenced backyard & and general sporting deck, n/s, no pets, $1650/mo., again! Farm machinery, Truckers/ good items. vehicles & industrial. Serving + utils & d.d., close to mini mall. 403-357-0320 Drivers Central AB. 403-318-4346 We offer competitive hourly compensation, flexible Classifieds hours, and good working ALL WHEEL DRIVE Your place to SELL conditions.

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Bashaw Sports @ Semi loads of pine, spruce, Condos/ Call 403-350-4323 780-372-4447 tamarack, poplar.

Price depends on location. Townhouses We appreciate all who Lil Mule Logging Ponoka has openings for take the time to apply 2 BDRM LACOMBE CONDO 403-318-4346 WINCH TRACTOR, and thank you for your Ground flr, 45+ bldg, 5 appl, PICKER OPERATORS & Trucks application, but only those Now Offering Hotter, Cleaner N/S, no pets. $1000/mo.

BED TRUCK DRIVERS being considered for an 780-484-0236 BC Birch. All Types. P.U. / for Branch and Winter interview will be notified.

Delivery. Lyle 403-783-2275 Camp Jobs. Experience perferred, willing to train.

Competitive Wages and Household Manufactured Benefits. Fax resume to DISPATCHERS req’d.

Homes (403) 783-3011 or e-mail Day/Night. Knowledge of Furnishings hr@calnashtrucking. com Red Deer and area is www.calnashtrucking.com SEARSOPEDIC Comfort NORTH of Rimbey furn. 3 essential. Verbal and No phone calls please.

Plus dbl. bed, mattress, bdrm. mobile home, on 2012 CHEV Silverado written communication Only individuals selected box spring and frame, horse ranch, all utils. incld’ 2500 LTZ, diesel, lthr., skills are req’d. Send for an interview will be clean, no stains, n/s, $1200. rent/dd. Avail. tonneau cover, $39,888 resume by fax to contacted. $200 403-352-8811 Immed. 403-843-3684 348-8788 Sport & Import 403-346-0295

3020

860

1660

3030

5050

1720

3040

14 Lacombe Express

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Careers Chateau Wine and Spirits is looking to fill the following position: Black Press, an independently owned newspaper company is looking for a full time Sales Representative for our Lacombe paper.

Must be a professional, task-oriented, energetic individual.

The ideal candidate will possess a solid background in customer service. Marketing or sales experience is a definite asset but not imperative. The ability to multi-task and attention to detail is key. Strong written, computer and verbal communications skills are an absolute must.

This position requires a reliable vehicle.

This full time, Sales Representative position is a base plus commission position.

Interested candidates should forward their resume in confidence to: Email: publisher@reddeerexpress.com Or mail to: Red Deer Express #121 5301 43 Street, Red Deer, Alberta • T4N 1C8 Attention: Publisher

FULL TIME LIQUOR CLERK Flexibility required for days, evenings & weekends.

Retail experience an asset.

Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Some lifting up to 50 lbs required.

Salary based on experience.

Please drop off an resume at

Chateau Wine & Spirits #109, 5009-52 st, Lacombe, Ab

Arnett & Burgess is now accepting applications for the following:

CLASS 1 TRUCK DRIVER Must have experience moving heavy equipment that is related to pipeline construction.

Clean abstract.

Competitive wage.

Benefits available.

Please fax resumes to 780-372-4238 Or email to: jobs@abpipeliners.com

Successful Careers

Start Here

Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

No phone calls please.

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Lacombe Express 15

Thursday, December 26, 2013

ARTS & LEISURE City’s queen of professional theatre reflects on career AnnaMarie Lea’s Cow Patti Theatre Company is still going strong

BY PAIGE PARSONS Lacombe Express After 27 years in the acting business, AnnaMarie Lea’s big-city success in small-town Central Alberta suits her just fine.

“I think I’m coming to terms with that little girl who thought she was going to be a movie star when she was eight-years-old,” said Lea. “I never did get my Oscar, but I have accomplished a Canadian career in the arts.”

Lea is the artistic director of Cow Patti Theatre Company, a professional company that stages dinner theatres, benefit shows and runs theatre camps for children. “I think Central Alberta has been lacking a professional company for a long time,” Lea said.

“I think people have been quite taken aback by the level of talent we’ve been able to show them.”

The proof is in the box office. Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii closed recently, after smashing the company’s ticket sale records from the same timeslot last year.

The success makes Lea a bit nervous. What makes the record even more impressive is that during the run of Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, Cow Patti had to cancel a performance due to weather conditions for the first time in its history.

“It’s raised the stakes for me,” Lea said. “I feel a pressure to make sure we continue in this vein, make sure we continue to give our audiences top-notch shows.”

To satisfy Central Al-

berta audiences—and to draw audiences from bigger centres—Lea lives by a three-part motto: “The first is affability, the second is availability and the third is ability,” she said, speaking about the company’s focus on reaching out to audiences, being accessible and producing high quality work.

Lea was born in Calgary and attended theatre school in Vancouver. She got her start in producing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, where she created the Yellowknife Theatre Company.

In addition to staging traditional shows, Lea spent a few seasons producing murder mystery dinner theatres—both on a boat that sailed on Great Slave Lake and in the cabin of a Boeing 737. In the pre911 years, the plane would start down the runway, but ‘break-down’ just before take-off. Before the plane could be fixed, audiences were served both dinner and a murder.

It was during one of shows aboard the plane that Lea caught the eye of a young pilot, her future husband Tom. They married and had four children.

Ironically, Tom now has a job flying 737s.

The family moved to Alberta, which is when Lea created Cow Patti Theatre Company. The idea for the company’s name came to her when she was pregnant with her third child and was living on a farm east of Clive. She was feeding the cows when inspiration struck. “I was forking hay

24 7 HOURS A DAY

VISIONARY - AnnaMarie Lea is the artistic director of Cow Patti Theatre Company. over the fence and I slipped and I fell in a piece of cow [excrement]. And that’s where I came up with the name for Cow Patti,” Lea explained.

In 1997, Cow Patti produced its first show at Westling Hall. Shortly after, it began staging performances at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club.

After five seasons, the family moved to Cornwall, Ontario and Lea took Cow Patti along with them. They stayed there for 11 years, before returning to Central Alberta, where they built a home in the Clive area. Lea brought Cow Patti back to

DAYS A WEEK

the Lacombe Express is available online in full page, easy to read format.

the place it originated.

“The more it changes, the more it stays the same,” Lea said, reflecting on her return to Lacombe. “The people are still that wonderful Alberta friendly folk who enjoy getting out and appreciate the talent.”

One interesting development is that a young, eager actor who auditioned for Lea and performed in a few of the early productions is now playing the role of Lacombe’s mayor, Steve Christie.

Home-grown talent is something Lea plans to focus on. Though in the past she has flown in pro-

fessional performers from afar, she hopes to engage more western talent in future productions.

Perfect Wedding is the company’s next show.

Billed as the ‘Valentine Show’, the production premieres on Feb. 13.

Lea says after the closing performance, audience members are invited to participate in the annual ‘stage kiss’ competition.

Last year’s winners were two women—friends—who won over the audience when one friend kissed the other on the cheek. The prize was two free tickets to a Cow Patti production.

photo submitted

However, when this season came around, Lea got a call from the family of Pauline, one of the women who won.

Pauline had passed away and so the family decided to make it a tradition to come see a Cow Patti show every year in her memory.

This year, on the evening the family came, Lea told the story and announced that the performance would be dedicated to Pauline.

“Those are my Oscars.

Those are my moments where I can feel positive and feel fulfilled about what I’ve chosen to do with my life.”

If you missed a past issue or you’re looking for one of our Special Features go to www.lacombeexpress.com

ARTS & LEISURE

16 Lacombe Express

Thursday, December 26, 2013

The Band Perry set to take Red Deer stage

BY ERIN FAWCETT Lacombe Express A country trio who has shot up the charts in recent years with their numerous hits will take the stage in Red Deer next month.

The Band Perry will perform at the Centrium on Jan. 15. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry make up the powerful trio who have performed on the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Grammy and Billboard Music Awards, among others.

During a recent chat, Kimberly said the band is excited to head to Canada in the New Year to begin the Canadian leg of their tour.

“We have been to Canada a handful of times to play some festivals and we also did a few dates a couple of years ago with Keith Urban but this will be our first time to bring our headlining tour to Canada – we are looking forward to it,” she said.

The Band Perry has as-

cended to huge heights since releasing their selftitled debut album on Republic Nashville in 2010, which scored the siblings a string of hits, including If I Die Young, You Lie and All Your Life. Their sophomore release Pioneer was also praised by top critics and has produced two consecutive number one country hits – Better Dig Two and Done, the latter earning Neil and Reid their first chart-topper as songwriters. Their current single, Don’t Let Me Be Lonely, is already in the top 25 at Country radio.

Neil said the Perrys have always been a musical family.

“We have always loved music. That is one of the things that we credit our parents with the most – is giving us a huge appreciation for all different types of music,” he said. “I remember growing up our mom in the morning would play country music – Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and a little bit of Michael Jackson. And our dad at night would play us Queen, The

Rolling Stones – all the great rock and roll bands.

“Eventually we just caught the fever and started picking up instruments and playing. That was our story 15 years ago and here we are today.”

When coming up with new material, The Band Perry draws from a variety of areas for inspiration.

“We draw from life experiences and the stories we hear whether it’s from each other or from people that we know,” said Reid. “Writing on the road is interesting because life stands still.

We have mastered the skill of making life happen on the run.”

Kimberly added touring allows them to be inspired as well.

“We get inspired by just staying in a new place. New horizons always add to new inspiration. We are looking really forward to Canada in January because there will be fresh experiences and fresh inspiration.”

Moving forward, The Band Perry wants to gain the reputation of being a fantastic show on stage for

This may not be “The Happiest Season of All” for many people. For someone who is already struggling, this Ɵme of year can increase depression. Holidays can be tough to navigate if you have lost someone dear. It is common to wonder “Should we celebrate? …..Can we?”

DYNAMIC TRIO - The Band Perry will make a stop in Red Deer as part of their Canadian tour.

The country trio plays the Centrium Jan. 15. photo submitted fans to enjoy.

“I think we want to strive to continue having a great live show. I think that is where fans get a true sense of The Band Perry,” said Neil. “It’s what we were doing before writing music or doing interviews, we were playing on stage. I think

having the reputation of being an exciting, live show where people can come and forget about all of their problems is the biggest thing.”

As for what The Band Perry has accomplished so far, Kimberly said it is “Really rewarding.

“It’s really wonderful to see a decade’s worth of work come to fruition. Everyday we live to play and it’s part therapy as well – we live for it.”

For tickets to the Red Deer show visit www.ticketmaster.ca. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

The “Walk For Wellness And Suicide PrevenƟon” group would like to express our love and concern and remind everyone to pay special aƩenƟon to themselves -- because You Are Important!

Please reach out for help and be kind to yourself.

Please pay special aƩenƟon to those around you who may be suīering in silence.

There is help, there is hope.

Wishing you a very happy New Year

Crisis Line: 1 877 303 2642

May 2014 hold many wonderful things for you and yours.

Wishing everyone peace and joy!

Please accept our sincere gratitude for the support you have given us this year.

From the Walk for Wellness & Suicide Prevention Team

Lacombe Express 17

Thursday, December 26, 2013

SPORTS Local hockey player to hit ice at Winter Games

BY PAIGE PARSONS Lacombe Express Fourteen-year-old hockey player Emily McLennan knows the value of hard work. After nine years of dedication to a game she loves, McLennan earned a spot on the Zone 4 female hockey squad that will compete at the 2014 Alberta Winter Games.

“It was really good, it was excitement with nervousness, just knowing all the work paid off,” said McLennan, when asked about how it felt to make the team.

McLennan found out she made the team the day after the tryouts in November. The Games will be co-hosted

by Banff and Canmore from Feb. 6-9.

During the Games, McLennan thinks she will mostly be playing left wing because that was the main position she played at the tryouts. So far, the Zone 4 team only has one practice scheduled before the tournament begins. McLennan said she’s not worried that the team will lack cohesion because the coaches based their picks on players who seemed to play well together.

“At the tryouts they were watching for people who can play well with people who they’re not used to playing with, so they’re kind of looking for the flexible team players,” said McLennan. “I think that everyone on the team has the capability of doing that.”

She said that around 90 skaters tried out for the Zone 4 team. During the tryout weekend in November, they were evaluated on both skill drills and game play. McLennan said the competition was stiff. Some of the skaters already had AAA hockey experience. However, McLennan came prepared—both mentally and physically—to impress the coaches with what she can do.

“You have to eat well before the tryouts and when you’re tired, you can’t just give up, so it’s a lot of work,” she said.

McLennan is no stranger to pushing herself beyond her comfort zone.

At 14, she is a bantam-aged player, but this season she has been playing with the Lacoka Midget female team. Laco-

ka combines athletes from Lacombe and Ponoka. Competing with older and bigger athletes was a challenge, but McLennan said she has benefited from the experience.

“It was kind of a little bit overwhelming at first, but you kind of just get into the same thought process as everyone else,” she said.

Until three years ago, McLennan played for male teams in the Lacombe Minor Hockey Association. Though she said she had good experiences playing with the boys and that she sometimes misses the hitting, she prefers playing for Lacoka because it’s easier to form friendships and be a part of the team.

“I’ve had better relationships in girls hockey because you can be involved in the dressing room conversations and stuff like that.”

Part of the responsibility that comes with donning the orange Zone 4 jersey is missing a few days of school.

The Winter Games start on a Wednesday, which means McLennan will have some catching up to do when she gets back to class. Fortunately, her teachers at Father Lacombe Catholic School are very supportive of her efforts and were enthused about her earning a spot on the Winter Games team.

“My teachers and gym teacher were excited to hear that. They like to know the accomplishments that are going on in their students’ lives,” she said.

Hockey and school is something McLennan will continue to balance.

Next season, she plans to try out for the Red Deer Midget AAA team. If she doesn’t make it, she’ll continue playing for the Lacoka midget team.

McLennan isn’t sure what her future holds in the long-term. After high school, she might try to get a scholarship to play hockey at the postsecondary level. McLennan knows competition for spots on college and university teams is stiff, so, for now, she is focused on enjoying experiences like the Alberta Winter Games and continuing to compete in the sport she loves.

“I’d like to keep playing hockey as long as I can.”

BRIGHT FUTURE - Emily McLennan has been playing hockey for nine years and was recently selected to photo submitted be part of the Zone 4 Team for this year’s Alberta Winter Games.

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18 Lacombe Express

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Horoscope ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Mar 21/Apr 20

Apr 21/May 21

May 22/Jun 21

Jun 22/Jul 22

Jul 23/Aug 23

Aug 24/Sept 22

Thanks to the chilly

A sporting event or

weather, a beach

something that draws

vacation beckons you,

a large crowd is just

Aries. Start planning an

where you need to

excursion to a warm

be this week, Taurus.

locale that allows you

Surround yourself with

to escape the

people who share

daily grind.

your interests.

Cancer, the final stages Obligations to work It may take a while to Give an issue in your relationship the of a project you have and family leave you convince someone consideration it merits, been working on are short on personal to go along with your Gemini. Though it ready begin. Don’t be time, Leo. Though your idea, Virgo. Yet once might not seem like afraid to take credit schedule is hectic, it now, taking time you have this person’s when all of your hard make time to unwind to work this out will work pays off in and you will be glad for support, they will be ultimately strengthen fully on board. your relationship. a big way. having done so.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Sept 23/Oct 23

Oct 24/Nov 22

Nov 23/Dec 21

Dec 22/Jan 20

Jan 21/Feb 18

Feb 19/Mar 20

Aquarius, even though Perceptions vary, Sagittarius, make the Capricorn.

Just best of a situation bouncing around sometimes be a it will be a busy week, because you feel that needs changing. aimlessly for some dangerous thing for you aren’t likely to feel strongly about You might not be able time, Libra. But now is you, Scorpio. Channel something doesn’t wiped out. There will to affect change, but mean another will the week to get all of any restlessness into that does not mean still be time for fun. view it the same way. your affairs together a worthy project that you can’t improve the Accept that your and put your plan for makes good use of situation with a positive passion will not always Figure out a day to do something enjoyable. be reciprocated. attitude. the future in motion. your boundless energy.

You may have been

Restlessness can

CLUES ACROSS 1. Bawled out 10. Former “Today” host 12. Shape anew 13. Skulls 15. Renting dwellers 16. Choose to refrain 18. Anno Domini 19. Old French small coin 20. Carry out 21. Dashes 24. Expresses suspicion 27. Followed the trail of 30. The highest point of something 31. Geological times 33. Cartilaginous structure

Pisces, you are HOW TO PLAY:

torn between being creative and following

Fill-in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

ANSWER

convention at work.

Ask a colleague for some input.

34. Hill (Celtic) 35. Bura 37. Center of a wheel 39. __ de plume 41. String, lima or green 42. Greek goddess of discord 44. Move back and forth 47. Britain’s Sandhurst (abbr.)

48. Comedian Carvey 49. Public promotion 50. Federal residential mortgage insurer 52. Location of White House 53. Gives an answer 56. Populates 61. Fires a weapon 62. More tense

63. An outstanding achievement 65. Annotations

CLUES DOWN 1. Buddhist monk of Tibet 2. Egyptian sun god 3. Soft roe 4. Garden planting areas 5. Atomic #89 6. Soul and calypso songs 7. Large European flatfish 8. Expunction 9. Impression in a surface 10. PBS filmmaker Burns 11. Former OSS 12. Draft an edict

14. Assistant 15. Proclamation upon finishing 17. Slight head bend 22. Asian ethnic hill people 23. SE Asian goat antelope 24. Aware of the latest trends 25. Person of Arabia 26. Industrial process to produce ammonia 28. Expressed pleasure 29. The plural of crus 32. Old Thailand 36. Riboneucleic acid 38. One who assembles books 40. Cosa Nostra

member 43. Pouchlike structures 44. Violent action 45. ___ of March 46. Slum area of a city 51. Valuable, useful possession 54. Philemon (Biblical abbr.)

55. Shaped bread 56. Fruits of the gourd family 57. Copyread 58. Double curve 59. Photographs (slang) 60. Side sheltered from the wind 64. Atomic #86

ANSWER

Have your

Local Sports Events Featured in the...

Contact Brian at 403.782.5306 or email news@lacombeexpress.com

Lacombe Express 19

Thursday, December 26, 2013

BOXING WEEK BLOWOUT EVENT

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20 Lacombe Express

Thursday, December 26, 2013

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4

Pumpernickle Bread 450g

General Mills Cereal

each

each

1.99

$

Crusty Rolls White or Whole Wheat Package of 12

Selected Varieties 525-720g

$

8.99

$

Mangoes Sweet & Juicy Imported

each

3.99

Old Dutch Potato Chips

each

.99¢ Kraft HandiSnacks

24’s

270g

$

each

2.99

each

2.49

$

Outside Round Oven Roasts

Pork Back Ribs

$8.80/kg

$6.59/kg

Cut In-Store from Canada AA Grade Beef - Aged 14 days Warehouse Pack

3.99 lb

$

Lean & Meaty Frozen

$

each

6.99

$

Gala Apples

2.99 lb

Central Alberta Co-op

3lb Bag Extra Fancy Grade Produce of U.S.A

each

2.99

$

English Estates Centre – Lacombe 403-782-6200 Open Daily until 9pm www.centralab.coop