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Thursday, January 9, 2014

Lacombe Ministerial Association welcomes new president Leon H. Johnston begins term with the City’s inter-faith collaborative

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express

Bethel and Woody Nook are also CRCNA churches serving the area. Johnston said it is quite common to have multiple churches in the denomination serving the same community because each church serves a different facet of it.

Woody Nook is outside of Lacombe and serves the rural population.

Bethel is inside the City and serves what Johnston called the more “traditional” members of the Christian Reformed Church.

Wolf Creek Community Church, as the name implies, serves the community as a whole.

“We do all have, if you like, different target audiences,” said Johnston. “It actually works very well.”

As with any organization, the purpose of the Lacombe Ministerial Association has changed a bit throughout the years, said Johnston. However, the general purpose of the group remains the same, to gather church leaders for mutual encouragement, prayer and to collaborate in ministry.

A good way to sum up the Lacombe Ministerial Association might be to say it is one part networking group and one part support group. Collaboration among Lacombe’s ministers is valuable, said Johnston, because ministry as a profession is quite unique and there is a sense that only other pastors will understand some of the strains and stresses of their work.

He said the first half of the ministerial association’s monthly meetings are spent sharing stories and learning how they can pray for and support each other.

“There is something very encouraging about meeting with people that totally understand what you are going through.”

With that collaboration, the ministers of Lacombe are more effective at preaching the word of God and serving the community of Lacombe, said Johnston. He added that it also important for the association to serve the community as a whole or the ‘Church of Lacombe,’ as Johnston calls it.

Even when the ministerial association gets involved in community projects that aren’t necessarily

T

he Lacombe Ministerial Association has a new president.

Effective at the turn of the year, Reverend Leon H. Johnston, or Pastor Leon as he likes to be called, has begun his term as president for the inter-faith collaborative group based in Lacombe.

Members of the Lacombe Ministerial Association take turns serving as president of the association, said Johnston. Terms are usually for one year, and the group discusses and decides together whose turn it is to be president.

“It’s more of a communal discernment,” said Johnston.

Because he had been in the community for three years previous and was deemed to be well established, the association decided that it was Johnston’s turn to serve as president, he said.

He added that some who have been members of the Lacombe Ministerial Association for several years had already had their turn, or even a second one, at being president.

Johnston, who has been ordained for five years, said he decided to become a minister because he felt a calling from God. He added that it took some time, years actually, for him to realize this calling.

Before making that gradual realization, Johnston was a teacher for four years. Even then, Johnston was beginning to feel a call to a faith-related career. He said that most of the classes he taught related to religion in some form like church history or faith studies. “I could see my trajectory was more headed toward the church anyway, so I was preparing for that.”

Johnston came to be at Wolf Creek Community Church in Lacombe after serving a church in British Columbia. He said his denomination, the Christian Reformed Church of North America (CRCNA), works on a “calling system” and members of the community called to ask him to come to Lacombe and serve a church in the community.

turn of the year and has already defined some goals for his term. directly related to religion, they are still embodying the Christian lifestyle through work that benefits the community.

What direction the Lacombe Ministerial Association decides to go this term will depend somewhat on what the body decides as a whole, but Johnston said he already has some goals in mind.

He said he would like to work

at unifying the group and defining some clear goals in order to increase efficiency.

As part of the goal of the ministry is also to promote and spread the word of the Gospel, Johnston is also looking at new avenues of sharing the Good Word with the community, he said.

To that effect, the ministry is working on bringing a new fea-

photo submitted

ture to the Lacombe Express, a faith column written by the church leaders of Lacombe and area that will discuss issues of religion and reflect on theological doctrine.

Readers can look forward to reading the bi-weekly column in coming issues of the Lacombe Express in the near future. news@lacombeexpress.com

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Thursday, January 9, 2014

Former Lacombe man remembered in community

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express A memorial service will be held later this month for a former Lacombian allegedly murdered in Belize.

Brian Townsend, who died in Belize just before the New Year, will be remembered at a service in Lacombe on Jan. 19.

After moving to Belize to build the Valley of Peace Seventh-day Adventist High School, Townsend ended up staying after it was finished and had been living there for nearly 10 years.

On Dec. 25, Townsend went missing. Two days later, his remains turned up in a neighbouring country.

Troy McQueen, communications director for the Alberta Seventh-day Adventist Conference, said that Townsend had not been hired by the Seventhday Adventist Church or sent by them as a missionary to work but he was

certainly “mission-minded” and his work reflected that.

BRIAN TOWNSEND The date of Townsend’s death is unknown, but his remains were discovered on Dec. 27 by police in Guatemala, a neighbouring country of Belize.

Guatemalan police then provided photographs of the remains to their Belizean counterparts who confirmed the body was that of Townsend.

Townsend’s son, Kory, who traveled to Belize on Dec. 28 to search for his father also confirmed the remains were that of his father from looking at the photos.

Police believe Townsend

was murdered after being abducted from his home. When discovered, Townsend’s body was still recognizable, but had large wounds that may have been made by a machete, they have said.

It is believed that Townsend was abducted from his Belizean home on Christmas Day. He was last heard from when he asked his cook to prepare dinner for him.

When she arrived at the house however, Townsend was gone.

Instead, she discovered that his vehicle was missing, the house had been vandalized and there was a trail of blood outside the house.

Police are working on tracking down two suspects in relation to the murder.

A memorial service for Townsend is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. at the College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church (6915 Maple Dr.) news@lacombeexpress.com

Discover the convenience of pre-authorized monthly payments The City of Lacombe has a Pre-Authorized Tax Installment Payment Plan.

This voluntary plan offers you an easy, time-saving way to have tax payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month.

It means eliminating the chore of writing cheques and you’ll never have to worry about remembering to make a payment or the cost of postage or a possible late fee. There are no service charges or fees for enrolling in this plan and setting up is easy: 1) Complete and submit the Authorization Agreement for the plan, along with a void cheque. The form can be picked up in person at City Hall (5432 56 Avenue, Lacombe, Alberta) or on-line at http://www.lacombe.ca/living/ taxes-assessment 2) Payments will start being automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the 16th of each month

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A young man from Lacombe has reportedly died after a two-vehicle, head-on collision earlier this week.

Police have said a 19-year-old Central Alberta man was killed in a collision that took place on Hwy. 27 east of Olds on Jan. 6. Mark Dobler, coach for the Ponoka Stampeders has confirmed one of the deceased is Damian Pannenbecker of Lacombe.

Dobler was a former coach of Pannenbecker’s.

He was traveling east with five others in a minivan when it collided head-on with an Acura SUV at approximately 5:45 p.m.

Two others, including the driver of the SUV were also killed in the accident and the others were transported via ground ambulance to hospital for treatment.

The other occupants of the minivan are also Central Alberta residents.

Police are not releasing any names of

the victims.

Olds RCMP believe that the minivan encroached into the west-bound lane.

After the collision, the SUV remained in the westbound lane facing north while the minivan came to rest in the south ditch facing west.

Weather is not believed to be a factor in the collision as conditions were favourable and the collision occurred on a straight, flat section of the highway with visibility for considerable distance.

However, road conditions may have been a factor but are not believe to have been the sole cause. Alcohol is not believe to be involved at this time.

An RCMP collision reconstructionist from Red Deer attended the scene to assist in the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing.

- Vossen

Garbage collection delayed Due to the ongoing heavy snowfalls, mechanical failures, and the Christmas holiday break, the City of Lacombe’s infrastructure services is running about a week behind in garbage collection service.

“Garbage collection should be back on track early next week,” said Utilities Manager Chris Huston.

“We understand the impact this delay is having on residents, and we’re asking for their patience as we work as quickly as we can to clear up the backlog. Unfortunately, in addition to the heavy snowfalls, two of our four garbage trucks have experienced mechanical failure, taking them out

of service.”

The roads department have been aiding the utilities and fleet staff by plowing impassable alleys that have become difficult for garbage trucks to navigate, and both out-of-service garbage trucks are in for repair.

“The number one priority at the moment is clearing City streets as quickly as possible, so that other services like garbage pickup can be provided to residents,” said Infrastructure Services Director Matthew Goudy. “We understand that our citizens are just as frustrated with the high amounts of snowfall as City staff are, and we thank

those who have treated our staff with respect when notifying them of issues or areas of concern.”

Mayor Steve Christie said he would like to thank residents for their understanding.

“Going forward, we will endeavor to be more proactive in our communications to the public with regards to disruptions in providing municipal services.”

Residents are asked to report any issues or concerns about City roadways by calling 403-782-1261 or going to http://www. lacombe.ca/living/infrastructure-services/roads/ report-a-concern.

- Vossen

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Lacombe Express 5

Thursday, January 9, 2014

H1N1 outbreak increases demand for seasonal flu vaccine

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express With the recent outbreak of H1N1, Albertans are flocking to local pharmacies and mass immunization clinics to get their seasonal flu shots, which this year also protect against H1N1.

That is a good thing, as 10 Albertans are now confirmed dead from H1N1 and about 300 have been hospitalized with another 40 in intensive care. Dr. James Talbot, chief medical officer for Alberta Health Services, said that few of the flu cases this season have been strains other than H1N1.

“Virtually all of the influenza we are seeing in the province this year is H1N1” said Talbot during a press conference this week.

Alberta Health orders its flu vaccine in February and ordered 1.1 million doses for this year’s flu season. Talbot said this is much more than last year’s order, from which there were leftover doses.

But Talbot also said that already this year, Alberta Health Services has vaccinated more people than it did in the entirety of last year’s flu season. To keep up with the demand, the department is getting two more shipments of the vaccine.

‘PHARMACIES HAVE STEPPED UP AND GIVEN US A SURGE CAPACITY THAT WE DIDN’T HAVE BEFORE.’ DR. JAMES TALBOT These vaccines were thought to be surplus to what was needed in Italy and so have been secured for use in Alberta, said Talbot.

He added that these shipments include, “The last vaccines on the planet.”

Pharmacies have been terrific partners in administering the vaccinations, said Talbot. He said use of pharmacies has about doubled since last year and they have administered a third of the vaccines in the province.

However, as demand for the vaccine has been high, some pharmacies may not be stocked at all times.

Talbot recommended contacting local pharmacies beforehand to check on how much vaccine is available or to even make appointments where possible.

While it is true that pharmacies have been a go-to for many Albertans seeking the vaccine, Talbot said that the focus now will be on mass immunization clinics other than individual pharmacies.

He said it is too difficult to manage the system with 1,500 points of entry. Talbot added he is still proud of what the current system has accomplished so far.

“I’d like to emphasize that, as a system, we’re really proud of the work that has been done,” said Talbot. “Pharmacies have stepped up and given us a surge capacity that we didn’t have before.”

Talbot added that with bringing the vaccine to more central areas the hope is to vaccinate as many people as possible and minimize frustrations of people who go to get immunized but can’t due to insufficient stock of the vaccine.

“Our supplies are not infinite,” said Talbot. “But we believe that by bringing it to more central locations we will be able to decrease the annoyance of showing up some place and not getting the vaccine.”

At this point, over 23% of Alberta’s population has been vaccinated, said Talbot. He added that if trends continue there will be a “historic high” of immunizations by the end of the season.

There are other ways to protect yourself from contracting H1N1 or any other strain of influenza. As with any disease, hygiene is very important in protecting yourself.

Talbot advocated for hand washing, disposing of tissues after blowing your nose and staying home if you or someone in your family is sick.

Of those who have died in the outbreak of the disease, Talbot said there is a “mixed bag” when it comes to the health and age of the deceased.

He said the age ranges from 18 to 64, some with healthy immune systems and others with pre-existing conditions.

This year’s seasonal flu vaccine protects against other strains of influenza as well, but health officials are saying that H1N1 is the primary concern at this time.

Albertans will be familiar with the H1N1 pandemic of 2009.

According to a Government of Alberta report, there were a total of 6,298 cases of H1N1 in the pandemic year.

Of these cases, 1,214 patients were hospitalized and 60 died.

Vaccinations are available at the Lacombe Community Health Centre and various pharmacies in Lacombe and Blackfalds.

To find locations in your area administering the vaccine, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza.asp. news@lacombeexpress.com

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Thursday, January 9, 2014

Fire crews kept busy over weekend

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express

CONGRATULATIONS - Students from the first ever Grade 6 class at the Umutara School for Deaf Children in Rwanda celebrate their graduation with members of the Lacombe Rotary Club during a recent A Better World trip.

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On the morning of Jan. 3, the Lacombe Fire Department responded to a single vehicle rollover on the QE II Hwy. between the north and south exits for Lacombe.

Fire Chief Ed van Delden said it appeared that the driver maneuvered the vehicle, which was traveling southbound, too far to the east edge of the road, catching a windrow of snow and putting the vehicle out of control.

The vehicle came to rest on its roof. After arriving on scene, fire crews were able to extricate the driver from the vehicle by shoveling snow away from the doors which were then able to open.

After being removed from the vehicle, the driver was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Prior to attending to the scene of the rollover, the Lacombe Fire Department was dispatched to another incident along the QE II Hwy. van Delden said crews had some difficulty locating that site because of inaccurate directions.

While fire crews eventually learned the location of the initial incident and discovered that their assistance wasn’t needed, such instances of inaccurate or inadequate locations and directions have been frequent of late. van Delden said this isn’t a problem with dispatch, it’s simply that they are working with limited information from those who initially call 911.

He added the lack of detailed location information is in part due to the prevalence of mobile phones. He said before mobile phones were popular, more calls to 911 came from landlines which give a distinct, exact location.

Of course, mobile phones are much more useful when it comes to getting help immediately, rather than having to run and find a landline.

But, they can cause frustrations for emergency

crews and dispatchers when callers cannot provide exact location information.

This is something that happens often, as many who initially report accidents are passersby who aren’t necessarily familiar with the area they are in, officials have said.

However, van Delden said that such incidents are not limited to highway accidents and that dispatch has asked callers within the City limits to more clearly define their whereabouts on occasion as well. van Delden said that one thing that would help is for callers to utilize the GPS function in their smart phones. He said many phones have this function now but the trouble is that not everyone is familiar with how to use it efficiently.

“Most users aren’t proficient with that or able to do that readily,” said van Delden.

“So maybe that’s something that somebody could work at.”

He added that he believes dispatchers are working with cell phone providers to be able to use GPS information to assist in emergencies.

“It is possible, but it’s not readily available,” said van Delden.

“So we’re hoping that that technology will become available to emergency responders.”

In addition to the incident on Jan. 3, the Lacombe Fire Department responded to two crashes last weekend in the late hours of Saturday night/early Sunday morning. van Delden said that in both incidents, little aid was necessary from fire crews and road conditions did not appear to be a factor.

He added that both drivers in the two separate incidents appeared to be under the influence, whether that was alcohol, drugs or simply sleep depravation, he was unable to tell.

In both cases the drivers were transported to hospital for medical attention, van Delden said. news@lacombeexpress.com

Lacombe Express 7

Thursday, January 9, 2014

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 Robot inspired by geckos Nature is amazing.

All the time, amazing discoveries are being made about the natural world and how living things are able do incredible things in order to survive and thrive.

And while the sticky foot of the gecko is not a new discovery, it has recently been put to some useful applications in the world of science and technology.

Geckos are small lizards common to warm climates throughout the world. Many species of gecko are well-known for having specialized pads on their feet that allow them to walk vertically, or even upside-down along many surfaces.

In the wild, geckos use this ability to scamper up trees, large rocks and other such surfaces in pursuit of insects, the staple and favourite food of most geckos.

But, this ability has also helped them adapt to life in areas populated by humans.

In urban areas, geckos often live as welcome squatters or even as valuable pets for their wall-crawling and insect-hunting abilities.

Insects are pests, and (as anyone who has ever wielded a fly-swatter knows,) can hide in places difficult to reach (like the ceiling), so a gecko is often a practical solution to the insect infestation problem in a home.

Now, the European Space Agency (ESA), working with researchers from Canada, have developed a robot designed to crawl across the

hulls of spacecraft inspired by the foot of the gecko.

Instead of hunting insects, the robot was designed to maintain the outside of spaceships in flight in the future.

The robot, which has been nicknamed Abigaille, has its own special pads on its feet that were inspire by geckoes.

Mike Henrey, the research team’s leader, calls the process of taking engineering solutions from the natural world ‘biomimicry’ and said Abigaille is a perfect example of this. He said the robot is able to climb walls and work upside down, just like geckos, because robot’s feet are covered with dry microfibres modeled after the feet of geckos.

Henrey said that ESA is interested in dry adhesives because other adhesives, like sticky tape, Velcro and magnets would not be suitable.

Tape loses its adhesive properties over time, Velcro requires two surfaces to hook together and magnets will not stick to composite parts of spacecraft.

Having feet in place of wheels or other mobility methods is also an advantage for Abigaille.

Henrey said that the climbing robot is more dexterous than a wheeled robot and its six legs each have four degrees of freedom. This means it could work in more varied environments.

Abigaille has yet to be thoroughly tested, but initial research

is promising showing that its adhesive abilities work well in simulated zero-gravity environments.

While the ‘gecko-bot’ wall-crawl-

ing abilities are limited to smooth, man-made surfaces for now, research is continuing to improve this performance.

How to function while fighting a cold 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.

This past week I have been sick with a bit of a cold.

When you are sick, there is really only one thing you really care about and that is feeling better.

Therefore, I found myself spending a good deal of time last week trying to make myself feel better.

And knowing I’m likely not the only one to fall prey to a cold this winter I have decided to share my findings in this column.

As you probably know, the common cold is caused by a virus, which means there is no cure for the disease save to let it run its course.

Instead of treating the cold, cough syrups and other cold remedies you can buy at the pharmacy (or even make up at home) treat the symptoms of the cold so that you can at least function while you are feeling miserable.

Of course, that also means that no matter how much disgusting cough syrup you quaff, it will never make you feel 100% better.

However, that doesn’t mean cold

BRIAN

VOSSEN remedies are useless and there are quite a few simple ones that will make you feel much better.

In last week’s column, I wrote about the simple pleasures of hot showers and hot beverages.

A perfect time to indulge in these is when you are sick with a cold.

A hot shower will warm you up, which I think we can all agree is something that someone wants when sick with a cold, especially in incredibly frigid weather we have been experiencing recently, as well as to keep your body clean - something that is important while you are sick.

Hot beverages will do this and keep you hydrated as well as help to soothe a sore throat, one of the most common symptoms of a cold.

Soup works for this too. Grandma was right when she said homemade soup is good for you.

As a bonus, inhaling the steam from hot showers, beverages or soup can help decongest sinuses, another common symptom of the common cold, which actually can cause the sore throat.

While these remedies will help you feel better, they aren’t going to cure your cold. As mentioned before, only time can get rid of a cold completely.

Because of this, there is a somewhat prevalent myth that there is no point to treating symptoms of a cold or using any pharmaceutical remedies while you have one. This is not the case.

The thing to remember is that cold remedies aren’t intended to cure you, they are intended to make being sick easier to deal with.

Cold remedies don’t get rid of the cold, they soothe the symptoms so that you feel better while your body heals. Treating your symptoms can at times aid the healing process be-

cause the body can focus on fighting just your cold rather than your cold and all its symptoms.

So, using over-the counter cough syrups and other cold remedies is beneficial.

Just be sure you aren’t taking too many meds for the same issue, as some can interfere with each other.

Of course, since the only way to get rid of a cold is to let it run it course, the most important thing your body needs is rest.

While you might want to run around and do some errands after using some remedies (or run some errands to obtain some remedies), the best idea is to stay home and rest.

Instead, have someone else like a spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, parent, sibling or good friend run your errands or help you out while you are sick.

If you feel like you are taking advantage of them, you’re not.

These are the people who want to help and you will get the chance to return the favour.

8 Lacombe Express

Thursday, January 9, 2014

fyi EVENTS MESSY CHURCH - is a new way to explore the values and stories of Christian faith in an atmosphere of creativity, hospitality and celebration. From 5-7 pm on Friday, Jan. 10 in the CE Building at St. Andrew’s United Church (5226-51 Avenue). Call 403782-3148 for more information.

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

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. in Red Deer. Cost: $15 per person. Jim Duncan, Clearwater County councillor & 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, industry, environmental groups and private citizens for many years. This partnership is a new twist on the educational aspects of west country management.

Jim’s presentation will outline this initiative as well as the benefits of developing a branded program that is widely recognizable and attractive 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.

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

Your weekly Community Events Calendar

Church of Christ (#68 Donlevy Ave.) in Red Deer. For information, call David at 403-342-1318 or email crozsmit@telusplanet. net. Visit www.harmonizers.ca.

Central Alberta Theatre presents Sylvia by A.R. Gurney, the comic tale of a man who becomes obsessed with the stray dog he brings home. His wife really doesn’t want the dog and so the story is about this hilarious triangle. And the dog talks saying what a real dog would say if it could. The show runs Jan. 16 to Feb. 1 at Red Deer’s City Centre Stage, 4922 49th St., 7:30 evenings and 2 p.m. Jan. 19. Tickets are available through

First and Fourth Friday of every month. 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. with live music. $2 Admission. Contact Henry at 403-789-3738.

New to Lacombe? Contact Lacombe Welcome Wagon at 403-3489567 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 for free information, baby product samples as well as free gifts from local businesses.

Youth Unlimited Drop-in Activites every Tuesday and Thursday, for ages 12 and up. Movies, crafts, games, and more! It costs $2/

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.

On Jan. 25, the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories Red Deer and Central Alberta office is hosting an East Coast Meets West Kitchen Party fundraiser. This party will celebrate the co-mingling of the East Coast and Alberta cultures with tasty bites of the best of both regions, a live auction, and singing-and-dancing music by Celtic traditional band Chris

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the Black Knight Inn Ticket Centre at (403) 755-6626 or online at www.blackknightinn.ca.

The Red Deer Legion Pipe Band is 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.

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.

Lacombe Legion Old Time Dances –

night or $50/season (JuneSeptember). Last Thursday of the month is girls only. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. and activities run at the YU-Turn Youth Centre.

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.

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

Greve and Claymore. This event is a must for everyone who likes to have a good time, irrespective of where they are from. Tickets are limited and are on sale for $100 each; they are available by contacting the Alzheimer Society at 403-342-0448.

MEETINGS CNIB Support Meeting – Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1:30 – 3 p.m. at Cameron Manor 5324 51 Ave. Lacombe.

Contact Teresa at 403-782-2780.

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.

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.

W.H.O.L.E. - Widows Helping Others Live Earnestly. W.H.O.L.E. can help you adjust to your loss, to channel your grief into helping others who are struggling with loss, and to help you gain perspective as a person who has a new role to be fulfilled. It’s 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.

Writers’ Ink, The Red Deer & District Writers Club has weekly meetings (every Tuesday) in the old farmhouse at Sunnybrook Farm (4701 30 St.) from 7 to 9 p.m. We meet, share our writing, and offer constructive criticism to one another. We also do our utmost to improve our craft

by Skyping professionals in the field of writing, by inviting guest speakers to our Spring Workshop and to the occasional meeting. Our professional library is increasing as is our knowledge gained from members who are constantly seeking new challenges and sharing successes and failures with the group. Guests are welcome!

Lacombe Express 9

Thursday, January 9, 2014

E-cigarettes help some to kick the habit

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express Now two weeks into the new year, resolutions are in full swing.

Among the top most common New Year’s resolutions is quitting smoking.

However, as any smoker will tell you, it’s not an easy one to stick to.

As such smokers turn to a number of anti-smoking aids to help them kick the habit and one tactic more and more smokers are using to help them quit is electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigarettes.

Mary Coghill, owner of Puffin Awesome Smoke shop in Lacombe, said she knows of a few people who have successfully used ecigarettes to help them quit smoking.

“I know some where it is working,” said Coghill, adding that some users have combined e-cigarettes with nicotine patches to kick their habit. “The people that are using it only on occasion, they seem to be ok.”

Not only are people using e-cigarettes as an antismoking aid, they are using them to keep from reverting back to smoking after quitting as well.

Coghill said she has customers who will purchase e-cigarettes so they have something to smoke when they know they will be around other smokers, like camping in the summer.

Another advantage to e-cigarettes is they allow you to smoke in places

traditional cigarettes are not allowed. She said that she tried one herself when staying with her mother in an apartment that doesn’t allow smoking and knows others people who have done the same.

“It’s a really good alternative.”

Coghill said she is of the opinion that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking. She said that

‘I DO FIRMLY BELIEVE IT’S WAY BETTER FOR YOU.’ MARY COGHILL there is little to no heat involved with e-cigarettes and there is no smoke.

There is also no lingering cigarette smell or secondhand smoke when smoking the e-cigarettes, said Coghill.

“I do firmly believe it’s way better for you,” said Coghill.

Coghill added that smoking is dangerous not necessarily because of tobacco or nicotine, but because of the combination of them with all the other chemicals in cigarettes. She also reiterated that the heat of smoking traditional cigarettes is very harmful to the lungs.

While traditional cigarettes contain many chemicals and are not required to list their ingredients, the active ingredient in ecigarettes is glycerol which Coghill said is already commonly found in many substances.

She added that there is little else in the e-cigarettes other than the “juice” that creates the vapour made from water and glycerol.

However, not everyone is convinced that e-cigarettes are a good idea.

According to Health Canada e-cigarettes may pose unknown health risks.

Health Canada also recommends against the use of any kind of e-cigarette and has stated that further research is needed about the effects of smoking them.

Because glycerin is added to products she already uses, Coghill said she can’t imagine how e-cigarettes could be as or more harmful than traditional smokes. However, she does agree that more research is needed into the effects of the product.

Coghill, who quit smoking in 2003, said she thinks it is worthwhile to learn more about e-cigarettes as they could be used to help people stop smoking.

However Coghill said that health agencies advocate for quitting smoking, but sometimes don’t consider how difficult and expensive that can be for smokers.

“It’s not that easy,” said Coghill. “If it was that easy people would have quit.”

Therefore, organizations like Health Canada should be looking into alternative ways to help people stop smoking or at least smoke safer.

“It makes sense for Health Canada to look into it.”

E-cigarettes are battery operated devices that create a vapour that can be inhaled instead of smoke.

They can have rechargeable cartridges or be disposable and come in a number of flavours.

Some e-cigarettes also contain nicotine. However, this variety of e-cigarette has not been authorized for sale in Canada.

As such, Puffin Awesome Smoke Shop does not stock the nicotine variety, but Coghill said she gets inquiries about them from customers everyday. She said she is not sure if she likes the idea of nicotine being added to the devices or not and that more research needs to be done.

“I don’t know that that’s a lot better for you, I haven’t checked that out,” said Coghill.

“I still would have to do some research on that.” news@lacombeexpress.com

SMOKELESS SMOKES - Mary Coghill holds a Smoke NV Disposable while displaying a variety of the e-cigarettes at Brian Vossen/Lacombe Express Puffin Awesome Smoke Shop.

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10 Lacombe Express

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Lacombe County moves to improve workplace

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express

SKY SHOVELLERS - Ryan Lafontain (left) and Mike Park scrape snow off of a residential rooftop on 49 Ave. in Lacombe. With heavy snowfalls such as the ones experienced this Brian Vossen/Lacombe Express winter, snow on rooftops can become a hazard.

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tant to expand the scope of this policy to provide employees with an environment in which all people are treated fairly and with Lacombe County has declared January respect. as ‘Respectful Workplace’ month.

Hager said a few improvements have This event will be a yearly opportunity been made with the new policy including a to highlight the County’s commitment to more proactive approach to a positive work creating a vibrant, healthy, safe and caring environment. work environment.

“The previous (policy) dealt with a lot of County Commissioner Terry Hager said things dealing with conflicts in the workthe event will serve as an opportunity for place as opposed to being a little more prostaff to reflect on how they contribute to active in terms of respect.” the work environment and While the policy outlines perhaps think of ways they ‘WE JUST WANT TO MAKE practices that most good, may be able to improve it. responsible employees LACOMBE COUNTY A “It bring awareness to and employers do anyway, our staff,” said Hager. BETTER PLACE TO WORK Hager said it never hurts to AND A BETTER PLACE “Whenever we can make be reminded of what those efforts to make the workpractices are.

TO BE.’ place better and make La“What I think it does is combe County better we bring a bit of a focus to it,” TERRY HAGER take advantage of them.” said Hager. “It’s a bit of a The announcement coincides with a de- general reminder to everybody that when cision by Council to formally adopt a Re- we are out there, from time to time, we may spectful Workplace Policy at their Nov. 8, get focused on exactly what we are doing 2013 meeting. Hager said that, while the and become so job-orientated that we may resolution was passed in November, with forget about how we are treating others.” the holiday season getting in the way, At its most basic level, the policy is about this January was the first opportunity improving Lacombe County, said Hager. the County has had to hold the Respectful “We just want to make Lacombe County Workplace Event. a better place to work and a better place to This new policy not only places respon- be.” sibility on County employees, council and Members of the public; contractors, supother public representatives but also on pliers, etc., will all be responsible for their the greater public to ensure that Lacombe role in ensuring a respectful workplace for County is a respectful workplace, stated a everyone involved and if inappropriate berelease from Lacombe County. haviours occur, the policy will provide the Hager said that the policy is not actu- County an opportunity to take appropriate ally completely new, it is an updating of a action. This could include barring the performer policy. Prior to last November, the son from County facilities or discontinuparticulars now covered by the Respect- ing business with contractors or suppliers. ful Workplace Policy were covered by the Throughout the remainder of January, County’s health and safety policies and County employees will have the opportunihad already existed for 10 or so years. ty to participate in activities to learn about As a municipality, the County interacts the policy and have a continued voice in with a number of external individuals and the discussion of what a respectful workgroups during its day-to-day business and place means to them. news@lacombeexpress.com service activities. Therefore, it is impor-

Have your

Local Sports Events Featured in the...

Contact Brian at 403.782.5306 or email news@lacombeexpress.com

Lacombe Express 11

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Central Alberta native chronicles experiences with MS William Boulton hopes to help others on a similar journey via his new book

BY MARK WEBER Lacombe Express Imagine one day life as relatively normal. You go about your usual routines and everything seems to be going smoothly.

Then one day, one of your legs goes numb. Then the other one. Numbness spreads into other parts of your body, and at first, there is no explanation why.

Later on, doctors diagnose multiple sclerosis.

For former Red Deer resident William Boulton, 29, that’s how abruptly his life changed – starting in early 2007. He’s recently released a book – I Miss Me – that chronicles how he came to terms with MS and not only held onto an amazing and positive attitude, but remains determined to help others who find themselves on the same journey.

Boulton, who was raised on a farm in the Lousana area, was settling into a life with promise of a bright, solid future ahead of him.

He worked hard, had a steady girlfriend, a tightknit family and a sense of security. He couldn’t have imagined what lay ahead.

It was back in January of 2007 he was playing pool one evening with his dad.

“In the blink of an eye, one of my legs went numb.

I mentioned it to my dad, but didn’t think much more about it.”

But it didn’t go away. “A few shots later, the other one went numb.” He told his family and it was decided he’d get it checked out the next morning in Red Deer.

“You can’t tell when you are walking – you can’t feel your feet hit the ground.

So it got pretty bad from there.”

Doctors believed at first it was a pinched nerve.

Next, the numbness spread to his abdomen and the side of his arm.

Doctors sent him to Calgary promptly for a battery of tests at Foothills Hospital.

It was eventually confirmed, after a second episode of symptoms, that he had multiple sclerosis. “When you hear those words, it’s like everything else around you disappears and the phrase MS just sinks itself in.”

It was also determined he had the relapsing/re-

mitting form of MS, where symptoms flare up unexpectedly and then vanish later on.

According to the MS Society, multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The disease attacks the myelin which is a covering wrapped around the nerves of the central nervous system. The flow of nerve impulses along nerve fibres (axons) is interrupted or distorted.

For Boulton, doctors couldn’t say how long the symptoms would last during that first episode. It ended up being about two months.

“One day I was back in our apartment in Red Deer.

The sun is shining, I’m reading a book and all of a sudden I’m feeling some warmth in my legs. It was like extension cords being plugged back in. It happened that fast. I could feel ‘reconnecting’ instantly.”

During these months, there was still a wariness about completely coming to terms with what doctors suspected. “It was like, MS you stay there, I’ll stay over here. Let’s not learn about each other.”

Meanwhile, spring and summer came and went and he felt pretty much back to normal. But that fall, he developed double vision.

He ended up back in Calgary for further tests and a whirlwind of doctor visits.

Numbness was returning.

His balance worsened as well.

“I was slurring my words. My balance was off.

I would get cold at times.”

That was also the point where he was officially diagnosed with MS – the fall of 2007.

And although hopes to leave the hospital were always there, his condition was worsening. Medications were given to him to reduce swelling. “They were tackling it as hard as they could.

“You feel lost. At the very beginning, you never know the body could do things like this. I went through almost a whole month of tasting salt because the spot in my brain that knows when it’s tasting salt was activated. And it wouldn’t let go.

“You can’t walk. You

can’t talk very much. And you are wondering when did I lose my vocabulary?

In my mind I could say a whole sentence, but getting it out it was one word at a time. It was so slow. By the time I got to say half of what I was thinking, I’d forgotten the other half.”

At this point in time, he was just 22 years old.

“You’re sitting back watching how much can fall apart.”

The harsh realities of how devastating MS could be was truly hitting home.

“On the inside, I never felt like I would pass away.

You get low, but you are always fighting. Even at the start when all this is happening, you are thinking ‘I’m fighting, I’m fighting, I’m fighting. I’ll wake up with my boxing gloves on, and I’ll got to sleep with my boxing gloves on’.”

At that point, in October of 2007, symptoms started to plateau and improve.

After using a wheelchair and walker for a time, he took the bold step of trying to walk. And he succeeded.

“That was the key indicator to me that I was on the road to being who I remembered I once was. Until I could walk again, I never felt like myself.”

Boulton then went for quite a while free of symptoms, until earlier this year. There was a numbness for several months.

But through it all, he explains his goal these days is to keep a manageable perspective on things. He believes stress and lack of rest only help to trigger symptoms as well.

And in spite of everything he’s been through, there isn’t a hint of selfpity, defeat or a shred of fear in his voice. He tells his story with absolute calm and a remarkable determination to reach out to others as well. Family has been a huge source of support too. His sister Randi Boulton, a well-known and tremendously talented local singer, wrote the music to and recorded a song called Angel on her latest CD that their father actually wrote the lyrics too – inspired by William.

“People ask me, How does it feel having a song written after you? I say I understand it was written for me, but it’s bigger than that. It’s for everyone to share.”

Meanwhile, he’s moving forward with an optimism that really shines through.

“With fear, you can either let it take control of you, or you can face it head one and fight back. I always liked the second option,” he adds with a smile.

“Really, I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world and I love everyday. I appreciate everyday. If I can go to bed at night and put my head on a pillow, I’ve got the day beat. Sometimes you can conquer big things in your world.”

He also knew early on he wanted to write a book about what he had been through. William describes himself as a spiritual person, and felt that if he could recover to a certain level, he would share his story and do his best to help others.

“I (knew) I would write a book, and share this message with others and help give people hope and inspiration. If there is someone out there that would come up to me and say ‘I’ve read

your book, it’s an amazing story and it gives me hope and inspiration and the ability to fight’ – to me, that’s the greatest reward ever.”

For more information about the book, or to pur-

chase a copy, check out www.iwantmyexplosive. com or visit his facebook page ‘I Miss Me’ for updates.

Copies are also available at the Lacombe library. editor@reddeerexpress.com

WILLIAM BOULTON

PUBLIC NOTICE LAND USE BY-LAW AMENDMENT Council of the Town of Blackfalds has given first reading to By-law No. 1168/13, the purpose for the purpose of amending the Land Use By-law. The map below shows the lot located in McKay Ranch Phase 2 proposed to be changed from R-1S (Single Dwelling Small Lot District) to R-1M (Single Dwelling Medium Lot District) with the amendment to the Land Use Bylaw.

A copy of the proposed By-law and all public documents applicable to the proposed Bylaw may be inspected at the Town Office during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

The Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office, 5018 Waghorn Street, Blackfalds, on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 commencing at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving comments from any interested parties on the proposed Bylaw amendment.

Any person present at the Public Hearing wishing to make a presentation will be given the opportunity to do so. If unable to attend the Hearing, a person can submit written comments to the Town Office. Such comments must be received by the Town no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the Hearing.

For further information, please contact the undersigned at (403) 885-6237.

Terry Topolnitsky Planning and Development Officer

12 Lacombe Express

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Lacombe Express

deadline: Monday @ noon

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

Announcements .................0005-0030 What’s Happening .............. 0049-0070 Garage Sales ........................ 0100-0650 Employment ........................ 0700-0920 Service Directory ................. 1000-1430

Lost

54

CAR KEYS LOST Deerpark Centre Mall. If found please call 403-347-7658 LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL NEEDS HARNESS that looks like a seat belt with pink straps on the side of strap. There is a name on the back of one of the pink straps.

Please call if it is spotted.

Stolen with a helmet.

403-356-2156 no questions asked.

Need it for children with special needs.

Thank You. lascobie@rocketmail.com You can sell your guitar for a song... or put it in CLASSIFIEDS and we’ll sell it for you!

Found

Dental

740

Oilfield

800

is a busy & growing oilfield trucking company looking for 1ST RATE ENERGY EXPERIENCED SERVICES INC., WINCH TRUCK DRIVERS RECEPTIONIST for a growing Production & SWAMPERS Hygiene Department req’d.

Testing company, based Successful candidates will 1 pm. - 8 pm. Please drop out of Sylvan Lake, is receive top wages & benefits. off resumes to Associate currently accepting resumes Valid Class 1 licence Dental, Attn. Corinne or fax for the following positions: is necessary & oilfield 403-347-2133 tickets are an asset. * Experienced Please forward all resumes to: topline@telus.net Production Testing

Hair Stylists

760

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

Christie 403-309-2494

Oilfield

800

56

* Day Supervisors * Night Operators * Experienced Production Testing Assistants If you are a team player interested in the oil and gas industry, please submit your resume, current driver’s abstract and current safety certificates to the following: Fax 403-887-4750 mbell@1strateenergy.ca Please specify position when replying to this ad.

Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

We would like to thank all those candidates who apply, however only qualified personnel will be contacted.

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 T4R 1M9

Personals

60

COCAINE ANONYMOUS 403-396-8298

Fitness & Sports

66

*Attention Seniors* Body Basics Is pleased to offer a 7:00AM Fitness Class.

Keep a bounce in your step by feeling young in body and heart. Our 50+ Nifty class will keep you feeling strong all while having fun. Stretching, Cardio & Toning. For more info 5569 47st. Jen 403-343-6601

Clerical

720

OFFICE manager req’d for Clive area trucking company.

Knowledge of trucking industry and general knowledge of maintenance an asset but willing to train.

Exc. wages/benefits. Fax resume to 403-784-2330 or call toll free 1-800-613-7041

800

Trades

850

FLUID EXPERTS LTD. TOPLINE Is looking for experienced OILFIELD HAULING TRUCKING DISPATCHER

SET of keys found on Addington Dr. 403-358-8562

Companions

Oilfield

Items to Buy/Sell ................. 1500-1940 Agricultural .......................... 2000-2210 For Rent ............................... 3000-3200 Wanted to Rent....................3250-3390 Real Estate ...........................4000-4190

$2500 Bonus Every 100 days IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Night Foremen, Day & Night Operators Must have H2S, First Aid, valid driver’s license.

Pre-employment Drug screening Competitive Wages.

Benefit Package Please submit resume with references to: apply@wespro.ca or by fax to (403) 783-8004 Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted

TREELINE WELL SERVICES Has Opening for all positions! Immediately.

All applicants must have current H2S, Class 5 with Q Endorsement, (No GDL licenses) and First Aid. We offer competitive wages & excellent benefits.

Please include 2 work reference names and numbers.

Please fax resume to: 403-264-6725 Or email to: tannis@treelinewell.com No phone calls please. www.treelinewell.com

LANGAN SITE SERVICES LTD. in Ponoka county, supplies oilfield septic containment & disposal throughout AB. We require Driver Operators for small vac trucks. Oilfield exp. is an asset. Must have H2S, First Aid, TDG, clean driver’s abstract & Class 5 license, drug testing. $20/ hr. to start, home every night, benefits.

Fax resume to Dan 403-704-1127 or email: dan @langansiteservices.com

GT CHANDLER CONTRACTING Has Openings for BOILER OPERATORS Please email resume to: info@gtchandler.com or fax to: 403-886-2223 TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

Professionals

810

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

Restaurant/ Hotel

820

Tutors

840

ASHLEY & FRIENDS PLAYSCHOOL Looking for P/T teacher or teachers aide. 403-343-7420

850

F/T PAINTERS Exp. Req’d. One of Alberta’s largest painting companies with offices in Edmonton & Calgary is now hiring for

Well Testing Personnel Experienced Supervisors & Operators Must have valid applicable tickets Email: lstouffer@ testalta.com

Email: drew@ calibregroup.ca Company website: www.calibrecoatings.ab.ca

Streamline Inspection Ltd. now hiring for helper position in Red Deer area.

Must have a class 5 drivers license. Oilfield safety tickets req’d, will provide training if necessary. Send resume to cgraham@ streamlineinspection.com

F/T SATELLITE INSTALLERS - Good hours, home every night, $4000-$6000/mo.

Contractor must have truck or van. Tools, supplies & ladders required. Training provided, no experience needed. Apply to: satjobs@shaw.ca

Red Deer.

SHUNDA CONSTRUCTION Requires

Site Superintendents & Foremen For Alberta sites.

Email resume to: admin@shunda.ca

Truckers/ Drivers

CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS

Visit our website at: www.tornadotrucks.com for more details. Our Company has an enthusiastic fast paced working environment, with advancement possibilities for the motivated person, and offers an excellent benefit package. fax 403-742-5544 e-mail: hr@petrofield.com SHOP PERSONNEL Req’d immed. Reliable HD mechanics, apprentices and shop hands for Alix area shop. Successful applicant will be physically fit (heavy lifting occurs on a daily basis) mechanically inclined with working knowledge of the tools used in the trade. Reliable transportation is also req’d. Set Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5:00 work week (evenings, weekends, and holidays off). Competitive pay, health benefits, and stable year round work with no layoffs. Please fax resume to 403-784-2330

Employment Training

900

GED Preparation

Jan. 14 to March 20th, 2014 TUE & THURS Ev. 7-9 pm

ENGLISH 30-1

860

YES YOU CAN Take The FIRST STEP Ph. 403-782-5040 to register

Truckers/ Drivers

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

* No cancellations, refunds or exchanges. Please read your ad the first day it appears. We will accept responsibility for 1 insertion only.

Feb.4th-June 18th (Tue. Ev.)

IMMEDIATE F/T POSITION For Year Round Work.

EARL’S RESTAURANT (2111-50 Ave, Red Deer) requires 5 FT Cooks. Min 2 yrs exp & high school dipl. $13.25/hr. email resume to: earlsrd@telusplanet.net PETROFIELD Industries, the Leader in manufacturing RAMADA INN & SUITES Hydrovac trucks, is accepting req’s. F/T MAINTENANCE resumes for the following positions: PERSON... Experience preferred. Pool operation * General Labourers an asset. On call rotation. * Industrial Painters Bonuses, Drop off resume * Sandblasters to 6853 - 66 St. Red Deer * Material Handler * Automotive Electrical or fax 403-342-4433 Technician or email: info@ramadareddeer.com * Journeyman Welder / Apprentice * 2nd Yr Welder with Aluminum experience Teachers/

Trades

NOW HIRING

to start immed.

Good Verbal, Writing, Texting and Computer skills. Company Pickup, benefits, above avg. salary and great atmosphere.

Clean Class 1 drivers license and abstract.

Completed Basic Training Courses. Will train the right individual.

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

850

Trades

Open House Directory ....... 4200-4310 Financial ..............................4400-4430 Transportation .................... 5000-5240 Legal/Public Notices .........6000-9000

A Divison of CORDY ENVIRONMENTAL

EXPERIENCED

860

RONCO OILFIELD HAULING Sylvan Lake. Openings for Picker operator, bed truck drivers and winch tractor.

Top wages and benefits.

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

Vacuum & Water Truck operators req’d. to start immed. $450/per day CLASS 1 or 3 WITH Q All oilfield safety tickets RONCO OILFIELD HAULING req’d. Clean drivers abstract. Must comply with Sylvan Lake. Openings for Picker operator, bed truck drug and alcohol policy. drivers and winch tractor.

References Req’d.

Top wages and benefits.

Exc. salary & benefits.

Email resume tom@ Fax resume to: roncooilfield.ca 403-742-5376 or fax. 403-887-4892 doug.reinhart@cordy.ca

Misc.

Help

880

ACADEMIC Express ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Misc.

Help

880

MACS Convenience Store (5001 - 52 St Lacombe) looking for a Cashier to operate register & stock shelves. Must have some high school & willing to work night shift independently. $10.50/hr for 40 hr week.

Email: raman_parihar @yahoo.com

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

Please call Debbie at 403-314-4307

WINTER START Central AB based trucking company requires

GED PREPARATION Jan. 14 or Feb. 10 STARTS

Owner Operators & Company Drivers

SPRING START

in AB. Home the odd night. Weekends off. Late model tractor pref.

403-586-4558

Community Support Worker Trades Prep Programs

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

Ponoka has openings for WINCH TRACTOR, PICKER OPERATORS & BED TRUCK DRIVERS for Branch and Winter Camp Jobs. Experience perferred, willing to train.

Competitive Wages and Benefits. Fax resume to (403) 783-3011 or e-mail hr@calnashtrucking. com www.calnashtrucking.com No phone calls please.

Only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca

Looking for reliable newspaper carrier for 1 day per week delivery of the Central Alberta Life in the town of INNISFAIL Packages come ready for delivery.

No collecting.

Contact Quitcy at 403-314-4316

PARKLAND SLED AND ATV. We are hiring for our expanding store. If you have a positive attitude, attention to detail & are goal orientated, we have an opening for APPRENTICE MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC with full benefits. e-mail resume to: jobs@parklandsled.com

Contractors

1100

DAMON INTERIORS Drywall, tape, texture, Fully licensed & insured.

Free Estimates. Call anytime Dave, 403-396-4176 RMD RENOVATIONS Bsmt’s, flooring, decks, etc.

Call Roger 403-348-1060

Misc.

Services

1290

5* JUNK REMOVAL Property clean up 340-8666

Lacombe Express 13

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Moving & Storage

1300

BOXES? MOVING? SUPPLIES? 403-986-1315 Classifieds...costs so little Saves you so much!

Personal Services

1315

REIKO’S Finest Asian Massage In call only. 587-377-1298 9 am - 10 pm. Mon. - Fri. Start your career!

See Help Wanted Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

Antiques & Art

1520

Circa 1960’s kitchen table.

Chrome legs and apron.

Top is light grey. Has one leaf. $30. Call (403) 342-7908

Auctions

Stuff Auction Sunday January 12 11 am * Viewing 9 am LOCATION: Ridgewood Community Hall PARTIAL LIST ONLY New, Used, Antique, Collectable, Money, Furniture, Tools, Stuff for Everyone Hesston Buckle Collection - Blacksmith Forges - Frontload Washer /Dryer Set And Much More For a complete list and Directions visit www.cherryhillauction.com Terms of Sale: Cash, Cheque, C/C, Everything must be paid for & removed on sale day (NO EXCEPTIONS), 15% buyer’s premium.

Sale subject to Additions, Deletions, Errors and Omissions.

CHERRY HILL AUCTION & APPRAISALS Phone 403-342-2514 or 403-347-8988

Auctions

1530

BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS SALES EVERY WED. @ 6 pm.

Moose Hall 2 miles south of Ponoka on 2A Resuming Weekly Sales Wed. Jan. 15, 6 pm FIRST ANTIQUE SALE Sun. Feb. 2, 1 pm WE BUY FOR CASH. 403-304-4791 Check website for full listing www.bigstrapperauctions.net

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

Stereos TV's, VCRs

1730

6 MO. old small flat screen $100 403-348-1905 PS2 w/10 games $60; HP Photosmart printer C-4480 $35; DS Lite w/4 games $70; PS1 w/5 games $40 403-782-3847

Misc. for Sale

1760

LANG 2014 CalenderAbundant Friendship, got 2 for Christmas selling 1 for $10 403-347-1017

1660

AFFORDABLE

Homestead Firewood Spruce & Pine - Split 7 days/wk. 403-304-6472

LOGS

HOSPITAL Bed, all electric, like new, 2 lift poles, $2000.

403-227-2505 Innisfail HOSPITAL Bed, all electric, like new, 2 lift poles, $2000.

403-227-2505 Innisfail

2190

LACOMBE COUNTRY FEED STORE, Come see us at: 4836 45A St. Lacombe, Ab Pet Food, Horse, Poultry ALL THE FEED YOUR ANIMALS NEED! 403-782-3333

SMALL SQUARE HAY and straw 403-340-3061

Dogs

1840

3020

Houses/

Duplexes EXTRA FLUFFY & extremely cute! Teacup Babydoll Morkies†(very tiny). 3 BDRM. in Sylvan. 4 appls., fenced yard. No pets. All Call 587-987-3422 or email utils. incl. 403-347-6033 wendyschedel@gmail.com MAREMMA puppies 7 M, 2 F, $290/ea.

403-392-7481

Farm Equipment

Condos/ Townhouses

2010

ROTO-GRIND tub grinder, hammers good, ready to work; $8250; Haybuster 1000 tub grinder fine screens, blower, new drive belts, etc. works nice $4250; Schueller 120 feeder, as new $2200 403-749-3224

Mobile Lot

3090

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

Warehouse Space

Cars

5030

Houses For Sale

4020

2007 CHRYSLER 300 103198 kms., $10,888 348-8788 Sport & Import

2 SPEC HOMES Ready for your colours.

Can be shown at any time.

10 & 98 MacKenzie Cres.

Lacombe. 403-588-8820 BRAND NEW 1340 sq. ft. bungalow, 2 bdrm., den, dbl. att. garage. $384,900.

Call Glen 403-588-2231

MASON MARTIN HOMES

3140

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

780-305-4688

Trucks

5050

Custom new homes planning service.

Kyle, 403-588-2550

MUST SELL

2012 CHEV Silverado 2500 LTZ, diesel, lthr., tonneau cover, $36,888 348-8788 Sport & Import

ALL WHEEL DRIVE

2007 530 XI BMW. Original 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner, 143,000 km. Exc. Cond. Hybrid 4X4, 6.0L, lthr., 81735 kms., $28,888.

Regularly Maintained, 348-8788 Sport & Import Fully Loaded!

Call 403-350-4323

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

Antique & Classic Autos

5020

8TH ANNUAL RED DEER COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION & SPEED SHOW. Mar 14 - 16. Westerner Park, Red Deer. 150,000 sq.ft. indoor show.

Exhibitors space available.

Western Canada’s Largest Collector Car Event.

Consign today 1-888-296-0528 Ext. 102 EGAuctions.com

Cars

5030

2006 PONTIAC Solstice 26080 kms., 5 speed, $19,888. 348-8788 Sport & Import

2006 MERCEDES BENZ CLS 500 lthr., sunroof, 115057 kms., $25,888 348-8788 Sport & Import

2007 TOYOTA Tacoma V6 4X4, 114903 kms., $19888 348-8788 Sport & Import

2007 FORD F-150 Lariat 4X4, htd. lthr., sunroof, $12,888, 348-8788 Sport & Import

Heavy Trucks

5060

2002 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta GLS 1.8L, $10,888.

348-8788 Sport & Import

2000 Chrysler Neon, 2L, 4 dr., 1999 PONTIAC Bonneyville 5 spd. Clean. 403-318-3040 4 dr., saftied. 403-352-6995

2006 GMC C4500 4X4, new Duramax, 170,000 kms, $39,888. 348-8788 Sport & Import

•AGRICULTURE •DEMOLITION •EXCAVATION •GENERAL CONTRACTING •SAND/GRAVEL •SUBDIVISION WORK

One Block West Of Superstore

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

For All Your Excavation Needs 403.782.3437

www.dbbobcat.com

Advertise your service or business here for 3 weeks and receive the 4th week

ABSOLUTELY FREE Call 403.782.5303

Home Farm & Ranch Memorials Home Farm & Ranch Memorials

memorials@wallahsigns.com

5100

2005 TIFFIN Phaeton 40 TSH. Diesel, Freightliner Chassis, 350 Cat, 3 slides, lots of options (pass thru storage, backup camera etc) $95,000, no GST. phone (403) 729-3242 or (403) 348-9478.

Meow!

The Classifieds Are the Cat’s Meow.

Area shoppers know the Classifieds are the purr-fect place to find a bargain. In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from collectibles to cuddly kittens. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want and it’s used by hundreds of area shoppers every day. The Classifieds Are the Cat’s Meow.

5190

RED’S AUTO. Free Scrap Vehicle & Metal Removal.

AMVIC APPROVED. We travel. May pay cash for vehicle. 403-396-7519

Vehicles Wanted To Buy

Service Directory •BOBCATS •GRADERS •LOADERS •TRUCKS •TRACK HOES

Motorhomes

Auto Wreckers

3030

LAKEFRONT CONDO: 1 bdrm. Pine Lake, fully furn., N/S, $950 utils. incl.

Avail. now 403-440-9013

Rooms For Rent

3190

PADS $450/mo.

Brand new park in Lacombe.

Spec Mobiles. 3 Bdrm., 2 bath. As Low as $75,000.

Down payment $4000. Call at anytime. 403-588-8820

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

SMALL Square Straw Bales 403-784-2276 TIMOTHY & Brome square bales, great for horses, approx. 60 lbs. put up dry and covered, $5/bale Sylvan area. 403-887-2798

1860

1700

Grain, Feed Hay

MTD snowblower 5 HP $200 403-347-5873 403-350-1077

Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar.

Price depends on location. Sporting Goods Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346 Now Offering Hotter, Cleaner NORDIC Trak ski machine BC Birch. All Types. P.U. / $150 403-309-3475 Delivery. Lyle 403-783-2275

Health & Beauty

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

403-651-5912

ROUND hay bales. Cheap Free delivery. Self unloading. No Sunday calls Please. 403-843-6380

FREE standing Ryobi table saw, $100 obo Call 403-346-4263

Firewood

2140

Horses

MOVING: everything must go! Air cond. $150.

403-348-1905

1640

Tools Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

1530

5200

RED’S AUTO. Free scrap vehicle & metal removal.

We travel. May pay cash for vehicle. AMVIC APPROVED. 403-396-7519

Misc.

Automotive

5240

FREE removal of scrap vehicles. Will pay cash for some. 403-304-7585

Public Notice #6000

Public Notices ..................6010 Special Features ..............6050

Red Deer, AB

403.343.1672 1.800.909.9927

www.wallahsigns.com 76599F7-E2

•Skidsteer Services •Gravel Hauling •Excavating • Snow Removal Now Available

403.304.3887 www.drakeex.ca

Your Quality Excavating Solution

BLACKFALDS

PROFESSIONAL PHARMACY •Travel Vaccinations •Ostomy Supplies •Shingles Vaccine •Compounding •Breast Pump Rentals

5049 Parkwood Road, Blackfalds Phone:

403-600-2280 Fax:

403-600-2243

14 Lacombe Express

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Careers A division of

Taking applications for

is looking to hire full time

MACHINIST

• LOADER OPERATOR • INSIDE DISMANTLER

Apprentice or Journeyman Welding experience an asset.

General Repair / Manufacturing Shop Benefit pkg. available.

Please fax resume to 403-742-8833

to join our team

• Automotive knowledge an asset.

• Applicant must have a positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges.

We offer competitive wages, excellent benefit plan and retirement package.

To apply please email resumé to tpgadbois@lkqcorp.com or call 403-913-4413 or deliver to 430054 Don Laing Business Park, RR261, Lot 2. Ponoka

invites applications for the following position:

BUS MECHANIC Lacombe Bus Shop For further speci¿cs on the above position, please visit Wolf Creek Public Schools’ website at www.wolfcreek.ab.ca, or contact the Division Of¿ce at 403-783-3473.

Executive Assistant Infrastructure Services

The City of Lacombe is currently seeking a Full-Time Executive Assistant to join our Infrastructure Services Department.

This position provides wide ranging and specialized support to the Infrastructure Services Director in the areas of project management, Planning and Engineering database, and other infrastructure services.

The ideal candidate will need to be organized, patient, flexible, highly responsive to the needs of the department, an effective communicator, collaborator and able to contribute in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications: . Familiarity with Municipal Government Act and FOIPP . Proficient computer skills-advanced working knowledge of MS Office and relational based database programs . Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both verbally and written . Exceptional organization and time management skills . Ability to complete assignments as required with minimal supervision . Ability to competently use AutoCAD is considered a strong asset . Diploma, Office Administration . Previous municipal experience at a similar level . Minimum 2 years municipal government experience or 5 years general office experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

The City of Lacombe has an excellent benefits package. Salary range $48,942 - $61,173 per annum.

If you see yourself excelling in this role please submit an application form or resume on/or before January 17, 2014.

Attn: Human Resources City of Lacombe 5432-56 Avenue Lacombe, AB T4L 1E9 E-mail: humanresources@lacombe.ca All applicants are thanked for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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

Is HIRING:

WATER & VACUUM TRUCK OPERATORS Required to start immediately. $450/day/vacuum, $350/day/water Class 1 or 3 with Q. Must have H2S, First Aid & WHMIS. Clean driver’s abstract. Must comply with drug & alcohol policies.

Mechanical aptitude, able to work away from home for extended periods.

Full time work till spring break up.

Fax resume to 403-742-5376 or email doug.reinhart@cordy.ca

TKS CONTROLS LTD.

4605 - 41 St., Stettler

www.tkscontrols.ca

We are currently seeking applications for full time positions of:

INSTRUMENTATION Journeyman & Apprentice

ELECTRICIANS

3rd & 4th Year and Journeyman Email resume to roxann@tkscontrols.ca For more information call

403-740-4071

THE LACOMBE HEALTH TRUST IS LOOKING TO HIRE

GOLF TOURNAMENT COORDINATOR This 6 month contract position will take a lead role in planning the 23rd Annual Lacombe Hospital Charity Golf Classic in June 2014.

The Golf Tournament Coordinator will be responsible for: Working in collaboration with the Lacombe Health Trust, David Thompson Health Trust, and volunteers to plan and execute a high-quality fundraising golf tournament.

Taking a lead role in organizing, soliciting, and securing Corporate Sponsorship for the event.

Planning pre-tournament promotional activities to increase public interest in the event.

Providing direction for marketing materials and golfer registration materials.

Maintaining communication with the Lacombe Golf & Country Club.

Arranging golfer gifts, prizes, raffle and auction items, and food and beverage for the event.

Organizing and hosting a volunteer training rally.

Ensuring a smoothly run, fun event for tournament participants!

If this position sounds like a great fit for you, we encourage you to send a letter of interest to info@lacombehealthtrust.com by January 30, 2014.

LACOMBE HEALTH TRUST The Lacombe Health Trust is also looking for enthusiastic, community-focused individuals to join our Board of Directors.

Our Board is a dedicated group of individuals who meet monthly, and volunteer our time to enhance health care in Lacombe through fundraising and philanthropic activities. If you are passionate about strong local health care, looking to gain leadership skills and build your network, and want to make a difference in your community, we encourage you to consider joining our group.

For more information, please contact us at info@lacombehealthtrust.com or by mail at PO Box 5663, Lacombe AB T4L 1X3.

Lacombe Hospital & Care Centre Foundation is in the process of formally changing our name to Lacombe Health Trust

Lacombe Express 15

Thursday, January 9, 2014

ARTS & LEISURE John McDermott brings anniversary tour to Red Deer Popular Canadian singer is marking two decades of making music Known for both his Celtic-tinged traditional tunes and contemporary styles, singer John McDermott is marking 20 years of sharing his music with the masses.

He performs in Red Deer at the Memorial Centre on April 14.

Looking back to his start in the industry, McDermott can recall the precise moment when he realized he had made the right decision to give up his day job and make singing his full-time career.

That moment came at 8 p.m. on Oct. 5th, 1993 at the Rebecca Cohn Theatre in Halifax, Nova Scotia as he walked on stage to a full house and a thunderous East Coast welcome.

It was the first concert with his own band, following a year as the opening act for the internationally-renowned Irish group, The Chieftains.

McDermott was thrilled that the Halifax crowd was so enthusiastic – their encore-encouraging applause kept the show going for more than four hours.

Not that many years before, he had been working in the circulation department of one of Toronto’s daily newspapers.

As a creative outlet, he would sing a few Irish and Scottish folk tunes at staff gatherings – songs he had learned growing up in a musical household in Willowdale, Ontario after his family moved there from Glasgow, Scotland.

His father Peter and his mother Hope encouraged family sing-a-longs. And the only formal musical training John received was when he attended St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto for two years.

The turning point in terms of career was sparked when he recorded an album of Irish and Scottish ballads as a 50th wedding anniversary gift for his parents.

He recorded 12 tracks, one for each of the 12 McDermott children, then added one more version of Danny Boy the way his father liked to hear it sung a cappella.

Those who heard the album encouraged John to have it produced commercially.

Recalling that a couple of entertainment business heavyweights, Michael Cohl and Bill Ballard, had been impressed with his singing at a Karaoke Night during the Toronto Floating Film Festival a couple of years earlier, John took the album to Ballard, who put him in touch with the president of EMI Music Canada.

EMI released 2,000 copies on Nov. 10, 1992.

The next day being Remembrance Day, famed Canadian broadcaster Peter Gzowski played three tracks from the album. The stores couldn’t keep it on the shelves and more copies were quickly produced.

A few months later, CBC-TV profiled John in a short piece that was aired on the The National. Within a short time the CD had sold more than 50,000 copies.

Hedging his bets, John took a leave of absence from his newspaper job to tour with The Chieftains. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Throughout 1994, he toured Australia and New Zealand where Danny Boy had topped the charts. John played his first U.S. concert at Boston’s Ritz Carlton Hotel in 1995 and a member of the audience went backstage to pay his respects. It was Senator Ted Kennedy and the American politician invited John to perform at the Democratic National Convention in 1996.

They became friends and John, at Kennedy’s request, frequently visited the Kennedy compound at Cape Cod. When the Massachusetts senator died in August, 2009, John was invited to sing at the memorial service.

Since the beginning of his musical career, John has recorded more than 25 albums, three of which have gone platinum while another has reached double platinum.

Veterans are also special to John. His father, who died in 1995, served in the Royal Air Force.

John’s mother, who lived on for about five years after her husband’s death, had a brother who died in the notorious Changi Japanese prisoner-of-war camp.

Two of John’s cousins were killed in Vietnam and another took his own life after serving there. In 2010, John was awarded a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his work on behalf of veterans. He is also an honorary member of the War Amps of Canada.

A project that has been close to his heart was raising $3.6 million to enhance and expand the Palliative Care unit – K-Wing Veterans Centre – at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital.

He has said that he wants to help the staff give the best possible care to their patients – veterans, serving members of the military, first responders such as police officers and firemen, and members of the general public who are admitted to the unit.

For ticket information, call 403-755-6626 or visit www.blackknightinn.ca.

24 7 HOURS A DAY

- Weber

DAYS A WEEK

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

MILESTONE - Crooner John McDermott is including Central Alberta on his spring tour marking his 20th year in music.

photo submitted

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

16 Lacombe Express

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Horoscope ARIES

TAURUS

Mar 21/Apr 20

Apr 21/May 21

Aries, though you are eager

Taurus, uncover the source of

to plow through your to-do

a disagreement with a friend

list, certain plans may have

and try to come to a resolution

to be postponed due to

before the disagreement

circumstances beyond your

escalates. Handling things

control. Go with the flow.

promptly will pay off.

GEMINI May 22/Jun 21

CANCER Jun 22/Jul 22

Gemini, attention to detail

You may find your mind

this week will prevent

wandering this week, Cancer.

delays down the road. Keep

You cannot seem to focus on

this mind when tending

the tasks at hand, but work

to personal as well as

hard to limit distractions and

professional matters.

get your work done.

LEO

VIRGO

Jul 23/Aug 23

Aug 24/Sept 22

Leo, respect a loved one’s

Virgo, carefully schedule

decision to keep a certain

your time this week. You

matter private. There’s not much you can do other

appointments. Stay focused

respect.

the unexpected.

SCORPIO Oct 24/Nov 22

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23

Scorpio, expect to serve as a

Libra, you are drawn to

mediator for your loved ones

creative endeavors these days and have less patience for tasks that are not nearly as

this week. The issue that arises is relatively small, but

fun. Find a healthy balance

your calm demeanor and cool

between the two.

head will be needed.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23/Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22/Jan 20

Sagittarius, you may be

Capricorn, you are focused

floundering a little in the

on your work, but distractions

romance department this week. Stick to what your

beyond your control figure to prove frustrating. Try to remain as patient as possible,

intuition is telling you, and

and everything will work itself

you will come out just fine.

out.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Jan 21/Feb 18

Feb 19/Mar 20

Aquarius, take a breather and stop to give some careful thought to your recent experiences and your expectations going forward.

You will benefit from this reflection in the long run.

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.

work or miss any important and leave some time free for

LIBRA

ANSWER

cannot afford to get behind in

than offer your support and

Sept 23/Oct 23

HOW TO PLAY:

Pisces, expect some valuable insight on your future to arrive in the next few days. It won’t be difficult to set plans in motion.

CLUES ACROSS 1. NOHOW 6. Record (abbr.)

9. Hair detangler 13. “l836 siege” of U.S. 14. Old name for Tokyo 15. Largest continent 16. Showed old movie 17. Clatter 18. Considered one by one 19. Chinese cinnamon spice tree 21. Frequently 22. 3 person 32 card game 23. Misaddressed mail (slang) 25. Expresses pleasure

26. Samba or basket rummy 31. Military leader (abbr.)

33. A citizen of Iran 34. Environmental Protection Agency 35. Carbon, radioactive or varve 36. Loss of electricity 41. Mass. Cape 43. Mediator 44. 1/1000 of a tala 45. Players at 1st, 2nd & 3rd 46. Covered Greek portico 49. Bring upon oneself 51. Leuciscus cephalus 52. Cold War foe U___

53. Bumpkins or hayseeds 59. Fleshy seed cover 60. Golf ball prop 61. Antipathetic 62. Wait or tarry 63. Weather map line ___bar 64. Civilian dress 65. Relaxing resorts 66. Box (abbr.)

67. Burning crime CLUES DOWN 1. Informant (slang) 2. Olive tree genus 3. Armed conflicts 4. Am. Music Awards 5. Dance mix DJ Einhorn 6. Oxidationreduction

7. Structure 8. Modern 9. Roman Conqueror 10. So. Honshu bay city 11. 8th C. BC minor Hebrew prophet 12. = to 100 satang 20. In active opposition 24. 007’s Flemming 26. 12th century Spanish hero El___ 27. Macaw genus 28. Slave rebellion’s Turner 29. Cuckoo 30. From a time 32. Applies with quick strokes 37. Fasten with string 38. Teller replacement

39. Command right 40. Sea eagle 42. Most closely set 43. __ Dhabi, Arabian capital 44. Marten furs 46. Strike workers ANSWER 47. Thysanopter 48. Louise de la Ramee’s pen name 50. King of Thebes 54. __ mater, one’s school 55. Time unit 56. Klutzes 57. __ Von Bismarck, Iron Chancellor 58. Front of the leg

Lacombe Express 17

Thursday, January 9, 2014

SPORTS Sosnowski headed to Alberta Winter Games

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express Gina Sosnowski has what it takes.

Sosnowski, a Lacombe girl who plays AA Bantam Hockey in Red Deer, has been chosen to be part of the Zone 4 Girls Bantam Alberta Winter Games hockey team.

Sosnowski said the prospect of playing in the games is an exciting one.

“I’m looking forward to the experience,” said Sosnowski.

“Getting to play with the best girls in the province, I think it will be really fun.”

Sosnowski started playing hockey eight years ago.

She said her parents thought hockey would be good for her and so she started playing in Clive, where she lived at the time.

“I figured that we live in Canada, and everyone has to skate,” said Sosnowski’s mother, Angela, adding that she wanted to at least give her daughter the opportunity to learn Canada’s favourite pastime.

After playing on a mixed team in Clive for four years, Gina began playing with a girls’ team in Red Deer. She has now been playing Bantam AA girls hockey with the Red Deer Bantam Chiefs for two years.

Gina said that part of the reason she tried out for the Alberta Games team was just to see if she was good enough to play in the games. She added that most of her peers and everyone on her team tried out as well.

“I thought it would be a real good experience if I was able to play,” said Gina. “It’s quite big if you make it.”

Trying out for the team was something of a nerve-wracking experience.

“I was very nervous, scared I wasn’t going to make it.”

She added that once things got underway, the tryouts were more or less the same as any other tryouts she had done and that helped to calm her down to some degree.

After the three days of tryouts, Gina had to endure the agonizing wait to learn if she had made the team or not.

She said on the night that the call letting her know if she made the cut was to come, she basically sat next to the phone all evening.

“The phone was always near me wherever I went.” She added that once the phone did ring, she got very excited.

Angela said that she too was excited when Gina made the team.

“I was hoping she was going to make it because she really wants to go, so I was happy for her,” said Angela. She added she and her family are looking forward to going to Banff to watch the games.

Gina said she already knows most of the girls that will be playing through hockey. But, while she has played with them before, playing on the same team with all of them will be an adjustment.

“Playing with a new group of girls is a bit different, you have to get to know everyone.” She added that girls have different plays, different routines and different ways of doing things that take some getting used to.

Now that she has made the team and gotten over those anxieties, Gina is looking forward to actually playing at the games.

She said that she hasn’t gotten any butterflies about the games yet, but she imagines she will at the start of the game.

“I will definitely be nervous for the first game. But once you get settled in you aren’t that nervous.”

OPPORTUNITY - Gina Sosnowski has been selected to play at the Alberta Winter Games from Feb. 6-9.

news@lacombeexpress.com

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18 Lacombe Express

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Jackson Rider joins the 2014 Alberta Games roster

BY BRIAN VOSSEN Lacombe Express Jackson Rider is looking forward to a new challenge.

Rider, who has been playing hockey for eight years, was selected at the beginning of December to represent Zone 4 in the 2014 Alberta Winter Games to be held next month in Banff and Canmore.

Rider said he started playing hockey at the age of five and it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the sport.

“It’s my favourite sport,” said Rider.

Particularly, Rider said he enjoys how he is progressively getting better at the sport and finding new challenges.

He added he also enjoys the social aspect of hockey and all the friends he has made through the sport.

That was partly what led Rider to try out at the end of November for the 2014 Alberta Winter Games. He said he was interested in seeing how other people played and was looking forward to meeting new players as well as meeting a new challenge.

Rider said that while he had played with or against most of the others trying out for the team, he was still impressed by the level of skill represented at the tryouts. He added that the drills were very fast-paced and intense and really challenged the players.

“It was high-tempo, those drills,” said Rider’s mother, Jacqui. After trying out, Jackson had a days wait before he found out whether or not he made the team. He said he was

somewhat surprised when he got the call, even though he thought he was in the running to make the team, he wasn’t really sure if he made the cut and added he wouldn’t be bothered if he didn’t make the team.

Jacqui said that, while she could tell by watching her son during tryouts that he stood out, she was not even sure if she would get a call for him to join the team.

“I mean we hoped,” said Jacqui. “You hope because you want them to have that experience.”

Jacqui went on to say that it will be exciting to see her son play at a higher level of hockey.

She added that it will be an interesting experience as the players are somewhat segregated from their families during the games. Jacqui said that after her son leaves for the game, the only contact with his family will be as fans in the stands. Jackson, along with the other players, will be taking meals, nights and any in-between time with his team. However, that doesn’t mean Jackson’s family won’t be supporting him. Jacqui made it clear that she is quite pleased he will be playing at a level of hockey he wants to be at. Jackson added that his older brother, who participated in the 2012 Winter Games, is also very proud of him.

While Jackson has played with and against of his new teammates on the Zone 4 Alberta Winter Games team before, he said playing with this mix will still be different.

He added that learning new plays and strategies will also be a challenge, particularly as the team has no opportunity to practice together before they leave for the games at the beginning of February.

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NEED A

Curling just as sporty as anything else It’s getting closer.

This time next month, Lacombe will be hosting the 2014 Boston Pizza Cup, the provincial championships for the Alberta Curling Federation.

Curling was a favourite pastime of mine growing up and something I often wish I continued into my adult life. While I haven’t thrown a rock in the better part of a decade, I still have

BRIAN

VOSSEN a strong appreciation for curling and enjoy watching games whenever I can.

Unfortunately, many

don’t share my appreciation for curling. There are those who think it doesn’t have as much credibility as a sport because it is deemed not as physical as other more popular sports, like hockey or football.

While I am a fan of physical, full-contact sports, I don’t believe curling should be discounted for its lack of these things. In fact, I would say curling is just

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as patriotic as hockey and just as intense as football.

Curling is to believed to have been created by Scots who brought the game with them when they settled in Canada. That means Canadian curling is pretty much as old as the country itself and explains why Canada is considered to be the heart of curling today. If that’s not a patriotic sport, I don’t know what is.

As for those who feel curling is lacking in action, they have it wrong. If you want action, watch hockey or maybe an MMA fight.

Curling is about strategy.

The excitement in curling doesn’t come from the action, it comes from how the curlers’ strategies who decide how to execute their plays. It’s actually something curling has in common with football.

I wasn’t a fan of football at all until I had to start covering it for my job. Having played rugby in high school, I didn’t see what was so exciting about a sport where every time the ball touched the ground, play stopped.

As I grew to learn more about the sport, I developed an appreciation for the different plays and strategies used by teams. Next time you watch a curling match, approach it with a similar mindset. You will enjoy the game much more. news@lacombeexpress.com

Lacombe Express 19

Thursday, January 9, 2014

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

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

20 Lacombe Express

Thursday, January 9, 2014

FRIDAY, January 10 to THURSDAY, January 16

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