Ponoka News, February 12, 2014

Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2008 Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Vol. 66, No. 7

403-783-3311

editorial@ponokanews.com

www.ponokanews.com

DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION OF PONOKA

That’s a lot of deer: A total of nine deer were caught in this morning photo snacking on a front lawn Feb. 5 by resident Betty Lee. She took this picture with her iPhone as they watched on.

Photo by Betty Lee

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Page 2 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Water fee profits benefit town’s capital budget

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye An increase to water rates has some residents questioning whether the raise is justified.

The flat rate and service rate for water was increased by five per cent recently by town council as part of the interim budget while the North Red Deer River Water Services Commission — where the Town of Ponoka acquires its water — did not increase its rates charged to municipalities.

Acting CAO Betty Quinlan said that while the town will see some extra revenue, water and sewer usually operate at a profit. ”We’ve always had a profit component in the water.”

Selling water and sewer at a flat rate would mean the town would still have to account for $1.5 million of the $2.8 million operational budget, said Quinlan. Managing those costs is handled by operating at a profit and ensures utilities can be serviced.

One question she received was over the flat rate increase and whether residents and businesses should pay more when the Town of Ponoka does not.

Quinlan said the funds had been allocated in the capital budget and if councillors decided to drop the rates, which they can do when they pass the interim budget in April, then the money will need to be found from somewhere else. Or, “If we take it out of the budget, we’d have to cut.”

The profit component of the utilities allows the town to run capital projects each year, she added, and the money is transferred to the capital budget.

Administration has been in contact with the City of Lacombe and the Town of Blackfalds to determine how those municipalities deal with a situation such as this. Quinlan said Ponoka’s rates are slightly higher than Lacombe and slightly lower than Blackfalds.

Two Ponoka area schools look at new playgrounds

By Amelia Naismith As Ponoka Elementary School gathers momentum toward moving into its new building for the next school year, staff and parent council members have decided a new playground is also in order.

“We just wanted to have something for the other side of our new building,” said Lois Spate, principal.

No timeline or budget has been set and the project won’t be further discussed until March.

Mecca Glen has also started the long journey to replace every wooden structure of its current playground; the metal structures will remain.

“It’s just been something that’s been in the back of our minds for a couple years now,” said Al Libby,

PONOKA

Mecca Glen’s principal.

Last year the school’s parent council hired a consultant to inspect the wooden playground; rot, deep cracks and exposed bolts were discovered. “It’s just finally come down to ‘time’s up’,” said Libby.

While no definite timeline has been set, Libby expects construction of the new playground to begin no later than the fall of 2015.

The school is looking at a $75,000 budget and has been in contact with four playground construction companies to see what they could get with that money.

“We’re going to have to do some fundraising . . . applying for grants,” said Libby. “It’s not going to be an easy task. We’re just exploring out options.”

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Jim Lysons and Dennis Ecklund, with dog Tinker Bell, enjoy a walk Feb. 5 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre, during FCSS’s Winter Walk Day. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Residents enjoy some exercise during cold winter day

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

residents will walk the halls to keep active.

“We have some people that walk every day,” Seniors and residents were kept moving last said Stretch.

Wednesday during a planned walk throughout “I think it’s awesome to get them up,” she town. added.

The Family and Community Support ServicTo keep in the spirit of the day, organizers es event was held Feb. 5 at the Rimoka Housing at the Calnash Ag Event Centre decided to open Foundation’s Golden Leisure Lodge and the Cal- up the barn for walking. Participants were able nash Ag Event Centre. to walk between each stall and enjoy a relatively While Ponoka Elementary School postponed mild temperature compared to outside. their day for warmer weather, one brave Grade 4 “Some seniors requested it, and we thought, class at St. Augustine Catholic School took to the ‘Why not?’” said director Dale Olson. grounds for a brisk walk.

“We thought it would be a good public serOrganizer Kerry Robideau said the goal is get vice,” he added. people moving during the cold, winter months.

The barn is also equipped with a defibrillator “In the middle of winter, everyone is just kind of should an emergency arise. In keeping with the sedentary.” She was with seniors at the Golden spirit of Winter Walk Day, the barn at the ag event Leisure Lodge and found most residents enjoyed centre is open for walkers weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 the chance to walk and socialize at the same time. p.m. Participants are asked to sign a waiver and Kristie Stretch, activity co-ordinator at the lodge sign in so staff can know who is in the building. said she is unsure how long the halls are, but some The Golden Leisure Lodge had 24 participants walking 15 minutes each for a total 360 PONOKA minutes of walking. At the barn, there were 23 participants walking a total of 700 minutes.

That is 19 hours of walking logged at the Ponoka C.O.P. is recruiting members for 2014. Do you have what lodge and the barn, it takes to be a CITIZEN ON PATROL? If you do, then WE NEED but does not include YOU. This community minded volunteer group needs your help to the time St. Augustine build a safer community.

Catholic School students walked.

What does it take to be a C.O.P.?

Desire for a safe community Desire for crime prevention Community involvement Team work

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A C.O.P.?

Subway Fresh

Our mission is to build a safer community through participation in community based crime prevention in cooperation with our local law enforcement agency.

Ponoka C.O.P. invites you and a friend to join us in the Ponoka Fire Hall classroom on Wed., Feb. 19, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. as we kick off our 2014 campaign. Please join us if you are interested. All members require a current criminal record check so bring some I.D. (free).

If you need more information call Doug Gill at 403-783-3233

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EGG SALAD

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 3

New ag society president looks to the future

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye A new board and president have been elected for the Ponoka Agricultural Society (PAS).

An organizational meeting was held recently and the society nominated Lauraine Weir for the position as president for one year. Past-president Sherry Gummow decided to step down from the position.

Weir is proud of Gummow’s efforts.

“She did a great job for the ag society.”

While there are many plans for the future, Weir hopes to continue on with programs they have been hosting, especially events at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

Equine sports such as team penning and cutting are popular with their members and help provide provincial grant money to the society, explained Weir.

“We want to make sure those things continue at the building,” she said.

The more events they host, the more they can take advantage of provincial grants. Weir says much of that grant money goes towards supporting the 4-H clubs and their leadership programs.

There are new executives on the board, too, that Weir is excited to see; Lorrie Jess, secretary, brings gardening experience to the table.

“Lorrie comes with a horticultural background from Olds College and a real love for gardening,” said Weir.

Trish Friis is familiar with the equine world. “She’s a barrel racer, so she comes with that knowledge.”

Dan Dixon can be found helping out in

For the near future Weir said people can expect to see her board out in the community seeking individual and business sponsorship, usually in the months of January and February.

The society is also looking at hosting a women’s conference, which Weir says has not been done for many years. “We’ve had requests to do a women’s conference and we’re looking to do one in April this year.”

Expect to see two dates for the ag fair.

The bench show is now called the Home Hobby and Horticultural Show, set for Aug. 22 and 23. A Ranch Rodeo is set for Sept. 6 and 7 and Weir said the board is considering adding a Gymkhana to the rodeo weekend.

A Gymkhana is usually timed events for younger ages such as pole bending and goat tying.

“It seems to be making a come back,” said Weir.

The PAS board generally meets every second Tuesday of the month at the ag event centre and meetings are open to the public, said Weir.

Here is the new PAS board: • Lauraine Weir, president • Linc Drynan, vice-president • Cecilia Dykstra, treasurer • Lorrie Jess, secretary • Dan Dixon •Karen Douglass •Dennis Ecklund •Trish Friis •Sherry Gummow

Lauraine Weir, new Ponoka Agricultural Society president many of the events the society hosts. “He’s a great person with a cattle hook working the chute,” says Weir.

Another new executive member is Dennis Ecklund. Weir feels he is a great addition to the team. “He’s just a kind of handy guy…He was looking for something to do to give back.”

Weir invited him to join the executive and Ecklund decided to take a stab at it.

The society also has three members on Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society board and Greg Bowie stepped down as a board member at PAS’s AGM to pursue his career.

Society vice-president Linc Drynan was nominated to take over Bowie’s position.

“He’s been a person that’s logged considerable hours to the building (ag event centre),” explained Weir.

Motorist gives police inaccurate details

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye were seen at a rest stop when the passing motorist A call of a dog sled team involved in a col- called the highway patrol.

If you have information on any crime call lision had the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stopmoving fast last week, for nothing. pers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Lyle Lloyd William Norn OCTOBER 5, 1946 - FEBRUARY 8, 2014

L Lyle was born to the late Francis Sarah Norn and Francis Lloyd Norn, S near Tofield, Ab. Lyle went to work with n Alberta Transportation in 1965 as a A foreman for a road construction crew. That same year on a job just north of Ponoka, he met his future wife Lorna Mae Pugh. They were married on April 28,1967 and welcomed their first child, Tammy on July 9. Their second child, Shane joined the family on September 12, 1970. After 25 years of service on Alberta’s highways, Lyle went to work driving truck for Corvette Pipeline Construction; a job that lasted 8 years. In 2001 he sought work closer to home, driving grader east of town for Ponoka County. This allowed him to be home every night and freed up his weekends to haul his granddaughter to rodeos or cheer on his favorite hockey playing grandsons, all who in his eyes could have gone on to play in the NHL. In 2009 he and Lorna built their dream home on their lake lot at Red Deer Lake.

Lyle passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 8, 2014, in a palliative care suite at the Ponoka Hospital & Care Centre after a struggle with COPD and CO2 retention. He is predeceased by his mother, father and step father Victor Stephanson and older sisters Doreen and Bunny. Lyle is survived by his loving and devoted wife Lorna; their dachshund George who held a special spot in Lyle’s heart; daughter Tammy and son-in-law Kevin Henkelman; and son Shane and daughter-in-law Nicole. “Pa” was very proud of his grandchildren Kaylee-Jo Henkelman (Kenton Fawcett), Levi Henkelman, Wyatt, Denver and Emett Norn. He is also survived by his sister Grace (Eugene Normand), brothers-in-law Bill Dunnington and Ken Bulat along with many extended family members.

At Lyle’s request a “happy hour” will be held Saturday, February 15 at 3 p.m at the Stagecoach Saloon, Ponoka Stampede Grounds.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Chan and the nursing staff at the Ponoka Hospital & Care Centre for their compassionate care given to Lyle while hospitalized. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Palliative Care, Ponoka Hospital & Care Centre.

Page 4 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship CHURCH DIRECTORY Associated Gospel Churches of Canada

CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE Pastor Jerry Preheim • Pastor Matt Sealy 3704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. • churchoftheopenbible@telus.net

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PONOKA

Sr. Pastor Paul Spate Erin Dirsten - Fac. Youth & Family Min. 5109 - 57 Ave. Ponoka www.fbcponoka.org 403-783-5533 Bible Discovery Hour 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

NEW COVENANT BAPTIST REFORMED CHURCH Currently meeting at Ponoka Christian School 6300-50 St. Worship Service Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome! phone: 403-783-6962 • www.baptistreformedponoka.org

PARKLAND REFORMED CHURCH South on 2A, West on Spruce Road 403-783-1888 Worship Service 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon www.parklandurc.org

PONOKA ALLIANCE CHURCH 4215 - 46 St. Pastor Norm Dibben 403-783-3958 Sunday Service 11:00 a.m.

The Christian & Missionary Alliance

Real wealth is wisdom This fall I had the we rode down to Montana privilege of having a brief for our second funeral in visit to a place of my six weeks. A dear friend dreams, Yukon Territory. I of ours, our age, caught a have always been interested bug that turned into a lung in the Klondike Gold Rush infection which eventually and my library includes killed her. In some ways it some volumes of Robert seemed unfair. She was a Service’s poetry. On my good woman living a good “bucket list” is a climb over life. She knew the Lord and Pastor Tom the infamous Chilcoot Pass loved helping people out. or a raft trip down the YuHer husband has been goCnossen kon River. I did make it ing through the condolence Hobbema Fellowship cards and is finding out just to Whitehorse this fall and that was great. Recently how good his wife really Church I watched the mini-series was by all the people who Member of the Ponoka “The Klondike” on TV and, loved her so much. We tend Ministerial Association though the story was someto look at her premature what dark, it reminded me death and wonder if God that human nature has within it the search knew what He is doing – but not really, for something beyond itself – in this case, because we know that God is good – all quick riches. It drove men to extremes. the time. And we know that this world is If a man couldn’t get rich, it seemed he not all there is – not by far. Jesus defeated would die trying. the grave by His resurrection.

Along with that quest for gold, I am Right in the middle of the Bible, we thinking about the Sochi Olympics that have what we call the Books of Wismany of us are watching right now. It dom, and Job offers us some help when seems like sports get riskier and faster it comes to finding answers to the hard and more technical – and some may die things in life. Job should know some of trying in their pursuit also. And what is it that, because no one suffered like Job suffor? Fame, fortune, pride, prestige, hon- fered. When everything was taken away or? What in life is really valuable? from this man, he refused to curse God, We recently thought about that as but instead waited on Him for answers.

By chapter 28 in his book, we can tell he is on the right track. He sure didn’t get an answer from his wife. She just told him to curse God and die. (Suicide is never the answer.) His friends told him he was being judged for some unknown unrighteousness. (The everlasting guilt trip.) But Job wasn’t satisfied. He had come to realize that only God knew what was going on, and that God was willing to give him insight into this – but it would come His way and in His time.

Job talks about the quest we are all on for value and meaning in life. Most of the time we stay in our little box where we think we will find it through fame or fortune or education or some other fleeting thing. We can dig into the ground and find the wealth that is there, but die a pauper as far as true fulfilment is concerned. We can search high and low and die searching because we are not willing to turn to the One who Paul says in Acts 17:27 “…is not far from each one of us.”

That is because God has made himself knowable and findable through His own Son, Jesus Christ. And finding God is really finding wisdom, which is real wealth.

Job’s conclusion was this: “The fear of the Lord- that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

PONOKA WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Pastor Rob McArthur

403-783-5659

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.

Corner of Hwy 53 & Hwy 2A (former Crossroads Restaurant)

www.wordoflife.ca

PONOKA UNITED CHURCH Minister: Beatrix Schirner

ponokaunited@shaw.ca

Sunday Service 10:00 am.

5020-52 Ave. Ponoka

Phone: 403-783-4087

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH PASTOR DAVE BEAUDOIN 6230-57 Ave. Ph. 403-783-6404 Saturdays 9:30 - 12 Noon dsjjb@xplornet.com ponokaadventist.ca

SONRISE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor W. Delleman Worship Service 10:30 a.m. ½ mile south of Centennial Centre for Mental Health & Brain Injury

403-783-6012 • www.sonriseponoka.com

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Chris Gnanaprakasam, S.A.C. Mass Times: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday

5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6 403-783-4048 stachurch@shaw.ca

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Ven. Michael Sung Rev. Jessie Pei, Rev. Doreen Scott 5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka

403-783-4329

Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5501 - 54 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4141 Sunday Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 10:30am Pastor Tim Graff • trinityponoka.ca

ZION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Pastor Fred Knip 9 miles east on Hwy 53 (403) 782-9877 Jr. Church during service for children Sunday Service 9:30 am

Blankets made to ease sorrow

By Amelia Naismith In the name and memory of her son Cole, a local woman is continuing her mission of sewing baby blankets for families in need via Cole’s Blankets sewing bees.

Marcie Prediger, along with friends and family, hosted the fourth Cole’s Blankets bee on Feb. 9.

Since the first bee in 2011, more than 500 blankets have been made and donated to Red Deer Regional and Edmonton-based Louis Hole hospitals. Prediger says more than 100 blankets are made each bee.

In 2010, Prediger became pregnant with identical twins — Cole and Cade — however, at 27 weeks she lost Cole.

A blanket was made to mark Cole’s cremation and that was the original Cole’s blanket. It was during the next year that Cole’s Blankets became a project for Prediger and family. “We started because when we were pregnant with twins and lost one, we realized what a great need there is.”

“It’s healed me. You do it to make yourself feel better and to go through the grieving process,” she added.

Prediger’s sister has also lost two of her babies and her cousin lost twins around the same time she lost Cole.

On Feb. 9, a simultaneous Cole’s Blankets bee was held in Saskatchewan by Prediger’s high school friend Nancy Phillips, who has also lost two babies. The blankets are to be donated to hospitals in Saskatoon and surrounding areas. “She always wanted to come to mine, but just couldn’t because she lives so far away,” explained Prediger.

“That’s my goal in all of this: to get blankets as far as I can go, as many as I can make,” she added.

Debby Sheppard (left), Shelley Buss (center) and Wendy Sheppard (far right) all get down to business to help create close to 100 Cole’s Blankets on Feb. 9.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 5

Reflections of Ponoka

We also had cold winters in the old days Whether we like it or not we have all bravely faced the ongoing wrath of this winter since early November, but despite the snow, the wind, and the cold, we have survived because we are hardy and proudly stubborn Canadians. Over the years, there have always been lots of tough winters, and this week in Reflections we will salute those large and determined pioneer families who, for decades, have faced Old man winter without all the ‘get warm quick’ amenities that are now only just a flick away in our day and age.

The winter of 1906-1907.

From a copy of “The Ponoka Story”, which was written by our district and town old-timers, it was vividly recalled that after their first big hailstorm on August 19, 1905 had completely wiped out the crops, the next two winters would be as different as night and day. During the winter of 1905-06, the farmers were not able to take their sleighs out be-

cause there was very little snow, and all of the supplies were hauled by wagon.

In those early days, blizzards were not the dangerous storms that swept the open prairies, because our country had lots of brush and trees, and the trusty teams of horses, if given their head could follow a trail and always arrive home safe. It was in the winter of 1906-07, just when many settlers were getting established and especially trying to start into cattle, that they would experience the worst winter on record. Every old timer had a story of this wicked winter, and this account was written by a young homesteader’s wife, Mrs. Charlie Shipley, who at the writing of the history book in 1971 had reached the age of 92 years.

She stressed that it was easy to remember that winter of 190607 because on November 2nd they received 10 inches of snow and it remained bitterly cold until December

Remember when

Photo submitted

Michael Rainone Sr. and his wife Irene lived, worked, and raised their family here in Ponoka from 1948 to 1978, after which he retired and they moved to Victoria. Mike worked for close to 30 years at the Provincial Mental Hospital, serving on the Medical staff and in the Recreation Department, as well as being active in the community as a member of the Masonic Lodge as well as the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #66. Irene passed away in the 1980’s, after which Michael continued to volunteer for 20 years at the Royal B.C. Museum, and later married his present wife Jean. Mr. Rainone, who served in the British Army Medical Corp during the Second World War, just celebrated his 95th birthday with family and friends, where he was presented with a certificate from Prime Minister Harper as well as his 30 year membership pin from the Victoria Legion.

In the 1930’s the Baumbach family is preparing for another tough Alberta winter by putting up lots of wood.

Little Harry Garries, who was born in 1901, survived the tough early winters by snuggling up with his buffalo pelt blanket.

10th when they got a few days of warmer weather but no melt. With everyone using their cutters or bobsleighs the roads were well packed, and with the farmers having only the usual amount of feed, the stock, especially the horses could graze on the wild grass all winter. Many of the homesteaders had a contract with a rancher to take in ten cows with calf for three years, while Charlie Shipley had taken in fifteen of his own.

December 1906 turned very cold again, with Christmas day hitting 30 degrees below zero.

January stayed below zero for the entire month, with more snow piling up on the roads, which remained packed hard. Feed became very scarse and high in price, and her husband had to haul a load of hay for 10 miles to hopefully last them until the spring. The Shipleys had a deep little coulee by their log barn where they bedded their cattle down, and during that winter Charlie had to get up at least once a night to check on the herd, often having to build big fires close by to keep them warm. Most people managed to make it through, but many lost all their young calves and some of their cows. The snow was so deep at times that it covered the fences, and the roads were so packed that it was very hard to pass, and the snow was still around on May 1, 1907, when the Shipleys had to take the cutter into Lamberton for supplies.

A neighbour, Mr. Cairns wrote....’there were many fights that winter, with some rigs tipping over into the ditch when they tried to pass on the road. A horse could walk up to a coyote because it had to jump up so high, and many of those pesky critters were killed with clubs.”

Frank Brewster also fondly remembered his father’s story of that memorable winter. “In the summer of 1906 my father put up hay with Mr. Story, who lived on the farm later occupied by Mr. Harrington. Story would cut the hay and my father would rake and stack it for a half share, which he used to feed the 50 head of steers that he agreed to winter for Mr. Beebe of Beebe Town, Iowa. He batched on the homestead and hauled his hay every day to the cattle, and it was so cold that the only reason that he didn’t freeze to death was because he had a fur coat that was a couple of sizes to large for him, which he lived in all winter and

slept in it too.”

Hugh Stevenson recalled that her husband told of hauling hay from the West head place west of Mirror, which took all day to make the round trip, and if the two outfits met on the trail, the lighter one would pull off, then the other would help to turn them right side up and then pull them back on the track with both teams. There has been many varying reports of the depth of the snow that winter, but most stories put it at six feet on the level. It didn’t drift, but just piled snow on snow for months, with absolutely no breaks for melting. The official record snowfall at Edmonton that winter was reported as 90.3 inches.

Here are a few more excerpts from a dairy about that horrific winter that appeared in the Ponoka Herald. *October 14, 1906: The slough froze and we skated. *November 3 and 4, 1906: snow fell for 31 hours and remained on the ground until May 24, 1907. *The month of January 1907 averaged 27’1 degrees below zero, was warmest at noon and coldest at night. *Hauled logs on Buffalo Lake on April 7, 1907.

So, for the rest of the winter, let’s turn up the furnace, dress warm, think spring, and try not to complain too much.

Page 6 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Opinion Politics behind the Olympic smokescreen Is it political genius in terms of The pretext is fighting terrorism timing or naïve neglect on the part of and preventing fraudulent practices, media or a bit of both? and no one can raise any objections As Canada’s main broadcasters to that. Given, however, the obvious (and most print media) have been con- tendency of the federal government sumed by an enchanted to politicize federal bufrenzy over the Winter reaucracy, this draft, if it Olympics in Sochi over becomes law as it looks the last two weeks, Conlikely, can very well be servatives have unrolled used to vet immigration two pieces of draft applicants as regards federal legislation that to their political backmight have far reachgrounds. ing implications for the As for the other future of the governance draft, it proposes to and the social fabric of amend the election Canada. law. Again, it brings in News bulletins and new arrangements for Mustafa Eric political discussion proprevention of frauduEditor grams have just paid lent voting and stricter lip service to the anregulations for implenouncements without mentation of voting procedures, which analyzing the timing, the background should be considered improvements. or the motives for the two drafts and But it also brazenly clips the powcontinued to keep their focus on the ers of the chief electoral officer Marc run-up to Olympic games in Sochi.

Mayrand to launch investigations into Living in what is universally allegations of election fraud. accepted as one of the coldest counOne remembers the robocall vottries in the world and having hosted ing scandal in 2012 elections and two Winter Olympics winning quite cannot help thinking whether Mr. a number of gold medals, it is only Harper and his government are prenatural for Canadians and Canaparing the ground for more election dian media to be interested in Sochi games. What is not natural, though, day “practices” to cling to power, is the negligence in attaching the due practices that they would rather have not investigated. importance to the drafts.

Let’s not forget that the new draft One of the drafts is about updatalso raises the limits of contributions ing the legislation governing the immigration and citizenship process- by individuals to political parties eleces. Certainly, as should be, there are tion campaign funds. And who do you some substantial improvements in the think would benefit from that amendnew draft aimed at ensuring that those ment?

As discussed recently in this who want to come to Canada are more column, the pipeline politics is fast dedicated to their new homeland and readier to adjust to Canadian society warming up following the release of than as suggested under the existing the US State Department report on the prospects of the Keystone XL pipelegislation.

The problem is, though, the new line. The report, which did not raise draft creates a large loophole in pro- any serious objections to the construccessing immigration and citizenship tion of the pipeline which will carry applications by “personalizing” many bitumen to oil refineries in Texas, has of the decisions to be made in the probably already had several oil execprocess, giving the minister in charge utives on both sides of the border start the power to single-handedly strip in- to ecstatically rub their hands. There dividuals off their actual or expected is certainly a lot of money to be made Canadian citizenship, while also au- through the construction and operathorizing immigration officers to turn tion of that pipeline and Mr. Harper down immigration or citizenship ap- seems determined to stay at the complications without setting any criteria mand centre to be able to decide who gets how big a slice from the cake. for taking such decisions.

PONOKA

Is Calnash Ag Event Centre on the right track?

Dear Editor I have some serious concerns about the Calnash Ag Event Centre and the direction that this facility is taking. At the onset of the planning, a committee that I am involved with was asked to meet with members of the Stampede Association to discuss what would be needed in the new facility to accommodate cattle events. At that time, I was under the impression that the facility would be a multi-use facility (as stated on their web page). Unfortunately this does not seem to be the case.

A recent rental inquiry to host a Youth Cattle Clipping Clinic and Show met with very little success (this would have been their third year). Access was very limited and very expensive; they were also advised that the facility was more equine focused. I did some price comparisons and it would be cheaper to stall cattle at Farm Fair in Edmonton than in Ponoka. I realize that the bottom line is very important and the cutting, team penning and barrel racing events provide a much needed income, but for the majority of the participants, it is a hobby not a career.

The small barn at the rear of the facility was built with asphalt flooring which makes it ideal for livestock, but at this time the barn is full of box stalls.

There are not many times during the year that all of these stalls are required, so it would make sense to me to remove these stalls so that the barn could be used for cattle events and when the need arose, they could be put back in. I understand that to date, there has only been one bull sale held in the facil-

ity and they were told this year that the Ag Event Centre was unable to host their event. It seems to me that with this being bull sale season, rentals should be a top priority as they would definitely generate revenue, not only for the facility but for the Town of Ponoka as a whole. Vold, Jones & Vold Auction Mart uses the “Cattle Capital of Canada” as their moniker, but obviously this thought does not extend across the road.

As a county taxpayer, I would like to see the benefits from over $3.8 million (cash and work in kind) extend to the 4H members and the youth of our agricultural industry; whether they be involved with the equine or cattle industry. After all, they are the future of the industry as well as the community. When the building was under construction, a lot of the companies that donated did so because they thought that the community would benefit as a whole, not just the equine section of the industry.

I wonder if they know the direction this facility is taking.

I have discussed my concerns with Doug Weir, the County of Ponoka councillor on the PAECS Board and I hope that he recognizes the importance of encouraging the diversified use of this facility.

If the current trend continues, the Calnash Ag Event Centre will definitely become known as an elitist facility (and not in a positive light).

After all, the sign on the front of the facility reads “The Calnash Trucking Ag Event Centre”, not “The Calnash Trucking Equine Centre”.

Chris Orom

News Judy Dick Manager

Mustafa Eric Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

Amelia Naismith Reporter

Karen Douglass Susan Whitecotton Sales Administration

5019A Chipman Ave., Box 4217, Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R6 manager@ponokanews.com editorial@ponokanews.com reporter@ponokanews.com rovingreporter@ponokanews.com sales@ponokanews.com admin@ponokanews.com Phone: 403.783.3311 Fax: 403.783.6300 Email: editorial@ponokanews.com All editorial content, advertising content and concepts are protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is forbidden.

Published every Wednesday by PNG Prairie Newspaper Group in community with: Regional Publisher, Fred Gorman

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 7

Government will continue to pile up debt With the next sitting province is falling diof the Legislature coming rectly into the debt trap. in March and the Throne You can be assured that Speech that comes with it, we will challenge the it is time to look ahead to government on every the challenges that will be penny spent. facing us in the year ahead.

It is time to think of The official opposition new solutions and bold will challenge the governideas to get Alberta ment’s priorities and put back on the right path. forward a positive alternaI would like to invite Rod Fox tive! you to be a part of that MLA The past year showed process. I would like that the PC government is to hear your thoughts out of touch and no longer on what the Alberta concerns itself with the challenges that government should be doing. In Albertans face everyday. Whether the 2014, Albertans can count on the Ofgovernment handed out hundreds of ficial Opposition to stand up for your millions in corporate welfare, main- interests each and every day in the taining perks and pay for politicians Legislature and in this constituency. and upper managers or targeting our A big change for me in 2014 is most vulnerable, we saw this govern- the fact that the Leader Danielle Smith ment fail to put Albertans first. has promoted my Critic Portfolio It will be an important year for obligations to International and InAlberta’s energy sector, as we await tergovernmental Relations from my verdicts on the development of several previous Service Alberta critic posipipeline projects such as the Keystone tion. I will strive to make inroads in XL pipeline. These projects are vital Intergovernmental Relations as well to Alberta’s long term economic suc- as International Relations, to serve cess and we will continue to advocate Alberta and ensure Alberta is meeting for them in 2014. its objectives.

Unfortunately, there will likely be The people of Lacombe Ponoka another deficit budget and more debt Constituency can count on me and my in 2014. The government continues to colleagues to stand up for responsible pile up the red ink to the tune of some spending, front line services and the $17 billion by 2016. Our current debt protection of the most vulnerable. Last sits at approximately $7.7 billion. In year the WIldrose Official Opposition 2011 the Premier said “Debt has prov- showed that we are a capable and en the death of countless dreams,” and diligent opposition party and in this also stated that “Debt is the trap that coming year we will continue to show has caught so many struggling govern- that we are a clear and viable alternaments.” Now, Alberta, once a “have” tive to the current government.

Minister comments on care facility complaints Recent letters in the Ponoka News have questioned the government’s policies around placing seniors in continuing care facilities, often called the ‘100 km rule’. We understand seniors going into continuing care want to be close to home and their families, and that is why these policies were rescinded in summer 2013.

Alberta Health Services and the Health Quality Council of Alberta have been reviewing placement guidelines in consultation with Health Advisory Councils, communities and seniors with an aim to ensuring that the current practice of ensuring that seniors are placed as close to their homes and loved ones continues.

Your readers should know that since 2010, through partnerships with not-for-profit and for-profit providers, we have opened more than 3,000 continuing care spaces across the province. We remain committed to our goal of opening 1,000 new continuing care spaces a year through to 2015.

Our goal is for a new placement policy that keeps residents as close as possible to their homes and keeps couples together, while ensuring seniors receive appropriate care for their needs.

Dave Quest Associate Minister of Seniors Government of Alberta

Town Times

Come visit us: 5102 -48 Avenue; Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Phone: 403-783-4431 Fax: 403-783-6745 Email: town@ponoka.org Or Check us out Online: www.ponoka.ca

NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Business Licenses Are Now Overdue, Penalties Will Be Applied!

A penalty of 15% of will be applied on all unpaid Business Licenses due January 31, 2013. For more information, please call 403-783-0119 or 403-783-0117.

TOWN OFFICE CLOSED FOR FAMILY DAY

The Town Office will be closed on Monday, February 17th for Alberta’s Family Day. Payments or correspondence may be left in the drop box at the front door.

EVENTS AND RECREATION Celebrate Family Day - February 17, 2014 At The Ponoka Culture & Recreation Complex from 11am – 4 pm • Skating on main ice, pick up shinny on small ice (helmets required) • KidSport 3-on-3 hockey challenge – Outdoor Rink • Hotdogs and hot chocolate served 11:30 am – 1:00 pm • Face painting 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm • Snowman & Ice Sculpture Competition 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Judging & Prizes) *Bring your own supplies & equipment • Family Curling 1:00 - 3:00 pm • Bon Fire – Arena Parking Lot 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm • Visit with Town Councillors 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm **Admission is a donation to the Ponoka Food Bank

Ponoka Gym Club Family Day Activities Join the Gym club on Family Day, February 17 from 10 – 4pm at the old Advance School Equipment Building for hot dogs, gym demos, and free sparkle tattoos!

Visit the Ponoka Drop-In Centre on Family Day Children’s Musical Performance by Mary Lambert - 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm Shows Sponsored by Ponoka Early Childhood Development

Library Events DINNER AT THE LIBRARY: Come enjoy our 2nd Annual POTLUCK Dinner at the Library on Thursday February 27th, from 6:00-8:00! We ask everyone who attends to bring in a dish, along with the recipe. Enjoy a full meal and get some recipe ideas. The library will provide beverages, buns, plates and utensils, you provide the good company. Please call or visit the library to sign-up or for more information.

STORY TIME: Ponoka Jubilee Library invites children ages 3-6 and their parents to come to Story Time! Held every Monday at 2:00 pm and Friday at 11:00 am, this program helps to introduce children to the library and reading, as well as helping them prepare for kindergarten through the use of tools during the crafting portion of the day. A story will be read, a craft will be made, a game made be played, and friends will be found!

Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on all our events!

Aquaplex Update Family Day STAT Swim Feb 17th, 2 – 4pm family swim, 4 – 6pm public swim, families are ½ price PD Day swim Feb 20 & 21 1-3pm

Public Skating: Proudly sponsored by Ponoka Lions Monday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm **Shinny Hockey on Weekdays only**

COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO Next Town Council Meetings February 25, 2014 @ 7 pm Visit our website www.ponoka.ca for copy of the agenda.

DID YOU KNOW...?

Letters to the editor welcome We reserve the right to edit for brevity, clarity and legal issues as well as to reject letters outright. Letters shouldn’t exceed 500 words. Only signed letters will be considered for publication. The opinions expressed in the letters to the editor are those of the writer and not of the Ponoka News. Please include an address & daytime contact number for verification of authenticity.

The Editor, Ponoka News, Box 4217, Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6 Tel: 403-783-3311 Fax:403-783-6300 editorial@ponokanews.com

Ice removal is the responsibility of the resident and/or property owner. The warm weather has created icy conditions in many areas. The Town asks that residents remove ice build-up from their sidewalks and apply ice-melt as required. *Contact FCSS for a list of people willing to assist with sidewalk snow removal (a fee may apply). 403.783.4462.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“The Eskimos have 52 words for snow because it is so special to them; there ought to be as many for love!” ~ Margaret Atwood

Page 8 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Always stress the keen spirit and efforts of competition For the next couple of Every year this 543.7 mile weeks millions of peo(875 kilometres) endurple here in Canada and ance race from Sydney throughout the world will to Melbourne is hosted in sit on the edge of their the Australian heat, and is easy chairs and tune in the considered as one of the action of the 2014 Winworld’s most gruelling ter Olympics from Sochi, ultra-marathons. The race Russia. Every one of us takes five days to comMike Rainone will certainly be cheering plete and is normally only Hammertime for our favourite team and attempted by world-class saluting the colors of our athletes, who train vigornation, but we must always ously for the event, and are appreciate the magnificent efforts and typically less than 30 years of age and hopefully good sportsmanship of all of backed by such corporate giants such as those superb athletes.

Nike.

Many will say that to much profesIt was in 1963 that a man named sionalism and politics have now entered Cliff Young showed up at the start of the into the long-standing Olympic arena, race. Cliff was 61 years old and wore but we must hope that the keen spirit of overalls and work boots, and to everyfair and clean competition will somehow one’s total shock they realized that he always reign supreme and with pride wasn’t a spectator when he picked up his for each and every nation. A long time race number and joined the other comfriend sent me this amazing story, and petitors. The press and other athletes may we ever dare to hope that all sports, became curious and questioned Cliff, inat no matter what level or personal skill forming him that he was crazy and that set could still be played and enjoyed as there was no way he would win this rugfun , while always giving the best ef- ged race. ‘Yes I can,’ he quietly claimed. fort? At the end, no matter what the “You see, I grew up on a farm where we final outcome might be, is it not so very couldn’t afford horses or tractors, and important to proudly share those great the whole time that I was growing up, efforts and successes with everyone else whenever storms rolled in, I’d have to go involved?? out and round up all the sheep. We had The leg- 2000 sheep on 2000 acres, and someend of Cliff times I would have to run those sheep Ponoka Young for two or three days and it took a long Capitol It was in time, but I’d always catch them, and that 1983 that a is why I believe that I can win this race.”

Theatre quiet 61 year When the race finally started, the 4904 - 50th St. old Australian pros quickly left Cliff behind, and the Ph. 403-783-3639 sheep farmer crowds and television audience were would win a entertained because Cliff didn’t even PLAYING 544 mile en- run properly, appearing to shuffle, and February durance race many even feared for the farmer’s safety.

14 – 20 because he This amazing story would quickly turn ran through- into a classic ‘Tortoise and the Hare’ adSCREEN #1 out the night venture. All of the professional athletes while the knew quite well that it took five days to younger ‘pro- finish this gruelling race, and in order to f e s s i o n a l ’ compete one had to run about 18 hours athletes slept. a day and sleep the remaining six hours.

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Parson’s Holiday Tours 403.782.6341 or 403.318.5700

IMAX Theatre Edmonton Space and Science Centre movies available for viewing

National Geographic’s

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Pick up Locations: Red Deer at Denny’s 9:00 am Lacombe Greenway Inn 9:30 am Ponoka Tim Horton’s 10:00 am

For detailed information on these trips please call

The thing is, Cliff Young didn’t know that, and when the morning of the second day came, everyone was in for yet another sursprise. Not only was Cliff still in the race, but to their disbelief, he claimed that he would run straight through to the finish without sleeping.

Cliff kept right on running, and each night he came a little closer to the leading pack. By the final night, he had surpassed all of those young world class athletes, he was the first competitor to cross the finish line, and he had set a new course record. When Cliff Young was awarded the winning prize of $10,000.00, he said that he didn’t know that there was a prize, and insisted that he did not enter for the money. He ended up giving all of his winnings to several other runners, a kindly act that would forever endear him to all of his home land of Australia.

After that first great victory the inspiration of this totally unselfish man continued the following year as Cliff Young entered the same race, and despite having a displaced hip would finish in 7th place. He came to prominence again in 1997 when at 76 years of age he attempted to raise money for homeless children by running around Australia’s border. He would complete 6,250 kilometres of the 16,000 kilometre run but had to pull out because his only crew member had become ill. Clifford Young passed away in 2003 at the age of 81 years. Today, the infamous ‘Young Shuffle’ has been adopted by ultra-marathon runners because it is considered more energy efficient, while others have also adjusted their sleep habits to run night and day. Cliff Young in his unassuming but determined matter showed so many that sheer grit and spirit can be an inspiration to all athletes and everyone else, young and old, who are given the opportunity to pursue their goals and dreams.

Please keep the atmosphere hot by not forgetting your Valentine on February 14th, and have a great week, all of you..

Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue

Classic Country Music Concert Saturday, March 1 at 7pm. Tickets $20 Jam session every Saturday at 1 pm. $2 per person.

Everyone welcome!

Monday Billiards 9:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday 50 cents per game. Honor system.

Monday Bridge 1:15 p.m.

Monday 1:30 p.m. Whist Tuesday and Thursday Exercise class 9:30 a.m. fun exercise Tuesday Shuffleboard 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday Cribbage 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00 p.m Wednesday Floor Curling 7:00 p.m.

Thursday Weaving 1:00 p.m. Phone Betty @ 783-3029 Thursday Partner Bridge 1:15 p.m.

Thursday Art Club – Noon to 4:00 pm Thursday Pickle Ball 7:00 p.m. and Tuesdays 1:00 p.m.

Friday “500” 1:00 p.m.

Memberships still available. $10.00 person. Really inexpensive.

To rent our facility contact Dorothy @ 403-783-3027 or George @ 403-783- 3514 or leave a message @ 403-783-5012. Rentals are increasing and we would like to invite our town administration, business groups, and general public (Wedding, funeral, and Birthday groups), to inquire about rentals services and prices early in their planning. We may fit your bill!

The perils of winter February is turning out to be a grumbling, grouchy old month.

It seems to be full of misery!

And it seems to be contagious. And I am no exception.

As the days progress on the calendar, I find myself beginning to feel like Treena Mielke February, myself.

On The Other Side Miserable. Cold. Mad! I don’t really like to feel all miserable, cold and mad like the weather, so I told myself to stop it.

Is your cup half full or half empty? I asked myself, sternly. “Frozen,” I answered myself. True! It was.

Leave your coffee cup in the car overnight. And that’s what you get. Frozen coffee slush.

Anyway, despite the season, I decided I didn’t want to be all miserable and mad so I went out and bought this cool little coat that has layers and a fur trimmed hood that is delightful except it is too big and falls down over my eyes. I’m sure I do not look like a fashion guru, but just silly when I wear it, especially when I run into things as I can’t see too much because of all the fur over my eyes, but oh well. It is warm!

I also decided, even though it is not a characteristic I am well known for, to remember where my spare car key is, now and forever more.

That, of course, is because of the lesson Mother Nature taught me, only last week.

It was a chilly morning, minus 38 or something.

Because it was so cold, I decided to start my car a few minutes before I left for work, hence not having to sit in a frozen icebox until I became frozen, as well.

I started the car, came back in the house and poured a coffee to go. All seemed well until I tried to get back into my car, coffee cup in hand.

My car was locked.

“This cannot be,” I said silently to the cold and frozen north that lay silently before me. “I know I did not lock it. Did not, did not, did not!”

I marched my little self, my rapidly cooling coffee cup and my anger back into the house, slamming the door in complete and utter frustration.

Just to be sure there was no key fairy lurking in my purse, I dumped its entire contents on the kitchen table.

I had a lot of junk in there, but, apparently, no spare keys.

Uttering several bad words entirely inappropriate for a grandma, I marched outside unsuccessfully pulling on all the door handles of my still running vehicle.

It was very locked!

Finally, I phoned a tow truck driver, spitting out my words in sharp, staccato sentences. “Come. Now. Please.”

“I’ll be there in half an hour,” he said, soothingly, like he held a magic key to my happiness which, of course, he did.

He was irritatingly cheerful when he arrived.

“Weird things happen when it’s cold,” he said in that same soothing voice which made me want to hit something.

I smiled. He smiled. Then he took my money and he smiled again. I didn’t.

My car locked itself again this morning, but I was ready.

I had a spare key in my purse.

And, as I took the Subway Fresh long, frozen drive to work, I felt something Try Our akin to happiness.

“Bring it on, winter,” I shouted to the frozen stillness, feigning bravery.

I heard a click.

Darn! My doors locked again. Where is that spare key?

Personal Pizza

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 9

Ponoka FCSS hits its 40th anniversary

By Amelia Naismith Ponoka’s FCSS is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and, as they look into the past, many staff members are beginning to realize just what has and hasn’t changed for the organization over the last four decades.

“I think, for me, the faces of FCSS have changed over the 40 years, but what’s remained consistent is the level of care, and empathy, and heart that goes into the organization,” said Shannon Boyce-Campbell, executive director.

For decades, FCSS has run programs to assist residents from the time they’re born to their lasts breath and BoyceCampbell says she’s looking forward to proceeding with the same positivity. “I think that’s one thing Ponoka does well, they take care of their own.”

Boyce-Campbell feels it’s the people of FCSS who are carrying the organization’s history. Many relatives of former staff or clients are now involved. The granddaughter of former home care worker Shirley Onesto works with FCSS. “That’s just an example how the pace is set with families.”

Program co-ordinator Kerry Robideau agrees FCSS has undergone many changes over the years — some more positive than others. “One of the things I’ve noticed is the more legislation gets involved, the harder it is to do the care part. It’s important for us to stay centered on the care part.”

Gloria Winslow has been a health care aide with FCSS for the last 24 years and she’s witnessed first-hand the evolution of that industry with the organization.

When she first started with FCSS, Winslow worked mainly in Rimoka’s Golden Leisure Lodge, but also ventured out to care for those in the community.

She recalls having only one client in the lodge during her early years.

“What I’ve really noticed is (that) the clients that come in now, so many more need help,” said Winslow. Two decades ago most seniors moving into the lodge would still be able to walk in under their

own two-legged power.

Now, Winslow says most need an aid of some kind, such as a walker or wheelchair. “Our dining room looks like a parking lot.”

She believes people used to move into the lodge at a younger age and now, because of the work of FCSS, seniors are able to stay in their own homes longer. “I know that in many people’s hearts they want to stay in their own homes as long as they can, and I know that’s happened.”

“They’re really grateful to stay there as long as they can,” she added.

When Winslow first joined the FCSS team, there were 26 women that worked to provide home care to the community.

Now the team is up to 29, yet each aide has less time to spend on the clients as the need for their services grow.

“One of the major changes that has come out, when I first started working, we were allowed 45 minutes for a bath.”

Winslow says she would also take extra time to look after her clients’ finger and toenails and visit. In many cases aides and clients became good friends.

However, now baths have been cut down to a half hour and someone with a nursing degree has to review finger and toenails.

Another change Winslow witnessed was who gave out the clients’ medications. “When I first started, the house keepers gave out the meds.”

She remembers making a comment on how she was surprised that job didn’t fall to the nurses. “The next thing I knew, we’re taking a course on giving out the meds,” Winslow said with a chuckle.

Before joining FCSS, Winslow worked at Northcott for five years but a horse injury rendered her unable to do the lifting required for that job. It was a friend, somebody already with FCSS, who encouraged her to apply and she was immediately given the job.

Marian Winacko is a home support worker, who will have been with FCSS 25 years with fall, and, like Winslow, she sees many more older senior needing as-

FCSS History Timeline

sistance as the years go by.

For her, the biggest changes have been her clients; they come and go as older ones move to lodges or die and new ones come in, as they grow older.

Because she’s only involved in house keeping and not personal care, Winacko says her practices don’t change much.

“I’m probably still using some vacuums from 25 years ago,” she joked.

Winacko says one of the most interesting parts of her job is interacting with the seniors and listening to their own history and the changes they’ve seen.

“That’s what FCSS is all about, hearing their stories. Seniors built this town; they had businesses, they’re the backbone.”

“Sometimes they just want to sit and visit . . . There’d be Fridays I’d get home and say ‘Harry, I hope you’re not hungry because I’ve been eating all day’. This one wants to have tea and cookies, this one wants to make you soup and sandwiches and this one wants a snack, too.

Of course I did my own work, but they wanted to visit,” she added.

Looking at the organization’s 40th anniversary in the community, Winacko is both pleased and excited. “It’s something to be proud of. It’s really great to work for a place that offers so much.”

“And not only the services they offer but the extras they might also do, like rake leaves or shovel snow,” she added.

Winacko feels more people need to be made aware of FCSS and what they can offer. “When I first started, I don’t even know how I heard of FCSS, it wasn’t known.”

Even as they celebrate their accomplishments FCSS staff remain concerned with the home care contract and how possibly losing it in 2015 could affect the organizations next 40 years. “It you lose a contract like FCSS and it’s privatized, it’s never the same. It’s sad a place like this has to fight so hard to keep a contract,” said Winacko.

“I remember my old boss, too, fighting, trying so hard to keep FCSS alive,” she added.

1974 (summer): STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program) grant for summer months. Students provide temporary home services.

1974 (October): Dorothea Kaiser is the first paid adult homemaker; sponsored by Alberta Hospital Ponoka.

1975: Nine homemakers on staff.

1975-1977: Canada Works Project Grant provided for two years.

1977 (May): The Community Program was developed with a volunteer Board of Directors and a paid part-time co-ordinator. Funding was provided by the Senior Citizens Bureau Grant and a local fundraising efforts by volunteers.

1977 (July): The organization’s first two programs are Homemakers (home support: light housekeeping and meal preparations) and Homemakers Program (personal care).

1977 (fall): Town of Ponoka provided funding and has continued to fund since that time. The county also became involved by submitting grant applications.

1978: M.S. Fund developed.

1979: Ponoka Community Home Help Services becomes a registered society under Alberta Consumer and Corporate Affairs.

1981: Fifty “home help” clients, three to five clients receiving Meals on Wheels, staff of 11.

1982 (October): Provincial government FCSS funding started with mandated funding from the town and county. The name was changed to Family and Community Support Services. Volunteer programs were established, including transportation service, friendly visits and phoning, social activities, palliative care and income tax.

1987 (October): First Home Support Aide Recognition Day—provincial conference hosted by Ponoka FCSS in Ponoka. Alberta was the first province to have a homemaker’s recognition week.

1990: Requests for volunteer services jumped from 50 in 1982 to 300 in 1990; 155 clients, 36 medical alert units.

1992: Lifeline units and monitoring introduced and replaced Appello units and bracelets. Twenty-eight staff, Meals on Wheels $4.35.

1995: Sixty lifeline units in service.

1996: Seventy lifeline units in service.

1997: Tools for School program started.

2000: Cancer fund started.

2004: Meals on Wheels $4.50. In 2004, 1,835 meals were delivered to approximately 35 different clients.

2005: Coats for Cold program started, Parent Link joined the FCSS facility.

2011: First year for the Community Garden.

2014: It’s the 40th anniversary of FCSS, 100 lifeline units in service.

4207 67 Street www.familymeats.com

403-783-MEAT (6328) Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm Sat: 8am - 4pm Closed Sundays & Holidays

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Prices in effect Feb 11 – Feb 17/14 Residents at the Golden Leisure Lodge enjoyed a Winter Walk Day indoors to stay fit and active last week.

Photo submitted

Page 10 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

An early start? Dawn DeLeeuw, 16 months old, was getting a feel of the basketball during the halftime break of the senior Broncs girls’ game against Sylvan Lake Lakers on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the St. Augustine School gym, possibly in preparation for a basketball career when she reaches the right age.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

Consideration of Seniors Much Appreciated Dear Editor: On behalf of the seniors living in the Heritage Estates (along 46th Ave. and along 52nd St.), I would like to thank Cam Rice and Doug Laing of CR Investments for clearing the snow next to our driveways;

SEE NEWS HAPPENING? SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS Email: editorial@ponokanews.com

403-783-3311

and to Calnash Trucking for buying their time and donating the money to Ponoka Minor Hockey.

It is so nice to have space to throw the white stuff!

Gratefully, Gwen Plested

Neighbourhood Place Fundraiser Winter Warm-up fundraiser hot lunch is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18 at Neighbourhood Place, 5102 49

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Avenue.

All welcome to join for soup and sandwiches.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 11

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Page 12 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

21 Teams attended the first Crib Challenge Cup in 2014 Submitted by Rosella Snopek

Big winners: Bob Boswell (left) from Big Valley partnered with Dennis Ensminger from Ponoka with 11 wins, 1438 points at a recent Zone 4 AlPhoto submitted berta 55 plus cribbage tournament.

With the renovations still incomplete at the Stettler Recreation Centre, the Canalta Hotel agreed to providing a meeting room and lunch for our Zone 4 Alberta 55 plus crib group.

Twenty-one teams signed up from Mirror, Camrose, Stettler/Halkirk, Daysland, Ponoka, Big Valley, Wetaskiwin, Lacombe, Sedgewick, and Erskine. We filled that meeting room right to the brink. Lots of laughter, happy New Years’ and smiling faces. Once the 12 games were completed, third place went to Joyce McVee and Linda Stevenson from Camrose; second place was captured by Lisa & Walter Hawksworth from Mirror and first place went to Bob Boswell from Big Valley partnered with Dennis Ensminger from Ponoka with 11 wins, 1438 points.

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- - -

2127sq ft log home located on 3.46 acres 4 bdrms & 2 baths in1.5 storey Floor to ceiling stone fireplace Spacious country kitchen Gorgeous landscaping Corrals, pastures, & horse shelter for animals Barn & stock waterer

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$75,000 Call Deb

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$159,000 Call Bob

SUPERB LOCATION

$429,900 Call Jane - 4 Commercial Lots located on 50 Street - 50 x 100 each - Priced as a package; but may consider selling separately

- 1408 sq ft bi-level - 5 bdrms, 3 baths - Mature yard, fenced & cross fenced - 22’ x 48’ Barn, Outdoor riding arena - Located on pavement only 5 mins

$469,950 Call Todd

$339,900 Call Bob

COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST

- Cute, cozy & warm older home - Outbuildings, shelters & small barn area - Great pens & pasture, auto waterer - Almost 10 acres, 20 mins from Ponoka - Won’t last long – book your showing today

$320,000 Call Lisa

$689,000 ~ Call Todd

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$199,900 Call Jane

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$330,000 Call Lisa

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$229,900 Call Jane GREAT GATHERING HOME

- 2 storeys, finished on all levels - 2022 sq ft - 4 bdrms & 4 baths - Large open kitchen w/ island - Great location!

$315,000 Call Deb

TO VIEW A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR PROPERTIES AND VIRTUAL TOURS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT

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Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 13

Food safety an important part of AHS

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye Located at the intersection of two major highways with heavy traffic, all restaurants, but especially the fast-food outlets in Ponoka are some of the busiest businesses of the town and residents are particularly keen that food safety and hygiene are kept at the top of the priorities of the restaurants.

Dr. Ifeoma Achebe, medical officer of health with Alberta Health Services (AHS), says anyone who suspects that a business is not taking adequate care of its facility in terms of food safety and hygiene should report the matter to Alberta Health services without delay.

When handling complaints, AHS’s goal is to follow-up on a call within two days.

“We do follow-up complaints as fast as we can,” said Achebe.

Restaurants are not the only area AHS inspects. Anytime public safety is involved such as public pools, rental housing and even splash parks, AHS will inspect.

“The bottom line is if you see something going wrong, just let us know,” said Achebe.

Any restaurant looking to start up a business must ensure all health requirements have been met with Alberta Health Services (AHS).

In the central Alberta area, AHS have conducted 20,000 inspections; some from routine visits and others from specific complaints, says Dr. Achebe.

Entrepreneurs looking to open up a restaurant, or business that serves food, need to follow specific guidelines from AHS and a food safety inspector will conduct an initial inspection prior to the restaurant opening up. The purpose of these visits is for public health.

“What we’re doing here is to protect the health of the public,” said Achebe.

AHS has three goals: • To stop the spread of illness • Ensure compliance of standards and regulations • Provide an opportunity to educate the public and food service facilities of those safety standards “When we do inspections, we look out for various things like: proper food handling, temperature control, cleaning, proper food storage, hand washing and hygiene, cross-contamination and control,” Achebe explained.

Other factors such as having proper commercial dishwashers that can handle a specific load are important as well as storing the proper amount of potable water, regular fridge and freezer temperature checks and regular maintenance are also important to inspectors. “These are the key things that we look out for.”

Routine inspections are conducted one to three times per year depending on the risk category. A convenience store may not have the same risks such as a restaurant handling raw meet and fresh vegetables, said Achebe; crosscontamination has a higher risk level.

When asked how a person can tell if a restaurant is clean, Achebe said most people do not go into the kitchen to check but clean surfaces may be one indication. Sometimes workers can be seen conducting safe practices such as washing their hands or covering their hair in the kitchen.

AHS can be contacted at 1-877-360-6366 or online at http://www7. albertahealthservices.ca/restaurant-inspections/ for complaints or more information.

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Boys and Girls Club receives grant for upgrades A recent grant pledged to the Boys and Girls Club of Wolf Creek is going to go a long way to improve the club’s kitchens, according to a press release issued by the club, which will receive $8,000 from President’s Choice Children’s Charity for kitchen renovations and equipment.

The donation is the share of the Wolf Creek Club from the $500,000 donated by President’s Choice Children’s Charity (PCCC)to Boys and Girls Clubs in Alberta through the national umbrella organization to upgrade their kitchens, purchase appliances and ensure safe food handling. A total of 21 Clubs across the province will receive Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Kids grants in 2014.

Thanks to the support of PCCC, Boys and Girls Clubs of Wolf Creek will be able to purchase tables, chairs, appliances and picnic tables for the Ponoka and Rimbey Club Locations.

“Boys and Girls Clubs of Wolf Creek is proud to be a good place for young people to access

nutritious food and learn about healthy eating choices,” says Beth Reitz, executive director.

“PCCC has made a difference in our capacity to fuel young bodies and minds and help children and youth develop positive habits that can last a lifetime.”

While the club will be able to purchase many useful item, the tables will provide a fun, outdoor environment during snack or lunch breaks.

“We are excited to be able to get outdoor, cement picnic tables in spring. We have been wanting to purchase these for a long time so that our kids can have their lunches and snacks outside,” said Reitz in an email.

The money has already been sent to the group and Reitz says they have a year to purchase the things they need.

President’s Choice Children’s Charity has supported Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada’s food and nutrition program, Basic Needs, Brighter Futures, since 2011.

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc. 5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka

COMMERCIAL Great location on main street of Ponoka. Total space 2750 sq. ft building and lot only.

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Beautiful building sites just a short drive south of Ponoka in Jada Estates. Building restrictions make this property an exclusive area for upscale homes. Seven acreages available.

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Call Wayne 403-704-0864 COUNTRY RESIDENTIAL

This 10 acre parcel is a perfect choice to build that dream home and have plenty of room to keep livestock, grow trees or organic gardening.

Nice lay of land with #1 soil, service borders property. Located just minutes north of town. REDUCED $89,000.00 Terms available.

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Most acreages are treed offering excellent building sites and privacy.

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Property priced $20,000 under assessed value. Offered for sale at $60,000.

Split level home located in a quiet cul de sac on the north end of town. Well laid out, plenty of room for the growing family, oversized yard.

145 acres with beautiful log home, double detached garage & shop. 4 bdrms & 3 baths. Many great features to this farm available through brokerage.

Located minutes west of Rimbey. Listing realtor is related to sellers.

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$798,000.00

TO VIEW ALL LISTINGS VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.FIRSTCHOICEPONOKA.COM

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Call Brian 403-704-7018

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Page 14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Valentines Day Drama through a teen’s eyes “Confessions of a Wild Child” by Jackie Collins c.2014, St. Martin’s Press $26.99 / $29.99 Canada 294 pages

she didn’t stay long: her former roomie, a Greek heiress named Olivia, invited Lucky to the south of France. It was easy to get there.

Oh, the things you got away with when you were a teen!

Cutting classes and hanging out in the school parking lot. Sneaking out of the house when your parents thought you were asleep, parties when they weren’t home, “borrowing” their car, busting curfew, stupid stuff you hope your kids never do.

You got away with a lot. It’s a good thing CALL your mother never knew.

403-783-3311 Then again, as you’ll see in “Confessions of a Wild Child” by Jackie Collins, she probably did the same things when she was a kid.

Almost-fifteen-year-old Lucky Santangelo was tired of being in prison.

Ever since her mother was murdered ten years prior, Lucky’s father, Gino, kept Lucky and her Buying or brother, Dario, locked in their posh Bel Air mansion. They weren’t Selling you allowed to go anywhere unchapneed the eroned, though Lucky was good at sneaking out. Outwitting Gino was fun - until the day he informed her that she was being shipped to a “very expensive” boarding school STAY INFORMED in Switzerland.

As it turned out, it wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened. biked into town, drank, and played Eager to find out about boys and a game Lucky called “Almost.” It sex, Lucky and her boarding school was a fun, empowering game in roommate escaped every night, which she “almost” lost her virgin• RIMBEY

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It was even easier to forget to tell Gino where she was.

Caught once again, Lucky was dragged to Las Vegas, where Gino told her that he’d figured out how to tame her. As much as she wanted to walk in her father’s footsteps and go into business, Lucky wasn’t destined to run the Santangelo Empire. No, that would be Dario’s future. For Lucky, marriage and babies were inevitable.

And Gino Santangelo believed that was that. if he thought he had a YOUR BABY’SBut BIRTH wild child before, he hadn’t seen OR anything yet…

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and bruises inside “Confessions of a Wild Child.”

It’s often hard, first of all, for an adult to write in the voice of a young teenager, and the first few pages of this book reflect it: Lucky sounds like a middle-aged woman.

That bump passes quickly, but occasionally returns; there are also light continuity errors in here, and some preening repetition. Turn up the heat, though, and you’ve got a story that has its flaws but is, overall, a delightfully guilty pleasure.

Though Lucky is a teenager in this book, this is an escapist-novel for adults. If you’re looking, in fact, for something to take on that midwinter vacation, “Confessions of a Wild Child” is a great book to get away with.

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PONOKA NEWS Page 15

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Page 16 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Nursing student seeks medical supply donations for Africa Mustafa Eric A young Ponoka girl is seeking support and donations for an assignment in Africa, where she wants to gain experience and “learn to appreciate what we have here.”

Born to parents of South Asian origin and raised in Alberta, Sanam Iqbal Amiri is a first year nursing student at Grant MacEwan University in the Psychiatric Nursing program.

As part of an international medical placements program called “Work The World”, Sanam is preparing to depart for Tanzania this summer for a few weeks of work in Dar Es Salaam as an intern.

“This internship involves examining mental health concerns in Tanzania as well as the social stigma associated (with them).” Sanam said in an

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This would entail working in outpatient clinics that diagnose and treat schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, drug abuse, anxiety, alcoholism and acute psychosis.

“An opportunity like this would allow me to grow in my profession and in my practice as a registered psychiatric nurse as well as strengthening my appreciation of Western healthcare and nursing,” she said.

The reason for selecting Dar Es Salaam for her internship is that she has relatives in Tanzania and she also would like to know the circumstances shaping the life and practice of medicine in the country where so many of her relatives live.

“This internship will broaden my horizons as I will see the difference between the circumstances here and in a developing country.”

In addition to her internship work, Sanam, being a Moslem, also hopes to be able to volunteer at least some of her time at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar Es Salaam.

One particular feature of this internship is that Sanam is paying to work as an intern and on her trip, she

is also hoping to be able to take a lot of medical supplies to the people she will work with and to other medical facilities there.

She gives an example of the surgical gloves, which are so widely available here but in very much short supply in Tanzania.

Since she started her campaign to collect and raise funds for medical supplies, Sanam says she has managed to mobilize some support within the Ponoka community but she thinks she needs more in order to be able meaningfully contribute to addressing at least some of the shortages of medical supplies there.

Alongside working for the hospital she is assigned to through her internship program, Sanam says she also would like to visit orphanages and other similar institutions dealing with social and mental health issues in Dar Es Salaam.

Until July, when she will be taking the trip to Tanzania, Sanam would like to collect as much medical supplies as she can take with her. Anyone willing to contribute to the effort should e mail Sanam at sanam.amiri@gmail.com .

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PONOKA NEWS Page 17

Setting the Record Straight snow removal, lawn mowRecently I have been hearing from folks around ing and household chores the constituency that are through the Veterans Indereacting to the news rependence Program. The ports coming from Ottawa Permanent Impairment concerning the treatment Assistance Program proof our veterans. I am vides the Canadian Armed proud to know that my Forces’ most injured constituents support our members with lifelong veterans and want to make compensation for ecosure that our government nomic losses due to severe is doing all they can to impairment and financial MP Blaine support those who bravely assistance is available fought for the freedoms while veterans are receivCalkins we have today. Unfortuing rehabilitative care nately, some of the information that has through Veterans Affairs Canada so that been reported is incorrect or missing our injured veterans can concentrate on altogether. I would like to take this op- what matters most, their families and portunity to clear the air on the closure their wellness. As well, all veterans now of eight Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) have access to Career Transition Services offices. which assists eligible veterans seeking to First, let me say that I have always obtain civilian employment by paying held our veterans in the highest regard for or reimbursing them for career trainand my office has always stood by ready ing services. to help any veteran that may be havSo what is really going on? PSAC, or ing issues dealing with Veterans Affairs the Public Service Alliance of Canada, is Canada. I can only imagine that every a major union representing thousands of Member of Parliament in Canada does public servants across Canada. It is this the same – that is 308 offices across Can- group that admitted they flew veterans ada that are ready to assist Veterans. to Ottawa for the purposes of confrontIn addition to MP offices and existing ing the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Money to move: Audrey Williamson of the Royal Purple of Canada presents a $2,000 check to Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye Veterans Affairs Canada offices, there are Currently, Treasury Board is bringing Nell Liddle, of the Ponoka Wheelchair Van Society Feb. 4. also 1461 Legions across Canada where changes that would align the public secveterans are helping veterans. To improve tor compensation with that of the private access, our Government has now opened sector. These changes are saving the Caveteran services at 600 Service Canada nadian taxpayer billions of dollars and locations. That is a new increase of 592 are unpopular with this union and while By Mustafa Eric There was no information on the number of eligible service locations across Canada. In those it is illegal for unions and corporations voters.

Nominations closed on Tuesday, Feb. 4 for the instances that a veteran is infirm or oth- to contribute directly to political parties, The results of the election is expected to be anerwise unable to present themselves at unions are okay with using union dues election of the Chief of Samson Cree Nation and 12 nounced late Tuesday night. one of these locations comfortably, our to indirectly get involved in the political candidates remained on the ballots as the voters headed Voters of the Samson Cree nation will once again government has made the commitment process. The real question is, is PSAC to the poll as Ponoka News went to print on Tuesday, cast their ballots on Tuesday, Feb. 25 to elect the new that a representative will go directly to a really looking after the interests of our Feb. 11.

The candidates are Vernon Saddleback, Arrol Crier, councillors, following the close of nominations for veteran’s home to provide the needed as- veterans or simply exploiting an opporLester B Nepoose, Earl Mario Swampy, Derek Bruno, councillors on Feb. 18. sistance. With respect to the eight office tunity to push their own agenda?

Larron Northwest, Marilyn Buffalo, Murray (Harper) closures, it should be noted these locaFor more information on this or any tions were underutilized, they saw fewer other Federal matter, please contact Potts, Kurt Buffalo, Patrick Buffalo, Lloyd Lorne Sadthan 10 visits per day and most of those my office at 1.800.665.0865. Veterans dleback and the incumbent Marvin Yellowbird.

Only five of the 12 candidates prepared campaign were just dropping off forms; in five of wishing to find out more about proleaflets to advertise their platforms while several other the eight closure locations, a Service grams available to them can also candidates just used radio announcements to appeal to Canada location is in the same building. contact the Minster of Veterans Affairs at voters for their support.

While locations have been amalgamated, 1.866.522.2122.

Getting to Know the Outreach the services previously received at a VAC office will still be delivered by a VACJim Wilkinson: trained staff member.

This is my 6th year at the Furthermore, I have been proud to vote for budget after budget that imPonoka Outreach School and I proves services for veterans. Before am very excited to work with 2006, the annual veterans budget was this excellent staff. This year I approximately 2.8 billion dollars. Today that budget is over 3.64 billion dollars am working with students per year, an on-going investment of over mainly in Grades 8 to12 English. We are 5 billion dollars in total. Over 90 per Ponoka County intends to guarantee a loan in the amount of using technology to explore cool ways to cent of this funding goes directly towards $1,800,000 in support of the Ponoka Agricultural Event Centre programs and services for veterans and communicate and we are having a lot of fun.

Society’s continuing operation of the Calnash Ag Event Centre. This their Families. At a time when the govguarantee will be in the form of a line of credit with Servus Credit ernment was asking for a Thursday, February 13 Union, Ponoka, with an interest rate of prime less 0.5%.

10 per cent budget reducNight school—Mrs. Cooke and Mr. Halbert tion from all departments, Veterans Affairs took the Copies of proposed By-Law 1-14-B can be picked up at the County Friday, February 14 lowest reduction at 1.9 Subway Fresh Office in Ponoka, or will be mailed or emailed to anyone who requests POS PD Day—No school for students per cent and those cuts a copy.

Try our Monday, February 17 were aimed at inefficienCharlie Cutforth Family Day—No school for students cies, not at programs and Chief Administrative Officer HOICES services.

Tuesday, February 18 403-783-3333 Veterans Affairs CanWinter Break—No school for students ada has also done many 4205 Highway #2A Phone: 403-783-3333 things to improve services Wednesday, February 19 for veterans, such as diPonoka, Alberta T4J 1V9 Fax: 403-783-6965 Winter Break—No school for students rectly providing cash to Email: PonokaCounty@PonokaCounty.com veterans for such things as

Samson Cree go to the polls

Ponoka Outreach School

NOTICE TO COUNTY RESIDENTS

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Page 18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

The Magnificent Kerry Canada’s social policies must start John Kerry has been US Secretary of State for precisely one year, and he has already 1) rescued President Obama from his ill-considered promise to bomb Syria if it crossed the “red line” and used poison gas; 2) opened serious negotiations with Iran on its alleged attempt to build nuclear weapons; and 3) taken on the job of brokering an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord.

Getting Obama off the hook may yet lead to the US ending its support for the insurgency in Syria, which at this point would probably be the least bad outcome. Opening negotiations with Iran was long overdue, and makes the nightmare prospect of an American or a joint US-Israeli air attack on Iran daily less likely. But even King Solomon and Avicenna (Ibn Sina), sitting jointly in judgement on the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, could not broker a peace accord there.

Kerry is indefatigable. He has been to Israel/Palestine eleven times in the past year, and spent as much as a hundred hours face to face with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas or their close advisers. Unlike all the previous “brokers”, he has been astoundingly discreet: not a hint of what has been said in private has leaked into the public domain. And yet there is almost no hope of a real peace deal.

If persistence in the face of all the odds were enough, Kerry would be the man who finally made it happen. But Kerry has no leverage: he has to rely on the desire of the two leaders to make the “peace process” work, and it just isn’t there; not, at least, on any terms that both would find acceptable.

The list of deal-breakers includes almost every topic under discussion:

to catch up with science

Gwynne Dyer Guest Columnist

the borders of a Palestinian state, the future of the Jewish settlements in the occupied territories, whether Jerusalem can be the joint capital of Israel and Palestine, whether Israel can maintain a military presence in the Jordan Valley, the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their ancestral homes, and Israel’s demand that the Palestinians recognise it as an explicitly Jewish state.

So why, then, has John Kerry embarked on his quixotic mission to make the “peace process” work? It has been effectively dead for at least a dozen years, although it remains unburied because the pretense that it is still alive allows everybody to avoid hard decisions. But Kerry, with his nine-month deadline to achieve a comprehensive “final-status agreement” (which expires in April), is taking it seriously.

His own explanation is lyrical but opaque: “I believe that history is not made by cynics. It is made by realists who are not afraid to dream.” But the business about “making history” – that, perhaps, is sincere. Kerry has had a long and interesting career as a senator, and even took a shot at the presidency, but this is probably his last big job, and he wants to make his mark.

The French general Pierre Bosquet, watching the suicidal charge of the British Light Brigade in the Crimean War in 1854, said: “It is magnificent, but it is not war. It’s madness.”

Kerry’s foredoomed quest for a final peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians Sponsored by is magnificent too, in its own peculiar way, but it’s not diplomacy. It’s hubris.

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Epigenetics shows how social and physical environments influence genetic development

By Elizabeth Lee Ford Jones Expert Advisor EvidenceNetwork.ca We are not our genes.

The choices we make, from breakfast to bedtime, reshape our gene expression, moulding us into the people we are. Living an active life of purposeful activity with social support, eating nutritiously and sleeping well in a safe place to call home can reduce our risk of a host of diseases.

But more important than whether we make healthy choices is whether we can make them.

Right now, many Canadians are struggling to make healthy choices for themselves and their families.

The late Clyde Hertzman, recipient of the Order of Canada for his ground-breaking work on early childhood development, said that much of childhood risk is preventable. On the anniversary of Hertzman’s death this month, we must remember the powerful legacy he left behind; namely, his constant belief that by caring for children we can change schools, neighbourhoods, communities and cities - we can change the world.

Each child is born with 100 billion neurons, neither branched nor connected, with time-sensitive windows of optimal opportunity.

We are, as you read this, building brains in our communities.

We can build good brains or bad ones, and the experiences available in the first 1,000 days of life have an enormous impact. Hence the importance of the early years: cuddling, singing, reading and an early tuck into bed every night. The building blocks also stack and form in middle childhood and adolescence.

The environment we are in turns our genes off or on. Epigenetics, the study of changes to our genes that our children, and their children, could inherit, shows us that genes capture information from environmental exposures.

If the DNA is the hard drive, epigenetics is the operating system.

Consider the stress hormone cortisol, which is bad for the brain in excessive amounts: it switches genes off or on through specific receptors, such as those in the memory and learning centre, the hippocampus. The stress hormone receptor turns on or off depending upon the quality of caregiving.

When the cortisol is activated too often and there is no responsive adult to balance out that stress, it becomes toxic.

Poverty, neglect, family violence and substance abuse can expose children to toxic stress that changes their bodies and increases their

likelihood of having many problems later in life, including early pregnancy, heart disease, asthma and cancer.

Researchers understand these processes well.

The evidence that experience moulds our biology is undeniable, and prevention must occur in the homes of children, in the policies created in the halls of government and in society at large. But the paths to Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill, where decisions are made, do not often cross through Canada’s many impoverished neighbourhoods, such as Toronto’s Regent Park, Jane and Finch and Scarborough, where healthy food is often scarce, and safe, affordable housing is hard-won. Closer to the city’s borders, public transit is sorely lacking.

One in 2.9 Torontonians lives in a poverty postal code, according to the Toronto Community Foundation. These Canadians and others like them suffer from inadequate transit, safety, affordable housing and a lack of subsidized healthy food. For example, Regent Park didn’t even have a grocery store until a few years ago.

Clyde Hertzman once said that neuroscience has caught up with social epidemiology. Unfortunately, our social policies have not caught up with these powerful sources of evidence, which have shown us the bonds between environment and health.

There is a fundamental disconnect between the parents most in need, who struggle each day to build the brains of their children and to keep them fed, and the policymakers who decide how many building blocks to hand over for the task.

Canada invests too many resources into complex care - treating people once they’re already sick - and too few into the factors that keep them healthy in the first place, starting in the first years of their lives.

A civil society requires a safe, supportive and affordable life for families, for optimal parenting that gives every child a chance in life.

Dr. Elizabeth Lee Ford-Jones is a paediatrician specializing in social paediatrics and Project Investigator at SickKids and a professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. The above represent the opinions of Dr. Lee Ford-Jones and not necessarily the official positions of either The Hospital for Sick Children or the University of Toronto.

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PONOKA NEWS Page 19

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Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

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Page 22 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

A Cold Winter Remembered The winter of early 1966 was the third coldest year of the century, with 1950 and 1917 even colder. January 1966 tied January 1875 for the coldest month since records were kept at Red River. In February 1966 Winnipeg reached -49 the lowest February temperature ever recorded and the second coldest day ever. Winnipeg did not see the temperature go above zero for 90 days. But the year till then was without much snow.

Snow started to fall after midnight on Thursday and despite the heavy snow, on Friday morning March 4, people still went to work. But by mid-morning the streets were impassable. The buses were called in by 11:00 am. and would not return to the streets till the next Saturday morning. Schools closed for the Friday and the following Monday as did stores, restaurants and theatres. The big storm piled up 14.6 inches and was driven by winds gusting up to 70 miles an hour. This was the worst winter storm since March 1902. Eight foot high drifts were reported in the new suburb of Westwood. After the cleanup the plows created 12 foot high walls of snow along Ness Ave. Hundreds of cars were reported stranded on the TransCanada Highway. The Grain Exchange did not open for the first time in its 61 year history.

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PONOKA NEWS Page 23

Bank fees a diversion from real consumer interests There are far better ways for the government to save consumers money

By Mark Milke Senior Fellow The Fraser Institute Troy Media As a publicity stunt, the recent New Democratic Party proposal to limit withdrawal fees at some automated teller machines (ATMs) at fifty cents worked well. But getting publicity for an idea, including a poor one, is one thing; getting attention to useful reforms that will greatly benefit consumers is quite another. The ATM idea is a good example of the former and not the latter.

For one thing, banks are federally regulated institutions. So any attempt to limit ATM charges would not apply to the many non-bank ATM machines at convenience stores, restaurants, bars and elsewhere. That’s where one usually pays higher fees for the privilege of not planning ahead and withdrawing money from one’s own bank or credit union.

Besides, banks are already subject to competition and thus they, along with other private sector institutions, can charge what they want - or not. I choose to bank where I pay no fees. I also avoid ATMs not owned by that financial institution.

More competition in Canada’s banking sector is welcome, but that’s a different debate than micromanaging what banks, convenience stores, or the local pubs charge at ATMs. The NDP proposal, and the Conservative government’s own hint in its last Throne Speech to “expand no-cost basic banking services,” are both political examples of the tendency to be “pennywise and pound-foolish.” The NDP-Tory fixation is akin to the guy who will drive five miles to save fifty cents on milk but spend a buck in gasoline and automotive wear-and-tear to do it.

It is easy to bash banks (the NDP obsession), or telecommunications and internet service providers (the Tory preoccupation) but some competition already exists in both those sectors, though more is preferable to less.

In contrast, both parties miss obvious policy areas that could save consumers a small fortune - but where prices are currently jacked up in favour of existing producers. That includes both the private sector and the government sector where little competition exists or is in fact prohibited by governments.

If the NDP and Conservatives desire to help consumers in a substantive way, as opposed to this penny ante stuff, here are some useful and consequential ideas that would indeed save consumers money.

First, support the abolition of dairy and poultry marketing boards, legally allowed by the federal government to restrict competition and supply (no foreign cheese and milk or chickens except at very high duties). The power to restrict supply exists only due to federal legislation passed in 1966 to allow for such cartel-like powers. That creates conditions whereby producers can and do legally gouge consumers, in an effort to preserve “price stability”.

Such “price stability” - which in non-Or-

Flagging Demand Hits Business Confidence in Canada Despite Rising Faith in the Recovery, Finds ACCA/IMA Report A drop in demand for goods and services and deteriorating cash flow put a brake on Canadian business confidence - belief in the prospects for one’s own organization - in the second half of 2013, a global survey of financial professionals has revealed.

Nevertheless, belief in the prospects for the wider economy grew substantially.

The Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) was carried out by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA (the Institute of Management Accountants). A total of 3,471 finance professionals in 120 jurisdictions were surveyed in the second half of 2013, with in-depth coverage available for 16 markets.

“Overall, the Canadian finance professionals interviewed were less optimistic than most other respondents about the prospects for their organizations,” said Suzanne Godbehere, Head of ACCA Canada.

“Thirty-seven per cent reported a loss of confidence in the second half, up from 34 per cent in the previous half.”

Godbehere explained that the second half of 2013 should have seen Canadian business confidence increase. Business opportunities grew, making up for the ground lost in the previous year and a half, the sup-

ply of growth capital increased, and prices and exchange rates appeared to stabilize.

“However, with a continuing fall in demand and the resultant cash flow issues, businesses responded by cutting back on investment and confidence declined,” said Godbehere.

Yet positive economic sentiment in Canada - a belief in the prospects for the wider economy - grew substantially. Fifty-six per cent of respondents believed that economic conditions are improving or about to do so - up from 46 per cent in the first half of the year.

The pessimists now make up only 40 per cent of the Canadian sample, down from 54 per cent in the first half.

The contrast between rising faith in the recovery and flagging business confidence in Canada was echoed in China and Hong Kong, as well as smaller economies with a strong expert base.

The professional bodies claim that the global ‘consensus of recovery’ that has taken hold in the second half of 2013 is divorced from economic conditions on the ground, especially in the slowing emerging markets. In Canada, fiscal policy was also a cause for concern for businesses, with respondents reporting unease as they watched the country emerge from an era of austerity.

wellian language means price-fixing, means the poorest of Canadians get hurt the most, given they spend the greatest proportion of their income on food. Former Liberal Member of Parliament Martha Hall Findlay noted a few years back that the rigged price-fixing system costs families an extra $300 per year.

Second, the NDP and Conservatives could also, via their provincial wings, support the privatization of automobile insurance in provinces where the governments have a monopoly on basic automobile policies. Policyholders are best served in a system with competition and choice. Insurance premiums are generally cheaper in private sector provinces when apple-to-apple comparisons are made. The only exception has been in high-cost Ontario: high-cost because of a combination of no-fault coverage, fraud, and high claim costs that ratchet up Ontario premiums.

(For the record, I am aware of older studies from the so-called Consumers’ Association of Canada that once claimed insurance costs were higher in private sector provinces. But as I have detailed in several studies and multiple columns, all available online, the Association’s comparisons were based on misleading internet comparisons, not real paid premiums. Even a past Ontario director with the Consumers’ Association refused to use her own group’s unsupportable numbers.)

Third, if the two parties care about consumers, they might (through their provincial wings), support abolishing the antiquated Prohibition-era government liquor stores that still exist in every province except Alberta. Such government-run stores, and the government-owned and run wholesale distribution system Study of high-speed rail in Alberta behind them, prevent competition and lower The all-party Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future is undertaking a prices. Government listudy on the feasibility of establishing a high-speed rail transit system for Alberta. quor store are not in the Should a project proceed, it would be completed in phases, with the first section consumers’ best interoperating between Edmonton and Calgary. est.

When the NDP and Your opinion is important to the Committee. If you would like to present at a public Conservatives finish input meeting, register with the Committee Clerk by February 20, 2014. A schedule with the above, conof presenters will be posted online by February 21. Unable to attend? Share your sumers will be much thoughts in a written submission to the Committee Clerk by March 31, 2014. better off, and the parties will have proven to Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future be pound-wise on mat14022LL0 801 Legislature Annex, 9718 - 107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 1E4 ters where government EconomicFuture.Committee@assembly.ab.ca policy currently and in780.427.1350 (Call toll free by dialing 310.0000) evitably leads to higher prices for consumers.

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Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Reduce risks and improve soybean performance with double inoculation

Converting Assets into Cash - Liquidity

Farm Liabilities). Industry Benchmarks for Current Ratio are: Good >1.5; Caution 1.00 – 1.50; Not Good < 1.00.

“The current ratio gives an indiIn 2013, Statistics Canada reported record N/T should be applied along with a high quality cation of a farm’s ability to meet its soybean production numbers in the west and granule, such as Nodulator solid core granule in cash obligations that are coming due Manitoba alone produced 1.1 million tonnes. furrow,” says Townsend. within the next year,” says Dehod. “A With the shorter growing seasons and uncontrolThe term BioStacked refers to the combinavalue below 1.00 could indicate a delable factors like frost and weather in western tion of two biologicals in one package that work veloping cash flow problem. Having a Canada, seed companies are focused on deliver- together to improve soybean yield performance. very high value may not be desirable ing shorter maturing varieties to suit the western Nodulator N/T combines 532C strain of rhizoeither. It may indicate that levels are Canadian climate. bia and B. Subtilis for increased yields of up to too high in assets tied up in conserIn Manitoba, growing soybeans is still a new two bushels per acre according to University of vative investments which have lower concept to some, and to others it may not be a Guelph trials. These two bacteria work together rates of return. regular crop in their rotation. Saturated soils to increase root growth, increase nodule growth “The valuation problems are not affect the inoculation process and soybean de- and weight, and suppress seedling diseases for as significant given the liquid nature velopment, especially on virgin soil acres. Using overall improved plant health. of the assets. However, the time of the an inoculant is an important, common practice measure is important as the time of South of Brandon, MB, Aaron Hargreaves that improves the inoculation process and gets year may have an influence on invenhas grown soybeans for six years on his farm. crops out of the ground sooner than if not intory amounts and values. Knowing “We always double inoculate our soybeans. your business cycle and the variabiloculated.

We’ve had a couple times where we’ve run out ity of your revenue and expenses will “By double inoculating soybeans with a increase your knowledge of what a BioStacked inoculant, growers are essentially with 20 or 30 acres left and said ah, we won’t good Current ratio for your farm is at reducing their risk,” says David Townsend, worry about it and we had a six to eight bushel yield decrease without the double inoculation,” different times of the year.”

Brand Manager of Branded Biologicals at BASF says Hargreaves.

“I never, ever tell anyone to This next measure that must be deCanada. “A BioStacked inoculant adds a more termined is working capital (Working grow soybeans without double inoculating, esactive strain of rhizobia, along with other benCapital = Total Current Farm Assets eficial bacteria, that promotes root growth, root pecially on virgin soybean ground.”

- Total Current Farm Liabilities).

Hargreaves, along with most growers, will health, and wellbeing, which leads to increased Working capital and current ratio do everything possible to produce a healthy crop nodulation and better soybean performance.” have similar issues. A positive value According to Townsend, soybean growers and that starts with inoculants at seeding. is desirable, but too large a value may “A BioStacked inoculant is one of the first in Manitoba can benefit from double inoculatindicate too many “lazy” assets are ing, especially those growing soybeans on virgin decisions growers need to address to improve being held. Depending on enterprise soils or in areas where flooding is common. “In nodulation to get a healthy, higher yielding of the business, and operation size, the order to get a maximum return on investment, soybean crop,” says Townsend. “With the rapcash flow of the business dictates the a BioStacked on-seed product like Nodulator id expansion of soybeans in Western Canada, level of working capital required. A growers should not dairy with monthly cash flow doesn’t question whether to require a large amount of working capital due to monthly income where inoculate or not; the a Beef Cow Calf operation with basionly question that cally one large pay day a year would should be considered require more working capital in order is which formulation to cash flow its operations through its and inoculant to use.” fiscal year.

For more informa“A good stress test for working tion on BioStacked capital is to divide your total expense inoculants visit www. by 12,” says Dehod. “If you working agsolutions.ca or talk capital is greater than three months’ to your retailer. expenses, your farm has the ability to meet its operating requirements in an orderly manner.

This ratio enables an assessment of adequacy of working capital relative to business expenses, CALL TODAY to discuss and more importantly, your pet’s Dental a buffer for risk and opHealth Care portunities. Care should be taken in adjusting Get to the root of the for large inventories and/or valuation issues. problem Tracking working capiPets need dental tal by doing a projected health care, too! monthly cash flow and comparing it to actuals, Susan Whitecotton, Circulation Supervisor, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m Mon. to Sat. is still recommend.” presents Sylvia with a $50 cheque Open late Thursday Benchmarking recognizing excellent service in delivering 24-hour Emergency Call working capital and Dr. Bill Frischke your current ratio to the newspaper for the month of Janurary.

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Cash flow and the ability to convert assets into cash to meet operating demands, living costs and debt obligations in a timely manner is called liquidity. Liquidity is defined as having enough current assets on-hand to cover all of the current liabilities outstanding at a given point in time.

Liquidity is the second financial management measurement parameter, and this information is reported on a net worth statement.

“Liquidity determines if a farm business would have enough to pay off all of its current liabilities if it cashed in all of its current assets,” says Rick Dehod, agricultural farm finance specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Another factor that comes into play when determining liquidity is how easy it would be to convert current assets into cash. If the conversion could be quite immediate, the farm is said to be in a liquid position.”

The amount of liquidity is important for the long-term survival of a business. Being in a liquid position allows a farm to operate as required and have cash available to pursue opportunities and growth. A farm may be profitable, but if it is unable to pay the bills in an orderly manner, the business won’t survive for long.

“Other than selling an asset, cash can be obtained by borrowing against current assets,” says Dehod. “This is often in the form of an operating loan, a cash advance or a line of credit. A loan such as this provides the ability to carry inventory to take advantage of marketing opportunities or purchase inputs at opportune times. Cash is king, and trade creditors and banks don’t accept inventory as payment.”

Liquidity ratios are designed to measure a farm’s ability to pay its obligations. The key measurements of liquidity are the current ratio and working capital (Current Ratio = Total Current Farm Assets/Total Current

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European album paints vivid picture of Ponoka

By Amelia Naismith It’s easy to get lost in the music of Lost in Ponoka, the most recent indie rock album of the European-based band Ponoka, whose one member, Rick de Gier, hails from the small, rural town.

Gier is lead singer of the band and his understated voice is the perfect vessel for the soft and smooth musical journal of his life growing up and the painted backdrop of Ponoka.

Each song tells its own story, ranging from life in Ponoka back as it was when the rural town was smaller, quaint in its younger, dated days as the intangible life of the current generation’s parents and grandparents is commonly viewed to Dairy Queen parades, the Ponoka Hospital and Rodeo Queens. Yet, each song is a vital piece to a larger picture of an honest look at life in the town.

The album is not a glorified message of life in a small town. The honest songs instead act as a mirror looking down at the town, showing what was already there, both the good and the bad that comes with life.

Like with real life, Gier’s accurate and unabashed portrayal of life in Ponoka will probably offend some, speaking to the sixth track, Alberta Hospital, with the lines the spirits they just stay by my side, coming through the window from Hobbema where they know all about doing time.

Yet the music of Ponoka isn’t out to damage the present, only take a look at the past. The beautiful songs are very lullaby-esque in their delivery, with just enough rock in their undertones to keep you from falling asleep.

The sleepy album is the perfect conductor to evoke wave after wave of your own personal memories of growing up in any small town and my own childhood made several appearances in my mind as I listened to the band’s music.

The familiar, relatable, nostalgia-inducing album will catch people in a time-loop and there is no best song to this album as each is just as enjoyable as the next.

learn more read more

403-783-3311 www.ponokanews.com

Page 26 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Money Matters A tale of manipulation

By Mustafa Eric Following is an account of how and why gold prices declined by more than 35 per cent since mid April 2013 and the ongoing debate on the mystery surrounding the yellow metal. *President Barack Obama met with members of the Financial Services Forum Thursday morning at 11 a.m. on April 11, 2013. They were expected to discuss the economy, the employment picture and the administration’s new budget proposal.

Here is the list of bank executives who were in attendance, according to a White House official: Lloyd Blankfein, Chairman and CEO Goldman Sachs; Jacques Brand, CEO Deutsche Bank; Michael Corbat, Chief Executive Officer Citigroup; Jamie Dimon, Chairman, CEO and President J.P. Morgan Chase; Sergio Ermotti, CEO UBS; James Gorman, Chairman and CEO Morgan Stanley; Gerald Hassell, Chairman and CEO Bank of New York Mellon; Jay Hooley, Chairman, President and CEO State Street Corp; Abby Johnson, President, Fidelity Financial Services; Steve Kandarian, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Metlife; Brian Moynihan, President and CEO Bank of America, Merrill Lynch; John Strangfeld, CEO, Prudential; John Stumpf, Chairman, President and CEO Wells Fargo; Jim Weddle, Managing Partner, Edward Jones; Bob Benmosche, President and CEO American International Group AIG. (as reported by Wall Street Journal) *On April 12, 2013 gold prices plunged by 15 per cent within two hours, the biggest fall in the price of the precious metal in the last 33 years. On that day, Chinese financial markets were closed due to a traditional holiday. *”The Fed’s policy of monetizing one trillion dollars of bonds annually put pressure on the US dollar, the value of which declined in terms of gold.

When gold hit $1,900 per ounce in 2011, the Federal Reserve realized that $2,000 per ounce could have a psychological impact that would spread into the dollar’s exchange rate with other currencies, resulting in a run on the dollar as both foreign and domestic holders sold dollars to avoid the fall in value. Once this realization hit, the manipula-

tion of the gold price moved beyond central bank leasing of gold to bullion dealers in order to create an artificial market supply to absorb demand that otherwise would have pushed gold prices higher.

“This manipulation by the Fed involves the short-selling of uncovered Comex gold futures.

“Uncovered” means that these are contracts that are sold without any underlying physical gold to deliver if the buyer on the other side decides to ask for delivery. This is also known as “naked short selling.” The execution of the manipulative trading is conducted through one of the major gold futures trading banks, such as JPMorganChase, HSBC, and Bank of Nova Scotia.”

Paul Craig Roberts (Assistant Secretary of the Treasury during President Reagan’s first term) *The financial world was shocked this month (February 2013) by a demand from Germany’s Bundesbank to repatriate a large portion of its gold reserves held abroad. By 2020, Germany wants 50% of its total gold reserves back in Frankfurt – including 300 tons from the Federal Reserve. The Bundesbank’s announcement comes just three months after the Fed refused to submit to an audit of its holdings on Germany’s behalf. One cannot help but wonder if the refusal triggered the demand.

Peter Schiff (investor/financial advisor) article on Global research website ” Germany won’t ever see its gold again…

Central Banks, such as the FED, where most of the reserves had been deposited, had lent the gold to U.S. Banks such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.

The gold has been used in the market to lower the gold price and the FED has received securities in exchange…. Germany won´t ever see that gold again, because it is safely kept in my accounts and the accounts of our investors”.

July 2013, the US hedge-fund manager William Kaye quoted by the NSNBC

Making your retirement savings last Congratulations, you’ve made it to retirement. After scrimping and saving through your working years, you can now enjoy the fruits of your labour — just make sure you spend it wisely and make it last.

The financial experts from Desjardins Group have some tips to help you get started.

Supplemental pension plan (SPP) • Also known as a corporate pension fund, it allows you to receive either an immediate or a deferred pension, based on the typical retirement age. The most appropriate decision about this depends on whether: • You’re eligible for a retirement pension without an actuarial reduction, don’t hesitate–choose the immediate annuity.

• The pension is reduced by a fixed rate of less than a 6% penalty per year of early payment, im-

mediate annuities are often more advantageous.

• The pension is reduced by 6% per year; the two choices are generally equivalent. It is also a good idea to find out if the deferred pension will be indexed between the time of the request and the start of the payments.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) If you have contributed enough, you can request your retirement pension when you turn 60 or wait until you’re 65. If you’re unsure on the best choice for you, your financial advisor can show you the benefits of retiring early, at 65 or later.

Old age security pension (OASP) This pension is payable at the age of 65, and there is no benefit in not requesting it. It should be noted that as soon as your gross personal income (including the OASP)

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exceeds $69,000, you may be required to repay a portion of your pension benefits.

Registered retirement income fund (RRIF) Starting at 71 years of age, you must convert your RRSPs to RRIFs. If possible, try to limit your withdrawals to the mandatory minimum to conserve your registered capital.

Life income fund (LIF) Because the life income fund has withdrawal constraints (ceilings that cannot be exceeded), it is generally best to withdraw the maximum possible from the LIF before withdrawing from your other registered savings plans.

To ensure your success, be sure to discuss these points with your financial advisor: • Have another look at your investor profile to verify your level of tolerance for risk as well as your comfort level with certain investments • Realistically evaluate the lifestyle you wish to maintain, also taking into account your desire to leave an inheritance to loved ones • Think about splitting your income and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) with your spouse to reduce the amount you pay in taxes • Be mindful of the taxation level of your investment income • Avoid unnecessary debt by making a budget and sticking to it For more retirement planning tips and calculators, visit Desjardins Group at www.desjardins.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 27

Money Matters

The tricks of the financial sector

By Mustafa Eric The following is the beginning of the introduction to an academic research paperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s findings on the impact of the financial sector on the macro economy: â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;Śthere is a positive relationship between the size of the financial system and economic growth, but it also shows that, at high levels of financial depth, more finance is associated with less growth.

This non-monotonic relationship between economic growth and the size of the financial sector is consistent with the hypothesis that there can be â&#x20AC;&#x153;too muchâ&#x20AC;? finance and can explain the recent finding of a vanishing effect of financial depth on economic growth.â&#x20AC;?

The authors of the report are Jean-Louis Arcand, Enrico Berkes and Ugo Panizza and the report was published in 2012 by non-other than the research department of the International Monetary Fund, the guardian of the proper functioning of the capitalist system.

The authors did not forget to insert the following quote from late economist James Tobin to their introduction: â&#x20AC;&#x153;...we are throwing more and more of our resources, including the cream of our youth, into financial activities remote from the production of goods and services, into activities that generate high private rewards disproportionate to their social productivity.â&#x20AC;?

The potential of the harm that finance can do to the real â&#x20AC;&#x201C; supply side â&#x20AC;&#x201C; economy was predicted as far back as 1867 by Karl Marx in the third volume of his famous (or infamous, depending on where one stands) work,  â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Capital â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Critique of the Political Economyâ&#x20AC;?, but that prediction was never taken seriously as the author of the idea was dismissed as an ideologue rather than a competent theoretician of the economic system.

Fast forward to the present, the authors of the study say â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś we find that there is a positive and robust correlation between financial depth and economic growth in countries with small and intermediate financial sectors, but we also show that there is a threshold (which we estimate to be at around 80-100% of GDP) above which finance starts having a negative effect on economic growth.â&#x20AC;?

Financial sector thrives on indebtedness, the bigger the mountain of debt, the bigger the size profits flowing to the coffers of bankers and financial institutions.

As the time passes, despite (and because of) the relative decline of the household income in proportion to GDP, the indebtedness grows. According to the most recent figures, Canadian consumers have

racked up a total of $ 1,430 billion of debt, that is close to one and a half trillion dollars.

As for the US, just another piece of data: As compared to 40 per cent of GDP in 1960, leveraging by private sector (borrowing to inflate the size of financial operations) has reached 80 per cent of

the GDP in 2013.

In a low interest rate environment, these levels of indebtedness may be sustainable, but interest rates are not cast in iron and they will someday begin to rise and everyone should be prepared for those days.

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Page 28 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

The year began with great fun Tash Sierpinski Club Reporter Ponoka 4-H Renegade Riders

arena. We are still sharpening our showmanship skills as well as working on improving our horsemanship skills.

Our club is excited to take part in the 4-H Night It’s been a bit quiet in our club for activities. A at the Rebels game in Red Deer on Saturday, Feb. 15. few of us managed to brave the freezing temps and There should be well over 300 4-H’ers in the crowd. attend Ponoka District 4-H Fun Day at Usona on Jan. Our chocolate fundraising is still on the go for a 4. Despite the cold, cold weather about 37 of us 4-H few more weeks. The girls in our club are excited to members showed up. It was still a lot of fun. We get their new show shirts. had a mini curling game, hockey stick game, calf sled Some of our leaders/project leaders are headed to races, snow painting, cookie decorating, and games. PELF on Feb 21 – 23 at the 4-H Center at Battle Lake.

Thank you to Usona Hall for donating the hall for this Here are some funny horse facts and trivia for day. It is greatly appreciated. you: On Jan. 26 we held our club’s Public Speaking Did you know that the horse’s brain is about the competition at the Hudson Greene Community Ac- size of a baked potato? tivity Center. All the members and the cleaver kids Some of the equine family’s closest relatives are did an awesome job. Moving onto Zones for Public tapirs and the rhinoceros.

Speaking for our club on Feb. 23 are for intermediates A horse can poop up to 14 times a day!

Tash Sierpinski and Aylssa Sinnott; for seniors Kate Adult female horses (mares) usually have 36 Correia and Kayla Dueck. Good luck to our members teeth. A mare may have up to 40 teeth if she happens as well to all the other 4-H club members that are to have any canine teeth, which is possible but less common. Adult males have between 40 and 44 teeth. moving on.

We held our club ride on Feb 2 at Vic Almonds (These figures do not include wolf teeth.)

Farmers optimistic about hay and pasture AFSC Reminds Producers of February 28 Deadline to Insure Hay and Pasture As the February 28 deadline approaches for Ponoka County farmers to insure their pasture and hay land this year, above-average to normal snow cover across most of the province has many livestock producers feeling hopeful about the potential growth they’ll get on their hay and pasture once the snow melts this spring.

“We had a dry fall in many parts of the province with very limited moisture in September and October, but the producers I talk to are feeling encouraged by the amount of snow we’ve gotten so far this winter,” says Barry Yaremcio, a provincial beef and forage specialist with the Alberta Ag-Info Centre.

Dry Soil Conditions Beneath the Snow While the deep snow has been challenging for some producers – preventing cattle from swath grazing or winter grazing earlier in the season than usual – it should help offset dry soil conditions that lie beneath the snow in many regions – depending on how it melts, says Yaremcio.

“If we get a slow melt and the ground takes up most of the moisture, it should help kick-start growth on our hay and pastures this spring. But if we get a quick melt, most of that moisture will likely run off and collect in the sloughs and creeks with minimal benefit to the dry soil,” he explains, adding 10 inches of snow is equal to about one inch of water. $4.4 Million Paid on Hay and Pasture Insurance Claims Last year, dry conditions in early spring and late summer triggered more than $4.4 million in hay and pasture insurance claims in some areas across the province, including Ponoka County, says John Kresowaty, with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC). AFSC is the Crown corporation that provides crop insurance to Alberta farmers on behalf of the provincial and federal governments.

“When the rain finally came in late May and June, we ended up with strong growth on hay and pasture in most regions,” says Kresowaty. He notes last year’s total payout is among the lowest in more than a decade due to favourable precipitation and good growing conditions in June and July. The highest payout years for hay and pasture insurance were during the droughts of 2009 when $56 million was paid in claims, and 2002 when $89 million was paid out.

In Ponoka County, provincial moisture maps show that soil moisture beneath the snow as of late January is generally moderately low to low. Snow cover is generally high to extremely high.

Perennial hay and pasture crops depend on plenty

of moisture early in the spring for healthy growth, says Grant Lastiwka, a provincial livestock forage business specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD). “As a general rule, 70 to 90 per cent of the yield potential of pasture and rangeland is determined by early June across southern Alberta, and by early July across the rest of the province,” he explains. So while snow melt can help, getting adequate spring moisture and rainfall during April, May, and June ultimately determines whether producers will get good production on their hay and pasture each year, says Lastiwka.

Of course, nobody can predict what will happen this spring, says ARD provincial soil moisture specialist, Ralph Wright. “It could be wet or the snow could melt quickly and things could turn hot and dry.

If it’s a cold spring, the snow could linger, delaying hay and pasture growth. There are still two months of winter left. Anything’s possible. It’s really a waitand-see game because weather is so random,” says Wright.

Unpredictable weather is the biggest reason Alberta producers insure about 7.5 million acres of hay and pasture across the province every year through AFSC Perennial Insurance programs, says Kresowaty.

VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT FEBRUARY 5, 2014 On Wednesday, February 5, 2014- 2427 head of cattle went through our rings & 260 head on the Canadian Satellite sale - TOTAL -2687

SLAUGHTER CATTLE D1 - D2 cows D3 - D4 cows Holstein cows Heiferettes Bologna Bulls Feeder bulls

75.00-85.00 60.00-72.00 60.00-70.00 75.00-90.00 85.00-100.00 NONE

Good Bred Cows 1200.00-1450.00 Older Bred Cows N/A Good Bred Heifers: 1300.00-1400.00 Cow/calf pairs (younger) NONE Cow/Calf pairs (older) N/A

STOCKERS AND FEEDERS Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 800 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 700 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 600 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 500 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 400 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 300 lbs Plus: Dairy Steers Baby Calves Dairy Type: Baby Calves Beef Type: Hay: Sq Bales Straw: Sq. Bales Greenfeed: Sq. Bales.

145.00-155.00 150.00-165.00 156.00-169.00 170.00-180.00 185.00-199.00 190.00-210.00 195.00-220.00 195.00-225.00

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

95.00-105.00 NONE 80.00-200.00 3.50-7.25 2.503.75-

Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales

125.00-135.00 130.00-145.00 140.00-154.00 152.00-165.00 162.00-175.00 170.00-185.00 175.00-195.00 180.00-195.00

NONE NONE NONE

BISON SALE - FEBRUARY 24, 2014 Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Foothills Livestock Auction | Dawson Creek Auction Vold Jones & Vold Co. Ltd. © 2006 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

Dancing Games Canadian Minister of tonnes, peas are up seven Agriculture, Gerry Ritz, per cent to 2.2 million announced in the first tonnes, flax available supweek of February that a ply is up almost 23 per cent new stream of data will to 505,000 tonnes, while have to be reported by lentils, rye, and canary seed the railroads so as to instocks are all down 23, 38, crease transparency in and 28 per cent respectively the industry and hopeto 1.14 million, 122,000, fully alleviate some of and 81,000 tonnes. the frustration currently All this being said, Brennan Turner held by many. Some of I attended the Saskatchthe new requirements are FarmLead Breakfast Brief ewan Ag Trade Summit focused around weekly February 4th and 5th in railcar order fulfillment, Saskatoon and the most including cancellations, consistently-discussed car orders accepted by railroads, and topic was (surprise, surprise!) transporcar orders by all grain companies. Other tation. As grain railcars are reportedly detailed information proposed include delayed four-to-five weeks on C.P. lines grain railroad traffic to various destina- and six-to-eight weeks on C.N.’s lines, tions, weekly port terminal unloading the opportunity to move grain via grain performance, and data on arrival and railcars is limited. The other most conloading times. Ultimately, in my opin- sistently-discussed thing heard at the ion, this “big data” plan is the right move Summit was cultivating more relationand I agree with Minister Ritz that the ships through more conversation and proposal will help improve “all aspects” collaboration. Everyone from Canadian of the supply chain, not just the rail- Ambassadors to Canadian Trade Comroads. Putting the plan into action will missioners to producer groups to grain be the real challenge though, especially company executives – they all touched since 3,000 of C.N. railroad’s conduc- on opening dialogues and asking questors, yard workers, and other employees tions. Another theme heard often was almost went on strike. At the end of the putting boots on the ground in markets day, the supply chain is like a record at a that Canada is looking to build more of high school dance: if it’s broken, no one a presence in. This means going to the is going to get out on the dance floor and likes of Indonesia to shake hands and make any moves. listen to what these markets are looking If Statistics Canada is right, there’s a for. In all reality, going dancing can be lot of grain still out there: as of Decem- fun, but it’s a lot more fun if you have ber 31st, 2013, total grain still available a partner. is up almost 30 per cent from a year ago To growth, Brennan Turner as big yields this fall significantly inPresident, FarmLead.com creased the amount grain held on-farm.

Brennan Turner is originally from Canola stocks came in at a record 12.6 million tonnes, more than 55 percent Foam Lake, SK, where his family starthigher the 8.1 million tonnes held at ed farming the land in the 1920s. After this time last year, and practically 93 per completing his degree in economics from cent of this inventory is still being held Yale University and then playing some in storage by farmers! (The real question pro hockey, Mr. Turner spent some time is how much of it is spoken for?) Total working in finance before starting Farmwheat stocks rose to a 20-year high of Lead.com, a risk-free, transparent online 28.4 million tonnes, up almost 38 per and now mobile grain marketplace (app cent year-over-year, while the supply available for iOS & Android). His of oats is up almost 40 per cent to from weekly column is a summary of his free, 2012 with 2.9 million tonnes still avail- daily market note, the FarmLead Breakfast Brief. He can be reached via email able. Rounding the complex out, barley (b.turner@farmlead.com) or phone stocks are up 27 per cent to 6.7 million (1-855-332-7653).

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 29

Happy Valentine’s Day

Ponoka Office: 403-783-3315 Bashaw Office (Tues.): 403-372-3627 Wetaskiwin Office (Thurs.): 780-352-6488 SERVICES OFFERED • Personal & Corporate Income Tax Planning • Tax Return Preparation • Accounting & Audit Services • Estate Planning • Business Advisory Service • CAIS Program Assistance

February 14

403-783-6600 Tavis Lee of Senior Broncs boys shoots over the defending Lakers player as Ethan Minde (11) follows the ball during the Lakers’ game which ended with a 81-38 win for the PSC on Tuesday, Feb 4.

St. Augustine’s Noah Hackett races by Ponoka Elementary School’s Harrison Clarke during the junior boys’ Feb. 3 game.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Broncs basketball full steam ahead

By Mustafa Eric Senior Broncs basketball teams had a successful day in their league fixtures on Tuesday, Feb, 4, when both teams scored handsomely against the visitors from Sylvan Lake with the girls winning 41-29 and the boys with a whopping 81-38.

In the first game, senior Broncs girls had a spectacular start in the first period with well-coordinated ball movement and efficient scoring helping the local side to open up a substantial lead that would allow the team to cushion their numerous turnovers and unforced errors in the latter part of the game. When the buzzer went off at the end of the first half, the score was 23-9 in favor of the Broncs.

After the halftime break, there was a different opposition in the court: Senior Laker girls returned from their locker room to the game with a determination to raise the stakes. A steadfast defensive by the visiting team left the hosts with little opportunity to score with eight minutes in the third period going without any score for the Broncs girls. At the end of the third period, the score was 27 for the hosts and 20 for the visitors.

With the beginning of the fourth period, Lakers intensified their pressure on Ponoka girls by maintaining man-to-man defense on both halves of the court. But the Broncs girls, having regrouped and pulled themselves together, managed to overcome the intense defensive effort of Lakers and started scoring more efficiently to finish the game in the lead.

“The girls played an amazing first half and showed the Lakers that we’re a young team but we fight hard,” said Sydni Seibel, head coach for senior Broncs girls.

“They handled the ball well and worked the floor using proper plays and always looking for the open shot. I’m really proud of them for stepping it up and

showing off what they all know.”

As for the boys’ game, it was almost a foregone conclusion from the first few minutes of the game. Senior Broncs boys dominated the paint in their half of the court and picked up quite a number of offensive rebounds to open up a strong lead at the end of the first period: 21-8 Their dominance of the court continued with fastbreaks and more points in the paint in the remaining part of the game, which the hosts completed without feeling really challenged.

“Although we didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, I felt we played strong defence for most of the game,“ said Blaine Haines, head coach senior Bronc boys.

“Sylvan is a very young team, but I was impressed with their work ethic. The Lakers were tenacious on the boards.”

Senior Broncs boys remain undefeated in the central zone and are looking forward to a successful playoff season.

“The Broncs are progressing well this season. The boys are hungry and continue to want to improve as a unit as we get closer to playoffs in March,” Blaines said.

As for tournaments, Broncs lost to Taber (ranked #2 in the Province in 3A) in their tournament final 88-84 the weekend before last.

“It was one heck of a battle in hostile territory. As their coaches, we were very proud of the effort our team put in, even though we came up a tad short,” said Blaines. .

Senior Broncs boys played at a Lethbridge tournament last weekend and the girls were scheduled to play at a tournament in Lloyds.

No information was available on the tournament results as Ponoka News went to print on Tuesday.

Broncs’ Kendyl Stretch jumps for a shot at in the Lakers’ rim as Lindsey Gartner of the PSC girls prepare for a follow-up rebound during the league game at St. Augustine school last on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

Page 30 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Ponoka earns gold and bronze medals at Alberta Winter Games

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye Two Ponoka athletes have returned jubilant from their strong performance at the Alberta Winter Games (AWG).

Speed skater Tess Pearman and figure skater Skye Whitford both returned with medals from the games Feb. 6 to 9 in Banff and Canmore.

Pearman, 15, who won silver in the 2012 AWG, returned with gold this time, which was almost lost her chance at gold. She skated in the 200m, 400m, 1,500m, 3,000m and relay race and came second in her first two races on Feb. 6. Pearman earned gold overall and gold in the relay event.

The biggest challenge was skat-

ing on an outdoor rink in minus 20 degrees C temperatures. Speed skaters could be seen wearing mitts, sweatshirts and jackets while they raced against each other.

That did not stop Pearman from placing second in the 400m and 1,500m races. She approached those races more cautiously due to tight corners on the track.

“I had to go wider on the corner and the girl that was right behind me went in and she won it (both 400m and 3000m),” explained Pearman.

A racer from Canmore took advantage of Pearman’s hesitation. “I knew I should have won them both.”

For the 200m and 3,000, races she pushed herself to perform better Skye Whitford poses with her bronze medal after her free skate performance at the Alberta Winter Games in Banff and Canmore last week.

Photo courtesy of the Alberta Winter Games

Speed skater Tess Pearman grimaces as she takes the lead in a speed skating event during the Alberta Winter Games last week. She won gold for the individual and replay events.

and win. A good start in the 200m heat and keeping her speed up earned Pearman a win.

During the 3,000m race, Pearman worked closely with another speed skater who took turns leading the pack with the Ponoka speed skater. A misunderstanding over how many laps were left in the race helped Pearman win but created extra work for her.

“I actually thought they said six laps to go, but they actually said 10 laps to go. So I was sprinting,” explained Pearman.

She took the corners tight and kept the lead for 10 long laps. “I just went and I wasn’t really listening to anyone.”

For Whitford, 14, her first winter games competition was a nerve-wracking event but she still enjoyed the challenge. “It was a really amazing experience and different than all the other competitions.”

Whitford was nervous enough that she was unsure if she would be able to compete, but

“It was a really amazing experience and different than all the other competitions.” seeing her family and friends in the stands supporting her efforts helped her stay the course.

Despite some worry, Whitford was able to put forward a relatively strong performance. She competed against 16 other girls in her two-minute free skate routine, which she had been practicing since the summer.

The two-minute routine was practiced five days a week.

The performance was nearly flawless except for one moment where Whitford had to drop her hand down to prevent her from falling. Despite the slip, she looks forward to the potential of competing in future winter games.

More Alberta Winter Games coverage coming up in next week’s edition of Ponoka News.

Photo by Jonathan Huyer

TENDERS FOR CARETAKERS PONOKA MINOR SOCCER ASSOCIATION

OUTDOOR

REGISTRATION

2014

Plus A Annual al Gener Gene General Meeting Thursday, February 27 7:00 PM Ponoka Legion Auditorium Call Michelle at 403-783-4773 Or see our Ponoka Soccer page on Facebook www.ponokasoccer.ca Please bring a jersey deposit, cheque or cash, ($50.00) for U12-U18 age groups.

OPEN CREEK DAM CAMPGROUND From May 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014.

For more information contact: DARYL HUNT, Box 634, Rimbey Alberta, T0C 2J0 Phone: 403-843-6466 Fax: 403-843-6491 ALLAN MUDDLE, Phone: 403-843-6824 Fax: 403-843-6880 rimbeyfishandgame@gmail.com

DEADLINE FOR TENDERS: MARCH 15, 2014

Bashaw Golf & Country Club SAVE the GST before end of February Gold Membership

35000 $ Family Membership 77500 $ Student Membership (18-22 years) 20000 Intermediate Membership (13-17 years) $12500 (unrestricted Membership - Single)

$

Junior Membership (up to 12 years) $

8000

Sale Ends Feb. 28/14

Phone 780-372-2333 or 403-741-6215 bashawgolfclub@hotmail.ca

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 31

Minor hockey teams gather wins and losses in the final stretch

By Amelia Naismith As the minor hockey season draws nearer to its close, the Ponoka and Maskwacis teams continue bringing in a mix of wins and losses.

Atom Tier 1 Maskwacis Atom A Chiefs lost their Feb. 9 away game against the Red Deer Sheraton Atoms, 16-4.

Kihew Lee scored twice and Jason Makinaw Jr. and Damian Omeasoo nabbed one goal each.

Atom Tier 3 Ponoka Atom A won 4-2 during their Feb. 6 game against the Eckville Atom B Eagles.

Levi Busat earned a hat trick and Braedan Brouilette brought the number to four.

On Feb. 9 the Ponoka team beat Bentley 10-2 in a home game. Levi Busat scored four times while Colter Bresee, Gavin Allen-Prefontaine and Braeden Brouilette all scored twice.

Atom Tier 5 Maskwacis Atom B beat the Lacombe Atom C Rockets in a Feb. 8 away game, 8-5.

Alex Soosay scored three times, Kye Minde and Geryn Bull scored twice and Xain Swampy earned one goal.

The following day Maskwacis beat the Ponoka Atom B team 4-3 in a home game.

For Maskwacis Kye Minde, Alysik Buffalo, Geryn Bull and Kole Rain-Wolfe were the team’s scorers. On the Ponoka side Ashton Bandet scored twice and Max Underhill brought the final number to three.

Peewee Tier 1 Ponoka Peewee A lost 8-5 against the Bentley Peewee A Bruins.

Jared Bussiere, Jayden Nokohoo, Reagan Rabbit, Owen Feragen and Aiden Gratton all scored once during the Feb. 7 home game.

The Mackwacis Peewee A Chiefs lost 13-3 on Feb. 8 to the Thunderstars Peewee A team on Feb. 8.

Carson Baptiste scored twice and Nolan Twins scored once.

Peewee Tier 4 Ponoka Peewee B lost 11-1 against Sedgwick Peewee, Feb. 8. Kaiden Thomson scored the team’s sole goal.

The next day Ponoka lost again to Bentley, 9-2.

Kaiden Thomas and Travis Hyink both scored once.

Bantam Tier 1 Maskwacis Bantam A beat the Rocky Raiders 15-2 during their Feb. 7 away game.

Nimkees Bailey-Lee earned five goals, Chevazz Rabbit and Dylan Soosay scored twice, and Jakobi Omeasoo, Tyrone Potts, Trentin Wolfe and William Littlechild each scored once.

Bantam Tier 2 Ponoka Bantam lost to the

Rimbey Bantam Renegades on Feb. 7, 5-3. Cooper Jones scored all the goals for the team.

On Feb. 8 Stettler 2-1 defeated Ponoka in a home game. Noah Spelrem was the single scorer.

The following day they won their away game against Camrose, 4-2. Joshua Vold, Sam Neath, Noah Spelrem and Rian vanDerwesthuizen all scored once.

Midget Tier 1 Ponoka Midget Wolves won their Feb. 7 home game against Stettler, 4-3.

Jared Davis and James Jansen both scored once, Kellyn Pritchard scored twice.

Midget Tier 3 Ponoka Midget B beat West Country midget Chiefs 6-3 on Feb. 7.

Jarret Henderson, Pierre Clemmer, James Lea and Shawn Wilton each scored once while Shane Epp scored twice.

On Feb. 8 Ponoka tromped Innisfail Fourlane Flyers in a 12-6 home game. Jarret Henderson scored four times, Braeden Korchiski and Pierre Clemmer scored twice, and James Lea, Shane Epp, Lane Jones and Shawn Wilton each scored once.

The next day the Ponoka B team also beat Red Deer Can Pro Hockey, 2-1. Shane Epp and Jarret Henderson scored once each.

Midget Tier 4 Maskwacis Midget B faced on against the Rocky Midget B team on Feb. 7. Neither team scored.

On Feb. 9 Maskwacis lost to the Sylvan Lake Midget B2 Lakers 17-4 in an away game. Larenz Saddleback scored twice while Jacobi Buffalo and Larenzo Ermineskin both scored once.

Atom Female Maskwacis girls lost 16-0 to Camrose in a Feb. 8 away game.

On Feb. 9 the girls lost 7-4 in another away game against Stettler. Jayliese Swampy-Montour scored three times and Taylynn Littlepoplar scored once.

Peewee Female Maskwacis Peewee Female team was defeated 7-1 by the Sylvan Lake Atom/ Peewee Female Lakers on Feb. 8. Shelisha Baptiste scored the team’s only goal during the away game.

Bantam/Midget Maskwacis Midget Females lost 7-1 against Leduc during a Feb. 7 away game.

Kelli Ward was the only scorer for Maskwacis.

Lacoka Midget Female Rockets beat the Leduc Midget team in an away game, 3-1. Danica Poison, Kallie Nelson and Robyn Arnold each scored once.

On Feb. 9 the Maskwacis Bantam team lost 16-0 to the Sylvan Lake Bantam/Midget Lakers in an away game.

Exhausted Stampeders lose to Wranglers

By Amelia Naismith With only two away games left in their season, the Ponoka Stampeders lost their last home game to the Blackfalds Wranglers.

The Wranglers shut the Stampeders out 11-0 during the Feb. 9 game.

“They showed up and we didn’t,” said head coach Mark Dobler.

Dobler says having played three games over the weekend in a span of 48 hours took its toll on the boys; however, he feels being tired isn’t an excuse for not playing hard. “You have to battle through it.”

Before playing Blackfalds the Stampeders faced off against the Red

Deer on Saturday and Mountainview Friday evening.

“We played pretty good on Friday, we battled hard,” said Dobler.

He says, during that game there was only six minutes his team wasn’t playing well and in that time the Mountainview Colts were able to score five times.

On Saturday, during the third period, the Stampeders were able to bring their score to a 5-5 tie. However, Red Deer Vipers were able to grab another two goals before the final whistle.

The Stampeders play again Feb. 15 in Coaldale and on Feb. 16 in Medicine Hat.

Brad Zimmerman smashes a Blackfalds player into the boards during the Stampeders last home game of the season, Feb. 9.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Post-Game Interview

Every year, over 70,000 boys and girls play Timbits Hockey, where they learn the skills of the game, and share moments with family and friends. Tim Hortons is proud to support Timbits Hockey right here in Ponoka, where the first goal is having fun.

Now that’s close: Devon Peterson, of the Big Country Sabres, gets a close look at a puck while protecting the net during the Wedin’s Warriors and Big Country Sabres Novice tournament last weekend.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

© Tim Hortons, 2008

Page 32 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

County

CLASSIFIEDS

REACH OVER 217,000 READERS With one of these great deals!

6 PACK 8 PACK

Announcements

What’s Happening

50-70

CALL TOLL FREE:

ADPACK ALL IN 1

Employment

Services Directory

700-920

Items Buy/Sell

1010-1430

5019A Chipman Ave. Box 4217 Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6

150-194

1-877-223-3311

Agriculture

2010-2210

FAX: 403-783-6300

announcements

Obituaries

REGLIN

RUTHIE KELLY Born August 14, 1931 in Lashburn, Saskatchewan.

Passed away November 27, 2013 at her long time residence of Northcott Nursing Home.

Ruthie is survived by her brother Reg of Stoney Plain; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thanks goes to the staff at Northcott for the care, attention and love they showed Ruthie over the years.

Tell it to the World in the Classified Announcements

Vehicles

3000-4310

Public Notice

5010-5240

6010

EMAIL: classifieds@ponokanews.com Coming Events

In Memoriam

Arlene Grace Reglin from the community of Ponoka Alberta passed away peacefully on February 7, 2014 at Westpark Lodge Red Deer. Arlene will be fondly remembered for her caring nature, her passion to enjoy each day to its fullest, caring for others before herself and her contagious smile that all recognized her for. Arlene was born on October 24, 1922. She was predeceased by her husband Gustav Reglin, daughter Sharon Urban and son Bruce Reglin. She is survived by her two children Yvonne (Bob) Blair of Penhold, Doug Reglin of Calgary and grandchildren Landon (Natalie) Reglin, Lacombe; Dana (Ryan) Smyl, St. Paul; Geoffrey Urban, Vancouver. She is also survived by five great grandchildren Ethan, Chloe Reglin; Quinn, Corwyn and Piper Smyl.

There will be a memorial celebration in Arlene’s honor at the Wombold Funeral Home Feb 14 2014 at 1:00. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Westpark Lodge, Rimoka Lodge Foundation or a charity of your choice. May she rest in peace, we will never forget the great friend, wife and mother she was.

Rental & Real Estate

What’s Happening #50 - # 70

Peter Lockridge February 26, 1959 - February 5, 2012 No farewell words were spoken No time to say good-bye.

You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why.

Our hearts still ache in sadness, And secret tears still flow.

What it meant to lose you No one will ever know.

Badly missed and forever loved, Vivian, Gene, Victoria, Mom and Family

Welcome Home!

Celebrating the birth of your child?

Share your happy news with family & friends with a special announcement in the Classifieds “Announcement” section.

Arts & Crafts Shows ..................50 Class Registrations....................51 Coming Events ..........................52 Lost ............................................54 Found ........................................56 Companions ..............................58 Personals...................................60 Bingos........................................64 Fitness & Sports ........................66 Happy Ads .................................70

Classifieds...costs so little Saves you so much!

Coming Events

52

PONOKA MINOR BALL REGISTRATION & AGM Thursday, March 6 at 7 pm Ponoka Legion, 3911 Hwy 2A Softball & baseball – ages starting with 2011 birthdates Volunteers & coaches needed

Everyone Welcome!

52 CLASSIFIEDS

FAMILY DAY Hours & Deadlines

OFFICE & PHONES CLOSED Monday February 17, 2014 Red Deer Advocate Publication dates: SAT.FEB. 15 TUES. FEB. 18 Deadline is: FRI. FEB 14, 5 p.m.

Red Deer Life Sunday Publication date:FEB. 16 Deadline is: FRI. FEB 14, 2 p.m.

Central AB Life Publication date: THURS. FEB. 20 Deadline is: FRI. FEB 14, 5 p.m.

Ponoka Publication date: WED. FEB. 19 Deadline is:THUR. FEB. 13. 5 p.m.

Rimbey Publication date; TUES. FEB. 18 Deadline is: THUR. FEB. 13, NOON Stettler & Weekender

Publication date: WED. FEB. 18 FRI. FEB. 21 Deadline is: FRI. FEB. 14 NOON

1-877-223-3311 CLASSIFIEDS

Sylvan Lake News & Eckville Echo Lacombe Express Publication date: THURS. FEB. 13 Deadline is: FRI. FEB. 14, 5 p.m.

Castor - Regular deadline “Remember those who fought so we could be free...”

CLASSIFIEDS 309-3300

classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com wegotads.ca

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Coming Events

52

PONOKA NEWS Page 33

Coming Events

You are cordially invited to a Bridal Shower to honor

52

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS

59

AL-ANON WEEKLY MEETING FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ALCOHOLICS. Tuesdays 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5115 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557

ALATEEN

Jackie Olson

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5115 49 Ave. Ponoka For more info.

403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371

bride elect of Craig Schultz Sunday, Feb. 16, 2:00 PM Schultz Community Hall Highway 53 Please bring lunch.

Mentors make a

difference 403-783-3112

LEARN THE LATEST about Celiac Disease and a Gluten-Free diet at the Canadian Celiac Association National Conference, May 30 - June 1, 2014, Calgary. Visit the gluten-free market.

Everyone welcome.

Register at www.calgaryceliac.ca; 403-237-0304

Meetings

QUALITY ASSURANCE COURSE for Health Canada’s Commercial Marijuana Program.

February 22 & 23, Best Western Hotel, Kelowna, BC. Tickets: www.greenlineacademy.com or 1-855-860-8611 or 250-870-1882.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Monday night meetings at the Anglican Church Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.

Personals

60

A SABBATH WELL SPENT, brings a week of content, and strength for the toils of the morrow. But a Sabbath profaned, what ever be gained, is a certain forerunner of sorrow.

By: Judge Matthew Hale.

Canadian Lords Day Association, Box 1369, Picture Butte, T0K 1V0.

59

Meetings

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2014 for

PONOKA VICTIM SERVICES

Location: Town Chambers Monday, March 17th, 2014 @ 6:30 pm

Everyone welcome!

Coming Events

52

Employment #700 - #920 Caregivers/Aides................710 Clerical ..............................720 Computer Personnel ..........730 Dental ................................740 Estheticians........................750 Hair Stylists ........................760 Janitorial ............................770 Legal ..................................780 Medical ..............................790 Oilfield ................................800 Professionals......................810 Restaurant/Hotel ................820 Sales & Distributors ..........830 Teachers/Tutors..................840 Trades ................................850 Truckers/Drivers ................860 Business Opportunities......870 Miscellaneous ....................880 Volunteers Wanted ............890 Positions Wanted ..............895 Employment Training ........900 Career Planning ................920

Caregivers/ Aides

URGENT!

Learn how Bill C-18 threatens farmers’ rights to save seed.

The National Farmers Union is hosting an information session on: Thursday, February 13 @ 7 pm (Bluffton Hall)

Everyone welcome!

710

Live-in Care Giver

800

Whatever You’re Selling...

We Have The Paper You Need!

CLASSIFIEDS 1-877-223-3311

Oilfield

800

403-783-3713

52

SO008801 Please give generously when

your neighbour knocks at your door during Heart Month.

800

CALL NOW TO FIND OUT MORE

Cyntech Construction Ltd. is looking for a Fabrication Plant Manager for their Canadian operations located in Calgary, Alberta. The Fabrication Plant Manager is responsible for supervising and coordinating the work of assigned skilled personnel engaged in plant operations that include the following activities: cutting, welding, fabrication, inventory, finishing, loading, and materials handling.

Cyntech Construction Ltd. a division of Keller Canada is a global leader in the manufacture of helical (screw) piles, anchors, and related products used in pipeline, general construction, and electricity transmission industries. Keller is the world’s largest independent ground engineering contractor with operations in more than 30 countries, roughly 7,000 employees and annual revenues of approximately $2 billion (CDN).

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package as well as participation in our Company profit sharing plan. We foster a relaxed office environment with a business casual dress code.

Come and see what Cyntech is all about!

If interested, please submit your cover letter and resume to: resumes@cyntech.com We appreciate interest from all candidates but only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Sales & Distributors

830

800

OPERATOR

for Stiff Boom Picker/Crane valid drivers licence w/clean abstract required. possibility of owing percentage of truck.

Email resume to pickerservices@gmail.com BUSY BOILER company looking for boiler & relief operators. please email resume to: thera.c@telus.net or fax to: 403-886-2223 TRANSFER OILFIELD SERVICES requires a Class 1 Fluid Driver.

Please call 780-268-4444 or email: t.o.s@hotmail.com

Do you want a rewarding career with plenty of challenges in an international company?

Oilfield

LOOKING FOR

for one 15 month old in Morning Meadows area for Sept. 2014 Salary Negotiable Please call 403-783-0019

READ THE CLASSIFIEDS & find just what you’re looking for. 1-877-223-3311

Coming Events

Oilfield

CHILDCARE WANTED

WANTED

For elderly lady in her rural home

YOUR DONATIONS CREATE SURVIVORS LIKE KRISTEN.

heartandstroke.ca

Oilfield

Professionals

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

VAC & STEAM Truck Operator.

Valid Class 1 or 3, Safety Tickets, Top Wage, Benefits, Camp Work, Experience an Asset.

Email/Fax Resume: 780-458-8701, bryksent@telus.net.

Oilfield

800

WINCH TRACTOR OPERATORS. Must have experience operating a winch.

To apply fax, email or drop off resume at the office.

Phone 780-842-6444.

Fax 780-842-6581. Email: rigmove@telus.net. Mail: H&E Oilfield Services Ltd., 2202 - 1 Ave., Wainwright, AB, T9W 1L7.

For more employment information see our webpage: www.heoil.com.

TELL it all! Tell it well! Make your ads sell for you by giving full description of goods or services offered. Include prices and terms. Phone 1-877-223-3311 for a friendly ad taker.

810 TOWN OF PONOKA Employment Opportunity COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, this new position is responsible for the planning, preparation and delivery of communications for the Town of Ponoka to ensure citizens are well informed and to keep Council and administration advised of public opinions. In this permanent part-time position (approx. 3 days/week), the incumbent will be responsible for the development and implementation of a communications strategy for the Town including coordination with Town departments, external partners and in obtaining community feedback.

Duties and responsibilities of this position include: • Develop, implement and align communication plans and strategies to support the objectives and services of the Town.

• Provide strategic communications tools, using best practices to support administration to proactively identify and mitigate issues.

• Coordinate and manage the Town’s print, electronic, radio and TV advertising for all departments.

• Draft and edit a variety of communication materials, including newsletter, web copy and information documents.

• Write/edit news releases, speeches, briefings and other communications materials as appropriate.

To be effective in the performance of this position, an individual would require the following knowledge and skills: • A degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field with a minimum of five years related experience, preferably in a municipal setting.

• Ability to lead Town communication initiatives.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Excellent computer program, internet and office management skills.

The successful candidate will be required to submit a satisfactory Criminal Record Check. To obtain a copy of the position description, please contact Betty Quinlan, Acting Chief Administrative Officer at (403)783-0129.

Submit resumes to: ATTENTION: Betty Quinlan Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Ponoka 5102 – 48 Avenue, PONOKA, AB T4J 1P7 Fax: (403)783-4086; Phone: (403)783-0129 email: betty.quinlan@ponoka.org This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

SALES CONSULTANTS WANTED! Due to increases in business, we are looking for individuals that would enjoy assisting our customers in the selection of new GMC vehicles.

No experience needed; paid training.

We offer leading edge, flexible pay plans, as well as group benefits and a savings plan program.

If you are interested in joining our dynamic dealership family, please send resume to hr@adamsgm.com or stop by in person and ask for Steve Wolbeck

Teachers/ Tutors

840 The CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - Abu Dhabi is currently hiring teachers and administrators for the 2014-15 school year

12345 WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

9 we are a fully accredited Alberta Education International School 9 tax free salary with housing, airfare, and extras paid for 9 2 hrs of prep time /day for teachers; small classes; great students 9 amazing travel opportunities and cultural experiences 9 outstanding personal and professional growth opportunities

Apply Now

www.cisabudhabi.com

Page 34 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Professionals

is looking to hire full time

• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE • Identify customers & market opportunity • Develop prospects list and implement follow up • Provide feedback to management from customers on performance/satisfaction.

Experience & Requirements • Strong customer service skills for direct sales contact for existing & prospect customer • A professional & effective presentation style.

• Strong communication skills • Proficient in Microsoft office, Excel & Word.

• Ability to prioritize work where frequent interruptions may occur.

• -Background/experience in Automotive parts preferred.

• 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

JOURNALISTS, Graphic Artists, Marketing and more. Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you.

Post your resume online.

Free. Visit: www.awna.com/ resumes_add.php.

Trades

850

Doors On Demand is hiring

OVERHEAD DOOR TECH • Minimum 2 yrs + experience in residential & commercial installation & service • Pay DOE up to $35/hr

OVERHEAD DOOR ASST.

• Training will be provided • Pay DOE up to $20/hr

For info or to apply call Gerald 403-963-5000 OR email resume to doorsondemand@hotmail.com BRANCH MANAGER & COUNTER PARTS PERSON required for automotive parts, HD parts and body shop supply business in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Parts experience required.

Email: radirect@telus.net.

Professionals

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

810

Trades

850

Trades

850

PETROFIELD Industries, the Leader in manufacturing Hydrovac trucks, is accepting MILLWRIGHTS & resumes for the following positions: WELDERS * General Labourers for work in Red Deer. * Industrial Painters Please fax resume to * Sandblasters 1-403-229-4079 * Material Handler PARK PAVING LTD. * Automotive Electrical in Edmonton has immediate Technician openings for a * Journeyman Welder / Project Superintendent, Apprentice Concrete Superintendent, * 2nd Yr Welder with Shop Foreman, and Heavy Aluminum experience Duty Mechanics. Send your resume via email to: Visit our website at: employment www.tornadotrucks.com @parkpaving.com for more details. Our or via fax to 780-434-5373 Company has an enthusiastic fast paced SMALL Manufacturing working environment, with Company Looking for a advancement possibilities Journeymen Framer or for the motivated person, Equivalent with exp. Basic and offers an excellent tools required: Steel Toed benefit package. fax Boots and hard hats.

403-742-5544 Indoors all year round e-mail: hr@petrofield.com Mon-Friday work week, occasional weekend Please send resume to: inquiries@sheltersrus.ca The easy way to find a Fax:403-348-8109 buyer for items you want to Classifieds...costs so little sell is with a Classified want ad. Phone 1-877-223Saves you so much!

3311

COORDINATOR OF ENHANCED SERVICE DELIVERY (ESD) INITIATIVES (Position # A) MEC is supporting the Samson Cree Nation, the Louis Bull Tribe and the Ermineskin Cree Nation to expedite Enhanced Service Delivery (ESD) initiatives to increase the success in employment of 18 to 24 year old Income Support recipients. Reporting to the Manager of MEC, the Coordinator of Enhanced Service Delivery (ESD) Initiatives is responsible for proactive engagement with the participating First Nations, as well as for developing and managing the associated ESD management systems within MEC. The successful candidate will have a post-secondary degree and five years related experience or equivalent, preferably in a First Nations environment.

ENHANCED SERVICE DELIVERY (ESD) CAREER & EMPLOYMENT ADVISOR (Position # B) Deployed at the First Nations’ offices, and reporting to their Social Program Directors, the Enhanced Service Delivery Career & Employment Advisor (CEA) is a proactive professional who undertakes case management of 18 to 24 year old Income Support clients to support their transition to education or employment.

Successful candidates will have a at least a two-year diploma in a related field and at least two years’ work experience in human services in a First Nations’ environment.

EMPLOYER LIAISON (Position #C) Reporting to the Manager of MEC, the Employer Liaison establishes connections with regional employers and local First Nations’ Social & Human Resource Development staff to expedite strategies and actions to connect job seekers in the Maskwacis community with employers. Through networking and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, the Employer Liaison is responsible for collecting and disseminating local, regional and provincial labour market information; and helping employers to fill job vacancies with Maskwacis members.

The successful candidate will have at least a two-year diploma in business, communications, social work or a related field, excellent communications skills and two years’ related experience, preferably in a First Nations environment.

A competitive compensation and benefit program is offered consistent with positions of these types. Candidates are encouraged to reply in confidence by the closing date of February 14, 2014, quoting the position number(s) for which they are applying, to MEC at: P.O. Box 2470 Maskwacis, AB T0C-1N0 Fax: 780.585.4456 E-mail: info@maskwacisemployment.ca

850

Truckers/ Drivers

860 Arnett & Burgess is now accepting applications for the following:

EASY!

810 TOWN OF PONOKA Employment Opportunity

The Maskwacis Employment Center (MEC), located in Maskwacis, Alberta, is a First Nations‘ organization committed to employment and career advancement for Maskwacis residents. MEC is seeking candidates for three types of staff positions. Each successful candidate will require a valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for personal job-related transportation in and around Maskwacis.

Trades

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer the Human Resources Officer is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, controlling and analyzing the human resources functions. This is a new permanent part-time position and the incumbent will work approximately 3 days per week.

Duties and responsibilities of this position are to: • Provide support to Directors and managers through consultation and review of policies, procedures and new initiatives.

• Strategically plan for the Town’s human capital needs in collaboration with Town management staff.

• Develop and implement human resources programs and procedures that optimize staffing and align workforce with strategic and operational goals.

• Human resources programs include policy development, compensation, employee relations, workforce planning, training, organizational development, performance management, and recruitment & retention.

To be effective in the performance of this position, an individual would require the following knowledge and skills: • Minimum three to five years of progressively responsible human resources generalist experience, preferably within a Municipal Government setting.

• CHRP designation is required.

• Sound knowledge of employment and labour legislation, including but not limited to Employment Standards Act (Alberta), Alberta Human Rights, FOIP, and principles and practices of human resources administration.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills matched with the ability to negotiate and build relationships with key stakeholders as well as an ability to interact with employees at all levels of the organization.

The successful candidate will be required to submit a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

To obtain a copy of the position description, please contact Betty Quinlan, Acting Chief Administrative Officer at (403)783-0129.

Please submit resumes to: ATTENTION: Betty Quinlan Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Ponoka 5102 – 48 Avenue, PONOKA, AB T4J 1P7 Fax: (403)783-4086; Phone: (403) 783-0129 email: betty.quinlan@ponoka.org This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

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 Misc.

Help

880

Ponoka has immediate openings for

Team Members

FT Weekdays - Weekends - Nights Wages $9.95 - $11.00/hr Apply online at thponoka@shaw.ca fax 403.783.5595 or drop off resume

Full Time Positions

available immediately • General Labourers (Willing to work away from home)

CANDIDATE MUST:

Reliable/Self motivated Clean drivers abstract preferred Oilfield tickets are required but training could be supplied Must pass drug test before employment Pipe fitting experience a real asset Will train the right individuals

Manufacturers of Annugas Production Enhancer Fax resume to main office (780) 361-2355 3601 - 48 St., Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 3N9 Ph: 1-866-266-8427 or (780) 361-2350 Only candidates selected will be contacted for interview.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 35

AG EQUIPMENT

Truckers/ Drivers

860

DRIVER NEEDED with clean Class 1 for busy L/S hauling position based out of Westlock, Alberta.

Email resume to: rob@jubileefarms.ca.

Business Opportunities

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

Al York

General Manager Cell: (403) 783-0593 Bus: (403) 843-3700

Rimbey, AB

Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

870

GET FREE VENDING MACHINES. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected territories. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629.

Website: www.tcvend.com.

Misc.

Help

880

STETTLER - Hydrovac swamper. CSTS ticket required. MUST be able to pass drug & alcohol test, and have own transportation to and from Stettler shop. Hourly wage to commensurate with experience. Monthly guarantee. Complete benefit package after 3 months. Fax resume to 403-742-0509.

CARPENTER’S HELPER Inside work, Transportation required. Ponoka area.

Wage dependant on experience. 403-391-8385

Professionals

Misc.

Help

880

Misc.

Help

880

STA M P E D E

DANDY PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

HIRING

• CNC PROGRAMMER • PART TIME TRUCK DRIVER • TURRET OPERATOR • PANEL SHOP ELECTRICIAN Full Benefit Package & Production Bonuses. Safe, Warm, Modern Working Environment.

Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

BOBCAT SERVICE • Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Grading & Construction

is now

Electrical Enclosure & Power Division

BOBCAT SERVICES

P/T

Call 403-783-2764 403-588-0599 CallJim JimAshbough Ashbough 783-2764ororCell: Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 403-783-5283 Cell: 403-588-0597 Jack Surbey 783-5283orCell: 588-0597

OVERHEAD DOORS

and

F/T cashiers

Fax or E-mail your resume in confidence to: A.C. Dandy Products Ltd.

Please drop

Fax: 780-352-2249

Email: acdandy@acdandy.com

off resumes in

This space could be yours for $

person or fax

810

403-783-8273

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

TOWN OF PONOKA Employment Opportunity

SKIDSTEER SERVICES

SHERBA SKIDSTEER SERVICES • Snow Removal • Commercial & Residential • General Bobcat Service Reliable | Efficient | Great Service

587-729-0299

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

A & J AUTOMOTIVE A & J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 6701 - 46 Ave. 6701 46 Ave. Ponoka, AB - T4J 1J8 Ponoka, T4J 1J8 (403)AB783-8755 (403) 783-8755 Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator

The Town of Ponoka is currently seeking applications for the new position of Information Technology Support Technician. Reporting to the Information Technology Manager, this position is responsible for providing technical expertise in the operation, upkeep and maintenance of computers, servers, telephone and cell phone systems, printers, networks, inter and intranet sites and providing assistance to staff with trouble shooting and maintenance issues.

Duties and responsibilities of this position include: • Maintenance of various technology systems, ensuring that appropriate software is current, operational and up to date.

• Maintenance of user systems including the Town’s website, Lotus Notes system, telephone and cell phone systems, printers, photocopiers and other electronic devices.

• Working with the Information Technology Manager to maintain the network operating system.

To be effective in the performance of this position, an individual would require the following knowledge and skills: • Computer Systems Technology Diploma • Minimum of 2 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and employment experience • Excellent trouble shooting and analytical skills • Ability to work in a team environment • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • A valid Class 5 Operators License.

The successful candidate will also be required to submit a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract.

To obtain a copy of the position description, please contact Sandra Lund, Acting Director, Corporate Services at (403)783-0133.

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

in Ponoka, has immediate opening for

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT TECHNICIAN

Applicants are asked to submit their resumes to: Town of Ponoka ATTENTION: Sandra Lund Acting Director, Corporate Services 5102 – 48 Avenue, PONOKA, AB T4J 1P7 Fax: (403)783-4086; Phone: (403)783-0133 email: sandra.lund@ponoka.org This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

The Town of Ponoka thanks all applicants in advance, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

SWAMPERS Please submit resumes to 6526 - 44 Ave Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Fax: 403-783-3011 or Email: hr@calnashtrucking.com

ACADEMIC Express ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

SPRING START •

Community Support Worker Program

•

Women in the Trades Program

•

Math and Science for the Trades Program

•

BOTTLE DEPOT

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT Open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

Closed Sundays & Holidays We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE

GED Preparation Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca REQUIRED Production Welder Painter Shop Laborer Polisher Full or Part Time Crestomere area BANDIT INDUSTRIES 403-783-4284

Positions Wanted

895

COUPLE LOOKING FOR WORK Prefer outside, farm work if possible.

Have own transportation.

Contact Diane or Gordon 403-783-0005

Motorcycles & ATV’s Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am-3 pm

403-783-5185 1-800-662-7135 Fax: 403-783-4635

Reaching 6000 households weekly for just

30

$

PER WEEK

This space could be yours!

403-783-3311

Page 36 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

DENTISTRY

RIMBEYDENTALCARE DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

Misc.

Help

880

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Delivery Driver & Floral Designer

Family Friendly Dentistry Box 1100 4905 50 St. Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

Employment Training

Ph. (403) 843-2173 Fax: (403) 843-2607

DENTAL CARE

Part-time 3-4 days/wk.

Must have valid drivers license

BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC

Apply in person with resume to:

Flowers For You

PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY

4037835225 • 4037835235

5008-51 Ave., Ponoka 403-783-8190

5118 - 51 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5

DR. HUGH PORTER • DR. RICK BARR DR. JEFF BARR • DR. GREG EDWARDS - General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations

Misc.

Help

880

“WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”

is looking to hire full time

Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal

• INVENTORY PERSON

403-783-5575 1-800-662-7168 WWW.4YOUREYESONLY.CA

-

•

5120-51ST AVE, PONOKA

ADVANCED EYE HEALTH & VISION EXAMS CONSULTATION & REFERRAL SERVICES DESIGNER EYE WEAR & CONTACT LENSES INSURED MEDICAL EYECARE SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 HEATING

“Committed to your comfort”

Robin Esau

Ph: 403-782-7722 Fax: 403-782-7499

robin@KlesAir.com www.KlesMechanical.com

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

START NOW! Complete Ministry approved diplomas in months! Business, health care and more!

Contact Academy of Learning College 1-855-354-JOBS (5627) or www.academyoflearning.com We change lives.

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Contractors

to join our team

• Automotive bodyshop repair an asset.

• Computer literate • 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

Misc.

Help

1100

ATTENTION HOME BUILDERS! No Warranty = No Building Permit.

Contact Blanket Home Warranty for details.

1-888-925-2653; www.blanketltd.ca.

Legal Services

EYE CARE

900

1260

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

(24 hour record check).

Divorce? Simple. Fast.

Inexpensive. Debt recovery?

Alberta collection to $25,000. Calgary 403-228-1300 or 1-800-347-2540; www. accesslegalresearch.com

CALL 1-877-223-3311 CLASSIFIEDS HOT-LINE WHATEVER YOU’RE SELLING...

WE HAVE THE PAPER YOU NEED!

1290

NEW TO YOUR COMMUNITY ?

Our Hostess will bring gifts and greetings, along with helpful community information.

Be sure to call

Personal Services

1315

Pet Services

1318

Unplanned pregnancy may be difficult to face.

We care. For confidential help call 403-343-1611 (24 hrs.)

CLINKERS KENNELS

DATING SERVICE. Long-term/short-term relationships. Free to try!

1-877-297-9883.

Live intimate conversation, Call #7878 or 1-888-534-6984. Live adult 1on1 Call 1-866-311-9640 or #5015.

Meet local single ladies.

1-877-804-5381. (18+).

HOURS: Mon - Thurs 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 6 pm; Fri. 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 7 pm; Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 noon; Sun. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.

* Quality Boarding for your dogs & cats *Proof of vaccinations and advance bookings required

403-783-6272

www.clinkerskennels.ca

TRUE PSYCHICS! For Answers call now 24/7 Toll Free 1-877-342-3036; Mobile: # 4486; www.truepsychics.ca.

Misc.

Help

880 /MAVERICK Supply Ltd. Warehouse Representative

Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca

CLASSIFIED Want Ads do more things for more people than any other form of advertising. Phone 1-877223-3311

Trades

Required for Rimbey Oil¿eld Supply Store Duties to include: Customer Service Heavy Lifting Involved Inventory Control Deliveries (with trailer) Clerical Duties Shipping & Receiving Forklift Operations Please Send Resume to: Email: rick.davies@meridianvalve.ca Fax: (403) 843-3775 In Person: 5618 - 44th St., Rimbey (Behind the A&W)

850 TOWN OF PONOKA Employment Opportunity POWER LINE TECHNICIAN/APPRENTICE

880 Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Misc.

Services

Gendarmerie royale du Canada

Detachment Services Assistant 1 and 3, Traffic Services Assistant Royal Canadian Mounted Police Detachments in Blackfalds, Innisfail, Leduc, Spruce Grove/Stony Plain and Sherwood Park (Strathcona County) Alberta And possible future vacancies for Central Alberta District detachments located at Bashaw, Breton, Camrose, Enoch, Fort Saskatchewan, Hobbema, Morinville, Ponoka, Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Stettler, Thorsby and Wetaskiwin, (AB).

Open to persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is currently recruiting for permanent CR-05 positions for Detachment Services Assistants. The starting salary will be $49,387 per annum (pro-rated). The closing date for applications is February 20, 2014 at 23:59 (PST). Please quote reference number RCM14J-011760-000003.

A pool of qualified candidates will be established and may be used to staff future vacancies for various locations within Central Alberta District.

For more information about these opportunities, a list of Central Alberta District detachments and how to apply, visit www.jobs.gc.ca or call Info tel. at 1-800-645-5605. For more information about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police see www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

We are committed to Employment Equity. The Public Service of Canada is committed to developing inclusive, barrier free selection processes and work environment.

Vous pouvez obtenir ces renseignements en français.

The Town of Ponoka has an immediate opening for the position of Apprentice/ Power Line Technician for the Town’s Electrical Department. Reporting to the Line Foreman, this position is responsible for construction, operation, maintenance, and metering of the overhead and underground distribution system within the Town of Ponoka.

Required Quali¿cations: • Valid Alberta Journeyman Power Lineman / Powerline Technician Certi¿cate or Interprovincial Red Seal.

• Dependent on applications received, a fourth year Apprentice may be considered.

• Valid Emergency First Aid Level or above.

• Valid Alberta Class 3 Vehicle Operators License with Airbrake Endorsement preferred or willingness to achieve.

• Current Criminal Record Check and suitable Driver’s Abstract.

Required Skills: • Self-starter with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

• Strong interpersonal, team participation and communication skills.

• Distribution operations, construction and maintenance knowledge and skills.

• Excellent customer relations.

• Safe work skills including knowledge of safe work and job planning procedures.

Desirable Skills Include: • Experience in the operation of a Digger an asset.

• Standby and troubleshooting experience an asset.

• 25 kV rubber glove and hotline work knowledge an asset.

• Computer knowledge an asset.

Other Duties: • Assist other Town Departments with work activities including snow removal, tree trimming and operating other equipment vehicles when required.

Participation in the On-Call rotation is a requirement of this position and the successful candidate must reside within 10 km of the Town of Ponoka Limits (this item may be negotiated) This position is open until a suitable candidate is found. For a complete copy of the job description, contact brian.harrison@ponoka.org Please submit resume and references to: Town of Ponoka 5102 – 48 Avenue, Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Fax: (403)783-4086 Email: hr@ponoka.org

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

Plumbing & Heating

1330

JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER CERTIFIED Reasonable rates, guaranteed satisfaction SENIOR RATES AVAILABLE

Call today for a FREE ESTIMATE! Brian 403-913-4217 or 403-783-7417 Misc.

Services

1290

PONOKA NEWS Page 37

Rental Misc

1350

Building Supplies

Need RV or Self Storage?

8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; X 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; mini storage units available for rent.

Also RV storage.

Secure compound.

Call Keith at

First Call Towing

783-3636 Misc.

Services

1290

Used appliances available Six month warranty

Berni's

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990

Auctions

8TH ANNUAL Red Deer Collector Car Auction & Speed Show, March 14 - 16/14, Red Deer Westerner Park.

Exhibitor space available.

Consign your car.

1-888-296-0528 ext. 102; EGauctions.com.

ANTIQUE & COLLECTOR AUCTION. February 15, Saturday, 10 a.m.

Antiques, Texaco gas pump, Coca-Cola, furniture, advertising, Star Wars, much more!

Scribner Auction, Wainwright, Alberta, 780-842-5666; www.scribnernet.com.

BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS SALES EVERY WED. @ 6 pm.

Moose Hall 2 miles south of Ponoka on 2A

Refrigeration and Appliance Service

Resuming Weekly Sales Wed. Jan. 15, 6 pm FIRST ANTIQUE SALE Sun. Feb. 2, 1 pm

We deliver and install your purchases.

403-783-4880 Welding

1410

Welding

1410

Concrete forming equipment Dura-Form 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, lots of inside corners and fillers, most of forms are in cages.

To view call Randy 403-843-1099 cell 587-679-2334. For pics and detailed equipt. list emai: thepelletiers@ xplornet.ca

+

A Star Makes Your Ad A Winner!

CALL:

Website: www.harbinwelding.com E-mail: bharbin@telus.net

1-877-223-3311 To Place Your Ad Now!

1290

1290

Misc.

Services

1290

STEEL BUILDINGS/ METAL BUILDINGS 60% off!

20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100, sell for balance owed!

Call 1-800-457-2206; www. crownsteelbuildings.ca

Misc. for Sale

1760

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME & LEG CRAMPS? Fast relief in one hour.

Sleep at night.

Proven for over 32 years; www.allcalm.com. Mon-Fri, 8-4 EST. 1-800-765-8660.

Combines & Headers ......2040 Fertilizer Equipment..........2050 Misc. Farm Machinery ......2060 Equipment Wanted ..........2070 Farm Custom Work ..........2080 Farm Auctions ..................2090 Livestock ..........................2100 Livestock - Exotic..............2110 Sheep ..............................2120 Poultry ..............................2130 Horses ..............................2140 Horse Boarding ................2150 Riding Supplies ................2160 Horse/Stock Trailers ........2170 Pasture Wanted ................2180 Grain, Feed, Hay ..............2190 Seed Grain ......................2200 Seeding & Tillage ............2210

Farm Equipment

2010

BALE BUSTER Vermeer, side load $2650.; Wheatheart 10`x10` transfer auger, $1500; New Holland 3 pt. Bale Fork, $350. 403-343-3172

Well Drilling

1400

Squeezthee MOST out of your advertising dollars Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $ with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...

995 plus GST/HST

Value Ad Network

Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 email andrea@awna.com or visit this community newspaper

2100

40 Bulls For Sale

Registered Yearlings

Black Angus 2 year olds

Plus

125 Cows Reg. Black Angus

Call Jim (780)

MEIER GUN AUCTION. Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m., 6016 - 72A Ave., Agricultural Edmonton. Over 150 guns - Handguns, rifles, shot#2000 - #2290 guns, hunting and sporting Farm Equipment ..............2010 equipment. To consign Haying Equipment ............2020 call 780-440-1860 Tractors ............................2030

FAX: (403) 783-8178

Misc.

Services

STEEL BUILDING SALE. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Big Year End Clear Out!â&#x20AC;?

20x22 $4,259. 25x24 $4,684. 30x34 $6,895.

35x36 $9,190. 40x48 $12,526. 47x70 $17,200.

One end wall included.

Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422; www.pioneersteel.ca.

www.bigstrapperauctions.net

1550

Livestock

&5

403-304-4791 Check website for full listing

MAIN: (403) 783-7591

Misc.

Services

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. Very competitive prices!

Largest colour selection in Western Canada.

Available at over 25 Alberta Distribution Locations.

40 Year Warranty.

Call 1-888-263-8254.

WE BUY FOR CASH.

Building Supplies

â&#x20AC;˘ B-PRESSURE â&#x20AC;˘ PIPELINE â&#x20AC;˘ OILFIELD â&#x20AC;˘ ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING â&#x20AC;˘ SHOP/PORTABLE â&#x20AC;˘ CNC PLASMA CUTTING â&#x20AC;˘ ALUMINUM â&#x20AC;˘ SHEARING & FORMING

1530

1550

387-6050

Horses

2140

WE BUY HORSES: broke, un-broke, or unwanted.

Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola.

Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed.

Buying damaged or offgrade grain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Farm Pickupâ&#x20AC;?

Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252 WANTED. Hannas Seeds seeking distributors for forage, turf, native and reclamation seed. Good commissions. Contact Dave at 1-800-661-1529 or dave@hannasseeds.com.

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

For Rent #3000 - #3200 Houses/ Duplexes

3020

SMALL 2 BDRM BUNGALOW 403-704-0644 CENTRAL PONOKA 2 bedroom house close to schools. N.S. No pets. $750.00/mo plus utilities. $750.00 D.D. Available February 1. Application and references required.

Call Mary 403-783-6609 PONOKA ~ March 1st.

3 bedroom 1/2 duplex.

4 appliances. Rent $950, d.d. $950. No pets.

403-346-3943 RIMBEY 4 bdrm. house w/ att. garage, 4 appls, no pets, n/s, 403-704-3634

403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 VETERINARY SERVICES

Bovine Veterinary Services On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services

Condos/ Townhouses

3030

FOR RENT OR SALE

2 bdrm seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condo with attached garage. Immaculate condition, available immediately N/P or children, references required.

Ultrasound-aided ReproducĆ&#x;ve Programs CETA CerĆ&#x;ÄŽed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer Herd Health

Phone 403-391-1684 Dr. Bruce Wine

Í´Íś Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x203A; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;

403-783-4236

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 DELUXE 2 BR SUITES FOR RENT

VETERINARY SERVICES

4205 - 64 St., Ponoka, AB Includes: Fridge, Stove, Fireplace, Air Conditioning, Window Coverings, Oak Cabinetry with Corian Countertops, Balcony, High Security Card Locks, All Utilities except Telephone.

Quiet Adult Complex, Age 40+, No Pets, Rent Starts at $1380 P/M.

Call ERNIE at 780-335-6767

Well Drilling

1400

Well Drilling

1400

RURAL WATER TREATMENT (Province Wide) Tell them Danny Hooper sent you

3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

4 appliances,Garage Call Bob

3060

Suites

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

)RON &ILTERS s 3OFTENERS s $ISTILLERS s 2EVERSE /SMOSIS h+ONTINUOUS 3HOKv #HLORINATOR 0ATENTED 7HOLE (OUSE 2EVERSE /SMOSIS 3YSTEM

12345 7ITHIN MILES OF %DMONTON

7ATER 7ELL $RILLING 2ED $EER #ALGARY .EW 'OVERNMENT WATER WELL GRANT STARTS !PRIL 4IME 0AYMENT 0LAN / ! # FOR WATER WELLS AND WATER TREATMENT

")' )2/.

View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at

www.1800bigiron.com

Southwest Industrial Park 4102-64 St., Ponoka 403-783-5200 8 a.m. - 5 p.m Mon. to Sat. â&#x20AC;˘ Open late Thursday 24-hour Emergency Call Dr. Bill Frischke â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Kelly Loree â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Leighton Coma Dr. Trevor Hook â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Patricia Kelly

Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

Page 38 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PLUMBING SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD. JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs” Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345

PLUMBING

PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts Hours of Business: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5 pm

5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7

Manufactured Homes

3040

PONOKA MOOSE LODGE IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS For the rental of a modular home site.

Please contact Lynn at 403-358-6580 for details.

3060

Suites

AVAILABLE MARCH 1 Two - 1 bdrm suites $675/mon. Incl. fridge, stove, washer & dryer

403-783-6011 PONOKA, lrg. 1 bdrm apt. incld’s, laundry & all utils. $750. Avail. end of Feb. no pets, n/s 403-993-3441

Manufactured Homes

4090

HOMES, COTTAGES & MORE. RTMI - Ready to Move in.

Call 1-888-733-1411; rtmihomes.com. Red Tag Sale on now - ask about our $100,000 giveaway.

SHOP AND COMPARE! Then let United Homes Canada get you the best value on a new TripleM home!

Starting at only $92,500.

Delivery conditions apply.

142 East Lake Blvd., Airdrie.

1-800-461-7632; www. unitedhomescanada.com

Income Property

4100

TURN KEY Business for sale in Ponoka. 15 unit complex. 100% occupancy.

Earns $10,000/mo. Asking $557,000. 403-963-0204

* RIVERSIDE APTS. * Newly renovated 1 & 2 bedroom units in Ponoka: 3724-45 Street.

403-357-0287

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 PORTABLE TOILET RENTALS

LittleJONS’ Hand Wash Stations Handicap Units Trailer Units New Solar Powered Units with Running Water

Serving Central Today!

Alberta Book On-Line

403.783.8322

www.littlejons.ca

Reaching 6000 households weekly for just

30

$

PER WEEK

This space could be yours!

403-783-3311 TREE SERVICE

BEST PRICE TREE SERVICE OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

SPECIALIZING IN DANGEROUS TREES COMPLETE REMOVAL & CLEANUP

• Topping • Dropping • Slashing • Stump Grinding & Tree Disposal • Tree Chipping FREE Estimates | Fully Insured

403.396.7623

Financial #4400 - #4430

Real Estate #4000 - #4190 Houses For Sale

4020

INNISFAIL: New

DUPLEX large single att. garage, 1.5 lots, walkout, infloor heat, air cond., 2 large decks, fully dev. up/down & landscaped, high eff. furnace & water heater. $339,000.

403-396-3203 RENO’D FULL DUPLEX in Ponoka.

3 bdrm., 1 bath per side. $257,000. 403-963-0204

Farms/ Land

4070

FARM Land 160 acres, 20 kms. W. of Red Deer. $650,000.

NO REALTORS 403-350-7588

This paper is

1Re0cyc0la%ble Stores/ Commercial

Investments ......................4410 Money Wanted ................4420 Money to Loan ................4430

Money To Loan

4430

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS. C. A. MacLean/Fred Row Journalism bursaries.

Help us locate a deserving individual from your community who would like to pursue a career in print journalism.

Applications must be received by February 26, 2014.

For further information, contact your local weekly newspaper or the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association, 1-800-292-6903 ext. 225; www.awna.com.

DO YOU NEED to borrow money - Now? If you own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits will lend you money - It’s that simple.

1-877-486-2161.

DROWNING IN DEBT? Cut debts more than 60% & debt free in half the time!

Avoid bankruptcy!

Free consultation; www.mydebtsolution.com or toll free 1-877-556-3500.

BBB rated A+.

3120

COMMERCIAL

4430

GET BACK on track!

Bad credit? Bills?

Unemployed? Need money?

We lend! If you own your own home - you qualify.

Pioneer Acceptance Corp.

Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420; www.pioneerwest.com

VETERINARY SERVICES

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Public Notice #6000

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

Public Notices

Transportation #5000-5300 Cars

5030

2010 LINCOLN MKZ SEDAN 3.5L Auto., front wheel drive. White in colour.

Extremely low km: 21,090.

1 owner. 2 sets of tires.

Immaculate condition. $23,500. 403-783-5493

Tires, Parts Acces.

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

This space could be yours for $

Money To Loan

5180

WRECKING AUTO-TRUCKS. Parts to fit over 500 trucks.

Lots of Dodge, GMC, Ford, imports.

We ship anywhere.

Lots of Dodge, diesel, 4x4 stuff. Trucks up to 3 tons.

North-East Recyclers 780-875-0270 (Lloydminster).

6010

NOTICE TO CREDITORS & CLAIMANTS Estate of William McFadden who died on October 5, 2013 If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by March 14, 2014 and provides details of your claim with Sully Chapman Beattie #202, 4825 - 47 Street, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 1R3.

If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

HOW can you make your phone ring and make some quick cash?

MORE sellers find buyers in Place your ad here . . . the classifieds. 1-877-223Phone 1-877-223-3311 3311.

Houses For Sale

4020

Dr. Murray Jacobson Dr. Clayton West Dr. Ashley Shannon

Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 4:30 pm

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB

T4J 1M1

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS FOR

$30

PER WEEK.

CALL 4037833311 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

$

30

PER WEEK.

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK. WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES

Darcy’s Drilling Services • water wells drilled & serviced • new pump & pressure system installations • all types of pump repairs • well shocking Darcy Schmidt Ph: (403) 783-2220 Fax: (403) 783-8828 Email: darcysdrillingservices@hotmail.com

WATER WELL SERVICE

ECKLUND Water Well Service

• Install & Service Pumps • Shock Wells • Pressure Systems Serviced & Installed Home: (403) 783-3712 Cell: (403) 704-3413

BAYS

CUSTOM TUB GRINDING

4205 - 64 St., Ponoka, AB

• Different screens for bedding & feed • 600 HP truck driven for fast grinding • Minimum Charge 2 HRS @ $220/HR

FOR RENT 34’Lx16’W with 16’ high ceiling. Suitable for Truckers, Farmers, Boaters, Contractors, or Anyone needing Secure, Heated Storage.

ONLY 5 AVAILABLE! Call ERNIE at 780-335-6767 for Special Spring Rental Rates!

CALL LEEN VOGELAAR 403-704-0919

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

PONOKA NEWS Page 39

D E I F I S S A CL

E G A R E V O C AD IKE NEVER BEFORE L

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT

S E G A PACK K C A P 6 -

Now Also Review y e b im R · s ing · Ponoka New ekender Offer AN e W · t n e d n SYLV depe nce a v · Stettler In d A r o t s a LAKE NEWS ar · C · Bashaw St & ECVILLE ECHO * Start at 25 words =

.20

$40

K C A P 6 S

At View All Our Product www.garymoe.com

REBELS GET BACK TO WORK

BIOLOGIST MYRNA HER PEARMAN EXPLAINS N WITH THE FASCINATIO SCRAPPY S, INDUSTRIOU RODENT PAGE C1

Gaetz Ave. North

Red Deer

Volkswagen Alley

West Side Gasoline East Side Gasoline

Alley

102199TF

MUSKRATS

at

located Now locatedatat Now located Now Alley at

TEAM PRACTISING FOURHARD TO END STREAK GAME LOSING PAGE D1

Alley Alley Alley Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Now Gasoline Side located at East Side Side Side East located Alley East East Operated Now 22Gasoline South, South, Hwy 2South, & Family Hwy Hwy Owned Locally East Side Gasoline Alley Hwy 2 South,East Side Hwy 2 South,

fe CentralAlbertaLi OCT. 31, 2013

CENTRAL SPORTS || || NEWS ||

|| FEATURES ALBERTA BUSINESS

ENT || ENTERTAINM

Agri-Trade celebrates milestone

THURSDAY,

PLU .20 $51

SFUL MOST SUCCES RED DEER’S RETURNS FOR ITS TRADE SHOW 6 TO 9 AT FROM NOV. 30TH YEARS PARK. SEE RELATED WESTERNER A3, A4 AND B1 IE ON PAGE STORIES

e (Thurs) if L a t r e lb A · Central * Start at 25 words =

K C A P 8 - S

At View All Our Product www.garymoe.com

BIOLOGIST MYRNA HER PEARMAN EXPLAINS N WITH THE FASCINATIO SCRAPPY S, INDUSTRIOU RODENT PAGE C1

REBELS GET BACK TO WORK

Gaetz Ave. North

Red Deer

Volkswagen Alley

West Side Gasoline East Side Gasoline

Alley

at

located Now locatedatat Now located Now Alley at

TEAM PRACTISING FOURHARD TO END STREAK GAME LOSING PAGE D1

102199TF

MUSKRATS

Alley Alley Alley Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Now Gasoline Side located at East Side Side Side East located Alley East East Operated Now 22Gasoline South, South, Hwy 2South, & Family Hwy Hwy Owned Locally East Side Gasoline Alley Hwy 2 South,East Side Hwy 2 South,

fe CentralAlbertaLi OCT. 31, 2013

CENTRAL ALBERTA SPORTS || || NEWS ||

FEATURES BUSINESS ||

ENT || ENTERTAINM

Agri-Trade celebrates milestone

THURSDAY,

PLU te eer Advoca

SFUL MOST SUCCES RED DEER’S RETURNS FOR ITS TRADE SHOW 6 TO 9 AT FROM NOV. 30TH YEARS PARK. SEE RELATED WESTERNER A3, A4 AND B1 RIES ON PAGE STORIES

At View All Our Product www.garymoe.com

LIFE 3, 2013

Gaetz Ave. North

Red Deer

Volkswagen East Side Gasoline

Alley

at

located Now locatedatat Now located Now Alley at

102199TF

Alley

West Side Gasoline

RED DEER

SUNDAY, NOV.

Alley Alley Alley Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Now Gasoline Side located at East Side Side Side East located Alley East East Operated Now 22Gasoline South, South, Hwy 2South, & Family Hwy Hwy Owned Locally East Side Gasoline Alley Hwy 2 South,East Side Hwy 2 South,

RS TEENAGED PLAYE CASE MAKE A NEW IN NHL FOR DEFENCE

D · 7 Days Red r Life e e D d e R y · 1 Da COVERS

G DIGITAL DI DIG HE D H THE TO H TO TH ATH A PATH PA P UPLEE OOD COUP COUPLE COUPLEH

ONLINE O C LOCAL LOC A ING SERVICES DATING D G RESPECT AINING AIN GAIN GAINING

– PAGE 4

ho by THE ASSOCIATED Ph Photo

PRESS

lineal feet *based on 30 T INCLUDED

LIGHTNING

MIND S STRENGTH OF says ZAPS OILER Amanda Lindhout scores twice her her book is about the and transformation spirit human endurance of the

OWROOM HO SHO SHOW

FREE Sink FREE Installation FREE In-Home

te Commemorate Create Celebra HOME OF THE

— 2013 Red Deer 1913

of an NHL game er period p pe u in the second teens, including Blake Comeau oc o precocious of preco Blue Jackets’ pros, but a handful away from the position in the keeps the puck to learn their Minnesota Wild Dumba of the longer for defencemen 23. alumni Mathew it takes years feature on Page wisdom says Red Deer Rebels Please see our Ohio. Conventional for conventional wisdom. in Columbus, time seem to have Dumba, don’t

Steven Stamkos Edmonton as Tampa beats SPORTS —PAGE

B1

$

10,000

CASH GIVEAWAY

GUARANTEED MONTHLY WINNER

To qualify purchase vehicle. any new or pre-owned

403-346-5

577

— PAGE D1

cate Red Deer Advo ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, NOV. 8,

2013

www.reddeeradvocate.com

news authority

” “Answering the call Your trusted local

like a sieve. and I was leaking . filled me full of shrapnel a shot of morphine It knocked me down,guys carried me out of there. I got Some of the other

Smiley Douglas

writing Rose

a letter from

Korea.

BY RENÉE FRANCOEUR ADVOCATE STAFF recruits to help came for Canadianof Innisfail wastWhen the call Douglas War, Smiley in the Korean War Second Worldit this ed no time. to go to the miss “I was too youngthat I wasn’t going to myself so I said to 85.

Aug. 10, 1950, morning of time, time,” said Douglas, on the mo lookwas look During breakfast the radio that the army over for Korea.

Douglas heard a special force ing to put together in the later that day. or three o’clock He was in Calgary d I’d army by two Dad thought “I was in the Mother and I don’t think afternoon ... when I said I was joining.” days by boatt 20 been serious months of training and I thoughtt f After a few to take forever; h Douglas with ride seemed — “that boat navy, not the army,” said the 2nd BattalI’d joined the and his company, were the firstt Douglas — Infantry, laugh a Patricia’s Lightthe war zone. ion, Princess to arrive in Canadian troops

Please see SMILEY

Pag A2 on Page

b

RENÉE FRANCOEUR/Advocate

near Pine sit in their home Smile Douglas was in Korea.

Rose and Smiley a day when he letter le wrote Rose a

hero emony honours

staff

Photo by since 1954. Smiley have been farming Lake where they

s Demand outstrip supply says

* Call for Prices

YOU BEST! DE AREA OUTSIID

CALL 1 1 3 3 3 2 2 7 7 8 0 0 13 3 9 0 3 3 om c 0 . e t 4 a c o v d m eddeera dvocate.co LOCAL AREA

a @reddeer www.ar s d ie if s s il: cla em

Page 40 PONOKA NEWS

OPEN

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014

10 AM - 10 PM 7 Days A Week

Hammy’s SPIRITS CAROLANS IRISH750CREAM ml

18

$

99

EACH

ALEXANDER KEITH’S BREWMASTER’S COLLECTION

MILLER GENUINE DRAFT

341 ml 12 bottle pk.

355 ml 12 bottle pk.

1999 EACH

$

2099 EACH

$

HOT STUFF CINNAMON WHISKY

BANFF ICE VODKA

CORBY ROYAL RESERVE WHISKY

375 ml

9750 mlEACH $ 19.99 EACH $ .99

99 181.14L EACH $ 2799 EACH $

750 ml

1799 EACH

$

750 ml

SAUZA TEQUILA GOLD OR SILVER 750 ml

2499 EACH

$

DR ZENZEN TRUE LOVE RIESLING 750 ml

1299 EACH

$

THE DREAMING TREE CRUSH 750 ml

1199 EACH

$

RIGAMAROLE ASSORTED VARIETIES

MIRASSOU ASSORTED VARIETIES

750 ml

750 ml

2/ $2200 OR $1149

EACH

2/ $2000 OR $1049

Bay #5, 4502 - 50th St. • 403-783-2333 Prices in effect Wednesday, Feb. 12 to Tuesday Feb. 18, 2014 Prices do not include GST or deposit. We reserve the right to limit quantities

EACH