Ponoka News, December 17, 2014

WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

CONNECTING

THE

COMMUNITY

Vol. 66, No. 51 | WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 2014 | 403-783-3311 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEWS.COM

Broncs make it to finals but lose to Leduc Story on page 21

Ponoka Volunteer Fire Department circa 1960 Story on page 5

Christmas concert time: Brooklyn Stauffer sings a holiday tune Thursday, Dec. 11 during Mecca Glen School’s Christmas Concert.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

1-877-783-4494 6305 - 44 Avenue, Ponoka

MONDAY TO SATURDAY

2 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Draft budget shows 3 per cent tax increase to Ponoka residents

IME T N I T S U J MAS! T S I R H C FORSTOCK HAS ARRIVED NEW

FURNITURE DECORATOR ITEMS IRON WORKS TRINKET BOXES JEWELRY & MORE

Get that special handmade import from Mexico Open Mon – Sat 10 am – 5:30 pm for your holiday shopping 403-783-9310 • 5009 50 Ave, Ponoka micasaimports@outlook.com | www.micasaimports.ca

GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA! Bird Early y 15 of Ma Dra$w 0 travel a 150 cher vou

PONOKA STAMPEDE & EXHIBITION ASSOCIATION June 25 - July 1, 2015

CATTLE RAFFLE 1st Prize Draw for 40 Bred Heifers

or $70,000 Cash

Proceeds go to facility improvements and operating expenses

Ponoka Stampede Cattle Raffle 2015 Name: Address:

5,0 0 0 p rin $50/Tic ted ket

No. of Tickets: (at $50 each)

City: Postal Code: Total Enclosed: Phone: Mail to Box 4212, Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6 License No. 395476 Box 4336 Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R7

Tickets can also be picked up at The Jones Boys Saddlery and Western Wear (Ponoka, Red Deer) or any Stampede Director

“It’s all to provide increased service levels”

“It’s all to provide increased service levels,” said Quinlan.

Staff training is starting to see some imBetty Quinlan, Director of Corporate Services for provements as well. Administration intends on the Town of Ponoka improving employees’ skills, which was not on the program for some years. get at their Dec. 16 meeting.

“We would like to eventually have a training After crunching the numbers, Town of Ponoka program,” Quinlan explained. residents can expect to see a three per cent in“There’s always been money budgeted for crease in taxes in 2015. council training but not for staff,” she added.

Town council and administration spent Dec. 8 North Bridge the largest of capital and 9 deliberating on Ponoka’s 2015 interim draft projects budget with priorities being given to public works With $10.2 million in capital projects, $3.9 projects and staffing. million of which were carried forward from 2014, For every $100,000 assessment on a home, priority was given to public works with the North residents can expect to pay an additional $21 per Bridge seeing a large chunk of those costs. year, explained Betty Quinlan, director of corpoEstimated costs for the North Bridge replacerate services for the Town of Ponoka. If a home is ment are at $3.6 million, $3.15 million will be assessed at $300,000, taxpayers will pay an addi- debentured and the rest will come from grants. tional $63 per year.

There is some preparation by town planners to The $15 million operating budget for 2015 saw improve infrastructure and to prepare for expanan increased amount of expenses in order to pay sion into newly annexed land east of Highway 2, for new positions to address staffing shortages, across from the Don Laing Industrial Park.

Dave McPhee, director of operations and propaccording to Quinlan. For 2015, the transfer from operating budget to capital expenses was reduced erty services, told councillors that when he looks at projects he scores them according to five criteria: to $530,000 compared to $710,000 in 2014.

Staffing becomes a priority with the town see- 1 – Is it legislated? ing new positions in the public works department, 2 – Is it meeting service levels? at the Aquaplex and by bringing the human re- 3 – Does it enhance services? sources and communications officer positions to 4 – Is it a safety issue?

5 – Anything that doesn’t fall under the first four full time. categories.

“That’s how I do my capital planning,” said McPhee. “If it’s legislated, it overrules safety.”

Quinlan says other departments such as community services or recreation generally lose out budget dollars if property services has a project that is legislated. “It tends to shortchange recreation,” she said.

CAO Rachel Kunz advised council that directors who have preThe East Ponoka 4-H Beef Club would like to thank all of our sented capital projects 4-H Buyers, Sponsors and Supporters of our club and Achievement plan on completing Day. All the best in 2015! them in the project year. Rather than delay BUYERS a project or make it carClub Champion Steer Darcy’s Drilling (2 calves) ry forward into the next Rowland Parker and Direct Travel year, Kunz wants to see Associates East Country Electric them completed.

Reserve Club Champion Steer Fountain Tire “If they’re (projSoderglen Ranches Hammy’s Spirits ects) in here, it’s Busted Ladies Lingerie Ponoka Chrysler Jeep Dodge because we’ve said we Cash Chem Ponoka Fertilizer have the manpower to Cervus Equipment Vold Jones Vold Auction Mart do it,” said Kunz.

Other projects inSPONSORS clude rehabilitating Altitude Laser Spa Julie’s Travel water mains on 50 Asker Valley Limousin Kikel Meats Street and planning for ATB Financial KJ’s Repairs the Ponoka Industrial Bashaw Crop Services Simco Seeds Airport.

Bev & Barry Woyen MGM Land Services (More project Brent Hemeyer Bale Hauling Miller Wilson Angus specific budget inforCIBC Ponoka Ag Society mation is in our story Dean & Betty Golley Ponoka Co-op Oils on page 11.)

Fred & Gloria Harvey Ponoka Speckle Park Future Shop-Red Deer Sandin’s Paint & Autobody Glover International Trucks Shane’s Ag & Heavy Repair Groom Family Wes McDowell Family Haines Creek Limousin Wy-Co Alcohol & Drug Herman & Janny Simons Testing Jeff & Monica Harvey 4-H Friends and Families

Merry Christmas!

RECYCLE

For the first time in many years Town of Ponoka budget deliberations were open to the public and

the press. As of the time of writing, Ponoka’s 2015 interim budget was still a draft document. Changes can be made until council approves it.

Councillors were to approve the bud-

YOUR PAPER!

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

PONOKA NEWS 3

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Man sentenced for unknowingly assaulting landlord

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

A man who assaulted his landlord in October of 2012 finally saw sentencing and has been ordered to pay a $2,000 fine by Ponoka provincial court, Friday Dec. 12.

Daniel Herbert, 32, has no prior criminal activity regarding violence and believed the fight, which took place after the landlord served him papers, was consensual.

Judge J. Hunter considered a probation order, as the Crown requested, but decided against the action due to the many steps Herbert has taken alone to get his life back on track.

Along with his fine, Herbert was ordered to give DNA samples to the Ponoka RCMP detachment.

Husbands order wives to steal hairspray A Samson Cree Nation woman was sentenced to a $100 fine after pleading guilty in regards to an attempted hairspray theft.

On Aug. 11, 2014, Ponoka RCMP received a complaint from Shoppers Drug Mart that two woman had attempted to steal hairspray.

Upon arrival, the RCMP found Lorna Okeynan, 42, and another woman still in the building. The two

No charges in alleged abduction attempt

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

women admitted to the act, telling officials their common-law spouses made them steal the hairspray so they could later huff it. However, Okeynan had no intention of partaking in that.

The court accepted her time already spent in custody as acceptable time served and Okeynan was released, against the Crown’s request. She has been ordered to appear in court whenever necessary, keep the peace and report to the Maskwacis RCMP detachment twice a week.

Okeynan will be back in court for a Jan. 2, 2015 trial after pleading not guilty to two counts of failing to appear.

Impaired driver travels without insurance

An impaired Montana Cree Nation man, who used the license plate of another vehicle on his green Mazda, was sentenced to a one-year driving prohibition and heavy fines.

Ponoka RCMP noticed a vehicle with an improper license plate driving in Ponoka, May 24, 2014 and the vehicle was pulled over and Tyrel Buffalo, 30, was found behind the wheel.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR! at

PET OF THE WEEK Sponsored by

PORTABLE TOILET SERVICES

• Restroom Trailers • VIP Solar Powered Units • Handicap Units • Portable Toilets Commercial • Residential • Recreational

403-342-6198 403-783-8322 sales@littlejons.ca

THE ROYAL HOTEL Wednesday, December 31 9:00 pm to closing A midnight lunch • Champagne Y ENJO Party favours • Door prizes

TICKETS

10 AVAILABLE $

only

at the LOUNGE

WHAT? You want me!

Kinley is my name.

Police have identified and questioned an individual with respect to the Dec. 9 incident in which a man offered candy to a girl as she left Ponoka Elementary School and attempted to get her to come with him into his car.

No charges were laid as there was insufficient evidence against the man, but police encourage parents to have regular discussion with their children about To adopt call personal safety.

Ponoka Animal Services Ponoka RCMP said they are thankful to the public and the press for their assistance in the matter.

(Old MacDonald Kennels) Recognizing and dealing with dangerous Check our website www.oldmacdonaldkennels.ca situations The National Crime Prevention Council PHONE: 403-783-4911 Celebrating (NCPC) states that one FAX: 403-783-5222 over 50 years way to identify “Stranger of travel excellence! est. 1961 dirtvl@telusplanet.net Danger” is if an adult www.direct-travel.ca asks children to dis& CRUISE CENTRE obey their parents or do something without their UROPE REAT UYS permission; or if an adult asks a child for help or makes them feel uncomfortable, the council states a child should seek the help of a trusted adult immediately.

On the NCPC webSTART PLANNING YOUR 2015 RIVER CRUISE TODAY site under Violent Crimes EUROPEAN 2009 Legendary Rhine & Moselle Castles Along the Rhine and Personal Safety, MOTORCOACH TOURS 13 days Amsterdam – Basel 8 glorious days suggestions in handling Navigate two great rivers. Visit Be inspired by fairytale beauty and dangerous situations is to France, Germany, Luxembourg, the romantic spirit of the Castle, teach children “No, Go, The Netherlands and Switzerland Laden, Vineyard Rich Rhine River Yell, Tell.”

MAGICAL RIVER CRUISES “If in a dangerous DISCOVER THE BEST OF EUROPE ON ONE GRAND JOURNEY situations, kids should ON EUROPE’S WATERWAYS FROM THE BLACK SEA TO THE NORTH SEA say no, run away, yell as 29 DAYS • Discover the best Europe with this magnificent cruise of a lifetime loud as they can, and tell OTHER GREAT RIVERS TO DISCOVER a trusted adult what hap• Italy’s PO River GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL WITH A pened right away. Make • France’s Seine, Rhone, Gironde DIRECT TRAVEL GIFT CERTIFICATE! sure that your children • Portugal’s Douro know that it is okay to • Russia’s Volga, Neva & Suir say no to an adult in a dangerous situation and to yell to keep themselves safe, even if they Theresa Ramona R Diane Kahla Amber are indoors,” states the LOCATED IN THE LOW PROFESSIONAL BUILDING website.

403-783-7447

THE WAY TO SEE E MOST POPULAR 2009 - G B EUROPE!

As members spoke with him, an odor of alcohol was noticed on his breath. He also told RCMP he had bought the vehicle earlier that day and was going to get insurance the next day.

For driving over the .8 limit — he blew a .17 — Buffalo received a $1,500 fine and another $2,000 for driving without insurance. continued on page 7

You could

WIN $500 CASH!

49 50 S 4916 Street | 403-783-3707

Thank You The family of Cooper Tonneson would like to thank everyone for the love and support you have shown to us.

Your sympathy and thoughtfulness will always be gratefully remembered and deeply appreciated. Words cannot express how much the phone calls, texts, cards, flowers, food and visits meant to us. Thank you to all those who made donations in Cooper’s name.

We would like to send a special thank you to the following people: Murray Schur (eulogy), we know it must have been difficult for you.

Wombold Funeral Home (Marlon, Sheila, Deidra and family) for the special attention to Cooper Vold Audio (Jeff & John) the beautiful music Riata, (Shawn Mitsuing) for the jumbotron Bob Ronnie Catering (Bob & Bonnie) Flowers For You (Carol) Cooper will be missed forever, but we know that he will live in the hearts of all who shared their grief with us during this difficult time.

With love and warm regards Blair & Sheryl Vold Sarah, Lyric & Bella, Labrie, Allen & Taylor Nansen, Jen & Jayden Gjenna, Dave & Jack

4 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 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 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

Blue Christmas is for those suffering from loss As I write, we have been caught up in the fun of preparing for Christmas: buying gifts, writing a letter, emailing it and sending it by Canada Post for those that don’t, wrapping and boxing up the gifts that need to be sent long distances (most of them) and getting them to the Greyhound station in Red Deer or to the Post Office. Yes, our tree is outside the back door waiting to be put up and decorated. Our friends of many years are once again coming from Calgary to share the Christmas celebration with us. The joy of knowing that their daughters, one graduated from the University of Alberta, the other in Grade 12, still want to hang out with us. Yes, joy is deep in our hearts and the glow is spreading.

But for many, the joy is marred by loss. It may be the loss of employment, the loss of health, the loss of a loved one. It could be the breakdown of a marriage in the family, a teen or young adult losing their way, or the pain of someone close to us con-

Reverend Beatrix Schirner Ponoka United Church

tinuing to make poor choices. There are many ways in which we might not feel completely “Merry” in this season of carols and parties.

In the church, some have the tradition of marking the Season of Advent, that time of preparation for the coming of the Christ Child.

Lighting the candles of hope, peace,

joy, and love remind us of what is truly important.

It might be surprising to you to learn that the scriptures for the beginning of Advent are about despair and anguish. Advent marks the beginning of the church liturgical year. Interesting that it starts in pain and darkness. But then, isn’t that our reality?

All we have to do is read the news both close at home and from far away. Ebola in West Africa; Syrian refugees in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon; polio workers murdered in Pakistan, a little girl in Ponoka approached with the promise of candy, a home being vandalized; there is lots to put us in mind of fear and despair. Every family has a story of pain buried in it. This is the world that God loves. This is the world where God came down in human form, vulnerable and needy. This world of disease and evil and violence; God loves it and us. Jesus knew pain and suffering, dying by execution. There is nothing we experience that God does not know and understand—nothing.

In this season of hustle and bustle, a quiet time has been set aside, to sit with our sorrow. It is called Blue Christmas. It is the church reaching out to those beyond itself, to the community at large. You don’t have to believe anything in order to be comforted by a retelling of the Christmas story and the opportunity to light a candle to honour those people or dreams you have lost. Sunday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m., at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 5120 – 49 Avenue.

Extra!

Extra!

Read all about it in the

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 Rev. Donna Willer Rev. Marty Tuer, Honourary Assistant 5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka

PONOKA RISING SUN CLUBHOUSE

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 10:30 am

Community Blue Box Program For $12.00 per month We will pick up your paper, clean tins, glass, No. 1-5 plastic and cardboard.

We also pick up cardboard from local businesses.

For more information on these programs please call

403-783-5810 Weekdays

PONOKA NEWS 5

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Reflections of Ponoka A salute to our Ponoka Volunteer Fire Department two years after Ponoka had become a town, our In the very early pioneer days of the growing Vil- first motor driven and lage of Ponoka, the dreaded call of ‘fire’ at the first fully equipped fire EenTelephone office resulted in the instant response of gine arrived amongst every able bodied man and women in the area to pitch great celebration, and in and fight the blaze as well as trying to salvage any- was temporarily housed thing that could be removed from the scene. From across the street from the these humble beginnings over 110 years ago, the long newly proposed fire staand proud traditions of the Ponoka Fire Department tion. In the same year, were born and has carried on and rapidly expanded to a well attended meetprovide the day-to-day 24-7 protection and safety to ing of enthused citizens the residents and property of the Town and County of was held for the purpose Ponoka and districts. of organizing Ponoka’s The colourful history of our dedicated first fire brigade, and the fire-fighters overwhelming response In March of 1901, with the rapid growth in would result in 20 citipopulation and construction in and around the thriv- zens volunteering their ing Village of Ponoka, our forefathers would soon services, with officers recognize the vital immediate need for community chosen, and a desire to wide protection and emergency measures. Their first get the service in operapurchase was of nine fire extinguishers from Mr. Eng- tion as soon as possible. lish, the official agent for the Victor Fire Extinguisher Another fire at the butchCompany for a price of $18. The first firefighting er and saddlery shop was equipment included a wooden cart, which was pushed quickly put out and held Photo courtesy of Donna Noble by the men or pulled by horses, and included hoses, to $1000 damage by the a hand pump and tanks that could be filled from the skilled new fire brigade, Members of the Ponoka Volunteer Fire Department attend to a fully engulfed truck Battle River and later at the C.P.R. water tower. which prompted Mayor fire out on the Queen Elizabeth Highway.

With so many wooden buildings being erected in McKinnell to authorize mands of the rapidly expanding urban community message across in a caring the thriving community, fires were very common, in- the purchase of new rubcluding a raging blaze in 1902 that caused $16,000 ber coats for the crew. Also in May of the same busy and rural areas in and around Ponoka. and congenial way.

Members now serving on the Town damage to the L.B. Matusch’s and Algar and Com- year, the town council met with regards to building a Many dedicated men and women have pany’s General Stores as well as to the post office new town/fire hall, which was approved and complet- faithfully served on the crews over of Ponoka Volunteer Fire Departand barber shop, which burnt to the ground. The new ed in the summer of 1907, with the fire department those years, which also featured the ment are: Chief Ted Dillon (27 years) chemical extinguishers were of no use at the fire, and taking up residence at the bottom floor under the di- relocation of the fire brigade to the ; deputy chiefs Kelsey Hycha (24) while some goods, most of the mail, and the Jones’s rection of Chief J.W. O’Brien. Many years later, their town workshop in the 1960s, and fi- and Dale Morrow (29); captains Bill Livery Barns were salvaged thanks to the persistent original 1930s GMC fire engine was fully restored, is nally the opening of the fully modern Crawford (26), Murray Dux (19), Rob efforts of the citizens, the devastating losses would on display in the fire hall, as well as being featured in new 10-bay fire hall located at 5401- Fearon (11), Darrell Lawton (15) and 48 Avenue. The facility currently Kelly Moore (14); and firefighters Reid include valuable supplies and seven tons of flour. Mr. countless parades and special events.

English would come back to Ponoka once again, this The steady progress of the PVFD over the contains 14 fully equipped vehicles Christensen (17), Trevor Hook (1), and accessories to meet all concepts Robert Johnson (5), Sheldon Johnston years time representing the Waterous Company, to try and From those colorful early years, the Ponoka Vol- of firefighting occurrences and emer- (1), Dennis Jones (9), Ken Kraft (12), convince the Village Council and local businessmen unteer Fire Department grew at an amazing pace to gencies, as well as offices, classrooms Derek Lewis (2), Colin Mason (2), to purchase a Fire Engine.

Finally in 1906, after a great deal of lobbying and meet the fire safety, protection, and prevention de- for ongoing training programs, and a Doug Nichols (4), Donna Noble (9), social lounge. There are currently 25 Matt Noble (1), Randie-Lynn Schmidt volunteers and full time Fire Chief and (3), Bob Sorensen (21), Keith Stebner Director of Community Services Ted (24), Dan Svitich (7), A.J. Wassink (1), Dillon working out of the building, and Jesse Witvoet, (5 years).

These unsung local heroes may who also promotes and encourages a constant upgrade of equipment and rig- be suddenly called upon to leave their orous ongoing training to meet the vital families and their jobs each and every emergency demands of a rapidly grow- day in a split second effort to face an emergency and serve the welfare and ing community.

The present Ponoka Fire Depart- safety of town and county citizens ment covers an area of approximately of all ages. With good humour and 500 square miles as the result of a long- spirit, they also love to take part and standing agreement for fire services volunteer over 500 hours annually within the Ponoka County, as well as to countless other community events providing mutual aid to surrounding ar- and causes on a year round basis. Our eas of Rimbey, Lacombe, Maskwacis, Ponoka Volunteer Fire Department Bashaw and Bentley. On average, the also annually donate to and support department quickly responds to 170- such crucial causes as burn treatment, 200 emergency calls annually, which the Diabetes and Muscular Dystrophy amounts to over 2500 hours, includ- Association, Ponoka Wheelchair Van ing structural fires, bush fires and grass Society, Red Deer Search and Rescue fires, and yes, they have likely even and Dog Association, Stars and many rescued the odd pet out of a tree. They others. Whenever you see our Ponoka are also well prepared in all weather Volunteer Fire Department in action, conditions to be the first responders to please appreciate their efforts and give Photo courtesy of Donna Noble dangerous goods incidents and medi- them the space to do their jobs, but Shown here are the members of a 1960s Ponoka Volunteer Fire cal assists in all areas, where the use of if you meet them on the street, in the Department. In the back from left to right are: Bob Brookes, Cecil Bieber, the vital “jaws of life” is quite often re- neighbourhood, or at a special event, it Calvin Mickey, Cecil Schantz, Pat Patterson, Vern Morrow, Ray Saunders, quired, as well as assistance to Stars air would be nice to shake their hand and Sandy Newlands, Ray James, Richard Bascom, Frank Mickey, Werner ambulance and other emergency per- thank them for the tough tasks that they sonnel. Another very important part of perform so diligently. For more inforNielsen, Orville (Robbie) Robertson, and John Steblyk; then seated up their yearly efforts include the hosting mation on the Department, including front is: Reg Johnson, Buck Lux, Bud Horn, Pete Sieben (Captain), Chief of the annual toxic roundup, as well as programs and membership, please get Morley McKelvie, Department Chief Ed Nelson, Carl Fuhr (Captain), fire prevention school tours, commu- in touch with Ted Dillon at 403-783George Stannard (Captain), and Cyril Webber. nity safety inspections, and many other 0112 or drop into the Fire Hall during promotions that send a most important the week.

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS

Remember When...

6 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Opinion

Prelude to requiem Canada’s finance ministers ended a two-day meeting in Ottawa at the beginning of this week with the focus obviously being the steep decline in the price of oil and the ripple effects it can create in the national economy.

The fact that both the Alberta’s provincial government and the federal government have been in a panic over this development is so evident that it doesn’t even need special reporting. Just on Monday, Mr. Prentice’s government announced it had appointed a special commission to study the repercussions of the slump in oil prices so that the preparations for the 2015 fiscal budget could be realistically conducted.

Coming just months before next year’s general election, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been desperately trying to preempt any negative fallout from the loss of revenues from royalties, including such measures as targeting price gouging (which is described by “fake help to consumers” by experts).

The picture is indeed bleak when one factors in the dependency that the whole

But what constitutes country has developed on the real news has gone oil economy over the last largely unreported: The US decade. The (false) assumpCongress, as part of the same tion that oil revenues would legislation, has practically continue to fuel economic repealed the restrictions imgrowth has also led to composed after the financial crisis placency on the part of the in 2008 on the big investment consumers to such a level banks and financial instituthat, according to Statistics tions with regard to their Canada, the average houserisky investments. That is, hold debt reached 162 per Mustafa Eric official Washington has now cent of the annual household Editor allowed the resumption of the income in the third quarter of practices involving subprime this year. derivatives, instruments creBut the decline in the oil prices may turn out to be just the smallest ating fictitious value, which led to the of our worries in view of what’s been tak- financial meltdown a little over six years ing place in the global arena of financial ago. Now here is the beauty (?) of it: The legislation was drafted by the Citigroup, markets.

It was reported last week the US House one of the banking institutions, which made of Representatives voted to pass a $1.1 tril- billions out of those instruments before the lion spending bill to stop the government crisis.

One may think that it is a US problem, machinery from shutting down and then the Senate supported the legislation. This is not but that would be an inexcusably ignorant news as it is just another chapter of the saga approach to the whole matter. Just as it did in 2008, a US banking crisis can, and will, that has been going on for years.

Judy Dick Manager

Mustafa Eric Regional Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

create another major disaster sometime in the foreseeable future, one that will make the most recent crisis look like a storm in a tea cup.

The indicators are really alarming: The global setup, from the tiniest emerging economy to the giants of the industrialized West, has been unimaginably leveraged, we are floating in a massive bubble, which is growing every passing day. Indebtedness has increased exponentially: When Barack Obama became the US President after the financial crisis, US government debt was $10 trillion, this month it has reached $18 trillion. Balance sheets of all major central banks have been inflated thanks to massive quantitative easing, that is money printing, which is going on and likely to accelerate.

Now, in this environment of instability, despite all the pinkish assessments by financial advisers and experts, the collapse of oil prices is likely to be only a prelude to the requiem for the death of the world order as we now know it. How the new one will shape up is anybody’s guess.

Amelia Naismith Reporter

manager@ponokanews.com editorial@ponokanews.com reporter@ponokanews.com rovingreporter@ponokanews.com 5019A Chipman Ave., Box 4217, Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R6 Phone: 403.783.3311 Fax: 403.783.6300 Email: editorial@ponokanews.com Published every Wednesday by PNG Prairie Newspaper Group in community with: Regional Publisher, Fred Gorman All editorial content, advertising content and concepts are protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is forbidden.

Karen Douglass Sales

Susan Whitecotton Administration

sales@ponokanews.com

admin@ponokanews.com

PONOKA NEWS 7

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Court report continued from page 3 Impaired curb-hopper receives sentencing After being caught driving impaired when he ran over a curb, Leonard Cardinal, 42, was charged and consequentially sentenced to a one-year driving prohibition and a $1,200 fine.

On April 26, 2014, RCMP saw a white truck run over a curb on 50th Street. The vehicle turned north on 50th Street and was stopped.

RCMP noticed a smell of alcohol on Cardinal’s breath, glazed eyes and an unsteady walk. Two breath samples were taken at the detachment, both coming to .13.

Cardinal’s prior record was when he was 22 years old and defense counsel says the day of the incident his life was in great turmoil, as he had lost his job and was left by his wife.

Following that, he and his son, whom he now raises alone, visited a friend in Ponoka; where Cardinal had too much to drink.

In three months, Cardinal is eligible to apply for a vehicle interlock system.

Address mix-up means fines for house arrest man A man who was on house arrest for being associated with a robbery with a firearm incident faced more sentencing after he was found outside his house after curfew on Dec. 6 of this year.

Stephan Donaldson, 21, says he was one his way to the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre for stomach pains when he was located during a traffic stop and in his pain he forgot to bring his release papers with him. His papers allow him to leave his residence when seeking medical treatment.

RCMP was already on the lookout for Donaldson after he was not at his listed residence when a member showed up on Dec. 3 and 4 with recognizance.

However, Donaldson and his mother relocated within Ponoka in September.

The probation officer says she was informed in October and due to a busy schedule and not being satisfied it was an appropriate residence had not further dealt with the information.

Donaldson pled guilty to breach and was fined $100.

The time he already served in

custody was deemed appropriate as punishment by the court .

Suspended driver sentenced for driving drunken boyfriend home A woman caught driving with a suspended licence has been sentenced to a one-year driving prohibition and heavy fines.

On Oct. 5, 2013, RCMP Traffic Enforcement along Highway 2A and Secondary Highway 611 noticed a vehicle change over to a side road near a Maskwacis gas station.

Terri Littlepoplar was in the driver’s seat; there was already a warrant out for her arrest and open liquor in the vehicle.

She informed the police her licence had been suspended since 2011 and acknowledged she knew what a breath sample test was.

After seven attempts, RCMP had still not acquired a reading of her blood content levels and noticed she was not properly cooperating. When they tried for an eighth time Littlepoplar pushed the members hand away and said ‘no’ — adding refusal to her list of charges.

At the time of sentencing, Littlepoplar was several months into a difficult pregnancy. She lives with her sister, who has severe vision problems, and takes care of her other child and her sister’s child.

Defense counsel told the court she knew she was not supposed to be behind the wheel but when her boyfriend was too intoxicated to drive them home from the party they were at, she opted to drive While Littlepoplar pled guilty, Judge Hunter felt her previous criminal record warranted jail time. However, due to her condition, her sentence of 90 days in custody can be served intermittently. She also acquired a three-year driving prohibition for refusing to provide a breath sample.

For driving with a disqualified licence, Littlepoplar received a $1,750 fine and one-year driving prohibition, served concurrently with the other.

For the length of her custody sentence Littlepoplar is under probation to keep the peace, display good behavior and arrive at the Red Deer Remand Centre sober.

DONATION

Town Times

Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Ph: 403-783-4431 | Fax: 403-783-6745 | Email: town@ponoka.org Or Check us out Online: www.ponoka.ca

NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL From The Town of Ponoka Council & Staff!

TOWN HALL HOLIDAY HOURS December 24 – Closed at 12 noon December 25 & 26 - Closed December 31 – Closed at 12 noon January 1, 2015 – Closed **Planning & Development will be closed from Dec. 17 – Jan. 4**

ARENA COMPLEX HOLIDAY HOURS Closed December 24 - 26 - January 1, 2015 – Closed

AQUAPLEX HOLIDAY HOURS December 24 – Closed at 12 noon December 25 & 26 - Closed December 31 – Closed at 4 pm January 1, 2015 – Closed

WASTE TRANSFER FACILITY HOLIDAY HOURS December 24 – Closed at 12 noon December 25 & 26 - Closed December 31 – Closed at 12 noon January 1, 2015 – Closed

Residential Garbage Pick-Up Garbage pick-up regularly scheduled for Christmas day will be picked up on Friday December 26. The same schedule will apply for New Years. Thursday garbage will be picked up on Friday, January 2.

RECYCLING CARDBOARD: Please help us keep our Recycle Depot neat and orderly. Please refrain from dropping off cardboard and paper until Saturday, December 27 when staff will be working at the Recycle Depot. Thank you for your consideration.

2015 Dog Licenses Available $25.00 Per Dog until January 31st, then the cost returns to the regular price of $40.00. All dogs over the age of three months must be licensed. As per Bylaw 114-01, owners will be fined $50 for dogs caught not wearing a current dog tag. Thank you for being a responsible dog owner.

Volunteers Needed For Community Christmas Ponoka’s Community Christmas Dinner program (held on December 25th) is in need of volunteers. Contact Val at 403-783-8799 or Carla at 403-783-4078 for more information.

EVENTS AND RECREATION Aquaplex & Recreation Update: Pick up Christmas Pool Schedule at the Aquaplex office and check out public & family swim times during Christmas Break!

Cross Country Ski Trails - Through cooperative efforts of the Town and Ponoka Community Golf Course, cross country ski trails have been set at the Ponoka Community Golf Course. Monetary donations to offset the costs to groom/set these trails are greatly appreciated, and can be made at the Town office during regular business hours.

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**

Library News CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMER POSITION: Ponoka Jubilee Library is hiring a Children’s Programmer/Library Clerk. Position is part-time, with 28-33 hours/week, some evenings and weekends required. The position will be responsible for design and delivery of programs for children ranging in age from infant to 16 years.

Salary is commensurate with experience. See full job description and qualifications on the Library website at ponokalibrary.prl.ab.ca. Please email your resume, with cover letter, as attachments to: Jaclyn Berry, Library Manager at jberry@prl.ab.ca. We welcome all applications, however only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Closing Date: December 19, 2014.

Holiday Closures: Ponoka Jubilee Library will be closed from December 24th-December 28th for the Christmas holidays, reopening Monday December 29th. We will also be closing at 2:00 pm on Wednesday December 31st, be closed January 1st and reopen Friday January 2nd. We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO The Ponoka Lions Club are proud to sponsor public skating at the Ponoka Recreation & Culture Centre.

Lions members (right) Dixie Tyndall, Bill Chorney and Bob Peters present a cheque for $2500 to Mayor Rick Bonnett and Councillor Carla Prediger representing the Town of Ponoka.

Residential Snow Removal When clearing your sidewalks and driveways of snow this winter, please respect your neighbors and put the snow on your own property. Please also remember not to pile snow on Town boulevards or right of ways. Thank you for your cooperation.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” ~ Oren Arnold

8 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Charity showdown raises thousands for Santa’s Anonymous

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Ponoka Secondary Campus’s (PSC) Santa Showdown may have seen some fake fights and cheating as the students once again beat the teachers, but the real message on everybody’s mind was not taking home a win, it was the spirit of Christmas giving.

Members of the school body, plus a large fraction of the community attended the 21st year of the annual charity battle between the generations, held Tuesday Dec. 9.

Since the inaugural game more than two decades ago, the festive initiative has raised more than $25,000 for Santa’s Anonymous.

This year the event helped collect $2,442 for the project. “Everything is for Santa’s Anonymous, every single dime,” said co-ordinator Ron Labrie.

“We have a lot of community support,” he added.

This time of year, as the holiday spirit of giving fills people and there are endless community goodwill initiatives, Labrie says the community of Ponoka never lets their generosity waiver. “Even though this is a school event, it’s become a community

event.”

The showdown grows in popularity each year both on and off the ice.

Labrie joked its getting harder for the staff to keep up with the student team as the number of players keeps increasing. “We keep getting older and they stay the same.”

In the beginning, the event was something the school was able to scrape together as teachers faced off against the community’s hockey players. Now, with the number of non-hockey players taking part, the Showdown has become a beacon of a balanced representation of student initiative.

“Really, this is student run,” said Labrie.

While there is heavy competition between the staff and students — as well as a lot of cheating on the ice — everybody keeps the bigger picture in mind; hockey players slow their play down in the name of fun and nonhockey players check their egos at the edge of the rink. “They understand the bigger cause. They put their pride on the back burner,” said Labrie.

“We’re always excited about the fact that we can continue to do this,” he added.

BRIGHT & CLEApNm OPEN 6am-11

daily!

ers 3 sizes of wash s 2 sizes of dryer

Comfortable sitting area with tv 4205 64 ST., Ponoka • 403-783-8382 Ponoka • Wetaskiwin • Leduc

Thank You Words alone cannot express our heartfelt thank you that goes out to so many. Your support has been truly overwhelming.

Your acts of kindness through phone calls, cards, text messages, beautiful flower arrangements and of course the “hugs.”

A special thanks to family, friends old and new and neighbors who delivered meals right to our door feeding both the body and soul. We will be forever grateful to each and every one of you.

We simply could not have found the strength to move forward without the guidance and dedicated support to us by Murray Schur – most importantly the unbelievable amount of time and energy he spent as he poured his heart and soul into honoring the memory of our COOPER. He is a truly sincere man and quietly in his shadow, his wife, Gail.

Again, thank you to you all just doesn’t seem enough to say; you truly touched our hearts and given us the strength to carry on.

Clint Tonneson Curtis & Lorraine (Gram) Tonneson Tammy, Clayton, Emma, Tori & Walker Coyne, Melanie, Tade, Trace & Oakley

Teachers celebrate another goal during Ponoka S e c o n d a r y Campus’s annual Santa Showdown, Tuesday, Dec. 9, where $2,442 was raised for the school’s Santa’s A n o n y m o u s efforts.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

FLYING SOUTH?

STAY UP TO DATE WITH YOUR LOCAL NEWS! VISIT: www.ponokanews.com Like us on facebook!

Twitter: @PonokaNews

PONOKA NEWS 9

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Stuff your stocking with

S G N I V A S S A CHRISTM

for the month of December AN ADDITIONAL $750 HOLIDAY BONUS

2014 F150 SUPERCAB XLT 4x4

2015 ESCAPE SE

5.0L ENGINE, TRAILER TOW, POWER GROUP

1.6L ENGINE, POWER LIFTGATE, NAVIGATION & MORE

T0615

MSRP

LEASE FOR

$

44249

$

31900

T0923

$

469

LEASE FOR

$

30300

PER MONTH

MSRP

$

PER MONTH

32549

377

$

*All rebates to dealer, Costco applied, 20000 km year, f ir st payment due on lease signing, payments plu s GST

OVER 200 USED VEHICLES TO CHOOSE 2009 LINCOLN MKS AWD

2014 ESCAPE SE AWD

2011 F150 XTR 4X4 CREW CAB 2014 TAURUS SEL AWD

T0620A ABSOLUTELY PERFECT

T0556A LEATHER, LOW KM

L0348

$$

21900 22994 2 2994

$$

OR OR

229 1193 93 B BW W

$ $

27500 24950 2 4950

OR

$

1199 219 99 B BW W

2012 F150 FX4 CREW CAB 4X4 2010 F350 KING RANCH L0398 WHITE BEAUTY

T0565A LEATHER

$

34900 26995 2 6995

OR

$

269 221 2 21 B BW BW W

$$

35900 28875 2 8875

OR OR

$$

237 2 288 37 B BW BW W

$

28900 25994 2 5994

P0416 LEATHER, MOONROOF

OR OR

$ $

207 2 229 07 B BW W

$$

28900 26950 2 6950

OR OR

$ $

229 221 2 21 B BW BW W

2013 F150 FX4 LUXURY APPEARANCE PACKAGE

2011 F250 KING RANCH DIESEL 4X4

T0855A 38,000 KM

L0399

$

38900 28994 2 8994

OR OR

$ $

230 2 299 30 B BW W

$

29994 2 44900 9994

OR OR

$ $

238 2 329 38 B BW W

* ALL PAYMENTS BASED ON 72 MONTH O.A.C., 0 DOWN 4.99%. EXAMPLE #T0556A PAYMENT OF $219 BW. TOTAL INTEREST OVER TERM $4747 OR TOTAL PAYMENTS OF $34,164.

“Let your Legacy start here.”

www.legacyfordponoka.ca

YOUR LEGACY TEAM

Pat Boardman Trevor Feragen Mark Schreiner Bob Mass Sales Manager Sales Consultant Sales Consultant Sales Consultant

10 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Outreach students enjoy fun day before Christmas holidays

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Irvin Buffalo tries to balance a number of dice within 60 seconds Thursday, Dec. 11 during the Ponoka Outreach School’s fun Minute To Win It challenge.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

January

RedEvent Tag Having a Sale?

We’ll match your offer!

e l a S g a Red T

% 5 2 off Casual ’s n e m Wo T - Shirts lours L all co X & L , S, M

h S n a e J s Josie’

op

Receive a 25% to 45% discount on your red tag ad. Whatever discount you advertise is the discount you’ll receive! *Offer includes ¼ page, ½ page and full page ads for any or all weeks in January

Karen Douglass

Phone 403-783-3311 Email: sales@ponokanews.com

*all ads run as a red tag template ad as shown. Max discount may apply.

Ask your sales rep for details.

Students at the Ponoka Outreach School had a fun day of crafting and playing their own version of Minute to Win It last week before the holidays started.

Organized by social studies teacher Shelia Strychalski, who calls the event their winter celebration, the occasion allowed students to have fun with crafts and games Thursday, Dec. 11.

Just after lunch, the celebration started with crafts where students would make something that would be an ideal gift.

They made cookies in a jar; a process in which they put all the ingredients needed to make a batch of cookies into one jar, which is meant to be a gift for someone. Students also made barb wire stars; unique creations meant to decorate Christmas trees and terra cotta Christmas buddies; clay pots that students could decorate in their own ways.

“We had a lot of really neat creations,” said Strychalski.

After craft time, students then

“I think it’s good for us to get together as a whole school” Sheila Strychalski, Social Studies Teacher, Ponoka Outreach School

joined together in three teams and competed against the teachers in a Minute To Win It. Strychalski says because the students are in and out of school with different schedules.

Coming together for the Winter Celebration allows them to enjoy some fun time together.

“I think it’s good for us to get together as a whole school,” said Strychalski.

“It’s good to balance your learning with a little bit of fun,” she added.

As the Outreach School offers junior and senior high school programming, this event breaks down barriers with older and younger students as well as teachers.

Another thing Strychalski enjoys is how teams are rich in cultural and racial diversity. “These kinds of events help break down those walls,” she concluded.

Be environmentally friendly RECYCLE YOUR PAPER!

THANK YOU PONOKA & AREA for supporting your local food bank.

The recent CP Holiday Train event saw over 1000 lbs. of food and over $900 in donations as well as a generous $4000 donation from CP Rail. No one needs to go hungry and thanks to you they won’t.

Thank you to all who donated time, food and money with a special thank you to: CP Rail, Town of Ponoka, Ponoka Fire Department, Ponoka Lions Club, Kinsmen Club of Ponoka, Ponoka RCMP, Bob & Company Catering, Strand Media Corporation, Tim Schofer, Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce, Ponoka News, Ponoka Youth Centre as well as the many food bank volunteers.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL”

5019A Chipman Ave. Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6

[403]783-3311 [403]783-6300 fax www.ponokanews.com

PONOKA NEWS 11

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Public works and staffing a priority in 2015 draft budget

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Community members were invited to a Christmas social gathering at the Hudson’s Green Nature and Activity Centre Wednesday, Dec. 10 to celebrate the year’s accomplishments.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Town invites community groups to Christmas social

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Local businesses and community groups were invited to a holiday social gathering Wednesday, Dec. 10 as part of an initiative by the Town of Ponoka to not only have people network, but also to celebrate accomplishments over the year.

Stephen Novak, economic development officer for the town, says while Ponoka is seeing increases in housing starts and improvements in commercial development, there is still some legwork needed to see major growth.

“There has to be a lot of groundwork done before you can take advantage of economic benefits,” said Novak.

Planners have to take a balanced approach when looking at population growth versus infrastructure improvements. Novak likened the perpetual cycle to the popular chicken and the egg metaphor where you can’t have one without the other. “It’s just making sure that we grow at an appropriate rate.”

He took suggestions from businesses during the Economic Development Board’s business cafes and is working on new projects for 2015. One such development relates to a “business incubator” that has been applied recently with some success in Rocky Mountain House.

Small businesses can pool their resources together to share in overhead costs at one location.

With empty buildings in the downtown area Novak suggests property owners may be willing to drop rental rates in order to ensure they can get some return on investment.

He says the town could potentially look at helping businesses pay for some improvements in the building to allow five or six small businesses to rent one property. Town planners are not responsible to bring customers to a business, says Novak, but he suggests the town can help by improving the overall look of sidewalks and streets.

“It’s akin to saying, ‘Why do we spend money on recreation and hospitals?’” Novak said. He suggests these are economic drivers that will see benefits in shoppers buying locally.

While public works and staffing took much of the focus during town council’s budget deliberations, some recreation projects made into the draft interim budget.

Council deliberated on the 2015 Budget Dec. 8 and 9 with only one person in the gallery besides a Ponoka News reporter watching on despite the first-ever open invitation to residents of the community to be part of the budget process..

In addition to the North Bridge replacement project, valued at $3.5 million, planners will also be spending $450,000 in storm line upgrades on 47 Street.

Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services, told councillors that the 12-inch line was cross-connected some years ago, which may have been a factor in flooding to homes in the area. McPhee said they intend to build a 28-inch line to be prepared for a 100-year storm.

“It’s the cheapest option and it’s also the best option,” said McPhee.

The water main on 50 Street between 44 and 46 Avenues will also see $310,000 in rehabilitation. Some years ago soil became contaminated from fuel stations on either side of the street and a 12-inch water line was not constructed.

On one side, McPhee says former owners have agreed to some kind of contract to help pay for soil contamination removal and on the other side, he says the fuel station changed hands several times and he could not get a consensus from former owners.

“It will deal with the soil that needs to be removed because of the water line,” said McPhee.

Dealing with staffing needs Councillors decided to forego a Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference this year to help pay for a full time clerk at the Ponoka RCMP detachment.

Administration allotted half time hours for the position but the request from the detachment was for full time.

“I do think they do probably need full time,” explained Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services.

Coun. Carla Prediger suggested council skip out on one of the conferences. “I would give up a conference in order for us to have that flexibility.”

She feels larger municipalities have a stronger voice than Ponoka council at the FCM conference and suggests it is not worth their time.

Coun. Marc Yaworski feels the position is worth the money. “It’s worth the investment to streamline that.”

Council needed approximately $35,000 to make

the position full time. Typically a FCM conference is budgeted at around $8,000 to cover fees, travel and accommodation, council still needed $27,000 to make it happen.

“If we fund this, something else doesn’t get funded,” suggested Mayor Rick Bonnett.

He feels that either a group misses out on funding requests or council would need to consider raising taxes.

Councillors had initially set aside $30,000 for special grant requests but they had to remove it to help pay for a full time clerk position. There is still $5,000 set aside in the town’s community grant project.

Recreation With property services seeing the majority of capital project dollars for 2015, there was little left for recreation.

Among the proposed projects were requests to resurface the tennis courts and develop lines for pickleball at $37,000.

The soccer pitches north of the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre will see bleachers, full size nets and garbage cans, a project valued at $15,000.

There was no mention, request or discussion regarding the group seeking $25,000 for the Ponoka Elementary School playground.

Councillor Loanna Gulka said she was concerned there is a two-tier system when it comes to recreation requests to administration.

“How does this kind of thing get

here and other things don’t,” she asked, referring to the soccer pitch improvements. “How is it assessed that this project is worthy of a capital project and not a grant funding project?”

Wes Amendt, director of community services replied that he does not treat the soccer pitch any differently than he does the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex.

He says the town pays for goals at the arena and feels improving the soccer pitch will bring other benefits to the town with events such as hosting provincials.

Coun. Prediger questioned the request and asked what Ponoka Minor Soccer’s involvement is with regards to contributing to the project but it appears they did not make any requests for equipment.

“My discussions with them is that they’re looking at doing some fundraising, assisting with signage and those types of things,” said Amendt.

A request to improve the Kinsmen Community Centre for $126,000 was discussed but council requested a building plan be formulated to determine if improvements at the building should even be done.

Bonnett suggested if council wants to develop a building plan for a multiuse facility, then putting money into the Kinsmen community centre should be done only after that plan on the multiuse structure has been completed.

HUGE IN STORE SALE STARTING SATURDAY, DEC. 20

Saturday & Sunday 30% OFF Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday 40% OFF

403-783-8190

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

5008 - 51 Ave., Ponoka flowers4u@telusplanet.net

Thank you for your patronage this year!

Country Groomer 403-790-7346 | #12, 5103 48 Ave.

RUFUS HAPPY WISH YOU A

AND ALL OF US AT

HOLIDAY SEASON

Watch our holiday video featuring Rufus at rdc.ab.ca

12 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Morgan Hovius, Dean Ruter, Janelle Lubach, Keaton Slomp, Caden Koelman, Adelle Bos, Chayce Rausch perform Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer act during the Christmas concert at Ponoka Christian School on Thursday, Dec. 11 with their Jolanda Rodenburg conducting.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

6000 - 48 Ave.

(Beside The Old Iron Horse Restaurant)

real estate central alberta BUILDING? MANY LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM SOMMER BROS. SUBDIVISION LLOYD SUGAR BEAR ESTATES - from $81,000 - $149,000 from $185,000 - $199,900 VILLAGE AT WOLF CREEK - fully serviced from $110,000

THIS ACREAGE HAS EVERYTHING

403-783-5007 MANY UPGRADES

Call Jane for more details

COUNTRY LIVING!

- Picturesque River Valley View - 1784 sq ft Executive Hillside Bungalow - Numerous Upscale Outbuildings - Commercial Potential - 81 Scenic acres - Fantastic Location w/ easy access to Hwy 2

- 5 bedroom, 2 bath - Over 1800 developed sq ft - ½ acre lot - Oversized double garage $205,000 Call Lisa

- 2.3 acres on pavement - 1258 sq ft 4 level split - 19’x30’ tiered deck with hot tub - 26’x26’ heated garage - Updated flooring, new soffit, shingles, eaves, sidewalk & deck

$449,000 ~ Call Todd

COMMERCIAL LOT G

NEW LISTIN

- 1639 sq ft w/3 bdrms & 2 baths - Well maintained 2 storey w/ attached single garage - Many upgrades throughout - Fully fenced oversized backyard w/ deck & fully landscaped

BOB TILTGEN

TODD REED

Associate

Assoc. Broker

10 ACRE PARCEL

TOP-OF-THE-LINE!

- Pie shaped lot with .64 acres - Along spur line of the railroad - Located in Northeast Ponoka - Available immediately! $125,000 ~ Call Bob

- 1286 sq ft Bungalow - 2 B/R, 2 Bath - Vaulted Ceilings - Open Floor Plan - Beautiful Kitchen w/ Granite Countertops & W/I Pantry - Triple Garage

MOVE-IN READY

$375,000 Call Deb - Adult townhouse

GREAT LOCATION

LISA SMITH

Assoc. Broker

Associate

- 1992 sq ft home w/ 3bdrms & 2 baths - one level - 10 acres - Detached double garage, triple garage, & heated outbuilding used as woodwork shop

- Spacious 1333 sq ft 4-Level Split - Great Family Home w/ 4 B/R, 4 Baths - Extensive Upgrades - Large Lot - Close to Schools and Hospital - Priced to Sell!

$190,000 ~ Call Lisa

$355,000 ~ Call Lisa

UPGRADED CLASSIC

READY TO BUILD?

- Many good building sites

$425,000 Call Todd - Well maintained 1393 sq ft bungalow - 3 bdrms/2 ba baths & finished basement - 2 fireplaces; wet bar - Immediate ppossession! landscaped w chain link fence - Fully landsca

SOLD

$215,000 Call Bob to view

PERFECT FAMILY HOME

- 2008 double wide mobile home - 3 bdrms & 2 bathrooms - Open concept with vaulted ceilings - Bright kitchen & living room - Fresh paint, well-maintained

$109,900 Call Jane

GREAT STARTER HOME

- 1.5 Storey, 3 B/R, 1 Bath - 1356 sq.ft. Above Grade - Numerous Upgrades - Fenced Yard - Great Location

$175,000 Call Deb

$315,000 Call Deb

- Low maintenance, one floor living - Attached garage - Excellent location - Move in ready

¼ SECTION WEST OF PONOKA - 142 acres seeded pasture - 18 treed acres - Fenced

DEB STEVENS

Associate

- 4 bedrooms, 4 baths - 3000+ sq ft of developed living space - New Kitchen, some new flooring - Great outdoor spaces as well

AFFORDABLE ADULT LIVING! - 925 sq. ft. Open concept NEW PRICE

JANE WIERZBA

$474,900 Call Jane

$192,500 Call Jane

Call Deb for details

POTENTIAL GALORE!

Proud sponsors of RDC Arts Programs

- Large duplex lot - 59’ x 150’ sloped - Suitable for walkout basement - Located in Riverside

LOOKING TO BUILD

$147,500 Call Lisa - Comfortable 940 sq. ft. home

½ DUPLEX ON THE PARK - 2 bdrm, 2 bath

- Vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace - Single attached garage, 13’x10’ deck - Great location, Landscaped fenced yard

$199,500 ~ Call Todd to view

$99,000 Call Todd

GREAT RENTAL UNIT

-

3 Units; well maintained!

Top 2 with decks & fireplaces One side Rented with Basement 4 furnaces, 3 stove & fridges, 3 water tanks - One Owner; Great opportunity!

$350,000 Call Bob

- 15 acres NW of Ponoka - Quiet and serene - Rural location - Close to pavement - Terrific building sites w/walk out potential - Lots of room for horses

CHIPMAN AVENUE

- 1740 sq ft. building on Chipman Ave - New Roof & exterior paint - Excellent revenue property - Affordable opportunity!

$84,900 Call Bob

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

www.ponokaproperties.com

PONOKA NEWS 13

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Young skaters try out new routines for eager fans

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Skaters with the Ponoka Skate Club had a chance to try out some of their routines in front of family and friends Friday, Dec. 12.

Rather than ask for money to attend, the club asked attendees to bring food items to be donated to the Ponoka Food Bank, explained Charity Stacey, club president. They call it their Charity Skate in an effort to help out during the holiday season, which sees a great need for food donations to families and individuals

“It’s a good chance for them to let the community see what they’re doing” Charity Stacey, President of Ponoka Skate Club

competition season starts.”

“It’s a good chance for them to let the community see what they’re doing,” added Stacey.

Starting in January, the girls will be skating in and out of competition across the province; the Charity Skate gives them a chance to make mistakes and learn from them in an event that does not have the pressure of a competition.

“It’s a good chance for them to get used to performing in front of a crowd,” said Stacey.

The club has a strong number of skaters with six coaches on the roster. In recent years, the club has also received some acclaim as two skaters — Mallory Rausch and Skye Whitford — both competed and won medals in recent Alberta Winter Games.

who cannot afford to buy their own groceries.

The Charity Skate also gives young skaters a chance to try out their moves. “It’s a chance for the girls to do their programs before

WCPS among school divisions rewarded for initiative in student inclusion

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Services as well as education provide a specialized environment to help the students with the next transition of their lives. “It’s meant to be a temporary school,” said Hester.

There are 10 spots available in the program and it operates on a case by case basis.

“It was the five school divisions (Chinook’s Edge, Red Deer Catholic regional Schools, Red Deer Public Schools, Wild Rose School Division and WCPS) and all of the partners who came to the table . . . We all came together and said we’ve got a need, who can we address that need,” explained Hester.

“I’m really pleased when different departments and agencies come together to be solution focused,” she added.

A team of five school divisions, including Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS), has been awarded the coveted Premier’s Award for School Board Innovation and Excellence in celebration of the inspiring Journeys Learning Program the group created.

Launched in 2013, WCPS helped develop the Journeys Learning Program for students aged 11 to 18. The program delivers a myriad of services beyond what a typical school would. This allows high-need students to develop past what their challenges would allow in a regular setting.

The students’ needs vastly differ from an average student behaviorally, mentally, health-wise and developmentally. Only after all other options and routes have been exhausted is a child reSANDRA ferred to the Journeys FIRST CHOICE LYON REALTY Learning Program.

Broker/ (PONOKA) LTD. Owner “This program is something that, if we TYLER all worked together, 403-783-8881 FESSLER what would that look Associate #3, 5012-48 Ave like,” said WCPS asin the Wedin’s Prof. Bldg. sistant superintendent of Inclusive Learning NORTH END Services Amber Hester.

Over 1200 sq ft. home Located in Red D with everything on one E Deer’s Alternative UC level. 3 bedrooms and a D School Centre, the 5 pc. bath, open concept, RE Journeys Learning double attached garage.

Program employs an Located in the north end on-site administrator, of Ponoka. teacher, social worker/ mental health therapist $229,000 and multiple educational assistants. “Students WEST OF PONOKA not just in Wolf Creek 52.58 acres located west of . . . require a variety of Ponoka! Many recent upgrades wrap-around services,” have been completed to this 3 bdrm home including: siding, said Hester. deck, floors, kitchen, water “Journey’s Program system, furnace, appliances, was developed and it is some windows and electrical.

Double detached garage. Just truly a cross-ministries off of pavement. effort,” she added.

The support areas $409,000 from Alberta Health TO VIEW ALL LISTINGS VISIT US ONLINE AT Services, Central AlWWW.FIRSTCHOICEPONOKA.COM berta Child and Family

The Beginner 2 Synchro team skates in unison Friday, Dec. 12 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex during the Ponoka Skate Club’s Charity Skate.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc.

5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka

VACANT LOT

LARGE BUNGALOW WITH LOFT

Great opportunity to build your dream home or duplex in north end of town. Mature neighbourhood. Priced to sell at

Upscale Executive Home, one owner, Lucas Heights, finished basement with fireplace.

Fireplace extends to main floor as well as loft overlooking living room. One of a kind home, to many features to list.

A MUST SEE!

403-783-5512

1-800-392-8658

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

COMMERCIAL

$69,000

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

WEST OF PONOKA Productive 1/4 section.

PRICE REDUCED OWNER MOTIVATED

Call Brian 403-704-7018

Great location on main street of Ponoka.

Total space 2750 sq. ft building and lot only.

TOTAL COUNTRY

A variety of building lots available from treed Call Wayne 403-704-0864 $139,000 open to walk-outs. Located 1.5 miles from Ponoka. Range from 2 – 3.5 acres. Beautiful 7 ACREAGES AVAILABLE country setting.

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

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Call Brian 403-704-7018

RIVERSIDE

.64 acre, great development property. Chance to develop up to 5 lots.Property priced $20,000 under assessed value.

Offered for sale at $60,000.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

Sending Our Best at the Holidays Here’s hoping your holiday delivers a bundle of joy and good cheer.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

WAYNE McGARVEY

BRIAN HATALA

ANNETTE DODDS

SHAWNA LOW Broker

PROFESSIONAL REALTORS OF JOHN W. LOW AGENCIES INC.

14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Money for the bank: The Ponoka Food Bank received a donation of $500 from the Ponoka Lions Club and cash of $425 donated during the arrival of the CP Holiday Train recently. Here Lions members Bill Chorney and Irene Baliant present the money to food bank manager Violet Smith (centre) Friday, Dec. 12.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

S E R V I C E & PA R T S M O P A R P E O P L E. M O P A R P A R T S.

THE ORIGINAL HOME OF

BUY 3 TIRES

GET 4TH TIRE

†

FREE! FREE

Great Scratch And Win Prizes*: G

EVERY CARD IS A WINNER E with the purchase of any one of our eligible service specials w

AND

ENTER TO WIN A

CUSTOM MOPAR LEATHER JACKET

¥

14122UC0

†

MUST BE DEALER INSTALLED. EXCLUDES TIRE SIZES OVER 18 INCHES. INSTALLATION AND BALANCING EXTRA.

AVAILABLE ON TIRES FROM:

200 AVAILA BL

E

* *While supplies last. No purchase necessary. For instant win prizes/ vvalues/odds of winning, see back of scratch and win card. The 2014 ““Drive In and Win” contest consists of a scratch and win instant win promotion and an online sweepstakes with regionally awarded w pprizes. i kill t ti question ti mustt be b correctly tl answered. d Instant I t t A skill-testing pprizes range in value from $3.65 to $60.00. Complete contest ddetails available at www.mopar.ca. The instant win promotion is sscheduled to end at close of business on December 31, 2014 or while ssupplies last (whichever occurs first). ¥The online sweepstakes ccloses with entries received by 11:59 pm (ET) December 31, 2014.

O Online sweepstakes prizes consist of 200 custom Mopar leather ja jackets (approx. value: $730) awarded regionally as follows: British C Columbia (including Northwest Territories)/Alberta/Prairies: 64; O Ontario: 80; Quebec/Atlantic: 56. Limit: One standard entry/person/ PPIN code. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC, u used under license by Chrysler Canada Inc.

PONOKA NEWS 15

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Kinettes lend a helping hand at PLC

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

A $5,000 donation by the Ponoka Kinettes has fully equipped the Ponoka Parent Link Centre kitchen with supplies and appliances.

The Kinettes were busy at the centre Tuesday, Dec. 9, helping unpack boxes and getting the major appliances ready to store supplies for the centre, which will see major improvements in its programming such as pancake breakfasts, and cooking and baking classes for young families in the area.

Andrea Ramage, program co-ordinator for the Parent Link Centre says having the kitchen space full and ready for use is a welcome addition. She praised the Kinettes for their support. “I’m actually pretty emotional.

It’s really great to see this community support us.”

Kinette Leane Reed, who was in charge of the project, says the fundraising club is excited to be able to help out as she says more families are using the Parent Link Centre than ever considering it is in a bigger space.

Kitchen supplies, appliances and anything that would stock the kitchen was purchased by the Kinettes. Ramage says she can now start cooking and baking classes.

“Food brings people together and that’s an element that’s always been missing here,” Ramage concluded.

Kinette Amanda Hamilton helps unpack $5,000 worth of kitchen supplies donated by the Ponoka Kinettes to the Parent Link Centre Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Warmest wishes from your friends at Tim Hortons.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS* ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES & WREATHS

50 off %

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year from Wayne & Wishing everyoneand in our community happiest of holidays.

Happy Darrell Marsden the team at yourthe local Tim Hortons in Ponoka.

Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year from Wayne & Darrell

Sommer

Call us at 403.783.3311

December 24th Christmas Eve 8am – 3pm December 25th Christmas Day CLOSED December 26th Boxing Day CLOSED December 31st New Year’s Eve 8am – 4pm January 1st New Year’s Day CLOSED

Regular store hours:

ADVERTISE

HERE

Christmas Hours:

Marsden and the team at your local Tim Hortons in Ponoka.

© Tim Hortons, 2008

Weekdays: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Stat Holidays OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK *Sale runs from December 17 to January 3, 2015 *Discounts off of regular price *In stock items only while quantities last *Special orders arrived do not apply *No rainchecks or layaway

Website: www.homehardware.ca/sommerhhbc Telephone: 403-783-4464 Twitter @sommerhh 6503-44 Avenue in the Ponoka South Industrial Park

16 PONOKA NEWS

E T A R B E CEL NSIBLY O P RES rink D t ’ n o D Drive d n a

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

WILL’S WELDING Flaman Rentals

5012 - 50 Ave. 6506 - 44 Ave. 403-783-3733

Ponoka First Call Towing Ltd.

Ponoka, AB, T4J 1R5

403-783-3976

A&J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 403-783-8755

403-783-3636 6701 - 46 Ave. Ponoka

HEALTH FOODS ETC. 5024 50 A e Bo 4453 Ponoka AB T4J 1S

6701 - 46 Ave. Ponoka, AB

CHROME SAFETY SERVICES (2011) LTD.

QUALITY VITAMINS, MINERALS SUPPLEMENTS & NATURAL FOODS

5024-50 Ave. Box 4453 Ponoka. AB. T4J 1S1 403-783-3944

Remembering loved ones lost to drunk drivers 403-783-5189 430054 Don Laing Business Park, Ponoka

www.lkqcanada.ca

403-782-0455 www.chromesafety.ca

Ponoka License & Registry “For all your registry needs”

4902 - 50 Street

403-783-5525 From the Staff of

403-783-3456

403-783-3987 The Co-operators | Battle River Insurance Ltd. 5103 48 Ave, Bay #3 | Ponoka, AB

6403-44 Ave. PONOKA, AB qpaint@telus.net

PONOKA NEWS 17

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

PONOKA CO-OP OILS Retail, Cardlock & Bulk Fuel Sales

Clayton Morrow - Manager Locally Owned and Operated Phone 403-783-4288 Fax 403-783-3700 4700 Highway 2A, Ponoka

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc.

403-783-5512 5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka

403-783-4494 Hwy. 2A South

www.adamsgm.com

Ponoka Funeral Home

! s r e e h C T I G N I K TO MA Y L E F A S HOME

~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~ 5115 - 50 Ave. 403-783-3122

real estate central alberta

6000 - 48 Ave.

Collision Centre

403-783-5007

6605 - 44 Avenue 403-783-1895

(Beside The Old Iron Horse Restaurant)

www.ponokaproperties.com

THE

R O U IQ

L

RE O T S

CRAWFORD AGENCIES ~ General Insurance Brokers ~

4620 - 54 St. 403-783-8484

5023 - 51 Ave. 403-783-4033

First Choice Auto & Truck Repair LTD. Ponoka Towing

RECYCLE

4215 - 67 STREET SHOP 403-783-8327 TOWING 403-783-0700

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT

Open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Closed Sundays & Holidays 3-5520 Hwy 2A (across from Husky)

403-783-6875

Have a good time, this holiday season. But, if you know you’re going to drink, choose a designated driver, take a cab, or arrange to stay over. Getting on the road after even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, opening the door to a holiday disaster.

18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

The family nest should never be empty While we are enjoying this rather balmy December, most of us are also very busy getting ready for Christmas, with last minute shopping as well as setting up the guest list and making final preparations for that most glorious Dec. 25 feast.

Of course, for those of us who have been blessed to become grandparents, our once full and bustling nest may have mellowed just a little, as our children, one by one, have spread their wings and gotten on with their exciting new lives, which we all hope will be full of successes and the same parental bliss and adventures that we have endured and enjoyed.

Over the festive season, all of us can only hope that we will all be able to get together for a few days, whether it is at the old homestead where it all started, at the homes of our offspring or assorted relatives, or on a few days of sneak away holidays. Unfortunately, some of our extended flock and friends may not be able to make it, but hopefully we have all been able to make arrangements to welcome them into our living room by phone, facebook, Skype or whatever else that will bring them closer to their families.

What really makes my wife and I feel just a little younger and full of joy is when those rambunctious grandchildren and their parents, no matter how old they are, can gather together on Christmas morning to open gifts, turn the house upside

down while sharing the joy. It doesn’t matter if they get us up a little early, and the only rule is that they have to eat some of grammas’ ‘breakfast surprise’ before invading the tree.

Isn’t it great to sit back in our favourite chair and watch our younger generation rip the paper and open up all their treasures, while in beMike Rainone tween the oooohs and Hammertime aaaahs and screams, they always take a ‘time out’ to hand out gifts to the ‘old folks’ in the happy crowd. After the morning mayhem has calmed down, dare we suggest that the ‘little duffers’ go take a nap after they have wolfed down their grilled cheese and chips lunch, while the teens will rush off to their rooms to listen to music or phone a friend, and the adults will clean up the carnage, followed by a ‘hot toddy’ or a taste of fresh air.

Whatever the case, thank goodness that our ‘nests’ will never stay empty for too long, because wherever we may be for the jolly celebration, this season is always a great time to get together with friends and neighbours, as well as

Holiday Shopping Hours

Enjoy the friendly services, convenience and competitive prices while shopping locally.

THIS MESSAGE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESSES: Sommer

REGULAR STORE HOURS: OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Weekdays: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

CHRISTMAS HOURS Website: www.homehardware.ca/sommerhhbc Telephone: 403-783-4464 Twitter @sommerhh 6503-44 Avenue in the Ponoka South Industrial Park

December 24 Christmas Eve 8am to 3pm December 25 Christmas Day Closed December 26 Boxing Day Closed December 31 New Year’s Eve 8am to 4pm January 1 New Year’s Day Closed

Ponoka Capitol Theatre 4904 - 50th St. Ph. 403-783-3639

PLAYING

Dec. 19 - Jan. 1

SCREEN #1

The Hobbit 3D 144 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 8:00 PM Daily Rated PG

dropping in to visit those who may be in hospital, or are unable to get out over the holidays. We should also take a little time to spend a little quality time with our pets, making sure that they are warm and comfy, and have a few of their own treats to nibble on.

The staff Christmas party.

I am sure that most of the annual staff Christmas parties are likely now only a faint but fun memory, but there will still be lots of great family functions and activities indoors and outdoors all the way to the big bash on New Year’s Eve. Even though most of us really stood out at the work bash, especially at glow bowling, karaoke, charades and next to the punch bowl, hopefully we impressed the boss, and that 2015 will be a great year around the office or the shop? Whatever outing we may choose to attend, if we plan to get a little to jolly, we should make sure to have a designated driver, arrange for a sleepover, or call our congenial local taxi for a safe ride home.

Help needed for Community dinner.

The Ponoka and district Community Christmas Dinner on Dec. 25 at the Kinsmen Community Centre has now become a festive tradition and a warm and friendly afternoon

for families and individuals of all ages who wish to join in where all are welcome. At the gala 2014 event, host Bob and Deb Hepp and 60 jolly volunteers played host to over 230 guests, who were treated to a delightful day of camaraderie, entertainment, games, gifts, and of course a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings, as well as lots of goodies to take home.

The annual festive event is made possible through the kind and generous donations of turkeys, food, treats, gifts, and funds by businesses, families, and individuals from throughout the community and districts. Many volunteers are also needed to join in and help make this community Christmas party a success for everyone who takes part. Bob Hepp stressed that a lot of support is still needed to make it all happen, with those wishing to volunteer asked to call Val at 403-783-8799 or Carla at 403-783-4078, while donations can be dropped off at the Servus Credit Union, the Ponoka Rising Sun Club House, or contact Mr. Hepp at 403-783-6165. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and care so that all of us can enjoy the celebration of Christmas together, and also have a great week of love, joy, and easy shopping, all of you..

Extra!

Extra!

Read all about it in the www.ponokanews.com

Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue

250072 Menaik Road, Ponoka (1/2 Km West of Hwy 2A) 587-797-1368 Christmas Shopping Hours:

Dec. 22 - 11 am – 5 pm Dec. 23 - 11 am – 5 pm Dec. 24 - 11 am – 3 pm

“Best Gift House on the Prairie”

Dec. 25 - Closed Dec. 26 - Closed Dec. 27 - 10 am – 5 pm

Dec. 28 - 11 am – 4 pm Closed - Dec. 29 – Jan 1/15

Starting Wed., Dec. 17: Open 10 am - 7 pm Sunday, Dec. 21: Open 11 am - 4 pm

SCREEN #2

Night at the Museum 98 min Sat & Sun 2:00 PM 7:00 PM Daily Rated PG

Christmas Eve: 10 am - 4 pm Closed Dec. 25

5114 - 48 Ave • Ponoka

Ph: 403.783.5355 www.walrusandcarpenter.ca

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING HOURS: December 22 & 23 • 9:30 am - 8:00 pm December 24 • 9:30 am - 4:00 pm December 25, 26 & 27 - Closed

5101 - 51 Avenue | 403.704.1110

Holiday Closing Dec. 24, 25, 26 & 31 Pre-show advertising is avalable on our big screen.

Call 403-597-6875 for info AGES 12-64 $10.00 AGES 2-11 & SENIORS $7.00 TUESDAYS & MATINEES $6.00 3D $3 EXTRA

Best wishes for a Blessed and joyous Christmas season.

Drop-in’s welcome at all events Regular Jam Session every Saturday at 1pm. No Jam Session Dec. 27 No Gospel Concert in December. See you in January!

No Potluck in December. See you in January!

Join in the fun for a tour of Christmas Lights on the Lion’s bus. Sign up at the Senior Centre and join the group on December 20 at 6pm. Tour courtesy of Ponoka Lions Club.

Billiards - 9:00am Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour system Monday Bridge 1:00pm Monday Whist - 1:30pm Monday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM Tuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am Tuesday Shuffleboard - 7pm. No shuffleboard Dec. 23 or 30.

Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pm Thursday Floor Curling - Check for times with co-ordinator - Gail 783-2450. No floor curling Dec. 25 or Jan. 1 Thursday Weaving 1:00pm Welcome to drop-in to see how it’s done Thursday Bridge 1:00pm Thursday Art Club Drop In Noon to 4pm Thursday Pickleball - Check for times with co-ordinator Gail 783-2450. No pickleball Dec. 25 or Jan. 1 Friday “500” 1:00pm Saturday Yoga 9:30am NEW PROGRAM Memberships available for 2015 - $10.00 per person. 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!

Wise customers read the fine print: *, •, ★, , ‡, †, ♦♦, § The Be Your Own Santa Holiday Sales Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from participating dealers on or after December 2, 2014. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice.

All pricing includes freight ($1,695) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, any dealer administration fees, other dealer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell for less. *Consumer Cash Discounts are offered on select new 2014/2015 vehicles and are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. •$500 Holiday Bonus Cash is available on select new 2015 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat or Ram models at participating dealers from December 2-31, 2014 only. Excludes 2015 Jeep Patriot/2015 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package/2015 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package. Bonus Cash will be deducted from the negotiated purchase/lease price after taxes. See dealer for complete details and exclusions. ★The Make No Payments for 90 Days is a limited time offer which applies to retail customers who finance a new 2014/2015 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT vehicle (except 2014 Dodge Avenger SE and 2014/2015 Dodge Viper) at a special fixed rate on approved credit through Royal Bank of Canada, TD Auto Finance or Scotiabank. Offer does not apply to Scotiabank special rate financing contracts longer than 90 months. Monthly/bi-weekly/weekly payments will be deferred for 60 days and contracts will be extended accordingly.

Interest charges will not accrue during the first 60 days of the contract. Customers will be responsible for any required down payment, license, registration and insurance costs at time of contract. Some conditions apply. See your dealer for complete details. 3.49% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2015 Jeep Cherokee Sport FWD through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Example: 2015 Jeep Cherokee Sport FWD with a Purchase Price of $24,498 financed at 3.49% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 208 bi-weekly payments of $135 with a cost of borrowing of $3,595 and a total obligation of $28,093. ‡3.99% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Example: 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a Purchase Price of $39,498 financed at 3.99% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 208 bi-weekly payments of $222 with a cost of borrowing of $6,669 and a total obligation of $46,167. †0.0% purchase financing for 36 months available on the 2015 Jeep Cherokee models through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Example: 2015 Jeep Cherokee with a Purchase Price of $24,498, with a $0 down payment, financed at 0.0% for 36 months equals 78 bi-weekly payments of $315; cost of borrowing of $0 and a total obligation of $24,498. ♦♦$1,000 Bonus Cash is available on all new 2014 Jeep Wrangler models and is deducted from the negotiated purchase price after taxes. §Starting from prices for vehicles shown include Consumer Cash Discounts and do not include upgrades (e.g. paint). Upgrades available for additional cost. Based on 2014 Ward’s Small Sport Utility segmentation. »Jeep Grand Cherokee has received more awards over its lifetime than any other SUV. TMThe SiriusXM logo is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 19

Holding out tough

Recently, Statistics Canada came out with its production estimates from this year’s crop and surprised the heck

$

135

OR

$

222

BI-WEEKLY‡

$

out of a lot of analysts with their numbers for canola and wheat. 15.56 million tonnes of canola were said to be taken

$

500

@

BI-WEEKLY

0 %

†

@

HOLIDAY &

BONUS CASH

LEGENDARY JEEP CAPABILITY LITY

2015 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

INCLUDES $2,500 CONSUMER CASH* AND $1,000 BONUS CASH.♦♦

3,500 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE CANADIAN UTILITY VEHICLE OF THE YEAR

FOR 36 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

3.99

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

off, almost 1.5 million tonnes more than September’s estimate and almost one million tonnes higher than the av-

H O L I D AY S A L E S E V E N T

NOPAYMENTS DAYS FOR

90 ★

$

PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $500 HOLIDAY BONUS CASH • AND FREIGHT.14122UC1 FINANCE FOR

24,498

3.49 %

Starting from price for 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited shown: $32,490.§

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

CANADA’S MOST AWARDED SUV EVER»

2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

$

PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $500 HOLIDAY BONUS CASH • AND FREIGHT. FINANCE FOR

39,498

%

Starting from price for 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland shown: $62,840.§

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

THE MOST CAPABLE OFF-ROAD VEHICLE IN ITS CLASS

2014 JEEP WRANGLER

GET

IN TOTAL DISCOUNTS

Starting from price for 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport S shown: $28,640.§

erage estimate from analysts. As for wheat, 29.3 million tonnes of the cereal was seen as harvested this year, up 6.5 per cent from the previous estimate and 1.5 million tonnes higher than the average trade guess.

Durum and oat output were both bigger than the trade was expecting at 5.2 million BrennanTurner tonnes and 2.9 million Farmlead tonnes respectively but many are questioning the quality of the crop (good milling specs for wheat and weight on oats). Soybean production was another bright spot for the Canadian agricultural sector as we saw the fifth straight year of record production of the oilseed (as if there’s not enough already available worldwide!) The question really becomes now moving this crop and although wheat shipments have been relatively strong, there is concern over the additional canola supply available. Simply put, the cashflow situation come spring-time could be interesting on most farms as bin doors stay shut with canola remaining below $9.50/bu (although lower oil prices should help some!)

Speaking of oil, recent ethanol production data shows that processors continue to pump out the biofuel at a record rate, despite its rare premium to traditional gasoline. The real driver for the ethanol market though is likely on the export side – demand is up more than 40 per cent yearover-year, pushing prices higher than gasoline in some domestic markets, yet, because of the large amount of cheap corn available, costs of production in America have declined. continued on page 20

20 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Ponoka 4-H Beef Club report Hi, my name is Wyatt and I’m from Central Ponoka 4-H Beef Club.

Since September our club has been busy.

In September, we had our reorganizational meeting, in October our club did tire recycling, weigh-in day, setup and take down at the Stage Coach saloon for an FCSS function.

Coming into December, our club has planned our Christmas party, we were elves

for the Chamber of Commerce Children’s Christmas shopping party.

The club would also like to remind everyone that we are collecting old vehicle and equipment batteries, please call 403-783-6664 for pickup.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT DECEMBER 10, 2014 On Wednesday, December 10th, 2014 - 3732 head of cattle went through our rings & 310 on the Canadian Satellite - TOTAL- 4042

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

120.00-130.00 100.00-115.00 100.00-122.00 135.00-154.00 120.00-145.00 140.00-158.00

Good Bred Cows 2000.00-3300.00 Older Bred Cows NONE Good Bred Heifers: none Cow/calf pairs (younger) NONE Cow/Calf pairs (older) NONE

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:

185.00-210.00 215.00-235.00 220.00-240.00 240.00-257.00 265.00-285.00 285.00-312.00 325.00-350.00 330.00-360.00

Dairy Steers Baby Calves Dairy Type: Baby Calves Beef Type: Hay: Sq Bales Straw: Sq. Bales Greenfeed: Sq. Bales.

170.00-195.00 50.00-280.00 400.003.50-7.50 3.50-3.75

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

175.00-190.00 195.00-210.00 210.00-220.00 220.00-240.00 240.00-260.00 265.00-285.00 280.00-310.00 290.00-320.00

BRED COW & HEIFER SALE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 @ NOON

– OVER 400 HEAD –

REGULAR SALES WEDNESDAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20TH - BRED COW & HFR SALE

For more information and to consign please call Stan Skeels 403-704-0288 or the VJV office 403-783-5561 or office@vjvauction.com Regular Sales every Wednesday

Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Dawson Creek Auction Vold Jones & Vold Co. Ltd. © 2006 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales

125.00NONE NONE

Holding out continued from page 19 Ultimately though, the premium that ethanol is currently enjoying over gasoline is unsustainable, alas, corn sellers are enjoying the level of support ethanol is providing as the most recent U.S.D.A. W.A.S.D.E. report showed 2014/15 ending stocks being revised to just under two billion bushels. The report also forecasted the global wheat carryout to be two million tonnes higher at 195 million tonnes. For soybeans, U.S. ending stocks were dropped to 410 million bushels thanks to export sales remaining strong but the South American crop is looking good and that will put negative pressure on the oilseed. The big question in reality is what will China do in terms of consumption though as they consume more than 60 per cent of all world soybean exports. With Chinese crushers looking at their 5th straight year of negative margins, and with signs that the Chinese economy is slowing, new programs may be put in place over the next few years to protect domestic interests.

Staying in the oilseeds and Asia, India’s production of rapeseed (canola) oil could fall by 10 per cent in 2014/15 as total production is expected to fall to seven million

tonnes this year, a drop of over five percent year-over-year thanks to planted acres falling by six per cent to 16.6 million acres (comparably, Canada planted about 20 million acres of canola in 2014/15).

In reality, this could be a good opportunity for more canola or canola oil to reach India but there will be tough competition from Europe and Australia, as well as other vegetable oils, namely soybeans, so expectations for Canadian supply moving in there could be tough.

To growth, Brennan Turner President, FarmLead.com Brennan Turner is originally from Foam Lake, SK, where his family started farming the land in the 1920s. After completing his degree in economics from Yale University and then playing some pro hockey, Mr. Turner spent some time working in finance before starting FarmLead.com, a risk-free, transparent online and mobile grain marketplace (app available for iOS and Android). His weekly column is a summary of his free, daily market note, the FarmLead Breakfast Brief. He can be reached via email (b.turner@farmlead.com) or phone (1-855-332-7653).

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

PONOKA NEWS 21

Sports

Broncs basketball team makes it to final in Pump Classic

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

The Broncs senior boys basketball team had a strong weekend of basketball during its 24th annual Pump Classic.

Not only did the Broncs make it to the finals game against the Leduc Tigers, they also enjoyed playing in their newly renovated gymnasium.

Despite losing to the Tigers, the Broncs showed a willingness to adapt their play against a strong team. Coach Blaine Haines, in his last year as head coach for the Broncs, says he likes to let his players learn from their mistakes rather than change the flow of the game.

“I always take pride that my team can function with mistakes and learn from mistakes and try to get better on the fly,” said Haines.

With the Broncs volleyball season ended late due to players making it to provincials, Haines said his team only had six practices so far while some have had 19. Despite being behind in practices, Haines also has seven returning players who have experience in fast-paced basketball games and can help lead the team.

“It’s tough for me, but I try to let them play through their mistakes,” said Haines.

He uses practice times as a way to hone their

Justin Braithwaite, of the senior boys Broncs basketball team, attempts a layup under pressure Saturday, Dec. 13 during the finals match of the Broncs Pump Classic. The Broncs lost to Leduc in the finals match.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

skills for game time. “The best teams I’ve had have always been unafraid to make mistakes.”

The players are still at a point where they are more afraid to make mistakes, said Haines, which he feels is their biggest enemy right now.

He’s training his players to be confident in their abilities.

“I tell them, high school basketball is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. You’ve got five months from the time we get started,” said Haines. “It’s not how you start the season, it’s how you finish the season.”

His goal is to give players more experience on the court so they can gain confidence over the season. As players get practices in, Haines suggests that confidence will continue to improve.

Haines praised teacher Darryl Feschuk for helping organize the Pump Classic. “Without Darryl Feschuk, this thing wouldn’t run.”

Haines also shared a fun fact about the Pump Classic; in its early days, organizers sought sponsorship. At one point Reebok supported the tournament with some Reebok Pump shoes, which were seeing strong promotion from the company, and it was named the Ponoka Pump.

Eventually the name changed to what it is today.

Broncs football players recognized for strong athletics

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Despite a winless season, players with the Ponoka Broncs senior football team are receiving recognition for their efforts.

Six Broncs were invited to the Central Alberta Football League’s awards night Wednesday, Dec. 3 at Notre Dame High School with one athlete receiving high praise.

Votes from teams in the division resulted in an award for Dallon Perry, who received the Special Teams Player of the Year award, explained head coach Scott MacGregor. This was the first time Ponoka won a major award in the league, he added.

“They recognized his speed and his tracking ability, “ said MacGregor. “Especially on the punt coverage.”

Perry had three big roles with the Broncs this year; linebacker, running back and special teams. He started out as a water boy in Grade 9 and then joined the team in Grade 10.

His Grade 12 year has culminated in this award.

Perhaps it was a tough season for Broncs, but Perry says many teams seemed shocked at the acclaim on awards night. “I felt it earned the respect of the other teams.”

He says being part of the Broncs has brought many of the payers closer together as a strong team. Perry added that having the other players being recognized as all stars is a testament to improvements in Ponoka’s football program. He suggests there are other benefits to the team program.

“It taught me a lot of being responsible for your actions,” said Perry.

“Dallon’s made some good choices in high school and as a result he’ll continue to make good choices in his life,” added MacGregor.

The Broncs will hold their team awards banquet in April to recognize accomplishments made by players.

Six Broncs football players were recognized by the Central Alberta Football League, during the league’s all star banquet, Wednesday, Dec. 3 at Notre Dame High School. Here Cody Baird, defensive co-ordinator, Jamie Blinkorn, offensive co-ordinator, Kellyn Pritchard, Ashton Sandin, Ashton Soosay, Dallon Perry, Calvin Turner and coach Scott MacGregor pose at the banquet. Missing from the photo is Ethan Pylypow.

Photo submitted

Ponoka Office: 403-783-3315 Bashaw Office (Tues): 780-372-3627 Wetaskiwin Office (Mon & Thurs): 780-352-6488

SERVICES OFFERED • Personal & Corporate Income Tax Planning • Tax Return Preparation • Accounting & Audit Services• Estate Planning • Business Advisory Service• Government Program Assistance

INTERESTED IN JOINING A SERVICE CLUB?

ons.ca i l a ok pon

22 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Kings defeated on minor mistakes

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

The St. Augustine Kings lost its game against the Parkview Panthers, but it was not for lack of trying. “We came out strong, but I think halfway though we were down by 20,” said Adam Bowie, coach.

A quarter of this year’s team is new Grade 10 players and the rest is returning Grade 11 and 12 students.

“They’re working together through the

processes. The Grade 10s are taking that advice and going with it.”

It was little mistakes and inexperience that kept the team from capitalizing during the game. “The boys just couldn’t hit any shots, it’s like there was a lid on the basket,” said Bowie.

“Boxing out was a huge issue for us,” he added.

Bowie says as the boys have more practices — which started later in the

season than other teams — they will be able to get to an advantage point faster and contend with opponents.

During the game, the greatest strength of the Kings was their refusal to give in. “They worked hard the whole time, they played to the best of their ability the whole time,” said Bowie.

Queens lose momentum in home game Despite a heavy-hitting perfor-

mance during the first half of the game, the senior girls basketball team at St. Augustine Catholic School lost its Dec. 10 game by approximately 15 points.

“The first half of the game went fantastic, we had a lot of intensity,” said head coach Katherine Bergum York.

“We fell apart,” she added, referring to the second half. “They lost that intensity they came out of the gate with.”

With the team moving slower on the court, Bergum York says the Queens were giving away opportunities to the Parkview Panthers.

She doesn’t feel the girls were tired physically but as the Panthers began to widen their lead, the Queens’ mentality was defeated.

This was their fourth game into a winless season and Bergum York believes that factored into the loss. “I think they’ve just gotten the mentality that we’re not good enough.”

This year’s team has three players new to senior basketball, with nine returning players.

Three girls from last year, who were strong players and leaders on the team, aged out. “I think my Grade 12s are a little lost, but we’ll get there,” said Bergum York.

During the game, the team was also missing its starting point guard. “So that really hurt us a bit. My other two stepped up, but everybody else fell apart,” said Bergum York.

However, the girls’ shooting during the game was strong throughout. “I had a couple of girls make three-point shots,” said Bergum York.

Halfway through the fourth quarter, the girls began to pick up their slack and capitalize on opportunities. “I’ll give them props for battling back, but we shouldn’t have had to battle back,” said Bergum York.

“We can’t choose what period we want to play,” she added.

Jesse Bonsu fights his way past Parkview opponents on his way to the net during a Kings home game, Wednesday Dec. 10.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

PONOKA NEWS 23

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Stampeders’ losing streak continues

BY MUSTAFA ERIC

Ponoka’s Junior Heritage Hockey League representatives narrowly lost another chance to snap their losing streak at a home game last Wednesday, Dec 10, when they could not prevent two scores from the visiting Stettler Lightning in the last two minutes of their game at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre.

The first half of the first period of the game looked like flat beer, without much taste and excitement with none of the sides able to execute any plays to create serious scoring chances. Things changed in the 11th minute, however, when two Stampeders were simultaneously sent to the penalty box, offering an opportunity to the visiting side that they could not fail to capitalize on. And they didn’t; just into the second minute of the power play, Stettler scored from close range taking the lead. Five minutes later, when the Stampeders’ goalie Zane Steeves left his position to control the puck coming from a long shot, the puck somehow found its way just to the tip of the stick of Lightning forward in the middle of the rink and his unassisted long range shot sent the puck to the empty net: 2-0, the final score of the first period.

Stampeders were in no mood to give up on their chance to win at home and they made their point through Chandler Knibb, who scored his first goal of the game in the third minute of the second period.

The goal fired up Ponoka boys and they started to attack with greater enthusiasm at the Lightning net, but could not penetrate the defensive setup of the visitors. The Lightning, for their part made a big effort not to lose the control of the rink, maintaining their posture even when they were short-handed and keeping the Ponoka net under pressure. Their determination paid off and the visitors scored once again two minutes from the end of the second period, going into the third with their two-point cushion intact: 3-1.

The stakes were suddenly raised, though, when

The puck finds its way to the Lightning net in Chandler Knibb’s first goal in the game against Stettler Lightning on Wednesday, Dec.10 at the Ponoka Recreation Centre.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

Stampeders scored with Dawson Kress at the 14th second of the third period, which turned into a scoring duel from that point on, transforming the game to a nail-biter.

Ponoka boys kept attacking the Lightning net but The Stettler de-

fense, and an indomitable goalie, did not allow them to score for another 10 minutes. continued on page 31

YES YOU CAN...

PONOKA O O TIM HORTON’S MITE

PLAYEROF THE WEEK

Take the FIRST STEP

Register NOW for February Start High School Courses MATH, ENGLISH, CHEM,BIO 30 Levels Dip. Exam Prep

English for IELTS & CELPIP [TESOL/TESL CertiÀed teacher req. for Feb. Start EMAIL Resumes to aÀrstep@telus.net or drop off at….]

The FIRST STEP Adult Ed. Ctr. #1 4737 49B Ave. Lacombe, AB

Phone # 403-782-5040

Congratulations Nikalus Palechek he is the Ponoka Mites player of the week. Nikalus is 5 years old, his favorite hockey team is the Oilers and his favorite position to play is goalie. When he is not playing hockey he likes to play with toys and watch Wild Kratts. Nikalus wants to be a farmer when he grows up and his one wish is to go to San Diego. Keep up the hard work and good luck on the rest of your season.

Sponsored by Busat Enterprises Ltd

Ponoka www.ponokanews.com

Ponoka News ADVERTISING ON THE WEB We are now offering advertising space on our website For more information contact Judy Dick Phone 403-783-3311 or email manager@ponokanews.com check us out at www.ponokanews.com

Ponoka News 403-783-3311 Ponoka News 403-783-3311

24 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

N 2ND NOW UNTIL JA AL GET AN ADDITION

HOLIDAY BONUS

†††

750

$

VEHICLES NEW 2014 / 2015 TOWARDS MOST CARS) ($500 ON SMALL

0

PLUS

%

AS LOW AS

$

APR***

NANCING PURCHASE FI

FOR UP TO S

72 MONTH

UP TO

OR

10 00ND0

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Cowboys will once again be riding into Ponoka for a New Year’s rodeo to claim as much of the prize money up for grabs as they can.

The Ponoka Calnash Ag Event Centre is producing the New Year’s Eve Bucking Bash, with Rod Hays at the helm of the bronc competition and Duane Robinson and Nanson Vold taking care of the bull’s side.

“We want to do something here at the building to promote the roughstock end of things,” said co-manager Dennis Pugh.

“Basically what it is, is a presentation of the young riders,” he added.

The event consists of four competitions in two events. Eight contractors will provide 32 bulls for the bull maturity where it will not only be the riders competing. “What it is, is a competition between the contractors themselves . . . there’s a jackpot for them,” said Pugh.

The same structure will also apply to the bronc futurity, leading to a total of four jackpots, 64 animals and approximately $16,000 in the pot.

The ag centre is contributing $4,000 to the bronc competition and another $4,000 to the maturity, with $2,500 going to each rider pool and $1,500 to the animals.

An initial 24 cowboys on each side will be whittled down to eight for the short go.

The event takes place Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. with a cabaret to follow. Tickets can be purchased at the ag event centre and Jones Boys Saddlery and Western Wear. People with questions can contact the Calnash Ag Event Centre at 403-755-8490 or 403-790-7895.

,

YEAR-E TRUCK CASH

+

R MODELS

▲

1000

$

ON MOST OTHE

2014 MODELS ON MOST NEW

Bucking Bash to kick off New Year in Ponoka

BERS STCO MEMTI ELIGIBLE CO ADDI ONAL AN TO UP E RECEIV

††

OST NE TOWARDS M

W VEHICLES

2014 F-150 XLTx4 5.0L SUPERCREW 4 LY LEASE FOR ON

299@0

2014 F-150

$

% APR †

S

R 24 MONTH PER MONTH FO $2,575 DOWN. H WHEN WITH CREDIT RCL CAS

$ FORD ND INCLUDES 3,700 , $5,500 YEAR-E H FORD CREDIT LEASED TH$ROUG IGHT AND AIR TAX FRE 0 1,80 D CASH AN

OR

0%

FOR UP TO 72 MONTHS

***

GET

ANCING PURCHASE FIN DELS 2014 MO ON MOST NEW

APR

AND

YEAR-END CASH

6 500

$ ,

‡‡

LS. PERCAB MODE AINING 2014 SU

ON MOST REM

IT XLT MODEL W

H XTR PACK

$ AGE 47,699

CKS G LINE OF TRU IN L L E -S T S E CANADA’S B

F-SERIES

FOR

48 YEARS

‡

SUPERCAB 2015 F-250 XLTEDITION 4X4 WESTERNLY ANCE FOR PURCHASE FIN

ON

324@5.89

2015 F-250

$

%

***

THS

R 72 MON BI-WEEKLY FO $ DOWN. WITH 1,000 LY OR OWN FOR ON

43,499

*

$

E‡‡$7,000 OFFERS INCLUD SH CA ND -E YEAR T AND AIR TAX IGH $ AND 1,800 FRE

ON WESTERN EDITI

PLATINUM M

ODEL SHOW

to Build and Visit Ford.ca hicle.

Price your ve

N $69,449

Head to your Store Alberta Ford

DES: PACKAGE INCLU

RY 2ND

DS JANUA ING CLEAROUT EN YEAR-END PRIC

Drive away

happy

albertaford.ca Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). ‡‡ Until January 2, 2015, receive $500/ $750/ $1,000/ $2,000/ $2,500/ $3,500/ $4,000/ $4,250/ $4,500/ $4,750/ $5,000/ $5,500/ $6,000/ $6,250/ $6,500/ $7,000/ $7,250/ $7,500/ $8,500/ $10,500 in Year End Clearout Cash (Delivery Allowances) with the purchase or lease of a new 2015 Fusion/ 2014 Focus (excluding S Manual) and 2015 Explorer, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 (Value Leader)/ 2014 C-MAX and 2015 Taurus (excluding SE), Expedition, Transit Connect, E-Series Cutaway, Transit/ 2014 F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 (Value Leader) and 2015 F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs/ 2014 Focus S Manual, Edge and 2015 Fiesta S/ 2015 F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2)/ 2014 Fiesta, F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs/ 2014 Mustang V6 Coupe, Taurus SE, Escape, Explorer/ 2015 F-150 SuperCab and SuperCrew/ 2014 Fusion/ 2014 Transit Connect (excluding electric)/ 2014 E-Series, F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2), F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 XLT 300A/ 2014 Flex, F-150 SuperCrew 4x2 5.0L and 4x4/ 2014 Taurus (excluding SE)/ 2014 Mustang V6 Premium, F-150 SuperCab/ 2015 F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Gas engine/ 2014 Expedition/ 2014 Mustang GT/ 2014 F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Gas engine and 2015 F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Diesel engine/ 2014 F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Diesel Engine -- all stripped chassis, cutaway body, F-150 Raptor, Medium Truck, and Mustang GT500 models excluded. Year-End Cash is not combinable with CPA, GPC, CFIP, Daily Rental Allowance and A/X/Z/D/F-Plan programs. Delivery allowances are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives.†Until January 2, 2015, lease a new 2014 F-150 Super Crew XLT 4x4 (300A Package) and get as low as 0% lease annual percentage rate (APR) financing for up to 24 months on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest APR payment. Lease a vehicle with a value of $44,149 at 0% APR for up to 24 months with $2,575 down or equivalent trade in, monthly payment is $299 (Comparison payments are for reference purposes only and are calculated as follows: the monthly payment is annualized (multiplied by 12) and then divided by the comparison period (26 weeks for bi-weekly). For example ($299 X 12) / 26 bi-weekly periods = $138.), total lease obligation is $9,751 and optional buyout is $21,633. Offer includes $5,500 Year-End Cash, $3,700 Ford Credit Lease Cash and freight and air tax but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Taxes payable on full amount of lease financing price after Year-End Cash and Ford Credit Lease Cash deducted. Additional payments required for PPSA, registration, security deposit, NSF fees (where applicable), excess wear and tear, and late fees. Some conditions and mileage restrictions of 40,000km for 24 months apply. Excess kilometrage charges of 16¢per km for F-Series, plus applicable taxes. Excess kilometrage charges subject to change, see your local dealer for details. *Purchase a new 2015 F-250 Super Cab XLT 4X4 Western Edition for $43,499 after Year-End Cash of $7,000 is deducted. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after total Year-End Cash has been deducted. Offers include freight and air tax but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. **Until January 2, 2015, receive 5.89% annual percentage rate (APR) purchase financing on a new 2015 F-250 Super Cab XLT 4X4 Western Edition for a up to 72 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. Example: 2015 F-250 Super Cab XLT 4X4 Western Edition for $42,499 (after $1,000 down payment or equivalent trade-in, and $7,000 Year-End Cash deducted) purchase financed at 5.89% APR for 72.months, monthly payment is $702 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $324), interest cost of borrowing is $,8,054.11 or APR of 5.89% and total to be repaid is $50,553.11. Down payment may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit. All purchase finance offers include freight and air tax but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes.

All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.***Until January 2, 2015, receive 0% APR purchase financing on new 2015 Escape for up to 36 months, 2014 Ford Edge models for up to 60 months, and 2014 Focus, C-MAX, F-150 (excluding Regular Cab XL 4x2 value leader and Raptor) and 2015 Fiesta and Fusion models for up to 72 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. Example: $25,000 purchase financed at 0% APR for 36/60/72 months, monthly payment is $694.44/ $416.66/ $347.22, cost of borrowing is $0 or APR of 0% and total to be repaid is $25,000. Down payment on purchase financing offers may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit. ▲Offer only valid from December 2, 2014 – January 2, 2015 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with an eligible Costco membership on or before November 30, 2014. Receive $750 towards the purchase or lease of a new 2014/2015 Ford Fiesta (excluding S), Focus (excluding S and BEV), C-MAX, and $1,000 towards all other Ford models (excluding GT500, GT350, 50th Anniversary Edition Mustang, Raptor, and Medium Truck) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Limit one (1) offer per each Eligible Vehicle purchase or lease, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. Applicable taxes calculated before CAD$1,000 offer is deducted. ® Registered trademark of Price Costco International, Inc. used under license. ††† Offer only valid from December 11, 2014 to January 2, 2015 (the “Program Period”) to Canadian resident customers. Receive $500 towards 2014/2015 Focus, Fiesta, or C-MAX, and $750 towards 2014 Mustang (excluding Shelby GT500) and F-150 (excluding Raptor), and 2014/2015 Fusion, Taurus, Edge, Flex, Explorer, Escape, Expedition, Transit Connect, E-Series, F250 – F-550 (excluding Chassis Cabs), and F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cab models - all stripped chassis, cutaway body, and Medium Truck models excluded (each an “Eligible Model”) with the purchase, lease, or factory order (during the Program Period) of an Eligible Model.

Limit one (1) incentive redemption per Eligible Model sale.††For 2014 F-150 (excluding Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader and Fx4 4x4) models, Year-End Clearout Cash amounts include $3,500 in “non-stackable cash” available to cash purchase customers and customers not financing or leasing through Ford Credit. “Non-stackable cash” is not combinable with Ford Credit purchase financing or lease rates.‡F-Series is the best-selling pickup truck in Canada for 48 years in a row based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales report up to 2013 and R. L. Polk vehicle registrations data up to August 2014.©2014 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2014 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

PONOKA NEWS 25

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

6 PACK 8 PACK

Announcements

CLASSIFIEDS CALL TOLL FREE:

ADPACK ALL IN 1

1-877-223-3311

What’s Happening

Employment

Services Directory

Items Buy/Sell

Agriculture

Rental & Real Estate

Vehicles

Public Notice

50-70

700-920

1010-1430

150-194

2010-2210

3000-4310

5010-5240

6010

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

FAX: 403-783-6300

announcements

Obituaries

EMAIL: classifieds@ponokanews.com Obituaries

Obituaries

Ernest (Ernie) Greig ANDERSON Oct. 5, 1949 - Dec. 8, 2014

Myrtle Graham September 23, 1934 Myrtle “Myrt” Graham passed away peacefully on December 13, 2014 in Ponoka Hospital at the age of 80 years. She was born, raised and spent almost her entire life in the Ponoka area where she and her loving husband Donald farmed for 53 years in the Ferrybank area until their retirement to Ponoka in 2007.

Myrt was very active in the community and particularly cherished the 60 plus years she spent with her fellow members in the Halfway Grove W.I. Myrt is survived by her husband of sixty two years Don, her children Terry (Don) Bouschard, sons Keith (Laura) and Kim (Coleen) Graham, her bothers Ron (Marg) and Maynard (Ann) Monroe, sister-in-law Maxine Monroe and brother-in-law Ray Schmidt, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents Ora and Minnie Monroe, her brother Ken Monroe and sister Dorothy Schmidt. As well as her nephew Kerry Schmidt.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Ponoka United Church on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

Coffee and fellowship to follow at the Ponoka Royal Canadian Legion. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Dakota Cemetery or the charity of your choice. To express condolences to Myrt’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com Arrangements Entrusted To

Ernie went to be with our Lord on December 8, 2014 at the age of 65. He was born in Calgary, and he spent most of his school years in Prince Albert, SK. But for the past 23 years he has called Ponoka home. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Lois, his son Michael (Leanne) of Langley, BC, his father Jim Anderson of Swift Current, SK, his brother Gary Anderson (Paulette, Kim, and Kerri) of Prince Albert, SK, his sister Jill Cavanagh (Gord, Kelly, and Jamie) of Swift Current, SK, as well as many other relatives and friends. Ernie was predeceased by his mother Iola Anderson. A celebration of his life was held on December 13, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Tim Graff officiating. When he wasn’t working as a property manager, he enjoyed golfing with his friends on men’s night and being involved with the Ponoka Stampeders. Donations in Ernie’s memory can be made to Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca). To express condolences to Ernie’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~

In Memoriam

PONOKA FUNERAL HOME

~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home~

Linda Sidor December 14, 2013

Card Of Thanks

Just had a baby?

Gordon and Irene Taylor

Love, Travis & Lisa

Celebrations

December 26, 2016 James Strachan will be eighty years old!

To mark this event in his life, James is inviting you to wish him well at an open house to be held on Sunday, January 4, from 1:30 unto 4:30, in Hall One of the Ponoka United Church 5020 52 Avenue

Celebrate Your Marriage 1.877.223.3311

Douglas “Doug” Leonard Erickson of Rimbey, Alberta passed away suddenly at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Rimbey on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the age of 60 years.

Doug was born to Leonard and Bernice Erickson in Rimbey on March 31, 1954.

He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his beloved wife, Patsy; and his two daughters, Christy (Kenny) Varty of Ponoka; and Jenn Erickson of Rimbey; as well as two cherished grandchildren, Kelton and Lacey. He will also be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his mother, Bernice Erickson of Rimbey; and two sisters, Frances Erickson of Edmonton; and Beryl Curtiss of Grande Prairie; in addition to his nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many close friends. Doug was predeceased by his father, Leonard; and his brother-inlaw, Bob Curtiss.

A Public Funeral Service in Celebration of Doug’s Life was held at the WoodyNook Church, Woodynook Road (RR 28-1), near Blackfalds on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Dana Struvé officiating.

Interment followed in the Gull Lake Cemetery, Gull Lake.

If friends desire, memorial tributes in Doug’s Memory may be made directly to the Meadowbrook Church, c/o R.R. 3, Site 4, Box 18, Lacombe, Alberta T4L 2N3.

Condolences to the Family may also be expressed by e-mail to: special_reflections@telusplanet.net.

Funeral and Burial Arrangements for the Late Douglas “Doug” Leonard Erickson entrusted to the care of OBERHAMMER FUNERAL CHAPELS Rimbey, AB. 1-403-843-4445

Greatly Missed Fondly Remembered

Tell everyone with a Milestone Announcement Gordon and I use a cane and a walker.

Thank you to all the people that help us!

God Bless you all

ERICKSON

With a Milestone Announcement • 1.877.223.3311 Remember to share the news with your friends & family!

(No cards or gifts, please.

A smile, a handshake, or a hug is all you need to bring)

26 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

52

Coming Events

What’s Happening #50 - # 70

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

Coming Events

52

THE LLOYDMINSTER Exhibition Association’s 96th Annual Pride of the Prairies Bull Show and Sale. Featuring Halter and Pen Shows. March 8 - 9, 2015. Entries Close: January 6, 2015: www. lloydexh.com.

306-825-5571.

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS

Meetings

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 Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

ALATEEN

Mentors make a

difference 403-783-3112 We change daily to serve you better.

CLASSIFIEDS CHRISTMAS Hours & Deadlines OFFICE & PHONES CLOSED AT NOON WED. DEC. 24 CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY CLOSED BOXING DAY

PONOKA Publication date: WEDNESDAY DEC. 24 Deadline is: Wed. Dec. 17 @ 5 p.m.

Publication date: WEDNESDAY DEC. 31 Deadline is: Mon. Dec. 22 @ 5 p.m.

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5115 49 Ave. Ponoka For more info.

403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Monday night meetings at the Anglican Church Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.

THURSDAY AA Meetings at 8:30 p.m. in the Catholic Church basement.

52 Street & 52 Ave. Ponoka.

403-783-4347 403-783-3442

Personals

60

Is someone’s drinking causing you problems?

AL-ANON 403-346-0320 You can sell your guitar for a song... or put it in CLASSIFIEDS and we’ll sell it for you!

Professionals

Medical

Employment #700 - #920

Farm Work

755

F/T PEN CHECKER for general feedlot duties for large expanding feedlot in Sundre. Experience necessary. Fax resume to 403-638-3908, or call 403-638-4165, or email dthengs@hotmail.com Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

Clerical

790

Publication date: WED. DEC. 24 FRI. DEC. 26 Deadline is: Wed. Dec. 17 @ 5 p.m.

Publication date: WED. DEC. 31 FRI. JAN. 2 Deadline is: Fri. Dec. 19 @ 5 p.m.

SYLVAN LAKE NEWS & ECKVILLE ECHO Publication date: THURSDAY DEC. 25 Deadline is: Tues. Dec. 16 @ 4 p.m.

Publication date: THURSDAY JAN. 1 Deadline is: Mon. Dec. 22 @ 5 p.m.

BASHAW Publication date: WED. DEC. 24 Deadline is: Thur. Dec. 18 @ Noon NO PAPER ON DEC. 31 CASTOR Publication Date: THUR. DEC. 25 Deadline: Wed. Dec. 17 @ 5 p.m.

NO PAPER JAN. 1 Have a safe & happy holiday

Meetings

59

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-athome career today!

Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

720 Looking for :

F/T Front Sales/Service Person for busy automotive repair shop & rental car company • Must have computer skills • Automotive detailing required

Monday through Friday no weekends Please fax resume to 403-783-6220

Meeting will be in the upstairs classroom For further information contact Lauraine at 403-783-3713 2015 Memberships are $5.00 and will be available.

Everyone Welcome!

Calnash Trucking has an immediate opening for an Office Assistant. In this position you will be responsible for general office duties, data entry, computer skills with knowledge in excel/word, and accounts payable/receivable. Must be energetic, self motivated, above average communication skills and organized.

We offer training, excellent remuneration and benefit package.

Please submit your resume with references to “Ponoka Office Assistant” hr@calnashtrucking.com or mail/drop off to 6526 – 44 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 or fax 403-783-3011 Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Professionals

810

810

“Promoting Your Health” TM Maternity Coverage Pharmacy Assistant/Technician We are looking for a dedicated Pharmacy Assistant or Technician to work in our patient-focused pharmacy. Previous pharmacy experience is required.

Duties will include: • Receiving prescriptions from customers • Data entry of patient care information into nexxsys • Ensuring that prescriptions and medications are accurate • Inventory control • Maintenance of script pro robot • Assisting with cashier responsibilities as required Qualifications: • Red Deer College Certification. Will Consider equivalent education.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Willing to work as a team member in a fast paced environment.

• Must possess one year minimum experience.

• Strong math and good customer service skills essential.

• Must be bondable.

Desired Skills & Experience: • Genuine desire to help customers • An ability to show empathy and be compassionate • Excellent English Communication and organizational skills • Ability to Multi-task • Proficient computer, data and entry skills • Desire to work as a team member in a team setting

Closing Date: December 20, 2014

Calnash Trucking Ag Event Centre

PONOKA OFFICE ASSISTANT

or email: wagnersautoponoka@gmail.com Or stop in and have a chat with the owner: 5503 54 Street

We offer competitive wages, great hours (no evenings or weekends), benefit package and staff discounts.

Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 pm)

720

CANADA BENEFIT GROUP. Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000. from the Canadian Government.

Toll free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment

RIMBEY Publication date; TUESDAY DEC. 23 Wed. Dec. 17 @5 p.m.

Publication date: TUESDAY DEC. 30 Deadline is: Mon. Dec. 22 @ 5 p.m.

STETTLER & WEEKENDER

Clerical

Apply to: Dwayne Waknuk or Jamil Rawji, Pharmacists Ponoka Professional Pharmacy #20, 5011 48 Ave, Ponoka, AB Phone: 403.783.7333 Fax: 403.783.7200 Email: ponokarx@telusplanet.net We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but advise that only candidates selected for an interview for this competition will be contacted.

We are a rapidly growing company operating one of the largest networks of John Deere agricultural equipment dealerships in North America. We proudly own 18 John Deere dealerships in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

We’re growing & we need awesome people like you to join us! In March of 2015 we will be opening a new 30,000 sq. ft. shop!

We’re looking for someone who: - Has the ability to recommend, discuss and demonstrate any of our products - Completes all sales documentation in a timely and accurate manner - Will follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction and build long-term relationships - Maintains accurate customer profile records in a timely manner - Is eager to keep current on product knowledge, the competition, and equipment values - Will assist with special projects, demonstrations and seminars - Is motivated to achieve the gross margin objectives We’ll give preference to individuals with: - Three to five year’s sales experience - A background in agriculture We’d like to offer: •The opportunity to grow in your career as the Cervus organization grows •An exemplary health, dental and optical benefits package •A competitive pay scale •A fulfilling career where you can relate to and engage with an enthusiastic team Visit us in store or apply online at www.cervusequipment.com under the careers section!

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Medical

790

MEDICAL BILLING Trainees needed! Learn to process & submit claims for hospitals and doctors!

No experience needed! Local training gets you ready to work! 1-888-627-0297.

Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

Oilfield

800

LOOKING FOR

Oilfield Maintenance Operator or Laborer Must have valid class 4 drivers licence and must have safety tickets.

Fax resume to 403-746-5131 or email smittysoilfield@gmail.com Start your career!

See Help Wanted

Professionals

810

Professionals

PONOKA NEWS 27

810

Restaurant/ Hotel

820

Restaurant/ Hotel

FULL-TIME GENERAL MCDONALD’S MANAGER required for Restaurants Canadian Professional operated by Cameron Bay Rodeo Association. Must Holdings Inc. now has be highly motivated with positions for Assistant strong business Restaurant Managers.

THE RUSTY PELICAN is management, negotiating, Candidates require 3 - 5 now accepting resumes for financial planning, years quick service F/T Exp’d leadership, team building, experience along with LINE COOKS strategic thinking & some managerial experiat all stations. organizational skills. ence. Previous McDonalds MUST HAVE: Duties: Office operations, experience is an asset.

• 2-3 yrs. post secondary staff supervision, Skills needed include: education. marketing, sponsorship & ability to work with store • 2-3 yrs. on-the-job exp. communication. Email and other managers, hire • Provide references resume with covering and train crew, run effecThe hourly rate will be letter & references: tive shifts, maintain food $13.25 - $15. per hour bsteadward@ and labour controls, be a dependant on experience. rodeocanada.com. brand ambassador to our Mail to: 2079 50 AVE. Website: guests as well as underRed Deer, AB T4R 1Z4 rodeocanada.com. stand, maintain and or Call 403-347-1414 support the store programs Classifieds...costs so little or Fax to: 403-347-1161 and procedures. Ability to Saves you so much! work any days, hours or shifts as restaurants are 24 CELEBRATIONS TOO MUCH STUFF? hours. Annual salary of HAPPEN EVERY DAY Let Classifieds $40,000. 00 plus benefits.

IN CLASSIFIEDS help you sell it.

Stores are located at 4419 Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB, 37479 Hwy 2, Red Deer County, and 37428 Hwy 2, Red Deer County. Fax resume to 403-783-4251.

Email cbay22@telus.net.

850

Trades “Promoting Your Health”

TM

Full Time Pharmacy Assistant/Technician We are looking for a dedicated full-time Pharmacy Assistant or Technician to work in our patient-focused pharmacy. Previous pharmacy experience is required.

Duties will include: • Receiving prescriptions from customers • data entry of patient care information into Nexxsys • ensuring that prescriptions and medications are accurate • inventory control • maintenance of Script Pro Robot • assisting with cashier responsibilities as required Qualifications: • Red Deer College Certification. Will Consider equivalent education.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Willing to work as a team member in a fast paced environment.

• Must possess one year minimum experience.

• Strong math and good customer service skills essential.

• Must be bondable.

Desired Skills & Experience: • Genuine desire to help customers • An ability to show empathy and be compassionate • Excellent English Communication and organizational skills • Ability to Multi-task • Proficient computer, data and entry skills • Desire to work as a team member in a team setting We offer competitive wages, great hours (no evenings or weekends), benefit package and staff discounts.

Closing Date: December 20, 2014 Apply to: Dwayne Waknuk or Jamil Rawji, Pharmacists Ponoka Professional Pharmacy #20, 5011 48 Ave, Ponoka, AB Phone: 403.783.7333 Fax: 403.783.7200 Email: ponokarx@telusplanet.net We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but advise that only candidates selected for an interview for this competition will be contacted.

Trades

820

Are you interested in pursuing an exciting career with Petrofield Industries at our Tornado Hydovac Trucks manufacturing production facility?

We are centrally located in the family friendly community of Stettler, Alberta.

We currently have an openings for: Service and Parts Manager Quality Assurance Team Leader Finisher Product Testing Assistant Purchaser Industrial Painters/Helpers Welders Helper General Labourers Construction Workers Our Company has a enthusiastic fast paced working environment, with advancement opportunities. Wage would be commensurate with experience/skills.

For more information about these positions and our company, check out our website www. tornadotrucks.com.

Resumes can be emailed to hr@petrofield.com or faxed to 403-742-5544.

JOURNEYMAN Heavy Duty Mechanic required for oilfield trucking company.

Will consider 3rd year apprentice or higher. Fulltime position. Phone resume to: 780-842-6444.

Fax 780-842-6581. Email: rigmove@telus.net.

Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

850

SHUNDA CONSTRUCTION requires a

Safety Coordinator

NOW HIRING! Join our growing team. We have career opporunities available in our Edmonton location:

• Heavy Equipment Technicians (Apprentice or Journeyman) 12345 • Positions available in the shop and field • Resident position available in Bonnyville, Edson, Hinton.

Apply online at www.brandtjobs.com.

Enter “Edmonton” into the search field on the Job Opportunities page.

Find out more about our exciting career opportunities at www.brandtjobs.com or by calling 306-791-8923.

Brandt Tractor is the world’s largest privately held John Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment dealer and a Platinum member of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program.

to implement, manage & enhance our existing safety program. Fax resume and references to 403-343-1248 or email admin@shunda.ca.

Truckers/ Drivers

860

WANTED TANDEM Fuel Truck Drivers for winter season, Northern Alberta area. Call Roger 1-888-849-3616.

Truckers/ Drivers

860

AG EQUIPMENT

WETASKIWIN READY MIX

Now Hiring • MIXER DRIVERS Minimum Class 3 with air.

Please apply with resume & current drivers abstract 5410 - 50 Street, Wetaskiwin or email

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

dmarkevich@wetaskiwinrm.com

or Fax (780) 352-1607 Misc.

Help

880

Al York

Cell: (403) 783-0593

Bashaw Golf and Country Club in Central Alberta requires a

GENERAL MANAGER for our 9 hole course that includes a newly renovated clubhouse and seasonal/day use campground.

General Manager Bus: (403) 843-3700

Rimbey, AB

Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

The successful applicant must be self-managing, have strong organization skills, customer service experience and be capable of managing the overall performance of all operations. Golf experience is not necessary, but would be a considerable asset.

The club is prepared to offer a competitive compensation package in accordance with previous experience and education.

Please email your cover letter with resume to both bashawgolfclub@hotmail.ca and to the President of the Board djonespfd26@hotmail.com no later than Friday, January 2, 2015.

To see more details about our club please visit our website at www.bashawgolf.com.

We thank everyone in advance for their interest in this opportunity. Please be aware that only the short listed candidates will be contacted for further consideration for this position.

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Immediate openings for:

WINCH TRACTOR DRIVER BED TRUCK DRIVER PICKER OPERATOR PILOT CAR DRIVER SWAMPER WASH BAY ATTENDANT Please submit applications to: Calnash Trucking 6526 44 Avenue, Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Fax: 403-783-3011 Email: hr@calnashtrucking.com Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

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

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

28 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 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

BOBCAT SERVICES Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

BOBCAT SERVICE • Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Gradingor&Cell: Construction Call Jim Ashbough 403-783-2764 403-588-0599 Jack 403-783-5283 or Cell: 403-588-0597 Call JimSurbey Ashbough 783-2764 or Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 783-5283 Cell: 588-0597

OVERHEAD DOORS

Misc.

Help

880

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMER/ LIBRARY CLERK Ponoka Jubilee Library is hiring a Children’s Programmer/Library Clerk.

The person in this position must be creative, energetic and persevering.

This is a part-time position (28-33 hours/week), with some nights and weekends required. The position will be responsible for design and delivery of programs for children ranging in age from infant to 16 years.

Qualifications: • Completion of Grade 12; related post-secondary education is an asset.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is necessary, having experience in using an automated library circulation system is a benefit (preferably Horizon).

• Enthusiasm and ability to work well with staff in a team environment are essential, along with proven ability to work courteously and effectively with the public.

• Past experience with children is preferred.

• Must be able to provide a clear criminal record check.

Salary is commensurate with experience. See full job description and qualifications on the Library website at ponokalibrary.prl.ab.ca. Please email your resume, with cover letter, as attachments to: Jaclyn Berry, Library Manager at jberry@prl.ab.ca. We welcome all applications, however only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date: December 19, 2014.

ALLOWANCE NOT CUTTING IT? Join the PONOKA NEWS www.doorsondemand.ca

403-963-5000

860

Truckers/ Drivers

ROADEX SERVICES requires O/O 3/4 tons, 1 tons and 3 tons for our RV division and O/O Semis and drivers for our RV and general freight deck division. Paid by direct deposit, benefits and company fuel cards.

Border crossing required with valid passport and clean criminal record.

1-800-867-6233; www.roadexservices.com.

Business Opportunities

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.

880

Misc.

Help

NOW HIRING CONSTRUCTION LABOUR HELP needed for residential construction CALL 403-588-0597 or email jgsurbey@shaw.ca

880

Misc.

Help

DAIRY equipment supplier looking for GENERAL LABORERS & WELDERS Competitive wages and benefits package. E-mail resume: info@prolineinc.ca

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

Divorce? Simple. Fast.

Inexpensive. Debt recovery? Alberta collection to $25,000.

Calgary 403-228-1300 1-800-347-2540.

households weekly

DISPATCHER

For just

Please submit applications to: Calnash Trucking 6526 44 Avenue, Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Fax: 403-783-3011 Email: hr@calnashtrucking.com

403-783-3311 BOTTLE DEPOT

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

Closed Sundays & Holidays Closed Dec. 24/14 to Jan.1/15 We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE

Reliable carriers are automatically entered into a monthly draw.

Win an additional $50 Keep up the good work and your name will be entered to win a

Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am-3 pm

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

Pet Services

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

1290

1318

NOW OPEN! PONOKA PET CENTRAL 5027 – 50th (Chipman) Avenue 403-783-2916

Central Alberta’s Largest Car Lot in Classifieds

Misc.

Services

1290

Let us amplify your message!

$400 Gift Certificate

12345

Each week the Ponoka News reaches residents where they live, work and farm. In town our papers are delivered door to door by reliable carriers and we could use more help.

Add this feature to your next career ad booking

If you are interested in a local route please contact Susan Whitecotton at 403-783-3311

We want to hear from you!

Motorcycles & ATV’s

1315

Unplanned pregnancy may be difficult to face.

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

Employment Opportunity:

EXERCISE, EARN MONEY, AND WIN PRIZES!

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

Personal Services

Reaching 6000

this space could be yours!

Be sure to call

1260

Carrier Team in the Riverside area.

$30 per week

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

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Legal Services

1290

NEW TO YOUR COMMUNITY ?

INTERESTED IN the Community Newspaper business? Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. FREE. Visit: awna.com/for-jobseekers.

880

Misc.

Help

Misc.

Services

Call for more details 1-800-282-6903 ext 235

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

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Pet Services

1318

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

403-783-6272

www.clinkerskennels.ca

Misc.

Services

1290

Rental Misc

PONOKA NEWS 29

1350

Need RV or Self Storage?

8’ X 10’ 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 Refrigeration and Appliance Service We deliver and install your purchases.

403-783-4880 Welding

1410

Welding

1410

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990

Auctions

1530

AUCTION Sales Wed. @ 6 pm.

Antique sales 1st. Sun. of the month @ 1 pm. Dec. 7 Moose Hall 2 miles south of Ponoka on 2A WE BUY FOR CASH. 403-304-4791 Check website for full listings www.bigstrapperauctions.net

LAST SALE of the season Wed. Dec. 17. Resume weekly sales Jan. 14, 2015 MEIER GUN AUCTION. Saturday, December 20, 11 a.m., 6016 - 72A Ave., Edmonton. Over 150 guns - Handguns, rifles, shotguns, hunting and fishing equipment. To consign 780-440-1860.

Building Supplies

1550

LOOKING FOR a shop?

Post Frame Buildings.

AFAB Industries has experience, expertise, reliability and great construction practices. For a free quote, contact Ryan Smith 403-818-0797 or email: ryan.afab @gmail.com.

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 30+ colours available at over 40 Distributors.

40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors.

Call 1-888-263-8254 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

Firewood

1660

LOGS

• B-PRESSURE • PIPELINE • OILFIELD • ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING • SHOP/PORTABLE • CNC PLASMA CUTTING • ALUMINUM • SHEARING & FORMING

MAIN: (403) 783-7591 FAX: (403) 783-8178 Website: www.harbinwelding.com E-mail: bharbin@telus.net

Well Drilling

1400

Well Drilling

1400

Agricultural #2000 - #2290 Farm Equipment

2010

WHY PAY RETAIL FOR

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

Misc. for Sale

RIMBEYDENTALCARE DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

Family Friendly Dentistry

BAGGED SHAVINGS!?

SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!

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

With Kentucky Komfort 100% pine bagged shavings

FLEXI-COIL 6000 AIR DRILL, 40’, 3450 TBH tank, double shoot, 7.5� spacing, rubber packer wheels. All new discs, bearings, air hoses. Shedded & unused for 3 seasons. $60,000 obo. 403-784-3633 or 403-304-2266

Horses

2140

$5.75/bag/pallet of 54 bags

BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC

or

PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY

Call or text 403-304-2336 (located near Ponoka)

2180

PASTURE Wanted for WE BUY HORSES: broke, 2015 Season 25 - 50 pairs, un-broke, or unwanted. prefer in the Bentley area.

Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303 Call Darryl 403-318-1630

Misc. for Sale

DENTAL CARE

For Rent #3000 - #3200

$6.25/bag individually Acreages/

Pasture/Land Wanted

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

Farms

403-783-5225 • 403-783-5235

3010

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

DR. HUGH PORTER • DR. RICK BARR DR. JEFF BARR • DR. GREG EDWARDS

NOW AVAILABLE

- General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations

3 bdrm suite on acreage for responsible adults. N/S, N/P

“WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS�

403-357-0654

EYE CARE

1760 Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal

WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR? ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.

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

-

12345

•

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

Customizable and secure. From storage to workspace.

Steel containers from 8' to 53'.

20' & 40' skids with optional 4' landings available. Mount with twist locks.

Suites

8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM

BOBCAT SERVICES 780 440 4037 | SEACAN.COM

BRUCE’S BOBCAT

3060

Large & Small Jobs

ONLY 1 Available!

Deluxe 2 Bedroom Suite for rent

ANYTHING ANYT & EVER EVERYTHING

403-783-0663 HEATING

1760

A-STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers. Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans high cube & insulated containers 40’ HC. Winter Specials in stock now. Self unloading delivery. Phone toll free 1-866-528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.

Well Drilling

DENTISTRY

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup� Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.

Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar.

Price depends on location.

Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346

1400

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

2140

Horses

“Committed to your comfort�

• Adults only (40+) • $1380/mnth unfurnished • No children, no pets • $1680/mnth furnished • All utilities included except telephone

Call Ernie 780-335-6767 4205 - 64 St., Ponoka, AB

)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

www.ponokanews.com

Robin Esau

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

robin@KlesAir.com www.KlesMechanical.com

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

30 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Houses/ Duplexes

3020

Houses For Sale

4020

VETERINARY SERVICES

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic

AVAILABLE DEC 1

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

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 Ultrasound-aided ReproducƟve Programs CETA CerƟĮed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer Herd Health

Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ

Dr. Bruce Wine

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

$

30

PER WEEK.

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

VETERINARY SERVICES

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

Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

2 bdrm, 1 ½ bath duplex Attached single garage Near Senior’s Drop in Centre 50+, N/S, N/P, No children 403-783-4236 or 403-704-5556 (cell) 3 Bdrms, 1 Bath Duplex in PONOKA with an open basement for storage.

Newly painted, 4 Appls, laminate flooring throughout, $950/mth, $950 DD. Town Utilities included in Rent. Available Jan 1/15.

Call (587) 400-5045 or email SMCIRENTAL @GMAIL.COM

4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes

3050

3 BEDROOM IN 4-PLEX, IN PONOKA. 4 appliances. Close to swimming pool & seniors drop-in Centre, no pets, mature tenants only 403-783-5493

Suites

3060

Available Jan 1 1 BEDROOM FURNISHED

BASEMENT SUITE $

-utilities included-

700/mnth plus 300 D.D. 403-783-4628 $

AVAILABLE NOW 1 bdrm suite in Ponoka N/S, N/P 403-357-0654

PONOKA Quiet N/S, non partier, clean, working renter only. * LARGE BACHELOR SUITE *LARGE 2 BDRM. MAIN LEVEL SUITE W/ LARGE COVERED DECK 403-704-1645 RIMBEY - Beautiful 1200 sq ft, 3 bdrm, 5 ap bsmt suite, furnished and ready for immediate possession.

Close to schools, hospital and downtown and backing onto a park. Rent and DD are $1000 including utilities. We require 1st month, last month and DD and would prefer a 1 year lease. Call Terisa @ 250-488-0025 or email terisaad@telus.net

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

403-357-0287

Stores/ Commercial

Condos/ Townhouses

Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 4:30 pm

4040

FOR SALE Senior 2 bdrm condo at Tamarak Court Inside parking $185,000 Available now 403-783-5843

4090

$30

PER WEEK.

CALL 4037833311 PLUMBING

4150

PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING • JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER REQUIRED

STEEL BUILDINGS “Really Big Sale!” All steel building models and sizes.

Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422; www.pioneersteel.ca.

Mortgages Bought/Sold

We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts 5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7

4190

DO YOU OWN real estate? I offer 1st & 2nd mortgages with no credit check. Get approved today. Call 1-866-405-1228 or email: info@ firstandsecondmortgages.ca

Money To Loan

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.

For Lease Jan. 1, 2015 (Former Chiropractic Office - Wedin’s building) 2100 sq. ft.

Reception area, 5 offices and storage Private washroom Contact Murray 403-783-7564

Hours of Business: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5 pm

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

Farms/ Land

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES

4070

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

Financial #4400 - #4430 Investments ......................4410 Money Wanted ................4420 Money to Loan ................4430

T4J 1M1

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS FOR

2013 SRI HOME 20 X 76: mint condition, 3 bedroom, 2 bath $125,000. 1995 Noble Acceptance 16 X 76: 3 bedroom, 2 bath, available immediately. $49,000. For more information call United Homes Canada 1-800-461-7632 or visit us at www. unitedhomescanada.com.

Buildings For Sale

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB

Manufactured Homes

3120

Office Space

Dr. Murray Jacobson Dr. Clayton West Dr. Ashley Shannon

Real Estate #4000 - #4190

Email: darcysdrillingservices@hotmail.com

Full 1/4 section of land (No 2 soil) 2200 sq ft bungalow with double att. garage 40’x50’ insulated work shop (in-floor heating) with big overhead door.

Livestock barn - multi-purpose, sheds, corrals, etc.

For further info call Andries Steegstra • 403-391-6260 ROYAL LEPAGE- Lifestyles Realty

The right place to find the right person for the job.

403.783.3311

WATER WELL SERVICE

ECKLUND

Water Well Service • Install & Service Pumps • Shock Wells • Pressure Systems Serviced & Installed Home: (403) 783-3712 Cell: (403) 704-3413

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

PONOKA NEWS 31

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

5080

WIN - 2015 Harley -Davidson ST-Breakout FXSB103. 2nd $700/credit; 3rd $300/credit. Only 499 tickets sold. Three Early Bird Draws. $100/ticket.

June 19 draw. Proceeds support Motorcycle & Harley Programs, GPRC Fairview Campus.

1-888-539-4772; www.gprc.ab.ca. Licence #395479.

Public Notices

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

RECYCLE

Motorcycles

Public Notice #6000

YOUR PAPER!

Transportation #5000-5300

6010 PUBLIC NOTICE

SIEDS RISPENS, DUTIE RISPENS, HANS RISPENS AND MEINT RISPENS Water Act NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is given that Sieds Rispens, Dutie Rispens, Hans Rispens and Meint Rispens has filed an application under the provisions of the Water Act to increase their water allocation by 4055.0 cubic metres for a maximum annual diversion of 16000.0 cubic metres of groundwater per annum from a well at SE 08-043-26-W4 for the purpose of Agricultural (Confined Feeding Operation). The production interval of the water well is from 62.7 metres to 74.6 metres.

Goalie Thomas Chesterman, of Ponoka’s Bantam Moose, saves a shot against his goal Friday, Dec. 12 during the team’s home tourney. The Moose lost in the finals 2-1 in a shoot out against Sherwood Park.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Any person who is directly affected by the application may submit a statement of concern to: Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Regulatory Approval Centre Main floor, Oxbridge Place 9820 106 Street EDMONTON AB T5K 2J6 Phone: 780-427-6311 Fax: 780-422-0154 within 30 days of the providing of this notice.

Please quote file number: 80418 Further information regarding this project can be obtained from: Ken Hugo Groundwater Information Technologies Ltd. 44-2110 41 Avenue NE Calgary AB T2E 8Z7 Phone: 403-250-3518 Statements filed regarding this application are public records which are accessible by the public. Statements should explain why the filer is directly affected and provide the full printed name, phone number and/or email address, postal address and legal land location of the filer.

Failure to file statements of concerns may affect the right to file a notice of appeal with the Environmental Appeals Board.

The Perfect Family Companion – Local Activities & Festivals – – Calendar of Events – – Restaurants – – Current Events – – Church Directory – – Concerts, Sales & More! –

Bantams take it to shootout in tourney finals

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Ponoka’s Bantam Moose hockey team had a strong showing last weekend during their home tournament facing off against Sherwood Park in the finals.

Both teams appeared to be evenly matched with an almost even number of attempts to score, explained coach Dwayne Rausch. “It was 1-1 after two periods and our shots on goal were the same.”

Each team had a guaranteed three games in the tournament and the Moose’s first game was against Red Deer who had

no chance against the Moose. Rausch says their second game against Grande Prairie proved a challenge but they were able to win in over time play.

As for playing against Sherwood Park, Rausch said he is not disappointed in his team’s performance; they forced the game into over time. After playing four on four with no goals, the teams went into a sudden death shootout where Sherwood Park won 2-1.

“We knew we were going to be in tough (competition),” said Rausch.

He is pleased with how his players and

three goalies, who were able to get a lot of play time during the tournament, competed. “With a finals game like that, you can’t really say there was a loser.”

Rausch is pleased with the effort of the tournament committee and parents who came to help out during the tournament.

“The parents put in a lot of work for the kids,” said Rausch.

As for the regular season, Rausch says his team is in the middle of the pack. The Moose have also stated their intention to compete at hockey provincials playdowns.

Stampeders’ losing streak continues continued from page 23 In the meantime, Lightning scored another in 11th minute increasing their lead back to two points: 4-2. It was two minutes after that goal that Chandler Knibb scored his second reducing to gap to one point, to be followed four minutes later

by Tyson Crampain to bring parity to the scoreboard:4-4. The remaining minutes were truly a joy to watch as both sides played their hearts out to be able to finish

the game with a win. It was, however, the visitors that came out victorious: In the 19th minute, Stettler scored another one taking the lead again and when, in the final seconds, the Stampeders bench took the goalie off the ice to beef up the offense, another long shot by the Lightning offense sent the puck to the empty net sealing the score at 6-4.

Stampeders traveled to Three Hills later in the week and lost to Thrashers 8-2 on

Saturday, Dec. 13 with Austin Ancion and Nate Higgins scoring for the Ponoka boys.

One interesting note on the game was that five of the eight goals of the Thrashers were unassisted.

Ponoka Stampeders were playing Stettler Lightning again as Ponoka News went to print on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Next, they are scheduled to play Blackfalds in an away game on Sunday, Dec. 21.

SEE NEWS HAPPENING?

Send us your photos 403.783.3311

Email us at editorial@ponokanews.com

32 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Hammy’s SPIRITS

OPEN 10 AM - 11 PM 7 Days A Week

SMIRNOFF VODKA 750 ML

$

21 99 $ 3199 EACH

MILLER GENUINE DRAFT

1.14 L

EACH

355 ML 12 PACK BTL

GIBSONS 12 YO WHISKY GIFT PACK

$

2199

EACH

750 ML

$

29

NEW AMSTERDAM GIN

99

EACH

750 ML

750 ML

$

COPPER MOON ASSORTED VARIETIES

99 EACH

18

HAVANA CLUB 7 YO RUM

$

2699

EACH

750 ML

2/$1300 OR

THE LITTLE PENGUIN SHIRAZ CARLO ROSSI OR CHARDONNAY ASSORTED VARIETIES 750 ml.

$

00

2/ 16 OR

$ 49

8EACH

$ 99 EACH

6

BODACIOUS SHIRAZ OR PINOT GRIGIO

1.50 L

2/$$224900 OR

11EACH

750 ML

2/1600 or 849 EACH

FREE 10 HAMMY’S

$

SPIRITS GIFT CERTIFICATE when you spend $100* or more

*Limit 1 gift certificate per order. Gift certificate to be redeemed on next purchase. No reproductions or photo copies accepted. Minimum $100 purchase does not include deposit, enviro charges, gift cards, or tax. No refunds or exchanges or time extensions.

Gift certificate must be used within 90 days of receiving.

Bay #5, 4502 - 50th St. • 403-783-2333 Prices in effect Wednesday, Dec. 17 to Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 Prices do not include GST or deposit. We reserve the right to limit quantities

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS 1

A Supplement to

Seasons Greetings

B2 PONOKA NEWS

Della Quine, 4, visits with Santa during the Chamber Children’s Shopping Party held at St. Augustine Catholic School, Dec. 6. Quine says her favourite part of Christmas is opening presents.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our past, present and future customers.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Dan, Inger & Ginger

403-783-8411 At the Junction of QE 2 and Hwy. 53

www.donlaingtrailers.com

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Santa Claus visits St. Augustine Catholic School busy year, I really can’t keep up. I had to use Christmas magic and all of the elves,” Santa said explaining his hectic schedule.

As Christmas draws near, Santa Claus took time out of his busy “And the reindeers’ magic. We’ve got to have good magic to be toy-making schedule to visit with the children who attended the able to fly,” he added.”

Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce’s Children’s Shopping To keep up his strength during his long flight around the world, Party, held at the St. Augustine Catholic School Saturday, Dec. 6.

Santa asks citizens to keep his favorite Christmas treat on hand, milk While away from the North Pole, Santa uses his elves to make and cookies. “I like chocolate chip cookies,” he said. sure everything is ready for Christmas Eve. “This has been a very Santa also keeps his team of reindeer on his mind at all times and urges the people of the Ponoka License & Registry world to do the same. “The we’ve taken a shine to you reindeer really like carrots.

We’d be real heels, We cannot grow carrots at Holiday Hours: if we didn’t say “Thanks!” the North Pole, even in Open for taking a shine to us.

Dec. 24 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. the summer, because the Dec. 31 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ground is too hard.”

Closed Checking his list may Dec. 25, 26 2014 & Jan. 1, 2015 prove easier than in other Wishing you & your family years as, he said in an intera very Merry Christmas and view with Ponoka News, a Happy New Year that most of the children 5102 46 Ave, Ponoka 4902 50 St • 403-783-5525 around the world are on Phone: 403-783-4648 the ‘nice’ list. Although he is the embodiment of To all our friends both Christmas, Santa also has far and near, his own favorite aspects of We wish a very bright the holiday. “My favorite Christmas and a happy part is the magic, it’s the New Year! jingle of bells.” good friends this holiday season.

He feels if everyone stopped their busy lives for a moment or two, not just SAFE FETY TY SERVICES LT L D. during the holiday season, Christi Ferguson-Huston, CRSP Hair Design & Suntan Salon to listen to the jingle of Lacombe 403-782-0455 bells, the world would be www.chromesafety.ca a more joyous place

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Best Wishes

CHROME

Scizzor Wizzard

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS 3

Community Christmas a time to come together

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

“I’ve got almost 2,000 stuffed toy animals on hand.”

In an effort to bring joy and happiness to Bob Hepp, organizer folks on Christmas Day, a Ponoka Community Christmas has been a big part of giving during the be an event for folks who couldn’t afford to get holiday season.

Held at the Kinsmen Community Centre with their own Christmas meal, but Prediger feels that help from a strong group of volunteers, the event has changed over the years. “Now it is an amalgastarts at 10 a.m. and will end at 2 p.m., says orga- mation of everybody.”

“It’s become a town and county event and our nizer Bob Hepp. “We’re always looking forward volunteers say that,” she added. to people coming.”

To make food donations, Hepp suggests Last year 230 people attended with lots of turpeople inform him as soon as possible and those key, ham and other food to fill their bellies. With all the donated food, 300 to-go meals ended up wishing to make a cash donation can go to Servus Credit Union to donate into the Ponoka Commubeing packed for attendees.

To keep the mood cheerful volunteers come nity Christmas account.

“It’s going to be bigger than ever,” concluded early to play live music. “It’s phenomenal enterHepp. tainment,” said Hepp.

For food donations contact Hepp at 403Hot chocolate, snacks, candy and hundreds or 783-6165 and to volunteer contact Prediger at stuffed toys will be part of the event.

403-783-4078 or Schabert at 403-783-8799.

“I’ve got almost 2,000 stuffed toy animals on hand,” he added.

As the festive season The trick to ensuring a smoothly-run day fast approaches, is in the volunteers. To help organize those who want to help with the Ponoka Town Community Christmas, Hepp has sought the assistance of Carla PreCouncil & Staп diger and Val Schabert.

The two have been wish everyone a able to place the army of cheerful volunteers into different areas so safe and joyous that the day goes well.

Sometimes helping out means sitting and holiday season having a meal with attendees, explained Hepp.

Seniors who need help getting to the Community Christmas will get help from the Wheelchair Van Society that takes people to and from the hall. Hepp says all they have to do is book with the society and the van will be there for transportation.

Prediger says orgaMayor Rick Bonnett nizing the volunteers is always a fun experience.

Councillors: “I like to make Bob’s life easier because he’s Tim Falkiner, Loanna Gulka, Sandra Lyon, committed to this process for 15 years.”

Carla Prediger,Teri Underhill, Marc Yaworski She says it used to

Chef Vern Olson pictured as offered a helping hand at the Community Christmas in 2013.

Photo by Susan Whitecotton

Kahla, Theresa, Ramona, Amber, Diane

The Christmas season is a perfect time to say “Thank You”, and to express to you and yours every happiness during this beautiful season and throughout the coming year.

PHONE: 403-783-4911 FAX: 403-783-5222 dirtvl@telusplanet.net • www.direct-travel.ca

B4 PONOKA NEWS

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Most Christmas traditions have survived for decades

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS

At the age of 72 years, I can joyfully say that I have always looked forward to the coming of the Christmas holidays, and although it may have changed just a little since our little family arrived in Ponoka way back in 1948, it will hopefully be the happiest time of the year for all of you, no matter how old we may be.

My fondest memories of the festive season have come from being able to share the celebration and joy together with so many others, including parents, neighbours, old and new friends, schoolchurch and team buddies, and of course later with our own children and grandchildren. We have and always will get quite giddy with excitement about the giving and receiving of presents to and from precious family and friends, with a whole lot of special surprises thrown in just for fun. Everyone, from children to seniors likely already have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, hoping that we have qualified for a Santa visit this time around, while looking forward to all the other great traditions of the frosty festive season. By the way, if you still don’t believe in Santa Claus, or Saint Nicolas, or whoever that jolly old bearded gent in the red suit might be, he has supposedly been around since the 4th century, makes only once visit a year, and really looks forward to trading toys for treats on Christmas Eve. Who can’t love the seasonal music of the season, whether it be the age old or new carols and songs, along with the country, classic, rock, or hip-hop beat styles and themes. At this great time of the year there are so many delightful concerts and events at schools, churches, halls, and homes all around every spirited community, which have all been blessed with the love, sparkling colors and the joy of the amazing festive occasion. It doesn’t matter if we have a real tree, a Charlie Brown spe-

Greetings of the Season With warm wishes to you and yours we thank you for friendship and support.

403-704-2383 4201 66 Street, Ponoka

In the spirit of the season, we extend heartfelt thanks and best wishes for a happy, healthy season.

DOT’S FABRICS YARNS & CRAFTS 403.783.4091 5023 - 51 Ave.

With Warm Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and Prosperous New Year!

EC

ECKLUND

Home: 403-783-3712 Water Well Services Cell: 403-704-3413

Wate

H

cial, or one of those flashy store-bought varieties, because they will all look fabulous when we add our own unique magic and personal touch, then top them off with the family treasures and trinkets that have been placed inside and outside each and every home sweet home for many generations. Then there are always the old ‘sweet treats’ such as candy apples, taffy, fudge, rock candy and all the rest.

No doubt we will eat, nibble, and overindulge just a little too much over the 12 days of Christmas, letting it all loose at that marvelous and yummy December 25 feast with cherished family and friends.... But what the heck, we will have all those ‘slow-down’ days in January to get back into trim.

The other great adventure of this hectic season is the annual shopping spree, which has also changed just a little over the years, mainly because there are now so many overwhelming choices. But then again, the new glitzy electronic era of communication and gift-cards have made it a whole lot easier to send special wishes to loved ones and friends across town, or around the world. In the meantime, here are just a few of those gala ‘old traditions’ of the Christmas season, which I sincerely hope all of you will have the fabulous and friendly opportunity of sharing with everyone, especially those in need and a little down on their luck. *We all love to see the glorious Nativity scene, which represents the true meaning of Christmas, and whether it is presented at a concert or is in a sparkling natural setting outside in the snow; the traditional costumes and magic of the event must never be forgotten. *Remember when we used to put real flickering candles on the tree, and when our homes were magically illuminated and warmed on Christmas Eve by kerosene lamps, a pot-bellied stove, and a roaring fireplace, with chestnuts roasting? I am sure there are some who still make their own house and tree decorations, including popcorn strings, colored crepe paper streamers, all sorts of bobbles, those long boxes of glittering icicles, and those colored paper crackers that you pulled apart and giggled when they popped. *Later on Christmas and Boxing Day when we are completely ‘stuffed’ and played out, it is great to get out in the fresh air and snow to try out the new skates on the out-door rink, the sleighs on the golf course hill, or just go for a jog or walk the

This delightful Christmas tree will greet visitors to the Fort Ostell Museum this season, and is decorated with the garland and ornaments from many decades ago.

dog. Some may even dare to make snow-angels, or get a friendly snowball war going with the neighbours. Is Egg-nog still a popular holiday drink, or have the more modern spicy tastebud teasers now taken over? *Many centuries ago Mistletoe was said to have been a sign of peace and believed to have healing powers,

but then Frigga the Goddess of Love got involved, and the great tradition of kissing under that colorful plant was born. *The exchanging of Christmas cards began in England in the 18th century, when young school continued on page 5.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

continued form page 4. boys honed their writing and coloring skills by sending greetings to their parents or girlfriends. In later years people got too busy to greet everybody personally, so the Post Office would distribute millions of cards each and every December. The traditional Holly and Ivy was first believed to have magic powers because it would remain green through the harshest of dreary winters, and was placed on the front doors to keep evil away. *The famous Christmas song Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was written in 1939 and had distributed 6 million copies by 1946. Poinsettias were a native plant of Mexico, which were brought to the United States as a gift in the 17th century, and are now seen every Christmas in all their glory and

Seasons Greetings

color throughout the world. Candy canes became a sweet treat for the children in the 17th century, were first called ‘candy crooks’ and were handed out to keep the kids quiet during the annual Christmas services and ceremonies.

In the ages of the Noblemen, the young ladies would hang the wet socks of the weary warriors above the fire-place to dry them off, but when someone started filling them with gold coins the tradition was born, and is still celebrated each Christmas. Sincere Season’s greetings and blessings from our family to yours, with hopes that you will celebrate a traditional or modern Christmas ‘your way’ with family and friends, as well as sharing the joy with many others at home or in and around our great community.

PONOKA NEWS 5

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

- Isaiah 9:6

With exceeding great joy, we wish you and yours peace, joy and enlightenment throughout this holy season and beyond.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Wishing Everyone

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the New Year

T he very best this holiday season!

403-783-6036

SERVING CENTRAL ALBERTA SINCE 1993 WWW.CLASSICGRANITEWORKS.COM

Phone: 403-783-2600 Fax: 403-783-4500 3519 - 2A HWY PONOKA Locally owned and operated

BOB HEPP & COMPANY CATERING 403-783-6165 3709 - 45 Street, Ponoka

B6 PONOKA NEWS

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Emily Hagemann (left) and Kelli-Rae Sieben decorate a Christmas tree in the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre cafeteria as part of their 4H goodwill and volunteering duties.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

SHAKE IT UP… The Other Christmas Story IT’S CHRISTMAS!

BY TOM CNOSSEN MASKWACIS BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Sing. Laugh. Kick up your heels. In other words, “have a great holiday!”

A lot of us are familiar with the traditional Christmas Story, which includes Mary and Joseph, some angels and shepherds, a manger and some wise men, but maybe not so familiar with the version given to us by the Apostle John. Instead of going to Bethlehem, John travels back to eternity past and introduces us to Jesus the “Word”, who not only was with God, but who is God Himself.

John writes: “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been

To our customers & friends many thanks for your patronage this year!

made.” John goes on to tell us that Jesus, the Word, “became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Imagine that – the God of the universe stooping down in humility to become a human being.

He did this for a specific reason – so that we could receive Him, believe in His name, and become “children of God.” The Christmas Story is not just a cute little tale, but it is the revelation of God’s rescue plan for all nations. It is the story of God entering our world to bring us back to Himself, back to the way it was supposed to be. Now that is hope! Merry Christmas!

Our real joy of the season is the chance to put aside the routine of the daily business to wish you a Very Merry Christmas!

We truly appreciate your patronage.

403.346.5533 www.soderquist.ca

203, Bldg 2, 6701 Hwy 53

appraisals@soderquist.ca

403-783-6422

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic

403-783-5189 • Fax: 403-783-6523

Toll Free: 1-855-830-6235 430054 Don Laing Business Park, Ponoka

www.lkqcanada.ca Thank you for all the good times we’ve had serving you.

Home Décor and Gift Store

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB 24 Hr. Emergency - 403-783-4348

Wishing you all the blessings of the season and a Happy New Year!

250072 Menaik Road Ponoka 1 ⁄2 km West of Hwy 2A 587-797-1368

May you enjoy all the best of the Christmas season with family, friends and neighbours

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS B7

Gingerbread houses fund refugee house

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

The imagination and artistic skills of the students at St. Augustine Catholic School are helping to save a refugee family from Myanmar and give them a new life in Ponoka.

Annually, St. Augustine holds a gin-gerbread competition, for which members of the community donate the creation of their choice.

This year’s competition was held at Children’s Shopping Party of the Ponoka and District the Chamber of Commerce, Saturday Dec. 6.

“The Catholic Church and the school are sponsoring the family,” said foods teacher Dayna Wittal.

Usually, proceeds from the competition go to a Salvation Army project, but the church chose to support the refugee family this year.

“They actually met at the refugee camp,” said Wittal.

The competition raised $219, with Alissa Cline, Zach Prediger and Bailey Rush’s creation coming in first place.

The 14 gingerbread houses were built by

Deck the Halls!

L to R: Rylee Henderson, Shannon Ross, Kailey Russell and Kiara Johnson’s Whoville gingerbread house came in second in St. Augustine’s inhouse and community gingerbread competitions.

Submitted photo

Usually, proceeds from the competition go to a Salvation Army project, but the church chose to support a refugee family this year. students grades 7 to 9 in foods class.

“This, we’ve been working quite hard on,” said Wittal.

Approximately 30 hours went into each gingerbread house and Wittal says students were coming in after school and during their lunch hours to perfect them.

Along with the competition, a raffle house made by Wittal funds the family, who arrive mid-December, and the school’s annual Goodwill

with a round of best wishes to all our good friends at Christmas

A&J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Cup also contributes proceeds.

Each year the school also holds an in-house competition.

Tea Maxwell, Emma Wittal and Colleen Wyering’s Jack Frost’s House took first place with Whoee ville, built by Rylee Henderson, Shannon Ross, Kailey Russell and Kiara Johnson, coming in second.

6701 - 46 Ave. • Ponoka, AB

403-783-8755 Al Dickhaut • Owner/Operator

From all of us at

Margaret Williams Barb Grant Angela Sheppard Sue Gillies Terra Pross Candace Hunter

Authorized Registry Agent

4907 50th St., Bashaw, AB 780-372-3584

Seasons Greetings

B8 PONOKA NEWS

We Wish You A Merry Christmas With glad tidings to you and your kin from all of us this holiday season

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

The organizing team of the St. Mary’s Anglican Church’s annual Christmas Tea celebrate the event held on Saturday, Dec. 6. Christmas goodies and holiday gifts for sale brought a happy crowd in from the chilly winter weather.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Merry

! s a m t s i r Ch Joy to the World May peace and contentment be yours, as together we share in the magic of this special time of year. Merry Christmas!

Our office will be closed Dec. 24, 25, 26 & Jan 1, 2015

Wishing you all the creature comforts for a purr-fect holiday season.

We couldn’t have asked for better friends than you.

Ponoka County Waste Transfer Station Dec. 24 - Open until noon Dec. 31 - Open until noon

From the council & staff at

Hobbema Transport

4205 Hwy 2A

3906 66 St 403-783-5275 Hobbema 780-585-2424

Ponoka County 403-783-3333

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS B9

Bad cannot last WILLIAM DELLEMAN SONRISE REFORMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Christmas! For me, this is the moment in time when God said, all will be well, and here I am to show the way.

In his coming Jesus brought heaven and earth together and in doing so, he declares I am making all things new. So that all that us good about life in this world: food, drink, work, play, intimacy and friendship can be deeply meaningful, pleasurable and purposeful right now.

And all that is bad is on notice.

It will not last, cannot last under the light of redeeming love.

Jesus urged all who would listen, come into a new understanding of

how the world works.

Troubles, fear and sadness are real, painful and it can be so tempting to despair. There is so much of it!

But look beyond, look beneath, God so loves this world that is why God came.

No matter what anyone thinks of God, never doubt it – God knows how you feel, he’s lived through it as well.

And that is why I can celebrate this is the season of hope, joy, peace and above all love.

May that season be yours also and may it extend for you far beyond Dec. 25 into all the days of your life.

This is the season of hope, joy, peace and above all love.

have a joyous

NOEL! With warm wishes and gratitude this holiday season from our entire staff.

We thank you for the privilege of serving you and hope to see you again soon!

Cody Baird (left), Jamie Blinkhorn (center) and Scott MacGregor, all Ponoka Secondary Campus teachers, sat with Santa on Monday Dec. 8 to bring a little holiday joy to the school’s halls.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

Wishing Everyone a

Merry Christmas

Merry

Christmas!

– From All of Us at –

403-783-8190 flowrs4u@telusplanet.net ponokaflowersforyou.ca

Wishing you a Joyous Holiday Season and a New Year filled with Health and Happiness.

PONOKA HOSPITAL & CARE CENTRE

5800 - 57 Ave. • 403-783-3341

JOHN. W LOW Agencies Inc. – Ponoka’s Christmas Store –

5118 - 50 Street, Ponoka

1-800-392-8658

403.783.5512

Seasons Greetings

B10 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

PSC Stuff-a-Bus has a long history in Ponoka

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE AND AMELIA NAISMITH

Charity initiatives by students at the then Ponoka Composite High School 33 years ago have created a long-standing tradition in Ponoka.

Students at the now Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) have been busy with their Santa’s Anonymous program since October, preparing boxes to receive donated gifts and food for families who cannot afford their own.

To maximize on donations, students were seen at No Frills and Hamilton’s IGA Tuesday, Dec. 2 for their Stuff-a-Bus program accepting food and cash donations for their hamper program. Organizer Karen David said she tried to involve as many students as possible.

The need for hampers is still great. David says one year they filled 138 hampers. She expects over 100 for this year. “We try to make all the hampers the same.”

She has always received positive

feedback and, at times, is touched by the support, which is a source of confirmation they are doing the right thing.

“Just this morning somebody came up to the school . . . and dropped a little envelope. It just said, ‘For Santa’s Anonymous.

Thanks for all your help in the past.’ Inside there was a $100 bill. That’s why we do it,” explained David.

Food staples such as pasta, pasta sauce, sugar and cereals can be found in the hampers and David says family hampers get a turkey and individual hampers receive a ham.

On Wednesday, Dec. 10 students collected all the boxes and sorted them to make filling the hampers easier. David says for the last three years, leadership students at Ponoka Elementary School have helped out.

She also includes entire classrooms to help with the work. The

PIZZA D’ORO 2-4-U Pizza & Pasta

#7, 5103 - 48 Ave. 403-783-4460

more the helpers, the faster they are able to sort boxes of food and prepare gifts. The benefits are great and at this time of year, David suggests consideration should be given to other people’s situations.

“It’s Christmas and you don’t know what people’s circumstances are. Lots of people give back,” said David, referring to families that have received help in the past.

“It should be a happy time, especially for the kids,” she added.

When hampers are ready, students get a pink or a blue card that indicates if the child is a boy or girl and their age. From there, students will find an appropriate gift for that child.

A TEAM EFFORT While David has organized Santa’s Anonymous for the last seven years, she says operations would not run smoothly if it weren’t for the help from an army of volunteers. “Even though I’m the organizer overseeing it, there are lots of people I depend on.”

Junior and senior high school students get involved and community members will take the initiative to sponsor a basket and after, help drop off baskets.

The students also play a large part in driving the initiative behind the Stuff-a-Bus campaign.

“I think a lot of us don’t realize how lucky we are in our financial situation, especially around the holiday,” said Grade 12 student and first time Stuff-a-Bus volunteer Hannah Allin. continued on page 11

Merry Christmas!

Thank you all for a very special year and your continued support & patronage

PICK UP OR DELIVERY

Merry

Christmas!

HOURS:

Mon - Thurs Friday Saturday Sun & Holidays

3pm - 11pm 11am - 11pm 3pm - 11pm 4pm - 10pm

Customers &Friends!

locally owned

Collision Centre

6605 - 44 Avenue

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Merry Christmas

4814 - 50 Street, Ponoka 403-783-8721

From All of us, To All of You!

Jesse Vandenbroek helps out by donating food to Ponoka Secondary Campus Stuff-a-Bus campaign Tuesday, Dec. 2 at No Frills. Here Kendyl Stretch helps hold the door open.

With Thanks for Your Business Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

We know you have been good...

ESPECIALLY TO US!

T hank you for your loyal support.

403-783-1895

RANDTYOCHKATRMMOND LIVES

of those who have To all passed our way, go best wishes our very ight holiday! for a br

UCKING

403.783.6281

Hwy. 2A South • 403-783-4494 www.adamsgm.com

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS B11

Rhonda Lillemo helps out by donating food to Ponoka Secondary Campus Stuff-a-Bus campaign Tuesday, Dec. 2 at No Frills. Here Kendyl Stretch and Nikki Buss accept donations.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

continued from page 10.

“I feel good about it, we definitely helped a lot of people,” she added. “If I realized how big of an impact it had, I would have started earlier.

She feels there was good community support for the program but many people needed to be educated on its purpose.

Santa’s Anonymous chair Kassidy McCurdy, Grade 10, feels it’s hard to see the impact from the outside and, as it was her first year involved, she was not expecting the amount of impact the program has.

W

a ishing you healthy happy and y Season a d i l o H Now save 20-50 % on all winter fashions Gift Certificates and free gift wrapping available

“I think it more, when you get to deliver (the hampers), seeing these kids faces,” McCurdy explained.

She was also impressed with community reception and says the visual of the actual bus helped people realize how much is needed. “They were giving once you told them what you were there for.”

“We really do appreciate all the support we get,” she added.

Hampers are delivered Dec. 17 after school.

We’re Rounding Up Our Thanks You’re the best bunch of pardners we’ve ever had Your support and your friendship have made us most glad So we hope that your holiday brings you much cheer And enough good fortune to ride out the year!

We wish you the best of holidays and look forward to seeing you soon.

Jim & Faye Avery & family Shandall Plumbing Ltd. 403-783-6372 Kelly & Lana Avery & family

5101 - 51 Avenue

RAFTER A ENTERPRISES

403.704.1110

403-588-2997

Farrier Services

Celebrate the tradition of giving, the beauty of the season and a New Year of peace and happiness.

As is our tradition, in lieu of sending cards to our clients and as a thank you for your patronage, we have made a donation to the Ponoka Food Bank.

Battle River Insurance Ltd. | The Co-operators 5103 48 Ave, Bay #3 | Ponoka, AB | 403-783-3987

Seasons Greetings

B12 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

The Christmas trifecta

Ponoka News asked our elected officials three questions related to the Christmas Season a bag of poppycock from my aunt.”

That and the many homemade sweets and chocolates made during this time are what Calkins really enjoys.

“For MLA Rod Fox ham is his food of choice for the Christmas season.”

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY Not a lot of people realize it but Calkins’ birthday is also Christmas Day. When he was 20-years-old the whole family went on a Christmas vacation to Los Angeles and toured the many theme parks.

“It really was the holiday we had as a family.”

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY

WETASKIWIN MP BLAINE CALKINS

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FOOD “I always look forward to getting

Spending time with his family and attending a midnight service.

Calkins said his wife introduced him to Polish midnight services and he has always enjoyed them.

LACOMBE-PONOKA MLA ROD FOX

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FOOD For MLA Rod Fox ham is his food of choice for the Christmas season.

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY He enjoys being with family every year to cook the Christmas dinner for everyone.

Folks Like You...

Are one of a kind!

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY While cooking for the family brings good memories, his favourite activity is being with family.

With wishes warm and bright to all our friends and neighbours at this festive time of year.

& Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas & Many Thanks

FROM THE RESIDENTS & STAFF

403.783.3373

4004 – 40 Street Close

www.sunrisevillages.com

6220 - 48 Avenue, Ponoka, AB 403.783.3998 ponoka@integratire.com | www.integratire.com

It’s been a real treat serving you, and we hope your holiday is as special as you are!

Ponoka Fertilizer

6024 - 49 St. 403-783-4103 Service From the Word Grow

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS B13

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 5109 - 57 Ave. 403.783.5533

www.fbcponoka.org

Come Celebrate With Us!

Christmas Eve Service December 24, 6:30 pm

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH 5113, 52 Ave. 403.783.4048

December 24 Christmas Eve Mass 5:00 pm December 25 Christmas Day Mass 9:00 am January 1, 2015 New Year’s Day Mass 9:00 am Come Celebrate the Birth of Christ.

Everyone Welcome!

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 5120 - 49 Ave. 403-783-4329 www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com

Sunday, December 14 A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 10:00 am Sunday, December 21 Holy Eucharist 10:00 am A Blue Christmas Service 4:00 pm with the United Church Wednesday, December 24 Christingle Family Service 6:30 pm Service of Holy Eucharist 11:00 pm Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day Holy Eucharist Service – 10:00 am God’s Peace this Christmas and throughout 2015.

CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE 3704 42 St. 403-783-6500

Friday, December 19 Christmas Program at 7:00 pm “THE GIFT” that set a prisoner free!

Sunday, December 21 Regular Service 11:00 am

Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm May your Christmas & New Year be filled with God’s many blessings!

PARKLAND REFORM CHURCH South on Hwy 2A, West on Spruce Road. 403-783-1888

December 25 Christmas Service 10:00 am December 31 New Year’s Eve Service 7:30 pm January 1, 2015 New Year’s Day Service 10:00 am

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Readers Drama & Carols 7:00 pm Dec. 25 Christmas Day Program 10:30 am

PONOKA UNITED CHURCH

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Corner of Hwy 2A & Hwy 53 403.783.5659

5020 - 52 Avenue 403.783.4087

5501 - 54 Avenue 403.783.4141

Sunday, December 21 “Christmas for Everyone” 10:30 am Community Church & Christmas Party (sleigh rides, Xmas movie, visit from Santa)

Sunday, December 21 Blue Christmas Service 4:00 pm at St. Mary’s Anglican Church

Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service 6:00 pm

Wednesday, December 24 Candlelight Communion 7:00 pm

December 21 Sunday School Presentation 10:30 am December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm December 25 No Service December 28 Carols Service 10:30 am trinityponoka.ca

Wednesday, December 31 Family Skating Party at Arena (Free) 7:00-9:00 pm

Sunday, December 28 Carols and Cocoa 10:00 am

Seasons Greetings

B14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

The Christmas trifecta

Ponoka News asked our elected officials three questions related to the Christmas Season love the nap that it induces and I love to sit around the table with my family surrounding it.”

gether. Especially opening our gifts on Christmas Eve.”

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY

For her favorite memory Bratland recalls a collage of times spent with family and friends, remembering loved ones no longer around for the holidays and thinks about those moments that make all the time and preparation worthwhile.

“Sometimes we just hit it right and that is such a wonderful feeling!”

When he was a young boy, Santa brought him a special toy, the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.

Now McLaughlin likes seeing the happy faces of his own family on Christmas morning.

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY COUNTY REEVE PAUL MCLAUCHLIN

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FOOD “Turkey. I love the smell of it, I

McLauchlin likes to spend the holidays outdoors with his children, towing them behind the snowmobile in a calf sled. It is an activity they have shared since the children were babies and he says they are now as big as the calves it is meant for.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and our community and hope to see you again in the year to come.

We give you our best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season.

WOLF CREEK PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD CHAIR TRUDY BRATLAND

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FOOD “My favorite holiday food is the Norwegian baking that my grandmothers and mother prepared prior to Christmas.

Now my sister, her daughters and I have taken on those activities.

Most popular are rosettes, krumkake and lefsa. We are of Norwegian heritage and that has been woven into our lives so as a result, our children now appreciate those treats.

My husband’s family is also of Norwegian heritage so many of the foods and traditions are observed when we all get to-

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY “My favorite holiday activ-

“Turkey. I love the smell of it, I love the nap that it induces.” s.

Rejoice!

We have much to be grateful for, including your friendship and goodwill.

CRAWFORD AGENCIES www.legacyfordponoka.ca

ity is the combination of all of the activities and preparations that go into making Christmas the memorable time that it is.

Decorating the tree has been a favorite pastime for me as I have collected decorations over the years since my first Christmas with my husband when we used bows from our wedding presents.

Decorations made by little hands are also a treasure!

The advent season sermons at Church are a great reminder of what the Christmas season is all about and help to ground me when needed! Spending time with friends and family and singing Christmas carols round off my list.”

5023 51 Ave • 403-783-4033 crawfordagencies.ca

County Reeve Paul McLauchlin

Joy Love Peace

Hope

Blessings of the season and sincere thanks to our many kind neighbors this holiday season.

PONOKA CO-OP OILS

QUALITY PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 4700 HWY 2A 403-783-4288

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Piper Dean and her mother Renee Dean check out the goodies at the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce’s Children’s Shopping Party, held at St. Augustine School on Saturday Dec. 6.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Greetings of the

Season

Wishing you and your family every happiness this holiday season.

Best wishes for the New Year.

It’s been a pleasure serving you this year. Thanks!

Rod Fox, MLA R

Ponoka

6707 Hwy 53 403-783-3644

Lacombe - Ponoka L #101 4892 46 Street, # Lacombe, AB L

403-782-7725 4 lacombe.ponoka@assembly.ab.ca

PONOKA NEWS B15

B16 PONOKA NEWS

Christmas Joy MATT SEALY CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE

If there is a single word that describes what Christmas is all about, it’s the little word “joy.” Several of our favorite carols mention it: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come,” “O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.”

Where does Christmas joy come from?

The angels told the shepherds of “good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

What is this “good news of great joy?”

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

God loved us enough to send his only begotten Son. This is the heart of Christmas.

He came for you.

This is where Christmas becomes deeply personal. You can never be saved until you say, “Christ came for me. He died for me. He rose from the dead for me.”

Do you believe that? Two thousand years ago God sent a gift wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

Jesus is God’s Christmas gift to you. But you will never experience Christmas joy until you personally receive God’s gift—the Lord Jesus Christ. Joy to the world, the Lord came for you.

With Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year From All Of Us To All Of You We appreciate your support this past year and look forward to the opportunity to serve you again in 2015

The Willan Choral performed a number of holiday songs at the St. Augustine Catholic Church on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

For your continued support, we are forever grateful!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From Our House to Yours!

6502 46 Avenue • Ponoka • 403.783.3411

Tread Pro Tire Centre

And

Best Little Lingerie Shop in Central Alberta 5020 - 50 Street, Ponoka • 403.790.2878 Email: service@bustedlingerie.ca www.bustedlingerie.ca

We are sending you our Best Holiday Wishes! along with our thanks for your valued business 5503 54 Street • 403-783-6804

CHRISTMAS IS HERE! The perfect time for joy, love & togetherness and to say We are proud to serve you!

TOWN & COUNTRY SUPPLIES LTD. & RENTALS

6305 - 48 Ave. 403-783-5555

May you enjoy the Yuletide season We have truly valued your support this year 6701-44 Ave Ponoka, AB 403-783-6037 Toll Free 1-877-783-6020

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

PONOKA NEWS B17

Shoppers can find ideal gifts from home crafters

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE AND AMELIA NAISMITH

Making the rounds at many of the holiday markets this season are home crafters who have put their heart and soul into their product that will cheer the hearts of any gift recipient.

Three crafters took some time to speak to Ponoka News to share the love of what they do. First up is Tami Robinson who sells homemade skin care products.

She has been operating under the name Healing Colors Skincare for the past year after developing an interest in natural remedies. Robinson says recent illnesses forced day Mirjam Feitsma’s handmade holi crafts

her to consider other options for her health and since then she has developed recipes for skin care, aroma therapy, cold and flu care sprays and other products.

“I worked with a lady who developed the recipes . . . I bought the recipes and took them out to the public,” said Robinson.

Those recipes have developed over time and Robinson is pleased with the products she offers. Rather than rely on suppliers for the base product, Robinson has developed her own.

“I like it better because I control everything that’s in the product,” she explained.

Being able to tell customers exactly what’s in her products is a big source of pride for Robinson, who knows every ingredient that goes into making her er creams and other products. cr “It’s great for everybody that’s looking for a healthier way to look after your in bbody,” she said.

Improving her products is something that occurs on a daily basis. Robinson th hhas since improved upon original recippes and she says she wants to further her uunderstanding of aromatherapy and to aalso gain a deeper knowledge of carrier ooils such as avocado oil and grape seed ooil.

She feels it is important for consumeers to understand the products they buy aand put on their skin.

“Your skin will absorb faster than what you’re putting in your stomach,”

mackenzie’s

she said.

For more information call Robinson at 403-741-7011.

HANDMADE JEWELRY WEARABLE FOR ANY OCCASION For the last two years, Nancy Jeffery has been travelling to Farmer’s Markets in central Alberta under the moniker of Ornamentation by Nancy.

Her journey as a jewelry maker started

with a piece of magnetic jewelry she had that kept falling off.

“Because it kept falling off I thought, ‘I could do better.’ And I could!” said Jeffery.

Starting with magnetic jewelry, Jeffery began to develop a line of other products made with stainless steel or aluminum and Swarovski crystals and Czech glass.

“It’s not heavy, so it’s actually something you can put on at the start of the day,” explained Jeffery. continued on page 18.

Flannel Grannies sell colourful, home-knitted flannel items. Here Lila Reynolds shows off some of her work.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

May the holiday season fill you with happiness.

Thank you for making 2014 a great year for us!

Seasons Greetings

B18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Handmade jewelry items are also a popular item for holiday gifts.

Here Nancy Jeffery shows off one of her beautiful necklaces.

Tami Robinson sells an entire line of creams, sprays and aromatherapy natural products that she makes with her own recipes.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

continued from page 17.

She wants her customers to be able to wear her jewelry all day long without feeling discomfort.

Reactions have been positive for what she calls her “unique and wearable” jewelry.

Jeffery offers bracelets, necklaces, anklets and other decorations for the home. “I’m just trying to put together what people want.”

To do that Jeffery pays attention to trends and the colours that are in style. She says she’s a regular participant at the Ponoka Farmer’s Market and will have a table in the summer.

For more information check Ornamentation by Nancy on Facebook.

FROM PINTEREST TO PONOKA After stumbling across the idea for a homemade

Holiday Greetings Let us be your home away from home this holiday season. Stay with us and visit your family in comfort.

$79.99 Per night/ single occupancy

You don’t have to choose between comfort and joy this holiday season. We have roomy, cozy beds waiting for you, often just a few minutes drive away from your family’s home. Canalta Hotels is your holiday home away from home, and we wish you and your family the very best this holiday season.

Call 1-888-704-1122 to book your stay.

From Our Family To Yours

Please accept our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

We feel truly honored to serve this community and appreciate your trust in us.

frame on Pinterest, a woman and her family took their crafty abilities to the Ponoka market.

“It started with frames and turned into a whole lot more,” said Mirjan Feitsma. “I do it together with mom and sister,” she added.

At the market the woman were selling a plethora of homemade frames and knickknacks. “I like a variety . . . I like making old stuff look new again,” said Feitsma.

Since browsing Pinterest became a mainstream phenomenon, people have been using it to inspire themselves for any holiday. “It gives you almost too many ideas, that’s why we had to start selling some,” said Feitsma.

Feitsma is most inspired by the Christmas season and hopes to bring her talent back to the market next year, as this was her first time involved.

A Note Of Thanks

At The Holiday Season

In times like these, we are especially grateful for the loyalty and support of people like you, and would like to express our best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to each of you.

Ponoka Funeral Home ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~

5115 - 50 Ave. Take advantage of this offer when you book your stay from December 24 st to December 31st, 2014.

403-783-3122

ALLEN B. OLSON AUCTION SERVICE LTD. RIMBEY, ALBERTA

403-843-2747

www.allenolsonauction.com

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Traditions of Three Kings Day Very little is known about the kings, or magi. These kings, who are only mentioned once in the Gospel of Matthew, are never named. The story says they hail from the “east” and are guided to the manger by a mysterious light in the sky. They begin a journey to bring gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn king. Unbeknownst to many, the popular song “The 12 Days of Christmas” actually marks the 12 days following Christmas, ending on the Feast of the Epiphany, and not the 12 days preceding Christmas Day. Many traditions are associated with the Epiphany.

Celebrants in Mexico serve Rosca de Reyes, an oval-shaped cake that symbolizes a crown.

The cake has a small doll inside that represents baby Jesus and the hiding of Jesus from King Herod’s troops.

Herod ordered his soldiers to seek out and murder all male infants born in Bethlehem in retaliation of the prophecy that a messiah would come and become the new King of Jerusalem.

Roscas can be made with dried and candied fruits to symbolize the jewels that adorn real crowns.

Whoever receives the plastic doll in his or her slice of cake is expected to throw a party on Diá de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day), which occurs each year on February 2.

Unlike in the United States, where gifts are typically exchanged on Christmas Day, much of the Latin community exchange gifts on the eve of January 6. Puerto Rican children have been known to gather grass or straw in shoeboxes for the kings’ horses or camels. Some families display carvings and artwork of the three magi atop camels.

Many celebrants participate in Three Kings Day parades and festivals. Family gatherings and parties that would rival other special holidays are common as well. A special meal consisting of corn tamales and hot chocolate may be served, while others may enjoy black beans, picadillo and yucca.

Christmas celebrants realize that the holiday season does not end on December 26 or even January 2. For many people, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are merely a prelude to the real celebration to come on Three Kings Day. Three Kings Day, or Día de los Très Reyes, is celebrated on January 6 to honor the wise men who visited and brought gifts to Jesus Christ. Also known as the Epiphany, the holiday marks the end of the Christmas season for many practicing Christians.

We thank our customers for a fantastic year and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Noreen, Diane, Sherry Kristy & Nola

UPSTAIRS • 5014 - 51 AVE

403-783.2926

A Very Merry Christmas to You! We thank you for your patronage and wish you and your loved ones the very best the season has to offer.

Rose, Stan & Gina

5033 - 49 Ave. 403.783.6210

W

a e wish you

Merry as Christm

PONOKA NEWS B19

WHO WERE THE KINGS? While the Bible does not indicate how many kings visited Jesus on the Epiphany, based on the number of gifts offered, historians believe there were three. Historians and theologians believe these kings were Babylonians, Persians or Jews from Yemen.

In the Western Christian church, the kings go by the names of Melchior (a Persian scholar), Caspar (an Indian scholar) and Balthazar (an Arabian scholar).

The kings also were said to have distinct physical characteristics. Caspar, who brought the gift of gold, was the oldest and sported a long, white beard.

Middle-aged Melchior brought the gift of frankincense, while Balthazar, who brought myrrh, is believed to have been a darkskinned young man around the age of 20.

Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright Greetings from: PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT 5520 Hwy 2A • 403.783.6875

With warm wishes to our many supporters this holiday season.

DUNC’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICES LTD. 403-783-3135 Ponoka

PONOKA CAPITOL THEATRE 4904 50 Street • 403.783.3639

For your patronage, we are sincerely grateful.

B20 PONOKA NEWS

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS B21

B22 PONOKA NEWS

Humble Hope JEREL PETERS AREA DIRECTOR CENTRAL ALBERTA YOUTH UNLIMITED

I had a unique experience preparing for Christmas this year in one of the programs Youth Unlimited offers teens in Ponoka.

We examined a “picture of Jesus” that was originally painted in the 1600s by artist Francisco de Zurbaran, titled Agnus Dei. The words Agnus Dei mean, “Lamb of God,” and the image is quite literally a lamb that is bound for slaughter. You can see the image yourself here: http://www.guardian. co.uk/artanddesign/picture/2012/ apr/02/francisco-de-zurbaran-agnusdei What struck us was the humility and seeming helplessness of the lamb and the representation that it is of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:7 (NLT) says,

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

“He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.”

Christmas reminds us of the birth of Jesus Christ. The God of the Universe almost appears weak … born into our world as a helpless baby and later willingly allowing himself to be killed as payment for crimes he never committed.

As I looked at the image of a lamb tied up, soon to be slaughtered, I realized it was not weakness that took Christ to the cross on my behalf and yours … it was humility, love, hope, peace, joy, mercy, and grace.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

We want to wish all our customers a heartfelt Merry Christmas and a very Blessed New Year!

With Our Thanks We appreciate your business all year long. Happy Holiday!

5012 - 50 Ave. Ponoka, AB, T4J 1R5

403-783-3976

We are grateful for your patronage and loyalty over the last year and are always striving for better ways to serve you. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior we hope your homes will be filled with Peace and Love this Christmas season and throughout 2015.

Jim, Norlyn, Vern, Daneel, Todd, Josh, Larry, Alix and Elsbeth

BOB“Better RONNIE C ATERING Than Good” 403-783-6860 Bay 5, 4110 64 St. www.bobronniecatering.com

5027 - 51 Ave • 403-783-4000

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

PONOKA NEWS B23

Santa: The man behind the beard Every Christmas Eve, children go to bed eagerly anticipating a visit from Santa Claus.

This merry gentleman is purported to visit the home of every good girl and boy, delivering gifts and cheer along the way.

Before the modern evolution of Santa Claus lived a very real

and generous individual named Nicholas. In the third century, Nicholas served as the Bishop of Myrna in present-day Turkey.

He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, believing that giving should be done secretly and sacrificially in Jesus Christ’s name rather than one’s own.

Stories tell of Nicholas paying the dowry for poor daughters to enable them to get married.

He reportedly put coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him. It is believed Nicholas helped to restore the hope of hundreds of people in his community, making him a beloved

and revered Bishop. Throughout his ministry, Nicholas fervently shared his life and fortune with others.

Nicholas continued to be revered and commemorated by many Christians even after his death. His charity and unselfish works helped inspire generations of the faithful, and he eventually was named the patron saint of everyone from merchants to sailors to pawnbrokers.

No one really knows what St. Nicholas looked like. But in 2005, a forensic laboratory in England reviewed historical data and photographs of the remains taken from St. Nicholas’ grave in the 1950s.

Researchers concluded that he was a small man, perhaps no more than five feet in height, with a broken nose.

This image certainly does not fit with the robust frame and other imagery awarded St. Nicholas in more modern years. St. Nicholas is believed to be the inspiration for Santa Claus, which was a name taken from the Dutch Sinterklaas, a contracted

form of Sint Nicolass, or St. Nicholas.

Tales of the real St. Nicholas’ giving spirit were blended with a fictional personification by New York-based newspaper writers who blended the St. Nicholas name with the appearance of a Dutch town citizen. The goal was to reach out to the primarily Dutch immigrants living in New York at the time. This jolly elf image was given a boost by the publication of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which was published around the same time.

Eventually, the merry Santa Claus portrayal began to outshine the more accurate St. Nicholas version as a religious man, fostered by political drawings and caricatures that depicted Santa as a chubby sort in a red suit. That image prevails to this day.

Beneath the Christmas symbolism, the beard and the presents associated with Santa Claus lies a tale of generosity that originated with St. Nicholas.

With You In Mind at Christmastime With our gratitude to you for your goodwill towards us this past year.

Have a happy holiday!

Have a Very

Merry Christmas!

As Visions of Sugarplums Dance in\ Our Heads— We’d like to acknowledge all the folks who have helped to make this past year a sweet one for us.

Wishing you and loved ones much peace, harmony, joy and contentment this holiday season.

Thank you for your friendship and support.

Miles A. M. Cymbaluk, Q.C. Richard S. Gregory

Happy Holidays and heartfelt thanks!

William J. Kidd, Q.C.

Custom Catering Baked Goods & Deli 5026 51 Ave 403-783-2285 theraspberrypatch@platinum.ca www.theraspberrypatch.ab.ca

Joshua Mohr Tel: 403-783-6140 Fax: 403-704-1708 www.morskatemanufacturing.com

LAW GROUP

Richard D. Wyrozub Ponoka - Rimbey - Wetaskiwin - Camrose

www.sirrsllp.com

Seasons Greetings

B24 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

CP Holiday Train arrives: Tim and Oakley Townend watch on as the CP Holiday Train arrives Monday, Dec. 8.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Community donates more than 1,000 pounds to Ponoka Food Bank

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

For yet another year, CP Rail’s Holiday Train and the holiday spirit it brought to town have generously benefited Ponoka Food Bank Association.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train presented food bank executive director Dean Hill with a cheque for $4,000 in between musical perfor-

Merry Christmas!

To all of those who have passed by this way, Go our very best wishes for a bright holiday – For your support and goodwill too, We’re very grateful to each one of you!

Central Office Supplies Ltd. 5026 Chipman Ave 403-783-2299 www.centralofficesupplies.com

mances and 1,059 pounds of food were collected on the occasion of the train’s Christmas season visit.

“That will certainly stock up our shelves. We won’t be short of food for those who are in need,” said Hill.

With the money donated from CP Rail, the Food Bank Association is taking on a new task. “We’re taking on a challenge with them, it’s healthy initiatives.

And we do that anyway, it’s all healthy food,” said Dean.

During the holiday season, there is less pressure on the food bank resources

because the enthusiasm to give back is so high. Hill says the large amounts of food donated these days will be able to carry the food bank through the early months of 2015 after the holiday spirit vanishes.

The Lions Club was also in attendance, collecting donations from the public. The amount was not available by press time.

“How blessed we are in this community that people are as giving as they are,” said Hill.

“Ponoka and area for years have been strong supporters of the food bank. We’ve

just got a real supportive community,” he added.

Each month, the food bank supplies 30 to 40 food hampers to the community.

“But there’s many more people who come in . . . there’s a free area out front.”

Along with the community and CP Rail, Hill was thankful to the other people and organizations who supported the event, including but not limited to the Town of Ponoka, the Ponoka Fire Department, Bob and Company Catering, as well as Santa Claus.

Merry Christmas...

Bring in this ad and save

20%20% on all windshield OFF on all installations! windshield installations!

& HAPPY NEW YEAR! BOVINE VETERINARY SERVICES 403.391.1684 | 24 Hour Emergency Call

We can also help with your: ȧ Full-framed window ȧ Commercial and replacements residential sealed unit replacements ȧ Shower doors

Ponoka branch | 5008-46 Avenue | 403.783.5616 *Valid only at Crystal Glass Ponoka branch. No cash value.

Not valid with any other promotion or discount. Expires 12/21/14

MARISSA STOLSON Mortgage Professional, AMP Office: 403-783-3476 Toll Free: 866-780-3476 Cell: 403-704-3349 marissa.stolson@cmlmortgages.com

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS 25

Dean Hill, executive director of the Ponoka Food Bank Association, along with Ponoka mayor Rick Bonnett are presented with a cheque for $4,000 during the CP Rail Holiday Train’s visit to town.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

We would like to thank you for your patronage and look forward to 2015.

403-783-2199 #1, 6602 41 Ave (South Industrial Park) Ponoka, AB

6108 61 st Street Ponoka, AB T4J 1T8 doorsondemand@hotmail.com www.doorsondemand.ca

Seasons Greetings

B26 PONOKA NEWS

May you rejoice in the blessing of His love this Christmas season

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

CP Holiday Train arrives: Families cuddle together in the cold weather to watch entertainment from the CP Rail Holiday Train Monday, Dec. 8. Entertainers brought music and jokes to the event.

Here is a view from the train looking out on the large crowd of fans.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

STAR Catholic Schools 4906 - 50 Ave., Leduc, Alberta T9E 6W9 Toll Free: 1.800.583.0688 Phone: 780.986.2500 www.starcatholic.ab.ca

Thirsk Automotive Distributors Ltd.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

From Don, Lynn & staff

6603 - 44 Ave. Ponoka

5101-51 Ave. Ponoka, AB 403-704-1600

403-783-2921

www.facebook.com/PPQSPONOKA

Follow us on Facebook at: We will be closed Dec. 24, 2014 to Jan. 6, 2015

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS B27

Holiday living made easy Tips on a wide range of holiday chores With so much on our plates between Thanks- moist paper towel and either microwave it on high giving and New Year’s Day, the holiday season can for 20-second intervals or place it in a 300 F oven be hectic. Fortunately, there are many ways to save for five minutes. This will soften the sugar, making time and make the holiday season more manage- it easier to use the sugar to prepare your favorite able. holiday cookie recipes. · If you don’t have plastic clips to hang lights · Save plastic bread ties, which can be used to around windows and to the eaves of your home, make tags for the wires on certain devices. Such inexpensive clothespins will work just as well. If ties also can be used to organize decorating compoyou’re concerned about the color of the wooden nents and to keep your place on a roll of tape. clips, paint them holiday hues before stringing the · Measure the inside of your picture window lights. and construct a wooden frame to its dimensions. · Put a bath mat, rug-side down and rubber-side Staple holiday lights to the frame and then easily up, beneath your Christmas tree stand. This allows slip the frame in and out of place each year. you to spin the tree as you hang lights and orna· Hang a live wreath or some boughs of everments without damaging the floor underneath. It green in your home to give it that fresh pine scent if also makes it simple to undress the tree once the you have an artificial tree. season is over. Use a tree skirt to hide the mat. · Color-code storage containers so you can easi· Squeeze artificial tree portions into concrete ly find holiday decorations in the attic or basement. form tubes. First wrap the tree portions in twine · Pack for a holiday excursion using a coland then slip them into the concrete sleeves. Each lapsible clothing storage hanger for closets. Fold tube can be stowed in attic or garage rafters, freeing clothes on each fabric shelf and then collapse it up precious space. into your suitcase. When you get to your destina· Use empty squirt bottles to make baking and tion, unfold and hang it in a closet so all of your cooking easier. Pancake and cookie batters can be clothes will be at the ready. squirted from the containers for less mess.

Make the holidays even more enjoyable with a · Store one or two strings of lights in a plastic variety of timesavers and clever tips. shopping bag to keep the strands from getting tangled. Hang the bags from a hook in a garage or stack them in a storage bin. · Use plastic zip ties to attach garland and lights to bannisters.

They’re easy to assemble and will not damage the bannisters. · A paper towel holder can be screwed to the wall in a craft room to neatly hold spools of ribbon. Simply pull the length you need from the spool and cut for easy decorating. · Mount a tree stand to a piece of wood with screws or glue. This prevents spills from reaching the floor while stabilizing the tree. · Old maps make There’s just no place we’d rather be, interesting gift wrap At Christmas than with all of thee; and are a nice change For your smiles and winning attitude of pace from commerFill us with much gratitude; cially produced paper May many blessings come your way or newsprint.

As we celebrate the holiday, · Wrap duct tape or And to all our friends both far and near, another type of sticky We hope to see you all next year! tape around your hand.

Pat over fallen pine needles that accumulate around the tree. In hardto-reach areas, wrap the tape around a broom or a floor sweeper.

Dec 24 9 am - 2 pm · When traveling for the holidays, use a Dec 25 & 26 Closed brightly colored suitDec. 31 9 am - Noon case or flashy tape to Jan. 1, 2015 Closed “Promoting Your Health”™ make your suitcase stand out from others at 403-783-7333 • After Hours: 403-783-0093 the airport. · Place hardened #20, 5011 48 Ave brown sugar in a baking dish, cover it with a

A few simple strategies can help you save time and reduce stress this holiday season.

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays!

Holiday Hours:

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR From the Staff and Board of Directors of

Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society

Seasons Greetings

B28 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

How to handle holiday homesickness The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, but not everyone can make it home to see their loved ones on the holidays.

Commitments to work or school prevent some people from heading home for the holidays, and such situations often inspire feelings of homesickness.

Holiday homesickness may not fully hit some people until the day of the holiday, when people separated from their families miss both the company of their relatives and the holiday traditions they have enjoyed since childhood. But there are several ways to conquer holiday homesickness so you can still enjoy this festive time of year. · Make technology work for you.

Though you might not be able to sit at the holiday dinner table with your family this holiday season, that does not mean you still can’t lay your eyes on your those closest to you. Arrange to video chat with family members sometime during the holiday. If

“Ask your family members to open their gifts during a video chatting session so you can see the reactions on their faces.” you’re shipping gifts home, ask your family members to open their gifts during your video chatting session so you can see the reactions on their faces when they open their presents.

This can allow you to enjoy the thrill of seeing a loved one open the perfect present, even if you happen to be thousands of miles away as he or she tears off the wrapping paper. · Volunteer in your community.

Another way to combat holiday homesickness is to volunteer in your community. Knowing you’re doing your part to make someone else’s holiday special can make it easier for you to be away from family on the holiday.

Committed To Your Comfort With tidings of comfort and joy to our neighbours, customers, and friends.

We offer our warm wishes for the best holiday season!

Thank you for choosing us!

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL

Whether you feed the homeless at a local shelter, distribute toys at a nearby children’s hospital or visit an assisted living facility and spend time with an equally homesick elderly person, putting a smile on someone else’s face is sure to put a smile on your own face as well. · Stay true to traditions. If your family adheres to certain traditions every holiday, then do your best to maintain those traditions. Watch that holiday movie

your family always watches or cook that special dish you only enjoy during the holiday season and invite your friends who also won’t be leaving town to join in the fun. · Participate in community events. Loneliness on the holiday can contribute to feelings of homesickness, so make an effort to celebrate the holiday with your community.

Many communities host special holiday events, be it tree

lighting ceremonies, parades or local theater performances of classics such as Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.

Participate in these events, which can lift your holiday spirit and ensure you aren’t spending the holiday alone at home.

Holiday homesickness can be a tough pill to swallow, but there are many ways for men and women to enjoy the holidays even if they won’t be able to see their families.

Peace, Joy, Harmony

T hanks!

HOLIDAY HOURS December 21 12 pm - 5 pm December 22 9 am - 9 pm December 23 9 am - 9 pm December 24 8 am - 6 pm December 25 CLOSED December 26 12 pm - 5 pm December 31 9 am - 6 pm January 1, 2015 12 pm - 5 pm

• Heating • Ventilation • Air Conditioning Systems • Custom Metal Fabrication PREMIER DEALER

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Phone 403.782.7722 4816 - 45A Street • Lacombe, AB

4502 - 50 ST. PONOKA

& Happy New Year

403-783-5568

McDonald’s Restaurant 4419 - Hwy 2A • 403-783-8927

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

PONOKA NEWS B29

Jesus was God in flesh ROB MC ARTHUR WORD OF LIFE CHURCH

Blue Christmas provides fellowship to mourners

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

For most people Christmas is a time to be with family and friends but there are some who dread this time of year.

To help people deal with personal strife a Blue Christmas has been organized by St. Mary’s Anglican Church and the United Church. Pastor of the United Church, Beatrix Schirner, says this time of year is not always a happy one.

“There’s all kinds of reasons to be sad at this time of year,” said Schirner.

She says a person may have to deal with the loss of a family member, or an illness or even

the loss of a job and being part of the holiday festivities is difficult. To give those a chance to remember and mourn a Blue Christmas will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.

The service is usually 30 minutes and it gives folks a chance to slow down and think.

“It’s really just lessons, a couple of hymns.

The important part of it is just lighting the candles,” she said.

“I think there’s a lot more people who could use it and don’t but it’s definitely ecumenical; anyone of any faith can come,” Schriner added.

Reverend Donna Willer, of St. Mary’s will host the service with Schirner.

A Wish For You

at the

Holidays

Greetings of the

Season

It’s been a pleasure serving you this year. Thanks!

Ponoka

6707 Hwy 53 403-783-3644

In this season of hopes and dreams, it is our hope that all your dreams come true this year.

For helping us to realize ours, we offer you our heartfelt gratitude.

PONOKA CABINET MAKERS 403-783-4319 6602 - 42 Ave.

There’s a scene from the movie “Talladega Nights: The ballad of Ricky Bobby” that makes me laugh.

Will Farrell’s character Ricky Bobby has his family gathered for dinner and begins grace by thanking “Dear Lord Baby Jesus”.

During his prayer he is interrupted by his wife who insists that he doesn’t need to go on addressing Jesus as a baby because Jesus did grow up.

A comical argument ensues as Ricky explains how he likes the “Christmas Jesus” best.

Who doesn’t like Christmas Jesus? It is really easy to allow Baby

Jesus to become your Christmas picture of who Christ is.

Christmas carols and nativity scenes paint the picture vividly: Jesus is a baby!

But the Bible tells us that he is so much more. In Colossians, it tells us “Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God”. If you want to know what God looks like, look to Jesus.

It goes on to explain that Christ is the prevalent Lord & Master of our universe. Jesus wasn’t just a baby, he was almighty God in the flesh.

This Christmas, remember that Jesus wasn’t just a baby in a manger, but he was and is a conquering hero who is more than able to meet your greatest need

Lov J Joy, Jo Joy oy o y, y , Peace P ce ce

Laughter L ughter ug gghter ht hhter hte tte ter eerr Here’s hoping the holiday season contains it all!

With gratitude from all of us.

Ponoka Dental Centre 403-783-5844

Seasons Greetings

B30 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Then all the reindeer loved him!

The Ponoka Kinsmen hosted their annual Carol Festival at the United Church Monday, Dec. 8 with a young Brynn Cline, who got all dressed up to sing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer with Kinsmen and family.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Merry Christmas!

With a string of glad tidings to our customers, neighbors, and friends at this joyous time of year.

It’s been a privilege and a pleasure serving you and we look forward to your continued support!

Happy Holidays!

HOW SWEET IT IS...

To serve people like you!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a jolly good time whatever you do.

It’s been our pleasure serving you.

Cindy’s

Management and Staff

403-783-3900

403-783-2596

Bay 6, 4502 50 Street

6706 - 44 Ave.

Ponoka Industrial Park

Restaurant & Lounge g

5122-50 St • 403-783-5566

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

The Wisemen The rich caravan from the East slowed on the hillside before Jerusalem. The wise men carried treasure boxes of precious gifts wrapped with strong cords the color of sunrise.

They marveled at the golden sight of the Glorious Temple rising about the walls of the city. Surely this must be the Temple of a great King.

They would pay their respects and press on until the miraculous STAR they were following finally stopped.

They rejoiced and sang Psalms of ascent, “Our feet are standing within your gates O Jerusalem,” sensing that their journey to find the King of the Jews was almost completed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How do you know it was His star?

Did you have ancient prophets’ scrolls to study?

Were you perhaps Jews, descendants of Queen Esther’s people, those who sat weeping and hung their harps in the willow trees?

Did they stay behind when Ezra and Nehemiah led the return to Jerusalem?

After the first Purim celebration was business very good in Babylon?

Did you debate what Isaiah meant when he wrote that A Virgin shall bear a Son,

PONOKA NEWS B31

“Suddenly out of the pit of night, radiance rose...”

and ponder how to find Bethlehem in Judea where Micah had spoken of the birthplace?

Did you nightly search the blacktented desert skies for The Star that would arise out of Jacob?

There was no more wondering.

Suddenly out of the pit of night, radiance rose, brilliance beyond measure. Without mistake, this was a supernatural star, indeed, The Daystar.

Friends called you foolish.

Hastily packing for an arduous journey. preparing gifts for an Infant King, a mission without precedent.

The Star moved, you followed with courage like Daniel.

Dry days, lavish nights under the Star-struck sky until Jerusalem appeared like a golden city descending out of heaven and The Star stood still over a stable.

Yes, Isaiah, Micah, your directions were accurate.

A Star did rise out of Jacob, from the house of David.

Wise men still kneel before the King of Kings.

nne of KLAGLAHACHIE FINE ARTS SOCIETY

GRATEFULLY THANKS Director: Kevin Ferguson Musical Director: Althea Lewis The actors and musicians who spent countless hours rehearsing The costumers, sets and props people, decorating crews, sound and light crews and the administration staff.

Citizens of the Town and County of Ponoka and surrounding communities for exceptional and ongoing support.

From all of us at First Choice Realty (Ponoka) Ltd. A special i l greeting i at Christmas Ch i time i to express to you our sincere appreciation for your confidence and loyalty.

We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

We are privileged to acknowledge the following businesses for their commitment and generosity. o osity.

Ponoka Professional Pharmacy – Jamil Rawji Lawrence Hrycan – Sun Life Financial CD Industrial Group Inc. Flowers For You Hamilton’s IGA

Ponoka Co-op Oils Quality Paint & Collison Repair 2009 Ltd. Sunny ’94 – Melodie Helm Susan Chantal Photography Strand Media Corporation Bob Ronnie Catering

Special Recognition goes to the Congregation n of the Ponoka United Church for once again sharing the Church S Sanctuary during the Festive Season.

Sandra

3, 5012 - 48 Avenue • 403.783.8881

Tyler

Broker

Associate

Corinne

Chanelle

Administration

Assistant

Seasons Greetings

B32 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

All wrapped up! Tips, tricks and neat ideas for your gift wrapping Shoebox Christmas boxes Make these eco-friendly but attractive Christmas boxes which can be used again and again, but which look just as good as a carefully wrapped Christmas gift!

Collect shoe boxes and other usefully sized containers during the year. Gather together your Christmas gift wrap supplies and some sumptious Christmas bows and ribbons. You can get away with using fairly inexpensive gift wrap for this, and might actually find you can cover the boxes with it more easily.

Separate the boxes out into bases and lids and cover each separately.

Test that they still fit together well. Now attach the bows to the lids, running ribbon around the lid underneath it - fasten under the rim.

Run lengths of ribbon in matching position on the bottom of the box, too.

If you store the boxes carefully

you will be able to use them again and again within your family, and will look forward to seeing them each year. You could also use them to keep Christmas decorations safe when you pack everything away at the end of the season.

Frugal gift wrapping Holiday shoppers spend billions of dollars each year on gifts for friends, family and coworkers. But holiday shoppers also spend substantial amounts of money dressing up those gifts with bows and wrapping paper. Shoppers may not want to spend much more on wrapping paper, bags and other ways to dress-up their gifts, and by employing a few tricks of the gift wrapping trade, they may not have to. The following are some frugal, yet flashy, ways to wrap presents this holiday season.

• Children’s artwork: Over the course of a school year parents can

accumulate dozens of original pieces of art from their children’s time in the classroom. Instead of relegating those pictures to a memory box or temporary glory on the refrigerator, turn them into unique gift wrap. Pair these pieces of art with colored ribbon, and everyone who gets a unique masterpiece will feel special.

• Newspaper: Recycle newsprint and comics into wrapping paper. Encourage everyone to wrap in newspaper for a cohesive look come Christmas morning.

• Cloth: Leftover cloth from Halloween or cloth purchased to create homemade curtains can be turned into giftwrap for awkward-shaped gifts. Use dec-

orative ribbon to seal the bundle shut.

• Brown paper: Brown paper tied with twine or ribbon is inexpensive and can easily be recycled after use. Use a marker to put the names of gift recipients on each package to save on gift tags as well.

• Glass jars: Use mason jars when wrapping smaller gifts, including gift cards, to give them an arts-and-crafts feel.

• Fabric gift bags: If you’re handy with a needle and thread, sew sacks out of leftover fabric to make gift bags of various sizes.

• Cookie tins: Find unique cookie tins from yard sales or leftover tins from holidays past

and use them as gift boxes.

• Recipes: If you will be giving a cookbook or food-themed gifts, print recipes that can be used as gift wrap and then later used to make certain dishes.

• Baby linens: From blankets to wash cloths, use baby linens to wrap infant-themed gifts for new parents.

• Baskets: Wicker baskets are available in various shapes and sizes. They can be used to make a gift collection and then reused over and over again.

There are many creative and inexpensive ways to wrap gifts this year instead of relying on preprinted and often expensive wrapping paper.

Merry Christmas

from all of us

ELECTRIC

May the coming year bring peace, joy and enlightenment to you and those you cherish.

For all the joy you’ve brought us, we will always be grateful.

403-783-2199

Staff, Members and Board of Directors

#1, 6602 41 Ave (South Industrial Park) Ponoka, AB

Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse

5216 - 50 Street | 403-783-5810

Greetings of the Season And many thanks for your generous support all year long.

River Crossing Tack Shop Dave Pohl | 403.704.7677

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

PONOKA NEWS B33

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”

“Remember, if Christmas isn’t found in your heart, you won’t find it under a tree.”

CHARLOTTE CARPENTER

HELEN KELLER

BING CROSBY

“The only blind person at Christmas time is he who has not Christmas in his heart.”

“Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white’.”

SHIRLEY TEMPLE

“I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.”

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

“CHRISTMAS IS THE SEASON WHEN YOU BUY THIS YEAR’S GIFTS WITH NEXT YEAR’S MONEY.” AUTHOR UNKNOWN

“Mankind is a great, an immense family... This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas.”

POPE JOHN XXIII

All we want for Christmas... is to wish you the very best!

Here’s hoping nothing’s missing from your holiday season. May it be filled with family, friends, great times and holiday cheer.

Thank you for your patronage.

Ponoka 403.783.2100 Lacombe 403.782.5519 www.strandme.ca

Our thanks and best wishes for a holiday season filled with lots of good times and good cheer!

Ponoka Reddi Mart 4508 - 39 Ave. • 403-783-6310

Friends like you make it all worthwhile – thanks!

403-783-5655

403-304-6909

5306 - 50 Street • Ponoka, AB www.ponokanewused.ca

Our Best Wishes for a Season filled with good times!

Merry Christmas and many thanks for your business this year.

Ed Fortney

SHERBA SKIDSTEER SERVICES LTD.

403-506-8530

587.729.0299

OWNER

Complete Mechanical

To our clients & friends our sincere thanks for your business.

• Residential • Commercial • Installation & Repair • Heating • Ventilation • AC • Custom Sheet Metal • Eavestroughing

Merry Christmas 3912 - 66 St Ponoka, AB www.wcmltd.ca

Ph: 403.783.3501 Fax: 403.783.3531 wcmltd@telus.net

Seasons Greetings

B34 PONOKA NEWS

FESTIVE CHRISTMAS BREAD The cherries and nuts in this recipe make this Festive Christmas Bread extra special for Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups flour 2/3 cups brown sugar ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder

2 eggs 1/3 cup butter ½ cup chopped nuts 1 jar (10 ounce size) maraschino cherries Directions: Lightly grease a 9-inch loaf pan and pre-heat the oven to 350F (180C, Gas Mark 4).

Drain the cherries, reserving 4 tablespoons of juice, and roughly chop.

In a large bowl combine the flour,

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

baking powder and salt and mix well.

In a separate bowl cream together the butter, sugar, eggs and the 4 tablespoons cherry juice. Mix well until fully combined. Add the butter and sugar mix to the flour mixture and mix well. Then gently fold in the chopped cherries and nuts.

Scoop the batter into the loaf pan, and spread evenly.

EASY CHRISTMAS SWIRL BROWNIES Brownies are good at any time of year, but these Easy Christmas Swirl Brownies are really special!

They take just a little extra time to create the “swirl” effect, but using a mix compensates for that.

I prefer Betty Crocker’s brownie mix, which you can buy in most major UK supermarkets (it comes in a red box).

EASY CHRISTMAS SWIRL BROWNIES GOOD!

Bake bread for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and baked through. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

similar.

- SO

Ingredients: 1 package brownie mix 1/ teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 cup cream 1 package of cream cheese 1/3 cup sugar 1 bag smartees, M&Ms or

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and cream cheese until fluffy. Add the egg, cream and vanilla extract. Mix well and set aside.

Prepare the brownie mix according to instructions. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and then pour 2/3 of the batter into the pan. Place ½ cup of the M&Ms over the brownie batter. Then spoon the cream cheese mixture over the M&Ms and batter. Finally, scoop the remaining brownie mixture over that. Using the tip of a knife swirl the mixture for a marbled effect.

Bake for approximately 45 minutes at 350F (180C, Gas Mark 4) until baked through but still moist (do not over bake). Cool before cutting into squares.

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL/RECREATIONAL

Season’s Greetings

• Restroom Trailers • VIP Solar Powered Units • Handicap Units

Our Service is Second to None!

Welcome The Season!

THERE’S NO TIME LIKE CHRISTMAS TO LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WE VALUE YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! From the Staff of

WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON With our thanks from the staff at

Portable bll Toilet il Rentals l

403-783-8322 sales@littlejons.ca

403-783-3456

6403 - 44 AVENUE, PONOKA

403-783-8274

5031 - 50 Ave

Email: owner@accuprinting.ca

Seasons Greetings

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

SPICED APPLE MUFFINS

CHRISTMAS MULLED WINE The perfect Christmas drink! One whiff of the smell of this heating up and you will know it is the holiday season.

Apples and spices will scent your kitchen as these delicious muffins cook.

Children will love this recipe, although you may prefer to leave the walnuts out for little ones.

Spiced apple muffins - we left the walnuts out for this batch because my daughter doesn’t like them!

Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 2/3 cup brown sugar 2 eggs (beaten) 2/3 cup milk 1/4 cup butter (melted) 1 cup peeled and grated/ shredded apple 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 350F (180C, Gas Mark 4), and lightly grease a muffin pan.

Mulled wine ready to serve at the Christmas party 2 bottles of red wine (you don’t have to buy expensive wine) 2 ounces of brandy 4 cinnamon sticks A handful of cloves A dash of nutmeg 2 lemons 2 oranges ¼ cup sugar Wash and cut the lemons and oranges into slices, leaving the peel on.

Place the wine in a large pan and slowly simmer. Do not bring to a boil.

Add the lemons, oranges, brandy, spices and sugar. Leave to simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Add cinnamon sticks and simmer for a few minutes more.

Serve warm in mugs or glasses.

Wishing you the peace of God’s love at Christmas and always.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix in the brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk and butter. Mix well. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir in (do not over mix). Fold in the apples and walnuts (if using).

Spoon the batter into the muffin pan.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden and baked through. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

PONOKA NEWS B35

Spirit The

is Building!

May your home be filled with laughter, From the floorboards to the rafters.

And may all your hopes and dreams come true That’s our holiday wish for you With best wishes and gratitude from all of us From left: Heather, Cory, Gera, Lynda, Danielle and Dianna

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to serving you in the New Year The business will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015.

#1, 5102 - 51 Avenue

403.783.8310

Christmas Hours:

December 24th Christmas Eve 8am – 3pm December 25th Christmas Day CLOSED December 26th Boxing Day CLOSED December 31st New Year’s Eve 8am – 4pm January 1st New Year’s Day CLOSED

Regular store hours:

Weekdays: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm • Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm • Closed Stat Holidays OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Sommer

Website: www.homehardware.ca/sommerhhbc Telephone: 403-783-4464 Twitter @sommerhh 6503-44 Avenue in the Ponoka South Industrial Park

B36 PONOKA NEWS

Seasons Greetings

Best wishes to all our friends and neighbours for a happy and healthy holiday season.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

In the spirit of the season may you find tranquility and contentment in your homes and hearts.

Murray & Staff

First Choice Auto & Truck Repair LTD Ponoka Towing

403-783-7591 Email: bharbin@telus.net

4215 - 67 ST. SHOP 403-783-8327 TOWING 403-783-0700

Please don’t drink and drive during this Holiday Season!

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS B37

The Doll and the Rose AUTHOR UNKNOWN

I was walking around in a store. I saw a cashier hand this little boy his money back saying “I’m sorry, but you don’t have enough money to buy this doll.”

Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: ‘’Granny, are you sure I don’t have enough money?’’

The old lady replied: ‘’You know that you don’t have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.’’

Then she asked him to stay there for 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.

The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.

Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to.

“It’s the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas. She was so sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.”

I replied to him that may be Santa Claus will bring it to her after all, and not to worry.

But he replied to me sadly.

“No, Santa Claus can’t bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.”

His eyes were so sad while saying this.

“My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.’’

My heart nearly stopped.

The little boy looked up at me and said: “I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet.

I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.”

Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me “I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won’t forget me.”

“I love my mommy and I wish she doesn’t have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister. “ Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.

I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy.

“What if we checked again, just in case you do have enough money?’’

“OK” he said “I hope that I have enough.”

I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.

The little boy said: “Thank you God for giving me enough money!”

Then he looked at me and added “I asked yesterday before I slept for God to make sure I have enough money to buy this doll so that mommy can give it to my sister.

He heard me!’’

“I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn’t dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.’’

“My mommy loves white roses.”

A few minutes later, the old lady came

again and I left with my basket.

I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn’t get the little boy out of my mind.

Then I remembered a local newspaper article 2 days ago, which mentioned of a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car, where there was one young lady and a little girl.

The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-assisting machine, because the young lady would not be able to recover from the coma.

Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the

newspaper that the young lady had passed away.

I couldn’t stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wishes before burial.

She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest.

I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that this little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Wishing you

Love, Peace & Happiness

Best Wishes for a happy and safe holiday season!

Our sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year. All the best in 2015 From All The Staff at Wy-Co

Mona, Randy, Bonnie & Annette

Wy-co Alcohol & Drug Testing

403.790.7442 5210-50 St, Ponoka AB

With i h all ll our b best wishes i h to everyone we know.

We value your patronage and look forward to seeing you in 2015!

Robert, Irene & Staff

R. JOHANSEN SALES LTD. 403-783-5185 Sales: 1-800-662-7135

that the true meaning of Christmas brings.

Vold, Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. Phone: 403-783-5561 Fax: 403-783-4120

4410 - Hwy 2A

Seasons Greetings

B38 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

O’ Christmas Trivia... O’ Christmas Trivia...

1. We all know that Rudolph has a red nose, but does Rudolph have antlers?

2. In the song “Jingle Bells” who was seated by my side?

3. Yogi Bear spends his first Christmas in what park?

4. This cartoonist of “Believe it or not” fame was born Christmas Day, 1893?

5. Round or oval candies filled with fruit preserves or cream and covered with chocolate are called?

6. This famous hotel magnate was born December 25, 1887?

7. The movie, “ Miracle on 34th Street,” is in what city?

8. In which Christmas song are the lyrics, “to see if reindeer really know how to fly?”

9. Peter, Paul and Mary had this No. 1 song during Christmas 1969?

10. In The Dick Van Dyke Show Christmas episode, what wood-

wind instrument did Laura play: Flute or piccolo?

11. Which country created eggnog?

12. In 1962, the U.S. Postal System first did what?

21. If you spent $86,609 in 2008, what would you be buying?

22. Who yelled “Stop!” to Frosty?

13. Who said, “God Bless Us, Every One!”?

23. The average number of lights on a Christmas tree is: 200 or 350?

14. This state has the “World’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree?” Maine or California?

24. How many Wise Men were there according to the bible?

15. Who is rumored to have stolen Christmas?

16. In Santa Claus the Movie, Joe drank what and burped? Coke or Sprite?

17. For the first time in 38 years, what two religious holidays coincided on December 25, 1978?

18. How many reindeer hooves are there (include Rudolph) ?

19. What were Frosty’s last words?

20. The most popular item to put on top of a Christmas tree is?

We would like to wish a safe and happy Holiday Season. All the best in the New Year!

Your continued patronage is appreciated.

in what underwater mountain range?

30. After Joseph, Mary and Jesus left Bethlehem, they went to what country?

31. “Advent” means?

32. Lucy charges how much for her psychiatric services in the animation, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”?

25. If you were born on Christmas Day, what’s your sign?

33. Frosty is a girl or boy?

26. Robert Scott set out the North Pole or the South Pole on Christmas Day, 1911?

34. How much did it cost to send a Christmas card within the same city early in the Victorian era?

27. What two words are normally pre-printed on gift tags?

28. There are 365 days in a year. What number is Christmas Day? 29. Christmas Ridge is located

35. Traditionally speaking, Frosty the Snowman has a hat; but, does he also wear a scarf?

36. McDonald’s puts what holiday image on bags during the Christmas season?

5016 51 Ave • 403-783-5521

38. December 24, 1814 ended what war?

39. On this day every year, the largest government mailing takes place?

40. In “Jingle Bell Rock” everyone is dancing and prancing.

Where do they do it?

41. Which reindeer’s name is also the name of a kitchen cleanser?

42. Santa Claus gets back up the chimney by doing what?

43. Alvin the Chipmunk wants what for Christmas?

44. In A Christmas Carol, all three spirits visited in one night or three nights?

ANSWERS ARE AT WWW.BROWNIELOCKS.COM/QUIZ.HTML

Season’s Greetings From Our Home To Yours This Christmas Season We Wish To Give A Special Thank You To Families And Friends Who Contribute So Much Throughout The Year.

Paterson & Company Law Office

37. The Littlest Angel has a problem wearing what correctly?

CE

NT

RE

Northcott Care Centre

4209 48 Ave. • 403-783-4764

We wish you a

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014

Seasons Greetings

PONOKA NEWS B39

Merry Christmas

to all and to all a

GOOD NIGHT! Warm wishes for a Merry Christmas along with heartfelt thanks for your friendship and goodwill.

OPEN DEC 24 UNTIL 12:00 NOON

WE WILL BE CLOSED DEC 25 & 26 OPEN DEC 31 UNTIL 12:00 NOON CLOSED JAN. 1, 2015 JAN. 2, 2015 REGULAR HOURS

WILL’S WELDING 6506-44 Avenue, Ponoka Industrial Park

403-783-3733

AGENT FOR: FLAMAN RENTALS

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow Let It Snow Snow Nothing can dampen our appreciation for customers like you!

Merry Christmas and many thanks.

Keith Stebner

Ponoka First Call Towing Ltd. 6701 - 46 Ave

403-783-3636

Signs of the season are everywhere -The snow on the ground; the chill in the air But our hearts are always warm, this is true, When we turn our thoughts to friends like you!

With gratitude and best wishes for a happy holiday season from all of us.

Rowland, Parker & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants 403-783-3315

5013 - 49 Ave. Ponoka

B40 PONOKA NEWS

Seasons Greetings

HERE ’S TO A CALM AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR !

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014