Ponoka News, February 04, 2015

WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

CONNECTING

THE

COMMUNITY

Vol. 67, No. 6 | WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2015 | 403-783-3311 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEWS.COM

Broncs’ girls benefit from SWOOSH Tournament Story on page 37

A look at early Rimbey history Story on page 5

Fun in the sun On a beautifully bright yet chilly day, Ponoka Quality Paint/McDonald’s atom team played a fun exhibition game against Wetaskiwin at Ponoka’s outdoor rink on Sunday, Feb. 1. Wetaskiwin won 7-4 but the real purpose of the game was to bring the kids into an informal backyard rink atmosphere.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

EXPERIENCE

THE NEW BUICK LEASE EVENT

FIRST TWO bi-weekly payments

ON US!

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

MONDAY TO SATURDAY

2015

2015

BUICK ENCORE stk#15619 $ bi-weekly

199

BUICK VERANO

$

139

stk#15281 bi-weekly

* Disclosure: Vehicles may not be exactly as illustrated. All payments include GST and are calculated with $0 down. OAC. Eg. 2015 Verano lease payment calculated at 0.5% over 48 months, selling price $24,300, residual $11,003.70 + GST, interest payable is $258.94. See dealer for details.

2 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Council approves airport business plan

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

There was little discussion by town council before approving a business plan for the Ponoka Industrial Airport at its regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 27.

The plan, compiled by MMM Group, outlines the future of the airport and includes recommendations that need to be implemented over the next 20 years and further into future. The 80-page report not only compares Ponoka’s with nearby airports, but also provides stages in the development of the airport.

• Phase 1- years one to five: the sale and lease of one lot per year and seeing operational expense growth to less than five per cent per year.

• Phase 2- years six to 10: the sale of two lots per year and controlling operational expenses to less than five per cent per year.

• Phase 3- years 11 to 20: the sale of two lots per year and continued control of operations expenses to less than five per cent annually.

The report also forecasts some enhancements that will see some large initial capital costs to the Town of Ponoka, but planners suggest revenue can be generated from the development of new lots for sale.

Phase 1 would see improvements in water and sewer at an estimated cost of $1.4 million, alongside an assumed cost of $60,000 per year to hire an airport manager.

Phase 2 would see revenue go up to $682,000 per year, up from $393,000 for Phase 1, if lots were sold and leased to pilots. If followed, the plan sees the third phase where the town will start to see revenue that will benefit the airport. MMM Group estimates revenue at $1.8 million for Phase 3 if lots are sold as per schedule.

Council also approved airport governance recommendations set by MMM Group and the establishment of a Ponoka Industrial Airport Development Board in 2015 with responsibilities to meet objectives in the airport business plan.

will be closed

FAMILY DAY

Monday, February 16th Early deadline of Thursday, Feb. 12th at 5:00 p.m. will apply for display and classified ads.

PET OF THE WEEK Sponsored by

Town councillors have approved a new airport plan that will see future growth of the Ponoka Industrial Airport. This is a feasibility plan for the airport.

Graphic map courtesy of the Town of Ponoka

Can poor oral health cause heart disease?

PORTABLE TOILET SERVICES

Poor oral health — not regularly brushing or flossing — is unlikely to be the primary cause of heart disease. But poor oral health combined with other risk factors may contribute to heart disease.

Bacteria on your teeth and gums could travel through your bloodstream and attach to fatty plaques in your arteries (atherosclerosis), making the plaques become more swollen (inflamed). If one of the plaques bursts and causes a blood clot to form, you can have a heart attack or stroke.

Commercial • Residential • Recreational

403-342-6198 403-783-8322

Regardless of whether you have heart disease, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums. Steps to good oral hygiene include:

sales@littlejons.ca sale sa le es@ @li litt ttle tt le ejo j ns s.c ca

SAM Is a Havanese & very huggable!

• Brushing your teeth at least twice daily • Flossing your teeth daily • Replacing your toothbrush at least every three months • Getting regular dental checkups, as recommended by your dentist

To adopt call Dr. Leslie Gill & Dr. Michelle Hrdlicka

403-783-5844

• Restroom Trailers • VIP Solar Powered Units • Handicap Units • Portable Toilets

Complete Dental & Hygiene Services

403-783-7447

Ponoka Animal Services (Old MacDonald Kennels) Check our website

www.oldmacdonaldkennels.ca

Exciting News to share?

Share the joy with family & friends in our announcements!

PONOKA NEWS 3

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Alleged kidnapping ringleader denied release

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Ponoka provincial court is working to keep the matters of the seven co-accused on a drug related kidnapping on Dec. 17, 2014 together as proceedings continue.

Christine Kirkeby, 29, of Red Deer; Shane Kerik, 42, of Lacombe County; Tyler Scot,t 21, of Red Deer; Lane Dickson , 19, of Red Deer; Ashley Shewchuk, 28, of Ponoka; Zackary Purdy, 24, of Innisfail; James MillerLaney, 28, of Ponoka are facing joints charges of break, enter and commit robbery using a firearm, assault with intent to steal while armed with an offensive weapon, use of a firearm during kidnapping, carry imitation of a weapon, utter threats to kill and unlawful confinement. continued on page 4 Ponoka RCMP responded to a call of hay bales that hit the Highway 53 overpass Thursday Jan. 29. There were no injuries in the incident.

Photo courtesy of Ponoka RCMP

Too high hay bales collide with Hwy 53 overpass

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

A Ponoka farmer had a hard time finding someone to bail him out of trouble after his unsecured hay bales collided with the Highway 53 overpass last week.

Police say the 27-year-old farmer from Ponoka was transporting hay bales on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. with his farm tractor and trailer on Highway 2.

An off-duty officer called Ponoka RCMP to report that the trailer was unsecured and stacked too high to be safe. Several bales hit the Highway 53 overpass and fell off. The man received tickets for having an unsecured load and for transporting a high load without a permit.

Pump house on fire Emergency crews were called to the scene of a pump house on fire north of Crestomere Saturday, Jan. 31.

Members of the Ponoka Fire Department were able to

put out the flames once they arrived. The next day, crews were called to the same location after calls that the pump house and a fifth wheel trailer was also on fire. The matter is under investigation.

Heavy snow a factor in many collisions Heavy snowfall Jan. 30 contributed to several minor collisions on Highway 2.

Police say wintry conditions resulted in many vehicles hitting the ditch along with some minor fender benders. It is believed most of the collisions resulted in minor injuries.

Ponoka RCMP and Integrated Traffic Unit took 88 calls for service last week.

If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-7834472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.

PHONE: 403-783-4911 FAX: 403-783-5222

Celebrating over 50 years of travel excellence! est. 1961

& CRUISE CENTRE

dirtvl@telusplanet.net www.direct-travel.ca

ENEED UROPE 2009 - GREAT BUYS A BREAK FROM WINTER? Save up p to 50% on yyour vacation One O nee w week eek aallll – iinclusive ncluussive LOS CABOS, MEXICO

GRAND BAHAMAS

4* Royal Solaris 4 ½* Memories Mar.EUROPEAN 7, 14 Mar.2009 5, 12, 19 $995pp dbl & $385 tax $995pp dbl & $385 tax

MOTORCOACH TOURS

LIBERIA, COSTA RICA

PUNTA CANA DOMINICAN REP.

4 ½* Memories Mar. 2, 9 $1095pp dbl & $430 tax

CAYO COCO, CUBA

RIVIERA MAYA

RIVER4* CRUISES 3 MAGICAL ½ * Barcelo Tryp 4* Wyndham Feb. ON 23, Mar. 6, 8, 11 Mar. 4, 11, 18 Feb. 23, Mar. 5, 8, 17 EUROPE’S WATERWAYS $1245pp dbl & $385 tax $895pp dbl & $321 tax $1095pp dbl & $385 tax

Theresa

R Ramona

Diane

LOCATED IN THE LOW PROFESSIONAL BUILDING

Kahla

Amber

• Danny Jones • YO U M AY Q UA L I F Y F O R DENTURES THROUGH THE SENIOR BENEFITS PROGRAM. C A L L T O DAY F O R I N F O R M AT I O N

PONOKA D E N T U R E

C L I N I C

“ Quality and comfort is our No.1 priority - so go ahead and smile!”

5101 - 49th Ave • 403-783-3771

CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK PONOKA FOODGRAINS PROJECT 2014

We extend our gratitude to all the farmers and supporters who donated time, equipment, services and cash for our 2014 crop.

We thank the following businesses: • AFSC • Agrium • Agro Ponoka (John Deere) • Bob Ronnie Catering • CFCW • CJUV Sunny 94.1 FM • CKGY – FM • Code Custom Farming • Crop Production Services Ponoka • Dow Chemicals

• Farm Credit Canada • Farmers Edge (Jay Bruggencate) • Little Jon’s Portable Toilet Rentals • Pioneer Hi Bred Seeds • Ponoka Fertilizer • Ponoka News • Red Deer Advocate • Simco Seeds • The Co-operators Insurance

Your contributions enabled us to raise $41,000 from our wheat crop and cash donations for world hunger. Thank you to farmers and donors who contributed to this year’s success.

A GREAT COMMUNITY EFFORT!

4 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

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 Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon Worship Service 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. 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

From Holocaust to hope Jerry Preheim CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE

As is the case with me, I usually write this piece using a headline which has recently been in the major news media.

Today’s headline marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the “Auschwitz Death Camp”. On the morning of Jan. 27, 1945, Russian army forces stormed the huge camp and took it from the Nazis, freeing about 1,000 prisoners from the terrible jaws of death. Although we are thankful that so many were rescued, this figure pales in comparison with the reported one million souls who actually perished.

For comparison sake - imagine the entire population of either Calgary or Edmonton, including your friends and family just disappearing - and finding out later what had actually happened.

This week many thousands, from around the world, gathered on the grounds of this terrible landmark to recall this wonderful day of liberation. With the passing of time, only a few hundred of the actual survivors were able to return. All are now elderly, with most now in their 90s. All were there to weep and mourn - to remember, and to tell their stories! A good slogan we use on Remembrance Day fits here - LEST WE FORGET !

Growing up in the 1950s, I remember hearing and seeing on the TV news, many of these very awful stories. The eyewitness accounts were absolutely astounding. Then how horrified we all were to learn in school about the “holocaust” and the SIX MILLION who were destroyed in the Nazi gas chambers. Not forgetting, as well, the many thousands who were massacred by other means, under Hitler’s “Final Solution”.

They are many famous names associated with these events. Among them are Anne Frank and Corrie Ten Boom, who were survivors of these atrocities. And Oskar Schindler (from the movie “Schindler’s List”) who was a hero saving many hundreds from this despicable fate.

All of these biographies are favorites, but the one I like best is a story called “The Hiding Place”. This story, and movie of the same name, takes place in Holland and con-

cerns a Dutch family, the Ten Booms, who risk everything to save mostly Jews from capture and a horrible death. It’s Corrie Ten Boom’s story of survival and rescue from a “death camp”, in which her father and sister perished, and of emotional and physical healing. It is a powerful story about reconciliation and forgiveness. It speaks of God’s power to change hearts, lives and bring people in need of forgiveness back to Himself.

In this “sin sick” world (especially during the darkest of times), we must remember, that above all things there is always hope, healing, and wonderful forgiveness available to all who need it.

A good portion of scripture which exactly fits the theme is found in Lamentations Chapter Three and was written during one of Israel’s darkest hours. The word “lamentation” means to weep and mourn greatly : You [God] have moved my soul far from peace; I have forgotten prosperity.

And I said, “My strength and my hope have perished from the LORD.” Remember my affliction and roaming, the wormwood and the gall.

My soul still remembers and sinks within me.

This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not!

They [His mercies] are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:17-26 Thank-you, kind reader, for this visit. This is all I have for now.

I’ll be back again for another visit.

PS: The movie “The Hiding Place” has been recently re-mastered for our modern technology and is now available for all viewers.

ponokaunited@shaw.ca

Sunday Service 10:00 am.

5020-52 Ave. Ponoka

Phone: 403-783-4087

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

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

403-783-6012 • www.sonriseponoka.com

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

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

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Rev. Donna Willer Rev. Marty Tuer, Honourary Assistant 5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka

403-783-4329

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

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

ZION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Pastor Fred Knip 9 miles east on Hwy 53 403-782-9877 Jr. Church during service for children Sunday Service 10:30 am

RCMP Briefs continued from page 3 They appeared briefly in court on Friday, Jan. 29 and the case will return on Friday, Feb. 13 for election and plea, which will be the group’s fifth appearance.

Election and plea was ordered peremptory for Jan. 29, but because some of the accused are still without legal representation and because neither Kirkeby nor her counsel were present, it was decided that constituted a major factor in considering the case and it would be best to wait until the next hearing.

A minor amendment was made to Shewchuk’s court order. It previously stated she was not allowed to have any type of cellular phone, radio or other mobile communication device. But because her address is transient, the court felt it would be best to have a communication channel available to her.

Purdy denied bail Zackary Purdy’s release was denied on an adamant suggestion from Crown Prosecutor S. Degen.

Many of the other co-accused have pointed fingers at Purdy as the ringleader of the kidnapping, which occurred over an alleged $200 drug debt.

It was also felt his release may impede public safety.

On Dec. 17, four males broke into the victim’s house with weapons in-

cluding an assault rifle carried by Purdy.

It has also been suggested that Purdy threatened to knock the victim’s teeth down his throat and was driving the maroon SUV that RCMP located later that day in a high-risk traffic stop at the Ponoka ESSO.

Zachary Purdy, the alleged ringleader of the Dec. 17, 2014, kidnapping in Ponoka was denied bail on Friday, Jan. 29 in Ponoka provincial court. The photo was taken Friday, Dec. 19 as Purdy was loaded to transport to the courthouse.

Photo by Jeffery Heyden-Kaye

With a criminal record that dates back to 2011, Purdy has served jail time for other offenses and his past felonies includes property offenses, three instances of driving while disqualified, failing to appear, assault, assault causing bodily harm, assaulting a police officer and possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes.

“The record is bad and it’s getting worse,” said Degen.

The court was cautioned by the defense counsel that the accusations against Purdy should be viewed with skepticism, as his co-accused may not be the most reliable voices.

In the hope of having his release accepted, Purdy had prepared a plan for the court. He intended to move back in with his mother in Grand Prairie, who is a steady influence, play a larger part in the lives of his children and work in the oilfield.

He presented conditions he would be willing to follow including a curfew, no firearms or weapons, absolutely no contact with the co-accused and no alcohol. He was also hoping for a high no-cash bail.

The six other people involved were all given cash bails and Degen felt it would be inappropriate to change the rules for Purdy.

Purdy also has a history of noncompliance.

PONOKA NEWS 5

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Reflections of Ponoka The Rimbey district from the early beginnings

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS

The lush and fertile rolling land to the west of Ponoka and bordering on the pristine Blindman River Valley and the shores of Gull Lake began to develop at a rapid pace at the end of the 19th century. Kansas Ridge, NWT would be the first name given to this community, as many of the settler families had made the long trek from the Kansas area with their families and a few precious belongings. Among that founding group were the three Rimbey brothers, Sam, Ben, and Jim, after whom the new village would be officially named in 1904, and when Ben Rimbey registered 3-quarters of land for his family in 1899, the first chapter of the exciting story of Rimbey, Alberta had begun in all its glory.

As the vibrant little village began to gather a lot of interest from near and far, a promotional brochure would declare Rimbey to ‘have every prospect of becoming a good town.’

By that time, it already had two stores, a large hotel, a grist mill, a saw mill, a creamery, school, Methodist Church and Church of England. The Village of Rimbey grew along a dirt street faced with wood frame buildings with boom fronts that would distinguish them from the many homes that were also being built around the community. In 1919, the railway reached Rimbey and there was a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm for the ‘thriving new town by the tracks.’ which is now Highway 20. Two grain companies built elevators along the tracks the following year and Rimbey’s population would swell to 319 by 1921, the lumber yards were busy with the building boom, and the popular village welcomed many new families. Along the way in those busy days, the Village of Rimbey thrived, but many times had to bounce back from frequent fires that destroyed some businesses on Jasper Avenue, now 50 Avenue.

The steadily growing list of enthusiastic merchants who took up residence were selling everything from farm implements to photographic supplies, and with arrival of the automobile, many service stations would be established. In 1930, the village acquired their first hospital, which gave a very welcome boost to the size of the community workforce.

One of the first real setbacks and abrupt changes for the Village of Rimbey was the arrival of the Second World War, which resulted in many young men and women and sometimes their families leaving the area. When the war was over only some of them returned, but many new families and had also chosen Rimbey as their new home, with the population surging to 634 by 1946, and the ongoing success resulting in Rimbey officially becoming a town on January 1, 1949 with

Photo courtesy of Rimbey Historical Society

This magnificent Anglican Church was built all of logs in the Town of Rimbey in 1908 and faithfully served the Town of Rimbey and districts for many decades. It was later preserved as an historical building and was moved to the Paskapoo Park for all generation to view and enjoy.

a population of 757 and Benjamin Gunn as the first mayor.

As a result of the town status, the empty lots north of Jasper Avenue were soon filled with houses, and improvements were made to the streets and sidewalks. Development, however, became haphazard, as Rimbey continued to mix business and industrial sites with residential lots. A much needed Planning Report in 1954 would determine that zoning should be brought in as well as some public space be established to create a more attractive town as well as ongoing improvements being made to the commercial area to better service a population that had now reached 915, as well as a thriving rural area. Modernization through the 1960s began to change the appearance of Rimbey’s historical 50 Avenue, but if you stroll around the friendly community of over 2500 residents today, you will see that many of the colorful and vital remnants of the past have been proudly preserved for future generations and visitors to appreciate and enjoy. Following are some of the many milestones from over 113 exciting years of steady growth and outstanding successes of a little village that grew into the vibrant and friendly Town of Rimbey.

1901 was a banner year Photo courtesy of Rimbey Historical Society A 1930 photo of the main street (Jasper Avenue) of the bustling Village of Rimfor the Village as the Brothbey shows the long wooden sidewalks, telephone lines, and the many unique ers Rimbey moved into their stores with their ‘boom fronts’. new homes, and Charles Townsend opened the first

Remember When...

store in one of those dwellings.

1902 the Dominion Land Survey established the new town site that would later become Rimbey, while Jim Cox opened the first general store, stocked it with 12 wagon loads of stock from Lacombe, and over the years would become a community institution.

1905 to 1908....After Alberta officially became a province on September 1, 1905, Rimbey continued to expand with the Anglican log church built in 1907, the Methodist (United) Church in 1908, and the first Blacksmith shop on main street in 1908.

1914-1932...featured an amazing span of progress for the Village of Rimbey, including the arrival of the first physician, Dr. Samuel Davies from Nebraska in 1914, and then when the railway arrived the following year, new businesses that prospered included the Empress Theatre and Fred Newsom’s popular Barber Shop. Other milestones saw the first community high school started by Mabel Fleming Mellis to save having to send the older children to Lacombe after completing Elementary School. Jack Beatty opened his first hardware store in 1920 then later built his home on the crossroads of Main Street which is now an historical site, Rimbey was so happy to receive electricity in 1925, and the new St. Paul Hospital opened in 1932. *In 1951 water and sewage was installed; 1953 welcomed the town’s first Library with a $50 budget for books; In 1960 Fred Schutz’s legendary column in the Rimbey Record called for the establishment of a local museum, which soon became an ongoing reality and legacy when Lt. Governor Grant MacEwan officially opened Pas-Ka-Po History Park during our Alberta Centennial in 1967, and now hosts many gala annual celebrations and family orientated activities. In 2002 Rimbey proudly hosted their 100th anniversary celebration from July 18 to 21, as well as Alberta’s 100th birthday from September 1 to 4 in 2005, and the 100th anniversary of the International Truck from July 13 to 15, 2007.

6 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Opinion

Will the approach to oil economy change any time soon?

Whether last week’s highly theatrical announcement by Premier Jim Prentice about him and his cabinet colleagues taking five a per cent pay cut in view of the province’s budget shortfalls was an act of desperation or a successful public relations maneuver, probably time will tell.

But what is certain is that the move is by no means even close to addressing the problems caused by the decline in revenues from the royalties of oil and gas production in Alberta.

Provincial media made a rough calculation estimating that cabinet’s total pay cut would amount to only about $600,000 a year, a ridiculously small figure to help address the problem of projected deficit. Even if MLAs agree to a similar pay cut, it is highly unlikely that resulting figure could be a solution to the problem.

But what is suggested with the pay cut is somewhat disturbing: The premier and the cabinet might have wanted to signal to the public and the public employees that, now that they have taken the lead, public sector employees might need to step up to the plate and take some pay cut of their own, as well; an idea which has received immediate and categorical rejections from public sector unions. That is probably not going to happen unless the provincial government takes some forceful measures at the expense of ruining their chances at the early provincial elections, which are all but certain to be announced probably within weeks.

But here, there should be other questions asked as to whether our provincial government (and the federal government, for that matter) has been showing due diligence in collecting what is due to the province from the energy sector.

A 2014 report, which was largely ignored by Canadian media, calculates that this country provides a total of $34 billion in direct and indirect subsidies on an Mustafa Eric annual basis to the energy sector, Editor that is oil, gas and coal production.

The source of the report is not a left-wing organization or an environmental vigilante group, it is the International Monetary Fund, the global watchdog of capitalist economic system. And the report makes clear that the figure is calculated by taking into account all the economic, environmental and social factors involved in the production processes.

According to the report, the subsidies include uncollected taxes, waiving of payments for the use of resources and habi-

Judy Dick Manager

Mustafa Eric Regional Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

tat, and in some cases providing financial entitlements.

Take for instance the taxation; if a construction worker purchases steel-toed boots, an indispensable piece of work equipment, s/he is taxed on that purchase, but an oil company has the leeway to deduct its purchase of drilling equipment from taxable spending.

We, living in the cities or smaller communities, pay garbage collection fees, but companies operating in the oil sands regions not only do not pay for the water they use, but also they use the environment as dumping ground for their waste without paying any fees.

Given that Alberta has the most oil-dependent economy in the country, it is only natural to conclude that this province probably provides most of these subsidies.

Now, at a time of declining oil prices, and just before an election campaign during which a lot of funding will be needed, no one can realistically expect the government of Jim Prentice to antagonize oil companies by even hinting that what has not been collected so far might have to be in the future.

The question is whether one will be far too optimistic to hope that the PC leadership and the provincial bureaucracy might have learnt a lesson that will allow them to collect and use the royalty revenues more carefully and productively by the time the next boom cycle arrives.

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, Feb. 4, 2015

Proposal to address town’s cash shortfall Dear Editor, Ponoka, like most small towns, is continually faced with budget demands and potential shortfalls. It occurred to me the other morning that there is a partial solution to the “potential shortfall” situation.

That solution is to place a photo radar camera on 63 Street between the Adventist Church corner and Integra Tire at the bottom of the hill. I walk that stretch many morning a week between 5 and 8 a.m. and observe the traffic as people head off for work via truck or car. The street is a speedway. Many of the drivers reach speeds between 70 and 100 km as they descend that hill. (The guy in the beige Jeep alone would bring in $600 - $700 a month!)

An added benefit to this practice would

be the increase in public attendance at town council meetings, as citizens showed up to complain about the town’s “cash grab” – apparently a favourite complaint of those who are being bitten by the law via fines.

You may think this is a frivolous suggestion. I can tell you that when I lived in Calgary in the 1990s, I was the unhappy recipient of two photo radar tickets in one month. The cost persuaded me to alter my driving habits immediately. It was too expensive to do otherwise. In the 20 years since that shocking month, I have received only one speeding ticket. It’s called “live… and learn. Don’t learn? Pay!” James Strachan

Appeal for sliding doors at family clinic Dear Editor, In regard to Family Health Clinic, would it be possible to have an automatic double door installed, especially for the convenience of the handicapped?

At the present time, it is most difficult for people in wheelchairs, walkers or with

some other disability to enter.

So to whomever this concerns, would you please give this your consideration?

And I can assure you, this would be greatly appreciated by all concerned.

Jack Lund Ponoka

PSC Broncs News Jody McElroy - Teacher Physical Education, Inclusion Coach

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 Business Licenses Are Now Overdue, Penalties Will Be Applied!

A penalty of 15% of will be applied on all unpaid Business Licenses due January 31, 2015.

For more information, please call 403-783-4431.

EVENTS AND RECREATION Winter Walk Day With Ponoka FCSS Wednesday February 4, 2015, 11:00am - 2:30pm Ponoka’s own Ag Event Centre is graciously supplying coffee, hot chocolate and clean back barns for the annual Winter Walk Day. Walkers are welcomed Monday to Friday throughout winter to get some exercise off the ice and out of the elements. For anyone interested, we will be walking for a short while at Rimoka at 10:30am before heading to the Ag Event Centre. Call Shelly at FCSS Ponoka for more details 403.783.4462.

Come Celebrate Family Day With Us! Activities at: the Arena Complex from 11:00AM-4:00PM The Ponoka Aquaplex from 2:00-6:00PM The Ponoka Gymnastics Club from 11:00AM-4:00PM *Donations are being accepted for the Ponoka Food Bank* For more information visit our website at www.ponoka.ca

Library News CASUAL WORKER: Ponoka Jubilee Library is hiring a Casual Library Clerk.

Position is part-time, 7 hours/week (Friday), as well as be available for vacation/ sick leave coverage and occasional Saturdays. This position will be responsible to provide customer service at the reference desk, as well as provide assistance with adult programming. Wage is $13.50-$14.00/hr, commensurate with experience. Position may lead to more permanent hours in the future. 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: February 13, 2015.

3rd ANNUAL DINNER AT THE LIBRARY: Ponoka Jubilee Library is hosting its 3rd Annual Dinner at the Library on Thursday February 26th from 6:00-8:00. It’s a POTLUCK, so we ask everyone who attends to bring one item; the Library will provide beverages, buns, plates & cutlery. Please sign up at the Library with your dish of choice.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY: WE NEED YOU! Ponoka Jubilee Library is currently looking for NEW FRIENDS! Yep, we’re a little lonely. What does being a friend mean? It means you love our library, want to see the library grow and continue to provide excellent service to our community, and that you have a little bit of free time (a really little bit!) to use for fundraising for our library. So if you have love for your library, please join our Friends of the Library society. Contact us by phone at 403-783-3843, email us at ponokalibrary@prl.ab.ca. Thank you!

A fond farewell to Scott MacGregor

Aquaplex Update

It is with a lot sadness, yet well wishes that PSC staӽ said “see you down the road” to one of their own. Scott MacGregor made the decision to pursue an exciting but diӽerent line of work after 13 years of teaching, coaching, leading, and inspiring students at Ponoka Secondary Campus.

Scott has decided to try his hand at a newfound passion and by doing so will be able to free up more time to spend with his children who are the true sparkle in his eye. Scott has been a permanent smiling face in the gym and on the Ӿeld and has truly inspired many students to heed the coaching quote that he has painted on the walls in the PSC gym, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond words”. You deӾne this Scott and we will miss your smiling face around here. Our best wishes to you and your bright future!

STAT Family Day Swim Family $6.00 2-6pm PD day/Teachers convention swim 1-3pm on Feb 13th, Feb 19 & 20th.

This Week At PSC February 4 - 10 Feb. 4 – JV Ponoka @ Stettler Feb. 6 – Canyon Ski Trip, Accronairs Assembly Feb. 9 – JV Lacombe @ Ponoka Feb. 10 – Sr. Girls/Boys ND @ PSC Please visit our website for all upcoming events and exciting news!

www.psc@wolfcreek.ab.ca

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** Outdoor Rink Hours are Dawn - 11pm, please use responsibly.

COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO Next Town Council Meeting February 10, 2015 @ 7 pm.

Visit our website @ www.ponoka.ca for copy of the agenda.

DID YOU KNOW...???

Skip rinsing dishes before using your dishwasher and save up to 20 gallons of water each load. Plus, you’re saving time and the energy used to heat the additional water!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy

8 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Residents seek help from council over unstable land

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Residents on 50A Street are struggling to deal with land that is buckling their modular home units causing major damage.

To illustrate the point, 10 people attended town council’s regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 27, some of whom spoke during the open forum period.

Kelly Budd, a resident at 6407 50A Street spoke on behalf of many of the residents there about issues she has had to deal with in the last three years. They have been seeking help from the town to investigate the reasons.

Frost heaves forced her to buy a new home unit as it was literally opening up to the elements. There were times she had to put furniture against the front door to stop it from opening. Similar issues are occurring with other neighbours.

In an interview, Budd said she thought the issue was with her mobile home being too old. So her family bought a new one in July 2013 in Red Deer.

“We have two years of warranty,” explained Budd.

To prevent continued damage, Budd also purchased expensive screw pilings that go down 22 feet into the ground to deal with frost upheaval but cracks are already forming in the home and in corners of the building.

“We were told that (screw pilings) would be more expensive, but would be our safest bet,” said Budd.

The company that sold the mobile home came down to fix cracks in the corners of the structure, but those structural problems returned a day after being fixed, she explained.

Company staff returned to check on the issue and stated the ground upheaval is the issue and they could not honour the warranty because of it. “They will not come in and fix anything inside the house.”

The cracks are getting so wide that in some places Budd can put a pencil into them.

Issues may have started during 50 Street rehabilitation In an effort to find out if 50 Street rehabilitation some years ago could have caused the problem, Budd asked former CAO Brad Watson and Mike Lewis, former director of operations and property services for the Town of Ponoka, about checking into it.

“All they did was check their water meter levels and they said that they weren’t high . . . they said it wasn’t their problem,” said Budd.

Residents feel differently. In recent years, Budd says water on 50A Street does not drain but pools along the street, in back alleyways and in residents’ yards.

Last year, after a year of heavy snowfall, water pooled so much she had trouble accessing her home.

“Last year we had to go around to the back alleys and then park to get in. You couldn’t get around,” said Budd.

“All they (town crews) did was come and grade it off and then patched it up. Not once was it dug up or anything. So that’s been happening three years in a row now,” she added.

Some homes have floors that are splitting, windows are cracking and decks are at different angles close to the homes.

The personal costs are mounting. Budd faces mortgage payments on the old home and now on her new home. These costs are adding up and she would like to know what is happening with the ground.

She says if she knew the problem was going to return, she would most likely have cut her losses and moved to a new location. “Now we’re on screw and pilings and everybody says it shouldn’t be doing that.”

Town administration did not respond to questions except to say that public works is researching the issue as they want to provide council with that information before making it public.

Unstable ground is causing issues for residents on 50 A Street on the north side of Ponoka. This image shows how frost heaves have affected the integrity of a new modular home with screw piles to keep it secure.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

ALBERTA’S BEST INDOOR RV SHOW!

39

th ANNUAL Red Deer RV Exposition & Sale

FAMILY DAY LONG WEEKEND

Friday, February 13th Saturday, February 14th Sunday, February 15th Monday, February 16th

10am – 8pm 10am – 8pm 10am – 5pm 10am – 5pm

Enter to win a

$

20,000.00

*

Travel Trailer!

No Purchase Necessary!

ADMISSION Family $15 Adults $5 Kids & Seniors $4 Parking $5 *Restrictions may apply, see dealers for details.

Alberta’s Best RV Dealers Under One Roof, Over 200 New RV Models!

www.rvshowreddeer.com

PONOKA NEWS 9

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Potential land buyers have avenues to access environmental information

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

With more than 150,000 abandoned well sites across Alberta, the importance of proper research for homebuyers cannot be overstated.

The Environmental Law Agency recently released a document called What lies beneath? Buyer Beware, which shows potential homebuyers how to research the history of their land.

Author Adam Driedzic says the issue is not something that can be found in land title searches, but with the proper know-how, he feels people have a better chance at confirming if there are potential issues.

“The need to look for environmental problems is more of a modern day concern,” explained Driedzic .

The oil and gas industry began well before public calls for environmental responsibility and old oil and gas areas are now becoming residential subdivisions.

“There’s thousands of leaking gas sta-

tions in Alberta,” Driedzic says.

He has two documents that help homebuyers: the first is a brief booklet that provides quick tips and Internet links showing public information and the second is a guide walking readers through detailed questions such as how Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) works and how legal land descriptions works.

“If you can spot red flags, you can learn what questions to ask . . . that’s more important than jumping into a paper chase,” says Driedzic.

The document is more about educating landowners rather than fighting the industry and it also provides tips on how to ask questions. “It’s not all about oil and gas. It’s about a busy landscape.”

Check out www.elc.ab.ca for more information and see the links under What’s New to read more.

Pottery Guild seeks agreement with the town

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

After refurbishments at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex forced the Ponoka Potter’s Guild to find a temporary location, the group is now seeking a more permanent solution.

President of the guild, Shelley MacGregor and secretary Sara Drieger met with town councillors Tuesday, Jan. 27 during their regular meeting.

MacGregor said the guild has a long and positive relationship with the Town of Ponoka and she would like to see that continue.

When the arena was redesigned, the guild was forced to move out, after being there for more than 30 years, to a temporary location at Don Laing Trailers. MacGregor said owner Inger Laing was gracious to let them be there for some time, but “for some of our members it’s an inaccessible space.”

When the Hudson’s Green Nature

and Activity Centre opened up some two years ago, a space was set aside for the guild but MacGregor says it is too small for the equipment they use, which includes nine pottery wheels and a kiln.

Members of the guild did meet with Wes Amendt, director of community services, who gave them a tour of the Visitor’s Centre basement, which is not being used. MacGregor suggests the basement is an ideal location but needs some work in order for them to be able to use it.

A tenancy agreement between the guild and the town was in place and administration is looking into the history. Councillors did not make any decisions on the request.

The Ponoka Potters Guild has about 24 members with beginner and advanced classes offered to members of the public from young kids to adults.

ADVERTORIAL

Pet Central Ponoka

403-783-2916 • 5027 - Chipman Ave (50 Ave) AQUARIUM

DOG/CAT FOOD

Fluval FISH Nutrifin ARRIVE Marina IN Aqueon MARCH! Laguna Omega One Hikari Marine Land Frozen Fish Foods

Acana Boreal Canisource “Go” And “Now” Natural Balance Nutrisource “Pets Go Raw” Frozen Pure Vita Sojo’s

Denise and husband, Paul, owners/managers for Ponoka’s new pet store know that you love your pet like a member of your family. They know how important your pet is, as they have pets too!

REPTILE

Guinea pig, rabbit, hedgehog, sugar glider, & chinchilla food Bird food for parrots, both small & large hook bill, canaries, finches & budgies too!

We carry crickets, worms and frozen rodents.

When your pets are fed a better quality diet, they have fewer health problems, which means less visits to your vet. Your pet will have better teeth and fresher breath, less coat/skin problems, less digestive disturbances, and less “poop” when nature calls.

Fluker’s Exo Terra Rapashy Zilla Zoo Med

HOURS: Weekdays: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm Closed: Sundays & Stat. Holidays

With that philosophy in mind Pet Central Ponoka considers the best brands for your pet’s health and happiness leading a happier, longer life.

petcentral2@shaw.ca www.ponokapetcentral.ca

And what you put into your pets, you will receive back in love many times over, in happiness and joy.

Whether your pet is four legged, two legged, swims, flies or slithers come in and see what Pet Central Ponoka has to offer!

THE STORE THAT CARES, WE GO THE EXTRA MILE TO FIND WHAT YOU NEED

10 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

PC hopefuls mount campaigns for Lacombe-Ponoka Increased competition for PC nomination bad news for Wildrose Party

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

The future of the Wildrose Party may hang in the balance as speculation of early provincial elections widens and in the ridings, where Wildrose MLAs crossed the floor to the PC Party, the contests will be watched closely.

At the last provincial election, Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Rod Fox took the majority votes under the banner of the Wildrose Party. With an early provincial election now looking increasingly likely in 2015, members of the PC Party, including Fox, are putting their names into the hat to represent the governing party during elections.

“I want to make sure we have a steady voice and a steady hand at the helm,” said Fox, referring to his goals.

While on the campaign trail, he has received questions about switching over from the Wildrose Party. “My values haven’t changed. The way that I think hasn’t changed. I’m still the same guy that they elected in the last election.”

He feels he can represent all the com-

munities in the constituency and suggests the last three years have given him some good experience.

“I’ve spent three years learning in opposition, figuring out which hallways to walk down and which doors to open,” said Fox. “Now that I’m on the government side, I have the opportunity to utilize that knowledge to make sure we get what we need for our communities.”

Next in line, Lacombe businessman Peter DeWit said he had been planning for the last year and a half. While he doesn’t have a political background, he feels his experience as a marketer and as a teacher makes him an ideal candidate to be the PC candidate for LacombePonoka.

“I’ve been involved in many community organizations and boards, so I have a lot of governance experience,” said DeWit. He is an instructor at Red Deer College as well and those skills will work to represent constituents. “I’m very well connected in this area,” he stressed.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

2015

MONEY MATTERS

In today’s economy more than ever, readers are looking for ways to save money and improve their finances. Our focus is to give readers encouragement, information and resources to investigate their current financial situation. This brings a targeted advertising opportunity for you.

That’s what makes Money Matters section an opportunity your business can’t afford to miss.

PUBLISHES: February 11 DEADLINE: February 6 @ 5 pm

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL HEART MONTH A good occasion to address this alarming condition. Take care of your heart today!

PUBLISHES: February DEADLINE: Fridays @ 5 pm

VALENTINE’S DAY Saturday, February 14 Let the community know your special plans for this special occasion.

PUBLISHES: February 11 DEADLINE: February 6 @ 5 pm

Reserve your advertising space by calling

403-783-3311 sales@ponokanews.com

Lacombe businessman Peter DeWit

Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Rod Fox

Former Ponoka Mayor Larry Henkelman

balancing budgets and maintaining infrastructure and he feels his knowledge as mayor and as a businessman makes him the ideal PC candidate. Recent political moves added to his desire to run.

“Of course, with what has transpired in the last six months, it has definitely raised some concerns with PC members and non members,” said Henkelman.

He questions if Wildrose members crossing over properly represented the voters. “The people that were voting and had elected their representatives were let down and not really consulted.”

Like, Fox and DeWit, Henkelman suggests the 2015 budget will hurt spending. He says he can speak for the towns in the area as he knows all the mayors quite well.

“I understand the issues of municipalities,” said Henkelman.

This is only the first step in the run up to provincial elections with a Wildrose candidate yet to be named for LacombePonoka as well as other political parties.

What remains to be seen is if the electorate are too scared their voices won’t be heard if they vote other than the PC Party or if they are pleased with what the governing party is doing.

At the time of writing, a date for deciding the nomination race for Lacombe-Ponoka riding had not yet been set.

As Ponoka News went to press on Tuesday, a For per month further announcement came from Wayne Rempel We will pick up your paper, clean tins, of Lacombe, declaring his glass, No. 1-5 plastic and cardboard. intention to run as a PC We also pick up cardboard from local businesses. candidate. Further inforFor more information on these programs please call mation on this candidate will be in next week’s edi403-783-5810 Weekdays tion of the News.

“Of course Lacombe is my home town . . . but my aim is, once I become the candidate, is really to represent all our constituency,” said DeWit. He suggests the 2015 Alberta budget will be the toughest challenge in upcoming months. That, and voter concern is another worry. DeWit has been working hard to garner PC memberships and drive interest in voting for the PC candidate. He suggests voters, who supported a Wildrose MLA, may have doubts who they will vote for during elections.

Despite the worry, he is pleased all constituencies have been opened up for PC nomination.

Former Ponoka mayor, Larry Henkelman, suggests his years of experience in municipal government will be a benefit for voters. He served nine years as mayor and 12 years as a councillor.

Most recently he took on the role of president of the PC Party for LacombePonoka to “help regain membership to get back a PC representative in the government.”

Henkelman says towns in the constituency all have similar issues such as

PONOKA RISING SUN CLUBHOUSE

Community Blue Box Program $12.00

PONOKA NEWS 11

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Ponoka Youth Centre concerned over lost funding

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Across the province, community organizations are facing concerns as funding avenues disappear, and Ponoka Youth Centre (PYC) and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) are no different.

Both organizations’ incomes come from grant funding and donations and Beth Reitz, executive director for both, feels the trickle down affect from provincial cuts is drying up many of the organization’s resources.

Last year, the youth centre’s number of visits grew by 17 per cent, totaling more than 18,000.

Reitz says just one month into 2015, PYC is seeing

a 33 per cent deficit in funding. “That’s through funding cuts,” she stressed.

“Due to the increase in the number of youth we’re serving, our budget expenses have seen a substantial increase,” she added.

At Ponoka County’s Tuesday, Jan. 27 council meeting, Reitz requested a $15,000 donation for PYC. “This donation would enable us to continue to provide services to the youth and families of Ponoka and Rimbey,” she said, also referring to Rimbey, which operates as a close sublet of PYC. The large portion of the two groups’ funding comes from the Ponoka Family and Community Support Ser-

vices (FCSS), but due to its own funding struggles, FCSS was not able to contribute anything this year.

BBBS is facing an 18 per cent funding decrease without the aid from FCSS. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is really struggling to find its funding,” said Reitz.

She also requested an additional $25,000 for BBBS at the Ponoka County meeting.

For the last 12 years, PYC has been receiving funds through FCSS and in the 1980s, it was mainly for BBBS. “But that being said, we’re extremely grateful for the FCSS funding and we understand the challenge they’re facing with their own funding,” said Reitz.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is really struggling to find its funding.”

Beth Reitz, Executive Director, BBBS

15021OS1

We see growth potential in all our members. before the March 2nd deadline. servus.ca/advice

Personal | Mortgages | Investments | Loans | Insurance | Business

Feel good about your money.

The PYC runs six programs for kids ages six to 11 in Ponoka and Rimbey, 11 programs for older youths, homework and leadership programs with 14 staff and 30 volunteers.

With BBBS, there is both in school and traditional mentoring, teen mentoring, Go Girls and Game On. Not only do the programs from both groups engage students in academics, social bonding and their community, Reitz says, they also keep the youth off the streets between the most worrisome hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

During her presentation to the county council, Reitz mentioned that those hours are the peak time for juvenile crime and victimization. Programs that connect youth to positive experiences have preventive outcomes such as avoidance of drugs and alcohol, decreases in inappropriate behavior and increased knowledge of safe sex and abstinence.

At this point in time, the organization is not looking at making any cuts in programs as a solution. “We are avoiding that,” said Reitz.

“Our board is actively pursuing different options for funding,” she added.

12 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Some of the members of the social group at Legacy Place presented Ponoka Wheelchair Van Society President Nell Hiddle with a $545 cheque to be used in fundraising effort to help with the purchase of two new vans.

Submitted photo

2.00% on 1-year TFSA and RRSP GICs*

Available to March 15, 2015

Ask me how you can invest in a GIC today.

Tim Corkery Diversified Financial 5027 50th Ave Ponoka, AB Tel: 403-783-2233 Fax: 403-783-3359 Email: tim@diversifiedfinancial.ca

*Interest compounded annually to maturity. RRSP GICs are non-redeemable before maturity except upon death. TFSA GICs are redeemable prior to maturity subject to market value adjustment and expense recovery fees. Minimum investment $2,500 to a maximum of $2,000,000. Promotional rate is subject to change without notice.

Manulife Bank of Canada is a member of Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. Visit cdic.ca or call 1-800-461-2342 for details. Manulife, Manulife Bank, the Manulife Bank logo, the Block Design, the Four Cubes Design, and strong reliable trustworthy forward-thinking are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and it’s afficiates, under license.

PONOKA NEWS 13

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

We should fear Harper’s new legislation Dear Editor, Re: Steven Harper’s anti-terrorism legislation campaign I would start by clarifying that I was previously a civilian employee of the Canadian military and that if our country required me to do anything in its defence, I would be one of the first to be there to defend it and prevent the harms that terrorism poses. However, after watching Stephen Harper defend his coming legislation, I have to wonder about this very important question: In providing additional powers to the RCMP, if that “rule of law” (the preamble to our Constitution states “Whereas Canada is founded upon the principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law”) is not complied with by the members of the RCMP, what consequences will anyone involved in that (process) be faced with?

My concern is what the circumstances will be if our RCMP act in a manner that is of no less an atrocity towards human kind than are experienced by us and our Parliament buildings? What are the consequences of this, as these would be actions that are an escalation of violence in the world?

I ask this question for an extremely good reason since I do not support terrorism and because someone holds the position of Prime Minister of Canada or wears a uniform of our RCMP, it does not mean that they are not a threat to the public despite that we need them to be as they are employed and make all provisions for the public’s safety.

(Our Constitution states as well “to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.) So the Canadian Government and our judiciary have to be able to justify that the actions they take are not a threat to our safety, which places a responsibility on these institutions to not act in a manner that is a threat to democracy and our freedoms as we live and practice peaceful association within Canada.

This is what public safety is about in a “free and democratic society”; it is a support and defence of differences of opinion and belief that are expressed in accordance with the right to freedoms of peaceful associations and that no threats exist that would take that individual right ... away from anyone.

So I defend this right to peaceful association; and putting forth Stephen Harper to public scrutiny.

However, there is that “appearance” issue: Mr. Harper has an election coming up and his words would have you believe that his actions are those which support the rights and freedoms of Canadians, when in fact that is not the case were he to express the truth.

Rather you would find that Stephen Harper and company are not any better than the terrorists, where in not having been provided justification from the courts to not comply with the In-

spections Standards that were placed before them, that they have not acted to take any corrective actions to comply with the standards of a “free and democratic society” despite that it is criminal to do so.

Justified force exists when anyone makes an act that prevents the “unlawful uses of property” as the unlawful uses of property is unjustified force and is the premise upon which we employ our police forces to work on our behalf. ...

In reality, we are engaged in a war that is against those who would not provide for the rights of other human beings and that is what the War on Terrorism is: to act in a responsible manner to ensure that human rights are respected and that we have peaceful associations between all religious groups and peoples and that unjustified force does not exist against anyone as an individual.

And so, if the Harper Government cannot act to make a corrective action in regard to the unlawful uses of individual and personal properties, in what way is this legislation ever going to be workable? ...

My concern about this legislation is what will be the actions against persons who do not comply with the decisions of the courts and subsequently have no color of right to use the property that belongs to the Canadian public in a manner that is not “demonstrably justified”, since Mr. Harper has no qualms about having the uses of property in a manner that is not justified under “the rule of law”.

I think we have good reason to be afraid of behaviour that does not demonstrate an ambition to represent Canadian values of peaceful association.

Cathy Corfield

Issue of taxing key in forthcoming elections Dear Editor, This year potentially two elections are on the horizon, provincially and nationally. At both levels, the economy has taken a significant down turn because of the drop in oil prices.

Expected revenues at the provincial level have been lost. Because Canada is a big exporter of oil, the Canadian economy has also taken a downturn.

This is old news. We’ve heard about this for several months now.

Where do we go from here?

Premier Prentice has signaled a claw back of wages by announcing cuts to his and his cabinet’s wages.

He has suggested in addition that sacrifices are expected from Albertans, perhaps preparing the public for government cutbacks in staffing of government departments.

By any other name this could be seen as the beginning of an austerity regime in Alberta. At this point he has not mentioned the impact of these changes. I suggest that the impact on the government cuts would potentially affect the vulnerable more than most, though the premier has said that he would not cut core services in governmental departments.

Alberta has had a flat tax for years, where everyone has been taxed at the same rate. This has often been seen as fair. Yet it is easy to see that a 10 per cent of tax on a low-income earner has significantly more impact on their spending power than a 10 per cent tax on a high-income earner.

This is a crucial ethical issue that Albertans and Canadians will have to confront in the upcoming elections.

Statistics suggest that during periods of austerity, it is the very high-income earners that not only survive, but thrive because they are able to shift the financial resources to more profitable and sheltered financial products.

Ultimately it is about opportunities for as many in our communities, who want to not merely to survive but to thrive.

George Jason

CARRIER OF THE MONTH Congratulations to Zoe Pitre

Susan Whitecotton, Circulation Supervisor, presents Zoe with a $50 cheque recognizing excellent service in delivering the newspaper for the month of January.

5019A Chipman Ave. Ponoka, Alberta

403.783.3311

14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Rimbey Rimoka project picks up speed The building itself is estimated to total 480,000 square feet this year. “Literally we’re expecting a shovel in the ground in May or June,� said Rimoka Housing Foundation board chair Paul McLauchlin.

Ponoka County, where McLauchlin is

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

After nearly a decade of discussions, the Rimoka Housing Foundation Rimbey seniors’ housing development is expected to break ground in late spring

403-783-8190 Roses ¡ Orchids ¡ Jewelry ¡ Teddy Bears ¡ And MORE...

Valentines Day

th tc “Anyone caan ca

your eye...

Saturday, Feb. 14

one special to e m so s e k ta it t

Bu

art!� catch your he

“Literally we’re expecting a shovel in the ground in May or June�

Paul McLauchlin Rimoka Housing Foundation board chair the reeve, recently gifted the foundation the 8.64 acres that sits south of the Rimbey Best Western Rimstone Ridge Hotel.

The land is worth $310,000.

A building committee, a sublet of the foundation, has narrowed down a group of shortlisted architectural firms to its first, second and third choices.

McLauchlin says the ball is now in the province’s court. “The province goes through the same exercise and hopefully they match up,�

McLauchlin explained. “Usually they do, they stand out.�

He expects an architect will be chosen within the next week.

Following that, there are still many negotiations to be concluded. “It’s going to move really fast,� said McLauchlin. “We’re looking at the possibility of a two-story building,� he added.

The building itself is estimated to total 480,000 square feet in the southwestern facing field.

With a laugh, McLauchlin says some people are already canvassing the area, hoping their room is built in a prime location where the mountain can be seen from a window. “It’s actually a pretty nice view out there,� he adds.

The overall project budget is $15.5 million with 80 per cent to be funded by the province. The Rimoka Housing Foundation will pay approximately $3.5 million.

ER EARLY * * ORD

TOLL FREE 1-877-783-8190 5008 51 AVENUE ýowrs4u@telusplanet.net | www.ponokaýowersforyou.ca

TAKE THE

21 DAY HearWell

CHALLENGE No money down, no obligation, every reason to Hear Well today 21 days to try hearing aids for free, followed by an additional 90 day trial period to return or exchange.

See how these people feel about HearWell

Linda P.

I came to your RIÂż FH ZLWK JUHDW UHOXFWDQFH QRW ZDQWLQJ WR ZHDU D KHDULQJ DSSOLDQFH 1RZ , ZRXOGQÂśW ZDQW WR OLYH ZLWKRXW WKHP 0\ OLIH ZLOO QHYHU be the same again.

Ron H. ,ÂśP WKULOOHG ZLWK ZKDW 'U 7RZHUV DQG , ZHUH DEOH WR DFKLHYH WRJHWKHU IRU P\ KHDULQJ +H OLVWHQHG WR P\ REMHFWLYHV IRU WKH SURFHVV DQG KDG a plan to meet all of them.

Dr. Andrew Towers, Au.D. Registered Audiologist — Owner

See Dr. Towers for your complimentary hearing exam

BOOK YOUR

APPOINTMENT TODAY! OLDS

RED DEER

New Mountain View Credit Union Building 6501 51 St, Ste #103 dr.towers@hearwell.ca

Creekside Professional Centre 4320 50th Ave, Ste #202 Toll free: 1-855-400-6414

Heather W. I appreciate WKDW 'U 7RZHUV WDNHV D health care approach, rather WKDQ MXVW VHOOLQJ KHDULQJ DLGV +H LV YHU\ FDULQJ FRPSDVVLRQDWH DQG XQGHUVWDQGLQJ DV ZHOO DV NQRZOHGJHDEOH

403.556.6402 403.346.6414

BRIGHT & CLEApNm OPEN 6am-11

daily!

rs e h s a w f o s e iz 3s s r e y r d f o s e 2 siz Comfortable sitting area with tv 4205 64 ST., Ponoka • 403-783-8382

www.hearwell.ca

Ponoka • Wetaskiwin • Leduc

PONOKA NEWS 15

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Peak everything

BY GWYNNE DYER

Peak oil is so last year. Now we can worry about peak everything: peak food, peak soil, peak fertiliser, even peak bees.

Let’s start small. We depend on bees to pollinate plants that account for about onethird of the world’s food supply, but since 2006 bee colonies in the United States have been dying off at an unprecedented rate. More recently the same “colony collapse disorder” has appeared in China, Egypt and Japan.

Many suspect that the main cause is a widely used type of pesticides called neonicotinoids, but the evidence is not yet conclusive. The fact remains that one-third of the American bee population has disappeared in the past decade. If the losses spread and deepen, we may face serious food shortages.

Then there’s peak fertiliser, or more precisely peak phosphate rock. Phosphorus is a critical ingredient of fertiliser, and it is the eightfold increase in the use of fertilisers that has enabled us to triple food production worldwide from about the same area of land in the past sixty years.

At the moment we are mining about 200 million tonnes of phosphate rock a year, and the global reserve that could be mined at a reasonable cost with current technology is estimated at about 16 billion tonnes. At the current level of production it won’t run out entirely for eighty years, but the increasing demand for fertilisers to feed the growing population means that phosphate production is rising fast.

As with peak oil, the really important date is not when there are no economically viable phosphate rock reserves left, but when production starts to fall. Peak phosphate is currently no more than forty years away – or much less, if fertiliser use continues to grow.

After that, it’s back to organic fertilisers, which mainly means the urine and faeces of ten or twelve billion human beings and their domesticated animals. Good luck with that.

Peak soil is a trickier notion, but it derives from the more concrete concept that we are “mining” the soil: degrading and exhausting it by growing single-crop “monocultures”, using too much fertiliser and irrigating too enthusiastically, all in the name of higher crop yields.

“We know far more about the amount of oil there is globally and how long those stocks will last than we know about how much soil there is,” said John Crawford, Director of the Sustainable Systems Program in Rothamsted Research in England. “Under business as usual, the current soils that are in agricultural production will yield about 30 percent less... by around 2050.”

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that 25 percent of the world’s soils that are currently under cultivation are severely degraded, and another 8 percent moderately degraded. (Even “moderately degraded” soil has lost half its capacity to store water.) And the only way to access new, undamaged soil is to deforest the rest of the planet.

All of which brings us to the issue of

Canadian economy in for a very bumpy ride

peak food. And here the concept of “peak” undergoes a subtle modification, because it Livio Di Matteo no longer means “maximum production, after TROY MEDIA COLUMNIST which yields start to fall.” It just means “the point at which the growth in production stops Despite high consumer debt and housing prices, accelerating”: it’s the peak rate of growth, not Canada went into the 2009 global downturn with actual peak production. But even that is quite several advantages that allowed it to economically ominous, if you think about it. outperform the other G-7 countries over the ensuing During the latter part of the 20th century, period. However, the erosion of some of these adfood production grew at around 3.5 percent vantages means the current slowdown will be more per year, comfortably ahead of population difficult. growth, but the dramatic rise in crop yields First, Canada went into the financial crisis with the good fortune of a banking system that was was due to new inputs of fertilisers and pestistrengthened in the wake of a series of failures in cides, much more irrigation, and new “green the 1980s. revolution” crop varieties. Now those oneSecond, the federal government eliminated its time improvements have largely run their deficit in the 1990s and had driven its net debt posicourse, and global food production is rising tion down, giving it fiscal room to manoeuver. at only 1.5 percent a year.

Third, Canada was lucky that resource-producPopulation growth has slowed too, so ing western provinces could take up the slack when we’re still more or less keeping up with the manufacturing heartland slowed as the U.S. exdemand, but there are signs that food proport market withered. duction in many areas is running up against The icing on the cake, however, was the expert what researchers at the University of Neand reassuring policy presence provided by then braska - Lincoln in a report last year called Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty along with “a biophysical yield ceiling for the crop in Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney.

As Canada’s economy slows in 2015, its conquestion.” Production of the food in question sumer debt remains high as a share of GDP and stops rising, then may even fall – and extra its house prices are still considered overvalued by investment often doesn’t help. organizations such as The Economist and the IMF. The “peak” in this context is an early While households are getting some breathing room warning that there will eventually be a comfrom the cash being freed up by the drop in gasoline plete cessation of growth, possibly followed prices, the continued presence of these old issues is by an absolute decline. Peak maize happened accompanied by additional negative factors. in 1985, peak rice and wild fish in 1988, peak Deficits have accumulated at both the federal dairy in 1989, peak eggs in 1993, and peak and provincial level and eroded the improvements meat in 1996. (The numbers come from a in the public debt position that occurred prior to the recent report by scientists at Yale, Michigan 2009 recession. Ontario and Quebec as well as the State University and the Helmholtz Centre in federal government could head into recession with Germany in the journal “Ecology and Socithe highest net debt levels in recent memory. Then ety”) there is the fall in oil prices, which means that the investment spending and employment boom led by More recent peaks were vegetables in Alberta and Saskatchewan is taking a pause.

2000, milk and wheat in 2004, poultry in Next, compare Flaherty and Carney with the 2006, and soya bean in 2009. Indeed, sixteen current duo in place - Finance Minister Joe Oliver of the 21 foods examined in the “Ecology and and Governor Stephen Poloz. Both have taken acSociety” report have already peaked, and protions that have surprised and perhaps unsettled the duction levels have actually flattened out for public and the business community. The postponekey regions amounting to 33 percent of global ment of the Federal budget to April has generated rice and 27 percent of global wheat producuncertainty about both the federal finances and the tion. future course of the economy.

So we are already in trouble, and it will Meanwhile, the Bank rate “surprise” - a fall in get worse even before climate change gets the bank rate - has led to speculation that perhaps the bad. There are still some quick fixes availCanadian economy is doing even worse than feared. able, notably by cutting down on waste: Central bankers do best when they avoid sudden emergency manoeuvers. The perceived abruptness more than a third of the food that is grown of the recent fall in the bank rate may have been for human consumption never gets eaten. But unless we come up with some new “magic bullets”, 5015 – 46 Avenue things will be getting fairly grim on Feb 15 - Gospel Concert 7:00pm music by Strings and Things Regular Jam Session every Saturday at 1:00pm the food front by the 2030s.

PONOKA ART CLUB CLASSES 7 Feb “Drawing Realistic Values & Textures” Sandra Bingeman Gwynne Dyer 14 Feb Watercolor “Waterscapes” Sonja Zacharis is an indepenClasses held at Drop In Centre - 10am - 4 pm Cost $25.00 paid at class Contact Lyla Lang Langford 403-783-1887 or Bernice Edwards 403-783-6858 dent journalist whose articles are “As you slide down the bannister of life, you should pray all the splinters are pointed the other way.” published in 45 Billiards - Weekdays 1:00pm. Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour system Monday Bridge 1:00pm countries.

an additional factor in the plummeting value of our currency.

Of course, the depreciating dollar and a more robust American economy are factors that may stimulate our export industries. However, the anticipation that the falling dollar will turn around the Canadian manufacturing sector may be overly optimistic, even with the U.S. upturn underway.

The central Canadian manufacturing sector has shed plants and infrastructure and hundreds of thousands of jobs, particularly in Ontario. Think of the GM plant closure in Windsor, Heinz in Leamington, Kellogg’s in London, Sterling Truck in St. Thomas or the many northern Ontario pulp mills that have closed. There will be a substantial lag in getting new production started up again, given that many plants have shut their doors for good.

Moreover, the great benefit to central Canadian manufacturing and employment from servicing the western resource sector has been underestimated.

The slowdown in the oil and gas industry will have an impact on thousands of workers who currently commute west from central and Atlantic Canada.

As for a drop in interest rates stimulating the economy, one wonders how much more effective low interest rates can be given that they have been at historically low levels for years now. Low interest rates may undermine the economy’s long run health if they merely encourage governments and households to take on even more debt. Since 2010, the household debt to GDP ratio for the hard hit U.S. has dropped to 80 per cent while more prosperous Canada’s has remained above 90 per cent.

We have not used the last few years of prosperity to put our economic house in order, preferring instead to coast on debt and the bounty of a resource boom.

When comparing 4904 - 50th St. our current slowPh. 403-783-3639 down with the last recession, PLAYING the indications are that we may February 6 - 12 be in for a much bumpier ride.

SCREEN #1 Troy Media contributor Livio Di Matteo is Professor of Economics at Lakehead University.

93 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 7:00 PM Daily Rated G

Ponoka Capitol Theatre

The Sponge Bob Movie Sponge Out of Water 3D

Ponoka Drop-In Activities

Monday Whist - 1:30pm Monday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM Tuesday Canasta - 1:00pm NEW PROGRAM Tuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am Tuesday Shuffleboard - 7pm.

Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm Wednesday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pm Thursday Floor Curling - 1:00pm.

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.

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!

SCREEN #2

Project Almanac 107 min 2:00 PM Sat & Sun 8:00 PM Daily Rated PG AGES 1264 $9.00 AGES 211 & SENIORS $7.00 TUESDAYS & MATINEES $6.00 3D $3 EXTRA

16 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Growing up in my favourite home town I managed to get through school, got my first real job at the Ponoka Herald Every week when I come into town to visit the congenial crew at the Ponoka News, I love to stroll along Chipman Avenue, hopefully running into someone that I know, while also wondering what it was like in this very same spot when Ponoka officially became a town over 111 long years ago. It was likely a bumpy dirt road lined with a few wooden buildings, which would have included the Land Titles Office, a blacksmith shop, a couple of boarding houses and the splendid Royal Hotel, both of which were full of visitors as well as the crews who were busy building the new railroad along the Battle River.

Although I don’t go back quite that far, my early memories of growing up in Ponoka are many, right from that bitter cold winter day that we arrived here from England, via Wainwright in 1949. My dad Michael Sr. had acquired a job at the huge and rapidly growing Provincial Mental Hospital as an attendant on the nursing staff for starting wages of $125 a month, and together with my mother and myself, we shivered, but finally got settled in our first Canadian home, which was a tiny three room shack in the Riverside district.

My brother Peter came along a little later after Parson’s we had moved into a bigHoliday Tours ger bungalow across from the golf course along the 403.782.6341 hospital road. What I will or 403.318.5700 never forget is all those MOTOR COACH wonderful people who TOUR VICTORIA helped us out and always MARCH 11 – 24 made us feel welcome in FULLY ESCORTED the community.

14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS I guess it took me a Includes: long time to grow up, but I Butchard Gardens, Duncan, loved this little town right Chemainus, Salt Springs Island from the start, including those first treasured adDouble occupancy ventures of starting Grade 1 at the classic Red Brick For detailed information School, my first job as a on these trips please call paper boy, being so shy

$1890/PP

on the first date to an afternoon matinee at the Capital Theatre, and my first hockey game at the big wooden arena across from the steel bridge.

Along the way, I managed to get through school, got my first real job at the Ponoka Herald, got married, and welcomed our first born on yet another cold winter day at the old Ponoka General Hospital.

Along the way, it was a Mike Rainone real rush of ups and downs, Hammertime highs and lows, great times and tough times, but I was so lucky to meet a whole lot of wonderful folks of all ages at work and at play, who were always willing to give a helping hand, a hug, or a pat on the back whenever it was needed. I really couldn’t think of a better community to raise a family and to learn the vital importance of sharing, and caring, and friendship. This week, I would love to share a few of these wonderful early memories of my 55 plus years gallivanting in and around Ponoka, and I know that all of you will never forget so many of the same. *When I could finally get into Carter’s Pool Hall, I could barely see the top of the table, but I knew how to hit the pocket, play safe, and hook someone. *The smell of fresh bread every morning from Silver Bakery was to die for, as well as those big 5-cent coconut buns, which were enough for dinner. *Fishing at the Battle River dam (still there) where we caught or snagged lots of jack-fish and the oddsucker, sold them to the Chinese Restaurant for two bits a piece, and then went swimming in our underwear or buff on a hot day. *Going to the Somshor’s Drive-in Theatre in the north end (summers only) with 15 kids in the car or truck was a real thrill for only a $1, and for 10 cents apiece we could share the popcorn and beer all night.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Your presence is requested at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ponoka Bowl for Kids Sake...

...Medieval Faire!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ponoka presents our annual Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser happening

Friday, February 27, 2015 at Leisure Lanes Bowling Centre.

• Form teams of up to 6 people with family, friends or employees.

• Register your team and collect pledges to raise the team entry fee of $400.

*I will never forget watching our first black and white television set in the living room, CFRN and CBC were the only stations, and we weren’t allowed to say much so that everyone else could hear, especially when mom was watching Stampede Wrestling. *A real treat on Saturday was shopping with the folks, dashing up and down the long aisles, carrying out the big paper bags full of groceries, and then trying not to nibble when we put them away so that we could get a sweet treat later. *Riding the school bus from the Alberta Hospital and down the hill to Riverside, hunting gophers with dad, singing out of tune in church on Sundays, and standing in the train station watching those big old trains roaring through, waving at the engineer, and hoping that he would toot his noisy whistle. *In those ‘cool’ days, the whole town watched the Stampeders play hockey, the Kinsmen outdoor swimming pool was always full and gave us ‘goose bumps’ if we stayed in too long on a cold day, everyone road double on their bikes, you joined the Cubs and chased the Brownies, and the big adventure was hiking over to the CPR black trestle. When we finally got old enough to get into the bar, the beer came in jugs and glasses, there was lots of smoke, spittoons, and a juke box.

Some of the most popular people around town were the milkman, the policeman, the guy with the ice-cream cart, the postman and the cute waitresses at A and W drive-in. Ponoka will always be the greatest place I have ever lived, thanks for all the amazing memories, and have a great week, all of you.

Extra!

Extra!

Read all about it in the

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF PONOKA NEEDS YOUR HELP IN REACHING OUR GOAL OF

403.783.3311

$20,000.00!

Join us for a “knight” of fun with bowling, food, a 50/50 raf e plus fabulous prizes to be won!

• 2 round trip tickets Edmonton to Jasper on VIA Rail • An overnight stay in the Jacuzzi suite at the iHotel • Green fees plus power carts to Ponoka Community Golf Club • Tickets to the Ponoka Stampede • Family pass to the West Edmonton Mall • Gift certificates to the Keg Steakhouse & Bar • Gift certificates from local businesses

AUDITIONS FOR

Bare Bear Bones Wednesday, Feb. 4 • 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. Saturday, Feb. 7 • 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. CASTING: 3 Men 40 – 60 yrs old

2 Women early to mid 20s

2 Women 40 – 60 yrs old

1 Man 20-30 yrs old

• Win some amazing door prizes, pledgecollection prizes and costume prizes.

• Participate in this year’s medieval theme by dressing in your best medieval attire.

Teams who collect pledges online have more chances to win amazing prizes! Visit www.ponokabbbs.kintera.org!

For more information, to become a sponsor or to register a team, call 403-783-3112.

Ponoka United Church • 5020 52 Ave, Ponoka

PONOKA NEWS 17

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

BBBS cycle completed with third generation mentee

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Three generations of matches in Ponoka Big Brothers Big Sisters is a testament to how many benefits the program offers to both mentees and mentors.

Grade 12 student Melissa Wilson has been a “little sister” for four years after being matched with Haley Brochu, who had already worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters for two years as a “big sister”.

One year ago, Wilson became a big sister herself for Tye Ancion.

“Haley was such a good mentor to me, I thought I could be a good mentor to somebody else,” said Wilson.

While in school, she learned more about teen mentoring and decided that working with a “little brother” would also help her prepare for a career in teaching.

“It’s probably impacted my life a lot. I have somebody outside of my family that somebody really loves me,” said Wilson.

This idea was another driving factor in Wilson’s decision to step out of her mentee role and become a big sister.

Before becoming a big sister six years ago, Brochu worked for Central Alberta Youth Unlimited. “That program connects us very much with the (Ponoka) youth centre. It was just a natural fit.”

All the while changing the lives of those she is matched with, Brochu says becoming a mentor has positively impacted her own life. “I think it’s a really great opportunity to give back.”

“It’s really cool to see how we’ve become friends with it,” she added, referring to Wilson.

Before she met Brochu, Wilson says her life was quite different. “I think I’ve probably matured a lot. I’ve definitely gained a lot more self confidence.”

Four years ago, Wilson says she spent a lot of her time alone with few friends. But that all changed as the way she perceived herself became more positive.

“I think she’s really come out of her shell and owned herself,” said Brochu.

It is this self-assurance that Wilson hopes to instill in Ancion. “She’s taught me to really be a leader . . . I’m hop-

ing to teach Tye to be more of a leader and to be more involved in his community.”

“I’ve definitely seen a lot of changes in Tye. I’ve seen him grow up a lot,” she added.

For Ancion, he is happy to have the extra support of a big sister. It gives him another avenue to talk about his family, school and hobbies.

“It’s fun, we can have lunch and play,” said Ancion.

Brochu believes the benefits of Big Brothers Big Sisters on the youths the program serves go back to the old adage ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’

“I think in our world, we’re not very good at being a village,” said Brochu. She feels Big Brothers Big Sisters presents opportunities allowing mentors to fill the gaps in youths lives that may otherwise be left empty.

‘There’s no such thing as too many positive influences,” said Brochu.

CALLING ALL BABIES OF 2014 The PONOKA NEWS presents

Babies of

2014

Iff your baby was born in 2014, 4 you don’t want to miss putting their adorable picture in this special keepsake feature!

Fill out and drop off at the Ponoka News Office, 5019A Chipman Ave. by Feb. 6, 2015.

Baby’s name as you want it to appear: Last First T

Birthdate Father’s Name Mother’s Name Phone Number

Son

T

Middle Daughter

Haley Brochu (right), Melissa Wilson (center) and Tye Ancion (left) celebrate the positive relationships built through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Phoo by Amelia Naismith

30

$

per entry incl. g.s.t.

Are you a snow bird?

STAY CONNECTED WHILE YOU’RE AWAY

All pictures will be published in the Feb. 11, 2015 issue and will be entered to win a prize, compliments of the Ponoka News.

Check us out online WE’RE JUST A CLICK AWAY!

403.783.3311

18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

D E I F I S S A CL

E G A R E V O C E AD R O F E B R EVE LIKE N

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT

S E G A K PAC K C A P 6

Now Also y Review e b im R · s w der Offering n e · Ponoka Ne k e e W · t SYLVAN dependen e c n a v · Stettler In d A r o LAKE NEWS ar · Cast t S w a h s a B · & ECVILLE ECHO * Start at 25 words =

.20

$40

K C A P 6 S

At View All Our Product www.garymoe.com

REBELS GET BACK TO WORK

BIOLOGIST MYRNA HER PEARMAN EXPLAINS N WITH THE FASCINATIO SCRAPPY S, INDUSTRIOU RODENT PAGE C1

Gaetz Ave. North

Red Deer

Volkswagen Alley

West Side Gasoline East Side Gasoline

Alley

102199TF

MUSKRATS

at

located Now locatedatat Now located Now Alley at

TEAM PRACTISING FOURHARD TO END STREAK GAME LOSING PAGE D1

Alley Alley Alley Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Now Gasoline Side located at East Side Side Side East located Alley East East Operated Now 22Gasoline South, South, Hwy 2South, & Family Hwy Hwy Owned Locally East Side Gasoline Alley Hwy 2 South,East Side Hwy 2 South,

fe CentralAlbertaLi OCT. 31, 2013

CENTRAL ALBERTA SPORTS || || NEWS ||

FEATURES BUSINESS ||

ENT || ENTERTAINM

Agri-Trade celebrates milestone

THURSDAY,

PLU .20 $51

SFUL MOST SUCCES RED DEER’S RETURNS FOR ITS TRADE SHOW 6 TO 9 AT FROM NOV. 30TH YEARS PARK. SEE RELATED WESTERNER A3, A4 AND B1 IE ON PAGE STORIES

) Life (Thurs a t r e lb A l a · Centr * Start at 25 words =

K C A 8 -P S

At View All Our Product www.garymoe.com

BIOLOGIST MYRNA HER PEARMAN EXPLAINS N WITH THE FASCINATIO SCRAPPY S, INDUSTRIOU RODENT PAGE C1

REBELS GET BACK TO WORK

Gaetz Ave. North

Red Deer

Volkswagen Alley

West Side Gasoline East Side Gasoline

Alley

at

located Now locatedatat Now located Now Alley at

TEAM PRACTISING FOURHARD TO END STREAK GAME LOSING PAGE D1

102199TF

MUSKRATS

Alley Alley Alley Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Now Gasoline Side located at East Side Side Side East located Alley East East Operated Now 22Gasoline South, South, Hwy 2South, & Family Hwy Hwy Owned Locally East Side Gasoline Alley Hwy 2 South,East Side Hwy 2 South,

fe CentralAlbertaLi OCT. 31, 2013

CENTRAL ALBERTA SPORTS || || NEWS ||

FEATURES BUSINESS ||

ENT || ENTERTAINM

Agri-Trade celebrates milestone

THURSDAY,

PLU te eer Advoca

SFUL MOST SUCCES RED DEER’S RETURNS FOR ITS TRADE SHOW 6 TO 9 AT FROM NOV. 30TH YEARS PARK. SEE RELATED WESTERNER A3, A4 AND B1 RIES ON PAGE STORIES

At View All Our Product www.garymoe.com

LIFE 3, 2013

Gaetz Ave. North

Red Deer

Volkswagen East Side Gasoline

Alley

at

located Now locatedatat Now located Now Alley at

102199TF

Alley

West Side Gasoline

RED DEER

SUNDAY, NOV.

Alley Alley Alley Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Now Gasoline Side located at East Side Side Side East located Alley East East Operated Now 22Gasoline South, South, Hwy 2South, & Family Hwy Hwy Owned Locally East Side Gasoline Alley Hwy 2 South,East Side Hwy 2 South,

RS TEENAGED PLAYE CASE MAKE A NEW IN NHL FOR DEFENCE

D · 7 Days Red Life r e e D d e R · 1 Day COVERS

DIG DIGITAL DIG HE D H THE T H TO TH A ATH PATH PA P UPLEE OOD COUP COUPLE COUPLEH

ONLINE O C LOC LOCAL A ING SERVICES DATING D G RESPECT AINING AIN GAIN GAINING

– PAGE 4

ho by THE ASSOCIATED Ph Photo

PRESS

lineal feet *based on 30 T INCLUDED

LIGHTNING

MIND S STRENGTH OF says ZAPS OILER Amanda Lindhout scores twice her her book is about the and transformation spirit human endurance of the

OWROOM HO SHOW SHO

FREE Sink FREE Installation FREE In-Home

e Commemorate Create Celebrat HOME OF THE

— 2013 Red Deer 1913

of an NHL game er period p pe u in the second teens, including Blake Comeau o oc precocious of preco Blue Jackets’ pros, but a handful away from the position in the keeps the puck to learn their Minnesota Wild Dumba of the longer for defencemen 23. alumni Mathew it takes years feature on Page wisdom says Red Deer Rebels Please see our Ohio. Conventional for conventional wisdom. in Columbus, time seem to have Dumba, don’t

Steven Stamkos Edmonton as Tampa beats SPORTS —PAGE

B1

$

10,000

CASH GIVEAWAY

GUARANTEED MONTHLY WINNER

To qualify purchase vehicle. any new or pre-owned

403-346-5

577

— PAGE D1

cate Red Deer Advo ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, NOV. 8,

2013

www.reddeeradvocate.com

news authority

” “Answering the call Your trusted local

like a sieve. and I was leaking . filled me full of shrapnel a shot of morphine It knocked me down,guys carried me out of there. I got Some of the other

Smiley Douglas

writing Rose

a letter from

Korea.

BY RENÉE FRANCOEUR ADVOCATE STAFF recruits to help came for Canadianof Innisfail wastWhen the call Douglas War, Smiley in the Korean War Second Worldit this ed no time. to go to the miss “I was too youngthat I wasn’t going to myself so I said to 85.

Aug. 10, 1950, morning of time, time,” said Douglas, on the mo lookwas look During breakfast the radio that the army over for Korea.

Douglas heard a special force ing to put together in the later that day. or three o’clock He was in Calgary d I’d army by two Dad thought “I was in the Mother and I don’t think afternoon ... when I said I was joining.” days by boatt 20 been serious months of training and I thoughtt f After a few to take forever; h Douglas with ride seemed — “that boat navy, not the army,” said the 2nd Battal-t company, I’d joined the his the first and Infantry, were a laugh — Douglas Patricia’s Lightthe war zone. ion, Princess to arrive in Canadian troops Pag A2 on Page Please see SMILEY

b

RENÉE FRANCOEUR/Advocate

near Pine sit in their home Smiley Douglas was in Korea.

Rose and Smile a day when he le letter wrote Rose a

hero emony honours

staff

Photo by since 1954. Smiley have been farming Lake where they

s Demand outstrip supply says

* Call for Prices

YOU BEST! DE AREA OUTSIID

CALL 1 1 3 3 3 2 2 7 7 8 0 0 13 3 9 0 3 3 om c 0 . e t 4 a c o v d m eddeera dvocate.co LOCAL AREA

a @reddeer www.ar s d ie if s s il: cla em

PONOKA NEWS 19

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Weddings A Special Supplement to

20 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Avoid stress, not colours for wedding dress shopping It’s a good day for a white wedding no longer. As brides become more adventurous with their big day, colours of every shade have begun popping up on dresses.

Amanda Nickerson, owner of New Beginnings Wedding and Formal Wear in Ponoka, says rose gold, champagne or gold are the current favourites trending. “(With) champagne or gold accents.”

When it comes to fabric, the classics are classic for a reason. “Lace, as per usual. It fits with a lot of different themes, especially around here,” said Nickerson.

Lace wedding dresses make their home in western and country weddings, boho and vintage as well. “And it’s comfortable, it’s light,” said Nickerson.

Straps and sleeves are also coming back into style as indoor church wedding once again gains in popularity.

Hair accessories are beginning to outshine veils, following along with the lace dress trend. “It’s more modern. Plus, with a lace dress you kind of lose the veil. The lace that would be on the veil is now on the dress,” said Nickerson.

Most brides are keeping their jewelry simple with an eye-catching statement necklace to still ensure the sparkle is there.

The wedding colour of the year for bridesmaids has been named marsala, which is a brownish-red wine colour. “It would almost look good on everybody,” said Nickerson.

When brides begin looking for a wedding, dress Nickerson says it is important they enter an appointment with some kind of idea of what they are looking for. She says while it may not end up being the perfect dress, it provides a good starting point.

Bob & Company Catering Bob or Deb Hepp 403-783-6165 Plan your own menu with us for your special day!

HOME TOWN PROUD WITH “A TASTE OF ALBERTA”

• Picture Frames • Custom Framing • Enlargements on paper or canvas • Unique Giftwear • Dry cleaning • Passport photos • Instant digital prints

Dressing for body type, which ensures comfort, and venue are also important.

“That’s the first thing I ask them, what’s your theme,” said Nickerson.

A bride should begin their dress hunt eight months before the wedding date and have it ordered by six months. Nickerson says by the time a dress comes through this leaves one month for alterations.

“It’s mostly to make sure it fits right. Alterations are so important,” said Nickerson.

Another tip for dress appointment is to bring one or two people who will be honest with the bride. Nickerson says brides who bring too many guests usually get

lost in other people’s opinions.

The key to successfully finding the right dress is minimizing stress and even on a small budget that is possible by planning ahead.

However, Nickerson warns brides from ordering dresses online despite the tempting deals and lower prices. “You get what you pay for.”

She can’t think of anytime when ordering online would be the best option and says many companies claim to be authorized retailers of top designers. Brides should just use the store locater on a designer’s website to find the authorized retailers.

“There’s a dress for every budget,” said Nickerson.

Groom’s Tuxedo Special* when booking five others. *

FREE Groom’s Tuxedo Base Rental

See store for details

Red Deer’s Only In-store Inventory Will Ensure You A Perfect Fit WWW.BKTUX.CA l 4912 - 35TH STREET, RED DEER l PH: 403.347.5961

Congratulations on your

! g n i d d e w g upcomin

PIXIE PHOTO INC.

5033 - 49 Ave. Ponoka • 403-783-6210

COUNTRY HOLIDAYS & SEMINARS LTD

Unique & Beautiful Setting For Your Country Wedding

Contact us about our 2015 wedding packages and a gift!

Phone: 403-788-2428 or 403-396-0153 or email: sidmorris1954@gmail.com

Let your family and friends know with a wedding or engagement announcement ad. g 2 01 5 Offerin ing d d e W ages Pack rates! at 2014

5010A Chipman Ave.

403-783-3311

78288A29

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

PONOKA NEWS 21

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Bridal gala prepared for grand entrance

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Brides of central Alberta are in for a treat this February as Ponoka offers its first Bridal Gala.

“It used to be a bridal fair,” said co-coordinator Amanda Nickerson. “Our goal is to keep it low key and informative.”

The festive event kicks off on Friday Feb. 27 at the

The Ponoka Bridal Gala will open its doors to brides Feb. 27. A highly anticipated fashion show will show off some of this year hottest trends, such as minimal jewelry and pops of colour.

File photo

Ponoka Kinsmen Community Centre; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The admission is free but Nickerson recommends those planning to attend to register online at newbeginningsfashion.net to keep an estimated guess on how many are coming.

Already firmly established in the bridal world with New Beginnings Wedding and Formal Wear, Nickerson wants to take the gala as an opportunity to connect brides with local vendors from across central Alberta.

“We have so many you don’t even know are there.”

Vendors attending will range from decorators to DJs to wedding cake designers and jewelry retailers. “Everything you need for a wedding,” said Nickerson.

“We’ll have a fashion show toward the end of the evening,” she added.

Nickerson says a tip for brides on the hunt for wedding inspiration is to bring their bridesmaids to the gala. “Because they’re the ones who will be helping you execute your ideas.”

There’s also more than $2,000 in prizes up for grabs that evening.

“That’s always the biggest draw, prizes, dresses then ideas,” Nickerson explained with a laugh.

For those not getting married in the near future, Nickerson says the gala is still worth checking out, as many vendors and planning ideas can be used for other functions such as anniversaries, family reunions and corporate parties.

PONOKA BRIDAL GALA 2015 A day to meet the wedding specialists and plan your

perfect day.

Friday, February 27 Kinsmen Community Centre 5009 – 46 Ave. Ponoka • Doors open at 6:30 pm • Free admission – Brides & Guests • Bridal fashion show • Exciting door prizes • Special displays • Gift bag for first 50 brides • Grand prize for brides (value $2000) Brides’ pre-registration required To pre-register, please email: amanda@newbeginningfashion.com

This ad space sponsored by the

22 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Is a wedding loan for you?

Engaged couples about to take a trip down the aisle are increasingly choosing to pay for the wedding themselves.

Where it used to be tradition for the bride’s parents to handle the bill for the occasion, today the responsibility for funding has largely fallen into the hands of the prospective bride and groom. To meet the financial demands of the modern wedding, some individuals turn to loans for financing a portion or all of the wedding. You may question whether this is a good idea.

cars, homes, retail purchases -- a wedding loan may just be another shovelful of soil on a financial grave. The consensus among financial experts is that it is better to scale back the wedding or postpone it until you can save money the oldfashioned way instead of taking out a loan.

But if a loan seems the only option, here are some tips.

• Shop around on a wedding loan, just as with any other loan.

Find the best rates and terms before settling on a lender.

As with any situation, there are pros and cons. The same can be said about a wedding loan. The following are some factors you will need to consider before taking out a loan.

• Decide how much you can afford to pay back within 2 to

One of the most important things to realize is that a wedding loan, like any loan, will need to be paid back and interest fees will be included. What that means is that, by the end of the payback period, you will have spent several thousand dollars more on the loans than the original principal amount when interest is added in. If you’re taking out a loan because you’ve already gone above budget on wedding expenses, a loan may push that budget even further into the red.

• Figure out which portions of the wedding can be scaled

That being said, there are some instances where a loan may be an option that works for a couple. For example, couples who anticipate considerable monetary gifts from guests attending the wedding can offset the cost of the loan with those gifts. Some couples might begin their professional careers after their wedding, which will increase their salary enough to repay the loan quickly. Others may actually have the money for the wedding, but want to use a loan as a way to establish strong joint credit as a new couple.

However, many couples take out loans because they simply cannot afford their dream wedding. In a world where many people already live beyond their means -- financing

3 years and how much the monthly payment will be. Then take out the loan only in that amount. back to make the finances work.

• See if options like refinancing a home or borrowing from family would be better than taking out a loan.

• Look at banks, credit unions and even programs sponsored through your employer to compare rates on loans.

• Wedding loans may be secured or unsecured. A home or car can serve as a form of security in a secured loan.

Unsecured wedding loans do not require a form of security.

• Personal loans, like wedding loans, generally have low annual percentage rates.It may be worth it to take out the loan rather than using a credit card for financing because the card’s rates could be double.

Keep in mind that a wedding loan -- even if it comes at a low interest rate -- means you’re starting out your new life together with a large amount of debt for an event that lasts one day. Think about whether the wedding of your dreams is worth using that joint checking account to pay off months of wedding debt.

The

Cutting Edge Hair Design

and Salon

Presenting our wedding specialists for your important day

Amanda, Cara, Shalaine, Brianna, Courtney & Brittney (Missing from photo) Marilyn

Make an appointment today for: • Colour, perms, hair styles & hair care products • Shelac nails, manicures, pedicures & waxing • Make-up, tanning & lotions 5101 510 101 1 – 49 A Avenue • 403 4 403-783-2404 37 783 2404

A New Faye’s Event Rentals From F rom small smallll and and in intimate ntimate tto o llarge arge aand nd llavish, avish from traditional to magical.

A New Faye’s will custom design each event for you.

Book your consultation today.

Event Rentals, Event Design, Wedding Planning, Airbrush Makeup, Formal Hair Styling

Phone: 587-877-7111

Email: anewfayes@gmail.com • www.anewfayes.com

PONOKA NEWS 23

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Floral terms to know Before discussing table settings for their weddings, many couples find it helpful to brush up on some floral terminology before visiting florists.

It can make you appear more knowledgeable and prepared if you understand what will be discussed and are able to choose what you want. It also helps to ensure your money is being spent in the best way possible.

Here are some common and some lesser known florist terms that can be advantageous to know.

• Biedermeier: A nosegay arranged tightly with concentric circles of differently colored flowers. The flowers are wired into a holder with only one type of flower in each ring.

• • • •

Bouquet: A dense bunch of blooms that are kept together in a bouquet holder, wired or tied with ribbon.

Crescent: One full flower and a flowering stem wired together to form a slender handle that is held in one hand.

Garden: A centerpiece featuring wildflowers.

Nosegay: Small, round bouquets composed of densely packed round flowers and fill.

• Oasis: Specialized foam that is used in bouquet holders and centerpieces to retain water and keep blooms fresh.

• Pomander: A flower-covered ball that is suspended from a ribbon.

It is often carried by child attendants.

• Posies: Smaller than nosegays but similar in design.

• Presentation: A bunch of long-stemmed flowers cradled in the bride’s arms. It’s sometimes known as a pageant bouquet.

• Topiary: Flowers trimmed into geometric shapes.

• Tossing: A smaller copy of the bride’s bouquet to use in the bouquet toss.

• Tussy mussy: A small, metallic holder to carry a posy.

KINSMEN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Let Us Help You Organize the Wedding Of Your Dreams!

5009 - 46 AVENUE

A community facility available to the general public, groups and organizations for: Weddings/Cabarets/Banquets Cultural Events/Meetings - Seating for 250 Competitive Rates In house caterer available

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS: CALL THE OFFICE

403-783-4431

Custom Wedding Invitations Programs & Bulletins Bookmarks & Scrolls Thank You Cards Place Cards • Confetti Cards Cake Boxes • Matches Napkins • Guest Books p

Special Order Items Including: Gifts for Attendants Wine Glasses • Candles Favours & Boxes Serving Sets • Cake Tops Confetti • Decorations

6506B – 44 Avenue Ph: 403.783.8399

24 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Honeymoon how-to After the thrill of wedding festivities dies down, couples often jet off to a honeymoon retreat and begin an entirely different adventure. The honeymoon may create mixed feelings, some concerning the chance to spend time alone after months of planning and a few feelings of anxiety over spending the first night together as a married couple.

For many couples, the honeymoon wedding night is the first time they are intimate together or it holds a special meaning of being intimate for the first time after being married. Such significance can put pressure on a happy and natural experience.

Wedding jitters are normal, as are honeymoon and wedding night jitters. But just as wedding trends have changed through the years, so, too, have beliefs about the wedding night. Knowing about shifting trends can alleviate some of the nervousness.

According to a recent survey from Brides magazine, one in three brides plan to get into bed on the wedding night and ... sleep. After all of the hoopla of planning and enjoying the wedding, most people are exhausted. Others say they plan to stay up and relive moments of the day. Only about half of all couples think they will consummate the marriage on their wedding night.

Taking the pressure off of the wedding night means that the rest of the honeymoon may be filled with opportunities to be amorous. But couples may still be filled with expectations for the perfect romantic retreat.

Here are some things to think about.

• Accept the fact that some wedding nights and honeymoons aren’t exactly what’s pictured in the movies. Don’t try to live up to a Hollywood-inspired ideal or you may be let down when things don’t go your way. In other words, it may rain on your beachside liaison.

• A wedding requires a lot of work. Many people find themselves to be physically exhausted afterward.

Others find they are so wound up that they cannot relax. When the mind or body is on adrenaline overload or completely wiped out, it’s not the ideal situation for romantic endeavors.

• Try to make the honeymoon stand apart from other nights by packing nice lingerie or nighttime attire so that the memories will be special. There will be plenty of other times down the road when you’re an old, married couple to hop between the sheets in a ratty college T-shirt.

• Pack some candles and mood music, or ask the resort to handle these details for you. These items can help set the scene.

• Make sure your packing list includes special toiletries and birth control methods if you’re not ready to start a family so soon after being married. The brands you prefer may be hard to acquire while at some honeymoon locations.

PONOKA NEWS 25

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Wedding themes can add up to extra fun Every couple wants their wedding to be memorable. The goal of planning a wedding is to create an experience that everyone will remember for years to come. For some couples, a theme wedding is the best way to accomplish just that.

When it comes time to select a theme, the day the wedding takes place may dictate the theme. For example, if the wedding takes place on Halloween, the ideas for the theme are easy. Many other couples choose a theme that highlights a specific interest or hobby or something that is dear to them. Here are some popular wedding themes.

• Holiday: The Christmas season lends itself well to wedding planning. The colors (red, green, gold) are already established, and most churches and buildings are already decked out in holiday finery, cutting down on the amount of flowers and embellishments couples need. Because the holiday season is so busy and a popular time for socializing, couples who want to tie the knot during this time of year should send save-thedate cards well in advance. Another option is to have a “Christmas in July” wedding, featuring the same holiday themes but without the hectic nature of the holiday season.

• Vegas: Couples who want to tie the knot in Las Vegas but want to ensure all their loved ones can attend can recreate the magic of Vegas wherever they may be.

Casino-inspired games and big buffet meals can make guests feel like they have stepped into a casino on the famed Vegas strip. In addition, an Elvis impersonator is essential to a Vegas wedding.

• TV show: Some couples elevate certain television shows to cult status. Whether it’s “Friends” or “Star

Trek,” popular television shows have been transformed into festive wedding themes. Whether the idea is to go daring and exchange vows in costume or simply name reception tables according to characters or show locations, couples can include a little television fun into the event.

• Fairytale: Many men and women envision a fairytale wedding complete with horse-drawn carriage and the “happily ever after.” This is what makes Disney properties as well as the various castles around the world popular backdrops for wedding events. Those planning a fairytale wedding need only look to favorite stories or movies for their inspiration.

• Interest or passion: Love to climb mountains?

Avid about scuba diving? Couples who share a particular interest can include elements of this sport or hobby into their wedding. Invitations and decor can hint at the theme, and then special activities can further enhance it. Fish bowls as centerpieces may call to mind underwater adventures, while surfboard-shaped invites may set the scene for a beachside party.

Theme weddings can add an extra spice to the festivities and incorporate couples’ interests into the event -- making it even more special.

26 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Responsibilities of the groomsmen Happy couples choose friends and family members to serve as attendants in their weddings.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen each have different responsibilities in the wedding.

In ancient times, groomsmen essentially served as the groom’s bodyguards, ensuring that he made it safely to the altar and to his future wife. Today, the groomsmen’s roles are not based on saving life and limb.

Today’s groomsmen serve as assistants to the groom and help plan the bachelor party. They also usher guests down the aisle at the ceremony. They also may have a few other responsibilities, depending on what the couple wants of their assistants.

Look and Feel Beautiful We know how important it is to look absolutely stunning as you walk down the aisle on your special day.

Our experienced stylists will bring out your very best.

We highly recommend a consultation prior to your big dayy so yyou can achieve the exact look yyou want!

Services We Offer

• Full Service family hair care • Stand up tanning bed • Up-dos • Foils • Make-up • Ear/Nose Piercing • Clip-in & permanent extensions • Waxing Owner: Heather Stylists: Lynda, Danielle, Cory & Addy

Before the Wedding • Help pick out the tuxedos and show up for fittings.

• Help plan and share the cost of the bachelor party.

• Attend rehearsals for the ceremony and appear at the rehearsal dinner.

• Pay for their own wedding attire or formal wear rentals.

• Help unload cars with supplies if the couple is doing the decorating the wedding themselves.

• Pay for their travel expenses and accommodation during the celebration.

• Return formal wear for themselves and the groom.

• Provide transportation for the couple to the airport or honeymoon destination if the best man is unavailable.

During the Ceremony • Greet and seat guests at the ceremony in the appropriate rows or pews.

• Stand near the groom during the ceremony.

• Serve as escorts for the bridesmaids at the ceremony.

• Cater to anyone’s needs and mingle with the guests afterward.

Party Time • Ensure that the groom does not get too intoxicated.

• Sit at the table of honor beside the rest of the bridal party.

• Mingle with the guests.

• Participate in all photos if asked.

• Dance with their bridesmaid counterpart.

• Help load the wedding gifts into the car afterward.

#1, 5102 - 51 Ave • 403.783.8310

Destination Wedding DIRECT TRAVEL is Ponoka’s

Specialists

Planning a wedding on home turf is challenging in and of itself, but organizing a destination wedding present a new set of challenges – after all, you’re planning one of the biggest days of your life, and from a distance.

That’s why working with a DesinationVows specialist is so advantageous – not only are these wedding specialists familiar with the destinations but they also have proven relationships with the various hotels and tour groups, meaning they can get the job done quicker and easier than you could.

• Restroom Trailers • VIP Solar Powered Units • Handicap Units • Portable Toilets

And the last thing you need while planning your wedding is added anxiety.

Reasons to use

Direct Travel’s Wedding specialists: • Personally inspected many wedding destinations hotels • Destination wedding extensive training • Passionate about planning your wedding to make your dreams a reality

Kahla, Diane, Ramona, Amber, Theresa WE HAVE MANY WEDDING GUIDE BROCHURES AVAILABLE JUST FOR YOU!

& CRUISE CENTRE PH: 403.783.4911 FAX: 403.783.5222 EMAIL: dirtvl@telus.net www.direct-travel.ca

Commercial • Residential • Recreational

403-783-8322 sales@littlejons.ca

PONOKA NEWS 27

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Unique reception touches Over the course of their lifetimes, many people will be wedding guests on several occasions.

During the height of wedding season, weddings can run into one another, as the format and the festivities are similar at various ceremonies.

Couples interested in setting their nuptials apart may want to enhance the wedding reception with a few unique ideas.

Who hasn’t attended a wedding that seems formulaic? The couple enters, they do their spotlight dance, there’s food, a bouquet toss and then the cake cutting. Guests may actually be able to predict what’s coming next. While it is often customary and easy to follow tradition, that doesn’t mean you cannot buck with tradition and offer a few creative ideas to make your event stand out.

Here are several ideas you can introduce into your wedding to add something special to the reception.

• Skip the big entrance. Those who were kind enough to attend the ceremony have already been introduced to the newly minted happy couple. Instead of spending the cocktail hour in the isolation of the wedding suite, mingle with your guests from start to finish. So much time is spent posing for pictures or being out of touch with guests, the cocktail hour can be a great time to sit and chat. Being with guests during the cocktail hour means you don’t have to make that

big entrance from behind closed doors. Guests will have all eyes on you when you step on the dance floor for your first dance together.

• Dance to an upbeat number. Guests are expecting a slow, sappy tune. What they may not expect is an upbeat song that shows you are willing to have a little fun. If you haven’t mastered the waltz but enjoy a little quick step now and again, feel free to choose a tune that shows your excitement and love for each other.

• Encourage couples to dance together.

It’s often customary for the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance floor midway through the first dance. However, that leaves spouses or significant others waiting in the wings while their dates tango with groomsmen or bridesmaids. Instead, don’t have assigned partners.

Rather, encourage your bridal party members to dance with whomever they choose.

• Swap the garter/bouquet toss for something more meaningful. If you’re part of a couple who feels the garter and bouquet toss has become trite, there are other ways to create special moments in your celebration -- ones that don’t single out the singletons who haven’t yet found their special someones. Use this time to present a small gift or token of your affection to someone on the guest list who has served as a mentor or source of inspiration.

Continued on Page 28

TUXEDO & SUIT RENTALS/SALES

Ponoka Enjoy a luxurious honeymoon night at Western Budget Motel!

zzi in the u c ja & e c la p A fire own room. r u o y f o y c a priv

RENTALS AVAILABLE AT

Gift Registry Available

4205 64 St. 403-783-8382

4209 - HWY 2A Ponoka, AB • 403.783.3831

28 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Continued from Page 27

they offer the better guests will view their wedding.

Spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean guests will have a better time. If you want to go above and beyond the ordinary, find one thing that you absolutely love and offer that at the party. It could be a flambe presentation, a chocolate or candy bar, a carving station with your all-time favorite food (even if that’s PB&J), or a carnival-inspired automatic photo booth.

• Hire a live performer. Although it’s hard to beat the performance quality of your wedding song being performed by the original artist, unless you’re cousins with Celine Dion, chances are she won’t be available to sing “My Heart Will Go On” at your reception. However, a live band adds a certain level of excitement that a disk jockey may not be able to provide. Those who are adding a cultural or ethnic component to their wedding may want to hire a dance troupe or another type of performer, like a bagpiper, as an added measure of entertainment for guests.

• Let them eat ... cookies? Some people just don’t like cake. Therefore, why should a couple have to cut a seventiered white confection? Towers of different types of treats can be created from just about anything and serve as the perfect backdrop for that classic cake-cutting photo. A pyramid of cream puffs, stacks of brownies, a cookie castle, or cereal-cake concoctions can work.

Some bakeries will decorate a “dummy” styrofoam cake, and then you can serve apple pie a la mode, if you desire.

• Stage a costume switch. Let’s face it, dancing all night in a long gown takes some stamina. As the bride, have a more comfortable cocktail dress available to switch into for the latter part of the reception. It will also add some variety to your wedding photos.

Chad Jones

Loyal Order of Moose FACILITY FOR

up to 350 guests sts • Weddings • Banquets • Private Parties

CALL 403-783-4700

Email: theraspberrypatch15@gmail.com

E TH OR U E 84 Q I 4 R L TO .8 eet 3 8 tr S 3.7 54 S AB 40

, 20 ka 46 ono J 1J4 P T4

Walter & Marian Raugust

403.783.2285

Bing & Shirley Jones

• Choose one special component as an extra goodie for guests. Some couples feel the more

Premier Limousine Services Central Alberta’s #1 Choice for Wedding Limousine Service

A LOCALLY OWNED est. 1995, PROFESSIONAL, SERVICE ORIENTED COMPANY

At Premier Limousine Services, we care about your special day and we understand that the vendors you choose to work with should be Experienced Professionals.

This is our commitment to you.

• Continental Breakfast • 58 Deluxe Units • 12 Kitchenette Units • Cable TV • Air Conditioning • Hi-speed Internet • Small Meeting Room Available

403-783-5535 1-877-783-5533 Fax 403-783-6688 www.stampederinn.com 4215 Hwy. 2A South Ponoka

1-866-700-9299 Out of Town only

We house all of our Limousines indoors with our own professional detailing staff to assure your Limousine is 100% ready.

Sparkling Clean and Smelling Sweet for that special day.

With an inhouse mechanic our Limousines are maintained on a regular basis so you will always receive Safe Reliable ON TIME Service.

Our Chauffeurs are licensed, well-trained Professionals, who arrive appropriately attired for the Ceremony.

We will always offer very competitive rates and the Very Best Value for your money.

403-342-9565 www.Premier-Limos.com

PONOKA NEWS 29

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Most popular months for weddings Every year millions of people walk down the aisle and begin the start of their new lives together as couples. December is one of the more popular months in which to gett engaged, but other months of the year are more popular for weddings. depends couples The decision on when to ge ggett married depe p nds on a host of factors. Some coupl ples choose based while might choo ch oose oo se tthe he ddate atee ba at base seed on aavailability vail va ilab il abil ab ilit il ity it y wi with th a cchurch hurc hu rch rc h or rreception ecep ec epti ep ption tiion hhall, alll, al l, w hile hi le oothers ther th erss mi er m igh ght prefer to walk down dow own n the the aisle a sle during ai du uri ring ng a specific spe peci cifi ficc season. seas se ason on.. Some Some couples cou oupl ples choose cho hoos osee to coordicoo oord rdii nate their wedding with special event, note. gw ith h a sp pec ecia iall ev even ent, t, ssuch uch uc h as a bbirthday irth ir thda dayy or aanother noth no ther day ay ooff no note te.

Most M Mo ost st couples cou oupl ples decide dec ecide on a wedding wed eddi ding ng month mon onth th primarily pri rima mari rily ly for for the the weather. wea eatthher er. That’s That Th at’ss why why the he spring which Here spri ring ng aand nd ssummer umme um merr are arre th thee mostt ppopular opul op ular ar ttimes imes im es ooff th thee ye year ar iin n wh whic ichh to ttie ie the knot. H eree is a list of the mos most popular months knot. ostt popu po opu p la larr mont mo ont n hs tto o ti tiee th thee kn knot ot.

1. JJune 1. unee un 2.. A ugus ug ust ust us August 3 M 3. ay ay May 4. JJuly 4. ully uly 5 S 5. eptemb ep temb te m err September 6. O 6. ctob ct o err ob October 7. D 7. ecem ec embe em mbe b r December 8 N 8. ovvem embe beer November 9 A 9. pril pr ill April 110.. Fe 10 F brua br u ry ua y February 111.. Ma 11 M rch rc h March 12.. Ja 12 Janu anuar nu uar ay January Less popular Less L po op pul ular a months ar mon onth th hs for for weddings wedd we ddin dd ings in gs may may be be easier easi ea sier er to to book in terms of availability, and an nd certain ceert rtai ain vendors veen vend nd dor orss may m y discount ma disc di scou ou unt items ite tems ms because bec ecau ause au se ooff a slower slow sl ower er season. Having a wedding during money d ri du r ng thiss time tiimee can can n bbee ad aadvantageous v nt va n ag a eo eous us iiff mo mone ney ne y is ttight. ig ght ht.

Dove Release Doves mate for life and symbolize Love, Peace, Fidelity, Prosperity and Good Luck.

Add this symbolism to your wedding and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!

A dove release will create a unique event, which will be remembered by you and your guests for years to come.

For more information call

GUIDO PFIFFNER at 403 783 8300 Or Visit your website: www.northstarodves.com and go under Dove Release.

For the end of your special day!

JUANITA KNIGHT Marriage Commissioner

403-783-3145 403-341-9780 (cell) juanitaknight9@gmail.com

5020 - 50 Street

403.790.2878 1.888.214.6563

www.bustedlingerie.ca service@bustedlingerie.ca Find us on

30 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Bridal, Bridesmaid, Flower Girl, Accessories & Alterations By appointment only

403 704 1200

www.newbeginningfashion.net

February 1/2 Price Sale On! Check out all in-stock wedding, grad and flower girl dresses

BRIDAL PROFESSIONALS Spectacular your pperfect p flowers ffor y f day

QUALITY SERVICE

UNIQUE DESIGNS

FREE CONSULTATION “A Flower Shop with Heart” 5008 - 51 Avenue • 40 403-783-8190 3 83 819 email: Á RZUV X#WHOXVSODQHW QHW

Designers with a Professional Flair www.ponokaflowersforyou.ca Toll Free US & Canada: 1-877-783-8190

PONOKA NEWS 31

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

15021OS0

Think outside the banks. *,

servus.ca * 2014 Ipsos Customer Service Index – Overall quality of customer service.

Personal | Mortgages | Investments | Loans | Insurance | Business

Feel good about your money.

32 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Get informed about your mushrooms SUBMITTED BY CHARLES BIRD

This being winter, we long to get out and tramp through the woods. It is the time of year when so much of nature is “asleep”. This “nature note” is about mushrooms and, in particular, about ones of the genus Agaricus. In Alberta, we have nearly ten species, the commonest of which are arvensis (the horse mushroom), campestris (the field mushroom) and silvicola (the wood mushroom). The one shown here is the horse mushroom.

In most grocery stores, you can buy three kinds of mushrooms, the common white button mushroom, creminis and portobellos. All belong to the species Agaricus bisporus.

The latter two are strains that are brown in color. The last one is large and is sold when mature.

Mushrooms start from spores which germinate to grown

into hyphae. The hyphae grow in the substrate where they absorb nutrients from dead organic matter. When conditions are right, the hyphae come together at to grow into the above-ground structures we associate with mushrooms.

Like most mushrooms, including the Agarics, these are a stalk (stipe) and a cap (pileus). The stalk may have a ring (annulus) as in the above illustration. The underside of the cap has a hymenium made up of gills (lamellae). Spore bearing structures (basidia) are born on the gills and they produce basidiospores.

Most mushrooms are saprophytes and, as such, are part of nature’s very important recycling crew that helps turns dead plant material into fertile soil.

Though Agaricus bisporus bought in stores is good to eat some wild species that are poisonous or will make you ill. No wild mushroom should be eaten unless you are quite

403-783-8881 #3, 5012-48 Ave

in the Wedin’s Prof. Bldg.

NEW LISTING

$174,300

Tamarack Court. Large 2 bdrm unit on the top floor, beautiful southeast exposure, lots of storage space in this unit. Unit comes with parking stall. 45+ building, no pets.

NEW LISTING

$369,900

RIVERSIDE

Beautiful bi level home, many upgrades, hardwood floors, European tile & slate, 4 bdrm, 3 baths, oversized double garage/heated, mature yard, great location in Red Deer.

Large family home with all living space on the main floor. Large living room with woodstove, 3 bdrms + an office, as well as large family room with woodburning fireplace.

Over 2100 sq.ft. all on an oversized lot.

$229,000

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

sure you know of it’s identity. It is also a good idea to never eat any wild mushroom raw as cooking may denature poisonous components.

In the wild, many species eat mushrooms. Be aware that some flies lay eggs on them and the developing maggots gather in the caps causing them to be “wormy”.

There are a number of good mushroom books that can be used for determination. For those of us in Alberta, my favourite is Helene Schalkwijk-Barendsen’s “Mushrooms of Northwest North America”.

One of the best natural areas in west-central Alberta is the J.J. Collett Natural Area. Their website, http://www.jjcollett.com/, has a checklist of the mushrooms that have been found there.

Mycologists are folks that are interested in mushrooms and other fungi. There is an Alberta Mycological Society.

It’s website is http://www.wildmushrooms.ws/.

Mushrooms are fun. Watch for them this summer and early fall.

6000 - 48 Ave.

(Beside The Old Iron Horse Restaurant)

real estate central alberta RARE FIND

- 4 bdrms & 3 baths - Open concept layout - Island and pantry in kitchen - Nice location - Quick possession available

403-783-5007 HOME SWEET HOME

$379,900 Call Jane

MOVE-IN READY

- 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!

$309,000 Call Deb

FANTASTIC FAMILY HOME!

- Over 1600 sq ft on main floor - 5 bedrooms, 3 baths - Main floor laundry - Many upgrades including carpets and furnace - Fantastic Lucas Heights Location

- Renovated bungalow - 2 bdrms plus main floor laundry - Fenced yard with garage & deck - Renovations include: all new flooring, countertops, paint, lighting & all new bathroom!

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY HOME -1203 sq ft - 5 B/R., 2 Bath - 2 Fireplaces - Low Maintenance Back Yard w/Patio & Hot Tub - Double Garage $347,000 Call Deb

GREAT STARTER HOME

NE

W LISTING

- 1524 sq ft Walk-out - 4 bdrms and 3 baths - Large lot offers a Great view!

- 2 Kitchens; 2 Fireplaces - Large open rooms - Deck, Patio & Landscaped yard - Huge Garage with heated workshop

$379,900 Call Bob

Associate

- 5 bedrooms, 2 baths - Many upgrades - New flooring on main floor - Single garage, fenced yard - Move in ready!!!

INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITY

- 1.74 acre parcel in Ponoka’s SW Industrial Park - 10,000 sq. ft. facility - Suitable for manufacturing, trucking, welding, etc.

- Includes overhead crane and compressor system - Lot is perimeter fenced

MOBILE HOME ON ITS OWN LOT!

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

$84,900 Call Bob

JANE WIERZBA Associate

- 1088 sq ft w/ 2 bdrms & 2 baths - Open floor plan - Huge laundry room/bathroom - 3 storage sheds & room for the RV

DEB STEVENS Assoc. Broker

LISA SMITH Associate

QUALITY & STYLE

CALLING ALL INVESTORS

- 3 Half-Duplexes - Each with separate title - 2 and 3 bedroom - 1 and a half baths

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

REDUCED

LOOKING TO BUILD

$355,000 ~ Call Lisa - Comfortable 940 sq. ft. home

½ DUPLEX ON THE PARK - 2 bdrm, 2 bath

READY TO BUILD?

$199,500 ~ Call Todd to view - 770 sq. ft. bungalow with hardwood floors!

- Huge deck deck, metal roof yard - Mature yar - Immediate possession

SOLD

$$79,900 Call Bob

- 1018 sq ft, 2 bdrms, 1 bath - Thoughtfully planned, spacious layout - Unfinished basement with great development potential - Nicely landscaped, great location

- 1356 sq.ft. Above Grade - Numerous Upgrades - Fenced Yard - Great Location $166,000 Call Deb

- 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

$147,500 Call Lisa

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

AFFORDABLE LIVING

Associate

GREAT STARTER HOME - 1.5 Storey, 3 B/R, 1 Bath

$139,000 per unit Call Deb

UPGRADED CLASSIC

LACEY GREGORY

$279,900 Call Jane

$165,000 Call Jane

$800,000 - Call Todd

CHIPMAN AVENUE

TODD REED

Assoc. Broker

$245,000 ~ Call Lisa

Only $189,000 Call Todd

HILLSIDE BUNGALOW

- 2004 mobile with addition - Clean, well cared for home with neutral decorating - Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms - All appliances included!

BOB TILTGEN

$79,900 Call Jane

$340,000 ~ Call Lisa IMMEDIATE POSSESSION

Proud sponsors of RDC Arts Programs

- Large duplex lot - 59’ x 150’ sloped - Suitable for walkout basement - Located in Riverside $99,000 Call Todd

COMMERCIAL LOT

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

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

www.ponokaproperties.com

PONOKA NEWS 33

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Ponoka woman inducted into alma mater’s hall of fame

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Ponoka County resident Tina Nielsen took a trip to her alma mater on the week of Jan. 12 and joined her softball teammates as they were inducted into their university’s sports hall of fame.

In 1994, Nieslen and her university softball team, the Oklahoma City University Chiefs won their first of eight national championships in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Her team, and coach Phil McSpadden, started a dynasty with the Chiefs in women’s softball, says Nielsen.

“We started that dynasty that still continues.”

At the time, the team consisted of 14 girls, three from Canada, three from Australia and eight from the United

“We started that dynasty that still continues.”

Tina Nielsen

States. Nielsen, who pitched for the Chiefs, said she feels grateful to have been able to travel to the United States and get her teaching degree using a full athletic scholarship at the university. For her, 1994 was a memorable year.

“We set a lot of records (and) we broke a lot of records,” said Nielsen.

Nielsen was able to enjoy two more national championships with the team that won in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2007. The 1994 winning team was also really close, says Nielsen. Of the 14 original players, 12 returned to see each during the induction “To walk away with a full education and friends for life, that’s what it’s all about,” she concluded.

One Ponoka woman travelled to the United States to be inducted into her university’s sports hall of fame. Tina Nielsen, seated in the middle, and her team accepted the award from Oklahoma City University. Photo submitted

Town remains hopeful for summer worker federal funding

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Despite having no success in acquiring any federal funding for summer students workers the past two years, the Town of Ponoka is once again applying for the grant, hoping to be noticed this time.

“We just hire anyway,” said communications officer Donna Brinkworth.

In 2012, the provincial Summer Temporary Employment Program was cut and municipalities have been left with only the Canadian Summer Jobs Grant, which has not proven lucrative for the town.

While the provincial program was still available, Ponoka did receive grant funding from it.

Each year, the town employs approximately 10 summer students for a variety of jobs. “I think the town likes to employ summer students, there’s a lot of opportunities for them,” said Brinkworth.

Students hired generally work in operations, parks and the Ponoka Tourist Information Centre.

Even though the town is paying for the extra workers itself, Brinkworth says it is agreed that it will be better for the town in the long run. “I think that Ponoka wants to

keep its youth here. If they have employment here and go to school here, maybe they’ll stay here.”

“We want them to feel like they have something to stay here for,” she added. “I think it looks good for the town too.”

Brinkworth says the student workers are able to provide fresh insight into some

“I think that Ponoka wants to keep its youth here. If they have employment here and go to school here, maybe they’ll stay here.”

Donna Brinkworth Communications Officer Town of Ponoka of the town’s operations. Being new to her position last year, Brinkworth had the idea of introducing new social media techniques to the town; she says the younger student employees were the first ones on board to see the benefits.

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc. 5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka 1-800-392-8658

REDUCED PRICE - GET READY FOR SPRING!

LARGE BUNGALOW WITH LOFT

7 acreages available.

Beautiful building sites just a short drive south of Ponoka in Jada Estates.

Building restrictions make this property an exclusive area for upscale homes.

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

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

COMMERCIAL

PRICE REDUCED OWNER MOTIVATED

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

Great location on main NEW LISTING 5 acres located north of Ponoka street of Ponoka. Total space 2750 sq. ft building with 2000 16 X 80 manufactured home. Ideal country setting. Asking price $269,000 and lot only. $139,000 Call Brian 403-704-7018

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

$69,000

WEST OF PONOKA

Productive 1/4 section.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

TOTAL COUNTRY

Call Wayne 403-704-0864

WAYNE McGARVEY

BRIAN HATALA

A variety of building lots available from treed open to walk-outs. Located 1.5 miles from Ponoka. Range from 2 – 3.5 acres. Beautiful country setting.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

ANNETTE DODDS

SHAWNA LOW Broker

PROFESSIONAL REALTORS OF JOHN W. LOW AGENCIES INC.

34 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Farm & Ranch

Risk back on?

Crestomere 4H Multi Club Crestomere 4-H News

Grain markets are lookby a third, an increase of ing to end the month of spring wheat acres by four January well below where per cent more than offsets they started it although volathe loss. Overall, A.A.F.C. tile currencies, weather, and forecasts average wheat geo-political risk are helpprices in 2015/16 to come ing bump things up above in between $5.70-$6.50 their lows. Managed money per bushel. On the canola dropped their net long poside of things, acreage is sition in the agricultural expected to increase by 3.4 complex even further recentper cent to 20.75 million ly to its lowest levels since Brennan Turner acres (high in my opinion), October, mainly thanks to Farm Lead equaling a production of the strength of the US dollar.

16 million tonnes (or alInvestors in soybeans actumost three per cent above ally flipped their position to net short as more players are recognizing 2014’s crop). Canola prices are expected the big South American crop headed to to stay below the magical $500/MT level market. Some headlines are discussing a (as we’ve discussed a few times recently) terrible dry-spell in Brazil but it’s only but sway between $9.75 and $10.90/bu as hitting mostly urban areas, so the large ending stocks for the 2015/16 season are majority of crops should be okay. seen at 1.4M tonnes.

Unseasonably warm winter weather in Outside of weather, traders are also the U.S. Midwest, Canadian Prairies, and watching the situation in Europe, as reCrestomere 4-H members pose together for cameras after their public speaking parts of the E.U. are increasing concerns cently the anti-austerity, left-wing Syriza event.

Submitted photo over the condition of the winter wheat party won the general election and they’ve crop as declining snow cover could equal already moved to form a coalition that will SUBMITTED BY ALYSSA HOPKINS Juniors trouble when cold temperatures return. work to reverse years of austerity meaWhile this is providing some support, 1st - Charlotte Cutts This month the 4H members were fundamentals remain poor for U.S. wheat sures imposed on Greece as part of their 2nd - Aspen McTaggart busy preparing their speech for the for the next month as European traders E.U. bailout conditions. While the recent Intermediate continue to win tenders against a stronger EU quantitative easing programs starts public speaking event held on Jan. 1st Emma Rust U.S. dollar. However, on the feed side of to roll out, the EU and US are looking at 24. It was a busy, fun day that everythings, wheat prices continue to remain tightening their economic sanctions on 2nd - Aiden McTaggart one enjoyed. We heard many different elevated and should be seriously consid- Russia as fresh battles in Eastern Ukraine Senior speeches on many different things, for ered to help the bottom line as 2015 crop continue to stir political headwinds, but example, cats, animal testing, northern 1st - Isabell Stamm input purchases near (got some in the bin ultimately continue to downside pressure lights, and farm fair, to name a few. still? Post it today on FarmLead!)

2nd - Alyssa Hopkins on the Russian ruble. Nonetheless, Putin Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Not only did everyone do an excellent continues to be a savvy politician though Another special thanks goes out job on the prepared speech, but they to our sponsors, Alta Link and Battle says that wheat inventories here in Cana- and wade through the risky waters, reda will be at a 25-year low of 4.8 million cently brokering a deal with Argentina to also did a great job on their imprompRiver Insurance, your sponsorship was tonnes by the end of the 2015/16 crop year, trade Russian fighter planes for beef and tus! greatly appreciated! And lastly, thank a drop of 1.4 million tonnes from what wheat.

I would like to congratulate all of they’re forecasting this year’s carryout To growth, the 4H members who not only shared you judges for coming out and helping, to be. A.A.F.C. expects a slightly bigger Brennan Turner their speeches, but their passions and we couldn’t have done it without you. wheat crop in 2015/16 though, as CanadiPresident, FarmLead.com personality’s, and a special congratula- We also appreciate all the advice you an farmers are expected to seed almost 25 Brennan Turner is originally from Foam million acres (+3.2 per cent above 2014’s gave at the end. tions to the winners listed below.

Lake, SK, where his family started farmacreage), ing the land in the 1920s. After completing producing VJV MARKET REPORT his degree in economics from Yale Univer30 million MARKET REPORT JANUARY 28, 2015 sity and then playing some pro hockey, Mr. tonnes (+2.5 On Wednesday, January 28, 2015 - 2882 head of cattle went through our rings & 202 head on the Canadian Satellite sale - TOTAL -3084 per cent Turner spent some time working in finance SLAUGHTER CATTLE a b o v e before starting FarmLead.com, a risk-free, D1 - D2 cows 124.00 -142.00 Good Bred Cows 1900.00-2700.00 2 0 1 4 ’ s transparent online and now mobile grain D3 - D4 cows 100.00-118.00 Older Bred Cows N/A o u t p u t ) . marketplace (app available for iOS and Holstein cows 80.00-127.00 Good Bred Heifers: N/A Heiferettes 130.00-155.00 Cow/calf pairs (younger) NONE A l t h o u g h Android). His weekly column is a summary Bologna Bulls 130.00-165.00 Cow/Calf pairs (older) N/A w i n t e r of his free, daily market note, the FarmLead Feeder bulls 145.00-170.00 wheat acres Breakfast Brief. He can be reached via STOCKERS AND FEEDERS are expect- email (b.turner@farmlead.com) or phone Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: 290.00-220.00 Heifers 175.00-190.00 ed to drop (1-855-332-7653).

Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: 212.00-226.00 Heifers 195.00-211.00

BRED COW & HEIFER SALE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 @ NOON

– OVER 500 HEAD – 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. 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

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:

220.00-244.00 245.00-260.00 265.00-289.00 290.00-320.00 310.00-340.00 340.00-370.00

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

NONE 100.00-300.00 250.00-500.00 4.00-7.00 1.50-2.50 NONE

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales

210.00-227.00 230.00-242.00 245.00-268.00 265.00-295.00 280.00-310.00 295.00-320.00

75.00-90.00 NONE 60.00-77.50

BRED COW SALE - FEBRUARY 6TH, 2015 Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Dawson Creek Auction Vold Jones & Vold Co. Ltd. © 2006 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

THE FARMLEAD.COM MARKETPLACE

INTERESTED IN FINDING MORE $$$ FOR YOUR GRAIN? Register free account, post your grain, & negotiate with 100s of verified buyers (via quarterly credit checks).

We make you the broker; increase your marketing options!

1-888-332-7653

PONOKA NEWS 35

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Town council approves waiving ice fee for Midget B provincials Coun. Tim Falkiner was in favour of waiving all the fees. “They’re looking at Town councillors unanimously agreed 1,000 people coming into our commuto waive the ice fee rentals for the Midget nity.”

B provincials, which will be hosted next Amendt suggested if council waives month by Ponoka’s Fountain Tire Wolves. the fees, it would be setting a precedent.

The decision came during council’s However, the tournament committee is regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 27 after willing to work closely with the town to hearing some of the options as laid out by help out, explained minor hockey presiadministration. Wes dent Julie Feragen.

Amendt, director Additional costs “They’re looking at of community sersuch as overtime 1,000 people coming vices for the Town incurred during the of Ponoka, providprovincials tournainto our community.” ed three options to Coun. Tim Falkiner ment would be paid council: for by the tourna1. Award $1,000 ment committee, she as per the town’s financial sponsorship said. program.

“We don’t want the Town of Ponoka to 2. Award more than $1,000, reducing pay any of that,” said Feragen. what would be left in the $5,000 allocaIn the past Amendt, said the town foltion. lowed the sponsorship program policy. In 3. Donating facility use, amounting to the case of the Lacoka Lacrosse provin$6,025. cials, held in Ponoka and Lacombe, the The final option includes the costs of town provided the group with $500. $3,675 to rent the large ice, $2,100 to rent By waiving the fees, the Town of the small ice and $250 to rent the mez- Ponoka will also be given major sponsor zanine lounge. status of the tournament. Amendt added “Option 1 follows the current policy, he does not feel the town will have to hire which is deemed fair an equitable to all more than the normal allotment of two groups,” said Amendt. staff over the busy weekend.

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Money to help host Lacoka provincials: Mayor Rick Bonnett (middle left) presents a $500 cheque Thursday, Jan. 29 to Bantam Lacoka girls’ coach Mark Sieben. The Town of Ponoka approved the donation as part of its grant program. Lacoka players (left to right) Megan Bailey, Callie Braun, Meg Crawford and Carmen Vogel join coach Sieben in accepting the cheque.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @PonokaNews

CALNASH AG EVENT CENTRE FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Please check website regularly for further information & updates as info is ‘Subject to change’

2

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-3:30pm Private Booking 3:30-5:30pm Large Arena

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

www.ponokaageventcentre.com

403-755-8490

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Note - Arena will be closed for Open Riding if temps are -20C or colder

SUNDAY 1

Don Laing Trailer Barrel Jackpot – Double Header #4 & #5 > 9am

3

4

5

6

7

8

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-3:30pm Private Booking 7-9pm Large Arena

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 4:00-8:00pm Barn >FCSS Winter Walk 11-2:30pm

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Private Booking 7-9pm Large Arena Private Booking 7-9pm Small arena

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-5pm Build a Better Horse 5-8:30pm Large Arena Ranch Sorting 7-10pm Small Arena

Ponoka District 4H Multi Species Judging Arena 9am

Open Ride 10am – 4pm

14

15

PAADA – Move In

Parkland Area Alberta Dressage Assoc Dressage Daze

22

9

10

11

12

13

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Private Booking 7-9pm Large Arena

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Don Laing Trailer Barrel Jackpot #6 7pm

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Private Booking 7-9pm Large Arena Private Booking 7-9pm Small arena

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-5pm Build a Better Horse 5-8:30pm Large Arena

16

17

18

19

20

21

Family Day Family Ride 10-4pm Silver Valley 4H – 7:00 -9pm Arena

Jeans & Genetics Simmental Sale - Barn Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Private Booking 7-9pm Large Arena

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Don Laing Trailer Barrel Jackpot #7 7pm

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Private Booking 7-9pm Large Arena Private Booking 7-9pm small arena

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-5pm Build a Better Horse 5-8:30pm Large Arena Ranch Sorting 7-10pm Small Arena

Free Open Ride sponsored by Ponoka Ag Society > 10am – 4pm

23

24

25

26

27

28

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Private Booking 7-9pm Large Arena

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 4:00-8:00pm

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm Private Booking 7-9pm Large Arena Ranch Roping 7-10pm small arena

Barrel Practice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-5pm Maple Leaf Charolais Bull Sale 1pm – Barn Build a Better Horse 5-8:30pm Large Arena

Free Open Ride sponsored by Ponoka Ag Society > 10am – 4pm

onex Chir ealer D

Open Ride 10am – 4pm

Looking after all of your motorsports & trailer needs!

Road Dog, Charmac, Norbert, Felling, Double “A” dealer Junction of Hwy QE2 & Hwy 53 (Ponoka Overpass) www.donlaingtrailers.com CALL DAN

Toll Free: 1-888-210-8400 or 403-783-8411

Majestic

Mazorotti

Full Fleckvieh

Full Fleckvieh

s: Epic ds: Jahari

s: Epic

ds: Montana

s: Windsurfer

s: Epic

Full Fleckvieh ds: Razzmatazz

Candy Man

Gold Brick Full Fleckvieh ds: Gold Rush

High Noon

Polled Purebred s: Eyecandy ds: Red Ceasar

Dan, Karen, Mackenzie & Garren Skeels Box 1638 - Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

s anchordranch@albertahighspeed.net

Mardi Gras Polled Purebred s: Stubby

Hwy 20

TUESDAY

Rimbey

Rg Rd #21

MONDAY

ds: Venom

Anchor D Ranch A TWP Rd #433A

Hwy 53

Directions: From Rimbey 1 1/2 miles North on Hwy #20, 3 miles East on Hwy 53, 3 1/2 miles North on Rg Rd #21, 1/4 mile East on Twp Rd #433A

36 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Local veterinarian competes in reality TV series Jasmine O’Halloran–Han BLACK PRESS

Ian Giebelhaus works as a rural veterinarian by day at the Rimbey Veterinary Clinic, but is also proving his cooking skills by competing in the second season on the reality TV series of MasterChef Canada, which premieres Sunday, Feb. 8 on CTV. Giebelhaus, a Rimbey native, is one of the 49 finalist home cooks who is hoping to make it into the top 16 for the chance to win $100,000 cash prize and be named the next Canadian MasterChef. He does this by preparing signature dishes to impress three chef judges: Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung, and Claudio Aprile.

Planning a Spring Auction?

Take Advantage of our 51 Years in the Auction Business.

We conduct Alberta’s Largest Single Day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction held four times per year for the past 35 years.

We offer: * A Complete Auction Service * Farm, Commercial, Industrial & Real Estate Auctions * Competitive rates with straight commission or guarantees * An extensive advertising program to suit your individual sale * Prompt Payout

Giebelhuas says competing on the show has been a huge challenge, but something he is very proud of. He says the judges have some high expectations and everyone in the competition are good cooks.

“The judges are not going to sugar coat anything, if you don’t do a good job they will let you know. This isn’t cooking for my mom,” Giebelhaus said. “The cooking competition is pretty intense, but I’m not easily stressed.

I find the competition fun and not stressful. At the end of the day the judges either enjoy it or they don’t and that’s what I love.”

Giebelhaus was not surprised to be chosen for the competition. He said he wanted to participate because he really enjoys cooking and can function well within a high-pressured atmosphere and gets along with other people.

“Being a part of the MasterChef is a huge challenge. It’s an opportunity to pursue a dream and challenge yourself,” Giebelhaus said. “The challenge and the process are both incredible and difficult. Most people in reality TV shows say ‘that was a lot harder than what I thought it would be’.”

The MasterChef hopeful says he isn’t fazed by being on camera and doesn’t notice when he is being filmed, as he is too focused on cooking. What he finds most challenging is cooking meals for the judges in one hour, while working with very sharp knives in the kitchen. Nevertheless, he focuses on cooking.

“Most of us don’t cook on a clock, but it’s a challenge and an incredible experience,” Giebelhaus said. “When you’re focused on cooking it’s your happy place; it’s a thrill to be able to cook.”

He cooks a little bit of everything but he especially loves cooking Italian food and simple Italian dishes such as prosciutto and piselli, which he describes as special old Italian peasant dishes.

When in the kitchen and cooking up a storm, while listening to music, Giebelhaus says he doesn’t follow recipes

TV star – Rimbey’s very own Ian Giebelhaus will compete as a finalist in season two of MasterChef Canada, a series where 49 Canadian chefs will compete to make the best dishes that impress the top three chef judges. TV series premiers Sunday, Feb. 8 on CTV. Photo submitted

or measure out ingredients as he doesn’t always have all the ingredients called for.

“We have good grocery stores in town, but we don’t

Forage & Crop Agronomy for Profit February 17, 2015, 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Forshee Hall

2015 Upcoming Sale Dates: April 17 - 35th Annual Spring Machinery Consignment Sale - Rimbey, Alberta Monday, April 27 - Farm Sale for John Fawcett Bluffton, Alberta June 19 - 35th Annual Summer Machinery Consignment Sale - Rimbey, Alberta August 14 - 35th Annual Pre-Harvest Machinery Consignment Sale - Rimbey, Alberta

What you will learn: 1. Controlling Weeds with Fertilizer J.C. (Jack) Payne P. Ag. Agronomy Instructor 2. Herbicide (glyphosate) Resistant Weeds & Using Forages in Crop Rotation to Control Weeds Neil Harker Ph.D Research Scientist 3. Understand Soil Quality/ Soil Testing & Interpretation J.C. (Jack) Payne P. Ag. 4. Tools to Assess Financial Benefits of Practise Change Ted Nibourg, Business Management Specialist, AARD Ag-Info Centre

October 16 - 35th Annual Fall Machinery Consignment Sale - Rimbey, Alberta Whether you have one piece or a complete line of machinery give Allen a call at (403) 783-0556 to discuss the best option for you to realize top dollars.

Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd. (403) 843-2747 Office Rimbey, Alberta License No. 165690

Email: abolson@telusplanet.net Homepage: allenolsonauction.com

Registration fee $25.00 by February 12th & $30.00 after the 12th.

To register please call the GWFA office at 403-844-2645 or email GWFA3@telus.net

OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS RMH

have all the ingredients at our finger tips,” Giebelhaus said.

Trying new things and adding new ingredients when making a dish is something he can do when cooking, but trying something new on an animal isn’t something he can do as a veterinarian, and this is one of the reasons Giebelhaus loves cooking.

“Being a vet you can’t just try new drugs on animals, but in cooking you can try new ingredients all the time. I have had spectacular failures and if it’s bad enough it goes in the garbage, but I’m too stubborn to admit that it didn’t work out so I try to eat it anyway,” Giebelhaus said.

“You can experiment with cooking, but not on animals.”

Geibelhaus says he thinks people can have more than one grand desire in life, as he enjoys being a veterinarian, but he loves cooking because it takes his mind off work and gives him a mental break.

“When I have a day off, I will be cooking up a storm with the radio turned on and I love that and that’s how I relax,” Geibelhaus said. “I am very happy being a veterinarian. There are always people that don’t know things about you. I love being a veterinarian at work, but when I go home I love to get my chef on.”

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Sports

Fuhrhop takes A Final at Town and Country Bonspiel

PONOKA NEWS 37

Broncs girls finish tournament with personal growth

BY AMELIA NAISMITH

From left: Kyle Morrow, Nathan Huzart and Cody Moench keep their eye on a rock Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Ponoka Curling Rink. The Town and Country Bonspiel brought curlers from around central Alberta.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

He has played against Fuhrhop on many occasions.

“We always have good rivals.”

Curlers took to the sheets the week before last at the Furhrop said Olson’s miss blew the game wide open Ponoka Curling Rink during the fun Town and Country and they took advantage of it. In the seventh end, he Bonspiel. played a clean game and tried to leave as few rocks in Regan Fuhrhop’s team, from Rimbey, was undefeatplay as possible. He praised Olson’s skill on the ice. ed in the bonspiel winning against John Olson’s team The event was co-ordinated by Sean Brake and in the A Finals Saturday, Jan. 24. Both teams played a Cody Moench, who took on organizing for their first strong open game with few rocks in play. time.

They had some help from Moench’s father Dale, Fuhrhop and Olson blanked the first three ends with who has been planning the bonno score for either team. It was only in the sixth end that things “We’ve always had a spiel for many years. said they had 22 started to change. A few missed ton of support from the rinksMoench compete in the bonspiel shots tightened up the end with community.” with help from many people to Olson having the hammer (last Regan Fuhrhop get it going. “We’ve always had shot).

He flashed the takeout and a ton of support from the comFuhrhop’s team scored four munity,” said Moench. points taking a commanding 5-1 lead after the sixth Rinks came from Ponoka, Rimbey, Bashaw and end.

Spruce Grove to compete in the bonspiel. Brake said “We tried to do it a little different and then it back- ideally they would like to see 24 rinks compete but he fired, and then of course we missed that hit and roll,” was pleased to see an increase in registrations over last explained Olson. year.

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

WANT TO KNOW IF THE LIONS COMMUNITY BUS IS AVAILABLE?

C heck O ut

our Bus Calendar at ponokalions.ca

They may have been beaten out of third place by a few stronger teams, but Ponoka’s senior Broncs girls exited the SWOOSH Tournament they hosted with more skills, lessons learned and a better standing for the next challenge.

The tournament was held at the Ponoka Secondary Campus Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31.

The Broncs team won their first game against Fort Saskatchewan by playing a harder than the opposing team could follow and pushing their strengths to new heights.

“Fort Saskatchewan was a little bit more inexperienced than us, and a little bit shorter,” said coach Adam Troitsky.

Ponoka girls lost the second and third games to the more experienced Bellrose and Pigeon Lake, respectively.

‘They were just bigger and stronger,” said Troitsky, referring to the Bellrose team.

Triotsky says it was not due to any mistakes they girls made on the court, they simply could not compete at the same level. “We simply didn’t have enough scoring, defense, strength.”

“Physically we weren’t ready,” he added.

Bellrose also had the skills to back up the strength and could play the game with a lot of accuracy.

The game for bronze against Pigeon Lake started well for the Broncs, but because it was played back-to-back with the second game, the girls got tired quickly.

“When you get tired in basketball, everything comes up a little short,” said Triotsky.

After Ponoka scored 18 points in the first half, Pigeon Lake made a few defensive changes that left the Broncs girls scrambling to claim their last 15.

However, they battled to the end and finished with a close loss at 35-33.

Even though they did not place in the top three, Triotsky says the real experience for the girls came from representing their school and the responsibility and integrity gained by hosting the tournament.

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

38 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Novice hockey tourney draws large numbers

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Young hockey players had a chance to show their grit during last weekend’s novice hockey tournament at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre.

Ponoka’s two teams, Wedins Warriors and the Big Country Sabres, along with six other teams took part in the tournament with Wedins Warriors making it to the finals game against Rimbey on the last day of the tournament.

The real treat of the tournament was an exciting game featuring the two home teams on Saturday, Jan. 31. Both teams had defeated their first round opponents forcing an exciting faceoff that would eventually see the Warriors win 9-8.

Neither team had faced each other before, so no one really knew what to expect but they were in for a real treat. The play was back and forth on offense and defense and if one team got ahead by a few points, the other fought back to even up the score or even take the lead.

Warriors’ coach Mark Richter said he expected to have a tough game after seeing the Sabres beat out a strong Lacombe Red team the day before. “I knew that they were

up for the challenge.”

Sabres coach Gary MacLaren felt the same. He said he had coached many of the Warriors players at some point and knew their skill levels. “I knew we were going to have to come out skating hard.”

The excitement was almost palpable.

Hollers and whoops could be heard from parents of both teams and the noise was almost deafening. That enthusiasm transferred to the players who put in extra effort to be victorious.

It was the end of the third period that saw the Warriors secure a win. The score was tied 8-8 but with two minutes left in regulation, Warriors scored.

MacLaren said he did his best to encourage his players at every step of the game.

For Richter, the challenge was reminding his players to stay in their zone and not get too excited and lose concentration. “At certain times, you have to start getting them to think defense,” Richter said.

Both coaches advocate a positive intensity when teaching players at this level.

“It’s really important to encourage them to play with more intensity,” said MacLaren.

“I have some expectations that I want

THANK YOU! Ponoka Minor Hockey Association would like to thank everyone that attended the 2015 fundraiser. PMHA would like to thank the volunteers who did such a wonderful job organizing this event.

Thank you Rieley and staff at Cilantro and Chive for an awesome meal and to our bartenders, for the evening, for making everything run so smooth. A huge thank you goes out to our sponsors. Without you the PMHA fundraiser would not be successful.

• Schumberger • Ponoka Pawn Shop • Coaches Source For Sports • Calnash Trucking • Ponoka Dodge / Chrysler • Lacoka Midget females • Diana McInnes • Melissa Marois • Ponoka Legion • Lacoka Atom females • Adams Chevrolet • West Edmonton Mall • Flowers For You • Boston Pizza Ponoka • Calaway Park • Jeff Jones • Ponoka Liquor Store • Ponoka Stampede Association • Airyn and Steve Street • Chad and Alana Cissell • Cilantro and Chive • Strand Printing

• Barry Buss Pilot Hauling • Lacoka Peewee Females • The Brick • Direct Travel & Cruise Center • Mixcor • Ponoka Dental Centre • Just My Style • Edmonton Oil Kings • Rowland Parker • St. James Gate • Lacoka Bantam females • Tim Falkiner • Mike and Michelle Dejonge • Prairie Boys Car Wash • Darcy’s Drilling • Sure Shot Welding • Travel Only (Sue Lamb) • Twisted Label • Tantec • Rustic Duck • Edmonton Oilers • Red Deer Rebels

• Town and Country Supplies • Wedins • Hamiltons IGA / Hammys Spirits • Cervus Equipment – Ponoka • Sirrs – Richard Gregory • Julie’s Travel • Central Vet Clinic • Ponoka Fertilizer • Ponoka Bottle Depot • Scott Bresee • PMHA • Backstreet Antiques • Wespro • Big Country • Ponoka Community Golf Course • McDonalds • Jane Wierzba / Remax • Doug Laing • Big Country Novice Hockey Team • Ponoka County

Trace Tonneson, of Wedins Warriors, seeks control of the puck as Kian MacLean, of Big Country Sabres, tries to take it away Saturday, Jan. 31 during the novice tournament in Ponoka. Both Ponoka teams against each other in the second round with the Warriors narrowly defeating the Sabres 9-8.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

them to try their best out there. At the same time, I can’t get down on them too much because then they’ll get discouraged,” added Richter.

In the final game, the Warriors played

against a tough Rimbey team who took a commanding lead early on. Eventually they were able to narrow the gap, but a penalty in the last two minutes against the Warriors solidified Rimbey’s 7-5 win.

Fountain Tire Wolves win two over the weekend PONOKA NEWS STAFF

Ponoka Midget A Fountain Tire Wolves had a strong weekend winning both of their games.

The first game was at home Friday, Jan. 30 against the Edson Midget Sabres, when Ponoka won 5-3. Scorers were Kellyn Pritchard (2), Tyson Matejka, James Jansen and Jarret Henderson.

Their second game was also at home, where they defeated the Red Deer King’s Energy 6-3. Scorers were Matthew Klimec with a hat trick, Robert Wareham, Kellyn Pritchard and James Jansen.

Midget B Ponoka’s Wespro Stampeders had mixed results after playing two games in one day Feb. 1.

The first game was against the Stettler Midget C at home, where they won 5-3.

Scorers were James Lea (2), Braeden Korchincski, Josh Vold and Lewis McDowell.

Later that day, they played in Maskwacis losing 6-5 against the Maskwacis Hawks. Scorers were Braeden Korchinski with a hat trick, Josh Vold and Adam Rowland.

Bantam The Bantam Moose played three games over the weekend winning two and tying one.

Their first game Jan. 30 was played at home against the Sylvan Lake Lakers.

Ponoka boys soundly won 8-2. Scorers were Cyrus Thompson (4), Rian van der Westhuizen, Hunter Busat, Cooper Jones and Jayden Nokohoo.

On Jan. 31, they played an away game

against the Innisfail Flyers tying it up 1-1.

Jared Rice scored their goal.

On Feb. 1, the Moose played the Lakers again at home winning 5-2. Scorers were Rian van der Westhuizen (2), Cyrus Thompson, Cooper Rice and Quinton Adam.

Peewee The Elks played an away game Jan. 31 against Wainright Peewee winning 5-1. Scorers were Jake Simanton (2), Alex Brackenbury, Braeden Toporowski and Levi Busat.

Ponoka’s Peewee McDonalds played the Innisfail Flyers at home Feb. 1, losing 8-6. Scorers were Luke Simanton (2), Ashton Bandet, Gavin Allen-Prefontaine, Zachary Rausch and Ethan Little.

Atom Ponoka Calnash Trucking played a home game against Rocky X-Calibur Lightning at home Jan. 31, losing 5-3.

Scorers were Kevin Kammer (2) and Kobe Schmidt.

Female Midget The Lacoka Midget Female defeated Leduc Reliance 2-0 at Ponoka Jan. 31.

Scorers were Lindsay Jansen and Danica Polson.

Female Peewee The Lacoka Peewee Female soundly defeated the Maskwacis Female Hawks 7-0 at an away game Feb. 1.

Scorers were Kirsten Krzywy (2), Camryn Willier (2), Amanda Huchkowski, Cassandra Klinger and Macy Auclair.

PONOKA NEWS 39

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

L-R: Lionel Baron, Dwayne Baron, Tracey Palechek and Danny Baron were the A event winners of the 2015 Calumet Men’s Bonspiel.

Submitted photo

PONOKA FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION

2014 ANNUAL FUNDRAISER AWARDS BANQUET Saturday February 7, 2015

Stagecoach Saloon Tickets Cocktails - 5:00pm Silent Dinner - 6:00pm Auction $25 Awards - 7:30pm Table of 8 $160

Dance to follow with live DJ

Enjoy a delectable menu of wild meats and ßsh along with the best Alberta grown pork, beef, etc Get your tickets early as this will help us with how much to prepare

Tracey Beckman and My Corona Dream compete in the Don Laing Trailer Series double-header jackpot on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Photo by Amelia Naismith

For tickets call Leonard 403-588-2834, Dave 403-704-7126, or any member of Ponoka Fish & Game Association

40 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Tips to being a more effective coach back, then they will assume they can do nothing right.

“That’s a tough one to wrap one’s head around.”

• Sarcasm. “At times it’s appreciated, but when it’s a competition it’s not appreciated.”

The bottom line for Kydd is a coach needs to With playoffs about to start coaches are finding unique ways to drive a team forward be able to analyze to win. Here coach Gary MacLaren speaks with players during a novice hockey game a team’s perforlast weekend. mance as well as Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye his or her own.

He says a coach must be thoughtful “If you don’t like the way your when dealing with team challenges. “If you don’t like the team is, you have to show a little way your team is, you have to show a little introspection.”

Finding a mentor is one thing that helped Kydd in his introspection.” career as a NCAA women’s volleyball coach. He suggests Miles Kydd there is no harm in speaking with someone respected as a coach and most are happy to share their knowledge. Kydd recommends speaking with a person who has more expe- to manage that stress but Kydd wants people to remember that sports, especially minor sports, are a way to get kids rience.

“Your assistant coaches are going to tell you what you involved.

“Make sure that your athletes are participating bewant to hear,” he added.

Pressure to win is high and coaches have to find ways cause of you, not in spite of you,” he recommends.

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Every minor sports coach wants to see growth in players but if the team is doing badly and remains stagnant, rather than pulling your hair out, self-reflection may be the solution.

With league playoffs and provincial playdowns in full swing, the potential for high blood pressure is a reality every coach is going to face. However, there may be ways to prepare a team for tough games and much of it comes from a coach’s teaching method, explains Miles Kydd, executive director for the Alberta Sport Development Centre (ASDC) in Red Deer.

He says there is a broad spectrum of coaching styles but it is how players are treated that makes the difference.

Some do’s and don’ts in coaching Do’s: • To raise others up: “That should instruct how I do anything.”

• Teaching first and then holding players to the standard, second.

• Effective team building starts with activities. Kydd says the best way to build team unity is by doing projects together that illustrate a larger point.

Don’ts: • Using foul language and screaming at players. “As soon as you start with that the brain shuts off . . . If you’re raising your voice to be heard that’s one thing.”

• Negative feedback; Kydd says coaches get fooled into thinking negative feedback is the most effective way to teach a player. If a player only receives negative feed-

The Ponoka Curling Club would like to thank everyone who contributed to a successful

Town and Country Bonspiel held January 20 – 24, 2015.

We could not hold our bonspiel without the generous support of our sponsors: • Act Oilfield Services • Adam’s Chevrolet • AFSC • ATB Financial • Bob Ronnie Catering • Boston Pizza • Calnash Trucking Ltd • Central Veterinary Clinic • Classic Granite Works • Crop Production Services • Dino’s Restaurant • Direct Travel • Farmer’s Edge (Lacombe) • Fountain Tire • FP Genetics • Galloway Oilfield Services • Hamiltons’ IGA

• Integra Tire • Jim Lysons – Land Surveyor • John Low Agencies • Jones Agencies • Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear • Old Iron Horse Restaurant • LKQ Auto Parts • McKelvie Feedlot • Phase 3 Electric • Ponoka Cabinet Makers • Ponoka Fertilizer • Ponoka Community Golf Club • Ponoka County • Ponoka Professional Pharmacy • Ponoka Veterinary Clinic • Prairie Boys Truck & Car Wash

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Property Guys Strand Printing The Brick – Ponoka The Liquor Store Thirsk Automotive Town & Country Supplies Ltd. Town of Ponoka UFA Farm Supply VJV Auction Wagner’s Automotive William Kidd Will’s Welding Wedin’s Team & Corporate Wolf Creek Golf Resort

Thank You!

Busy year for Fish and Game Club The new year is off to a fast start for the club. We finished 2014 with a great improvement in new memberships. We finished the last year with 843 members. Renewals for 2015 have been coming in at a fast pace, which is good for us.

January and February are always busy for the club as we have nominations for officers. The elections are at the first meeting in February.

Also Feb. 7 is our banquet and fund raising event for the club. Feb. 19 through 21 is also the Alberta Fish and Game Conference,

which is going to be held in Lethbridge, Alta. this year, and we will have club delegates there to represent the Ponoka Club.

Before I get too far off the subject of the banquet, if you are thinking of coming, you should not wait too long before getting tickets as they are going fast. We will sell some at the door if there are any left.

The summer programs that we have every year will be starting as soon as the snow is gone this spring. Archery, trap shooting, birdhouse building, kids’ camp and all others will start as soon as possible. The facilities are already rented every weekend for the summer - so looks like a very PONOKA TIM HORTON’S MITE busy year coming up.

Hope everyone had a great hunting season. We can always use some wild game meat of any kind; if you would like to donate a little, just call one of our executives for information.

The fishing has been a little slow so far, but maybe it will pick up in the next couple of months.

The club still teaches firearm safety courses. If your P.A.L. has expired, you will have to take a course Congratulations DJ Willis he is the Ponoka Mites player of the week. DJ is 5 years old, his favorite hockey team is the Edmonton Oilers and his again or if you have never favorite position to play is left wing. When he is not playing hockey he had a course, contact the club likes to ride dirt bikes and his favorite TV show is YTV. DJ’s favorite food and we will help you out. is beef and he wants to be Spiderman when he grows up. His one wish if he had one would be to go to the park. Keep up the hard work and Hope to see you at the good luck on the rest of your season. banquet.

Robert Greene Sponsored by Busat Enterprises Ltd Publicity Chairman

PLAYEROF THE WEEK

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

PONOKA NEWS 41

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

6 PACK 8 PACK

Announcements

ADPACK ALL IN 1

CLASSIFIEDS CALL TOLL FREE:

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

EMAIL: classifieds@ponokanews.com

announcements Obituaries

Obituaries

HOLLMAN IT is with deep and sincere sense of loss but gratitude; the family of Joseph Michael Hollman announces his peaceful passing on January 27, 2015 at the age of 88 years.

Joseph was born at home on the farm in the Cosine District, SK to Joseph and Maria (Sieben) Hollman on September 8th, 1926 and was the fourth child of eleven.

Joseph married Maria (Mary) Margareta Stang, June 15, 1948 at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church near Cosine, SK. Joseph and Maria were blessed with ten children: five were born in Saskatchewan and five were born in Alberta.

In March of 1956, Joseph, Maria and family moved to Ponoka, Alberta where he lived, worked and continued to raise his and Maria’s family for 46 years. Joseph was very involved in the Ponoka community serving on The St. Augustine Church Council, Ponoka Knights of Columbus Council 4503 in 1957, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree in 1980, State Chairman for the Squires and Squirettes in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, 16 years as a volunteer fireman and 10 years of service to the Ponoka Stampede Association. Both Joseph and Maria taught their children how important faith was by praying the Rosary together daily and attending Mass on Sundays. He enjoyed building, tinkering and had a passion for music, he was a self-taught musician. Joseph was a charitable, kind and humble man who was always there to help his fellow man with little or no recognition from others. His love for his children and their children was forever apparent. “Papa Joe” and Grandma Maria attended many of their grandchildren’s special occasions, baptisms, 1st Communions, confirmations, graduations, and weddings. We will always remember him with good times shared, man pictures we will cherish with our families and the legacy he built while on this earth. Joseph will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife of 67 years, Maria; children, Elaine (Les) Hewlett and their children, Christopher, Gregory (Pam), Andrea (Wade) Marshall and their children, Alyssa and Declan; Theresa (Robert) Brost and their children, Carolyn (Tim) Strom and their daughters, Annika and Linnea; David (Amy) and their daughters Avery and Katelynn, Philip, Matthew, Laura, Anthony and Krista; Joan (Darrell) Farkas and their children Ryan, Aaron, Tyler (Sydney) and Danielle; Agnes (Randy) Pewarchuk and their children, Jesse (Nicole) and their son Casey, Dustin and Cody; Gerard (May) Hollman and their daughter Angela and sons Lucas and Owen; Norbert Hollman and children Garrett, Jordan and Kristen; Henry (Janie) Hollman and their children; Mark, Amy Jo and Tim; Dominic (Keltie) Hollman and daughters, Rochelle and Holly; Carmelita (David) Widdifield and their children Michael (Mireille) and their children Rhett and Rhea, Scott (Rachel) and their daughters Brooklyn, Hunter and Parker; Dominic and Meghan; Andrew (Shauna) Hollman and their sons Christian and Gabriel; sister Ida (Frank) Troppmann, sister-in-law Paula Hollman, brother-in-laws Markus (Diane) Stang, Florian (Carol) Stang, August (Marla) Stang and sister-in-laws Anne Caouette, Betty (William) Bichel, Sister Barbara Maria PBS, Scholastica Stang, Benedicta (Frank) Miller, Rosalia (Jacob) Fischer and Colette Stang.

Joseph was predeceased by his grandson, Robert (Bob) Hollman; parents, Joseph and Maria (Sieben) Hollman; infant brother, Engelbert; brother, Rudy; sisters, Mary (Joe) Gartner, Rose (George) Baier, Ramona (Blause) Baier, Ann (John) Rolheiser, Betty (Frank) Leibel, Cathy (Al) Kloschinsky, Delores (Don) Ackerman; father and mother-inLaw, Emmanuel and Barbara (Kloster) Stang; brother-in-law, Laurier Caouette; and sister-in-law, Ludwina Stang (deceased during year of birth). Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Macklin, SK. Interment to follow at the Lakeview Cemetery, Macklin, SK. Arrangements entrusted to: GREGORY’S FUNERAL HOME INC. 780.753.2332 or Toll Free 1.888.753.2339 www.gregorysfuneralhomes.com

WILSON, Emma Emma Rosie Wilson was born on February 23, 1934 in Burstall, Saskatchewan to parents Christian and Katherine Elasser and passed away on January 27, 2015 in Ponoka, Alberta at the age of 80 years. Emma is lovingly remembered by her children Marion Wilson (Randal Kay), Donna Wilson, Julia Carter and Glen Carter, and Steven Wilson (Yvonne); grandchildren Michael Mohl, Aaron Mohl (Amy), Jessica Hewitt, Cassandra Carter (Nick), Colter Carter (Carla), Jordan Wilson (deceased), and Blake Wilson; great-grandchildren Dannan Mohl and Corwyn Mohl; sisters Doreen Bennett (Doug) and Esther Mantei (Clarence); and her special friend Walt Burchnall.

Emma was predeceased by her husband George; grandson Jordan; brother Hilmer; and her parents Christian and Katherine Elsasser. A Funeral Service was held on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Ponoka with the Interment Service following at the Forest Home Cemetery.

Donations in Emma’s name are gratefully accepted to Ponoka Palliative Care, the Royal Canadian Legion, or any charity of your choice. To express condolences to Emma’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME

~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~

In Memoriam

Peter Victor Lockridge February, 1959 - February, 2012 Beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle & friend To lose someone leaves a heartache no one can heal Love leaves memories no one can steal We love you Peterman Never a day goes by that we don’t think of you and miss you. ~Your Family

CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

1-877-223-3311

Let Your News Ring Ou t A Classified Wedding Announcement Does it Best!

1-877-223-3311 309-3300

42 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

announcements Obituaries

Obituaries

What’s Happening

Employment #700 - #920

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

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

#50 - # 70

Anne Klein

MACAULAY Neil

July 13, 1924 - January 27, 2015

Anne Klein passed away peacefully at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre (Long Term Care) in her 91st year.

Anne was the wife of the late Monte Klein; dearly loved mother of Mervyn Klein (Shawn); grandmother to Kimberly and Kacey; and proud greatgrandmother of Jackson Klein, all of London, Ontario. As wished, Ann will be cremated and her ashes spread, along with her late husband Monte’s ashes, over the Clyde in her beloved homeland of Greenock, Scotland.

Donations in Anne’s name are gratefully accepted to Ponoka Palliative Care.

At this time I would like to thank all the staff and friends who cared and provided for my mother in her last days and to make them as peaceful and comfortable as possible. A special thanks to both Billy and Barb for all your help. It was so much appreciated. - Merv, Shawn and family.

To express condolences to Anne’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Neil Macaulay on January 23, 2015. He was born on November 6, 1942 in Stornoway, Scotland and moved to Alberta in 1967. Neil was the dearly loved husband of Carolyn. He will be lovingly remembered by his four daughters: Fiona (Tannar), Kathleen (Allen), Jennifer (Dave), and Carrie; his seven grandchildren; and two sisters, Angela and Margaret. In addition to his family and friends, Neil’s great love was golf. As per Neil’s request, there will be no funeral. In lieu, please think of Neil, with joy, the next time you’re on the golf course. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to any charity of your choice. To express condolences to Neil’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

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

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS

Mentors make a

Card Of Thanks

difference 403-783-3112

WILLIAMS Selwyn Trafado

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

Meetings

BUSS The family of Minnie Buss would like to thank friends and family for the food, cards, floral tributes, memorial donations and the numerous messages and phone calls of sympathy with the passing of our mother.

To Marlon, Sheila and all the staff at the Ponoka Funeral Home, thank you for the care you took not only of Minnie but of our entire family for easing us through this difficult time. Thanks to Sheila for singing one of our mother’s favorite hymns. Mom so loved to hear you sing. Thanks to the members of Trinity Lutheran Church, organist George Jason, and the ladies for providing everything at the church followed by the excellent luncheon. To Pastor Tim Graff, thank you for your support and comfort of our mother before her passing and then your kind words and beautiful service. To the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary Honor Guard, thank you for your tribute to Minnie. And lastly but not least, thanks to all the “Angels” of the Ponoka Long Term Care Center. Through sharing both good times and bad, laughter and tears, your never ending love and compassion for our mother and our family will never be forgotten. God Bless you all!!

In lieu of individual thank you cards, a donation has been sent to the Canadian Cancer Society (Research).

Celebrating the birth of your child? Share your happy news with family & friends with a special announcement in the classifieds.

1.877.223.3311

59

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

Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557

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!

NEW YEAR, New Career!

CanScribe Medical Transcription graduates are in high demand. Enroll today and be working from home in one year; info@canscribe.com.

1-800-466-1535; www.canscribe.com.

800

Oilfield

ALATEEN

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5110 - 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

Coming Events

Welcome Home!

790

Medical

~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~

Mr. Selwyn Williams passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1st at the Alpine Summit Senior’s Lodge in Jasper at the age of 94.

Selwyn was born in Tonypandy, South Wales in 1920 to Edwin and Maggie Williams. He was married to Betty Jenkins of Ponoka for 63 years who predeceased him in 2007. He is survived by sons Gwyn (Rita) and David; grandsons Dustin (Melissa), John-David, Todd (April) and granddaughter Lena (Samuel); great-granddaughters Caleigh and Abigail and great-grandson Aidan.

Selwyn served with the RAF during WWII initially at the Air Training Base at Penhold, Alberta then Number 3 Fighter Squadron in Europe. Following the war he enlisted with the RCAF and served at bases across Canada including Namao, Saskatoon, Camp Borden and Rockcliffe until he retired in 1970. He and Betty then returned to Ponoka and comfortably lived out their retirement years. A Funeral Service will be held at the Ponoka Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5th with the Interment Service following at the Forest Home Cemetery. To express condolences to Selwyn’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

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

52

Coming Events

TANKMASTER RENTALS req’s Exp’d Class 1 Fluid Haulers for Central Alberta. Oilfield tickets req’d. Competitive salary and job bonuses. Resume to terry@tankmaster.ca or fax 403-340-8818

+

A Star Makes Your Ad A Winner!

CALL:

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

52 CLASSIFIEDS FAMILY DAY Hours & Deadlines Office & Phones CLOSED Monday February 16, 2015

PONOKA NEWS Publication Dates: WEDNESDAY FEB. 18 Deadline is: THURSDAY FEB. 12 @ 5 P.M. BASHAW Publication Date: WEDNESDAY FEB. 18 Deadline is: WEDNESDAY FEB. 11 @ NOON CALL CLASSIFIEDS 403-309-3300 classifieds@ponokanews.com

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Medical

PONOKA NEWS 43

790

Restaurant/ Hotel

Wetaskiwin Value Drug Mart is looking for a

Certified Pharmacy Technician Required Qualifications: Experience as a Pharmacy Technician or certification from an accredited Pharmacy Technician program; excellent organizational skills and detail orientation; strong communication skills; demonstrated customer service experience; strong motivation to succeed; proficient computer/data/entry skills. We are a busy pharmacy and you will work in a highly efficient team environment that uses cutting edge technology to best serve their patients.

Please forward your resume to Wetaskiwin Value Drug Mart: 5215A-50 Ave., Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0S7

wetaskiwin@valuedrugmart.com Restaurant/ Hotel

820

820

Cameron Bay Holdings Inc. o/a McDonalds’s in Ponoka and Red Deer (Gasoline Alley East and West) is now hiring full time and part time Food Service Supervisors.

Wages are between $13.75 to $16.00 per hour, depending upon experience and qualifications. Candidates must be able to wok a variety of shifts and have 3 to 5 years previous experience. Must be able to supervisor up to 20 crew.

Part-time applications will be accepted from Canadians and Permanent Residents. Apply in person 4419 Hwy 2A, Ponoka, 37479 Hwy 2, Red Deer, and 37428 Hwy 2, Red Deer or email resume to cbay22@telus.net or fax to 403-783-4251.

850

Trades

WATER WELL DRILLING COMPANY IN BENTLEY REQ’S EXPERIENCED

WATER WELL DRILLERS HELPER with class 3, air. All safety tickets required.

Fax resume with drivers abstract: 403-748-3015

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

Teachers/ Tutors

Trades

850

JOURNALISTS, Graphic Artists, Marketing and more. Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. Free.

Visit: awna.com/ for-job-seekers.

FOR fast results: Classified Want Ads. Phone 1-877223-3311.

Trades

850

Whatever You’re Selling...

We Have The Paper You Need!

CLASSIFIEDS 1-877-223-3311 CALL NOW TO FIND OUT MORE

840 Canadian International School

•

Ponoka has immediate openings for

Team Members Daytime & Nights

Salary is $14 - $18./hr. 40 hr. wk. dependant on exp.

733644 Ab Ltd. O/A The Rusty Pelican

Apply online at timhortonsponoka@hotmail.com fax 403.783.5595 or drop off resume

Sales & Distributors

2 yrs. relevant exp., completion of High School, be reliable, self motivated, work well under limited supervision in fast paced environment.

830

Location of employment: 4105 2079 - 50 Ave. Red Deer, AB T4R 1Z4 email: bennett2014.bkkp@ gmail.com or Call 403-347-1414 or Fax to: 403-347-1161 Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Sales & Distributors is hiring a

Full-Time Sales Representative The successful candidate will assist our customers in the selection of new GM and PreOwned Vehicles, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.

Experience in the auto industry is an asset but we will train the right individual.

We offer paid training, benefits, and a flexible work schedule.

Please submit your resume today for immediate consideration to: hr@adamsgm.com

Coming Events

WANTED. Hannas Seeds seeking distributors for forage, turf, native and reclamation seed. Good commissions. Contact Esther at 1-800-661-1529 or esther@ hannasseeds.com.

Trades

If you are self-motivated with excellent communication skills, then we want to hear from you!

830

850

WELDER - Flagstaff County seeks permanent full-time Welder, will consider Apprentice/ Journeyman. Competitive salary, benefits, pension plan. Apply to: Kevin Kinzer; kkinzer@flagstaff.ab.ca.

More details at flagstaff.ab.ca.

The Canadian International School, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is currently seeking teachers & administrators for the 2015/2016 school year.

12345 What we offer: Ö Fully accredited Alberta Education International School Ö Tax free salary, return air fares, housing, and medical insurance Ö KG1 to Grade 12 with small classes and great students Ö Opportunities for professional and personal development

CAREER FAIR Join our growing team. We have career opporunities available: 12345

“Learners today; Leaders tomorrow”

Trades

850

February 7, 2015 9:00am to 3:00pm 10630-176 Street, Edmonton

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

Rimbey, AB

Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

Leadhand HD Mechanic Night Shift working 4 - 10 hr shifts.

Come be a part of the nations most visible and safest fleet in Canada.

Home Hardware, a part of Canada for over 40 years and now with over 1,000 stores across Canada. We offer long term secure employment with competitive wages, bonuses, medical and dental coverage, and a company pension.

If you are interested in becoming part of the great team at Home Hardware, drop off an application to 6410 - 36 Street, Wetaskiwin or email resume to: hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca Our Wetaskiwin Distribution Centre currently has the following opportunity...

Truck / Trailer Mechanic Night Shift working 4 - 10 hr shifts.

Come be a part of the nations most visible and safest fleet in Canada.

If you are interested in becoming part of the great team at Home Hardware, drop off an application to 6410 - 36 Street, Wetaskiwin or email resume to: hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

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

This space could be yours for $

30

• Heavy Equipment Technicians

PER WEEK

• Apprentice, Journeyman, Resident Technicians in Bonnyville, Edson, Hinton • Lead Hand

Call 403-783-3311

• Customer Support Advisor • Product Specialist - Paving & Asphalt • Heavy and Light Equipment Sales 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.

Al York

Our Wetaskiwin Distribution Centre currently has the following opportunity...

Home Hardware, a part of Canada for over 40 years and now with over 1,000 stores across Canada. We offer long term secure employment with competitive wages, bonuses, medical and dental coverage, and a company pension.

52

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

www.cisabudhabi.com

Apply today by sending your CV to hr@cisabudhabi.com THE RUSTY PELICAN is now accepting resumes for 4 F/T Exp’d LINE COOKS at all stations. MUST HAVE:

AG EQUIPMENT

hrwetaskiwin@homehardware.ca

44 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

PLUMBING SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD.

Truckers/ Drivers

860

Trades

850

JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs” Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE-

12345

ARE you interested in pursuing an exciting career with Petrofield Industries at our Tornado Hydrovac Trucks’ manufacturing production facility? We are centrally located in the family-friendly community of Stettler, Alberta.

We currently have an opening for:

5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345

BOBCAT SERVICES

Service and Parts Manager

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

Misc.

Help

880

Ponoka County Seasonal Employment Opportunity

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

www.doorsondemand.ca

403-963-5000 Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311 BOTTLE DEPOT

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT Open Monday - Saturday

Ponoka County Agriculture Services is seeking hardworking and motivated individuals with great people skills to work as County Weed Inspectors, Pesticide Applicator (Ag. /Ind.) and Ag Laborer. Duties include, but are not limited to: Weed inspections, weed and brush removal, weed control, road side seeding and equipment operation.

Knowledge of weed identification and management is an asset.

If you have a current and valid Pesticide Applicators Certificate (Agriculture/Industrial/Landscape) you may be eligible for a wage bonus. Applicants must have a valid class five driver’s license and be able to provide a drivers abstract upon request.

Applicant must be able to work in a physically strenuous environment.

The starting wage is $16.00/hour and may be negotiable depending on experience, qualifications and certifications. The work week is typically Monday to Friday, eight hours per day (40 hour work week) with occasional opportunities for overtime.

Seasonal employment is available from May 4 until the end of August with the possibility of extended employment.

Please forward your resume and cover letter to: Shayne Steffen Manager of Agriculture Services Ponoka County 4205-Hwy 2A Ponoka, Alberta T4J-1V9 Or email to: shaynesteffen@ponokacounty.com The deadline for the competition is February 20, 2015 at 12:00 noon.

For more information contact Shayne Steffen at 403-783-1030.

Please note that only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

10 am - 5 pm

Closed Sundays & Holidays We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE

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

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

Truckers/ Drivers

Our Company has an enthusiastic, fast-paced working environment, with advancement opportunities. Wage would be commensurate with experience/skills. For more information about this position and our company, check out our website www.tornadotrucks.com.

Resumés can be emailed to hr@petrofield.com or faxed to 403-742-1905.

Truckers/ Drivers

Business Opportunities

870

THE DERMATOLOGISTS that created ProactivA now have award winning antiaging products that are launching in Canada.

Attend an info session on becoming a representative. Brooks Feb. 12; Red Deer Feb. 19; Calgary Feb. 20; Edmonton Feb. 21. RSVP to Susan 778-350-4370; susan@changingskin.ca. \ THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1,500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on average).

Covers: hip/knee replacements, back conditions & restrictions in walking and dressing 1-844-453-5372.

880

Misc.

Help

ACADEMIC Express ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

WINTER START GED Preparation Would you like to take the GED in your community?

860

• Red Deer • Rocky Mtn. House • Rimbey • Caroline ROADEX SERVICES requires O/O \’9f tons, 1 • Castor tons and 3 tons for our RV • Sylvan Lake division and O/O Semis • Innisfail and drivers for our RV and • Stettler • Ponoka general freight deck • Lacombe division. Paid by direct deposit, benefits and Gov’t of Alberta Funding company fuel cards. may be available.

Border crossing required with valid passport and 403-340-1930 clean criminal record.

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

FT and PT shunt truck drivers needed in Innisfail, Business AB. Fax resume to 403-227-2743 or call Opportunities 403-227-2712 for more information.

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.

NEED TO ADVERTISE? Province wide classifieds.

Reach over 1 million readers weekly. Only $269. + GST (based on 25 words or less). Call this es newspaper NOW for pic S details or call • 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228. les d n SAWMILLS from only Ca $4,397. Make money & s• e s save money with your own r bandmill. Cut lumber any Pu dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & dvd: www.Norwood Sawmills.com/400OT. 1-800-566-6899 ext.

400OT.

870

Whatever you SELL...

Advertise it HERE!

860 Employment Opportunity

Grader Operator (Permanent, Full-Time) Our Operations department is seeking an experienced, permanent, full-time Grader Operator. Responsibilities include: maintaining roads in a safe and logical order to maximize efficiency, summer gravel road maintenance and dust control applications. Winter road maintenance includes snow removal on paved and gravel roads. x Applicants must be dependable, willing to work 10-hour days (additional overtime may be required) & have a valid class 3 operator’s license with air endorsement. x Bring your experience, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and strong mechanical aptitude and join our team.

Apply via e-mail to: hr@lacombecounty.com or via fax to: 403.782.3820.

Additional details of this position may be found under Employment Opportunities on our website at www.lacombecounty.com.

are

p•

keu

n

che

Kit

a •M

w per Tup

Misc.

Help

880

FACILITY GENERAL MANAGER. BrettYoung Seeds, Calmar, Alberta.

BrettYoung Seeds is a privately owned and trusted seed, production, distribution, sales and marketing company with international reach and strong local roots since 1934. Our goal is to deliver value to our customers through world class service and differentiated products. Based in Winnipeg, we have locations throughout Western Canada and are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Facility General Manager to complement our team in Calmar, Alberta. Facility General Manager. We are seeking a motivated professional to oversee and direct all operations at our Calmar blending and distribution facility. The General Manager is responsible for managing the operating budget, ensuring adequate staff and resource levels, overseeing inventory, production and QC operations in an MRP environment, and fulfilling orders and scheduling shipments to customers via courier, LTL or truckload delivery. This position will lead an outstanding team focused on Customer Service, distributing quality seed, golf, fertilizer and chemical products to our valuable customers throughout BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The ideal candidate will have production and warehouse management experience and knowledge of seed industry quality standards and regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position will conduct regular review and followup of facility financial statements, production and inventory reporting, delivery performance, and forecasts for the region.

Outstanding, demonstrated leadership skills and a minimum three years experience in an equivalent position in the agricultural, seed or golf course-supply industries is required.

Post-secondary education in business or agriculture is preferred. Licensing for CFIA approved conditioner, operator, grader, or importer is a valuable asset. In addition to the opportunity to join a team that values and celebrates everyone’s contributions, BrettYoung Seeds is an organization that supports professional growth and development and offers an attractive compensation package including salary and an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package. BrettYoung Seeds is an Equal Opportunity employer. Interested applicants are invited to apply to become a part of our team by submitting a letter of interest with salary expectations and a resume to: Human Resources, BrettYoung Seeds, Box 99 St. Norbert Postal Station, Winnipeg, MB, R3V 1L5.

Fax 204-478-8370 or email: Human.Resources@ brettyoung.ca.

Training for life First Aid Training teaches how to respond confidently when injuries occur.

PONOKA NEWS 45

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

880

Misc.

Help

Volunteers Wanted

DENTISTRY

890

RIMBEYDENTALCARE

Employment Opportunities

Landscaping

Are you looking for seasonal employment?

If you enjoy working outside, have an interest/background in agriculture, want to promote safe work habits and enjoy working independently, we have some ideal opportunities for you!

We’re looking for great people to fill the following positions: x Mower Operators (mid-June to mid-October) x Sprayer Operator (May to end-September) x Weed Inspector (May to end-August)

Did you know everyday 80 acres, or about 45 soccer fields, of wetlands are lost in Canada.

INTERESTED IN SAVING CANADA’S WETLANDS?

Full details of these positions may be found under Opportunities on the Lacombe County website at www.lacombecounty.com.

Allowance not cutting it ?

THEN VOLUNTEER with the local Ducks Unlimited Chapter to help protect these vital areas across Canada.

Contact Jim Ingoldsby 403-342-1314 (office) or 403-596-5241 (cell) or email j_ingoldsby@ducks.ca

PONOKA NEWS Carrier Team!

Legal Services

EXERCISE

Misc.

Services

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

EARN EXTRA

MONEY

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.

If you are interested in a LOCAL ROUTE please contact

SUSAN WHITECOTTON at 403-783-3311

1290

We deliver & install your purchases.

Getting Married? 403-783-4880 Let your friends & family know in the Announcements 1.877.223.3311

4037835225 • 4037835235 5118 - 51 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5

DR. HUGH PORTER • DR. RICK BARR DR. JEFF BARR • DR. GREG EDWARDS - General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations “WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”

EYE CARE

1290

At Your House?

It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon hostess.

She will bring congratulations and gifts for the family and the NEW BABY!

Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal 403-783-5575 1-800-662-7168

•

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

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

BOBCAT SERVICES

BRUCE’S BOBCAT Large & Small Jobs ANYTHING ANYT & EVER EVERYTHING

403-783-0663

New, dependable, affordable Inglis & Whirlpool household appliances.

and Appliance Service

PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY

1260

New Appliances Needed?

Refrigeration

BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

1290

Berni's

DENTAL CARE

-

PRIZES! 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 $400 GIFT CERTIFICATE!

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

WWW.4YOUREYESONLY.CA

AND WIN

Misc.

Services

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

NEW BABY

CLASSIFIEDS 1-877-223-3311

Misc.

Services

1240

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.

Check out our website to see all the projects we do www.ducks.ca Ducks Unlimited – Proudly conserving Canada’s wetlands since 1936

GET SOME

Family Friendly Dentistry

REFORESTATION NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Full boxes as low as $0.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee.

1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca.

Join the flock today!

JOIN THE

DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca EVERY WATER WELL on earth should have the patented “Kontinuous Shok” Chlorinator from Big Iron Drilling! Why? Save thousands of lives every year. www.1-800bigiron.com.

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON.

Misc.

Services

1290

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

HEATING

“Committed to your comfort”

Robin Esau

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

robin@KlesAir.com www.KlesMechanical.com

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

46 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Painters/ Decorators

1310

F.J.B. PAINTING

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

INT • EXT RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL 403-307-4691 fjbpainting@hotmail.com

Quality First Always • Free Quotes

Personal Services

1315

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED! Northern Youth Abroad is looking for families to host 2 youth from Nunavut/NWT volunteering in your community July/August; www.nya.ca or toll free 1-866-212-2307.

Personal Services

1315

Personal Services

1315

Unplanned pregnancy may be difďŹ cult to face.

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

Start your career!

See Help Wanted

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.

Personal Services

1315

WANT TO KEEP MOM & DAD IN THEIR FAMILY HOME?

VETERINARY SERVICES

Bovine Veterinary Services On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services Ultrasound-aided ReproducĆ&#x;ve Programs CETA CerĆ&#x;ÄŽed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer

Do they need extra care and compassion?

I have experience in senior care including: Assisting with home cooking Household maintenance Yard care and gardening Transportation to appointments or activities Certified aesthetician providing mobile manicure/pedicure services

Personal Services

1315

Bring a sense of well-being to your Mom & Dad and peace of mind to you

Í´Íś Š‘—” Â?‡”‰‡Â?…› ƒŽŽ

Dr. Bruce Wine

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

$

Please contact Cindy with any further questions at 403-783-9918

Welding

1410

Welding

1410

AUCTION Sales Wed. @ 6 pm.

Antique sales 1st. Sun. of the month @ 1 pm. Feb. 8 Moose Hall 2 miles south of Ponoka on 2A WE BUY FOR CASH. 403-304-4791 Check website for full listings

NEED HELP managing debts? Need stress relief?

One easy payment makes that possible! Licensed, government approved, BBB accredited Canadian company. Call free now: 1-877-220-3328; www.debtgone.ca. \

BUD HAYNES & WARD’S Firearms Auction.

Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m., 11802 - 145 St., Edmonton, Alberta. One Man’s Collection, store dispersal, case lots, ammo, etc. Consign now.

Catalogue w/pictures online. Phone 403-347-5855 / 780-451-4549; www. budhaynesauctions.com; www.WardsAuctions.com.

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

Rental Misc

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

30

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK. • B-PRESSURE • PIPELINE • OILFIELD • ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING • SHOP/PORTABLE • CNC PLASMA CUTTING • ALUMINUM • SHEARING & FORMING

FAX: (403) 783-8178

Southwest Industrial Park 4102-64 St., Ponoka 403-783-5200

Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION. 9th Annual Red Deer Speed Show & Collector Car Auction.

March 13 - 15, Westerner Park. Special Guests Rick & Kelly Dale - American Restoration. Dan & Laura Dotson - Storage Wars.

Consign today.

1-888-296-0528 ext. 103; egauctions.com.

Building Supplies

1550

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.

EquipmentMisc.

1620

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.

Firewood

1660

LOGS

VETERINARY SERVICES

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Dr. Murray Jacobson Dr. Clayton West Dr. Ashley Shannon

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

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB

T4J 1M1

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS FOR

$30

PER WEEK.

CALL 403ďšş783ďšş3311 PLUMBING

PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING • JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER REQUIRED We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts 5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7

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

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES

Darcy’s Drilling Services • water wells drilled & serviced • new pump & pressure system installations • all types of pump repairs • well shocking Darcy Schmidt Ph: (403) 783-2220 Fax: (403) 783-8828 Email: darcysdrillingservices@hotmail.com

MAIN: (403) 783-7591

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. Jasmine Hardy

www.bigstrapperauctions.net

Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar.

Price depends on location.

Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346

PER WEEK.

VETERINARY SERVICES

1530

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.

Herd Health

Phone 403-391-1684

Auctions

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

Well Drilling

1400

Well Drilling

1400

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990

TRY

Classified Advertising SERVING CENTRAL ALBERTA RURAL REGION

Agricultural #2000 - #2290 Horses

2140

NEED A FARRIER? CALL 15 years experience 1-877-223-3311 Over Reliable & professional Well Drilling

1400

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

WATER WELL SERVICE

)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

Serving Central Alberta

Call Ryan 403-895-2235 Grain, Feed Hay

2190

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.

ROUND hay bales. Cheap Free delivery. Self unloading. No Sunday calls 403-843-6380 403-704-3509

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!

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

Houses/ Duplexes

For Rent #3000 - #3200

Acreages/Farms ..............3010 Houses/Duplexes ............3020 Condos/Townhouses........3030 Manufactured Homes ......3040 Four Plexes/Six Plexes ....3050 Suites ..............................3060 Cottages/Seasonal ..........3070 Roommates Wanted ........3080 Rooms for Rent................3090 Motels/Hotels ..................3100 Offices ..............................3110 Stores/Commercial ..........3120 Industrial ..........................3130 Warehouse Space............3140 Garage Space..................3150 Storage Space ................3160 Land ................................3170 Pasture ............................3180 Mobile Lot ........................3190 Misc. for Rent ..................3200

Wanted to Rent #3250 - #3390

Acreages/Farms ..............3255 Houses/Duplexes ............3260 Suites ..............................3270 Rooms..............................3280 Manufactured Homes ......3290 Housesitting Wanted ........3300 Garage Space..................3310 Storage Space ................3320 Stores/Commercial ..........3330 Office Space ....................3340 Industrial ..........................3350 Warehouse Space............3360 Resorts & Cottages..........3370 Pasture/Land....................3380 Mobile Lot ........................3390

FOR fast results: Classified Want Ads. Phone 1-877223-3311.

Acreages/ Farms

PONOKA NEWS 47

3020

3 BDMR. 2 storey, downtown Stettler, close to schools & shopping. Avail.

Feb. 1. $900. + utils.

403-742-2871 evenings.

4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes

3050

3060

FOR RENT Available March 1

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

403-357-0287

Pasture/ Land

3380

Want to rent summer pasture for cow/calf pairs Call Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303

Utilities Included $800/month

403-790-6011

4020

Acreages

PONOKA Quiet N/S, non partier, clean, working renter only. *LARGE 2 BDRM. MAIN LEVEL SUITE W/ LARGE COVERED DECK 403-704-1645

3010

Houses Wanted ................4030 Condos/Townhouses ........4040 Acreages ..........................4050 Acreages Wanted ............4060 Farms/Land ......................4070 Farms/Land Wanted ........4080 Manufactured/ Mobile Homes ..................4090 Income Property ..............4100 Commercial Property ......4110 Industrial Property ............4120 Cottages/Resort Property ..4130 Businesses for Sale..........4140 Buildings for Sale ............4150 Lots for Sale ....................4160 Out of Town Property ......4170 Investment Opportunities ..4180 Mortgages Bought/Sold....4190

Main oor master bedroom. Gas ďŹ replace, hardwood oors. Many extras & upgrades. Low maintenance exterior. Treed lot with a nice view. Only 1 ½ miles from town. Save thousands on utilities and taxes.

For viewing and more info call 403-302-4653 or 403-782-2294

4020

FOR SALE/RENT-TOOWN/RENT: Totally renovated with new open kitchen, 5 bedrooms, living room, large basement infloor heat, new siding, roof, windows and oversized heated garage on big corner lot. 403.827.8309

4140 BUSINESS AVAILABLE IN ALBERTA

Restaurant & Pub: Well established, sales over $1.6 M, one owner. Priced $630,000, FDVK ÀRZ Deli & Retail Store: 6DOHV 0 ZHOO HVWDEOLVKHG 3ULFHG 6WURQJ FDVK ÀRZ Cabinet Manufacture: 2QH RZQHU VLQFH VWURQJ VDOHV VWURQJ FDVK ÀRZ 3ULFH UHGXFHG SOXV LQYHQWRU\ SO008447 Countertops: 6DOHV RYHU 3ULFHG 2ZQHU LV YHU\ PRWLYDWHG WR VHOO Fitness Business: 6DOHV RYHU FDVK ÀRZ RYHU 2ZQHU ZLOO WUDLQ Convenience Store: 6DOHV RYHU 3ULFHG SOXV LQYHQWRU\ 2ZQHU PRWLYDWHG to sell.

Butcher Shop: 6DOHV RYHU ZHOO HVWDEOLVKHG 3ULFHG 6WURQJ FDVK ÀRZ LQFOXGHV ODQG EXLOGLQJV Call Bill Conroy or Ed Katchur @ 403-346-7755 email billconroy@maxwellrealty.ca Maxwell Real Estate Solutions Ltd.

5120

Only 2 miles from Ponoka on paved road Undeveloped Bordered by spruce trees A lifestyle you have more than earned Stunning new Laebon home in the Timbers-Red Deer 1426 sq.ft. 3 bdrms/2baths, large private master suite $499,900 Call Samantha 403.392.6261

Amazing new Laebon Home 1452 sq.ft. modified bi-level with large private master suite 3 bdrms/2baths $394,599 Call Jocelyn 403.302.9612

Drive a little save a lot Brand new 2135 sq.ft.

Laebon home 3 bdrms/2.5 baths $431,599 Call Jocelyn 403.302.9612

Call 403-704-5286 Manufactured Homes

4090

3 BRAND NEW 20 X 76 Triple M Homes. Starting from $108,000. Available for immediate or spring delivery. For more information call United Homes Canada 1-800-461-7632 or visit us at www. .unitedhomescanada.com.

MASSIVE SHOW HOME Reduction Sale! 16 to 24 wide’s ready to deliver! 3 & 4 bedrooms - 2 baths.

Turn key packages available. Call Dynamic Homes today 403-341-4422 or visit us online www. dynamicmodular.ca.

ONLY $173,885 for a brand new, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1520 sq. ft. modular home in Ponoka!

Immediate possession available.

Toll Free 855.463.0084 or online at www.jandelhomes.com

Buildings For Sale

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

Huge pie shaped lot in Red Deer New 2bdrm/2bath Laebon home in Timberstone $339,900 call Aaron 403.396.4016

Public Notices

4150

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.

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.

6010 PUBLIC NOTICE PILGRIM DAIRY LTD. Water Act NOTICE OF APPLICATION

Notice is given that Pilgrim Dairy Ltd. has ďŹ led an application under the provisions of the Water Act for a license to increase their annual water requirement by 3632 cubic metres annually for a total diversion of 10,000 cubic metres annually from a well for the purpose of Agricultural (ConďŹ ned Feeding Operation) at NE 30-042-26-W4. The production interval of the water well is from 69.4 metres to 84.4 metres.

Any person who is directly affected by the application may submit a statement of concern to: Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Regulatory Approvals 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.

Trailers Cost Less in Davidson 12345

1-877-213-8008 Davidson, SK www.fasttoysforboys.com

Public Notices

4050

6010

5 ACRES FOR SALE

PONOKA 1 bdrm. clean quiet adult building, no Real Estate pets $735/mo. plus power #4000 - #4190 avail., heat/water incld. Realtors & Services..........4010 Feb. 1, 403-348-6594 Houses for Sale................4020

Houses For Sale

Holiday Trailers

Houses For Sale

PONOKA: 2 bedroom basement suite. All utils. included + washer/ dryer. $750/mo., $750/DD. avail. immed. 403-704-5768

Large one bedroom suite

GREAT NEW 1612 sq ft CAPE COD

Businesses For Sale

3060

* RIVERSIDE APTS. *

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

Suites

Please quote ďŹ le number: 23963 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: 403-650-8511 Fax: 403-250-3518 Statements ďŹ led regarding this application are public records which are accessible by the public. Statements should explain why the ďŹ ler is directly affected and provide the full printed name, phone number and/or email address, postal address and legal land location of the ďŹ ler.

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

Financial #4400 - #4430

Investments ......................4410 Money Wanted ................4420 Money to Loan ................4430

Money To Loan

4430

DO YOU NEED to borrow money - Now? If you own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits will lend you money - It’s that simple. 1-877-486-2161.

PONOKA COOPERATIVE OILS LTD 4700 Hwy 2A • Ponoka, AB T4J 1K3

For Sale by Tender 2003 Freightliner FL112 Truck 216,000 kms 9974 Hours Mercedes 350 HP 13 Speed Eaton Fuller Transmission 14,000 lb Front Axle 40,000 lb Rear Axle Air Brakes AM/FM Stero

Transportation #5000-5300

Dual Fuel Tanks Truck has five compartments 16,800 Litre aluminum tank Single fuel pump Truck and tank sold as a unit as is Highest or any tender may not be accepted

Public Notice #6000

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

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

WE HAVE THE PAPER YOU NEED!

Public Notices

Tenders close March 31, 2015 Please submit tenders to the above address Or email: coopoils@telus.net Any questions please contact Clayton at 403-783-4288

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

6010

Ponoka County PUBLIC NOTICE Amendment to Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU The Council of Ponoka County has been asked by John Casper to amend Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU as follows: Reclassify part of the SW 15-43-26-W4 (approximately 12 acres) from Agricultural District to Country Residential District to allow for future subdivision of the rezoned area into four 3-acre parcels.

Before considering the by-law, Council will hold a Public Hearing at which any person claiming to be affected may ask questions or make comments. This hearing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 in the Council Chambers of the County Administration Building.

A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected at the County Administration Building, Ponoka, Alberta during regular office hours.

Charlie B. Cutforth Chief Administrative Officer Ponoka County 4205 - Highway #2A PONOKA, Alberta T4J 1V9 Phone: 783-3333 Fax: 783-6965 e-mail: PonokaCounty@PonokaCounty.com

48 PONOKA NEWS

HEART SWEET ON

DEALS

2014s

HUGE

REBATES

NEW VEHICLE

CE! CLEARAr N $20,000 Savings Ove

2015 FORD ESCAPE S

2014 FORD FUSION SE AWD

2014 FORD FIESTA

C0656

C0691

13,525 OR $91BW

$

TT0986 0986 MRSP $32,549

24,900 OR $177BW

$

29,939 OR $195BW

$

2014 FORD F150 SUPERCAB XLT 4X4 22014 FORD FUSION TITANIUM AWD 2014 FORD F150 SUPERCREW XLT XTR

T0615

29,975OR $209BW

$

2014 FORD F150 LARIAT LIMITED

MRSP $46,264

34,950 OR $243BW $39,415 OR $275BW

30,900 OR $215BW

$

2014 FORDManyF350 XLT DIESEL Upgrades

2015 FORD F350 LARIAT DIESEL

T0468

T0695

$

MRSP $67,364

52,900 OR $359BW $53,900 OR $369BW

2014 FORD F350 KING RANCH Loaded “Demo”

MRSP $67,164

$

T0525

MRSP $49,264

MRSP $38,739

T0562

2014 FORD EDGE LIMITED

T0570

C0698

MRSP $44,249

T LOWEESS! PRIC

2015 FORD ESCAPE SE AWD

MRSP $26,249

20,976 OR $149BW

$

DO NOT PAY UNTIL MAY

T1030

MRSP $24,014

MRSP $19,065

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015

T0469

MRSP $76,629

MRSP $82,619

61,758 OR $427BW

$

62,500 OR $432BW

$

*All pmts at 4.99% OAC All pymts over 84 mths example C0656 2014 Fiesta - total interest over 84 mth term, $2649 total pmts $16711

“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