Lacombe Express, February 19, 2015

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EXPRESSION: A local artist explores her unique craft and publishes a new book explaining it – PG 3

WINTER RACES: The first round of the provincial ice racing series was just held at Gull Lake – PG 15

CLASSIC: Big Sugar brings their many hits to the Red Deer College Arts Centre Feb. 25 – PG 17

FULL THROTTLE – Racer Yvo Schmucki, of Red Deer, takes a corner, looking for the lead during one of the heats for the 450 expert class on Feb. 15th on Gull Lake.

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Rescued Milk River dogs finding new homes

BY ERIN FAWCETT Lacombe Express A number of neglected dogs who were brought to Central Alberta after being seized off a property in Milk River are getting a second chance and finding their forever homes.

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, along with numerous other rescues, SPCAs and humane societies in Alberta, recently stepped up to help in what is said to be one of the worst cases of neglect officials have seen in AARCS’ history and the largest removal of dogs in Alberta’s history according to the Alberta SPCA. In total, 201 dogs were taken from a property in Milk River starting in December.

The dogs were malnourished, dehydrated and lacking sufficient shelter from the winter conditions.

The animals, a mixture of huskies, Irish wolfhounds, malamutes and komondors were in horrendous condition upon arrival.

They arrived at their rehabilitation facilities throughout the province extremely emaciated, with badly matted fur, dehydrated and very hungry.

Some had broken bones, gapping wounds and were riddled with parasites.

Charges are pending against the owner of the property under the Animal Protection Act, officials have said.

Other media reports have indicated the property owner was previously charged in Saskatchewan under similar circumstances and 82 dogs were seized at that time as well.

Erica Coomber, shelter administrator for Alberta Animal Services, said of the 22 dogs they took in, 16 have been adopted to

new families.

“We have been very successful. We have five Milk River dogs left at the adoption centre (Petland) of the 22 dogs we had. Two of the dogs are in foster care at the moment because they needed extra care, but one of the foster parents is going to be adopting the dog they have, so we can count that for another one,” she said.

“We’re really happy and they have gone to some really good homes. We had one couple adopt two of the dogs which is really good because they were a bonded pair of huskies.”

Coomber said when the facility began accepting the Milk River dogs, her and her staff were extremely proactive and she credits that approach to the number of adoptions that have already taken place.

“The first day they came in we were vaccinating and de-worming them. We were

getting them ready so on the 10th day of the seizure we were booking them for surgery.

“We wanted to get them 100 per cent and into homes as soon as we could because they have been through so much – they don’t need to be in a kennel any longer than they have to be.”

Coomber added in addition to treating the dogs for parasites, they had to fix broken teeth, had to take off tumours, one of the dogs had cancer on its tongue which had to be addressed and some of the dogs also had old fractures which needed to be looked at.

“Everything they needed we got done at the time of their spay and neuter.”

At the Red Deer and District SPCA, some dogs rescued from Milk River are also being adopted out to new families. After the seizure, the SPCA took in 40 dogs.

“We have had a total of five adopted in the last two weeks, so that has been really great. We have four dogs currently up for adoption at the shelter and then the rest of them we are still working on their medical work and hoping to get them up for adoption soon,” said Amy Corpe, animal care manager at the Red Deer and District SPCA. Corpe added that it will take some time for the SPCA to ensure some of the dogs are healthy enough to be adopted to loving families.

“We are working with them,” she said.

Meanwhile, Coomber said the community support has been amazing.

“The community has been incredibly supportive. We have had a lot of people supporting us and it has been really good.”

Corpe added the SPCA has also seen great support from the community as well.

“We have definitely been getting an outpouring of support from our community which we are so grateful for. In a time like this when we are in so much need, our community has certainly rallied together and joined forces to help our agency,” she said.

“It’s been amazing for us to see all the love and support people are giving the SPCA.” Donations are still welcome at both Alberta Animal Services and the Red Deer and District SPCA as well as Klassic Kennels who took in dogs from Milk River as well.

The Red Deer and District SPCA can be contacted at 403-342-7722; Alberta Animal Services can be reached at 403-347-2388.

Dogs up for adoption through Alberta Animal Services can also been seen at Petland.

Klassic Kennels can also be reached at 403-340-0128. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

Lacombe Express 3

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Carolyn Cave creates beaded works and pens new book Works to be featured at coming Rocktopia Gem and Mineral Show

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express

W

hat sparkles? What glistens? What takes hours to handcraft with a steady hand and dedication?

Beadwork of course.

It is this type of artistry that Carolyn Cave has learned to master and now wants to pass onto others through her newly released book, Beautiful Designs with SuperDuos and Twin Beads.

Cave has lived with her family in Lacombe for the past eight years, so it is quite a feat to release a book in a line of artistry mainly dominated by those south of the border.

“It’s been very exciting,” she said. “It’s kind of fun that I’m Canadian because not many Canadians get this far in the bead world.”

Looking back over 10 years ago, Cave never imagined herself an author, or even creating such intricate and detailed designs with beads.

“I’ve always liked making stuff, even when I was a little girl, I fiddled with scraps of fabric. My mom taught me many things,” she said of the beginnings of her interest in artistic endeavours.

“It’s just part of the creative process and making things.”

A decade ago, Cave started out stringing beads together in a strand, which did not quench her creative ambitions for very long.

“I started looking at making other things and it really just grew from there,” she said.

“I had a few designs and I thought, well I kind of like this, let’s see if a magazine likes it.”

From there, Cave began sending photos of her beadwork designs to magazines and to beading contests in the U.S. Her designs expanded from basic beadwork to intricate pieces that take hours and hours of experimentation and after that, dedication and repetition to complete the finished product.

“It takes a lot of planning and figuring out,” she said of the beading and design process.

“With maybe two or three tries, you might have it. It could take hours of just playing with stitch-

Check out our amazing display at the

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RADIANT DESIGNS – Local artist Carolyn Cave has just released a new book - a guide to creating beautiful designs with beads. ing, pulling the thread out and starting again.”

A true process of trial and error, her designs are similar to a puzzle - once you find that one key piece, all of the other pieces fall right into place.

“I just find it so satisfying to have something finished and then of course, I’m a magpie, I like jewellery,” she said.

After a few years, Cave became quite successful with the beading contests she submitted work to and had her unique designs published in a few magazines.

From there, the idea came to Cave that maybe someone would be interested in publishing her designs in a book. She put a proposal together and sent it away.

“They liked it,” she said of the publishing company. “They started proceeding with the publishing process, but in the end they said

they would rather not because it was just a little off the beaten trail, with the subject matter, but they said we really like what you do, so, if you have another idea.”

A new type of bead, a special two-hole bead called a superduo, had just entered the bead market, so she pitched the idea to create a book with new designs.

“From start to finish, from the proposal to the final product in my hands, it was two months short of two years,” Cave said of the time it took to compile all of the content for the book. “It took a long time.”

Cave curated all of the designs found in the book, along with directional illustrations.

“You can follow my carefully-worded diagrams and texts and end up with something that looks like what I made,” she said.

“That’s the theory.”

What really draws Cave into beadwork is the fact that each design she creates is an original, one-of-a-kind. “It’s unique and I guess that’s the beauty of doing beadwork,” she said. “You can make something unique. People just like things that are one-of-akind.”

Along with beads, Cave is also an avid member of the Lacombe Handicraft and Lapidary Guild.

Lapidary can be described is the act of forming stones, gems and minerals into decorative items, including jewellery or metal work or pieces of hand-crafted art.

“The main focus is working with stones - polishing and cutting stones, so then what do you do with the stones?” noted Cave.

She said guild members, like herself, set the stones into jewellery, or do silver-smithing, make

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express

chain mail, do metal work or wire wrapping.

“You get the stone and then do whatever you want with it. It’s yours to create,” she said.

Cave, and along with members from the Lacombe Handicraft and Lapidary Guild, will have her beaded creations on display at Rocktopia on Feb. 27th and 28th.

The Rocktopia Gem and Mineral Show is one of western Canada’s largest selections of gemstones, minerals, crystals, fossils, beads, jewellery and carvings from around the world.

The show is held at the Lacombe Centre Mall from Feb. 26th to March 8th.

Rocktopia has free admission.

More can be found about Cave’s beadwork, Lady Beadle Designs, or her book by searching Lady Beadle Designs on facebook.

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4 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Blackfalds Food Bank in need of donations

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express With a rapidly expanding population and a provincialwide cooling of the energy sector, the Blackfalds Food Bank is in need of donations.

Families and individuals routinely rely on the essential service year-round and have been accessing the food bank even more so

over the past few months.

During the month of January, the food bank noted a substantial increase in usage and the trend has continued well into the month of February. “We had a big increase in January,� said Jeanette Edwards, Blackfalds Food Bank chairperson and frontline worker. “It was double what we had last

“WE HAD A BIG INCREASE IN JANUARY. IT WAS DOUBLE WHAT WE HAD LAST YEAR. FEBRUARY HAS ALSO INCREASED.�

JEANETTE EDWARDS year. February has also increased.�

Food bank organizers are unsure what exactly is causing the increase in demand of the Food Bank services, but Edwards wants to make sure that the demand is met. “A lot of people were laid off from their jobs and need to access the food bank,� she said. “We want to do as much as we can for them.�

According to Food Banks

Canada, a 15.7% increase in food bank usage in Canada has been noted in 2014 compared to 2013. The Blackfalds food bank is noting almost a 50% increase in demand compared to last year.

Although the need is not critical, the shelves of the food bank are getting sparse and donations are being sought to continue to

serve the Blackfalds area. “We are in need of Kraft Dinner, boxed cereal, noodles, canned pasta, spaghetti and Chef Boyardee,� said Edwards.

The Food Bank is also seeking donations of packaged cereals, like oatmeal. “There is a lot of demand and there are certain things we are running short on,� said Edwards. “Any help is greatly appreciated.�

The need for volunteers is also being emphasized as more hands for sorting and distributing donations can make the Food Bank run more smoothly. “We have a list of volunteers but we are always looking for more,� said Edwards.

To make a food donation to the Blackfalds Food Bank, donation bins are located at After the Grind, the Blackfalds Library, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Abbey Centre.

Applications to apply for the access of the Blackfalds Food Bank can be found at the FCSS ofďŹ ce (5016 Waghorn St.) Those who wish to volunteer can contact FCSS or Edwards at 403885-4008. news@lacombeexpress.com

Man arrested

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Feel good about your money.

On the morning of Feb. 10th, the Lacombe Police Service responded to a report of a commercial intrusion alarm at a local convenience store.

Upon arrival, ofďŹ cers determined that the business had been broken into and numerous items were stolen.

As a result of the subsequent investigation, a lone male was tracked to a nearby residence and was taken into custody without incident.

Andrew James Gundersen, 35, of Lacombe, has been charged with break and enter, possession of break-in tools and possession of stolen property.

Gundersen made his ďŹ rst court appearance at Red Deer Provincial Court on Feb. 10th. He was remanded into custody with his next court appearance scheduled for Feb. 24th in Red Deer.

-Maetche

Lacombe Express 5

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Good food boxes offer healthy alternative

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express Healthy food for everyone — that’s the aim of the Good Food Box program, organized by Blackfalds Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

Now in the second year of operation, the program is needed more than ever, offering families or individuals a bin of quality vegetables and fruit twice a month.

The program’s goal is to encourage the community to eat healthy foods at an affordable price, said Sue Bornn, Blackfalds FCSS manager.

Each bin includes a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables like potatoes,

carrots, apples, melons, onions, lettuce or celery.

“The value is always better than the purchase price,” said Bornn.

The Blackfalds Good Food Box program began as a suggestion from a local pharmacist, who saw the benefits of having such a program in the town.

“They thought it would be awesome to have a similar program to the Lacombe FCSS program,” said Bornn.

The Lacombe-based Good Food Box program is quite successful and has matured over time, explained Bornn. Using a similar template, Blackfalds FCSS piggybacked off the Lacombe program at first to build the program

and gauge community interest.

The Blackfalds Good Food Box program first began as a three-month pilot, until the need to support such a program was identified along with securing a local food supplier partnership with Blackfalds Family Foods.

“The program is available to everyone,” said Bornn.

To participate, all you have to do is sign up in ad-

vance and then return on the second or fourth Tuesday to the Blackfalds FCSS to pick up your bin.

“They let us know and then come in a pay for it,” said Bornn. “That makes it worthwhile for us to do it.”

Some individuals may also be eligible for subsidized programming, like those on AISH or on income support.

“If they are eligible, once a month, through a sponsor in the community, we can

ensure they have access to good food,” said Bornn.

FCSS is always in search of new community sponsors as some weeks there may be up to 10 sponsored boxes picked up from the Blackfalds location.

Bornn said some weeks over a dozen individuals pick up a good food box.

Other weeks, there may be a smaller amount of pickups.

Either way, the need for fresh and accessible food is

here, and that continues to spur on the program.

Since it’s a fee-for-service program ran through FCSS, each bin does come with a cost, but is offered at an affordable price, with a large order costing $25 and a smaller order costing $12.50.

For more information, to become a community sponsor or to sign up contact Blackfalds FCSS at 403-8856247. news@lacombeexpress.com

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Culture grant application deadline

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Lacombe Express For those with an idea on how to raise the quality of life for Lacombians through recreational and cultural activities, they can apply for a grant from the City until the end of the month.

The City has been allotted $12,500 to distribute through the community.

Applications must be in by Feb. 28th. The application can be downloaded from the City of Lacombe web site under the Recreation & Culture tab. Information on where to send completed forms is available in the same place.

“I think it’s important for everyone to know that it has to be a new program or initiative. It needs to be new and it needs to provide benefits to our community so that people see a higher quality of life, as a result of recreation and culture initiatives,” said Sandi Stewart, recreation and culture manager for the City of Lacombe.

“The more things that are applicable - that might help make the application stronger. That might look like getting kids outside more and into nature more, because that is a positive thing. The initiative could promote positive aging, or intergenerational participation – those are positive things. It is somewhat weighted on what good is

going to come out of the program. This is all based on our 2013 recreation and culture master plan.”

Last year was the first year the grant was introduced and it was utilized to bring to life programs such as Music in the Park, the FCSS Pass Program and the Bill Nielsen Trail Run. In its first year, the grant program had $10,000 in available funds, which was increased for 2015.

The grant could also be used for programs that draw communities together. Last year, Lacombe’s Neighbourhood Life program was sponsored because the aim was to get more community members involved with each other.

The primary idea of the grant is that it will be used for programs that heighten the quality of life of those who it reaches.

“There is no specific amount that each group wins. We distribute the funds as needed after looking at applications. This year, our deadline is February 28th because we thought it was best to get everybody’s application in at once. People can call me prior to doing work on the applications if they need to. Call me at 430-782-1266,” Stewart said.

There are a large variety of programs that might be eligible so check with Stewart to see if an application would be appropriate. kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com

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6 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

County council hears about forming airport committee

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express The future of the Lacombe Airport, located northeast of the City along Hwy. 2A, was up for debate during a regular Lacombe County council meeting on Feb. 12th.

Delegates from the City of Lacombe and the Lacombe Flying Club (LFC) attended council to discuss the formation of the Airport Review Committee. The municipal airport is owned by the City, is operated by the LFC and borders a County property.

Private members own the individual hangars.

The LFC has requested a collaborative review of the facility to provide informa-

tion for long-term planning for the development of the airport. “It’s truly a regional facility that serves our area,” said City of Lacombe CAO Norma MacQuarrie. “We want to promote a regional facility.”

LFC Vice President Dave Scott said the club has 56 members, with 26 of those members being from the County of Lacombe. “The airport serves a wide variety of uses,” he said. “We have 2,000 to 3,000 movements a year. On average there are six to 10 planes sitting there (during the summer months).”

MacQuarrie noted the two groups, the City of Lacombe and the LFC, want to see the airport review completed to gauge the amount of use of the facility and see what exactly the future could be.

The LFC also plans to look at undertaking a series of upgrades, including resurfacing the runway, constructing a new taxi way, and upgrading the runway lights, totaling close to $542,648.

The potential upgrades were not up for discussion during the meeting, only the formation of the review committee, towards looking at the future of the facility.

Councillor Rod McDermand noted he did not feel comfortable about committing any amount of funds towards such a cause, without knowing all that is involved in the review. “We need to know if we support this facility at all and what is the future of it,” he said.

Lacombe County Commissioner Terry Hagar told council the Club and the City

were not asking for money, but inviting the County to participate and place two council members on the committee.

“The committee sounds like a good way to get started,” said Reeve Paula Law. “There is merit in seeing the future of the airport.”

After clarification, councillors were still not sold on the idea, and moved for administration to bring the topic back to the next meeting for review. A decision regarding the review committee will be made then.

City council had previously approved the allocation of $12,500 of City funds towards the review, as well as appointing two councillors, Wayne Armishaw and Bill McQuesten, to the committee. news@lacombeexpress.com

Lacombe Scouts 13th Annual Lacombe Victim Services Comedy Cabaret returns Annual

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express

One thing’s for sure, Lacombians like to laugh, especially if it’s for a good cause. The Lacombe Victim Services Comedy Cabaret returns for the 13th year.

The fundraiser for the Victim Services Unit will be held March 13th.

Debbie Barron, Lacombe Victim Services program manager said the evening is St. Patrick’s Day-themed and features a silent auction, door prizes and a 50/50 draw.

“Tickets are going really

outs

fast,” she said.

As the donations for door prizes and the silent auction continue to roll in, Barron said there are some phenomenal prizes this year, including tickets to an Edmonton Oilers vs. the Winnipeg Jets hockey game on March 23rd.

Comedian Tim Nutt is the featured headliner and is sure to bring many laughs to attendees. The ever-popular hot wings will also be returning this year for guests to snack on, along with popcorn and the cash bar.

“The community sup-

port for this event is phenomenal,” said Barron.

As the sole fundraiser for Lacombe Victim Services for the year, community support of the event is vital for the organization to continue on supporting victims of crime and trauma.

During last year’s event, organizers estimated upwards of $4,000 was raised.

The Lacombe Victim Services Unit was created in 1993, operating with a volunteer board and several volunteers. “We have a wonderful group of volunteers who are caring, compassionate and who are on

call 24 hours, seven days a week,” said Barron.

“The purpose of the program is to follow the guidelines of the Victims of Crime Act by assisting the residents and visitors to our local area, where their lives have been impacted by a crime or a traumatic event.”

Lacombe Victim Services provides assistance to both

Bean Supper

primary victims, those who experience direct injury, loss or trauma. Assistance is also provided to secondary victims, persons beyond the immediate victim to whom repercussions of a crime or trauma may spread including friends, family and co-workers.

“When following the Victims of Crime Act, victims have the right to

know about victim impact statements, restitution and financial benefits,” explained Barron.

Doors to the Lacombe Memorial Centre open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and a table of eight is $180. Tickets can be purchased at Lacombe Police Services or call Barron at 403-782-3279 ext. 152. news@lacombeexpress.com

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GENEROSITY - The Lacombe Victim Services recently received a donation of toiletry bags from Lord Lascelles Chapter Imperial Daughters of the Empire (IODE) Lacombe. Victim Services Program Manager Debbie Barron and board member Janet Dewald accepted the donation from IODE Mary Lou Wilson and other members. The toiletry bags will be used as gifts bags for victims photo submitted who had to leave their home at a moment’s notice.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Lacombe Memorial Centre

4:30pm - 7:00pm

OPEN TENDERS, CITY OF LACOMBE

$

6

The City of Lacombe is as busy as ever and as such, there are many RFPs, RFQs and tenders open.

00 /ticket

AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

DINNER INCLUDES: Baked Beans, Salads, Desserts, Drinks

(Children 4 & under are free)

The City of Lacombe invites tenders for: -2015 Lawn Tractor, closing February 27 -2015 ATV Vehicle, closing February 27 -2015 Aerial Lift Truck, closing February 20 Please visit www.lacombe.ca/doing-business/rfps-tenders for information on these and other open tenders, RFPs and RFQs. For Information Contact: Calvin Bennefield Parks and Facilities Manager Phone: 403-782-1252

Lacombe Express 7

Thursday, February 19, 2015

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

403-782-5303 Fax:

403-782-5344

Editor

Sarah Maetche 403-782-5306 news@lacombeexpress.com

Reporter

Kalisha Mendonsa kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com

OPINION BSE case sparks old fears Over this past year, things have been looking up for the cattle industry. With astoundingly high cattle prices, producers seemed to finally get some return for all of their long-run efforts.

But with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirming a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a progressive and fatal neurological disease found in cattle, in an Alberta beef cow this past week, that positive outlook may have been partially clouded.

The CFIA stated the infected cow was found on a farm in northern Alberta and no part of the animal carcass has made its way into human or animal food systems.

After confirmation of the case, an investigation was immediately launched by the CFIA to determine the age of the animal, its history and exactly how it became infected. This latest case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program.

“The investigation will focus in on the feed supplied to this animal during the first year of its life,” stated a CFIA release. “The agency will also trace out all animals of equivalent risk. Equivalent risk animals will be ordered destroyed and tested for BSE.”

This was the first reported case of BSE in Canada since 2011. Canada still holds onto to its “controlled BSE risk” country status, a hurdle cleared in 2007, as recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Now it is to wonder if this recent case will affect cattle prices or the worst fear, again close international markets to Canadian beef ?

Experts are soothing industry fears, saying that this case won’t affect current exports of Canadian cattle or beef, mainly because the discovered case does not change Canada’s controlled BSE risk status, although, South Korea has already announced that they have closed their border to all Canadian Beef imports.

The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association has noted that this reported case appears to be isolated and the finding should not impact current exports of Canadian cattle and beef.

They also added that the controlled risk status was something Canada gained due to effective BSE surveillance mitigation and eradication measures.

But let’s not forget how the first homegrown case of BSE in Alberta crippled the industry in 2003. International markets were closed to

Canadian beef and the outlook was bleak.

It’s taken the cattle industry over a decade to recover, and this most recent case of BSE brings to light an important point - that the Canadian BSE surveillance program continues to play a very important

role in managing BSE and producers should remain consistent with the process. Alberta has been operating an effective BSE surveillance program for the past few years and let’s hope that we can continue to follow the proper procedures to keep our beef safe.

It’s always easier to see the weaknesses in others Customer Service

Brittney Pike advertising@lacombeexpress.com

Publisher

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

Copyright.

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

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

The other day I was out for lunch with my mother and sister, and I noticed they were suddenly disgusted with something that was happening behind me.

They told me that at the table behind me, a man and his little girl were out apparently on a breakfast date. That is great of course, but then they mentioned the father seemed fixated on his phone and was virtually ignoring his young daughter who was seated right beside him.

She was even trying to talk to him and ask him questions, but he apparently found the phone more engaging for the most part.

Sadly, it’s a common sight these days.

How many of us have noticed a couple in a restaurant waiting for their dinner, and one of them – or worse, both of them – are busy texting someone or looking up some detail online that simply couldn’t wait until later. We see these scenarios all of the time. Why is it that a piece

Mark

WEBER of technology has this power over us, and can distract us from speaking or engaging with the person/persons we are actually with at the time? Are we that uninteresting to others that we can’t sustain their attention? What exactly is going on here?

And why is it that it is almost irresistible to check a text when we hear that notification sound? We pull out our phones – trying to be subtle – and see who it is that is making contact.

And this can be right in the middle of a special family gathering or dinner, when we are surrounded by loved ones and perhaps folks we rarely even have the joy of seeing.

I thought a lot about that

dad in the restaurant over the next few days. I was disgusted.

I’m not a father, but I knew that if I were, I would certainly never choose to be glued to my phone if my child was seated next to me and trying to talk to me.

But then a funny thing happened – something along the lines of the saying, ‘The pot calling the kettle black’.

Not long after the restaurant incident, I headed over to visit my mom. I always enjoy visiting mom – she’s a great person, an interesting person, and she’s always wanting to know how I’m doing and how my day went. Just an all-around caring, considerate mom.

Well, of course we talked.

But then I noticed someone texted me. So of course I pick up the phone to see who it was. And of course I have to respond. I must.

Never mind that I’m in the presence of someone who is enjoying my company.

I send off a text and then put the phone down on a

nearby table. And maybe that was part of the problem – the phone was too nearby.

Well, along comes another notification. Funny the way it goes – again I’m texting, texting, texting. And then something comes up on TV that I think would be pretty interesting to Google – just to garner some more information of course.

Then I put the phone down again. Then I pick it up again. Down again. Up again. After a couple of hours, I was inwardly feeling a bit bad that I couldn’t resist this little contraption even when I was a guest in someone else’s home.

And it’s not like I wasn’t communicating with my mom. But I was distracted – for no good reason whatsoever. There wasn’t a single reason to text anybody.

Nothing critical was happening on the other end of the line. No emergencies.

Nothing that couldn’t wait.

I was just giving into the lure of the smart phone.

By the time the evening

was coming to an end, my mom mentioned something about smart phones in general. And then mentioned how I had pretty much been on mine much of the evening. My heart sank.

I was no better than the father in the restaurant. I was doing the same thing – letting the attractions of instant communication and instant fact-finding get in the way of conversation, and of simply enjoying each and every moment of someone’s company who I deeply care about.

Never again. I have promised myself that from here on in, when I’m visiting others, my phone shall be on silent – it will be ignored, shut off, left in the car – whatever I have to do to help pry my fingers off the thing and give my full and undivided attention to whoever I happen to be with.

I hope that dad in the restaurant will make a similar choice. editor@reddeerexpress.com

8 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

fyi

These events brought to you by:

Your weekly Community Events Calendar

Registration required.

EVENTS Parkinson Alberta Education offers supports groups for persons with Parkinson disease, family members and caregivers at the following Central Alberta locations: Red Deer, Lacombe, Innisfail, Olds, Three Hills and Castor. Visit www.parkinsonalberta.ca for more information.

The annual meeting of the Lincoln Community Hall Society will be held on Feb. 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the hall. Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend.

Bring your opinions, comments, suggestions, questions and ideas. New members are always welcome. We also need a couple of hall board members.

The Ponoka Thespians present: Radio Active, a musical radio comedy. Held at the Asker Lutheran Church (20 minutes east of Ponoka on Hwy. 53, north on Asker Road). March 4th, 7 p.m. evening show, March 5th, 7 p.m. dessert night $25 tickets, March 6th, 1:30 p.m. Seniors’ Matinee, March 6th, 7 p.m. evening show. Admission by free will offering. For more information and dessert night tickets, email debzepick@gmail.com.

Lacombe Victim Services 13th Annual Comedy Cabaret is on Friday, March 13th. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Comedians start at 8 p.m. Silent auction as well as door prizes and a 50/50 draw. Tickets are $25 each or a table of eight is $180. Tickets can be purchased at Lacombe Police Station or call Debbie at 403-782-3279 ext. 152.

First Lacombe Scouts Annual Bean Supper, Feb. 22nd, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. For more information visit www.1stlacombescouts.com.

Karma Yoga: Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the LMC in the Servus Credit Union room. All proceeds are donated the Lacombe and District FCSS. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Lacombe Walking Group Wednesdays from 12-12:30 at Medcombe Walk-In-Clinic. No

www.A1-Homes.ca

loss. If you, or someone you know could benefit from this group please join us. For more information about the support group please call Amanda Bradley, Senior Peer Support Specialist, CNIB Red Deer at 403-346-0037.

Kozy Korner — Tuesday dinners every week at noon. Sunday music on Feb. 22nd at 1 p.m.

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

On Feb. 26th at 7 p.m. at the LMC, Michael Dawe of Red Deer will give a presentation on the topic of Alberta Hospital Ponoka: A history of the changes in the recognition and treatment of mental illness. A history of centennial (former AHP) first mental illness treatment centre provides an excellent example of how mental illness has been viewed and treated by both health care professionals

St. Andrew’s United Church Jr. Choir for ages five to 18. Meets Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. contact Jessica at 403-352-5486.

St. Andrew’s United Church Adult Choir for those 18 and older.

Practices on Wednesdays from

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

Youth Unlimited Drop-in Activities New schedule! Drop-in activities now run every Tuesday from 6 – 9 p.m. with ball hockey on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 – 9 p.m. Girls only drop-in is also Wednesdays from 6 – 9 p.m.

Thursdays Grade 3-6 drop-in program runs from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. and Grade 4 and up program from 6 – 9 p.m. Cost is 2$ for drop-in and ball hockey with

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Parkland Anglican Churches St. Patrick’s Day Beef Supper, Tuesday, March 17th, Elnora Community Hall. Entertainment, door prizes and basket draws. Adults $12.50, 6 to 10 years old $6, preschoolers free. Doors open at 5 p.m. Supper at 5:30 p.m.

Contact Paddy 403-227-1635, Jean 403-749-2411, Gwen 403773-2270. Everyone welcome.

Did you know? Lacombe has a CNIB peer support group for seniors who are blind or partially sighted.

The bi-monthly meetings are held at Spruce Terrace (500251 Ave.) The next meeting is Tuesday, March 10, at 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The meetings offer an opportunity to learn about resources through guest speakers and group discussions. You will receive support and encouragement through connections with other people living with vision

and general public over the past 100 years. Light refreshment will be served. Evening is free.

Quilting and crafts held at Blackfalds United Church on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Help make quilts or bring your own quilt/ craft to work on. Check out our website at blackfaldsunitedchurch.com or call 403-8854780 for more information.

The Lacombe Legion has bingo on Mondays at 7 p.m. in the upstairs hall. Coffee time runs Wednesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. ($2 for coffee, tea and cookies). On Fridays, there are four meat draws and tickets are $2/ set of three tickets. Draw starts at 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays, there are four meat draws which start at 4:30 p.m. Chase the ace starts after meat draws.

New to Lacombe? Contact Lacombe Welcome Wagon at 403-348-9567 for free maps, information about the City & area, as well as free gifts from

drop-in 10 passes at $10 and ball hockey season pass at $50.

Taoist Tai Chi a relaxing, low impact exercise; continuing classes year round, for those who have completed beginners or have learned Taoist Tai Chi before.

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

Affirm – providing safe and confidential support to people of all sexual orientation and identity, their families and friends. We meet in Lacombe. For more information, call Marg at 403-7821887 or Ross at 403-782-3671.

Imperial Daughters of the Empire is a non-profit women’s volunteer program that raises money in support of numerous initiatives supporting education. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month and begin at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church. For

more information about the group, feel free to contact Mary Lou Wilson 403-782-3923.

Lacombe Art Guild – the guild meets regularly on the second and third Tuesday of each month. A variety of workshops are provided for developing artists. Membership is $15 per year.

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

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Table Talk Coffee Group: Meets the second Friday of each month at Demi’s Restaurant (Lacombe Motor Inn) at 10 a.m. If you or someone in your life has been affected by MS, join us for a fun, casual and supportive coffee chat. For more info, please contact Terri Blanchard at 403-346-0290.

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

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

Stay and Play – Gull Lake Hall, Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bentley Town Office Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Stay and Play is designed to encourage families to spend time together in play, while having the opportunity to socialize and learn about the community and external resources. $2 drop in fee per family is suggested. For more information call 403-748-2160.

Bentley TOPS- Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Every Tuesday in the basement of the Bentley Town Office at 7 p.m. Contact Carolyn 403-396-1002 Clive TOPS – Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Every Thursday at the Clive Christian Fellowship Church 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Lacombe Express 9

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Horoscope ARIES

TAURUS

Mar 21/Apr 20

Apr 21/May 21

Your fears are the only things

You cannot outmaneuver

holding you back this week,

karma, Taurus. You will reap

Aries. Confidence is all you

what you sow this week, so

need to move forward, so take

remain positive and things will

some initiative and you

ultimately work out in

will be glad you did.

your favor.

GEMINI May 22/Jun 21

CANCER Jun 22/Jul 22

Gemini, do your best to

Certain responsibilities require

prevent distractions from

all of your attention this week,

getting to you or affecting your

Cancer. Set aside some time

performance at work. You can

to tackle these tasks one at

overcome these distractions if

a time, and you will be done

you just stay focused.

before you know it.

LEO

VIRGO

Jul 23/Aug 23

Aug 24/Sept 22

Circumstances may shift

Virgo, you may be emotionally

without warning, Leo. It

invested in a cause or a

pays to have a backup plan

belief, but you cannot expect

available so you can make any

everyone to share your

necessary adjustments. Think

passion. Give others room to

on your feet.

form their own opinions.

LIBRA Sept 23/Oct 23

a few adventures this week,

point in your love life, Scorpio.

Libra. Keep an open mind, and

Enjoy taking this next step and

these excursions will prove all

make the most of all of the new

the more valuable

experiences you share together

down the road.

in the days to come.

CAPRICORN Dec 22/Jan 20

Take charge of your goals

Capricorn, plan an excursion

this week, Sagittarius.

or a get-together with friends

Many of your goals are worthwhile endeavors that can be achieved through a

before boredom sets in. This will give everyone a chance to

combination of commitment

reconnect and engage in some

and hard work.

lighthearted fun.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Jan 21/Feb 18

Feb 19/Mar 20

Aquarius, it will be very easy

Stay put for a while, Pisces.

to get pulled off course this

Now is not a good time to

week. All you have to do is daydream for a while and time will fly. Make a to-do list so you can maintain your focus.

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

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

28. UTHealth (abbr.)

29. Roman Helios 31. Check 32. Making of a worn-out vicious horse 33. Wife 34. An alternative 35. Spanish unit of length 36. Wild goats 37. Municipalities 38. Bother or harass 39. Excessively sentimental 40. Middle Eastern dish 44. Waterproof raincoat 47. Former OSS

SCORPIO This week may mark a turning

Nov 23/Dec 21

ANSWER

Oct 24/Nov 22

Your ambition takes you on

SAGITTARIUS

HOW TO PLAY:

make changes. Stick with what has been working for the time being.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Centralized mailing compartment 4. Small argument 8. Latin for “hail” 9. Semicircular headdress 10. Hole plug 12. Primp 13. A spontaneous motivation 14. Don’t know when yet 16. Portable computer screen material 17. Conform 19. Yoruba

20. Wings 21. Tar Hill State 25. Hard, durable wood 26. Pallid 27. Pabir language 29. Not crazy 30. Word element meaning ear 31. Hill (Celtic) 32. “Dangerous Liaisons” actor 39. Space between 2 points 41. Arbitrageur 42. 3rd or 4th Islamic month 43. Assistance

44. Manuscripts (abbr.)

45. In a way, soaks 46. Synovial knee syndrome 48. 2nd cervical vertebra 49. State of sudden fright 50. Snakelike fish 51. Each of 4 Hindu ages 52. Point midway between S and SE

CLUES DOWN 1. Relating to New Guinea 2. Carry to excess 3. Alms solicitor 4. Title of respect

5. Spanish saffron dish 6. Betel palm genus 7. Petter ____, Nordic combined skier 9. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)

11. Clan division 14. Referee declares 15. Rampart 18. “Big” actor’s initials 19. Noah’s boat 20. Diarist __ Frank 22. Luminous celestial ring 23. Famous motor club 24. 007’s creator 27. A timely blessing

ANSWER

10 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

County seeks input on future of Mirror curling rink

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express

council meeting. “The records indicate the building was built in 1961 with two by four studs on a concrete foundation,” stated Manager of Operations Phil Lodermeier in his report to council.

“The exterior is metal and the rink portion has a sand floor. The lobby area appears to be in reasonable condition and has been well maintained.”

Lodermeier noted the assessed value of the building is $138,740 with the land that the rink sits on assessed at $36,660.

“The building is quickly deteriorating and we should make a

As a main feature in the downtown of Mirror, the curling rink was the hub of the community up until a few years ago.

The Mirror Curling Club ceased operations in 2011 and terminated their lease on the building. Now for the past four years, the building has sat unused and is slowly deteriorating.

Lacombe County councillors were presented with a few options regarding the future of the County-owned facility at a recent

decision regarding its fate since it will become an eye sore and potentially a dangerous site if ignored much longer.”

Lodermeier stated the first option the County has is to offer the building for sale, with either the purchaser choosing to fix up the facility or pushing over the building themselves. A second option is for the County to demolish the building, in order to sell the land.

Approximately $50,000 was allocated in the 2014 budget for the demolition of the curling rink.

The has carried over into the 2015 budget. “Council should de-

termine if they want to offer the building and land for sale and what the expectation for the sale price is or if the County should just demolish the building,” stated Lodermeier. “It is perceived the building has little or no value until if and when the changes to the Mirror Area Structure Plan (ASP) are endorsed.”

Councillors decided the issue would be put to the public for consultation. Also during a meeting on Feb. 12th, the Mirror ASP was brought forward for approval.

Council gave first reading, which will help guide future develop-

ment in the hamlet.

Features of the proposed ASP are a newly-added residential district, a plan to support the revitalization of Main Street and the addition of campgrounds into recreation areas. The plan has been presented to the public three times through a public consultation process, but before the final plan can be approved, a public hearing will be held to gather more community input.

The hearing regarding the ASP will be held April 8th at the Mirror Hall. news@lacombeexpress.com

Gord Bamford gives back to children’s charities Lacombe native and country singer Gord Bamford continues to give.

Bamford recently donated $130,000 to children’s hospitals and charities across Canada.

He gave $50,000 to Kidsport Canada, Make-AWish Foundation (Northern Alberta), Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta, Alberta Music Education Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of Wetaskiwin and the Clive Resource Centre.

Bamford will be kick-

ing off his spring tour this month by donating an additional $80,000 to children’s hospitals across Canada.

Since creating the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation back in 2008, Bamford has generated $2 million thanks to an annual charity golf classic he hosts in Lacombe every summer.

Those monies have gone to support youth and include or involve music, education, health care, sports and multi-use facilities across Canada.

However, children’s hos-

pitals are also a priority for Bamford and he’s quick to recognize music is a form of therapy for children who are ill.

“Music has that special power to take a child away from whatever they might be experiencing at that moment in time,” he said in a release.

“I’ve seen it first-hand on my visits to children’s hospitals over the years,” he said.

“I’m so grateful to be in the position to continue to help support such worth-

while organizations and hospitals all across Canada.” Bamford will be visiting each hospital location to present the facility with a $10,000 cheque from his Foundation. He will be presenting to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation in Calgary on Feb. 19th, as well as a hospital in Winnipeg, along with Ontario

hospitals in Hamilton, Toronto, London and Kingston. One other Canadian hospital is a recipient of Bamford’s generosity. The IWK Health Centre Foundation from Halifax has received a $10,000 for their music therapy program.

Bamford, is a 19-time Canadian Country Music Association award winner

and two-time Juno Award nominee. He recently won the 2014 Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Country Music Program for Gord Bamford: Christmas in Canada (CMT).

Bamford was also honoured to win the Country Music Association’s Global Artist of the Year.

-Maetche

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS Current to February 12, 2015

A SIGNATURE CREATION - With the aim to foster the growth of the visual arts, the

Permitted Use Take notice that the following development permits have been approved as PERMITTED USES in that they conform in every respect to the Land Use Bylaw: DATE

PERMIT#

LOCATION

DEVELOPMENT

February 12 February 12

61/250.32 61/250.32

4751 63 Street 4751 63 Street

Class 2 Fascia Signs Class 2 Directional Signs

Lacombe Art Guild meets regularly and holds a variety of workshops for developing artists.

Darlene Vanderlaan, a Bentley-based artist, showcased her technique of sketching with Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express India ink earlier this month.

Permitted Use with Variances Take notice that the following permits have been approved by the Development Authority as a Permitted Use with Variances as noted: DATE

PERMIT#

LOCATION

DEVELOPMENT

February 12

61/250.28

14 Willow Place

Garage with Variance

Discretionary Use Take notice that the following DISCRETIONARY USE Permits have been approved: DATE

PERMIT#

LOCATION

DEVELOPMENT

February 20

61/250.08

5021 50 Street

February 20

61/250.07

3906 53 Avenue

Addition to Commercial Building for Restaurant Police Station Building

Documents pertaining to the development permits may be inspected at City Hall, 5432-56 Avenue, during regular business hours.

Anyone claiming to be affected by the approval of the Permitted Uses with Variances or Discretionary Uses may submit an objection within 14 days from the date of notice. The appeal must be in writing, accompanied with a $50.00 fee and be directed to: Lacombe Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Attn: Secretary to the SDAB, 5432 - 56 Avenue Lacombe, AB T4L 1E9

Employment Opportunities The City of Lacombe is currently recruiting for: Utilities Operator 2 - Solid Waste/NRDRWSC - Application Deadline is February 27, 2015 Gardeners/Parks Mower Operators/Labourers/Trail Maintenance - Application Deadline is March 6, 2015 For full job descriptions and other employment opportunities please visit the City of Lacombe website at www.lacombe.ca/employment Please Apply To: Human Resources City of Lacombe - 5432, 56th Ave, Lacombe AB, T4L 1E9 humanresources@lacombe.ca Employment Opps.indd 1

06/02/2015 9:27:12 AM

Lacombe Express 11

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Pizza face philosophy The year was 1988 and I was an insecure pizza faced teenager desperate to ďŹ nd some kind of meaning in my life.Â

In Good Faith with Jake

about the realization that we are not.

We really need help. Take time to bring joy to your heart and the Lord’s. Go meet a need that you see in front of you today.

Jake Schellenberg is executive director of Central Alberta Youth Unlimited/YFC.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Bowl for Kids Sake, the premiere fundraiser for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lacombe and District (BBBS) recently received a donation of $2,000 from the Lacombe and area Servus Credit Union. BBBS Executive Director Crystal Zens, left, and BBBS Board Director Joey Ingram, right, accepted the generous donation from Servus Branch Manager Dustin Nakonechny on Feb. 3rd. The donated funds will help make the fundraiser, held on March 14th at the LMC, a reality.

Sarah Maetche/ Lacombe Express

SCHELLENBERG I was an athlete, came from a pretty good family and never had to go hungry so I didn’t have much to complain about. Nonetheless, my soul seemed to complain inside of me all the time. Questions like, ‘What am I here for?’, ‘Is God real?’, ‘If God is real how in the world could he make such bad things happen to people?’, (and of course, ‘I wonder what’s for supper?’ swirled around my brain and made me discontent with my world. This feeling was the kind that could not be quenched with a shot of youthful adrenalin, a few trophies on my shelf, or even being part of the best basketball team. Isn’t it amazing how our minds work?

We want what we don’t have, wish for what ‘they’ have and don’t realize what is right in front of us. Teenage Jake searched like crazy to ďŹ nd some sense of inner wholeness that would provide a reason for his existence. Teenage Jake thought he was a bad person that wasn’t worth very much, but God showed him a different reality, and that new reality brought about a changed perspective.

This change affected the way I saw myself, and questions I asked. I started to learn the meaning of,  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.�

(Matt 22: 37, 39).

Teenage Jake started a journey I still live today; a journey to love God and do my best to make my life about others and not myself. My ‘uncontrollable discontent’ was solved when I started to understand that being self-serving doesn’t bring real joy, but serving others is a blast! Here’s the biggest kicker, this change of perspective isn’t about being perfect, it’s actually

We see growth potential in all our members.

1R PDWWHU ZKHUH \RX DUH LQ \RXU UHWLUHPHQW WLPHOLQH ZH RĆŞHU H[SHUW DGYLFH WKDWpV EHVW IRU \RX /HWpV WDON DERXW \RXU LQYHVWPHQW RSWLRQV before the March 2nd deadline. servus.ca/advice

Personal | Mortgages | Investments | Loans | Insurance | Business

Feel good about your money.

12 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Lacombe Express

deadline: Monday @ noon

CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad, call Toll Free:

1.877.223.3311

or email: classifieds@lacombeexpress.com Announcements .................0005-0030 What’s Happening .............. 0049-0070 Garage Sales ........................0100-0650 Employment ........................ 0700-0920 Service Directory ................. 1000-1430

Funeral Directors & Services

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

Open House Directory ....... 4200-4310 Financial ..............................4400-4430 Transportation .................... 5000-5240 Legal/Public Notices .........6000-9000 * No cancellations, refunds or exchanges. Please read your ad the first day it appears. We will accept responsibility for 1 insertion only.

52

Coming Events

Clerical

Employment #700 - #920

Classifieds For Red Deer Express & Lacombe Express Publications are PROCESSED IN OUR CALL CENTRE

BY CALLING

403-309-3300 Toll Free 1-877-223-3311 or classifieds@reddeerexpress.com

Card Of Thanks

54

Lost REWARD On October 2, 2014 our house burned down.

Our family got out safely but the house was a total loss.

The response from our community was overwhelming and heartwarming. We want to give our sincere thanks to all our family, friends, neighbours and community for their steadfast support. We received donations of clothes, toys, household items, gift cards and cash. All of which was greatly appreciated. Your warm support for our family made our loss more bearable. We are grateful to be a part of this special community. A special thank you to our neighbours Carl and Sonja Jacobson and Susan Whitecotton for their immediate assistance the night of the fire; Peter Lok at Shoppers Drug Mart for opening after hours to fill medications and donating fundamental items, to Christal Reed for driving from Calgary the next morning to bring clothing for those of us left with only our pjs; to mom and dad for the care packages, to Shelly Goodale for garnering support and donations on Face Book; to Ponoka Christian School staff, students, and parents for donations of clothing, household goods and gift cards; to Dancers Edge Studio and DEPA for replacing all our daughter’s dance clothes and contributing to her competition fees; to the Hammond family for collecting a garage full of household goods as well as cash donations; to the DeWith family a very special thank you for fostering our cats until we are in our new home. We especially want to thank fellow survivors. We have been approached by many people who have suffered the loss of their home to a fire and their support was immediate, heartfelt and very generous.

From our family to all of yours we are deeply grateful and thank you for your help. God Bless.

THE LEWIS FAMILY

What’s Happening #50 - # 70

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

Class Registrations

51

SNOWBOARD, Blue Libteck with Union Bindings, youth board, lost Feb. 8 at Canyon Ski Hill. Please call 403-307-5007 Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS

Companions

58

FIREARMS SAFETY 58 YR. old farmer in Sylvan Lake area seeks COURSE Non-restricted Feb. 28, RESTRICTED Mar. 1 Cottonwood-Gordon Hall Must Pre-Register 403-224-2881 firearmscourses@gmail.com Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

honest, sincere, romantic, healthy slim lady 47-67 to come live on the farm with him for a lifetime commitment of love. Please enclose photo and phone no. to Box 1101 c/o The Advocate 2950 Bremner Ave. Red Deer. T4R 1M9 Classifieds...costs so little Saves you so much!

Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

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

Start your career!

See Help Wanted TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

Caregivers/ Aides

720

DNR PRESSURE WELDING req’d p/t office assistant. Must be willing to work flexible hours. Exp. with Microsoft Word and Excel a must. Exp. with accounting software program Explorer preferred. Fax resume to 403-742-5759 or email to dnrwelding1@ dnrwelding.ca No phone calls please.

820

EAST 40TH PUB REQ’S P/Tor F/T COOK Apply in person with resume 3811 40th Ave.

770

LUCKY’S LOUNGE located in Jackpot Casino, requires Waitress’s Fri. - Sun. Please apply in person at 4950 47 Ave. No phone calls please

Full Time Cleaners required for day’s at Nova Joffre Site.

ST $15.00 Per Hr. Must be able to pass drug & alcohol testing & fit test.

Excellent spoken & written English communication required. Send resume to aramark6685@gmail.com or fax @ 403-314-7504

THE RUSTY PELICAN is now accepting resumes for 4 F/T Exp’d LINE COOKS at all stations. MUST HAVE:

Janitorial

•

Oilfield

800

710

NEEDED - Home Support Worker (NOC 6471); F/T and Live-out; 44 hours/week, some overtime necessary, 2 days off on Saturdays and Sundays; $15.75/hour; Duties: Meal preparation including shopping for food; Assist with personal care as needed such as bathing, grooming, feeding, toileting and dressing; Assist to and from doctor’s appointment including managing medications; Perform light housekeeping, including laundry, making beds and cleaning; Requirements: Some secondary school education is required; At least 6 months of home management experience is required; Work Location: In an acreage home, 15-20 minute-drive outside of Red Deer, Alberta; E-mail resume: Employer: Lois Pedersen; E-mail: loiscarol@icloud.com; Note: Female applicants only

Restaurant/ Hotel

2 yrs. relevant exp., completion of High School, be reliable, self motivated, work well under limited supervision in fast paced environment.

Salary is $14 - $18./hr. 40 hr. wk. dependant on exp.

COLTER ENERGY LP IS NOW HIRING

WELL TESTING: Supervisors Night Operators Operators •

Have current Safety certificates including H2S Be prepared to work in remote locations for extended periods of time • Must be physically fit • Competitive wages, benefits and RRSP offered Please email resume with current driver’s abstract to: jbecker@colterenergy.ca •

LOCAL SERVICE CO. in Red Deer REQ’S EXP. VACUUM TRUCK OPERATOR Must have Class 3 licence w/air & all oilfield tickets.

Fax resume w/drivers abstract to 403-886-4475

733644 Ab Ltd. O/A The Rusty Pelican 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.

Trades

850

Alix Arena Association is seeking qualified contractors to provide quotes to the Board for small renovation projects at the rink. Interested parties will be shown the scope of work in person at the arena. Please contact Leigh Peirens, 403-596-2285.

Lacombe Express 13

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Advocate Opportunities

Trades

850

For INGLEWOOD Area With 69 papers, approximately: $362.25/mo.

For VANIER Area with 54 papers, approximately: $283.50/mo.

For both of these routes: at least $645.75/mo.

For More Information, Please call Prodie 403-314-4301

CARRIERS REQUIRED To deliver the CENTRAL AB LIFE 1 day a week in: INNISFAIL Penhold Olds Sylvan Lake Please call Debbie for details 403-314-4307

CARRIERS REQUIRED To deliver the

CENTRAL AB LIFE & LACOMBE EXPRESS

Bashaw Sports is looking ARE you interested in for a person with: pursuing an exciting career customer with Petrofield Industries at • Excellent service skills our Tornado Hydrovac • Retail sales experience Trucks’ manufacturing production facility? We are • Valid Firearms License • Good working knowledge centrally located in the of firearms, ammunition family-friendly community and general sporting of Stettler, Alberta. good items.

We currently have an opening for: We offer competitive hourly compensation, flexible Service and Parts hours, and good working Manager conditions.

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.

SUNTERRA MEATS in Trochu, AB is seeking a

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN to work in their meat processing plant.

Successful candidate needs to be a team player, willing to help in areas outside of certification, reliable and dependable.

Starting wage of $34. per hour, benefits at the time of hire. For more information, contact Dave at 403-442-4202 or email resume to trish.hyshka@sunterra.ca WATER WELL DRILLING COMPANY IN BENTLEY REQ’S EXPERIENCED

1 day a week in: LACOMBE BLACKFALDS

with class 3, air. All safety tickets required.

Fax resume with drivers abstract: 403-748-3015

Truckers/ Drivers

860

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

Please call Debbie at 403-314-4307

We appreciate all who take the time to apply and thank you for your application, but only those being considered for an interview will be notified.

DISPATCHER REQ’D. Knowledge of Red Deer and area is essential.

Verbal and written communication skills are req’d. Send resume by fax to 403-346-0295 RANCH farm requires two people to work part-time processing and working with cattle plus other farm related work. Full days, wages neg.

Apply (403) 350-4089. No texts.

Misc.

Help

880

Auctions

1530

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

SPARTEK SYSTEMS INC In Sylvan Lake, AB is seeking qualified * ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS *ACCOUNTING CLERK - AP/AR www.bigstrapperauctions.net Please refer to our website at www.sparteksystems.com for company information.

Applicants please forward resume to: keri.lee@ sparteksystems.com or fax to 403-887-4050 Please state which position you are applying for in your cover letter.

CENTRAL AB based trucking company requires

CONTRACT DRIVERS

Misc.

Help

880

HELP WANTED The Assistant Property Manager,

All your local news and information - in one place.

Please fax your resume in confidence to: Bashaw Sports @ 780-372-4447

Antiques & Art ..................1520 Auctions ............................1530 Bicycles ............................1540 Building Supplies ..............1550 Business Machines ..........1560 Cameras & Accessories ..1570 Children’s Items ................1580 Clothing ............................1590 Computers ........................1600 Concert & Event Tickets ..1610 Equipment - Misc. ............1620 Equipment - Heavy ..........1630 Tools ................................1640 Farmers’ Market & Food Basket......................1650 Firewood ..........................1660 Lumber ............................1670 Garden Supplies ..............1680 Lawn Tractors ..................1690 Health, Dietary, Beauty ....1700 Household Appliances......1710 Household Furnishings ....1720 TV’s, Stereos, VCR’s ........1730 Hot Tubs & Accessories ..1740 Jewellery ..........................1750 Kid’s Deals........................1755 Misc. For Sale ..................1760 Musical Instruments..........1770 Music Lessons..................1780 Piano & Organs ................1790 Office Supplies ................1800 Pets & Supplies ................1810 Pet Services ....................1820 Cats ..................................1830 Dogs ................................1840 Sports Cards ....................1850 Sporting Goods ................1860 Collectors’ Items ..............1870 Swap, Barter & Trade ......1880 Travel Packages ..............1900 Wedding Supplies ............1910 Recycled Products............1920 Wanted to Buy ..................1930 Items to Give Away ..........1940

TIRED OF SEARCHING FOR BUYERS?

in AB. Home the odd night.

Weekends off. Late model tractor pref. 403-586-4558

Don’t get left behind...

Clothing

Buy & Sell Has an opening for a F/T employee in a high volume #1500 - #1990 Sporting Goods Store.

Aircraft ..............................1510

WATER WELL DRILLERS HELPER

Please call Rick for details 403-314-4303

880

BASHAW SPORTS CENTRE Bashaw, Alberta

INGLEWOOD / VANIER AREAS Adult Newspaper Carriers Needed For Early Morning Delivery of the RED DEER ADVOCATE

Misc.

Help

under the direction of the Property Manager, is responsible for coordinating all aspects of apartment community operations and to act as main point of contact in the absence of the Property Manager. The right candidate must be a team player with a positive can-do attitude. Send Resume to: brandybhatt@outlook.com Post available for F/T and P/T Tel.: 647-609-1926 ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Beauty/ Cosmetic

1040

NEW Elizabeth Arden red hot croc. make-up bag, with make-up, $195 value, asking $50. 403-227-2976

Contractors

1100

BRIDGER CONST. LTD. We do it all! 403-302-8550

Misc.

Services

1290

Placing a classified ad is an easy and affordable way to make your wares the focus of attention among potential buyers. What are you waiting for? Contact us today and start turning the stuff you don’t want into something you do want:

CASH! GET THINGS MOVING WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS!

CASH IN WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Property clean up 340-8666

1310

F/T Cashier/Postal Clerk.

Apply in person JG PAINTING, 25 yrs. exp. w/resume: Highland Green Free Est. 403-872-8888 Value Drug Mart.

JACKET, London Fog, Wool, sz. 10 regular, Cranberry color. $50.

403-227-2976

JEAN JACKET, Tommy Hilfiger, good cond. sz. medium, $20; 403-314-9603

Electronics

1605

ATARI with games, $140.

403-782-3847

INTELLIVISION with games, $140.

403-782-3847

N-64 with games, $160.

403-782-3847

Firewood

1660

FIREWOOD. Pine, Spruce, Can deliver 1-4 cords. 403-844-0227

Now Offering Hotter, Cleaner BC Birch. All Types. P.U. / Delivery. Lyle 403-783-2275

Household Appliances

1710

Turn those unwanted items into quick cash with a single phone call.

Suites

Agricultural #2000 - #2290

Farm Equipment ..............2010 Haying Equipment ............2020 Tractors ............................2030 Combines & Headers ......2040 Fertilizer Equipment..........2050 Misc. Farm Machinery ......2060 Equipment Wanted ..........2070 Farm Custom Work ..........2080 Farm Auctions ..................2090 Livestock ..........................2100 Livestock - Exotic..............2110 Sheep ..............................2120 Poultry ..............................2130 Horses ..............................2140 Horse Boarding ................2150 Riding Supplies ................2160 Horse/Stock Trailers ........2170 Pasture Wanted ................2180 Grain, Feed, Hay ..............2190 Seed Grain ......................2200 Seeding & Tillage ............2210

Farm Custom Work

2080

CUSTOM TUB GRINDING Truck mount grinder w/550 HP. Call Nolan 403-357-9674

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

BARLEY STRAW BIG SQUARE BALES LACOMBE AREA. 587-876-8775 ROUND hay bales for sale. 403-318-4732

DISHWASHER, Kenmore, good cond. $80. Ceiling fan, 52”, white $25; 403-358-5568

ROUND Hay bales, $100. no rain. Some for $70. no rain, grass hay, shedded.

Some $60. some rain.

403-350-9517 Lacome

DRYER, Inglis HD, white ext. large capacity, $100.

403-309-4518

ROUND hay bales. Cheap Free delivery. Self unloading. No Sunday calls 403-843-6380 403-704-3509

Jewellery

JEWELRY incld’s necklaces, bracelets, earrings.

All for $15. 403-314-9603

SILVER pierced earrings, made in Israel, never been worn, appraised $135, asking $100. 403-227-2976

Misc. for Sale

1760

COPPER clad aluminum #2, booster cables $40.

403-343-6044

VACUUM, wet/dry Stinger, new in box, 2.5 gal. $25; (2) new plastic saw horses, $20. pr.; 2 new swivel padded, moving dollies, 30”x18”, $35; dble. stainless steel sink, $15; pr. of (NEW in box) Steel toed, lined work boots, sz.

11/12, $30.; 1 pr. new winter, side zip, boots, sz.

11/12, $20; 403-358-5568

Cats

1830

MOVING. Looking for home for 4 yr. old neutered brown Tabby, free to good home 403-342-1484 after 3 pm.

3060

ELNORA, 3 bdrm., main flr., 4 appls. $775/mo. incl. all utils, no pets. immed.

403-348-6594

Mobile Lot

3190

PADS $450/mo.

Brand new park in Lacombe.

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

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

Transportation #5000-5300

Automotive Services ........5010 Antique & Classic Autos ....5020 Cars ..................................5030 SUV’s................................5040 Trucks ..............................5050 Heavy Trucks....................5060 Vans/Buses ......................5070 Motorcycles ......................5080 Campers ..........................5090 Motorhomes......................5100 5th Wheels........................5110 Holiday Trailers ................5120 Tent Trailers ......................5130 Utility Trailers ....................5140 ATV’s ................................5150 Boats & Marine ................5160 Snowmobiles ....................5170 Tires, Parts & Accessories ......................5180 Auto Wreckers ..................5190 Vehicles Wanted ..............5200 Car/Truck Rental ..............5210 Recreational Vehicle Rental ..............................5220 Trailer Rental ....................5230 Misc. Automotive ..............5240 RV’s ..................................5300

Trucks

5050

2007 GMC Max, 1/2 ton sunroof, leather, tonneau cover, loaded w/new Good Year tires, 87,000 kms. like new $14,750. 403-782-7140

1750

BEAUTIFUL tabby kittens, F, (2), spotted and striped free to good home 403-782-3130

5* JUNK REMOVAL

Painters/ Decorators

1590

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

Houses/ Duplexes

3020

SYLVAN LAKE: fully furnished, inclds dishes, bedding, 50” tv, utils.

Avail. Mar. 1. from $1100. to $1300. 403-880-0210.

2003 DODGE Dakota crew cab. 403-318-3040

Holiday Trailers

5120

2003 KUSTOM Koach, 278 BKS, Jack & Jill bunk, hard wall, fully loaded, clean shape. $13,500.

Trades Cons. 403-598-0682

Tires, Parts Acces.

5180

OIL change & tire rotation voucher in Lacombe, valued at $85. Asking $35.

403-314-9603

Auto Wreckers

5190

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

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

14 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Careers ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT CONSULTANT The Red Deer Express has an opening for a full time Advertising Consultant.

Preference will be given to those with strong credentials in media advertising; however if you have a proven history in sales, we encourage you to apply.

Now

Hiring City of Lacombe is hiring for Utilities Operator 2 and Parks Staff see ad on page 10

The successful candidate will be responsible for servicing an established client list with an emphasis on developing and growing new accounts.

We invite those meeting the above qualiÄcations to submit their resume and references to:

Employment Opportunity Transfer Station Site Operator Prentiss Site Lacombe Regional Waste Services Commission has a part-time opportunity for a Transfer Station Site Operator at the Prentiss site.

We’re looking for an individual who enjoys working with the public, has a good mechanical aptitude, and has experience operating equipment.

Responsibilities include allocating waste to the appropriate disposal area, managing the burn pit, changing the bins, keeping the site tidy, etc.

Forward your application by February 20, 2015.

Full details of this position may be found under Employment Opportunities on the Lacombe County website at www.lacombecounty.com.

Successful Careers Start here

Wublisher@reddeerexpress.com #121 5301 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C8 Fax: 403-347-6620

Position to fill?

Advertise here – It Works

We would like to thank all those who apply; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

SERVICE DIRECTORY •Skidsteer Services •Gravel Hauling •Excavating •Snow Removal

403.304.3887 www.drakeex.ca

Advertise your service or business here for a month and receive a 20% discount.

Call 403.782.5303

403-748-2628

JIM’S

SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

403-748-2628 403-350-8628

403-598-2734

3809 - 53 Ave, Lacombe, AB

Your Quality Excavating Solution

403-350-8628

HEAVY TRUCK PARTS

•BOBCATS •GRADERS •LOADERS •TRUCKS •TRACK HOES •AGRICULTURE •DEMOLITION •EXCAVATION •GENERAL CONTRACTING •SAND/GRAVEL •SUBDIVISION WORK

BLACKFALDS

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

For All Your Excavation Needs 403.782.3437

www.dbbobcat.com

PROFESSIONAL PHARMACY •Travel Vaccination's •Ostomy Supplies •Shingles Vaccine •Compounding •Breast Pump Rentals

5049 Parkwood Road, Blackfalds Phone:

403-600-2280 Fax:

403-600-2243

Lacombe Express 15

Thursday, February 19, 2015

SPORTS

ICY RIDE– Tom Tisdale, of Rocky Mountain House, makes a breakaway from the pack during one of the heats during the 2015 Canadian Motorcycle Association Alberta Provincial Ice Racing Championship Series at Gull Lake this past weekend. Kyle Tisdale, also of Rocky Mountain House, is close on the trail.

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express

Racers gather on Gull Lake for first series race

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express It was an unseasonably warm winter day this past Sunday when racers descended onto the far north portion of Gull Lake for the first round of the 2015 Canadian Motorcycle Association Alberta Provincial Ice Racing Championship Series.

With temperatures climbing upwards of zero, rare for a mid-February day, the highspeed event gathered a flock of spectators, eager to see what all the noise was about amongst the normal easy-going chatter of ice fishers and snowmobilers that usually frequent the lake.

Ice racing is a sport featuring dirt bike riders and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that compete on an oval-shaped track on a frozen lake with studded tires for added grip on the icy surface.

Organized by the Second Gear Club (SGC), the first-round event had motorcy-

cles, quads and side-by-side ATVs ripping around the oval at speeds upwards of 140 kms/h, with racers aiming to collect provincial points for the series.

“We were very pleased with how it went,” said SGC event organizer Rhonda Pechout. “Over the last two years the conditions haven’t been that great and last year we had to cancel the entire series.

This year we actually had snow.”

Previously scheduled races at Cow Lake, near Rocky Mountain House, and Innisfail in January and early February were cancelled by organizers due to sub-par racing conditions. “The ice conditions at Cow Lake were poor,” said Pechout. “There was too much snow and only six inches of ice.”

For ice racing, the ice conditions must be perfect. Too much snow can derail the races. Too warm of weather can leave the ice in an unfavourable state for riders. To create the oval, it takes a plow team and considerable funds, so organizers wanted

to ensure the scheduled races were going to be a success.

Due to the other cancelled races in 2015, the Gull Lake oval and sprint races were the first ride of the season for competitors.

“It was wonderful,” said Pechout.

“There were lots of local riders and new riders, both novice and intermediate. The classes were not full but the races showed a lot of promise for the future expansion of the series, now that we have ice again.”

The SGC ridership has been lower over the past two years, with the numerous cancelled races, but with the season back on schedule, new riders have been taking advantage of fewer racers in heats to hone their skills.

SGC has secured two other Alberta lakes, Pigeon Lake and Bear Hills near Wetaskiwin, and hopes to build up the provincial series next year. For 2015, riders will have to sit tight with a three-race series.

The event kicked-off first on Saturday (Feb. 14th) with two-way sprint races. The

COACHES

Do you want your team covered?

Send contact info, rosters and schedules to news@lacombeexpress.com

sprint races were open to club members, with racers roaring up and down a 1.5 km track.

On Sunday, close to 50 riders, totalling 80 entries in multiple classes, made good of the favourable conditions and gave spectators quite a thrill. There were a few wipeouts, and luckily no injuries, so a good time was had by all.

The second and third rounds of the Alberta Ice Racing Championship Series are planned for Pigeon Lake on Feb. 21st and 22nd and Lac La Biche on March 1st.

Sylvan Lake is also a tentative race location for March 14th and 15th.

“Sylvan Lake is always in our back pocket,” said Pechout. “We have authorization to race there this year but we feel we have booked the race a bit late, so it feels best to pull off three strong races for 2015 and then hit the season early in 2016 and grow the series.” news@lacombexpress.com

SPORTS

16 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Lacombe woman helped RDC slide into curling provincials

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Lacombe Express Thanks to Lacombe local Julie Selvais, the Red Deer College Queens curling team will now be heading to their provincial championship at the end of the month.

She was named a Boston Pizza RDC Athlete of the Week this month for her role in the Winter Regional in Camrose. The team is now third overall and has qualified for the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Championships in Grande Prairie, taking place on the 28th.

“It was pretty intense. Marla (RDC team skip) and I usually curl together - we’re in the Alberta Junior Curling Tour. We’ve curled together for at least five years competitively. I just met the other two girls this year, so we’ve only been curling together for a few months. It’s amazing how well we’ve been able to come together and how well we can curl under pressure,” Selvais said.

“We knew that in that game if we lost, we’d have to play a tiebreaker against Grand Prairie.

But, we pulled through and won and hopefully we can keep that up in Provincials, and maybe even make it to Nationals in March, which is being held in Olds.”

Her team came out with a seasonal total of eight wins and four losses to take them into the provincial championships. They finished fall regionals with four wins and two losses, and finished the winter regionals the same way.

This added a little bit of pressure on the girls because there was no room for error at the qualifiers.

Selvais is in her first year of curling with the College, but is in her seventh year of competitive curling. She and the RDC Queen skip Marla Sherrer have been curling together for many years, and have been friends for many more.

She said that although she has a curling history with Sherrer, Selvais is very confident in her team and feels that they have become quite close.

“It helps that Marla and I have

WORKING HARD – Red Deer College Queens curling team members Courtney Smith, left and Julie Selvais sweep the ice for a teammate’s rock. photo submitted

curled together for a while but the other girls are great, and I really feel like a team with them already. We’re all so happy. I just hope we can pull through again in provincials. I know we can if we put our minds to it – there’s no doubt that we’re able,” she said.

Selvais said that she loves the competitions because it gives her a chance to touch base with other members of the junior curling teams. She says that there is a broad sense of comradery in the curling world and that she feels the community is very genuine.

“I love the atmosphere and getting to know all the other teams at competitions. It seems like curling is a very close-knit sport and even though you aren’t all on the same teams, it feels like a big family. You know so many people out there. I was curling last weekend in juniors, and it was really nice to see people that I used to play with. It’s just a big curling family and I think it’s great. You meet so many new people,” Selvais said.

“We are so competitive on ice, but it’s different than some other

sports. You’re always friends on and off the ice in curling.

With my junior team, and even this team, you never know who you’re going to curl with. You never know who could come to RDC and join us.”

She said that this year, she is working on her skills in shot making and sweeping. She said that she is working on her position as a third, which involves taking out opposing rocks accurately and getting over the pressure of sometimes having to throw the hammer in games.

The ACAC Provincial Championships will be held on Feb. 28th in Grande Prairie. The ladies of the RDC Queens curling team are settled in third place, after MacEwan University, which has a record of 10 wins and two losses, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), with its record at nine wins and three losses.

“Right now, I’m just getting prepped and ready for provincials. We are just going to get as ready as we can be,” Selvais said. kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com

5 Reasons to Read the Newspaper 1. Get the 411 on best deals from local advertisers.

2. Unlike radio, you won’t miss a word.

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5. Have something new to talk about at the water cooler.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Lacombe Express 17

ARTS & LEISURE

Big Sugar bringing ‘stripped down sound’ to Red Deer

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express The drum is like a heartbeat — integral to maintaining life, steadily propelling stories and songs through various channels into a spiritual revolution.

It’s this omnipresent instrument that is the major driving force behind Canadian blues, rock reggae pioneers Big Sugar’s newest album, Yardstyle, and subsequent tour.

Big Sugar will be bringing their stripped down show, The Acoustical Sounds of Big Sugar, to the Red Deer College Arts Centre on Feb. 25th. The show is presented by the Central Music Festival Society and starts at 8 p.m.

Born out of countless fluid jam sessions, Yardstyle features 13 percussion-heavy acoustic reggae tracks that are reminiscent of the soothing sound of waves rolling onto the beach.

But don’t be alarmed, Yardstyle is built off the large and impactive song catalogue of Big Sugar, a true reflection of being on the road for years, but with a stripped back approach, exposing all the intricacies and nuances that make the band’s sound legendary.

“It’s such an easy format to communicate musically for us and it comes so natural that we want to share that with our fans,” said Big Sugar frontman Gordie Johnson.

“There are a bunch of new songs on the record,” he added.

“I collaborated with different song writers and I have done so for many years, so these are just songs from the song book that we never really had a format to play them in before.”

Johnson noted that for many of the new tracks, like Calling All the Youth and Police Bway the Vampire, there are electric versions that will be on an upcoming record next year.

Yardstyle features the Trews reggae originator Willi Williams, who has collaborated with the band many times over the years

CALLING ALL THE YOUTH – Canadian blues, reggae rock pioneers Big Sugar will be bringing their stripped down show, The Acoustical Sounds of Big photo submitted Sugar, to the Red Deer College Arts Centre on Feb. 25th. and influenced generations of reggae fans.

“He’s collaborated with us before,” explained Johnson. “He was one of a number of musical guests we had in for the record.”

Johnson notes that the stripped back and acoustic format of the record and tour is exactly how the band works out new songs and gets together collectively.

“Whenever we are rehearsing or writing, this is how we get together and go through music,” he said. “We sort of just add electricity at the last possible minute.

“Two years ago we were on tour and going to radio stations and TV stations, playing acoustically in

the afternoon, so we just thought that’s so much fun to do, what would happen if we did a whole tour like that? So here we are.”

Johnson notes that with the acoustic format, he can tell stories behind the songs, communicate deeply with the audience and clearly hear the audience as they sing along to the reimaged familiar hits like Turn the Lights On. “Theses are all my dear friends, but in a room full of strangers, when you can let them (the audience) into that, a sort of a private conversation, it’s really inspiring — to get a room full of people all feeling the same way at the same time. That’s what we try to

achieve every night.”

Also unique to the acoustic tour is Big Sugar’s partnership with World Vision, aiming to sponsor children in the village of Jarso, Ethiopia as the band makes their way across Canada.

“We really wanted to make the entire tour about something more important than just the music,” said Johnson. “We are asking our fans to rather than just coming and buying shirts, CDs and things like that, that they come to the merch table and look at a picture of our kids in the village and sponsor a kid so they can go to school.”

With many obstacles to face towards getting a good education

When you need a hand... ...let us be there for you.

Memory care for those with Alzheimer’s & Dementia

in Jarso, the objective is to make education a priority in the village and equip the schools with the proper learning tools.

“At every city we are getting a handful of kids sponsored, and if we keep on going like this, by the end of our tour, we will have an entire village of kids going to school,” noted Johnson. “It seems like it’s something that’s achievable at the rate we’re going.”

For tickets visit www.bkticketcentre.ca or contact the Black Knight Inn ticket centre at 403755-6626.

For more information on Big Sugar visit www.bigsugar.com. news@lacombeexpress.com

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ARTS & LEISURE

18 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Bolivian fundraising concert planned for next weekend

BY SARAH MAETCHE Lacombe Express A fundraising concert for rehabilitation equipment and A Better World charity projects is set for this month.

Featuring Patti Vaillant, Jessica Hall, Deepa Johnny and Emily Vaillant, the musical variety concert will be held on Feb. 28th at Canadian University College.

Lacombe physiotherapist and event organizer Patti Vaillant said the evening will be entertaining but is also an opportunity for attendees to look outside themselves.

“The night will be full of positive and encouraging songs,” she said. There will be a mix of musical theatre, opera, classical and folk, truly something for everyone’s listening ear.”

Hall, Johnny and Patti’s Vaillant’s daughter, Emily have all participated in music recitals, concerts and festivals and enjoy sharing their youthful musical talent with others. All four of the vocalists, accompanied by Nicole Bartley, will perform a variety of musical numbers ranging from musical theatre to inspirational songs.

Patti noted that all of the young performers are talented in their own right and she wanted to, “Have an opportunity to use the talents they have for a good cause.”

All the proceeds from the concert will be used to provide access to rehabilitation equipment for residents of Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Patti was inspired to make a difference in Bolivia after hearing about the work being done by A Better World Canada, a wellknown Lacombe-based international development organization.

For the past 25 years, A Better World has engaged volunteers in Canada from all walks of life to manage projects, monitor progress and development.

Canadian volunteers visit the communities throughout each year and prepare progress reports.

The organization complements project development with education and technology provided by experts as needed. Over 2,000 people, like Patti and her daughter, have turned their vacation into a humanitarian service project and have spent time at project sites.

A Better World works primarily in Eastern Africa, but also has

invested in communities throughout the world like Afghanistan, Tibet and Bolivia.

“After attending the A Better World Humanitarian Day, I was encouraged by the efforts of everyday people,” said Patti. She plans to travel to Bolivia with her daughter at the end of July to work on some of the projects A Better World has sponsored.

“I wanted the opportunity to take her on a humanitarian trip and give her a view from the other side of the window from some place else,” said Patti. “It seemed like a good way to get a different world view.”

She plans to offer up her 25 years of experience as a physiotherapist in more of a rehab-focused basis on the trip.

“I hope to help set up a rehab facility there, with a treatment area,” she explained. “I want to leave something that staff can follow through with when I’m gone.”

Proceeds raised will go towards not only accessing rehabilitation equipment for the facility but also towards clean water initiatives and other needs seen through the trip.

As for the coming variety con-

HITTING A HIGH NOTE – A benefit concert to provide rehabilitation equipment for Bolivians is being held at Canadian University College on Feb. 28th.

Back row from left are Jessica Hall and Emily Vaillant. Second row from left are accompanist Nicole Bartley and Patti Vaillant. In the front row is Deepa submitted photo Johnny. cert, a free will offering will be taken. The doors to the CUC Administration Building will open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Patti at 403-596-2454 or Rob Weich, A Better World operations manager at 403-350-9574. news@lacombeexpress.com

Weight gain is contagious? And snacking fights it?

How many people in midlife can fit into their wedding clothes? Not too many, because predictably, most have exchanged muscle tissue for body fat and more pounds.

Now, a report from Johns Hopkins University claims there are proven ways to limit and even reverse

weight gain in both sexes.

Women, as they start into menopause along with decreased activity, develop what’s been labeled the ‘Menopot’. With lowered estrogen, testosterone begins to transfer fat from the hips and other areas to the belly. It’s not just a cosmetic

Request for Proposal Construction Management The City of Lacombe currently has a Request for Proposal for proponents interested in providing Construction Management Services for a multiyear public facility renovation project in accordance with CCDC 5B. Interested proponents should review the complete RFP at Alberta Purchasing Connection at www.purchasingconnection.ca The RFP closes February 26, 2015 at 2pm Mountain Time.

For Information Contact: Jordan Thompson Engineering Services Manager 403-782-1268 jthompson@lacombe.ca

Dr. Gifford

JONES problem, but one that can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

The Women’s Healthy Lifestyle Project studied 535 women between the ages 44 to 55 for five years.

One group received dietary and exercise advice, such as brisk walking and bicycle riding. Another group was allowed to continue their usual routine. At the end of the study 55% in the lifestyle group were at or below their baseline weight, compared to 26% of those who

had no supervision.

Another study, reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine, followed 18,000 premenopausal bicycle riding women for 16 years.

Most women gained 20 lbs. during that time, but women who rode their bicycles more often and consistently gained less weight. The moral?

As has been proven over and over, exercise and diet can work if the motivation to persevere is present.

But here is what’s not known about mid-life obesity. A social network can play a critical role in keeping weight under control. But it can also work against you.

The New England Journal of Medicine analyzed 12,067 people between 1971 and 2003. It found that weight gain was contagious, spreading from one

person to another like an infection. For instance, researchers discovered that a person’s chance of becoming obese increased 57% if his or her friend became obese. This trend was also true for adult siblings. And if a spouse developed a weight problem, there was a 37% chance of the partner gaining weight.

So what’s the answer?

It’s prudent to pay attention to what your friend, sibling or spouse is doing wrong. Then try not to emulate them.

Not much surprises me about obesity. But one case made me realize there’s always something new under the sun. I always believed one sure way to gain weight was to fall prey to snacking during meals. But according to a report in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, snacking can be made a part of efforts to lose weight.

This study involved overweight women enrolled in a weight reduction program.

Researchers discovered that 97% of women snacked at least once a day and more than half snacked two to three times a day.

But amazingly on average they succeeded in losing 9% of their body weight af-

ter six months.

It depended on when they snacked. Midmorning snackers lost 7% while the afternoon snackers lost 11%.

So what is the hidden secret about snacking? Researchers say there is an art to healthy snacking and it can provide a boost to successful weight loss.

For a start, you should not do mindless snacking.

Instead, start the day with a game plan for meals and snacks so you eat every three hours.

Psychologically, this will prevent depression as you know there’s a treat in a short time.

Ideally, snacks should contain protein and complex carbohydrates. So choose fruits, vegetables, whole-wheat grains, low fat dairy products and lean meat. Keep each snack between 100 to 200 calories. A good choice is baby carrots, celery, low fat yogurt, low fat cheese and small whole grain crackers.

Fluids do not quench the hunger reflex so drink either water or a non-caloric beverage. And if you are on the run, have a pear in your briefcase or purse.

See the web site www.docgiff.com. For comments info@ docgiff.com.

Lacombe Express 19

Thursday, February 19, 2015

HOMES & LIVING

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Exploring the exciting, wide world of chairs Inspiration for my articles comes in the most unusual ways; last week I was discussing a buying a slipper chair with my client and she looked at me like I had just broken into another language. I realized that not everyone speaks my vernacular and thought that it might be a good idea to have a discussion on chairs.

Little did I know that a quick Google search would bring up a list of 118! I have read and learned quite a bit but have narrowed it down to the six most popular choices.

The chair and a half is a relatively new invention.

Relatively new in the furniture industry is about two or three generations!

It is a broader version of the chair which is perfect for two or one person who likes to sprawl out. This chair is a great solution for a matching piece to a sofa when you may not have the room for a loveseat.

Wing chairs, who doesn’t love them?

With their staunch style and haughty

Kim

WYSE nature they are the perfect chair to sit in and sip a proper cup of tea....unless they have that clever hidden recliner foot!

Truthfully wing chairs are one of the more adaptable styles of furniture even though they are largely considered formal. The folded sides and high back ensure proper head support even if you nod off during a boring piano recital or poetry reading.

The chaise - was there ever a more romantic furniture item invented?

Chayzzz, not chase is the proper pronunciation for this elegant piece which invites you to dramatically drape yourself upon it and look hauntingly beautiful while you relax.

The backs of the chaise lounge chair are usually in a semi-reclined position so you may elegantly stretch out and give the illusion of glamour while possibly sneaking in a quick nap.

Club chairs are soft, deep-seated wonders of comfort with tufted arms and an overstuffed back. Made popular in 19th century England in gentlemen’s clubs, this chair is usually upholstered in leather, hide or soft dark fabrics – basically anything manly.

You wouldn’t find a club chair upholstered in pink pearl damask in a proper gentlemen’s club! The fabric needed to withstand cigar ashes and spilled brandy which permeated the arms of every chair in the club.

Designed for long sessions they needed to be comfortable and were often stuffed with horsehair.

The occasional chair – self explanatory!

They are small chairs which are brightly patterned and can be stored in unused cor-

Attention builders: Do you have a show home in Blackfalds or Lacombe?

Call us. We can help you get some views!

403.782.5303

ners of your home.

Pull out when occasional company arrives and you have extra seating in your home that doesn’t need to be displayed at all times. These chairs can also double as captain’s chairs at the end of your dining room table.

Go sleeveless with a slipper chair!

These amazing little creations are just the right fit for any smaller room or space you may want to decorate. Because they have no arms they fit into tight corners and can provide some coveted seating in a bedroom or foyer. They generally have a lower seat and were designed for the lady of the house to perch while she put on her slippers.

The armless chair allowed for her voluminous skirts and underskirts to spread around her and the short nature of the chair allowed for effortless dressing and undressing.

Kim Wyse is an interior designer with Carpet Colour Centre in Red Deer.

20 Lacombe Express

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Spartan Apples

Co-op Gold 100% Juice

Extra Fancy Grade Produce of Western Canada

FRIDAY, February 20 to THURSDAY, February 26

10 for

10 lbs

$

Hunt's Thick & Rich Pasta Sauce

Country Morning Gold Stuffed Entrees

10

Selected Varieties - 1L First 10

10

$

plus dep & enviro

Ocean's White, 60% or Light Tuna or 100% Whole Snack'n Lunc Lunch Wheat Bread

10 for

Frozen - Selected Varieties - 142g First 10

Schweppes, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer, Crush or Lipton Brisk

680ml - First 10

10 for

10 for

$

10

Blackberries

Flaked or Chunk - Selected Varieties - 75-85g or 170g - First 10

10

$

Buddig Thin Sliced Cooked Meats

10

Yoplait Yop

170g Package Imported

$

10

10

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200ml First 10

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10

plus dep & enviro

Central Alberta Co-op 403-782-6200

2L - First 10

Open Daily until 9pm

plus dep & enviro

Grimm's Smoked Pepperonii Sticks

10 for

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10

$

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Selected Varieties 55g

4 for

10 for

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Sliced or Unsliced - 450g First 10

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10 for

Original, Honey Garlic or Hot

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English Estates Centre

Lacombe

www.centralab.coop