Red Deer Express, December 16, 2015

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FESTIVE FUN - Students from Fairview Elementary recently put on a play called T’was the Crazy Night Before Christmas for parents and friends.

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express

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RED DEER EXPRESS 3

Local author’s profound story coming to cinematic life Andrew Kooman’s She Has A Name wraps principle photography in Thailand

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS

L

ocal author Andrew Kooman is experiencing something of a dream come true watching his acclaimed play She Has A Name being transformed into a feature film.

The cast and crew recently wrapped filming in Thailand, and another part of the journey is complete as further production and post-production await the project.

“We finished a 16-day, very intense shooting schedule with a crew consisting of people from Canada, U.S.A., Thailand, Singapore and the UK,” he explained. “When I write for the stage I always have the film version of the story in mind. I’m thrilled that my first full-length play will also be the first fulllength film adaptation of my work.”

Kooman has brought many projects to the public over the past years, perhaps most significantly She Has A Name which saw tremendous acclaim during its theatrical run over the past several years and truly struck a chord with international audiences.

The play, which is about the battle against human trafficking, provides poignant insight into the issue in South East Asia.

Performances sold out across the country, and the powerful script proved an excellent vehicle to spark discussions and momentum for change in many people’s lives.

The story is based on an incident in Thailand where a storage container transporting more than 100 people ran out of gas and was simply abandoned.

Ultimately about 50 people lost their lives. That tragedy was a kind of a trigger for the plot.

Jason poses as a john to build a case against a brothel trafficking girls into Bangkok. He must win the trust of a young girl forced to work as a prostitute who is known as ‘Number 18’ and convince her to risk her life to testify for the sake of justice.

“Principal photography began in Thailand in November,” he said. “We shot the film throughout the country in Bangkok, Pattaya, Kamphaeng Seang and Kanchanaburi. Using real loca-

tions like police stations, go-go bars and the beautiful Thai countryside, the film will have a very gritty feel.

“On set each day the crew numbered between 50 and 100 with people from around the world (but primarily Canada and Thailand). We’re proud to have a Canadian production that has an international team. This is a film about a global issue, so it seems very meaningful to have a global team,” Kooman said, adding most of the roles had been cast by his production team and an agent in Los Angeles.

Producer Shari Aspinall said the team has assembled an incredible cast and crew that will, “Create an alluring film that breathes authenticity. And like all great art, I believe it will change and inspire audiences. While this is a Canadianproduced film, it was important to us to have a creative team that went far beyond our borders, because the nature of the issue is so global.”

Meanwhile, Kooman said he’s constantly amazed at how the story has captured the imaginations of Canadians in particular.

“Though it’s been three years since it toured, audience members still reach out to me and tell me how the story affected them in a profound way. People who loved the play will be blown away by the film and I can’t wait for it to find a wider audience and new life as a feature film.”

Kooman explained there’s an increase in the scope of the story with more political context and back story.

“The core of the story is very much the same. The plot zeroes in on a bar called the Pearl which is a popular destination for sex tourists, famous for beautiful girls from all over South East Asia and the place where Jason, an American lawyer, poses as a john so he can secretly meet with prostitutes.

“Certain a young girl known only as Number 18 can be a key witness for his case, Jason must convince her to testify against her cut throat pimp.”

As Jason travels from brothel to seedy brothel in the thriving red light districts, he starts to build a relationship with 18.

“He sees in her reflections of the young daughters he has left

VISION - Andrew Kooman, far left, joins other members of the production team behind the film project of She Has A Name. Also pictured are Matthew Kooman and Daniel Kooman; Bonnie Zellerbach and director of photo submitted photography Bob Nguyen. far away at home in the U.S.A.” But as Kooman explains, when Jason’s investigation starts to unravel, he realizes that rather than save 18 from her horrific circumstances, he has actually put her life at risk. “With a crime syndicate chasing him down and no resources but his own wits, Jason must try rescue Number 18 in the crowded city before the pimp moves her, for good.”

Transforming the story from a stage version to a film allows, as Koomans explains, for a bigger story. ”There are some surprising twists and turns, thrilling action sequences and new characters,” he said. “Visually it will be spectacular as film allowed the story to showcase the exotic beauty of Thailand’s landscape and juxtapose it with the seedy and clandestine world of organized crime.

“Although the scope of the film is large, at its heart, She Has A Name is the story of one man’s attempt to rescue a young girl from an unthinkable reality.”

Kooman invites folks to follow the creative team’s adventure as they move into post production.

“They can sign up for our email list and visit our film blog at www.unveilstudios.com/shn. On

our web site and through emails we will give a continued inside look at the production and share some of the truly incredible experiences we had while filming and some of the challenges we faced as we filmed in a foreign country.”

People can also get an exclusive look at photos from the set and the cool gear they are using on their facebook (www. facebook.com/UnveilStudiosInc) and Instagram (www.instagram. com/unveil_studios).

Kooman regularly travels internationally to write and partners with non-profit organizations to teach on writing, creativity and identity. He has a gift for showing the harsh realities many in the world face while pointing readers to practical ways they can help make a difference.

He certainly has a solid team surrounding him as the amazing project takes shape.

The film is being directed by Kooman’s brothers Matthew Kooman and Daniel Kooman.

“I’m drawn to character driven stories that are dramatically told, when real people have to overcome impossible odds,” said Matthew. “For me that’s what this film is about. It so happens to be set in the real world, in a

brothel where young girls are trafficked. I wanted to take up the challenge of telling an authentic narrative in that very raw but very real setting.”

Daniel agreed.

“For me, She Has A Name is the kind of story where we realize, ‘This could be my life, this could be me,’” he said. “And that’s the kind of story I love, when the audience identifies with a character or a storyline completely outside of their experience and connects with it in a deep and meaningful way.”

Looking ahead, the team has developed an extensive digital strategy for getting the film to as wide an audience as possible.

“Beyond submitting She Has A Name into film festivals and pursuing distribution the traditional indie way, we are developing a robust digital strategy,” said Producer Donna Abraham.

“We’re patterning with anti-trafficking organizations that will be endorsing the film with their networks. Those networks will share in profits. These ‘freedom funds’ will go directly to funding real-world efforts to eradicate child sex trafficking.”

Check out www.andrewkooman.com. editor@reddeerexpress.com

Thank you for your generosity In the spirit of the season, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the support you have shown us all year long.

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday.

4 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RDC’s Makerspace a valuable tool for students

BY KALISHA MENDONSA RED DEER EXPRESS RDC faculty and students are eager to develop the school’s temporary Makerspace into a long-term facility that would encourage use from students of all sectors of study.

Makerspace concepts are a place for self-guided, informal learning that encourages creativity and innovation. It’s a designated area where students can access technologies such as 3D printers to design, manufacture and share real world applications of their learning.

As a second year Mechanical Engineering Technology student, Tyler Drozdowski has practical need for the space that allows him to demonstrate and better understand the concepts he learns in his program.

“The makerspace isn’t about the toys - as much as that is the fun part. It’s about connecting people,” Drozdowski said.

“I’m excited for more people to use the space. The idea is about connecting the disciplines in the college - right now we’re all pretty divided. I really want to see those connections and the sharing of those skills,” he continued.

He said the hands-on application of the theories he has learned in class has really helped him understand the material

better, rather than simply reading about and trying to visualize applications.

In the first two weeks of the space being designated, over 300 hours had been logged by students seeking to use the space. The room was originally a print-design lab, and many of the leftover tools, chemicals and work spaces fit perfectly to the needs of a makerspace.

Warren Elgersma, a chemistry instructor, has been delighted with the use of the space. He has used it to create tangible models of molecules for students, and sees great opportunity in developing the space for other uses at RDC especially as the school pursues Polytechnic University status.

“I think it would be huge to keep this space. You can do a lot more mutli-disciplinary examples with students in this space, and a lot more hands-on learning. There’s also a space for informal meetings.

Overall it’s a very beneficial idea for us,” he said.

“It’s a grassroots movement here right now starting with students like Tyler. We’re hoping this space will be used enough that we can justify keeping it, as right now it’s temporary. We’ve been told that the space may not be available next year, but we’ like to demonstrate that there is a strong need for spaces like this in the College.

“This space is perfectly designed

CREATIVE APPLICATION - The Red Deer College Makerspace was essential for allowing Tyler Drozdowski, a second year Mechanical Engineering Technology student, complete this robot. The space allowed him to create a real-life application of the theories he had learned in class, with access to dynamic technologies such as 3D printers.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express to be used in the RDC Design Competitions, which involves students of a variety of disciplines.

Usually prototypes were built at home, or with a little bit of time in the Innovation Centre. This space is perfectly designed to be used in those competitions.”

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Currently there is no funding within the school’s operating budget to develop the space further. Students are able to access the space under supervision of Elgersma, Drozdowski and RDC instructor Kevin Frank.

“We would really like to see this

space opened up to the public eventually,” Elgersma said.

“If people or businesses were interested in design or 3D printing or mechanics, they could ideally come into the space and be able to access those things.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 5

Council to debate operating budget next month

BY ERIN FAWCETT RED DEER EXPRESS Red Deer City council will debate the 2016 operating budget, totalled at $341.9 million, in the New Year.

Red Deer City council will begin reviewing the City’s operating budget on Jan. 6th, as the next step in the 2016 budget process.

The $160.6 million 2016 capital budget was approved on Nov. 24th.

“The overall theme of the 2016 operating budget is balancing vision and economic reality,” said City Manager Craig Curtis. “At a time when our economic reality is ever shifting, this balancing act is increasingly important as it ensures that Red Deer continues to be a great community to live, play and work.”

In terms of services, 24% of the operating budget is slated towards general City expenses, 18% is slated towards policing, 14% goes to emergency services, 11% is for roads, construction and snow, 10% is for transit with another 10% for recreation and culture, 4% goes to neighbourhoods, 2% is for electricity and 1% is slated for waste, water and air.

Curtis added the economy will play a factor in the 2016 operating budget and beyond.

“In October the province shed 11,000 jobs and in November, 14,900. In two months alone, the City lost 26,000 jobs. So it is a difficult decision and unemployment has risen to the seven per cent mark and even appears to be climbing,” said Curtis. “The outlook may be portrayed as a little bit gloomy over the next two to three years.

The original projection was where the Conference Board of Canada and others

predicted a turn around in the economy around mid-2016, now the banks are indicating late 2017, early 2018. We are seeing a change in the degree of optimism in how the economy will recover.

“I think the optimistic factor is that we have been through many of these cycles in Alberta and the important thing is not to overreact to these cycles. But we do have a number of uncertainties.”

The proposed budget is based on council’s strategic plan and initiatives in City department service plans, Curtis added.

City council’s strategic plan identifies three themes for administration to focus on - dialogue, community amenities and financial leadership.

“The capital and operating budgets are one way administration puts council’s strategy into action for the community,” said Curtis.

The 2016 operating budget being recommended by administration considers City council’s direction for a 1% capital contribution (amenity and growth) based on prior year approvals as well as a property tax revenue requirement that does not exceed 5% and a $455,000 download from the Province of Alberta to cover provincial property taxes.

The City also faces many challenges such as a slowing economy, a decrease in oil prices and manufacturing output, and decreased or eliminated grant funding.

“The budget being recommended to council has an increase of $4,589,507 or the equivalent of a 3.78 per cent tax increase in the municipal portion of a property tax bill. This is comprised of 2.41 per cent plus one per cent for capital for amenities and growth plus a 0.37 per cent tax download

from the province,” said Curtis. “However, this figure is only a starting point and will be impacted by council debate.”

Based on the submitted budget, a home which experienced the average assessment value change and is assessed at $325,000 for the 2016 tax year, can expect to see a $72.72 increase ($6.06 monthly) in the municipal portion of their taxes, which will be used to fund City services. This does not include any changes to the education portion of property taxes as these won’t be known until later this year when the province releases its budget.

Administration will present its operating budget, including Funding Adjustment Recommendations (FARs) to City council for consideration. Council will debate the

operating budget on Jan. 6th, 7th, and 8th and if needed, debate will continue on Jan. 11th, 12th and 13th.

As part of the 2016 operating budget process, citizens have the opportunity to review the budget and provide feedback to council before they consider it. Feedback can be provided by email to legislativeservices@ reddeer.ca or in writing at City Hall, Collicutt Centre, Recreation Centre, Red Deer Public Library Downtown Branch, Timberlands Branch and G.H. Dawe Community Centre Branch. Copies of the budget are also available at those locations.

Budget details can also be found online at www.reddeer.ca/budget. The deadline to submit feedback is 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 23rd. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

MINION MAYHEM - This year’s theme for the annual ice sculpture display at Parkland Nurseries is ‘minions’, first made famous by the Despicable Me movies. The minions have since taken on a new level of fame, delighting fans of all ages.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

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6 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

OPINION Celebrating responsibly this holiday season ‘Tis the season for celebrating – and that means inevitably a spike in partiers who have one drink too many and then decide they are then fit to drive.

Last month, MADD Canada launched their annual Project Red Ribbon with the aim of preventing impaired driving this holiday season. It’s just in time for the annual slate of office parties, family get-togethers and other functions to serve as a reminder of the importance of not drinking and driving.

Project Red Ribbon runs through to the first Monday after New Year’s. Over one million ribbons are distributed to Canadians during Project Red Ribbon.

The ribbon reminds people to plan ahead for a safe ride home if they’re going to be drinking. It also serves as a tribute to those who have been killed or injured in impairment-related crashes.

It’s frustrating that the numbers of reported impaired drivers are as high as they are, in spite of constant educational and awareness campaigns and the tireless efforts of MADD volunteers.

For some reason, people still choose to

get behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking assuming they are in complete control. The cost to such irresponsibility is staggering.

Officials remind citizens to never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver.

And if you see a driver you suspect is impaired, call 911 to report it.

Meanwhile, to avoid potential tragedy, it’s as easy as simply planning ahead by arranging for a designated driver, calling a cab or ensuring you have someone you trust to pick you up when it’s time to head home.

Red Deer RCMP and Community Peace Officers (CPOs) were busy earlier this month targeting high-risk drivers through a downtown enforcement campaign, and two weekend checkstops that were part of the national Operation Impact campaign.

Since then, they have also had a blitz of checkstops over the last couple of weekends as well. Just last weekend, four people were charged with impaired driving and two 72-hour suspensions were given.

Over the course of these initiatives, RCMP arrested two impaired drivers, charged

several for refusing breath demands, issued several roadside suspensions, seized a number of vehicles, arrested two people on outstanding warrants and issued numerous traffic tickets.

On Dec. 2nd, RCMP Traffic members, the Community Response Unit and CPOs focused their attention on the downtown, patrolling in police cars and on foot for highrisk driving behaviours including distracted driving, speeding, seat belt violations and impaired driving.

They also focused attention on public safety/disorder crimes such as public intoxication, aggressive panhandling, public urination and other behaviours that negatively impact the public’s ability to enjoy community spaces.

RCMP issued 23 Traffic Safety Act tickets, four warnings and made one drug arrest that day.

On Dec. 6th and 7th, Red Deer RCMP operated revolving checkstops at four locations in the City; over those two nights, police checked a total of approximately 550 vehicles, with the following results - two

impaired drivers (over 80 mg%) arrested and charged (vehicles were seized for three days); one 72-hour suspension for blowing 50-100 mg% (vehicle was seized for three days); two refusals (refusal of breath demand results in Criminal Code charges); one flight from police, one obstruction of peace officer, four cases of no driver’s license/suspended driver; 25 other moving/non-moving violations and two warrants executed.

“Whether we’re talking about impaired driving, speeding or distracted driving, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety of our roads. If someone is impaired, don’t let them drive. If they choose to drive impaired, or distracted, or make other choices that put you and the community at risk, report them,” said Sgt. Al Nickolson of the Red Deer RCMP. “It can be a difficult conversation to have, but, if you choose to say nothing and someone gets hurt, living with yourself will be even harder.”

We hope all Red Deerians take time to make plans and choose wisely this holiday season when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Tips to weaning yourself from technology dependency Most of us have become almost totally dependent on technology - and in the process, many of us have lost the art of true communication.

In many ways, being tech-connected in the 21st century means being disconnected from humanity.

Certainly everyone has a story about how the digital world has let them down the computer that crashed, taking the entire project with it; the critical presentation that disappeared into the ether; the sensitive text that went to 100 people instead of one.

Most of us recognize that human error - our error - is often to blame, all while thinking technology is safe and dependable.

So how well do you handle it when technology fails you? And what should you do when it does?

Faith

WOOD First, take a deep breath and remind yourself that the world is not going to come to an end. (If it does, however, it is your fault.)

Second, force yourself to slow down as you try to figure out what happened.

If necessary, walk away or even leave it until tomorrow.

Calling an expert is both a common-sense approach and could save you a whole lot of heartache and time.

(Even if the first thing the expert says is, “Did you turn it off and on again?”)

But some simple habits can save you a whole lot of

stress. If you are dependent on a computer, remember that backups, backups, backups are essential. You know what it feels like to spend hours on a project, only to have it disappear into the digital heavens, never to be seen again (yes, it is floating around up there and you’ll probably run across it in a decade or so). Another good habit is to save, save, save.

Using both of these approaches on a regular basis will ensure you won’t be at a complete loss when technology fails.

And remember that ultimately, while technology can assist you, it cannot replace imagination, dedication and hard work. Your software may help you express your ideas, but you must have those ideas in the first place.

And technology can’t re-

place real human contact, even though many of us behave as if the cellphone could.

So here are some tips to help you wean yourself of hyper-dependence on all things tech: - Stop taking selfies of yourself and pushing them out to the world. The occasional snap is okay to share with friends and family, but really, the rest of the world doesn’t care one whit about what you look like at a restaurant/sports event/ party/nothing in particular.

In fact, it all makes you seem quite shallow and self-centred.

- Stop depending on GPS to direct you to the end of the block. There are such things as maps (repeat after me: maps), which can be read (repeat after me: read) and will show you how to get to exactly where

you want to go, not merely somewhere in the vicinity.

- If you are a texting maniac, try instead using the phone to actually speak with someone, or even (gasp!) talk face to face. You can communicate so much more when you are not limited by fumbling fingers, and the chances of being misunderstood decrease substantially.

- If you are a tweeting fool, remember that it’s not necessary to share your opinion on absolutely everything, especially when you are woefully uninformed on whichever subject you’ve decided to spout off about.

- Lastly, do you have any idea how rude it is when you are talking with someone and your cellphone rings and you answer it (one finger up, “Just a minute, I have to take this”)? The person with whom you are

speaking has every right to walk away.

It may take a while for you to learn that you do not need to be in contact with everyone 24-7, and that technology does not rule your life. Simply turning off your phone may be difficult at first, so you can start by leaving it on but trying not to sneak a look at who is calling/texting. Baby steps.

It’s worth the effort, though, when you realize that life goes on and there’s a big exciting real world out there just waiting to be explored. A little less dependency on technology can bring great rewards.

Conflict Coach Faith Wood is a novelist and professional speaker who focuses on helping groups and individuals navigate conflict, shift perceptions and improve communications.

Her column is distributed through Troy Media.

#121, 5301 - 43 St Red Deer, AB T4N 1C8

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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.

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8 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Christmas Church Services

Christmas – a time to explore the meaning of the Advent season

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS

THE SALVATION ARMY

CHURCH & COMMUNITY SERVICES 4837 - 54th thh SStreet, tre Red Deer 403-346-2251 tr Theree is a R Redeemer, edee ed dee e me Jesus, God’s own Son

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24 - 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Dinner Dec. 25 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

EVERYONE WELCOME! Giving Hope Today

Living Faith Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Service 7:00 pm (Main Foyer) Bethany Collegeside Care Centre Everyone Welcome Pastor Jonathan Aicken is officiating Rooted in the word of God, Growing in the likeness of Christ, Reaching out by the power of the Holy Spirit

403-347-9852

Christmastime is of course a time for celebration - for get-togethers with families and friends and to reflect on a season that is packed with so much meaning.

But something often happens as the festive season approaches - life tends to get a bit crazier. There are more opportunities perhaps to do more things and attend a bunch of events, and who has the heart to say no?

Meanwhile, the ‘busyness’ of the holiday season still can cloud out the meanings of the Christmas season.

It can sometimes seem to take a concentrated effort to enjoy the sentiments of the classic Christmas carols Silent Night, or It Came Upon a Midnight Clear – hymns that reflect the peacefulness and sense of gratitude that are real-

ly at the heart of Christmas.

Before long, many start to complain about how the season is ultimately draining - sure it’s fun, often filled with colourful traditions and even meaningful - but it’s tiring, too.

And many vow that next year will indeed be different.

They will slow down, try to avoid the commercial craziness and focus more on what they say matters most

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH 5508 - 48A Avenue

Christmas 2015 9CHRISTMAS EVE

(Thurs. December 24) Masses: 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm & 10:00 pm

9CHRISTMAS DAY

(Fri. December 25) Mass: 10:00 am

9NEW YEAR’S

(Fri. January 1) Mass: 10:00 am & 7:00 pm

St Mary’s Catholic Church 6 McMillan Avenue

Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24th Holy Mass and Christmas Pageant – 4:30pm Holy Mass – 5:00pm, 7:30pm, 10:00pm-12am Christmas Day – Friday, December 25th Holy Mass – 10:00am The Feast of Mary, the Mother of God (A Holy Day of Obligation in Canada) Thursday, December 31st – 5:00pm Friday, January 1st – 11:00am

– family, friends, and perhaps paying more heed to the true meaning of the Christmas season.

As Major Larry Bridger of the local Salvation Army points out, observing Advent is one way of doing just that.

Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Dec. 25th.

“The Advent I believe allows us the opportunity to prepare for the beautiful and important celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour,” he said.

“With each passing Sunday of Advent, we are reminded that the Lord of Hosts has come and has made His dwelling among us.

“Each passing Sunday of Advent helps me to appreciate the real celebration is almost here and of course culminates with the Christmas Day observance (or in our case the Christmas Eve candlelight service) that Christ has come, our Saviour has been born and God has fulfilled His promise of a Saviour who would take away the sins of the world.”

Bridger added through the course of his ministry, the observance of Advent has been an important part of, “Our lead up to Christmas Day.

Gaetz Memorial United Church Sharing Faith, Serving Community

Sunday December 20th 10:30 am - Advent 4 - Gaetz Kids Christmas Pageant & Happy Birthday Jesus Celebration Thursday December 24th 7pm - Christmas Eve Family Service with special music by Gaetz Golden Ringer Handbells Thursday December 24th 10pm - Communion Special music by Sanctuary Choir and guest soloists Sunday December 27th 10:30am - Carols and Creche Service 4758 Ross Street, Red Deer, AB 403-347-2244 website: www.gaetzmemorialunitedchurch.ca Facebook: Gaetz Memorial United Church Facebook Page Twitter: GaetzMemorialUC

First Baptist Church 4310 - 39 St., Red Deer 403-346-4281

Dec. 20th, 10:30 am Christmas Program & Worship Service 4th Sunday of Advent Dec. 24th, 6:30pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 27th, 10:30 am Worship & Celebration Service

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 9

Christmas Church Services “In my opinion, the Advent observance can also be likened to the long-awaited Messiah coming onto the scene to the Jewish nation. The Messiah had been promised even from the beginning in the biblical book of Genesis, chapter 3. For many generations, the Jews anticipated the promised King who would reign forever.

“Just as the nation of Israel waited with eager anticipation for their Messiah, the Advent season is a reminder to Christians still today of events leading up to the birth of Jesus and the salvation that He now provides.”

Of course, there are a variety of ways that the public looks at advent. There are special scripture readings, the lighting of Advent candles and Advent calendars for children, for example.

But exploring the tradition shows what lies at the heart of Advent.

Churches mark it in differing ways, but essentially it can include, as mentioned, readings and lighting an advent candle each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.

The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word ‘adventus’, which means ‘coming.’

According to Christianity. com, scholars believe that

during the fourth and fifth centuries in Spain and Gaul, advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, the celebration of God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, his baptism in the Jordan River

by John the Baptist and his first miracle at Cana.

During this season of preparation, Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and fasting to prepare for this celebration; originally, there was little connection between Advent and Christmas. “It was not until the Middle Ages that the Advent season was explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas.

“In the same way, the church, during Advent, looks back upon Christ’s coming in celebration while at the same time looking forward in eager anticipation to the coming of Christ’s kingdom when he returns for his people. In this light, the Advent hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel perfectly represents the church’s cry during the Advent season.”

Chris Armstrong, in his article entitled ‘Advent: Close Encounters of a Liturgical Kind’ in Christian History Magazine, shared of his personal thoughts of how the tradition impacts him.

“Every year these rich scriptural reminders and the traditional prayers

that accompany them set my blood rushing a little faster and bring a rising excitement: Christ came with plenty of prior notice. Prophets and angels joined to proclaim his coming. And now I can join too, with the cloud of witnesses stretching back to apostolic times, in the same proclamation!

“And in the protected,

Sunnybrook United Church

CHRISTMAS EVE 5:30 pm “Children’s Service” Christmas Worship for the Young and Young at Heart 9:00 pm Traditional Christmas Eve Communion Service ~

CHRISTMAS DAY

11:00 am Communion Service ~

St. Luke’s Anglican Church 4929 - 54 Street, Red Deer oldchurchrd.com 403-346-3402

quiet times of meditation, I can respond as I imagine believers have done on every Advent since the tradition began: I can bow my head and prepare my heart to receive the One who is always present, but who seems distant in the busyness of the season. I can mourn for my hardness of heart.

I can hope in his grace. ”And I can rejoice that in answer to the cry, O come, O come, Emmanuel, he came.

“Would I really be able to do this—in the midst of December’s commercial rush of lights, decorations, present-buying, and piped-in carols— without a gently insistent, weekly liturgical pattern?”

As Noel Wygiera, priest of the St. Luke’s Anglican Church parish in Red Deer has pointed out, traditions like Advent help to bring a sense of reflection and heightened meaning to Christmas.

Wygiera describes it as a quiet time of reflection and preparation.

“All of the lessons through Advent have that dual purpose. It’s about preparing

12 Stanton Street

403-347-6073

Christmas Eve Services 4:00 pm Christmas especially for little children & others 7:00 pm Family & Children Candlelight Christmas Eve

ourselves not just to celebrate what happened in the past but to anticipate what’s going to happen in

the future. It’s not really a ‘countdown’, but more of a ‘building up’.” editor@reddeerexpress.com

Christmas Eve Services 4:30pm & 6:30pm

Bring the whole family!

ʹͻ͸Ͳ ͵ͻ ǡ ͶͲ͵Ǥ͵Ͷ͵Ǥͳͷͳͳ Ǥ ʹͲͳͷ ȁ

ST. LEONARD’S ON THE HILL 43 Avenue & 44 Street • 403-346-6769

“A Church for all Ages” Celebrant: Rev. Gary Sinclair St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Hillsdown ~Christmas Eve, December 24~ 4:30 pm Christmas by Lantern Light St. Leonard’s Anglican Church ~Christmas Eve, December 24~ 7:00 pm Family Eucharist Service 11:00 pm Christmas Eucharist ~Friday, December 25~ 10:00 am Holy Eucharist

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church

18 Selkirk Blvd. Red Deer

Christmas Services Sunday December 20 9:00am Divine Service 11:00am Divine Service Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 3:30, 5:30 & 7:30pm Christmas Day Service 10:00am Pastor Don Hennig & Pastor Peter Van Katwyk

10 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

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5640 Hwy 2A, Lacombe, AB 403.782.3626 • 1.888.259.6950 www.weidnermotors.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 11

Several community dinners planned for holiday season Whether seeking a hot meal or merely some company over the holi-

day season, there are many community dinners available throughout

the month to satisfy the need.

Many of the dinners, including those hosted by Loaves and Fishes with sponsors, are available to all members of the community and family members of all ages.

As of Dec. 16th, there are still many meals available including those at the following locations and times: - Dec. 16th - Loaves & Fishes (6002-54 Ave), host-

ed by Stantec - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

- Dec. 18th - Loaves & Fishes, hosted by Johns Mansville - Innisfail - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

- Dec. 20th - Sacred Heart Church (5508-48 A Ave) 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

- Dec. 21st - Loaves & Fishes, hosted by Royal Lepage Real Estate - 5 p.m.

- 7 p.m.

- Dec. 23rd - Loaves & Fishes - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

- Dec. 24th - Potters

Hands Ministries (4925 51 St), hosted by Line of Hope - 4:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

- Dec. 25th - Salvation Army Church (4837-54 St) - 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

- Dec. 26th - Potters Hands Ministries, sponsored by RT Heating & Air Conditioning - 4:45 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

- Dec. 27th - Potters Hands Ministries, hosted

by Line of Hope - 4:45 p.m.

- 6:30 p.m.

- Dec. 28th - Potters

Hands Ministries, hosted

by Line of Hope - 4:45 p.m.

- 6:30 p.m.

Dinner is able to be delivered to certain people who are unable to make the Salvation Army dinner.

Drop-offs must be arranged by calling the Salvation Army at 403-3462251. These drop-offs must be arranged by Dec 23rd.

Deliveries will be done between noon and 2 p.m. on Dec 25th.

-Mendonsa

“How GetRid Ridof ofYour Your Neuropathy Pain, “How totoGet NeuropathyFoot Foot Pain, Numbness,Tingling Burning, and and Tingling Numbness, Burningfor forGood!”

Good!”

Dear Friend and Fellow Neuropathy Sufferer: our family our familyand andfriends friendsdon’t don’t understandwhat understand whatyou youareare going goingg through.Even through.

Evenmost mostdoctors doctors ey don’t understand. don’t understand.It’s It’s notnot their their fault. fault.

They They don’t understand don’t understandbecause because they they don’t don’t suffer like suffer likeyou youdo. do.You Youfeel feelmiserable. miserable. l, Your feet Your feetand andlegs legshurt…sharp, hurt…sharp, electrical, electrical, jolting pain jolting painwhen whenyou youwalk, walk,sitsitor…lie or…lie inin bed. They’re bed.

They’renumb. numb.Like Likeyou youareare walking walkingg on cardboard cardboardororbubble bubble pack. pack.

And And tingling –– like tingling likeaapin pincushion cushionororlike likeants ants gnawing on gnawing onyour yourtoes. toes.They Theyache acheand and swell…even burn. burn.Your Yourtoes toesfeel feellike likethey they are on fire, yet, when you touch them, they’re icecold. cold. they’re ice

hope or hope orhave havebeen beentold: told:“There “There is is nono hope.” Maybe hope.”

Maybeyou youare areone oneofofthem. them. is is hope!

I want wantyou youtotoknow: know:“There “There hope!

Relief!”

Relief!”

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GETTING CREATIVE - Nathon Kettyle Kozuback, 7, enjoyed painting with a mixture of Epsom salts, water and dye during the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery ‘Ice Cold Art’ event this past weekend.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

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The nerve nervedamage damagewon’t won’tletlet YOU The YOU you resort resorttotodangerous dangerous drugs sleep, so you drugs knockyourself yourselfout outfor forthe thenight. night.

You to knock You Neuropathycan Neuropathy canprogress progress toto extreme extreme want to totravel. travel.See Seethe theworld. world.Enjoy Enjoy your want your It can canruin ruinyour yourlife! life!I can I can still still gardenand andtake takeyour your dog a walk. garden dog forfor a walk.

YouYou levels. It rememberthe theday, day,like likeit itwas was yesterday. yesterday. can’t becauseyour yourfeet feetand andlegs legshurt hurt can’t because tootoo remember patientofofmine, mine,looked lookedupupatat meme much.

You’veworked workedhard hard- for - for decades! Bob, aa patient much. You’ve decades! and cried: cried:“Dr. “Dr.Waddell, Waddell, what what diddid I do I do You’ve looked looked forward forwardtotoretirement retirement – to and – to to deserve this?”

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My eyes welled up. do the the things thingsyou youenjoy. enjoy.Travel.

Travel.Now Now I strained back.

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I also this! this! remember I met rememberMel. Mel.The Theday daybefore before I met him, ofof hishis him, aa surgeon surgeonhad hadtotocut cutoffoffone one “Amazing New Medical toes. An Mel An anesthetic anestheticwasn’t wasn’tnecessary. necessary.

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Desperation and Misery with as if he he had hadleprosy! leprosy!

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Without Without drugs value). drugs every everyday. day.These Thesedrugs drugs areare slowly slowly (a $97.00 value). hope. hope. Your Yourdoctor doctorisisdesperate desperate to to help help killing killing my my nerves. nerves.

P.P.S. P.P.S. you too. too. And…you’ve And…you’vetried triedmore moredrugs. drugs.

Gabapentin.

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“I can wear socks and cover my feet alcohol alcohol or ordrug drugabuse, abuse,bad bad arthritis arthritis in in Whatabout aboutYOU? What Whatwould wouldyou you at night! I have not taken any pain relief What your your lower lowerback backand andAIDS/HIV. AIDS/HIV. andenjoy enjoyififyour yourneuropathy neuropathy pain, do and pain, for at least the past 4 weeks!”

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12 RED DEER EXPRESS

Chances are someone you know will be affected by heart disease or stroke this year. It could be your neighbour… a friend… a member of your family. It could even be you. That’s why the Heart and Stroke Foundation is looking for volunteers to canvass during Heart Month this February. Funds collected are used to prevent heart disease and stroke, save lives and enhance support for survivors, families and caregivers, making a tangible difference in the life of thousands of Canadians. Be one of 100,000 enthusiastic volunteers across Canada. A few hours of your time this February will help save lives. Visit heartandstroke. ca slash help to sign up.

Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off 2016 will be held on April 16th, 2016. All proceeds will go towards burning the mortgage on Julietta’s Place, a home for women and their children fleeing family violence, operated

by Women’s Outreach. Give the gift of the Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off this Christmas by purchasing a Gift Certificate towards a ticket to Red Deer’s premier gala. Contact Women’s Outreach (4101 54 Ave.) or call 403-347-2480.

Items needed – donate now - ‘Bring Your Ginch Before Christmas Event’. Donate underwear, gloves and mitts to Bistro on Gaetz, …comforts the sole, Classic Tattoo, Great Strides, Hot Pot Studio, Luksus, La Petite Jaune Fleur and Rob Rae Clothiers.

Rev. Gail invites us to bring purses we no longer use to the Centre for Spiritual Living, along with toiletry items to be given to women in need. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, deodorant – whatever you choose to bring that can be put in these hand bags to help women in crisis. We also have a Christmas Bureau box which

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

we want to fill with unwrapped toys. On Dec. 18th at 7 p.m. there will be a candle-lighting and carol-singing service with Audrey Graham at the piano.

On Dec. 27th our service will include the Burning Bowl Ceremony - always a special event.

Anahad Yoga – show up on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sat. mornings at 10 a.m.

Visit us at www.cslreddeer.org.

Kiwanis Gallery (in Red Deer Public

support of the MS Society of Central Alberta, returns Jan. 12th! This is a unique chance to taste whiskies from around the world and interact with brand ambassadors and distillery representatives. Learn, sample and indulge in what the dynamic whisky industry has to offer.

Funds raised at the event help us provide much needed services in the community for those affected by MS, as well as help fund

Port o’ Call Center #100, 4419 – 50th Ave. Phone: 403-346-6772 or visit www.taoist.org. Please call for further information.

The Red Deer Celiac Support Group – need help with a gluten-free diet? Do you have Celiac disease or gluten intolerance? We meet the third Tuesday of the month at South Sobeys Coffee Lounge (2011 22 St.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Drop in or stay and visit. Free coffee. We share information

Comedy Night at Heritage Lanes! presents Multi-Award winning comedian

Tommy Savitt December 17th at a 8pm Heritage Lanes

$5 entry fee

Heritage Lanes 6200 67a St, Red Deer, AB Library) operated by the Red Deer Arts Council is hosting ‘Conversations in Crafts’ by Red Deer Arts Council Visual Arts Members - group show via mixed media/juried exhibition from through to Dec. 27th.

Also, The Hub on Ross has ‘Tonal Exercises in Abstract Thought’

by Elena Rousseau via media mixed media. It runs through to Dec. 31st. Finally, the Harris Warke Gallery has the #ClayChallenge with artists Tara Lynne Franco & KJ McAlister via clay through to Dec. 31st.

Golden Circle dances – dances run from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre, 4620-47 A Ave. Admission is $7 per person. Pooled lunch break from 8:30 – 9 p.m.

Everyone Welcome. For more information call 403-341-4672, 403-347-6165 or 403-342-2875.

Over 45 tables – crafts, jewelry, food & Christmas decor. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. every Saturday until Christmas at the Parkland Garden Centre - three minutes east of 30th Ave. on Hwy. 11.

The Red Deer Whisky Festival, in

403-309-6385

ground-breaking research dedicated to finding a cure. Why not surprise your loved ones with a great Christmas idea or arrange for an office Christmas party?

Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Red Deer Golf & Country Club.

Purchase tickets online at www. reddeerwhiskyfestival.ca. General admission: $95. VIP Admission: $120 including Master Class.

Join Jason Steele and other Red Deer comedians at The Hub on Ross Wednesday evenings for a night of family comedy. The Hub is located at 4936 – Ross St. Come early if you want to go on stage and tell a few jokes. All ages and abilities are welcome to watch or participate. Call 403-340-4869.

Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi™ Health Recovery Classes run Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Health Recovery classes are designed for people with chronic illness such as MS, arthritis, or those recovering from injuries, surgery, or stroke and other health issues. Come and experience the difference Tai Chi can make in your quality of life.

1

Free Admission to Comedy Night at Heritage Lanes Valid onlyy on December 17th

Heritage Lanes and give support about issues pertaining to the gluten-free lifestyle, for example symptoms, diagnosis, shopping, gluten-free products, cross contamination, recipes. For more information, call Clarice at 403-341-4351 or Marlene at 403-346-6235.

Email reddeerceliacs@yahoo. ca. Check out www.celiac.ca.

C.A.R.E. is holding a free Cultural Café on Dec. 10th which is to commemorate International Human Rights Day, in the Living Room at Red Deer College from 4:30 – 6 p.m. The Living Room is located next to Customer Service. At this event you will meet refugees from different countries and hear their stories.

Discussion will follow. Free refreshments will be provided.

Service of Comfort – Dec. 14th at 7 p.m. at Gaetz Memorial United Church. The holiday season can be a time of mixed emotions. The Service of Comfort is designed to help us enter into the Christmas Season without the expectation of having it all together. It is a place where tears and silence

are welcomed amongst the Christmas lights and carols as we lean into the Advent preparation of our hearts and minds for the birth of the Christ child into our midst.

Hard of Hearing Support Group - thank you everyone for attending our monthly meetings! Next meeting Spring, 2016. Further information and assistance, call Desiree at (403) 356-1598 or email: speakupcentralalberta@gmail.com.

Central Alberta Singles Club. The Dec. 19th dance features Randy Hilman. Call Elaine at 403-3417653 or Bob at 403-304-7440.

A winter wonderland - featuring horse-drawn sleigh rides, quad sleigh rides, skating, snow games, craft zone, picture with Santa and candy bags for the kids. Word of Life Church is inviting Central Alberta to their annual “Christmas Experience” Dec. 20th at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. Following each Family Service (where you’ll see some of your favorite Christmas characters), there are fun activities planned for the whole family. The event is complimentary; and a hot chili lunch will be available for a minimum donation of $5 (proceeds going to the I Heart Red Deer Lunch Program). Word of Life is located at the South End of Taylor Drive on England Way 403343-6570 info@wordoflife.ca.

The Red Deer Legion Pipe Band is actively recruiting experienced and inexperienced people from the Central Alberta area, who are interested in joining the Pipe Band. Anyone with piping or drumming experience, or if you would like to learn piping or drumming, are asked to please contact us at 403-782-7183. Practices are held at the Red Deer Legion on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Red Deer Action Group Society is seeking volunteer board members. In order to keep our programs running, we need board members willing to commit two hours per month.

If you think this would be a good opportunity, contact our office at 403-343-1198 or email rdag@telus.net.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

If you enjoy singing Glee Club style, but feel your skills are limited, please come and join our group of seniors who sing and play for seniors as a gift of community spirit. The Tony Connelly Singers, in their 31st year of service, welcome anyone who might enjoy singing out at seniors’ venues around the City. From September to June we prepare 10, one-hour one programs filled with oldies and newer music.

We practice form 9:30 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday at the Downtown House Seniors Centre and present four to six sing outs each month. Our group is friendly, social and supportive. Please join our next practice or anytime.

Call Shirley at 403-342-5904 for bookings or Betty at 403-3467316 for more information.

In appreciation for members support during this year, the Bower Community Association at their building on Boyce Street is sponsoring a free family dance on Dec. 28th. Everyone is welcome to attend enjoy this free event and enjoy the evening. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dance lessons at 6:30 p.m. and dance at 7 p.m.

For more information, and to register, reply to newbowerevents@gmail.com or by phone with Jesse at 403-877-1436.

Travel Memories runs Jan. 6th fromn 2-3:30 p.m. in the Red Deer Public Library, Downtown Branch, Snell Auditorium. Experience land and cruise adventures in Asia encompassing Malaysia, Singapore, India, Oman and fascinating Dubai! Listen to our presenter and share your own travel adventures, while enjoying coffee or tea with us. If you plan to bring a group, or for more information, contact Donna Stewart or Priscilla at 403-346-2100.

Daytime Documentaries runs Jan. 13th from 2 - 4 p.m. Red Deer Public Library, Downtown Branch, Snell Auditorium. Our January program features: KIVALINA V. EXXON: In an epic battle against the world’s biggest polluters, Kivalina, a tiny village in Northwest Alaska, struggles to survive and save itself from the consequences of global warming.

Join us for this excellent documentary and enjoy coffee or tea

RED DEER EXPRESS 13

with us. A discussion facilitated by a staff member will follow the film. Everyone is welcome. If you are bringing a group, or for more information, contact Donna Stewart or Priscilla at 403-346-2100.

Behaviour Intervention Training for Parents (Testing Limits & Talking Back). Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre is offering training for parents of children 6 to 12 years old. Sessions will be held

budding comics to work on their material. The local comedy scene is growing and we are always looking for new comics.

Modern Western Square Dance Lessons run to Dec. 2nd from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. $120/person at the Clearview Community Centre (93 Cornett Dr.) Call 403-396-1523 for details.

Real Men Sing Barbershop! The Wild Rose Harmonizers Barbershop

Sunday Worship Service att 10 a.m. We offer Traditional and Contemporary Service with th Holy Communion. Services held at Bethany CollegeSide Red Deer College. For more information, contact Ralph at 403-347-9852.

Scottish Country Dancing has classes held weekly at Knox Presbyterian Church and go from September to May. A certified teacher comes regularly from Edmonton

from Jan. 6th to Feb. 10th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The fee is $120 and a second parent is encouraged to attend at no charge.

Training will be at the Aspire building, 4826 47 St. For more information, visit www.aspirespecialneeds.ca or call 403-340-2606.

Dance for the health of it – try it out – first lesson is free. It runs Mondays and Wednesdays starting Jan. 11th. Sessions run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. for 10 weeks. $120/week. Sessions will be held at the Clearview Community Centre (93 Cornett Dr.) Call Connie at 403-396-1523 or email teamdance123@gmail.com.

Heritage Lanes Comedy Zone has been running for two years in Red Deer. Every Thursday in The Heritage Lanes Lounge we convert it into a comedy club where we feature different headliners and up and coming local comics.

The show was started as an open mic to develop the comedy scene in Red Deer. In the past those interested in doing stand up had to drive to Edmonton or Calgary, now Red Deer has more than one open mic for young

Chorus is a chorus for males of all ages who love to sing four-part a cappella harmony. We are a proud member of the Barbershop Harmony society providing entertainment at seniors’ lodges, hospitals and numerous community and private functions throughout the year. No experience is required, just a love to sing. Join us on Tuesday evening, rehearsals from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Davenport Church of Christ (#68 Donlevy Ave.) For information, call David at 403-3421318 or email crozsmit@telusplanet.net. Visit www.harmonizers.ca.

Ladies Auxiliary meetings are held first Monday of every month at 7 p.m., Red Deer Branch #35, Alberta room.

Parkinson Alberta Education and Support Groups - Parkinson Alberta offers groups for persons with Parkinson Disease, family members & caregivers at the following Central Alberta locations: Red Deer, Lacombe, Innisfail, Olds, Three Hills & Castor. Information 403-3464463. www.parkinsonalberta.ca.

Living Faith Lutheran Church welcomes everyone to our

to conduct the class. SCD is not Highland dancing but is more like square dancing. No partner needed, no need to be Scottish. For more information, call 403-343-0975 or 403-347-0907 or visit www.reddeerscottishcountrydancers.weebly.com.

Dance for the health of it. Working in a team, learn easy dance steps while enjoying a variety of music. Everyone is welcome – families, couples, solos and teens.

No dance experience necessary.

Twenty-four sessions for $120.

Maximum 24 participants. Sessions run Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Contact Connie at 403-396-1523.

Do you love to sing? Join our adult choir, the Red Deer Chamber Singers, where you will enjoy an environment of positive learning and quality music.

Practices are at Sunnybrook United Church, 12 Stanton St. at 7 p.m. Contact Sadie at 403-3475166 for more information.

Love to sing? Hearts of Harmony, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is an a cappella chorus for women of all ages who love

to sing and harmonize harmonize. Rehears Rehearsals are Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Davenport Church of Christ (68 Donlevy Ave.) Join us any Monday night, you will be welcomed. For the month of September the group will host an open house every Monday. Experience the joyful sound of four-part harmony with a group of wonderful women. For more information, call Nancy at 403-357-8240, or our director, Sheryl @403-7424218 or check out our web site at www.heartsofharmony.ca.

Learn to foxtrot, two-step, polka, waltz, and more. Town and Country Dance Club has started dance lessons. A Step Above Basic at 7 p.m. followed by Basic Social Dance at 8 p.m. Classes run for six weeks in Red Deer.

Only $35 per person. For more information and to pre-register call Doug or Doris at 403-7283333 or email doris@airenet.com.

Sit and Be Fit is held every Wednesday from 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. There is a drop in fee of $2. Whist is held on the second and fourth Friday of each month starting at 1 p.m. There is a fee of $2.

Bridge singles meet on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. There is a fee of $2. Bridge partners meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. There is a fee of $3. Golden Circle 4620-47 A Ave. 403-343-6074.

The Senior Citizens Downtown House has cribbage every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $3.

Whist runs every Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Fun Contact Bridge runs every Wednesday at 1 p.m. Cost is $3 as well for both of these activities. For more information, call 403-346-4043.

Cards at the Golden Circle. Join us for Canasta on Mondays at 1 p.m. Drop in fee $1. Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. join us for Singles Bridge. Drop in fee of $2. Partner Bridge is played the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Drop in fee of $3. Euchre is played the first and third Friday of the month at 1 p.m. Drop in fee of $2. Join us for scrabble Friday’s starting at 1 p.m. Drop in fee of $1.

14 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

New MyRide cards available for transit The new transit fare system that uses prepaid, reloadable cards has arrived in Red Deer.

Starting today, residents will be able to purchase new MyRide cards at Transit Customer Service in Sorenson Station downtown.

This summer Red Deer Transit launched new farebox technology to allow for more accurate readings of cash and pass payments.

MyRide cards are the second phase of this program.

“We are excited to launch the new MyRide cards, which will replace current passes and tickets with reloadable cards,” said Steve Parkin, transit operations superintendent. “This new system is faster, more environmentally friendly and convenient for transit riders.”

A MyRide card is an electronic card, similar to a credit card or debit card, with a microchip. It can be used to pay fare and can be loaded and reloaded with the many fare types Transit offers, like monthly passes, 12 ride cards or even multiple months.

“Transit riders can register their card, which will provide lost card protection in the case their card gets lost,” said Parkin. “We are also encouraging residents to get their cards early. If a MyRide card is purchased before February 12th, 2016, we will waive the $5 card fee.”

Cards are only available for purchase at Transit Customer Service in Sorenson Station Terminal downtown. Reloading stations will be installed in January at vendor loca-

KIND HEARTED - From left, volunteer Kole Heilemann looks on as three-year-old Aliya Ogilvie and her mom Christina donated to the Salvation Army at Bower Place Shopping Centre.

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express tions that previously sold Transit passes.

Transit Customer Service in Sorenson Station is offering extended hours in December to help riders get their MyRide cards before January - Dec. 16th

through Dec. 18th from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 19th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Dec. 29th through Dec. 31st from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

For customer inquiries, contact Red Deer Transit at 403-342-8225, transit@ reddeer.ca or visit www. reddeer.ca/myride.

- Weber

EARLY DEADLINES The Red Deer Express will be closed for the holidays: Thursday, December 24 Friday, December 25 & Friday, January 1

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SAFETY TIP: During the winter months, when your furnace is working harder, check the filter once a month to keep the furnace running at its best.

Happy Holidays from all of us at 403.346.3356 reddeerexpress.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 15

POLICE BRIEFS

RCMP LOOK FOR MAIL THIEF

Red Deer RCMP are looking for a man who was caught on camera breaking into an apartment mailbox and stealing an unknown amount of mail from numerous residents.

The break-in was discovered at about 7 a.m. on Dec. 13th at a building on Parke Avenue in the Pines neighbourhood.

Break-ins to community and apartment mailboxes sometimes spike this time of year, as thieves hope to find Christmas cards with cheques or cash in them. RCMP urge people to check their mail every day to lessen the risk of losing important pieces of mail. If you’re expecting a package delivery and won’t be home all day, consider asking a trusted neighbour to bring it in for you.

If you recognize this man or have information about these or other mail thefts, please call Red Deer RCMP at 403-3435575.

DRUG HOUSE CLOSED IN PENHOLD A Penhold home that has been a haven for drug activity has been closed by ALERT’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) team.

SCAN closed the home on Dec. 14th, effectively bringing an end to complaints about drug activity at the home that have plagued the neighbourhood for the past two years.

The home, located in an otherwise quiet cul-de-sac at 52 Heartland Cresc., will be closed for a period of 90 days.

During the 90-day period the owner and all tenants are barred from entering or occupying the property, the locks are changed, windows and doors boarded up, and the property fenced. The closure was obtained through a court order known as a Community Safety Order and has proven effective in breaking the pattern of problem behaviour.

RCMP Innisfail have been called to the home for 24 separate instances in the past eight months. On Aug. 7th, RCMP executed a search warrant at the home and seized an array of drugs, two firearms, cash, and stolen property. Five people were arrested, including the homeowner.

by Erin Fawcett two charges were laid for suspended drivers as well as 17 other moving/non-moving violations and two warrants were executed.

WARRANT ISSUED FOR SUSPECT RCMP have issued a warrant for a third suspect in the armed robbery at Bell Fever Lounge on Nov. 23rd after the investigation revealed that a third man drove the truck the suspects fled in. Lyndon William Grant Olsen, 33, of Red Deer is wanted on an Alberta-wide warrant and RCMP urge the public to consider him armed and dangerous and to not approach him.

POLICE ARREST FOUR IMPAIRED DRIVERS On Dec. 11th and 12th, Red Deer RCMP operated revolving check stops at four locations in the City; over those two nights, police checked a total of approximately 250 – 300 vehicles. Four impaired drivers (over 80 mg% ) were arrested and charged (vehicles were seized for three days); two 72-hour suspension were given for blowing 50-100 mg% (vehicle was seized for three days); one 30-day GDL suspension (new driver with any amount of alcohol in their system – 30-day license suspension and vehicle seized for seven days) was handed down; one 24 hour suspension (drugs) was given; one refusal (refusal of breath demand results in Criminal Code charges) charge was given,

During the course of the ongoing investigation, Red Deer RCMP also identified Olsen as a suspect in an attempted armed robbery at Post Time Lounge on Nov. 23rd. If anyone sees Olsen or has knowl-

edge of his whereabouts, contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575.

MURDER IN LACOMBE Shortly after midnight on Dec 9th, Lacombe police responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence in the 5100 block of 53rd St. Upon arrival, police found several persons in the residence including two males suffering from serious injuries.

One male was transported to Red Deer Hospital by EMS however the second male, 26-year-old Brent John Forgie from Leduc was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second male was admitted to Red Deer Hospital where he received treatment for serious injuries. With the assistance of the Calgary Medical Examiners office, an autopsy confirmed Forgie’s death was a homicide.

Lacombe Police took two males into custody. One male, Jesse Vankroonenburgh, 23, from Calgary has been charged with assault causing bodily harm on the victim transported to the Red Deer.

Lacombe Police continue to investigate with the assistance of Red Deer RCMP Forensic Identification Services and the Medical Examiners office and charges relating to the homi-

cide are pending.

The suspects and the victim were known to each other and no other suspects are being sought by police.

SHOTS FIRED IN PENHOLD At 5:20 a.m. on Dec. 10th, Innisfail RCMP responded to a report of gunshots, within the Town of Penhold. Upon arrival it was noted that the residence, which was located on Hawkridge Boulevard, had been struck multiple times as a result of the suspected gunfire. The shots had entered the basement from in front of the residence and passed through a series of walls. There were two people sleeping inside the residence at the time. There were no injuries sustained as a result of the incident. The Innisfail RCMP along with support from the Red Deer RCMP Forensic Identification Section and the Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Service continue to investigate the event.

The RCMP are encouraging anyone with information to contact 403-227-3342.

ARRESTS AFTER MAIL THEFTS On Dec. 9th Sylvan Lake RCMP responded to a complaint of a suspicious vehicle in a ditch south of the Town.

The caller reported a male and female were with the vehicle and it appeared they may have broken in to a rural mailbox.

Members arrived a short time later and located the vehicle in the ditch. Investigation determined the vehicle was in fact a stolen car (from Red Deer) and the plate on it was also stolen in a separate incident also in Red Deer. The male and female on scene were arrested for possession of stolen property and were found with other items including mail and which had been stolen from a nearby mailbox.

Logan Lane Mitchell, 21, of Red Deer and Brandy Lynn Desjarlias, 26, from Red Deer have been jointly charged with three counts of possession of stolen property and one count of possession of stolen mail.

Both Mitchell and Desjarlais had outstanding warrants at the time of their arrest.

Church Services Sunday Services 9am, 11am & 6pm Wednesday Night Ministries 7:00pm Passion for God, Compassion for People.

www.CrossRoadsChurch.ca

Everyone Welcome!

(403) 347-6425

Service Times: Sunday at 9:00am, 11:00am & 6:30pm CrossRoads Kids (infant to grade 6)

Affiliated with the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada

SW Corner of 32 Street & Hwy 2 38105 Rge Rd 275, Red Deer County, AB

Committed to Committed to Helping You You Hear Helping Hear 9:30am & 11:15am & 1:00pm

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY 4907 Gaetz Avenue, Red Deer • 346-0811

CHURCH SERVICES

Riverlands Gate Business Centre Suite #202, 4327 - 54th Avenue

Every Sunday at 11am

(intersection of Taylor Drive and 45 th Street)

Tel: 403-346-3939 www.riverlandhearing.com www.riverlandhearing.com 29/08/13 12:18 PM

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16 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

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RED DEER EXPRESS 17

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18 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Remembering the successful Kresge’s Department Store Over the past 125 years, many different stores have operated in Red Deer.

However, one of the best remembered stores was not one of the biggest, oldest or fanciest retail businesses.

That fondly remembered store was Kresge’s, which was located on the southeast corner of Gaetz Avenue and 49 St. for almost 40 years.

Sebastian S. Kresge opened his first store in 1897 in Memphis, Tennessee.

He did extremely well. In 1912, he incorporated his businesses as the S.S. Kresge Corporation with 85 stores.

The retail outlets in the chain were originally called ‘five and dimes’ since the merchandise was generally sold for 5¢ to 10¢. While inflation changed the prices in the stores over the years, Kresge’s continued to offer good quality goods at discount prices.

In the 1929, on the eve of the Great Depression, the first Kresge’s store was opened in Canada. While the 1930s were tough economic times for virtually everyone, Kresge’s continued to do relatively well because of the generally low cost of its wares.

Kresge’s also benefited

Michael

DAWE from the fact that, unlike most other discount stores, they included lunch counters where patrons could enjoy an inexpensive lunch or snack while they were shopping. In some locations, full-sized cafeterias and bakeries were included.

Kresge’s enjoyed another large burst of growth in the years following the end of the Second World War. Its discount marketing niche, between traditional ‘five and dimes’ and full-fledged department stores, was very popular with the budget-minded young families during the great post-war ‘Baby Boom’.

Red Deer in the mid-1950s offered the ideal market for Kresge’s.

The City had become one of the fastest growing communities in Canada.

The vast majority of the newcomers were young families. Moreover, one of the prime locations in the

downtown area, the old Michener Block on Gaetz Avenue, was available for sale at a good price.

Hence, in the spring of 1955, Kresge’s purchased the corner of Gaetz and 49 St., demolished the Michener Block and rapidly began construction of an impressive two-storey, yellow brick store.

A sparkling 33-seat lunch counter was included along the south side of the establishment. A mechanical horse was placed by the front entrance for the enjoyment of young children.

The new store opened on Thursday, Nov. 3rd, 1955, in plenty of time for the profitable Christmas shopping season. There were several impressive bargains offered to entice shoppers into the store.

Pleated wool skirts were sold for only $3.98 each and celasuede gowns were offered at only $1.37.

Children’s corduroy overalls could be purchased for 98¢ each and quilted reversible jackets were only $3.77. For those thinking of popular Christmas gifts, there was a wide selection of children’s toys available from $1 to $2.

As expected, large numbers of shoppers poured into the store for the grand

opening and during the following weeks and months.

Sales were remained strong in succeeding years, thereby confirming to management that they had made the right choice in deciding to open an outlet in Red Deer.

Kresge’s remained faithful to its basic marketing strategy over the next decades.

People enjoyed having a well-stocked discount store in the heart of the downtown. The lunch counter was so popular that many people stopped by to have their lunch there.

Eventually, fundamental changes in retail put a squeeze on Kresge’s. The opening of large indoor malls on both the North Hill (Parkland) and on the south side (Bower) put a squeeze on Red Deer’s downtown.

Large discount chains such as Woolco, which opened in the Parkland Mall in 1970, put additional pressure on a store like Kresge’s.

Kresge’s created its own mall discount stores, K-Mart, to compete. However, because the traditional Kresge’s store in Red Deer continued to do reasonably well, a K-Mart outlet was never opened in the community.

Finally, in 1994, Walmart

entered the Canadian retail scene with the purchase of the Woolco chain. The Kresge’s parent company decided to close all the remaining Kresge’s stores across Canada. It is perhaps an indication of the popularity of the Red Deer outlet

that it was the last Kresge’s store in Alberta and one of the last dozen in Canada to be closed.

The yellow-brick building remains standing on its downtown corner location, along with a myriad of fond memories of the old store.

SHOPPING SPOT - Santa Claus climbing down from the roof of the Kresge’s store on a ladder provided by the Red Deer Fire Department, December 1972. Santa had just made a grand entrance to Red Deer by landing on the roof of the store in a helicopter.

Red Deer Archives N5572.

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MAINTENANCE • TIRES • BRAKES • OIL & FILTER • BATTERIES • ALIGNMENT All offers expire December 31, 2015. Offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See Quick Lane Manager for complete details. Applicable taxes and provincial levies not included. Quick Lane Dealer may sell for less. Only available at participating locations. *Applies to single rear wheel vehicles only. Diesel models not eligible. ^Up to 5 litres of oil. Disposal fees may be extra. Does not apply to diesel engines. Quick Lane is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. ©2015 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 19

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS COLOURING COLOURING CONTEST CONTEST Please return your entry to Red Deer Express #121 5301 43 St. (closed between noon and 1pm)

no later than Friday, December 18, 2015 Name

Age

Phone Number

Adult Contact

We will award 3 winners with a $25

Gift Card drawn at random.

Winners will be contacted on Monday, December 21, 2015

20 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

LEARNING EFOR LIFE

Red Deer Public Schools Community Programs See Page 2 in the 2015 City of Red Deer Activity Guide for our Law Workshops & ESL Classes

View the Clues Contest

Read to Win!

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403-346-4281 403-347-3774 403-343-2760 403-346-2251 403-314-0346

_____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ ______________________________________

Enter in person at the Red Deer Express #121, 5301 - 43 St. A $25.00 GIFT CARD TO BO’S BAR AND GRILL DRAW DATE:TH 2310 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4R 1C5 DECEMBER 30 @ NOON 403-309-2200

WIN

HOW TO PLAY: ANSWER

November Winner: Judy Campbell

Name: _______________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________ #121, 5301 - 43 St.

403-346-3356

CLUES ACROSS 1. Characters in one inch of tape

quality

4. Hungers

48. In a way, imputes

44. Female horses

5. School of Business,

52. Hydroxyls + 2C

46. Serbian

6. Bobby __, NHL champ

54. Vegetable shrubs

9. Jewish mystic

50. Actress Lupino

7. Lease

56. South African village

14. A way to souse

51. Supporting structures

8. More parched

57. Monetary unit of D.R.

15. A small sharp knife

55. Jobs

9. Medieval merchant guild

Congo

16. Frogs, toads, tree toads

58. Indian founder of

10. Negative ions

59. First Chinese dynasty

17. Brew

Sikhism

11. Top

60. Divides evenly into

18. Rowdy carouser

59. Capital of Zimbabwe

12. One of the Gershwins

(Math)

20. Poetries

60. Woman of charm and

13. Dekalitre

61. Household god

22. __ salts, remedy

good looks

19. Imitate

(Roman)

23. Expect eagerly

64. Order

21. Gentlemen

62. Pakistani rupee

24. Obstructing the view of

65. Draft animal in desert

24. Dawn

63. American time

something

regions

25. A citizen of Chile

28. Denotes three

66. Unaccented syllable

26. Bright stars

29. Expression of

verse

27. Codfish genus

uncertainty

67. Fail to keep pace

31. Extremely unrefined

30. Greek portico

68. Sheath or shirtwaist

32. Diacritical mark

31. Bureau

69. Moss stalks

34. Correspondences

33. Electric battery

70. __ Lilly, drug company

35. Indicates position

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36. Small cup

38. Radioactivity unit

CLUES DOWN

39. Strive to equal or match

1. Exclamation of praise

41. Capable of being

41. Cologne

2. 200 island Pacific nation

eliminated

43. Highest in degree or

50,000

53. Follows sigma

49. Publicity

42. Carrier’s invention

But

UCB

4. In a hold

37. Vapor density

Word of mouth is good

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.

(alt. sp.)

3. Repeated

40. 12th Greek letter

45. 12th Jewish month 47. Rechristen

ANSWER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 21

ENTERTAINMENT RDC ballet presents magical tradition of The Nutcracker

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS There aren’t many Christmas-themed productions that attract such a loyal following as The Nutcracker.

After more than 100 years, Tchaikovsky’s stunning musical score, set against the story of an epic battle between mice and toy soldiers, still draws holiday crowds.

Over the past several years, it’s turned into a sparkling annual tradition at Red Deer College as well.

Performances run Dec. 18th at 7 p.m., Dec. 19th at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 20th at 1:30 p.m. on the College Arts Centre mainstage.

The Nutcracker is based on a book called The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, published

by German writer E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816.

Hoffman, a German writer, composer, caricaturist, and painter was known for his stories in which supernatural characters reveal people’s hidden secrets.

Of course, there’s the elegant score written by Russian composer Tchaikovsky as well. He began work on the project in early 1892 before beginning a tour of the United States, completing it later that summer.

As to the story, Clara receives a cherished nutcracker from her mysterious Uncle Drosselmier.

After everyone has gone to bed for the evening, strange things begin to happen.

Clara watches as rats and soldiers battle for victory. She is guided through falling snow and taken to the Land of Sweets where sweets from around the world dance in her honour.

Many versions of the story have been published as children’s books, and it’s been said that in his stories Hoffmann combined wild flights of imagination with vivid and convincing examinations of human character and psychology.

As a ballet, The Nutcracker made its première at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in December of 1892.

“I started with the production in 1999 but have been directing it since 2002,” explains Director Tania Strader of the local production at RDC. “I love directing The Nutcracker every year because it is as traditional as the Christmas tree - I love Christmas and the spirit surrounding it, which includes the ballet.”

Strader said the classic production continues to draw audiences because of a sense of ‘timelessness’ about it. Plus, it’s just intrinsically magical.

“Although the story remains relatively the same, it is the small differences that keep it new, fresh, and exciting,” she added. “This production is special because of so many

CLASSIC - From left, Danielle Abell and Emily Jurak, 15, rehearse for the annual performance of The Nutcracker. Many dancers have been working hard to perfect the scenes to be presented this month at RDC, with the opening performance on Friday. Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express things - the cast is made up of mainly children under the age of 18, we rehearse for almost four months and become what we call our ‘nutty’ family, and it is a different experience than your regular dance lessons.

Here they take what they have learned and apply it to become a character!”

Strader added this year, she has taken the story back to its origins but added a few modern day twists as well.

“I feel that a lot is happening in the world today that creating a tradition with clean foundations is so important,” she said.

“There is so much hustle and bustle these days, it is nice to go back to a simpler time when kids could be kids.”

According to dance.about.com, the first showing of The Nutcracker didn’t go over particularly well.

“Even though Czar Alexander III was delighted with the ballet, The Nutcracker was not an instant success. However, the ballet gained popularity with future productions, especially in the United States.

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“The first performance of The Nutcracker in the United States was by the San Francisco Opera Ballet, in 1944. The production was directed by William Christensen. However, by changing a few characters, choreographer George Balanchine brought new life to The Nutcracker.

“His 1954 production for the New York City Ballet popularized the ballet, establishing it as a holiday tradition.”

Meanwhile, Strader said on the local front, audiences can expect some new costumes, a new set, and some new dancers.

There are also about 70 local dancers and some adult volunteers creating the magic this year.

“I love kids. I love seeing their excitement build through the rehearsal process until they are overflowing with joy in December,” she added. “I love that they are heartbroken after we close the curtain after the final show but are counting down the next day to coming back the following fall. Every fall I am excited to see who has made the

friDAY, Dec. 18th

· wil · Thomas hutlet

choice to join our family; every year we have dancers who are joining for the first time and we have dancers who are back for another magical season.

“Although not knowing who will join us each year is hard, I enjoy the challenge of taking who I get and creating a ballet around them. Some years we have a younger cast, sometimes an older cast, so each year I modify the placement of dancers, change the choreography and reinterpret the story to fit the cast.”

Tickets for all performances are available through the Black Knight Ticket Centre by calling 403-755-6626 or by visiting www. bkticketcentre.ca.

Meanwhile, Strader is hopeful the show will provide the ideal means of stirring up a generous dose of the Christmas spirit.

“I hope the audiences are comforted in the tradition of The Nutcracker and leave with an overall feeling of excitement and joy in their hearts!” editor@reddeerexpress.com

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22 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Infected Mushroom to play the Lotus Nightclub On Dec. 18th the Israeli sound-sculpting duo, Infected Mushroom, will be in Red Deer to play Lotus Nightclub.

This fall has seen them unveiling their highly anticipated LP Converting Vegetarians II - the follow-up to 2003’s inaugural Converting Vegetarians release (which was the outfit’s most successful, fan-favourite LP to date), the series serves as Infected Mushroom’s platform for pushing past their

traditionally psy-trance productions and into a world brimming with song-based, mid-tempo vocal material that manages to retain its psychedelic edge.

The 15-track offering is an experimental meditation on expertly layered synths, live instrumentation with guitars and piano, and low-key drum fills, weaving a brooding narrative with a sense of proportion one rarely experiences outside of the

cinema.

The album’s lead single Fields of Grey features an intriguing vocal turn from star of both adult film and television (HBO’s Entourage), Sasha Grey.

Twice ranked as the world’s ‘10 Best DJ’s’ by U.K.’s DJ Magazine, the Israel-bred, L.A. based duo Amit ‘Duvdev’ Duvdevani and Erez Eisen have established their self-invented genre among the highest in the scene.

Their most notable

achievements include their 1999 breakthrough debut CD, The Gathering, which gained immediate attention. Viscous Delicious followed in 2007 and The Legend of the Black Shawrama in 2009.

The guys also keep extremely busy on the touring circuit. They average 120 shows a year from Ultra Fest in Miami to Mexico’s OMIX to California’s Coachella and Melbourne’s Metro Club.

In early 2012 they released the Army of Mushrooms, described as their most multifaceted electronic album delivery to date since Legend of the Black Shawarma.

According to Wikipedia, Eisen began classical training at a young age, learning to play the organ at age four and studied

“TWICE RANKED AS THE WORLD’S ‘10 BEST DJ’S’ BY U.K.’S DJ MAGAZINE, THE ISRAEL-BRED, L.A. BASED DUO AMIT ‘DUVDEV’ DUVDEVANIAND EREZ EISEN HAVE ESTABLISHED THEIR SELF-INVENTED GENRE AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE SCENE.”

classical piano at the Haifa Conservatory from the age of eight. He became involved with computerized music at age 11, beginning

with Impulse Tracker and later moving to more advanced musical composition software.

Duvdevani has a similar musical background as Eisen.

He started to play the piano at age seven and continued to do so for nine years. He then progressed to heavy metal music and punk rock. Duvdevani played keyboards and wrote most of the material for the Haifa punk rock band Enzyme.

Duvdevani was conscripted into the Israel Defense Forces, where he was first nicknamed ‘Duvdev’.

After he finished his conscription in Israel, he lived in India for a year, primarily in the Indian state of Goa. - Weber

The new transit fare system that uses prepaid, reloadable cards has arrived!

Get your MyRide card today at Transit Customer Service in Sorenson Station downtown.

Customer Service will offer limited extended hours to allow Transit users the opportunity to get their new cards before the end of the month.

Visit www.reddeer.ca/transit for more information.

Act now – get your MyRide card before February 12, 2016 and we waive the $5 card fee!

UNIQUE SOUND - Infected Mushroom is set to play Lotus Nightclub this week. photo submitted

COLLINS BARROW RED DEER CONGRATULATES LATES AM TWO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT FINAL EXAM GRADUATES Congratulations to successful CA final exam writers, Alannah Johnston and Josh Schaeffer, who are well on their way to earning their full professional designation.

For his particularly distinguished efforts, Josh has also earned himself a spot on the National Honour Roll.

Having opted for the CB Life, this is an important step on Alannah and Josh’s path to achieving their full potential.

Here’s to their continued success.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 23

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Local groups continue to make community impact

BY KALISHA MENDONSA RED DEER EXPRESS In 2015 two groups formed to create a big impact in the community through quick, easy fundraising in the form of the 100 Women Who Care and 100 Men Red Deer groups.

The purpose of the groups has been to make a big impact through four hour-long sessions occurring every three months, where members each bring a cheque for $100 to be designated to a chosen organization. This year, many groups benefited from the fundraisers.

100 Women Who Care donated to Safe Harbour Society, Eastview Middle School and the Red Deer Hospice Society. Their most recent donation was sent to the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA). So far, the group has raised over $80,000 for local charities, blowing their original $40,000 goal out of the water.

“Cindy (Jefferies) and I are still kind of blown away by the response from the women of the community,” said CoFounder Susan Knopp.

She said they were amazed at the amount of women who came to the first meeting and who continue to remain committed to the cause. “When we started this, it was Cindy and I sitting around saying, ‘We know lots of women in the community, and I’m sure between the two of us we could get 100 women’ but it just took off! We ran out of chairs, we didn’t have enough ballots. It was crazy, but a lot of fun. Since then, it’s been going great. We’re thrilled that women are embracing the simplicity of it,” Knopp said.

For the latest meeting, the United Way and Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer and District were also nominated to receive the donations. Knopp said she believes the timeliness of Canada’s acceptance of 25,000 new refugees might have added to the group’s decision to donate to CAIWA. “Alberta and Canada are always accepting refugees, but it’s particularly poignant right now when we are expecting so many people to come to our country from Syria. I can’t speak for sure for anyone, but I’m sure that played into the voting process,” she said.

She added both the United Way and Boys and Girls Club are also deserving organizations but the stars aligned for CAIWA this time.

The 100 Women Who Care group is actually closer to 230 members. Knopp said

she has been impressed by the groups’ dedication throughout the year.

Meanwhile, 100 Men Red Deer has also made extraordinary donations in the last year, even though the group has struggled a little bit more to maintain the number of committed attendees.

The men of the organization came together to support the Red Deer Food Bank Society, the Central Alberta Aids Network Society (CAANS) and the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB). With their most recent meeting, however, things took a more personalized turn and $10,000 was donated to a local family in need.

Derry Wang and his family were the recipients of the most recent donation.

A former teacher of Wang’s nominated the family after learning his student had been hit by an alleged drunk driver while Wang was on his bike. The young man was in a coma until recently this fall, and the incident caused the family to endure financial and emotional stress.

Jeff Rock, a member of 100 Men Red Deer, spoke about the decision to donate to a private recipient rather than a charitable organization.

“His family has struggled a lot financially, and even though there is a government program to provide some support, they’re going to need to build ramps, and pay for care, and they won’t be able to work in the same way.

This is going to have huge permanent financial impacts for them,” Rock said.

“Ultimately, we voted to support Wang and his family. Traditionally, what we do is send the cheques directly to the family, and then the tax receipts from the charities go out, but this time they will go to the family. I think what made the difference this time was the personal nature.”

Rock said the entire point of the group is to develop relationships amongst members and donation recipients. He said it’s important to recognize the collective impact of the group and how it affects the members and recipients of donations.

“The whole point of 100 Men is to make a collective impact that is greater than the sum of its parts. 100 Men giving $100 to a charity is going to go places, but us giving that collective donation to a specific charity is going to make an impact that will go further.”

Both the local 100 Women and 100 Men groups have grown and changed over the last year. Each group will continue to carry on into 2016 and are always accepting dedicated participants.

The next 100 Women Who Care meeting will take place on Jan. 18th with the next 100 Men Who Care meeting takes place on March 7th. Citizens are encouraged to join either solo or with a group of friends and take part in the organizations that promote ‘big impact with small efforts’.

Information is available on facebook for both groups, as well as the web sites - 100womenreddeer.ca and 100menreddeer.com. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

FOR ALL AGES - Rose Wilhelmsen got her turn to take a photo with Santa at AMA in Red Deer this past weekend, proving Santa photos can be fun for all ages.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

Thinking about How you Recycle

We are too

Recycled newspaper is used to create cereal boxes, egg cartons, pencil barrels, grocery bags, cellulose insulation, tissue paper, wrapping paper and is even used in sheet rock surfacing and molded packaging.

Please recycle this newspaper

?

24 RED DEER EXPRESS

LIFESTYLE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Steps to take on reversing pre-disease Samuel Johnson once remarked, “Nothing sharpens the wit so much as the knowledge you’re going to be hanged in the morning.� So if a doctor says, “Your blood sugar is borderline for diabetes� or “Your bones are getting fragile�, he’s giving you a pre-disease warning. But does it ring the bell of trouble ahead unless you do something about it?

Dr. H. Gilbert Welch, Professor of Medicine at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, is also the author of Less Medicine, More Health.

Welch says we should keep in mind that, “Virtually everyone, as they get older, develops some sort of pre-disease.�

The outward appearance of wrinkles and graying hair are for all to see. But kidneys, hearts and all the other hidden organs also age. So Welch warns there’s a tendency for doctors to over-prescribe pre-diseases that can be corrected by other means.

According to a report in Consumer Reports on Health, about 37% of adults in North America have pre-hypertension.

Studies show that if you’re overweight, smoke, drink too much alcohol, rarely exercise and have a family history of hypertension, you’re more likely to develop borderline BP and finally hypertension.

So what should you do about it? First, make sure you have bone-fide increased BP. Some people on medica-

Dr. Gifford

JONES tion show ‘white coat hypertension’ due simply to being in a doctor’s office, or having just consumed caffeine. To prevent a lifetime of medication, test your BP in a pharmacy, or buy a blood pressure cuff to take readings at home.

Today, there is no convincing evidence that treating pre-hypertension by drugs prevents the development of high blood pressure. But studies show that dropping nine pounds will lower blood pressure 4.5 points.

Health authorities also stress that it’s important to exercise moderately three to four times a week. It also helps to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium daily, a little more than half a teaspoon, and to limit alcoholic drinks to two a day for men, and one for women. And to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products, fish, skinless poultry and lean meats.

Pre-diabetes is now a major problem and affects 38% of North Americans.

It’s present when the average blood sugar over a period of three months, or a fasting blood sugar, is higher than normal.

One would think that this diagnosis would get

people’s attention. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 30% don’t make lifestyle changes and eventually develop Type 2 diabetes.

This is a huge mistake.

Calorie reduction and exercise can decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 59% over a three-year period. Reversing this trend also means a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, foot damage and possibly Alzheimer’s Disease.

Let’s end with some good news.

It’s estimated that in North America 45 million people have osteoporosis.

But, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, most of the time osteopenia is best treated with diet high in calcium along with 800 IU of Vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise such as walking.

Authorities say the evidence that osteoporosis drugs help during this stage is inconsistent.

Dr. Marvin Lipman, med-

ical advisor on Consumer Reports, states that about 30% of older adults are reported to be suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease and have received needless drug treatment.

In effect, doctors should realize that kidneys age, but it’s a slow process, and not to over-treat.

Others over 65 are often taking thyroid medication to treat an underactive thyroid. But unless there are symptoms such as dry skin, fatigue, severe constipation and weight gain

they may not need it.

Knowing you have a pre-disease is a great benefit. It provides time to get serious about one’s health and prevent a full-blown disease with all its complications. Prevention will always be better than cure, particularly when it’s possible to treat pre-disease by lifestyle changes.

Isn’t this better than facing a lifetime on prescription drugs?

For medical tips go to www. docgiff.com. For comments, email info@docgiff.com.

FINISHING TOUCHES - Volunteer Jessica Edquist wrapped a present at the Charity Wrapping Booth at Bower Place Shopping Centre. Customers can get their Christmas presents wrapped at the booth for a $10 donation to charity.

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express

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RED DEER EXPRESS 25

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Notre Dame hosts Senior Boys Cougar Classic

BY ZACHARY CORMIER RED DEER EXPRESS It’s shaping up to be a strong season for the Notre Dame Cougars Sr. Boys basketball team.

The Cougars are coming off a strong showing at their annual Senior Boys Cougar Classic tournament at Notre Dame this past weekend, walking away with a 2-1 record and a bronze medal for their efforts.

“We were in a couple of close games, and, I mean, early in the season that doesn’t always happen, depending on how your league schedule is. You know, the way our league is set up, there’s some teams that are stronger than others, but in this tournament we had a couple of close, competitive games,” said senior boys basketball Coach Stephen Merredew.

The Cougars got the weekend off to a strong start with an early win over Prairie Christian Academy.

Led by returning Gr. 12 Cody White, Notre Dame surged to an 88-39 romp in game one.

“We always look to our Grade 12s for veteran leadership. Cody White is one of our top guards and scorers. He’s a guy who’s got provincial team experience and he’s a really hard worker and a good example for the rest of the team,” Merredew said.

White led the team in scoring in all three games that they played this weekend.

Next up for the Cougars was a showdown with Airdrie’s Bert Church Chargers.

While Notre Dame kept it close, they couldn’t pull off a second straight victory to make it to the gold medal game, falling to the Chargers by just two points 78-76. It was their first loss of the season.

While it was a very close game, Merredew said it came down to team defense.

“It’s frustrating to think that, ‘Oh we play such good defense, how do we give up 78 points?’ And you’re able to look at the fast-break points of the other team and say, ‘Well there they are’,” he said, adding that defense is something that nearly every basketball team wants to improve on.

“That’s something that I think that any team would love to improve on, and so far it’s arguably cost us our only loss of the season.”

That set the Cougars up for a Saturday afternoon showdown with Assumption,

BIG WEEKEND - This past weekend the Notre Dame Cougars hosted the Senior Boys Cougar Classic tournament which they walked away from with a 2-1 record and a bronze medal. This file photo, from last year’s tournament, shows Cougar Ken Villaluz during the opening game of the event.

Red Deer Express/file photo the only other team in the tournament that earned a Provincial berth last season.

Notre Dame rose to the challenge, though, defeating the Cold Lake team 67-54 to claim the bronze medal.

This year’s iteration of the Cougars features only two returning Senior team players in White and Josh Valentine.

“Last year, we had a team that was very Grade 12-heavy, obviously. Last time 13 players were in Grade 12. It was a great veteran team and we were undefeated in league play and we won ourselves a championship and we won a game at provincials. Those are all good things,” Merredew said, but he added that the team isn’t without that star quality this season.

“Our two returning players, they weren’t just part-timers for us last year. They were key contributors who played a lot of minutes.”

In addition to those two, the team is also getting offense from a number of players who were on the Jr. Varsity team last season.

“They’ve been part of a successful program there, our JV team has always had great results and they’re always really well coached, so we’re glad to have a lot of veteran guys who have been around awhile,” Merredew said.

In fact, the Senior team only has one Gr. 10 on it, which is about normal for a 4A-division school.

“Because of how strong our Junior team is, it’s often valuable for them to play together for a year because they’re all coming in from different middle schools and a lot of them haven’t had a chance to play together so that exposure as a team for the first time in Grade 10 is sometimes good.”

With the three Red Deer-area high

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schools hosting the 4A basketball Provincials this year, it’s imperative that the team be ready to go come March.

“As a local team, you never want to just get that last seed. You always want to prove that you’re worthy of playing against a team that’s not just going to crush you and you have to get wins in order to do that,” Merredew said.

So far, the Cougars have set themselves up to do just that, winning their first two regular season games 86-42 in Innisfail and 67-62 at home against Camrose.

The team also played Tuesday night at home against HJ Cody, but that game was not over at press time.

“I’m excited about the year. The guys are really working hard in practice and we have some definite goals for the season, I mean you always want your last game of the playoffs to be a win.” zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

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26 RED DEER EXPRESS

SPORTS BRIEFS It’s been a busy first half of the season for Red Deer Minor Hockey. Here’s a rundown of the happenings from around the league:

MIDGET AAA OPTIMIST CHIEFS The Red Deer Optimist Chiefs are off to a fantastic start to the Alberta Midget Hockey League season.

The Chiefs currently sit in first place in the Chrysler Division standings thanks to a 14-4-2 record. The Optimist Chiefs have benefited from

an excellent performance by goaltenders Dawson Weatherhill and Justin Travis, both of whom have posted winning records. Weatherhill currently leads the league in save percentage with .940 while Travis trails only Lloydminster’s Austin McGrath in wins with eight. Between the two of them they’ve allowed the second fewest goals against in the league with 44 in 20 games.

They’re going to be in a good position as they head into the prestigious Mac’s Midget Tournament in Calgary Dec. 26th - Jan. 1st.

Red Deer Farmers’ & Farmerettes’ Bonspiel Committee Extends their thanks to the following sponsors from 2015:

PLATINUM •BMO •Central AB Co-op •Collins Barrow •Future Ag Inc. •Kooman Agencies/ The Co-operators Insurance •Meyers Norris Penny •Pumps & Pressure

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

SPORTS

•Quicksilver Resources •Rocky Mountain Equipment •Service Credit Union •The Co-operators Insurance •Td Canada Trust •UFA •Uncle Ben’s

GOLD •AFSC •ATB Financial •BASF •Bayer Crop Science •BDO Dunwoody •Brendon Panchyshyn •Canada Broker Link •Canada Malt •Canada Safeway •Central Alberta Hay Centre •CIBC •CKGY •Clews Management •Communication Group •Crop Production Services - Penhold •Crop Production Services - Red Deer •Crossroads Gas Co-op •Crossroads Petroleum •Deermart Equipment •Dupont Canada •Elmac Auto Electric/Bumper to Bumper •First Choice Collision •Freightliner •Gem Silage Products •Go – Fer Ag Services •GO MGM Forf Lincoln •Independent Control Services •Kal Tire Red Deer •Kasha Farm Supply •Kaun’s Seed Farm •Monsanto •Morrison AG Services •Mr. Suds •Nufarm •Optiag Solutions Inc •PC Trucking •Peavy Mart •Phone Experts •Precision Solutions •Progressive AG Services •Rahr Malting •RBC Dominion Securities •RBC Royal Bank •Red Deer Advocate •Red Deer Collision •Red Deer Express •Red Deer Eyecare •Rykar Industries •Sheraton Convention Centre •Syngenta •TNT Mechanical •Uniglobe Mills Travel •XSeed Ag Products •YB Quality Meats

SILVER •AG Risk Management •Alberta Seeds •Alberta Veterinary Clinc •Agvise •AMA Drilling •Bemco Land Surveying •Best-Environmental Tech •BMO Harris Private Banking •Central Alberta Co-op Ag/Petro •Cervus Equipment-Olds •Crop Production Services – Delburne •Dow Agro Science •Fixers Furniture Refinishing •Hollman Family •IFR Workwear •Ing & McKee Insurance •John Moldowan Amsoil •Kellough Enterprises •Key-AG Ventures •Kirks Tire •Liquor Hutch •Louis Dreyfus Grain •Lousanna Water Wells •McLevin Industries •Penhold Building Supplies •Pentagon Farm Centre •Petro Canada/Koch Fuel Products Inc •Pohls Seed Cleaning •Raven Printing •Red Deer Elks Club •Red Deer Discount Golf •Red Deer Lighting •Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club •Richardson Pioneer •Second Cup •Sno-Valley Manure Management •TL Harris Bobcat Services •Trochu Motors

BRONZE •Agri Trade •Alberta Springs Golf Course •Belich Farms •Chatter/Green Apple •Clarke Insurance •Cloverdale Paint •Cornish Harder Niederle •Corr Grain Systems •Dave’s Plumbing & Heating •Farm Credit Corp •Innisfail Auction Mart •Johnson Ming Manning •Marshall Construction •Olymel •Pidhenrney Centre •QF Avionics •Red Deer County •Red Cox Feedmixers •Townsend Electric Ltd

2016 Farmers’ & Farmerettes’ Bonspiel February 2nd – 6th at the PIDHERNEY CENTRE. Entries taken from December 14th – January 15th.

Phone 403-346-3777 for details & registration.

by Zachary Cormier

MIDGET AAA SUTTER FUND CHIEFS The Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs are currently sitting in fourth place in the Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League thanks to a 9-51-2 record.

They sit just three points back of the third place Rocky Mountain Raiders with 21 points after a pair of losses to the Edmonton Thunder and Calgary Fire last weekend.

The Sutter Fund Chiefs got off to a rocky start to the season after tying their first game of the season before losing the next four. They have since rebounded, though, and thanks to a five game winning streak in November.

It’s worth mentioning that goalies MacKenzie Fairbrother-Skinner and Bailey Knapp have not allowed more than four goals in a single game this season.

MIDGET AA Red Deer’s Midget AA hockey program has seen a pair of good performances from their teams so far.

The Red Deer Elks are currently tied for first place in the entire South Central Alberta Hockey League with the Okotoks Oilers Black team thanks to a 14-6-0 record.

Meanwhile, Red Deer Indy is sitting in fourth in the same division at 11-5-2, just four points back of the Elks.

But the two teams could not be more different.

The Elks have benefited from having easily the most explosive offense in the entire league.

They’ve scored 91 goals in just 20 games played. That’s no easy task, especially when you consider that the next highest scoring team is Wheatland with 83.

On the flip side of the coin, the Indy have allowed the lowest goals against at just 35 thanks to an impressive defensive core that has allowed just 481 shots in 19 games, that’s an average of 25 shots per game, and standout performances from goalies Klayton Sandquist and Geordan Andrew, who have kept the vast majority of those out of the net. Between the two teams, Red Deer could be in for some exciting hockey come playoff time.

BANTAM AAA RED DEER REBELS The Red Deer Rebels Bantam AAA team haven’t exactly had an explosive start, although they have been solid through the first half of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League season.

The Rebels are 9-10-2 through their first 21 games, enough to keep them in third place in the Ram South division, well ahead of the Airdrie Extreme. They are still 14 points back of the second place Rocky Mountain Raiders.

While the season hasn’t been a flashy one, the Rebels have remained a steady hand in the league, picking up points in more than half of

their games. They’ve also benefited from consistent performances from leading scorer Deegan Mofford, who sits 10th in league scoring with 41 points in 21 games, and Griffen Ryden, who is also scoring on a point-per-game basis.

This is the first season that Red Deer Minor Hockey has only iced one Bantam AAA team instead of two.

BANTAM AAA RED DEER CHIEFS Like their male counterparts, the Bantam AAA Sutter Fund Chiefs have been sticking around the middle of the pack this season, posting an 8-5-2-1 record to put them in third place in the Alberta Major Bantam Female Hockey League’s South division.

The Chiefs kicked off the season with a pair of losses in their first two games, which didn’t bode well for the upcoming season. They recovered, though, and won their next four games in a row, all of them on the road.

In fact, the Chiefs have actually found a lot of success on the road this season.

They are 6-1-1 when playing outside of the Red Deer City limits, which isn’t exactly common.

Every coin has a flip side, though, as the team has won just two games at home this year, though that’s mostly due to a lack of offensive production than anything else. In 16 games, the Chiefs have scored just 38 goals.

Lucky for them, their goaltending tandem has been stellar. The biggest standout has been Chantelle Sandquist, who has allowed just seven goals in 242 shots against. That’s a save percentage of .971 save percentage. Beyond that, she’s posted a goals against average of 0.88 and a pair of shut outs to boot.

Meanwhile, goalie Madison McLaren is keeping pace. She’s got a .930 save percentage of her own, coupled with a 1.90 GAA and her own duo of shutouts makes the other half of the tandem just as strong.

ICE CHIPS This season marked the first time that Red Deer’s tier teams have competed in the Central Alberta Hockey League as opposed to the North Central Alberta Hockey League.

“We’ve got lots of teams in the middle of the pack heading into the second half,” said RDMH General Manager Dallas Gaume.

According to Gaume, RDMH’s enrollment was up 20 kids this year from last.

“That’s a good, sustainable number. If we had 100 new kids a year, we wouldn’t have enough ice,” he said.

Last week, Red Deer Minor Hockey wrapped up their annual Feed the Food Bank food drive.

Gaume said the organization collected around $900 worth of food. RDMH also donated $500 cash to the food bank as part of the annual event.

“It’s just a way for us to give back to the community.”

Bower Dental General Dentists

403-347-8008

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 27

HOMES & LIVING

SIMPLICITY - This True-Line Homes show home located in Laredo offers a simple and elegant style, outfitted with unique furniture and pops of colour.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

White, pink and blue – the colour direction of 2016 For the first time, the Pantone colour institute has chosen a blended mix for their 2016 colour forecast.

Rose quartz and Serenity are the chosen colours for next year, a blend of pale pink and blue, it is almost a throwback to the late 1970s palette of bridesmaids dresses.

This morning the trees were covered with snow and the sky was a dusty shade of pink as the sun rose and it immediately reminded me of this palette.

Although I can appreciate the soft, delicate shades it does provide a challenge to me personally in design as I still lean towards the bold colours and dramatic reds and oranges.

Benjamin Moore announced their colour of the New Year is called Simply White which adds to the ethereal lightness of this new combination.

So what can be done with pink, blue and white?

Kim

WYSE I bought a house years ago with pink, blue and white tiles on the floor with matching pink and blue puffy valances made out of flannel sheets and I could not get that stuff out of the house fast enough!

It looked like the entire house was a nursery or an Easter egg hunt gone terribly wrong but as in all things related to fashion and design, things have come full circle in relation to colour.

I’m not saying that you need to run out and paint your house pink, please don’t do that!

Pantone sets the pace for colour trends which influence textiles and home décor

items but I will think that it doesn’t need to be taken literally.

It is still just a suggestion or a guideline.

You can utilize these whimsical colours in your smaller accessories and the fun stuff you indulge in like bath accessories and table settings. Some of the prettiest Christmas trees I’ve seen are decorated in pink and silver, they are absolutely magical.

The good news about this colour grouping is that it blends well with neutral browns and greys so even if you have a modern grey coloured home, you can still accent in a soft shade of pink or blue.

I’m envisioning a modern sleek bathroom with grey cabinets and tile, chrome accents and soft, delicate pink accessories including towels, candles and a wide array of frivolous bath products.

This should be your bathroom ladies as I’m not sure that your husbands would appreciate the pink motif!

To bring the serenity blue into your home, think in the direction of glass pieces and tiles which will give you the nuances of blue without actually slapping you in the face with this retro colour.

There is a wide variety of sea glass and sculpture options which look amazing when placed in an area washed in natural light.

The sunshine is allowed to pass through the glass and makes the most of the blue/green shades in the item. It is a beautiful accent colour for any type of interior.

White, pink and blue – the colour direction of 2016. Have fun with it!

Think whimsical and cotton candy sweetness as you incorporate a little bit of pretty into your home. I know that when you next find yourself in a home décor store your eye will be drawn to these delicate shades and it will make you stop and consider the possibilities.

Kim Wyse is a local freelance designer. Find her on facebook at ‘Ask a Designer’.

Experience the Magic of Christmas!

The Minions Have Arrived!

Come see our Ice Sculpture Christmas Card to the Community.

A donation to the Food Bank is greatly appreciated Hours: •Mon – Fri: 9am-9pm •Sat: 9am-8pm •Sun: 10am-8pm

3 minutes E of 30th Ave. on Hwy11

Final Craft & Market Sale Dec. 19th 10am-4pm The Specialists!

Open Year Round!

find us on

@ParklandGarden

www.parklandgarden.ca

28 RED DEER EXPRESS

Warm up your Space...

Your destination choice for area rugs & comfort blinds.

CARPET COLOUR CENTRE

Beautiful, made affordable.®

SOUTHPOINTE COMMON II (across from Best Buy)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

HOMES & LIVING

403-343-7711

www.carpetcolourcentre.com

STORE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 5:30PM | THURSDAY 9AM - 8PM | SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM | CLOSED SUNDAY

YOUR HOUSE YOUR

HOME

A W E E K LY G U I D E T O C E N T R A L A L B E R TA R E A L E S TAT E

CENTRAL AB’s

DEFINITIVE

OPEN HONUGSE!

LISTI CENTRE PAGES

To advertise call Jenna at 403-347-9474 or email yhyh@blackpress.ca

What to do when you can’t make your payments So it is a hard reality that many people have been affected by factors well beyond their control.

Be it the economy or an illness there can be many life issues which leave you in a position where your savings are gone and you are unable to pay your mortgage or other bills. So what should you do if you ever find yourself in this situation?

Mortgage related troubles?

• Talk to your mortgage professional.

At the first sign of troubles make that difficult call to find out what options are available to you and keep in contact with them as things progress.

• Clarify the picture.

Make a complete list of all credit obligations including any credit cards, loans and household bills. You should also make a list of all of your assets including your current income, savings accounts, investments and RRSP’s.

• Learn about your resources.

There is a great resource called Take Charge of Your Debts from the government of Canada. You can use it to understand debt problems and how to budget, information on credit counselling, collection agencies, credit and credit repair.

• Consider your options.

If your mortgage was done through a mortgage insurer (CMHC, Genworth, CG) then you have a valuable ally. They will work with you to find solutions such as converting a variable rate to a fixed rate to protect you against a sudden increase; offering temporary payment deferral; extending the original amortization; adding any missed payment or arrears to the balance and spreading them over the remaining loan and offering a special payment arrangement until you are back on your feet.

You need to stay in contact with your lender, your mortgage professional and whoever else is involved. Avoiding the phone calls is no way to convince them you want to work to a solution.

Other credit troubles?

Pam

PIKKERT • call the credit companies and ask for a reduction to your interest rate which will allow you to pay your debts out faster.

• apply for a consolidation loan which will allow you to pay one large payment as compared to many small which can be overwhelming.

• choosing to refinance your home to be pay out your smaller debts can be a valid choice if the penalty isn’t too high. Again, it can be easier to manage one payment.

• orderly payment of debts – under this government run program you allow this agency to take charge if you will. They will negotiate with your creditors for a lower interest rate and then they will look at your overall financial picture and put you on a set repayment program until all of your debts are repaid in full. You need to know that this program will require you to rebuild your credit carefully after the fact.

• Bankruptcy – this is where you choose to work with a Bankruptcy Trustee. Your assets and your liabilities are all weighed and then the trustee offers your creditors a set percentage of what you owe. You will be required to go through the court system and there are additional costs.

This choice also requires a careful rebuild of your credit after the fact if you are to be able to borrow money down the road.

So as you can see there are options available to you when life throws you sideways. Keep in contact with your creditors if they start calling so they know your situation and can make note of it in their systems. Life happens my friends but there are solutions if you need them.

Pam Pikkert is a mortgage broker with Dominion Lending Centres - Regional Mortgage Group in Red Deer.

During this hectic festive season ... pause to remember those we’ve lost.

Our family at Parkland Funeral Home wishes you a Safe and Joyous Holiday Season.

Central Alberta Family Funeral Services Ltd.

Red Deer’s only locally owned and operated funeral home

www.yourhouseyourhome.com

403.340.4040 Taylor Drive, Red Deer www.parklandfuneralhome.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 29

Red Deer Express

CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad

Buying, Selling or Renting?

Classifieds HAS IT.

call 403.309.3300 or email

classifieds@reddeerexpress.com Announcements ....................0005-0030

Items to Buy/Sell .....................1500-1940

Open House Directory .......... 4200-4310

What’s Happening ................. 0049-0070

Agricultural ..............................2000-2210

Financial .................................4400-4430

Garage Sales ........................... 0100-0650

For Rent ...................................3000-3200

Transportation....................... 5000-5240

Employment ............................0700-0920

Wanted to Rent....................... 3250-3390

Legal/Public Notices ............6000-9000

Service Directory .................... 1000-1430

Real Estate ..............................4000-4190

Coming Events

52

CRAFT MARKET & SALES

Over 45 tables crafts, jewelry, food & Christmas decor.

10 - 4 every Saturday until Christmas Parkland Garden Centre 3 minutes East of 30th Avenue on Hwy 11 THE LLOYDMINSTER EXHIBITIONS Pride of the Prairies Bull Show and Sale. March 6 - 7, 2016.

Traditional halter and pen format. Entry deadline: January 5, 2016. For more information: www.lloydexh.com. 306-825-5571 or email Sam: sam@ lloydexh.com.

Farm Work

755

Medical

790

MEDICAL TRAINEES needed now! Hospitals & doctor’s ofÀces need certiÀed medical ofÀce & administrative staff! No experience needed! We can get you trained! Local job placement assistance available when training is completed. Call for program details!

1-888-627-0297.

Trades

Misc.

Help

880

WATKIN MOTORS FORD, Vernon, BC immediately requires an experienced Ford Diesel Technician.

Go to: watkinmotors.com, About us, Employment, to review required qualiÀcations.

Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

850

CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

BVT TRUCK AND TRAILER REPAIR

Employment Training

is looking for a

900

Employment Training

900

HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day; www.canscribe.com.

1-800-466-1535; info@canscribe.com.

TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

JOURNALISTS, Graphic Artists, Marketing and more. Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. Free.

Visit: awna.com/ for-job-seekers.

Journeymen Heavy ACADEMIC Express ADULT EDUCATION Duty Truck & Trailer for general feedlot duties AND TRAINING for large expanding feedlot Mechanic F/T PEN CHECKER

in Sundre. Experience necessary. Fax resume to 403-638-3908, or call 403-638-4165, or email dthengs@hotmail.com

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

Medical

790

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career!

Employers have work-athome positions available.

Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today!

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

to join our team in Red Deer for our Evening Shift, Monday- Friday, 2:30 pm-11:00 pm. To join our team, please submit your resume to hr@slt.ca

Business Opportunities

870

GET FREE VENDING machines. Can earn $100,000. + per year. All cash-locations provided.

Protected territories. Interest free Ànancing. Full details. Call now 1-866-668-6629. Website: www.tcvend.com.

GREAT CANADIAN Dollar Store franchise opportunities are available in your area. Explore your future with a dollar store leader.

Call today 1-877-388-0123 ext. 229; www.dollarstores.com.

Start your career!

See Help Wanted

JANUARY START

Would you like to take the GED in your community?

Red Deer Rocky Mtn. House Rimbey Caroline Sylvan Lake Innisfail Stettler Ponoka Lacombe Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

1660

LOGS Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar, birch.

Price depends on location of delivery. Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346 Start your career!

See Help Wanted

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

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

WANTED. Hannas Seeds seeking distributors for forage, turf, native and reclamation seed. Good commissions. Contact Esther at 1-800-661-1529 or esther.stigter@ hannasseeds.com.

Condos/ Townhouses

4040

Need to Downsize? Brand New Valley Crossing Condos in Blackfalds. Main Áoor is 1,119 SQ FT 2 Bdrm/2Bath. Imm. Poss.

Start at $219,900. Call 403-396-1688.

4090

Manufactured Homes

HARVEST SALE! Save $50,000 from the replacement cost of this 20 X 76 drywalled Grandeur Showhome that has to go! A sacriÀce at $124,900. Call Terry 1-855-347-0417 or email: terry@ grandviewmodular.com.

Auctions

1530

MEIER GUN AUCTION. Saturday, December 19, 11 a.m., 6016 - 72A Ave., Edmonton. Over 150 guns - handguns, riÁes, shotguns, hunting and sporting equipment. To consign 780-440-1860.

Buildings For Sale

EquipmentMisc.

1620

A-CHEAP, lowest prices, steel shipping containers.

Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans insulated & 40’ freezers, Special $2200 Wanted: Professional wood carver needed. 1-866-528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.

3180

PASTURE & HAY LAND. 400 - 8000 acres of year round water supply. Full operational with management available. Central Saskatchewan. Crossfenced & complete infrastructure. Natural springs excellent water.

Shortly ready to locate cattle. Other small & large grain & pasture quarters. $150k - $2.6m. Call Doug Rue 306-716-2671.

5080

WIN - 2016 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide FXDWG103. 2nd $700/credit; 3rd $300/credit. Only 599 tickets printed. Three Early Bird Draws. $100/ticket. June 17 draw.

Proceeds to support Motorcycle & Harley Programs, GPRC Fairview Campus. 1-888-539-4772; www.gprc.ab.ca. License #421307.

CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS

Meow!

The Classifieds Are the Cat’s Meow.

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

To place an ad, call the Red Deer Express at

403-3ä -3Îää

4150

LOOKING FOR a shop?

Post Frame Buildings.

AFAB Industries has experience, expertise, reliability Condos/ and great construction Townhouses practices. For a free quote, contact Ryan Smith New Blackfalds Condo. 2 403-818-0797 or email: Bdrm/2 Bath. Main Áoor & ryan.afab@gmail.com.

2nd Áoor options avail. 2 powered parking stalls.

Tired of Standing?

Rent $1,400. Pets nego- Find something to sit on tiable. Ask about rent in Classifieds incentives. 403-396-1688.

Pasture

Motorcycles

Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

3030

GED Preparation

• • • • • • • • •

Firewood

* No cancellations, refunds or exchanges. Please read your ad the first day it appears.

We will accept responsibility for 1 insertion only.

Money To Loan

4430

BANK SAID NO? Bank on us! Equity Mortgages for purchases, debt consolidation, foreclosures, renovations.

Bruised credit, self-employed, unemployed ok.

Dave Fitzpatrick: www.albertalending.ca.

587-437-8437, Belmor Mortgage.

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

CLASSIFIEDS Christmas & New Years Hours & Deadlines OfÀce & Phones CLOSED Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016 RED DEER EXPRESS Publication date: December 23, 2015 Deadline: December 18, 2015 @ 12 noon Publication date: December 30, 2015 Deadline: December 23, 2015 @ 12 noon CALL CLASSIFIEDS 403-309-3300 classiÀeds@reddeerexpress.com

30 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Service

Directory Cleaning

1070

SINCERE HOUSEKEEPING Weekly, bi weekly, move ins, move outs.

Honest service you can count on. Call Debbie at 1-403-702-0503 Red Deer area

Legal Services

1260

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

Divorce? Simple.

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

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

Misc.

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1290

EASY ALBERTA DIVORCE: Free consultation call 1-800-320-2477 or www.canadianlegal.org CCA Award #1 Paralegal.

A+ BBB Reputation. 26 years experience.

Open Mon. - Sat.

1315

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

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

HIP OR KNEE Replacement? Arthritic conditions? Restrictions in walking/dressing?

Disability Tax Credit. $2,000 tax credit. $20,000 refund. For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

Roofing

Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $

Call our Credit Team Today!

with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...

403.343.3673

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

Gasoline Alley • Red Deer County

Tell them Danny Hooper sent you

WATER WELL

but are short of cash??

Diabetes Online Survey Reaching out to Canadians living with diabetes

Check status of 3 government grants/assistance worth up to $5000 or more EACH and CHECK BIG IRON’S $5000 WINTER DISCOUNT PACKAGE

The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) and researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital are looking for people living with diabetes (type 1, type 2, gestational and prediabetes) and caregivers to participant in an12345 online survey.

12345 RURAL WATER TREATMENT (Province Wide) Iron Filters • Softeners • Reverse Osmosis • “Kontinuous ShoK” Chlorinator Time Payment Plan O.A.C. for water wells and water treatment

Your participation with help the CDA and researchers learn about your experience with diabetes. All responses will be confidential and will help inform the development of tools and resources for people living with diabetes.

1-800-BIG IRON (244-4766) View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at www.1800bigiron.com

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Big Iron drills all winter long* P.S. We also drill for people who aren’t short of cash

plus GST/HST

Value Ad Network

www.camclarkfordreddeer.com

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995

*check rig availability in your area

AWNA’s Annual Symposium

1370

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 32+ colours available at over 55 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-263-8254.

REACH OVER 1 Million Readers Weekly. Advertise Province Wide ClassiÀeds.

Only $269 + GST (based on 25 words or less). Call now for details 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228; www.awna.com.

CASH IN WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS!

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Weekly deadline: Monday @ Noon

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WE’RE ALL EARS

Questions?

Comments?

Story Ideas?

Let us know how we’re doing.

Your opinion is something we always want to hear.

Call or contact us at editor@reddeerexpress.com 403-346-3356 www.reddeerexpress.com

32 RED DEER EXPRESS

R

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

i t h w a p u R v A e This Holiday Season!

V

Liquidation Sale on now!

17

oose to chom! fr

#F6319

Availa Available Colours!

Colou

2015 Rav4 AWD

Finance and lease rates starting at 0.49% $2,000.00 rebate available! *Stock #F6319, finance/lease rates available O.A.C. Vehicle may not be exactly as shown. See dealer for details.

“WHERE THE DEALS ARE” www.reddeertoyota.com

403.343.3736 | 1.800.662.7166

*