Red Deer Advocate, December 19, 2015

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Red Deer Advocate SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

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Arsonists’ worst nightmare

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Accelerant K-9 handler Jeff Lunder of Delburne and his dog, Eza. The pair have recently been certified to detect accelerants and work together at fire scenes to determine if accelerants have been used to start fires.

BY MARY-ANN BARR ADVOCATE STAFF Even though she’s a German shepherd, Eza is a rare breed.

That’s because she can go through a scene after a fire to help determine whether there are any signs of substances — like gasoline — that could have helped spread flames. That could mean the fire was arson.

Eza is half of a specially trained canine accelerant team — the other half is Jeff Lunder, her owner.

WEATHER 30% flurries.High -14. Low -20.

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There are only a few other teams in Western Canada — one each in Edmonton and Kelowna, and the Calgary fire department has two dogs used only within city limits.

In 2011, Lunder, 58, retired as a fire-medic after 36 years with City of Red Deer Emergency Services.

He has also trained dogs for 40 years through the Red Deer Kennel Club and judges obedience trials in Canada and the United States for almost 30 years.

He found the idea of training an accelerant dog intriguing so he decided to try it.

Lunder has always had German shepherds — his favourite — but when his shepherds were checked

out to possibly train, they were called “couch potatoes.” He needed a dog with a lot of drive.

He ended up buying the purebred Eza from the RCMP training kennels in Innisfail when she was nine months old. He then hired a retired police officer, who had been involved with the RCMP dog training program, to help him train Eza. Eza (pronounced eeza) is now three years old and after a lot of hard work the pair are a certified accelerant canine team. The dog’s training continues every day.

Please see EZA on Page A2

Three suspects arrested in deadly holdups Charges are pending against two men and a boy, 13, after two convenience store employees were gunned down by thieves.

Story on PAGE A2

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A2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

Deadly holdups shake city THREE SUSPECTS — INCLUDING A 13-YEAR-OLD BOY — ARRESTED

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton’s police chief says the community should be outraged after two convenience store clerks, who were working alone and didn’t fight back when masked robbers walked into their stores early Friday, were shot dead for small amounts of cash.

Three suspects have been arrested, including a 13-year-old boy.

“This was a barbaric and gratuitous act of violence upon two innocent persons resulting in a senseless loss of life,” Chief Rod Knecht said at a late-afternoon news conference.

He went on to describe the crime as “over-the-top violence, absolutely unnecessary, gratuitous — evil.”

All three suspects have criminal records and were prohibited from possessing firearms, he said.

He described the youth’s criminal past as violent.

Charges are pending against the three. The other suspects are 26 and 24 years old.

Knecht said the violence started about 3:30 a.m. at a Mac’s store on the city’s south side.

A panic alarm call came from the business. When police couldn’t reach staff by phone, officers were dispatched.

Karanpal Singh Bhangu, 35, had been shot in the stomach and was rushed to hospital, but died of his injuries.

About fifteen minutes after that alarm came in, a 911 call was made from another Mac’s store. A delivery man had found a trail of blood leading to a storage room.

It’s believed the clerk at that store had been shot in the front and dragged to the back area, said Knecht.

The 41-year-old man, whose name is not being released until family can be notified, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In both cases, the culprits made off with cash.

Knecht said there would have been small amounts of money in the registers, as convenience stores typically put most of their sales in floor safes and armoured cars pick up the bulk each day.

Using video camera footage from the stores, police next dispatched a description of the masked suspects and their clothing. And because the targeted locations were both Mac’s, officers were tasked with checking in on other stores.

A short time later, officers spotted them in a stolen vehicle near another Mac’s, which led to a brief chase along Whitemud Drive, a major city freeway.

It ended underneath an overpass when the suspect vehicle crashed into a guardrail.

Knecht said investigators have made a possible link between the suspects and other recent robberies. It’s unclear why the crimes escalated. Surveillance video shows the two victims were passive and co-operative.

“I would suggest they did not expect to be executed,” he said.

Staff members at a private school where Bhangu’s wife, Kiran, worked as a teacher quickly set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for her and the couple’s six-year-old son, Royce.

David Eifert, principal of Progressive Academy, said the woman emigrated from India four years earlier. Three months ago, her husband and son were permitted to join her.

STORY FROM PAGE A1

EZA: She just goes into another gear She’s a working dog, not a pet, said Lunder.

“I thought it would be a real easy thing to do, and it was one of the hardest things I ever did in my life,” he said.

In her first year, Eza was exposed to many different conditions, such as slippery floors, darkness, heights, going under and over things, and jumping on things. Then she was introduced to the smell of gasoline that had sat out for months so it wasn’t as potent.

It was placed on a rag inside a toy, so she couldn’t get at it.

She learned to bring the toy back, then to do a passive alert (sitting at the source of the odour) and

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Homicide detectives investigate at a Mac’s convenience store in Edmonton on Friday, December 18, 2015. Two men were killed in the early hours of the morning Friday when they were shot during a pair of convenience store holdups in Edmonton. Police said one man died in hospital after a robbery at a south-side Mac’s store about 3:30 a.m. A second man died during a holdup less than 15 minutes later at another Mac’s store several blocks away.

DEADLY HOLDUPS EDMONTON — A list of some employees killed while working alone: June 2015: Maryam Rashidi, 35, died after she was run over while trying to stop a driver from not paying at a Calgary gas station. The Iranian immigrant had taken the job a few weeks earlier when she was laid off from her engineering position.

Joshua Cody Mitchell is charged with second-degree murder and theft of $113 in gas.

June 2011: Jimmy Wiebe, 50, was shot in the head during a robbery at the Yorkton, Sask., gas station where he was working at night. It was his last week at the station before the store transferred to new management. Kyle Furness was convicted of second-degree murder. Court heard he was motivated by a morphine addiction January 2006: Brigitte Serre, 17, was beaten and stabbed 72 times while working her first overnight shift at a service station in Montreal. Sebastien Simon was sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 25 years for first-degree murder and armed robbery. He and Serre had worked togeth-

then to stay until she was told different.

Over time Eza was trained to recognize 13 different accelerants, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, acetone, kerosene, lighter fluid and barbecue lighter fluid.

In September, Lunder took Eza to the U.S. for a week, to be certified by the Canine Accelerant Detection Organization. The canine team must attain 100 per cent to pass. They passed, and now must be re-certified every year.

Eza and Lunder can now work for any organization, and they’ve been extremely busy. Lunder has a contract with Global Forensics, which does a lot of fire investigating for insurance companies.

At the first fire scene Eza attended, she found accelerants, said Lunder. He can’t talk about the case because it is under investigation and could end up in court.

The dog is only a tool, said Lunder, and if she does hit on anything, it’s marked, evidence is collected and then sent to a lab for testing. Lunder keeps meticulous log records of everything he does with the dog during an investigation as well as when they

er, but he was fired when she told the boss Simon was trying to steal money and split it with her.

Co-accused Tommy Gagne was sentenced to life in prison without parole for 10 years.

March 2005: Grant de Patie, 24, was working solo at a Maple Ridge, B.C., gas station when he tried to stop a 16-year-old driver in a stolen car from taking off with $12.30 worth of fuel. De Patie became caught on the car and was dragged almost eight kilometres. Darnell Pratt pleaded guilty to manslaughter and his nine-year adult sentence was reduced to seven years on appeal.

May 2001: Yancy Meyer, 19, was working at an all-night Needs convenience store in Antigonish, N.S., when he was stabbed to death during a botched robbery. Travis Alexander MacLeod pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is serving a life sentence.

February 2000: Tara McDonald, 25, was working alone at night in a Subway sandwich shop in Calgary when she was bludgeoned to death. The cash register, containing less than $50, was stolen.

Trevor Curtis Stang, a career criminal who was out on bail at the time of the murder, is serving a life sentence.

are practising and training.

At least once a week, whether a fire is suspicious or not, the pair will go through a fire site as an exercise to keep Eza on her toes (paws). He always checks a site first though to make sure it’s safe to send the dog through it. He admits that he worries all the time about what she may be inhaling.

They’ve been all over Central Alberta.

“It’s a blast. It really is. It’s exciting and doing what I did for my whole career, but at a different level.”

Eza enjoys it. “When we get to a scene she just goes into another gear. It’s incredible. She just loves to go.”

The use of working dogs continues to expand.

Lunder said there is a police canine team in the U.S. where the dog can detect electronics, by way of the precious metals used in them. The dog can find items like hidden cell phones or computers.

This is getting a lot of interest by police departments in the States, Lunder said. barr@reddeeradvocate.com

Extra: NA Pick 3: NA Numbers are unofficial.

Weather TONIGHT

SUNDAY

HIGH -14

LOW -20

HIGH -6

HIGH -8

HIGH -13

30% chance of flurries.

Clear.

Sunny.

Sunny. Low -20.

A mix of sun and cloud. Low -15.

REGIONAL OUTLOOK Calgary: today, 30% flurries. High -6. Low -12.

Olds, Sundre: today, 30% flurries. High -6.

Low -18.

Rocky, Nordegg: today, 30% flurries.

High -11. Low -21.

Banff: today, 30% flurries. High -6. Low -13.

Jasper: today, 30% flurries. High -7. Low

MONDAY

TUESDAY

TONIGHT’S HIGHS/LOWS

-13.

Lethbridge: today, clearing. High 0. Low -9.

Edmonton: today, 60% light snow. High -16. Low -23.

Grande Prairie: today, light snow. High -17. Low -20.

Fort McMurray: today, 60% flurries.

High -18. Low -23.

WINDCHILL/SUNLIGHT

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-17/-20

-16/-23 JASPER

-7/-13

RED DEER

-14/-20 BANFF

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RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 A3

Notley defends wage hike

ADDING TO THE SUSPENSE

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS EDMONTON — The Alberta government is not wavering from its plan to raise the minimum wage despite an internal document that warns of the possibility of job losses.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is calling on the NDP to slow the plan after obtaining the Jobs ministry document through an access to information request CFIB spokesman Richard Truscott says the memo tells a different story than the government has been saying.

He says the province has been maintaining that hiking the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2018 would create jobs, not kill them.

But Premier Rachel Notley says the group is cherry-picking parts of the memo.

She says the federation is ignoring other important elements.

“The document you’re referring to, if you read it fully, essentially says we don’t know exactly what the outcome would be if this goes ahead as previously planned in 2018, and there’s a possibility we could have job losses.” she says. “But it doesn’t say definitively nor is it relying on a planned state of action that we’ve actually committed to yet.”

In fact, she says, the rest of the memo echoes previous statements from the NDP on the issue of minimum wage, and even says the recent hike to $11.20 an hour has rendered positive results already.

“The memo to which you’re referring to actually says that the steps that we’ve taken thus far at the very least has no negative impact,” she says, “and suggests that there is in fact research out there — as I have been saying all along — that suggests it might actually have a positive impact.”

Notley adds that if there are job losses, there is a plan to adjust the minimum wage roll-out.

“We’re going to to track what the implications have been as we moved forward,” she says. “We’re going to keep an eye on what’s happening in the economy overall . . . and we’ll adjust accordingly.”

ALBERTA

BRIEFS

Progress of RCMP puppies to be documented on Twitter and Facebook HALIFAX — The RCMP have launched a cuteness offensive in Nova Scotia.

Their weapon of choice? Puppies.

For the next 12 months, the police force will be posting photos, videos and text on Twitter and Facebook to document the progress of their latest recruits: two 10-week-old German shepherd pups.

The dogs — Helo and his brother Hamer (pronounced Hammer) — recently arrived in Nova Scotia from the Police Dog Service Training Centre in central Alberta, the only place in Canada where RCMP police dogs are born and trained.

The progress reports on Hamer and Helo will appear on Twitter at #RCMPNS and on Facebook at www. facebook.com/rcmpns.

Police say fraudsters targeting immigrants, posing as federal employees

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School student May Tran adds a piece to a balance structure during a game called Suspension as (from left), Izabella Smith, Morgan Bogusky and Rylee Currie look on. The Grade 6 students were taking part in an activity day at the school during the last afternoon of classes before the Christmas break.

U of Calgary cleared in sponsorship probe

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — An independent investigation has found no evidence that the University of Calgary allowed money from an energy firm to limit its academic freedom.

The report from retired Justice Terrence McMahon also cleared university president Elizabeth Cannon of wrongdoing in her involvement with the school’s Centre for Corporate Sustainability.

“None of the involvement from Enbridge … resulted in any encroachment upon or compromise of the academic freedom of the university or its staff,” McMahon wrote in a report released Friday.

“As one interviewee correctly observed, there was very little academic work being done.”

Calgary police are investigating an immigration scam that may have cost two people more than $20,000.

Police say in both cases the victims were called up by people pretending to be Citizenship and Immigration Canada employees.

In each case the fraudsters claimed the victims had to pay money to correct a problem or they would face deportation.

Police believe the suspects cloned the RCMP National Headquarters General Inquiries telephone line to make calls.

No charges against police in fatal shooting of man CALGARY — A unit that investigates police says there will be no charges against Calgary officers who shot and killed a man and critically wounded a woman after a car chase.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team says police were pursuing a truck last February after they got calls about shots being fired in the city’s southeast.

ASIRT says the truck was deliberately ramming vehicles — injuring a number of people — as well as driving on sidewalks, medians, pathways and through a fence.

Officers rammed the truck to stop the chase.

Two officers fired at the vehicle and the 34-year-old driver was killed.

The investigation began after senior academics alleged that Calgary oil company Enbridge interfered with the centre after the firm provided a sponsorship of $2.2 million.

McMahon found that Enbridge’s involvement in the operation of the centre to be minimal. His report concludes there’s no evidence the company tried to influence who was hired at the facility, who spoke there or which students received cash awards.

The company did question why the wife of the centre’s director was hired as an associate director. The company also wondered if the director would be able to do a proper job after he accepted another position with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Those questions, said McMahon, were “reasonable for the donor to ask.”

McMahon said Cannon had done

nothing wrong. Her position on Enbridge’s board of directors was public and had been approved by the university, he said.

She has since left that position.

An email from Cannon to another university official concerning the work of the centre was just an attempt to stimulate some activity, said McMahon.

“Her single intervention was to encourage the dean of the centre to get on with it.”

Enbridge ultimately reduced its donation by $1 million. Its name was removed from the centre’s title.

McMahon concluded problems at the centre had nothing to do with improper conduct.

“The program failed because neither the director nor the dean gave it the time and attention it required before the sponsor withdrew.”

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No boots on the ground: Trudeau PRIME MINISTER’S ISIL TIGHTROPE ACT GETS MORE TRICKY FOLLOWING IRAQ OFFENSIVE OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau has a line in the sand when it comes to Canada’s involvement in the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The prime minister’s biggest fear is that the country — and the West as a whole — will get dragged even further into the seemingly intractable military and sectarian cauldrons of Iraq and Syria.

But whether Trudeau will be able to stand by his campaign commitment to refocus Canada’s role in the wartorn region is an open question in the aftermath of this week’s major ISIL offensive.

“What I’ve said I’m concerned about, from the very beginning, is anything that leads towards active engagement by the West and boots on the ground,” Trudeau said in a year-end interview.

“And I think that’s something — whether it’s Libya, whether it’s the previous Iraq conflicts — we know doesn’t necessarily lead to the kind of long-term, positive outcomes that people would hope for and would justify the human cost of engaging in that way.”

At first blush, from a broad policy perspective, his position is not much different than that of the Obama administration in the U.S. — or even Trudeau’s own predecessor, Stephen

Harper.

Since ISIL roared out of obscurity and across the deserts of eastern Syria and northern Iraq almost two years ago, the message from the U.S., Canada and other allies has been consistent: Military action? Yes. Boots on the ground? No. Even Haider al-Abadi, Iraq’s beleaguered prime minister, has repeatedly made clear he doesn’t want western troops fighting his war and would prefer to eject ISIL himself — or at least

‘(BOOTS ON THE GROUND) . . . THAT’S SOMETHING — WHETHER IT’S LIBYA, WHETHER IT’S THE PREVIOUS IRAQ CONFLICTS — WE KNOW DOESN’T NECESSARILY LEAD TO THE KIND OF LONG-TERM, POSITIVE OUTCOMES THAT PEOPLE WOULD HOPE FOR AND WOULD JUSTIFY THE HUMAN COST OF ENGAGING IN THAT WAY.’ — PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU in tandem with Iranian-sponsored Shiite militias.

But in Washington and elsewhere in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, the message has been sliding as the U.S. deploys more special forces and increases the tempo of airstrikes.

In military jargon, it’s called mission creep, something the Harper government — fresh from the politically bruising experience of Afghanistan — sought to avoid in its parliamentary motion that sent the Canadian military

Ottawa stops withholding First Nations funding

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The federal Liberal government showed more solidarity with Canada’s First Nations on Friday as it lifted sanctions against indigenous communities that have not complied with a Conservative spending transparency law.

The decision was quickly condemned by the Opposition Tories and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which warned that the move would leave First Nations people in the dark about how their elected leaders spend public money.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said her department will stop imposing punitive measures — such as withholding funds — on those communities not in compliance with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Bennett, who described the changes as part of Ottawa’s new “nation-to-nation” relationship with indigenous peoples, also said she’s suspending court actions against those First Nations not complying with the law.

“Transparency and accountability are paramount to any government, whether it is municipal, provincial, federal or First Nation,” she said in a statement.

“We will work in full partnership with First Nations leadership and organizations on the way forward to improve accountability and transparency. This cannot be achieved without the engagement of First Nations and

into Iraq.

Although special forces trainers are clearly “boots on the ground,” the notion of excluding large deployments of conventional army troops was a fundamental component of the Conservative government’s strategy.

Trudeau has pledged a more robust training presence in Iraq, but where he differs substantially from his predecessor is in the plan to end the air force’s role in the U.S.-led coalition bombing campaign.

its members.”

Under the Act, First Nations are required to publicly disclose audited financial statements and information about the salaries and expenses of chiefs and councillors.

Those failing to do so by July 29 of last year faced escalating consequences ranging from public shaming to court action.

One community, the Onion Lake Cree Nation on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, took the government to court, unsuccessfully trying to convince the Conservatives to talk with First Nations about their finances.

Bennett said she’s hopeful that lifting sanctions will open the door to talks with indigenous communities and help both levels of government to work together.

“These initial steps will enable us to engage in discussions on transparency and accountability that are based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership and that build towards a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with indigenous peoples.”

Aaron Wudrick, the CTF’s director, said the move makes no sense.

“A law without consequence for non-compliance is a toothless law,” he said. “As such, soon many First Nations people across the country will again be in the dark as to how their elected leaders spend public dollars.”

Wudrick noted that the vast majority of First Nations were in compliance with the law.

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL — Quebec’s assisted-dying law will remain in effect as judges from the province’s highest tribunal deliberate on a lower-court ruling aimed at suspending certain provisions.

Lawyers for the parties reiterated their arguments before three Quebec Court of Appeal justices Friday as to whether the landmark law should stand as is.

The legislation, which outlines how terminally ill patients can end their lives with medical help, became law last week.

A Quebec Superior Court justice ruled in favour last month of a group of doctors who were seeking to postpone implementation of the law.

That judgment concluded certain provisions in the law run afoul of the Criminal Code, which prohibits assisted suicide.

However, the law took effect as planned on Dec. 10 after an appeals court justice granted the government the right to appeal that ruling. The

government argued at that hearing the Superior Court justice had erred in coming to his conclusion without having heard the merits of the case.

On Friday, federal government lawyers sided with Quebec, reversing the position they’d defended under the Harper government.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Quebec’s “responsible and rigorous” approach to assisted dying last week, noting the province established the kind of framework the Supreme Court has sought from the federal government and provinces.

Quebec government lawyer JeanYves Bernard echoed that same sentiment in arguing that the law had respected the Supreme Court decision from last February that declared the Criminal Code articles on assisted suicide unconstitutional.

Those arguing in favour of the temporary blocking of the end-of-life legislation reiterated their position that medically assisted death remains a criminal act until the federal government changes those provisions deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

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He insists Canada will still be a “substantial military contributor to the military efforts against ISIL,” but his government’s inability to define and articulate what that will look like carries a mounting political cost for the Liberals.

“The Liberal policy to withdraw our fighter jets is completely incoherent,” said Tony Clement, the Conservative foreign affairs critic.

“The defence minister has said that the air combat mission, including CF-

18 bombing sorties, will continue well into next year, perhaps beyond the parliamentary authorization.”

On the opposite side of the political spectrum, the NDP continues to insist the withdrawal should happen immediately.

Yet, world events seem to be stacking up against Trudeau’s hope for a quiet, graceful exit towards of a more benign, politically palatable military role.

Following the Paris slaughter, both France and Britain ramped up their roles in the bombing campaign. Even pacifist Germany is seen as doing more, with the arrival of surveillance planes and warships in the region.

Defence analysts see the attacks on the French capital and Beirut, as well as the recent terror lock down in Brussels, as a sign that the Islamic State militant threat is evolving into organized campaigns of terror directed at specific countries.

Indeed, ISIL continued to surprise this week by launching a major conventional military offensive in northern Iraq that saw Canadian special forces and CF-18s engaged in ground combat and bombing to blunt the extremist attack.

What Trudeau seems to be pining for is something the international community has failed to deliver and no one is talking about: a long-term strategy for the region that looks beyond the bombing.

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BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Two weeks set aside for closing submissions in Duffy trial

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The end may be in sight for Sen. Mike Duffy’s long-running legal and political saga.

Judge Charles Vaillancourt agreed Friday that closing arguments in the Duffy trial will be heard Feb. 22 to March 4.

Duffy, 69, has pleaded not guilty to 31 charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery in relation to his Senate expense accounts, a scandal that reached directly into the office of former prime minister Stephen Harper.

The trial at Ottawa’s downtown courthouse a few blocks from Parliament Hill opened last April 7 amid a media circus it resumed with explosive testimony in August in the opening days of the long federal election campaign and testimony wrapped up this week with Duffy himself on the stand during a curiously abbreviated Crown cross examination.

In all, the court heard 61 days of testimony.

Vaillancourt, in a three-minute scheduling hearing Friday morning, suggested he’s heard enough.

The judge asked to see written submissions from the Crown and the defence in advance of February’s fortnight finale.

“I’m also hopeful that will focus the oral submissions and we won’t require two weeks,” he noted before adjourning.

Duffy, a nationally known former broadcaster, capped the hearings with eight days on the witness stand over the past two weeks.

His defence is that Senate rules were lax, vague or confusing and that Duffy followed the same expense practices as other senators. As for the secret $90,000 cheque he received from Nigel Wright, Harper’s former chief of staff, Duffy testified he was coerced by the Prime Minister’s Office for reasons of partisan political optics into repaying housing expense claims he felt he did not owe Duffy left the witness box on Thursday after just two days of Crown cross-examination without ever being asked about the $90,000 Wright payment. That cheque is the basis of three bribery charges Duffy faces — although Wright, who testified in early August, was not charged with offering a bribe.

Sen. Patrick Brazeau and retired senator Mac Harb are also awaiting trial on Senate expense-related charges. Brazeau has a trial date set for March while Harb’s trial is scheduled to get underway next August.

TURCOTTE SENTENCING

Ex-wife tells hearing Turcotte broke her heart by killing kids

CANADA

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 A5 statement of facts is expected.

Paquette’s murder stunned the city of Sarnia.

Her death sparked a charity — Noelle’s Gift — which helps disadvantaged children.

Toronto woman accused in ‘unprovoked’ fatal stabbing to remain in custody

Canadian allegedly stabs to death British tourist during hallucinogenic drug ceremony in Peru

BRIEFS

TORONTO — A woman charged in an apparently unprovoked fatal stabbing in Toronto’s financial district will remain in custody until the new year.

Rohinie Bisesar smiled slightly as she was led into the prisoner’s box Friday, dressed in a dark green sweatsuit. She conferred with her lawyer but did not address the court.

She was remanded until her next hearing, scheduled for Jan. 8.

Bisesar, 40, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 28-year-old Rosemarie Junor. If convicted, she would spend life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 to 25 years.

She was initially charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and carrying a concealed weapon. The attempted murder charge was upgraded to second-degree after Junor’s death. The two remaining charges have been stayed.

Bisesar’s lawyer said outside court he’s been unable to assess his client’s mental state or whether she understands what’s going on.

But Calvin Barry said she is “very upset — she’s like a deer in headlights.”

He would not comment on whether Bisesar and Junor knew each other.

Police allege Bisesar stabbed Junor at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Toronto’s popular underground PATH network of shops and restaurants last Friday.

Security images taken at the time of the stabbing showed a well-dressed, long-haired woman making a hasty retreat from the drugstore.

Junor, a newlywed medical technician who worked nearby, was rushed to hospital with lifethreatening injuries and died five days after the attack.

Surprise guilty pleas made in slaying of Ontario kindergarten teacher ST. THOMAS, Ont. — Two people accused in the slaying of a southern Ontario kindergarten teacher have pleaded guilty in the woman’s death.

Michael MacGregor, 20, and Tanya Bogdanovich, 32, were both charged with first-degree murder in the death of Noelle Paquette.

They entered their guilty pleas in a courthouse south of London, Ont., on Friday where pre-trial motions in their case have been taking place.

Paquette’s body was found in January 2013 in a woodlot southeast of Sarnia, Ont., one day after she went missing.

The 27-year-old was last seen leaving a New Year’s Eve party.

MacGregor and Bogdanovich’s trial was to begin in April 2016, but their guilty pleas, which came as a surprise, now mean their case will next be in court in February, where a comprehensive

LIMA, Peru — A 29-year-old Canadian allegedly stabbed to death a British tourist after the two drank a hallucinogenic brew at a spiritual retreat in the Peruvian Amazon.

Local authorities said the incident Joshua Stevens is accused of happened Wednesday night at the Phoenix Ayahuasca spiritual retreat near the town of Iquitos.

It’s not clear what led to the death of Unais Gomes, 25.

But local police chief Normando Marquez said witnesses described a fight breaking out between Gomes and fellow tourist Andrew Freeman during which a knife was pulled against the Canadian.

The chief said the same knife was then used by Stevens to kill Gomez.

In a video, Stevens can be seen being taken away in custody by a police truck. Martin Manrique from Iquitos’ prosecutors’ office says Stevens was later released but must remain in Peru while he is being investigated for homicide.

However, the Guardian reported that police concluded that all the evidence showed Stevens acted in self-defence after Gomes tried to attack him with a knife.

The British newspaper also quoted Stevens’ fiancee Sarah-Anne Allen as saying all charges had been dropped and he would be returning to Canada soon.

“He is very shaken and sad, but he is coping,” Allen told the Guardian in an interview posted on its website Friday.

The hallucinogenic cocktail ayahuasca, also known as yage, has been venerated for centuries by indigenous tribes in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia as a cure for all sorts of ailments. But it’s also increasingly consumed by Western tourists looking for mind-altering experiences, sometimes with deadly consequences.

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BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Governor General welcomes refugees

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SAINT-JEROME, Que. — The ex-wife of a Quebecer convicted of murdering their two children told him to look her in the eye Friday as she defiantly declared that while he has broken her heart, he has not broken her resolve.

“I want you to know, Guy Turcotte, that you have achieved your goal,” Isabelle Gaston said at his sentencing arguments as he sat shaking in the prisoner’s box, his head low.

“I want you to look me in the eye…You have broken my heart forever, but I want you to know you have not broken my resilience,” she added, as many in the courtroom cried.

The handcuffed Turcotte, who was found guilty earlier this month of second-degree murder in the 2009 stabbing deaths of Olivier, 5, and Anne-Sophie, 3, cried and tried to wipe away the tears as he listened to her.

The judge hearing the arguments invited Turcotte, 43, to speak and the ex-cardiologist jumped at the opportunity.

“People cannot understand the shame I have,” he said in a weak-sounding voice. “I cannot look people in the face, I’m so ashamed.”

Turcotte, 43, said he stood trial as a way to explain his actions.

“I want to tell you Isabelle, I didn’t go to trial to make you feel responsible,” he said, adding he wanted to explain what he’d done and gone through “after hitting the bottom of the barrel.”

“It was not to hurt you. I know I can never forgive myself what happened.”

The Crown suggested Turcotte serve a minimum 20 years before he’s eligible to apply for parole, while the defence countered it should be less than 15 and closer to 10.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Andre Vincent will rule on Jan. 15.

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TORONTO — With a broad smile and a few key Arabic phrases, Gov. Gen. David Johnston welcomed tired but visibly grateful Syrian refugees who arrived in Toronto Friday.

The chartered plane from Beirut, carrying about 214 refugees, was the fourth flight organized by the government as part of its plan to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of the year.

“Marhaba,” Johnston said repeatedly, using the Arabic word for “welcome” as he, his wife, his daughter and four grandchildren greeted beaming refugee families at the airport terminal where the newcomers were being processed.

One man asked for permission to kiss Johnston, and, when he agreed, gave the Queen’s representative a quick peck on both cheeks.

Mohammed Al-Mubaied, saying “hello” repeatedly in English, said through a translator that it was an honour to be welcomed by Johnston.

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FOCUS

A6

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

No excuse for drunk driving It doesn’t take a lot of brain power to decide to drink and drive. And it takes even less brain power if you blame your Neanderthal decision on your dog, or a flesh eating squirrel, or a stripper, or the fact you were too drunk to walk.

Drunk driving is no joke. But trust me, police have heard all kinds of excuses prime for publication in a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not column — and that includes blaming your pet dog, or a pet squirrel attacking you.

With the Yule season in full swing now, the holiday cheer will be flowing, in some cases until one’s cup run-eth over at office parties and friendly pre-Christmas gatherings. It’s also this time of RICK year the RCMP will be out in force screening drivers in ZEMANEK Checkstop operations.

INSIGHT Mounties from across Atlantic Canada have taken a novel approach this year in educating the public on drunk driving by “flooding their social media channels with the ridiculous excuses they’ve heard from drunk drivers,” according to a CBC report.

Const. Matthew Christie with RCMP Traffic Services in New Brunswick says he’s “heard some doozies.”

“Some common ones that we hear, ‘I’m the least drunk of the group.’ You may pull a vehicle over which has three, four or five people in it and out of the group they’ve picked one who they believe is the most sober person,” said Christie. The officer has also encountered others behind the wheel claiming they were too drunk to walk, and chose to drive home as the best alternative. That excuse will not win favourable ratings when one is standing before a judge glaring at you and tapping his fingers on his desk in disbelief.

It’s often been said a dog is a person’s best friend.

But don’t leave Rover holding “the smoking gun” due to your stupidity, as one motorist found in Manatee County, Fla. when he told police it was his dog behind the wheel during a high-speed chase. The events unfolded Oct. 7 around 7:45 p.m. when police attempted to stop DUI suspect Reliford Cooper III. Cooper fled, ran a stop sign, drove through two ditches before crashing into a house. After being captured while running from the disabled car, he told police: “I wasn’t driving that car. My dog was driving that car.”

Problem was, there never was a dog. Besides, a New Zealand animal trainer says some canines might be better drivers than intoxicated humans. He taught three dogs how to drive using specially modified cars, “and the results were pretty impressive.”

In August, a Florida woman blamed in a hit-andrun crash told police to arrest her dog instead because it was driving. Last year in the State of Georgia, Wesley Mark Terrell, 60, drove drunk to a convenience store and left his dog inside his vehicle in the sweltering heat. The interior of the car reached 50C (123F) before police arrived and asked Terrell to explain. He said the dog drove him to the store. Terrell was charged with DUI and animal cruelty.

Also last year, police from Tahlequah, Okla., found two intoxicated men in a minivan stuck in a ditch. Both denied they were driving, stating “the dog was driving the vehicle and that was why they had gotten stuck,” said police. Both were arrested for public intoxication and the dog was taken to a

nearby animal shelter.

An intoxicated Warren Michael III really takes the plum pudding in animal excuses, claiming a flesh-eating squirrel had driven him to distraction.

Clay County, Fla., sheriff’s watched Michael’s vehicle cross over onto the grass shoulder, almost colliding head-on with a parked car. When approached, he said his pet squirrel was eating him — pointing to the small rodent wrapped up in his shirt. He was arrested for DUI while police phoned his girlfriend to take possession of the car and the squirrel. The couple has since named the rodent ‘DUI’ (Dew-ee) “as a reminder of what can happen when one drinks, drives and tries to keep a squirrel as a pet,” according to an Internet posting.

Then there’s the case of Brock Johnson from Hamilton who blamed a stripper for his DUI charge.

Johnson was bombed to the gills on booze when cut off at a Burlington, Ont., strip club. He told the bouncers one of the dancers agreed to drive him home. But the dancer never showed up, and he was last seen burning his tires as he exited the parking lot in an impromptu decision. The bouncers alerted police, and Johnson was eventually arrested.

Closer to home, one Central Alberta Mountie several years ago stopped on the side of the road where a car had become stuck in a snow-filled ditch. How drunk was the driver?

So drunk he didn’t realized he was stuck and continued driving nowhere fast, spinning tires and all.

It wasn’t until the officer tapped on his window that he realized the only place he was heading was to the cop shop.

And still closer to home, an area RCMP officer scored a hat trick a few years ago after stopping a driver for suspected DUI. While the officer had the suspect in the police cruiser, two occupants in the pick-up truck attempted to drive away — one with his foot on the gas, and the other one leaning over and steering. Bingo!

Three charges of drunk driving out of one vehicle.

It’s incidents such as the ones highlighted here that truly reflect an intoxicated person behind the wheel is not a rational-thinking person. Over this Yule season, think rationally ahead of time and decide how you’re getting home — for the sake of us all.

Merry Christmas.

Rick Zemanek is a former Advocate editor

Embracing changes for the better She stood in the doorway to the kitchen and beckoned me to come and speak with her. When I approached her, with some trepidation I might add, I noticed that this young woman was clean, well dressed and had a pleasant smile on her face.

When I stood facing her, she broadened her very unexpectedly soft smile and proceeded to thank me for a good meal.

Slightly taken aback, I stumbled a “thank you that means a lot.” And I meant it.

I commented on the fact that she looked really good and asked how she was doing, to which she replied that she CHRIS was doing and feeling great.

SALOMONS Being extremely busy at that time, I once again told STREET TALES her how I appreciated her comments, and turned to the kitchen totally perplexed at what just happened.

Where do I begin with “Zoey’s” story? The thoughts going through my head along with the skeptical feelings are still too numerous to count; such is the history we have with this young woman. Somewhere in my files I have a small poem that she wrote while spending a bit of time at the kitchen about four years ago.

It was cold outside at the time and she had already been kicked out of Berachah’s for attacking the facilitator there. But like so many of the young women on the street hers was a story of former abus-

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es which over time had stripped her of hope, selfworth and any reasonable future prospects.

Since that time, Zoey’s life has been anything but stellar; one abusive ‘boyfriend’ after another, and a constant turning of tricks to support an ever growing addiction to harder and harder drugs.

In an article I wrote about her last June, I described about how her addictions had physically changed her appearance; so much in fact that you would find it hard to find her as the same person from two years earlier. Not only her appearance, but her attitude and general demeanour.

She was belligerent, destructive and generally a nuisance to have in the kitchen; so much so that in that last article, I was considering a lifetime expulsion. But somehow, this has all changed.

For the last four or five months, whenever she would come into the kitchen, she would move to different spots in the room, all the while staring at me to the point it was becoming uncomfortable.

It felt like we were babysitting her, so I mentioned this to other people helping out and they also noticed her staring behaviour.

The intensity of her watching my every move and her angry demeanour became a growing concern to the point that one volunteer asked if Zoey had a mental problem and was there not something that could be done.

Then about six weeks ago while I was speaking with other folks at their table, Zoey approached and stood about two feet away from me. I was crouching down while visiting, and when I turned to look up at her, she gave that staring look with those empty eyes of hers and said, “I need a hug.”

It took me a few seconds to think this through, but

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I relented, stood and gave her a brief hug, at which time she immediately turned and left.

Then a week later while we were cleaning up; I was in the kitchen cleaning the grill and a few other staff were milling about when Zoey stood in the doorway and exposed herself to me.

I remember just feeling very sad that she would do something which is to me a throwing off, of all pride and self-worth. I just turned away from her shaking my head, and when I looked again, she was gone.

One fellow volunteer had witnessed this and made mention of the fact that she was a dangerous person and that I should watch myself.

Then nothing! I had not seen her for about three or four weeks when she showed up at the kitchen last night.

One other long-time volunteer also mentioned how good Zoey looked.

Gone was the lifeless vacancy that had been in her eyes; replaced with a definite sparkle. Her face had also lost that starved and deathly yellow/gray look; that was replaced with a shiny colorful healthy appearance.

I came away from this brief encounter with Zoey wishing that I could read her mind, or even have been a fly on the wall so that I could be witness to an absolutely positive and beautiful change in her life.

But this morning I also realize that as a society, now is the time that we should embrace, encourage and assist this changeling in her efforts to begin a new chapter in her life.

Chris Salomons is kitchen co-ordinator for Potter’s Hands ministry in Red Deer.

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RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 A7

Fiscal update erases surplus Finance Minister Bill Morneau needs to get his head around the new government’s fiscal strategy and objectives for the next four years.

Right now, the Trudeau government is sending a confusing message.

In particular, as former senior officials from Finance Canada have pointed out, the chances of a balanced budget by 2019-2020 will be next-to-impossible to achieve, so for the sake of credibility, DAVID Morneau should stop pretendCRANE ing he will.

Instead, we need a budget INSIGHT that spells out the fiscal facts going forward in a clear and credible manner.

Morneau’s recent fiscal and economic outlook failed to achieve that.

The government’s goal to boost the immediate growth of the Canadian economy makes sense.

This is why a budget deficit over the next several years is the right way to go.

So long as the debt-to-GDP ratio is on a downward path, budget deficits are sustainable. That still puts a limit on how big deficits can go.

Moreover, the Liberals are not credible when they claim they will suddenly balance the budget in 20192020, after running three consecutive years of deficits, deficits that are likely to be bigger than those forecast in their own election platform.

But there is another problem.

While the Liberal platform is focused on stimulating immediate growth and job creation, the bigger

goal has to be to increase the longer-term potential growth rate of the economy through innovation.

This is the only way in which Canadians can have good jobs and create the wealth to sustain a high standard of living.

Much will depend on the performance of Canadian business, which is why Morneau has to light a fire under a risk-averse business community that is more focussed on cutting costs (and jobs) than on investing in innovation.

He needs to find out whether Canadian business executives can rediscover within themselves and their organizations the “animal spirits” that are supposed to drive business entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to former Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge and his former government colleagues with him at Bennett Jones, a major Canadian law firm, Canadian businesses may regain some lost competitiveness with the anticipated weak Canadian dollar (due to projected rises in U.S. interest rates not matched in Canada and to low oil prices) and because U.S. productivity growth right now is in the doldrums.

But a better outcome would come if Canadian business actually improved its own productivity growth through innovation, rather than relying on weak U.S. productivity growth, Dodge argued.

“However, Canadian businesses would need to invest more in machinery and equipment, software, labour training and research and development and, most importantly, innovate more in terms of new processes, new products, better organization and improved marketing,” Dodge said.

Looking at how U.S. companies innovate, he said, “it is difficult to escape the impression that Canadian business culture and practices in general have been less innovative, entrepreneurial and risk-tak-

ing than the U.S.” This is a big challenge, and there is little in the Liberal platform designed to change this. In fact, aside from promised support for clean energy technology, the Liberal platform has next to nothing to say about innovation and the improved competitiveness that is essential for a sustainable high standard of living.

Nor does Prime Mister Justin Trudeau’s mandate letter to Navdeep Bains, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Rather, it is an uninspired grab-bag of instructions that fails to articulate a priority for a coherent innovation strategy going forward.

The weakness of our business leadership in addressing the urgency of investment for future growth and jobs from innovation is also spelled out in the latest State of the Nation report from the federal Science, Technology and Innovation Council. “It is in relation to business innovation that Canada faces its most profound and urgent science, technology and innovation challenge,” the report warned.

Its “disturbing conclusion,” the Council said, was that Canada is not globally competitive in business innovation. In the components that define success in this area, Canada is falling further behind its global competitors and is facing a widening gap with the world’s top five performing countries.

Ultimately, if the Trudeau government is to succeed in sustaining and improving Canadian opportunity and living standards, it has to rely on more than middle class tax cuts.

It has to find ways to improve the potential growth of the Canadian economy.

To do that it needs to seriously pursue a more aggressive innovation strategy.

Economist David Crane is a syndicated Toronto Star columnist. He can be reached at crane@interlog.com.

How to beat the Christmas blues Sometimes it’s not all shiny sparkly gold and red lights and candy canes and popcorn balls and too many Cointreau toasts (cheers!). Sometimes this time of year is weighed down a bit by the Christmas Blues.

Everybody gets ‘em, I suppose — a dash of melancholy, a pinch of worry, a dollop of regret. Not nearly enough chocolate. Not nearly enough love.

It’s like that Joni Mitchell song called HARLEY River. It’s a HAY beautiful song and everyone HAY’S DAZE should hear it at least once, and it’s one of my favorites but it kind of makes me sad sometimes. It reminds me of playing hockey on my Uncle Wilf’s pond at the farm at Christmas where we made goals posts with a pair of boots at each end of the pond and my cousins really did strap old magazines on their legs for goalie pads.

And it makes me think of the times my rapscallion buddies and I skated on Waskasoo Creek, winding our way under the bridges, from Coronation Park to Barrett Park and back.

Exhausted and red-cheeked from the bumpy ice and the minus-15F (which is much colder than Celsius). Or years later, shuffling around, ankle skating on the glassy frozen expanse of Sylvan Lake, holding hands with the Better Half girlfriend (so I wouldn’t fall down).

And when I think of those times, long gone in the mixed up memories of past Christmases, at first I have the blues on account of I miss those times, the people and the places. But then those same memories melt the icy blue mood and I remember that the happy times are more than just memories and that the next Christmas is always the best Christmas.

I like to remember the Christmases I got the Lionel Rocket Launcher Train set and the vibrating football game where I would take 20 minutes lining up the offensive team and the

defensive team against each other just so, and ceremoniously throw the switch and the all little plastic men would buzz and judder like they were possessed and immediately fall over.

And how much fun was Mousetrap? Or playing Yahtzee and shaking double sixes.

Playing Sorry! and getting sent back to the start just two little spaces from being safe at “home.” Shooting crokinole on the old wooden board with the old wooden discs that I still have (does anybody play crokinole anymore?) until the fingernail on your shooting finger is too sore to flick anymore. The whole fam damily playing Bingo on Christmas Eve with goofy prizes and unpopped popcorn kernels as markers, until somebody bumps your card when you are one space away from a blackout and sends your kernels flying in all directions, like, well, like popcorn.

The first Christmas home from university — now that’s a potpourri of mixed emotions! And the first Christmas after being married and living in the “big city,” and the Better Half is wearing her special outfit and looking like a Christmas angel and my Dad, normally quiet and sort of shy welcomes us home by taking about a thousand pictures of us with the Kodak Hawkeye, the kind where you have to pop the red-hot blue flashbulb out into an ashtray after every picture.

The Christmas Eve wrestling with my three beloved nephews and nieces and the youngest kid (Tyler) and the oldest “kid” (me) kick over a table lamp and smashed it into a thousand pieces all over ourselves. We had to lie there racked with laughter trying in vain to be perfectly still whilst Mom and my sister Hedy shook their heads and picked all the pieces of glass off of us. Good times.

And I’ll never forget the first Christmas with a Rotten Kid of our own.

After a very early and busy Christmas morning at our house, we’re almost all the way out to the Out Laws place at the lake, and our nine month old R.K., the son one, the one who never naps — is somehow sound asleep in his car seat. This hardly ever happens and we know it’s just the thing he needs to weather the wonderful Christmas chaos ahead. The world that year happened to be enshrined in breath-

taking glittering frost and snowbank diamonds, so we pull our little Nissan over to a beautiful Christmas-card country lane and just stop and let the little guy sleep.

We’re exhausted too but we just quietly talk about how lucky we are and how Christmas had changed but how it is always the same in a good way and that the only thing that matters is the here and now.

And later that day, the perfect Christmas dinner with family, and Grandma has the Rotten Kid in her arms and she’s singing and dancing around with him, and whenever she gets to the part: “The old grey mare, she pooped on the double tree!” and makes the horsefart sound, our little RK, all dressed in a little Santa onesieand a tiny Santa hat giggles so hard

and so happy that it’s adorable and the whole household is laughing too and for a while everyone forgets about the Christmas Blues.

Those are the kinds of gifts that the magic of Christmas is all about. So I hope that if the Christmas blues wafts into your world this year, you have a giggling baby around.

Or failing that, maybe making some horsefart sounds will bring the Christmas cheer you deserve.

Just stick out your tongue and blow.

Merry Christmas!

Harley Hay is a local freelance writer, award-winning author, filmmaker and musician. His column appears on Saturdays in the Advocate. His books can be found at Chapters, Coles and Sunworks in Red Deer.

Syria: Not a peace, but maybe a ceasefire Abu Muhammad al-Golani is an Islamist fanatic, a head-chopper (although only in moderation), and the leader of the Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate that is classified by the United States as “terrorist.” He spent almost a decade killing American occupation troops and Shia civilians in Iraq as a loyal member of the Sunni extremist organisation that is now called Islamic State before going home to Syria in 2011.

He was sent home to create a Syrian clone of what was then called ‘Islamic State in Iraq,’ on the orders of Abu GWYNNE Baqr al-Baghdadi, the leadDYER er of Islamic State and now the self-proclaimed “Caliph” INSIGHT of all the Muslims. Golani named the Syrian branch the Nusra Front, and it did so well that he broke with Islamic State and went out on his own in 2013.

There was a three-month turf war between Islamic State and the Nusra Front in Syria in early 2014 that killed an estimated 3,000 jihadis. Islamic State won it and now controls most of eastern Syria (and all of western Iraq). Golani managed to hang on to northwestern Syria, where the Nusra Front and another extreme Islamist organization, Ahrar al-Sham, now completely dominate a rebel alliance that also includes several smaller “moderate” outfits.

So you would not expect Golani to favour a peace deal that left the brutal Assad regime, secular in form but Shia-dominated, in power in Damascus.

And indeed he does not: in a rare interview recently,

he condemned the peace deal being cooked up by the U.S. and Russia as “unacceptable.” It was, he said, a plot to merge more moderate rebel fighters with Assad’s forces in order to fight extremist groups like his own and Islamic State.

Golani was right to be suspicious, and yet he may go along with the deal in the end, because it isn’t really a permanent peace settlement that is being discussed. It’s actually just a ceasefire that will leave all the players in Syria in control of the territory they now hold — except for Islamic State, which they can then all concentrate on destroying.

This is the sort of Machiavellian thinking that caused Russian President Vladimir Putin to accuse Washington recently of “dividing terrorists into good and bad ones,” but it’s just as much a part of Russian thinking. When Moscow started bombing the rebels in Syria in September to save the Assad regime from collapse, it bombed them all indiscriminately: the Nusra Front, Islamic State, even the “moderates,” if it could find them.

But it quickly became clear that what Russia had in mind, after stabilizing the battlefronts, was precisely what Golani was condemning: a ceasefire that would effectively partition Syria between the Assad regime and the various rebel groups, and enable them all to turn on Islamic State.

You can’t admit that that’s what you are doing, of course, so you talk in terms of a peace settlement.

That’s what Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Foreign Secretary John Kerry were doing in Moscow on Tuesday, and the result is that a United Nations Security Council resolution endorsing the Syrian peace process will probably be passed on Friday.

The current round of “peace talks” began in Vienna on Oct. 23, with no Syrians present, just Russia, the United States, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. It sub-

sequently expanded to include about 20 countries, and the organizers are now deciding which Syrians can attend the next round of talks, probably early in the new year.

On one side, obviously, will be the the representatives of the Assad regime. On the other side will be some of the leaders of the armed opposition, but not all of them. Islamic State won’t be there, of course, and at the moment the Nusra Front says it won’t be either. Since those are the two most powerful groups fighting the Assad regime, what’s the point of talks?

But the Nusra Front’s close ally, Ahrar al-Sham, did show up at last week’s meeting in Riyadh where decisions were being made on which groups could attend the peace talks. At one point it walked out — and then, after some further thought, it added its signature to the joint declaration.

The Islamists of the Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham are clearly in two minds about a ceasefire (disguised as a peace agreement). On one hand, it would leave the Assad regime in power. On the other, it would give them time to consolidate their control over the territory they now hold, and maybe to eliminate their most dangerous rival, Islamic State. So in the end, they may go along with the idea.

It wouldn’t be perfect, and it wouldn’t necessarily be permanent either. But it would stop most of the killing, it would at least contain if not eliminate Islamic State, and it might even let some of the refugees go home.

It’s basically a Russian initiative, but Moscow is wisely letting the U.S. take the lead now. If anybody has a better idea, please let us all know.

Gwynne Dyer is a freelance Canadian journalist living in London. His latest book, Crawling from the Wreckage, was published recently in Canada by Random House.

A8 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

WORLD

BRIEFS

Classes cancelled, security for teacher in Virginia after Islamic lesson STAUNTON, Va. — A rural Virginia school district cancelled classes and a holiday concert after being flooded with angry messages over a school calligraphy lesson that involved copying a Muslim statement of faith in Arabic.

Some of the tens of thousands of emails and Facebook posts “posed a risk of harm to school officials” and threatened protests, Superintendent Eric Bond said in a message to parents and employees on Friday.

Augusta County Sheriff Randall D. Fisher said security has been assigned to Bond, the teacher who created the lesson and the school’s principal. The teacher is worried about herself and her family, Fisher said.

Anger over the lesson has escalated since a teacher at Riverheads High School gave students an assignment that involved practicing calligraphy and writing a statement in Arabic — the Shahada, a profession of faith recited in Muslims’ daily prayers. It is omnipresent in religious imagery, often appearing on the walls of mosques and in religious art, but also on the flags of groups such as the Islamic State.

The statement translated to: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”

The teacher’s lesson was drawn from instructional material that also includes Judeo-Christian assignments.

At a forum Tuesday, one parent said the assignment promoted a false religious doctrine, while other parents expressed outrage. Some demanded the teacher be fired.

UN adopts resolution endorsing peace process for Syria UN Security Council members unanimously approved a UN resolution Friday endorsing a peace process for Syria including a cease-fire and talks between the Damascus government and the opposition, but the text makes no mention of the most contentious issue — the future role of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The resolution makes clear that the blueprint it endorses will not end the conflict, deep into its fifth year with well over 300,000 killed, because “terrorist groups,” including the Islamic State group and the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front, are not part of the cease-fire.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry praised “the unprecedented degree of unity” in the council, which has been stymied in the past over a political solution in Syria, and called the resolution “a milestone.”

Foreign ministers from 17 countries met for more than five hours on how to implement their call in Vienna last month for a cease-fire and the start of negotiations between the government and opposition in early January. At the same time, diplomats worked to overcome divisions on the text of the resolution.

The resulting agreement “gives the Syrian people a real choice, not between Assad and Daesh, but between war and peace,” Kerry said, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State extremists.

“We’re under no illusions about the obstacles that exist … especially about the future of President Assad” where “sharp differences” remain, Kerry said.

He said Assad must go if there is to be peace in Syria, stressing that “Assad has lost the ability … to unite the country.”

But Kerry later told reporters that the United States and the opposition had eventually realized that demanding Assad’s departure up front in the process was “in fact, prolonging the war.”

Attorney for officer charged in shooting of black teenager wants change of venue CHICAGO — An attorney for a white Chicago policeman charged with murder in the shooting death of a black teenager said Friday he will seek a change of venue, arguing that comments Mayor Rahm Emanuel made jeopardize his client’s chances of a fair trial.

Jason Van Dyke appeared at a preliminary court hearing for the first time since a grand jury indicted him earlier this week. He faces six counts of first-degree murder and one of official misconduct in the 2014 shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. The judge scheduled his arraignment for Dec. 29.

Release of a video showing Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times has triggered persistent protests, forced the resignation of the city’s police chief and put the entire Police Department under a wide-ranging civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. A few people confronted Van Dyke as he left the court Friday, shouting profanities and pounding on the black pickup truck in which he departed.

Defence attorney Dan Herbert told reporters at the courthouse that he intends to seek a change of venue because of remarks Emanuel has made in

several public appearances. He did not say when he would make the request.

“The mayor has continued to indict my client in the press and before the City Council for the last couple of weeks,” Herbert told The Associated Press before the hearing. “So I imagine when I bring motion for change of venue, Exhibit A will be all the mayor’s comments.”

Beijing issues second smog red alert of the month, triggering car restrictions BEIJING — China’s capital Beijing issued its second smog red alert of the month, triggering vehicle restrictions and forcing schools to close.

A wave of smog is due to settle over the city of 22.5 million from Saturday to Tuesday. Levels of PM2.5, the smallest and deadliest airborne particles, are set to top 500, according to the official Beijing government website.

That is more than 20 times the level that is considered safe by the World Health Organization.

Half the city’s cars will be forced off the road on any given day, while barbecue grills and other outdoor smoke sources will be banned and factory production restricted. Schools will close and residents advised to avoid outdoor activities.

On Friday afternoon, the air was relatively good, with a PM2.5 reading of about 80 and the sun shining brightly over the city.

However, visibility in some parts of Beijing will fall to less than 500 metres (1,600 feet) on Tuesday when the smog will be at its worst, the city government website said. An almost complete lack of wind would contribute to the smog’s lingering over the city, it said.

Smog red alerts are triggered when levels of PM2.5 above 300 are forecast to last for more than 72 hours.

Although the four-tier smog warning system was launched two years ago, Beijing had not issued a red alert until last week, drawing accusations that it was ignoring serious bouts of smog to avoid the economic costs.

Suit challenges removal of Confederate monuments in New Orleans NEW ORLEANS — A federal lawsuit is challenging a city plan to remove prominent Confederate monuments by charging that the city doesn’t own the land under three of the monuments and they are protected from removal by state and federal laws.

The suit, filed shortly after the City Council voted Thursday to remove four monuments, asks U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier in New Orleans to halt removal plans. The suit was filed by three preservation organizations and a New Orleans chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

The decision by New Orleans is one of the most sweeping gestures yet by an American city to sever ties with its Confederate past. New Orleans, like other places, was spurred into action against Confederate symbols after the mass shooting at an African-American church in South Carolina in June that left nine parishioners dead.

Gun buyer in California terror attack faces most serious charge in old plot LOS ANGELES — When the FBI went to speak with a man accused of buying the assault rifles used by his friend in the San Bernardino terror attack, they learned about a sinister plot the two men had crafted years earlier.

In interviews over 11 days, Enrique Marquez Jr. willingly told agents how he and Farook had planned to slaughter students at a community college they attended and massacre motorists on a gridlocked freeway, according to court documents.

Marquez, the only person arrested in connection with the Dec. 2 shootings carried out by Farook and his wife, is now facing his most serious charge in the plot that fizzled years ago.

Marquez, 24, is charged with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists for the alleged plots in 2011 and 2012 that he never acted on.

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

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TRAVEL

B1

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL STILL SEARCHING FOR LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS? HERE’S A PRESENT THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME!

If you have procrastinated and still have Christmas gifts to purchase, you can take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.

According to the 2015 BMO Holiday Outlook Survey nearly half of Canadians said they have made a last minute panic purchase.

And starting late doesn’t necessarily equate to lousy gifts. You can still come up big this year by DEBBIE g i v i n g OLSEN the gift of travel — TRAVEL one of the top gifts on the BMO survey.

While travel may not be the perfect gift for everyone, for many it comes close. It is something that you never outgrow. It never tarnishes or dims and it always fits. We take the places we visit and the people with whom we share experiences along with us on life’s journey. Unlike a favourite sweatshirt whose colours fade with time, our memories grow richer as time passes. While the experience itself may be fleeting, the memories last a lifetime. In that respect, travel is a gift that stands the test of time.

The gift of travel comes in all price ranges. It can be as simple as a gift certificate to a local attraction or it can be an expensive all-inclusive trip to a luxury beachfront resort. Giving the gift of travel does present some challenges though. If you happen to book non-refundable tickets for a time when the recipient is busy in the workplace, your gift may not have the positive response you were hoping for.

Here are some suggestions for last minute travel gifts for the special people on your Christmas list.

Carriage Date Night Snuggle under a blanket and enjoy a romantic carriage ride through the woods of Heritage Ranch taking in the beauty of 20,000 sparkling lights. Following the carriage ride, enjoy a threecourse gourmet dinner at Westlake Grill, a bottle of fine wine (or another beverage of your choice), a long stem rose and a box of chocolates. $149 per person. (www.heritageranch.ca)

Skydiving School For that special someone who appreciates high adrenaline activities, Skydiving Calgary operates a skydiving school out of the Innisfail Airport. First timers can try tandem skydiving and those who want to become certified can start school. Tandem dives cost $295 and the company offers gift certificates. Skydive school operates April through October. Discounts are available for groups. (www.skydivingcalgary.ca)

Discovery Wildlife Park This unique wildlife park in Innisfail has some great gift ideas for animal lovers that can be purchased as gift certificates.

The park is closed in winter, but they still offer private snow tiger and wolf encounters by appointment. The cost is $250 for two people for the one-hour experience. You can also purchase a gift certificate for some of the summer programs like Zookeeper for a Day where you spend a day training, feeding and caring for the animals. You get photos and videos and other mementos to take home, so you can always remember your day as a zookeeper. The cost is $250 per person on select dates and the program is appropriate for ages 6 and up.

You can also purchase a gift certificate for a photo with a bear experience. The photo costs $25 plus the admission fee to enter the zoo.

Please see GIFT IDEAS on Page B2

Contributed photo by EDMONTON TOURISM

ABOVE: Tickets for The Ice on Whyte Festival in Edmonton make nice gifts and there’s a sale on right now if you mention Travel Alberta.

Photo by GREG OLSEN/Freelance

RIGHT: A gift certificate for a motorcycle rental at Harley Davidson Gasoline Alley is just the ticket for a motorcycle aficionado.

Photo by DEBBIE OLSEN/Freelance

BOTTOM: An annual pass for the Discovery Wildlife Park in Innisfail makes a great Christmas gift for animal lovers. You can purchase gift certificates for close-up animal experiences at the park.

Photo by PAUL ZIZKA PHOTOGRAPHY

BELOW: A Sunshine card makes a great gift for a skier

B2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

Contributed photo

Snuggle under a blanket and enjoy a romantic carriage ride through the woods of Heritage Ranch taking in the beauty of 20,000 sparkling lights. Following the carriage ride, enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner at Westlake Grill, a bottle of fine wine (or another beverage of your choice), a long stem rose and a box of chocolates. $149 per person. (www.heritageranch.ca)

STORY FROM PAGE B1

GIFT IDEAS: Plan a date night And speaking of admission, annual passes that allow unlimited visits from May through October are currently on sale for $30 per adult, $25 per senior or youth and $20 per child. (www.discoverywildlifepark.com)

Rent a Harley The motorcycle aficionado on your Christmas list would probably love to ride a brand new Harley. You can get a gift certificate to rent a brand new 2016 Harley motorcycle from Gasoline Alley Harley Davidson in Red Deer, one of Canada’s largest Harley franchises and 2014 Canadian Dealer of the Year. Rentals cost $210 per day or $1260 per week and include a helmet

and rain gear. You must have a valid class 6 license or motorcycle endorsement. (gasolinealleyharleydavidson. com/rentals/fleet) If you need a class 6 license, you can also get a gift certificate for that at Alberta Motorcycle Training in Springbrook for $567 for the course and license fee. (www.albertamotorcycletraining.com)

Mud Hero Alberta Canada’s largest obstacle event takes place annually in Red Deer and raises funds to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The event takes place at Canyon Ski Resort on August 5, 6, and 7 2016! Lots of mud, hills, tricky water obstacles and challenging terrain make for a thrilling course.

You can buy tickets to participate in this year’s event online for $60 each before Feb 1, 2016. (www.mudhero. com)

Tube and Dine For a unique date night gift, book

TRAVEL

Disney, Universal and SeaWorld adding metal detectors at theme parks

B.C. tugboat makes Fodors list of world’s best cruises

ORLANDO, Fla. — Three major theme parks announced Thursday that they are adding security measures including metal detectors ahead of the busy holiday season.

Officials at Disney, Universal and SeaWorld’s Florida theme parks said all three parks will be using metal detector screening for guests as they enter.

In addition, Disney is discontinuing the sale of toy guns at both its Florida and California parks and will no longer allow those items to be brought in.

The moves come at a time when many public venues worldwide are stepping up security efforts to thwart possible terrorism or other attacks after recent violence in Paris and San Bernardino, California.

Disney will be randomly selecting guests for secondary screening but wouldn’t say how long the measures would be in place. Universal says its metal detector use is a test and won’t discuss specific future plans. SeaWorld says guests can expect bag checks and wand metal detector checks. “We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate,� Disney said in an emailed statement.

Disney is also no longer allowing guests 14 years and older to wear costumes into its parks. The change is to assist security personnel screen guests more effectively as they enter and while inside the parks.

BRIEFS

VICTORIA — An expedition aboard a converted tugboat to B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest is on Fodors’ list of the world’s best cruises for 2016.

The 12-passenger Swell shares company on the list with a fleet of new ships including Royal Caribbean’s 16-deck Harmony, the world’s largest cruise liner.

Seabourn’s 600-passenger Encore, Carnival’s Imax theatre-equipped Carnival Vista, and the luxurious Seven Seas Explorer from Regent Seven Seas are also among the 15 vessels making the cut.

The tugboat, built in Vancouver in 1912, had its maiden voyage as a boutique expedition ship last April. Its history of service along the B.C. coast includes an appearance in a 1974 episode of CBC-TV’s The Beachcombers.

The Swell has six private cabins, each with ensuite bathroom and shower, and carries kayaks, inflatable boats and fishing gear.

Victoria-based Maple Leaf Adventures is offering sailings aboard the Swell in 2016 to the Great Bear Rainforest from ports including Port McNeill, Bella Bella and Kitimat.

A sample eight-day itinerary in May starts at $4,720 per person and includes rainforest walks, fiord cruising and a visit to the First Nations community of Klemtu.

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the Tube and Dine package at Canyon Ski Resort. For $59.99 per couple you can enjoy a fun evening snow tubing at the tubing park followed by a pasta dinner in the lodge. (www.canyonski. ca)

Ski Passes

ice slide, food, crafts and plenty of outdoor activities. A special Travel Alberta deal gets you two tickets for the price of one online at: iceonwhyte. tickit.ca/travelalberta. It will cost $15 for two tickets.

Ride of a Lifetime

Sunshine ski resort is debuting Canada’s first heated chairlift this season and the ski bum on your Christmas list can enjoy it for less with a Sunshine Marmot Winsport Card. Retailing for $99, the card gives the 1st, 4th and 7th ski days free at Sunshine or Marmot and provides a 15% discount on other days. The passes are sold at Sport Chek retail shops or online. (www. skibanff.com)

Festival Tickets Give the gift of tickets to the annual Ice on Whyte Festival in Edmonton.

The festival takes place Jan 22-24 and features an international ice carving competition, live music, a giant

Find out what it’s like to soar high above the Canadian Rockies in a helicopter. The tour starts in K-Country and takes you over the Three Sisters Peaks, above the magnificent Goat Range and over the radiant blue Spray Lakes. The Three Sisters Peaks Tour is $99 when you mention “Travel Alberta.� (www.alpinehelicopter.com/threesisters-peaks-tour) Debbie Olsen is a Lacombe-based freelance writer. If you have a travel story you would like to share or know someone with an interesting travel story that we might interview, please email: DOGO@ telusplanet.net or write to: Debbie Olsen, c/o Red Deer Advocate, 2950 Bremner Ave., Red Deer, Alta., T4R 1M9.

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RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 B3

Taking yuletide spirit to another level YOU DON’T NEED TO BE GERMAN OR RELIGIOUS TO REVEL IN THE OLD WORLD CELEBRATIONS OF GERMANY’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

BY ANDREA SACHS ADVOCATE NEWS SERVICES

ambitious: an animatronic teddy bear blowing bubbles, angels rolling out dough for springerle biscuits, a garden of rainbow-colored stars.

After a tour above the rooflines, we dropped our heads for some eye-level attractions - if we crouched down.

In the separate children’s section, a train built for short-legged passengers chugged through a wee town outfitted with a working ski gondola and a tiny illuminated church. A sweets shop invited little chefs into its kitchen to bake gingerbread, and a candle workshop arranged vats of dye for dip-yourown candlemaking.

I approached the candle counter and asked to make a star. (Other options: Santa and a moon). The woman laid out a warm square of pink wax and handed me a metal cutter. I stepped onto the raised platform and hunched my shoulders to avoid banging my head on the ceiling. I pressed down into the soft material and watched a dwarf-star galaxy materialize. I pierced a hole in each one, imagining a tree of stars. As I descended the steps, the employee said wistfully, “I wish more adults did this.”

Only a minority of the goods are Made by You; most are Made in Germany, a point of national pride that appears on many signs. I noticed only a few outliers - dream catchers, Buddha statues, wool hats from Nepal - more appropriate for Coachella.

I sifted through baskets of straw stars and bins of wood ornaments shaped like animals, musical instruments and such winter subjects as wreaths, snowmen and polar bears wearing ice skates.

I browsed through handmade brushes suited for hair, keyboards and floors, and a menagerie of cookie cutters including owls, butterflies, hedgehogs and koala bears. Several stands carried treats stamped with Stuttgart’s seal of tradition: the intricately designed springerle, for instance, and the cheeky Stuagerder Rossbolla, a chocolate confection inspired by the animal on the city’s coat of arms, the stud. (Round, brown “drops,” if you get what I mean.)

“One street, one street, one street,” said Elisabeth as she pointed out the different lanes thick with retailers. “There are so many stalls, you can go crazy.”

For the first hour in my first market, I maintained a strict discipline. I would look, ask questions, imagine it in my home - then walk away. However, a gold-winged angel smaller than my thumb melted my resolve. She wore brown pigtails and red shoes and held a yellow balloon between her ball-like hands.

A pair of thick fingers lifted her out of the glass case and deposited her into my palm. I felt my inner miniatures-collecting grandmother trying to escape. I assured myself that one angel wasn’t the gateway drug to a curio cabinet.

I purchased the figurine, then looked over at a blond angel holding a red heart. I’ll be back for you later.

My angel from the Günter Reichel workshop (est. 1989, a fateful year) was part of a broader collection of crafts from the Erzgebirge, an eastern region known for its wooden folk art.

The objects are beyond just cute and well-crafted; they signify a perseverance of tradition and spirit under the Communist regime that controlled East Germany from 1949 until 1990.

“Before ‘89, we couldn’t buy this unless we had a relative in eastern Germany,” Elisabeth said. “And we would send over marzipan and hazelnuts.”

Twenty-five years later, the only challenge we Westerners face is figuring out how to squeeze all of those Erzgebirge pieces into our luggage.

The voice rang through the Ludwigsburg Marktplatz like a church bell and ricocheted off the angel wings suspended above.

“Come and try it,” the voice called out in German. “It’s delicious, delicious, delicious.”

The messenger was Karl Heinz, a jolly red-nosed man who was spreading a gospel of German Christmases past and present: Eat lebkuchen.

“Lebkuchen belongs to Christmas,” said Stefan Koch, who with Heinz was selling gingerbread at the Christmas market held in the baroque square.

“It’s a tradition.”

The spiced treat that evokes fireplaces and snuggly socks is one of the many holiday customs that come out of storage during Germany’s Christmas market season. From late November until a few days before Christmas, more than 2,500 markets pop up across the country. They appear in sprawlPhotos by ADVOCATE NEWS SERVICES ing cities such as Berlin, which boasts about 60 markets; in elfin communities Christmas gifts galore at more than 280 stalls at the Stuttgart market. such as Johanngeorgenstadt, a former mining town with fewer than 5,000 residents; and on royal grounds, including Hohenzollern Castle, the dream house of King Frederick William IV. In spite of the event’s name - known variously as Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Nikolausmarkt and Striezelmarkt - you don’t need to be German or religious to revel in the Old World celebrations.

Nutcrackers and sausage are nondenominational citizens of the world.

“This is Germany! This is Christmas!,” said Thomas Volm, a guide at the holiday market at Hohenzollern Castle, about 40 miles south of Stuttgart. “This is my favorite time of the year. It looks like a bilderbuch - a picture book.”

Germany plunges antlers-first into the spirit of the holiday, and visitors can soak up traditions dating from the late Middle Ages. At the markets, you can sample foods that appeared on royal and ecumenical tables half a millennium ago and purchase seasonal decorations in vogue since the 1700s. Revelers can also raise a mug of glühwein to Martin Luther, the ProtABOVE; estant reformer who shifted the day of Employees at gift-giving from Dec. 6 to Dec. 24.

Hallelujah for extra shopping time! the Richard --Glässer workshop On the morning of the first Advent in Seiffen Sunday, Stuttgart was quiet and peacedemonstrate the ful. Stores were shuttered; churches were open. A trio of men in Santa caps art of making and reindeer antlers silently jogged pyramids and through Schlossplatz Palace Square. nutcrackers.

The Mercedes symbol atop the railway LEFT; At the station gleamed against a pewter sky.

However, a few streets away, more Stuttgart than 280 market stalls were stirring to Christmas market, life. vendors dress up As an introduction to Christmas in the rooftops of Germany, my guide described some of the more common practices. For their stalls. On instance, Elisabeth said, families typdisplay: angels ically decorate their trees on Dec. baking springerle, 24 with white lights, candles, silvery a cookie with an thread, glass-blown balls or straw ornaments - simple and restrained. Chilintricate design. dren receive their presents on Christmas Eve. Elisabeth, who was born in 1944, remembers the gift from her youth: a cookie.

Food is central to the celebrations.

Over the holidays, German households fill their pantries with gingerbread, cinnamon star cookies, stollen and fruit bread, a dense brown loaf not reviled like its American cousin.

“Busy housewives bake it,” she said, “but I buy it.”

The market, which was founded in 1692, carries the main supplies for a genuine German Christmas - with the exception of the Christmas Day goose.

During the day, many of the visitors are from out of town or country. The Swiss, for instance, show up in buses and stock up on gifts that are significantly cheaper than items sold on their side of the border. In the evening, residents arrive all bundled up.

They gather around outdoor tables, socializing TRAVEL WITH 403-347-4990 | 1-888-LET-S-BUS (538-7287) with friends over mulled wine and sausages that www.frontierbuslines.com Visit our website or call for details poke out of round buns SUPERIOR SERVI CE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRI CE “because we care” like dachshund tails.

“The Christmas marPAY FOR 5 kets are very similar with CASINO DAY TRIPS MULTI-DAY TOURS SINGLE DAY TOURS the glühwein and wurtz,” - 6TH DAY TRIP IS FREE Elisabeth said as we passed groups of people clutching commemorative CENTURY mugs filled with the hot DOWNS Feb 13-Mar 1, 2016 beverage.

BACK TO THE 80’S-AN EXCELLENT MUSICAL ADVENTURE Shed the winter blues to beautiful Lake Havasu City, where they CASINO I asked her what makes have 300 days of sunshine per year.

Wednesday January 27/16 Stuttgart’s market unique.

January 12 THE LAST RESORT-COMEDY, MYSTERY, MUSIC AND MURDER! “Stuttgart is special beYELLOWHEAD Wednesday March 30/16 cause of the decorations,” March 17-21, 2016 Stay at the host hotel, enjoy all dinner theatre and weekend. Pass to she replied, adding that CASINO the festival. Early discount-book and pay before Dec. 31 the vendor with the best February 2 rooftop display wins a thousand euros.

Competition is fierce.

“He is very boring,” she said of a hut covered in a mess of leafy branches.

“He won’t win the prize, but he makes very beautiful wooden boxes.”

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SPORTS

B4

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Rebels hang on for victory

BY GREG MEACHEM ADVOCATE SPORTS EDITOR Rebels 5 Ice 4 It was yet again another Red Deer Rebels game that was closer — at least on the scoreboard — than was necessary.

The Rebels were easily the superior team through the vast majority of Friday’s WHL game at the Centrium and yet nearly blew a three-goal, third-period lead before settling for a 5-4 win over the Kootenay Ice. “It came down to fundamentals again,” said Red Deer GM/head coach Brent Sutter, who was critical of his club’s inability to stick to the basics after building a 5-2 lead.

“The last 10 minutes we got way from our game. We didn’t get pucks deep, we tried to play one-on-one hockey and took penalties. Again, it’s stuff we still haven’t learned.”

Red Deer was seemingly set to cruise home with the two points when captain Wyatt Johnson scored a short-handed goal at 6:40 of the final frame.

But the Ice, outshot 45-26 on the evening, clawed their way back when Jared Legien connected at 10:32 and then got a power-play goal from Zak Zborosky less than a minute later.

“You can’t take your foot off the pedal and get away from your game plan,” said Sutter. “We do that and it effects us . It happened again to us tonight to make it close and it didn’t need to be close.”

The Rebels carried the play in the opening period but it was the Ice who struck first, Austin Gray taking a pass from Jesse Zaharichuk and beating Rebels netminder Rylan Toth over the shoulder from the bottom of the faceoff circle. It was Gray’s first goal of the season.

Red Deer drew even a mere 48 seconds into the middle stanza on Ivan Nikolishin’s 19th of the season, his snap shot from the top of the circle finding the far corner past Ice goalie Wyatt Hoflin, who was excellent while making 40 saves.

With the middle of the period approaching, Conner Bleackley notched a go-ahead goal for the Rebels. Bleackley carried the puck over the blueline, broke down the left side, cut wide across the crease and tucked the puck past Hoflin.

The Ice, though, wouldn’t go away.

With Rebels defenceman Colton Bobyk

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Kootenay Ice goaltender Wyatt Hoflin makes save on a shot by Red Deer Rebel Grayson Pawlechuk during first-period action at the Centrium Friday. served a slashing penalty, Matt Alfaro buried a rebound to knot the count at 2-2.

Then came what should have been a major turning point in the contest.

Cale Fleury leveled Rebels forward Presten Kopeck along the centre-ice boards and was assessed a major and game misconduct for a head check at 16:27.

Kopeck stayed down for a brief period and needed help to reach the Red Deer bench — he was back in the game in the third period — but the Rebels took advantage of the infraction with

Bobyk blasting a low slapshot through a crowd and by Holfin with 15 seconds remaining in the period.

Evan Polei added another goal at 1:51 of the final frame with the Ice still short-handed to give the Rebels a twogoal lead and following Johnson’s goal the home squad appeared to be home and free.

However, the Ice had other ideas and reduced Red Deer’s lead to a single goal before pulling Hoflin in favour of an extra attacker and pouring on the pressure in the final 90 seconds.

“Full marks to Kootenay, they bat-

tled and made it close,” said Sutter.

“The last minute and 30 seconds we didn’t get the puck out of our zone.

“But those are things we still have to understand and learn. Good teams, championship teams, don’t get away from the fundamentals. They stay with it and we still have to learn how to do those things the right way.”

The Rebels host the Lethbridge Hurricanes tonight at 7 p.m., then break for the Christmas holidays, returning Dec. 27 for a home game versus the Edmonton Oil Kings. gmeachem@reddeeradvocate.com

Raptors rally to top Heat

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan goes to the basket as Miami Heat’s Hassan Whiteside, left, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday in Miami.

Toronto 108 Miami 94 MIAMI — When the Miami Heat are dealing with adversity, Chris Bosh knows how the team will respond.

It’s the good times that befuddle the Heat. DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points, Kyle Lowry added 21 and the Toronto Raptors erased an 11-point, deficit to beat Miami 108-94.

The Raptors denied the Heat what would have been their first four-game winning streak since the 2014 playoffs.

“I’m not worried about when this team is on edge, after we’ve lost a couple or lost a close one or anything like that,” Bosh said. “I’m worried about when we win three or four in a row, maybe when we get to five, God willing. A team can beat you but they have to beat you at your best. And we weren’t even close to our best tonight.”

The Heat had been 12-0 when facing Toronto with Bosh in the lineup against his former team.

“I’ll let him know,” DeRozan said.

“It’s just crazy how long it’s been. All of the years playing with him and all the times playing against him … just finally beating him.”

Luis Scola scored 20, Terrence Ross finished with 17 and James Johnson added 13 for the Raptors, who outscored Miami 58-39 after halftime.

Each of Miami’s last seven three-game winning streaks has now been immediately followed by a loss, including three already this season.

Dwyane Wade scored 21 points, Gerald Green had 20 and Goran Dragic scored 18 for the Heat. Hassan Whiteside had 13 rebounds and Bosh finished with 11 points.

“I liked the way we competed,” Toronto coach Dwane Casey said. “I thought we came out of the locker room in the second half, third quarter, juices flowing a little bit.”

Down 64-53 early in the third, the Raptors made 13 of their next 16 shots — Whiteside blocked two of the three misses in that stretch — and turned the game around with 26-8 run. Ross’ 3-pointer late in the third capped the flurry, putting Toronto up 79-72.

Miami scored to get within three points or less on six separate occasions after that, including Wade’s layup with 6:12 left that cut it to 90-89.

Please see RAPTORS on Page B6

RDC squads enter break on top of divisions

BY DANNY RODE SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE The rich get richer, which is the case with the RDC Kings basketball and volleyball teams.

The basketball Kings went into the Christmas break sitting on top of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference South Division with a 9-0 record and ranked No. 4 in the country. All they did was add six-foot-eight Shayne Stumpf of Lacombe.

The volleyball Kings are also first in the South Division with an 11-1 record and ranked third in Canada. They definitely strengthened their outside hitting with the addition of Matt Lofgren

and Riley Friesen.

Basketball Kings head coach Clayton Pottinger knows he added depth and versatility.

“I considered Shayne the best forward in the league last year. In terms of basketball IQ I don’t see anyone in the league better. So he’s a great addition for us,” said Pottinger, who recruited Stumpf from Lacombe when he arrived at RDC in 2011, but the talented forward committed to Mount Royal University.

He averaged 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game during his rookie season. He took the following year off before joining the SAIT Trojans for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. He averaged 15.4 points per game and 8.9

Greg Meachem, Sports Editor, 403-314-4363 E-mail gmeachem@reddeeradvocate.com

rebounds during his first season with SAIT and 14.8 points and 9.0 rebounds his second.

Each year he returned to Central Alberta during the summer and worked out with many of the RDC Kings.

He indicated this season he would return home and join the Kings, but received an offer to play in France.

“It was an opportunity for him to see what he could do, but it was in Division 5 and he decided it wasn’t for him so he returned home,” explained Pottinger, who likes the fact he’s from Central Alberta.

“He’s a Central Alberta guy, which is great, plus he now gives us the best two big men to come out of this area

>>>>

in several years in Shayne and Dallas (Hancox).”

The Kings also have former Lindsay Thurber star Spencer Klassen, who is developing into a solid college player.

Stumpf can play either forward slot or in the post. He joins Matt Matear, Hancox, Anthony Ottley and Tyler Wise up front.

“Shayne is a 4 (power forward) who can shoot,” said Pottinger. “We’ve been playing Dallas and Matear at the 4 and 5 and using Anthony at the 4 a lot. With Shayne coming in we can switch Anthony back to the 3.”

Please see COLLEGE on Page B6

SEE MORE ONLINE AT WWW.REDDEERADVOCATE.COM

SCOREBOARD

Sunday • Minor midget AAA hockey: Calgary Canucks at Red Deer North Star, noon, Arena.

• Peewee AA hockey: Red Deer Parkland at Olds, 12:15 p.m.; Foothills at Central Alberta, 2 p.m., Lacombe.

• Major bantam girls hockey: Calgary Outlaws at Red Deer, 2:15 p.m., Collicutt Centre.

• Bantam AA hockey: Red Deer Steel Kings at Olds, 2:45 p.m.

• Heritage junior B hockey: Cochrane at Blackfalds, 3:30 p.m.

• Men’s basketball: Grandview vs.

Monstars, Chillibongs vs. Washed up Warriors, Johns Manville vs. Rusty Chuckers, 4:15 p.m.; NWS vs. Carstar, Lacombe All Sports Cresting vs. Henry’s Eavestroughing, Triple A Batteries vs.

Alken Basin, 5:30 p.m.; all games at Lindsay Thurber.

• Midget AA hockey: Red Deer Indy Graphics at Olds, 5:30 p.m.

Football

Thursday’s Game St. Louis 31, Tampa Bay 23 Saturday’s Game N.Y. Jets at Dallas, 6:25 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Chicago at Minnesota, 11 a.m.

Atlanta at Jacksonville, 11 a.m.

Houston at Indianapolis, 11 a.m.

Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 11 a.m.

Tennessee at New England, 11 a.m.

Buffalo at Washington, 11 a.m.

Kansas City at Baltimore, 11 a.m.

Cleveland at Seattle, 2:05 p.m.

Green Bay at Oakland, 2:05 p.m.

Miami at San Diego, 2:25 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Francisco, 2:25 p.m.

Denver at Pittsburgh, 2:25 p.m.

Arizona at Philadelphia, 6:30 p.m.

Monday’s Game Detroit at New Orleans, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 24 San Diego at Oakland, 6:25 p.m.

PA 253 256 301 331 PA 356 291 357 326 PA 229 260 326 357 PA 225 243 326 334 PA 307 322 320 305 PA 243 295 353 397 PA 245 255 314 336 PA 252 235 294 315

WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF GA Pt Brandon 34 21 10 1 2 129 94 45 Prince Albert 33 19 11 2 1 103 100 41 Moose Jaw 33 16 12 4 1 113 104 37 Regina 34 15 15 2 2 104 117 34 Saskatoon 32 12 17 3 0 97 135 27 Swift Current 33 10 19 3 1 78 106 24 CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF GA Pt Lethbridge 34 23 11 0 0 142 104 46 Red Deer 34 23 11 0 0 126 98 46 Calgary 36 22 12 1 1 118 108 46 Edmonton 35 13 19 3 0 94 116 29 Medicine Hat 33 11 19 2 1 101 129 25 Kootenay 35 6 27 2 0 68 149 14 WESTERN CONFERENCE B.C. DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF GA Pt Kelowna 34 25 8 1 0 130 96 51 Victoria 34 21 11 1 1 115 77 44 Prince George 33 20 11 1 1 110 93 42 Kamloops 31 16 11 3 1 114 101 36 Vancouver 35 11 19 3 2 100 126 27 U.S. DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF GA Pt Everett 31 19 10 0 2 88 68 40 Seattle 31 18 11 2 0 105 93 38 Spokane 33 16 13 3 1 109 113 36 Portland 32 16 16 0 0 109 103 32 Tri-City 32 13 18 1 0 99 122 27 z-league title y-conference title d-division leader x-clinched playoff berth. Note: Division leaders ranked in top two positions per conference regardless of points a team winning in overtime or shootout is credited with two points and a victory in the W column the team losing in overtime or shootout receives one point which is registered in the OTL or SOL columns Friday’s results Kamloops 2 Moose Jaw 1 Prince Albert 3 Kelowna 1 Saskatoon 6 Regina 4 Brandon 4 Swift Current 1 Lethbridge 3 Edmonton 1 Calgary 2 Medicine Hat 0 Red Deer 5 Kootenay 4 Victoria 2 Prince George 0 Portland 2 Spokane 1 (OT) Everett 3 Vancouver 2 (OT) Tri-City at Seattle, 8:35 p.m.

Today’s games Kamloops at Swift Current, 6 p.m.

Brandon at Prince Albert, 6 p.m.

Moose Jaw at Regina, 6 p.m.

Kelowna at Saskatoon, 6:05 p.m.

Medicine Hat at Calgary, 7 p.m.

Kootenay at Edmonton, 7 p.m.

Lethbridge at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Victoria at Prince George, 8 p.m.

Vancouver at Everett, 8:05 p.m.

Portland at Spokane, 8:05 p.m.

Seattle at Tri-City, 8:05 p.m.

FRIDAY’S SUMMARIES Rebels 5, Ice 4 First Period 1. Kootenay, Gray 1 (Zaharichuk, Allbee) 13:23.

Penalties — None.

Second Period 2. Red Deer, Nikolishin 19 (Kopeck, Johnson) :48.

3. Red Deer, Bleackley 8 (Doetzel, Hagel) 9:39.

4. Kootenay, Alfaro 8 (Fleury, Murray) 16:27 (pp).

5. Red Deer, Bobyk 10 (Hagel) 19:45 (pp).

Penalties — Bleackley RD (hooking) 2:25, Alfaro Koo (hooking) 10:11, Bobyk RD (slashing) 15:05, Fleury Koo (Major - Checking to the Head) 17:42.

Third Period 6. Red Deer, Polei 12 (De Wit, Pederson) 1:51 (pp).

7. Red Deer, Johnson 8 (unassisted) 6:40 (shorthanded-SH).

8. Kootenay, Legien 2 (Beattie, Murray) 10:32.

9. Kootenay, Zborosky 13 (Alfaro, Zaharichuk) 12:06 (pp).

Penalties — Fleury Koo (game misconduct) 2:42, Musil RD (hooking) 6:21, Hagel RD (tripping) 11:37.

Shots on goal by Kootenay 11 7 8 — 26 Red Deer 14 21 11 — 46 Goal — Kootenay: Hoflin (L, 4-19-1) Red Deer: Toth (W, 17-9-0).

Power plays (goal-chances) — Kootenay: 2-4 Red Deer: 2-2.

Referees — Adam Griffiths, Brett Iverson.

Linesmen — Sean Donnelly, Michael Roberts.

Attendance — 5,129 at Red Deer.

NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF Montreal 33 20 10 3 43 101 Boston 31 18 9 4 40 102 Detroit 32 16 9 7 39 82 Ottawa 33 17 11 5 39 102 Florida 33 17 12 4 38 88 Tampa Bay 33 16 14 3 35 81 Buffalo 33 14 16 3 31 77 Toronto 30 10 13 7 27 72 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF Washington 31 23 6 2 48 96 N.Y. Rangers 34 19 11 4 42 98 N.Y. Islanders 33 18 10 5 41 91 New Jersey 32 16 12 4 36 77 Philadelphia 32 14 12 6 34 68 Pittsburgh 31 15 13 3 33 70 Carolina 32 12 15 5 29 77 Columbus 34 12 19 3 27 83 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF Dallas 32 23 7 2 48 108

GA 76 82 83 97 76 78 86 86 GA 67 84 79 80 86 80 98 105 GA 83

St. Louis Minnesota Chicago Nashville Colorado Winnipeg

Goal (shots-saves) — Tampa Bay: Bishop (L, 13-10-2) Washington: Holtby (12-9), Grubauer (W, 3-2-1)(9:04 second, 7-7).

33 30 33 32 33 32

19 10 4 42 84 79 17 7 6 40 84 70 18 11 4 40 89 78 15 11 6 36 82 83 16 16 1 33 90 89 15 15 2 32 90 97 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles 31 20 9 2 42 81 66 San Jose 32 16 15 1 33 85 87 Calgary 31 15 14 2 32 83 105 Vancouver 34 12 14 8 32 85 97 Arizona 31 14 15 2 30 86 102 Edmonton 33 14 17 2 30 87 100 Anaheim 30 11 14 5 27 56 76 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Capitals 5, Lightning 3 First Period 1. Tampa Bay, Killorn 5 (Marchessault, Coburn) 8:18.

Second Period 2. Tampa Bay, Sustr 1 (Kucherov) 6:54.

3. Tampa Bay, Stamkos 12 (Hedman, Stralman) 9:04.

4. Washington, Ovechkin 15 (Oshie, Carlson) 13:49 (pp).

Third Period 5. Washington, Oshie 11 (unassisted) 7:54.

6. Washington, Ovechkin 16 (Chimera, Williams) 10:02 (pp).

7. Washington, Johansson 6 (Oshie, Ovechkin) 14:16 (pp).

8. Washington, Oshie 12 (Backstrom, Ovechkin) 19:35 (en).

Goal — Tampa Bay: Bishop (L, 13-10-2) Washington: Grubauer (W, 3-2-1).

Friday’s Games Vancouver 4, Detroit 3, SO Boston 6, Pittsburgh 2 Washington 5, Tampa Bay 3 Florida 2, Carolina 0 Ottawa 4, San Jose 2 Winnipeg 5, N.Y. Rangers 2 Today’s Games Chicago at Buffalo, 11 a.m.

Calgary at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Los Angeles at Toronto, 5 p.m.

Anaheim at New Jersey, 5 p.m.

Carolina at Pittsburgh, 5 p.m.

Philadelphia at Columbus, 5 p.m.

Montreal at Dallas, 5 p.m.

Minnesota at Nashville, 6 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Arizona, 7 p.m.

Edmonton at Colorado, 8 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Vancouver at Florida, 2 p.m.

New Jersey at Boston, 3 p.m.

Ottawa at Tampa Bay, 3 p.m.

Calgary at Detroit, 5 p.m.

Washington at N.Y. Rangers, 5 p.m.

San Jose at Chicago,5 p.m.

Jets 5, RANGERS 2 First Period 1. Winnipeg, Little 11 (Wheeler) 5:03.

2. Winnipeg, Little 12 (Wheeler, Ladd) 7:34.

3. NY Rangers, Miller 6 (Hayes, Yandle) 14:01.

4. Winnipeg, Byfuglien 9 (Scheifele) 17:31.

Second Period 5. NY Rangers, Boyle 3 (McDonagh, Brassard) 14:12 (pp).

6. Winnipeg, Myers 3 (Wheeler, Little) 16:14.

Third Period 7. Winnipeg, Ladd 9 (Wheeler) 18:59 (en).

Goal — NY Rangers: Lundqvist (L, 15-8-3) Winnipeg: Hellebuyck (W, 5-2-0).

FRIDAY’S SUMMARIES Capitals 5, Lightning 3 First Period 1. Tampa Bay, Killorn 5 (Marchessault, Coburn) 8:18.

Second Period 2. Tampa Bay, Sustr 1 (Kucherov) 6:54.

3. Tampa Bay, Stamkos 12 (Hedman, Stralman) 9:04.

4. Washington, Ovechkin 15 (Oshie, Carlson) 13:49 (pp).

Third Period 5. Washington, Oshie 11 (unassisted) 7:54.

6. Washington, Ovechkin 16 (Chimera, Williams) 10:02 (pp).

7. Washington, Johansson 6 (Oshie, Ovechkin) 14:16 (pp).

8. Washington, Oshie 12 (Backstrom, Ovechkin) 19:35 (en).

Senators 4, Sharks 2 First Period No Scoring.

Second Period 1. San Jose, Thornton 5 (Burns, Pavelski) :29 (pp).

2. Ottawa, Ryan 11 (unassisted) 4:46.

Third Period 3. Ottawa, Pageau 9 (Dziurzynski, Ceci) 8:22.

4. Ottawa, Wideman 4 (Lazar, Prince) 13:06.

5. Ottawa, Karlsson 8 (Hoffman, Ryan) 15:51.

6. San Jose, Burns 12 (unassisted) 17:36.

Goal — San Jose: Stalock (L, 2-5-0) Ottawa: Anderson (W, 15-9-3).

Basketball NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct Toronto 17 11 .607 Boston 14 13 .519 New York 13 14 .481 Brooklyn 7 19 .269 Philadelphia 1 27 .036 Southeast Division W L Pct Miami 15 10 .600 Charlotte 15 10 .600 Orlando 15 11 .577 Atlanta 16 12 .571 Washington 10 14 .417 Central Division W L Pct Cleveland 17 7 .708

GB — 2.5 3.5 9 16 GB — — 1/2 1/2 4.5 GB —

Indiana Chicago Detroit Milwaukee

16 9 .640 15 9 .625 16 12 .571 10 17 .370 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct San Antonio 23 5 .821 Dallas 15 12 .556 Memphis 14 14 .500 Houston 13 14 .481 New Orleans 7 18 .280 Northwest Division W L Pct Oklahoma City 17 9 .654 Utah 11 14 .440 Denver 11 15 .423 Portland 11 17 .393 Minnesota 10 16 .385

1.5 2 3 8.5 GB — 7.5 9 9.5 14.5 GB — 5.5 6 7 7

Pacific Division W L Pct 25 1 .962 16 11 .593 11 16 .407 10 16 .385 4 22 .154

Friday’s Games Indiana 104, Brooklyn 97 New York 107, Philadelphia 97 Orlando 102, Portland 94 Atlanta 109, Boston 101 Detroit 147, Chicago 144,4OT Minnesota 99, Sacramento 95 San Antonio 115, L.A. Clippers 107 Toronto 108, Miami 94 Dallas 97, Memphis 88 Utah 97, Denver 88

Milwaukee at Golden State, 8:30 p.m.

New Orleans at Phoenix, 8:30 p.m.

Today’s Games L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, 3 p.m.

Charlotte at Washington, 5 p.m.

Chicago at New York, 5:30 p.m.

Indiana at Memphis, 6 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Houston, 6 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Portland at Miami, 11 a.m.

Minnesota at Brooklyn, 11 a.m.

Philadelphia at Cleveland, 1:30 p.m.

Milwaukee at Phoenix, 3 p.m.

Sacramento at Toronto, 4 p.m.

Atlanta at Orlando, 4 p.m.

New Orleans at Denver, 6 p.m.

the practice squad.

JACKSONVILLE — Released RB Jahwan Edwards from the practice squad. Signed WR Rashad Lawrence to the practice squad.

MIAMI — Signed RB Trey Williams and DE Julius Warmsley to the practice squad.

N.Y. JETS — Placed WR Devin Smith on injured reserve. Signed LB Taiwan Jones from the practice squad.

OAKLAND — Signed LB Josh Shirley to the practice squad.

ST. LOUIS — Placed DE Robert Quinn on injured reserve. Signed DT Doug Worthington from the practice squad.

SEATTLE — Signed WR B.J. Daniels and CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste to the practice squad.

NHL CHICAGO — Recalled F Phillip Danault from Rockford (AHL).

N.Y. RANGERS — Assigned D Brady Skjei to Hartford (AHL). Recalled G Magnus Hellberg and D Chris Summers from Hartford.

American Hockey League AHL — Suspended Utica C Wacey Hamilton one game.

ALBANY DEVILS — Returned F Greg Wolfe to Adirondack (ECHL).

LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS — Assigned D

Mike Marcou to Reading (ECHL).

HARTFORD WOLF PACK — Recalled G Jeff Malcolm from Greenville (ECHL). Signed D Nick Petrecki to a professional tryout agreement.

HERSHEY BEARS — Assigned F Austin Fyten to South Carolina (ECHL).

ECHL ADIRONDACK THUNDER — Signed F Peter MacArthur.

READING ROYALS — Loaned F Cam Reid to Utica (AHL).

TULSA OILERS — Released D/F Justin Mansfield.

WHEELING NAILERS — Signed F Mathieu Papineau. Added G Jake Reed as emergency backup.

National Lacrosse League BUFFALO BANDITS — Placed T Andrew Watt on injured reserve and F Steve Hinek on the holdout list. Assigned T David Brock, M Tim Edwards, D/T Craig England and D Adam Will to the practice squad.

COLORDO MAMMOTH — Announced the retirement of D John Gallant.

Major League Soccer COLUMBUS CREW — Signed D Corey Ashe.

TORONTO FC — Traded M Will Johnson to Portland for targeted allocation money and a conditional 2017 second-round draft pick.

Golden State L.A. Clippers Phoenix Sacramento L.A. Lakers

GB — 9.5 14.5 15 21

Transactions American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Agreed to terms with RHP Nate Jones on a three-year contract.

CLEVELAND — Agreed to terms with RHP Jarrett Grube on a minor league contract. Designated OF Jerry Sands for assignment.

HOUSTON — Named Jeremiah Randall trainer, Daniel Roberts assistant trainer, Scott Barringer minor league medical co-ordinator and Rachel Balkovec Latin America strength and conditioning co-ordinator.

KANSAS CITY — Agreed to terms with RHP Dillon Gee on a minor league contract.

L.A. ANGELS — Claimed RHP A.J. Achter off waivers from Philadelphia.

SEATTLE — Designated OF Dan Robertson for assignment. Traded LHP Tyler Olson to the L.A. Dodgers for a player to be named or cash.

TEXAS — Agreed to terms with RHP Matt Bush on a minor league contract.

TORONTO — Claimed OF Junior Lake off waivers from Baltimore. Agreed to terms with LHPs Wade LeBlanc and Pat McCoy and RHPs Scott Copeland, Roberto Hernandez and Brad Penny.

National League ATLANTA — Designated RHP Brandon Cunniff for assignment. Agreed to terms with INF Emilio Bonifacio on a one-year contract.

L.A. DODGERS — Designated RHP Danny Reynolds for assignment.

MIAMI — Agreed to terms with C Jeff Mathis on a one-year contract.

MILWAUKEE — Agreed to terms with LHP Nick Hagadone on a minor league contract.

PHILADELPHIA — Traded RHP Dan Otero to Cleveland for cash.

PITTSBURGH — Agreed to terms with RHP Ryan Vogelsong on a one-year contract.

WASHINGTON — Agreed to terms with LHP Aaron Laffey on a minor league contract.

NBA LEAGUE — Suspended Houston G Ty Lawson two games for driving while ability impaired.

PHILADELPHIA — Named Mike D’Antoni associate head coach. Assigned F Christian Wood to Delaware (NBADL).

NFL LEAGUE — Fined Cincinnati LB Vontaze Burfict $69,454, Pittsburgh S Mike Mitchell $23,152 and Pittsburgh CBs William Gay and Brandon Boykin and WR Antonio Brown $8,681 for their actions during last week’s game.

ATLANTA — Placed C James Stone on injured reserve. Signed LB Tyler Starr from the practice squad.

INDIANAPOLIS — Signed DT Kelcy Quarles to

Sharks thriving on the road, but lose at home TORONTO — There’s no place like the road for the San Jose Sharks.

They’ve beaten the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs to open a five-game trip and lead the NHL with 12 road wins and 25 points away from San Jose.

That success is the point of some pride, but also plenty of frustration about why it’s not the same at home, where the Sharks are 4-9-0.

“We have no idea, or else we would fix it at home,” defenceman Marc-Edouard Vlasic said. “Maybe we get to sleep longer, maybe practices are shorter, I don’t know what it is.”

Captain Joe Pavelski, who leads the team with 15 goals and 31 points, said the Sharks don’t beat themselves on the road, where they’re 12-5-1. They swept a sixgame swing in November and appear to play a more simple game.

Defenceman Brent Burns, who scored

the overtime winner against the Leafs, joked that “maybe the wives talk too much to us.” He quickly apologized for the humour that might get him in trouble at home.

“I don’t know, we’re trying some things to change it up,” Burns said. “Maybe our routines are different. Definitely more sleep (on the road) for the guys who have kids.”

Long road trips are normal for Western Conference teams, especially those on the West Coast. But it’s an adjustment for coach Peter DeBoer, whose first two

NHL stops were with Florida and New Jersey.

He’s not worried about his players.

“It’s old hat for them,” DeBoer said.

“They’re comfortable doing it. The time changes, those type of things, it must be something you get used to and they handle it really well.”

And then there are games at SAP Center, known as the “Shark Tank.” The Sharks have lost three in a row there.

“It doesn’t make sense,” DeBoer said.

“We should be more comfortable at home.”

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Today • Minor midget AAA hockey: Calgary Blazers at Red Deer Strata Energy, 11:30 a.m., Arena.

• Peewee AA hockey: Foothills at Red Deer TBS, 12:30 p.m., Kinsmen A; Okotoks Green at Olds, 1 p.m.; Okotoks Black at West Central, 7:30 p.m., Rimbey.

• Major bantam hockey: Calgary Flames at Red Deer, 2 p.m., Arena.

• Major bantam girls hockey: Calgary Rangers at Red Deer, 2:15 p.m., Collicutt Centre.

• Bantam AA hockey: Red Deer Steel Kings at Red Deer Ramada, 2:30 p.m., Kinex; West Central at Olds, 3:30 p.m.

• Junior women’s hockey: Thorsby at Central Alberta, 4:15 p.m., Penhold Regional Multiplex.

• WHL: Lethbridge at Red Deer, 7 p.m., Centrium.

• Chinook senior AAA hockey: Stony Plain at Bentley, 7 p.m.

• AJHL: Drumheller at Olds, 7 p.m.

• Heritage junior B hockey: Three Hills at Stettler, 7:30 p.m.; Blackfalds at Red Deer, 8 p.m., Arena; Airdrie at Ponoka, 8 p.m.

• Midget AA hockey: Olds at Red Deer Indy Graphics, 4:45 p.m., Arena; Bow Valley at West Central, 8 p.m., Sylvan Lake.

NFL AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF y-New England 11 2 0 .846 402 N.Y. Jets 8 5 0 .615 325 Buffalo 6 7 0 .462 316 Miami 5 8 0 .385 264 South W L T Pct PF Indianapolis 6 7 0 .462 275 Houston 6 7 0 .462 259 Jacksonville 5 8 0 .385 326 Tennessee 3 10 0 .231 253 North W L T Pct PF Cincinnati 10 3 0 .769 354 Pittsburgh 8 5 0 .615 344 Baltimore 4 9 0 .308 278 Cleveland 3 10 0 .231 240 West W L T Pct PF Denver 10 3 0 .769 281 Kansas City 8 5 0 .615 331 Oakland 6 7 0 .462 299 San Diego 3 10 0 .231 250 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF Washington 6 7 0 .462 281 Philadelphia 6 7 0 .462 301 N.Y. Giants 6 7 0 .462 338 Dallas 4 9 0 .308 230 South W L T Pct PF y-Carolina 13 0 0 1.000 411 Atlanta 6 7 0 .462 279 Tampa Bay 6 8 0 .429 311 New Orleans 5 8 0 .385 323 North W L T Pct PF Green Bay 9 4 0 .692 317 Minnesota 8 5 0 .615 258 Chicago 5 8 0 .385 272 Detroit 4 9 0 .308 267 West W L T Pct PF x-Arizona 11 2 0 .846 405 Seattle 8 5 0 .615 340 St. Louis 6 8 0 .429 241 San Francisco 4 9 0 .308 188 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Hockey

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B6 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

Skill guys getting more chances CANADA CHANGING THE WAY IT BUILDS HOCKEY TEAMS

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Another disappointing defeat at the world junior championship in 2014 hung over Hockey Canada. Management knew it messed up by leaving skilled players like Max Domi and Darnell Nurse off the team that finished fourth in Malmo, Sweden.

Two months later, a star-studded Canadian team that had the likes of Patrick Sharp, P.K. Subban and Martin St. Louis as extras and won gold at the Sochi Olympics and changed Canada’s approach to its the national winter sport.

Coach Mike Babcock’s message was: “You can ask guys to work hard, you can teach guys to block shots. Who’s going to score? Who’s going to bring the offence?” It’s now the mantra for all of Hockey Canada.

Gone are the days of Canada picking role players like Rob Zamuner, Shayne Corson or Kris Draper over players with more talent. The upcoming world junior team is the latest example of Hockey Canada’s seismic shift from the old reputation of big, hard and strong to the exploitation of skill, skill and more skill.

“The identity of the Canadian team has changed,” Hockey Canada vice-president of hockey operations Scott Salmond said. “There has been a cultural change, and I think European teams are now looking at Canadian teams and saying, ‘Geez, these guys play a real skilled game.”’

Like Zamuner and Corson at the 1998 Olympics and Draper in 2006, Domi is the poster boy at the junior level for what not to do. Two years ago, director of player personnel Ryan Jankowski said Hockey Canada knew immediately it had made a mistake not to select him when during an exhibition game against Sweden “we didn’t touch the puck.”

Canada struggled to score and lost to Finland in the semifinals.

“We left Max off the first year because we didn’t feel he conformed to the way that we wanted the game played, and we weren’t very good that year in Malmo,” Jankowski said. “We didn’t have enough skill, we didn’t have enough talent, we took role players.”

Babcock and Team Canada’s dominant, undefeated run to gold in Sochi created what Salmond called the

new blueprint. Canada overloaded other teams with so much skill that they owned the puck, played in the offensive zone the majority of games and locked down defensively when they had to in front of all-world goaltender Carey Price.

“We did the same in 2010 in Vancouver,” Babcock said. “To me you take the best players, that’s what you do and you can always get them to do whatever you want them to do, you just tell them what you want.”

If there was any reluctance from Hockey Canada to abandon the roughand-tumble, physical brand of hockey the country had been known for, Sochi blew away any arguments. Teams at the under-18, under-20 and world championship levels have followed suit to golden perfection, and the World Cup team will follow the same recipe. At the crux of the new philosophy is Canada’s depth of talent. Salmond and Jankowski pointed out that other nations’ top two lines and defensive pairings have gotten progressively better, but where Canada can and should succeed is down the lineup.

“It’s such a shift because traditionally we were two skilled lines, a third line that was two-way, a fourth line that was that energy — Jordin Tootoo,” Jankowski said. “What happened was our third and fourth lines weren’t good enough. The other countries are too good, and when we’re leaving off our skilled players, we’re playing right into their hands.”

At last year’s world juniors, big Toronto Maple Leafs centre prospect Frederik Gauthier was the only real role player, as skilled players like Brayden Point got an opportunity to play. With Domi, Connor McDavid and others playing defence and scoring almost at will, the result on home ice was the defiant end to a five-year gold-medal drought. Credit belonged to coach Benoit Groulx for taking his “world-class” players and getting them to buy in. That challenge is now in the hands of Canadian coach Dave Lowry, who has plenty of skill at his disposal with returnees Point, Lawson Crouse, Jake Virtanen and Joe Hicketts and newcomers like top-five NHL draft picks Mitch Marner and Dylan Strome.

“You’re going to see Mitch Marner blocking shots, you’re going to see all these guys doing a number of different things, but let’s not cut our skill in half,” Jankowski said.

SPORTS

BRIEFS

Carroll’s 31 points not enough for Warriors Wells Furniture, with Dave McComish netting 17 points and Joe Thibeau scoring 15, downed the Washed Up Warriors 90-84 in a Central Alberta Senior Men’s Basketball Association game Thursday.

Joel Carroll paced the Warriors with 31 points, while Clint Unsworth contributed 24.

Stamps re-sign promising Canadian Parker CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have re-signed national receiver Anthony Parker.

The Vancouver native had 31 catches for a career-high 443 yards and two touchdowns in 18 games last season.

He was Calgary’s leading receiver in its final regular-season game with four passes for 122 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown.

Parker started in both of the Stampeders’ playoffs games, totalling five catches for 48 yards and adding a twopoint convert.

“Anthony has worked very hard during his time with the Stamps,” said Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel in a release. “He’s made some big plays for us when called upon and has made progress every season.

I believe he has the potential to grow even more and I look forward to watching his continued development.”

Parker was selected third overall by the Stampeders in 2011 CFL draft. He has 91 receptions for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns over 72 regular-season games.

Brady listed as questionable FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was listed on the team’s injury report Friday with an illness that made him questionable Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Brady did not practice with the team, according to the injury report.

Since he took over when Drew Bledsoe was injured in Week 2 of the 2001 season, Brady has played in every game of every season except for 2008, when he was injured in the first quarter of the opener and missed the rest of the season.

Backup Jimmy Garoppolo has appeared in four games this season and has not thrown a pass this year.

The injury report also said linebackers Eric Martin (concussion) and

Jonathan Freeny (hand) would miss Sunday’s game. Receiver Julian Edelman is doubtful, meaning he is likely to miss his fifth straight game since breaking his foot.

Inkster appointed US captain for Solheim Cup Juli Inkster is returning as the U.S. captain for the Solheim Cup, and this time it will be a home game.

Inkster becomes the fourth American to be captain a second time, and she will try to join Judy Rankin as the only captains of two winning teams.

The Americans rallied to beat Europe in Germany this year.

The 2017 matches will be at Des Moines Country Club in Iowa.

Inkster was introduced Thursday along with players Brittany Lang and Gerina Piller, who made the putt that clinched the American victory.

Inkster played on nine Solheim Cup teams. She won the career Grand Slam on the LPGA Tour and is in the Hall of Fame.

Jays claim Lake off of waivers, sign five to minorleague deals TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed outfielder Junior Lake off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles Lake appeared in 29 games last season for the Chicago Cubs and Orioles batting .200 with a home run and five runs batted in.

In parts of three seasons, the sixfoot-three, 215-pound right-handed hitter from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic has posted a .237 average with 16 home runs, 46 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. The Blue Jays also announced that they have agreed to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training camp with right-handed pitchers Scott Copeland, Roberto Hernandez and Brad Penny and lefties Wade LeBlanc and Pat McCoy.

Slumping Canucks recall Vey DETROIT — The Vancouver Canucks have recalled centre Linden Vey from their American Hockey League affiliate ahead of Friday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

The move comes after Vancouver captain Henrik Sedin left Thursday’s 2-0 loss in Philadelphia with a lower-body injury.

Vey has three goals and 12 assists in 26 games for the Utica Comets so far this season.

The 24-year-old appeared in 75 games for the Canucks in 2014-15, registering 10 goals and 14 assists, but failed to make the club out of training camp this season.

Courtside crash raises concerns for NBA fan safety

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CLEVELAND — For years, NBA fans have been willing to pay thousands to sit courtside and watch some of the world’s most powerful athletes run and jump.

Up close, there is nothing quite like the experience.

On Thursday night, that thrill came with a heavy price.

Chasing after a loose ball, Cavaliers superstar LeBron James crashed into the wife of PGA golf champion Jason Day, sending her tumbling violently backward from her seat in an incident that could push the league to consider changes to protect its fans.

Ellie Day, who gave birth to her second child last month, was hospitalized from the impact of the scary encounter with the 6-foot-8, 250-pound James.

Ellie Day was released from MetroHealth Medical Center early Friday morning, according to hospital spokeswoman Tina Shaerban Arundel.

Jason Day’s agent later said in a statement that she was suffering from concussion symptoms and resting comfortably. Bud Martin added that Ellie Day had no hard feelings toward James, quoting her as saying, “He was just doing his job. Go Cavs.”

James was unable to slow himself in time from plowing into Ellie Day, who was sitting next to her husband enjoying the Cavs’ 104-100 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

James spoke briefly to Ellie Day as she was being immobilized and strapped to a backboard before being carried out of Quicken Loans Arena.

“She squeezed my hand and said she was fine. I think she was just a little weary,” said James, who was noticeably shaken by the incident.

It’s not uncommon for players to dive into the stands in NBA games. On a few occasions there have been minor injuries, but to this point nothing serious.

But fans are paying big money for premium seats that are closer than ever, creating the potential for problems.

Cavs coach David Blatt, who spent years coaching

STORIES FROM B4

COLLEGE: Injuries abound The Kings also have one of the premier scorers in the country in guard Ian Tevis along with two of the top guards in the ACAC in Matt Johnson and JP Leblanc, who has recovered from his shoulder injury. As well Wise has recovered from a back injury that kept him sidelined for most of the first half.

RDC finishes exams this week so Pottinger won’t know until next week if he loses any players.

“I’d be surprised if I didn’t as there’s always stuff that goes on every year,” he said. “But it looked like all the major players will be back.”

Lofgren and Friesen both come in with experience and help fill a hole on the left side.

Lofgren, a native of Kamloops, B.C. and a former Team B.C. player while in high school, played with SAIT and Lethbridge College and spent last season at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. Friesen, a six-foot-seven native of Calgary, played two years with Mount Royal University.

“We’re definitely banged up on the left side, so they give us much needed depth and experience,” said Kings head coach Aaron Schulha. “As well Riley can play on the right side, which gives us depth in case Nic (Dubinsky) needs some time off.

“The great thing is they both have experience and will step right in. I know we’re excited to see how they fit in.”

The Kings had only Regan Fathers and Grady Mawer as healthy players at power. Kashtin De Souza is suffering from a back injury and Tanner Rehn

is out for the season with a concussion.

As well Brian Grenier isn’t expected back for the second half.

Both players are coming in after sitting out the first half of the season.

“They both wanted to take time off, but after sitting out got the desire back,” said Schulha. “Matt’s name came up when we first started looking for another power hitter and Riley is a friend of (RDC middle) Tommy (Lyon) and Nic.” Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter who can be reached at drode@reddeeradvocate.com. His work can also be seen at rdc.ab.ca/athleticsblog.-

RAPTORS: Kings next up But Toronto never got caught, and Lowry got the roll on a layup with 2:25 left to put the Raptors up 10 and wrap up the win.

“I think it would be a discredit to them to say it was all just an exhale on our part,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “They really stepped up their defensive pressure … and we were never able to get it back.”

TIP-INS Raptors: Lowry was 3 for 17 from 3-point range on Thursday he was 1 for 4 from beyond the arc Friday. …

DeRozan got hit in the face by Johnson as they went for the same rebound in the third quarter. DeRozan got it, and made a jumper moments later. …

The Raptors were again without Jonas Valanciunas (left hand) and DeMarre Carroll (right knee).

Heat: Wade passed Bob Lanier (19,248) for 46th on the NBA’s career scoring list. He started this season

in Europe, has long been worried about courtside fan safety.

“It’s always concerned me, the sideline seats,” he said. “Always concerned me, because things like that, when you’re talking about players of this speed and physicality and effort level, it’s not a simple thing. The powers that be are the ones that really need to decide how to deal with that. He (James) made an honest attempt at the basketball, that’s all, obviously. We all hope she’s OK.” The league has recently taken steps to improve safety, including cutting the number of photographers allowed to sit along the baselines to reduce the risk of contact with players.

With a full slate of Christmas Day games just a week away, it may be time for the NBA to consider implementing changes to make the game experience safe for fans so close to the floor.

Other leagues have had to address fan safety following incidents. Major League Baseball this month recommended extra protective netting for seats near the field after a summer of fans being hurt by foul balls and flying bats.

54th. … Dragic’s 11-point first quarter was not only a season-best, it topped his 10-point total from his last five opening quarters combined. … Fours were wild: Green had a four-point play in the second quarter, breaking a 44-44 tie.

BIG THIRD Toronto shot 72 per cent in the third quarter, its third-best showing in any quarter this season. It was also a season-worst for the Heat, who hadn’t allowed anyone to shoot better than 67 per cent in any quarter coming into Friday.

COLLEGE NIGHT

Plenty of college teams just happened to be in the stands Friday night.

The football teams from Western Kentucky and South Florida — they’ll meet Monday in the Miami Beach Bowl, an oddly named game since it isn’t played anywhere near Miami Beach — were on the floor in the first half for a shooting contest. And the Plattsburgh State men’s basketball team from upstate New York was also at the game, in town for a weekend tournament.

UP NEXT Raptors: Host Sacramento on Sunday.

Heat: Host Portland on Sunday.

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BUSINESS

B7

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Oil prices continue to impact inflation UP 1.4% AS OIL SLUMP’S PRICE PRESSURE EASES

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The country’s annual inflation rate picked up the pace last month to 1.4 per cent as the influence of last year’s oil-price plunge faded in the economic data.

Statistics Canada’s November inflation reading, released Friday, accelerated from just one per cent in October.

But economists noted the inflationary increase had more to do with the waning impact of the late-2014 slide in energy prices than any surge in underlying inflationary pressure.

As evidence, Leslie Preston of TD Economics pointed to the energy category for November, which found prices had fallen 6.4 per cent compared to year-over-year drops of 13 per cent earlier in 2015.

“That’s kind of a weight that’s been weighing on headline inflation — and that weight is getting lighter,” Preston said Friday in an interview.

Meanwhile, the annual core inflation rate, which excludes some volatile items such as gasoline, slowed in last month when it rose by just two per cent. That’s compared to an October increase of 2.1 per cent in the underlying core rate, which is closely followed by the Bank of Canada.

Still, headline inflation’s 1.4-per-cent gain moved it a little closer to the central bank’s ideal target of two per cent.

The federal statistical agency’s latest consumer price index said higher prices for food and shelter were among the biggest contributors to the increase.

Prices climbed in seven of the survey’s eight major categories.

The index found that food prices were up 3.4 per cent compared to a year earlier, thanks in large part to the higher costs of meat and fresh vegetables. The category of fresh or frozen meat, excluding poultry, was up six per cent, while beef alone climbed 8.1 per cent.

The report says the cost of fresh vegetables rose by 10.9 per cent following big, year-over-year increases in the prices of tomatoes and lettuce.

Since the country is a big goods importer, many of the price increases were largely due to the effects of the slumping Canadian dollar, Preston said.

This week, the loonie ducked below 72 cents US for the first time since May 2004.

Preston expects the Bank of Canada to stand pat on its benchmark interest rate at its next policy meeting in January. TD doesn’t predict governor Stephen Poloz to move the rate for close to two years as the country’s modest growth heads in the right direction, she added.

Poloz cut the rate twice in 2015 to ease some of the negative economic impact of the oil-price shock.

On the flip side, lower prices in the overall transportation category, which fell 1.1 per cent, put downward pressure on inflation. A closer look at the data

shows that gasoline prices fell last month by 10.6 per cent compared to a year earlier.

World energy prices have dipped in recent weeks, which could continue to push down on inflation. But experts predict the upward price momentum of the loonie’s slump to help offset that pressure.

“The sagging loonie will simply add to the upswing, countering any dampening impact from the latest slide in energy prices,” BMO chief economist Doug Porter wrote in a note to clients Friday. “The days of ultra-low headline inflation readings are now in the past, and we will see it grind back toward two per cent in the next few months.”

Statistics Canada said consumer prices rose in every province last month compared to the year before.

On a seasonally adjusted month-over-month basis, the consumer price index crept up 0.2 per cent in November, which matched October’s increase.

The agency also released October data for wholesale trade, which fell 0.6 per cent to $54.7 billion — its fourth-straight monthly drop.

It said lower trade figures were recorded in four areas that, when combined, represent 64 per cent of all sales.

Sales fell by three per cent to $10.5 billion in the food, beverage and tobacco category — its third decrease in four months. The category of motor vehicle and parts registered a 2.1 per cent drop to $9.5 billion, its fourth-straight tumble.

Alberta’s credit rating downgraded FALLS TO AA+ FROM AAA

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

plant under development in the Gaspe.

Walter Spracklin of RBC Capital Markets says investors would welcome the departure of a family member as executive chairman — even if it’s not clear who would replace him.

“We believe the market would view the appointment of an independent chair as a positive in terms of further improved corporate governance … and possibly signalling further independence by the CEO as it relates to the family,” he wrote in a report.

Bombardier’s shares — which have plummeted 85 per cent since mid-2011 — closed up more than 16 per cent in Friday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The uncertainty surrounding Bombardier’s (TSX:BBD.B) top leadership comes as the federal government gave the green light to the largest plane ever built in Canada.

“This is a big day,” Transport Minister Marc Garneau said during a news conference at the aircraft’s assembly facility in Mirabel, north of Montreal.

“Major projects like the certification Bombardier’s CSeries don’t come along very often.”

EDMONTON — U.S. bond rating giant Standard and Poor’s knocked Alberta off its top-ranked AAA credit rating perch Friday, but Finance Minister Joe Ceci says he is sticking to the current spend-heavy economic growth plan.

Standard and Poor’s announced it was downgrading Alberta’s credit rating one level, to AA-plus, on concerns of weak budgetary performances and rising debt.

And it said the bleak outlook on energy prices has caused it to re-assess the province’s growth prospects to average from above-average.

“Obviously we’re disappointed by today’s report,” Ceci told reporters in a conference call.

“The steep drop in the price of oil is hitting Alberta hard, including our provincial finances. But we are committed to managing the oil price shock in a responsible and balanced fashion.”

He said Alberta is still fundamentally strong, with the lowest overall tax regime in Canada. And he noted other credit evaluators such as Moody’s and DBRS have not cut their top grade for the province.

Ceci said the reduced credit rating also won’t hike borrowing costs as bond holders have already taken the volatility of the energy market into account.

Opposition leaders, however, said commonsense economics dictate that a higher credit risk means higher borrowing rates.

Alberta, with an economy powered by steeply sagging oil prices, is hip deep in red ink and plans to wade in even further.

This year’s budget calls for a $6.1 billion deficit, with increased spending on core areas like health and education and ramped up infrastructure outlays that will soar past $47 billion in debt by the end of the decade.

The oilpatch has seen thousands of layoffs in recent months. West Texas Intermediate, the benchmark price for oil, has fallen from a high of US$100 a barrel in mid-2014, to under US$35 a barrel Friday.

Each dollar drop in the average yearly price of oil siphons $170 million from Alberta’s bottom line.

Alberta is also caught in the vise of a rising population and a declining economy.

That is why the province committed in its last budget to spending $34 billion over the next five years on roads, schools and hospitals.

Ceci said the infrastructure spending is tied to economic growth.

Please see PLANE on Page B8

Please see RATING on Page B8

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Bombardier chief executive Alain Bellemare, right, and federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau pose for photos in the cockpit of the CS100 at the company’s plant Friday, December 18, 2015 in Mirabel, Que. After years of delays and cost overruns, Bombardier’s CSeries commercial aircraft has been certified by Canada’s transportation regulator.

Bombardier CSeries certified by transportation regulator

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS MIRABEL, Que. — Despite his conspicuous absence, Bombardier’s executive chairman cast a shadow Friday over the company’s celebration marking the certification of its CSeries passenger jet.

A published report suggested Pierre Beaudoin, grandson of the company’s founder, will step down in the new year.

The Montreal-based company denied the anonymously sourced Reuters report out of Washington, D.C., calling it “pure speculation.”

“I don’t know where this is coming from,” Alain Bellemare, who replaced Beaudoin as CEO in February, told reporters after certification of the CS100 was announced.

The family’s control of the company through its multiple voting shares has long been criticized by some investors despite the retort that the continued involvement allows the company to withstand shortterm challenges.

Pierre and his father, Laurent, who preceded him as chairman and CEO, have shifted some of their attention to other investments lately, including recreation vehicle company BRP (TSX:DOO) and a cement

Planning your next steps in light of a recent job loss Dear Working Wise: I got laid off three months ago and I haven’t been able to find a job since. It doesn’t look like the job market is going to improve any time soon and my EI runs out in a few months. What am I supposed to do? Should I retrain for another career?

If so, what? Signed Stressed Dear Stressed: Losing your job can be very stressful for many reasons. Job loss can affect more than your income—it can affect your confidence, self-esteem and friendships that you’ve made through work.

If you feel like you’re wrestling with the emotions of job loss, check out the Coping With Your Loss section on the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website at: alis.alberta.ca/jobloss. This page includes the Creating a New Future: The Job-Loss Workbook, which you may find helpful.

Emotional support is also available through the: • Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642 • Edmonton Distress Line: 780-482-4357 • Calgary Distress Line: 403-266-4357 You’re looking for answers about your future and the best way to find those answers is through career planning. You might be tempted to skip this step, but now is the time to invest in yourself so you can build the future that you want.

What are your dreams? Have you ever wanted to

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try another career or industry? Are there new skills that you have always wanted to learn? Have you ever wanted to start your own business?

Do you know what skills will be in demand in the future?

Career planning helps you figure out what you want from your next job, inventory your transferable skills, identify your options, research careers, and develop a plan that will get you where you want CHARLES to go.

STRACHEY Planning your career will WORKING WISE also help you ensure that any time or money you invest in training is well spent.

Free career planning workshops are available through your local Alberta Works Centre (humanservices.alberta.ca/offices).

Or, if you’d rather explore your future online, the ALIS website offers an excellent free online career planning tool called CAREERinsite (http://alis.alberta.ca).

In fact, the ALIS website has a whole section

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devoted to career planning and research, including profiles on more than 500 different occupations.

Once you have a plan, Alberta Works Career and Employment Consultants can help you figure out what training you need and how to pay for it. Career and Employment Consultants help hundreds of Albertans every day with their careers.

Leanne, for example, was a tile setter for more than five years before she got laid off. She took the opportunity to explore her interests with a Career and Employment Consultant and pursue a career as a Health Care Aide, which interested her more. She took the training and now has the career she that wanted.

The Government of Alberta provides a wide range of services to help unemployed Albertans find new jobs, including: job fairs, emotional support, and employment services. You can put these resources to work for you by visiting humanservices.alberta.ca/ layoffs.

Good luck!

Do you have a work-related question? Send your questions to Working Wise, at charles.strachey@gov.ab. ca. Charles Strachey is a manager with Alberta Human Services. This column is provided for general information.

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NYMEX NGAS $1.96US -0.008

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CANADIAN DOLLAR ¢71.65US -0.03

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B8 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

MARKETS

D I L B E R T

COMPANIES OF LOCAL INTEREST Friday’s stock prices supplied by RBC Dominion Securities of Red Deer. For information call 341-8883.

Diversified and Industrials Agrium Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 129.39 ATCO Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . 36.07 BCE Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.41 BlackBerry . . . . . . . . . . . 12.03 Bombardier . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.36 Brookfield . . . . . . . . . . . . 43.79 Cdn. National Railway . . 77.85 Cdn. Pacific Railway. . . 175.00 Cdn. Utilities . . . . . . . . . . 32.31 Capital Power Corp . . . . 17.39 Cervus Equipment Corp 13.43 Dow Chemical . . . . . . . . 49.63 Enbridge Inc. . . . . . . . . . 43.78 Finning Intl. Inc. . . . . . . . 18.41 Fortis Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37.79 General Motors Co. . . . . 33.67 Parkland Fuel Corp. . . . . 23.03 Sirius XM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.13 SNC Lavalin Group. . . . . 42.33 Stantec Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 34.32 Telus Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . 38.43 Transalta Corp.. . . . . . . . . 4.85 Transcanada. . . . . . . . . . 45.73 Consumer Canadian Tire . . . . . . . . 118.32 Gamehost . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.99 Leon’s Furniture . . . . . . . 14.13 Loblaw Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . 64.89 MARKETS CLOSE TORONTO — Resource stocks helped the Toronto stock market inch to a slightly higher close on Friday, while south of the border stocks tumbled for a second straight session.

The TSX/S&P composite index gained 14.37 points to 13,024.30, after plunging 156.15 points the previous day as commodities took a beating and investors digested the interest rate hike south of the border.

Patrick Blais, managing director and senior portfolio manager at Manulife Asset Management, said some of the strength in the Canadian stock market, relative to the U.S., was related to materials and energy stocks.

“Those are two sectors that have been decimated, so it’s to be expected that you will have more volatility,” said Blais.

“Given how far down they’ve dropped, there’s definitely value in the two sectors.”

The metals and mining sector of the TSX rose 6.76 per cent, while global gold climbed 3.10 per cent and materials gained 2.81 per cent. Meanwhile, energy stocks closed 1.93 per cent higher.

Meanwhile, the loonie rose 0.03 of a U.S. cent to 71.71 cents US, a day after slipping below 72 cents US for the first time since May 2004.

In New York, the Dow Jones average of 30 stocks plummeted 367.29 points to 17,128.55, the broader S&P 500 index gave back 36.34 points to 2,005.55 and the Nasdaq fell 79.47 points to 4,923.08.

As investors wrapped up the last full trading week before the holidays, Blais says they will be looking ahead to the new year for indications as to how fast the U.S. Federal Reserve will raise

Maple Leaf Foods. . . . . . 22.95 Rona Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.89 Wal-Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58.85 WestJet Airlines . . . . . . . 20.35 Mining Barrick Gold . . . . . . . . . . 10.09 Cameco Corp. . . . . . . . . 16.80 First Quantum Minerals . . 4.60 Goldcorp Inc. . . . . . . . . . 16.18 Hudbay Minerals. . . . . . . . 4.80 Kinross Gold Corp. . . . . . . 2.64 Labrador. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.35 Potash Corp.. . . . . . . . . . 24.21 Sherritt Intl. . . . . . . . . . . . 0.700 Teck Resources . . . . . . . . 4.60 Energy Arc Resources . . . . . . . . 16.58 Badger Daylighting Ltd. . 24.55 Baker Hughes. . . . . . . . . 43.92 Bonavista . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.72 Bonterra Energy . . . . . . . 16.28 Cdn. Nat. Res. . . . . . . . . 29.15 Cdn. Oil Sands Ltd. . . . . . 8.49 Canyon Services Group. . 3.81 Cenovous Energy Inc. . . 17.55 CWC Well Services . . . 0.1050 Encana Corp. . . . . . . . . . . 7.02 Essential Energy. . . . . . . 0.570 its key interest rates.

“The Fed seems to be much more hawkish than the market,” said Blais. “There’s a fear that they may tighten at a quicker pace than the market currently expects.”

On the commodity markets, the February gold contract rose $15.40 to US$1,065.00 an ounce, the January crude contract declined 22 cents to US$34.73 per barrel and the January contract for natural gas was up 1.2 cents at US$1.767 per mmBtu. March copper rose seven cents to US$2.11 per pound.

Shares of Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) rose 16.24 per cent, or 19 cents, to $1.36 as the company’s CSeries commercial aircraft received certification from Transport Canada, following years of delays and cost overruns.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Pierre Beaudoin, the Montreal-based company’s executive chairman, will step down next year, but the company dismissed the report as “pure speculation.”

Meanwhile, Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B) saw its shares slip 5.02 per cent, or $1.25, to $23.65 as investors continued to digest the news that the Calgary-based cable provider will purchase Wind Mobile for $1.6 billion.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Highlights at the close Friday at world financial market trading.

Stocks: S&P/TSX Composite Index — 13,024.30, up 14.37 points Dow — 17,128.55, down 367.29 points S&P 500 — 2,005.55, down 36.34 points Nasdaq — 4,923.08, down 79.47 points Currencies:

Exxon Mobil . . . . . . . . . . 77.28 Halliburton Co. . . . . . . . . 33.44 High Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23 Husky Energy . . . . . . . . . 14.39 Imperial Oil . . . . . . . . . . . 43.41 Pengrowth Energy . . . . . . 1.04 Penn West Energy . . . . . 1.340 Precision Drilling Corp . . . 5.25 Suncor Energy . . . . . . . . 35.99 Trican Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . 0.560 Trinidad Energy . . . . . . . . 1.94 Vermilion Energy . . . . . . 36.72 Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1000 Financials Bank of Montreal . . . . . . 78.75 Bank of N.S. . . . . . . . . . . 56.14 CIBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.46 Cdn. Western . . . . . . . . . 23.19 Great West Life. . . . . . . . 34.42 IGM Financial . . . . . . . . . 35.30 Intact Financial Corp. . . . 87.76 Manulife Corp. . . . . . . . . 20.52 National Bank . . . . . . . . . 40.21 Rifco Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.39 Royal Bank . . . . . . . . . . . 74.25 Sun Life Fin. Inc.. . . . . . . 43.10 TD Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.70 Cdn — 71.71 cents US, up 0.03 of a cent Pound — C$2.0806, up 0.20 of a cent Euro — C$1.5158, up 0.66 of a cent Euro — US$1.0870, up 0.53 of a cent Oil futures: US$34.73 per barrel, down 22 cents (January contract) Gold futures: US$1,065 per oz., up $15.40 (February contract) Canadian Fine Silver Handy and Harman: Closed for holidays Dec. 17: $19.728 oz., down 60.1 cents $634.26 kg., down $19.32 ICE FUTURES WINNIPEG — ICE Futures Canada closing prices: Canola: Jan. ‘16 $3.80 higher $474.80 March ‘16 $3.80 higher $484.40 May ‘16 $3.90 higher $491.30 July ‘16 $3.90 higher $496.30 Nov. ‘16 $3.30 higher $490.10 Jan. ‘17 $3.30 higher $494.00 March ‘17 $3.30 higher $494.00 May ‘17 $3.30 higher $494.00 July ‘17 $3.30 higher $494.00 Nov. ‘17 $3.30 higher $494.00 Jan. ‘18 $3.30 higher $494.00.

Barley (Western): March ‘16 unchanged $184.00 May ‘16 unchanged $190.00 July ‘16 unchanged $192.00 Oct. ‘16 unchanged $192.00 Dec. ‘16 unchanged $192.00 March ‘17 unchanged $192.00 May ‘17 unchanged $192.00 July ‘17 unchanged $192.00 Oct. ‘17 unchanged $192.00 Dec. ‘17 unchanged $192.00 March ‘18 unchanged $192.00.

Friday’s estimated volume of trade: 536,840 tonnes of canola 0 tonnes of barley (Western Barley). Total: 536,840.

STORIES FROM B7

RATING: Ceci calls plan ‘a prudent one’ “We’re going to be doing that, making sure that Albertans get back to work in the process through construction, design, (and) engineering,” he said.

“Our plan is a prudent one. We think it will stimulate the economy.”

Ceci noted there are hiring restraints in place in the public service and that total government expenses over the next two years will be two per cent or less — below the accepted baseline of population growth plus inflation.

Opponents say Albertans are now paying for the government’s refusal to make hard decisions.

“This is what happens when you don’t get your spending under control,” said Wildrose Leader Brian Jean. “Hopefully this will be a wakeup

call for the NDP.” Alberta has held a Triple-A rating from all credit evaluators since 2001.

Progressive Conservative Leader Ric McIver said it was something former PC governments fought to maintain.

“With the government planning to continue down this path of uncontrolled spending, borrowing for operations, and taking on debt with no plan whatsoever to pay it back, this will just be the beginning,” said McIver in a statement.

Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark said the NDP should have seen a downgrade coming and prepared for it.

Earlier his year, Standard and Poor’s affirmed Triple-A ratings for Saskatchewan and B.C.

PLANE: Developing from scratch not easy

U.S. repeals meat labeling law FACED WITH CANADIAN RETALIATION OTHERWISE

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — A potential trade war between Canada and the United States was averted Friday when Congress passed a massive spending bill that also repealed a controversial meat labelling law.

The 2,000-plus pages of legislation contained a two-page rider that scrapped the U.S. labelling law, known as COOL, which had become a major irritant among Canada, Mexico and the U.S. President Barack Obama formally signed the bill Friday to complete the legislative process.

The World Trade Organization granted Canada and Mexico the right to impose $1 billion in punitive tariffs on various U.S. products after finding that the country-of-origin labelling provisions on beef and pork products violated international trade rules.

Canada and Mexico argued that the measure was nothing more than thinly disguised protectionism. Supporters said consumers have a right to know where their meat comes from.

International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland and Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay both welcomed the passage of the legislation, calling Friday “a great day for Canada.”

“This is a real vindication of the power and significance of the WTO dispute-resolution mechanism, which has secured a real win for Canada,” Freeland said in a teleconference call from Nairobi, where she and MacAulay were taking part in a trade conference.

“This is a decision that will have a real and immediate benefit to the Canadian economy.”

Freeland said she expects the label-

BlackBerry Q3 results beat expectations, Priv sales downplayed

ling regime will disappear quickly.

“We will be monitoring the situation to make sure there are no problems in this area,” MacAulay added.

The ministers thanked Canadian diplomats and some American politicians and industries which supported doing away with the measure.

The Senate had been the last barrier because domestic political interests kept some senators opposed to repealing the law.

Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, the Republican chair of the Senate’s powerful agriculture committee, expressed relief Friday at the news. Roberts said the retaliatory measures would have been damaging to various sectors of the U.S. economy.

“From the ranchers in Kansas to the jewelry makers on the East Coast, every state had something to lose from keeping mandatory COOL intact,” Roberts said in a statement.

The WTO ruling, the latest in a series that Canada won in the dispute, cleared the way for widespread retaliation.

The targeted U.S. products included not only agricultural ones such as cattle, pork, apples, rice, maple syrup and wine, but extended to non-agricultural products, such as jewelry, office chairs, wooden furniture and mattresses.

Freeland said Canada still intends to obtain formal approval next week from the WTO for retaliation, even though the tariffs won’t be imposed.

“We think that it is prudent of us to take the legal process to its formal, technical conclusion,” she said.

On Friday, the Senate voted by a 65-33 margin to approve the massive bill that included $1.14 trillion in new spending in 2016 and $680 billion in tax cuts in the decade to come.

WATERLOO, Ont. — If BlackBerry’s latest Priv smartphones are flying off shelves, the company isn’t boasting about it.

With about a month of sales for the new device under its belt, BlackBerry was vague Friday about how its first Android smartphone has performed so

far in the marketplace.

“Numbers will tell us but the initial 30 days, so to speak, has been quite positive, and I don’t want to over hype that situation,” chief executive John Chen told analysts Friday as BlackBerry delivered better-than-expected financial results. Chen decided not to provide specific Priv sales figures, emphasizing that its availability will spike to 31 countries by the end of February when the company’s fourth-quarter ends, from the initial four countries in the third quarter ended Nov. 28.

plans to build a plane that would compete directly with the smaller airliners from Boeing and Airbus.

The 110- to 125-seat CS100 has travelled more than 150,000 kilometres, or four times around the globe, during flight tests since its first flight on Sept.

16, 2013.

Garneau said certification sends a strong signal to investors and potential customers. However, he declined to say when Ottawa will decide on a request from Bombardier to match the Quebec government’s US$1 billion financial investment in the CSeries.

Developing a new plane from scratch hasn’t always been easy, Bellemare said, but the new leadership team he’s assembled, financial stabil-

ity and certification demonstrate the CSeries is regaining momentum.

“The investment of Quebec has clearly helped us regain traction in the marketplace, creating positive momentum with airline customers, and I hope we will be able to get one more partner to give it even more juice moving forward,” he told reporters. A series of challenges — including an engine failure that grounded testing for more than three months — prompted Bombardier to delay the CSeries’ entry into service by Lufthansa-owned Swiss Airlines until the first half of 2016.

The larger CS300, with up to 160 seats, is scheduled to be certified and delivered to launch customer AirBaltic in September.

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SSaturday, aturdday, DDec. ec. 19 19, 9, 22015 015

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Send your NEIGHBOURS submissions to editorial@reddeeradvocate.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Listen in!

Photos by MICHAEL MANN/ contributed

Students (from left)

Allison Vesely, Natalia Ganson, and Tristin Fehr in upper photo and Alyssa Richardson, Mollie Buckley, Alex Buckley, Evan Schollie, right, catch the sounds at Festival Hall.

The LTCHS Sr. Jazz Band performs with with guest soloist, Morgan McKee on piano.

The Annual Jazz Cafe: cool sounds in a warm hall Special guests Morgan McKee on piano, Eric Allison, saxophone, Curtis Phagoo, bass and Rob Goodwin on drums.

The LTCHS R& B Band.

From Left: Josh Van Akker, Mollie Buckley, Alyssa Richardson, all members of the LTCHS Jr. Jazz Band.

For students in a school jazz band, the opportunity to perform marks a highlight in the school year. For the music students at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and Central Middle School, the Annual Jazz Cafe is one of the best opportunities of all.

On Nov. 27, LTCHS and CMS held their 10th Annual Jazz Cafe at Festival Hall. The evening featured performances by the CMS Jazz Band, LTCHS Jr. and Sr. Jazz Bands, the LTCHS R&B Band, and special guest performers, Morgan McKee and friends.

Patrons were treated to a coffee-house atmosphere, complete with hot and cold beverages and homemade baking throughout the evening.

Artwork was also on display, courtesy of students currently studying in the LTCHS art program.

And as with every year, the music was the real highlight.

LOCAL

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SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Discovery Canyon getting an overhaul $5.5 MILLION PROJECT WILL LEAVE FACILITY SHUT DOWN NEXT YEAR

BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF One of Red Deer’s most popular water parks will be temporarily closed next summer.

The city has plans to upgrade Discovery Canyon in the River Bend Recreation Area which will include increasing the size of the parking lot, improving accessibility and expanding the beach and playground areas.

The enhancement and preservation work comes with a $5.5-million price tag, as approved in the 2016 capital budget in November.

Recreation, Parks and Culture Manager Shelley Gagnon said there are several work projects identified in River Bend Recreation Area including Discovery Canyon.

“That facility is over 30 years old,” said Gagnon.

“Really what we plan on doing is a revitalization of that amenity to maintain the experience people have … At the same time we will try to address some accessibilities to the feature itself by improved access to the slide area, enhancing the picnic and beach area.”

Gagnon said parking is tight in the summer months with golfers and water park users jostling for space.

The city is currently in the high concept plan phase for Discovery Canyon. The detailed designs will come sometime early next year.

Gagnon said it is the city’s intent to complete the work on Discovery Canyon this summer. The city is currently in the process of looking at all the River Bend projects and determining the sequencing of the projects including the cross-country ski trails and biathlon.

Work on those two sport-specific projects are like-

File Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Discovery Canyon at River Bend Golf and Recreation Area in Red Deer will be closed for the summer of 2016 while extensive renovations to the area are done. ly to commence in 2017.

Several of the projects in the area are necessary in order for Red Deer to host the Canada Winter Games in 2019. More than 3,600 young athletes from

across Canada will compete in 19 sports. River Bend will host the biathlon and cross-country skiing competitions. crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com

Man gets four months for pleading guilty to three charges STILL TO BE TRIED FOR STEALING TRUCK WITH TWO SMALL GIRLS SLEEPING IN IT

BY ADVOCATE STAFF A man found sleeping in someone’s pickup truck as the owner headed out to work in the morning has been sentenced to four months in prison.

Logan Myles Gregory, 28, of Red Deer, was discovered snoozing on the morning of Nov. 17 in West Park.

COURT When police arrived, Gregory was found “asleep and unresponsive,” said Crown prosecutor Blair Brandon.

When questioned, he gave police a false name and birth date.

Gregory pleaded guilty to mischief, obstruction and breach of release conditions in Red Deer provincial court on Friday.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen blank cheque, possession of a controlled substance and possession of property obtained by crime.

Those charges were laid after he was found in a stolen vehicle on Nov. 2.

Defence lawyer Patty MacNaughton said Gregory came to Red Deer from Nova Scotia in search of work. Once here, he was introduced to crystal meth and quickly became addicted.

He also suffers from a brain injury suffered quite a while ago, said MacNaughton.

Judge Darrell Riemer sentenced Gregory to four months in prison. He was given credit for 48 days served based on 1.5 day’s credit per day.

Gregory is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on charges, including child abandonment, connected to the alleged theft of a truck with two girls, aged one and three, sleeping in the back on Nov. 12.

They were found unharmed about 30 minutes later in another part of the city.

Gregory remains in custody.

SUN-SETTING WELDER

LOCAL

BRIEFS

Brass knuckle bandit pleads guilty A brass knuckle-wielding robber who slugged a homeowner while trying to flee his house pleaded guilty to several charges on Friday.

Kristin Lee Hiebert, 29, of Sylvan Lake was charged after she attempted to rob a Kentwood home in Red Deer last April 7.

She was caught in the act when the homeowner came downstairs and found her in his living room. She was holding his laptop, car keys and garage door opener.

When the homeowner tried to restrain her she fought back hitting him in the head, leaving him bloody.

The man’s girlfriend came to help and was left bruised.

Hiebert was eventually held down and subdued on the front lawn by the homeowner. Police took her into custody and found a set of bloody brass knuckles on the grass.

Hiebert pleaded guilty in Red Deer provincial court to breaking and entering, assault with a weapon, possessing a prohibited weapon and breaking probation.

Her lawyer, Jason Snider, requested a pre-sentence report. Hiebert remains in custody and will return to court in about two months. A date was still to be set on Friday.

Westerner et to unveil new website Monday The Westerner will be moving into 2016 with a new-look website with the growing trend of mobile devices front and centre.

The revised website, located at westernerpark.ca, will be launched on Monday.

Recognizing that over 60 per cent of visitors to the website have done so with a mobile device, the website will change and adapt its visual design and layout based on the display size of the visitor’s device.

Westerner Park Marketing manager Meghan Gustum said user interface and mobile accessibility was their top priority.

With almost half of the daily views to the website on the event calendar, the calendar was made more visually appealing and easily accessible.

The website is heavily utilized with about 1,500 events there each year.

Gustum said that up-to-date coding and practices were used in the

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

A welder sends a shower of sparks down as he fastens a metal roof truss into place on the new Sylvan Lake Arena on Friday afternoon. The Multiplex redevelopment project includes a replacement ice facility, curling rink, seniors centre, walking track, meeting space and children’s activity centre. Clark Builders is undertaking the construction work on the $33,550,000 project, which is expected to be completed Spring of 2017. redesign.

Westerner Park is also on Facebook: WesternerPark; on Twitter @WesternerPark; and Instagram @ WesternerPark

Scotch fundraiser brings in $25,000 A tasty United Way Central Alberta fundraiser last month raised $25,000.

The 5th Scotch Classic event raised the most it ever has when more than 45 bottles were offered for tasting. Most of the bottles were scotch but there were also some Irish, bourbon, rye and rum offerings.

Participants pay a sum to be part of the tasting of 45 bottles, and there’s also some live and silent auction bidding for premium bottles of scotch and a raffle.

The event is organized by United Way volunteers and the main sponsor is MNP.

Fax 403-341-6560 E-mail editorial@reddeeradvocate.com

A VIP tasting was offered by Alberta Private Client (a division of ATB Financial) so a small group could enjoy five premium drams of scotch, including the star bottle, Glenfarclas 54, which sells for $3,000.

A number of other sponsors were involved including one that made sure everyone had a safe ride home.

Averting the picket lines, AUPE and Covenant Care have reached a twoyear deal.

New labour agreement ratified between Villa Marie, Covenant The two sides ratified a two-year collective agreement for Villa Marie in Red Deer and Holy Cross Manor in Calgary on Friday.

About 200 seniors care and support staff work at the sites. The new contract brings the workers up to industry-standard wages and benefits.

“We’re pleased both sides came to an agreement and that strike action was avoided,” said Guy Smith, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees.

“The agreement will ensure staff are treated as equals in their industry, which safeguards quality care,” said Smith.

Members at Holy Cross Manor and Villa Marie were 48 hours away from being forced to strike at both worksites last week.

Job action was delayed following a tentative agreement reached on Dec. 11.

“I am proud of the unity and resolve these members showed throughout bargaining. Their resolve and commitment to achieving a fair contract and protecting quality care is admirable,” said Smith.

AUPE is Alberta’s largest union with more than 87,000 members province-wide. Close to half work in public, private and not-for-profit health and seniors care.

WWW.REDDEERADVOCATE.COM

RELIGION

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SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Yes, small acts of kindness matter

Last November, I found a piece of garbage in my front yard.

It was a flattened and torn sky lantern, a sort of mini hot air balloon made out of paper.

It was soaked in rain and plastered to the ground.

Written on it were these words: “Love you, Dad. Miss you so much. Steph.”

I threw it away, but the words nagged at me throughout the day.

I didn’t know this person, and had no way to contact her, but the thought that she was out there, sending a message of love that wouldn’t be answered, bothered me.

I thought and prayed about it throughout the day.

Part of my unrest came from the thought that my own three daughters might someday write a similar note and send it out into the world.

It was unbearable to me that they might say, “I love you” and be met with only silence.

It seemed to me that such an event would argue that death gets the final word, that death is stronger than love.

I don’t believe that.

In times of grief we are all tempted to believe that death is the most powerful force in the universe.

It traps us in its orbit so we can scarcely think of anything else.

I wanted to tell Steph, “Love is as strong as death,” an ancient phrase that is a key part of my own faith as a Christian (Song of Solomon 8:6).

LACOMBE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL I love that idea . . . not IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM that love is stronger than death, but as strong. Love WORKSHOPS transforms, it takes hold The County Environmental Grant program aims of us, it is inevitable and inescapable. to provide financial assistance to community So I wrote Steph a letgroups and schools to develop or deliver ter. community-based environmental services and It took me a little more programs within the County. Workshops will be than an hour to write the held at Lacombe County Administration building letter.

I cried while I wrote it, between 7 – 9pm on Tuesday, January 12th and and put it up on my webWednesday, January 27th. site before going to bed.

It was a small act of kindFor more information contact ness.

Blayne West, 403 -782-6601 It seemed unlikely Steph would even see it.

Over the next few

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Some need a little extra help. Learning through play, children aged 3-4 develop social and communication skills.

Register for Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten at any school starting January 4th.

Please bring your child’s birth certifcate when registering.

To learn more about Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten programming contact any Red Deer Public School or access www.rdpsd.ab.ca.

7351685L19

“Love is as strong as death.”

weeks the letter went viral, and people all over the world did me the small kindness of writing me to tell me about how the letter had impacted them, of how that small kindness resonated in their own lives. I cleared my schedule for a few days and tried to answer them all — another small kindness, another human connection.

In time, Steph saw the letter.

I am still shocked and amazed by this, and I cannot help but think it is more than coincidence. She and I became friends.

I flew to her city and spent a few days with her and her family.

Steph shared with me how those few words of affirmation and love created a change in her life.

She was re-examining her relationships, her job, her actions to see if she was living life as someone worthy of love and respect.

The letter had reminded her to live well in the midst of her grief and loss.

She did me several small kindnesses, as well, not least of which was telling me that I should write similar letters to my own daughters, so they would have something from me in the years to come.

I am deeply thankful she saw my daughters in a way I did not and helped me see their need for a greater expression of love.

That’s a key, important piece about doing acts of kindness for one another: we must see one another as human to perform an act of kindness.

Seeing others as God does allows us to love them.

God loves me, but he also loves you and Steph and my daughters and the guy who cuts me off in traffic and the doctor delivering bad news.

And he expects me to love the people He loves. So even though I didn’t know Steph when I found that sky lantern, my small act of kindness, my small act of love, came because for a few hours on a rainy day I saw her as God does: a beloved human worthy of His and my love. She was a person who was hurting and needed to be reminded that love is as strong as death.

Seeing others as God sees them allows me to love them.

But to love them, I first have to see them.

There is a beautiful sort of corollary to this. When we do acts of kindness for others, they begin to see us, too.

There is a hundred-year-old woman who lives near me. A mu-

DEC. 20 Word of Life Church presents Winter Wonderland — The Christmas Experience — on Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 1 p.m. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, quad sleigh rides, skating, snow games, craft zone, photos with Santa, and candy bags for the kids.

Following each Family Service where guests will meet their favourite Christmas characters, take in complimentary activities for the whole family. A hot chili lunch will be available for a minimum donation of $5 with proceeds to I Heart Red Deer Lunch Program. Contact info@ wordoflife.ca, 403-3436570.

Seniors Church meets at 11 a.m. on Sundays at Bower Kin Place for hymns and gospel preaching. Phone 403347-6706.

D

o you hear e a h r ?

I t a h w Hear for the Holidays

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Experience Counts

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About 10 years ago, my wife had a miscarriage.

We came home from the hospital exhausted, red-eyed, and grieving.

We opened the front door and discovered that the house, which had been left in disarray as we rushed to the hospital, was not as we left it.

The dishes were in their cupboards.

The sink and counters washed.

The floors vacuumed or swept.

The living room picked up and put in order.

Our friend had let herself into our house and spent hours cleaning, while we sat in hospital rooms and met with doctors.

It was 10 years ago, but it remains a bright, clear memory alongside the white walls of the hospital, the tight lips of the doctor as she carefully shared the bad news, the sitcoms playing in the waiting room.

This small kindness was one of many from our family and friends in the weeks to come.

People brought flowers. Meals were delivered. Kind words were written on cards and social media or spoken to us in church.

People prayed for us.

In the midst of our grief, mourning, and loss, our community reminded us that there was hope, life, and love in the world around us.

They kept us from despair. They blessed us with their words and actions and kindness.

In the face of death, all kindnesses seem small.

The question, “What can I do for you?” is nonsensical in the midst of grief, and the best thing is not to ask the question, but rather to do something: clean a house, take someone to a movie, say a kind word, bring flowers, deliver a meal.

‘JUST A FEW MOMENTS IN A DAY, A COUPLE HOURS IN A WEEK, BUT WHAT IT COMMUNICATES IS SOMETHING FAR DEEPER AND MORE PROFOUND. IT IS A REMINDER TO ME, WHETHER I RECEIVE OR PERFORM THE KINDNESS, THAT LOVE IS AS STRONG AS DEATH.’

tual friend invited several of us to come to this woman’s home and spend a few hours doing yard work. I power washed the side of her house, and at the end of the day she came out to look at it and was nearly speechless. She was deeply thankful.

A few months later my friend and I dropped by to bring the woman some water and help her pick up some leaves in her yard.

She looked at me and said, “He seems so familiar . . . ” she thought about it for a few moments before she said, “Yes, he’s the one who washed my house.”

My small act of kindness allowed her to see me, and I was overjoyed that she would remember me.

We must see others as human to perform acts of kindness, and receiving those acts of kindness allows them to see us more clearly, too.

These small acts of kindness are so much more than they appear. Just a few moments in a day, a couple hours in a week, but what it communicates is something far deeper and more profound. It is a reminder to me, whether I receive or perform the kindness, that love is as strong as death.

As eternal, as powerful, as present in our everyday lives.

And in the great battle between love and death, love is winning.

Matt Mikalatos is a Christian speaker, missionary, and author of the recently released book -- “Sky Lantern.” He works for a non-profit dedicated to helping people live better, fuller lives and has done non-profit work all over the world. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife and three daughters.

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BY MATT MIKALATOS SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE

LOCAL EVENTS

C4 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 C5

Seasons Greetings Schedule of Services THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN CANADA

Everyone Welcome

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY

SUNDAY SCHOOL & SERVICE — 11:00 A.M. 2nd Wed. each month - Testimonial Meetings noon Christian Science Reading Room: Wed., 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Thurs., 12 Noon-3:00 p.m.

4907 GAETZ AVE. 403-346-0811 For more information on Christian Science visit christianscience.com

Share the Faith

December 22 Established 1898

KNOX 4718 Ross St.—346-4560

Minister: The Rev. Wayne Reid 10:30 a.m. Worship Service

Bahá’í Faith “It is the love of God which has brought us

“He is Here” Thursday, December 24

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Service -

together here tonight. It is the love of God which is affiliating the East and the West. It is the love of God which has resuscitated the world. Now we must offer thanks to God that such a great bestowal and effulgence has been revealed to us.”

Abdu’l-Baha See www.ca.bahai.org or call 403-343-0091 for more information on the Bahá›i Faith.

7:00 p.m.

Willow Valley Presbyterian 26016 HWY 595 (Delburne Road)

SUNDAY 10:00 am Rev. Reg Graves Christmas Eve Service Thursday Dec. 24 7:00 pm Merry Christmas

www.ca.bahai.org

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 43 Ave. & 39 St. • 403-346-4281 Pastor Chris Wilson December 20 - 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Program & Worship Service December 24 - 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 27- 10:30 a.m.

Worship & Celebration Service

ST. LEONARD’S ON THE HILL ANGLICAN CHURCH A Church For All Ages 43 Avenue & 44 Street • 346-6769

Sunday, December 20

8:00 a.m. Holy Communion 9:00 a.m. Celebration Service 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 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

Christmas Day, December 25 10:00 am Holy Eucharist

0HUU\ &KULVW 0HUU\ &KULVWPDV DQG D +DSS\ 1HZ <HDU

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

11:00 a.m. Celebration Service Speaker: Rev. Valentine Owen

Living Faith Lutheran Church

Rooted in the word of God, Growing in the likeness of Christ, Reaching out by the power of the Holy Spirit.

DECEMBER 20 Fourth Sunday in Advent Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Pastor Johathan Aicken

Thursday, December 24 Masses: 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.

*CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas Eve Service

Friday, December 25 Mass: 10:00 a.m.

DECEMBER 24, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 1 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

(with Holy Communion)

*NEW YEAR’S

Bethany Collegeside Continuing Care Centre Red Deer College

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Gaetz Memorial United Church “Sharing Faith, Serving Community” 4758 Ross Street, Red Deer 403-347-2244 www.gaetzmemorialunitedchurch.ca

LUTHERAN CHURCHES OF RED DEER

CHRISTMAS DAY

December 21

11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

GOOD .SHEPHERD 40 Holmes St. 403-340-1022 Rev. Marc Jerry

Dec. 20 Worship Sunday with Sunday School Christmas Program 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24 @ 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Service Dec. 25 @ 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome “Saved By Grace: Called to Serve”

Children’s Programs weekly

32 Street & Selkirk Blvd.

Phone 403-346-3798

MOUNT CALVARY (LC-C)

Sunnybrook United Church

Pastor Don Hennig Pastor Peter Van Katwyk

12 Stanton Street 403-347-6073

Sunday December 20 9:00 a.m Divine Service 11:00 p.m Divine Service

10:30 a.m.

Wors W Wo Worship rs shi hip Se hip S Service errv rvic ice ic ce December 20 - “Singing our Advent Song” CHRISTMAS EVE - THURSDAY DECEMBER 24 4:00 pm - Christmas especially for children & others 7:00 pm - Family & Children Candlelight C aandle an ndle dlelig lig ght ht C Chr Christmas hrristm istm is mas ma as Ev Eve Eve Babyfold, Toddler Room, Sunday Club www.sunnybrookunited.org

5:30 p.m. Children’s Service Christmas Worship Service For The Young and Young at Heart 9:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Communion Service

WELCOME YOU

December 20 10:30 am - Advent 4 - Gaetz Kids Christmas Pageant December 24 - 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Service: With Special Music by Gaetz Golden Ringer Handbells 10:00 pm Communion Special Music by Sancturary Choir and guest soloists

Caring - Dynamic - Proactive - Inclusive

10:00 a.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols

CHRISTMAS EVE

5508 - 48A Ave., Red Deer, AB

CHRISTMAS 2015 *CHRISTMAS EVE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

Christmas Services Christmas Eve Services 3:30, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Service 10:00 a.m.

St. Luke’s Anglican Church 4929 - 54 Street, Red Deer

Join us this Sunday!

St Mary’s Catholic Church 6 McMillan Avenue

Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24th Christmas Pageant – 4:30pm Holy Mass – 5:00pm, 7:30pm, 10:00pm & Midnight 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

This Week:

9am, 11am & 6:30pm “God’s Answer for the Disadvantaged and Vulnerable People” 32 Street & Hwy 2, Red Deer County 403-347-6425

www.CrossRoadsChurch.ca

AFFILIATED WITH THE EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH OF CANADA

ENTERTAINMENT

C6 Stories of hardships and triumph

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

NEW DOCUMENTARY RECOUNTS CAREER OF MUSIC LEGEND DICK DAMRON

BY LANA MICHELIN ADVOCATE STAFF From riding a horse into a saloon to hopping on a train to Nashville with a few bucks in his pocket, Central Alberta’s country music legend Dick Damron is full of stories.

One of Damron’s more sobering ones is how he used music as therapy to recover from a 2001 stoke that initially left him partially paralyzed.

“At first I would just lay my hand on the guitar and try to make some vibration,” Damron recalled. “It was a while before I could play, but then I pursued it on a daily basis.”

The 81-year-old singer/songwriter from Bentley talks about a lifetime of trials and successes in The Long Green Line, a 90-minute biographical documentary made by Red Deer natives Richard Harrow and Harley Hay. It tells of Damron’s rise to international renown in the 1970s by writing the tunes Jesus It’s Me Again, Susan Flowers, Whisky Jack, Honky Tonk Angels, Silver and Shine and other country and gospel tunes. Many were popularized by Charley Pride, Carroll Baker and George Hamilton IV and various other artists.

The “outlaw” country singer’s special way with a song made him many staunch fans over the years — including Pride, Baker and Hamilton, who participated in a tribute concert to the Central Albertan in 2009. But to younger generations more familiar with pop-country, Damron has become “Central Alberta’s best kept secret,” said Harrow —who feels he shouldn’t be.

Damron was inducted into the International Country Music Hall of Fame in Texas and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in Tennessee. He’s received a Juno Award, Canadian Country Music Awards and many other honours.

Although some of his contemporaries became celebrities, Damron’s acclaim never took on a flashy form, said Harrow.

“He was always all about the music.”

The Calgary-based filmmaker was initially tasked with making a short film out of the footage taken during the 2009 tribute concert for Damron that also involved Ronnie Prophet, Patricia Conroy and other artists. But after getting to know more about Damron’s

Contributed photo

Dick Damron’s career is recounted in the new documentary ‘The Long Green Line.’ considerable contribution to country music, Harrow was inspired to make a full-length, independent documentary that took him 2 ½ years to complete, with the help of his childhood friend, Hay. Damron’s story “is a very Canadian history,” said Harrow, who is also a musician (formerly with the folk group The Original Caste).

The Long Green Line recounts how Damron got into trouble as a youth riding his horse into the local bar, and deciding to go to Nashville in the late 1950s. The ambitious young singer took a train to Tennessee from Lacombe.

After an all-nighter in a Winnipeg B-movie theatre because he couldn’t afford a hotel, Damron arrived in Nashville and changed into his dated suit and bow tie.

He appeared to music producers like some kind of yokel, but Damron

proceeded to wow them with his tunes.

Over his 32-year recording career, Damron put out 25 albums, and 200 songs, including Countryfied, Rise ‘n’ Shine, The Long Green Line and Mother, Love and Country. He played for a time in Las Vegas and built up a big following in Europe. Yet Damron’s never lost his sense of being a Central Albertan, said Hay, who noted Damron still spends part of the year in Bentley and winters in Mexico.

“He’s had all these No. 1 records,” but it never inflated his ego, added Hay. “The great thing about Dick is what you see is what you get with him,” said Harrow.

Damron, who’s back in Alberta recuperating from a broken shoulder he sustained from a fall in Mexico, said he’s pleased that the video doesn’t glorify his life, but rather gives viewers a

real sense of how it all happened.

“They laid it out honest.”

The hardest recollections for him were about his stoke.

“I got quite emotional. It was a pretty tough period.” But he hopes talking about it will help others who might have experienced similar health troubles.

“I think the video is pretty entertaining and informative… They’ve done a wonderful job,” said Damron, adding, “I told them right off the bat I don’t want it to be hype.”

Harrow is thinking about shopping the film to country music and documentary channels. The Long Green Line can also be ordered or downloaded from his website.

For more information, please visit www.richardharrow.ca. lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com

Rousseau explores artistic freedom in abstract show

BY LANA MICHELIN ADVOCATE STAFF Too much artistic freedom can be stifling, said Red Deer artist Elena Rousseau, who found it easier to paint within the rules of realism than more abstractly.

The Red Deer College visual arts graduate took a recent foray into non-representational art because she wanted to create visuals that mirror the abstract language of the poetry she writes.

It was harder than she thought: “I made a lot of messes,” Rousseau admitted, with a chuckle.

With figure drawing, “you know what you want to do. But with abstract art, you are free to go in all directions,” added the artist, who found too much choice overwhelming. “I didn’t dare to go too far…”

But after sticking with abstraction over several months she began enjoying the challenge of exploring in this new artistic arena. Rousseau would apply acrylic paint over textural designs created by molding paste on canvas and experiment with colours until she was satisfied.

Her resulting paintings are exhibited with her poetry in the show Tonal Exercises in Abstract Thought, at The Hub on Ross Street.

The abstract paintings, described as evolving out of “chance, thought, inspiration and artistic vision,” are paired with poems that complement their moods. Viewers can absorb the colours and textures of the visual art, while reading the accompanying text, said Rousseau.

She put vividly coloured art next to love poetry, and wintry blue canvases beside the stanza: “The last green butterfly of summer/motionless in a jar…”

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate Staff

Elena Rousseau with her exhibit entitled ‘Tonal Exercises In Abstract Thought’ on display at the HUB on Ross in Red Deer.

Paintings in twilight colours accompany the verse “tonight/the wind’s wheeze/carries chanted whispers/beware the witch…” “These stories are ominous,” said Rousseau, who feels the “colourization of emotions” in a poem or piece of music can be expressed through abstract art.

She likes the playful “back and forth dialogue” that transpires between her paintings and poems. “It’s like a game.”

Rousseau taught math to middle school students in her native Romania before moving to Alberta in 2002 after marrying a Canadian. She’s currently

studying creative writing at the University of Calgary, through a transfer program at Red Deer College.

Her Tonal Exercises in Abstract Thought exhibit is on until Dec. 27. lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com

Chicago, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Steve Miller and N.W.A. join rock hall ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — The groundbreaking Los Angeles rap act N.W.A. will join a quartet of 1970s era FM radio rockers — Chicago, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple and Steve Miller — as 2016 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

N.W.A., led by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, was elected after three unsuccessful nominations in a year when a movie about their career, Straight Outta Compton, was a box office hit.

Their hard-core tales of life on the street on songs like F—- the

Police made them a provocative chart presence in the late 1980s and influenced an empire of other acts.

Both Miller and Cheap Trick made it during their first year on the ballots.

The induction ceremony for the Cleveland-based hall will be held April 8 in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

HBO will televise highlights later in the spring.

Guitarist Miller came out of the San Francisco rock scene and became a dependable maker of pop hits like Take the Money and Run Fly Like an Eagle, Jet Airliner and Jungle Love.

Midwestern favourites Cheap

Trick succeeded with a highlyamped version of Beatles-influenced melodies on hits Surrender and Dream Police.Their Live at Budokan album is one of rock’s best-known live sets.

Guitarist Rick Nielsen and rumpled drummer Bun E. Carlos gave them an indelible live presence.

The guitar riff for Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water remains one of the most recognizable in rock history. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore was a stalwart in a hard rock act that competed with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath for the loyalty of metalheads.

Before they shortened their name from the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago was known for its jazz-rock

fusion.

Behind the vocals of Peter Cetera, they had a string of pop hits including Saturday in the Park, 25 or 6 to 4, If You Leave Me Now and Does Anyone Really Know What Time it Is? More than 800 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation selected the inductees.

The influential disco-era band Chic is becoming the Susan Lucci of music, failing to win induction in its 10th year as a nominee.

Janet Jackson, The Cars, Los Lobos and Yes were among the other nominees rejected.

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 C7

Empire becomes a retail star

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — Before Fox TV’s Empire was a proven success, before any product licensing deals were signed, at least one eager retailer was getting in on the act.

Shayne Oliver, the founder of clothing label Hood by Air, says he was so inspired by the drama and its strong female characters, including Taraji P. Henson’s Cookie Lyon, that he had loudspeakers boom a snippet of Empire dialogue at his New York runway show last February.

Now Hood by Air is an official part of the Fox company’s carefully plotted and expanding merchandising “lifestyle” effort for Empire — in only its second season — that goes way beyond standard Team Cookie T-shirt fanwear and can take a TV show years of popularity to earn.

The younger-skewing appeal of Empire, the enthusiasm of up-and-coming brands like Hood by Air and the acceleration of fashion and retailing in general have combined to make the series a retailing whiz kid.

“It just feels great to be involved with something we actually like. … something that inspires us and we’re passionate about,” Oliver said.

Cookie, who may be TV’s most influential fashion figure since the shoulder-pad-wearing women of Dynasty, has earned a Cookie’s Closet blog from Fox. It dissects her wardrobe episode-by-episode so viewers know that was a $2,500 Gucci black leather dress she wore — and where they can find a $98 version.

Saks Fifth Avenue, MCM and Jimmy Choo are among the high-end retailers and licensees joining the Empire bandwagon that’s just getting rolling, according to the 21st Century Fox division that’s orchestrating the selling of the saga about family, music and power.

There are still T-shirts to be had, from Fox’s own online Empire store and in the $30 range. But go further afield and there’s a $200 dress, $1,200 sport coat, $1,500 handbag and $950 high heels for fans willing to splurge to get the show’s glamorous looks for themselves.

Other items under consideration by Fox include watches, fragrances and eyeglasses.

The series became an immediate touchstone for pop culture and style after its debut last January, said Jeffrey Godsick, president of 20th Century Fox Consumer Products, allowing the company to “approach it as a brand,

IN

BRIEF Bowie, Radioheaad tributes performed over the holidays Ziggy Stardust or Paranoid Android?

Fans of innovative English musicians David Bowie and/or Radiohead can attend respective tribute shows in Red Deer over the holidays.

First up is Vancouver actor and Caroline native Logan Murray, who performs as Bowie in the popular Weird and Gilly Presents: The Return of David Bowie tribute on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Fratters Speakeasy in Red Deer.

Murray’s version of Ziggy’s The Spiders from Mars band includes multi-talented Red Deer musician Carl Stretton on keyboards and guitar.

Murray and the band will be booting up all of Bowie’s greatest hits, including Fame, Changes, Space Oddity, Heroes, Starman, Rebel Rebel, Man Who Sold the World, Ashes to Ashes, etc.

Stretton encourages Bowie fans (Murray is a huge one) to turn up in their glam-rock finery for the annual show that’s been going on for about a decade around Christmas time.

A more casual dress code will be in effect for the Radiohead tribute at Fratters on Wednesday, Dec. 30, starring Red Deer-based Ottawa native Peter Wahl as frontman Thom Yorke.

After all, the British band is about the music, not image, said Stretton, the bassist for this show.

Avid fans of groundbreaking Radiohead attended Wahl’s first

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A collection of merchandise inspired by the looks and styles of the Fox television show, Empire, took over the windows at the flagship Saks store in New York. The Fox television series, Empire, is at the center of an aggressive merchandising “lifestyle” campaign that is capitalizing on the show’s popularity. as opposed to doing merchandise for a television show.”

The rush to extend Empire from TV and into stores meant that, initially, already manufactured clothes and accessories were “curated” and given the drama’s seal of approval. Some were put on prominent display in nearly a dozen windows of Saks’ Manhattan flagship location and in its Beverly Hills store.

Long-established leather goods maker MCM was included in the windows and got the benefit of in-show product placement as well. In one scene featuring Henson and Bryshere Y. Gray, who plays Cookie’s son Hakeem, their co-star was a rivet-studded MCM Berlin briefcase.

MCM had to increase production on the case to keep up with demand, which the company attributes in part to the Empire effect.

“The reach of the show is in the 18to-49 demographic, our key target customer,” said Patrick J. Valeo III, presi-

dent of MCM, The Americas.

“We don’t want to be your parents’ or grandparents’ handbag. It’s about new-school luxury.”

Licensees are now selling custom “Empire” items, including Hood by Air clothing emblazoned with images of characters and Deborah Lippman brand nail polishes (fuchsia Hustle Hard and glittery gold Power of the Empire among the colours).

Fox’s “aggressive” merchandising effort reflects increased competition in the crowded media and fashion worlds, said Allen Adamson, founder of Brandsimple Consulting.

“Both industries are under pressure to say, ‘Hey, look at me’ in a sea of increased competition,” he said. Fox’s approach also makes sense because viewers “shift gears and channels quickly.”

“If you’re hot, you need to jump on the opportunity, seize the moment and not wait for next year, because you might be yesterday’s news,” Adamson

said.

That wasn’t the case with Sons of Anarchy, which was several years into its FX run before there was an expansion into “biker culture” ventures such as branded alcohol, Fox’s Godsick said. It took The Simpsons (perhaps understandably) two decades to get a foothold in designer fashion.

The retail effort certainly is aimed at making money but is not a “pure revenue play,” he said. It’s also intended to sustain Empire and its audience.

In its second season, Empire is Fox’s top-rated series and is the No. 1 scripted broadcast show among young adults, according to Nielsen company figures. Its overall average viewership for the seven days following an episode’s airing is up slightly, 4 per cent, over last season.

“That’s why we’re so careful to pick partners,” Godsick said. “Who you’re tying in with, doing a collaboration with, sends a message to consumers and ultimately affects your brand.”

tribute concert last spring to hear Creep, Karma Police, Fake Plastic Trees, No Surprises, Paranoid Android and other tunes.

The show is now back by popular demand. And Stretton noted this might be the last chance to see Wahl play in Central Alberta for a while, since he’s planning an extended holiday to Vancouver Island in 2016.

There’s a $10 cover charge for either of the 8:30 p.m. tribute shows.

Scott Weiland died of a toxic mix of drugs, which included cocaine.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office released the cause of death Friday. The medical examiner also noted a history of cardiovascular disease, asthma and addiction.

The 48-year-old Weiland was found dead on his tour bus in the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington on Dec. 3.

Weiland’s three-decade career included solo albums and a spot in the supergroup Velvet Revolver.

Weiland’s current band, Scott Weiland & the Wildabouts, had been scheduled to play a show in nearby Medina, Minnesota, before his death, but it had been cancelled a week earlier due to poor ticket sales.

Police said they found a small amount of cocaine in Weiland’s bedroom and elsewhere on the tour bus.

Catch: Dungeon Cove, is set to premiere next fall. It will focus on families involved in the Dungeness crab fishing industry in Newport, Ore., the network said Friday.

The announcement doesn’t mean that the original series, which is set to begin its 12th season in the spring, is winding down, said Joseph Boyle, Discovery’s executive producer for the show. Discovery executives were intrigued by the spinoff proposal from Original Productions, which makes Deadliest Catch, he said. The original series, about fishing boats in Alaska’s Bering Sea, is one of the network’s signature programs.

The industry around Newport was interesting to Discovery because fishermen race to catch as many fish as they can during a season, as opposed to working with a quota, he said.

“It’s every man for yourself,” Boyle said. “They go out there and fish their hearts out.”

The boats also need to navigate massive waves, sandbars and currents.

“It’s just treachery on the water,” he said. “It’s a very, very deadly and dangerous place to fish.”

Discovery hasn’t decided whether the new show will begin after the upcoming season of the original series ends sometime in the fall or if they will overlap, he said.

Force Awakens heading for $100 million Friday, $200 million-plus weekend NEW YORK — The Walt Disney Co. is forecasting that The Force Awakens will make more than $100 million in North America on Friday and is headed for a weekend total beyond $200 million.

Disney says the new Star Wars film will possibly overtake the $208.8 million record of Jurassic World set in June, based on the robust box office receipt of Friday matinees. A $100 million day would best the previous oneday high of $91.1 million, set by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

The Force Awakens has already set a new record for Thursday night previews with an estimated $57 million from showings that began at about 7 p.m. Thursday.

Fishing town in Oregon to be basis of Deadliest Catch spinoff on Discovery NEW YORK — Makers of the popular Discovery network series Deadliest Catch are heading south to a fishing village in Oregon for a spinoff.

The new series, called Deadliest

Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland died due to toxic mix of drugs MINNEAPOLIS — Authorities say former Stone Temple Pilots frontman

CULTURAL RESTAURANTS IN ALBERTA VISIT US AT BOULEVARDRESTAURANT.CA

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SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Retired friends annoying busy couple Dear Annie: My husband and I are at an age where many of our friends have retired.

We have not.

We started a business together five years ago, and fortunately, it is doing extremely well.

We plan to retire in another five years. In the meantime, we’re working KATHY MITCHELL very hard, both AND MARCY SUGAR physically and mentally, but ANNIE’S MAILBOX enjoy it.

The problem?

Our retired friends cannot seem to amuse themselves without us. I’m aware that this sounds egotistical, but one friend actually waits for us in our driveway when we get in from work.

The others call several times a week to try to arrange dinner out or some other

social engagement.

When I explain that we just walked in the door and are exhausted, I’m “scolded” for always being too busy.

Their favorite expression is, “We’re human beings, not human doings.”

I know your answer to this type of question would be to have a frank talk with these friends, but no matter how kindly I put it, I’m sure it would hurt their feelings.

So, I’d like to take the coward’s way out and ask that you print this advice to retired folks and others who want to be “good friends”: Please call before stopping by. It’s good manners and will make you a more welcome guest when we are up for your company.

And when we say we’re too tired, too busy, or would just like to do nothing for a while, please accept it graciously.

And maybe, just maybe, you should round out your own lives a bit more.

Annie, these are all terrific, quality people with whom we hope to enjoy many more years of friendship.

We just don’t have the energy to do

it at the end of our work day. — Exhausted, but Happy Dear Exhausted: Your retired friends are probably a little bored, and they enjoy your company.

Since you aren’t asking for advice, however, we’re happy to let you use this space for a perfectly good message — whether one is retired or not.

Dear Annie: I need to respond to “Mother-in-Law,” who said most wives have no reason to have a bad opinion of their mothers-in-law. I’m sorry to say that sometimes it’s justified.

I have really tried to look past my mother-in-law’s nasty attitude toward me, my family and even my children, but after 40 years, I’ve had it.

My mother-in-law is critical of everyone, even her own son who has helped her through every crisis in her life.

His sister, who spends months traveling all over the world, somehow couldn’t afford a plane ticket to come home when her father was dying.

Yet my mother-in-law told my daughter that my husband “wasn’t helping at all” and his sister “helps a

lot.”

When our daughter, who is a size 6 and has suffered with bulimia in the past, recently went to visit her grandmother, Grandma told her she was getting fat.

And she wonders why no one wants to spend time with her.

If our son ever marries and I treat his family the way my mother-in-law has treated us, I deserve every negative comment that is made about me. — Hope to Do Better in Pennsylvania Dear Better: People should be judged individually, not on their family position.

Your mother-in-law sounds toxic, and her reputation is deserved. Most are not.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@ creators.com, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. You can also find Annie on Facebook at Facebook.com/AskAnnies.

IN

HOROSCOPES Saturday, Dec. 19 the Moon energizing your entertainment CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DATE: zone, plan something special for today. PerJake Gyllenhaal, 34; Alyssa Milano, 42; Jen- haps you could throw an impromptu party; or nifer Beals, 51 get last-minute tickets to a movie, concert or THOUGHT OF THE DAY: theatre performance?

Mental intensity is high so pace CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. yourself and try to relax.

19): Tread carefully with a famiHAPPY BIRTHDAY: Stayly member tonight Capricorn as ing true to yourself is the key to tolerance is low, and irritability a successful year. If you follow high. A hope, dream or wish will your intuition, you’ll be unbeattake a while to manifest so you’ll able. have to be patient.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. what you believe in.

18): You’re brimming with innoARIES (March 21-April 19): vative ideas.

The Moon’s moving through your But just because you’ve sign, so the focus is on you Arthought about them — and disies! cussed them endlessly with othIt’s a great day to pamers — doesn’t mean you’ve acJOANNE MADELINE per yourself at the day spa, go tually put them into practice!

MOORE shopping, or launch a personal PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): SUN SIGNS project that you are passionate It’s a fabulous day to be creative about. as you drift off into dreamland.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s also the perfect time to help Don’t get stuck in a Taurus rut! Make your someone in need. But some Fish may rehopes, dreams and aspirations as big and ceive a surprise involving financial matters. beautiful as possible. If you’re contemplating a holiday in 2016, include a good friend in Sunday, Dec. 20 your plans.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DATE: GEMINI (May 21-June 20): All sorts of Uri Geller, 68; Billy Bragg, 57; Chris Robingroup activities are highlighted, as you link son, 48 up with like-minded friends. You’ve got some THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Avoid being too exciting ideas, so make sure you share them hasty. Take the time to think things through. with compatible friends and colleagues.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: You have a very imCANCER (June 21-July 22): It’s the per- pulsive nature. In 2016, Saturn will teach you fect time to talk with loved ones about your to slow down and complete projects before holiday plans for the coming year. Some you move onto the next big thing.

Crabs will be up late burning the midnight oil, ARIES (March 21-April 19): Rams — if as you catch up on a mammoth work project. you jump to hasty conclusions today, then LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): It’s the perfect expect relationship problems. And keep your day to be an adventurous Lion. temper under control, otherwise there’ll be Perhaps you could embark on a day trip; fireworks and angry words with loved ones. explore some local landmarks or go camping, TAURUS (April 20-May 20): On the surbush walking or hiking? Use your imagination face it may appear that you lack self-belief, Leo! but you have a quiet inner confidence and VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Relations with tenacity that eventually shines through. Your children, teenagers or friends will be lively intuition will point you in the right direction. today Virgo.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Twins are You’re the calming voice of reason — you likely to get tongue-tied today — or just blurt do it so well! Rewards come as others see out something totally inappropriate. If you you create order out of chaos. want to stay out of trouble then zip your lip, LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The focus is put your head down and get on with your on loved ones, as you jazz up your usual work.

Saturday schedule to include a few surprises.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): All sorts of Listen up Libra, because a loved one may tell professional and personal projects are fayou something unexpected. voured today, as you tackle tricky challenges SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Try to be as with initiative and plenty of confidence. But compassionate as you can with a child, teen- avoid being a controlling Crab! ager or friend today.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Study, sport and Don’t be judgmental or offer unwanted travel are all favoured today Lions. You’re aladvice. Simmer down Scorpio — and listen to so mentally alert and able to make decisions what they have to say. quickly, but resist the temptation to promise SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): With more than you can actually deliver.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Tackle mental tasks with extra energy Virgo. You’ll power through planning, study or research work but avoid being hasty and taking short-cuts, especially with children and teenagers.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): With mighty Mars marching through your sign, it’s time to be brazenly bold and beautiful. If you’re not confident about your talents, why should anyone else sing your praises?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Have you been stewing over something for a long time Scorpio? Today, hidden resentments could suddenly be released today via sharp words, a succinct text or a sarcastic email.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you are involved in a group activity, expect some heated exchanges. Plus avoid getting drawn into a feisty debate over a situation involving a child or teenager. Keep a cool head!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There’ll be stress between work, domestic and relationship responsibilities. Of course you’ll blame yourself — but will that help? Look for positive solutions that make you feel good about yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’ll feel impatient today — and energized. Use your mental abilities and communication skills to inspire others and initiate projects. Don’t forget to get your body moving as well.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t be a procrastinating Piscean! The stars push you to bite the bullet and make some firm decisions — especially involving friends, finances or your hopes and dreams for the future.

Joanne Madeline Moore is an internationally syndicated astrologer and columnist. Her column appears daily in the Advocate.

BRIEF Donor leaves $50,000 check under baby Jesus figure, for Texas non-profit group helping children AMARILLO, Texas — A Texas group that helps children has received a surprise $50,000 donation left under a baby Jesus figure.

Officials with The Children’s Home in Amarillo found the check Wednesday after a caller advised staff to check the Nativity scene outside the building.

A receptionist discovered an envelope beneath the infant Jesus replica that contained the check.

The Children’s Home provides a place for at-risk youngsters to stay.

Group President Darrin Murphy says staffers contacted the donor whose name was on the check.

The man said he’s inspired by the youngsters being helped by The Children’s Home.

The donor said he wishes to remain anonymous.

Murphy says he told some of the children about the donation and they were excited to learn that people believe in their futures Online: http://myrootsandwings.org/

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SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Photos by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this photo provided by Valspar, designer and television personality Genevieve Gorder suggests embellishing items you may have around the house, like trays and votive holders and picture frames, with glitter and metallic spray paint. Gorder is a fan of seasonal sparkle and shine when it comes to decorating.

Seasonal sparkle isn’t costly, nor is it difficult to achieve

BY KIM COOK THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Even if you practice restraint in your everyday home decor, you might be inclined toward a bit of sizzle and sparkle when the holidays roll around.

The season is a great excuse to let your festive flag fly, so to speak, and few things say “festive” like decor that’s got some glitz, glitter or gilding.

“My go-to holiday look each season?

Winter wonderland meets glamour,” says New York designer Genevieve Gorder.

She uses metallic and glittery spray paint to add personalized flair. If you’re on a budget or are fairly crafty, this is a good option. Jazz up stuff you already have like terra cotta pots, tea light holders, candlesticks, picture frames and serving trays. Valspar has a line of paints that stick to most materials, and come in both opaque and translucent finishes. (www.valspar.com ) If you gather bare branches on a walk or buy some from a garden centre, find instructions for glittering them up at www.momtastic.com . After painting them, spray with adhesive, and then dip them in both glitter and clear crystalline sprinkles. The sprinkles add an icy extra touch.

If you’re tight on work space (glittering is a messy business), consider glitter in a tube. Jo-Ann craft stores have Stickles, glitter glue that comes in a bunch of colours and is easy to dab or swab. (www.joann.com ) Making a tabletop holiday village is easy and inexpensive. Got some plastic toy animals lying around? Give them a coat of metallic paint. A stack of newspapers or old magazines? Transform them with a few folds into trees, and spray them with glitter paint.

You can build a few houses out of chipboard, paint and powdered glitter, and create your tableau it’s a fun project to do with kids or friends. Martha Stewart has instructions online. (www.

“My go-to holiday look? Winter wonderland meets glamour,” says designer Genevieve Gorder, obviously a fan of seasonal marthastewart.com ) Z Gallerie offers boxes of gold or sparkle and shine when it comes to decorating. silver acrylic “ice gems” that look like You can set the holiday table with subtle shine tional red/green or blue/white realm, Target’s got ice cubes. In a clear vase, they’d be a great base for white painted branches or greenery. a collection of glittery faux bottlebrush trees in co- using Sandy Chilewich’s brass or silver Drift plaOr scatter them along a faux fur runner with some lours like copper, orchid, turquoise, purple and mo- cemats, which have an angular, geometric design tiny twinkle lights. The retailer also has a series of cha. Seasonal greetings stenciled in metallic sequins inspired by woodblock prints. Add a few slim white, silver-plated ceramic penguins, and sexy starburst bring sparkle to the sofa on throw pillows. (www. copper or silver glass trees from CB2 for a tablescape that’s minimalist yet merry. (www.chilewich. target.com ) ornaments with a retro vibe. (www.zgallerie.com ) Dress the base of the Christmas tree with an or- com www.cb2.com ) Paper poinsettia balls from Joss & Main in a draBring the bling outdoors, too, with large-scale matic midnight hue and edged in golden glitter bring ganza skirt dusted with glitter from Kohl’s. Or Zazzle baroque elan to the mantel. Filigree-wrapped balls has a snazzy one in shimmery lemon yellow. Sparkly decorations. Wayfair has a set of sparkly, lighted and mini tiara ornaments add royal style. (www.jos- ruffles give a little kick to a tree skirt at Brylane gift boxes. Frontgate’s gold, silver or red ornaments Home. (www.kohls.com www.zazzle.com www.bry- come with fiber-optic and LED lights. (www.wayfair. sandmain.com ) com www.frontgate.com ) For those looking to decorate outside the tradi- lanehome.com )

D2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

Eye on trends for 2016 ECO-FRIENDLY DECOR AND INDOOR GARDENS COULD BE POPULAR NEXT YEAR walls are being tiled in solid shades.

To create an eye-catching pattern or border, specialty tiles can be successfully combined with plain white to keep costs down.

I chose a patchwork quilt of tiles for this bathroom floor.

Even though these ceramic tiles are Italian, they resemble the patchwork that is often seen in Morocco, with a touch of retro design thrown in.

This eclectic mix is ideal when a room is decorated in simple shades of gray and white.

Area rugs make impressive floor art too.

New designs have the dreamy appearance of watercolours in striking pastel shades of pink, orange and blue. Stripes and various geometric shapes in gradations of gray, silver and black have a blurry look, subtle and sophisticated.

New rugs are made to look worn in keeping with vintage style and are coupled with contemporary furniture for a stunning then and now look.

Small spaces have brought out the need for a more minimalist approach to decorating.

Now we combine functional with quality design in decorative objects.

The kitchen is compact with open shelving that shows off crockery and glasses.

Counters are decorated with cookware in lush pastel shades; while mixers and cappuccino machines have an industrial dazzle to them.

LED lights have changed the way we illuminate our homes.

This tiny energy-saving invention has given rise to a flurry of new design opportunities.

From the flair of space-age chandeliers to the efficiency of under counter task lighting, the size and colour options of good quality LEDs is showing up in every room of the home.

If vintage or traditional is your style, lamps can be fitted to take LEDs without losing the old world ambiance.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis. com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbieís new website, www.debbietravis. com.

This rich tapestry of patchwork ceramics adds eclectic charm to a beautiful bathroom.

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Over the years I have had an amazing opportunity to view and experience all that is new in the world of interior fashion.

Trends rise and fall, specific styles dominate our lives, and whether or not we are aware of it, the marketplace moves us in different directions.

What we wear, how we equip our homes, what we drive, how and where we travel change with the times, sometimes quickly, other times at a gradual pace.

T o d a y , the ongoing DEBBIE challenge of TRAVIS protecting and enjoying the HOUSE TO HOME environment continues to hold sway, becoming a way of life as it should.

The year ahead has a splendid array of products in colours and designs that are mindful of what we deem important.

No matter your personal style and taste, you will be delighted by the dÈcor stories coming up.

We are looking after ourselves, or at least trying to, thinking about what we eat, the importance of exercise, and the necessity of taking the time to destress every day.

So look for comfy sofas and chairs, an eco-friendly fireplace, and seating in the bathroom, in and out of the shower.

Indoor gardens are blooming; plants are good for us — they bring us closer to nature, can purify the air, and the act of tending a garden indoors or out is relaxing and satisfying.

An interesting trend that connects with feeling good is the explosion of all things scripted.

Words of inspiration, poems, popular sayings and labels are seen on fabrics, written on wood, metals and even blackboards.

They appear anywhere, most popular in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom.

As for decorative materials, tiles in every colour, design, shape and texture have become the new form of art for walls and floors.

Not just for backsplashes, whole

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 D3

Photo by STEVE MAXWELL/Freelance

Sealed toolboxes are part of a strategy for keeping tools from rusting in unheated Canadian garages and workshops.

A fix for rotting crawlspace in a cottage instead of crawlspace walls.

Would there be any rotting of joists?

No, because there would be no moisture build up.

So somewhere between your current situation and the imaginary nowall option is a level of ventilation that will stop the moisture problem.

Since your cottage isn’t heated in winter, the temperature of the floors doesn’t matter.

You’re free to let as much outdoor air into the crawlspace as needed to fix the problem.

Mind you, it takes a lot of vent area to make the indoor temperature and humidity of a crawlspace the same as outdoors.

Without enough vent space and air flow you’ll still have damaging levels of humidity.

the box.

This is a pouch or canister of moisture-hungry granules that pulls water out of the air.

One of the most widely available desiccants happens to be Canadian.

Moisture Grabbers come in large and small pouches.

One will keep the largest toolbox bone dry all winter long, with no tool rusting.

Steve Maxwell is Canada’s longest running home improvement journalist.

Visit him online at SteveMaxwell.ca

Preventing Wintertime Tool Rust

Q: How can I stop my tools from rusting in their toolbox?

They never get wet and I keep the lid closed, but somehow rusting happens each winter.

Summer is no problem, but winter always is. Whats going on?

A: The wide swings in temperature we get here in Canada cause more tools to rust than anything else except leaving them in the backyard during a thunderstorm.

When garage temperatures warm up after a cold spell, it causes condensation to develop on the cold tools in the same way it does on a cold drink during summer.

And a little moisture is all it takes to trigger rust.

I struggled with the problem of winter rust on tools at my own place until I figured out the two secrets for fixing it.

First, you need some kind of sealed toolbox to store tools; and second, some way to make the inside of that tool box drier than it normally is.

Start with a weatherproof toolbox of the kind that has a rubber seal around a tight-fitting lid.

Stanley makes great tool boxes of this kind.

Next, get a desiccant to put inside

U.S. housing starts rise 10.5 per cent

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Q: What should I do about the rotting joists in the crawlspace of my cottage?

One contractor wants to encapsulate the entire space, and another wants to put in a cement floor.

A third says replacing the joists with pressure treated lumber is all STEVE thats needed.

MAXWELL A: The first thing to underHOUSEWORKS stand is that no wood, not even pressure treated wood, will ever resist rot long term if moisture levels are high enough.

So the fireplace and be done with it option wont work.

You do need to replace your floor joists, but you also need to do something else.

Another thing to understand is that the form of moisture that rots crawlspaces in Canada is not just liquid water or seepage from the ground. Yes, these are often a problem, but its not the only source of grief. Not even the most damaging.

You can have a completely leak-free crawlspace and your floor joists will still rot if warm, humid air is allowed to enter the area during summer.

The cool temperatures of the crawlspace cause the outdoor air to drop in temperature.

This drives relative humidity of the space up to the dew point, causing condensed moisture to appear on surfaces, seemingly out of nowhere.

So there are two options to pursue: either seal the crawlspace and run a dehumidifier in summer; or open the crawlspace walls enough to allow sufficient natural ventilation to eliminate the moisture problem.

Given what I know, this may be the best option for you.

Imagine for a moment that your cottage was sitting on four corner posts,

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 - OUT OF TOWN 172 Paramount Cres. ...... ......10 10 a.m. – 12 p.m...Carlene .. Carlene Kowalchuk .... ABBEY MASTER BUILDER BUILDER................ ................ 587-377-0128 .. $439,900....... Blackfalds 129 Mann Drive ................1:00 ................ 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.. p.m.. ....Jocelyn .... Jocelyn ........................... LAEBON HOMES ................................ 302-9612 .............................. Penhold 4273 Ryders Ridge Blvd..1:00 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.. p.m.. ....Lyle .... Lyle Kellington ............ MASON MARTIN HOMES................ 588-2231 .............................. Sylvan Lake #102 639 Oak Street .......11:00 ....... 11:00 - 5:00 p.m. ..Jessica .. Jessica Mercereau ...... MASON MARTIN HOMES................ 588-2550 .............................. Springbrook

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 - OUT OF TOWN 129 Mann Drive ................1:00 ................ 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. .....Jocelyn ..... Jocelyn ........................... LAEBON HOMES ................................ 302-9612............................... Penhold 4273 Ryders Ridge Blvd..1:00 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. .....Lyle ..... Lyle Kellington ............ MASON MARTIN HOMES................ 588-2231............................... Sylvan Lake #102 639 Oak Street .......1:00 ....... 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. .....Jessica ..... Jessica Mercereau ...... MASON MARTIN HOMES................ 588-2550............................... Springbrook

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WASHINGTON — A big jump in apartment construction in the Midwest and South boosted the pace of homebuilding in November, marking a solid bounce back after tumbling in October. Construction of single-family houses also increased and reached an eight-year high. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that total housing starts — both houses and apartments— climbed 10.5 last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million homes.

The increase reversed much of drop in stars during October. There has been a sharp growth in homebuilding, with starts having increased 11 per cent so far this year. Solid hiring over the past two years and relatively low interest rates have buoyed the real estate market, encouraging more people to upgrade to two new houses and sign rental leases.

Single-family house construction rose 7.6 per cent last month to 768,000, the best reading since January 2008. The building of multi-family complexes, primarily apartments, advanced 18.1 per cent.

The gains appear likely to continue over the next few months. Building permits rose 11 per cent in November to an annual rate of 1.29 million, with almost all of the increase coming from apartments. The additional permits suggest newfound momentum in construction after a choppy few months where growth appeared to be stalling.

“An upward trend in total housing construction appears to be re-emerging, following the slowdown in the summer,” said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

Still, construction is recovering from the depths of the Great Recession as starts remain short of the 1.5 million rate that housing sector analysts associate with a healthy market.

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announcements Obituaries

Obituaries

BACLIG Lodevica Manuel Lodevica passed away peacefully in her home on December 14, 2015. She was born in the Philippines February 19, 1924. Lodevica is survived by her loving husband, Benito; only daughter, Lydia Federico; son-in-law Joe; only grandchild, Candice; great grandchildren, Chloe and Carter; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

For those who wish to pay their respects, visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Red Deer Funeral Home, 6150 - 67 Street. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 6 McMillan Avenue, Red Deer.

A special thank you to Avelina Rubio for her dedicated love and care of mom. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.reddeerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to RED DEER FUNERAL HOME 6150 - 67 Street, Red Deer.

Phone (403) 347-3319.

FLEETHAM Richard (Dick) Fredrick Fleetham passed away November 12, 2015, at the age of 63, at his second home in San Agustinillo, Oaxaca, Mexico. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend. He held on to lifelong friendships and stayed connected whether by phone or in person, which often involved long hours of driving. After graduating from SAIT with a diploma in Environmental Technology (Architecture), he worked for A. Dale and Associates on the design of the Calgary Tower, then the planning departments of the cities of Red Deer and Grande Prairie. It was while working for the City of Red Deer that he met his life partner, Brenda (nee Ropsfelt). Dick had a great love of adventure, exploring, learning and living life to the fullest.

He and Brenda shared a dream to buy a farm “up north”. With the help of the Block Brothers Real Estate catalogue, they found a farmhouse in Blueberry Mountain and moved in February 29, 1976. Sons Mackenzie and John arrived in 1978 and 1981. The arrival of Dick’s grandchildren, Sten, Max, and Iker marked his latest pride and joy. If only he could have enjoyed being “Grandpa” for a few more years. Dick was predeceased by his mother, Marianne Walker (nee Johnson) and father, Gordon Fleetham. He leaves behind wife Brenda, sons Mackenzie and John (Tania) Fleetham, grandsons Stenlund, Maximilliano, and Iker, sister Judy Fleetham, and brothers Scott and Jeff (Debby Schurer) Fleetham.

A celebration of life will be held December 28, 2015 at the Rycroft Community Hall, at 1:30 pm, fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toward a defibrillator for the village of San Agustinillo.

Donations can be made in person or by mail into an account held in the name of Brenda Fleetham “In Trust” at ATB Financial, Box 720, Spirit River T0H 3G0 or by way of Interac e-Transfer through your on line banking services to fleetham@abnorth.com.

McHOLLISTER Scott Patrick 1967 - 2015 Scott Patrick McHollister of Red Deer died peacefully on Monday, December 14, 2015 at the age of 48 years, in the company of family after a Funeral Directors long and courageous battle & Services with cancer. Scott is survived by his brother, Jay; sister-inlaw, Tamara; nephews, Matthew and Max; as well as numerous good friends. As per Scott’s wishes no service will be held. Donations in Scott’s memory may be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Ave., Red Deer, AB, T4R 3S6.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca.

Obituaries

Obituaries

SEBASTIAN Ernest 1934 - 2015 Mr. Ernest ‘Ernie’ Sebastian of Red Deer, passed away at Bethany CollegeSide, Red Deer on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at the age of 81 years. Ernie was born on April 19, 1934 at Punnichy, Saskatchewan to Louis and Susan Sebastian. He was the first born of a family of fourteen children. He moved with his wife, Vicky and children to Alberta in 1968; living in Killam and Vegreville, before settling in Red Deer. Ernie worked as a teacher and principal for various schools in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and finished his career with the Red Deer Catholic Regional Division.

Ernie will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Theresa; sons, Alfred (Anne Marie), Donald (Laurel), Gerald (Erin); and grandchildren, Justine (Matt), Raelle (Ross), Logan, Ryder, Luke and Emily. He will also be sadly missed by his sisters, Alice, Alma, Verna, Elsie and Helen; and brothers, Dennis, Steve, Edward, Allan, and their families. Ernie was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Susan Sebastian, and brothers, Bill, Joe and George. A Private Family Interment will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Bethany CollegeSide for their care and compassion to Ernie.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer.

403.340.4040.

Classified does it all!

The Red Deer Advocate Classified is the community’s number-one information centre and marketplace.

It serves as the best single source for selling items, seeking jobs, finding housing, meeting new people and more.

Put the power of classified to work for you today.

WATT Lyndsey Patricia (nee Fenger) Dec. 13, 1984 - Dec. 15, 2015 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful angel Lyndsey, taken far too soon just two days after her 31st birthday.

Lyndsey was born in Red Deer, AB, December 13, 1984. She completed her schooling in Red Deer and went on to earn a Diploma in Financial Services. Driven and determined, Lyndsey managed to obtain a Bachelor of Commerce Degree while working full time at Servus Credit Union. Lyndsey had a very successful and promising career. Prior to her maternity leave she was well respected as an Assistant Branch Manager. Lyndsey met Chad, the love of her life, in 2007 and they were married three years later. Chad and Lyndsey were true soul mates and had a beautiful son Sawyer in July 2013. The family is comforted knowing that Lyndsey will live on through their precious little boy.

Lyndsey was a beautiful person, both inside and out.

She was the pillar of strength for her family. Lyndsey fought her 19 month battle with cancer with dignity, courage, unfailing faith, and love for all around her. Even in her darkest moments she was concerned about others and always had the ability to dig deep for a smile. Lyndsey is deeply mourned and will be sadly missed by her loving husband Chad and their cherished son Sawyer. She is also mourned by her loving parents Lynda Richardson and Doug Fenger, siblings Shane and Kaylen, grandmother Pat (Slim), aunts Barb (Ron), Judy, Karen and cousins Kim and Kelly. Also mourning her loss are her father and mother-in-law Larry and Agnes Watt, Brett (Tresa) Emily and Liam, Danielle (Ted Vandermeer) Beau, Grandma Watt, Grandma Volk, aunts, uncles and cousins. Lyndsey also leaves behind an endless number of close friends whose lives she has deeply touched. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 6 McMillan Avenue, Red Deer, on Monday, December 21st, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. A trust fund has been set up for their son Sawyer Watt. Donations can be made at any Servus Credit Union branch in Alberta.

“I am………..loved, worthy, safe, whole” (taken from Lyndsey’s blog at Lyndseywatt.com).

Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.eventidefuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements entrusted to EVENTIDE FUNERAL CHAPEL 4820 - 45 Street, Red Deer.

Phone (403) 347-2222

CALL CALL 309-3300 309-3300

Obituaries

Births

WOSTENBERG SUTHERLAND It is with great sadness to On Monday, November 9, announce the passing of 2015, Angus and Krista Justine Wostenberg (Many Sutherland of Calgary Bears), beloved wife of welcomed baby Georgia Henry from Red Deer, on Grace; 7 lbs. 12 oz., 2 in.

December 15, 2015 at the long. She joins her excited age of 74. Justine was born siblings, Hayden and Shelby. on the Blood Reserve on the Proud grandparents are 18th day of March 1941 to Anna and the late Bruce Jack and Margaret Many Sutherland of Red Deer Bears. Justine is survived by and Valerie and Gary Vassie her husband Henry of 47 of Cochrane. years; her daughters Jacinta (Loredan) Marina, of Kimberly, BC, Sarah, one son Charles from Red Deer; five grand children Azaria, Zoe, and Card Of Thanks Bianca, Dylan and Addison; one great grandson Malachi; BERNIE ENGHOJ 9 brothers Winston, Bruno On behalf of all of Bernie’s (Korene), Leonard, Warner family, I would like to express (Debbie), Raymond (Greta), our appreciation to all of you Edmund, Randy (Gail), Tony who helped us get through (Jennifer) and Ivan (Donna) our loss. Gifts of flowers, Many Bears; 5 sisters food, comforting thoughts Adeline, Celestine Ann, and even cleaning my Rosella and Delores (John); driveway, the memories numerous nephews and recalled, my Moose family, nieces; three Aunts and one Uncle. helping with the memorial Justine was predeceased by service lunch made it much her parents Jack and easier for us. Thank you Ed Margaret Many Bears; two and Laurie for all you did and brothers; Thomas, infant said. It was a warm, comforting James; her grandparents Pat service. Thank you everyone. and Paul Weasel Head & Connie and family, Peter and Maryanne Many Gordie Bears; numerous uncles, aunts and relatives. Justine was a devout wife and followed her husband where ever his profession took him.

From the Blood Reserve to San Antonio,Texas, Brocket, Marriages Wetaskiwin and finally settling in Red Deer where she lovingly raised her children - always supporting their interests. Justine will be greatly missed by her family, siblings, and huge extended family. She enjoyed her visits to her in-laws in Colorado, USA. She especially enjoyed our Many Bears and Weasel Head family reunions where she got to meet so many relatives. A Wake Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston, on Sunday, December 20th from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Fort Macleod NORTHEY - NEWMAN on Monday, December 21st at 11:00 a.m. with Father Michelle Lee Northey, Angleo D’Costa O.M.I. daughter of Garry and Cindy Interment in the Union Northey of Red Deer, AB and Cemetery, Fort Macleod.

Samuel Robert Newman, Send condolences to: son of Samuel and Jeannie www.legacyfuneralhome.ca Newman of Cape Breton, NS LEGACY FUNERAL were married on August 2, HOMES LTD., CARDSTON 2015 in Canmore, AB. Assisting the Family.

The happy couple is residing Phone 403-653-3222. in Red Deer.

You are wished a lifetime of beautiful memories!

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Say Thank You...

A Classified Announcement in our

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Can deliver your message.

309-3300 Email: classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com

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Daily Newspap

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RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 D5

jobs CLASSIFICATIONS

CLASSIFICATIONS

700-920

50-70

56

720

Clerical

MEN’S Bifocal prescription ACCOUNTING sunglasses in case. Found CLERK near St. Elizabeth Seton School. Owner can claim What we Need: by identifying case.

Message at 403-392-5842 • A quick learner who will take ownership of PRESCRIPTION glasses all the job entails found near downtown TD • Attention to detail and Bank 403-343-3495 taking pride in striving towards perfection • Being self-motivated and working with little Personals supervision after training • Highly organized an d ALCOHOLICS efficient ANONYMOUS 403-347-8650 • Punctual and multitasker COCAINE ANONYMOUS • Good communication 403-396-8298 skills IS someone’s drinking causing you problems? What you will do: AL-ANON 403-346-0320 • Record accounting journals on all aspects OVEREATERS Anonymous of vehicle sales Contact Phyl @ 347-4188 • Look after Finance Contracts in conjunction with the Finance Managers • Communication with agencies such as General Motors and Banks

60

TO ORDER HOME DELIVERY OF THE ADVOCATE CALL OUR CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT 403-314-4300 ADULT or YOUTH CARRIERS NEEDED

TRAINING CENTRE OILFIELD TICKETS

Industries #1 Choice!

SLOPED ROOFERS LABOURERS & FLAT ROOFERS

403.341.4544

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

860

Truckers/ Drivers

ROLL-OFF DRIVERS Required immediately for the Olds Mountain View Area. Email resume with a min. of 2 references to: canpak@xplornet.ca

24 Hours Toll Free 1.888.533.4544

R H2S Alive (ENFORM) R First Aid/CPR R Confined Space R WHMIS & TDG R Ground Disturbance R (ENFORM) D&C B.O.P. R D&C (LEL) #204, 7819 - 50 Ave. (across from Totem) (across from Rona North)

wegot

stuff CLASSIFICATIONS

870

Clothing

1590

JOSEPH Ribkoff faux leather top/dress jacket.

Ladies’ Size 8. Zipperedfront, buttery soft black faux leather with black and white overstitching. Mint condition, only worn twice. $30 (firm). Call 403-342-7908.

FURNACE duct cleaning business. Selling due to family illness. Includes 2003 1 ton van and vacuum compressor, etc. Paid $25,000 2 yrs. ago, asking Experience: $10,000. Equipment in • 3 years or more work great shape. Great oppor- LADIES London Fog, reg.

10 size, cranberry pea coat experience in the tunity. 403-350-8977 Length $50. 403-227-2976 accounting field Start your career!

• Accounting Diploma or LADIES size 4 1/2 Italian See Help Wanted Degree chocolate leather knee • Proficient in Microsoft high boots, soft fits like a Excel and Word glove, $200 403-227-2976 Misc.

• Preference given to Vintage (circa 1950’s) Help experience in Car ladies’ muskrat fur coat Dealership software such in MINT condition. Rich as: CDK Global, Reynold Blue Grass Sod Farms Ltd. brown color. Waist length, Box 11, site 2, RR1 & Reynold slightly flared, size Red Deer, AB Medium. $75 (firm).

Req’s Farm labourers for E-mail cover letter, Call (403) 342-7908.

2016 season (April-Nov) resume and references to: In Red Deer. Duties danderson@ WINTER COAT, 3/4 include sod farming and pikewheatonchev.ca length, with detachable tree nursery.

Tree Nursery hood, brand new.

Something for Everyone will involve pruning, plantSize 16.5 plus. Asking Everyday in Classifieds ing and digging trees. $75. 403-347-5648 Will train/exp an asset.

WINTER COAT, full Wage $11.20 hr 48 hrs length, size M, zipper & weekly. Email resume to Legal buttons, New! Aksing $80. s/Richardson@bg-rd.com 403-347-5648 Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT Electronics Notice to JOHN THOMPSON ELLIS Bird Farm is who worked for PS2 with 10 games, $60; accepting applications for IPSCO INC and/or 403-782-3847 a Cafe (Tea House) EVRAZ NA from July Operator/Contractor PSP WITH 12 games, 2004 to February 2010. for the 2016 season $130. 403-782-3847 Please contact Helen (May - early September).

Brock @ 403 346-7717 or Favorable terms and high X-BOX, with 14 games, at Box 593 Red Deer, AB. profit potential. For infor$60; T4N 5G6 before mation package contact DREAM CAST with 3 January 15, 2016. info@ellisbirdfarm.ca games, $50. 403-782-3847

880

For delivery of Flyers, Wednesday and Friday ONLY 2 DAYS A WEEK CLEARVIEW RIDGE CLEARVIEW NOTICE TIMBERSTONE LANCASTER VANIER WOODLEA/ WASKASOO DEER PARK GRANDVIEW EASTVIEW MICHENER MOUNTVIEW Misc.

ROSEDALE Help GARDEN HEIGHTS MORRISROE

Tools

SKILL SAW, Craftsman 7.25, $50. 403-314-0804

Firewood

1500-1990

CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS

Business Opportunities

1640

“Low Cost” Quality Training

Valid Driver’s Licence preferred. Fax or email info@goodmenroofing.ca or (403)341-6722 NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

1630

TRAILERS for sale or rent Job site, office, well site or storage. Skidded or wheeled. Call 347-7721.

SAFETY

Requires

EquipmentHeavy

780

1605

880

1660

AFFORDABLE

Homestead Firewood

Spruce, Pine, Aspen - Split.

Avail. 7 days/wk. 403-304-6472 B.C. Birch, Aspen, Spruce/Pine. Delivery avail.

PH. Lyle 403-783-2275

FIREWOOD: Spruce & Pine - Split. 403-346-7178

Household Furnishings

1720

BUNK BED, with desk & dresser built in. New cond.

Pd $1300. Asking $5000. o.b.o. 780-916-0221

For delivery of Flyers, Wednesday and Friday ONLY 2 DAYS A WEEK ANDERS BOWER HIGHLAND GREEN INGLEWOOD JOHNSTONE KENTWOOD RIVERSIDE MEADOWS PINES SUNNYBROOK SOUTHBROOKE WEST LAKE WEST PARK

POLAR bar fridge $50, 2 Canadian Club (Texas Mickey) 133 1/3 oz. whiskey bottles w/pumps, $50 ea. 403-358-5568 PROPANE heater for inside travel home, works good $150 obo 403-314-0804 SNOWBLOWER POULAN PRO, 27”, never used. $675. 403-347-7448 WATER cooler $50.

403-885-5020

Office Supplies

1800

Sporting Goods

1860

Packages

1900

TRAVEL ALBERTA Alberta offers SOMETHING for everyone.

Make your travel plans now.

wegot

WANTED

Antiques, furniture and estates. 342-2514

Stereos TV's, VCRs

1730

40 “ + TOSHIBA color tv; and older tv to give away 587-727-3377

Misc. for Sale

1760

100 VHS movies, $75.

For All 403-885-5020 2 NEW folding alum. saw horses $20/ea, new in box 30 pc. wall mounted storage bins $35, new elec. rotisserie and BBQ oven $35, Stringer wet/dry vacumn cleaner $20, Skil 3/8 variable speed drill $12, B & D jig saw $12 403-358-5568

CLASSIFICATIONS

Condos/

6 locations in Red Deer, well-maintained townhouses, lrg, 3 bdrm, 11/2 bath, 4 + 5 appls.

Westpark, Kentwood, Highland Green, Riverside Meadows. Rent starting at $1100. For more info, phone 403-304-7576 or 403-347-7545 SOUTHWOOD PARK 3110-47TH Avenue, 2 & 3 bdrm. townhouses, generously sized, 1 1/2 baths, fenced yards, full bsmts. 403-347-7473, Sorry no pets. www.greatapartments.ca

Suites

3060

1 BDRM. apt. avail. imm., $800 + power.

Call Bob 403-872-3400.

To Advertise Your Business or Service Here

AVAIL. IMMED. large 2 bdrm. in clean quiet adult building, near downtown Co-Op, no pets, 403-348-7445

7119052tfn

INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS Accounting, 30 yrs. of exp. with oilfield service companies, other small businesses and individuals RW Smith, 346-9351

Contractors

1100

DANCE DJ SERVICES 587-679-8606 Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

Handyman Services

1200

COUNTERTOP replacement.

Kitchen reno’s.

Wes 403-302-1648

BOOK NOW! For help on your home projects such as bathroom, main floor, and bsmt. renovations. Also painting and flooring.

Call James 403-341-0617

DALE’S Home Reno’s Free estimates for all your reno needs. 403-506-4301

MULTI-SKILLED HANDYMAN For Hire Call Derek 403-848-3266

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

Seniors’ Services

1372

FANTASY SPA

HELPING HANDS Home Supports for Seniors.

Cooking, cleaning, companionship. At home or facility. 403-346-7777

10 - 2am Private back entry

Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

Elite Retreat, Finest in VIP Treatment.

403-341-4445

Misc.

Services

1290

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

5* JUNK REMOVAL

Property clean up 505-4777 GARAGE Doors Serviced 50% off. 403-358-1614

1 BDRM., 3 appls., 50+, no pets, $840 rent, $600 SD. 403-318-0751

CITY VIEW APTS.

classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com

For CENTRAL ALBERTA LIFE 1 day a week INNISFAIL PENHOLD LACOMBE SYLVAN LAKE OLDS BLACKFALDS PONOKA Call Rick at 403- 314-4303

Call Classifieds 403-309-3300

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

wegot

wheels CLASSIFICATIONS 5000-5300

5040

SUV's

4020

HUGE REDUCTION!

#2, 6220 Orr Drive, $249,900, 2 bdrm., huge dbl. closet master, 2 bth., office, in-floor heat, updated appl., new cond., single garage, imm. poss., Margaret Comeau RE/MAX 403.391.3399

Clean, quiet, newly reno’d adult building. Rent $925 S.D. $800. Avail. immed. and Jan. 1. Near hospital.

No pets.403-318-3679 LARGE, 1 & 2 BDRM. SUITES. 25+, adults only n/s, no pets 403-346-7111

MORRISROE MANOR 1 & 2 bdrm., Adult bldg. only, N/S, No pets. 403-596-2444

NEW Glendale reno’d 1 & 2 bdrm. apartments, 1st month free, no pets, 100 Gilchrist Crescent, avail. immed, rent starting @ $775. 403-596-6000

THE NORDIC

1 & 2 bdrm. adult building, N/S. No pets.

403-596-2444

2002 DURANGO, RT, AWD, Hi + low range 4x4.

7 pass. 124,000 kms.. $5000. obo 780-916-0221

DO YOU WANT YOUR AD TO BE READ BY 100,000 Potential Buyers???

TRY Central Alberta LIFE SERVING CENTRAL ALBERTA RURAL REGION

CALL 309-3300 DEADLINE THURS. 5 P.M.

RISER HOMES CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 1 ONLY! This is a three LIMITED TIME bdrm. two bath modified bi level walk out, backing OFFER: onto green area and alley, One free year of Telus great for trailer. Many upinternet & cable AND 50% off first month’s rent! 1 & 2 grades. $417,000 includes Bedroom suites available. GST, legal fee, front sod. Tree.

LLOYD FIDDLER Renovated suites in central 403-391-9294 location. Cat friendly. www.riserhoes.com leasing@rentmidwest.com 1(888) 784-9274

1000-1430

34 Parkland Drive $185,000 3 Beds/1 Bath 1212 sq ft Mobile Home On its own lot. Fully Fenced Back yard. Contact Margaret Comeau RE/MAX 403.391.3399

4010

ACROSS from park, 2 bdrm. 4-plex, 1 1/2 bath, 4 appls. Rent $925/mo. d.d. $650. Avail. now or Jan. 1. 403-304-5337

CLASSIFICATIONS

1010

Realtors & Services

3050

For early morning delivery by 6:30 am Mon. - Sat. VANIER CLEARVIEW

Accounting

4000-4190

3030

ADULT 2 BDRM. spacious suites 3 appls., heat/water incld., ADULT ONLY BLDG, no pets, Oriole Park. 403-986-6889

1280

wegot

4090

Manufactured Homes

SYLVAN Lake, fully furn. rental, inclds. all utils, $1200 Details 403-880-0210

4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes

Drop off or mail resume + driver’s abstract to MancusoCleaning #8-7428-49 Ave Red Deer, T4P 1M2 www.mancusocleaning.com

Massage Therapy

3190

PADS $450/mo.

Brand new park in Lacombe.

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

Down payment $4000. Call at anytime. 403-588-8820 Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

SEIBEL PROPERTY

Salary and Benefits based on skill set and experience

1160

Mobile Lot

HERE TO HELP MAKEUP, from New York, & HERE TO SERVE red hot crocodile bag, 12 Townhouses eye shadows, 2 blush, 1 Call GORD ING at nail polish, 1 lip gloss. New Blackfalds Condo. 2 RE/MAX real estate Bdrm/2 Bath.

Main fl oor & NEW!!

Valued at $195. central alberta 403-341-9995 Asking $50. 403-227-2976 2nd floor options avail. 2 gord.ing@remax.net powered parking stalls.

Rent $1,400. Pets negotiable. Ask about rent Houses incentives. 403-396-1688.

For Sale

Learn under the personal direction of one of North America’s experts in restorative cleaning!

Entertainment

3090

CLASSIFICATIONS

SOUTH SIDE 2 storey house w/huge fenced yard, mature trees, on quiet close, 3 bdrms, 2 full baths, wood burning fireplace, 6 appls, avail. immed. well behaved pet ok, ref’s req’d, $1400 rent $1400 DD 403-346-2511 or 403-392-9321

4040

Need to Downsize? Brand New Valley Crossing Con2 bdrm, 2 bath condo, all dos in Blackfalds. Main new appls, inclds. king & floor is 1,119 SQ FT 2 Bdrm/2Bath. Imm. Poss. queen beds, tv, recliner couch, pool/hot tub close Start at $219,900. Call by, tennis courts, no stairs, 403-396-1688. avail. immed. to Jan. SIERRAS OF MICHENER 26/16, wifi, phone, tv pkg.

SPACIOUS, MODERN, incld., $2000. ref’s req’d.

LIKE NEW, ONE 403-340-3370 pics avail.

BEDROOM, APPROXIMATE 776 sq. ft.

CONDOMINIUM ON 2nd Rooms FLOOR WITH: -airFor Rent conditioning -large walk-in wardrobe closet in bedroom, -modern 2 ROOMS $500./mo. each DD $200 each. 403-352-7417 bathroom -well appointed kitchen and dining area BLACKFALDS rooms for spacious utility room off of rent $600 fully furnished, hallway -roomy coat closet all included 403-358-1614 hallway, -comfortable livingFULLY furn. bdrm. for rent, room area, -external deck off of living room -Easy $500/mth - $250 DD. Access near main Call 403-396-2468 entrance-Parking -Storage Classifieds...costs so little Amenities Special Saves you so much!

Features PHONE 403.783.

6756 FOR VIEWING RENO’D room, clean, APPOINTMENT, bright, quiet, male preferred, Was asking $239,000, n/s, share kitchen/bath/launREDUCED by $10,000 dry, parking, $500/mo. inclds. utils. 403-318-7980

3020

Houses/ Duplexes

Condos/ Townhouses

PALM SPRINGS Rental

homes

wegotservices

CARRIERS NEEDED

3070

FOR RENT • 3000-3200 WANTED • 3250-3390

ADULT CARRIERS NEEDED

Call Joanne at 403- 314-4308

Cottage/ Seasonal

rentals

Become a sought-after professional in the art and science of carpet & upholstery and all-surface cleaning! Work Monday to Friday during the day, with some evenings and Saturdays.

We’re looking for someone with: • A commitment to excellence • Good communication skills • Good physical fitness • Mechanical aptitude • Good hand/eye coordination

Call Sandra at 403-314-4306

PICTURE framing supplies.

587-447-3641 for info

HIDE A BED exc. cond. $380 403-346-3086

Excellent Salary with Benefits CARPET CLEANING TECHNICIAN

ADULT or YOUTH CARRIERS NEEDED

1760

LOGS PROFORM 400S treadmill, Semi loads of pine, spruce, never been out of box tamarack, poplar, birch. $800 587-447-3641 Price depends on location of delivery. Lil Mule Travel Logging 403-318-4346

GROW WITH US

Call Prodie at 403-314-4301

Misc. for Sale

2 DRAWER metal filing FIREWOOD. Pine, Spruce, cabinet $10 403-885-5020 Can deliver 1-4 cords. 403-844-0227

7323387L3-29

Found

GOODMEN ROOFING LTD.

900

278950A5

wegot WHAT’S HAPPENING

850

Trades

Employment Training

Public Notices

Public Notice #6000

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

6010

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: JOHN BOSWELL ONCE OF LACOMBE, ALBERTA TAKE NOTICE that the Plaintiff, BRENDA McCOY, issued a Amended Amended Statement of Claim numbered 0903-08438 on March 16, 2015 in the office of the Clerk of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta, at the Law Courts in Edmonton. The Plaintiff’s Solicitors are ROBINSON LLP of 10410 81 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 1X5.

You were named as a Defendant in the action.

The Plaintiff alleges that JOHN BOSWELL was the owner of a motor vehicle, which was at fault for a motor vehicle accident accident, which occurred on June 7, 2007 at or near the intersection of 50 Avenue and 50 Street in Lacombe, Alberta, and she claims judgment.

A copy of the Statement of Claim may be obtained from the Plaintiff’s Solicitors.

If you intend to appear in the action you should immediately file in the office of the Clerk of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta, Law Courts, Edmonton, Alberta, a Statement of Defense or Demand of Notice, or instruct your lawyers to do so. If within 30 days of this publication you fail to file a Statement of Defense or Demand of Notice, the Plaintiff may proceed according to the Practice of the Court to note you in Default and you will not be entitled to notice of any further proceedings and the relief sought by the Plaintiff may be given in your absence.

DATED SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015 CLERK OF THE COURT OF QUEEN’S BENCH 7363924L OF ALBERTA

Earn Extra Money

¯ ROUTES AVAILABLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Red Deer Ponoka

Sylvan Lake Lacombe

call: 403-314-4394 or email:

carriers@reddeeradvocate.com

7119078TFN

For that new computer, a dream vacation or a new car

YOUTH

D6

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015

Bigger problems than body odour

Central Alberta’s career site of choice.

7361895L19

Dear Therapist; Music is not just for starving artists. There are so many career choices available that didn’t exist in the past. And even if a career existed CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & in the past, there is a way to disrupt the industry with the help of technology and innovation.

DIRECTOR, BUSINESS SERVICES In the future, someone can create a virtual music Salary range: $114,987.74 - $153,608.15 per annum therapy class and sell it to schools, rehab centers The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Olds College will have primary and online. I work with a lot of students and tell responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial related activities to ensure the integrity of all information and systems, them to explore before setting limits. There are so in accordance with legislated requirements, professional standards and many options. Recently, LinkedIn “examined the College policies and procedures. The CFO will have direct contact with senior data of over 259 million members’ profiles to determanagement and influence in the overall budget setting process. mine the top 10 most popular job titles that were The incumbent will provide institutional leadership in the areas of accounting, nowhere to be found in 2008.” Here’s the list: iOS finance, forecasting, strategic planning, legal, risk management, investments, and insurance. The incumbent will be responsible for creating policies, defining developer; Android developer; Zumba instructor; processes and implementing the infrastructure/systems needed to support Social media intern; Data scientist; UI/UX designer; continual change within the organization. This individual provides leadership, oversight and supervision to the Business Services department.

Big Data architect; BeachBody coach; Cloud service Please forward a resume quoting competition #15133M by January 6, 2016. specialist; Digital marketing specialist.

Please note that applications received for this competition may be considered I love this list — it’s just another reminder to for future opportunities within our Business Services Department. dream big.

For information on this or other employment opportunities, Dear Harlan; How can I engage in a conversaplease visit our website at tion with a girl I’ve never met before? I see her at www.oldscollege.ca/employment lunch every once in a while. She is way out of my league. What’s the best approach? — Quiet Parkland C.L.A.S.S. has grown over five decades to become one of the largest Dear Quiet; Out of disability based service providers in Alberta. Parkland C.L.A.S.S. exists to improve your league!?! I’ve writthe quality of life of children & adults with developmental disabilities through ten about this before, individual choice, dignity and rights. We strive to empower the people we serve, and it continues to bothmeasuring our success against the goals they set for themselves. er me.

Stop. Get into the big leagues. Create a physical, emotional and spirApply now to provide value in the Human Services Industry itual challenge to start the year. Put together We are continuously seeking specialized Proprietors for children and adults with an action plan. Resolve developmental disabilities. Individuals or couples willing to open up their home have the to be a better version of opportunity to make an incredible difference in the life of an individual. As a Full Time yourself. Once you know Proprietor you will provide a caring, safe and structured environment with fun activities and that you’re good enough, dependable routines. Respite (part time) Proprietors offer support and care, working one conversation will flow to two 48 hours weekends per month. This commitment involves the inclusion of the child/ because you won’t be adult in your regular family life. PCLASS has a licensed basement suite where Respite can looking for validation be provided if applicants are not able to provide Respite within their own home.

- you’ll be looking for Proprietors will provide a very individualized service that is based on the needs of the connection. When you’re individual. Experience with young children, youth and/or adults with developmental looking for connection, disabilities would be ideal. Knowledge of First Nations culture and some related postyou can listen, talk and secondary education would be an asset. Individual must have a private room and be in a connect. non-smoking environment. Driver’s license and transportation are required.

Harlan is author of Getting Naked: Five Steps to Full time Proprietors receive a (tax free) monthly remuneration and Relief Proprietors are Finding the Love of Your paid $125.00 per days worked. Parkland CLASS provides extensive training which all Life (While Fully Clothed Proprietors are required to take. and Totally Sober). Write Harlan at harlan(at)helpPlease send a cover letter & resume confirming you are interested meharlan.com or visit in either children or adult Proprietorship to: online: www.helpmeharHR Fax: (403) 986-2404R or e-mail: hr@pclass.org lan.com. Send paper to Help Me, Harlan!, 3501 N. If you would like to inquire more information please contact Southport Ave., Suite 226, Chicago, IL 60657.

Roxanne Rose, HR Coordinator at 403-986-2400

CHILDREN & ADULT PROPRIETORS NEEDED!

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Dear Harlan; I have a friend whom I have known for at least 12 years. He has a very bad problem: He refuses to bathe or take a shower.

Over the years it has been getting worse and worse. The smell is horrific. I have tried and tried to help him with this matter. He will bathe for a couple of weeks, and then he stops again.

He is a very good friend and we do everything together, but there is a point where you have to say “enough is enough,” and I am at that point right now.

Is there any hope for this matter?— Disgusted Dear Disgusted; It’s like when I diet for a few weeks and lose a few pounds, but gain it all back a few months later. It’s emotional.

There must be something deeper happening. Your friend might have a horrible stench due to a lack of bathing, but the lack of bathing is a symptom of something else.

People who don’t take care of their basic hygiene can be suffering from emotional issues. I’d suggest he visit a therapist or mental-health professional and his doctor.

HARLAN Your friend could be using COHEN his smell as a defense mechHELP ME HARLAN anism to avoid meaningful interactions.

Yes, you don’t need to be around a friend who smells putrid, but don’t let the foul odor fool you.

Dear Harlan; I am writing to you about your response to the woman who was sexually assaulted after blacking out.

The fact that “blackout drunk” is indicative of a drinking problem should have been addressed as part of your suggestion. This person’s drinking put her in an extremely vulnerable position. This is in no way to minimize the horrific act of someone who assaulted her. But as part of your suggestion, you would have served this person better by asking her to seek an alcohol and drug assessment. — Gary Dear Gary; I didn’t include this point on purpose.

It would have done exactly what you mentioned it would have minimized the horrific act and turned the attention from what the survivor should do to what she did wrong.

I’m not going to risk shaming or blaming a woman reaching out for help. My goal was singular - to help this woman find support.

The only finger-pointing should be at the person who sexually assaulted her and the friends who didn’t support her. Once this woman finds help and support, she can examine what happened and how to minimize the risk in the future.

As a rule, when someone is reaching out for support, it’s wrong to talk about what the person can do differently in the future. That’s blame. It’s never the survivor’s fault. To bring this up would be shaming.

She is not to blame and there is no room for shame.

No one is allowed to rape - sober, drunk or blackedout. All that matters is that the survivor gets help and finds support. That’s all I wanted to do.

Dear Harlan; I read your response to “Mom of Musician.” Thanks for your support.

I earned my master’s degree in music therapy and then a master’s degree in social work. I worked for many years with geriatrics in grant programs, dementia and rehab units in nursing homes (in the recreation department), and hospice. I also entertained in many nursing homes as a side business. Many of my colleagues worked in schools for special-needs children, drug rehab and inpatient psych units. I pursued a second master’s degree because I needed a career change.

If you feel that is what you are put in this world to do, then follow your path. You have a gift and a way to reach patients that is beyond the cognitive level — it reaches the spirit. — Successful Therapist

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JANUARY 29, 2016 IN THE

Babies on

PARADE CELEBRATING THE BABIES OF 2015

Game created for kids finding fans around the world

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BOSTON — When Darren Kisgen decided to make a board game, his only goal was to entertain his family. But over the past few months, the finance professor at Boston College has seen his game selling thousands of copies around the world and winning a big prize.

“I’m surprised by all of this,” said Kisgen, a former Wall Street investment banker who now lives outside Boston. “Frankly, it’s been a lot of fun.”

Called Dragonwood, the game borrows ideas from poker and rummy but blends them into a fantasy world of dragons and goblins. By drawing a strong hand, players can boost their chances of “capturing” mythical creatures in a fictional forest, which helps them win the game. It’s advertised for anyone 8 years old and up.

The idea struck Kisgen two years ago after he found that most fantasy games were too complicated or violent for his two children, who were 5 and 7.

“I felt like I was missing a game that I would want to play with them, so I decided to try to come up with that game myself,” he said.

He called it Forest Quest, built with ordinary playing cards and dice. But over time, Kisgen thought it would be more fun with colorful cards illustrating the dragons, trolls and ogres. So he sent a prototype to a nearby game publisher, Gamewright, which provided art for the cards and began selling it as Dragonwood earlier this year.

The game has sold more than 20,000 copies since summer, Gamewright said, making it one of the top-selling games from the Massachusetts publisher.

It also won a top gaming prize from Mensa, a society for people with high IQs. Once a year, members of Mensa meet to test dozens of new board games and recognize those seen as original, challenging and well-designed. This year, Kisgen’s game was one of five winners out of more than 60 they tested.

Greg Webster, the event’s chief judge, praised Dragonwood for its simplicity but said it also lets players employ a variety of strategies that can lead to victory.

Babies on

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Dec. 19 2012 — Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield blasts off into space at at 7:12 a.m aboard Soyuz TMA-07M, as part of Expedition 34 and Expedition 35 to the International Space Station, where he is to be the first Canadian commander.

2003 — Ontario court rules that the Canadian government discriminated against same-sex couples by denying pension benefits to survi-

vors whose partners died before 1998.

1984 — Wayne Gretzky scores his career 1,000th point on an assist in a 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings; at age 23 the youngest and the 18th NHLer. 1941 — John Osborn killed leading a bayonet charge against the Japanese at Hong Kong; awarded VC. 1917 — NHL Starts Inaugural Season with games in Toronto and Montréal.

1846 — The mayors of Toronto and Hamilton H[FKDQJH JUHHWLQJV WR RSHQ &DQDGD·V )LUVW telegraph service

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D8 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

Cats and dogs party like animals in ugly holiday sweaters that owners buy, make or decorate TREND EVEN EXTENDS TO GUINEA PIGS â&#x20AC;&#x153;DOG VISION IS DIFFERENT THAN HUMAN VISION AND BECAUSE PATTERNS ARE NOT PARTICULARLY USEFUL TO THEIR VISION, DOGS PROBABLY COULD CARE LESS WHAT THEIR SWEATER LOOKS LIKE.â&#x20AC;?

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LOS ANGELES â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ugly sweaters arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a Christmas tradition for people. Cats, dogs and even guinea pigs are joining the party.

Zigzilla â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ziggyâ&#x20AC;? and Chopper â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lambchopâ&#x20AC;? got sweaters from PetSmart this year so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be ready when they get an invite to their first ugly sweater party, said the catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; owner Catie Savage of New York City. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My non-cat lady friends definitely think I am crazy,â&#x20AC;? said Savage, who handles her catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Instagram site (@ lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ofâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ziggy), with 43,000 followers.

She says she enjoys the sweaters more than the cats do, â&#x20AC;&#x153;which makes it even Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS funnier to me.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;DR. BONNIE BEAVER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN Catie Savageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cats Lambchop, below, and Ziggy are both dressed in their finest â&#x20AC;&#x153;PetSmartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ugly sweaters for dogs and cats are among our top five bestCOLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIOURISTS AND A PROFESSOR AT ugly Christmas sweaters in her apartment in New York. Ugly sweaters arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just selling holiday apparel items so far TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. a Christmas tradition for people. Cats, dogs and even guinea pigs are joining the this season,â&#x20AC;? said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer for the buttons, stars, sequins, rickrack, felt, party. pet store. glitter and cotton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We even have ugly sweaters for Sleeves can be mismatched, misguinea pigs.â&#x20AC;? shapen or missing.

Television ushered the ugly sweatBut most pets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including Savageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s er in and out in the 1980s. Around the cats â&#x20AC;&#x201D; would probably like to ditch the turn of the century it enjoyed a revival, sweaters. starting with adults, who had parties â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dog vision is different than hujust to celebrate the ugliness. Kids got man vision and because patterns are in on the act and now pets have nosed not particularly useful to their vision, their way in, giving owners laughs and dogs probably could care less what plenty to photograph. their sweater looks like,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. BonUgly sweater dog events across the nie Beaver, executive director of the country this month included an ug- American College of Veterinary Bely sweater contest for dogs at a park haviourists and a professor at Texas in Anaheim, California a dog-friendly A&M Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Veteriugly sweater 5K run and walk in Na- nary Medicine. tional Harbor, Maryland and separate Most dogs and cats donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like wearugly sweater parties for big and little ing sweaters unless they got used to dogs hosted by Chicago Party Animals, being dressed young. one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest canine clubs â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes the putting on or taking with 2,000 members. off can cause static electricity, which You can find ready-made ug- would make the dog even more anxly sweaters everywhere from 99 cent ious the next time,â&#x20AC;? Beaver said. stores to high-end stores, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re If a dog has grown up wearing an especially hot item at thrift stores clothes or if a dog is small and shortâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; though presumably most shoppers haired and it is cold, a sweater will be are buying them for people, not pets.

OK, but wearing one for a contest â&#x20AC;&#x153;is of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our stores collect holiday sweaters no consequence to the dog, which will year-round,â&#x20AC;? said Marla Eby, marketbe focused on the scents around it and ing and community relations direcnot on the real appearance of other FOR ALL YOUR SERVICE NEEDS tor for Goodwill Southern California. dogs,â&#x20AC;? Beaver said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then we decorate them, adding ribOwners love to have fun with their Hwy 2A, bons, bows, and embellishments until @weidnermotors pets, but â&#x20AC;&#x153;most of this is a people Licensed they are at their gaudy best.â&#x20AC;?

Lacombe www.weidnermotors.ca thing,â&#x20AC;? Beaver said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Customers snap up the sweaters as soon as we bring them out on the floor,â&#x20AC;? said vice-president of Retail LARGEST CASINO IN CENTRAL ALBERTA Operations Craig Stone.

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