Red Deer Express, December 30, 2015

REFLECTION: City mayor discusses SHOOTING: ASIRT seek witnesses accomplishments and challenges in 2015 as well as looks ahead – PG 3

to RCMP member-related shooting death on Christmas Day – PG 4

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HILL THRILLS - Issac, 4, raced down the popular tobogganing hill across from Michener Hill, at 55 St. and 42 Ave. The recent warm weather brought many families to the hill.

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Owen, 6, grinned happily after a great run down the hill.

Three-year-old Ruben also took an exciting turn down the hill.

Six-year-old Geneva also enjoyed her time on the hill during the sunny afternoon.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 3

Mayor outlines accomplishments and challenges of 2015 Tara Veer says economic uncertainty is a key challenge looking ahead

BY ERIN FAWCETT RED DEER EXPRESS

C

ity council had a busy year in 2015 and Mayor Tara Veer is reflecting on the number of accomplishments and also challenges that were faced.

“One of the more symbolic highlights in 2015 is that we hit our 100,000 population mark,” said Veer. “As much as it’s just a number, in a lot of respects it’s not just a number in terms of our positioning in the province and in the country and potential for grant funding and in terms of our community identity - it really is a significant population threshold.”

Accomplishments for the City in 2015 include progress made in the Policing Plan which has five themes including reducing the impact of organized crime, reducing crimes against persons, reducing property crimes, contributing to safer youth and contributing to safer roads.

“In 2015 we publicly released our annual Policing Plan where we identified five key themes of local areas of enforcement and we have made significant progress on four out of five of those themes and are continuing to work on that,” said Veer. “Through ALERT and the Regional Taskforce, there has been 1,100 charges laid. With their focus on traffic safety they have made significant progress on that front and persons crime is also down.

“Property crime is up but we fully expect the more that we are enforcing, the more confident our public feels in terms of reporting. We’ll probably continue to see those numbers remain constant.

“Really the transparency of the annual Policing Plan and our cooperation on the Regional Task Force and with ALERT has been an absolute game changer on the safety front in the community.”

In terms of transportation, Veer said the City has also made an effort to make it easier for Red Deerians to move around the community. “We have made efforts to improve traffic flow throughout the City by moving forward with pilots on light timing,” she said. “We also had a roadway infrastructure deficit so in one year there were 14,000 pot holes to fill - we have tried to address that infrastructure deficit and also sidewalk connections with our transit as well.”

The City has also made headway with its Environmental Master Plan.

“We are in the first year of the organics pilot which really has significant potential for our environmental sustainability and preliminary feedback from the public has been very positive,” said Veer.

“Expanding recycling has also been really well received and a long time coming.”

In the last 12 months, the City has also moved forward with the groundwork on Riverlands.

LEADERSHIP - Mayor Tara Veer takes time to discuss achievements and challenges in 2015 and also looks forward to the upcoming year.

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express

“Riverlands has been such a long standing community vision. We were literally laying the foundation for the Riverlands this past year - we buried the power lines and servicing and enhanced roadway access to the area. In 2016, we’ll see more development.”

Veer added another highlight for the City was the announcement of funding of the extension of the runway at the Red Deer Airport. “This of course positions us for the 2019 Canada Winter Games and beyond that in terms of our trade and distribution capacity in the region.”

She said council has also made efforts to being transparent in their budget process. “We also established the capital savings plan which allows us to plan for key, but high costing infrastructure. It will also protect our citizens in the short and long term against tax spiking.”

The past year has not been without its challenges on many fronts, and the City faced some challenges of its own as well.

“I think some of our challenges were that we had made considerable progress on the advocacy front with the former provincial government but because there were perhaps discussions underway that weren’t signed when the previous gov-

ernment fell, we essentially were faced with the need to brief the new government. A great example of that is the courthouse. We recognize in this economy the province isn’t necessarily going to invest in new courthouse infrastructure, but we were very close to at least having a decision on the land - we have the former RCMP building site as a municipal land holding as the ideal location for the courthouse, but of course that decision has since been deferred.

“I feel confident that we will arrive at the same point but we just essentially lost time.”

Another challenge this past year Veer added is the current recession.

“The challenge with the 2015 recession is that it came on very quickly, it’s a significantly deeper recession than we experienced in 2008. It’s also been coupled with two new governments which will respond with different economic policy than perhaps what we have experienced in the past. Our greatest challenge in 2015 and moving into 2016 is uncertainty.”

Looking ahead, Veer said some of the key areas for council will be further development in Riverlands.

“Depending on the economy, there

might be some challenges in terms of market uptake. But we will start to see even further development of Riverlands particularly the trail linkage. We will see more public infrastructure upgrades in that area.”

She added council will continue on with the safety strategy. “We will continue to work on the Priority 3 police response.

This has been a significant area of public frustration around the responsiveness in the Priority 3 areas and related to that is the continuum of enforcement that we have in the City and making sure when we enforce that we have the right level of position responding to the appropriate request from the public.”

The City will also undertake a new Emergency Services Master Plan, an update of the Environmental Master Plan as well as looking at stormwater infrastructure. Other initiatives will include advocating for a new courthouse to serve a region of 350,000 people, funding for the North Highway Connector as well as advocating for a Polytechnic University status at Red Deer College and continued progress on the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness and more focus on affordable housing. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

4 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

ASIRT seeks public’s help in member-involved shooting The investigation is also continuing into a downtown death Dec. 25th The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) continues to seek witnesses to an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 37-year-old man in Red Deer on Christmas Day. ASIRT investigators are asking anyone who was in the area of Township Road 391 and Range Road 273 at about 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 25th and who may have seen the confrontation between the police and the man to contact ASIRT. Witnesses are asked to contact ASIRT at 403-592-4306.

As of press time, there were no further updates in the case other than officials re-emphasizing the need for witnesses and those with information to contact authorities.

On Christmas day, Red Deer RCMP began investigating an incident of “intimate partner violence” involving allegations of very serious criminal offences, according to a press release.

The male suspect had been identified, and police were attempting to locate the man.

At about 11:35 a.m., police located him in a stolen vehicle in Sylvan Lake.

While police attempted to stop the vehicle, the man reversed the vehicle into a marked police vehicle, disabling it. The man then fled the scene in the vehicle.

At approximately 1:05 p.m., Red Deer RCMP were patrolling an industrial area in north Red Deer when they located the stolen vehicle and saw a man near a front end loader.

The man entered the front end loader and drove through the fence onto Hwy. 11A and into an adjoining lot.

The loader collided with multiple vehicles causing extensive damage.

Additional RCMP officers were called into the area to attempt to contain the man in the front end loader.

The man drove the front end loader away from the industrial area with police following it. He then drove the front end loader north and then east into a field.

As officers followed, at some point the front end loader collided with a police vehicle.

The officer in this vehicle exited it and fired several shots.

A second officer on scene also fired several shots. The front end loader proceeded into a field and began to move in circles.

Other RCMP members who followed the front end loader into the field were able to get close enough to see the man slumped over in the seat and no longer controlling the front end loader, according to the release.

The front end loader continued into a wooded area and travelled for approximately 800 metres until it became lodged against a tree.

Police then climbed into the front end loader and turned it off. The man was unresponsive and bleeding in the driver’s seat of the front end loader. Emergency Medical Services were called in but determined the man to be deceased at the scene.

The man was a 37-year-old resident of Red Deer and was known to police.

The RCMP continue to investigate the earlier incidents while ASIRT focuses its investigation on the circumstances sur-

CONFRONTATION - Officials continue to seek information from the public in connection to a RCMP-involved shooting that left a 37-year-old man dead Dec 25th. rounding the RCMP officer-involved shooting.

Again, investigators are asking anyone who was in the area of Township Road 391 and Range Road 273 at approximately 1:15 pm that day and who may have seen the confrontation to contact ASIRT at 403-592-4306.

Meanwhile, the Red Deer RCMP and RCMP Serious Crimes Branch (south) continue their investigation into the death of a person found deceased in downtown Red Deer near 50th St. and 50th Ave. early Christmas morning.

photo submitted

Investigators have identified the deceased as 46-year-old Thomas Patrick Braconnier from the Red Deer area.

The RCMP believes his death is as a result of foul play, and an autopsy has been scheduled for Dec. 28th at the Office of the Medical Examiner in Calgary to determine the cause of death.

Further information regarding the case wasn’t expected to released by press time, officials said.

- Weber

Officials react to inquiry

BY KALISHA MENDONSA RED DEER EXPRESS

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The federal government has announced an official inquiry into the missing and murdered Indigenous women of this nation, but what does that mean for Central Albertans?

Local officials said it will mean many things - investigation, consultation, education and reconciliation.

It will also mean a great deal of emotional turmoil for those affected by these missing and murdered women, officials added.

“What I’ve heard so far is that the people who are hungry for justice are really glad for this announcement about the inquiry.

I’ve also talked to people who are directly affected by missing and murdered women, and they’re saying, ‘Oh God, what is this going to mean?’” said Theresa ‘Corky’ Larsen Jonasson, a local community elder.

“For Red Deer as a community, we are really going to have to work together. We are going to have to offer a lot of support, because the inquiry will bring up a lot of deep-rooted emotion.”

This investigation encompasses many aspects

of Canadian life - an exploration of historical events, the implications of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, inclusive and welcoming communities and the change needed in attitudes to prevent more of these missing and murdered women, local officials said.

“My heart breaks for not only First Nations and Metis women, who are vastly more susceptible, but for all women. It’s not just First Nations women who are experiencing this violence,” Larsen Jonasson said.

The inquiry itself is part of a larger commitment

by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government to a renewed relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples.

Premier Rachel Notley released a statement following the announcement of the inquiry earlier this month. “From the outset, our government has signaled its intention to be a better partner and neighbour with Alberta’s Indigenous communities, based on respect, understanding and collaboration.”

Sheila Bannerman, a

member of Red Feather Women and other community initiatives, said there is a lot of work to do and it must be done one step at a time.

“If something is happening everywhere, then something big will change.

If the change is only in one community, or one commission or local government, then nothing will change. There has to be support.

“How you tackle an epidemic is the way you tackle anything - one step at a time. You do what you can do, in this hour or this day, and you never say that’s not enough. And then you keep on doing it.

If you look at something so big, you look at it and say, ‘There’s nothing we can do’. But you can’t look at it that way anymore, and we are seeing that.”

Through January, the Red Deer Express will publish a series involving several community groups and how this inquiry affects them moving forward. The interviews will be conducted with local elders, community supports and City staff to examine what the inquiry means for Red Deer as a whole. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

OPINION Looking forward to a New Year in 2016 It’s difficult to believe yet another year is about to come to a close. The old saying certainly seems to ring true – time appears to go by faster as a person gets older!

This past year certainly brought much in the way of news — locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. We witnessed sweeping political change both provincially and federally. Provincially so far, it has been a tough go for the recently elected NDP. They have come under heavy scrutinization and contempt from some Albertans in the past number of months and heading into the New Year we don’t see that changing as they seem to be rushing decisions and some Albertans feel there has been a definite lack of consultation to changes they are implementing.

Federally, it is still too early yet to tell how the Liberal government will directly affect Albertans. Next year should offer a

better perspective on that so until then, we sit tight and wait.

Unrest in countries overseas has also been a hot news item this past year - mainly in recent months. Countries like Syria come to mind first. Thousands of Syrian refugees continue to flee that country in hopes of a better life and safer conditions. Canada has begun to welcome a small number of refugees already with a total of 25,000 expected to come by the end of March.

Of course here at home we are deep in a recession that has seen major job loss in the oilfield sector which is also having a trickle down effect into other industries as well. We can only hope that 2016 brings stability in this area, however, with all of the different perspectives and opinions, it is hard to know what will really happen.

But despite these challenges, when we look around us, Canadians should take time at the dawn of a New Year to consider

how blessed and fortunate we are to call this nation home. There are hardships to be sure, but what we endure compared to what many face puts things into clear, sobering perspective.

It brings to mind an image circulating on the Internet. One side of the picture shows emaciated children with their hands extended, presumably reaching for food.

The other side shows frazzled Christmas shoppers with shopping carts loaded up with every gadget imaginable. The words ‘Define necessity’ underline the images.

It’s a powerful reminder of what matters.

In spite of the spectrum of events that 2015 held, New Year’s Day, as it does every year, brings with it a sense of optimism. It gives us the feeling of having a fresh start, adding to the sense that whatever hardships may have been endured, there’s reason to press forward with hope. That hope for a better year ahead is all the more poignant

this New Year’s with the drop in oil prices and an unstable economic outlook.

It’s also great to see how Red Deerians band together to lend a helping hand.

That’s always abundantly clear during the Christmas season, too. And whenever there is some sort of crisis, you can always count on the generosity of local residents to help ease the pain. Time and again, we in the media hear about how helpful local citizens are to others in need.

This was especially true this past season as agencies were feeling the pressure even more and numbers overall were higher in terms of people who needed assistance in one way or another.

Knowing that we have a community that consistently steps up to help does offer a kind of tonic for frazzled nerves in today’s constantly changing world. Strength does lie in that sense of community, and that’s something we can count on in 2016.

Canadian economy will remain sluggish next year As the clock ticks down on 2015, it is time to ponder what may lie ahead for the Canadian economy. The near-term picture isn’t particularly heartening. After a disappointing 2015 that included a minor ‘technical’ recession in the first half of the year, Canada looks poised for a somewhat better, but still generally lackluster, performance.

The Canadian economy continues to be weighed down by sluggish world growth and dismal commodity markets. The global outlook remains subdued.

Nor are there many signs suggesting an imminent rebound in commodity prices. The Bank of Canada’s commodity price index has been sliced in half since mid-2014 and is now back to where it stood in 2003.

Moreover, the commodity downturn is not just about oil; it also extends to natural gas, coal, base and precious metals, uranium, potash,

Jock

FINLAYSON and other industrial raw materials. Taken together, the resource-based sectors listed in the previous sentence supply about twofifths of our merchandise exports.

That said, within the Canadian commodity basket, oil undoubtedly looms largest. Two years ago, before prices began to collapse, oil and natural gas combined accounted for one-quarter of the nation’s exports, and the energy and pipeline industries were responsible for more than a third of all business capital spending. So the dramatic decline in oil and natural gas prices has delivered

a punishing blow to our economy, dampening both private sector incomes and government revenues and triggering a broad slump in business investment.

Turning to the domestic economy, record levels of household debt and stretched urban housing markets will keep a lid on gains in consumer outlays and residential investment in the next two years.

Housing-related spending has been running ahead of demographic and economic fundamentals and is overdue to downshift. As a result, housing is expected to contribute little to economic growth over 2016-17.

Business investment is on track for a second annual slide in 2016, led by further cuts in capital budgets by oil, gas, and mining companies.

Stepped-up infrastructure investment and a dose of fiscal stimulus from the newly-elected federal government should offset some

of the weakness in private sector demand. However, it must be noted that a number of provincial governments are not in a financial position to join Ottawa in a multi-year program to boost infrastructure spending.

For Canada, the main positive features of the current economic setting are the ongoing expansion in the United States and the short-term advantages conferred by a plunging Canadian dollar that has lost 30% of its value against the U.S. currency in the last three years. Near record-low borrowing costs are also providing support to domestic demand - and will continue to do so as the Bank of Canada keeps its short-term interest rate at rock bottom levels over 2016.

Looking ahead, an important unknown is the extent of the anticipated recovery in Canada’s non-energy-exports. So far, the growth of non-energy exports has

been underwhelming, in part reflecting the post2007 hollowing out of the Canadian manufacturing base and the disappearance of thousands of firms in the sector. These latter developments put a question mark over the growth potential for Canadian manufacturing, even with a more competitive exchange rate.

In the past decade, the geographic centre of gravity in North America for manufacturing production and related investment has moved inexorably southward, mainly benefiting the southern U.S. states and Mexico. It is doubtful that a period of Canadian dollar weakness will be sufficient to reverse this pattern, although it may stem further losses of Canadian production capacity and prompt some manufacturers to channel more capital spending to their Canadian operations.

In the meantime, several

Canadian industries that produce tradeable services - everything from engineering, finance and scientific and technical services to education, IT-based services, and tourism - arguably will have better growth prospects than manufacturers or resource producers over the next few years. Canadian policy-makers would be wise to pay attention to the upside opportunities which exist in tradeable services.

Add it all up, and Canada should be able to crank out real economic growth in the vicinity of 1.6% next year, a slight improvement on 2015’s roughly 1% gain, but certainly nothing to get excited about.

As the sun sets on 2015, Canadians have few reasons to feel ebullient about the country’s economic prospects in the coming year.

Jock Finlayson is executive vice president of the business council of British Columbia. His column is distributed through Troy Media.

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

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Tracey Scheveers

Erin Fawcett

Mark Weber

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 7

New program to help Central Albertans with special needs

BY ERIN FAWCETT RED DEER EXPRESS A new program which aims to educate those living with special needs in Central Alberta is launching in Red Deer next month.

Programming for Skip’s Place will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church starting Jan. 16th. The programs will use modern media coupled with a Mr. Rogers and Mr. Dressup approach with puppets and a large onset theatre.

“It’s the only program like this that we know of in Central Alberta for families who have special needs children,” said Tom Cameron, director of Skip’s Place. “It’s what we call a felt need - a lot of people who want to try church or go to church, they fall off the map usually when they have kids with special needs. You can imagine the disruption it can create sometimes and it can also be a frustration to get ready on Sunday mornings and also for the kids to amalgamate into Sunday school.”

The program, aimed at children under the age of 12, will take place each Saturday beginning on Jan.

16th from 10 a.m. to noon and will take the same format as a Sunday school.

“We’re wanting to bless the entire family - it’s not a program where you bring them in and drop them off, we want the whole family to be involved,” said Cameron. “We don’t really know how many fish will come in the net. This is really a leap of faith - literally.”

Caleb Cameron, founder of Skip’s Place, said the program is needed in Red Deer.

“The goal is that we want to love and support these families to have a safe and caring place and we want them to learn that God loves them and they have friends here at Skip’s Place that love them too,” he said. “We hope to do that through our puppet shows but also our family support and different ways of learning and spending time together.

“We hope that many people will come.”

In terms of needs, Caleb said Skip’s Place is accepting donations of gifts for the children in the program.

“We like to give the kids special birthday gifts, or gifts for the families. We’re also always looking for

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people who might want to volunteer on Saturday mornings - we are grateful and willing.”

Families can register for the program by visiting www.skips.place. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

INCLUSIVE - Caleb Cameron, founder of Skip’s Place, sits with his dog Skip. Together, Cameron and Skip will use puppets to entertain and include special needs children in a Sunday school format.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

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P.S. Where Wherewill willYOU be 30 days days from now, from now,ififyou youchoose choosenot nottotoclaim claim one of the the FREE “Eliminates YOUR Neuropathy Foot Pain, Numbness, Tingling and Burning!” consultations consultations Jan. 2016? You’ll by byAug. Oct.12, , 6 , 2015 2015?

You’llprobably probably still be be suffering sufferingwith withneuropathy neuropathy and and Hope and Relief for miserable miserable......when whenthere’s there’snononeed need toto “When Doctors Suffer with People Suffering with be. YOU YOU owe owe itit to toyourself yourselftotodiscover discover Neuropathy – how this this non-drug, non-drug,painless, painless,medical medical Neuropathy!” breakthrough, breakthrough,eliminates eliminates your your neuropaneuropaThis is What They do!”

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8 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

POLICE BRIEFS MAN WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

including a dragon and fire on his right forearm, a fish, octopus and skulls on his left forearm and a tiger on his right upper arm.

Heywood was last known to be driving a black 2013 Dodge Ram pickup truck with Alberta license plate ‘BPB 0593’.

Heywood has ties to Central Alberta and is known to frequent Red Deer, Penhold, Rocky Mountain House and Olds. He often stays in hotels and motels.

Police caution the public that Heywood is to be considered armed and dangerous. If he is seen do not approach him but call 9-1-1. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Sylvan Lake RCMP detachment at 403-858-7200.

On Dec. 21st at 7:45 p.m. members of the Sylvan Lake RCMP detachment responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a man who had been found on the side of a road in a rural area with multiple stab wounds. Police attended the scene, which was northwest of the Eckville, and found a severely injured man with numerous stab wounds.

RCMP members at the scene provided first aid to the man until a STARS air ambulance arrived and transported the man to hospital in Edmonton.

Investigation has determined that the victim had been attacked by another man, identified as 45-year-old Edward Dwayne Heywood of no fixed address and who remains at large.

A warrant for Heywood’s arrest has been issued. He has been charged with one count of attempted murder.

Heywood is described as a Caucasian male, 6’2� tall and 220 lbs. He has brown hair (he may have changed the colour to red recently) and brown eyes.

He has numerous tattoos

SHOTS FIRED AT LOCAL MOTEL Red Deer RCMP are investigating an incident where a shotgun was discharged at

by Erin Fawcett a Motel 6 and are asking for public assistance to identify a number of suspects.

At about 8 p.m. on Dec. 17th, a guest at the Motel 6 located at Gaetz Avenue and 19th St. heard a loud noise.

Several hours later, he discovered a hole in the wall of his room and shotgun pellets on one of the beds. RCMP were called to the motel on the morning of Dec. 18th and began their investigation of the events of the previous night and the identities of the occupants of the room where the shotgun was discharged. When police arrived, the witness and the occupants of the room where the shotgun had been discharged had already departed. There did not appear to have been any injuries.

RCMP have identified the woman whose name the room was booked under; they are not releasing her name at this time but are looking for her in order to interview her about the events of that night. Police are asking for public assistance to identify another woman and two men who were also in the motel room. See attached sur-

Lacombe County is holding a PUBLIC HEARING (and you’re invited)

Thursday, January 14 at 10:15 AM Lacombe County OGGice Lacombe County OGGice (Council Chambers) located 2½ miles west of Highway 2 at the intersection of Spruceville Road and Highway 12

BYLAW BYLA 1214/15 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE COUNTY’S LAND USE BYLAW The intent of Bylaw 1214/15 is to redesignate Pt. NW 21-39-2-W5M from Recreational 'P-R' District to Agricultural 'A' District. The property is a total of 2.57 hectares (6.368 acres) in size and is being rezoned to facilitate the development of a future residence.

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veillance photos of those three unknown suspects.

The investigation is ongoing, and RCMP ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.

RCMP LOOK FOR WANTED MAN RCMP continue to look for 33-year-old Lyndon William Grant Olsen of Red Deer, who is wanted on an Alberta-wide warrant with regard to a Nov. 23rd armed robbery at Bell Fever Lounge and an attempted armed robbery at Post Time Lounge on the same night. Olsen is considered armed and dangerous and RCMP urge the public not to approach him.

If anyone sees Olsen or have knowledge of his whereabouts, contact Red Deer RCMP immediately at 403-343-5575.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.

RCMP SEEK DANGEROUS MAN Sylvan Lake RCMP officers are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Andrew Joseph Snow, 29, of no fixed address, but believe to be in the Central Alberta area.

Snow is currently wanted for attempted murder.

Snow is described as Caucasian, 6’0� tall and 240 lbs. He has brown hair and a written tattoo on left side of his neck.

Snow is also considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone with information as to Snow’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Sylvan Lake RCMP detachment at 403-8873333 or to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

MAN ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING A Red Deer man who was reported to police for dangerous driving faces drug trafficking charges after RCMP located him in a grocery store parking lot in possession of heroin and other drug-related paraphernalia.

Shortly after 6 p.m. on Dec. 15th, RCMP received several reports from concerned citizens who had observed a white Dodge Journey driving erratically; police soon located the vehicle stopped in the parking lot of Valu Foods at 3518 50th Ave. and discovered that the driver was wanted on a warrant out of Edmonton.

RCMP seized drug paraphernalia, almost 17 grams of heroin, prescription pills and approximately $1,335 in Canadian cash. The suspect was also found to be in breach of several court-imposed conditions, including possession of a knife and two cell phones.

Two passengers in the vehicle were released without charge.

Jesse William James Miller, 25, of Red Deer has been charged with possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (heroin) and five counts of failing to comply with undertaking.

RCMP LOOK FOR SUSPECTS Red Deer RCMP are looking for public assistance to identify a woman who was caught on camera using a stolen debit card shortly after a residential break and enter and theft of a vehicle.

Suspects entered a house in the Garden Heights neighbourhood through a garage door, stealing cash and an iPad before stealing the unlocked silver 2013 Toyota Corolla from the garage. The victim was notified a short time later that their debit card had been used at a Petro Canada station in Gasoline Alley; RCMP obtained surveillance footage of a female suspect emerging from the passenger side of the stolen vehicle, entering the store while an unknown driver waited, and purchasing a number of items with the stolen debit card.

The suspect is described as Caucasian with a slim build, long brown hair with blonde ends, worn in a ponytail. She was wearing a white shirt underneath a dark slim-fitting hoodie, a long chain necklace and blue jeans.

The investigation is ongoing, and RCMP ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.

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

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

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Dale Freitag, RPP, MCIP Manager of Planning Services

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Central Alberta Family Funeral Services Ltd.

Red Deer’s only locally owned and operated funeral home

403.340.4040 Taylor Drive, Red Deer www.parklandfuneralhome.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 9

10 RED DEER EXPRESS

The Red Deer Public Library presents First Thursday in the Snell Jan. 7th 12:15 to 1 p.m. in the Snell Auditorium featuring the New Odyssey 3 Trio. No admission charge.

A free will donation will be accepted at the door. Coffee and tea provided by Café Noir.

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

Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off 2016 will be held on April 16th.

All proceeds will go towards burning the mortgage on Julietta’s Place, a home for women and their children fleeing family violence, operated

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

Golden Circle dances – dances run from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre, 4620-47 A Ave. Silver & Gold perform Jan. 7th; RR4 on Jan. 14th; Black Velvet on Jan. 21st and Silver & Gold again perform on Jan. 28th. Admission is $7 per person. Pooled lunch break from 8:30 – 9 p.m.

Everyone welcome. For more information call 403-341-4672,

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

403-347-6165 or 403-342-2875 Over 45 tables – crafts, jewelry, food & Christmas decor. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. every Saturday until Christmas at the Parkland Garden Centre - three minutes east of 30th Ave. on Hwy. 11.

The Red Deer Whisky Festival, in support of the MS Society of Central Alberta, returns Jan. 12th! This is a unique chance to taste whiskies from around the world and interact with brand

p.m. Health Recovery classes are designed for people with chronic illness such as MS, arthritis, or those recovering from injuries, surgery, or stroke and other health issues. Come and experience the difference Tai Chi can make in your quality of life.

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

The Red Deer Celiac Support Group

are interested in joining the Pipe Band. Anyone with piping or drumming experience, or if you would like to learn piping or drumming, are asked to please contact us at 403-782-7183. Practices are held at the Red Deer Legion on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

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

Heritage Lanes Comedy Zone Presents Feature Headliner Ian Wallace!

Ian Wallace

Thursday Thur rsday Janua January 7th at 8pm. Only $5

Heritage Lanes 6200 67a St, Red Deer, AB ambassadors and distillery representatives. Learn, sample and indulge in what the dynamic whisky industry has to offer.

Funds raised at the event help us provide much needed services in the community for those affected by MS, as well as help fund ground-breaking research dedicated to finding a cure. Why not surprise your loved ones with a great Christmas idea or arrange for an office Christmas party?

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

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

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

Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi™ Health Recovery Classes run Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1

403-309-6385

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

Drop in or stay and visit. Free coffee. We share information and give support about issues pertaining to the gluten-free lifestyle, for example symptoms, diagnosis, shopping, gluten-free products, cross contamination, recipes. Call Clarice at 403-3414351 or Marlene at 403-3466235. Email reddeerceliacs@yahoo.ca. Check out www.celiac.ca.

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

Central Alberta Singles Club.

Call Elaine at 403-341-7653 or Bob at 403-304-7440.

The Red Deer Legion Pipe Band is actively recruiting experienced and inexperienced people from the Central Alberta area, who

Looking for a new and interesting way to raise money for your charity group or sports team? The answer is

Comedy Night at Heritage Lanes!

Email groupbookings@ heritagelanes.com or call us at 403-309-6385 for more info.

Heritage Lanes hours per month. If you think this would be a good opportunity, contact our office at 403-3431198 or email rdag@telus.net.

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

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

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

Travel Memories runs Jan. 6th from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Red Deer Public Library, Downtown Branch, Snell Auditorium. Experience land and cruise adventures in

Asia encompassing Malaysia, Singapore, India, Oman and fascinating Dubai! Listen to our presenter and share your own travel adventures, while enjoying coffee or tea with us. If you plan to bring a group, or for more information, contact Donna Stewart or Priscilla at 403-346-2100.

Jazz Night runs Jan. 8th. Take Note presents: Sing, Sing, Sing! at 7 p.m. on the Red Deer College Arts Centre’s mainstage. Sing, Sing, Sing! Is a celebration of singing that you won’t want to miss! Take Note has been working all semester of their set of classic jazz standards and will be accompanied by their own rhythm section made up of Thurber students, past and present. Our concert will feature special guests, a cappella sensation, HOJA who are known for their ability to entertain crowds both young and old with a variety of styles and genres of music. Tickets are $15 and any proceeds will go towards helping students pay for their spring tour.

Daytime Documentaries runs Jan. 13th from 2 - 4 p.m. Red Deer Public Library, Downtown Branch, Snell Auditorium. Our January program features: KIVALINA V. EXXON: In an epic battle against the world’s biggest polluters, Kivalina, a tiny village in Northwest Alaska, struggles to survive and save itself from the consequences of global warming. Join us for this excellent documentary and enjoy coffee or tea with us. A discussion facilitated by a staff member will follow the film. Everyone is welcome. If you are bringing a group, or for more information, contact Donna Stewart or Priscilla at 403-346-2100.

Behaviour Intervention Training for Parents (Testing Limits & Talking Back). Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre is offering training for parents of children 6 to 12 years old. Sessions will be held from Jan. 6th to Feb. 10th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The fee is $120 and a second parent is encouraged to attend at no charge.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

Temple Grandin will be headlining an autism conference that parents and professionals in Red Deer are invited to participate in.

Grandin is considered the world’s most accomplished and widely known adult with autism. She is the keynote speaker to open the eighth annual conference on Autism, Jan. 20th to Jan. 22nd.

Parents of children with autism and professionals who work with them can participate through Telehealth at the Red Deer Hospital in Red Deer. Thursday’s keynote is Dr. Barry Prizant, internationally renowned consultant and scholar, who speaks of changing perceptions about people with autism. Other presenters include motivational speaker Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, and a panel of adults with autism, sharing their personal perspectives. Rounding out the program are cutting-edge researchers and expert clinicians addressing medical issues in autism, transition to adulthood, employment, feeding, peer interactions, routine-based interventions, and more. For program information, registration and to find the local Telehealth site, visit www.childrensautism.ca or call 780-495-9235.

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

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

The show was started as an open mic to develop the comedy scene in Red Deer. In the past those interested in doing stand up had to drive to Edmonton or Calgary, now Red Deer has more than one open mic for young budding comics to work on their material. The local comedy scene is growing and we are always looking for new comics.

RED DEER EXPRESS 11

Real Men Sing Barbershop! The Wild Rose Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus is a chorus for males of all ages who love to sing four-part a cappella harmony. We are a proud member of the Barbershop Harmony society providing entertainment at seniors’ lodges, hospitals and numerous community and private functions throughout the year. No experience is required, just a love to

Church and go from September to May. A certified teacher comes regularly from Edmonton to conduct the class. SCD is not Highland dancing but is more like square dancing. No partner needed, no need to be Scottish. For more information, call 403-343-0975 or 403-347-0907 or visit www.reddeerscottishcountrydancers.weebly.com.

Dance for the health of it. Work-

harmony with a group of wonderful women. For more information, call Nancy at 403-357-8240, 7-8240 or our director, Sheryl @403-7424218 or check out our web site at www.heartsofharmony.ca.

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

sing. Join us on Tuesday evening, rehearsals from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Davenport Church of Christ (#68 Donlevy Ave.) For information, call David at 403-342-1318 or email crozsmit@telusplanet. net. Visit www.harmonizers.ca.

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

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

Living Faith Lutheran Church - welcomes everyone to our Sunday Worship Service at 10 a.m. We offer Traditional and Contemporary Service with Holy Communion. Services held at Bethany CollegeSide Red Deer College. For more information, contact Ralph at 403-347-9852.

Scottish Country Dancing has classes held weekly at Knox Presbyterian

ing in a team, learn easy dance steps while enjoying a variety of music. Everyone is welcome – families, couples, solos and teens.

No dance experience necessary.

Twenty-four sessions for $120.

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

Contact Connie at 403-396-1523.

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

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

Love to sing? Hearts of Harmony, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is an a cappella chorus for women of all ages who love to sing and harmonize. Rehearsals are Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Davenport Church of Christ (68 Donlevy Ave.) Join us any Monday night, you will be welcomed. For the month of September the group will host an open house every Monday. Experience the joyful sound of four-part

run for six weeks in Red Deer.

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

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

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

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

Whist runs every Friday at 1:30 p.m. and fun contact bridge runs every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Cost is $3 as well for both of these activities. 403-346-4043.

Cards at the Golden Circle. Join us for Canasta on Mondays at 1 p.m. Drop in fee $1. Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. join us for Singles Bridge. Drop in fee of $2. Partner Bridge is played the

second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Drop in fee of $3. Euchre is played the first and third Friday of the month at 1 p.m. Drop in fee of $2. Join us for scrabble Friday’s starting at 1 p.m. Drop in fee of $1.

Thursday night dances continue at the Golden Circle at 7 p.m.

Admission is $7. Call 403-3414672, 403-347-6165 or 403-3422875. Everyone is welcome.

Do you have an interest in singing for seniors? The Tony Connelly Singers celebrate their goal by preparing 10 programs each year filled with oldies, newer music, sing-a-long and instrumental highlights with a friendly, easygoing atmosphere. We practice from 9:30 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday morning, September to June at the Downtown House Seniors Centre and average four to five sing outs monthly. We welcome anyone to take part. 403-346-7316.

Old-time dances run at the Red Deer Legion every Wednesday evening. Smorg at 5 p.m. with dance at 7 p.m. Cover charge $7. Country music runs Friday and Saturday evenings 7 to 11 p.m. 403-342-0035.

Meat draw every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Red Deer Elks Lodge. 403-346-3632.

Hard of Hearing Support Group meets the second Friday of the month. Email: speakupcentralalberta@gmail.com or phone (403) 356-1598 and leave message.

TAOIST TAI CHI: Call us for information and general inquiries to experience a relaxing, holistic low impact exercise. We are located in the Port O Call Centre in the heart of Red Deer; #100, 4419 50 Ave. Sessions are from Mon-Fri from 11 a.m. to noon; Tuesday/ Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and evenings Mon-Wed 6 to 7 p.m. For class times and locations in Innisfail, Lacombe, Rimbey and Sylvan Lake, call 403-346 6772. There is also a Health Recovery Class Saturday at 11 a.m. to 1 p. m. This class is especially designed for people with chronic illness such as MS, arthritis or for those who are recovering from stroke or surgery.

12 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

City woman reflects on Transgender Day of Remembrance

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS Red Deer’s Dana Moran recently attended services of remembrance for transgendered people in Edmonton and Calgary, and said there were stark reminders of the violence transgendered people often experience in society.

Moran, 63, underwent sexual reassignment surgery in 2005. After years of struggle and self-doubt, he consulted with an Edmonton specialist who was satisfied that Moran was eligible for reassignment. “Being transgendered is becoming more of an open topic now, better understood and more widely known about,� she explained during a recent interview.

But the 17th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance last month brought to the forefront the disturbing reality that many in her community around the world face threats and violence.

In cities and towns around the world, folks gathered for the yearly commemoration of those who have lost their lives to violence. At each meeting, there’s a reading of the names of people murdered over the last 12 months because they were trans or gender diverse, said Moran.

This year, the list had 271 names on it. “It was time of reflection on the way the world can treat people,� said Moran. “I’m getting to the point where I’m trying to be hopeful, but I’m seeing so many times where something has been started and it’s never gone through,� she said, referring to political bills like the recently passed Bill 7 in Alberta.

Those going through, and having gone

through, sexual reassignment surgery, are in many ways in the spotlight these days with the ongoing revelations about Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner), and his transitioning process to womanhood.

But of course there are huge differences between the resources Jenner has available to her and what is there for most of the transgender community. “Where ever she goes, she has three or four bodyguards with her. The typical transgendered person is struggling to make ends meet, they can’t find a job, they’re having trouble finding housing and they’re suffering legal discrimination on both of those counts because they have no ‘rights’ protection for being transgendered. “To see where Caitlyn Jenner (on TV) where her main concern during an episode was she wanted to play golf at her country club and the name on her membership still read Bruce Jenner,� she said. “We just want to live our lives. We’d like to be left alone to lead our lives - we’re nothing special,� she said, adding she doesn’t suffer any acts of harassment but she knows people who do.

Regardless of the progress made about shining more light on the transgendered community, she is troubled about the violence aimed at the community in general internationally. “It’s often not reported to the police, and that person sometimes doesn’t want their family to know. There are in Edmonton and Calgary, LGBTQ alliances with the police departments which tends to help.�

Moran also noted that a new book, Every

Class in Every School by Catherine Taylor and Tracey Peter sheds much light on the situation in Canada.

According to the web site, this report, “Discusses the results of a national survey of Canadian high school students undertaken in order to investigate what life at school is like for students with sexual or gender minority status. Egale Canada conducted a study that sought to identify the forms and extent of students’ experiences, and the efficacy of measures being taken by schools to combat these common forms of bullying.�

For Moran, beginning the process included counseling, hormonal therapy and living as a woman for one year prior to the operation. There was some post-operative recovery time during the 10-day stay in Montreal, then she was home. Moran will have to take hormone therapy for the rest of her life. “I’m at the point where a lot of transgendered people get. And I’ve been at this point for quite awhile – I just want to be myself, go places, do things and I don’t want any problems – I don’t want any hassle.� editor@reddeerexpress.com

SEASONAL LIGHTS - With Christmas behind us, City Hall Park remains aglow with thousands of lights. The display is up until after New Year’s Day. Mark Weber/Red Deer Express

Lacombe County is holding a PUBLIC HEARING

Lacombe County is holding a PUBLIC HEARING

(and you’re invited)

(and you’re invited)

Thursday, January 14 at 10:30 AM M Lacombe County OGGice Lacombe County OGGice (Council Chambers) located 2½ miles west of Highway 2 at the intersection of Spruceville Road and Highway 12

BYLAW BYLA 1215/15

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE COUNTY’S LAND USE BYLAW

Thursday, January 14 at 10:00 AM Lacombe County OGGice Lacombe County OGGice (Council Chambers) located 2½ miles west of Highway 2 at the intersection of Spruceville Road and Highway 12

The intent of the Bylaw is to redesignate Lots 4 to 9 Block 33 Plan 7159AI in the Hamlet of Mirror from H-PR Public Recreation District to H-C Commercial District. The lands have been identified for commercial use in the recently adopted Hamlet of Mirror Area Structure Plan.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE COUNTY’S LAND USE BYLAW NOVA Chemicals has requested permission to rezone approximately 8 hectares (19.77 acres) along the west side of NE 29-38-25 W4M from Agricultural "A" to Heavy Industrial "I-HI" District to accommodate the development of a proposed new stormwater retention pond. The proposed new stormwater retention pond will be located directly east of the existing southeast retention pond.

Unable to Bttend the hearing but XBOU UP QSPWJEF DPNNFOUT

Unable to Bttend the hearing but XBOU UP QSPWJEF DPNNFOUT

8SJUUFO TVCNJTTJPOT NBZ CF NBEF UP UIF $PVOUZ IPXFWFS ZPV XJMM OFFE UP FOTVSF UIBU ZPVS DPNNFOUT BSF SFDFJWFE QSJPS UP UIF EBUF PG UIF IFBSJOH "MM TVCNJTTJPOT XJMM CF QVCMJD JOGPSNBUJPO

8SJUUFO TVCNJTTJPOT NBZ CF NBEF UP UIF $PVOUZ IPXFWFS ZPV XJMM OFFE UP FOTVSF UIBU ZPVS DPNNFOUT BSF SFDFJWFE QSJPS UP UIF EBUF PG UIF IFBSJOH "MM TVCNJTTJPOT XJMM CF QVCMJD JOGPSNBUJPO Location map Location map

BYLAW BYLA 1213/15

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3FBDI UIF 1MBOOJOH %FQBSUNFOU BU 3FBDI UIF 1MBOOJOH %FQBSUNFOU BU 3FBDI UIF 1MBOOJOH %FQBSUNFOU BU

Dale Freitag, RPP, MCIP Manager of Planning Services

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33 -BDPNCF "# 5 - / planning@lacombecounty.com

Dale Freitag, RPP, MCIP Manager of Planning Services

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33 -BDPNCF "# 5 - / planning@lacombecounty.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 13

New Year’s in the early days of Red Deer Another New Year will soon be upon us. It is a time to speculate what the upcoming year may bring, but it is also a time to reflect back on what happened in the year just past.

However, reminiscing can also become very interesting if one compares the New Year of 2016 with the one that the first settlers in Red Deer faced in the mid-1880s.

The differences between the Red Deer of today and the Red Deer of 130 years ago are enormous. Today, we live in a vibrant modern urban centre, with a population of more than 100,000. In the mid-1880s, the permanent population of Central Alberta numbered only a few dozen.

Except during winter blizzards and periods of extreme cold, getting around today is quite easy. In the 1880s, before the building of the railroad, even a trip to Calgary could take several days. With the electronic age, we can communicate virtually all over the world in an instant.

In the 1880s, mail came up from Calgary one week and down from Edmonton the following week.

Michael

DAWE Hence, the frontier community was quite isolated.

Moreover, only the First Nations and some Metis freighters had been in the area for any real length of time. Most settlers had either just arrived, or had been in the district for only a couple of years. As with all newcomers, a lot of time was spent learning about their new homes, the weather patterns and the customs of the land.

One large family, who came to Red Deer in 1884 and started a farm in what is now downtown Red Deer, was the Leonard and Caroline Gaetz family.

There were 10 children in the family, which soon increased to 11 as Caroline was pregnant when they arrived.

Although the Gaetz’s had experience as farmers, they did not know much about frontier life.

Hence, the first logs they cut to build a home were too small to be of any use.

Some neighbours came to their rescue, cut the proper sized logs from along the river and quickly erected a snug log cabin.

Shortly after the Gaetz’s got settled, George King of Calgary paid them a call.

He had built a small store at the Red Deer Crossing (an all-weather ford across the river). However, he found it too remote to properly run himself.

Hence, he offered to sell the business to Leonard Gaetz on very easy terms.

Leonard Gaetz himself was far too busy establishing the farm to run a frontier general store. Hence, he assigned his eldest son Ray to be the storekeeper, even though Ray was still only a teenager.

Ray quickly learned the challenges of his inexperience.

In his first purchase of furs from a local trapper, he paid five times what the furs were actually worth. Thereafter, Ray relied heavily on the advice of Tom and Mary Lennie who, despite operating another small frontier store

across the trail, were willing to help the poor young man out.

Fortunately, Ray was bright and a fast learner.

He soon grasped the ins and outs of a barter system, as cash was generally scarce in such a remote area. He mastered enough Cree and Stoney to be able to carry on a conversation with the local First Nations.

He also learned that serving tea, hard biscuits and a few plugs of tobacco during the trading sessions made for a much more agreeable and profitable exchange with his customers.

Ray was still often caught off guard.

On New Year’s Day, he was startled to find the store filled with a number of giggling young women.

He did not know that New Year’s Day was also known as ‘Kissing Day’ and that a young, good-looking and unattached person such as himself was expected to provide some tokens of affection to those young women who presented themselves on New Year’s morning.

Fortunately, someone

COMMUNITY PIONEER - Ray Gaetz, 1934. As an older man, he used to love to reminisce about his time as a teenager when he ran a frontier general store at the old Red Deer Crossing settlement.

Red Deer Archives P1780 tipped Ray off as to what was expected.

It also occurred to him to boil a pot of brown sugar and molasses on the stove, take it outside to spread on the snow and then pass out large helpings of the improvised toffee to his unexpected guests.

The generous gesture went over very well.

While Ray bashfully avoided giving away too much in the way of kisses, the young women eventually left feeling very happy with the nice young bachelor who was running the store.

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

All rights reserved.

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14 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT The Good Lovelies including Red Deer on winter tour

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS The engaging Good Lovelies perform Jan. 21st at Fratters.

They’ll be singing tunes not just from their extensive repertoire, but from their latest project Burn the Plan which was released just last spring. The ladies first toured the project in Germany to rave reviews and reception.

“The audiences in Germany are out for a good time, very supportive of live music and very supportive of music that they’ve never heard of before,” explains Kerri Ough (vocals/guitar/banjo/ keyboard/bass). “Audiences also like encores, for example, to the power of three,” she laughs.

“They’ll keep bringing you back out, so it was a really inspiring tour that way as well.”

Rounding out the group are Caroline Brooks (vocals/guitar/ mandolin/banjo/bass) and Sue Passmore (vocals/guitar/bass/ percussion).

What makes Burn The Plan special is there’s a new spirit of adventurousness that gives it an extra spark.

“It’s not that we were looking for it to be something, it’s that we were trying to be ourselves,” said Ough. “It was less about, ‘Let’s make this fit into a mold as the Good Lovelies’ and more about being Kerri, Caroline and Sue just making music the way we would have done if no one had any expectations of what we had done before.”

Even the old time underpinnings of Old Fashioned and When the City Settles have a new polish, confidence and depth. Open Windows is yet another charmer, as is the laid-back, reflective When the City Settles.

The slowed down, plaintive nature of Watching TV also seems an ideal and fitting way to wrap up the compelling CD. “We’re proud of the talents that we each brought to the table and the magic comes also in being stoked about singing each other’s songs,” she said.

In selecting what to record for Burn the Plan, it came down to listening to what each Lovely provided and seeing when everyone’s eyes would light up. There were a pile of fresh new tunes to check out, but they carefully pared it down to the perfect ones to include knowing that other gems they had written could pop up on future recordings.

The project was produced by Les Cooper, but the ladies certainly had a hand in guiding the project as it came to fruition as well. “He’s got so many great ideas that we could really have three different versions of the same song.

“But ultimately, the original writer of the song has veto power,” she explained, noting it might be observed that yes, a particular tune sounds great as a jazz number, but works best in a pop style.

Meanwhile, what keeps the three Lovelies making music together is not just their uncanny vocal compatibility; it’s their unshakable friendships, too.

Good to go with a pile of instruments, a repertoire of both ‘sassy and sophisticated’ songs and an irrepressible, effervescent sense of humour these three can’t help but charm even the toughest, most weathered audiences.

It all started during a Christmas gig back in late 2006, says Ough.

The three performers, who were working primarily as solo artists at the time, got together on stage for a few numbers and their chemistry was striking.

Requests for gigs came in steadily over the next few months, and the Good Lovelies officially formed a few months later.

“I think it was serendipitous,” adds Ough, pointing out that none of the girls were looking to team up with other artists at the time. It was just one of those magical, pivotal times. It also helps that they were good friends before they formed The Good Lovelies.

That fact alone shines through in their comfort level onstage

HARMONY - The Good Lovelies bring their magical selection of tunes to Fratters on Jan. 21st. and ease when engaging with audiences.

“We go onstage, connect with the audience, get a laugh, perhaps see a tear or two,” says a clearly grateful Ough.

“There is nothing that feels better to me than to be singing with two people who I love and trust.”

Passmore and Ough first met in a Grade 2/3 split class many moons ago.

It wasn’t until Passmore’s final year of high school where they really started to spend a lot of time together.

They were in the same choir for years, and discovered a mutual love for songwriting and performing. Ough accompanied Passmore on some gigs in her

hometown, and a big crowning performance moment for them was when they performed Alanis Morissette’s song Uninvited during an assembly honouring retiring teachers.

Passmore and Brooks met in 2000, through a mutual friend Yvonne Howard. Years later, Passmore would open for Brooks and her sister’s band (The Brooks Sisters) CD release show.

Ough and Brooks met through Passmore a couple of years before the Good Lovelies began.

Ough, new to Toronto, opened the show and played her new solo music. The Brooks Sisters played next, performing songs from their debut album. And Passmore, with her band, closed the show.

photo submitted

Eventually, December of 2006 rolled around and the three of them set up a show as soloists, where they would perform on each others’ songs. A solid partnership was born.

Ultimately, after nine years of recording and hitting the road to take their music to the masses, the Lovelies are as enthusiastic as ever. Taking the tunes to audiences all over the place is enormously fun, but so are the opportunities for the three friends to get together as they all live in different parts of the country.

“When we get back together it’s like, ‘Oh, there we are’,” she laughs. “There are my best friends. We all miss each other quite a lot.” editor@reddeerexpress.com

thursday, December 31st

New Year's Eve with The Discmen -we love the vat

WEDNESDAY NIGHT JAM

5301 43rd St. Red Deer 403-346-5636

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 15

ENTERTAINMENT

Marianas Trench includes City on 2016 Canadian tour Multi-platinum selling Canadian pop-rockers Marianas Trench will head out on their Never Say Die tour across Canada in the spring of 2016.

They perform March 30th at the Centrium.

Tickets are available at www.livenation.com, and the tour is in support of their newly-released fourth studio album Astoria (604 Records/Interscope), which debuted at number one the Canadian SoundScan charts and roared onto the American Top Current Albums Chart at #33.

Kicking off on March 9th in Kingston, the 18-date tour will showcase the hard work and passion put into their latest offering, and promises to be one of their most exciting tours to date.

Joining the Vancouverbased band on tour is platinum selling Canadian quintet Walk Off The Earth.

Marianas Trench front man Josh Ramsay enthuses, “Mousse up that hair, throw on your best ripped acid wash, and get ready to join the fight to make dancing legal once again.

“Can you survive Astoria?

The only other thing capable of generating that much energy is a bolt of lightning.”

Marianas Trench has secured a spot as one of Canada’s most successful bands of the past decade, building their name on relentless touring and engagement with their fans.

Since their 2006 debut CD Fix Me, the band has had two platinum albums (Masterpiece Theatre and Ever After) and many chart topping hits including Fallout, Haven’t Had Enough and Stutter.

In 2013, the band earned a Juno Award for Group of the Year, adding that accomplishment to their multiple Much Music Video Awards. Over time Marianas Trench have toured relentlessly in Canada and globally; headlining tours in Australia and New Zealand, and the U.S. Ramsay also received a Grammy nomination in 2013 for co-writing and producing Carly Rae Jepsen’s breakthrough smash Call Me Maybe.

When Ramsay came up with the title Astoria, he saw the CD as a concept record based on 1980s fantasy adventure films; specifically The Goonies, which is set in the seemingly doomed town of Astoria, Oregon.

UNIQUE SOUND - Marianas Trench is set to perform at the Centrium March 30th.

The idea was to let a classic coming of age movie inspire the music and overall feel of the record. Then, however, Ramsay had no idea the circumstances in his own life would result in a personal journey that took him from the highest high to the darkest point in his life and career.

“A couple of years ago I felt on top of the world,” he says. “My band, finally, after years of work, signed a huge American record deal. We were headlining arenas in Canada. I’d been nominated for a Grammy for Call Me Maybe, (Jepsen).

I was engaged to the love of my life and it was like, this is my moment.”

Soon afterwards, Ramsay’s mother – who, along with his entire musical family, he credits as his most important influences – was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia – a debilitating, fast-acting ‘cross between Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s’.

“I worked myself into not being able to write at all.

My mother got sicker. I wasn’t coping well and I became incredibly difficult to be around.” So difficult, in fact, his relationship with his fiancé deteriorated and ultimately ended.

The pressure to start work on the next Marianas Trench record intensified even more, until, in early 2015, he was briefly hospitalized.

“It was the lowest of my low moments, but then something shifted.

I thought; I can’t make

my mom better or fix my mistakes. The only thing in my power was to write Astoria, follow every artistic impulse I have and see where it goes.”

Within 24 hours of his release, Ramsay was in his Richmond, B.C. studio with new material pouring out of him, but ultimately moved, lock, stock and console, to his Gastown apartment, which he christened ‘The Benhouse Studio’ (named for his Labrador Retriever, who gets an executive producer credit on Astoria).

The band decorated the space with 1980s movie posters and album jackets, and packed it with recording and instrument technology that would only have been available in the 80s. But while Astoria has a decidedly 80s feel, it’s far from a throwback. “I was trying to make the record as if I’d been a contemporary at that time. I pulled from that time in my own way.”

Channeling influences as diverse as The Beatles, Queen, Tears for Fears, Michael Jackson, George Michael and Depeche Mode, among others, it’s Marianas Trench’s most ambitious record to date.

“It’s my personal best and the band is better than ever,” he continues; crediting guitarist Matt Webb, bassist Mike Ayley, and drummer Ian Casselman for giving him time to sort his life out. “Nobody pushed and I don’t think I’d have made it through

photo submitted

without that support.”

In the end, the band is closer than ever. “I don’t laugh as hard with anybody else,” Webb says, mentioning the band’s

often hilarious entry to award shows in everything from oversized hamster balls to a bouncy castle.

“Some of the ideas we’ve had have us in tears,

laughing about how inconvenient and uncomfortable it’ll be, but one of the reasons we’ve remained so strong is we laugh, a lot.”

- Weber

EARLY DEADLINE The Red Deer Express will be closed for New Year’s Day:

Friday, January 1st Early deadline for:

January 6th Booking Wednesday, December 30 @ NOON

Happy Holidays from all of us at 403.346.3356 reddeerexpress.com

16 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

LIFESTYLE

FAMILY TIME - From left, Edith, Rob, Andrew and Ainsley McLaren took time to skate together as a family during a frosty Saturday afternoon on Bower Ponds. Bower Ponds is open for the season to welcome families and friends to enjoy the frozen pond and beautiful views.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

Ten great tips for New Year’s resolutions No matter the day on which Jan. 1st falls, it feels like a Monday. Time to begin another diet and exercising daily just like the Monday before. No wonder that weight loss programs and gyms see a spike during the first week of January.

This year, however, I’m thinking of what else I might want to tackle with increased vigour. I’ve included some of my ideas, along with invited resolutions from friends and family below: 1. Take time for oneself. One friend wrote that he’d like to return to meditation. He accepts that life is different since becoming a dad. However, he has realized that instead of working through his lunch hour, he can close his office door and use that time to get back to meditating. Other ways to take time for oneself may include, as one friend wrote to, “Take up passions of my younger years such as piano and flute and dance!”

2. Make time for others. Some of the resolutions I received included, “Do a good deed for someone every day,” “Take up volunteer work” and “See my friends once a week instead of only once a month.”

One friend said she was planning to “Help others more with advice or actions rather than with things.”

Sara

DIMERMAN 3. Clear the clutter. Several people want to create more empty space in their lives.

Conquering the pile of papers, bills, cards and kid’s projects may seem insurmountable but as you sort through, throw out, categorize and put away you’ll feel the heaviness fall away. Clearing clutter also includes sorting through clothes that you haven’t worn in a year or longer. If you have a difficult time parting with ‘stuff’ you may find it helpful to put the old unwanted items into a bag, knot it and write the date on the outside. Place it in the garage. Then, if you haven’t looked for those items within six months of that date, donate the bag to a charitable organization. The trick is not to open the bag once it’s knotted or you’ll want to bring ‘stuff’ back inside the house.

4. Spend wisely. One resolution I received was to, “Pay all household bills on time and to not over use credit cards.” Another was not to spend on impulse but to think

difficult but empowering.

8. Better oneself. Several great resolutions included going back to school to further an education or begin a change of career.

Some resolutions included being less judgemental of others and one great mom of adult children wrote, “Accepting the fact that my adult children don’t have to agree with me all the time. They are entitled to their own opinions and shouldn’t be berated for them.”

9. Appreciate family. I have resolved to call my mother in law more often and to remember and appreciate that she is the reason my husband came to be. A wife and mom wrote about her plans to get to know her husband again. She felt that after years of hard work and time away from one another, she had ignored their relationship.

10. Give thanks and stay positive. One friend wrote, “I resolve to treat each day and person as something special and not simply wait for a holiday or New Years Day or any so called ‘special’ day to be grateful of those people and circumstances around me.”

Sara Dimerman is a psychologist, author and parenting/relationship expert to the media.

Check out www.helpmesara.com.

longer before making purchases that may not seem as necessary tomorrow as they do today. Also, to clip coupons and take them with you when shopping.

5. Floss every day. Despite how tired you are at the end of the day, remember the long term consequences of not taking care of yourself. Along with flossing, some resolutions I received included remembering to drink more water, eat healthier food and to take the supplements and vitamins you bought.

6. Don’t fall behind. Do you find that there’s often leftover laundry from the week’s pile when its time to begin again? My resolution is to keep up so there’s nothing undone by the beginning of the following laundry week. Keeping on top of routine chores can be tiresome but a necessary evil unless you’re prepared to deal with daunting tasks when you get around to tackling them later on.

7. Face fears. Some resolutions included tackling a fear of flying, the dentist and heights. Others included getting back in touch with a friend or family member, despite the fear of possible rejection.

Quitting smoking, fighting a bad habit or confronting an internal demon may be

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 17

LIFESTYLE

Do not take liberties with the gods Dr. Gifford

JONES killing innocent people.

Rather, it’s religious sects that have been killing each other in the name of religion for 2,000 years! They might declare that all would find a special place in hell.

But what would the Gods say about the western medical establishment? They no doubt would applaud its huge advances in medical treatment. But their praise may be short-lived.

They might charge that physicians had forgotten one of the most cherished parts of the Hippocratic Oath that stresses, “First, do no harm.”

They might chastise doctors for their unholy alliance with pharmaceutical

companies. Physicians, who have deviated so far from the Hippocratic edict, that it’s mind-boggling. They’ve also forgotten Voltaire, the French philosopher, who counselled, “The art of medicine is amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”

So what has happened?

Rather than using good sense, treatment is now guided by multinational drug companies who have seduced doctors and the North American public into believing there is a convenient pill to ease every ache and pain. The primary motive of corporations is to program people into believing they’re ill and need a variety of questionable and often dangerous medications. Meantime, so many in the rest of the world suffer malnutrition, homelessness, with no resource for pills for their pain.

I’m sure the Gods would agree that our world is doomed unless we stop polluting the land, sea and

air. Yet, they would wonder why there is no hue and cry about how humans are polluting their own bodies.

They would cite no better example than one in four North Americans taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

I believe the Gods would shake their heads in dismay and warn that something has gone horribly wrong with the judgement of the medical profession.

My readers, know that my opinion does not coincide with those of our medical establishment. It may also be that I’m not in harmony with the Gods either. If so, I will receive proper punishment when I finally arrive at their destination. But if I’m consigned to that fate, I believe I will face crowded accommodation.

In this holiday season it is truly appalling to witness the utter human depravity inflicted on so many innocents and the cruelties suffered by uprooted families.

So it would be wise for those

in authority to be deeply concerned. Confucius could be right when he warned, that, “It is dangerous to take liberties with Gods or weary them.” And where is the “Do unto others?”

This is the 41st year I’ve had the privilege of wishing all of you good health and happiness in the year ahead.

For medical tips see www. docgiff.com. For comments info@docgiff.com.

Committed to helping you hear.

403-346-3939 TOLL FREE: 1-877-824-3939

Sandra Duncan, BC-HIS Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner Dr. Neil Cannon, AuD. Doctor of Audiology

Riverlands Gate Business Centre Suite 202, 4327-54th Ave. (Taylor Dr./45 St.)

www.riverlandhearing.com

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OUTDOOR FUN - Kathyrn Jepske, 15, took time at the Johnstone outdoor rink this week to brush up on some skating and hockey skills.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

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What could solve many of the world’s problems this holiday season?

There’s no more sage advice than the words, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Yet time and again, the very opposite happens day after day in medicine, politics and unfortunately, even religion.

I wonder what the Gods are thinking when they survey the world today?

Confucius wrote in the Book of Rites in 500 B.C, “Do not take liberties with the Gods or weary them.” Today, we certainly must be pushing our limits of both.

This year, people of all religions will celebrate their holy days at shrines around the world. TV will promote a message of love to millions.

But the Gods must surely be tempted to interrupt and deliver a thunderous proclamation on a massive screen in the sky.

They already show dead children washed up on Mediterranean shores and images of tens of thousands of people without food and shelter fleeing murderous conflicts in their homelands.

And they could justifiably accuse world leaders of being totally inept and uncaring. Man’s inhumanity to man knows no bounds.

Where is the, “Do unto others?”

I doubt that religion would escape the Gods’ thunder.

Why wouldn’t they decry the so-called religious who have had 2,000 years to prevent the barbarities and human horror that are taking place today. After all, it is not creatures from another planet who are

A New Year – A New Home.

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18 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

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Red Deer Rebels gear up for playoff push

BY ZACHARY CORMIER RED DEER EXPRESS It’s crunch time for the Red Deer Rebels.

With the Christmas break in the rearview mirror, the Rebels are hitting the ground running in an effort to clinch a WHL playoff birth.

“We obviously need to continue to be better. We’ve got to have more consistency in our game. We’ve got to be a higher competitive team night-in, night-out,” said Head Coach Brent Sutter about the second half of the season.

At press time, the Rebels were tied with the Calgary Hitmen for the second of three playoff births in the highly competitive East Central Division with 46 points.

The Rebels have two games in hand over the Hitmen.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes, meanwhile, are holding on to the division lead with 48 points.

“We can’t be satisfied with where we’re at in the standings. We’re two points out of first and that’s our goal, to finish first in our division,” Sutter said, adding the first step for the team is going to have to be improving their defensive play.

“I’d like us to get better defensively. I’d like to see us be a better puck moving team and a better transition team.”

The Rebels are among the most prolific scoring teams in the WHL, sitting fourth in the league in goals for with 127 and, though their defense might be inconsistent, they still post solid numbers on the other side of the puck.

As a team, they’ve allowed the ninth fewest number of goals in the league with 104 and, perhaps more telling, the seventh-fewest number of shots at 1,031 in 35 games.

When it comes to special teams, the Rebels have had a bit of a mixed bag.

On one hand, their power play is sixth in the league.

On the other, “Our penalty kill has to get better,” Sutter said.

The Rebels’ penalty kill is the second worst in the league with only a 75.4% success rate. The only PK percentage that’s lower is that of the Kootenay Ice, who are dead last in the league with 14 points and who have lost 12 straight games since Nov. 25th.

“We do generate enough offense. At times we’re not as good at defending as

LOOKING AHEAD - Ivan Nikolishin of the Red Deer Rebels looks down the bench at his team during a regular season game against the Regina Pats at the Centrium in Red Deer last month. The Rebels are getting ready for their post-Christmas playoff push. we need to be if we’re going to have success,” Sutter said.

But where defense fails, the goaltenders have to step in. And the Rebels’ backstoppers, though not spectacular, have been solid.

Starter Rylan Toth has a 2.88 goals against average, 10th amongst starters that have played a certain number of games, and .904 save percentage. He’s also contributed two shutouts.

Meanwhile, backup Trevor Martin has been a decent stand in. While his .894 save percentage isn’t great, he has still managed to post a 5-2 record in the 14 games he’s played. He’s also earned a decent 2.94 GAA. The Rebs slid a little bit during the month of December, falling out of first

place in their division, Sutter said he’s not too worried.

“It’s not like we’ve fallen a long way in the standings. We’re two points out of first in our division. When we were five or six points up on one team, they had games in hand on us,” he said, adding the team knows they’re going to have to improve on their performance.

“Our month of December wasn’t great.

We were .500, a .500 hockey team and that’s not going to be good enough, obviously, and we know that. At the end of the day we just have to get better. We have to improve in every area.”

The Rebs, along with every other team in the WHL, hit the ground running after the Christmas break with a game on Dec. 27th.

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After that, the Rebels have just 37 games before the start of the WHL playoffs. The ultimate goal would be to win the 201516 Ed Chynoweth Cup and earn their place in the Mastercard Memorial Cup Tournament.

According to Sutter, every single one of those games is important.

“They’re all key to us. There’s no such thing as games being any bigger than others,” he said.

“Everytime you play a game, especially in the second half of the season, it becomes the biggest game of the year to date.”

Next up for Red Deer is a Thursday afternoon game in Kootenay on Dec. 31st for their final game of 2015. Puck drop for that game is at 4 p.m. zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 19

There’s more to Mixed Martial Arts than just fighting

BY KALISHA MENDONSA RED DEER EXPRESS Mixed martial arts (MMA) has exploded in Central Alberta, but it’s nothing particularly new.

What has changed is the community attitude towards local fighters and to those associated with the sport.

Local fighter Michael Davis said he’s watched the scene evolve into a more educated crowd, and sees the support and sportsmanship among local fighters at an all time high.

“People usually think MMA fighters are a bunch of brutes who like violence, but it’s more about competition - there’s a high level of sportsmanship in it,” Davis said.

“You’re kind of forced to respect people who will step into a cage and put everything on the line. They get in front of their friends and family to fight and, in most cases, they aren’t afraid to lose.”

Mixed martial arts is, in essence, a violent sport. There are rules to keep fighters as safe as possible, but of course injuries happen. Davis said he wished more people would recognize that it is a sport, rather than senseless fighting for the sake of violence.

He added that since his arrival in Red Deer, he has noticed there has been a shift in the community mentality towards the sport and that the community of fighters and supporters is quite close.

“Before, it seemed like people just wanted violence and that’s the only reason they went to Havoc fights. They didn’t really support locals as much as they do now,” he said.

“It’s no different than when the Rebels are playing and a hockey team like Medicine Hat comes in - people cheer for the home team, and root against the opponents. It’s starting to feel like that for Havoc.”

Davis said that the local gyms are extremely supportive of each other, and that for the fighters, it’s never about bringing other people down to get better.

“In our gym, everyone gets along. We still cross-train with other gyms, too.

Arashi-Do and Kensai Martial Arts have a great bond and we all train with each other and help each other out. We give each other advice, and try to make each other better. We don’t really fight each other,” he explained.

“We see no purpose stunting our own growth in the sport for a pay cheque.”

Citizens can catch local fighters at the Havoc events, usually located at the Westerner. Davis said that the crowd has changed a lot since his first experience with the venue.

FRIENDLY BRAWL - Michael Davis, top, spars with friend and training partner Chris Chapman at Arashi-Do Martial Arts. The two are good friends during and after training and are a part of a large, supportive network of MMA fighters in the City.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

“PEOPLE USUALLY THINK MMA FIGHTERS ARE A BUNCH OF BRUTES WHO LIKE VIOLENCE, BUT IT’S MORE ABOUT COMPETITION - THERE’S A HIGH LEVEL OF SPORTSMANSHIP IN IT.” MICHAEL DAVIS “I think when we go to shows now there is a more educated crowd. They’re used to seeing UFC on TV all the time. When fighters go to the ground, crowds aren’t booing.

People aren’t just looking for knockouts anymore. It just seems more educated and people really come out to support locals now more than before,” he said.

Mixed martial arts incorporates striking and grappling techniques, but also requires a great deal of mental discipline and preparation. Davis said it is an effective sport for helping kids build their confidence because they have to be vulnerable and have faith in their training partners.

“When you come in, you have to check your ego at the door or you’re going to get hurt. Everyone’s there to help the others get better,” he said.

“It’s a long term investment in other people as well as yourself.

“A lot of people like to find excuses for their wrongdoings, but in this sport, once you leave the cage and the crowd’s gone, you’ve got to realize that you messed up and it’s no one else’s fault. All the pressure’s on you. It gives you a reality check, and it’s a very mentally draining process.”

As famous fighters like Conor ‘Notorious’

McGregor take the world stage, Davis said it’s important to remember that MMA is not all trash talk and hotheads. He said usually - especially in Red Deer’s scene - the sport garners respect amongst athletes and fosters personal growth.

“The positively and energy in the gym is unreal,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s for your personal life or gym life, you feel like you can handle anything. You’ll have bad days where you get beaten up and broken down in the gym, and still have to get up for your next round. You’ve got to be able to brush it off and leave it behind you or you won’t see growth. That transfers to your everyday life.”

The next round of local Havoc fights will occur in May, giving citizens a chance to check out the energy and spirit behind the sport. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

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20 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

Local fly tying club encourages new members STORY AND PHOTOS BY ZACHARY CORMIER/RED DEER EXPRESS

FINISHED PRODUCT - Pictured here are some flies that were made during the weekly Central Alberta Fly Tying Club meeting. From left is a Mangos Mantis Shrimp designed by Brandon Fawcett, a Tarpon Toad, and an Avalon Bonefish/Permit Fly.

MAKING PROGRESS - Rick Miyauchi practiced tying an Avalon Bonefish/Permit Fly.

Fly fishing enthusiasts in Red Deer no longer lon need to sit out the winter months. mon The Central Alberta Fly Tying Club is back ba for another fly tying season and they’re always welcoming new members. mem “What we basically have done is “W over the course of a fly tying seaove son, which is the winter months, son we have a different presenter every Monday night from 7- 9 ev p.m. here at West Park Middle p.

School,” said Organizer Bob Sc Vanderwater.

V Fly tying is the art of creating tthe hooks (or flys) that are used iin fly fishing in place of live bait.

Fly fishers create these flies by binding materials to a fishing hook with thread.

“Most flies that I fish, I tie myself. And so that’s part of the pleasure and the fun of catching a trout on a fly that you tie ti yourself,” Vanderwater said.

Vanderwater, Red Deer has a rich According to Vander and there are a huge variety of culture of fly fishing an fish to catch in this part of Alberta.

“Fly fishing in this area? Well, I mean, we have trout lakes and we have trout waters everywhere in Central Alberta. Everywhere from the Red Deer River right through to the Eastern Slopes to our cutthroat rivers like the North Ram River and the Blackstone River and then, of course, the world-famous Bow River,” he

CAREFUL ATTENTION - Brandon Fawcett led a workshop for

SKILLED - Adam Karras pulled his twine tight while

the Central Alberta Fly Tying Club earlier this month.

tying a Mangos Mantis Shrimp.

said, adding that there’s no feeling quite like catching a fish on a fly you tie yourself.

“The trout fishing is very popular and in particular fly fishing as a way of catching those kinds of fish.

Lots of people spin fish but catching them on a fly that you tie is kind of a cool thing to do.”

The Club also has several members who take their flies on fishing trips outside of Alberta to catch more exotic species.

“We have people here that have tied their own flies and they went to Cuba and fished in the Caribbean.

And we have Steelhead fishermen here as well that will tie their own flies and go to British Columbia in the spring and Steelhead fish.”

Fly fishing flies are tied in a way that makes them look like a bug or smaller fish or shrimp that a fish might want to eat. Not only that, they are actually designed in a way that the hook actually mimics the behaviour of that food source as it skims through the water.

For those that want to get started in fly fishing and fly tying, Vanderwater said that there is no better place than the Central Alberta Fly Tying Club.

“This is the perfect place. They can go to our blog, contact information is on that blog. We encourage one and all to come. It doesn’t matter your fly tying ability. I mean, you can be a beginner or a seasoned veteran, we have everybody come and get involved.”

The Central Alberta Fly Tying Club meets every Monday night from now until the end of March at West Park Elementary School in Red Deer. Anyone interested in getting involved can go to www.rdflytying. blogspot.ca. Participants do need to bring their own fly tying tools, but the rest of the materials are provided. zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

DETAIL - Doug Pullen works on tying a Mangos Mantis Shrimp fly.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 21

HOMES & LIVING

NICE FLOW - This Avalon Homes show home in Vanier offers a look at townhouse living - simple, open and affordable. The home is beautifully decorated with pops of colour throughout.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

The best way to deal with household clutter There is an old joke which asks…how do you eat an elephant?

The answer is - one piece at a time. As a kid you would laugh at the silliness but as an imaginative adult you might (like I did) imagine how messy and awful cutting up an elephant would be and what a disaster that would leave in your home. Either way, the concept is a sound one that even for the biggest problems it is better to tackle it in manageable chunks to make the task seem easier.

Clutter and unwanted items can sometimes take on a life of their own if left unaddressed and before you know it you are sitting under a mound of junk, confused and overwhelmed and wondering how the heck you ended up in such a mess!

The mound of things didn’t get there overnight and it will take more than a few words of encouragement and a little luck

Kim

WYSE to get it down to a more manageable task.

It is easy to make a task list and tackle a big project one bite at a time.

Even by managing small pieces you will be amazed at how quickly a space can empty out and by taking specific items to task you will be able to see immediate accomplishments which will give you courage to continue on your way. If you are decluttering, take one type of item out at a time and be sure to place them in labelled bags which tell you to recycle, chuck or donate.

Those are your only three options!

If you want to paint a room, start by tak-

NEW NEWYOU

YEAR

ing all of the pictures off of the walls and patching the holes with big ugly patches of white spackle.

Many people discuss painting for years but if a room is still functional and together it is easy to pass it off as not a big deal.

Try staring at a wall with spackle patches, I promise you won’t make it more than a few days before you begin the painting project!

It sometimes takes upsetting the balance or changing what you are used to seeing to kickstart a new project. If you have had something in the same place forever, then changing things up will give you a fresh perspective and a new energy for working on projects in that space.

Small bites, everyone, it is the way to tackle a large and overwhelming project and the easiest way to motivate yourself to continue on into more projects inside your home.

Give yourself five minutes to declutter a drawer or closet and then stand back and be amazed at how good that one small task feels.

It doesn’t have to happen all at once, just one piece at a time while you work through various projects in every room of your home. The confidence that you will feel after fully completing even the smallest task will be very uplifting.

It’s time to tackle that elephant everyone.

Make 2016 the year you accomplish as many goals as you set your heart to whether large or small. Do the little things first before you get overwhelmed with the bigger projects and watch as that large list gets whittled away one piece at a time.

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

A new year brings the opportunity to make change in your world.

This special feature will include editorial covering New Year’s resolutions whether it be diet, exercise, financial goals, relationship success or a new set of wheels.

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22 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

LEARNING EFOR LIFE

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

View the Clues Contest

Read to Win!

Below are five phone numbers that appear inside our clients’ ads in this week’s Express (includes Special Features & Supplements) Simply match the phone number to the business, fill out the contest form and drop it off at the Express office prior to draw deadline listed.

Note: Express office is closed between noon and 1pm daily.

403-346-3356 403-309-6894 403-343-3736 403-343-7711 403-343-3673

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

403-346-3356

CLUES ACROSS

43. Without (French)

9. Bring back

43. Merchandising

1. Elephant’s name

45. Counterbalance

10. Repented

44. Exclamation of surprise

6. Support

container to obtain net

11. Receipt (abbr.)

46. With fireplace residue

10. Mures River city

weight

12. Expresses pleasure

47. A small lake

14. Bastard wing

46. Express pleasure

13. Not wet

48. Bait

15. One was named Desire

47. Cheap wine (Br.)

16. In a way, takes off

49. Tip of Aleutian Islands

17. PGA Tournament prize

49. Signing

18. Macaws genus

50. K____: watercraft

19. A way to leave

50. ___ compilation,

22. “Fast Five” star’s initials

(alt. sp.)

unchanged

compiling computer

23. Sharpen a knife

51. Norse variant of “often”

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52. Adolescent

memory

53. Have surgery

developer

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25. Former CIA

(Computers)

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58. Extremely mad

27. Fencing swords

54. River in Spanish

23. Well informed

59. Day

28. Aba ____ Honeymoon

55. Cowboy Carson

24. Turfs

60. Small coin (French)

29. Bustle

56. Powerful gun lobby

26. In a way, obeyed

61. Snatched

30. Minor

29. Lawyers group

CLUES DOWN

33. Passage with access

32. Political action

1. Cry

only at one end

committee

2. Wings

35. Underwater airways

34. Light pokes

3. Baseball play

36. Small, slight

35. Struck down

4. Flower petals

37. Box (abbr.)

37. Central Philippine Island

5. Drive against

39. __ Blake, actress

38. Japanese sash

6. Velikaya River city

42. Repents

39. Afresh

7. A single unit in a

41. Inspire with love

But

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collection 8. Stray

ANSWER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

RED DEER EXPRESS 23

Red Deer Express

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24 RED DEER EXPRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

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Rates as low as

0% $ 6,000.00 *

or Rebates up to

*

on remaining in-stock 2015 models!

Hurry in for the best selection! *0% rates available on #F4004, available on select models, O.A.C. Rebates as high as $6000 available on #F7109, O.A.C. Available on in-stock 2015 models, while quantities last. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. See dealer for full details.

“WHERE THE DEALS ARE” www.reddeertoyota.com

403.343.3736 | 1.800.662.7166