Lacombe Express, December 31, 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR www.lacombeexpress.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

MOVING AHEAD: Mayor Steve Christie discusses 2015 and shaping plans for the New Year – PG 3

YEAR IN REVIEW: A glimpse back on the year that was in Lacombe and Blackfalds – PGS 4 and 5

ARTISTIC: Local artist shares colourful works with the community – PG 11

SPEED RACERS - Taya Vlietstra, 9, and James Vlietstra, 11, zip down the hill at Cranna Lake.

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

LACOMBE EXPRESS 3

Mayor Steve Christie reflects on a successful year Plans are taking shape for continued growth in 2016

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS 2015 was quite the year for the City of Lacombe when it came to commercial development, infrastructure advancement, completing capital projects and developing community spirit.

City of Lacombe Mayor Steve Christie took time to reflect on the year’s challenges and successes.

“Commercial development is always a challenge - trying to attract it and trying to get the right people in place to do that type of work,” he said. “It was great to see the work completed in Lacombe Market Square. It is ready to build on and that’s been a challenge for a number of years.”

Christie said developing the City budget is always a challenge, in particular this year.

“It’s a process we start in June, July and August and we just finalized it here in December,” he said. “To balance the spending, the income, what to do and what not to do is always a challenge and 2015 proved to be a little more challenging than others just due to the economy and balancing the value of your dollars spent.”

Another ongoing challenge for the municipality is the development of the regional wastewater line that is critically needed for Blackfalds, between Lacombe and Red Deer.

“That’s been a challenge for a number of years as well,” he said.

Christie said after recent talks with the provincial transportation and infrastructure minister, he is hopeful that funding will soon be in place to move the project forward in the near future.

Although it is perceived as a challenge, one of the successes of 2015 was also commercial development in the City.

“We had a lot of new buildings built and we had some new businesses move into town,” said Christie. “I believe we had three in the downtown including a restaurant that just opened. So that’s always great to see. We also cut the ribbon on a hotel which has been a long time coming. That was definitely a plus.

“2015 was a great commercial year for the City of Lacombe which helps us balance our residential and non-residential taxes and we need more commercial and industrial to help make that balance a little easier for the residents of Lacombe. So we will continue down that path.”

Several residential lots also came online in 2015, further expanding housing options in the City.

Ground was also broken on one significant City project - the new Lacombe Police Service station.

REFLECTION - City of Lacombe Mayor Steve Christie smiles from his chair in his City Hall office as he took time to reflect on what 2015 brought to the City.

“We started construction this year which is something we had been working on for the past couple of years,” said Christie. “To see ground break on that, with steel going up, is a great thing and we look forward to that opening in the fall of 2016.”

This year’s highlights also included several City-wide celebrations (Light Up the Night, Encore Art Show and Sale,

IT’S YOUR CITY. READ ALL ABOUT IT

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express

the Culture and Harvest Festival and Lacombe Days) that helped build up community spirit in the City.

“Each and every one of them were very successful and brought a lot of people to town and we were able to celebrate our town and show the people from surrounding areas who Lacombe really is,” said Christie.

The City also successfully hosted the

2015 Jiffy Lube Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the women’s provincial curling tournament.

“The community did an incredible job in regards to hosting and being the best that they could be,” said Christie.

An added bonus event this year was also the Coors Banquet One Horse Town concert held in September in downtown Lacombe.

“I think it was a great thing to promote Lacombe and show not only Alberta but Canada what kind of community we are,” he said of the nationally-broadcast concert on CMT. “I think that was a feather in our cap as well.”

Looking ahead into 2016, Christie said the renovation of the Lacombe arena is another exciting ongoing project followed by the change room upgrades.

“The construction company is currently working and they are just finishing up the safety and fire code upgrades,” he explained. “That is a savings already having them in the building as well as the current project is under budget due to the economy and the sub-trades having to sharpen their pencil a little bit. So being able to take advantage of that little better pricing and better prices on the goods themselves helps us out with that project.

“It’s something that has been talked about for a number of years. Something that Lacombe does very well is maintain our buildings and maintain our facilities so to be able to enhance it to where we can use it to its full potential is great.”

Other upcoming project include plans for two buildings in downtown Lacombe.

The City will be taking over the old provincial building along 50 Ave. at the end of this year so plans will be made for the future of the lot and building in 2016.

The former Lacombe Daycare building will also be tidied up and most likely removed to make for extra parking at the LMC. “There is a number of things that are on the books that I am looking forward to,” said Christie.

He concluded by stating the most important thing he sees about the City is the people.

“I think that the people like to invest their time and efforts into Lacombe and it shows,” he said. “People ask ‘What’s different? What keeps people in Lacombe?’ and I think it’s the quality of life. If we can continue that quality of life brand that we have here, that we supply and we do it on a fairly tight budget, we can continue to grow. If we can continue to move forward in the lean years, that just helps us that much more in the boom years.” news@lacombeexpress.com

4 LACOMBE EXPRESS

YEAR IN REVIEW

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

2015: The City of Lacombe A look back at the year that was

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS 2015 was another busy year for projects and issues in the City of Lacombe.

Whether it was hosting the Scotties Tournament of Hearts or breaking ground on the new police facility, it certainly wasn’t a sleepy year in the city.

The following is a list, in no particular order, of the most newsworthy items in the City of Lacombe.

MARY C. MOORE PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING On Monday, March 30th, the Mary C. Moore Public Library was closed due to a severe flooding incident. Extensive damage occurred to the north end of the facility.

While it was closed, a base library service was established at a temporary kiosk at the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC). It stayed open until the library reopened on Aug. 17th after renovations.

LACOMBE COMMUNITY WATCH ASSOCIATION FORMS Citizens of Lacombe continued to take great strides to bring safety to the community through forming the Lacombe Community Watch Association (LCWA) in April.

The new association is comprised of three groups – Neighbourhood Watch, Citizens on Patrol and Block Parent. The main purpose of the association is to engage citizen responsiveness to crime prevention and to bring neighbours together in the effort of keeping the communities safe. The association continues to meet regularly.

MARGARET TRUDEAU VISITS LACOMBE Wife of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and mother of then Liberal leader Justin Trudeau (now Prime Minister) Margaret Trudeau visited Lacombe on Feb. 24th.

She shared her story about her struggle with mental health issues during the one-day workshop Mental Health in the Workplace, hosted by the Lacombe Action Group at the LMC.

POLICE STATION GROUND BREAKING Soon the Lacombe Police Service (LPS) will have a new home along with the birth of a new community hub.

Ground was broken on July 24th for the new police station to be constructed in the Wolf Creek Industrial Park at 3906-53 Ave. Dignitaries, police service members, and those involved in the $8.39 million project gathered at the site to mark the beginning of construction.

LPS Chief Steve Murray said the plans for a new facility began eight years ago after some shortcomings of the current facility were noted.

The new station will have a larger footprint, with a bigger lobby, more room for all staff members, a meeting room for community groups, file storage, a new up to standard cellblock and an in-house victim services office.

The new facility is estimated to be completed by October of 2016.

CALLED TO ACTION – The Lacombe Fire Department, Blackfalds Fire Department and Bentley Fire Department were called to a structure fire along Elisa Close on Sunday, April 12th. Two homes were lost in the blaze and two neighbouring homes received substantial damage.

Lacombe Express file photo 2015 JIFFY LUBE SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS Lacombe residents and hundreds of visitors were treated to five days of premier women’s curling during the 2015 Jiffy Lube Scotties Tournament of Hearts from Jan. 21st to the 25th.

Fans poured into the Lacombe arena to watch the events leading up to the championship game held on the Sunday.

Defending champions Team Sweeting took on Team Carey and held onto their title of Team Alberta with a score of 9-7.

HAIL STORM HITS LACOMBE Shredded trees, destroyed gardens, flattened crops, broken windows and damaged vehicles. That’s what Lacombe and area residents woke up to the morning of July 22nd after a violent hailstorm ripped through the region the previous night.

The devastation was evident. Tattered leaves covered the sidewalks, with residents and business owners slowly sweeping up the debris.

Many cars had tarps covering where their back window used to be. Others had smashed windshields and sunroofs, broken side mirrors and dents all over from the large-sized hail. Insurance companies were busy receiving multiple claims throughout the day.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Gregg Pearce said the government weather organization received multiple Facebook and Twitter reports of large hailstones pelting vehicles that night.

“The hail was reported at 50 millimeters in diameter, which is golf ball-sized to eggsized hail,” he said. “As for rain, from an auxiliary station in Lacombe, 20 millimeters of rain fell in a fairly short period of time.”

Pearce said the large storm hit the region just after 7 p.m. with the first heavier storm set bringing 17 mm of rain, following a brief break and then 3 mm more of rain falling.

The high-intensity storm also passed through Ponoka, Bentley, Blackfalds, Clive and Alix and the north end of Red Deer.

TRAIN WHISTLE CESSATION What’s steady, at times noisy and runs right through the heart of Lacombe? The train of course.

A petition requesting that train horns not be sounded within City limits was brought

to councillors during a regular meeting on May 11th.

Known as whistle cessation, municipalities can go through a lengthy process that would legally stop railway operators, like CP or CN Rail from sounding their whistles while approaching public crossings and moving through the municipal area.

With the cessation, alternate measures would be set into place to provide necessary safeguards for adequate protection at crossings, for vehicles and residents living nearby.

After multiple letters, two circulating petitions and many residents voicing their opinions, the sound of the train whistle remains a fixture within the City. Councillors declined to proceed towards achieving whistle cessation in the City limits. All councillors present were opposed to the potential process and voted against the proposition during their regular council meeting on July 13th.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VISITS LACOMBE Lacombe residents and dignitaries gathered at a construction site in the MacKenzie Ranch subdivision to welcome Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois Mitchell to City on Aug. 21st.

On her first official visit to Lacombe, Mitchell, along with Mayor Steve Christie, Habitat for Humanity Chair Dennis Bowman, MP Blaine Calkins and MLA Ron Orr attended a sod-turning ceremony to celebrate the beginnings of the very first Habitat for Humanity project in the City.

Habitat for Humanity Red Deer is a notfor-profit organization that works towards creating sustainable affordable housing in the Central Alberta area. The organization is building four units (two duplexes) in the MacKenzie Ranch subdivision of Lacombe.

WELCOME BURMAN UNIVERSITY Over the year, Lacombe’s post-secondary institution, formerly known as Canadian University College (CUC), transitioned over to a new name: Burman University. The University officially debuted their brand new name during Burman Launch Week from March 26th to April 1st.

A variety of events showcased the University and all the areas of study it offers. From academics to athletics there was something for everyone.

ONE HORSE TOWN – Canadian country superstar Tim Hicks joined the Road Hammers on stage at the One Horse Town concert held in Lacombe on Friday, Sept.

18th.

Lacombe Express file photo In December, the provincial government passed Bill Pr4, allowing CUC to continue on as Burman University. The bill was championed by Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ron Orr and was sent to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent.

The name change process began in July 2014 when then Premier and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, Dave Hancock granted permission for the institution to change its name from ‘university college’ to ‘university.’

The usage of Burman University was implemented on May 1st but the bill still required an Act of Alberta legislature to make the name change official.

The university is named after Charles A. and Leona Burman, the husband and wife team who founded the educational institution in 1907. Charles served as the first and third president (principal) of the school that would be known as Burman.

Leona taught English, science, language, geography, physiology and acted as school nurse.

GOODBYE PHOTO RADAR It was a program that was built in the name of safety, but ended up costing Lacombians over the past two years.

Citizens and those who drive through the City will no longer be receiving pesky photo radar tickets.

Lacombe City council moved to abolish the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program (ATEP), also known as photo radar.

ATEP was initiated in 2012 by council and began in October of 2013. The program was administered by an independent third party contractor, Independent Traffic Services Ltd. Twenty-eight locations in the City were approved for enforcement, chosen for high pedestrian volumes, school zones, high collision areas and other locations that are frequent for speeders.

In November of 2014, council approved the use of the ATEP for one further year, intending to review it for a second time in 2015. A total of 10,427 tickets were issued from November 2014 to November 2015, noting a drop of 101 tickets from the first year.

The program was terminated on Nov. 30th. news@lacombeexpress.com -with files from Kalisha Mendonsa

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

YEAR IN REVIEW

LACOMBE EXPRESS 5

A look at achievements in the Town of Blackfalds this year

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS 2015 was yet another busy year for the completion of projects, exciting events and issues within the Town of Blackfalds.

The following is a rundown of the most newsworthy items within the town over the past year.

ABBEY CENTRE RECEIVES PROVINCIAL AWARD The Town added another notch under its belt after receiving yet another award for the Abbey Master Builder Centre.

At the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) fall general meeting on Nov. 27th, 2014, it was announced the town received the award.

The award recognizes a CAEP rural or urban municipal project that has received a high level of community involvement and has substantial community benefit.

The town was one of seven nominees, and as such, the award is a testament to the extent of support and involvement from community agencies, businesses, individuals and municipal partners in bringing the Abbey Centre to fruition.

While the Abbey Centre has also received recognition from other prestigious provincial municipal recreational organizations in 2014, the Collaborative Community Project award is significant in that it acknowledges the achievements of the entire community in making the dream of the Abbey Centre a reality, local officials said.

The award is displayed at the Abbey Centre, but it belongs to everyone who played a role during the past eight years in bringing the Abbey Centre to life, officials added.

APPROVAL OF THE 2016 BUDGET Councillors passed the 2016 operating and capital budget. Councillors approved the balanced budget on Dec. 8th that included a 1% tax rate increase.

The total budget consists of an operating budget of $23,810,953 and a capital budget of $2,188,750. An average home accessed around $313,600 will see a $53 increase in property taxes for the year.

Mayor Melodie Stol said the budget is good news and holds no major surprises or challenges.

“It’s stable and continues the high level of service in the community,” she said.

Stol said council’s goal, as in previous years, is to keep the tax rate increase around or just below the cost of living, acknowledging that anything greater than that, could be difficult for families to meet.

“This year we came in at one per cent which is actually lower than the cost of living, but we’ve been able to do that mainly because we’ve had such tremendous growth in the community,” she said.

Stol noted this year the capital budget is a bit smaller than past years, but it still packs a large punch with many needed projects on the list.

“For the first time in Blackfalds, an off leash dog park will be constructed,” she said. ” We are working with the Optimist

NEW BEGINNINGS - Ground was broken for St. Gregory the Great Catholic School in Blackfalds in October. From left is Lacombe-Ponoka

BLACKFALDS DAYS PARADE - Town of Blackfalds Mayor MLA Ron Orr, Red Deer-North MLA Kim Schreiner, Town of Blackfalds Melodie Stol and Grade 6 student Mayor for a Day Mackenzie Mayor Melodie Stol and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Board Campbell drove on a side-by-side in this year’s parade. Express file photo Chair Guy Pelletier.

Express file photo Club to construct a new skateboard park and we have money set aside for that project. We will be restoring a historic home called the Wadey House and that is going to become a visitor information centre as well as act as an operational office space for the Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society.”

Also included is the completion of the amphitheatre stage in 2016, along with the construction of new ball diamond shelters, road upgrades, the purchase of equipment for winter trail maintenance and a new sign initiative in the community.

Other highlights include a boost to the school resource officer program of $20,000, to expand the contract past June, the creation of a new communications officer position and an increase of $1,400,000 in transfers to reserves.

OPTIMIST CLUB OF BLACKFALDS RAISES FUNDS FOR SKATE PARK Fundraising efforts continued towards building a skate park in Blackfalds.

Spearheading the project is the Optimist Club of Blackfalds. Former President Jensye Perry said the club has been working hard for over a year to raise money to build a new skateboard park in the community.

A section of land in between the ball diamonds and the junior high school has been provided by the Town for the new park. The Optimist Club organized several fundraisers over the year to support the project.

2015 CENSUS CONDUCTED In order to keep up with population growth, The Town of Blackfalds conducted yet another census.

The results were released in August leading to several changes in government funding proportions as well as other applications.

According to the official data released by the Town, the population of Blackfalds is now sitting at 8,793 – a 12% increase in population from last year’s census. As well, the total residential dwelling count is now 3,917 units.

From 2013 to 2014, the Town experienced a growth of 531 people. At the time of the 2015 census assessment, results state that the population of Blackfalds had grown by 935 people.

GROUND BREAKS ON ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SCHOOL Ground was broken for St. Gregory the Great Catholic School in Blackfalds on Oct. 20th.

The school will be the first Catholic school built in Blackfalds and will house students from Kindergarten to Grade 9.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) board trustees, several delegates, students, teachers and members of the community gathered at the new location on the east side of Blackfalds to kick off construction of the educational facility.

St. Gregory the Great Catholic School is being constructed at the end of Cottonwood Drive, in the east side of Blackfalds, right next to the Wolf Creek Public Schools new school. St. Gregory will house 350 students in the beginning with a capacity of 600.

Up until now, students from Blackfalds who wanted to participate in the Catholic school system have been bused into Red Deer.

The RDCRS facility is expected to be completed and opened by September 2017.

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ON IRON RIDGE INTERMEDIATE CAMPUS Soon the landscape of Blackfalds will be changing once again with the opening of a new school.

A local group aims to ensure the new Wolf Creek Public School (WCPS) facility currently being built along Cottonwood Drive on the eastside of Blackfalds will have a playground for students.

The Friends of the Iron Ridge Campus Society (FIRCS) began fundraising for playground equipment for the new facility.

WCPS announced the Grade 4 to Grade 6 school, named Iron Ridge Intermediate Campus, will house up to 400 students and will be open next September.

HWY. 2A ROUNDABOUT CONSTRUCTED Construction began in May on the Hwy. 2A and Hwy. 597 intersection, just outside the Town of Blackfalds limits.

The road work was conducted from May straight through to the end of September.

WADEY HOUSE TO BE RELOCATED The iconic Eaton catalogue home in Blackfalds will be relocated and converted into the new visitor centre and home for the Blackfalds Historical Society thanks to a Canadian government grant.

Through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program the Town received $175,275 to complete the project, including restoration. The Canada 150 Fund is being used across the country to complete projects in communities before the 150th birthday of the nation.

MP Blaine Calkins joined Blackfalds Mayor Melodie Stol, members of the Historical Society and various community members for the announcement on July 30th.

The home will be relocated somewhere between Iron Ridge Junior Campus and All-Star Park, in a corridor of available land.

The building will be delicately restored and transformed into the new home of the Blackfalds Historical Society.

BUSINESSES IN BLACKFALDS RECOGNIZED Businesses in Blackfalds were recognized on a late October evening during the 2015 Business of the Year Awards.

Hosted by the Blackfalds and District Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Blackfalds Economic Development and Tourism Board, the annual event showcased the importance of small businesses in the growing community.

Business owners, delegates and community members gathered at the Blackfalds Community Hall for the celebration.

The 2015 Business for Service Excellence Award was given to Highway Angels Eats and Treats. The 2015 Exceptional Retail Product Award was given to Sik Session Board and Apparel. The 2015 Exceptional Community Involvement Award was given to Nurture Salon and Spa. Special recognition was also given to local businesses that made contributions to community recreational groups and individual athletes in Central Alberta and beyond. news@lacombeexpress.com - With files from Kalisha Mendonsa

6 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

OPINION 5019A - 51 St Lacombe, AB T4L 2A3

2015: The year that was

403-782-5303

Editor

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

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Zachary Cormier

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Tracey Scheveers

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Canadian Media Circulation Audit

Another year has come and gone. 2015 was a year of ups and downs, hellos and goodbyes.

This edition is the Lacombe Express’ first time of tackling Year in Review - a local glimpse back at the year that was. Over the next three editions, including this one, we will have sit-down conversations with the mayors or reeve of the three main municipalities we cover - the City of Lacombe, the Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County. In these conversations we will explore the challenges the municipalities faced in 2015 along with the successes of the year. We will also look ahead to 2016, the approaching year, and the challenges that may emerge.

Many people and events also helped shape the news world over

the past year.

Internationally, we saw previously strained relationships between the U.S., both with Iran and Cuba, mended. Global warming became an issue on the forefront, with countries from all across the globe gathering at the UN Climate Summit to come up with a plan to remedy the crisis.

We also experienced countless terrorist attacks across the globe including the attacks in Paris in November.

But the main news item that gripped international headlines and filtered down to even a local level was the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Thousands of people fleeing war-torn Syria and other areas in the Middle East spent much of the year making attempts to

get to Europe, heading towards many countries like Germany and Sweden for safety. The influx of refugees prompted an international call for a change in policies to allow the refugees entrance to many countries including Canada.

As a country we will be saying hello to 25,000 refugees, some which have already arrived, over the next few months.

On the national front, the most newsworthy event, and something that took 11 weeks was the 2015 federal election. After the mammoth campaign, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau was voted in as Prime Minister.

This is the first time in 10 years that we’ve had a Liberal government and many changes appear to be on the way. Nationally, we

said goodbye to Stephen Harper and many long-time Conservative MPs. On the provincial level, we also saw the emergence of a new government.

We said goodbye to the PC dynasty and hello to Premier Rachel Notley and the NDP government.

This historic changing of the guard, as this is the first time an NDP government has held power in the province, symbolized a change in ideals in the province.

More changes are likely on the way.

With all of these changes and emerging new faces the New Year is looking to be something to look forward to.

Happy New Year and all the best in 2016.

Economic freedom and Canada’s public policy schizophrenia In international rankings of economic freedom, Canada has soared past the United States, so it should be no surprise that among sub-national jurisdictions in North America (which encompasses 10 Canadian provinces, 50 U.S. states and 32 Mexican states) three Canadian provinces - Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan ranked at the top using 2013 data, the most recent available.

But Canada is becoming a bit of a policy schizophrenia country.

Three other Canadian provinces were close to the bottom of the Canadian and U.S. rankings - Nova Scotia tied with 10 other jurisdictions for 42nd, Quebec and Prince Edward Island tied for 57th, ahead of only Delaware among the Canadian provinces and U.S. states. The 32 Mexican states were behind all Canadian provinces and U.S. states. The remaining four provinces, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario were in the middle of the

Fred

MCMAHON Canada-U.S. pack.

And reversals are coming. Since 2013, Alberta elected a new government and Canada chose a new federal government. Both governments have shown a propensity for policies that reduce economic freedom, putting government in the way of free individual choices by upping taxation (so you have less of your own money to spend as you choose) and increasing government intrusion into the economy, thus reducing space for free exchange.

The relative ranking of the provinces helps illustrate the power of economic freedom. The average per capita provincial domestic product of the top provinces is $70,294; of the four middle provinces, $52,124; and of the three at

the bottom, $41,655.

Economic freedom is simply the ability of individuals and families to make their own economic decisions, unhindered by overly large government or restrictive regulations. Over a century of evidence shows that the drive and ingenuity of individuals beats heroic government in creating prosperity. More than 130 policy and fact-based academic articles have used the North American index in research and found that a number of positive outcomes, including increased growth and entrepreneurship, are powered by economic freedom.

Over the past 20 years, Canada has run a fascinating experiment in the ability of economic freedom to drive growth and the lack of economic freedom to inhibit growth.

During much the 1990s, B.C. fell back in economic freedom as the size of government and regulation increased. Long one of Canada’s richest provinces, B.C. fell to have not-status. During the 1990s, B.C.

had by far the slowest growth of any province in Canada at just 7.3% per capita over the decade in inflation-adjusted terms.

At the same time, Ontario increased its economic freedom and had a growth rate of 20.7%, almost three times of that of B.C. in the 1990s.

Then, everything turned upside down. Ontario’s economic freedom went into reverse in the first decade of this century and, just like B.C. before it, the province fell to have-not status. This is remarkable denouement for Ontario, the province that had been Canada’s economic engine.

In the decade following 2003, Ontario, like B.C. before it in the 1990s, had by far the slowest growth rate in Canada, remarkably just 3.3%. Meanwhile, B.C. was moving in the opposite direction, increasing economic freedom. With increased economic freedom, B.C. quickly moved out of have-not status and had a growth rate almost five times that of Ontario, at 15%.

It is amazing how we can be resistant to learning even the most obvious lessons - B.C. falling into have-not status when economic freedom was reduced and then soaring when it was increased; Ontario experiencing strong growth when economic freedom was relatively high and then falling into have-not status when economic freedom declined.

The recent elections in Alberta and federally in Canada have elected governments that appear dedicated to repeating the mistakes of B.C. in the 1990s - and Ontario today - by increasing government’s interference in the economy, although growth and prosperity are strongly related to individual economic freedom, not big government.

Fred McMahon is a Fraser Institute resident fellow and holder of the Dr. Michael A. Walker Research Chair in Economic Freedom. See the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of North America report. His column is distributed through Troy Media.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reader proud to be part of community The annual Christmas Day meal was held at Lacombe Memorial Centre. Hats off to the amazing volunteers and community spirit.

The turkeys were donated by Co-op.

Central Alberta Florist poinsettias were placed on each table and gifted to a blessed seat holder.

Yes, it was a free meal with desserts, local entertainment, music, songs and

prayers. Dedicated local church members worked tirelessly making turkey and ham with all the traditional trimmings. As well (for the first time ever) a cash gift was enclosed in a card for every participant.

Just want to give thanks and say, yes I’m proud to be a member of such an amazing community.

Cynthia May Lacombe

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

LACOMBE EXPRESS 7

Family run car dealership makes debut in Lacombe

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS Gary Moe Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram has made its debut in Lacombe.

The car dealership, formerly known as Heritage Chrysler, along Hwy. 12 was bought out by the Gary Moe Auto Group based in Red Deer this past month.

“We are very excited to be in this part of Central Alberta and we look forward to giving people a great experience when they come here,” said Gary Moe Chrysler Sales Manager Greg Ohm. He said the community can expect the superior Gary Moe service they are accustomed to from Moe’s other three dealerships.

“We have the number one re-conditioning process in Canada we feel in terms of our pre-owned vehicles,” said Ohm. “We pride ourselves on customer service and treating the customers right because we don’t want to only sell one vehicle - we want them coming back year after year and all of their family and friends as well.”

Throughout the transition between ownership, many of the same faces customers have come to know are still around.

The name change became official at the beginning of December. news@lacombeexpress.com

GIVING BACK - Santa’s Anonymous Lacombe recently received a donation from Gary Moe Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram. Chuck Richter of the Lacombe Kinsmen (right) accepted the donation on behalf of Santa’s Anonymous from Gary Moe Chrysler CEO Dean Moe (left) and employees. photo submitted

I can’t believe there are still no dead bodies!

Why is it impossible for investigative media reporters to get it right about health supplements? In March of 2013 medical research showed that every day 290 North Americans died from prescription drugs. To kill the same number of people a jumbo jet plane would have to crash every day.

I asked Health Canada’s forensic bureaucrats to explain where the dead bodies are who took natural supplements? I have never had a reply.

Now the media are using a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S Food and Drug Administration to damn supplements. Its study of 63 hospitals over a 10year period showed 3,667 emergency room (ER) visits and 2,154 hospitalizations from the use of supplements.But there are no dead bodies.

So what are the statistics for prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medication? They show four million ER visits and, in addition, adverse drug reactions that cause over 100,000 deaths year after year! It does not require an MBA degree in economics to see why popular TV programs take a report and blow the facts to another planet. Shocking their TV audience to increase ratings is more important than stating the truth. And it makes sponsors very happy.

Besides, what supplements were responsi-

Dr. Gifford

JONES ble for ambulance sirens screeching on the way to the ER? Weight loss supplements and energy pills were responsible for 72%, sexual enhancement and body building products for 14%. So these two categories accounted for 86% of ER visits.

Remaining ER visits resulted from swallowing problems when elderly people took calcium pills. Or to reassure parents whose small children had swallowed carelessly stored mineral or vitamin pills. But what compelled people to rush to the ER?

Ninety per cent of the visits were due to heart palpitations, chest pain, or an increased heart rate, related primarily to the ingestion of caffeine. These patients were subsequently discharged from the ER. In effect, no serious problems and zero death. One could also question why these people were foolish enough to take these products, often in excess, in the first place. The best Rx would have been to see a psychiatrist.

The media should point out that about 70% of North Americans take dietary supplements. This means that over 60 billion doses of nutritional supplements are ingested annually. According to the annual report of the U.S. National Poison Data Base System not a single death was caused by a vitamin or mineral supplement! A

Lacombe County Environmental Improvement Grant Program Workshops The County Environmental Grant program aims to provide financial assistance to community groups and schools to develop or deliver community-based environmental services and programs within the County. Workshops will be held at Lacombe County Administration building between 7 – 9pm on Tuesday, January 12th and Wednesday, January 27th.

For more information contact Blayne West, 403 -782-6601

trial lawyer would tell the jury, “The case is closed”.

I’ve learned over my 60 years of surgical practice that there’s an important place for natural remedies.

Study after study shows that most people are lacking in magnesium. It’s nature’s natural vasodilator of arteries that fights hypertension and is vital for the normal rhythm of the heart. We know that millions of North Americans are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs and are not being told these prescription drugs are robbing their heart of coenzyme Q10. It provides energy to the heart’s muscle. Some

researchers believe that without this enzyme, CLDs set the stage for heart failure later in life. Not a minor consideration.

Surely no one can deny that natural Vitamin E can be helpful in treating those with intermittent pain in the legs. This symptom occurs when atherosclerosis decreases blood supply to muscles when playing sports or walking. Vitamin E increases the oxygen saturation of the blood and relieves the cramping.

Then there are those who state vociferously that Vitamin C is useless for treating the common cold.

Of course it is when people

take 500 milligrams (mg).

What’s needed is several doses of 2,000 mg every two hours. Or better still several thousand daily to prevent a cold and heart attack.

As Nobel Prize winner Dr, Linus Pauling used to reply to critics, “It’s the dosage, stupid.” Benjamin Disraeli, a former British Prime Minister once denounced his opposition by saying, “It is much easier to be critical than to be right.” I fear the media will never get it right about supplements.

For comments, email info@ docgiff.com. For information, check out www.docgiff.com.

A GIANT THANK YOU TO: Fan Choice Awards: st

1 Place: Viking Projects 2

nd

Place: Vermilion Energy

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8 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

City Page lacombe.ca

DID YOU KNOW

Find The Right Fitness Fit for You

IS NOW

Recreation and Culture

Grant

0f0unds 5 , 2 1 $n available i

PAPERLESS? Watch for more details in January on this NEW upcoming program which gives you the opportunity to try a variety of different physical activities.

N O W u s i n g re - l o a d a b l e c a rd s fo r t h e a u to m a te d f a re b oxe s.

Vi s i t w w w. l a co m b e. c a / b o l t fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n .

Activities include yoga, pilates, cross ÀW WKH J\P GDQFLQJ VSLQ FODVV ERRW camp and swimming.

For more information call 403.782.1267 or go to www.lacombe.ca/choosewell

Does your group or organization have an idea for a NEW initiative that would enhance the quality of life in Lacombe through recreation and culture? If so, you may be able to access the $12,500 in available funding through the City of Lacombe’s Recreation and Culture Grant.

The grant is open to ALL non-profit community groups and businesses within the city.

The Lacombe & District Recreation, Parks and Culture Board reviews all submissions.

For more information phone 403.782.1266, email recreation@lacombe.ca or visit www. lacombe.ca/recgrant.

A p p l i c a t i o n D e a d l i n e i s Fe b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

2015 Supplementary Property Tax Notices The City of Lacombe would like to remind residents that the 2015 Supplementary Property Assessment and Tax Notices for the City of Lacombe have been mailed out. The supplementary assessment reflects the increase in value of a property where a new home or building is completed or occupied during 2015. If this applies to you and you have not received your Supplementary Assessment and Tax Notice by January 8, 2016, please contact the City at 403-782-1257.

Supplementary tax payments are due by 4:30 pm on March 31, 2016.

For more information on your Supplementary Property Assessment and Tax Notice and your payment options, please visit our website at www.lacombe.ca/living/taxes-assessment.

For Information Contact: Marc Perreault Property Tax Coordinator Phone: 403.782.1257

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS Current to December 31, 2015

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

PERMIT#

LOCATION

DEVELOPMENT

December 31

61/253.72

4450 Hwy 12

Class 2- Fascia Sign

December 31

61/253.73

40 Iron Wolf Boulevard Shed

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

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

10.+0' 81.706''4 *#0&$11-

Visit here for more mo information!

www.lacombe.ca/volunteer ww w

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

LACOMBE EXPRESS 9

City Page lacombe.ca

Call for Arts Applications The Lacombe Arts Endowment Fund provides ongoing financial support of literary, visual and performing arts for the benefit of the residents of Lacombe and area. Applications are new open for the Arts Endowment Fund Grant, and submissions are being accepted until March 31, 2016.

Visit http://www.lacombe.ca/living/recreation-culture/lacombe-arts-endowment-fund for more information.

The 2016 Encore Art Show & Sale is taking artist applications for booth and gallery space. If you are a visual artist looking to participate in the event, go to http://www.lacombe.ca/living/recreation-culture/art-sale to download and submit an application before February 26, 2016, or call (403)782-1258 for more information.

If you love the visual arts and live music, join us on April 15 and 16, 2016, for the annual Encore Art Show and Sale. We will be featuring paintings, fibre arts, pottery, ceramics, metal works, and amazing creative masterpieces of some of Alberta’s finest artisans, and musicians.

Recycle your real Christmas Tree

What’s Happening?

City Council Dates Lacombe City Council Meetings are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Meeting agendas are posted online at www.lacombe.ca by 3 p.m. on the Friday before every Council Meeting.

The next scheduled Council Meeting dates and times are: • Monday, January 11, 2016, at 5 p.m.

• Monday, January 25, 2016, at 5 p.m.

• Monday, February 8, 2016, at 5 p.m.

Upcoming Events • Annual Pool Shut Down - December 20, 2015- January 10, 2016. The pool will reopen on January 11, 2016.

Season or term pass holders can use their KAC passes at either Ponoka Aquaplex or Burman University during this time. Please remember to bring your card as proof of membership.

December is Draw and Save for all passes at the pool. Get 5%, 10%, or 15% off when you purchase a membership.

Reminders

After the holidays, don’t throw your real Christmas tree in the trash. The trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes.

City of Lacombe Holiday Schedule- The office will close at noon on December 31 and be closed on January 1, 2016.

Regular hours commence on January 4, 2016.

Take your real Christmas tree to the Wolf Creek Recycling Site, located in the Wolf Creek Industrial Park at 5214 Wolf Creek Drive.

Christmas Tree Disposal- Real Christmas trees can be disposed of at the Recycle Site is 5214 Wolf Creek Dr. Christmas trees left in alleys or on front lawns will not be picked up by City staff, and will be left for the homeowner to dispose of appropriately.

Please ensure all tinsel and decorations have been removed before drop off. The City will accept Christmas trees until January 31, 2016.

Collected trees will be chipped and shredded, and the mulch will be used in municipal parks and playgrounds.

Please Note: Christmas trees left in alleys or on front lawns will not be picked up by City staff and will be left for the homeowner to dispose of appropriately.

Holiday Garbage and Recycling Please visit www.lacombe.ca/garbage to see your holiday waste collection schedule.

BOLT Transit will run on its regular Monday through Saturday schedule with the exception of New Year’s Day, January 1, 2016, when there will be no bus service.

Winter Registration for all swim programs has started! For more information or to sign up call 403.782.1275.

Volunteer Opportunities The City of Lacombe is currently seeking a number of community- minded citizens to serve on the Affordable Housing Steering Committee and the Art Collection Committee. Request an application by calling 403.782.1287 or email rpettibone@lacombe.ca. www.lacombe.ca

10 LACOMBE EXPRESS

EVENTS The FYI, Community Events Calendar is a free-of-charge service for not-for-profit organizations and upcoming community events within the Lacombe and Blackfalds region. To submit your information, please email news@ lacombeexpress.com, call 403782-5306 or fax 403-782-5344.

If you would like your event or organization to be included, please submit your information to the editor by noon, the Monday before the publication date.

Lacombe Rotary New Year’s Eve Fundraiser: Celebrate the New Year in style on Thursday, Dec. 31st 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. Midnight hors d’oeuvres.

Ticket $35 a person. Fundraising event for Veronica Willington. For tickets contact Robin Huseby 403-391-2750 or Sunny 94 at 403-786-0194.

The Jesus Fatwah: Love Your (Muslim) Neighbor as Yourself - a Thursday evening discussion group starting January 14th at 7 p.m. Using print and video resources and encounters with representatives of both Christianity and Islam, we will seek to dispel stereotypes about Islam, explore the diversity of Muslim belief and practice and discuss how we can build respectful relationships. This program would be appropriate for Christians, Muslims or those without faith commitments. Held at St. Andrew’s United Church. Please contact Ross Smillie at 403-782-3148 to indicate your interest and to get background reading material.

Friends of the Library, on Jan. 7th at 7 p.m. at the LMC in the County Room, the Local Colour Series will welcome students and teachers from the Robotics Club from Lacombe Composite High School to demonstrate robotics they have engineered for future competitions. Light refreshments will follow after the program.

Armchair Travel Series: Friends of the Library presents Eadie Jones who will inform everyone

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

attending of her nephews trip to Japan and experiences in the Armchair Tra Travel Series. Jan. 12th 7 p.m. at the LMC County Room.

Light refreshments will be served after the presentation. Free admission, everyone welcome.

Friends of the Library will be pleased to announce a presentation by Dr. Leighton Nischuk at the LMC in the County Room on Jan. 28th at 7 p.m. Dr. Nischuk has been travelling with Medical Mercy Canada and will provide a summary of some of the projects undertaken in the Ukraine where his parents immigrated from as children. Following the presentation light refreshments

beaches, the home of Anne Frank, Ypres, Passchendaele, Flanders Field and much more. A detailed itinerary including cost is available at the Lacombe Branch of the Legion or you can request one to be e-mailed to you at the e-mail that follows. For more information phone Corvin at 403 357-0377 or email cuhrbach@gmail.com.

The Parkland Classical Singers, a community choir based in Lacombe, is looking for more members. If you like to sing, please join us. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wolf Creek Community Church, beginning Oct. 15th. Two performances: Christmas 2015 and

to helping CNIB clients adjust to vision loss. Feelings of fear, anxiety, intimidation and anger are extremely common in adults who are diagnosed with vision loss. The goal of the group is to help transform these feelings into those of confidence and independence through education and group discussions. The program is facilitated by a volunteer who has gone through the process of adjusting to a life with vision loss.

The group offers seniors a way to connect to others experiencing similar challenges. Participants receive empowering, practical and useful information about vision loss and how CNIB services

If you are reading this, so are your potential customers.

This valuable space is now available – call the Lacombe Express today!

403-782-5303

will be served. Free admission.

Come and bring a friend The Lincoln Hall Society presents its annual Dinner and Entertainment Night on Feb. 6th. Dinner and comedy show, catered by Bob Ronnie and starring Lars Callieou (has opened for Jeff Foxworthy). Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Supper at 6 p.m., Show at 8 p.m. All tickets $50/person.

Tickets ready for Christmas giving.

Advance sales end Feb. 2nd.

Calling all musicians! A jazzy new place to blow your horn or strum your strings - A jam session every second and fourth Thursday from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Lacombe Legion. $2 a person. For more information, call Rod at 403-782-1842.

The Lacombe Legion is hosting a tour for adults of Canadian battlefields in Holland, Belgium and France from March 25th to April 3rd, 2016. Highlights will include tours of Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris as well as Vimy Ridge, The Juno Beach Center, the Normandy

Spring 2016. For more information, call Carolyn 403-782-7365.

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

Practices are held at the Red Deer Legion on Tuesdays at 7:00.

St. Andrew’s United Church youth choir for ages five to 18.

Meets Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. contact Jessica at 403-352-5486 or jessmick16@gmail.com.

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

Practices on Wednesdays from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Contact Roberta at 403-782-0443 for more information. Cost is free.

Invitation to join CNIB Peer Support Group: The Peer Support Group is a program dedicated

can help, as well as suggestions from other participants on how to reduce the impact of vision loss on their daily lives. There is no cost to participate in the program which will meet once per month.

The group meets at the Spruce Terrace located at 5002 – 51 Ave. Lacombe Walking Group Wednesdays from 12-12:30 at Medcombe Walk-In-Clinic.

No Registration required.

Kozy Korner — Tuesday Dinners every week at noon. The hot meal includes dessert and coffee at the Senior Centre.

Kozy Korner Music Jam on Sundays from 1:30p.m. to 4 p.m.

In the New Year, jams will be on Jan. 10th, Feb. 14th, March 13th and April 10th. Entertainers are free. Lunch goodies by donation. For more information call 403-885-4493.

Lacombe Dance Lessons – social and choreographed ballroom dancing. Traditional Two-step or Cha Cha/Jive. For details

phone Cliff at 403-782-4094.

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

The Lacombe Legion has bingo on Mondays at 7 p.m. in the upstairs hall. Coffee time runs Wednesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. ($2 for coffee, tea and cookies).

On Fridays, there are four meat draws and tickets are $2/set of three tickets. Draw starts at 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays, there are four meat draws which start at 4:30 p.m. Chase the ace starts after meat draws.

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

New to Lacombe? Contact Lacombe Welcome Wagon for free maps, information about the City & area, as well as free gifts from local businesses. New baby in the family? Contact Donna Korpess with the Lacombe Welcome Wagon at 403-7820475 for free information, baby product samples as well as free gifts from local businesses.

Youth Unlimited Drop-in Activities: Drop-in activities run every Tuesday from 6 – 9 p.m. with ball hockey on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 – 9 p.m. Girls only drop-in is also Wednesdays from 6 – 9 p.m. Thursdays Grade 3-6 drop-in program runs from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. and Grade 4 and up program from 6 – 9 p.m. Cost is 2$ for drop-in and ball hockey with drop-in 10 passes at $10 and ball hockey season pass at $50.

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

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

LACOMBE EXPRESS 11

ARTS & LEISURE

Lacombe-based artist excited to share her works with the community

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS With an affection for travel, a local artist has been injecting colour and passion into her works, showcasing her adventures and inspiring new ones.

Danielle Folkerts, born and currently residing in Lacombe, uses a blend of painting, drawing, photography and collage to create kaleidoscopic creations here in Central Alberta. She flows positivity through her artwork, encouraging you to travel, explore what’s in your backyard or see what else is out there.

Also known as the Travelling Artisan, her works are often inspired, but not solely, by many of her travels.

Her artistic journey began a few years ago, after graduating high school and attending the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) in Calgary.

“I was just always drawing,” she said of her upbringing. “I think that’s what I always knew I wanted to do - art and teach art.”

After the first week of attending ACAD, Folkerts was “sold” on the fine arts program and decided to branch out and major in painting. Following graduation, she used a scholarship to fund a trip to Italy to paint.

“That kind of started my fascination and love of combining travel and art,” she said. “They are pretty much two of my favourite things.”

Among her many adventures, Folkerts travelled around the U.K. and in the following year, traveled south to Costa Rica and Panama to practice yoga and explore.

“I literally just backpacked around and took photos,” she said. “I think that trip specifically inspired me. My palette has changed a lot. At school I was painting with a lot of browns. Everything was really muted.

Everything was a portrait. Two years later, now my work has completely changed. The colours are a bit more happy and represent a little bit more the places I’ve been, like the colour of the ocean or the sky.

“Definitely, the more I want to paint, the more I want to have colour.”

Among her many works covering subjects like landscapes or nature, Folkerts has come to be known for her paintings and works portraying maps.

“I started painting them because I’ve always done portraiture or representational work,” she explained. “I was travelling a lot.

ARTISTRY - Local multi-media artist Danielle Folkerts makes some adjustments to her booth at last April’s Encore Art Show and Sale at the LMC.

Lacombe Express file photo

I was kind of looking at abstraction. I kind of realized I like maps. You know what it is when you see it but they are still very abstract.

“For me it was going to be a gateway to abstraction but it kind of became something a lot bigger because people were really drawn to maps.”

Folkerts continues to paint maps because of the response the works receive at markets and art shows.

“It’s neat because conceptually, it just starts conversations,” she explained. “People want to talk about it. People love it. Whether

it’s a love of travel or an experience somewhere, I’m just going to keep going with it because it’s exciting and I like it.”

Folkerts also paints many local landscapes - from recognizable mountain peaks like the Three Sisters in Canmore to rolling prairie scenes, all with the same aim of using maps as a subject matter - to be inspired by the desire to travel and explore what is right in her own backyard.

“I started doing more day trips here and there,” she said of her local travels. “You can go to Jasper. You can go to Canmore.

You can go to Banff. I started compiling

pictures, taking photographs of things that were really beautiful around here and stuff that people recognize around here. That’s why I started focusing on the landscapes too. People are drawn to things that are here in their own backyard.”

Over the past year, Folkerts has attended several markets in Central Alberta and will be teaching art and painting classes over the coming winter months.

For more information, visit www.thetravellingartisan.org or www.facebook.com/ dkfolkertsstudio. news@lacombeexpress.com

HEARING SOLUTIONS Dr. Susan Hopf M.Sc., Au.D. Audiologist

Toll Free 1-888-956-0404 www.strategichearingsolutions.com Lacombe #107, 5033 - 52 Street • 403-782-3457

Red Deer 5125 48 Street • 403-346-0404

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M.Sc., Au.D. Audiologist/Owner

12 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

SPORTS Wranglers’ Robin Carlson discusses past challenges and future goals

BY ZACHARY CORMIER LACOMBE EXPRESS It has been a long off season for Robin Carlson.

Last year’s Heritage Junior B Hockey League scoring champion has been sidelined since early August with Post-Concussion Syndrome, as well as a few other problems.

“It’s nice to get back with the guys again. We’ve got a lot of key injuries and we’ve been battling that throughout the year. It’s not just me that’s been hurt. But it’s been an okay start,” the 21-yearold Blackfalds Wranglers forward said.

Last season, Carlson led the league in every offensive category, putting up 43 goals and 49 assists for 92 points in 36 games.

“It’s my last year, right, so I’d love to be playing it and I’d love to be there with all the guys and try to contribute and try and have the success I did last year,” Carlson said, adding that his focus hasn’t been on individual stats since his return.

“I mean, personally, yeah that was good. But as a team I really wanted to push for that league championship and then go for the provincial title in Red Deer.

I would love to knock off Red Deer,” he laughed.

But between his injuries and his classes at U of A, it’s been tough for him to be able to make it to games.

“I do my best (to make it) but it depends on what I have for school the next day or the tests that I have coming up,” he said.

His distance from the team has also made going to practice difficult, which in turn has made the road to recovery that much tougher for the third-year centreman.

“The biggest thing has been getting back up into the game speed and taking hits. I haven’t been practicing too much either, which doesn’t help, but definitely re-adjusting to the speed of the game,” he said when asked what the biggest challenge he’s faced in his return.

An Edmonton native, Carlson grew up playing hockey in Sylvan Lake, playing for the Lakers until his second year of Bantam, when he made the Red Deer Rebels Black Bantam AAA team.

Carlson played two seasons of hockey in Red Deer including a season of Minor Midget AAA before moving back to Sylvan for his final two years of minor hockey, during which he played Midget AA for the Sylvan Lake Lakers.

“Coming out of Midget, I had a few Junior A teams talking to me and I ended up going to Lloydminster and made the team,” he remembered.

Carlson spent a year with the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, during which he scored four goals and added three assists for a total of nine points in 41 games.

That off season, the then 19-year-old was traded to the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He played just 11 games with them, but said he found that he wasn’t enjoying it much.

Eventually he decided to move back to Red Deer and start focusing on his schooling.

That experience in Junior A, he said, factored into his decision not to pursue a professional hockey career, though a career in the NHL was one of his goals when he was younger.

“I went to the Moose Jaw Warrior camp when I was 15, and I enjoyed that, I had a good camp,” he said.

As he continued to play, though, Carlson said he was leaning more towards heading down to the States to play NCAA hockey.

“My goal was to play Junior A and after that was done to, hopefully, go down south on a Div. 1 scholarship or something like that,” he said, adding that eventually the idea of playing hockey every single day started to wear thin.

“As I was playing every day in that kind of hockey with the Junior A lifestyle, I just wasn’t

BACK IN BUSINESS - Robin Carlson warmed up ahead of an HJHL game with the Blackfalds Wranglers last season. Carlson recently returned from an injury that sidelined him for the entire first half of the 2015-16 season. photo submitted

overly a big fan of it. After awhile I just kind of got hockeyed-out and I wanted to come back and just go to school and be around my friends.”

Carlson enrolled at Red Deer College with the goal of eventually becoming a teacher.

He still wanted to play hockey, though, so he decided to join the Blackfalds Wranglers, whom he had played with as an affiliate during his Midget years.

“I had a bunch of friends playing for that team and I knew guys there, so I figured when I came back for school I’d go play there,” he said.

Carlson joined the team halfway through the 2013-14 season and immediately made an impact.

In just 24 games he put up 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points.

He made his presence felt in the playoffs, too, as he scored 18 points to help the Wranglers to the League final, where they lost in five games to the Okotoks Bisons.

Last season was Carlson’s first full one as a Wrangler, and it turned out to be the most productive of his career. The line he formed with Wally Samson and Garrett Glasman was one of the most dynamic in the entire league.

This year, with Glasman out with a broken leg since early September, Carlson has been playing with Samson and current team leader Bryce Boguski for the

few games Carlson has made it to.

“It’s awesome. Wally does all the dirty work, it seems, and Bryce can shoot the puck. I mean, I’ve just gotta get it to them and crash the net,” he laughed.

In the five games since his return, Carlson has put up some pretty good numbers. He’s got six assists and a pair of goals for eight points to make him one of just four point-per-game players on the Wranglers’ roster.

And while only time will tell if he will produce like he did in 2014-15, the 21-year-old has definitely been a welcome addition to a roster that has been plagued by injuries all season long. zcormier@lacombeexpress.com

Do you want your team covered?

Coaches: send contact info, rosters and schedules to news@lacombeexpress.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

LACOMBE EXPRESS 13

HOMES & LIVING

SIMPLE ELEGANCE - This cozy ensuite bathroom at an Abbey Master Builder show home in Lacombe combines simplicity and elegance into its design.

Zachary Cormier/Lacombe Express

Finding those perfect places for decor ideas People always ask me where I shop, especially where to shop for home décor.

I hear that question over and over again and I admit I don’t always have a good answer.

Some items are family treasures and others I have just found by accident. I always have a master plan of my home’s design in my head and once in awhile I stumble on rare finds which fit perfectly in my home. Those are the fun days and the days when I actually enjoy my shopping experience.

When I am shopping for clients it can sometimes be a different story.

Don’t get me wrong - it’s always thrilling spending other people’s money and dreaming up items which will have a new home once the design plan has come together but sometimes the pressure to find just the right item within a timeframe can be pretty challenging!

Kim

WYSE When I was designing in Medicine Hat, shopping for clients always meant a trip to Calgary and a car-stuffing experience to follow. Central Alberta has a wonderful combination of mainstream design stores and a few local jewels which have popped up this year which (of course) I have visited and bought and visited again and they have made my missions that much easier when shopping for clients.

Sometimes when you are shopping for your home or yourself you just don’t have the time or the energy to dig through the larger, creatively ‘organized’ décor centres.

In the past few weeks, armed with a very

specific colour palette and a very tight schedule, I searched through some new boutiques in Red Deer and Lacombe.

These are locally owned, hand selected décor havens with items arranged in colour and style blocks and, to my delight, a plethora of new items which fit perfectly into what I was looking for!

I actually tried to buy the framed chalkboards off of the dressing room doors because they were so perfect but I was not allowed as they were actually part of the store.

The advantage of buying items for your home is you can take your time and buy as you are moved by the right piece as I have done with my home.

I don’t think home design is ever finished but has a constant evolution as we find new items to update and fall in love with new pieces. I have seen one picture or toss cushion create an entire room due to

its perfect composition or colour palette.

Items can always be moved to other rooms or re-purposed to fit into another part of the house so if you find a piece of inspiration, it is a good idea to grab it and rush home!

While you are enjoying your down time over the holidays, take some time to check out the three gems I have recently found – Real Deals on Home Décor, Absolute Custom Designs and Oh My Garden.

All décor, all deliciously displayed and a pleasure to shop, trust me I have personally left funds in all of them as I work to create a surprise room makeover for a sweet and spunky 11-year-old who just offered to help me carry items to my car so she could sneak a peek at what items for her room were lurking in my back seat.

Kim Wyse is a freelance interior designer.

Find her on Facebook at ‘Ask a Designer’.

START TTHE START HE NNEW EW YYEAR EAR BEING BEING ORGANIZED! ORGANIZED!

25% OFF All closets for the month of January!

*Sale in effect Jan.4-30, 2016. Installation not included, not valid with other offers. See in-store for details.

*

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Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm; Saturday: 10am – 5pm

403.309.6894 www.canadiancloset.ca

14 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Lacombe Express

deadline: Monday @ noon

CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad, call Toll Free: 1.877.223.3311 or email: classifieds@lacombeexpress.com

Announcements .................0005-0030 What’s Happening .............. 0049-0070 Garage Sales ........................ 0100-0650 Employment ........................ 0700-0920 Service Directory ................. 1000-1430

Employment Training

What’s Happening #50 - # 70

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

Coming Events

52

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD JUST ASK FOR THE

CLASSIFIED N.E. BUY • • • • • • •

Ponoka News Stettler Independent Bashaw Star Castor Advance Weekender Lacombe Express Pipestone Flyer

Starting at 25 words for $53.55 Call toll free 1-877-223-3311 or Local 403-309-3300 Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD

JUST ASK FOR THE

CLASSIFIED N.W. BUY • • • • • •

Ponoka Rimbey Eckville Sylvan Lake Lacombe Pipestone Flyer

Starting at 25 words for $45.90 Call toll free 1-877-223-3311 or Local 403-309-3300 Start your career!

See Help Wanted

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

Employment #700 - #920 Caregivers/Aides................710 Clerical ..............................720 Computer Personnel ..........730 Dental ................................740 Estheticians........................750 Hair Stylists ........................760 Janitorial ............................770 Legal ..................................780 Medical ..............................790 Oilfield ................................800 Professionals......................810 Restaurant/Hotel ................820 Sales & Distributors ..........830 Teachers/Tutors..................840 Trades ................................850 Truckers/Drivers ................860 Business Opportunities......870 Miscellaneous ....................880 Volunteers Wanted ............890 Positions Wanted ..............895 Employment Training ........900 Career Planning ................920

Medical

790

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career!

Employers have work-athome positions available.

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

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

1-888-627-0297.

CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS

Trades

850

LEAD Pressure Truck Operator/Trainer.

Experienced in maintenance and well servicing.

May lead to management position. Include references and current driver’s abstract. Email: general@ariant.ca Drayton Valley.

Business Opportunities

870

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

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

900

Health Care

Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

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

Accounting .......................... 1010 Acupuncture........................1020 Advocate/Mediation ............1025 Antique Dealers & Stores ...1027 Automotive ..........................1029 Bands & DJ s ......................1030 Beauty/Cosmetic ................1040 Bookkeeping .......................1050 Cabinet Makers...................1054 Child Care/Caregivers.........1060 Carpentry............................1062 Car Rentals .........................1064 Cat Work .............................1065 Cleaning .............................1070 Clerical................................1080 Construction .......................1085 Consulting...........................1090 Contractors ......................... 1100 Computer Services ..............1110 Drafting & Design................ 1120 Eavestroughing ................... 1130 Educational ......................... 1140 Electrical ............................. 1150 Entertainment ..................... 1160 Escorts................................ 1165 Farm Equipment ................. 1168 Financial ............................. 1170 Fireplaces ........................... 1175 Flooring............................... 1180 Food/Catering ..................... 1190 Furnace Cleaning ............... 1193 Glass Shops ....................... 1196 Mobile Glass Shops............ 1197 Handyman Services ...........1200 Health Care......................... 1210 Income Tax .........................1220 Insurance ............................ 1130 Landscaping .......................1240 Land Mapping .....................1250 Legal Services ....................1260 Limousine Services ............1270 Massage Therapy ...............1280 Mechanical .........................1285 Misc. Services ....................1290 Moving & Storage ...............1300 Oilfield .................................1305 Painters/Decorators ............ 1310 Personal Services ............... 1315 Pet Services ....................... 1318 Photography .......................1320 Plumbing & Heating ............1330 Printing................................1335 Rental - Equipment .............1340 Rental - Misc .......................1350 Repair Service ....................1360 Roofing ...............................1370 Snow Removal....................1380 Travel ..................................1385 Upholstery ..........................1390 Well Drilling ........................1400 Welding ............................... 1410 Window Cleaning ................1420 Yard Care ............................1430

Handyman Services

1200

MULTI-SKILLED HANDYMAN For Hire Call Derek 403-848-3266

* No cancellations, refunds or exchanges. Please read your ad the first day it appears. We will accept responsibility for 1 insertion only.

4090

Manufactured Homes

NEW MEDCOMBE WALKIN HOURS:

Mon. - Thur.: 9 am - 8 pm Friday: 9 am - 4 pm Closed for Lunch 12 -1 pm Closed: Saturday, Sunday and ALL STAT Holidays (403-782-1408)

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Open House Directory ....... 4200-4310 Financial ..............................4400-4430 Transportation .................... 5000-5240 Legal/Public Notices .........6000-9000

1210

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Jan. 29 & 30, 2016, Edmonton. AWNA’s Annual Symposium.

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Pre-Register. For more info: www. awna.com/symposium.

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

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

EFFECTIVE: Monday, January 4, 2016

TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

Legal Services

1260

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

Divorce? Simple.

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

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

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

Misc.

Services

1290

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

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

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

Roofing

1370

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

Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990 Aircraft ..............................1510 Antiques & Art ..................1520 Auctions ............................1530 Bicycles ............................1540 Building Supplies ..............1550 Business Machines ..........1560 Cameras & Accessories ..1570 Children’s Items ................1580 Clothing ............................1590 Computers ........................1600 Concert & Event Tickets ..1610 Equipment - Misc. ............1620 Equipment - Heavy ..........1630 Tools ................................1640 Farmers’ Market & Food Basket......................1650 Firewood ..........................1660 Lumber ............................1670 Garden Supplies ..............1680 Lawn Tractors ..................1690 Health, Dietary, Beauty ....1700 Household Appliances......1710 Household Furnishings ....1720 TV’s, Stereos, VCR’s ........1730 Hot Tubs & Accessories ..1740 Jewellery ..........................1750 Kid’s Deals........................1755 Misc. For Sale ..................1760 Musical Instruments..........1770 Music Lessons..................1780 Piano & Organs ................1790 Office Supplies ................1800 Pets & Supplies ................1810 Pet Services ....................1820 Cats ..................................1830 Dogs ................................1840 Sports Cards ....................1850 Sporting Goods ................1860 Collectors’ Items ..............1870 Swap, Barter & Trade ......1880 Travel Packages ..............1900 Wedding Supplies ............1910 Recycled Products............1920 Wanted to Buy ..................1930 Items to Give Away ..........1940

EquipmentMisc.

1620

A-CHEAP, lowest prices, steel shipping containers.

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

Wanted To Buy

1930

Agricultural #2000 - #2290 Farm Equipment ..............2010 Haying Equipment ............2020 Tractors ............................2030 Combines & Headers ......2040 Fertilizer Equipment..........2050 Misc. Farm Machinery ......2060 Equipment Wanted ..........2070 Farm Custom Work ..........2080 Farm Auctions ..................2090 Livestock ..........................2100 Livestock - Exotic..............2110 Sheep ..............................2120 Poultry ..............................2130 Horses ..............................2140 Horse Boarding ................2150 Riding Supplies ................2160 Horse/Stock Trailers ........2170 Pasture Wanted ................2180 Grain, Feed, Hay ..............2190 Seed Grain ......................2200 Seeding & Tillage ............2210

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

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

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

Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

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

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

BLUE GRASS LTD. is looking for Lodgepole Pine and Scots Pine in any size. Condos/ Willing to dig or pick up Townhouses ourselves. Contact Bill 403-226-0468.

New Blackfalds Condo. 2 Bdrm/2 Bath. Main Áoor & 2nd Áoor options avail. 2 BLUE GRASS LTD. is powered parking stalls. looking for logging truck Rent $1,400. Pets negoloads of Birch Firewood. tiable. Ask about rent Split or logs, delivered or incentives. 403-396-1688. picked up. Contact Bill 403-226-0468.

3030

FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed dealer.

1-866-960-0045; www.dollars4guns.com.

Mobile Lot

3190

PADS $450/mo.

Brand new park in Lacombe.

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

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

Real Estate #4000 - #4190

Realtors & Services..........4010 Houses for Sale................4020 Houses Wanted ................4030 Condos/Townhouses ........4040 Acreages ..........................4050 Acreages Wanted ............4060 Farms/Land ......................4070 Farms/Land Wanted ........4080 Manufactured/ Mobile Homes ..................4090 Income Property ..............4100 Commercial Property ......4110 Industrial Property ............4120 Cottages/Resort Property ..4130 Businesses for Sale..........4140 Buildings for Sale ............4150 Lots for Sale ....................4160 Out of Town Property ......4170 Investment Opportunities ..4180 Mortgages Bought/Sold....4190

Condos/ Townhouses

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

Lots For Sale

4160

MacKENZIE Ranch, Lacombe, duplex lots, 4 left. Ideal Àrst time home buyer or investment.

Builder terms available.

403-556-3123

4040

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

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

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

CASH! GET THINGS MOVING WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Start your career!

See Help Wanted

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

Transportation #5000-5300 Automotive Services ........5010 Antique & Classic Autos ....5020 Cars ..................................5030 SUV’s................................5040 Trucks ..............................5050 Heavy Trucks....................5060 Vans/Buses ......................5070 Motorcycles ......................5080 Campers ..........................5090 Motorhomes......................5100 5th Wheels........................5110 Holiday Trailers ................5120 Tent Trailers ......................5130 Utility Trailers ....................5140 ATV’s ................................5150 Boats & Marine ................5160 Snowmobiles ....................5170 Tires, Parts & Accessories ......................5180 Auto Wreckers ..................5190 Vehicles Wanted ..............5200 Car/Truck Rental ..............5210 Recreational Vehicle Rental ..............................5220 Trailer Rental ....................5230 Misc. Automotive ..............5240 RV’s ..................................5300

Motorcycles

5080

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

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

Public Notice #6000 Public Notices ..................6010 Special Features ..............6050

CAREER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

LACOMBE EXPRESS 15

Position to fill?

RENN MILL CENTER INC. REQUIRES A PAINT PREP & WASH PERSON

Duties & Responsibilities: • Washing, cleaning and pre paint set up • Moving equipment in and out of wash area • Assisting in paint booth set up, assisting in final assembly.

Forklift experience required, must be mechanically inclined Full Time-permanent position – Benefits available Please send resumes by Fax: 403-350-1126 Or email : info@rennmill.co

Advertise here – It Works

www.rennmill.com

NEVER SHOCK CHLORINATE AGAIN Big Iron Drilling’s patented

Tell them Danny Hooper sent you

Need a Tell them Danny Hooper sent you

WATER WELL

but short of cash??

Check status of 3 government grants/assistance worth up to $5000 or more EACH and CHECK BIG IRON’S $5000 WINTER DISCOUNT PACKAGE Time Payment Plan O.A.C. for water wells and water treatment 12345

RURAL WATER TREATMENT (Province Wide)

Also: Rural Water Treatment (Province Wide)

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View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at www.1800bigiron.com

View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at

www.1800bigiron.com

AWNA’s Annual Symposium

P.S. We also drill for people who aren’t short of cash

*Big Iron drills all winter long* *check rig availability in your area

e Squeezthe MOST out of your advertising dollars Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $

Internationally Acclaimed Speakers

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

Advertising • Page Design Sales • Creative Cloud Software Journalism • Photography

995 plus GST/HST

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

Full course descriptions online

www.awna.com/symposium

At Your Service: Advertise your service or business here for a month and receive a 20% DISCOUNT! DISCOUNT!

•Skidsteer Services •Gravel Hauling •Excavating •Snow Removal

403.304.3887 www.drakeex.ca

Your Quality Excavating Solution

403-350-8628

403-748-2628

JIM’S

SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

403-748-2628 403-350-8628

Call Hilary at 403.782.5303

Delta Cleaning STEAM CARPET CLEANING Residential and Commercial Cleaning

587-377-0109

We can Proof” home.

Ask us how!

WE “Hail P YOU DEDUCyour *some condi

ROOFING & EXTERIORS

1.855.522.9226 www.BigTopRoofing.com

A Full Service Exteriors Company •BOBCATS •GRADERS •LOADERS •TRUCKS •TRACK HOES •AGRICULTURE •DEMOLITION •EXCAVATION •GENERAL CONTRACTING •SAND/GRAVEL •SUBDIVISION WORK

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

For All Your Excavation Needs 403.782.3437

www.dbbobcat.com

16 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

$ FRIDAY, JAN. 2 TO THURSDAY, JAN. 7 NAVEL ORANGES Produce of U.S.A.

$

1

lb

BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS Seasoned- Frozen 4kg Carton First 1

$

3

$2.21/kg

lb

$

$ 2 1 3

Sale SUNRYPE PURE APPLE JUICE 1L - First 12

TUESDAY

$

1

plus dep & enviro

$

26.44

Jan. 5th

Save ave 10% on your grocery purchases and enter to

WIN YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE BACK!

December Winners

4kg Carton

Lacombe: Rebecca Kulak $289.05 Deer Park: Donna Toivanen $193.32 Plaza: Viktor Zielke $101.49 Innisfail: Janelle Cameron $107.07 Spruce View: Shauna Fleshman $125.81 ...........

...........

...........

...........

...........

INTERNATIONAL DELIGHT 473ml

$

2

CO-OP GOLD NATURAL SPRING WATER

12x500ml - First 6

each

YOPLAIT MINIGO OR TUBES Selected Varieties 6-8x60g

$

ARM & HAMMER LAUNDRY DETERGENT

1

35-50 Wash Loads First 2

plus dep & enviro

FRITO SNACKS

$

2

$

Cheetos, Chester’s Munchies Snack Mix or Smartfood Popcorn Selected Varieties 170-300g

$

3

CO-OP MARKET TOWN APPLE PIE 660g

$

3

3

Central Alberta Co-op 403-782-6200

Open Daily until 9pm

GENERAL MILLS CEREAL

Selected Varieties 260-500g

$

3

each

THE MARKETPLACE DELI 10” FLOUR TORTILLAS & FLAVOURED WRAPS

340-600g

$

3

English Estates Centre

Lacombe

www.centralab.coop