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l a n o i g Re VOLUME 14 NUMBER 01
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016
Ezra Auton’s passion for quadding gets him back on his feet MOUSH SARA JOHN WEEKENDER REPORTER Sunshine streamed through the living room window lighting up Ezra Auton’s face as he spoke about quadding and why a serious accident earlier this year can’t stop him from pursuing a sport he loves so dearly. Now a Grade 9 student of William E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus, Auton recalls the first time he was introduced to the world of quads. “I had a friend in Grade 5 here in Donalda and we used to spend a lot of time together, he owned snow mobiles and that was one of the first times I actually drove a vehicle myself,” said Auton. “I was pretty sure I wanted a snow mobile then, but my dad convinced me otherwise, so I went for a quad.” Auton started earning some money with his brother Judah, by mowing lawns in summer and shovelling snow during the winter months. Spending time online to get a quad within his budget was an uphill climb till he found one in Edmonton. “I had made enough to purchase an entry-level quad, so I bought a 2010 GIO, which wasn’t exactly amazing, but it’s what I could afford at that time and it was a good quad in terms of learning how to fix it and drive
it,” continued Auton. “I spent a lot of time fixing it and learned a lot about the mechanics of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) after I got it running pretty good, so I sold it and my next quad was a Raptor 350.” Although it was his second quad, Auton felt it was too heavy for him. He was more interested in racing quads. “So I purchased something that was better suited to my weight and own a Raptor 250 now,” said Auton. “I like the speed, and I like working on machines and it’s all a part of it, I drive it for a while and then have to tweak it to get it to run properly again.” What drives Auton to quadding is the ability to do tricks, such as cat walking, jumping or drifting. “I have done quite a bit of fixing to the quad I currently own and I’m also giving it a few upgrades, such as nerf bars and speedometer,” said Auton. “At one point I found that the frame was cracked so I had to get it welded.” With his dad’s help, Auton was able to take it all apart right down to the frame. “My dad’s firefighter friend is a welder, so he fixed it for me and I helped him with some work on his house for a trade,” said Auton. When the quad acci-
dent happened during the May long weekend earlier this year, Auton and his family was at a friend’s place. “We were trying some new side by sides they had got and I got sliding around a turn when it flipped over on its side, and my arm was pinned between the roll cage and the road,” described Auton. “The orthopaedic surgeon told me it was as if I had put my arm in a meat grinder!” After skin graft and four surgeries, besides weeks of healing, Auton was back on his feet in September, ready for the new academic year. Auton had to wear a wound vac for two weeks, which cleaned the wound and helped tissue to grow there. On days when they changed the dressing, morphine was administered to him because of the excruciating pain he felt. “I have pretty good use of my arm now, but I won’t ever have full range again although its pretty close,” said Auton. “I have one, maybe two surgeries coming up in the new year, which means another cast and more work afterwards on mobility but the scar will be much smaller … I don’t really like how it looks like right now, but I’m sure glad that I still have my arm!” Auton’s mum Cindy
Moush Sara John/Weekender reporter
After a major quad riding accident, Grade 9 student of William E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus, Ezra Auton is back on his feet and wishes to keep intact his passion for quadding. has mixed feelings about his getting back on the quad. “I think I’ll always have mixed feelings about him riding, but it’s pretty cool that he got back on and didn’t let the accident change his dreams and what he is passionate about, but I’m always going to be nervous about the speed,” said Cindy. “I did have a few months in the middle when he was getting back to real life
when I didn’t recognize him, but Ezra has always been a go getter and not really afraid of anything, though he is very cautious now, which is good but surprises me.” Auton wants to own a Yamaha dealership someday, or be out in the fields being a farmer, a theme that connects him to his passion, working with his hands. “It took me a while to ride again, I was nervous
but I’m good now, I’m back to riding and doing all the stuff I did before, but I have to figure out what my arm can and can’t do from time to time,” reflected Auton. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to play volleyball this year because when I over-hand served my arm wouldn’t do what I needed it to do, but gradually I’ve worked at it and had a pretty good year actually.”
2 THE WEEKENDER
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016
Taking charge of saving in your 40s Suddenly, you realize you’re in your 40s, and perhaps you don’t have the savings you’d like to have by this point in life. It’s time to take action, and there’s still time. The key is to focus your efforts in three key areas: build a plan, repay debt and maximize savings. By tackling these areas, you can start making steady progress towards your goals, one manageable step at a time.
Build a plan: A financial plan identifies specific goals and the strategies to meet them, with a clearly marked path leading from where you are now to where you want to be. And it can help to answer the questions that keep many of us up at night: What can I afford today? When can I retire? Will I run out of money? Challenges may come along – an illness, a job loss, a divorce – but with a financial plan you’ll be in a better position to leap the hurdle and get back on course. Repay debt: Having a debt repayment plan is an essential component of any financial plan. Setting a schedule can help you eliminate all debt by the time you retire. That’s important because in retirement, on a fixed income, it can be more difficult to manage the extra expense of interest and of paying down debt. There’s also the risk that interest rates may rise in the future, adding to the cost of carrying debt. Consider consolidating your loans into one account with a lower interest rate to reduce the cost
of debt. Make a habit of putting a specific monthly amount towards debt. Reduce unnecessary expenses and pay with cash to avoid adding to debt. If you have multiple debts, pay down those with the highest interest rate first. Need extra motivation? As soon as you’re debt free and don’t have to make any more principal or interest payments, you will have more money available to add to your savings. Maximize savings: You may have to work harder at building your savings but you still have time on your side. Work with your advisor to answer questions such as: How much have you saved so far? How much income do you expect to receive in retirement from government and workplace pension plans? How much income do you need to sustain your lifestyle throughout retirement? Next, to help make saving a priority, set specific saving goals – as much as you can afford – and check in every year to see the progress you’ve made and to fine-tune your plan if necessary. It’s also critical to maintain a long-term perspective, since you may have 20 years or more of saving and investing ahead of you before you retire. Use these timeless investing principals: 1) Always diversify, 2) Be rational, not emotional, 3) Stay invested 4) Focus on the long term and 5) Learn to turn market volatility to your advantage. Learn from these suggestions and you will become older, wiser and richer. Work with an advisor: Studies have shown that those who work with a financial advisor are more successful in reaching their goals.
Tips to help increase insurance literacy Mart
Stettl
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SALE DATES Phone (403) 742-2368
Regular Sales ~ Tuesdays - 9 a.m. website: www.stettlerauction.ab.ca Box 1238, Stettler, AB
Note: Online bidding and viewing each sale at 11 a.m. see stettlerauction.ab.ca Holiday office hours Open: Wednesday, Dec. 23 & Wednesday, Dec. 30 Tuesday, January 5
FIRST REGULAR CATTLE SALE OF 2016 Tuesday, January 12
REGULAR CATTLE SALE HEARTLAND BUSINESS PARK Highway #12 - east Stettler NOW SELLING Commercial Properties - Highway Frontage Fully Serviced - The work is done! Smaller lots available. Price incentives to early buyers. Central Alberta’s gateway to the east Call Jim or Greg - 742-2368 for full details!
Panels, wind fence, feeders, mineral, salt for sale. Can pre-order before year end. Samples for viewing. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON! For all your needs phone 403-742-2368
Stettler Auction Mart (1990) Ltd. Lic. #00354 Auctioneers: Allen McMillan Dick Creasey Greg Johnson Scott Douglas Terry Silbernagel Office Administrator: Lona Benjamin Sales Reps: Greg Hayden - 403-740-9610; Jim Abel - 403-740-9609; Brad Lohr - 780-679-5500; Dick Creasey - 403-740-9434
FROM CNW What does my home insurance policy cover/not cover? If I get into a collision tomorrow, what kind of coverage can I expect under my auto insurance policy? Does the distance I travel affect my auto insurance premium? If my business is home-based, do I need special coverage? These are only a few of the many questions to consider when buying or renewing insurance. Insurance Bureau of
Canada (IBC) is encouraging Canadians to invest a little time to increase their insurance literacy so they better understand their home, car and business insurance policies. “Financial literacy helps to empower Canadians with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make responsible financial decisions,” said Bill Adams, VicePresident, Western and Pacific, IBC. “Educated consumers make smarter
Stettler Auction Mart (1990) Ltd.
LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT
Tuesday, December 22 TOTAL – 135 SLAUGHTER CATTLE: D1-D2 Cows: 95.00 to 110.00 D3 Cows: Bulls NONE Feeder Bulls: Feeder Cows: 105.00 to 112.50 Heiferettes: FEEDER CATTLE: Steers Heifers 1000 plus lbs.: 1000 plus lbs.: TOO 900 to 1000 lbs.: 900 to 1000 lbs.: 800 to 900 lbs.: 800 to 900 lbs.: FEW 700 to 800 lbs.: 700 to 800 lbs.: 600 to 700 lbs.: FEEDERS 600 to 700 lbs.: 500 to 600 lbs.: 500 to 600 lbs.: TO 400 to 500 lbs.: 400 to 500 lbs.: QUOTE 300 to 400 lbs.: 300 to 400 lbs.: OFF TYPES: OFF TYPES:
85.00 to 95.00 NONE NONE
TOO FEW FEEDERS TO QUOTE
The good news – futures are trending higher for the past three days. With higher futures and lower Canadian dollar we can all "hope" for a stronger market in the New Year. Next sale - Tuesday, Jan. 5/16.
decisions. When it comes to protecting your family and belongings, insurance literacy is one of the best forms of consumer protection.” To help increase Canadians’ insurance literacy, IBC offers the following top 10 tips: 1 Speak to an insurance representative about your specific insurance needs. 2 Shop around to find the right policy to fit your unique situation. 3 Review your policy at least once a year. 4 Understand your policy. 5 Ask questions about your policy. 6 Look for ways to lower
your premiums. • Some insurers offer discounts if you take steps to reduce risk. Ask your insurance representative about what you can do to lower your premiums. 7 Take measures to protect your home and car and reduce avoidable accidents. 8 Check online resources like ibc.ca to learn more about insurance. 9 Pass along these tips to your friends, family and neighbours. 10 For further information on home, auto and business insurance, contact IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.
Heartland Medical Clinic is pleased to welcome Dr. Kimberly Chapman to our clinic as of January 18, 2016. Dr. Chapman will be taking new patients. For more information, or to book an appointment, please call: 403-742-4011. 4825 50 St, Stettler, AB T0C 2L2
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016
THE WEEKENDER 3
How to shorten the duration of a cold Few things can be as uncomfortable as the common cold. In their book “Common Cold,” authors Olaf Weber and Ronald Eccles say the common cold has been around since the ancient times. More than 200 virus strains can contribute to colds, but the rhinovirus is the most common. Colds produce a bevy of symptoms, including runny nose, congestion and sore throat, so it should come as no surprise that sufferers want to find relief fast. Colds typically last for a week or more. While there’s no cure for the common cold, according to The Mayo Clinic, there are some remedies that can help cold sufferers feel better more quickly. • Rest: One of the best things to do when you have a cold is to get adequate rest. Your body’s immune system is working overtime to combat the cold virus, and restricting activity can help it direct efforts where they’re needed most. Keep away from strenuous activities, and spend more time relaxing or sleeping to let your body do its job.
• Hydration: Consuming plenty of clear fluids can reduce congestion and ensure that you do not get dehydrated. Plus, warm beverages can be soothing to an irritated throat. Avoid coffee, caffeinated sodas and alcohol, which can exacerbate dehydration. • Saline rinses: Intra-nasal saline sprays, neti pots and similar products can help loosen mucus that is clogging the nose and sinus cavities, allowing it to flow out. This makes blowing your nose more effective and may help prevent post-nasal drip. Avoid prolonged use of medicated decongestant sprays. They may work well, but they can cause rebound congestion that’s worse than the original stuffiness. • Vitamin C: Vitamin C will not prevent colds, but it could help in other ways. Taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms. Vitamin C also may provide benefits for people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure, offers The Mayo Clinic. • Soup and tea: Soup is an
easy-to-digest meal that provides many of the necessary remedies for a cold, including warm broth to hydrate and soothe, antioxidant-rich vegetables and protein to help fuel the body’s recovery process. In 2000, Dr. Stephen Rennard of the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha actually tested if chicken soup clinically makes people with colds feel better. He found that chicken soup inhibited neutrophils, immune cells that cause congestion. Decaffeinated tea also may help you stay hydrated and relieve many cold symptoms. • Reinfection: Use cleaning products that are effective at killing viruses around the house to prevent reinfection and cold relapses. Also, avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth between hand-washings to keep germs at bay. Colds can be a nuisance. Most medicines will help relieve symptoms but cannot make colds go away faster. Natural remedies can help the body’s immune system work at its best and lessen the severity of a cold.
Decrease mucus production and subsequent sore throats When allergies, colds or the flu strike, the resulting symptoms can be unpleasant. Watery eyes, sneezing, aches, pains, and lethargy are common. Two additional symptoms common to respiratory illnesses include excess mucus production and sore throat. Mucus is a vital component of bodily health. The American Academy of Otolaryngology says glands in the nose and throat continually produce thin mucus to moisten and clean respiratory passageways. This mucus traps foreign matter and can help combat infection. When viruses or bacteria irritate parts of the nose and throat, excess mucus may be produced as the immune system attempts to retaliate. This mucus may thicken and become more acidic. Extra mucus can produce its own side effects, including further irritation. According to
Bob Halseth
New York-Presbyterian Hospital, in many cases, excess mucus production can lead to post-nasal drip and subsequent sore throats. People often mistake post-nasal drip and related sore throat as separate medical conditions. But each can be traced to whichever illness or irritant (such as dry air or chemical exposure) is triggering the body’s mucus response. Reducing the amount of mucus pooling in the back of the throat can help a person feel better more quickly and can be used in conjunction with medical advice. • Limit foods that may increase mucus production. Dairy products, wheat, soy, bananas, sugar, and preservatives may contribute to mucus production, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center. • Drink peppermint
*25 yrs experience*
• Drink plenty of fluids. Clear fluids, such as water, tea and broth, can also thin out mucus, making it flow more easily down the throat. • Rely on salt solutions. Simple nasal saline rinses or gargling with salt water can alleviate irritation and help reduce some of the mucus, too. Remember to use cooled-down boiled tap water or distilled, sterile water for nasal rinses to prevent the chance of water contamination, which can lead to serious
HERB’S SKATE SHARPENING or regular mint tea. The natural menthol in these herbs can help thin mucus and loosen it up for more productive coughs. • Increase consumption of mucus-fighting foods
and beverages. Mustard, lemon, garlic, and anti-inflammatory oils found in many nuts may help reduce swelling in the throat and nose and tame mucus production.
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illness. • Consider medication. When natural remedies are exhausted, prescription or over-the counter products may provide relief. Decongestants can dry up nasal secretions, while antibiotics may be needed if an infection is bacterial in nature. Always consult with a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis of mucus issues and sore throat causes. He or she may suggest one of the tips above or a combination of therapies.
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4 THE WEEKENDER
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016
A book you wouldn’t want to miss “I forgive you.” Are there any three more powerful words? Can “I love you” – also used for countertops, couches, or coats – bestow such mercy? I don’t think so. “I forgive you.” In release and relief, those words put things back on track - although, in the new book “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” by Fredrik Backman, the transgressions hardly need absolution. Every grandmother’s house smells a little different. Some smell like cookies or old magazines, soup or stale perfume. But sevenyear-old Elsa’s granny’s flat – the whole building, in fact - smelled like coffee, cigarettes, a “very large animal of some sort,” and Granny. For her entire life, Granny was the only friend Elsa had. Granny played games with Elsa, gave her rides in Renault (the car Granny said she won in a poker game), told Elsa stories (Granny loved stories!) and she
TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER taught Elsa how to get to the Land-of-AlmostAwake, the magic kingdom of Miamas, and a troubled knight named Wolfheart. Granny had a lot of superpowers, one of which was always being on Elsa’s side. And that, perhaps, was why she never mentioned the word “cancer” to Elsa. She didn’t want Elsa to know, or to mourn. That was probably why Granny never said goodbye before leaving Elsa with an assignment befi tting a knight of Miamas. The assignment was a treasure hunt (Granny
loved treasure hunts!), with clues and messages for people in their building: Britt-Marie, who was a “nag-bag,” and her husband, Kent; the boy who danced, and his mother; Maud, who fixed everything with cookies, and Lennart; Al, who drove Taxi. The first clue took Elsa to the door of a vicious dog that lived downstairs. If the dog didn’t kill her, surely the second delivery would: it was an apology for The Monster, who lived next to the dog. As Elsa made the deliveries, three more clues appeared until everything – including Granny’s not-so-goodbye - began to make sense. And so did the knowledge that “It’s possible to love your grandmother for years and years without really knowing anything about her.” Did you ever read a novel that was so captivating that when it was over, you felt a little adrift? That’s how I was when I finished “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry.” If you can remember
that time in your life when magic was real, grownups were mysteries, and you were about to learn the truth about both, then you’re halfway to understanding what makes author Fredrik Backman’s book so appealing: though she’s “insanely” precocious, Elsa still relies on a magic-and-pretend life that’s whisked away so quickly, it’s breathtaking. And yet, that havingto-grow-up-fast time is mercifully aborted by the posthumous wishes of the kind of grandmother you’ll wish you had, the one who knows there’s no need to hurry childhood’s exit. Bring tissues when you start “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry,” but bring your funnybone, too. It’s that kind of book – one that, if you miss it, you’ll never forgive yourself. “My Grandmother asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” by Fredrik Backman c.2015, Atria $25.00 / higher in Canada 372 pages
How to foster a love of reading in children Today’s parents know that it’s not always easy to instill a love of reading in children. Whether they are watching television, dabbling with their smartphones, toying with their tablets or engaging in social media, youngsters now have more distractions at their disposal than ever before. So it’s no surprise that many youngsters may not be too enthusiastic about abandoning their gadgets in
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exchange for curling up with a good book. But instilling a love of reading in kids early on can pay a lifetime of dividends. Children learn at a much faster pace during their first six years than at any other time in their lives, and the right kind of stimulation during these years can provide the foundation for future learning. In addition, reading at an early age can inspire a child’s creativity and imagination. Though many parents can recognize these benefits, that recognition does not make it easier to get kids to embrace reading. No two kids are alike, so parents might need to employ different strategies to get each of their kids to embrace reading. But the following are a handful of ways parents can foster a love of reading in their youngsters. * Embrace their hobbies. When encouraging kids to read, parents may find it easier to get them to pick up a book if that book’s subject matter pertains to a favorite hobby or something a youngster has expressed interest in. A seven-year-old boy with a passion for baseball will likely be more inclined to read an age-appropriate novel about America’s pastime than he will a book about fishing. Use youngsters’ enthusiasm about a given hobby or interest to lay the foundation for a love of reading. * Don’t limit reading to books. Books are not the only reading materials that can foster a love of reading in kids. Local newspapers and magazines have sparked
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many kids’ initial foray into reading, and such source materials can be just as inspiring as novels or short stories. Magazines made for youngsters give kids something they can start and finish reading in the same day. Young boys might want to read the sports page in the daily newspaper or visit a favorite team’s website to learn all about last night’s game, while young girls might be more inclined to read the arts and entertainment sections. Parents should encourage such exploration, even if it means leaving novels on the bookshelf for the time being. * Read to youngsters. Another way to foster a love of reading in youngsters is to read to them every day. Many young kids just learning to read may be discouraged if their reading skills aren’t progressing rapidly. Reading to kids every day can inspire them to work harder at reading so they can be just as good at reading as Mom and Dad. * Discuss reading materials with your children. Many people enjoy talking about books they have read as much as they enjoy reading the books, and kids are no different. Parents who want their youngsters to embrace reading can initiate discussions about what their kids are reading, discussing the plot of novels or the details of newspaper or magazine articles kids read. Ask them what they like and dislike about a book or ask for a recap of a story they read in the newspaper or an article they read in a magazine. * Extend the reading experience. After they have finished a novel, adults often find it enjoyable to watch films based on that novel. Doing so extends the reading experience and gives men and women a chance to see if their interpretations of a given story were similar or different from someone else’s. Kids enjoy such extensions as well, so reward kids by taking them to the movies to see the film version of a favorite book or to a museum that’s displaying an exhibit that’s relevant to a book a youngster just read. Though their youngsters may have many distractions at their disposal, there are still many ways for parents to foster a love of reading in their children.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016
THE WEEKENDER 5
Best buys for the new year Smart shopping involves making budget-friendly purchases. Never paying full price is a mantra shoppers can follow to help keep their finances in check. In addition to coupons and other discounts, shoppers can usually score deals based on which time of year they shop for particular items. Each year, various consumer resources offer advice on the best time to buy certain items. The beginning of the year is often an ideal time to purchase certain items. Consumers who take advantage of sales offered at the start of the new year can save substantial amounts of money. Now that the holiday season has passed, consumers can begin to find deals on items for themselves. • Clothing: Post-Christmas sales are booming, and stores are looking to sell what’s left of their inventories to make room for spring and summer selections. Even though the weather outside is still cold, sweaters, pants, coats, and more are usually available at a discount come January. It may take some digging through the racks, but there’s an excellent chance to discover some great items. • Boats: Wintertime is boat show season, but it’s also the offseason for boaters who live
in cooler climates. These factors combine to make it easier and less expensive to find a new boat. According to boat-buying retailer Boatline, consumers can probably get one of last year’s models at a good price. • Air conditioners: If the warm-weather season was particularly steamy this past year, it might be time to revamp the HVAC system or invest in some new portable units. Bankrate offers that the first few months of the year are prime times to shop for air conditioners. While you may not get the latest model, it’s likely you can find a reliable unit at below-market cost. • Theater tickets: January and February are not especially busy seasons for theaters, which means there will be greater opportunity to get discounted seats for many popular shows. • Linens and bedding: John Wannamaker was a retail entrepreneur and had a few department stores in New York and Philadelphia. Wannamakers held the first “white sale” in 1878, and since then many stores have continued the tradition. January is a great month to buy towels, sheets, bedspreads, and more at a discount. • Motorcycles: Riding a motorcycle is a fair-weather hobby, and retailers are aware of this.
The easy riders of tomorrow might be able to find great deals today. • Video games: Those who haven’t purchased their fill of video games for the holidays can benefit from post-holiday drops in price. • Furniture: Many furniture
How to enjoy a more eco-friendly winter Winter weather requires all types of modifications, including donning additional layers of clothing or turning the thermostat up a few ticks. But such adjustments can have an adverse impact on the environment, including increasing a person’s carbon footprint and energy consumption. Just because temperatures are dropping and snow is falling does not mean it’s alright to ignore eco-friendly practices to conserve energy. The following are a handful of ways to enjoy an eco-friendly winter. • Install a programmable thermostat. The United States Department of Energy estimates that consumers can save 10 percent on their heating bills by rolling back their thermostat 10 to 15 percent over an eight-hour period. Program your thermostat to keep the heat low while you’re at work or away from home. The latest digital thermostats are both user-friendly and visually appealing when hung on the wall. • Replace furnace filters regularly. When warm air has to work harder to
push through dirty filters, the result is an inefficient system that consumes more energy. Be sure to check the condition of furnace filters on a regular basis and clean all input registers and output vents around the house. • Use residual heat to your advantage. Open the bathroom door after taking a steamy shower and let that warm, moist air make its way to other rooms in the house. After cooking or baking is done, turn off the oven but leave the door open to warm the kitchen and dining area without adjusting the home thermostat. Keep draperies and blinds on south- and west-facing windows wide open during the day to maximize sunlight and warmth. • Seal drafts and close off seldom-used rooms. Sealing drafty windows and doors can save substantial amounts of money. An old towel placed in the crack under the door can alleviate drafts as well. Close doors of rooms that aren’t used, and close the heating/cooling vents in those spaces so the heat is maximized and circulated where it’s needed.
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manufacturers begin to churn out new inventory in February, so last season’s items will need to move quickly. Shoppers can often negotiate some good deals now and upgrade their homes’ decor. • Wedding-related services: Couples who don’t mind the
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chilly weather can enjoy steep savings by hosting their weddings in January. Spring and summer are by far the more popular seasons to tie the knot, but reception halls, musical acts, florists, and other vendors may heavily discount their services in winter.
Festival of Lights Thank You!
The entire Festival committee would like to thank the people of Stettler and surrounding communities and colonies for their support of the Festival of Lights. It is through your generosity that our hospital continues to meet its goals to meet our needs. With over 1,400 people in attendance and the support of more than 200 donors, we raised $81,000 for our hospital this year, specifically for the operating room upgrades. We are thrilled and so appreciative of this support. A complete list of our donors is available at www. stettlerhealthfoundation.com and on our Facebook page.. We are already planning for next year! Thank you once again for your support. The 2015 Festival committee: Barbara-Lynn Goodwin, Keri Taschuk, Amy Roberts, Chelsey VanLanduyt, Morgan Hiller, Christine Verhoeven, Allison Baird, Pat Standage, Suzanne Bond, MaryJane Jackson, Kelly Greenwood and Susan Peterson.
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CAMERON Bay Holdings Inc. o/a McDonalds’s in Ponoka and Red Deer (Gasoline Alley East and West) is now hiring full time and part time Food Service Supervisors. Wages are between $13.95 to $16.00 per hour, depending upon experience and qualiÀcations. Candidates must be able to work a variety of shifts and have 3 to 5 years previous experience. Must be able to supervisor up to 20 crew. Part-time applicaPersonals tions will be accepted from Canadians and Permanent IS someone’s drinking Residents. Apply in person causing you problems? 4419 Hwy 2A, Ponoka, 37479 Hwy 2, Red Deer, AL-ANON 403-346-0320 and 37428 Hwy 2, Red Deer or email resume to cbay22@telus.net or fax to 403-783-4251.
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Starting at 25 words for $53.55 Call toll free 1-877-223-3311 or Local 403-309-3300
Red Willow Agricultural Society Annual General Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2015.Red Willow Community Hall 6:30 p.m. Potluck Supper 7:30 p.m. Annual General Meeting. Everyone in the community, hamlet, surrounding area, and former community members are welcome and encouraged to attend, meet your neighbors, visit and discuss the future of the Ag Society, Hall and Ball Park/ Campground.
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Whatever You’re Selling... We Have The Paper You Need! CLASSIFIEDS 1-877-223-3311
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
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Ponoka News Stettler Independent Bashaw Star Castor Advance Weekender Lacombe Express Pipestone Flyer
Employment #700 - #920
RECYCLE
• • • • • • •
Business Services #1000 - #1430
Health Care
150-194
Agriculture
2010-2210
FAX: 403-742-8050
Rental & Real Estate
3000-4310
1210
NEW MEDCOMBE WALKIN HOURS: EFFECTIVE: Monday, January 4, 2016 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)
Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990
Agricultural #2000 - #2290
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
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
Auctions
Livestock
2100
BRED heifers, Blacks & Sim X, calving Mar. 20; 403-843-6463 HOW can you make your phone ring and make some quick cash? Place your ad here . . . Phone 1-877-223-3311
Farm Custom Work
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5010-5240
Public Notice
6010
Welcome Home!
EMAIL: classifieds@stettlerindependent.com
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$5000 REWARD leading up to or for the Ànding of 14 missing simmental cows and 13 calves. Cows have a brand of TLX on the left rib and also possibly a brand of PG (‘G’ is backwards) on the left rib. Calves are probably unbranded. Went missing in Alliance/Sedgewick area. Phone 780-386-3745 or 780-888-1258.
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CLASSIFIED N.E. BUY
Items Buy/Sell
For Rent #3000 - #3200 Houses/ Duplexes
3020
BEAUTIFUL cottage $700/mo., plus utils., in Halkirk, AB. on large lot, 2 bdrms, newly reno’d 780-583-2380
Public Notice #6000 Public Notices ..................6010 Special Features ..............6050
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2080
1530
SEASONS GREETINGS BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS
at The Moose Hall, 2 miles south of Ponoka on Hwy. 2A. Resuming weekly sales Wed. Jan. 13, 2016. Antique sale 1st. Sun. of Month Feb. 7, @ 1 pm. TO BOOK YOUR SALE CALL 403-782-5693 or 403-304-4791 Check website for full listings www.bigstrapperauctions.net
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CUSTOM HAULING & FIELD OPERATIONS CUSTOM WORK COMPANY • • • • • •
Silage Baling & Wrapping Combo Round & Square Bale Hauling Bale Stacking Corral Cleaning Fencing Construction & Removal Welded Steel Panels & Gates
My family and I run a custom work operation based out of the Coronation area. All of our equipment can be loaded and transported to your Åeld. We operate late model reliable equipment allowing us to do fast and eٻcient work.
1477834 ALBERTA LTD.
DAN 403-821-0502 | 403-854-8317
1-877-223-3311 CLASSIFIEDS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016
THE WEEKENDER 7
Ways of helping young drivers stay safe on the road Teenagers typically anticipate the moment they receive their drivers’ licenses, feeling their personal freedom increases dramatically in such moments. While drivers’ licenses may be liberating for teen drivers, parents may be considerably less excited when their children pass their drivers’ tests. Driving is a big responsibility and one that requires both concentration and maturity. Seemingly innocent things can turn pleasurable car rides into accidents. Although driving education programs, testing and practice behind the wheel are required before kids can receive their drivers’ licenses, it takes more than classes, tests and limited practice for teens to become competent drivers. The National Center for Health Statistics says motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-yearolds. Statistics show that teen death rates increase with each additional passenger. Plus, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 53 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths among teenagers in 2012, the most recent year for data collection, occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. Considering one in five 16-year-old drivers has an accident within their first year of
driving, according to statistics compiled by DoSomething.org, teen drivers may need more supervision and instruction. The following are some risks on the road to consider when educating teens. • All calls are risky. Turn off
phones when in the car. The National Safety Council says more than 30 studies show hands-free devices are no safer because the brain remains distracted by the conversation. When talking on a cell phone, drivers can miss seeing up to
half of their surroundings, including traffic lights, stop signs and pedestrians. Younger, less experienced drivers may be even more distracted by phone calls. • Slow down. Crash risks for teens increase incrementally
with each mile per hour over the speed limit. Speeding reduces drivers’ ability to avoid an accident, and new drivers may not be as capable of avoiding obstacles that come into their paths. • Go sparingly on passengers. The risk for automobile accidents increases with each additional passengers teens have in their cars. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found the risk increases 44 percent with one passenger, doubles with two passengers and quadruples with three or more passengers. Friends in the backseat can prove very distracting or may even encourage young drivers to engage in risky behaviors. • Avoid other distractions. In addition to phones and too many passengers, teens are distracted by looking things in their own vehicle. For example, singing and dancing to music can distract teens’ attention from the road. In addition, some teens may tend to personal grooming when behind the wheel, further taking their attention away from the road. Getting a driver’s license is a milestone event in the lives of teenagers, but one they should not take for granted. Good drivers are not born, but developed through practice, avoiding distractions and adhering to the rules and regulations that govern the roads.
How to get the most bang for your automotive buck Automobiles are more expensive than ever before. According to auto researcher Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price of a new car or truck sold in the United States in April of 2015 was $33,560. That figure, which represents a nearly 3 percent increase from the average transaction price a year earlier, highlights just how expensive new cars have become. Because cars and trucks are such significant investments, many drivers want to get the most bang for their automotive buck. While that desire compels some drivers to purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicle they can afford, motorists should know that fuel efficiency is not the only way they can secure the best returns on their automotive investments. Maintenance Adhering to manufacturer maintenance guide-
lines is perhaps the most effective way for drivers to ensure a great return on their automotive investments. Routine maintenance, whether it’s changing oil at the recommended mileage intervals or keeping tires properly inflated so engines aren’t overtaxed, can add years to a vehicle’s life expectancy, stretching drivers’ dollars along the way. Technology Many drivers purchase a car or truck and never give a second thought to the vehicle’s lights. But there’s a great disparity between standard manufacturer-installed lights and aftermarket lights that employ the latest technology, such as Philips Vision LEDs. With LEDs, vehicle owners are less likely to lose a light to burnout or failure, which can effect visibility and potentially result in a police citation. Unlike incandescent
bulbs that will eventually fade and go dim, LEDs stay bright at the same intensity, so drivers can be confident and rely on their consistent performance. Vision LEDs are new, innovative bulbs that are available for direct replacement on interior and exterior lights and feature an advanced design capable of handling extreme heat and high vibrations. Because of their robust design and durability, Vision LEDs are backed by a 12-year limited warranty, providing drivers with more than a decades’ worth of return on their initial investments. And, unlike standard incandescent lights in brake light applications, Vision LEDs turn on instantly, helping drivers react faster. A faster light response can help reduce overall braking distance. For example, at a speed of 75 mph, a driver can reduce braking
distance by up to 20 feet because of a quicker reaction to the brake lights. Styling upgrades Because they are often personalized, automotive style upgrades are rarely associated with great returns. But some style upgrades are wiser investments than others. For ex-
ample, Philips Vision LEDs mimic the popular lighting style used by many of today’s high-end luxury vehicle manufacturers, enabling drivers to give their vehicles the same high tech, top-of-the-line look offered by luxury brands without saddling them with the higher costs
of owning such vehicles. The Vision LEDs are available to replace brake and taillights as well as backup, dome, glove compartment, side markers, trunk, and license plate lights, allowing drivers to make stylish upgrades that are backed by a limited 12year warranty.
8 THE WEEKENDER
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016
Exercise and arthritis Arthritis Foundation says the number patients suffering from the ailment will rise by about 30 per cent by the year 2030. Simply put, arthritis is a significant problem, one that can not only affect a person’s quality of life, but also his or her pocketbook, as the Arthritis Foundation notes that woking-age men and women (those between the ages of 18 and 64) who contend with arthritis are less likely to be employed than people of the same age who do not have arthritis. Arthritis is not only bad for employees, but also for employers, as it accounts for billions of dollars annually in lost wages and medical expenses. Exercise may be the last thing on many arthritis sufferers’ minds, but exercise can play a vital role in reducing the often painful symptoms associated with arthritis. Among its other benefits, exercise can strengthen the muscles around arthritic joints and help men and women maintain bone strength. In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that lack of exercise can make joints feel more painful and stiff, as a sedentary lifestyle will ultimately contribute to putting more stress on joints. Upon being diagnosed with arthritis, patients should speak with their physicians about the best way to use exercise to combat and relieve their symptoms. Some patients may require physical therapy, while others might be able to work with their physicians to develop an exercise regimen that can help reduce the severity of their symptoms and any pain that accompanies those symptoms. The following are some types of exercises that figure to play a strong role in managing arthritis and improving quality of life. • Aerobic exercises: Lowimpact aerobic exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help arthritis sufferers alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall health. Arthritis sufferers who have not exercised in awhile because of their pain may have gained weight as a result, and aerobic exercise is a great way to shed extra pounds. Losing excess weight is a great way to make physical activity less taxing on your joints as well. • Range-of-motion: Rangeof-motion exercises are typically simple and don’t take much time, but when done correctly, such exercises can be very effective at reliev-
ing the stiffness associated with arthritis. A physician or physical therapist might advise you to do range-ofmotion exercises each day, and you may even need to do them a few times each
day. Adhere to this advice, continuing to perform the exercises as long as your doctor or physical therapists deems them necessary. • Strength training: As previously noted, arthri-
tis sufferers may feel as though lifting weights will only exacerbate their existing symptoms. But strength training will strengthen the muscles around the joints, providing more support for
those joints and ultimately reducing symptoms of pain. Speak with your physician or physical therapist about appropriate strength-training activities and the importance of rest. If you ex-
perience any pain during strength-training sessions, stop immediately and report the pain to your physician. More information about managing arthritis can be found at www.arthritis.org.
The Business of Cattle DEADLINE: DEADLINE: JANUARY 15 JANUARY 16 Distributed last Distributed last week of of January week January
Showcase livestock and accessories across rural Alberta in the 2016 breeder’s supplement Distribution of over 33,600 homes (over 82,500 readers)
1⁄2 PAGE ....... $515 1⁄4 PAGE ....... $276 3 COL. X 4” ... $174 2 COL. X 5” ... $142 2 COL. X 3” ... $110 All prices include colour
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