PM# 40011867
- Your onlY locallY owned newspaper • serving the cnp since 1930 • noveMBer 20, 2019 ~ vol. 89 no. 47 $1.00
Rock your Mocs
Dave Selles photo
Schools in the Crowsnest Pass celebrated indigenous culture on Friday, November 15th by taking part in Rock your Mocs day. Students were encouraged to wear real authentic moccasins as a way to celebrate the indigenous people of the area.
hWY #3 page 5
Shop LocaL pages 8 & 9
chamber page 13
2 – cRoWsnesT PAss HeRALD – Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Walter Gail – Remembering Those who Fought for us DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter
Local trumpet player Walter Gail has been playing at Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Crowsnest Pass for years. “I've been playing for about 49-50 years and I'm pretty sure this is my 48th year playing Remembrance Day services in the Pass,” said Gail. Gail began learning the instrument when he was younger and it grew to the point where he was asked to play at the local services. “The way it came about is when I was taken
lessons, my teacher Frank Hytl(SPELLING?) and I had only been playing for about a year and a half and I had the love for it and advanced quickly and one lesson he told me the legions needed someone to play for them so he wrote the last post and the Rouse and I started playing it.” Gail says it started small and then grew to him playing every service. “It started with the Blairmore service at that time and went from there. Every year I've played and always make a point of it. It's always been such
Chris’ Restaurant Cabbage rolls and Perogies
an honour and privilege to do it for the veterans.” Gail is able to wear a uniform and hat from his time with the Hillcrest Fire Department who also took part in Remembrance Day ceremonies. “We have an honour guard that originally came from the Hillcrest Fire Department and they fired the gun salute. I started with them and that's why I can wear the uniform and the hat.” One thing Gail has made a point of doing every year is dropping by the cenotaph in Blairmore to play the Last Post and Rouse and observe a moment of silence. “With the demise of the Blairmore legion, I just wanted the people of Blairmore to know that their fallen and loved ones haven't been forgotten. The last couple years I've pulled in there and
played the last post over the cenotaph, observed a moment of silence and recited the verse and played the Rouse for them too.” Gail says he does this to remember and show respect to the vets of Blairmore. “I think a lot of us have had family members in service so I do this for the sacrifice they were willing to make for us and to truly honour them. For myself it's always been an honour and privilege to do this.” Gail says he wouldn’t mind seeing a service return to Blairmore but also says he’s heard of other options for the cenotaph. “I think it'd be very nice if we could have just a little bit of a service with a small contingent of people going there to pay their respects and say a few words and have a moment of silence for the good people
of Blairmore just so they know they haven't been forgotten. I talked about it a little bit with the officials at the legion this year and they said there was maybe some thoughts on moving the cenotaph or bringing it to some type of public place.” Gail has also played for funeral services of veterans in the area. “Over the years I've played for a lot of the vets after they've passed on at their funeral services. I haven't made them all but I wish I could. I've always found that to be a privilege as well. I've seen a lot of the vets go. There's not many left from World War 2. There’s one thing that Gail still says is missing after all these years of playing. “I always hoped that as I played through the years, that maybe there'd
be more peace in the world but it seems like every year there's a new conflict or a new place we have to send our boys into harm's way. It's a shame.” Gail also says he's thankful to see some of the younger generations be involved with services now in different aspects like playing the bagpipes or being part of the honour guard but isn’t ready to pass the torch quite yet. “As time goes along maybe I can find a protégé or someone else to carry on the tradition and I really hope we always have someone to play for the vets. I know I've missed a couple notes over the years but I feel having a trumpet and the pipes adds so much to the service and to the respect factor. Lord willing I'll make a few more. It's been really good.”
Thunder Hockey th
Deadline to order is December 6
403-563-3093
403-753-2245
Come Celebrate our 1st anniversary with us!
The Thunder Novice were versus the Grizzlies in Sparwood Saturday, November 16th. First period, Thunder were ahead and proved to be in it for the win with Nico Gillespie in net and saving plenty of shots from the opponents. Cutting it close in the second period, Grizzlies caught up to the Thunder with a tie score. By the third period, Thunder were still playing strong but unfortunately ended up defeated with a final score of 10-7. Goals from Thunder were players Ashton Castellarin, Carsen Hruby, Parker Bunnage, Ryder Jorgensen, Sam Graham, and Sopie Gibboney-Stafford. Next game is here at home Saturday, November 30th where the Thunder Novice hockey team host the Grizzlies. Puck drops at noon at the Coleman Sportsplex. Herald Contributor photo
Join us on tuesday, november 26th for a Free cup of regular Coffee and Cake from 8 am - 12 pm.
Remember to place your Christmas Baking orders soon! Women’s Resource & Crisis Centre is accepting
Toy HampeR appliCaTions from november 18th - December 9th We require photo identification & proof of current address for the applicant, and Alberta Health Care cards for each child you are applying for. Apply in person at #208 12150 20th Avenue (Upstairs in the Provincial Building) 403-562-8000
Give back to your community. Make an impact for your environment.
Update on four mining developments proposed for the Crowsnest area
Consider joining our Board of Directors
Annual General Meeting
• Work with others committed to our natural environment. • Attend 5 to 7 meetings per year • Provide leadership for the future of CCS • Bring new ideas, meet new people
Our mission: Valuing and connecting people and nature for a healthy future in the Crowsnest Pass and beyond Does this sound like you? Contact Judy Cooke: judycooke@shaw.ca 403-564-4642 http://www.crowsnestconservation.ca
Wednesday, Nov. 27 Everyone Welcome! Light supper: 6 pm Presentations & AGM: 7 pm Country Encounters 7701 17th Avenue, Coleman For more info: 403-564-4642 www.crowsnestconservation.ca @CrowsnestConservation @CrowsnestC Board elections, project reports, Q&A
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 - Crowsnest PAss herAlD - 3
In the lIne of fIre Between November 11 and November 18, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to a total of 37 calls for service including the following reported incidents. One (1) assault, one (1) break and enter (residential), two (2) t h re a t s / h a r a s s m e n t s , one (1) theft, one (1) disturbing the peace, two (2) drugs, four (4) other provincial statutes, three (3) driving complaints, eight (8) motor vehicle collisions, five (5) assistance to general public, two (2) suspicious occurrences, one (1) lost and found and six (6) assistance to other agencies. Traffic Stop On November 11th, 2019, a traffic stop was completed. A 23-year-old male could not produce his drivers licence and was a suspended driver. RCMP issued a ticket. Arrested On November 12th, 2019, RCMP received a complaint of a male kicking at a door of a resi-
dence in Coleman. A 29year-old male was arrested for mischief and possession of meth. He was released on Documents for Pincher Creek Court.
~ rCMP news ~
Court.
Suspicious Person On November 13th, 2019, at approximately 5pm, there was a complain of unlawfully in dwelling. A homeowner saw a female wandering around on a surveillance camera. Police attended but the suspect had left the residence. There was no damage and nothing appears to be missing.
Intoxicated Driver On November 14th, 2019, at approximate 12pm, there was a complaint of a possible intoxicated driver. Police attended and located a 45-year-old female. She provided a breath sample, which was under .08. She had a Graduated Drivers Licence, which includes a zero tolerance alcohol policy. Her driver’s licence was suspended for 30 days and the vehicle was towed and seized for seven days.
Traffic Stop On November 14th, 2019, RCMP completed a traffic stop. A 29-year-old male driver had outstanding warrants and was also in possession of meth. The subject was arrested and transported to Piikani cells where a Justice Remand hearing was held. The male was also charged with traffic offenses. He was released the next day on documents for Pincher Creek
Traffic Stop On November 16th, 2019, at approximately 3am, police completed a traffic stop. A 21-year-old male had an odor of liquor and provided a breath sample, which was under .08. The driver had a Graduated Drivers Licence, which includes a zero tolerance alcohol policy. His driver’s licence was suspended and for 30 days and his vehicle was
towed and seized for seven days. Bikes Left in Frank On November 17th, 2019, two bikes were left at a residence in Frank. Anyone who may be missing bikes can call the RCMP office. The Crowsnest Pass RCMP invites you to complete their Policing Priorities Survey. The survey will serve as a opportunity for the residents of the Crowsnest Pass and area to help determine the issues facing the Crowsnest Pass and assist police in formulating a plan of action. The survey will be available until November 30th, 2019. You are also invited to attend the Protective Services Advisory Committee meeting which is open to the public and is scheduled to take place on November 21, 2019 at the Crowsnest Pass Municipal Council Chambers. The Survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/crowsne stpassrcmp
DiD you know?
Before beginning his movie career Keanu Reeves managed a pasta shop in Toronto.
HWY #3, Frank • 562-8043
it's YOUR vehicle . . . ...your insurance company CANNOT tell you where to fix it.
it's the LAW and it’s YOUR choice
We offer a LIFETIME GUARANTEE on ALL repairs and refinishing for as long as it’s yours.
(403) 563-3999
YOUR choice for auto body repair.
What do we value and why? I have been asking that question for a long time trying to figure it out thinking that the answer could make me rich. I am surely not the only one. The bible gives us some hints and history provides others. The one sure bet is that we value that which is limited. Why are gold and diamonds precious? Real estate is precious since there are always more people wanting land which doesn’t grow. Humans always fought over land and we still do. In the old days, empires came and went conquering each other. The Americans came to prominence when they raised and sold cotton. Canada did well by selling beaver pelts for Top Hats and the British empire built itself upon tea merchandising. The Dutch became rich in spices, mostly pepper and some areas did very well on salt. Saltsburg and Wieliczka in Europe are good examples. Salt has been a major player in human history for a long time. You may remember that Roman soldiers often were paid with salt. The substance was used for preserving food and for water purification. When the Mahatma Gandhi chose a way to rebel against the British domination of India, he chose salt. Oil was a precious commodity in the bible used for healing and even anointing new kings. Humankind needed a lubricant and a relatively clean source of energy. Streetlights of London were powered by whale oil for some time. Oil squeezed from plants, rendered from animals, eventually was mined from oil wells and lately purified from oil sands. Over time, people discover ways to make precious commodities common and consequently there is a transfer of wealth. Old empires fall and new are born. What will be the next valuable commodity? I would place my bet on freshwater and electricity, but we are already making strides towards making it cheap. The middle east desalinates water and new technology is going to make electric energy abundant and plentiful by the looks of things. The most valuable item in the not so far future is something that no-one today dares to guess. I like to direct your attention to a new book by two Canadian authors, Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson called The Empty by Avner Perl Planet. The authors challenge the centuries-old theory that the Earth will be overpopulated and run out of resources. New calculations based on existing facts indicate that far from becoming overpopulated the world has already reversed its course. At the centre of the new theory is the popular belief that migration is a curse that could be avoided. It is based on a faulty outdated model and it is failing. If we use an economy based on consumerism, which we currently do, the resource that makes us rich is not salt, tea, spices, gems or precious metals, it is people. We simply need people to produce things, sell them and buy them. We are short on consumers. The Western, affluent countries, all bar none have dropped their birthrates to below replacement rate. Canada is at 1.6 children per woman and the rest are not far behind. This phenomenon is repeating itself not only in the advanced world but also in poorer areas. Brazil, for example, is suffering a natural loss of population. Religions that used to be a main driving force behind population growth are losing ground. The real change is from urbanization and women’s education, nothing else. Almost 40% of humanity exists in two centres at our time, that is India and China. Both have below replacement rate births. China is losing people and India barely managing to maintain its current level. The so-called affluent or advanced nations have been struggling against reduced birth rates since before the second world war and mostly exist on immigration, but it is changing. All the hype about losing our culture and being replaced by poor migrants taking our jobs is just that. A popular political talking point which in the long run will spell the death of our culture and advanced economic standing. Modern countries do not perform well without infusion of people. The same goes for cities. There is a very good reason why most affluent countries allow immigration and also a good reason to assume that countries like Japan or some eastern European will not do so well in the future. Politicians find it easier to sing the national song and oppose immigration even when the facts indicate the opposite. Alberta and Saskatchewan would not be what they are today if it wasn’t for the progressive vision of Clifford Sifton at the turn of the century. He predicted the value of people and thanks to his policies Canada may yet be an international powerhouse in the future. We know how to use immigration to the benefit of newcomers and the improvement of the country, regardless of what Quebeckers say. Now I arrive at a new question. If the world’s population is decreasing, will we be lonely? If we are motivated by greed and selfishness, I assume it will be. The answer to all my questions is the same. Regardless of the economy, science, politics and natural happenings, the solution is love, sharing, and caring. You give it and it comes back. If we don’t destroy our world intentionally or by neglecting the signs, there is still a power greater than us guiding us towards “the promised land.” It is smarter than the smartest amongst us and it has one goal. Let love triumph over selfishness. When it does, we move forward. Here is a link to my blog: https://thesimpleravenspost.blogspot.ca/ Feel free to check other articles and comment.
The Simple Raven’s Post
Immigrants, the most valuable commodity on Earth