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Vol. 93 No. 33
September 6, 2023 $1.25
Serving our communities since 1930
Teacher workshop for place-based learning practices
Back to school photos on Page 9
NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter Crowsnest Pass teachers undergo place-based learning workshop on August 30 and 31 at Isabelle Sellon School. Teachers from both Horace Allen and Isabelle Sellon Schools (ISS) were present for the workshop held by Teton Science Schools. Sharon Laidlaw, the director of place network and professional learning at Teton Science Schools, spoke about the organization which is based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “We do something called place-based education and we have two schools. We do wildlife tours and immersive learning experiences in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National parks in Wyoming,” said Laidlaw. They would have schools and teachers come to visit wanting to do something similar where they live. After this they developed a professional learning team that works with schools across the U.S.A and the Crowsnest Pass here in Canada. “This is the only area in Canada that’s a part of our network. Horace Allen and Isabelle Sellon are working with us and they are making every effort they can to break down the barriers between the community and the classrooms, bringing community members in and taking students out,” added Laidlaw. An example they talked about is, instead of learning about the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, they will teach them about the ways that the forest has been impacted locally and what issues exist here so the students can generalize that to other places. “[The students] can really see that it’s relevant to their lives and their futures, and they also feel an increased sense of self efficacy and agency,” said Laidlaw. The principal for ISS, Marnie Davidson, explained how it’s a benefit to kids and it brings the community into a partnership with student learning.
Cont’d on Page 10
Nicholas L. M. Allen Photo
Teachers gather on the second floor of Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore for the two day workshop hosted by Teton Science Schools for place-based learning techniques on August 30.
6 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Herald Editorial LISA SYGUTEK There have only been three times that I have written my editorial about a person who had a pro-found impact on my life; Cal Fuller, Ken Stenson and Jo Proc and so it seems fitting that I write my fourth one about Renso Castellarin. Renso passed away last Wednesday at his home. Renso and Bonnie have been in my life for as long as I can remember. Renso was my brother Ricky’s Godfather and incredibly close to my mom. He was a rock in her life when my brother was killed in a car accident and remained a steady presence throughout the years. I was recently looking through old photo albums and in many of them is a photo of Renso. He joined me on a trip to Japan when I oversaw the Anpachi program, an international school exchange program run through the Crowsnest Centre. I have photos of him holding my kids when they were born, I have photos of him with my parents throughout the years, so many that I forgot he was such a big part of our lives. When my mom was dying, she specifically asked for Renso. She wanted him to be there to give her Last Rites and I believe it gave her a lot of peace as she made her transition to Heaven. When everyone in my life died, I really wasn’t in a good place. I was emotionally and physically drained by the traumatic experience. It’s a bizarre feeling to become the adult in your family when everyone dies. I was 44 years old with no adult figures left in my life. I was the adult now. Both Renso and Bonnie stepped into that role for me in many ways. Both would show up here at the paper and check on me. It was often just a quick visit, but I felt that with them both in my life I wasn’t quite alone. After each event including the deaths of Willy, Gail, and Buddy, to my diagnosis with cancer, both Renso and Bonnie were there. Earlier in the year Quinn asked to be confirmed Catholic and did the work to get the blessing. On the day of his confirmation in Pincher Creek (he was the oldest kid there), Bonnie was there and Renso helped officiate the ceremony as Deacon of our Catholic Church here in the Crowsnest Pass. The last time I talked to Renso was just over a month ago. He showed up here at the office and we had a wonderful talk about life and illness. I’ve had some health issues lately and Renso was here to talk about it with me and make sure I was okay. It was a lovely visit and I wish I had known at that time it would be that last time I would see him come to the office to give me advise and a sense of love from an adult. In those moments I didn’t feel like I had to be the adult and could lean on someone who felt like a parental figure. I will miss Renso and his advice and his kindness. In his years as a teacher and administrator he touched many lives and I believe there are many in the community feeling as bereft as I do. He was a big man with just as big of a heart. Years ago, when Lyle and I bought our first house we needed to build a deck and who showed up but Renso and for over two weeks he helped us build that deck. He could build anything! He never asked for a thing, just showed up to help. That is the type of man he was: Giving, caring, thoughtful, brilliant, compassionate, and kind. He certainly practised what he literally preached. The Holy Trinity Church will miss him incredibly, as will many in this community. The Crowsnest Pass is a bit dimmer without him in it. My sincere condolences go to Bonnie and family. I have a pretty good idea the hole he has left in their family. If anyone took a straight line to Heaven it was Renso, his belief was profound and I’m sure he’s smiling from Heaven as he continues to watch over us all.
Herald “Letters to the Editor” Policy
Policy: The Pass Herald welcomes Letters to the Editor that examine issues, but reserves the right to edit for length, libel and syntax. Writers must sign letters and include first and last names, address and telephone number. Address and telephone numbers will not be published. Only in exceptional cases will the Pass Herald withhold the name of the writer and in those cases the writer must disclose his/her name, address and telephone number to the Editor. Electronic email will be considered an electronic signature. Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinion of the Pass Herald. Letters cannot exceed 600 words. We have limited space, but we do enjoy printing every article. So please, to allow everyone to express their opinion, keep the letters short and to the point. We do have the right to refuse any letter that in our judgement may contain libel or libelous opinions. Should a litigation result from your letter, you as the writer are responsible but so is this newspaper as the publisher. The Pass Herald is a family owned community newspaper and therefore reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that in our opinion does not follow our mandate. We cannot accept advertisements or letters criticizing or disparaging other advertisers, companies or individuals or any advertisements directed to a religion or race. Deadline for submission is the Friday prior to publication.
Meet Me at the Movies cont’d from page 5 telling him it’s an important business trip. Her longtime friends Tess and Sophie (Kaniehtiio Horn and Wunmi Mosaku) want Alice to loosen up and enjoy their holiday, but she doesn’t seem fully present. With Simon constantly texting her, it becomes clear that she’s being closely monitored, and that her phone serves as an overbearing conduit for emotional abuse. As the weekend progresses and friendships are strained, the women become entangled in a psychological tug-of-war with Simon. Alice, Darling dives deep into the subject of emotional abuse, prompting feelings of queasiness, uncertainty, and a chilling dread. But it also offers a hopeful testament to the power of love and friendship, thanks largely to the talented trio of actors who bring authenticity to the roles and relationships. “Kendrick transfixes, affirming that she has always had depth and range.”–Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. - November 27, 7pm USA, 2023 English, Hebrew, 106 minutes, PG13 Director: Kelly Fremon Craig Principal Cast: Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie, Abby Ryder Fortson When Margaret’s family relocates, she not only has to contend with a new life, but also new friends and new changes to her body. Based on the bestselling novel from Judy Blume, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. tells the seemingly universal story of what it means to grow up and find out who you are and what you believe in. After moving to New Jersey because of her Dad’s (Benny Safdie) new job, Margaret meets a new group of friends who are asking questions she hasn’t even heard of. Coming from a half-Jewish and half-Christian family, yet raised atheist, Margaret starts asking her father and mother (Rachel McAdams) about these big existential questions. Questioning her faith and identity, she visits her grandma (Kathy Bates) and attends Temple, but that doesn’t quite fit. One of her friends takes her to Church, but that doesn’t feel right either. While it seems like every other kid has their identity figured out, Margaret feels stuck in the middle, unable to grow up until she answers these questions definitively. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. won the Truly Moving Picture Award at the Heartland Festival, and there couldn’t be a better prize to encapsulate the film. Not only will fans of the now 50-year old book find this adaptation faithful, but it will also speak to today’s adolescents who will see themselves accurately depicted on screen. Poised as one of the best coming-of-age book adaptations to date (with a Rotten Tomato score of 99%), Margaret is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. “The director-writer Kelly Fremon Craig’s rendering of the book about puberty, family and nascent spirituality offers lessons in how a cherished object, when treated with tender and thoughtful regard, needn’t turn precious. It doesn’t hurt that Craig and the producer James L. Brooks assembled a cast that delivers the joys and blunders waiting at the edge of childhood but also touches on the pangs of other kinds of growing up.” –The New York Times (Critic’s Pick)
Lisa Sygutek Owner/Publisher Nick Allen Reporter/Photography Tina Pedersen Advertising Devin Brady Community Reporter John Kinnear Community Reporter Avner Perl Feature Writer
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Wednesday, September 6, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 7
Nick’s Notes My Brother’s Wedding I had the pleasure of returning to Saskatchewan for my brother’s wedding this past weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I was happy to make the trip back to act as a witness to their union. Even with the late-night driving I was more than happy to waste my time in the vehicle for my big brother’s wedding. The drive was uneventful, except for when the sun was setting. The smoke made everything look so ominous in the dying light it was hard not to think about the fires while driving home. I didn’t help much for the wedding, but I did join my parents for the trip to get the cake. I was kind of disappointed I didn’t get to try any, having to leave before supper and the iconic dessert. Another area I was a bit more involved with was the photography. I took photos for them during the ceremony and plenty of photos with different family members after. It’s so nice when I am able to apply skills from my job in my personal life. I haven’t had a chance to look through the photos yet, but a few of them looked really nice on the preview! Hope they turn out just as well when I look at them on the computer. It was a small group of family that was in attendance for the short ceremony, and it made it feel all the more special to be there. My nephews were sure chaotic while taking photos and during the ceremony, but also adorable. They were so talkative and the youngest was held by my older brother while reading vows. I look forward to meeting the newest member of the Allen family as well, he should be due soon. At the latest, I’ll definitely get to meet the little one during Christmas time. I sure am amazed at how quickly my little nephews are growing. I’m almost a 100 per cent sure the oldest is going to be taller than me by the time he is 15. I wish them both the best of luck going forward and know they will make a lovely couple for years to come. Congratulations Donovan and Christina!
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Beautiful prime mountain lot in Kananaskis Wilds, close to mountain backcountry trails, forest reserve, and spectacular cross country skiing at Allison Lake Rec area. KW offers some of the best value for large, fully serviced (including wired internet) lots in the Canadian Rockies. No commitment to build. $127,500 CALL JOHN MLS
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16 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, September 6, 2023
UROC Hosts Bee’s Knees Enduro Race DEVIN BRADY Community Reporter
The slopes of Pass Powderkeg are about to be full of action with the Bee’s Knees Enduro hosted by United Riders of Crowsnest (UROC). The race, first of its version, will take place on September 9 and 10, 2023. For those unfamiliar with the sport of mountain biking, an enduro race is a set course with only the downhill sections timed. It was derived in Europe and fashioned from the
similar styling of rally car racing. The goal is to get to the top of the mountain and race down as fast as possible achieving the fastest time after each course. Race director Darcy Neniska has been working tirelessly alongside volunteers to get this event set up. This is the first year of the race but Neniska “is hoping to make this a yearly event”. In the past they have held enduros alongside the Canadian Enduro League and in the future hope to work with them again to bring more races to the Crowsnest Pass. Held solely at Pass Powderkeg Bee’s Knees is an “enduro style race at the grassroots level, keeping it a friendly race.” Neniska’s biggest goal is “everyone has a great time, regardless of their race result”. The race begins on Saturday with a U12 category (8-11) focusing on an “introductory race for kids to feel what it is about” said Neniska. The race on Saturday is open to racers in the U15 category that are looking for a shorter course option. The course has three stages; Stage 1: Electric Monkey, Stage 2: Lower Buck 50 and Stage 3: Nothing to Luge.
Sunday will have categories from U15 long course up to masters and an open men/women E-bike category. The Sunday course has five stages; Stage 1: Buck 50, Stage 2: Electric Monkey, Stage 3: Berma-Grin, Stage 4: Spare Change-Roots of Hazard and Stage 5: Nothing to Luge. Which have a variety of technical features for both riders and spectators to enjoy. For spectators wishing to view the race there will be ample space to move around and access sections of trails that have technical features such as jumps and berms, allowing you to feel in on the action. There will be a food truck on Sunday as well as the Powderkeg chalet which will be open and serving their usual menu items and those that are curious about the sport can visit the UROC booth where they will have information on the organization as well as a merchandise table. At the end of the race there will be prizes for competitors of the race sponsored by Alpenland, Ascent Cycle, Calgary Cycle and Bike Bros. More information on the race you can visit the UROC website.
Blairmore Lions Train
Lisa Sygutek Photos
The train in Blairmore running for the last long weekend of the summer on September 2. There was food being BBQ’d and donations for the rides were being accepted. The Blairmore Lions run it after the Nippon Institute moved from the community.
Community Events Listing Sponsored by:
Event
Date
Time
Place
Community Registration Night
Sept 6
5:30 - 7pm
MDM, Bellevue
Community Appreciation BBQ
Sept 7
4:30 - 6:30pm
Gazebo Park, Blairmore
The Amazing Teen Race
Sep 9
Meet Me At The Movies
Sep 18, Oct 2, Oct 16 7pm
More info
cnp40.com Frank Slide Interpretive Center
cnpaaa@shaw.ca
Contact The Pass Herald if your non-profit organization would like an event listed passheraldads@gmail.com