Shootin' the Breeze – Feb. 8, 2012

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Shootin’ the Breeze

February 8, 2012 NANTON

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Published by Mountainside Printing

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Photo courtesy of Gerry Smith

Feb. 17 & 24 Pincher Creek Co-op

Co-op Meat Dept. vs. Back Country Meats

A touch of frost The Canadian Farmer’s Almanac predicted a winter that would be cold – in fact, very cold. Fortunately this prediction has only been true for a limited time, and for the most part we’ve enjoyed balmy winter weather. Hoar frost forms on cold, clear nights and presents us with a beautiful sight in the morning. Thanks to Gerry for sharing his photo, taken Feb. 7.

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Page 2 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12

My Little Corner

I’d like to thank the RCMP officer who presented me a speeding ticket on Tuesday night.

I was driving home from Calgary in the late evening and was distracted by a variety of things weighing heavily on my mind.

I didn’t have any particular reason to be speeding, but it has become habit with all the things I have to cram into each day.

Usually I have the cruise control set and am aware of my exact speed and how it relates to the posted limit.

This time, however, I wasn’t paying enough attention to the speedometer and my lead foot had taken over without me noticing.

The red and blue lights of the cruiser flashed brightly in the dark and my daughter shrunk low in her seat as I pulled over on the shoulder of the highway.

I sighed, knowing full well that I deserved the ticket, and waited for the lecture that would come along with it.

The officer asked for my licence and went back to his vehicle without any other comments.

The minutes seemed like hours as the lights proclaimed my offence to everyone

A Publication of Mountainside Printing Free print version distributed Tuesdays and Wednesdays Enhanced interactive version online with additional content each week www.shootinthebreeze.ca 403-904-2227 Phone 403-627-5259 Fax info@shootinthebreeze.ca 697 Main Street, P.O. Box 1060 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 Publisher & Editorial: Shannon Robin Production & Editorial: Cary Robison

To place an ad call 403-904-2227 Advertising Deadline Friday at Noon

else on the road.

I braced myself again for the lecture as the officer walked back to my open window, but all he said was, “You really need to slow down.”

I’ve been hearing variations of that phrase for a while now from my husband, my daughter, our family and friends....

Starting a business isn’t an easy task. I’ve done it before, but Mountainside Printing and Shootin’ the Breeze is by far the most challenging.

I don’t sleep much, and when I’m awake it seems that I’m always working in some capacity.

There have been days when I’ve felt like I was on top of the world, and others when I’ve questioned my choice to create this unique little business.

I believe in sharing positive stories and good will between communities, and appreciate the feedback which says there are others who share this belief.

For almost six months I’ve done the job of many, and while it’s been difficult, I’ve met some fabulous people, attended some neat events and enjoyed learning more about the area I now call home.

I’m most grateful to have a team of helpers now – Amber Mohl, Helen Friesen, Laura Jordan and Stan Skahl delivering papers throughout southwestern Alberta and B.C., Cary continuing to look after production. Amber and Helen are multitaskers who also contribute written work.

Thanks to them, I hope to be able to slow down a bit in the next few weeks.

After all, I’ve now been officially told.

Shannon Robin

A Rose of Thanks A huge thank you to Randy Stav, LeeAnne Stav, Jennifer Jones, Brian Delinte, Ed Dingreville, Jesse Newman, and Chelsea Stokke for volunteering their time, expertise and patience at the beginner roping clinics being held every other week until the end of May. Thanks to Shawn Watmough and Glen Ferguson for making the roping dummies and to Matt McBean and LeeAnne Stav for donating roping gloves for the kids.

Janet Watmough, president Pincher Creek Ag Society Send a free rose to recognize a kind gesture, a thoughtful word, or a little something someone has done for you or their community.

Phone 403-904-2227 or email news@shootinthebreeze.ca

In our mailbox We’ve been pleased to have some responses to Dawna’s question from last week about The Bridge of the Mastodons.

If anyone else has photos or stories to share, we’d love to hear from you.

We like Dawna’s idea of a picnic and will plan a summer date to do so with whomever cares to join us on the adventure.

An initial Google search brings up an interesting looking bridge formation in the Crowsnest Pass.

When you read the comments below it, though, you discover that the photo is of another bridge a valley over.

This means the map coordinates given on that page will also be incorrect.

Hi Shannon, Was reading this week’s letter to the editor and recognized The Bridge of the Mastodons from a Facebook post that a friend of Danielle’s had posted.

Her dad had been featured in Our Canada magazine as he had been searching for years to find it.

If you do venture out for a picnic I would love to tag along! It looks spectacular!

Leslie Claringbull, Pincher Creek Leslie directed us to the October-November issue of Our Canada with an amazing photo of the bridge and a story by Muriel J. Shepherd of Lethbridge.

Muriel’s son Rory was captivated by a photo of the bridge, taken in 1933 by Jack Vaughn, that appeared in a Crowsnest Pass history book.

Rory searched for the bridge over a span of 25 years, and finally came across it in 2009.

Letters to the Editor

We are pleased to accept letters for publication in Shootin’ the Breeze!

Letters will be edited and must include your name and contact information.

Bear in mind that the nature of our publication is to share positive stories! ☺ news@shootinthebreeze.ca or Box 697 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

To our advertisers ...

Dan Stumborg is no longer employed at Mountainside Printing.

If you were expecting a callback that may not have been followed through on, or had been discussing advertising opportunities with Dan, we ask that you call the office directly at 403-904-2227.

Thank you!

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12 Page 3

Doggone it!

By Amber Mohl of FancyPants Freelance If dog is man’s best friend, then Don Riva is a man on a mission! And he’ll be the first to tell you about how blessed he is.

Don is a dedicated and compassionate volunteer with residents in the long-term care facility at Crowsnest Pass Health Centre, where his three canine companions Zachariah, Caesar and Max greet residents with open arms … er, paws, and a steadfast supply of unconditional love.

Don is a man with strong conviction and a “dogged” faith (pun intended) which he is more than happy to share with anyone and everyone he meets. His decision to volunteer with pet therapy began after a relatively difficult incident, when he says that God spoke to him and told him to “get my eyes off my own problems and to help.”

On Christmas Day in 2004, Don brought his furry friend, Bristle Face, along with him on his first visit.

“The Lord provided me with Zak (now 13 years old) two years before Bristle Face died so I could continue on volunteering,” he says.

Seven years later, Don continues to bring his dogs with him to visit with seniors in the longterm care facility.

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me with the dogs to go and do good.”

Don and his dogs play an extraordinary role in the lives of the residents they visit. They have made many memories and Don has countless stories to share. “It’s good for the residents, it’s good for the dogs, and it’s good for me.”

He spends quality time with the residents, pushing them around in their wheelchairs and just visiting, bringing sunshine to every individual and making them feel special.

Don is in charge of the recycling for longterm care, which has led to the purchase of beautiful new planters and durable lawn chairs with attached tables for therapeutic recreation outings.

As if that’s not enough, he also calls bingo Tuesday and Friday evenings at the facility, entertaining residents as they play their favourite game.

It’s obvious to see that Don loves to make a difference in the lives of people and that his involvement at the long-term care facility is very Photo courtesy of Amber Mohl much appreciated.

If you see Don with Zachariah, Caesar, Max, Don Riva with his volunteer pups Zachariah, and their other canine companion Roxy, in tow, Caesar and Max are regular visitors to the be sure to smile and say hello – because Don CNP Health Centre. and his dogs are on a mission, and they have a wonderful way of making your day that much “If it weren’t for the dogs, I wouldn’t have had the guts to come in here,” Don says. “God blessed brighter!

The Pincher Creek Co-op would like to congratulate Kathie McLeod on her retirement.

Congratulations

Kathie, all the best as you turn the page on this chapter! I am honoured to be the one to recognize your achievement!

Bruce Buckingham, General Manager

On Your Retirement!

Kathie has given 33 years of service working for your local Co-op.

On behalf of the board, management and staff, I want to thank Kathie for her commitment and dedication. It is through her hard work and skill that the Pincher Creek Co-op Food Store has endured the tests of time and competition.

We had a party planned with all the fanfare, but Kathie preferred to step into retirement quietly without a ruckus. This emulates the past 33 years of her diligently working behind the scenes without the need for recognition for the long hours, sweat and tears.

Coleman

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Page 4 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12

Step up, Alberta!

Nathan Rogers takes the stage Feb. 22 and 23 at the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod.

Nathan sings Stan

By Vicki Arndt Nathan Rogers, son of legendary Canadian folk singer Stan Rogers, performs at the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod during a one-time only Canadian tour of Stan’s timeless and classic songs.

Hear “Barrett’s Privateers,” “Northwest Passage,” “Fogarty’s Cove” and many more on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 at 8 p.m.

Nathan Sings Stan as only Nathan could.

With an incredible voice and stage presence, backed by three of Canada’s best folk musicians, Nathan will perform some of the finest folk music that truly tells the story of what it means to be Canadian!

Take a walk on the wild side Pincher Creek Library will host a series of wildlife presentations beginning today and for the next three Wednesdays.

You can choose to attend the presentations in person or through video conference from any RISE library.

Offering the video conferencing means that even those in the smallest of communities in the Chinook Arch Library System can tune in and enjoy the presentation.

The Feb. 8 topic is Nutcrackers, Bears and Wolverines. Viewers will learn the connections between whitebark pines and wildlife.

Whitebark pines are being decimated throughout the Rocky Mountains, and Justin McKeown, public outreach education officer with Waterton Lakes National Park, will share what Parks Canada and volunteers are doing to help.

Future topics include Life on a Silken Thread on Feb. 15, Hair Snare for Grizzly Bears: Monitoring Bears in Southwestern Alberta on Feb. 22, and It’s Not Easy Being Green on Feb. 29.

For more information call 403-627-3813 or visit your local library branch.

Albertans are being encouraged to get out and go for a winter walk today, Feb. 8.

Take at least 15 minutes to walk as a group or on your own and register your time at www.shapeab.com or at the FCSS office in Fort Macleod.

Angie O’Connor of FCSS is excited for this year’s event and hoping her community will do as well as last year when they won $500 from AMA for the highest number of minutes walked in communities of comparable size.

The prize money was donated to Kids First Family Centre toward recreation subsidies for the children, and Angie is hoping Kids First will again benefit from the community coming together.

Angie makes registration for Fort Macleod walkers easy by tallying everyone’s time at her office and then passing on a total for the community. She loves that “Fort Macleod is a community where an idea gets presented and everyone just signs on.”

Those who don’t live in Fort Macleod may have opportunities available in their communities, and if not, can still register as individuals.

So far 115,000 people have signed up through SHAPE and they are aiming to have 120,000 by today.

For further information call 780-406-8530 or visit www.shapeab.com .

Get out and get active this winter!

Bellecrest update Submitted by Cory Schultz As 2012 begins, the Bellecrest Community Association eagerly looks forward to another successful year of events as we build on the momentum that has been created these past few years. Good weather and fantastic support received from local businesses, organizations and volunteers has increased our attendance and ensured a fun time for all.

In 2011, we hosted events such as Bellecrest Days, Santa in the Park, and Movies Under the Stars. As usual, they were very popular with families. Last year we added a Christmas potluck party as an opportunity for the membership, executive and volunteers to meet and greet in a relaxed atmosphere.

We also implemented a website, www.bellecrest.ca , allowing us to communicate information to our membership and the general public.

One popular feature is the picture gallery. There you will find digital photos from recent and past events, and scanned pictures from earlier Bellecrest Days and work bees that date back to the 1980s and 1990s. If anyone has photos that would be appropriate for the website, please contact the executive. There is also information on the Bellecrest Community Campground, links to other Crowsnest Pass websites and a

EAT WHAT YOU LIKE IN COMFORT

calendar of events.

Without the continued support of our volunteers, these projects and events would not be the success that they are. Volunteers like Seigbert and Rose Gail, Belle Kovach, Rudy Pagnucco, Paul and Rose Plante, Kim Schultz, Pam Vamplew and the members of the Bellecrest Community Association executive donate countless hours of their time.

Businesses like Sobeys and Mohawk Excavating continually support us with their donations.

We are also very fortunate to have the ag society assist us with a number of community beautification projects which have proven to be a terrific synergy of each organization’s strengths.

They also referred Terry Aris, who provided the mule-drawn wagon for our Santa in the Park celebration – and this was a huge hit!

There are many others who assist in these events but there are too many to list. So we, the Bellecrest Community Association, would like to say a huge “Thank you!” to everyone who has played a part in making our events and projects a huge success.

Like other organizations, without all the volunteers, businesses and organizations in the CNP, we could not do what we do. Because of your generosity, the Crowsnest Pass community benefits as a whole.

Congratulations to these lucky winners from the Claresholm Trade Show!

Doreen VanLangen $50 advertising credit Kim Marion $50 printing credit

403-627-4811

Nathan Rogers ticket draw will be Feb. 20

Prizes donated by Mountainside Printing & Shootin’ the Breeze

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12 Page 5

Storytelling with 100 red dresses

Photo courtesy of Melissa Friesen

Changes at Foothills Ernie and Irene Bergen, right, are retiring after 34 years of pastoral ministry. They spent the last 10½ years at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek. Former missionaries to Brazil, Jim and Marilou Nightingale, left, took over as pastoral couple Feb. 1. The Nightingales’ youngest son, Zech, joins them in Pincher Creek.

Free lessons at Wapiti Wapiti Sports Club has a busy weekend ahead with free ski and snowboard lessons offered at the ski hill in Elkford. Organizer Carmen Murray says that spots filled quickly, and instructors from NONSTOP Adventures will be working with at least 40 students per day.

Wapiti Ski Hill features all natural snow, with seven complete runs offering 1000 vertical feet of elevation change, a terrain park, and night skiing. Rates and further information about what Wapiti has to offer can be found at www.wapitiskiclub.com .

With the exception of lift operators and trail groomers, the ski hill is completely a volunteer organization.

One hundred little paintings and their names tell a story of three Alberta locations.

Drawn from familiar details, these paintings speak to our experience of place and season.

Nicole Bauberger sets up on-site to paint in encaustic, a form of painting in beeswax. She then paints 100 small encaustic paintings of dresses in about 10 days, each inspired by some small thing she notices about being in that particular time and place.

She welcomes stories and suggestions from the general public as she paints, so she can try to capture the worries, dreams, flavours and materials of that particular human landscape.

This show is selected from her three 100 Dresses projects: Grande Prairie in November 2008, Calgary in March 2009 and St. Albert in October 2009.

Nicole is asked, “Why dresses?” Her response is, “Dresses are fun, lots of dresses in one place, it’s got to be a party.”

She uses the dress as an actor to play a role in the paintings, or the material of the dress to present a way of looking at the world. It’s a way of painting the landscape and capturing the vernacular of the area including the human element.

This exhibition consists of 18 panels, six for each of the three communities. Each panel consists of small encaustic paintings representing the uniqueness of each community.

This exhibition is on display at the Timothe Lebel Art Gallery in Pincher Creek until Feb. 27.

We welcome your visit to this educational and entertaining exhibition.

100 Dresses for Alberta is a touring exhibition developed by the Prairie Art Gallery for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program. It is currently circulating throughout the southwest and central parts of the province via the Alberta Society of Artists. The AFA Travelling Exhibition Program is financially supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Loppet a great success

The term “loppet” is not a common one unless you are familiar with cross-country ski lingo.

Loppet means a “citizen race” open to all skiers meeting the age requirements set by the organizers of an event. A loppet is generally defined as a large, long-distance, cross-country skiing event of approximately 35 kilometres.

Debbie Whitten, president of the Crowsnest Pass Cross-Country Ski Association, thinks of a loppet as a race that’s more of a family event than a competitive race.

“Our loppet is geared more to mass participation as opposed to high performance racing,” she says.

Flight of the Crows Loppet was held last Sunday with 39 skiers taking part. “The best part was having 13 skiers aged 12 and under,” she says.

Some adults joined in with the kids for the 1.5 km race, and Debbie was thrilled to watch a race that was filled with smiles and giggles.

Mother Nature came through with one of those “spectacular, blue and white days,” and Debbie describes the conditions as “fabulous.”

The beautiful weather may have been a factor in slightly lower attendance than last year, as the lack of snow in town may have led people to believe there wouldn’t be enough snow to ski.

“It’s astonishing how much snow is up there compared to in town”, Debbie says, and conditions for skiing are perfect.

Racers had the opportunity to choose from three different lengths of course – 1.5 km, 8 km, and 16 km – and prizes were awarded to the top three male and female skiers for each distance.

The ski association has about 80 members, who are mostly recreational skiers.

Members have raised funds to buy highquality equipment for trail maintenance. The equipment was donated to the municipality, which provides trail care.

The ski trail is located at the Allison Chinook Recreation Area on Highway 3. The highway sign disappeared several years ago, and the club is working on signage to make the cross-country destination a visible one.

The public have free access to the trails and picnic shelters, although small donations for use are accepted and appreciated. The only restric-

tion to note is that dogs aren’t allowed on the trails.

Cross-country skiing is a great form of winter exercise, and you can’t beat the views along the way.

Debbie estimates that a complete adult set-up of skis, boots, bindings and poles would cost about $500 to purchase new.

Ski rental is an option the group may look into for the future as requests are growing.

The Boys and Girls Club owns ski equipment, and this year allowed the cross-country association to loan their skis out. Thanks to their generosity, 19 pairs of skis have been used by 13 families this winter.

The next major event is a moonlight ski on March 3. Debbie suggests getting to know the trail in daylight first, and then joining in this fun social event.

Also in the works is a family fun day which should come together sometime in March.

Keep an eye on the group’s website, www.allisonwonderlands.ca , for details.

For information contact Debbie at 403-5628224 or cnpcrosscountry@gmail.com .

Page 6 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12

Celebrate with Shane on Friday!

Shane Chisholm has reason to celebrate – he’s just been named male artist of the year by the Alberta Country Music Association.

The Claresholm resident will hit the stage at Casa Roma restaurant at 7 p.m. for a two hour show.

Shane has been making a name for himself on the country music scene with three Canadian Country Music Association awards in the musician category along with three nominations for roots artist of the year.

Along with recognition of his talent as a singer and songwriter, Shane’s talent for creating unique musical instruments has him standing out among the crowd.

His upright bass created from a Chevy Astro gas tank has become a trademark and also captured a CCMA award for special instrument of the Year.

Fans will be witness to the unveiling of Shane’s newest creation, The Cupright Bass, at the Friday evening show.

“I’m unveiling, (in) what might be its first and last appearance, an upright bass I

Photo courtesy of Shane Chisholm

Shane Chisholm performs at Casa Roma in Claresholm Friday night to celebrate his recent award as Male Artist of the Year.

made from pots and pans to resemble the Stanley Cup,” he says. “I call it The Cup-

right Bass, and it comes complete with a goalie stick neck and face mask tailpiece.”

This should be a highlight of the evening!

Shane has two special guests as opening acts, Mariya Soetaert of Stavely and Abby McGarvey of Claresholm.

“Mariya is a young talent from Stavely who just released her first CD, which is already receiving airplay on CKUA, and Abby is a young, emerging artist from the U.K. now living in Claresholm,” Shane says.

There’s nothing like a celebration with a distinctly local flavour.

The evening will feature music that Shane’s fans are already familiar with from his first album, Hitchhiking Buddha, as well as songs from his new CD, No One Came.

The official release date for No One Came is Feb. 29, and you can purchase the album or individual tracks from iTunes via Shane’s website, www.shanechisholm.com .

Tickets for Friday’s show are available from Casa Roma for $10 each. It’s sure to be a full house, so get your tickets today.

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Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12 Page 7

Win a $1200 Trip for You and Your Valentine Shop at these Ranchland Mall Merchants for Your Chance to Win! 5S Enterprises C & D Floral Co-operators Insurance Co-op Farm & Home Centre Co-op Food Store Co-op Gas Bar

Cougar Ridge Computers L & P Casuals Mrs. P’s Coffee Corner Pincher Creek Adult Learning Centre Ranchland Liquor Den Roy Denby Accounting

Prize package includes a limousine trip to Lethbridge, dinner at the Water Tower Restaurant, champagne and snacks.

Draw Date Feb. 11

Granum Gift & Handicraft Craft Supplies, Avon, Watkins and Sewing Needs Silk or Fresh Flowers

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Valentine Gala Friday, Feb. 10

5:30 Cocktails & Social Mixer Followed by Dinner and Dancing to Play’n Country

Bloominʻ Inn - East of Pincher Creek Tickets $25 Each ($15 tax receipt) Available at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village – 403-627-3684 Fundraiser for Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Transportation Display.

To sponsor a gift basket or make a donation call Tracy at 403-627-3684.

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Singles and Couples Are Invited to a Night Out on Valentine’s Day! Our Live Music Never Disappoints!

Abby Noir on Feb. 24

Nathan Rogers Live Feb. 22 and 23 in Fort Macleod

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Valentine’s Clearance Sale

Jake thanks everyone for the birthday wishes! The pet wall will be on display until Valentine’s Day - it’s a big hit!

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Page 8 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12

Waterton Winterfest Waterton’s WinterFest will be held Feb. 18-20 on Family Day weekend. Everyone is invited to come and snowshoe, cross-country ski, hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride, or go stargazing.

Join us at the Little Prairie picnic shelter on the Akamina Parkway for a warm drink, then hit the trails. Bring your own gear or rent skis and snowshoes from Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort or Waterton Glacier Suites. Guided cross-country ski trips will also be available, but you must register in advance.

After a carriage ride in the community, chill out and warm up indoors with family

crafts and board games or enjoy a splash in the pool. Then treat yourself to the songs and stories of the mountain national parks by attending a special performance of Parks Canada’s ImagiNATION. As the sky darkens, meet at the Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort for some music and stargazing.

WinterFest is organized by Parks Canada and the Waterton Chamber of Commerce.

For a detailed schedule of events, to register for a ski trip, or for more information, go to www.pc.gc.ca/waterton or contact Parks Canada at 403-859-5133, or the Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort at 403-859-5120.

Salome’s Stars ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Lots of mixed signals can create an unreliable situation in which to make decisions. Best advice: Hold off on making any commitments until you’re sure you know what’s going on.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) An apparently friendly offer comes with some strings attached.

Be careful not to get tied into something you don’t really want. Thoroughly examine all your options before making a choice.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) If you’re not careful, distractions can interrupt your best efforts.

Continue to focus on what you need to do. You’ll soon have lots of time to enjoy the rewards of your dedication.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Knowledge replaces suspicion as you begin to learn more about that “act of betrayal.” On a lighter note, someone close to you might be planning a pleasant surprise.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Control your sometimes-overactive jealousy gene before you find yourself saying or doing something that you could later regret. Best advice: Stop obsessing and move on.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good time to loosen up and do something wonderful and exciting before your more reserved nature resurfaces. A message brings news of imminent change.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Cheer up.

Things begin to improve significantly by mid-

February. However, you might still need help to get through the rest of this sometimes-difficult period.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Something you learned last week takes on new meaning as you begin to relate it to another situation in your life. It’s best to keep this matter to yourself for now.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your energy level is climbing, and so is your selfconfidence. Good for you, because you’ll need a good dollop of both to tackle an exciting challenge on the way.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A family issue might interrupt a career-linked project.

Try to give the matter the attention it needs, but be careful not to jeopardize your workplace situation.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Some self-doubt shows up this week, causing you to question your ability to handle a new challenge. But you know you can do it, and this is your chance to prove it.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A personal matter requires you to be as clear and forthcoming as possible in order to avoid misunderstandings.

A career move is eased with the emergence of new facts.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of reaching people that makes them feel good about themselves. You would be an excellent motivational speaker. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12 Page 9

The Breeze Bulletin Board

CARDBOARD HAULING: For all your commercial & residential cardboard hauling needs in Pincher Creek call Craig at 403-6326131.

HELP WANTED: Mature person with sales experience for advertising position with Shootin’ the Breeze. Full-time or part-time position. Phone 403-904-2227 for info.

FREE KITTENS: Two 14-week old kittens found abandoned by Longview need a good home. One male, one female preferably to be adopted together. Phone 403-603-2065.

ROAST BEEF SUPPER - Trinity United Church in Fort Macleod, Saturday, March 3.

Everyone is welcome!

FOR SALE: New chesterfield, 3-seater never used! Beige and yellow, come see it! $450.

Phone 403-553-4978.

VALENTINE’S DINNER - Feb. 10 and 14 at Mac’s Diner at Bridges Golf Course in Claresholm. Call 587-433-6412 or visit www.macshospitality.com .

JACK RUSSELL PUPPIES - Ready to find good homes. First shots and deworming.

Two males and three females. $400. Phone 403-625-5407 or 403-625-9368.

FREE PIANO! Older piano, good for kids just learning to play or for tinkling on the keys. Phone 403-540-3384.

FOR SALE: 1994 Shasta 26.5’ trailer with bunks and full bath. As is, $4000.00 or best offer. Phone 403-564-4179.

HOME PARTIES: Host a Passion Party and receive free products and exclusive discounts. amimarin@yourpassionconsultant.com WANTED: Enclosed 3 to 4 place snowmobile trailer in excellent condition. Phone Dennis at 403-627-6449.

Advertising Deadline is Noon Fridays Four line ads as low as $6.75 per week No charge for lost and found or items to give away!

Phone 403-904-2227 or ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

According to Tina

By Tina Webber My power wheelchair broke down on Saturday. As I have said, I have multiple sclerosis and am in a wheelchair due to its effects. I am lucky enough not to have further ravages of the disease. My other limbs are somewhat weaker and although some might jokingly disagree (at least I hope it is jokingly) my mind is still intact.

I must say that with the power wheelchair I never felt handicapped. So it is an eye-opening experience not to have the convenience of the power chair. Even getting a coffee is impossible because how can I hold the cup and still control the manual chair?

Having to get around on my own or calling for assistance is a disheartening experience. Going from my bedroom to the bathroom, a distance of a few metres, can take 10 minutes to make the round trip. Now I have to think, have I done everything, because if I forget something the trip starts all over again. Yesterday I went outside to have a smoke (nasty habit), got out to the ashtray and after all the effort to get there felt like crying after realizing I had left the cigarettes in my room. Well, I didn’t cry but it was a

near thing.

I was told the replacement chair will arrive mid-February at best, and this month is already wearing on me physically. I wasn’t really aware that it was wearing down my spirits as well until a comment was made that they had missed my joking manner and laugh. I guess on Monday I was sombre and not my usual self, and it was noticed right away by others.

I am not looking forward to the next few weeks but will persevere as is my way. One thing that will happen when the new chair arrives is I will appreciate it all the more! Yes, the old song is correct: “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”

Brain Teaser: John and Joe were fighting, so their mother punished the two by telling them to stand on the same piece of yesterday’s newspaper until they apologized to each other. She did this in such a way that they could speak to but not touch one another. How did she do this? (Gosh, mothers are smart!)

Answer to last week’s Brain Teaser: He was born in the presence of his father, and his mother died in childbirth. He became a pastor and married his sister to her husband.

Saving the music festival The Crowsnest Pass Music Festival has an uncertain future and is taking a hiatus for 2012.

If you are interested in learning more about the festival and ensuring that it’s back in business next winter, you are urged to join others dedicated to the development of music in the area at an information session on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., at the Allied Arts building in Frank.

Music festivals provide an opportunity for soloists and groups to be adjudicated by a topnotch teacher or examiner. Students learn to set goals and develop performance skills in a positive atmosphere which carries far beyond the piano bench.

Each student or group receives a detailed critique of their performance with the focus always being on what they have done well.

Personal bests and achievement are just as important as the certificates and awards involved.

With the nearest festivals being Lethbridge and Brooks, the possibility of the Pass losing its festival will leave a huge gap for music students.

Current chairman Jerry Lonsbury suggests one of the issues is determining what kind of a

festival it should be.

“Restructuring should be based on ‘what needs can we serve?’ as opposed to ‘this is what we’ve always done,’ ” he says.

Previous years have seen up to 200 participants, but last year there were only 100.

There are many contributing factors to the decrease in numbers, such as changing priorities in schools and the cost to bus classes to attend, along with fewer music teachers in the area and fewer youth involved with lessons.

Piano remains the strongest class at the festival each year and Jerry feels there will be an increase in strings after “taking second fiddle to piano, now that there is a teacher in the area.”

At one time almost all of the bands from the Livingstone Range School Division competed at the festival, but that’s no longer the case.

“In the past we have tied in a workshop on the following day which worked really well, but that’s not the kind of thing you can pull off each year,” Jerry says.

The first step toward revitalizing and restructuring is to have a solid base of volunteers come forward at the meeting on Sunday.

Page 10 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12

Everything Under the Sun - Goods and Services Directory Categorized Listings at www.shootinthebreeze.ca

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Roxann Green - Sales Consultant

Custom Meat Processing Domestic & Wild

Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence in Fort Macleod!

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Fresh Meat Retail & Wholesale Gourmet Sausage Kitchen

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The Grand Hotel Pub and Restaurant 403-563-5227 7719 17th Avenue Coleman

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l Ively Realty Ltd.

2207 20th Avenue

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Harry Lively

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Mother’s Intuition Birth is SAFE!

Laura Jordan, CD - Doula, Student Midwife

250-425-2431 250-531-0520 Sparwood

Full Service Gas Bar

obin & Co. Chartered Accountant

Personal, Corporate and Agricultural Accounting and Tax Services Pincher Creek, AB Coleman, AB 1-800-207-8584 697 Main Street 8506 19th Avenue dennis@robinco.ca (403) 627-3313 (403) 562-0003

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403-904-2227

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12 Page 11

Mark Your Calendar Find complete event details at www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Winter Walk - Get out and walk!

Register with www.shapeab.ca – Nutcrackers, Bears & Wolverines presentation - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek library or watch by video conference from any RISE library – Senior boys’ basketball - Livingstone vs. St. Mike’s at Pincher Creek – Pee wee hockey - Crowsnest Pass vs. Foremost/Bow Island at Coleman – Senior girls’ basketball - Livingstone vs. J.T. Foster at Nanton – Granum rec board meeting – Granum fire department meeting – Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club - 1 p.m. at Pincher Creek Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre – Griz Kidz Crafty Kids - 6 p.m. at Slopeside Coffee Shop in Fernie

Adult

Youth

Early Childhood

Thursday, Feb. 9 – J.T. Foster senior band dinner and concert - 6 p.m. at Nanton

Friday, Feb. 10 – Beginner roping clinic - 6:30 p.m. at Horsehoe Pavilion in Pincher Creek – Community Hall fundraiser casino Stavely hall – Erin Ross live - 8 p.m. at Twin Butte General Store – Free Friday night movie - 6 p.m. at Slopeside Cafe in Fernie – St. Michael’s School family dance - 6 p.m. at Pincher Creek – Valentine Gala (Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village fundraiser) - 5:30 p.m. at Bloomin’ Inn east of Pincher Creek – Dinner and meat draws - Bellevue Legion – T0K 0M0 live at Pincher Creek Legion

– Small Spurs Rodeo at Claresholm Agriplex – Valentine dinner - 7 p.m. at Claresholm Legion – Peigan Cowboys vs. Nanton Palominos - 8:30 at Nanton – Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle all day at Fernie Alpine Ski Resort – Valentine’s Day Fun Run - 9 a.m. at Elks Hall in Blairmore – Ghostriders vs. Creston - 7:30 p.m. at Fernie – Here’s What I’ve Learned - 1:00 p.m. at Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek Sunday, Feb. 12 – Music festival meeting - 7 p.m. at Allied Arts building in Frank

Tuesday, Feb. 14 – Candlelight dinner - Denise’s Bistro in Pincher Creek by reservation only – Livingstone School sports booster meeting - 7 p.m. at Lundbreck – Oldman Rose Society of Southern Alberta AGM - 7 p.m. at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek – Chamber of commerce meeting - noon at Bridges Golf Clubhouse in Claresholm – Council meeting - 7 p.m. at council chambers in Claresholm

Saturday, Feb. 11 – Atoms hockey - Elkford black vs.

Fernie - noon at Sparwood – Granum Fire Department fundraiser - 5 p.m.

– Ranchland Mall fabulous night out draw - Pincher Creek

Monday, Feb. 13 – Monday Night at the Movies - 7:30 p.m. at The Orpheum in Blairmore – Hearts Duplicate Bridge Club - 6 p.m. at Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre – Slow Food - 10:30 a.m. at Kootenai

Wednesday, Feb. 15 – Life on a Silken Thread presentation - Pincher Creek Library and all RISE library locations by video conference at 7 p.m.

– Chamber of commerce meeting 6:30 p.m. at FCSS building in Nanton

Bellevue – Kids on the Move - Mon. & Fri. 11:00 a.m. at MDM Complex – Move & Groove - Mon. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. at MDM Complex – Rhyme Time - Wed. 10:45 a.m. at MDM Complex – Stay for Play - Wed. 9:30 a.m. at MDM Complex Claresholm – MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) every other Tuesday 10:00 a.m. at Baptist church Crowsnest Pass – Learn and Play the “SPICE” Way - Mon. to Fri. 9:00 a.m. at CNP Parent Link Centre Claresholm – It’s Friday, Let’s Play - Fri. 1:30 p.m. at West Meadow Elementary School Fernie – Griz Kidz Crafty Kids - Wed. 6 p.m. at Slopeside Coffee Crowsnest Pass – Take Off Pounds Sensibly - Wed. 6 p.m. at Bellecrest Seniors’ Centre – Quad Squad - second Sun. of month 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Fish & Game Club

Family Skating Crowsnest Pass – Sun. 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

Pincher Creek – Sun. 4 to 5 p.m. (free) Public Skating Claresholm – Fri. 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. (free) Crowsnest Pass – Wed. 2 to 3 p.m., Fri. from 12 to 1 p.m. & Sat. 1 to 2 p.m.

Elkford – Sun. 1 to 3 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m. to noon, Fri. from 1 to 3 p.m., Sat. 6 to 8 p.m.,

– Craft Time - Tues. 10:30 a.m. at CNP Parent Link Centre – 3,2,1 Play! - Mon. & Wed. 10:30 a.m. at Horace Allen School gymnasium – Fun Time Thursdays - 10:30 a.m. CNP Parent Link Centre Fort Macleod – Rhymes That Bind - Tues. 9:30 a.m. at library – Stay and Play - Mon. 9:30 a.m. at W.A. Day School Lundbreck – Storytime - Tues. 10:30 a.m. at Lundbreck School – Kids on the Move - Thurs. 10:30 a.m. at Lundbreck School Nanton – Lego Club - Tues. 3:30 at Thelma Fanning Library Pincher Creek – After school arts program - Fri. 1:45 at Lebel Mansion – Beginner roping clinic - every other Fri. 6:30 p.m. at Granum – Dropinettes - Thursdays Nanton – Al Anon - Thurs. 8 p.m. at FCSS building

and Sun. 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. (free) Fort Macleod – Tues. & Thurs. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Fri. 3:30 - 4:30 and 6:30 - 7:45 p.m., Sunday 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (all sessions free) Pincher Creek – Wed. 7:15 to 8 p.m. and Fri. 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. (free) Sparwood – Tues. & Thurs. 7 to 8 p.m. and Sun. 3 - 4:45 p.m.

Parent & Tot and Seniors Skating Crowsnest Pass – Wed. 1:15 to 2 p.m. and

Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek – Council meeting - Nanton

Nanton – Mother Goose Rhymes - Tues. 10:00 a.m. at the United Church Sparwood – Parent & Tot Fun Times - Tues. 9:30 at Sparwood rec centre – Baby Talk - Tues. 1:30 at Sparwood Health Unit – HOP - Wed. noon at Sparwood library – Story Time - Thurs. 1:30 at Sparwood library Stavely – Stay and Play - Thurs. 9:30 a.m. at youth hall Horseshoe Pavilion Sparwood – Library Antics - Thurs. 3:30 at Sparwood library

Pincher Creek – Rotary luncheon - Thurs. 11:45 a.m. at Heritage Inn – Search & Rescue - First Tues. 6 p.m. at the fire hall Sparwood – Lion’s Club - every other Thurs. 7 p.m. at MacIsaac’s

Fri. 11 a.m. to noon Fort Macleod – Wed. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Sparwood – Tues. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

After School Rec Hockey Sparwood – Wed. & Fri. 4 to 5 p.m.

Shinney Hockey Crowsnest Pass – Wed. 12 to 1 p.m.

Elkford – Tues. 9 to 11 p.m. and Thurs. 1 to 3

p.m. (14+ only) Pincher Creek – Mon. & Fri. 12 to 1 p.m.

Adult Rec Hockey Crowsnest Pass – Wed. 9:15 to 10:15 p.m.

Sparwood – Tues. and Thurs. 9:30 to 11 p.m.

Skate & Shoot Hockey Sparwood – Mon. to Fri. noon to 1 p.m.

List your event by calling 403-904-2227 or emailing news@shootinthebreeze.ca

Listings are free for non-profit groups, service clubs, schools and youth organizations and events advertised in The Breeze. $5 fee for unadvertised commercial and business listings - promote your event on this popular page!

Page 12 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 8/12

Counting in the Crowsnest

By Denise Coccioloni-Amatto

The Crowsnest Conservation Society held its annual Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 27. We were very pleased to have 13 active participants this year, put into five groups so as to cover a circle 24 kilometres in diameter. We really love to get out to see what is around the Pass at this time of year. This is done on foot as well as by vehicle.

We are also fortunate to have a number of local people who feed a great number of birds. Eight feeder watchers kindly kept count for us. On the 27th we counted all the birds we saw from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and, while this was the mildest count day we’ve ever had, everyone experienced microdermabrasion performed by Mother Nature due to the strongest winds we have ever dealt with.

A number of highlights we enjoyed were a merlin, tons of wild turkeys, a couple of brown creepers (very secretive little birds), common redpolls (looking like little cadets with their dapper red berets),

on Dec. 27 and an additional five species during count week (Dec. 24 to 30).

After the day of wind and wonder we all met for a potluck get-together to share our experiences and compare our sightings.

Anyone who is interested in joining us for the May count or even next Christmas, can call the Crowsnest Conservation office at 403-562-8923 or email birds@crowsnestconservation.ca . We would love to take anyone out who’d like to learn more about the local birds!

This is the first year we have taken part in the Pincher Creek Christmas Count, and this brought about our taking part in the Audubon Society count, which is North America-wide. To participate, each Photo courtesy of Raymond Toal person pays $5, which is a fee the AuduOne of 121 pretty pine grosbeaks counted in bon Society requires. This ensures we all receive a magazine and that alone is worth the Crowsnest Pass area Dec. 27. the money. The fun part is just being outdoors after all the crunch of preparing downy (little shavers) woodpeckers and for Christmas and family, not to mention hairy (big enough to shave) woodpeckers walking off a bit of – oops! sorry, birdie pals as well as blue jays, who are so cheery and – turkey! pretty to watch. We counted 32 bird species

Mix and Mingle invite you to a social evening at the offices of

Robin & Co. Chartered Accountant, Mountainside Printing &

and North & Co. LLP Thursday, Feb. 16 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Join us for refreshments and real life social networking!

697 Main Street, Pincher Creek

Money Matters Shootin’ the Breeze is pleased to offer a special feature on financial issues February 15.

Don’t miss the opportunity to reach out to current and potential clients through a combination of advertising and editorial content at great rates!

Booking Deadline extended to Feb. 10

Everyone is Welcome

Call Shannon at 403-904-2227

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