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Welcome Solstice Constantine Jessica Rae Deciantis and Lance Constantine welcomed their daughter on Christmas Day. This week, Solstice was given a beautiful handmade quilt and a teddy bear. See more on page 10.
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Page 2 Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13
Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
My Little Corner By Shannon Robin
Last Friday I was invited to attend the installation of officers of the Pincher Creek Legion. Although I have attended many functions at the Legion, this was the first official meeting I’ve attended. I was an active Legion member years ago, while still in my 20s. Many years later, I was still the youngest in the room interested enough to stay for the entire meeting. This worries me. When I joined the Legion it was initially an attempt to learn more about my grandfather, Stanley Robison, who was a veteran of the First World War. It didn’t take long to discover war had changed him so profoundly that his children didn’t get to know him, and as a result there was very little to pass on to his grandchildren. I enjoyed sitting in the lounge visiting with the veterans and listening to them speak of wonders and horrors I could never imagine. They expected little for their sacrifices, and for the most part, that’s what our veterans have received – little. As each year passes, stories are forgotten and the meaning of their sacrifices is being lost. The Royal Canadian Legion plays an important role in keeping history alive and fighting for the rights of veterans. At one time, it was common to think of veterans and Legion members as the “old people.” Now there are veterans 20 years younger than me. Many Legion members are children and grandchildren of war veterans. It’s difficult to get my head around the concept that people my age and a little bit older could potentially become Legion members as parents or grandparents of veterans. War has not ended, it has simply changed. Active Legion members, based on my obser-
vations over the years, tend to be those with grey in their hair and medals of service on their chests. Becoming a Legion member didn’t bring me closer to the grandfather I didn’t know, but I learned many lessons, and it was an early taste of formal community service that I enjoyed and have carried on for as long as I can remember. My membership lapsed when I moved from my hometown, and once I was living in the city, I didn’t feel the same kinship with community groups that I had in our small town of 5,000, and I slacked off a bit. When I moved to Pincher Creek, my husband teased me about having to sign me in every time we went to the Legion. I meant to fill out a membership form and become a member, but somehow the form wound up in one of many piles in a desk drawer. I thought about it again later and got as far as obtaining a copy of Grandpa’s service record. Somehow, it found its way into a drawer as well. At the meeting last weekend, I learned the branch had raised almost $4,600 through its Salvation Army kettle project this year. That’s pretty impressive. I was impressed to hear that Remembrance Day essay participation had risen from 178 to 247 entrants locally. I was even more impressed that the men had recently cooked and served dinner to the ladies. I watched as members were sworn into their new positions. The mood was respectful and playful at the same time, and there was a level of camaraderie that doesn’t exist in many clubs. I left with many stories to follow up on in future editions the Breeze. When I got back to my office, I dug through mounds of paper in my desk drawers until I found what I needed to walk back next door and once again sign up as a Legion member. Thanks for impressing me, again.
There’s more good stuff online at www.shootinthebreeze.ca Advertising Editorial Share your stories and news ideas! Submitted articles, letters to the editor and photos are always welcome. Shannon Robin, Publisher – Writing, Photography and Design Cary Robison – Editing, Printing and Accounting Brenda Shenton – Administrative Assistance, Writing & Photography Brad Quarin – Writing Stan Skahl – Distribution
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Jessica Jensen – Pincher Creek area Kylee Warkus-Forget – Crowsnest Pass ads@shootinthebreeze.ca or 403-904-2227
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The Breeze Mailbox A chance for woodworkers to show their stuff! Calling all woodworkers! Lebel Gallery in Pincher Creek is seeking submissions for an exhibit entitled Works in Wood. Whether you carve or construct, if you create with wood, we want to hear from you! Tiny carvings or imposing sculptures, functional furnishings or decorative works in the medium of wood are what we want to celebrate. We encourage all who create with wood to consider participating in this show, which runs March 12 to April 19. To make a submission, please contact our office at Lebel Mansion – 403-627-5272 or lebelpc@gmail.com – and a form will be provided, with full details. The form is also available in this week’s online edition of Shootin’ the Breeze. Deadline for completed submissions is next Tuesday, Jan. 15. Gallery Committee, Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek
Thunder Minor Hockey Day this Saturday The Crowsnest Pass Minor Hockey Association invites all of our Thunder players to celebrate Thunder Minor Hockey Day on Saturday, Jan. 12. Four of our five teams are playing home games that day. Following the team’s home game, you are invited to join us at Zip’s Concession where you will receive a hot dog, pop and bag of chips compliments of minor hockey. The pre-novice players and parents are encouraged to come out as well as all Thunder players. This is one of the only weekends our Thunder teams will all be playing at home. The schedules are as follows: Saturday, Jan. 12 Noon to 2 p.m. – Novice 2 vs. Kainai; 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. – Novice 1 vs. Cardston; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Atoms vs. Coaldale; 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. – Peewees vs. Raymond. Sunday, Jan. 13 10 a.m. to noon – Novice 1 vs. Coaldale; 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. – Atoms vs. Taber. We are hoping to fill our barn with all of our players and enthusiastic fans to cheer on our Thunder teams throughout the course of the day. We hope to see you there, and bring your noise makers! Go, Thunder, go! Karen Whelan Shootin’ the Breeze is about your community ... Share story suggestions and ideas by calling 403-904-2227
Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13 Page 3
You just never know when you might get flashed ... and love it! By Shannon Robin
According to Wikipedia, a flash mob is “a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then quickly disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire and artistic expression.” The flash mob that broke out at Ranchland Mall before Christmas didn’t quite fit this definition. It was a sudden gathering of people in a public place, at 5:47 p.m. to be exact, and it was brief, lasting less than 10 minutes. It wasn’t pointless, satirical or meant to show off or raise money – it was simply a gift of community spirit. Mavis Davidson came up with the idea. She had seen it happen on TV, and thought it could be a great way to share the beauty of the Christmas season with her community. “The idea just came, and I thought we could do that at Mrs. P’s,” says Mavis. She envisioned a group of singers interrupting Friday night supper with song and “spreading the good news of Christmas.” Mavis approached Nicki Schoening with her idea, and suddenly something really neat was in the works. “She was totally excited about it,” Nicki says. “It was her brainchild.” Mavis went out recruiting singers, and Loretta Packham of Mrs. P’s Coffee Corner became part of the secret plan. The ladies began dropping hints that something cool would be happening Dec. 21 when a special gift would be given away. At precisely 5:47 p.m., Nicki turned off the mall lights and ran to a keyboard already set up outside of Mrs. P’s. Patrons had been given candles when they placed their dinner orders
Photos by Jessica Jensen
Adam and Shannon Schoening were part of a flash mob that delighted Ranchland Mall patrons just before Christmas.
Loretta Packham, left, and Mavis Davidson collaborated with Nicki Schoening to pull off a surprise gift of community spirit.
and told they would know what to do with them when the time came. From the darkened hallway came the sounds of music. Adam and Shannon Schoening led the way singing “Silent Night.” Their children, Justin, Will and Madeline, and Adam’s parents, Fred and Deirdre Schoening, followed with candles lit and voices raised in song. About 45 people were in on it, and diners and shoppers spontaneously joined in singing. “Joy to the World” was the second song, then just as quickly as the mob had materialized it was all over. “Mavis wanted to bring the true Christmas feeling out in people, and she did it,” Loretta
says. “I was so happy to see the look on her face – she lit up like a candle.” “It was so exciting to see everybody and just to experience the feeling of it,” she adds. “It had nothing to do with money, just spirit. It doesn’t cost anything to sing a song or give a hug.” Mavis was pleased with how things went, and felt it really brought home the true meaning of Christmas. “Loretta is all about community, and she loved it,” Nicki says. “She likes to bring people together, and this wasn’t about business, it was just something to make people feel good inside for a few minutes.” What a wonderful community gift.
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2013 Winter/Spring Calendar
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PINCHER CREEK ADULT LEARNING CENTRE The new calendar is available in mailboxes or at the town hall, recreation centre, Lebel Mansion, Provincial Building and Pincher Creek Campus. Lots of new and requested courses offered such as stained glass furniture, book writing, parent and toddler yoga, Facebook for business and more!
403-627-4478
Ranchland Mall
Pincher Creek
Support the local businesses and organizations that bring you The Breeze each week!
Page 4 Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13
Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
Harlem Crowns take to the court Friday By Brad Quarin On Friday, the senior boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek will face opponents who somehow manage to be both formidable and funny. The Fabulous Harlem Crowns basketball team will participate in an event designed to raise money for this year’s high school graduation ceremony and for Pincher Creek Emergency Services. For the crowd, the game promises entertainment and some laughs. “We’ll be seeing lots of tricks,” says Rhonda Oczkowski, a teaching assistant at Matthew Halton who is also organizing the grad ceremony. “It’s just totally a fun event.” The noticeably-tall Harlem Crowns are known for touring and entertaining at fundraisers like this. They’ve visited Pincher Creek before, playing with the St. Michael’s Dragons in 2011, and clips of the game are available on YouTube. The team approached Matthew Halton and offered to perform there this year, Rhonda says. She planned the event and also invited EMS to take part, having connections with them through her husband. EMS put together a team that will also be playing against the Harlem Crowns. “They were quite thrilled about being able to participate,” Rhonda says. However, Rhonda herself doesn’t know exactly what to expect. “We’re all in for a surprise,” she says. At the very least, we can expect to see the Harlem Crowns handle the ball with a great deal of skill. The game is a family event starting at 7 p.m., and both young and old will find it entertaining, Rhonda says. Tickets purchased by 3:30 p.m. Friday will cost $9. Afterward, tickets will be available only at the door and will cost $10. The portion of that money going to EMS will likely go to the fire brigade for things the government usually doesn’t finance, says firefighter Marcella Bakker. It may pay for equipment relating to pediatrics or cardiac monitors for the elderly. A portion of the money also goes to the Harlem Crowns to cover their expenses. No further fundraisers for Matthew Halton grad are planned for now, but they’re looking for ideas, Rhonda says.
A Rose of Thanks
Pincher Creek Figure Skating Club Door-to-Door
Bottle Drive Saturday, Jan. 12 Starting at 9 a.m. Thanks for your continuing support!
Pincher Creek & District Ag Society is calling a
Special General Meeting to change the Year End
Monday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.
Horseshoe Pavilion Lobby Pincher Creek Ag Grounds
Singing, listening, rhythm puppets and more! Classes for children ages 3 & 4 start Feb. 4 to 7, 2013! Carrie Cooley 403-627-5402 carrieatunemyc@gmail.com
Is currently looking for servers Full and part-time positions available
We offer ... * competitive wages * on-duty meal allowances * plus many more benefits Phone 403-627-5000 or come to the front desk for information. 919 Waterton Avenue Pincher Creek
SONY PRS-300 E-BOOK READER Brand new condition, $100 Pink metallic finish with white leather case 403-627-8829
A Rose of Thanks
There are no words to describe how I feel right now and how blessed I am to have lived in Crowsnest Pass. I owe many thanks to Crowsnest Canine Centre for Cooper’s safe return! Melinda Hopkins-Wabick, Calgary
A big “thank you” to Rotary Club members for the generous donations that helped to make Christmas special for our youngsters. Group Group Youth, Pincher Creek
Phone 403-904-2227 or email news@shootinthebreeze.ca
Phone 403-904-2227 or email news@shootinthebreeze.ca
Send a free rose of thanks or recognition!
Send a free rose of thanks or recognition!
EAT WHAT YOU LIKE IN COMFORT
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Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13 Page 5
You can enjoy winter at the loppet By Brad Quarin
For Deb Whitten, cross-country skiing is a passion. “Skiing for us was a family activity that we did from the time our children were very, very small,” she says. She lived in Edmonton, which was an ideal place for cross-country skiing. “It was something our children enjoyed and we could all do it together.” Deb, who retired to Crowsnest Pass in 2008, is now the president of the Crowsnest Pass Cross-Country Ski Association, which is holding the Flight of the Crows Loppet on Feb. 2. A loppet is a “citizen race” in which families and anyone else possessing cross-country skis can come out and have fun. “It’s not a serious race,” Deb says. “The winners are the people who come out, and enjoy it and finish.” For participants, the loppet provides exercise and something to do. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate and enjoy winter, and in Canada we better be doing that because we have a lot of winter,” Deb says. It’s also a social event, giving everyone a chance to meet neighbours who share an interest in cross-country skiing. Flight of the Crows, originally conceived by the club as an obvious way to promote the sport, is going into its third year. The non-profit ski association, incorporated in the Pass in 1991, develops ski trails that Deb says are the envy of many other towns in Alberta. The loppet takes place at Allison-Chinook Recreation Area, which she describes as having lovely and challenging trails that are underused. One can find it by taking Highway 3 to Allison Creek Road and turning north, and then taking the left fork at the cattle guard. A 1.5-kilometre race for families will start at 11 a.m., followed by 8-km and 16-km races for adults at 12:30. There will be medals for the top three participants in each event, but only kids 12 and under can collect for the short race. There will also be lunch and draw prizes donated by local businesses. About 40 people took part in past Flight of the Crows Loppets. However, Deb says it would be nice to see more come to the third one, noting loppets in Kananaskis can bring in 1,200 people. She says they could accommodate more people, though they would have to run off to gather more sandwiches. In the past, people have come from Pincher Creek, Lethbridge and Calgary to take part in Flight of the Crows. The loppet needs volunteers as well as contestants. Volunteers can set up tents, register guests, watch the race for safety and, if there are enough volunteers, keep an eye on the kids during the long race. Entrance fees are $5 per participant 12 and under, and $15 for everyone else, though no family needs to pay more than $35. For more information, visit allisonwonderlands.ca or contact the club at cnpcrosscountry@gmail.com .
Photo by Brad Quarin
Joyce Zwick displays a dictionary destined for the hands of a Canadian reader.
Joyce shares her passion for literacy By Brad Quarin These days, many adults probably think the only way to get a kid interested in a book is if Harry Potter is in the title. Gerry Alex, president of Pincher Creek’s Rotary Club, points out that this is an age of electronics. However, it turns out Grade 3 kids can be thrilled about owning their own dictionaries. He describes handing out the books in Crowsnest Pass as one of the most delightful things he’s done. “It’s just an absolute blast going into these schools and talking to the kids,” Rotarian Joyce Zwick says. “The kids are excited about it.” The Rotary Club is an international service club that Gerry says has many projects around the world, including setting up wells to give people in South America or India clean water. “We do it strictly just to help other people in the world,” he says, noting the club’s motto is “service above self.” The club is also a major sponsor of the Dictionary Project, which aims to provide dictionaries to children in Grade 3. It started out in the U.S. and it was Joyce who brought the program to Canada, starting with Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod. Gerry praises Joyce for doing an “absolutely fabulous job” on the project. “She’s taken it to heart,” he says. Indeed, Joyce professes that “literacy’s my passion.” Although she tutors math, she headed an adult learning society and says as a kid she read so much that her mom had to force her to go outside. Literacy combats ignorance, she says, and it opens up doors. That’s why she took interest in the Dictionary Project. She says the project began in Georgia, where one Mary Plummer wanted to help local children advance in life and figured a dictionary would be a useful tool. She began buying dictionaries herself and handing them out to children. Eventually the project grew as donations poured in. Today, the Dictionary Project produces its own dictionaries, which are also gazetteers. While visiting her father, a long-time Rotarian,
in Arizona, Joyce attended a Rotary meeting and was intrigued when they gave out dictionaries. “I was curious, and I started asking questions,” she says. Joyce contacted the Dictionary Project to point out typos in their Canadian dictionary and to tell them she would like a Canadian gazetteer. Her suggestions raised interest and, in January 2007, Joyce was brought to the project’s office in Charleston, S.C. to help put together a new book. The first version of the Canadian dictionary and gazetteer had some historical inaccuracies and the picture on the cover was just ice and snow, which Joyce disliked. However, it was a start, and Joyce later took her own picture of a fir tree to be used in later editions. Participants in the Dictionary Project contact schools to get permission to come in, and obtain class lists. They write the name of each student in a dictionary and then call the name of each student to receive a book. Joyce has personally handed out about 400 of them in the local area, and is willing to replace worn-out copies. “I tell the kids, ‘Use it and abuse it,’” she says. One of her triumphs was in Brocket, where there were only two dictionaries in the entire school before the Dictionary Project arrived. The project was the first literacy program to visit the town. “Unfortunately, too often the native children are probably the most disadvantaged,” Joyce says. The inexpensive dictionaries – each priced at only US$3 – are meant to “provide a level playing field.” “We don’t care what their backgrounds are, we don’t care if they’re poor, rich,” Joyce says. Currently, the Dictionary Project can be found in certain Canadian places as distant as Prince Edward Island, but there’s still room for growth. Joyce’s main goal is to see every Rotary Club in British Columbia and Alberta participate. “That’s one of the beauties of Rotary,” she says. “I you have a passion for anything, there is room within the organization to explore and develop that passion.” To learn more, visit thedictionaryproject.com .
Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
Page 6 Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13
Photos by Shannon Robin
Installation of officers at Pincher Creek Legion Installation of officers for Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 43 was held Friday in Pincher Creek. Seated, from left, are sergeant-at-arms Fred White, president Dick Waywood, secretary Maggie Christians, executive committee member Ethel Luco and service officer Hal Sigurdson. Standing, from left, are executive members Dave Bruder and Bill McLeod, padre David Goff, executive member Debbie Keehn, first vice-president Dick Burnham, executive member John Baker, past-president Ed Rouleau and secretary Bill Skelly.
Pincher Creek Office Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 697 Main Street
403-627-3313 1-800-207-8584
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Installation of officers for the Legion Ladies Auxiliary of Branch No. 43 was held Friday in Pincher Creek. Seated, from left, are Jean Pultz, vice-president Sandra McMullen, and chaplain and executive member Erna Greenly. Standing, from left, are executive members Margaret Keer and Lil Vandezande, president Maggie Christians, treasurer Rose Killoran and secretary Lou Burnham. Missing are Mary Everts, Jo-Ann Callbeck, Diane Stillman and Leona Doell.
obin & Co.
Chartered Accountant
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403-562-0003 1-800-207-8584
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• Final Returns and T3 Returns • Will Planning Including Tax Analysis of Property Transfers
• Income Tax Preparation • Retirement and Estate Planning • Investment Analysis - Basic education including advice on some of the tools used to evaluate investments, discussion of diversification, risk and rate of return, and various alternative types of investments including tax analysis • Tax Planning Including Income Splitting and Investment Products to Reduce Tax Payable • Tax Estimates for Current or Future Years • Lease vs. Purchase Analysis • Loan/Mortgage Analysis • Insurance Planning • Education Funding and Alternatives • Planning After Separation or Divorce
Dennis Robin, B.Mgt., CA
Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13 Page 7
Kids benefit from Shael’s second sock campaign By Brad Quarin Shael’s Socks From Santa was a success for a second year. The Christmas program – started last year by Shael Davidson, 5, and his father, Mike – once again received hundreds of donations for disadvantaged families in Crowsnest Pass. “It feels good to help other people,” Shael says. “I was excited to know on Christmas that lots of kids were waking up to see what Santa brought, and the stuff everyone helped me collect was under the tree.” “We wanted to meet or beat last year, and that’s exactly what we did,” Mike says. He believes the response from donors was similar to last year, when 450 donations were received, but the variety and quality of items was greater this year. About half of the new donations were socks, but he says they also collected “a ton of brand new pyjamas,” and lots of toques, gloves and mittens. There were also some toys, nightlights and kids’ DVDs. “It looked like way more stuff than last year!” Shael remarks. Mike notes that according to the Women’s Resource and Crisis Centre, the donations went to about 100 children. “If I wasn’t involved in a project like this, I wouldn’t realize that there’s that type of demand,” he says. There were 16 collection boxes out this year, including at independent stores, drug stores and legions, Mike says. The hot spots for donations included the post office and Copy Magic, which
Photo courtesy of Mike Davidson Five-year-old Shael Davidson poses with a mountain of goods donated to his Christmas sock campaign.
also helped make the posters. For Mike, the highlight of the year was knowing that they helped even more children than the 50 or 60 last year. As well, he is proud of Shael for his role in the program. “When the idea comes from your five-year-old, it really takes it to a whole new level,” he says. Shael and Mike are already talking about
continuing the program for a third year, with still more drop-off locations. The people behind Shael’s Socks From Santa appreciate the town’s support. “It is really nice to see everyone pull together to provide families an extra hand over the holiday season,” says Desiree Simoneau of the women’s centre. “Thank you, everyone,” Shael says.
NIT Intercultural Campus Homestay Program The NIT Intercultural Campus is anticipating 19 students arriving in May of 2013. Each student is placed with a local family for approximately one year. Families are reimbursed $675 per month, and provide a private bedroom, three meals each day and a caring environment for a young adult Japanese student. Single and married parents, with or without children are invited to participate. NIT provides training, support and an all-expense paid trip to Japan after five years of service.
For more information or to apply, contact NIT at 403-562-7704 or email nit@shaw.ca Application Deadline: Jan. 31, 2013
TierOne Travel
2462 - 213 Street
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403-562-2208
Page 8 Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13
Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
Are you up for the challenge? By Shannon Robin Are you tough enough? Are you strong enough? Are you awesome enough to help break a world record? If you’re interested in an amazing event that promises fun and a great amount of personal satisfaction, you should sign up for a marathon floor hockey experience and become a champion for Brenda. Players are needed in both Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass for games that will begin Friday, Feb. 1 and run through until Sunday afternoon. Each team can have 30 players who will rotate shifts so there is time to rest and eat. Players should be at least 14 years old and be willing to commit to the full weekend. Volunteer support is also needed to prepare and serve meals, referee the matches, keep score, provide childcare and, most importantly, cheer on the players. “What we really need are the players,” says organizer Jody Peebles. Both teams are slowly coming together, but it’s time to kick things up a notch and fill the rosters. Some details are still being finalized, including receiving approval from Guinness World Records for both applications. The record is currently held by Sir Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, which adds a neat regional twist to the challenge. The suggested turnaround time for approval from Guinness is six weeks. This has passed for the Crowsnest Pass application and is coming up for the Pincher Creek application. It’s possible that Christmas holidays have slowed the process, but both groups are hoping to receive the nod of approval soon. If January passes without hearing from Guinness, the games will go ahead as planned and, as Jody says, “We’ll just do an epic marathon floor hockey game.” The idea behind the hockey challenge came from Ty Tracey, a 17-year-old from Coleman. His mom, Brenda Macdonald, needs a double lung transplant. The costs associated with the transplant and recuperation are about $70,000 – not exactly pocket change. Ty and his friends Taylor Armstrong and Brittney Newton wanted to do their part in fundraising. Jody Peebles, a teacher at Crownest Consolidated High School, came on board to spearhead the game and help the teens put their ideas in motion. Taylor’s mom, Sheri, John Kinnear and myself are other adults involved in the activities of Champions for Brenda, and Jaiden Panchyshyn is rallying teenagers in Pincher Creek to join the cause and join the floor hockey challenge. Brenda is finishing up six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation in Edmonton, and has been listed as status 2 (in greatest need) for a transplant. To say that she’s been blown away by the love and community support is an understatement. “Last summer I had no hope,” she says. “Now I believe in myself and know my life has worth.” This attitude shift will serve Brenda well in the difficult months ahead. John Kinnear is managing the donations and, as of today, almost $31,000 has been raised to assist Brenda and her family. This says a lot, not only about our communities and those who know Brenda, but also about the compassion of strangers who have contributed and sent well wishes from all over Alberta. There are more events planned, such as a fashion show and a comedy night, with all money raised going directly to help Brenda and her family. So what do you say? Are you in? Would you like to play, volunteer or donate? Then it’s game on! If you’re in Crowsnest Pass, please contact Jody Peebles at 403-563-5785 or email peeblesj@lrsd.ab.ca . If you’re in Pincher Creek, please contact Shannon Robin at 403-904-2227 or email shannon@shootinthebreeze.ca . If you’d like to know more about Champions for Brenda and the story so far, please visit www.shootinthebreeze.ca .
A Rose of Thanks
Thank you to Barry and Sophie Carney of Simply Catering for donating and cooking a turkey for Brenda Macdonald, her family and our volunteer group! Champions for Brenda Send a free rose of thanks or recognition!
Phone 403-904-2227 or email news@shootinthebreeze.ca
Champions for Brenda
TWO LOCATIONS – ONE GREAT CAUSE!
• Be one of 60 players attempting to break the world record - players should be at least 14 years old • Raise pledges or donate • Come watch and be part of the cheering squad
• Volunteer at the event – we’ll need babysitters, help preparing and serving meals, entertainment, referees, scorekeepers and more! • Independent consultants can book tables at no charge if a portion of sale proceeds are donated
For more information, to sign up to play or volunteer or to make donations please contact: Jody Peebles – Crowsnest Pass – 403-563-5785 or peeblesj@lrsd.ab.ca Shannon Robin – Pincher Creek – 403-904-2227 or shannon@shootinthebreeze.ca For the whole story visit www.shootinthebreeze.ca
Join our Facebook group Champions for Brenda Macdonald
Brenda Macdonald
Brenda Macdonald of Coleman is in need of a double lung transplant to save her life. Expenses in excess of $70,000 must be covered, and Champions for Brenda will donate all money raised from the tournament to Brenda and her family. You can make a difference! ... Walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone ... Rodgers and Hammerstein
Together we can SAVE A LIFE and set a WORLD RECORD!
Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13 Page 9
Writers circle back in action By Brad Quarin When I was in high school 10 years ago, I was part of the Crowsnest Writers Group. We met regularly at the Public Art Gallery in Frank to share and discuss our work, hoping to improve it after getting feedback. The ages of the members and the types of writing we brought varied, and the atmosphere was friendly and the process was usually helpful. “I think a lot of people are interested in writing these days,” says local author Barbara Janusz, who belonged to the group from 2005 to 2006. However, since a novelists group splintered off, she notes that the writers group is pretty much all there is for locals interested in writing anything besides novels. Not wanting to see this resource die, she is looking to reinvent the group as the Crowsnest Writers Circle, starting Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. Barbara is renaming the group “to give it some semblance of a new organization” and restructuring it “to pass the torch to younger people,” she explains. Lately, the group has been meeting at the library in the afternoon, which Barbara notes is when many young people are unavailable. By moving the meetings back to the evening, she hopes to attract more young writers. The circle will welcome just about any kind of writing, be it poetry, memoirs, essays or short
stories. Postcard stories, which Barbara describes as works of fiction only about 250 words long, are also welcome, as she believes they are popular with youths. The intent of the circle is not to provide an editorial service. Barbara isn’t very interested in fixing grammar or spelling mistakes. Instead, she sees it as more of a support group and a source of inspiration. Writing can be “a lonely endeavour,” she says. She also notes that when a writer shares his or her work, others will often notice themes and meanings the writer was actually unaware of. All Barbara asks is that members treat each other respectfully. Beyond this, she envisions the writers circle as very loosely structured, and members will determine how it works. Meetings may involve sharing work, but they may just consist of members talking or writing. For now, the writers circle looks like it will meet on the third Tuesday of every month, but that too can change. “It’s very much up to the members,” Barbara says. Barbara hopes for eight to 10 people, because there are 10 chairs in the library basement, where the group will meet. “It’s a nice space,” she says. However, even more people could join, which might result in more than one new group. If you want to join, you can call Barbara at 403-564-5158 or leave your name at the library. For now, there are no membership fees.
CCHS grads collecting bottles Friday and Saturday By Brad Quarin Cody Strandquist, a Grade 12 student at Crowsnest Consolidated High School, is looking forward to his graduation in May. “I’m ready to be done,” he says. “I’m excited just to be in different places and experience different things.” He’s also playing a key role in making sure his exit from CCHS will happen with style and ceremony. Along with Courtney Hoschajew, Cody is a student leader in this year’s bottle drive to raise money for grad. Everyone in Grade 12 is helping out, Cody says. The bottle drive is planned for Jan. 11 and 12, with teacher Ian Baxter organizing the activity. The fundraiser goes back 21 years, and was conceived by teacher Isabel Gill. Ian took over after Isabel’s retirement, but he doesn’t run it alone. Elections were held among students for various grad positions, with Cody and Courtney elected as student leaders of the bottle drive. Ian says he is “very happy” with that choice. Cody and Courtney divided Crowsnest Pass
into sections and then assigned a group of three or four students to each one. They arranged for students with trucks to collect the bottles. On Jan. 11, students will approach businesses for bottles, and the next day will visit neighbourhoods and then sort the bottles, cans and water jugs. “It’s not a fun job,” Ian says. “It’s a very dirty job, by the time you sort them all and get them all down to the bottle depot.” Still, the reward may be worth it. Ian estimates that in the last three or four years the bottle drive has typically generated between $4,000 and $6,000. Most of the money will be used for grad decorations and gifts, Cody says. It’s the decorations that cost the most. Fortunately, some of the work is already done. People with excess bottles have contacted CCHS and Cody has picked them up. Many of the bottles already collected came from Popiel’s Restaurant, Mac’s Convenience Store and the RCMP. “The community’s very, very supportive of the bottle drive,” Ian says.
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Photo courtesy of Windy Slopes Health Foundation Naomi Schweb is the latest winner in the Windy Slopes Health Foundation vacation raffle.
Naomi’s a winner! Submitted by WSHF A phone call wasn’t needed to notify the latest Vacation a Month Raffle winner – the winner was in the building. Naomi Schweb is a medical assistant at Associate Medical Clinic, a part of the Pincher Creek Health Centre, where the draw was made Jan. 2. Naomi and her husband will enjoy a two-night stay at Radium, a prize package that includes a special dinner and passes to the hot springs. “It’s nice when the winners are local, but very cool when we can walk over and congratulate them right away,” says Donna Schauerte of Windy Slopes Health Foundation, which operates the raffle. Pam Ostick of Calgary won the $100 cash draw for January. Baseball fans will be hoping to win the February draw for a trip to Toronto and a pair of tickets to see the Blue Jays in action. “The Jays have been in the news lately with all the trades they’ve made, so it’s a timely draw,” Donna says. “Somebody’s really going to enjoy that prize.” Tickets are still on sale at Pincher Creek Health Centre, and all proceedes support local health care services. For details, visit the foundation online at wshealth.ca .
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Page 10 Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13
Gifts and traditions Jessica Rae Deciantis and Lance Constantine of Pincher Creek welcomed their daughter Solstice on Christmas Day. What better gift could there be? Solstice was due Dec. 17, but wasn’t ready to make her grand entrance until more than a week later. She and her grandma now share their birthdays with Christmas. On Monday, the family received the gift of a beautiful, handstitched quilt from the Pincher Creek Quilter’s Guild. Bonnie Conrad and Sonja Shane, members of the baby quilt committee, and hospital staff oohed and aahed over the little gal. At only six pounds eight ounces, Solstice was almost hidden from view when swaddled in her new quilt. Members of the quilter’s guild have been presenting this special gift, to the baby born closest to Christmas, for about 15 years. Bonnie and Sonja did most of the work on this particular quilt, with help from many hands in the group. Another special gift for Solstice was a stuffed bear from Grade 4 and 5 students of Livingstone School in Lundbreck.
Photo by Shannon Robin
Baby Solstice Constantine was a Christmas gift for her parents, Jessica Rae Deciantis and Lance Constantine. Bonnie Conrad, far left, and Sonja Shane, far right, presented the family with a handmade quilt from the Pincher Creek Quilter’s Guild.
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Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13 Page 11
Mark Your Calendar Events and Entertainment – Full details are available in the Breeze online calendar – www.shootinthebreeze.ca Thursday, January 10 – Crowsnest Pass municipal council budget meeting - 7 p.m. at Coleman office – Rotary luncheon - 11:45 a.m. at Heritage Inn, Pincher Creek – TOPS meeting - 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Pincher Creek – Darts - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Poker - 7 p.m. at Blairmore Legion Friday, January 11 – Beginner to intermediate roping - 6:30 p.m. at Horseshoe Pavilion in Pincher Creek – Harlem Crowns basketball - 7 p.m. at MHHS in Pincher Creek – CCHS grad bottle drive in Crowsnest Pass – Meat draws - 5 p.m. at Blairmore and Bellevue Legions – Darts - 6 p.m. at Coleman Legion – Free skating for parents/tots/seniors - 11 a.m. in Coleman – Free public skating - 11:45 a.m. in Coleman – Free public skating - 6:45 p.m. in Pincher Creek Saturday, January 12 – Figure Skating Club door-to-door bottle drive - 9 a.m. in Pincher Creek
– – – – – – – –
Thunder Minor Hockey Day in Crowsnest Pass CCHS grad bottle drive in Crowsnest Pass Free public skating - 10:45 a.m. in Coleman Free pool - 1 p.m. at Coleman Legion Snooker - 2:30 p.m. at Blairmore Legion Darts - 3 p.m. at Blairmore Legion Meat draws - 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion Meat draws - 4 p.m. at Coleman Legion
Sunday, January 13 – Free family skating - 2:30 p.m. in Coleman – Free family skating - 4 p.m. in Pincher Creek Monday, January 14 – Town council meeting - 6 p.m. at Pincher Creek town hall – Cribbage - 7:30 p.m. at Coleman Legion – C.N.P. indoor soccer - 5:45 p.m. at Albert Stella Memorial Arena in Blairmore Tuesday, January 15 – Crowsnest Writers Circle - 7 p.m. at Crowsnest Pass Municipal Library in Blairmore – MHHS School Council meeting - 6:30 p.m. at the school in Pincher Creek – Livingstone School Sports Booster Club meeting 7 p.m. at the school in Lundbreck
– Fun Texas hold ’em poker - 6:30 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Works in Wood submission deadline at Allied Arts Council (Lebel Mansion) in Pincher Creek – Co-ed volleyball (age 25+) - 7 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore – Crowsnest Community Choir practice - 7 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore – Friends in Sync singing group - 7 p.m. at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek – Toastmasters - 7 p.m. at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek Wednesday, January 16 – Coffee & conversation for ESL learners - 5 p.m. at Mrs. P’s (Ranchland Mall) in Pincher Creek – Financial Fitness workshop - 9:30 a.m. at Horace Allen School in Coleman – Free skating for parents/tots/seniors - 12:30 p.m. in Coleman – Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club - 1 p.m. at Fred Huddlestun Senior Citizen Centre in Pincher Creek – Knitters Skein - 1:30 p.m. at Harvest Coffeehouse in Pincher Creek – TOPS - 6 p.m. at Bellecrest Seniors Centre – Cribbage - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Cribbage - 7:30 p.m. at Blairmore Legion
Weekly Activities for Adults and Seniors
Published second and last weeks each month. Early childhood, youth and school activities published first and third weeks each month. – C.N.P. indoor soccer - Mon. 5:45 p.m. at Albert Stella Memorial Arena in Blairmore – Cribbage - Mon. 7:30 p.m. at Coleman Legion – Seniors’ fitness class - Mon. & Wed. 10 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – Community keep-fit class - Mon. & Wed. 10 a.m. at Pincher Creek town hall gym – Adult shinny - Mon. & Wed. 2:30 p.m. at C.N.P. Sportsplex in Coleman – Noon-hour shinny hockey - Mon. & Fri. 12 p.m. at Pincher Creek arena – Gym walk - Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – Fun Texas hold ’em poker - Tues. 6:30 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Co-ed volleyball, age 25+ - Tues. 7 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore – Crowsnest Community Choir practice - Tues. 7 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore
– Friends n Sync singing group - Tues. 7 p.m. at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek – Toastmasters - Tues. 7 p.m. at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek – Afternoon fitness break - Tues. & Thurs. 4 p.m. at town hall gym in Pincher Creek – Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club - Wed. 1 p.m. at Fred Huddlestun Senior Citizen Centre in Pincher Creek – Knitters Skein - Wed. 1:30 p.m. at Harvest Coffeehouse in Pincher Creek – TOPS - Wed. 6 p.m. at Bellecrest Seniors Centre – Adult badminton - Wed. 7 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore – Cribbage - Wed. 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Cribbage - Wed. 7:30 p.m. at Blairmore Legion – Rotary luncheon - Thurs. 11:45 a.m. at Heritage Inn, Pincher Creek
– TOPS meeting - Thurs. 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Pincher Creek – Jam session - Thurs. 2 p.m. at Coleman Legion – Darts - Thurs. 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Poker - Thurs. 7 p.m. at Blairmore Legion – Meat draws - Fri. 5 p.m. at Blairmore and Bellevue Legions – Darts - Fri. 6 p.m. at Coleman Legion – – – – –
Free pool - Sat. 1 p.m. at Coleman Legion Snooker - Sat. 2:30 p.m. at Blairmore Legion Darts - Sat. 3 p.m. at Blairmore Legion Meat draws - Sat. 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion Meat draws - Sat. 4 p.m. at Coleman Legion
* Detailed information can be found in the online calendar at www.shootinthebreeze.ca
List your event by calling 403-904-2227 or emailing news@shootinthebreeze.ca
Listings are free for non-profit groups, service clubs, schools, youth organizations and events advertised in The Breeze.
See yourself at Teck, visit: www.teck.com/careers
Page 12 Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13
Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities
Pincher Creek Offers Our Customers Photo by Raymond Toal
This mountain chickadee appears to object to being counted.
Counting feathers
By Brad Quarin
“I never thought I was going to be a bird person,” says Denise Coccioloni-Amatto, a member of the Crowsnest Conservation Society. Nevertheless, she took a key part this Christmas in counting local birds and then compiling the data. “It’s fun, you challenge yourself,” she says. “It’s just kind of interesting to know what lives here.” The Christmas bird count in Crowsnest Pass took place Dec. 27. The local effort was part of a much larger count across North America that has been going on annually for 113 years, Denise says. In the Pass there were 10 people out counting birds, split into three groups who covered different areas of town. One “group” consisted of only one person, Peter Sherrington, who walked from Hillcrest to Burmis, Denise says. She was part of the group that covered the east side of town, starting outside Hillcrest and going to Coleman. Besides the 10 counters, six people took part by setting up feeders at their houses and watching them. One lady saw a song sparrow. “He toughed it out so far this winter, and that’s pretty amazing,” Denise says. The count also turned up a red-winged blackbird, which is typically a summer bird. “I guess he just didn’t get the message to go south.” Denise says one of the most interesting things about the count is seeing a kind of bird that’s unusual for the area, which might come here because of a storm. Overall, the bird count found 32 species on the count day, and an additional four during the week. These included raptors like bald eagles and golden eagles. You might not expect that such a count could tell you exactly how many individual birds live in the area. However, Denise says the activity can give us an idea of how bird populations are doing, when compared with the results of previous years. “I think overall we can see a pattern that birds tend to be declining in numbers,” she says. Besides the educational value, the bird count is enjoyable as an activity. “It’s just nice to get out and walk, being out, being with friends,” Denise says. She explains her own interest in birds by recounting one sighting that made a great impression on her. She was out by the golf course when she heard a thumping that she first thought was a deer running. “There’s the biggest woodpecker I’ve ever seen in my life,” she says. “Wow.” Denise encourages more people to volunteer for the bird count. “If people are interested, just give us a call,” she says. Her number is 403-562-8556. She notes another bird count will take place this May, a time that promises more colourful birds. The Crowsnest Conservation Society aims to raise awareness of the environment and help people appreciate what’s here. It is a volunteer group that is also interested in things like recycling and teaching people about bears.
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January 11
Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13 Page 13
7 p.m.
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Page 14 Shootin’ the Breeze January 9/13
ARTIST SUBMISSION to THE LEBEL GALLERY in PINCHER CREEK
“WORKS IN WOOD” Artist’s Name:
_________________________________________
Artist’s Contact Information: Phone ___________________ Phone #2_____________________ Address ___________________________________________ Email
___________________________________________
Name(s) of Work(s), Approximate Size: ____________________________________________ Size _________ ___________________________________________ Size _________ ____________________________________________ Size _________ ____________________________________________ Size _________ Photograph attached ____ OR Digital photograph emailed _____ Date submitted: ______________ Signature:______________________ Deadline for submissions: January 15, 2013 Return to: lebelpc@gmail.com Subject line: Gallery Committee or Mail to:
Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek
Box 2434, Pincher Creek, AB T0K1W0