Do you like to drive? Do you appreciate Seniors? We are looking for you! Drive happiness is looking for generous, compassionate individuals to volunteer their time driving seniors in our area
You choose how often you drive
Create your own schedule
We provide a gas reimbursement
Meet friendly seniors
Make a difference in your community
Drive happiness is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse environment for our staff. Our mission is to enhance mobility and connect older adults to the resources needed to live and age well
Seniors value their independence and with your help we can make this more achievable for them
For more information or to find an application form visit: https://drivehappiness ca/volunteering/
Family Violence Info Line (310-1818)
One-quarter of victims of police-reported violence are victimized by a family member.
Learn where to turn when faced with family violence or domestic violence, and know your rights and the law.
For more information visit: https://www.alberta.ca/family-violence-find-supports
C O M I N G E V E N T S C O M I N G E V E N T S C O M I N G E V E N T S
Thu Nov 23
Fri Nov 24
Sat Nov 25
Sun Nov 26
Tue Nov 28
Wed Nov 29
Thu Nov 30
Fri Dec 1
Sun Dec 3
Wed Dec 5
Parent and Tot Skating 10:30 am
Drop In Hockey 12:00 pm
Sunshine Club Christmas Tea 1:30 pm
Youth Recreation Night
Scapa Country Christmas 10:00 am
Ranchers Ball 5:30 pm
Ladies Drop-In Hockey 4:00 pm
Workout with Shandi 6:00 pm
Council Information Meeting 8:30 am
Parent and Tot skating 10:30 am
Drop in Hockey 12:00 pm
Light Up Parade
Santa visits Westview CO-OP 4:30 pm Parade 7:00 pm
Craigmyle Pancake Breakfast
Ladies Drop-In Hockey 4:00 pm
Workout with Shandi 6:00 pm
Include your event in the Community Calendar
Contact the Town Office
FREE WORKOUTS WITH SHANDI
Centennial Place Fieldhouse
Nov 21, 28, Dec 5,12 - 6:00 -7:00 pm
Nov 1-3 Apex Utilities Phase II
Area 6: Nov 21-24
Area 7&8 Nov 25
Things to Note:
Alley access WILL be restricted and very possibly BLOCKED during this time. There are 6 different Areas that will be impacted.
You will notice various locating companies and vehicles prior.
There will be no loss of service
Stay Informed:
Sign up for the Town e-newsletter. The signup is found at the bottom of every page on our website. If you need assistance, contact the Town Office.
Visit hanna.ca/news to read the most current notice.
Sign up for SMS Notifications at The Town text message notification system MAY be used.
Check your front door for correspondence from Neuterra.
Mayors Message: Sidewalk Safety Starts with You
Winter is settling in and with that I would like to provide a friendly reminder to all property owners that it is their responsibility to ensure their sidewalks are clear of ice and snow within 24 hours after a snowfall has ended. When removing snow off your sidewalks or driveways it is not acceptable to place
that snow on the street as you are required to keep it on your property or remove it to an alternate site. The majority of residents do this very well but for those of you who don’t, consider this a warning.
The deer population within Town limits has been increasing and while it may seem like the humane thing to provide food for the deer it is not the right thing to do. Unfortunately, these deer are causing significant damage to residential yards as well as municipal outdoor spaces. In addition, there have been several
deer and vehicle accidents on town streets where the deer have been badly injured or fatal. If you are having issues with deer damaging your trees there are a few things you can do to prevent it.
Council will soon begin the 2024-2026 budget process. This will be the third budget for this council and will be a significant challenge as council will be dealing again with increased policing costs following the provincial decision mandating all municipalities to pay for policing costs (previously all municipalities under 5,000 population and all rural municipalities were exempt). This has had an impact on the Town of Hanna by $48,000 in 2021, $72,000 in 2022, $96,000 in 2023 and rising to $148,000 in 2024. In addition, the inflationary costs that we all feel at home affect the operation of the municipality (utilities, insurance, fuel, cost of materials, etc.).
It is anticipated that if successful with our grant application to Prairies Can through their Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund in the amount of $4.1 million together with matching funds from the Town of Hanna in the amount of $1.6 million that the Downtown Redevelopment Project will be a go in the spring of 2024. This project will replace all of the downtown underground infrastructure in a 2 ½ block area including the 100 and 200 blocks on 2nd Avenue West and ½ of the 100 Block on 2nd Avenue East. This includes the replacement of water, sewer and storm mains and service lines, together with the above ground improvements of new pavement, sidewalks (with bump outs at the intersections with benches, tables, bike racks, planters, etc.), and new pedestrian friendly lighting.
Other major infrastructure projects anticipated in the next few years include the replacement of the bridge on Pioneer Trail over the CN Reservoir and the repaving of Pioneer Trail from South Municipal Road to the CN Reservoir and Palliser Trail from the west entrance to Fox Lake Trail. These projects will be challenging to complete financially and will be completed with the plan to not put the Town in a difficult financial position.
As always, Council will do their best to maintain current tax levels or keep any increases to a minimum Please reach out to me or other members of council if there is anything you feel needs to be addressed in the next three years so it can be brought forward for discussion
Respectfully,
Danny Povaschuk, Mayor
Watch Live: hanna.ca/tv
OPINION: One man’s unique perspective
BY JOAN JANZEN
Everyone sees things from their own unique perspective. For example, an elderly Alzheimer’s patient said, “It’s wonderful. I’m making new friends every day!”
During the past month or so, Mosab Hassan Yousef has been sharing his perspective of being raised in Palestine. He is the eldest son of one of the founders of Hamas, and worked alongside his father. He eventually parted ways with Hamas, and is now an American citizen residing in an undisclosed location in order to maintain his safety.
While being interviewed by Piers Morgan, Mosab said as a child, he asked his father about the brutality and abuse of power, but his answers didn’t satisfy him. “He justified their position,” he said.
As a young man, Mosab was incarcerated for 27 months in an Israeli prison. “At the time, I told Hamas my agenda for working with Israel was to get revenge. I told them the truth, but they didn’t believe me. That was the moment I saw their true face and realized I can be their enemy if I tell them the truth, but it isn’t their truth.”
While in prison he was brutally tortured by Hamas. When he was released he worked for Israeli internal security service from 1997 to 2007 and was considered a valuable source of preventing many suicide bombings and casualties.
“I learned how to swim against the current,” he said. It came at a great personal price, as his father disowned him and vowed not to protect him from physical harm. Nevertheless, he continues to love and honour his parents, no matter what they believe.
He began to ask himself what would happen to his people if Hamas were to become the ruler of Gaza, which they did in 2007. “I wasn’t surprised by their brutality,” he said, concerning the attack on October 7th.
“They are willing to sacrifice the entire Palestinian people to achieve their ideological agendas. It’s a fact that Israel warns civilians to evacuate buildings before they strike them. In the meantime, Hamas puts up roadblocks to stop civilians from evacuating.”
served. Mosab offered his passionate response.
“I don’t want someone coming from the other side of the world to tell me what is the struggle of the Palestinian children. I am the legitimate representative of the Palestinian children, who need education, security. They need life. They don’t need another corrupt Arab regime.”
It’s a fact that Israel warns civilians to evacuate buildings before they strike. In the meantime, Hamas puts up roadblocks to stop civilians from evacuating.
Mosab Hassan Yousef
He said it’s no secret they want to destroy the state of Israel. “If Hamas is not removed from power, they will build more military, and the next war is going to be deadlier,” he advised.
“Your passion is very palpable and very different from the pro-Palestinian voices I’ve heard,” Piers Morgan ob-
TO THE EDITOR:
Letter to the Editor Policy
We welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor, as long as submissions do not include: • Profanity, vulgarity and/or obscenities
• Slurs and/or personal attacks • Misinformation We reserve sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. We will not publish anonymous submissions or letters containing personal attacks. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
That concludes the perspective of Mosab, and I’ll end by giving a brief history of Israel, for anyone who may be interested. Perspectives change when we are aware of historical facts.
The land of Israel has been populated by the Jewish people ever since Abraham was called the Father of the Jewish Nation in Biblical accounts. Since then, the Jewish people have continued to live in Israel. There were more or less of them depending on the centuries, but there was never a time when the Jews didn’t live in the land.
In 1947 the UN Partition Plan proposed dividing it into two independent states, a Jewish state and Arab state, but the Arabs said no. War broke out between the newly born State of Israel
against seven Arab armies; two years later, Israel won. Gaza wasn’t part of Israel but was under Egyptian rule. In 1948, the UN established the State of Israel.
In 1967, the six-day war broke out, and five Arab armies attacked Israel. Israel was successful in defending itself.
Between 1967 and 1988, people moved freely between Gaza and Israel.
Then, acts of violence occurred against Israeli civilians. At that time, in 1987, Hamas was established and initiated many of those atrocities. Israel built a fence to prevent terrorist attacks from Gaza, and construction was completed in 1996.
In 2005, Israel fully withdrew from the Gaza Strip. The IDF oversaw the relocation of over 9,000 Israeli civilians from Gaza in hopes this would lead to peace. In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative election and forcefully took power in 2007. No elections have been held since.
Gaza was still accessible from both Israel and Egypt. Israel continued to assist with the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through two crossings, which tens of thousands of Gaza people crossed every day on their way to work in Israel.
Mosab wrote a book about his life entitled “The Green Prince”, which was later made into a film. It’s an interesting read and offers a unique perspective.
Law Office of
Pop89: Only Listen
BY MADONNA HAMEL
I’m watching planes take off from the Vancouver airport tarmac as I wonder how I pulled myself away from my brother’s cottage on 15 acres of old-growth trees and wild ferns? How did I manage to leave behind a man who has suffered a stroke with all its attendant post-stroke difficulties - seizures, whirlies, dizziness and TIAs? When did we go from children - throwing snowballs, sliding down slopes on inner tubes and slippery snowsuits to teens swimming in lakes to young adults taking foolish risks on mountaintops and in fast cars, exploring the urban and rural wilds of this extremely large country - to here and now. We have become two people in their 60s, forced to accept the sobering reality that we have more years behind us than ahead of us. But it’s better than the alternative, we say. May I dare suggest that we are just beginning? That here is a new life - far richer and keener and replete with lessons too valuable to be dismissed. Watch now, I tell you, dear readers, watch intently and ferociously, as your friends and relations, having suffered sobering hits of mortality, are teaching you something. Import their important bits of wisdom, essential to the sane navigation of these remaining years of life.
Do not turn away. Do not busy yourself with incoming texts. Put down your phone. Put down your pressing engagements. If you cannot bear witness to the unbearable truth, then what was the point of you even being born? Shut up; listen.
On one side of me is a nine-year-old playing a game on her mother’s phone, while mom wanders off to find something to eat in a place where an egg sandwich goes for 15.99$. The fact that the eggs come from “cage-free” chickens does not soften the fact of the ridiculous fee. On the other side of me, a young man, maybe in his late 30s, from India sits down and introduces himself.
I am happy to chat. I live in a village of ranchers and farmers on the edge of Grasslands National Park. I don’t get many chances to speak to people from other parts of the world. (Things are changing, however. As the gateway to a national park, we are beginning to attract people from everywhere, hungry for vast, open and empty spaces of wilderness. The irony of Europeans hungering for the dark sky and the deep silence they colonized a century and a half earlier does not escape some of us. We built a park to honour a colonized space, pretending we left it open and pristine and untouched by the “progress” 19th-century industrialization once revered as the only true way forward.)
The young man from India points at a chocolate shop across from us selling “sustainable” chocolate. The chocolates come individually wrapped and placed in a kind of bento box, then wrapped in another impressive decorated box for deluxe gift-giving. Exactly what part of all this rigamarole is “sustainable”? he
asks me. “It’s humour like yours that is sustaining,” I laugh.
Part of me just can’t get too upset about the whole “woke” hypocrisy of “sustainable chocolates.” I am exhausted. It has been a long three and a half weeks of watching over my beloved brother, of trying to bear witness to whatever comes up for him. And lots have.
Every morning, I rose early to stoke his wood stove. I learned the art of chopping kindling. Of building a proper fire. I made us morning coffee and listened to him as he faced a new day with a seven-month old reality- the visual “swirling” has not stopped ever since his occipital lobe was compromised.
The best gift we can offer anyone going through the shock of a new overnight reality is to shut up and listen. When that new reality becomes chronic, it is even more imperative that we hear them in their plight. They are forging ahead of us in an unknown territory that is both terrifying and identity-pulverizing. Having a stroke, I realize, is not an ideological or dialectical challenge to “identify.” It is an immediate and harsh physical fact. “I am learning from you,” I tell my brother as he attempts to describe what it’s like to view the world as a whirling cubist painting presented on 26 planes and seen through a fishbowl. Who among us can maintain any sense of connection in a world so disrupted, so fraught with overwhelm and confusion?
Peering at my email, I see a call for submissions from an art gallery. The gallery “welcomes transgressive works of art that disrupt conventional modes of perception.” I want to rant at these people, to howl at their “rebel” delusional posturing. They have no idea what it is like to have the rug of life truly ripped from beneath their feet. To have their literal perceptive powers utterly compromised. Their stance is just more empty conceptual, intellectual posturing, as far as I am concerned. And when the present trend shifts, they will shift too. Meanwhile, their latte liberalism will blind them to the true plight of “the people” they claim to represent but cannot see.
My brother continues to write poetry. He muses lucidly on his latest challenges. I am rocked by the rock-bottom beauty of his words. But he is a white male. A construction worker. A lover of the classics. So, he will have to sit out the latest counter-prejudice against men like him.
And he will. “The world is poorer for its reverse discrimination against anyone who doesn’t fit the MO of a broken “woke” world. I tell my new friend, and he gets it. Not every nonwhite voice is better just because it’s not white, he says. He believes it will pass. He tells me why. Truth will prevail, he says, explaining how. I am thankful for the young man from India who reminds me the future is bright. If only I listen.
Stodalka, Ronald B. Baba, Marilyn
Herrmann, Bryce R. Farrell, Darren E. Folkersen, Ashley D. Herrmann, Mario M. Mudri
Japanese stars cream of free-agent crop
“Having
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
The baseball world knows that the No. 1 free agent during this off-season is the Japanese phenom, Shohei Ohtani, who might be the game’s best hitter and its best pitcher. But according to a recent MLB.com story featuring the best free agents available, the No. 2 guy is also a Japanese star — 25-yearold Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While Ohtani’s status carries a major asterisk — he recently underwent elbow surgery and will be available only to hit during the 2024 season — there are no such concerns about Yamamoto, who is coming off a spectacular two-year run in Japan’s Pacific League. The right-hander, projected to be a No. 1 or No. 2 starter with whatever team is lucky enough to land him, has won the Pacific League’s MVP award the past two seasons, and also its equivalent of the Cy Young award as best pitcher. Ohtani slugged an American League-leading 44 home runs in 2023 and posted a 10-5 record as a pitcher with a 3.14 earned-run average and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. The intriguing aspect to his free agency is the great unknown of his pitching future. If he can be expected to return to form on the mound, and can reliably be counted on for 40-plus home runs, his value is astronomical. If he’s ‘only’ a 40-HR guy, his value is still great, but dramatically diminished. The leading contenders are reportedly Ohtani’s former team, the Angels, along with two other West Coast clubs, the Dodgers and Giants, and the big-money Mets, who have never shied away from paying exorbitant fees to free agents (Brandon Nimmo, $162 million for eight years; Justin Verlander, $86 million for two years; Edwin Diaz, $102 million for five years).
Two other free agents of note: Cy Young-calibre pitchers Aaron Nola and Blake Snell.
In other off-season baseball news, Chicago Cubs signed manager Craig Counsell to the highest managerial contract in history after his contract with the Brewers expired. He is one of the most respected managers in baseball and the Cubs had to dump the popular David Ross to create a managerial void. The last time Chicago lured a big-name manager to the Windy City was in 2015 when Joe Maddon became available. Maddon went on to lead the Cubs to the World Series championship in 2016. Cubs’ fans are hoping Counsell, who was offered $5 million a year by Milwaukee but will earn $40 million for five years with the Cubs, can perform some similar magic.
Meanwhile, Canada’s best player, long-time Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto, has been released by the Reds and is a free agent. Votto, 40, is almost a surefire Hall of Famer, with 366 career home runs, a .294 batting average and a career OPS (on-base average plus slugging percentage) of .920. That last figure is 52nd all-time. Wouldn’t the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 2020, a native of Toronto, look great in a Blue Jays’ uniform for one last sendoff season?
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “ESPN’s Jackie McMullan said the NFL needs to address its concussion issues ‘head-on.’ Some jokes just write themselves.”
• Super 70s Sports, on X, recalling the famous onfield fight between two MLB stars: “In 1987, Robin Ventura set an NCAA record by hitting in 57 straight games. Six years later, Nolan Ryan set an MLB record by hitting Robin Ventura 57 straight times in one game.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “How is Tyreek Hill sort of like Jim Harbaugh? One is the Cheetah and the other is the Cheater.”
• Charles Robinson of yahoosports.com., on Josh McDaniels’ coaching arc: “McDaniels’ career coaching peaks have been Everest-ian with Tom (Brady), and a low-lying Taco Bell parking lot without him.”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “Aaron Rodgers returning to play this season behind a pathetic Jets’ offensive line would be like Janet Leigh getting back in the shower.”
• New York Post columnist Phil Mushnick, after Mets’ owner Steve Cohen announced he would be building a family recreation centre that includes a casino: “Rejoice, New York, soon you can lose your money to Cohen’s House of Lousy Odds!”
• Mushnick again, taking issue with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s league slogans, such as ‘End Racism’ and ‘It takes all of us,’ saying the commissioner should consider slogans such as ‘Stop Beating Women!’, ‘Drive Sober and Legally,’ ‘Try To Be Home By 4:30 a.m.,’ ‘Avoid Felony Arrests’ and ‘The N-Word Is Racist Unless It’s Rapped During the Super Bowl Halftime Show By Commissioner Goodell’s Invite.’”
• Weather forecast from the Canadian parody website The Beaverton: “Edmonton expected to get hit with 10 cm of Oilers jerseys tonight.”
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg, who has an issue with NFL officiating: “Apparently NFL refs want pass rushers to pick up and cradle quarterbacks and put them down gently like a sleeping baby.”
• Headline at fark.com: “MLB general managers meeting cancelled after widespread nausea, possibly after seeing the World Series viewership numbers.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
means you’ve been overpaying your taxes throughout the
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financial plan adapts and grows alongside your life - and includes investments, tax opportunities, estate and legacy planning, and more. Do you agree? Let’s talk.
BORDER KENNELS
Box 114, Acadia Valley, AB T0J 0A0
CELL: 403-664-9451
CELL: 403-414-9451
EMAIL: moozer@netago.ca Marilyn Mactavish
Tourism spending recovers two years ahead of schedule
Alberta’s tourism industry supports jobs across the province while showcasing the unique experiences and welcoming hospitality that attracts visitors from around the world. Alberta saw $10.7 billion in tourism spending in 2022 – up $600 million from 2019 levels –returning spending to pre-pandemic levels two years ahead of schedule.
“The tourism industry's comeback has wide-reaching benefits across the province. Thanks to the unwavering support of our visitors, the dedication of our industry partners and the resilience of our destinations and operators, Alberta’s tourism industry is recovering faster than expected.”
Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport
In 2021, Travel Alberta launched a three-year tourism strategy, known as the Bootstrap Plan, centred around three pillars: marketing, air access and destination development. The goal of the Bootstrap Plan was to have the visitor economy recover and return to pre-pandemic revenues by 2024.
“The recovery and growth of Alberta’s visitor
Thank You
The Gordon Paetz family would like to thank everyone who has supported us following the death of Rita. We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation. Your many acts of kindness and sympathy have been an immense comfort to us all in this great time of sorrow. Thank you for the gifts of food, prayers, flowers, mass cards, sympathy cards and for the comforting words during this difficult time. Special thank you to Oyen EMS, Fire Department and RCMP for responding to the call. Thank you to MacLean’s Funeral Home for their professional services and to our local RCMP for escorting our family out to the Oyen Cemetery. Thank you to the CWL ladies for providing a beautiful lunch following the funeral. Thank you to Father Rodel for the beautiful service honoring Rita’s life. We are all truly blessed to live in such a supportive community.
God Bless,
economy motivates everything we do, and we are encouraged to see that the tourism industry is bouncing back strongly. Travel Alberta is proud to play a part in driving economic growth, job creation and the revitalization of industries that depend on tourism across Alberta, and we are committed to continue working with businesses to propel its growth.”
Jon
Mamela, chief commercial officer, Travel Alberta
As part of Alberta’s tourism recovery plan, Travel Alberta’s budget was increased in 2023 from $63 million to $72 million over three years. These additional investments will help Travel Alberta continue to support businesses, drive growth, create jobs and sustain Alberta’s visitor economy now and in the future.
Alberta’s visitor economy is important to the economic well-being of the province. The tourism industry encompasses many diverse jobs and industries, including food and beverage, recreation and entertainment, accommodations and transportation, and travel services.
Provincial program to provide Oyen seniors with accessible transportation
Rural communities in Alberta, including Oyen, will receive funding from the provincial government for a program aimed at providing accessible transportation for seniors. Oyen has been allocated $242,000 as part of a total of $1.1 million set aside for this initiative. The other communities included in the program are Edson, Fox Creek, Sundre, and the Municipal District of Smoky River.
The Alberta government, in collaboration with Healthy Aging Alberta, recognizes the need for accessible transportation services for seniors living in rural areas. These services will help improve access to medical care, grocery shopping, and connectivity with community and government services. The initial investment will enable seniors in the aforementioned communities to access a wider range of transportation options.
The three-year project will involve local com-
munity organizations and their partners in delivering innovative and assisted transportation services specifically tailored to older adults. The funding will support the implementation of more frequent trips, new routes for services outside of town, and additional vehicles to expand transportation options for seniors.
By improving the availability of affordable transportation in rural Alberta, older adults will have greater support to age well within their homes and communities of choice. This collaborative effort between the government and the community demonstrates a commitment to identifying needs and finding solutions to support seniors in aging in the right place.
In early 2024, interested community-based organizations, Family and Community Support Services offices, and municipalities will be invited to submit expressions of interest for the next phase of the project. This phase aims to support up to 20 programs across Alberta. Detailed information on how communities can access this funding will be made available on the Healthy Aging Alberta website.
FACTS
From Gordon Paetz & families
Residents busy with new puzzles and crafts
BY SARAH HEATH
Hello everyone! I hope everyone has had a good transition into November; it’s so strange not to have snow and cold weather yet. We are sure enjoying it and taking advantage of these warmer days with walks outside. I want to send a huge thank you to the legion members that came to the lodge last week to help perform a remembrance service for the residents. It was very much appreciated! Now, we are in preparation for the upcoming holidays, planning our resident Christmas party and planning out the decorations.
Thanks to our wonderful community, we are so busy with new puzzles; thank you so so much to everyone who donated puzzles. They will sure be put to good use. Our residents love puzzles. We have also been doing fun crafts lately, creating mittens on a canvas with buttons, and this week, we created a Christmas wreath from folding green paper in patterns! This month, we plan to get all our Christmas decorations up and do lots more festive activities. The residents are also enjoying a card game called Phase Ten. We have a group that plays this game every morning!
We hope everyone is having an amazing week!
Town of Oyen Library Booknotes
FICTION:
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, by Celeste Connally
The Future : A Novel, by Naomi Alderman
Just Once : A Novel, by Karen Kingsbury
Life and Otter Miracles, by Hazel Prior Magnolia Parks, by Jessa Hastings
The Porcelain Maker, by Sarah Freethy Resurrection Walk, by Michael Connely A Seat by the Hearth, by Amy Clipston
NON-FICTION:
5 Minute Shark Stories, by various authors
Instead : navigating the adventures of a childfree life, by Maria Coffey
What do we know about the Chupacabra, by Pam Pollack
PERIODICALS: People Magazine Good Housekeeping Popular Mechanics Woman’s Day
CURBSIDE SERVICE OPTION:
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out.
Pick up your pre-ordered Christmas Arrangements @ the school. Steak Supper 5:30 - 8:00 PM @ the New Brigden Curling Rink
All proceeds go to the new New Brigden Hall EVERYONE WELCOME!
The junior boys volleyball team was in Zone playoffs earlier this month and showed improvement in each game against some very good competition. Good job, Scorpions!
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? This juvenile badger was captured with a little point and shoot camera last Friday by Nancy Hanson. Nancy says she took over 187 images of the animal!
Why a living wage matters
BY VAMINI SELVANANDAN
With soaring food prices, unaffordable housing costs and rising energy bills, a living wage becomes ever more relevant for Albertans. Referring to the hourly wage a full-time worker needs to make to pay for basic expenses while maintaining a modest standard of living, a living wage is about ensuring dignity for all those who work and contribute to our economy.
It is not a way of offloading affordability challenges onto employers, but a way for governments, businesses and civic organizations to take collective responsibility for creating livable communities. Living wage calculations are made for specific communities and take into account municipal, provincial and federal tax deductions, financial supports and social ser-
Charrmmaain n Snnell, InsuranceAdvisor schindel agencies@outloook com
vices.
Shelter, childcare and food are some of the biggest costs in the calculation of a living wage, and such basic expenses can be significantly higher than what minimum wage can provide. In Alberta, the $15 per hour minimum wage has not increased in the last five years and is not indexed to inflation. So, for Albertans, minimum wage effectively decreases year over year eroding their purchasing power for goods and services.
Figures recently released by the Alberta Living Wage Network show that living wage in several towns and cities in our province is much higher than minimum wage and calculated to be $23.70 in Calgary, $22.25 in Edmonton, and the highest in Canmore at $38.80.
Ensuring that people earn a living wage has benefits for both individuals and society. People who live in adequate housing and can afford to buy healthy food for themselves and their children enjoy better physical and mental health, and raise healthy children. This in turn reduces the burden on our healthcare, social service and justice systems. Additionally, a living wage allows workers to spend money in their communities, supporting local businesses and boosting economic activity.
For employers, paying a living wage is about more than “doing the right thing”, it is about making the right business decision. Savvy employers who pay living wages reap the rewards of their investment. In today’s climate of labour shortages, a living wage not only serves to attract workers during recruitment but also helps retain employees, thus decreasing the costs of rehiring and training. Living wages contribute to employee job satisfaction and overall health, and in doing so increase productivity. With loyal, happy and engaged staff, customers have a quality experience and keep returning.
ponsibility of employers. Governments need to contribute to reducing the living wage through programs that make housing, childcare, transit and healthcare more affordable.
The Alberta government needs to raise minimum wage to better reflect what it costs to live a decent life in our province. They need to establish better labour standards, guaranteeing paid sick leave to workers and protecting us from the insecurity of precarious work. In collaboration with the federal government, the provincial government needs to provide universally accessible child care and improve access to health services through pharmacare and dental care programs.
Both provincial and federal governments need to make sure that income tax structures support a dignified standard of living. This means a more progressive taxation structure that requires low-income earners to pay very little tax, and high-income earners who can afford it, to contribute more.
Over a hundred employers…have joined the Alberta Living Wage Network and committed to paying the living wage.
Over a hundred employers, from small family-owned businesses to multinational corporations, have joined the Alberta Living Wage Network and committed to paying the living wage. Being certified as a living wage employer gives businesses a leg-up on their competition, signaling to customers that they care about their employees, and want to build sustainable communities with strong local economies.
But ensuring a living wage is not the sole res-
Municipal governments can work with other levels of government to further reduce the living wage in their communities. They can support affordable housing projects, expand or create public transit that is affordable, accessible or even free, and provide services that increase food security for residents in their area.
When communities invest the time and energy in calculating a living wage, they are able to provide context to the affordability concerns of their residents. They create an instrument to use in advocating with employers to pay a living wage, and with governments at all levels to provide programs, services and tax breaks to effectively reduce the living wage.
As thoughtful and caring residents in a community, we too have a role to play in patronizing businesses that are certified living wage employers and using our influence with other businesses we frequent to ensure they become certified. Through voting in elections, writing letters to our elected officials and other civic actions, we can call on governments at all levels to strengthen affordability programs.
We must all take responsibility for creating and maintaining communities that are livable and where people and families can thrive. The living wage takes a systems approach to show how businesses, governments and civic organizations can work together to make sure that we can all live a life of dignity and fully participate in our community.
Vamini Selvanandan is a rural family physician and public health practitioner in Alberta.
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UNIQUE ETCHED WOODEN ORNAMENTS. $105.00/set of 4 including postage and FREE Draw for chainsaw carvings. Fundraiser for Alberta Political Prisoners. See Facebook Page. Inquire at OperationRescue@ protonmail.com.
Autos
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-2826903 Ext 225; www.awna. com.
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us @ sales@switzersauction. com or Visit Us @ www. switzersauction.com. Employment Opportunities
SPRUCE POINT PARK Association now accepting applications for the position of: PARK MANAGER, 2024 season, May 1st to September 15th (end date flexible). Spruce Point Park Campground and Marina is located on Lesser Slave Lake approximately 285 kms northwest of Edmonton, AB near Hamlet of Kinuso. Manager must live on site in
own RV unit. Full-service lot provided. For complete job description package please call 780-775-3805 or email sprucepointpark@gmail. com. Closing date: January 15th, 2024, or until suitable candidate is found.
GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $799 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna. com for details. 1-800282-6903, 780-434-8746
FEED AND SEED
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CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.
SERVICES
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/ licensing loss? Travel/ business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-3472540. www.accesslegalmjf. com.
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000
Improve your health with more plant-based foods and proteins
BY JULIA ROWLAND
The latest version of Canada’s food guide emphasizes eating more plant-based foods and proteins due to their many health benefits. Diets that include more plant foods are typically higher in important nutrients like fiber and lower in saturated fats. Fiber helps keep your bowels regular, can help keep you feel full for longer, and helps the body regulate blood sugar. Eating a variety of plant-based foods helps lower your risk of diseases like heart disease, colon cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.
Another reason to eat more plant-based foods is to reduce the effects of producing food on the planet. Raising animals for people to eat takes more resources and produces more carbon than growing things like soy or lentils.
You don’t need to completely remove meat from your diet to enjoy the health benefits of eating plantbased foods. Swapping out half of your ground beef for cooked lentils in tacos, chillis, stews, or pasta sauces; or eating one or two more plant-based meals a week can help your health and the planet.
When deciding to eat more plant-based foods, a common concern is not getting enough protein. While animal-based protein foods have more protein per gram then most plant-based protein foods, this is not normally a concern. By including a plant-based protein food at each meal and eating a variety of foods, most people will meet their protein needs. Certain medical conditions or life events may mean you need more protein. If you are concerned you are not getting enough protein, speak to a dietitian in your area or call 811 and ask to speak to a dietitian.
Here are a few ways to include plant-based proteins in your meals and snacks:
• Enjoy nuts or seeds with a piece of fruit.
• Spread nut or seed butter on a piece of bread or on fruit.
• Serve hummus with vegetables and pita.
• Enjoy a steamy bowl of lentil soup.
• Learn to cook tofu in a way you enjoy.
• Add chickpeas or
beans to a soup or salad.
Overall, choose meals and snacks that include plant-based proteins to help lower your risk for many diseases.
To find recipes with plant-based protein foods visit: unlockfood.ca or www.ahs.ca/recipes.
Julia Rowland is a Population and Public Health Dietitian with Alberta Health Services Nutrition Services.
Annual General Meeting
November 30, 2023 - 10:30 AM
The AGM will include: A review of CARA’s 2023 research program Strategic plan update and GUEST SPEAKER: LINDA HUNT, AGKNOW “BEING RESILIENT DURING STRESSFUL TIMES” REGISTER FOR THE AGM BY CALLING 403-664-3777 or emailing cara-3@telus.net
VIVA VITALITY:
Find
- Competitive Wages
-
- Company Matched RSP/DPSP
- Employee Discounts & More! Email resume to jeanabaker@lukplumbing.com
ACADIA VALLEY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
• Here’s the Deal. Acadia Valley Community Club presents Golden 20’s Christmas at the Acadia Valley Hall. D.J. Steve with Table of Fun is the entertainment this year. Kelly Skappak catering. Tickets $65 each. For more info call/text Jena 403-928-0021. No minors.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
• Christmas in the Valley presented by the Acadia Valley E.C.S.
- Yoga in The Valley Thursdays from 7:30 - 8:30 PM in the Hall. Call/text Jamie 403-548-5146 for more info.
- Gymnastics - Cactus Gym Club’s Fall Classes until November 4 at the Acadia Valley Event Centre. To register or for more info, contact Michelle Hutton at 403-502-3050.
- Adult drop-in Volleyball Wednesdays 7:30 PM at Warren Peers School. Contact Marie 403-664-8589 for more info.
CEREAL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Cereal Christmas Market 4:00-8:00 PM. Community Turkey Supper 5:30-7:30 PM, Pictures with Santa 6-8 PM. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
• Cereal Board of Trade presents Ham & Turkey Bingo. Doors open 6:30 PM, Bingo at 7:30 PM CJ Peacock Centre Gym. Prizes of Hams & Turkeys. 19 games. All ages welcome.
- Mondays - Cereal Board of Trade BINGO. Doors open 6:30 PM. Bingo starts 7:30 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre. Last BINGO of the season will be November 27, 2023. - Tuesdays - Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 9:30 AM
- Wednesdays - Quilting Days 10 AM - 4 PM $10.00
CESSFORD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Ella Jane W.I. Christmas Craft Market 10:00 AM - 4:30
PM. Interested vendors contact Erika at erikalacelle55@ gmail.com
- Tuesday from 7:00 - 9:00 PM Pickleball in Gym and Craft Night in Library Berry Creek Community School (except school holidays)
CRAIGMYLE
- Wednesdays - 9:30 AM Coffee at Craigmyle Historic Church
DELIA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
• Kim Larson ‘Finding Our Calm’ 4:00 PM at the Library
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27
• Ag Society Meeting 7:30 PM at the Curling Rink
- Tuesdays & Thursdays - 9:00 AM Coffee & Cards at the Drop in Centre
- Wednesdays - 7:00 PM Cards & Pool at the Drop in Centre
- Thursdays - Pickleball 6:30 PM at the Delia Gym (No Pickleball Nov. 16)
- Thursdays - Drop in Curling 7:00 PM starting November 23
- Fridays - Public Skating at the Delia Arena 3:30-5:30 PM
- Sundays - 10:30 AM DCF Morning Service
- Sundays - Public Skating at the Delia Arena 2:00-4:00 PM
• Teens Only Crafts & Cookie at the Delia Library 4:30-6:30 PM
ENDIANG
- Mondays - 1:00 PM Endiang Floor Curling
HANNA
Hanna Senior Circle
- Wednesdays 1:00 PM Cards (Spades)
- Thursdays 1:00 PM Cards (Five Hundred)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Sunshine Club Christmas Tea at the Hanna Lodge 1:30 PM. Admission $5.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
• TURKEY BINGO at Hanna Senior Circle 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
• Last Call Christmas Extravaganza Market 10 AM - 4 PM at the Lions Hall in Hanna. See what the locals are creating. Enjoy a cup of Hot Cocoa or Coffee & a cookie. Any non-perishable food donations would be greatly appreciated for the Hanna Food Bank
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
• The Popoviches at the Hanna Seniors Lodge 7:00 PM. Entry fee is a donation.
NEW BRIGDEN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Winter Wonderland 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Steak Supper at the New Brigden Curling Rink from 5:30-8:00 PM. Book a table by calling / texting Lucille 403-664-0172. All proceeds going to the new, New Brigden Hall.
OYEN
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month
6:00 PM in Council Chambers
- Oyen & District Curling Club Fun League runs Tuesday
evenings and starts first week of November. Contact Kari 403-664-1001 to enter a team.
- Oyen & District Curling Club Cash League runs Wednesday evenings and starts first week of November. Contact Brett 403-664-8868 to enter a team.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23
• The Oyen Chamber of Commerce will be holding a meeting 12:00 Noon at the Canalta Hotel Meeting Room. Lunch will be served. RSVP by noon Wednesday, November 22 by calling/text 403-664-0172. Everyone welcome.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24-26
• Skins Spiel. Contact Brett 403-664-8868 to enter a team.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25
• Oyen Christmas Farmers’ Market 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Legion. Lunch provided by the Badgers Baseball Team. Variety of crafts and home-based businesses.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
• Fun Night (rescheduled from Nov. 24) at Oyen Seniors Centre. Games and Socializing. BYOB and snacks. 7:00 PM until midnight. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403801-3535 for more information.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 & 2
• Oyen Night in Bethlehem production. Free interactive Christmas event for the entire family. Food Bank donations accepted. Call 403-664-1275 for more info.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
• Oyen Senior and District Citizens Association Christmas Supper at 6:00 PM. $25 per person. Contact Jessie Battrum 403-664-2515 for tickets.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
• Oyen & District Leisure Society and the Oyen Eagles present Dancing with the Stars 8:00 PM - 3:00 AM at the Oyen Legion Hall. Funds will go towards upgrading our existing tennis courts and adding outdoor pickle ball courts.
SCAPA
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25
• Scapa’s Country Christmas Market 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Scapa Hall/ Lunch available. Donations accepted for the Hanna Food Bank. For more info contact Crista at 403-8540181.
SEDALIA
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
• Security Awareness for Family and Community. VHF and UHF Two-Way Radios. $25 Registration. 10 AM - Noon and 1-3 PM at the Sedalia Town Hall. Speakers: Rene Strinholm & Rene Querido. For sale at seminar: Hand held radios $160, 50W radios $550, 50W radio vehicle antennas $150. Cash only. Help your family as crises arise. Build community!
YOUNGSTOWN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23
• Youngstown Christmas Mini-Fair 3:00 - 7:00 PM at the Youn gstown Community Hall. Variety of crafts and homebased business products. Christmas hamper raffle. Kids craft area. Photos with Santa. Beef-on-a-Bun Supper by Dryland Multi 4-H Club. For more info or took a table contact Renee at 403-857-8322.
