There are many topics in the news that are worthy of our attention and concern. I must admit, I am a lifetime follower of TV news. If I am too busy and miss the news for a day and a half, I feel the “news withdrawals” and must tune in, early in the morning or the late news. However, it is true that the news is often ‘dark’ and depressing, and in those days I understand why some people avoid watching the news, saying that it’s always ‘bad news’…
    I felt the sorrow of a nation when recently, a fire in a nightclub claimed the lives of hundreds of teens and young adults and injured even more in a University town of Brazil, and I was enraged to hear and read that the tragic situation could have been less fatal if codes and safety procedures had been implemented and followed. Fire safety is a must in a world of dwellings and over-populated venues… I am grateful for our local fire departments –and municipalities- that design the codes that are meant to protect our families and our properties. Things like smoke and Co2 detectors are so important in our homes, schools and public buildings!
    Talking about fire departments…. The Meseman family of Leduc had a fun date last Saturday (January 26) to share a breakfast with the Calmar Fire Department. During last year’s Firefighters’ Ball and Silent Auction, one hot item raised some good funds: the “Breakfast with the Crew” is always popular, and the winning bidder gave it to a young lady named Marcail Meseman. With her best friend Halle Caddick, and her mom and dad, Belinda and Shawn Meseman, Marcail enjoyed a breakfast at the Calmar Firehall followed by a detailed tour, a session of putting on the gear and a ride in a firetruck.
    While Belinda (the mom) is fascinated by all matters of health, she has a heart to help others, and hopes to become a Victim Services volunteer, a worthy pursuit. Grade 9 students at Caledonia School, the young ladies have plans for their future, but they thoroughly enjoyed discovering the various aspects of emergency services.
    Calmar’s new Fire Chief David Brooks was an enthusiastic promoter of his department, and took the time to share that his department has launched a recruitment campaign. With a crew of 14 firefighters, this department is hoping to recruit 10 more members, a tall order when the population base of that region is not that big… I met a Leduc resident who has been a devoted Calmar firefighter for over two years: Ryan Walker hopes to relocate to Calmar in the near future, a town where he has many friends: for now, he commutes on training days and for calls, stating that “he enjoys meeting local residents, giving to a community he cares about, and feels that his department has become a family to him”.
    With the Annual Calmar Firefighters’ Ball in the horizon, -April 20th-, the Firefighters are in an active mode to promote it, selling tickets and asking for Silent Auction donations. As in past years, we expect a total success with that event, and… I am looking forward to it!
    I have had several requests to update our friends and readers about our daughter, Michelle (Vrolyk) Salt, who attended school at New Humble and Calmar School… Michelle, who was in a terrible accident on June 27 2011 and lost her right leg 8inches above the knee, has traveled an amazing and inspiring journey of recovery. She is now back to her dynamic business and athletic lifestyle, sporting a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg, that local and Calgary benefactors helped her acquire through two large fundraisers: she always asks me to say THANK YOU to all those who donated and attended! 
    Well, Michelle is now competing in her beloved sport of snowboarding, and has trained hard to be fit and ready to enter international competition. She is now on the Canadian Paralympic Snowboard (Development) Team, and has done very well in her first big race in Lake Tahoe. As you read this, she will be about to enter her 2nd race in Copper, Colorado. If her racing season goes well, she will be registered with the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia. Of course, we welcome best wishes and prayers for Michelle’s safety and success.
    Sending wishes to a great lady I met recently, Alice Halwa, who is now retired after 32 years at Thorsby Elementary. 
    The recent Endurance Ice Race on Telford Lake’s east end was a great success! Looking forward to the next one on Saturday February 16… See you there!

    I welcome your notes, news tips and friendly feedback at dominique@pipestoneflyer.ca. Thanks for your continued support of our news and stories!