I write this column floating on Cloud Nine, a bit tired but elated about having been a part of the Boston Pizza Cup, the Alberta Men’s Curling Championship (Feb.6-10 in Leduc). I want to say BRAVO! to the Organizing Committee and offer sincere thanks to those who have extended the hand of friendship to me during the Cup, as we all shared many duties to ensure the great success that it was, and contributed in creating sweet memories that we will enjoy for years to come. 
    I have already secured tickets for the final games of the Tim Hortons Brier, and if you are a curling fan and have not done so, I will share that those games are nearly sold out!     I am looking forward to this event, as I am a long-time fan of Kevin Martin, having met him at several events, and having also met Jeff Stoughton of Manitoba, I think I will also cheer for him... a little!
    In my ‘insider’ report for the Pipestone Flyer on this Curling event hosted in our fair City of Leduc, I mentioned several individuals who rose above the rest: this was an opportunity to inspire others to volunteer for an upcoming event because volunteers’ duties for a large sporting event are exciting and memorable. At the Cup, I was impressed to see not only workers and retired people on the volunteer roster, but also many young people, working tirelessly and responsibly among adults… I must commend the parents who encourage their young ones to do volunteer work: volunteer opportunities for teenagers are not common, but volunteers help our society remain strong and vital. 
    Volunteers are like other workers committed to following strict rules of conduct. While juggling my duties and feeling an obligation to gather some information for my newspaper report, I had a difficult moment that caused me a little stress and I want to publicly thank Ken Manninen, head of the Cup’s security volunteers, who showed patience and kindness and ‘saved the day’ for this volunteer. A retired Government of Alberta lab director and Leduc resident, Mr. Manninen made an impression on other volunteers with his positive reinforcement, and many of us are grateful to have worked under his leadership!
    This past weekend, the Leduc Motorsports Club held a last-minute ICE RACE on Telford Lake. Darren Topliss of the LMC was happy to share that this race created when the Grande-Prairie Club had to cancel their event, was a solid success with 45 racers. The crazy morning wind that created visibility issues and a few crashes (no injuries) abated at noon, and the rest of the day offered safe and pleasant racing. This group must be applauded for hosting two races in as many weeks, and I look forward to their future events! 
    This coming weekend, the 7th Annual PIGEON LAKE DOGSLED RACES will be hosted by the Appelmans and the Pigeon Lake Sleddog Club (.ca), on Saturday and Sunday February 16 -17: they are feverishly getting the venue and the race course ready for their annual event. Accessed by Hwy 2 and the Wetaskiwin turn off heading west, follow Secondary Hwy 771 to the races are 5km west of the Provincial Park, from 9am to 4pm. Families and their canine companions will enjoy the winter scenery and the beautiful racing dogs! 
    We have a lot of talent in our region, and one that is based in the City of Leduc is the songstress Joanne Janzen, a native of Australia. Joanne inherited her father's musical talent, which is made obvious by her unique vocal qualities and song-writing ability. Janzen's world tour with the successful musical production "Up With People" was the true beginning of her belief in her calling. Her first single "Everybody Knows Better" has been broadcasted on 40 radio stations across Canada, where she has performed more than 70 concerts in 2012 alone. 
    "You Take Me Home" is the most recent single Janzen has released to Canadian radio: it’s lyrics describe leaving her homeland of Australia and immigrating to Canada with her husband to start a new life and family. Sweet memories of her native land will come to life when she goes on tour later this spring. To celebrate this event, Joanne and Maritime Travel have created a contest where the winning video will offer a trip for two to Queensland Australia, to join her on her tour: so visit www.joannejanzen.com or go read her press release available at http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/-1752313.htm. Should you decide to enter her contest, good luck to you! Her website will also let you get familiar with her lovely voice and touching lyrics! 
    I welcome your notes, news tips and friendly feedback at dominique@pipestoneflyer.ca. I hope you have a great week!