Elsie Buchert was honoured on her 102nd Birthday with a party held in the cafeteria at the Wetaskiwin Hospital & Care Centre on Sunday, February 12th.  She is known for her care and concern for the developmentally disabled as a mother, foster mother, and a founding member of the Wetaskiwin District Association for Community Service board and the Horizon Centre.
 For about six months, since August, Elsie Buchert has been living in Unit 33 Long Term Care where she is an active participant in any and all activities.  She attends the Tuesday chapel services, going early to listen to the organist play before the service.  When weather permits, she takes the Handi-Van to attend church at Zion Lutheran, and to go to the Wednesday Farmers' Market.  She remains amazingly alert and involved.
 Before moving to Long term Care, she lived on the family farm, just south of Wetaskiwin, where she had made a home with her husband, Jack, and raised their children, a son LaVern and a daughter Sheila.  When Sheila, who is developmentally disabled, was about 16, and Elsie was 61 and still working full time at the hospital, three foster boys with developmental disabilities were welcomed into the family home.  Richard, who was 16 at that time, and Dennis, who was then 9, continue to live with the family.  Currently, Richard works weekday afternoons at Shoppers Drug Mart and two mornings a week at Sobeys.  At Horizon Centre, Dennis sews and makes bead creations which he sells at the Farmers Market.  Sheila has lived in a residence since Elsie's health started to fail in the early 1990s.
 In the late 1970s, Elsie was one of those who had the vision and drive to found the Horizon Centre, and was a member of its governing board, the Wetaskiwin District Association for Community Service, for many years.  She was also very involved in starting the coffee house.  In recognition of  her vision and hard work for the community, she was awarded an Alberta Centennial Medal.  On May 16th, 2010, the Central Board of the Society for Persons with Developmental Disabilities made a special presentation to Elsie in recognition of her 100th Birthday.  Her practical dedication to those with developmental disabilities is outstanding and much appreciated.
 It was obvious that Elsie Buchert was especially happy to have her family around her at her 102nd Birthday Party.  Her son, LaVern, and her daughter, Sheila, were there along with her granddaughter, Lisa, with her husband, Sean, and their sons, Jonah and Nolan, and grandson, Craig, with his partner, Liz.   Her foster sons, Richard and Dennis, were also present to enjoy the afternoon with her.  Congratulations, Elsie, and best wishes for a wonderful year.

On February 4, 2012, at the age of 95 years, Stena Moseson of Wetaskiwin, passed away peacefully in her sleep.   She has gone to join her husband Lawrence, all of her siblings and her dear Ma & Pa in heaven.
Stena is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Karen (Tim) Stiles; son, Warren (Janet) Moseson; grandchildren, Joanna (Aaron) Drake, Gillian (Mike) Goerzen, Adam (Kelly Nester) Moseson, Jenna (Scott) Gilmour, Amanda (Chad)  Thiessen; great-grandchildren, Natalie and Bennett Drake, Connor and Chase Goerzen; sister-in-law and good friend Winagean Alberg as well as many more family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Wetaskiwin Mission Church and interment has taken place at Wetaskiwin Memorial Cemetery. Donations can be made  in Stena’s memory to Hope Mission Wetaskiwin (Bethany Homes for Children) Box 953, Edmonton
AB T5J 2L8.

 Having a cell phone is pretty common and has pretty much become a necessary part of everyday life.  Keeping in touch with family, friends and acquaintances is as simple as pushing a button. And when no one answers you can send them a text. Or you can send pictures, send video clips, check email, surf the web, join forums and even use the phone as a GPS to find the nearest restaurant.
Cell phones are so practical. You don’t  have to worry when your child is late for supper, just call him. Do don’t have to worry about your loved one who is out on the road late at night. Just call her. Convenient, yes. But not always wonderful if you are a victim of violence and abuse.
 The following story shows how something  as simple as  a cell phone can be used as an instrument of control, violence and abuse.
 Victims of family violence rarely have a voice. If they did, this is what they might say.....the true story
 At first, she kind of enjoyed the attention. When she pulled out her new phone, all the other girls went crazy. They couldn’t believe he had bought it just for her. The newest and the best. The kind people stood in line for hours for.
 “A smart phone for a dumb girl” was what he said when he gave it to her, but he always said stuff like that, just being funny. His friends had laughed at that, and she was more than a little embarrassed, but it wasn’t like he meant anything by it. After all, he wouldn’t have given her such an expensive present if he didn’t care for her.
 Besides, it made things a lot easier, her having the phone. That way, whenever he wanted to talk to her, he could. At first, she turned the phone off when she was at school. But it upset him when she didn’t answer. So now, she left it on vibrate and excused herself to go to the washroom whenever he called. He had thought of that idea. After all, why would he go to all the trouble of buying her the phone if she didn’t even bother to answer it? And really, it wasn’t like it was all the time, just a few times a day; just to see what she was doing.
 She had thought about giving the number to a few friends, but really, that would have been a pretty stupid idea. What if she was talking to a friend on the phone, when he was trying to call? It isn’t like her and her friends had anything important to say anyway. Girls never did. He was right; it would be more special if he was the only one who knew her number.
 She tries to move someplace quiet when he calls. One time, she was on the phone with him and a group of loud guys passed by. He thought they were talking to her and he got really angry. It was her fault really, it is rude to be talking to someone and not give them your full attention. What was he supposed to think?
 He worries about her a lot, another reason he bought her the phone. Now, she can call him whenever she goes anywhere, just to check in. He feels better knowing where she is and who she is with. She makes sure to call him the minute she gets home, that way he can relax, because really, you never know what can happen. He says he likes to be the first person she talks to in the morning and the last one she talks to at night. How many other guys would say something like that?
 Some of her friends don’t understand. She doesn’t see them much anymore anyways. He says he knows jealous cows when he sees them, so why should she bother hanging out with them anyways. It isn’t like someone would call them at midnight just to hear their voice, is it? Besides, she doesn’t need anyone else, she had him now.

Family Violence always leaves a mark. It just might not be one you can see
 This is a true story about a real person and real incidents. It is the story of a person locked into a Family Violence situation. A situation that always leaves a mark. It just might not be one you can see. If you are in a relationship with a new person and you find your old friends falling away, while family members remark on how you don't seem like yourself, you might need help. Are you losing yourself to an odd, and ultimately destructive, relationship? Before you can regain your individuality and strength, you'll need to determine whether the relationship is taking something away, and, if so, you must put an end to the destructive cycle. While the steps are directed towards romantic relationships, they do apply to any kind of relationship even sibling/maternal/ and paternal relationships

Help is a phone call away
 Wetaskiwin and region is very fortunate. For the last 14 years, the Victim Services unit has worked closely with the RCMP to provide programs and services to help victims of crime and tragedy. Assistance is only a phone call away.
 If you, or someone you know is experiencing family violence or trying to cope with a tragic experience, reach out knowing help is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.  Call the listing under Wetaskiwin/RCMP/Victim Services at 780-312-7287.

 About ten years ago, I received a bread maker as a Christmas present. Ever since I got into the habit of using it, our family has enjoyed the delight of fresh bread on a regular basis. Once I found that I could buy organic whole-wheat flour from a local mill, I had the added confidence that I was serving my family the healthiest bread on the face of the planet. Or so I believed. Friends always looked forward to bread at my house, and at church potlucks it always went like proverbial hotcakes.
 Whole wheat flour is notorious for rapidly going rancid. I buy it as fresh as possible and keep it in the freezer to preserve the oils in the highly nutritious wheat germ. But there was something that puzzled me: the mill mentioned one day that it didn’t need to be put in the freezer.
 I quietly wondered about it for a couple of years.
 At the Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays, I frequently have long conversations with some of the local Hutterites, whose table is a short distance from mine. I’ve been impressed with the agricultural knowledge and ethics of this particular colony, Pine Haven, located a few minutes southeast of Wetaskiwin. They seem to consider it their responsibility before God to carefully steward their land. And well they should.
Although the colony does not call their produce organic (the certification process is a long and difficult one), their vegetables are grown without synthetic fertilizers and their meat and poultry are raised using things like oregano in the feed and water as well as probiotics to ward off disease before it starts.
 One market day last summer, I had a long chat with John Hofer, who has taken an interest in growing original grains. He told me that he has been working with three different ancient or heritage grains, as they are called, and making some of the flour available for sale along with their other produce. I was keen to buy a bag of his flour and try it out. As I paid for it, he told me to make sure to keep it in the freezer.
 So I talked to him about the organic flour I had been buying and how confused I was that they’d told me it wouldn’t spoil. He promptly offered an answer to the riddle. Most wheat today, he said, has been genetically modified to one end or another, and one of the modifications they make is breeding the wheat germ right out of the kernel in order to improve the shelf-life. This leaves just the endosperm, which contains the gluten (a form of protein) and the wheat bran. So if this were true of my flour, it would mean that all this time I had been buying—not whole-wheat flour—but two-thirds-wheat flour. One very important, God-designed part would be missing. I was not impressed with this possibility.
 Since that day, I have done some reading on the whole GMO thing. I understand now that there are over 30,000 different grains. They have been developed to many different ends: to make them resistant to herbicides like Round-Up; to help them survive difficult climactic conditions; and to change the composition in different way for various reasons, the remove-the-wheat-germ scheme being a case in point. Gluten contents have been manipulated to make them “perform” better in specific products. One of the concerns here is that the “super-glutens” created are difficult for us to digest properly, and one of the questions posed is whether this trend in part explains the burgeoning numbers of people being diagnosed with celiac disease.
 The health concerns include “endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders and sterility, digestive problems, rapid aging, organ damage, autoimmune problems, insulin imbalances.... Every human currently consuming GMOs on a regular basis is actually an unwitting test subject in a giant biotechnology experiment.”* Even crazier is the news that human DNA is being used in some of these grains, now no longer technically called plants but rather “organisms.”
 All my reading was making me pretty paranoid, and I was ready to throw away my “organic whole-wheat flour” from the local mill on principle alone. But I decided to let them speak for themselves first.
 A phone call reassured me that my flour is not genetically modified.
 But neither does it contain wheat germ. It is mechanically removed so that the flour can sit on the shelf for six months without spoiling. “But,” I protested, “you call it whole wheat, and it’s really only two-thirds.”
 And he answered, “But we don’t call it 100% whole wheat.”

 It has been known for a long time that there is a direct correlation between a student’s participation in extracurricular activities and their eventual success at post-secondary educational institutes and their careers. Students who participate in activity programs tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline problems than students generally. The idea of the “dumb jock” is just that and not based on reality.
 Through participation in extracurricular programs, students learn teamwork, sportsmanship, winning and losing, the rewards of hard work, self-discipline, build self-confidence, and develop skills to handle competitive situations. These are qualities the public expects schools to produce in students so they become responsible adults and productive citizen
 Studies done since the 1980’s have continued to show the benefits of an extracurricular program has had on the success of a school to produce graduates that were successful in life.
 Last week I had the privilege to watch a school taking its first steps to provide its students an expanded extracurricular program when I watched the Ermineskin Junior High Girls Basketball team play their first game against the girls from Caledonia Park School in Leduc.
 First games in basketball are more like watching a tennis match as the ball seems to change procession and direction every few seconds. This is especially true when it is the first game ever for many of the players.
 The girls from Ermineskin had a height advantage and throughout the game they were able to out rebound Caledonia, but their skills at shooting the ball have yet to catch up to their rebounding skills. By the end of the first quarter they have managed two points to Caledonia’s ten.
 The second quarter was a repeat of the first, however no one could say anything negative about the team’s effort.  Two young ladies were of particular interest.
 The first is the team’s point guard. Like most point guards she is the smallest player on the team, but height does not account for the size of the heart within. Lexie is quick and feisty. She sees the floor and is more than willing to feed her teammates, which makes her an excellent point guard.
 You can tell that she is inexperienced, as she tends, on defense, to envelop the opponent with both her arms. The officials quickly assets her three fouls for holding and her coach subs her out. As Lexie approaches the bench you can see a tear start to slide down her cheek. She is disappointed and feels she has let down her coach and the team. Her coach talks to her telling her what she needs to do to avoid being called for that particular type of foul and tells her she has the ability to be a great point guard. Lexie listens, but she will have to sit for the rest of the first half and part of the third quarter.
 When Lexie returns to the game Ermineskin is still having difficulty in making baskets and as the quarter ends they trail 30 to 6.
Lexie plays the final few minutes of the third quarter and you can see she has learned to avoid the type of foul that got her in trouble in the first half. As she gets ready for the forth and final quarter you can see the confidence build within her. She makes some excellent passes and her teammates have found the basket as the team scores the first 3 baskets of the quarter.
 Lexie picks up her fourth foul, but this foul is different, it is from trying to take a charge. Lexie expects to be subbed out, but her coach knows that Lexie has learned the lesson of the day and lets her stay in the game. Lexie goes to another level of play. She continues to set up her classmates, but now she has learned to drive to the basket. The game ends with a victory by Caledonia, but Ermineskin has won the forth quarter 12 to 8!
 Lexie’s tears have transformed into a huge smile. She has scored four points and numerous assists along with playing great defense. In the past hour she has already learned the value of hard work, self-discipline, is beginning to understand the effect of teamwork, and her self-confidence is growing and the season has just begun.
 Her teammate Paris is a forward and plays a power game. She is a good rebounder and not afraid to go inside against bigger players. On defense she tends to lose her opponent, unlike Lexie she does not surround her opponent with her arms, but she forgets to move her feet and her opponent can get around her and she ends up trailing and watching her opponent make layups.
 When Paris comes off the court, she is frustrated by her inability to stay with her opponent. Her coach takes her aside and tells her a story by asking her a question. The coach asks her if she was to hide money on the court where would it be? Paris, after some thought, responds by saying on back of the rim. Her coach then says so the rim is like the bank so think of the ball as money and your opponent is going to try and make a deposit in the bank. When you lose your opponent don’t chase them go to the bank and that’s where your opponent will show up!
 Paris returns to the game, at first her coach yells bank, when she loses her opponent, but as the game progresses Paris has found the ability to defend her opponent and what had been easy layups were now being contested every time. As her defense improves Paris’s self-confidence improves and she begins to find the basket with her shot.
 As the game concludes both Paris and Lexie have made major contributions and they and the team have grown by leaps and bounds as the game progressed.
 Ermineskin School is located in Hobbema and serves over 300 students from grades seven to twelve. They will host the 1A Boys Basketball Championships from March 15th to March 17th, 2012.
 

 This month was busy with practicing and writing our speeches. All of our members did an excellent job in presenting their speeches and presentations. First place went to: Shae-Lynn Hipkin (Junior), Kassie Wrubleski ( Intermediate), and Beth Hofstra ( Senior). Second place: Cherese Eidick ( Junior), Cole Dotzlaf (Intermediate), and Sarah Fecho (Senior). Third place: Monika Knull (Junior), Sierra Halwa (Intermediate), and Jessie Schmidt (Senior).
 Super job!! Those that won first place will go to Districts which is on February 18th at Telford Hall. All of the first place members received a gold buckle, second place got a Peavy Mart gift certificate and a pencil case and third place received a Lammle’s gift certificate. Thank you to Mrs. Dotzlaf for purchasing the awesome gifts.
 A big thank you goes out to the judges who came out and shared their experience and positive comments. Thanks to the parents who helped organize the day and to Mrs. Stacy Hipkin, who did an awesome job organizing and made the day a big success.
 Our January meeting also went well. Public Speaking and a possible skiing fun day were discussed. Everyone can’t wait for that! I hope everyone has a good month and stay tuned for more details about our community service campaign for Cystic Fibrosis.

Your Faithful Reporter, Monika Knull

Left to right: Wetaskiwin city alderman Patricia MacQuarrie, County of Wetaskiwin councillor Terry Van De Kraats, Millet Mayor Rob Lorenson and Samson Cree Nation councillor Kirk Buffalo
participate in a celebrity goalie race.

 
The Icemen have risen from the depths.
 And with the Capital Junior Hockey League playoffs set to begin this week, the team that could only muster seven points just two seasons ago will watch the first round from the stands – knowing they will return to the ice for their first post-season game Feb. 24.
Wetaskiwin finished in second place overall in the CJHL after battling back from an early 2-0 deficit to beat the Strathcona Bruins 7-3 in its final league game, played in front of close to 1,000 fans Friday at the Wetaskiwin Civic Centre.
 The evening was dubbed Pack The Arena night, and the prospect of watching the Icemen clinch second place overall, along with live musical entertainment, a beer gardens, and a celebrity goalie race, brought fans out in droves.
 Travis Gano, who ended the season with 36 goals, second-most in the league, and Dylan McKay each scored a pair of goals for the Icemen, who held a large advantage in shots on goal.
 Michael MacDonald, Ryley Bennefield and DJ Bennefield also scored for Wetaskiwin, with Rit Spezzano adding a pair of assists.
 Garret Montour was in net for his 14th victory of the year. Montour finished the season with a 2.65 goals against average, third-best among active goal tenders.
 The Icemen ended the season with a 26-8-0-4 record and 56 points, good for second place in the East Division and second place overall in the CJHL behind Sherwood Park.
 With 198 goals, an average of 5.21 per game, Wetaskiwin also finished as the league's highest scoring team. The team’s 109 goals allowed, a mere 2.87 per game, allowed the Icemen to tie for the best goals against average with the Knights.
 The Icemen, who improved 30 points in the standings last season, took another giant leap this year with a 19-point improvement.
 That 49-point improvement certainly has other CJHL powerhouse teams taking notice heading into the first round of the playoffs. Wetaskiwin received a first-round bye, and expects to host the first game of the quarter final series Friday, Feb. 24.

Riggers out
 While Wetaskiwin can take it easy for the next week and watch first round playoff combatants beat one another up, Leduc will watch all playoff rounds from the outside. The Schwab Riggers, who hosted the provincials last season despite not even qualifying for the post season, missed the playoffs for the second-straight year after finishing the regular season with a 9-23-0-6 record. Leduc’s 24 points left the team three points behind Fort Saskatchewan in the race for the final playoff spot.
 The Schwab Riggers, who won two of their final four games to make the race close, helped their own cause by knocking off the Hawks 3-2 Feb. 8, leaving the teams just one point apart.
 However, on the final weekend, Leduc fell 9-0 to rival Beaumont Feb. 10 at the Leduc Recreation Centre, while Fort Saskatchewan beat Stony Plain 8-2 the same night, then followed up with a regular season-ending 7-6 victory over the Edmonton Mustangs.
 Four teams, Sherwood Park and Wetaskiwin in the East Division, and Beverly and Morinville in the West Division, all receive first-round byes.
 In the first round of the playoffs, East Division match-ups have Beaumont facing Fort Saskatchewan and the Edmonton Royals taking on the Strathcona Bruins, while in the West Division, Spruce Grove faces the North Edmonton Red Wings and St. Albert takes on the Edmonton Mustangs. All are Best of 3 series.
 The quarter finals, which will be Best of 5 affairs, are set to begin Feb. 24.
 Dakota Mercredi of the Edmonton Royals won the scoring race with 29 goals and 87 points. Beaumont’s Joel Tessier finished fifth with 29 goals and 63 points, one ahead of Wetaskiwin’s Gano, and four points ahead of Chiefs teammate Justin Wood.

On Friday, February 10, a cheque presentation took place within the walls of the Leduc Wal-Mart store: an amount of money was raised by the Front End staffers, and this money was matched by the Wal-Mart Corporation, to reach a total of $2,070.  Each year, the staffers of every Wal-Mart sore department vote for a local charity, plan and execute several fundraisers all year long.
  On this occasion Lori Swanson, a Leduc Wal-Mart front end cashier who is proud of her “extra responsibilities” such as looking after the charities supported by her colleagues, was the presenter of this cheque to Bev Sweet, treasurer for the Alberta Music Festival Association (AMFA), and executive Director of the Wetaskiwin Music Festival, an AMFA member, along with the Leduc Music Festival.  Escorted by two young and lovely musicians, sisters Julie and Charlotte, Bev Sweet expressed her gratitude to the Wal-Mart staff members who all contributed to this fundraiser that will benefit the Music Festivals of Alberta.  Wal-Mart presents cheques like this one to local charities and non-profit societies six times a year.  The general public has been able to contribute via donations into jars strategically placed at the store’s front end.  In this case, most Alberta communities boasting a Wal-Mart also have a local Music Festival, so this was a great fit. 

Colin wishes the cloud hanging over the head of the Drag Races had snow in it. As he gazed across an open field showing more stubble than snow he commented, “The race might have to be cancelled this year if we don’t get 4-5 inches of snow before March 3rd. Last year we had to move a lot of snow to prepare the tracks and this year we are short.”

 Will Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 be the last of ‘the biggest Snow Drags of the year’ when  racers from across western Canada compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes? And a top prize of $1,000 for King of Snow. Will Wetaskiwin lose an event that has provided entertainment for hundreds and hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators for the past 16 years?
 “This could happen,”  revealed Colin Feldberg, President of the Wetaskiwin Snow Drags for the past five years. “When a couple of buddies and I attended the meeting five years ago and they stood up and said the race was dead, we became the Committee.” Colin and his team overcame cold weather some years and lack of snow others and  in the end hosted an event that attracted participants and spectators from B.C., Saskatchewan and right across Alberta. Last year the race attracted 107 competitors.
 “Our committee didn’t want to see the race die when we took it on five years ago or the race would have been done then. Now we feel it is time to see someone else take it on for another five years.” Given the uncertainty of the Snow Drags not running in 2013, the Committee did not solicit sponsorship for the races this year. “We have enough money to run the race and if it goes ahead next year we will go back to the sponsors who have been extremely generous over the years. We had a lot of sponsors.”
 Colin wishes the cloud hanging over the head of the Drag Races had snow in it. As he gazed across an open field showing more stubble than snow he commented, “The race might have to be cancelled this year if we don’t get 4-5 inches of snow before March 3rd. Last year we had to move a lot of snow to prepare the tracks and this year we are short.”
 Snowmobiling remains popular in the Wetaskiwin region and is supported and serviced by four dealerships; Wetaskiwin Motorsports, Camrose Arctic Cat, Hyline Polaris and Central Sled.
 Colin closed with an appeal, “We just need 3-5 individuals. Most people on the committee have done it for a number of years and want to move on. I’d like to see the race stay and I will help whoever takes over in any way I can. I know what exactly what needs to be done. I won’t just walk away from it. We just need some people to come forward. This is a good event for Wetaskiwin as it brings a lot of people to town.”
 Enter your own snowmobile or come and watch the excitement. Registration is between  8:00 am and 11:00 am race day, and the races begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012.
 For more information contact Colin Feldberg at 780-352-1475.

Nakai McDonnell of Millet was the best of the local wrestling contingent during the Alberta Winter Games, held last weekend in Spruce Grove and Stony Plain. McDonnell came home with a silver medal in the 47 kilogram weight class.
 A pair of Wetaskiwin grapplers finished just off the podium, with Jonathan Risto coming in fourth in the 51kg division, and  Oscar Mackinaw placed fourth in 43 kg, a great result considering Mackinaw is a first year wrestler. Another Millet wrestler, Grace McDonnell, finished fifth in the 46 kg class.
 As for other Wetaskiwin athletes, Neve Holmlund and Miranda Movold both had seventh place finishes in the all-around team competition in artistic gymnastics. Movold also had a ninth place finish in Level 2 – Floor and a 27th place finish in Level 2 – All Around, and Holmlund had a 28th place finish in Level 2 – All Around.
 In the 15-Under male volleyball competition, Millet players Ryan Beaupre and Ben Ripka led Zone 4 to a fourth place finish. A trio of Leduc athletes took part in the Winter games.
 Sara Weisgerber placed fifth in All Around team wrestling, but failed to place in the female 60 kg division and Chandler Hofstra was eighth in team ringette.
 Zone 3, Calgary, won the overall medal race with 41 gold, 46 silver and 38 bronze medals. Zone 6, Edmonton, had 35 gold, 32 silver and 17 bronze, and Zone 4, Central Alberta, finished with seven gold, six silver and 14 bronze medals.

The Leduc Kanata Gymnastics Club is a volunteer board run non-profit organization that has been a fixture of the gymnastics scene in Leduc for over twenty years and has over 200 members of all ages. The Rhythmic Club has been part of Kanata for the past three years and currently has 13 active members competing. The girls range in age from four and a half years old to thirteen and practice twice a week for a total of six hours.
 On Feb. 4th the Kanata Rhythmic club participated in a meet at Devon. The Arabesque Rhythmics hosted its first meet at the Devon Alliance Church. Eighty-eight gymnasts from Edmonton, Leduc, Devon, Red Deer and Calgary competed at the event. Kristi Skebo, Head Coach of Arabesque Rhythmics began planning for this first time event in September and it exceeded her expectations in both the number of competitors and the cooperation of the community. She is very thankful for all of the individuals and groups that have assisted in making the event a success.
 The meet began at 9 am and concluded shortly after 4 pm. Ashley Goodwin was kept busy coaching all of the Kanata girls, but was able to take some time to talk to this reporter about some of the girls and the sport of rhythmic gymnastics. One of the girls she introduced me to was Cadence Regier, a young gymnast who has caught the eye of the Edmonton media. This young lady has remarkable agility and timing and is someone to watch as she develops her skills over the next few years.
 Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of gymnastics, ballet, dance, and apparatus manipulation, which include using ribbons, balls, hoops, and ropes. The Olympics recognized it as an Olympic sport at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and Lori Fung of Canada was the first individual to win an Olympic gold medal for the sport.
 As with all sports, Olympic medal winners do not just happen. They begin at an early age learning the basic fundamentals of their sport and the Kanata Rhythmic Gymnastic Club is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in rhythmic gymnastics.

Each time you leave the Wetaskiwin Hospital parking lot you are required to pay a $2.00 parking fee.  Put your money in the machine, the barrier arm goes up and you leave the parking lot. That is, if you have a toonie in your pocket because that was the only coin that would work.
 Users of the parking lot often found this annoying when they forgot, or didn’t know they would need a toonie to pay their parking fees. Staff in the hospital were accommodating but found that regularly having to make change was distracting them from their healthcare duties. It was time for a change. The Wetaskiwin Health Foundation decided it was time to meet the needs of the people using the parking lots. They needed to install a system that would accept a variety of coins…everything from a nickel to two loonies or a toonie. The new equipment will print a receipt and also has the capability to be programmed in the future to accept credit/debit cards.
 Aside from convenience for users, it was time to replace the old, worn parking system with a new one. The old equipment had served the parking needs for years but was deteriorating and required frequent patching and repairing by hospital maintenance staff.

How Parking Fees Benefit the Entire Community
 You may ask, “Why do we even have to charge for parking?” Parking fees collected at the Wetaskiwin Hospital go directly to the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation. Money received by the Wetaskiwin Heath Foundation goes directly into enhancing healthcare. So to put it simply, each time you pay your $2.00 parking fee you are making an investment in expanded healthcare facilities and services in your own community.
 Funding received from the government provides a base standard of healthcare throughout the province. However, when a community decides they want to exceed that base standard, they do so through a Health Foundation. The purchase of equipment and services that would not otherwise have been possible attracts and retains top quality staff.
 The people in Wetaskiwin are darn lucky. We have one of the best equipped healthcare facilities in the province bragging a laparoscopic camera system for gynecological and general surgery (minimal invasion using small incisions and a camera),  phacoemulsifier  (cataract removal), dialysis unit, video processor with high definition monitors for laparoscopic procedures, ultrasound machine for Diagnostic Imaging Department, CT Scanner…and the list goes on.
 Much of this state-of-the-art equipment was purchased by the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation through  generous donations made by individuals, foundations, clubs, businesses and corporations and, of course, parking fees. Top notch medical professionals follow top notch equipment so that is why each and every investment that comes in to the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation is so important.
 Although the $2.00 charge seems like a burden to some, it is quite modest to similar charges in other communities. Using cataract surgery as an example, if you were required to travel to Edmonton to have this procedure done, parking there costs anywhere from $1.75 per ½ hour to $21 for a 24 hour pass.
 The surgery will likely require at least five trips to Edmonton (diagnosis, surgery on each eye and follow-up). The five trips would cost approximately $350 using a mileage rate of $0.40/km. In most cases, a driver would be required to transport the patient. The Wetaskiwin Hospital performs approximately 900 cataract surgeries per year so that would be considerable money going elsewhere that is invested in our own facilities and equipment.
 The next time you visit the Wetaskiwin Hospital and reach into your pocket for $2.00 worth of coins, feel proud you are investing in numerous point-of-difference healthcare services, equipment and comfort items for the patients and residents of the Wetaskiwin Hospital and the Wetaskiwin community.
 To learn more about how your donations support healthcare contact Health Foundation Executive Director, Lillian Dykes at 780-361-4130.

Notice: Wetaskiwin Community Health Centre – Parking Enforcement

 Wetaskiwin City Council, at their January 30th meeting, approved the Parking Enforcing agreement between the City of Wetaskiwin and Alberta Health Services Protective Services – Central Zone. Parking restrictions at the Main Entrance and Emergency Entrance of the Hospital will be enforced by newly appointed Bylaw Enforcement Officers.
 Council appointed Marcie Willier, Carlos Vesga, Alexander Rosch, Jason Fisher, Kristina Colley, Scott Donselaar, Travis Osmond, Aaron Barton, and Cale Feduniw as Bylaw Enforcement Officers for the City of Wetaskiwin to monitor and enforce the Wetaskiwin Traffic Bylaw on Wetaskiwin Hospital and Health Care Facility and Wetaskiwin Community Health Centre properties pursuant to Section 555 of the Municipal Government Act.

By-the-Lake Park trail system will look quite different in the spring of 2012. A new culvert system will prevent erosion of the trails. The mudholes and puddles will be replaced with a fresh coating of gravel. The trail system at By-the-Lake Park is undergoing maintenance this winter that will make a hike through 2.2 km of trails surrounding the natural eco systems much more pleasant and enjoyable.
 As explained by Bob Stauth, Public Works Superintendent, “Every spring, (but maybe not this one considering the lack of snow) areas of the trail are under water because of the spring melt. We widened out the path area by removing some of the shrubs and trees, to allow for our equipment to get into those spots. We hauled in some gravel to lift the areas and installed pipes through the path to permit drainage without the path acting like a berm.”
 The work will make it safer and easier to observe and experience the natural and manmade biological diversity offered by the park. Visitors will have easier access to the bountiful species of  birds and diverse types of vegetation including grasses, shrubs and trees.  The lake, stocked with trout,  also supports numerous other water-supported organisms living in the lake and adjacent marshland.  Self-directed interpretive signs provide nature enthusiasts with an informative description of  the various plants and wildlife that call the area home.
 Located on the outskirts of Wetaskiwin just west of Adams Pontiac along 56 Avenue, By-the-Lake Park is a classroom that can raise awareness and understanding of the link between environment and urban development. This peaceful outdoor setting  offers such a diverse array of recreational opportunities; events  such as weddings, birthday parties, dances, reunions and meetings in the hall, hiking on the trails, picking saskatoons, observing wildlife and waterfowl, fishing, having a coffee on a picnic bench, photography, picking mushrooms, tobogganing, skating and many other family and friend activities.
 Weather cooperated with the project explained Stauth, “Because of the extremely mild weather, we were able to accomplish this task this winter. I estimate we spent approximately $15,000 to $20,000 dollars on the upgrade.  The benefits of having a functional path for our users are obvious.” The upgrade is important to maintaining access to the resources without damage to the environment and risking safety
 For more information about the trail upgrade contact Bob Stauth, City of Wetaskiwin at 780-361-4430.
 

 One of the books which I am reading right now is ‘The Resilient Life’ by Gordon MacDonald.  In it, MacDonald states, "One must anticipate that the greatest contributions God has for us to make will happen in the second half of life." (p. 4)  That is both a comfort and a challenge for those of us who are well into that second half of life, but it is also a challenge for those still in the first half of life, a challenge to develop the life and character which can make the greatest contribution in the last half.
     I don't know about you, but it makes sense to me.  For so many of us, the first half of life is a growing time: growing up, growing into a career, growing a family, gaining knowledge, gaining experience, growing in relationships with both other people and with God, and growing in our understanding of ourselves.  The second half of life comes, and life slows down.  After the children leave home, there is more time to contemplate the results of the growth, to turn the knowledge gained into understanding and wisdom, to focus on the things which are truly important, to focus on enjoying a growing relationship with God and on helping others.  Many develop virtual volunteer careers during that second half, and make contributions which produce marked improvements in their communities.  Some discover a passion that leads to making a significant difference in a particular area.
     Certainly Elsie Buchert, whose 102nd birthday party was held February 12th, is an excellent example of this.  She was past 40 when she had a baby girl who was developmentally disabled, past 60 when she took in three foster boys who were also developmentally disabled, past 65 when she worked tirelessly to realize her vision of a place to maximize the abilities of the developmentally disabled, and her vision of a place for them to meet and mingle.  She is most honoured for the major accomplishments of the last half of her long life, and she is still contributing as she is able with her cheerfulness, her dedication to attend worship services, her friendliness, her involvement with the people around her in Long Term Care, her wisdom acquired through many years.  In the last half of her life, she is outstanding.
     MacDonald filled a book with the values, thought patterns and behaviour patterns of those he calls "resilient", those who make their greatest contributions in the second half of life, and with the many interesting anecdotes which illustrate his points.  He shapes the book around the training and races of a successful runner, partly because his own experience as a high school athlete suggested this comparison, and partly because the New Testament also uses analogies of a runner as in I Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize." (NIV)  He tells us that, "Resilient people are committed to finishing strong," that they know, "quitting is not an option," that, "'walking' is unthinkable," that it takes daily effort to become a champion.  He goes on to show how, "resilient people run inspired by a big-picture view of life," with a "sense of direction," while seeking to, "cultivate Christian character, listen for a call from God," have confidence in their giftedness, and are generous.  For resilience, people must find freedom from, "the weight of the past," through understanding, "the importance of repairing the past," through using memory to discover where there is need for repentance and forgiveness, what has earned gratitude and finding the wisdom of experience.  MacDonald also considers the preparations for going the distance, for finishing well aided by physical fitness, still growing minds, controlled emotions, trimmed egos, and hearts wide open to God.  Throughout, he emphasizes the important place of a few truly intimate friends. 
     It is both a comforting and a challenging book: comforting in that it says that we can continue to contribute in very meaningful ways to the very end of life; challenging in that it sets out the training regimen needed to be as successful as possible in finishing our life race well.  It is a regimen that is balanced with a broad and positive perspective.  It recognizes God's rightful place in our lives, and recognizes that which we must do in cooperation with God.  Most of all, it gives the hope and comfort of finishing well, of finding meaning and purpose in all of life.

Reporter Barry McDonald was delighted and honored to have been chosen winner of a photo contest held by the Hon. Verlyn Olson. The winning prize was an invitation by Mr. Olson to join him for a lunch.
 McDonald embraced the opportunity to have a one-on-one with a leading politician…..but he also saw the opportunity to make for an even more interesting luncheon and suggested Mr. Olson also invite two Wetaskiwin Composite High School students to join them. Mr. Olson’s office responded immediately with a, ‘absolutely, yes by all means.’ The high school was contacted, explaining the offer and Co-Chairs of the H.S. Student Council were chosen to join Mr. McDonald and Mr. Olson.
 Zena Leclercq and Colton Hutchinson are the Co-Chairs of the Wetaskiwin Composite High School Student Council.  That one  responsibility claims a great deal of their time and energy  each and every day. They are also active participants in sports, regularly meet with fellow students and staff advisors, continuously planning and scheduling student activities, working at a part time job, following up with family commitments, practicing for an upcoming tournament and monitoring student association progress. And, somewhere in there they also attend classes and do assignments and  homework.
 The Honourable Verlyn Olson, QC (PC)  is the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.  He is the Deputy Government House Leader. He also currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, Chair of the Human Resources, Citizenship and Multicultural Education Committee, as well as a member of the Standing Committees on Public Accounts, Private Bills and Health. And, he has to balance all of those responsibilities with obligations to his constituents, family and friends.
 And yet, all three were eager to take time from their extremely busy schedules to meet over a lunch and share some of the challenges and successes they were undergoing in their respective political lives.
 The students listened intently as Mr. Olson described his life. “I practiced law in Camrose for 30 years and that is a profession where you don’t punch a clock. There was a lot of evening and weekend work so that prepared me for the demands of this job.”
 He told the students he is, “responsible for supervision of a half a billion dollar budget,  577 lawyers and  3000 employees.” The ministry consists of the Department of Justice, the Alberta Human Rights Commission and the Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund. The department’s budget also funds the Alberta Review Board, the Fatality Review Board, the Judicial Council, the Notaries Public Review Committee, the Provincial Court Nominating Committee and the Rules of Court Committee.
 Add to that Communications, Corporate Services, Court Services, Criminal Justice, Human Resource Services, Justice Services, Legal Services and Safe Communities and Strategic Policy it’s understandable when Mr. Olson explained to the students, “ I won’t be home now until Saturday night (the luncheon was held on Monday) and then back into the city on Sunday night. This weekend I slept in my own bed two nights in a row which is very unusual.”
 Zena  pointed out some of the challenges they are undergoing as Co- Chairs of the Student Council. “February is a big month for us. Council meetings, something every weekend, agendas, recreation, go with my family for the Family Day weekend, student council meetings, practices for the tournament and studies.“ Colton was quick to add, “We are lucky to have a good executive and student council. The first  half of the year  has been successful. Going into our  term we were living in the shadows of former executives and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves but it feels we have been successful.”
 The conversation carried on. Since it was uppermost on the  mind of Minister Olson as he was on the way to Edmonton to defend his budget submission, he enlightened the students  about provincial government  budgets. “There are always pressures to do things more efficiently so we try to do that and challenge our bureaucrats to do the same. The Premier has given me a mandate when she appointed me and wants a focus on certain things and those things cost money, so how do I get more money. We’ve been facing deficits the last three years so the province is very lucky we have surpluses from the good years but that doesn’t last forever.”
 He added, “ The problem in Alberta is we are a resource based economy with  oil, grain, lumber and coal that fluctuates on the world market. I remember I was elected in March when we had a surplus and everything was going well and the predictions were good. But the revenues changed and by the time we got to July, we had a $4.7B dollar deficit. That was a $12B dollar change in less than a year.  Everyone wants sustainable programs years after year so it’s very challenging to budget.”
 Zena, a card carrying member of the Metis Association, proudly explained the Metis are an Aboriginal people and carry on with many of the traditions and honor the lifestyle.  She recognized an opportunity to share frustrations she and her family were experiencing with  ‘game harvesting legislation’ with Minister of Justice and Attorney General.  She explained the Metis have hunted for generations for food and as a way of life. “My family hunts for  meat because the store bought meat is more expensive and less healthy  but we are frustrated that we require a license to hunt or fish and can only do so at certain times of the year.”
 Minister Olson responded, “Harvesting rights.  I have to admit I don’t know a lot about it but I know it’s an issue that had come up before I came into this Ministry.  If you have a specific question I will look into it for you. That is an example of where I can go to my staff and ask them to research it.” With that he pulled his notebook from his travel bag and recorded Zena’s inquiries.
 Hon. Olson questioned the students about the level of interest in the election campaign and voter turnout when they ran for Student Council. Colton proudly responded,  “We have 750 students and 75% of them voted.” Olson reflected, “A 75% turnout in high school and then into a provincial election and voter turnout drops like a rock???   And a lot of municipalities had a 20% voter turnout.” He mused, “I don’t know if there is something we (municipal, provincial and federal governments) can learn about how the high school voters are more connected with their elected officials and issues.”
 The conversation continued until the three politicians respectively exchanged email addresses with the conviction to keep the communication routes open. As they returned to their busy schedules, all three must be complimented for investing valuable time to gain a better understanding of each other and implement that new knowledge in ways to make this a better place for all to enjoy.
 Born and raised in Camrose, Mr. Olson was elected to his first term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Wetaskiwin-Camrose on March 3, 2008, and serves as the Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Mr. Olson was a partner with the law firm Andreassen Olson Borth, where his practice focused primarily on real estate, wills, estates and counselling small businesses, assisting farmers, families, seniors and dependent adults.

 As many have celebrated Valentine’s Day recently, others are on the fence about this particular holiday.  So, Dear Reader, I simply want to say, “I hope you had a good week and it’s nice to have you here!”
 CONGRATS TO LEDUC SILHOUETTES!  This Leduc Synchronized Swimming Club is proud to have sent eight athletes to the Alberta Winter Games that took place February 9 to the 12th in and near Spruce Grove.  Having been a part of the Opening Ceremonies, having stayed in a Stony Plain school with synchronized swimmers from all over Alberta (without their parents!), having had to do each other’s hair and make-up (usually done by moms), and having competed to the best of their ability in such a high-profile event was an unforgettable experience for these young ladies.  Well done, Silhouettes and… we’re keeping an eye on you, ladies!
 ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ENDURANCE ICE RACE.  This past Sunday, February 12th, a crowd of happy spectators gathered to attend Leduc #2, the second race of the season on our frozen lake in the heart of Leduc.  We published a feature article on this sport last week and about the wonderful planning by the Leduc Motorsports Club. We received some positive feedback on this piece, a happy collaboration of three of us members of the Pipestone Flyer Editorial Team (Dominique, Jacques and Lorna).  Fifty drivers and their quads and bikes displayed peak performances.  An accident in the early afternoon (a rare thing at an ice race) delayed the race a bit, while the organizers waited for the ambulance to return to the race site.  Adam Labrecque suffered a superficial leg injury caused by an unwanted friction of his bike’s tire.  Organizers Jim Burrows and Curtis Ryll are proud of all the racers who signed up for this race and want their racing fans to be reminded that the Numb Bums race takes place this weekend at Sandy Beach. (www.aeira.com)
 SPREADING THE LOVE is what this past Monday was all about at the Leduc Alliance Church. Over the weekend, this church community had been gathering large amounts of home baking from its congregation members and Monday morning several drivers came over to load up their cars and distribute the goodies.  To show their appreciation to many groups who serve with love, the Alliance Church has compiled a long list of deserving groups that were to be the recipients of this baking prepared with love. The fire and police groups were at the top at the list, followed closely by the schools, senior homes and the Boys and Girls Club.  Associate Pastor Thina Ritter was the coordinator of this project, and two of her volunteers were thrilled of the feedback when they delivered to Caledonia, Corinthia and the Comp Schools. Lillian Macdonald and Carol Ann Brown are new neighbours in Leduc, Carol Ann having moved to Leduc only six months ago with her family, as her husband Ray Brown works in the oil and gas industry.  Welcome to the City of Leduc, Brown family, and… CONGRATS to all those who contributed to this loving project!  My golden nugget of the day was while I admired her Middle-Ages combat artifacts, I shared with Pastor Ritter that they reminded me of a children’s Christian song, with a sweet and sure voice, she sang for me the chorus of  ‘I’m in the Lord’s Army.’  What a treat! 
 LOSING A MOM IS HARD, no matter how old we are. Mrs. Teodora Kiss formerly of St. Paul passed away on Saturday, February 11, leaving behind three daughters, including Anne Cousineau (my dear friend), a long-time resident of the city of Leduc, where she raised Darrel and Aaron with their dad, Wilf Cousineau.  Teodora Kiss was a pioneer farmer in the county of St. Paul, a passionate gardener, a music lover, a great cook and a proud follower of her Roman Catholic church and her Ukrainian heritage.  An interesting fact is that over the years, the sisters devotedly listened to their mother’s stories of the ‘old country’ and of her arrival in Canada, and even wrote a lot of it down.  I was impressed to hear this, as it is a testament to a loved one’s life. It will be a sweet project for the sisters (Anne, Evelyn and Darlene) to put it all together in a document to be shared with relatives, grand kids and friends!  I hope to be fortunate to someday read the story of Mrs. Teodora Kiss’s life.  She sounds like a sweet mother and grandma, and an interesting pioneer!
 HAPPY 65th ANNIVERSARY, LEDUC #1!  On Monday, February 13, the Leduc #1 Energy Discovery Centre celebrated another milestone anniversary.  The mayors of the three founding municipalities, Devon, City of Leduc and County of Leduc, joined a crowd of nearly 400 friends and fans who throughout the day, came for tours and goodies.  A proud day indeed!
 GET UNPLUGGED ON FEBRUARY 20th!  ‘Disconnect to Connect’ is the main idea behind this Capital Region challenge where seventeen municipalities will compete on FAMILY DAY, to see how many combined hours their residents can achieve to be ‘disconnected” from technology to connect with their loved ones and their community through activities that are ‘unplugged’.  Individuals and families from each participating municipality can log the hours spent unplugged from technology on February 20th by visiting www.fcssaa.ab.ca, and share their stories on what they did to unplug.  Feel free to drop me a note at dominique@pipestoneflyer.ca, and… Have a great week, Friends!

Agriculture is a main industry in Alberta. The Counties of Leduc and Wetaskiwin are both dynamic areas in this industry.  A myriad of groups and positions contribute in supporting and promoting agriculture, enduring its viability and healthy future.  Knowledge, industry surveys and partnerships are all factors that are important to this industry and others!  In early February, an Edmonton Hotel, the Westin, hosted the ASB Conference. Agricultural Service Boards are an important component of the industry, a name that seemingly is not familiar to people outside of the industry. The position titled ‘Agricultural Fieldman’ is a precious resource for people involved in agriculture, a position that is as complex as it is unique. In fact, Alberta is a unique locale in a world that does not boast of owning Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs). 
 Conceived in 1945 by AB Ag to create a “local presence to deal with local problems”, this unique design of such a board has worked beautifully since then.  Every year, Service Boards serve and educate 70 Municipal Districts, Counties and Special Areas across Alberta. They are composed of government representatives and other officials, and also include members-at-large such as farmers and acreage owners.  An interesting fact is that these Boards are based on a unique format that has been studied by other countries such as Australia and other provinces like Saskatchewan, and possibly copied by them – in the future!
 There are five agricultural districts in Alberta.  This year, the ASB Conference was beautifully hosted by the North-West Region, in an Edmonton hotel.  In 2013, the Peace River District will host the conference, again in Edmonton.  These dedicated Service Boards work on behalf of the farming communities of Alberta all year long, culminating in this annual knowledge-sharing conference where critical resolutions are reviewed and voted on.
  The current president of the Association, Mr. Normand Boulet is the agricultural fieldman for the MD of Smokey River and a 200 acre grain farmer. He shared that he was extremely pleased with the positive feedback received about the conference, and with the attendance both at the seminars and at the banquet being at an all-time high, and the quality of the information presented.  Mr Boulet adds that Agricultural Fieldmen have a great responsibility to “protect the agricultural productivity of the rural municipality that employs them, through inspection of farm fields, industrial sites and right-of-ways and to prevent the spread of invasive plants, diseases, insects and other pests.”  They have to work with area farmers and industry personnel to reduce the impact of these negative components on these farmers. 
 One of the attendees was Maureen Vadnais, an acting supervisor of the AB Agricultural Service Board Program that administers grant money disbursed annually to the rural municipalities.  Another conference participant, Frank Sloan, a county of St. Paul councillor and area rancher of mixed breeds and angus cattle, was willing to share his opinion that “agriculture is in a better situation now than it has been for years, however, despite the rising prices of wheat and cattle, ‘input’ costs are also going up.  The costs of equipment, fuel and chemicals are eating up the profits for farmers,” making it challenging for younger farmers to enter the industry in a big way.  He adds that farming is a great place to raise a family. 
 The two operators of the Invasive Plants Council were passionate about their Council’s ongoing war against nasty plants that aren’t welcome in Alberta.  Barry Gibbs and Don Baptiste have designed and printed 130,000 copies of a colourful and informative poster on plants to be avoided and the preferred options for urban landscaping and gardening.
 Several exhibitors were dynamically promoting their services to the rural community.  AB Environment’s Ron Stojanowski was an articulate and informative promoter of the Working Well Program, which he was going to introduce that very night, in a Leduc County workshop. Consider the fact that 90% of Alberta farmers depend on ground water for survival and stock management, it is then, no surprise that forty area farmers and acreage owners showed up for this, the feedback being very positive. 
 Another dynamic and outgoing promoter and co-creator of the Water Well Program is Garett Broadbent, Director of Ag Services for Leduc County.  Garett hinted at the huge success of this Water Well Program, and since there is close to half a million water wells in Alberta, the Pipestone Flyer will plan to elaborate on this topic in a future edition. 
 Resolutions are a key component of this Annual ASB Conference. The resolution process is complex, and follows Roberts’ Rule of Process.  As Alberta is a rat free province, the Alberta Rat Control Program (where improperly disposed rats for reptile consumption were found and created hours of Ag personnel’s time to investigate these finds) is a critical program aimed at continuing this proud and unique status.  The Richardson Ground Squirrel Control has been effective in managing these populations, with the legal use of 2% liquid strychnine, now available to producers.  Alberta Agriculture has initiated a provincial strategy for a ‘controlled Live Trapping Program’ by professional trappers for wild boars that have become roaming pests in Alberta.  Interestingly, Manitoba has been battling this problem for more than 20 years, and in Saskatchewan they are still spreading.  In the US, ‘feral pigs’ are a problem in 44 states!
 Clubroot prevention and recognition, testing grain for ‘fursarium graminearum’ (another seed disease) as a legal requirement for all seed cleaning plants in Alberta, herbicide selection for noxious weed control on Alberta acreages, the listing of all plants contained in a packet of gardening seeds, these are a few of the  critical and fascinating resolutions tackled and approved at the ASB Conference.  Alberta farmers can be grateful for the hard work and diligence of their ASBs and their Agricultural Fieldmen.  Learn more by visiting their website,  www.aaaf.ab.ca.  As spring is near, all this data is quite timely!

 Boy, I sure didn’t see this coming. Last week, I had to undergo a particular eye treatment whose description is neither for the squeamish nor faint of heart. Luckily, however, I had my darling bride, Cupcake with me to hold my hand. Actually, she was relegated to a spot farther down the examination chair and had to console me by holding my foot instead. (When she finally let go, she almost knocked over some expensive-looking equipment grabbing for the hand sanitizer.)
 The treatment consisted of a nice, sweet, petite young lady throwing acid in my eye. Well, maybe not acid but it felt like it. It was, in fact, a freezing agent that was being applied to minimize the sensation of iodine being splashed liberally over my eyeball. At this point, the flesh around my eye socket had been clamped aside with a wire gizmo. I remarked the socket stretchers would be handy for staying awake while watching the House of Commons network.
 As the sweet young thing alternated between doses of freezing agent and gallons of iodine, she became so blurry, she resembled an amoeba on a paisley tie; a particularly evil, menacing amoeba. She apologized that iodine in the eye is practically Liquid Drano in its sensitive-tissue scorching ability but assured me it was necessary. At this point, the discomfort, fear and panic were so great, had I held military secrets that would compromise our national security; the country would be hooped.
 The kindly doctor suddenly swam into view; or at least swimming was how he appeared, although I’m pretty certain he was just standing there... brandishing a hypodermic needle.
 Then, faster than he could say, “You might experience a small pinching sensation”, he plunged the steel into my throbbing orb and squirted a substance directly into the oatmeal or vanilla Jell-O or whatever eyeballs might contain.
 I’d googled the procedure before undergoing the treatment, hoping to approach it with both eyes open, you might say (if you were an incorrigible punster). As a result of my research however, I’d been both informed with knowledgeable awareness and filled with heart-stopping dread. Due to that whole dread thing, I’m not sure I’d recommend this course of action for those similarly stricken.
 For one thing, the drug company’s literature had indicated the actual injection doesn’t hurt. To be honest, I’d have to agree. Getting the Drano in the eye and dealing with the pulsating pain when the freezing came out was a whole different matter. Those hurt like hell. The nano-second duration of the actual prick (from the needle, I mean) was a piece of cake.
Immediately following the violation of my person, the eye guy discussed the situation. He stated gently that I’d flunked the pre-procedure examination miserably. Listening to the results, I realized I hadn’t failed a test that bad since Physics 10. (I should mention at this point that the eyeball they had on the hoist for the tune-up was my “better eye”; at 20/70, my right eye was just socket filler.)
 The poor showing came as little surprise. I’d noticed I was having issues already. Driving home in a flurry a couple weeks ago, I totally missed the Highway 60 turn-off, despite watching for it carefully. I barely managed to negotiate the next exit, almost missed that approach, too, despite my creeping pace on the dark four-lane. I was sure the folks in the vehicles behind me were grumbling that I wasn’t wearing a tell-tale “old-guy hat”.
 Even daytime driving had become a test of courage as bright sunlight had become excruciating but sunglasses robbed the landscape of contrast. The lack of contrast was also evident on cloudy days as, against a grey horizon, grey or dirty vehicles had all the visibility of a midget ninja. 
 Following the appointment, I’ll admit I’m more disappointed than Star Wars fans were over Episodes One through Three.  Besides forced pedestrianism, reading is now a strain requiring frequent eyeball breaks. Pain persists in my “good eye” and it has taken on a glowing, blood-red hue which makes me look like half my body is hung over.
  I’m not despairing, however. I am getting the best care our health plan covers and am hopeful, once they’re done jabbing my eyeball and lasering the crap out of it, my sight will once again improve to operational parameters. Perhaps by then, biological processes will even have cleared out some of the debris cluttering up the retina in my other eye, too. (Who knew my corneas would be hoarders?)
 To say I was somewhat distressed by the turn of events would be understatement on par with me admitting I kind of like beer.  Being legally blind wasn’t something I had foreseen. Even now I am experiencing the hoary cliché of a weird dream that I will suddenly, happily awaken from. Still, I’m thankful I’m a ways from requiring a white cane and realize, sight loss isn’t life threatening. I could have some horrible disease like leprosy, instead, or worse, be pregnant.
 I will say, though, that there are upsides to failing sight. I’ve noticed, for example, Cupcake’s wrinkles have practically disappeared. It’s also great that I’ll win every “Who’ll be the designated driver” discussion. Best of all, there are way less ugly people. 
Here’s the three most important things I’ve learned so far:
1. Never take your eyesight for granted
2. The biggest threat isn’t loss of sight, but self pity.
3. In the subject window of company emails about “Short Term Disability” forms, don’t put, “Need info on an STD issue”.
 

 I often heard this weighty phrase while growing up and it almost always preceded a spanking from my Dad.  Now, I’m grateful for his instruction, his guidance and, yes, even his discipline.  But I’m not grateful for yours.
 I’m talking to you, my co-worker who has a problem with the way I complete my reports.  You, who will mock me in front of the entire office in hopes of shaming me into filing them just like you, the “right” way.
 I’m talking to you, the guy who has a problem with me driving the speed limit and insists on ‘teaching me a lesson’ by passing me illegally and at light speed.
 I’m even talking to you, the well-meaning grandmother I know from church who nosily steps in while I am disciplining my kids and offers unsolicited advice.
 I’m talking to you because I don’t think you quite understand the impact your actions have on people.  Here’s a hint: I don’t think it’s the impact you want to have.
 Why do we try to make learning fun for kids?  It’s been proven time and again that kids, and even adults too, learn more and retain more when they are enjoying the experience.  Isn’t this true of you as well?  When you were in school, which subject did you learn the best, the ones you enjoyed or the ones you loathed? 
 Most people think that the teacher has the upper hand in the relationship.  After all, they’re the authority, the one with all the knowledge and power, right?  I think the opposite: I think that the student has all the power.  No person alive can make them learn a lesson they don’t want to learn.  And that’s the problem with unsolicited advice: the student hasn’t asked for your help.  They’re not likely to accept it well either, unless they are very self-confident and open to other people’s suggestions. 
 I used to fight with my brother… a lot.  (Hence the need for my dad to ‘teach me a lesson’ accompanied by spankings.)  At the heart of the matter was the fact that, as his older (wiser, prettier, more confident) sister, I thought I was in a position to teach and discipline him.  The truth is he didn’t hold me in that esteem and resisted my attempts to ‘improve’ him, even though my intentions were generally good.  I wanted him to know the difference between right and wrong, to be kind and caring toward others and to learn self-discipline.  He wanted me to leave him alone.
 I believe that the only thing that saved our relationship was when I finally realized that I am not my brother’s teacher.   I relinquished the reins (that I never really held in the first place) and I started to trust him.  I learned to allow him to be the student, to learn the lessons he wants to learn by seeking out teachers that are appropriate and from whom he wants to learn.
 I should have learned the lesson sooner, because I know just how much I detest being taught by someone whom I didn’t respect.  I used to grow hot with anger if I was being scolded or chided.  I sometimes still do!
 Back in those days, when I was being ‘taught a lesson’ by someone who I didn’t authorize, generally I lost sight of the lesson completely.  Instead, I would focus on the teacher.  I would think of how insecure they must be.  I thought of how arrogant they were.  I also thought of how controlling they were and how I felt bad for the other people in their lives.
 Now, because I can detach myself from the hot anger of my youth, I can finally begin to look at the message these (mostly) well meaning people are trying to share and I can examine if it really is a lesson worth learning.  But not always. 
 Even though I know that this person generally means well, I still resist being “tsked” by one of my best friends (who does she think she is anyway?) or having a co-worker make a snide comment in order to correct me.  I also wonder to myself if they might like to be treated the same way. 
 I wonder if the person isn’t more concerned with making themselves feel superior in some way, rather than genuinely wanting to help me improve.  It would seem that way in many cases.  The speeder who runs by me is just looking to affirm their superior driving prowess.  The “tsker” friend wants to show off her aptitude.  The well-meaning grandmother wants to know that she is still needed.  We all want to feel important. 
 But the real question is, would you rather be an authority that nobody wants to listen to, important only in your own mind, or a friend / colleague / family member that people respect because you respect them?

 Each day the news is full of the latest survey concerning what’s good for you and what’s not. This changes on a daily basis. I remember not that long ago we were told that dairy products were very bad for your general health. Butter is now all but extinct and should at the very most only be used for cooking. Funny thing is that it became dangerous about the time that the first margarine started to appear on grocer’s shelves. Remember when it only came in white?
 I have been doing a bit of digging around on the issue. According to one article I found on the net, (this means you may have to take this with a grain of salt) naturodoc.com, it states: Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys.  When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a pay-back, so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back. It was a white substance with no food appeal, so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. 
 Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC.  This fact alone is enough to make you want to avoid margarine for life, as well as anything else that is hydrogenated.  (This means that hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance.)

You can try this yourself:

 Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or a shaded area. Within a couple of days, you will note a couple of things:
 No flies, not even those pesky fruit flies, will go near it.  (That should tell you something.)  It will not rot or smell differently, because it has NO nutritional value.  Nothing will grow on it.  Even tiny microorganisms will not find a home to grow on.
 It’s funny how natural products become bad for your health as huge corporations get involved in selling you some kind of substitute.
 A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article called “The Green Thing”. I talked about the way things were when we were young and just the natural way things were done. One of the points was the recent phenomena of bottled water. The whole idea that bottled water was better for you was a marketing ploy by several large corporations that realized that they could take something that was virtually free and create a world wide market that would make them literally billions of dollars per year.
 In doing so they have created a ecological nightmare that will come back to haunt us in the years to come. The generation we used to call “The preppie” generation has taken it to heart. Now we are a society that firmly believes that all tap water is dangerous and the only healthy way to drink water is out of a plastic bottle. Problem is that most of the plastics used to make the bottles leach dangerous chemicals into the water contained in them if handled improperly.
 On top of that there are very few regulations governing the quality of the water that is being bottled. As a matter of fact, I went to the Health Canada website that controls the regulations concerning drinking water in Canada and one of the questions asked is: Is bottled water safer than tap water?
 Answer: Quality standards for bottled water and tap water are similar. Both bottled water and municipally distributed tap water that meet or exceed the required health and safety standards, are considered to be safe.
 The thing that is not said is what happens to the environment as we use more and more plastics. The manufacture of plastic requires the use of large quantities of oil and the life of plastic in our landfills is in the hundreds of years.
 Another thing of note is the fact that it takes approximately 6.5 gallons of water to produce a one gallon bottle of water for consumption. This coupled with the fact that the bottles themselves are for the most part manufactured offshore then sent by boat (which uses copious amounts of fuel) to the US and Canada where they are washed and filled with water, then shipped to your nearest outlet, be it a water store or grocer again using huge amounts of fossil fuel and then again taken by your vehicle to your home.
 The resulting empties are then taken to a recycling facility where they may or may not be recycled and then trucked to another facility to be remanufactured into some thing else. However, we feel good that the bottle is being reused in some form.
 On the other hand we could buy an inexpensive water filter and install it on our tap and use water that has not been trucked anywhere and has not been stored for an indefinite amount of time in a dangerous plastic bottle. Which by the way costs about .3 cents per gallon compared to about $1 per gallon and does not mess up the environment.
 As I always say, “If man had a hand in it, spit it out, it will likely kill you.”

Ted Okkerse (P.S. Only my opinion)

Years ago, during my tenure on the Town of Calmar’s municipal council, I became embroiled in a private, friendly debate with a councillor from another municipality regarding the need for growth in any particular governed area. At the time, I was convinced of the widely held belief that, like every other living thing, without population growth, a municipality would surely wither and die. There was no such thing as neutral. You were either growing or the sky would fall, the sun would dim and the universe would not unfold as it should. The councillor, who shall remain nameless for legal reasons, and because I’ve forgotten it, disagreed with the conjecture vehemently.
 He said even carefully managed, steady growth means that, eventually, there will be too many people competing for too little space to live in. No jurisdiction on the planet is finite. Additionally, following the mantra that larger and larger populations provide a wider and wider tax base spreads costs among more people, is ultimately a false economy. This is because as communities experience growth, the bureaucracy inevitably gets less and less efficient as it grows.  “Have you ever actually witnessed a municipality that could lower taxes because a new development came on-stream?” he asked. I admitted, I had not.
 Let’s look at it microcosmically, he invited. Whatever size a town might be, as long as it had a nice mix of industrial, commercial and residential taxpayers, the local government taxation requirements should remain fairly constant over the course of time. The shop-owners and services available and the owners of residences would change, of course, but the tax base would remain fairly static, but not stagnant. Other than incremental increases for inflation, the town would be able to keep taxes very stable as long as they stayed the same size. Whenever you open up new development, however, you end up having to increase the size of the bureaucracy long before the tax money starts coming in, as well as front end the costs of engineers and lawyers to cover the taxpayers collective keesters from dodgy developers, as well as having to bear the costs of installing the infrastructure for the new development on the municipal side. This has a huge affect on local taxes and the residents who are paying for it see little increase in quality of life. Indeed many complain the nice little town they chose to live in has gotten too big. Rather than having every municipality chase the growth dream, they may be more successful simply maintaining properly what they already have. Instead of spending resources trying to attract more people so they can offer more choice in merchants and businesses, it makes more sense for people desiring more amenities, shops and services to live in towns or cities that already have the mix of commerce they are looking for. Some people like small towns, some like big towns. If everybody is trying to become a big town, where do small town folk go to live?
 I will admit I didn’t have facts and figures to defend my position as he had, nor could I convincingly flesh out the “growth is good” mantra. I’ll be the first to admit I’m no economist but anyone else I’ve discussed this with hasn’t been any more successful  at discounting the hypothesis than I was with that councillor years ago.
 This is pertinent today because we have a similar situation in Canada that is being discussed a lot more now thanks to the new census information recently released.  Due to our rate of immigration, the face of the average Canadian is changing. As widely discussed, however, we need the immigration to create population growth beyond the abysmal 1.4% reproductive rate of the average Canadian, to provide growth or, you guessed it, Canada will surely wither and die.
 First of all, I would agree that immigration is a good way to quickly add professional skills to your citizenry base that enhances the lives of the rest of all. It takes almost 35 years to produce a doctor from scratch. Allowing foreign doctors in when we need them puts more physicians on the front lines much faster. Opening the immigration doors to that class of applicant makes impeccable sense. Wouldn’t it make more sense, however, to be more pro-active with your own population to fill these voids in the future? The money spent on the immigration department could be better spent on encouraging larger families among your own population, as well as educating those bigger families to prepare them to fill the brain trust we need as a country. They could be providing financial encouragement, with non-emigration clauses to produce home-grown professionals and skilled tradesmen in all the fields required. Eventually, other than the odd blip, we could become self-sufficient in the labour area.
 “Who is going to pay for all these financial incentives for students?” one may ask. The answer is in the taxes these high paying jobs yield.  It may take a while to start earning the dividends, but once that generation of students start hitting the tax rolls, the system will become self sustaining as new taxpayers are added at every graduation at the same time new crops of students (aka future taxpayers) enter university life. Those that want to take their subsidized knowledge to another country will not be held in indentured servitude. They would simply have to reimburse the state for the financial contribution to their education before moving away. 
 I want to underline that it is foolish to provide for no immigration. Canada’s total skill-set is broadened by immigration, and the different points of view that are being put on the national table. There is no convincing evidence, however, to indicate, that if we nurtured our own talent pool better, we could solve our own skilled workforce problems without needing to grow the population, ever. As welcome as new Canadians are, it’s like business. Instead of bringing in outside help, let’s promote from within.
 

LEDUC COUNTY NOTES
Tom Dirsa
 Mayor John Whaley called the January 24h, 2012 Leduc County Council meeting to order at 1:32 pm.

General Business
  RCMP Inspector Wally Lynds made a presentation to City Council of his impression of the city and his goals for the coming year. He provided Council with some of his personal and professional background and his early impressions of the area. He will be presenting a formal report in the fall to Council regarding the detachment’s results. He did inform that a RCMP boat has been assigned to Wizard Lake for the coming summer.
 Corey Brown introduced Ms. Dianne Burgess and Cam-Van Mackie to Council members. Ms. Burgess is the new Manager of Financial Processes and Ms. Mackie will be Manager of Financial Planning.
 Deputy Fire Chief Darrell Fleming made a request that the County make an amendment to its agreement with the Edmonton International Airport  (EIA). This would allow the EIA to cover the cost of having three full-time fire fighters per shift at the EIA fire hall. Under the current agreement Leduc County was funding for two full-time positions per shift.  The council approved the amendment. Additional details of this agreement have been printed in an earlier issue of the Pipestone Flyer.
 A motion was carried to send up to two council members to the Alberta Recycling Spring Seminar from February 29th to March 2nd 2012 in Banff.
 The Council looked at a number of dates to meet for developing the Business Management Plan, but with the busy schedule for all the council members this proved to be difficult and was delayed and would be formalized at a later time.
 The Director of Finance, Corey Brown presented a list of water/sewer accounts that required Council approval to be written off. These were accounts where the owner has either gone into receivership or the county collection agency was unable to locate a tenant.  In the future this will be less of a problem as the accounts are now associated with the owner rather than with tenants. Council approved the write-offs.
 Mr. Des Mryglod Director of Public Works & Engineering presented a proposal to proceed with developing engineering designs for the Nisku Spine Road.  The designs would include the ability to provide for up to four lanes. The cost for the designs will be covered by off-site levies so none of the cost will be at the cost of taxpayers. The actual number of lanes would be determined based on available funds at the time of construction. The designs could be available as early as July and since this road has already been identified as a road of regional significance it may become recognized as a shovel ready project for government approval and funding in the near future. Council approved to proceed with the engineering design phase.
 Bylaw 28-11 was amendment (03-12) and carried after being given three readings. The Bylaw dealt with the expropriation of part of a service road on Plan 082-2680 NE 35-47-3 W5th. This will allow the County to provide public access between Shalom Park and the Rabbit Hill Ski Area.
 Council denied a motion to defer the request by Fire Services for additional funding for data entry until the Fire Services Committee could review the request. Councilor Schonewille indicated that a job description should be attached to any new future positions that administration might be considering. The County approved four to three to authorize an adjustment to the fire budget to allow for a casual part-time position for a data entry clerk.

 Planning & Development
 A public hearing was held on the proposal to amend the Leduc County Land Use Bylaw #7-08 – PT NE 4-48-27-W4th. This would allow the land to be redistricted from the Wizard Lake Watershed/Conjuring Creek District to the Wizard Lake Central District. Hearing began with the administration recommending that council defer making a decision until there could be a determination if the drainage of a part of the land involved could be draining into the Wizard Lake drainage system. Ms. Laverne Faulkner, chair of the Wizard Lake Watershed and Lake Stewardship Association and another member spoke to council and generally supported the request by Soprovich Holdings Ltd, but agreed with County administration that it should be deferred until the drainage question could be resolved.
 Council passed two readings to approve the amendment but failed to carry third reading as Mayor Whaley voted to oppose third reading. Mayor Whaley felt that it should be deferred until the drainage issue could be determined. The amendment will return to Council on Feb.7th for consideration.
 Sylvain Losier, Manager of Long Range Planning, present for council’s approval the minutes, Bylaw 30-11 and the Memorandum of Understanding for the City of Leduc/Leduc County Inter-municipal Development Plan. The council approved 2nd and 3rd readings of Bylaw 30-11 Councilors Schonewille and Kelto in opposition. The Memorandum of Understanding was passed with Councilors Schonewille, Kelto and Harrison in opposition. Additional details of the development plan have been printed in an earlier issue of the Pipestone Flyer.
 Mayor John Whaley called the February 7th, 2012 Leduc County Council meeting to order at 1:30pm
General Business
 Dawn Gavin, Co-Chairwoman of the 2012 Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts presented a report of the tournament to Council. She reported the tournament was a financial success with the final attendance close to 8,000 spectators. She thanked the 213 volunteers that contributed to the event success. She also informed Council that the Alberta Men’s championship would be held in Leduc in 2013.
 Corey Brown, Director of Finance and Des Mryglod, Director of Public Works & Engineering presented a number of options of acquiring a new scrapper for the County. They reviewed the purchase of a new or used scrapper, the leasing or renting of a scrapper. After careful consideration the Council approved the purchase of a new scrapper.
 A recommendation to refund New Sarepta utility payers for an overcharge that was discovered for 2011 was approved by Council.
 Council also approved the cancellation of taxes and arrears for Roll # 8012000 as the owner has declared bankruptcy.
 Council appointed Mr. Brian Bowles as public member at large to the River Valley Alliance North Saskatchewan.
 Council approved a request to support Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission’s attempt to gain access to grant funding.
 Council accepted the MacEwan Business Continuing Education information of a seminar on how to Lobby Government Effectively and approved up to two council members to attend the seminar.
 Council approved the transfer of $40,000 from the New Sarepta Mill Rate Stabilization Fund to the Falcon Crest Security Fund.
 Council approved the extension of the communication officer position to cover a maternity leave from March 1st, 2012 to September 2013.
Bylaws
 Bylaw 5-12 was given three readings and passed. The Bylaw provides the regulations and the collection and recycling of solid wastes services.
 Council passed ByLaw 4-12. This Bylaw amends the Leduc County Land Use Bylaw #7-08 - Pt. NE 4-48-27-W4. Soprovich Holdings Ltd has agreed to build a holding pond to capture any water that may flow into Wizard Lake drainage system.
Planning & Development
 Council approved a Development Permit D 11-344 Block B Plan 752 1326 for Pt. NE 6-51-24-W4th by Lifetime Management & Construction Ltd. To stockpile clay material was approved on the condition that Alberta Transportation also approves.
 Rick Thomas, General Manager for Community Services presented the amendment to the Municipal Policy GG-12-02 that allows members of Council to be invited to the opening of tenders.

CITY OF LEDUC COUNCIL
Tom Dirsa
 Mayor Greg Krischke called the January 23th Leduc City Council meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Alderman Mishio was absent.
Confirmation of Minutes
 The minutes of the Jan. 9th Council were approved along with the notes from the Jan. 9th and 16th Committee-of-the -Whole Meetings.
Public Hearings
 Public Hearings were held for ByLaw 783-2012 and the 2012 Downtown Master plan. No one appeared to speak to either issue.
New Business
 The 2012 Downtown Master Plan was presented to council for approval.  The presentation focused on the eight keys success factors. The Focus of the plan will first look at the downtown core. It will start with a practical and achievable action plan with pilot projects. The plan will reinforce the existing character and uses. The plan creates a ‘Pedestrian First’ downtown.  The plan will connect important adjoining activities and destinations. The plan allows the city to lead improvements through improved policies, incentives and actions. The plan will encourage residential redevelopment in and around downtown. Finally the plan will target and direct quality development while protecting the important features, character, uses and buildings in the downtown. The plan has been made available on the City of Leduc’s website for those interested in knowing the details of the full plan.
 A number of positive comments were made by the council members and was best summed up by Mayor Krischke when he said: “If you don’t have a map of where you are going, how do you know when you get there?”
 Council member Lazowski moved approval. Carried.
 The Council approved a memo of understanding regarding the Inter-municipal Development Plan. The memo was developed to address the concerns coming from the Leduc County’s last public hearing regarding the plan. The memo clarifies the intent and understanding of the Development Plan.
Bylaws
 Bylaw 783-2012 was given 2nd and 3rd readings and approved. This Bylaw allows the redistricting of Lot 8 Block 6 Plan 032-2880 from M2 (medium industrial) to M1 (light industrial).
Reports
 Manager Melvie of Community and Protective Services reported the need for the Council to approve funding from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve a maximum of $150,000 to allow administration to facilitate compliance with Alberta Fire Code 2006. In February 2011 the Bellavera Green condo complex was granted a partial occupancy permit conditional upon full compliance with the submitted Construction Site Fire Safety Plan. This included 24 hour fire watch services and proper maintenance of all fire protection and building systems including the external exit stairwell.
 Phase I currently has approximately 88 occupied units, housing between 140 to 160 residents. In November 2011, it was discovered that not all safety code compliances were being met and subsequent inspection identified a number of significant safety code violations. These violations were brought to the developer’s attention to be address and rectified.
 It appears the developer had made some temporary measures to meet the safety code but had not made them permanent.  On December 16, 2011, a formal order was issued pursuant to Section 49(1) of the Safety Code Act, and due to the seriousness of the safety issues involved at this site a confirmation of compliance was requested by no later than 0900 Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. Confirmation of compliance was not received and as the city’s priority was ensuring the safety of the residents, administration took the required actions to address the issues identified to make the site safe, allowing the residents to remain in their homes over the holiday season.
 As there was urgency in addressing this matter, staff secured the services of PCL Contractors Inc., to perform the required work. This action was taken to ensure that the multi unit residential style condominium construction and occupancy did not continue to pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of any occupants or neighboring properties.
 Administration recommended that Council approve funding from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve to a maximum of $150,000, to allow administration to facilitate compliance with Alberta Fire Code 2006 requirements as outlined in the Order to Comply issued December 16th, 2011, and that administration will pursue collection of costs through the property tax recovery process with all funds recovered returned to the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve. Councilor Smith moved that the recommendation be approved. Carried.
Reports
 Along with the Mayor’s report, the Building Inspector’s Report, an update of the Everybody Gets to Play, and the Global Traffic Group Statistics were presented to Council. Prior to adjournment the Mayor reminded everyone to take in the Alberta Scotties that will be held this week at the LRC Sobey’s Arena.
 Council meeting was
adjourned at 8:11 pm.

TOWN OF CALMAR
Tom Dirsa
 Mayor Don Faulkner called the February 6th Calmar Council meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Delegations
 Inspector Wally Lynds, S/Sgt C.D. Campbell, and Sgt. Glen Demare of the RCMP introduced themselves with Inspector Lynds giving Council a brief summary of his experience and his goals for the detachment in the coming year. They then invited council to participate in planning for the forth coming Annual Performance Plan System (APPS) which is done each year to tailor the services the RCMP provides to the communities of the detachment. The plan is done each year. The RCMP funding year is from April to March.
 A representative of MNP Accounting Services presented the Audit Service Plan to Council. A review of the obligations and responsibilities of both the company and town council were outlined and a timeline of reporting was established.
 Laurel Blackmore, Chairwoman of the Recreation Board gave an annual report to Council highlighting the various accomplishments and needs of the recreation board.
Adoption of Minutes   The minutes of the January 16th Town Council meeting were approved.
Unfinished Business   The Curb & Sidewalk Inspection & Maintenance Policy #30 was presented for approval the policy is needed to provide some parameters and schedules for the maintenance staff to follow when making decisions regarding the maintenance and upgrades of municipal sidewalks.
 There was a discussion on what the responsibilities of the town and property owners when it came to the cost of any work done to improve, maintain, or construct new sidewalks. Town Council then approved the policy.
New Business
 The Director of Finance informed Council of the final operating surplus from the 2011 budget was $213,656.16. He recommended the surplus be transferred to a number of accounts with the majority to the Operating Contingency Reserve for the 2012 operating and capital budgets. The Director then presented a list of outstanding receivables and proposed they be written off and sent to the Town’s collection agency. The Director then proposed that the Town Council no longer accept credit cards for payment for utility bills or property taxes. The reason for this proposal was based on the fees the town receives by the credit card companies that amount to between 15 and 20 thousands dollars yearly. If the proposal were accepted the Administration would put it into effect immediately.
 Town Council accepted all three of the Director’s proposals.
 Town Manager Kathy Rodberg then presented a proposal to inform the Village of Breton that the town will no longer be able to provide Breton with a Community Peace Officer. Effective as of April 6th, 2012. Since the agreement with Thorsby and Warburg has not been renewed and the Town of Calmar, with its current manpower, can no longer provide these services.
 A proposal to meet with Leduc County and the Black Gold School Division to discover if there is a mutual interest in forming a partnership to build a Fieldhouse in conjunction with the modernization of the Calmar School. Town council approved the proposal.
 It was recommended that Calmar ESSO have permission to use the Town’s Vapor Extraction Unit to clean up their site. Calmar ESSO will be responsible for the removal and refurbishing the unit as well as maintenance costs during its use. The unit is to be returned to the Town in working order. Approved by Town council
 Council, to provide TELUS service to the Rigco Industrial Site, approved an amount of $16,500 plus GST.  This became necessary due to the failure of the developer to provide this required service. Every attempt will be made to recover these costs from the developer as required in the Development Agreement.
 An amendment to Bylaw 2004-16 was removed for consideration until the Land-Use Bylaw can be reviewed and updated.
 The agreement with the Yellowhead Regional Library was renewed.
 Council then reviewed a number of items that invited them to various functions or seminars.
Bylaws    Council approved final reading of Bylaw 2012-04, which establishes the rates for water services for 2012. These rates came into effect as of Jan. 1st, 2012.
Correspondence
 Council acknowledged the receipt of correspondence from Fortis Alberta advising them of the new rate schedule. Several members of the Council noted displeasure that the new rates seem to be higher for residences and municipalities and lower for high end users.
 Correspondence was also received from the Black Gold School Division, Leduc Nisku EDA, Statistics Canada, and Alberta Emergency’s website.

WETASKIWIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Barry McDonald

Financial Indicator for 2010. County much better than average.
 Financial indicator graphs have been prepared by Alberta Municipal Affairs using municipal financial and statistical data. Each municipality is compared to a group of similar sized urban municipalities, or to rural municipalities with a similar assessment base. The package is intended to serve as a tool that may assist council and administration with operational decisions. The comparative measures may be useful in assessing past performance and for budget planning. Graphs are available for viewing by contacting the County Office
 The following is the comparison of the County of Wetaskiwin to similar municipalities regarding equalized taxes rates and assessment:
• The Municipal equalized tax rate for the County of Wetaskiwin was 6.9 verses a median of 7.0 and a maximum of 13.0.
• The residential equalized tax rate for the County was 4.8 verses a median of 6.2 and a maximum of 18.6.
• The non residential equalized tax rate was 18.0 verses a median of 12.6 and a maximum of 19.4.
 The County's per capita total government operating expenditures is $346.00 compared to a median expenditure of $423.00 per person and a maximum of $1,040.00 per person.
 The County's salaries, wages and benefits are $696.00 per capita compared to a median of $935.00 and a maximum of $2,704.00.
 The County's ratio of current assets to current liabilities increased in 2010 from 2.5 times to 2.6 times. The County is in good financial position because for every dollar of current liabilities the County had in 2010 it had $2.6 dollars of current assets to pay it down with.
 Council approved the Alberta Municipal Affairs - Financial Indicators 2010 as information.
Buck Lake/Alder Flats Appointed Fire Chief
 In late 2011, Curtis Jeffcott resigned from the position of Fire Chief for the Buck Lake/Alder Flats Fire Department. On February 4, 2012, the Zone 4 Fire & Rescue Society gave support to Brent Inglis as the newly appointed Fire Chief for the Buck Lake/Alder Flats Fire Department. Brent Inglis has 15 years of prior experience with fire departments and was a previous Fire Chief prior to moving to this area. Council accepted the Buck Lake/Alder Flats Appointment of Brett Inglis as Fire Chief effective Feb. 4th, 2012 as information.
Amending Recreation Agreement - Town of Millet / County of Wetaskiwin
 The County of Wetaskiwin and the Town of Millet  Joint Recreation Agreement that provides "for the operation of recreation facilities for the benefit of resident of both parties"  expired December 31st, 2011.
 The Joint Town/County Committee met and reviewed entering into an amending agreement for a two year period effective January 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2012 with County of Wetaskiwin's portion of contributions being as follows: $60,000.00 in 2011. $70,000.00 in 2012.
 A condition of the amending agreement was that the Town of Millet and County of Wetaskiwin enter into discussions with the City of Wetaskiwin to review a Tri-Regional Recreation Service Agreement that will have a global perspective in providing recreational services to all residents. Terms and conditions of a Tri-Regional Recreation Service Agreement will need to be discussed jointly.
Council Approved
 Millet Midget Provincial Host Team. Request for Funding. A request was received from the Millet Minor Hockey Midget Team advising Council they will be hosting the 2012 Alberta Midget D Provincials on March 15th to 18th, 2012 and are seeking funding support. Council approved to participate in the Millet Minor Hockey Midget Team - 2012 Alberta Midget D Provincials on March 15th to 18th, 2012 by providing payment of $300.00 as a Game Sponsor.
2012 Minister's Seniors Service Awards
 George VanderBurg, Minister of Seniors is inviting municipalities to submit a nomination for the 2012 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards. Seniors are a community’s greatest resource and the kindness of volunteers who help seniors must be recognized. Nomination deadline is February 12th, 2012.Council nominated Jeanette Engbloom for the 2012 Minister's Seniors Service Awards.

The Town of Millet is once again showing what can be accomplished in a tight knit, small community. They have risen to the challenge put out by Big Valley Jamboree and Travel Alberta to enter a competition for the opportunity to host a ‘Mini Big Valley Jamboree’ in Millet.
 The production of a two minute video highlighting why your community is the place to host this event would be a daunting task for most communities. Even more so in Millet. They took on the challenge knowing they don’t have a big promotional budget. They don’t have an audio visual department and they don’t have expensive equipment or the people with professional expertise in video production. What they do have is determination and community spirit.
 A small committee was formed to bring ideas forward.  Local singer/songwriter, Greg Benkendorf, has agreed to write and perform the song that will narrate the video highlights. An appeal to the community to submit photographs reflecting on the amazing community spirit of Millet resulted in hundreds and hundreds of submissions.
 Then on Saturday, February 11th, well over 100 people braved minus 15 degree temperatures accompanied by a biting windchill to gather for a rally on a snow bank adjacent to the Millet Agriplex.  It was a great photo op of young people, elderly people, cowboy hats, hockey jerseys, Lions’ vests and lots and lots of toques and mitts. The photograph will be used in the video.
 On Saturday, March 6th, 2012  five finalists will be chosen and if Millet is one of the finalists, people can vote once a day, every day from March 6-20 to determine the community that will host the BVJ/Travel Alberta concert.

‘SMALL TOWN SATURDAY NIGHT in Millet’ sounds pretty good.

Pipestone Flyer publisher Ted Okkerse is all smiles as he accepts the plaque for Best Fire Prevention Issue for newspaper circulation over 5000 in Alberta from Tom Harnos, Fire Field Officer at the AWNA Symposium in Calgary. While the publisher gets to do all the smiling and collecting of awards, it needs to be noted here that the real heroes behind this award are our staff. Two of these, Christina Komives and Giselle Frasier are pictured on the left. They along with the support of the “Flyer Team” took the pictures, collected the stories, compiled every bit of copy, laid the paper together and sent it to the printers.
The kudos belong to them and our team.
Thanks to our supporting advertisers’ too who make it possible for The Flyer to Be
“The Best Our Community Has to Offer”!

 First place in order left to right are: (gr. 7) Jamie Vandenbrink, Jessica Haenni,(gr. 8) Ryan Slager, Spencer Minchau,(gr. 9) Jolt Wiersma, missing is (gr. 9) Hedwig Wiersma. 2nd Place Winners with some ties.

 First place in order left to right are: (gr. 7) Jamie Vandenbrink, Jessica Haenni,(gr. 8) Ryan Slager, Spencer Minchau,(gr. 9) Jolt Wiersma, missing is (gr. 9) Hedwig Wiersma. 2nd Place Winners with some ties.

 This article is an update from the Feb 2 article and the results of the Jan 27, Science fair held at Pigeon Lake Regional School . Pigeon Lake School holds a Science Fair every year, this being the fifth year to date. The students participating started in September 2011 and have worked very hard preparing for the Fair January 27, 2012.
 Participants are judged by three judges, made up of a teacher, community judge and a Biology 20 student. Their findings account for 50% of the students overall mark, with the remaining 50% being based on the log book, original work and resources, and overall presentation. Judges looked over the exhibits and scored on organization of display board, originality, creativity, pictures /lab apparatus/model, attractiveness, spelling/grammar, experiment, innovation and study.
 Well folks the results of the Science Fair are as follows:

FIRST PLACE WINNERS   
 Grade 7
 Jessica Haenni and Jamie Vandenbrink exhibit titled “Light it Up”, were out to prove which brand of battery would last the longest. Their hypothesis was that Duracell would last the longest because of its claim to be the number one battery in the world. In conclusion they determined that their hypothesis was incorrect as the battery brand that lasted the longest was actually Energizer.  I always liked that energizer bunny commercial.

Grade 8
 Spencer Minchau and Ryan Slager exhibit titled “What a Deer’s Favorite Food is”,were featured in the Feb 2 article. They tried putting out different seeds at different times while observing from a trail camera and it was concluded that a deer’s favorite food is “wheat”.

Grade 9
 Jolt and Hedwig Wiersma exhibit titled “There’s no Way in Throwing”, set out to test factors such as temperature and climate and how they assist and affect decomposition of waste in landfills. Using items such as plastic, metal foam, fruit, vegetables, paper, and newspaper they observed them in 2L bottles at different temperatures as well as wet and dry conditions. The conclusion was that high temperatures and water were the best condition for decomposition. Tropical areas inhabit many healthy organisms because its soil has a lot of nutrients. These nutrients are there because tropical areas have a warm humid climate that is perfect for decomposing organisms. Very interesting.
 
SECOND PLACE WINNERS
Grade 7 (there is a tie)
 Ashley Schmidt and Laura Haenni’s exhibit” titled Container Competition”, purposed to prove which the better storage containers were. The students used Green Bags and Green containers and filled them with items such as lettuce, strawberries, raspberries and cucumbers which were then stored at 7-10 degrees for 18 days. Their conclusion was that Green Bags were the best storage container.
 Mackenzie Richards exhibit titled “Yeast: How it works and what sugar it prefers” purposed to find out how and why yeast works and acts like it does. Her hypothesis was that she thought yeast multiplied to make bread rise, and that stevia would be the best for rising. Her conclusion was that yeast gives off carbon dioxide and ethanol alcohol in a process called fermentation. The carbon dioxide helps make the bread rise and the alcohol evaporates during baking. When trying out the different sweeteners like stevia and preferred natural sugars it was determined that yeast actually prefers brown sugar. I never knew there was so much to bread making.
 
Grade 8 (there was a tie)
   Leah Netzer exhibit titled “Brighter Whiter Smile” purposed to prove which would give us the brightest whitest smile using three products. These products were Crest White two hour express white strips, Crest White multi- care whitening oral rinse and Crest white fluoride toothpaste. She had 12 test subjects to help her test the products. Much work was involved as pictures had to be taken at different intervals and follow up with the test subjects needed to be checked collecting information on results. It was finally established that the Crest White two hour express white strips were the best for shade improvement.
 Sara Benson and Rebecca Ewing exhibit titled “Solar Water Heater” set out to build a Solar water heater with the purpose of seeing if the heater could heat water in January to a warm tap water level. Hypothesis was that in January they could use the heater to heat water inside to an average of 12 degrees in most weather types. In conclusion they did manage on most days to generate enough heat to raise the temperature of the water to 20 degrees or more. On one exceptional day the heater produced 3 times the heat that the average home would require (in btu’s). Of course this lasted only as long as the sun was up. Great job girls.
 
Grade 9

 Kaitlyn Hirsekorn and Shelby Vandenbrink exhibit titled “Is Green Clean” were also featured in the Feb 2 article. They proved that green was good for the environment but not the best for cleaning.
   All of the students did an amazing job and should feel very proud of their efforts. Congratulations to the winners. You went the extra mile and it surely paid off.

 The basketball season for the Griffiths-Scott School boys has officially kicked off! The season starting game took place on Jan. 23rd. Griffiths-Scott vs. Rosebrier.  The cheering section must have really pumped our boys up because they played great! Within the first eight minutes we had already scored 10 points. These Griffins were here to play! Maybe the first game was a little nerve wracking because the boys played fairly tame. There were no fouls until the 2nd quarter. The game concluded with a 60-16 score for Griffiths-Scott.
  Another fun-filled game followed the next Tuesday against Calmar. Everyone enjoyed watching these young athletes play hard! The buzzer sounded and the Griffins took another strong lead within the first few minutes. This second game was a bit livelier than the last. The energy within the gym was electric. It seems as though the Griffins were in a powerful mood because a lot of fouls were called. Never before have I seen six fouls in less than eight minutes! Even with these minor setbacks the Griffins stole the show with a 71-42 win. You can tell these boys are here to win it all!
 This season is full of home games so if you're interested in watching some great basketball come down to Griffiths-Scott school and cheer on our town's team!

 “Hey Dale, I broke a record! A record even better than last time!” The e-mail I received last week from Tyler Smith oozed with excitement. One could quickly tell by the tone of that opening line that Wetaskiwin’s Smith, one of Canada’s outstanding distance runners, had once again left his heart and soul on the track, receiving payment in the form of a record.
 The event was the Golden Bear Classic. The venue was the Butterdome on the campus of the University of Alberta. The event was the 600 metre race.
 The weekend for Tyler Smith began Friday evening with the 300 m. event. The Wetaskiwin Composite High School student ran the 300 m in 36.09 seconds, placing fourth in the university rank for the race, not bad considering he still has a year and a half of high school to complete.
 When Saturday arrived, Tyler Smith was ready to run as soon as he hopped out of bed. Although, upon arrival at the Butterdome, Smith’s excitement over running the 600 m. event was somewhat dashed when he found out some disturbing news.
 “It was early and I was there warming up, only to look at the heat sheets and see that all the university guys lied on their seed times, putting times they haven’t ran yet so they would be put into the faster heats. That meant I was stuck in the slower heat,” explained Smith, fully motivated to take on this group of well-seasoned university speedsters despite the uphill battle he faced. “It made me so mad! So, I went out of the start wicked fast, leading the race. I ran the race in 1 minute 19.64 seconds, beating the record from 1978 from a guy named Doug Wournell, who also holds the all-time record for the indoor 800 m. event for the junior level.”
 Considering Tyler Smith is a first-year junior, he still has plenty time to capture that record as well. He hopes to beat Wournell’s time of 1.50.7 seconds (hand timed) when he competes at the PR Brookes Invitational meet in Seattle later this month, or when he takes part in the Simplot Games.
 “Both Simplot and Brookes have 800-m. records of 1.50,” explained Smith. “I still have this year and my last year of high school to break those too, and that is my goal.”
 Junior World Games will be held in Spain this year and Tyler Smith would like to attend that event as well. However, being a first year runner in the junior division, he will have some competition for the top two spots, including Branden McBride from Ontario, and from Keiffer Neil and Sean Kean, two British Columbia boys who are going to university in the United States but still compete as Canadians.
 “Being the fastest 600 m runner in Canada right now, not only in junior, but in all age categories, has given me some confidence to run with these big boys,” stated Smith. “I plan to show them what I’ve got.”
 Considering his status on the Canadian stage, and that fact Smith ran a time of 1. 54 indoors just after that 600 m record time, he is pumped to take on all competitors this month at two prominent events.
 “That time leaves me third in Canada right now,” said Smith. “I really have to get down into the 1. 50 mark to get to where I want to go by the end of outdoor season.”
 Tyler Smith is off to the Simplot Games, North America’s Premier Indoor High School Track and Field events, Feb. 16 to 18. Racing fans can watch Smith run live on flow track, a website all about running (www.flotrack.org). He then competes in the PR Brookes Invitational Feb. 25-26.
 For Tyler Smith, it’s all about giving everything he has when he competes. Considering his current status as a Canadian record holder, Smith’s competitors certainly have reason to be concerned when they line up alongside this Wetaskiwin speedster.

 The whole Wetaskiwin United Church family, all 250 or more of them, are thrilled to be in their new building with the first service in it held Sunday, February 5th.  The service started in the parking lot, and in celebration and ceremony, they crossed the threshold together.  It was a time of joy.  The church offices are moving in this week, and the building is in use even as it is still being completed.  There are plans for some Open Houses and a Grand Opening in early March.

 Last week I was sitting at my table at the Farmers’ Market when a woman came up and commented on my colloidal silver, asking if I made my own. “Yes,” I told her, “I bought a good generator for my own purposes, and then, since I sit at the market anyway with my books and CDs, I decided to make the silver available at a low price.” As we talked it quickly became evident that she was a health enthusiast with a lot of knowledge. I was surprised when she said she was from St. Albert—I wondered what would bring her to our market. Well, she had a table at the market too; she comes here about once a month on a rotating schedule.
 When I inquired what her product was, she explained that she leases a machine—that actually won a Noble Prize—that scans your skin and gives a read-out as to the level of antioxidants you have in your body.
“How long does it take?”
“About two minutes.”
“How much does it cost?”
“Ten dollars.”
“I’ll be right there,” I told her as she left.
 I gathered up my valuables, deserting my table and all my stuff, and off I went. Found her and her friend, laid down my ten-spot, and stuck my hand in front of their machine. A minute and a half later, they looked at my printout, their eyes got big, and they said, “Congratulations! No one we’ve ever checked has had as high a score as you!”
 They showed me that my score was 91,000 on a scale of 10,000 to 100,000 (I’m not sure what the unit is) and told me that the average person falls between 20,000 and 29,000.
 “Wow!” I said, wondering why this was. Most of us know that our antioxidant level is usually proportional to the amount of fruit and vegetables we eat. This is one of the reasons why Health Canada is always urging us to get our five to ten per day. I try, but I don’t think I do any better that most people. I try to have a salad most evenings, and some cooked veggies with my meat and potatoes. I might have a piece of fruit in the course of a given day; maybe even two. I sometimes have some tomatoes or bell peppers with my eggs in the morning. But really, when all is said and done, I might only average five servings daily.
 When I saw my husband that evening and told him all about the scan, I pondered again why my antioxidants were so high.
 “Maybe it’s all the iodine you take,” Greg suggested. “Hmmm. I wonder.”
 I went off to my office, googled “iodine antioxidants,” and quickly discovered that iodine does indeed act as a powerful antioxidant in the body most of the time—and can act also as an oxidant, “when it needs to,” whatever that means.
 I mentioned in my last article that the skin uptakes a lot of iodine when there is plenty to go around, and I speculated that perhaps this would give the skin a fighting chance against the oxidative damage of sun exposure.
 This brings to mind another snippet of information from my past reading: Although among Japanese men there is one of the highest percentages of heavy smokers, they have the lowest percentage of lung cancer. The theory is that with the Japanese population having the highest intake of iodine among people groups worldwide (13 mg. daily, approximately what I take), given that mucous membranes retain high levels of iodine when there is general body sufficiency, and given that iodine is known to kill abnormal cells … well, you get the picture. And this picture supports my hunch about iodine keeping the skin healthy.
 This reminds me of a case I read about at www.health-science-spirit.com/iodine.html. Dr. Guy Abraham is “an endocrinologist who today is providing the backbone of the movement back toward the use of iodine as an essential, safe and effective medicine.” He says, “We placed an 83-year-old woman on ortho-iodo supplementation for six months at 50 mgs of elemental iodine daily.  She experienced a tremendous increase in energy, endurance, well being, and memory.” But here is the part that astounded me, and the part that fits with the context of this article: “At six months all her skin peeled off and was replaced by new, younger-looking skin.  She was flabbergasted and amazed at her new appearance.”

I invite your questions and comments on my blog (http://www.ogdenfish.blogspot.com/). Please note: I am not a medical professional and it is not my intent to diagnose or advise anyone. Always consult with your doctor before trying a new protocol.

As many of you know, I am a fan of Facebook, the social media that elicits fierce loyalty by some (including yours truly), and a passionate dislike by others (“I don’t have time for this,” she said, and I replied, “No time to share your news with family, friends and associates...all at once?”)  Of course, if you are not a fan of the Internet in general, this particular topic might only succeed in annoying you, and for this I am sorry, but I want to share candidly some news that came to me via the Facebook news wagon. A dear friend was in a terrible road accident recently, and you might even know her. The point in sharing this sad news is that, busy with family and professional pursuits, I let too much time go by before calling one of my dearest friends to say, “Hi! How are you?
 So here goes. At 5:30 am on January 20th, Jeannette Giesbrecht my lovely friend and assistant to our regional MLA George Rogers, was driving her son Liam to work at the airport when she hit a patch of black ice, slid over the median into the other lane, and was horribly broadsided by another vehicle.  Thankfully, once her and Liam were pulled out of the wreckage, they suffered only bruises, sore joints and a concussion and are thankfully recovering with rest and physio treatments.  Jeannette gives credit to the Leduc County-Nisku fire fighters who did the extrication, adding that “they talked to them (her and son Liam) throughout the entire process, the removal of the windshield and the cutting of the roof, and were very efficient in keeping the victims calm and reassured while completing the job in a satisfactory time frame.  She adds that it is obvious how this particular fire department has won several awards in extrication competitions. “I think we sometimes take fire fighters for granted. Volunteer fire fighters, like their full-time counterparts, do train on a regular basis. It takes a serious incident like this one, involving people we know and love, to remind us how grateful we should be for these men and women in our own neighbourhood who take their duties of service and compassion very seriously!
 After a quick call to her parents, Jeannette was sharing her tragic misfortune on Facebook from the ambulance (!!) and I just happened to miss that piece of news.  Thank God Jeannette and Liam were not seriously hurt, and I am glad that a casual visit to my Facebook news helped me to catch up on this.  Which reminds me, with or without Facebook, I vow to stay in touch with my closest friends more diligently!
 Talking about friends, I am grateful to a friend from the North, a faithful Pipestone Flyer online reader, who thoughtfully informed me of a conference taking place in Downtown Edmonton that I, and our readers, might be interested in.  It was the ASB Conference, hosted by the Agricultural Service Boards’ fieldmen who serve Alberta farmers year round, and have been doing so since 1947!  I attended for one day, and met interesting and fun people from the four corners of our province, including the Counties of Leduc and Wetaskiwin, and I will be proud to share some interesting facts and interviews when my report appears in an upcoming edition of the Flyer!
 One of the highlights of this conference for me was meeting the two leaders of the Alberta Invasive Plants Council. As an avid gardener, I was fascinated by the long list of invasive plants in our province and the Council’s suggestion of plants that we can grow to replace popular but less-than-wise choices in our flowerbeds! Our long chat was peppered with laughter, as I recognized some plants I have grown in the past that are on their ‘No-no list.’  So hats off to Barry Gibbs and Don Baptiste who have diligently listed and visually indentified scores of invasive plants. Their informative website is www.invasiveplants.ab.ca.  I hope my friends with Communities In Bloom know this site, and appreciate its usefulness!
 A quick word on our daughter Michelle Salt’s progress. Although she is not back at work full-time, she is now training with a Calgary Paralympic Cycling Club as part of her healing and fitness recovery. This lifts her spirits, showing her that despite her multiple injuries and the loss of her right leg, seven inches above the knee, she can work at reaching the level of fitness that in fact saved her life.  While she is learning to walk somewhat confidently with a ‘temporary’ prosthetic leg and getting stronger every day, she is driven by the goal of a Paralympic pursuit, and is dynamically seeking sponsors to tackle the costs of training and her competition bikes.  Michelle was recently the Calgary voice for Sirens For Life, the Canadian Blood Services’ North-South challenge. In front of large groups and in the media, she did great in promoting the critical need for donating blood!  Her family and friends are proud of her positive and inspiring pursuits!  Feel free to drop me a note at Dominique@pipestoneflyer.ca, and have a great week, Friends!

The February Leduc Regional Chamber of Commerce was host to a brand new hotel that opened its doors in December. The Hilton Garden Inn was the elegant, modern and lovely host of this monthly function attended by close to 150 business people and community leaders. 
 These luncheons take place on the  first Friday of the month and usually start with a networking session that is quite popular with the luncheon guests.  The tables of eight are conducive to lively chats, the exchange of business cards and business information being shared.  Proud to be showing off their new property, several Hilton executives were seen greeting guests and supervising the service. Gaurav Singhmar, the hotel’s GM was in attendance, graciously meeting some and being introduced to others.  Cheryl Rose, a familiar name to many local business people, is a Marketing and Sales Director for the Hilton brand, and now calls Leduc home.
 The main attraction for this particular luncheon meeting was the State of the City by Leduc Mayor, Greg Krishke and the State of the County address, delivered by Leduc County Councillor Audrey Kelto in Mayor John Whaley’s absence.
 City of Leduc Mayor Greg Krishke was, in his usual fashion, a dynamic and fun speaker. To open his State of the City address, he admitted looking forward to this annual early in the year tradition.  Supported in the luncheon crowd by the majority of his council members, he summarized the topic he was to tackle. The City of Leduc’s vision statement of wanting to build a community of ‘integrity, unity and strength’.  He shared that the City of Leduc’s population grew by 1,000 new residents in 2011 and acquired 460 new residential housing units and that this growth needed to be managed in a responsible way.  He referred to the 2010 Community Report that was designed to lead this community into the future, such as the addition of 800 meters of walking trail added to the south end of Telford Lake and the gradual implementation of the 2010 Telford Lake Master Plan, a plan that concerns one of Leduc’s major assets!
 Mayor Krishke reminded the attentive audience that unity can be achieved by pride (the City of Leduc hosting the Alberta Scotties recently, a flawless success) or by tragedy (the Suntree fire that destroyed six homes and the tragic loss of a young colleague.) He continued to list various initiatives meant to enhance the well-being of our citizens, such as the discussions to build a Splash Park in this community.  Fiscal responsibility is a top priority for our City management, as it collaborates with other municipalities in creating a long-term fiscal responsibility plan and works in harmony with Leduc County to make this region strong and competitive.
 C-Line, the transit system introduced in late 2010, had a successful 2011, seeing a monthly increase in ridership numbers. Affordable housing was increased in the City with the addition of 24 units in two more buildings.  Exciting plans are a reality to develop the 65th Avenue interchange, in collaboration with the Edmonton International Airport, Port Alberta, Leduc County and other commercial and industrial entities in the region.  Working effectively is also a priority, so, as promised in the Mayor’s 2011 address, City processes and procedures are being reviewed, to maximize time and talent and minimize duplication and weak practices.  Vacant positions are being scrutinized, with the purpose of trying to integrate them into existing positions.  As the City of Leduc is seen as a community of choice, the last five years have shown an outstanding demographic growth.  This growth requires that we look into a Police Review, and a Fire Protection Master Plan. Planning for the future so that emergency services match the needs of a growing population.
 This population now enjoys new, more technically savvy forms of communication, although shared the Mayor with a chuckle, face-to-face communication is still much appreciated!  The community has banded together to support and build an awesome recreation centre that last year alone hosted 100 major events. In conclusion, Mayor Krishke boldly stated that the strength of our community can only be achieved with the support of its citizens, and that the City management has one main goal in its sights, to provide the best quality of life to its citizens.  This was a summary of the official State of the City of Leduc address document.
 State of Leduc County Address was Delivered by Division 7 Councillor Audrey Kelto
 Ms Kelto started her speech by offering regrets and best wishes from the Leduc County Mayor, John Whaley.  In a surprising move that kept her audience spellbound, Mrs. Kelto announced that she was going to leave the ‘numbers’ in the little booklets on the tables, to instead highlight the various Leduc County divisions and their little-known landmarks.  The first order of business was to remind the audience of how large the County really is. It covers 2,600 square kms, and stretches 104 kms from east to west. Leduc County has a primary focus: agriculture.  In the central region, an excellent soil can be found so it encourages many types of crops to be successfully grown and harvested.
 Division 1, at the east end of the County, now includes the Hamlet of New Sarepta (since one year ago) we’re committed to the growth of this community and are working with community groups to upgrade the Agriplex so it will become a multi-purpose community facility.  Visitors to the area can camp at Joseph Lake, or enjoy the Ministik Bird Sanctuary, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
 Division 2 holds nearly 30 subdivisions, their residents close to the Town of Beaumont and the City of Leduc.  At the heart of this division, sits the Hamlet of Rolly View, a Communities In Bloom champion with a strong community spirit. 
 Division 3 in the west is a central region that is host to the Nisku Industrial Park, the second largest park of this nature in Canada. Its 30,000 workers commute in and out of the park daily.  County Council has recently given the go-ahead for the Nisku Spine Road between 41 Street and 25th Avenue that will eventually alleviate the flow of daily traffic.  Future development will be facilitated in the East Vistas by a recently approved Local Area Structure Plan; that’s a plan that will come to fruition in the next several decades.
 Division 4 is host to the Edmonton International Airport, which is continually being developed.  It’s the fifth busiest airport in Canada.  Twelve new shops and restaurants were recently added to the Main Hall, and the new hotel, terminal and control tower will be completed by the end of 2012.
Division 4 is also home to several important recreational facilities and landmarks, such as:
- Leduc #1 Energy Discovery Centre, representing a critical oil discovery and now an important tourist destination.
- Castrol Raceway, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort which attracts thousands of winter sports enthusiasts every season and finally Shalom Park, a world class water skiing facility on the North SK River.
 In Division 5, you will find Jubilee Park day use area and campground located on the picturesque Wizard Lake.  Wilton Park is one of many thriving community halls in the County that host events all year-long.
 Division 6 is the south west part of the County.  Rolling hills, mixed farm land and heavily treed areas are host to countless oil jacks, gas wells and oil tanks.  Pigeon Lake is a huge tourist attraction that welcomes 30,000 visitors each year.  A small historic area is Rundles Mission that was built in the late 1800s.  At the west end of this division, you will find the Village of Warburg and the Hamlet of Sunnybrook, two thriving communities, that despite their size, hold numerous clubs and sports groups.
 The Village of Thorsby is at the west end of the County and boasts a wonderful sports centre, the Arctic Spas Recreation Complex, named after the leading employer in that region.
 Division 7 sees a mix of small and large business.  Home-based machine and welding shops share the land with the Genesee Power Station that provides many jobs and leads the way in environmentally safe practices.  In the north west corner of that division, Telfordville Community Hall will celebrate its 100th anniversary later this year. 
 As Ms Kelto resumed her talk, she adds that, “Signs are pointing to a positive economic turnaround in our region, which means we can look forward to another 100 years of health, prosperity and regional collaboration to ensure the continued longevity of our communities and our people.”  Farmers and community leaders are positive when looking at the next few years.” Hopefully this presentation, even in summary, will make you more familiar with Leduc County.
 In closing of this Chamber of Commerce lunch report, Cheryl Rose was happy to see so many of the luncheon’s guests take in tours of the Hilton Garden Inn’s wonderful facility. The bright and elegant foyer, dining area and bar, the spacious pool and hot tub, the great banquet room and uniquely appointed boardroom. This hotel is a signature creation that highlights the chic and modern Hilton look. With many executive suites to suit all business needs, we expect this hotel, located at the east end of the Nisku Industrial Park just south of Airport Road, will see many events and visitors in the near future.
 

Non-Stop Clock... just tickin’ away your money.
Picture by Barry McDonald.

 Scott Hennig is Alberta’s Director of The Canadian Taxpayers Federation. It is common to see him being interviewed on television when contentious issues arise about how tax dollar are being managed by government. He is one of the many watchdogs that are diligently keeping tabs on how governments are, or as he stresses are not managing our tax dollars. They are the taxpayer-advocacy movement.
 Mr. Hennig was at the January 30th Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce meeting to provide the members with an update on how our Federal Government is managing our debt. He wasn’t content to simply step up to the podium and give his spiel. He brought with him a prop. A big prop. In fact it was about 12 feet long and about 5 feet high, made of metal and had logos and signs painted on it. But it was when Scott flipped the switch that his prop was really impressive. It lit up with dazzling, bright flashing numbers that quickly showed it was a counter of some type. If this clock was meant to impress the audience, it was successful. It was The Canadian Taxpayers Federation  Debtclock.
 The rotating numbers on the Debtclock showed two totals. The large number that was increasing so rapidly it was almost impossible to read, was the debt The Federal government is accumulating each and every second. The second display showed the increasing debt accumulated for every man, woman and child in Canada.
 At 12:45 pm  on January 30, at Montgomery Glen,  the bright lights on the Debtclock showed that the  Government of Canada has accumulated $579,431,819,248 dollars of debt.
  It also showed that the debt accumulated for every man, woman and child in Canada was 16,744 dollars.  The following day, the same clock at the same time showed that total to be 16,871 dollars for every Canadian or a 24 hour increase of $127. There are 365 days in the year.  Note:  the ticking clock can be viewed at  http://www.debtclock.ca/

Shirley Hauptman of the Pigeon Lake Chamber accepts business of the year award on behalf of The Clothing Store from Chamber President Doug McKenzie. Picture by Ted Okkerse.

The Meeting was started with a presentation by the Pipestone Flyer on why advertising often fails to impress the intended audience, the buyer. Suzan Bekolay of the Flyer walked the group through some of the more common pitfalls of advertsing. Suzan pointed out that many businesess fail to regognize the real motivater driving consumer purchases. It was an informative 30 minutes that kept the small crowd of business owners interested and asking many questions that will surely change their perception of how advertising can be more effective and much less stressful.
 Mr. Don Davidson a representative of the Association of Pigeon Lake Municipalities was on hand at the regular meeting of the Pigeon lake Chamber meeting where he expressed  concerns regarding the preservation of Pigeon Lake. The Blue-Green Algae is a re-occuring problem afflicting Pigeon Lake. APLM is striving to correct the situation by working closely with the municipalities.
 Mr. Davidson spoke about the issues with lake water quality and the fact that the lake is being stressed by various factors such as the fact that: only three Villages have fertilizer restrictions, heavy herbicide usage. Also nutrients flowing into the lake from lawn fertilizer and high development near the lakeshore. A lot of lake residents have lawns that extend right down to the lake and many have retaining walls. Although many of the old septic systems are being replaced, 76% of the shoreline is in trouble.
 Mr. Davidson sees the solution to the problem in regognizing the lake as a special place for all Albertans and the area’s residents and government bodies working together in a unified way to bring the situation under control. One way would be to develop common laws for all the villages surounding the lakes and good enforcement of those laws.
 The evening also saw the presentation of three business awards. First place was presented to The Clothing Store. Second place was presented to Essential Spa and Wellness. Third went to the Lakedell Agricultural Society.

Deborah Williams, Event Coordinator for the Wetaskiwin Theatre Society 10th Anniversary Gala, with the
Buy-a-Brick Honour Wall and trophies from the
Big Valley One-Act Plays Festival.

The Wetaskiwin Theatre Society is planning a very classy black-tie gala to celebrate its 10th Anniversary and the 27 plays which it has presented to the Wetaskiwin and region public during those ten years.  The 10th Anniversary Gala Awards will be held at Best Western Hotel in Wetaskiwin on Saturday,  March 31st, with the doors open at 5 pm, dinner at 6 pm, followed by a full program of awards, singing, dancing and a midnight lunch.  Tickets to this very special evening are now available to the public for $45 at the Best Western Hotel in Wetaskiwin. 
 The menu for the three-course dinner has been very carefully selected in consultation with the chef and promises to be fabulous.
 The MCs for the evening will be Ruth Lumax and Ted Eden, both very experienced speakers who are both interesting and humorous.
 A very careful process is being followed to determine the recipients of awards for the Water Works Players.  Step one had the directors name three nominees for each category.  Then an independent group ranked these results and prepared the ballots with the five or six most frequently nominated names in alphabetical order, as well as all of the directors listed with the plays they directed.  The ballots went out to the membership of the Wetaskiwin Theatre Society who will vote for a candidate in one or more of the categories and return the sealed ballot to Wasserman and Associates of Wetaskiwin by March 9th for the tallying of the results and preparation of the sealed envelopes which will be opened to announce the 2012 award winners at the March 31st Gala.  Thus every care is being taken to make sure that the winners are a surprise.
 The ballots include nominations in the categories of Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Drama, in a Comedy, and in a Musical; Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama, in a Comedy, and in a Musical; Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Drama, in a Comedy, and in a  Musical; Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Drama, in a Comedy, and in a Musical—12 awards for acting.  There are also nominees for Best Solo in a Musical—Male, and Best Solo in a Musical—Female, as well as Best Musical director.  There are awards for Best Set Design—Play, and Best Set Design—Musical, for Best Director and for Best Production.  Besides these 19 awards, there are a number of other surprise awards planned.
 It is appropriate to mention that a couple years the Water Works Players also took plays to the Big Valley One-Act Play Festival, and won awards there.
 During the evening, Women in Song, directed by Audrey Dowler, will sing a couple of the songs from each of the musical productions which Water Works Players have presented during their ten years.  Possible songs include a number of all-time favourites.
 Live music for dancing will be played by Sucker Punch, a local band which practices weekly in the Water Works Building.  The Gala organizers are very excited to have them.
 This very classy 10th Anniversary celebration will conclude with a delicious midnight lunch. 
 Every effort is being made to make this a truly special event while keeping it affordable.  Certainly there is something planned to meet everyone's tastes and provide a very special and different evening out with first class food, first class entertainment and variety.  Be sure to get your tickets early to make sure that you don't miss out on this wonderful evening.

 A loud buzzing sound that gets louder by the second, until a bike or quad zooms by, adults on the Pit row intensely watching their teens compete against more seasoned riders in the Tin Man Race, racers having finished their race walking around in the colourful racing gear, a winter sun setting early on Telford Lake in Leduc, the day is nearly over for sixty or so competitors in the 2012 Telford Lake Endurance Ice Race.
 It took more than a week for the principals of the Leduc Motorsports Club (leducride.com) to design and construct the ice track on Telford Lake’s east end. The minimal amount of snow on the ground was barely adequate to build the snow banks that define the ‘corners’ of the track, but it was going to be good enough.  Jim Burrows and Curtis Ryll are long-time friends who share a passion for motorsports.  They created and run the club together, and this event on a frozen lake in Leduc is the culminating point of their winter motorsports activity. 
 The sport of endurance ice racing was created some 22 years ago (!!) to offer a competitive arena for motorcross enthusiasts. The Motorcycle College in Fairview had come up with the concept of the Numb Bum event, a gruelling 24-hour race that was daunting and memorable!  A few years ago, Sandy Beach became the new race venue, and this epic race is now hosted by the Pembina Dirt Riders.  The sport is as popular as ever, although recruiting new racers is a year-long challenge.  Recently, Grande Prairie and Chip Lake near Wildwood were the venues for two successful endurance races.  These groups belong to the Alberta Endurance Ice Racing  Association (www.aeria.com).  Several riders suggested that, the multi-hour race and cold weather make endurance ice racing more challenging than motorcross!
 At 10 o’clock on Sunday, February 5th, the air horn sounded loud and clear on Telford Lake, sending nearly seventy racing gear clad competitors running towards their bikes and quads, parked in a long row some twenty feet away. This is called a LeMans start, named after the famous European race, and it’s quite a sight to behold. Having reached their machines, the competitors tether themselves, a safety precaution, and finally start their engines: the three hour and six hour races have started in earnest!  Some of the competitors race in teams of two or three, some solo, the Tin Man class (three hour race) and Iron Man (six hour) classes are tough to conquer and the victory is sweet.
  Two grade 10 teens from Wildwood, Colton Riehl and his racing partner Tyrell Camps, tackled their first endurance race under the watchful eye of Colton’s grandfather, Elmer Riehl (a race enthusiast dad could not make it that day.)  The sense of family was evident at this race; siblings, parents and their teens, even toddlers watched the hours (and hours!) of loud machines speeding through the straightaways and corners, with nary an incident to witness.  In fact, minimal damage was suffered during six hours of racing. Only one 1,000 cc Can-Am quad rolled over, twice. On the second rollover, it had to be towed back to the pit area, and to everyone’s surprise, it was repaired and quickly went back on the track!
 In this endurance ice race, simplicity is obvious. Endurance and skill, dirt bikes and quads are the only major components. However, there is an electronic component that few spectators are aware of.  Years ago, the timing of these races was done manually. Two or four timing officials in a small vehicle manually entered the riders’ laps as they flew by.  Nowadays, this is done with the help of an AMB timing system, similar to the one used in Formula One and NASCAR races. Each bike and quad is outfitted with a transponder that sends a signal that is carried by wires located a foot beneath the track’s surface, and sent to the timing trailer where an official supervises the times being recorded.  The only concern is that no damage can occur to the expensive and critical COAX cable that is connected to the buried cable and reaching the computer system in the timing trailer.  When the race ends, the timing official  can print a race report sorted by class in a matter of seconds. 
 This race enjoyed a mild weather.  No concession on site, but Death Wobble Quad Rentals & Sales of Leduc was there to offer free coffee, hot cocoa and donuts, a tradition of four years that the owner, Charles Lott and his partners, are proud of.  This year, Death Wobble didn’t have machines in the race, as their seismic and surveying clients had booked all the quads, so none were available for the race.  The Brodersen Team was in attendance. Dennis Brodersen is lauded as one of the greatest promoters of this sport in Alberta, and the Brodersen Family of Wilwood and other parts of Alberta prides itself in having many skilful riders in the family!
 A little boy was seen perched on his dad’s knee. A very articulate five year old Layne told this reporter that his racing dad, Joseph Adler, was from Edmonton, and that he had a lot of trophies at home.  The Scona Cycle Team is composed of Joseph and his buddies, race enthusiasts Jared Cameron and Todd Yakimosky.  The enthusiasm was contagious while chatting with this father and son duo, especially after Team Scona Cycle won first place in the Bike Over Pro Class.  Joseph, working in sales and promotions for this well known Edmonton south side retail company, shared that racing on ice is an amazing thrill and even more so because winter practice is not always available.
 Residents of Sherwood Park, Eric Hansen, 19 and his brother Nicholas, 16, were proud of having completed their first endurance ice race as a team, the six hour Iron Man challenge. Not a small feat for experienced riders and definitely a triumph for two young rookies!  Their dad Poul Hansen is a long time fan of motorsports who owns SHR, or Steen Hansen Racing, a distributor of motorsports parts, clothing, tires and other racing gear.  SHR was sold recently to Motovan, an industry giant based in Quebec.  Riders can verify their scores and standings through a smart website and race enthusiasts can look at all kind of information on this and other sports using AMB timing systems on the www.amb-it.com website. 
 Two ‘youngish’ competitors were proud of their times and their first place finish in the Pro Open Class. Darian Armstrong and Clay Bondruk, sponsored by Cycle West, a Honda dealership in Fairview, shared their excitement in a well run race. They admitted that their start was slow, but they hunkered down and gained on their competitors and although they found the track slightly beat up towards the end, were pleased with the track design and the entire well organized event.
 Jim Burrows, an Oil Field executive and his partner Curtis Ryll, owner of ARC Installations, operators of the Leduc Motorsports Club, are pleased with the outcome of the Leduc #1 race. They credit the City of Leduc for its continued support, their sponsor (ARC) and the volunteers who helped build and maintain the track.  Without these volunteers, adds Burrows, it would be nearly impossible to host such a race.
 The good news is the Leduc #2 Endurance Ice Race on Telford Lake will take place on Sunday, February 12. Take Rolley View Road east to the Lions Campground Road, and go north to the Lake. Parking is available on  the Lake (without concerns), $5 for a visitor or $10 for a carload, that’s a great price for a day (10 am-4 pm) of winter motorsports fun and excitement!
 In speaking with the race organizers, Jim Burrows and Curtis Ryll, it became apparent that even though the riders are primarily men, it is most definitely a family friendly sport. Before I even made it onto the lake I was greeted by Curtis’ lovely daughter Taylor who was registering people going down to watch the races. And once I made it onto the ice there was everyone from wives and girlfriends, to brothers, to moms and dads, to babies in strollers and even a couple of padded and pampered pups watching and cheering on their favourite rider or team. When I hunted down Jim he was taking a few minutes respite in his heated bike trailer and as always, was more than happy to chat about the races. “There are 60 riders running in today’s race,” he told me. They come from around the entire province of Alberta but there are some local teams as well.
 For more information about ice racing check out these websites;  AEIRA.com and Leducride.com. And for those of you who like to know who won what and in what time, I will list the top three finishers from the Telford Lake #1 race in the different divisions. A big thank you to Dan Tabak, one of the official race timers, for supplying me with this information in such a timely (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun!) manner.

Bike Over Novice                  Laps                       Time
#1  Scona Cycle                  46                      6:04:42.503
#2  Frozen Members            44                      6:06:04.990
#3  Ice Pickers II                  41                      6:06:05.869
Bike Pro Open
#1  Cycle West Racing        50                       6:03:37.021
#2  Balls Of Ice                   49                       6:01:52.797
#3  Team Shrinkage            48                       6:05:26.299
Metal Melisha (Tin Man-3 hour)
 #1  SFR Riverside              26                       3:01:45.348
#2  SFR                             26                       3:03:12.059
#3  N.A.S.T.E // Riverside    25                       3:03:10.941
Metal Melisha (Iron Man 6 Hour)
#1  Frank The Tank             28                        5:13:26.394
#2  Murr Ball Racing           14                        4:55:58.215
DNF  Craig Whitson            6                         1:04:40.698
Quad Novice
#1  Frantic Racing              41                       6:01:23.143
Quad Pro Open
#1  Killer Crew                   46                       6:05:45.458
#2  Numb Skulls                 5                        6:06:38.954
#3  Brodersen Racing         41                       6:03:45.180

On March 5th, 2012, the Rick Hansen Relay will arrive in Wetaskiwin after having travelled since August 24th, 2012 from Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador.  During their stopover in Wetaskwin, the Relay team will be connecting local individuals and organizations ‘who are making a difference’ with similar organizations and individuals throughout the entire country of Canada. As the Relay progresses though Wetaskiwin, participants will pass the Rick Hansen Medal to the next person and symbolically link each participant to the next. The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will span 12,000 kilometres from coast-to-coast through 600 communities and involve 7,000 ‘difference makers’. It is a re-creation of the original Man In Motion Cross-Canada Tour 25 years ago.
 The Relay Team will pass through Ponoka and Wetaskiwin on March 5; Wetaskiwin, Millet and Leduc on March 6th; and Leduc, Beaumont and Edmonton on March 12th.  There will be 14 relay runners for the Wetaskiwin portion of the relay with a secret final medal bearer.
 Rick Hansen’s published statement reflects on 25 years of living a dream
 “It was a huge, impossible dream - to circle the globe in a wheelchair - and it began with a single turn of the wheel.
 When my team and I set out upon the Man In Motion World Tour, we embarked on a global journey of hope. A hope that we could inspire the world and realize the dream of raising millions of dollars for spinal cord injury (SCI) research, making communities more accessible and inclusive and changing the way we look at the potential of people with disabilities. I hoped to inspire a generation to dream big, and to live with purpose.”
 Wetaskiwin can be very proud of the significant efforts made by local organizations and care givers to provide assistance to those with disabilities.  Through their efforts, they have created and provided those with disabilities a more accessible and inclusive world.  They are leading and encouraging others to live a healthy and active lifestyle and have contributed to the protection and sustainability of those with disabilities.
 Wetaskiwin organizations and individuals exemplify Rick Hansen values
 Wetaskiwin truly epitomizes community and it is with that belief, that we will realize our vision of a community that includes and values people of all abilities.
 Forty-seven years ago, a small group of people in Wetaskiwin got together to plan education services and to raise funds to start a school program for children who had disabilities. Fred and Joanne MacNaughton and Charlie and Pearl Archer organized events ranging from bake sales to the Flowers of Hope campaign. In 1964 the Wetaskiwin and District Association for Retarded Children was incorporated as a Society.
 Close to half of a century later, this organization is a leader in the provision of services to children and adults who live with disabilities.  The focus remains the same today as it was 50 years ago; quality service that is grounded in fiscal responsibility, accountability and sustainability.
 The first priority of the organization was to focus on education. In 1965 two volunteers, Caroline Shantz and Bessie Sunberg made this dream a reality. Their first classroom was located in the building referred to as the ‘Old Army Hut’ with 8 students. Four years later they had raised enough funds to open the Lynn Lauren School, located on the corner of 47th Street and 56th Avenue. It was named after its first two students, Diana Lynn MacNaughton and Lauren Archer.
 The Association transferred operations of the Lynn Lauren School to School Board in 1972 with the assurance that disabled children would have access to the same level of educational services provided to other children. This transfer, a first in Alberta Education, allowed the Association to redirect its resources to meet the needs of graduates of Lynn Lauren School and ensure that those young adults continue to receive optimum levels of care and support. It was that year that the agency (known today as the Wetaskiwin and District Association for Community Service – WDACS) opened its first of five residences.
 In 1973, WDACS established a sheltered workshop and training centre named Horizons Unlimited. In 1982, the Society a new and independent society named Horizons Centre to separate the residential services from the vocational services. This non-profit organization’s objective is to “empower individuals to recognize their worth, discover their potential, and to live full, happy and inclusive lines in their community”. 
 A major focus of the Centre is to support the community when hosting events including Gingerbread & Glitter, Pioneer Days Family Fun Events, Community Gardens and The Food Bank “Fill it up February”. They volunteer weekly at the N.O.W. Breakfast Table/Baking Program, Reynolds Alberta Museum and Habitat for Humanity.
 Wetaskiwin’s Special Olympics Club officially started in 1989.
 It began in 1989 when a handful of athletes participated in 5 pin bowling and a short time later, floor hockey was introduced. The Special Olympics Club has grown reaching, “Approximately 60 athletes with mental disabilities have been provided the opportunity to socialize, compete, travel and become better citizens by using sport to develop personally and physically.”
 The Club has introduced other sports such as swimming, track and field, softball, golf and curling. Competitions have taken them to Nova Scotia, Surrey, B.C., Langley, B.C., San Diego and Montreal where the local teams have won numerous medals. Leadership is provided by Board members Sheana McDermott, Blain Fuller, Helen Caldwell, Jan and Gerry Pydde, Jan and John Schwonik, Jason and Tara Gillow and Kara Hovde. The Club provides all athletes with the chance to enrich their lives through sport.
 The Connections Day Options Program, formerly called the Developmental Activity Centre (DAC), was established in 1988. The WDACS Connections Program, provides specialized training for children and adults who may have multiple disabilities with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for each client.
 Around this same time, Catholic Social Services opened its doors in Wetaskiwin to provide residential services for individuals moving out of the Wetaskiwin Centre. What started with the opening of two homes, has evolved into an eclectic offering of services including: an approved home program, the Eagles Club, several programs for children with disabilities, a personal enrichment program and advocacy program (Stargazers), multiple residences and a supported independent living program to support independent and semi-independent community living.
 The run through Wetaskiwin on March 5th will begin at McDonalds and conclude at the Wetaskiwin Drill Hall where the City of Wetaskiwin invites everyone to attend the End of Day Celebration beginning at 4:30 pm.  There will be a brief ceremony, recognition of the relay medal bearers, presentations, a video and recognition of the great people and organizations in our community.  This will be followed by light refreshments for everyone and a chance to mix and mingle with all in attendance.
 The Relay will depart Wetaskiwin on the morning of March 6th.  For  more information Watch future editions of the Pipestone Flyer or go to the Relay website at    www.rickhansenrelay.com   or contact Karen Schatschneider at 780-361-4417 or  kschat@wetaskiwin.ca.
 

 All women defy logic. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t say all women. I haven’t met all women (Whew!). Based, however, on careful observations of the fuehrer gender, the vast majority often exhibit behaviour that seems, to my simple male mind, inexplicable. Women will appear normal in every way; making rational choices for so long, one forgets they think differently until WHAM! They do something out of the blue that would blow a Vulcan’s mind.
 Recently I was honoured to receive a letter saying I was nominated for an acting award for a play I’d done in Wetaskiwin with the storied Water Works Players a few years ago.  It was Agatha Christie’s acclaimed The Mousetrap, most capably directed by Water Works stalwart Eldon “Steamer” Roth. I got to play Major Metcalfe, a retired English gentleman vacationing at an estate who was secretly an undercover cop, trailing a murderer. It was great fun!
 The correspondence I held foretold of a wonderful gala slated for the end of March in Wetaskiwin celebrating the theatre troupe. Included was a ballot to vote for actors, directors, etcetera, in various categories. I was thrilled.
 “Look, Hon!!” I waved the paper excitedly. “I’ve been nominated for an Oscar!”
 She grabbed the sheet and perused it. “Not the Oscars,” she clucked. “More like the Tonys. Oscars are for movies. Tonys are for the stage, so this award ceremony is more like them, only on a much, much, much smaller scale. Do you think only three “muches” covers it?”
 “It’s still closer than you’ll ever get,” I challenged. “The only drama you do is when I critique your cooking or make jokes about your mother. If they handed out hardware for that kind of drama, you’d win, hands down.”
 “You’re not thinking of going, are you?” Cupcake’s brow furrowed. “Our budget is tight this month.”
 “I was hoping we’d both go,” I gulped in surprise and disappointment. “I was sure you’d want to watch me bask in the warm glow of fame and adulation. Besides, you have to keep me safe from acting groupies. If you don’t come, I’ll have to be responsible and stay at a hotel. I’ll never sleep with all those groupies trying to get in my room, no matter how much security they provide.”
 “I’m sure their crowd-control people will be up to the task,” sniffed Cupcake. “Well, I have no interest in going. I wouldn’t know anybody and would feel out of place.”
“You’d feel out of place?” I responded aggressively. “You mean like I do when I’m sitting around listening to you and your menopausal mafia friends yacking endlessly about grandbabies? That’s more boring than the daytime schedule on the Oprah Network.  At least I know what the hereafter looks like for unrepentant male sinners.”
 “You don’t even have anything to wear,” she pointed out, ignoring my central point, something she does with ease.  “How can we go to some snooty event when you dress like a hobo?”
 “I doubt tuxes are required,” I assured her. “I can just wear the sport jacket Dad lent me and my black pants. You said I looked good in that outfit.”
“Yes I did... in 1992. Either you or the outfit hasn’t aged well. I’m hoping it’s the outfit. I’ll tell you what,” Cupcake’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll go to the gala if you buy that new suit I’ve been after you to get... not from Value Village, Second Glance or the Sally Ann. You must go to a men’s store and buy a brand new, nice fitting, stylish suit.”
 “Are you kidding me?” I gaped, the unbelievably glaring lack of logic whacking me upside the head like a two by four. “You just said we were too broke for you to go to this shindig and now you want me to buy a new suit? Are you out of your... uh.... I  mean I... I... uh, I don’t follow your reasoning. “
 “I’m certainly not going to some hoity-toity affair with you in that ugly, over-sized suit you bought for your last play. It makes you look like a sloppy undertaker. Yes, yes, I know it was only ten buck. It LOOKS like it was only ten bucks, okay?” she shrugged.
 I could see by the look on her face, she thought she had me. The price of this soiree had just escalated from $45.00 to over three hundred. She knows one rarely goes wrong betting on my frugality. Except this time.
 “Okay,” I grinned. “I’ll get the suit. You win.”
“You’ll need a decent shirt and tie set, too,” she raised the stakes. “And I’ll need a new dress.”
 “Fine,” I said between clenched teeth. “And new shoes,” she upped the ante again.
“Enough already!” I choked on the last one. “It’s bad enough I must give in to demands just to have you accompany me on an evening out. Usually you whine I never take you anywhere.”
 “Oh, right,” she snorted. “How much fun will this be when I’m loading your great big bloated ego into the vehicle? If you actually win, I’ll have to rent a trailer just to get it back home.”
 “I’m intensely proud how humble I am! I’m the humblest guy I know!” I was stricken.  “Anyway, are we going to the gala or not?”
 “Sure!” she chirped enthusiastically. “And thanks for asking me to it. I was wondering how I could get you to agree to me buying a new dress.”
 Hmmm... maybe not so illogical after all.
 

 It’s about this time in the year when I start to itch.  I know many people feel it too.  We’ve survived the darkest days of winter, but there will still be many cold days to come before spring officially gives up her first signs of greenery and new life. 
  So to stave off the itch, we book holidays to hot places, treat ourselves a little too frequently to warm lattes or plot other distracting means of enticing hope.  Me, I like to book massages.  They’re covered in my health care and contain zero calories, so they’re perfect for both my waistline and my pocket book.  I’m coaxing myself out of this mild winter one massage at a time.
  But this week I hit the jackpot of cures for the winter doldrums.  By happy accident, I booked a hair appointment for the same evening, just after my massage.  Joy of joys!  This is going to be a great February after all!  I don’t often get my hair done, and I even more rarely get it coloured.  “But what the heck,” I thought, “I deserve a special treat, and this one’s also calorie-free, so I’m going to take it!”
  All week, I dreamed of the day.  I’ve often found joy in small things, and this certainly was a small thing.  I was surprised at just how enticing my ‘perfect spa day’ was, how strongly I was holding on to the idea that this evening would make everything all better.  It had been a hard week and I was really holding on to the hope that my favourite indulgences would fulfil: a refreshed body and a bit of fresh colour, if only in my hair. 
  The morning of my spa day, I decided not to let anything bring me down.  No matter what the day at work throws at me, I am determined to let it slide.  Rushed customers? I’ve got it handled.  No lunch break?  That’s fine by me.  Moody co-workers?  That never happens.  Today is going to be my day.
  But early on, I get news of the one thing that could, in fact, ruin my day: a cancellation.  My hair appointment gets cancelled.  I’m immediately blue.  Bummed.  Let down.  I know I’m not devastated, by any stretch.  Devastated is for real problems.  I know mine is not a real problem, but I can’t help but be disappointed. 
  I’m not easily disappointed.  In fact, it takes quite a bit for me to be really shaken.  Somewhere along my life, by some miracle and the grace of God, I’ve learned to be very forgiving of letdowns and patient when things don’t go as planned.  Often times, I realize that it is for the best anyway.  As mentioned in one of my previous stories (see “Took a Wrong Turn,” July 2011) I just trust that the way things work out is the way they are supposed to work out, and that this way is also for the best.
  And so it makes no sense that I should be so distraught at my change in plans that evening.  But I am.  I’m a pro at analyzing my innermost motives, and so I readily go to work.  I’ve finally been on the losing side of the weight-battle, where losing equals losing weight, but I know that I still don’t take great pride in my appearance.  Perhaps I was hoping this hair appointment would help boost my self-esteem with a fresh new look.  Or maybe I was succumbing to selfishness.  I deserve a treat, after all.  It’s not fair that this small joy is being revoked.  I’d also been feeling disconnected from friends lately and my hairdresser is also a dear friend.  I know I had been looking forward to spending time with her. 
  More than likely, it was a combination of all of these and more.  But identifying the causes didn’t take away that feeling of being disappointed.  I had to wait until my walk that afternoon to the bank for that revelation.
  As I passed the downtown shops, clutching my scarf tightly against the bitter wind that I thought reminded me so much of my bitter disappointment, I suddenly realised that I still had a massage scheduled for that evening.  Normally, that fact alone would be sufficient to cause a permanent air of excitement around me.  But now, I was sulking due to one cancelled hair appointment. 
  Why was I so focussed on the disappointing thing rather than the exciting thing?  I’m sure it’s the same reason I take for granted all of the privileges afforded by this rich Canadian life I live while lamenting any slight loss.  I forget.  I forget and take for granted the many basics that I know many people in the world can never afford.  That’s why gratitude is so powerful: it totally annihilates disappointment. 

Regular Board Meeting, January 31, 2012
 During the Board Committee Report, the Board spent considerable time discussing the request from the Wetaskiwin District Christian Education Society asking WRPS to provide an alternate program modelled on the Edmonton Logos program.  The Board first came to the consensus that they support the request in principle, then considered the logistics.  There are many “ifs” involved: if there are enough students for an alternate class or more; if the numbers remaining in the regular program provide adequate class sizes; if it draws some students currently schooled elsewhere back to the WRPS system; if some parents will provide their own transportation to the alternate program to make it viable; if offering the Logos model program does not require additional teachers; if offering the Logos Alternate Program does not disadvantage other students.  The Board recognizes that these are all questions which can only be answered after a site is chosen and registrations are in, and that the authority to choose a site and collect registrations lies with WRPS.  Therefore, the decision was made to tentatively offer a Christian Alternative Program following the Edmonton Logos model at Falun School in September of 2012 with registration forms going out in mid-February and returned by the beginning of March.  The registrations will give the information necessary for definite plans for this alternate program to move ahead.
 The other item which took considerable time was the presentation of the Funding Distribution Model review and changes as developed by administration and considered in detail by the System Administration Team survey.  The report looked at important aspects of the FDM in light of feedback, key considerations, principles, and recommendations.  The report was thorough, and the Trustees made very sure that they understood and agreed with each part before they approved the recommended changes.
 The remainder of the meeting dealt quite quickly with more routine matters: the annual facilities plan, the months financial statements, the 2012-2013 calendar review which will require further investigation.  The agenda for a meeting with the St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Schools Board was checked for needed additions.  Trustees, as always, reported on meetings of other organizations which they attended as WRPS representatives. 

 I don’t even know how to properly approach this subject. I would have to suppose that every one of you in the normal workforce understands that if you want a raise in pay you have to ask your employer or immediate supervisor.
 The actual chances of getting a raise depends on the economics of the business, performance and even whether or not the boss was in a good mood at that particular time or place. It certainly has nothing or at least very little to do with your particular wants or needs.
 If your boss can’t or won’t give you that raise my suggestion is to run for public office or get on the board of a large public or private corporation. Then you can just vote for your own remuneration package.
 I would quess that the best way to make sure that your needs are taken care of in perpetuity would be to run for public office, specifically in federal politics.
 Unlike seniors their annual take is substantual. Currently a Canadian MP earns a base salary of $155,400.00. The Prime Minister earns an additional $155,400 (total of $310,800.00), a cabinet Minister earns an additional 74,400 as does the Leader of the Opposition and the Speaker of the House (total of $229,800.00).
 There are other allowances such as car and rent that are provided as well. Members who occupy certain offices and positions are entitled to additional remuneration in accordance with the Parliament of Canada Act such as Parliamentary Secretary, Party whips, other party House Leaders and Deputy House Leaders.
 If they happen to be feeling the pinch and can’t make ends meet from paycheck to paycheck, they can always vote themselves an increase as they have done from time to time.
 Makes your salary look kind off wimpy doesn’t it? But wait, that’s not all. If they stay on the job for any length of time, they also get a lifetime pension just like a senior except maybe just a bit richer. As it stands right now the maximum a Canadian citizen that has worked and contributed to CPP (Canadian Pension Plan) for a minimum of 40 years at the maximum contribution rate can receive is $986.67 per month. Given all the variables in the system, it’s not likely that you would recieve the maximum.  For those reaching age 65 you will receive an additional $540.12 old age security benifit for a maximum of $1,526.79 or $18,321.48 annually. If you didn’t contribute to CPP, then there is some additional money available, but it’s not rich by any means.
 Now, let’s have a peek at what some of our elected officials take home in their pay packets after retirement.
 Prime Minister Harper will  be eligible to collect a pension of at least $223,500 a year by 2015, adding up to $5.5 million by the time he reaches age 80.  If the prime minister did or does “buy back in” for service between.1993 and 1997, his annual eligibility increases to $249,000 a year adding up to $6.2 million by age 80.
 If he remains Liberal leader, Bob Rae will be eligible to collect a pension of at least $71,400 a year by 2015, adding up to $1 million by the time he reaches age 80. If he resigns as interim Liberal leader by the end of 2012, he will be eligible for a pension of $66,900 a year by 2015, adding up to $984,000 by age 80.
      Pierre ULuc Dusseault, a New Democrat MP elected in the last election at age 19, will be eligible to collect an annual pension of $40,000 a year or $1.3 million by age 80 if re-elected just once and if he retires at age 27. Re-elected or not, he will be eligible to collect $78,800 in one-time severance.

The Six Figure Club
  Twenty MPs will be eligible to collect more than $100,000 a year if they leave office in 2015 and 35 MPs will be eligible for that amount if they leave by 2019.

The Million Dollar Club
  One hundred twenty four MPs will be eligible to collect more than $1 million by age 80 if they leave office in 2015 and 201 MPs will be eligible if they leave by 2019.
 Thirty seven MPs will be eligible to collect more than $2 million by age 80 if they leave office in 2015"and 57 MPs will be eligible if they leave by 2019.
 Eight MPs will be eligible to collect more than $3 million by age 80 if they leave office in 2015 and 13 MPs will be eligible if they leave by 2019.
 The really cool part is that I believe that on top of their parliamentary pensions, they are also able to collect CPP and OAS just like the rest of us, but don’t qoute me on that.
 This information is taken from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation website at: taxpayer.com
 Pension estimates provided by the CTF are, as stated, estimates, and not meant to be considered exact.  As the pension eligibility of Parliamentarians is not publicly disclosed, the CTF is required to construct pension estimates based on the formulas provided to it by the Treasury Board Secretariat.   The CTF attempts to use conservative estimates that are likely lower than actual eligibility.
 If this upsets you, don’t worry about it, you can always vote yourself a raise can’t you? Oh! Wait a minute, you’re not up to your neck in the trough so I guess not.

 The 6th Annual Dog Sled Races are around the corner. On February 18 and 19, near Pigeon Lake, this annual event will see an entirely new venue, complete with gentle hills and breathtaking scenery among wooded areas.  The event’s organizers, Hans and Yolanda Appleman, residents of the Westerose area, have opened up their property and built a track that will be as challenging as it will be beautiful and memorable.
 Dog sledding involves beautiful dogs, mostly huskies and malamutes, and sometimes mixed breeds.  The dogs are kept in kennels, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get daily doses of love and petting. Whether there is three dogs on the property, or eleven, the commitment and dedication of the owners is the same.  When mushers are committed to racing, the attention they bestow on their dogs translates in the dog’s keen willingness to do well, to work hard at pulling the sled.
 In preparation for this race, two photographers travelled from Leduc to visit the Appelmans in their impressive log home: Dominique Vrolyk and Jacques Driessen are both aficionados of this magnificent sport, and could not pass up this particular adventure!  As we did last year, we were treated to a dog sled outing, experiencing the track that was build diligently by Hans and his wife.  Last year the race took place in an open track, on Pigeon Lake.  This year, the six kilometre track winds itself through valleys, open fields and woods, perched high above a valley. The view from up there was breathtaking, especially when we stopped and took a break at a rustic little log cabin. This is where the sled guest became a skidoo rider, and vice versa.  It was quite exhilarating to be pulled by no less than eleven dogs, all beautiful with thick and shiny coats, and apparently thrilled to be out there with the sled and its “passenger’.
 This Mulhurst Bay area property will also be the site of a large parking area for cars, trucks and trailers coming from all over Alberta, and possibly from neighbouring provinces.   Junior mushers will compete as well, adding a youth element to this otherwise ‘mature’ racing sport.  The Pipestone Flyer is proud to be sponsoring the Junior Class, as we did last year, and looking forward to the interaction with all the mushers.
 Last year the Appelmans introduced money into this race scenario: thanks to a long list of local and regional sponsors, they were able to present purses to every musher competing in the race.  A dynamic MC, Wayne Benson, will repeat his excellent delivery of the names and description of the mushers, and of the race itself.  Hans and Yolanda will be on site, supervising the race while competing themselves, how can they not?  Keen followers of the sport and previous organizers of this race, Sid and Mary-Lou Tizzard, are expected to be on site to welcome old friends and long-time race participants.
 An interesting sport has attracted keen interest and a passionate following: the sport of skijoring, which is when a musher is on skis, being pulled by a couple of dogs.  It is fascinating to watch, and frankly if I lived in the country and owned a couple of dogs, I think I’d be quite interested in getting them a harness, and trying this myself!
 This year, the dog sledding community is abuzz with the news of a sport re-created by Hans, after he viewed a photograph from the 30s or 40s that tweaked his imagination. Horse skijoring (yes, you read it right!) is when a skier being pulled by a horse, ridden by a partner.  This news has already created a flurry of interest, phone calls to the Applemans confirming that some ‘cowboys’ and other horse lovers want to try their hand at this.  Sounds a little daunting, but time and the first race will tell.  As the dog sled commands are ‘Gee’ (right), ‘Haw’ (left), and ‘Whoa!’ (stop), reminiscent of traditional commands used with horses, we suspect the horse skijoring competitors could use those with horses as well.
 The weather has been rather mild for this time of the year, but the race organizers are confident that their hard work of the past several weeks has created a solid base for the track.  The weather has also been conducive to frequent outings with the dogs so the Applemans, along with their two teen children, have been able to train and provide exercise to their dogs, which are in great shape, and ready to compete!
 The Saturday evening Banquet will be held in a fantastic facility, the Alberta 4H Centre at Battle Lake.  Hospitality for the mushers, their families and spectators is available in that wonderful and comfortable centre, at a competitive rate for camp-style accommodations (bring your own bedding!)  A minimal number of rooms are available with complete bedding.  The facility’s Client Services manager, Andrea McFadden, is thrilled to be hosting this group of visitors, and looks forward to an invitation to go on a dog sled adventure! Rooms can be secured through a phone call to the Applemans at 780.586.6289.
 So with happy anticipation, we see February 18 and 19 fast approaching.  Five km west of the Provincial Park on 771, it is a 40 minute drive from the Leduc area, and this Pigeon Lake Dog Sled Race promises to be a weekend of winter fun, fresh air and challenging sport!  Dog lovers and competitive mushers, we’ll see you there!

Thorsby Village Council
January 24, 2012
Linda M. Steinke

Administration Reports
 CAO—On January 20, there was a water main break on Highway 778 between 48 and 46 Avenues. The Thorsby Public Works manager and Kana Environmental water operations consultant took the lead and repaired the leak to the high pressure water main within 45 hours.
 “Public Works staff, working alongside Taz Excavating and Badger HydroVac Services, did an excellent job in effecting this most difficult repair in a very timely manner,” said CAO Wynne.  “We also deployed the Thorsby Fire Department, including their Emergency Management Director, to direct traffic on the highway and plan contingencies for getting water to residents, main street businesses, the seniors lodge and schools had the leak not been repaired by Monday.”
 Water treatment plant has been up and running effectively for four weeks producing high quality potable water. Council will be briefed regarding the final construction status of the water treatment plant and plans for operating the plant at the February 7 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
 CAO updated Diana McQueen, Minister of Environment and Water, at the December 20 Open House in Calmar. They discussed the completion of the water treatment plant and plans for developing phase II—the bulk water distribution facility. Wynne reports McQueen is “most supportive” of Thorsby’s initiatives “to deliver the highest quality water to not only our residents but, through bulk water distribution, to Leduc County residents and beyond.”
 A joint Emergency Management Preparedness meeting was held between the CAO and Thorsby Fire Chief Osness, EM Director Mutch, and Executive Director of Leduc and District Victim Services Gord Sands to discuss potential collaboration between LDVS and EM. “By developing a direct relationship between Thorsby EM and LVS, the latter is able to assist in the event of disasters, support for some fire call-outs, and support for municipal emergency situations.”

Corporate Services—CSM and Acting CAO Christine Burke
 The Village office staff and administration faced some challenges with furnace and electrical issues during the mid-January week of low temperatures according to Burke.  In fact, due to the number of small electrical heaters going at one time throughout the building that created circuit issues, there were times when the choice had to be made between power for computers or heat.  Furnace repairs were necessary.  Because the furnaces are “not particularly old,” said Burke, a recommendation for replacement is not an option; rather, assistance or advice on updating or modifying the heat distribution may be required.
 An agreement has been signed with Townlife (a municipal website designer) to develop the new Village website. Townlife is asking Council to choose “five things to showcase” that will best represent Thorsby.  Townlife’s professional photographer will be in town this spring.
 Burke reports that Farmer and Associates Consulting Inc. will assist Council in the Town Manager succession process. Council invited Senior Managers to take part in the process, guided by Farmer & Associates, by identifying qualities needed from a staff perspective.
 Public Works has implemented a preventative maintenance program as a cost saving initiative with all servicing on the grader, skid steer and trucks done in-house to reduce the cost.  “All other repairs and upgrades that are deemed feasible will be done in-house by the staff at public works whether it’s on equipment or public buildings.”
 The pressure switch on one of the furnaces at the Village office was not working so there wasn’t adequate heat.  Williams plumbing was called in and repaired the problem.

Thorsby Family Community Support Services
 Community Advisory Committee: “I’ve been informed that Marty Hooper () has returned to his duties,” but TFCSS Coordinator Kathi Walker had not yet advised when the next meeting will be held.
 Christmas Elves: 38 hampers were delivered. Planned a meeting for January 25 with volunteers to discuss and get feedback for the operation of the program and plan for next year. “I have requested that Thorsby Village Council help with the costs of this dinner. Otherwise, the costs will come from the FCSS budget.”
FCSS Advisory Committee   Next meeting is February 9, 2012. a request was submitted to Council by Keri Waters to obtain approval to join the committee (it was approved). Walker will be making a presentation at a Parent Link session “soliciting for FCSS Advisory Committee members who are parents of young children.”
 Volunteer Appreciation Week was discussed. Received input about applying to Volunteer Alberta for Enhancement Funding to go toward Volunteer Week events.
On February 6, Walker and Inge Dueck will attending Volunteer Income Tax training.
 Seniors: Canadian Diabetes Assn. will make a presentation at the Seniors’ Birthday Party on February 8.  Monthly Movie Nights is in the planning stage.
 Youth: The Be Cool program continues with the February 3 session which deals with “how to take the ‘cool’ approach when dealing with bullying.”
 Parks & Recreation: Coordinator Bettyann Gibsonsays trying to accommodate the large numbers of Provincial Game requests for ice scheduling to be quite a challenge. All available ice has been sold to March 17/18.
 Health inspection of the Community Hall kitchen has been completed by Alberta Health Services.  The report indicated a few minor maintenance requirements; otherwise, the inspector was impressed with the cleanliness and general condition.
 Previously, no criminal record checks were mandatory for any service providers operating out of the complex. However, that has changed and letters have been sent to program providers renting the recreation complex regarding mandatory requirement for criminal record checks. They are due by the end of February 2012.
 1575 All Program Guides have been distributed within Thorsby and surrounding communities.
 Gibson reports she was successful in applying for Thorsby to be one of 12 Alberta communities taking part in the ARPA Service Excellence Program. Leduc County Community Facilities Supervisor, Roxanne Gingras, will accompany Gibson to the workshop held in Red Deer.  This volunteer program involves a process that will help communities assess and develop programs to revamp their parks and recreation operations in order to enhance individual wellbeing and community vitality, economic sustainability and natural resource protection and conservation.  Other communities attending:  Airdrie, Calgary, Canmore, Devon, Hinton, Settler, Wetaskiwin and the Counties of Lac La Biche and Strathmore.
 Leduc & District Victim Services (LDVS) Executive Director Gordon Sands met with Council to present an overview of the services offered to the public 24/7, 365 days-a-year.  Sands reported that 45 volunteers have successfully completed a variety of training programs.  “Volunteers have donated 9500 hours of their own time to the program.” He notes LDVS has transitioned from attending workshops to hosting workshop events (with FCSS) covering such topics as domestic violence, alcohol in the workplace, taking care of caregivers—“It’s a high stress job! There is a need for caregivers to take care of themselves.” LDVS volunteers offer skilled and compassionate assistance to victims of crime or tragedy. All this takes money.  Two important fundraisers are coming up shortly:  March 1-3 the Annual RCMP Western’s Charity Hockey Tournament and April 25 evening with Stanley Cup Champion and Gold Medal Olympian Theo Fleury, “Moving Forward.”

Miscellaneous 
 Council approved hiring an independent or professional appraiser to establish market value on two Tax Recovery properties in order for Council to set reserve bids for the upcoming land sales.
 A discussion about Ever Green Ecological Services curbside waste collection services has been deferred to the next Committee of the Whole.
 Council discussed various service contracts and agreements (Fire with the County and Sundance Beach, Recreational cost-share with Leduc County, Leduc County Rec Advisory Bylaw, and Garbage) that are pending.

 A  prosperous   2012 to  everyone! This month we had the privilege to have one riding clinic.  We would have had two but, we couldn’t because of the cold  snap.
 We worked on our gaits, and going over poles at a walk. After we had worked on these gaits and walking over poles, we played ‘Simon Says’ while we cooled our horses down. After that we cooled our horses out, untacked and left.
 Another event that we had this month, was writing our dismounted  tests for 4-H. What dismounted tests are: you write them to get higher in the  levels. There are also mounted skills. But we did those already.
 A big thank you to Chris who had the tests written at her house. So that concludes my report for this month about the Coal Lake Light Horse 4-H. 

 It’s a new year and it is time to get back at it Buckaroos! We had our monthly meeting on January 4th and we discussed a theme for the Red Deer Regional’s, and other craft type activities for us to do. Jamie did an educational component on how to prevent and control parasites in your horse. She did an excellent job and we learnt some very important information about keeping our horses healthy.
 On January 14 we had a Multi Species Judging practice at Sandra Meyer’s. We all judged horses, bulls and did a tool name activity. It was lots of fun and we would like to give a big thanks to Sandra for letting us do this at her place and bringing Mr. and Mrs. Minchau over to teach us about judging bulls.
 That’s all for now Buckaroos and we will see you

 Recently I was asked about the statement of belief in "one holy catholic church" as part of a traditional creed used in a Protestant church service.  The word being questioned was "catholic" which simply means "world wide, universal" when spelled with a small "c".  This was a good reminder that the church is Christ's Body on earth, and that He has only one Body on earth, a Body which is made up of all who live in relationship with God through Jesus Christ, without regard as to the particular institutionalized part of the body with which they identify.  In every congregation, in every denomination, and even outside of the organized church, there are individuals who are part of Christ's One Body on earth.  His Body is made up of all those who truly know Him.
 In another place and another time, I did a series of articles on the origin and history of the churches in that community, churches which represented all the major denominations and many of the smaller ones.  In doing so, I discovered that within the Christian church, almost no one has ever set out with the intent of starting a new church or denomination.  Rather, there has been a repeated pattern of the church becoming lethargic and set in its ways and carrying on in the form but not the spirit of the faith, much like the Pharisees of Jesus' time.  From within this inert institutionalized setting, a leader would appear, one who truly knew God and was filled with the Holy Spirit, one who naturally drew others to himself through his enthusiasm and love for God and others, one who tried to wake up the organization and bring it back to its first love for God, one who tried to bring the institution back to the strengths of the true early church of the New Testament.  However, the institutionalized church rejected the challenge of renewal and rejected the leader and his followers and forced them out.  This very spiritually alive leader and his followers were forced to leave their former church and begin their own, which over a few generations became institutionalized, set in its ways and following the form rather than the spirit of its faith.  Each time such a new leader arose, some aspect of early church belief or practice would be rediscovered or emphasized, or some different interpretation of scripture would be adopted so that there would be definite differences from the parent body.  The differences were used to differentiate between the groups, but are not significant in terms of whether or not the individuals within the different groups are going to spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. 
 Martin Luther and John Calvin were both Roman Catholic priests who wanted the recognition and correction of corrupt practices within the Roman Catholic Church and restoration to a more Biblical understanding of faith.  They were excommunicated.  John and Charles Wesley were Church of England clergy who wanted to restore greater spiritual life to the church, but were forced out and founded the Methodist Church.  William Booth was a Methodist minister who had a passion for helping the very poor in the slums of East London, but his converts were not welcome in the stylish Methodist Churches, so he ended up founding the Salvation Army.  The list could go on and on.
 I found that the history and relationships of the churches could be quite easily diagrammed and the result looked like a tree with branches coming out from the trunk and from each other.  This diagram reminds me of Jesus' words in John 15, especially verse five, "I am the vine, you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (NIV)  Like the sap flowing through a vine or a tree and nourishing the leaves and the fruit, God the Holy Spirit flows through His people and through the churches in which they dwell, connecting all who truly know God to each other as well as to God, Father and Son and Holy Spirit.  Is the diagram of the tree of the churches the diagram of the movement of the Holy Spirit through the ages?
 Another way of looking at the organizational development of the churches is through the statement, "God has no grandchildren."  Every Christian is directly adopted as a child of God through repentance and regeneration through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  It is a direct, personal relationship.  However, over and over again, after a few generations, the church begins to think and function as though children born into Christian homes and raised in Christian homes and the church are automatically Christians, or are automatically grandchildren of God.  But God has no grandchildren.  Everyone, including those raised in Christian home and church, must turn to Jesus for that first-hand redemption which makes them a child of God.  Time and again, the Holy Spirit has come and found an individual who would shake up an organization of "God's grandchildren" and bring fresh spiritual life to a church, only to be pushed out.
 So the "holy catholic church" is the world-wide or universal church and is the Body of Christ on earth.  Every Christian, every person who is a genuine first-generation child of God, every believer who truly knows God, is a member of Christ's body now and will dwell with Him in heaven.  God looks on the heart, and only He knows exactly who belong to Him.

The Wetaskiwin Icemen are in control of their destiny heading into the final week of the Capital Junior Hockey League season. All the Icemen, who have already improved 17 points in the standings from last season, need to do is win their remaining two games and they will finish the season with the league’s second-best record, trailing only Sherwood Park.
 It’s a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that won just three games and finished with seven points in the 2009-2010 season.
 The Icemen improved by 30 points during Rick Gregory’s first year as head coach in 2010-2011, and could improve by another 21 points this season if the team wins its final two games.
 Wetaskiwin’s most-important, and maybe most-impressive win of the season came last weekend.
 The Icemen have second place in the East Division in their grasp after a thrilling 4-1 victory over the Beaumont Chiefs in a game played on Super Bowl Sunday at the Wetaskiwin Civic Centre.
 After the Chiefs took a 1-0 lead, the Icemen answered with back-to-back power play goals by Corey Dupre and Kevin Liner to take a one-goal lead into the final frame.
 The back-and-forth game was essentially decided when Lucas Recknagle scored his 15th of the season in the final five minutes. Jordan Howe scored into an empty net for the 4-1 final.
 Wetaskiwin, outshot 14-8 in the first period, held a 35-32 edge in shots in the game, played in front of a large Wetaskiwin crowd. Garret Montour made 31 saves for his 13th win of the season.
 The Icemen, now 25-7-0-4, have 54 points, two ahead of Beaumont, which fell to 26-10. Wetaskiwin picked up six points in its four games with the defending champion Chiefs, winning twice and losing a pair by shootout.
 Wetaskiwin, which is also second-overall in the CJHL, has not lost a game in regulation since Nov. 13, and has now picked up points in 19-straight games, making them the hottest team in the CJHL heading into the playoffs. The icemen have picked up 34 of a possible 38 points by winning 15 times, and losing four games in either a shootout or overtime.
 The Icemen visit the Edmonton Royals Wednesday and host Strathcona in their final regular season game Friday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wetaskiwin Civic Centre.
 Friday will be Pack The Arena night at the Wetaskiwin Civic Centre. There will be live entertainment before the game from classical guitarist Main Mahd, and Edmonton high school rock band DRT will play live during team warm-ups and during both intermissions. Minor hockey players will receive a free hot dog prior to the game, and all fans who attend the post game party in the Drill Hall will receive a slice of pizza. There will be a celebrity goalie race in the second intermission involving Patricia MacQuarrie from the City of Wetaskiwin, Terry Van De Kraats from the County of Wetaskiwin, Rob Lorenson from Millet and Kirk Buffalo from Hobbema. All four will don goalie pads and race around the ice. Team photos will also be handed out to youth, who can get Icemen player autographs at the post game party. Festivities kick-off at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10.
 Meantime, those Chiefs, who have now dropped three of their last four games after riding a 16-game winning streak dating back to Nov. 13, travelled to Sherwood Park this past Tuesday, and host Leduc in their final regular season game Friday, Feb. 10 at 8:30 p.m.
 As for those Schwab Riggers, the pressure is on to win in this final week of the regular season.
 Leduc sits in seventh place in the East Division with an 8-22-0-6 record and 22 points, one behind Fort Saskatchewan, which holds the sixth and final playoff spot.
 The Hawks have three games left, and a pair of victories would give them the final playoff position, and keep Leduc out of the playoff picture for a second-straight season.
 The teams will hook up Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 8:15 p.m. at the Leduc Recreation Centre. A Leduc victory would certainly give the Riggers some momentum heading into the final weekend.

Branin Thompson, Murray Warnke, Larry Fowell, Bern Hankinson, Jim Taylor, Cliff Reed,Glen Zahara and Cheryl Deckert

 An oversized cheque was presented to representatives of the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Health Foundation during a photo op just outside the operating room in the Wetaskiwin Hospital on February 1st .  Lion, Larry Fowell announced, “We are donating $10,000.00 to the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation to help purchase cataract surgical trays.”  That was all he had to say to bring smiles of gratitude to the faces of the Wetaskiwin Hospital staff and representatives of the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation.
  “The Lions are doing a wonderful thing by supporting cataract surgery,” said a grateful Cheryl Deckert, Wetaskiwin Hospital Manager. “You have just made three smiling ophthalmologists out there and one smiling Operating Room Manager as we have another important item off our want and need list.  The fact that the donation came in today couldn’t be any better timing.”  She laughingly added, “When the cheque came in it was only good for 5 minutes and I spent it.  We bought sterilization trays so the fragile instruments can be easily cleaned without damaging them in the high pressure sterilization unit.”
 Cheryl talked about the importance of the donation and how this community has been so supportive. “A set of cataract instruments to do one case is $8000 and we need 24 of them. The microscope they use to do the surgery cost $175,000 and we just got a new one from Alberta Health Services.  The support from Alberta Health Services has been wonderful but they can’t do everything so it’s so important for the (Wetaskiwin) Health Foundation, the community and you (the Lions) to step forward like this.”
 Cataract surgery is the removal of the natural lens of the eye (also called "crystalline lens") that has developed an opacification, which is referred to as a cataract. Metabolic changes of the crystalline lens fibers over time lead to the development of the cataract and loss of transparency, causing impairment or loss of vision. Many patients' first symptoms are strong glare from lights and small light sources at night, along with reduced acuity (sharpness) at low light levels. During cataract surgery, a patient's cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens to restore the lens's transparency.
 Cataract surgery is generally performed by an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) in an ambulatory (rather than inpatient) setting, in a surgical center or hospital, using local anesthesia usually causing little or no discomfort to the patient. Well over 90% of operations are successful in restoring useful vision, with a low complication rate.  Source  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract_surgery
 Equipment purchased by funding from donations made to the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation provides top notch healthcare that exceeds what can be offered using only government funding. Cheryl describes it by saying, “80-90% of the people having cataract surgery are from the Wetaskiwin region.  Given the demographics of Wetaskiwin and the aging population, we are thankful we can purchase medical equipment and provide them with health services in their own community. This year alone we will be performing 900 cataract operations on 450 patients right here in Wetaskiwin.”
 The Hospital prides itself on the convenience that can be offered, the personalized care and maintaining a low infections rate. “We get wonderful feedback from the citizens. It’s a smooth operation (cataract) and often we see them down in the cafeteria the same day as the operation. We have been doing this since 1993 so we know the process very well.”
 The Wetaskiwin Lions Club has donated $119,390 to the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation over the years. Larry commented, “There are many contributions made by the Wetaskiwin Lions that have assisted with making Our City a better place to live.” And of course Cheryl wasn’t exactly kidding when she invitingly said “Whenever you want to come back, we will be here.”
 The Wetaskiwin Health Foundation is the essential link for creating and managing partnerships and alliances between healthcare representatives and individuals, service clubs, foundations, corporate representatives, and government. The correct mix of partners and resources are matched to satisfy the values of the donor and the needs of healthcare. For more information contact Foundation Executive Director, Lillian Dykes at 780-361-4130.