Lacombe Express, January 14, 2016

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LOOKING AHEAD: Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law discusses 2015 and plans for this year – PG 3

JOURNEY: Alberta author to host upcoming book signing in Red Deer for her new memoir – PG 15

FAMILY FUN: Youngsters test out their rodeo skills at the Winter Ranch Series last weekend – PG 18

FIRST SKATE - Joe Burnham taught his daughter, Zoe, how to skate during a public skating time at the Barnett Arenas recently.

Zachary Cormier/Lacombe Express

RED DEER’S GOT TALENT Featuring:

Stephanie Galipeau (Viola) Rylan Gajek-Leonard (Cello) Susanna Heystek (Violin) January 16, 2016 – 8pm @ Red Deer College Arts Centre

Tickets available:

www.rdso.ca

The RDSO is excited to be presenting three young, local musicians – all of whom are currently refining some seriously impressive musical talents.

2 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 3

Lacombe County reeve reflects on a successful year in 2015 Plans continue to take shape for a number of 2016 projects

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS

L

ast year was a year of starting projects and many successes for Lacombe County.

Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law took some time to reflect on the successes and challenges the municipality faced in 2015.

Many of the projects started in 2015 have laid a solid foundation and will continue on into this year.

“It was a very successful year,” she said of 2015. “The weather played really well in the spring and summer for completing a lot of projects that we had planned in operations and it made the road programs easier.”

The County completed the 2015 Capital Plan, which included many road repairs and upgrades.

“We had a good start in the spring,” said Law. “The weather was great and we were able to get some things finished that didn’t quite get finished the year before.”

One of the biggest successes of 2015 was the replacement of five bridges under the County’s Bridge Replacement Program.

“We replaced five bridges including the pink bridge near Bentley,” said Law. County staff, councillors and community members gathered on Nov. 5th for the grand opening of the bridge (Bridge 00627) located along RR 1-2 spanning across the Blindman River. Construction began on the bridge in early July and was completed in October.

The County has a total of 151 bridges and bridge sized culverts under its jurisdiction, which are maintained and regularly inspected through the Bridge Management Plan. Other bridges replaced in the year include two located along the Alix North Road.

Two remote shops for Public Works, located in the Sylvan Lake area and near Tees, were also designed, tendered and prepared for construction during the year.

“We got those ready to go for this season,” noted Law. “We are hoping that early in 2016 we will have those completed.”

The remote shops will allow Public Works crews to be more efficient especially during the winter season.

The County also contributed $1 million towards Red Deer College’s Centre for Health, Wellness and Sport. The centre is planned to be a state of the art teaching and learning facility along with a venue for athletics, recreation and community activities for Central Albertans.

In 2015, the County was gifted with 140 acres of land along Lacombe Lake, in between Blackfalds and Lacombe from the Kuhnen family. Law said the County is currently working on a development plan

for public access to the park and improving the trail system.

For the second year, Lacombe County partnered with D&M Concrete for Project Plant - a program that engages students and the community to assist in restoring a gravel pit.

The municipality also entered into an agreement with the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission, the Town of Blackfalds and City of Lacombe to work towards a regional wastewater line. The County is a partner in the project as locations like the Aspelund Industrial Park utilize the wastewater line.

“We financed up to $3 million for a detailed design and engineering for the wastewater pipeline,” said Law. “We are hoping we can get that underway. If we could get everything in place, ready to go and funding comes through, that would be great. It would be shovel ready.”

Over 2015, development in Lacombe County has remained consistent.

“It was quite steady,” noted Law. “What stood out this year, although the number of permits was pretty close to previous years, was that our industrial and commercial approvals were up by about 37 per cent. In the industrial parks there was quite a bit of interest. That was good news.”

As for challenges, one that the municipality faces each year is developing the budget. The County approved the 2016 interim budget in December.

“The budget is always a challenge and with the downturn in the economy, it becomes more difficult,” said Law. “Trying to weigh everything that you want to continue to do but you want to look forward towards the future to make sure everything is sustainable but still balance that with the times.”

The 2016 budget will be finalized sometime in March or April.

One project that began in 2015 and will filter into this year as a main project is the initiation of a review of the County’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and land use bylaw. The MDP is an important document which sets out guidelines for growth and development for the County over the coming years. The MDP was last adopted in 2007, which indicates the plan should be reviewed every five years.

Law said the County intends to engage the public and find out what residents would like to see in the document.

“What we are trying to do is get the word out there,” she said. “We have five public open houses already scheduled for late February, early March. We also have started going into the schools, in Grade 6 classes, to tie in with their curriculum.

We’ve already been to some schools in

REFLECTION - Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law reflected on 2015 and looks forward to upcoming projects in 2016.

photo submitted

Lacombe, Clive, Alix, Rimbey and soon Bentley.”

Also to be completed in 2016 is the Agricultural Plan, a document guiding agricultural practices and development in the County. Consultations will take place to complete the plan that will follow in line with the bridge plan and road plan.

Something to look forward to this year

is the development of a public beach area at Sandy Point, along Gull Lake.

“It is a fairly large area for a beach, so hopefully it will take some of the pressure off the other beaches in the region,” said Law. The County is working along side those at the Sandy Point development to have the public beach open by summer. news@lacombeexpress.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Benefit concert planned for refugees settling in City

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS

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Soon a Syrian family will be calling Lacombe home.

Plans to bring a refugee family to Lacombe continue as members of the Lacombe Community Refugee Effort (LCRE) continue fundraising efforts. A benefit concert to raise funds has been planned for the end of this month.

The community group received word last week, through the application process, a family of seven from Syria, currently living in a refugee camp in Lebanon will be resettling in Lacombe. The family includes a 30-year-old male, a 31-year-old female, a 10-year-old girl and four siblings ages five and under.

The LCRE consists of several community members, organizations and four church congregations. The small army will assist the family in all aspects of life including securing housing, giving rides, translation services, filling out forms, childcare and securing things like a bus pass.

The federal government estimates the cost of settling a single refugee to be around $12,000. The group estimates $35,000 will need to be raised to resettle the family of seven.

LCRE Co-Founder Betty Cruickshank said the group has been overwhelmed with support from the community so far. Donations of bedding, beds, clothing and other items have already rolled in. The group is currently accepting donations of large furniture items, like dressers. More information regarding

other types of donations and the needs of the family will be available in the future.

The benefit concert is planned for Jan. 30th at 7:30 p.m. at Wolf Creek Community Church (located at Hwy. 12 and Wolf Creek Drive in Lacombe.)

Organizer Rod Vandaelle said 100% of the funds raised at the concert will go towards LCRE. “It is a musical evening for the resettlement of a family from Syria to Lacombe, ” he said.

The evening will feature performances from Flat Iron Jazz, Randi Boulton, C.J. Berube, Kim Berube, Mattie Dewald and Flashback Freddie.

Groups or artists will play a few songs each. A table for donations will be set up along with a highly sought after silent auction item.

Tickets are $25 and are available at Sunny 94, the Mary C. Moore Public Library and from committee members.

Donation envelopes have also been distributed around Lacombe by the LCRE to assist in collecting funds. Envelopes can be found at the Mary. C. Moore Public Library and City Hall among other locations.

It is unknown at the time of publication exactly when the family will arrive.

For more information about the benefit concert contact Vandaelle at 403-782-1842.

For more information about the community effort or to donate an item contact Cruickshank at 403-782-5357 or Marlene Ironside at 403-350-1753. news@lacombeexpress.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 5 Business Profile

Parkland Mall looks forward to exciting new addition Red Deer will be home this year to the largest fitness centre in Alberta as GoodLife Fitness and Fit4Less will be settling into their brand new state-of-the-art expansive facility at Parkland Mall.

And the mall’s management team couldn’t be more pleased, as the company will move into the former Sears location. The unique space will feature a 63,000 sq. ft. GoodLife Fitness space and a 12,000 sq. ft. area for Fit4Less by GoodLife as well.

Both the GoodLife Fitness and the Fit4Less facilities will run on a 24-hour basis, providing fitness enthusiasts and shoppers the utmost in convenience and accessibility.

“It will be great for our customers and very convenient for pre- and post-fitness shopping activities,” said Dan Hachey, Parkland Mall’s General Manager.

The development will also offer a healthy boost to the local economy as GoodLife is expecting to hire more than 50 employees from the community for this club location.

Melody McKnight, Marketing Director at Parkland Mall, said the company, which has more than one million members in Canada,

certainly did its homework in researching the ideal spot for their latest operation. The northeast corner of the City has seen extraordinary growth over the past few years, particularly in the subdivisions of Clearview Ridge, Garden Heights and Timberlands which are just minutes away from Parkland Mall. Not to mention the current construction of a new high school, with a second new high school planned, in that area as well.

Ultimately, the projected population growth of this area of the City is between 23,000 to 25,000 new residents.

“I think GoodLife Fitness recognized something about Red Deer that not every retailer does – there is a huge ‘catchment’ area with the population we have around the City. Red Deer is a centre unlike anything else that exists in Canada.”

As for GoodLife, they average 3,000 members per location, and the Parkland Mall location will be twice the size of their regular facilities. “With the average member attending at least three times per week, the expected traffic that GoodLife will bring to Parkland Mall should exceed 500,000

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW US

per year,” said Hachey.

Meanwhile, extensive renovations to the former Sears space are well underway. This redevelopment is also paving the way for further development in the mall itself. Other retailers have contacted the management team and shown interest in opening in conjunction with GoodLife said Hachey.

That includes interest in the former Safeway space – the spot is considered a high profile retail location, as it is near the busiest intersection in Red Deer.

Parkland Mall first opened its doors in 1970. Today, there are more than 100 retailers in operation there. And in 2011, Walmart also invested several million dollars in renovations to become a Supercentre as part of that overall commitment to offer customers a more thorough shopping experience, added Hachey.

The mall is owned by Morguard, one of Canada’s largest develreal estate de

opers, with a managed portfolio of assets valued at nearly $19 billion.

This includes retail, office, residential and light industrial properties.

Ultimately, with the increased development in nearby neighborhoods and the continued growth of the City overall, the future is indeed bright. “Our retailers serve millions of customers each year, and with the current and future growth of the Clearview and Timberland areas two kilometres away from us, traffic will increase in the years to come. We’re looking forward to oil prices rebounding and enhanced retailer excitement about Alberta!”

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW US

6 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

High school robotics club showcases at LMC

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS

PUBLIC NOTICE Electors of the City of Lacombe, Province of Alberta Section 251 of the Municipal Government TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the City of Lacombe, in the Province of Alberta, has given first reading to borrowing Bylaw 418, which will, upon final passage and approval, authorize the proper officers of the said City to borrow monies from the Alberta Municipal Finance Authority or another authorized financial institutions by way of debenture issue or bank loan, to pay for the cost of the following municipal purposes, namely the east side team rooms expansion project to the City of Lacombe’s Ice Arena.

The total cost of the aforesaid project amounts to $3,362,990. The net amount to be borrowed on the credit and security of the municipality at large by the issue of debentures or bank loan and on the terms and conditions outlined in Bylaw 418 is $3,362,990.

The Lacombe Composite High School (LCHS) Robotics Club returned for an encore appearance at a Friends of the Library event to showcase their technological creations last Thursday night.

Approximately 30 students, split into teams, demonstrated the robots they have been working on for several weeks to a group gathered at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.

In a show and tell format each team went up and explained what their robot is intended to do in a competition, either FTC or VEX. Some of the robots showcased hang, others climb, shoot out balls, pick up debris or place items in a basket.

One of the most unique aspects is all the robots are built from the ground up - from imagining a robot, creating a detailed design to complete tasks in a competition, assembling a kit, followed by working with team members to tweak and make adjustments.

“Each and every robot is different,” ex-

plained LCHS instructor Steve Schultz.

“Remarkably these students are on the cutting edge of the future.”

Countless hours are put into each robot, with care and attention inserted into each part. One of the teams has been using a 3-D printing technique to create wheels and other aspects of their robot.

Next, the students answered questions from attendees which differed from, “How long did it take to construct each robot?” to, “Why are they passionate about robotics?”

The club will be attending a worlds competition in April, which they have been working towards over the past six or so weeks.

The students expressed currently at the school they are using four classrooms and a hallway to do their robotics projects. These spaces are not equipped with work benches or adequate space for the students to work.

The club is seeking a large garage or shed to be used as a work space for building their creations and hosting competitions. news@lacombeexpress.com

The indebtedness, either debenture or bank loan, is repayable either in monthly, semi-annual or annual payments of combined principal and interest installments not to exceed twenty (20) years calculated at a rate not exceeding the interest rate fixed by the Alberta Capital Finance Authority or another authorized financial institution on the date of borrowing, and not to exceed eight (8) per cent.

NOW THEREFORE NOTICE is hereby given by the Council of the City of Lacombe that, unless a petition of the electors for a vote on Bylaw 418 is demanded, as provided for by the terms of section 231 of the Municipal Government Act, the said Council may pass the said borrowing bylaw.

All persons interested are hereby notified and they are required to govern themselves accordingly.

Dated at the City of Lacombe, in the Province of Alberta this 12th day of January, 2016.

City of Lacombe Per: Norma MacQuarrie Chief Administrative Officer

Information for Electors Pursuant to Section 1(i) of the Municipal Government Act an “elector” means: A person who is eligible to vote in the election for a councillor under the Local Authorities Election Act.

ROCKIN’ ROBOT - The blue team demonstrates their ‘hanger-bot’ during a LCHS Robotics Club showcase for Friends of the Library last week.

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express

We’re celebrating another anniversary!

Pursuant to section 47(1) of the Local Authorities Election Act a person is eligible to vote in an election held if the person: a. is at least 18 years old, b. is a Canadian citizen, and c. has resided in Alberta for the 6 consecutive months immediately preceding election day and is resident in the area on election day.

A poll may be demanded in the City of Lacombe by electors equal in number to at least: a.

in the case of a municipality other than a summer village, by electors of the municipality equal in number to at least 10% of the population and b. in the case of a summer village, by 10% of the electors of the summer village in accordance with the provisions of section 223 of the Municipal Government Act and in accordance with the provisions of section 251 of the Municipal Government Act. The petition for a vote must be received by the Chief Administrative Officer within 15 days of the last publication of this notice and shall contain on each page “an accurate and identical statement of the purpose of the petition”. (Further requirements of the petition are provided in section 224 of the Municipal Government Act.) DATE of the last publication of this notice is the 21st day of January, 2016.

For Information Contact: Michael Minchin, CMA, CLGM Corporate Services Director PHONE: 403.782.1253 E-MAIL: mminchin@lacombe.ca

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 7

OPINION 5019A - 51 St Lacombe, AB T4L 2A3

403-782-5303

Editor

Sarah Maetche 403-782-5306 news@lacombeexpress.com

January marks intersection safety month Keeping our roadways safe for everyone, vehicles, recreationalists and pedestrians, should be a top priority.

This month is marked as intersection safety month in the province

by Alberta Transportation.

According to provincial stats for 2014, 52 people were killed and 8,358 people were injured in intersection related collisions in the province. In the same year, 95.6% of recorded collisions occurred at an intersection in an urban area.

Three of the most frequent improper driving actions that result in casualties at intersections are: making a left turn across the path of an on-coming vehicle (12.2%),

committing a stop sign violation, like a rolling stop (8.3%) and disobeying a traffic signal, like running a red light (6.9%).

Across Canada, 28% of fatalities and 40% of serious injuries from collisions involved an intersection.

Alberta Transportation reports that around 86% of collisions are attributable to driver error.

While these stats may be alarming, especially the number of fatal collisions in the province, paying attention and making safe decisions are the most important keys in reducing these types of collisions.

“Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians enter intersections at different

speeds and this makes intersections potentially hazardous,” said Minister of Transportation Brian Mason. “It’s important to raise awareness of the risks involved.

Be aware, and be prepared to react when the need arises.”

Some safety types for drivers include avoiding speeding through intersections, following too closely, rolling through a stop sign, running red lights or making unsafe lefthand turns.

Tips for pedestrians or other types of recreationalists (like cyclists, skateboarders or long boarders) include making eye contact with the driver before crossing the street

(even on crosswalks), being alert at intersections and looking for possible dangers when crossing the street along with abiding by traffic signs and signals.

“Intersections are designed to keep people safe,” said RCMP K Division Traffic Services Supt. Ian Lawson. “Rushing a left turn, rolling through a stop sign or trying to outrun a yellow light is dangerous driving, plain and simple.”

As a community, let’s work together to be present while driving and make smart, safe decisions when it comes to others on the road.

For more information about the initiative, visit www.saferoads.com.

A look at the proposed amendments to the Traffic Bylaw Reporter

Zachary Cormier

zcormier@lacombeexpress.com

Customer Service

Hilary Stone

advertising@lacombeexpress.com

Publisher

Tracey Scheveers

publisher@lacombeexpress.com The Lacombe Express is a proud newspaper of

Copyright.

No material - news, photographs or advertising - may be reproduced without the express written consent of the Publisher. Failure to obtain such consent may result in legal action without further notice.

Canadian Media Circulation Audit

The City of Lacombe’s Traffic Bylaw 223 regulates and controls vehicle, animal and pedestrian traffic.

On Dec. 14th, 2015, City administration presented a number of proposed changes to the traffic bylaw to council for consideration.

The amendments include changes in the level of service for snow removal, parking bans and playground zones.

Every winter, City staff address the challenges of snow and ice removal in an effort to keep our roads and walkways clear and navigable.

Sometimes it can be a tremendous task, requiring around-the-clock efforts, to keep the city’s transportation networks open and I thank the snow removal crews for their hard work.

Whether we are homeowners or renters, each of us is responsible for clearing snow or ice buildup on sidewalks bordering our properties. The traffic bylaw states that the removal of snow, ice, or debris from public sidewalks adjoining a residential property is to be completed within 48 hours of accumulation.

• Emergency services access routes • 50 Ave. (Hwy. 12), from Hwy. 2A to 58 St.

STEVE EVE

CHRISTIE If you are planning to be away from home for an extended period of time during the winter months, please make arrangements to have your walkways maintained in your absence. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to keep our sidewalks clear of ice and snow for the safety of all who use them.

The City of Lacombe recognizes its obligation to provide an acceptable level of snow clearing services to its residents, to vehicular traffic utilizing the road network and to pedestrian traffic utilizing public sidewalks.

We use a priority-based system to provide a sustainable level of snow clearing services to the community.

The priorities are identified as follows: Priority 1 • City of Lacombe emergency services parking lots

Priority 2 • Downtown core commercial roads • Primary and secondary roads • School access routes • Parking lots at major community facilities, including the Lacombe Memorial Centre and the Lacombe Sports and Leisure Complex • Downtown core public parking lots Priority 3 • Downtown core lanes and local roads (residential), as required Currently, ‘no parking’ signs are placed on streets at least 12 hours in advance of snow clearing operations.

Vehicles that fail to move off of the signed street are then ticketed and towed to the nearest area not scheduled for snow clearing rather than to a designated impound.

A municipal ticket is issued for the violation under the Street Maintenance

Section, and the towing fee is charged back to the registered owner by the City.

This process imposes additional administrative costs over and above the fine and towing fees that are passed on to the registered owner of the vehicle.

One of the proposed amendments to the traffic bylaw would establish a new fine that incorporates the cost of towing of the vehicle, thereby resolving the issue of separately billing owners for vehicles towed during snow removal operations.

The proposed new fine covers the cost of the tow in addition to the fine, and is only applicable to the towing of vehicles related to snow or other road maintenance projects and where the vehicle is relocated to another street.

Another proposed change involves the reduced speed zone at 54 Ave. – from 50 St. to 53 St. Last September, this area was changed from a school zone to a playground zone as recommended by the Traffic Safety Committee.

The recommendation came in response to con-

fusing road signage at times and also from a need to increase the safety of the residents accessing the Lacombe Spray Park and the accessible playground.

This traffic safety concern was identified by local schools as well as by residents during the last Coffee with Council session.

The proposed change would affect the effective time for the playground zone from 47 St. to 53 St., changing it from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset to 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset. The time change would address a 30-minute gap between the playground zone and the school zone.

It does not affect other playground zones.

Let me know what you think of the proposed amendments to the traffic bylaw. You can send your comments to schristie@ lacombe.ca or contact me at City Hall. As always, I encourage and welcome your comments and concerns, as well as your ideas and suggestions to make our city the best place to live, work and play.

Steve Christie is the Mayor of Lacombe.

Letters to the editor

Reader thanks community for support of Christmas Day dinner Thank you for the wonderful letter from Cynthia May regarding the annual Christmas Day dinner. It was a very fun and festive event celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Bethel Christian Reformed Church has had the pleasure of being involved with this special meal for our community for the last 10 years.

First of all, we would like to thank all the volunteers who helped prepare the meal, set up the hall, serve the food and dessert, host tables, play music, clean up the hall and wash the dishes. We thank the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC) staff who made this event possible as well.

We would also like to thank those who made donations to the event: the

Lacombe Co-op for their contribution to the groceries, Boyd Williams and Greg Pallister of Royal LePage for their donation of the turkeys, Central Alberta Greenhouses for donating the poinsettias and flower arrangements, the City of Lacombe for allowing the LMC to be used on Christmas Day, donors the day of the event and Bethel Christian Reformed

Church for their financial support each year.

Yes, we also had anonymous donors who gifted each attendee and volunteer at the meal and we thank them too.

We wish all involved with the meal and the Lacombe community a blessed 2016.

Pete and Cora Hoekstra Lacombe

8 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

fyi EVENTS The FYI, Community Events Calendar is a free-of-charge service for not-for-profit organizations and upcoming community events within the Lacombe and Blackfalds region. To submit your information, please email news@lacombeexpress. com, call 403-782-5306 or fax 403-782-5344. If you would like your event or organization to be included, please submit your information to the editor by noon, the Monday before the publication date.

The Jesus Fatwah: Love Your (Muslim) Neighbor as Yourself - a Thursday evening discussion group starting January 14th at 7 p.m. Using print and video resources and encounters with representatives of both Christianity and Islam, we will seek to dispel stereotypes about Islam, explore the diversity of Muslim belief and practice and discuss how we can build respectful relationships. This program would be appropriate for Christians, Muslims or those without faith commitments. Held at St. Andrew’s United Church. Please contact Ross Smillie at 403-782-3148 to indicate your interest and to get background reading material.

Lacombe Legion Community Breakfast: Upstairs in the Byron Greff Memorial Hall (5138-49 St.), Jan. 17th from 9 a.m. to noon. Adults - $6, children under 12 - $3. Everyone welcome.

Lacombe Hospice Steering Committee: Volunteers needed. Commit to 24 – 48 months’ term. Contact Florence at 403-782-5641 or email: lahospice@gmail.com.

Robbie Burns Night Supper – Hosted by the Red Deer Legion Pipe Band, Saturday, Jan. 23rd at the Royal Canadian Legion, Red Deer. Join us for cocktails from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a traditional Robbie Burns supper: turkey, roastit bubbly jock wi’ stuffin intilt, champit tatties & mashed neeps, gravy, haggis & apple pie. There will be a

Your weekly Community Events Calendar

cash bar. Special events include piping in of the haggis, the Red Deer Legion Pipe Band, highland dancers and more. Tickets are available from any pipe band member or the front desk of the Red Deer Legion for $30 per person and should be purchased in advance. For more information call Arnie MacAskill at 782-7183.

Friends of the Library will be pleased to announce a presentation by Dr. Leighton Nischuk at the LMC in the County Room on Jan. 28th at 7 p.m. Dr. Nischuk has been travelling with Medical Mercy Canada and will provide a summary of some of the projects undertaken in the Ukraine

at the Lacombe Legion. $2 a person. For more information, call Rod at 403-782-1842.

The Lacombe Legion is hosting a tour for adults of Canadian battlefields in Holland, Belgium and France from March 25th to April 3rd, 2016. Highlights will include tours of Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris as well as Vimy Ridge, The Juno Beach Center, the Normandy beaches, the home of Anne Frank, Ypres, Passchendaele, Flanders Field and much more. A detailed itinerary including cost is available at the Lacombe Branch of the Legion or you can request one to be e-mailed to you at the e-mail that

YOUR AD

youth choir for ages five to 18.

Meets Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. contact Jessica at 403-352-5486 or jessmick16@gmail.com.

St. Andrew’s United Church Adult Choir for those 18 and older. Practices on Wednesdays from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Contact Roberta at 403-782-0443 for more information. Cost is free.

Invitation to join CNIB Peer Support Group: The Peer Support Group is a program dedicated to helping CNIB clients adjust to vision loss. Feelings of fear, anxiety, intimidation and anger are extremely common in adults who are diagnosed with vision loss. The goal of the group is to

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403-782-5303

where his parents immigrated from as children. Following the presentation light refreshments will be served. Free admission.

Come and bring a friend.

39th Annual Lacombe Fiddler’s Jamboree: Sunday, January 31st, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lacombe Upper Elementary School (5414-50 St.) Adults $5, under 10 free. Sponsored

by Maetche Music Studio.

The Lincoln Hall Society presents its annual Dinner and Entertainment Night on Feb. 6th. Dinner and comedy show, catered by Bob Ronnie and starring Lars Callieou (has opened for Jeff Foxworthy). Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Supper at 6 p.m., Show at 8 p.m. All tickets $50/person. Tickets ready for Christmas giving.

Advance sales end Feb. 2nd.

Calling all musicians! A jazzy new place to blow your horn or strum your strings - A jam session every second and fourth Thursday from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

follows. For more information phone Corvin at 403 357-0377 or email cuhrbach@gmail.com.

The Parkland Classical Singers, a community choir based in Lacombe, is looking for more members. If you like to sing, please join us. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wolf Creek Community Church, beginning Oct. 15th. Two performances: Christmas 2015 and Spring 2016. For more information, call Carolyn 403-782-7365.

The Red Deer Legion Pipe Band is actively recruiting experienced and inexperienced people from the Central Alberta area, who are interested in joining the pipe band. Anyone with piping or drumming experience, or if you would like to learn piping or drumming, are asked to please contact us at 403-782-7183.

Practices are held at the Red Deer Legion on Tuesdays at 7:00.

St. Andrew’s United Church

help transform these feelings into those of confidence and independence through education and group discussions.

The program is facilitated by a volunteer who has gone through the process of adjusting to a life with vision loss. The group offers seniors a way to connect to others experiencing similar challenges. Participants receive empowering, practical and useful information about vision loss and how CNIB services can help, as well as suggestions from other participants on how to reduce the impact of vision loss on their daily lives. There is no cost to participate in the program which will meet once per month.

The group meets at the Spruce Terrace located at 5002 – 51 Ave. Lacombe Walking Group Wednesdays from 12-12:30 at Medcombe Walk-In-Clinic.

No Registration required.

Kozy Korner — Tuesday Dinners every week at noon. The hot

meal includes dessert and coffee at the Senior Centre.

Kozy Korner Music Jam on Sundays from 1:30p.m. to 4 p.m. In the New Year, jams will be on Jan. 10th, Feb. 14th, March 13th and April 10th. Entertainers are free. Lunch goodies by donation. For more information call 403-885-4493.

Lacombe Dance Lessons – social and choreographed ballroom dancing. Traditional Two-step or Cha Cha/Jive. For details phone Cliff at 403-782-4094.

Quilting and crafts held at Blackfalds United Church on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Help make quilts or bring your own quilt/ craft to work on. Check out our website at blackfaldsunitedchurch.com or call 403-8854780 for more information.

The Lacombe Legion has bingo on Mondays at 7 p.m. in the upstairs hall. Coffee time runs Wednesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. ($2 for coffee, tea and cookies).

On Fridays, there are four meat draws and tickets are $2/set of three tickets. Draw starts at 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays, there are four meat draws which start at 4:30 p.m. Chase the ace starts after meat draws.

Parkinson Alberta Education offers supports groups for persons with Parkinson disease, family members and caregivers at the following Central Alberta locations: Red Deer, Lacombe, Innisfail, Olds, Three Hills and Castor. Visit www.parkinsonalberta.ca for more information.

New to Lacombe? Contact Lacombe Welcome Wagon for free maps, information about the City & area, as well as free gifts from local businesses. New baby in the family? Contact Donna Korpess with the Lacombe Welcome Wagon at 403-7820475 for free information, baby product samples as well as free gifts from local businesses.

Youth Unlimited Drop-in Activities: Drop-in activities run every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for Grades 3 to 6. Evening drop-in activities for Grades 5 and up run Thursday and Friday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $2 for drop-in, 10 passes are $10.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 9

Passport to Christmas wraps up successful program

BY SARAH MAETCHE LACOMBE EXPRESS With an emphasis on shopping local, the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce program Passport to Christmas has successfully wrapped up another year.

During the five week period over the

holiday shopping season, Lacombians were encouraged to spend their money within the community by filling out a ‘passport’ with a stamp placed for every $10 spent.

Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Monica Bartman said with the active community and business participation, a confirmed $1,300,200 was spent locally.

“We were really excited to see the number grow as the program grows,” she said.

Now in its fourth year, the program received around 4,334 completed passports.

Each passport represents $300 spent at a participating business.

The program has more than doubled its number of passports distributed in the Lacombe area this year. In 2014, just a mere 8,000 passports were handed out.

For those unfamiliar with the initiative, the Passport to Christmas program is a shop local incentive with the aim of encouraging consumers in the local area to spend their money within the community during the holiday season. Passports could be picked up by shoppers at any of the 46 participating businesses in the area.

Once passports were filled up, they were entered into a draw for ‘Lacombe Bucks’ gift certificates, which could be spent locally at any of the same participating businesses.

With active community and business participation last year, a confirmed $750,000 was spent locally in the 2014 program. The program received back 2,585 completed passports last year.

This year, a larger variety of businesses participated in the program, including all three of Lacombe’s major grocery retailers,

specialty food stores, hardware stores, salons and pharmacies, to name a few. The program also added many participants from out of town, with a reach further out of the community than many may think.

The chamber also increased the amount of prizes for filled out passports as well as incomplete passports, in case shoppers still had incomplete passports in their hands when the deadline hit.

The winners of the Sunny 94 and Lacombe Chamber Passport to Christmas for 2015 were: Michele Cade, $250 Lacombe Bucks - partial passport; Cheryl Geldof, $500 Lacombe Bucks prize; Melissa Rogers, $750 Lacombe Bucks prize and Terry Flewelling, $1,500 Lacombe Bucks prize.

Even though the program wrapped up mid-December, Bartman said there could be still some incomplete passports floating around, which means there is the possibility that many more dollars may have been spent locally.

Bartman said she hopes they can continue with the momentum that has been started over the past four years.

“We want to encourage more participation and continue to grow it with more involved businesses,” she said. news@lacombeexpress.com

NEW YEARS’ GIFT - The first baby born in Lacombe this year waited a while to make her entrance. The baby girl, weighing 8 lbs. 2 oz., was born on Jan. 5th, making her appearance at 9:05 a.m. Parents Lisa and Jesse Bouwknecht said their daughter Lacey Elise Bouwknecht was due on Dec. 28th but didn’t arrive as expected. Lacey was the first baby born in 2016 at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre. The couple, along with their daughter Jaida, 2, moved to the rural Lacombe area from Abbotsford eight months ago.

Zachary Cormier/Lacombe Express

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New Board Members Appointed Red Deer College Board of Governors is pleased to introduce its newest Board members.

Robin Chiles is a second year student at Red Deer College in the Open Studies program, and a member of the President’s and Dean’s Honour Rolls. Her goal is to gain acceptance into the Bachelor of Science, Nursing program at RDC. After being personally touched by cancer, she wants one day to have a career as a nurse in the Cancer Clinic at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.

Robin was born and raised in Red Deer and is proud to call this city her home. She is a passionate student who enjoys learning new things and serving her community through valuable work on committees and volunteering for a nonprofit organization.

Robin is married to her high school sweetheart, Greg, and is proud of her two children, Jacob and Brooklyn.

Shawn Deveau works in RDC’s Information Technology Services department. He has been a Technical Support Analyst in the department since 2009, working hard to support students, instructors and staff every day. Shawn also served the College’s support staff as Chair of the local AUPE Chapter for a number of years. Shawn has effectively built relationships at RDC, recognizing that open and respectful discussion among a wide range of people with different perspectives leads to the best decisions for learners and everyone who works at RDC. Shawn is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Sociology. For leisure, Shawn enjoys honing his craft of singing and song writing.

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10 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

City Page lacombe.ca

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN

TO

• • •

Recreation and Culture

ve & get acti zes! i r p win

Grant

Join in the Winter Active Challenge to get moving with friends, family or coworkers for a minimum of 30 minutes a day for 3-weeks.

0U0NDS 5 , 2 $1 ABLE F

Red Deer College Bower Place Red Deer Hospital

d

VAIL IN A

take part Monday, January 25 - Sunday, February 14, 2016

register

Does your group or organization have an idea for a new initiative that would enhance the quality of life in Lacombe through recreation and culture? If so, you may be able to access the $12,500 in available funding through the City of Lacombe’s Recreation and Culture Grant.

* Us e R o u te 1 0 a n d t r a n s fe r a t S o re n s e n S t a t i o n .

F R E E f o r B O LT p a s s h o l d e r s .

For more information contact glapointe@lacombe.ca or call 403.782.1263.

This grant is open to all non-profit community groups and businesses within the city. For more information visit www. lacombe.ca/recgrant, phone 403.782.1266, or email recreation@lacombe.ca.

1. Form a team of 5 family, friends or coworkers.

2. Register your team by Friday, January 22, 2016. You must be registered to win!

3. Track your team’s activity. Anything qualifies as long as you are moving! You can make snow angels, build a snowman, or go bowling. Each team member must achieve 30 minutes of physical activity per day every day for the duration of the Challenge to qualify for weekly prizes and to be entered for the Grand Prize Draw!

contact Sonya Beauclair at 403-782-1267 or sbeauclair@lacombe.ca Visit www.lacombe.ca/winteractive to register online

All submissions will be reviewed by the Lacombe & District Recreation, Parks and Culture Board.

A p p l i c a t i o n D e a d l i n e i s Fe b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

Annual Property Tax Bills Can Be A Real Pain In The Neck!

DEVELOPMENT PER PERMITS RMIT TS Current to January 14, 2016

Permitted Use

Take notice that the following development permits have been approved as PERMITTED USES in that they conform in every ery respect to the Land Use Bylaw DATE

PERMIT#

LOCATION

DEVELOPMENT

January 14

61/253.76

5685 45 Avenue

Semi-Detached Garage

January 14

61/253.77

5689 45 Avenue

Semi-Detached Garage

January 14

61/250.00

29 MacKenzie Avenue

SFD with Deck

Permitted Use With Variances Take notice that the following development permit has been approved as a PERMITTED USE WITH VARIANCES DATE January 14

PERMIT# 61/253.58

LOCATION 5024 58 Street

Eliminate the chore of writing cheques; setting payment reminders; dealing with postage costs; or worrying about late fees. There are no service charges or fees for enrolling in this pre-authorized payment plan – plus setup is easy!

January 14 January 14

1 Complete and submit the Authorization Agreement for the plan, along with a void cheque. The form can be picked up in person at City Hall (5432 56 Avenue, Lacombe, Alberta) or on-line at: http://www.lacombe.ca/living/taxes-assessment

January 14

61/253.53 61/253.62, 63, 64, 65 61/253.50

5205A 47 Street 4316-4320-4324-4328 Homestead Road 5628 52 Avenue

January 14

61/253.51

5628 52 Avenue

January 14

61/253.70 & 61/253.71

3411 52 Avenue

If you want the ease and affordability of small, monthly payments, sign up for the pre-authorized, Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP).

2 Payments will be withdrawn automatically from your bank account on the 16th of each month.

Ease the pain, with the Tax Installment Payment Plan.

For Information Contact: Marc Perreault 403-782-1257 mperreault@lacombe.ca

DEVELOPMENT Variance for Existing Carport & Shed Variance for Existing Deck 4 Unit Rowhouse Demolition of Detached Dwelling Dwelling Unit & Secondary Suite with Variance Detached Garage Relocation of Two Chemical Warehouse Buildings

Documents pertaining to the development permits may be inspected at City Hall, 5432-56 Avenue, during regular business hours. Anyone claiming to be affected by the approval of the Permitted Uses with Variances of Discretionary Uses may submit an objection within 14 days from the date of notice. The appeal must be in writing, accompanied with a $50.00 fee and be directed to: Lacombe Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Attn: Secretary to the SDAB, 5432-56 Avenue Lacombe, AB T4L 1E9.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 11

City Page lacombe.ca

CROSS FIT

...

.............

Right

. . . .YOGA .........

.................

F I N D SWIM . . . . . . . .DA ...N ..C ..E ...

T H E W ...E . . I. G . . .H . .T . .S. ...........

What’s Happening?

F I T . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S . . .P . . .I . N .......

P I L AT E S

ZUMBA

The City of Lacombe is excited to launch our new Find the Right Fit Program, a partnership with local fitness providers to offer everyone the opportunity to get out and try some of the different fitness options available in our community.

City Council Dates

This program runs throughout 2016, with each facility having one day a month where local residents can attend for free. There are nine facilities participating: Lacombe CrossFit, SpinOut Studio, SNAP Fitness, Dancers Edge, Finding Balance, Fit Body Boot Camp, Kinsmen Aquatic Centre, Burman University Gym, and Lacombe Yoga.

Lacombe City Council Meetings are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Meeting agendas are posted online at www.lacombe.ca by 3 p.m. on the Friday before every Council Meeting.

To find out more about these facilities and when you can attend visit www.lacombe.ca/choosewell and click on the ‘Find the Right Fit’ link.

The next scheduled Council Meeting dates and times are: • Monday, January 25, 2016, at 5 p.m.

• Monday, February 1, 2016, at 5 p.m. (Committee) • Monday, February 8, 2016, at 5 p.m.

Being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and we hope that by sampling the many different activities available to them, residents will be able to find an activity that they enjoy and are likely to stick with.

The benefits of exercise are plentiful. Those who engage in regular physical activity experience statistically significant and clinically important reductions in the risk of dying from coronary heart disease, of developing diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer.

Upcoming Events Winter Active Challenge- Join in the Winter Active Challenge to get moving with friends, family or coworkers for a minimum of 30 minutes a day for 3 weeks.

Take part: Monday, January 25 - Sunday, February 14, 2016.

Register your team of five by Friday January 22, 2016.

Contact 403.782.1267 or visit www.lacombe.ca/winteractive to register.

Call To

Winter Walk Day - February 3, 2016 Head outdoors and walk for a minimum of 10 minutes. You may be in for a special treat if we spot you out and about in the city.

Artists

Reminders Christmas Tree Disposal- Real Christmas trees can be disposed of at the Recycle Site is 5214 Wolf Creek Drive.

Christmas trees left in alleys or on front lawns will not be picked up by City staff, and will be left for the homeowner to dispose of appropriately.

The Lacombe Arts Endowment Fund provides ongoing financial support of literary, visual and performing arts for the benefit of the residents of Lacombe and area.

Applications are now open for the Arts Endowment Fund Grant, and submissions are being accepted until March 31, 2016.

Above: Lacombe Arts Endowment Fund Chairperson Shirley Flinn congratulates the 2014 grant recipients Amanda Bowoade (left) and Lindsay Oehlerking (right).

Visit www.lacombe.ca/living/recreation-culture/lacombe-arts-endowment-fund for more information or call (403)782-1258.

The 2016 Encore Art Show & Sale is also taking artist applications for booth and gallery space. If you love visual arts and music, then this is the event for you!

Join us on April 15 and 16, 2016, as we host this fun and colorful event. We will be featuring the paintings, fibre arts, pottery, ceramics, metal works, and creative masterpieces of some of Alberta’s finest artisans, and musicians.

You can download an application at http://www.lacombe.ca/living/recreation-culture/art-sale or call (403)782-1258.

BOLT Transit is now paperless. Now using re-loadable cards for the automated fare boxes. Visit www.lacombe.ca/bolt for more information.

Arts Endowment Grant is now accepting applications.

If you’re a Lacombe or Lacombe Country resident involved in any art form – visual, performing, or literary arts, you may be eligible. Go to www.lacombe.ca/artgrant for a downloadable application form. Application deadline is March 31, 2016.

Employment Opportunities Records Management/FOIP Coordinator #2016-01 The City is hiring a Records Management/FOIP Coordinator.

To view the full job description and to to apply, visit www. lacombe.ca/employment. www.lacombe.ca

12 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

2016: A year of loving our neighbours Happy New Year! I trust you all had a blessed Christmas season. I certainly did. I enjoyed all of the Christmas

worship services, parties and family gatherings.

Christmas truly is a wonderful time of the year. It was

especially wonderful for me this year as we held a neighborhood Christmas party.

First, we went Christmas

caroling in our neighborhood, then we gathered in a neighbor’s home to eat Christmas goodies and sing

In Good Faith with Rev. Leon H.

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more carols. What a delight to gather with our neighbors in this way!

The Lacombe and District Ministerial Association had the privilege of meeting with Chief Steve Murray of the Lacombe Police Service (LPS) at our January meeting. It was interesting to learn about policing from this long-term police officer. As was reported in the Jan. 7th issue of this newspaper, the LPS received more calls for help in 2015.

Sadly, crime trends are on the rise in Lacombe.

Chief Murray talked about this phenomenon and invited us as pastors to help them reach out to the community with a basic message and strategy for fighting crime and building community: get to know your neighbors. As we get to know our neighbors and build relationships, we will pay more attention in our neighborhoods and learn the difference between normal and abnormal activities.

Get to know your neighbor.

Or to ‘up it’ in religious language: love your neighbor.

As Jesus says, “Love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength… . [and] love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31 NIV).

Jesus was very concerned about neighbors loving neighbors. He commanded it. He practiced it. Jesus leads the way in neighborhood life.

I wonder what would happen in this community if we all loved our neighbors?

Happily, many neighbors

are doing just that. They are loving each other in many practical ways: by chatting when they meet at the mail box, by inviting a neighbor over for coffee, by clearing the snow on a neighbor’s sidewalk, by gathering for block parties and other celebrations. There are many ways to love your neighbor.

Sometimes we get too busy.

We get caught up in many good activities that leave little time to love our neighbors, let alone to love God. But Jesus calls us to make loving God and neighbors top priorities. When we love God and our neighbors, we are obeying the great commandment of scripture.

Furthermore, we will create a safer and more loving community.

Happily, we are not alone on this journey of learning how to love our neighbors.

Many people in our community do it well and have done it for years. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that neighboring is a way of life for many of the senior residents of our community. So we are invited to learn from our seniors how to be good neighbors.

Furthermore, we have a man among us named Rick Abma, whose calling is to encourage, equip and empower the residents of Central Alberta to love their neighbors.

Rick is a fellow pastor and friend of mine and I know he would be glad to hear from you if you want to learn more about loving your neighbor. I encourage you to check out his web site at: rickabma. com.

Loving our neighbors is the right thing to do. It pleases God and leads to a safer community. Let’s make 2016 a year of loving our neighbors.

Leon Johnston is the pastor of Wolf Creek Community Church.

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Around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12th, Blackfalds RCMP surrounded a residence along East Point Drive and Parkway Drive in the eastside of Blackfalds.

RCMP, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, contained the residence that was occupied by a male who was considered to be armed and dangerous.

Residents in the immediate area were evacuated.

Other residents in the East Point Drive and Parkway Drive area were advised to remain inside their residences and proceed into

their basement until the situation was resolved. The general public was asked to stay away from the area and refrain from reporting RCMP movements on social media.

At approximately 11:50 p.m. RCMP advised the situation was resolved and there was no longer a concern for public safety. Andrew Joseph Snow, 29, of Sylvan Lake, was taken into custody without incident. Snow was arrested for outstanding warrants in relation to an attempted murder in December.

RCMP remained on scene to continue the investigation.

-Maetche

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 13

Lacombe Express

deadline: Monday @ noon

CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad, call Toll Free: 1.877.223.3311 or email: classifieds@lacombeexpress.com

Obituaries

BERGER,

Mary “Maria” 1915 - 2016 Mary “Maria” Berger passed peacefully at home on Jan. 8, 2016, in Lacombe, at the age of 100 with her daughter by her side.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Maxim and Xenia Szach, sister Anne Oleshko, brother Alex Shaw, husband Anton Berger, her partner John Joy Jr., and her son Gary Berger.

She will be greatly missed by her children: Ion Berger (Los Angeles, California), Xenia Stanford (Kelowna, B.C.), Neal (Brenda) Berger (Sherwood Park, AB), Ruth Berger (Rocky Mountain House, AB), Aileen Joy (Victoria, B.C.), Keith (Val) Joy (Vernon, B.C.), and Lisa Joy (Lacombe), as well as many great and great, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Maria was born in a sod house on the farm in Saskatchewan in 1915 to Ukrainian immigrant parents. She grew up, however, in Detroit and Dearborn, Michigan, while her father worked at Ford Motor Company.

After they came back to Canada, settling near Edmonton, Maria lived in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Creston, B.C., and Lacombe, Alberta.

She loved to dance, including Ukrainian and tap, as well as play the violin. She was always positive.

She had a smile on her face, a song in her heart and kind words for everyone.

She particularly enjoyed her mother’s homemade wine and often talked about how she missed it, even until days before she left this earth. She was an amazing cook, preparing authentic Ukrainian dishes.

Maria wanted to live to 100 to get her birthday greeting letter from the Queen - and she did it.

A celebration of Maria’s life will be held Friday, January 15, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel, 6120 Hwy 2A, Lacombe, AB. Interment will follow at Lacombe’s Fairview Cemetery.

Condolences may be made by visiting www. wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca Wilson’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium serving Central Alberta with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of arrangements.

Phone: 403.782.3366 or 403.843.3388 “A Caring Family, Caring for Families”

Announcements .................0005-0030 What’s Happening .............. 0049-0070 Garage Sales ........................0100-0650 Employment ........................ 0700-0920 Service Directory ................. 1000-1430

Items to Buy/Sell ................. 1500-1940 Agricultural .......................... 2000-2210 For Rent ............................... 3000-3200 Wanted to Rent....................3250-3390 Real Estate ...........................4000-4190

Obituaries

Coming Events

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JARDINE, Doris Jean

November 25, 1938 January 8, 2016 With her family by her side, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doris Jean Jardine. After a short battle with a cancerous brain tumor, Doris passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was 77 years old. Doris was able to spend every day with her husband on the farm. Doris was born in Lacombe and was married to David Jardine on September 28th, 1957 and the two enjoyed 58 beautiful years of marriage. They had four children, David Jr., Sandy (Shelley), Don (Cindy), and Ted (Lynne). Dave and Doris opened their home to their nephew, Jim Mitchell (Joyanne) and niece, Shirley Mitchell (Rob Cookson) and welcomed them as a part of their family. Doris loved each of her grandchildren dearly and she will be in their hearts forever.

Doris will also be missed by her sister, Helen Hill, her deceased sister Alice Fletcher and her sisters-in-law Margaret Jardine and Jean O’Neil.

Doris was a marvelous hostess. She opened up the farm home to many family and friends, with no one leaving on an empty stomach. Doris loved spending time with her girlfriends. She and Dave made many friends down in Southern Arizona; they both cherished each and every day there. Doris volunteered her time at the Lacombe Hospital Auxiliary and it is her wish that any contributions be made to this association. She selflessly lived her life for Dave, her family, and her friends.

A Celebration of Life was held at the Lacombe Memorial Center on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 1:00 PM. If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Lacombe Nursing Home Auxiliary, c/o Lacombe Health Trust, Box 5663, Lacombe, AB. T4L 1X3.

Expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca.

Wilson’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium serving Central Alberta with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of arrangements.

Phone: 403.782.3366 or 403.843.3388 “A Caring Family, Caring for Families”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 15

ARTS & LEISURE

Coronation author holds book signing this weekend

BY MARK WEBER LACOMBE EXPRESS Alberta author of Seven to Seventy: A Journey through Time Lavera Goodeye is launching a series of book signings, the first of which will be held at the Coles at Parkland Mall in Red Deer on Jan. 16th between noon and 5 p.m.

Goodeye’s memoir, an insight into her own life and the relationships that reflected her own journey to become who she is offers readers a portrait of her struggle, and how with care and support it is possible to find the light.

Along the way, she also discovered a talent for helping others to improve their self-esteem and competency while learning to deal with loss. That came through not just writing, but further education and engagement with the community on several fronts.

“It was in 2008 that I sat down and got really serious about writing it,” she said of the book, which essentially chronicles her life’s journey. Goodeye, who today calls Coronation home, begins by relating how her grandparents immigrated to homesteads on the Alberta prairie before trains provided transportation.

Her parents met and married during the drought and depression of the 30s. She and her two sisters were born during World War II. Sadly, religious turmoil, mental illness and tragic loss to suicide were all part of her young life. But she persevered, grew up and eventually established a family of four sons. Her mother had taken her life when Goodeye was just seven, and her husband passed away in his early 40s.

“She had been in the mental hospital for a whole year,” she recalls of her mom. “And she had been taken away when I was three.”

And although she was very young at the time of her mother’s death, she has very clear memories of her. “I was lucky

enough to spend probably a year or two with her after she got out of the mental hospital.”

Goodeye would eventually marry again and would later create a business around the skills of her troubled second husband, who passed away in the mid1980s.

She then hoped another degree would allow her to do development work, only to have those hopes dashed. Even so, she found new ways to pursue her mission to help others improve their lives.

“I was using my experience to work with people in the areas of being a support worker in the north, and also doing upgrading with native people. I also knew that mental health was really something that in the rural areas we have trouble getting help for,” she said. “So in my process, I read many books that helped me to get over the grief and the loss and to understand suicide. I wanted people to read my story and to gain, as I had gained from others.”

Penning her own experience has also opened all kinds of doors to connecting with others over these very issues. She has found that writing about her life has brought a strong sense of healing as well. Not that the process was always particularly easy.

“There was some pain. I expected to have some sadness as it was going along, but I think I had more sadness when it was completed,” she said. “I was disappointed at that point that I didn’t have the computer to go to everyday.”

But through it all, there were a multitude of personal benefits.

One of the key ones was a restoration of faith.

“Through the process of these four years that I was writing, I was going to church. And I started by sitting in the back pew and crying through the songs that I had enjoyed as a child.

“I really found my way back to faith, and I’m now a big part of the church community here in Coronation - the United Church.

INSIGHT - Coronation author Lavera Goodeye will be at Coles Books in Parkland Mall in Red Deer this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.to chat with shoppers about her book Seven to Seventy: A Journey through Time. photo submitted

It was a real plus that I wasn’t expecting.”

Although the book was and is a stepping stone to helping others through her example, Goodeye will also be hosting workshops and healing circles later in the month as an extension of the kind of support that she can provide to people trying to overcome their own issues. She loves

to chat with folks who drop by a reading or a signing, and finds it fulfilling to hear of their experiences as well.

“A lot of times, I think it’s kind of a private experience with the reader,” she explained of the book’s impact. “They feel really close to me while they are reading it.”

Ensuring it had an accessible

style was also paramount. That dedication has indeed made it an effective tool to reach others.

“I didn’t want to make it an academic process, so I just had to use my own voice and be as honest as I could be with what I was putting on the page.”

For more information, check out www.laveragoodeye.com. editor@reddeerexpress.com

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16 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

ARTS & LEISURE

Just saying ‘no’ or just saying ‘yes’ Nancy Reagan, wife of Ronald Reagan, former President of the United States, sent a direct, simple message to those who were tempted to take illegal drugs. Her advice was “Just say ‘NO’.”

So what has this message to do with the ongoing controversy about assisted death in Canada and the United States? Quebec, a Roman Catholic province, has always been ahead of the rest of Canada in social change.

Now it appears that it won’t be too long before Quebec will be the first province to allow assisted death. But for the rest of Canada, those opposed to it will use every legal measure to defeat this procedure.

So is there any way that the two opposing forces, for and against assisted

Dr. Gifford

JONES death, can ever be resolved?

The main argument used by those who vociferously oppose assisted death is that the slippery slope theory will prevail. Namely, that the infirm, elderly and those approaching death, who do not want their lives to be terminated, will have no say in the decision and be forced to have a lethal injection.

How could this scenario be prevented? Albert Einstein remarked that, “Explanations should be as

simple as possible, but no simpler.” So can this continuing dilemma be made simpler? Surely it doesn’t take someone trained in bioethics, a psychologist or a spiritual leader to make this problem simpler.

If there is one ounce of common sense left in this country the only logical answer is the ‘NO’ or ‘YES’ solution. Let’s assume that an individual is 100% against assisted death and wants to be assured it will never happen to him. Surely there are enough lawyers who feel the same way who could draft a binding legal document. It would state that under no circumstance could assisted death be used when an individual had signed such a document.

In other words, a legal document that leaves no ‘ifs,

ands or buts’ in the decision.

If this legal document still failed to appease fears, a simple hand or neck bracelet could be worn, similar to the ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ one, stating they refused assisted death. So what about those who feel it is their right, and no one else’s right, to decide how they wish to end their lives. Here again a legal document could be made available which allows a signature on the dotted line and no ‘if, ands or buts.’

I believe Albert Einstein would agree this approach is simple, but not too simple.

Politicians, doctors and religious organizations would not be able to deny the ‘yes’ right to those who request it.

So will this happen? Probably not! As sure as night follows day the government will continue to waste millions

of dollars on endless committee hearings. The money could be better spent on medical care.

Are Einstein and this medical journalist wrong to expect a simple answer?

In effect, those opposed to assisted death don’t want a simple answer or any answer. In the end assisted death is a religious issue claiming it cannot be condoned for anyone under any circumstances. If that is the case those of us who wish to end our lives with the help of a physician are denied. And desperate people will continue to choose the alternative, suicide. This is a tragic situation that no family should have to face.

As I’m a member of ‘dignitas’, lethal injection is available to me in Switzerland if I ever need it. But in a

democratic society, what about those who cannot afford the one-way ticket?

It is unconscionable that assisted death should even be an issue when a simple ‘no’ or ‘yes’ would suffice.

Unfortunately, common sense has become an uncommon commodity in North American society and this continues to prolong the agony of the dying. It is also unconscionable that the organization ‘Dying with Dignity’ has lost its charitable status which makes its operation more difficult.

What do you think?

For comments go to info@ docgiff.com. For those wishing to support DWD, its address is 55 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 802, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1G8 or online at www.dyingwithdignity.ca. For information, email info@docgiff.com.

Using knives in the kitchen - Part 1 I have always said that one of my favourite things about being a chef is that I get to play with knives. Although this may sound very adventurous in a James Bond fashion, knife skills and proper/safe cutting practices are a very serious subject in the kitchen. With some basic knowledge, you can start to overcome any cutting intimidation you may have.

In this column I will focus on the tools themselves - knives. This will be the first of three installments on cutting. My next column will focus on cutting boards and the third column will focus on cutting techniques.

There are many choices when trying to decide on which knives will adorn the collection of cutting tools in your kitchen. The marketplace is saturated with everything from mail-order deals to high-end specialties.

First and foremost, I have to stress that one usually gets what they pay for.

Before you reach for your credit card when you see the full collection of ginsu knives for only $19.99 on TV, think about it realistically. How well are these knives manufactured?

CHEF

DEZ

on Cooking

Once the twenty dollars is divided between the TV air-time costs, the production of the commercial and any middle-men that may be in between (such as marketers, etc.), how much is actually going toward the manufacturing of these knives? Remember, from this amount, a profit must be made as well.

If you are looking to start a good quality knife collection, you should purchase knives that are made from high-carbon stainless steel. The high-carbon content in stainless steel is what ensures the steel is strong.

This is very important for keeping a sharp edge. Any knife can be made from stainless steel, but unless it is has a high-carbon content as well, it will lose its sharpness very quickly in comparison.

Start with a standard ‘chef’s’ knife.

Values Added

‘Knowing, Loving, Serving.’

Other than for bread cutting, this is the most versatile knife one can have in the kitchen and can be used for almost any application. It offers a rounded top edge of the blade that facilitates a rocking motion to ease most cutting/slicing preparations.

The next knife one should purchase for their collection is a good quality serrated knife for bread cutting.

The serrated edge will not only produce perfect slices of bread without squashing the bread; it also brings relief to producing extremely thin cuts of fruits and vegetables.

One should also purchase a paring knife because a chef’s knife might be overkill for those small jobs.

These are the three main knives that should grace the starting foundation of your knife collection. From this point on, you can proceed to adding other knives such as a carving knife, filet knife, cleaver, vegetable knife, etc.

Most good quality knives will offer a full tang, meaning that the steel blade will run through the full length of the handle as well.

This will offer more balance and control.

Most importantly, ask questions and ask to handle the knives to ensure they offer a comfortable companionship with your unique hand. If a retail store is not informative about their products, and will not

allow you to handle them, then take your business to one that will.

Dear Chef Dez: I am already assuming that you will not recommend buying those full sets of knives for a really low price from TV, but they must be good if they offer a lifetime guarantee that they will never need sharpening. How can they do this? Is there a catch?

Doris B. Dear Doris: I am assuming that the knives you are referring to are the same that I have seen.

Although they are stainless steel, they offer a very low carbon content which makes them very soft steel in comparison, and thus less expensive to manufacture.

Since all of the edges on these knives are serrated, they will keep their sharpness for a longer period of time than a straight edged knife, because the cutting is achieved by tearing at the food rather than slicing through it. They can offer a ‘lifetime guarantee’ because they play on normal human behavior. Chances are if they ever do need sharpening/replacing, one is not going to spend the money to ship them back to the manufacturer.

Chef Dez is a food columnist, culinary travel host & cookbook author. Visit him at www. chefdez.com.

We are now accepting registrations for the 2016-2017 school year for Kindergarten — Grade 9 We offer full day, 3 day/week Kindergarten programming!

We offer the SPICES of life:

Your child qualifies for Kindergarten if he/she is five years of age on or before December 31, 2016 Please contact the school at 782 - 9345 for more information or to arrange a tour of the school.

Please bring your child’s Birth Certificate, Alberta Health Care number and Baptismal Certificate if applicable.

S - spiritual development P - physical development I - intellectual development C - creative development E - emotional development S - social development

FATHER LACOMBE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 5114 - 54th Avenue

Lacombe, Alberta

http://fl.starcatholic.ab.ca

(403) 782-9345

Denis J. Côté, Principal

TIME OUT - Cash Barnes, left, and Noah Burnham took a little bit of time to sit and chat during a public skating session at the Barnett Arenas in Lacombe late last month.

Zachary Cormier/Lacombe Express

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 17

SPORTS Blackfalds Wranglers leave it all out on the ice

BY ZACHARY CORMIER LACOMBE EXPRESS The Blackfalds Wranglers have been on a roll as of late.

In eight games since the end of the Christmas break, the Wranglers sport a 7-0-1 record, including an incredible seven-game winning streak to kick off the back half of the season.

“Things have been going a lot better,” said Head Coach Sean Neumeier after Tuesday night’s game against the Airdrie Thunder.

Going into the break, the Wranglers held a 12-9-3 record and were struggling against injuries that had sidelined two thirds of their top line last season. It definitely wasn’t the start the defending HJHL North Division Champions were looking for.

“Last year we were real good and we didn’t really get tested, like we didn’t really go through any adversity. This year we went through so many injuries and we had a lot of tough times,” Neumeier said, adding the way the team has responded to that adversity has really impressed him, especially in recent weeks.

“The guys that we have now, I love these guys. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

And now they’re starting to get results. It’s pretty special to watch.”

Tuesday’s game at the Blackfalds Multiplex was a close one. On one side were the Wranglers, arguably one of the hottest teams in the league. On the other, the Airdrie Thunder who are right in the thick of the race for first place in the North.

“They’ve got some skilled guys that if you let them walk around and have time and space, they’re going to hurt you,” Neumeier said.

The game went right down to the wire.

Both teams played some excellent hockey.

In the end, despite a good performance from Blackfalds goalie Klay Munro, it was the Thunder who would come out on top.

That being said, the Wranglers definitely didn’t make it easy.

The first period served to show just how close the two teams are. The teams traded checks and shots and were dead even through the first 20 minutes, eventually finishing the period in a scoreless tie with nine shots apiece.

It took until six minutes into the second for someone to break through, but eventually Blackfalds’ forward Andrew McLennan managed to beat Airdrie netminder Kade Taplin to give his team the first lead of the game.

The Wranglers got into a little penalty

SOLID EFFORT - From left, Curtis Rangen of the Blackfalds Wranglers and Kade Taplin of the Airdrie Thunder kept their eyes on the puck during HJHL action at the Blackfalds Multiplex last Tuesday night. The Thunder won the game 4-3 after a nine round shootout.

Zachary Cormier/Lacombe Express trouble late in the second, which allowed Airdrie’s power play to pocket a pair of goals just two minutes apart to make it 2-1 Thunder going into the third.

It didn’t take long for the Thunder to strike again, this time Dylan Mccuaig managed to find the back just two of the net just two minutes in with assists from Beston and league-leading scorer Clay Murray to give their team a 3-1 lead. The assist was Murray’s only point on the night thanks to strong defense by the Wranglers.

Now the hosts had a problem. They had just 10 minutes to score two goals, not an easy feat considering they were facing the goalie with the league’s best save percentage.

But they would not be stopped.

After a bit of rough stuff and a multi-

tude of penalties early in the period, the Wranglers seemed to get their legs back.

They poured on the shots and eventually team-leading scorer Bryce Boguski maganged to bang his 20th goal of the season past Taplin to bring his team within one.

Finally, with the Wranglers on the power play after Trevor Strong of the Thunder took a five minute major penalty for cross-checking, Blackfalds got their break in dramatic fashion.

With just nine seconds remaining on the clock, Layne McLean received the puck on the point and wired it past Taplin to tie it at three. We were heading to overtime.

“For these guys to gut out a last minute comeback like that, I think they all deserve a lot of credit. To tie that game up is pretty good. That was a team effort to even get a

Do you want your team covered?

Coaches: send contact info, rosters and schedules to news@lacombeexpress.com

point for sure,” Neumeier said.

Overtime solved nothing, despite a dominating performance by the Wranglers, so the game went to a shootout.

It was a gruelling nine round affair but eventually Airdrie’s Kody Mcmanus managed to beat Klay Munro. Taplin followed that up with a great poke-check on Spencer Otto to hand Blackfalds their first loss of 2016.

Despite the loss, Neumeier said he is happy with the way his team played.

“Since guys want to be here and things are starting to go our way. We’re getting healthier, they believe in themselves now.

It’s fun to come to the rink,” Neumeier said.

The next home game for the Wranglers is a Sunday matinee against Stettler. Game time is at 3:30 p.m. at the Blackfalds Multiplex. zcormier@lacombeexpress.com

18 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

SPORTS

Family fun at the Winter Series Rodeo STORY AND PHOTOS BY ZACHARY CORMIER LACOMBE EXPRESS

AROUND THE BEND - Miya Snortland tried her hand at barrel racing on a pony during the Flying Cross Ranch Winter Series Rodeo at Flying Cross Ranch in Lacombe.

EARLY START - Emerson Turney is led around the arena by Aleshia Shaw at the Winter Series Rodeo.

It was a cold Saturday afternoon. With the thermometer reading a brisk -21 C, it was probably one of the coldest days we’ve had this winter. It was the kind of cold that makes most people want to stay inside beside the fire and read a book.

Instead Roy Sturgeon, owner and operator at Flying Cross Ranch, spent it inside a huge metal barn heated only by a potbelly stove in the far corner of the room, where about 20 people gathered in an attempt to fend off the cold while watching their kids and friends compete in

a friendly amateur rodeo competition.

“We run them for these kids to learn because a lot of them aren’t really ready to actually go compete. But this way they can come and try it out in their own environment when they’re at their level and they can do it safely and have fun,” said Sturgeon, who, along with his wife Christina, runs the Flying Cross Ranch’s Winter Series Rodeo, a fun event for those who are involved in riding and roping classes at the ranch.

“Anybody can, as long as they’ve taken lessons or

come through clinics here - then they can come in the rodeos.”

Sturgeon said he grew up around horses and has always been around that culture. He’s been a competitive jockey, team roper and show jumper.

He’s been doing riding lessons and roping clinics for about three years and started doing the mini rodeos about two years ago.

The rodeo allows the kids to try their hand at

SKILL BUILDING - Brandy Mcleod takes part in pole bending during the event. The rodeo allows amateurs to try different rodeo events in a fun environment.

barrel racing, pole bending, goat roping, flag racing and a modified version of team penning.

In addition to the lessons and rodeos, the Sturgeons also run the Friends of Flying Cross Ranch, a society that fundraises for underprivileged kids to be able to take lessons and clinics.

“We like it because a lot of these kids, and even some of these adults, they’re never going to get a chance to do

this. So here we have horses that trot around at their level and they can do it safely and have some fun.

And then, in time, some of these kids will go on, that’s what we hope for,” Sturgeon said, adding that he hopes some of those kids outgrow the program to move on to bigger things.

“Truthfully, I hope some of these kids in time outgrow us. You want to get better and you want to move on.”

Saturday’s rodeo was the fourth of six that the Sturgeons will be running this winter, with the next one scheduled for Feb. 13th. zcormier@lacombeexpress.com

VISION - Roy Sturgeon is the owner and operator of Flying Cross Ranch in Lacombe.

The Ranch runs occasional winter rodeos for their students to come try the sport.

FOCUS - Roy Sturgeon, left, and Lorne Hyvonen competed in team roping.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

LACOMBE EXPRESS 19

HOMES & LIVING

FINE TOUCH - This kitchen in a Colbray Homes show home in the Henner’s Lake subdivision in Lacombe is finished with unique lighting and stainless steel appliances.

Sarah Maetche/Lacombe Express

Dealing effectively with your home’s clutter Today was a very fulfilling day as I put a client into their new home.

It is as rewarding as tucking your child into bed and having them give you that smile like all is right in their world. My favorite part is taking their picture at the front door while they use their key for the very first time, the smile on their faces is so happy and excited you can’t help but join in on their glee!

The house we closed today was transformed simply by the absence of the previous owners’ personal items.

It is often hard to see past clutter and closets full of various personal items and viewing it completely empty opens up many possibilities as you can finally envision your personal touch on each room.

The closets looked larger and the master bedroom seemed enormous without all the excess furniture. My client ran (not kidding) through the house from place to

Kim

WYSE place in her excitement to see it all once again.

When we went into the basement we were delighted to discover that there was an upgraded hot water on demand system instead of a traditional tank.

When viewing the home, you could barely peer into the utility room because it was piled with personal items. It was a fun afternoon of discovery as we looked at it through a new owner’s eyes, imagining all the possibilities that are ahead.

Often our home can develop into our personal dumping ground and we develop tunnel vision in our day-to-day

YOUR HOUSE YOUR

HOME

A W E E K LY G U I D E T O C E N T R A L A L B E R TA R E A L E S TAT E

living. It is easy to not see the piles piling and the clutter cluttering and before you know it you are faced with a major project before the stuff begins to take over.

My office mate was moving desks today and she must have filled an entire bag with stuff as she muttered, ‘Why do I keep all of this stuff’?

A vital piece of design is organization and simplicity; you can create a spectacular room simply by streamlining items and organizing potential chaos.

This includes the items you use on a daily basis; they can be out in plain sight but try to contain them in a decorative or presentable way.

Closed storage is the best solution for all of those daily dragons we need to slay to keep our homes organized.

Decorative boxes and trunks are inexpensive and effective ways to hide clutter and give every thing a home at the end of

CENTRAL AB’s

the day – I have a cute red basket for my pup’s toys and if I can ever train him to put his things away life will be so much easier!

It takes a minute to clean up a home that is prepared for organization rather than continuously trying to contain clutter and move it from place to place.

Be ruthless when purging items you no longer need and donate or sell those things that you haven’t used in over a year.

We all carry more than we need in life and a fresh look at our interiors can help us free up some of the stress and aggravation in our lives.

We don’t need to live in an empty house to feel that freedom but we can make our loads a little lighter and make our rooms look bigger and broader with just a few organizational habits.

Kim Wyse is a local freelance designer. Find her on Facebook at ‘Ask a Designer’.

To advertise call Jenna at OPEN HOUGSE! LISTIN 403-347-9474 CENTRE PAGES or email yhyh@blackpress.ca DEFINITIVE

20 LACOMBE EXPRESS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

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