Crowsnest Pass Herald & Xmas Insert

www.crowsnestpassherald.ca • 403-562-2248 •passherald@shaw.ca

December 23, 2020 ~ Vol. 90 No. 51 $1.00

Crowsnest Pass

Herald Serving the CnP SinCe 1930

Jennifer Coulter photo

Avalanche Canada and Teck

Avalanche Canada is celebrating 10 years of Teck sponsorship that has helped transform avalanche safety. A member of the Avalanche Canada South Rockies field team gathers important snowpack data that is used to produce daily avalanche forecasts for the region. See full story and more photos on page 5.

Foothills South Ltd.

Honest, experienced approach to Real Estate.

2 – Crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Crowsnest Pass Municipal Council briefs and motions RCMP Quarterly Update - 2021 South Region Urban Orthophotography Project - Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing Reserve - Protective Services Advisory Committee Discussion - MD of Pincher Creek ICF Update DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

The following topics were discussed at the Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 15th.

RCMP Quarterly Update – Corporal Amatto The RCMP detachment has committed to provide quarterly updates to Council providing statistical crime rate comparisons and other community based preventative programming information. Corporal Amatto provided council with a brief statistic update highlighting some of the different types and amount of crime the RCMP are seeing in the area. Amatto than moved on to update Council on the Habitual Offender Management Program. The HOM program was created as part of the RCMP “K” Division Crime Reductions Strategy in 2013. The program provides a framework for the RCMP, the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Correctional Services Division and other key community partners to respond to those offenders who are responsible for committing a dispropor-

tionately high number of crimes in a community.

Corporal Amatto provided a definition of what a Habitual Offender is.

They are defines as an adult or youth with an established pattern of persistent criminal code, controlled drugs and substances act and or youth criminal justice act offences, who are identified by current intelligence to be criminally active. The presentation also included stats from 2015 that show a rise in the Crime Severity Index. 2015 was the first time there was an increase since 2003. Another point of the presentation was that there are Habitual Hot Spots in many communities that show crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas within a jurisdiction. One of the final main talking points from Corporal Amatto’s presentation was the benefits of having the HOM Program in the community. The main benefits are that there is a decrease in man-hours for the same offender, there are longer custodial sentences, RCMP will know the offender and be able to have a risk assessment

ready. Amatto also said that there is decreased victimization, a change in perception by the courts with these habitual offenders and that information can be shared easily from department to department.

2021 South Region Urban Orthophotography Project Ortho Photos provide aerial photography that is corrected for distance, area, and direction by draping the acquired imagery over the surface of the earth. These corrected images used in our local mapping platforms provide a valuable tool for all aspects of our operations including assessment, construction, survey, taxation, addressing, emergency services, etc. Day to day use examples include simple image viewing, measuring distances, calculating areas, planning job layouts, project ground truthing and confirmations, as well as building footprint calculations.

Consistent refresh cycles of ortho photo imagery has been considered an operational requirement for the expected efficien-

Thank you Crowsnest Pass Postal Workers for all the smiling greetings and the cheerful helpfulness. For all the heavy lifting and the long hours.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

cies it provides. The Municipality has participated in this ortho project with ORRSC with member urban municipalities in order to continue to acquire critical imagery every 3 to 4 years. This was done in 2002, 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. The area of coverage has been just the urban area and not the entire boundaries. The imagery is done at 12cm pixels. The Municipality is also looking to partner for the first time, with the 2021 Southern Alberta Partnership Ortho Photo Project to complete a fly over of the entire boundaries of the community however at a lesser resolution of 25cm pixels. This will be more cost effective but will allow us to have some imagery for our more rural areas that we do utilize from time to time. The frequency of these photos will be less often as they will be used more for reference. This collaborative approach has reduced our cost for Ortho Photos to an absolute minimum and has been able to attract considerable amounts of provincial government grant funding in the past. Councillor Filipuzzi made a motion that Council moves to participate in an application for the 2021 South Region Urban Orthophotography Project submitted by the Town of Fort Macleod under the Intermunicipal Collaboration component of the Alberta Community Partnership Grant and that the Municipality of Crowsnest pass agrees to abide by the terms of the Conditional Grant Agreement, governing the purpose and use of the grant funds. The motion was carried.

Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing Reserve In 2011 a reserve account was established named Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing Authority Facility Upgrade with the

purpose of supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of the York Creek Lodge. As a show of support for Senior Housing Authorities' application for funding from the Province, the Municipality committed to funding up to $1 million dollars towards the project. In lieu of funding the Municipality contributed the land for the project. The land transfer occurred in 2016.

With the project nearing completion, the purpose for the reserve has been met and therefore can be closed with the balance of $74,809 being transferred to the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve. After a short discussion, Council decided to leave the funds as is for now.

MD of Pincher Creek ICF Update The ICF Committee met with the MD of Pincher Creek to discuss our outstanding ICF agreement. The committee had follow up discussion on several service areas and where we could work together to improve the service through a collaborative effort. Most of the identified ones proved to not be warranted for any changes at this time, however there was agreement that the MD of Pincher Creek residents do utilize the recreational facilities of Crowsnest Pass. A draft agreement on recreational facilities was discussed and will be forwarded to both Council's in the new year. Additionally, the ICF document will be updated to include this agreement and will be forwarded to both Council's for adoption prior to our March deadline. Lastly, both Administrations will continue to explore what other service areas can be improved by working together. Council accepted this information.

Protective Services Advisory Committee Discus-

sion The Protective Services Advisory Committee has been on hold awaiting further direction from Council to establish a meaningful mandate for the committee in order to incorporate the committee under 1055, 2020 General Committees Bylaw. A presentation was provided at the December 1, 2020 Council meeting by Michael Taje, Chairperson of the Protective Services Advisory Committee proposing a new direction for the committee for Council's consideration. Mr. Taje proposed renaming the committee and suggested a work plan to move the committee forward. Council requested that the information be brought back to Council for further discussion.

During the discussion, Mayor Painter brought up some concerns about how the process of bringing information back to Council would work. Councillors Anctil, Glavin and Ward all believe it would be worthwhile to have the committee return to Council in the New Year with a larger scale plan of what the committee will look like. After discussion, Councillor Ward moved that Administration contact the Chairperson of the Protective Services Advisory Committee to request that the committee, including the two members of Council, expand and elaborate upon the six recommendations as provided in the December 1st presentation in addition to including a rural crime watch component; to schedule the required number of meetings commencing in January either virtually or in person subject to Covid restrictions with a report to come back to Council in mid-March with recommendations as to how the committee should move forward in 2021. The motion was carried.

PASS HERALD WILL BE

CLOSED

THE PASS HERALD WILL BE CLOSED TWO WEEKS FOR HOLIDAYS Dec. 23rd - Jan. 5th - OPEN Jan. 6nd TH TH

Dec. 30

and Jan. 6

- NO ISSUE

JANUARy 13 - FIRST ISSUE BACK th

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - Crowsnest PAss herAlD - 3

In the lIne of fIre Between December 14 and December 21, Crowsnest Pass RCMP responded to a total of 30 calls for service including the following reported incidents.

One (1) assaults, one (1) break and enter (residential) one (1) t h re a t s / h a r a s s m e n t s , two (2) impaired driving, four (4) disturbing the peace, one (1) drug, three (3) other provincial statutes, one (1) driving complaints, three (3) motor vehicle collisions, three (3) assistance to general public, three (3) suspicious occurrences, two (2) 911 calls (invalid), two (2) animal calls and three (3) municipal bylaws.

Licence Suspension On December 14th, 2020, in Blairmore, a 16year-old male was given a 24-hour driver’s licence suspension due to the indication of marijuana consumption within the last 24 hours.

Disturbance On December 19th, 2020, there was a complaint of a disturbance at

a dwelling unit in Blairmore. A 34-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault. He was released on documents for Pincher Creek Court.

Licence Suspension On December 19th, 2020, on a road west of Coleman, a 40-year-old male was sleeping in a vehicle, there was an indication of alcohol consumption in the past 24 hours. His drivers licence was suspended for 72 hours.

Disturbance On December 19th, 2020, there was a complaint of a disturbance at a dwelling unit in Blairmore. Police attended and a 29-year-old male occupant was intoxicated and throwing items around. There were no other occupants and no charges were laid.

Found Items RCMP have one found ladies gym bag with clothes in it.

Reminder to property owners to lock your

~ rCMP news ~

doors and vehicles. Also mark your belongings and record serial numbers of tools and other important items.

Be aware of a new scam. Victims get phone calls from someone pretending to be from Service Canada or another government agency, saying their social insurance number (SIN) has been blocked, compromised or suspended. The call might be one of the latest variations on caller ID in which fraudsters disguises the number seen on the ID display in order to trick victims into answering phone. The person will ask for SIN and other personal info, such as date of birth, address, etc. Victims who provide personal info are at risk of identity fraud.

Also, Do not say yes to any questions if you are unsure of who is calling as people can use voice recognition to access other information.

Anyone with information regarding any crime is urged to contact the Crowsnest Pass

The Simple Raven’s Post

by Avner Perl

Peace on Earth It’s a week before Christmas and I am locked in at home spared the pains of shopping on credit cards and all the rest of holiday rituals. It gives me time to think about the Jewish baby that was born destined to spread a message of peace, love, and hope.

The airwaves are ringing with songs about Santa, Rudolf, elves, and gifts. Amazon is predicting huge profits and folks dressed up like Eskimos are dreaming about a vaccine that will allow them to return to “normal” perhaps without jobs and homes but, what the heck. They can say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays.

I call my wife “my gift from God.” I don’t give platitudes, I truly mean it. Yet in the fifty years or so that we have spent together, we probably sparred or had arguments at least every two days. When I asked her once what she hopes heaven will be like, she said, I hope in heaven there will be peace. Why ask for peace instead of living in peace I asked? And a new argument erupted.

I agree with the idea that peace is the most precious thing on earth and possibly the hardest to get. I have two cats at home and we love those little animals dearly.

They have everything a cat could dream of and there is enough food, space, and comfort toys for 10 cats, but they fight. The stronger male hunts the female and chases her away from the good places, including the litter box. I get after him and my wife gets defensive on his behalf, so we fight.

I look around the world knowing that we live in the most peaceful time in history.

It has been seventy-plus years since the last big war and the weapon manufacturers are not happy about it. Almost all fights I am aware of start because someone can make more money on fighting than on peace.

We exist in relative peace, yet there are wars all around us where people really get killed, children starve and homes are wrecked. Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Armenia, Yemen, Miramar, most South American countries, most African countries, large cities in the United States, all have small or large wars going on.

My friends and I go on vacation to foreign places, see the tourist places and take a tour to the safe areas of poor countries assuming that they are backward and need better political systems. We never see the truth. We only see what is shown to us.

When we meet the poor people who came here as immigrants we see them humble, trying to learn our ways and survive here the best they can.

RCMP Detachment at 403-562-2867, or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-422TIPS. Reminder to residents of computer scams, credit cards scams, Grandparent scams, Revenue Canada scams asking for money or cash cards and saying warrants out for arrest, do not give out personal information to persons you don't know.

DO NOT OPEN EMAILS if you are suspicious of its origin. Do NOT purchase gift cards for payment to Revenue Canada.

Do not send monies to person claiming you have won a prize and need to send money for delivery.

Crime mapping is available online to residents who are interested can login online at Municipality of Crowsnest Pass website (RCMP crime map for Crowsnest Pass). Crime mapping shows property crimes that occurred within the past two weeks in our area.

DiD you know?

“Jingle Bells” was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.

HWY #3, Frank • 562-8043

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For the safety of our Customers and Staff, we are following all Safety protocols and Guidelines during the CoVid 19 pandemic.

All vehicles are disinfected before and after we ever touch them.

Kindly make an appointment if you need an estimate!

(403) 563-3999

YOUR choice for auto body repair.

To truly “know” what the other people are like, we must go deeper.

There are billions of people who do not have our wealth and all that comes from having it. The poor can’t go on vacations but they see what we enjoy on TVs, and even on the screens of little smartphones. They know that living day to day, not knowing if there will be food tomorrow, is unnecessary. They “know” that they work hard but can’t be sure about the next meal, that their kids don’t receive education and there is no help when they get sick and die. They think that we also “know” it and enjoy feeling superior to them. They hate the fact that we have clean water and they don’t since our corporations polluted it.

In my day, I met many of those who were not lucky enough to be born rich.

Many, including me, were born into poverty, often in rich countries. I also met people who were well off and lost it all, sometimes in wars. The poor are not stupid, not lazy nor greedy, they only want to live. They want their kids and aging parents not to suffer and die. In an attempt to save their lives they imitate those who do well and often become greedy lying cheats and the war goes on. You can’t find genuine love amongst the very rich. They don’t know if it’s not faked for a price.

I had the “privilege” to be around those who do not need to worry about food for tomorrow or even a pension for old age. I smiled and showered platitudes like the rest of them and pretended to be somewhat better than the unwashed masses. I studied the Christmas story theoretically but didn’t learn a thing. Powerful folks always wish to maintain peace while the underprivileged are a threat to them. The weak learn how to join forces and beat those who oppress them. When they do, they don’t stop and everyone changes places. The cards are shuffled and a new game begins. So how can we obtain “Peace on Earth?” Half of my Christmas cards this year mention PEACE. Instead of trying to figure out how to cheat to get ahead of others, we could see where we can help, especially those who can’t payback.

People learn by imitating, even animals do. When we do the right thing, we feel good and others copy. It starts like a pandemic, in one little place, and spreads. It is slow in the beginning, but huge later on. Remember the song “we are the world we are the children?”

This year we have the opportunity to spend some time thinking and evaluating what we learned, even from an awful experience. We start with thoughts, go-to words, and perform actions.

My wish for this quarantine Christmas is that in some little mountain towns, like Bethlehem, the message of the divine baby will take hold and spread, infecting maskers and anti maskers alike. Little acts of kindness go around this world just as fast as wars.

Humans will now go through the most significant change ever. We must make it positive or destroy ourselves. Accept the teachings of the one named Emmanuel.

Joy and Peace for the new year.

Here is a link to my blog: https://thesimpleravenspost.blogspot.ca/ Feel free to check other articles and comment.

4 – CROwsnesT PAss HeRALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Canada’s Plan for Vaccine Roll Out DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

”‘™•Â?‡•– ƒ•• ‡Â?‹‘” ‘—•‹Â?‰ ‘ƒ”† ‘ˆ ‹”‡…–‘”• ŠƒÂ?Â? ›‘— ˆ‘” ›‘—” ‰‡Â?‡”‘—• …‘Â?–”‹„—–‹‘Â?• –‘ ‘—” •‡Â?‹‘”• ‘›ƒŽ ƒÂ?ƒ†‹ƒÂ? ‡‰‹‘Â? ‘Ž‡Â?ƒÂ? ”ƒÂ?…Š Í“Íť ‘’’› —Â?† Žƒ‹”Â?‘”‡ ‹‘Â?• Ž—„ ‡”˜—• ”‡†‹– Â?‹‘Â? ‡…Â? ‘”–‹• Ž„‡”–ƒ ‘›ƒŽ ƒÂ?ƒ†‹ƒÂ? ‡‰‹‘Â? ‡ŽŽ‡˜—‡ ͓ͳ͝ ƒ…Â? ‘”Ž‡› ‘Ž‡Â?ƒÂ? ”‘’-‹Â? ‡Â?–”‡ ••‘…‹ƒ–‹‘Â?

With vaccinations for Covid-19 beginning in many countries around the world, Canada is still working on what its roll out plan will officially look like.

Canada has both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines on its way but it is still unclear about how these vaccines will be distributed. “Unlike most countries, Canada does not have a coherent and transparent plan on vaccine rollout. As of now, we know about 240,000 Pfizer vaccine doses have been delivered to Canada, with another 170,000 Moderna vaccines by the end of December. It is our understanding Canada may have between 4 million and 6 million doses by the spring/summer, which is enough to vaccinate between 2 million and 3 million Canadians.

In perspective, the United States and United Kingdom will start vaccinating

Saylor Mae Chambers July 29th, 2015 Pincher Creek, AB. Parents: Mike Chambers and Cierra Shortreed The Crowsnest Pass Herald will be publishing a

Babies of 2020

all of their citizens immediately and the United States will have vaccinated more than 100 million people by this spring.

Canadians should be angry with how incompetently the Liberal government has handled the vaccine program,� said local MP John Barlow.

Barlow added there are certain aspects of distribution in place but there is far more uncertainty than certainty right now. “Again, we do not know how the vaccines will be distributed. We do know there are 14 distribution centres across the country, but we do not know if distribution will be based on per capita, vulnerable populations etc. It will be up to the provinces to distribute and vaccinate its residents, but they need to know how many vaccines they will receive, when, and will they be provided with the infrastructure and logistical support to achieve the end goal. Premiers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Yukon have all said they do not have the information they need.�

An article published on cbc.ca on Wednesday, December 16th titled All Canadians who want a shot will be vaccinated by September 2021, public health agency says, says that vaccinations could begin for the general public as early as April and that enough vaccines would be available to have anyone who wants it, vaccinated by September of 2021.

Barlow is still unsure if that information will become a reality. “Health Canada is providing different dates

than some ministers. But even in this article it states “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself has floated September 2021 as a date when a "majority" of Canadians might be inoculated. Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada's deputy chief public health officer, has offered a different estimate, saying that the end of December 2021 would be more likely.� Now you have PHAC saying something else. Even when Trudeau says a majority of Canadians might be vaccinated. It is ‘might’ and a majority. What is a majority? 51%? This is what makes it frustrating. We are not expecting a precise date, but a clear plan on a roll out. When we have X number of vaccines, they will be distributed in X many days, to X provinces/territories to X parts of the population first and then so on. The ever-changing dates and lack of consistency from the various departments in government is what is fueling the anxiety and the questions from Provinces and Canadians.

This is vital, as we need access to rapid and homebased testing and vaccines if we are going to see a pathway to economic recovery. We need a transparent plan to ensure every Canadian who wants the vaccine can have access to it. Two Conservative motions were passed in the House of Commons; one asking for Covid and vaccines to be studied at the Health committee and for the Liberals to table a COVID19 vaccine rollout plan, so Canadians will know when they can expect each vaccine type to be available in Canada and how many will be available per month. We have

yet to see that plan.�

Some citizens are wondering if a vaccine will be mandatory in order to attend larger scale events.

Barlow says that decision is up to each province and territory. “Regulations pertaining to mandatory immunization traditionally fall under provincial jurisdiction in Canada. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has stated the vaccine will not be mandatory in Alberta.

To my knowledge, no Province has stated the vaccine will be mandatory.�

Mental health is something that Barlow also wants to see addressed as many people have struggled since the beginning of the pandemic. “Small businesses are struggling; families are worried about their physical health and their finances. As a result, mental health is at crisis levels as opioid overdoses in Alberta have tripled since January 2020. A recent study by the Canadian Mental Health Association stated 40% of Canadians feel their mental health has deteriorated and one in 10 Canadians has had suicidal thoughts.

These are sobering numbers. We need to address the mental health of Canadians as well. We do that by ensuring access to vaccines, as well as rapid and home-based tests to prevent lockdowns, get people back to work and keep businesses open. In addition, establishment of the 988 mental health hotline is important. This was given unanimous consent in the House on Friday and I encourage the Liberal government to move on this issue quickly.�

issue on February 10th, 2021.

This is an amazing keepsake to show to all the kids at graduation time!

Bring in, mail or email photos of your babies born in 2020!

Along with Baby Name, Birthday, Birth Place, Parents Names and your payment of $20 Deadline for submissions is February 5th, 2021.

Call 403-562-2248 for more details!

P.O. Box 960 • Blairmore, AB. • T0K 0E0 Email: passherald@shaw.ca

Teck donates $30,000 The Crowsnest Pass Foodbank would like to thank Teck for their generous donation of $30,000. Foodbank secretary June Vastenhout and Coordinator Desirèe Erdmann accepted the check on behalf of the Foodbank. Teck made the generous donation through their Covid Response Fund.

Herald contributor photo

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - CROwsnEsT PAss HERALD - 5

Alberta: Covid’s Economic Impact and Plans for Vaccine Roll Out DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit many areas of Alberta hard and with it, has brought economic strain to many areas of the province.

With vaccinations on the way for critical health care workers and the province’s most vulnerable, Albertans are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Local MLA Roger Reid says the Alberta has been hit hard economically over the last nine months due to the pandemic but that over the last while, positive steps have been taken towards recovery.

“Covid has caused, Alberta and the world to face incredible economic pressures. Drops in rev-

enues for small businesses due to health restrictions, reduced sales and closures due to illness have hit every sector. While a significant number of jobs were lost in the spring when the pandemic hit, we see that many of those jobs have returned. We have also seen an increase in the number of small businesses in Alberta prior to the pandemic.

While things are still tenuous, there is a resiliency in this province that will carry us through. We continue to look for ways to support our small and medium businesses in Alberta with financial relief (the Government expanded the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant) but with extra investment in Mental Health supports. There

is still uncertainty ahead, and the road will not be easy, but there is hope on the horizon.”

These positive steps come to great relief for many businesses across Alberta.

When it comes to the vaccine, Reid says the province’s vaccination plan is still being finalized but the overall distribution plan has been laid out.

“Vaccines will be distributed through a phased immunization program.

Exact amounts and timelines are still being finalized. The initial shipment this month went to a limited number of critical health care workers.

Phase 1 will then take place from January to April of 2021 to vaccinate about 435,000 people most

Avalanche Canada and Teck

Jennifer Coulter photo

The 2020-21 South Rockies field team, from left: Leslie Crawley, Lisa Larson, and Jennifer Coulter.

Herald Contributor

Avalanche Canada is celebrating 10 years of Teck sponsorship that has helped transform avalanche safety. Teck’s unwavering commitment to public avalanche safety has made a real and lasting difference to the lives of backcountry recreationists in the mountains of southeastern BC and southwestern Alberta.

“Teck is one of our most important sponsors,” says Gilles Valade, Executive Director of Avalanche Canada. “Over the years they have contributed a total of $840,000, allowing us to develop and deliver effective and stable programs for the South Rockies and Flathead regions. Teck

demonstrates true corporate responsibility, caring for their employees and their community.”

"We are proud to have been supporting Avalanche Canada for 10 years and want to congratulate them on the excellent work they do to help keep backcountry users safe while enjoying the outdoors," says Dallas Cain, Health and Safety Manager at Teck.

Teck’s sponsorship led directly to the creation of the South Rockies field team. This team gathers snowpack information that is used to produce the daily forecasts for the South Rockies and Lizard Range/Flathead regions.

Team members also play a vital role in fostering a

culture of avalanche safety in the region, through in-person meetings and their highly popular social media feeds.

“Backcountry avalanche safety in our community has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to the partnership between Teck and Avalanche Canada,” adds Nicole Matei, Executive Director of the Fernie Snowmobile Association.

“The South Rockies field team has earned a great deal of respect from snowmobilers thanks to their friendly and entertaining approach to outreach. We are so grateful to Teck for their proven commitment to the safety of this community.”

at risk including front-line health care workers residents and staff in longterm care and designated supported living facilities on-reserve First Nations individuals over age 65 seniors aged 75 and older.

Phase 2 will take place from April to September of 2021 continuing to target priority populations and then Phase 3 will begin in the Fall of 2021 and will mark the beginning of roll-out to the general public.

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said in her daily update on December 16th that the fact there is a vaccine available already is an amazing feat and that Albertans shouldn’t be worried about getting the vaccine.

“It is incredible that

within one year of the virus being discovered, we already have a vaccine that’s 95% effective going into the arms of those caring for long-term care residents & the sickest patients in our hospitals.

Any time there is a new vaccine, it can cause anxiety & questions. Canada has one of the most robust regulatory approval processes for new vaccines in the world. Health Canada moved quickly, but no steps were skipped. Rigorous testing & scrutiny was applied.

The ingredients inside it are only those needed to keep the vaccine stable & safe. Clinical trials w/ 10s of thousands of people from multiple countries found no safety concerns.

Health Canada is being cautious, making sure

there is clear evidence before offering it to Canadians. Because this is a new vaccine, we will also be watching closely.”

Dr. Hinshaw added that Alberta will be working closely with other provinces and territories, along with the Public Health Agency of Canada to closely monitor all those who receive the vaccine for any adverse events.

Hinshaw says there are far more reasons to get the vaccine than not.

“The benefits of vaccines outweigh the risk & save lives. We are taking every precaution & acting on clear evidence showing this vaccine works & is safe. When it is your turn, please get immunized. It is an act of kindness – for yourself, your loved ones & your community.”

6 – crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, december 23, 2020

Editorial putting thE papEr to BED As I write the last editorial of 2020, I realize that we made it another year. I know that sounds facetious, but our industry is in a lot of trouble. We have been pretty fortunate here at the Pass Herald because we have huge community support. Our national advertising, the bread and butter of every newspaper, is pretty much non-existent.

I’ve done some research and our demographic here at the Herald is 35 years old and up. We are lucky to have a strong subscription base, both digital and hard copy and for that I am extremely blessed. There are some amazing companies that support us and recognize that local news, real news, can still be found in your local paper.

I have the best staff on the planet. Mike and Betty have been with me more than a decade and we are lucky to have excellent reporters join our team. My feature writers have added diverse content on topics that they are experts in.

I thought COVID would kill the paper and here we are heading into our 91st year. Sometimes I wonder how we have made it this far then I am reminded of the remarkable communityin which I am blessed to live. One that takes care of their neighours whether its donation to the Food Bank, filling the sleigh at Red Apple or secret Santa’s who help seniors shovel their walkways.

I tried really hard to give the kids an opportunity to see Santa. I think we all need a little bit of magic to end the year. It started with a COVID friendly Santa visit with the help of Country Encounter and Deb MacNeil Photography, which was cancelled, to the large COVID infection rise. I was so despondent I believe I even stated that I was giving up.

Well Teri Harrison from Brighter Futures called and said, “hey I have an idea”. We decided to have a virtual Santa visit over Zoom. She provided the technical expertise and I provided the Santa, my Aiden. She worked countless hours helping set it up and she is a rock star. I liked her before, now she’s my girl crush. Our kids are older, this wasn’t for them but for countless kids in the community who needed Santa more then ever!

On Monday I sat for three hours while this wonderful man I raised, dressed up as Santa by my Christmas tree with a plate of milk and cookies met with 19 super excited kids. We asked the families to give us some information on their child and Aiden personalized each message. Darbie was with us. She entered Aiden’s life two years ago and slowly has just become one of us, poor girl.

She helped me make Thanksgiving dinner, and was so excited to decorate the house with me for Christmas. She helped behind the scenes holding up Aiden’s script and doing the entire computer work. She been such a joy in my life and I’m so happy Aiden and her have created such a unique bond. It’s like having the daughter I didn’t give birth to.

As I sat there with a glass of wine watching Aiden do his magic I thought to myself of all the things in life I have screwed up, and there were lots, I didn’t screw up being a mom. I have raised some incredible boys, two of whom are now men, and they will make this world a better place by just being in it.

I’ll end this editorial with a Merry Christmas to you and yours. I have the best staff in the world and every day I wake up, I go to work loving my job. For a moment it was the worst year of my life, and then it became extraordinary for so many reasons and for that, I am blessed beyond words.

Here’s to looking forward to our 91st year in our beautiful ‘Garden of Eden’, as we put our final paper of 2020 ‘to bed’.

LS

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Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinion of the Pass Herald. Letters cannot exceed 1,000 words. We have limited space, but we do enjoy printing every article. So please, to allow everyone to express their opinion, keep the letters short and to the point. We do have the right to refuse any letter that in our judgement may contain libel or libelous opinions. Should a litigation result from your letter, you as the writer are responsible but so is this newspaper as the publisher.

The Pass Herald is a family owned community newspaper and therefore reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that in our opinion does not follow our mandate. We cannot accept advertisements or letters criticizing or disparaging other advertisers, companies or individuals or any advertisements directed to a religion or race.

Make us smart Dear Editor: Thanks to Tim Juhlin for the well-thought-out letter last week regarding energy and what is required to produce what we need.

Next time I talk to a "Green" extolling the virtues of wind and solar power I will refer them to a video by Dr. Mark Mills, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He presents some indisputable facts that the Greens conveniently ignore, such as: - there are some laws of physics which cannot be disputed, namely a solar panel has a limit of 33% efficiency (today's panels are at 26%) and a windmill has a limit of 60% (today at 45%). Don't tell me that these can be vastly increased with technology. Not physically possible! Besides they only operate when the sun is shining and wind is blowing, which means batteries are need to store the power.

- Tesla has the biggest battery factory in the world. It would take that factory 500 years to produce enough batteries to supply the USA with ONE DAY of electricity.

Greens love to talk about protecting the environment, but they conveniently forget that wind and solar generators have to be built with non-renewable materials. They don't consider that: -one Tesla battery weighs about half a ton.

To manufacture it requires 250 tons of all the material that has to be mined, refined, transported, and manufactured, all using fossil fuels.

-one 100MW wind farm can power 75000 homes, and requires 30,000 tons of iron ore, 50,000 tons of concrete, and 900 tons of plastics plus all the rare metals.

Where does that material come from? Mining and manufacturing done with fossil fuels.

-one solar farm producing the same amount of energy needs 150% more of these materials than a wind farm. Plus they both need batteries.

What about all the rare earth metals like cobalt, lithium, and dysprosium to name a few?

Mining of these metals will have to increase from 200% to 2000% of today's

production to keep up.

This mining will have to take place in many of the yet undisturbed third world areas of the world.

Do you call that "good environmental stewardship"?

Amnesty International states that "selling state-of-the-art technology provides a stark contrast to children carrying bags of rocks."

"Mining will still require massive amounts of conventional energy." i.e. fossil fuels.

Wind and solar generators have about a 20 year lifespan, during which time they will NEVER produce the amount of energy needed to build them. The Greens will tell you that is "efficiency." Today's generators last twice as long.

And where do all the windmills and solar panels go after 20 years? The International Renewable Energy Agency in the USA says "the discarded solar panels alone, by the year 2050, will be DOUBLE all of today's global plastic waste. Add to that all the discarded batteries and windmills. At that time will the Trudeaus of the world decide to ban solar panels like they want to do with plastic bags because they are cre-

ating too much waste?

Dr. Mills does a comparison between oil wells and windmills: -one oil well will produce about 10 barrels of oil (or the equivalent amount of natural gas) per hour. One windmill will produce the equivalent energy of one barrel per hour. The oil well cost of that barrel will be 50 cents. The windmill will require $200 worth of batteries to store that amount energy.

The next time a "Green" tries to convince me we need more wind and solar, I will ask if they have considered the cost.

Not just the dollars, but the damage to the environment which they profess to value so much. I don't have a lot of patience with people who drive cars, who travel by air, people who heat their homes with gas, or use their computers, but still complain about "dirty oil and coal". People who tell me to "do as I say not as I do" can save their breath.

But, there again, they belong to the group whose motto is "I have already made up my mind, so don't confuse me with the facts."

Dick Burgman

BrickS anD BouquEtS BouquEtS - To the Nursing staff and Dr.s for looking after my mom and for all the support you gave to the family. It is people like you who make this community a pleasure to live in. TH

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 7

John Pundyk.CoM

Simply Selles

403

Musings from you local reporter

Royal LePage South Country Real Estate Services Ltd. COlemAn ACreAge

Trying to find a way to recap what the year 2020 has been like isn’t really all that hard.

It was brutal.

So many of the things I was looking forward to got cancelled and not seeing friends and family as much as I hoped was also a tough pill to swallow.

When the pandemic first hit back in March and I moved all my office stuff up to my apartment to begin working from home, I was expecting one or two months of it and then I’d be back going to events and interviewing people in person.

Boy was I way out to lunch thinking that as I sit here typing this 9 months later with not much changed.

Other than the obvious things like missing out on family gatherings and chilling with friends, I’ve missed out on activities I was really looking forward to.

There were many different local events I was looking forward to covering and didn’t get the chance to due to the pandemic.

There were also personal things I was looking forward to.

I was planning on playing in a soccer league again this year and that was cancelled.

The biggest thing that I was looking forward to was a trip with three of my friends to Edmonton for the World Junior Hockey Championships.

As a big sports guy this has been on my bucket list of things to experience for a while.

That trip ended up getting bumped back as this year’s tournament is now going to be played with no fans.

While there are things I missed out on, there are also things I was able to do because of the pandemic.

The amount of weekends I spent here exploring different trails and mountains was awesome and I’m glad I had that chance I climbed Turtle twice and Sentry once and went on many other adventures throughout the year.

I’m really looking forward to continue my explorations next year.

Another positive is that, as you’ll read in this issue, both the province and country have plans in place to start vaccinations.

This is a major step towards things going back to normal and boy am I looking forward to that.

2021 is bound to be a far better year and I’m happy to be able to turn the final pages of 2020 over and slam that book shut!

20124AA0

5 bdrm acreage. Big mountain views to the south. Spacious floor plan. 2 fireplaces. Surrounded by mature Douglas Fir trees, close to Forest Reserve and mountain trails. Large garage with big loft. Located between Fernie and Castle Mountain resort. Championship mountain golf course, Blue-Ribbon fly fishing, and X-country skiing nearby.

Tremendous value and opportunity. $504,900 CALL JOHN MLS

26 KAnAnASKiS COUrt Spectacular south-facing mountain lot. Northside of the valley, off Alberta Forest Trunk Road, and Forest Reserve. Sun exposure all year round. Suitable for a walk-out bungalow looking towards the South Range and the Flathead. No timeline to start building. 1/3 acre with all required services: water, sewer, power, gas, cable, telephone. $127,000 CALL JOHN MLS

61 irOnStOne 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms. Fantastic mountain view. Deluxe townhome still under construction, purchaser can choose own finishes. Large attached double car garage; double car driveway. Spacious laundry room and storage area. Crowsnest Pass has championship golf course, hospital, 2 medical clinics, dental clinic, and 3 pharmacies. Area famous for blue ribbon mountain fly fishing, x-country skiing, hiking. Close to down-hill ski resorts. $419,500 + GST CALL JOHN MLS

HillCreSt lOt Affordable mountain property. Large corner lot on the edge of town. Spectacular open vistas to the south and east. Extra large 66’ x 120’ lot. Good location for an RTM. Access from front or sidestreet allows for large garage. Services in front street. Close to 4 season recreational activities. $75,000 CALL JOHN MLS

belleVUe COmmerCiAl Commercial land with east and west bound access on busy Hwy 3 corridor. Located at first entrance to Crowsnest Pass with access to municipal water and sewer. Tremendous traffic count in front of the property. Zoned commercial and suitable for many different activities. $190,000 CALL JOHN MLS

timberline ridge Hillcrest Lot 7, Block 2 is ready to build.

All services underground and on property. Beautiful, sunny location. 65.5 feet wide and 119 feet deep. Crowsnest Pass is a great mountain community nestled in the Alberta Canadian Rockies. Home to renowned mountain golf course and mecca for unparalleled mountain activities. Close to Fernie, Castle Mountain ski resorts. $88,000 CALL JOHN MLS

Prime bUilding lOtS UndergrOUnd POWer SerViCe And All OtHer UtilitieS Timberline ridge in Bellevue offers a sunny location, beautiful mountain views and wide paved streets. These prime building lots are available at affordable prices, from $88,000 to $115,000. Large and fully serviced lots have underground power, easy topography, and are ready for the spring building season. Crowsnest Pass offers unparalleled value in the Canadian Rockies. Active, friendly community. CALL JOHN FOR MORE INFORMATION MLS

562-8830 jpundyk@shaw.ca 31 irOnStOne Beautiful bungalow under construction at Ironstone Lookout.

Open floor plan with luxurious finishes. Magnificent mountain views. Unobstructed vista to the south. Two bedrooms up and two down. 3 bathrooms. Kitchen with quartz counter-tops. Spacious media room. Large double car garage and driveway. Hardwood and tile flooring. Main floor laundry. Tremendous value for a luxurious home. Choice of finishes if bought early in the process. $439,500+ GST CALL JOHN MLS

blAirmOre One of a kind historic brick home located on an extra-large corner lot in Blairmore. This five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 1920 with brick.. Self-contained apartment on second level. Amazing decks and backyard. Huge lot. Possibility of building another home without compromising the existing living and outdoor spaces. 24’ x 38’ garage, large garden shed and fenced RV parking. Phenomenal value and potential. $475,000 CALL JOHN MLS

belleVUe Fantastic opportunity for commercial location along busy Highway 3. East and West bound traffic access. Currently occupied as a successful fly-fishing shop, known to fly fishermen throughout Canada and the U.S. Can be sold as a business to someone wishing for a change of pace or for a property that can be re-purposed. C1 zoning allows for different opportunities. High traffic volume in front of the property. $435,000 CALL JOHN MLS

COlemAn Solid 2 bedroom home with a newer 16x26 garage. Located on corner lot, very sunny Coleman location. Great mountain views. Fenced yard and RV parking. Affordable mountain get-away or revenue property. Very solid foundation for home in this price range. Crowsnest Pass offers tremendous opportunity for mountain enthusiasts. $135,000 CALL JOHN MLS

blAirmOre COmmerCiAl Opportunity for first class office space in busy downtown Blairmore location.

Currently used as a mine office, but may be re-purposed into any other commercial use. Excellent main street location. Current zoning is commercial. $104,000 CALL JOHN MLS

COlemAn Fantastic mountain views, lots of sun. Tremendous B&B potential. 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom home northside of the valley facing Flat Head Mountains. 2 gas fireplaces. 4,544 square feet. South facing walkout basement. Large decks. Natural gas BBQ. Two soaker tubs. 4 pc ensuite in master bedroom.

Washer and dryer on each floor. Two great rooms with plumbed in counters. Attached double car garage with additional parking. In floor heat and heat exchanger. $555,000 CALL JOHN MLS

blAirmOre COmmerCiAl

Large lot in fantastic Blairmore location with lots of parking. This former popular “SIDE TRAX” diner can be brought back to life. It has a commercial kitchen and large outside patio. This commercial kitchen can be reconfigured to bring your different food ideas to life. $225,000. CALL JOHN MLS

38 KAnAnASKiS WildS South facing, stunning mountain views and mature douglas fir trees. Great building site. All services, including water, sewer and high speed internet at property. Special mountain community, northside of the valley above Coleman, just off Kananaskis Hwy. Beautiful 1/3 of an acre fully serviced lot. $119,000 CALL JOHN MLS

New ShowhomeS

8 – Crowsnest Pass HeraLD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - crowsnest pass HeraLD - 9

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10 – Crowsnest Pass HeraLD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - cRowSneSt paSS HeRaLD - 11

Livingstone Range School Division board update FRANK MCTIGHE Contributor

School board updated on Fort Macleod pool School children will dive into a brand-new pool in Fort Macleod next summer.

Livingstone Range School Board recently received an update on the $3.5-million project.

“We’re on schedule,” Town of Fort Macleod chief administrative officer Sue Keenan said.

Keenan appeared virtually at the school board’s Dec. 15 meeting to discuss the pool project as well as a new location for the town’s skate park.

The town’s target is still for a July 1 grand opening.

“If we can do it sooner, we will,” Keenan added. “We’re very excited.”

Crews demolished the more than 60-year-old pool earlier this fall, and removed the skate park and tennis courts as well.

The extra space was needed to accommodate the new pool’s design.

Site preparation and construction followed immediately.

The $3.5-million project includes a new six-lane 25-meter pool, lazy river area, one-meter diving board, beach entry and mechanical room.

Other features include a water umbrella, dump buckets, spray jets, a 10-foot climbing wall, artificial turf and hydrojets.

W.A. Day and F.P. Walshe schools use the Fort Macleod pool through a joint use agreement Livingstone Range School Division has with the town.

“If you haven’t had an opportunity to get by and see the work being done there, I encourage you to do that,” Keenan said.

Trustees to let others decide how they are paid The way Livingstone Range School Division trustees will be compensated in future will be decided by the audit committee.

Trustees voted Dec. 15 to dissolve the remuneration committee in favour of having the new audit committee take on that responsibility.

Trustee Jim Burdett made that recommendation at the Dec. 15 virtual school board meeting.

Burdett said the recommendation flows out of the provincial government’s new requirement that each school board have an audit committee.

“The major responsibility of the remuneration committee is to decide how we as trustees get paid,” Burdett said.

“When we came up with the audit committee, it came to me that I don’t like having the discussions about what I get paid.”

Burdett said having community members, like those who serve on the audit committee, involved in trustee remuneration decisions would be helpful.

“I think that’s where that responsibility should be moved to,” Burdett added.

Trustee Lacey Poytress asked whether other school boards have a separate remuneration committee or have the audit committee handle that responsibility.

Burdett wasn’t certain, but said he had heard of school boards having members of public involved.

Trustee Brad Toone said the Calgary Separate School Board has an external committee in place to decide trustee remuneration.

“There were two or three other (boards) that had something similar,” Toone added.

Toone said this is an important discussion to have because like Burdett he struggles to determine his own pay as a trustee.

“It’s not something I’ve been comfortable with either,” Toone said.

Toone suggested an amendment to the motion, to instead have a committee made up of members of the public and school principals, with administration providing guidance.

“I like the idea of not being involved,” Toone said.

Burdett favoured approving the motion as it was and having the audit committee develop terms of reference.

“They could come back at a later date after they have considered what they want it to look like,” Burdett said.

Toone didn’t want the audit committee to do that work if there was no support from trustees.

Trustee Clara Yagos said there should be a notice of motion for the next meeting and trustees Greg Long and John McKee agreed.

Trustee Lacey Poytress favoured having the audit committee make the decisions, since trustees can provide some insight into their roles.

“Having a trustee in

the room, and that experience and that voice, is very important,” Poytress said, rather than leaving it to people unfamiliar with the work of trustees.

Burdett said the audit committee can bring forward any proposed changes in future.

Fort Macleod pitches school sites for skate park Fort Macleod’s skaters need a new place to call their own.

Town of Fort Macleod chief administrative officer Sue Keenan pitched two possible locations to the Livingstone Range School Board.

“What we wanted to talk to you today about was relocating that skate park,” Keenan said.

“We’ve got a couple of ideas.”

Keenan and director of operations Adrian Pedro appeared as a virtual delegation at the school board’s Dec. 15 meeting.

The skate park was located on property adjacent to the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre.

When the town approved a $3.5-million project to build a new, expanded pool, the skate park and nearby tennis courts were displaced.

The new pool is expected to open July 1.

“We’ve got some time so it’s not a panic, but we wanted an opportunity to talk to the board today,” Keenan said.

Pedro told trustees two locations have emerged as potential sites for the skate park.

“Ideally, we want to put it within the core of town,” Pedro said.

The Town of Fort Macleod does have vacant land near West Winds Stadium on the west side of town.

“We feel that might be a little too far to get any sort of usage,” Pedro said.

The Town of Fort Macleod identified two locations, both of which are on land owned by the school division.

One site is adjacent to F.P. Walshe school.

“We figured that would be a good location in terms of the demographic that might use that skateboard facility,” Pedro said.

Pedro said the skate park could fit into a portion of the gravel parking lot or on vacant grass on the north quarter of the property.

The other site is next to W.A. Day school, where the old outdoor rink was located. The rink was demolished and moved ear-

lier this year.

“Our intent would be to push it into the corner of that property as opposed to taking up that entire area where that rink was,” Pedro said. “That’s sort of our No. 2 option because we don’t think it would get as much use if it was in that location.”

The old skate park was about 60 ft. by 120 ft., and the town would either maintain that size or reduce it to the 60 ft. by 99 ft. size of a standard lot.

“In the grand scheme of things it’s not a huge size,” Pedro said. “We don’t want to go much smaller than 66 by 99 because of the equipment that would be in there.”

Trustee Lacey Poytress wondered about the safety of the equipment, which was showing its age at the old park.

Poytress also wondered whether there would be new equipment in the park.

Poytress also asked about plans for regular maintenance and safety inspections of the skate park equipment.

Keenan said the town would add the school division as an additional named insured to its policy to assume responsibility.

“It will be repaired before it will be rebuilt,” Keenan said, adding there are plans to paint and generally upgrade the old equipment.

“Twice a year we do a maintenance check, similar to what we do on playgrounds,” Keenan said.

A community group has offered to do fundraising to pay for any new equipment, and the town is looking for a donation of concrete.

“That’s very exciting for the skate park, wherever it may be,” Poytress said.

In response to questions from trustee John McKee, Keenan said the town considered but ruled out putting the skate park in the arena parking lot, since that space is needed for many events.

“We’re definitely looking for a different and permanent location,” Keenan said.

Keenan asked trustees to provide some direction early next year so the town can begin planning to build that skate park next summer.

Livingstone Range preparing for election Associate superintendent of business services Jeff Perry is Livingstone Range School Division’s returning officer.

Nikki Lytwyn, executive assistant to the superintendent, was appointed substitute returning officer, a new requirement in Alberta’s Election Act. “She works along me with in preparation for the elections anyways so it makes sense to have her as the substitute returning officer,” Perry said.

Trustees made the appointments Dec. 15 during their virtual meeting.

The school board had to make the appointments at their last meeting in December, since nominations can begin in January.

The school board and municipal elections will be held Monday, Oct. 16, 2021.

Trustee Brad Toone asked how quickly the school division’s returning officer would meet with municipal counterparts.

Toone said other school jurisdictions are considering having joint ballots with their town and cities in an attempt to build awareness.

“How soon do those discussions start happening with municipal partners?” Toone asked.

Perry said letters would go out this month to municipal partners to begin discussion on items such as polling stations.

“When we receive those responses ongoing dialogue will occur,” Perry added.

One of the items to be discussed will be what happens when the boundaries of Livingstone Range’s various wards don’t coincide with municipal boundaries.

Trustee Clara Yagos asked what happens if a municipality does not have an election due to a candidate being acclaimed in an area where the school division does have candidates.

Perry said there will be a provincial referendum question on the ballot, so all municipalities will be required to have a voting centre.

Trustees get update on finances Livingstone Range School Board recently got an update on the division’s financial position.

The report was provided at the Dec. 15 virtual school board meeting.

“The current financial position of the division continues to be good,” trustee Brad Toone, who serves on the audit committee, said.

The audit committee met the previous day with administration for a detailed review of the quar-

terly financial report.

“It was a very good meeting,” said trustee John McKee, who also serves on the audit committee. “It’s a good thing we’re doing it on a monthly basis.

The budget right now is like shooting at a moving target.”

The changing nature of education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as changes to the way government provides funding, create issues.

“If anything changes we can be on top of it,” McKee said.

Toone and McKee compliment associate superintendent of business services Jeff Perry and director of finance Anthony Burdett and their staff for the detailed information provided to the audit committee.

Toone provided some detail on the school division’s finances.

“Over the first three months financial assets such as cash and accounts receivable have increased $827,000,” Toone said.

Non-financial assets such as net book value of capital assets and prepaid assets have decreased by $880,000.

Total liabilities and deferred revenues have decreased by $990,000.

“This has a positive net impact of $931,000 on the division’s net assets over the first three months of the school year,” Toone said.

Revenue in the first three months of the school year totalled $14.8-million.

That’s over budget due to receipt of $365,000 in additional funding from the federal government.

Expenditures in the same time period are at $13.15-million, which is less than budget.

That is due in part to reduced expenses in some areas due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on travel for meetings and professional development. Utilities are also 15 per cent less than budgeted due to the mild weather.

The result is a temporary surplus on operations of $930,000.

The audit committee advised trustees to closely monitor revenue due to a decrease in students in the classroom and more students learning at home.

Toone said the province may claw back some revenue due to the change in how students are learning.

Trustees voted to accept the first quarter financial report.

Cont’d on pg. 12

12 – CROWSNEST PaSS hERaLD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Letters to the Editor cont’d

A Christmas Message

Dear Editor: “Happiness is not by chance, but by choice” We choose our own reality and if we think negatively we live with, negativity.

I’m not closing my eyes to the reality of this years Christmas. It’s probably the most difficult Christmas we’ve ever encountered but I am refusing to wallow in despair of everything I DON’T have! I’m actively pursuing the joy of what I DO have... because the pros far exceed the cons....

Cons...

-I don’t have the ability to spend one single solitary minute with any member of my family if they do not reside inside my home ....it’s illegal!!

-I can’t meet anyone, family or friend, outside to visit in a public place ....it’s illegal Pros...

-Every member of our family is Covid free -Every friend we have is Covid free

-We have our home decorated for Christmas like every other year. It’s beautiful!

-Our Christmas tree is shining with lights.

-We have the Christmas music we’ve listened to all our lives to warm our hearts -We have Christmas decor that reaches back and brings us such warm memories.

-We are going to enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings

-We have amazing technology!!! It will allow us to ‘SEE’ our family and wish them a Merry Christmas. We will be able to watch our grandchildren open the gifts we lovingly chose for them.

I could continue but you get my drift.

I refuse to wallow or to throw a pity party.

I had my “It isn’t fair!” moment followed by another of ‘feeling sorry for myself’.

Now I’ve moved on to being grateful!!

We are so Blessed to have so much!!

So here is my Christmas wish for you, I wish for you to choose HAPPINESS!

-We plan to eat, drink and be merry

Love ya!!!

Brenda Wilson

Release dates for Roxy Theatre Video performances Crowsnest Cando

Release dates for the Roxy video performances as part of the revival of the threatre will be released to “Crowsnest Cando Revive the Roxy” on Facebook and www.crowsnestcando.ca Crowsnest Cando asks for support in the restoration of the great Roxy Theatre.

Schedule Revive the Roxy Act 1 Sun 20th Dec 2020 1) Kirk Muspratt – Why the Roxy Theatre Matters 2) Tim Juhlin & Tynan Groves – Musical Performance 3) Tara Groves – Why the Roxy Theatre Matters 4) Turning Point Dance Studio – Dancing –

Dancing with Attitude 5) Brian Dobek – Family & Roxy Theatre History & Performance 6) NeuVillage – Neudorf Family – Band 7) Alison Sandilands – Why the Roxy Theatre Matters 8) Red Ravens PAS – Alison Sandilands, Lisa Attaway, Suzanne Scott & Sandi Winter – Musical Performance 9) Suzanne Scott – Poetry reading – The Artist Soul written by Suzanne.

10) Chantelle Bowie & Becky Pichurski – Musical Performance – Hello Schuyler Fisk Cover 11) Kirk Muspratt – Roxy Walk Through Thurs 24th Dec 2020 1) Lisa Attaway – Why the Roxy Theatre

Matters 2) Turning Point Dance Studio – Dancing – Sugar Plum Fairy a. Twinkle Stars – Mikaela Cann, Penny Clark, Mya Drewniak, Addison Farrow, Saige Fehr, Julia Riewe, Chloe Yates 3) Hazy Groves – Tynan Groves, Shelly Groves & Terra Hazleton 4) Alison Sandilands – Ghost Story 5) Elaine Dobek – Piano Performance 6) Brian Dawydiuk - Comedian 7) Lara Harvey – Musical Performance – Even Behind Closed Doors written by Lara 8) Lisa Hazlett & Sandi Winters – Musical Performance – Holding Out for a Hero, Adapted

by Sandi Winter

Sun 27th Dec 2020 1) Fred Bradley – Why the Roxy Theatre Matters & Piano Performance 2) Nikki Gross – Why the Roxy Theatre Matters and Story Reading 3) Caroline Juhlin Parke – Why the Roxy Theatre Matters & Musical Performance 4) Tim Juhlin & Tynan Groves – Musical Performance 5) Turning Point Dance Studio – Dancing – Lyrical Jazz a. Senior Lyrical – Megan Bruder, Alyson Ford, Emmalee Ford, Makenna Evans.

6) David Daly – Baritone – My Fair Lady – On the Street Where You Live 7) Krysta MacDon-

ald – Reading 8) Pat Rypien & Lara Harvey – Minors Daughter - Musical Performance Thurs 31st Dec 2020 1) Rosanne Hicks – Why the Roxy Theatre Matters 2) Turning Point Dance Studio – Greatest Showman Part 1 a. Greatest Showman All Performers – Brady Rast, Megan Bruder, Alyson Ford, Emmalee Ford, Makenna Evans, Austin Harrison, Tressa Murray, Alice Murray, Alex Mertz, Claira Murray, Kataly Forget, Paige Rast, Ryleigh Oberholzter, Tannis Huska, Jane Huska, Sasha Shenton, Kiah Simpson, Mary Rast, Adley Murray, Sidney Oberholtzer.

3) Chantelle Bowie & Becky Pichurski – Musical Performance – Yesterdays Makeup, Becky’s own composition 4) Turning Point Dance Studio – Greatest Showman Part 2 5) Ferris – Comedian 6) Turning Point Dance Studio – Greatest Showman Part 3 7) Fred Bradley – Piano Performance 8) Turning Point Dance Studio – Greatest Showman Part 4 9) Krysta MacDonald – Poetry Reading 10) Turning Point Dance Studio – Greatest Showman Part 5 11) Lisa Attaway, Sandi Winter – Musical Performance 12) Turning Point Dance Studio – Greatest Showman Part 6

Livingstone Range School Division board cont’d FRANK MCTIGHE Contributor

Livingstone Range student leaders ‘inspiring’ Student leaders are developing across Livingstone Range School Division.

Trustees recently got an update on recent activity by the school division’s regional council of student leaders.

“It’s been really inspiring to see these kids coming together, feeling strong,” trustee Lacey Poytress said.

Poytress reported Dec. 15 on the recent virtual meeting of the regional council of student leaders.

The council has representation from each school in Livingstone Range.

“This group has done an excellent job of working to strengthen leadership within their schools and throughout the divi-

sion,” Poytress said.

The council organized a virtual meeting Nov. 19 that was attended by up to five students from each school.

The meeting had to be held on-line due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on gatherings.

The students from elementary to senior high grades gathered on-line for a meeting using the Zoom platform.

“They were able to work together to share with each other some roses and thorns of highlights or things that each group was struggling with,” Poytress said.

Students discussed ways to build school spirit and to make everyone feel welcome, and to have a sense of belonging.

Poytress said it was exciting to hear some of the ideas the students developed.

Poytress added that it

is a privilege as an adult to witness the students’ leadership and creativity on the regional council of school leaders.

“To just sit and watch and see what these kids come up with is amazing,” Poytress said.

Students played an on-line game during the meeting.

The student leaders from F.P. Walshe school in Fort Macleod and Matthew Halton school in Pincher Creek later shared the game at their schools.

The regional council of student leaders plans to meet again in the spring.

“They hope to meet in person but they all felt that it was such a great experience that even if it is still virtual that it would be a worthwhile event to just be able to connect virtually,” Poytress said.

School board chair Lori Hodges and associate

superintendent Richard Feller also sat in on the virtual meeting and came away impressed.

Poytress said she is glad Livingstone Range fosters the regional council of student leaders.

“The leadership in our division is great as far as adults go, but to see the leadership in these students going forward and jumping right into it and taking these opportunities is very inspiring,” Poytress said.

Livingstone Range preparing for election Associate superintendent of business services Jeff Perry is Livingstone Range School Division’s returning officer.

Nikki Lytwyn, executive assistant to the superintendent, was appointed substitute returning officer, a new requirement in Alberta’s Election Act.

“She works along me with in preparation for the elections anyways so it makes sense to have her as the substitute returning officer,” Perry said.

Trustees made the appointments Dec. 15 during their virtual meeting.

The school board had to make the appointments at their last meeting in December, since nominations can begin in January.

The school board and municipal elections will be held Monday, Oct. 16, 2021.

Trustee Brad Toone asked how quickly the school division’s returning officer would meet with municipal counterparts.

Toone said other school jurisdictions are considering having joint ballots with their town and cities in an attempt to build awareness.

“How soon do those discussions start happen-

ing with municipal partners?” Toone asked.

Perry said letters would go out this month to municipal partners to begin discussion on items such as polling stations.

“When we receive those responses ongoing dialogue will occur,” Perry added.

One of the items to be discussed will be what happens when the boundaries of Livingstone Range’s various wards don’t coincide with municipal boundaries.

Trustee Clara Yagos asked what happens if a municipality does not have an election due to a candidate being acclaimed in an area where the school division does have candidates.

Perry said there will be a provincial referendum question on the ballot, so all municipalities will be required to have a voting centre.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 13

Local Businesses have many avenues for financial aid DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

It’s no surprise or shock that many small businesses across the province and country have been struggling due to Covid-19.

Manager of Community Futures in the Crowsnest Pass, Shar Cartwright, says there have been a few different struggles local businesses have seen but that overall most local businesses managed to do okay during these difficult months.

“The main struggles appear to be deteriorating cash flows, return of customers, supply chain disruptions and increasing costs, and hiring and keeping employees. The loss of all of the events has had a dramatic effect on many businesses and non-profit organizations during this year. The ever-changing AHS regulations have also been very stressful for many business owners. During this unprecedented Covid situation, most businesses managed to hold their own throughout the busy summer months.”

Cartwright says there are many different things local residents can do to support and help their local small businesses.

“Local businesses have had to make a lot of changes in order to survive this challenging year and they should all be commended on their abil-

~

ity and willingness to diversify. Christmas is a critical time of year for many businesses in the Crowsnest Pass. The restaurants are all open for take-out (some with delivery) so it is a great opportunity for residents to try some of the local fare. We have some wonderful shops for retail and some are also offering an amazing selection of local artisan products. Gift certificates are always a special treat at Christmas, whether it be from retail, personal services, sports activities, restaurants, and local artisans. We live in a great community with great spirit and the best thing we can all do is be kind and support our wonderful local businesses.”

Of course not all businesses have been able to see the same kind of local support due to different restrictions and that’s where provincial aid comes in.

“The Crowsnest Chamber of Commerce has done a great job of putting out the most up to date financial support information from the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada to all businesses.

Community Futures Crowsnest Pass also has funding available for those businesses who were not able to qualify for any of the other financial Government of

Canada supports. Community Futures CNP has also acquired the services of Brandy Fehr to contact each business in the Crowsnest Pass in effort to assist them through these challenging times and ensure they are aware of the supports (financial and other) available to them, the current regulations, and provide them with direct information and contacts to meet their individual needs.”

Derek Taylor, CPA, CA, CAFM and Partner at KPMG LLP in Lethbridge, says that there are a number of different aid options for struggling businesses.

The main one was the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

“The one that was most common for employed and self-employed individuals was the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or CERB. This one was available to employed and self-employed individuals. This was the one that provided $500 a week for individuals between March 15, 2020 to September 26, 2020. It has since been replaced with the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).

There are certain eligibility criteria that need to be met and can be found on the Government of Canada website. You can apply on line or by phone, instructions are also on

the website,” said Taylor.

There are a couple other options as well that Taylor explained.

“There is also the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit; this one is for individuals who are unable to work because of COVID due to caring for a child or a family member that needs supervised care. It is very similar to CRB. There is also the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), this one is for employed or self-employed individuals who are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID. This one also is similar to CRB in how you apply.”

Programs also exist for Corporations or businesses that would not be considered self employed “The first one is the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS). This is for Businesses, non-profits, and charities that are financially impacted by COVID 19. Under this program individuals can apply for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent and property expenses starting September 27, 2020 and is anticipated running until June 2021. Again there are eligibility criteria, however, if you must close or cease activities at one or more of your locations under a public health order for one week or longer, you may be eligible for lockdown support of up to 25% of

eligible expenses. Criteria and links to apply are found on the Government of Canada website.

The second one, and likely the one most have heard about is the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Under this program, Canadian employers who have seen a drop in revenue due to COVID may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of the employee wages. The purpose of this subsidy is to assist businesses, rehire workers, prevent further job losses and help business transition back to normal operations.

Again there is criteria here and an application process.

There are a number of factors that can impact your claims from pay period to pay period; so I would recommend having a good grasp on criteria and calculations or to talk to an advisor. The third one out there that most people have heard of is the Canada Emergency Business Account loans.

These are interest free loans of up to $60,000 that eligible businesses can apply for. While they are loans and are repayable, if the balances of the loans are repaid on or before December 31, 2022, there is a loan forgiveness of 33%. Again there are certain eligibility criteria, and you will likely work with your bank or financial institution to apply

HOROSCOPES

for these loans. Lastly the Alberta Small and medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant which offers assistance to Alberta Businesses and not-forprofits. This plan offers 2 payments to eligible applicants, of up to $20,000.

For this one you also need to apply on line through the Government of Alberta website. For eligibility and an application information people can check the Alberta Gov’t website.”

Taylor says that those are all the main options for businesses right now and that as things move forward, it’s possible these programs could evolve or change.

Taylor also says that if anyone has any questions, they are free to contact him to gather more information or receive help applying for these programs.

“We are of course happy to assist businesses with questions or applying for these programs. However, it is important to note that the CEBA loans are a process you do with your financial institution.”

Taylor also wants to make sure that anyone applying for these programs knows everything.

“These benefits are taxable, I know there has already been a fair amount of press on that, but it is important for people to know that.”

~

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you may not realize it, but you have been slowly pulling back from those around you for some time now. Make a concerted effort to focus on important relationships.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 A healthy hobby like exercise can be just what VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Avoid power struggles at work or even among Virgo, sometimes a daily routine can land you in you need at the moment, Capricorn. Slowly inyour circle of friends, Taurus. It is not worth the a rut. This is the time to change things up a bit. crease your workout frequency and take a friend trouble to get involved, and things will calm Mix up your regular schedule by trying a new along for the ride. down soon. Keep your distance. activity or taking a trip.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Aquarius, try to be artistic this week. Don’t Gemini, this week may be well suited to contem- Rough patches will quickly smooth over if you worry, you don’t have to create a masterpiece. plation about certain decisions that have been on don’t fret about them, Libra. Just have a little pa- Working on creative projects can be a form of your mind. Find a quiet place and put all of the tience and everything will work out for the best. meditation and help alleviate stress. puzzle pieces together.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Right now stability means much more to you You are open to change more so than other peoCANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, if you feel like you are ready to make a than taking risks. Stick with those people who ple you know, Pisces. It’s a good thing, because difference in someone’s life, then be honest support you, and don’t worry about sitting on the last-minute changes are coming. about what you can take on. You may need a lit- sidelines for a bit. tle help along the way.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Someone could be extremely generous to you soon, Aries. It may be out of the goodness of his or her heart, or it may be because of a guilty conscience. You may never know.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if you need someone to motivate you, seek out a trustworthy friend with your best interests in mind. A qualified mentor might be the way to go.

14 – CrowSneSt paSS HeraLD – Wednesday, December 16, 2020

AWnA cLASSiFiedS Coming Events

For Rent

For Sale

To inquire about the availability of an apartment for rent in Blairmore call 403-562-8144.

1 TFN/NC

Nordic Track treadmill - hardly used $450 Bissell steam mop and vacuum. For use on hard floors $90 For both items call Rosemarie 403 753 0888.

Apartment for rent,available immediately. Rent $1100, D.D. $1100. 2 bedroom. Good location in Blairmore. Utilities included. Phone 403-563-9177.

52-2C

Services Is alcohol affecting your life?

Alcoholics Meeting are Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:00 pm at the Lion’s Club, 12130 Ave. Blairmore.

1-TFN Looking for immediate living accommodation. Single, no pets or bad habits. Phone 403-563-3739.

44-3NC

47-2P

House For Sale Blairmore house for sale.

Move in ready. 3 bdrm, 1 bath, garge, fenced yard. Asking $224,900. Phone 403808-0509.

50-2C

Searching Wanting to ren a seasonal/year round RV site in CNP area to fit a 40 ft unit and 18ft Quad Trailer. Call Gary at 403-952-4071.

50-4C

GRAPHIC DESIGN EVENT TICKETS LOGO DESIGN LAMINATING PHOTO ENLARGEMENT BUSINESS CARDS MENUS • BROCHURES

And so much more!

FIREARMS WANTED FOR FEBRUARY 20th, 2021 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual Items. Contact Paul, Switzer's Auction: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, sales@switzersauction.com or www.switzersauction.com.

Employment Opportunities BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

SEEKING PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1 5 license to transport RV's throughout North America.

We have company driver spots available in Double Haul, Triple Haul and Semi fleets and O/O spots available in Single (1 ton) and Double Haul fleets. For more information on each fleet, please visit roadexservices.com. Subsidized health and dental insurance, monthly bonus available for company drivers. Must have valid passport and be able to cross the border. To apply, please email resume and a current driver's abstract to recruiting@roadexservices.com.

Feed and Seed CERTIFIED SEED. WHEAT – Go Early, Pintail. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Mor-

South Zone Covid-19 Update DaviD SelleS Pass Herald Reporter

gan, AC Mustang, Derby, SO1 Super Oat. - BARLEY – Amisk, Busby, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-5562609.

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. "On Farm Pickup" Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.

Land For Sale DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA has for sale 4 project lands in Beaver County.

Land locations are: SW27-50-16-W4, SE 18-4914 W4M, S½ 3-46-11 W4M and NW 32-47-13 W4M. Call Brent Thygesen, b_thygesen@ducks.ca or 780 6780150.

Joe & Rose NewtoN ARie & Betsie vAN deR LiNdeN Thinking of you at Christmas Thanks for being everything That parents and grandparents should be And thank you for the memories That mean so much to us You’re missed so very deeply Each day throughout the year Especially at Christmas When you always brought such cheer So may the angels keep you safe Free from care and pain Re-united in your love To never part again Forever loved and remembered ~ Dana, Betty, Brett & Dillon

For Sale INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt.com.

Health HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund.

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Real Estate VERY INEXPENSIVE 2 QUARTERS OF PASTURE LAND, Central SK, for sale. 8 other good quarters may be available. Requires fencing.

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Services GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Al-

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SubScriptionS

due

ALL NUMBERS ARE UP TO DATE AS OF Monday December 21st.

Province wide, there have been 91,459 cases to date. Of these cases, 19,165 are active. 860 people have died from the virus.

The number of cases in the South Zone by area is as follows: South Zone total: To date, there have been 4,790 total cases in the south zone.

4,275 people have recovered from Covid-19 in the south zone. There are currently 461 active cases in the south zone.

There are currently 12 outbreaks in the South Zone.

These outbreaks locations include 4 in Lethbridge, 3 in Medicine Hat, 2 in Brooks, 1 in Coaldale, 1 in Cardston and 1 in Pincher Creek.

Here is the community breakdown of cases in the south zone.

Crowsnest Pass: 11 cases reported, 3 cases are active, 8 case recovered.

Pincher Creek: 94 cases reported, 29 cases active, 62 cases recovered and 3 deaths.

Fort Macleod: 67 cases reported, 14 case active, 50 cases recovered and 3 deaths.

Claresholm: 60 cases reported, 6 cases active, 54 cases recovered.

Cardston County/Kainai: 245 cases reported, 46 cases active, 193 cases recovered and 6 deaths.

County of Warner: 142 cases reported, 5 cases active, 135 cases recovered and 2 deaths.

Lethbridge: 1,339 cases reported, 155 cases are active, 1,177 cases recovered and 7 deaths.

Lethbridge County: 415 cases reported, 43 cases active, 369 cases recovered and 3 deaths.

MD of Taber: 301 cases reported, 19 cases active, 276 cases recovered and 6 deaths.

City of Brooks: 1,338 cases reported, 42 cases active, 1,282 recovered and 14 deaths.

County of Newell: 136 cases reported, 14 cases active, 120 cases recovered and 2 deaths.

County of Forty Mile: 113 cases reported, 1 cases active, 110 cases recovered and 2 deaths.

Cypress County: 137 cases reported, 10 cases active, 127 cases recovered.

Medicine Hat: 417 cases reported, 78 cases active, 333 cases recovered and 6 deaths.

Oyen: 25 cases reported, 1 cases active and 24 case recovered.

Vulcan: 93 cases reported, 7 active, 83 recovered and 3 deaths.

Our Dear Parents

SubScriptionS The majority of our subscriptions are due January 1, 2019.

Check the label on the top left corner of the Pass Herald to see when you are due.

CNP & area - $40/year • Seniors $35/year Outside of 40 KM radius - $60/year • Out of country - $85/year NAME:____________________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________ __________________________________________________ PHONE:___________________________________________ PAYMENT AMOUNT: $_______________________________ PAYMENT:

CASH

CREDIT CARD

CHEQUE

CREDIT CARD NUMBER:_____________________________ EXPIRY DATE:___________________

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - crowsnest PAss HerALD - 15

1-403-634-4956 Coin Certification Coin Grading Collection Appraisals Estate Appraisals

A&K Self StorAge Located in the Frank Industrial Park

Units range in size from 5' x 10', 10' x 10', 10' x 15', 10' x 20', sea can 8' x 20' and a 12' x 20' building with auto garage door.

Units are finished inside with hard board or plywood and freshly painted.

Some units are inside chain link fenced area. All units have interior lighting.

Area is secured by exterior lighting.

Residential & Commercial Excavating Landscaping • Snow Removal

jfilipuzzi@shaw.ca

403-563-7285

lorne@completeext.ca

lannie@westerraearthworks.com

summit storage • Secured by Video • Dry & Clean • 24 hr Access • Caretaker on Site • 1280 CU Ft. 8x8x20 • Free Local Transport to Storage • RV Storage • Water Available

403-583-0020

Glen Girhiny 403.563.0300 glen@realestatecentre.ca

13013-20th Ave., Blairmore 403.562.2844 @RealEstateCen

Real Estate Centre

Crowsnest

t&s self storage

taxi 403.583.4000

Units in Frank Industrial Park

5’x10’ • 10’x10’ • 10’x15’ • 10’x20’

Call 403-563-8384 - availability & Prices

PRESTIGE CLEANERS RENT A CARPET CLEANER Clothing Alterations, Zippers, Coverall Rentals, Etc. & TUXEDO RENTALS

562-2112 Blairmore • 425-7272 Sparwood

16 – Crowsnest PAss HerALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Chamber

Connection

Chamber Corner Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant Program Starting the week of December 14, job creators who have experienced a 30% revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic will qualify for the program, lowering the threshold from the existing 40% revenue loss requirement. This 30% threshold will be available to impacted businesses retroactive to March.

Alberta businesses affected by the public health orders in effect from November 6, 2020 and later will also be eligible to apply for a second payment through the program.

12501-20 Ave., Room 180, Blairmore

403-562-8858

Job creators that meet the program’s eligibility criteria will be able to apply for 15% of their pre-COVID-19 monthly revenue up to: · a maximum of $5,000 in funding for their first payment, and · a maximum of $15,000 for their second payment Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Starting December 4, 2020, eligible businesses facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are able to access a second CEBA loan of up to $20,000 – on top of the initial $40,000 that was available to small businesses.

7620 17 Ave., Coleman (403) 562-2920

This means the additional loan effectively increases CEBA loans from the existing $40,000 to $60,000 for eligible businesses, of which a total of $20,000 will be forgiven if the balance of the loan is repaid on time. Application deadline has been extended to March 31, 2021.

You will apply through the financial institution where you received your original $40,000 CEBA loan. If you haven’t received a CEBA loan yet, you will be able to apply for the full $60,000 at a financial institution where you have a business bank account, if you are eligible. If you use a personal bank account for your business, you will first need to open a business account before applying for CEBA. NEW Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) will reimburse eligible businesses up to 65% of rent expenses, depending on how much revenue lost as a result of COVID-19. If you’ve been forced to close your doors by a public health order, you could qualify for a 25% top-up, bringing your subsidy to 90%. Unlike CECRA, it does not require your landlord’s involvement.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages, retroactive to March 15.

The CEWS has been extended to June 2021, including changes to the rates and top-up calculation.

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The CRB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period.

chamberplan.ca

Scott Walls | BMgt., RHU | Alberta Workplace Solutions Inc. P: 403.892.9675 Toll Free: 888.992.9675 scott@albertaworkplacesolutions.com www.albertaworkplacesolutions.com

www.crowsnestpassherald.ca • 403-562-2248 •passherald@shaw.ca

December 23, 2020 ~ Christmas Greeter

CROWSNEST PASS

HERALD

Christmas Greeter

from Lisa, David, Mike, Betty, John, Shirley, Meechie, Aiden & Darbie

Thank you for your continued support!

2 – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

What I’ve learned Lisa sygutek

Pizza Co. Warmest wishes and thank you for your support. Have a wonderful 2021.

Located at Crowsnest Mall

403-564-4545

The Season’s Best!

8325-20th Ave., Coleman

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Thank you to all our Customers, Friends, Family and Staff - You’re the best!

Mark & Dawn

Country Encounters & Hospitality

403-563-5299

This year’s Christmas, along with every death anniversary, I decided to have a mind set change. Instead of grieving the entire day I consciously chose to celebrate my family’s lives not their deaths. So this Christmas I will endeavor to end the year like it started with thankfulness and beautiful memories. I believe that God gives you certain journeys in life, trials, tribulations, periods of love and hate, absolute joy, heart breaking disappointment and finally hope. All these experiences mold us into the people we are and the love we can share.

My trial: I have learned that I am stronger than I think. I have been able to juggle three kids, a business, being on council and have been a pillar for my extended family. I have had my integrity questioned as a councillor regarding some of my decisions. It would have been easy to turn the other cheek and yet I made a decision to push forward for causes that matter to me, even when it made my fellow councillors uncomfortable. My mom taught me that,

“what is right is not always necessarily easy.”

My tribulation: I have learned that I love my family to an extreme and to watch the three people in this world I love the most, get sick, and I couldn’t fix it, broke my heart a little every day.

Watching them die all in my arms in such close succession almost broke me. However, I have learned to reminisce on every second I spent with my mom, my dad and Buddy, savoring every memory that we spent together. How many of us are with the people we love and just take it for granted because there is ‘always more time’? I’m here to tell you don’t take a second for granted.

Periods of love: I have learned this year that I am blessed. I have the love of my family, fantastic friends, wonderful children and my extended work family who have been there to support me when sometimes I am so tired I can’t support myself. My best friends don’t live here anymore but I learned that I could still have best friends that I love to death even though they live miles

away from me. My kids are the best part of my life. They have turned into fine men. They are all kind, hard working, compassionate and funny.

They all hug me and tell me I am the best mom in the world and they hug so hard I just might believe it. Mike is my shoulder to cry on and David, who’s just down the hall at work, covers every story I put on his desk even if it’s last minute. He doesn’t even roll his eyes. Betty has given me wisdom and guidance and worries about me again when I don’t worry about myself.

Darbie, Aiden, Mitchi and Shirley, which I affectionately call ‘my girls’, help me put the paper out each week - it’s the highlight of my week when I hear all their stories, some of which I’m scared to repeat. The little things these people do for me are the definition of unconditional love.

Periods of hate: Contrary to popular belief I don’t really hate anyone.

Yes, there are a few I didn’t like, you know who you are, but really there is no time in my life for hate. However, if I don’t like you, you will know it. I’m black and

white on people, with thoughts in between.

Absolute joy: Every second that I was able to spend with my family that died and their memory gives me absolute joy.

I have had the ability to reflect on all the lessons they have taught me. Lessons that I hope to pass onto my boys. My mom taught me to fight for what I believe, to fight for the underdog. She taught me to never question my beliefs and to go with my gut instinct because nine out of ten times my instinct is never wrong. She taught me to laugh from my belly, to have over the top holidays because those are memories, to love with my whole heart, to fight for what I believe in, to tell people what you think of them to their face and not behind their backs, to take care of those who can’t take care of themselves and to savour every second of those we love. My dad taught me work ethic and compassion. He took care of my mother to the point, I believe, it caused his second and final stroke.

Buddy taught me unconditional love. He really thought I was something.

Cont’d on page 3

Merry Christmas As we enjoy this special time with loved ones we hope that you all stay safe and healthy.

Happy New Year in 2021.

OffiCE HOLidAY HOuRS: Closed december 24, 2020 - January 4, 2021 Satellite Office Bay 12 Ranchland Mall 1300 Hewetson Avenue Pincher Creek, AB Canada T0K 1W0 Office: 403.904.8110

Constituency Office 618 Centre Street SE High River, AB Canada T1V 1E9 Office: 825.212.2000

Roger Reid, MLA Livingstone - Macleod Livingstone.Macleod@assembly.ab.ca

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD - 3

Merry ChristMas & happy New year!

403-563-6441

403-563-9365

“Stay safe and all the best in 2021!” from

CNP Adult Education

We will be closed from December 18, 2021 and will resume regular hours Monday, January 12, 2021, 9am- 3pm - Mon - Thurs, 9am - 1pm - Fridays.

403-563-8516

What I’ve learned cont’d from pg. 2 He loved me like a parent and was proud of everything I did, even when I didn’t think it was a big deal. He used to answer the phone and tell people, “let me get Lisa, she’s got six years of university and the smartest person I know”. Buddy dying rocked me to my core and ultimately brought me to my knees.

However, I used the perseverance my mother instilled in me, the drive from my father and the overwhelming love of Buddy to dig my way out of the dark. From it I taught my boys perseverance in utter despair.

From them all I learned to live each day as if I was dying. I make of list of ten things I love and each day I try to do or see one thing on my list. We all need a list.

Absolute disappointment: This year I have learned the disappointment of having someone I trusted lie to me. I have learned the disappointment in the way in which I believed in people, however it wasn’t their fault, it was mine for making them into something they ultimately were incapable of being. Ultimately though it led to inner growth, accepting my own faults, climbing mountains and running hills. In it all I met a certain someone and it rocked my world in a way I didn’t think possible

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

and I am so incredibly happy with where my life has ultimately landed. I have found something I didn’t think existed and quite frankly lost faith in.

Thank you to my special person!

from all of us at

steiger Flooring solutions

to all of you!

Thanks for your support over the last 6 years 1-403-632-5489

Hope: I have learned that at the end of the day all you really have is hope. When I didn’t think I could carry on this summer I found hope in little things that turned in to hope for bigger adventures. I hope that our family business will continue to thrive in my mom’s “Garden of Eden” and I hope that you all learn the lesson of love.

I want to end this message thanking all the people and businesses in the Crowsnest Pass who have supported the Pass Herald. This has been the good year for us in our 90-year history and I never forget that it is through the support of you all. Who would have thought that a little paper opened in 1930 would still be running in the Crowsnest Pass, our second oldest business in the area.

I look forward to keeping you all informed, proud to be independent and proud to take over the reins from my mom and Buddy. I guess she really taught me a lot all those years ago sitting under her desk while she worked to bring the people of the Crowsnest Pass their news. Buddy taught me not to get sued! Thanks Mom and Bud I miss you every second of every day!

Merry Christmas and Happy New year from our little family here at the Pass Herald to yours.

Crowsnest LiCense & registry

Have a safe and happy holiday!

HoliDAy HourS

oPEN DECEMbEr 24, 2020 uNTil 5PM

CloSED: Dec. 25, 2020 - Jan. 4, 2021 oPEN Jan. 4 , 2021 - reg. Hours • insurance - 403-562-8822 • registry - 403-562-2011

Holy Trinity Catholic Parish The spirit of Christmas which is Peace; The gladness of Christmas which is Hope; The heart of Christmas which is Love; be with you today and all through the year 2021.

We are sure you have already heard by now the new rules of covid19 by our Provincial Government and the diocese of Calgary. Our Parish Church maximum parish attendance at Mass can only be 15% of seating capacity.

This would be 38 people. Once we get 38, we will close the doors. To help allow our parishioners to continue worship in our church, we are holding Mass on Saturday’s at 5:00 PM. Those who are planning to attend Christmas Masses or week end masses, please phone or email us the following: Your phone number, Mass you are attending, Phone:403-562-2103 Please do not leave a message.

Please leave the information with Father Joseph or Roni directly.

•htrinity@shaw.ca or joe.nagothu@gmail.com Masses will be filled on a first received basis.

Christmas Eve 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM Christmas Day 10:00 am Zoom Mass 11:00 AM Weekend Masses: Saturday 5:00 PM • Sunday 10:00 Am Zoom Mass. 11:00 AM

Blessings of the Season We hope to see you at our events in 2021!

• Stay Healthy • Be Kind to One Another

Coleman Community SoCiety !

!

4 – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Kids Kollege • All classes My name is Madilyn and I am 3 years old. I live in

My name is Logan and I am 3 years old. I live in my

my house. It’s a big white house. This year for

house. This year for Christmas I would really like

Christmas I would really like a pretend house from

toys, all of it, toys. My toys, my dads toys. I will leave

Frozen. I will leave you out cookies and for the rein-

you out toys and for the reindeer I will leave out ap-

deer I will leave out carrots.

ples.

Sincerely, Madilyn.

Sincerely, Logan.

My name is Liam and I am 4 years old. I live up the

My name is Noah and I am 4 years old. You have

small hill. I live in the mountains. This year for

to drive this way to my house and go down the

Christmas I would really like a dinosaur and a min-

chimney. This year for Christmas I would really like

ion. I will leave you out cookies and for the reindeer

a dragon. I will leave you out a nutri grain bar and

I will leave out carrots.

for the reindeer I will leave out cookies and carrots.

Sincerely, Liam.

We have to make them some cookies.

Sincerely, Noah.

My name is Avery and I am 3 years old. I live in Hillcrest, in a big white and brown house. This year for

My name is Parker and I am 3 years old. I live far

Christmas I would really like green playdough, real

away with my Auntie May. This year for Christmas I

scissors and toys. I will leave you out a sandwich

would really like dinosaurs, little ones. I will leave

and for the reindeer I will leave you out apples.

Sincerely, Avery.

you out cookies, and for the reindeer I will leave out carrots.

Sincerely, Parker.

My name is Lily and I am 3 years old. I live with my mom and dad. This year for Christmas I would re-

My name is Triveni and I am 5 years old. I live in

ally like a Kitty Cat, a real one. I will leave you out

the Mountains. This year for Christmas I would re-

cookies and for the rein-deer, I will leave you out

ally a music player and give gifts to other people. I

carrots.

will leave you out a sandwich, a cheese sandwich, Sincerely, Lily.

and for the reindeer I will out carrots.

Sincerely, Triveni.

My name is Orson and I am 3 years old. I live with a kitten. This year for Christmas I would really like

My name is Lennon, and I am 4 years old. I live up

a real crane. A red one. I will leave you out a note

the hill in the Crowsnest Pass. This year for Christ-

and for the reindeer I will leave out a note too.

mas I would really like Elsa toys and lots of choco-

Sincerely, Orson.

late. I will leave you out milk and cookies, and for

My name is Me (Gauge), and I am 1 years old. I live

the reindeer I will leave out milk and dog food.

Sincerely, Lennon.

with my mommy. This year for Christmas I would really like a firetruck. I will leave you out mommy’s

My name is Bethany, and I am 4 years old. I live in

cookies and for the rein-deer I will leave out water.

Sincerely, Gauge

Canada. My house is on a floor, and is the colour white. This year for Christmas I would really like a ball that has a handle on it. I will leave you out milk

My name is Lionel, and I am 3 years old. I live in

and cookies and for the reindeer I will leave out ap-

my house. This year for Christmas I would really like

ples.

dinosaurs, white ones. I will leave you out a present

Sincerely, Bethany.

and for the reindeer I will leave out lots of presents.

Sincerely, Lionel

My name is Asher Goin and I am 5 years old. I live in Canada in a white house. I can’t explain about

My name is Jacen, and I am 5, not 4 years old. I

the inside because I forgot what it looks like. This

live in Coleman. This year for Christmas I would re-

year for Christmas I would really like a nerf gun,

ally like a prize, that’s what I want. I will leave you

paw patrol video game and a remote control car. I

out, cookies and pop, and for the reindeer I will

will leave you out milk and cookies and for the rein-

leave out carrots, yup and that’s all.

deer I will leave out candy and milk.

Sincerely, Jacen

Sincerely, Asher.

My name is Reid Christmas Tree, and I am 4 years

My name is Wylder and I am 4 years old. I live in

old. I live in Hillcrest. This year for Christmas I

the mountains in a yellow house. It’s small. This

would really like a toy, a toy Santa, a toy train and

year for Christmas I would really like a saddle for

a toy christmas tree. I will leave you, my hand paint-

Spirit, my pony, and a remote control car. I will leave

ing and for the reindeer I will leave out nothing they

you out cookies and for the reindeer I will leave out

don’t have hands.

a candy cane.

Sincerely, Reid

Sincerely, Wylder

My name is Roree and I am 4 years old. I live in Blairmore on a road and it’s teal colour. This year for Christmas I would really like cookies and toys, oh and craft stuff. I will leave you out milk and cookies and for the reindeer I will leave out carrots.

Sincerely, Roree.

My name is Lou and I am 5 years old. I live in the Crowsnest Pass in a green house. My bedroom is downstairs. This year for Christmas I would really like a unicorn stuffy and my very own calendar. I will leave you out milk and donuts and for the reindeer I will leave out carrots and water.

Sincerely, Lou. My name is Blake, and I am 4 years old. I live at Walmart by the lake. This year for Christmas I would really like a remote control dirt bike. I will leave you out cookies and apple juice and for the reindeer I will leave out cheese.

Sincerely, Blake.

My name is Harper and I am 4 years old. I live in Blairmore, in a brown and black house. This year for Christmas I would really like a unicorn toy and a mermaid pillow. I will leave you out cookies and milk and for the the reindeer I will leave out carrots.

Sincerely, Harper.

My name is Amelia and I am 4 1/2 years old. I live in the Crowsnest Pass, Canada. This year for Christmas I would really like every toy in Walmart, especially a fairy pixie. I will leave you out cookies and for the reindeer I will leave out carrots.

Sincerely, Amelia.

My name is Eric and I am 3 years old. I live with my Mommy and Daddy. This year for Christmas I would really like toys and playdough. I will leave you out oranges and for the reindeer I will leave out oranges too.

Sincerely, Eric.

My name is Dominic, and I am 4 years old. I live in Lundbreck in a green and white house. It’s made out of wood. This year for Christmas I would really like a toy dinosaur and a huge shark, like a robot shark. I will leave you out cookies and for the reindeer I will leave out cookies too.

Sincerely, Dominic.

My name is Vienna and I am 5 years old. I live in Frank by the highway in a blue house. This year for Christmas I would really like a pretend house with grass that I have to build. I will leave you out cookies and for the reindeer I will leave out carrots.

Sincerely, Vienna.

My name is Ocean and I am 5 years old. I live in Canada, in a big blue house. This year for Christmas I would really like lots of things, like Halloween toys. I will leave you out cookies and for the reindeer I will leave out cookies.

Sincerely, Ocean.

Letters continued on page 9

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD - 5

The origins of Baby New Year Herald Contributor

Excitement for a new year abounds on January 1. Baby New Year is one of the more recognizable symbols of the New Year's holiday, particularly in print advertisements and television commercials.

Perhaps you've wondered what role Baby New Year plays in the celebration? While

he may seem like a relatively modern icon, this cultural mainstay has a lengthy history.

One theory suggests Baby New Year was celebrated as far back as 600 B.C. in ancient Greece, when a child was paraded around in a basket upon the arrival of the new year. The baby repre-

Season’s Greetings

Royal Canadian Legion Coleman Branch #9 403.563.3964

Chris’ Restaurant

Merry Christmas!

Downtown Coleman (403) 563-3093

Fantin’s Wishing you a beautiful holiday Funeral season and a new Chapel year of peace 403.562-8555 and happiness.

sented rebirth, and Greeks believed their god of wine, Dionysus, was reborn on New Year's as the spirit of fertility. Other historians say that the custom even predates the Greeks to the ancient Egyptians.

Even though the baby new year custom was originally frowned upon by Christians and deemed a pagan tradition, eventually Christians embraced the symbol as well, albeit in a different way. The end of the year is marked by the birth of the Christ child, and this became a special way to interpret Baby New Year.

In modern times, Baby New Year has lost any connection to a deity or religious figure. Rather, he is now interpreted as a child who arrives at the start of the year and eventually ages into Father Time. The baby is depicted as an infant or toddler wearing a diaper and a sash with the year he is representing (and often a top hat). He is sometimes depicted holding or associated with an hourglass, a noisemaker or other item either pertaining to time or New Year's Day festivities. Father Time is often portrayed as an elderly man with a long, gray beard. The Baby New Year/Father Time message boils down to "out with the old and in with the new." People bid goodbye to Father Time and welcome this cherubic child who will carry

ALLIed hArdwAre

12823 20 Ave., Blairmore (403) 562-8844

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very happy New Year – from Management & staff.

them through the next 12 months and grow with them.

The Baby New Year idea eventually developed into a "First Born" tradition as well. Many towns, cities and hospitals have instituted contests awarding the first baby born in the new year the title of "Baby New Year." Such children are often the subjects of local news coverage and get their picture in the newspaper. Gifts, such as complimentary diapers, a case of formula or baby food or other baby supplies may be offered. In addition, private companies may offer their own gifts and recognition to the lucky child and his or her family in turn for complementary publicity.

Baby New Year is a symbol of the fresh start the new year brings. His relevance in celebrations has endured for centuries.

May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter.

Crowsnest Mall, Blairmore (403) 562-7326

Streaming Christmas Eve Service at 7 pm Crowsnest Community Christian Centre Watch for info. on our website crowsnestchristiancentre.com or on our Facebook page at Crowsnest Christian Centre

PaStor al robinSon Send all donations directly to our local Food Bank. there will be no service on Christmas Day.

2021

6 – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Peace, good will and happiness for you at Christmas and always.

Crowsnest Mall • Blairmore

562-8345

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from

Crow works Engraving 7620-17th Ave., Coleman • 403-562-2920

Prestige

Cleaners & tailors Happy Holiday Wishes Dec. 24 - Closed at 3 pm Dec. 25 & 26 - CLOSED Dec. 31 - Closed at 4 pm Jan. 1 - CLOSED

R. Rinaldi Welding Me rr y C h r is tm a s & Ha ppy New Y ea r Closed De c . 24 t o J an. 2

F R a n k i n d u s t R i a l Pa R k 403-562-2511

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy (and infinitely better) New Year!

DaviD SelleS Well what a year it’s been.

Most of it has been spent away from friends and family due to Covid19 and many of us have struggled with limited social interactions.

Christmas is a time when many of us would look forward to gathering together with family and friends and we still can, it will just be a virtual Christmas.

This will be the first Christmas that I remember not seeing everyone in my family in person.

My brother and sister-in-law from Ontario won’t be able to come anymore due to the latest restrictions.

Instead of being together in person, we’ll have a number of Zoom calls and will still be able to cherish our time together this Christmas.

My family already has plans for a game night or two and we’ll still open gifts together over Zoom as well.

The guys in the family also hold an NHL

tournament on our Xbox’s and thankfully with online play available we’ll still be able to have that time together as well.

I’ve always been a glass half full kind of person and with that, I’m just grateful we still have ways to see loved ones this year.

It’s been a difficult year but the end is right around the corner so I want to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone one of our readers!

May you all stay safe and healthy and enjoy this time in one way or another.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD - 7

A Message for Christmas MP John Barlow Arguably, this Christmas season is more important than ever before as we yearn for precious moments with friends and family and celebrate holiday spirit.

Over the past several months many have struggled with job loss, financial hardship and isolation from loved ones. This has taken its toll on our families, our local businesses and almost certainly our mental health.

Many seniors in our

communities endured the Great Depression and two world wars, but for most of us the havoc the pandemic has caused over the past few months has been unlike anything we have ever endured in our lifetimes.

Regardless of one’s view on the impact of Covid19 it has impacted all of us in one way or another.

We are all working together, locally and nationally, to ty and mitigate the impact this pandemic has had on

Kinga’s Hair

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR Thank you for making our business a success!

We’re looking forward to seeing you and your pet in the next year!

Christine, Trina, Amy, Lisa & Brooke at the

BelleVue Veterinary CliniC Phone: 563-5400

Season’sfromGreetings Crowsnest Vacuum Sales & Service

2022-129 St., Blairmore 403-562-8886

our communities.

In the riding, for example, we worked with our MLAs, local business owners and stakeholder groups to establish the Foothills Business Recovery Task Force.

The goal is to provide a hub for provincial and federal assistance programs as well as develop local best practices to boost southern Alberta’s economy.

In Ottawa I have been named to the Health committee where my colleagues and I are focused on accessing rapid testing, securing vaccine and developing a clear strategy for economic and health recovery.

However, we know this past year has been a challenge for many in southern Alberta and this holiday season will hopefully provide some much-needed respite.

Friends, the festive season is upon us, and for me and my family, this is our most cherished time of the year. It is an opportunity to support our local businesses, reconnect with friends and enjoy time with loved ones.

It is also a time to reflect.

When I look back on what we have endured over the past several months what stands out for me is, despite our struggles, is the care and compassion our Foothills residents displayed in supporting one another.

Those who could, supported local. Business owners showed resiliency and innovation. Our front-line health care workers and essential services gave everything they had to ensure health care was available, store shelves were stocked, and our streets were safe.

To all those who keep us safe, those who treat the sick, to our local business owners and their employees, to our farmers who keep us fed, to the organizations and volunteers who support the vulnerable, and to everyone who selflessly contributes to see us through these challenging times, thank you.

Even the smallest acts of kindness and gestures of goodwill have brought hope to the Foothills. In true Southern Albertan fashion, you did not allow these dark times to overwhelm, but rather inspired your courage to persevere.

Family and community are truly at the heart of

rejoice in the Gifts of the Season may Christmas deliver the best gifts of all to you and yours this year: Peace, Love, Health, Happiness & Friendship merry Christmas, and best wishes for a blessed New Year.

www.montem-resources.com

Christmas spirit, and you have exemplified this across our communities.

This season is not just about reflecting on the past year, but it can also be about looking forward to new beginnings and even new traditions.

Depending on your situation and circumstances, this Christmas may not be the same and we may have to adapt.

Knowing that, I invite you to once again find the magic in Christmas, to make time to enjoy the simple pleasures of the holiday season. Like the joy of catching snowflakes on our tongue; the smell of a fresh baked apple pie; the colourful and shimmering lights around town; seeing an old friend; singing a Christmas carol or the awe of a child seeing Santa Claus for the first time.

I encourage you to embrace your childhood Christmas spirit.

At this time of year mental health is always top of mind and this year it is even more so. In the dark days of winter Albertans are dealing with incredible challenges. Suicides and opioid overdose deaths are at crisis levels. If you know someone who needs help, please reach out to them and ensure they can access the resources available to them. Let them know they are not alone.

For many Albertans 2020 has been like no other and by celebrating Christmas with friends and family will help end the present year on a more cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year.

Healthy Happy New Year - Dr. Maritz & staff

Ben Wong Restaurant

13249-20th Ave., Blairmore 403-562-8388

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year We’re really sorry it’s different this year - we’ll miss you all as we remember New Year’s Eve’s Past.

OPEN: Dec. 24 until 9 pm CLOSED: Dec. 25, 26, 27 & 28 OPEN: Dec. 29 until 9 pm OPEN New Year’s Eve until 9:30 pm Open Jan 1 noon until 9 pm PiCk uP • SOmE DELivErY 13249 - 20 Ave., Blairmore 403-562-8388

8 – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Jesus is the Reason for the Season Pastor Bill White This year 2020, is one that has not been free of disturbances that have affected us in so many ways as “death and complications” has been before our eyes throughout the year.

I am speaking now of the Corona virus pandemic

which has claimed many lives and has caused much in the way of aftereffects. Families have been known to have lost loved ones. Our authorities have been struggling to find some vaccines to put a closure to the pandemic. We have all been

subject to the rules concerning the virus infections that plays havoc with crowds as they meet together. We have to be obedient to these rules and discipline ourselves accordingly. Even so we still see some people not wanting or willing to

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season. ~From the staff at Scotiabank

2020.

2021.

obey the rules. Here at the Prayer Centre we have (Bill & Eileen) kept ourselves in prayer daily to quench that foul spirit and all its hardships. We ask everyone who reads this article to make it a daily plan to pray against this virus asking our Lord to quench that work of the virus. Our total help in all situations is to inquire of the Lord and pray to Him for all answers being obedient and disciplined. Our Bible instructions tell us to “Pray without ceasing”. Are you obedient to do that?

Many thoughts are being voiced about “why pray” we do not see answers.

Scripture in Ephesians 6:18-24 says this, we should be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I out to speak.

So you see that prayer

and the results are a mystery. We are to pray without ceasing and leave the answers up to God, our Lord and Savior, and soon coming King. This power to pray is given to believers, those who are born again (John 3:3). As they receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as the promise from god and they will become witnesses to me in Judea, Samaria and to the end of the earth. In John 10:10 – I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly. Oh, what a gift.

In 1 Corinthians 13 – known as the “love chapter”, God describes love in all its qualities as something we must all have in abundance – as – love suffers long, its kind, does not envy, does parade itself, not puffed up, doesn’t behave rudely, doesn’t seek its own, not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, rejoices in the truth, bears all things, endures all things – Love never fail. The He says – God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life – Oh what a gift and so He remains “The

reason for the Season” oh yeah.

In John 14:1-6, Jesus makes this plea – “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, Believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself – that where I am you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way.” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Ask Him today, to come into your life and heart and you will accept Him and your Lord, and Saviour and soon coming King.

Hallelujah!

We are so privileged to read this capsule of Jesus and realize that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” Bill & Eileen White Administrators Prayer Canada Internationale Prayer Centre

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD - 9

Donna’s ABC Daycare My name is Alice and I’m three years old. This year I have been nice. I helped my mom make cookies.

For Christmas this year I would live a jingle bell.

Henry wants a Christmas ornaments. Mom should get a teddy bear and dad would like a moustache.

Love Alice

My name is Harlyn and I am two years old. This year I was nice. I helped my daddy and mommy in the house. For Christmas this year I would love Paw Patrol and a snowman. Can you please bring Chloe and Zoey some treats.

Love Harlyn

My name is Bowden and I am three years old. This year I was nice and a little bit naughty. I played with my brother. For Christmas this year I would love dinosaur T-Rex and Lawson would like a Raptor Dinosaur.

Love Bowden

My names is Dawson and I am five years old. This year I have been nice. I helped mom put the star on the Christmas tree. For Christmas this year I would love a snake that wraps onto my finger. Mom wants a bow for her head and dad wants skates.

Love Dawson

My name is Rory and I am three years old. This year I was nice and a little bit naughty. I played with my friends and helped my dad outside. For Christmas this year I would love a Batman truck and remote control truck. Bridget would like more Babies please.

Love Rory

My name is Ridge and I am four years old. This year I was nice. I played in the rain with my mom. For Christmas this year I would love a T-Rex, tractor, bubble car, my mom would like some shirts. Dad would like a new truck.

Love Ridge

My name is Bennett and I am two years old. This year I was a little bit nice and a little bit naughty. I helped my mommy and daddy shovel now and I played with Callie lots. For Christmas this year I would love a camping mat car for me and daddy.

Mommy would love a transformer Bumblebee car and I think Callie would really like a new ninja turtle.

Love Bennett

My name is Everett and I am three years old. This year I was a little bit naught and a little bit nice. I helped my mom vacuum and clean the house. For Christmas this year I would love a choo-choo train and a Jet Super Wing. Can you please Lochlan some Rescue Bots.

Love Everett

My name is Tucker and I am five years old. This year I was nice. I helped my sister clean her room. For Christmas this year I would love a monster truck and a baby Springer Spaniel black and white puppy.

My sister would like a truck and trailer. My dad would wants a card that he could use to order a truck and trailer. My mom wants a beagle dog.

Love Tucker

My name is Annalise and I am five years old. This year I was nice. My sister had too many things in her hands so I carried her backpack. For Christmas this year I would love new skates and a new helmet.

My sister would like new Babysitter Club books and my brother would like cars. I think my mom would like a new phone and dad would like new headphones.

Love Annalise

My name is Kristian and I am five years old. This year I was nice, a little bit naughty, a little bit nice and naughty. I helped my mom and dad pack up the dishwasher. For Christmas this year I would love my own little puppy. My brother would like a new nutcracker. My dad would like his very own square candle. My mom would like her very own dress. I want my puppy to be black and have a bed and a leash.

Love Kristian

My name is Elisa and I am five years old. This year I was nice. I helped my mom clean dishes. For Christmas this year I would love a swimming toy horse that can go in water. My mom would like new clothes and my brother would like a toy dinosaur and a toy gun.

Love Elyza

My name is Adrian and I am four years old. This year I was nice. I helped my mom and dad shovel my deck. For Christmas this year I would love a real lizard. My dad would like to watch tv. My mom would like to watch tv too.

Love Adrian

My name is Kyson and I am four years old. This year I have been nice. I helped my mom to make buns.

We’re going to give you cookies. For Christmas this year I would love a remote control car. Kelsey wants a baby and Cruz wants a board game. Mom maybe wants a massager the dad wants a new wallet and phone.

Love Kyson My name is Oaklen and I and one years old. This year I have been nice. I started potty training and have been doing awesome I make mom, dad and brothers smile everyday. For Christmas this year I would love some really cool dinosaurs for maybe some monster trucks. I would also love my mom and dad and Dawson to have a wonderful Christmas.

Love Oaklen My name is Kaleb and I am four years old. This year I was nice. I helped my mom make cookies. For Christmas this year I would love an RC Mustang.

Emily wants a Barbie RC too. Mom and dad want a decoration that looks like meteor.

Love Kaleb My name is Kensley and I am two years old. This year I was a little bit naughty and a little bit nice. I helped mommy do laundry and took Zoey for walks.

For Christmas this year I would love a new baby. Can you please bring Kyson a brave and Cruz a baby too?

Daddy would like a blow up Santa and mommy would like a key.

Love Kensley

My name is Gordon and I am four years old. This year I was nice. I helped my mom put things up for camp. For Christmas this year I would love Battle Bots. My mom would like a new I-Pad for just adults.

Molly would like a fairy. My dad would like a new gun that has a scope.

Love Gordon My name is Bridget and I am five years old. This year I was nice. I helped my mom clean the kitchen.

I also helped mom and dad clean the basement.

For Christmas this year I would love Lego World Tour, toy horses and a Elsa sled that some with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf. Rory want his own remote control monster truck. Maybe mom and dad want a foot rest.

Love Bridget

My name is Addalynn and I am five years old. This year I was nice. I share my ipads with Haven. For Christmas this year I would love a brabie food truck and a LOL air plane and a boom box. Mom would like new slippers. Grama would likened pj’s. Paper would like a new gun.

Love Addalynn

10 – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Season’s Greetings from all of us at

12537-20th Ave., Blairmore 403-562-2900

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year The holidays are in full bloom, and we just want to wish you every happiness, and express our sincere appreciation for your kindness.

All the best to everyone!

CNP WASTE DISPOSAL LTD. From Management & Staff • 563-5220 • 563-0321

Summit Home Center Wishing you Health, Prosperity and Peace.

Be Safe and Kind to one another, ~ Blair, Cathy, Joel & Staff 10701 - 20th Ave., Blairmore, AB. 403-562-8282 1-888-562-8281

Dr. Greg Steed • Dr. Mark Leishman, Dr. David Baker • Dr. Fraser Peterson 1-800-663-5041 • 403-627-3290 1342 Veteran's Street Pincher Creek

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD - 11

Blairmore Precision Machining & Welding

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Sentinel Rd, Coleman (403) 562-2884

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Royal Canadian Legion Bellevue Branch #19 (403) 564-4644

DRain BRotheRS ConStRuCtion LtD. We extend our Best Wishes for a Joyful Holiday and a wonderful New Year.

Pass Beverages 1995 Ltd. Frank industrial Park403-562-8585

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Hours:deC. 24 - Closed aT noon Closed: deC. 25, 26 & 27 deC. 31 - Closed aT noon • Closed Jan 1

Bagatelle Hours: Dec. 24 Closed at 3 pm CloseD: Dec. 25, 26 & Jan. 1

8334-19 Ave., Coleman • 403-562-7915

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Thank you for all of your support in the past year from the doctors and staff at

13119 20 Ave, Blairmore (403) 562-7144

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Dr. Charles Zachar and staff.

Holiday Hours: Thursday, december 24 10am-3pm Friday, december 25 – Closed Monday, december 28 – Closed Tuesday & Wednesday, december 29-30 - 10am-5pm Thursday, december 31 – 10am – 3pm Friday, January 1 – Closed

12 – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from THE PASS HERALD – Wednesday, December 23, 2020 “I'll be home for Christmas You can count on me Please have snow and mistletoe And presents under the tree.”

Bing Crosby – lyrics Kim Gannon

Looking Back

By John Kinnear

Exactly 50 years ago, in 1970, I found myself on the road, heading home to the Crowsnest Pass for Christmas. The trip turned into a 600 mile nightmare that still leaves me shaking my head. It is only through time that dramatic events in our lives mellow and we can look back at them with some degree of humor. Such is the case with this story.

This Christmas odyssey started in Grande Prairie, Alberta, where I was working for a planning commission and engaged to a local girl from there. That year she decided to head for Swan Hills for Christmas to visit a friend and I wasn’t invited! The thought of being alone at that time of year in a city I hardly knew with no family or friends kind of worked me over and a serious case of homesickness set in.

At the time I was driving a blue 1959 Pontiac Laurentian, a lovely little 6 cylinder job we had jointly purchased from a Chinese fellow who had only (and this is no lie) driven it to and from the Buddhist church that he attended in Grande Prairie. This car ran so smoothly and quietly that at an idle you were never sure if it was still running. Earlier that winter it had survived a serious ditching on the forestry trunk road between Grande Prairie and Grande Cache and appeared relatively unaffected except for a mysterious distributor problem that surfaced shortly after.

That homesickness overcame me and in spite of that tricky distributor I decided to try to make the long arduous trip home to be with my family at Yuletide. I set out two days before Christmas in -35 degree weather with exactly enough gas money in my pocket to get me home. The pull of family was strong and visions of Christmas cheer and home cooked meals danced in my head as I pulled out of Grande Prairie that clear ice cold morning. The recently replaced distributor began acting up immediately but I was determined to make it home and so I found that if I drove at exactly 53 mph the car would stop bucking and run relatively smoothly.

I was no more than thirty miles out, near a little town called Bezanson, when the first of many frustrating incidents occurred. An attempt to throw some mandarin orange peelings out my driver’s side window resulted in the window disappearing into the door and the crank turning freely on a stripped shaft. Now I don't know if any of you have ever tried driving in -35 below with your window down but I can tell you it was wild. At the nearest town I scrounged a piece of cardboard, fit it in to the window space, jammed two screwdrivers into the affair to hold it in place and continued on my way, ever determined to be home for Christmas.

It was three hours later when I hit Valleyview, which is sort of a halfway point between Grande Prairie and Edmonton. There is an infamous stretch of highway there which regularly ices up and before I knew it I was on that skating rink strip which was, just to make it interesting, enveloped in an ice fog. I don't think I can verbally paint just how bad this situation was but suffice it to say I managed to white knuckle it past logging trucks sliding sideways and a lot of other similarly terrified motorists.

The whole way there that Pontiac rudely reminded me of my 53 mph handicap by bucking and backfiring till I returned to that sacred speed. Two hours later I found myself approaching the Yellowhead highway intersection at a service station junction called Gunn, about 30 miles out of Edmonton. It was there I decided to make my first gas stop and try to unthaw my hands. (that window repair leaked like a sieve). I pulled into the pumps, stepped on the brake and sailed on past them and piled into a huge snow bank the owner had built up from weeks of station cleanups. It seems I had somehow run out of brake fluid!

You'd think I would have noticed soft brakes sooner but chugging along at exactly 53 m.p.h. I hadn't had much occasion to use them. At any rate their tow truck pulled me out and back to the pumps where I gassed up and begged enough brake fluid from the owner to carry on, explaining that I wouldn't have enough money to get home otherwise for Christmas.

After Gunn I took the sneak route around Edmonton via Devon and headed south down the QE #2 Highway south. The occasional engine misfire kept me on edge and I prayed that distributor would hold together.

What I didn't realize back then was that that ditching on the forestry trunk road a week earlier had done serious damage to the engine timing gear, a part whose raison d’être escapes me. Needless to say it and the distributor were not getting along and it was only a matter of time before something serious developed.

Halfway between Edmonton and Calgary the engine oil light came on, the car quit and I coasted to a stop on the four-lane. I bundled up and hitchhiked to one of those 24 hour superstations on Gasoline Alley just outside of Red Deer and "conned" the jockey there into driving me back with some oil. It took a push start from his tow truck to get me going 53 mph again which was probably a sign that the distributor was about to distribute itself into little pieces. The trip south through Calgary (pre Deerfoot Trail days) was managed with a lot of bucking, praying, cursing and body urging that cantankerous Pontiac through intersections and onto Highway 2 south again.

It was beginning to seem like I might make it all the way when just outside of Claresholm it happened. I took my foot off of the gas to slow down for an accident that had occurred up ahead. There was a loud ugly bang, a lurch, and then a backfire and that temperamental Laurentian coasted to a stop once more, this time for good.

The RCMP officer writing up the accident was good enough to drive me into Claresholm where I arranged for a tow truck. I then walked across town to the Bell Hotel lobby and made a desperate reverse the charges call to home where the whole frustrating story was poured out on the phone and I begged to be rescued. I had, I explained, suffered the slings and arrows of this outrageous Pontiac and by opposing had ended them.

Then using my remaining gas money I entered the bar, surrounded myself with glasses of draft beer and waited.

It's hard to explain just how lonely I felt there in that quiet little prairie town on the night before Christmas.

It's not hard to describe, though, how I felt when my father and beautiful big brother walked through that lobby door hours later, all smiles and full of reassurance.

Being home that year for Christmas with my family was extra special. It is truly what the Yuletide is about.

A family celebration with those you love. The wonderful thing about family is that they're always there when you need them.

I didn't realize it at the time but I was at a turning point in my life back then. I never returned to Grande Prairie and I abandoned my career in architecture and began working in the coal mining industry as had my father and his father before him.

Oh yeah. One more thing! I never drove that dam temperamental Pontiac again although my brother-in- Photos from top: 59 Pontiac Laurentian, Timing chain and law, whom I gave it to in disgust, managed to put over 110,000 trouble free miles on it. Go figure. gear complex, My rescuer, my brother, my best friend.

I am sure Lorraine joins me in wishing you all a very safe and Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas from Lorraine and I.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

John Kinnear photos