Crowsnest Pass Herald w/ Christmas Greeter

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Queens Platinum Jubilee medals awarded Independant Newspapers in southern Alberta recognized for their contribution to their communities and the province LISA SYGUTEK Publisher On Saturday, December 17, several independent newspaper owners in southern Alberta were awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal by MLA Roger Reid in Claresholm. Seven thousand medals were awarded throughout Alberta.

Bottom left, Jane Ann Reimer receives her medal. In his statement remark MLA Reid commented, “Jane Ann demonstrates leadership abilities through spearheading initiatives that have enhanced the vibrancy of the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass. She has contributed much to the overall wellbeing of the “Pass.” Her ingenuity and volunteer efforts provide opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate together while building community”.

Bottom right: Lisa Sygutek receives her certificate. Sygutek was nominated by three individuals so the medal will be awarded at a different ceremony.

Top photo from left to right: Rob Vogt and Amanda Zimmer from the Claresholm Local Press, Lisa Sygutek from the Crowsnest Pass Herald, Shannon Peace from Pincher Creek’s Shootin’ the Breeze and and Fort Macleod Gazette owners Emily and Frank McTighe from the Fort Macleod Gazette.

In a statement from MLA Reid, “For generations our weekly rural papers have been a reliable and trustworthy source for local, national, and international news. They have provided a local voice and opinions that reflect the realities and values of our rural communities. The have shared reflections on how the events of the world affect each of us back here at home.

Cont’d on page 2

Frank McTighe photos

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2 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Teck Resources visits Municipal Council for ‘year in review” update NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter Employees of Teck Resources were present at the Municipal Council meeting on Dec 13 as part of a delegation to provide updates on the business’ future and the technology they are working on.

Rory O'Connor, the manager of social responsibility, spoke about how they came to council last year prior to the elections. This year, he wanted to give the council a “year in review” including Teck highlights and advancements on projects.

“I think it's always interesting just to highlight that Teck does have a big footprint as an operation, an operator and employer in the Elk Valley and the Crowsnest Pass,” said O’Connor.

He said the work they do locally has an extensive impact and how they have operations with a global reach.

“There's 8000 employees in the province of BC, with over 500 employees that live here in the Crowsnest Pass that contributed to a workforce that's over 10,000

Thanks The CCHS Grad Class of 2023 would like to thank Chris’ Restaurant, parent volunteers and, most of all, the community for a very successful Senior Supper. This fundraiser would not have been a success with out any of you!

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strong worldwide,” added O’Connor.

He did not spend much time explaining steel-making coal as he said the council is “very familiar” with this information.

“Roughly 70 per cent of the world's steel is made from the product that comes from the Elk Valley. It is a very important product in terms of its impact on the infrastructure that we need for ongoing urbanization with the current standard of living,” said O’Connor.

According to O’Connor, this type of coal is essential for the transition to a low carbon economy with wind turbines and solar panels requiring steel. Teck currently has four operating facilities in the Elk Valley and then one facility in care and maintenance, which is the Coal Mountain facility.

With their extensive work in the area, O’Connor said the extended impact, in terms of direct jobs and induced indirect jobs, is only possible with the employment that Teck has. He also spoke on the work they have been doing to implement water treatment.

“Water is a very vital resource. (It’s a) hot topic related to mining,” said O’Connor.

Councillor Lisa Sygutek commended Teck for their “Water open house” they held. She said it was an “unbelievably well done” presentation that was quite easy to understand.

“You were able to answer in a professional concise manner that's understandable to everyone,” said Sygutek.

O’Connor said they are also in the process of developing a central shared office in Sparwood along the highway. Teck’s corporate maintenance team has opened an office in the Crowsnest Pass in downtown Blairmore. The office is a “bustling place” that has a capacity for 50 people.

Visit teck.com for more information on the business and the work they are doing in the Elk Valley and around the world.

Queens Platinum Jubilee medals awarded cont’d from page 1 This tradition continued through the difficulties of the past two years during the COVID pandemic. In a world that was flooded with diverse opinions our local weekly papers worked extra hard to bring perspective to residents.

In a day and age where not everyone chooses to get their information from Google and social media, our local papers ensured that their readers were informed and educated.

In a world where those who choose what we see

and read are more and more removed from the local community, our local weekly newspaper publishers have stood their ground and stood up for their communities. I am grateful for the service that local papers continue to provide in the face of adversity in a rapidly changing media market.

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to ensure you are engaged with your community and that your readership is informed with facts and a range of opinions.”

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Pass Herald subscription update Just a quick reminder that most of your subscriptions are coming due in January.

If you receive a paper copy of the paper, check the date on your mailing label. There is a line that says, for example, exp. 01/23. If this is your subscription date, it’s your time.

You can pop into the paper to renew your subscription, or you can go to our website and renew online.

There are two options to renew with a digital subscription or if you hit on the subscription menu, you can also now renew your hard copy. You just fill out the form and then send an etransfer or you can email or call the paper with your credit card, and we will get you updated. A one year paper subscription is $45 for adults and $40 for seniors (local).

If you do the on-line subscription the buttom will take you directly to the ISSUU site where you input your credit card information. We outsource our digital subscription. The cost for a digital subscription for one year is $35.

We are taking two weeks off over the holidays and the boys and I are heading to Mexico. This is a first for me and I’ll let you know if being away for Christmas is a good thing or not. As it is, my boys rarely leave their rooms. This way they are forced to spend a week with me. Selfish, I know, but little do they know I have ulterior motives, so don’t tell them if you read this and you see them on the street!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 3

Vision Credit Union announces community initiatives Camrose, Alberta – Schools, charities and organizations in communities across rural Alberta have a new place to turn for financial support thanks to a community grant program announced today by Vision Credit Union.

Called Helping Hand Grants, the program offers up to $10,000 in funding to qualifying organizations for capital projects that benefit communities and the people who live there. Through these grants, Vision Credit Union will provide more than $180,000 per year on an ongoing basis.

“We’re excited to launch Helping Hand Grants to support projects that are truly enriching our communities. Our mission as a credit union is to improve the lives of the people we serve and the well-being of our communities,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union. “This initiative invests in this mission.”

Helping Hand Grants are open to non-religious/nonpolitical organizations that operate in Vision Credit

Union’s 23 branch communities. Applications can be submitted for any funding amount up to a maximum of $10,000 per grant for specific capital projects (not operational funding). They will be reviewed by the Helping Hand Grants committee, which is comprised of Vision Credit Union’s CEO and Board. Grants applications will be evaluated based on the project’s benefit to people and the community.

Grants are open to non-members as well as Vision members. Interested parties can submit their applications and supporting materials online or at the Vision Credit Union administration offices in Camrose or Wainwright.

Or dropped off at any Vision Credit Union branch.

The application deadline is January 15, 2023, applicants will be notified about the status of their application

by February 28, and the grant funding will be announced in March.

Applications and additional information on Helping Hand Grants are available at whatsyourshare.ca/helpinghand-grants ABOUT VISION CREDIT UNION: Vision Credit Union Ltd. is a community credit union with over 36,000 members across Alberta. Over the past 70 years, Vision has evolved from a single branch in Camrose with assets of $178, to become the province’s third-largest credit union with assets over $2 Billion and branches in 23 rural Alberta communities.

Learn more about Vision Credit Union at www.visioncu.ca

DID YOU KNOW? The Hawaiian alphabet has 13 letters.

HWY #3, Frank • 562-8043

According to Alberta Law Insurance companies cannot tell you where to repair.

Your Vehicle - Your Choice

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at the Pass Herald

The Simple Raven’s Post

BY AVNER PERL

Holiday Cards Thirty years ago, we used to get, on average, fifty Christmas cards. Some were from people that we only heard from on the holidays and often some notes told us what was new in their lives. Now it’s a week before Christmas and we have six cards.

We sent ours some time ago. Holiday wishes on the screen are not the same. They come and go, leaving an empty feeling. Of course, the price of postage plays a role, but it reflects on the relationships between people as well. There is less commitment and less time for each person. We want a superficial relationship that is down to the bones. Like all things, we go for quantity, not quality in our modern life. Some of my Facebook friends have thousands of “friends” and they are lonely.

Out of the six cards, one impressed me the most. It is a painting depicting a couple of homes in the forest by mountains in the light of a full moon. Could have been taken in the Crowsnest Pass. The written message is, “Peace on Earth.” No religious sayings, just one wish. Rick and Joan, who sent it to us, have no children. They are Christians and lived in Calgary most of their lives. Now close to eighty years of age, why is their number one wish for peace on Earth? Don’t they care about prosperity, the sad state of health care, or our deteriorating safety with all the cheating and crime that is going on? Don’t they want fewer taxes and more services? Why did they drop the mention of our Christian heritage? Don’t they worry about other races taking the country over as they used to?

My research shows that Earth at different periods had over twenty-four kinds of humans, some coexisting at the same periods. Some go back hundreds of thousands of years and we have bones and artifacts to prove it. Modern science improved our ability to investigate those past societies and even reconstruct how they lived. The planet changed and the climate also changed. There were floods, earthquakes, and droughts and changes lasted much more than a human’s lifetime. At times, human populations almost vanished, and at other times experienced overpopulation in some areas. Humans of all sorts and sizes adapted and survived much longer than we homo

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403 563 3999 sapiens existed in the current period. However, we are the winners. All the other types of humans disappeared, and we flourished. There were humans with bigger brains and stronger bodies, but we were more adaptable and capable of working together.

Now we are approaching eight billion individuals on Earth and risking the collective suicide of human civilization. I pray not to be the last human on Earth.

I had a dream once, where I was a raven flying over a destroyed Earth. There were cities broken down, ships half sunk and trains overturned. I was exhausted looking for a place to land, but there was none. Everything was broken down and there were no people or other living things. I cawed, as ravens do, but an answer never came.

Peace on Earth, or the survival of our species, should be everyone’s top priority and we have had warnings and instructions on how to achieve it for thousands of years now.

If we want to research, using the latest technology available, the information is free. The Earth is full of evidence of past civilizations assumingly of human societies that often surpassed our present. It’s underwater, under the ground, and frozen in ice.

Much of it is simply existing in the open, but people are so used to it they do not see it. When I was in Israel, I saw old ruins that were built by ancient technology that we can’t repeat today. Egypt has a lot more.

There is no way to deal with all the available data in a short newspaper column.

We are vulnerable to extinction, but also close to perfect existence as described by dreams of heaven. If we look at the world today, we see great danger looming. Wars, natural disasters, and evil people with enormous power at their fingertips. Our weapons can destroy humankind, and so can our personal want of power. Those who are comfortable are under siege by those who have nothing. Look at the borders of most rich countries. When in trouble we say “God help us”, yet we don’t follow His instructions.

It’s simple. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Do it and you have peace on Earth as written on the Christmas card.

In the beginning, God or “Holy Spirit” hovered above “Tohu Va-Vohu” or “formless void” in English, and later He created humans in His image. (Genesis.) We are a spirit that can have a material form created from the dirt of the Earth. A spirit is eternal, but bodies are not. To survive in material bodies, we are instructed to function as one body that takes care of all its parts, which are all needed in some way.

Christmas is coming, and I have a wish. I wish that people, regardless of their religious affiliations, will spend time contemplating the spiritual message that all faiths have. Go with your community, thank God for what we have, and figure out how to spread the goodness. Go to your temple and contemplate what the Christian faith is about.

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

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4 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED BYLAW NO 1095, 2021 - LAND USE BYLAW AMENDMENT 7:00PM, January 24, 2023 Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers 8502 – 19 Avenue, Coleman PURSUANT to sec琀ons 216.4, 606 and 674 of the Municipal Government Act, Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000, Chapter M-26, the Council of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in the Province of Alberta hereby gives no琀ce of its inten琀on to consider proposed Bylaw No. 1138, 2022, being a bylaw to dispose of the municipal reserve designa琀on (in part) on a parcel of land legally described as a por琀on of Lot 1MR, Block 3, Plan 831 1587 containing ±0.01 ha (0.04 acres), as shown on Schedule ‘A’. The subject lands are located in Bellevue, and are known municipally as 2958 214th St.

appeal in wri琀ng by January 4, 2023, to the SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT APPEAL BOARD or the Land and PROPERTY RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, as may be applicable.

Subdivision and Development Appeal Board: MUNICIPALITY OF CROWSNEST PASS BOX 600, CROWSNEST PASS, ALBERTA T0K 0E0.

Fee of $400.00 must be included with the appeal.

Land and Property Rights Tribunal 1229-91 Street SW, Edmonton AB T6X 1E9 Development O cer Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Phone: 403 562-8833 Email: development@crowsnestpass.com

2023 ANIMAL LICENSES

our list. If you do not provide us with this informa琀on, you may be responsible for the 2023 Business License fee and associated penal琀es.

ANIMAL LICENSES 2023 Animal licenses are now available for purchase at the Municipal o ce. Choose from an annual, a three-year, or a life琀me license. To avoid receiving $100 a penalty for unlicensed animals, please ensure you have purchased your 2023 license by February 1.

Please visit h琀ps://www.crowsnestpass.com/municipalgovernment/council/bylaws to view the complete bylaws.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS • Regular Council Mee琀ng - January 10 at 7:00pm • Regular Council Mee琀ng - January 17 at 1:00pm • Regular Council Mee琀ng -January 24 at 7:00pm

2023 Animal licenses are now available for purchase at the Municipal o ce. Choose from an annual, a three-year, or a The purpose of life琀me license. ** Council mee琀ngs are held in the Municipal Council proposed Bylaw No. Chambers located at 8502 - 19 Avenue, Coleman.

1138, 2022 is to provide for the subdivision and To avoid receiving $100 a penalty for unlicensed animals, please ensure you have purchased your 2023 license by All Council mee琀ngs are open to the public with the consolida琀on of the January 31. excep琀on of In Camera items. Packages and minutes can be lands with an adjacent found on our website at www.crowsnestpass.com. residen琀al parcel.

Dog Dog Cat Altered Unaltered THEREFORE, TAKE CHRISTMAS TREES NOTICE THAT a public One-Year $ 25 $ 50 n/a hearing to consider the DON’T LET YOUR CHRISTMAS TREES BECOME A Three-Year $ 60 $ 120 n/a proposed Bylaw No. PATHWAY FOR PESTS 1138, 2022 will be held Life琀me $ 100 $ 200 $ 25 in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Council Chambers at Winter is here and it is 琀me for wood 7:00pm on January 24, 2023. Each person shall be allo琀ed 5 To view the complete Animal Control Bylaw, please visit burning stoves and Christmas trees. Here are minutes to present their posi琀on. some 琀ps to help avoid spreading invasive www.crowsnestpass.com. species with your 昀rewood, Christmas trees, AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that anyone wishing to provide and decora琀ve wreaths during the holidays. slide decks, maps, videos or a wri琀en submission regarding the proposed bylaw should email: Bonnie Kawasaki, Execu琀ve Assistant to the CAO at bonnie.kawasaki@ crowsnestpass.com with the bylaw number and public hearing date clearly marked in the subject line no later than 12:00pm on January 17, 2023. Verbal presenta琀ons (limited to 5 minutes) will be accepted at the public hearing.

For ques琀ons regarding the proposed Bylaw please contact the Development O cer by calling 403-562-8833 or emailing development@crowsnestpass.com.

A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected at the municipal o ce during normal business hours.

2022 PROPERTY TAXES ARE OVERDUE

Please be advised that on January 1, 2023 a 3% penalty will be applied to all unpaid outstanding Property Taxes. To ensure the penalty is not applied to your overdue balance, payment must be received by the Tax Department no later than midnight on December 31, 2022.

1. Get your permits Before ge ng your permit, look at Alberta’s forest area map to determine what designated area is close to you and what area you will use your permit. You can receive a Personal Use Forest Products Permit (PUFPP) 24 hrs a day, 7 days a Payments can be made at the Municipal O ce, 8502 – week from h琀ps://www.alberta.ca/tree-cu ng-permits.

19th Avenue, Coleman between the hours of 8:30am and aspx. This permit outlines rules and regula琀ons, helps 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, or dropped o昀 in the mail slot on monitor harves琀ng ac琀vi琀es, and provides 琀ps on how to the northeast corner of the building a昀er hours. harvest trees and 昀rewood safely.

Payments can also be made by telebanking, internet banking, or at any 昀nancial ins琀tu琀on (allow three business DATED at the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass in the Province days to process).Payments mailed to the Municipal O ce of Alberta this 7th day of December, 2022. must be post-marked no later than December 31, 2022.

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS The Development Authority of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass recently approved the following development applica琀on(s): DP2022-189: 13546 18 Avenue, Blairmore (Lot 8, Block 3, Plan 6050L). For a Day Home (Permi琀ed use)

2. Stay local It is important to buy local, cer琀昀ed, heat-treated 昀rewood or cut down trees locally to avoid moving invasive treekilling insects and diseases. It is recommended no more than 80 km from your home.

For further informa琀on, please call (403) 562-8833 or email taxroll@crowsnestpass.com.

3. Pick a healthy tree By selec琀ng a tree with green needles, you are avoiding moving a tree harbouring disease or forest pests.

ENFORCEMENT FOCUS - JANUARY TRAFFIC FOCUS Winter driving takes extra cau琀on and a琀en琀on, especially near intersec琀ons. Make sure you are giving yourself extra space to stop as you are approaching stop signs and other controlled intersec琀ons.

DP2022-190: 13214 19 Avenue, Blairmore (Lots 3-5, Block 6, Plan 3380T). For an exis琀ng “Single-Family Dwelling” (Permi琀ed use), with a 33% variance to the west side yard setback. For an exis琀ng “15.52m2 Shed” (Discre琀onary use) Addi琀onally, be extra vigilant of pedestrians that may be with a 20% variance to the area, 26% variance to the east crossing Municipal roads on crosswalks and allow them side yard, and 24% variance to the rear yard setbacks. extra 琀me to cross.

DP2022-192: 1738 East Hillcrest Drive, Hillcrest (Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 0712040). For Alterna琀ve/Renewable Energy (Permi琀ed use) roo昀op solar panels (Personal use)

Remember these simple 琀ps:

4. If you can’t iden琀fy it, don’t move it This is a popular 琀me for making holiday wreaths, but it is important to only take what you can iden琀fy. Invasive plant species can s琀ll spread their seeds in the winter琀me, so it is important to ensure you are not selec琀ng regulated invasive plant species.

5. Check your gear Invasive species can easily spread by a琀aching to your trees, boot laces, Velcro, pets, and vehicles so before you leave the site, check your gear for hitchhiker seeds and plants!

BYLAW FOCUS BUSINESS LICENSES

6. Local disposal Just like when you are bringing home your tree or 昀rewood, keeping it close to home helps prevent the spread of disease 2023 Business License invoices have been mailed and are DP2022-193: 1314 83 Street, Coleman (Lot 14, Block 10, due January 31. Your 2023 Business License is not valid un琀l and other forest pests. A昀er Christmas, you can dispose of Plan 3387AE). For an exis琀ng Enclosed Entry a琀ached to the you have paid the invoice. According to our Business License your tree at the Community Yard Waste Site (1152 - 148 exis琀ng “Mobile Home” (Permi琀ed use) Bylaw No 1043, 2020, it is an o昀ence to carry on business in Street, Frank) December 28 - January 6 | 7:00am - 3:00pm. the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass without a valid business For any ques琀ons on 昀rewood and forest pests please visit DP2022-ST061: 22709 8 Avenue, Hillcrest (Lot 9, Block 35, license and could result in up to a $500 penalty. h琀ps://www.dontmove昀rewood.org/ and h琀ps://www.

Plan 5150S). For the opera琀on of two “Tourist Homes” For addi琀onal informa琀on on the alberta.ca/forestry.aspx.

(Discre琀onary use) If your business no longer operates in the Municipality of Community Yard Waste Site and invasive species in the Crowsnest Pass, please advise us of your business closure Any persons claiming to be adversely a昀ected by the above by comple琀ng and returning a Business License Cancella琀on Crowsnest Pass, please visit h琀ps://www.crowsnestpass. com/. discre琀onary development permits or variances may 昀le an form found on our website, so we can take your name o昀

8502 - 19 Avenue, Coleman Box 600, Crowsnest Pass, AB, T0K 0E0 ph: 403-562-8833 e: recep琀on@crowsnestpass.com www.crowsnestpass.com A昀er Hours Public Works Emergencies: 403-562-2021

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5 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Crowsnest Pass has a new yoga and wellness studio HERALD CONTRIBUTOR The name of the studio, Hearts Peak Collective, comes from a mountain peak south of Turtle Mountain. Owner Kyla Skretting said the name resonated with her, with “collective” coming from a desire to have clients and practitioners feel like they are part of a community. The studio offers a collective of yoga instructors from the community as well as local retail products. “[I want] people to know they have a space to come to, a safe space to be, whether practicing or teaching,” she said.

Skretting has been a yoga instructor since 2016 and moved to the Crowsnest Pass two years ago. She couldn’t find anywhere for yoga during the pandemic and was motivated to create her own space.

The studio hosted an open house in early December that she felt was a success and her new space was very well received by the community.

Skretting said she has been working diligently since October setting up her new business and renovating the space, and says it’s been an exciting challenge to ensure everything is just right before the doors open.

“There was a lot of work involved, but I could see past its previous use, and envision what a studio would entail, and look like,” said Skretting.

Hearts Peak Collective will be running specials and sales for founding members through the end of January, said Skretting.

Hearts Peak Collective is located at 2462 213 Street in Bellevue, the previous home of Connected Cuppas.

Affordability Action Plan sees Alberta households receiving rebates NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter The Legislative Assembly of Alberta has introduced the Affordability Action Plan that would see Alberta households receiving rebates and price protection on fuel to combat the rising cost of inflation.

Affordability Minister Matt Jones spoke with the media about the benefits each household would receive under that legislation.

“The average Alberta household will benefit up to an estimated $900, that's

WILL BE CLOSED TWO WEEKS FOR HOLIDAYS Dec. 22nd - Jan. 8th - OPEN Jan. 9th Dec. 28th and Jan. 4th - NO ISSUE

JANUARY 11th - FIRST ISSUE BACK

Hearts Peak Collective Yoga and Wellness Studio

households without children, without seniors or disabled Albertans. They'll be receiving up to $500 in electricity rebates, natural gas price protection and 13.6 cents off per liter from January to June on gasoline and diesel,” explained Jones.

As the inflation situation has persisted, Jones said they were working on relief payments to seniors, families with children, and disabled Albertans on core support programs. These groups will get an additional $600, made up of $100 payments each month from January to June.

Every piece of the act has different timelines, but natural gas price protection will be a “permanent feature” in Alberta going forward.

“On an ongoing basis, if natural gas exceeds 650 Gigajoules, Albertans will receive a credit for the difference between 650 (Gigajoules) and the price on the natural gas portion of their bill,” said Jones.

They are also making the fuel tax rebate permanent. 13.6 cents per litre, including GST, will be taken off from January to June. After June it will continue, but will be based on the WTI (West Texas Intermediate) oil price index.

“The fuel tax relief right now is based on triggers and as long as oil prices in the previous quarter are above on average $80, there's a reduced fuel tax. If it's above $90, then the full fuel tax is removed,” explained Jones.

Those “triggers” will be suspended from January to June and then return after the period is over.

“We also put 20 million into food banks and are expanding low-income transit.

Those (initiatives) will be over the next two years,” said Jones.

Beyond that, they will also be providing significant targeted relief to families with children up to age 17, seniors 65+ and vulnerable Albertans with household incomes under $180,000.

"That will give us six months to evaluate the state of inflation and cost of living (then) respond based on the situation at that time,” said Jones.

He said they are hoping to ease the pressures from families, in particular, those with children who are facing increased challenges due to inflation and excessive cost of living.

“This is the largest relief package in Canada by far and part of that is that for many of the same reasons that Albertans are struggling with cost of living, our commodity-based economy is doing very well and we want Albertans to benefit from their own resource,” added Jones.

Alberta NDP finance critic Shannon Phillips said Albertans still don’t have clear answers about when they will receive some of these benefits, despite weeks of anticipation.

“This provides no certainty whatsoever for families who are struggling and need these extra supports,” Phillips said in a statement, “In addition, a number of these initiatives are quite limited in scope, whether we are talking about electricity rebates or the natural gas.”

According to Phillips, the “incompetent performance” of the current government over the past three years and the handling of pandemic supports, does little to help convince Albertans this will work.

“Albertans have not been given any assurances that there will be a smooth rollout of any of these benefits and the answers that were given (December 8) don’t inspire confidence in that regard.”

Visit alberta.ca/affordability-action-plan.aspx for more information on the Alberta government’s plan and the relief to Albertans it includes.

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6 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Herald Editorial

Herald ‘Letters to the Editor’ Policy Policy: The Pass Herald welcomes Letters to the Editor that examine issues, but reserves the right to edit for length, libel and syntax. Writers must sign letters and include first and last names, address and telephone number. Address and telephone numbers will not be published. Only in exceptional cases will the Pass Herald withhold the name of the writer and in those cases the writer must disclose his/her name, address and telephone number to the Editor. Electronic email will be considered an electronic signature.

Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinion of the Pass Herald. Letters cannot exceed 600 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. Deadline for submission is the Friday prior to publication.

LISA SYGUTEK As I write the last editorial of 2022, I realize that we made it another year and there are huge changes in the horizon for the newspaper industry. First, the Pass Herald is the Plaintiff in a class action lawsuit against Goggle and Facebook. I’m meeting the solicitors on December 29 to sign the paper that will start the proceedings in the new year. I promise, I’ll update you as we move forward.

Also, we are almost through Bill C-18 in which the federal government is forcing, through legislation, the social media giants to enter negotiation with newspapers in which they use content. This is a game changer in our industry, as newspapers will finally be compensated for the work they have done to produce written content.

I believe that 2023 is going to be a huge year for our industry and I can’t wait to see it unfold.

As you noticed I have completely new staff here at the office. David left us in May and Nick started in July. I also brought Tina into the group, taking over the Advertising Lead position.

After decades in the industry Betty finally retired. Trust me I tried to talk her out of it, but ultimately, I realized that it was her time to leave us. She was a valued employee here and I miss her wisdom and newspaper knowledge more then she will even know. People like Betty, the pioneers in this industry, are hugely missed by newbies like me (this is only year 22 for me).

My feature writers John and Avner have added diverse content on topics in which they are experts. John has been gracious enough to take on a more regular role in the paper.

I often say he’s the historian of the community.

There were some incredible highlights for me throughout the year, the biggest being our Shop Local Campaign.

We had 28 businesses participate and we gave out over $2000 in prizes. We ran a contest that required people to get a stamp for each $50 spent locally. We did this so we could see, in real numbers, exactly how much money was spent in the campaign. I was shocked and surprised when we calculated the final number, and it was almost $28,000 (we had some late entries). Thank you to all the businesses and community spenders who helped keep our local businesses busy this Christmas.

This year I was sued for libel and won!

This year I was re-elected to the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association, we represent all weekly newspapers in Alberta and Northwest Territories, and became Vice-President. I can’t tell you how proud Buddy would be if he were here.

My friend John Barlow represents our community, and I couldn’t be prouder, and our MLA Roger Reid has decided not to run again in the next provincial election. I will miss him. He performed his role with dignity and integrity, and I am proud of how he represented his riding and will miss him terribly.

So, what a wonderful way to end 2022. Council budget is done with a 2 per cent increase. My sons are home and they are thriving and we are soon heading on a holiday. The paper is having a great third and fourth quarter; we had the best Christmas Greeter ever.

So, thank you Crowsnest Pass for reading our paper and buying our ads. We try to keep it 100 per cent local and give the past, present, and perhaps the future history of our community for years to come. It’s hard to believe, in the digital age of fake news, that we are plugging forward but onward and upwards we go.

Our industry is changing and so, by default, is the Pass Herald, which is now offering on-line subscriptions. It makes my day when people stop me to tell me they love my editorials. Sometimes I even wonder if anyone reads them!

The other day when I was wondering about the paper and its future, I came to realization that we tell the story of this community, from births to deaths, swim meets to hockey games, community events to tragedies.

We symbolize the mural on the window outside the office; we are the photos and written history of the Crowsnest Pass since 1930. If nothing else matters about a newspaper, keep that in mind. We are your history.

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 that, I am blessed beyond words.

Here’s to looking forward to our 93rd year here in our beautiful ‘Garden of Eden’... as we put our final paper of 2022 ‘to bed’.

Letters to the Editor BRANDY FEHR

Volunteers make a commuity thrive Dear Editor; I wanted to send this letter in acknowledgment of everyone in our community that volunteers their time towards events, recreation, trail building, business supports, fire/rescue, etc. Many volunteers wear multiple hats in our community including parenting, working

full-time and some even owning their own businesses.

Watching organizations struggle over the past year to find volunteers has been disheartening but somehow they are still managing to pull off everything they do, with a smile at that.

My challenge to anyone reading this is to volunteer for something you are passionate about in our community for 2023. Even if it is just a few hours, it goes a long way. If there's an organization you are unhappy with, throw your name in to join the board at their next AGM and be a part of setting the direction for that organization. The Municipality has a great community handbook with all non-profit organizations listed, most could use a helping hand.

For those already involved- thank you for helping make Crowsnest Pass an amazing place to live, work and play.

Cheers!

Brandy Fehr

Bricks and Bouquets This is your column, THE READERS, use it but please don’t abuse it. All Bricks & Bouquets are expressions from OUR READERS and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of THIS newspaper. If you wish to expressly thank someone, please use our CARD OF THANKS section of this newspaper. We appreciate you making this column a success, and keep sending us your Bricks and Bouquets. All Bricks and Bouquets are kept on file at the Pass Herald.

BOUQUET A bouquet to local service stations for lowering their gasoline price to $1.519, but how come it is only $1.199 in Claresholm?

Remember this is our last issue until January 11, 2023

This will be me on Christmas Day! For news stories contact us at: Lisa Sygutek - Publisher passherald@shaw.ca Nick Allen - Reporter/Photography 403-562-2248 Tina Pedersen - Advertising For on-line subscriptions visit our John Kinnear - Community Reporter website at passherald.ca Avner Perl - Feature Writer Owned and Operated by Lisa Sygutek

PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The entire contents of Crowsnest Pass Herald are protected by the Law of Copyright. No portion thereof is to be reproduced without the specific permission of the publisher.

ESTABLISHED IN 1930 SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 92 YEARS

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: (GST Included) • Single Copy: $1.25 • Crowsnest Pass and Area - $45/year (within a 40-mile radius) • Seniors -$40/year • Outside a 40-mile radius $65/year •USA - $75/year

Office Hours: Monday to Thursday Located at 12925 - 20th Ave. Box 960, Blairmore, AB TOK OEO 10 am - 4 pm

Visit us at: passherald.ca Contact us at: passherald@shaw.ca

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8 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Crowsnest Curling Club, a little bit of everything for all levels in the sport NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter The Crowsnest Curling Club hosted a Mixed League event for Christmas on December 15 at the Crowsnest Pass Sports Complex in Coleman.

According to Teresa-Jane Snider, President of the club, the evening was quite a success and explained the days they curl.

“Our curling club has a vibrant seniors league; they curl on Monday and Thursday afternoons. We have an open league on Tuesday evenings and mixed league on Thursday evenings,” said Snider.

New to the curling club this year is a Sunday afternoon event known as “Stirling curling”, which Snider explained is a two-person team where one or both members of the team may use a curling stick to play. There are also numerous events coming in 2023.

“We have Bonspiels lined up for the new year. A club event called the Miner’s Spiel will be held on the evening of Friday, January 27. We will then be hosting Provincial Mixed Doubles Qualifiers February 2 to 5. We then have our fun Shamrock Spiel held March 17 and 18,” said Snider.

They will be closing out the curling season with the “ever popular and long running” Bunny Bonspiel which is held on the Easter weekend from April 6 to 9.

“This Bonspiel has been running since 1947 although we have missed a few years since. The Bunny Bonspiel draws teams from all around Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan,” said Snider She said they are very proud of the curling club and are always welcoming to new curlers. The club will now be on a holiday break with a return to curling in January 2023.

Visit crowsnestcurlingclub.weebly.com for more information on registration and events.

Herald Contributor photo

Photos from the Thursday Mixed League Christmas evening on December 15 hosted by the Crowsnest Curling Club.

22124dg0

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9

Charity Check Stop Crowsnest Pass Fire Department Chief Jesse Fox, far left and Mayor Blair Painter and CAO Patrick Thomas, presents a cheque for $6,213 to Desiree Erdmann, Manager of Crowsnest Pass Food Bank on December 13. The group collected near the intersection by Tim Hortons in Blairmore. The money was raised during a Charity Check Stop.

Nick Allen photo

To all the nominees and winners of the

2022 Best of Crowsnest Awards We value all the work you do serving our community!

Roger Reid, MLA Livingstone-Macleod Livingstone.Macleod@assembly.ab.ca Constituency Office 818 Centre Street SE High River, AB T1V 1E9 825-212-2000

Pincher Creek Office Bay 12 Ranchland Mall 1300 Hewetson Avenue Pincher Creek, AB T0K1W0 403-904-8110

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10 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Estate sale Opportunity for Family Investment East Bellevue – Timberline Ridge 2 legal suites 2729 – 226 street / 2733 – 226 street East Bellevue Million Dollar view of Frank Slide Unit A Private main level entrance 1 bedroom, 2 full bathrooms Kitchen, flex room Private Laundry Attached single garage with 3 stalls off street parking Unit B Private entrance with separate access to private back yard 3 bedroom, 2 full bathrooms

(master bedroom ensuite) Private laundry Kitchen, great room, sunroom, gas fireplace New furnace Detached 24x26 Garage $560.00 - House and adjacent lot (should be $560,000) 2 x 6 construction Metal roof & vinyl siding 2 hot water tanks Exterior gas outlet

For more information call

403-562-7999

CROWSNEST PASS FIRE RESCUE Fire Rescue

As Christmas draws near, I’d like to acknowledge the firefighters who continue to serve their community throughout the holiday season. Christmas is a time of sharing great food, connecting with family and friends and just generally having a warm, holiday season. What may not be seen by the community is the unadvertised darkness of the season with pressures to give gifts, depression, and financial strains. Our fire department often sees an upsurge of trauma related calls for service during this time which we try to manage as best as we can. Our members maintain emergency services throughout this time of year and yet try to balance their own holiday season with the traumatic calls they are exposed to. This is a lot to ask of community members who are there for residents and visitors and believe me, it isn’t easy.

My wish for this season is that you focus on kindness and friendships rather than the massive retail process that we’ve been conditioned to do. Reflecting on my own Christmas experiences, there aren’t too many gifts that I can remember but I know exactly the warmth of my friends and family. If you have a neighbor who hasn’t shovelled their sidewalk-do it. For that matter, if you haven’t met your neighbor, introduce yourself to them. It’s called social capital and it is a wonderful thing. So, as we wrap up the year, I’d like to thank you for the privilege of being your Fire Chief, which is a responsibility and honour that I don’t take for granted.

Merry Christmas to all.

Go out and have fun-but be safe and be prepared!

- Jesse Fox-Fire Chief

Riversdale Resources has a new CEO, Mike Young NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter Riversdale Resources has hired Mike Young as the company’s new CEO. He was approached by the Executives of Hancock Prospecting, owner of Riversdale Resources.

“We were familiar with each other through the Australia mining industry, so they reached out to me and presented the opportunity to lead Riversdale,” explained Young, “Firstly, I discussed it with my wife and our daughter. They thought it was a great opportunity, so I then visited the site in late June and met most of the team.”

While he grew up in Ontario, he never had the chance to live in Alberta. However, he previously worked in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, northern Ontario, and Quebec.

“After the visit, I fell for the Pass and its mining history. During this process, I became familiar with the project’s history, but more importantly, its potential. As someone who loves to build mines, we decided to move to Alberta to take this on,” said Young.

He said it’s too early to say what changes, if any, he is hoping to make as he has only been in the role for ten weeks.

“My priority is to get to know my team and ensure that they are ready for the next round. They are an extremely capable and focused group of people who will form a fantastic foundation for Riversdale going forward,” added Young According to Young, he wants to create a great future for the Crowsnest Pass through responsible and innovative resource development.

“Our ambition is to build Riversdale into an integrated resource company which operates a world-class steel-making coal mine that is safe, and supports Crowsnest Pass, Alberta,” said Young, “We will do this in a way that respects the environment and people, and responsibly build a better, lasting legacy.”

Young explained how steel-making coal is listed as a critical mineral in Europe and will remain the only practical way to manufacture steel at scale well into the second half of this century.

According to Young, Western Australia is the “Alberta of Australia” and Perth is like Calgary.

“We share a spirit of entrepreneurship and continually battle with the federal government, fighting for a fair deal in proportion to our economic contribution to the country through natural resource development,” said Young, “Both Albertans and Western Australians understand the benefits to our communities and our First Nations Peoples that responsible, natural resource development provides.

His entire career as a senior geologist, then CEO, was under Australian state and federal bureaucracies, so he said dealing with Canadian jurisdictions will be somewhat different.

“I have had amazing and very positive experiences in my relations with the First Nations in Australia and I am beginning to build important relationships here too.

The Treaty system is quite different than Native Title in Australia, so that is a new learning, but I am looking forward to developing partnerships, meaningful partnerships, with the First Nations,” said Young.

He also talked about the changes he experienced moving his family from Western Australia to Alberta in the winter, finding the change much easier than expected.

“Alberta is beautiful and the people here have been amazingly helpful and welcoming. Although I already have friends here from as far back as my childhood and Queens university, meeting new people has been fantastic,” said Young.

Young also spoke highly of the recreation there is in Alberta, including biking and skiing.

‘My favourite parts of Alberta are anywhere I can ride a bike, so that’s everywhere... In the ten weeks since we arrived, I’ve done all three in the Pass at Powderkeg, Bragg Creek and Weaselhead,” he said.

And, as a geologist, he said he can’t wait to explore the museums and old mines of the Pass along with going to Drumheller.

Young’s ancestry in Canada extends back to the early 1700s on his mother’s side as they are descended from the original Acadians in Nova Scotia.

“During the deportation of the Acadians in the 1750s and 1760s, thousands of people were deported or died of disease, starvation or shipwrecks. Of over 14,000 Acadians, only 2,600 remained in the colony having eluded capture, including our ancestors,” said Young.

After having four decades in the mining industry, “I not only have decades of experience, but many more stories to tell.”

More information about Riversdale Resources can be found at rivresources.com.

Last issue of the year is December 21 No paper December 28 and January 4 First issue of the year is January 11

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 11

Puzzle Page

Page 12.qxp_Layout 1 2022-12-20 12:29 PM Page 1

12 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Chamber

Connection

(403) 562-7108 12707 20 Ave, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0

office@crowsnestpasschamber.ca

Shop Local Not only at

Christmas but Everyday

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12501-20 Ave., Room 180, Blairmore

403-562-8858

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD -13

('))$&( % Journeyman Certified Carpenter Licensed and Insured

Journeyman Certified Carpenter Licensed and Insured High Energy Maintenance Free PVC Windows & Doors

"!#' !.0%1).+&1'(/10,/.)1 *%+,#*0 1 ",/.)1'(/$#+'-010$+&0-**/01 1-/.,-(/01

"'++$, ,#%&,* )(!- ()--*

Bus: 403-634-3858 email:pkkingsly@gmail.com

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

lannie@westerraearthworks.com

Dog Boarding • Dog Grooming •Dog Training

Master Trainer Jody Clark 403-563-5295 • 1405-61 St. Coleman, AB

CROWSNEST

$/2>24: >2. 08 4

TAXI 403.583.4000

!,)'&+),+ *(,%+ ,"$&'*)(#+ (*% 1=9;<=>6>;<=9;<=>6>;<=9;1=>>6>;<=9)<=

&8::>-<351(35,3,->5>'*87:8"7:7.+>/>%07!4#

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

562-2112 Blairmore 425-7272 Sparwood

page 14.qxp_Layout 1 2022-12-20 1:11 PM Page 1

14 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Summer Village of Island Lake Request for Proposals

Development Officer Position

Squeeze the MOST out of your advertising dollars

The Summer Village of Island Lake, being Alberta’s largest Summer Village and located on the shores of Island Lake, approximately 20 minutes northwest of the Town of Athabasca, is looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual to fulfill a part time contract position for a Development Officer services within our community.

with a combined circulation of over 750,000 for only...

Please visit online for complete details and instructions:

www.islandlake.ca Summer Village of Island Lake, Box 8, Alberta Beach, T0E 0A0

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

1 TFN/NC

Services The Crowsnest Pass AA group has moved effective January 2, 2022.

We now meet once a week. SUNDAY NIGHTS ONLY at 7:00 pm.

Compass Fellowship Church. 2029 - 130th St., Blairmore, AB. Looking forward to seeing you.

1-CC

995

$

Advertise Province-wide

svislandlake@wildwillowenterprises.com Position will be open until January 12, 2023 or a suitable candidate is found

plus GST/HST

Value Ad Network Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association

toll free 1-800-282-6903 x225 email classifieds@awna.com or visit your community newspaper

FOR RENT Newly renovated and decorated one bedroom apartmentin downtown Blairmore. $525 per month.

Phone 604 354 2354

AWNA CLASSIFIEDS Coming Events FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns,Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items for Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us @ sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CAMPGROUND HOSTS NEEDED. Maintenance and office duties for the summer of 2023. Wages negotiable. Please send resume to castlerivercampground@gmail.com. Deadline January 22, 2023.

Farm Machinery BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad.

Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

Feed and Seed WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains.

Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning.

Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

YEAR END SEED SALE: CERTIFIED SEED. WHEAT – AAC Goodwin, CDC Go, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC SO1 Super Oat. BARLEY – Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609.

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.

Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

Land for Sale 3 QUARTERS OF CROPLAND South of Weyburn, SK. Distressed sale. Priced below market at 1.27 x assessment, with a 4% return with lease. $594,800.00. Call Doug at 306-716-2671.

FARMLAND AND PASTURE LAND BY SASKATCHEWAN RIVER. 160 acres. Best hunting in Saskatchewan. Excellent fishing. Thick pine & poplar bluffs, by water coulee. Old yard site with power and water. Revenue Potential. East of Prince Albert, SK. $248,000. Call Doug 306-716-2671.

Personals GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta.

The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information.

KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon.

US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction.

Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com.

Wanted WANTED SASQUATCH SKULL - Also purchasing SILVER & GOLD coins, bars, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, 999+ BULLION, maple leafs, bulk silver, pre-1969 coins. Coin collector BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS, old $ & Royal Canadian Mint coins. TODD 250-864-3521.

Obituaries - Gone but not Forgotten JOHN “ALFIE” BOURASSA 1939 ~ 2022

Mr. John “Alfie” Bourassa of Crowsnest Pass, beloved husband of Mrs. Elaine Bourassa, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Monday, December 12, 2022 at the age of 83 years.

Alfie is survived by his children Karen (Wade) Bannick, Sandra (David) VanderWal. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Alfie will be laid to rest in a private family graveside service in the Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Alfie’s name may be made to STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Services) Foundation, PO Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD -15

Obituaries - Gone but not Forgotten ROBERT JOHN HERDMAN April 28, 1949 ~ December 5, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Herdman on December 5, 2022 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre, Blairmore, AB. He was 73 years of age.

Bob was born on April 28, 1949 in Hamilton, ON. He grew up to be a hardworking individual who also had an adventurous streak and true zest for life. For the last thirty-plus years of his life, Bob lived in the Crowsnest Pass, AB. Here, he made many lasting relationships and good memories.

Bob was a skilled welder. He not only made welding his career, but he also put his talent to use when working on and building motorcycles. Bob had a keen interest in war history and he loved going on bike trips and socializing with friends. While Bob’s journey with us is over, he will ride on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew him.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life is his devoted partner, Samantha Rieberger; his sister, Sharon Herdman; his extended family; and the countless friends he made throughout his life.

He was predeceased by his mother, Marcia Gail Prentis; his father, Robert John Herdman Sr. and his grandfather, James Henry (Endie Mae Brown) Herdman.

A Gathering of Friends will be held at the Bellevue Legion (2401 – 213 St., Bellevue, AB) on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

LOUISE SAJE (Née: Gazvoda)

June 18, 1933 ~ December 11, 2022 It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Alojzija “Louise” Saje. She was called into the arms of the Lord on December 11, 2022 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre, Blairmore, AB. She was 89 years of age.

Louise was born in Yugoslavia on June 18, 1933. She was raised with a great appreciation for family and friends, and with a strong faith – both of which never wavered. Louise came to Canada in the early 1950s. She was a resident of Hamilton, ON for many years before making the Crowsnest Pass, AB her home on October 31, 2015. In both communities she was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League: at St. Gregory the Great Church in Hamilton, and Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Parish in the Crowsnest Pass. Louise also contributed to her parishes by lending her voice to their choirs.

When she wasn’t busy raising her family or serving her church, Louise enjoyed cooking, reading, taking road trips and spending time with friends. Over the years, she also faced her share of challenges, but her strength of character, conviction in her beliefs, and the support of her family and friends gave her the fortitude to overcome them all; most notably becoming a breast cancer survivor.

Louise lived a full and meaningful life, and she will live on in precious memories. May those memories and knowing that she is home with God bring comfort to those who are left behind.

Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her sons, John R. (Cheryl) Saje of Bragg Creek, AB, Danny I. (Sherri Nakamura) Saje of California and Andrew E. (Valerie) Saje of Blairmore, AB; her grandchildren, Jake and Maia-Rose Saje of California; her brothers, Martin (Frances) Gazvoda of Burlington, ON, Milan Gazvoda of Slovenia and Lojze Gazvoda of Slovenia; her sister, Ancka (Ivan) Klobucar of Hamilton, ON; her best friends Maria Tompa and Tilka Jakša of Hamilton, ON and Mary Jo Vajentic of Boardman, OH; as well as her extended family and many friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Terezija and Jožef Gazvoda.

A Memorial Mass was held at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Parish (13126 – 21 Ave., Blairmore, AB) on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 3:00pm with Fr. Joseph Nagothu as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation “Mental Health Program” (PO Box 455 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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16 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022 sists made by Jack Bishop, Aidan Bishop, McKye Schaffer, and Nicolas Gillespie.

During the second, Thunder fell behind but made another 3 goals scored by Jack Bishop and 2 coming from McKye Schaffer. Nicolas Gillespie, Parker Bunnage, Ryder Jorgensen, Gavin Samuel, and Jack Bishop also helping with assists on the goals. Third period, Thunder tipped in another 3 goals by Sam Graham and McKye Schaffer (2). Two assists coming from Sophie Gibboney-Stafford and one from Jack Bishop. Final score for the game was 12-9. Goaltender Owen Kirkman stopped a total of 31 shots on net.

On Sunday, Thunder was on the road to play the Picture Butte Blades.

During the first and second, Thunder was able to sink a goal in each period.

One coming from Sophie Gibboney, assisted by Aidan Bishop. The second goad by Aidan Bishop and assisted from Sophie Gibboney-Stafford. The third period, Thunder made 3 more goals by Gavin Samuel, Jasper Patrick, and McKye Schaffer. Assists from Aidan Bishop, Jack Bishop, and Nicolas Gillespie. Goalie Owen Kirkman blocked 30 shots on his end making the final score 11-5 for the Blades.

Thunder will enjoy some time off over the Christmas break with their next home games being January 7 and 8.

CNP Thunder Hockey LAUREN KIRKMAN

Thunder U13 The Crowsnest Pass U13 hockey team wrapped up the year with two games over the weekend.

The Saturday afternoon game in Coleman was a close one against the Coaldale Cobras.

Thunder was ahead by a goal by the end of the first period with a score of 3-2.

Two goals scored by Parker Bunnage and one from Sophie Gibboney-Stafford. As-

Oh, Holy Night

Join us for

New Years !

Dec 31 @ 9pm

Holy Trinity RC Parish held a day of Christmas Caroling on Sunday, December 18.

The church choir and little participants enjoyed several Christmas songs.

Entertainment by Blue Rock Tickets: $25, include midnight snack and party favours

Herald Contributor photo

Bellevue Legion #19

Coleman Legion Branch #9

GENERAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS January 15, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Coleman Legion

Bylaws make it through first reading NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter Council discussed a Land Use Bylaw amendment to redesignate the Ski Hill lands from various land use districts to recreation and open space. Land Use Bylaw amendment, Omnibus No. 2, also went through its first

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reading along with a Land Use Bylaw Amendment to redesignate a closed portion of land from Recreation and Open Space to Residential use.

According to the Municipal Council package, Omnibus No. 2 continues to clarify the administration of the land use bylaw, the development standards and land uses, apply current best practices, reduce red tape and align the Land Use Bylaw with the provisions of the Municipal Government Act. It is the second in a series of three omnibus land use bylaw amendments to update the land use bylaw.

The major changes included in the bylaw are a definition of Comprehensive Site Development Plan, a definition of Infill Development, comments from a legal review regarding penalties and fines, clarification of the standards for “Recreational Vehicle Outdoor Storage” and “Temporary Sleeping Accommodations” on residential properties and providing for a discretionary use in certain districts as a "Temporary Storage Yard."

Also mentioned in the bylaw is the removal of the prohibition of permanent residential occupancy in a “Recreational Vehicle Park” as opposed to a Campground and the addition of standards to control the number of RVs that may be used for permanent residential occupancy, and to require that such units must be serviced with year-round water and wastewater systems. There was clarification in the definition of “Canvas Covered Structure” to allow its use for any type of storage, not just vehicles and equipment.

It will prohibit the renter of any dwelling unit to bring a commercial vehicle to the premises or conduct a business from the premises unless it is a standard passenger vehicle for employment purposes and unless a development permit for a “Home Occupation” has been issued. The above prohibition includes a “Secondary Suite,” “Tourist Homes” and “Short-Term Rental / Bed & Breakfast.” The bylaw also clarified that the use of a “Tourist Home” is restricted to one dwelling or rental unit regardless of the existence of a duplex or second suite on the property.

Also discussed was Bylaw 1137 that would designate a portion of land from public use to a Comprehensive Ski Village.

Vist crowsnestpass.com/municipal-government to find the meeting packages and minutes from the meeting. Agendas for Council Meetings are posted two business days prior to the meeting with the full packages posted by 4:30 p.m. on the business day before the meeting.

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December 21, 2022 ~ Christmas Greeter

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

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from our

ENTIRE TEAM

Christmas Greeter

Lisa, Nick, Tina, John, Avner, from Shirley, Meechie, Quinn and Seth

Thank you for your continued support!

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2 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

We extend our Best Wishes for a Joyful Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year.

(403) 627-3022

Pincher Creek

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a very happy New Year From Management & Staff CNP WASTE DISPOSAL LTD. 563-5220 • 563-0321

High River Office 618 Centre Street SE High River, AB T1V 1E9 (Office) 1.825.212.2000 livingstone.macleod@assembly.ab.ca Pincher Creek Office P.O. Box 3353 Bay 12 Ranchland Mall, 1300 Hewetson Ave. Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 (Office) 403.904.8110

HOLIDAY HOURS: CLOSED Dec. 23, 2022 to Jan. 3, 2023

What I learned from my mom LISA SYGUTEK Publisher This has been one crazy year for me, both personally and professionally. As you have seen in the last few months the paper is tremendously different in look and content than it was at the beginning of 2022.

I must say, I love it. With my new staff and new look, I have to say I have found my love for the paper again. After 22 years I look forward to walking through these doors and am excited to come to work. Big things are on the horizon for this little paper.

On a personal level, most of you know that I was diagnosed with cancer in mid-April. It was a whirlwind of doctor visits, surgery, and post cancer care. I was one of the lucky ones. I didn’t have to have radiation or chemotherapy (though I think I would feel better mentally had I), but I have to say the word CANCER rocks you to your core. You start to think of things a bit different. You think to yourself, “have I wasted my life, have I done everything I wanted to do, have I taught my boys all the lessons they need to be great men”? Have I, have, have I. On a particularly dark day I found a story I wrote just after my mom died. I write often, it’s therapeutic and in the story, I wrote down all the things my mom taught me. It seems appropriate as the year closes to share them with you. To share the unique relationship, I had with my mom and all the things she taught me as a woman.

I hope that you don’t take any days for granted.

That you don’t sweat the silly stuff or the stupid people that sometimes enter your life. I hope you dance in the rain, smell the roses, and love as if you were dying, I tell you I do now. Cancer for all it took, did in fact give me a few gifts.

For my Mom: They say that your life can be measured by the footprint you leave when you die. If this is true then my mother really left an imprint everytime someone says to me, “Lisa, I remember your mom, she was a spitfire and I see a lot of her in you”.

My mom was larger than life, an icon in this community. Some of you knew my mom as a councilor, to some of you a school board trustee, to many a newspaper icon, to a different generation, a faithful fan of the Lightermen, but to us she was our mother, the head of our family the glue that kept us all together.

When my mom passed away the outpouring from this community amazed me. My mom was walking around heaven pretty proud. The municipal flag

at half mast, a tribute from council, 11,000 hits on the Pass Herald Facebook site, recognition from the Alberta Weekly Newspaper for her 47 years as owner and Publisher of the Pass Herald and the incredible messages sent to our family through phone calls, emails and cards. Father Jack coming down to officiate her funeral. Father Jack you are so special to my mother and myself, she absolutely adored you, and our family appreciates your presence here more than you will ever know. One comment that was sent with me resonates to me, ‘your mom was one of a kind and impacted so many people. There will never be another’.

Believe it or not, my mother lead a simple life in many ways. She lived her life around three values: love, family and integrity.

I’m not sure how many of you know this, but my mother had a very difficult upbringing. Her family was dirt poor and she grew up in a household with an alcoholic mother. It was essentially just my mom and her sister Donna, and they were closer than any two people I have ever met. When my mom first moved to the Crowsnest Pass she lived in Bellevue and she once told me that she was so poor many parents in the neighborhood wouldn’t allow her over to their homes to play. You grow up like this you can either feel sorry for yourself and wallow in humility or you can overcome it and choose your own destiny. Well it’s safe to say Gail chose the latter.

My mom lost a lot in her life. I always felt so bad for her because her journey always seems that of climbing mountains. She lost her daughter Betty–Joe after only a week in this world, her son Ricky after only 16 years, her husband, her sister and eventually through ALS she lost control of her body. The one thing this despicable disease could not take was her mind.

My mom was diagnosed in 2012 with this dreaded disease. She had been sick for some time and to hear this diagnosis was devastating to our entire family. Again my mom was the rock, not once did she feel sorry for herself, she just forged forward with determination, making the best of a terrible situation.

I was lucky enough to spend almost everyday with my mom. It always surprised me when people commented that I was a great daughter and how taking care of my mom was so noble, but I have to say it was a privilege to be with her everyday. It wasn’t always easy, but it certainly was rewarding. I got to see a side of my mom that I didn’t know growing up. I saw her strength, I saw her determination, I saw her humility and I saw her absolute love. What a gift she gave me.

My mom taught us kids several lessons in life: that of family, friendship, love, strength, integrity and living a life filled with fun.

Family: Mom taught us that family is everything. You only get one, borrowed from God and for only a little while, so you better make the most of it. My mom was our patriarch. She ran our family with an iron resolve. She loved us, sometime to distraction. She taught us to make family your priority in life. The number one priority.

Ricky met Gary during one summer at swim club, he came home and asked if Gary could stay with us for the summer, and bang I had another brother. Mom never thought of Gary any different than she did us. He was just another one of her kids. He lived under the Gail rules, often breaking them with Ricky. What a time they both gave her. The stories I can not repeat in this paper.

After Ricky died, I often thank God and my mom for bringing him into our family.

Friends: My mom always said that if you can leave this world with a handful of true friends you are blessed. Well mom you were really blessed cause you certainly had more than a handful. Bud and Gail have been friends for over 47 years. How many of us can say they maintained that kind of friendship for that many years. At the end of her life she was blessed to have Kay help me take care of her and Vanessa to cuddle her in bed at night when I was late or she was scared. I think they were just as blessed to have Gail in their lives as she was to have them at the end of hers.

Cont’ on page 3

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 3

What I learned from my mom cont’d from page 2 Love: Mom taught us to love with our whole hearts, to hug, to kiss, to tell each other every second of every day how much we love the people in our lives. When my aunt got sick my mom took absolute care of her. When my mom and dad got sick I took absolute care of them. The lesson I hope to pass along to my boys is to love and take care of your family, that family is number one.

Strength: My mom taught us to be strong. That as women we could be as strong, as smart and as successful as any man. One time I had an argument with a man and I told him, “you think you scare me, I grew up with Gail”. She made us strong and independent. She encouraged us to have a voice, to use that voice to get your opinion across. To fight for what you believe is right. To make a decision, never second guess it, never look back and own that decision, right or wrong. My mother was black and white, she would treat the king the same way she would treat a pauper.

My mother based her opinion on character not on status. As a councilor I have often heard repeated that she was the people’s councilor. She often bucked the norm, voted based on her own opinions, championed the weak and according to her, was never wrong.

Integrity: My mom often said doing what’s right isn’t necessarily always easy. My mom lived a life of integrity. She worked hard for the Crowsnest Pass. She truly loved this community, calling it her Garden of Eden. As her sickness progressed I would put her in this stroller I had made especially for her and we would go for our nightly walk. She would wave at the people she knew. We would stop and say hello along the way. She would quietly sit in the stroller, just looking at her beautiful community.

Our one stop would always be in front of her house. It was more than just a sticks and morter to her, it was her home, where she raised and lost her children, made a life, made memories. A house full of love.

Live Life as if You Were Dying: My mom lived. I mean she really lived. She danced every weekend with the Lightermen, she gambled, she loved Vegas, she loved travelling, she loved smoking, she loved her fancy clothes, her purple hair and her fingers full of rings. She was larger than life. She made every holiday the best holiday in the world. Christmas was insane, the lights all over the house, the tree overflowing with presents and my Dad swearing while wrapping the presents and decorating the house like Las Vegas.

We were our own version of the Griswold’s. Easter was filled with baskets of chocolates and Halloween was no different, both my parents dressed every year for the costume parade at the Legions. I still have nightmares about some of those homemade costumes.

If life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away, my mother lived a full and glorious life. She allowed me the privilege of being with her every step of her illness from her diagnosis in Calgary, to hospital visits, to home care, to the York Creek Lodge and finally Long Term Care. The hardest part of that was she truly hated it there. Not all the people, not going to lie, there were a few she didn’t like and she had no problems letting them know, but she hated being away from her home. She was trapped in her body, trapped in an institution and that is not the way the way she wanted to live.

The last day she spent on earth, she talked about seeing my dad, my brother Ricky and her sister. She was given a little glimpse of Heaven. She was not scared of dying, but was scared of the process. Her journey is over and she is in Heaven with all those she loves. Willy waited a year; Donna waited 7 years, Ricky 39 years and my sister Betty Joe 50 years. It is their time with her now. I am not sad for her.

She is free from that body wracked with ALS and she is free from the hospital. I am sad for my family, for how much we will miss her. I am sad she won’t be there for her grandchildren’s wedding. I am sad that my youngest will never really know what an incredible woman his grandmother was. I am sad that we have lost both our parents. I miss her. I miss her smile when I showed up, I miss our walks, I miss her smell, I miss the routine we had, and I just miss her. When I think of not having that wonderful woman in my life everyday, it takes my breath away. Thank you mom for all the wonderful gifts you left us. Strength, courage, love, a sense of family and integrity. You left us all big footsteps to fill, but my goodness those footsteps were magnificent.

I hope when I leave this world, I have taught all my boys these wonderful lessons. I walked the walk wondering if I would still have time with my boys. I wondered if I would be there when they eventually get married. Would I be the kick butt grandma I always envisioned.

Cancer taught me a crazy lesson, that our time is finite and can end in a moment.

When it’s over no one will care about how fancy your house was, or what car you drove, but they will remember how you made them feel. So as bad as cancer was, and trust me the experience was horrific, it did remind me about what is important in life, and how I want to live and be remembered. So Merry Christmas to you all and I hope your 2023 is going to be as magnificent as I hope to make mine.

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a new year of peace and happiness.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel 403-562-8555 www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca

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4 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

My European Christmas TINA PEDERSEN Advertising Lead For this year’s Christmas Greeter Edition, I was asked to write something that I wanted to share with our readers.

Since this is a Christmas supplement, I decided to share with you some of the traditions I have grown up with in Europe that I have taken with me to this side of the world and now share with my own family.

When my mother was expecting me, she handmade a wall-hanging of an elf, made from felt pieces sewn onto burlap. The elf has a little pocket on the front, just big enough for a few treats.

This very simple wall-hanging was one of my favorite decorations growing up. Every morning, during the month of December, my brother and I would find a small piece of candy or chocolate in the pocket of the elf.

When I moved to Canada and had my own children, my mother gifted me this wall-hanging and it now hangs in my own home during the month of December and every morning my kids find a small piece of candy or chocolate in the pocket of the elf. Even at ages 12 and 18 they still remind me when I forget to put something in it.

My mother also used to gift us a small present every Sunday during advent (the four Sundays leading up to Christmas). We would have to remember to put our slippers on the windowsill before going to bed the night before and in the morning the elves had brought us a small gift.

I had to adapt this tradition slightly with my own kids as our windowsills in Canada are a lot smaller than they are in Europe, so instead of slippers in the windowsill, I put something in their stockings on each Sunday during advent.

I find that this tradition makes the whole month of December even more magical with the excitement of Christmas being prolonged throughout the entire month. It is likely that I will keep doing this every year until they leave home.

Finally, I wanted to share our special almond dessert tradition.

The dessert is called “ris `a l’amande”, which is actually a French word meaning rice with almonds. Based on an article I read online, the Danes reinvented their simple tradition of regular rice pudding in the early 1800’s to make it fancier by adding almonds, whipped cream and cherry sauce. They gave it a French name to make it more elegant and a new tradition was born.

This is the most popular Christmas dessert in Denmark and is almost always served on Christmas Eve. Here is the twist: The cook hides one whole almond in the pudding, and whoever finds it in their serving gets the “almond present”. Everyone keeps eating the pudding until the almond is found – no matter how full they may be! The finder of the almond will often keep it secret from everyone else until all the pudding is gone before they reveal it.

The present can be anything from lottery scratch tickets to a big box of chocolate or whatever the cook decides. This is such a fun tradition for all ages, and we always end up in lots of laughs!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. Stay safe and healthy and take some time to make memories with those you love.

..

UP TO /405,#5&'05

13!3%23$5"23 1 11:00 -4:00PM DEC 26-30TH /)-445+5(-445* 5 #"0!2$1,,1 12%++1002 /*-.)(/./-'&22

Winter Wonderland An incredible view of Turtle Mountain from the MDM community centre on December 3.

Nick Allen photos

from everyone at

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 5

The origins of Christmas and Christmas traditions NICK ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter Christmas has long been associated with Santa Claus but the traditions many western nations celebrate around December 25 have a storied history from well before it was called Christmas. December 25 is the day which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ although the date itself and several of the customs surrounding the holiday come from pagan traditions for celebrating the winter solstice. This is a breakdown of the many ways Christmas evolved over the years from its origins to more recent additions.

According to Brittanica, the observance of the day of Jesus’ birth was “long in coming” as during the first two centuries of Christianity there was strong opposition to recognizing birthdays of martyrs or, for that matter, Jesus. One widespread explanation is that December 25 was the Christianizing of the “dies solis invicti nati” (day of the birth of the unconquered sun), which was a popular holiday in the Roman Empire. The holiday celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, the casting away of winter and the rebirth of spring and summer. Though this is not for certain.

One of the most easily recognizable symbols of Christmas is the tree. The iconic tree is generally a centerpiece of each household, covered in a variety of decorations, but where did it originate? Christmas trees saw their beginning in the 16th century in early modern Germany. It has been associated with Protestant reformer Martin Luther who it is said first added lighted candles to an evergreen tree. A possible predecessor is the "tree of paradise" from medieval mystery plays that were given on December 24, the name day of “Adam and Eve” in various countries. In such plays, a tree decorated with apples to stand for the forbidden fruit and wafers to represent Eucharist.

Then there is the mistletoe that hangs in the doorway. If you meet someone under the mistletoe, it means you are supposed to share a kiss. Mistletoe was started by the Druids, who believed it was an all-powerful healing item from the sacred oak tree. The Celtic Druids were an ancient civilization of people who lived on the British Isles in what is now Ireland and Scotland. Because mistletoe could blossom during the winter, they came to view it as a sacred symbol of merriment, and they administered it to both humans and animals in the hope of restoring fertility. There are also connections to Norse mythology but how it made the jump from sacred herb to holiday decoration is still up for debate. The kissing tradition appears to have first caught on among servants in England before spreading among the rest of the population.

Mistletoe wasn’t the only sacred plant pagans had connected to the winter solstice. You may have hear the line “Deck the halls with boughs of holly” before and now you get to know why. Holly was another plant connected with the God Saturn and during the Saturnalia holiday, Romans made holly wreaths to exchange as gifts for good luck. Around this time, early Christians began to celebrate Christmas. To avoid detection and make it look like they were celebrating Saturnalia, Christians started hanging holly wreaths. Eventually, as pagans decreased, holly became a symbol of Christmas instead of Saturnalia.

Exchanging gifts on Christmas morning is also a major part of the celebration.

It is believed that gift-giving comes from the celebration of Sigillaria on December 19 as part of Saturnalia in Ancient Rome. It was a day of gift-giving. It has even been found that because gifts of value would give social status contrary to the spirit of the season, there was often pottery or wax figurines called “sigillaria” made specifically for the day. This included candles or "gag gifts" which Emperor Augustus was particularly fond of. Children received toys as gifts as part of the festivities.

Santa himself has an interesting origin. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around 280 A.D. He gave away all of his wealth then traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick, becoming known as the protector of children and sailors. Santa first entered American culture in the late 1800s in New York, when Dutch families gathered to honor the anniversary of the death of “Sint Nikolaas” which was Dutch for Saint Nicholas, or “Sinter Klaas” for short. From this we get Santa Claus. But even before St. Nicholas, there was another bearded old man, Odin. This deity was traditionally portrayed as an old man with a long, white beard with an 8-legged horse called Sleipnir who he would ride through the skies. Kind of like Santa’s reindeer. During the winter, kids would fill their boots with carrots and straw and leave them by the chimney for Sleipnir to feed on. Odin would fly by and reward the children with little presents in their boots, much like we do with Christmas stockings today.

The Christmas wreaths hung on doors and walls through the end of December have ancient origins too. The wreath dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where citizens would hand-make ring-shaped “wreaths” using tree leaves, twigs, small fruits and flowers. They were worn as headdresses and represented one’s occupation, rank, achievement and status. The Laurel wreath was most commonly used, involved in the crowning of victors in the ancient Greco-Roman Olympic Games.

The Yule log, not the dessert, is another staple of Christmas celebrations. The Yule log is a specially selected log burnt as a winter tradition in regions of Europe and later North America. The origin of the custom is unclear but like other traditions associated with Yule, the custom may ultimately derive from Germanic paganism.

Yule is a festival historically celebrated by the Germanic peoples. Scholars have connected the original celebrations of Yule to the Wild Hunt along with the God Odin, whose name Jol became the modern version, Yule. The Wild Hunt is a ghostly procession in the winter sky. It includes increased supernatural activity, including the activities of draugar—undead beings who walk the earth.

With all of the ancient traditions that have influenced the Christmas season, there are still new traditions popping up. Recently, a popular part of Christmas has become the “Elf on a Shelf” that moves around at Santa’s orders to keep an eye on kids before the holiday. The celebrations have even reached Japan where it is known more as a time to spread happiness rather than a religious celebration. Fried chicken is often eaten on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day. It is the busiest time of year for restaurants such as KFC and , apparently, people are able to place orders at their local fried chicken place in advance. There was an advertising campaign by KFC in the 1974 called 'Kentucky for Christmas!' which has been credited with the success of making KFC popular for Christmas.

There are sure to be more traditions added as the years go by with the ever-commercialized holiday at the forefront of media each December. The customs associated with Christmas have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes and origins that have made it a holiday that millions around the world celebrate. Merry Christmas, Serendipitous Satunalia, Joyful Yule and a Happy New Year.

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6 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Merry Christmas

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A wild turkey checks out the snow outside of the Crowsnest Sports Complex.

Good thing it was after Thanksgiving!

Nick Allen photo

Happy Holidays from all of us at

Bellevue Legion #19

We wish you and your furry friends an amazing Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

From your friends at Bellevue Vet Clinic

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 7

y p p a H s y a d i l o H Christmas Market DJ Designs and Pieces at the Christmas Market on December 3 at the MDM Community Hall.

Nick Allen photo

Happy Holidays From all of us at Teck, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy holiday season.

Scan and enjoy a staff curated holiday music playlist

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8 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Kids Kollege Nursery School Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Gwen and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is paint. The best part of winter is the snow. I also really like to play outside with my best friend Lily!

My favorite reindeer is Prancer and my favorite game is hide & seek. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Cameron and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is go to the gym. The best part of winter is the snow and playing in the snow. I also really like to play board games with my best friend Jackson!

My favorite reindeer is Rudolph and my favorite game is Candyland. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Stella and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is cooking in the kitchen. The best part of winter is playing in the snow. I also really like to play hide and go seek with my best friend Finn!

My favorite reindeer is Dancer and my favorite game is blindfolded hide and go seek. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Korbin and I am three years old. My favorite thing to do at school play at indoor playground. The best part of winter is make snowballs and throw them. I also really like to colour and go seek with my best friend and brother Blake.

My favorite reindeer is Dancer and my favorite game is hide and go seek. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Finn and I am three years old. My favorite thing to do at school play with hot wheels.

The best part of winter is skiing. I also really like to colour and go seek with my best friend Jackson.

My favorite reindeer is Dasher and my favorite game is hide and go seek. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Lily and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school play with playdoh and friends. The best part of winter is playing in the snow. I also really like to play with babies with my

best friend Kennedy.

My favorite reindeer is Vixen and my favorite game is hide and go seek. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Kennedy and I am three years old.

My favorite thing to do at school is play. The best part of winter is playing outside in the snow. I also really like to play skipping ropes with my best friend Lily.

My favorite reindeer is Rudolph and my favorite game is skipping. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Katie and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is play babies, kitchen and doctor. The best part of winter is sledding and playing outside in the snow. I also really like to play shopping and gym with my best friends Lily, Kam, Sarah and Selah.

My favorite reindeer is Dancer and my favorite game is making snow angels. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Remi and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is play. The best part of winter is playing outside in the snow. I also really like to play semi trucks with my best friend Cadence.

My favorite reindeer is Rudolph and my favorite game is spoon game with marbles. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Marlee and I am almost five years old. My favorite thing to do at school is play in the gym. The best part of winter is making snowmen and throwing snowballs. I also really like to play ninjas with my best friend Jay. My favorite reindeer is Blitzen and my favorite game is tag. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Jaxx and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is play with cars. The best part of winter is play with shovels. I also really like to play cars with my best friend Finn.

My favorite reindeer is the one with the red nose and my favorite game is monster trucks. I hope to see you soon Santa!

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

R. RINALDI WELDING

Thank you for all of your support in the past year from the Doctors and Staff at

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 2

13119 20 Ave, Blairmore

(403) 562-7144

F R A N K I N D U S T R I A L PA R K 403-562-2511

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Wren and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is tag. The best part of winter is snow. I also really like to play doctor with my best friend Aspen.

My favorite reindeer is Rudolph and my favorite game is house. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Willy and I am three years old. My favorite thing to do at school is playing doctor. The best part of winter is sledding. I also really like to play with painting with my brother Wesley and my teacher Jordan.

My favorite reindeer is Rudolph and my favorite game is hopscotch. I hope to see you soon Santa!

Hi Santa, how are you?

My name is Wesley and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is playing doctor.

The best part of winter is playing with the snow.

I also really like to play with cars with my best friend Finn.

My favorite reindeer is Rudolph and my favorite game is hopscotch. I hope to see you soon Santa!

My name is Benny and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is play. The best part of winter is Santa. I also really like to play with toys with my best friend Wren.

My favorite reindeer are Comet and Dasher and my favorite game is all of them. I hope to see you soon Santa!

My name is Kamryn and I am four years old. My favorite thing to do at school is play. The best part of winter is playing in the snow. I also really like to play with toys with my best friend Audrey.

My favorite reindeer is Santa and my favorite game is octopus. I hope to see you soon Santa!

My name is Andrew and I am three years old. My favorite thing to do at school is play and learn and craft. The best part of winter snowflakes. I also really like to play in the snow with my best friend Santa.

My favorite reindeer is blue rainbow reindeer and my favorite game is video games. I hope to see you soon Santa!

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9

Home for the Holidays JOHN KINNEAR Commuity Reporter “Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays.

‘Cause no matter how far away you roam.

When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze.

For the holidays, you can’t beat home sweet home.”

- Robert Allen Compared to our western culture, the traditional Christmas practices of European countries remain, for the most part, more solemn and respectful of its original purpose, that being the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Most European countries have their particularly unique customs that have been faithfully carried on for centuries. Recently I met the Bubik family from Blairmore to learn about their now three year journey into the language, customs and culture of the Czech Republic. And in the process discover what their Christmas celebration experience had been in this country.

A little background might be in order here. Peter and Corrie Bubik and their children Matthias, Nellie, Tobias and Linnea each packed up one suitcase back in February of 2020 and headed for the medieval town of Jeseník in the area originally known as Silesia on the north eastern side of the Czech Republic near the Polish border. The family had made several trips there in the past to visit Peter’s Czech parents but this time they went there to stay. Peter, a mechanical engineer with an electrical background, had secured a position working on renewable and Net Zero Energy projects in his home country. Peter had experience working on windfarm projects here in the past. In fact as I write this Peter, who will arrive back in Blairmore on the 19th, was working on a wind turbine installation for his own employer’s factory before he left to join his family for Christmas here this year.

The family had only been in Jeseník a short time, staying with his father and mother, when the covid lockdown hit. It was a difficult time for them being situated in a foreign country with a foreign language and culture. The children were forced to get their language training by Google classroom and Corrie continued with her teaching of English instruction of Chinese students on-line. All she could do was give them strong

Beautiful Jeseník town square in Czech Republic.

moral support in their learning journey as she herself didn’t speak the language.

Three years on now all the Bubik children are more or less fluent in the Czech language and were eager and willing to share their take on Czech Christmas customs with me. Corrie explained that it was a bit of a culture shock to come back to the western commercialized Christmas this year after experiencing what she referred to was usually a more solemn celebration back in Jeseník. Custom dictates there that the specific celebration of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is limited to immediate family, but the rest of the festive season does include larger gatherings.

Probably the most surprising custom they encountered has to do with the traditional Christmas Eve meal.

Corrie was somewhat astounded to learn that this repast is fried carp and potato salad. She was sure Peter was pulling her leg when he first told her so. It is in fact a practice that goes back to the old kingdoms and fiefdoms of the 18th century when royalty maintained carp ponds in this land-locked country.

A few days before Christmas, fish mongers, dressed in fisherman’s gear, appear at street markets and grocery stores with water-filled barrels of large live carp. Like a turkey, they are sold by weight, then sealed in a stretchy waterless bag and taken home. Carp (kapr) are pretty robust and survive the trip to the family's home where they spend the next two or three days swimming about in the bathtub. This keeps them fresh and allows the fresh water to purge them of their muddy taste. Twelve-year-old Nellie was quick to offer the comment that,” If you don’t have two bathtubs nobody in the house showers for three days.”

Butchering the carp in the kitchen is also a family tradition and this relative of koi is then cut up, battered and deep fried. The starter for dinner is usually fish soup made from the carp bones and then the fish meal is served with giant bowls of bramborovy salat (potato salad).

Tobias, who is now 10, stepped in to share the next step in the Czech Christmas Eve traditions. He told me that in Czechia there is no Santa Claus. The gifts are brought by what he called a little Baby Jesus (Ježíšek) who appears secretly while the family is finishing their meal. In some circles he is referred to as the Christkind, the gift giver. It seems that he is an abstract figure with no particular physical image attached to him.

Cont’t on page 10

photo wikipedia

Crowsnest Café and Fly shop

Breakfast • Lunch Lattes • Soups• Baking Top quality clothing and gear

by Patagonia, Simms, Hardy ...

Winter Hours 8 to 4 Wednesday Thru Sunday

Hwy 3 Coleman 403-563-8510

Warm wishes for a happy holiday season, along with our heartfelt thanks for your patronage and support.

From all of us to all of you:

Merry Christmas

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10 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Home for the Holidays cont’d from page 9 At some point, as the meal is almost done, a bell can be heard to ring that signifies that the presents have magically appeared and their opening is usually done on Christmas Eve only after the first star in the sky is sighted.

Tobias also shared that there is a tradition of stomping the carp bladder and if it makes a loud pop there will be good luck for a year but if it doesn’t then it’s bad luck. Like everyone else, the Czech people have always looked for ways to foretell the future. Another of their traditions is to put large carp scales either in your wallet or under your plate which will bring wealth and prosperity for the next year.

Mistletoe (jmelí) grows naturally in abundance in Czechia and is used not so much for the amorous aspect as it is for decorating at table settings, in vases and even hung from chandeliers. Nellie, who is now 12, said that there are literally forests of jmelí and that it grows in large clumps. I suggested that there probably would be a lot of kissing going on in that forest which brought a wrinkled nose and a blush from young Tobias.

Tobias then backed his sharing up a bit and talked about an earlier in the season tradition that matches something I wrote about in my last column- An American St. Nick. It seems that on December 6th St Nicholas (Mikuláš) appears at each house accompanied by an angel and a devil. The devil has a large bag with him purportedly to take away bad children.

Cont’d on page 14

Holiday Hours Dec 24th: 8am - 6pm Dec 25th: CLOSED Dec 26th: 9am - 6pm Dec 31st: 8am - 6pm Jan 1st: 9am - 6pm Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from our families to yours!

Corrie Bubic photo

Photos top to bottom: Corrie and young Matthias with their Christmas carp-2008; Bubik family up the Miner's Path 2017.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 11

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year wishes from

Christmas at the Golf Course The Crowsnest Pass Golf Club held their annual Christmas in the Clubhouse on Sunday, December 19. There was a Christmas Brunch, Petting Zoo, Craft and Cookie Decorating, Tobogganing and of course a visit with Santa.

John Kinnear photos

Steiger Flooring Solutions Thanks for all your support throughout the year!

403-632-5489

Happy Holidays and all the best in 2023 from all of us at

Pass Beverages Holiday Hours Dec 23: Closing at 12pm CLOSED Dec 24, 25, 26 CLOSED Dec 31, Jan 1, 2

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Thank you to all our Customers, Friends, Family and Staff - You’re the best!

Mark & Dawn

Country Encounters & Hospitality

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12 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Ugly Sweater Day

To our valued Customers, Neighbors & Friends We wish you all a wonderful

The staff at Riversdale Resources participated in the Chamber of Commerce’s Ugly Sweater Day on December 15, 2022.

By the smiles on their faces, we are thinking that they didn’t feel very ugly at all.

Christmas & Holiday Season

Great job Riversdale for showing incredible community pride and spirit.

From the Staff & Management at Coleman Remedy’s RX

Herald Contributor photo

!

2023

Senior Luncheon On Wednesday, December 14, the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass’ FCCS department held their annual Senior’s Christmas Luncheon at the Elks Hall in Blairmore. Approximately 140 seniors enjoyed lunch catered by Chris’ Restaurant, won door prizes and were entertained by students from Isabelle Sellon School.

John Kinnear photos

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD -13

Donna’s ABC Day Care

Dear Santa, my name is Reagan. How are you? This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Christmas tree and bunny stuffy. Merry Christmas! Love Reagan

like to eat Santa? Merry Christmas!

Love Liam

mas to the reindeer for me? Merry Christmas! Love Ayla

Dear Santa, my name is Xavier. This year I have been naughty and nice (but I can explain). For Christmas this year, I would like a candy cane with cars and monster trucks. My mom is almost done making cookies for you Santa.

Merry Christmas! Love Xavier

Dear Santa, my name is Quinn. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a basketball net and a farmhouse. Merry Christmas!

Love Quinn

Dear Santa, my name is Isabelle. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Hatchimals Rainbow Unicorn and What the Fluff interactive pet. I will like you forever Santa! Merry Christmas! Love Isabelle

Dear Santa, my name is Bennett. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a power cat with cat boy and a Paw Patrol van. Love you Santa! Merry Christmas! Love Bennett Dear Santa, my name is Harlyn. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a doll and a Barbie backpack. I like when you bring me gifts! Merry Christmas! Love Harlyn

Dear Santa, my name is Lenny. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a toy phone and heart pillow. My mom wants a pink dress. Merry Christmas! Love Lenny

Dear Santa, my name is Rory. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a sloth stuffy and Marvel Spidey and Friends vehicle. I love you Santa and all your reindeer and Mrs. Claus!

Merry Christmas! Love Rory

Dear Santa, my name is Alice. How are the reindeer and the elves doing? This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a jungle set and a carriage with a doll. Merry Christmas! Love Alice

Dear Santa, my name is Saige. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like big magic mixies and little magic mixies. Love you reindeer!

Merry Christmas! Love Saige

Dear Santa, my name is Jase. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a T-rex and cowboy playmobil set. My brother would like trucks please. Merry Christmas! Love Jase

Dear Santa, my name is Emmett. How are the reindeer? This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Cocomelon toy and Paw Patrol toy. Merry Christmas! Love Emmett

Dear Santa, my name is Everett. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like masters of the universe action figures and a dino smasher giant skull. Santa I’m leaving cookies and Rudolph I’m leaving carrots. Merry Christmas! Love Everett

Dear Santa, my name is Oaklen. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a dinosaur and diver suit with googles. Dawson would like a diver suit too please. Merry Christmas! Love Oaklen

Dear Santa, my name is Declan. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Rubble X-treme truck and Adventure Bay Lookout Tower. I love you Santa! Merry Christmas! Love Declan

Dear Santa, my name is Louie. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Rubble car and five dinosaurs. My dad would like some candy canes. Merry Christmas! Love Louie

Dear Santa, my name is Ridge. This year I have been naughty and nice (but I can explain). For Christmas this year, I would like a paw patrol headquarters and Spiderman costume with wings. My brother would like a dirt bike please. Merry Christmas! Love Ridge

Dear Santa, my name is Quinn. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Cocomelon car and Paw Patrol. I will leave milk and cookies for you. Merry Christmas! Love Quinn

Dear Santa, my name is Liam. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a shark nutcracker and shark duvet for my bed. What do you

Dear Santa, my name is Ayla. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a rainbow unicorn and a doll. Can you please say Merry Christ-

Dear Santa, my name is Lily. This year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Encanto Madrigal house and a guitar. HoHoHo Santa! Merry Christmas! Love Lily

From our families to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a .

Happy New Year

10701 -20th Ave., Blairmore, AB 403.562-8282 • 1-888-562-8281

CNP EMS Industrial Safety Services Ltd.

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14 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Home for the Holidays cont’d from page 10 The Pass Herald

We would like to thank every advertiser, subscriber and reader who believe that newspapers matter and continually support your local paper Because of you we are heading into our 93rd year, here in the Crowsnest Pass Proud to be the second oldest business in the community.

From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In most cases the devil menaces but the angel intervenes and claims that the child standing in the doorway will be good for a year and with that Mikuláš elicits that promise from the child, hands off some candy and moves on. The spectre of the devils appearance in costume is used ostensibly to keep the kids in line. Just hearing the story from Tobias was enough to thoroughly spook Linnea who ran to her mother Corrie for a hug.

The conversation then moved back to learning the Czech language and Nellie shared with me a bit about how different and a bit complicated it can be. Their language has seven different cases as compared to our three- subjective, objective and possessive. There are four genders as well. Each time you use a noun or a verb you have to change the ending according to the gender. Corrie pointed out there are seven different ways to say the word “book”.

During their time in the Czech Republic they have ventured to several countries including Scotland, Greece and Austria. What an amazing adventure this family is on and what an opportunity it is to broaden all their perspectives.

When I asked what the future held for this family Corrie said she wasn’t sure but that they had bought a house in Lipová-Lázně on the Staric River, one of two rivers that runs through nearby Jeseník. The property is typical of the area in that it has a river stone foundation house with big barn and fruit trees.

Cont’d on page 15

Corrie Bubic photo

Linnea (7), Tobias (10), Nellie (12) and Matthias (14) outside a woodskeeper's cottage (chata) 2021

We wish all our valued customers an amazing holiday season!

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Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD -15

Home for the Holidays cont’d from page 14 She pointed out that the area they are situated in, the Jeseník district, was once part of what was known as Sudetenland. Historically it was of 99% German nationality but became part of Czechoslovakia after World War 1. Hitler demanded and got the Sudetenland lands back in 1938 in the Munich Agreement but this was reversed after World War 2 and three million ethnic Germans were forced to leave their Sudeten homes and the area.

It is apparent to me Corrie and Peter Bubik are doing a masterful job as parents.

They are not sculpting their children to their expectations but guiding and protecting their unique gifts. Corrie is quick to point out that in her eyes it is their loving Creator who really guides them every step of the way. From all of us who are following their journey or are now aware of it, comes the wish for a special back home Christmas visit with friends and all the success in the world in their future endeavors.

Author’s Note: In the course of our conversations Corrie shared that Linnea, in particular, is quite proud to be the fifth generation born in the Crowsnest Pass whose lineage, on her mother’s side, is from the Spatuk family.

Corrie Bubic photo

Photos left to right: The Bubik's newly acquired home on the Staric River outside Jesenik, Czechia; a wilderness outing for the Bubik family.

Pass Herald is closed Dec. 22 to January 9 Holy Trinity Parish Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve, Saturday Dec 24: 5:00pm & 9:00pm

As the holiday season approaches, our hearts are warmed by thoughts of the many good people we’ve had the opportunity to serve this year.

Thank you and Happy Holidays from your friends at Pincher Creek Co-op

Christmas Day, Sunday Dec 25: 10:00am New Years Eve (Mary Mother of God), Saturday Dec 31: 5:00pm New Years Day (Mary Mother of God), Sunday Jan 1st 2023: 10:00am We are now accepting E-transfer donations

Coleman Community Christian Centre Christmas Eve Service December 24th @ 7pm All donations collected will be given to the local food bank.

(autodeposit) Please add your name and address when sending

Pastor Jep Banda will be speaking

e-tranfers.

8534-24th avenue Coleman (up from the Subway)

donation2holytrinityparish@shaw.ca

Everyone is welcome!

Fr. Joseph Nagothu, Pastor Deacon Renso Castellarin

Wishing you and your loved ones a Main Street Blairmore

wonderful Holiday Season!

As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped to shape our business in a most significant way.

We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come. Wishing all a very happy Holiday Season and New Year filled with peace and prosperity.

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16 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Ben Wong

Restaurant, Grill & Wok Holiday Hours Dec 24: 11am - 8:30pm Dec 25: Closed Dec 26: Closed Dec 27- 31: 11am - 9:30pm Jan 1-9: Closed

New Years Eve Special Buffet 4:00pm - 8:30pm

Join us for some Christmas Break

FUN!

Join us at Black Rock Pizza for FREE

pizza and games!

December 29th 6-8 pm

Ski Patrol at Pass Powderkeg will be rewarding positive hill conduct by handing out FREE poutine Vouchers until the end of December.

For students grade 7-12

Shop Local a Success The staff at the Crowsnest Pass Herald held their Christmas Party at Encounters Wine Bar and Small Plate Kitchen. The food was amazing and the company fantastic. The team was celebrating the successful Shop Local Campaign, which infused almost $28,000 in the local economy. The Herald had 28 businesses participate in the contest which saw six different people win baskets full of gift certificates and giftware. The contest had over $2000 in prizes.

Lisa Sygutek photo

Coleman Community Society would like to thank all of the volunteers, vendors, attendees and those who donated to our 4 events held in and around Flumerfelt Park.

Thank you to all who have supported us in any way in this past year of 2022.

The gallery will be closed from Dec 12 - Jan 26. We look forward to seeing you again in 2023!

Thank you to the Municipal Employees, "Santa's Elves", for lighting up the trees in downtown Coleman. The streets look fabulous! A special thank you to the Air Cadets who helped us at Pumpkins in the Park, glad to have you back, and the CCHS students who have come out to help us with various jobs.

We look forward to seeing all of you again in 2023.

Visit our website at colemancommunitysoceity.com or for inquiries to volunteer or with questions our email address is coleman communitys@gmail.com Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Stay safe!

Coleman Community Society