Crowsnest Pass Herald - Dec 20 w/ Christmas Greeter

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Crowsnest Pass

Herald

Vol. 93 No. 48

December 20, 2023 $1.25

Serving our communities since 1930

Shop Local Contest Winners

Lisa Sygutek photos

The Pass Herald wrapped up their “shop local” Christmas contest on Monday December 18.

Five lucky winners went home with prize baskets and wreaths decorated with gift certificates, all donated by participating local businesses.

Based on completed stamp passes that were dropped off at The Herald it was calculated that $37,450 was infused into the local economy with this campaign!

Contest Winners: Donna Olchowy (top picture), Megan Painter (bottom left), Carol Wasylien (bottom middle), Darlene Newsham (bottom right).

Not pictured: Henri Gousseau

2 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

WILL BE CLOSED TWO WEEKS FOR HOLIDAYS Santa shredding snow this Saturday afternoon NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter Santa is set to hit the slopes at Pass Powderkeg this weekend ahead of his trip around the world. Before he finishes his Christmas deliveries, Santa is making a stop at Pass Powderkeg thanks to CNP40.

Stephanie Olson, the youth coordinator for CNP40, talked about the ‘Ski with Santa’ event at the hill and what will be happening on Saturday, December 23 at 1 p.m. when it takes place.

“I think I was just trying to find an activity to do at the ski hill and it just kind of popped into my mind,” said Olson.

Olson explained how about two years ago, she thought it would be a great idea

Teck delivers update at Municipal meeting NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter At a recent Municipality of Crowsnest Pass council meeting on December 12, Teck provided an update on its operations and future plans. The presentation was led by Rory O’Connor, Manager of Social Responsibility and Teck representatives, Norm Fraser and Craig Bishop.

The highlight of the update was the about Teck rebranding the steelmaking coal operations as Elk Valley Resources as a result of a proposed transaction involving the sale of 77 per cent of the steelmaking coal business unit.

O’Connor also emphasized the commitment to environmental sustainability and outlined initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company plans to focus on electrification of operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and investing

RCMP Quarterly Update NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter On December 12 in a recent council meeting, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment in Crowsnest Pass provided an update on various aspects of their operations. The presentation touched on areas such as the implementation of body-worn cameras, community policing priorities and crime statistics.

The RCMP representative, Corporal Mark Amatto, began by addressing the field test pilot project for body-worn cameras, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability to the community. However, the ten-week test concluded with the contractor failing to meet the outlined requirements, prompting the detachment to transition to a new contractor. Amatto assured the council that more details would follow once confirmed.

Moving on to community policing priorities, Amatto highlighted efforts to address street gang activities, enhance road safety, communicate effectively with the public, and reduce substance abuse. The RCMP emphasized the role of social media platforms in engaging with the community and gathering information for more effective investigations.

Closed: Dec. 20th - Jan. 5th Open: Jan. 8th No Issue: Dec. 27th and Jan 3rd First Issue Back: January 10th

and “wonderful for the community” to have an event at Pass Powderkeg close to the holidays.

“PPK and CNP40 have joined in partnerships in prior years and so we were just trying to find a way to work together again, and this idea came up,” said Olson.

She has been working to make the event happen in coordination with the ski hill, but it has been a little hard to get Santa on skis, especially with the holiday so close.

This year it is happening.

“Santa’s coming to the hill at 1 (p.m.), he’s bringing his snowboard and we’re going to have a hot chocolate bar with all of the toppings set up at the lodge, by donation, to support the PPK Nourishes program,” added Olson.

According to Pass Powderkeg Ski Area’s previous fundraisers, the PPK Nourishes program provides healthy snacks to kids in the community in need at the ski hill.

“Everyone, the entire community and whoever wants to come and ski with Santa is more than welcome,” said Olson.

Although Santa is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m., he might want to get a few runs in and might be on the hill a bit longer according to Olson, who shared, “I think he’ll have a bag of treats to pass out to the kids.”

Visit passpowderkeg.com for more information on this and future events happening at the ski hill. in innovation and research and development.

In addition to the business update, Teck highlighted its community investment initiatives over the past year, totaling around $350,000. The contributions include support for various projects, with a notable mention of Revive the Roxy. “(Teck) had an amazing opportunity to see communities come together in the form of mutual aid and implementation, and we’re very excited about the things that we learned from that,” said O’Connor, “We look forward to building upon that in the coming year as well and of course, look forward to more opportunities to enhance significant impact with our community investment program.”

Fraser, the engagement manager of the Fording River Extension Project, provided an update on the Fording River Extension Project, emphasizing its importance in extending the life of the mine and sustaining jobs and benefits.

“It’s an extension of our existing operation which began in 1970 and the current permitted reserves there are starting to decline,” said Fraser.

The project is currently undergoing regulatory processes, with a target for permitting in 2027.

The representatives also discussed Teck’s plans for expanding water treatment capacity, with a focus on reducing selenium levels in treated water by 95 per cent.

Council members expressed appreciation for Teck’s contributions to the community and sought information on the impact on employment. Teck reassured the council about the stability of the mining business and the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.

Amatto provided an overview of the detachment’s focus on aggressive driving, especially in construction zones and areas with new drivers. Despite challenges in implementing alcohol screening training, the detachment has trained its members in radar operation, contributing to increased road safety.

Concerns related to substance abuse were discussed, with a focus on gathering information on controlled drug and substance activities. Amatto explained that the detachment reported progress in addressing drug-related offenses, including arrests and seizures of firearms and prohibited weapons.

The report also touched on recent law enforcement actions against motorcycle gang members involved in the assault and home invasion that took place in Coleman. Concerns were raised about the release of these individuals, prompting ongoing attention to their activities.

“They’ve got special attention being paid to them. They’re gang members. They identified themselves as gang members and therefore, if you want the attention then you get it,” said Amatto.

Council members expressed appreciation for the detachment’s visible presence in the community and commended the officers for their approachability, particularly during traffic stops.

“I have a Main Street business. I watch (RCMP members) walk the streets. I watch them in the coffee shops. They’re personable and they talk to you. They really make an effort to be part of this community,” said Councillor Lisa Sygutek.

Amatto provided staffing updates, acknowledging a soft vacancy due to medical leave and the addition of new personnel to enhance financial oversight and public service at the detachment.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 3 Frank Slide Template.qxp_Layout 1 2023-01-30 11:44 AM Page 1

POLICE BRIEFS Between December 12 and 19, the Crowsnest Pass Police Department responded to 36 calls for service, of which none were unfounded. A total of three charges were made during this period.

The calls included two traffic collisions, three speeding violations, two other moving traffic violations, three non-moving traffic violations, one 911 Act, one Firearms Act, two written traffic offence warnings, three victim services offered – declined, two uttering threats against a person, one theft under $5000, one theft under or equal to $5000 from a motor vehicle, one theft over $5000, one mischief, two frauds, three suspicious persons, one false alarm, one breach of peace, one assistance to the general public, three wellbeing checks and one possession of illicit or over 30g of dried cannabis (or equivalent) by an adult.

The Crowsnest Pass RCMP reported an increase in thefts from vehicles, a common occurrence as winter approaches. A suspicious person was reported on December 14 at approximately 5 a.m. in Blairmore, rummaging through an unlocked vehicle with no items missing. Despite video footage, the person remained unidentified.

Another incident on December 14 involved the theft of a flat deck trailer in Coleman at 8:26 p.m.

Video surveillance posted on Facebook showed a red truck hauling the stolen trailer.

On December 16, a woman reported a vehicle break-in where the passenger side window was smashed, and her purse was stolen. The missing items, headphones and a wallet, were traced to Coalhurst by Coalhurst RCMP. The police also mentioned an increase in violation tickets and warnings for speeding, attributing it to more members having radar laser qualifications. A firearms-related incident was mentioned, involving a person reported to have mental health issues and possession of multiple firearms. The complainant, concerned about their grandfather, did not want police to attend but informed them as a precaution.

RCMP also touched upon a case of uttering threats between two brothers on an unspecified date. The argument arose from a workplace disagreement, leading one brother to consume alcohol and make threats. The reporting party notified the police to be aware of the situation in case his brother caused any issues.

The RCMP advised residents on preparedness for winter emergencies, urging them to keep vehicles fueled and maintain awareness of weather conditions.

Despite an uneventful week, the RCMP stressed the importance of being cautious and prepared, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant, especially during what police termed “fraud season.” If anyone has information about copper wire thefts or other criminal activities, they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers to ensure community safety. Crime Stoppers Tips can be phoned in to 1-800-222-8477 Reminder to residents of computer, credit card and Revenue Canada scams asking for money or cash cards, claiming there are warrants out for arrest. Do not give out personal information to persons you don’t know. DO NOT OPEN EMAILS if you are suspicious of its origin. Do NOT buy gift cards for payment to Revenue Canada.

The Simple Raven’s Post

BY AVNER PERL

Whose rights do we support?

The year Madeleine and I got married, we rented an apartment on the 33rd floor of a Calgary Highrise. There were plenty of other cheaper apartments on the market, and they all had one or two bedrooms. We chose ours because it had a panorama of unobstructed mountain view in the distance.

Many years later, I visited a friend in the same apartment. Now it was called condos instead of apartments and people theoretically owned it. I felt annoyed. The expanse of mountain view was gone; instead, we were looking at other condos across the street. The friend told me that first the owners sold the apartments as condos and soon after other buildings were built. The condo owners tried to fight the development and lost. Now they lived in overpriced condos they couldn’t sell for the original price. My friend, the owner, said that his money was stolen in front of him in open daylight. He purchased a condo advertised as with a mountain view and he owns one looking at other apartments. City hall told him they can’t stand in the way of progress.

Upon retirement, I moved to the Crowsnest Pass to avoid the city problems, but now, 20 years later, I am facing the same here. When I moved here, the town asked me if I would object to developing the lower end of the ski hill into a “comprehensive ski village” whatever that is. I wanted to see development, so I said how can I help you? They built a road and a sign showing a nice new neighborhood and went on. I would have preferred the old natural setting but “You can’t stand in the way of progress” I remembered.

They built a road and about half of the homes. Now it seemed as if it was going to be a high-density neighborhood, but we need more homes and people, I reminded myself. Last week it reminded me of the condos in Calgary dilemma. The town invited me and all close neighbors, from the ski village and the old neighborhood on my side to a Council meeting. They are dealing with a proposal to build small homes on

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the tiny ledge of the road in front of the ski village. It will hide the view from the new houses and may look bad from the homes below. Both sides are up in arms.

I went to the meeting and mentioned that with a new development, we may increase the fire hazard, but I was ignored. One after the other, the home owners pleaded not to destroy the chief attraction, which is the view. Against them stood up the developer and the probusiness crowd. Selling the strip in front of existing homes will provide revenue and additional tax money. The developer mentioned he will try to use local materials and labor.

A vote took place in favor of development. All of us who normally are probusiness realized that our property values went down for someone else to make money by changing rules in the middle of the game or so it seemed. To me, it looks like the classic conflict between the Dark Lord and those who unite to protect their interests.

You don’t have to agree with me.

Years ago, I watched a feeding of hunting dogs in France. On cue, the dogs jumped to the food, snarling and biting. In no time, the food vanished and a tiny pup started licking the floor. He will probably not survive, said the guy who fed the dogs. He could survive with a little help, I thought.

Do we support the right of business people to make money or conversely, the rights of less powerful people to enjoy their rights? “Do unto others as you want done to you.” I am glad that I don’t have to decide since we have both in our community.

Although the new development proposal will not change my life much, I support the existing home owners who invested in what they believed to be an attractive, relaxing view. I also can’t be on the side of increasing population density in one location which changes the character of the town.

I watch Gaza and Israel fighting, hurting each other. I moved away from there to a peaceful Canada. I saw the conflict in the city and moved to a little old town. Now I wish to live in peace for what’s left of my life. I think most of us write Christmas number one wish as Peace On Earth. Why don’t we do it? Mostly because some of us want to have more than others. To me, it is the temptation of the dark Lord.

If we have wars, all of us will suffer. My aim is to resolve the reason for wars by agreeing to not succumb to greed and avoiding wars. Think about all the money we can save. We should consider the broader view and the one that directly impacts us.

It’s not communism, it is Christianity that used to be important to us.

Now, as everyone is sharpening their swords, I pray the words of an old song. “Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.” Merry Christmas to all.

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

4 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Nicholas L. M. Allen photo

Members of the Municipal council during the meeting on December 12 that saw a public hearing for the sale of municipal reserve for the future development of tourist homes.

Tourist homes in ski village debate NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter In a municipal council meeting held on December 12 in the Crowsnest Pass, a public hearing took place on the closure of a municipal reserve and its rezoning, with the bylaw later going through first and second readings.

The public notice for the hearing was advertised November 29 and December 6, 2023, in the Pass Herald, and mailed to adjacent landowners and residents of the Southmore development. Administration highlighted that only one of these options is needed ahead of a public hearing.

During the hearing, a resident voiced opposition to changing the zoning of a piece of land near the road leading to the speed field, citing concerns about the impact on the environment, safety, and potential erosion. Another resident objected to the removal of the municipal reserve designation on Lot 51, emphasizing potential negative effects on the community, such as increased traffic and parking issues.

The meeting also featured statements from various community members expressing both support and opposition to the proposed rezoning. Concerns were raised about the potential noise, impact on property values, and the overall aesthetics of the area. Proponents of the project highlighted its potential economic benefits, including increased tourism and job oppor-

tunities.

The developers behind the project presented their vision for the “mini homes,” emphasizing the positive contributions they believe the development could bring to the community. They addressed concerns raised during the hearing and committed to transparency and community engagement.

The council then went on to discuss the bylaw about the closure of a municipal reserve and its rezoning later during the meeting.

CAO Patrick Thomas explained that this rezoning is to support a conditional sale application. Thomas highlighted the need for additional applications for rezoning and development permits. The location in question was described as being along Southmore Drive, next to the utility right away, forming part of the comprehensive ski village district.

Mayor Blair Painter expressed appreciation for the respectful input from attendees and addressed concerns related to rezoning a residential district for commercial operation. He emphasized the uniqueness of the comprehensive ski village district in adhering to separation distances between tourist homes.

“When it comes to a tourist home or vacation rental, we do have separation distances between them all so that they’re not one on top of another... This is the only area that is different. It is allowed there,” said Painter.

Councillor Dean Ward supplied insights into the future steps, outlining the three-step process involving the closure of the reserve, rezoning, and development permits. They assured members of the public that concerns raised, such as parking and drainage, would be addressed during the next phases.

“Those are development permit issues,” explained Ward.

Ward also addressed concerns about the impact on

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land value, emphasizing that decisions should be based on land use bylaws rather than personal preferences.

The discussion extended to comments from other council members, including concerns about the impact on the community’s quality of life, potential variances, and the overall development plan.

Councillor Vicki Kubik acknowledged the feedback from both sides but expressed a preference for preserving green spaces and suggested exploring alternative areas for similar developments.

“If we put it all under asphalt and brick and mortar then then we lose the value of what really has brought us to this area,” said Kubik, “ What I would hope is that the developer would maybe be able to find another area within our municipal boundaries to be able to proceed with the development such as this.”

Kubik added there is value in supplying a tourist accommodation that is “not your traditional hotel or motel kind of development,” but said she is still opposed to the removal of municipal reserve designation.

“This developer wouldn’t be able to do that in any other part of our community, it’s the only place in our community that he can do this,” responded Councillor Dave Filipuzzi.

He added that if this bylaw is defeated, the developer would not be able to move ahead with this project in any other area.

Finally, a vote was called, and Ward proposed moving to the next stage of the process, starting the second reading. However, Mayor Painter suggested incorporating more information into the motion to provide a more structured approach. The potential for further exploration of a direct control district was also mentioned.

The vote on the motion had Councillors Kubik, Glen Girhiny and Doreen Glavin opposed. The bylaw passed with votes from the mayor and Councillors Ward, Filipuzzi and Lisa Sygutek.

More information on Bylaw 1168, 2023 is available at crowsnestpass.com under ‘meeting packages and minutes’ along with all written submissions from residents for or against the bylaw.

The family of Lance Ransome wishes to thank everyone for their kind words and love since his passing.

To all who came to Lances’ celebration of life, planted a tree, sent flowers, brought food and donated to the Crowsnest Pass SPCA, your support has not gone unnoticed.

It is moments like this when one truly understands how special it is to live in a small community.

Happy Winter Solstice!

In memory of Carol Poelt A dear friend and dedicated member of Coleman Community Society “Waiting for the sun and warmer weather”

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 5

Christmas Festival Brunch at Golf Club

On behalf of the Crowsnest Sun Dawg Committee

On behalf of the Crowsnest Sun Dawg Committee many thanks to the volunteers who helped at the Tribute to Elton John.

It was an awesome performance and a great evening.

Thanks to Sponsors: IDA pharmacy Blairmore , Crowsnest curling club Vista Window cleaning and Copy Magic.

Events are only as good as the volunteers who are so generous with their time.

BELLEVUE LEGION

New Year’s Eve Party December 31, 2023 9:00pm ‘til ????

Party Favours • Door Prizes • Champagne available for New Year’s Toast • Alberta Craft Beer on Tap • Drink Specials all Night • Midnight Lunch $2000 per person Entertainment by Rhonda - Featuring the Fun Game “Name that Tune”

DOORS OPEN AT 7:00PM ~ MUSIC STARTS AT 9:00 PM

Nicholas L. M. Allen photos

The Crowsnest Pass Golf Club hosted the Christmas Festival Brunch on December 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a petting zoo, craft station, visit with Santa and more.

6 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Herald Editorial LISA SYGUTEK As I write the last editorial of 2023, 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. The first part of the court case starts in Toronto from January 15-18. I promise, I’ll update you as we move forward.

Bill C-11 was brought into law this year. Facebook, rather than paying publishers for the content they use on their site chose to ban newspapers from their site.

Google and the federal government have reached an agreement in their dispute over the Online News Act that would see Google continue to share Canadian news online in return for the company making annual payments to news companies in the range of $100 million.

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 2024 is going to be a huge year for our industry and I can’t wait to see it unfold.

My feature writers John, Avner and our newest member Leanne 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 23 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 $37,400 proven local money spent in our community this Christmas season. Thank you to all the businesses and community spenders who helped keep our local businesses busy this Christmas.

This year I was re-elected to the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association, we represent all weekly newspapers in Alberta and Northwest Territories, and I became President. I will hold this office for a two year term. 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 more proud. He performed his role with dignity and integrity, and I am proud of how he represented his riding. Plus with Pierre Pollieviere as our next Prime Minister, who wouldn’t want to go into work each day!

So, what a wonderful way to end 2023. Council budget is done with a 2 per cent increase. My sons are home and they are thriving. 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 online 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.

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.

Northback and Grassy Mountain drilling BOBBIE MORRIS MD of Pincher Creek I was disappointed when I read the recent story on the attempt for Northback to get permits for its Grassy Mountain project. There was little apparent effort to factcheck the claims by the company. It migh as well have been a press release from Northback.

The company representative claimed there was no mining involved in the project. That is a bit hard to swallow when the whole intent of the mining exploration program is to find a mine. Mining companies simply do not punch holes in the earth so we have a better map of the rocks beneath our feet. Somewhere in the process they hope to find a mine, and make a profit.

Mr. Lindstrom claims that the end pit lake is not connected to any streams in the area. Not on the surface, but certainly there is subsurface flow into and out of that lake.

Ultimately, that underground flow ends up in one of the streams or rivers flowing east from here.

Mr. Lindstrom told council that the old mine site has not been properly reclaimed. While that is true, he did not mention that a new mine would disturb much more land

than the previous one. Somehow I am not sure that we should tear up a much larger area, so that the end result is somewhat better reclamation of a small piece of the new disturbance.

Mr. Lindstrom reported that the permit application only asks for a small amount of water out of the lake.

But, he is asking for an additional draw on the available water in a basin where stream flows are already far below the average. When several towns just east of the Pass are already relying on trucking in water, should we be taking even more water from the existing flows?

The compliance officer stated that Alberta prohibits mountain top removal mining. He also said that any mine (did he not say there was no mine attached to the exploration permits?) would simply follow the coal seams. There was no mention that the coal seams come pretty close to the mountain top in some of the photos the company has shown previously. And, Alberta does not prohibit mining out the side of a mountain and tearing it down that way.

I would hope for a bit more critical thinking in the future when we assess claims from Northback or any mining company.

Editors Note: The Pass Herald reported on a presentation made by Northback as a delegation at a council meeting. The public is invited and allowed to come and listen at all council meetings. All delegations to council are advertised on the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass website under council agendas prior to the meeting.

hit, my vehicle ran over it. I pulled off to the To the angels who helped itrightwasshoulder, parked as I looked back to see it in the middle of the highway. I was alone, in shock, sitting in me with a deer hit my running parked vehicle, immobilized. A male driv-

LAURA CREEGAN Calgary On October 17, 2023, approx. 8-9pm on a dark rainy night, I was driving on the highway just past Sparwood, travelling towards Blairmore, when a small doe ran into the front right side of my car, a dark green late model Lincoln MKX with BC plates; after

ing a jeep saw this, drove by me and parked directly in front of my vehicle. At that moment, a pick-up truck travelling in the opposite direction towards Sparwood, stopped, parked directly across the highway, seeing our two vehicles and the doe on the highway. The jeep driver hopped into his vehicle and proceeded to cross the highway, parking directly behind the parked longbox open back pick-up truck; they appeared to know one another. They were at their vehicles briefly

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 7

Nick’s Notes Star Trek: Strange New Worlds I have been watching a lot of Star Trek recently.

Thanks to Strange New Worlds, I am more invested in the series than I ever was before.

Strange New Worlds, or SNW, is one of three live action shows that have started since 2017 in the Star Trek universe, with Picard and Discovery being the other two. I am also a huge fan of the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks and I will explain why that is related later on.

SNW is a spin-off of both Discovery and the first pilot for Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) which featured Captain Christopher Pike at the helm instead of the now iconic Captain James Kirk. It features a look at the U.S.S Enterprise before it had the iconic crew it featured on the original show and provides a renewed look at the story of Captain Pike and the events leading up to his accident outside of the twopart episode in TOS. What has been most incredible to see is the way they have presented the episodic format compared to it’s predecessor Discovery. Discovery has a storyline which follows Michael Burnham and the start of the war with the Klingon. It relies on watching from start to finish, a formula which SNW seems to avoid with the way it contains story lines to a single episode.

There is, naturally, some minor story lines that are carried over from each episode creating a world you feel invested in.

They also bring a variety of unique characters to pair alongside the likes of Mr. Spock and Uhura. There are more aliens on-board the Enterprise too, with a variety of species collaborating to make the starship run.

My favourite alien from the series has to be the way that SNW has re-imagined the Gorn. The Gorn were first shown in the episode “Arena” from TOS. They were a slow-moving reptilian species that attacked a human outpost and was pitted against Captain Kirk in a fight that has become parodied across media, including the show Family Guy and the movie Paul. The Gorn have gotten a rework though.

They are now a far more horrifying species than they were before, being a bogeyman for the space-faring members of Starfleet. They are faster and far more diabolical than earlier iterations, with a few similarities to the Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise. They use humans to host the young of the species, which then burst out of the body before growing at an exponential rate into the humanoid form they possess.

The use of the Gorn brought elements of horror into the series that I absolutely loved. Now, I should mention that SNW isn’t entirely as dark as what I just described. There are episodes that are on the much lighter side of things, with some of the escapades being truly hilarious.

One such episode is the crossover with the animated show Lower Decks, featuring the voice actors playing their characters in live action. It is a hysterical time on the Enterprise when the ensigns from the Cerritos show up.

Another bright moment in the series is the episode that becomes a musical, the first episode of Star Trek to ever do so. There is something quite fascinating about watching these characters sing their hearts out about working on a spaceship. Without revealing too much, I will add that the Klingon do make an appearance, and it made me laugh so hard it hurt.

I am making my way through TOS after watching the first two seasons of SNW and plan to make my way through the rest of the Star Trek series as well.

Live Long and Prosper.

JOHNPUNDYK.COM

403-563-0771 Royal LePage South Country Real Estate Services Ltd. BELLEVUE RIVERBOTTOM

jpundyk@shaw.ca NEW HOME COLEMAN

Beautiful home located in Bellevue River bottom with large lot. This sturdy 2 bedroom home sits on a full concrete basement and would make a wonderful 1st time home, recreational or investment property. Close to blue-ribbon trout fishing, skiing, hiking, and backcountry adventures. Crowsnest Pass is an active, vibrant community in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. $275,000 CALL JOHN MLS

Beautiful new home in Coleman. 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Open floor plan. High-quality construction with impeccable attention to detail.

Modern kitchen with quartz counters. Luxury vinyl plank flooring. Home will be finished from top to bottom. Laundry hook-ups upstairs, as well as downstairs. Each floor with own heating/cooling controls. Fantastic views. $549,000 includes GST CALL JOHN MLS

NEW HOME COLEMAN

BELLEVUE COMMER-

Brand new luxury home in Coleman. 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Open floor plan. Impeccable craftmanship and attention to detail. Modern kitchen with quartz counters. Luxury vinyl plank flooring. Laundry hook-ups upstairs and down. Large family room with a wet bar counter. Stunning rocky mountain views. $549,000 GST included CALL JOHN MLS

Very affordable, modern commercial building on main street Bellevue. The building has offices, a common area, washrooms and a large shop with a 10 ft door. Suitable for mixed commercial/residential use with appropriate approvals.

Huge parking lot. Possibility for further development. $459,000. CALL JOHN MLS

ASPEN CREEK ACREAGE

CROWSNEST ESTATES LOT

3 beautiful acres above Coleman with incredible mountain views. This acreage is close to all Crowsnest Pass amenities and has town water and power. Crowsnest Pass offers tremendous value for land in our renowned Canadian Rockies. Tremendous access to Four-Season adventure including hiking, biking, skiing, quadding and miles of breathtaking backcountry trails. $218,000 CALL JOHN MLS

Large corner lot with back lane access.

Many options to build. Very desirable Blairmore location. 8,450 sq ft with spectacular panoramic mountain views. Within walking distance to shopping, pool, ski hill, and fly fishing on Crowsnest river. Fully serviced. $132,900 CALL JOHN MLS

BLAIRMORE

HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL

Great 3-bedroom, 2-and-a-half-bathroom home in a fantastic Blairmore location. Full basement with partial development. A wood burning stove downstairs and a wood burning fireplace on the main level. Newer high efficiency furnace and a heated garage/workshop. Enjoy proximity to all services, the ski hill, and back country trails.

Beautiful Lynx Creek is close by. Crowsnest Pass is an affordable mountain community in the Canadian Rockies. $395,000 CALL JOHN MLS

Fantastic opportunity for commercial location along busy Highway 3. East and West bound traffic access. Currently a successful local fly-fishing shop, known to fly fishermen throughout Canada. Zoned C1 which allows for many different uses.

High traffic volume in front of the property. $435,000 CALL JOHN MLS

SOLD

COLEMAN LOT

BELLEVUE LOT

Beautiful prime mountain lot in Kananaskis Wilds, close to mountain backcountry trails, forest reserve, and spectacular cross country skiing at Allison Lake Rec area. KW offers some of the best value for large, fully serviced (including wired internet) lots in the Canadian Rockies. No commitment to build. $127,500 CALL JOHN MLS

Commercial land with east and west access on busy Hwy 3 corridor. Located at first entrance to the Crowsnest Pass with access to municipal water and sewer. This property can be acquired with the bordering property, Crowsnest Angler.

Tremendous commercial and opportunity. $190,000 CALL JOHN MLS

BLAIRMORE CONDO Wonderful 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo on desired main floor. Southern exposure with nice mountain views. Condo fees include heat, water, and building insurance.

Close to shopping, pool, ski hill and other central amenities. Great investment property in tight rental market or great option for low maintenance living. $129,000 CALL JOHN MLS

SOLD

BELLEVUE Super opportunity to acquire an outstanding family home on a large lot at a very good price. This 3-bedroom side-split home has very large spacious rooms. There is back lane access to a great backyard with lots of parking for RV and other vehicles.

Very large lot with tons of room for a garden in a sunny location. Crowsnest Pass offers tremendous value in the Canadian Rockies. Our community is vibrant and has great access to outdoor mountain activities. Cap this with great medical facilities and all other services. Close to Fernie, Castle Mountain, Calgary and Lethbridge. $400,000 CALL JOHN MLS

LUXURY HOME HILLCREST MINES 1.63 ACRES in Crowsnest Pass with a little creek and a one-of-a-kind Nelson Home. This 3-bedroom, 2 plus half bath home is in pristine condition with welcoming old country home charm. Large kitchen and spacious dining area to welcome friends and family. Large master suite with five-piece ensuite and a walkin closet. Two extra bedrooms share an innovative 5-piece bathroom with a separate toilet. An additional half bath underlines the fact that nothing has been omitted in designing this incredible home. Included in

this property is an additional piece of land with its own title. Beautiful package, close to the Crowsnest River, and many great back country trails in the Canadian Rockies. Also excellent proximity to Castle Mountain, Fernie Alpine Resort and our own wonderful Pass Powder Keg ski area. $729,000 CALL JOHN MLS

Preselling the final four luxury units at Ironstone Lookout – one of Crowsnest Pass’ premier communities. Still time to customize units before the ground is broken. Exceptional mountain living. $499,900 to $525,000

Call or Text John 403-563-0771

Top 1% of more than 19,000 Royal LePage realtors coast to coast.

8 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Compass Church Market

Holiday Train rolls through the Pass on December 12

Charity ‘Cheque’ Stop

Nicholas L. M. Allen photo

Mayor Blair Painter and Fire Chief Jesse Fox present a cheque to Food Bank treasurer Anna Colmo on December 12 during a municipal council meeting after raising funds during the Charity Check Stop on December 1.

Dave McIntyre photo

John Kinnear photo

John Kinnear photo

John Kinnear photo

John Kinnear photos

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9

BUSINESS LICENSES

COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS

2023 PROPERTY TAXES ARE OVERDUE

payment must be received by the Tax Department no later Join us for gymnastics at the Corner Hub. than midnight on December 31, 2023.

Register at Community Services in MDM or call (403) 5632208 Payments can be made at the Municipal Office, 8502 – Your 2024 Business License is not valid until the invoice has Fun and structured, help to develop physical and motor 19th Avenue, Coleman between the hours of 8:30am and skills, thinking abiliti es, self-confi dence and promote positi ve been paid. To avoid a penalty for operating a business in 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, or dropped off in the mail slot on social interacti on.

Classes are designed for fun parti cipati on, the Crowsnest Pass without a business license, pay your the northeast corner of the building after hours. maintenance of fi tness and an introducti on to basic business license invoice by January 31, 2024. gymnasti c skills.

Time may vary due to registrati on numbers.

Please take a moment to confirm your business name, Payments can also be made by telebanking, internet location, and contact information are correct. banking, or at any financial institution (allow three business Martial Arts- Warrior Fitness days to process).Payments mailed to the Municipal Office January 15 – March 28 – Corner Hub Blairmore Main Street Once you have paid your invoice, please make arrangements must be post-marked no later than December 31, 2023. For Litt le Ninja’s (Ages 6-8) Tuesday 4:30-5:00pm $90.00 to pick up your license from the Municipal office or call 403further information, please call (403) 562-8833 or email Rumble Kids (Ages 9-11) Tuesday 5:15-5:45pm $90.00 562-8833 to make arrangements to have it emailed. taxroll@crowsnestpass.com.

Warrior’s (Ages 12-15) Thursdays 5:00-5:45pm$90.00 Muay Thai (Ages 16+) Tuesday and Thursdays 6:00-7:30pm If your business no longer operates in the Municipality of $400.00+GST Crowsnest Pass, please advise us in writing of your business NOTICE OF TRANSITION The youth program will learn not only how to defend closure. Please visit www.crowsnestpass.com to view the themselves, buy also learn important life skills, such as selfcomplete bylaw.

Notice of Transition: New Safety Codes Disciplines Agency discipline, problem solving, goal setting and social skills.

The Municipality is excited to share news about an The adult program for 16+ is a combination of Maua Thai upcoming transition within the Planning & Development COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS and Dutch/K1 style kickboxing. It has gained massive Department. As of January 1, 2024, we will be implementing popularity as one of the most reliable means to get into a transition to a new agency for the Building, Plumbing, Gas, serious shape. If you are nervous about taking a class, Community Services Programs and Private Sewage disciplines from Park Enterprises to The the reality is that most practitioners are not interested in Self Defense Course Inspections Group Inc. Please note that Electrical services competing but are instead looking for something that will January 13 Saturday 10:00am -12:00pm. Ages 14+ Fee: will continue to be managed by the Municipality internally, yield the results as promised. $60.00 without disruption.

Instructors Tae Kwon Do Master Saran - 8 Degree and Gena The program is taught by world class coach Daniel Ravenhouse who has trained world champions in kickboxing Paton 6 Degree During this transition, we aim to ensure a seamless process Learn awareness, strategy, and physical tools to escape and and MMA. for all ongoing projects. New permit applications will be defend. The program is fun with high positive energy full of processed on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on assessing safe easy techniques for learning a new life skill.

2023 PROPERTY TAXES ARE OVERDUE urgency. If your project allows, please consider delaying submissions until the new year.

Open Recreational Gymnastics Business license invoices have been mailed and are due January 31.

February 5- March 27 Mondays Ages 5 - 8 years – 4:30pm-6:00pm - $120.00 Ages 9 – 12 years – 6:15pm-7:45pm - $120.00

Please be advised that on January 1, 2024 a 3% penalty will be applied to all unpaid outstanding Property Taxes. To ensure the penalty is not applied to your overdue balance,

For inquiries or assistance, contact the Municipal Office at 403-562-8833. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ACCESSORY BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES ON YOUR PROPERTY

Do You Need a Development Permit for your Accessory Building or Structure?

One accessory building under 10m² (108 sq. ft.) in a residential zoning does not require a development permit if it meets certain criteria.

Additional accessory buildings may require a development permit, regardless of size or foundation type.

Whether your accessory building/structure is on a permanent foundation or is movable, it may still require a development permit under certain conditions.

If you are unsure, please contact the Development Office for more information.

ACCESSORY BUILDING STANDARDS (NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT): Maximum one shed under 10m² (108sq.ft.) (moveable or fixed foundation).

Minimum 0.6m (2ft) from the side and rear property lines Maximum 5.0m (16ft 4in) in height Cannot be located in the front yard Please contact the Development Office to confirm compliance.

An accessory building/structure is any building/structure that is typically detached from the principal building on the lot.

This includes, but is not limited to: Decks Sheds Flagpoles Garage / Shops Communication Antennas

Penalty Fees for Starting a Development without the Benefit of a Development Permit In Bylaw 1152, 2023 Council increased the penalty fee for a development that was started without the benefit of a development permit or that was constructed contrary to an approved site plan to five times the regular application fee.

This means that for a typical shed that was built without first obtaining a development permit or was placed in the wrong location, the fee with penalty could be as high as $1375.

Gazebos Retaining Walls Swimming Pools Garbage Bins (Bear Proof)

With few exceptions, the accessory buildings/structures on your property may require a development permit.

Limited Time Grace Period The Municipality believes in education and collaboration with our community.

Therefore, starting on January 1, 2024, we are offering a grace period during which no fines will be charged if you submit an application no later than June 30, 2024 to bring your accessory buildings/structures (decks/sheds) into compliance with the bylaw.

This period is an excellent opportunity for you to understand the requirements and bring your property into compliance.

8502 - 19 Avenue, Coleman Box 600, Crowsnest Pass, AB, T0K 0E0 ph: 403-562-8833 e: reception@crowsnestpass.com www.crowsnestpass.com After Hours Public Works Emergencies: 403-562-2021

10 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Livingstone Range School Division updates FRANK MDTIGHE Contributor SMALL DEFICIT BUDGET Livingstone Range School Division had a smaller deficit than planned in 2022-’23.

School division revenue was $533,000 above budget due mainly to unexpected grants, while expenses were $27,000 under budget.

The school division budgeted for $53,726,419 in revenue against $55,682,657 in expenses in 2022-’23.

As a result, the school division’s deficit on operations was $560,000 less than that budget estimate of $1,956,238.

Trustees reviewed the audited financial statement during their Nov. 27 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.

“Our statement of financial position gives us a snapshot of where we were at a given point in time,” finance director Jordan Gunderson said.

This statement shows where the division sat financially as of Aug. 31, 2023.

Livingstone Range has $9.9-million in financial assets, that is cash, accounts receivable and investments.

The school division has $9.6-million in liabilities such as accounts payable and deferred revenues.

That gives the school division net financial assets of $300,000.

“We have other assets that are not financial,” Gunderson said of buildings, equipment and buses as well as pre-paid items such as software.

Those non-financial assets have a total value of $50.3-million.

Livingstone Range has $41-million in deferred capital contributions, which is money that has been spent but is amortized over time.

Livingstone Range was left with $9.6-million in net assets, representing a decrease in the school division’s financial position of $1,395,816 from the previous year.

“This was a planned decrease,” Gunderson said.

“Our budget was actually upwards of $1.9-million so we actually came in a little less than we had budgeted.”

“The reason we had planned this deficit was to work toward the threshold required by the minister of education.”

The net assets of $9.6-million is made up of $5.5-million in capital assets, $2,071,000 in operating reserves, and $1.976-million in capital reserves.

The operating reserves equal 3.72 per cent of the annual budget, well under the government threshold of 4.38 per cent.

Gunderson explained that as of September 2022 Livingstone Range was required to adopt a new accounting standard related to asset retirement obligations.

The school division hired an independent third party to go through its buildings and determine the asset retirement obligations.

Trustees voted to approve the audited financial statements.

SCHOOL DIVISION REPAIRED, MAINTAINED INFRASTRUCTURE Livingstone Range School Division spent $713,000 last year on infrastructure maintenance and renewal.

Livingstone Range had a budget of $1.134-million

for 2022-’23.

“It’s short of what we budgeted for, but this is what could be completed,” associate superintendent of business services Jeff Perry said.

Perry and facilities co-ordinator Greg Gorzitza reported on the infrastructure maintenance and renewal (IMR) program at the school board’s Nov. 27 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.

School board chair Lori Hodges explained that provincial IMR funding is provided only for government-owned facilities.

School divisions can use the money for the following: • Ensure school facilities meet all regulatory requirements, particularly as they pertain to providing a safe and healthy learning environment.

• Preserve and improve the quality of the learning environment by replacing building components that have failed; prolonging the life of the facility through planned, proactive replacement of major components; and upgrading of the educational areas to meet program requirement.

• Meet the facility requirements of students with special needs.

• Replace or upgrade building components to improve energy conservation and efficiency and to achieve costs savings as a result.

Livingstone Range got $638,000 from the provincial government to carry out the infrastructure maintenance and renewal program.

The report highlighted projects that came up after the plan was approved.

“We put together a plan, it doesn’t always end up that way,’ Perry said. “Sometimes you have to prioritize other areas and you get done what you can with the resources that you have.”

Money that was not spent is deferred to the next year’s infrastructure maintenance and renewal program.

Perry told trustees he likes to maintain $1-million in the IMR account for emergent projects.

“Some emergent projects in this area can be significant dollars,” Perry said.

School board vice-chair Lacey Poytress asked about challenges facing the IMR plan.

“What’s the biggest struggle you have in tackling this list every year?” Poytress asked Gorzitza replied that funding and manpower are the biggest challenges.

“It’s an ongoing battle,” Gorzitza said.

Some work has to wait until summer when the buildings are empty.

Gorzitza and Perry presented the 2023-’24 plan, which was approved by trustees.

The school division gets $613,000 from the province this year to go with the $1.13-million that is carried over.

The plan calls for about $790,000 in expenditures.

“We have a small crew compared to other jurisdictions and what they do is significant,” Perry said, praising Gorzitza and his team.

Hodges agreed.

“We hear good things that are happening within the schools,” Hodges said. “We do appreciate that.”

LIVINGSTONE RANGE PUBLISHES ANNUAL RESULTS REPORT Livingstone Range School Division published its Annual Education Results Report.

Superintendent Darryl Seguin presented a summary of the report to trustees during their Nov. 27 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.

“It’s my pleasure to spend some time highlighting the success we’ve experienced over the past year, as well as to point out some of the areas for continued growth and focus,” Seguin said.

Seguin said it is important for the school division

to set goals, implement strategies and assign measures.

“We want to help our students reach their potential,” Seguin said.

Seguin told trustees the school division’s mission of inspiring excellence through meaningful relationships, innovation and collaboration, as well as its vision of, “Every student, every day” are used to guide the day-to-day work.

Seguin said Livingstone Range’s core values of student-centered, leadership, integrity, wellness and place-based are evident in daily activities.

The report outlines how Livingstone Range engages stakeholders — students, parents, staff and the communities — as part of the Alberta Assurance Framework.

“The board of trustees strongly believes in engaging stakeholders in all that we do,” Seguin said.

In the 2022-’23 school year, the division received responses from more than 5,500 people through surveys and other types of engagement.

Stakeholder engagement in the past year included consultation on the school year calendar. the annual budget, measurable results assessment, school councils and other committees.

“There’s lots of ways for staff and parents to engage with us here in Livingstone Range,” Seguin said.

The Annual Education Results Report includes a profile of Livingstone Range, which is home to 14 schools in eight communities, 13 Hutterite colony schools, two outreach schools, a virtual school, a home education program, international students and summer school.

“There are a lot of different options for our students to receive choice of education,” Seguin said.

The Annual Education Results Report looks at the “wildly important goals,” outcomes and strategies of leadership, culture and academics.

The Annual Education Results Report contains a summary of the results of the Alberta Education assurance measures.

“Unfortunately, we’re down in several of the Alberta Education measure areas,” Seguin said. “Our decline mirrors another provincial trend. You will notice the provincial trend has also declined over the year.”

Results of provincial achievement tests and diploma exams are included in the Annual Education Results Report.

Results of the Alberta Education-required domains of teaching and leading, learning supports, governance, and local and societal context are in the report.

There are also summaries of the school division’s financial results, its capital and facilities projects, and the budget.

The Annual Education Results Report is available at www.lrsd.ca and is to be presented at school council meetings.

TRUSTEES REVIEW QUALITY ASSURANCE MEASURES Livingstone Range School Board reviewed the Alberta Education quality assurance measures report.

Associate superintendent of curriculum and innovation Chad Kuzyk presented the report during the board’s Nov. 27 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.

The Alberta Education Assurance Measures combine provincial testing results, student outcomes and satisfaction surveys.

The measures are intended to evaluate success and identify areas for improvement at the school, division and provincial levels.

In the area of student learning engagement, Livingstone Range scored 81.6 per cent, which is down from 84.1 per cent the previous year. Provincially, the score was 84.4 per cent, down from 85.1 per cent.

Livingstone Range scored 79.8 per cent in citizenship, which was down from 80.9 per cent. The provincial score was 80.3, down from 81.4.

Cont’d on page 11

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 11

Livingstone division updates cont’d from page 10 Livingstone Range’s three-year high school completion rate dropped to 78.5 per cent, from 80.4.

Provincially the result was 80.7 per cent, down from 83.2.

The five-year high school completion rate in Livingstone Range was 87.7 per cent, up from 80.3. Provincially the rate was 88.6 per cent, up from 87.1.

“That’s something we work really hard at and take a lot of pride in,” Kuzyk said, adding measures such as summer school, the PEAKS Campus and outreach schools help students.

Livingstone Range earned a score of 57.3 in the acceptable category of provincial achievement tests, up from 55.4. Provincially the rate is 63.3, down from 64.3.

Livingstone Range scored 11.1 in the PAT excellence category, up from 10.8. The provincial score was 16.0, down from 17.7.

Livingstone Range scored 72.1 per cent in the acceptable category of diploma exams, the same as last year. The province score is 80.3, up from 75.2.

In the diploma exam excellence category Livingstone Range scored 10.2 per cent, down from 10.4.

The provincial score was 21.2 per cent, up from 18.2.

In the area of education quality, Livingstone Range scored 85.9 per cent, down from 88.1. The provincial score was 88.1, down from 89.0.

Livingstone Range scored 85.1 per cent in the area of welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments, which is down from 86.5. The provincial score was 84.7, down from 86.1.

Livingstone Range got a score of 78.6 per cent in the area of access to supports and services, down from 82.7. The provincial score was 80.6, down from 81.6.

In the area of parental involvement, Livingstone Range scored 73.7 per cent, down from 75.2. The provincial score was 79.1, down from 80.3.

FAMILY SCHOOL LIAISON COUNSELLORS SUPPORTING STUDENTS Twelve family school liaison counsellors are hard at work supporting Livingstone Range School Division students through difficult times.

School board trustees received an update on the family school liaison counsellor program from clinical team lead Holly Stewart Stewart was at the Nov. 27 school board meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.

Stewart told trustees the work of family school liaison counsellors is closely linked to the Livingstone Range mission and vision statements.

“I strongly believe in seeing every day that our team really follows and lives this, especially when it comes to meaningful relationships,” Stewart said.

“We know meaningful relationships create the foundation for a positive and supportive learning environment for fostering emotional well-being and motivation and engagement with our students.”

“This enhances their capacity or ability to build resiliency and to overcome and face some of those challenges and help them realize their full potential.”

Stewart reminded trustees that family school liaison counsellors are working with the division’s most challenging students.

“This is not easy work that they do and they are often supporting students through very heavy issues in less than ideal circumstances,” Stewart said.

Meaningful relationships allow family school li-

aison counsellors to carry out Livingstone Range’s mission of “every student, every day.”

The overriding goal of the family school liaison program is to effect positive change in the lives of students and their families.

Counsellors endeavour to optimize students’ learning, development and well-being.

Those goals are met through three primary areas of service: • Direct counselling.

• Consultation, collaboration and advocacy.

• Proactive and preventative programming.

Family school liaison counsellors deliver the programming and build the capacity of other staff members to do so as well.

Family school liaison counsellors are also responsible for finding experts to come in and provide some of the preventative programming.

When necessary, counsellors refer students and their families to outside supportive agencies that are able to provide services.

“We have a very strong team of caring professionals who are supporting those kids with difficult dynamics on a daily basis,” Stewart said. “We’re very fortunate to have FSLs who work very hard to meet the needs of our students.”

Family school liaison counsellors come to Livingstone Range with varying levels of education including college, undergraduate and masters degrees in areas such as child and youth care, addictions counselling, social work and counselling psychology.

Twelve people work as family school liaison counsellors in Livingstone Range in 10.6 full-time equivalent positions, which is up slightly from last year.

The FSLs assist students with preventative mental health and wellness education; emotion regulation; coping with stress and anxiety; peer relationships; character and self-esteem building; and crisis response.

Stewart told trustees about the two-year Mental Health in Schools pilot program that added two mental health therapists to the health and wellness program and allowed Livingstone Range to contract other specialized services.

Stewart also told trustees about the three-year Integrated Student Support Program launched this year at W.A. Day school in Fort Macleod.

The Calgary Police Youth Foundation-sponsored program provides children in higher need communities with prevention and early intervention wraparound supports such as meal programs, after school care, structured physical education, access to a mental health professional, and other community supports.

Trustee Kathy Charchun, school board vice-chair Lacey Poytress and other board members praised Stewart and the family school liaison counsellors team.

“We appreciate so much the hard work you’re doing,” Poytress said.

TRUSTEES VOTE TO MAINTAIN COMMITTEE TERM Livingstone Range School Board voted last week to maintain term length on committees.

The proposal to reduce terms to one year, from two, was on the agenda of the Nov. 27 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.

The topic first came up at the school board’s organizational meeting in October, and has continued.

“There was some expression of interest in changing the terms of committees from two years to one,” trustee Carla Gimber said.

Reducing the terms to one year allows trustees to be involved with more committees during their years of service.

“Although one of the big concerns in that is consistency,” Gimber said. “In one year you’re just kind of starting to get going.”

To provide consistency, the suggestion was to have the committee chair serve a second year as a member, but not the chair.

“It will allow for the consistency of the committee to continue on,” Gimber said.

Trustees had a lengthy discussion.

“I don’t think it would benefit the work of our committee work,” school board vice-chair Lacey Poytress said of constant turnover on committees.

School board chair Lori Hodges agreed consistency in committee work is vital, and opposed reducing terms to one year.

Ad hoc committee Trustees voted to make the Granum School Solutions Committee an ad hoc committee.

That decision is based on higher than expected enrollment at the school, which lessens the urgency of the situation.

Monthly reports will be part of the school board’s consent agenda.

Membership Trustees voted against joining the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta.

The board remains a member of the Alberta School Boards Association, which represents all school boards in the province.

Board committee The school board will not strike a new committee to implement the Calls to Action for Truth and Reconciliation.

Trustees favoured working within existing committees to ensure Calls to Action are implemented, rather than adding the costs and time involved with a new committee.

Land recognition At the beginning of each school board meeting, trustees read aloud a land acknowledgement.

Trustees voted last week to add land acknowledgements recorded by students to that procedure.

TRUSTEES TO ATTEND SCHOOL CONCERTS Schools across Livingstone Range will celebrate the season this month with special activities.

Trustees were assigned to attend the Christmas concerts and other events during their Nov. 27 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building.

The following appointments were made: A.B. Daley school concert, 2 p.m. Dec. 21 — Trustee Kathy Charchun.

J.T. Foster school talent show, 11:45 a.m. Dec. 21 — Trustee Brad Toone.

J.T. Foster winter band concert 7 p.m. Dec. 21 — Trustee Brad Toone.

Stavely school Christmas concert, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 — Trustee Carla Gimber.

West Meadow school Christmas concert, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 21— Trustee Carla Gimber.

Willow Creek Composite — No concert.

Granum school Christmas concert, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 — Trustee Kathy Charchun.

W.A. Day school Christmas concert, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 21— Trustees Lori Hodges and Lacey Poytress.

F.P. Walshe school talent show, 10 a.m. Dec. 22 — Trustees Lori Hodges and Lacey Poytress.

Canyon school Trickster performances, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 14 — Trustee Lacey Poytress.

Matthew Halton school — No concert.

Isabelle Sellon school winter concert, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 — Trustee Clara Yagos and Trustee Greg Long.

Livingstone school Christmas concert, 1 p.m.

Dec. 19 — Trustee Clara Yagos.

Horace Allen school choir, 10:10 a.m. Dec. 18 — Trustee Greg Long.

12 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Looking Back

BY JOHN KINNEAR

A Wall family Christmas “Freedom is man’s capacity to take a hand in his own development.

It is our capacity to mold ourselves.”

- Rollo May Just over a year ago I shared a story about triplets that delved briefly into the lives of Tania and Jake Wall from Coleman and their three amazing girls, Ocean, Triveni and Vienna. The girls, whose names all relate to water, just turned 8-yearsold and Tania is judiciously guiding their educational development.

She has chosen to home school this threesome and this time of year they take a long break from “bookwork” type learning to enjoy the season. Tania said, “During the month of Christmas we like to slow down on academic learning and take-in the winter solstice and Christmas traditions. In the Crowsnest Pass, the Municipality, the Lion’s Club, the Library, Brighter Futures and other community resources give us so much to look forward to during the Holidays: Tree lighting, sleigh rides, Santa visits, and you name it. For a small community the Pass certainly gives back its fair share and then some. After all, in the spirit of Christmas, giving is better than receiving, (serving others, volunteering and giving back to the community is one of the notable core values in Home Education).”

Tania has told me a great deal about her schooling process and shared a quote from the Home School Board –Gilbertine Academy that reads, “School is derived from the Latin word Schola, meaning leisure devoted to learning. This is how school began, and this is how school succeeded for many centuries. Like playing with Lego, learning comes naturally, and is intrinsically enjoyed if it occurs within the context of leisure.” Tania says, “that is exactly what they like to do, learn through play and interests”.

For Tania and Jake the Crowsnest Pass is an amazing place for families to Home Educate. They get to enjoy many outdoor activities like skiing, swimming, hiking, fishing and camping and also get to witness the unique wildlife, forestry and mountains. For them it is a great way to experience life.

The Home Educators, that they gather with, range be-

tween a few stretched out communities from Pincher Creek to the Crowsnest Pass to the Elk Valley in BC and sometimes can expand even further, to country-wide or world-wide. Home Educators are always planning and creating fun, meaningful events for like-minded families to gather at. Tania says some of their favorite meetups have been simple nature walks, swimming, ice skating and visiting a variety of museums and the local Firehall.

According to Tania home school techniques vary from family to family and child to child... “Education is not a one size fits all.” Although they do study academics like Math, Science, Language Arts, Social studies etc, the approach mostly follows the interest of the children. She says, “I’ve been told that I have an “unschooling” approach whereas I trust my children to learn through leisure”.

Her Education Plan follows the Alberta Learning Outcomes and Tania does parent-led homeschooling so that her Education Plan can be a “living document”.

This essentially means that they can change their resources or curriculum to best suit the child and the child’s needs. She says she finds a personalized curriculum builds a love for learning and takes away the stress and pressure of a set curriculum.

Each child is unique and learns in their own way. There are so many different ways to learn: Audio, visual, hands-on, etc...

I had a look at her Education Program Plan that covers categories like English/ Language Arts, Mathematics & Logic, Sciences, Social Studies, Physical Education, Home Economics and Industrial Arts, Art and Music, Character and/or Religion and, interestingly enough, Volunteerism and Donations. Each category has a schedule with columns for learning outcomes, goals specific to the child and activities to achieve them.

When I studied just one subject area for triplet Ocean Wall here is what I saw in the schedule under Art/Music. Of course, the idea with this particular subject is to learn to enjoy both with specific goals. To do that the outcome is to be able to recognize differences in music genres, experiment with a variety of instruments (drum, keyboard, piano, recorder etc) and embark on simple instruction. Also another listed goal is to exercise dexterity in drawing, colouring, clay, painting, crafting and in the process to learn to convey her own artistic expression.

Her family are members of the Wild + Free Livingstone community, an emerging group of mothers and homeschoolers who want their children to not only receive a quality education, but also to experience the adventure, freedom, and wonder of childhood. Recently one of their members created “The Little Christmas Market” held December 9th at the Compass Fellowship Church in Blairmore. It was opened up to public school children also and was specifically for entrepreneurs in the community 18 years or younger.

The Wall family enjoys the spirit of giving and in past Christmases have donated food, toys and treats to the Pincher Creek Animal Shelter. Donating is integral to their spirit and it is part of their curriculum to volunteer and give back to the community. It happens all year long but at Christmas they find a little extra for things like the Food Bank, Humane Society and places like the Children’s Hospital and the library. Anywhere there are fundraisers they make sure to help out in one fashion or another, be it monetary, giving their time to others. or gifting gently used items.

The four Wall children, which includes a young 4-yearold boy named Biggs, are busy crafting their own Christmas decorations and writing letters to Santa. Like most families they will celebrate Christmas at home in the traditional way. Tania tells me the girls are teaching themselves how to play Christmas songs on the piano and that they regularly play piano, guitar and take voice lessons.

It seems that when one looks closely at the Wall family one finds the true spirit of Christmas is alive and well.

Tania, Jake, Ocean, Triveni, Vienna and Briggs Wall have asked me to send a special message out to everyone. It is, “May the spirit of Christmas infuse your life with the twin glories of generosity and gratitude. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our home to yours.”

Author’s Note: A tongue in cheek comment from Tania Wall is that, “not all schools have four walls but I do have four little Wall’s”.

The triplets learning Christmas carols; Up the Miners Path - Outdoor adventures that mould a child; Tania and the Wall children in a corn field; The family bond is strong; In the Christmas spirit.

Tania Wall photos

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 13

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To the angels who helped me with a deer hit cont’d from page 6 to confer; concerned the nearly dead doe would cause an accident or be hit again. I remained in my vehicle completely stunned, in shock.

These caring, compassionate individuals put the poor mangled suffering doe out of its misery. The jeep driver then carefully carried the doe off the highway, to the right side of the road safely out of the line of traffic. Though stressed, the concerned jeep driver immediately came over to me, said he couldn’t see an animal suffer like that, asked if I was okay, worried seeing me bent over sobbing, standing at the back of my vehicle in the rain. I seemed coherent, did not appear to be injured; however, I could barely stand or walk as my entire body felt stiff, sore, pain in my legs, from the impact, traumatized as well by this entire ordeal.

The jeep driver’s dark jacket (or vest) was completely covered with doe hair, he’s about 5’11”, medium build, brown hair, very pleasant, I’m 5’8”, long strawberry blond hair, blue eyes, medium build; he suggested we walk to the vehicle front to check Cont’d on page 15

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On December 9, 2023, our cherished wife, mother,

Value Adsister, Network grandmother, aunt, and friend - Isabel Jean RusAlberta Newspapers sell Weekly - passed away inAssociation the Crowsnest Pass Health Care

toll free 1-800-282-6903 x225 Centre in Blairmore, at the age of 75 years. email classifieds@awna.com

She was vital, energetic, and full of enthusiasm, less than a week or visit your community newspaper before her passing, preparing for her favourite season – Christmas – and looking forward to her annual 3-month vacation in Arizona.

Isabel was born on February 21, 1948, in Grimsby, England, to Dr. Fred Russell and Stella Mastin Russell. Before her first birthday, the family moved to Alberta, with short stops in Edson and Bellevue before settling in Blairmore.

For at least 70 years, the Russell family has been part of the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club; starting with helping skin the logs for the first clubhouse. Isabel was a superb golfer and cherished playing several times each week right up to the end of the 2023 season. Her friends in the Ladies Morning Group were a huge part of her life.

Aside from time away for university, and several months in Australia in the early 1970s, Isabel lived her entire life in the Crowsnest Pass. Here she devoted her career to education and truly enjoyed her time as a high school English teacher until her retirement in 2008. She was beloved by her students, many of whom later contacted her throughout her retirement years, expressing gratitude for all she had taught them, and most importantly, for believing in them. She knew before they did that they had strengths and capabilities not yet known to themselves. Her considerable efforts outside of the classroom notably included supervising several student trips to England and Japan and organizing graduation ceremonies.

She served her community in many ways throughout her adult life as part of the executives of the Figure Skating Club, Ladies League Golf, the Crowsnest Pass Rec Board, the Pass Curling Club, and lately the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation. She was the English Instructor, Friends of New Canadians Committee, for our Syrian refugee family. She was committed to the preservation of the history of the community she loved and was actively involved with the Crowsnest Pass Museum and Historical Society for several decades.

She has edited several locally authored books and was near completing two terms as a University of Lethbridge senator.

Isabel was a truly gifted hostess, decorator, seamstress and gardener. If something could be sewn, grown, or served she made it look elegant and easy. She enjoyed nothing more than sharing her love of living with dear friends, lifelong and new, through countless dinner parties, clubs and Cavorts.

Isabel’s passions were reflected in her dedication to her family with whom she shared her creative and loving spirit. Left to celebrate her life are her husband Peter Dunn; her daughters, Melissa Brown and Micaela Brown (Brad Istace); and Peter’s son, Kevin (Kristjana) Dunn; her precious grandchildren, Xander and Mia Istace, Jack Brown Chambers and Aisling and Lochlan Dunn; her brother, Nigel (Vicki) Russell; and sister, Jill (Emil) Amstutz. She deeply cherished her relationships with her nieces and nephews and their families and always looked forward to the many visits and phone calls. Isabel was predeceased by her father, Dr. William F. Russell (1967); her mother Stella Russell (2009); and her brother, Dr. Peter Russell (2007).

The family is grateful for the overwhelming love and support of the Crowsnest Pass community as well as countless friends and relatives from out of town and abroad. Thank you to the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club who reached out to offer assistance in finding ways to honor her memory. And a very special thank you to Dr. Kristy Penner and the staff of the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre.

Isabel was often distressed by how our society tends to overlook so many people who are in need of reasonable basic assistance. In her memory, we all can hopefully take a second look at those who might benefit from some extra attention from governments, communities, and individuals. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in her name to the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation.

Her Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 28 at 1:00pm at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Blairmore with Reverend Nicky Keyworth officiating. A reception will follow at the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

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

plus

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 15

OBITUARIES LAURENE ANNIE SCHUG May 28, 1920 - December 3, 2023 LAURENE SCHUG of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, passed away peacefully at Crowsnest Pass Continuing Care, Blairmore, Alberta on December 3, 2023 at the amazing age of 103½ years.

Laurene was born on May 28, 1920 to parents Alfred and Caroline Schug at Rosenheim (Provost), Alberta.

She was one of 7 children raised on the family farm outside of Provost, where she acquired many of her strong, hard-working, frugal, generous, caring and fun-loving qualities.

After graduating from high school in Provost, she ventured to Richmond, BC to work in a fish hatchery with her cousin. There she met her future husband, Maurice Truitt, who she married in July 1941. In 1942 Maurice was doing Air Force training in Tofino BC, so they moved to Port Alberni, where their first daughter Carol, was born. Times were tough during the war years so they moved to New Westminster where Maurice’s parents lived and where second daughter, Marvis was born in 1946. Work took them to living in Kelowna (Rutland), where third daughter, Janice was born in 1947. Times continued to be extremely challenging with Laurene suffering malnutrition in order to feed her children. In 1950 they made the move to Copper Mountain, BC, with work available there. In 1951 fourth daughter, Annette was born in nearby Princeton, BC. With the copper mine closing, in 1955 they made the long move to the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta where Maurice had been born and raised throughout his early years. It was there that they settled in Hillcrest Mines, where they raised their children. Although Laurene and Maurice divorced in 1970, they both spent their remaining years living in the Crowsnest Pass.

Laurene provided a great and loving upbringing for her 4 daughters. Their friends were always welcomed in the home for visits and fun times of music, dancing, games, or sleepovers. She was an excellent seamstress, and did lots of mending for her family and many people around the Pass. She loved her family and animals, especially her cats.

She enjoyed travel with her daughters to Whitehorse, Montreal, Vancouver, Alaskan cruise, Cuba and Europe. Hobbies included gardening, baking, canning, playing cards, and making greeting cards. She was a devout Catholic, involved with the Catholic Women’s league, as well as with the CNP SPCA, and Bellevue Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Laurene is survived by her children: Janice (Richard) Hancock of Vancouver BC, Annette (Dave) Truitt-Avoledo of Whitehorse YT; her sister-in-law Louise Schug; her grandchildren: Darcy (Marlene) Truant, Lavonna (Badger) Hogan, Christopher (Daniela) Hancock, Deanne (Aaron) Jonckheere, Travis Harris, Mark (Ashley) Harris, Cody Harris, Pamela Harris; her step granddaughter: Teagan Avoledo; her great grandchildren: Kayla, Ashley, Samantha, Cayleigh, Carlo, Kyler, Hayley, Cheyenne, Keauna, Daniel; her step great-grandchildren: Leroi, Miki; her great-great grandchildren: Athena, Auden; and many nieces, nephews and special friends. She will be dearly missed by all.

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

To the angels who helped me with a deer hit cont’d from page 14 damages with his flashlight, which revealed grill and front right side of the car covered with doe hair.In the dark and rain we couldn’t see damage to the front grill and bumper and we never looked at undercarriage for damage. My cell phone was damaged, unable to take a photo of doe haired covered grill, scratches, cracked right headlight and lose front bumper.

The pick-up driver drove off in the direction of Sparwood. The jeep driver ensured I was fine, then he drove off as well. I remained parked on the roadside until composed to drive and then drove to Fas Gas and A&W to stop and proceeded to Calgary. Later, I realized my helping Angels and I did not exchange names or contact information. Tired, wet/cold, stressed and in shock, none of us thought to do this.

I contacted my vehicle insurance, brought my car to be inspected by an (approved) auto-body mechanic who noted and submitted damages and photos in a detailed report to my insurance company. Unfortunately, rain removed all the doe hair from the vehicle front. Damages include: front grill cracked, front bumper

DANA CHANTAL HUNGAR November 4, 1986 ` November 23, 2023 It is with broken hearts that we share the news of Dana Chantal Hungar’s tragic passing as the result of a motor-vehicle accident on November 23rd, 2023 at the age of 37 years.

Dana is survived by her parents Ken and Carol Hungar and brother Derek Hungar; aunts and uncles Shirley (Dale) Linderman, Ron (Shirley) Hungar, Linda (David) Roberge and Hazel Hurtak; cousins Austin Linderman, Sarah Hungar, Nicole (Logan) and Hudson Bruiners. She was predeceased by her grandparents Godfrey and Helen Hungar, John and Shirley Hurtak , her uncle Darrel Hurtak and her best friend James Kenney. Dana will be dearly missed by her loving family and many cherished friends. She will be remembered for her free spirit, beautiful smile, infectious laugh, keen sense of humor and incredibly kind heart.

Dana was born and raised in the Crowsnest Pass. She was a gifted athlete excelling in almost all school and community sports and demonstrated an amazing talent and passion for fastball, especially pitching. From the ages of ten to eighteen Dana and the Elkford Thunder fastball teams played in numerous provincial tournaments and were invited to the under 19 Western Canadian Tournament in Brandon, Manitoba. Dana loved the competition, socialization and the forging of lifelong friendships.

Dana had a great love for all animals. She loved the outdoors and all it offered such as camping, fishing, swimming, goose hunting, horseback riding and especially skiing and golf. Therefore, after high school graduation, it was only natural to start out in the work force as a ski instructor at Banff and later as a life guard. Dana also worked in the service, landscaping and coal industries and more recently managing the Cinnamon Bear Bakery in Coleman. Dana was an extremely talented and creative cook, an avid reader and gardener. She loved flowers. Dana’s life was not without its trials and tribulations but she made every effort to help others and she strived to become a better person. Her little Hillcrest home at Noni’s and Papa’s was a true sanctuary where she could plant those flowers, relax and reset with Maggie, her best friend and constant companion. Maggie was a little, black Labrador retriever who loved and was loved unconditionally. Dana was always travelling to visit her many special friends and seldom was Maggie left behind.

In all your travels past and in all your travels yet to come, you will never find a better friend.

John 15:13 KJV - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

A celebration of life will be announced in the Spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by Crowsnest Pass SPCA (P.O. Box 725 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0) or A Better Chance Animal Rescue (P.O. Box 1034 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0) Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555

loose/cracked, right headlight cracked, severe undercarriage damage, hoses pulled off, liquids leaking, etc. I was told I was lucky I got to Calgary as the vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive and immediately took it off the road!

I wish to convey my sincerest heart-felt thank you to my Angels, for stopping to help me. Without your kindness and assistance, I’d have been stranded! NOW, I do need my Angels help further and ask you to contact me ASAP, as I must battle with my insurance company who do not believe this occurred! I simply need you to inform them that it DID happen!

My car insurance company DENIED my deer hit claim and all damages! They are stating “Impact is inconsistent to impact of a deer hit”. Prior to my trip, my mechanic completed a detailed maintenance check and oil change with no undercarriage concerns or any safety concerns regarding the operation of my vehicle; he submitted a written letter to my insurance company stating this. The auto-body shop also submitted a letter stating undercarriage and front-end damage to vehicle is conductive with the impact of a deer hit. Auto-body handles animal vehicle claims and recognize my vehicle to be of the same fate.

Would my Angels, or anyone who knows them and this story, please contact The Pass Herald.

Thank you so very much. God bless and keep you safe on the highways and from greedy vehicle insurance companies!

16 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

CNP Thunder Hockey Update THUNDER U7 Lindsey Michalsky On December 16th the U7 Thunder travelled to Taber for an exhibition game against the Taber Grey team. It was an evenly matched, action packed game.

Goals scored by Gus Trotz, Nixon Lafreniere, Bowden Williams. At the end of the game all players took turns in a fun shoot out, shooting their best shot to score on the net. It was a great way to end the game. U7 will resume games in the new year.

THUNDER U9 WHITE Sarah Bjorgan

Crowsnest U9 Thunder White played at home

against Fernie A on Saturday. Both teams hustled hard and played a great game. The Thunder White team saw goals scored by Beau Houda, Reggie Davis, Will Trotz, and Mason Bradbury. Crowsnest Thunder’s goal was guarded by Jax Bjorgan.

A huge effort was put forward by all players and lead to a great end to this year’s games. The Thunder White team will return to the ice at home on the 6th of January versus the Fernie B team.

THUNDER U9 GREEN Lindsey Michalsky Saturday December 16th, U9 Thunder Green hosted a home game versus Fernie C. It was an evenly matched and exciting game. Thunder goals scored from Hudson Priest, Oliver Samaha, Chase Plowman and Levi Michalsky. In net, Jesse Ball stopping the pucks with his effortless moves. All players continue to showcase their skills and skate hard as our season remains strong.

On Sunday December 17th U9 Thunder Green headed to Elkford for an early morning game against the Elk Valley Kodiaks. Guarding the net and diving to stop the pucks was Jack Kaprowski. Goals scored from Aleksei Zbrodoff, Hudson Priest, Oliver Samaha and Levi Michalsky. Throughout the game we saw strong back and forth passing and fast play from Emmet Riewe, Hudson Parks, Kacy Patrick and Chase Plowman. Together the team worked hard!

Thunder Green will resume games in the new year.

THUNDER U11 Rhonda M

Memories of you at Christmas Thinking of you on The day you went away Today like many other days brings special thoughts of you of happy times we shared and caring things you used to do And once more. it’s a reminder that life’s road is sometimes rough because the time we shared just wasn’t long enough

The U11 Thunder hockey team wrapped up their regular season hockey action for 2023 this past weekend with two wins, bringing their current win-loss-tie record to 7-1-1, winning the last five in a row! They had the home ice advantage Friday night and won against the Vulcan Hawks 6-3, with Nash Lafreniere (#19) scoring five of those goals. Griffin Luini (#11) scored one goal and had two assists, with Noah Burton (#3), Jax Fulkerth (#8), and Tristen McKerracher (#14) with one assist each.

The next day, on Sat. Dec. 16, the U11 Thunder faced the Mavericks in Fort Macleod for the first time in two months; this proved to be a very close game, with lots of action at both ends of the ice! Nash La-

freniere (#19) got a hat trick in this game, with Cruz McKee (#5) and Jax Fulkerth (#8) each scoring a goal as well. Chase Legroulx (#2) and Jax Fulkerth (#8) each got one assist. The final score was 5-3. Zander Fulkerth (#1), the U11 Thunder goalie, saved 38 of the 41 shots on goal. His save percentage so far for the regular season is an impressive 89% -- saving 241 of 270 shots on goal, wow!

The U11 Thunder currently have 15 points, a winning percentage of 83.3% and are at the top of the U11 Tier 4 Blue league they are part of. They return to the ice for more regular season hockey action on Fri. Jan. 5, 2024, with an away game in Cardston.

Keep up to date with Thunder hockey events at www.crowsnestpassminorhockey.com and on their Facebook page: CNP Thunder - Crowsnest Pass Minor Hockey Association. And remember: save the date for the U11 Thunder home tournament Jan 19-21, 2024!

THUNDER U13 Lauren Kirkman

The Crowsnest Pass Thunder U13 hockey team played two games over the weekend resulting in a loss on Saturday and a win on Sunday.

On Saturday, Thunder hosted the Vulcan Hawks for a close game. By the end of the first period, Nico Gillespie and Aidan Bishop each scored one goal leading with a 2-1 score. The Hawks then tied the game up by the second period. Heading into the third, Thunder scored another goal by Jack Bishop, but the Hawks snuck ahead sinking in three more goals and a final score of 5-3 for the visitors. Assists made by Ryder Jorgensen (2) and Nico Gillespie. Goaltender Branson Gillard stopping a total of 34 shots.

Sunday afternoon, Thunder hosted the Taber Oil Kings. The first period, Thunder was on the board with three goals made Sam Graham, Nico Gillespie, and Parker Bunnage. Thunder kept up the pace for the second with another three goals all made by Sam Graham with the Oil Kings trailing by four goals.

During the third period, two more goals were scored for our green team. Another by Sam Graham and Jameson Patrick.

Final score being 8-4 for the Thunder. Assists coming from Jasper Patrick (2), Jameson Patrick (2), Jack Bishop, Nico Gillespie, Sam Graham, and affiliate player Griffin Luini. Branson Gillard had a whopping total of 58 shots on his net.

Thunder will enjoy some time off for Christmas and will be back on the ice in January.

For you were someone special who was thought so highly of who’ll always be remembered with affection, warmth and love So sending thoughts to heaven on the day you went away and hope you know you’re missed more than words could ever say.

Love, Mom and Love, Mom andDad, Dad,Charlie, Charlie, Kelly, Carol, Reggie and Kelly, Carol, Reggie andRylee, Rylee Terri, Cailley and Presley and Terri, Jeff, Jeff, Cailley and Presley and family Family

Thunder U7 working hard at their game in Taber.

Herald Contributor photo

December 20, 2023 - CHRISTMAS GREETER www.crowsnestpassherald.ca • 403.562.2248 • passherald@shaw.ca

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR ENTIRE PASS HERALD TEAM Lisa, Nick, Tina, John, Avner, Leanne, Shirley, Meechie and Quinn Thank you for your continued support!

2 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Merry Christmas and all the best wishes for the new year from all of us here at

Blairmore Precision

A last Christmas as I know it LISA SYGUTEK Pass Herald Publisher I’ve been thinking about what I want to write in the Pass Herald Christmas Greeter for a while.

This is my last Christmas as a mom with children that are not adults. Quinn is close to 18, but still five months away.

It blows me away that I am heading into that part of my life where my kids are adults. Keiran is now 25, Aiden 21 and Quinn 17.

I remember being a terrified 26 year-old woman getting ready for the responsiblity of being a mom.

I was excited, but mostly terrified of the responsiblity that was soon to be my life.

I remember holding Keiran for the first time, albiet a bit groggy from the caesarian, and feeling the most intense love I had ever experienced and with each boy that love just grew exponentially.

Each of my boys is completely different.

Keiran is kind, I think that might be the best way to explain him. He’d give the shirt off his back for anyone. He will talk to anyone and has the ‘gift of the gab’. He loves the outdoors, whether playing hockey or fishing, he can’t stand sitting around and he checks up on me pretty much every day. The older he gets, the sweeter he is with me.

Aiden is brilliant and quirky and might be the funniest person I know.

He can tell a story like no one and he is loud, and incredibly loving. He will holds my hand and give me the biggest, longest hugs. He will be the one to move away and rarely come home.

Quinn is my baby and we are incredibly close.

He’s the quietest of my boys. He’s also brilliant, perhaps the most academically gifted of the boys, and certainly the most driven when it comes to being successful. We wake up together every morning and visit over breakfast. He tells me about his life and includes me in it. He’s responsible and loyal.

When I had Quinn I already had an eight-year old and a four-year old.

The boys were in every sport and we were busy.

Often, I would just drag Quinn along to everything.

I often forgot him at places like the pool when I was coaching the Pass Pirahas. I let him run around the arena like a crazy person when we were at hockey games.

As a result, he was a bit ‘bad’. We always said we just hoped he wouldn’t go to jail as an adult (just kidding, kind of).

That rambuncious boy has really turned into an incredible young man. When he was ‘bad’ I’d write down his antics and call them Quinn stories on Facebook. He had so many episodes that eventually, people would comment to me that they were waiting for the next thing Quinn would do that I’d put on my feed as the Quinn story of the week.

Often people would tell me that I should do a book of them as they were so funny. I’m so glad I kept a diary of Quinn’s antics. It only seems fitting that I reshare them with you, my readers. I asked his permission and he laughed and said, “sure mom, you write about us so much, I’m not sure there isn’t anything people don’t know about our lives”.

So for your reading pleasure and a chuckle, get a cup of coffee and enjoy the read. I laughed reading through them. Remember, these are posts from Facebook and read as vignettes from my feed. I have not edited them. I hope you find them as joyful as I did, and if you are my Facebook friend, I’m sure there are many you will remember as well. They are long but bear with me, they are funny!

Quinn Story: Note to self, never bribe your toddler that if he poops on the potty he can go to Toys ‘R Us. One month later every time he poops on the potty, which he still seems pretty surprised about, he yells from the toilet, “I pooped on the potty, now can we go to Toys ‘R Us”, like it’s down the street. He’s smarter than me!

Quinn Story: So ... I’m in Sobeys at 8:45 buying groceries. I’m in a rush, and all the tellers and people in line are laughing at something outside. Suddenly I hear, “whose kid is that”? I look outside and see Quinn in the empty parking lot, pants down to his ankles, peeing a large fountainous stream of pee. I rush outside to hear him screaming, “well I had to go”!

Quinn Story: Went on a date with my littlest man to Toy Story 3. He’s such a dream when he’s not fighting, swearing, farting or burping.

Quinn Story: Yesterday my sister came over and while we were talking in the kitchen I noticed, after a while, that I didn’t hear any Quinn noise. I walked into the front room, no Quinn. I looked in all rooms, no Quinn. By now I’m panicking that he’s left the house without me hearing him. By this point I’m screaming for him, no Quinn. DeeDee now in her car driving around to find him. I call 911 and as I’m screaming that I’ve lost my child I hear a small giggle. The little bugger is hiding in the pillows of my bed. I calm down, hang up from 911 and while hugging him I ask what he was thinking. His response, “I didn’t want to visit with auntie today”. Little fart. Later the police came to make sure he was still alive .... but I really could have killed him!

Quinn Story: So today is Quinn’s first day of Kids Kollege. Last year he quit. He’s doesn’t want to go this year either. I feel like those parents from Sixteen Candles who are forcing their geeky son through the gymnasium at the school dance while he yells that he just wants to spend time with them as the parents are running away before he can catch them!

Quinn Story: Chris and Niki came over for dinner last night. Chris comes in early and Quinn asks him where his mom is? I laugh realizing he’s talking about Niki!

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 3

Quinn stories cont’d from page 2

them. Just before bed Quinn informs me that he’s got the, “God thing covered”. In his words, “Guess what God made?” I smile waiting for his profound answer.

This is what I get, “God is important cause he made rubber trees!” WTH.

Quinn Story: You know you’re not parenting well when ...... you’re working on your computer, wrapped up in what you’re doing when you hear your four year old yell a racial term. You go to the front room and see him watching Platoon! Yikes!

Another Quinn Story: Quinn told me he has a new friend and her name is Kiera and asked if she can come over for a play date soon. He said, “Mom, Keira’s is a vegetarian”. I said, “Oh she doesn’t like meat”. He replies quite sarcastically, “It means she doesn’t like pizza, don’t you know what a vegetarian is?”

Quinn Story: Quinn’s packing his toy bag for our hockey marathon weekend. I say, “Quinn bring your Leapster so you can practice your letters”. He says, “I’ll bring it on the next holiday”. I say, “kiddo you need to learn your letters”. He says I already know them, “F, F say FFFFFF and F says FFFFF”. He them smiles at me and says, “do you know a word starts with the letter “F””, and starts laughing!

Quinn Story: so at Power Skating last night the kids in the room, all various ages, were talking about Hitler.

After the conversation went on for a while a surprisingly quiet Quinn yells out, “that’s one bad dude”. One if the older boys asks him,” do you know who Hitler is”.

Quinn replies, “you betcha, he plays in the NHL”.

Quinn Story: Quinn wakes up in the middle of the night, crawls into my bed and snuggles up to my back, one little hand around my waist. I smile thinking I’m so lucky and close my eyes. I feel something warm on my back and realize he’s just peed on me. I jump out of bed and he says, “but mommy I was so snuggly, I just didn’t want to get up and you wash all the time anyway”. Gotta love him!

Quinn Story: Oh my Quinn. We just sat down and had the talk about his slashing and body checking and retaliation against Fernie at his Pre-Novice game today and about his lack of sportsmanship and I think I got through. Then as he’s walking away I hear him mutter “whatever mom, it’s hockey and I’m the Quiminator!

Quinn Story: At Kindergarten on Thursday the kids were supposed to write a Thanksgiving card to those they love the most. Most kids gave one to their moms, dads, brother/sister. Quinn in true Quinn style did one for Nathan Sydora. WTH! Quinn Story: So we are driving to another hockey game and Quinn is in the back seat singing his own words to the song “moves like Jagger” which to him is “moves like a dragon”. Makes the trip more bearable to laugh!

Quinn Story: Quinn’s First Day at Kindergarten: So we go to class, late of course, and draw each of our handprints, cut them out and kiss them. The thought is we each keep a handprint with us to comfort us if we miss each other. As I’m cutting out his handprint he says, “wow that’s lame”. When it’s time to go I say, “Quinn do you need me to stay, will you be okay”. He looks at me and says, “get outta here I have some learning to do”. Who is going to miss whom!

Quinn Story: This morning Quinn informed me that it’s blankies birthday. He blew up balloons, got cupcakes, wrapped a present - a facecloth with a golf ball inside. We sang happy birthday, opened presents and lit candles. I said, “Quinn you’re just like Linus”. He said, “well if anyone made fun of me like Lucy does to Linus, I’d just kick them in the face and stop that crap”.

Another Quinn Story: Quinn - “I have to pee”. I’ve taught him to sit on the toilet. I look over and see him peeing standing up, missing all parts of the toilet. As I’m about to tell him to sit and pee, he spits on his shirt using it to clean the rim, which is full of new and old pee. He says, “I’ve been peeing standing up for a while mommy, let me get my pants back and have dinner” - no washing of hands involved!

Quinn Story: Keiran and his friend Kyle are really worried about the end of the world on Friday so I spent quite a bit of the night talking religion and God with

Happy Holidays

from all of us at the Bellevue Legion #19

Quinn Story: so my beautiful Shaylee went to the Justin Beiber concert and I was asking her how it was. Quinn was with me while she gave me the low down. Later while I was in his room with him he says to me, “Mom, isn’t he Canadian”. I say yes honey. He says, “I just saw him on TV and that Justin Beaver he ain’t that bad”.

Quinn Story: Today Quinn started Grade 1. I’ve had a baby at home with me for 14 years. I took my little man to school and he jumped out and said see yah later. I asked him if I could come with him. He said, “I guess so”. As he was waiting in line I started crying.

He looked at me and said, “Oh come on mom stop the waterworks ... you’re embarrassing me”. The look on his face as he said it was priceless!

A Quinn Story: Swimming just ended on Sunday and on Monday Quinn started hockey camp. Today on the way to the arena Quinn said in the car, “Mom, I think I’ve lost some of my talent”. I asked him where he thinks it went. He replied, “I’m not sure but I’ve looked in my hockey bag and it’s not there”. During the morning skate I could see him talking to his gloves and having a heated talk to his stick. It was pretty weird. I said afterwards “what were you doing”? He replied, “my talent was caught in my stick and gloves so I gave them heck. It worked cause my talents back at 100%. Nice to know I’ve found it”.

Quinn Story from the holiday: Quinn is obsessed with middle names. He can’t understand why we have them, so on the way down to the dock to go boating he says: tell me again our middle names. Keiran says mine is John, Aiden says mine is Gailen Ricky and I say yours is Sygutek. He says, “why did you pick those?” I say Keiran has the same name as Dad, Aiden is named after Nana and my brother, and you are named after my last name. He thinks for a bit and says, “okay, Keiran John, Quinn Sygutek and Aiden Jo Bob”. Aiden quite disgusted says, “that’s not my middle name”. Quinn says,” But you look and act like a Jo Bob so I’ve renamed you .... I’m a great brother, not sure what mom was thinking”.

Quinn Story: we have been in the States for the last week. Last Sunday we decided to eat at the Olive Garden, along with the rest of Spokane. So Lyle and I go into the lounge to have a drink while Keiran plays with his brothers on the lawn. Finally three Mojitos later it’s our turn to get seated. Quinn comes in to get me and says, “Mom are you coming or are you going to have another drink.” Me being a smart ass say, “No honey every time mom has too many of these she has another baby”. Quinn then yells ACROSS the restaurant, “Hey Keiran mom finally told me how babies are made, you go to the bar and drink and poof you grow a baby in your belly. She said that’s how I was made”. Guy behind me spits out his drink laughing and I about die!

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4 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Quinn stories cont’d from page 3

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Quinn Story: So Quinn’s good enough to go to swim club with his brothers. During practice tonight he pooped in the pool clearing out the facility. No public swim tonight for anyone. When I asked him WTF he said, “I was swimming so hard it just flew out before I knew it was coming out”! Lord grant me the Serenity.

Quinn Story: On the way home from swim club in Sparwood Aiden decided to school us on the history of the Greek and Spartan war. At the end of a very long explanation Aiden ends with, “... and they fought for over 50 years”, upon which Quinn pipes up, “ geez that’s a long time, almost as long as mommy is old”.

Our holiday hours are

Dec 24: 8:00 am – 3:00pm Closed Dec 25 & 26

Dec 31: 8:00am – 3:00 pm Closed Jan 1 SUMMIT 10701 20 ave Blairmore 403-562-8282

Christmas Eve Candlelight Family service

December 24 at 7pm Everyone is welcome!

All donations go to the local Food Bank Crowsnest Christian Centre 8534-24th avenue Coleman

Thank you for all your support in 2023.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Quinn Story: From his car seat in the back Quinn says, “Don’t worry mommy we will go to Canadian Tire and get you some OxyClean it takes out all stains.

Just a few drops in your laundry and your whites get whiter”.

Quinn story: Quinn and Keiran’s rooms were a mess and so we asked Quinn to clean his and low and behold he did. We were so proud of him and asked him if he knew what a tornado was cause that’s what went through Keiran’s room. He said, “a tornado is a big swirl of air that wrecks houses”. Wow were we proud and then he goes on to say, “and the Devil causes it”.

Quinn Story: So Keiran was picking on Quinn to the point where Quinn decided to move out. He packed everything a man needs ... his backpack, his blankie, his iPad, his Angry Bird game, his hockey stick and a set of golf clubs. With his essentials in tow I saw him walking down the street. No jacket, only his winter boots! He never even warned us that he was leaving.

I told him I loved him and would miss him if he left.

His response, “tell Keiran I’ll move back in, but if he bugs me again I’m gonna shove this golf club up his a**”. He then went back in and unpacked, golf clubs by his bed.

Quinn Story: Quinn is trying to convince us that getting him a Hamster is a good idea. He rented a book from school from the library and in it is two hamsters mating one on top of the other. He says, “look Mom Hamsters even know how to play leapfrog. We do that in school all the time. Look at how much fun they are having, but the one on the bottom looks a bit tired”.

I’m so not ready for that talk.

Another Quinn Story: So at hockey the other night I was informed that Quinn was swearing in the park during recess. That night I told him if he swore he would have to go to the principal’s office for some major trouble. So ... when I picked him up today he yells, in front of many parents, teachers and of course the principal, “Mom, I was so good today I never swore at anyone at school and a lot of them just kept pissing me off”. Yikes. Well, at least he was out the doors!

Quinn Story: so Quinn has a hockey game and the ref - Brock says to Quinn, “quit hitting everyone, you’re 5 and it’s Pre-Novice and that’s not allowed”.

Quinn, who knows him really well cause Brock plays with Keiran says, “come on ref I barely touched him he fell over all on his own ... I was just feeling his jersey”. Apparently he skated off with a disgusted look on his face. Needless to say Brock is still laughing.

Quinn Story: so I pick Quinn up from school and he says to me,” Mom I’m really popular with the girls”. I said, “how do you know sweets?”. He says,

“cause one girl has my name on her pencil case with a heart around it and another drools when she sees me”.

Keiran says,” buddy are they HAWT?”. Quinn say,” I don’t know, but they sure are tall”.

Quinn Story: So my little guy has been asking to help more around the house. This morning he asked for payment on said jobs. I said,” seriously buddy I thought you were just helping out and I didn’t think you were expecting to be paid”. He throws his hands up in the air and says,” seriously mom chicks are expensive and I’m saving up for the future”. He then stomps off to his room mumbling about me being too old to understand how girls work anymore.

Quinn Story: So Keiran is harassing Quinn again by taking photos of him, modifying them so that it looks like Quinn is picking his nose, or in some cases worse, when Quinn yells out, “Keiran I’m so mad at you I want to call you the ‘F’ word a 100 times and I want to give you the ‘middle finger’ 25 times. I’m kinda proud cause I’m kinda getting him not to swear.

Quinn Story: a sweet one this time .... So as you all know my family is struggling lately. Quinn has picked up on the sadness. He was getting ready for school this morning and said, “Mommy when you get old tomorrow, I’m gonna take care of you and when uou die the day after that I’m going to bring you flowers to your grave everyday”. Then he paused for a moment and said, “at the hockey game some kid made me so mad that blood was coming outta my eyes. I’m gonna kick the crap outta him next time”. He has another bite of his toast and says, “I love you momma”.

Quinn Story: So today I lost the Mother of the Year Award. The morning started off bad with the boys fighting, Aiden was making us late, so I’m yelling at them to get in the car and Keiran’s driving which scares the bejesus out of me. We drop Aiden off and are half way to the High School before I realize that we don’t have Quinn. I swap Keiran driving and we race home to get Quinn. I turn into town and see him walking on the sidewalk by Dr. Maritz’s clinic. He’s got his backpack on, his jacket in his hand and is munching on an apple without a care in the world. He had to cross the railway tracks and Main Street. I said, “hey buddy I’m soooooo sorry I forgot you. He says, “seriously don’t worry about it I know how to get to school. I was gonna run there along the highway”. His school is in Coleman.

Quinn Story: Sometimes you wake up and think, man I’m lucky, look at all the wonderful things in my life. That is until you hear Quinn singing in the shower, “it’s 40 below and I don’t give a f@*k, got a heater in my truck and I’m off to the rodeo.” Thanks Tyler Sagrafena.

Quinn Story: So Quinn swam 25 m back today and came in first in the preliminary race and second in the 25 m free. In finals he won a silver medal in back and swam slower than he did in the morning. He came to me bawling that he didn’t get a gold. So in his free race he said, “I’m gonna kick this kids a**,” and guess what he did. Three golds, one silver and smashed every club record we have. When medal time came Quinn slept through his medal. They just placed it on him cause we couldn’t wake him up. Finally when he woke up I said,” buddy you missed your medal. You slept through it”. He said, “Mom it’s okay, I fell asleep cause I left it all in the water”.

Quinn Story: Quinn just informed me that this winter he would like to: play hockey, take Tae Kwon Do, play piano and learn how to knit. What a Renaissance Man.!

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 5

Quinn stories cont’d from page 4 Quinn Story: Today my little man and myself are on our way to the dentist in Lethbridge to get some cavities filled. We are listening to the radio when ‘Safe and Sound’ song comes up. Quinn says, “Mom why do all the songs talk about boys and girls loving each other”.

I reply, “as you get older you will start looking at girls that way too”. “No way,” is his reply. I say jokingly, “you can stay with me always Quinn”. His reply, “why?

You’re gonna die soon, but I will love you even when you are dead”.

Quinn Story: Swim Club just ended and of course I’m visiting. Quinn is over with a couple of boys his age. I look over to see them arguing over a stick. Quinn, being the mediator says,” I think you should give him back the stick, he had it first.” The kid says no. Quinn says, “What do you think God would want you to do”.

Kid says I don’t care. Quinn grabs the stick and gives it to the kid and proceeds to say, “fricking God’s in charge you little piece of cra*... respect that”. Hmmmm I wonder what Father Ben would think of that!

Drain Brothers Construction Ltd. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the staff!

Quinn Story: So Quinn’s class went to Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek on a field trip. When they left it was overcast and cool. Everyone was dressed in jeans and shirts. The class was asked to wear their Horace Allen T-Shirts over their clothes to help keep track of the little kids. In the afternoon it got really warm and Quinn’s teacher said that she was hot and was going to take off her shirt (remember she had a shirt underneath).

According to the teacher Quinn sits a little closer to her, cups his hand over his mouth and whispers very quietly in her ear, “So, just checking if you’re taking your shirt off, can I ask what you’ve got underneath there”. I pity any father when Quinn starts dating.

Quinn Story: so we are at our final spring hockey tournament in Calgary and we are in the Gold Division and having a tough time. By the fourth game the kids are discouraged and tired. Quinn though is having the game of his life. After the game we said, “Wow you played amazing, did you just quit trying so hard and have fun?” His response, “Ah no, I just put my stick on the ice and prayed to God, and guess what, he came through!” “Didn’t you see me laying on the ice praying? Come on mom”.

Quinn Story: Just because it’s his birthday, I’ll share a story from yesterday. As he’s coming up the stairs from a shower, naked as the day he was born, I hear Quinn singing a song. I listened for a minute and then had to stop and really listen as he was singing Poison’s ‘She’s My Cherry Pie’. Wow I said what the heck are you singing and where the heck did you hear that song.

He laughs and says, “Dad and I listen to Boneyard in the truck when you’re not around. I love Quiet Riot, Rat and of course a bit of Metallica.” “Hmmm”, I said, “do you know what the story means”. He says, “no, but it’s my favourite flavour of pie so it’s my favourite song and there’s a lot of swears in Dad’s music but he told me it’s okay to sing them as long as I don’t repeat them to you!”

Quinn Story: so after school Quinn told me that one of his “girlfriends” is dating his best friend. I asked him how he feels about this, and he replied, “angry and hurt”. I sat down ready to have the girlfriend talk when he looked at me and said, “I’m not mad about the girl.

I am made because he didn’t listen to my talk with him about the “bro’s before ho’s rule, that’s why I’m angry and I’m gonna tell the teacher cause we were told not to date”.

Quinn Story: Quinn just came into my room holding his bowling trophy he won tonight. He’s proud as punch for having the high score in the league. He bowls with my sitter and her girls on Fridays. I told him I was

proud upon which he replies, “I’m a man of many talents mom”.

Quinn Story: Quinn decided that he wants to try his hand at skiing again. I told him we couldn’t go tonight because I was worried about him falling and breaking his nose again. He stomped off to his room. I was in my room reading a book when he comes in dressed for skiing with his hockey helmet on which of course has a cage. I’m not even sure what to say to that!

Quinn Story: So as everyone knows we are a hockey family, however we all love to ski too. Both the older boys are amazing skiers, however, Quinn has only been out a handful of times. So its school ski day at the hill and I go to ski with him. It was his second time this year on the hill so I thought he would need some help. Well as you can guess he flew down the hill and wouldn’t wait for me. He was too busy with his buddies so I went home. I get a call a few hours later from the school that he fell while racing down the hill and his nose wouldn’t quit bleeding. So I arrive to blood everywhere. He says, “just stuff some paper up there I can get a few more runs in before I have to leave”. Needless to say we went home and after a four-hour bleeding nose and an emerg visit find out his nose is broken. His response to the whole thing, “well at least I won the race”.

Quinn Story: at our Timbits tournament our team ‘the Thunder’ played a team called ‘the Lightening’ after an amazing game by my little guy who scored, passed and back checked hard I thought what an awesome and wonderful little bugger who thinks about his team mates and shows good sportsmanship .... that is until after his fourth goal. He skates by the other teams bench and yells, with his stick in the air, for ALL to hear, “you know what comes after lightening, that’s right boys, thunder! Suckers”! Then skates off. Worst part is he still won player of the game.

Quinn story: Quinn loves his teacher and she thinks he is a sweet angel who can do no wrong, that is until yesterday. So ... A little boy in his class gas been hitting him every day. So on the way to school Quinn informs me of this. I asked him if he hits him back, upon which he replies, “not yet”. I’m a little worried for this kid if Quinn loses it so when we arrive I pull the teacher aside and tell her what’s going on. She says to Quinn, “honey are you okay”. He replies, “I haven’t hit him back yet, but if he keeps this sh*t up I’m going to f**cking destroy him”. He then smiles and says,” have a nice day and mom see yah later”. The teacher and I stand there with our mouths open.

Quinn Story: My little man is pretty serious about his hockey. Tonight at Keiran’s game he was changing the wall photo on his iPad and was working pretty hard to find his favorite team. I said, “Hey buddy whatcha doing”. Quinn, “I’m finding my favorite team but I’m having trouble finding their logo”. Me: “want help, what is your favorite team”? Quinn, in a very loud voice so I can hear him in the arena replies, “the Vagina Pats”. I spit out my coffee totally embarrassed.

Quinn Story: we are at Kaylen’s graduation in Spokane. There are two beautiful babies here. Quinn has spent most of the day playing with them. He asked me to have another baby. I said, “sorry bud the pipes are no longer working”. He said, “it’s okay we will go to the dump and pick one up”. Hmmmmmm, that’s some kinda baby.

Quinn story: So I picked Quinn up from school on his birthday and all the little girls were trying to hug him. He hugged a few and then just kinda started to ignore the rest. I said, “Quinn you need to acknowledge the love.” He responded with, “Mom if I hug every girl back that wants to hug me we will be here all day and I’m kinda hungry .... they will wait!”

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6 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Quinn stories cont’d from page 5 Quinn Story: This morning Quinn and I were talking and he said, “I sure love my brother Tyler Sagrafena.

He’s the best, but man I sure can piss him off”.

Quinn Story: so Quinn has a final hockey weekend starting Friday. If they win, they play Saturday for the banner. Problem is he’s got strep throat. So we are in the

doctors office and he says very seriously, “Dr. Fisher will I be able to play by Friday”. Dr. Fisher says, “I’m not sure buddy, depends on how you feel”. Quinn replies,” you better give me lots of drugs, cause if I’m not playing we are for sure gonna lose”. Dr. Fisher looks at me and says “well, he doesn’t lack confidence.”

Quinn Story: So tonight I have to go to a hockey game of Keiran’s. I said to Quinn, “buddy you have to come cause I have no one to watch you”. His response,” will any of my friends be there”. I reply no. He says, “that’s okay, I’ll make friends”. I told him it’s awesome that he is able to make friends so easy. He replies with a look of disgust, “ummm mom, making friends is a skill and I’ve got it in spades”. The world needs more Quinn’s I think.

The gallery will be closed from Dec 20 - Jan 31. We look forward to seeing you again in 2024!

Quinn Story: we are going to a hockey tournament with just Quinn when he informs me out of the blue that if I get divorced he’s, “gonna hire Chuck Norris to give me a roundhouse kick”. Then proceeds to tell me he’s gonna play defense in today’s game like Chuck Norris too.

Hmmmmmm!!! Penalty box here he comes!

Quinn Story: And .....

Quinn gets another penalty for body contact. I’m trying very hard to explain there is no hitting in Novice. His response, “well that’s just stupid.”

Quinn Story: so Quinn, who doesn’t lack confidence in anything, says to me today after skiing, “I’m a great skier”. I said, “buddy you’ve barely skied at all in the last couple of years cause we are too busy playing hockey”. He replied, “until I fell and broke my nose racing I was the best skier on the hill, ask anyone”.

Quinn Story: So Quinn wanted a rocking chair and stool from my moms. He begged for it. This morning I went into his room and he’s rocking on the chair just looking out the window. No TV. No electronics. I asked him what you doing sweets. His reply,” contemplating life mom”.

Quinn Story: Only those who know my family situation will get this Quinn Story: after school Ricky picked up Quinn. I say, hey Quinn there was a lockdown in Keiran’s school. Quinn says ,”what happened”. I explain that a guy was walking in the school parking lot with a gun (turns out it was a pellet gun). Quinn looks at Ricky and says, “Ricky, did you do it”. I bust out laughing. Ricky’s not so impressed. Lol. Quinn Story: Quinn, like his mommy and all kids in my family, has started working for the family business delivering papers. I forgot to pay him the last few weeks figuring I’d catch up next week. He just called me from home to tell me that it’s ludicrous that I don’t pay my staff and he expects a pay cheque today or he’s quitting to work at another newspaper who will appreciate his work ethics and talents.

So, I know the ‘Quinn Stories’ were a long read, but I hope deep down you will enjoy them as much as I did re-reading them. I will miss being a mom to three young boys. Change is on the horizon for me and I hope the second part of my life will be as enjoyable as the first.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and a safe and prosperous 2024!

From all of us here at the Pass Herald

Dr. Mark Leishman Dr. David Baker Dr. Regan Evanson

w w w. as c entdent a l.c a

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 CROWSNESTPASS PASSHERALD HERALD- - 77 Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from -CROWSNEST

My Childhood Christmas memories TINA PEDERSEN Pass Herald Staff Some of the most fond memories I have from my childhood Christmas is the way that my parents waited to decorate the tree until the day before Christmas Eve. They would do this in secret and then cover up the Christmas tree with big sheets hanging from the ceiling so that we couldn’t see it - even though we did try to sneak a peak or two! The tree, in all its beautiful glory, would be revealed to us on Christmas Eve after dinner.

Now imagine this: We would be having our turkey Christmas dinner in the dining room right next to a tree that was covered in sheets!

But it was indeed a special and magical moment when the tree was finally revealed. Once the table was cleared, and the dishes were done, of course!

Back then, our tree was partially lit with actual candles and partially with electric lights.

I remember that this tradition of covering up the tree went on for many years until we were older and my parents decided that it wasn’t worth the effort anymore to cover up the tree and keep it a secret until it was revealed.

I also remember, in the early years, after our Christmas dinner, that my JOHNPUNDYK.COM little brother and I would be told to go into the hallway and hide until Santa jpundyk@shaw.ca had made his grand entrance. We were not al-

Merry Chris as to my past, present and future clients!

I look forward to serving you in 2024!

JOHN PUNDYK

403-563-0771

Royal LePage South Country Real Estate Services Ltd.

Wishing all our clients and their families a wonderful holiday season and all the best in 2024!

Shauna Liebreich & Tina Pedersen

403-329-1562 w12931 20 ave w Blairmore

lowed to see Santa Claus. He did not have time to talk to the children on Christmas Eve. He would just knock on the front door and my mom would always answer the door and have a few words with Santa, telling him whether we had been good or bad, or something in between .

Santa would place the presents under the tree and he would be on his way.

I recall my brother and I having our ears up against the hallway door to try and hear Santa’s footsteps. It was all so exciting.

Of course, in Denmark where I grew up, we unwrap the presents on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is generally spent playing with our new toys, visiting with family, eating good food and maybe watching a Christmas show.

I have kept the tradition with my own kids to have our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve with their grandma and unwrap at least one present after dinner.

So we basically combine European and North American traditions in our home as we unwrap the rest of our presents on Christmas morning like other families in North America.

It is very rare that we have a white Christmas in Denmark. I only recall maybe two or three times that it happened during my childhood growing up overseas.

In fact, it is so rare that now they have a “snow meter” on the TV weather forecast, and during the entire month of December, the meteorologists will try to predict the likelihood that there will be a white Christmas. I love living here in the Crowsnest Pass, where we often get to enjoy a white Christmas and I know that there are many people in my home country who envy this.

This year we almost decided to go to Mexico for Christmas.

Our friends are going to spend Christmas in Los Cabos this year and we had the opportunity to join them.

When we brought this idea up with the kids and talked about it, they asked if we could stay home. They would much prefer to be home for Christmas. In the cold, snowy mountains.

Although my husband and I would have liked to go on this trip, we realize that this holiday is much more for the children than it is for us. Once the children are grown there will be plenty of opportunities for us to go on a tropical vacation if we want.

So this year, and for the foreseeable future, we will let our children continue to make snowy Christmas memories.

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2024!

A message from MP John Barlow This holiday season, Louise and I, along with our family and the entire Foothills team, extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas. It’s been our pleasure working for the residents of the riding this past year.

It is a privilege to serve, and I am committed to working tirelessly to listen to your concerns, be a champion for our communities ensure the voice of southern Alberta is heard.

Christmas is a time to cherish blessings, create lasting memories with loved ones, and reflect. In the spirit of the holidays, it is important we embrace a sense of community and compassion. Consider giving back to your community through volunteering or supporting local causes. Your involvement, whether big or small, can make a meaningful impact.

I want to extend my warmest wishes to everyone in Foothills for a happy and fulfilling holiday season.

May your Christmas be filled with joy, and may the New Year bring incredible opportunities, prosperity, and success. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

88--CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 13,PASS 2023HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST

Dear Santa Clause From Kids Kollege Nursery School

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Remi and I am 5 years old. I live in the Crowsnest Pass, which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year.

My family has been preparing for your visit by decorating. This year I have been very nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: to love you and I love Christmas. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a Lego Crane for lifting. I also need crash up my toys track. I’d like to wear pyjamas with reindeer on it. Also, I’d like read a Santa book this year. I enjoy snacking on Christmas cookies these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Remington Hellawell.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Oaklen and I am 4 years old. I live in Blairmore, which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by setting up our tree. This year I have been very nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: I play with my brother, feed my dog and give my friends snacks. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a Drone. I also need a remote control. I’d like to wear boots. Also, I’d like to read a novel this year. I enjoy snacking on Welch’s these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Oaklen.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Owen and I am 4 years old. I live in Bellevue which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by decorating. This year I have been very nice.

Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: invited Finn to gymnastics. For my family I have wrestled with them. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a remote control spider and a helicopter. I also need yummy chocolate. I’d like to wear fun socks. Also, I’d like to read Richard Scarry. I enjoy snacking on hot chocolate these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Owen McKenzie.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Grace and I am 4 years old. I live in Coleman, Canada, which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year.

My family has been preparing for your visit by cutting and decorating a tree. This year I have been very nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: help dad cook. Help mom bake gingerbread. I help my friends keep things tidy. I take care of Santa’s elf while he is visiting. I take care of Jack, my brother and like to write cards for my sister. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a Santa stuffed toy and a big cookie.. I also need a rainbow ring and a new nutcracker. I’d like to wear Christmas pyjama’s with snowflakes on them. Also, I’d like to read an animal Christmas book.

I enjoy snacking on gum and all kinds of chocolate these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Grace.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Willy and I am 4 years old. I live in town which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by putting our Christmas tree out. This year I have been very nice.

Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: play nice, not hitting, help mommy at the barn and help daddy work. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a remote control quad. I also need a bucking bull belt. I’d like to wear Wranglers. Also, I’d like to read a Christmas book. I enjoy snacking on chocolate granola bars these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there.

Merry Christmas! Your friend Willy.

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for the new year!

Oliver Strickland Residential & commercial Realtor 403-563-0257 oliver.strickland@century21.ca

stricklyrealestate.ca

Happy Holidays and all the best in 2024

Prestige Cleaners

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 9

Dear Santa Clause From Kids Kollege Nursery School

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Atlas and I am 3 years old. I live in Coleman, which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by making Christmas lights. This year I have been naughty (I’m sorry). Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: helping my baby brother get out of his sleep sack. Making cookies and playing with my sister. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a present. I also need cookies. I’d like to wear a santa suit. Also, I’d like read Christmas books this year. I enjoy snacking on more cookies these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Atlas.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Jhessie and I am 3 years old. I live in The Pass, which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by putting Christmas songs on. This year I have been very nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: sharing and caring and give super big hugs. My biggest Christmas wish is to get Paw Patrol bear. I also

need more paint. I’d like to wear my Rapunzel dress. Also, I’d like read a monster book this year. I enjoy snacking on banannas these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival.

I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Jhessie.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Jack and I am 4 years old. I live in Bellevue which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by decorating our windows. This year I have been very nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: help my brother and read with mom and dad. My biggest Christmas wish is to get animals. I also need dinosaurs. I’d like to wear dinosaur hats. Also, I’d like read snow this year. I enjoy snacking on peanut butter sandwiches these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Jack.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Riley and I am 3 years old. I live in Bellevue which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by Christmas jammies and Christmas tree. This year I have been naughty (I’m sorry). Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: share my toys, help mommy and daddy clean, give layla (dog) treats. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a big haul truck. I also need a big digger. I’d like to wear Christmas jammies. Also, I’d like read ABC book this year. I enjoy snacking on fruit snacks these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Riley.

Merry Christmas and thank you for your support in 2023!

Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24th 5:00 p.m & 9:00 p.m

New Year’s Eve (Mary Mother of God) Sunday, December 31st 5:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Monday, December 25th 10:00 a.m.

New Year’s Day (Mary Mother of God) Monday January 1st 2023 10:00 a.m.

Merry Christmas From all the staff at

We are accepting E-transfers for donations. It is autodeposit.

Please put in the box your name and address.

Email: donation2holytrinityparish@shaw.ca

Wishing all residents and visitors, A very Happy Holiday and a Year full of joy in 2024!

Coleman Community Society

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

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

13119 20 Ave Blairmore

403-562-7144

10 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Dear Santa Clause From Kids Kollege Nursery School

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Kennedy and I am 4 years old. I live in Blairmore, which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by decorating the tree to look cool. This year I have been a little bit of both naughty and nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: played with my friends and shared. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a camera. I also need crash up my toys track. I’d like to wear hmmm ... a puppy. Also, I’d like to read a kitty book. I enjoy snacking on cookies these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Kennedy.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Catherine and I am 4 years old. I live in my house, which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by making cookies. This year I have been very nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: behave, clean up my toys and feeding animals. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a puppy. I also need toys, and a pink castle. I’d like to wear unicorn t-shirt and jeans. Also, I’d like to read the big book this year. I enjoy snacking on watermelon these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Catherine.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Finn and I am 4 years old. I live in Bellevue which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by singing. This year I have been very nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: I bring firewood, give lots of hugs, share my toys with Otto. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a lego car. I also need a remote control.

I’d like to wear a demon sweater. Also, I’d like to read books this year. I enjoy snacking on candy these days, and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for you arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Finn.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Sadie-lou-ann-Barbara Jean and I am 3 years old. I live in Sadie’s house, Canada, which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by eating. This year I have been very nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: feed chickens. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a pink sparkle train. I also need whole bunch of trolls. I’d like to wear all dresses and pretty clothes. Also, I’d like to read my Sophia book this year. I enjoy snacking on butt fries these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Sadie Bala.

Dear Santa. How are you? My name is Vera Madeleine Howe and I am 4 years old. I live in Revelstoke, oh, that’s was where we used to live which is very far from your home in the North Pole. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. My family has been preparing for your visit by ... Santa’s coming here. This year I have been medium nice. Some of the nice things I’ve done for my friends and family are: helping, teaching to be kind, but not my parents, they are already kind. My biggest Christmas wish is to get a telescope and ice skates. I don’t need anything else, just the things I asked for. I’d like to wear my greatest shirt - it’s the Grinch. Also, I’d like to read my new Elf book (am I gonna see an elf?) this year. I enjoy snacking on strawberries, not strawberries, I like blueberries, but not in yogurt, these days and I’ll be leaving you a plate by the tree for your arrival. I hope they’ll give you lots of energy as you drop off gifts to the other nice kids out there. Merry Christmas! Your friend Vera.

M y C istmas

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 11

Donna’s ABC Day Care Dear Santa, My name is Quinn and I am 3 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a Cocomelon musical bedtime doll, a Gabby’s dollhouse deluxe room, a Paw Patrol Skye and a Ms. Marvel toy. Merry Christmas!

With Love, Quinn Dear Santa, My name is Lily and I am 3 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a baby doll, a Disney princess Maximus horse, Barbie beach dolls and an Ami Ami mini plush. I like your reindeer!

With Love, Lily Dear Santa, My name is Kensley and I am 5 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a bracelet making kit, a cookeez makery cinnamon playset, a magic mixie and a magic mixie pixling doll. I love you! Thank you for bringing us presents!

With Love, Kensley Dear Santa, My name is Renn and I am 3 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a new baby bed and for Gus a new army base. Merry Christmas Santa!

With Love, Renn Dear Santa, My name is Louie and I am 4 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a dino, a reindeer, and a transformer dino. Leo would like a crib please. Merry Christmas Santa!

With Love, Louie Dear Santa, My name is Hasith and I am 4 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a Paw Patrol plush, a camera, a giant squishmallow and two Jurassic light-up dino eggs. I love your elves!

With Love, Hasith Dear Santa, My name is Edi and I am 5 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a slime making kit, slime, a lite brite and a toy kitchen. I like all the gifts that you bring me and I love Christmas Eve! With Love, Edi Cont’d on page 12

Holiday Hours Christmas Eve 8:00am - 6:00pm Christmas Day - CLOSED Boxing Day 9:00am - 6:00pm New years Eve 8:00am - 6:00pm New Years Day 9:00am - 6pm

Blairmore

12 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Donna’s ABC Day Care Dear Santa, My name is Reagan and I am 3 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a big giraffe stuffy. Can I also get a candy cane for my mom? Merry Christmas!

With Love, Reagan Dear Santa, My name is Emmett and I am 4 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a panda stuffy, and a Chase might transforming cruiser. How are you Santa?

With Love, Emmett Dear Santa, My name is Marly and I am 3 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me pink makeup and nail polish. My brother Jay would like some Lego please. How are you and Mrs. Claus doing?

With Love, Marly Dear Santa, My name is Finn and I am 4 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a Lego car and a remote control car. I also want a Beyblade set. I love your elves!

With Love, Finn Dear Santa, My name is Adelaide and I am 2 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a Bluey stuffy, some playdoh and a pink baby. Can you please bring my mom some new shoes and my dad a new hat? Thank you Santa! Please say hi to Rudolph!

With Love, Adelaide Dear Santa, My name is Nash and I am 2 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring a fire truck with a firehouse and a car that goes fast. Please bring Harlyn some LOLs and Leo some Paw Patrol. My dad would like new tires and my mom would like a new necklace. Thank you Santa! I will leave you milk and cookies, With Love, Nash Dear Santa, My name is Hayes and I am 1.5 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring some monster trucks and a new train set. Can you please bring Haven a squishmallow, my mom a new coat and my dad some new socks? Merry Christmas Santa!

With Love, Hayes Cont’d on page 13

Merry Christmas to our current and future: Tenants, Property Owners and Contractors.

All the best to you and your families in 2024!

Thank you to all customers past and present.

We look forward to serving you in the new year.

Dawn & Mark Rigby

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 13

Donna’s ABC Day Care Dear Santa, My name is Ida and I am 2 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me Peppa’s cruise ship, a new phone and a tea set. Can you please bring Zoe rainbow stackers? I want to hug and kiss you Santa!

With Love, Ida Dear Santa, My name is Wade and I am 1.5 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a new tool set and a dump truck. Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas!

With Love, Wade Dear Santa, My name is Oaklen and I am 4 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a drum, remote control car and a race car. I like your elves!

With Love, Oaklen Dear Santa, My name is Haxstyn and I am 3 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a Cocomelon musical school bus and a slime making kit. Can I also get a bracelet making kit for my mom? Merry Christmas!

With Love, Haxstyn Dear Santa, My name is Xavier and I am 5 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a nerf gun, a remote control drone with camera, Tech Deck park creator, and a red lightsaber. Merry Christmas!

With Love, Xavier Dear Santa, My name is Sebby and I am 4 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a beast lab shark creator, a ghostbusters costume, a proton pack toy and a ghostbusters jet pack toy. I also want a Tech Deck Nyjah rail shredder Skate park. I love you Santa!

With Love, Sebby Dear Santa, My name is Liam and I am 5 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a remote control tarantula and Beyblades with a Beyblade dome. Can you please bring Lily a frozen art kit? I love you Santa!

With Love, Liam cont’d on page 14

CLOSED

December 25TH & 26TH

OPENING

December 27TH

CLOSED January 1st

OPEN

January 2ND and returning to normal schedule

14 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

We wish to extend our most sincere thank you for a great year!

Merry Christmas and all the best in 2024!

From all of us at

Donna’s ABC Day Care Dear Santa, My name is Lawson and I am 5 years old.

This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a toy kitchen, a giant squishmallow, a Tech Deck skate park, and a baby Yoda. Merry Christmas Santa!

With Love, Lawson Dear Santa, My name is Rowen and I am 4 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me an Orbeez grown tube and Mini Brands. Please bring my mom a pink parrot Lego set. You’re the best mailman in the world!

With Love, Rowen Dear Santa, My name is Lincoln and I am 3 years old.

This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me Mario cards and Monster Inc. cards. Can I also get Monsters Inc. toys for my cousins? Merry Christmas!

With Love, Lincoln Dear Santa, My name is Liam and I am 3 years old. This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me a Peppa pig cruise ship and a Hot Wheels race track.

Lenny would like a Barbie dream phone. I like your reindeer!

With Love, Liam Dear Santa, My name is Bennett and I am 5 years old.

This year I have been very nice. For Christmas please bring me an imports dragon blaster RC, an imaginext DC super friends robo command center, a gemstone dig kit, and a beast lab shark creator. I also want a skull island treasure tower. Merry Christmas!

With Love, Bennett

Merry s! a m s t i r h C

Happy Holidays from the team at

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403.892.5943

CROWSNEST PASS OFFICE

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST IN 2024!

KIM CHRISTI CUNNINGHAM HOLLINGSHEAD REALTOR®

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REALTOR®

403.632.5339

ETHAN WALL REALTOR®

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DOWNTOWN BLAIRMORE 13013 20 AVE 403.562.2844 | CROWSNESTREALESTATECENTRE.COM

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Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 15

Unwrapping Christmas: Tracing the origins of a global celebration NICHOLAS L. M. ALLEN Pass Herald Reporter The traditions surrounding Christmas unfurl like a tapestry woven through time, connecting us to ancient rituals and diverse cultural influences.

While modern celebrations often revolve around Santa Claus and the exchange of gifts, the roots of these customs extend far beyond the familiar narratives. December 25, a day marked by Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, draws from pagan traditions associated with the winter solstice—a time of renewal and the triumph of light over darkness.

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 centrepiece 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.

Cont’d on page 16

A Christmas Message FATHER JOSEPH RAJU Holy Trinity RC Parish “She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” Luke 2:7 Dear People of God, As we stand on the threshold of the forthcoming Christmas Festivities, let us take a moment to contemplate the profound significance of this sacred season.

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Sovereign of the Sovereigns, embarked on a singular journey to unveil His eternal affection for humanity. He willingly relinquished His celestial throne, assuming human form, echoing the sentiments eloquently expressed by St. Paul in his epistle to the Philippians (2:6-&): ‘Jesus, though in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be exploited. Instead, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness’.

Christmas beckons us to revel in this divine love.

Our Saviour, the King, descended from the heavens to the earthly realm out of boundless love for each and every one of us. In the Gospel of Luke (2:7). We learn that there was no room for Mary and Joseph to welcome the birth of Jesus. Yet, Christ’s arrival transcends the mere setting of a crib; it unfolds in the profound presence of holy love between Joseph and Mary. Jesus is not merely born in a stable but in the overwhelming unity of love transfigures an ordinary family into the holy family.

As we commemorate the birth of our Saviour, let the love and unity exemplified by the Holy Family serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all. May we embrace the true spirit of Christmas – a spirit characterized by love, unity, and joy.

Our heartfelt gratitude extends to each one of you for your cooperation, active participation, and the generosity you’ve poured into our parish. May the Lord shower his blessings upon you and the endeavors of your hands, granting you health, love, and peace.

Wishing you and your families a Christmas and New year 2024, blessed with profound joy and divine blessings.

Wishing you a

MERRY CHRISTMAS Chelsae Petrovic -MLA

Livingstone-Macleod

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 4927 1st Street West, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 Livingstone.Macleod@assembly.ab.ca 587-424-2004

OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 22, 2023 TO JANUARY 2, 2023

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - 16

Unwrapping Christmas: cont’d from page 15 Mistletoe wasn’t the only sacred plant pagans had connected to the winter solstice. You may have heard the line “Deck the halls with boughs of holly” before as it was another plant connected with the god Saturn and 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 travelled 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 honour 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 eight-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

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

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.

As the ever-evolving traditions of Christmas unfold, they showcase a complex tapestry of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular influences that have shaped this global celebration. Each December, we partake in the collective joy of decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and creating memories, honouring a rich history that transcends time and cultural boundaries.

In the spirit of the season, may we appreciate the diverse origins that have come together to create the cherished holiday celebration we know as Christmas. Merry Christmas, Serendipitous Saturnalia, Joyful Yule and a Happy New Year to all!