35,15 by Spotlight Magazine

LESSONS FROM THE PAST Basic Employment Law for Bosses

Pro Golfer Donald Crawley Play Better, Hit Farther

ALASKA UNLEASHED 1

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THIS ISSUES

CONTENTS 5

FINANCE

Death, Taxes

BMO consultant - Dan Hein,

EDITORIAL Lessons From the Past 6

As elections once again appear on the horizon, our editor - Scott Cowan, Examines our pass

LAW Are you really the boss when you fire someone? 11

Scott Stenbeck lends some insight.

Brent Dunstan

14 Travel

Tale of Two Elections Alaska Unleashed

SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE EDITOR

SCOTT COWAN (403) 504-7092

EMAIL ART DIRECTOR

JOAN BATEMAN

GRAPHICS DIRECTOR

ABIM OYAD Heather Coons

Golf Play Better, Hit Farther 22 \

Our new columnist Donald Crawley.

PHONE (403) 504-7092

scott-cowan@live.com ADDRESS

377 - 4 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0K4 For a complimentary subscription to Spotlight, forward your email to: info@spotlightmagazine.ca

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Disclaimer: No responsibility can be taken by Spotlight Magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this magazine is not the responsibility of Spotlight Magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spotlight Magazine. Comments are welcome.

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ImageAttribution101:W.LloydMacKenzie,viaFlickr@http://www.flickr.com/photos/saffron_blaze/.Imagehasbeencroppedandtheoriginalskyhasbeenreplacedwithanopacitylayer. Image Attribution 102: The Petro-Canada Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Photo by Chuck Szmurlo taken at dawn. Image has been unaltered. ImageAttribution103:ImageofRachelNotleybyHuffingtonpost.ca.Imagewasalteredwithanartisticbrushfilterandcompositedwithimagesofbandaidsoverthemouthofthesubject.

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Death, Taxes & the Family Cottage: Can we protect the lifestyle of our loved-ones? We have seen parents agonize over the succession of the family vacation property only to discover later that their children have little or no interest in owning it. Be sure to get input from all family members. Designing a detailed succession plan can be very difficult - this is especially true when dealing with the sentimental and monetary value of the family cottage. In some situations, keeping the vacation property in the family is impractical or inconsistent with our other estate planning goals. When more than one child wants to own it, and it cannot be physically divided, we may require the “wisdom of Solomon” to settle on a plan that satisfies the family.

stipulate that property held in a trust is deemed to be disposed of every 21 years).

U.S. Property – Estate Tax due to the IRS?

2. Set aside the funds to pay the tax later – Estimate the potential gain and establish a fund where you and/or your heirs deposit money to cover the future tax liability.

For U.S. tax purposes, a Canadian owner of U.S. real property may also be subject to U.S. estate tax on that property if the individual has over $60,000 in U.S. assets and worldwide assets above the “Exclusion Amount” in the year of their death (Exclusion Amount for 2014 is US$5.34 Million – this is annually indexed upward)

Preparing for Future Cottage Tax Liability

4. Provide for liquidity if necessary – Most people apply the Principal Residence Exemption to the family home and have their estate pay any capital gains tax with respect to a recreational property after their death. However, if your estate has a shortfall of liquid funds to pay the capital gains tax, you’ll need to consider ways to provide additional funds in your estate for this purpose. Instead of gifting the property, you can give your children the option to purchase it from your estate, after your death. Your children can use all or a portion of their cash inheritances to fund the purchase. The proceeds of the sale will then be available to the estate to pay taxes and distribute the balance to your beneficiaries.

The primary concern about transferring the cottage to the next generation is the capital gains tax due when the cottage is sold or inherited. Calculate the capital appreciation of the cottage and determine whether our estate can absorb the tax liability. We can defer the payment with a spousal rollover upon death, but at our spouse’s death the Canada Revenue Agency must be paid. All too often, families discovering that the tax owed is so high that they end up having to sell the cottage in order to satisfy the “Tax Man”. Fortunately, there are other ways to fund the capital gains tax liability. 1. Pay the tax now – You can opt to trigger the capital gain now by transferring the cottage to a family trust. Remember, however, your family will have to pay the tax on any future gains in value (trust rules

3. Use Life Insurance – The tax-free death benefit proceeds can be used to pay off the capital gains taxes due. Married couples may be able to reduce the costs of insurance by purchasing “Joint-Last-To-Die” coverage. JLTD insurance will pay out on the second death, precisely when the money is needed. Properly used, life insurance can preserve our assets that would otherwise may have required liquidation.

U.S. assets include real property located in the U.S., stocks, options and mutual fund units issued by a U.S. entity. Instead of imposing tax on the unrealized gain, the U.S. will impose U.S. estate tax on the fair market value of the property at the time of death. However, there is some relief provided in the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Treaty which allows a credit against Canadian federal income tax for U.S. estate tax payable on property that is located in the U.S. This credit can significantly reduce the Canadian income tax applicable to that property. Start today to protect what you value – Talk to your trusted advisor as you head into your golden years.

Lets Connect:

We can achieve peace of mind with the knowledge that we have minimized or eliminated a looming tax liability for our heirs.

Dan Hein, BRE Investment Advisor BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. 606 2nd St SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0C9

403-528-6771 Dan.Hein@nbpcd.com www.bmo.com/nesbittburns

Note: Some terms are capitalized for purposes of greater clarity in the context of this discussion only. BMO Wealth Management is the brand name for a business group consisting of Bank of Montreal and certain of its affiliates, including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., in providing wealth management products and services. “BMO (M-bar Roundel symbol)” is a registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal. If you are already a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns, please contact your Investment Advisor for more information. The comments included in this publication are not intended to be a definitive analysis of tax applicability or trust and estate law. The comments contained herein are general in nature and professional advice regarding an individual’s particular tax position should be obtained in respect of any person’s specific circumstances.

Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada

Scott Cowan Scott Cowan Editorial

LESSONS From the Past

here is one great advantage of living the last quarter of life. You gain a personal historical perspective, including decades of experience. All this fuels ones passion for those things you know to be right. As a young boy, I vividly remember Walter Cronkite on the Nightly News reporting the Vietnam War. The death statistics would fill the screen. We fought communism vigorously back then. It gave way to the hippie movement, flower power, and the Black Panthers. All this was the precursor to the war protest, the Kent State massacre. However, as terrible as that moment in history was, it ended very quickly when the National Guard fired on students. I watched The Ed Sullivan Show,” the night the Beatles premiered in America. For some reason the reports of a music festival named “Woodstock,” stands out in my memory. Everyone waited for the next Elvis movie to come out. I could

buy a coke, comic book, and an icecream with a quarter, and had change. In those days people left their keys in the car, and we never locked our home at night. In fact my Dad let me drive from the time I was twelve. In those days my parents spoke in hushed tones about anyone, “living together.” Granted couples slowly started “shacking up,” but it was taboo. I can’t write in these pages what was said about same sex couples back then, nobody was “out.” There was violent crime on the newsbut it was in fact newsworthy, because it was uncommon. People were horribly ashamed of going on welfare. If a girl became pregnant

out of wedlock, the family sent girls to a distant relative to have the baby. Most often the infant was adopted out. Unlike revisionist historians reporting today, few had so called back alley abortions. No one knew where to obtain them, or was willing to kill the baby. People worked hard, paid their bills, and going on unemployment was frowned upon. You dreamed of owning your own business. Success was applauded and respected. Parents raised their kids to respect authority, take responsibility, and be good citizens. Parents taught children that the policeman was your friend. We loved our country, and sang the National Anthem every morning in school. Our grade one teacher taught us to recite the Lord’s Prayer every day. I remember one morning after singing, “God See’s the Little Sparrow Fall.” My teacher told us we were loved by God, our parents, and her. We were like the little sparrow in the song...”If God so loved the little birds, I know he loves me too.” That she said, applied to every one of us. I remember thinking… that makes me pretty important. The knowledge of God’s love, coupled with patriotism for country, instilled a strong sense of self worth in every child. I fell in love with Mrs. Nagaliesen my grade one teacher. Continued on page 6

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Spotlight is Cutting Edge. The eclectic mix of editorial enhances our demographic. People read us because they love and appreciate our tell-it-as-it-is content. Medical, financial, celebrity interviews, we cover it all. We are excited to unveil our next transformation. We have partnered with a TV Station with 24 hour live programming, streaming Canada wide with a huge presence in Alberta. Our links are featured prominently on the main page and throughout their programming which increases visibility to 1.2 million impressions per week. What’s incredible is; with Spotlight, you now have TV, Web, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram exposure. No other magazine can offer millions in distribution and affordability for emerging companies as well as the giants.

Mitch Pileggi Star of: X-Files, Stargate Atlantis, Sons of Anarchy, and the new Dallas

VOLUME 7.14

PRIME MINISTER of the Bahamas,

PERRY CHRISTIE,

Talks with Spotlight page 28

NOTES FROM N’KENGE: Tony Nomine

page 14

CHARL BROWN

SPOTLIGHT COVERS

The Tony Awards in

NEW YORK CITY page 22

spotlightmagazine.ca Cover photo Joan Bateman / Gainsboro Studio

What People are Saying about We’ve heard directly and indirectly from a growing chorus of our readers. Not only is Spotlight great for our business, it turns out our column is engaging and useful for others. Many new customers we previously had not met. We applaud Scott and his team for ongoing format improvements and increased distribution - great job! Shine on Spotlight!!! Dan Hein BMO We love advertising in this magazine. We find it to be one of the most professional publications out there, the quality of the magazine from design, articles, advertisements, and the uniqueness of Spotlight itself; makes it a keep sake. I’ve found this magazine has staying power, they are kept for long periods of time in waiting area’s in multiple businesses. This makes it great for advertisers, they are seen over and over. For the price you will not find a better publication out there. Thanks, Scott. Todd Boschee, Auto’s R Less This is the best advertising I’ve ever had. I receive calls from all across the country. Scott Stenbeck, Lawyer

Since becoming involved with Spotlight Magazine my

business has changed dramatically. Space does not allow for the number of positive comments I could make. I highly recommend advertising in this publication. As a photographer, I have now done business in Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, and other exotic locations, specifically because of Spotlight. Joan Bateman Gainsboro Studio www.gainsboro.ca

Scott Cowan LESSONS From the Past

If you were misbehaving, the mom or dad across the street was just as likely to hold you to account as your own parents. Or at least let yours know what they saw. I snuck into a community dance one night, and somebody told my dad. Next day my father marched me down to the man in charge of the event. I had to admit “stealing,” my entry and apologize, offering the ticket price in my hand. I’ve never stolen anything since that day. My father never made a contract in business, preferring a hand shake. He said, “If their word is no good, what’s a piece of paper worth?” People for the most part did the right thing, always. The whole community attended the school Christmas pageant. Believe it or not, when politicians were involved in a scandal or just plain got caught lying, they were forced to resign. Not because of the law, but out of shame and public outrage. Today so many live in common law arrangements we’ve changed laws to protect the parties. Pregnancy is just an inconvenience settled by Planned Parenthood. We have recently seen irrefutable evidence that aborted baby parts are a profit centre to clinics. They sell the organs to labs for experimentation. Over 50% of children today are in broken or single parent homes. Teachers would lose their jobs today if they so much as mention God in the classroom. Most kids have little or no knowledge of God or faith. We then wonder why they steal, cheat on exams, drink, and drug, flaunt authority, and get their girlfriends pregnant. Leaving your keys in the car is an open invitation to have it stolen. No one I know fails to lock their home. Few know their neighbor two doors away. Morality is relative and fluid. No one can define right or wrong. We’ve been sold on the virtue of inclu-

siveness and multiculturalism. You are extreme if mentioning almost anything traditional. You’re branded hateful if disagreeing with alternate morals or religions . The rich are to be scrutinized, and held to account for their suspicious business practices. The reported USA unemployment rate is over ten percent. Truthfully it’s much higher, dramatically so among African Americans and youth. As of this writing several police officers have been assassinated by black terrorists. They’ve been inflamed by racial tension fanned in large part by the democrat leftist policies of the United States. In Canada Christian pastors who have offended Muslim’s by their preaching, are being sentenced to “Muslim sensitivity training,” or jailed. The media is clearly biased toward any conservative politician. College kid’s write papers to please the leftist professor, and support his bias, or risk a lower grade. Now there are many who will say a woman’s right to choose is sacrosanct. Health care by government is a right. All this hateful disagreement with other religions is wrong. We should promote more tolerance. We need to be

inclusive. The term Christmas is just offensive to some. This evolution of morals is natural and you can’t tell a teenager it’s wrong to have sex, it isn’t realistic. Everything’s actually better than 60 years ago. We have safety nets for the poor that never existed. People are out of work because of worldwide instability, not liberal policy. So, why should the conservative view be held any higher or considered correct? We haven’t fallen, we have achieved. That is the liberal opinion, and there are lots of them around. So may I explain how we went from where we were, to where we are now. Let’s travel back to the 1933. As the Nazi party was coming to power a group from the Frankfurt School of Thought, the Institute for Social Research, fled Germany. This group specialized in supporting minority rights and advocated for immigrants. They attempted to exterminate all characteristics of traditional German society prior to WW11. They went to work in their new homeland having settled in New York. It was a painstakingly slow process of infiltration and incremental change. They began undermining almost every-

Continued on page 10

LESSONS Continued from page 9 From the Past thing America held traditionally valuable. In 1950 a book “The Authoritarian Personality,” by Theodore Adornos was published. He claimed much of America exhibited fascist traits. He went on to postulate anyone supporting traditional culture was psychologically unbalanced. Today’s adherents of this belief are quick to label conservatives as needing sensitivity training. We are “phobic” about well, everything. They called for the removal of traditional family values. In particular, the dominance of, or even the need for fathers in the family unit. That should be reexamined. Removal of the male female roles in families, and society was next. (You’ve come a long way baby.) The removal of strict leadership of children by parents, in favor of the state was necessary. (It takes a village to raise a child.) Most important was the suspension of moral rules regarding sexuality, in all forms.

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The next best thing Frankfurt’s Institute for Social Research decided was to incite students, blacks, women who became feminists, homosexuals, and various other disenfranchised groups. (Make love not war.) “Imagine all the people, you can say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.” Instead of unity and patriotism, they promoted multi cultural tolerance. They traded strength for weakness in the form of unrestricted tolerance. Humanism was preferable that succumbed to minorities needs over religious teaching of self sufficiency, and personal responsibility. They knew the working class in America would not revolt. Too many liked capitalism. It had built the wealthiest middle class in history. The next best thing they decided was to incite students, blacks, women who became feminists, homosexuals, and various other disenfranchised groups. This gave birth to the political correctness movement, and the mass support they had sought for a Marxist “cultural revolution.” Not by violence, but through incremental gradual infiltration. Gun control was a major concern. These new leftists offered social change, multi cultural acceptance, anti racism, anti discrimination, anti bias, minority rights, and most important, influence. They organized victim groups. In the 1960’s they introduced sexual liberation on a national scale. The book “Eros and Civilization,” condemned any kind of restriction on sexual behavior, drug use, and the breaking of all social conventions. (Remember free love?) It

Continued on page 21

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Basic Employment Law for Bosses Last issue I wrote about wrongful dismissal law, from the employee perspective. Often I find people are unprepared for workplace conflict. The employers themselves, particularly small business people. The demands of running a business itself are taxing. Many times some of the basics in terms of protecting oneself from unfounded wrongful dismissal claims are left to the side. Below are three simple plans any employer can implement immediately to minimise liability.

Firstly, keep a personnel file on each employee. Add to it regularly. If an employer has to terminate an employee, and the employee decides to sue, the employer needs more than just some vague recollections to establish cause for dismissal. What should go in a personnel file? Conduct regular performance reviews, at least annually. This doesn’t have to be a formal type of document, although plenty do exist that one can use. Even handwritten notes are something. An employer should be honest in performance reviews. If there are areas of difficulty, mention them, and record them. It is often tempting to gloss over areas of difficulty to keep workplace harmony. Be honest and up front. If an employer needs to terminate an employee for those areas of difficulty later, they may need to establish that the problem was longstanding,. It had been identified, the employee had been warned, and had been given a chance to improve. An employee should sign and be given a copy of performance reviews. A personnel file should also contain any warnings, verbal or written, that an employee receives. Especially with longstanding employees where there is a difficulty, but not so serious as to justify immediate dismissal, progressive discipline is often required. This can be a verbal warning, a written warning, and a further written warning that another infraction will result in termination. Again, these may be necessary to establish cause later. Secondly, understand what condonation means. Often there are infractions employees commit that are not in line with an employer’s expectations. Because the boss is busy, he lets things go. Over time, the behaviour comes to a head, the boss has enough, and terminates the employee for cause. However, if the behaviour has been permitted long enough without anything being said, it may

no longer be cause for dismissal. Even if it is against the rules in the workplace. As an example, say a workplace provides an hour for lunch. Say an employee repeatedly takes an hour and 15 minutes. Perhaps this goes on for a couple years. The boss is aware the whole time, but doesn’t say anything, hoping it will change. Finally, the boss has enough and fires the employee for this reason, for cause. The employee will likely be successful in saying that while the long lunch was against the rules, it was condoned by the employer for so long that it is unfair for the rule to suddenly be enforced.

Scott Stenbeck (866) 783 6232

the poor performance or wrongful conduct had been tolerated for a long period of time. As a boss, it is often tough to make the hard decision to let someone go. But if it is obvious that an employee is just a liability and a time bomb anyway. It is far better to do it at two years of service rather than ten. Just don’t make up cause that doesn’t exist, and terminate in a respectful way. It is a tough thing to do, but far less costly to bite the bullet and get rid of a bad employee early on than wait for years letting the risks mount.

What is required in a situation like the above is for the employer to give notice that while the behaviour has thus far gone unpunished, starting immediately it will no longer be tolerated. Then, after further infractions, it can be cause for dismissal. Thirdly, when it is clear that it isn’t going to work, end the employment relationship. While the Employment Standards legislation provides some minimums, in a wrongful dismissal suit an employee can get a month of pay per year of service, or more. The longer a bad employee is in the workplace, the more the potential liability, and the higher the stakes. Also, the more difficulty an employer is going to have convincing a court that there was really cause for dismissal, if

A Tale of Two Elections To even the most casual of political observers, it’s hard to escape the fact that there are political storms, also known as federal elections, brewing on both sides of the 49th parallel. For those not geographically inclined, that is the latitudinal line that comprises much of the border between Canada and the United States. However, each country’s elections have about as much resemblance to each other as a blue whale and a blue jay. It makes me smile when I hear complaints about the length of a 78 day election campaign in Canada, with the writ being dropped on August 2nd for an October 19th trip to the polls. My mirth arises from the fact that the U.S. election process is already in full roar, having begun far earlier than August, but Americans won’t cast their votes until November 8th of NEXT YEAR! Yet, the political junkie was faced with the dilemma of having to choose between watching the first Canadian Leaders Debate, or the first Republican Candidates Debate, both scheduled on the same night. (Based on sheer entertainment value, the mere inclusion of Donald Trump in the GOP debate was a pretty irresistible force.) Therein lies the first major difference in the two countries democratic process; the U.S. system begins with Presidential primaries, essentially an election in and of itself, solely held to determine the 2 candidates that will run as the Republican and Democratic nominees for President. This process is actually far more lengthy than the Presidential election itself. As evidenced by the already very active campaigns of multiple candidates for both major U.S. parties, the run for the White House is arduous. Bear in mind the primary season stretches for approximately 5 months, and the first primaries aren’t scheduled to begin until February of 2016. That leaves a mere 17 or 18 weeks for

the actual Presidential election campaign to be waged. By comparison, the 2015 Canadian election is a 100 metre dash in light of the marathon that is a U.S. federal election. Considering that the costs of holding the primaries are hard to determine, as they are funded by combined contributions from both federal and state governments, as well as the parties themselves, the numbers must be pretty large and don’t seem to be fully quantified, as the process itself varies from State to State. This doesn’t account for the fact that it’s estimated that each candidate spends between 50 and 100 million dollars (and the successful candidates even more), on their primary campaign alone. Multiply that by the number of candidates, and that’s a lot of money to spend beating up the people on your team, immediately prior to having to compete with one’s opposition in the actual election. And as we shall see, these are just drops in the bucket compared to what is spent on the Presidential election itself. How Canadian political parties choose their leaders is quite mundane in comparison. Given that our parliamentary system of government makes the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons Prime Minister, the determining of Party Leader is, and must be, different. Each party determines it’s method of choosing a leader with some differenc-

es, but it ultimately boils down to a leadership convention. This is where delegates choose from a pool of candidates, who are typically, but not always, already MPs; each of whom has spent about as much money on his or her leadership campaign as an American candidate for his or her party’s nomination spends on beer and snacks on Super Tuesday. The only intrigue arises when there is no runaway winner (i.e. Justin Trudeau with the Liberals), and all of the delegates supporting “anyone but” the favourite rally around a compromise candidate (i.e. Stephane Dion with the Liberals). And voila, a party has a leader, primed and ready to wait until the next federal election. There has been much ballyhoo regarding Canada’s “long” election campaign. It’s estimated that a 37 day campaign (the legal minimum) costs Election Canada $375 million, so extending that would obviously add costs. (Much to Tim Hortons delight, I’m sure.) Each party will spend from its coffers on travel, advertising, campaign offices, and the requisite lawn signs. But again, this pales in comparison to Canada’s neighbours to the south. Not taking into account the cost of actually running the election, the U.S. Federal Election Commission reported that $7.3 Billion was spent on the 2012 Presidential Election Campaign alone. Most estimates are expecting that number to be upwards of $10 Billion in

2016. Remember, this is campaign spending, not the election costs. That’s enough money to buy groceries for the entire population of British Columbia for a year. Which brings us to the choices presented to the voters on each side of the border. In Canada, for as much as the election campaigning suggests we are choosing a leader to be Prime Minister, unless you live in a party leader’s riding, you won’t see the potential Prime Ministers names on your ballot, and at best, you’ll only see one leader’s name. The parliamentary system doesn’t provide the means to directly elect our PM, thus avoiding the possibility of the legislative gridlock of an executive branch of gove10ning for President. On the other hand, we have the rags to riches to bankruptcy to riches survivor of reality TV, who is constantly one “bimbo” comment away from civil litigation, all the while running for President. When potentially meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the former might email sensitive information to her dry cleaner; the latter may call Putin a “punk” and challenge him to “step outside and settle this like men.” They certainly present a colourful cast of characters. While these differences are easily attributed to different political systems, vastly dif- Prime Minister Stephen Harper, centre, is presented with the World Statesman of the Year ferent populations, and certainly different Award by Rabbi Arthur Schneider, president and founder of the Appeal of Conscience expectations, I offer a few thoughts. For as Foundation, and Dr. Henry Kissinger, left, in New York. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) much as we, as Canadians, have our political differences, in observing our U.S. neighbours, I grow increasingly grateful for political leaders who go about their business with a minute fraction of the circus that seems to surround their American counterparts. I’m grateful that the worst thing we can come up with as a political scandal is some improper expenses, in amounts that Trump spends flying to L.A. on his jet. I’m grateful that, with their faults and all, Canadian politicians, for the most part, carry themselves in a far more dignified manner than what we see south of the border. Competitive? Yes. Combative? Sometimes. Controversial? Occasionally. Crude? Rarely. Contemptible? Almost never. How Canadian. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

By Brent Dunstan

CreditsandAttribution103.IndexonContentPage

Trudeau at Pride Parade 13

Alaska Unleashed

Scott Cowan

All Photography By Joan Batmen Gainsboro Studio

Alaska the last frontier, untamed,

mostly wilderness. Anchorage and Juneau may be modern cities. But the rest of the state still claims vast areas unseen by man. In the lower 48, you seldom come face to face with a grizzly bear, a mere arms length away, through a glass door. In Alaska you need to be careful when turning on your porch light.

Fishing Alaska

Crooked Creek Host Dorothy Baker

I’m used to majestic mountains living near the Rockies. But nothing prepared me for the natural beauty of Alaska’s snow capped peaks, coupled with its breathtaking ocean vistas. We were fortunate to be invited to one of the premier fishing lodges in the state, Crooked Creek Retreat and Outfitters. We drove three hours plus from Anchorage. Spotlight photographer Joan Bateman was skeptical of staying in “a fishing lodge.” We stopped to review several outfitters along the highway. Some nice, some...well, primitive. Our fears were accentuated the more we saw the competition.

Upon arrival at Crooked Creek, we were thrilled to behold an 11,000 square foot log cabin, nestled on several acres of land. A creek behind, so full of salmon one can almost walk across during “king season.” Our host Dorothy Baker, waited beneath the huge carport. We later learned, after a hiatus of retirement from a prestigious law career, and several years on the bench, Dorothy dreamed of building Crooked Creek. The accommodations are nothing short of five star. Don’t believe the three star rating on line. The house sleeps twenty-two people, each room having its own four piece bath. A theme decor identifies individual suites, each exquisitely designed for maximum visual and physical

delight. Feather comforters adorn the beds, so thick they’re virtually mattresses themselves. We arrived in time to join other guests for dinner. We started with appetizers, then retired to the huge community table. We feasted on one of the finest meals I’ve ever enjoyed. Chef Angela Baker, created culinary masterpieces each night of our stay. Every morning breakfast was ready, and a lunch was provided for our fishing trip. I’m a big fan of Fairmont Hotels. Crooked Creek was comparable and the food was better, striking the perfect harmony between home cooking and gourmet. Beyond the obvious amenities offered, Dorothy is somewhat of an environmentalist. She clearly outlined three objectives in her business. To develop sustainable and recreational opportunities on the Kenai Peninsula. While promoting responsible stewardship of Alaska’s diverse natural resources. Finally, to provide a memorable experience when her guests visit Alaska. She does everything to enhance that worthy objective. Dorothy’s one of those few giants in business who believe if you take someone’s money, you have to provide value. She delivers! You arrive as customers, and leave as friends...even family.

Bill and Judy Zoll

Moose outside our bedroom window

When fishing for trout, steelhead, grayling, arctic char, silver (Coho), pink (Sockeye), or kings, (Chinook) you won’t be disappointed, unless you share my experience. I caught a 45 pound King and couldn’t keep it... out of season. It exploded from the water numerous times trying to shake the hook. I thought the rod was going to break as Moby Dick ran my drag. I almost shed tears as Larry Baker our guide, took the hook from his mouth. Crooked Creek follows the rules to the letter. I could only photograph that King in the water. Our fishing partners Michael and Tamie Richey, caught the first silvers. Then Joan and I limited out. There are a lot of fighters in that river. Better than fishing, the quality of people you meet, are truly worth the cost of the fee.

Joan Bateman follows tradition and kisses her first coho ( We lied about the kiss rule )

“ etter Than fishing, the Quality of People You Meet are Truly Worth the Cost of the Fee.”

Plus, don’t worry about equipment. Upon arriving you’re taken to the tack cabin and provided rain gear, boots, rods, everything you need to fish. After your day on the Kenai River catching your quota of monster fish, Larry cleans, washes, and vacuum seals the meat. It waits in the freezer till leaving for the airport, your treasure safely packed in insulated boxes. No extra charge. Jason Dick provided us novices fly lessons in the backyard before venturing out. We spent four hours in a drift boat with our new friends, Wendy and Wads Buggs. I’d never fly fished before, and what a baptism! Wendy caught the first couple rainbows. Then all our lines went crazy. We collectively landed about sixty trout. One unfortunate rainbow swallowed the fly. As much as Jason tried to revive him, he surfaced about fifteen feet from our boat. A bald eagle rested in a tree top about 150 yards off. Immediately after that trout rolled to the top... he screeched, took flight, and flew directly toward the unfortunate rainbow. This incredible miracle of nature circled so close, I felt the wind brush my face, As air disruption spiraled from his wings. He snatched the floundering fish in such a magnificent way. We were awestruck! It’s a memory I’ll cherish the rest of my life.

45 Lb King

Michael Richey “No Fish Like This in Texas”

Larry Baker Teaches trout cooking over the fire

10 Lb Rainbow Trout

Jaso Jason Dick Takes the “Buggs” out of Wad’s Technique

Also, I’ll never forget the look on Wads face. He had to release a ten pound rainbow on the river the next day. Damn those fishing regulations! The most unbelievable experience was our day on the ocean, fishing for Halibut. Crooked Creek had the cleanest, safest, and largest boat. In five hours at sea we caught over 100 halibut, ranging from 20 to 40 pounds. The sea was high with twenty foot waves, preventing us from getting where the big fish were waiting. However, the following day our boat landed a 420 pounder. We took turns resting in the cabin, only to return to more action. By the way, keep an eye peeled for whales and sea otters, they’re everywhere. Joan stayed at the Lodge enjoying the local cultural alternatives. Unlike competitors who offer nothing but fishing, non outdoorsy spouses have many options. They’ll love this retreat.

Another couple Bill and Judy Zoll were a delight to meet. They and all the others, were integral in weaving moments, inspiring the most memorable experience I’ve had on any vacation. Whether you’re looking for wildlife, or that cold complimentary adult beverage on the lodge veranda, the words Alaska and Crooked Creek, become synonymous. (www.crookedcreekretreat@ gmail.com 1.907.260.9014)

Wendy and Wads Buggs of Virgina

Larry Baker Crooked Creek quide

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Scott Cowan LESSONS From the Past

“If a dentist shoots Cecil the lion in Africa, he’s a disturbed person,possibly a criminal; protests are mounted until his business closes. If the same dentist shoots up a school in America, it’s about gun control” was the path they claimed to enlightenment and happiness. Again as in Germany, all tradition was expendable and deplored. This was how the Nazi’s evolved. Hitler’s first order of business was national gun control, and the confiscation of all guns held by private citizens. Armed citizens are not easily tamed by the emergence of a new radical government. If a dentist shoots Cecil the lion in Africa, he’s a disturbed person, possibly a criminal; protests are mounted until his business closes. If the same dentist shoots up a school in America, it’s about gun control. All governments with conquest in mind, those dreaming of radical change and oppression, preach gun “control.” Which always leads to confiscation. One notable truth is the leftist’s total intolerance for any view point but it’s own, especially those on the political right. (Today socialists are advocating for climate deniers to be jailed.) This gave birth to the leftist’s intellectual ability to deny free speech to any with whom they disagreed. They advocated for the immediate infiltration of institutions of higher learning and political office. The goal was complete centralized government control. How better to control the people than government to provide and administer, or not, health care? If food production could not be state controlled, then regulate it as much as possible. There were just so many of those dammed unreasonable farmers.

This philosophy rapidly began to dominate the Democratic Party in the United Stated and the Liberal party in Canada. As decades passed the Vietnam protesters became senators, and congressmen. The free love hippies morphed into advocates of Planned Parenthood and women’s rights activists, lawyers, and judges. Hanoi Jane Fonda, well she is just the same. Black Panthers are resurging via the “Black Lives Matter,” protests. It is the conservative view that black, white, police, Muslim, Asian, and Hispanic, native…all lives matter. The 1960’s Hippies and anti war protesters have PhD’s. We still have anti-war protesters, led by men such as Justin Trudeau, Tom Mulcair, and John Kerry. Societal working class unrest as never dreamed of in the 1950’s is now erupting because 90,000,000 people are unemployed in America. Thank-you Occupy Wall Street. Over 55,000,000 abortions have been performed in the United States alone. In recent months both Canada and the USA have passed laws allowing for the confiscation of any citizens private bank accounts, “under extreme economic circumstances.” It’s now about what it has always been, communism. All wrapped in the pretty wrapping of helping the poor, minorities, women’s rights, welfare and food stamps. The millions of illegal immigrants pouring in our borders are nothing more than importation of new life time liberal voters. Some will dismiss this article as a conspiracy theory. What if the Frankfurt School had nothing to do with where we are now? We are still dealing with exactly what they hoped for in the 1930’s. Be it radical infiltration or natural societal evolution. Our Democrat, Liberal, and NDP politicians are nothing more than Marxists. Our countries are straining economically, and in our souls. Trillions of dollars spent on liberal failed policies. Western civilization teeters on the fence post. Canada is weeks away from making a Prime Ministerial choice. The USA is a year away from a new President. Choose wisely.

Play Better, Hit it Farther Club head speed is usually the first topic of conversation when we talk about ‘driving it long’; ‘taking it deep’;’ letting the big dog eat’. But club head speed alone won’t get the job done. Club head speed must be correctly applied; the face needs to be square to the path, the path needs to swing along target-line at impact, and most importantly on a level angle of attack. So, you need a solid, repetitive swing action- i: e good technique. To achieve maximum club head speed with a good swing, a requirement is that you are in good physical shape both in strength and flexibility. And last but not least, choose a driver that fits you with the optimum loft and shaft to produce a high boring trajectory with minimum spin (experts say 2300 rpm on a 12 degree launch angle). Some better driving points; Play the ball forward in your stance opposite your front foot. Line up your shoulders square, parallel to target, with your head behind the ball. Weight 50/50, balanced between your feet. Make a full backswing by turning your core, upper body, whilst your legs hold you stable. Cock your wrists but support the club at the top of the backswing. Unwind your core in the downswing Don’t be frightened to swing your arms and “swish’ the club head at the bottom of your swing, through impact. You want your swing to maximize speed at the bottom of your swing. Don’t throw the club at the ball! You also need the club approaching level to the ground, not chopping down (big loss of distance) or bouncing the club off the ground, hitting up on the ball (miss hits). Finish facing (both hips and chest) the target, and balanced with weight on your front foot. Whew, sounds a lot, but it’s not. Here’s what you can do before you venture south to sunny Scottsdale, AZ, for your winter golf vacation.

By Donald Crawley

1: Stay in shape. Get to the gym or basement at least three times a week and develop a workout routine balanced in core strength, some weights and stretching. As a rule of thumb men need more flexibility especially around the hips, glutes, lower back. Ladies usually have the flexibility but could use a little more upper body strength so I recommend some light weight work. 2: Try to swing the club, hit balls even indoors if you have to. Rig up a mat/net in the basement. Keep the golfing muscles toned and loose. 3: Get a golf lesson with a qualified coach to help you with your technique. If you can’t do that at home, do it on your first arrival date on your trip, so that you are working on the correct points. Ask for a ‘simplified swing fix’ (my specialty), not a total swing revamp! 4: Get fit for a driver. Your swing speed and angle of attack will influence which loft and shaft weight and flex will fit you best. It is best to go to a fitting center or specialist if you can, rather than just buy on what’s hot or is just a good ‘deal’. The FIT is important. 5; Make reservations for your winter golf vacation. Plan ahead. October is still warm days with evenings start to cool down. Beware of the over seeding season in the southern climes. That is when the native Bermuda grass is shaved down and winter rye grass is planted to thrive in the cooler winter temperatures. Come at the end of the month when most over seeding is complete. November offers good temperature, and winter newly seeded fairways, to keep the grass bright and green for the winter visitors. December is a quieter but cooler month, with short days, dark by 5PM. January is similar to December. Make tee times after 9 am. February through April is the high season so get your tee time reservations booked in advance. 6: I hope you will consider coming to see me, an experienced golf instructor, ranked as a TOP 100 Teacher in America, and PGA member of both the U.S and Britain. The most popular packages that golfers enjoy the most are a 3 day Scoring School or a Foursome Fix, that include some instruction, even one lesson on

“I hope you well consider coming to see me, an experienced golf instructor racked as top 100 teachers in America” the golf course, and three rounds of golf play. I am based at the beautiful Boulders, a 36 hole award winning golf resort located in sunny Scottsdale, 40 minute north of the Phoenix, AZ airport. www.golfsimplified.com Look for You Tube video clips to give you some free instruction before you get down to see me. clipshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCa5F85vr1TXhjruh-wRZGsA And www.theboulders.com Donald Crawley is Director of Instruction at the Boulders Golf Resort and President of GolfSimplified Inc. He is ranked as a TOP 100 Teacher by GOLF Magazine and Best Teachers in State by Golf Digest, a past PGA Teacher of the Year, and a member of both U.S and British PGA. He has 40 years teaching experience to golfers from brand new to veteran tournament players. He specializes in ‘resort golfers’ who just want to play better. He can be reached at donald.crawley@theboulders.com

WATCHOUTFORNEXTMONTH’SISSUE 24