Shootin' the Breeze – Feb. 15, 2012

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FREE PUBLICATION February 15, 2012 Volume 1 – Issue 22

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Chili Cook-off March 16 Open to charity groups only – Register by March 14 For Information: 403-627-2667 Pincher Creek Co-op Pincher Creek Co-op donates over $30,000 each year to local charities – another way we give back to the community!

8506 19th Avenue Coleman 403-562-0003 1-800-207-8584

Mariya Mariya Soetaert of Stavely took to the stage like a pro as one of the opening acts for Shane Chisholm at Claresholm last Friday.

The 17-year-old musician is already making a name for herself locally and beyond. Her debut EP CD was released in November and is available from local vendors and on iTunes. Her single “Anonymous Angel” is already earning airplay on CKUA Radio out of Edmonton.

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obin & Co.

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Dennis Robin, B. Mgt., C.A.

Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed 12 - 1 p.m. dennis@robinco.ca

Page 2 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12

My Little Corner Every year I look forward to opening the pages of a blank daytimer and moving ahead into the unknown.

I don’t use a little book; my planner is a fullsized, 8½-by-11-inch monstrosity that’s almost two inches thick! I have the luxury of an entire page to take my notes on each day.

It doesn’t exactly fit in my purse, or in my camera bag, or in the console of my car for that matter – but it will jam into my computer bag along with my laptop.

I’m someone who has embraced technology and all the new goodies right from the time when I was one of the lucky few of my friends with a compact disc player.

I know I’m dating myself, but CD players were new (and very expensive) technology the year I graduated from high school. That was way back in 1986.

Back to the present, there is something to be said for a daytimer that keeps me hanging on to this archaic means of organization.

There are all kinds of options available on my computer or iPhone, but using these calendars just isn’t the same as flipping through the pages of my massive book to see if I’m available for a date. Just a second please, let me check....

I record all sorts of things on the pages, and when I run out of room on one day I look back for a spot to fit in a few more notes on a past day. By the end of the year the pages will be tattered and the book itself will be worn.

I tend to hang on to these books for a while, in case there’s important information I need to look back for. Looking back is half the fun, and you can’t say that for using a search feature on your computer!

Once the pages of my daytimer tracked the milestones and daily activities of my baby girl. I still track her activities even though she’s now an independent teenager.

Then I began tracking my music students’ lessons and activities in a different phase of life. Two years ago, the pages of my book were pretty empty

STB mailbox

as I adjusted to our move to a new home in Alberta and a lifestyle that wasn’t as jam-packed as what I’d been used to.

Last year it seemed like a waste to buy a big book, when many pages had been blank the previous year. I tried an electronic calendar but couldn’t develop the relationship with it that I had with my personally-written book.

Now my days are perhaps the busiest they’ve ever been, so I was excited to crack open the pages of a new book and begin my ritual of adding birthdays and anniversaries to the crisp, blank pages.

I don’t bother making entries into my electronic calendar anymore, and intend to keep it that way.

I’ve come to feel almost naked if my big black book isn’t close at hand.

Six weeks into the new year, my book is already looking worn, and that’s not a bad thing.

I use the Monday page to list story ideas I’d like to include in a particular week’s paper, and the list is always longer than the space I have to work with in Shootin’ the Breeze.

Adding extra columns to the pages doesn’t add extra time to my day, and it’s simply not possible to get to all the events and activities I would like to.

And, of course, sometimes I forget my book and then also forget to attend something I had hoped to.

My daytimer has become a diary of the stages, challenges and achievements with Mountainside Printing and Shootin’ the Breeze. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost six months, and that before I know it, I’ll have filled another 365 pages.

On my calendar for Thursday is our grand opening celebration – a day people are welcome to stop by the office (697 Main Street in Pincher Creek) to see what we do and how we do it, and to take advantage of some specials and draws.

We are also co-hosting a chamber of commerce mix and mingle that day from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Meet the staff of North & Co., Robin & Co. and Mountainside Printing. Enjoy some refreshments on us and shoot the breeze awhile.

Shannon Robin

A Rose of Thanks Free print edition distributed weekly on Wednesdays in Alberta and Thursdays in B.C. Nanton south to Fort Macleod and west to Fernie Enhanced interactive version online each week with current news column on home page

www.shootinthebreeze.ca

403-904-2227 Phone 403-627-5259 Fax info@shootinthebreeze.ca 697 Main Street, P.O. Box 1060 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

Publisher & Editorial: Shannon Robin Production & Editorial: Cary Robison

Advertising Deadline is Friday at Noon To place an ad call 403-904-2227 A Mountainside Printing Publication

A huge thank you to Randy Stav, LeeAnne Stav, Jennifer Jones, Brian Delinte, Ed Dingreville, Jesse Newman, and Chelsea Stokke for volunteering their time, expertise and patience at the beginner roping clinics being held every other week until the end of May. Thanks to Shawn Watmough and Glen Ferguson for making the roping dummies and to Matt McBean and LeeAnne Stav for donating roping gloves for the kids.

Janet Watmough, president Pincher Creek Ag Society Send a free rose to recognize a kind gesture, a thoughtful word, or a little something someone has done for you or their community.

Phone 403-904-2227 or email news@shootinthebreeze.ca

Chinook Lanes junior boys’ bowling team won the Four Steps to Stardom zone championship Feb. 12 in Lethbridge.

The next step is on to provincials in Edmonton March 4.

Team members are Marcel Levecque, Joey Jackson, Tristan Starzyk and Travis Dyer.

They all attend Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek.

Lindsay Dyer Dear Shannon: Over and over again, I have felt very close to you when reading your Little Corner in Shootin’ the Breeze.

You write with a rare combination of lucidity and emotion, from the mind and heart – an absolute pleasure to read.

So, lady, do slow down, hug your family, and keep writing! And if Shootin’ the Breeze has to go to bi-weekly, so be it ... eh? :-) , but I’m sure glad you’re keeping it going, too.

You are offering a wonderful service to our communities with Shootin’ the Breeze and with Mountainside Printing.

High regards, Michele Fraser I’ve received many interesting phone calls regarding Dawna’s search for the Bridge of the Mastodons.

So far we don’t have specific directions, but we do have many people interested in checking it out!

If you know how to contact Muriel J. Shepherd of Lethbridge or her son Rory, I’d love to get permission to reprint her story and photo from Our Canada.

Shannon

Letters to the Editor

We are pleased to accept letters for publication in Shootin’ the Breeze!

Letters will be edited and must include your name and contact information.

Bear in mind that the nature of our publication is to share positive stories! ☺ news@shootinthebreeze.ca or Box 697 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

www.shootinthebreeze.ca Detailed Events Calendar Business Directory Interactive Edition of STB Daily News Blog & Photos

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12 Page 3

High-kicking competition

By Gena Paton Kootenay Tae Kwon Do has been in the Elk Valley, Cranbrook and Crowsnest Pass for well over 30 years. The head instructor is Sant Saran, a sixth-dan black belt with multiple world championship titles to his name.

Our club’s mini-tournament is held every year, with the students in mind.

It is a day when all of our schools gather for fun, friendship and, of course, competition. This year was again a success, with about 120 trophies given out. We had many happy faces leaving the day’s events.

This year we have 13 students training hard to compete at the World Cup in Brighton, England, in October. The students have been working hard to raise money for the trip. Some have taken on part-time work, and the ones not old enough to hold a job have been spending time out at the Cowley landfill, to help with the cost of travel.

Family holiday on Monday

Kyle Angers of Sparwood showed off his skills at the Kootenay Tae Kwon Do mini-tournament held in Sparwood last weekend. See results and additional photos in today’s online edition of Shootin’ the Breeze.

Nathan Rogers Live Feb. 22 and 23 in Fort Macleod

The intent of Alberta’s Family Day holiday is to give people time to spend with their families, and many of us will have the opportunity to do just that on Monday, Feb. 20.

Government of Alberta incentives include free admission to provincial museums and historic sites. This includes the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

Waterton Lakes National Park is celebrating with a weekend-long winterfest, and anglers can test out their winter fishing skills at no charge.

Most communities have events such as skating and swimming parties planned, and events we’ve been notified of are listed on the Mark Your Calendar page.

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Dennis and Shannon Robin, Brian Murray and Valerie Sage invite you to a social evening at the offices of

Robin & Co. C.A., Mountainside Printing & Shootin’ the Breeze, and North & Co. LLP Thursday, Feb. 16 Join us for refreshments and real life social networking!

697 Main Street, Pincher Creek

Everyone is Welcome!

Page 4 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12

The cowboy and the vet

By Baxter Black

I’ve oft addressed the challenge of being true to the cowboy life. Remember, the cowboy’s dream is to be able to support himself throughout his life – without ever getting a job! This stubborn independence weaves him through a series of vocations as he travels down life’s trail. Vocations such as team roper, cutting-horse trainer, day-work wrangler, horseshoer, auctioneer, real estate broker, saddle maker, Heel-O-Matic rep, cowboy poet, stuntman, horse whisperer, even the ministry.

But one of the most notable opportunities in the last 25 years has come as a result of the overwhelming of the veterinary profession by women! How this happened has been speculated on by pundits and authoritative figures inside and outside the profession for years. Attempts have been made to keep the profession more diverse, but men have just quit signing up. Approximately 80 per cent of the graduating DVMs today are women.

So what does this have to do with helping the cowboy live out his dream? First we must examine the relationship between women and horses. It is a mystical attachment.

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Thursday March 8th Dinner & Show Pincher Creek Community Hall

Maybe it goes back to the Garden of Eden.

The horse was the only beast who understood Eve’s craving for apples. I have seen this special bond throughout my life and still cannot explain it. It is a powerful feeling to be horseback, but how does that explain their ability to often read the horse’s mind?

I remember many times being called to look at a woman’s horse because she sensed it was not feeling good. I would give it a thorough examination and conclude that everything was normal, nothing was wrong with him. The next day he would be sick as a dog! They knew it somehow before it physically manifested itself.

Young girls who’ve never touched a horse have pictures on their wall of Fury, My Little Pony, Pegasus and unicorns. They are touched by the movie Horse Whisperer and Michael Martin Murphy’s song “Wildfire.”

Young women who grew up with pleasure horses love them, and the horses respond.

They dream of growing up and being able to have a life with horses.

So some go to vet school, graduate, start a practice, buy “horse property” with an arena, horse barn, dually pickup, trailer, and two or three good horses. However, she works seven

EAT WHAT YOU LIKE IN COMFORT

403-553-3556 $40 supper & show $25 show only Tickets available at Pickard Veterinary Services and Robin & Co. Chartered Accountant 403-627-3313 Proudly sponsored by the Pincher Creek & District Agricultural Society

Office Assistant/Production Position Based from our Pincher Creek office, this is a full-time position (30 hours per week) requiring excellent people skills and office management skills. The successful applicant will be organized and efficient with a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe programs, and an abundance of creativity.

Call Shannon at 403-904-2227 or email shannon@shootinthebreeze.ca

days a week on other people’s horses to pay for her horse barn and her education, so she has no time to spend with her own. Then into her life rides … Our Cowboy!

“Howdy, ma’am, looks like you could use a little help.”

She falls for him, mostly because he pays attention to her horses – shoes them, feeds them, brushes them, cleans the stalls, scatters bedding, oils the tack – and seems to be her dream come true. Then she makes the fatal mistake of giving him a credit card.

He very quickly has someone else mucking the corrals, irrigating, hauling hay, shoein’ the horses and mowing the lawn. He charges a roping chute on his card, along with a pen full of Corrientes, and pretty soon he’s got his cowboy friends out to the place every afternoon to rope and drink beer.

It is the perfect mating, he thinks. She is so lucky.

Eventually she figgers out what’s going on and runs Our Cowboy off! It’s for the best, she tells herself. She still has feelings for him but he’s just too hard to housebreak.

He, on the other hand, to this day cannot understand why she gave him the boot.

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Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12 Page 5

A big thumbs up On Jan. 31 a Tim Hortons coach loaded with 49 youth from the Crowsnest Pass and 10 chaperones set off to Lethbridge and Fort Macleod for the day.

The excursion was organized by the Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass, with support from the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and the United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta.

The kids visited the University of Lethbridge campus, where they had a blast swimming and diving for the morning.

They spent the afternoon at the

Empress Theatre, where they toured and learned how music has been used in movies through history, and then enjoyed movies and treats.

The club is planning similar events for future PD days when the kids don’t have school, and preparing to relaunch its regular programming.

The annual general meeting of the Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass is scheduled for March 21.

Positions are available on the board, and all community members are invited to attend.

For more information contact president Clara Yagos at 403-628-2340.

Photo courtesy of Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass

Ashley Vigna shares a big smile and a big thumbs up for the Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass in response to a day of activities in Lethbridge and Fort Macleod.

On Village Pond

Photo courtesy of Tracy Glen

Back in Dec. 2010, these two young fellows enjoyed a game of hockey on Village Pond. They can stop by Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village and ask for Tracy and she has a two-hour free skating pass for each of them!

Tracy Glen, general manager of Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, encourages people to check out the outdoor rink at the Village Pond.

Located on the museum grounds in Pincher Creek, the pond provides an opportunity for people to skate under the stars like our pioneers did.

Individuals, groups, families and classes are welcome to enjoy the beautiful weather and have some fun on the ice. The rink is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

A shelter and bonfire area can be requested, along with hot chocolate and hotdogs.

Weekend parties can be booked by calling 403-6273684, and must be booked by 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.

The rink is sponsored by Sudsy’s Superwash of Pincher Creek.

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Page 6 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12

Memorabilia sought for the Bunny

By Ian McKenzie

began numbering the Blairmore Bunny from 1957, and Curlers in the Crowsnest this convention continued even Pass began tossing rocks on after the Bunny moved to Colenatural ice surfaces shortly after man. But, from its origins in the first towns were established Bellevue, we can determine that there, and bonspiels soon fol2012 will be the 65th event. lowed. Many old trophies from The Crowsnest Museum, the the 1910s and 1920s attest to Crowsnest Curling Club and the popularity of the sport, but the Crowsnest Heritage Initiathe most famous and endurtive are planning a temporary ing curling event is the Bunny museum exhibit this Easter, Bonspiel. celebrating the Bunny BonThe installation of a secondspiel’s long history. They are hand ice plant at the Bellevue looking for old curling artifacts arena in 1946 made a spring and Bunny Bonspiel memorabonspiel practical, and the first bilia to put on display. If you Easter competition occurred have any old photographs, curlin 1947. By 1952 there were ing clothes, brooms, trophies 64 rinks entered in the Easter or other items to contribute, Bunny Bonspiel, including please contact Ian McKenzie some of the biggest names in at 403-562-8829 or lynnian@ Alberta curling circles. shaw.ca . All items will be reThe bonspiel moved to Photo courtesy of Belle Kovach turned after when the museum Blairmore in 1957 after they Bellevue Arena in the early 1950s with William Marcolin, Char- exhibit closes, after Easter. acquired a modern ice plant.

This year’s Bunny Bonspiel lie Ritchie, Maureen White and Dr. Douglas White.

The Bunny Bonspiel continued runs April 5-8. You can Google to thrive and later included “Crowsnest Curling Club” for Blairmore arena. a ladies’ event. The bonspiel moved to their website and bonspiel registration Some confusion has arisen over the Coleman in 1997 after the closure of the age of the bonspiel, as the Blairmore club details.

Spiderman tonight Spider researcher John Hancock will take you on a virtual walk on the wild side when he presents Life on a Silken Thread, today (Feb. 15) at Pincher Creek and District Municipal Library.

During the one-hour presentation, starting at 7 p.m., John will focus on the spiders of Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, pointing out ways of observing and understanding their lives. You will meet wolf spiders, orb-web spiders busy at work, fishing spiders, funnel-web spiders, and spiders that can “speak” a language. You will also discover flying money spiders, Jaws, sex serial killers and others with fascinating ways of obtaining a meal.

“Spiders are the top predators of the invertebrate world,” John says. “This talk will provide a glimpse into the many ‘professions’ of these amazing creatures.”

Life on a Silken Thread is one of a series of wildlife presentations that can be attended in person at the Pincher Creek library, or enjoyed through a live video conference at other public libraries in the region.

Future topics are Hair Snares for Grizzly Bears: Monitoring Bears in Southwestern Alberta, on Feb. 22, and It’s Not Easy Being Green, on Feb. 29.

Have a story idea or photo to share?

Call Shannon @ 403-904-2227 or email news@shootinthebreeze.ca

www.shootinthebreeze.ca There are many new things happening on the Shootin’ the Breeze website!

A new blog on the home page is full of information, sports scores, and pictures sent to us by our readers, along with press releases and other tidbits.

Items are posted every day, so check back often to catch what’s new. The blog will continue our mandate of sharing positive stories with our readers.

The online business directory is a neat place to visit, and new businesses are being added daily.

Businesses are categorized, and basic listings are complimentary. Deluxe listings have features such as a Google map to direct you from any location to the business you’re interested in, and detailed information about the business.

The online calendar is the place to find event

listings with more detail (if details have been provided to us) than we are able to fit onto the paper’s Mark Your Calendar page.

You can now add your own events by clicking on a date square and completing the information fields that pop up. We encourage people to send their events to us in this manner.

Of course, there is also the online version of Shootin’ the Breeze. Often there are many great photos taken at an event but only room to print one – this is where you can find the extras!

It’s also where you can find syndicated columns such as Good Housekeeping, Paws Corner, Back to the Bible and many others along with top 10 lists, puzzles and cartoons. These features will be standard in the online edition beginning this week.

Take a few minutes to explore and enjoy.

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12 Page 7

Money Matters Traditionally, February marks the beginning of a stressful time of year known as tax season.

It’s a time when financial decisions take centre stage and some people lose a considerable amount of sleep.

With deadlines looming, we’re forced to deal with issues that we may have been deliberately procrastinating about.

For some reason it’s easy to put financial decisions on the back burner, but then the stress builds quickly when the point comes that the decisions must be made and the issues must be dealt with.

If you’re an employer, you need to have your T4 and T5 slips to your employees by the end of the month and your reports filed with Canada Revenue Agency.

If you’re a parent, you should already be socking away pennies for this year’s registered education savings plan. Small amounts grow over time, and you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to have the government match a portion of your contributions.

If you’re looking ahead toward retire-

ment – and you should be, regardless of your age – the contribution deadline for registered retirement savings plans is Feb. 29.

If you’re an investor, you need to begin gathering the information your accountant or tax preparer will require so your tax return preparation goes smoothly.

If you’re saving any money, for either short-term or long-term purposes, you’ll also want to be sure you are maxing out your tax-free savings account and understand how it works.

If you’re a landlord, you’ll want to have all your income and expenses organized.

This applies to both commercial and residential situations.

If you or someone in your family has a disability or medical expenses, you’ll need to gather your receipts and records of travel costs involved with specialist visits.

If you’re self-employed, it’s time to make sure your bookkeeping is in order.

If you’re the trustee of an estate, there are additional steps to take when preparing a final tax return.

If your child is a post-secondary student or took part in eligible sports programs, you’ll need to have the receipts and required documentation.

You’ll also need to have receipts for childcare and child support payments made or received, if applicable.

If you are an American citizen, you will have some special issues to deal with this year, as Canadian income may be taxable in the U.S. Are you feeling overwhelmed yet?

There’s so much more as we head toward the April 30 deadline to have income tax returns filed!

Staying organized throughout the year is your strongest defence against tax season stress.

Your second line of defence is utilizing the services of professionals who specialize in financial planning, investing, accounting and tax preparation.

Pull this section of the paper out and keep it handy as we head into tax season – you’ll find the advice shared to be very valuable.

Navigating the mutual fund maze

By Dennis Robin, B.Mgt., CA Robin & Co., Chartered Accountant Mutual funds can be boring, exciting or scary, depending on the type of investor and person you are. As well, age dictates the types of investments we hold. The younger we are, the more risks we tend to take. The older we are, the less risks we take, and rightfully so.

As a chartered accountant in public practice, I have seen a lot of investment statements over the years, and get many questions from clients about their investments. Should I sell? What’s happening to the market? What stocks or mutual funds should I buy?

What I have noticed most is confusion over mutual funds. One common story I hear is, “I bought these mutual funds a few years back and have never made any money. They continually lose money. What should I do?”

Before I go any further, I want to say that I do not sell, promote or recommend any funds or stocks. Any stock or mutual fund mentioned in my articles is for reference points only; no recommendation is being made. Should you want to look at any of the mentioned funds or stocks, talk to your financial advisor, who will know which fund is for you.

In my experience, I have noticed a few things that make some mutual funds stand out from the others: • low management fees, • no-load funds, • large fund balances, • dollar cost averaging.

Low management fees in the current market can make a significant difference to the bottom line. Management fees can range from around one per cent to over 2.75 per cent.

No-load funds can provide investors with an easy way out of an investment

choice or fund company, should they not be happy with their choice. However, most funds available from investment advisors have some form of load.

Load fees paid at the purchase of the investment are called a front-end loads.

Another form of load is the back-end load, which in most cases applies if you cash in your investment within five to seven years. The back-end load can result in having to hold on to a fund due to the fees, resulting in a lost opportunity elsewhere. The fees can range from five to seven per cent or more, depending on the fund. Most chartered banks in Canada have no-load funds.

In my experience, the funds that consistently provide a modest, constant return are those with significant balances, or holdings. A fund with $90 million or so in holdings is not where I want to see my funds held. I like funds Continued on page 10

Page 8 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12

Deadlines and strategies

By Todd O’Reilly, BBA, BA O’Reilly Wealth Management Many investors are aware of the importance of tax planning near the end of the year to minimize their income tax liability. However, an often-neglected area of tax planning is the important deadlines and planning strategies to consider in the first two months of the following calendar year.

Due to the complexity of some of these strategies, consult your qualified tax advisor to explore appropriateness in your personal situation.

RRSP deadline The contribution deadline for registered retirement savings plan contributions that can be claimed as 2011 tax deductions is Feb. 29, 2012.

Retiring allowance If you received a retiring allowance in 2011 but didn’t utilize the special RRSP contribution allowance, you also have until Feb. 29 to make this special contribution to your RRSP (but not to a spousal plan).

This special contribution doesn’t affect your regular contribution room but, unlike regular RRSP deduction room, this room is lost forever if not used by Feb. 29.

In-kind RRSP contributions If you have RRSP contribution room and make and in-kind contributions of eligible securities to your RRSP between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29, 2012, you can claim the fair market value of the securities at the time of the transfer to your RRSP for a deduction on your 2011 tax return.

An in-kind transfer from your non-registered account to your RRSP is considered to be a taxable event that may result in a capital gain or loss.

2012 taxation year RRSP contributions It is generally a good idea to contribute to your RRSP as soon as possible in the current year to maximize your tax-deferred growth.

This will require estimating your 2012 RRSP contribution room.

Contribution strategies include making a lump sum contribution or establishing a pre-authorized regular contribution plan.

Tax-free savings account The TFSA allows you to make an annual non-tax-deductible contribution of $5,000. Unused contribution room can be carried forward indefinitely, and funds withdrawn can be re-contributed.

Income earned in a TFSA is non-taxable, so contributing early can increase your savings by maximizing the amount of tax-free growth.

Labour-sponsored investment fund purchases Purchasing shares of labour-sponsored funds by Feb. 29 allows you to take advantage of a 15 per cent tax credit on a maximum contribution of $5,000.

Investments are required to be held for at least eight years and are generally higher risk, so the advantage of purchasing this type of fund should be weighed carefully.

Mutual fund purchases If you delayed mutual fund purchases at the end of 2011 due to potential tax disadvantages, now is a good time to consider purchases based on your investment objectives.

L.M. (Lewis) Robin, Certified Financial Planner Independent Financial Services Investia Financial Services Inc. (Mutual Fund Dealer)

Licensed in Alberta and Saskatchewan 306-862-4843 Nipawin, SK 306-244-7385 Saskatoon, SK

Financial Planners Standards Council Todd O’Reilly, BBA, BA Investment Advisor

O’Reilly Wealth Management Professional wealth management since 1901

RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 320 South Railway Street Medicine Hat todd.oreilly@rbc.com

Phone Cell Fax Toll Free

403-504-2713 403-548-5410 403-504-2705 1-877-604-2726

Family income splitting loans If you set up a prescribed rate loan with your lower income spouse to split income, it’s critical that they pay you the interest on the loan for the 2011 taxation year on or before Jan. 30, 2012.

As the prescribed rate for loans with your spouse remains at an alltime low of one per cent for the first quarter of 2012, this may be the opportune time to consider this income splitting strategy.

2011 Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawals If you participated in the Home Buyers’ Plan but borrowed less than $25,000 tax-free from your RRSP, you may be eligible for another tax-free RRSP withdrawal in January 2012.

After January 2012, further RRSP withdrawals will be subject to full withholding tax.

Non-registered account fixed-income purchases This strategy can be used any time during the year to achieve maximum tax deferral. Interest accrues annually based on the anniversary date of the security.

Other alternatives to defer or avoid tax on accrued interest on fixed income instruments include purchasing them in a registered plan or in a TFSA. 2011 tax loss selling repurchases Near the end of 2011 you may have taken advantage of selling some securities in a loss position, but are keen to repurchase the same securities due to their investment merits. Be sure to follow the 30-day ‘“superficial loss” rule when repurchasing.

Owner-managers may consider paying bonuses Corporations can deduct a bonus paid to an employee on their previous year’s tax return, as long as the bonus is paid within 179 days of the corporate year-end.

When and how the bonus is paid determines which year’s tax return the employer and employee should report the bonus in.

Sale of private business shares in 2011 You may have disposed of “qualified small business corporation” shares in 2011 and realized a capital gain that may not be fully exempt. You may be able to defer all or part of the taxable capital gain if you reinvest in a new eligible small business any time in the year of disposition or within 120 days after the end of that year. Consult with a tax adviser as the deferral rules are complex.

T4 filing deadlines for employers If you have employees in your business, or even employ a babysitter, you must file T4 summary forms to Canada Revenue Agency and provide copies to your employees by Feb. 29.

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12 Page 9

Young people not investing in RRSPs

By Steven Barfuss H&R Block Manager According to a 2010 poll by RBC, the number of Canadians ages 18 to 34 with registered retirement savings plans has dropped to 39 per cent. Even more alarming is that 45 per cent have not even started saving for retirement yet.

Taxpayers choosing not to take advantage of RRSPs are missing out on one of the last legal tax shelters available to Canadians. They are designed to help people who are not fully covered by company pension plans to save for their retirement. They offer two main tax advantages.

First, all contributions to an RRSP are deductible from taxable income and therefore decrease the tax liability. This means making an RRSP contribution can reduce the amount of personal income tax each year.

The second tax advantage resides in the tax deferral. Investments held outside an RRSP are almost always subject to tax. For example, the interest earned on Guaranteed Investment Certificates is taxed as income the year it is earned. Likewise, there is a capital gains tax on investments made in stocks and mutual funds.

However, if the same investments are held inside an RRSP, they are allowed to compound tax-free until withdrawals begin. If withdrawals are not made until retirement years, the marginal tax rate should then be lower.

Continued on page 10

Pincher Creek Office Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

697 Main Street

403-627-3313 1-800-207-8584

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733 Main Street, Pincher 109 50th Ave. W., Claresholm 36 3rd Ave.,Cardston New Office: Walmart, Pincher New Office: 318 24th, Suite #12, Fort Macleod New Location: 12321 20th Ave, Blairmore

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• Final Returns and T3 Returns • Will Planning Including Tax Analysis of Property Transfers

Coleman Office Hours: Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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403-562-0003 1-800-207-8584

• Income Tax Preparation • Retirement and Estate Planning • Investment Analysis - Basic education including advice on some of the tools used to evaluate investments, discussion of diversification, risk and rate of return, and various alternative types of investments including tax analysis • Tax Planning Including Income Splitting and Investment Products to Reduce Tax Payable • Tax Estimates for Current or Future Years • Lease vs. Purchase Analysis • Loan/Mortgage Analysis • Insurance Planning • Education Funding and Alternatives • Planning After Separation or Divorce

Dennis Robin, B.Mgt., CA

Page 10 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12

10 things to know about the TFSA

By Lewis Robin, CFP Independent Financial Services

1. All Canadian residents can open a tax-free savings account if they’re 18 years of age or older and have filed a tax return.

2. The TFSA will let you invest while not being taxed on the interest earned or investment earnings.

3. You’ll be able to open savings accounts, GICs and mutual funds – tax-free.

4. Unlike an registered retirement savings plan, your contribution to a TFSA will not be deducted from your income on your tax return.

But, the interest you earn will not be taxed – so you get to keep what you earn.

5. You can contribute a maximum of $5,000 a year.

6. If you take money out of your TFSA, you don’t lose the contribution room; you get it back the following year. This is important to remember, because if you take it out you will have to wait until the next year before you can put the money back in.

7. If you don’t make the maximum contribution, you don’t lose the contribution room.

The unused contribution room gets carried over to the following year. There is no limit to how much contribution room can be carried forward.

8. You can hold more than one TSFA with a number of financial institutions, but the total Not investing in RRSPs Continued from page 9

Feb. 29, 2012 is the deadline to make an RRSP contribution that can be deducted on a 2011 tax return. The extra 60 days can be very useful. If someone were to face a larger than expected tax bill after receiving their T4, they can still make an RRSP contribution to help offset the amount owing.

The maximum amount that can be contributed to an RRSP is limited to 18 per cent of earned income for the previous year, up to an annual dollar limit. For 2011, the dollar limit has been increased to $22,450. However, the amount that can be contributed will be reduced if that person is a member of a pension plan at Mutual Funds Continued from page 7

that have billions in holdings, such as CIBC Monthly Income at $6.7 billion, Royal Bank Canadian Dividend Fund at $13 billion, or Fidelity Monthly Income at $1.2 Billion. There are many others.

Any investment book will tell you to use dollar cost averaging, meaning to consistently buy each month. Most investors can use that strategy by setting up an automatic monthly

of the contributions must be within your total contribution limit in that year.

9. Money you take out of your TFSA will not affect federal income-tested benefits and credits, so you’re not penalized for saving.

10. Each year, the government will determine your remaining available TFSA contribution limit.

tributions are being made, more consideration should be given for RRSP contributions rather than a TFSA. This is not to say that TFSAs should be avoided, just that it should be the choice for additional deposits or transfers from other open existing holdings, to reduce future tax.

RRSP vs. TFSA There has been much debate as to which strategy to consider when making your investment decision. If we make some basic assumptions and then compare directly between each option, an interesting decision becomes evident.

Assumptions: Rate of return will be the same; the investment will double every seven years for a 28-year period. The marginal tax rate on the last income dollar earned will be a combined federal and provincial rate. The deposit amounts will be the TFSA maximum of $5,000.

RRSP TFSA Deposit $5,000 $5,000 Value after 28 years $80,000 $80,000 Tax @ 26% on first $40,000 $10,400 $0 Tax @35% on next $40,000 $14,000 $0 Net Balance $55,600 $80,000 This example, if done properly with the $1,300 tax refund from the RRSP then invested into a TFSA, would generate an additional $20,800 of tax-free assets.

At higher tax rates, when the original con-

RRSP vs. TFSA, Part 2 Which to choose? Simple answer: both!

Because of the tax treatment of both investment vehicles, they should be used in tandem to maximize their effectiveness in growing retirement assets.

Invest in your RRSP to reduce your current income taxes, take your tax refund and invest it into the TFSA. The tax efficiencies of both investment vehicles will draw big dividends at retirement.

The advantage of the RRSP is that current deposits are usually made at a higher tax rate and will most likely be withdrawn at a much lower tax rate upon retirement, given the decline in tax rates over the last couple of decades. The second strong point is that taxes on growth are deferred, which helps maximize investment compounding.

The TFSA is an excellent complement to the RRSP for two big reasons: tax-free growth and tax-free income. This investment vehicle, if used properly, will provide excellent income maximizing opportunities at retirement.

work. The total RRSP deduction limit can be found on the annual notice of assessment.

If the maximum amount is not contributed, the unused portion will be added to the contribution limit for future years. It is not required to claim a deduction in the same year the contribution is made. This may be beneficial if income is going up and the deduction can be claimed when someone is in a higher tax bracket.

The government does allow over-contribution by up to $2,000 without penalty. However, the excess amount is not deductible from income.

Most RRSPs offer the flexibility to withdraw funds at any time. However, unless someone is

transferring the funds to another tax-deferred plan, the withdrawal will have to be included in income. The amount will also be subject to withholding tax at source. This will be claimed as a credit when the tax return is filed.

RRSPs must be converted into a form of retirement income before the end of the year once someone turns 71. It is recommended to check with a professional to ensure maximization of the tax advantage.

Once someone turns 71, they can no longer contribute to their own retirement savings.

They can still contribute to a spousal plan if they still have some unused RRSP contribution room and their spouse or common-law partner is under the age limit.

withdrawal from their bank account – basically a pay-yourself-first concept. I like to see funds do that for me.

Almost all funds give some kind of a distribution each year. Some funds do so annually, some are quarterly and some are monthly. I like the funds that pay a distribution each month.

These distributions can be received as cash or additional shares in the fund. By receiving these funds as shares, you’re adding to the dollar cost averaging concept.

For example, if the mutual fund share price is $10 at the beginning of the year and the market collapses due to a financial crisis in, say, a European country like Greece, the fund will continually buy you more shares each month as the year goes by. Should the price happen to get back to $10 at the end of the year, you may figure you’ve just broken even. This is in fact incorrect, as you would have made money on each share that was bought in the year at the decreased price, due to the euro crisis.

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12 Page 11

According to Tina

By Tina Webber I recently had a conversation with a friend who made the statement that her life was boring. I interjected with, “You do know who you are talking to, don’t you?”

I then said my life topped hers when discussing boredom, as I do live in an assisted-living facility, need help with my daily activities and have a debilitating disease, cumulating into a somewhat routine existence.

She then said something I did not expect, which was to ask how could I say that, as I write a newsletter for Vista Village, a column for Shootin’ the Breeze and a book (which I should do on a regular basis), accomplish all this while managing multiple sclerosis, still maintain a positive outlook and sense of humour – and that is not a boring life.

It made me evaluate the truth of the statement. I have the opportunity to express myself in a way that had never occurred to me before. Live in a facility surrounded by caring people, many of which have become friends. All my physical needs are looked after and they are kind (or foolish) enough to

allow me to be me.

Working and raising a family also involves a routine, as you must rise at a certain time for work, cook, clean and attend to children.

So that too can be called boring (routine).

Not having to do those things has allowed me to pursue different interests.

In either scenario, life is as interesting as you wish to make it. I really believe I can find enjoyment in most things, and that is the difference. In the lifestyle I have now, or the one when I worked, it has been my nature to make it enjoyable no matter how mundane the task. It took some time to realize most people do not enjoy the moment or make today memorable by making it fun.

My mother was a very negative person who always saw the glass as half empty instead of half full. It was a part of her personality I never understood as a child. When she came into a room it was like a dark cloud entering, and to counteract it I learned to joke around to relieve the tension. This was a difficult environment to be raised in because the negativity was suffocating. As a child

raised in this atmosphere I ended up resenting her because of it.

The adult, however, came to the realization that I have her to thank for my positive outlook because, as I got older, laughing and being optimistic became a lifelong trait and earned me nicknames of Sunshine, Firefly and Trouble (although I feel that one is totally unjustified – no, I can’t lie, I earned it).

We only live each day, hour or minute once, so choose to live it in happiness. My mother’s life was a cheerless existence because she never looked for the positive. Each of us is the product of our early environment, but we have the choice of learning something positive or negative. Enjoying life is a choice no matter what your circumstances are. Life can be pleasant or not, and that is your decision, so laugh when you have the chance because it is good for you and contagious!

Brain Teaser: Where would you find Julius Caesar, the biblical Rachel, King David, Pallas Athena (goddess of war), King Charlemagne, Alexander the Great, Queen Elizabeth I of England and Sir Lancelot all together?

Last week’s answer: She slid the newspaper under a closed door. The boys stood on either side of the door, but on the same piece of newspaper.

The Breeze Bulletin Board CARDBOARD HAULING: For all your commercial & residential cardboard hauling needs in Pincher Creek call Craig at 403-6326131.

FOR SALE: New chesterfield, 3-seater never used! Beige and yellow, come see it! $450.

Phone 403-553-4978.

FOR SALE: 1994 Shasta 26.5’ trailer with bunks and full bath. As is, $4000.00 or best offer. Phone 403-564-4179.

JACK RUSSELL PUPPIES - Ready to find good homes. First shots and deworming.

Two males and three females. $400. Phone 403-625-5407 or 403-625-9368.

FREE PIANO! Older piano, good for kids just learning to play or for tinkling on the keys. Phone 403-540-3384.

DELI PERSON WANTED: Efficient, knowledgeable around food, independent worker, willing to participate in all store functions and work around our busy times. 25-30 hours per week, noon to 7 p.m. Send resume to: Rebecca, Beaver Mines General Store, Box 1256, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0. Call 403-6274878. Email beaverminesstore@hotmail.com .

TAXI DRIVERS WANTED - Part-time or full-time, Class 4 license required. Crowsnest Pass & Pincher Creek areas. 403-627-2795.

OFFICE HELP WANTED: Mountainside Printing and Shootin’ the Breeze require a mature individual with strong computer & creative skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs is required and experience with Adobe design programs is beneficial. Excellent grammatical and organizational skills are required. Based from our Pincher Creek office, this will be a full-time position of 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Please call Shannon at 403-904-2227 or email resume to info@shootinthebreeze.ca .

FREE KITTENS: Two 14-week old kittens found abandoned by Longview need a good home. One male, one female preferably to be adopted together. Phone 403-603-2065.

ROAST BEEF SUPPER - Trinity United Church in Fort Macleod, Saturday, March 3.

Everyone is welcome!

WANTED: Enclosed 3 to 4 place snowmobile trailer in excellent condition. Phone Dennis at 403-627-6449.

HOME PARTIES: Host a Passion Party and receive free products and exclusive discounts. amimarin@yourpassionconsultant.com

Advertising Deadline is Noon Fridays Three-line ads as low as $4.00 per week No charge for lost and found or items to give away!

Phone 403-904-2227 or email ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

Page 12 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12

Stop in, don’t drive on by

Have you driven through weekend every April to help Nanton and noticed the huge get things in shape for summounted plane as you head mer opening. south on Highway 2?

The museum was built Have you stopped to visit around the Lancaster bombthe museum or the memorial? er that was brought to town If you haven’t, then make from the airfield at Vulcan as a point of stopping by and a tourist attraction. spending an afternoon – you The plane cost $512 and won’t be disappointed. was towed from Vulcan to The Bomber Command Nanton.

Museum of Canada is open Dave feels that the narrow The familiar icon outside of Bomber Command Museum of Canada at Nanton. focus of the museum has weekends during the winter.

With fewer tourists around, helped it to stay viable. “Evyou can take your time enjoyerything here relates to the ing the displays dedicated to guys out there,” he says as he the airplanes and the pilots of gestures toward the displays, the BCATP who flew them. paintings and artifacts that If you’re lucky, you might tell the story of the guys who even get a personal tour and flew the bombers. a chance to climb inside an The Nanton Lancaster airplane or two.

Society is a non-profit You will immediately find organization of dedicated yourself impressed by the volunteers who look after knowledge someone like Dave all aspects of running the Birrell has to share with you, museum, with the assistance and may even find yourself of a part-time office manager embarrassed by your own lack and a part-time visitor serof knowledge of the Second vices manager.

World War. The museum doesn’t The more time you have receive any federal funding, to spend at the museum, the so relies on private and corThe cramped workspace of the wireless operator, part way to the cockpit of porate donations at the door more you will learn. Chances the Lancaster. are you’ll also be planning anand through memberships to other visit as you realize there keep the operation viable.

These names represent almost one-quarter of is so much more to learn!

There are about 1,000 Canada’s Second World War fatalities. It’s vital It’s pretty eerie to make your way to the cockpit members of the society worldwide. Dave says of the Lancaster bomber while imagining flying in to share their stories as it shows who we are as “there is a locally strong core of volunteers of Canadians. the dark of night in search of an invisible target.

30 or 40 people who step up when needed, and Families gather in remembrance at the muThe plane is cramped and the rear gunner overall it’s a community effort.” seum and share stories, laughs and tears. would have been in the most uncomfortable posiMuseum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends Tuesday evenings are busy in the shop of the tion physically. only from Oct. 16 to April 15, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. museum as volunteers and enthusiasts work toNone of the positions is a place anyone would daily from April 16 to Oct. 15. To book groups or gether on restoration and maintenance projects. choose to be, and it’s hard to imagine just how special visits call 403-646-2270 or email office@ The next engine run-up will be May 6 as part terrifying yet exhilarating it must have been. bombercommandmuseum.ca . of a salute to the air cadets. This kicks off sumAs significant as the planes and the war memoThe next time you’re in the Nanton neighbourmer events such as Planes, Trains and Elevators, rabilia is Canada’s Bomber Command Memorial, hood, don’t just drive through – take some time Warren Twins Memorial Garden Dedication, Joe “honouring the Canadians who gave their lives to discover how cool the planes are, learn some English Memorial Fly-in and the arrival of the serving with Bomber Command 1939 to 1945.” war history you may not have known about weapCalgary Mosquito. For more information visit The memorial wall is engraved with 10,659 ons like bouncing bombs, view commissioned www.bombercommandmuseum.ca . names, and every name has a story. It’s a heavy paintings and check out a really neat collection of Dave Birrell is in charge of the library and moment of reflection when you stand in front of nose art. displays, and speaks highly of the Sparwood and the wall – it’s not only about remembrance but Everyone is welcome.

Elkford air cadets who visit the museum for a about respect.

Mountainside Printing Grand Opening ur o Y

S ty

aper P n le o

Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12 Page 13

Spinning and winning Rea Wilkinson was one of many volunteers with a winning wheel and a stack of fun money at the Stavely casino night last Friday. The event also included silent and live auctions and was a fundraiser to redo the floor in the community hall.

Salome’s Stars ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You don’t like rejection.

But instead of trying to “ram” your ideas through to an unreceptive audience, stand back and wait for a more favorable environment later this month.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Job commitments call for the tidy Taurean to charge into those problem-plagued projects and get them into shape. Then go ahead and enjoy the fun and friendships of your expanding social life.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) The pressures of the workplace are beginning to ease. While you still need to stay connected to your ongoing commitments, you’ll be able to take more time to relax with family and friends.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might feel that you need to prove how much you can do. But be careful not to take on more than you can handle, or you risk being bogged down. An Aries has a message for you.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Financially it could be a little tight for a while. So resist the urge to splurge on things you don’t really need. There will be time enough to indulge yourself when the money squeeze eases later this month.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You demand trust from others. But someone is creating a situation that could put your own trustworthiness in question. Be sure to keep all lines of communication open.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A problem delays the recognition that you hoped to receive for your hard

work. But all will soon be resolved. Remember to make patience your watchword this week.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Those wonderful ideas could expand your workplace prospects and ultimately lead you on a new career path. Your personal life also opens up new vistas.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) So much seems to be swirling around you these days that you might find it hard to focus on priorities. Best advice: Take things one at a time, and you’ll get through them all.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Work out situations with what you have, and avoid the temptation to create complications where they don’t exist. This applies both at home and in the workplace.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Keep your keen senses open to possible changes in personal and/ or professional situations. Knowing what might lie ahead gives you an edge on how to handle it.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Personal pressures at work could create a problem with your performance.

Best advice: Focus on the job ahead of you. If necessary, you can deal with the other issue later.

BORN THIS WEEK: Like your fellow Aquarian Abraham Lincoln, you have a way of handling the most difficult situations with grace and conviction. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 14 Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12

Everything Under the Sun - Goods and Services Directory Categorized Listings at www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Pincher Creek

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403-632-5106 Marriage & Family Counselling

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403-627-4970 Cell: 403-632-8990 Lockers of various sizes available.

FancyPants Freelance Writing & Editing Services

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In-home care, respite, post-operative, post-partum, light housekeeping.

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Live Entertainment!

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Westcastle Motors Ltd. Terry Lewis - Sales Consultant 1-888-209-3648 1100 Waterton Ave. Pincher Creek tlewis@westcastlemotors.com www.westcastlemotors.com

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Repair, Parts & Accessories For Dirt/Road Bikes, ATVs and Snowmobiles 403-628-2887 220 Osler Street Cowley

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The Grand Hotel

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obin & Co. Chartered Accountant

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Funky Pizza & Restaurant The Tastiest Place to Eat

Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Voted Elk Valley’s Tastiest Pizza!

Good Times Awesome Live Music Great Hospitality At The Auditorium!

Nanton

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Specializing in residential and commercial lock & key service.

Agronomy Support Manager

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Sonny’s Lock & Key

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Roxann Green - Sales Consultant 1100 Waterton Ave. Pincher Creek

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300 Manitou Road

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Ken’s Building & Renovations 403-627-7487 Pincher Creek & Area Fresh Meat Retail & Wholesale Gourmet Sausage Kitchen

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Where Art Meets Apparel

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T & H Welding 2006 Ltd. Jason Taylor Owner/Operator Box 1073 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 Cell (403) 627-6948

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Shootin’ the Breeze Feb. 15/12 Page 15

Mark Your Calendar Find complete event details at www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Events and Entertainment

Wednesday, Feb. 15 – Life on a Silken Thread presentation - Pincher Creek Library and all RISE library locations by video conference at 7 p.m.

– Fish & Game meeting - 7 p.m. at RCMP Centennial Library in Fort Macleod Thursday, Feb. 16 – Grand opening of Mountainside Printing - open house with specials 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - 697 Main Street Pincher Creek – Chamber of commerce mix and mingle hosted by North & Co. LLP, Robin & Co. Chartered Accountant and Mountainside Printing (Shootin’ the Breeze) - 4 - 6:30 p.m. at 697 Main Street Pincher Creek Friday, Feb. 17 – Great backyard bird count - nationwide – Candlelight dinner - Denise’s Bistro in Pincher Creek by reservation only – Free Friday night movie - 6 p.m. at Slopeside Cafe in Fernie – Stavely rodeo meeting - 7 p.m. at the

fire hall – Star Skate 2012 - 7 p.m. at Fernie Memorial Arena – Teen night - 7 p.m. at Stavely youth hall – Meat draw - 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Bellevue Legion Saturday, Feb. 18 – Rough Play acrylic painting workshop - 10 a.m. at Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek – Mt. Mill U.C.W. annual bake sale - 8 a.m. at Beaver Mines General Store – Great backyard bird count - nationwide – Star Skate 2012 - 7 p.m. at Fernie Memorial Arena – Atom hockey - Mavericks vs. Vulcan 10:15 a.m. at Fort Macleod – Family movie night - 7 p.m. at Stavely youth hall – Ghostriders vs. Col. Valley - 7:30 p.m. at Fernie – Midget hockey - Mavericks vs. Brooks - 5 p.m. at Fort Macleod – Novice hockey - Mavericks vs. Nanton - 2:45 p.m. at Fort Macleod

Early Childhood

Adult

Youth

Claresholm – It’s Friday, Let’s Play - Fri. 1:30 p.m. at West Meadow Elementary School Crowsnest Pass – Indoor skateboarding - Tues. and Thurs. 5:30 at Albert Stella Memorial Arena in Blairmore

– Winterfest at Waterton Lakes National Park – Free fishing - provincewide Sunday, Feb. 19 – Great backyard bird count - nationwide – Winterfest at Waterton Lakes National Park – Free fishing - provincewide – Ghostriders vs. Creston - 7:30 p.m. at Fernie Monday, Feb. 20 – FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY! – Skating party - 1 p.m. at Tom Hornecker Recreation Centre in Nanton – Family Skate Day - 12:30 p.m. in Claresholm – Frank Slide Interpretive Centre - free admission – Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump - free admission and programs – Fun Race - Pass PowderKeg Ski Hill – Winterfest at Waterton Lakes National Park – Free fishing - provincewide – Great backyard bird count - nation-

Fort Macleod – Art classes for kids - Sat. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

– Traditional native dance classes - 1st and 3rd Thurs. 6 p.m. at the Scout hall Nanton – Lego Club - Tues. 3:30 at Thelma Fanning Library

Fernie – Griz Kidz Crafty Kids - Wed. 6 p.m. at Slopeside Coffee

Pincher Creek – After school arts program - Fri. 1:45 at Lebel Mansion

Claresholm – Indoor walking - Tues. to Thurs. 10 a.m. at the community centre

Fernie – Hearts Duplicate Bridge Club - 6 p.m. at Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre

Crowsnest Pass – Take Off Pounds Sensibly - Wed. 6 p.m. at Bellecrest Seniors’ Centre – Gymwalk - Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. at MDM Complex – Older adult fitness program - Mon. and Wed. 10 a.m. at MDM Complex – Quad Squad - second Sun. of month 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Fish & Game Club

Fort Macleod – Adult walking & fitness program - Mon., Wed., and Fri. 9 a.m. at community hall

Bellevue – Kids on the Move - Mon. & Fri. 11:00 a.m. at MDM Complex – Move & Groove - Mon. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. at MDM Complex – Rhyme Time - Wed. 10:45 a.m. at MDM Complex – Stay for Play - Wed. 9:30 a.m. at MDM Complex

– 3,2,1 Play! - Mon. & Wed. 10:30 a.m. at Horace Allen School gymnasium – Fun Time Thursdays - 10:30 a.m. CNP Parent Link Centre

Claresholm – MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) every other Tuesday 10:00 a.m. at Baptist church Crowsnest Pass – Learn and Play the “SPICE” Way - Mon. to Fri. 9:00 a.m. at CNP Parent Link Centre – Craft Time - Tues. 10:30 a.m. at CNP Parent Link Centre

Granum – Dropinettes - Thursdays

Fort Macleod – Rhymes That Bind - Tues. 9:30 a.m. at library – Stay and Play - Mon. 9:30 a.m. at W.A. Day School Lundbreck – Storytime - Tues. 10:30 a.m. at Lundbreck School – Kids on the Move - Thurs. 10:30 a.m. at Lundbreck School Nanton – Mother Goose Rhymes - Tues. 10:00 a.m. at the United

wide – No Brighter Futures programs Crowsnest Pass – Arts & Heritage Week - Sparwood Tuesday, Feb. 21 – Rick Hansen Relay - Fort Macleod – Shrove Tuesday pancake supper 6:30 p.m. at Granum United Church – No Brighter Futures programs Crowsnest Pass – Arts & Heritage Week - Sparwood Wednesday, Feb. 22 – Rick Hansen Relay - Granum – Rick Hansen Relay - Claresholm – No Brighter Futures programs Crowsnest Pass – Hair Snares for Grizzly Bears presentation - 7 p.m., live at Pincher Creek library and by video conference at all RISE libraries – Pee Wee D hockey playdowns Nanton vs. Crowsnest Pass - 6:30 p.m. at Nanton – Nathan Rogers live - 8 p.m. at the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod – Arts & Heritage Week - Sparwood

– Beginner roping clinic - every other Fri. 6:30 p.m. at Horseshoe Pavilion Sparwood – Library Antics - Thurs. 3:30 at Sparwood library

Nanton – Al Anon - Thurs. 8 p.m. at FCSS building Pincher Creek – Rotary luncheon - Thurs. 11:45 a.m. at Heritage Inn – Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club - 1 p.m. at Pincher Creek Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre – Search & Rescue - First Tues. 6 p.m. at the fire hall – Badminton club - Fri. 7 p.m. at Matthew Halton school Sparwood – Lion’s Club - every other Thurs. 7 p.m. at MacIsaac’s Church Sparwood – Parent & Tot Fun Times - Tues. 9:30 at the rec centre – Baby Talk - Tues. 1:30 at the health unit – HOP - Wed. noon at the library – Story Time - Thurs. 1:30 at the library – Baby Lap Time - Wed. 9:30 a.m. at the library – Better Babies - every other Thurs. 1:00 p.m. at the health unit Stavely – Stay and Play - Thurs. 9:30 a.m. at youth hall

List your event by calling 403-904-2227 or emailing news@shootinthebreeze.ca

Listings are free for non-profit groups, service clubs, schools and youth organizations and events advertised in The Breeze. $5 fee for unadvertised commercial and business listings - promote your event on this popular page!

Sherryl Morrision shared these photos taken Jan. 30 by her son, Riley Morrison of Coleman, just north of Pincher Creek.

Look out overhead!

By Sherryl Morrison

Shane Chisholm and son Noah pose with his newest creation – the Cupright Bass.

Cupright Bass unveiled It could be said that Shane Chisholm is almost as well known for his musical creations as he is for his male artist of the year award.

Shane’s gas tank bass guitar has won awards, and the Cupright Bass is likely to follow suit.

Shane says the most challenging part of building the instrument was finding just the right parts to fit his vision.

While the bass needs a bit of tweaking before he’ll be playing it on stage, Shane was happy to show it off at a performance in Claresholm Friday evening. The gig also showcased the talents of two young singers – Gabby McGarvey of Claresholm and Mariya Stoetaert of Stavely.

8506 - 19th Avenue

Then the chopper hovered over the tower for quite a while with the cable (or whatever material it is) still attached to the top tower section.

The hoist on the ground then lifted a man up to the tower section. He must have secured the top somehow, as he wasn’t up there long.

It seemed like it took longer to hoist him up than it did for him to secure the tower top.

Once the man had it secure, the chopper would release the lines holding him to the top section and go get another top section.

On the towers they had completed placing the tops on, the hoists were up and it looked like a couple of guys were doing some welding to further secure those top sections.

We just thought it was so neat to see such a big chopper, and whoever the pilot was did an amazing job.

We had been watching the helicopter from a distance and thought it looked pretty neat, so we drove up to get a bit closer view. We were on a hilltop and really needed a camera with a zoom lens, but had only a small digital camera with us, thus the softness of some of the photos.

They (the power company?) were putting top sections on the towers for the power lines in the Pincher Creek sewer lagoon area.

The chopper would fly way over to a storage area, pick up the top section and carry it back to the tower.

The pilot lined himself up with the tower and then lowered that top section onto the tower – first time, just plunk and it was on, smooth as can be, and it was windy that afternoon.

Coleman

“Serving all southern Alberta” Please come in, call us, or check out our website

Along Hwy #3, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta Each office independently owned and operated Operated by 970498 Alberta Ltd.

403-563-2000 1-866-463-9168

Southwestern

www.crowsnestpassrealestate.com

Peter Maloff Broker

Cory Tourond Associate

Cell Phone 403-627-8200

Cell Phone 403-563-8551

Mini-tournament results – Kootenay Tae Kwon Do Submitted by Gena Paton White belt patterns 1. Jacelyn Chow 2. Ryan Kim 3. Renee MacCormack Yellow belt patterns 1. Paige Hounsome 2. Courtney Regier 3. Rylee McDonald Green belt patterns 1. Vishal Reddy 2. Emma Thibodeaux 3. Simon Bloemink Blue belt patterns 1. Ryley Johnson 2. Cassidy Ullman 3. Ryan Chow Red belt patterns 1. Ray Chow 2. Jamie Chow 3. Dion Arola Black belt patterns 1. Megan Dumas 2. Rachel Bullock 3. Mikayla Dumas White belt - boys 5 years 1. Joshua Kallies 2. Hudson Hare 3. Lauchlin Merrigan, Austin Hartgerink, Trip Larson White/yellow belt - girls 5 & 6 years 1. Jaclyn Chow 2. Sarah Pachora 3. Maddison MacDonald White belt - boys 5 to 8 years 1. Joshua Brown 2. Ethan Sutherland 3. Dalton Farin French, Alex Elliott White belt - boys 6 to 8 years 1. Drayton Desjardins 2. Alec Morado 3. Finn Piney, Kayden Hutchinson, Steven MacKormic White belt - boys 7 & 8 years

1. Nolan Markowski 2. Daniel Hammer 3. Dominic Thompson White/yellow belt - girls 7 to 9 years 1. Eden Ostoforoff 2. Sydney Johnson White belt - girls 9 to 12 years 1. Mallorie Demars 2. Katie Miller 3. Jessilyn Moore White belt - girls 10 & 11 years 1. Kassidy Vinet 2. Maisa Danaf 3. Kaylee-Jo DeGange White belt - boys 10 to 12 years 1. Nick Demers 2. Ryna Kim 3. Sarra Farrage, Sleiman Farrage, Evan Publicover Yellow belt - boys 6 & 7 years 1. Ryan Jackart 2. Bailey Siray 3. Shawn Nichols Yellow belt - boys 8 & 9 years 1. Cyrus Lepsis 2. James Rutlye 3. Dawson Peebles, Damian Lepsis Yellow/green belt - girls 7 to 9 years 1. Morgan McDonald 2. Anyssa Lum Yellow/green belt - boys 7 & 8 years 1. Ryan Chow 2. Brent Thibodeau 3. Owen Race Yellow/green belt - girls 11 & 12 years 1. Kayala Norgate 2. Ryley McDonald 3. Hannah Race, Alyssa Race Yellow/green stripe - girls 11 to 16 years 1. Laurane Gold 2. Courtney Regier

3. Brittany Jones Green belt - boys 8 & 9 years 1. Jackson Dobrovits 2. Quinton Jeffery 3. Mac Piney Green & green stripe - girls 9 & 10 years 1. Kaitlyn Hamilton 2. Andine Lum 3. Emma Thibodeau Green/blue belt - girls 9 to 11 years 1. Paige Hounsome 2. Mimrit Dhaliwal 3. Kaylee Koskella, Akahila Gopal Green/blue belt - boys 10 to 13 years 1. Justice Sword 2. Kyle Angers 3. Bowen Arola, Christian Karasz, Nathan Jeffery Green & blue belt - boys 11 to 13 years 1. Vishal Reddy 2. Tyler Dvorak 3. Jeremy Johnston Green/blue belt - boys 10 years 1. Mac Dressler 2. Kieran MacNair 3. David Schurer Green & blue belt - boys 9 to 13 years 1. Thomas Gold 2. Simon Bloemink 3. Brett Karasz Blue/green belt - boys 9 to 14 years 1. Dillon Myles 2. Gyrneil Dhaliwal 3. Billy Karasz, Brady Merrigan Blue/red belt - girls 10 & 11 years 1. Heidi Farmer 2. Simran Sran 3. Stephanie Alexander, Cassidy Ullman

Blue belt - girls 14 to 16 years 1. Hailey Allardice 2. Mollie Wyss-Mullins 3. Rylee Johnson Blue & red - girls 8 to 10 years 1. Tessas Alexander 2. Samila Carr 3. Ashley Hounsome Red belt - boys 10 & 11 years 1. Nathan Bullock 2. Jared Spurr 3. Reese Barrett Red belt - boys 12 & 13 years 1. Dion Arola 2. Jaccob Stafford 3. Arman Sran Black belt - girls 12 to 15 years 1. Mikayla Dumas 2. Gillian Craige 3. Mekayla Kallies Blue & red - ladies 40+ years 1. Kaaren Alexander 2. Marleen Turchyn Black & red - girls 9 to 11 years 1. Amanda Carter 2. Hannah Whiting 3. Jamie Chow, Jasmine Arbuckle Black belt - girls 14 to 17 years 1. Rachel Bullock 2. Cydney Payne 3. Sarian Jeffery, Megan Dumas, Kyra Kallies Black belt - boys 11 & 12 years 1. Andrew Craig 2. Tyler Carter 3. Matthew Dumas, Zac Watson Black belt - boys 12 to 14 years 1. Brett Carter 2. Terron Bewski 3. Liam Arbuckle, Greyson Carr Red belt - men 40+ years 1. Bruce Barrett 2. Ray Chow

Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass

More than one big thumbs up!

A whole bunch of happy kids boarded the Tim Hortons bus Jan. 30 for a day of fun in Lethbridge and Fort Macleod. They’re giving a big thumbs up to the Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass being back in action!

Roping practice 10,659 names The memorial wall at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada at Nanton. Well worth taking your time to visit.

Most people from southern Alberta know exactly what the terms ranch and team roping mean. For those like myself who don’t, Duane Warren of Claresholm doesn’t mind taking the time to share his knowledge. I now know what the role of the header and the heeler are and enjoyed watching a group of ropers practising both styles at the Claresholm Agriplex last week. Thanks to Duane, I also understand what #11, #9 and #7 roping categories mean for the Top Hand Western Shop Winter Roping Series competition, coming up Feb. 25 .

Thanks Duane!

SR

Abby McGarvey

Shane Chisholm

Claresholm’s got talent If you weren’t at the Casa Roma Restaurant in Claresholm last Friday night, you definitely missed out.

Shane Chisholm took to the stage in celebration of recently being named male artist of the year by the Alberta Country Music Association.

Joining him were two talented young ladies, Abby McGarvey of Claresholm and Mariya Soetaert of Stavely.

The atmosphere was friendly and intimate, and the audience included fans of all ages.

It’s great to see a busy performing artist taking the time to support young musicians, and it’s obvious that Shane has faith in both young women.

Future articles will tell the stories behind Abby and Mariya and their pursuit of musical dreams.

Shane was backed by drummer and cajon artist Al Rheaume and guitarist Mike Bourque.

Known for his upright bass guitar made from a Chevy Astro gas tank, Shane does some pretty neat moves with it on stage. Of course he plays it exceptionally well, too!

The set list covered a broad range of songs from Shane’s first album, Hitchhiking Buddha, cover tunes and tracks from his latest album, No One Came, which will be officially released later this month.

Shane also “unveiled” the Cupright Bass which is a Stanley Cup tribute in the form of a musical instrument. It’s not finished yet, but looks pretty amazing.

There’s plenty more to come from each of these talented musicians, so keep your eyes open for future stories in Shootn’ the Breeze and your ears open for their music over the airwaves.

Mariya Soetaert

Kootenay Tae Kwon Do mini-tourney mini tourney

Kootenay Tae Kwon Do mini-tourney

“Thomas Ince: Hollywood’s Independent Pioneer”

by Brian Taves (University Press of Kentucky, $39.95) Review by Larry Cox Thomas Ince wrote, directed and produced more than 800 hundred films, but died at the peak of his career at age 42.

Known as the father of the movie Western, he helped define the role of the movie producer and made films that were both influential and important. “War on the Plains” (1912) was one of the first films to feature real Indians as actors, and two of his productions, “The Italian” (1915) and “Civilization (1916), have been selected for preservation by the United States Film Registry.

Ince was born into a theatrical family in 1882 in Newport, R.I., and soon became involved in the profession, appearing in several stage productions including “For Love’s Sweet Sake” (1906), where he met his future

wife, contract actress Elinor “Nell” Kershaw.

In 1911, Ince was offered a job that took him to California, and after establishing himself in the film community, he leased a tract of land in the Santa Monica hills. Soon he had earned enough to buy the property and build his own studio. “Inceville,” as the property became known, was the prototype for the first major California studio, featuring a complete roster of actors, writers, managers and a production people, all working on site.

After selling Inceville to Western actor William S. Hart, Ince joined D.W. Griffith and Mack Sennett to form Triangle Studios, which eventually became Metro-GoldwynMayer in 1924.

His biography by an archivist with the Library of Congress is filled with unexpected surprises: Ince played an important role in creating the first Asian stars in Hollywood, and he was not afraid to address such issues as spousal abuse, the changing status of women, religious hypocrisy, love inside and outside of marriage, and the challenges of an ever-changing modern world.

Ince’s work was cut short in 1924 when he suffered a fatal heart attack following a short outing aboard the yacht of William Randolph Hearst. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

The bidding: North East South West 2 [H] 2 [S] 3 [C] 4 [S] Pass Pass 5 [C] 5 [S] Pass Pass 6 [C] Pass Pass Dble Opening lead -- queen of spades.

This deal comes from a team-of-four match.

At the first table, South wound up in six clubs doubled after North had opened with a weak two-heart bid.

West led the queen of spades, on which declarer played low from dummy. East followed with the deuce, in effect asking his partner to stop playing the suit. (Had East wanted another spade lead, he would have played a higher spade.) But West, ignoring his partner’s request that he shift to another suit, continued with a spade.

For declarer, this was manna from heaven.

He ruffed the spade, cashed the ace of clubs, led a heart to dummy’s king, returned the ten of clubs to his jack, drew East’s last trump and

claimed the rest of the tricks. West’s failure to lead a diamond at trick two, the obvious shift, allowed declarer to score 1,090 points instead of losing 100.

The deal demonstrates the importance of partnership cooperation on defense. Perhaps West was constitutionally unable to bring himself to lead away from the king of diamonds at trick two and decided instead to make the “safe” lead of another spade. But, as later events proved, the spade continuation was not really safe.

Oddly enough, West’s mistake was only a small part of a double disaster for his team. At the other table, his teammates, sitting NorthSouth, allowed their opponents to play six spades doubled, making with an overtrick, for a score of 1,860 points! Declarer ruffed South’s king-of-clubs lead in dummy, finessed the queen of spades and easily took the rest of the tricks.

The successful team thus gained 2,950 points on this one deal! (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. Is the book of Ephesians in the Old or New Testament or neither?

2. Lazarus had two sisters, one named Mary and the other being whom? Martha, Miriam, Margaret, Mildred 3. Which disciple did Jesus call Cephas, which is Aramaic for “rock”? Peter, Paul, Thomas, Judas 4. From 2 Kings 14, who built Elath and restored it to Judah? Solomon, Nimrod, Azariah, Hiel 5. Which tribe of Israel was set apart to serve in the Holy Temple? Dan, Gad, Levi, Simeon 6. Of these, which is a Greek version of the Old Testament? Ararat, Septuagint, Canon, Henryk ANSWERS: 1) New; 2) Martha; 3) Peter; 4) Azariah; 5) Levi; 6) Septuagint Wilson Casey’s book “Firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World” is available from Alpha/Penguin publishing. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Q: I’m hooked on Fox’s “Alcatraz” -- thanks for recommending it! It’s what I’ve been missing since “Lost” concluded its run. Do you see the similarities? -? Donovan B., via e-mail A: I certainly do, and I’m not the only one.

But the prison drama/fantasy series also is drawing comparisons to another “mythology” series. When I spoke with “Alcatraz” star Jeffrey Pierce, who plays anti-hero Jack Sylvane, he told me: “’Alcatraz’ is sort of a hybrid between the procedural and the mythology of something like ‘Lost.’ Even the guys who die in 2012 while they are being captured, they’re still alive between 1960 and 1962, when the prisoners start to disappear. If the writers keep this sort of storytelling, where they can travel to the past and also focus on getting prisoners out, caught and on to the next, the story expands out like a cone.

“My wife and I have been watching ‘The X-Files’ on Netflix, and the mythology was the backbone of that show. It was explored maybe one out of every five episodes, but they were able to create this incredible mosaic with the Smoking Man, the Alien Bounty Hunter, and Scully’s cancer and pregnancy, but that takes place over many seasons. The key to ‘Alcatraz’ is having patience and letting the story reveal itself. Just enjoy the ride as it unfolds.” *** Q: Over the summer, I saw clips and a promo for a forthcoming new “Dallas.” I watched for it in the fall line-up, and nothing. Then again for the midseason line-up, and nothing. Will this new “Dallas” be a series? -- Henry S., Venice, Fla. A: You and I are both excited for this new series, which will debut this summer on TNT. The 10-episode series stars “Dallas” originals Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Steve Kanaly and Charlene Tilton, and will introduce Josh Henderson (as John Ross), Jesse Metcalfe (as Christopher), Brenda Strong (as Bobby’s new wife,

Jeffrey Pierce

Ann) and Jordana Brewster. *** Q: Do the contestants who appear on shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” “Survivor” and “Amazing Race” get paid? I say they all do, but my friend says only the winners get money. Who is right? -- B.G. in Punta Gorda A: You are correct. Contestants on these reality/competition shows do get paid for their time, of course, and the further they make it on the show (for the most part), the more they get paid. Hope you won a nice dinner for being correct! *** Q: Are there any plans to release Frank Caliendo’s sketch-comedy show, “Frank TV” on DVD? -- Steven K., The Villages, Fla. A: “Frank TV,” which aired for two seasons on TBS from 2007-08, is not on DVD yet, and there is no official word as to when/if it will be. In the meantime, you can get your fill of Frank and his hilarious impersonations with his stand-up comedy DVD, “All Over the Place.”

Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

century modern. Mexican primitives and art deco pieces still are extremely popular.

This doesn’t mean that walnut pieces are not desirable or important, but just a reflection of current conditions in the marketplace.

Q: We have an 1880 game table that has been restored by a professional restorer from the Smithsonian Institution. It is pure walnut and has its original casters and hinges. I was told that walnut items are not selling well in my region but do not believe this is true. A table like mine recently sold in Vermont for $3,500, and our Smithsonian friend says ours is in much better shape. -- Barb, Albuquerque, N.M. A: I am curious why you didn’t ask the restorer at the Smithsonian for his or her opinion about the value of your table. As for walnut items not selling in your region, the lust for antique furniture often goes in cycles.

Several decades ago, the rage was tiger oak, then mahogany, and more recently mid-

There are at least two appraisers your area who I think can help you: Suzanne Staley, www.suzannestaley.com, 888-758-1118; and Judy Settle, www.landmark-estates.com, 505-459-4900. Both are certified appraisers.

You should, of course, expect to pay for their expertise and advice.

Emilie and Marie --- were born in Canada.

The publicity surrounding their birth and their special status as wards of the Canadian government made them international celebrities. They quickly became a major tourist attraction in Ontario. Needless to say, dozens of products flooded the marketplace including dolls, spoon sets, mugs and calendars.

Your calendars are each worth in the $45 to $75 range, if complete and in good condition. The two surviving sisters of the Dionne Quintuplets are Annette and Cecile.

*** Q: I have two calendars from 1936 and 1937 featuring the Dionne Quintuplets, given out at the time by Curran and Joyce Company in Lawrence, Mass. I am curious about how much they are worth. -- Sandra, Pelham, N.H. A: With fertility drugs fairly common, it’s not unusual for a woman to give birth to a litter. Think Octomom. But while multiple births have become fairly routine today, that wasn’t the case in 1934 when the Dionne Quintuplets --- Yvonne, Annette, Cecile,

milk 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to questionsforcox@aol.com. Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally answer all reader questions. Do not send any materials requiring return mail. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

11g protein, 29g carb., 328mg sodium, 3g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Fat-Free Milk, 1 Starch, 1 Vegetable.

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped real bacon bits 1/4 cup grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese

Cozy Vegetable Soup We now have more winter behind us than before us, but it sure seems like a long, long time before we see spring. Here in the Midwest, our days are still short and cold and will be for several more weeks. We need some comforting soup NOW to see us through.

2 cups water 4 cups chopped cabbage 1 cup shredded loose-packed frozen potatoes

1. In a large saucepan, combine water, cabbage, potatoes and onion. Bring mixture to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. In a covered jar, combine evaporated milk and flour. Shake well to blend. Pour milk mixture into cabbage mixture. Mix well to combine.

3. Stir in parsley flakes, black pepper, bacon bits and Parmesan cheese. Lower heat and continue cooking until mixture thickens and is heated through, stirring occasionally.

Makes 4 (1 1/4-cup) servings.

1/2 cup chopped onion 1 (12-fluid-ounce) can evaporated fat-free

• Each serving equals: 169 calories, 1g fat,

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

reliable way to relax while massaging your brain with the mysteries of the cosmos.

DOG OF THE WEEK

EDITOR’S NOTE: DVDs reviewed in this column will be available in stores the week of Feb. 27, 2012.

PHOTO: Director Martin Scorsese’s cameo in “Hugo” PICKS OF THE WEEK “Hugo” (PG ) -- Underneath an elaborate and awe-inspiring look, fine machinery powers this adventure with a love of cinema.

Martin Scorsese’s first foray into 3-D movies shows that the right filmmaker can make the technology more than a gimmick. At the home-theater, where 3-D equipment hasn’t quite saturated the market, “Hugo” still holds up as a dazzling journey with a heartfelt story.

Asa Butterfield plays Hugo, a young boy in 1930s Paris who is fascinated with clockwork. His late father (Jude Law in the flashbacks) left him a mysterious gizmo that he’s determined to understand. While looking for clues, Hugo must enlist the help of a toyshop owner (Ben Kingsley) and outwit the bumbling station inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen). The script can move slowly in the beginning, but it’s well worth the patience to

see where the movie goes once the gears start spinning.

“The Myth of the American Sleepover” -The title may fool you into thinking this is a teen sex romp, but while adolescent longings are at the heart of the film, it’s more “American Graffiti” than “American Pie.” The story follows the intersecting stories of suburban youngsters on the last day of summer.

“Sleepover” manages to take the audience back to that teen mindset when every action and waking thought seems just on the edge of something profound.

“How the Universe Works” -- Starting with the big bang and delving all the way into dark-matter, anti-matter and supernovas, this Science Channel set narrated by Mike Rowe is a solid fix for anybody who wants to look through a telescope and see more than just dots. With wondrous visuals and a whole host of experts (including a “black-hole hunter”), popping in one of these discs is a

“The Darkness Beneath” (R) -- Dennis Quaid plays Vaughn Ely, a widower, mortician and local creep in the small town of Smithville, Texas. A handful of meddling teens decide to poke around in the undertaker’s house when their garish van breaks down and their dog asks for food -- not really, though their real call to action makes less sense -- the teens see the silhouette of the undertaker apparently dancing with a woman inside and decide to break in.

The most realistic aspect of the film is that the teenage characters are all too gloomy and self-involved to be interesting. Whether or not they survive their encounter with Quaid is less engaging than Quaid’s over-the-top delivery of the corniest lines.

TV RELEASES “My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: The Friendship Express” “Law and Order: The Tenth Year” “Here Come The Brides: Season Two” “Mission Impossible: The ‘89 TV Season” “Top Gear: The Complete Season 17” (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

--Maintenance fees can skyrocket over the years.

The way to avoid getting trapped with a timeshare is to avoid the high-pressure presentations -- and don’t buy.

Don’t Get Trapped With a Timeshare Timeshare vacations sound good on the surface. You get luxurious accommodations at a resort location loaded with amenities.

Your scheduled time is set aside each quarter or year, and someone else does the maintenance.

What could go wrong? With timeshares, many things. Here are some facts: --There are more people wanting to unload their timeshare than there are buyers. You’ll lose money if you try to get out of it.

--You (and your heirs) could be locked into a 50-year contract.

--The unit you get might not be anything at all like the model or the pictures.

If you get a card in the mail saying you’ve won a “free” vacation, tear it up. It’s timeshare. If you receive an invitation to a presentation about joining a “travel club,” pass it up. It’s timeshare. If someone invites you on a resort tour and asks whether you have your credit card with you, run. It’s timeshare.

Those who sell timeshares will do or say anything to get you to sign a contract. If you’re on vacation at a popular resort, beware.

These scammers hang out in airports and even your hotel lobby, doing everything they can to get you to a presentation. If you end up at a presentation (which is no doubt highenergy and exciting), timeshare sellers will wear you down -- literally -- until you sign a contract. If a presentation is supposed to take only an hour, expect that you’ll be there many hours later. Remember: You can get up and walk out. (Ideally you haven’t accepted their transportation to a distant location, or

you could be stuck.)

They’ll make promises that aren’t in writing on the contract. Perhaps you’ll be told, “You have five days to cancel if you change your mind.” The fine print on the back of the contract might say something completely different.

Should you get caught up in timeshares (or be stuck now) and want to sell, there are even scammers who work that angle. They’ll “guarantee” to get your timeshare sold, take your money (thousands of dollars) in an advance fee, and put your listing on a website ... which you could have done for yourself.

David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Warm Up With White Chili Find winter’s warmth in a big bowl of easyto-prepare white chicken chili. This irresistible recipe is a hearty meal, and I can assure you that it will warm up tummies after an afternoon spent outdoors. Prepare it in a big pot in less than an hour on your stove, or better yet, let it cook for a few hours in a slow cooker, so it’s conveniently piping hot whenever you’re ready to eat.

Let kids get involved in the prep work appropriate to their age and skills. If the older junior chefs in the family have never peeled and chopped fresh garlic, show them how to mince it properly with a sharp knife.

They also can take care of chopping the bell peppers and shredding the cheese for the garnish.

Younger kids can shred chunks of chicken or turkey with their hands and pour the beans in a colander to drain. Get out your measuring spoons and let them accurately measure the herbs and spices, too.

Here’s what you’ll need for 6 servings: 2 (15 ounce) cans of great northern or pinto beans, drained 3 1/2 cups chicken broth

3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or turkey (Save time and pick up ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken at your local market) 1 1/2 cups sweet bell peppers (red, yellow and green) seeded and chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 teaspoons ground cumin (substitute with 1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning if you prefer) 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Salt to taste Shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese for garnish 1. Combine all ingredients except cheese in a standard slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.

2. If you don’t have a slow cooker, bring the

broth, peppers, garlic and seasonings to a simmer in a saucepan on your stove. Cook until peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.

Add beans and meat. Simmer 10-20 minutes.

3. Ladle in bowls and garnish with the cheese. For variation, add crushed tortilla chips, if you wish. Serve with slices of French bread. *** Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” (c) 2012 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

1. When did the Beatles arrive in the U.S. for the first time?

2. Name the all-instrumental group that outsold the Beatles in 1966.

3. Where did the band Mungo Jerry get its name?

4. Why were police called to a California radio studio in March 1972 when Donny Osmond’s “Puppy Love” was played?

5. How did Klaatu get its name?

6. In what year was the Rolling Stones’ last tour with longtime bass guitarist Bill Wyman. Hint: It promoted their “Steel Wheels” album.

Answers 1. Feb. 7, 1964. The two-week tour took them to New York City, Washington, D.C., and Miami.

2. Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Alpert had five albums in the Top 20 at the same time.

3. Mungo Jerry is a takeoff on a poem “Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer” from “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot.

Their first hit was “In the Summertime” in 1970.

4. Because DJ Robert W. Morgan of studio KHJ in Hollywood had repeatedly played the song for more than 90 minutes. Worried fans thought something was wrong.

5. Rock band Klaatu named themselves after the alien in the movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” no doubt the original black-andwhite 1951 version.

6. The Stones’ Urban Jungle tour began in the Netherlands in May 1990. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

C virus RNA (ribonucleic acid) in the blood and documenting liver changes suggesting cirrhosis is beginning to take place. As I said, only 20 percent of those infected with this virus are at risk for these complications.

Treatment isn’t 100 percent effective for all.

Success depends on which strain of virus infects a person. Strains 1 and 4 are less susceptible to treatment.

Treatments Do Exist for Hepatitis C DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I believe I read in your column about something that can be given for hepatitis C. My doctor says there isn’t any treatment. Will you please advise me? -- Anon.

ANSWER: Chronic infection (lifetime infection) happens to about 80 percent of those infected with the hepatitis C virus. Worldwide, the virus infects 170 million people. In the United States, 3.2 million are infected. Of the chronically infected, close to 20 percent will develop either liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. It takes 20 to 30 years before signs of such complications become apparent.

Predicting who benefits from treatment, therefore, is not an easy task. Perhaps your doctor said you would not benefit from treatment now. Indications favoring treatment are finding hepatitis

Standard treatment is ribavirin and peginterferon.

New treatments are about to become available, and they show great promise in improving treatment success. Boceprevir and teleprevir are going to be launched for general use later this year. They will establish a new era for treatment.

The booklet on hepatitis A, B and C details these illnesses, how they are acquired and how they are treated. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 503W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please tell me what causes brown spots on the hands and arms. Is there anything you can do to prevent them or erase them? -- A.C. ANSWER: Sunlight and aging cause those brown spots, known as solar lentigos. To prevent them, use sunscreen on the affected skin every day of the year, whenever you go outdoors. You can’t

prevent aging. In popular language, these spots are called age spots or liver spots, even though the liver has not one thing to do with them.

If you’re desirous of getting rid of them, doctors can freeze them off or use a laser on them. You can apply tretinoin cream, an acne medicine. It takes a long time to fade the spots, but they will lighten in time. Bleaching creams like Eldopaque and Solaquin also work.

You have to be sure that your insurance covers the cost. This is cosmetic medicine and often not covered by insurance policies.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Is it possible for a man with prostate cancer, before it is treated, to pass the cancer to his wife through intercourse? This subject came up during lunch with friends. Some said it was possible. -- C.N. ANSWER: Prostate cancer is not passed from a man to his wife through intercourse or in any other way.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2012 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Double Cornbread Frozen corn enhances the texture and flavor of hearty cornbread without a lot of extra expense. Bake and freeze the cornbread, tightly wrapped, up to one month ahead.

Thaw; then, when ready to serve, reheat, covered, at 450 F for 15 minutes. Cut into serving pieces.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal 1/4 cup sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups buttermilk 3 large eggs 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 2 jalapeno chiles, seeds and membranes discarded, finely chopped 1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Grease 13- by 9-inch metal baking pan.

2. In large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In medium bowl, with wire whisk or fork, beat buttermilk and eggs until blended.

3. Add corn, melted butter and jalapenos to buttermilk mixture; then add to flour mixture. Stir until ingredients are just mixed.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until golden at edges and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut lengthwise into 4 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 6 pieces. Serve warm. Makes 24 pieces.

Pork BBQ We used ready-made shredded barbecued pork, sold in tubs in the meat department, for the base and added beans and fresh tomatoes for extra flavor and fiber. Serve with store-bought corn bread.

16 ounces (half of 32-ounce container) fully cooked shredded pork with barbecue sauce 1 can (15 to 19 ounces) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (15 to 19 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 2 large plum tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch dice In 3-quart saucepan, heat pork mixture with beans, tomatoes and 1 cup water to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Serves 4.

• Each serving: About 380 calories, 6g total fat (2g saturated), 30mg cholesterol, 1,245mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate, 18g protein, 29g protein.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/ recipefinder/. (c) 2012 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved Southern Alberta Wood Pellet Stove and BBQ Sales, Service & Installation

www.jnheating.com 403-894-9777 JOHN NEELS

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping. com/recipefinder/. (c) 2012 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

Refresh Your Mind, Body and Spirit

Providence Salon & Spa 403-627-5667

673 Main Street Pincher Creek

NOW HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson • “Revive the look of indoor plants by rubbing the leaves with mineral oil on a soft cloth. Just wipe nicely, and you’ll see a big difference. Through the years, I have used this tip for both my real plants and my plastic plants.” -- J.D. in Alabama • Lime juice and vinegar both make good meat tenderizers. You can purchase tougher cuts of meat, season with spices and lime/vinegar, and marinate for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. It is a great way to ease your meat budget. Steaks are getting expensive!

• “To make onion rings easier to cut (less stinging to the eyes) and have the layers separate better, I put my onions in the freezer for about 10 minutes before peeling. They don’t freeze, but they do get nice and cold.” -- O.F. in Florida • Looking for a more natural way to clean? Here’s one for the bathroom: Clean chrome with baking soda on a soft, damp cloth. Follow up with vinegar for some shine. Spray lightly and wipe away with a clean cloth.

• “Men, make your own aftershave. Thin a bottle of baby lotion with a little rubbing alcohol. Put in a hand-lotion bottle, and use half a squirt. No sting, and soft, smooth skin.” -- T.G. in Illinois • Add a single teaspoon of rice to the saltshaker in order to keep too many grains from coming out at a time.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Samantha Mazzotta

Prepping for Spring It’s still February, but spring planting season is just around the corner -- even in traditionally colder areas of the country like the Northeast, which experienced a warm winter with little snow this year. That means homeowners should be going over their outdoor lawn-care and garden tools and equipment, making sure everything is ready to go when March roars in.

If you treated wooden-handled tools with linseed oil or other wood treatment and hung them up over the winter, take those tools down now and wipe away excess oil and check for water damage or other problems. Make sure that hinged parts move smoothly and are free of corrosion and dirt. Then, place the tools in an easily accessible place, ready to grab when you need them.

Lawnmowers and other equipment also need to be readied for the growing season, even though it may be awhile before they’re needed. Take the lawnmower out of the garage or shed to a wellventilated area. Check the blades to make sure they’re free of rust and corrosion; if you detached the blades for storage, reattach now.

Turn the mower upright and, with the spark plug disconnected and the fuel tank empty, give the starter cord a few pulls. Next, connect the spark plug and fill the tank with the proper fuel-oil mixture (see the manufacturer’s manual for details). Start the mower and allow it to run for a minute or two. Then, shut it down and store it upright in an easily accessible place, ready to use.

Do the same with other outdoor equipment over the next couple of weekends. Not only will you know that your tools are ready when the weather is, but you’ll be able to repair any damaged tools or equipment before they’re needed.

HOME TIP: Keep tools dry and accessible by installing a pegboard with adjustable hooks on one wall of the garage, shed or workspace.

Send your questions or tips to ask@thisisahammer.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Tony Rizzo PHOTO: Rooney Mara HOLLYWOOD -- Every time Oscar nominations are announced there are surprises.

This year, they’ve nominated four actors we’ve never heard of!

Jean Dujardin, nominated for the silent film “The Artist,” has worked in French films for 10 years. The 39-year-old Dujardin won the best actor award at The Cannes Film Festival, The Golden Globes and The Screen Actors Guild Awards for a film in which he says only two words. He’s wed to Alexandra Lemy, who co-starred with him in an ‘09 French TV series. His co-star, Berenice Bejo, the best supporting actress nominee, had the film “Prey” out last year, though it went unnoticed. She is wed to “The Artist” writer and director Michael Hazanavicius. Don’t be surprised if Jean Dujardin and “The Artist” both take home the gold!

“A Better Life” best actor nominee Demian Bichir has acted in his native Mexico since he was 14 years old. His first American film was “In the Time of the Butterflies” in 2001, with Selma Hayek. In 2008, he starred with

Benicio Del Toro in Steven Soderbergh’s “Che.” He also appeared in the fourth, fifth and sixth seasons of the Showtime comedy “Weeds” as Esteban Reyes, and last year in a little-known film, “The Runway.” While the two French actors haven’t announced any new projects, Bichir has Oliver Stone’s “Savages” with John Travolta, Blake Lively, Uma Thurman, Selma Hayak, Emile Hirsch and Taylor Kitsch due out in September.

Rooney Mara, nominated for “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” did “Friends With Benefits” in ‘09 and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “The Social Network” in ‘10. Unlike the other three she hails from Bedford, N.Y., and has “Lawless” with Christian Bale due out 2013, as well as Steven Soderbergh’s “The Side Effects” with Channing Tatum and Jude Law. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is part one of a trilogy of books written by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. Mara also is signed to reprise her “Dragon Tattoo” role in “The Girl Who Played with Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest,” all remakes of the 2009 Swedish films.

“Sex in the City,” has replaced Demi Moore in the Linda Lovelace bio-pic “Lovelace,” not as the star of the most famous X-rated film ever, “Deep Throat,” but as woman’s liberation activist Gloria Steinem. This should be quite a stretch for Parker, who was just the opposite kind of woman in the popular TV series and in two film versions. In order to do Steinem justice, Sara Jessica Parker will have to go from “Sex in the City” to “Feminist in the City!” You go girl!

***

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

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PHOTO CREDIT: stock.xchg photo Curry Adds More Than Just Flavor to Indian Dishes Indian dishes are a wonderful way to prepare flavorful meals with numerous health benefits. Many Indian dishes are loaded with garlic, ginger and curry spices. A garlicrich diet appears to protect against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer. To maximize the health benefits of garlic, you should crush it at room temperature and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.

That triggers an enzyme reaction that boosts the healthy compounds in garlic. Fresh ginger is a good source of minerals like potassium and magnesium. Curry spice blends contain turmeric, a common ingredient in Indian cooking.

Turmeric is a golden-yellow, mild-tasting spice made by grinding up the root of the curcuma plant to produce curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric is known as “the spice of life” in India. Epidemiology studies in humans have linked the frequent use of turmeric spice to lower rates of breast, prostate and colon cancer.

Research also shows that it aids in the stabilization of pancreatic cancer, and that it has anti-inflammatory properties that have been beneficial in the treatment of arthritis.

Tell your doctor if you are planning to take turmeric in pill form. While there are numerous health benefits, there are also some known side effects, including increased bleeding risk.

Curry also contains a powerful substance that might protect the brain from damage that leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Rates of Alzheimer’s in India are about four times lower than in the U.S., says Gregory Cole, a researcher at UCLA. Preparing Indian food at home is a great way to control the ingredients and calories. Many of the traditional dishes prepared in Indian

restaurants are cooked in a clarified butter called “ghee” or with heavy cream. Indian food offers many benefits, especially if dishes are prepared with a healthy oil such as canola and loaded with brightly colored vegetables, which contain natural disease-fighting substances called antioxidants.

My recipe for Chicken Curry is a Diva-style version of the traditional Indian dish, but retains all the flavorful spices and aromatics, and the beautiful vegetables that make the dish so beneficial to your health.

CHICKEN CURRY Madras curry is very spicy, depending on the brand. It usually contains chilies and spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, fenugreek, allspice, black pepper and curry leaves. Start with a single tablespoon of the curry powder and one chile when you prepare the dish for the first time, and adjust accordingly after you taste the finished dish.

1/4 cup canola oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 6 large garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger 1 to 2 hot chiles with seeds, minced 1 to 2 tablespoons Madras curry powder 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 1 pound cauliflower, cut into florets 2 yellow squash, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 red bell peppers, seeded, stem and ribs

removed, and diced 1 1/2 pound(s) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces Rice and lemon wedges, for serving 1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot such as cast iron, heat oil until shimmering, about 3 minutes. Add onion, garlic, ginger and chiles, and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in curry powder and turmeric and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add broth and coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.

2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the potatoes and cook over moderate heat until barely tender, 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower, squash and bell peppers; cover partially and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 15 minutes.

3. Add the chicken to the casserole, season with salt and pepper and cook about 5 minutes until meat is done and no pink remains. Serve over rice, with lemon wedges if desired. Makes 6 servings. *** Angela Shelf Medearis is an award-winning children’s author, a culinary historian and the author of seven cookbooks. She’s known as The Kitchen Diva and is the executive producer and host of “The Kitchen Diva!” cooking show on HULU.com. Her new cookbooks are “The Kitchen Diva Cooks!” and The Kitchen Diva’s Diabetic Cookbook.”

Visit her website at www.divapro.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

• On Feb. 27, 1860, Abraham Lincoln poses for the first of several portraits by noted Civil War-era photographer Mathew Brady. A relatively new art form, the photograph (or daguerreotype) showed a beardless Lincoln just moments before the future president’s historic speech at Cooper Union in New York City.

• On March 3, 1887, Anne Sullivan begins teaching 6-year-old Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing after a severe illness at age 19 months. Under Sullivan’s tutelage, Keller flourished, eventually graduating from college and becoming an international lecturer and activist.

• On March 2, 1904, Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, the author and illustrator of children’s books, is born in Springfield, Mass. Geisel’s first book, “And to Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street” (1937), was rejected by dozens of publishers.

• On March 1, 1932, Charles Lindbergh III, the 20-month-old son of aviation hero Charles Lindbergh, is kidnapped from the family’s new mansion in Hopewell, N.J. Days later, the baby’s body was discovered near the Lindbergh home.

• On Feb. 28, 1940, Mario Andretti, whose name will become synonymous with American auto racing, is born in Montona, Italy. He officially retired from racing in 1994 as the only driver to ever win the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500 and a Formula One championship.

• On March 4, 1966, a John Lennon quotation that was ignored in England set off a media frenzy in America: “We’re more popular than Jesus now.” Bible Belt disc jockeys declared Lennon’s remarks blasphemous and vowed an eternal ban on all Beatles music.

• On Feb. 29, 1980, the iconic glasses worn by rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Buddy Holly, lost since his death in a plane crash in 1959, are found in Mason City, Iowa. The plane wreckage was strewn across snow-covered cornfields, and the glasses weren’t found until the snow melted in the spring. They were given to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff ’s office, where they sat filed away for the next 21 years in a sealed envelope. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Is Sick Cat Doomed to Live Alone?

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We adopted a kitten, “Charly,” a little more than a year ago, and she tested positive for feline leukemia. Our vet prescribed a medicine and she has been fine. She is an indoor cat. Now a new kitten has found its way into our yard, and we have fed it. She will not come to us, but she and our cat play through the window. We were told our cat should not be around any other cats, as she could give them the disease. If the new kitten comes to us and receives the shot that protects against feline leukemia, would it be possible for the two cats to cohabitate? -- Amy V., via email

First, the new kitten will need to undergo tests by the veterinarian for both feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), as well as for other illnesses and parasites like worms and fleas. She’ll need to be spayed and receive her required vaccinations.

Second, kittens are at higher risk to contract FeLV, so she’ll need to be housed separately from Charly until she reaches six months to a year in age. Both should receive twice yearly checkups and their immunizations kept up to date.

Charly and the new cat may not mesh indoors as well as they do at the window. If they fight at all, they’ll need to be kept separated, so introduce them to each other very carefully. Also, the new cat mighht never adjust to the indoors.

Be prepared for that, and at least get her spayed and vaccinated to protect her and the neighboring cat population.

Send your questions or tips to ask@ pawscorner.com.

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc. DEAR AMY: There is a possibility that both cats can eventually live together; however, if or when the stray kitten trusts you enough to come to you, you will need to keep her isolated from Charly for a little while longer.

Ruffles Boutique Ladies’ Fashion & Accessories 803 Main Street Pincher Creek 403-627-4640

by Samantha Weaver • It was noted American wit and columnist Franklin P. Adams who made the following sage observation: “Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody rather than for somebody.”

It’s certainly something to keep in mind during this strife-ridden election season.

• Americans make more collect phone calls on Father’s Day than on any other day of the year.

• It was a German company, Interstuhl Manufactur, that made the world’s most expensive office chair. With a price tag of $65,500, you shouldn’t be surprised that the chair is plated in gold and comes with a matching ottoman.

• Have you ever wondered where we got the phrase “the dog days of summer”? According to tradition, the dog days start in July -- and not just because it’s usually pretty hot then. At one time, that was when Sirius, also known as the dog star, rose at sunrise. The Romans associated Sirius (called the dog star because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, or “large dog”) with hot weather, and at the beginning of the dog days they would sacrifice a dog in the hope of ameliorating the sultry weather.

• If you were to take the entire world’s water supply and compress it into one single gallon, freshwater would make up just 4 ounces, and freshwater that is easily accessible would be just two drops.

• Considering the fact that it’s home to much of the American film industry, it’s probably not surprising that the sprawling city of Los Angeles has the world’s third-largest GMP, or gross metropolitan product.

Thought for the Day: “An intellectual is a man who takes more words than necessary to tell more than he knows.” -- Dwight D. Eisenhower (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

timid Stefano worried about the letter. The aftermath of Sami witnessing Carrie and Rafe’s kiss had major consequences. As Carrie turned to Marlena for support, a drunk Austin turned to Abigail, who had an agenda all her own.

Rafe and Carrie contemplated cutting all ties, personally and professionally. Austin woke up the next morning wrongly assuming that he had slept with Abigail. Brady asked Madison an important question that left a bitter taste in Nicole’s mouth. Wait to See: Brady discovers Madison’s connection to Ian. Stefano finally opens his letter from Alice.

(PHOTO: Kimberly Matula stars as “Hope” on GENERAL HOSPITAL “The Bold and The Beautiful”) Elizabeth was unaware that her knight in shining armor was Ewen. Sonny was suspicious of THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Kate’s whereabouts after she came home in the Hope and Liam basked in the notion that Steffy middle of the night. Lulu started her new job was no longer a part of their lives and made in the police department evidence room. Diane plans to marry right away. Taylor pointed out gave Alexis a book on menopause. Robin was to Brooke how Hope was following in her anxious to know if her antiviral drugs were footsteps. Meanwhile, Steffy vowed to get Liam working. Jason had another spell after Franco back no matter what. Rick promised his sister, sent a gift. Sonny exploded after learning about Hope, that he would make up for lost time.

Kate’s connection with Jax. Carly found herself Taylor tried to talk Liam into giving his marin Johnny’s arms despite her better judgment. riage to Steffy another try. Hope prepared to Cameron lashed out at Elizabeth for driving make an important announcement to the press. Lucky away. Wait to See: Molly and TJ’s friendSteffy delivered shocking news to Liam about ship continues to grow. Michael and Shawn their marriage after he asked for an annulment. find common ground.

Wait to See: Hope and Steffy get into a physical altercation. Ridge makes some changes at For- THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS rester Creations.

Ronan left Genoa City on a secret assignDAYS OF OUR LIVES The DiMeras and Hortons appeared to have swapped identities as Jennifer told a lie that could sway the election, while the unusually

going home with her. Billy offered to compromise and allow Anita to stay with all of them at his home until the baby is born. Sharon offered to take care of Adam as he coped with his blindness and even suggested that they visit his mother’s farm in Kansas. Jeff mistook Jill for Gloria and gave her a passionate kiss.

Jill accused Jeff of faking his amnesia. Dino surprised Kevin and Angelina on the island.

Wait to See: Cane and Lily celebrate Valentine’s Day in Paris. Kevin finds himself trapped in an unhappy relationship.

ment. Chelsea told Billy that she admired his relationship with Victoria and wanted them to raise her baby. Soon after, Chelsea’s mother (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc. Anita barged in and demanded that Billy either marry her daughter or that Chelsea would be

PHOTO: Ingrid Michaelson Top 10 Pop Singles

Top 10 Albums

Top 10 Hot Country Singles

This Week Last Week

1. Adele No. 1 “21”

1. Chris Young No. 2 “You”

1. Adele No. 1 “Set Fire to the Rain”

2. Tim McGraw new entry “Emotional Traffic”

2. Luke Bryan No. 1 “I Don’t Want This Night to End”

3. Lamb of God new entry “Resolution”

3. The Band Perry No. 4 “All Your Life”

3. Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris No. 2 “We Found Love”

4. Various Artists new entry “2012 Grammy Nominees”

4. Eric Church No. 3 “Drink In My Hand”

4. Flo Rida No. 3 “Good Feeling”

5. Ingrid Michaelson new entry “Human Again”

2. Kelly Clarkson No. 8 “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”

5. David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj No. 4 “Turn Me On”

5. Keith Urban No. 7 “You Gonna Fly” 6. Kenny Chesney No. 6 “Reality”

6. Kidz Bop Kids No. 2 “Kidz Bop 21”

7. Zac Brown Band No. 5 “Keep Me in Mind”

6. Bruno Mars No. 6 “It Will Rain”

7. Kellie Pickler new entry “100 Proof ”

8. Dierks Bentley No. 10 “Home”

7. LMFAO No. 7 “Sexy and I Know It”

8. Seal new entry “Soul 2”

8. Jessie J No. 10 “Domino”

9. Drake No. 4 “Take Care”

9. Martina McBride No. 9 “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”

9. Katy Perry No. 5 “The One That Got Away”

10. Kari Jobe new entry “Where I Find You”

10. Toby Keith No. 11 “Red Solo Cup”

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

10. Tyga No. 11 “Rack City”

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1. Chronicle (PG-13) Dane Dehaan, Michael B. Jordan 2. The Woman in Black (PG-13) Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds 3. The Grey (R) Liam Neeson, Dallas Roberts 4. Big Miracle (PG) Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski 5. Underworld Awakening (R) Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea 6. One for the Money (PG-13) Katherine Heigl, Jason O’Mara 7. Red Tails (PG-13) Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr. 8. The Descendants (R) George Clooney, Shailene Woodley 9. Man on a Ledge (PG-13) Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks 10. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (PG-13) Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

participle of draw, drew and drawn are examples of what kind of verb?

5. MUSIC: Which musical artist had a single hit with “Rebel Rebel”?

1. ANCIENT WORLD: Where was the first Roman aqueduct, the Aqua Appia, built?

2. MYTHOLOGY: What kind of creature was the Scylla?

3. THEATER: Thornton Wilder’s play, “The Matchmaker,” was later made into what famous musical?

4. LANGUAGE: The present, past and past

6. HISTORY: Where was American outlaw Billy the Kid born?

7. MOVIES: What movie featured the fictional land of Florin?

8. GEOGRAPHY: Where are the Comoros Islands?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What kind of animal was said to have raised the infants Romulus and Remus, twin founders of Rome?

10. RELIGION: How are members of The Religious Society of Friends more popularly known?

Answers 1. Rome 2. A six-headed sea monster 3. “Hello, Dolly!”

4. Irregular 5. David Bowie 6. New York City 7. “The Princess Bride” 8. Off the east coast of Mozambique, Africa 9. A female wolf 10. Quakers (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Top 10 DVD Sales 1. Real Steel (PG-13) (Buena Vista) 2. Paranormal Activity (R) (Paramount) 3. Courageous (PG-13) (Sony) Top 10 Video Rentals

4. 50/50 (R) Summit Entertainment

1. Real Steel (PG-13) Hugh Jackman

5. Moneyball (PG-13) (Sony)

2. Abduction (PG-13) Taylor Lautner

6. Abduction (PG-13) (Lions Gate)

3. Moneyball (PG-13) Brad Pitt

7. The Ides of March (R) (Sony)

4. 50/50 (R) Joseph Gordon-Levitt

8. Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season (TV-MA) (Warner)

5. Killer Elite (R) Jason Statham 6. The Ides of March (R) Ryan Gosling

9. Harry Potter: Complete 8-Film Collection (PG-13) (Warner)

7. Paranormal Activity 3 (R) Katie Featherston

10. The Help (PG-13) (Buena Vista)

8. Courageous (PG-13) Alex Hendrick 9. Contagion (PG-13) Matt Damon 10. The Help (PG-13) Viola Davis

Pincher Creek Office Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

697 Main Street

403-627-3313 1-800-207-8584

R

Source: Rentrak Corp. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

obin & Co.

Chartered Accountant

Striving for Excellence

• Financial Statement Preparation • Corporate Tax Returns • Accounting and Computer Consulting • Setup of Computer or Manual Accounting Systems • Tax, Financial and Estate Planning • Computerized Monthly/Quarterly Bookkeeping, Payroll and GST • Business Consulting and Planning Business Valuations

• Final Returns and T3 Returns • Will Planning Including Tax Analysis of Property Transfers

Coleman Office Hours: Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

8506 19th Avenue

403-562-0003 1-800-207-8584

• Income Tax Preparation • Retirement and Estate Planning • Investment Analysis - Basic education including advice on some of the tools used to evaluate investments, discussion of diversification, risk and rate of return, and various alternative types of investments including tax analysis • Tax Planning Including Income Splitting and Investment Products to Reduce Tax Payable • Tax Estimates for Current or Future Years • Lease vs. Purchase Analysis • Loan/Mortgage Analysis • Insurance Planning • Education Funding and Alternatives • Planning After Separation or Divorce

Dennis Robin, B.Mgt., CA

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