Shootin' the Breeze – Dec 5, 2012

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Vol. 2, Issue 13

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December 5, 2012

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Hunting without a gun Gerry Smith of Cowley chooses not to use a gun during hunting season, and instead shoots many beautiful photos of wildlife near his home. See more photos in this week’s online edition.

Popielʻs Restaurant

Come try new items on the winter menu!

Now delivering! 403-563-5555

Coleman $2, Blairmore $3, Hillcrest & Bellevue $4 – Free delivery on orders over $50

Book your Christmas party and enjoy a complimentary table of sweets

8329 20th Avenue, Coleman

Page 2 Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

My Little Corner

By Shannon Robin Wow, there’s a lot going on!

As we hoped it would, the Breeze is becoming a means of sharing community events, and you’ll see this week’s edition is loaded with seasonal festivities coming up. It’s great that so many organizations are keeping Brenda busy with calendar updates.

You’ll also notice the paper is full of ads – all part of our first Christmas shopping guide. Our new sales reps, Jessica Jensen and Kylee Warkus-Forget, were busy last week introducing themselves to area businesses, and the positive reception to this special edition is sincerely appreciated.

A free publication, like ours, can be distributed at no cost to readers only through advertising support. In return, we suggest our readers give these businesses preference, especially over stores in the city. Shopping locally is vital to our small communities!

The ads have been grouped in the centre of the paper for easy reference as a local Christmas catalogue, so this will be a great issue to hang on to.

As a larger advertiser base is developing, I need assistance with the written content, because more of my time is taken up with design work.

For the past month, Brad Quarin has been our contributing writer on a large scale, and we have a significant bank of stories he has written to be published in coming weeks. Having more material than can be used each week has always meant tough decisions, and it’s even more difficult now that Brad is writing up a storm!

With so many seasonal stories, date sensitivity will be the biggest consideration in the order the stories appear. We appreciate your patience as we work our way through all the positive things Brad is finding to write about.

That’s it for housekeeping this week!

I’m enjoying the spirit of the Christmas season that seems to bring out the best in people. Every day, I find reason to be grateful for the good things in my life, and reminders that my troubles are small compared to what many face.

I’m happy to offer whatever I can of myself if there’s any way I can make a small difference in

someone else’s life. It might be as simple as listening while a friend lightens their load, sharing a big hug, tears of happiness or tears of joy, or just offering a hand to hold. The enormity of these moments seems to be amplified at this time of year.

On Saturday, the Angels Within Us fundraiser raised almost $40,000 through the live auction alone. Final numbers and a story will be included next week, but it’s important to acknowledge that an evening like this doesn’t work without huge support from the community as a whole. As a director of the Angels Within Us Foundation, I’m very proud of what the group accomplishes. I’ll bet most people have no idea how much work Sherry Mackenzie, Mona Low, Michelle Duncan, Cheryl Friesen, Rosanna Higginbotham, Linda Vance and Colleen and Kevin Parkin have put in over the past few months, and especially for the past week. My own role is insignificant in comparison, and I’m in awe of the way this small group brings out the angels within all of us. Thank you Angels – you are inspiring!

Saturday morning I had a last visit with Brenda Macdonald before she left for Edmonton to begin six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. Over the past few weeks the community support for this lovely woman has been amazing. It’s not just Crowsnest Pass stepping up, it’s people all over Alberta doing what they can to make sure her lung transplant happens.

A small moment of awesomeness happened that I’ll always remember. My daughter, Jaiden, was in the kitchen teaching Brenda how to use FaceTime, and I took Brenda’s grandson, Jaidyn, to another room to do the same with him. This little bit of technology will connect Brenda and her family while she’s away now for rehabilitation, and later for the transplant.

You should have seen the look on Jaidyn’s face when he realized he could see and talk to Nana from another room in the house. He was so excited! He kissed Brenda’s face on the screen of my phone and told her he loved her.

In the spirit of the season, see how many beautiful memories you can create for yourself and your family. What a wonderful way to end the year.

Advertising Editorial Share your stories and news ideas!

Submitted articles, letters to the editor and photos are always welcome.

Shannon Robin, Publisher – Writing, Photography and Design Cary Robison – Editing, Printing and Accounting Brenda Shenton – Administration, Writing & Photography Brad Quarin – Writing Stan Skahl – Distribution

www.shootinthebreeze.ca Daily news updates, sports scores, photos, weather warnings and more!

Submit to news@shootinthebreeze.ca .

Online interactive edition of STB has additional local and syndicated content.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone to link directly to our website.

Check it out!

Office hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Closed Fridays in July and August

Display ads (black and white or colour), obituaries, business directory ads and national ads are accepted for print.

We no longer have a classified section.

Web options include advertising in the online paper only, website ads and the STB business directory.

Jessica Jensen – Pincher Creek area Kylee Warkus-Forget – Crowsnest Pass ads@shootinthebreeze.ca or 403-904-2227

Deadline

Deadline for editorial content and advertising is 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication.

697 Main Street | Box 1060, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

Shootin’ the Breeze is distributed every Wednesday to 12 communities in southwestern Alberta

Shootin’ the Breeze is 100 per cent locally owned, locally staffed and locally printed! www.shootinthebreeze.ca

403-904-2227

info@shootinthebreeze.ca

The Breeze Mailbox Trees of Hope Christmas is a time for giving, and for 22 years Pincher Creek and area residents have generously supported local health care services through Trees of Hope. The 2012 campaign received a jump-start with a gift of $1,120 from Tim Hortons in Pincher Creek, the proceeds from their annual Smile Cookie promotion. Donations were being dropped off at Pincher Creek Health Centre even before flyers were mailed to Pincher Creek and area residents, including a $2,000 gift from Pat Dwyer Construction.

“It’s great to see the community once again so willing to get behind the Trees of Hope,” says Donna Schauerte of the Windy Slopes Health Foundation.

“All proceeds this year are being directed to the emergency department at Pincher Creek Health Centre.”

A brand new, impressive display is helping to remind people it’s the season to make their donations. Myrl Boese and his staff at Boulder Industries designed and created the metal Christmas trees and archway that will be lit up on the grounds of the health centre throughout the holiday season.

“We’re really excited at how great the display turned out,” Donna says. “So many volunteer hours went into crafting it. Our thanks go out to everyone at Boulder Industries. Their hard work has definitely paid off.”

The Trees of Hope campaign gives donors the opportunity to make a gift to Windy Slopes Health Foundation in memory of a loved one, or as a holiday greeting to friends and family. Greetings are placed on special decorations that are hung on the tree in the foyer at Pincher Creek Health Centre.

Donations can be mailed using the form on the Trees of Hope flyer, or dropped off in person at Pincher Creek Health Centre.

Tom Gillespie Windy Slopes Health Foundation

Pursuing excellence In the pursuit of excellence, Crowsnest Pass Skating Club offers the CanPowerSkate program.

Irene Fraser, NCCP Skate Canada registered CanPowerSkate coach, leads an action-packed, high-energy instructional power skating program – geared to hockey and ringette players – that focuses on balance, power, agility, speed and endurance.

Skills, techniques and conditioning drills are taught in a progressive format that emphasizes how the skills apply to game situations. Its unique award program provides incentives and motivation for skaters to continue to achieve.

CanPowerSkate members would like to thank Glenn and Michele Wilson of CRMFusion, Keswick, Ont. for their donation of $500 towards the program.

For more information regarding CanPowerSkate or any other programs offered by Crowsnest Pass Skating Club, please contact Irene Fraser at 403564-7169 or Linda Dorge at 403-563-5229, or email cnpsc@live.com .

Linda Dorge Crowsnest Pass Skating Club

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

In her own words

By Shannon Robin

“I’ve never met an author before,” were the first words I heard when I arrived to meet with Barbara Janusz a few weeks ago.

She was speaking with a small group of women who had stopped in at Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek and discovered that Barbara was on hand to give a reading from her novel Mirrored in the Caves.

I didn’t want to interrupt, so listened quietly as they asked many of the same questions I would have posed in my interview. I had one distinct advantage over most in the room that day – I had already read the book.

It was interesting to hear Barbara speak of her life experiences and then read two chapters from the novel. It was different to hear the tale spun in the author’s own words, with her inflection, rather than silently in my head. It was also impressive to hear how fluently she pronounced the Spanish phrases that add colour to her writing without being overwhelming to the reader.

Barbara, who lives in Crowsnest Pass, has been across the country promoting her debut novel, and the launch at Lebel Mansion was the sixth of these presentations, which allow the author to share not only her work, but also a bit of herself.

“We’re very pleased to have her here,” said gallery committee member Elaine Steinke. “We’re always looking for new and interesting things to bring to the community, and this means a lot to the gallery.”

Barbara is a woman with strong opinions – this is clear both in conversation and when you read her written words.

It is often said that art imitates life, but during the course of composing the novel, Barbara found that life mirrored art. “Many things a friend and I were going through are mirrored in the book.”

Without giving too much away, I can say the novel incorporates politics, family struggles and expectations, environmental issues, anthropology, history, fear of the unknown, soul searching, women’s affairs, current events and even a touch of romance.

Conflict is the main theme, and is interwoven from one situation to the next. Conflict is something we can never escape, and the novel allows you follow a fictional Calgary woman’s journey of self-discovery and challenge against a background of Mexican cave murals.

As you read the last page of the book, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether or not all of

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

697 Main Street

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

the conflict has been resolved.

“Every reader can take away what they want,” Barbara says. “The struggle with the unknown never ends. The beauty of the cave murals and what we know about the individuals who painted them is they seemed to have an easier time coping with struggles.”

Historical challenges like competition and bullying are still present-day challenges. “These people felt compelled to paint – ultimately it’s related to our own mortality, and we do what we can to survive.”

There are local references throughout the book, and it’s neat to come across mention of a vision-quest site at Crowsnest Mountain and other places close to home.

The type of story Barbara has chosen to tell requires more than imagination. She also demonstrates her knowledge of local and international history, language, culture and geology. There are many dimensions to her writing.

Barbara moved from Calgary to Mexico in 1993, and began writing the following year. A particular mural she wrote an anthropological paper about seemed like a good backdrop for a novel. From this foundation, she began to build the story.

“As I was writing, I’d have brainstorms and wonder about the meaning of things like rock fissures and spirituality versus reality,” Barbara says.

“This is what artists deal with – traversing the line between fantasy and reality.”

She moved to Crowsnest Pass in 2005 and focused on her writing. This involved building a portfolio of work, and led to a substantial amount of environmental writing.

This writing ties into the novel she has created, and personal experiences come into play as well.

From a young age, Barbara was writing plays and choreographing backyard performances and penny carnivals for her Edmonton neighbourhood. She says her “literary beginnings” started with writing poetry when she was 12.

“When I said I wanted to study literature, my parents looked at me like I’d said I wanted to be an exotic dancer,” Barbara says. Her family immigrated from Europe, and Barbara felt pressure to do something practical to validate the sacrifices of her parents. This underlying conflict is mirrored in the novel.

“I felt I had to try to justify their sacrifices for leaving their culture and family to create a better life for their children,” Barbara says. “Pursuing the

R

obin & Co. Chartered Accountant

Striving for Excellence

Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12 Page 3

Photo by Shannon Robin Barbara Janusz has been busy this fall launching her novel Mirrored in the Caves at venues across Canada.

Recently she shared a reading from the book to an appreciative group at Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek. Barbara will also be signing copies Saturday at Crockets Trading Company in Bellevue.

arts didn’t fit their vision.”

In the end, Barbara went to law school, and practised for 10 years in Calgary after majoring in political science.

In her mid-30s, Barbara decided to have a child on her own, and when her son was a toddler she moved to La Paz, in Baja California Sur, Mexico. She wrote her first novel there, an unpublished work based on a criminal case, and started Mirrored in the Caves.

With enough material written for another six books, Barbara plans to spend some time polishing her next project before sending it to her publisher for evaluation.

Mirrored in the Caves is available at Beaver Mines Store and at Crockets Trading Company in Bellevue. It can also be borrowed from Crowsnest Municipal Library in Blairmore or the library in Warner.

“You’ll enjoy it,” is what Barbara said when I told her I had picked up my copy. She was right!

Her publisher, Inanna Publications, has submitted the novel for several awards.

Barbara says her head is already in the next book. I wonder where she will take us next.

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

8506 19th Avenue

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

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 4 Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12

Join Santa for some fun!

By Brad Quarin You have to hand it to St. Nick: It’s a busy time of year at the North Pole, but somehow Santa always finds time for many public appearances.

He’ll be seeing kids at Santa in the Park, to be held at the Bellevue Arena Memorial Park on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

The event, held annually by the Bellecrest Community Association, will also include hayrides, carols, games and treats.

“It’s great to see everyone come together and celebrate the holiday season,” says Cory Schultz, an executive member of the association. Kids have a great time at the park and parents enjoy it too, he says.

Santa will be present the whole time, and kids can sit in his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. Santa will give each of them a bag of candy. Last year, he gave out 197 bags.

Besides Santa’s candy, there will be hot chocolate, hot dogs and roasted marshmallows.

There will also be games, with the tug of war being particularly popular, Cory says. Kids can also play Red Light, Green Light and Santa Says, which is the same as Simon Says. Prizes such as chocolate Santas and candy canes will be given out.

Depending on the weather, Santa in the Park will offer either a wagon ride or a sleigh ride. The hayrides provided by Terry Aris and his mules were a hit last year.

Alongside hayrides and candy, sometimes kids can just have a lot of fun making snow angels and painting snow with spray bottles, Cory says.

Parents can also have fun meeting and talking to friends.

By Brad Quarin

Photo courtesy of Bellecrest Community Association Santa’s fuzzy suit of red kept him warm last year when he visited kids at the Bellevue park. With a forecast of a balmy minus four degrees Sunday, it will be a great day to hang out with your family at the park.

The Bellecrest Community Association is a group in Bellevue and Hillcrest who maintain parks and celebrate Bellecrest Days in June.

Volunteers including families and retired firemen make Santa in the Park possible.

“We’re blessed to have a number of great volunteers,” Cory says.

The Breeze Mailbox Crowsnest inspection In a letter sent Monday to Crowsnest Pass Mayor Bruce Decoux, Alberta’s minister of municipal affairs, Doug Griffiths, advised that he will conduct an inspection of the policies and practices of the municipality in response to a petition received by his office. According to the minister’s letter, the objective of the inspection is “to support the role of council and administration in providing local government services in the community.”

“We welcome Minister Griffith’s review of our community’s practices and policies and appreciate the inspection’s importance in clarifying the value of the services and decisions that we make each and every day to support Crowsnest Pass,” said Mayor Decoux. “We value the fact that the Municipal Government Act within this province allows for checks and balances in the operations of local governments so as to protect communities and individuals. Having an oversight system

Here they come a-carolling

in place strengthens democracy and helps to build strong and vibrant communities.”

Mayor Decoux and council are determined to ensure that community members feel confident in their local government and the decisions that are made on behalf of our citizens. According to the minister’s letter, an inspector will be appointed who will have broad access to any matter connected with the management, administration or operation of the municipality. Once complete, the inspection report is generally presented in an advertised public meeting.

“Council and our administration will continue to serve in an open and transparent manner, and we will continue to be accessible to the community we serve and to make decisions that will strengthen our community which we all value,” said Mayor Decoux. “We will do everything in our power to support the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as it moves forward with its inspection.”

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass

Because the season calls for Christmas music, locals can look forward to the Pincher Creek Christmas Carol Festival, to be held at the Community Hall this Sunday at 7 p.m.

“For me, this is the start of the Christmas season,” organizer Joan Rickard says. “I love music, and it’s such a community thing.”

The annual event, being held for its 52nd year, will feature local musical talent ranging from choirs to a fiddlers’ group from between Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass.

The student band from Matthew Halton High School and the Crowsnest Community Choir will be participating, as will soloist Alex Morgan, Joan says. The audience can also join in on singing Christmas carols.

Joan herself will be taking part in a mass choir, formed by about 30 volunteers for the festival. It will perform three numbers, conducted by Diane Smith. “I am so looking forward to it,” Joan says.

She is among five organizers who book the hall and contact the performers. “We just ask people who we think would be good,” Joan says. Caroline Johnson is the master of ceremonies.

Joan has been involved for five years now.

She volunteered when a key person behind the festival since the beginning, Ella Froese, moved away and the festival needed help.

“I’d just hate to see it die,” Joan says, and she didn’t think she could complain if she did nothing.

Audience members pay what they think they can for admission. The organizers decide where the proceeds will go, if there are any.

The festival also receives substantial financial support from Shell, which buys the music used in the festival and rents the hall, Joan says.

Organization of the event is going smoothly. “We’ll be ready,” Joan says. She is looking forward to “the whole community getting together.” She believes it will run for an hour and a half.

“It’s a blast, it’s really fun,” she says. “We have to get the word out about the concert.”

403-904-2227 697 Main Street Pincher Creek

printing@shootinthebreeze.ca

Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12 Page 5

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Off-road honours

By Brad Quarin

Photo courtesy of Tracey Linderman Ryan Linderman shows how things are done in offroad racing. The 18-year-old, from Crowsnest Pass, will start competing in the pro category next year.

Local youths are proud after coming out ahead in summer dirt bike races and receiving Kermaxx Provincial Off Road Awards.

Ryan Linderman of Crowsnest Pass and Daylan Larson of Lundbreck were among those to place first this year in provincewide races sponsored by Kermaxx, the extreme sports accessories company.

“I’m proud of everybody that participates in this. It’s an extreme sport,” says Tracey Linderman, Ryan’s mother and a volunteer in organizing the races.

Ryan, 18, placed first in the intermediate adult category. The terrain was harder to get through for these racers, with more obstacles like trees and logs, he says.

Placing first was “really important,” he says, because it means next year he races in the pro category. He is proud of his achievement, but he also enjoyed the experience because it meant he could hang out with his friends.

For him, the most memorable moment was crossing the finish line and knowing he had made it.

“Ryan loves his sport,” Tracey says, recall-

ing that he had his first bike when he was five.

She was a racer herself, as were Ryan’s uncles who got him interested in the sport.

Meanwhile, Daylan placed first in the kids’ expert category. Youths aged 11 to 16 raced in Grande Prairie and near the Pass and Pincher Creek.

Daylan raced through mountains and rivers and won most of the races, some by 10, six or three minutes. He is proud, and says his greatest achievement was just “going out there and having fun.”

The benefits of participating for Daylan included meeting new people and winning trophies and prizes such as hoodies and jackets.

The race is designed to have a low impact on the environment. Dan Larson, Daylan’s father, says they aim to leave a small “footprint.” The race trail is marked by ribbons, but once the competition is done they go back and take the ribbons down.

Tracey hopes more people will become aware of the races. “It’s a family event – we encourage new people to become involved,” she says.

www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Merry Christmas From Tracey and Jolene at

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765 Ferguson Cres. Elkford 250-865-7755

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 6 Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12

Christmas Open House Saturday, Dec. 8 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

TOWN & COUNTRY Liquor Store

Sunday, Dec. 9

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

December 6 to 11 only!

While Quantities Last

Fresh Greenery, Poinsettias, Christmas Trees and Centrepieces

Perfect Posies

Copper Moon Wines 750 ml $7.99

COFFEE – GOODIES – DOOR PRIZES All Christmas Gif tware 15% Off

Includes Deposit & GST

Come see the greenhouse

Greenhouse

in a different season!

Ltd.

403-627-4087 Pincher Creek

Bonnie’s Fashions Your full-service boutique – let us dress you from head to toe!

20% off selected coats, sportswear & sweaters

20% off all Joseph Ribkoff & Picadilly outfits

20% off all gloves, scarves & hats

528 - 24th Street Fort Macleod

1027 Main Street Pincher Creek

Gallery of Sight & Sound Happy Holidays

Buy one, get one at half price All French Dressing ~ All shoes, boots and handbags

12813 20th Avenue

Please don’t drink and drive!

Come check out our in-store specials!

403-562-8338 12701 - 20th Ave. Blairmore

Main Street Blairmore 403-562-2516

Your Telus store with more!

Cool Christmas Stuff !

CHRISTMAS CRAFT/TRADE SHOW

20% OFF

• Ripzone and Powder Room ski outfits • Columbia • All hats, gloves, mitts & scarves

BUY One GET One HALF PRICE • All shoes, hikers and slippers • All Ripzone, Powder Room, Quicksilver, Roxy, Papillon, 69 Jeans, Oxygen & Moto Jeans

$20 OFF All Winter Boots

$99.95 92-Piece Tool Set

Set Includes: • (8) ¼” drive 6-point deep metric sockets • ¼” ratchet, extension in spinner handle • (10) ¼” drive 6-point SAE and metric sockets • (4) ⅜” drive 6-point deep metric sockets • ⅜” ratchet, 2 extensions • (9) ⅜” 12-point SAE sockets and (11) metric • (2) ⅜” SAE spark plug sockets • ⅜” to ¼” drive adaptor • (17) ⅜” bit sockets • ⅜” universal joint • (5) ½” drive 12-point metric sockets • ½” ratchet • (6) metric combination wrenches

Work Hard, Play Hard, Look Good

12813 20th Ave. Blairmore 403-562-2516

ALLIED DISTRIBUTORS

403-627-4331 1058 Main Street Pincher Creek

The Mitten

Saturday, Dec. 15 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

at 1 p.m.

Pincher Creek Community Hall

Dec. 12

Join us for a telling of Jan Brett’s classic story, featuring animals from the Indianapolis Zoo live by video conference.

Santa Claus will be at Storytime Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.

Pincher Creek Library 403-627-3813 899 Main Street

Santa and his photographer will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Face painting is $3, with proceeds donated to the women’s shelter.

The kitchen will be open with Crowsnest Coffee, Hawaiian treats and taco in a bag.

Food bank donations will be taken at the door.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

TRADEWINDS EMPORIUM PAWN SHOP New and Used Merchandise Buy/Sell/Trade/Pawn

Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12 Page 7

Majestik Holidays & Travel Ltd. Lidona Bonertz Certified Travel Counsellor Pincher Creek, AB

Christmas Carol Festival

Great Gift Ideas For Everyone!

1348 McEachern St.

Pincher Creek

403-627-2730

Fits Leather Plus

Sunday, Dec. 9 7:00 p.m.

Sheepskin slippers for men and women Specially priced at $19.99

Pincher Creek Community Hall Silver collection at the door Come out and enjoy an evening of Christmas music and community carolling!

New Store Just Opened!

Ranchland Mall Pincher Creek

Quality Merchandise

Large selection of ladies’ leather handbags

Ladies’ Leather Gloves

Regular $58 Sale $34.99

Men’s Panther Work Boots Made in Italy Regular $228 Sale $125

Ladies’ Leather Mittens

Regular $38 Sale $24.99

Pincher Creek’s Annual

1-877-627-1995

Lidona@majestiktravel.com

Refresh Your Mind, Body and Spirit

Providence Salon & Spa

Come check out the store for great Christmas gifts and ideas like Stanley Fat Max power tools and the new Stanley cordless 20V drill.

Check out our amazing selection of services, Christmas treats and stocking stuffers!

Christmas Hours:

CLOSED Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 OPEN 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 26 OPEN 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 31

403-627-5667

673 Main Street Pincher Creek

871 Elk Avenue Pincher Creek 403-627-4000

Christmas Cottage is Now Open!

Christmas Cottage is open and fully stocked at Copy Magic in Blairmore, with a great selection of decorations to make your home festive.

Many gift ideas including Bradford collectibles and Willow Tree Angels just to name a few.

Experience the largest Christmas store in the area at Copy Magic 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays 13219 20th Avenue 403-562-8113

Blairmore

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 8 Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12

Pincher Creek Pioneer Christmas Farmers’ Market Friday, Dec. 21 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Great Gifts! All Canadian Gift Shop Open!

Santa will be attending from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Christmas treats will be served!

1037 Bev McLachlin Drive

Pincher Creek

403-562-8658 11501 - 20th Ave. Blairmore www.borderbuilding.ca Making your building dreams come true!

403-627-3684

Surprise family, friends and neighbours with a

2013 Pincher Creek Community Calendar filled with beautiful local pictures and lots of listings of community events!

Only $10

More unique gift ideas at our

Wind Fun & More Gift Store

Come and explore a wide variety of solar garden lights, science kits, solar toys, kites, crafts, clothing and much more!

Call or email to check opening hours 403-627-5199 info@pincher-creek.com Visit www.pincher-creek.com/node/115 to take a peek at our unique gift items and fun stocking stuffers for all ages and all budgets.

Ranchland Mall

BORDER BUILDING MATERIALS

PC Chamber of Commerce

Pincher Creek

MOUNTAIN VIEW HEIGHTS & ESTATES

Pincher Creek

NEW HOMES

Starting at $259,000 403-627-5356 www.GeroConstruction.com

Cindy Sinnott 403-627-1935

EZ Log Do It Yourself Log Building Kits Kits include all that’s needed from roofing to flooring, baseboards, windows, doors, hardware and keys, ready for use upon final assembly.

The end result?

A beautiful wood exterior and interior ready for the finish of your choice!

Natural wood beauty inside and out!

From extended living in your garden to affordable housing options, we have a package to suit your needs.

Destiny Homes Inc. 1112 14th Ave. Coaldale 403-345-4430 office@destinyhomesinc.ca

For more information, visit the online catalogue at www.tmiexport.com

Piikani Nation

Community Christmas Parade Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.

To add a float to the parade or for information contact Patsy English at 403-965-3919

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12 Page 9

Kimberly Hurst Independent Consultant

403-628-2069

www.kimberlyhurst.scentsy.ca • Residential • Commercial • Farm • Home Automation • Maintenance • Generators: Authorized dealer for GENERAC power systems: Warranty & Service

Commercial and Residential Service Auto Glass Replacement and Repair Windows and Overhead Doors Custom Shower Enclosures and Mirrors

The “Rite” choice for all your electrical needs. www.ritelineelectric.com

info@sureglass.ca

403-627-5756

637 Main Street Pincher Creek 403-627-4737

1373A Hunter Street Pincher Creek

All regular-priced clothing

December 3 to 8 Excludes Teasers & Niki Biki Tanks

403-562-7784

Collectibles Consignment

h, 2012

2nd Hand Silver & Gold

Christmas Specials!

Observe gsi5

New Stock Every Day!

Microbit “studless” technology for added grip spider sipe for grip on ice or compacted snow

749 Main St. Pincher Creek

Designed to handle tough winter conditions

403-904-1010

A genuine leAder in service, vAlue And Advice.

1241 Waterton Avenue, Pincher creek

DYER STR8S Grand Opening Dec. 6 to 8 Antiques

Save up to $8 0 Observe GSi5 on select sets of 4 and other Toyo Tires Valid until De cember 15t

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30% OFF

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Save the Sliding for the SlopeS

403-627-3330

Neat 'n Nifty

At pArticipAting stores

Dyer Streights

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 10 Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12

Christmas Craft Fair Dec. 14th

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Special

Piikani Resource Development Ltd.

PRE-ORDER HOMEMADE PIES

Apple, Spiced Pumpkin, Chocolate Chip Pecan, 4” or 9”

(The old Peigan Crafts Building)

11366 20th Ave. Main Street Blairmore TO ORDER CALL 403-562-8228 Open Monday to Saturday

Have your memories last a lifetime and beyond – book now with

Katalily Photography!

Studio located in Hillcrest

403-563-0805

Pincher Office Products & Christine’s Gift Shop The gift shop is overflowing with Christmas items ...

New stock arriving almost daily!

Save up to 40% on office products from our Christmas flyer until the end of December

Lifestyle Photography . . . Wedding, Passport, Maternity, Baby, Family, Engagement, Graduation, Birthday & Corporate Photo Sessions.

katalilyphotography@hotmail.com www.katalilyphotography.com

403-627-2628 750 Main St. Pincher Creek

Serving Elk Valley and area

40% off

The Rose Peddler

Decorations, trees and trim

Check out our selection of fresh and silk floral arrangements and wreaths ...

While you’re here, check out the purses, jewelry, belts and accessories

403-562-7373

The

Gifted Crow 403-562-7230

Pincher Creek Location 1072 Main Street 403-627-5552

Safety Product Sales Include: • Fire protection equipment • Personal protective equipment • Fall arrest equipment • Respiratory protection • Gas detection & instrumentation • Fire-resistant clothing • Work boots

On sale Dec. 4 to 8 Come on in!

Mon. to Sat. * 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thurs. * 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

13149 20th Avenue Blairmore Services Include: • Portable gas detection • Portable fire extinguishers • Commercial restaurant fire systems • Breathing air equipment • Sprinkler systems • Industrial dry-chemical systems

Serving southern Alberta with onsite service and ever expanding into new products and fields.

Kost Fire-Safety provides safety product sales and technical service offsite and onsite for oilfield, industrial and agricultural clients. We have an extensive client base from British Columbia to Saskatchewan.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Book your Christmas greeting for a special edition of the Breeze Dec. 19!

Independent

Epicure

WEEKEND SPECIALS

with all the trimmings Friday, December 21

Crowsnest Pass Ad Rep is Kylee Warkus-Forget Pincher Creek Ad Rep is Jessica Jensen

Jessica Goodwin 403-563-9244

Hunting Knives, Ice-fishing Gear, Alpaca Ski Socks, Vintage Signs & Ice Trekkers

TURKEY DINNER $18

Call 403-904-2227

Consultant

20% OFF GIFTS FOR HIM Dec. 7-9

ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

ski_bunny99@hotmail.com

Shootin’ the Breeze and Mountainside Printing will be closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 1

Come cook with Epicure tonight!

Reservations recommended 403-627-4878 Featuring Local Foods & Gifts

Open 7 to 7 7 days a week Highway 507

Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12 Page 11

We have great specials going on ...

Place your order by Dec. 9 to ensure pre-Christmas delivery.

Just a reminder, there is no paper Dec. 26.

Advertising deadline for Jan. 2 paper is Dec. 21.

Find me on Facebook!

Support the local businesses and organizations who bring you the Breeze each week!

Shopping for more than just a gift?

The Grand Hotel

Now Serving Loose Tea, Lattes and Matchas Puppy Love • Baby Wear • Padraig Slippers Topo Maps • Jewelry • Books

403-563-5227 7719 17th Avenue Coleman

Personal, Friendly, Efficient Ser�ice

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403-56-GIFTZ 403-564-4389

Bellevue East Access on Highway 3 Southern Alberta Wood Pellet Stoves and BBQs Sales, Service & Installation

www.jnheating.com john@jnheating.com John Neels

Wood Pellet Sales

Phone 403-627-4481 Fax 403-627-4482 admin@kaewest.com www.kaewest.com

403-894-9777

Fort Macleod

Independent Consultant

403-628-2069

www.kimberlyhurst.scentsy.ca

Cedar Asphalt Shingle

Metal Flat Roofs

Raising the Roof on Quality Serving southern Alberta

– Call Dean at 403-632-9285 – Free Estimates

403-628-2456 crafty-mom@live.com Cheryl Cann

403-563-3771 soaringspiritwellness@gmail.com

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Simply Catering Catering and Rentals – Mobile Catering – AGLC Licensed Call Barry at 403-627-8233 or 403-628-2077 Or email barryscookn@shaw.ca

Personal, Corporate and Agricultural Accounting and Tax Services

403-627-3313 697 Main Street Pincher Creek

Call: 403-627-2242 Toll Free: 1-855-627-2242 | Fax: 403-627-5652 1130 McLeod Street, Pincher Creek, AB | info@avalanchecontracting.com

SUSHI 403-904-0080

Bubble Tea www.misosushi.ca Pincher Creek

Waste disposal, renovations, and acreage/farm bins.

For easy, convenient, waste removal!

Call Jennifer or Tom 403-627-8133

Cindy Sinnott Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and Surrounding Area Office Phone: 403-627-1935

Sutton Group – Lethbridge

Toll Free: 1-855-627-1935

Do you have cracked skin, fine lines, eczema, rosacea, enlarged pores, scars or any other skin condition you would like to see improved or healed?

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Sonny’s Lock & Key

Wendy Desjarlais

Shannon Donovan

403-627-2397

403-627-4153

403-339-0133

Specializing in residential and commercial lock and key service in Pincher Creek and area.

403-627-4292

Vehicle Lockouts & Master Keying

obin & Co. Chartered Accountant

General Contracting Project Management Commercial / Residential Butler Steel Buildings ICF SUPERform Concrete Work

The Bin Bandit

Kimberly Hurst

Jannet Findlater

Reiki Master/Teacher & Animal Reiki Practitioner

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Page 12 Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Photo by Brad Quarin

CCHS students are accepting penny donations until Friday for Free the Children. From left are Kate Pundyk, Sydney Koevoet and Kestrel Paton.

They want your pennies!

By Brad Quarin

The Canadian penny’s days may be numbered, but students of Crowsnest Consolidated High School are helping to make sure the last of the coins will be put to good use.

Students are running a penny drive for the international charity Free the Children. They hope to fill four water jugs with enough cents

by Friday to give a lifetime supply of water to 20 people from disadvantaged communities.

“The cool thing about the whole idea of the pennies is pennies alone aren’t worth that much, but together, we’ve been able to provide water for life for these people,” says student leader Kestrel Paton. “It wasn’t a huge thing to put together, but it created such a big impact.”

The penny drive came about when Free the Children contacted all schools in the division about the program. Teacher Lori Prentice then approached the students about CCHS doing its part.

Kestrel and Kate Pundyk are two students who have been deeply involved as part of the student advisory board, which Kate describes as a leadership club that takes care of smaller events. Also “absolutely” involved is Sydney Koevoet, a student in the leadership class which runs other school events.

The three girls attended Free the Children’s We Day at the Calgary Saddledome, catching the school bus at 5 a.m. to get there by 8. Speakers included Larry King and Martin Sheen.

For the drive, students bring pennies from home and some are looking for pennies at their parents’ workplaces, Kate says. Each grade has a water jug, as do the teachers.

As an incentive to donate, the grade collecting the most pennies will win a pizza party or a sub party. The three girls agree Grade 7 is currently ahead.

Of eight jugs, Sydney estimates CCHS has already filled three and a half. The goal is four, Kate says.

“It’s been really successful,” Kestrel says. “I’ve been really happy with how much the kids are wanting to participate.”

Some students are spending money just for the change in pennies. One student actually had $25 broken up into pennies, Sydney says, putting Grade 7 in the lead.

Kate, Sydney and Kestrel agree the penny drive is important. “We take water for granted here, especially in the Pass,” Kate says.

Meanwhile, some people in Africa have to walk kilometres to get water.

Aside from the penny drive, the leadership class is currently working on a food bank drive, Sydney says. Students have lists of specific items to collect and put under the CCHS Christmas tree. “That way we’re getting things the food bank actually needs, not just what we have in the back of our pantries,” Sydney says.

Student leaders also collected $150 selling hot dogs at Christmas in the Park this week.

They are also helping with a dance on Dec. 13, from which half of the proceeds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Pincher Creek & District Agricultural Society

AGM

Mon., Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.

www.shootinthebreeze.ca Find the Sudoku Answer and More Puzzles in the Online Paper Each Week

EAT WHAT YOU LIKE IN COMFORT

Horseshoe Pavilion

Pincher Creek Ag Grounds

Everyone is welcome!

Come join us and help plan the 2013 Poetry Gathering and Pro Rodeo as well as tons of other events all year round.

403-627-4811 www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12 Page 13

According to Tina

By Tina Webber

I find that most problems can be condensed so the solution is easier to see, instead of appearing so large and complicated that a solution seems beyond our ken. As an example, the national debt seems unmanageable when it reaches millions and billions, but look at it in a smaller context and a solution can be glimpsed.

Canada can be looked at as a family run by a single mother and 10 children. Let’s say the parents are an English-speaking Lutheran mother and a French-speaking Catholic father.

The father dies but has made an agreement with his wife that the children have control over which language and religion they wish to adopt.

So the family can survive, each child contributes to the family income as much as possible. Being the closest to his father, one child insists on having concessions given to him, or threatens to leave the family unit (which would break Mama’s heart). This child insists on speaking his father’s language and demands the rest of the family learn it as well.

Not wanting to break Mama’s heart, they all learn French.

Another child contributes richly to the family coffers after finding tar sands while digging in the backyard. Unfortunately, he agrees to have the neighbour pipe it next door, where he refines it into a useable fuel while paying a royalty of one per cent for the unrefined resource. Of course this leaves holes in the yard, and Mother has to buy the fuel back at a greatly inflated price in order to run the car.

Another child grows a garden to feed the family, and another contributes fruit, vegetables and a mellow attitude to the family.

The mother notices this child enjoys late-night snacks shortly after smelling a strange smoke emanating from his room. Two children lament over their favourite fishing hole that no longer has fish due to the river being over-fished. This makes it difficult to contribute much until a new fishing hole is found.

These are a few examples, but all 10 children contribute what they can and present it to their mother, who must fairly distribute the assets equally to all, after paying for food, medical and household expenses.

The single mother knows that to live beyond her means and borrow money is no solution, so she draws out a budget and sticks to it, often denying her children things they cannot afford.

This reminds me of many families of the early 1900s who made do with what they had.

There was no borrowing and there were no Joneses to keep up with. You just made do to survive. Perhaps governments of the world could learn something from this imaginary mother who lives within her means.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Bill Kells, executive director of Heritage Acres, will be lighting candles to create a beautiful glow through the stained-glass windows of the former Granum Church for the annual candlelight Christmas service on Friday.

Preserving the spirit of Christmas Past

By Brad Quarin Unlike Scrooge, you won’t need ghosts to visit the spirit of Christmas Past.

Pincher Creek’s Heritage Acres Farm Museum will be the site, this Friday at 7:30 p.m., for the Christmas candlelight church service, an oldfashioned, non-denominational event.

“I think it’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season,” says Bill Kells, executive director at Heritage Acres. “People are quite rushed in their lives, and it’s an opportunity to start really thinking about what Christmas is all about.”

Heritage Acres is dedicated to preserving and interpreting southern Alberta’s agricultural history from 1880 to 1960, Bill says. It is going into its 25th year. “It’s a kind of a milestone year for us,” he says.

The museum collects agricultural equipment, pioneers’ artifacts, antique vehicles and heritage buildings from rural communities. The Jumbo Valley Church, where the service will be held, came from Granum and arrived at Heritage Acres in 2000.

“We’re more than just a tractor museum,” Bill says.

At the service, visitors can expect to sing traditional hymns in the decorated church, which will have lit candles in the stained-glass windows.

The service will be led by Jack Cullen, a former pastor who also helped decorate the church. “He keeps the service very lively and upbeat,” Bill says.

It will be about the birth of Jesus and the reason for celebrating Christmas.

Jack says he has been involved in the Heritage Acres Christmas services since they began, about 10 years ago. The service isn’t meant to recreate a particular year, but the hymns come from long ago, he says.

After the service, people can enjoy tea, coffee and cookies at a social gathering in Summerview Hall, Bill says.

The event is open to the public and admission is free, though there will be a collection plate for anyone wishing to donate. Bill notes the date of Dec. 7 may be changed, depending on the weather.

The church can hold about 80 or 90 people.

The Christmas service is popular and the church is usually full. “There’s always room, we can always squeeze in more, but it is a well-attended event,” Bill says.

Having worked in museums for a long time, Bill says he appreciates the atmosphere created by holding the service in a historic building. He explains Granum donated the building to Heritage Acres because, as the town’s population decreased, the congregation had shrunk to the point where it could no longer sustain the church.

Apart from the Christmas service, Heritage Acres is closed for the season. It reopens in May, and its next event will be a community garage sale, Bill says.

Heritage Acres has been recognized as a museum by the Alberta Museums Association since January 2011.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 14 Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12

HORSESHOE PAVILION

Winter Schedule MONDAY

Trick Riding – 6 to 8 p.m.

TUESDAY

Steer Wrestling – 6 to 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Team Roping – 7 to 10 p.m.

THURSDAY

Rodeo Club – 6 to 9 p.m.

Every third Thursday

FRIDAY

Private Booking – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Beginner to Intermediate Roping 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., starting Dec. 7

SATURDAY

4-H Silver Reins – all day, dates vary Southwest Heritage Equestrian Club 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates vary

SUNDAY

4-H Multi Club – 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Second and fourth Sunday Team Roping – 1 to 4 p.m.

Additional weekend activities include: Clinics and Bull Sales Unused time slots are available for rentals, and if not booked may be used for riding.

Riding passes are available by the day, month, three months, six months, or a year for singles, couples or families.

All users and participants must sign a waiver.

As these times are subject to change, call 403-627-4702 to hear an up-to-date schedule recording.

For more information or bookings call Leroy Goodreau Arena 403-627-4702 Cell 403-627-6482

Photo by Brad Quarin

Dave Dyer has turned his hobby of collecting into a new business – Dyer Str8s is holding a grand opening celebration this weekend in Pincher Creek.

Dire straights lead to new opportunity

By Brad Quarin “I’ve always been a hoarder and a collector,” says Dave Dyer. Faced with health issues that prevented him from continuing as a rock layer, Dave has turned collecting into a career.

His Pincher Creek store, Dyer Str8s, is celebrating its grand opening this Thursday to Saturday. The event will be marked by specials and later hours.

Dyer Str8s offers antiques or “anything vintage and old,” particularly furniture as well as tools and jewelry, Dave says. He aims for “decent quality” and anything different from what many other second-hand stores usually offer.

The grand opening is being held now because Dave finally feels Dyer Str8s has enough goods to advertise to the community. The event, which will see prices on everything besides consigned items down 20 per cent, is meant to create awareness of the store. “There’s still a lot of people that don’t know that there’s antique stores downtown,” Dave says.

The store opened Aug. 1, but the process of starting it began in April.

Dave came up with the idea and looked at three possible locations, eventually securing what had once been a bar on Main Street.

“It’s perfect,” he says. “Downtown Main Street, you couldn’t get more downtown if you tried. And it just seems like karma kicked in.”

From May to July, Dave collected enough stuff to open the store with.

He particularly likes things that are hard to find. “I pound the pavement and look for stuff. Stuff finds me a lot of the time,” he says, explaining he might come by something by chance, or people may bring something to him.

A former mason and cabinet maker, Dave often fixes up the cabinets he receives himself and says he receives “instant gratification” from the whole process of making a store from nothing.

Moreover, he enjoys collecting antiques. “It’s something that I truly, passionately love, being someone who saves history,” he says. He recounts that he first started collecting when he was 14, when his grandfather passed away and Dave inherited his coin collection.

So far things have been going well, as Dave says the store has returning customers and customers from out of town. People often buy an item because they owned something like it as children. “It happens every day,” Dave says.

Dyer Str8s is located at 749 Main St. and is usually open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the grand opening it will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all three days.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12 Page 15

Mark Your Calendar Events and Entertainment – Full details are available in the Breeze online calendar – www.shootinthebreeze.ca Thursday, December 6 – Hillcrest Fish & Game Protective Association meeting - 7 p.m. at Fish & Game Hall – Feast of St. Nicholas - 5 p.m. at St. Michael’s School in Pincher Creek – Tea & bazaar - 2 p.m. at Crestview Lodge in Pincher Creek – Free Brighter Futures Zumba class for parents of children 0-6 (must pre-register) - 10 a.m. at Cowley Hall – Carol festival practice - 7:30 p.m. (men at 7 p.m.) at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek Friday, December 7 – Beginner to intermediate roping - 6:30 p.m. at Horseshoe Pavilion in Pincher Creek – Canyon Grade 6 choir - 11:15 a.m. at Vista Village in Pincher Creek – Family badminton - 7 p.m. at MHHS gym in Pincher Creek – Christmas Craft Market - 3 p.m. at Ranchland Mall in Pincher Creek – Art With Tony (ages 3-6) - 9:30 a.m. at Hor-

ace Allen School in Coleman – Randy Hillman at Pincher Creek Legion – Free skating for parents/tots/seniors - 11 a.m. in Coleman – Free public skating - 11:45 a.m. in Coleman – Free public skating - 6:45 p.m. in Pincher Creek Saturday, December 8 – Christmas Craft Market - 10 a.m. at Ranchland Mall in Pincher Creek – Randy Hillman at Pincher Creek Legion – Christmas tree sale - 10 a.m. at Pincher Creek Legion parking lot – Free public skating - 10:45 a.m. in Coleman Sunday, December 9 – 52nd annual Community Carol Festival - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Community Hall – Santa in the Park - 2 p.m. at Bellevue Arena Memorial Park – C.N.P. Quad Squad meeting - 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Fish & Game Club – Free family skating - 2:30 p.m. in Coleman

– Free family skating - 4 p.m. in Pincher Creek Monday, December 10 – Pincher Creek & District Agricultural Society AGM - 7 p.m. at Horseshoe Pavilion – Town council meeting - 6 p.m. at town hall in Pincher Creek – Football Boosters AGM - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion Tuesday, December 11 – Livingstone Sports Booster meeting - 7 p.m. at the school in Lundbreck Wednesday, December 12 – Winter Lights Competition judging - 6:30 p.m. in Pincher Creek – Financial fitness workshop - 9:30 a.m. at Horace Allen School in Coleman – Free skating for parents/tots/seniors - 12:30 p.m. in Coleman – Free public skating - 1:15 p.m. in Coleman – Free public skating - 7:15 p.m. in Pincher Creek

Weekly Early Childhood, Youth and School Activities

Published first and third weeks each month. Adult and senior activities published second and last weeks each month.

– Parent Link playgroup - Mon. 9 a.m. at 688 Main St., Pincher Creek – Parent Link new & expecting moms group - Mon. 1 p.m. at 688 Main St., Pincher Creek – Air cadets - Mon. 6:30 p.m. at Elks Hall in Blairmore – Parent Link 3, 2, 1, Play - Mon. and Wed. 10:30 a.m. at Horace Allen School in Coleman – C.N.P. indoor playground - Mon. to Thurs.

9:30 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – Parent Link SPICE playgroup - Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. at Horace Allen School in Coleman – Parent Link & Brighter Futures Move, Groove & Explore - Tues. 10 a.m. at Pincher Creek United Church – Parent Link craft time - Tues. 10:30 a.m. at

Horace Allen School in Coleman – Brighter Futures Stay for Play - Wed. 9:30 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – Story time - Wed. 10 a.m. at Pincher Creek library – Brighter Futures Rhyme Time - Wed. 10:45 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – Army cadets - Wed. 6 p.m. at W.A. Day School in Fort Macleod – Church Kids Club - Wed. 6:30 p.m. at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek – Brighter Futures free Zumba class (must pre-register) - Thurs. 10 a.m. at Cowley Hall – Parent Link & Brighter Futures Gymtastics - Thurs. 10 a.m. at Pincher Creek town hall gym

– Parent Link fun time - Thurs. 10:30 a.m. at Horace Allen School in Coleman – Brighter Futures Move & Groove - Fri. 9:30 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – Brighter Futures Kids on the Move - Fri. 11 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – After-school arts program - Fri. 2 p.m. at Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek – Parent Link Lego league - Fri. 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek pool – Pond hockey - Sat. 9:30 a.m. at C.N.P. Sportsplex in Coleman * Detailed information can be found in the online calendar at www.shootinthebreeze.ca

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

Listings are free for non-profit groups, service clubs, schools, youth organizations and events advertised in The Breeze.

See yourself at Teck, visit: www.teck.com/careers

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 16 Shootin’ the Breeze December 5/12

Photo by Brad Quarin

Photo by Shannon Robin

Const. Doug Sokoloski, left, gained international attention after a YouTube video showed him demonstrating his knack for positive interaction with the public. Doug was joined by Const. Forrest Anderson, centre right, on bass and Const. Jason Fichtner on drums, in the Pincher Creek parade.

Drumming up goodwill nationwide

By Brad Quarin

On the morning of Nov. 19, Pincher Creek RCMP Const. Doug Sokoloski walked into the Blairmore Tim Hortons and was greeted with a friendly “Hey drummer boy, how’s it going?”

Looking back, Doug says the reaction to the popular YouTube video of him jamming with campers was all positive, inside and outside the RCMP. The four-minute video was posted on July 2 and received hundreds of thousands of views, which brought national media attention and unexpected fame for Doug.

“If you’re a musician, you’re nobody. If you’re a police officer, you’re nobody. But as soon as you combine the two, it becomes a big deal,” he says.

Before he was a police officer, Doug was a full-time musician in Saskatchewan for eight years until 1988. He was a guitarist after being taught by a friend 35 years ago and also learned drums over time.

Doug played in bars, cabarets and clubs as part of a band called Shyboy. “Kind of ironic, because none of us were shy,” he says.

Eventually, performing in bars became harder

Is currently looking for a front desk clerk and servers Full and part-time positions available

We offer ... * competitive wages * on-duty meal allowances * plus many more benefits Phone 403-627-5000 or come to the front desk for information.

919 Waterton Avenue Pincher Creek

as video and DJs became more popular, and Doug left music to become a Fish and Wildlife officer. “I made a tough call back then – it was tough because I really enjoyed the music,” he says.

He joined the RCMP in 1996 and works in Pincher Creek with a focus on traffic enforcement and public relations. Over the past 25 years he played little music, until last June 30 when he encountered some campers along Highway 22.

After talking to some of the many people out that day, Doug saw a set of drums and a guitar on the side of the road. He motioned for the drums’ owner to come forward. “Let’s jam,” Doug said to him.

As the video shows, Doug noticed after the jam session that he was being recorded, and guessed the footage would wind up on YouTube. However, he forgot about the incident until July 3, when a friend from Grande Prairie RCMP phoned to tell him the video had 25,000 views.

The popularity of the video was unexpected, but Doug says the feedback was all positive and it was “good for the area.”

Reaction from inside the RCMP was favourable. Doug says he received about 250 messages

from fellow police officers nationwide. Among the general public, musicians and people who enjoy music related to the video, Doug says.

Positive stories about the RCMP are often unrecognized, Doug says. However, the RCMP provides a public service and needs a positive image. For the most part, he feels the RCMP’s public relations are good in Pincher Creek, which he describes as a friendly community. “We have a very good rapport within the community here,” he says.

Doug feels southern Alberta is “the best place to live in the world.”

To keep up the goodwill, in August the Pincher Creek RCMP had a float called Bridging Communities in the rodeo parade. The float had a three-piece band with Doug on guitar, Const. Jason Fichtner on drums and Const. Forrest Anderson on bass.

Like the original video, the float received media attention and is featured on YouTube as “Musical Mountie Encore.”

Overall, Doug enjoys his job. “It gives me the freedom and flexibility to do what I do best, and that’s talk to people, and get to know my community,” he says.

After 25+ years of service to the community of Pincher Creek and area, Canadian Mental Health Association Pincher Creek Branch will be winding up services effective December 13, 2012 Thank you to all past and present board directors and branch co-ordinators for your commitment to the mental well-being of your community.

FOR RENT

Office space in downtown Pincher Creek.

Available immediately!

403-627-3313

Hunting without a gun Photo by Gerry Smith

Hunting without a gun Photo by Gerry Smith

Hunting without a gun Photo by Gerry Smith

Hunting without a gun Photo by Gerry Smith

See a photo you like?

Digital images and colour prints are available!

Colour print pricing includes a copy of the digital image 8.5 x 11 sheet – $15 plus GST - fits one 8x10, two 5x7 or two 4x6 12 x 18 sheet – $25 plus GST - fits one 11 x 17, or any combination of two 8.5 x 11 sheets Digital image only – $10 plus GST Sent to you by email or downloaded to your own flash drive Photographer retains copyright to the image and is to be acknowledged if the image is published in print or on the Internet.

Thank You To these businesses for making Shootin’ the Breeze available to their patrons!

Beaver Mines – Beaver Mines General Store

Castle Mountain – Castle Mountain Ski Resort

Bellevue – Bellevue Inn, Bellevue Legion, Bellevue Super Stop, Bellevue Tourist Information, Bellevue Underground Mine, Crockets Trading Company, Crowsnest Campground, Crowsnest Medical Clinic, Kinga’s Hair Shoppe, Sutton Group Real Estate, The Old Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe, The Crowsnest Angler, Turtle Mountain Pharmacy and Wild Rose Confectionery.

Coleman – Alberta Tourist Information Centre, A Nest of Needles, Bagatelle, Best Canadian Motor Inns, Blackbird Coffee House, Chris’ Restaurant, Chippers, Cinnamon Bear Bakery & Cafe, Coleman Legion, Coleman Sportsplex and Curling Club, Cozy Corner Fabrics, Crowsnest Cafe & Fly Shop, Crowsnest Medical Clinic, Crowsnest Mountain Resort, Crowsnest Museum, Grand Union Hotel, Husky, Hwy 3 Services Centre, Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, Popiel’s Restaurant, Re/Max Southwestern, Rum Runner, Servus Credit Union, Stop Inn Motel, Subway, The Health Hub, Vito’s Family Restaurant, Western Financial Group and 7-Eleven.

Blairmore – A&B Liquor Store, Ben Wong Restaurant, Bite Rite Denture Clinic, Blairmore Hospital, Blairmore Legion, Blairmore Library, Border Building Materials, Chakras Spa, Child and Family Services, CIBC, Crowsnest Dental, Crowsnest Pass Golf & Country Club, Crowsnest Rentals, Feelin’ Knotty, Greenhill Hotel, Greyhound, Headlines Unisex Hair Design, Highwood Motel Restaurant, Home Hardware Building Centre, John’s Barber Shop, Lampi’s Flowers & More, Liscombe Chiropractic, Lost Lemon Campground, Mac’s Convenience Store, Mountain Side Medical Clinic, NIT InterCultural Campus, Public Health Unit, Rocky Mountain Optometry, Side Street Stylz’s, Side Trax Diner, Simply Exquisite Day Spa, Sobeys, Spokes Motors, Stone’s Throw Cafe, SuperValu, The Cosmopolitan Hotel, The Gifted Crow, The Rose Peddler, Tim Hortons, Tin Roof Bistro, Top Gunn Automotive, Water Magic & Laundromat and York Creek Lodge.

Brocket – Crowsnest Trading Post, Miikaypi Centre, Piikani Band Office, Piikani School and Piikani Youth Outreach.

Cowley – Back Country Butchering, Cowley Restaurant & Pub, Pincher Creek Co-op and Village of Cowley office.

Frank – A&W, Fas Gas, Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Frank Slide Liquor, Goat Mountain Getaway, Ken Roome and Pure Country.

Hillcrest Mines – Adanac Adventures, Hillcrest Miners’ Club and Turning Pointe Dance Studio.

Lundbreck – O’bies General Mercantile Pincher Creek – A&W, Alberta Works, Allied Arts, Alyam Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic, Ascent Dental, Associate Clinic, ATB Financial, Blue Mountain Motel, Bright Pearl Restaurant, Canyon School, Castle Ford Sales, Celestial Sweets, Creekside

Dental Clinic, Crestview Lodge, Denise’s Bistro, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Butler, Fas Gas, Foothills Motel, Green Bamboo, Harvest Coffeehouse, Heritage Inn, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, Luigis Pizza & Steak House, Matthew Halton High School, McDonald’s, MD of Pincher Creek, Mirror Mirror Salon, Mrs. P’s Coffee Corner, Napi Friendship Centre, North Hill Shell Gas Station, Parkway Motel, Pharmasave, Pincher Coin Wash, Pincher Creek Esso, Pincher Creek Co-op Gas Bar, Food Store and Farm/ Home Centre, Pincher Creek Golf Course, Pincher Creek Hospital, Pincher Creek Legion, Pincher Creek Library, Pincher Creek Meats, Pincher License & Registry, Providence Salon & Spa, Ramada Pincher Creek Inn & Suites, Ruffles Boutique, Robin & Co. Chartered Accountant, Sobeys, St. Michael’s School, Super 8 Motel, The Outdoor Outlet, The Swiss Pub & Grill, Tim Hortons, Town & Country Liquor, Rona, Town of Pincher Creek office, Vista Village, Westcastle Motors, Whispering Winds Village, Wildrose Video and 7-Eleven.

Twin Butte – Dungarven Creek Bed and Breakfast, Shintangle Spring Bed and Breakfast and Twin Butte General Store.

Waterton – Aspen Village Inn, Bear Mountain Motel, Big Scoop, Crandell Mountain Lodge, Health Club, Laundromat, Pat’s Gas & Cycle Rental, Prince of Wales Hotel, Rocky Mountain Food Mart, Subway, Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters, Trappers Mountain Grill, Visitor Information, Waterton Bagel & Coffee Company, Waterton Glacier Suites, Waterton Lakes Golf Course, Waterton Lakes Lodge, Waterton Springs Campground & laundromat, Wieners of Waterton and Zum’s Eatery & Mercantile.

And to Stan Skahl who faithfully delivers Shootin’ the Breeze each week ...

We couldn’t do it without you!

Please feel free to take home a copy of Shootin’ the Breeze from any of these locations, including restaurants and waiting rooms – we’ll always make sure they have enough!