Shootin' the Breeze – Feb. 6, 2013

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Vol. 2, Issue 21

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Feb. 6, 2013

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Loving the loppet

Pincher Creek Co-op Food Store 1300 Hewetson Avenue, Ranchland Mall

403-627-3000

Nathan Milford, 10, of Crowsnest Pass finishes the 1.5-kilometre Flight of the Crows Loppet in fine form and in first place last Sunday. He says it was fun, but really tiring. The loppet was hosted by Crowsnest Pass Cross Country Ski Club, with races of 1.5 km for families, and eight and 16 km for the more adventurous. See more photos in this week’s online edition at www.shootinthebreeze.ca .

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Page 2 Shootin’ the Breeze January 30/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

My Little Corner

By Shannon Robin If you spent any time at the high school in Coleman this weekend, you witnessed an amazing event in motion. The Champions for Brenda marathon floor hockey game is something no one involved will ever forget.

The weekend, and the weeks leading up to the event, were emotionally charged as our small group of volunteers navigated ups and downs and the immensity of what we had taken on.

Our player list fluctuated. Two planned events became one, and even then we weren’t sure we had enough bodies to pull it off. In the end, there were 30 on the roster, and many more stepped in with fresh legs to keep things moving over the course of the three-day game.

The enthusiasm and dedication of the players was nothing short of amazing. There were blisters and bruises, exhausted bodies and sleep-deprived minds, but everyone pushed on through the toughest hours. In this game, everyone was a winner.

At the official ball drop, I had the privilege of introducing Brenda Macdonald to the players.

Only a handful actually knew Brenda, but all of them knew her story and were there, giving their time and support, to give her life more time.

All players collected pledges, and many donations came in at the door. In all, about $10,000 was raised through the game. It’s an amazing show of compassion and generosity from the local community and well beyond.

There were moments that gave me goosebumps, such as receiving a $1,000 cash donation at the door from a fellow supporting Ty Tracey’s dream to help his mom. There were two other significant donations made at the door, with the three amounts totalling $1,900. To those who gave so generously and chose not to be acknowledged – you know who you are – thank you for the difference you’ve made.

I thought there would be lots of downtime, but discovered quickly that I couldn’t even keep up with posting photos to our website. Once things were over and done with, my focus shifted to

finishing the paper. So, I’ll get back to the photos tomorrow and there will be more to see at www.shootinthebreeze.ca .

The cheering section wasn’t as large as we hoped it would be, but for those who came out in support of the players, I hope you know it meant the world to them.

Play was hard and entertaining, regardless of the time of day, and all the players are to be commended for their efforts – I’m sure they slept well Sunday night!

This event demonstrates the power of youth, and wow, did they set a wonderful example this weekend! The teenagers who organized the event, those who played in the game, those who volunteered and those who made up the cheering section did a fantastic job.

Organizer Jody Peebles is amazed by the level of commitment shown by all the players, especially the teenagers. She points out that teens often get a bad rep and that this event truly showed how the majority of them don’t deserve that. Her husband, Ryan, who played in the marathon, adds that every teen involved was absolutely outstanding.

Volunteer John Kinnear’s highlight was the ball drop that started the game. “When that ball hit the floor it was the beginning of three days of remarkable camaraderie, community spirit and determination. It was outstanding!”

For me, the highlight came at the very end, when Brittney Newton, Ty Tracey and Taylor Armstrong expressed their appreciation to Jody for supporting their idea and making it happen. I’m sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was an incredibly emotional few minutes, and at that time, I believe the magnitude of what we had accomplished together really set in.

Brenda summed it up nicely by saying she’s never been more proud or more grateful. She continues to be overwhelmed by the support she’s receiving from friends and strangers alike.

It was a remarkable weekend to be proud of, filled with spirit, inspiration, compassion, generosity, hope and love. To all who were involved on any level – you are true champions.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Welcome, little Anna The first child for Mei Chan Chen and her husband, Zhong Ming Gong, was also the first baby born in Crowsnest Pass in 2013. Anna Gong was born Jan. 6 at 10:45 p.m. and weighed five pounds 13 ounces. Everyone is healthy and happy, and the family is thankful to hospital staff who were good to them. Congratulations and happy New 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 – Administrative Assistance, 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

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

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Photo by Brad Quarin

Chili bowl sell-out Peter and Nellie Bubik enjoy their lunch at the Chili Bowl Fest at Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery last Saturday.

For a small fee, you received a taste of yummy chili in a hand-crafted pottery bowl you got to keep. The event was the most successful yet – the bowls sold out in under an hour, 269 people dropped in, and $2,300 was raised.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Daryl Ferguson’s familiar voice has broadcast over local airwaves for 45 years, until his retirement last fall.

Photo by Brad Quarin.

Daryl’s wife, Anita, joined him on the red carpet at the ACMA Awards show in Red Deer last month when he was inducted into the association’s hall of fame. Photo courtesy of Mountain Radio.

Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13 Page 3

This newspaper clipping is posted on the wall at Mountain Radio in Blairmore. The cutline describes Daryl’s interests as races, motorcycles, hunting, fishing and hockey – all of which he is now free to pursue in his retirement. Photo by Brad Quarin.

ACMA salutes the voice of Mountain Radio

By Brad Quarin The man behind the voice so familiar to residents of Crowsnest Pass and neighbouring communities is enjoying retirement but also missing parts of his radio career.

Daryl Ferguson of Blairmore’s Mountain Radio officially retired Oct. 31 after 45 years in broadcasting, five spent in Lethbridge and 40 in the Pass.

A highlight of his career came on Jan. 27, when he was added to the Hall of Fame of the Association of Country Music in Alberta. He attended the ACMA Awards show and dinner at Red Deer and gave an acceptance speech.

“It was quite an honour,” Daryl says. “It’s not every day you get an honour like that.”

In spite of years of public speaking, he describes giving his acceptance speech as “nerveracking,” as standing in front of the country artists in the crowd was “quite impressive.” Still, he is proud of the honour, and so are friends and family.

In the meantime, he’s enjoying a relaxing retirement. He passes the time working on trails and bridges for the Quad Squad and visits Tim Hortons.

“It’s nice to retire, but it’s also, I guess you can say, the end of an era,” Daryl says.

He misses many of the people who would phone in to talk. “Being a part of the community, you miss that end of it,” he says. He loved the music, as well. “Radio’s just a whole lot of fun, and you can have as much fun on it as you want to have.”

“I won’t miss getting out of bed at 4 o’clock in the morning when it’s minus 40,” he says.

His radio career started in 1967 when a friend told him he could get a job operating a radio control board. Today, someone would have to study radio arts in college to land such a job.

Initially nervous and shy, he recounts that when he first spoke on the radio, it took him two hours to relax. For six months he also struggled with going on stage during talent shows and other events.

In 1972, he moved to the Pass when a radio station finally opened. He had experience and it was a good career move. Daryl handled the morning show, managed the station and sold the advertisements.

Among the high points of his career was covering the Alberta Winter Games. He was also

thrilled to meet country music stars such as Garth Brooks.

“When you get to meet them, you find out they’re just down-to-earth people like everybody else,” Daryl says.

He doesn’t feel like much of a star himself. “I’m just a voice on the radio,” he says.

Nevertheless, people in the community often recognize him by his voice.

Barb Kelly, who worked with Daryl for five years as station manager, found him friendly and pleasant. She says he was “a great mentor” who taught her much about the business, thanks to his years of experience.

Barb recalls that when Daryl liked a song, he would turn the volume up in the studio to enjoy it. She says she’ll miss the funny stories he would tell about his life.

Daryl’s departure isn’t posing much trouble for Mountain Radio. “We’ve adjusted just fine,” Barb says, expressing her belief that his successor, Courtney Potts, is “doing a fantastic job.”

Likewise, Daryl feels local radio will continue to do well. “This station has an amazing future ahead of it,” he says.

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Page 4 Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Lessons from our local Spider-Man

By Brad Quarin

Photo by Brad Quarin

Jung Hyan Hwang (Jenny), left, enjoys English tutoring with Annie Steward and others in the ESL coffee group held weekly in Pincher Creek.

Linguistics and laughter

By Brad Quarin “It’s very difficult to start over,” says Monica Sczyrba-Davis of Pincher Creek’s Read/Write Adult Literacy Program.

She describes a common scenario of a person from a foreign country who is well educated, with a good job, and quite articulate in their native language. Then, however, that person moves to Canada, possibly leaving behind their children, takes whatever job is available and struggles with English.

That person may be grateful to be here, Monica says, but it can be a hard and lonely experience that not many people in Pincher Creek can fully understand.

Thankfully, support is available. The Read/ Write Adult Literacy Program is now offering a chance for newcomers to Pincher Creek to meet and talk over coffee. The conversation group for English-language learners meets every Thursday at 5 p.m. at Mrs. P’s in Ranchland Mall.

The conversations can offer newcomers a chance to work on their English, but it’s also a support group that helps them meet people like themselves, says tutor Annie Steward.

The need for a support group owes to the challenges of grasping a new language. “If anyone’s ever travelled out of Canada ... it can be quite intimidating and overwhelming,” Monica says.

As well, a newcomer may have any number of issues to talk about, ranging from how to handle a parent-teacher interview to dealing with the weather. The conversation can be about many different things. “It goes wherever the group wants to take it,” says Monica.

The tone of the conversations is casual, as if group members are just friends going out for coffee. It’s a comfortable place to learn, described

by Annie as “a little more relaxed,” and Mrs. P’s is generous to provide that space, given they’re actually closed at that time. The absence of other people means group members can bring their kids and let them run around during the conversations, Monica says.

Also showing generosity is the adult literacy program, which provides the coffee, muffins and other treats for free.

Monica doesn’t go to many of the meetings herself, having demands as a mother. Thus, each meeting is facilitated by Annie, who came from Medicine Hat and has lived in southwestern Alberta for about six years.

Annie is an employee of the literacy program and a volunteer in the coffee group. She was trained as a tutor, concerned with literacy. “I just always wanted to help people better themselves,” she says.

She will encourage group members to talk about their day, but she says the fun part of the meetings is to see the members help each other out. She describes the five or six regulars as friendly, outgoing and eager to learn.

Monica says they come from places like Korea, Japan and China. One person is from Quebec and one lady came from Armenia.

“Jenny” Hwang is from South Korea and attends the group to work on her English. She recalls that in December they also had a potluck supper Christmas party at the learning centre.

The idea for the coffee group isn’t really new, as other communities have something similar, Monica says. However, Pincher Creek’s group only really started this month. Before 2013, the service offered to newcomers was more of a formal class and they didn’t bring their kids.

“It’s just a really good service to have in the community,” Monica says. “These people are coming to our community and want to participate in our community.” The coffee group can help newcomers give back.

If you want to help, just spread the word. You may know someone who can benefit from the group. “By all means, mention it,” she says. “That would be so great.”

“We are looking for tutors,” Annie adds.

You can also try to show some understanding with newcomers. “Try to be patient and put yourself in their shoes,” Monica says.

The Wildlife and Wild Places lectures will be going from trusty bear dogs to a much less cute and lovable, but still pretty important, creature: the spider.

Next Wednesday, the day before Valentine’s Day, local researcher and author John Hancock will be at the Pincher Creek library talking about a spider’s love life, with drawings. Anyone can watch from other libraries by videoconference.

“I try to make it a bit specialized, and also I try to make it amusing to interest people,” John says.

There are some interesting things to observe in spider courtship. Some male spiders actually make gifts wrapped in silk to give to the females. Others tie females down before mating, which his wife, Kathleen, adds would be “stupid” for a human to do.

Much of this relates to how male spiders seek to survive the mating process. “It can be quite hilarious,” John says.

For many people, finding it hilarious may require getting past some arachnophobia. John believes half the population is afraid of spiders, with a survey he and Kathleen conducted in England showing people think of the creatures as creepy and hairy.

He finds that fear strange, and also believes kids are less afraid, having gone on field trips with youngsters to collect spiders.

Kathleen admits she used to be afraid of spiders but, after learning more about them, she found them fascinating. “It’s a matter of education,” she says.

Spiders are “extremely interesting” and “completely different,” John says. They are useful for battling mosquitoes but, as he notes, “they’re looking after themselves.”

After studying ecology at London University and finding marine biology too expensive to delve into, John has been working with spiders for 60 years, including 13 in Canada.

He and Kathleen have published a book on tarantulas as well as 17 booklets that can be ordered online. Another book, Spiders of Western Canada, is coming out later this year.

One thing John is proud of is that a spider he and Kathleen discovered in Morocco is named after them: Ischnocolus hancocki.

Closer to home, John believes talks like this have raised some interest in arachnids in Pincher Creek. They’re quite a rare subject compared to bears and birds, he notes.

Education can kill myths, with Kathleen asserting black widows are not overly dangerous and spiders need serious provocation to bite people.

They can also teach people how to keep spiders as pets. “So many were being imported and dying,” Kathleen says. At one point, she had 4,500 tarantulas in her room. Today, the Hancocks just have two spiders, native to Alberta.

John’s looking forward to the presentation. “I love talking about it,” he says.

Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13 Page 5

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Pincher Creek curlers ready to rock

By Brad Quarin Pincher Creek Curling Club is back in action, raising cash, planning events and looking for new curlers after losing its ice rink for a year and a half.

Gradually, a number of former members are returning to the club. “We’re getting more and more back all the time,” says president Randy Elliott.

Many curlers left, thinking the rink was condemned, but Randy says it wasn’t really.

The building was actually shut down because it needed $750,000 worth of repairs and couldn’t be insured.

Although the club is working with the town to have a new facility built, it’s back in the old rink now, which has liability insurance for anybody using it.

Kyle Williams, a member of the club for 13 years, says many former members found other things to do or decided they were too old to come back curling.

Currently, the club has around 100 members and is seeking more. “It’s a challenge any time to get new people involved,” Randy says.

Kyle says this was difficult even before the ice rink shut down. In particular, he says, the club needs volunteers to make ice. Randy says they also need people for the executive.

But curling has much to offer. “I just enjoy the sport,” Randy says. He’s 60 and has been curling since he was 20. Originally from B.C., he first started playing in a bonspiel there with his friends. “I think it’s fun.”

The game offers some exercise in the winter, and also a night out with friends. He notes there is a lounge serving drinks after curling, and anyone can come and watch.

“It’s a great social sport,” Kyle agrees. “It’s something to do.”

Now 23, Kyle has been curling since he was 10, when a friend brought him to the junior program in the club to try it out.

He is still a member, attached to the club for teaching him the sport in the first place, and now coaches the St. Michael’s high school girls’ team. He still loves curling. “It’s the only sport that I can still do,” he says, explaining that Pincher Creek doesn’t really have a soccer league for people over 18.

For Kyle and anyone else in Pincher Creek, the revival of the club is convenient. When it was shut down, he had to drive to Crowsnest Pass to keep playing.

The club currently offers a men’s league, made up of nine teams that play on Tuesday nights. As well, there is a mixed league of 16 teams playing on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

There’s no longer a women’s league, as women prefer playing in the mixed league, Randy says.

For beginners, the club offers a clinic to teach the basics of curling.

The club is working on fundraisers, with “quite a few projects on the go,” Randy says.

The club is also going forward with the usual events. “We had quite a few members” and pretty full bonspiels in the old days, Randy says.

The annual spiel was held last weekend, and the club now looks forward to the yearly Town and Country Bonspiel, in which men and women curl together. A mixed spiel is planned for the end of March, with two men and two women in each team.

Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek is pleased to present

Monday Night at the Movies

It’s Registration Time!

Canyon School is currently taking registrations for the 2013-14 school year.

Although registration is ongoing throughout the year, pre-registering your child for fall helps our school plan more effectively for the new year.

For information please call 403-627-3118

Email s-canyon@lrsd.ab.ca or visit www.lrsd.ab.ca/school/canyon

Chasing Ice Monday, Feb. 11 7:30 p.m.

Orpheum Theatre Blairmore Tickets 6-pack $45, 3-pack $25 $10 at the door

REGISTER AT CANYON SCHOOL 408 Victoria Crescent, Pincher Creek 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday

www.pinchercreekarts.com

REQUIREMENTS: For your child to attend Kindergarten, they must be 5 years of age by Dec. 31, 2013 For your child to attend Canyon Cubs Preschool they must be 3 years of age by Sept. 1, 2013 or 4 years of age by Dec. 31, 2013

Restaurant and Bar For Lease

Canyon Cubs Preschool is licensed under the Childcare Licensing Act.

Early registration for preschool is April 16 from 1 to 7 p.m.

Space is limited, so register early!

Please bring your child’s birth certificate, Alberta Health Care number and immunization records when registering.

Canyon School Before and After School Care Program is now available for Canyon School students!!

Registration forms can be picked up at the Canyon School office or Children’s World Daycare.

For more information please contact Leanne at 403-627-5009.

Pincher Creek Golf Course is seeking applicants to lease and operate the restaurant and bar facility starting March 1, 2013.

Contact Bruce Black for more information

403-388-8782 or 403-339-4467

Lent

Services and Lunch A short worship service and lunch during Lent Held in the United Church building from 12 to 1 p.m.

Various congregations lead the service and provide lunch – $5 per person. Please come.

Feb. 13: Springridge Mennonite Feb. 20: Chinook Bible Feb. 27: First Baptist March 6: Foothills Community March 13: Lutheran March 20: Pentecostal March 27: United

Pincher Creek United Church 403-627-3734 972 Police Avenue

Thank you for supporting the local businesses and organizations that bring you The Breeze each week!

Page 6 Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

According to Tina

By Tina Webber

Feb. 14 has been a day to celebrate love since around AD 270.

There are many stories about the beginning of Valentine’s Day, but I will just acknowledge this one about a priest by the name of Valentine who was jailed for attempting to help Christians escape the cruelty and torture of Roman jails. It was reported that the imprisoned Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter, who visited while he was in jail. It was alleged that before he died he wrote her a letter signed “from your Valentine,” an expression still used to this day.

Although it is nice to have a particular day set aside to tell people you love them, don’t make it the only day. Recently I had a chance to sleep in, as I had no plans that day. I almost did continue to sleep, until I thought, what a waste of a day. I promptly got up and decided I had to make the best of the morning I had chosen not to sleep through.

An idea came to me to let people know I loved them and how they had made a difference in my life. It was almost too easy to do.

I went through my email list to send out the messages, which only took about one hour to complete, and with a final click of a button it was done.

I had forgotten about the events of the morning until around 7 p.m., when my son called to say thank you. He does not often cry, but in between sniffles and a voice that cracked, he thanked me.

Evidently his day had been awful until he read that email.

I received a heartfelt thank you from every recipient. I asked them to send out emails of their own, as that would be enough of a thank you to me. And so I hope you, too, will do the same.

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One-stop shopping! $90 buys you a $50 flower arrangment from The Rose Peddler and a $50 massage gift certificate from Healthy Roots

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13 Page 7

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Page 8 Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13

You and me go curlin’ in the dark

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

By Brad Quarin

For a third year, Crowsnest Curling Club is having a bonspiel with an unusual twist, open to everyone this Saturday night.

Fitting for Crowsnest Pass, you can dress up as a miner and try out curling by no other light than your headlamp at the Miners Spiel.

“It’s something very unique, you’ll never experience another thing like it,” says the event’s organizer, Tony Vastenhout. “It’s really lots of fun. Everybody has a real hoot.”

As a member of the curling club, Tony has organized the Miners Spiel for three years and made the trophy himself. However, winning it shouldn’t be all that important. “It’s not serious,” he says.

You don’t have to be a real miner or a member of the curling club to play, and Tony is particularly interested in attracting beginners to the spiel. “You know, people who have never curled before and want to try something and go out and have a good time,” he says. In the past, the Miners Spiel has inspired newcomers to start curling regularly.

The ice sheets at the Coleman curling rink will become mineshafts and a maximum of 48 people can join in. Teams will be formed with four players each, and each person will shoot two rocks.

Something rather explosive is planned for the game. A mine explosion will be simulated on the ice via strobe lights and sound effects, and the mineshafts will be momentarily evacuated.

The idea for the spiel just came about when someone in the club suggested curling in the dark might be fun, after which they decided on a mining theme, Tony says.

“It started to take off, each year it’s getting a little bigger,” he says. More people in Crowsnest Pass are showing interest, which might require the one-evening game to become a bigger event in the future.

For the first time, this year the Miners Spiel is also attracting interest from outside the town.

A Lethbridge curling team called Tony to say they may come check it out.

As the spiel grows, costumes are becoming more creative. People are finding ways to add more lights to their helmets, including Christmas lights. “The costumes are hilarious,” Tony says.

To play, you can pay a $5 entrance fee at the door, after which hot dogs, snacks and refreshments are free. The spiel starts at 7 p.m.

For more information about the club, visit www.members.shaw.ca/crowsnestcurlingclub .

Photo by Brad Quarin

Hurry down for some curling fun!

Curling leagues are in full swing in Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass this winter, with many fun events and bonspiels scheduled.

Arlene Tucker, left, and Caroline Hartley enjoyed ladies’ night out in January, hosted by Crowsnest Curling Club. The club is again welcoming curlers of all levels to join in an evening of fun this Friday.

The idea of regular ladies’ nights is to encourage women to come as individuals or teams and enjoy an evening of socializing on the ice that may lead to increased club membership.

For more information, contact Bev at 403-563-7210.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM We are looking for retired business people, professionals and farmers interested in mentoring young entrepreneurs in their field of expertise.

Honorarium available.

For more information please contact Dennis at 403-627-3313.

Resumes can be forwarded to: Robin & Co. Box 1060 Pincher Creek T0K 1W0 or emailed to dennis@robinco.ca

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13 Page 9

Photos by Brenda Shenton

Mark Greenly and his mother, Erna Greenly, celebrated the Pincher Creek Legion’s 85th anniversary with a delicious meal upstairs and, after a ride in the new elevator, the sounds of Phil Lethbridge downstairs. The night out was a welcome birthday gift for Erna, who is the chaplain of the local ladies auxiliary.

The lofty goal of raising $225,000 to install an elevator at the Pincher Creek Legion has been achieved. A ribboncutting ceremony to celebrate the renovations will take place this Friday at 3 p.m.

Legion Branch 43 members Jean and Lorne Pultz are shown in their official finery at Pincher Creek’s 85th anniversary celebration. Jean is a past district commander and past president of the ladies auxiliary. Lorne is also a past district commander and is currently the area chairman.

Legion members keep busy after anniversary celebration

By Brad Quarin The Pincher Creek Legion celebrated a milestone at the end of September, marking its 85th anniversary with a formal dinner.

They also had a less formal beer garden in their parking lot, with games for kids, draws, music and food.

The Legion has achieved a number of things since then. The Legion is “still an important part of the community,” says sergeant-at-arms Fred White. Recent fundraisers and charities have been successes, says first vice-president Dick Burnham, who fills in for Legion president Dick Waywood when he’s unavailable.

Dick Burnham, who served in the reserves around 1959 and 1960, and recently received a Diamond Jubilee Medal, recounts the Legion’s successes, starting with a primerib and lobster dinner held for two nights in October. The meals were well attended, with Dick estimating 80 people came to each one.

The tickets raised money for the Legion, and Dick says they usually sell out. He cooked the lobster himself, which he says is just a skill he picked up over time.

Of course, November was dominated by the Remembrance Day service held at the Community Hall. The crowds there are getting bigger all the time, Dick says. There were also services held at the schools, while students from Matthew Halton High School, St. Michael’s School, Canyon School, Lundbreck and Brocket participated in essay and poetry contests.

The Legion did very well putting together Christmas hampers, Dick says, with around

20 or 25 hampers being delivered to residents of Pincher Creek in December. By taking part in the Salvation Army’s kettle campaign at Wal-Mart and Co-op, they also raised $4,400.

While the New Year’s dance wasn’t as big as hoped, those who came had a good time.

Dick and Fred, who as sergeant-at-arms is concerned with the rituals of the Legion, both say the Legion is important because there are still veterans and families to help.

But they note the Legion also supports the community, including youth groups and seniors. Luncheons give seniors chances to socialize, Dick says, and community groups use the Legion’s van.

The Legion doesn’t have a lot of support, Fred says, as veterans are dying and few youths join. He says part of how the Legion stays afloat is through their public meat draws every Saturday and indoor barbecues, where you can buy steaks and hamburgers “at a very reasonable price.”

Dick adds the Legion covers its expenses through the bar, and members also work in the Lethbridge casino now and then. But the Legion isn’t meant to make a lot of money, he says.

The ladies auxiliary is a part of the Legion that Dick’s wife, Lou Burnham, says is involved mainly in fundraising. “We are there to support the branch,” she says.

She specifies that their role in fundraising events is to do the catering. They also handle any food function, including funerals, and support bursaries and the veterans hospital in Calgary.

For the Legion’s 85th anniversary, the ladies auxiliary played more of an organi-

zational role rather than doing the catering, Lou says. The Elks catered their formal supper while Ramada provided the pancake breakfast.

Their most recent activities were to cater Christmas parties, but their work slows down in January and February, she says.

Meanwhile, Fred will soon take over the Robbie Burns Fish Pond, a place for the seniors and handicapped to fish. “It’s actually quite a nice setup,” Fred says.

All Legions in the district will also meet at a rally in April to discuss their business.

“It’s kind of like a mini-convention,” Fred explains.

The Legion can look forward to its 100th anniversary a few years down the road, when the time capsule put together during the 85th will be opened. Members put things into it that they thought were important to the Legion, Dick says.

Lou says the ladies auxiliary contributed to the time capsule. She put in the ladies crest, a write-up on how the auxiliary started, a cake and a roll of pennies, which are no longer being made.

The time capsule currently sits in a display case behind the bar.

An official ribbon cutting for the recentlyinstalled elevator at the Legion hall will be held this Friday at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and take a ride up to the newly-renovated second floor.

If you’re planning a date with your Valentine, you can take in the steak dinner on Feb. 15. Advance reservations are appreciated.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 10 Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13

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Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13 Page 11

Mark Your Calendar Events and Entertainment – Full details are available in the Breeze online calendar – www.shootinthebreeze.ca Thursday, February 7 – Fish & Game Protective Association meeting - 7 p.m. at Fish & Game Hall in Hillcrest – Intermediate knitting class - 7:30 p.m. at Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek – Coffee & conversation for ESL learners - 5 p.m. at Mrs. P’s (Ranchland Mall) in Pincher Creek – Ladies’ hockey - 8:30 p.m. at C.N.P. Sports Complex in Coleman – Town & Country Bonspiel at Pincher Creek curling rink Friday, February 8 – Ribbon-cutting for new elevator - 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Beginner to intermediate roping - 6:30 p.m. at Horseshoe Pavilion in Pincher Creek – Curling ladies’ night out - 7 p.m. at the C.N.P. Sports Complex in Coleman – Family badminton - 7 p.m. at Matthew Halton High School gym in Pincher Creek – 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 – Fun Fridays (ages 6-12) - 2 p.m. at the library in Blairmore – Accidental Artists group - 2 p.m. at Lebel Mansion

in Pincher Creek – Town & Country Bonspiel at Pincher Creek curling rink Saturday, February 9 – Miners Spiel (curl in the dark) - 7 p.m. at C.N.P. Sports Complex in Coleman – Social Dancing 101 (salsa) - 7 p.m. at C.N.P. Public Art Gallery in Frank – Town & Country Bonspiel at Pincher Creek curling rink – Hockey Day in Canada - see online for local events Sunday, February 10 – Crowsnest Pass music festival entry deadline – Free family skating - 4 p.m. in Pincher Creek – Free family skating - 2:30 p.m. in Coleman Monday, February 11 – Town council meeting - 6 p.m. at Pincher Creek town office – Free swimming - 6 p.m. at Pincher Creek pool – Monday Night at the Movies: Chasing Ice - 7:30 p.m. at Orpheum Theatre in Blairmore – Whist - 1:30 p.m. at Huddlestun Senior Citizen Centre in Pincher Creek – Drawing classes - 6:30 p.m. at C.N.P. Public Art

Gallery in Frank Tuesday, February 12 – Early childhood mapping project meeting - 4 p.m. at Lions Den in Pincher Creek – Library speaker series: Murray Pura - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek library – Soup & a bun - noon at Huddlestun Centre in Pincher Creek; everyone welcome – Beginner dance for couples - 7 p.m. at Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek – Livingstone Sports Booster Club meeting - 7 p.m. at the school in Lundbreck Wednesday, February 13 – Lent service (led by Springridge Mennonite Church) & lunch - noon at Pincher Creek United Church – Oldman watershed landowners summit - 8:30 a.m. at Fort Macleod & District Community Hall – Kids club (Grades 1-6) - 6:30 p.m. at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek – Drop-in kayak pool sessions - 5 p.m. at Pincher Creek pool – Wildlife and Wild Places lecture series - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek library – Free skating for parents/tots/seniors - 12:30 p.m. in Coleman

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. & 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 Thurs. 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 Preschool Picassos - Tues.

10:30 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – 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 – 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 – Parent Link parenting question day - Wed. 9 a.m. - the centre in Pincher Creek

– 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 – Fun Fridays at the library - 1st & 3rd of the month - 2 p.m. in Blairmore – 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 12 Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13

True champions

Photo by Shannon Robin

The Coleman high school gymnasium was rocking last weekend as 30 supporters of Brenda Macdonald faced off in a three-day marathon floor hockey game. The effort raised about $10,000 to assist Brenda with costs associated with her upcoming double lung transplant.

In front are goalies Dillon Newton, left, and Steven Burles.

Kneeling, from left, are Ty Tracey, Mollie Paton, Dane Newton, Anna Koevoet, Ryan Peebles with daughter Tegan, and Jody Peebles.

Standing in the middle row are Jaiden Panchyshyn, Taylor Armstrong, John Kinnear, Jim Tracey, Brett Newton, Brenda Macdonald, Caleb Bailey, Michael Kenney, Alex Budgen, Adam Hanuse, Sheri Armstrong and Brittney Newton.

In the back row are Shelby Norman, Shelby Lagasse, Mike Squarek, Andrew Fairhurst and Triston Slywka.

Missing are Ryan Sciarra, Connie Hill, Calvin Duarte-Pedrosa, Galen Paton, Logan Wakaluk, John Sciarra, Brock Wakaluk, Colton Newton, Marianne Kutcher, Marc Sciarra, Jonathan Wadstein, Roger Reid, Paul Pichurski and Shannon Robin. See more photos at www.shootinthebreeze.ca .

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Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13 Page 13

Parenting Children With Special Needs Group

Run by parents for parents

First organizational meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 20 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Parent Link Centre 688/690 Main Street Pincher Creek Snacks, coffee, information session and optional chair massages Pre-registration is required

For more information or to register: Call Adele at McMan FASD Rural Lifespan Project Email adele.mcdougall@mcman.ca Phone 403-627-2014

Page 14 Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Flight of the Crows Loppet

Nathan Milford, 10, of Crowsnest Pass placed first in the 1.5-kilometre race. “It was fun, it was really tiring though,” he says.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13 Page 15

Feb. 2 at Allison-Chinook

Alec Moradle placed second in the 1.5-kilometre race. “It was good,” he says. “It was pretty good exercise and it was hard, but fun. Now I’m so tired!”

Photo by Brad Quarin

Flight of the Crows Loppet

Sady Milford, 13, of Crowsnest Pass finishes the 1.5-kilometre race Saturday afternoon.

“It was fun,” she says.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Feb. 2 at Allison-Chinook

Silas Mertz, 7, of Crowsnest Pass approaches the finish line in the 1.5-kilometre loppet race. “It was tough, but it was really fun,” he says. “I’m glad I made it and I really like doing it.”

Photo by Brad Quarin

Lessons from Spider-Man

If you’d like to see the spiders John and Kathleen Hancock keep as pets and learn more about them, check out his wildlife lecture next Wednesday. See page 4 for details.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Come curl in the dark this weekend

Bonspiel organizer Tony Vastenhout displays the unique trophy you could win at the Miners Spiel this weekend in Crowsnest Pass. See page 8 for details.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Pincher Creek Legion

A beautiful decoration and keepsake from the Pincher Creek Legion 85th anniversary is this fabulous cake made

by Amanda Kellington.

Photo by Shannon Robin

Wait!

Our staff are having a training day with Photoshop later this week, so some photos are being held ...

There will be photos coming yet of the building dedication at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, the Champions for Brenda marathon floor hockey game and the Legion 85th.