Shootin' the Breeze – Feb. 13, 2013

FREE LOCAL

PUBLICATION

Vol. 2, Issue 22

www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Feb. 13, 2013

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Headlights were the fashion rage Saturday evening at the Miners Spiel in Crowsnest Pass. Tina Smith, top left, joined 35 others in the fun event.

A simulated mine explosion was a flashy highlight. “Although we knew it was going to happen, it startled everyone at first, but then it was so fun and exciting,” says Megan DeBoer. “Everyone was yelling ‘Gas leak, run!’ ” In the bottom photo, from left, Andrea Strandquist, Adam Strandquist and Joel Painter sweep hard in the darkness.

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Page 2 Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

My Little Corner

By Shannon Robin Technology is a double-edged sword that plays a huge role in my household, my business and my day-to-day activities. On the positive side, I can accomplish far more with my gadgets than I can without them, but on the negative side, I’ve become a slave to the perceived convenience.

To be clear, this isn’t an Apple commercial.

I use Mac computers to produce the Breeze, so almost exclusively use Apple products for the sake of compatibility.

A little iPad Mini is my newest gizmo, and I’m seldom without it. While I love the fact that I’ve ditched my traditional daytimer and several other accessories for this slick little tablet, I also realize I’m far too dependent on my electronic sidekick.

The first thing I hear in the morning is the chime of my computerized alarm – I have contact with the iPad before I speak a word to anyone, and sometimes even before I open my eyes.

I try to resist temptation, but often find myself checking for email messages before I hit the shower. After all, I might have missed something earth-shattering during my few hours of sleep.

If I have some downtime, I tend to “relax” with some form of technology in hand.

When I do story interviews, I’ve always jotted notes the old fashioned way – with pen and paper.

While frantically scribbling away, I have difficulty maintaining eye contact and afterward it can be a challenge to decipher my scrawled writings.

I could use the Mini to record the interviews, but find typing into the notepad to be quick and convenient. I can copy and paste information easily to my computer, which saves a tremendous amount of time. Because it fits into my camera bag or a purse, the Mini and a small Bluetooth keyboard have become essential tools of convenience.

My calendar, address book, email and music are synchronized across all of my devices. I have thousands of music files and can pull up a Beethoven symphony or some good old rock ’n’ roll whenever and wherever I like. This is really cool.

But for all the awesome things I can do with

my Mini and other gadgets, I don’t like the fact that people now expect me to be available 24-7 and that I find myself expecting the same of others.

I don’t answer the phone or send text messages while I’m driving. If I’m on the road you won’t hear from me until I reach my destination. This doesn’t mean I’m mad or being rude to someone who is trying to reach me, but it annoys some who think I should pick up regardless of where I am or what I’m doing.

Sometimes I forget to charge a device or to take my phone with me – oh my goodness, you would think it was the end of the world to someone trying to contact me. This shows an increasing acceptance of the notion that we should always be immediately accessible to one another.

Whatever happened to taking a day, or even an hour off?

The other day I was waiting impatiently for confirmation that a fax had been sent successfully.

In the midst of my grumbling, I realized how ridiculous it was for me to be annoyed by a process that, instead, should amaze me.

I think the same thing applies when we complain about slow computers and Internet connections, emails that aren’t replied to instantly, and reaching voice mail rather than a person. At times our expectations are ridiculously high. We’ve been spoiled by electronics and technology.

The Breeze couldn’t be produced without a huge amount of equipment that relies on computer brains as heavily as human ones. I’ve become a technology junkie, and feel just a little bit lost if I don’t have my Mini, my laptop, my cellphone and digital camera close at hand.

When technology falters, we realize just how dependent we are, and how scary that is.

It’s time for me to head to bed. I’ll use the glow from the screen of my Mini to find my pyjamas and get settled, then plug my headphones into it and fall asleep to the sounds of a relaxation application. How scary is it that my first and last interactions of the day are with electronics rather than with people?

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

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

Photo by Jessica Jensen Rachel Dwyer, right, and Marie Smyth enjoy a game of card bingo with Nelz Vance, left, and Lewis Anderson. The boys are members of the 4-H Rocky Mountain Swine Club.

A winter tradition is still in the cards

By Jessica Jensen

Rocky Mountain Swine Club members definitely contribute to the community through many different activities. They have been concession workers, cleaned up farmers’ fields and landfills, donated time at Crestview Lodge to play games with the seniors, along with many other things.

This year, club members donated $500 to the charity Angels Within Us as a way to give back to their community.

While their community service projects vary each year, they do have one tradition. Every January, club members spend time with the seniors at Crestview Lodge playing card bingo.

The seniors really look forward to having the kids come. The bingo games started seven years ago when the club was formed, and the annual tradition is enjoyed by all.

There are seven club members, ranging from ages 10 to 17. Every member is given one pig to raise. This is tough work that includes feeding and taming the animals, along with building, cleaning and maintaining their pens. This requires discipline and responsibility, qualities each member possesses.

In June, members sell their pigs. Any profit left over goes to the individual who raised the pig – a little reward after all the hard work.

Members really enjoy the experiences that come with belonging to the club. There are many learning opportunities. It gives them a chance to meet different people and to give back to their community, which is something they have all been raised to do. Learning new skills and strategies along the way is always rewarding.

Anyone who is capable of raising a pig from March to June can join. If you are interested, you can contact Gloria Barbero at 403-627-2808.

Shootin’ the Breeze is about your community ...

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Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13 Page 3

Care Bears go the extra mile

By Shannon Robin

Isobel Lank is proud of the Pincher Creek Care Bears, and has every right to be!

Her vision of a volunteer service to help seniors get to and from medical appointments has become a charitable society that has helped hundreds over the past 25 years.

“It started as a seniors project, but we look after anyone that is in real need,” Isobel says. “You can’t keep it down to just seniors because there are also young families who don’t have means of transportation.”

Eight drivers – Edwin Hochstein, Wayne Hollander, Joe Stockinger, Boyd Robinson, Gerald Toews, Wilbur Tripp, Ann Cisar and Marge Laatsch – regularly volunteer their time and compassion to assist others in our community.

The drivers provide more than a lift from Point A to Point B. They offer encouragement and support to their clients, along with strong shoulders to lean on and sometimes to cry on. Joe Stockinger has been driving for about 15 years, and says the psychological support provided by the drivers is just as important as the transportation.

Friendships form automatically, and Isobel says every driver is hooked after the first trip. These dedicated volunteers spend hours on the road, along with hours in waiting rooms and hospitals, and are happy to do so.

The volunteer mandate of the Care Bears – to give volunteers a sense of purpose and pride in contributing to their community – is as important as the service they provide.

As you can imagine, this doesn’t happen without a great deal of organization.

Isobel has been co-ordinating the trips since day one, and also spent seven years as a driver.

While she is taking a temporary break from her role as co-ordinator to deal with her own health needs, Isobel remains involved in the operation of the Care Bears. She continues to worry about each driver on bad weather days, from the time one leaves, until he or she returns.

Society president Doris Rowledge has taken on the role of co-ordinator for the time being and has discovered first-hand how much is involved.

“Isobel was doing it all for so long,” Doris says.

“Each trip can take three or four calls to set up, and she was looking after all of this plus the books.”

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Photo by Shannon Robin Isobel Lank came up with the Care Bears idea 25 years ago and, with the help of many in the community, has been providing transportation to medical appointments for those in need ever since. Joe Stockinger is the longest-serving driver, having been involved with the program for about 15 years. Crestview Lodge residents made him this picnic table to accommodate two little bears that ride along on his trips.

Doris and Isobel have worked together since the inception of the Care Bears 25 years ago.

At that time, Isobel found herself helping family members and neighbours by driving them to medical appointments in town and as far away as Calgary. She recognized there must be similar needs within the community as a whole.

As a new member of the Pincher Cowley Lioness Club, Isobel suggested a driving service as a project for the group. Doris and other club members felt the idea was a good one.

Not everyone agreed such a service was needed, though, so the biggest challenge to getting things up and running was securing financial backing. Finally, FCSS stepped in to support the Care Bears. High use of the service immediately demonstrated that the Care Bears were filling a void.

Funding through FCSS helped establish the group, and when their sponsorship wound up, the joint committee of the Town of Pincher Creek and MD of Pincher Creek began providing yearly assistance. This covers about 25 per cent of the annual operating budget of $60,000.

Care Bears supporters worked a casino last year, which will cover about $10,000 in costs

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for each of the three coming years. Memorial donations and contributions from individuals, businesses and other service groups help keep the project afloat.

“We really appreciate the donations that are given,” Doris says. “We’ve never been too far out of our comfort level, and know there are groups and organizations that will help if we need it.”

About 10 years ago, the Pincher Care Bear Society officially became a charitable organization, with Doris as president, Patricia Bratz as vicepresident and treasurer, Alice Cook as secretary and Isobel as co-ordinator. This allows the group to give official receipts for donations, as well as medical receipts to those using the service.

The cost to the client is reasonable. For example, the base cost of a round trip from Pincher Creek to Lethbridge is $60, or $120 to Calgary.

There are few limitations to services provided, but clients must be able to get in and out of the vehicle with minimal assistance, and the drivers do not do hospital transfers.

Many think Care Bears drivers are paid for what they do, but that’s not the case. “It’s volunteer, and they’re reimbursed for their mileage and that’s all,” says Doris.

It’s clear there is no financial gain for the drivers when you consider that an appointment in Calgary will typically take seven or eight hours of time, and that there are costs for fuel, parking and meals before even taking into account wear and tear on a vehicle and insurance fees.

“They do what they do simply because they care, and it’s a huge level of commitment,” Isobel says. Many volunteers have become involved after a personal experience with the group and the subsequent realization of the importance of what Care Bears do for the community.

There are many stories of drivers going above and beyond the call of duty. Isobel recalls a trip when John Peterson’s vehicle was side-swiped after another driver blew a red light in Lethbridge. “He got his patients to their appointment, then limped off to find a rental car to make sure they had a safe ride home. The patients always come first.”

There have been many Care Bears drivers over the years. While a handful have moved away, most continue until they’re no longer able, and many Continued on page 4

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Page 4 Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13

CARE BEARS, continued from page 3 former drivers have now passed away.

Isobel is grateful for the help of her daughter, Christine Lank, who has provided not only personal support of the endeavour, but has allowed her business to be used as a drop-in point for drivers and clients. “You did a lot of work,” Isobel says to Christine, who immediately quips back, “That’s what I’m here for.”

When Christine lived in Lethbridge, she’d often get calls from people looking for Isobel. “Is your mother there?” someone would ask, and Christine knew they were in need of a Care Bear.

Christine’s business, Pincher Office Products, has became the place where people pop in to book a Care Bear. “Everyone knows to come here,” Isobel says.

Gary Ames of Ames’ Insurance is also happy to accommodate Care Bears drivers, clients and executive members when they drop by to speak with Pat Bratz, who is employed there and acts as the group’s treasurer.

The Care Bears recently recognized both businesses, their owners and staff for all they have done, and continue to do, for the group.

“Support has been terrific from service clubs and the community because they’ve seen how important our service is,” Isobel says, while acknowledging that financial viability and maintaining a volunteer base will always be worries.

Isobel has been approached by many groups interested in starting their own version of Care Bears, and has tried to generate interest in Crowsnest Pass. Start-up funding seems to be a

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

major issue and, to her knowledge, none of the projects have come to fruition.

The Care Bears regularly receive calls from Crowsnest Pass residents, and are happy to help if the person can get themselves as far as Pincher Creek.

One fellow from the Pass wanted to volunteer as a driver, but Isobel says her conscience wouldn’t allow it because he would be driving to Pincher Creek and back on his own dime for each trip.

She feels it would be quite an undertaking to have a separate group in Crowsnest Pass, but the number of calls she receives indicates the need exists there as well. If financial support and volunteers could be put together, she would like to see Care Bears services extended that way.

“I’m very proud of the project, I really am,” Isobel says.

“It’s a unique service, there isn’t any other quite like it,” Doris adds.

When FCSS was intially approached for funding, Penny Sjodin asked if Isobel realized what a Pandora’s box she was opening.

Six years later, Isobel finished a document with the comment, “Thank heaven we opened Pandora’s box.”

A quarter century later, she feels the same way, and those involved with Care Bears in any way over the years will agree.

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more details about Care Bears services, please call 403-339-CARE (2273) or drop in to see Isobel at Pincher Office Products at 750 Main St. Care Bears information can also be found in the Breeze business directory.

Calling all Shutterbugs ...

Enter Your Best Shots!

Crowsnest Past and its People Photography Contest • Amateur and professional classes • Categories - scenes of Crowsnest past, scenes of Crowsnest today, people of the Pass and best of the Pass (open) • $10 entry fee/photo, $50 prize money/class • Print photos must be mounted or framed, and a digital copy submitted for publication

• ENTRY DEADLINE IS THURS., FEB. 21 • Winning entries will be announced and displayed during Crowsnest Pass Winter Carnival • Entry forms can be printed from this week’s online edition at www.shootinthebreeze.ca.

Print copies are available at Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery in Frank, or from Shootin’ the Breeze/Mountainside Printing in Pincher Creek.

For more information, call Shannon at 403-904-2227 or email shannon@shootinthebreeze.ca .

Sponsored by Shootin’ the Breeze/Mountainside Printing and Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery

Teck Coal Communities and Aboriginal Affairs Team has moved Nic Milligan, Community and Aboriginal Affairs Manager Cal McDougall, Lands and Housing Administrator Tammy Ogden, Community Liaison Casey Brennan, Aboriginal Affairs Coordinator Rebecca Edwards, Communications Coordinator Sharon Strom, Sustainability Coordinator are now based at Teck Community Office, 116 Centennial Square, Sparwood (Former medical/physiotherapy building) All other contact details remain the same.

Please visit us with any comments or queries about Teck.

Open 7am-4pm; closed every second Friday.

Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13 Page 5

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Putting community members back in the driver’s seat

By Lisa Lockhart Crowsnest Opportunity Development Cooperative was formed in January as a pilot initiative, developed by the Rural Alberta Development Fund and co-ordinated by Alberta Community and Co-operative Association. Crowsnest Pass, along with two other rural communities, was selected to develop a community co-operative to give local investors an opportunity to stimulate economic growth right in their own backyards.

These co-operatives are not a new concept and are one of the biggest social finance success stories in other provinces. For example, since 1999, Nova Scotia has successfully operated the Community Economic Development Investment Funds, with more than $32 million local dollars invested in local businesses across that province.

The founding board members of Crowsnest Opportunity Development Cooperative are Shane Stewart (CEO, ClansWest Development and chairman of the board of Community Futures C.N.P), William Kovach (president, Crowsnest Ratepayers Association), Janis Entem (president, Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce), Larry Saloff (business analyst, Community Futures C.N.P.) and Stephen Little (owner and pharmacist, Coleman RemedyRX Pharmacy). The CODC board holds a vision of putting community members back in the driver’s seat by contributing directly to the sustainability of Crowsnest Pass through local investment.

With a proven track record, this type of community co-operative has all the ingredients for success and creates win-win potential with endless possibilities. The model has been used successfully as a tool for adaptive reuse of existing and vacant buildings, succession planning, and the purchase of local profitable businesses when faced with closure, as well as developing new businesses which are not currently operating in the area. Building on a strength-in-numbers principle, it is easier to get more people to invest smaller amounts of capital than to find one individual to invest the entire amount.

The benefits are almost predictable. Local businesses gain access to funding and new businesses are attracted to the area, which creates more jobs and population growth. Local investors watch the impact and reap the rewards of their investments, which in turn creates loyal patronage in supporting these projects and businesses, with more dollars remaining in the community. The entire community begins to prosper and a renewed sense of vitality and pride is born. Possibly one of the best features to this type of opportunity is that investment dollars are RRSP, RESP and TFSA eligible, meaning you can invest your RRSP monies right back into your community instead of sending your money to the eastern money markets.

To add to its momentum and excitement, CODC has already acquired its first project, and renovations are underway. The former Work and Play building (Peuchen Block) in downtown Blairmore is being revitalized under adaptive reuse principles. Renovations will include an exterior facelift, with refurbished retail space being maintained on the main floor and four rental suites on the upper level.

CODC has been meeting with a number of possible tenants for the retail space and plans to have an announcement in the near future. This first investment is limited to 50 people investing $12,000 each, with an expected annual return of five per cent. Since the co-operative was announced, 20 commitments towards this first investment have been received.

CODC will also be seeking public input towards future projects. Other projects that have been discussed include a seniors housing complex and a chairlift and resort development for the ski hill.

The CODC board members invite all community members to take part in their grand opening and investor gala. This event will take place on-site at the first project (the former Work and Play building) on Feb. 19, with information sessions at 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

CODC wishes to give the community a chance to see the progress being made on the building and to provide their input.

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Jetting to the Jays Congratulations to Joanne Verwoerd of Lethbridge – winner of the February draw in Windy Slopes Health Foundation’s Vacation-A-Month Raffle 2.

Mary Coombs of Pincher Creek was the lucky winner of $100 cash.

Tickets are $100 each and still available at Pincher Creek Health Centre.

Visit WSHF at www.wshealth.ca to learn more about the foundation’s efforts, and how you can help support local health care services.

Grand Opening and Investor Gala of the

Crowsnest Opportunity Development Cooperative (CODC)

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 6 Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13

Girl Guides are already thinking about World Thinking Day

By Brad Quarin

Photo by John Koot

Torch lights for Jimmy

Torches lit up the darkness Saturday night at Castle Mountain Resort.

About 100 people, including CMR staff, Canadian Ski Patrol System members, adults with torches and children with glow sticks descended the hill together.

The torchlight parade was a memorial tribute to Jim Wilson, a good friend to all at the hill, who drowned last summer in a rafting accident.

Jim skied at Castle most of his life and used to hitchhike from Lethbridge to get there on a good powder day. He ran the resort’s Snow School for many years and was an active member of the volunteer ski patrol.

“He always had a smile on his face when he was skiing, and lived life to the fullest,” says Andrew Rusynyk, a friend and resort employee.

“We are considering that this will become an annual event remembering all the great people who have contributed to the resort.”

Your Voice, Your Water Water Matters, the Oldman Watershed Council and SASCI* present:

Round 2 of the ‘Source to Tapʻ community conversations Building on the first round of local meetings in Nov./Dec. 2012, these final sessions aim to generate proactive solutions and build support for necessary stewardship actions to protect the health of the Oldman River headwaters ... for people and for the environment.

We will discuss: • What specific stewardship practices or actions are currently happening in the headwaters? What else is required? What are the opportunities?

• How can watershed stewardship activities be further fostered and supported to increase their effectiveness over the long term?

You are invited to attend any of the community conversations. Participants in this second round need not have attended an earlier session.

Your voice is important!

• Wed., Feb. 27 - Springpoint Hall *

5:30 p.m. supper followed at 6:30 by dialogue session RSVP to Pat Ness, 403-553-2625

• Thurs., Feb. 28 - Stavely

Community Centre - 5:30 p.m. supper followed at 6:30 by dialogue session RSVP to jnbeeflady@gmail.com

• Fri., March 1 - Lundbreck Hall *

5:30 p.m. supper followed at 6:30 by dialogue session RSVP to Ted Smith, 403-628-2004

• Wed., March 6 - Pincher Creek * Heritage Inn at 7 p.m.

• Thurs., March 7 - Crowsnest Pass * Country Encounters at 7 p.m.

• Wed., March 8 - Cardston

Cardston Seniors Centre at 7 p.m.

• Thurs., March 14 - Picture Butte Warren Kleeman Hall, Prairie Tractor and Engine Museum at 7 p.m.

* Sessions co-sponsored by Southern Alberta Sustainable Communities Initiative

Protecting Alberta’s Watersheds.

Inspiring people to action.

As Feb. 22 draws nearer, Pincher Creek’s Girl Guides are turning their minds towards global issues. In the time leading up to that day, dubbed World Thinking Day, the local guides are participating in fundraisers designed to cut down on child mortality elsewhere in the world.

“Part of Girl Guides is to teach them about that,” says Sue Leong-Neumann, the area’s district commissioner, who also leads a unit of guides in Pincher Creek.

She explains the guides talk about community issues and have various related activities. They then turn their attention to other countries with Girl Photo courtesy of Sue Leong-Neumann Guides and Girl Scouts.

Girl Guide Caitlin Kirkman proudly “Learning that in other countries girls stands in front of her handiwork. don’t have the same rights they do, inter- The guides decorate doors for the ests them,” Sue says. “They wonder why, Christmas season at Vista Village each year. and how we can make things better.”

The guides can participate in twinning projects, trading letters with and sending friendship bracelets to kids in Third World countries. They have “a variety of projects on the go at any time,” Sue says.

Some girls even get to visit other countries, including Sue’s own daughter Shianne Neumann, who is a high school student and a Ranger in the organization. Shianne travelled to Costa Rica, where she painted schools, planted trees and learned much to tell the girls in Pincher Creek.

“For the older girls, it’s definitely a bonus to be able to travel like that,” says Sue, who adds it’s cheaper with the Girl Guides.

World Thinking Day, held on the birthday of scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell and his wife, Olave, will see activities for Girl Guides in places like Lethbridge, but not Pincher Creek.

“We’ve always had issues with Thinking Day in Pincher Creek,” Sue says. Between Family Day, parent-teacher interviews and the teachers’ convention, the girls have a week off and some families will be leaving town.

So, instead of planning activities for Feb. 22, the Pincher Creek guides are raising money for the Canadian World Friendship Fund, which helps girls in developing countries. The goal is for each guide and adult leader to raise at least $5.

The guides are doing this by writing letters to their parents, families or neighbours offering to do chores such as shovelling snow or walking dogs, Sue says.

The Sparks and Brownies, girls from kindergarten to Grade 3, are also taking part in a virtual bottle drive, encouraging their families to take their bottles to the depot.

As a science major and a kindergarten teacher in Brocket, Sue is interested in environmental issues and also thinks it’s important to teach kids about global issues. “You have to educate people in order for them to want to make a difference.”

“Girl Guides is just one avenue to get this across,” she says. “If you can pique their interest now, it’s good.” The girls will be prepared for junior high and high school and will have more of a voice in classes that can be dominated by boys.

Sue estimates there are currently 25 Sparks and Brownies and 17 older guides in Pincher Creek. “We’re always looking for more,” she says. The Girl Guides take new members at any time.

Sue would also like to see guide units in Crowsnest Pass and Brocket, but they need leaders to make that happen.

If you’re interested in having your daughter join, or in becoming a leader, call Sue at 403-627-5717.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13 Page 7

Feb. 25 to April 7 Schedule Photo by Andy Hurly

Impressive little birds

By Brad Quarin

Hummingbirds may not be as fearsome as bears or wolves, but they can still be pretty impressive.

“I value them because they’re beautiful creatures and I value them because they have interesting biology,” says Prof. Andy Hurly of the University of Lethbridge.

The Wildlife and Wild Places lectures at the Pincher Creek library will continue next week, with Andy sharing some interesting facts about the tiny birds. Anyone can join in from other libraries by videoconference at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20.

Having grown up in Ontario with a cottage with hummingbird feeders, Andy developed an interest in hummingbirds due to their appearance and their unique way of flying. “They’re beautiful to look at,” he says.

After studying at Oxford University, he found a job in behavioural ecology at the U of L in 1991. He says it’s a nice university and he loves southern Alberta. He also discovered the U of L has a cabin in the mountains, set up by the biology department, and that there are hummingbirds there.

He has been studying the creatures for 22 years now, mostly concerned with how hummingbirds remember where to find food.

A hummingbird brain is 7,000 times smaller than a human one. “It’s about the size of a grain of rice,” Andy says. Yet the birds display a remarkable memory.

In studying how a hummingbird mind works, Andy says he is asking the same kinds of questions as psychologists studying human minds. The difference is that you can’t talk with birds, which requires some creative thinking.

Some of the experiments have involved changing things in settings to see if a hummingbird still remembers how to find a flower. If you change the colour of the flower, you’ll want to see if the hummingbird can still find it.

Hummingbirds are part of nature’s balance, Andy says, and useful for pollinating flowers and eating insects.

Andy was asked to participate in the Pincher Creek lectures and is looking forward to it. “I like talking about my research,” he says. He is planning to bring some nice pictures.

He invites anyone interested in natural history or curious to learn about the animals around them to come to the presentation. “I hope people enjoy it,” he says.

403-904-2227 697 Main Street Pincher Creek

printing@shootinthebreeze.ca

MONDAYS

5:45 - 6:35 a.m. Morning Monsters 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Groovin Grannies Yoga 4:00 - 5:25 p.m. Judo for Kids 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Indoor Cycling (Spin) 4:50 - 5:35 p.m. Indoor Cycling (Spin) 5:40 - 6:00 p.m. Ripped Core 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Indoor Cycling (Spin) 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Zumba

THURSDAYS

6:00 - 6:50 a.m. Fit for Duty 12:05 - 12:35 p.m. ViPR/TRX 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Bootcamp 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Bootcamp

FRIDAYS

6:00 - 6:50 a.m. Fit for Duty 12:05 - 12:35 p.m. ViPR/TRX 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Bootcamp 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Bootcamp

5:45 - 6:35 a.m. Morning Monsters 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Groovin Grannies 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Monster Youth Training (ages 10 - 14) 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. *MIT (Monsters in Training) 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Indoor Cycling (Spin) 4:30 - 4:50 p.m. Ripped Core 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. Indoor Cycling (Spin)

WEDNESDAYS

SATURDAYS

TUESDAYS

5:45 - 6:35 a.m. Morning Monsters 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Groovin Grannies 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Fit Families 10:45 - 11:30 a.m. Mom & Baby Fitness 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Indoor Cycling (Spin) 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. ZUMBA 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. Indoor Cycling 7:10 - 7:30 p.m. Ripped Core 7:30 - 8:15 p.m. Indoor Cycling (Spin) 8:00 - 8:50 p.m. Wind Down Yoga

9:30 a.m. Running Club 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Rise ’n Rock It Bootcamp *MIT – Monsters in Training (ages 5-9) – Bring your children for fun, noncompetitive physical activity, games, obstacle courses & nutrition education.

GYM HOURS Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Holidays - 24-hour access only CLASS PRICES $10/class for MF members $12/class for non-members Class packages available GST included

403-627-5277 1373B Hunter Street East of the RCMP station Pincher Creek

Page 8 Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Country Encounters of the good kind!

By Brad Quarin

A local business has been honoured by Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce for giving residents and visitors some country encounters of the hospitable kind. And the business is still giving back to the community.

Country Encounters Hospitality, run by Dawn and Mark Rigby in Coleman, was named the overall business of the year in the chamber’s 2012 Business Awards.

“It’s a recognition by your peers that you’re doing things right,” Dawn says.

“It’s really quite gratifying to be recognized in such a fashion.”

The business includes a bed and breakfast and a holiday home, which is a furnished, two-bedroom house for rent. However, Country Encounters is mostly about catering, which brings in about 80 per cent of its revenue, Dawn says. They cater at weddings, retreats and funerals, and provide hot lunches for Isabelle Sellon School about once a month, Mark says.

Their employees are all casual. They are about 10 or 12 mostly young people on a list who Dawn can phone when a job comes up, she says. Mark adds that during the summer they can have a couple of full-time workers.

Dawn was a cooking student and then an instructor at SAIT, where Mark also graduated as a chef. They lived in Calgary and ran a hotel in Champion, which they sold when they moved to the Pass, Dawn says.

The Rigbys started the business in 1993. After buying a building that formerly housed a hardware store, they spent two years renovating so it could be reopened as a bed and breakfast.

“Since 2005 or so, we’ve been solid catering,” Dawn says.

She enjoys the work because “it’s different every single day.” Cooking different foods for different kinds of events means the work is never boring.

And the business is doing well. “Last year was actually our busiest year ever,” Dawn says.

She doesn’t know who nominated Country Encounters for the business award, first hearing of the nomination as a member of the chamber’s board of directors.

“We had some pretty stiff competition,” Dawn says. “Some very worthy businesses were nominated.”

The win was unexpected. “I just about choked on the Pepsi I was drinking when they announced [it], I had no idea,” she says with a laugh.

Dawn hopes the award was for Country Encounters’ customer service.

After many meals, customer feedback has been good and complaints have been very rare.

It’s a good sign that many of the same customers keep coming back to Country Encounters. One man had them cater three of his children’s weddings, while another customer remembered Country Encounters from two

Photo by Brad Quarin Dawn Rigby creates culinary delights in her kitchen at Country Encounters.

years ago and called them to cater a wedding in High River this year.

While the award was nice, Dawn says the “most gratification” comes when a customer is pleased by a meal that was a challenge to make. “It’s a real treat,” she adds.

More recently, Country Encounters donated a chili lunch last Saturday to feed the players in a marathon hockey tournament at Crowsnest Consolidated High School. The tournament included community members playing to raise cash for Brenda Macdonald of Coleman, who needs a double lung transplant.

Champions for Brenda contacted Country Encounters about the tournament. “Dawn just jumped on it right away,” says organizer Jody Peebles.

She appreciates the donation, saying it took care of the last meal they needed to provide for a game that lasted almost 48 hours.

“We tend to support all kinds of community groups,” Dawn explains.

They’ve also donated to the museum, Crowsnest Can Do and Bellevue Underground Mine. It’s part of being part of the community.

As for the future, Dawn simply hopes for more growth of the business.

“It would be nice to be so busy that we could actually employ somebody full time, all the time,” she says.

As well, Dawn hopes to expand on Country Encounters’ cooking classes and to take a bigger part in culinary tourism.

“We’re hoping that besides being beneficial to us, [it] is beneficial to the Crowsnest Pass and Alberta in general,” she says. “We’ve got a lot to offer here.”

For more information, visit www.countryencounters.com .

Doing the impossible – making math fun

By Brad Quarin For many of us, there are few things more terrifying than a math test, but Canyon School is doing the impossible and making the idea fun.

The Pincher Creek school’s booster club is holding the Math Olympics on Feb. 27 for students from Grades 1 to 6, hoping to raise money for a variety of school activities. You can help by donating prizes for the kids.

“They really get excited,” says parent and booster club co-chairman Robert Plante. He explains interest among students was stirred by the prospect of prizes and competition between classrooms. “They definitely got involved.”

The booster club holds a major fundraiser each year. Last year there was a spell-a-thon, and this year they opted for math to reflect the school’s new priority.

“What the school really wants is to work on

math,” Robert says.

Principal Carole Goodreau says Canyon School has a three-year plan to build up students’ math skills, similar to their previous successful effort to improve literacy. “We want to develop a model in math to do a similar thing,” she says.

A math competition seemed like a good fit for this plan. “It teaches kids about math,” Robert says.

“It’s win-win for us because kids are studying,” Carole says, and because it’s a fundraiser.

The money raised by the booster club goes to many places, including Grade 6 graduation, awards, after-school barbecues, field trips and art programs, Robert says. It could also pay for library furniture or seeds for the playground.

Last year the club raised $6,500, so this year the goal will be to do as well or better, Robert says.

The money will be raised by kids getting pledges from family, friends and others. The stu-

dents will then write a test, with 10 questions for Grade 1 students, up to 60 questions for Grade 6.

For every $5 in pledges, a student will receive three tickets that can be drawn for prizes, Robert says. The two big prizes are an electric scooter going to the student with the most pledges, and an iPad Mini that anyone can submit a ticket for.

Robert is hoping for 60 prizes and has sent out letters to businesses for donations. So far, donations have come from Subway, Providence Salon & Spa, Outdoor Outlet and the town. The swimming pool is also offering passes.

Prior to the test, on Feb. 11 each student will get a package of math questions to study.

Next year’s booster club may decide to hold the Math Olympics again, Robert says, but it’s possible students will want to alternate between math and spell-a-thons. Either way, there will be more fundraisers for Canyon School.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13 Page 9

Family Day activities for all Grab a skateboard and head to the arena

By Brad Quarin In today’s hectic, high-stress world, many people get precious little time to spend with their families. Fortunately, the Alberta government has set aside a day for families to reconnect. This year, Family Day falls on Monday, Feb. 18, with a variety of activities everyone can take part in.

With Family Day always being in the winter, it makes sense to take advantage of the holiday with a winter sport. In an effort to promote ice fishing, everyone can fish for free in Alberta public waters, without a sportfishing licence, from Saturday to Monday.

Take pictures and go to Angling in Alberta on Facebook to be eligible for prizes.

Castle Mountain is making a whole weekend of Family Day, with live bands performing both Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the resort is hosting Jib in the Park, a chance for skiers and snowboarders of all ages to show off their skills for prizes. “We call it a non-competition competition,” says Marie Reed. Entry into Jib in the Park is free.

Meanwhile, Waterton Lakes National Park is holding WinterFest on Saturday and Sunday, to be marked by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and horse-drawn carriage rides. A show called Fun Fur Families will teach families about Waterton wildlife, and there will also be a drawing workshop called Art Escape with Anne McClelland from the Waterton Natural History Association. To pre-register for the workshop, call 403-859-5133.

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is offering free skating, a snowgolf course for kids, and competitions to make snowmen and snow castles from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday.

If fun in the cold doesn’t appeal to you, the Pincher Creek pool is offering free swimming from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Monday.

The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre will also be open and admission will be free. Staff from Bellevue Underground Mine and Crowsnest Museum will be at the centre, with interesting artifacts on display.

By Brad Quarin

It may be winter, but kids in Crowsnest Pass and surrounding area don’t have to put away their skateboards and gym shorts.

Albert Stella Memorial Arena in Blairmore is the place for a variety of fun activities this season, including gymnastics classes, wall climbing and skateboarding.

“We’re very fortunate to have a facility like that – most people are playing on cement floors,” says Tracey Linderman, who works for the municipality. She doesn’t believe there are many other indoor skateboard parks left in the province.

There has been interest in this year’s programs, and parents got their kids registered. “Our gymnastics program usually fills up,” Tracey says. Word spread thanks to the municipality’s website and information sent to schools. Registration for the next available gymnastics programs starts in April.

The gymnastics program is structured and participating kids receive report cards and badges for skills such as landings, rotations and locomotions, Tracey explains. Kids can also lift medicine balls and hang from a bar like bats.

Kids at walking age and up are welcome in the gymnastics classes, but Tracey remarks few adults are interested in the program.

“If there was an adult program, I’m sure we could accommodate it,” she says.

Of more interest to adults, as well as

children, is the Zumba Fitness program, with Latin-influenced fitness dancing led by instructor Janet Joy. This program started in January, and Tracey says both men and women can join.

Fees for the gymnastics program range from $100 to $190, while the Zumba Fitness program costs $10 to drop in.

Each gymnastics class lasts about 45 minutes, Tracey says, except for CanGym which is an hour and a half. Each has a local certified instructor.

Many age groups use the arena, and soccer and baseball take place there from time to time. “It is a facility that is widely used by a lot of sport groups,” she says. The skateboard park has ramps built by the local skating club. It is open Mondays from 7:10 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The arena will close in the summer, and a hockey school will open at the Coleman ice rink for kids from six to 13 to learn techniques. There will also be a conditioning camp for ages 14 and up.

Albert Stella Memorial Arena is located behind Isabelle Sellon School. Tracey says it has been open for a long time, originally as an ice rink. Since the town didn’t need two ice rinks, the ice at Albert Stella was replaced with indoor turf.

For more information, call the community services department at 403-562-8833.

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

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 27: United

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

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 10 Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13

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* Keepsake pregnancy scans * Available in 3D *

www.ultrasoundpreview.com Ranchland/Co-op Mall

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Hillcrest

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Candace Saindon candace@goabtravel.ca 403-753-2403 1-877-539-7654

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Care Bears can provide transporation to medical appointments in Pincher Creek, Lethbridge and Calgary.

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Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Grand Hotel 403-563-5227 7719 17th Avenue Coleman

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Sonny’s Lock & Key 403-339-0133

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

403-627-4292

Vehicle Lockouts & Master Keying

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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Phone 403-627-4481 Fax 403-627-4482 Concrete Slabs Bobcat Work Gradebeams Framing Equipment Decorative Concrete Rentals

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403-628-2069

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Personal, Corporate and Agricultural Accounting and Tax Services

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SPECIALTY WOOL SHOP 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The “Rite” choice for all your electrical needs

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13 Page 11

Mark Your Calendar Events and Entertainment – Full details are available in the Breeze online calendar – www.shootinthebreeze.ca Thursday, February 14 – Russell deCarle - 8 p.m. at Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod – St. Michael’s spaghetti supper & silent auction 5:30 p.m. at the school in Pincher Creek – Oldman Rose Society AGM & social - 7 p.m. at MD meeting room in Pincher Creek – Valentine cake & coffee - 3 p.m. at Huddlestun Centre in Pincher Creek – Coffee & conversation for ESL learners - 5 p.m. at Mrs. P’s (Ranchland Mall) in Pincher Creek Friday, February 15 – Great Backyard Bird Count - see www.birdsource. org – 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 – Russell deCarle - 8 p.m. at Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod

Saturday, February 16 – Joe Mahieux appreciation social - 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Fish & Game Hall – Waterton WinterFest – Mountain Mill UCW bake sale - 8 a.m. at Beaver Mines General Store – Great Backyard Bird Count - see www.birdsource. org – Social Dancing 101 (salsa) - 7 p.m. at C.N.P. Public Art Gallery in Frank Sunday, February 17 – Waterton WinterFest – Free family skating - 4 p.m. in Pincher Creek – Free family skating - 2:30 p.m. in Coleman – Great Backyard Bird Count - see www.birdsource. org Monday, February 18 – Celebrate Family Day! – Free family activities at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village - 11 a.m., use back entrance (James Avenue) – Free admission to Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – Free swimming - 2:30 p.m. at Pincher Creek pool – Free public skating - 1 p.m. at Pincher Creek arena – Whist - 1:30 p.m. at Huddlestun Senior Citizen Centre in Pincher Creek

– Great Backyard Bird Count - see www.birdsource. org – No school - Livingstone Range & St. Michael’s from Feb. 18-22 Tuesday, February 19 – C.N.P. Allied Arts Association AGM - 10 a.m. at the art gallery in Frank – Crowsnest Writers Circle - 7 p.m. at the library in Blairmore – Crowsnest Pass governance & priorities meeting 2 p.m. at municipal office in Coleman – Crowsnest Pass council meeting - 7 p.m. at municipal office in Coleman – Library speaker series: Roy Davidson - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek library Wednesday, February 20 – Lent service (led by Chinook Bible Church) & lunch - noon at Pincher Creek United Church – 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 & Wild Places lecture series - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek library – Free skating for parents/tots/seniors - 12:30 p.m. in Coleman

Weekly Activities for Adults and Seniors

Published second and last weeks each month. Early childhood, youth and school activities published first and third weeks each month.

– C.N.P. indoor soccer - Mon. 5:45 p.m. at Albert Stella Memorial Arena in Blairmore – Cribbage - Mon. 7:30 p.m. at Coleman Legion – Fitness class for seniors - Mon. & Wed. 10 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – Adult shinny - Mon. & Wed. 2:30 p.m. at C.N.P. Sportsplex in Coleman – Noon-hour shinny hockey - Mon. & Fri. 12 p.m. at Pincher Creek arena – Gym walk - Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. at MDM Centre in Bellevue – Fun Texas hold ’em poker - Tues. 6:30 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Co-ed volleyball, age 25+ - Tues. 7 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore – Crowsnest Community Choir practice - Tues. 7 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore – Friends in Sync singing group - Tues. 7 p.m. at

Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek – Toastmasters - Tues. 7 p.m. at Foothills Community Church in Pincher Creek – Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club - Wed. 1 p.m. at Fred Huddlestun Senior Citizen Centre in Pincher Creek – Knitters Skein - Wed. 1:30 p.m. at Harvest Coffeehouse in Pincher Creek – TOPS - Wed. 6 p.m. at Bellecrest Seniors Centre – Adult badminton - Wed. 7 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore – Cribbage - Wed. 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Cribbage - Wed. 7:30 p.m. at Blairmore Legion – Rotary luncheon - Thurs. 11:45 a.m. at Heritage Inn, Pincher Creek – TOPS meeting - Thurs. 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Pincher Creek

– Jam session - Thurs. 2 p.m. at Coleman Legion – Darts - Thurs. 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Poker - Thurs. 7 p.m. at Blairmore Legion – Ladies’ hockey - Thurs. 8:30 p.m. at Sports Complex in Coleman – Meat draws - Fri. 5 p.m. at Blairmore and Bellevue Legions – Darts - Fri. 6 p.m. at Coleman Legion – – – – –

Free pool - Sat. 1 p.m. at Coleman Legion Snooker - Sat. 2:30 p.m. at Blairmore Legion Darts - Sat. 3 p.m. at Blairmore Legion Meat draws - Sat. 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion Meat draws - Sat. 4 p.m. at Coleman Legion

* 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

Page 12 Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

In loving memory of

Myles Heisler August 31, 1962 to February 6, 2013

Photo by Dennis Robin

The natural beauty of the area is enjoyed by snowmobile enthusiasts.

Riding for STARS

By Brad Quarin Crowsnest Pass is blessed with great trails for snowmobiling that are still drawing recognition. This Saturday you can enjoy them on the STARS ride.

“We have way better groomed trails than most other places, for the mountains,” says Doug Cox, president of the Crow Snow Riders.

And if you don’t use them, you’re going to lose them. If left unmaintained, the trails could very well be closed to all motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, and made into parks, Doug warns.

That’s why the Crow Snow Riders are there to groom the trails and support safe family snowmobiling. “If you’re not part of the club, you’re not part of the voice,” he says.

Doug goes out snowmobiling every weekend and has been a member of the club for 12 years. While absent during a meeting, he was elected president and has served for three years.

The club’s work continues to pay off, as Crowsnest Pass won favourite overall snowmobiling area in Alberta in the Rider’s Choice Awards of SnoRiders magazine. Criteria considered include groomed trails and good hotels and restaurants.

SnowGoer magazine also recently published a favourable article after sending people to snowmobile in Crowsnest Pass with the club for four days, Doug says.

For Doug, the accolades came as no surprise. “We win them every year,” he says. He’s happy that the recognition brings in business for the community, but it also means the club has to work hard to stay ahead. “We’ve got tough shoes to fill,” he says.

Many of the club’s activities are fundraisers for trail grooming, for buying fuel and to build a safety shelter in York Creek. The shelter can be a place for families to stop and warm up and just needs government approval.

One recent event was a poker rally on Jan. 19, in which club members and others with day passes picked cards at checkstops to win prizes. In March there will be another poker rally, Doug says.

The club’s current project is to groom Crowsnest trails for the STARS ride this Saturday, organized by the Calgary Snowmobile Club as a fundraiser for STARS air ambulance. To participate, you can contact the Calgary club for a pledge form.

To join the Crow Snow Riders, you can just buy an annual Alberta snowmobiling pass at a local gas station. “If you buy it here, that means you’re a member of our club,” Doug says.

For more information, visit crowsnow.org .

Myles Heisler passed away suddenly on Feb. 6, 2013, in Pincher Creek, Alta.

Myles was born Aug. 31, 1962, and was raised in Black Diamond, Alta.

In 1989, he met the love of his life, Brenda Fitzpatrick Kettles. They were married in 1997, and with that came three beautiful girls, Glenda, Aley and Lorali, whom he took as his own.

He spent his early life logging with his father, until his transition into mining at Teck Coal Line Creek Operations. He loved spending his spare time skiing, golfing and riding his Hog. His smile, laughter, wit, and humour will be truly missed by all his family and friends.

Along with his wife, Brenda, Myles is survived by daughters Glenda Kettles, Aley Kettles (Wade Davis), Lorali Kettles (Devon Nelson); grandchildren Hayden Hanson, Wednesday and Maverick Kettles-Davis; sisters Sharon Stevenson (Jack), Susan Skoye, Wendy Heisler (Ed Sanford) and brother Brent (Kristen); brother-in-law Keith Fitzpatrick (Carol) and sister-in-law Lee Ann Woods (Larry); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Feb. 12 at the Heritage Inn, Pincher Creek. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you perform a random act of kindness in memory of Myles. (Pay it forward.) To email condolences, please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes 403-627-4864 Pincher Creek

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Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 13/13 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 13/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Miners Spiel

Gearing up for the Miners Spiel are, from left, Adam Strandquist, Joel Painter, Andrea Strandquist and Megan DeBoer Photo by Brad Quarin

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze February 6/13 Page 15

Feb. 9 at Blairmore

Tina Smith was one of 36 curlers who joined in the fun.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Miners Spiel

Carol Budgen of Crowsnest Pass Curling Club has an unusually tall light on her head.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Feb. 9 at Blairmore

From left, Andrea Strandquist, Adam Strandquist and Joel Painter sweep hard in the darkness.

Photo by Brad Quarin

Miners Spiel

Tony Vastenhout sneaks in to set off a simulated mine explosion Photo by Brad Quarin

Feb. 9 at Blairmore

Kaboom!

Photo by Brad Quarin

Thanks from the Care Bears

Christine Lank of Pincher Creek receives recognition for her commitment to the Care Bears. From left are Sharon Davis, Christine, and Doris Rowledge.

Photo by Jessica Jensen

Thanks from the Care Bears

Gary Ames of Ames’ Insurance receives a token of appreciation for his support of the Care Bears. From left are Sharon Davis, Pat Bratz, Gary, and Doris Rowledge.

Photo by Jessica Jensen

Faces of the Care Bears

Isobel Lank and Joe Stockinger have shared many years of involvement with the Care Bears. Isobel started the group 25 years ago, and Joe is the longest-serving driver.

Photo by Shannon Robin

Investing in Crowsnest Pass

The former Work and Play building in downtown Blairmore is the first investment project of the newly-formed Crowsnest Opportunity Development Cooperative.

Photo by Ian McKenzie

Crowsnest Past and its People Photography Contest A look at the Pass through your eyes ENTRY DEADLINE: THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 2013

Who may enter? What is acceptable?

- This is an open competition, open to all ages and levels

- Amateur and professional photographers will have a class in each category

- This contest is open to Canadian residents only, and work must be original work created solely by the entrant

- Photographs must have been taken within two years before the entry date, and may not previously have won any awards

- Images may be colour or black and white

- Photos may not contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, objectionable or inappropriate content

- Be sure you have consent of subjects in the People of the Pass category (see separate release form)

How to enter

- There is no limit to the number of categories a person enters or to the number of entries within each category

- Each photo submission must have its own completed entry form and entry fee paid by cash or cheque made out to

Shootin’ the Breeze

- A high-resolution digital copy of the photograph is to be submitted for publication, on CD, DVD, or flash drive

The digital copy may also be submitted in jpg format (at least 1600 pixels wide) by email to shannon@shootinthebreeze.ca

- Drop off your photo, entry form, entry fee and a digital copy of the print at Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery - Highway 3, Frank, 403-562-2218, Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., weekends and holidays 1 to 4 p.m.

Shootin’ the Breeze/Mountainside Printing – 697 Main Street, Pincher Creek, 403-904-2227, Monday to

Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Categories:

1)

2)

3)

4)

Scenes of Crowsnest Past Scenes of Crowsnest Today People of the Pass Best of the Pass (open)

Presentation:

- Photos must be mounted when submitted

- Minimum size is 5 x 7 inches, maximum size is 12 x 18 inches

- Photo must have a title or caption

Judging Criteria:

- Originality and creativity

- Relevance to the category

- Composition

- Photographic quality

- Authenticity/genuineness of the content (this refers to the degree of correction applied - please submit photographs that are

un-manipulated and real)

- The decisions of the judges are final and winners will be notified by telephone or email

Prizes, display and publication

- Two cash awards of $50 will be presented in each category - one to the top photo by an amateur photographer, and another

to the top photo by a professional photographer (this is based on a minimum of three entries per class)

- Winning entries will be displayed at Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery throughout Crowsnest Winter Carnival Weekend

(Feb. 23 and 24) and for a short time afterward.

- Winning entries will be published in the print edition of Shootin’ the Breeze over a period of four weeks (one category at a

time) and all entries will be included in the online edition of the paper in the appropriate week.

Sponsored by Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery, Shootin’ the Breeze and Mountainside Printing

ENTRY FORM Crowsnest Past and its People Photography Contest ENTRY DEADLINE: THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 2013 Full Name Address Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone Email Amateur or Professional For the purposes of this contest, an amateur photographer is one who practises photography as a hobby and not for profit. A professional photographer is anyone who sells photographs, charges a fee for taking pictures, is affiliated with any professional photography association, or earns a living through photography.

Category Photo title Location If there are people in your photo, have you completed a personal photo release form?

Date photo was taken Entry fee of $10 paid by cash or cheque Submission of high-resolution digital jpg file by Rules:

- The submitted entry must be an original work created solely by the entrant - Each photo may be submitted in one category only - The entrant must be a Canadian resident - Photographs must have been taken within two years before the entry date, and may not previously have won any awards - Photos may not contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, objectionable or inappropriate content - Photos may not infringe on the property or on the rights of any other person or entity - Release forms must accompany entries with people as subjects - The decisions of the judges are final, and winners will be notified by telephone or email - Photographs will remain at Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery until March 10, 2013 and must be picked up by March 17, 2013 - Shootin’ the Breeze, Mountainside Printing and Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery are not responsible for any lost or dam- aged items

By submitting this entry form, the photographer consents to the entry of his or her submission and agrees to abide by the contest rules.

I consent to allow Shootin’ the Breeze to use, re-use, publish and re-publish the photo, in whole or in part, always in conjuction with credit to the photographer.

Signature Printed name Date Sponsored by Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery, Shootin’ the Breeze and Mountainside Printing

SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE PERSONAL PHOTO RELEASE Photo file identification or description

I consent to the use of my name, portrait, picture or photograph in the Crowsnest Past and its People Photography Contest, as well as in the publication Shootin’ the Breeze, both in print and online.

A thumbnail of the photo may also be used on social media with a link to the original website post at www.shootinthebreeze.ca .

The intended use of the photograph is to showcase entries and winners in the contest mentioned above.

Photos may also be used at times when a suitable companion to an article.

Credit will always be assigned to the photographer, and the photographer maintains the copyright for this image.

Shootin’ the Breeze will never use the photograph in any obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, objectionable or inappropriate manner.

I am over the age of 18, have read the foregoing and understand its contents: Signature Printed Name Date

Phone Number

Complete Address I am an adult signing on behalf of a minor: Name(s) of minor subject(s) Adult signature Relationship to minor Printed Name Date

Phone Number

Complete Address Shootin’ the Breeze - 697 Main Street, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 – 403-904-2227 – www.shootinthebreeze.ca