Shootin' the Breeze – Dec. 2, 2015

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December 2, 2015 Year 5, Issue 12

Checkstop for charity

Laurie Kenney doesn’t mind being stopped by Evan Stewart of Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue at the Charity Checkstop, held last week Photo by Brad Quarin in Blairmore. Cash and food donations were taken for the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank.

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December 2, 2015

At left are BearSmart volunteer Amber Hummelle and Atlas, one of two Karelian bear dogs used in bear aversion. In the centre photo are Sara and Kirk Hawthorn of Alpine Greenworks in front of a tree they pruned in Bellevue. At right, Fish and Wildlife officer Mathias Voramwald assesses a tranquilized grizzly bear.

A behind-the-scenes look at Crowsnest Pass BearSmart

By Shannon (Robison) Robin Just over a month ago, local media were invited to spend a few hours with members of Crowsnest Pass BearSmart Association.

The morning began with general discussion of the program and a trip to the Adanac area, where telemetry equipment was used to locate one of three bears currently being monitored.

Christy Pool, president of the organization and field supervisor of volunteers, explained how the equipment works and how the information is used.

Two of the three tagged bears are sows with five cubs between them. They were chosen because they were coming close to town but weren’t habituated yet. As the mothers learn to change their behaviour, the cubs also learn to stay away from town and away from people.

Their movements are followed and a great deal is learned as these families mature.

The next stop was at a private residence in Bellevue to see what a difference pruning can make when attractants are an issue.

The tree was big and fruitful and Christy says it had been a long-term issue. Located at the bottom of a travel ridge, bears could raid the tree without going through town or bothering people.

The property owner allowed the tree to be pruned this fall. It was a joint effort — Alpine Greenworks donated one-third of the pruning cost, BearSmart covered one-third and the homeowner covered the balance.

“As neighbours, Sara and Kirk of Alpine Greenworks understood how busy the tree was and wanted to do their part for the bears as well,” Christy says.

Unexpectedly, fish and wildlife officer Matias Voramwald pulled up with a bear trap in tow. Inside was a female grizzly caught that morning feasting on grain in a farmyard near Pincher Creek.

Low growls rumbled from the trap as the bear expressed her displeasure at the situation, and a strong odour permeated the air. She would be processed that afternoon and we were welcome to watch.

First we would have lunch, courtesy of Atco, and an opportunity to talk more about the program and its volunteers.

As we prepared to leave for the warehouse where the grizzly would be processed, John took another call. A moose was on the loose and needed to be removed from a backyard in Blairmore. And so we had an opportunity to see John in action with another aspect of his job.

Using aversion tactics, John and his volunteers convinced the moose to move on.

At the warehouse, Christy explained the tranquilization and processing details.

John spent considerable time lining up a perfect shot with his tranquilizer gun. It was about a half hour before

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Photos show the rear paws and claws of a grizzly relocated in October. At right, she sleeps off the sedation that allowed BearSmart volunteers to do their assessment.

the bear was fully sedated and moved to a tarp on the warehouse floor.

The BearSmart volunteers quickly moved into action, administering oxygen and monitoring vital signs.

Her weight was estimated at 300 pounds and, while her fur was very matted, she was deemed to be in good overall health. Inspection of her teeth indicated her age to be about six years.

One chipped claw was the only damage observed.

She was checked over from head to toe, given an ear tag and a microchip, and a DNA sample was collected.

I marvelled at her strong claws and feet that seemed too small for her large body. It was amazing to be up close and personal with this bear.

She was moved back to the trap and administered an antidote to the sedative.

She was monitored for 24 hours before being released.

Relocation is tough on the bears, but they are in good hands with this group.

“Public safety always comes first,” Christy says. Aversion and relocation are the first efforts made, but based on a particular bear’s history, degree of habituation and aggressiveness, some bears must be euthanized.

In nearby Fernie, 20 bears were shot this year. The success of the local program is obvious by comparison, with no bears euthanized here.

The last bear put down in Crowsnest Pass was in 2014. “It had severe garbage habituation and challenged John,” Christy says. “It was heartbreaking because it was preventable.”

While headway is being made, garbage and attractants remain an issue

in the community. BearSmart encourages the use of bear-proof bins and the municipality fines those who leave garbage out early and accessible to the bears.

This year BearSmart dealt with 27 black bears and three grizzlies, and only nine had to be relocated. The others decided it wasn’t worth the hassle for them to hang around. Of the nine bears, six were from one area in Coleman.

BearSmart is visible and well known in the community for its efforts to minimize conflict between bears and humans.

The program was started by Fish and Wildlife officer Kirk Olchlowy in 2006.

He worked with John Clarke to develop a mandate for Crowsnest Pass. They shared information with community members about attractants and began teaching bears to understand red zones and to respect boundaries.

Red zones are any areas where people reside. If bears stay outside of those boundaries, they are left alone and people are expected to respect them there.

If a bear enters a red zone, it is taught, through aversive conditioning, to leave.

Lights, yelling, bangers, sirens, air horns, rubber bullets and dogs are tools used to move bears out of red zones.

They learn quickly, and apply this to future encounters.

“Bears are trainable, and they are very, very smart. They remember the experience of being chased by dogs or being hit by a rubber bullet,” Christy says.

Officers are the only ones qualified to use aversion techniques.

“Volunteers can assist under John’s direction, but are not allowed to do anything without him,” Christy says.

“We keep eyes on the bear and keep John posted until he arrives.”

She adds that some of the bears recognize John’s vehicle and take off running when they see him drive up.

The bears are also starting to recognize the slow-moving volunteer vehicles with their beacon lights and associate them with John and his aversion tactics.

While not directly involved in the aversion process, volunteers take a direct role in the processing of a bear that has been tranquilized.

When John took over in 2011, the program was expanded to include volunteers and the people of Crowsnest Pass were charged with taking ownership of the program and of the bears in their community.

John is in charge of all monitoring and patrolling, and anything to do with the bears themselves, and is the group’s liaison to the solicitor general and Fish and Wildlife.

Christy describes the group of 19 volunteers as very dedicated people, with passion for the community and passion for bears, who want Crowsnest Pass to reach its potential as a safe and beautiful place for both people and wildlife.

In 2014, volunteers spent 1,175 hours in the field patrolling, monitoring tagged bears and addressing garbage issues between August and October. This time is often at night or very early in the morning, when the bears feel comfortable moving, and most volunteers work this in around full-time jobs.

Assistance also comes from the RCMP, fire chief, peace officer and from other wildlife officers.

Volunteers are trained in the field to

understand and read bear behaviours, and BearSmart operates under the direction of Fish and Wildlife.

It costs about $10,000 to run the program each year, and until 2015 the program was funded by the provincial government. The group learned a few months ago that no funding would be provided this year.

Donations will make a difference.

Atco has contributed $1,000, and Trevor Tarcon of Crowsnest Waste another $500. Deighton Wilkinson, the youngest BearSmart volunteer, contributed $286 of his birthday money toward his favourite cause. The balance will come from fundraisers and donations, and the group will apply for grants.

Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue recently donated several old radios and the Cnossen family are donating the use of their business frequency for them to operate on. This allows everyone on patrol to get messages at the same time.

John says that a big success this year was the bearproofing of all of Crowsnest Waste’s dumpsters along with the number of individuals who purchased bearproof garbage bins for their homes.

He also notes the effectiveness of bylaw enforcement which began this fall.

Those interested in becoming BearSmart volunteers can apply in January. A clean criminal record check is required, along with availability to attend training courses and presentations.

At the end of the first year, new recruits are tested and, if knowledgeable, comfortable and confident, become certified volunteers.

More information can be found online at www.cnpbearsmart.com.

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December 2, 2015

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Small-town vet makes it big on national stage

By Brad Quarin A veterinarian from the Pincher Creek area is receiving national attention for her novel practice.

Wendy McClelland, founder of Vets to Go, received the Deloitte Start-Up Award from the Toronto-based organization Women of Influence, which networks businesswomen and holds events.

The award recognizes businesses in their first three to five years that have achieved success and are ready for more growth. The honour in mid November came less than a month after Vets to Go won the small-business award from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“I think it’s because we are doing things differently,” says Wendy. “We do a lot of things differently than your traditional veterinary practice.”

Wendy McClelland of Vets Growing up on a farm near Beaver Mines, friend and patient Missy.

Wendy quickly decided veterinary science was her calling. Her earliest memories are of being surrounded by barn cats.

Lots of children dream of becoming veterinarians but, as Wendy notes, few stick with that career choice after they grow up.

“I couldn’t think of a Plan B. It was my only plan,” she says.

She took her first year of veterinary studies at Ross University, based in the Caribbean country of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Acceptance into this program was not easy, but she succeeded. The school boasted prominent professors and provided her the opportunity to study goats and horses as well as dogs and cats, she says.

Afterwards, she completed her degree at the University of Saskatchewan.

Wendy started her career working at Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic for Charlie Zachar — “an amazing vet,” says her mom, Lee. She then moved to Calgary, and after her second child was born, wanted a more flexible schedule.

So, she set up Vets to Go, and started making house calls. Her business consists of veterinary care for dogs, cats, rabbits and, occasionally, exotic pets like bearded dragons and chinchillas. She says the mobility of her business

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distinguishes it from typical clinics.

“Everything we do is through the filter of quality of life,” she says. Some pets don’t like rides to clinics, so the mobile clinic is more suitable. Veterinarians also benefit from the flexibility and learn from seeing the pet’s habitat.

While still mainly mobile, Vets to Go recently established a surgery and wellness centre.

Vets to Go sees itself as the largest mobile veterinary company in Canada. It has seven vets working in multiple cities, explains Wendy.

The company covers an area including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Airdrie and Cochrane.

Her business partner, Greg Habstritt, specializes in marketing.

Wendy was surprised and excited when her business was honoured by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Since the city has many “amazing Photo by Brad Quarin to Go visits with canine businesses,” she says, “it was overwhelming to win the big award.”

She believes they successfully demonstrated innovation and “accelerated growth.”

While Calgary provided a lot of competition, the Deloitte Start-Up Award was still “pretty crazy,” Wendy says. She believes there were 800 nominations.

“It was exciting, because there’s a lot of women in business and doing a lot of different industries,” she says. To simply be listed among them was special.

Also, she was able to meet many of these successful women at the event.

Vets to Go was the finalist for Western Canada, facing finalists from Eastern and Central Canada.

Besides accelerated growth and innovation, Vets to Go demonstrated giving back to the community, with $100,000 donated to animal rescues, she says.

This and the distinctive nature of the business were enough for Vets to Go to prevail and win the award.

Two “extremely proud” people are Wendy’s parents, Doug and Lee, of Beaver Mines.

“Wendy’s had the courage and drive and personality to be capable of whatever she wanted to do,” Lee says.

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Everyone benefits from the Spirit of Giving at Spry

By Erin Fairhurst Food Bank. She If you’re says that the Karma worried that you yoga schedule may have found includes something yourself on Santa’s for everyone and naughty list this that all levels are holiday season, welcome to attend. fear not — there’s “It’s a great way a way for you to to keep up with put things right. some movement And even if over the holidays you’re still in Sanwhen regular ta’s good books, classes aren’t in why not head session,” she adds. down to Spry, Carmen Clark located on main is a new instructor street Blairmore, at Spry, having to keep the good recently moved will flowing? from Calgary. “The This holiday first class that I Photo by Erin Fairhurst season, from Dec. teach at Spry will Trying to find some balance during the busy holidays? Spry is offer15 to Jan. 9, Spry be a Karma yoga ing special Karma yoga sessions, and all proceeds will be donated is hosting special class,” she says. to a charity of the instructor’s choice. Pictured are instructors Carsessions called “That’s a pretty men Clark, left, Penny MacPhail and Jenn van der Veen. Missing are Karma yoga, as good way to start, I Sarah Thomsen and Sarah-Dash Arbuckle. part of a project think!” called the Spirit of Giving. All classes are by donaCarmen will be raising money for the Family tion, and the proceeds all go towards a charity of Violence Awareness and Education program, which the instructor’s choice. is administered by the Crowsnest Pass Women’s “The instructors are all donating their own Resource Centre. time,” says manager Laurie Lowe, adding that the Longtime yoga instructor Sarah Thomsen idea for the Spirit of Giving stemmed from Spry will also be donating her time, and will be raising co-owner Susan Lowe-Wilde. money for the newly formed group Crowsnest “The instructors just completely embraced it, Pass Creative Minds, in hopes that the funds can and are being very generous.” help facilitate public art installations for the entire Five instructors are involved, and each is offercommunity to enjoy. ing a different class in hopes of raising money for a Health Hub owner and naturopathic doctor cause that holds a special place in her heart.

Sarah-Dash Arbuckle is the final yoga instructor Instructor Jenn van der Veen travelled to Haiti donating her time for the Spirit of Giving. last year to raise money for Missionaries of the Sarah-Dash is also a doula and her nurturing Poor Orphanage, and is fundraising for the charity ways are well known throughout Crowsnest Pass. again this year. She plans to return early in the new So, it is unsurprising that her donations will go year — and she’ll be delivering in person all of the towards the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre’s labour money she’s raised. and delivery room.

“Holidays are a stressful time of year, and it’s a There are many great benefits to yoga, and, time where people need yoga the most,” she says. thanks to the Spirit of Giving, those benefits will be “This is a great way to do something nice for youreven more plentiful this holiday season. self, and for someone else at the same time.”

To see a complete schedule of this special sesPenny MacPhail will be accepting donations, sion of Karma yoga, please visit the Spry page on either food or monetary, for the Crowsnest Pass Facebook or stop by and see them in Blairmore.

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December 2, 2015

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December 2, 2015

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

My Little Corner As the calendar pages are flipped to December each year, a sense of renewed generosity blossoms.

All around us are opportunities to share our bounty, and the best part is that it doesn’t need to cost anything. The gift of a smile, a helping hand or a conversation has as much value as a financial donation.

Assistance is needed for projects like assembling food hampers, and volunteer time is a valued commodity we can all give.

Kindness and compassion are meaningful gifts. For many, this will be the first Christmas since the passing of a loved one. Words aren’t always necessary, and a hug can go a long way toward healing a broken heart.

Loss stays with us forever, and this holiday is the one when we tend to miss most those who are no longer with us.

The spirit of giving can make a huge difference.

Many stories in this week’s paper highlight specific ways you can help out in the community, along with activities to share in the joy of the season.

Demand is high at the food banks at Christmas and on into the winter. We can be proud of the numerous efforts to support those in need.

There are many occasions to come together in song. Raising voices together is powerful and good for our souls.

Local retailers go out of their way to bring their

An editorial by Shannon (Robison) Robin best deals to us at this time of year as well. It’s a tough market against online and big-city shopping.

I’m an advocate for local shopping on a regional level. Between Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass, we aren’t wanting for much.

It makes a difference when you shop locally. These are the businesses that sponsor community sports, service clubs and events. If we stop supporting them, they will eventually have no alternative but to stop backing our communities. Every dollar spent at home is an investment in the future of our towns.

In this season of hustle and bustle, we should be mindful of taking care of ourselves and finding time and avenues for relaxation.

Adult colouring books are a popular gift item this year. I have one at home, and enjoy the downtime when I pull out my old crayons and coloured pencils to work on the intricate designs.

If you haven’t tried it, you should. There’s a colouring sheet on page 19 that can be used by all ages. You can even enter your masterpiece in our colouring contest for your chance to win one of four $25 gift cards.

Another gift you can give this Christmas is the sharing of a story or greeting. You can find more information at the bottom of page 26.

We each have gifts worth sharing, now and all year through.

Share your stories and news ideas! Positive submissions, letters to the editor and photos are always welcome.

Submit to news@shootinthebreeze.ca Editorial deadline is Thursday at 4 p.m.

www.shootinthebreeze.ca Shootin’ the Breeze is available digitally 24/7 Daily story posts, submitted sports scores, photos, weather warnings and more!

By Brad Quarin First Student in Pincher Creek is once again leading a drive to help ensure all local families have a good Christmas dinner.

The business will have a bus available to fill with food and cash donations for the Junction food bank. Stuff a Bus will be going on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ranchland Mall.

Sharon Roberts, location manager for First Student, borrowed the campaign idea from Edmonton Transit and first brought it to Pincher Creek two years ago.

This time, First Student is partnering with the Pincher Creek Lions for the campaign, says Anne Gover, supervisor at McMan Youth, Family and Community Services. Co-op is also selling food bags.

Last year saw a lot of bags on every seat and on the floor, Sharon says.

This community-mindedness partly explains why First Student was named large business of the year by the Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce. Stay tuned for that story.

A positive voice in southern Alberta sharing personal and business success and community events.

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Editorial

First Student wants a stuffed bus for Christmas

Shannon (Robison) Robin, Publisher – Design, Writing, and Photography Cary Robison – Editing, Printing, Accounting, Tech Brenda Shenton – Administrative Assistance, Calendar of Events and Photography Brad Quarin – Writing and Photography Jessica Jensen – Pincher Creek Advertising Sales Erin Fairhurst – Crowsnest Pass Ad Sales, Writing and Photography Lois Johnston – Editing Gary Andrews – Crowsnest Pass Distribution Lily and Stan Skahl – Pincher Creek Distribution

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Page 7

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43

General Meeting Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.

Upstairs at the Legion

There will be an election of officers and a notice of motion All members are encouraged to attend Memberships are now due – be an early bird!

Christmas Tree Sale

Friday, Dec. 4 – 3 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Legion parking lot Photo by Brad Quarin

Staff of the Rum Runner start the day off in the kitchen. From left are server Daniele Ouellette, general manager Tim May, chef Nikki May and apprentice chef Kris Potts. The Coleman restaurant was recently named business of the year by the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce.

Atmosphere defines C.N.P. business of the year

By Brad Quarin One thing that definitely characterizes the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce business of the year is its atmosphere. We refer, of course, to the Rum Runner.

“I would class it as a typical rustic Canadian saloonstyle business, and it’s themed on the Prohibition era,” says general manager Tim May. “We have a great atmosphere and ambiance in the building.”

The rustic decor, live entertainment and sporting events contribute to its distinctive and relaxed feel.

The Rum Runner offers Canadian cuisine and “comfort food” like burgers and steaks, all homemade rather than packaged, says Tim. Despite the saloon style, the Rum Runner is nonetheless “very kid-friendly” and includes a children’s menu as well as dishes specific to seniors. Tim thinks it’s great when seniors come in.

The business of the year award goes to a chamber member that mainly serves Crowsnest Pass and is involved in the community.

The chamber also recognized the Coleman pub and restaurant for employing 30 people for a portion of the year and quadrupling its sales in the past seven years.

The Rum Runner made $2 million in the last year, up from $500,000 seven years ago. The business is now 11 years old.

Tim, who has been with the Rum Runner for eight years, attributes that success to great service and staff,

including the efforts of owner Jody Wood.

There are currently 25 people working in the Rum Runner, with growth to 30 in the busier summer season. Most are employed as servers and kitchen staff.

The philosophy behind their customer service is simple. “I always say to my staff, you treat the customer as you would expect to be treated yourself,” he says.

Servers show respect, are polite and make sure a visitor has a drink.

The Rum Runner is also an active member of the community. The business makes donations to various charities, such as Ducks Unlimited and Darcy’s Nature Walk, and is regularly present at events such as Taste of Crowsnest and the Art of Chocolate.

Over the years, the menu has grown from two pages to six, thanks to “well-trained” chefs, Tim’s 30 years of catering experience and customer feedback. The menu is changed twice each year.

Last summer, the Rum Runner produced 1,000 burgers per month, he says. Tim’s own favourite item on the menu is fish and chips, reflecting his British heritage. The fish and chips are pretty popular, he says.

He is “absolutely delighted” with the business of the year award. Given eight years of effort and 11 from Jody, and contributions from past and present staff, the award is “the icing on the cake,” he says. “Long may it continue.”

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December 2, 2015

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Greenhouse celebrates Christmas and small-business award

By Brad Quarin Pincher Creek greenhouse and renamed it Winter may have brought an end to the after their former business. regular season for Perfect Posies Greenhouses They got to work cleaning and repairing in Pincher Creek, but, for a ninth year, the the building. “It needed a burst of energy,” says greenhouse has reopened for the Christmas Marj. season.

She found community response to the new Perfect Posies is welcoming visitors and greenhouse to be positive. “I think Pincher Christmas shoppers back for the first time Creek has been really ready for us and good since winning the small-business award at the for us and good to us,” she says. “We’ve Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Comgot really good customers and I think they merce Awards of Excellence. appreciate having a good greenhouse close to The award goes to a business, with 14 or home.” fewer employees, that demonstrates commuNext spring will be the start of their 10th nity spirit. Perfect Posies has about 10 staff season. in its busy season, and owners Ken and Marj The business has also demonstrated its Starke credit the award and the longevity of community spirit by backing Communities the business to their staff. in Bloom, giving discounts to the Pincher “They’re all really good people,” Marj says.

Planters and hosting the awards for Christmas “It’s a lot of fun when we get in full-swing lights.

Photo by Brad Quarin planting mode. A lot of dirt happens.”

The efforts of the Pincher Planters helped Ken and Marj Starke of Perfect Posies GreenMost of the staff of Perfect Posies are the town win the class of champions (small) houses are open for the Christmas season. women. They begin their regular season on category in the national Communities in April 1, with sales lasting until the end of July.

Bloom competition this year. It’s the group However, they are sometimes open in August as well. that deserves the credit for taking care of the plants, Marj says.

She describes the business as “many things.” It is a greenhouse offerThe greenhouse is open for the Christmas season until Dec. 23. ing seeds, bedding plants and hanging baskets. They also help customers “It’s getting quite a good following, because it’s different. It offers fresh with growing trees, shrubs and tomato plants. things,” she says.

The tomato plants grown at Perfect Posies, which can be moved and Perfect Posies doesn’t sell seeds during wintertime, but they do replanted in a customer’s garden, are suited to our climate. They prosupply Christmas shoppers with indoor blooming plants like amaryllis duce fruit quickly, which fits our shorter growing season, and they are bulbs and table centres with “fresh greenery.” Customers can learn how delicious. Marj grew 150 pounds of these tomatoes in her own private to make their own table centres and other items at Christmas classes. garden this year.

For the Christmas open house this Friday and Saturday, visitors can “We’re very proud of what we grow, because we do grow it and we enjoy the decorations, buy “bundles of greenery” and enter a draw for have really great quality in our plants, and great variety,” she says. prizes.

Perfect Posies has its roots in Ken and Marj’s flower shop of the same The Starkes are also looking forward to getting ready for the 2016 name in High River. Seeking to “branch out,” the couple purchased the spring season.

Thank You!

The ladies of the Crowsnest Pass Royal Purple Lodge #159 would like to thank the vendors and all who attended our 17th annual Christmas in the Mountains Craft Sale held Nov. 13 and 14, 2015.

We would also like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make this a very successful event.

Also, many thanks to the musicians for their lovely music and songs for the two days.

All raffle prizes were won and claimed by the delighted winners.

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Shootin’ the Breeze

December 2, 2015

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Rodeo queen reflects on her reign

By Erin Fairhurst admits, adding that the pressure Chelsea Stokke saddled up for was exacerbated by the fact that she a wild week at the Canadian Finals was riding horses she’d never ridden Rodeo in Edmonton last month as before. she vied for a chance to be the next On the day she was to be judged Miss Rodeo Canada. The Pincher on her public speaking, Chelsea Creek resident says the experience is awoke and was alarmed to disone she’ll never forget. cover that she was feeling under the “I have always loved the sport of weather. “I was sick and I needed to rodeo,” says Chelsea, who has held give a speech,” she recalls. “I knew I the title of Little Miss Rodeo Pincher wasn’t 100 per cent, but either way, I Creek as well as Miss Rodeo Pincher was getting it done!”

Creek. “I’ve been riding horses my In a week punctuated by entire life.” moments of stress, there were also Back in 2011, Chelsea’s good some incredible highs. “Meeting friend Kate Fullerton encouraged her little kids is one of my favourite to enter a local rodeo queen compeparts about being a rodeo queen,” Photo by Shannon (Robison) Robin tition, and Chelsea was determined says Chelsea, noting that she and her Chelsea Stokke, shown at the 2015 Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo, has been local to one day make it to the Canadian fellow contestants also visited the rodeo royalty since 2011.

She recently competed for the title of Miss Rodeo CanFinals Rodeo.

Stollery Children’s Hospital during ada.

“My goal was to get to where I the week. went — to the finals of Miss Rodeo Chelsea’s ultimate highlight from Canada,” says Chelsea. “Of course every girl’s hope is to win, but win or the week was getting to ride in one of the opening acts of the Canadian lose, I just really wanted to enjoy the whole experience and to learn someFinals Rodeo. “It was the best moment of my life,” she says. “I couldn’t wipe thing new.” the grin off my face. I kept thinking to myself, ‘How often does this hapThe title went to Samantha Stokes of Grande Prairie, and Chelsea’s sinpen?’ ” cere wishes of support for the new Miss Rodeo Canada are evident.

Now that Chelsea is home, she no longer holds the title of Miss Pincher “Samantha is a close friend of mine, and I couldn’t be happier for her.”

Creek Rodeo, but she looks back on her tenure with a sense of pride.

Chelsea and her fellow contestants spent a gruelling week in Edmonton “I feel especially proud of representing Pincher Creek at the CFR and being evaluated on their public speaking skills, the quality of their answers promoting our community and our rodeo,” she says. “Being a rodeo queen during personal interviews, their poise on the runway and, of course, their isn’t just about being pretty and riding horses. You’re an ambassador for horsemanship skills. rodeo and for your community, and you’ve got a job to do.”

“The riding test was one of the most stressful days of my life,” Chelsea Thanks, Chelsea, for gettin’ the job done. You’veAlberta’s doneAffordable us proud!

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Community groups plan toy and clothing giveaway

By Brad Quarin If you’re a parent with a closet full of children’s clothing, you have a chance to clear it out and give second life to the clothes and toys your child has outgrown.

The Pincher Creek Parent Link Family Centre has borrowed a Doritos truck to collect gently used clothing, books and toys for ages five and under.

Donations will be accepted until the children’s clothing, book and toy giveaway, to be held Friday and Saturday at the Napi Friendship Centre.

“It’s great, because kids go through their clothes so quickly that it’s really nice to be able to share them with everybody,” says Colette Sinnott, Parent Link program facilitator.

Sinnott Farm lent its Doritos van for collecting donations. The truck will be used to hold the donations until the giveaway, and then to transfer

them to the Napi Centre.

Meanwhile, “the driving force” behind the giveaway is Diane Bowen-Oczkowski, Colette says.

The event is a collaboration of Brighter Futures, the Napi Centre, Parent Link, and McMan Youth, Family and Community Services.

The Parent Link Centre will also take donations of money, which will be used for Christmas food hampers.

Winter jackets are especially in need, and sometimes donations to the giveaway include maternity clothes. Generally, any kind of children’s clothing is appreciated.

The clothes are available to whomever needs them and in whatever amount is needed. This includes parents, grandparents and caregivers.

The giveaway runs from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

CP Holiday Train is rolling into town

By Brad Quarin Santa Claus isn’t the only one coming to town this December.

Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass can look forward to another visit from the CP Holiday Train on Dec. 13.

Each year, the Holiday Train chugs through Canada and the United States, stopping in host communities and collecting food and cash donations for their food banks. It was last seen in Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek in 2013.

Each stop brings not only an effort to support the host community’s food bank, but also a concert for the delight of spectators. This year’s performers are country and rock singers Jim Cuddy and Devin Cuddy and country singer Kelly Prescott.

The train is expected to stop at Pincher Station at 11:05 a.m.

Anne Gover, supervisor at McMan Youth, Family and Community Services, says the Junction food bank has reached out to the town and other charitable groups to welcome the train.

Different community organizations will serve hot chocolate and cookies to the crowd and a bus will take people from Main Street to Pincher Station for $2. The Lundbreck fire brigade is also planning to start a bonfire.

At the Angels Within Us fundraiser, McMan auctioned off four tickets to ride the Holiday Train to Crowsnest Pass for $1,300, Anne says. She believes Mountain Radio will be auctioning off two more tickets on Monday morning.

Since the Junction can buy food in bulk, Anne says cash donations would be appreciated on Dec. 13. A donation of $50 could buy a food hamper.

Then, at 1:05 p.m., the train is expected to stop in Coleman, south of 17th Avenue and 69th Street.

The Crowsnest Pass Food Bank has been preparing for the visit by putting up posters and talking to the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad about collecting donations, says co-ordinator Desiree Simoneau.

The Quad Squad has a truck and trailer to fill with donations. Desiree says the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank is particularly in need of pasta sauce, canned soups and rice.

Given this year’s partnership between Canadian Pacific Railway and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, there will be an emphasis on healthy and nutritious foods. These might include canned vegetables and fruits or unfrosted cereals, she says.

With the Holiday Train arriving on a Sunday this year, Desiree hopes more people will be able to enjoy the entertainment and help with donations.

December 2,, 2015

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 11

p O ening! d n a r G Artist’s Touch

Custom Picture Framing Photography – Fine Art Gallery

Saturday, Dec. 5

Our doors opened Dec. 1, and we are hosting a community meet and greet on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Please pop by on Saturday to enjoy some free refreshments and giveaways and enter your name to win a free photo session!

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Located in historic downtown Coleman Next door to the Legion

Page 12

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 2, 2015

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Shopping made easy with

Dragon’s Heart Quilt Shop!

Have the quilter in your life make a wish list at our store!

Photos by Brad Quarin

The Crowsnest Pass Boys and Girls Club met and posed questions to MP John Barlow and municipal councillors Shar Cartwright and Bill Kovach recently. Afterwards, the politicians joined the kids in a team-building exercise, making towers out of pasta and playdough. At left, Bill Kovach works with Avery. At right is the team with the winning tower – Merrisa, left, Cameron, John Barlow, Cora and Myla.

Leaders team up with boys and girls

By Brad Quarin Our politicians recently got one of the most hands-on opportunities you could imagine to work with the young generation.

To go along with National Child Day in late November, the Boys and Girls Club of Canada had a Local Elected Officials Day, also known as LEO Day. By a stroke of luck, Foothills MP John Barlow was in Blairmore that day, says Karey Lee Watanabe, program director for the local club. He was able to join municipal councillors Shar Cartwright and Bill Kovach in meeting the Crowsnest Pass Boys and Girls Club.

The ideal politician ought to be able to communicate and achieve things with youth, and the three visiting politicians were able to do just that in a team-building exercise.

“Teamwork is really essential,” Mr. Barlow said.

The children split into groups of three and began

building towers with uncooked pasta and playdough, with a 10-minute time limit. A politician joined each group.

Although each group was able to build a tall tower, they all became a little shorter when they had to stand freely and parts fell off. The winning group, at 45 centimetres high, consisted of Mr. Barlow, Merrisa, Cameron, Cora and Myla.

Before the pasta scramble, the young club members were able to ask the politicians tough questions about their need for a new bus and clubhouse.

“We’ll try and come up with some ideas to help you get your new bus,” Mr. Barlow said.

The children also asked the MP for his favourite colour. He said blue, coincidentally his party’s colour.

Some questions were more global minded, as one child asked what Canada can do for Syrian refugees.

The day was a fine step towards bringing together children and government.

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December 2, 2015

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 13

New president has big plans for the Métis local

By Brad Quarin Gail McLenaghan, a founding member of Local Council Chinook 1880 of the Métis Nation of Alberta, is once again leading the group. She was acclaimed president at the start of November.

Gail had been inactive for a period of time while she was caring for her parents, who have since passed away.

“My mom was so proud to be a Métis, so in honour of her, I decided to get back into it,” Gail says. “I miss her every day.”

Métis have both First Nations and European ancestry, and are recognized by our constitution as one of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. They can be properly regarded as one of Canada’s founding peoples.

The organization, which has an office in Pincher Creek, promotes the rights, culture and history of the people.

Gail started the local group with Frances Riviere and Gordon Campbell in 2001.

Before then, they were part of the Lethbridge group, where Gail was president. It was too much driving, though, so they branched off and formed their own

local, with Gail as president for its first three years.

“I think it’s a very strong local,” she says. “There’s quite a few Métis around here.”

Having taken the presidency again, her role will be to guide the group and its board. “We’ve got a pretty good board now, so you’re going to hear our name a lot more,” she says.

Soon after retaking the position, Gail managed the group’s activities for Métis Week, including a flag-raising at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village and a meet-and-greet at the Provincial Building office.

The local also has a regular youth program, which teaches the youth about the Métis way of life and history.

They arrange a variety of activities including a trip to Fort Edmonton to become trappers, planned for the new year. Then in February, the children will go to Canmore for dog sledding.

An annual event in which the local is involved is the Métis in the Mountains Asihawak Festival, where Photo by Brad Quarin anyone can share the experience of Métis culture.

Gail McLenaghan is the new president Meetings are held the second Monday of the month of the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Chinook at 7 p.m. at the Provincial Building in Pincher Creek.

1880 Local.

Turning Pointe Dance Studio Winter Classes – Pincher Creek Turning Pointe Dance Studio is pleased to present a new winter session at the Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek.

This 12-week session begins January 4, for a cost of $165.

Miss Meagan 3:30 – Tinytots (3-4 years) 4:15 – Kindercombo (5 years) 5:00 – Jazz/Hip Hop (6-9 years) 5:45 – Primary Ballet (6-10 years) 6:30 – Beginner Acro (6-9 years) 7:15 – Beginner Acro (10+ years)

Miss Katrina 5:00 – Musical Theatre (6-13 years) 5:45 – Jazz/Hip Hop (10+ years)

Schedule Subject to chance pending enrolment

See www.turningpointedance.ca for class descriptions To register, please contact our main studio in Hillcrest at 403-562-7730 Studio Hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

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Page 14

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 2, 2015

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

News from Huddlestun Senior Centre

By Joyce McFarland What is snow? You shovel it by the ton out of your driveway. It drifts and sifts across the highway like a bride’s veil when you are driving. It piles up in a grey slush on the sidewalks yet it is pristine and sparkling on every fir tree in town. Jim Fitzpatrick loves it, but this little old lady, celebrating her 91st birthday last week, wished it was in the hot place.

How did you cope with all its different roles last week?

The windows at the Huddlestun Centre have been in a sad state for many years. We are very grateful that our landlord, the Town of Pincher Creek, included replacement costs in a recent grant decision.

During the November on-again off-again weather, Sure Glass installed tinted panes with secure seals — first-class workmanship that has got rid of the streaky windows and the glare of the sun.

Terry Oczkowski has replaced the pockets in the pool table so there is no fear of losing the eight ball anymore.

The members’ Christmas party is arranged for Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Legion. Gather about 5 p.m. for a social hour and burn your steak when you are ready. Sign up at the centre by Dec. 4 so the Legion staff can have all the fixin’s ready for you.

During November, after a request for would-be artists to bring some of their pictures for display, we had such a wonderful response and the west wall is now an art gallery of local talent. The whole place is at once bright and interesting and we thank you for the compliments we have received. Rae Olds and Gloria LeBlanc did much of the work arranging the pictures for best advantage.

At the last board meeting we had input and discussion with a member of the duplicate-bridge club. The group makes up a sizeable number of our membership and we certainly try to promote the idea that all members are welcome at the board meetings.

All the regular programs are scheduled for December — check your calendar. The Adult Learning Centre will be using our facility every Tuesday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. There will be no board meeting in December and the monthly Friday afternoon bingo will be held Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m. instead of the following Friday, which is Christmas Day. There will be a fun Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 19, starting at 2 p.m. Bring snacks and finger food, whatever turns your crank, and an exchange gift, under $10, to add to the holiday jollity. There is a sign-up sheet on the counter so that the hostess can be sure of the beverage supply.

Whether we have a green or a white Christmas, it is time to look back at the happy events of 2015 and look ahead with hope and good health for next year.

The kids used to sing a song: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” It’s a bit late for me but I’m going to give it a try. How about you? Merry Christmas.

Crestview Lodge Christmas Tea & Bazaar Thursday, December 3 From 2 - 4 p.m.

Christmas Baking Homemade Crafts Door Prizes and Raffle Admission $5 at the Door Everyone is Welcome!

978 Hyde Street Pincher Creek

We’ve got your holiday advertising needs covered

Book your space today! ads@shootinthebreeze.ca Crowsnest Pass Sales Rep Erin Fairhurst 403-563-8673 Pincher Creek Sales Rep Jessica Jensen 403-904-2227

Notice to Members of

RCL Ladies Auxiliary #43 Election of Officers Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

Notice Date Change Please come and join us before the meeting for steaks and a fun evening!

Steaks are being cooked at 6 p.m.

RSVP for steaks to Lou at 403-627-3045 or Rose at 403-627-4217

by Dec. 9.

Merry Christmas!

PINCHER CREEK FOUNDATION

INVITATION TO CRESTVIEW LODGE There will be a presentation and information session on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m., at Crestview Lodge, featuring the New Crestview Lodge Building project.

Berry Architecture & Associates will present the New Lodge design and there will be an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.

We invite all interested parties to come and hear about this exciting new project in our community and how it will enhance Seniors Retirement Living at Crestview Lodge.

David Leishman, BC-HIS Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner

Drew Leishman Hearing Aid Technician

Will be in BLAIRMORE on Wednesday, December 16th Liscombe Chiropractic Clinic at the post office building 12525-20th Ave., Blairmore

9am to 12pm

We offer: • Service on all hearing aid models • Fresh batteries for sale • Professional hearing tests • 30-day trial

Leishman’s HearingLife Canada is the leader in Computerized Hearing Aid technology which helps you hear better in noise

CALL 1-888-439-8968 NSP-USP-SHTB

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

December 2, 2015

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 15

Photo by Rachel Newrick

Thank you, Crowsnest Curling Bruce Street presents $381.80 and three boxes of food to Flora Griffith for the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank. Bruce was one of 25 curlers who participated in the Crowsnest Pass Curling Funspiel, held Nov. 21. Six teams played three games and helped out the food bank.

Hotdogs by the CCHS Leadership Class On Sale for $2 FREE Hot Chocolate and Coffee from Coleman Community Society Candy bags for the kids Wagon rides

Photos by Brenda Shenton

Thank you, Rotary Club of Pincher Creek

There’s nothing better than seeing a community donation in action. Four-year-old Will Crook practises his craftsmanship at the workbench in the nature room at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre. The bench was donated by the Rotary Club of Pincher Creek and is heavily utilized during the Explore Together class held Tuesday mornings. In the photo inset are past, present and incoming presidents of the Rotary club — Scott Korbett, left, Philippe Francois and Dan Crawford — with Linda McKinnon of Parent Link.

Coleman Community Society’s 15th Annual

Christmas in the Park Sunday, Dec. 6 5 to 7 p.m.

Flumerfelt Park – Just off Highway 3 in Coleman Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy!

SANTA WILL ARRIVE BY 6 PM Get there early and get your candy bag from the Jolly Old Man himself!

A bonfire will help to warm you up as you enjoy wagon rides and Christmas winter fun in the park.

THANK YOU

Donations to the food bank gratefully accepted!

to everyone who helped in any way, and have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Stephanie Bruder

CHARITY DANCE Saturday, Dec. 19

Independent Presenter FEEL BEAUTIFUL LOOK BEAUTIFUL BE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT

at 8 p.m.

Excuses Tavern

780-838-9973 s.bruder@me.com

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Tickets Are Limited, Get Yours TODAY! $10 Advance, $15 at the door

100% of ticket sales goes to support Children’s World Daycare

To purchase tickets contact Children’s World Daycare 403-627-5009 All staff & board members

Give a Turkey for Christmas!

The Pincher Creek Legion, The Junction Food Bank and Parent Link need your help to fill 400 Christmas hampers this year Give a turkey, get a hoodie!

Courtesy of Crow Signs *

For information, call Fred at 403-627-5656 Sue at 403-627-4265 * Hoodies are available with the first 40 turkey donations!

Page 16

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 2, 2015

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Loved ones remembered with Trees of Hope

By Brad Quarin With the approach of Christmas, those who have lost loved ones can’t help but be conscious of their absence in the holiday celebrations.

To pay tribute to the departed and to support local hospitals at the same time, consider making a donation to the Trees of Hope in Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass.

In the Pass, the tree will be put up in the health centre lobby on Thursday.

Those who would like to purchase a bulb in memory of a loved one must do so before the end of the month, says Margaret Ann Woodward, who’s leading the project. Bulbs cost $5 each and can be purchased at the hospital tuck shop, or by calling her at 403-564-4485 or Margaret Stolk at 403-564-4734.

The Crowsnest Pass Hospital Auxiliary doesn’t have anything specific in mind to buy with money raised this year, Margaret Ann says. However, she will be talking to acute care about their needs later.

Last year, Trees of Hope funds bought two recliners for the palliative room lounge in extended care, for the comfort of patients’ families. The campaigners hope to raise between $600 and $700 this time, she says.

After the display in the lobby is taken down, bulbs can be picked up at the tuck shop and taken home.

Trees of Hope has been a tradition in Pincher Creek for 25 years.

With a donation, a name is placed on the display in the Pincher Creek Health Centre, says Donna Schauerte, chairwoman of the Windy Slopes Health Foundation.

A donation can be made in memory of a loved one, or simply to support the foundation. There is also a display outside the hospital, indicating that the campaign is underway.

This year, the foundation is hoping to do upgrades to the labourdelivery suite, Donna says. Specifically, members want a wireless fetal monitor that will allow moms to walk around while the fetus is monitored. Another infant warmer is needed for babies immediately after birth, and new maternity beds would be more comfortable for moms in labour. The suite also needs new lighting.

Windy Slopes is unsure of the cost of these upgrades, Donna says.

However, the campaign received a spectacular kickstart when Shell replied to the foundation’s grant application by donating $25,000.

Rod Sinclair, community liaison officer for Shell Waterton Complex, says the grant was made through the social investment budget. The project fits the mandate to support the community’s health, education and environment.

Everyone will need to use the medical facility at some time, and the labour-delivery suite is an important part of it, he says.

Donations can be made at Pincher Creek Health Centre until Jan. 5.

Photo courtesy of Windy Slopes Health Foundation

Volunteers Donna Schauerte, Mark Barber, Cal Olson and Diana Shortt set up the Trees of Hope display in Pincher Creek.

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December 2, 2015

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 17

Get Your Party Trays Here!

Photo courtesy of Phil Cann

Students of the Nippon Institute of Technology pack a van full of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Standing, from left, are Tomohiro Nojo, Kota Fujisawa, Seiya Onasaka, Shou Miyata, Kazuaki Ito and Tatsuma Kitamura. Kneeling are Hiroki Minamida, Masahiro Narita, Yoshino Okubo, Risa Nakamura and Riko Tanimoto.

Pincher Creek Co-op has trays for all your entertainment needs. Co-op offers a wide assortment of meat, cheese and meat, fruit, veggie, dessert and sandwich trays to make your holidays easier.

Hundreds of shoeboxes filled with Christmas joy

By Brad Quarin Less-fortunate children in the developing world may have more joy this Christmas, thanks to local participation in Operation Christmas Child, a project of the Samaritan’s Purse organization.

Gary and Irene Piltingsrud placed a shopping cart, full of shoeboxes for people to fill, in Pincher Creek’s Ranchland Mall. Gary says the efforts of area residents yielded more than 100 shoeboxes of gifts, and that others in Pincher Creek also collected boxes.

In Crowsnest Pass, Operation Christmas Child was co-ordinated by the Nippon Institute of Technology. Its Japanese students helped gather gifts and pack shoeboxes, with NIT director Phil Cann reporting that 258 boxes were packed in Crowsnest Pass this year. This is up from 215 last year.

Phil says shoeboxes packed in Western Canada will be sent to Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Sierra Leone and Ukraine.

To avoid disappointment, please give us 24-hours notice on any tray orders.

403-627-2667

8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday

1300 Hewetson Ave.

Ranchland Mall

Page 18

Shootin’ the Breeze

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

December 2, 2015

Colouring Fun For All Ages!

Photos by Brad Quarin

Dancing and visiting make for a fun afternoon at Bellevue Legion The Bellevue Legion had a full house for its annual seniors Christmas party last week. In the photo above, Lorraine Kinnear, left, visits with Eve Vanderlinden. At right, Millie and Francis Therriault are the first couple on the dance floor.

Heritage Acres brings in the season with candlelight service and breakfast with Santa

By Brad Quarin An old-fashioned Christmas will arrive on Friday evening at Heritage Acres Farm Museum, with a new minister leading the non-denominational church service. This Heritage Acres tradition will be followed by a brand new Breakfast With Santa event on Saturday morning.

As with previous years, the service will take place by candlelight. Heritage Acres staff will need to turn off the heating during the service in Knox Presbyterian Church — formerly located near Granum — to prevent the candles from blowing out. Attendees can warm up again with coffee and snacks at the fellowship afterwards.

Everyone is welcome to attend, join in the singing and visit friends and family at the fellowship, says Daniel Stewart, executive director.

The event is an opportunity to enjoy an informal small-town celebration. The service isn’t intended to recreate a specific time period, though it will be reminiscent of the 1950s, he says.

In past years, this service was led by former pastor Jack Cullen, who is unavailable this year.

Heritage Acres and attendees are very fortunate to have retired minister Joyce Sasse taking his place, says Daniel.

The candlelight service will start at 7 p.m.

Breakfast With Santa begins the next morning at 8:30 a.m. and runs until noon. I always thought Santa lived on a straight diet of milk and cookies, but it turns out he and his guests will be having pancakes, with coffee and juice.

During this morning, there will also be crafts and rides on a wagon pulled by a tractor. At the same time, Christmas movies such as classic cartoons will be screened, providing children with a break from other activities.

Daniel explains that Heritage Acres wants a large family event in the winter, to complement celebrations in other seasons. They are trying out a half day of fun, with potential for the event to grow into a full day in future years. Pincher Creek Parent Link is providing manpower to help run the event.

“It will be a pretty busy morning,” Daniel says.

Breakfast With Santa is free for children 12 and under, $3 for older children and $5 for adults.

Grab your crayons, markers or coloured pencils and turn the design on page 19 into your own personal piece of art.

The detail of the design chosen is deliberate – intricate enough to interest adults, and large enough that even toddlers can create a colourful reindeer.

Colour for fun, or bring it in to enter your name for a chance to win one of four

$25 GIFT CARDS! The winners will be chosen in a random draw at noon on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015.

Drop your completed picture off at Shootin’ the Breeze 697A Main Street Pincher Creek or at Robin & Co. Chartered Accountant 2022 127 Street Blairmore

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

December 2, 2015

Shootin’ the Breeze

ALL-AGES COLOURING CONTEST

obin & Co.

Name: Phone:

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT DENNIS ROBIN, B. MGT., CPA, CA, CPA (ILLINOIS, USA)

Adult or Child:

Page 19

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Shootin’ the Breeze

December 2,, 2015

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Local students turn into marine biologists

By Brad Quarin This was Ryan’s Eight lucky teens first time in Mexico. advanced last month Another Livingfrom high school stustone School student, dents in rural Alberta Ethan Paridaen, has to marine biologists a house there, but in the seas of Mexico.

Panterra was still an Lundbreck’s entirely new experiLivingstone School ence for him. He got sent five boys to the to swim with whale Panterra program, sharks in waters joining two girls from where no boats are St. Michael’s School allowed, except for in Pincher Creek and research. one boy from Crows“It was an nest Consolidated extremely rare expeHigh School. rience,” Ethan says.

“It was the greatest The students week, ever,” says Ryan travelled to the Baja Grove, who comCalifornia Peninpleted Biology 30 at sula and then to Photos courtesy of Tracey Preston-Hucik Livingstone School. the Sea of Cortez, Teacher Tracey Preston-Hucik, centre, poses on the beach with students from Livingstone School and “It’s not something where they spent Crowsnest Consolidated High School on the Panterra trip to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. From left, the you get to see every the entirety of the students are Ryan Grove, Chris Cail, Simon Burke, Jayden Hucik, Ethan Paridaen and Brady Douglas. day.” program.

The Panterra Mexico’s atmoprogram offers eco-expeditions, courtesy of the Panterra Educational and sphere was “a shock” to Ryan, as he wasn’t used to the sea. The students Cultural Training Society. who joined them from Victoria were more accustomed to the environTeacher Tracey Preston-Hucik says Livingstone School has been ment. participating in Panterra for years. It is open to any high school biology CCHS student Simon Burke also welcomed “a good time in beautiful student who is interested and who pays a fee.

See MARINE BIOLOGISTS, continued on page 21

Getting Through Christmas Blue Christmas Service Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.

Treat yourself this holiday season with LED lights

At the former Foothills Community Church 1200 Ken Thornton Boulevard, Pincher Creek Getting through Christmas is something many people dread – particularly those who are grieving or those who have lost a sense of hope.

You do not have to face this difficult time alone.

You, your family and friends are invited to come for a “Blue Christmas Service of New Hope”.

The true Spirit of Christmas is embedded in the story of people who faced bewilderment and pain. It helps us remember their courage, their memories and the love that is so precious. As we recall the original story, possibly we can find hope renewed in our own lives.

The Blue Christmas service is sponsored by the Pincher Creek Ministerial, Eden’s and Snodgrass Funeral Homes.

Light Bars Flashlights

Headlamps Household Bulbs

Shop Lights Wall Packs And More!

Many more great ideas and deals at our new location!

403-627-1686 1178 Bighorn Avenue Pincher Creek

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Candlelight Service Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.

Officiated by Rev. Joyce Sasse Knox Presbyterian Church Heritage Acres Fellowship and snacks will follow the service.

Students saved this baby sea turtle during their Panterra trip.

MARINE BIOLOGISTS, continued from page 20 weather.” He enjoyed meeting the other students from Victoria.

During the entire eight-day trip, they stayed on a boat, which had small sleeping rooms.

The theme of the eco-expedition was marine biology, as the students would see an animal in its environment and then study it.

Snorkelling in the Sea of Cortez, the students sometimes swam with sea lions. Ethan found it “creepy” as the creatures would swim by and sometimes brush up against him.

“It’s their place, but they were fine with us there,” he says.

Swimming with whale sharks was another extraordinary experience.

Whale sharks don’t bite, but are so massive that being hit by one is serious, Tracey says.

So, the students took safety measures, trying to keep three metres away from the creatures. Swimming with the whale sharks was Ryan’s favourite part of the trip.

“I couldn’t comprehend how big it was,” he says.

Panterra taught the students a lot about the food chain, as they would use a spotlight to see krill, and then the fish that ate the krill, and then bigger fish that ate the smaller fish.

One surprising thing Ryan and Ethan learned about was the scorpionfish, a family of marine fish they had never heard of before.

They were less than a foot away from one, unaware it is one of the world’s most poisonous fish and can kill a person in 20 minutes.

For Ethan, the best part of the trip was saving the baby sea turtles, helping the little guys who hatched on the beach to get to the waters.

Seagulls, dogs and foxes pose threats to them.

While in Mexico, the students also performed service on behalf of their community, with Livingstone School delivering nine suitcases of school supplies donated by the community to Mexican schools. “It was a beautiful thing,” Tracey says.

Meeting the Mexican townspeople was one of Simon’s favourite parts of the trip. He found them “very humble and generous” and “completely welcoming and so kind.”

Ethan and Ryan both strongly recommend Panterra.

“If you have the opportunity, take it,” Ryan says. “You can’t talk it up enough. It’s insane.”

Saturday, Dec. 5 – 8:30 a.m. to noon Breakfast, crafting table, movies & hay ride Free for children 12 & under with adult $3 for children 12+ years, $5 for adults

All Are Welcome!

Pictures with Santa for a nominal fee

For information, 403-627-2082 or heritageacresfarmmuseum@gmail.com

Keith, Jose, Terry and the staff at Westcastle Motors would like to thank you for your patronage over the past year.

We wish you and your families all the best this holiday season, and have a Merry Christmas!

1100 Waterton Ave. Pincher Creek 1-888-209-3648 www.westcastlegm.com

Twin Butte Community Society Annual Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.

Please bring a non-perishable food item and cookies or squares for the social following.

For information, contact Becky at 403-627-2887

Thank you to our community members, Shell Waterton and the MD of Pincher Creek for the many volunteer hours and generous donations that keep our hall functioning!

It is community support that makes the Twin Butte Hall so special.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2016!

– Twin Butte Board of Directors

Sa comi nta is ng to o!

Page 22 Shootin’ the Breeze

December 2, 2015

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COFFEE BREAK Courtesy of Fix Auto

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We repair anything from steel and aluminum to plastic and fibreglass 403-627-1800 1071 Kettles Street Pincher Creek

Words to Live By No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

– Aesop

403-553-3636 603 12th Street Fort Macleod

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Thank you, RBC A generous donation from RBC Pincher Creek allowed the Napi Friendship Centre to pack 142 backpacks with school supplies. Elementary, junior and senior high students at Pincher Creek and Piikani Nation schools benefited from the donation. Pincher Office Products also donated two scientific calculators for use at the Napi Outreach School.

From left are Teri Harrison of Brighter Futures, Owna Scott of Napi, Napi president Wes Crow Shoe, Kayla Wolf Tail of RBC Pincher Creek, and Jason Plain Eagle and Andrea Anderson of Napi.

Photo by Brenda Shenton

Shootin’ the Breeze Business Directory See your ad here for as little as $13.60 per week. For information, call 403-904-2227 or email ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Dr. Adam T. Gorner

403-904-0099 www.rockyridgeeyes.ca

835 Kettles Street Pincher Creek

R. Roy Davidson Law Office Real Estate • Corporate/Commercial • Wills & Estates 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

403-627-3013 645 Main Street Pincher Creek

see us for all your accounting needs

Honouring Life’s Memories . . .

Eden’s Funeral Home

A division of Caringroup

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Dennis Novak

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Fantin’s Funeral Chapel 1-877-896-8555 13461 – 20 Ave. Blairmore www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca

Recipient of “Excellence in Customer Service Awards”

Pincher Creek Eye Clinic Dr. Bart Anderson

Dr. Laura Chisholm

403-627-2930 761 Main Street Pincher Creek

There’s no better time than NOW to quit smoking!

Just three sessions will get you on track!

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Gift certificates available

obin & Co. CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT

Pincher Creek Office

Open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

403-627-3313 697 Main Street Pincher Creek

Crowsnest Pass Office

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

403-562-2895 2022 127 Street Blairmore

403-627-4811

PINCHER CREEK DENTURE CLINIC

Dr. R. Wendrich TCMD, Reg. Acupuncturist 403-563-8105 Crowsnest Pass chinookfamilyacupuncture@hotmail.ca

Page 24

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Kathy Ames 1957 – 2015

Foster cat Angel checks out toys that can fill pet stockings and support the Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA at the same time.

Photo by Paul Attrel

Fill your pet’s stocking and help the SPCA

By Brad Quarin Christmas is a time to give thought to your loved ones, and for many pet owners, those loved ones include the furry members of the family.

With a little help from the Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA, pet owners have a chance to pick up gifts for their animals this season.

Fill a Stocking for the Dog/Cat You Love runs at Ranchland Mall from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 12.

“We are encouraging people to take whatever they need to bring joy to the animal companions in their lives,” says SPCA volunteer Simone Forget.

She explains that PetSmart Lethbridge often donates excess products to the shelters in Pincher Creek and Claresholm.

This time, PetSmart gave the SPCA 45 boxes of merchandise, worth thousands of dollars — “an amazingly generous donation,” says Simone.

Items pet owners might consider include Christmas-themed plush and plastic toys, balls, collars and leashes.

For pet owners who are concerned about their animals in winter, there will also be sweaters, hoodies, socks, boots and winter jackets. Pet owners can even choose a Santa hat or reindeer antlers. Some winter attire may be necessary if a pet has very short hair, or if it has been sheared recently.

Supplies to groom cats and dogs will also be available.

While the SPCA is offering the merchandise for free, pet owners can make a donation to the shelter at the same time.

“We are raising money to build a fence around our shelter property so that our dogs and cats have a safe, enclosed space to walk, run, and play,” Simone says. Currently, the volunteers take dogs on short walks for exercise. “Once we have an enclosed property, the dogs can be let out to play and run throughout the day, giving them the space and exercise they need to burn off energy and release stress.”

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathy Ames on Nov. 22, 2015.

Kathy was born Jan. 20, 1957, in Pincher Creek.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Ames; mother Irene Fraser; mother-in-law Charlotte Ames; daughter Kristi McRae (JP Winsor); stepson Jeremy Ames (Jodi); sister Bonny Fraser; brothers Bruce Fraser (Verna) and Douglas Fraser; sister-in-law Donna Gareau; grandchildren Hannah, Lane and Cade; nephews Kyle Green, Cody Fraser, Michelle (DJ) McNeill, Tony Gareau (Robyn); as well as other extended family.

Kathy was predeceased by her father, Fred, son Chad, stepson Christopher and niece Jasmine Fraser.

Kathy will always be remembered for her vivacious, free spirit. She was always there to lend a helping hand and strong shoulder to all who needed her.

Kathy has touched many lives and was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy’s memory to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 3100, 246 Stewart Green S.W., Calgary, AB, T3H 3C8.

Arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home, Pincher Creek 403-627-3131 or www.edensfuneralhome.com

Thank You The family of Ann Jackson wishes to thank you for your attendance, heartfelt words and support at the memorial for their mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Thank you so much to everyone who sent flowers, food and cards, for all the hugs and expressions of sympathy and for the phone calls and charitable donations.

Special thanks to her many caregivers at Vista Village, to Snodgrass Funeral Chapel for their care and compassion, Pastor Andrew Craig for the beautiful service, and the Therriault family for the lovely musical tribute.

Thanks also to Simply Catering and staff for the wonderful lunch and to Loretta Packham (Mrs. P) for the love shown towards our family.

All of these things will be remembered always.

Verna McMaster, Linda and Tim Oczkowski, Cathy and Doug Crook, Robert and Audrey Jackson, Lorne and Cindy Jackson, Don and Shannon Jackson, Dixie and Bob Millar and their families.

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Page 25

Shootin’ the Breeze Business Directory

See your ad here for as little as $13.60 per week. For information, call 403-904-2227 or email ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL GOODS AND SERVICES The Bin Bandit

Stoneworks & Eavestroughing

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For easy, convenient, waste removal!

403-627-7313 Pincher Creek

Call Jennifer or Tom 403-627-8133

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jpwalsh@shaw.ca Pat Walsh Pincher Creek

Juan & Suzanne Teran Renovations • Custom Cabinetry & Closets • Commercial • Furniture

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“Your junk is our treasure”

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• Steel Sales • Fabrication • Repair • Portable • Drill Stem Sales Range Road 6-0

Aztec Cabinets

www.hilltopmanufacturing.com 403-627-1885 lorne@hilltopmanufacturing.com

Blairmore Precision Machining & Welding Ltd. COMMERCIAL – INDUSTRIAL – RESIDENTIAL

403-562-2884 3630 - 18th Ave. – Coleman, AB www.blairmoreprecision.com

Sentinel Industrial Park

CALL NOW FOR GARBAGE REMOVAL

Sonny’s Lock & Key

• Commercial • Residential • Industrial

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

Ph: 403-627-3585 Cell: 403-627-8844

info@southwestwaste.ca www.southwestwaste.ca

403-339-0133 403-627-4292

Trucking Ltd. Lucas Sorge

P.O. Box 684 | 1176 Big Horn Avenue | Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

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Enjoy weekly exposure at an economical price

Advertising deadline is 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication

Discounted pricing is offered with prepayment and term bookings.

See your ad here for as little as $15.30 per week

2,200 print copies of the Breeze are distributed to Pincher Creek, MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and Brocket each week.

697A Main St. Pincher Creek

403-904-2227 jessica@shootinthebreeze.ca

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FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL Allen 403-627-4893 Curtis 403-627-9105 Pincher Creek

Cathy Kolesar 403-421-0216 403-627-4193

Seniors’ Discount Available

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Serving southern Alberta – Call Dean at 403-632-9285 – Free Estimates

Turnbull Trucking Hauling • Topsoil & Fill Crushed & Pit-Run Gravel

Gordon Turnbull 403-627-3690 • 403-627-8022 • 403-627-8701 • Residential • Commercial • Farm • Cell Phone Boosters • Maintenance • Generators: GENERAC & KOHLER

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Shop: 403-627-4361 Cell: 403-627-7615 lucas@sorgetrucking.ca www.sorgetrucking.ca

A.C.E. INSTALLATIONS

Pat’s EavEstroughing

5” continuous EavEs, soffit, fascia, cladding

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403-627-5756

Electrical Supplies Sales Counter

Book your directory ad today!

Contact Jessica at 403-904-2227 ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

1373A Hunter Street Pincher Creek www.ritelineelectric.com

Page 26

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December 2, 2015

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Crowsnest Pass has long-standing love for curling

By Brad Quarin Curlers are back at Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman this season — calling the shots, throwing the rocks and sweeping them into the house.

Curling is a popular pastime in Crowsnest Pass, but it is also a part of local heritage.

It wasn’t long after the first Crowsnest Pass communities were founded that people began curling. The Pass is also home to the Bunny Bonspiel, one of Alberta’s oldest surviving bonspiels.

“When I first started to curl, that’s all we had,” says Ron Collings. He has been curling for Ron Collings decades, and reflects on the popularity of the sport in its heyday.

“We had 40 women’s rinks curling twice a week.”

In the beginning, according to Crowsnest Museum, curlers played on natural ice and held bonspiels when weather allowed. Numerous trophies indicate curling competitions were held in the Pass in the 1910s and 1920s.

Curling clubs were established in each town in the Pass, and the large Crow’s Nest Pass Curling Association united curlers in a vast area from Lethbridge to Creston.

It wasn’t easy playing outdoors in the mountains. Chinook winds and warming weather persistently threatened to melt the ice and pre-

maturely shorten the curling season. Curlers began throwing straw on the ice to slow the meltdown.

According to Crowsnest Museum, the town of Frank finally established southern Alberta’s first indoor ice arena in 1914. Residents used a former zinc smelter as their arena until 1919.

Indoor ice arenas were subsequently built in Blairmore in 1921, Coleman in 1922 and Bellevue in 1923, with funding from the mining companies. All three arenas contained ice for both skating and curling, but still, they could be used only Joe Fortunaso when the weather was freezing.

Photos by Brad Quarin Ron, who curled in Bellevue, recalls how different it was on natural ice. The surface was less level and had to be cut. The same ice was used for curling and skating.

In 1946, Bellevue became the first town in Crowsnest Pass to have artificial ice. The next year, the town hosted a bonspiel at Easter, with springtime curling being unheard of before that. The Easter bonspiel attracted 31 curling teams, 11 coming from Coleman alone, and formed the foundation for the annual Bunny Bonspiel that continues to this day.

Longtime curler Joe Fortunaso recalls playing in the Bellevue Arena See CURLING, continued on page 27

Share your stories of the season and personal Christmas greetings in our Christmas issue!

You can be part of the Dec. 23 special issue of Shootin’ the Breeze!

Wish your friends, family and neighbours the best of season in about 50 words and we’ll share your greeting.

Do you have a story, Christmas memory, poem or artwork you would like to share?

We’re happy to include stories from our readers in our Christmas issue.

Please limit stories to 300 words and submit artwork or photography as high resolution jpg images.

Submission deadline for greetings and stories is Wednesday, Dec. 16 Please email to office@shootinthebreeze.ca You may also drop off your submissions to Shootin’ the Breeze at 697A Main Street in Pincher Creek, or to Robin & Co, Chartered Accountant at 2022 127 Street in Blairmore.

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Page 27

A big Thank You to all the BOOOOOtiful sponsors of the 2015 Crowsnest Pass Spookatuclar event.

40 Developmental Assets Aaron's Drywall Allied Arts Association Allied Tru Hardware Bellecrest Community Assoc.

Bellevue Underground Mine Black Rock Bakery Boys & Girls Club Brighter Futures Chakras Chamber of Commerce Chris' Restaurant Crowsnest Pass Library Coleman Community Society Coleman Lions Compassionate Friends Crowsnest Dental Crowsnest Licensing & Registry Crowsnest Museum Donna's ABC Daycare Early Childhood Coalition Fire & Rescue Fish & Wildlife Frank Slide Interpretive Centre Girl Guides of Canada Growing up in Greenwood

Photo courtesy of Crowsnest Museum

An archive photo shows an unknown Crowsnest Pass curling team. Let us know if you recognize any of these men. See more historical photos posted with the online story this week at www.shootinthebreeze.ca.

CURLING, continued from page 26 from 1948 and taking his daughters there in the ’60s. It was a big and sturdy building with steel girders. Originally, only the dressing rooms and main gathering place were heated, but gas was added later and the town contributed $500 for electricity.

He says his stepdad volunteered to put in the ice. “He didn’t want to get paid. He was just happy to see the kids skating there,” Joe says. At the end of the year, children were also treated to games, hot chocolate and hotdogs.

Hillcrest also had its own arena, but made it into a community hall after Bellevue converted to artificial ice, Joe says.

By 1955, Blairmore had a new arena and the Bellevue Arena was getting old, so the Easter Bunny Bonspiel was moved to Blairmore in 1956.

After the towns of Crowsnest Pass amalgamated in 1979, a new Crowsnest Sports Complex was built in Coleman. The Blairmore curling arena had shut down so the Bunny Bonspiel was moved again, this time to Coleman, in 1997.

While the Bunny Bonspiel is an old custom, Crowsnest Pass curlers have continued developing innovative tournaments in recent years. In 2006, the Crowsnest Curling Club thought curling in the dark might be fun, giving rise to the Miners Spiel, says organizer Tony Vastenhout.

With current generations learning the game, curling should continue to have an important place in this community for years to come.

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Child & Youth Events Calendar

Events and Entertainment – Full details are available in the Breeze online calendar – www.shootinthebreeze.ca Thursday, December 3 – Parent-tot and senior skating - 1 to 1:45 p.m. at Sports Complex in Coleman – Legomania family program - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Crowsnest Community Library in Blairmore – Children’s book club - 1 to 3 p.m. at Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek – Sparks - 6 to 7 p.m., Brownies - 6 to 7:30 p.m., Guides - 6 to 8 p.m. at Isabelle Sellon School science room in Blairmore – SPICE Play (ages 0-5) - 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – Crowsnest Indoor Playground - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Gymtastics (ages 0-5) - 10 to 11 a.m. at town hall gym in Pincher Creek – Gym Time (ages 0-5) - 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – Open play (ages 0-5 with parent/caregiver) - 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall Friday, December 4 – Crowsnest Pass Christmas in the Mountains - see ad on page 32 – Children’s clothing, book and toy giveaway - 3 to 7 p.m. at Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek – Santa Claus Parade - 6:30 to 7 p.m., Main Street in Blairmore – Friday matinee - 1:30 p.m. at Fox Theatre in Pincher Creek; admission by $2 donation or non-perishable food item, proceeds to Pincher Creek food bank – Children’s art class: Christmas project 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek – Crowsnest Indoor Playground - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue

– SPICE Play (ages 0-5) - 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – Sensational Friday (ages 0-5) - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – Free public skating - 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. at MCC Arena in Pincher Creek Saturday, December 5 – Children’s clothing, book and toy giveaway - 9 a.m. to noon. at Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek – Kids Christmas bazaar - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Compass Centre in Blairmore – Crowsnest Pass Christmas in the Mountains - see ad page 32 – Breakfast With Santa - 8:30 a.m. to noon at Heritage Acres Farm Museum near Pincher Creek Sunday, December 6 – Crowsnest Pass Christmas in the Mountains - see ad on page 32 – Coleman Community Society’s Christmas in the Park - 5 to 7 p.m. at Flumerfelt Park in Coleman – Free family skating - 4 to 5 p.m. at MCC Arena in Pincher Creek – Family skating - 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at Sports Complex in Coleman – Fort Macleod Royals baseball AGM - 3 p.m. at Young Parkyn McNab in Fort Macleod Monday, December 7 – Free yoga for children (ages 3-6) - 11 to 11:30 a.m. at Crowsnest Community Library in Blairmore – Crowsnest Indoor Playground - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – SPICE Play (ages 0-5) - 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School,

Coleman – Let’s Play (ages 0-5) - 9 to 11 a.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall – Amazing Artists (ages 0-5) - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – New and expecting moms group - 1 to 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall – Air cadets - 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. at Blairmore Elks Hall Tuesday, December 8 – Lunch and stories with Anne Gover noon to 2 p.m. at Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek – Sports booster club meeting - 7 p.m. at Livingstone School in Lundbreck – Parent-tot and senior skating - 1 to 1:45 p.m. at Sports Complex in Coleman – Junior curling league - 4 to 5 p.m. at rink in Pincher Creek – Crowsnest Indoor Playground - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – BRAT Pack (Bringing Reading and Activities Together) - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Crowsnest Community Library in Blairmore – SPICE Play (ages 0-5) - 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – Gym Time (ages 0-5) - 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – Let’s Explore Together (ages 0-5): nature-inspired learning - 9 to 11 a.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall – Let’s Get Messy With Play (ages 0-5): sensory play - 9 to 11 a.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall – Open play (ages 0-5 with parent/care-

giver) - 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall – Story-time dinner theatre (light supper) 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall Wednesday, December 9 – Red and Green day at Livingstone School in Lundbreck – Free parent-and-tot skating - noon to 1 p.m. at MCC Arena in Pincher Creek – Piikani Education Foundation youth night (ages 8-14) - 6 to 8 p.m. at Brocket Community Hall – Story time - 10 to 11 a.m. at Pincher Creek and District Municipal Library – Crowsnest Indoor Playground - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Let’s Play (ages 0-5) - 9 to 11 a.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall – SPICE Play (ages 0-5) - 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – Discovery Day (ages 0-5) - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Parent Link Centre in Horace Allen School, Coleman – Beavers (ages 5-7) - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Compass Centre in Blairmore – Cubs (ages 8-10) - 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Compass Centre in Blairmore – Story time - 1 to 2 p.m. at Crowsnest Community Library in Blairmore – Infant/toddler time (ages 0-2) - 10 to 11 a.m. at Pincher Creek Parent Link Centre in Ranchland Mall. Staff will supervise older siblings.

– Monkey Moves: explore gross motor play (ages 0-5) - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Monster Fitness in Pincher Creek – Free public skating - 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at MCC Arena in Pincher Creek

List your event by calling 403-904-2227 or emailing office@shootinthebreeze.ca Listings are free for non-profit groups, service clubs, schools, youth organizations and events advertised in the Breeze.

Proud to Support Our Community

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

December 2, 2015

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 29

Family Fun with Mary Lambert

Photo by Brad Quarin

Entertainer Mary Lambert gets children involved in her Family Fun show by dancing with them on stage. Over 20 kids showed up at M.D. McEachern Community Centre for the afternoon show, sponsored by the Early Childhood Coalition. There was also a pyjama party in the morning.

Shootin’ the Breeze Business Directory See your ad here for as little as $13.60 per week. For information, call 403-904-2227 or email ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

SPECIALTY SERVICES AND INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS Pioneer Country Christmas Farmers’ Market Friday, Dec. 11 – 1 to 6 p.m.

Great Christmas Gifts! Local Delights!

Art! Clothing! Blankets! Crochet! Honey! Leather goods! Decorations!

Cards! Baking! Jewelry! Sewing! Children’s items! And much, much more!

Pincher Creek Arena Lobby – 867 Main Street

For information, pincherpioneermarket@gmail.com or 403-627-4158 Sponsored by the Cowley Lions Club

Mystery Party Night Host a murder mystery party your friends will never forget!

Murder Mystery Party Kits Made locally and sold locally at Crockets Trading Company www.mysterypartynight.com

Grandpa’s Fix & Build Shop

Mary’s Doggy Day Care Holiday care for your pets

• Day-to-day and over night services • Fenced yard • Excellent rates • Small and medium dogs

403-632-8585 403-627-4794 997 Lawrence Street Pincher Creek

Call 403-628-0002 for information

Healthy Mind & Body

Kimberly Hurst

A wellness opportunity awaits ...

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Say GOODBYE to Monday-itis.

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TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH & WEALTH For more information, contact Jody Peebles @ timehealthwealthfreedom@gmail.com

Independent Consultant

403-628-2069

hurstfamily05@me.com www.kimberlyhurst.scentsy.ca

Rocky Mountain Taxidermy Bessie Desjardins 403-628-3977 121 Osler Street, Cowley

Page 30 Shootin’ the Breeze

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

December 2, 2015

CLASSIFIED ADS – You’ll find it here!

AUCTIONS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

UNRESERVED AUCTION. Heavy haul, highway trucks, trailers, light trucks, tools, fabrication equipment, plus much more.

Wed., Dec. 16, Acheson, Alberta; CenturyServices.com for more details.

SEEKING A CAREER in the Community Newspaper business? Post your resume for FREE right where the publishers are looking. Visit: awna.com/for-job-seekers.

UNRESERVED SPORTSMAN & Firearms Public Auction. Saturday, December 5, 2015, 10 a.m., 9320 - 52 St. S.E., Calgary, Alberta.

Unreserved Industrial Public Auction.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015, 8 a.m., 9320 - 52 St. S.E., Calgary, Alberta. For more information see www.canadianpublicauction.com or call 403-269-6600.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HIP OR KNEE Replacement? Restrictions in walking/dressing? $2,500 yearly tax credit. $40,000 in tax refunds. Disability Tax Credit.

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CAREER TRAINING MEDICAL TRAINEES needed now! Hospitals & doctor’s offices need certified medical office & administrative staff! No experience needed! We can get you trained! Local job placement assistance available when training is completed. Call for program details!

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Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

STAR NEWS in Wainwright, Alberta requires a full-time reporter for our busy weekly newspaper. Please email resume to: patrick@starnews.ca.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE A-CHEAP, lowest prices, steel shipping containers. Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans insulated & 40’ freezers, Special $2200. Wanted: Professional wood carvers needed. 1-866528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.

FEED AND SEED HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.

FOR RENT Blairmore – half duplex, three bedroom, two bath, fireplace, washer & dryer, stove, fridge. $850 per month + utilities.

One month security deposit. Available immediately. 403-870-2191. (13-2p) FOR SALE Bosch mixers and attachments. Nutri

Flour mills. Phone Ronda 403-627-5074.

(12-3p) METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 32+ colours available at over 55 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-263-8254.

STEEL BUILDING SALE. “Really Big Sale Year End Clear Out!” 21X22 $5,190. 25X24 $5,988. 27X28 $7,498. 30X32 $8,646. 35X34 $11,844. 42X54 $16,386. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422; www.pioneersteel.ca.

HEALTH CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment MANUFACTURED HOMES REACH OVER 1 Million Readers Weekly.

Advertise Province Wide Classifieds. Only $269 + GST (based on 25 words or less).

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228; www.awna.com.

CROSS COUNTRY HOMES. Come view our show homes that are ready for quick possession; 20’ wides from $114,000! Visit us in Acheson. 780-470-8000; www.crosscountryhomes.com.

HARVEST SALE! Save $50,000 from the replacement cost of this 20 X 76 drywalled Grandeur Showhome that has to go! A sacrifice at $124,900. Call Terry 1-855-3470417 or email: terry@grandviewmodular. com.

REAL ESTATE PASTURE & HAY LAND. 400 - 8000 acres of year round water supply. Full operational with management available. Central Saskatchewan. Crossfenced & complete infrastructure. Natural springs excellent water. Shortly ready to locate cattle. Other

Local Classified Ad Rates

$10 plus GST (per week) includes up to 25 words. Additional words are 15 cents each.

Classified ads must be paid prior to insertion. Email office@shootinthebreeze.ca or call 403-904-2227.

Deadline is Thursday prior to publication at noon.

small & large grain & pasture quarters. $150k - $2.6m. Call Doug Rue 306-7162671; saskfarms@shaw.ca.

SERVICES CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon. U.S. travel waiver. Divorce? Simple.

Fast. Inexpensive. Debt recovery? Alberta collection to $25,000. Calgary 403-2281300/1-800-347-2540.

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Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420; www.pioneerwest.com.

BANK SAID NO? Bank on us! Equity Mortgages for purchases, debt consolidation, foreclosures, renovations. Bruised credit, self-employed, unemployed ok. Dave Fitzpatrick: www.albertalending.ca. 587437-8437, Belmor Mortgage.

NEED A LOAN? Own property? Have bad credit? We can help! Call toll free 1-866405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages. ca.

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CCA Award #1 Paralegal. A+ BBB Reputation. 26 Years Experience. Open Mon. - Sat. TO GIVE AWAY Cardboard boxes, perfect for moving or storage. Call 403-904-2227. (6-tfn) TRAVEL SAVE 30% on our Greenland and Wild Labrador Voyage until December 18, 2015.

See Labrador as it was meant to be seen - By Sea - Aboard the comfortable Ocean Endeavour. No extra charge for singles!

Quote Community Newspapers! Call toll free 1-800-363-7566 or visit: www.adventurecanada.com. (TICO #04001400).

WANTED WANTED: WILL PAY cash for construction equipment, backhoes, excavators, dozers, (farm tractors w/loaders) 1985 or newer.

Skid steers, wheel loaders, screeners, low beds, any condition running or not. 250260-0217.

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

December 2, 2015

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 31

Adult & Senior Events Calendar

Events and Entertainment – Full details are available in the Breeze online calendar – www.shootinthebreeze.ca Thursday, December 3 – Caregiver support group - 10 a.m. to noon at Provincial Building in Pincher Creek – Christmas tea and bazaar - 2 to 4 p.m. at Crestview Lodge in Pincher Creek – Art of Chocolate - 7 to 10 p.m. at Crowsnest Public Art Gallery in Frank – Gym walk - 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Parent-tot and senior skating - 1 to 1:45 p.m. at Sports Complex in Coleman – Cribbage - 1:30 p.m. at Huddlestun Senior Centre in Pincher Creek – Mixed curling league - 7 p.m. at rink in Pincher Creek – Darts - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion Friday, December 4 – Crowsnest Pass Christmas in the Mountains - see ad on page 32 – Gym walk - 10 to 11 a.m. at town hall gym in Pincher Creek – Christmas tree sale - 3 to 6 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion parking lot – Children’s clothing, book and toy giveaway - 3 to 7 p.m. at Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek – Betty’s Christmas Market - 2 to 8 p.m. at Pincher Creek Community Hall – Santa Claus Parade - 6:30 to 7 p.m. Main Street in Blairmore – Candlelight service - 7 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, Heritage Acres Farm Museum near Pincher Creek – Friday matinee - 1:30 p.m. at Fox Theatre in Pincher Creek; admission by $2 donation or non-perishable food item, proceeds to Pincher Creek food bank – Grand opening - 5 to 8 p.m. at Crowsnest Dental in Blairmore – Gym walk - 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Badminton - 7 to 9 p.m. at Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek

– Meat draws and supper - 5 p.m.; music and karaoke - 7 p.m. at Bellevue Legion – Meat draws and supper - 5 p.m. at the Blairmore Legion – Free public skating - 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. at MCC Arena in Pincher Creek Saturday, December 5 – Crowsnest Pass Christmas in the Mountains - see ad page 32 – Stuff a Bus for the Junction Food Bank - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ranchland Mall in Pincher Creek – Grand opening meet and greet - Artist’s Touch, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. next to Legion in Coleman – Pottery sale - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sports Complex in Coleman – Christmas tree sale - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pincher Creek Legion parking lot – Perfect Posies open house - 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Pincher Creek – Betty’s Christmas Market - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pincher Creek Community Hall – Children’s clothing, book and toy giveaway- 9 a.m. to noon at Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek – Artisan market - 10 to 4 p.m. at Elks Hall in Blairmore – Breakfast With Santa - 8:30 a.m. to noon at Heritage Acres Farm Museum near Pincher Creek – Curtis Larsen opening reception - 2 to 4 p.m. at Lebel Gallery in Pincher Creek Sunday, December 6 – Crowsnest Pass Christmas in the Mountains - see ad on page 32 – Christmas in the Park - 5 to 7 p.m. at Flumerfelt Park in Coleman – Cookie sale - 11 a.m to 5 p.m. at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek – General meeting - 2 p.m., upstairs at Pincher Creek Legion – Free family skating - 4 to 5 p.m. at MCC

Arena in Pincher Creek – Blue Christmas Service - 3 p.m. at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel in Blairmore – Perfect Posies open house - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pincher Creek – Family skating - 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at Sports Complex in Coleman – Darts - 2:30 p.m. at Bellevue Legion – Fort Macleod Royals baseball AGM - 3 p.m. at Young Parkyn, McNab in Fort Macleod Monday, December 7 – Ag society AGM - 7 p.m. at Horseshoe Pavilion lobby in Pincher Creek – Coffee Club for Learners - 1 to 2 p.m.

Community Adult Learning office in Pincher Creek – Soup for the Soul - 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Compass Centre in Blairmore – Exercise for LIFE (Lifestyle, Interaction, Fitness, Energy) free adult class - 10 to 11 a.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Gym walk - 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Keep Fit - 10 to 11 a.m. at town hall gym in Pincher Creek – Shuffleboard/500 game - 1:30 p.m. at Huddlestun Senior Centre in Pincher Creek – Women’s curling league - 7 p.m. at rink in Pincher Creek – Co-ed soccer - 7:30 p.m. at Albert Stella Arena in Blairmore Tuesday, December 8 – Senior supper - 5 p.m., hosted by 2016 grad class at Crowsnest Consolidated High School in Coleman – Sports booster club meeting - 7 p.m. at Livingstone School in Lundbreck – Parent-tot and senior skating - 1 to 1:45 p.m. at Sports Complex in Coleman – Snooker - 9:30 a.m. at Huddlestun Senior Centre in Pincher Creek

– Lunch and stories with Anne Gover noon to 2 p.m. at Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek – Blackfoot language class with William Big Bull - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Napi Friendship Centre in Pincher Creek – Men’s curling league - 7 p.m. at rink in Pincher Creek – Gym walk - 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Cards - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Alcoholics Anonymous - 8 p.m. at Elks Hall in Pincher Creek Wednesday, December 9 – Carol festival mass choir practice - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek United Church – Building project presentation and information session - 6:30 p.m. at Crestview Lodge in Pincher Creek – Free parent-and-tot skating - noon to 1 p.m. at MCC Arena in Pincher Creek – Exercise for LIFE (Lifestyle, Interaction, Fitness, Energy) free adult class - 10 to 11 a.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Gym walk - 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at MDM Community Centre in Bellevue – Keep Fit - 10 to 11 a.m. at town hall gym in Pincher Creek – Duplicate bridge - 1 p.m. at Huddlestun Senior Centre in Pincher Creek – Whist - 1:30 p.m. at Bellecrest Senior Centre in Bellevue, all ages welcome – Free public skating - 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at MCC Arena in Pincher Creek – Cribbage - 7 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Alcoholics Anonymous - 7 p.m. at Piikani Prevention Services in Brocket – Mixed curling league - 7 p.m. at rink in Pincher Creek

List your event by calling 403-904-2227 or emailing office@shootinthebreeze.ca Listings are free for non-profit groups, service clubs, schools, youth organizations and events advertised in the Breeze.

Page 32

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 2, 2015

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Come enjoy Christmas in the Mountains

By Brad Quarin Christmas cheer will burst forth this week in Crowsnest Pass with the launch of Christmas in the Mountains.

The Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce is taking a leading role in promoting the many merry festivities unfolding around the municipality. It also launched a new website, www.christmasinthemountains.ca.

“We want to make sure all the different things happening are talked about,” says chamber president Brian Gallant. “It makes the Christmas season a little more exciting, more fun for families.”

Music lovers can start getting into the Christmas spirit this Wednesday night with the Crowsnest Pass Community Orchestra and Choir concert. Those two groups will be performing at Horace Allen School at 7 p.m.

Then, on Thursday, the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery in Frank will celebrate the Art of Chocolate. For a third year, the gallery welcomes local businesses to bring in chocolate treats and desserts to be shared with visitors.

Krisztina Wood, managing director of Crowsnest Pass Allied Arts, says they already have four businesses on board: Crowsnest Cafe and Fly Shop, Bamboo Bistro, Popiel’s Restaurant and Antigua Restaurant.

Visitors pay a $30 fee at the door, which gives them 15 taste tickets for purchasing the desserts. “Costs” of treats and desserts vary and additional tickets are available for $1 each. Visitors can also participate in a silent auction.

Wine will be served and Tynan Groves will provide the musical entertainment. The Art of Chocolate runs from 7 to 10 p.m.

Money raised through the Art of Chocolate will support the gallery’s programming and its need for new lights, Krisztina says.

The chamber will be busy Friday with the Santa Claus Parade. Groups and businesses can enter a float by picking up a form at the chamber office in Blairmore. If people are short on time, floats can simply show up near the Greenhill Hotel between 5:30 and 6 p.m., Brian says.

The parade will begin down 20th Avenue at 6:30 p.m.

After the parade, there will be a bonfire at Blairmore’s Gazebo Park. Christmas tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m.

For youth, 40 Developmental Assets is holding a teen night at the Pass Powderkeg lodge from 6:45 to 10 p.m.

Teens can enjoy pizza, karaoke, movies and more, for free.

The chamber encourages businesses to open during the evening for Christmas shopping, Brian says. Businesses can demonstrate their spirit by decorating their storefronts and entering the business decorating contest

by Friday. Winners will be announced Dec. 18 and the winner will receive a quarter-page advertisement in the 2016 Visitors Guide.

More Christmas shopping can be done on Saturday at the Artisans Market, located in the Blairmore Elks

Hall. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Brian says the market will offer handmade items, with a variety of Christmas decorations, household items and furniture.

Meanwhile, children can do their Christmas shopping at the Compass Centre, which is hosting a Christmas bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Prior to the start of the bazaar, gently used items will be accepted at the centre. Suggestions include Christmas decorations, handmade items, books, games, costume jewelry and wallets. Because children are buying for parents, grandparents and siblings, donations for both children and adults are welcome.

Any big donations such as tools can be used for the silent auction for adults, says Amy Easterbrook of the Compass Centre.

At the bazaar, children have the opportunity to choose gifts for their family, paying as they are able.

Even a child without money can still find presents at the bazaar. The purpose is to empower children to give, and not just to their own families, Amy says.

Money raised through the bazaar is used to help families in disadvantaged countries, and one way of improving a family’s economic condition is to acquire animals. In some countries, Amy explains, $11 can buy a pair of chickens and $65 can buy a lamb. Last year, the Compass Centre brought in $800 and the goal this year is to top that.

Other Saturday activities include turkey bowling, snow graffiti and hay rides at Gazebo Park between noon and 4 p.m.

Skiers of all ages can head out to Allison Chinook Provincial Recreation Area on Sunday for the Cross Country Ski Shakedown. Weather permitting, it will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

The wrap-up for this week of activities is Christmas in the Park, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Coleman Community Society invites families to meet at Flumerfelt Park to greet Santa and enjoy wagon rides and treats.

Leadership students at Crowsnest Consolidated High School will sell hotdogs, with proceeds going to the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank, says Jane Ann Reimer, Coleman Community Society president. Visitors can also make food donations to the food bank at this time.

The Coleman Community Society is providing free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, with funding coming from the Crowsnest Pass Agricultural Society, Jane Ann says.

Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue will sponsor a bonfire in the park while the Coleman Legion and Coleman Lions help Santa give out bags of candy.

“Coleman Community wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Jane Ann says.

After this week of celebrations and activities, families can still look forward to Santa in the Park, a festive Christmas celebration at the Bellevue Legion at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13.