Shootin' the Breeze – Dec. 13, 2017

December 13, 2017 Year 7, Issue 14

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A weekly breath of fresh air!

Don’t miss your chance to win a $585 gift certificate package — see pages 8 and 9 and shop local this Christmas!

It’s checkstop season

Pincher Creek Citizens on Patrol volunteer Tracey Hoffman hands out treat bags during a local RCMP roadside checkstop last week. She is a new recruit to COP, which welcomes new members. Over 300 bags were distributed.

Photo by Brenda Shenton

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Shootin’ the Breeze

December 13, 2017

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

December 13, 2017

Shootin’ the Breeze

Spirit of giving comes to town aboard the Holiday Train

Photos by Brenda Shenton and Shannon Robison

CP Rail’s Holiday Train rolled through southwestern Alberta on Monday, stopping with $4,000 donations for the food banks in Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass. Large crowds gathered at the train stops in Pincher Station and Coleman, with all ages singing along and dancing to music by the Beautiful Band and Alan Doyle, former frontman of Great Big Sea. Santa and food bank volunteers were on hand at both sites to collect food and cash donations to assist community members. Live performance videos can be viewed at ShootinTheBreeze on Facebook and a photo album will be posted Thursday.

Angels Within Us thanks all the individuals and businesses that contributed to our annual fundraiser auction and dance and those who helped us throughout the year.

We raised $180,000 because of your generous donations!

Alberta Hotel Alberta Rocks Alberta Vet Lab Allied Distributors Gaylen Armstrong John & Wendy Arnold ATB Financial Teresa & Brooke Balazs Const. Noel Fletcher Bennett Patricia Bonertz Deanna & Darcy Boyden Backcountry Butchering Bennett Family Blackburn Jewellers Boston Pizza Boulder Metal Bronzart Casting Tony & Lorraine Bruder John Bruns Walter & Frieda Bruns Brylor Ranch Dick & Lou Burnham Calgary Stampeders Janifer Calvez Dominique & Yves Caro Carpet One/Builders World Castle Ford Castle Mountain Ski Resort Cervus Chief Mountain Gas Co-op CJ Nickers Heating Leslie Claringbull Coca Cola F.L. Cofell Carrie Cooley Cowley Lions Club Arlen Crawford family Crow Signs

DC Fencing & Supplies Flora & David DeCock Dragons Heart Quilt Shop Dunbar Family Blaine & Jody Dunlop Eden’s Funeral Home Elks Lodge Pincher Creek Alex Elliott Erickson & Sons Explore Designs Niki Flundra Foothills 4-H Beef Club Fountain Tire Dan & Sue French Galo Wines German Canadian Club Wendy Gibbs Joe & Marg Gilmore Nikki Gross Sarah Gross Erin Grujic Vanessa Haggan Brenda Hamilton Bob Hawkins Heritage Inn Tammy Hildebrand Marlene Hochstein Patrick & Connie Hochstein Hurlburt Rock Products Kimberly Hurst Shannon & Don Jackson Joe & Kandice Jacobson JD Systems Shawn Jensen Jessica Maunsell Photography Jenn Kadey Dale Keenan Dean and Tammy Kennedy

Heather Kidd Louann Killoran King Edward Hotel Doug & Cindy Koehn Koop Trucking Kootenai Brown Country Store Kost Fire Labatts Brewery Gena Lacoste Larkspur Coffee House Dustin & Carmen Larsen Tracy Latham Marty & Katie Lemire Rick & Blanche Lemire Lethbridge Country Club Lynn Lievers Livingstone Ladies Club Mona Lowe M&M Motors Mark and Edna Mackenzie Marjorie Mann Carter Marr Cindy Marr Wacey Marr Maycroft Community Hall Assoc.

McCoy/Eagle Butte Football McDonalds Laura McGlynn Dianna McKelvey Tillie McLeod Colleen Mcree McRae Silver Tayte McRae Merrell Mike’s Beverages Mountain High Coffee Donna Murray Kelly Newton

Nineteen 89 North & Company LLP Terry Oczkowski OK Tire Oldman River Brewing Company Oldtimers Hockey Club Merle & Barb Olsen Outdoor Outlet/Harvest Coffeehouse Patagonia Peller Estates Perfect Posies Greenhouse Annette Petrone Pincher Creek Colony Pincher Creek Co-op Pincher Creek Co-op Farm Centre Pincher Creek Elks Lodge Pincher Creek Food Bank Pincher Creek Legion Ladies Auxiliary Pincher Creek Lions Club Pincher Creek Meats Pincher Creek Pottery Pincher Office Products Pincher Creek Vet Clinic Janine & Sam Pittman Peggy Potter Henry Primrose Providence Salon Real Country 92.7 FM Ricky Ryp Foundation Riteline Electric RJ’s Ice & Water Robin & Co. Chartered Accountant Jesse Robinson Mary Robinson Rona Room to Grow Market Trudi Roth Ruffles Boutique

Dan & Sally Rumsey Seeds Flower Shop SGB Fitbodies & Supplements Catherine & Thomas Sheard Shell Canada Brenda and KC Shenton Shootin’ the Breeze Signs Unlimited Silver Reins 4-H Club Sinnott Farms Marj Sinnott Snake Lake Ranches Snodgrass Funeral Homes Spring Ridge Ranch Sproule Agro St. Michael’s Church St. Michael’s CWL Stauffer Ranches Gina & Vaughn Stewart Linda & Don Stewart Al Such at Farm Press Media Sure Glass Tetachuk Family Judy Trafford Trans Canada Pipeline The Brick Pincher Creek The Wood Chic Today’s Country 95.5 Town & Country Liquor Twin Butte Country General Store Two Sisters Magik Pantry Waterton Perfumery Kirk Weisshaar Westcastle Motors Willow Valley Soap Works Jamie Young

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Shootin’ the Breeze

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Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

December 13, 2017

Highway 3 twinning update draws crowd

By Leslie McCallum Alberta Transportation and ISL Engineering and Land Services set up a three-day display at the MDM Community Centre in Bellevue, Nov. 28 to 30, and hosted public sessions on future upgrading and twinning of Highway 3.

The gym was filled with display boards showing options for adding a through highway, 3X, to address concerns with traffic volume and safety in the Crowsnest Pass area.

The displays showed possibilities based on stakeholder requests, land availability, environmentally sensitive areas, water preservation and practical and financial considerations.

The sessions provided feedback from the June open house, listing the areas of public interest and summaries of their comments.

Safety is the number 1 consideration as upwards of 4,000 vehicles travel Highway 3 every day and half are through traffic.

About 650 trucks and commercial vehicles travel the main national highway. High traffic incident rates cause congestion, injury, damage and wildlife destruction on the current route.

Pedestrians and bikers also consideration. One crosses the plan. use the route for intercommunity open wetland area near the Frayn Tourism-friendly travel, an increasing occurrence Conservatory. This route comes enhancements like signage, pullas Crowsnest Pass is recognized out west of the lights where 20th over viewpoints, trail access, for outdoor tourism. Wildlife Avenue meets Highway 3. facilities and new developments migration routes cross Highway 3 The second crosses where York should be included. Recreation in several locations.

Creek meets the Crowsnest River staging areas for biking, hiking, Access to the highway and and passes behind Crowsnest Mall and backcountry activities should through from one community and the hospital. be accessible and enhanced. to another is the second Blairmore will have an Wetlands and sensitive habitats consideration of the study. The interchange to the north and some should be conserved and protected final plan needs to accommodate access points will be eliminated from runoff and overuse. Fisheries local traffic not just through or reshaped. Some options show are of special concern given the traffic. Construction will change the interchange on the River Run importance of fishing in this area. access points. lands. Other options show the Communities will be impacted Direct connections need interchange more west. by traffic noise so berms and road to be available for emergency The impact for Frank is not grade for trucks are mentioned. responders and for the general yet clear. The narrow pass and Of special concern is the needs of the communities. historical restrictions need further remediation of land that contains The possibilities will study. Hillcrest and Bellevue will contaminants. Construction have definite impact on the see intersection changes. presents an opportunity to return communities of Crowsnest Pass.

The next open house is the land to beneficial use. However, From the west, an interchange at expected in June 2018. At that time there are potential health risks the Allison Creek Road will route a probable route and some cost dealing with the contaminated through traffic south crossing the and time frame estimates may be soil.

Crowsnest River and following it presented by the project team.

The display boards of the Highway Sentinel to Pincher Station east past Coleman. Choices need Staged construction 3 of the bypass Highway 3 Twinning Functional to be made as to how far up the Planning is expected, and the project-isUpgrading Planning Study — Sentinel to Functional Study and Twinning ridge the route will go, and several likely to be completed as two lanes Pincher Creek can be viewed options have been presented. and expanded to four at a future on the Alberta Transportation Two placements for Crowsnest time. website. The details show benefits, River crossings between Coleman Several considerations are known constraints and property and Blairmore are under listed for inclusion in the final impacts.

80

HWY 510

km

/h

BLAIRMORE

FRANK 60

km

h

/

10

0k

m/h

BELLEVUE

80

Legend Level of Service

Future Highway

C

100

Province Boundary

D

Alberta Municipalities

COWLEY

M.D. OF PINCHER CREEK

km/h

MUNICIPALITY OF CROWSNEST PASS

HW

Y3

Y 7

50

• Green lines (LOS A and B) represent non-congested or low volume flows where the operation of vehicles is unaffected by other vehicles.

W

E

LUNDBRECK

H

Approximate Flyover

km/h

BURMIS

/h

Provincial Highway

B

Approximate Interchange

HILLCREST MINES

km

A

Highway 3

100

/h

0

Collision Prone Locations

HWY 3

km

10

Study Alignments & Interchanges

Why upgrades are needed

M.D. OF RANCHLAND

COLEMAN

HWY 785

50 km/h

HWY 22

60 km/h

3

t-

/h 100 km

SENTINEL

Y

PINCHER STATION

• Yellow and orange lines (LOS C and D) represent areas where there is an increase in traffic density and the ability to maneuver in the traffic stream is reduced.

• Red lines (LOS E) represent traffic volumes that are at or near capacity. Minor disruptions in these areas can cause queues to form and lead to a breakdown in traffic flow.

Traffic continues to grow

Safety and capacity issues

Seniors can have it all in Pincher Creek.

Average Annual Daily Two-way Traffic on Highway 3 at the AB/BC Border

6000 5500 5000 4500

2000

2016

1800 1600

Vehicles Per Day

WY 1 GINA

0

W

WY 7 TO TOON

Y4

HWY 3

H

WY 16 TO TOON

HW

es Are Needed

1400

4650 vehicles per day

4000

Numerous safety and capacity issues have been identified along Highway 3.

• Collision prone locations shown on the figure above (blue dots) are compiled from reported incidents from both vehicle-vehicle and vehicle-animal collisions over the past 20 years.

Seniors want it all: a include a fridge and stove are always welcome.

• Inconsistent and varied speed limits between Sentinel and Frank add comfortable home, and each suite is equipped to safety issues. independence to follow their with its own personal heat In addition to the • Capacity is ahospitality concern in the region, specifically west of Highway 22, as shown in the own schedule and maintain and air conditioning controls. services, residents canfigure enjoy above by the red and orange Level of Service (LOS) lines. LOS is compiled from traffic data collected by Alberta their own interests, the is access 3 peace of mind knowing Transportation and indicates operational conditions within a traffic The average annual safety daily traffic Beyond volumes in suite the Highway corridor continue to grow. The number of trucks and vehicles stream. and security, delicious food to a variety of common they don’t have to worry are anticipated to continue to increase with population growth. and the company of others. areas which include a games about unexpected extra bills And who can blame them? room, spa room, library, because all utilities including Not long ago, seniors had fitness room, dining room, water, sewer, heat, air limited housing options, and coffee room, crafts room, conditioning and cable are few met all of their needs. hair salon and lounges. All also included.

When Whispering Winds areas are easily accessible, What’s more, at Whispering Village opened, a new style full of interesting people, Winds Village pets are a big of seniors housing in Pincher engaging activities and part of the family. In this pet Creek, providing today’s share a wonderful sense of friendly building residents are seniors the opportunity to community. encouraged to bring their experience retirement living pets with them to live. at its best.

Hospitality services at Whispering Winds Village are Free from the responsibilities Whispering Winds Village included in the affordable of home-ownership, seniors is a well-crafted seniors’ monthly rent and include at Whispering Winds Village community boasting 77 weekly housekeeping, a can enjoy the many other beautiful suites ranging wide selection of social activities and joys that life from studios to one and activities, 24 hour emergency offers. We’re fortunate to live two bedroom layouts. monitoring, shuttle bus in a time when retirement These maintenance-free service, and multiple choices living options provide living suites incorporate of hot, delicious meals everything seniors want – and supportive features to prepared by on-site chefs. more! Whispering Winds promote independence And each meal is served by Village is open daily; and you and 24-hour emergency cheerful wait staff the central can call (403) 768-3157 for monitoring service for added dining room, with a cozy more information or to book peace of mind. Kitchens fireplace. Guests and families a tour.

1200

3500

1000

3000 2500

800

2000

600

1500

650 heavy vehicles and trucks per day

1000 500

0 1990

1990

1995

1995

2000

2000

2005

2005

2010

2010

2015

2015

400 200 0

2020

2025

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 13, 2017

Page 5

Here’s How to Get Holi-Ready

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Cat Urbigkit speaks about the use of livestock guardian dogs at a Waterton Biosphere Carnivores and Communities presentation in Pincher Creek last week.

Some Exceptions Apply

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Photo by Georgia Dale

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Learning about livestock and carnivores

By Georgia Dale Ranchers, residents and conservationists from all over the southwest gathered in a full house at Pincher Creek’s Heritage Inn on Dec. 7 to discuss management strategies for living and raising livestock in large carnivore territory.

The Waterton Biosphere Reserve was established in 1979 and is one of only 18 in Canada.

A biosphere reserve is an area where human use and ecological diversity intersect, and a focus on sustainable development and conservation are central.

In the Waterton biosphere, ranching and farming comprise the greatest human land-use designation.

As Jeff Bectell, rancher and co-ordinator of the Carnivores and Communities program, explained, the Waterton biosphere is “just an idea” until people make it matter.

He means that participation and interest from the residents and users of the biosphere are essential for enacting the principles of the designation.

One of the major components of ranching and farming in the biosphere area is interacting with large carnivores on an almost daily basis and recognizing that carnivores, humans and their livestock all have a place on the landscape. Reducing livestock losses and avoiding incidents between large carnivores and humans is the main goal of bear management in the area.

Jeff explains how some of the most effective programs undertaken by ranchers in the area are focused on attractant reduction. Attractants include anything immediately available, and tasty, to large carnivores such as grizzly bears, who are the biggest and most numerous of the large carnivores in our area — beating out wolves and black bears by a large margin.

Projects that reduce grizzlies’ access to grain, silage, garbage and deadstock are a key component in reducing incidents with grizzlies, which, according to research by Andrea Morehouse, peaked in 2014 and have decreased significantly since over 60 attractant-reducing projects have been enacted.

These successful projects include deadstock pickup and removal, grain storage upgrades and the use of improved game fencing.

Reducing the number of incidents with large carnivores means that they are able to coexist with ranchers and livestock.

Recent bear counts in the area can attest to this as many of the

participating audience members claim to have seen more grizzlies in the area than ever before.

This could be due to the moratorium on grizzly hunting in the area, as opposed to black bears, who experience spring and fall hunting seasons and year-round hunts that are allowed on private property.

Annie Loosen has been working hard over the last few years to update information on black bears in the area. She uses hair collected from rub trees to extrapolate an average. Hers is the first data on black bears to be collected and analyzed since the early 1990s.

Annie has found that significantly fewer black bears are inhabiting private and Crown land as opposed to the national park and argues that this is more likely a result of hunting practices than of competition with the far more numerous grizzlies.

Livestock guardian dogs have been used by ranchers and herders for centuries all over the world. They are so numerous and successful, says Cat Urbigkit, author and rancher, that there is a specific breed for almost every region in Europe and central Asia.

As a cattle and sheep rancher in Wyoming, Cat has had the opportunity to experiment with different breeds of LGDs as she works hard to protect her herds from wolves and bears. Some of the benefits of incorporating LGDs into a ranching program include cleaner pastures during calving and lambing seasons, decreased predation, deterring predators and reducing interaction with diseasecarrying ungulates.

While guardian dogs are not a fail-safe for protecting stock from all large carnivores, they have proven to be extremely effective in reducing incidents between coyotes, cougars, bears and even eagles. They do this by creating a negative stimulus for the carnivore, making it more difficult and unpleasant for the predator to access the herd, reducing the risk of a carnivore becoming conditioned to preying on domestic animals.

The scientists and ranchers involved with the Waterton Biosphere Reserve and the carnivore attractant reduction program have found that when methods are focused on prevention, the incidents between large carnivores and humans can be reduced and healthy populations of carnivores can be maintained while ensuring the safety and protection of livestock.

Holiday​ ​Greetings

From​ ​the​ ​Management​ ​&​ ​Staff​ ​at The​ ​Crowsnest/Pincher​ ​Creek​ ​Landfill​ ​Association Sunday Dec​ ​10

Closed

Dec​ ​17 Closed

Dec​ ​24 Closed

Dec​ ​31 Closed

2017-2018​ ​Holiday​ ​Season​ ​Schedule

Monday

Dec​ ​11 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​18 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Dec​ ​25

CLOSED X-MAS DAY Jan​ ​1

​ ​ ​CLOSED ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​NEW YEARS​ ​DAY

Tuesday

Dec​ ​12 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​19 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​26

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

CLOSED BOXING DAY

Dec​ ​13 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​20 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​27 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Dec​ ​14 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​21 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​28 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Dec​ ​15 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​22 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​29 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Dec​ ​16 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​23 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00 Dec​ ​30 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Jan​ ​2 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Jan​ ​3 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Jan​ ​4 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Jan​ ​5 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

Jan​ ​6 Regular Business 8:00​ ​–​ ​5:00

www.crowsnestpincherlandfill.com

Page 6

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 13, 2017

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

My Little

CORNER For the first time in 324 issues, my editorial space is deliberately small!

After a run-in with a sharp object, I’ll spend the next six weeks or so recovering from a severed tendon in my thumb.

Today’s paper was put together using only my right hand and I must say it’s been an interesting challenge.

My name won’t appear as a byline in the next few issues, but you may notice several new ones.

An editorial column

by Shannon Robison

It’s exciting, as I’ve often found the most interesting community papers to be those with many voices and perspectives.

Auralea Boldt is back after a short hiatus, Georgia Dale and Jessica Buhler are tackling primarily Pincher Creek stories and Leslie McCallum will be sharing articles from Crowsnest Pass. We also hope to see Erin Fairhurst back after Christmas.

We’ve had many questions about subscriptions and the

The Breeze

initial information can be found on page 16 with more to follow.

Our Christmas issue comes out next week and pages are already filling with seasonal photos and stories from the past few weeks — it will be awesome.

Sincere thanks to all who’ve extended great kindnesses in the past days and to the emergency room team at Pincher Creek Health Centre who got things done and stitched me back up.

Join the Waterton Christmas Bird Count Participants are invited to spend a couple of hours or more identifying and counting birds in their favourite part of Waterton Lakes National Park that is open to the public.

Volunteers self-register at the community fire hall, where they pick up their combined winter bird checklist and data sheet. They are then asked to gather at 2 p.m. at Waterton Lakes Lodge to discuss sightings. Data sheets provided to participants at the start can be handed in at that time or submitted electronically within two weeks of the count date.

If volunteers are unable to attend the official count day or are interested in coming for more than one day, they can also record the species they have seen during the count week — three days before and three days after the official

• 5% administration fee • $100 plan set-up fee* • E-Courier encryption for privacy * Waived if you’re switching plans to us

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Did you know any business in Canada, incorporated or not, can have a Health Spending Account plan to cover your family’s health expenses and those of the employees you want to reward and retain?

Checkstop promotes safe holiday driving

Notes from our readers, letters to the editor and government news

MAILBOX The annual Waterton Christmas Bird Count this Friday is the perfect colourful winter activity for those who enjoy the outdoors and are interested in birds.

Entry to the park is free, in celebration of Canada 150, and participation in the event is also free.

This is only the second time in the 41-year history of the bird count that there has been a wildfire the summer before the event. How will this year differ from last? In late September, park staff heard many more woodpeckers than usual in some of the closed areas of the park. Will there be more on this year’s count?

Waterton’s Christmas Bird Count is part of the longestrunning citizen science projects in North America.

Everyone is welcome, from beginners to expert birders.

Shani Gingras, left, and Nikki McRae receive treat bags from Citizens on Patrol volunteer Kimberly Hurst at an RCMP checkstop. Photo by Brenda Shenton

count day. On those six extra days, the number of individual birds seen per species isn’t tracked, only the species.

The Audubon Society started the Christmas Bird Count in 1900. Data collected during the Waterton count is submitted to Audubon and Bird Studies Canada.

Combined with other data from Alberta, Canada and the rest of North America, the information helps researchers, conservation biologists, wildlife agencies and interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America.

For more information about the Waterton Christmas Bird Count, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/ waterton/activ/benevolatvolunteer/evenements-events.

John Stoesser, Parks Canada

By Georgia Dale RCMP officer Annie Starzinski and a team of Citizens on Patrol braved the chilly, windy weather Thursday evening at a checkstop in front of Pincher Creek UFA, in an effort to prevent impaired driving this holiday season.

The feeling was festive as they handed out packages of stickers and candy canes, but their message was serious.

Impaired driving is an ongoing problem in communities across Canada. In 2013, alcohol usage was involved in one in four Alberta driving fatalities, while illicit drugs were implicated in one in two deaths.

Brian Mason, Alberta’s transportation minister, describes this trend as “tragic, criminal and entirely preventable” and adds that “police will lay charges — and yes, they can detect drug use.”

Santa Wants to Hear From You! FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES – Send letters to Santa or Christmas art to office@shootinthebreeze.ca

Visit www.healthspendingaccountcanada.com to learn more or to compare your present HSA to ours.

FOR ADULTS – Send personal greetings for family and friends or a Christmas photo to office@shootinthebreeze.ca

With an HSA there are no monthly premiums and you control the annual limit for each employee. We are a locally owned business affiliated with a national HSA provider in Calgary with 5,000 business clients.

LETTERS AND GREETINGS WILL RUN IN THE DEC. 20 ISSUE OF SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE. DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, DEC. 15

Email us at admin@draltd.com or call 403-632-5226

On average, there have been 7,550 convictions for impaired driving in Alberta every year for the last five years, and many of these offences have included the use of illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs as well as alcohol.

The Christmas season is particularly dangerous as people attend Christmas parties and festivities.

Const. Starzinski and Citizens on Patrol’s Tracey Hoffman and Dawn Haerschap remind people to protect themselves and other road users by choosing safe rides home.

Arthur Lee, provincial community liaison for Students Against Drunk Driving, encourages “drivers to plan ahead this holiday season. Whether its at the end of the night or just trying to juggle busy schedules, it’s important for everyone to drive sober, stay focused on the task of driving and avoid rushing.”

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS FUN MEANS OF COMMUNITY SHARING! HAVE SOME FUN AND SHARE YOUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT! A positive voice in southern Alberta sharing personal and business success stories and community events.

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EDITORIAL

Share your stories and news ideas!

Positive submissions, letters to the editor and photos are always welcome.

Please limit to 350 words.

Submit to news@shootinthebreeze.ca Editorial deadline is Thursday at noon

www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Shootin’ the Breeze is available digitally 24/7

Shannon Robison, Publisher – Design, Writing, Photography Cary Robison – Editing, Accounting, Tech Brenda Shenton – Admin. Assistance, Photography, Distribution Management Maureen Bevan – Advertising Sales Jaiden Panchyshyn – Photography, Design, Social Media Management Auralea Boldt, Caitlin Clow, Georgia Dale, Erin Fairhurst – Contributing Writers Gary Andrews – Crowsnest Pass Distribution Blaise O’Rourke – Pincher Creek Distribution

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December 13, 2017

The Breeze

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 7

Notes from our readers, letters to the editor and government news

MAILBOX

End of Karelian bear dog program ‘heartbreaking news’ This open letter has been submitted to Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and to Alberta Environment and Parks.

I encourage all who have met and had the incredible experience of watching these dogs at work to do the same. This is a huge loss to our community and we have the right to an explanation.

Recently our community, Crowsnest Pass, received heartbreaking news of the loss of our last and very special Fish and Wildlife Karelian bear dog, Koda. A loss felt by many, as Koda worked within our community and this province for her entire career, alongside Fish and Wildlife officer John Clarke, and was known to many people as the happy-go-lucky yet fiercely determined bear dog.

The news gets worse. When I inquired about another K9 coming in to continue the hard work of Koda and her two predecessors, Mica and Kuma, I was told that there were no plans to have another dog join the department for this work.

For the past 16 years our community has been fortunate enough to have these amazing dogs working to protect our families and the wildlife that reside here in our backyard.

It was very commonly known

that during bear season we get a fair number of bears through town, just due to the location of where we live in the valleys between the Rocky Mountains.

The incredible wildlife being one of the reasons many of us chose to live here.

Due to the efforts and the abilities put forward by John Clarke and his K9 partners, our area has seen a low ratio of bear euthanasia and relocation as they worked tirelessly to keep the bears out of residential areas.

Unlike many towns that surround us, hearing of a bear being killed

by Fish and Wildlife in Crowsnest Pass is rare.

This has become the standard that is expected, and having the dogs readily available was a large component of making that possible.

As the department of the Alberta government that looks after the protection and conservation of our wildlife, and the safety

of the public, I believe it is very important that is acknowledged, and assessed as to why such an important and easily managed asset has been diminished and discontinued.

Here are a few other things you may or may not have been aware of: The dogs were used to keep the bighorn sheep off the highway, decreasing traffic accidents and making the tight route through the Pass safer for both motorists and the sheep.

The moose that come down every winter to feed and rest in the schoolyard and surrounding areas were quickly pushed out by the Karelian bear dogs; and away from our children’s gathering and play areas. An obvious safety risk to young children.

Any cougar within town limits was quickly tracked down by these brave and hard-working dogs.

They brought a component of safety and

reliability to any situation for the residents, officers and the animals they were working on. This non-lethal yet direct approach has always been positive and respected by those who have ever had the opportunity to observe it.

Agencies all over the province and the world use dogs as partners and support, as it’s proven to be effective, so why is that one so strong in its statistics of success not continued?

Our community takes pride in the area we live in and we feel that is our and our government’s responsibility to do the same and be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to protecting and serving those who live there, including the wildlife.

Alberta Environment and Parks has mussel-sniffing dogs that seem to travel all over North America, so how is it the dogs trained to work on numerous species throughout our province have been pushed aside by the same department responsible for protecting all species and the environment as well?

I do believe that your ministry needs to take another look into this program and I believe that we deserve the opportunity to be heard on this issue. I look forward to your response.

Shannon Hamilton

Christmas Market Many wonderful vendors to shop from and the kitchen will be open again this year!

Riversdale hosts 5th annual Australia Day Celebration!

The holiday season is here again, and Christmas is just around the corner!

Before I get into this week’s topic, how incredible does the gazebo look? If you haven’t taken a drive by to see it all lit up, go tonight! Riversdale was thrilled to help organize this festive project and would like to thank Lynn and the rest of the incredible volunteers again for having a vision that successfully brought the community together. A special thank you also goes to Fortis for their generous donation and to the Chamber for providing their support!

Now, on to this week’s topic.. Australia Day! Riversdale will be hosting our fourth annual Australia Day on Jan. 27.

As this year will be my first time attending Australia Day, I asked Peter Murray, Operations Manager, to give me some background on the event. Peter started the event five years ago and has been instrumental in its growth ever since.

“Riversdale started this event as a day to celebrate our company’s roots and to give back to the community, specifically our youth. Since its inception, the money raised from Australia Day has been donated to support youth. Over the past five years we’ve supported the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre, CNP Boys & Girls Club, Elise Kwan, Horace Allen and Isabelle Sellon schools. This year, money raised will be donated to the Burgman family to support little Jake and to provide financial assis-

tance for the cost of Sue’s (Jake’s mom) training,” says Murray.

For those unfamiliar with Jake’s story, this past February, Jake was diagnosed with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease, a rare genetic condition which presents symptoms similar to Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis and currently, has no cure. Luckily, there is a neuro movement therapy called the Anat Baniel Method (ABM) which Jake has been receiving and has been helping him make dramatic progress with his movement, sign language and transitioning from lying down to sitting up, all by himself! Unfortunately, ABM practitioners are hard to find, and this type of therapy is not covered under health insurance. As a result, Sue has decided to take the training to provide therapy to Jake at home. As you can imagine, this training will be expensive and the total cost will be approximately $150,000. It is our hope that money raised at Australia Day (along with the money already raised by our generous community) can help offset some of this cost.

“As a donation, Riversdale covers all event costs, so every penny spent by attendees will be donated back. A small portion is donated to Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue who work the bar and the rest will go directly to the Burgman family. Last year we were able to donate over $13,000 to the Isabelle

Saturday, Dec. 16 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pincher Creek Community Hall

Sellon School, “ says Murray.

FREE - No admission charge

If you’re like me and have never attended the event before, here’s the scoop: tickets are $50 and include a dinner, dance, live and silent auctions. Our 5th Australia Day event this year will also be significant as Peter will be moving on from Riversdale at the end of January to pursue a new challenge. Peter moved to the Pass in 2013 to lead the exploratory phase of the Grassy Mountain Coal Project.

Donations accepted at the door for Kenow Fire Relief Santa photos for kids and pets!

Peter and Stacy have both enjoyed meeting and being involved in the community and extend their heartfelt thanks to the community for their generosity and friendship.

Join us at the Australia Day event to not only support Jake Burgman but to say farewell and best wishes to Peter and Stacy.

Tickets can be purchased from the Riversdale Office at 12331 – 20th Avenue, Blairmore or by phone at 403753-5160. Tickets are $50 per person, or you can purchase a table of eight for $400. In addition, we will be accepting donations for the Burgman family at the Riversdale office. Tickets are limited, we hope to see you there!

Claire Rogers is Community Relations Manager for Riversdale Resources. She can be contacted at Claire.rogers@rivresources.com.

Howard Brown

Construction & Roofing Ltd. We specialize in hail damage.

Call us for roofing, siding, estimates, or inspections.

403-328-1224 403-628-3838 Working in Pincher Creek and the Pass for over 35 years.

Tried, Tested and True

Page 8

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 13, 2017

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

Get Your Party Trays Here!

Blackburn Jewellers

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

30% Off Diamond rings

Serving the Community for 95 Years 403-627-2667 1300 Hewetson Avenue Ranchland Mall

Open Wednesday to Sunday Check out our great menu and all-day breakfast

OPEN

The weather outside might be frightful but golfing on our new simulator is delightful!

Only $20 for 2 hours

ALL

We have a few spots left for Christmas parties and we’re also looking for cooks!

Call Miranda at 403-627-2162

WINTER!

Check out our Christmas Specials!

30% Off

Dec. 21, 22, 23 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

$5.99 each

Dec. 31 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jan. 1 – Closed

SALE

Holiday Hours

Novelty Pens

HOLIDAY HOURS TO NOTE: Dec. 24 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dec. 25 – Closed Dec. 26 – Closed

We Have Great Stocking Stuffers!

Christmas Eve 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

30%

Diamond rings

Colour-Changing Candles Check Them Out!

SALE

Off

Diamond rings

768 Main St. 403-627-3292 Pincher Creek Only TWO Fridays left for Christmas shopping!

Shopping For More Than Just a Gift?

Crockets’ Countdown to Christmas See our daily deals on Facebook & Instagram!

Bring Home Memories

403-56GIFTZ

PINCHER CREEK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Bellevue East Access

@TheLebel

Christmas decor starts at the door!

Tiny Time Art Classes For ages 5 and under Check times on our website

Saturday, Dec. 16 @ 3 p.m.

Check out our Artist Gift Shop

Fresh Christmas Wreath $125

www.thelebel.ca

12701 20th Avenue

696 Kettles Street Pincher Creek

Main Street Blairmore

Across from the Post Office

Like us on Facebook!

www.therosepeddler.ca 403-562-7373

Perfect Posies Greenhouse

Drop in for your fresh centrepieces, boughs, poinsettias, blooming plants and amaryllis bulbs!

Are you following us on Facebook?

You could win one of our weekly prizes!

Open Monday to Saturday

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

403-627-4087 1255 Pronghorn Ave. Pincher Creek www.perfectposies.ca

Follow us on Facebook

FIRE (Focused Intense Resistance Exercise) is our Pre-Registration class We are accepting registration for the upcoming Winter session starting January 9.

Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. (a 10 a.m. time may also be added) These classes are very popular. They do require the commitment of two days per week for 12 weeks, however there is time to make up classes if you miss them.

To register you will need to call, or pop in and talk to a staff.

Metabolic Precision (12 week nutrition program) Our next 12 week session begins Jan.10 at 6:05 p.m.

There are limited spots available. Pre-registration before January is recommended to reserve a spot.

We also offer gift certificates and great stocking stufffer ideas!

403-904-4042 sgbfitbodies@gmail.com Unit C 1348 McEachern Street Pincher Creek

Bring in the New Year at the Pincher Creek Legion!

Coyote Creek is Playing!

Doors Open at 8 p.m., Music Starts at 9

Tickets On Sale Now $30 Single or $50 Per Couple

Champagne at Midnight, Lunch and Party Favours

H a p pe n d e h s S

403-627-4024 691 Main Street Pincher Creek

Shed Happens Mobile Dog Grooming Annick is Back!

is proud to support the In-store and mobile grooming for cats and dogs Complimentary pick up and drop off Kitty litter, bleach, garbage bags, gloves (nitrile or latex), gift cards for fuel for volunteers who take our animals to PetSmart, Professional grooming products

Pincher Creek Humane Society Donation Tree gift cards from Co-op, Rona and/or Walmart for supplies, and Cowley, Lundbreck, Creek, cashServicing used towards our animal spay, neuterPincher & vaccination expenses

Hill Spring, Glenwood and Cardston

Accepting New Clients!

Accepting Clients!

ComplimentaryNew pick up and drop off

Servicing Cowley, Lundbreck, Pincher Creek, Established 2007 Hill Spring & Glenwood

Phone: 403 628 5955 Text: 403 339 512 Railway Avenue Cowley

5955

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

December 13, 2017

Shootin’ the Breeze

HigH Country Western Wear

Est. 1996

Check Out OurWeekly Specials!

Men’s and Women’s Shirts 15% OFF

Children’s Hats & Clothing 20% OFF

Clothing for Men, Women and Children We also have a great selection of belts and boots

Shop Local This Christmas One Lucky Person Will Win

$ 585 In Gift Certificates!

403-627-5686 hcww1996@hotmail.com #33 - 1300 Hewetson Ave. Ranchland Mall Pincher Creek

Blackburn Jewellers – $50 Crockets Trading Company – $50 High Country Western Wear – $100 Perfect Posies Greenhouse – $25 Pincher Creek Co-op – $95 Pincher Creek Golf & Country Club – $50 Pincher Creek Legion – $50 Ruffles Boutique –$50 SGB Fitbodies – $25 Shed Happens – $20 The Lebel – $20 The Rose Peddler – $50

Bring in your entry form when shopping at any of these merchants to enter the prize draw.

Entries accepted until Dec. 21, with winner chosen by random draw at noon on Dec. 22.

The business where the draw winner shopped will receive a $100 advertising credit courtesy of Shootin’ the Breeze.

Name: ________________________________

Dec. 13 is Our

Santa’s Little Helper Sale!

WOW! 30% OFF*

30

* Excludes New Arrivals

% OFF

803 Main Street

Ruffles Boutique

403-627-4640

Pincher Creek

Phone: ________________________________ Shopped at: ___________________________

Page 9

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Shootin’ the Breeze

December 13, 2017

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

THINK SNOW! Open Friday!

The big day is almost upon us.

Castle Mountain Resort plans to open its doors this Friday.

Snowmaking and grooming crews have been working hard to get the slopes ready to welcome skiers and riders for Castle’s 53rd winter season.

Friday night, as always, there will be live music in the T-Bar Pub and Grub. This weekend, enjoy the sounds of Tynan Groves, starting at 9 p.m.

Saturday, Boarderline snow, skate and apparel shop is hosting a rail jam in the base area. There will be music

and fun all day long.

The Castle kickoff party will be in full swing Saturday night with everyone’s favourite ski-town party band, Shred Kelly. They will be rocking the day lodge before they head off on their European tour. Tickets are available in advance online.

It’s going to be a great weekend to get out and have some fun at Castle Mountain Resort. For up-to-date news and conditions, and for kickoff party tickets, go to www.skicastle.ca.

Think snow!

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

December 13, 2017

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 11

Pincher Creek hospital creates top float

Pincher Creek hospital’s float in the Countdown to Christmas Parade of Lights was the brainchild of Brenda Therriault, our pharmacy technician. We have been putting a float in the parade for a number of years; our first year we pushed a stretcher down the street and all walked with hospital scrubs on!

Brenda put a lot of effort into planning our gingerbread house theme float, even sewing gingerbread men and women costumes for the

kids. Brenda has been instrumental in planning most of our floats and this year was no exception. The decorations on the float were a team effort by a lot of the staff.

The people on the float were mostly nurses, a unit clerk and Brenda the pharmacy technician, with children and grandchildren riding along with the staff. Our manager, Jordan Koch, provided the trailer and truck and did the driving.

We often wonder why we put so much time and energy into a float in the middle of winter when we have to dress up and bear the elements, particularly because the hospital used to consistently put a float in the summer parade. But with staff changes and young families, it seems summertime is always too busy to get organized.

Most of us are around all winter and seem to have the time to devote to making our winter

float a success. Plus everyone always seems to enjoy themself despite the cold. Many of the kids have been riding the float since they were very little.

– Carolyn Robbins Please note: In last week’s issue, this float was incorrectly identified as belonging to the Associate Clinic. Shootin’ the Breeze apologizes for the error.

First Student challenge is huge success

By Auralea Boldt “We stand out here and make people feel bad,” jokes Sharon Roberts, standing outside the bus for First Student’s annual Stuff a Bus fundraiser. It has been parked strategically, to be visible but also to block the wind.

Stuff a Bus has a good head start this year. The seats are partially filled with some of the 2,680 food items collected and loaded by area students as part of First Student’s Holiday Train fundraiser.

Sharon, transportation co-ordinator for First Student and mastermind behind the fundraiser, describes how busloads of excited children would be descending upon Pincher Station at 10:30 a.m. on Monday — just in time for the train.

Instead of taking three busloads to the CP Rail Holiday Train as originally planned, the bus company would now be transporting six.

“It was hard to judge, so we decided that the grades 1, 2, 3 — French and English — collected the most total,” Sharon says.

She is clear that it will be the teachers — not the bus drivers — in charge of the students.

“Everyone thinks it’s a great idea,” Sharon says. “They want to do it every year.”

With palpable relief, she acknowledges the train only runs every second year.

It’s a busy time of year for First Student, between the Holiday Train challenge and the Christmas Stuff a Bus — an event that’s been running since 2012 in the community — not to mention loading and unloading the food donations.

As Sharon is interviewed, she fields inquiries from donors, accepts donations, and finds a home for food items on the bus seats.

The fundraiser appears to be going well.

Pincher Creek Co-op, which general manager Jim Peace says is involved with too many community fundraisers to even to list, assists the project by having staff members prepare bundles for purchase.

Donors can buy a $7, $15 or $20 package: a spaghetti dinner, essentials or breakfast bundle.

Ultimately he credits community members with purchasing the donations.

Food for the needy is an

Sharon seems a little unsure of how it happened.

Originally, the contest, which challenged the grades in each school to collect the most non-perishable food items, was going to take only the winning grade in each school.

With the help of volunteer bus drivers, and owing to very small class sizes and “neck and neck races” in some schools, all of Livingstone School, grades 1 to 3 from St. Michael’s, and both Grade 2 classes at Canyon School would be in attendance.

“At Livingstone there were four grade levels who collected within 10 items of each other,” Sharon says.

“So yes, we decided to bring in all the kids, but I guess the combined Grade 3 and 4 collected the most.”

It grew even more logistically complicated at St. Michael’s because grades 1, 2 and 3 French immersion students are one combined class.

important cause for Co-op, especially over the holiday season.

“I didn’t expect the amount of donations,” Sharon says.

A competitive spirit was ignited by the challenge, and harnessed for the good.

Sharon says family, friends — and even clients at one parent’s work — were swept up in the students’ challenge, bringing in food items for donation.

At Canyon School the grade level contest ran neck and neck, with students uncharacteristically hanging onto every word of the school’s announcements for a clue as to who was in the lead.

Inside the Co-op, the Lions collect donations for community Christmas hampers, and issue tax receipts.

In true Christmas spirit, Sharon hands cash donations to the Lions for their Christmas hampers.

“It’s all going to the same place,” she says.

Stuff a Bus donations go to the McMan Food Bank, which also supplies many Christmas items for the Legion’s hampers. All the food goes to those in need.

“Every year we seem to do better,” Sharon says. As if to emphasize the point, she turns and accepts another donation.

HOT spots 4 after the slopes OPEN FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND SUPPER Licensed restaurant, bakery and bulk food store 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

988 Main Street

Pincher Creek

403-904-1888

Bright Pearl 403-627-4828 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4:30 to 9 p.m.

745 Main Street, Pincher Creek

Grand Union

See Your Ad Here!

Call Maureen Bevan 403-904-2227 or 403-563-9192 ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

stop by for breakfast, lunch, Friday night dinner and Sunday brunch

Come for our fabulous Chinese buffet or order off our menu

where good friends and generations meet to eat, drink and be merry!

7719 17th Avenue

Coleman

403-563-5227

Serving local, farm fresh, free-range eggs Rose Creek Ranch breakfast sausage Homemade soups and baking made daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday

No Cash? No Problem...

We have the Square!

Ranchland Mall

Pincher Creek

Page 12

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 13, 2017

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

Passtrak

Crowsnest Pass Track and Field Club

Crowsnest Pass Track & Field Club The indoor track and field season got into

By Passtrak Coach Ritch Braun

4-H clubs bring back the family dance There’s something to be said for good clean fun, and this was clearly demonstrated last Thursday when over 200 people — young and old — had a blast at the 4-H family dance in Pincher Creek. Described as an “absolutely fantastic night,” the revival of an old tradition was a huge success. In top photo, from left, are decorating committee members Justin Schoening, Madeline Schoening, Johnny Terpstra, Jessie Terpstra, Kimberly Turnbull, Kelly Turnbull and Jaxon Hammond. In bottom left photo are Will Schoening and Caleb Clark. At right are Aynsley Nelson and Ryleigh Levesque.

Photos by Shannon Schoening

Loose-parts play, the old-fashioned way

By Page Murphy Parents, eager to provide optimal learning for their children, can feel pressured to buy iPads and cutting-edge toys for their mini-prodigies in order to give them an advantage in a future digitally complex world.

However, science says otherwise. It turns out that sticks and stones, not Barbies and batteries, build better brains.

Loose-parts play is an increasingly common theme in our communities’ programming, daycares, preschools and kindergartens. Both Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass have offered parent education and professional development workshops showing how to create toy rooms and childcare centres that feature loose-parts play.

But what, exactly, is that?

Loose parts are the materials we find all around us in daily life. They can be natural or synthetic/man-made.

Natural loose parts can include stones, stumps, sand, gravel, feathers, twigs, wood, pumpkins, logs, stones, flowers, sand, mud, shells and seedpods.

Examples of synthetic loose parts include buttons, hair curlers, pots and pans, tires, rope, balls, buckets, hoops, chain links, PVC pipes, baskets, fabric pieces, blocks, crates or boxes.

Many of these are materials that past generations would have played with.

Holiday Hours

When infants and young children play with these open-ended materials, there is no right or wrong way to use them. They may explore different ways to manipulate the materials: stacking rocks to make a tower, tying ropes together to pull a log, banging pots and pans to make new noises, burying pine cones to dig up again.

They also decide how the loose parts might be reimagined in new ways: a box could become a ship, a hat, a barn, a racecar or a hideout, and a rock could be a piece of money, a fairy doll, topping for a mud pie or a pirate’s treasure. In doing so, children display their adaptive, creative brilliance.

In short, a good “toy” should really be only 10 per cent toy and 90 per cent child’s imagination.

And loose parts make great toys!

The future job market is yet to be determined.

As parents and grandparents, we have the difficult task of preparing our youngsters for professions that don’t even exist yet. Forbes Media tells us, though, that we can be certain that novel and adaptive thinking will give job seekers an advantage.

Emphasizing loose-parts play for young children today will enhance their ability to be creative and competent workers of tomorrow.

Page Murphy is co-ordinator of the Pincher Creek and Area Early Childhood Coalition.

Our office will be closed Dec. 21 to 26

full swing on Sunday when 13 Passtrak athletes attended the University of Calgary’s Dino Opener. They competed in a total of 37 races and posted some exceptional results.

Eight of the athletes were competing in their first official indoor meet in a Passtrak uniform.

Finley Wilmot had three events in the boys 10-and-under age group. He ran the 60 metres in 13.48 seconds for 18th place. That broke the existing Passtrak club record for his age group.

He broke a second club record in the 800 metres by recording a time of three minutes 55.09 seconds for 14th. His third event was the 150 metres, which he ran in 34.38 seconds for 14th.

Two years from now Finley will be in the same age group.

Devon MacGregor had the same three events in the 10-year-old girls category. She finished 11th in the 60 metres in 10.53 seconds and ninth in the 150 in 26.41 seconds. Her 800 metres took 3:24.32 for a seventh-place finish.

Summer Musschoot and Avaya Ellis competed in the 11-year-old girls division. Summer placed sixth in the 60 metres in 9.84 seconds, seventh in the 150 in 25.38 seconds and fourth in the 800 in 3:05.14. Avaya finished seventh in the 60 metres in 9.88 seconds, then completed the 150 in 25.26 seconds for sixth place. Her 800-metre time was 3:09.20 for a sixth-place result.

Edison Wilmot was in the 11-year-old boys events. His 60-metre time was 11.33 seconds for 12th and his 150 time was 28.93 seconds for eighth.

He finished his 800 metres in 4:06.89 for fifth.

Payton Bauer and Libbey Wilmot were Passtrak’s representatives in the 13-year-old girls group. Payton’s 60-metre time was 9.41 seconds for 11th and her 150 time was 23.23 seconds for seventh. Her 800-metre time was 3:19.72 for sixth overall.

Libbey clocked 9.83 seconds in her 60 metres for 16th. Her time in the 150 metres was 24.67 for a 12th-place finish. Her fifth-place result in the 800 metres was timed at 2:59.32.

Craig Hay made his first appearance as a Passtrak athlete and competed in the masters men’s division, which is for athletes 35 or older.

He placed fourth in the 60 metres in 8.98 seconds and first in the 600 in 2:12.29. Both of those results set new Passtrak records for Craig’s age group.

The remaining five Passtrak athletes at the meet were all veterans attempting to improve upon their previous performances. They completed their mission with gusto, recording new lifetime-best results in 12 of 13 possible events.

Carson Hay ran the fastest 60 metres of his life in 12.50 seconds, which placed him 14th and set a new Passtrak record for boys under 10. He ran the fastest 150 metres of his life as well, in 33.74 seconds, to finish 13th. The 800 metres was a new event for him and he placed 12th in 3:47.83, which broke the existing club record by 10 seconds.

Carson has two more years in this age group before he moves up.

Clara Websdale ran in the 11-year-old girls category. She improved her times in all three of her events. She ran the 60 metres in 10.89 seconds for 13th, and placed 12th in the 150 in 27.74 seconds. Her 800-metre time was 3:22.28, which slashed 12 seconds off her previous time for an 11th-place result.

Sawyer Sawatzky completed the trifecta in his 11-year-old boys events, recording three lifetimebest results. He placed sixth in the 60 metres in 10.18 seconds, then grabbed fourth in the 150, running it in 25.40 seconds. He cut a whopping 24 seconds off his previous time in the 800 metres by finishing in 3:06.59 for second place.

Not to be outdone by his teammates, Jack Bailey ran personal-best times in all three of his 12-year-old boys events. He placed fourth in the 60 metres in 10.29 seconds. He then placed second in the 150 metres in 26.75 seconds. In his final event, the 800 metres, he chopped 18 seconds from his previous best by finishing second in 3:23.58.

Paige Richards ran two races in the 14-yearold girls division. She ran the fastest 60 metres of her life by finishing fourth in 8.78 seconds. She then missed a personal best by a mere six-100ths of a second when she clocked 10.69 seconds for fifth in the 60-metre hurdles.

Summer, Avaya, Clara and Devon teamed up to run in the 11-year-old girls four-by-200 relay.

They placed third and set a new club record of 2:27.33.

Passtrak’s next competition, on Jan. 7, will also take place in Calgary.

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December 13, 2017

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 13

COFFEE BREAK Brought to you by Fix Auto

THREE REASONS TO LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: • Links to new stories posted throughout the day, every day • Online stories generally have more photos than appear in print • This is an easy way to share and save stories and photos you like WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SHOOTINTHEBREEZE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Mondays – Destination Exploration: 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Pincher Creek Family Centre.

– Babes and Bumps: 1 to 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Family Centre.

Tuesdays – Monkey Moves: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Monster Fitness.

– Lunch ’n’ Learn: noon to 1 p.m. at Pincher Creek library.

Wednesdays – Little Sprouts: 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Pincher Creek Family Centre.

– Story time: 10 to 11 a.m. at Pincher Creek library.

Thursdays – Gymtastics: 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Pincher Creek Family Centre.

– Poker at Blairmore Legion.

– Pincher Creek RCADE (Regional Centre for Arts, Design and Entrepreneurship): 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Lebel Mansion.

Fridays – Messy and sensory play: 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Pincher Creek Family Centre.

– Supper and meat draw: 5 to 8 p.m. at Blairmore Legion.

Saturdays – Country and old-time jam sessions: 3 p.m. to ?? at Hillcrest Miners Club.

Join in the fun — everyone welcome!

403-564-4646.

– Who Let the Dudes Out?: 10 a.m to noon, first and third Saturdays, at Pincher Creek Family Centre.

Wednesday, December 13 – Pincher Creek Emergency Services Commission special meeting: 1:30 p.m. in-camera presentation, 3 p.m. public presentation, at Town of Pincher Creek office.

Friday, December 15 – Ad deadline for Brides & Babies of 2017. For info see page 14.

– Castle Mountain Ski Resort opening weekend.

Saturday, December 16 – Christmas market: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pincher Creek Community Hall. No admission charge. Donations accepted at the door for Kenow fire

relief.

– Fresh Christmas wreath workshop: 3 p.m. at the Rose Peddler in Blairmore. For info call 403-562-7373.

Tuesday, December 19 – Influenza immunization clinic: 3 to 6 p.m. at Pincher Creek town hall gym.

Thursday, December 21 – Shop Local This Christmas entry deadline. This is a chance to win $585 in gift certificates from local merchants. For info see page 9.

Friday, December 22 – Christmas party: 6 to 8 p.m. at Pincher Creek swimming pool. Games, prizes and pool toys.

Sunday, December 24 – Christmas Eve services: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. candlelight at Trinity Lutheran Church, 893 East Ave., Pincher Creek.

Come and worship the newborn King.

p.m. at Limber Pine Smokehouse & Taberna in Coleman. Prizes for best Ugly Christmas Sweater and Festive Themed Outfit. Bring a gift ($20 value) for the gift exchange. Appetizers and coffee/tea provided, cash bar and menu items available. Members $5, non-members $10 or purchase a 2018 membership for $25. RSVP to mj@womenofcanadaeh.ca.

Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Funny Money Casino - with live music at Pincher Creek Community Hall. Presented by Livingstone Ski Academy and Pincher Creek Minor Hockey: 18+, cash bar, semi-formal. Tickets ($70) available at ATB Financial and Livingstone School.

– New Year’s Eve at the Pincher Creek Legion: 8 p.m. doors open, 9 p.m. live music with Coyote Creek. For info and tickets call 403-627-4024.

Thursday, December 28 – FUSE Ladies’ Night Out - Christmas Gathering and Gift Exchange: 5 to 9

Listings cost $10 (per week) and include up to 25 words. Additional words are 15 cents each.

Consecutive weeks, without changes, are half price. Listings are complimentary for events also promoted with display ads.

Email your event to office@shootinthebreeze.ca or call 403-904-2227 Deadline is Thursday prior to publication at noon

Page 14

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 13, 2017

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONS UPCOMING MEIER GUN AUCTION. Saturday, December 16, 11 a.m., 6016 - 72A Ave., Edmonton.

Handguns, rifles, shotguns, hunting and sporting equipment. Free pick up Edmonton surrounding area to consign. Call 780-440-1860.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Seeking experienced janitor part-time 2 to 3 days per week. Must be able to work without supervision. $14/hour.

Noon to 6 p.m. RCMP check. Send resumes to jlmmcm@hotmail.com.

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach over 110 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details 1-800282-6903 ext 228; www. awna.com.

INTERESTED IN the Community Newspaper business? Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. FREE. Visit: awna.com/for-jobseekers.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career!

Employers have workat-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

“Because Family is Important” Internal/External HS27 Department: Home Services Are you seeking fulfilling work that gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others?

Do you feel strongly about working within a positive culture with great people in a supportive team environment?

Perfect!

So, if you are a Health Care Aide and able to work in Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding areas, we would like to hear from you right away about possibly joining our Home Services Team!

This role provides care and support with activities of daily living to seniors and individuals in their own homes.

Specific role details will be provided at the interview stage.

WE OFFER:

• Competitive starting wages • More information on our website

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum wage requirement of 18, with Health Care Aide Certification or related community care experience • Able to travel locally from assignment to assignment, including a valid Driver’s licence, and must have a registered, insured and reliable vehicle • A complete list of qualifications is listed on our website

Complete job posting is available to view on our Lethbridge Family Services website, www.lfsfamily.ca, under “careers.”

The posting will inform you on how to submit your resume.

Lethbridge Family Services is an equal opportunity employer

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

FEED AND SEED FINISH COMBINING in AUGUST!! Grow early varieties. AAC Peace River Yellow Peas. Early One Polish Canola. Go Early HRS Wheat. Juniper Oats. Plus numerous barleys. Followed by Pintail Winter Wheat. Call Mastin Seeds, 403-556-2609; mastinseeds.com.

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.

DEALERS WANTED. Hannas Seeds, A long time leader in Forage, Pasture, Native & Reclamation grasses are seeking Alberta Dealers. Excellent compensation. Contact Lance Walker 1-800-6611529. Email: lance.walker@hannasseeds.com.

0404 ext: 400OT. STEEL BUILDING SALE. “Fall Clearance Sale on now!” 20x21 $5,990 front & back walls included.

25x25 $6,896 one end wall included. 32x33 $8,199 no ends included.

Check out www.pioneersteel.ca for more prices.

Pioneer Steel 1-855-2127036.

LOOKING FOR a shop?

Post Frame Buildings.

AFAB Industries has experience, expertise, reliability and great construction practices. For a free quote, contact Ryan Smith 403-818-0797 or email: ryan.afab@gmail. com.

REAL ESTATE 320 ACRES of Highly Assessed Saskatchewan Farmland for sale near Bengough, SK. 5 to 10 year lease available with profit share or cash rent.

Contact Doug at 306716-2671 or saskfarms@ shaw.ca for further details.

SERVICES

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 37+ colours available at over 55 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-2638254.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/ licensing loss? Travel/ business opportunities?

Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge.

File destruction. Free consultation 1-800-347-2540; www.accesslegalmjf.com.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension.

In stock ready to ship.

Free info & DVD: www.

NorwoodSawmills. com/400OT. 1-800-567-

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need money?

We lend! If you own your own home - you qualify.

Pioneer Acceptance Corp.

Member BBB. 1-877-9871420. www.pioneerwest. com.

FOR SALE

We are always looking for

Crowsnest Community Support Society

great people to join us.

Community Disability Support Worker 1

Whispering Winds Village in Pincher Creek is Now Hiring a:

Kitchen Manager / Chef Benefits • Opportunity for growth: More than 50% of our management team was hired from within!

• Opportunities for Learning & Career Development • Attractive Compensation • Benefits Program • Annual Employee Appreciation Program

Full-time position – Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. $17.94 - $23.42 for scheduled work hours Pay dependent on education and experience. Training provided.

• • •

High school diploma or equivalent Clean driver’s license – Class 4 or willing to obtain Class 4 driver’s license Clean Vulnerable Criminal Record Check All positions are covered through WCB

For more information contact Beatrice Etheridge 403-563-3585 ext. 23 or ccss.bea@gmail.com Deadline for applications: Dec. 18, 2017 at 4 p.m.

APPLY IN PERSON 941 Elizabeth Street, Pincher Creek, A.B. or by email: ewoolf@glm.ca

Position start date – Jan. 2, 2018 Only those applicants considered for an interview will be contacted

Brides and Babies of 2017 Share your good news in the Dec. 27 edition of

Samples shown smaller than actual size of 5 x 2.5” horizontal or 5.4 x 5.2” vertical Brynley Ann Semenoff

was born June 27, 2016.

She weighed eight pounds nine ounces.

The Quarin family is happy to announce the marriage of

Proud parents are Lucas and Brittney, big sister is Keely.

Grandparents are Patrick Lagarde, Barb Lagarde and Allan Lively, Vince and Shirley Semenoff. Great-grandparents are Jack Morgan and Harry and Linda Lively.

Kelly Ann Quarin to Mike Bird Best Wishes!

Book your colour space for $45 plus GST Deadline is Friday, Dec. 15 To book your ad, call 403-904-2227 or 403-563-9192 and ask for Maureen Bevan or email ads@shootinthebreeze.ca We’re also happy to help you at 697A Main Street in Pincher Creek 3” wide version

SPEAK UP FOR MÉTIS JUSTICE F SATURDAY Dec. 16 @ 10:00 a.m.

F Courtyard Marriott Edmonton West (10011 - 184 St NW)

MNAA Provincial Council has called a Special Meeting of members to present special resolutions to amend the society’s bylaws including the Métis Judiciary Council (MJC).

NO meaningful consultation with members has taken place about these changes and the MNAA Provincial Council has not shared Deloitte’s external study of the MJC that was authorized by concenred members in 2015.

Vote for a fair, Métis future on Dec 16!

3”transparent wide version

e squeethezmost 3.75” out wide version of your advertising dollars Place your ad in this newspaper SPEAK FOR MÉTIS JUSTICE 12345 andUP province wide

995

$

F SATURDAY Dec. 16 @ 10:00 a.m. plus GST/HST F Courtyard Marriott Edmonton West Value Ad (10011 - 184 St Network NW)

with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...

Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association

MNAA Provincial toll Council has called a Special Meeting of members to free 1-800-282-6903 x228 present special resolutions amend the society’s bylaws including the Métis email toandrea@awna.com Judiciary Council (MJC). or visit this community newspaper NO meaningful consultation with members has taken place about these changes and the MNAA Provincial Council has not shared Deloitte’s external study of the MJC that was authorized by concenred members in 2015.

Vote for a fair, transparent Métis future on Dec 16!

3” wide version

3.75” wide version

eeztheefor Inquire squour most out of your advertising dollars full line Place your ad in this of well and12345 province wide water a combined circulation treatment with of over 800,000 for only... products

newspaper

995

$

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Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 email andrea@awna.com or visit this community newspaper

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

December 13, 2017

Shootin’ the Breeze

Page 15

Christina Hammer 1975 – 2017 Christina Hammer of Lethbridge, beloved daughter of Dallas and Larry Hammer, passed away suddenly on Nov. 30, 2017, at the age of 42.

Besides her loving mother, Dallas, and stepfather, Rob Bodnar, Christina is survived by daughter Daylynn Jarvis, son Dawson Jarvis, grandmother Margaret Wieler, brother Larry (Kim) Hammer, niece Katrina Reimer and nephew Ashton Hammer.

She was predeceased by her father, Larry Hammer.

Christina was born in Lethbridge in 1975 to Larry and Dallas Hammer. She grew up on the family ranch in Twin Butte, and attended school in Pincher Creek. As a child, Christina loved riding horses and spending time on the family ranch.

Christina moved to Calgary, where she met Kevin Jarvis. They began their own family, welcoming into their lives son Dawson and daughter Daylynn. Eventually they moved to Lethbridge, where they continued to reside.

A private family service will be held in the spring of 2018. Flowers are gratefully declined.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Streets Alive, 323 Fourth St. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1Z9.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home 403-627-3131 www.edensfuneralhome.com

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR THE DEC. 27 ISSUE OF SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE IS

FRIDAY, DEC.15

Contact Maureen Bevan 403-904-2227 403-563-9192 ads@shootinthebreeze.ca

Business Directory www.inspiris.ca

• Lenovo Laptops and Desktops • MS Office Software • AVG Antivirus • Remote Support

403-627-2922

Pincher Creek

Naked Windows?

Let us dress them!

Cheri Bobyk 403-627-4782 www.nakedwindows.ca

NEED A LIFT?

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

Recipient of “Excellence in Customer Service Awards” Honouring Life’s Memories . . .

Eden’s Funeral Home

A division of Caringroup

403-627-3131 Box 924, 966 Elm St., Pincher Creek, AB

www.edensfuneralhome.com

Dennis Novak

Shawn Kyllo

mr-b Computer Services

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

Computers • Networking • Websites Call for a free consultation

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

www.mr-b.ca

Call 403-339-CARE

Mobile computer lab serving southwestern Alberta 403-795-9750

Business Directory Lucas Sorge

403-627-5756

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

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

Electrical Supplies Sales Counter

1373A Hunter Street Pincher Creek www.ritelineelectric.com

Gee’s Electric Inc. Wade Giesbrecht – Owner/Operator 403-627-9258 geeselectric@gmail.com Box 1001, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

Road Building • Site Prep • General Excavation • Dozer Work • Land Clearing

Residential and Commercial Goods and Services

• Residential • Commercial • Farm • Cell Phone Boosters • Maintenance • Generators: GENERAC & KOHLER

Sand, gravel, landscaping rock, grader, dozer, skidsteer, mini excavator Trucking Ltd.

Professional and Specialty Services

Window & Door Installation Call Rick or Richelle 403-317-4115

INFO@FORTMACLEODGLASS.COM

• General Contracting • Project Management • Commercial and Residential • ICF SUPERform • Concrete Work “Our Reputation is Building!” • Renovations

Call: 403-627-2242

Contract Pricing or Hourly Work Free Estimates Current C.S.T.S. and First Aid

Toll Free: 1-855-627-2242 | Fax: 403-627-5652

David Froese 403-432-0344 Visit our website: grayrockcontracting.com

info@avalanchecontracting.com 1130 Macleod Street, Pincher Creek www.avalanchecontracting.com

Furnace Service & Replacement Ask us about FREE QUOTES Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday

403-627-5616 www.cmgas.com 1375 Hunter Street Pincher Creek

“Your junk is our treasure”

• • • • • • •

40, 23, 12 yard roll-off bins 6, 4, 3, 2 yard dumpsters Bear-proof dumpsters Porta-potty rentals Security fencing rentals Septic services Hotshot/picker crane service

CALL NOW FOR ALL YOUR SEPTIC NEEDS • Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Farm

Office: 403-627-2242

info@southwestwaste.ca

Cell: 403-627-3585

www.southwestwaste.ca

Page 16

Shootin’ the Breeze

December 13, 2017

Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

$1.25 Per Copy GST Included

Effective with the Feb. 7, 2018 issue, the newsstand price of Shootin’ the Breeze will be $1.25 per print copy GST is included

Watch for a vendor list in our Jan. 3 paper

SAVE WITH A YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION!

Have your local newspaper delivered weekly to your post office box for $45 per year (GST included) Photo by Shannon Robison

Desirée and Craig Erdmann offer a warm welcome at the Holy Ghost Cafe in Coleman, where their offerings of homemade goodness and live music have led to recognition as best new business from the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce.

Music nights and good eats earn positive reviews for Holy Ghost Cafe

By Georgia Dale Desirée and Craig Erdmann have transformed the Holy Ghost Church, built in 1905, into a stunning venue for enjoying delicious, locally roasted coffee and all kinds of music from casual family jam nights to sold-out concerts.

The building has changed hands several times over the last few years but the owners are confident they have given their business a great start. Community members are hoping it remains a fixture in the area for years to come.

Winning the award for best new business from Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce has been “uplifting” for Desirée. She says it feels great to be recognized and appreciated by the community.

The Holy Ghost Cafe reflects Craig and Desiree’s dedication to their community as they strive to bring residents quality coffee, music and food. They serve coffee roasted by Crowsnest Coffee Company, so they can ensure not only superb quality but also that they are supporting local business at the same time.

They also make all of their treats and meals from scratch, offering unique dinner menus for concertgoers and taking orders for freezer meals like cabbage rolls.

Running the Holy Ghost Cafe hasn’t been easy though, says Desirée, who used to run the

Women’s Resource Centre in Blairmore as well as the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank.

“I thought that was a lot of work. But this, this is way more work” — though she’s smiling when she say this. It is rewarding, she says, to be able to offer something different to the Pass.

Lately the couple have been parlaying the amazing acoustics of the church into some sold-out shows.

“Music nights are always big,” says Desirée, and the venue offers something different than most of the places in the Pass.

It’s a place where whole families can go and enjoy a beautiful home-cooked meal, music and dancing. Rather than a bar-like atmosphere, the church building exudes an ambience that evokes both sanctuary and dance hall, making it a safe yet exhilarating setting.

Hopefully, with a building so conducive to music and dance, and with such dedicated stewards, the Holy Ghost Cafe and Music Hall can attract some exciting acts to entertain music lovers of the Pass for years to come.

Upcoming shows include Jory Kinjo and the Static this Friday, New Year’s Eve with Tim WIlliams, Del Barber and his band on Jan. 12, and Daniel Champagne on Jan. 21. You can keep an eye on upcoming events on the venue’s Facebook page.

Pyjama Tree 2017 Contribute to our 5th annual

Shootin’ the Breeze PYJAMA TREE

Bring in new PJs for children of any age until Dec. 21.

They will be added to the local Christmas hampers.

Open Monday to Thursday – 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

697A Main Street Pincher Creek

2018 print subscriptions will be prorated to $40.50 (GST included) ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION OPTION $20 (GST included) Receive an interactive copy of Shootin’ the Breeze in your email inbox every week

For more info, call 403-904-2227 or email shannon@shootinthebreeze.ca Subscription forms available in next week’s paper