TRACK WATCH November 2010
“Praising what is lost is what makes remembrance dear.”
- William Shakespeare
OCTOBER OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm CONTACT INFORMATION Ph: 403-931-3411 Box 68 Millarville, AB T0L 1K0 CHECK OUT THE NEW WEBSITE www.millarvilleracetrack.com
EVENTS Annual Millarville Christmas Market November 5, 6 & 7, 2010 Volunteer Appreciation November 13, 2010 6:00 —10:00 pm RSVP by November 1st please!
A message from the President 2010 is winding down as we near the MRAS yearend while 2011 is winding up with all of the Events underway with their planning strategies. The last Farmers’ Market was held on October 9th to round out a successful summer and in preparation for 2011, the various Event Committees have been reorganized including initial meetings for future plans and 2011 budget preparation. The Christmas Market prep and planning for the November 5th week-end are in full swing and, judging by vendor commitments, it’s promising to be another great event! On a note of interest, this Track Watch publication is receiving some very positive feedback from advertisers and readers alike. A vote of Thanks goes to Lindsay Fenton and Kent Ladell for the initial setup of the summer issues and now to Krystal Meade (Events Manager) who is carrying on with the current issues. Facility improvements are underway with John Baker focusing on the water leaks in the arena roof followed by a re-work of the sand including an application of “Stall DRY” – an eco-friendly equine product to eliminate the ammonia and other residual odours. A large percentage of the “Stall DRY” product is being donated by APL
(Absorbent Products Ltd.) as a new Arena Sponsor.
In view of the related water and septic system breakdowns through peak times, the processes have been reviewed and adjusted to handle requirements going forward. If you had the privilege of volunteering at the Racetrack over this past year, we hope you can join us for Volunteer Appreciation Night on Saturday, November 13th to be hosted by the Board of Directors and Staff. Come and meet your neighbours for food and fun to celebrate a successful 2010 season! Also, mark your calendars for the Annual General Meeting tentatively planned for December 13, 2010.
Regards,
John Dakers President
“Volunteer—not so you can build your résumé, but so you can build yourself”
Messages from the Christmas Market
C
hristmas undeniably is on its way! The leaves have fallen, and there is a noticeable chill in the evening air. At the Millarville Racing & Ag Society office we have been putting our heads together working on another great annual event.
The 2010 Millarville Christmas Market is planned for November 5th, 6th and 7th. Admission / Parking is $5 per person or $10 per car—so take advantage of the savings, fill up the car, and bring your friends! This year we are lucky to have an amazing amount of new vendors, as well as favourites from the Farmers’ Market and previous Christmas Markets. This year we are adding some activities that will help to get us all in the Holiday Spirit. Carolers will be dropping by the over the course of the weekend to get us all in the Christmas spirit. For 3 hours each day, the lower hall will be transformed into a Santa’s Workshop. For $2, parents can bring their kids to decorate a Holiday Cookie, and participate in crafts and games. Some of our great 4-H Parents and Teens will be overseeing the workshop and helping the younger ones with their crafts. The Concession has been busy testing new recipes for the Christmas Market. Be sure to come for lunch or a snack—you’ll find chicken pot pie, clam chowder, poutine, hot apple cider and your other favourites. Another great reason to bring the whole family to the Christmas Market is Hay Rides! Grab a hot chocolate and climb aboard for a tour of the MRAS. Hay rides are being offered free with admission to the Christmas Market—so don’t miss out! In addition to the shopping areas in the arena, hall and outside, we have added a large heated tent to ensure that both vendors & customers best enjoy their weekend with us. All in all, we think this is going to be a great weekend! Don’t miss this opportunity to get a head start on your shopping, and spend some time at the Track. See you at the Market!
Carmen Ditzler & Krystal Meade Farmers Market & Events Managers marketmanager@millarvilleracetrack.com eventsmanager@millarvilleracetrack.com
Millarville 4-H Multi Club Has First Meeting….. by Kashley Meyer Hello everyone! My name is Kashley Meyer and I am one of the new club reporters for the Millarville 4-H Multi Club. On September 26/ 2010 the club got together for their first meeting of the year. Returning for another fun filled year are our leaders Wendy and Staci Arkes. The First thing we did was hold our club elections. Our President is Sarah Sharp, Vice President is Haley McIvor, Secretary is Elise Bunn, and Treasurer is Jenissa Allbee. Our Phone Committee is Denae Allbee and Jaqueline Jamieson. And we can’t forget our new Club Reporters are Jessica Bryk and Kashley Meyer. Once the Election was done we got to the fun part of the day; COOKING!! Our theme was Fruit. Here is a list of what we made: Denae - Fruit Salad
Jenissa - Banana Muffins
Shayna - Banana Fritters
Jade - Apple Pie
Katelyn - Fruit Pizza
Jessica - Creamy Strawberry Orange Pops
Elise - Fruit Perogies
May - Apple Cranberry Muffins
Jaqueline - Pear and Raspberry Crumble
Haley - Marshmallow Salad
Kashley - Dark Blue Heaven Dessert
Madison - Raspberry French Toast
Sarah - 4 Berry Smoothie. Everything was delicious! All of the new members got to Tie Dye an Apron. And at the next meeting we get to see our creations. I can’t WAIT!!! Our next meetings’ theme will be Our Favorite Food. We can’t wait to see what kind of creations we get to make next. Stay tuned!
Winter Walk About Program: At the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area
T
he leaves are changing and colliding with the Earth as winter is soon approaching. Mother Nature was kind enough to give us a preview this past week. How thoughtful! Soon our green and brown fields will be covered with the white stuff and all that the season brings. Hares and weasels putting on their white “coats”; bears fattening up for hibernation; and the disappearance of red tailed hawks as they migrate south for warmer temperatures. Do your students wonder what animals do in winter? Do they think about plants and how they survive? Does the thought of snow make them think about shovels or what the effects are on wildlife survival? Join us at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area for a hands-on curriculum based program that builds awareness and appreciation for the natural world. Bring your class of grades 1 & 2 to learn about the wonders of winter. The students will be deputized as "Cross Conservation Officers" with the mission of studying winter for the Head Conservation Officer. Your students will become winter detectives; exploring and discovering animal tracks and signs; experimenting with snow as an insulator and investigating how plants survive winter! Full day programs are led by Area educators and involve walking on the land, bundling up to enjoy the outdoors! Are you unable to come out to the Cross Conservation Area? We can bring conservation to you! Half-day programs full of winter activities, mostly outdoors, can be experienced in your own school yard. To learn more about our exciting Winter Walkabout program, visit our website at www.crossconservation.org or call (403) 931-2042.
Volunteer Appreciation Event Saturday November 13, 2010 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped make the 2010 season one to go down in history! From the record breaking Fair, to the rescheduled Rodeo, to the tremendous Races we would not have been able to do it without all of your help.
-Hors d’Oeuvres -Committee Awards -Photos from 2010 Events -Door Prizes -Cash Bar for Beer & Liquor Look for your invitation in the mail early this month! If you contributed your time and do not receive an invitation in the mail please call the office at (403) 931-3411. Please RSVP to EventsManager@MillarvilleRaceTrack.com by November 1st.
Roping a Bit of History By MRAS Historian Dorothy Jackson
Races—War and the Red Cross As soon as the people in the area got over the shock of war being declared in 1914, a great desire arose to get back to the aid of their homeland. A lot of land was sold or rented. 79 men from the immediate Millarville District enlisted and served under the Union Jack flag and records indicate that 17 were killed in action. There were 40 men from Priddis serving and 5 were killed in action. The people who were left behind were soon swept into some type of activity to help the war effort. The First World War brought the first halt to the annual races, which were cancelled in both 1916 and 1917. They resumed in 1918 with proceeds going to the aid of the Red Cross. An added attraction was the donation of a greased pig. The one who caught the pig could keep it. The proceeds of this day amounted to over $300. This was a very large sum for that period in time. Lunch and refreshments were served by the ladies of the Red Cross. Priddis and Millarville both had Red Cross chapters with large memberships. Mrs. Malcolm Millar and Mrs. Richard Knights served as presidents during these war years. Women held knitting bees, sewed articles and prepared comfort bags. Again during the Second World War many people from this community, both men and women enlisted. They served under the Union Jack which was still Canada’s flag. Records show 42 enlisted and one of those died in action. Then for the second period in its history the Race Club came to the aid of the Red Cross with proceeds from the 1940 and 1941 races again being donated to the Red Cross. Two years without races followed, 1942 and 43, because of gasoline rationing and patrons having no way of getting to the races. When the races resumed Charles Bull built the first concession stand at the Race Track and each Race Day with the help of friends and neighbors sold hot dogs, coffee and pop with the profits going to the Red Cross. One of the many fundraisers of the local Red Cross Chapters was holding ‘Chicken Suppers and Dance’. There not being a hall at the Race Track they were held at Priddis.
(Canada’s own flag featuring a Maple Leaf became official and flew over the Parliament Buildings for the first time February 15, 1965 and the Alberta Flag became official June 1 st 1968)
Photos from the 2010 Fair Wrap-Up Meeting. What a great celebration! Photo by Lindsay Fenton
Don’t Miss These Great Upcoming Community Events! MRAS
Monthly Games Night 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm $2.50 per Player October 9th, November 19h, December 10th, January 8th February 12th, March 12th April 9th Dominoes, Cribbage, Bridge Please bring a snack along to share with the group. For more information, please call Pearl Laycraft at 403-931-3493
What is a Volunteer? “A volunteer is someone who gives time, energy & talents to others, expecting nothing in return. Volunteers must have an open mind, be willing to embrace the wisdom learned from others and also let the experience of volunteering lead to personal growth. Volunteers realize the importance of time and kindness.” As a non-profit society we are very grateful for each and every moment, minute, hour, and day that each volunteer contributes. Without all of the hard work by our members, we would be less of a community. It was discussed for some time that we should have a “volunteer fee” for 2011 Arena Members that are unable to volunteer, as a way to either increase volunteer participation, and/or to help offset some of the costs associated with the arena maintenance. Many of you were supportive of the idea; many of you weren’t quite as keen. Thank you for voicing your opinion and honestly expressing your feelings. We need ongoing input from the membership in order to make the best decisions. We are hoping that as a Society we can look to our arena members and user groups for some guidance and ideas when it comes to volunteering. We are asking you, the volunteer:
What can we do as a group to increase volunteerism, strengthen community, and work towards a common goal together? What can we do to revitalize the volunteering experience?
How can we better share the community responsibilities that we encounter so frequently?
The MRAS would like to host an open forum to hear your thoughts on volunteering, new approaches and fresh ideas to keep everyone excited about being a part of the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, our famous events, and fabulous community. Please join us in sharing your requests, thoughts, and brainstorming as a group to promote volunteerism.
If you are not able to attend, please participate by sending us your thoughts, comments and ideas on ways we can improve together. Email : office@millarvilleracetrack.com
Sunday November 21, 2010 from 1:00 pm—4:00 pm “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”
MILLARVILLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
O
ctober was Canadian Library month and this year’s theme was “Opening Doors to the Future”. We saw a lot of old and new visitors to the library, but we ask you this: When was the last time you were in our library or have you ever stepped through its doors? For a small library we have a lot to offer.
We have an amazing selection of books and if we don’t have the one you are looking for, we can order it from another library in our system, or from somewhere else in the province. You can go online and browse through Marigold’s extensive catalogue and order a book and we will call you when it arrives in the library. You can also do research online on a number of data bases on health, education, business, auto repair, to name a few. Just log into www.marigold.ab.ca. Apart from books, we have magazines, audio books and DVD’s. We presently have an art exhibit in the library and last weekend we had a quilt class where students created fabulous table runners. The first Tuesday of each month we have story time for preschoolers and also for the school’s kindergarten class. We have a photocopy machine and two computers for public use. If you are looking for some exercise come on out Tuesday evening for badminton, Wednesday evening for volleyball and Wednesday mornings for yoga – these are all drop-in classes and you can call the library for more information. The library is offering some great classes through video conferencing which are all free of charge. One series is put on by the Alzheimer’s Society and these are on Monday, October 25th and November 1st from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. There are two more classes in the Genealogy Discovery Series on Monday, November 15th and December 6th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. All sessions are fun & interactive; you learn a lot and you interact with people at other venues in other parts of the province. Our annual membership fee is only $5.00 per person or $10.00 for a whole family – with the cost of books these days it is still one of the best bargains around. We are in the process of planning our adult education courses for the winter/spring session so if you have any ideas for classes please give the library a call at 403-931-3919.
Messages from the Historical Society… Are you a whiz with typewriters?? If yes – would you be willing to help revive an older model electric typewriter… It was working fine when it was put into storage, but now it is not working! W e use the machine to type specific information onto cards that would become part of the MRAS historical records. Please help us to maintain the important history of the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society! Please contact Dorothy at (403) 931-3514 or bdjackson@platinum.ca
Above: The new circulation desk at the library.
MRAS 2011 Membership Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society November 1 s t 2010 to October 31 s t 2011 Box 68, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0 Phone: 403 -931-3411 Fax: 403-931-3485 email: office@millarvilleracetrack.com web: www.millarvilleracetrack.com
Please circle membership purchased General Family
$ 42.00 including GST
(1 vote per household)
Individual
$ 36.75 including GST
College Student/Senior Individual
$ 26.25 including GST
(Valid Student ID/Over 60)
Family (Up to 5 family members)
$341.25 including GST
(1 vote per household)
Additional Family Members
$ 26.25 including GST
Individual
$236.25 including GST
Arena
Membership Entitlement: All members are entitled to reduced rental rates for weddings, receptions & on advertising in our Track Watch publication; voting privileges at MRAS AGM; ability to vote on financial matters as a member of a sub-committee (e.g. races, rodeo, fair or markets); and free admission to MRAS sponsored events and activities including Rodeo, Races, Fair, Farmers’ Market, and Christmas Market. This policy will be reviewed annually. Arena members each receive a general membership card, an arena key-lock card and a saddle tag. In addition, for MRAS insurance purposes, Arena users are required to complete and sign the attached waiver form. Please refer to Arena Membership sheet for usage regulations. General members receive membership cards.
Volunteer Opportunities for All Members We are not able to operate without the help of neighbours, members and friends. Please circle the areas where you would prefer to help your organization to stay strong:
Races / Rodeo / Fair / Work Parties / Board Membership / Volunteer Co-ordinator
Please print member names that will appear on Membership cards Last Name: ________________________________________________First Name(s): ______________________/____________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/Town: ______________________________________________Province: ____________________Postal Code:____________________ Phone: _________________________________________________Email: _________________________ Amount enclosed: $___________________ Payment Type (please circle): Visa / M/C / Amex / Cash / Debit / Cheque Card # _______________________________________________________________________________exp__________ I agree to allow the MRAS to charge my credit card the above stated amount, for 2011 membership dues. Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________
FOR ARENA MEMBERS ONLY ARENA USAGE WAIVER THIS IS AN ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY. BY BECOMING A PARTICIPANT IN MRAS INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ARENA USAGE, YOU ARE AGREEING TO ASSUME CERTAIN RISKS AND TO RELEASE THE MRAS AND OTHER PARTIES FROM LIABILITY. PLEASE READ THIS PROVISION CAREFULLY. Participants acknowledge that some horse-based events/activities can be dangerous by their inherent nature and that participation in equine events, training clinics and other activities as a competitor as well as casual riding in all areas of the MRAS grounds (including without limitation, the rodeo arena, indoor arena, competition area, chutes, pens, sand ring, and other areas within the MRAS grounds) exposes the participant to substantial and serious hazards and risks of property damage, personal injury and/or death. In consideration of being permitted to participate in the event the participant(s), in any capacity, does by such participation agree to assume such hazards and risks and does thereby discharge, waive, and release the MRAS, the MRAS officers & directors, properties, all sponsors, all other Members and Permit holders, any involved Committees and their members, and any other MRAS members involved in the production, organization, conduct, sponsoring and/or execution of the subject activity (and such persons or entities affiliated, related or subsidiary companies and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents) from all claims, demands and liabilities for any and all property damage, personal injury and/or death or other responsibility arising from such involvement, including claims, demands, liabilities and other responsibilities that are known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, future or contingent, and whether or not such claims, demands, liabilities, and other responsibilities are occasioned by the negligence of the parties so released by such participants, by the hazards and risks so assumed by such participants, or otherwise. Such participants shall not now, or at any time in the future, directly or indirectly, commence or prosecute any action, suit, or other proceedings against the parties so released arising out of, or related to, the claims, demands, liabilities and other responsibilities so discharged, waived and released by such Member, Participant, or Permit holder. The undertakings and covenants of the foregoing provisions shall be binding upon each participant, his or her spouse, heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns. Participants acknowledge that they are and remain fully responsible for obtaining and maintaining proper and adequate medical and dental coverage and/or insurance and further that MRAS does not carry or have any responsibility to provide any person such coverage or insurance. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to this assumption of risk and release and indemnity. ____________________________
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Name (printed please)
Signature
Date
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Name (printed please)
Signature/ Signature of Guardian for Participants under the age of 18 yrs
Date
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Name (printed please)
Signature/ Signature of Guardian for Participants under the age of 18 yrs
Date
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Name (printed please)
Signature/ Signature of Guardian for Participants under the age of 18 yrs
Date
MRAS Equine Club Jump Night Starting Thursday November 18th 2010, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Looking for a way to keep jumping through the winter? Keep your horse conditioned until spring? Always wanted to learn how to jump? Looking for some new horse friends? Join us for the new MRAS Equine Club Jump Night – Every Thursday from 6 pm – 9 pm until April 7, 2011 The HISTORY: Jump Night at the Millarville Race Track Arena has taken place for the past four years. It’s been a great way to keep horses and riders going through those long winter months, and we believe that the people participating have had a great time doing it. Initially, Jump Night was a Pony Club initiative; however it has now been moved under the MRAS’ operation as a way to open up the event to any MRAS Member wanting to participate. The PLAN: -An MRAS membership (general as minimum) and an AEF membership are required for all participants. Bring your card with you! -An MRAS Equine Club Membership for $15 will need to be purchased by non arena members to participate. -Waivers need to signed for each participant prior to the first lesson, and will cover the entire season. -Register with the office by 4 pm on Mondays. Schedules will be emailed to riders by 4 pm on the Tuesdays. -A cut-off temperature has been implemented for cancellations, if it is -15 c or colder at 3:00 pm we will not be riding. -$10.00 drop in fee/horse
-Helmets are MANDATORY
-Any age / level are welcome
For Information please call the MRAS office at 403 931 3411 email eventsmanager@millarvilleracetrack.com or jrawn@platinum.ca
TERRY ALLWARDEN RE/MAX FIRST: 403-278-2900 RESIDENCE 403-938-6263
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Millarville Race Track Facility Schedule - NOVEMBER 2010 LEGEND: BALL DIAMOND/SOCCER FIELD/CAMPSITE FULL FACILITY HALL – UPPER HALL – LOWER INDOOR ARENA INFIELD SAND RING QUONSET PLEASE NOTE: SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO ONGOING CHANGES, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AT 403 931 3411 FOR ANY SCHEDULING QUESTIONS Sunday
7 CHRISTMAS MARKET NO RIDING
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 CHRISTMAS MARKET SET UP NO RIDING
2 CHRISTMAS MARKET SET UP NO RIDING
3 CHRISTMAS MARKET SET UP NO RIDING
4 CHRISTMAS MARKET SET UP NO RIDING
5 CHRISTMAS MARKET NO RIDING
6 CHRISTMAS MARKET NO RIDING
8 CHRISTMAS MARKET TEAR DOWN NO RIDING
9 CHRISTMAS MARKET TEAR DOWN NO RIDING
10 4-H BEEF REGULAR MEETING 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM BOARD MEETING 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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12
13 4-H SADDLE SORES 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 4-H MUTTS 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 4-H REGIONAL 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM VOLUNTEER EVENT 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
FAIR MEETING 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
14 MUSICAL RIDE 10:00 – 12:00 PM
15 4-H MUTTS ARENA & QUONSET 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM
16 PRIVATE EVENT 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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18 SHEEP CREEK WVRS WORKDAY 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
19 4-H SADDLE SORES 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
20 4-H MUTTS A & Q 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM REG TRAIL RIDERS 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM PRIVATE EVENT 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
21 MUSICAL RIDE 10:00 – 12:00PM VOLUNTEER FORUM 1-4:00PM
22 4-H MUTTS ARENA & QUONSET 6: 15 PM – 8:15 PM
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24 4-H BEEF REGULAR MEETING 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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26 4-H SADDLE SORES 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
27 4-H SADDLE SORES 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PRIVATE EVENT 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
28 4-H MUTTS 9:00 – 2:00 PM MUSICAL RIDE 2:00 – 4:00 PM
29 4-H MUTTS 6:15 PM - 8:15 PM
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What’s in your Track Watch!? Have a suggestion or an article of your own that you’d like to see in Track Watch? Want to get word out about a community event? Submit your writing, photos, and ideas to: TrackWatch@MillarvilleRaceTrack.com