January 2020 2 High Country News • January 2020 Volume 31 Number 1 • January 2020 HIGH COUNTRY NEWS Is Published Monthly By: High Country Business Services Ltd

HIGH COUNTRYNews Serving the Black Diamond • Bragg Creek • Eden Valley • Elbow Valley • Jumping Pound • Longview Communities of Millarville • Priddis • Red Deer Lake • Redwood Meadows • Springbank • Turner Valley

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Volume 31 Number 1 January 2020 2 High Country News • January 2020 Volume 31 Number 1 • January 2020 HIGH COUNTRY NEWS is published monthly by: High Country Business Services Ltd. Box 476, Bragg Creek, AB, T0L 0K0 Editor: Lowell Harder Layout & Design: Anna Grist HIGH COUNTRY ADVERTISING RATES: News FRONT PAGE Banner $175 Inside Cover Full Pg $595• Index 1/4 Pg $175 IN THIS ISSUE... Index 1/3 Pg $210 (Min 3 mth booking front/index) Communities: Page Full Page $540 • 2/3 Page $380 • Half Page $290 Springbank...... 10 1/3 Page $190 • 1/4 Page $155 Bragg Creek/Redwood Meadows...... 13 1/6 Page $115 • Business Card $75 Priddis/Millarville/Red Deer Lake...... 30 *1/4 hour layout included in ad rate Black Diamond/Longview/Turner Valley...... 34 Back Page Listing $107.40/yr ($8.95/mo) Articles: Layout Charges $60/hr From the Editor...... 4 Commercial Classifieds $16 for 4 lines, Councillor’s Update Mark Kamachi...... 7 $4/each additional line MLA Update Miranda Rosin...... 8 For website advertising, call the office for a quote Councillor’s Update Kim McKylor...... 10 Six Major Mistakes Investors Make Robert Hughes...... 12 Discounts available on long term commitments High Country Rural Crime Watch John Robin Allen...... 16 GST NOT included in rates Firesmart Update...... 17 Subscription $30/year • Circulation: 12,000 Happy New Year! Bragg Creek Physiotherapy...... 18 Business Lunches Resume! Carol Mertens...... 19 NEXT DEADLINE IS Bragg Creek Community Association...... 20 RMES...... 19 Wednesday, January 15! Sheep River Library Programs...... 23-26 We accept e-transfer, Mastercard & Visa Councillor’s Update Suzanne Oel...... 28 Articles published in the High Country News are solely the opinion Square Butte Community...... 33 of the writers. This publication assumes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of these articles. Lifestyle: No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way without Tax Season: Why It Pays to Plan Ahead Phil Goddard...... 39 the written permission of the editor. The New Year Andrea Kidd...... 40 How Is Your Mind Health? Angela Wigand...... 41 A Different Take on ADHD Roché Herbst...... 42 Mortgage Matters Candace Perko...... 43 403.949.3526 What Do You Want Out of Life? Duane Harder...... 44 www.highcountrynews.ca Out of the Rut Kat Dancer...... 45 [email protected] Kids Zone...... 47 facebook.com/highcountrynews.ca ...... 46 Classifieds @highcountrynews.ca High Country News Cover:...... © Patricia Johansen

High Country News • January 2020 3 to his analogy. Often our life will feel out of balance. Regular routines go out the window and the tyranny of the urgent rules the day. Our ability to adjust to an Artist From The EDITOR ever changing dynamic of life is what PROFILE will enable us to finish well. We can’t Patricia Johansen is a Calgary born artist with over Happy New Year! control the terrain of life. We try, but it 30 years experience studying and painting in both usually ends in significant frustration. oil and watercolour. She has travelled extensively here are a lot of great articles What one can do is analyze, learn from and community announcements with her family, living abroad and using these T our past, and apply to the ever-changing periods to study, paint, and teach. In each location included in the paper this month. I trust dynamics of life. you will enjoy the read. her passion for the local landscape has been her My father in law (former hockey coach) inspiration – capturing the beautiful yet diverse 2019 is in the books and 2020 is about to asked me a very direct question when scenery of these fascinating places. Her inspiration begin. For me personally it was probably discussing my last business season, “So now comes from her passion for summer and one of the fullest and joy-filled years what did you learn and what will you do winter hiking and she enjoys painting the of my life. We had young men getting differently”. wonderful local flowers of the Bragg Creek area. married, graduation ceremonies, music So as we start 2020, lets not forget to Pat has an active website at lessons and children learning to drive… www.PJ-Illustrations.com This doesn’t include business activities. look back and remember, learn, and At times life felt like a pinball machine, adjust ourselves from the past year where her portfolio of work is displayed. getting bounced around without much in both the strategic thought to what was next. successes and failures we have I remember a leadership seminar I experienced. attended in which the presenter spoke From my about balance. As a ski coach he related family to yours, life to the dynamics of the shifting terrain under a skier’s feet as they hurtle Lowell Harder themselves down the hill. The skier For more from can’t control the terrain, but must adjust the Editor, visit quickly to a very dynamic environment. highcountrynews.ca As a relatively good skier I related well

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4 High Country News • January 2020 kind word for anyone he met. He had to town to pick-up the cigarettes his Obituary a way of making people feel special. wife told him he couldn’t have. Doug Seibert Doug was always ready to help Doug lost a very long battle with his Bragg Creek people and in physical and mental health issues and Nov 28, 1955 – June 17, 2019 turn they helped him. Supporting is now with his Mom, Dad and son It was with heavy hearts we had to people, businesses, putting out fires “making a long story short!!” say goodbye to an important part of and mowing neighbors lawns and I want to thank all of you who knew our Bragg Creek community in June. ditches… Doug was there. Doug for your love, support, kindness Doug always had a handshake and We will miss passing him on his and help. Kubota, white hair in the wind heading Doug’s bride, Tracy ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

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High Country News • January 2020 5 • anxiety, stress, tiredness and sleepiness they are serious Falls At Home Injure • temporary health conditions, eg. flu, and you do cold sometimes die And Kill of them – but ust last month I wrote about falls • muscle weakness, especially in the you also find Jbeing the leading cause of injury legs, eg. office workers that falls are for seniors. Soon after, a 40-ish year • imbalance, causing unsteadiness on extremely old friend died from a fall at home your feet common and while dealing with lights – are you • dizziness or lightheadedness, eg. from although they concerned? weather changes don’t usually You should be. Unintentional falls send • black outs, fainting or loss of kill you straight nearly 2,000 Canadians of every age to consciousness away, sometimes they do” - Geoff hospital every day, of which over 400 • foot problems — including pain and each day require hospital admissions: Fernie, Toronto deformities Rehabilitation • falls and slips are a leading cause of • memory loss, confusion or difficulties injury for all ages Institute. problem solving For preventing falls at home checklist, • falls are the most common way to • vision and hearing problems, eg. from suffer a brain injury see www.albertacleanair.com/blog/ headaches homefallschecklist/ • falls are responsible for over 90% of • taking medication that makes you hip fractures Falls from ladders and chairs while dizzy or drowsy doing home maintenance when not • fall and slip victims on average miss • drinking too much alcohol, especially used to climbing is common; lightbulbs 11 days of work (14 if hospitalized) with medication need changing, so do batteries in smoke • most falls are preventable. • chronic health conditions, eg. and CO detectors – climb or hire a pro, Those who fall once are 2 to 3 times neuropathy, low blood pressure your choice. more likely to fall again. Reasons “We all think of cancer and heart disease by Carla Berezowski, include: and strokes as being the big problem – Home Comfort Expert

6 High Country News • January 2020 ROCkY VIEw COUNTY | DIVISION ONE COUNCILLOR UPDªTE

couNcillor Mark kaMachi @MarkkaMachi checkMarkk.ca [email protected] OFFICE: 403-949-3343 | cell: 403-861-7806

Happy New Year to you. I hope you had on detailed engineering (hydraulic generously devoted their time and a wonderful break, you’re rejuvenated, model), conditions of the regulatory energy to work on this volunteer task and ready to get back to tasks at hand. approvals, and landowner discussions: force on behalf of all residents in I for one, with my new purple hair to Flood barrier structures increased in Division 1: Peter Dwan, Roche Herbst, keep cancer awareness on the top of length from 3,144 metres to 3,922 metres Jorge de Freitas, Andrea Sparkes, everyone’s minds (no pun intended) (difference of 778 metres) • 475 metres Charlie McLean, Jeff Hughes and following a successful Movember of bank stabilization (armouring) not Ryan LeBoutillier. Gary Nikiforuk campaign, am looking for a productive identified in the 2015 cost estimate will continue to chair this group with and positive 2020 as 2019 is now in • Replacement of Bragg Creek Bridge assistance from RVC Fire Services. my rear view mirror. With my role not identified in 2015 cost estimate Thank you for stepping up. I look as a councillor just past the half way • Level of accuracy between the cost forward to sitting down with everyone point, there’s still a lot more work to be estimate and tender price. The estimate in the coming weeks to continue to completed. Hopefully some of the main in 2015 was based on 25 line items implement the plan and also add fresh needs and concerns of our division as and 2019 tender price was based on a ideas which has been a success over well as the County’s get addressed soon. detailed breakdown of 140 line items the past few years. I have certainly learned one thing for • Inflation over a 5 year period for Councillor Sanctions sure, government doesn’t move fast. construction materials and • Price per The court date is only weeks away metre to construct in 2015 versus 2019 Bragg Creek Flood Mitigation regarding the sanctioned Councillors is $4,039 and $5,533, respectively. This Let’s get straight to one of the main Crystal Kissell (Division 9), Samantha does not include the 475 metres of bank topics of conversation on everyone’s Wright (Division 8) and Kevin Hanson armouring noted above. mind. And that is the question of (Division 3) for breaching Sections #28 “Where’s the flood mitigation at, when RVC is a contractor of the GoA for and #29 of our Council Code of Conduct will it get started and how much more is this project. My colleagues and I at where information deemed “Private and it going to cost?” Well, at the last council RVC will work our butts off to see Confidential” and for Council’s eyes meeting before the Christmas break, that this gets built one way or another. only were released publicly without Administration brought us the most Lots of lobbying from RVC to get Council authorization. Whatever the recent information from the front lines the GoA moving and the $$$. We’re outcome, it has been a distraction and pertaining to the above question. “lifeless” and not able to grow without I’d like to see this put to rest once and being able to provide assurances to for all so we can move forward. They evaluated the cost differential businesses and residents now and in between construction costs estimated Please go to the RVC website or follow the future. Fingers crossed this gets in 2015 and the tender price in 2019. me on You Tube or Facebook as I will try addressed early in the new year. Not including contingencies and to post more information more frequently engineering services, the cost difference A New FireSmart Committee regarding our MDP, Rec Board news, etc. is approximately $9.0 million. The main There’s a new FireSmart Committee Until next month, stay warm. factors that resulted with the budget to kick off the year and congratulations – Cheers, Mark overrun are due to design changes based go out to the following folks who have

High Country News • January 2020 7 Results of these legislative changes for increased provincial autonomy and have not, and will not, be realized treatment. CNRL has announced that overnight. There is absolutely no they will be increasing their capital denying the hardships that still face our expenditure by $250 million for 60 new MLA province. There are still thousands of exploratory wells and to create 1,000 Update Albertans out of work, and thousands jobs - directly citing newly lowered Banff/Kananaskis more who are underemployed. There taxes as their incentive for doing so. By Miranda Rosin, MLA are still families declaring bankruptcy And banks all across the country are every day, and businesses declaring resoundingly predicting that Alberta 2020 is going to be Alberta’s decade. insolvency. Our government is ever will lead the country in economic 019 was a year of transformative aware of the struggles that many are growth this year. facing, but as we look to the year and the change. Albertans undisputedly While recent years have been difficult decade ahead, positive developments 2acknowledged that the trajectory our - if not absolutely devastating - for from the end of 2019 can hopefully province was on was not a healthy one, hundreds of thousands of Albertans, project a refreshing year ahead. and they demanded change. Over the the downward trajectory of our course of that year, our Government Construction has begun on the province is slowly beginning to turn did our best to swiftly implement Trans Mountain pipeline, and work around. This journey of revitalization is expected to push through British is one we are all on together as we policies that would remove the punitive Columbia to tidewater by Spring of this endeavour to rebuild a province where carbon tax, incentivize Alberta-based year. The Canadian portion of Line 3 our older generations can comfortably job creation through lowered taxes has been commissioned, which should retire, where our working population and eased labour regulations, create nearly double oil shipments to over can live and raise families, and where a freer society through the reduction 500,000 barrels once the backlog from our younger generations can envision of red tape, balance our finances, and the recent CN strike is cleared. Our Fair a hopeful and promising future. strengthen Alberta’s position within Deal Panel will soon be releasing our list Together, we must rebuild the Alberta the federation. of implementable recommendations where the only limitations to your success are the scope of your MLA Miranda Rosin's MLA Office own dreams. Constituency Offices New Year Open House Navigating these past few years Friday, January 10, 2020 Happy has undoubtedly been difficult Canmore: Brag Creek: 7:00 - 9:00 pm for most of us, but I am feeling 206-1080 Railway Ave 226 - 7 Balsam Ave Bragg Creek Office optimistic for the year ahead,

Monday - Friday Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. Join MLA Miranda Rosin 2020, and I hope that you are too. to celebrate the new year 9:30 am - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm Happy New Year! and the opening of our Banff-Kananaskis! Bragg Creek office! 403-609-4509

8 High Country News • January 2020 High Country News • January 2020 9 developer pay for serviced water pipes - Assist in the funding for the RCMP to a number of homes immediately Rural Crime Reduction Unit adjacent. It was also suggested to - Donated a fire truck to a small the developer, when they get to the Mexican village sub-division stage and development Councillor’s permits, that they try to make available - Dog license fees waived high-speed internet to those homes as - Short term property rental policy UPDATE well. Evolution of a community can - New strategic plan Rocky View County bring an uncertainty, I know. When - Sold old County building for $13M the original sections of lands became - Held our first (annual) open house Kim McKylor, Councillor, Division 2 1⁄4 sections – there was change, 1⁄4 and pancake breakfast in our new sections to 40 acres, 40 to 20’s, 20’s to 5 building number of years ago, we owned a and now 2 acre parcels. This evolution couple of horses. I know many of of land use change took decades and - Christened a new STARS helicopter youA do as well. We enjoyed our time in moving into a new, cluster style, will – we are the ONLY municipality that 4-H; rodeo & barrel racing; riding in also take many, many years. funds STARS at the level required to parades, etc. and I do miss having them 2019 Accomplishments: have our logo on the helicopter! now that our daughter is grown. There I’m sure the County will be doing a We still have things we need to work on. was a saying when buying a horse, I year in review, but we’ve actually done The growth management board needs think many of you can relate.... quite a bit this year. Some of this work to be better aligned so that all member If it is fast & good – it won’t be cheap. municipalities can grow. Regional isn’t complete yet, but I’m hopeful that planning is key, avoids waste, etc. but If it is good & cheap – it won’t be fast. 2020 will see much of this work, and we also need to ensure it isn’t just for If it is cheap & fast – it won’t be good. more done. These are the things that will enable us to better respond to Calgary’s benefit, especially when all Trying to accomplish all 3, as we would the continued recession in Alberta (5 Albertans win if Alberta grows! say – didn’t exist. years now). Locally, I’m still actively working on Recently, I saw something similar as a new community centre as well as a it relates to Municipal taxes, County - Redrafting of the County Plan plan for the expansion of recreation services and density:. - Changes to our Recreation Model – in Springbank. These things, as I’ve Stable Services & Low Density – you and dedication to recreation learned over the past two years, take a can’t have low taxes - Live streaming of Council; more bit of time – but I have the will to see Low Density & Low Taxes – services transparency; more engagement than it through! won’t be stable ever before For complete info on all County events: Low Taxes & Stable Services – density - 25% increase in funding for Family & rockyview.ca/NewsEvents/Events.aspx will need to go up Community Support Services Rocky View County has been pretty fortunate. We actually have one of the lowest residential property tax rates and we are 5th in Alberta for economic base – that is despite being only the 12th largest municipality in Alberta. We continue to work to ensure that property taxes (we have no control over School Boards) increases are kept low and we will continue to ensure your services remain stable. At a time when the Provincial Government is cutting funding and downloading more expenses to Municipalities, we may need to look at increasing densities or attracting commercial development in the areas that make sense. In Springbank, our new ASP (not yet passed), will allow for more cluster type residential areas. Currently, our smallest lots (outside Harmony) are about 1 home on 2 acres. Cluster residential allows combined homes and green space to be the equivalent of about 1 home per 1 acre. By moving homes closer together, servicing (ie water/waste water/internet) become cost effective for developers. When we (over many years from now), have more cluster development areas, my hope would be that then servicing for the surrounding acreages now become more accessible. Recently, Pradera Springs was approved (Land Use) and one of the conditions was that the

10 High Country News • January 2020 In the past few months our upbeat special events program has included Springbank YYC and Fall Colours tours, a turkey supper, an outstanding hawk Heritage Club presentation by the Calgary Wildlife here’s something new Rehabilitation Society, and the happening at the Heritage highly successful Annual Christmas TClub which will be of interest to the Bake Sale. ‘50 plusers’ out there who would As always, a grateful thank you like to join the Heritage Club but to the Springbank Lions Club for are working weekdays. Over the providing bus and driver for our off past year or so a Sunday afternoon site special events. games session has evolved, 1 - 4pm Our Regularly Scheduled Activities: with the availability of all the same activities as on Tuesday afternoons: • Tuesday Choral Group 10-12pm cards, pool, contact Joan, 403.851.3818 Kamp Kiwanis would like to thank shuffleboard, Moose Mountain General Store for carpet its continual support of our Annual bowling or just bringing Summer Kamp Winter Reunion along your which occurred on December 14th, craft or hobby 2019. Campers had an amazing to work on as day that they will never forget. On you socialize. Newcomers behalf of the Staff, Volunteers, and are always Campers at Kamp Kiwanis - Thank v e r y you Mark, Jennifer and Staff! welcome.

Traditional Tae Kwon Do for a Strong Mind & Body

• Teaching Adults & Kids (Ages 6+) • • Family Discounts • • Over 25 Years Experience •

LEARN MORE redwoodtaekwondo.com [email protected] Classes held at Redwood Meadows Community Centre

High Country News • January 2020 11 Once the recession bottoms, a reallocation back into a higher equity allocation is warranted. Five: Proper Tax Planning is essential but is often overlooked. Different investments have different tax consequences (i.e. ordinary income, Six Major Mistakes Investors Make dividend income, capital gains, return of capital). Taxation, during an fter watching investors for many, Four: Fallacies of Fixed Income Investing. investor’s life and later in their estate, many years, I keep seeing investors Given that the cost of living is increasing is something that most investors, or makeA the same mistakes over and over far in excess of almost all fixed income their advisors, don’t give adequate again. Here are six (6) of the major investments returns (i.e. bonds, attention to. Unfortunately, taxes can mistakes that I see investors making. G.I.Cs, etc.), the average investor and do have a significant impact on falls behind in purchasing power by an investor’s current net worth or the First: Most investors usually have far value of an estate. too much invested in Canada. Canada investing significant assets in fixed is approximately 2.5% of the World’s income investments. In addition, the Six: Investments or Insurance – It is Capital Markets and most investors taxes on the interest earned from their NOT an either/or proposition. Most have 65% to 85% Canadian content. fixed income investments is taxed as people do not have adequate insurance Not all World Stock Markets move up ordinary income, the least tax efficient coverage (i.e. life insurance, critical or down at the same time. Investors way to earn income. Fixed income illness insurance, disability income need to be Globally Diversified investments significantly reduce an replacement insurance, long-term care around the world. World population is investor’s performance, compared to coverage, etc.), to cover the risks of life. estimated to increase from 7.0 billion equity investments. A larger allocation Adequate life insurance coverage can people in 2015 to approximately 10.5 to equity investments, with adequate go a long way to mitigate the effects of billion by 2050 (a 50% increase). The advisor oversight, and a reduced taxation, especially in an estate. population growth in Canada, U.S., fixed income allocation will increase If you have made one or more of these Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Russia portfolio returns over time. The mistakes call us for a review of your capital and Japan is forecasted to be flat to exception to this portfolio allocation accumulation and preservation strategy. slightly down over that period of time. is a recession. Once there is strong The growth in population is projected evidence of an impending recession, Robert Hughes, to occur in India, China, Indonesia, a reduction in equity investments is P. Eng., CFSB, CFP, CPCA the Middle East, South America and warranted until the recession bottoms. Africa. Investors need to be Globally Diversified around the world. Second: When investor do utilize mutual funds, they usually end up with some form of passive investment management style that closely follows some stock market indices such as the S&P 500, bond indices or some combination of both. Instead, investors should be utilizing professional asset management investing in mutual funds with Active Fund Management. Active fund managers, instead of following and mimicking various stock market or fixed income averages, pick and choose individual investments and the country in which to invest. Third: Thepotential loss of purchasing power is something that most investors don’t understand. Investors either ignore or are unaware of the fact that the actual cost of living is increasing at a rate far higher than the core inflation rate that the government gives us. In many instances it is increasing in excess of 10% annually. If you want to see the data to back up that statement, please contact me and I will be happy to give you my sources.

12 High Country News • January 2020 your life to head in. Lastly is time a salad as one of my main meals of the New Years Resolutions: sensitive, meaning some goals should day for four out of seven days (stepping Setting Appropriate Goals! have a measurable timeframe and not stone goal). Focusing on specific small etting New Year’s resolutions are necessarily “in the year 2020”. You can goals of eating certain healthy meals, or easy, establishing and maintaining substitute this for a shorter time frame exercising x amount of times per week, Sthem is hard. Here at the Bragg Creek so that you create a sense of urgency or eating out at most twice per month Chiropractic Clinic we have put our and once the goal is completed that are great stepping stone goals to the achievement is much more rewarding. short-term goal of losing ten pounds in minds together and come up with a three months. more efficient way of setting those Everyone is motivated by different resolutions. Setting goals can be more specific elements, creating New Years Set goals that are motivating, and of a task than we might think. Goals resolutions around things that truly ones that follow the ever so popular should be S.M.A.R.T, Motivational, motivate you rather than what seems S.M.A.R.T acronym when you are and suit your lifestyle. desired will help make those resolutions setting your New Years resolutions this coming year and you will be much S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, more attainable. more successful and accomplished. Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Without setting too many goals, If you would like any help in attaining Time sensitive. Setting a goal to simply some helpful tips to setting multiple your goals this coming year, stop by the get into shape during the 2020 year resolutions can include setting different clinic and we would love to help. doesn’t follow any of the basic steps. types of goals all together. Keeping the Being specific means setting a goal S.M.A.R.T. acronym in mind, set a goal Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy New year! that is clear and well defined not vague that is longer term, set a short term or generalized. Measurable goals are goal, and lastly, set a stepping stone By Dr. Ryan Derochie concise and easiest with you setting a goal. The stepping stone goals can lead Bragg Creek Chiropractic Clinic number and having a way to measure into the short or long-term resolutions, whether you are improving or not. however should be measurable and New Extended Hours: Make sure you goal is attainable and attainable in its own way. An example of M: 1:30-6:00 a stepping stone goal into a short-term TUES/THURS: 8:00-4:00 realistic for you specifically so there is no WED: 8:00-6:00 loss of motivation to continue. Relevant goal can be described like this; I plan FRI: 8:00-3:00 goals are as simple as they sound, keep on losing ten pounds in three months SAT: By appt. only it relevant to the direction you want (short term) and will do this by eating

High Country News • January 2020 13 Chamber Update s we start another year there is a lot of uncertainty. As I speak to variousA business owners, there is a sense of uncertainty as to what is next. We can’t change the macro economic picture of our province or country, however we can look at our municipal and local areas and forge ahead, looking for and creating opportunities that will enhance our business community. The Bragg Creek and Area Chamber of Commerce can be a resource for your business that facilitates networking opportunities, we are an advocate to our local municipal and provincial government, identifying opportunities, and most of all, a place to build meaningful relationships with other local business owners. We look forward to working with our members as we enhance our local business climate, identify opportunities, and look to make our area investable.

[email protected]

14 High Country News • January 2020 Spirit of Christmas in Bragg Creek! (left) MLA Miranda Rosin, Santa (special visit from the North Pole) and Jen Jurkowski flipping the switch for the first Spirit of Christmas tree lighting ceremony. (top) Horse drawn wagon rides were a huge hit despite the frosty air! (right) Santa made an appearance, much to the delight of the children coming for activities at the community centre!

High Country News • January 2020 15 Bragg Creek (Rockies & Powderhorn). welcomed me into their car (where I In an act of unprecedented generosity, called CAA) and then rescued Dallas. the owners of Rockies, Ben and Emma While this was going on, approximately HCRCWA Pirija, opened their restaurant to the ten other cars also stopped to ask if Update general public as usual on a Saturday they could help. That is one of the afternoon but then, instead of charging finest aspects of our paradise on earth. clients the prices listed on the menu, I was able to tell each person that I was they asked them to give whatever they already being helped. thought would be appropriate for their meal to help the owners of Water’s After it was evident that CAA would be Edge repair their restaurant from the a while, the ladies drove us home a few t’s been a magnificent month in the theft and vandalism they had endured. kilometers further west, where we could IHigh Country, our home in paradise, At the end of the afternoon, the Pirijas recover. It took CAA twenty-six hours out here on the edge of the prairie took the funds thus raised, matched it to rescue my car. I will never forget the somewhere west of Calgary. I’ve never dollar for dollar themselves, and then, kindness of the ladies who helped a used that adjective before in these along with several of their customers, stranger and his dog in our time of need. columns, but no other word more drove to the Water’s Edge to surprise If any reader knows who they were, I accurately describes this past month, the owners with the gift. would appreciate being able to let them particularly during this holiday season. know how grateful we were. Here is why. 3. Paying it forward, Jane and Cory Morgan, owners of the Water’s Edge, Does the Christmas season exist here? For some, Christmas means extra work, decided to give a generous share of To paraphrase one of the most famous unruly crowds, traffic jams, too much those funds, $975, to the H.C.R.C.W.A. editorials ever written, Yes, Virginia, commercialism, no time for quiet We are so grateful. It reminded me of there is a Santa Clause spirit right meditation about life or about New something that happened in Bragg here in our paradise. It abounds here Year resolutions. On the other hand, Creek a few years ago. The then- as certainly as do love, generosity, and for many, particularly children, it is owners of the Creekers restaurant saw devotion. They give life its highest one of the happiest times of their lives. they were to face some competition beauty and joy. For children, the spirit of Christmas from a new restaurant, Bragg’s Korner So that’s the news from our High means receiving gifts and having fun Kitchen, about to open just in front of with family and friends. For adults, it Country, where the spirit of Christmas them. What happened? On opening lasts throughout the year. often means generosity, kindness and day, Creekers sent the Korner Kitchen a benevolence. We can see those aspects bouquet of flowers to welcome them to John Robin (‘J.R.’) Allen in our own to community. the neighborhood. A beautiful gesture. H.C.R.C.W.A. [email protected] 1. For several years, the High Country 4. On a personal note, one morning Rural Crime Watch Association has last month after a been able to offer free memberships large snowstorm, and signs to persons in the Foothills I was driving with area, thanks to a grant from Legacy Oil our huge rescue and Gas. In May, 2015, Crescent Point dog, “Dallas,” Energy acquired Legacy. very slowly H.C.R.C.W.A. expenses remained west on Route minimal, so we could carry on for four 22 about four more years without other financial kilometers from support, but at the end of this year Priddis. The road our funding was about to run out. We was unplowed thought we would have to charge new and virtually members a ten dollar fee to join our invisible under association so we could continue our about seventy work. Then last month TC Energy, centimeters a major North-American energy of snow. Unfortunately, I company in Calgary, generously gave drove off the road us an early Christmas present: funding and could not for at least two more years. If you live get back on it. A in Foothills but are not yet a member car with three of this Rural Crime Watch, you should ladies returning join your neighbours. As in the past, to Calgary from a the benefits are many while the cost is hiking expedition still free. To join, phone 403.931.2407. in Bragg Creek, 2. Over the past few months, we have passed by and saw reported on multiple break-ins to me stranded. They restaurants in Priddis (Water’s Edge) and 16 High Country News • January 2020 Banded Peak School FireSmart Update from the Education Coming Soon Greater Bragg Creek Rocky View County Fire Services has teamed up with Banded Peak School to FireSmart Committee introduce a highly acclaimed FireSmart Welcome to Your New Greater Bragg teaching module to the Grade 4 students. Creek FireSmart Committee! This module was developed by teachers ocky View County Council has in the Slave Lake school division appointed the following residents following the 2011 Slave Lake wildfire, Rto join Councillor Mark Kamachi and includes discussion of fire sciences, and RVC Fire Services District Chief forests, and preventative measures using Marcus Weckesser on the Greater FireSmart principles to protect persons Bragg Creek FireSmart Committee: and structures from wildfires. This Peter Dwan, Jorge de Freitas, Roche program will be run in the New Year. Herbst, Jeff Hughes, Ryan LeBoullitier, Members of RVC Fire Services have gone Charile McLean, Gary Nikiforuk & all out – and augmented the teaching Andrea Sparkes. It’s fantastic that these module with additional ideas, models volunteers have stepped forward to and displays. Plans are to work with the help promote FireSmart activities. A School on expanding the programs to successful FireSmart program requires other Grades in the future. the engagement of the Community as a Winter is a great time to perform whole to adopt preventative measures FireSmart treatments when the trees that break the potential transmission are dormant and the snow keeps the fire of wildfires from forests to structures hazard low – a great outdoor activity on (and vice versa) – if you want to pitch in a nice day! You can obtain burn permits and help out, please contact one of our at the RVC Elbow Valley or Redwood Committee members. Meadows fire halls. A SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO Check out the Greater Bragg Creek Michele Longo, Dave Rupert and Mark FireSmart Committee on Facebook! A Betts for assisting with restarting the GBC FireSmart Calendar has been developed FireSmart Committee and undertaking that is an easy reference of planning an impressive list of accomplishments FireSmart activities throughout the year. over the past 18 months. Their keen insights and enthusiasm will be missed – a lot of ground was covered in setting up the Committee – their fingerprints show up throughout the Community. If you see them, please say thanks for volunteering and assisting with making our Community safer! RVC Hamlet Land FireSmart Treatments Starting Up! The treatment of Rocky View County reserve lands in the Hamlet is underway – watch for the contractor signs and have a look at the work. The treatment plan involves a total of 7 parcels that will be FireSmarted – planned work includes removal of dead fall, trimming lower branches, and thinning of tightly spaced trees. Plans are being developed to FireSmart additional RVC reserve lands and portions of the Bragg Creek Provincial Park. Please contact your Committee members to highlight any specific concerns you may have with RVC reserve lands in your neighbourhood – or if you are interested in holding a neighbourhood Chipper Day. The Elk Valley and Wintergreen communities both held well received Chipper Days in September.

High Country News • January 2020 17 one’s primary goals – breathing, food, rehabilitation depend on the nature of water, sleep. Once those goals are met, the injury and the patient’s motivation. one moves towards safety and security. It is important to set goals during the Happy New Year! As the hierarchy reaches more complex course of rehabilitation because it can needs such as love and self-actualization, provide a patient with motivation. by Jennifer Gordon the goals become more social and Meaningful goals agreed upon by patient personal. When we set goals, it is advised and therapist can motivate a patient to BSc.PT, AFCI, BA Kin participate in their recovery throughout Physiotherapist, Bragg Creek Physiotherapy to make them SMART goals – Specific, Meaningful, Attainable, Realistic and Time the various stages of healing. This may www.braggcreekphysio.com oriented. “A goal without a measurable be to have one’s pain level decrease from outcome is like a sports competition an 8/10 to a 3/10, or to improve knee flexibility from 70 degrees to 110 degrees. elcome to 2020! That sounds like without a scoreboard” (North Carolina Office of State Human Resources)! It may be to run a 10km running race Wa futuristic year to me, not actually by a certain date or progress from using a the present date – this is hard to believe! The goal of physiotherapy is to improve cane to no walking aid. Goal setting is an I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday mobility and strength, to relieve pain and important aspect of physiotherapy in order season, whether it was filled with family, to restore physical function. This enables to make the recovery process focused, friends and parties or was quiet, relaxing you to resume your regular activities meaningful and relevant to your stage of and peaceful. Welcome to January, often of daily living (ADLs) including work, healing and ability. school, recreational activities and a time to reflect on years past and look If you are struggling with an injury or ahead with new aspirations or plans. personal care. Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or have a fitness goal in mind for the new With that in mind, I thought it would be disability through movement, exercise, year ahead, our health care team of a good opportunity to talk about goals. manual therapy, and education. They physiotherapists, massage therapist and What are goals, why do we set them and help to maintain health for people of all personal trainer would love to help you how does physiotherapy play a role? ages, helping patients to manage pain and set some SMART goals and facilitate you in achieving an injury free and active 2020. Goal setting is based on the belief that prevent disease. people can change their behavior and For some patients, will work towards a goal. A meaningful the goal may goal can motivate a person to participate be a complete in activities or change their behavior in recovery with order to achieve that goal. According to full, unrestricted human psychologist Abraham Maslow, function. For our actions are motivated in order to others, it may achieve certain needs. He developed a be to recover five-tiered hierarchy of needs based on the ability to do what makes people happy and what they as many ADLs will do in order to achieve those needs. as possible. The The most basic physiological needs are goals set during

Did someone mention a gym in Bragg Creek?

Bragg Creek Physiotherapy is pleased to announce that we now offer personalized and small group fitness training for patients and non-patients alike. Bragg Creek Everyone is welcome. The combination of our Physiotherapy experienced trainers and equipped gym will allow you to workout in the comfort of your community. Your pathway to physical freedom Drop in and say hello, or call us to book your assessment today. 403-949-4008 | braggcreekphysio.com 24 Balsam Avenue, Bragg Creek

18 High Country News • January 2020 This month, we’re giving some tips to MOVE OUT OF THE WAY – IT’S THE protect your volunteer firefighters as we LAW: When you see the big red trucks do our work. heading to someone else’s emergency SLOW DOWN. AND THEN SLOW with lights flashing, pull over to the Help Us DOWN SOME MORE: One of the right side of the road and STOP, until most dangerous part of our job is doing the emergency vehicle passes. Once Help You! traffic management at car accidents. the truck passes, check your mirrors to from Redwood Meadows When you see emergency vehicles ensure more emergency vehicles aren’t Emergency Services on the highway, slow down well in following before resuming speed. advance. The slower the better when KEEP YOUR DRIVEWAYS AND here’s an estimated 3,460 fire we have team members on slippery PATHS CLEARED OF SNOW departments in Canada, 85% highways and focused on quickly AND ICE: Sliding is fun on sleds and Tof these are staffed by volunteer grabbing equipment from trucks! skates in the winter, but not down firefighters. As a volunteer-driven Follow the directions of the first snowy driveways in firetrucks or while organization, Redwood Meadows responders. Don’t stop to take pictures carrying emergency gear. If you know Emergency Services (RMES) (we aren’t that good looking!). Focus of a neighbor with mobility issues, be responded to nearly 300 calls in 2019 on your own safe driving. Resume a snow angel and help them keep their (at time of writing); 51% were medical speed only when you are well clear. paths clear of snow and ice. and 13% were fire-related. Treat every firefighter you see working On behalf of the firefighters and officers on the highway as a family member, of Redwood Meadows Emergency Every year, Canadian firefighters are neighbour or friend – because we are all injured or killed in the line of duty. Services, it was an honour and privilege of these to someone in the community. to serve our community and protect our neighbours in 2019. Best wishes for a safe and happy new year!

Business Lunches Resume! by Carol Mertens www.braggcreekchurch.ca

o you own a business? Do you work from home? Do you manage one of the retail spots in this great community?D We would like to invite you to lunch! On the 4th Wednesday of every month, The Hub, sponsored by Bragg Creek Community Church, hosts a Business Luncheon for Bragg Creek and area businesses as an opportunity to meet, network and get to know other business neighbors. The luncheon menu items are purchased from a different restaurant each month in an effort to support our local food providers. We encourage all businesses to come out to chat, visit, network and enjoy delicious locally made food in a comfortable, inclusive atmosphere. Always interesting and energizing, our Business Luncheons have grown significantly and have become very popular in the community. All businesses are welcome including retailers, service providers, home- based businesses and others. The next Business Luncheon at The Hub, 224 – 7 Balsam Ave is on Wednesday January 29th from 11:30am – 1:30pm... please join us then!

High Country News • January 2020 19 Banded Peak and Springbank Middle The BCCA is actively recruiting for School Helper Elves: Jake C., Ryan L., new members to our team. If you know Jake M.., Kinley R., Eleanor P., Hunter R., of anyone who may be interested and Maizie P., Trinidy H., Andrea A., Maya J., qualified, please see our website for current openings. Olivia S., Chelsea T., Samara M., Calissa J., Luuk D., Kennedy B., Shawn M., January Programming Bronwyn & Juliette. • Co-ed Ball Hockey starts Happy New Year Creekers! Wednesday the 8, 7:30–9:30pm. Email Our grownup Helpers: Shaye Radford, [email protected] to register. truly hope you all had a wonderful Renate van der Zande, Rose Dallyn, holiday filled with family, friends and (Drop in available) I Carole Van Kleek, Victoria Carter, Carol Returning this month: general merry making. Ann Schmaltz and John Dickinson for December saw our annual BCCA Kids helping with the store and concession. • Adult Pickleball: Jan 7, 7:30–9:30pm Only Store which coincides with the Bragg The fastest growing sport you’ve never This New Year has brought some changes heard of. What is pickleball exactly? Creek and Area Chamber of Commerce’s to the Centre with the departure of our Spirit of Christmas. Kids were delighted to General Manager Shawntel Dickinson, For the uninitiated, pickleball is something shop for their family with the assistance of of a mix between tennis, racquetball and also our Program and Events and ping pong. Nets and court sizes are our Helper Elves. This year we welcomed Assistant, Shea-Lynn Yuzicapi. the Snowbird Seniors to provide their smaller than their tennis counterparts, We wish to extend our deepest gratitude and the most common game is doubles, face painting talents and fun kid’s crafts although singles is also an option. It has from the Community Centre. It was for all that Shawntel has done for the BCCA working extremely hard to ensure its own set of quirky rules—for instance, heartwarming to see so many community try to stay out of the “kitchen”— but members attend and volunteer. The the BCCA is serving the needs of our community. Shawntel, thank you very they’re easy to learn. Looking for a new Centre was bustling and bursting with indoor sport? Try Pickleball! Email festive cheer! We hope all our Bragg Creek much for your hard work and we will look [email protected] to register. families enjoyed the gifts chosen lovingly forward to seeing you sitting in the chairs (Drop in available) at the next community event. by their little ones. • Walking Club: Jan 8, 10:30am We wouldn’t be able to continue offering Shea-Lynn Yuzicapi is returning to Meet up with fellow walking enthusiasts these fun annual events without help Saskatchewan to be closer to family. for some exercise while catching up with from our amazing community volunteers! Shea was a great addition to our team friends or making new ones! All abilities A big “Thank You” to: and will certainly be missed. Best of luck welcome. FREE to you Shea!

The Bragg Creek Community Centre is Hiring!

The Bragg Creek Community Association is looking for a new Community Centre General Manager to join our team. Overseeing three Centre employees and all contract resources, you will interact with our partners and stakeholders and the Board of Directors regularly. The General Manager is the key to ensuring the centre operates effectively.

For the full list of roles and responsibilities, desired experience, and how to apply please view the full job posting at: www.braggcreekca.com

20 High Country News • January 2020 • Rumble & Roar: Jan 9, 9:30–11:30am • Are you a BCCA Member? your skills or materials please contact Our drop in open play space for children Support your Community Association by [email protected]. 0–5 years. Let your kids run, bounce and purchasing your membership today and If you have a program or event idea or play while you have the opportunity to receive discounts on programs and rentals. just a comment in general, email us at Family Memberships are only $40/year! [email protected] or call connect with other parents. A Parent Link 403.949.4277. • Do you have woodworking Early Childhood Educator is available Happy New Year! to help with child rearing questions or experience? We have a number of projects from storage bins to a recycling Christine Pollard concerns every other week. Member $2/ compound. If you can volunteer Program and Events Manager child, non-member $5/child. Coffee provided, please bring your own mug. • Artsy Afternoon: Jan 9, 1–4pm Do you have an artistic hobby? Want to join other artistic types in a social setting? Bring your painting, sculpting, knitting project for an afternoon of arts, crafts and conversation. Members FREE, Non-Member $5. • Lego Club: Jan 20, 3:30–4:30pm (third Monday of each month until May 18, 2020) Offered through the Cochrane Public Library. Come by the Bragg Creek Community Center once a month for some fun challenges, unique LEGO pieces and to meet new friends! Ages 5+. FREE • Springbank Dancers will be back this winter offering their classes for the littles and have added some new dates and times for older dancers. Wednesdays Jan 8–June 17 (Mini sessions available Jan 8–Feb 12) • Tiny Ballerinas (ages 3–4) 9:45–10:15am • Hop’N’Pop (ages 3–4) 10:15–10:45am • Pre-Juniors Fusion (ages 4–6) 1:30–2:30pm Fridays Jan 10–Feb 14 • Pre-Juniors Fusion (ages 6–7) 2:30–3:30pm • Hip Hop (ages 8–9) 3:30–4:15pm • Hip Hop (ages 10+) 4:15–5:00pm Go to www.springbankdancers to register online. Upcoming Events • Save the date February 15th as the Bragg Creek Centre presents Comedy Night in the Creek! Join us for an evening of hilarity as 3 professional comedians turn the auditorium into a stand-up comedy club! Cash bar. Doors open 6:30 pm. Show starts 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25 online or $30 at the door. Tickets on sale at www.eventbrite.com/e/85989431705 *This is an 18+ event High Country News • January 2020 21 Thank you sponsors of Bragg Creek’sSpirit of Christmas Festival PLATINUM SPONSORS

Bragg Creek & Area Chamber of Commerce

GOLD SPONSORS Bragg Creek Trading Post • Bragg Creek’s Snowbirds • Mike Wilson

BRONZE SPONSORS ATB Financial Bragg Creek Physiotherapy Italian Farmhouse Ristorante & Bar Bavarian Inn Restaurant Bragg Creek Shell Moose Mountain General Store Best Little Wordhouse in the West Cowtown Beef Shack Moose Mountain Mechanical Bragg Creek Animal Hospital Crabapple Cottage Boutique Mountain Bistro & Pizzeria Bragg Creek Artisans Society Creek’s K9 Clips One of a Kind Gifts Bragg Creek Dental Creekers Bistro Painted Moose Artist Collective Bragg Creek Esso / Carl’s Jr. Creekers Liquor Powderhorn Saloon Bragg Creek Foods Frontier Candy & Ice Cream Sandstone Pharmacies Bragg Creek Insurance Services Harder & Sons Exterior - Bragg Creek Bragg Creek Ladies Auxiliary Maintenance Services Spirits West Merchants Bragg Creek Leather Shop High Country News Sugar Shake Bakery

The Festival would not have been possible without the energy, commitment and drive of the committee and our wonderful volunteers – a heartfelt thank you to: Committee: Jennifer, Pauline, Carol, Crystal, Jane, Louise-Marie, Christine, Shannon Volunteers: Donna, Susan, Tim, Yvonne, Roxanne, George, Brian, Rod, Ethan, Katie, Medelaine

The Bragg Creek & Area Chamber of Commerce visitbraggcreek.com

22 High Country News • January 2020 High Country News • January 2020 23 24 High Country News • January 2020 High Country News • January 2020 25 26 High Country News • January 2020 WELLWELL OWNERS AREARE YOUYOU NEGLECTINGNEGLECTING YOUR WATERWATER SYSTEM?SYSTEM? ARE YOU NEGLECTING YOUR WATER SYSTEM?

StandardStandard WaterWater SystemSystem Maintenance Schedule:Schedule: Standard Water System Maintenance Schedule: Equipment/ Maintenance Recommended Equipment/ Maintenance Recommended Risks/Results if Neglected Risks/Results if Neglected Equipment/SystemSystem MaintenanceRequiredRequired RecommendedFrequency Membrane, carbon & Risks/Results if Neglected ReverseSystem Osmosis Membrane,Required carbon & Frequency Excess waste water, low volume or pressure, Reverse Osmosis sediment filters Annually Excess waste water, low volume or pressure, Membrane/Filters sedimentMembrane, filters carbon & Annually bacteria/bio-film build-up and bad taste Membrane/FiltersReverse Osmosis replacement bacteria/bio-filmExcess waste water, build-up low volume and bad or taste pressure, replacementsediment filters Annually Membrane/Filters Ion Resin Hardbacteria/bio-film water, scaling build-up on fixtures, and badwhite taste film on Ionreplacement Resin Hard water, scaling on fixtures, white film on Water Softeners IonReplacement Resin & Every 5 years glassware,Hard water, dry scaling skin/hair, on fixtures, mineral whitebed channell- film on Water Softeners ReplacementControl Valve & service Every 5 years ing,glassware, reduced dry efficiency skin/hair, & mineralcontrol valvebed channell- jamming Water Softeners ControlReplacement Valve & service Every 5 years ing,glassware, reduced dry efficiency skin/hair, & mineral control bedvalve channell- jamming Control Valve service Sulphuring, reduced smell, efficiency red-brown & staining control invalve toilets, jamming Mineral Bed sinks,Sulphur showers/tubs smell, red-brown & appliances, staining metallic in toilets, taste, Iron/Sulphur Sulphur smell, red-brown staining in toilets, MineralReplacement Bed & Every 3 5 years stainedsinks, showers/tubs laundry, plugged/channelled & appliances, metallic mineral taste,bed, Iron/SulphurFilters Mineral Bed sinks, showers/tubs & appliances, metallic taste, Iron/Sulphur ReplacementControl Valve & service Every 3 5 years build-upstained laundry, & bio-film, plugged/channelled mineral bed solidification mineral bed, & Filters Replacement & Every 3 5 years stained laundry, plugged/channelled mineral bed, Filters Control Valve service controlbuild-up valve & bio-film, jamming mineral bed solidification & Control Valve service build-up & bio-film, mineral bed solidification & Ultra-Violet Contaminationcontrol valve jamming of distribution system UV Lamp & Sleeve control valve jamming Ultra-VioletSterilization Annually withContamination micro-organisms, of distribution bacteria, system e-coli, Ultra-Violet UVReplacement Lamp & Sleeve Contamination of distribution system SterilizationSystem UV Lamp & Sleeve Annually coliforms,with micro-organisms, etc. bacteria, e-coli, Sterilization Replacement Annually with micro-organisms, bacteria, e-coli, System ReplacementCorrect dosage of Reducedcoliforms, well etc. yield, bio-fouling, incrustation, SystemWell Shock Annually coliforms, etc. Correctchlorine dosage injection of Annually(as per Alberta bacteriaReduced build-up, well yield, sulphur bio-fouling, smell & incrustation, black slime WellChlorination Shock Correct dosage of Reduced well yield, bio-fouling, incrustation, Well Shock chlorineinto well injection & flush Annually(asEnvironment per Alberta ) onbacteria surfaces build-up, sulphur smell & black slime Chlorination chlorine injection (as per Alberta bacteria build-up, sulphur smell & black slime ChlorinationRaw Well Water into well & flush EnvironmentTwice per year) Contaminationon surfaces of distribution system with Obtain water sample Environment) RawTesting Well Water into well & flush Twice(as per perAlberta year micro-organisms,Contaminationon surfaces of bacteria, distribution e-coli, system with Raw Well Water Obtain& submit water to labsample Contamination of distribution system with Testing(Provincial Lab) Obtain water sample Twice(asEnvironment) per perAlberta year cryptosporidium,micro-organisms, giardia, bacteria, coliforms, e-coli, etc Testing & submit to lab (as per Alberta micro-organisms, bacteria, e-coli, (Provincial Lab) & submit to lab Environment) cryptosporidium, giardia, coliforms, etc (Provincial Lab) Environment) cryptosporidium, giardia, coliforms, etc Having a hard time remembering your maintenance schedule? Having a hard time remembering your maintenance schedule? Having a hard timeLET rememberingUS KEEP TRACK your FOR maintenance YOU! schedule? We will send automatic emailLET reminders US ofKEEP your recommended TRACK maintenance FOR YOU! based specifically on your system. We will send automatic emailLET reminders US of KEEP your recommended TRACK maintenance FOR YOU! based specifically on your system. We will send automaticSIGN email UP reminders NOW of by your emailing recommended [email protected] based specifically on your system. SIGN LocalUP NOW family byowned emailing business [email protected] for over 25 years SIGNLocal UP NOWfamily ownedby emailing business [email protected] over 27 years. Local family owned business for over 27 years. Local family owned business for over 27 years.

Our peroxide is available at : Moose Mountain General Hardware Store, Bragg Creek Shopping Centre, Balsam Ave, 403.949.3147

High Country News • January 2020 27 a new policing cost model, as one of their will be increasing taxes up to 3% from this measures, that is aimed toward getting requisition alone, over the next 3 years in 300 new RCMP & 200 staff to tackle rural order to pay for 30% of this new policing crime. Thanks – I think? So, this means cost. Our required portion, approximately Councillor’s that a new provincial tax will be collected $644,000 will scale up to $2,000,000 by UPDATE by us, similar to the education portion of year 3. There will be a new police advisory your property tax bill. We’ll separate it board, which will see representation for us Foothills County out on your tax notice so you can see it. by the Rural Municipalities Association. The rate of tax will be subject to review Councillor, Division 4 As we plan for a 1% increase that will be Suzanne Oel, tagged onto our 2020 taxes, we await the every 5 years, so it’s a wait and see on a results to see if this equals more service or number of fronts, including: results and 020 Foothills County Budget: It’s any new officers in our area. Further, we payments over time. GOOD NEWS: a hold-the-line “0” 2increase budget along with no reductions in service levels! On November 27, 2019, Council passed a motion to adopt this first pass at our 2020 Municipal Budget, as our operating budget. When we dive into more details on operations and capital, Council and Staff may still make adjustments to include more roads on our road matrix list (permanent dust control surface) or make alterations or additions to the items we have reviewed. Also, we’re waiting for more information from the Province, which we won’t have until February-ish 2020 (assessment values, education tax requisition amount), and whether we have a surplus or deficit from 2019 (it’s looking like we won’t have a deficit from 2019). Our goal is to maintain the “0” increase to be responsive to the difficult economic times that many residents find themselves in, even though we may yet have to rework some things. Thank you to our Council for their input and to our Departments for all their work to provide this comprehensive and thoughtful budget estimate. However: That said, we have now encountered a “plot twist” on our budget, despite our best efforts. Residents and council asked for help with addressing rural crime, so the Province has announced

28 High Country News • January 2020 Water Servicing Plans: While we cannot give you all the details yet, Okotoks WCB * LICENSED * INSURED and Foothills County are collaborating Support Your Local Business to provide water servicing for future growth in our Central District, Hwy 2A Industrial Corridor and Okotoks. What’s new is that it was determined that there is no piped-water option from the City, so FURNACE & DUCT CLEANING we have continued to look for available water licence, study options for sourcing 403-888-2000 raw water from the Bow River south of Calgary and make plans for scaling www.HotPepperFurnace.com upgrades to infrastructure. The key thing TM is that we are working together to create HOT PRICES - GREAT WORK! a win-win for our water-challenged area. We hope that the scenarios we are studying will equal results shortly, which would bring opportunity and certainty to investment in our communities. Of course, any work that will be undertaken must yet be approved by our councils and would then be subject to the Alberta Environment review process. Renewing Enhanced Policing: We now have a year of experience behind us with obtaining Enhanced RCMP Policing through over-time shifts. After the dust settles on paying for these shifts and seeing some fine revenue, we think it is worth giving it the go-ahead for 2020. We will continue to watch that the fine revenue offsets the overall cost of approximately $250,000, as we await the revenues to flow in over a number of months to cover approximately $100,000 of our outlay. With this type of extra policing, we can measure the amount of hours, location and results of a greater police presence. Since we do not know if the new police cost model will provide any new officers or increase in service here, we will continue with this initiative until we know more from the province. Our Top Goals for 2020 include: continuing to develop the Hwy 2A Industrial Corridor by getting water and fiber optic internet services up and running, supporting residents to tackle rural crime, surviving the workload to do the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board growth plan which is due by December 2020, and applying permanent dust- control surface to roads on our matrix list - keeping in mind a potential reality check that may come from the effects of Mother Nature and any increase in oil prices, where a 1 cent increase will cost us approximately $50,000. ! For Other News & Updates: Please visit my website: suzanneoel.com facebook.com/councillorSuzanneOel Best Regards, Councillor Suzanne Oel

High Country News • January 2020 29 Although the rink work is not completely Renew your Membership: Family done, the rink boards, fence, lighting and and Business memberships were due resealing of the rink are complete. The November 1. Renew your Priddis rink has been flooded and Priddis Panther Community Association Memberships ice crews are working diligently to clear by printing off the form(s) online from the snow and maintaining the ice for our website. Submit it with payment by PRIDDIS News mail or drop it off at the Priddis Store. Go everyone’s enjoyment. So … ‘GAME ON!’ to www.priddisalberta.com. What is left to do? Even though the players Booking the Hall: To view or book the Hall, appy New Year and Welcome to bench and penalty box structures are contact Mike, the Hall Rental Director at 2020! We hope everyone had a complete, the benches themselves, siding, [email protected]. Check Hchance to enjoy some special time with some landscape work, and pathway to priddisalberta.com for availability, pricing family and friends over the busy holiday the players benches still need to be done. and updates. season. The benches will be completed in short Staying Connected: Did you know that Parent & Tot Playgroup: The drop-in order and, once the weather lets up a bit, along with The Priddis Community playgroup meets the first Friday of each an opportunity to put the siding on may Association’s webpage we have a few Local month at the Hall. Indoor activities include present itself. If not, this activity can wait Facebook pages to keep the community playing with tunnels, slides, an obstacle until the spring and can be completed connected? These are great resources for course, basketball, enjoying refreshments, with the last bit of landscaping work. seeing what is going on in the community, etc. The next date is January 4 from 10:30 All this work could not have been asking questions, finding out about local to 11:30am. No fee is charged to attend. completed without the financial support businesses and so much more. Be sure to If you are new to our community with a of all the donors nor without the check out the following Facebook groups: young family this is a great way to get to thousands of volunteer hours that went • Priddis Community Association know your neighbours and find out what into the tear down and rebuild of the • Priddis Moms Connect programs are available in the Priddis area. community rink. This rink has been a • Priddis Buy and Sell We are looking for someone to coordinate part of the Priddis landscape for some 40 • www.priddisalberta.com this monthly activity. Please contact years and will now be around for at least • www.facebook.com/Priddismoms [email protected]. Thisanother 40 years! Looking to volunteer in our community event is also listed on the PCA website, When using the rink, please show your and meet new people? Many helping hands www.priddisalberta.com. appreciation of this great facility by putting are always needed for PCA functions. garbage in the containers provided. Anyone interested in volunteering is Skate with Santa: The Priddis Early requested to make their interest known to Learning Program sponsored a ‘Skate Priddis Hockey: Priddis Panthers Pond any Board Member listed on the website with Santa’ on December 15 at the Priddis Hockey is in full force. The Panthers are www.priddisalberta.com Community rink. Hot beverages and thrilled to have 100 registered participants festive baking were available for purchase and welcome over 25 brand new players with all proceeds going to PELP. The to the sport. The ice is in and reserved ice was great, thanks to volunteers and weekday evenings for Priddis Pond hockey parents working with the Priddis Hockey practises between 6-8:30pm. Panthers. This event was a lot of fun and We are planning to have tournament well attended by the community. games hosted at the Priddis outdoor Priddis Early Learning Program - PELP: rink January 3-5, so come out and cheer We are opening 2020-2021 registration us on. For more information on joining for existing students and their younger this pond hockey league, contact Dave siblings on January 1. The annual Open Thompson at 403.921.3640 or email House for new registrants is on Thursday, [email protected] February 6, 2020. If you wish to enroll The success of our community program is your child at PELP for the 2020/2021 in many ways due to the amazing parent school year, please join us for our Open volunteers. A big thank you to countless House and Registration night. We will hours our parents have sacrificed to provide an overview of the program support their child’s hockey participation and open general registration beginning and the re-building of the community this evening. Please bring the personal rink this past summer. information sheet and $50 registration Board Members for 2020: President, fee to secure your spot. If there are more Andrew Webber; Vice-President, Dave children than spaces available, a lottery Thiessen; Treasurer, Vacant; Secretary, will take place. Please check out the Laurie Sedgwick; Communications, website or email for more information. Stephanie Fitzgerald; Grants, Ken Pretty; [email protected] or Hall Rentals, Mike Wollersheim; PELP, pelppreschool.wixsite.com/pelp/registration Kate Berkan; Priddis Panthers, Dave Priddis Community Rink Update: The Thompson; Property & Maintenance, latter part of the summer and fall saw a lot Lindsey Kindrat; Publications, Sue of volunteer families spending time at the Warren; Young Families, Stephanie rink to ensure all the Priddis families have Fitzgerald. somewhere to skate this winter. 30 High Country News • January 2020 On November 3 the beef project On November 16 some of the members Millarville-Stockland members met to weigh-in their steer of the Millarville Stockland Club projects and some of their heifer attended the District Multi Judging 4-H Beef Club projects. This provides the beef workshop at the Millarville Racetrack. he Millarville-Stockland 4-H Club members with their starting weight All of the members learned the judging started their new year on October for the year so they can track their format used throughout 4-H and got T9, meeting at the Millarville Racetrack. animals’ growth. to practice their skills judging halter The club has 24 members and 3 cleaver On November 8 some of the Millarville horses, market steers, breeding ewes members. The new club President for Stockland members went to Priddis and pancake spatulas, to name a few. 2019/2020 Club year is Harry Rawn. Hall to help set up, clear tables and I look forward to many more multi There are lots of returning members serve pie for the Priddis Fall Supper. judging workshops and competitions and new members. There will be 14 It was a very well attended community throughout the year! steer projects, 5 market lamb projects event and the members of the club had by Club Reporter, Blade Bell as well as many female projects for both a great time helping out. cattle and sheep.

memory issues, motor and emotional When a regular CO detector goes off, it Are You Safe? What I disorders including irritability, is an emergency, ie. do something now. Learned About Carbon moodiness, and depression. Unfortunately, this regular CO detector 9 PPM max specified: CO exposure will not alarm to let you know that you Monoxide (CO) Detectors! limits as defined by governments and are being exposed to low levels that lead ast month I wrote about the mother experts: to chronic CO poisoning. that, after living with an incurable False sense of security? You bet! Even L“flu” for a quarter of her life, found out • US OSHA: 8 hour average of 50 PPM worse for babies, kids, and adolescents that the mysterious illness that left her for a HEALTHY Adult with still-developing brains, and with extreme, debilitating fatigue for • Health Canada: 24 hour average of seniors and chronically ill (eg. COPD, 10 years was chronic carbon monoxide 10 PPM cardiovascular disease) whose bodies poisoning from a leak from her family’s • US EPA: 8 hour average of 9 PPM are strained. Bottom line: regular CO alarms are meant to offer protection to home’s heating systems. Even worse, • World Health Organization: 8 hour their CO monitor did not detect it! healthy adults during very high levels of average of 9 PPM CO in a home’s air. Carbon monoxide exposure typically • American Society of Heating happens in the winter, so read on and A low-level detector typically alarms Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at 10 PPM, which gives you crucial protect your family. Engineers (ASHRAE): 8 hour average early warning of a developing CO CO poisoning types: of 9 PPM problem possibly leading to chronic • ACUTE poisoning includes 50 PPM min alarmed: Regular CO CO poisoning. I invested in one for headaches, stomach upsets, dizziness, detectors typically alarm as follows: only pennies a day and now I have my peace of mind. drowsiness, confusion, and seizures, • average of 50 PPM alarm after 8 hours leading to coma and death. Acute cases For more information on low level CO are what we hear about in the news. • average of 70 PPM alarm after 1 to 4 detectors, see www.albertacleanair.com hours • CHRONIC poisoning is somewhat /blog/lowlevelCOdetectors/ vague but includes fatigue, flu-like • average of 400 PPM alarm after 4 to by Carla Berezowski, symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, 15 minutes Home Comfort Expert

High Country News • January 2020 31 Join us for an afternoon of mixed genres pitching in for a good cause and enjoy We Are Red Deer Lake with a Big Band sound. The Western the company of like-minded, sandwich- United Church! Swing Project Band is an accomplished making people, please join us! eight-piece band from Calgary. The Feeding the 100 e are Red Deer Lake United name ‘western swing’ originated from Saturday, February 8 at 3:30pm Church, an inclusive and various music styles and genres in the Waffirming community of faith – first half of the 20th century, including We also put our kitchen skills to work people of all ages, perspectives, and western music, Texas fiddle tunes, each month preparing meals for New Orleans brassy jazz, BIG Band Hillhurst United Church’s downtown stories, who gather to connect with outreach program. These hot meals are God, each other, and ourselves, and swing, Spanish American folk songs, Mississippi blues, and more. This served to people who really need them find in Jesus a new way of being on Calgary’s cold, winter streets. You human and alive in the world. 21st century Western Swing Project Band is the musical expression of two would be most welcome to come out Upcoming Events and Programs: stellar musicians from Calgary, Neil on a Saturday afternoon to see what On The Edge Concert Series Bentley and Dave Hamilton, who Feeding the 100 and Red Deer Lake The Western Swing Project Band have travelled extensively as working United Church is all about. Sunday, January 19 at 3pm musicians. Tickets are $25 and available Getting to Know Us at redeerlakeuc. Join us for a few Sundays at 10:30am com/tickets. ED EER AKE to get a sense of what it is we’re about. R D L Sandwich Bee Come early or stay after the service MEAT PROCESSING LTD. Monday, January on Sunday – there’s always coffee and Located a short, pleasant drive south of Calgary, southwest of Spruce Meadows 27 at 9am community to be enjoyed. This is a safe WHOLESALE-RETAIL CUSTOM PROCESSING place to explore faith and spirituality, FULL SERVICE Every month, we BEEF-PORK-LAMB- ALBERTA GOVERNMENT INSPECTED RETAIL COUNTER even if you have doubts or questions. SMOKED PRODUCTS MEAT FACILITY ABATTOIR work together in We promise to be friendly and kind. SPECIALIZING IN: our commercial • Locally produced Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, & Rabbit; Free Run Jumbo Eggs; Raw Pet Food & bones; kitchen to make For more information, please contact us at • Full service retail counter with an excellent variety of fresh & smoked meat products. • Wide Range of Naturally Smoked Products. Fresh & Smoked Sausage; Jerky; Old Fashion Style Hams & Bacon. sandwiches for 403. 256.3181 or [email protected] • Custom Slaughter/ Cutting of locally raised Beef, Lamb,& Pork. the Calgary Reddeerlakeuc.com OPEN TO THE PUBLIC MON. TO SAT. 8 - 5. Fax: 403-256-8882 Sun services start: 10:30am 90093 226 Avenue West Email: [email protected] Drop-in Centre. Foothills, Alberta T1S 2Z2 403-256-4925 Web: www.rdlmeats.ab.ca If you like

32 High Country News • January 2020 Band. Tickets are $20 each and includes an to serve our community by providing a evening lunch. What a Deal. venue for Weddings, Family Reunions, The Square Butte CommunityBirthday Parties and Company Events. Square Butte Association has begun the process of Buy Early: scheduling activities, programs and events We are a small hall with a capacity of just for the year. We hope to have many dance over 100 people so buy early if you want Community parties that bring together friends and to attend the February 1st. Tumbleweeds neighbors with great music and food. Dance. These $20 tickets will go fast. e sincerely hope you had a Very Our volunteer coordinators are a buzz Ticket purchase may be made by e-transfer Merry Christmas and we send out with ideas for the return of favored events to [email protected]. bestW wishes for the New Year to you all. like the Chili Cook Off and the Ladies Additionally, you can reserve tickets at this May you enjoy health, prosperity and Group sponsored Family Games and Pot same email address that can be paid for and happiness in the year 2020. Luck Day, along with new event ideas. picked up at the door. Watch for information about our Chrystal Save the Date Plamonden Dance Band in May. We appreciate the volunteers who come We will kick off the New Year with an Old forward every year with ideas for events Each year, we host programs at the hall and activities that support and respond to Time Country, Rock and Roll and Blues that address the interests and concerns the wishes and needs of the residents and Dance on February 1st. We will warm up of our community. Septic Sense, Fire neighbors of the people who live in the the winter night by lighting a fire under our Smart, Rural Crime Watch, Caledonia Square Butte Community. Information feet on the dance floor. Be ready to kick up Mid Stream Corporation Community about our upcoming programs and events your heels to the tunes of the Tumbleweeds Information Supper. Additionally, we like is available at squarebuttehall.com.

very second Tuesday of the month (Sept to May) at 7:30pm a speaker is arranged to talk and share their illarv Eknowledge with the club. We meet at the Millarville Church house. Our next meeting is on Tue, Jan 14, M il l 2020 at 7:30pm. We will be seeing Stacey Laursen from Garden Retreat. He is a wealth of information e regarding greenhouses and gardening products. Our club sponsors a scholarship for post secondary or

H adults who are enrolled in courses horticulture related. You must be a resident in the Foothills county. For o more info and applications, please contact Carol Poffenroth at [email protected]. Also please r t remember to like us on Facebook! Whether you are a novice or expert in landscaping or gardening, join our ic ul ub club. It is only $15 /year. We welcome new members. For more information email [email protected] or call tural Cl Sheila at 403-931-3989.

High Country News • January 2020 33 Sheep Creek Arts in Turner Valley to find small changes that could make invites you to their winter registration a big impact for your family in 2020. and membership renewal night on Draws, prizes, demos, discounts, and Wednesday, January 9 from 7-8:30pm. more! Free gift for the first 5 people TURNER VALLEY For painting, they offer classes in through the door. The event runs on & BLACK DIAMOND acrylic flowers, beginner landscapes January 11 from 9:30-3:30. For more and drawing, Paint Your Way by Vivien info, follow yourfitt4life on Facebook Wiebe, and Open Art Studio with and Instagram. News David Kilter. For quilting, there is With winter settling in, it’s definitely Learn to Quilt, hand quilting, collage ice time, and there’s lots of that going appy New Year, Diamond Valley! quilting, and a summer quilt camp. on in our community! Oilfields Winter reared its head before They also hold classes in Toe-Up Magic Curling Club (OCC) invites you to Hthe official solstice, and we had some sock knitting, mosaic tiles, and a needle join in one of their many leagues. OCC heavy duty snow towards the end of felted landscape class. They all sound was established in 1959 under the November which deposited over 50cm quite interesting, so come pick up a new name Turner Valley Oilfields Curling pretty much overnight. The next day hobby or refine an old one. More info Association, and members curled wreaked havoc on the roads as the warm at sheepcreekarts.ca or drop by the Arts out of a facility which later became roads froze and then were covered by all Council at 133 Sunset Blvd. the Bargain Barn. This building was that snow. I spun off the highway into located where the apartments across Turner Valley offers Community the ditch in the same amount of time it from the Rona in Black Diamond now Support Funding to local organizations, are. In 1996 the Club opened their would take to blink, and it’s sure a scary clubs, sports groups, and individuals feeling. Steer into the skid they say but new facility in the Oilfields Arena. This involved in special projects, events, and Arena is host to a Ladies Bonspiel the it’s hard to remember at the time. Thank initiatives which have a positive impact goodness for 4 wheel drive! weekend of January 3-5. Also we have for the recipients, local residents, a team going to the Alberta Junior Our local High Country SPCA certainly and the community as a whole. A put things into high gear with their Championships in Lloydminster maximum of $500 will be supplied per January 1-5, details curlingalberta. annual Christmas Market. They raised project, and there are some conditions. some good money this year with the ca. For more info on OCC, email at Registered charities may also [email protected] or drop by and hard work put into the Market and consider Community Funding from the generous support of their patrons. have a look. You don’t need any experience Crescent Point. For more details, visit to enjoy this Canadian pastime. Every dollar counts so don’t forget our turnervalley.ca/community-support-fund/. Oilfields Arena is also home to four legged friends when it comes to It’s Robbie Burns Day at the Turner your donations, you can check them Foothills Skating Club, which Valley Legion on January 24th. Robbie offers programs for ages 3 and up. out on Facebook. Also, the Ben Steiger Burns is recognised the world over Memorial Scholarship Fund is another For more info on this group, visit for his poems, and Burns suppers are foothillsskatingclub.ca. We also have very worthy cause to donate to in the celebrated on this day with traditional New Year. Ben would have turned 23 this the High Country Minor Hockey dishes of haggis and whisky. One of Association which is home to the past December, and his family and friends Burns’ poems you may recognize is established the Scholarship to help other Rockies Hockey Team, check them out the one “Some hae meat and canna eat, on the web as well. And Oilfields Sports young people attain their goals. To and some wad eat that want it. But we Association was founded in 1979 by a donate, drop by the ATB Financial in hae meat, and we can eat, sae let the Lord Black Diamond or the Diamond Valley be thankful”. So join in this Scottish group of volunteers who wanted to offer Vet, or call 403.933.4397. tradition at the Legion. They will have fun, affordable, recreation programs for Victoria’s Quilts Canada’s mission is a regular dinner to choose from and kids aged 4-18 in our community. 40 to provide hand-made quilts to people haggis on crackers, if you dare. Also years later OSA’s mission remains the with cancer. The organization started did you know that serving and retired same, and they offer Pond Hockey for in Ottawa in 1999 and in Okotoks Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP kids aged 5-17 at different league levels. in 2003. They have groups under members are eligible for a free one year The kids in this league come from Bragg the Okotoks branch also working in membership to welcome them to the Creek, Cochrane, Millarville, Priddis, Nanton, High River, and Calgary. The Legion. For more information, visit Canmore, and of course the Diamond branch serves all of Southern Alberta. Legion.ca/welcome. Valley team. For more info, visit They welcome volunteers to come and Also at the Legion coming up is oilfieldssportsassociation.com. help them with all sorts of tasks, not Resolution Health Fair, a fun, free, Theoutdoor rink in Turner Valley often just sewing. For more information on family friendly event. Come learn about has rotating games of shinny, or is a good Victoria’s Quilts, phone 403.652.1480 the healthy initiatives in our community, place to test out your blades for the first or email chairperson Jacquie at find the support you need to rock those time. There’s something magical about [email protected]. New Years Resolutions, and learn how skating under a blanket of stars, which

34 High Country News • January 2020 learn how to access these mobile services. Towles and The Lost Girls of Paris by Bring along your devise, and be sure Pam Genoff, author of the Orphan’s Tale. to bring your app store login and your The Gentleman in Moscow is about an password. aristocrat who is sentenced to house You will be able to access e-books, audio arrest in a five star hotel. The story is full of books magazines and newspapers using wit, whimsy,and philosophical musings. these resources for free. Russian history takes up much of the story, and while the hero is confined to a The library will close on the 24th. of hotel, he meets many fascinating people December and open again on January during his stay. 2nd. Longview Library The Lost Girls of Paris is a remarkable We have lots of new DVDs for our story of the courage and fortitude of collection, thanks to the kind donations our Library is Mobile! Come and three girls who were secret agents during by Erika Smith and Susan Ruby-Dunne. World War 11 in France. It is also a tribute learn about the several library There’s Snow Better Time to Read! e-resourcesY available to you for free. to the power of female friendship. The presentation will be on Wednesday, Two books that provide pleasant reading Happy Reading! January 8th. from 1 to 3 p.m. You will are A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Sylvia Binkley, [email protected] is something locals have been doing at and more details, check out Friends of is on January 30 from 6:30-8:30 pm the rink for many, many years. I love the the Bar U on Facebook, or you can buy for and at the following schools: C. Ian sound of skate blades scraping on the tickets at Sandul’s in Black Diamond, McLaren, Turner Valley, Millarville, ice. The rink’s public skating times are High River CO-OP, or Nanton’s Classic Longview, and Red Deer Lake. You Mon-Fri 3:30-7, and 11-2 and 5-7 on Rodeo Boutique. will need to bring your child’s birth weekends. Hockey runs from 7-9pm Foothills provides Immigrant Services certificate or proof of citizenship, their Mon-Fri, and 2:30-4:30 and 7:30-9:30 to help you settle in. They operate immunization records, and proof of on weekends. There is no supervision under the umbrella of Calgary Catholic address. For more information, visit at this rink, and helmets are mandatory. Immigration Society. This Society is fsd38.ab.ca/kindergarten. Bring your shovel after a snowfall to a non-profit, non-denominationalWe hope everyone had a lovely clear the ice. The rink is free, but there agency that is committed to making Christmas and New Year’s! For those are conditions, such as no pets, no immigration a positive experience of you who put up a real live Christmas carrying your infant while skating, no for refugees, immigrants, and the tree, you can put it out by your bin and headphones, etc. For full details, visit community. Some services offered are the towns will pick it up during the turnervalley.ca. for settling your children into school, month of January. Make sure all tinsel Friends of the Bar U Historic Ranch English language classes, community and everything is off the tree. The towns Association will be hosting their connections, and host volunteer will mulch the trees and use them on annual Stockmen’s Dinner on January programs. For more information, call pathways and around trees. Thanks for 25. This is a long-standing tradition the Okotoks Office at 403.938.4699 or all you do, Town Workers! visit ccisab.ca. to honour our ranching families and If you have any events happening in their history in the Foothills. This year It is Kindergarten Registration February that you would like to see in they will be honouring the Bedingfeld, Time if your child will be 5 years old the High Country News, please email Garstin, and Broomfield families. The before December 31, 2020. There is event will be held at the Highwood me at [email protected]. The deadline also a Junior Kindergarten Program for this issue is January 15. Memorial Centre in High River with for your youngster if they will be cocktails at 5:30 followed by a prime rib 4 years old before Dec. 31, 2020. Here’s to a great year! dinner and a silent auction. For tickets Kindergarten is optional. Registration Elaine Wansleeben CCeennttuurryy RRoocckk MMaassoonnrryy All Types Of Stonework Fireplaces • House Facings • Retaining Walls Patios • Garden Art • Repairs David Andruko 403-819-5303

High Country News • January 2020 35 36 High Country News • January 2020 saving you in book purchases, just peruse also offering classes on Word. Other new the bottom of your check-out receipt. It programs this winter include Zumba, tells you how much you saved on that Future Thinking, Mindful Eating, Sleep visit and your accumulated total since Basics, and an information session you got your card. Many of you are well on Radon gas. For the creative souls into the thousands of dollars. For families out there, Sharon Wagner is offering a with children in the local elementary mini abstract art workshop, and Angie he beginning of a new year is often a schools, please remember that you can Simmons is hosting four evenings of time when we both reflect on what get a free family membership between poem-making. Mark Friday May 8 for Tis in the past and look forward to what is June and October of every year, through an early Mother’s Day celebration. Join yet to come. 2020 marks the end of the the generous sponsorship of Mark and us for Movie and Mocktails as we dress second decade of the 21st century. Many Rachelle Muller at AG Foods in Black up 1920s style and watch the Downtown of us can probably remember when we Diamond. Abbey movie. For a full list of programs leapt into this new millennium, and it Our computer drop-in sessions will also with dates and times, please see the seems impossible that 20 years have fled continue with Norma Dogger stepping four page insert in this issue of the High by. For someone who had a child in 2000, in to assist patrons with the internet, Country News or go to our website. it is shocking to think she will celebrate social media and managing files. We are Brochures are also available at the library. her 20th birthday this year. However, we embrace the passing of time and the changes that it brings, even here at the library. In early December we learned with regret that Literacy for Life would be closing its doors at the end of 2019. This meant the end of the pre-school literacy programs and computer classes that this organization had put on at the library for a number of years. Recognizing the value of these programs, and not wanting to lose them, the library sprung into action, to look for additional funding to have the programs continue in their current format with Elone and Janine as Facilitators. As this goes to press, the Friends of the Sheep River Library Foundation is awaiting word from AGLC, to use casino funds to keep the programs going. If all goes well, Toddler Time, Movers & Shakers, Rhythm and Rhyme, and Natured Kids will start on January 29. Please register at the library. We will keep everyone posted as soon as we have some news. In addition to funding from the Friends, the Library Board made the decision to raise the cost of library cards for the first time in anyone’s living memory. The extra money raised will go towards supporting these programs. From January 1, a single membership will be $15 and a family membership will be $25. If you ever wonder about how much your card is

High Country News • January 2020 37 their own personal worm (the worms are We would like to thank the Alberta still alive and wiggling). We were proud Conservation Association, Alberta Thank You! of both students as they were both past Real Estate Foundation, A & W rom all of us at the Ann & volunteers and participants in our Nature Shawnessy, Calgary Foundation, Sandy Cross Conservation Safari Day Camp. Canyon Meadows Cinemas, Chevron Area,F thank you to our 2019 Our volunteers continued their work Canada Resources, Community Natural donors, partners, and volunteers! on weeding, maintaining fencing, and Foods, Fluor Canada, Foothills County, various other projects. Our habitat Glamorgan Bakery, Government of nother year has flown by at the Ann management summer students Alberta Watershed Resiliency and A& Sandy Cross Conservation Area. assisted with the conception of a weed Restoration Program, Government of We hosted our first-ever management plan, which Alberta STEP Program, Government Wildlife Conflict Solutions we hope to expand upon in workshop in the spring, of Canada Enabling Accessibility Fund, the future. Motion-capture Government of Canada CSJ Program, partnering with Margo cameras showed us wildlife Supplies, the Government Heritage Save on Foods, Pembina such as deer and black bears Pipeline Corporation, Shawnessy of Alberta and other local still thriving, illustrating the conservation groups. There Safeway, Sobey’s Bridlewood, TD importance of preserving Canada, TD Friends of the Environment, was a wonderful turnout the area. With a concern and amazing speakers and over the number of visitors and UNAC Green Spaces for their it was a great opportunity support in 2019. We would also like in the area and their impact to acknowledge and thank each of our to connect with our neighbours. Into on trails and habitat, we made the the summer we continued to keep busy individual donors. Thank you for making decision this fall to require paid parking Ann and Sandy’s legacy possible. with day camps and added five summer in our visitor lot in 2020. We understand students to our small team. One of our that this policy may lead to fewer people The Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area talented summer students painted a new visiting the area, however we anticipate (ASCCA) is a 4800 acre day use natural mural which can be seen in our education that it will lead to car-pooling and reduce area southwest of Calgary. It began as a building, as well as new soap dispensers the number of hikers who do not register. land donation from A. R. ‘Sandy’ Cross and with stellar designs which highlight the Each year we see our numbers increase, his wife Ann. The ASCCA was founded with area as a Nocturnal Preserve. Another while donations decrease. We are the hope that it would be remain a protected enthusiastic summer student started concerned over the impact that this will piece of paradise and unique outdoor vermicomposting at the ASCCA, to the have on the area, as we rely on donations classroom. delight of many students who could name to maintain the ASCCA. Learn more at crossconservation.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook at @ ASCConservation.

38 High Country News • January 2020 Planning does not need to be The Bottom Line complicated. You only need to locate Year-end is not the only time you should a few documents and set aside a little be planning the best way to minimize time to chat with your IG Consultant. taxes, but it is when deadlines are Tax Season: Why Key documents include: important, and a little extra attention It Pays To Plan 1. Notice of Assessment sent from can reap big rewards. This is also a great Ahead Canada Revenue Agency (and available time to take note of any changes to your online if you have a MyCRA account). income, your expenses, or your lifestyle. by Phil Goddard 2. Your latest pay stub and your best Then, work with your IG Consultant estimate for any income from bonuses to make proactive changes to your Good Tax Planning Is A or commissions. IG Living PlanTM so you can take full Year-Round Activity 3. Statements for non-registered advantage of tax-efficient strategies to or many people, tax planning investments. enhance your overall financial well- revolves around the RRSP being. Call Phil directly at 780.910.1596 F This information will help your IG and he can show you ways to save taxes contribution deadline. But that may Consultant determine if any action be too late if you’re trying to take needs to be taken before the end of you may not have been aware of. There is advantage of every opportunity to the calendar year in order to create the no obligation. lower your tax bill. With a little advance Bonus Advice On Bonuses planning, before the end of the calendar maximum amount of savings for you. year, you’ll be set up for greater success Planning For The “Rs” If a bonus is paid directly to you, there and hopefully lower your taxes. The “Rs” are your registered accounts. may be taxes withheld at their source. A Little Paperwork Goes A Long Way These accounts are either tax-deferred However, if your employer permits, If you receive a regular paycheque, it’s or tax-free. They include: some or all of the withholding taxes on easy to think your income and the taxes • Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) the bonus may not have to be withheld if the bonus or a portion of the bonus is you pay are on auto-pilot. Taxes get • Tax-free Saving Account (TFSA) deducted, contributions get made to a transferred directly to your RRSP. Talk company benefit plan, and it can seem • Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to your financial advisor for direction like you don’t have a lot of control over • Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) on this issue. the numbers. The truth is, you have Limits For RRSPs & TFSAs more control than you think and there When planning to optimize your are ways to lower your tax bill and put contributions to your registered The allowable limits for your 2019 (and more money to work. accounts, consider the order of events. subsequent year) contributions for For example, a contribution to your both your RRSP & TFSA is on your RRSP could generate a tax refund. You ‘Notice of Assessment’ that you receive could then contribute that amount to after filing your taxes for the preceding your RESP to generate grants from the federal and provincial governments. year. 2020 contribution room is on the ‘Notice of assessment” for 2019. Consider Capital Gains And Losses Important Things To Remember! Sometimes, it makes sense to sell investments that have gone down in RRSP DEADLINE: February 29, 2020. value because you can use the loss TFSA DEADLINE: NO DEADLINE! to lower your taxable income. You TAX FILING DEADLINE: should seek the advice of a qualified Individuals April 30, 2020; Self tax specialist before taking this step. If Employed June 15, 2020 (accepted by you decide this approach is right for CRA if received by June 17, as the 15th you, your IG Consultant can guide you through the steps and potential tax falls on a Saturday.) advantages.

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High Country News • January 2020 39 Later… As clean, hot water sloshes into the Now I’ve been in this New Year for bucket, I think of the seemingly endless a while, and it doesn’t feel very new supply of good, clear water we have The New Year anymore. The newness has worn off. at our fingertips here in Canada. I’m I’ve had a few joys; I’ve had a few grateful! Realizing God’s love also has by Andrea Kidd disappointments. The busy glow of the an endless supply, I inhale deeply, am Christmas and New Year holiday season thankful, and receive. I swish the mop has faded. I no longer feel that initial to and fro, stopping to scrub harder at a ew Year’s Day 2020… There’s gladness of returning to quiet routine. stubborn stain. I pause and lean on the something exciting about a New It’s one of those days that won’t be mop handle. I have a stubborn stain of NYear. It hasn’t been used yet. It’s not remembered. It’s a cloudy day, a stay-at- resentment against someone. It’s been worn out. It’s unsullied, clean, ready to home day and get-some-chores-done hardening in my heart for a while. Will be dabbled in, played with, its treasures day; nothing special, just “same-old”. I skirt around it? Will I ignore it? Will I let my mind dwell on it and swell it into still to be discovered. Nothing has yet It’s the same old kitchen floor that happened to make it dirty or ragged or hate? Or, will I let God’s compassion broken. needs cleaning. This floor reminds me for me dissolve the resentment for the of yesterday when I made spaghetti and wrong another did to me? Angrily, That’s rather fearful, to know I haven’t the tomato sauce splashed; and of the wrecked it yet. Maybe I should just stay tearfully, I scrub at the spaghetti sauce day before when the tea bag missed the splatters on my kitchen floor till it shines. in bed, not experience it. I wouldn’t want compost bin; and the crumbs remind me to make a mistake, mess it up. I especially Suddenly, the sun breaks through the don’t want to spoil it for anyone else. of toast for breakfast for the past week. As I carefully push my broom, I mentally clouds and sunbeams streak across the Well, I can’t avoid this New Year. Even if room, lighting up my clean kitchen floor. I stay in bed, it will still come. I will be in sweep my negative thoughts into a it whether I choose to be or not. pile, scoop them into the dustpan and Relieved, released and the chore So, I’ll put my best foot forward (um… dump them into the garbage bag. No finished, I leave the floor to dry, grab a which one is that?) and step boldly point rehearsing the disappointments jacket and enjoy a stroll outside in the into the future (where no one has gone of yesterday. Let them go! Tie the bag! sunshine. before). Sure, I will mess up something, Drop it with the negativity into the This is a New Day and I am glad to be but life is a gift, a gift is to be lived, used garbage can in the garage for hauling and appreciated. away. Only open it to put more in. in it!

40 High Country News • January 2020 You probably read about what you don’t being very honest with ourselves, we find How is Your Mind Health? know, observe those who are doing out that we don’t want to change. Maintained Change = Time + Effort + things differently, try things out, measure What am I talking about? Here is an Consistency … Forever the results and try something else. Rinse example that is near and dear to me. I, he biggest surprise I get from clients and repeat. myself have an interesting relationship is when they hear that they need to The reason most people get the yo-yo with bread. I believe that I LOVE bread. Tkeep working at what they are working results in their lives, in their careers or I love sandwiches. That bread is soooo at. Focus. Time. Energy. Consistency. why they just quit trying is: good. In reality, bread actually makes me Forever. ONLY IF you want the change 1. There is a belief they will be happier bloated and sluggish. I feel gross after I to last. with something else than what they have eat it. I want to quit eating bread, but, I now. don’t really want to quit eating bread. If Over time, your new habits become I was honest, I want to want the effect of easier to repeat. Over time you build 2. They try and change too much too not eating bread without having to quit momentum so it is easier to keep going. soon and can’t maintain it. doing it. However, you can never stop, (well, unless you are done.) 3. There is this idea that they only need Now, I could just get mad at myself every to do things for a short period of time time I eat bread, and lecture myself and This is why so many people are and then can go back to their old ways, berate myself. OR I can just be honest disappointed when their results won’t expecting a different result. that I am learning to want to not want stay, they come and go, simply because Then when things don’t work out the bread. This way I don’t have to feel so the effort starts and stops. way we want them to, we beat ourselves horrible about myself when I am doing Simply by looking at the results in your up, blame ourselves for failing again, something I am telling myself I don’t life, you can see where your effort and want to do. Then I can breathe. Then I and tell ourselves how we are not good don’t need to hate myself. I can start to focus is. enough. trust myself and I can allow myself to be If you are in great shape, you focus your “I suck.” “I can’t do anything.” I didn’t try really curious about why I still want to eat time on your food, exercise, and sleep. hard enough.” “I’m never going to be able bread. You probably study about what types of to do that.” This process of honesty gives space for foods you should eat, exercise strategies, I don’t want you to beat yourself up. If it you to be curious about yourself instead the benefits of different nutrients and worked, then I would say go ahead. But of being judgmental. I could try and supplements. If you want to maintain it doesn’t work. Where we need to start hate myself until I quit eating bread, but this, you do this for the rest of your life. is by getting really honest with ourselves. there is no point. The point is creating a If you are amazing at your job, you I mean the kind of honesty that you may relationship with yourself that you trust probably work hard, ask questions, and not want to share with people. When we and value. keep trying to learn about the business are honest with ourselves, we can see how The other point is giving yourself the and what else you can do to make it we have been practicing hard for what opportunity to decide what you want to better, more efficient, more profitable. we currently have in our lives. We have do with your time and energy. You can’t been practicing do everything all at once, even though these beliefs and there are probably a lot of things you want thoughts in our to do. So instead of hating yourself because lives for a very you aren’t getting the results you want yet, long time. Where remind yourself that you aren’t working you are today, your on that yet. It feels so much better, and result has taken when you decide to put the energy into focus, time, energy, accomplishing something, you probably consistency and don’t want the result to be temporary. you have been Remember, the path from here to there is working on it until paved with thousands of small steps. Only now. look at the destination and you might not even This does not mean take the first step. But, each small step seems that we have to like easy because we have been walking for years. everything that by Angela Wigand, CPA we have. We can CEO & Life Coach definitely decide Inspiring One Woman at a Time we want to change MindLogix Inc., www.mindlogix.ca things. Sometimes,

High Country News • January 2020 41 Monster from Sesame Street struggles Challenges With Organization in a different way. He hyper focuses Consider Jeremy’s room in Zits. Clothes and thinks only about cookies. He can’t and papers are scattered everywhere, he shift his attention away from cookies. loses things, his tests don’t make it home A Different Take Challenges With Hyperactivity for his parents to sign, and he didn’t start Oh ADHD Calvin from Calvin and Hobbs has an brushing his teeth regularly until he met overactive body and imagination. Take by Roché Herbst, M. A. R. Psych. Sara. His parents were not sure that he him to the doctor, he slides off the table, would make it out of eighth grade. turns upside down, with his head on Regulating Emotions What Do We Have In Common? the floor and feet in the air. Ask him a question and he starts chattering away. Daffy Duck in Looney Tunes isn’t he five things that adults and He is eager to share. When the adults a good sport. When things don’t go children with ADHD have trouble start talking again, he slides along the Tregulating are attention, hyperactivity, his way, he throws tantrums. He is floor like a lizard pursuing a mosquito disappointed a lot. Besides, it’s hard impulsivity, organization, and emotion. on the windowsill. Sometimes it is hard to understand to be constantly bested by a smooth the silly things they do. Let us filter Difficulty With Impulsivity talking bunny. His emotional intensity our impressions through a new lens. Hammie from Baby Blues creates leads to overreactions. Sometimes it is Perhaps some cartoon characters will friction at home, especially his older hard to feel sorry for him when you are give you a new perspective on the five sister. He interrupts conversations, constantly being embarrassed by him. faces of ADHD. messes up his sister’s games, drops What To Do? dishes, breaks toys, says hurtful Regulating Attention things, and gets himself into trouble • Attention - use her name, tap him on Peppermint Patty in Peanuts can’t for climbing on the roof. He doesn’t the shoulder or ask them to look you in pay attention to the teacher, is often learn from his mistakes (yet) and his the eye before giving instructions. confused about what to do next and mother doesn’t feel she could leave him • Hyperactivity - save “sitting still” for ignores what her teacher says – unless, alone for an instant, much less with the essential times i.e. school or important of course, the teacher is announcing babysitter. He’s charming and adorable, events. Let your energizer bunny move! that it is time for recess! Cookie but exhausts those around him. • Impulsivity - allow occasional daydreaming to give their creative REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST brains a chance to re-charge. BRAGG CREEK & CALGARY • Organization - before you jump into Children, Adolescents & Adults “important” discussions, introduce an idea so kids can ‘noodle’ on it for a - ADHD & ADD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) while and pull their thoughts together. - Learning Disabilities • Emotionality - let children know that - Processing Disorders - Career Counseling everybody makes mistakes, including - School & Workplace accommodations you. Show them how you learn from For more information contact Roché Herbst, M.A. R. Psych. them. Sources: Quinn, P. (Ed.) ADDitude: The Five Faces (403) 510-9984 or [email protected] of ADHD. Monthly subscription magazine.

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42 High Country News • January 2020 5 homebuyers said their current house 8. 23% of buyers said their current meets their needs. level of debt is higher than they were 4. 35% of buyers recognize the value of expecting. Consumer debt continues to be a significant challenge in nearly every using a real estate agent. More and more part of the country. The impact of those Mortgage Matters Canadians see value in working with a real debts also continued to spill over into the estate agent - this is up from 28% in 2018. mortgage markets. In total, around 23% By Candace Perko, Mortgage Broker 5. 60% of buyers spent the maximum of homebuyers in 2019 said their current amount they could afford in 2019. level of debt is higher than they were The CMHC Mortgage The “house-rich, cash-poor” approach expecting. This number is up from 19% of is losing momentum. We have seen a buyers in 2018. Consumer Survey Top decrease from 78% to 60% of Canadians 9. 1/3 of buyers didn’t have a monthly 10 You Need to Know spending the maximum amount on budget before buying a home. Preparing their mortgage. a monthly budget — and sticking to earn more about the attitudes and 6. More than half of those surveyed (65%) it — is one of the keys to successful behaviours of Canadians when they homeownership. 1/3 of homebuyers Lare buying a home and are homeowners. believe the “stress test” will keep more Canadians from taking on unaffordable surveyed didn’t have a monthly budget Check out CMHC’s 2019 Mortgage before buying a home but more than 2/3 Consumer Survey top 10. mortgages. The “stress test” has been out for more than a year. The majority (59%) (69%) operated on a monthly budget as a homeowner. 1. Price and affordability is a “must- of homebuyers surveyed were aware of have” say 80% of buyers. First-time these new rules. Among all buyers aware 10. 87% of buyers feel confident that and repeat buyers identified price and and not aware of the new rules, more buying a home is a sound long-term affordability as a need when purchasing than 3/4 said the changes had little or no investment. The majority of homebuyers a home. For the second consecutive year, impact on their decision to buy a home – are confident that buying a home is a about 1/3 of buyers indicated price/ down slightly from 80% in 2018. Those sound long-term investment. Before deciding that buying a home is the affordability as the top factor. impacted reacted by purchasing a smaller right decision for you, we encourage all 2. Almost half (47%) of 2019 buyers or less expensive home. Canadians to carefully examine what type were first-time homebuyers. This 7. More than 1/3 of buyers don’t expect of housing is best for them. is a drop from 2018 where 56% of interest rates to rise in the next year. by the Canada Mortgage and purchasers were first-time homebuyers. While mortgage rates were up in 2019, Housing Corporation (CMHC) ©2019 The percentage of repeat buyers so was consumer optimism. More increased from 44% in 2018 to 53% buyers were betting in 2019 and the majority of mortgage that interest rates consumers are homeowners going wouldn’t rise again Get a local through the renewal process. anytime soon. Nearly 1/3 of homebuyers Point of View 3. 81% of buyers said their current home don’t expect interest meets their needs. It’s “home sweet home” rates to go up in the for the majority of Canadians – 4 out of next year.

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High Country News • January 2020 43 resources entrusted to us by our Let me illustrate. Purpose: To bring the Creator. Our profit driven economy greatest good to the greatest number of needs boundaries. “My rights,” fuelled people without a boundary of time. That by entitlement and greed, will use and purpose gives vision for the family: to abuse whatever meets “my needs.” equip each person so that their maximum Having said that, I am not sure that people potential is released in life. At work I will are the cause of climate change. The ice look for ways to encourage and affirm age came and went without the influence those who are part of my network of What Do of man’s carbon footprint. responsibility. In my neighborhood I will look for ways to stimulate “community” You Want Out of Life? The intention of this author is not to and extend care. debate climate change but rather to raise by Duane Harder When purpose gives birth to vision, the question, “What do you want out passion becomes the fuel that fires my of life?” What really matters to you and actions and makes me a contagious OW! 19 years of the 21st century why? Psychologist William Marsten person who infects others with a passion Whave already been lived. It seems asked 3,000 people, “What have you to for life. When vision begins to capture only yesterday that the prophets of doom live for?” Ninety-four percent said they your mind, you will shed peripheral were forecasting a worldwide meltdown had no definite purpose for their lives. In activities for those that move you towards due to the inability of computers to make other words, they were just surviving. the fulfillment of your vision. the transition to the new century. I was scheduled to fly oversees on New Year’s Albert Einstein defined insanity as Some time ago, I read the story of Ronan Eve and some friends thought I was doing the same thing over and over and Tynan of Kilkenny, Ireland. As a young foolish to make the trip. I made the trip expecting different results. An old Chinese man, he wanted to be an Olympic and here I am nineteen years later looking proverb says, “If we do not change our equestrian. However, when he was 20, forward to embarking on a new year. direction, we are likely to end up where one of his legs had to be amputated above the knee. That didn’t stop him. He simply New prophets of doom have arisen we are headed.” When Alice asked the cat which road she should take the cat replied chose to compete as a disabled athlete. forecasting a global meltdown due to Within 12 months, he was winning man’s irresponsible use of earth’s natural by asking where she was going. Alice didn’t have a definite destination so the medals, and went on to win 18 gold resources. Simply put, we are told that medals and set 14 world records. This people are the cause of climate change. cat replied, “Then it doesn’t matter which road you take.” man’s vision was to become a world-class We have plundered the Amazon rain athlete. When he suffered a huge setback, forests, dumped tons of toxic waste Without a purpose in life, does the issue his vision compelled him to find another into the atmosphere and created a of climate change really matter? Purpose way rather than give up. petroleum-based economy. We are the helps to define what matters in life and My Dad would say to me, “Son, if there is a culprits responsible for global warming why it matters. Purpose is the foundation and if we do not repent and amend our will there is a way.” I would like to modify and catalyst of vision. Or to put it in it to read, “Son, if there is a will to fulfill ways, the impact of the unfiltered sun other words, vision is the substance of will be catastrophic. your purpose, there is a way.” A clear, our purpose. It takes the idea in the mind authentic, life-capturing purpose will give For the record, I strongly believe in and translates it into a doable plan with an you the resources you need to go over the responsible stewardship of the achievable goal. the mountain, through the mountain or around the mountain. In other words, you will press through the difficulty, obstacle or opposition to find a way. There was a little over a mile left to complete the marathon. I was tired but determined to finish. I developed a cramp in my right leg. What kept me going? A vision that had captured my life some years before. I wanted to see our children released in life as pillars of truth bringing an influence of justice and righteousness into the earth. It was our son’s request and influence that got me signed up for the marathon. I wanted him to know that I would run with him to the end of the race. Climate change? I want the forecast of my life to read, “Purpose, vision and passion, hotter tomorrow than it was today.” I want a legacy of love, life and loyalty to be transferred to the account of our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and through them to their spheres of influence. That’s what I want out of life. 44 High Country News • January 2020 of nostalgic horror. “Could do better” due to their subsidies, but there are some reports. The multicoloured panel I drew things that I’m looking at... three times and hung across the foot of my bed as expensive as back in Alberta, but still “Have you done your homework?” I was thriving. Wow. terrified of falling short of expectations. And then there are all those for whom And now, I continue this missive from these observations are mythical fantasy. the sun-kissed slopes of the Tonto The millions for whom putting food Forest in Arizona. Just a few hours ago, on the table each day is a stressful Out of wading knee-deep in snow around the challenge, raising kids is a never-ending Chapter 112 brilliantly romantic Christmassy scenes subtle anxiety to do the best one can, the Rut of Bragg and Redwood, now bare- to provide food, shelter, education, legged, surrounded by cacti, squeaking clothing, entertainment, community. ell, that went fast didn’t it? red-headed birds, fluffy white dogs and I am awe-struck by mothers, home- WI remember days at school when beautiful horses – my current charges. schoolers, single parents, double parents, perms were just becoming a normality The ease with which a short flight combinations of weird and wonderful for those girls that were into that sort of transforms my daily experience from parents unimaginable a few decades ago. dressing up and makeup thing, and, not winter to desert highs and lows is We all get by somehow. being one of those animals, sitting with somewhat mind-boggling. Unimaginable Made it through the holiday season my other oddball friend, ruminating on a couple of generations ago, now it’s relatively unscathed? Remember that the fact that in 2020 we would be 55 commonplace to zip around the planet, time spent with loved ones is priceless. years old! Yikes. for folk to spend half the year up north, “Bargains” in the stores are other people’s Here it is. I managed half down south. slave wages. Spend your time, not your to circumnavigate What a luxury it is to money. Walk in the glory of nature and not only the globe, be alive now, despite hold hands with your friends, children, multiple times, but all the angst and and/or loved ones. We never know many other things terrorising of societies when the next step ceases and the new in the intervening by their governments adventure beyond this life begins. 40 years or so. From to keep ‘em in line. Bliss you all. sitting in a classroom It struck me quite With gratitude and love, Kat Dancer dodging the flying forcibly, however, blackboard erasers [email protected] on arriving in a www.kat-dancer.com, and whistling bits parking lot for of chalk to sitting 415.525.2630, ph/txt/wtsp at a marble kitchen grocery shopping, counter typing on a wafer-thin computer how insanely the likes of which hadn’t even been wealthy this imagined then. North American Back in the dark ages of comprehensive continent is. In schooling in southern England... the new- our area, we are fangled language-learning techniques so privileged included incarcerating students in compared to the cubicles with giant headsets and recorded vast majority of transcripts to talk along with. I remember humanity, it’s the terror of those unimaginably heavy very hard to keep headphone contraptions being attached perspective. We to my head. It did not work for me, I have a brilliant struggled and stressed and agonised over geographic place French lessons. Everything else came to live, fantastic with relative ease, but the language thing opportunities to just mangled my head and turned me work for ourselves, into a stuttering ninny within seconds. In to be creative, the face of an angry teacher I protested innovative, “maybe it’s not just me, maybe it’s the inspirational. We teacher”. You can imagine how well have all kinds of that went down. That’s my last memory amenities... and of being wrangled into a language lab, then I come here although I’m sure it didn’t magically and I am shocked extricate me. at the even more We sat geography exams with bits of string obvious wealth, – calculating distances on Ordinance the shiny new cars Survey maps, allowed to take slide-rules everywhere, the into Maths exams, and compared and amount of money contrasted all kinds of passages from charged for basic classic English texts. The small folded services. Much is papers of the ‘O’ Level exams are flags cheaper in the US High Country News • January 2020 45 Email [email protected] or mail to Box 476, Bragg Creek, AB, T0L 0K0 C LASSIFIEDS your ads (typed, please) by the 15th of the month OR visit highcountrynews.ca SERVICES OFFERED HELP WANTED CHURCHES

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High Country News • January 2020 47 LIST YOUR BUSINESS BUSINESS DIRECTORY ONLY $8 PER MONTH - 403-949-3526 ABSTRACT ART LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT SALES & REPAIRS ERROL LEE FULLEN - ABSTRACT PAINTER, SCULPTOR ...... 403.990.1266 DR. MOWER (Cochrane), www.drmower.ca...... 403.932.9984 ACCOMMODATIONS SMALL ENGINE SOLUTIONS...... 403.949.3110 / 403.991.3920 EVERGREEN COUNTRY Bed & Breakfast...... 403.949.3951 LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION/ MAINTENANCE & SNOW REMOVAL HEART WEST HAVEN...... 403.651.3459 HARDER AND SONS EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES...... 403.949.3442 KRUGER’S GUEST HOUSE ACCOMMODATIONS...... 403.949.3770 LEGAL ACCOUNTANTS LINDA ANDERSON LAW OFFICE...... 403.243.6400 / 403.949.4248 WILSON PLUMER CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS...... 403.949.4947 MAVERICK LAW...... 403.949.3339 ANIMAL HOSPITAL / VETERINARY CARE MOUNTAIN VISTA LAW, www.mountainvistalaw.com...... 403.981.0700 ANIMAL HOSPITAL, BRAGG CREEK, [email protected]...... 403.949.2650 SAC LAW, The Mobile Law Option, [email protected]...... 403.554.8535 ARBOUR CARE & TREE REMOVAL MEAT PROCESSING BORDERNORTH TREE SERVICES, [email protected]...... 587.216.8372 RED DEER LAKE MEAT PROCESSING LTD, [email protected]...... 403.256.4925 DRAGONLAND TREE & EXCAVATING, [email protected]...... 403.466.3132 NEWS & ADVERTISING HARDER AND SONS EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES...... 403.949.3442 HIGH COUNTRY NEWS...... 403.949.3526 SPRINGBANK CUSTOM SOLUTIONS, springbankcustomsolutions.ca...... 403.612.0654 PAVING TREEWORX TREE CARE, www.treeworxpro.com...... 403.554.2370 LAMBERT BROS. PAVING...... 403.287.3252 BLINDS, WINDOW COVERINGS & UPHOLSTERING PEST CONTROL HARMONY BLINDS, SHUTTERS & AWNINGS...... 403.466.2204 JAPCO PEST CONTROL LTD...... 403.242.2467 HEIDI’S BLIND NOOK...... 403.651.3459 PET & EQUINE SERVICES HEMMETT CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY/WINDOW COVERINGS...... 403.816.3802 / 403.246.1482 BLUE RIBBON BOARDING & TRAINING...... 403.949.2963 BUSINESS COMPUTERS, NETWORKS & PHONES CACHAKATCAN NEW HEALTH & LIFE CATTERY & BOARDING...... 403.949.2385 OKOTOKS COMPUTERS...... 403.478.6382 CREEK’S K9 CLIPS & PET SUPPLIES...... 403.949.3355 CHILD & DAY CARE PET SITTING SERVICES large & small/ domestic & farm animals...... 403.880.5110 COUNTRY KIDZ CHILD CARE...... 403.809.3546 SMILING PUP CANINE BEHAVIOUR CONSULTING, smilingpup.ca...... 403.949.2385 CHURCHES PLUMBING & HEATING BRAGG CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH, Pastor Dave Zimmerman...... 403.949.2072 ALLANS PLUMBING AND HEATING...... 403.888.5200 FOOTHILLS BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, Serving Diamond Valley...... 403.775.9690 BRAGG CREEK PLUMBING & HEATING LTD...... 403.931.0486 CLOTHING & JEWELLRY BRICO PLUMBING INC...... 403.998.5580 CRABAPPLE COTTAGE FASHION BOUTIQUE...... 403.949.4264 DESIGN CONTRACTORS INC [email protected]...... 403.560.6542 CONSTRUCTION, CONTRACTING & EXCAVATION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BRAGG CREEK EXCAVATING...... 403.949.2756 / 403.620.0250 OKOTOKSCOMPUTERS, Business Computers, Networks & Phones...... 403.478.6382 CENTURY ROCK MASONRY - DAVID ANDRUKO...... 403.819.5303 PRIDDIS BUSINESS CONECTION INC...... 403.931.7191 COWBOY COUNTRY LOG HOMES Log Home Refinishing...... 403.968.8842 VIDEO PRODUCTION, WEDDINGS, REAL ESTATE, CORP. PROMOTION...... 403.477.1166 ELBOW RIVER EXCAVATING & LANDSCAPING...... 403.949.3227 / 403.899.4886 REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INSPIRATION RENOVATIONS...... 403.510.6222 DEBORAH CLARK, REALTOR® - CENTURY 21 BAMBER REALTY LTD...... 403.835.3385 LT EARTH SERVICES – DESIGN AND INSTALLATION...... 403.478.0050 DIETER HENDRICKSON, RE/MAX Mountain View Bragg Creek...... 403.612.7849 MOUNTAIN TOP FLOORING, [email protected]...... 403.601.0315 ELENA STEPANENKO, Realtor/Property Mgmnt, MaxWell South Star Realty..... 403.560.5468 TOOL TIME Handyman & Construction Services...... 403.949.2349 GREATER CALGARY REAL ESTATE [email protected]...... 403.978.9117 WOOLRICH GROUP - woolrichgroup.com...... 403.851.0076 KATHLEEN BURK RE/MAX Realty Professionals, Cochrane/Bragg Creek/Redwood..... 403.818.8049 COUNSELLING SHARON BAYER, REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS INC...... 403.554.8978 BRAGG CREEK - DR. KAREN MASSEY, R. PSYC...... 403.390.1815 SUTTON GROUP CANWEST - WILLIE PREBUSHEWSKY...... 403.660.3767 BRAGG CREEK - ROCHE HERBST, R. PSYC...... 403.510.9984 TANYA BAKANOVA, REALTOR® STAGER CSP™, REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS INC...... 403.837.0220 PRIDDIS - ERICA BERNARD, MSW, RSW...... 403.874.0176 WAYNE CHAULK, ROYAL LEPAGE SOLUTIONS, chaulkrealestate.com...... 403.252.5900 KATERINA RENNY, R.Psych, www.foothillscounselling.com...... 403.819.7691 RESTAURANT DANCE INSTRUCTION BAVARIAN INN, Bragg Creek...... 403.949.3611 SPRINGBANK DANCERS INC., www.springbankdancers.com...... 403.276.7918 CREEKERS BISTRO, Bragg Creek...... 403.949.3361 DENTAL CARE THE ITALIAN FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT, Bragg Creek...... 403.949.2750 BRAGG CREEK DENTAL CLINIC...... 403.949.2288 JANE’S CAFE, COFFEE SHOP, Priddis...... 403.931.0155 EDUCATION POWDERHORN SALOON, Bragg Creek...... 403.949.3946 THE LITTLE SCHOOLHOUSE - BRAGG CREEK...... 403.949.3939 WATER’S EDGE PUB, Priddis...... 403.931.0155 ELECTRICAL SERVICES RETAIL ARMSTRONG ELECTRICAL...... 403.932.9289 BRAGG CREEK TRADING POST...... 403.949.3737 CLEAR SKY ELECTRIC [email protected]...... 587.225.4294 MOOSE MOUNTAIN GENERAL STORE - HARDWARE...... 403.949.3147 HIGHWOOD CONTRACTING & SOLAR, highoodcontracting.com...... 403.803.7102 ROOFING & EXTERIORS FAMILY DOCTOR / HEALTH SERVICES DAZA ROOFING dazaroofing.com...... 403.542.2592 CARE IN THE CREEK MEDICAL CENTRE...... 403.949.2457 FORTRESS ROOFING & EXTERIORS LTD...... 403.264.7844 FOOTHILLS FAMILY MEDICAL CENTRE & DIAMOND VALLEY MEDICAL...... 403.933.4368 FINANCIAL & INSURANCE SERVICES GUNS N HOSES ROOFING, EXTERIORS & INSULATION, gnhroofing.ca...... 403.796.ROOF (7663) MASTER CONSTRUCTION INC, mastercalgary.com...... 403.554.2715 ATB FINANCIAL - BRAGG CREEK AGENCY...... 403.949.3513 SEPTIC (SERVICE AND INSTALLATION) BRAGG CREEK INSURANCE SERVICES & ALBERTA REGISTRIES...... 403.949.2599 A-B-C SEPTIC TANK CLEANING SERVICES...... 403.288.9500 FINANCIAL PLANNER & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, BOB HUGHES...... 403.949.3250 A-EAGLE SEPTIC, [email protected]...... 403.650.9436 FREE HOW MONEY WORKS EDUCATION CLASSES, call Marilena...... 403.969.0811 ACREAGE DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS LTD...... 403.815.0004 INSURANCE (LIFE, DISABILITY, CRITICAL ILLNESS, LONG TERM CARE)...... 403.949.3250 BIG ROCK SEPTIC SERVICES, www.bigrockwaterhauling.com...... 403.804.5551 MORTGAGE BROKER - CANDACE PERKO, COUNTRYSIDE FINANCIAL...... 403.949.4129 LT EARTH SERVICES – DESIGN AND INSTALLATION...... 403.478.0050 FIREWOOD TRAVEL, CRUISE, VACATION SERVICES FIREWOOD TIM (PINE & BIRCH)...... 403.333.8462 LEA ANDERSON, Cruise & Vacation Consultant...... 403.717.9223 / 403.837.0577 FURNACE & DUCT CLEANING TRUCKING (AGGREGATE/ SOIL/ MULCH/ ROCK) HOT PEPPER® FURNACE & DUCT CLEANING, DRYER VENTS, FIREPLACES...... 403.888.2000 HAIR & BEAUTY BRIAN FITT TRUCKING & BOBCAT...... 403.809.8949 / 403.949.3573 LT EARTH SERVICES – DESIGN AND INSTALLATION...... 403.478.0050 ALLURING ELEMENTS HAIR STUDIO...... 403.949.2168 ROSS TRUCKING...... 403.651.9428 HAIR STYLIST - PEGGY’S AT PRIDDIS...... 403.686.1095 / 403.931.3142 TOWING HEALTH & FITNESS DAVE MOORE TRANSPORT & RECOVERY, www.davemooretransport.com..... 403-975-3899 BRAGG CREEK CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC...... 403.949.3953 JIMMY J’s TOWING, $ for scrap vehicles, property clean-ups...... 403.891.3994 / 403.760.5797 BRAGG CREEK HEALTH FOODS, Chinese Herbal Dispensary...... 403.949.3581 WATER HAULING BRAGG CREEK PHYSIOTHERAPY...... 403.949.4008 BIG DRIPPER WATER HAULING INC...... 403.851.1003 FORMATION MARTIAL ARTS T.V. Dance, Fitness & Yoga classes...... 403.689.2248 BIG ROCK WATER HAULING SERVICE, www.bigrockwaterhauling.com...... 403.804.5551 MASSAGE - DEANNA McDEVITT, THREEPOINT MASSAGE THERAPY...... 403.829.1148 WATER WELLS MASSAGE - SYLVIE LAPPA...... 403.828.5408 AQUA MULE Water Well Systems & Services...... 403.931.2991 HOUSE CLEANING WEBSITE SERVICES IMMACULATE ADVANTAGE, NAOMI NADEAU, [email protected]...... 403.618.2605 OKOTOKSCOMPUTERS...... 403.478.6382 MAID IN THE FOOTHILLS, Patricia Holt, [email protected]...... 403.933.2233