November 25, 2005

Government, Gophers, And Poison
Kari Cyr
County News
A gopher infestation can be a farmer’s nightmare, so the proposed lift of a
government ban on two per cent liquid strychnine would be welcome news,
according Jeff Holmes, Agricultural Fieldman with Mountain View County.
The federal government through Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory
Agency’s re-evaluation program, will be re-visiting the decision of banning
liquid strychnine to the general public.
The re-evaluation program is designed to ensure that the continuing
acceptability of all pesticides registered in Canada before 1995 is examined
using current scientific approaches.
Strychnine poison was once the most popular strategy to controlling the
gopher population, but due to unlabeled uses and it’s high risk to human
health and the environment, the poison was banned in 1993 by the federal
government. Only ready-to-use strychnine bait was available to purchase and
was distributed from county or municipality offices. A three-year temporary
registration was issued to the Mountain View County.
“We were allowed to purchase it and mix it ourselves then distribute it to
producers,” said Jeff Holmes, Agricultural Fieldman with the Mountain View
County. “When the permit expired the only option we were left with was
importing from Ontario.”
That was an unsuccessful venture, according to Holmes, as the producers were
not satisfied with the outcome. Last year a new company began mixing the
poison in Alberta and the Mountain View County has been importing from that
company.
“Of course producers would still like to have control of it themselves,”
said Holmes.
Strychnine was first registered in Canada in 1928 and was registered for use
as a rodenticide or predacide to control the northern pocket gophers or
Richardson’s ground squirrels, among skunks and other rodent pests.
“We have a large problem with gophers. Any crop land that is adjacent to
pasture land the gophers hit pretty hard and can cause a lot of damage. They
eat a lot of crop, they are hard on the equipment because of the holes and
the roughness of the fields, and livestock have broken their legs when
stepping into them,” explained Holmes. “Subsequent to the gophers is the
badger problem. Badgers dig up the gophers holes to eat the gophers and they
leave an even bigger holes and an even bigger pile of dirt, so you have even
rougher fields.”
The primary concern with the poison is the effect it has on people.
Strychnine is a colorless crystalline poison and is one of the most bitter
substances in the world. It’s taste is detectable in concentrations as low
as 1 parts per million. Strychnine also produces dramatic and painful
symptoms.
After 10 minutes of exposure, the bodies muscles will begin to spasm
starting at the neck and head. The spasm continue to worsen through out the
body with nearly continuous convulsions. Death comes from being unable to
breath while convulsing or sheer exhaustion from the convulsions.
There are other alternatives to strychnine, according to Holmes, but
strychnine is most cost effective and effective overall.
“Shooting them with a 22 cal. is right up there as a top control option,”
said Holmes, although there are some products that are non-toxic for
secondary poisoning.
Mustard foam is commonly used in public areas such as schools, subdivisions
and hospitals.
“You wouldn’t want to use strychnine in highly populated areas, but mustard
foam is labour intensive and fairly expensive on a large scale.”
Although liquid strychnine has been banned since 1993, Holmes has still
received a few calls about wildlife poisonings.
“Not very many, about one or two calls a year and it’s hard to say where
it’s coming from,” said Holmes, although he believes it’s old stock.
Some producers in the area have made calls to Holmes and submitted responses
to the PMRA about lifting the ban. According to Holmes, the majority of
producers are in support of the use of strychnine when managed properly.
PMRA is expected to make the proposal to Health Canada, that the use of
strychnine to control gophers does not represent an unacceptable risk to
human health or the environment provided that the proposed safety measures
are adopted.
These safety measures require all handlers to wear chemical-resistant
gloves, long pants and long-sleeved shirt, and dust mask.
They also suggest proper storing procedures under lock and key. This will
dramatically reduce the risk to people.
Because strychnine is soluble in water and has little vapor pressure, the
PMRA believe that the risk of poisoning the environment would also minimal.
“My personal feeling is that this is an issue that will get lost if we have
an election right away,” said Holmes. “Hopefully they will still support the
use of strychnine at least in ready to use baits.”
Myron To Ralph: Be Quiet
Jon Koch
County News
Alberta Premier Ralph Klein has enraged the federal Conservatives, again.
Having offered his support to Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party
earlier in the month, Klein stunned the Tories by predicting the Liberals
would return to power with a minority government during a speaking
engagement in Halifax, N.S. on Nov. 23. The Premier also commented that he
felt Harper was “too much on the right” for many Ontario voters to support.
All of this comes a year after comments by the Alberta Premier on healthcare
were used by the Liberal Party against the Conservatives in the 2004 federal
election.
With a non-confidence call likely to come on Nov. 28, the Premier’s comments
have upset a number of federal Conservatives, including Wild Rose MP Myron
Thompson.
“I wish Ralph would just be quiet,” says Thompson. “He says he supports us,
supports Stephen [Harper], leave it at that.”
Thompson was at a loss for an explanation as to why Ralph would make
potentially damaging comments about the federal Conservatives after pledging
to support the party on numerous occasions.
“Who knows why Ralph does what Ralph does,” Thompson added. “It almost looks
like he’s paving the way for a Senate seat or something, who knows?”
While Thompson is far from pleased with the Alberta Premier’s comments on
Nov. 24, he does acknowledge that Klein may just be voicing what a number of
people are thinking about an upcoming federal election.
“A lot of people are not that optimistic that we’re not going to be able to
pull it off,” says Thompson. “We know Quebec won’t budge, and Ontario have
been some adamant in being Liberal voters, [so] we’re not sure in a lot of
our own minds.”
However, the Wild Rose MP chooses to remain optimistic about his party’s
chances should an election writ be dropped anytime soon. He believes Klein’s
comments about Harper being too right wing for Ontario voters are incorrect,
and that the Conservative leader has always made the effort to occupy the
centre of the political spectrum.
“Myron Thompson is far to the right, I’ve never denied it nd never will,”
says Thompson. “I’ve always tried to bring Stephen more to the right.”
Dogsled Race Set For Didsbury
Jon Koch
County News
Cries of “mush!” may be reverberating throughout the Rosebud River Valley on
the first weekend of January. This is because if organizers get their way,
the weekend of Jan. 7-8 will be the inaugural race of the Rosebud Run
Dogsled Classic along the Rosebud River which runs just east of Didsbury.
Event organizers made an appearance before Mountain View County council on
Nov. 9 where they received initial approval for a development permit for the
race. Organizers applied to council for permission to create two dog sled
race trails--one four dog/ four mile and one six dog/ six mile-- which would
be constructed entirely out of packed snow.
Having undergone first reading, the proposal for the race will now enter a
14 day appeal process, in which adjacent landowners will be invited to give
their input on the proposed event. Rosebud Classic organizer Bill Windsor
doesn’t expect to see alot of opposition to the event, as the dogsled race
has the support of most of the nearby landowners.
“The trail boss has gone and approached most of the landowners in the
surrounding area, and we don’t have any objections at this point and don’t
anticipate any,” says Winsdor.
Should the event receive final approval from the county, the 4 mi. and 6 mi.
courses will be split into two divisions, with up to 60 “mushers” from as
far away as North Dakota and Alaska being involved in the event. The Rosebud
Classic would also showcase a number of local racers, in hopes of raising
the profile of the sport in the area.
According to Windsor, one incentive for mushers to attend the Didsbury race
is that the Rosebud Run would be the first race of the year for competitors.
“It gives the mushers the opportunity to give their dogs exercise and begin
the training process for other races down the road,” he adds.
Another reason for the racers to attend is a $5,500 purse that will be
given to the event winners. The purse for the Rosebud Classic has been
collected from entry fees and sponsorships, and Windsor says there is always
room for more sponsors to get involved.
“We have several sponsors committed to supporting the event, and we are
looking for whomever would like to be involved in terms of sponsorship,” he
adds.
While the race is designed as a showcase for dogsled racing in the area, the
Rosebud Classic would also serve as an economic initiative for the region.
With the potential to attract spectators and competitors from across Canada
and the United States, Windsor says the benefits for the local business
community are quite large. “Conceivably we could have 3,000 spectators come
to this area,” says Windsor.
Another added bonus about the location is that it would be the only dogsled
race in North America where spectators are able to view the entire trail
from start to finish.
“This is very unique in that there are many places along the trail that you
can stand and watch the dog race and see the entire course from one spot,”
Windsor adds.
The course itself would run over a combination of packed snow and ice,
spread out over two quarter sections immediately south of Highway 582,
crossing under the bridge on the frozen Rosebud River for 350 yds., then
coming out north beside the Zion Evangelical Church and up and around the
quarter section which approaches Highway 2A.
“Most people along the west side of the coulee on the south side of
[Highway] 582 are really excited because they can watch this whole thing
right from their living room window,” Windsor added.
Regardless of whether it’s 10 above of 40 below Celsius, the race will go on
says Windsor, all that’s needed is enough snow to build a track for the
racers.
“If anybody has an inkling that they want to provide psychological support,
then they can start their snow dance on Dec. 1,” adds Windsor, in jest of
course.
Anyone looking for more information on the event can contact Bill Windsor at
the Didsbury Chamber of Commerce at 335-3265, or they can check out the
chamber website at www.didsburychamber.ca.

MVC Busy At County & MD Convention
Jon Koch
County News
The annual get together of Alberta’s Municipal Districts and Counties took
place in Edmonton from Nov. 14-17, and according to reeve Al Kemmere,
Mountain View County was very active pushing two resolutions.
The first of these resolutions asked that the provincial government develop
Emergency Response Protocols, and that they assume all liabilities arising
from “the attendance of provincial highway and roadway incidences for all
responding emergency services personnel.”
“What we wanted to do is have the provincial government’s accept the
liability of having our fired departments going out on to Hwy. 2, and other
major highways” says Kemmere.
Kemmere says this resolution was brought forward in response to the number
of accidents that county fire departments are responding along to the QE2,
along with concerns over litigation that has resulted from incidences
elsewhere throughout the province. This resolution received a great deal of
support from the delegates says Kemmere, and was carried nearly unanimously.
The other resolution brought forward by MVC was a request that hunting
regulations be relaxed for elk. Kemmere says this initiative was came
forward in light of the “overpopulation of elk in the West Country”. With
problems arising from elk destroying standing and stockpiled forage which is
intended to be used for cattle feed, the county asked AAMD&C delegates to
approve a resolution asking for increased hunting limits and an extension of
the season on elk populations. According to Kemmere, this resolution also
passed with near-unanimous support.
A total of 37 resolutions passed at the convention. Among the more notable
resolutions were: increased RCMP staffing levels for rural municipalities;
increased funding for primary and secondary highways; and the protection of
aquifers and water supply during coalbed methane extraction
Alberta Premier Ralph Klein also announced $140 million in provincial
funding for the development or upgrading of approximately 4,200 supportive
living, affordable housing and seniors housing units (see related story, p.
??)
Corb Lund Coming To Bearberry, Olds
Jon Koch
Gazette News
While the weather outside has been delightful, in the absence of cold and
snowy weather there is one sure sign Christmas is coming: Corb Lund is
coming to town.
The multi-award winning Alberta singer-songwriter and his band The Hurtin’
Albertans will be making making a swing through Alberta as part of his
Annual XXXmas Tour.
The Taber-native will be appearing for two shows at the Bearberry Community
Hall on Nov 27. Originally scheduled for one appearance, the performer added
a matinee show after his first show sold out. Opening for Lund on the night
is the Edmonton-based indy band Cordoba.
The after touring western Canada for two weeks, The Hurtin’ Albertans will
be making their annual pilgrimage to Olds College on Dec. 15. The doors open
at 8pm for the show, with show starting at 9pm. The Swiftys, a country act
hailing from the Alberta capital will be the opener for the Dec. 15 show.
Tickets for the Olds performance are $22.50 in advance or $25 at the door
(if available), and can be purchased at the Olds College Students'
Association office or at the Olds College Bookstore. You must be 18 to
attend, and in possession of government issued picture ID.
For more information on Corb Lund’s XXXmas Tour, check out the band’s
website at www.corblund.com.
Sundre Group Part Of Telus/ EMA Initiative
Jon Koch
County News
A local organization is playing a big part in helping to make Alberta the
safest jurisdiction on the planet.
The Sundre Petroleum Operators Group is one of two groups, the other being
NR-CAER from the Fort Saskatchewan-region, who are involved in one of two
Emergency Management Alberta pilot projects to take place over the next two
years. In these projects members will provide input into the creation of an
Emergency Management Operating System for the province.
The system, known as EMOS, is a joint initiative of both the Government of
Alberta and Telus, with both parties contributing $6 million towards the
creation of a secure, web-based system intended to enhance emergency
management across the province.
As part of this input phase, stakeholders within the SPOG organization
participated in phase two of a six-phase pilot project during the first week
of November. Stakeholders from various organizations under the SPOG
umbrella took part in flood and wildfire scenarios over a four day period at
the Mountain View County administration building. According to Jennifer
Lutz, coordinator for SPOG, the purpose of the scenarios was not to solve
the catastrophe, but to figure out the most effective way of dealing with it
as a group.
"A flood or a fire could affect any stakeholder in the area, it doesn't
really matter [what kind of disaster it is],” says Lutz. "If there was a
flood, what information would be out there, how could these agencies help
each other out?"
The sessions also gave different stakeholders within the region an
opportunity to become familiar with one another.
"It's knowing the resources out there and the faces,” says Lutz. "When you
have a disaster, it's not the first time you want to meet someone
necessarily."
Participants took part in two breakout sessions per day in addition to the
actual scenarios, with their input being recorded for future use on the
project.
"[In] other counties, I don't think you get community and everybody sitting
working on a disaster,” Lutz added."They never really ask the community ‘how
did it work for you?’, so this is kind of getting everybody that's
effective."
Gathering input from a variety of perspectives is important to the eventual
success of the EMOS program. It was SPOG’s success at brining various
individuals and organizations together that Lutz feels led to them being
chosen to take part in the EMA pilot.
"I think the reason they chose this area is because SPOG is a signature
group with a bit of a history of getting all the stakeholders at the table
at once,” says Lutz.
Colin Blair of Emergency Management Alberta helped conduct phase two of the
EMOS pilot. He likened phase two to an “opportunity to tell Bill Gates what
you want in Microsoft Office”, and says the input they receive from SPOG
stakeholders is vital because EMA is looking to create information and
communication technology that is not only going to meet the needs of medium
and large communities, but small rural communities as well. Any technology
must also meet the needs of all stakeholders, from first responder right
through to government and non- government organizations.
"Most of it is taking proven systems that do exist and integrating it
together," says Blair.
In order to accomplish this, EMA needed to forge partnerships, not only with
groups like SPOG, but also on the technical end.
"Within our vision we saw something that had to be web-based and secure, and
we wanted to have something that was provided to us by a service provider,”
says Blair. "[Telus] is going to be able to provide us with the
infrastructure and security to support a system like this.”
Both EMA and Telus are trying to create an information and communication
technology that will allow seamless sharing of information between the
multiple stakeholders. Therefore representatives were on hand to record the
proceedings and the feedback from those involved in the event, which will
then be incorporated back into the project.
“We’ve got to manage all this because we’ve got a fixed budget, a fixed
time, and in the end we want to end up with something that is going to
work,” Blair added.
While he re-iterates that one of the key pillars from EMA’s 20 year vision
is to make Alberta one of the safest place to live, work and visit, he also
believes that EMOS provides a major economic opportunity for Alberta. With
other jurisdictions eying the progress of EMOS intently, Blair believes that
Telus could realize a significant return off of their $6 million investment.
This in turn is good for the provincial economy.
"If we consider that the division from Telus that is supporting this is also
from Alberta,” adds Blair. “Let's make ourselves an economic powerhouse as
well."
After a GAP analysis of the EMOS system is conducted, the EMA will be
returning to the area in April or May of 2006 to conduct a mock exercise
with EMOS and the SPOG stakeholders.
You can access more information on the Emergency Management Operating System
at www.emos.ca.

Christmas Hampers Gearing Up, Donations Dwindling
Kari Cyr
County News
Donations to the Christmas hamper charities in the Mountain View County are
down this year, according to program organizers, but there are no worries
about gathering enough donations to fill the need.
“This year, because of the flood we are expecting to give 130 to 150
hampers, and we’ll get there,” explained Tessa Erickson of Santa’s Anonymous
in Sundre. “Two years ago we did 94 hampers, last year we did 118.”
Donations have been slow coming for the Carstairs Lions Club Christmas
Hamper, according to Al Molnar, program organizer.
“With the weather we’ve been having, it’s hard to get your thoughts around
Christmas,” said Molnar. “I would think that in the next couple of weeks
things would start picking up.”
According to Carol Reed with the Community Christmas Hamper program in
Cremona, the donations are not the problem but the rise in need.
“There is more of a need this year, everybody is finding it hard with rising
expenses like utilities,” said Reed. “We are very fortunate in the Mountain
View area, people are really giving here.”
Didsbury Christmas Helpers organizer Linda Sirr says she believes in the
project and believes there will be more than enough.
“People care about their neighbours and their town,” said Sirr. “It doesn’t
matter what town, it doesn’t matter if donations are up or down, it matters
that you care about the people who live beside you. It’s saying ‘we’ve
noticed you’ve been having a hard time lately and we wanted you to know that
we care.”
According to Erickson, people also need to care about the teenagers when
donating.
“We take toys and nonperishable food items, but we are stressing that people
not forget the teenagers,” said Erickson. “People tend to buy toys for the
little guys, but young adults enjoy Christmas too and they should be
remembered.”
Donations don’t always come in neat packages, according to Erickson, but
they are always welcomed. This year one person is donating Christmas trees,
while another is donating meat.
According to Sirr, everyone is in a position to make the call to the
Christmas charities.
“Either you know of a family that needs it, you are a family that needs it
or you can help,” said Sirr.
To make donations in Didsbury, contact Christmas Helpers at 335-3629, Monday
to Friday.The deadline for donations and referrals is Dec. 19.
In Sundre, you can call Santa’s Anonymous at 556-3385. The deadline for
referrals is Dec. 12.
To make donations in Carstairs, contact Al Molnar at 332-2122, Carstairs
Town Office at 337-3341,or send them directly to the Lions Club Box# 333
Carstairs. Collection boxes are also available at the school and throughout
local businesses. Donations should be made before Dec. 16.
In Olds contact the Olds and District Angels Society at 507-5445. The
deadline for donations and referrals is Dec. 16.
For donations in the Cremona area, contact Carol Reed at 337-2024, or drop
off monetary donations at the Congregational Church in Cremona. The deadline
for referrals is Dec. 16 and the deadline for donations is Dec. 19.
To make a donation in the Bowden area contact 224-2184.
Ag Tourism Abounds In Rural Alberta
What do a corn maze, horse sense training courses, a garden cafe, and a
barnloft B & B have in common? They are all ag tourism experiences, and
they are all available right here in Alberta!
Ag tourism has been described as a marriage between 2 of Alberta’s top
industries - agriculture and tourism. It encompasses agriculture based
attractions, services and events. The industry offers everything from farm
and industrial tours, to farm based foodservice and Farmers’ Markets, to
farm festivals and ranch rodeos.
According to recent research there is a growing demand for ag tourism
experiences. As urban populations are more and more removed from their
rural routes, so grows their nostalgic feelings towards farm and ranch
experiences. Research has also shown that traveling Albertans may not be
fully aware of the opportunities that exist for ag tourism activities in
their own backyard.
Adding an ag tourism venture offers a real option for increasing income and
profit to the family farm business and in the process ensuring long-term
sustainability, even for small farms. Ag tourism also presents a key
opportunity to connect directly with the consumer and educate them about the
farming practices of the day. As well, it can provide an additional
marketing channel for the sale of agricultural based products.
Ag tourism is not a venture for everyone. Often there are whole set of new
skills to be learned and a new industry and market to understand. If you
are considering ag tourism as a venture on your farm or ranch there are
several ways to start your journey. First off you will want to visit
www.agtourism.ca for the latest information, publications, and key links.
You might also consider walking through your diversification idea with a New
Venture Specialist at the Ag-Info Centre (toll free access via
1-866-882-7677).
A group of local stakeholders are also offering a unique opportunity to
attend a workshop at Olds College on December 7, 2005 called ‘Opening Your
Gates to Ag Tourism.’ This workshop will offer potential ag tourism
operators a chance to learn the steps of starting an ag tourism venture on
their farm or ranch. Participants will hear from those who are already in
the business, discover key resource people that can help them achieve
success, and meet their future partners in promotion. To register for this
workshop contact the Town of Olds at 403-556-6981.
Government Funds Over 1,000 New Post-Secondary Spaces
Spaces increase in institutions, rural and remote areas, and online learning
programs
More than $10 million in targeted funds has been committed by the Alberta
government to create over 1,000 additional post-secondary spaces in the
province this year. The funding is flowing to institutions through the
Access Growth Fund, which increases learner access to Alberta's
post-secondary system. An additional $1.7 million from the province will
help boost access to distance and online learning opportunities.
"Our government has committed to increasing the number of post-secondary
spaces by 15,000 over the next three years. Together with an increase to
base operating grants for institutions, this targeted funding will help
reach that goal," said Advanced Education Minister Dave Hancock. "We are
committed to making sure our advanced education system is accessible, by
creating more learning opportunities for Albertans, no matter where they
live in the province."
The 1,062 new spaces are being created through the Access Growth Fund
2005-06 as follows:
·  392 spaces in Calgary
·  141 spaces in southern Alberta
·  382 spaces in Edmonton
·  72 spaces in central Alberta
·  58 spaces in northern Alberta
·  17 spaces for online learning (Athabasca University)
The $1.7 million includes $1.2 million to increase access to online learning
opportunities through eCampusAlberta, which consists of 15 colleges and
technical institutes that promote and provide seamless access for online
learners. Each member institution develops, contributes and offers its
owncourse materials, and supports other member institutions' course delivery
materials online. This collaborative approach gives students the ability to
access programs from institutions across Alberta without leaving their
communities.
Tricia Donovan, Executive Director of eCampusAlberta, said, "eCampusAlberta
is delighted to receive this support, which will increase the availability
of courses and programs for students who wish to advance their education
online. eCampusAlberta is committed to providing learners with timely and
affordable access to online courses - this funding supports that mandate.
Also, to ensure materials are of high quality, all course development will
be guided by our Quality Standards for Online Learning."
Also included in the $1.7 million is a $500,000 annual commitment to
Alberta-North, a partnership between seven institutions that brings
post-secondary courses and programs to students in northern Alberta and the
Northwest Territories. This funding will support improvements to learner
support and technology in northern Alberta. Alberta-North was established in
1993.
"There is tremendous opportunity in northern Alberta. Alberta-North has been
instrumental in providing access in remote communities to allow people to
participate in post-secondary education while remaining in their home
communities and contributing to local economic development," said Jim Foote,
Chair of Alberta-North Board of
Directors. "The ongoing funding provided by the Alberta government allows us
to improve our services and extend these services to additional northern
communities."

Lightning Defeat Camrose
The Rocky Mountain Lightning trounced the Camrose Kodiaks in Midget AAA
hockey action this weekend in Camrose. After an injury plagued losing
streak, the Lightning were back to nearly full strength this weekend and
gained a decisive 6-3 victory over the Kodiaks. In first period play the
Kodiaks gained the advantage with a late power play goal, ending the period
1-0 Kodiaks. Lightning's Jonathan Lefebvre was the first to answer back in
the second, followed by 2 goals by Matt Williams to end the second period
3-2 Lightning. In the third it was all Lightning as David Courtney, Mike
Arnold and Jonathan Lefebvre each notched one, leaving the final score 6-3
Lightning. According to coach Darcy Austin this was one of the team's best
games for finishing their checks. "The boys were taking the puck to the net
much better in this game," quotes Austin. "And having Courtney back in the
line-up really helped in moving the puck up the ice." The team had some
chances to put the Kodiaks away in the second but couldn't capitalize, but
they came out hard in the third and it paid off. The Lightning are back on
the road next weekend where they play a double header in Fort St. John and
then a stop in Grande Prairie on the home trip. Next home game action is
on Friday, December 2 when the Lightning take on the Kodiaks again at 8:00
PM.
Mountain View 4-H Dairy
By Aukje Appel
Club Reporter
Hello everyone, the Mountain View 4-H dairy club started again on September.
17. We had our first meeting and we decided on dates and positions for this
year.
Leader - Lexi Wright,
Ast. Leader. - Joanne Wouters
President - Nicholas Renggli
Vice president - Pascale Wouters
Secretary - Laura Iversen
Treasurer - Peter Jacobsen
Historian - Margriet Appel
Reporter - Aukje Appel
We had our second meeting on Sunday the 16 of October at the Philipsen
farms; we judged two milking classes and lunch was provided!
We have many fun activities planned for this year. And we would like to wish
you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Country Critters 4-H Canine
Greetings All,
Country Critters 4-H Canine Club is in full swing once again this year. We
had 9 new members join our 4 returning children this year and with
registration ending October 31st, we are set for the new 4-H year. The
first thing our dogs are working on, is basic obedience. They are learning
sit, stay, down, heel, the recall and the command "leave it."
We don't always work, we had our Halloween Party with everyone dressing up,
including our dogs. We have also helped out at the Rugby Community Hall,
with their annual Turkey Dinner. We serve over 400 hungry guests. Next
weekend we are off to the Calgary Kennel and Obedience Club annual fall dog
show. We have been invited to hold a silent auction fund raiser, at the dog
show and will
be set up all weekend, with numerous items to be bid on. The 4-H Busking
Team from Forestburg will be joining us and giving a Sunday performance
with their magic sticks, as well as making balloon animals and having great
fun. We welcome all to drop by the dog show, at the Stampede Grounds, in
Calgary, November 26th and 27th. Hope to see you there.
Contact Pat @ 403-337-0005 or Della @ 403-335-8767 for more information.

Letter To The Editor
Catholic School Board In Calgary
Dear Editor,
We hear so much about the Calgary Catholic School Board. When Mr. O'Malley
speaks up he is immediately shut up.
When a trustee speaks up with such determination there has to be problems
that need to be investigated rather than shoved down the toilet bowl. What
is that board hiding?
We must remember that Democracy is the voice of the people "not" an
Autocratic Socialist group of trustees that secretly want to control.
Mr. O'Malley (although I don't know him) was voted by his people for that
they have faith in him to honestly carry out his duties. Also, this gives
him the right to be heard.
What a shame for a religious institution!
I admire this gentleman. If they make him leave then I would say due to the
Democratic Process they (the trustees) should all resign and let the voice
of the people be heard in a new election.
It is so easy for people in the political field to push others out to cover
up what the general population have not been told.
Respectfully Submitt

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