lethbridge journal jan 6

2 LETHBRIDGE JOURNAL - WEEK OF JANUARY 6, 2012 LETHBRIDGE JOURNAL - WEEK OF JANUARY 6, 2012 3

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By Bill AxtellFor the Lethbridge Journal

It’s just human nature to like new things. And during the Christmas season, people almost everywhere actually do get new things.

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise for Lethbridge to get a new store this time of year. For folks living in west Lethbridge, it’s been some 10 years since the area got a new grocery store, and the attractiveness of the brand-new, sparkling clean, Save-On-Foods store can provide an uplift for anyone who visits it.

Yet, something even better than a new store is the cheerful and constantly upbeat new store manager - one Colin Dixon, who, with his wife Hayley, have hit West Lethbridge with a buoyant community spirit that, most assuredly, will make an enlivening impact on com-munity affairs there.

The Dixons moved into Heritage Heights back in 2006 when Colin was transferred to Lethbridge from Grand Forks, B.C., to become assistant store manager at the north side Save-On-Foods store. Hayley joined the staff of GS Lakie Middle School, working as an educational assistant helping children with disabilities. Hayley is quick to admit how much she likes working with children.

Both Dixons have a heart for community involvement and for doing their part to make Lethbridge a better place, including giving of their spare time and resources to various charities.

“Besides supporting the school, the Dixons have spent the past few years helping to

cook burgers and hot dogs at various bar-becues”

Hayley reports that she has already been highly supportive of GS Lakie’s fund-raising pro-gram to convert the school’s large foyer into a convertible theatrical/concert performing

space to be used by organizations from throughout southern Alberta as a new venue for performing arts, workshops, camps and festivals, all on a year-around basis.

Besides supporting the school, the Dixons have spent the past few years helping to cook burgers and hot dogs at various barbecues held as charity fund-raisers for such organiza-tions as the Boys and Girls Club, Safety City Society of Lethbridge, the city’s police and fire departments and the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization. Recently, the couple served at the barbecue celebrating the opening of the new playground at Mike Mountain Horse elementary, where their oldest son, Chase, eight, attends school.

In addition to contributing their own time for these and other similar charity functions, Colin has frequently provided the food and grocery products to supply the barbecues with the backing of his company, Save-On-Foods. At times, he says, he also has arranged for up to 10 volunteers to help on the day of the event.

“I just want to see these groups be success-ful with their fundraising drives,” he says

with his characteristic, broad smile.Colin has enjoyed a lively and varied life for a barely-forty-something, having often trav-elled across western Canada and points beyond. Born in England at Stratford-upon-Avon, Colin moved with his parents to Canada when he was three years old, landing in Regina for a year. At age four his parents moved again, to Calgary, finally relocating to Nanaimo, B.C., on Vancouver Island, a year later, where he grew up.

Nanaimo proved to be a place of destiny for both Colin and Hayley, as they both not only grew up there, but met when the two of them both worked at an Overwaitea Food Store; Colin was working as night manager when Hayley joined the store’s front end operations in 1997.

They married in 2002 in what Colin calls a “destination wedding” in Maui, Hawaii. They hope to return to Maui for their 10th wedding anniversary later this year.

As a child, Colin says, his parents took him to Hawaii several times, where he “developed

Dixons are making Lethbridge better

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a passion for the heat and for the tropics, and for its water sports.” At age 16, Colin began travelling to the coastal city of Tofino, B.C., where he learned to ocean surf.

The couple surfed in Mexico “about three or four years ago,” Colin says, adding that he continued to keep his wet suits and surf board after Overwaitea transferred him to Grande Prairie in 2000.

Colin had joined Overwaitea Food Store in Nanaimo in 1987 as a teenager, working part time as he completed high school.

“One reason I have always liked the company is because it is fast-paced,” Colin says, “An-other is that I like lots of change; we’re in an industry in which changes happen frequently, and that keeps it interesting.” Colin also loves the opportunity to meet so many new people all the time; in his core essence, Colin is, emphatically, a people person. Once a shy teen-ager, he says, “through my career, the company brought me out of my shell.”

In 1997, Colin moved to the Weatherford Overwaitea store as dairy manager, where he soon was promoted to night manager, working a shift from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and respon-sible for closing the store every night.

Four years later, he was transferred to Grande Prairie. After a short stint there, he moved again to Edmonton, arriving April 14, 2001, where he worked four months at the Strath-cona Save-On-Foods store while he completed a four-month retail management course.

Upon completion of the course he was off again, this time relocating to Grand Forks, B.C., where he began as merchandise manager. Later, he was promoted to assistant store man-ager, which positioned him for his eventual move to Lethbridge. “With the store in Grand Forks being 21,000 sq. ft. in size, the move to Lethbridge was a major jump in responsibility to a store with some 95,000 sq. ft. in retail floor space.”

In July, 2007, Colin was promoted again to store manager in Lethbridge. “I knew that Save-On-Foods had planned for a few years to build a new store in west Lethbridge,” he explains, “but were delayed by the process of acquiring the best possible location.” He found out in July 2011 that he was chosen as the new store as store manager for west Lethbridge.

“Save-On-Foods is an equal opportunity employer,” Colin says, noting that “every open management position is posted so that anyone can apply.”

One of the factors that has driven Colin’s success is a combination of his positive attitude and his diligence in taking management courses provided by his company. “I’m always looking for new and better ways to do things,” he says, reflecting on his rapid upward growth in the organization.

Both Hayley and Colin like to travel, and especially they enjoy camping with their two sons; besides Chase, their son Cooper, age four, will enter kindergarten in September.

“Both boys love boating and fishing,” Hayley says, noting that Colin also takes them quad-ding in the Beaver Mines area. They often spend weekends and holidays at Race Horse Creek in a travel trailer.

“Colin applies his heart-felt appreciation for the nearly 150 store staff by his own system of rewarding people for extra ef-

fort”“Our boys are approaching the right age to learn to ski,” Colin says, looking into the near future, and acknowledging his own past enjoyment of the sport. “Chase has skiied,” he says, “but Cooper hasn’t started yet.”

While another transfer could be in the Dixons’ future, for now they are enjoying life in Lethbridge, particularly its small-town, friendly feel.

“Lethbridge is easy to explore,” Colin adds. “We have such easy access to the U.S. border, we are close to Calgary and to B.C.”

Colin applies his heart-felt appreciation for the nearly 150 store staff by his own system of rewarding people for extra effort. He positions staff in jobs that recognize their strengths. He often holds staff appreciation nights to recognize exceptional performance, giving out gift certificates as rewards. “I put a fruit basket in the staff room each day to promote healthy snacks,” he adds. He also has arranged staff functions, such as ski trips, campouts, Christmas parties, as other “team building events.”

Dixons are making Lethbridge betterPhotos by David Fuller


Happy New Year!Well, we here in the Doerksen house sur-vived another holiday season, although my pants may be a little tighter than they were at the start of December!

Christmas in our house was a wonderful mix of time with family and friends, fun activities and great food. I hope you expe-rienced the same joy and peace we did as you reflected on the season, reveled in tra-ditions and indulged in a few treats.

One of our highlights was taking our chil-dren to see New West Theatre’s If You Give A Mouse A Cookie on Boxing Day. It was well-worth the ticket price just to enjoy the sound of my daughter giggling louder than the entire crowd for an hour!

Bill Axtell has provided us with a review of the play in this issue. Have a read, and don’t forget there’s still time to catch the show if you’re looking for something to kick the January blues!

We’re kicking off 2012 with a wide selec-tion of the interesting faces and activi-ties you can find right here in Lethbridge. West Lethbridge welcomed a new grocery store into the fold recently with the open-ing of Save-On-Foods, and we caught up with general manager Colin Dixon for a peek into his journey, and what he hopes to bring to the community with his new store.As well, take a minute to read up on the

very interesting activities of Lethbridge-born Kyle Gruninger. The musician has been a very busy boy!

You can also get to know one of our area’s political personalities this issue - we’re fea-turing County of Lethbridge Reeve Lorne Hickey. Take this opportunity to learn a lit-tle bit more about Hickey’s great vision for the County of Lethbridge.

Also, did you know Lethbridge has a roller derby team? You betcha! We sent Erwin Blatter out to learn a little more about the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild. Stop by page 11 for details, photos of the ladies in action and information on how to get in-volved if it’s something you’ve always want-ed to try!

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Know someone who has an in-teresting story to tell? Tell us about them by dropping an e-mail to [email protected].

Happy reading, and a very joyful and pros-perous 2012 to you and yours!

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Editors Note

Well here we are, 2012.

It’s a year so cool it already has a movie AND a doomsday prophecy. 2011 only wishes it was this cool. Before we get too far in, allow me to make my first annual “Tweet The Future” Twitter Guy predictions for the second-best year behind 2001 (which was so cool it had a subtitle and a movie waaaaaay before 2011 did).

1) Barack Obama will retake the White House with Hilary Clinton as his second, and he will do it by shooting several irritating Republicans with a laser gun while the House is recessed. He will be the first president to do so since Roosevelt.

2) My generation, broadly referred to as the ‘Occupy Kids,’ will finally be faced with the fact that our parents were basically making it up as they went and those precious $50k degrees guarantee us lucrative spots as fry cooks and customer service jockeys. We’ll try not to be too bitter as we prepare your Filet O’ Spit while you go on about how lazy we are.

3) The Stop Online Piracy Act will be passed into law because Congress still believes that the internet is tubes and the immediate revolt will only end when unlimited access to questionable offshore pornography is returned to the people, as the founders intended when they created America.

4) An Albertan politician will be caught blowing .06 at a Checkstop and the legal limit will inconspicuously creep back up to .08 the next day. Media coverage will differ based entirely on the political affiliation of the drunk.

TOP 10 STORIES OF 2011

Here are my top newsmakers of 2011, the movers and the shakers, and the stories that touched our hearts. Listed in order from the first one I wrote to the last one I wrote:

1) Local senior can’t feed the ducks because he’s out of bread2) Western democracies quietly congratulate themselves for the Arab Spring3) Royal Wedding reinforces that rich people are better than you4) God begins to doubt his own existence, kills Christopher Hitchens5) Scientists break physics, spend several months trying to deny they were there when it happened6) Obama is the reason that everything sucks7) NASA retires shuttle fleet, plans to hitch-hike to the stars for now8) Steve Jobs declared obsolete, retired in favour of 4G model9) Casey Anthony declared Not Guilty by Justice system, Guilty by everyone who watches Nancy Grace10) Occupy Wallstreet movement begins widespread protest over use of public parks for widespread protests.

James **I DO NOT REPORT REAL, VERIFIABLE NEWS**


Well here we are, 2012.

It’s a year so cool it already has a movie AND a doomsday prophecy. 2011 only wishes it was this cool. Before we get too far in, allow me to make my first annual “Tweet The Future” Twitter Guy predictions for the second-best year behind 2001 (which was so cool it had a subtitle and a movie waaaaaay before 2011 did).

1) Barack Obama will retake the White House with Hilary Clinton as his second, and he will do it by shooting several irritating Republicans with a laser gun while the House is recessed. He will be the first president to do so since Roosevelt.

2) My generation, broadly referred to as the ‘Occupy Kids,’ will finally be faced with the fact that our parents were basically making it up as they went and those precious $50k degrees guarantee us lucrative spots as fry cooks and customer service jockeys. We’ll try not to be too bitter as we prepare your Filet O’ Spit while you go on about how lazy we are.

3) The Stop Online Piracy Act will be passed into law because Congress still believes that the internet is tubes and the immediate revolt will only end when unlimited access to questionable offshore pornography is returned to the people, as the founders intended when they created America.

4) An Albertan politician will be caught blowing .06 at a Checkstop and the legal limit will inconspicuously creep back up to .08 the next day. Media coverage will differ based entirely on the political affiliation of the drunk.

TOP 10 STORIES OF 2011

Here are my top newsmakers of 2011, the movers and the shakers, and the stories that touched our hearts. Listed in order from the first one I wrote to the last one I wrote:

1) Local senior can’t feed the ducks because he’s out of bread2) Western democracies quietly congratulate themselves for the Arab Spring3) Royal Wedding reinforces that rich people are better than you4) God begins to doubt his own existence, kills Christopher Hitchens5) Scientists break physics, spend several months trying to deny they were there when it happened6) Obama is the reason that everything sucks7) NASA retires shuttle fleet, plans to hitch-hike to the stars for now8) Steve Jobs declared obsolete, retired in favour of 4G model9) Casey Anthony declared Not Guilty by Justice system, Guilty by everyone who watches Nancy Grace10) Occupy Wallstreet movement begins widespread protest over use of public parks for widespread protests.

James **I DO NOT REPORT REAL, VERIFIABLE NEWS**


Lakie finalist in fund competition

Photo by Levi Guerra

By Journal Staff

G.S. Lakie Middle School in Lethbridge may soon be getting an artistic upgrade.

The school was recently named one of 10 finalists in its category in the Aviva Community Fund competition, which awards community-based projects with some of the funding they require to realize their goals. G.S. Lakie made it through the initial round in mid-De-cember, garnering enough votes to make it into the finals of its $50,000-100,000 budget category. Now, a panel of judges will decide whether to award the school with a grant.

Currently, the foyer of G.S. Lakie is a multi-use space utilized for a variety of purposes, including a rehearsal space and physical activity centre during the school day, and an athletic training area, performance venue, and rehearsal space outside of school hours. The foyer can be converted into a concert hall seating 200-700 attendees, and several lo-cal organizations have expressed their support for further development of the area, which is what the school is hoping to embark upon through the Aviva competition. While it already shares the space with local arts organizations, the school believes technical up-grades including theatrical lighting would make it an even more effective community theatre venue, allowing it to host a variety of different types of performances. In addition, the foyer could be used as a community arts education venue, playing host to workshops, camps and festivals that could draw in young people from across southern Alberta.

Thus far, the school has commissioned engineering reports, architectural drawings, and models, and has started its own fundraising efforts. With adequate financial support, the project would be ready to begin in earnest this summer, with a completion date in the fall. Money earned from the Aviva competition would be used to help fund these technologi-cal upgrades.

Winners will be announced Jan. 25.

For more information, visit http://www.avivacommunityfund.org

“Money earned from the Aviva competition would be used to help fund these technological upgrades”


One can immediately see why the new children’s play staged by New West Theatre completely filled the Sterndale Bennett Theatre during Boxing Day’s opening matinees.

It’s because “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” is so well acted and staged that it most certainly ranks in the top five per cent among all children’s plays staged by New West Theatre through-out its many years of performances.

The play, recommended for children ages three to 10, is based upon the ev-er-popular 1985 book of the same title by author Laura Numeroof. Expertly illustrated by Felicia Bond, the book was adapted to the stage by Jody Da-vidson, an acclaimed American play-wright and theatrical director.

The play is billed as the garishly quick-witted story of a boy who gives a rath-er gigantic cookie to a mouse. After eating part of the cookie, dropping crumbs everywhere, the mouse wants some milk. He goes to the fridge, dragging out a gigantic, roll-about milk carton at least six feet tall, fol-lowed by drinking from a seven-foot long straw with - you can just imagine - noisy, slurping sound effects.

Then, after mocking his own mother’s squeaky voice, the mouse decides to clean himself up, frantically searching a mirror. What follows is a wonder-fully-executed mouse dance before a floor mirror in which another mouse character in the background “mirrors” the mouse’s dance steps in a wildly funny scene using a tall, tri-fold prop mirror.

The mischevious mouse keeps getting distracted and is constantly moving on to make more clutter as he tries, albeit unsuccessfully, to clean up the increasingly larger and larger messes. Each time, the mouse leaves behind piles of unfinished projects with lit-ter falling everywhere, all in non-stop


‘If You Give A Mouse A Cookie’ delights young audiences


One can immediately see why the new children’s play staged by New West Theatre completely filled the Sterndale Bennett Theatre during Boxing Day’s opening matinees.

It’s because “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” is so well acted and staged that it most certainly ranks in the top five per cent among all children’s plays staged by New West Theatre through-out its many years of performances.

The play, recommended for children ages three to 10, is based upon the ev-er-popular 1985 book of the same title by author Laura Numeroof. Expertly illustrated by Felicia Bond, the book was adapted to the stage by Jody Da-vidson, an acclaimed American play-wright and theatrical director.

The play is billed as the garishly quick-witted story of a boy who gives a rath-er gigantic cookie to a mouse. After eating part of the cookie, dropping crumbs everywhere, the mouse wants some milk. He goes to the fridge, dragging out a gigantic, roll-about milk carton at least six feet tall, fol-lowed by drinking from a seven-foot long straw with - you can just imagine - noisy, slurping sound effects.

Then, after mocking his own mother’s squeaky voice, the mouse decides to clean himself up, frantically searching a mirror. What follows is a wonder-fully-executed mouse dance before a floor mirror in which another mouse character in the background “mirrors” the mouse’s dance steps in a wildly funny scene using a tall, tri-fold prop mirror.

The mischevious mouse keeps getting distracted and is constantly moving on to make more clutter as he tries, albeit unsuccessfully, to clean up the increasingly larger and larger messes. Each time, the mouse leaves behind piles of unfinished projects with lit-ter falling everywhere, all in non-stop

fun for children who absolutely delight in the turmoil of mouse and boy’s joint antics.

A great part of the charm of the play lies in two factors: first, set designer Ian McFarlane’s massively oversized sets of a kitchen with fridge, stove, pantry, sink and island cupboard, all towering over the actors. Second, the amazing, non-stop fast-action physi-cal movements of the mouse, who jumps, falls and bounds over the sets and props in his zany, kooky foolish-ness and the bewildered boy, frantical-ly trying to keep pace with the mouse.Credit for outstanding production values goes to Director Glenda Stir-ling, who hails from Lethbridge.

The mouse, amazingly played by Wil-lie Banfield of Edmonton, known to Lethbridge audiences for his former work in “Marooned with Munsch” and others; and the boy, cleverly per-formed by Kelsey Flower of Calgary, gave their young audiences unceasing giggling, with, at times, small chil-dren amusingly yelling out cleaning instructions to the characters as their messes piled higher and deeper. The “mirror mouse” was impressively per-formed by Ryan Reese, whose visual likeness to Banfield’s mouse character was stunning.

Needless to say, the play was so gleeful children loved it, and the adults loved it enough to purchase more tickets than there were seats; causing the New West crew to add some 30 more chairs to the theatre to accommodate the overflowing audiences. As the week progressed, the shows continued to sell out, according to Nicholas Han-son, New West artistic director, who wisely chose both the script and the director for this production.

For tickets to “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie,” which runs through Jan. 7, visit the Yates Ticket Centre, 1002 4 Ave. S, or purchase tickets by phone with a credit card, calling 403-329-7328.

Photo courtesy of New West Theatre


We are CanadiansSubmitted by Beverly KaltenbrunerFor the Lethbridge Journal

Bound by traditions, Canadian families gather around the world to worship, attend family gatherings and social events with friends old and new, entertaining children with Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties or trouping off to see Santa. Varying traditions founded in religious belief or cultural values provide identity to ethic groups; be they Chinese, Canadian, Iranian, Christian, Muslim or Buddhist. Cher-ished traditions offer color and flavor to a culture to make it recognizable world-wide. Within each culture, familial groups develop their own traditions, seasoning each fam-ily with its own distinctive identity, creating memories that bind us ever closer.

When our boys were young they hid in separate rooms documenting their Santa wishes; then with parental over-sight carefully tossed them into fireplace flames, excitedly hopping about as their wishes flew skyward on charred pa-per wings to Santa’s workshop. Our annual “Mandatory MayLong Family Camping” tradition has for years seen Brian and I gather with kids, family members and a myriad of friends to commune with nature and each other. Home-made Italian food Christmas Eve is a recently formed tradi-tion that contrasts to candy canes on the tree, Pez figurines in Christmas stockings and bundles of new socks found under the tree for many years.

Our current traditions celebrate folk lore that arrived with immigrant forefathers; transformed by time, now reflect-ing Canadian society. Regardless of their origin, traditions are our past and our future, drawing together the invisible stitches of society as a whole. When lost, a small share of our identity is compromised. In 2011, Canada Post al-lowed neither Christmas music nor decoration; manage-ment feared non-Christmas-celebrants might be offended by displays honoring Christian beliefs, traditional folk lore, music and ornamentation. However, decisions like this tear away at the fabric of Canada.

Canadians are known for acceptance of others, humility, gratitude, kindness, generosity and good manners. Partici-pation in and contributions to “Movember” (the prostate

cancer awareness/fundraiser) were unmatched worldwide. When disaster struck Haiti, Canadian donations support-ing relief funds outstripped donations from many coun-tries. As our brother’s keepers in the world we welcome new citizens expecting they will enrich our lives, enhanc-ing the cultural fabric of communities. Along with higher degrees of personal safety, freedom and living standards I imagine immigrants expect new opportunities, new ways of living life and new joys to celebrate. I expect them to embrace learning the culture of their adopted land, leaving behind what was negative in their former homeland whilst sharing their language, culture, food and family traditions with us.

While sensitivity to Canada’s increasingly diverse culture should carry much weight with decision makers, knee-jerk reactions ensure our beliefs and traditions are not forced upon others, but make it acceptable that new citizens do not embrace Canadian society and standards. I sorely miss immigrant groups, cultural diversity, ethnic food and fes-tivals that offered a glimpse into foreign lives and customs when I lived in Calgary. Sharing food and drink Saturday afternoons with Indonesian, Indian, First Nations, Jamai-can and other neighbors, they welcomed me into their lives sharing wisdom that enlightened me.

Where do we draw the line; what to keep, what to cast aside? Consider no more Easter for Christians or Easter egg hunters; no more Hanukkah for Jews or Remembrance

Day honoring brave troops who, quite possibly, fought against the very same harsh governments our new citizens fled. Discarding celebrations erodes our cultural identity bolstering intolerant minds disinclined to accepting others and diminishes us as a people. Disdaining long-standing traditions, we appear not as strongly-principled people prepared to defend our values, but fearful, weak-willed, easily swayed.

It’s been said “without knowing our past, without. . . mem-ory, we do not have the tools we need for confronting the future.” The same holds true for our immigrant population. If traditions and rituals which formed Canadian society are lost, can new citizens understand, embrace and become all they can be as Canadians? Surely adopting proper social thinking and political correctness doesn’t mean we sweep out our past and treasured traditions to be replaced with. . . what?? Provided the standards of law, conduct and respect held dear in Canada are met, immigrants have much to teach us; wisdom, diverse values, delicious foods and tradi-tions never anticipated. Should they not also be encour-aged to expand their hearts, minds and lives; embracing, including - even protecting - societal customs which cre-ated the country now supporting and protecting their lives, families and futures.

Life’s only certainty is change, so Canadians will adapt to societal modifications compelled by movement of people. Change isn’t bad – only different - but efforts to adapt any society to its newest members by wiping out much loved traditions can only, in the long run, fail miserably. Taking away that which delighted us as children makes no sense to me. I hope always to enjoy the sparkle and magic of Christ-mas trees, Santa tales, twinkling lights, generosity of spirit and gift giving. Alongside believers on their way to Easter worship services, I hope to see families hunting Easter eggs at the park, exchanging chocolate bunnies or simply taking advantage of increasingly rare opportunities to spend time with family and friends. In my mind, any excuse for that is a good enough excuse and I dare say many new citizens would agree. After all immigrants from diverse lands and societies created who and what Canadians are today.

Till next month, we wish you happy safe driving.


Day honoring brave troops who, quite possibly, fought against the very same harsh governments our new citizens fled. Discarding celebrations erodes our cultural identity bolstering intolerant minds disinclined to accepting others and diminishes us as a people. Disdaining long-standing traditions, we appear not as strongly-principled people prepared to defend our values, but fearful, weak-willed, easily swayed.

It’s been said “without knowing our past, without. . . mem-ory, we do not have the tools we need for confronting the future.” The same holds true for our immigrant population. If traditions and rituals which formed Canadian society are lost, can new citizens understand, embrace and become all they can be as Canadians? Surely adopting proper social thinking and political correctness doesn’t mean we sweep out our past and treasured traditions to be replaced with. . . what?? Provided the standards of law, conduct and respect held dear in Canada are met, immigrants have much to teach us; wisdom, diverse values, delicious foods and tradi-tions never anticipated. Should they not also be encour-aged to expand their hearts, minds and lives; embracing, including - even protecting - societal customs which cre-ated the country now supporting and protecting their lives, families and futures.

Life’s only certainty is change, so Canadians will adapt to societal modifications compelled by movement of people. Change isn’t bad – only different - but efforts to adapt any society to its newest members by wiping out much loved traditions can only, in the long run, fail miserably. Taking away that which delighted us as children makes no sense to me. I hope always to enjoy the sparkle and magic of Christ-mas trees, Santa tales, twinkling lights, generosity of spirit and gift giving. Alongside believers on their way to Easter worship services, I hope to see families hunting Easter eggs at the park, exchanging chocolate bunnies or simply taking advantage of increasingly rare opportunities to spend time with family and friends. In my mind, any excuse for that is a good enough excuse and I dare say many new citizens would agree. After all immigrants from diverse lands and societies created who and what Canadians are today.

Till next month, we wish you happy safe driving.

By Mark CampbellFor the Lethbridge Journal

To quote John Lennon, “Another year older and a new one just begun.” As I look back at what was my 2011 the first thing I think about is our insane weather. While we’ve al-ways had some weird meteorological events in any given twelve month period in southern Alberta it seems that the weird just never stopped. There was fog, there was snow, there was rain and oh yes, there was wind. It was cold when it was supposed to be warm and warm when it was supposed to be cold. It snowed in May and it was brown in December. I’ve been doing a weathercast on Global TV for 18 years and if there’s an award for the wackiest weather ever, 2011 wins it by a wider margin than when Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes in 1973.

“There was fog, there was snow, there was rain and oh

yes, there was wind”While I interviewed some famous people in 2011 no one moved me more than Kaitlin Boyda. She was the high school girl who was stricken with brain cancer. When the Children’s Wish Foundation approached her she asked to donate her wish to help build a clean water project in Uganda. Word spread across the country about her un-selfish act and donations poured in. When I last spoke to John Voort of Compassion Canada back in October, over $282,000 had been raised to bring clean water to Africa im-proving the lives of thousands. Kaitlin passed away in May at the age of 17.

“While I interviewed some famous people in 2011 no one moved me more than

Kaitlin Boyda”

Some other interviews I had the privilege of con-ducting in 2011:

Tommy Chong: One half of the legendary comic duo, Cheech & Chong. He says he loves it when people ask him to do the “Dave’s not here” bit from one of their early al-bums. I asked him to do it with me. He agreed. Check that one off the bucket list for me.

Comedian Derek Edwards played to a full house at the Yates. He says he once worked at a Boston Pizza in Leth-bridge while working his way across Canada.

Bruce Cockburn: He talked about what an honor it was to perform for the Canadian troops in Afghanistan and was inspired to write a hauntingly beautiful song called Each One Lost after witnessing an emotional ramp ceremony in Kabul.

Graham Kerr, The Galloping Gourmet. He has totally gone through a life change and was promoting his book Grow-ing At The Speed Of Life. He talked about the incredible joy of growing his own vegetables and sharing them with neighbors. Included in his book are more than one hun-dred recipes that are simple, elegant and healthful. He add-ed that he fondly remembers spending a couple of nights in Lethbridge at the Bridgeview RV Resort.

Tommy Banks: A special guest of the Lethbridge Jazz Soci-ety. (The concert was amazing.) Tommy is ending his ten-ure as a senator in Ottawa and is going back to his first love, performing. He’d like everyone to know if they’re looking for a piano player, he’s available.

Dave Sopha: The artist behind the Portraits of Honour. He painted a portrait of every soldier who died in Afghanistan. His stories of their impact on families brought me to tears.

Dan Cafferty, lead singer of Nazareth. (Love Hurts.) I was surprised that he is a dedicated family man who has been married to his wife for nearly 40 years.

The Sweet: The 70s band famous for Ballroom Blitz and Fox On The Run played Average Joe’s and chatted with me in the lobby of the Coast Hotel. It was just fun.

Randy Bachman: Amazing story teller. He talked about how Elvis (yes, that Elvis) was a huge fan of his song Tak-ing Care of Business and adopted TCB as his motto. He also said that he would one day love to play with Bruce Springsteen.

Paul Rodgers: Lead singer of Free, Bad Company, and toured with Queen. He married a Canadian gal and now lives in Vancouver. He joked with me that yes, it was him that started the Vancouver riots after the Canucks lost game seven of the Stanley Cup finals.

Darryl Sittler: In town for Canola Harvest Golf Classic. A class act.

Rick Mercer: Told a great story about being on the outside of the CN Town in Toronto with Jann Arden for a bit on his Mercer Report. Jann is absolutely terrified of heights but that didn’t stop him from making things worse for her.

George Millar from the Irish Rovers. Great bit of trivia I had never heard before. The guitarist on “The Unicorn” when it was first recorded was none other than Glen Campbell.

Howie Mandel. A funny man. He was promoting the Can-ada Walk of Fame special. He was the emcee for the event. He is also a member of that prestigious Walk of Fame and says that is a greater honor than being on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He made sure to say hi to his cousin, Dr. Jeff Warren, who lives in Lethbridge.

Michelle Wright: Lovely, charming, accommodating. She says she did 17 interviews one day to promote her new CD but never gets tired of talking to people. (Her live CD con-tains part of her Lethbridge concerts at the Yates from a couple years back.)

Here’s to 2012!


By Erwin BlatterFor the Lethbridge Journal

Roller derby is not just a game for girls with mohawks, it’s a sport for women from all walks of life, members of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild claim. But it’s not for the faint of heart either. “We’re hardcore.”

She rolls up the left sleeve of her blouse and points at a cou-ple of bruises. She then rolls up the other sleeve and points to some more - silent evidence of a way of life. Sandra Boy-er is crazy about roller derby. She plays for the Deathbridge Derby Dames, the travel team of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild, and then she’s also the skaters’ representa-tive and a volunteer for her club. The life of the 28-year-old Lethbridge mom pretty much revolves around the fast con-tact sport on quad roller skates. It keeps her busy six days a week. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says.

According to Boyer, the charm of roller derby is that “the teammates are like sisters.

“We support each other and people get really passionate about it. I have been playing it for over a year now and it appears to be something that I’m good at. It has changed my life.”

The Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild is an initiative from a few Lethbridge-ites who figured it was about time their city had its own roller derby club. In 2009 they started as a Facebook group - one year later they founded the club. “After a couple of meetings we put together a board and that’s how it all began,” says 38-year-old Martina Emard, founding member and vice-president of the Guild.

It fits the recent revival of roller derby. The sport’s popular-ity ceased in the 1970s, but new teams have popped up all over the United States and Canada since the early 2000s. These days there are quite a few roller derby clubs in Al-berta, with teams in Calgary, Red Deer, Stettler, High River and Moose Jaw to name a few. “We’re getting more and more recognition,” player Melissa Belter, 26, says.

It’s a sport for any woman, the three roller derby enthusi-

Reeve Lorne Hickey a man with a plan By Bill AxtellFor the Lethbridge Journal

Anyone observing Lorne Hickey function as Reeve at County of Lethbridge council meetings will quickly note his obvious leadership finesse, which includes unselfish motives, strong ethical core values, refined social skills, personal expertise in county affairs and distinct problem-solving skills, not to mention flexibility and openness to the experience, ideas and needs of others.

“you not only have to listen to people, you have to listen ‘hard’ to hear what people are actually saying, so your

response is relevant.”“Politics is not about you,” he says, in demonstrating his personal goal for meeting the greatest needs for the greatest number of people. “It’s about the people you are serving.” He explains that “you not only have to listen to people, you have to listen ‘hard’ to hear what people are actually saying, so your response is relevant.”

With a provincial election on the horizon, Hickey has de-cided to seek the PC Nomination as the MLA candidate for the Lethbridge East constituency.

His vision for a better Lethbridge region and a better prov-ince includes a focus on both education and health care. “The two are so closely tied together,” Hickey says. “Health care always improves by better eduction.”

“Moreover,” he continues, “the economy improves through better education, because people in all fields are better at whatever they do by continually upgrading their education and skill sets. It’s equally as true for doctors as for skilled tradesmen.”

Hickey looks ahead to the upcoming timing of today’s “baby boomers” reaching retirement, with potential to cause a shift in which the nation’s retired people could out-number those still working. “We need to plan now for how we are going to handle such a situation,” he notes, adding that it’s not feasible to keep long term care patients in hos-pitals. “The rapidly changing health care situation is an ex-cellent example of the need for effective forward planning in all areas of government.”

“He has followed the example set by his farming parents to devote themselves to civic af-

fairs”Hickey’s aptitude for good governance did not just begin its growth curve with his initial election to the county council back in 1998. He has followed the example set by his farm-ing parents to devote themselves to civic affairs. Hickey’s dad spent many years serving on the local school board, while his mom was involved in the “Women of Uniform” program, a women’s auxiliary. “She was greatly involved with the former County McNally School, which I attended, as well as with the affairs of UFA.”

Hickey began his own path in community affairs when, in 1985, he was elected president of the Trap Club, after serv-ing as director for several years. Three years later, he joined the board of the Lethbridge and District Exhibition, serv-

ing through 2005. He was elected president for 1995-96, then served as past president for the years that followed.

Now, as reeve - a position he’d held since 2004, Hickey sits on a long list of councils, boards and commissions, as do all elected councillors; he has developed a vast background of executive and leadership experience.

Born in Lethbridge and raised on his family’s farm, where he still lives, Hickey and his brother grew up learning and helping with his family’s mixed farming operations, which included mostly dryland grain farming with some live-stock. He said the family initially raised Herefords and An-gus, but later changed to Charolais.

“By age 12, Hickey was driv-ing tractors and combines as he assisted his parents with

farming”“We liked the Charolais breed because of their fast growth rates and because they are good milkers for their calves,” Hickey explains.

By age 12, Hickey was driving tractors and combines as he assisted his parents with farming. “My brother was always known as the ‘cattle man,’” he says, “while I was considered the grain farmer.”

After completing grade nine at nearby McNally School, Hickey enrolled at Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale, where he graduated in 1972. After graduation, he briefly worked with a neighbor’s farm, then began farming full-time with his dad.

Hickey says he likes farming because he likes the outdoors, likes “being my own boss” and he enjoys a business “that feeds people.” He says he “appreciates taking care of the most fundamental need of human life - food production.”After joining his father, the family farm expanded its cow herd, selling off the calves in the fall, but occasionally “feeding out” calves to maturity on barley and corn rations obtained from Unifeed.

Hickey has remained in his family’s agri-business ever since, while his brother moved on to currently work at the court house. From his extensive farm background, Hickey

gained insights which prove valuable to his current work as reeve because he knows the circumstances Lethbridge county farmers face, which enables him to understand and to better help them.

As well, enjoyment of the outdoors also led Hickey into life-long personal interests in hunting and fishing. For years he hunted both locally and in the Grande Prairie area. He en-joys trout fishing. “Police Lake is always good,” he says, “as is Beauvais Lake near Beaver Mines.” He said he has fished in Waterton Lakes many times, “but I’ve never been fortu-nate enough to catch a big lake trout there.”

At one time, Hickey was a committed trap shooter, shoot-ing skeet at a range with his 12-gauge shotgun.

“Hickey’s main concern for the county is to attract more

business and industry. He sees growth potential for Lethbridge county in the

energy sector”A few years ago, his interests took another direction when he sold his Lund fishing boat and purchased a Harley Da-vidson motor bike so he could take biking tours around Alberta in his spare time. He loves the drive along Highway 22 in the foothills between Nanton and its connection to Highway 3 in southwestern Alberta. “Sometimes I make the drive to Drumheller with a couple of friends,” he notes.Hickey’s main concern for the county is to attract more business and industry. He sees growth potential for Leth-bridge county in the energy sector. “Yet, some people think we are out of water,” he points out, adding the county has lots of water, “we just need more facilities to store it. Per-haps it will be a little more expensive, but growth in the industrial sector will more than offset the increased costs.“And,” he continues, “we don’t need industries that require huge amounts of water and waste water; we need to attract industries that have more moderate water needs.”

Besides attracting new industry, Hickey’s vision for the fu-ture of the Lethbridge region is to achieve various forms of renewal to combat the negative consequences of recent adverse weather. “I believe we have great potential for more agriculture processing in the county, and especially poten-tial for seed production.”

“we can’t isolate ourselves here. We need to look at the

big picture”Hickey also likes the thebaine poppies trial research project approved by the county in December. “Should the project be successful, we will need a processing plant,” he says, not-ing that such a plant could provide up to 400 jobs in this area, many requiring people with advanced degrees.

Hickey sums it up by observing that “we can’t isolate our-selves here. We need to look at the big picture. We need to solve our economic issues by looking at the whole thing, not just isolate matters to the county. Especially, we all need to respect our neighbors, both locally and throughout the entire region.

“People need to remember that respect is earned, not just given. And here at the County of Lethbridge we have come up a lot in terms of respect from the people we serve over the 14 years I’ve been around here.”

Photo by Leigh GrantDeathbridge Derby Dame Heather Zarichney (red helmet), aka Half Pint Havoc, races for points against ‘Sew Nasty’ from the B-52 Bellas of Calgary November 12 at the Lethbridge Exhibition. The league is set to host another roller derby home game on February 4. Watch for details on their website (www.lethbridgerollerderby.ca).



Roller derby is not just a game for girls with mohawks, it’s a sport for women from all walks of life, members of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild claim. But it’s not for the faint of heart either. “We’re hardcore.”

She rolls up the left sleeve of her blouse and points at a cou-ple of bruises. She then rolls up the other sleeve and points to some more - silent evidence of a way of life. Sandra Boy-er is crazy about roller derby. She plays for the Deathbridge Derby Dames, the travel team of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild, and then she’s also the skaters’ representa-tive and a volunteer for her club. The life of the 28-year-old Lethbridge mom pretty much revolves around the fast con-tact sport on quad roller skates. It keeps her busy six days a week. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says.

According to Boyer, the charm of roller derby is that “the teammates are like sisters.

“We support each other and people get really passionate about it. I have been playing it for over a year now and it appears to be something that I’m good at. It has changed my life.”

The Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild is an initiative from a few Lethbridge-ites who figured it was about time their city had its own roller derby club. In 2009 they started as a Facebook group - one year later they founded the club. “After a couple of meetings we put together a board and that’s how it all began,” says 38-year-old Martina Emard, founding member and vice-president of the Guild.

It fits the recent revival of roller derby. The sport’s popular-ity ceased in the 1970s, but new teams have popped up all over the United States and Canada since the early 2000s. These days there are quite a few roller derby clubs in Al-berta, with teams in Calgary, Red Deer, Stettler, High River and Moose Jaw to name a few. “We’re getting more and more recognition,” player Melissa Belter, 26, says.

It’s a sport for any woman, the three roller derby enthusi-

asts claim. “And you can play it with any body type,” Emard says. “You only need to know how to skate.” According to Belter, a lot of people think roller derby is for “the punk rock and anarchist kind of girl. “But it’s not,” she says. “We have a lot of students and moms on our team.”

Boyer adds, “We have a lot of nurses too. But yes, we have girls with mohawks.”

The Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild has 40 players as of to-day and that number keeps increasing. That’s why they’re going to have two house teams this year. Their best players will be selected for the Deathbridge Derby Dames team to compete against other clubs in Alberta.

The name of their travel team obviously is a humorous ref-erence to their home city. Because, Boyer says, Lethbridge is known as ‘a place where there’s nothing to do.’ Says Belt-er, “And we’re hardcore. We’re a sisterhood on wheels.”

Anyone who wants to see the Deathbridge Derby Dames in action is invited to their inter-house league at the Leth-bridge Exhibition North Pavilion on Feb. 4. Before that, the club will hold a new recruits day on Jan. 9. No skates are required as they will be provided. The entrance fee will be $5, and health insurance is mandatory.

‘We are a sisterhood on wheels’

Photo by Leigh GrantDeathbridge Derby Dame Heather Zarichney (red helmet), aka Half Pint Havoc, races for points against ‘Sew Nasty’ from the B-52 Bellas of Calgary November 12 at the Lethbridge Exhibition. The league is set to host another roller derby home game on February 4. Watch for details on their website (www.lethbridgerollerderby.ca).

Photo by Leigh GrantDeathbridge Derby Dame Abigail Garratt, aka Preacher’s Slaughter, fights for points against ‘Kiki Tiki Bang Bang’ from the B-52 Bellas of Calgary November 12 at the Lethbridge Exhibition.

Photo by Leigh GrantDeathbridge Derby Dames Sandra Boyer (middle), aka Sandra DeeVil, and Andrea Johnson (right), aka Andi Linquent, set up to knock down ‘Sarah Saurus Wrecks’ from the B-52 Bellas of Calgary November 12 at the Lethbridge Exhibition.


HOPES FOR 2012

By Marty BacedaFor the Lethbridge Journal

As we say goodbye to 2011 and welcome 2012, we also welcome another new year in sport. 2011 gave us plenty of great moments and I am looking forward to 365 new days of athletic excellence. Here are some of my hopes for the upcoming year in sport.

SOUTHERN ALBERTA GIVES THESE LETH-BRIDGE HURRICANES A CHANCE

After an unimaginably woeful start to the 2011-12 WHL season, the Lethbridge Hurricanes have turned things around. However, this club still may finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference Standings. Does this mean the ‘Canes are worth writing off? Not in the least.

While the trade deadline may see the team move out some veterans, bolstering its chances for the future; there is a lot to like about it in the present-term and beyond.

Go see the young guys like Jamal Watson, Jay Merkley, Ma-coy Erkamps, Sam McKechnie and others. Enjoy the matu-ration of Brady Ramsay and Russell Maxwell. And finally appreciate the veteran leadership of Cam Braes, Brody Sut-ter and Damien Ketlo. With a strong December, the ‘Canes played their way back into the fringes of the playoff race. Even without a berth into the second season, this club is up for an interesting second half of the season.

ALBERTA’S NHL TEAMS MAKE THE PLAY-OFFS

The odds of both the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers making the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs is remote. As things stand at the turn of the year, both were on the outside look-ing in. In the always-tough Western Conference, even see-ing one of these squads play in the second season might be asking for too much.

After a typical slow start, Calgary has come on. In order to continue to push for a post-season berth, the Flames will need to see more offense. Among the league’s bottom third when it comes to lighting the lamp, the side needs to get about one more goal per game to see some of their one-goal losses turn into wins. One area that would help immensely is seeing more offense from the blue-line. As al-ways, Flames fans are wondering when Jay Bouwmeester is going to pot some goals, and with Mark Giordano’s injury the d-corps offers little in the way of goal-scoring.

As for the Oilers, a dream start has turned into a Decem-ber to forget. No question, the kids are alright, as Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent Hopkins, and (when healthy) Taylor Hall are bringing it more often than not. However, it seems the roster is top-heavy at the moment. Veterans like Ryan Smythe, Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemskey must step up. When things were going good, the Oilers were playing tre-mendous defensively. However, it was a pace that was un-sustainable. Still, shoring up some things in their own zone, and improved 5-on-5 play are a must.

It would be great to see the buzz generated if both the Flames and Oilers could make the post season. And as both teams showed last decade, just getting into the dance can turn into a long June run.

THE CFL FINDS SOME QUARTERBACKS

99.9 per cent of the time, a successful football team has a good quarterback. The CFL dearly needs a new influx of talent at the position. While BC Lions fans will disagree, 2011 was a pretty forgettable year for the league. Ratings were down everywhere, except for Saskatchewan (a place where the Roughriders are as important as God, sunlight and Pilsner).

To me, the league was lacking quality play at pivot. Outside of BC and Montreal, and to a lesser extent Edmonton, QB was a position of concern.

Good quarterbacking makes for better football - plain and simple. Anthony Calvillo has to slow down at some point. Travis Lulay is a keeper for the Lions, but outside of that, the other clubs are looking for stability under centre. The Eskimos traded Ricky Ray to Toronto. Is Steven Jyles the answer for the Green and Gold? He certainly wasn’t for the Argos (or ‘Riders). The Stampeders appear to be on the verge of turning the QB reins over to Drew Tate. The Iowa Hawkeye took over for Henry Burris towards the end of the 2011 campaign and showed flashes but had a miserable West Semifinal. Kevin Durant regressed in Regina. Buck Pierce never stays healthy - bad news for Winnipeg. Kevin Glenn was okay for Hamilton. Now Ray takes his unsexy game to Toronto. And what will become of Henry Burris?Add it up and it looks like a less than inspiring group at QB in the CFL in 2012.

AND BRIEFLY...

...Health for Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. This trio played some unbelievable matches in men’s tennis in 2011. If all three can be on top of their game this year, the grand slam events are must-see TV.

...Speaking of health, plenty of it for UFC’s top fighters. Jon Jones, Georges St. Pierre, Rashad Evans, Cain Velazquez, Carlos Condit, Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard, Brock Le-snar, BJ Penn, Jon Fitch and countless others. Injuries to MMA’s top stars led to chaotic match-making in 2011 for Dana White and company. Yes, MMA is a violent sport, and people get hurt. Here’s hoping it happens less this year....a Tom Brady vs Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl. Hey, as a Kansas City Chiefs fan, I will be an unbiased viewer of this year’s NFL Playoffs (outside of vociferously cheering against any other AFC West team that makes it). As per my previous point about the CFL, I want to see two of the top QB’s on the planet go at it on North American sport’s biggest stage. New Orleans’ Drew Brees would be a good consolation prize if Green Bay can’t get it done in the NFC....The Masters to get here sooner. I can’t wait for another season on the PGA Tour and especially the majors. So many interesting storylines await that don’t involve Tiger Woods. Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Charl Schwartzel, Darren Clarke, Luke Donald, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter’s pants, Adam Scott (and his caddy), KJ Choi and a cast of hundreds make the game so compelling on a weekly basis.

And most of all, I hope you and yours have a safe, prosper-ous and healthy 2012.

Lethbridge volunteer surprised with winter vehicle makeover


The media attention had made her a bit nervous, Sharlene Nystom admitted on Dec. 23. She had just won Canadian Tire’s winter vehicle makeover because of her efforts as a volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club of Leth-bridge.

It was the big red bow that told customers of the Canadian Tire on 2 Ave. N. there was something special going on. The bow sat on a pair of winter tires, and next to it was a pair of winter wiper blades. There was a roadside emergency kit too, a windshield scraper and a bottle of coolant. All items were soon to be fixed or to be used on Sharlene Nystrom’s Dodge Caravan.

The 28-year-old Lethbridge mom of four (seven, four, three and two years old) laughed shyly when she shook the hand of

Canadian Tire general manager Barrie Fer-guson to receive her prize. Next to her stood Michelle Ney, one of Nystrom’s co-workers at the Boys & Girls Club, a collective which wants ‘to ensure young people in Lethbridge have a place to go where they can feel safe, learn new things, make new friends and par-ticipate in a wide variety of cultural, recrea-tional and exploratory activities.’

Ney was the one who sent a letter to Canadi-an Tire to nominate Nystrom for the winter vehicle makeover. “Because Sharlene really cares about our youth,” Ney explained. “And all our youth is very aware when Sharlene comes to the Boys & Girls Club. This is our thank you to her.”

Nystrom had no clue she was nominated for the Canadian Tire prize, partially because she is still relatively new at the club. She only started her volunteering last May. “I had no idea, this is an awesome surprise,” Nystrom exclaimed.

She works at the Boys & Girls Club four hours per week, always on a Wednesday evening. There she listens to the kids when they have a story to tell, she listens to their problems, gives them advice and helps them when necessary. “The kids I work with are teenagers, and I think that they’re amazing people. It’s refreshing to see. Teenagers have a bad name in general, but they’re such nice kids.”

Nystrom herself didn’t necessarily think it’s really special what she does. “I just like to get to know kids,” she said. “I don’t have to be there, I just want to. I want to stay connected to teens. And when my kids are that age, I want to be able to connect with them.”

Her prize at Canadian Tire only encouraged her to keep volunteering, Nystrom said. She is convinced she will prove to be a stayer at the Boys & Girls Club. “I will never quit.”Winner Sharlene Nystrom and Canadian Tire general manager Barrie Ferguson

stand next to Nystrom’s Dodge Caravan


HOPES FOR 2012

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In Awe Interior DesignsEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 403-360-7262www.InAweInteriors.com 41

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By Tracy ShipmanSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal from In Awe Interior Designs

As we enter in to a new year and begin to pack away the Christmas trimmings, how many of us find ourselves seeing our homes as the same old, same old that we have be-come accustomed to over the years? We catch up on our house cleaning and dust those stale corners but it still isn’t giving us the enjoyment we once had. Perhaps it is time to think about making some of those changes that we have dreamed about and pondered over the last few years.

For most people the important thing is knowing where to start, and even more im-portantly, knowing where to finish. Quite often we don’t need to undergo a complete renovation to update and revitalize a space, we can create stunning effects by simply switching out finishes, furnishings and ac-cessories. A simple way to look at this is to imagine you were moving house. Now take a look at your living room, for example. Once you moved everything out and are left with a blank canvas, what would you put back in? The first trick is to only keep the things you like and commit to replac-ing the things that you don’t. The second trick is to be brave and let go of the things that no longer serve you and have run their

course, regardless of where it came from. Now you have a small amount of items that are going to be a part of your new fresh look, you now need to choose a piece that you will bounce off to put the room back together. This may be a piece of furniture or perhaps a family heirloom. If you don’t have something that inspires you, a great way to pull a room together is to find a piece of fabric, well-sized piece of artwork or area rug that you can pull accent col-ours from. This will become the anchor for the room and give much more scope than you would perhaps otherwise dare to ex-plore. For the greatest results on a moder-ate budget, look at the finishing touches. This would be items such as sofa cushions with different textures and sizes to create a layered effect, art work with impact, light-ing is vitally important so use plenty of table and floor lamps. Accessories such as a center piece for the coffee table or even oversized floor standing vases with some foliage can soften bare corners. A general rule of thumb is to arrange smaller acces-sories in threes. If you have kept your home very neutral, now is the time to use some colour and give the room personality and vibrancy, step out and put your personal stamp on your home. For a dramatic look consider creating a feature wall by painting it a strong colour that complements your existing colour or papering it with some of

the fabulous options on the market at the moment. You may want to go a step further and consider putting drapery panels on the windows; this gives the room and warm and inviting finished look. The golden rule is a place for everything and everything in its place, remember, less is more if you are to avoid the uncomfortable cluttered feel.

If you are thinking of a renovation the difficulty can be how to pull together the old and the new? It’s often enough to put us off the whole idea!! Don’t despair, we all feel this way until we begin to look at it with fresh eyes. We need to think long term and be sure the changes we make now are going to work with changes we will make latter if we plan to take it one step at a time. Next we need to decide what will stay. The same principle as above ap-plies, as this will become the basis for your new exciting design. We will streamline the process requirement, functional needs and most importantly how we want the space to feel when we close our eyes and imagine walking in once all the work is done. You may not know what “style” you like but you will be able to describe how you want it to make you and your guests feel. Our list will help us to stay on track; it is very easy to lose our way and become confused and frustrated if we don’t give ourselves a brief. Sadly we do also need to

think about a budget. Reality bites, but in order to achieve what we want we need to know which products will fall within our budget. Whether you are thinking of a full renovation or remodel it is worth taking the time to consider exactly what you want and need before you start. You may choose to look for professional help, and a good interior designer can save you a consider-able amount of time and money, regardless of the scope of your project, from decorat-ing to renovating, which will usually offset their fees and give you a return on your investment. Now we can get out there and start to select the new products that will go into the space. Start to pick up samples and build a sample board, this is a selection of products that we are thinking of using, it allows us to see how the products will work with each other as well as with what we al-ready have before we commit. Always take samples home, the lighting in our homes is unique and the colours will change so it is very important that we have them on site to make sure we are happy with them. We now have our package of everything we need to create our beautiful new design, a fresh inviting space that truly reflects your unique personality. Your home is an ex-pression of who you are, so let your crea-tivity loose, and show on the outside who you are on the inside!! It’s the home you deserve.

Update, refresh and renew your home

She works at the Boys & Girls Club four hours per week, always on a Wednesday evening. There she listens to the kids when they have a story to tell, she listens to their problems, gives them advice and helps them when necessary. “The kids I work with are teenagers, and I think that they’re amazing people. It’s refreshing to see. Teenagers have a bad name in general, but they’re such nice kids.”

Nystrom herself didn’t necessarily think it’s really special what she does. “I just like to get to know kids,” she said. “I don’t have to be there, I just want to. I want to stay connected to teens. And when my kids are that age, I want to be able to connect with them.”

Her prize at Canadian Tire only encouraged her to keep volunteering, Nystrom said. She is convinced she will prove to be a stayer at the Boys & Girls Club. “I will never quit.”


Provided by Accuweather.comSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

AccuWeather reports while there were not many changes to the initial release of the 2011-2012 Winter Forecast for Canada, a few changes are anticipated that may send thousands running out to buy winter driv-ing kits for their cars and others prepping their snowmobiles.

The slight changes are a result of a weaker La Nina expected and less confidence in a blocking pattern setting up, according to Expert Senior Meteorologist Brett Ander-son.

By Volunteer Lethbridge staffSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

Volunteer Lethbridge has had the pleasure of witnessing the growth and positive ef-fects of volunteerism in our community for the last 25 years. As an umbrella organiza-tion for close to 100 non-profit organiza-tions, we provide four core services:

Promoting the value of volunteerism - on behalf of our member organizations, we work with the media, businesses, schools, government agencies and the public to pro-mote volunteerism. This is done through our website, career and volunteer fairs and features in community newspapers.

Connecting people with opportunities to serve - Volunteer Lethbridge provides the community with easy access to a variety of volunteer opportunities through our web-site, volunteer column, City of Lethbridge Recreation & Culture Guide and more. We also provide volunteer referrals in person, over the phone and via email.

Building the capacity of organizations to support volunteers - Volunteer Leth-bridge provides training, consultations and resources for people who work with volunteers. We distribute current informa-tion on volunteer management and also identify and connect member organiza-tions facing similar challenges so they can work together.

Providing Leadership on issues related to volunteerism – Volunteer Lethbridge strives to represent the non-profit, charita-ble and voluntary sector on issues that will affect member organizations and volun-teers. We provide a comprehensive news-letter with relevant and important infor-mation regarding the sector; we also seek to build partnerships at a local, provincial and national level. We also host special events throughout the year; one of these special events is our Leaders of Tomorrow Gala Evening. This evening takes place every year during Na-tional Volunteer Week; it is dedicated to recognizing the volunteer contributions youth have made to our community.

Since the program’s beginning in 1997, we have had the privilege of recognizing 1,396 young leaders. Do you know someone who should be added to the list? We are now ac-cepting nominations; individuals, commu-nity groups, educational institutions and voluntary organizations have the ability nominate. Youth must:

• Be between five and 24

• Exhibit dedication in any field of vol-unteer work

• Inspire the spirit of volunteerism in others

• Live, volunteer or attend school within a 28-km radius of Lethbridge

• Leaders of Tomorrow nominations cannot be made by parents, caregivers or immediate relatives

Youth can be nominated for a volunteer recognition award OR a volunteer excel-lence award (both awards recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers;

the excellence award honours youth who go above and beyond the required expec-tations).

Nominees will be recognized during the Leaders of Tomorrow evening Wednesday, April 18 at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre. Nomination forms can be found:

In our office: Suite 200, Deveta Place – 410 Stafford Drive South, T1J 2L2

Online: www.volunteerlethbridge.com

The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 9 at noon. Nominations can be de-livered to Volunteer Lethbridge:

• By mail or in person

• Email–[email protected]

• Fax – 403-320-2046

Volunteer Lethbridge can also be contacted at 403-320-2044 for further information.

Do you know a Leader of Tomorrow?

Charles LeShelby ZubackBrady HoesksemaAllison Vonk

We are now accepting nominations!


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Provided by Accuweather.comSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

AccuWeather reports while there were not many changes to the initial release of the 2011-2012 Winter Forecast for Canada, a few changes are anticipated that may send thousands running out to buy winter driv-ing kits for their cars and others prepping their snowmobiles.

The slight changes are a result of a weaker La Nina expected and less confidence in a blocking pattern setting up, according to Expert Senior Meteorologist Brett Ander-son.

Updates to the Canada Winter Forecast:

-Less widespread warmth is anticipated across northeastern Canada.

-More storminess with above-normal pre-cipitation is expected across Ontario.

-More snow is expected to fall around the upper Great Lakes.

-More persistent frigid, arctic air will grip Alberta as well as British Columbia.

Winter is expected to be dry, cold and windy across the Prairies.

Cold, dry weather is in store for the Prai-ries with the active storm track expected to spread farther south and east across On-tario.

Below-normal precipitation and below-normal snow days are expected across much of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

“With the presence of a stronger northern jet stream during a La Nina winter, it will also be windier than normal across the Prairies,” said Anderson.

Stronger winds mean that there can be brutal wind chill temperatures as well as poor travel with more episodes of blowing snow and poor visibility.

However, temperatures are forecast to be near normal for the northern Prairies.

The major cities, such as Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, will endure another cold,blustery winter but few snowstorms.

In the initial winter forecast for Canada, Brett Anderson said that this winter could be one of the top three coldest winters in the past 20 years for Vancouver and Victo-ria, British Columbia.

Anderson now expects more arctic cold to penetrate Alberta as well. Edmonton, Al-berta, will get in on the harsh winter cold once again.

Winter Forecast Update

the excellence award honours youth who go above and beyond the required expec-tations).

Nominees will be recognized during the Leaders of Tomorrow evening Wednesday, April 18 at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre. Nomination forms can be found:

In our office: Suite 200, Deveta Place – 410 Stafford Drive South, T1J 2L2

Online: www.volunteerlethbridge.com

The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 9 at noon. Nominations can be de-livered to Volunteer Lethbridge:

• By mail or in person

• Email–[email protected]

• Fax – 403-320-2046

Volunteer Lethbridge can also be contacted at 403-320-2044 for further information.


PCBC: MythologyPublic Library – Crossings Branch

7-8pm

Wednesday, January 11th

The Smiling MaskFamily Centre

6-9pm No $, child care provided

Bridgette Yarwood & Evan SchaafMix by Ric’s

8-10pm

Gemini Award-winning TV series Blackstone premieresAPTN

9pm (filmed locally)

Thursday, January 12th

Notebook (art+people=x series) Opening ReceptionU of L. Helen Christou Gallery

4pm (showing through Feb 24th)

Archives 101 Galt Museum & Archives

7pm

Friday, January 13th

Art Club deadlineSAAG

Registration deadline today

Board GamesPublic Library – Main Branch

3-5pm

Larry the Cable Guy & Bill EngwallEnMax

8pm

Monday, January 9th

YWCA Health & Fitness Open HouseYWCA

January 9th-15th Free this week!

The $1000 Challenge- Hot YogaYoga rituals

7pm proceeds to LFCA

Banff Mountain Film Festival World TourLethbridge Public Library, Theatre Gallery

Jan 9th- 14th 7pm / 2pm on 14th

Tuesday, January 10th

What’s in it for you? Keynote speaker- Jeff CoffmanLethbridge Lodge

9am-4pm

Wildlife in the Wind Speaker Series #4: Where are All the Pronghorn Fawns?

Lethbridge Public Library (main branch)12-1pm

Porcupines - New Exhibit at Nature CentreHelen Schuler Nature Centre

1-4pm

Blue CrushPublic Library – Crossings Branch

7-9pm

Friday, January 6th

Art Club beginsSAAG

12:30-5pm

Galt’s Top 11 of 2011- 06 Felted Snake BraceletsGalt Museum & Archives

1-4pm drop-in

Free Friday Tasting - Andrew Hilton

4:30-Close

Live musicMocha Cabana

6-9pm

Hurricanes vs Medicine Hat TigersEnMax

7pm

Scott Davidson TrioThe Mix by Ric’s

9pm

ChurchOwl Acoustic Lounge

9pm

Saturday, January 7th

Junior Naturliasts – OwlsHelen Schuler Nature Centre

10am-12pm ages 6-10 free

Galt’s Top 11 of 2011- 07 Creative CheckersGalt Museum & Archives

1-4pm drop-in

Last day of NWT’S If you give a mouse a cookieSterndale Bennett Theatre

1 & 3:30pm Reccomended ages 3-10

Mardi Gras Party Essies Nightclub

8pm

The Tequila Mockingbird OrchestraThe Slice Bar & Grill

9pm

Sunday, January 8th

Sunday Nature Walk—Animals in Winter Helen Schuler Nature Centre

2-3pm


Your ultimate events calendar for entertainment, food, and family fun!

Saturday, January 14th

The Christmas Tree Recycling Programvisit Lethbridge.ca for info

Antique and Toy Show Exhibition Main Pavilion10am-6pm

Junior Naturliasts – OwlsHelen Schuler Nature Centre

10am-12pm ages 6-10 free

Culture Vulture Saturday: My BestiaryU of L Atrium 10am - 5pm

Hand Casting - Galt Family ProgramGalt Museum & Archives

1-2pm

Dominique Rey. Titled The Self as Other workshopSAAG 1-5pm

Blaine Hendsbee & FriendsUniversity Recital Hall

8 pm

Trianon Gallery Opening Reception: Debra Tisdale: The Girl Who Lived In The Tree

SAAG8pm

Blaine Hendsbee & FriendsUniversity Recital Hall

8pm

Jager Appreciation BashEssies 8pm

Friday, January 20th

‘That Friday Thing’,(formerly known as YWAK)Public Library, Main Branch

1:30-3:30pm

Video GamesPublic Library Crossings Branch

3-5pm

ONGOING

Art ClubSAAG

January 6 - March 30 / 12:30pm - 05:00pm Ages: 6-9 Registration Deadline: January 13th

YWCA Health & Fitness Open HouseJanuary 9th-15th Free this week!

Kyla MallettHelping YourselfNow - January 8

Gareth LongNever Odd Or Even

Now - January 8

The Grand Old 76. Galt Museum & Archives

Now - February 26th

Computer Classes & WorkshopsLSCO

Now-April 2012, member’s only- 403-381-7325 or [email protected]

Nominations for Women of Distinction Now – January 27th forms available at www.ywcalethbridge.org

Natures Past: Archival Evidence of Environmental and Climate Change

Galt Museum & Archives Main Level HallwayJanuary 14th- April 22nd

Archives Exposed… A.E. Cross Galt Museum & Archives, Main Level Meeting Rooms

Now – January 30th

Notebook (art+people=x series) U of L. Helen Christou Gallery

Now – February 2nd -4pm

Banff Mountain Film Festival World TourLethbridge Public Library, Theatre Gallery

Jan 9th- 14th reserve your tickets before they are gone!

Porcupines - New Exhibit at Nature CentreHelen Schuler Nature CentreOpens Januray 10th , 1-4pm

Future events

7-Up Presents Comedian Gerry Dee – January 24th, 7:30pm @ Yates Centre

Earth’s Climate in the Balance – January 21st-Apr. 22nd @ Galt Museum & Archives

A Black Tie Affair – January 21st, 8pm @ U of L Ballrooms

Snowed In Comedy Tour – January 29th, 8pm $20 @ Joe’s Garage

Please submit your public events with Name, Location, Time & Date to [email protected]

Deadline for next issue is Wednesday January 11th

Sunday, January 15th

Antique and Toy Show Exhibition Main Pavilion10am-3pm

Ask a Naturalist Helen Schuler Nature Centre

1:30-2:30pm

Extreme by Nature Climbing the Walls

1:45-4pm $8 registerAscent climbing centre

Monday, January 16th

Atel iers Theatre2104 6 Ave S

3:30-5pm$25 1 year membership

The $1000 Challenge- Hot YogaYoga rituals

7pm proceeds to LFCA

Tuesday, January 17th

Tips & techniques for more professional videosVolunteer Lethbridge

10-11:30am register by 13th [email protected]

Free Music at Noon ConcertUniversity Recital Hall

12:15 pm

TESOL/TESL Certification Free Info SessionUniversity of Lethbridge, LINC Building, Room 1050

7-8:30pm

Wednesday, January 18th

Ins & outs of donation receiptVolunteer Lethbridge

12-1pm register by 16th [email protected]

Galt Senior Programs - The Lands, Brands, and Hands of the 76 Ranch

Galt Museum & Archives2-3pm ages +55

The Orphanage (Spain/Juan Antonio Bayona/2007)Lethbridge Public Library Theatre

6:30 pm

Muse ‘n’ BluesThe Slice Bar & Grill

8pm

Thursday, January 19th

African Guitar SummitEmpress Theatre

8pm

Harry ManxThe Geomatic Attic

8-11pm

Galt Agricultural Innovation & Business Speakers SeriesGalt Museum & Archives

7:30-9:30pm $20


ARIES (March 21-April 19) This is your year! This is the year that you’re go-ing to end promising to get into shape next year. Way to grab the bull by the horns, champ.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Speaking of bulls and horns, maybe pass on the New Year’s Resolution to do the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. You’ll be fine, probably, but that’s more than I can say for your digital camera and dignity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You will spend the next year at work slowly push-ing for change and setting your career on the path for success, only to have it wiped away with a single management shakeup in the interest of ‘Synergy.’ A career shift to ‘Homeless’ will open your eyes to a

new way of thinking.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) You will be forced to watch and re-watch the new Alvin and the Chip-munks movie so many times that hearing any voice pitched up will send you into convulsions. The medical community will name the condition after you, which they believe is your soul trying to tear itself from the mortal coil.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Approach 2012 with a ferocious energy and you will find the rewards are endless. Now the stars were extremely vague on what constitutes ‘ferocious energy’, so a lot of this is kind of up to you. I don’t think you should be too ferocious though, it’s hard to imagine what sort of endless reward you could

possibly get from savag-ing your father’s car with a one-wood after a particu-larly close golf game.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22) There’s still hope for you: Scientists believe that they’ve developed an AI so advanced it can pass for human in most romantic relationships, but it’s a big believer in Astrology so it seems to think it’s only compatible with a Virgo or a Taurus and the Taurus is busy discovering what be-ing ‘gored’ means.

LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22) Your demo tape will generate huge interest from the record labels af-ter so many years of failure and spaghetti-o’s. I don’t want to tell you why, but here’s a hint: you acciden-tally sent the wrong disc and you didn’t write ‘Cali-fornia Gurls.’

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21) Jupiter and the Sun are conspiring to make you particularly amorous to-wards the middle of the month when Mercury and Venus have made your partner withdrawn and stressed. It’s okay! Times like this are why we in-vented video games and alcohol, which are exactly like romantic interaction in that you wake up feel-ing like you probably said a lot of things you’re going to regret but it was still a good time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21) Just admit you’re prob-ably never really going to finish reading Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and go see the movie already, it’s not like anybody’s judg-ing. Well, we’re all judging because we actually read

it, but between you and me it’s probably better as a movie anyways. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19) Resist the urge to sec-ond guess your every de-cision this month just be-cause you made one lousy mistake and accidentally set somebody’s wig on fire over Christmas break. This country was founded on reckless impulses and poor long-term strategy!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) Pluto is rotating up-side-down this month, so you’re going to be a lit-tle forgetful for the next couple of weeks. I. . . wait, what was I talking about? Oh yeah, Pluto is rotating upside-down this month, so set somebody’s wig on fire.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20) Do you remember that Alan Jackson song about 9/11, “Where Were You?” Do you ever feel really cynical when you hear it, like you know that he was just cashing in on easy sentiment, but you still kind of tear up because 9/11 sucked and he almost nails it? Yeah, me too.

Horoscopes

Birthday Baby...

The pet your parents owned to convince them-

selves they weren’t ac-cidentally going to screw up on you is going to get crazy jealous as soon as

you get home but with the right combination of poop and screaming you won’t

have anything to fear.

Well it’s a new year and that means it’s time to see how

long until we all break our reso-lutions. I decided to quit smok-ing last year and that lasted about three days so this year I thought I would try something different. My new year’s resolution is to try and be nicer and my prediction is that will last about ten minutes. Here are some new movies for a new year.

Contagion – The world-wide medical community races to find a cure to a deadly epidemic and con-trol the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself. Starring: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Lau-rence Fishburne

Review – I saw this twice. It has an excellent cast and I’ve always enjoyed any movie by Steven Soder-bergh. The story is told in a way that makes it seem like it could actually happen which is pretty rare in the movie industry.

4 out of 4 stars

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark – Introverted Sally Hurst has just moved in with her father Alex and his girlfriend Kim when she realizes that their sprawling estate holds its fair share of secrets. Star-ring: Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, Bailee Madison

Review – Well I was afraid before watching this, afraid it was going to be a big pile of garbage and I was right. It’s not scary, the acting is terrible and the little mon-sters look like the ones from another terrible mov-ie, The Gate from the 80’s.

0 out of 4 stars

Moneyball – Based on the true story of Billy Beane, a once would-be baseball superstar who turned his fiercely competitive nature to management. Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Rob-in Wright, Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Review – I’m not a big fan of sports movies, they al-ways seem the same to me, but this one is different. I think the acting is superb and it’s a pretty interesting story so even if you aren’t a big fan of baseball I think you will enjoy this movie, definitely worth a rental.

3 out of 4 stars

January 3 January 3 January 10


[email protected]


By Greg StonehockerSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

Well it’s the plight of many businesses out there. Sales are steady, things seem good but over time there is a case of the disap-pearing profits. So why does a company that is going well, keeping its best custom-ers happy, and retaining good employees seem to be going slowly under? It’s pretty simple actually. Retaining customers with-out increasing prices, keeping employees who get pay raises, staying with suppliers even though prices may rise 1 per cent or 2 per cent. It all adds up, and your profits magically fade into thin air.

So, what can you do about it? Well, there are solutions and to be blunt, one very important solution. . . you must focus on GROWTH!

In business as in life, you’re either growing or you’re dying. Take a look at your garden, the trees can’t stop growing, or they wither and die. You have to think of your business

in the same light – growth or death. And given that death is probably not a viable option, let’s go for growth.

So, how do you ensure you’re always in growth mode?

Before we get to the top nine ways to keep growing, remember that it doesn’t just have to be sales growth; it can be growth in many areas of your business.

• Top line revenues growth – always a fa-vourite, getting more sales and revenues flowing makes cashflow positive and really gets the team fired up.

• Bottom line profits growth – my personal area of passion, getting more dollars in the top line doesn’t seem as much fun if there isn’t more left over for the owners.

• Product or service lines growth – this of-ten seems harder than it really is.

• Team or staff growth – so often, new peo-ple bring new ideas and new business to handle growth in other areas.

• Geographic growth – opening new ter-ritories again leads to other growth. But make sure the team and systems are in place at the original site before you do.

• Other growth – there are so many other areas that you can open yourself up to. Whatever the growth focus you have, re-member the simple story of the tree, either growth or deterioration. So, here are the top nine strategies for immediate growth

in companies I coach.

1. Raise your prices – Simply put, if you haven’t done it in the past year, you need to. Most business owners are scared stiff of moving prices, but the reality is, very few customers ever complain or even notice a 10 per cent shift. The ones who complain are already complaining about your prices. Just test it on a certain range if you don’t believe me.

2. Add on sell or package – You never get to leave McDonalds without the obligatory ‘would you like fries with that?’ Learn from their systems, what can you add on, or how can you package your services and prod-ucts together to get people buying more every time they do business with you?

3. Debt collection – I know it’s not really growth, but too many companies have no debt collection system in place. Make the letters, calls and emails happen on a set schedule so people know to pay on time.

4. Newsletter – Just a simple monthly few quality pages is where it can start and even-tually turn into a masterpiece. People love to know how to buy from you again and again, teach them what’s happening right now so they stay in touch and see you of-ten, even when they are not in your store.

5. Entire range – You’ll be amazed how many times a business owner hears, “Oh, I didn’t know you did that,” from their cus-tomers. Make sure you have a marketing piece or strategy to keep every customer or potential customer on your database (yes,

you need a database of every customer) aware of everything you do or sell.

6. Sales training – Probably the biggest area of growth potential for any company with a salesperson or two. Doctors, sports stars and almost every other profession needs constant training, so do salespeople (even though they might not think they do), keep them learning and closing more and more deals.

7. Referrals – Most companies make it so hard to refer people, how can you make it simple?

8. Test and measure – you cannot man-age what you do not measure. You’ve got to know your numbers, everything from how many new leads you got today down to your break-even numbers. Learn your numbers and you’ll be far more in control and far more profitable.

9. Follow up on your prospects – every time I go shopping, it blows me away how many companies never ask for my details, never call me back, never send me any-thing. You think that is too pushy, you’re right, but the so-called ‘pushy’ companies are the ones getting the clients.

No matter what, put growth on your agen-da for 2012. This is the year for ACTION. So start by setting new goals, sales targets and challenge yourself and your team. Ask big questions and the chances are you’ll get big answers. And remember without accountability. . . we never truly reach our GREATEST potential!

My Company is good, but just not GREAT. . .

WHY??


[email protected]


By Debbie ThomasSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

Basic bookkeeping consists of record-ing the prime business transactions

of sales, purchases and cash. The account-ing documents supporting and evidenc-ing these transactions, called prime docu-ments, are entered into the business books by a bookkeeper.

Sales Invoices:

A sales invoice is a prime document. In more advanced accounting systems tech-nical terms such as sales day books, sales ledgers, debtors and credit control are im-portant but at the basic level bookkeeping of sales is the act of recording those sales in the business books. A sales day book is basically a log of sales invoices issued

by the business and this level of recording financial transactions is all that may be re-quired for a small business. A simple list of the sales invoices would be described as part of a single entry bookkeeping system. A basic bookkeeping system for sales in-voices would be a single entry bookkeep-ing system with minimal analysis of the total sales value. An accountant or book-keeper may make these entries although in smaller organizations the records are often kept by the business owner.

Larger organizations may well maintain sales day books but would certainly also enter the sales invoices into an accounting system and would usually use accounting software to do so. Within the financial ac-counting package the sales would not only appear as a list making up the total sales turnover but would also be entered in a sales ledger.

Each sales invoice is allocated to the vari-ous clients to whom the sales had been made. The sales ledger at this stage of the bookkeeping represents the value of goods or services sold to each customer.

Purchase Invoices:

A purchase invoice is a prime document and a purchase day book is a list of pur-chase invoices received from suppliers. The purchase invoice day book would not nor-mally require further financial analysis of the type of expenditure. To that extent, a simple purchase day book would be a good starting point for a simple set of accounts but require a little more sophistication re-quiring analysis by expense type for both financial control and taxation purposes.

A basic bookkeeping system for purchase invoices would be a single entry book-keeping system that also had columns to analyze the expenditures into the expense categories required by the particular tax rules under which the accounts were being prepared.

Medium and larger organizations need to track and control purchase invoices to control costs and payments. In a mirror of the sales ledger system, purchase in-voices would also be entered by the sup-plier into a purchase ledger. The easy way is to allocate each supplier a code number so that the accounting software can collect the amounts owed to each supplier, with the individual supplier accounts being the purchase ledger.

Quite apart from the single entry of sales and purchases is the recording by a busi-ness in its books of cash and bank receipts and payments. The third area of prime documents is the cash receipt or bank slip, given or received. Such documents may take many forms from the till roll of a retail business to the deposit slip at a bank but all are evidence of money changing hands.

In a small business, cash and bank records may be maintained separately to the re-cords of other prime accounting records. In a simple format the cash or bank records would be similar to the bank statement but showing the names of customers and sup-pliers or, if multiple customers for exam-ple, then the source of the money being received or paid.

Larger organizations and particularly those using accounting software also code

each receipt and payment to the same cus-tomer and supplier codes used to produce the sales ledger and the purchase ledger. In addition to recording the cash and bank transactions in the cash and bank ac-counts, the amounts received and paid are also recorded in the sales ledger and pur-chase ledger.

“single entry of prime accounting docu-

ments would be suit-able for small busi-

ness, and carried out by the bookkeeper can save money.”

By recording the cash and bank transac-tions in the ledgers, the customer and sup-plier records making up the accounting ledgers then show the balances on each account and the recording of the financial transactions in this way is effectively the other side of the double entry bookkeep-ing system.

A small business not requiring sophisticat-ed accounting records for financial control purposes and using a single entry as op-posed to a double entry bookkeeping sys-tem could simply record receipts against the list of sales invoices and the payments against the list of purchase invoices. Basic bookkeeping using single entry of prime accounting documents would be suitable for small business, and carried out by the bookkeeper can save money.

Basic bookkeeping for small business can save money Lethbridge, Let’s Move and Play!


Basic bookkeeping for small business can save money Lethbridge, Let’s Move and Play!ByJulie FreundProgram and Communication Co-ordinator, Lethbridge Sport CouncilSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

If you’re an adult and are reading this article, remember try-ing a new activity as an adult and the mental barriers you experienced when you contemplated trying it? Probably for many of us, including myself, the fear of failing, injury and self-consciousness are enough to completely prohibit us from trying something new. And in case you’re wonder-ing, the sport I fear the most is downhill skiing (I simply don’t have enough time to share my sad experiences!).

Trends are migrating to provide opportunities to engage and teach children age-appropriate movement skills in a stress-free environment so they develop and master impor-tant skills and avoid the fear of trying something new as an adult.

Physical literacy for children is defined by Canadian Sport 4 Life (CS4L) as the mastering of fundamental movement and sport skills that permit a child to read their environ-ment and make appropriate decisions, allowing them to move confidently and with control in a wide range of phys-ical activity situations.

Most skills require a series of developmental stages, which can be detrimental if missed but once children have mas-tered these skills, they have achieved physical literacy! Just as learning the alphabet is necessary to read, the develop-ment of movement skills builds upon its own ABC’s.

National organizations are working with communities to encourage a healthier and more confident generation of Canadians. The Lethbridge Sport Council (LSC) is for-tunate to be a recipient of a CS4L funding grant to take joint action and make physical literacy a priority through childcare programs including social service agencies, day homes, preschools, kindergarten, youth programs, after-school programs, sport organizations and directly to par-ents.

The LSC and Be Fit 4 Life are offering Active Start training workshops and offering them to the community through March 31. The concept is simple and well-supported through easy-to-use resources like Move and Play Physi-cal Literacy cards; programs are child-development cen-tred rather than sport-centred. Tactics are taught to engage children through movements on the ground, in the water, on snow and ice and in the air (i.e. gymnastics, diving) and sample activities are laid out, including equipment, activ-ity descriptions and safety considerations. Who wouldn’t

want to play Wizards and Muggles to practice agility, speed and partner skills in a fun manner?

Not every child will develop good physical skills on their own. Physically skilled children often enjoy vigorous healthy play, while the less skilled are often left out. This can lead to eventual withdrawal from activities. Parents, caregivers, coaches and teachers all play a role in the devel-opment of physical literacy.

For children to experience success in sport, it is important they master movement skills before learning sport skills, and sport skills before specific techniques. People are more likely to enter a sport later in life, whether for healthy rec-reation or to develop sport excellence, because of early ex-posure.

For information on participating in an Active Start work-shop please contact the Lethbridge Sport Council at 403-320-5412.


O-Sho Japanese Restaurant 311 4th Street SouthToday’s lunch choice was awesome. Thanks for

the comment Jeff, it was awesome going to su-shi places three weeks in a row. I loved it. I’m not even sure which one I would say is the “best.” They all have their unique differences. I guess I would say still the highest quality sushi was Lighthouse. O-Sho was fantastic today as well. I ordered the “assorted sushi.” I thought it tasted good, looked good and was a good price. I don’t even know what else to say oth-er than the Japanese food in Lethbridge is all dang good. Isn’t there a new “all you can eat” place open-ing? If so they better get ready for the “Nomads”. You can’t really go wrong no matter where you go for sushi around here. “M”_________________________________________

Unfortunately, I missed lunch last week but I was here to complete the sushi triad today. Osho

has always been “the” place for sushi in Lethbridge, but I agree with “M” that it is getting a run for it’s money by the other sushi restaurants. Like most things, personal preference plays a big part, just read some of my past posts about chinese food, and so it is difficult to rate the sushi in Lethbridge. All I know is Osho makes a spicy tuna roll with a solid piece of tuna and that is how I like it. That makes me very happy. “J”_________________________________________

Alrighty then! One of our faithful blog follow-ers asked us to complete what he referred to

as ‘the sushi triad’. I like to make people happy for the most part so we obliged him by going to O’Sho today. However I really want to drop the word ‘triad’ and replace it with one of the greatest words on planet earth - ‘Trifecta’. So I ordered the Lunch special C with Chicken Katsu and Beef Teryaki. Mmmmmmm. I used to eat here at least twice a month, so I know the menu. I also had the spicy tuna roll six piece (or five as the picture shows cause I couldn’t wait!) I was sooo hungry that my stomach was thinking that my throat was cut. I really like the entrees from O’Sho. They are consistent and filling. However I have to say that sushi has become such a trendy food that there are some other places that are battling with O’Sho for the best sushi in town. I al-ways leave O’Sho with a smile on my face. The lunch specials here are well worth the money. The portion size is good and the quality is top notch. I love the Beef Butteryaki. Oh man, now I want some. I love food. I love thinking about food. I love eating food. I love thinking about eating food. I will definitely be in a GFM (Good Food Mood) the rest of the day. Keep smilin’, and oh...I think you have some broccoli stuck in your teeth. “BA” aka “C”.

Lethbridge Lunch Nomads

Visit their online blog at http://lethbridgelunchnomads.blogspot.com/


41046246

Keep Track of your

BEERS!!

By Roy PogorzelskiFor the Lethbridge Journal

Have you ever been asked the question, “What’s your favourite beer?” only to be stumped because there are so many great beers to choose from? Have you ever visited a liquor store searching for a special beer, but not really knowing what to decide on? Even more so, do you remember sampling a beer, but completely forgetting the taste?

The solution to your problem comes in the form of social media. World Beer Collection (WBC) is a Canadian-based, user-friendly, interactive social media Web site that officially launched in 2012. This Web site allows users to create their own on-line beer list (of beers tasted), blog, discuss, read content and chal-lenge your taste buds by trying new beers.

The goal of the site is to allow members of all drinking levels to gain a stronger understanding of anything beer related. The site challenges its users to open their mind when they think of beer and create a user profile that reflects their unique tastes.

The content of the site includes: a main blog (with guest bloggers), beer news, detailed content about your favourite beers, rating beers, commenting on beers and adding beers to your personal beer list.

As well, the site allows for a quick sign up through Facebook, Twitter, Linked In or Google. The site is continuing to expand with the addition of more beers. Advance through the stages by sampling beers from around the world and gain a beer reputation by conquering the beers of many different countries.

Remember to smell a beer, serve it in a clean glass, acknowledge the colour and the complexity of the body and lastly taste and enjoy your beer. Let others know what you think with your own personal blog. Comment on beers, rate beers, re-quest beer content to be added and try to out-master the lists of the WBC team.

Knowing that there are thousands of beers in the world, the site is continually adding beers/breweries and brewing groups, so if there is a beer that you would like to see added to the site, contact WBC and they will respond to your request. This is a member’s site, so feel free to contact the developers at any time with suggestions to improve the site, or if you have any ideas for news articles or main page blogs. The site will constantly be updated, moving forward and maintained by the WBC team.

This will be a great opportunity to organize your tasting notes, so be sure to check out the Web site, start adding beers to your list and enjoy the updated beer content. Create a profile and be one of the first users of the website.

The website can be accessed at www.worldbeercollection.com, or follow them on Twitter @WBCBeer. Enjoy the site and in the words of the Dos Equis guy, “stay thirsty my friends.”


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How do I do it? Well. . . It’s not rare to see a big family out and about when you live in southern Alber-ta, but because my husband and I don’t seem to fit the big family criteria we get a lot of reactions, comments and jabs. We’re not rich, we don’t live communally (though I dream of that often) and there are no religious mandates guiding us in that direction. We chose to have a big family because we love kids and the tax returns are awesome!

One day we were out shopping when my son stopped in his tracks and blurted, “Man, they have a lot of kids!” He was pointing at a cart full of kids, two in the cart, one in dad’s arms and two walking beside Mom. “Son,” I replied, “they have the same amount of children we do”. . . “Oh.”

“People ask me all the time “You have five kids!? How do

you do it?” People ask me all the time “You have five kids!? How do you do it?” Their question is usually followed by an exasperated, “I can barely handle two kids.” I’m usually quick to inform people that there are a lot of days I don’t do it, like the time my son was gagging on food in his high-chair. I heard him and stopped for a moment to grab the full laundry basket before I helped him out, all so I wouldn’t have to take two trips. Or like when I had a house full of guests at my recent Christmas Party and my kids ran up the stairs to announce that there were toy blocks in the toilet, AND pee! There was also the time my three-year-old pushed the change room door so hard it went past its hinges and slammed to the floor, leaving him with a black eye and me vir-tuously exposed!

However, all my deficiencies aside, I usually manage to keep my family fed, dressed (post noon), clean and to school on time. They’re all snuggled, well read and healthy. So. . . how do I do it?

I have such a hands-on, helpful hus-band who is so accustomed to cleaning up vomit and clutter he doesn’t even flinch. Ladies, it’s amazing how much a husband can do to help while watching hockey like holding fussy babies, folding laundry and sorting toys.

Instead of spending $50 a month on gel nails I spend that on a cleaning fairy. She comes in once a month and does her magic on my bathrooms and floors. It’s my favourite day of the month. I’m never too prideful to ask for help when I’m drowning in tantrums and laundry. Though, right before Christmas, my cleaning fairy was busy sparkling away when the door bell rang; it took a lot of self-coaching not to body check her into the closet, taking on full credit and put-ting on the “why yes, my house is always this clean, thanks to my never ending flow of energy and perfectness.”

I also believe I can have it all, but not all at once. I see so many moms trying to fit in the career, the bodies, the kids, the love life, the parties, the ‘me’ times and the image only to find themselves burnt out and their families unstable. A big family or any family takes sacrifice; it’s not for the vain.

“Lastly, I pray. . . a lot. “Dear God, please

make them nap, Amen!”

Virtuous womanexposed

Hello, again and Happy New Year! Well, it’s all over but the shouting. Christmas is done; the decorations are safely stored until next year; the sad looking tree has been recycled. We’ve recovered from our New Year’s revelry and now we are facing the dreaded after-Christmas, January blues. We’ve all been there. That awful time of year when the only things we seem to look forward to are shovelling snow and paying off credit cards. We didn’t give either much thought a few weeks ago, when we were madly rushing about, spending our little hearts out and coping with wind instead of snow. Now, the bills are here, biting us in the collective butt and our shovels are at the ready.

Before we plan our pity party, however, let’s look on the bright side. By over-spending, we’ve jacked up the economy and made a lot of local business especially happy. We’ve pleased our children and grandchildren with more stuff than they know what to do with and we’ve provided the landfills with enough trash to fill the Grand Canyon. It’s a job well done!

As for coping with those January blues, I have a few suggestions. Get out of your house and do something fun. Go skating or skiing. Go for a walk around the lake. Go all out and take a trip south until April. Or do something helpful. Take a flower to a sick friend. Shovel someone’s walk. Cook a meal for someone special. There are so many ways in which to be positive, even when the days are long, cold and dark. The blues, well, there are two ways to deal with them. You can wallow in them or you can give them the boot. The choice is yours.

Whatever your choice, I wish you good fortune and enjoyment throughout the coming year. Oh, and by the way, just hang in there until you have grass to mow instead of snow to move. It’s less work and it smells sweeter.

Until next time!


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Virtuous womanexposed Genamuchsin, Mr. Human Rights!

By Katty jo RabbitFor the Lethbridge Journal

As you all have most likely read, we are losing our contributing writer Roy Pogo, as he is fondly referred to, to the wonderful world of teaching in Saskatchewan, and living abroad in Belgium. He will be gone by the time you read this, and I hope you have enjoyed reading his work as I have enjoyed encouraging him to add things to his articles. For those of you who do not know, I had the great privilege to work with Roy at the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge. When I first met Roy he was very pro-fessional and proper. At first glance I didn’t think that he would be much of a friend, with his corduroy pants and unbiased button down shirt. I really didn’t know how to take him and his jokes, but as I soon figured out he was a great connoisseur of beer, a good Métis jigger, and a genuine individual who didn’t gauge his opinion of you based on the color of your skin.

Now that he is leaving it is going to be sad to say that we could be possibly be losing a great contributing member of our society, as he was able to get the community involved in diversity, he was able to bring people together, and was able to set the stage for human rights to take on the spot light, which is a good thing. Considering that Lethbridge has been referred to as the Mississippi of Canada, which means we are considered backwoods and down-right hostile to minorities, is scary to think of. But with Roy spearheading some events, such as the Diversity Cafe, people were able to change their perspectives, and become more aware and accepting of the cultural diversity in this community.

Just the other day, I was standing in line at a local Tim’s and the woman behind the counter said to me, “What can I get for you, senorita?” Yes it might’ve been her gen-

eral way of saying hello but it just didn’t sit well with me. To be honest, I speak up every time about my cultural identity because people either just don’t care or they assume. This time I felt like it would be better to just leave that comment alone, but then I thought of Roy. This time I had to say something, and that was, “Uh, I am actually a proud Blackfoot woman.” From there it was like people stepped away from me like I had said I had small pox. I found it funny and I found myself asking myself, what would Roy do?

Knowing Roy has been a great experience, he taught me the importance of docu-menting everything, he allowed me to vent when things were not going well in my life involving the attitudes in this community about Aboriginal people, and he en-couraged me to get involved in the community which in the end made me more aware of the people surrounding me. Believe me, it is easy to get stuck in a bubble, especially in Lethbridge, but knowing him allowed me to change my perspective. To meet someone who was generally interested in who people were and what their culture was about, and who knew enough about every culture that he could engage in a conversation without overstepping boundaries was such a nice relief from the everyday. It made me hopeful that some of the old ways were changing, that peo-ple are realizing that not all brown people are Mexican, that not all Red people are drunks, and that if you are a good person that will shine through. So on behalf of the Blackfoot Tribe, more specifically the Many Children’s Clan, I would like to take this time to thank you for all your hard work, and your dedication to making this community a little more understanding and aware of the bigger picture. You have done us all a great favor by calling Lethbridge home and I will miss you very much, especially our Monday morning chats. Genamuchsin my dear friend, and to the rest of you reading this, Happy New Year.



There’s a rising star in our midst.

It’s a singer-actor-dancer-musician-recording artist from Lethbridge, whose face has become well-known locally and across western Canada, and who is hard-driving towards national prominence, and even beyond.

It’s a young man named Kyle Gruninger, an amazing song writer who has just landed a three-album recording con-tract with Coalition Entertainment/Warner Brothers Re-cords for Incura, the rock group he formed a few years ago. The group of mainly Lethbridge-born musicians moved to Vancouver to pursue a music career shortly after forming Incura.

Gruninger has just stepped off the New West Theatre stage, appearing in this year’s Christmas season production of “Light It Up.” This year’s show also featured another Incura band member, Jim McLaren, originally from Lethbridge, playing guitar, keyboard and vocals in the show.

Now Gruninger is off to his home in Vancouver, then trav-elling for a brief visit to Disneyland before returning to Te-mecula, Calif., where he will spend the next few months songwriting and recording to complete the first of Incura’s three upcoming albums.

A graduate both of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and the University of Lethbridge, Gruninger describes his music as “aggressive, melodic rock.” He already has written and re-corded seven new songs for Incura’s next album, with only three or so more songs to go to finish the first album.

Gruninger says his producer, Arnold Lanni, has both his home and studio in Temecula, where he provides a guest house on the property for the five-member band to stay together as they write and produce their newest songs. Gruninger spent much of 2011 living there, developing his lyrics to go with the musical compositions collaborated by band members.

Incura, it seems, couldn’t be in more experienced hands. Lanni, known for producing Canadian rock groups such as “Finger Eleven,” is a multi-talented producer, engineer, musician and songwriter who has worked with numerous Canadian and U.S. recording artists during his lengthy

Wim Chalmet has been a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for five years. During that time, Wim has taken on many roles, including relay participant, health and safety co-ordinator and event chair. Most recently, Wim was selected to represent Canada at the International Relay Summit as well as join the Relay Advisory Training Team. 2012 will be Wim’s third year as event chair for the Lethbridge.

It didn’t take Wim long to get noticed by Relay managers as a volunteer with not only a tremendous talent, but also a strong dedication to the mission of the Canadian Cancer Society. After four years of volunteer-ing, Wim has advanced beyond the regional volunteer level to become one of the divisions most valued volunteers.

Wim is a fantastic team leader, who successfully delegates responsibili-ties over three committees, ensuring all pieces come together for a suc-cessful event. Thank you, Wim!

Join us for Relay for Life 2012 at the Lethbridge Exhibition; register by visiting www.relayforlife.ca .

Wim Chalmet

THE BEST FROM 2011By Bruce PentonSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

Some of the best quips and quotes from 2011 (July through December):

• Fark.com: “Psychology professor gives an in-depth expla-nation detailing why sports fans riot. He could have saved a lot of time and just said ‘beer.’”

• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “NHL star de-fenceman Nicklas Lidstrom has announced he will return for a 20th season with the Red Wings, which is a big re-lief to Detroit fans, who were worried he would decide to spend more time with his grandchildren.”

• Driver Danica Patrick, to The Des Moines Register, on flooring it through Iowa Speedway’s notoriously bumpy turns: “That took some ovaries to do.”

• R.J. Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Dave Smith, a 69-year-old known as the ‘human home run,’ was shot out of a can-non and over the fence at a minor league game last week . Word is Smith wants to retire, but his crew can’t find an-other man of his calibre.”

• Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle: “The Dodg-ers have filed for Chapter 11. Hey, it can’t be any grimmer than the first 10 chapters.”

• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg : “Pamplona’s ‘Running with the Bulls’ was held last week. Or as the bulls call it: “The goring of the drunken morons.”

• R.J. Currie again: “The Daily Mail reports the Seattle Mar-iners are one of the teams planning to have nut-free games this year. I thought they did that when they released Milton Bradley.”

• Seattle blogger Tim Hunter, on Alex Rodriguez’s knee surgery: “Team officials say he’ll miss 4-6 weeks of baseball and somewhere between 10 and 15 new girlfriends.”

• Brad Dickson of the Omaha World-Herald, on Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez out four to six weeks after

knee surgery: “While he’s out of action, Cameron Diaz called up some guy from the minors.”

• Comedy writer Jerry Perisho: “The World Champion San Francisco Giants will visit President Obama at the White House next Monday. Pitcher Brian Wilson will arrive a day early so the Secret Service can ransack his beard.”

• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald, after former Hurricanes football recruit Willie Williams was charged with burglary — his 15th arrest: “That’s a milestone. Do they give you a watch for that, or do you have to steal it?”

• Another one from Brad Dickson, on retired 7-foot-6 Yao Ming saying he’ll remain a Rockets fan: “Which is good news for everyone except for the fan with the season ticket directly behind Yao.”

• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “A Baptist preacher at a NASCAR race in Nashville last week said the invoca-tion and gave thanks for, among other things, ‘GM Perfor-mance Technology and Sunoco Racing Fuel.’ Only in NAS-CAR could Jesus be turned into a corporate spokesman.

• Tigers pitcher Daniel Schlereth, to AP, on yielding Jim Thome’s 600th career home run: “I felt kind of awkward. I didn’t know whether to clap or what.”

• Reggie Hayes of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) News-Sentinel, on the latest Alex Rodriguez soap opera: “After a run-in with steroids and now gambling, A-Rod needs only an addiction-rehab visit to claim the modern athlete’s Triple Crown.”

• Comedy writer Jim Barach: “A Florida Marlins day game attracted a crowd of 347. That means each fan pretty much had their own personal peanut vendor.”

• NBC’s Jimmy Fallon, after police nabbed a NASCAR fan — drunk, naked and with a live raccoon in his car — out-side Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway: “Or as rednecks call that, the trifecta.”

• Comedy writer Jerry Perisho: “The belly putter is becom-ing a popular trend in the PGA. John Daly says he can’t use

his bellybutton to hold a club because that’s where he keeps his beer.”

• NBC’s Jay Leno: “Since Rick Perry has been governor of Texas, 234 criminals have been executed. That’s the differ-ence between Texas and California: In California, those criminals would have been given tryouts for the Raiders.”

• Perisho again: “Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Vince Young says he has an imposter who is posing in the community as him. If you suspect you see a Vince Young imposter, ask him the throw a pass; if it’s accurate, he’s a fake.”

• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Leo Nunez, the Marlins’ 28-year-old closer, it was discovered, is actually 29-year-old Juan Carlos Oviedo. In other words, he was al-ready a player to be named later.”

• Twins third baseman Danny Valencia, to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, on how he and teammate Denard Span — in separate vehicles — collided en route to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport: “It was stop-and-go. I stopped, he goed.”

• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “The Tampa Bay Rays became the first team eliminated with the base-ball playoffs. When asked their reaction, most sports fans in Tampa responded, “We have a baseball team?”

• Comedy writer Argus Hamilton, on beleaguered Tiger Woods finally landing a new endorsement, with Rolex: “He lost Gatorade, Gillette, AT&T, Accenture, and don’t even ask about his deal with Fidelity.”

• Currie again: “A suggestion for St. Louis reliever Mike Rzepczynski should he ever meet Finnish curler Markku Uusipaavalniemi. Buy a vowel.”

• Norman Chad of the Washington Post, on Twitter: “Frankly, the only sideline reporters I respect are those at the Running of the Bulls.”

Care to comment?

Email [email protected]



There’s a rising star in our midst.

It’s a singer-actor-dancer-musician-recording artist from Lethbridge, whose face has become well-known locally and across western Canada, and who is hard-driving towards national prominence, and even beyond.

It’s a young man named Kyle Gruninger, an amazing song writer who has just landed a three-album recording con-tract with Coalition Entertainment/Warner Brothers Re-cords for Incura, the rock group he formed a few years ago. The group of mainly Lethbridge-born musicians moved to Vancouver to pursue a music career shortly after forming Incura.

Gruninger has just stepped off the New West Theatre stage, appearing in this year’s Christmas season production of “Light It Up.” This year’s show also featured another Incura band member, Jim McLaren, originally from Lethbridge, playing guitar, keyboard and vocals in the show.

Now Gruninger is off to his home in Vancouver, then trav-elling for a brief visit to Disneyland before returning to Te-mecula, Calif., where he will spend the next few months songwriting and recording to complete the first of Incura’s three upcoming albums.

A graduate both of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and the University of Lethbridge, Gruninger describes his music as “aggressive, melodic rock.” He already has written and re-corded seven new songs for Incura’s next album, with only three or so more songs to go to finish the first album.

Gruninger says his producer, Arnold Lanni, has both his home and studio in Temecula, where he provides a guest house on the property for the five-member band to stay together as they write and produce their newest songs. Gruninger spent much of 2011 living there, developing his lyrics to go with the musical compositions collaborated by band members.

Incura, it seems, couldn’t be in more experienced hands. Lanni, known for producing Canadian rock groups such as “Finger Eleven,” is a multi-talented producer, engineer, musician and songwriter who has worked with numerous Canadian and U.S. recording artists during his lengthy

music career. He produced the first four “Our Lady Peace” albums.

Interestingly, Coalition Entertainment arranged a budget for Incura to produce at least one video with each of their new albums, a bonus for music fans to anticipate. Grun-inger says he expects his record label to begin releasing their new songs as singles early in 2012, even before they complete the entire album. Moreover, Incura plans to re-lease their new songs in conjunction with a Canadian tour to promote and sell their new CDs.

Incura’s musicians, all Lethbridge-born except for the Canadian-born but Texas-raised drummer, include: Kyle Gruninger – vocals; Jim McLaren – keyboards; Jon Olson – bass; Gatlin Fitzgerald – guitar; and Phil Gardner – drums.

As a young boy, Gruninger found his music as early as age five; he focused on piano and music every day. “While oth-er kids were out playing sports or with various electronic gadgets,” he was at home learning to follow the discipline of his exciting new world. Partly due to his early start and great natural talent, Gruninger has already been featured on 10 recordings, including five of his own songs and five other guest singing appearances for other people’s CDs, all before the age of 30.

When he entered LCI, Gruninger met Sharon Peat, drama teacher and coach, who trained him for dramatic roles, leading him to enter what he calls “competition pieces.” He travelled to Red Deer and Banff for provincial drama com-petitions. He also sang in the chamber choir for provincial choral competitions, eventually touring to Japan in an ex-change program with a sister school there.

Gruninger graduated from LCI in 2002 and enrolled in the fine arts program at University of Lethbridge, thinking he wanted to pursue an acting career.

It was at the U of L that Gruninger met Nicholas Hanson and Jeremy Mason, who now operate the New West Thea-tre, as well as Jay Whitehead, who shared the stage with Gruninger in “Light It Up.”

Gruninger was asked to audition for New West Theatre productions. He was hired and began a few seasons of per-formances with the New West cast.

In late 2002 and early 2003, Gruninger was busy forming

the band, which started under the name “In Vein” before becoming Incura, with two other Lethbridge musicians. When Jim McLaren heard the group, he approached Grun-inger with demo tapes - which they immediately liked.

After studying at the U of L, Gruninger and his band-mates moved to Vancouver to launch their music careers on a large scale. In 2007, they made an independent recording of their first rock band release, “Swords, Souls, Secrets.” Gruninger quickly learned how to set up a performance tour, and soon the group was touring B.C., playing lounges known for live entertainment in 25 western cities. Every-where, they sold their CDs at their shows, also marketing their recordings through the Internet.

In August of 2008, Incura entered a competition called Van-couver’s “CFOX Seeds.” Pitted against some 5,000 bands, Incura was awarded the coveted Number One Platinum Award, chosen over all the competing bands, and played their finale in the prestigious Commodore Ballroom.

For winning, Incura was given the opening slot in concert with Sloan and Stone Temple Pilots, playing at Vancou-ver’s GM Place. Vancouver’s top rock radio station, CFOX, played Incura’s music in a daily rotation for a full year fol-lowing, giving the group amazing public exposure. Grun-inger says, “The win and all the industry advantages from it were far beyond our expectations.”

In 2009, Incura hit another milestone with the release of their second independent CD release “The lost Ep.”

But one of the greatest bonuses from the CFOX Seeds win was that two of the judges were from Coalition Entertain-ment Management, a music production management com-pany which immediately took an interest in Gruninger and his band. Soon, Incura signed a contract for Coalition to manage the group.

Gruninger says he “was born to perform” on stage. “Some-thing snapped within me,” he says, “at about age five, when I went to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Op-era. Somehow, I suddenly developed a passion for music, for singing that has never quit.”

His unique operatic tenor voice gives the group what he calls “a biting distinction that separates Incura from all the other bands.”

Gruninger singing his way to the top

Photo courtesy of DeJourdan’s Photographics, features Kyle Gruninger, center, performing during New West Theatre’s recent production, “Light It Up.”


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5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.(WITH BEVERAGE PURCHASE)

FREE HAMBURGERTUESDAYS

1025 MAYOR MAGRATH DR. SOUTH403.328.2255

Big WingWEDNESDAYS25¢ $3.75WINGS

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(403) 320-0117314 8 Street South

NOW OPEN FORLUNCH AT 11:30

MON. - FRI.


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WEDNESDAY WING NIGHT!

MONDAY - TUESDAY APPIES

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5 P.M. - CLOSE

1702 23rd Street North

403-329-0132

BREAKFASTMONDAY WINGS

Running a bar runs in the family for sistersHeather Jacklynn, Valerie McCormack, DawnMelling and their mom Isabelle Styner, whotogether run Sisters bar and Grill.“It‘s a family business” Heather Jacklynn said.“We like to treat our customers like family,” shecontinued.Their father, Bill Steiner, was well known in

Lethbridge, opening and selling a variety ofdifferent bars and pubs including Iz’s Oasis for10 years, plus Honkers, Pop’s Pub North andthe Front Row Pub.“He wanted a place where our mom could goevery day,” she continued. He passed awayfrom cancer but was able to see Sisters becomea success.“He probably would have fired us by now,” shelaughed.“He ran a pretty tight ship,” she said.But their mix of automotive paraphernalia likelogos and license plates decorating the walls,plenty of home cooking and even a privateexecutive room equipped with a conferencetable and plush chairs appeal to theircustomers.“We have a lot of regulars,” she continued.There are numerous attractions including VLTs,pool tables, numerous televisions and even aping pong table, which patrons can enjoy while

savouring home made recipes includinghamburgers and soups.

While they don’t offer a lot of liveentertainment, they sometimes haveperformers like Mahoney and Paul Elserplaying.They do have a lot of closed parties and oftenrent their board room to Lethbridge communityorganizations to hold their meetings.

Sisters also offer a lot of food specialsthroughout the week. Their fresh hamburgersare the order of the day every Tuesday for$5.99. They offer $.35 wings on Wednesdays.They also feature special events for the ladiesevery other month including purse night andjewelry nights.Jacklyn noted she feels lucky to have a such a

long serving staff as manager Alanna has beenwith them since they opened three years ago.

A Family AffairA Family Affair

SISTERS PUB &GRILL WHERE

WE LIKE TO TREATOUR CUSTOMERS

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SISTERS PUB &GRILL WHERE

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“

”


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SPECIALS

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403-327-94052808 5th Avenue North

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2375 Mayor Magrath Dr. South@ the Holiday Innwww.mrmikes.ca

• 403-380-6453 •

Open forBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Price AppiesThursday8pm - close

1/2

403-381-11711917 Mayor Magrath Dr. South

$5 ALL YOU CAN EATTACO FRIDAYS

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_xzxÇwtÜç 25¢WINGS

420 6 STREET SOUTH

403.942.2563

5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.(WITH BEVERAGE PURCHASE)

FREE HAMBURGERTUESDAYS

1025 MAYOR MAGRATH DR. SOUTH403.328.2255

Big WingWEDNESDAYS25¢ $3.75WINGS

KOKANEEPINTS

(403) 320-0117314 8 Street South


MON. - FRI.


MON. - FRI.

Visit our websitewww.theslice.ca

WEDNESDAY WING NIGHT!

MONDAY - TUESDAY APPIES

GET ONE

(403) 380-62258 6 0 H E R I TA G E B LV D . W E S T

BUY ONE

1/2 PRICE

TILL 3 P.M.WEEKENDS$2.99/lb

5 P.M. - CLOSE

1702 23rd Street North

403-329-0132

BREAKFASTMONDAY WINGS


Coaldale students, staff support food bank

By Kathy BlySubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

Students, staff and the Kate Andrews High School community generously donated over $11,000 to the Coaldale Food Bank this year.

“teachers were sponsored to lose weight and all of the funds were donated to

the food bank”In a special school assembly, teacher Kevin Holland announced the total noting the school conducted a community-wide food drive in the fall which generated about $6,000 worth of groceries. In December, the school capped off a unique fundraiser, an idea sparked by Holland, where teachers were sponsored to lose weight and all of the funds were donated to the food bank.

The Teachers for Turkeys fundraiser generated over $5,000. In all 20 staff members partici-pated and lost 108 lbs. over the six week project, an average of just over five pounds each.

Holland acknowledged the support of students, staff and the school community who spon-sored the teachers in their quest to lose weight and help the food bank. He asked anyone who had donated or participated in the fall food drive, the “cover the office counter” project or the Teachers for Turkeys fundraiser to stand. A vast majority of the student population and staff stood to be recognized.

Palliser Regional Schools Trustee Esther Willms was in attendance at the assembly and told the crowd of students and staff that citizenship can be talked about or demonstrated.

“It’s pretty obvious what happened here today, you demonstrated it.”

Food bank co-ordinator Vaughn Caldwell was also at the assembly to accept five turkeys, one for each of the $1,000 raised by the Teachers for Turkeys fundraiser.

“That was an awesome project,” he said.

He was impressed with the support the school has shown the food bank this year and praised the students and staff for making a difference in their community with their hearts.

Bruce Bell, on ice instructor for the Kate Andrews Hockey Academy, raised the most pledg-es in the Teachers for Turkeys project with about $700 generated. In a close second was Mike Gibson followed by Lucy Johnson, Holland and Ron Terakita.

Darby Bell, left, Mike Gibson, Kevin Holland, Vaughn Caldwell, Lucy Johnson and Ron Terakita juggle the five turkeys representing the $5,000 raised by the Teachers for Turkeys fundraiser at Kate Andrews High School.

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Yoga class to benefit LFCA

By Tara YagosLethbridge Family Circle AssociationSubmitted to the Lethbridge Journal

Lethbridge Family Circle Association invites you to participate in the Yoga Rituals $1,000 Charity Challenge. Attend the 7 pm Monday night Hot Yoga class at Yoga Rituals for the entire month of January (9, 16, 23, 30) - all proceeds go towards LFCA and the creation of Family Village.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to try a new activity, support a New Year’s resolu-tion of better fitness and relaxation, plus support LFCA!

Help us reach our goal of raising $1,000 in the month of January.

Thank you to Yoga Rituals for their creation and support of this fundraiser.

Need more information? Contact Tara at [email protected] or 403-381-4676.


TIP OF THE WEEK:

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information on your resume.The right job for you will match the

skills you have, not the skills youintend to have.www.hire-standard.com

The 2012 Alberta Summer Games is proud to announce the support of ATCO Gas. An official cheque presentation was held recently at the ATCO Gas office to confirm its support of $50,000 in cash and gifts-in-kind to the 2012 Alberta Summer Games being held in Lethbridge in July. Following the presentation from ATCO Gas, which is the main sponsor of the 2012 Alberta Summer Games Torch Relay and Opening Ceremonies, elite soccer athlete Matteo Pasquotti ceremoniously lit the cauldron.

“$50,000 in cash and gifts-in-kind to the 2012 Alberta Summer Games”

“Today we kick off our fundraising campaign for the Games. We have great support

from the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the City of Lethbridge and it is great to have ATCO Gas on board as our first corporate Hi-5 Partner,” said George Virtue, Games Chairman. “ATCO Gas is thrilled to be part of a program that allows youth to realize and showcase their talents and potential,” says Bill Stephens, ATCO’s Senior Vice President & General Manager. “As ATCO Gas celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2012, we look forward to delivering the energy that fuels the spirit of competition, celebrates youth, and creates vibrant communi-ties.”

The 2012 Alberta Summer Games will be held in Lethbridge, July 26 - 29. Lethbridge will host 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials, and will entertain over 6,000 specta-tors. Three thousand volunteers are needed to put on this four-day event, which will showcase 15 different sports in competition.

ATCO Gas on board for Summer GamesPhoto submitted by Heather Lefebvre


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32 LETHBRIDGE JOURNAL - WEEK OF JANUARY 6, 2012

lethbridge journal jan 6

Documents

west lethbridge

new grocery store

lethbridge journalits

new things

foods store

lethbridge journal week

new playground

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