Milo Canopener (December 1, 2005)

• Format: Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Milo Community Volunteers 2005
• Subjects: Milo (Alta.) > Newsletters; Alta; San Juan; Fairbanks; Canada; Pancake; Patience; Hannah; Laurie; Colleen; Belcher; Garry; McLeod; Boxing; Bushell; Broome; Tripp; Reno; sami
• Online Access: http://digitallibrary.uleth.ca/cdm/ref/collection/sanl/id/258

An archive of the Milo Canopener. The University of Lethbridge Library received permission from the Archives at Milo Library to digitize and display this content. MILO SiC2SmoPAB T0L1L0 Canada Post Agmt. # 40607518 December 2005 Edition no. 186 . MILO MUNICIPAL LIBRARY N/C L____ _J jwbrK" i 5Ad Rates Subscription Rates Business Directory $5.00 Quarter Page 6.00 Half Page 8.00 Full Pages 15.00 Classifieds 2.00 The following items are free of charge Milo $ 16.00 (- pickup,delivery or mailed) Mailed (outside Milo) 24.00 Single Copies 2.00 Letters to the Editor are welcome. Notices Announcements (Wedding, Anniversary, Births, Showers, etc.) Cards of Thanks News items Articles Please sign them, no letters will be printed if not signed. Requests to remain anonymous will not be honoured. Many ways to forward your articles, notices and advertising: Milo Can Opener Box 12, Milo, Alberta, T0L 1L0 Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail] Fax# 599 - 2457 (You can also fax to Milo Municipal Library at 599-3850) e-mail is the preferred method if possible. Faxed documents tend to be too unclear. Items may be left at Milo Green Foods in the Canopener box at back of store _________________or at Milo Municipal Library. Canopener volunteer staff Layout Editors - Barb Godkin - 599 - 2213, 485-8389 Colleen Bartsch 599-2204 Deanna McGorman 599-3887 Darlene Phillips 599-3791 Production - Betty Armstrong Subscriptions - Betty Lou Whaley -.599 - 2466 Notices - Any Canopener volunteers Cartoons & ‘‘Kids Say” - Marina Vannatta -. 381 - 6389 Please Note: The deadline for articles is the Monday before the last Friday of each month. Printing is done during the week.GOODS & SERVICES MILO CAFE CHINESE WESTERN TAKE OUT ORDERS 599-3832 Closed Monday Monday-Sundav.8:30 am - 8:00 pm Box 7 Doug Marks Office: [phone] P"ESIDE“T J2:!5S«° Marks Oilfield Services Inc. jipQS^Sj Trucking, Gravel j Oilfield Maintenance and Construction Pressure Washing and Steaming . ** -■ ? MiW* <M' v - . ^Perfection W -£§r CATERING / SERVICE Allan and Colleen Barlsch MILO. Alta, phone. [phone] B&S CmiUte, jbeiUfK [phone] P.O.Box67 Milo,Alberta T0L1L0 Specializing in sandblasted mirrors & Cedar signs OIL-MARY KA>4 Donna Bennett Deitx Independent Beauty Consuitont P.O. Box 37. Milo, Alia. TOL 110 (403} 599-2140 L V. (Vince) Stevens #721 Cornerstone Manager, Small Business 201 Southridge Drive Okotoks, AB T1S2E1 Direct: [phone] ! Fax: [phone] Cell: [phone] vince.stevens©scotiabank. com Telescotia: 1-800-267-1234 % Scotiabank C/P CS/? Sc J^traxgfyi, (Eleart Sc INTERNATIONAL RECORDING ARTISTS Ct>11. tan%\ =io once LAB-MAH PROMO Ceil. [phone] Pis: (403> 3si-6389 Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Keepln’ the Country in music Lori Vooys, CIM, FCSI Suite 1800, Scotia Centre Financial Planner 700 - 2nd Street SW Calgary, AB T2P 2W1 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] tori vooysascotiamdeod.com Toll Free. 1-^00-372 927^ Ceil: [phone] § Scotia McLeod ScottaMcLeod Is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Scotiabank Group.We would like to thank our advertisers for their continued support. Without them, we would not be able to print this newsletter for the enjoyment of the readers. TOWING ' 4 X 4 Service * Wheel-Lift * Boosting ' Winching * Fuel, Flats * Lock-outs * Recoveries * R.V. Towing * Small Repairs J3 Services * Septic Tanks * Portables ' Mud Pits Bus: 485-2667 Mobile: [phone] ' 24 Hour Emergency Service ’ Ready & Reliable [PHONE^JOE ] * Sumps * Holding Tanks * Cisterns * Basement Floods Box 93 Vulcan Alta. TOL 2B0 MELO SEED CLMANING ASSOCIATION LTD. 599-2150 Cleaner Seed is Sown, Cleaner Crops are Grown, Sheldon Walker Manager RENO BEXTE ^Used (do ntro P (dc ntre P 4 H GRAIN LTD, AGENT FOR ALTA HAIL INS. TELSFHOfTB: faX: ft03} 534-2182 MOSST.KIGH, Alt TOL IPO CORNER STORE & GARAGE OIL - GAS - DIESEL - REPAIRS - WELDING AM.A. TOWING MERV & FRANCES GOLDTHORPE 485 - 6671 INSHOP MOBILE Archambault Mechanical Dave Box 155, Milo, AB, TOL 1L0 Telephone: [phone] Cellular [phone] Phillips Agricultural Products and Services Box 292 Lomond, Alberta TOL 1G0 Roburi Phillips Telephone: [phone] Toll Free: 1-800-387-8486 Cellular. [phone] Fax: [phone] AARDVARK PEST CONTROL SERVICES® A. P. C. S. TM JERRY GAUTREAU P.C.T. Diploma, AIB Certified & AS! Certified SUITE 213, 204 - 1440 52nd STREET N.E. CALGARY, ALBERTA T2A 4T8 Tel: (403) 273-MICE (6423) Fax: [phone] ____ ——GRANT, KRYSTALQW1CH & BENNETT CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANTS FULL ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND CONSULTING P.0. Box 239 Vulcan, Alberta Phone: [phone] TOL 2B0 485-2681 2>, g. X OPTOMETRIST 80X 972 VULCAN. ALBERTA TOL 28C TELEPHONES 485-21 77 485-288S [- FAIRBANKS DENTURE CLINIC - 125 Centre Street, Vulcan, Alberta TOL 2B0 485-2368 Scott D. Fairbanks - Denturist . . . _ OFFICE HOURS . ' - Wednesday. 9:S0a.m. • 5:00p.m. - Friday 9:00a.m. -12:30p.m_ Esso' VULCAN VILLAGE GAS BAR P.O. BOX 425 VULCAN. ALIA. TOL 2B0 PHONE: 455-fcOOO FOOD TO CO Garry & Bernardine Nelson 485-2519 HDra (5. Mo JMszsm'bs Chiropractor . ’ [phone] P;0. Box 87, Vulcan, Alberta, Canada 1-800-582-7054 “Make Your Winning Move With Us” MLS MAGNUSON REALTY HAROLD, NORMA, & LYLE MAGNUSON Phone [phone] Fas 1-403-485-2911 104 Centre Street East P-O- ®ox 9o8 Vulcan, AB ^OL 2B0 Website: www.magnusonrealty.comThe TOPS Ten wavs to breeze through the holidays Think about your priorities ahead of time. It’s humanly impossible to try every available activity and attend every social function. Which ones are impor­tant to you? Divide your time accordingly. Make sure you allot enough time to the high-priority events so you can thoroughly enjoy them without feeling rushed. CAvn $ t rr\co5 Healthy habits can be part of your holiday scene, but only if you plan for them. That means setting aside time for exercise, writing a grocery list, and preparing healthy meals and snacks—just as you would dur­ing the rest of the year. Separate the urgent from the unimportant. If you're constantly fighting fires or playing catch­up, you’ll have less time and energy for things that really matter. Get help. Trade chores with friends. Hire teens or middle- school kids. Make sure every member of your family pulls a share of the load. •r v yv L>* :d-. Be realistic. Most of us over­estimate how much we can accomplish in an afternoon, a week, or a month. Give yourself a break. Eliminate holiday traditions that no longer suit you and your family. Do you long to simplify gift-giving or imagine eating out on a holiday rather than spend­ing all day cooking? Maybe oth­ers do, too. You’ll never know unless you ask. Incorporate healthy choices into social gatherings. Bring a platter of sliced fresh fruit for the snack table. Break up a couch sit-a-thon by taking a walk together. Play tag with the kids. "To jG5 )Y\ee £ 5 Th wr. 3.'3c Am O' C_U\ _____ when youELW News The November 9th meeting was held at the Church. There were 5 members and Pastor Ed in attendance. Carol Henry led the bible study and offering meditation. Minutes of the September meeting were read and approved. There was no meeting in October. The Seniors’ dinner hosted by the United Church Women and us, was well attended by local people and residents of Dawson Lodge, Extendicare and Long Term Care from Vulcan. The five boxes containing 22 layettes, 13 klenli kits and 28 school kits were shipped to Canadian Lutheran World Relief in Winnipeg. Our thanks to David Zaytsoff for delivering them to Calgary to catch transport to Winnipeg (free of charge). A donation was sent to C.L.W.R. for the ocean freight. Our Praise Offering Service was held October 30th. The offering amounted to $325.00. The Sunday School will have their Christmas presentation at Sunday service, December 18th. A box will be placed at the entry of the church for donations to the Vulcan Food Bank. A Parish supper and meeting will be held at Hope Lutheran on November 17th. Maxine Deitz has agreed to go on the Sunshine Committee once again. Alice Bartsch served a tasty lunch after the meeting adjourned. Hostess for December meeting is Marg Bushell, Bible study is Marilyn Nelson and Church cleaning for the same is Deanna Nelson. Ladies please remember our Advent Christmas Program on December 5th @ 7:30 p.m. Just before Christmas, 1 was shopping at a local mall with my sister and her children. In the parking lot was a fellow selling Christmas trees from a camper. “Hey, look ,Mom!” Three year old Sami exclaimed , “That guy’s camping. He even brought his own forest!” **** $$$$****$$$$**♦*$$$$****$$$$* *** After opening her Christmas presents, my niece asked me to read her a story from her new book. Before I could start, however, she asked me to put on her new video. “You can’t listen to a storv and a video at the same time”, I said. “Sure , I can!’’she cried. “ I’ve got two ears!” (Adults call this multi-tasking?) &&.&***&&&***&&&***&&&***&&& For a special treat at Christmas time, I always make a German Apple Cake. This year my five year old was going to help. After stirring the apples, cinnamon and flour, she said “There, we’re all done!” With a puzzled look, she peered into the bowl and asked,”But when do we add the Germans?” ****&&&&****&&&&****&&&&**** Y ^ All C^ XJust in time for Christmas iDtrocfueiDg » S fj&is ^Ve/ Gift certificates available Pamper her with an essential oil manicure With or without paraffin dips Or a Hot oil manicure Or give her a Full set of gel nails That will leave her feeling relaxed and beautiful. To booh an appointment or to order your gift certificate Call G-Nel @ 599-2299 47; Mrs £C*J7*£ Off AAAin S>nze£T N. (formerly Ux/rrtn <2Hu0cd) /toMtfTAA/ee -Atotf P&OZXA&UL FCcD ITEM P6R LbCAL FtXX> SAUH ■o Milo Arena Dues for the 2005-2006 Season (September to August) FAMILY MEMBERSHIP $65.00 if paid before Dec. 31 $75.00 after January 1 SINGLE MEMBERSHIP $40.00 if paid before Dec. 31 $45.00 after January 1 Please remember that the arena is used not only in the winter for skating, but also used during the spring & summer season. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. The arena has quite high insurance and utility costs. Please make cheques to Milo and District Agricultural Society. Payment can be made at Milo Library or by mail to Milo Ag. Society, Box 156, MiloMILO LIONS CLUB Pancake Supper and Turkey Bingo Saturday, December 3 Supper 5:30 pm Bingo 7:00pm At Milo Community Hall Everyone welcome! Hi) BAKE SALE by Milo Parent-Teacher Group between supper and bingoARROWWOOD CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION LIMITED P.O. BOX 120, ARROWWOOD, Alberta T0L 0B0 Main Store Phone [phone] Fax [phone] Toll Free 1-888-534-3803 Tire Shop Phone [phone] | (co-opJ ! "Organized for Savings . Not for Profit" BULK FUEL & CARDLOCKS at Arrowwood & Milo sites Petroleum Products: Fuel / Lubricants HARDWARE STORE TIRE SHOP Hardware / Lumber Tires: On and Off Road Plumbing / Electrical New / Used / Repair Services Hydraulic Hoses / Belts / Bearings Mufflers & Exhaust System Feed and Animal Health Supplies Filters: Oil / Air /Fuel Paint: Interior / Exterior / Stain Oil Change 81 Lube Center Housewares / Sporting Goods Automotive: Batteries / Lights / Fuses HOURS: Mon to Fri 8:am to 12:noon & l:pm to 5:30 pm — Sat 8:am to 12:noon vfairn / & COMPANY BAPJtlSPERS and .SOIJC/'iO/iS SERVICING ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS Dr. Robert J. (Bob) Langrldge will be In attendance at the Village Office In Milo the first Friday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments may be made by calling 485-2070 ________________________________________l Brian J. Murray and Robert J. (Bob) Langrldge servicing our Vulcan office 104 Centre Street Vulcan, Alberta Phone: [phone] Areas of Law: Real Estate, Personal Iryury, Divorce and Family Law, Wills and Estates, Dependent Adults, Employment Law. Criminal Lew, Business and Corporate Law. Mediation. Litigation and Tax Law LETHBRIDGE OFFICE 1*600, 220 - 4" Street South Phone: [phone] Fax [phone] Toll Free: 1-800-552-8022 SOUTHERN ALBERTA’S REGIONAL LAW FIRMKid's Thoughts What do you think your Mom and Dad have in common? Young children explain how to decide who and when to marrty. How do you decide who to marry? “You got to find somebody who liKos the samft stuff, t—iKe if you liKe sports, shs should lifce it that you liKe sports, and she should Keep the ships and dip coming." —Alan, age 10 "No person really desides before they grow up who they're going to marry. 6iod desided it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stucK with." — Kirsten, age 10 What is the right age to get married? Twenty-three is the best age besause you Know the person F0P£.V6P- by then." — Camille, age 10 No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married." Freddie, age 6 THE COUNTRY FARMHOUSE Gifts, Antiques and Collectibles With A Taste of Rural Alberta Hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00am to 7:00pm Sunday -11:00 am to 6:00pm Box 10 from Cluny Hilltop Dianne Brown Cluny, AB 2 miles west Ph. 403-734-2593 T0J 0S0 1/2 mile north Fax [phone] "&oth don't want more Kids." Lori, age 8 How can a stranger tell if two people are married? "Married people usualty looK happy to talK to other people." "You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be gelling at the same Kids." —Derrick, age 8 What do most people do on a date? "Pates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to Know each other. 6ven boys have something to say if you listen long enough." —Lyxmette, age 8 "On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date." — Martin, age 10 ! Quality Dental Services • Comprehensive treatment planning exams • Gentle hygiene care • Cosmetic Bonding and Veneers • Crowns, Bridges, & Bleaching 1 • Complete and Partial Dentures New Patients are Always Welcome Patient Services • Televisions • Highest standard of sterilization for your protection 114, 3rd Avenue-North, Vulcan485-600fT'W'E'D'DIMCg T)JWCE Allan and Colleen Bartsch & Ian and Barb Godkin would like to invite everyone to the wedding dance of Cfirts ancCjana Program 7:00 pm Dance 8:30 pm Milo Community Hall Chris and Jana will be married in the Dominican Republic January 5. Just For Fun. This is amazing, try it!! It really worked for me. It takes less than a minute. Work this out while you read. Be sure that you don’t read the bottom until you’ve worked it out. This is not one of those waste of time things, it’s fun! 1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate ( more than once but less than 10). 2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold). 3. Add 5 (for Sunday). 4. Multiply it by 50. .I’ll wait while you get the calculator. 5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1755. If you haven’t, add 1754. 6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were bom. You should have a three digit number. The first digit of this was your original number (i.e. how many times you want to have chocolate each week). The next two numbers are YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!) This is the only year (2005) that it will work out, so spread it around while it lasts.Hilo Fsrofiy Christian A celebration of Christmas and our community spirit. Help us decorate the village! Lots of ways to do that: Phillip’s Fertilizer has rented a BUCKET TRUCK (reaches 34 ft.) for anybody to use to put up decorations. December 15-22 1. Village residents and business owners - we encourage you to decorate your building(s) and/or yards! 2. Rural or town residents - take part by adopting a Lion’s Park tree to decorate 3. Set up a Christmas scene in the park or elsewhere in town 4. Lend us Christmas lights or decorations for the trees in Lion’s Park. We will put them up! Drop off at Phillips’. o Hayride, Bonfire Hot Dog Iteaii and FSRiWORKI! Thursday, December 22 Lions Park 5:30 pm (Milo Hall if weather poor) If you have any firewood to donate, please call 599-3791. Don’t forget to bring hot dog sticks and lawn chairs! Everyone welcome! Ifyou^i/ould like to help put up lights (week of Dec. 15-22) please call 599-3791 Organized by the Village of Milo. Watch for a mail flyer soon or contact Darlene Phillips (599-3791) for more details.Christmas greeting. From The country Farmhouse And uCanne and T>on 'Brown G. D's REPAIR FOR ALL YOUR MECHANICAL MEDS & REPAIRS Call: Gerald Deitz 599-2354Christmas in the Country Saturday, December 3, 2005 The Country farmhouse Grand Opening Dec 3 Special Dinner starts at 4 pm Gifts, Antiques and Collectibles With a taste of rural ALBERTA Dianne Brown 734-2593 Cluny, AB 10AM -7PM 3 miles west, 14 mile north of Cluny Hilltop Just 4 km North of HWY 1 on HWY 56 y/fieatCaruf \ Country >Crafts ana (gifts OPEN HOUSE 9am - 6pm And together in a single location: Chase Custom Saddle & Leath er Products pt "fhe Wool Featuring Armstrong Pottery, Quilting, Baking, Candy and many more unique Christmas gifts The Wool Shop on the Crowfoot Creek 10am to 5pm Susan Clark 64U2216Frank Mclnenly Auctions Ltd Vulcan, AB Serving the Agriculture Industry Since / 967 [phone] Frank Mclnenly tacey Schooten F M Trailer World Located at Foothills Livestock Auction Stavely, AB Southern Alberta's Exclusive Norbert Dealer NORBERT DEX RAINBOW Stock, Horse, Fiat decks Call Stacey New & Used 1-877-205-1999From the East Forty This mild weather that we have enjoyed recently one might have thought we were still in the month of October, however Christmas will soon be here. I hope you have made use of these nice days to do shopping and such. While you are out don’t forget those who are unable to get out. It only takes a few minutes of our time to brighten the day of a shut-in. Let’s all make it a point to do more visiting of those who are unable to get out in this Christmas season and through the year. The following are recipes that you might like to try. Christmas Pudding Sauce (rich) Vi cup butter V2 cup brown sugar V2 cup white sugar 2 beaten egg whites Mix and cook in double boiler 10 minutes beating all of the time. Cool. Beat V2 cup cream and flavor lightly with vanilla or whatever flavoring you like. Mix with cooled sauce mixture. Enjoy! Egg Strata A breakfast dish you can start the night before. 6-8 eggs beaten 7 or 8 slices of bread with crusts cut off 3 cups of milk 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded V2 tsp. salt !4 tsp. dry mustard Vi cup parmesan cheese to top bacon slices Put bread in buttered 9x13 inch pyrex pan. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Mix all other ingredients, except bacon, and pour over bread and cheese. Let stand overnight in fridge. Next morning - bake at 325 degrees for 50-55 minutes. Fry bacon until well done but not burned. Lay bacon on top of egg strata and put back in oven for 10 - 15 minutes. Let sit for a few minutes after removing from oven. Serve. greetings from grande (Prairie Wishing all a happy and prosperous new year. Merry Christmas (Dere^ Pamara Caeden Van PassedMERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST IN 2006 Visit Oakes House, Arrowwood Many Christmas and Holiday Items Silk Holiday Bouquets, Bernie Brown Prints Tree Decorations, Western Decor, Outdoor Decorations and much, much more. STYLIST X 599-2491 X MILO HOURS: Wednesday - Men’s Walkin - . _ . , 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m, Tuesday-Friday Thursday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. (by appointment only) 5:00 p.m.-7:0Q p.m. <><> NORM STOKES WEEDING General and Oilfield Repair Custom Mowing New & Used Steel Sales Custom Built Trailers B-Pressure Welding Phone [phone] Cell. 485-0365 Phone [phone] Phone [phone] Perms, colors, streaks, foils, lash & brow tinting, waxing, tanning bed, & Perafin dips.JSpSfc*9*** ^sPff '^w w&w **&w *~w *9w **w **w W^m lllftKlllf fi Milo Community School presents 100 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS December 8th Two performances 1:00 and 7:00 pm EVERYONE WELCOME !!! Silver collection or Food Bank Donation ft ft 5 ft ft ft f ft ft f fts Milo Community School is continuing to collect Campbell’s Soup Labels. Attached below are product labels eligible for redemption. Thank you for your support and keep those labels coming in!!! All varieties within each size shown are eligible for redemption. ■ 1 point 280Z/796111I condensed soup Chunky soup I9oz/54oml, Chunky chili i4oz/425g "Spoilt Farm Goldfish Crackers 480Z/1.36L condensed soup 1.89LV8 Splash * Be sure to include the UPC and and front label~K * UPC is required only for Pepperidge Farm products and Ready to Use Broths * Ready to Serve soup also includes Healthy Request 473ml V8 Splash 1002/ 284ml condensed soup iooz/284ml Chunky soup i68g, i8og, I90g, and 200g Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers 900ml Ready to Use broth i9oz/54oml Ready to Enjoy soup ■ 2 pointLooking for Tupperware? I am now a Tupperware Representative for the area. Interested in hosting a party or placing an order? Please, give me a call. Tanya Campbell [phone] e-mail; [e-mail] ttiz (AJCL'iyn G/Louj of (2(iriL±£ma± Ps ou% tizaxk duxing ttiz cM'o£idag± and during khz gzax ahzad !Ban& of <zAfo(ja Jbaoiia cStaff axqaxsi, k&onna, d\l\axlarinz, tfjcronnz, J2ou., kJhnxts., J2o%L mm Thank you to everyone who donated items for the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes or brought filled shoe boxes into the school. Thank you to Marilyn Nelson, Melanie MeKay and Tammy Lahd and the school staff for helping to fill the shoe boxes. Also, thanks to the grade 5/6 class for decorating their shoe boxes. The artwork was GREAT!! Students, working in groups, chose an age category and girl or boy items for their shoe box and then assembled the items. The students did an excellent job and there was a lot of thought and care went into assembling the items. In all, 44 shoe boxes were collected or assembled. On Tuesday, November 8th, the Vulcan Ambulance Service came to the Milo School to pick up the shoe boxes. Thank you to them, also for this service. BAKE SALEH The Milo School Parent Teacher Group will be holding their annual BAKE SALE following the Lions Pancake Supper. The sale will begin at approximately 6:30 pm. Each family, please bring in at least 3 items of baking for the sale. Items could include such things as cakes, muffins, loaves, 3 trays of cooking, a batch of nuts and bolts bagged, chocolates, etc. Please have your items into the Milo Hall by 5:30 pm -for pricing. Three parents are needed for pricing and selling. If you can volunteer your time, please call Penny Heather @ 599-2132. Thank you everyone for your support!!_________________________________________From J^airU perfection catering And colleen and Allan Bartsoh Disaster Awareness PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE OLD DATE - Nov. 8, 2005 NEW DATE - Dec. 6, 2005 Find out what plans are in place in your community, how it wiil affect you and how you can be personally prepared for a disaster. Disasters can occur at any time. What happens if there is a prairie fire, tornado, ice storm or gas explosion? Are you ready? Do you know what to do? Does your family have a plan? MiSo Hal! Tues. Dec. 6, 2005 7:00-9:30 p.m. • - Vulcan County Adult Learning Council 485- Funded by Alberta Advanced Education Rural Innovations & Access GrantVALITEIWURE TRAM UPCOMING TOURS Dog Sled Tour January 7, 2006 Come and watch the excitement of Dog Sled Racing! $72<9 5/pp (majority of race can be seen from bus) Stage West GctCtfor-rtict Drecumirtg 2 January 25, 2006 Matinee Performance Join m to experience tie music of the 60*s! $85.00/pp SPA & CASINO TOUR March 31 - ApT. 3, 2006 Temple Gardens Mineral Spa - Moose Jaw, Sasic $440.00/pp Scw/frcmeUccr June 11 - 16* 2006 Join us to visit this beautiful city! flight - hotel - alcatraz - mult wood & wine tout ■ cable can and more! Caribbean Cruise Miami - Half Moon Cay ■ St Thomas ■ San Juan ■ Grand Turk ■ Miami September 24 - Oct. 1., 2006 $1699.00/pp (inside cab in) $lS9?-00/pp (occanview cabin) (includes flight!)Snake Valley Drop-In News Crib Games Monday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. Please consider this your invitation to join us. Health Nurse and Foot Care The health nurse will be at the Drop-In on Wednesday, December 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Wishing everyone all the best this holiday season! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. (Season’s Wisliing everyone a very # Merry Christmas and a Happy New YeEr! FROM OUR. FAMfLY TO YOURS, ALL THE BESTTHfS CHRISTMAS AMD FOR2GGS! jUIRfcf CHWITMAS GERALD, GfMGER, MfCOLE AMD JAXSOM DEfTZ G.D.’S REPAIR Sqq-23S4 hone. 5^-2464AVON BUBBLE BATH todiS “SalTiS free^a“er' cuts.*rease'tea«* a shine and is gentle on the rinsing is required "0 ******30 4 fcaws ” resid“'= or film on anything so no Tiy it on these: ]■ Clean chandeliers or light fixtures. 3. wShyow^Tl-a^ w^ft^T^01 readin8 g^s- fertilizer. ? h ^ siune’ ^ ^ it to water your plants, it’s a 4' fmSh. fl0°re- 1*cuts grease, not hard on the reaves no dulling residue, so your floors shine. 5. All your appliances in the kitchen. ' ™ a cLr^d’mfSS' " f48’^ Jast "* bubble hath 8 A^nS“'^JT^Ctea°erfcrCostunKor,1«'«l^^^ 9 ' £ur“XtS£ ^ere is no soap to irritate the skin. Remember to rinse fede. Does a great job on grea^toy ”y 1 °’ SHfESTbkT ,*& **« bacon, put smright bubble bath on 11. The stain will be gone. b2: S rrrssaf ,«iriMcs * ** - *** bathwater: iWyST ^ ^ them wtth a cfoth wrmng o.U from bubble 15 ^SSy^ebetTZS"““OUt^ USe ** J7 ********$***Y%;t nuie one capftil to an ice cream pail of warm water************Congratulations 14 students from the Milo area and one student from the Champion area recently completed the Alberta Safety Council Babysitter's Safety Course. Certificated babysitters include: Geoff Vooys Lisa Vannatta Thomas Prentice Taylor Nelson Jesse Lahd Steve Kim Andrew Vooys Kacy Nelson Natasha Lahd Twyla Fitzpatrick Cali Fetkenher Lisa Deitz (Some students chose not to have their names printed.) Congratulations to all participants! Thank you to Laurie Tripp from FCSS for instructing and to Scotia McLeod for providing pizza. A big thank you to Darlene Phillips for teaching the Fire Safety and First Aid portions of the course. Also thanks to the Milo Community School for the use of the library. Thank you to the students and parents for making the course a success. Leagues after Christmas If you are interested in playing with the LADIES league or possibly a MIXED league Call Barb Godkin (599-2213) or Colleen Deitz (599-2306) Interested in the MENS league? Call Bill Lahd (599-2490) or Greg Deitz (599-2191)THANK. YOU MILO ! Th&SchoxyVAcU/L&ory CcnMxcTbcwvi'Villa^^ofMClcr wcnAld* tike* ter tharilo every one/of the'91 people* who- attended/the* Commuruty Meeting on/the* 2 9*7 Your errfKu&ux4mcwudwM/A^gYiewto-p<MtucCp(V(& Cn/tho* dZ&<MA*u>iw rvu*de*the/even/A^cvn/OvenvhelmAAri#' iuooeyyl For those of the community who were unable to attend, the following is an overview of the evening and a synapse of the thoughts and ideas which were generated. The purpose of this meeting was To explore issues and ideas for the future of the Milo School and Community'’, Sandy Henry, School Advisory Council President, very capably emceed the event. Opening comments were provided by Colleen Deitz, for Palliser Regional School Division and Ginger Deitz, for the Village of Milo. Both offered insight into the current situations and strategies of their respective organizations. Judy McMillan-Evans, CED Manager of the Highwood Business Development Corporation and facilitator for the evening then explained the process for the remainder of the meeting and divided the gathering into smaller groups to discuss a series of questions based around three main themes: The Community, Economic Development and The Future of the School (see Focus Group Questions). Each group had a designated recorder from either the Advisory Council or Village to capture the thoughts and ideas their group generated from the questions. And what great input and ideas! After an hour of spirited discussion, the crowd reassembled and the groups presented their “Hot Ideas". Finally the participants all brainstormed for any and all additional ideas which could lead to success for the School and the Milo Community. As you read on, please keep in mind that the purpose of the evening was to foster ideas and encourage communication, and so some of the following proposals might seem unlikely, unfeasible, and even outrageous! At this point in the process, however, the generation of ideas is more important than the workability of implementing them. Regarding the strengths of the Community. “good water" “the people” “community spirit” “the school” “the lake” “service clubs” “library” “Community hall” “access to high speed internet” “bike path" “no crime” “good curb appeal” “cost of living" “not the city” “has store, cafe, bank and hotel/pub” “curling rink” Tire/rescue service" Regarding the strengths of the School. “great student teacher ratio” “new playground” “video conferencing” “4 day week” “Kindergarten” “community support” “safe atmosphere” “multi-cultural” “access to technology” “staff in community” Regarding new business that would be a good fit for Milo. “hardware/plumbing supply” “small engine repair” “oil field supplies” “golf course” “antique store” “boat/water sport shop” “fish hatchery” “general store” “farmers market” “motel” “tire shop” “welding shop” “oil company field offices” “manned service station / garage” “fabrication plants” Regarding the recreationai / economic potential of Lake McGregor for Milo. “marina at dam end" “golf course & driving range” “annexation of Milo Estates into Village of Milo” “upgrade Lake Campground: sand beach, trees, electric service” “raft races” “fishing derbies” “expand bike path” “visible community advertising” “swimming lessons” “waterslide” “paddleboat with restaurant” “YMCA type youth camp” “fishing lodge” “make a provincial park”Regarding the ideas to attract new students to the Milo Community School. “indoor swimming poo! with swimming/diving program” “specialty soccer program’ “marine biology program” “specialty curling program” “golf course and specialty goif program" “speqialtyjpa-arts” “specialty sailing / ice yachting program” “specialty equine sciences and skills" “specialty split grading” “specialty gymnastics program” “accredited musical program “Texas hold em’ program & gambling addiction center” This is just a genera! sampling of the results of the evening. The Advisory Council and the Village will be using all the recorder’s notes and any submitted comment sheets to create a Community Report which we hope to release in January 2006 so watch your mailboxes and the Can Opener for a more detailed version of all the comments, thoughts and ideas generated from this meeting. In the meanwhile, we encourage, with our gratitude, that the Community to keep on discussing the issues in a positive fashion and bringing forth their ideas and comments to the Advisory Council and the Village. Our community’s success will ultimately be determined more by our people and our determination to succeed than anything else. “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men (and women) who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact, it is an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration of truth, it is a dare. Impossible is nothing, and nothing is impossible!" Focus Group Questions Community • What are Milo and community’s strengths? Weaknesses? • How do we welcome Newcomers to our community and could we do more? • How are we addressing the needs of seniors in our community? How can we more fully utilize the valuable resources that our older population offers to our community? • One of the essential requirements for success, in anything, is co-operation. Given Milo’s excellent reputation for co-operation and collaboration, how can we maintain or exceed this standard? Economic Development • What new businesses would be a good fit for Milo and how can we entice them to our community? • What reasons do you feel lead to shopping outside of the community and how can we promote local shopping to support our existing business and any new business ventures? • It is human nature to be drawn to attractiveness; what can we do to enhance Milo’s curb appeal? • How can the community enhance the recreational I economic potential of our proximity to Lake McGregor? School Future • What are the strengths of our Community School? Weaknesses? • What are the impacts to a community when a school closes? • What can we do to encourage our youth (under 35) to remain in our community and what can we do to attract new young families to our community? • Couid we develop ideas for the school to attract siudents from other places? If so, what ideas? Larger Group Questions • While we recognize the achievements of the past, what ean we do NOW to support and encourage new ideas and strategies for the future? • Identity any successes seen in other small communities. How could these strategies be adapted to our community’s benefit? • No idea is too big or too small, too outrageous or too safe when it comes to the success of our school and community. Drawing on all the discussions of this evening, what are YOUR ideas? (Don’t debate them, just list them!)VILLAGE OF MILO - OFFICE HOURS Tuesdays 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Thursdays 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION DECEMBER 22. 2005 AT LIONS PARK!!! Next regular Council Meeting will be 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2005 in the Village Office. Do you have an item to discuss? Call the office to get on the next agenda! Contact the Village at PHONE: [phone] FAX-' 599-2201 MAYOR --- KEN VOOYS COUNCILLORS --- ROBERT PHILLIPS --- STEVE EDWARDS MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR --- GINGER DEITZ PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THE VILLAGE OFFICE HOURS DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON! Thursday December 8, 2005 9:00 - 12:30 pm CLOSED in afternoon for School Christmas Production Thursday December 22, 2005 8:30 - 1:30 pm CLOSED in the afternoon for Christmas Celebration preparations Tuesday December 26, 2005 CLOSED for Boxing Day M)id~UA^tlwKe4£d€A^ty<yfMGj>-(wxl'tfo£/C<>m*riiwu£y a/ Very Safe/ cund/Hccppy Holiday Se^oyvcvnd/ The/'Bettfor 2006 Ken Vooys, Mayor Robert Phillips Steve Edwards Victor Crowe Kevin BoothThe regular meeting of the Village of Milo was called to order on Friday October 21, 2005 at 7:04 p.m. Present were Mayor Ken Vooys, Councillor Robert Phillips, Councillor Steve Edwards, Municipal Administrator Ginger Deitz and Townsman Victor Crowe. Armand Chatelain was present at the start of the meeting to discuss the RV Park renovations / expansion and remained after as part of the public gallery. Administrator Deitz swore in Steve Edwards as the new member of the Village of Milo Council. The minutes of the regular meeting on September 19, 2005 were read. Mayor Vooys MOVED that the minutes be adopted as presented. CARRIED. Administrator Deitz reviewed the Bank Reconciliation and the Record of Expenses and Disbursements for September 2005 and the outstanding Accounts Receivables with the Council. Mayor Vooys MOVED that the Financial Report be accepted as presented. CARRIED. Business from Correspondence: Administrator Deitz and Townsman Crowe have expressed interest in attending a First Aid Course. Neither is able to attend the Adult Learning Course November 4 & 5 in Vulcan, but the Milo Fire Association will be putting on a course in December / January which they will try to attend. Councillor Phillips is taking care of submitting the application for the JEPP grant. Administrator Deitz reported that she has submitted a reply to a Facility Lead for a Liquid Nitrogen Production Facility to locate in Milo. Our community fits the requirements very well, and the building and operation of such a facility would mean a great economic boost for Milo. Administrator Deitz will keep Council informed of any developments on this lead. The Village received the 2005 Street Improvement Grant of $11,883. Keith Schenher of Alberta Transportation has approved used of these funds to cover the cost of the dust abatement applied to Railway Avenue this summer. As with previous years’ grants, any remaining amount will be invested in a GIC and used towards the eventual paving of Railway Avenue. Councillor Phillips will attend the Lethbridge meeting regarding establishing a Governing Body for Fire Service in Alberta. Proposals for the Land Procurement for a Provincial Police College have been sent out. Councillor Phillips and Administrator Deitz will work on Milo’s proposal and submit it to the Solicitor General. AMSC has provided notice that they will be deferring the deadline for removing Additional Named Insured from municipal policies until December 31, 2006. This delay will hopefully allow time to develop affordable and alternate insurance coverage for these groups. Another cat complaint has been received regarding the cats at the RV Park being at large. Since the owners of the cats have since left, this is no longer an issue. Mayor Vooys MOVED that beginning in January 2006, units using the RV Park will be prohibited from bringing cats as pets into the RV Campground, and failure to abide by this rule will result in the eviction of the RV unit. CARRIED. Hopefully this will alleviate the problems and concerns that residents had with RV unit cats this year. Administrator Deitz reviewed a Municipal Law newsletter regarding the duty to report the release of harmful substances into the environment, not only by the Municipality but also by private citizens and businesses. Failure to report, or report in a timely manner could result in significant legal liability to the Municipality. Administrator Deitz reported that the Highwood Business Development Center is going to request that the VBDC cover the cost of membership in albertafirst.com for the Municipalities in the County. This will allow these municipalities to have community profiles on line as an economic development tool. VILLAGE OF MILO MINUTES OCTOBER 21 VILLAGE OF MILO MINUTES OCTOBER 21 Council reviewed ihe video inspection report from the last time that Thuro Inc. surveyed the Village sewer lines in 1999. Councillor Phillips MOVED that we have the sewer lines surveyed again to aid in the planning of the Villages’ 5 year capital plan for the Municipal Infrastructure Program grants. County Communication Meeting: Mayor Vooys attended this meeting in Carmangay, and reported that Vulcan, Champion, Carmangay and Barons are proceeding with a feasibility study of a shared water line / system among these communities. The Wildrose Network has successfully joined into the Supernet, which means that the small municipalities can now affordably access the Supernet via the Wildrose Network. Administrator Deitz will look into this for Milo. There was also discussion of how the municipalities could implement cat by-laws, with the consensus being that this would be extremely difficult and timely to enforce. Vulcan & District EMS: Councillor Phillips reported that the paperwork for this group becoming a Society is currently in progress. This is being done so that if the province eventually takes over Ambulance service, the Society will still be able to operate the rescue services for the County. CAP Meeting: Administrator Deitz reported on a “Village CAO Roundtable Discussion” she attended. This was put on Alberta Municipal Affairs to see how the department can meet the needs of CAOs from small municipalities and to discover what the needs of the small villages are and how they differ from larger jurisdictions. Administrator Deitz came away with several contacts and practical ideas. Armand Chatelain joined the discussion at 7:45 p.m. Council reviewed some older drawings from the ORRSC showing some options for expansion and upgrading of the existing RV Campground. The drawings upgraded the campground, but actually result in a loss of camping space. Council discussed how they envision the campground upgrade / expansion and Mr. Chatelain & Townsman Crowe added their comments. Administrator Deitz will contact the ORRSC with the ideas and request new drawings which reflect the Council’s vision. Mayor Vooys thanked Mr. Chatelain and Townsman Crowe for their input. Terry Broome, of Alberta Municipal Affairs, is of the opinion the current Village policy and contract for Non Resident Treated Water Access are sufficient to manage this resource and give the Village the required control over whom and under what conditions Non Residents may make and continue connection to the Village’s treated water supply. Mayor Vooys and Townsman Crowe brought forward a concern that the cistern housing R. Marks’ water meter is filling up with water and needs to be pumped out monthly to obtain meter readings. This seems due to the fact that there is no culvert under the access to the Milo Seed Cleaning Plant to allow for proper drainage of the ditch. Administrator Deitz will contact Gary Buchanan with the County to explore possible solutions. The leak at the water treatment plant has been fixed by Shawne Excavating, who have also pumped the old reservoirs dry. The fence and posts around the old reservoirs are available to anyone who wants to remove them. Administrator Deitz will put an ad in the Can Opener regarding this. Council reviewed the 2004 UMA cost proposals for servicing the northwest lots and formulated an estimated cost for the project. By dividing the project into 2 parts of servicing existing lots and servicing for a future cul-de-sac, Council will be able to contractShawne Excavating without any bid process. Mayor Vooys will contact Shawne Excavating to begin to line things up for a New Year/ Spring project start.Councillor Edwards MOVED the first reading of By-Law #349, which amends By-Law #322 the Village of Milo’s Land Use Bylaw by changing all lands designated as Railway (R) to Industrial, by the removal of Railway (R) from the land use districts, and by changing the discretionary uses for Industrial (I) use to include “Public Buildings and Public Use”. CARRIED. Administrator Deitz will advertise this Bylaw in the Vulcan Advocate for two weeks, with a public hearing date of November 21, 2005. The Milo Lions Club, whom are the caretakers of the East Milo Cemetery, have had Administrator Deitz send letters on their behaifto two individuals who are currently renovating the gravesites in a manner which will hinder caretaking efforts. Administrator Deitz requested that Council, with input from the Lions Club, create a policy which details what renovations will be acceptable in the future for gravesites. The Lions Club have already made a sign which is being placed on the Cemetery gates instructing anyone who is going to undertake renovations of a gravesite to contact the Village Office and obtain permission from the Village &/or the Lions Club prior to proceeding. Council tabled this matter until next meeting when representatives of the Lions Club will be present. AMSC is strongly suggesting that any group or organization which runs a public facility require that renters purchase Facility User Group Insurance for their function. This insurance is expensive, but in our litigious society today, protects the group (and the Village (under whose policy these groups insure) from undue exposure to liability. Council discussed this, and although they feel that it is overkill, advised Administrator Deitz to contact the groups affected by this and outline the options for them. The empty lot at 309 1s' Street North has not received any upkeep since fire destroyed the building and a fence was erected around the foundation / lot. Administrator Deitz will contact the lawyers of the Estate and request that the lot is cleaned up in the Spring and that care is made to control the weeds and grass in the future. Townsman Victor Crowe reported that most of the final mowing has been completed and that he will be starting to put up the snow fences in November. He requested new tires for the Garbage truck as a couple are showing advanced wear. Councillor Phillips will look into getting tires for the truck. The Friends of the Milo Municipal Library will be making a presentation to the Vulcan County Council on November 2, 2005 regarding funding for the proposed new library and have requested Administrator Deitz attend to answer any questions that might come up regarding the Village and the Library. Fundraising efforts for the new library are progressing, and the group hopes to begin construction in late spring 2006. Administrator Deitz reported that the picnic tables which are blocking access to the shed next to the Village Office still have not been moved or rearranged. Mayor Vooys and Townsman Crowe will look after this in November. Administrator Deitz reported that she has insured the Lions Park Playground with AMSC under the Village's policy. Previously there has been no insurance for the playground and by nature, this property represents a considerable exposure to liability. Mayor Vooys asked the public gallery and Townsman Crowe to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. so that Council could go in camera. In camera session began at 9:24 p.m. In camera session retired at 9:28 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Village of Milo will be Monday, November 21, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Office. The Public Hearing for Bylaw #349 will also be held this date and time if required. The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Vooys at 9:30 p.m. VILLAGE OF MILO MINUTES OCTOBER 21 Recently in the 5/6 room We have been working on different subjects, although the Christmas production practice has been taking up a lot of our time. We have just finished our number theory unit in math and we are moving onto our geometric solids unit. We wrote postcards to the veterans at the Colonel Belcher Care Center in Calgary early this November. We are working on poems due Dec. 1st for the Canadian legion contest, along with a few posters. The Milo school is starting a new newspaper, we’re having a few. slight organizational problems, but things should work themselves out. Along with this the grade 5/6 class has been doing reading buddies with the grade 2/3/4 class every Monday morning. We (and them) are enjoying this experience a lot and are hoping we can do more class projects with them. Spirit days have been fun, even thought we haven’t had very many. However, we all are looking forward to the BIG GRAND PRIZE draw at the end of the school year for participating. Another report next month on what the grade 5/6 class are doing will be here in the can opener. This article by: Andrew Vooys and Miriam DeitzCHTnook CREDIT UNION LTD. The Lomond Credit Union Holiday hours will be: December 26th & 27th January 2: Closed Closed <fi/& io-ieA-h&Udtpf' ttea&o/t' a/uT <& Aajbfyp anc.Cfiroefiero-ue/ \fleur J^cr/ &2. )0000<300000000000000000000004||E MemberCARE Financial Services Working Together for Your financial freedom Please call to set up your in-branch appointment with our MEMBERCARE FINANCIAL PLANNER This service is offered at nc obligation and no charge I PRODUCTS & SERVICES Financial Planning Lite insurance Sntuai Foods Annuities Education Funding RRS Ps i Rfiirs Stocks, Bonds, T-Bills Savings Canada Savings Bonds tevestments Disability In so ranee Segregated Fuads GJCs Tax Analysis RESPs LIFs Term Deposits mortgages & LoansPHOTOS FROM MILO COMMUNITY SCHOOL Operation Christmas Child: Students and Vulcan Ambulance staff before the shoeboxes were loaded into the ambulance. AMBULANCE - 1317 No, you’re not seeing double! This was “Twin Day’’ November 18, 2005.Doug Griffiths, MLA for Battle River, Wainwright has been travelling Alberta talking about sustaining rural communities. He has produced a series of articles on the topic and we will be printing them over the next few months. - Canopener Prologue I have invested a great deal of time and energy travelling this province discussing what needs to be done by all levels of government and communities to ensure the future of our rural communities. I reiterate that the success of rural development is partially the responsibility of the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. As governments we must ensure that the foundation is there for success to be achieved, and we must be active and aggressive partners in the initiatives that communities undertake to build and grow in the future. No success will occur, however, unless the plan and the initiative come from each community itself. I, as an MLA, cannot walk into a community, any community, and tell it how to be successful regardless of the plan I have or the money that accompanies it. This is primarily because without community buy-in, without community spirit and desire, without passion from the community to survive, the plan is doomed to failure. The community knows best its own strengths and weakness, its competitive advantages and disadvantages, and how it could capitalize on, or mend, each for success. Or, in short, a community’s success will be determined more by its people and their determination to succeed than anything else. I have, in my travels, made an interesting observation. As a teacher, when I asked young people what they could do to ensure a good life they responded with comments like: I would get a good job, I would marry someone I love, I would buy a nice house, I would finish school, and so on. That is pretty straight forward stuff, and I’m sure any young person would provide similar answers. When asked what they would do if they wanted to deliberately ruin their lives, however, they responded: I would probably become a drug addict, I would probably get someone pregnant or get pregnant before I was married, I would fail out of school, and so on. Then ask them what they would do today to travel down that road to failure and they would immediately realize that some of their current actions were leading them down that path, though they had failed to see it. On drugs; they would say they would start smoking dope and some student would blush because they had. On pregnancy; they would say they would be having sex and some student would blush because they had, or had come close. On failing out of school; they would respond that they would fail some of their classes now and some student would blush because they were. The point is that some of the best intentions we have, our dreams and hopes, are often shattered by things we do today that we don’t realize we are even doing. With that in mind I wrote up a list of 13 things that you can do to kill your community. It is not meant to be a list of things that you should deliberately do, but rather a list of things that you or community members may be doing that are directly having negative consequences on your community and its future. If you aredoing these things, you are harming your community’s future. I will be writing about one item from the list each week and explaining how harmful it is to your community. 1. Quality of Water The first of 13 things that you can do to ensure the failure of your community (remember the purpose of these letters) is to ensure that your community has poor quality of water. As 1 said in my introduction, ] have traveled all over the province over the last three years talking to hundreds of organization, thousands of people, but I have also been to 54 different communities. I have said often that I could be blindfolded and driven into any community, walked into any home in town, be given a glass of water to sample, and be able to tell you, with almost perfect accuracy, the condition of the town. If the quality of water is good J can bet you that there are new subdivisions, new businesses downtown, a clean mainstreet, and so on. If the quality of the water is poor than I can almost assure you that businesses are closing on mainstreet, the downtown core looks decrepit, there are many old houses for sale and so on. The reason for this is that people are used to good quality household water in this province. People are turned off by water with a poor smell, poor taste, sinks and tubs that are brown with stains, and rumours of ill health caused by water. The populace is not often very vocal, but they do view quality water as an essential to a quality community. In all reality, whether that opinion is justified or not, we do see people pay more everyday for water than they do for gasoline. Often complaints rage over the price of less than $1.00 for 1 litre of gasoline, but we rarely hear people complain about the price of almost $2.00 for 500ml of water. Quality water is important. As well, we know the importance of water to economics. A farmer can’t improve or assure the quality or diversity of crops without assurances of water value. It is impossible to grow value added agriculture, or indeed, any value added industry without access to water. It is difficult to increase tourism development without access to assured water volumes. It is even impossible for a community to grow its capacity without access to enough quality water to service the new households and subdivisions. Comparing the south of the province before irrigation to now, with irrigation, we can observe that there are more farm’s that are smaller, more labour intensive, and there is more value added agriculture and commercial business surrounding those farms, and . . . there is an entire tourism industry that was completely unexpected because of the presence of surface water. So, if you want to ensure that your community will fail. If your desire is to see that your community does not grow and does not succeed, than ensure you don’t address the issue of water. It is the most important first step to ensure success. Every community that has been successful has done it, so if you want to fail, ensure water issues are not addressed. I am determined to see rural Alberta succeed so I will continue to work on water issues, and besides addressing water and waste water issues in our constituency I will also be working on adequacy of supply for primary agriculture (irrigation possibilities), value added agriculture and commercial needs, tourism and community growth.2. Don’t Attract Business The second in the list of thirteen things you can do to ensure your community’s failure (remember that this is meant to be sarcastic and only taken literally if killing your community is your ultimate goal) is to ensure that new businesses are not enticed to your community by competitive tax rates and services, especially if they may be competing with existing businesses. In touring the province we found that communities of about one thousand people in which there was one grocery store, that grocery store owner barely made enough money to support his or her family. However, in communities of roughly the same size where there were two grocery stores, interestingly enough, both did quit well. Likewise was the case in communities of three to five thousand when it came to restaurants. Where there were only a couple of restaurants both suffered, but where there were many restaurants they all seemed to do well. There are many more examples 1 could provide but space is limited. What is more important is why that would occur. People in general like choice and variety, and they like to feel they are purchasing in a competitive environment that assures them the best price. In communities where competition is limited we found that people would chose to drive to another community where there was more choice, more variety, and better prices because of competition. Essentially, their dollars would leave town. Now it seems that councils and or community members did not like the idea of giving new businesses encouragement to locate in the community or local business owners enjoyed their monopoly within a community and feared competition (we all like the idea of competition unless we’re the ones being competed against). Either way, successful communities have looked at the long term, the jobs that will be created by the new business, the long term tax return of from a business that locates in a community, and the benefit of having competition to local businesses themselves. Think of it this way: if two thirds of the people in a community shop elsewhere, that only leaves a third of the pie to one business, but if everyone in the community stays there to shop because of choice, variety, and competition that means two businesses each getting fifty percent of the pie. I have not heard of much of this happening within our communities because we seem to be acutely aware of the need for businesses, any businesses, to come to our communities and try to attract them all. However, if the death of your community is your ultimate goal, be single minded, think of only today, and don’t foster a climate that will entice businesses or lead to competition, variety, and choice for community members. That way they will shop elsewhere, the remaining businesses will close their doors, and you will lose your community.3, Don’t Involve Youth !f killing your community is your ultimate goal (remember the point of these articles) than the third item on the list of thirteen ways to kill your community is relegate an important group such as youth (35 years and under) to the sidelines. Youth have energy and ideas, are great volunteers, and are the future of your community, so whatever you do, don’t involve them or they will make your community successful despite your best efforts. Around this province, provincial officials, accountants and tax experts are hosting meetings, the purpose of which is to aid farmers and ranchers in succession planning. The purpose is to ensure that farmers aren’t hit with huge tax burdens when they try to pass on the farm, but the ultimate result will be more young people in a position to enter agriculture thereby ensuring the future of agriculture itself. Interestingly, I have only found one community in this province this is doing any sort of succession planning for town or county councils. Before the last round of municipal elections most small town and county councils had an average age that was almost twice mine (I’m 32). Please note that I am NOT telling all of the aged and experienced people to get off council. It is important to blend the experience and patience of the aged with the energy and ideas of the youth. Too much youth or experience does not ensure a balance of those who are dealing with today’s issues, and those who want to plan for the community they want to see twenty years from now. I also have yet to find a community that has a succession plan for main street businesses. Many small town business owners I met around the province simply planned on locking the doors when they retired. Few had ever considered talking to high school graduates to see what they would need to return home after education, or engaging them in a youth entrepreneurship program in local businesses so they stay. How do you plan for the future of your community if you don’t engage them (since the youth are the future) in the planning process and help them identify opportunities? Successful communities told me that complacency and saying that the youth aren’t interested are just excuses. They tell me that the youth are interested, they simply want to be asked their opinions and concerns, they want to know action will be taken, and most importantly, they want to take part in the solution, not be relegated to the sidelines. If ending your community is your plan, don’t engage youth, don’t find reasons for them to stay, and don’t encourage them (over and over) to get involved. Let them leave. Encourage them to leave. Let them go where they are wanted. The future of your community will vanish as fast as the youth.4. Don't Assess Needs The fourth in the list of thirteen things that you can do, if your ultimate intent is to ensure that your community fails, is to ensure that you don’t assess you community’s needs or opportunities. Every community lacks something. Whether it is a small town that lacks daycare services or a hardware store, or it is a large city that lacks community spirit or has traffic issues, every community lacks something. The process of improving a community is never done because problems and challenges will always arise and addressing those problems will lead to new opportunities for improvement. 1 have not been in a community that does not have some competitive advantage over other communities that would make people want to move to/live there. Every community has something unique to offer. Sometimes it is the people in the community that make it so wonderful, sometimes it is the service clubs, sometimes it is the businesses, and in others it is the school or hospital quality. Every one of those communities, however, also has disadvantages that deter people from locating there. Assessing what a community has, both its strengths and weaknesses allows the community to fully realize what great things it has going for it, things it can brag about in attracting new people, but also increases the awareness of what might be missing so that those problems can be fixed or addressed in some way, thereby removing the reason for people to leave, or chose not to locate there. Communities that have assessed their strengths and weakness often act quickly to address them. What they find is that the community itself seems to thrive for two reasons. First, community members themselves seem to have more energy and desire to ‘help out’ because the community acts when it needs to and is seems to be a place with a future. Second, other’s choose to locate there because they recognize it as a community where people’s needs are met, it is a progressive place that addresses the future and refuses to be stagnant. Communities that do this find creative ways to improve or add service clubs, more cultural activities, new businesses, better programs for young families, or even just plants and flowers to beautify the town, and it works because those communities are growing. So, if the failure and death of your town is the ultimate goal, don’t look around and assess your communities needs and opportunities or you just may feel compelled to do something about it. You may realize that it is not that daunting a task and actually move on to improve other things, and your community may just become one that meets it challenges head on, and that is a sure sign of success, something you don’t ever want if failure is your ultimate goal. Watch in coming months for: 5.Shop Elsewhere 6. Don’t Paint 7. Don’t Cooperate 8. Live in the Past 9. Ignore Your Seniors 10. Nothing New 11. Ignore Immigrants and Newcomers 12. Take No Risks 13. Don’t Take ResponsibilityNew Years Eve Fun Casino and Poker Tournament (All Poker players and dealers must be there by 6:3<L§harp) Milo Lions Club Saturday December 31/05 Ma ♦* ¥ 4 at Milo Community Hall fH| casino 7:00 - 11:00pm yi ♦* V* Admission: $25{||g| BBQ money Proceeds to Friends of the Library Grand PrizeT^^^H $1000 m V oucher Lots of Limited S Other of 15 Prizes Tickets avai ' ojgsate-. Milo Municipal Library NEWS A member of the Chinook Arch Regional Library System www.chinookarch.ab.ca POMPEII: STORIES FROM AN ERUPTION http.7/www, fieldmuseum.org/pompeii/ This is a companion website to a 2005-2006 exhibition at the Chicago Field Museum about the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius {A.D. 79) that affected Pompeii and other areas. Featured are images of selected items in the exhibition including artifacts, casts, and frescoes and information on the event and ancient Roman cities near Mount Vesuvius, includes a classroom guide. “Between You and Me” by Mike Wallace Stone by Stone - Exploring Ancient Sites on Canadian Plains” by Liz Bryan “The Klondike Quest” by Pierre Berton “Planet” Adult Fiction “Summer’s Child” by Luanne Rice “The Silent House” by Ed Greenwood “Premeditated Murder” by Ed Gaffney “Hot Number” by Carly Phillips “The Masquerade” by Brenda Joyce “See Jane Die” by Erica Spindler “The Things We Do For Love” by Kristin Hannah “The Dying Hour” by Rick Mofina Our next Library Board Meeting will be a joint Friends and Library Board meeting on Wednesday, December 14th at 7:30 pm to discuss our fund ■ events *n February and April. Our new Large Print block collection has come in and we will have it for 3 months. DECEMBER “IJ L S” BESTSELLERS “Whiteout” by Ken Follett “State of Fear” by Michael Crichton “Life Expectancy” by Dean Koontz “Holly” by Jude Deveraux “Family Blessings” by Fern Michaels “Robert Ludlum’s The Lazarus Vendetta” by Robert Ludlum “Conviction” by Richard North Patterson “Hear No Evil” by James Grippando “The Se