Hello Diamond Valley. Well we received our usual dump of snow in March and some cold days as well. The world has also been a crazy place lately and at the time or writing I hope things have now levelled off to a more even place. So with this in mind here’s what’s going on in our community this month, but it’s a good idea to check first just to make sure events and meetings are still taking place before heading out, information will still be changing at the time of publication.
March 19 was the first day of Spring, and many of us turned our thoughts to gardening season. Some of us have already started our tomatoes and peppers indoors, and it’s not a bad idea to be more self sufficient and try to grow our own vegetables. Please visit Diamond Valley Community Garden on Facebook to find out more about renting a bed in the Garden. The beds are 20” raised and 16’ by 4’, and the Garden is located in Black Diamond in the field at the east end of 2nd Avenue N.W.. I had the pleasure of having a bed there before I planted my own garden. We had BBQs and fundraisers, and plant sales, and people took care of one another’s beds when they were on holidays. Super good experience for me.
The Valley Neighbours Club in Turner Valley has a long-standing Gardening Club. Please contact them through their website contact info to see if events are still occuring at valleyneighboursclub.com. And the Foothills Horticultural Club info can be found on Facebook.
Cleaning up the garden and yard? The Transfer Station (north of the Black Diamond bridge) is open for business and will accept branches, leaves, grass clippings and the like. They use the material for mulch around our parks and school’s trees. From April 15-November 15, the hours are 10-4 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. From November 16 – April 14 they cut it down to Fridays and Saturdays. And the Recycle Centre in Turner Valley has loads of ideas for composting and saving water, check them out beside the Fire Hall.
Fishing season started April 1st. Alberta stocks many of their lakes, and trout is a common catch. You will need a fishing license and to learn about bait restrictions and limits on sizes and amounts of fish allowed. You can find out all you need to know about where to go and what to do on albertaregulations.ca.
The Trade and Lifestyle Expo in Okotoks coming up in May. This show has over 250 exhibits ranging from home-based businesses to products and services offered at retail stores. The show offers guest presentations, specials, live demos, and food bank donations are welcome. They offer attractions for all ages and interests. It will be held at the Okotoks Rec. Centre from 4:30-8:30 on Friday, May 8, and from 10-4 on Saturday, May 9, and the address is 99 Okotoks Drive. For more information, vendor info, and tickets, visit Okotokschamber.ca/2020tradeshow. Admission is $3 or $5 for a family of four.
Easter is around the corner. Our local churches welcome you to their Easter Services. United Church in Turner Valley has their Sunday Service, April 12 at 10 am. They also are having a Communion Pot Luck on April 10 at 5:30, call 933- 4114 for more info. St. George’s Anglican Church in Turner Valley has their Sunday service at 9:15 am. The Black Diamond Gospel Church has two Sunday services, at 9 and 11 am. And St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Black Diamond has Easter Mass on Good Friday, April 10 at 3 pm, and on Easter Sunday at 9 and 11 am.
It is that fun time of year again, Tax Time, and our towns can help ease the pain with a walk-in tax preparation clinic on April 16. This clinic is for residents of the area with income below $30K for singles and $40K for couples. Only straightforward tax returns are eligible, as the service does not cover returns for farming, rental, bankrupt, or deceased people. The required forms can be picked up at either town office beforehand. The Clinic will be held at the Sheep River Library on the 16th from 10-12 and again from 1-3, and thanks to the volunteers who make it easy for us!
Seniors, you may qualify for a property tax deferral. The Alberta Government allows eligible seniors to defer part or all of their annual residential property tax through a low interest home equity loan with the government. You must be over 65 and be a resident of Alberta and Canada. To find out more, visit SeniorsPTDp.alberta.ca. Seniors may also get help with covering the cost of basic dental and optical services. You must be 65 or over, and an Alberta and Canadian citizen, and have an income within the program’s limits. For more information, go to alberta.ca/dental-optical-assistance-seniors.
The Foothills Hospice Society is a special place in the countryside, for end-of- life journeys. They hold fundraisers throughout the year. On Sunday, May 3, they are proud to host Hike for Hospice Foothills 2020. Get sponsors and Hike for Hospice. Festivities start at 1 pm with the Hike at 2 pm, and there will be a Celebration and BBQ to follow. Register online at countryhospice.org, and to find out more.
Our very own Beneath the Arch presents Kirchen, Cox, & McRae on April 25. With decades of experience, they are also set to perform at this year’s Vancouver Folk Music Festival. For tickets, visit beneaththearch.ca. Performances are held at the Flare and Derrick in Turner Valley.
On the Edge Concert Series presents John Reischman and the Jaybirds on May 1. John is a mandolin master and they play a mix of bluegrass, blues, and gospel, and are Juno nominees. This show will be held at the beautiful Red Deer Lake Church, for tickets, go to reddeerlakeuc.com.
For a more classical experience, Foothills Philharmonic and Chamber Chorus presents Journeys, Music for the Journey of Life on April 17. Kids under 12 are free. All these concerts are extremely reasonable, and also offer season’s tickets, and provide scholarships for youth as well. Visit foothillsphilharmonic.com for tickets, and this show will be at Okotoks Alliance Church.
The Gift of Music Concert Series presents Young Musicians Extraordinaire on April 25 at the High River United Church. Anna Stube is just 13 years old and is a seasoned violinist with numerous awards and international performances under her belt. She is accompanied by young Cynthia Gan, a two -time RCM Gold Medal Winner as well as an accomplished pianist and creative writer. Go to highrivergiftofmusic.com for tickets.
Yeehaw, it’s Rodeo Time in Alberta! April’s lineup includes Tofield, AB, on the 11th, Camrose April 24-26, and Crowsnest Pass (Coleman) on the 24-26 as well. The tradition of Rodeo is a part of a tradition handed down to us from our pioneering forefathers who developed the various events and evolved them into competitions of individuals and animals competing against their neighbouring ranches. The tradition is more refined today and continues to be proactive in the handling of their rodeo livestock. The Canadian Pro Rodeo Association holds Rodeos throughout the summer. For more information, visit rodeocanada.com.
Can you believe our annual Parade Day/Discovery Days weekend is approaching? Volunteers are the mainstay of this annual tradition. If you can help out for a few hours with kid’s activities, traffic control, and a host of other positions, you would join a team of fun and dedicated volunteers who would really appreciate your help. Get into the spirit of volunteering and have a great time helping out! To find out about volunteer opportunities for the Discovery Days Weekend, please call either Town Office or drop in. Black Diamond’s number is 933-4348 and Turner Valley’s is 933-4944.
If you have any events happening in the month of May, please email me at elaine.w@telus.net. We love to hear from not for profit organizations and individuals. The deadline for this issue is April 15.
Happy Spring!
Elaine Wansleeben
