Hello, Diamond Valley. Well, we are officially in spring now, it sure has felt like this winter was a long one, with snow coming and going. Let’s hope for a beautiful summer like we had last year. It is also now officially the start of gardening season, which is always a pleasant pastime for a lot of us.
Turner Valley now has a community garden, as well as Black Diamond. You can register for a plot if you don’t have room for a garden at your property. The cost is minimal and includes your 16 X 14 raised bed, soil, a compost bin, and use of water and gardening tools to borrow. They also have barbeques, plant sales, and gardening talks a few times a year. To find out more or to register for a bed, contact each town to find out how.
We have the gardening zone of Zone 3 here in the Foothills, and Krista Green of her Facebook site will present the topic of growing in Zone 3, such as cold-hardy vegetables, when to plant, protecting plants from frost, and container planting. This presentation will be held at the Sheep River Library April 1st from 3-5.
We have several gardening clubs you could check out, such as the Valley Neighbours Garden Club, the Millarville Horticultural Club, and the Foothills Horticultural Club. And for seed and gardening shopping and more gardening advice, you can’t beat our very own Vale’s in Black Diamond, which is also just a lovely place to walk around and breath in that awesome greenhouse smell, or you can also check out Kayben Farms, Beaver Dam Nursery, Country Depot, or the Saskatoon Berry Farm. Gardeners have been proven to have lower levels of depression and stress as the fresh air, sunshine, and earth have a positive effect on us. And if a full time garden is not for you, you could always volunteer with the High Country Lodge’s gardens, or help out with the town’s pathways.
It’s the Sheep River Library’s 40th anniversary this year, and they are celebrating with a party on Saturday, April 29, from 1-4. This milestone event will feature an afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, local dignitaries, snacks, and some amazing door prizes. The Library is just the nicest place to go, not just for books to read, but they offer tons of programs for all ages, computers, online help, art shows, and much more. Congratulations on 40 years Sheep River Library!
Just down the road from our Library is the Sheep Creek Arts Council, and this spring they are offering more classes. For April, Joyce Brown is teaching both beginner quilting and thread painting. Christine Drake is teaching a class on mosaic- stepping stones. And there is a one day workshop taught by Connie Geets on how to paint a highland cow, and a beginner workshop on using alcohol inks. The SCAC offers many different and unique art classes and much more, visit sheepcreekarts.ca to register and to find out more.
Up the road from the SCAC is our own Turner Valley Legion. They are hosting a Trivia Night on April 14 at 7:00pm. Eat, drink, and tease your brain in this fun event. The cost is $5 per person, with a maximum of 6 people per team. There will be a cash prize for the winner(s) with the remainder going towards the Legion. The special from the kitchen that night is a Rib Dinner. Give the Legion a call at 403-933-4564 to register your team! And remember that April 9-14 is the anniversary of Vimy Ridge, the most significant battle of WW1, in which Canadian forces were recognized as an elite military force, and we honour those who battled and gave their lives for our freedom.
Beneath the Arch Concert Series is pleased to present the Lonesome Ace Stringband on April 29 from 7-10. An old-time band with bluegrass chops, they play some righteous folk and country music with a depth of groove and great vocals. It is also time for the Arch’s Adventure Raffle, which benefits their bursary program for youth in the arts. With generous donations from local businesses, these $5 raffle tickets can win you prizes worth over $3000, including a canoe, golf, or e-bike package. For tickets to the show or for information on where to get your raffle tickets, go to beneaththearch.ca. And for youth who would like to apply for their bursary, the deadline is towards the end of April, more details can be found on the Arch’s website.
Black Diamond Hotel is excited to present a tribute to Elton John on April 29, featuring Rob Skeet and the Husky Tower Band. Tickets will go fast for this fun event, you can get yours at the Hotel or at Sobey’s in Okotoks, visit blackdiamondhotel.com for more information.
Over in the Diamond, the Griffiths Center is hosting a corn hole toss exhibition on April 15 from 1:30-3:30. This is a very popular game in the States, in which you toss a beanbag into a ramp with holes in it to score points. It is a family oriented game and all are welcome, whether you are a member of the Griffiths or not. To find out more or to register, please call volunteer Ben Potter at 403-933-9770. The Griffiths Center offers a ton more classes and programs, to find out more, drop by at 122 Government Road or visit griffithscentre.ca. And they will also be hosting another Repair Café in April, to make an appointment to have your item looked at and hopefully repaired, call 403-797-0170.
If you have any events or news for the May issue of the High Country News, please drop me a line at elaine.w@telus.net. The deadline for this issue is April 15.
Happy Spring everyone,
Elaine Wansleeben
