Hello, Diamond Valley. Well we sure had a cold snap unlike any I remember for a long time. It started on January 10 and finally broke the 15th, with temperatures of –40 with the wind. When the emergency alert came on about the electricity grid being dangerously close to having to do rotating power outages, I was pleased to hear the next day that many people unplugged everything and lit candles. That was a good team effort for Albertans because for sure nobody wanted the power to go out. Lots of cars were stranded on the highways I noticed, let’s hope we are done with the extreme cold. We will have to see what Balzac Billy, our Albertan groundhog, does when he pops his head up on February 2.
There are quite a few other days to celebrate in February, such as Valentine’s Day, Yukon Heritage Day, Chinese New Year, Alberta Family Day, and Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday was the last day to use up eggs and fats before the start of the Lent fast, and pancakes were the perfect way to use up these items. The word Shrove means to give absolution for sins by way of Confession and doing penance. St. George’s Church in Turner Valley invites residents to their Pancake Supper on Feb. 13 from 4:30-7. The Supper is by donation and for more details, call 403-933-3620 or email meotaparish@gmail.com.
There’s lots to do at our Sheep River Library if the weather is too cold to be outside. Special days in February include How to Sell on Facebook Feb. 15, Using AI Tools in Work and Life on Feb. 29, How to Avoid Financial Scams on Feb. 20, plus ongoing programs include exercise, belly dancing, games, computer, crafts, children and youth programs, and much more. For a full schedule list, go to sheepriverlibrary.ca.
Down the street in Turner Valley is our Turner Valley Legion. They have Paul Rumboldt playing there on February 3. This ex-minister and his brothers are back in their old stomping grounds and it will be an awesome show. Drop by to see if by chance there are any tickets left, and while you’re there, pick up February’s calendar of events and buy a raffle ticket on the beautiful handmade canoe hanging up in the hall.
Up the street from the Legion is the Valley Neighbours Club, and they offer lots to do in the winter months as well. Floor curling is a popular event there and they always welcome spares if you don’t want to join a regular team. The VNC also offers social dance, line dance, exercise, crafts, cards, and so much more. Go to their website or pop in and see what this long-standing club has for you.
Our Foothills are alive with music this month. Elvis will be in the building on Feb. 3, playing at the Black Diamond Hotel. This is Vic De Sousa’s Elvis, and he also channels Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Little Richards, and more! Drop by the Hotel to see if there are any tickets left and keep an eye on Rockabilly Entertainment’s website for upcoming shows at the Hotel and in the Foothills. I heard tell there may be a CCR Tribute Band coming in March.
Beneath the Arch Concert Series presents Steve Pineo on February 24 from 7-10. His music is from when orchestral music met the jazz age and he plays it in a 5 -piece ensemble. This show features “original tunes and 20s and 30s classics all played with fun and virtuosity”. I’ve been to many Arch Concerts and have always enjoyed them immensely. For tickets and info, go to beneaththearch.com. The shows are held at the Flare and Derrick Community Hall in Turner Valley.
High River’s Gift of Music Society is pleased to present musical storyteller Samantha Whelan Kotkas and pianist Mark Limacher. This is a great show for the whole family as they create an interactive experience that will delight children of all ages. Their Rocky Mountain Fairy Tales interweave story with melody and it sounds like a really nice show. For tickets and info, go to the Gift of Music website, and the show is scheduled for Feb. 10.
Our very own Oilfields High School has a cool program going on, called the Vertical Farm Initiative Market. You can drop by the School on Thursdays from 2-3:30 and purchase fresh herbs and microgreens from the Vertical Grows. This is a student led program and I can’t think of a better way to get fresh herbs and greens in the middle of winter while supporting the students. The School is located at 511 3 Street in Black Diamond.
Any news or events for March, please drop me a line before February 15 at elaine.w@ telus.net. Enjoy your February and stay warm and active!
Elaine Wansleeben
