Hello, Diamond Valley. So, did Balzac Billy see his shadow this year? At the time of writing, he was still underground, but it’s been a fairly mild winter so far. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts Southern Alberta to be sunny and about 3 degrees average cooler than usual, with intervals of snow. So, all in all we don’t have too long to wait for spring, as it’s officially on March 20.
It’s still been nice enough to take the dog for a walk most days. Some days I’m not feeling it, but then my little dog goes to his basket and pulls out his leash so what choice do I have but to go. Winter Walk Day in Canada is on February 5, it’s always the first Wednesday in February. This day encourages us to get out for a 15 -minute walk, around the block or nearby park, or wherever you may choose. Many organizations put together events, for more information, go to shape.ca/winter-walk-day, and get out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
It’s also Family Day in Alberta on February 17, the third Monday of February every year, and the Province offers a free fishing license for all from Feb. 15-17. Time to fire up the auger and go ice fishing, which is quite the experience. According to the Angler’s Atlas, the 5 best spots in Alberta for ice fishing are: Chain Lakes, Ghost Reservoir (near Cochrane), Lake Newell (near Brooks), Eagle Lake (near Strathmore), and Crawling Valley (near Bassano).
Have you checked out our nice bookstore here in Black Diamond? Spisherbocker Books, located across from the Town Hall, is a lovely little bookstore with something for everyone. They also have a Book Club, and offer workshops on writing. This February features Writing Children’s Books on February 15, and Writing Memoirs on February 22. For more info or to register pop by or visit spisherbocker.com.
And one of my favorite places, the Sheep River Library, offers a multitude of classes and groups as well. They have programs in Mind and Body, Arts and Crafts, Music, First Aid Courses, Brain Health, Movies, Career Development, Technology, Pre- School, Teen Events, and of course a Book Club. Visit the Library and pick up the Winter/Spring program or visit the website.
Also at the SRL is a program called STEAM. This stands for Science, Technology, English, Arts, and Math and is an affordable 10 week extracurricular program for youth. This program is brought to you through Diamond Valley Youth Foundation, in collaboration with the Library, TC Energy, and Tim Horton’s. It is an after-school club, check out dvyouthfoundation.ca for full details.
Our local Pound Rescue can help with the cost of spaying or neutering your pets if you are on a fixed income. They are a registered charity who helps lost or abandoned animals to either be reunited with their owners or find a new home, with a no kill standard. People who adopt from them (or any animal rescue) help two animals; the one they adopt and thus creating space for them to take in another abandoned animal. They are for sure looking for foster homes for these animals, as there is no actual brick and mortar shelter, and can always use donations in the form of money, dog houses, blankets, and helping to spread education about strays, fixing your pet, and much much more. Go to PoundRescue.ca for more information and as Bob Barker always said, please have your pet spayed or neutered so as not to add to the pet population. Why create more dogs and cats when there are thousands of pets just waiting for their forever home.
I also came across an organization called ElderDog. This is a charity which helps seniors keep their pets in their home, with volunteers helping to walk your dog if you are unable to, or get pet food, etc. If you must move somewhere like a senior’s home and they don’t allow your beloved pet, they will try to find a new home for them. ElderDog has a chapter in Calgary, and would love it if someone would start a chapter here in the Foothills. For more information, visit ElderDog.ca.
There are lots of Animal Rescue Organizations in our area, including our very own High Country SPCA, Heaven Can Wait in High River, Pound Rescue, AARCS, BARCS, and of course most larger cities have their own SPCA. As an animal lover, I appreciate all the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers it takes to run these programs.
If you’re looking to get out and about after a lazy winter, the Black Diamond Hotel is hosting an Eagles Tribute Show on February 8. Tickets will go fast for this show, to get yours, pop by the Hotel or Okotoks Sobey’s, or for E-transfers the number is 403-612-7046.
Happy Valentine’s Day February 14!
Elaine Wansleeben
