Hello, Diamond Valley. Brrrrrr it was a very cold February, at least the first few weeks. I always feel bad for people that work outdoors, and am pretty grateful that I’m not one of them. Hopefully that’s the end of the really cold weather, we shall see what happens.
You could retire if you get the lucky ticket on STARS Lottery. There is 5.4 million up for grabs, and your ticket is someone’s else’s lifeline. STARS is going on 40 years and has helped thousands of people in need with their helicopters. The final deadline for this year’s lottery is March 27, with the draw on March 31. To get your tickets, go to starslottery.ca or call 1-855-STARS-68, and help keep STARS in the sky.
Our local Sheep Creek Arts Council is looking for volunteers for their annual bake sale on June 7, and, also, they are looking for a volunteer for their treasurer. SCAC’s annual General Meeting is on March 3 at 1:00, they are located on Sunset Boulevard in Turner Valley. March’s showcase is “My Favorite Color”, where members can show art that highlights the color they love the most. For a full list of classes and programs that the SCAC offers, go to sheepcreekarts. ca or drop by. They have some new drop-in classes as well if you don’t want to make the full commitment.
The Valley Neighbours Club is right beside the SCAC and they offer a full roster of classes and programs as well, for a very reasonable yearly membership fee. Floor curling has resumed and is quite a fun game and a way to get a little exercise as well. They also host Bingo, Mexican Train, Bridge, Canasta, Social and Line Dancing, Exercise, Euchre, Wizard, and more, and also host dinners and special event throughout the year. For more information, drop by or visit valleyneighboursclub.com.
Down the street from these two organizations is our Turner Valley Legion. March 1 they will be hosting a Bluegrass Picker’s Jam at 2pm. Sundays are Sunday Fun Days for the whole family with a jam, games and pool, snacks, and more. They will be holding a Senior’s Dinner on March 31 at 5pm, please call to reserve. And they always hold a very fun St. Patrick’s Day Party, this year St. Pat’s falls on a Monday, when they are closed, so keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out when this party will be held.
Sheep River Library is putting on some interesting and fun programs this March. For ages 5-9 years, March of the Penguins is a fun arts and crafts morning with the theme of penguins. This class runs March 15 from 10-12. And on March 13 from 1-3 they are hosting Cyber Security for Seniors. This is a course on how to stay safe online, recognize scams and protect your information. Many more courses for all ages and interests are offered at the Library, for full details or to sign up pop by on Main Street in Turner Valley or visit their website.
I’ve been reading about the history of our area some more and am sure enjoying learning about how life was back in the day of the Oilfields Boom. The first hospital in the area was in operation in 1928 at the home of nurse Rose Ellen LaRosee on Frontenac Avenue in Turner Valley. Shortly afterwards, the original Turner Valley Hospital was located at 1205 Okalta Rd SW, right by the river. The 1 1⁄2 story wood frame structure contained the original circa 1930 cookhouse with several wings constructed in the mid-40’s. Doctors Harry and Dave Lander served this hospital faithfully for many years. In 1952, when oilfield activity started to slow in the area, the Turner Valley Hospital became known as Turner Valley Municipal Hospital and a staff residence and east extension was added in 1961. Our Oilfields Hospital in Black Diamond today was built in 1980. Today the old Turner Valley Hospital is home to Youth With A Mission, a not for profit organization.
220 Main Street in Turner Valley was the business of Solloway Mills Company. This 1 1⁄2 story wood frame building on the west side of Main Street wasn’t a Mill which I originally presumed, it was a stock brockerage and investment business. The history of Solloway Mills stems from the second oil and gas boom that occurred in Turner Valley in 1924. Today 220 Main Street is home to the Diamond Valley Tropicals, where you can pick up amazing tropical flowers and plants.
More to come next issue, have a great rest month of March and stay warm.
Elaine Wansleeben
