Hello, Diamond Valley! Ah, spring has sure been in the air after all that snow that kept coming and going. So far, I’ve seen Canada geese, a blue jay and a robin, and the gophers are back as well. I for one, am very ready for summer to arrive. Speaking of summer, a reminder to all businesses and residents that the Alberta Youth Summer Games are set for July 20-23, and the 14 sports represented will take place in both Black Diamond and Okotoks. More information can be found online for the Games, it should be a hopping time here and good for business.
Have you been to our local Legion lately? The front hallway going up the stairs has been transformed into a beautiful poppy field, with the help of local artists Hazel Martin, Linda Lunn, Cathy Dallas, Renee Carrier, and Sherri Gussman. All supplies were donated by local donors. It sure brightened up the entryway. The Legion’s north deck will be open for dining on May 6, so that will be nice to sit outside. Other Legion news is that they will be closed from May 22-29 in order to become a polling station for the provincial election. Polling hours will be from 7am-9pm. Lastly, their AGM will be held May 16 at 7:00pm, please plan to attend if you are a member.
We will have a Canadian on the moon next year, when the Artemis II mission featuring the crew capsule Orien will launch in November of 2024. Two Albertans were in the running, Jennifer Sydney-Gibbons from Calgary and Joshua Katryk from Beauvallon (a county near Two Hills), but Jeremy Hansen from Ontario received the honor of the mission. They will be building a lunar rover, and it will take over 400K of travel to get there and back.
The Rothney Observatory will be paying close watch on this mission, and if you’ve never been there, perhaps this summer would be a good time to visit. They have a telescope which you can check out online. On clear nights you can see planets, stars, constellations, and the Milky Way, and even the Northern Lights when they are active. The Observatory is located near Millarville and is run by the University of Calgary, check out their Skycam online, or plan a visit to the Observatory itself.
Also near Millarville is the Leighton Art Centre, which has two exhibits opening this spring. The Annual Juried Members Exhibition is scheduled for their 21st year, with amazing works of art from local artists. In addition, their exhibit Human Sprawl, from artist Michelle Atkinson, is a wonder of glass art featuring endangered species such as whooping cranes, bull trout, swift foxes, and local fauna, set in the Leighton’s indoor garden. Visit leightoncentre.org to find out more and plan your escape.
Diamond Valley’s annual Discovery Days and Parade Weekend is coming up the first Saturday in June, on the 3rd, so look for details in the next issue. This weekend starts with a big parade in Black Diamond, and family fun in Centennial Park in Turner Valley. Local businesses and not for profit groups put on all kinds of activities as well. Volunteers are always appreciated for the weekend, even a couple of hours help, so contact the Town of Diamond Valley if you are interested in being a part of this community event.
The Country Hospice asks that you join them for their annual Hike for Hospice on May 7th. This is a big fundraiser for the Hospice, in support of compassionate end- of-life care and bereavement care in the Foothills. Meet at the Okotoks Rec Centre Curling Rink at noon, for registration, and the hike begins at 1:00 on paved pathways in Okotoks. Strolling is acceptable if you’re not an avid hiker, with either a 3km or 5km route. Please register online at countryhospice.org.
Another great fundraising walk this year is the Purina Walk for Guide Dogs on May 28th. Dog Guides transform the impossible into the possible, with dogs trained and partnered with people in categories such as Canine Vision, Hearing Ear Dogs, Special Skills Dogs, Seizure Response Dogs, and Autism Assistance Dogs. It takes approximately $20,000 to raise, train, and place each dog guide, so your gift of walking to raise funds is an invaluable one. The Walk will start at the Okotoks Lion’s Campground, to register, get your pledge forms, and more information can be found at Purina Walk For Guide Dogs.com.
Our own Lion’s Campground in Black Diamond is open for business as well, look for tickets for their annual Duck Derby raffle. You buy a ticket, and if your numbered rubber ducky wins first or second, the prize is $1000, and last ducky in wins $2000. The Derby is set for July 1 in Black Diamond, with all proceeds to support local Youth Community Organizations, including the Little Leos.
The Sheep Creek Arts Council is pleased to host the following classes in May and June – Paint Your Way, May 1 – June 26, Paint a Highland Cow on May 6, Acrylic Painting for Beginners on May 11 and June 8, Beginner Alcohol Inks May 13, and Improve your Cell Phone Photography June 7. The SCAC is located at 133 Sunset Boulevard in Turner Valley, to register and to find out more, pop by or go to sheepcreekarts.ca.
If you have any events or news for the month of June, please drop me a line at elaine.w@telus.net. The deadline for this issue is May 15.
Happy Mother’s Day May 14!
Elaine Wansleeben
