Hello, Diamond Valley. Well we survived a couple weeks of brutally cold weather in January. I’m not looking forward to my next utility bill, with the furnace going off every 15 minutes or so during that cold spell, but not much can be done about it. The kids are off school for Family Day Week, which is February 17-21. What does family mean to you? It doesn’t necessarily mean blood relatives. It’s the people you can confide in and trust, and have fun with. Hopefully this Family Day you can find some fun with the family.
During Alberta’s twice-yearly Family Fishing Weekends, no fishing license is required. Albertans and visitors are invited to fish on water bodies with open fishing seasons (not in national parks). We went to Chain Lakes last year and ice fished, it was quite an experience. Keep in mind that fishing regulations still apply. For more information, check out mywildalberta.ca.
Sheep River Library offers Natured Kids, a program for parents and kids aged 3-5. Essential skills will be introduced to families through games, songs, and activities out in nature. Join them for one hour of fun in the sun, rain, or snow, so dress for the outdoors. This program runs Wednesdays from 12:45-1:45 Jan. 29-March 18, and again from April 22- June 10. Please register at the Library for these sessions. The phone number is 403.933.3278.
It was sad to hear that Literacy for Life has had to close its doors as of the end of 2019, after 20 years of operation, due to reduced funding. They have been talking with other agencies to explore ways that literacy programs can continue in the Foothills, and the Sheep River Library has stepped up to the challenge, continuing programs such as the above.
The last Tuesday of the month is Family Fun Night at the Turner Valley School. Sponsored by the United Church in the Valley, this is a free night with physical activities and a chance to meet with other families. The event runs from 6-7:30 and is held in the school’s gym. For more information, go to UnitedChurchintheValley.ca.
Our towns sponsor a Free Family Shinny on Family Day. This year it will run from 10-11am at the Outdoor Rink in Black Diamond, which is up behind Oilfields High School. Helmets are mandatory on the ice. Sounds like a great way to start the day, for more info, the Arena’s number is 403.933.5272.
Turner Valley Legion is hosting their annual Valentine’s Day Children’s Party on February 15. You must register for this event so that they can be properly prepared for it. The Legion is a fabulous place to come anytime and bring your family, no membership is required, just sign the guest book when you come in. For more info and to register your child(ren) for the Valentine’s Day Party, please call 403.933.4600 or drop by.
Diamond Valley Boys and Girls Club offers a licensed preschool, after school programs, school break programs, and opportunities for teens. Their mission is “to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life”. They have been operating since 1997 and I have heard nothing but positive remarks about the Club. To find out more, drop by, they are located upstairs from the Oilfields Arena in Black Diamond, or call 403.933.4066.
Thinking of a new furry, four-legged addition to your family? Petsmart Charities is holding their annual National Adoption Weekend February 28 – March 1. Come to the Petsmart in Okotoks to check it out. Or contact any one of ourAnimal Rescue Societies to adopt your life long buddy. You can look up High Country SPCA right here in Turner Valley, Okotoks Pound Rescue, Heaven Can Wait in High River, or the Cochrane or Calgary SPCAs. I have adopted all of my furry little friends throughout my life through Rescue Societies and have not regretted it once as my animals have given me unconditional love and happiness!
It is Winter Walk Day throughout the province on February 5th. It’s a good excuse to get out into the fresh air and sun and get moving. Many of us hibernate in the cold months but it sure feels good to get out, even for just a short time. To learn more about Winter Walk Day, go to winterwalkday.ca. We are also blessed to have the Sheep River Ramblers Walk, Hike, and Snowshoe Group, through the Library, and you can walk indoors at the Oilfields High School during the week when the weather is too cold to be outside. You must sign a form and get a visitor’s pass, for more info, call the school at 403.938.4973. And Sandy McNabb up in Kananaskis Country has lots of cross country ski trails of all levels. We used to cross country ski as kids with the family and the peace and quiet, the exercise, the beauty of nature, and the family time was always a pleasure, not to mention the hot chocolate to keep you warm.
At different times of the year, we are fortunate enough to see deer, moose, elk, bear, cougar, and bobcat both in and around town, as the surrounding area contains several wildlife corridors. These corridors are important habitat for many wildlife species, and we must remember that we need to share these spaces with the original four-legged inhabitants. Usually these animals move through town without incident, however, it is important to remember that they can become aggressive if they are injured or if they feel threatened or challenged in any way, particularly if they are travelling with their offspring. DO NOT approach wildlife. Keep your distance, and keep your pet on a leash, for your safety and theirs. For more information, visit the following sites: Alberta Bear Smart, Cougars and Humans, or Human Wildlife Conflict.
Sheep Creek Arts Council has many different programs to keep you occupied this winter season. They offer painting, quilting, and much more. Visit sheepcreekarts.ca for a full list of programs. They are located at 133 Sunset Boulevard in Turner Valley. And right next door to the SCAC is the Valley Neighbor’s Club. They offer floor curling, bridge, line dancing, bingo, dance lessons, and host several luncheons and other events throughout the year. Drop by to see what goes on at the Valley Neighbor’s Club.
There are some great concerts this month to enjoy with your family. Beneath the Arch is putting on The Bros. Landreth on February 8. The Gift of Music Society is hosting WindSync on February 7th, and On the Edge Concert Series presents Scott Ainslie on March 6. All these shows are held in the Foothills and the cost is nominal. I have been to lots of these shows and have always been impressed with the talent being presented.
If you have any events happening in the month of March that you would like to see in the High Country News, please email me at elaine.w@telus.net. Any not for profit organizations, we would love to hear from you! The deadline for this issue is February 15.
Happy Family Day!
Elaine Wansleeben
