Hello, Diamond Valley. Well we had some chilly nights starting around the middle of August, so much so that I had to put a sweater on, and check the forecast as to whether or not the tomato plants should come indoors. But the sun made up for it during the days, and we had some lovely hot weather to enjoy, with temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s. Here’s hoping for a nice Fall, and here’s a look at what’s happening in our beautiful neighborhood in September.
Amalgamation is in the works again. Both towns, Turner Valley and Black Diamond, will be officially letting the Minister of Municipal Affairs know that they would like to investigate amalgamation again. This notification will occur on September 15. The two towns received a $150,000 grant in 2017 to hire a consultant to conduct a study on the subject. And back in 2007 it was explored again but was voted out with a slim margin. So, what does this mean for our Diamond Valley? Amalgamation is defined as “the action, process or result of combining or uniting”. This in part means combining resources and duties such as administrative, maintenance, and police. In some areas in may save taxpayer’s dollars, in others, it may cost more. There are many issues to discuss. So, we would most likely apply for another grant for investigation, and go from there. The two towns have a Friendship Agreement, developed back in 2012, that says each has agreed to a commitment to study the possibility of amalgamation in the future. So, the debate continues! Contact your town’s or municipalities’ councilors for more information.
The winners of Turner Valley’s beautification contest have been decided, and a tough decision it was. A total of 50 projects were submitted in the form of gardens, and first place won $100 with $50 going to the runners up. The prize money came from the Town’s community support fund. Winners are: (drum roll please!) for Home Grown Favourite: 1st place, Sandy Gregg; runner up: Marjorie Kerley. For Community Spirit: 1st place, Beth Ohlson; runner up, Robert and Cathy Dallas. For Conservation and Environmental: 1st place, Zephyr Hazenveld; runner up, Marian Wolf. For Creative Kids Gardening: the winner is Ellie Kronstal. For pictures of these beautiful gardens, go to turnervalley. ca/bloominturnervalleywinnersposter, and congratulations to our winners.
The Most Beautiful Art Tour is a cultural weekend of inspiration in our Foothills celebrated in September. This is a self-drive tour to art galleries and artists in the area, which is just one of the many talents we are proud to promote. You could start in Okotoks and visit Okotoks Art Gallery and Lineham House Galleries. Stop at the Okotoks Erratic (the Big Rock, if you’ve never been), and read about the history and the legend there. In Black Diamond, stop by Bluerock Gallery on Main Street, then be treated to an inside look at Firebrand Glass Studio and nearby Eversfield Ceramics. Over the bridge in Turner Valley, you will find Susan Kristoferson in her hilltop studio, and Mady Theil-Kopstein who painted the iconic scene in the BD town parking lot. Last but never least, make sure you leave time to visit the jewel that is the Leighton Art Centre, which is a historical and educational art gallery, museum, shop, and educational centre housed on 80 acres. The Art Tour runs September 25-27. Art Galleries are open to the public during regular hours, and private artist studios are welcoming visitors by appointment. Please contact them directly to do so.
Okay kids, school is starting again this fall after a very long time away due to COVID-19. I have been talking to friends with school aged children and there is a mixed bag of thoughts there. Some will continuing with home schooling and some will send their kids back to school, but most are a bit nervous, and that’s because they are parents and love their kids. Home schooling was a challenge in many cases, especially with the new way to do math. I understand desks in schools will be spaced farther apart, and masks will be required in the hallways and public spaces for the older set. Hand sanitizer is also on the list of supplies, and not a bad idea whatsoever. I now keep masks and sanitizer in my car and purse as many of us do. So, if students, parents, and caregivers are concerned and would appreciate some support, there is some to be had. The regional program known as Parent Link is newly named Greater Foothills Family Resource Network. This program ensures that youth 0-18 and their families continue to have access to programs and services that are family focused and community based. This Network is comprised of the following partners: The Greater Foothills Family Centre, Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills, Foothills Family Counselling, Rainbow Literacy, and Wild Rose Community Connections. Some programs offered are Positive Parent Education, Developmental Screening, Kids Club, Parenting Workshops, Clothing Exchanges, Community Outreach Programs, and Information, Supports, and Referrals.
Other supports include both Black Diamond and Turner Valley’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), and Foothills School Division Inclusive Learning Programs. School based teams consist of classroom teachers, school administration, learning coaches, educational assistants, youth development coaches, and family school liaison counsellors. School linked teams consist of a director of inclusive learning, behavior learning strategist, counselling coordinator, and therapists. Therapists include speech language, occupational, physical, blind or visually impaired, and deaf or hard of hearing. For details on these programs, contact your town’s FCSS or the Foothills School Division #38 (Inclusive Learning Programs at Foothills School Division). Best of luck this Fall to all our students, and let the learning continue!
You may also have heard of High Country Helps, a faith-based initiative between churches of the High Country Ministerial, Youth With a Mission, and individuals of the Foothills District, with the support of FCSS Alberta. They are looking for people who could use a hand, as well as people who are willing to lend a hand. They are also looking for volunteers to connect with the people on their block to be the “Block Connector.” Some of the ways to help serve your community are: delivering groceries and prescriptions to seniors and those isolated in rural areas, practical help like walking the dog or mowing the lawn, urgent repairs, phone call check-ins for seniors living alone, and connections with resources in our area such as emergency shelters, referrals to food bank, counselling, social services, mental health connections, etc, and more. Whether you find yourself needing a hand, or are looking to volunteer, they would love to hear from you. I know I wanted to volunteer when COVID-19 hit us, but due to the nature of the pandemic I had trouble finding opportunities to do so. Things have changed a bit as we figure things out so if this sounds like something you can do, please check them out on Facebook, or at highcountryhelps.com.
You can upgrade your schooling through the Alberta Distance Learning Centre, or ADLC. I went this route a million years ago when I dropped out of school to work, and completed my Grade 12 through ADLC. They have over 250 courses to choose from, all taught by professional teacher- instructors ready to help you succeed. Complete your course on paper or online, your choice, and you can start anytime, and work at your own pace. Prices are affordable and competitive. ADLC has been around since 1923, for more information, call 1-866-774-5333 or visit them online.
Recreational activities in our towns took a nose dive during the last few months but some are starting to resurface this fall. Dr. Lander Swimming Pool is open with no drop-ins allowed. You must register for public swims, and group swims are groups such as families and friends. Aqua- fit and lane swims are fully booked and are on a waiting list for those interested. The maximum for the pool is 40 people. To find out more, go to turnervalley.ca and search under Dr. Lander Pool, and to register for a swim time email tvpool@ turnervalley.ca or call 403-933-7483. The Spray Park is open as well with social distancing in place.
The Field of Dreams baseball field located between our two towns has yet to be used, so hopefully more news on that at a later date. Both the Oilfields Arena and the Scott Seaman Outdoor Arena are closed to the public and only available for pre-booked user groups. So as of now there will be no after school or family shinny, and no free public skate or loonie/toonie skates. However, the Scott Seaman Arena is offering Pickleball this year! What is pickleball? It is a game with paddles, a court, and the pickleball, and is either named after the founder’s dog, Pickles, or because it reminded the founder’s wife of a pickle boat. Either way, it is a fun name and is called the fastest growing sport you never heard of. Drop in at the Scott Seaman Arena on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30, or Wednesdays from 3-5, just show up and you can play a game with paddles provided, so you can check it out. Beginners welcome. After the first game you can buy your own paddle and start pickling! For more information, please call Gerald at 403-889-9115.
Sheep Creek Arts Council is resuming operation this September. The Annual General Meeting will be held September 13th at 1:00. Online and in house classes will be held, with social distancing guidelines and the use of masks and sanitizer in place for in house classes. A Mosiac Garden Ball class is on Sept. 12th and 19th. Painting classes with David Kilter start Sept. 8th, those with Vivian Wiebe start Sept. 14th, and with Jenna Moore start Sept. 9th. Quilting classes with Joyce Brown start Sept. 15th and 17th. For more details and to register visit sheepcreekarts.ca. They are located on Sunset Boulevard in Turner Valley.
I see the Lion’s Campground in Black Diamond has had a booming business after officially opening again. This is fantastic because funds raised go towards our community. The Lions work at other fundraisers as well and always welcome new members. Their motto is “WE SERVE”, and that they do. They are amazing!!!! Just some of the not for profits they have contributed to are: Turner Valley Legion, Boys and Girls Club, Light Up, New Year’s Eve, Parade and Discovery Days, Beneath the Arch, Valley Neighbours Club, Griffiths Centre, Project Green Day, RCMP Charity Golf Classic, High Country Rockies Hockey, Nova Lions Club, Longview Seniors Club, Lions Eyeglass Recycling, and tons more, too many to name here. The Lions meet at the Legion the first and third Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in joining this valuable organization or just volunteering from time to time, look them up at foothillslionsclub.ca.
I wanted to give a shout out to Adele Mundell, who has opened up her new business Okotoks Welcome. Adele was the host of Welcome Wagon for more than 30 years and wanted to keep going after the Wagon had to close due to the pandemic. She is a lovely person and very talented in community promotion. Find the new business on Facebook, and way to go, Adele!
Foothills Country Hospice’s Rally 4 Hospice is just around the corner on September 12th. New this year are a reduced entry fee, online auction, and a wrap up party at High River Sunset Drive-In, with dinner delivered to your car, live outdoor entertainment, and the feature movie “Ford vs. Ferrari”. Register your vehicle and rally up! Since opening their doors in 2008 the Hospice has provided around the clock, compassionate care to more than 1200 residents and their families. Please help support the Hospice by registering for the rally, or sponsor or donate. Details please visit countryhospice.org.
September has always been the month for the Terry Fox Run. Terry had cancer and a prosthetic leg on which he ran almost all the way across Canada in hopes of raising funds for cancer research. He died while trying, but 40 years later, his legacy carries on. Terry once said, “anything is possible if you try”. Canadians continue to support cancer research through Virtual Runs this year from coast to coast on Sunday, September 20th. Register as a family, individual, or a virtual team to start your fundraising effort. Where to run? Around your yard, down the street, around your neighborhood, around the block, run, walk, or ride! One day, your way. Why? Because cancer research can’t wait, because Terry asked us to try, for your loved ones, for your future. You can share your day online and help inspire others, shop online, or just donate. The 2020 Terry Fox Virtual Run and all its details can be found at terryfox.org.
If you have anything happening in October that you would like to share with our readers, or any of the not for profit organizations would like to share their story with us, please email me at elaine.w@telus.net. The deadline for this issue is September 15th.
Happy Autumn, September 21st!
Elaine Wansleeben
