ponoka news, june 15, 2016

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Vol. 68, No. 24 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016 | 403-783-3311 | WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

A good weekfor Ponoka soccer

Story on page 22

Everyone loves asunny Ponoka Stampede

parade morningStory on page 5

Refl ections

Sports

Dancing the boredom away

Moose Hall resonated with dance music for three days beginning Friday, June 10 with musicians of all genres taking to the stage during the annual Jam Session, which welcomed mostly seniors from all over the province. The event marking its seventh year was in Ponoka for only the second time.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

2 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Stampede Sale!403-783-5575

All frame purchases receive a 20% coupon toward lenses.

STAMPEDESTAYCATION WITH:

Thursday, June 234 - 7 pm

5006-52 Ave in front of Ponoka FCSS(United Church if raining)

FREE BBQ- Served by Ponoka County

Firefi ghters

ENTERTAINMENT- Including magician Kyle Key!

PRIZES- Including Stampede Tickets, T-shirts,

Midway Passes, Food Vouchers fora picnic and more!

BRIGHT & CLEANOPEN 6am-11pm

daily!3 sizes of washers2 sizes of

dryers

Comfortablesitting area

with tv

4205 64 ST., Ponoka 403-783-8382P o n o k a W e t a s k i w i n L e d u c

MGA requiredinter-municipal collaboration

needs frameworkProposed changes to the Municipal Government Act

(MGA) show a push to bring municipalities closer togeth-er but how that will look needs some planning, accord-ing Town of Ponoka CAO Albert Flootman.

The actual framework is yet to be outlined, he ex-plained in an interview.

Some of the changes almost regionalize certain ser-vices of neighbouring municipalities. Proposed changes to the MGA include provisions instructing neighbouring municipalities to have a collaboration framework, which would include land-use planning, a list of services con-sidered on a regional basis, dispute resolution process when municipalities cannot agree, timelines for comple-tion, authority to exempt municipalities in certain cases and other matters if needed.

The intermunicipal collaboration framework to be discussed will be the most important part of the process to establish what will be shared and what the service levels will be, explained Flootman.

This framework will override any municipal develop-ment plan already in place the town updated and approved its municipal development plan in 2013 and will govern how funding is shared and costs appor-tioned, explained Flootman. As there are no details to this framework, the CAO suggests initial discussions will be a time for innovation and exploration.

Expanding on the Municipal Ombudsman role Typically the ombudsman will deal with individual

concerns if residents have issues but the province is ex-panding its role to allow for investigations into councils.

That offi ce would have to grow in size to meet the needs if these changes come into effect, said Flootman.

Despite the growth, he feels it may give residents a tool to ensure transparency. It would enhance transparency and accountability, which is a priority for the Town of Ponoka,

The proposed changes also allow residents an oppor-tunity to petition the Municipal Affairs minister for an

audit or inspection on matters including conduct of councillors, employees, agents and contractors of the municipality.

Ensuring balance in residential and non-residential taxes

The province proposes links to residential and non-res-idential tax rates and restricts a gap of fi ve times the highest non-residential tax rate to the lowest residential tax rate. This affects 19 municipalities but Ponoka is not one of them.

In other parts of Canada its very typical for commer-cial to be two-times residential, said Flootman.

In our case the non residential is 1.3 times residen-tial.

He added town council was clear in its goal not to in-crease the tax burden on residents for 2016 and the town wants to ensure a balance.

Off-site levies change to benefi t fast growing commu-nities

There is an opportunity to take advantage of off-site levies to build community buildings but it wont help Ponoka in the short term.

This change may be of short and mid-term benefi t to communities that are seeing rapid growth. Flootman said some urban communities such as Airdrie and St. Albert are seeing such a rise in population that there is a need to build a new fi re hall or library or police de-tachment.

A slower growing community like Ponoka is not as likely to benefi t in the short and medium term, said Flootman.

The communities facing fast-paced growth are strug-gling to pay for new infrastructure using existing tax-payers dollars but not from new residents coming in. This is where the proposed change moves the cost of infrastructure improvements to owners of new homes.

Municipal Affairs goal is to have the MGA changes approved by the next municipal election slated for fall 2017. The town will have representation at a public meeting regarding the changes in Red Deer for Thursday, June 16.

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYEPONOKA NEWS

WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

A member of the

Maskwacis RCMP has received an esteemed Community Justice

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016 PONOKA NEWS 3

Gull Lake Deer Creek Gas Co-op Ltd. will be holding aSpecial General Meeting at the Leedale Hall on June 15th, 2016 7:30pm.

June 15th, 2016 Leedale Hall, NW 35 41-04-W5M

Registration for voting begins at 5:00 pm, with an opportunity for you to meet and talk to your Directors from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm,

dinner from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm and the Special General Meeting from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

At the close of the Benjamin Gas Co-op Ltd. 2016 Annual General Meeting, a Special General Meeting will be held to vote on the following.

Notice of Extraordinary ResolutionThat Gull Lake Deer Creek (G.L.D.C.) Gas Co-op Ltd., pursuant to section 24(1) of the Rural Utilities Act, Alberta, amalgamates with Benjamin Gas

Co-op Ltd. on the terms and conditions set out in the Amalgamation Agreement.

BBQ Dinner and meetings are open to Gull Lake Deer Creek G.L.D.C. Gas Co-op Ltd. members, Benjamin Gas Co-op Ltd.

members and invited guests only.G.L.D.C. members are requested to R.S.V.P. for the BBQ

by June 9th, 2016 , by calling 403-843-1050.

NOTICE OFSPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

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Due to the Canada Day holiday, the Ponoka News will have an early deadline for the July 6th issue.

Display & Class Display Advertising Deadline - Thursday, June 30 @ 3:00 pm

The Ponoka News will be closed Friday, July 1

and re-open for business Monday, July 4 @ 8:30 am

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Maskwacis sergeant receives provincial awardBY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYEPONOKA NEWS

Maskwacis RCMP Sgt. Gary MacLaren was one of six recipients of the esteemed Community Justice Award from Friday, June 3. MacLaren was nominated for his close involvement with residents in Maskwacis.

Photo submitted

Award.Sgt. Gary MacLaren is

one of six recipients who received the award from the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General at a cer-emony held Friday, June 3 in Calgary.

The reason for being nominated, and eventu-ally receiving the award, was due to creating in-roads with Maskwacis residents by getting him-self and his staff, part of a community polic-ing effort, to be readily available to residents. MacLaren said hearing he was nominated came as a complete surprise and honour. He is in charge of a 12 member community response unit with many members involved in the community.

Along with lending out the detachments tee pee, MacLaren and his staff attend powwows and visit folks during hockey games or other events. His goal? Focus on the positive.

A lot of it is just en-couraging members to be involved, said MacLaren.

That involvement has created an environment of trust. For MacLaren, its all about education. Sometimes residents will store fi rearms at home for their own safekeep-ing, which is determined during voluntary home inspections. If found with one, rather than charge them, the response unit allows people to surren-der the fi rearms with no charge.

The other thing the unit does is keep lines of com-munication open with youths by, trying to be

involved with the youth as much as we canwe care.

MacLaren is also part of several community groups that have helped raise funds during a char-ity Check Stop, which raised $9,700 to raise awareness for impaired driving. While doing that he is also a coach for a local youth hockey team.

Tully Johnson another recipient

While Tully Johnson isnt necessarily from the Ponoka area, he has many clients and friends near-by.

Johnson received his award for strong com-mitment to the rural crime watch community and reinvigorating the Rosebrier Rural Crime Watch, which started in

1984. Johnson further en-ergized the group when elected as chairperson in 2011.

Developing a close relationship with the Wetaskiwin RCMP, Johnson has helped cre-ate strong awareness and a positive collaboration with RCMP in the area.

For his part hearing of the award was a complete honour and surprise. Organizers rolled out the proverbial red carpet for him and the other four recipients. Receiving this treatment was something he was not used to as Johnsons goal has always been to keep rural resi-dents informed of what is happening.

To make that happen he spent many hours get-ting to know the staff ser-

geant in Wetaskiwin and over time he was able to create a positive, collab-orative work relationship. At times staff at the de-tachment joked that they should just give him his own office, explained Johnson.

I go over and above what I need to, said Johnson proudly of his involvement.

Rosebriers rural crime watch now has 112 mem-bers.

Other recipients of the award include agencies the Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women with Addictions, the Kainai Peacemaking Program, Const. Steven Baker with the Lethbridge Police Service and Const. Scott Lowe with the Peace River RCMP.

Dear Editor,I noted with some amusement that brave, coura-

geous Scott Lewis waited until after he is no longer accountable to the people of Ponoka, to unload his atheistic critique of Mr. Overeems views.

Mr. Scott appears to me to be yet another fun-damentalist atheist. I use the descriptive word

fundamentalist because1) he assumes that he alone is right, and 2) he is

quite willing to then mock and deride the faith of any who might disagree with him.

I found myself wondering if Mr. Scott encour-aged his students to routinely mock anyone who disagrees with them on matters of faith, or wheth-

er - hypocritically - he taught them to honour the views of others, and accept their right to hold a dissenting opin-ion from their own.

As I said above, brave, courageous Mr. Scott, the teacher who is sure that only his views are correct, and who sees no contradiction in an educator mocking the alternative views of others. He will go far in the atheist camp; per-haps not so far as an educator.

James StrachanPonoka


Your Guide To Local Houses

of Worship

CHURCH DIRECTORY

HOME CHURCHPastor Rob McArthur 403-783-5659

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.Corner of Hwy 53 & Hwy 2A (former Crossroads Restaurant)

www.myhomechurch.ca

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCHPASTOR DAVE BEAUDOIN

6230-57 Ave. Ph. 403-783-6404 Saturdays 9:30 - 12 [email protected]

NEW COVENANT BAPTISTREFORMED CHURCH

Currently meeting at Ponoka Christian School 6300-50 St.Worship Service Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome!phone: 403-783-6962 www.baptistreformedponoka.org

PARKLAND REFORMED CHURCHSouth on 2A, West on Spruce Road 403-783-1888

Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon Worship Service 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.www.parklandurc.org

Associated Gospel Churches of CanadaCHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE

3704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500Worship Service 11:00 a.m. [email protected]

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PONOKASr. Pastor Paul Spate

James Crosina - Fac. of Community Life5109 - 57 Ave. Ponoka www.fbcponoka.org 403-783-5533

Bible Discovery Hour 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

PONOKA UNITED CHURCH Minister: Beatrix Schirner [email protected]

Sunday Service 10:30 am. www.ponokaunitedchurch.ca

5020-52 Ave. Ponoka Phone: 403-783-4087

SONRISE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCHVacation Bible School July 18 - 22

Pastor W. DellemanWorship Service 10:30 a.m.

mile south of Centennial Centre for Mental Health & Brain Injury 403-783-6012 www.sonriseponoka.com

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCHFr. Shimit Abraham CFIC

Mass Times: 7:00 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6 403-783-4048

[email protected]

ST. MARYS ANGLICAN CHURCHRev. Donna Willer

Rev. Marty Tuer, Honourary Assistant5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4329

Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist 10 a.m.www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

5501 - 54 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4141Sunday Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 10:30am

Pastor Tim Graff trinityponoka.ca

ZION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIPPastor Fred Knip

9 miles east on Hwy 53 403-782-9877Jr. Church during service for children

Sunday Service 10:30 am

July 4th 8th 9am 11:30amAge: 3-12

Come join us for Games, Snacks and Story Timeto w nd the Right direction to Jesus.

Register online at sonriseponoka.com

Ponoka Sonrise CRCWOULD LIKE TO INVITE

you for a week to:

The NATIONAL PARK Vacation Bible School

Religion

Where are you going?With the school year winding down

many have started planning for sum-mer holidays.

Its the time of year with conversa-tions of hopeful summer plans, trips and maybe even some relaxing days. I will be heading out with my family on a 40 hour drive to South Carolina for a wedding.

Although Ive never been there, I do know where I am going. For most people, if they have made plans to enjoy the summer months, this is a time to work out the details. Where will we go? When will we leave? How will we get to our destination? What will we do?

Figuring out the details is some-thing that I love to do. I am nearly in-capable of just winging it. Planning for holidays or getaways is nearly required if we want to avoid missing out, but what about in life?

While we may strategize and plan out the details of a big trip, are we willing to put that kind of effort in to thinking about the trajec-tory of our lives?

Somewhere along the way as I have worked for Youth Unlimited, I started a habit of annually sit-ting down and planning the coming year. Where in the community will we connect with youth? What programs and events will we offer? When will we offer each one and how often?

Through this process, I usually learn some very interesting things about my passions and my hopes for my role with youth in Ponoka. It has revealed some gaps in programming and lead to the start of a youth re-covery program called the Landing. It has often helped me focus my energy and time in the right direction as I seek to see the hope and potential in every young person. It is a process that I could not do without in my year.

It makes me wonder, while I know planning for summer happens some-what naturally for most, do we know where we are going in life? Do you intentionally plan out your direction in life? I am reminded of a challeng-ing verse that says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs

3:5-6 NLT)Truthfully, we live in a culture where it seems

God is regarded as supreme less and less. Giving God authority in our lives and plans is diffi cult; for some it can seem impossible. Before you give up on God completely, I challenge you to try living out the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, trust God with all of your heart, seek his will in all that you do, and see if he will show you which path to take.

JEREL PETERSArea Director

Central AlbertaYouth Unlimited

Response to letter of atheist educator

Letter


Refl ections of Ponoka

RememberWhen...

Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum

For many of our Ponoka Stampede parades in the 1950s and beyond, Hilda Rodwell and Monte Klein could be seen in full western attire on their magnifi cent horses. Both were long time active residents of the Ponoka district, with Monte running a busy little barbershop in the front of the Capital Theatre building along 50 Street.

Everyone loves a sunny Ponoka Stampede parade morningRemember when we

were kids and you had to get up real early and rush down town to get a perfect spot to watch the Ponoka Stampede parade, rain or shine, but hopefully hot and sunny? It was a real thrill if we were enter-ing our decorated bike or wagon in the parade or had been asked to ride on a fl oat and smile and wave at everyone for two hours, and believe it or not, some of us were even brave enough to volunteer to walk with a shovel and wagon along the three-mile long route to work as the Pooper Scoopers..

You might have to sit on the edge of the sidewalk or perch up on a planter for a while, but it was worth it because it was the best place to get close and per-sonal with the parade to be able catch all the candy and treats that used to be tossed from the folks on the fl oats, as well as occa-sionally getting soaked by the guys and gals with the water blasters. Towards the end of the parade, we ran to stay near the front so we could be the fi rst kids to get up to the exciting midway on the grounds. For so many thousands of people of all ages who always love watching those colorful and glitzy parades, we will always cheer for our favourite entries, including horses and riders, antique or hot-rod cars,trucks or motorcycles, fl ashy fl oats, kids on bikes, sports teams, Glen Crandalls rumbling early steam tractor dis-plays, native dancers, 4-H, fi retrucks, convertibles full of celebrities, marching bands, clowns, and all the rest. Along the way, we will always get right into

Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum

This great 1950s photo shows the Ponoka Stampede rolling down 51 Avenue and led by the perky cheerleaders with their batons and followed by the always popular community band, and being cheered loudly by thousands of avid fans.

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS

the Stampede and we love Canada spirit by watch-ing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in tradi-tional costume carrying our fl ags and leading the way on their magnifi cent horses. Over the years, our friendly community has welcomed honorary guest parade marshalls such as John Diefenbaker, Shaun Johnston and many others.

The theme of the 2016 Ponoka Stampede Parade,

which will start from the recreation omplex on Thursday, June 30 at 10 a.m. sharp is 8-decades of Stampede legends in the colorful era from 1936-2016. Along with the thrilling seven days of rodeo, chuck-wagons and all the other family hoopla going on every day up at the grounds and around town, the gala 2016 event will salute many generations of Ponoka Stampede contestants and

families, along with the offi cials, and founding and serving P.S.A. members, as well as thousands of faith-ful volunteers, sponsors and fans over the past 80 great years in and around our community.

A long and colourful his-tory

It would be about the time when there got to be at least one settler for roughly every 20 coyotes around 1900 that the hardy pio-

neers in this area started holding annual picnics out at Ferrybank and countless other districts. Just for fun those free-spirited fam-ilies from in and around Ponoka started arranging many other sports events that included pony/chariot and Roman races, bronco busting, horseracing, foot races, ball and basketball games, and on and on. The Ponoka Sports Association was formed in the 1930s to organize an annual one-day summer fair in downtown Ponoka, which included concession stands, games of chance, a horse-drawn Merry-Go-Round, and of course a gala parade.

Between 1932 and 1936, the annual summer family event grew so quickly that it was moved up to the pres-ent location on the big hill at the south end of town, and the fi rst offi cial Ponoka Stampede was held in early July 1936 under the direc-tion of George McKeddie and the fi rst board of direc-tors. In those early days, the parade was formed in the Canadian Pacifi c Railway Depot parking lot on 50 Avenue, and then wound its way around town and

headed up to the Stampede grounds, where the judges were waiting to view all the entries and hand out all the prizes in front of the jam-packed bleachers. It cost 25 cents a carload to park up in the grounds, which fi lled up fast with the rest being sent to the ball diamonds just below the hill.

After the parade had dis-persed, the rodeo and races got underway in front of the grandstands, while out on the grounds the mid-way offered rides, games of chance to win a prize for your sweetheart, as well as moms cooking and treats for all ages. There was the boomerang, tilta-whirl, ae-rial joy ride, and Ferris wheel for the dare-devils, as well as cars, a miniature train, the merry-go-round, and a fun-house for the youngsters. When the sun went down the mid-way was fl ooded in sparkling lights, and then later in the evening everyone head-ed to the curling rink for the wind-up dance of yet another exciting Ponoka Stampedea wild and wonderful community tra-dition that just keeps on going and growing.

Whether we may be proud dads or dandy grandpas or both, we should al-ways take a little time out of our busy schedules to sit down with our best lady and favourite family, crack open the old photo albums and chuckle as we browse through that often stressful but totally amazing adventure of bringing up our rambunctious siblings. As we now pre-pare to toast and pamper these great fathers in our lives on Sunday, June 19, we will dash out and try to fi nd that per-fect but unique gift for the man of the house, while planning his kind of casual surprise get-together, whether it be on the back deck beside the BBQ, the cabin at the lake, or a golf date with his best buddies.

As somewhat of a veteran dad and now grandpa, I know very well from experience that we can occasionally be a little rough and gruff and have some real strange habits, but we do have a big heart, are passionately dedicated to our family, and will always do what it takes to keep the family circle in a happy and mostly organized cinque. Here is the Hammers 2016 tribute with LOL to all dads of yesterday and today, with thanks

and appreciation from their children.*Thank you for all those very special

hugs and that big and bouncy soft lap to snuggle up into when we needed it the most to chase away the sadness and the tears;

*Thank you for taking us hand in hand to our fi rst day in school, for sitting so still and expressing the joy during those long grad ceremonies, for walking us down the aisle at our wedding and for beaming with pride;

*Thank you for taking part in all our little girls tea-parties, for dressing up and acting funny to cheer us up on a rainy day, and for playing our silly kids games over and over again, even after a tough day at work;

*Thank you for being an instant hero by fi xing our broken bikes, wagons, and toys, and for creating that magnifi cent playhouse up in a tree in the

back yard;*Thanks for all those years that you

got up so early in the morning on your weekends off and took us to play our team games, where many times you volunteered to be an um-pire or a coach, and then when it was all over you take the whole van full of noisy kids for a treat at the local fast-food hangout;

*Thank you for offering to help us with our home-work, even though you were never to sharp with algebra and spelling;

*Thank you for coming with mom to our school/church concerts and to the parent/teacher interviews, and for holding our hand at the drs offi ce or den-tist when we were real scared or didnt feel so good. Thank you for taking

us to special events such as the lake, a family birthday party, picnic, or fi shing, even though you gave up a tee time or a

night out with the boys;*Thank you for fi nally giving in and

teaching us how to ride a bike and then much later when we became terrible teens you nervously taught us how to drive your precious car. Once in a while, if we were really good you let us take the hot wheels out on a Friday night, but with strict instructions to be home by 11 a.m. sharp.

*Thank you for listening to our side of the story before deciding the punish-ment if we are in trouble. Thanks for not staying as long in the bathroom, espe-cially in the morning or when we had a big date; and thank you for allowing us to visit your man cave once in a while, even though the no touch and dont ask rule will always be in effect.

Dads wishes: As dads we all want our children to have all the things that we couldnt afford, and then we can move in with them. Please dont get us a GPS for Fathers Day, because then someone else other than mom will be telling us where to go. We must always remember that the most important gift that a father can do for his children is to love their mom.

Have a great week, all of you.

Another mass killing in the US, an-other set of headline news, wittingly or unwittingly, contributing to the al-ready strengthening trend of isolationism among the conservative voter base in our southern neighbour, and despite the harsh criticism by establishment Republicans, higher number of Americans agreeing with Donald Trump that Moslem bashing is the way to make America great again.

As for Canada, while Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau keeps defending a prin-cipled position, insisting that no ransom should be paid for hostages, yet another Canadian citizen lost his life at the hands of terrorists, who are still described as Islamists but have long dropped the idea of jihad- the holy war against infi dels- and have been practicing terrorism to get rich.

Whether the gunman who killed 49 people at a gay bar in Orlando is really connected to the Islamic State-ISIS, as the organization claimed, is almost irrelevant. What is relevant is his origin, born in the US but to Afghan parents. That makes him enemy enough.

Similarly, it doesnt matter whether the Abu Sayyaf group, who are reported to have killed Canadian Robert Hall after the expiry of the deadline for the payment of

the ransom demanded, are really fi ghting a holy war or just being bandits robbing people and kidnapping innocent individ-uals for ransom. They have emerged to the scene as Islamic extremists and their label remains unchanged.

If one looks at the re-cent history of the mass killings, it is easy to see a trend emerging and ac-celerating over the last 20 years, with a majority of terrorist attacks carrying religious overtones.

As earlier mentioned in this very column, what has been happening over the last quarter of a centu-ry is very much aligned with the prophecies fore-told immediately after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and subsequently of the Soviet Union: Clash of Civilizations as described by Samuel Huntington, who said following the victory of capital-ism over socialism/communism-whichev-er term you prefer-, the next global con-fl ict axis would be based on religion, with the two most widely followed Abrahamic

religions, Christianity and Islam, battling it out for supremacy.

The confl ict is going on at various levels, in different parts of the world under a range of different guises: From the im-

migrants being traffi cked, and tragically exploited on their way, to Europe to the wars in the Middle East, which increasingly looks like headed to a redrawing of the international bor-ders in the region within, maybe, less than a decade, this clash of civilizations is being fought with a wide variety of subtle tools and policies, which now in-clude the almost daily ter-rorist attacks.

But how are we to under-stand the reason for the international order to have an axis for confl ict?

To have an understand-ing of the need for a

basis for continued confl icts, it will be enough to take a broad look at the his-tory: Governments that wanted stricter controls over their own people have al-ways created enemies for them to fear

and ask for stronger protection by their governments when they felt weak and vulnerable.

Joseph Stalin used kulaks to create that fear, Hitler targeted Jews of Europe, Mao in China ushered in the Cultural Revolution leading his nation to famine, and in Cambodia Pol Pot took it to the extreme ordering the killing of every person wear-ing spectacles because he branded them intellectuals, useless people in a classless society.

We are now living in a dangerous era, with middle class slowly being pushed to poverty throughout the industrialized West, seeking stronger governments to protect their living standards and hoping to fi nd that strong leadership in the likes of Donald Trump; one or two more mass killings, perpetrated by or attributed to Islamic terrorists may well pave the way to the White House for the real estate mogul.

Cool heads are desperately needed to prevent a dangerous slide to the path that we have already passed before, but with extremism on the rampage on all sides, history just might repeat itself to prove Nobel laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu right as he once said We learn from history that we dont learn from history.


MUSTAFA ERICEditor

MIKE RAINONEHAMMERTIME

Opinion

5019A Chipman Ave., Box 4217, Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R6Phone: 403.783.3311 Fax: 403.783.6300 Email: [email protected] every Wednesday by PNG Prairie Newspaper Group in community with: Regional Publisher, Michele Rosenthal

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Where are we headed?

Thanks Dad for all the little things that you doyou are the best!


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Canadas debt $625 billion and countingCanadas debt continues

to grow at an alarming rate, so much that our debt interest payment alone was $26 billion last year, says the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF).

The same group that high-lights tax dollar waste with the infamous Teddy Awards is taking its Debt Clock on a cross country tour to highlight how much money $625 billion the federal government is borrowing, explained Aaron Wudrick, CTF federal director.

Were talking $1,000 a second. Thats about $80 million a day being added. Thats a lot of money, stat-ed Wudrick.

The clock was originally launched before the Harper government won its major-ity and Wudrick said that government added about $150 billion during their time in offi ce.

The irony though is weve got a new government, which was very critical of those defi cits, and also ran on real change and now seems to be doing exactly the same thing, he stated.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation brought its Debt Clock to Ponoka Monday, June 13 highlighting Canadas debt at $625 billion. Last years interest payments alone were at $26 billion, says the federation.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye


What he feels is worse, is that the Liberal govern-ment doesnt seem to have a plan to get back to bal-anced books. What voters can do is speak with their members of parliament and voice their concern over the cost. With the national debt where it sits, every Canadian would have to pay $17,344 to ensure

debt is completely paid off.Its been about $1 billion

added since we launched last week, said Wudrick.

The $26 billion paid to debt interest last year was more than what Canadians spent on its military in 2015, said Wudrick.

We didnt get anything for itif we want good quality programs and ser-

vices, we cant be spending billions of dollars on inter-est, he said.

Somebody has to pay the bill at the end of the day and it all comes out of our own pockets, he added.

According to the Fraser Institute Canadas cumu-lative debt is expected to rise to $1.3 trillion in 2016.


Town of PonokaC, 4900 - 54 Street, Ponoka, AB T4J 1N8Town phone: 403-783-4431Town email: [email protected]

Celebrate Canada Day in Ponoka on July 1

~ COUNCIL UPDATES ~NEXT MEETING OF COUNCIL: Tuesday, June 28 @ 5:30 pm at the Ponoka County

Council Chambers. Next Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held on June 23, 2016, at 7 pm at the Ponoka County Council Chambers.

Agenda packages are posted on www.ponoka.ca under Town Hall in advance of every Council meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Fort McMurray residents are being offered free swimming, free swim lessons and free water fi tness classes.

Free Friday Family Swim: June 17 from 7-9 pm. Sponsored by Ponoka FCSS. Summer swim lessons Registration is now open. Private swim lessons Offered all day, every day this summer for all ages.

~ AQUAPLEX NEWS ~

~ UPCOMING EVENTS ~ Pride in Your Property Contest The June 30 deadline for our annual Pride in Your

Property Contest is fast approaching. Residents and businesses can nominate their own property or a neighbor. Town of Ponoka utility bill credits of up to $300 will be awarded to the best kept residential and business properties. Dont miss out. Visit www.ponoka.ca to enter today!

Pickle Ball Clinic Weather permitting, there will be a pickle ball clinic offered on June 18th from 9-2:30 pm with a one-hour lunch break. Everyone is welcome to come out and see what pickle ball is all about. Pickle Ball is every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 pm at the Ponoka Tennis Courts. For more information, call 403-396-3160.

~ TOWN NEWS ~ Green Carts Please continue to throw yard waste only into your Green Carts (grass

clippings, leaves, plant debris, and small branches less than 1 in diameter). No garbage, plastic bags, recyclable materials or food waste please. You can place your Green Carts at the curb every week on your scheduled collection day.

Ponoka Mosaic Mural Prints (12 x 13) are for sale at Town Hall and the Visitor Information Centre - $20 each. The Mosaic Mural will be on display in the arena lobby beginning this week.

Splash Park The Splash Park at Lions Centennial Park is open! Enjoy!

Ponoka is the place to be on July 1! Come out and celebrate Canada Day in Lions Centennial Park and enjoy the following FREE activities:

A free BBQ served by the Ponoka Fire Department.

Free childrens activities, including bouncy castles (An Obstacle Course and a Teenage Ninja Turtle castle).

A bubble blowing station where you can build a special bubble blower that will create rainbow snake bubbles!

Free live entertainment that will make you want to get up and dance! The Railtown Park Band from Edmonton, who describes their music as Rural Rock a blend of Rock, Indie, Alternative,

Folk-Roots and Country will take the stage from 7-9 p.m. The Slough Water Symphony, an old-time Rock and Roll cover band from central Alberta, returns due to popular demand for their second year, taking the stage from 9 11 p.m.

Free Canada Day tattoos Face painting

Canada Day cake sponsored by the Town of Ponoka will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at IGA. Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett and other dignitaries will participate in the festivities with a brief ceremony at Noon in the IGA parking lot. There will also be live musical entertainment.

Ponoka Canada Day celebrations will wind up with a dazzling fi reworks display at the Stampede Grounds at dusk.

Sponsors of Canada Day activities in Lions Centennial Park include (to date):

Town of Ponoka Heritage Canada Ponoka County Timber Wolf Truss Ltd.

The Railtown Park Band and Slough Water Symphony perform in Centennial Park on July 1.

Project Paraguay: Ponoka Fire Department (PFD) Deputy Chief Kelsey Hycha has teamed up with the Lacombe Firefi ghters Association to participate in Project Paraguay a volunteer effort to train fi refi ghters in Paraguay on fi re suppression and vehicle extrication.

Hycha is donating his time and expenses to travel to Paraguay this month to participate in the training sessions with Lacombe Deputy Fire Chief Drayton Bussiere and Lacombe Fire Department Lieutenant Uwe Kurth. Kurth grew up in Paraguay and will act as an interpreter.

PFD and Lacombe County have donated used bunker gear, tools and a fi re engine from the Mirror Fire Department to Project Paraguay. The need for fi refi ghting equipment and training is very large in Paraguay, says Bussiere, noting it is common for fi refi ghters there to

fi ght fi res in street clothes with power washers and hand tools.

The PFD will hold fundraising events this summer to help support Hychas involvement in Project Paraguay.

Fire Training: Seven PFD members completed their Firefi ghter Level 1 training recently in Red Deer. The training included fi re suppression techniques and rescue training.

Fire Restriction: The Town of Ponoka remains under a Fire Restriction. The discharging of fi reworks is not permitted. Conditional fi re permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Covered fi re pits are allowed but must meet acceptable requirements under the Towns Fire Services Bylaw, which can be viewed at www.ponoka.ca/town-hall/administration/bylawspolicies

~ FIRE REPORT ~

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In the event of inclement weather, the Centennial Park festivities will move indoors at the Kinsmen Community Centre, including at least one of the bouncy castles. Rain or shine, come and celebrate Canada Day with us in Ponoka!

Challenges and other factors can sometimes be a bar-rier to learning, but the student awards handed out to several that attend the Ponoka Outreach School during a ceremony on Thursday, June 9 demonstrated what an alternative environment can do for those students.

Awards were given in several different categories based not only on academics, but also for traits they developed and made them successful over the past year.

Outgoing principal Scott Lewis said it was fabulous to see the students from all kinds of different cultures and backgrounds rewarded for the work they have done.

We also have a number of at-risk students here and learners who dont fi t into the regular educational pro-gramming, Lewis said.

To look at them now is almost as good as seeing those that have gone on to graduate. While they used to struggle, here some have hit a home run with our one-to-one teaching, go at their own pace and caring and supportive atmosphere. That is truly because of our tremendous teachers - the best of the best - that keeps us being able to make a difference.

The award recipients included: Positive contribu-tion to school environment - Josh Cutknife, Emily Gartner; Determination and tenacity - Erin Northwest, Chase Brown, Kiera Saddleback; Independent learner - Brigham Day, Samantha van de Pol; Humanities - Shara Martens, Keith van de Pol, Rudy van der Toorn; Math/Science - Lee Wildcat, Thomas Crawford; Perseverance and dedication - Katelyn McClaffi n, Calista Littlechild, Jasslynn Saskatchewan; Most improved - Dreyton Foureyes; Positive attitude - Kieffer Northwest, Bronwyn DeGiano; Citizenship - Arriana Gibson; Personal growth - Denver Norn, Vienna Melanson; Award of Excellence - Dianna Both.


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Ponoka Outreach recognizes student efforts

More than 20 students received awards for their work and effort during the past year at the Ponoka Outreach School at a ceremony to close out the school year on Thursday, June 9. Here Cam Hodgeson is on the microphone preparing to present an award. Photo by Jordie Dwyer

BY JORDIE DWYERPONOKA NEWS


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MLA speaks to business leadersLacombe-Ponoka Wildrose MLA Ron Orr took the op-

portunity to make some hay with some area business leaders in a speech during a forum on the Alberta econ-omy hosted by Servus Credit Union at the Calnash Ag Event Centre on Wednesday, June 8.

Orr didnt go into much detail about either the pres-ent economic climate or the Wildroses plans to build up the provincial economy and improve the lot of those that live here, though he did reference all of their plans are outlined in documents available on their website (www.wildrose.ca).

His focus stayed mostly on how things have changed in the past year and how a diffi cult situation has been compounded by the political risk taken by the current NDP government.

There has been a change in realities and it may be more serious now than back in the 1980s with the tax changes and government policy. Its our position that this makes Alberta worse off than better right now, he said.

Our plan is to build a stronger Alberta. We share the feeling that a strong Alberta means a strong Canada and that what happens locally affects the province and the country.

He added that these economic times are having a se-rious effect on small business and that instituting the carbon tax is a huge risk for the province.

What it does is really offsets the small business tax reduction that was introduced. One cant argue with the positive intent of the legislation - clean air, a healthy place to live and the need to take action, Orr stated.

But we need to be careful to mitigate the impacts on our economy. By not addressing it effectively, we add negative effects and unintended consequences that place a burden on business and residents at a bad time. It also damages our competitiveness.

As an example, Orr cited a baker than makes a loaf of bread that currently costs $2 will see that same loaf cost $3.60 to produce as the ripple effect of the carbon tax adding to the expenses of natural gas along with the increased fuel and resulting transportation costs to ship ingredients and other products.

The government really should have assessed all of that, because its all going to be passed along down the

Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ron Orr speaks to area business leaders about the current economic situation and what the Wildrose would propose be done to help Albertans during an economic forum hosted by Servus Credit Union on Wednesday, June 8 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

BY JORDIE DWYERPONOKA NEWS

line and these business costs are just tip of the iceberg, Orr added.

Toss in the movement toward full implementation of the $15 per hour minimum wage and Orr believes busi-nesses who are worried now are really going to feel it, just as many in the general public will also.

What we needed is evidence-based policy, not just an idea.

Orr also referenced the latest NDP budget, which the Wildrose feels has too much spending.

A big defi cit or huge cuts - those were not the only options the NDP had. We felt there was a plausible mid-dle ground that can ensure sustainability and maintain our front line services through better government and priority spending along with attrition and a hiring freeze, he said.

That kind of a budget would bring more investment into the province and that puts more money in every-ones pockets and is better for all, he stated.

Orr also said the federal government is to blame as well for the situation as the delays in approving the three pipelines from Alberta plus the regulations tied to the industry have made it harder to do business in and with Alberta.

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Local economy slow butmoving forward

With much of the central Alberta run-ning at the same level as much of the province, Ponoka isnt faring too badly when it comes to economic develop-ment.

Stephen Novak, Ponokas economic development offi cer, was one of the local speakers at a forum on the Alberta economy hosted by Servus Credit Union at the Calnash Ag Event Centre and provided an update on the progress of some ideas and developments in the community.

Novak explained that the overall slow-down in central Alberta has limited both commercial and residential develop-ment in town, though while the number of permits issued so far are down, the amount of those permits has remained similar to this time last year.

He also mentioned that the downtown revitalization (DRC) and airport commit-tees are making some progress.

The (DRC) have just started to look at the report made in 2007 to see where we can go. We do need new business, but we cant forget about our existing ones, he said.

Meanwhile, authority for the airport has now been transferred to the town and there are plans to extend the run-way and taxiways to turn it into more of an industrial airport.

He added there is some development progress being made at the airport and there may be future opportunities to pick up some smaller businesses as both Edmonton and Red Deer move more into passenger and bigger freight service, so long as Ponokas airport has what they need.

In addition, talks continue on the pro-posed renovation of the recreation cen-tre and a new town hall with cash pos-sibly being freed up next year after the new bridge is completed as well as work on developing Highway 53 corridor west of town.

Presently, we have a substantial corri-

Building business relationships important to successBY JORDIE DWYERPONOKA NEWS

dor available on northside of Highway 53 between Highways 2A and 2, but there are no services out there. There is some hesitancy, but fi nding a way to extend services makes sense, Novak said.

He also mentioned there is a prospect of bringing some big box stores to that corridor in order to bring people in for larger purchases and keep them for smaller purchases at the local stores.

Local business succeedingBuilding relationships and innovation

are the keys to making business work in tough times.

Those were the words of wisdom from Bruce Clark, owner of Ponoka-based Strand Media, made to area business leaders at the forum.

The world is changing and you are struggling as well as your suppliers and vendors, talk to them as they are valued resources, Clark said.

Just like your bank or credit union, they realize you are the most valuable if you are a client and can keep going.

He provided an example that has helped his business adjust to the chang-ing times and it involved talking to some of the leading edge companies, even competitors, in his industry.

If you can establish and build on those type of relationships, there are benefi ts you can get through feedback, he stated.

One example is Xerox, who ask if we had ever considered scanning as part of an electronic document management system. They have what is considered the strongest software in the world and as they move toward a paperless envi-ronment, companies have legacy doc-uments that need to be kept and told us we have the equipment to do, so we began to look at it as a way to offset the revenue decline from our other streams.

Clark added its often those kinds of ideas - from businesses you deal with or competitors in the same line of work - that you get from just talking to them and can be a compliment to what your business is currently doing.

You always have to fi gure out how to keep things going. You can either keep the status quo, wait or lead, he explained.

We chose to lead since it has the same risk and is more exciting, but you need to spend time on your business in order to see those opportunities since you never know what may come across your plate.


On behalf of all the staff and students at Ponoka Secondary Campus, we would like to recognize our award sponsors and everyone who helped make GRAD 2016 a HUGE SUCCESS. Your support of our students is greatly appreciated!

Bob Ronnie Catering

Dot's Fabrics

Town of Ponoka

Calnash Ag Events Centre

Country Gardens and Greenhouse

Mark Holben and Frank Mickey

Ponoka Stampede Association

EPS Moulders Inc.

Flowers for You

Vold Audio

Ponoka News

Annett e Fenske

Creative Snaps Photography

Ponoka Broncs Football Team

PSC Grad Decorating Committ ee and all parents who came to help set up and clean up

Smart Photography

AWARD SPONSORS

Ponoka Kinnett es

Ponoka Lions Club

Birchland Dental

Schur Family

Mecca Glen Parent Council

Will's Welding

Tim Corkery Family

Friends of Crestomere School Society

Sunny 94

Almita

Rollie Comeau and Bryan Martin

Wiese Family

Peace Hills Insurance

Russell Pett erson Family

Ponoka Rotary Club

Lonnie Jacobson Family

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ponoka

THANK YOUPonoka Lions Club would like to thank all the sponsors listed below for making the 4th annual Lions Purina Walk for Dog Guides possible. Without all the help from the community we would not be able to put these events on. Thank you to all the walkers that raised the funds so people are able to get these wonderful dogs that can change peoples lives so much.

Bank of Montreal Dixie Tyndall & PennyLeisure Lanes Bowling Alley IGABruces Tru Value Jones BoysCarole Tyndall Legacy FordCentral Vet Clinic Lomsnes Veterinary Clinic Hammond Trucking Phase 3 PonokaPonoka News Ponoka PharmacyPonoka Stampede Association Ponoka Veterinary ClinicPrairie Boys Car Wash RexallScizzor Wizzard Sommers Home HardwareThe Brick Ponoka Tim HortonsUFA VJV AuctionMcFeeds Rena CarlsonLacombe Veterinary Clinic Peggy MouckLila Reynolds Subway PonokaAtco Gas Ponoka County of PonokaTown of Ponoka GreenHawk Red DeerCentral Of ce Supplies Hi-Pro Feeds

LIONS PURINA WALK FOR DOG GUIDES

Thank you also to Russell Adams for the use of his sound system, Vance

Adams for his generator, Ron and Rena Carlson for use of their truck and trailer, and Randy Hammond for the use of his trailer. Thanks to all the young anglers that came out, and a big thank you to Canadian Search and Disaster Dog Association

(CASDDA) for again putting on their wonderful demonstrations.

Call 403-783-5464

REGISTER NOWPonoka Outreach School is currently accepting High School registrations for the 2016-2017 school year.

ADULT STUDENTS ARE WELCOME

Register now to get a brand new start on your education. POS offers a full high school program with excellent one-on-one instruction.

We are located in the old brick school on 54th Street.

Pick up a registration form TODAY!

Students and residents reap benefi ts of JJ Collett area

A new donation for the JJ Collett Natural Area in Morningside will help both hikers and Grade 6 students of the area schools to con-tinue to enjoy the benefi ts of a natural reserve, which has served the community for 15 years.

Thanks to a dedicated board of directors, and through corporate spon-sorship, the trails on the

almost full section of land 635-acres continue to be a source for recreation. The most recent dona-tion of $5,000 from Ember Resources for the area is the second by the organization, explained Devaney Fraser of Ember community relations.

Our number one com-munity focus is kids and education, she explained.

This is a beautiful place, she added of the JJ Collett Natural Area.

The money gets put to

A $5,000 donation from Ember Resources helps continue the Grade 6 science curriculum fi eld trips at the JJ Collett Natural Area. Here representatives of Ember Resources and the natural area, as well as students from Clive School pose before a fi eld trip Thursday, June 9. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye


good use, explained Roger Stawart, vice-president of the area. Schools dont have to pay to take the tour as the natural area provides the supplies and ensures they meet the science cur-riculum for Grade 6.

To give it that respect that is due, explained Stawart.

The kids identify native trees and plants in the area, added Lavonne Baehl, treasurer.

Many of the trees are found in central Alberta are in the natural area and students need to identify those trees for their science program. Stawart said the goal is to keep the trail system as it sits and let the natural area be just that, a natural area.

We are in the process of building a handicap trail, added Baehl.

The trail is in the design phase and they hope to create a short trail that is wheelchair accessible. The group is also working on a new front gate. Stawart es-timates they receive 10,000 visits a year.


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6th Annual - Ladies OnlyLaLa6th Annual - L66th Annual - L6Champagne BreakfastSaturday, July 2 Stage Coach Saloon

8:00 am to 11:30 amDoors Open at 7:30 am

Dont delay!Book your tickets early -limited seating available

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For Tickets Call403.783.0100

Chicks for Charity Society proudly presents:

For donations or further information,please call Jane at 403.358.8770

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Proceeds to Central Alberta Womens Emergency Shelter and Ponoka Stepping Stones Program.

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Athletic successes awarded at PSCAthletes at Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) were

treated to a special day of awards and recognition for their hard work over the school year.

Celebrating along with the athletes were coaches and family members Wednesday, June 8 at the school. The banquet also gave coaches or athletes a chance to recognize dedication in football, cross country, golf, volleyball, basketball, curling, badminton and track and fi eld.

Bantam football coach Todd Lewis recognized both his team and the senior football athletes for a strong year. He is eager to see what his players moving up to the senior program will do to keep the momentum. I was extremely lucky. We had awesome coaches and staff to help, said Lewis.

Co-coach for the senior team Cody Baird added that the big accomplishment for the year was their fi rst win. Considering the program is only several years in, he looks forward to upcoming seasons.

For volleyball there were accomplishments to men-tion including the senior girls landing a spot at provincials. While at provincials. the team earned most-sportsmanlike title of the tournament, ex-plained team member Delaney Brachman. (It was) a year fi lled with success and great memories, said Brachman.

For some teams, it was a year of learning and growth. Adrian Paolinelli, the junior girls basketball coach said the girls had some challenges at the sec-ond half of the season playing against tougher teams. Despite those challenges, he is happy with how the season fi nished off.

Senior boys basketball coach Tylor Johnson said while there were some tough games over the season

Hailey Boser (left) and Tess Pearman receive their Ponoka Athletics Award for skill, attitude, effort, leadership and commitment to their team Wednesday, June 8 during the PSC athletic awards banquet.



his team never gave up. He had coaches come up to him after games praising the athletes for their dedi-cation to playing hard in all four quarters.

Curling saw Ponokas fi rst medal at provincials after a dry spell for some years. Senior girls skip Nikki Smith was proud to have earned a bronze medal. She

praised coach Kelly Smith for his dedication to the game.

Among the awards are the coveted Bronc and Athlete of the Year, which are awarded to a male and female athlete in each grade.

For the Athlete award coaches and staff take into consideration actions over and above the call of duty for that athlete, explained athletic director Paula Chapman. For the Bronc of the Year they consider not only athletic accomplishments but how that athlete represents the school overall.

BRONCS OF THE YEAR FOR GRADES 7 TO 12:

Grade 7: Emery Young, Gina Mercer and Ashton Bandet

Grade 8: Emily David and Nick Mercer

Grade 9: Paisley Wilson and Travis Hyink

Grade 10: Hayden Krzywy and Dakotah Nichols

Grade 11: Jayden Hagemann and Sarah Morin

Grade 12: Samira Rowland, Hailey Boser and Darcy Hoogers

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR FOR GRADES 10 TO 12:

Grade 10: Clayton Raugust and Kiana Weed

Grade 11: Jaden Sandin and Tess Pearman

Grade 12: Iggy Cattleman and Mackenzie Henderson.


SANDRA LYONBroker/Owner

CHANELLE LYONAssociate

TYLER FESSLERAssociate

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8.30 acres approx. 10 min. east of town This beautiful park like setting home, offers 5

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PONOKA ACREAGEPONOKA ACREAGE

2000 sq ft of developed space 4 bdrms & 2 baths 2 tier deck with built in fi repit Rinnai hot water system Corner lot in Lucas Heights 4 Level split

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LUCAS HEIGHTSLUCAS HEIGHTS

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res approx. 10 min. east of toautiful park like setting home,SOLDSOLDSOLDSOLD

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6000 - 48 Ave., Ponoka

NEW ACREAGES THIS WEEKVERY SECLUDED

Excellent 2 Storey home 2202 sq ft, 4 BD/ 3 BA 18.85 Park Like acres! Well treed, 154 of Lake

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7.1 Gorgeous acres 1592 sq ft, 3 BD/1 BA Well treed, Pond & Cabin Upper/ Lower Decks with

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6 ACREAGES AVAILABLE

Beautiful building sites just a short drive south of Ponoka in Jada Estates. Building restricitons make this property an exclusive area for upscale homes.

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CLOSE IN ACREAGESGreat location.

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13.5 ACRES CLOSE TO TOWNSubdivision potential. Priced at $169,000.

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NORTH ENDduplex unit 2 - 3 bdrm units fully rented.

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MORNING MEADOWSVery private acreage in Morning Meadows with many upgrades incl. granite tops on cabinets & vanities. Large triple garage.

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Nominate your neighbour for Pride in Property contest

Anyone who shows love and care to their proper-ty are eligible to win utility gift certifi cates from the town and there is still time to nominate someone


as the deadline is Thursday, June 30.The Town of Ponoka is offering utility gift certifi -

cates to three lucky residents and two commercial businesses through its Pride in Your Property campaign, which provides a way to recognize land-owners for their dedication to beautifying their property, explained Wes Amendt, director of com-munity services.

The initiative started approximately six years ago. It was a way of recognizing people for their efforts in taking care of their yards, explained Amendt.

Last year there was a total of 20 nominations, but Amendt estimates there could be at least 100 prop-erties on that nominations list. He said residents should not be afraid to nominate their neighbours and themselves if they feel they deserve the acco-lade. In the past, there have been times where a whole block was nominated.

One of the benefi ts of having a beautiful property is it gives people new to the community a good fi rst impression.

This positive fi rst impression ties in well with the Communities in Bloom program, of which the town is a member. This will be the third year of the pro-gram and each time judges come to town, Ponoka has come close short by one per cent to a fi ve bloom review.

Communities are rated based on an in-depth look at the community, which not only includes beauti-ful streets but also infrastructure.

Evaluation criteria for communities are tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape and fl oral displays. Amendt suggests a good fi rst impression of a community helps tourism and residential and business reten-tion.

They look at other cri-teria such as the waste management recycle (program), explained Amendt.

Judges are set to tour Ponoka in July and a special barbecue is set for July 14 when judg-es will be able to see winners announced. All those nominated for the Pride in Your Property program are invited to attend the barbecue.

Utility gift certifi cate prizes offer $300 for fi rst prize, $200 for second and $100 for third. For commercial properties, prizes are $300 for fi rst and $200 for second. Forms can be found on the town website at www.ponoka.ca or at Town Hall.

This property won fi rst place in last years Pride in Your Property contest. Winners will receive utility gift certifi cates for their dedication to beautifying their properties. Photo courtesy of the Town of Ponoka


TO VIEW A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR PROPERTIES AND VIRTUAL TOURS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.remax-ponoka.com

real estate central alberta

6000 - 48 Ave.(Beside The Old Iron Horse

Restaurant)

403-783-5007 TODD REEDAssoc. Broker

DEB STEVENSAssoc. Broker

LISA SMITHAssociate

JANE WIERZBAAssociate

BOB TILTGENAssociate

Proud sponsors ofRDC Arts Programs

GREAT LUCAS HEIGHTS STARTER! - 1976 built house- Over 1100 sq ft developed- 4 bedrooms, 2 baths- New roof (2016)- Oversize lot, plenty of

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LAKEFRONT ACREAGE! - 2003 built home on private 9.96 acres

- 3 bed/3 bath fully developed home- Many upgrades- Beautiful surroundings- One of a kindmust see!$499,900 Call Lisa

CHARACTER GALORE! - Bungalow with 2 beds & 1 bath- Open floor plan & many

upgrades- Great starter or revenue

property!$159,900 - Call Jane

FULLY DEVELOPED TOWNHOUSE! - 1036 with 3 beds & 3 baths- Fully finished 2 storey

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55+ TOWNHOUSE! - 960 sq ft with 2 beds & 1 bath

- Convenient one level living- Close to all amenities$189,900 - Call Jane

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

- 938 sq ft- 4 B/R, 2 Bath- Original Hardwood- Upgrades Include Windows,

Furnace, Electrical- Quick Possession$195,000 Call Deb

CHARMER!

RED DEER LAKE LOT - Great lot at Johnsons Beach- Grassy areas to enjoy- Perfect place to park the RV- Mature trees allows privacy- Take a drive and have a look!$89,900 Call Lisa

- 2120 sq ft fully finished- Beautiful walkout, 4 bdrm, 3 bath

- Kitchen w/granite & island- Open floor plan; fresh paint- Fenced yard, backs onto field$245,000 Call Bob

AFFORDABLE HOME

NEW PRICE

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- 4 lots available in beautiful area

- Serviced & ready to build on- Priced to Sell - Very

Affordable Lots!

$69,900 ~ $80,500 Call Bob

EXCELLENT SUBDIVISION - Great family home!- 1768 sq ft, 4 bdrms, 4 baths- 2nd Kitchen in Basement- NEW Shingles; Heated Garage- Large, fenced Corner Lot$285,900 Call Bob

IMMEDIATE POSSESSION GREAT OPPORTUNITY- Piece of history, downtown

Ponoka- Beautiful brick building on

26x50 lot- Includes ALL equipment- Great Commercial Opportunity

to have everything in one place!$169,900 ~ Call Bob

NEW PRICE

- 924 sq ft Mobile on its Own Lot

- 2 B/R, 1 Bath- Covered Front Deck- Single Garage$105,000 Call Deb

FIRST TIME BUYER OR REVENUE - 10 acres; 1408 sq. ft. bungalow- 3 bdrm, 3 bath- Extensive upgrades- 25x42 metal shop; beautiful

yard$448,000 Call Deb

COUNTRY CHARMER - 931 sq ft - 4 B/R, 2 Bath- Original Hardwood Throughout- Some Upgrades- Close to Schools and Shopping$169,900 Call Deb

GREAT STARTER!

EXCELLENT STARTER! - Lots of room for a family!- 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths- Fully developed with new

windows- Excellent cul-de-sac location- Fenced yard, double garage$275,900 Call Lisa

-|1656 sq ft with 5 beds & 3 baths

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$349,900 Call Jane

IMPRESSIVE AND UNIQUE!

- 1160 sq. ft., 2 bdrm, 2 bath- Vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors- Lrg windows, low maintenance

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ADULT LIVING DUPLEX - Very well cared- 2 bdrm, 1 bath- Recent upgraded windows, flooring, exterior paint & back deck

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LARGE LOT/RIVER FRONTAGE- 1194 sq ft fully find bungalow- Covered deck, fruit trees- 24x24 garage, 24x24 shop,

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20 ACRES NEAR PONOKA

NEW LISTING

- 1380 sq ft upgrade bungalow- Mature treed yard, 26x28

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5.68 ACRES IN MORNING MEADOWS

REDUCED

Seniors Week recognizing seniors for 30 yearsFor the last 30 years, Seniors Week has been celebrat-

ing elders and seniors and in Ponoka it was no different with a day of festivities at the drop-in centre.

Among the many activities held Tuesday, June 7 was a senior gymnasts presentation by a group called the Dynamos, a drum circle and Tai Chi presentation. It was a time to celebrate seniors and 30 years of the drop-in centre being built, said Glenda Johnson, one of the drop-in centre board members.

To help make the day work, the centre teamed up with Ponoka Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

Were hoping to increase exposure to both the programs that FCSS offers and the programs that the Ponoka Drop-in Centre offers for seniors, she ex-plained.

As long as someone wants to bring programs into the centre, the board is open to seeing them held, explained Johnson. She said for people aged 55 years and older there are many different events occurring at the centre. Its pretty easy for people to participate in activities here.

I hope to see it grow a little bit, she added.FCSS program co-ordinator Shelly Van Eaton enjoys

being able to work with other community groups on events that benefi t residents. I think FCSS is a huge resource/link to bringing everybody together.

This year happens to be the 50th anniversary for FCSS in Alberta (42 for Ponokas FCSS).

She is pleased with the turnout and says Ponokas FCSS has several programs planned for in the near future.

Mayor Rick Bonnett took some time to meet with at-tendees. He thanked all seniors for paving the way. You guys have done your job and made this country great.

Seniors Week was celebrated in style Tuesday, June 7 at the drop in centre with a day of presentations including senior gymnasts and a drum circle.



Its been two and a half years since fundraising began for the Ponoka Elementary School (PES) playground and planners are ready to start construction at the end of August.

Layna Palechek is the co-organizer of the PES Playground Redevelopment Project and after receiving $20,000 from Ponoka Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) the committee received a total of $30,000 from FCSS the group is even closer to having everything needed to get construction started.

Palechek said they are still fundraising to try and bring a complete set of amenities to the fully accessi-ble playground. The installation work isnt going to be easy, so the committee is bringing together playground company PlayWorks, Galloway Construction and Almita Piling to help with the specialty playground equipment installation.

Getting to this point is something Palechek is grateful for. She commends all the companies, individuals and community organizations for their dedication to the project. I was really surprised at the level of support that they have shown (to) this project.

Some of the memorable fundraising events included ATBs Outlaw Roundup, $25,000; duelling pianos, $36,000 and a hockey fundraiser at $10,000. There have also been several large, anonymous donations that Palechek says she is grateful for as well.

Not only have members of the community been strong supporters but PES students have given money to the project. Theres been tooth fairy money brought to us.

Over the entire project strong community connections have been made and Palechek is pleased to see that the Rotary Club of Ponoka and staff from ATB Financial are planning

ponoka news, june 15, 2016

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