The Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade is facing a cash crunch.
The committee organizing Fort Macleod’s showcase event has raised less than half of what it needs to meet expenses, and the parade is just 10 days away on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Santa Claus Parade co-ordinator Sue Risser is hopeful Fort Macleod businesses, groups and organizations open their hearts — and wallets even though the community is in the economic doldrums.
“Let’s say we’re still a strong community, we love Fort Macleod, we love our parade,” Risser said.
The committee last year spent $35,366 to stage the Santa Claus Parade and expenses are projected to be the same in 2013.
So far, donations total just $17,000, and the committee does not have the remaining $18,000 in reserves.
“Our surplus is dwindling quickly,” Risser said. “We’ve had to go into our surplus every single year since 2010.”
In 2010 donations totalled $24,291. That amount climbed to $27,470 in 2011 but dropped to $20,278 last year and just $17,000 this year.
The committee’s biggest expense is for the bands. Last year the committee spent $23,073 on transportation, food and a $250 honorarium for the bands.
“Our bands are the biggest cost and that’s what people demand,” Risser said.
It will cost the committee $5,100 to bring the Calgary Round Up Band to Fort Macleod and $3,900 for the Calgary Stampede Band. It will cost another $3,821 to get the Calgary Stetsons Band here.
“That just pays for their busing,” Risser said.
The only compensation bands receive is a $250 honorarium and a free meal.
“We have talked about cutting back on the bands,” Risser said. “Nobody wants to do that, because the bands are a big draw.”
The committee’s other big expense is advertising. It spends more than $8,300 on television, radio and newspaper advertising as well as flyer distribution.
“That may seem like a lot to some people but it really isn’t,” Risser said, noting the parade benefits from considerable free publicity in return for the money it invests in advertising. “Really, I don’t think that is too much to spend on advertising.”
The committee spends another $3,559 on miscellaneous expenses such as souvenir mugs, small gifts for volunteers and office supplies.
Risser said unless the community is willing to beef up donations the committee in future will have to reduce the number of bands and cut other costs.
“I almost feel like our parade is outgrowing our small community and our economy,” Risser said. “You can’t blame people for not donating like they used to. Things are tight around here.”
The parade committee gets $5,000 from the Town of Fort Macleod, meaning other donations this year total just $12,000.
The Order of the Eastern Star alone has contributed $4,000 to the parade.
“The community loves the parade,” Risser said. “The parade is put on by the people. It’s amazing that a parade this big is funded by this small community.”
Risser also noted just 56 entries have been registered for the parade, including just 13 from Fort Macleod businesses.
“That’s the lowest I’ve ever had by this time of year,” Risser said.
“I hate to say the parade has outgrown Fort Macleod, but we’ve got to find a balance somehow.”
To make a donation or to register an entry in the parade, phone Sue Risser at 403-715-2125.

Plans to develop a 320-acre business and industrial park in Fort Macleod are still alive — for now.
Mayor Rene Gendre called a special meeting Friday night to ask council to consider cancelling the project.
Gendre, who campaigned on a promise to scrap the project, noted tenders were due Tuesday and contractors would likely spend the weekend finalizing their bids.
“If we are going the cancel the contract, they need to be notified,” Gendre said.
Coun. Gord Wolstenholme, the only remaining member of the previous council that decided to develop the business and industrial park, said that decision of that magnitude couldn’t be made in a 15-minute special meeting.
“If we’re going to have the discussion about it it’s going to take more than that, unless the decision has already been made,” Wolstenholme said.
Coun. Keith Trowbridge agreed, noting he had little time to review the package of information provided by municipal manager David Connauton.
“I’m not anywhere near ready to make a decision on that,” Trowbridge said. “There’s 20-some pages here and there’s no way any of us can make an educated decision on this.”
Trowbridge proposed tabling discussion until council had sufficient time to review the information provided by Connauton on Thursday.
“I know nothing about this,” Trowbridge said. “How can I vote on it?”
Coun. Michael Dyck also favoured postponing the decision, noting he only had time to review the information earlier in the afternoon between jobs.
Coun. Trish Hoskin also wanted more time to review the information and consider her decision.
“I don’t think it’s responsible for us to do this,” Hoskin said. “I certainly don’t have background on this. If I’m going to be part of this council making decisions for our town, I need to understand what it’s all about.”
Coun. Brent Feyter was prepared to make a decision Friday.
“I wouldn’t be voting in favour of it,” Feyter said.
Feyter, who like Gendre made cancelling the $6-million project part of his election campaign, said the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Feyter added that delaying the decision would not be an issue, since council has 60 days from opening the tenders to cancel the project.
Connauton told council the companies that expressed interest in the contract were advised the new council could decide to cancel the project after the Oct. 21 election.
Feyter also noted companies planning to bid on the project are probably already prepared to meet the Tuesday deadline for submitting their bid.
“They’ve put a lot of work into it already,” Feyter said.
“Actually, they haven’t,” Gendre said.
Gendre said he had received a call from one of the companies interested in the contract indicating they would not be submitting a bid.
Gendre said the company had not proceeded with its tender, knowing that he, Dyck, Feyter and Coun. Mike Collar campaigned on cancelling the project.
Dyck wanted to clarify that statement.
“We campaigned on if it’s fiscally responsible to proceed with it,” Dyck said. “We saw a big chunk of money going into something that we didn’t understand at that time. At this point in time I still don’t understand it.”
Gendre said spending more than $6-million on the business and industrial park is not fiscally responsible.
“A number of us did campaign on cancelling the project because we believed at that time it was not fiscally responsible to continue with it,” Gendre said.
Gendre said when he was in business in Calgary tenders would be submitted for provincial projects only to have the project cancelled after the bids were opened. The project would then be revised and another call for tenders would go out and prices would be driven down.
“You got a lot of mistrust with the contractors in that process,” Gendre said. “I don’t want to see the town misusing its authority in that way.”
Gendre didn’t want to open the bids, making the information known to all the contractors, only to have council cancel the project and then perhaps later call for new tenders.
“We lose faith and that’s what I’m afraid of,” Gendre said.
Hoskin said she is concerned about losing public confidence in her ability as a councillor.
“The public trusts us to know the issues, to understand what’s going on, and I don’t,” Hoskin said.
Connauton noted some members of council campaigned on doing other projects instead of the business and industrial park.
Connauton proposed taking a few weeks to examine the costs of other projects before making any decisions.
Connauton said opening the tender won’t affect any decisions, but would help determine if it is the right project for Fort Macleod.
“The contractors are all aware,” Connauton said. “They’re all aware this project could be cancelled.”
“I believe as long as there is no risk to us in proceeding and reviewing the tender documents I don’t see any harm,” Feyter said. “It sounds like you’ve been very clear about what is happening. They understand that council is changing.”
Wolstenholme agreed.
“There is nothing crooked or even smelly about this,” Wolstenholme said. “The initial council put the tender out . . . this council may change it’s mind and they know that. I don‘t see anything wrong with opening the tenders. Then we’ll have a little more time to discuss this.”
Gendre said he called the special meeting to be fair to the contractors, to avoid leaving a “sour taste” in their mouths if the contract is cancelled.
“I don’t know it it’s going to leave a huge sour taste,” Feyter said. “David made it very clear council was changing.”
Dyck said he wanted to make an informed decision.
“I hate making rash decisions in business,” Dyck said. “If we’re treating this like a business we should not make rash decisions.”
Feyter said it wouldn’t be a rash decision.
“It’s whether we’re prepared to go ahead with a $6-million investment or not,” Feyter said. “That’s the basic question. We need to know if we have good return on investment or not.”
Council agreed to go ahead with the opening of tenders on Tuesday.
The previous council decided to develop a business and industrial park on the site where the $122-million police college was to be built.
“There are reasons we did it and I would like to express those reasons.” Wolstenholme said. “That’s why we need more time.”
The Town of Fort Macleod has spent $199,881 on the project to date.

Jesse Smith was remembered Wednesday for the passion and dedication he brought to figure skating.

Fort Macleod said farewell to Jesse Smith on Wednesday in one of his favourite places.
Hundreds of family members and friends filled the bleachers at Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre for the funeral for the popular young figure skater.
“Each one of us is here today because we had some connection with this amazing young man,” Smith’s friend Chris Scout said in the eulogy.
Smith died Nov. 7 after a nearly two-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his mother Wendy, his father Dan and his brother Adam, as well as a large extended family and friends.
The funeral service conducted by Rev. Eras Van Zyl included musical selections performed by Jesse Smith on video as well as Elton John and Leanne Rimes, a slide show of photos and video of Smith skating.
The 26-year-old Smith competed nationally and internationally in figure skating, worked for Disney On Ice and later coached across southern Alberta.
“Some of us met him here on the ice,” Scout said, adding others knew Smith through school, music, his on-line social network or through his battle with cancer.
“His life, although short, was full of experience, success and passion,” Scout said.
Scout related how young Jesse watched figure skating on television and would imitate the skaters’s jumps and spins on the living room carpet and on the frozen puddles outside.
“When he was nine he told his parents he wanted to be a figure skater,” Scout said.
Smith’s father Dan went to the sports centre and found a pair of figure skates that he painted black and gave to Jesse.
“This is when they discovered Jesse’s passion,” Scout said of the young figure skater. “From Day 1, he was a natural.”
Smith started winning competitions almost as soon as he started figure skating.
He went on to compete at the Alberta juvenile and junior men’s championships, and three times competed at the Canadian nationals.
“Jesse was determined to be the best skater he could be, and dreamed of being an Olympic athlete,” Scout said.
After graduating from F.P. Walshe school in 2005 Smith decided to become certified to coach figure skating.
“His coaching took him all over southern Alberta,” Scout said. “Working with young people in small town arenas, working with kids and clubs, he built a network of people who loved to skate, and loved him.”
Smith continued to work on his own skating, analyzing each of his performances to identify areas in which he could improve.
“Jesse worked hard on his sport, and was very hard on himself,” Scout said.
The hard work and analyzation paid off in 2011 when Smith was hired to skate with Disney On Ice’s performance of Toy Story.
Smith skated as three characters — Ken Doll, Andy and Rex the Dinosaur on the tour of the eastern United States.
“Rex was Jesse’s favourite,” Scout said with a smile.
After a year of touring with Disney On Ice Smith returned to Fort Macleod to work on his skating.
Smith had plans to compete nationally again, and also desired to skate with Disney On Ice in the U.S. or Europe or on a cruise ship’s ice show.
Early in 2012 Smith began to develop nose bleeds, particularly when he was skating.
On March 12, 2012, Scout received a text message from Smith that read: “I have cancer.”
“Jesse wasn’t going to stop just because he had a diagnosis,” Scout said. “Jesse continued to skate, and continued to work toward his goals.”
In December 2012 Smith posted a message on Facebook: “First double axle since treatment. Cancer is not stopping me.”
Scout also reflected on Smith’s passion for gaming and music, including piano and French horn.
“Jesse was also a thrill seeker,” Scout added, listing skydiving, bungee jumping and riding rollerskaters as examples. “Jesse was fearless.”
Smith also enjoyed long drives.
“Jesse loved to be the passenger and didn’t mind that we never had anywhere to go, or anything to say,” Scout said. “Jesse didn’t mind there wasn’t much conversation on these rides. He seemed to enjoy the silence.”
Scout recalled one such trip when they arrived at a music score filled with keyboards and Smith gave an impromptu music lesson to a young boy of nine or 10.
When Scout later commented on the impact Smith had on the youth, Jesse shrugged and said he just showed the boy a few things.
“That’s what Jesse did,” Scout said. “He just showed us a few things. But like the little boy in the music store, he stirred our spirits.”
“However you got to know Jesse, through skating, his music, his video games or any other passion that he shared with you, he stirred your spirit.”
“For those of you who met him during his journey with cancer, his hope, his strength and his bravery inspired all of us.”

Someone used a vehicle to smash a monument erected to honour Hugh Craig, a member of the order of Canada.

Vandals damaged a stone monument honouring one of Fort Macleod’s leading citizens.
Sometime Wednesday or Thursday morning someone used a vehicle to smash the monument honouring Hugh Craig in the Devonian Walkway across from The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police.
There are tire marks on the pedestrian walkway on the south side of where the monument was located.
The monument was broken in two, with the pieces resting on the edge of the one-way heading west.
Cpl. Bryan Mucha said the damage was clearly intentional, since the walkway is for pedestrians and the monument blocked vehicle access.
Pieces of a broken headlight were found at the scene.
The plaque on the stone monument reads:
“A proud Canadian and recipient of the Order of Canada, Hugh Craig, along with his wife Anne, devoted his time, energy and ideas to the enhancement of life in his community, province and country.”
“His military service in World War Two was recognized by a mention in a dispatch for distinguished service and by the French government in the award of the Croix de Guerre avec Etoille d’Argent.”
“Numerous honours reflect his life long interest and involvement in the realms of business, education, tourism, culture and historical preservation.”
“The Town of Fort Macleod was indeed fortunate to number Hugh Craig among her citizens. He truly made a difference.”
Craig was appointed a member of the Order of Canada on July 11, 1988.
Craig was honoured for the fundamental role he played in the creation of a tourist industry in Canada.
Craig was involved in many local, provincial and national organizations and served as president of the Canada Restaurant and Food Services Association.
“His work in various areas of history-related activities, specifically the chairmanship of the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump advisory committee, has successfully demonstrated that tourism and heritage preservation are mutually beneficial.”
Craig was given the Blackfoot name Ii nu to kan, or Buffalo Skull.
Craig died Nov. 20, 1994 at the age of 86.
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call the Fort Macleod RCMP at 403-553-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Louise Frances Gugala, born June 14, 1922, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, in Claresholm at age 91.
Louise is survived by her six children, Helen (Sam), Stan (Mary), Ted (Jan), Carol (Mike), Teresa (Pete) and Michael (Patti); as well as nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn, her sister Tina.
Louise was predeceased by her husband Walter, one great grandchild, six sisters and one brother.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the north unit at Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre for the excellent care and support.
Prayers will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, at 7 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 344 50th Ave. W., Claresholm.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church with the Reverend Tim Boyle presiding.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Louise’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT and NU 100-119 14th St. N.W., Calgary, Alta., T2N 1Z6; the Crohn’s and Colitus Foundation 3100, 246 Stewart Green S.W. Calgary, Alta., T3H 3C8; or Pincher Creek Women’s Emergency Shelter Association, P.O. Box 2092, Pincher Creek, Alta., T0K 1W0.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.leydens.com. Arrangements entrusted to Leyden’s Funeral Home, Claresholm. Phone 403-625-3212

Fort Macleod Mustangs built an early lead and then held off a late Pincher Creek Huskies rally Saturday to remain unbeaten in Ranchland Hockey League play.
The Mustangs pulled ahead 4-1 mid way through the second period on their way to a 6-4 win over the host Huskies.
The win improved Fort Macleod’s record to 3-0 as they prepare for their home opener Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8:30 p.m. against the Nanton Palominos.
The Mustangs opened the scoring 7:24 into Saturday’s game when Tyce Gallamore banged home his fifth goal of the year. Kent Broere and Cole Matson picked up assists.
That lead stood up for 10 minutes until former Mustang Kevin Olson scored his first of the season to tie the game 1-1. Shane Yellow Horn assisted.
The Mustangs replied a minute and a half later when Matson got his first of the season, assisted by Broere and Gallamore.
Seventeen seconds into the second period the Mustangs went up 3-1 when Gallamore scored his second of the game, assisted by Lander Marr.
Mid way through the second frame Broere notched his second of the season, assisted by Gallamore and P.J. Black Water to put Fort Macleod up 4-1.
The Huskies fought their way back into the game as Brett Tarcon scored three minutes into the third period to close the gap to 4-2. Jeremy Davidson and Yellow Horn assisted.
The Mustangs got that one back with 4:3 to play when Matson got his second of the game, unassisted.
Pincher Creek responded just 21 seconds later with a goal by Shawn Robertson, assisted by Otis Potts and Olson, to make it 5-3.
With 44 seconds to play Tarcon scored his second of the game to pull Pincher Creek within a goal. Robertson got the assist.
The Mustangs snuffed Pincher Creek’s comeback bid 22 seconds later with a goal by Tyson Thomson, assisted by Broere.
Garrett Smith blocked 34 shots in the Fort Macleod goal to record the win.
The Mustangs blasted 41 shots at Huskies goalie Joel Hasselman, another former Mustang.

The case against a man accused of exposing himself to young girls in Fort Macleod was adjourned Wednesday for three weeks.
The lawyer representing James Jonathan Bryshun, 29, requested the adjournment Wednesday in Fort Macleod provincial court.
Court was told Bryshun is still in police custody in Kamloops, where he faces charges similar to those in Fort Macleod.
Bryshun is charged with two counts of indecent exposure to persons under the age of 16 in connection with an incident in September in Fort Macleod.
Fort Macleod RCMP arrested Bryshun on Sept. 11 after a complaint earlier that day that youths had witnessed a man performing an indecent sexual act.
RCMP were told the youths were walking home from school near F.P. Walshe school when a man driving a blue car approached.
The youths reported the incident to their parents, who contacted the RCMP.
Bryshun appeared before a justice of the peace after being charged and was released.
Bryshun then appeared Sept. 18 in Fort Macleod provincial court and the case was put over three weeks to allow him to seek legal advice.
Bryshun was arrested Sept. 30 in Kamloops, B.C. and charged with indecent exposure.
Those charges are related to a complaint a man had his pants down and was making lewd gestures near an elementary school.
One of the conditions of Bryshun’s release on the Fort Macleod charges was that he was not to leave Alberta.
Judge Greg Maxwell agreed to adjourn the case to Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Sharon Monical and Vera Crow Shoe manned the Fort Macleod Drug Coalition display Friday at the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre. The drug coalition hosted a free family skate to mark National Additions Awareness Week. Healthy activities such as skating are part of a healthy lifestyle.

GAZETTE CONTRIBUTOR – MEGAN HEROUX
Many people have been affected by addiction, either directly or indirectly.
Every year we draw attention to National Addictions Awareness Week, a week dedicated to promoting awareness of addiction and the supports available.
We also recognize those who lead an addiction-free lifestyle, including those who have overcome addiction.
The Alberta Health Services Addiction and Mental Health theme for National Addictions Awareness Week is “Small actions make big differences.”
There are many ways you can make a difference in your home, school, or workplace.
It’s a great time to make a conscious effort to be a positive influence on someone’s day.
Think of all of the interactions you have on a daily basis and know that simple actions — greeting someone with a smile or having family meals together — can have a big impact on someone’s day and life.
During National Addictions Awareness Week, take this knowledge and accept the challenge to encourage and inspire someone every day.
Chris Windle, prevention counsellor with Alberta Health Services Addiction and Mental Health, agrees that your small steps matter.
“It doesn’t have to be a big expensive program that prevents substance use, rather, it is the small actions that anyone and everyone can take to show caring and support,” Windle said. “Create opportunities for meaningful involvement, and set high expectations to build resilience in children and youth.”
National Addictions Awareness Week is also an excellent time to rejoice with those who enjoy an addiction-free lifestyle.
Take the time to celebrate with an activity you enjoy, like bowling or skating.
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with alcohol, tobacco, drugs or gambling, support is available through your local Alberta Health Services Addiction Services office or by calling the 24-hour help line at 1-866-332-2322.
(Megan Heroux is a health promotion facilitator at Lethbridge Community Health Services and can be reached at megan.heroux@albertahealthservices.ca.)

The 32nd annual Santa Claus Parade will launch the 2013 Christmas season in Fort Macleod on Saturday, Nov. 30.

“Candy Land Christmas” is the theme of the annual Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The 32nd edition of the parade will kick off the Christmas season at 11 a.m. with marching bands, floats and other colourful entries.
The hour-long parade on Second Avenue and Main Street is the centerpiece of the Fort Macleod Christmas Festival, which includes late-night shopping, carolling, arts and craft sales, a fund-raising auction and a family dance.
Friday, Nov. 29
The 2013 Christmas Festival gets under way at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 with the Moonlight Madness late night shopping event.
The Fort Macleod Hospital Auxiliary will hold its fund-raising bake sale from 6-10 p.m. at the Fort Macleod RCMP Centennial Library.
Free wagon rides on Main Street will be sponsored from 6:30-9 p.m. by Young Parkyn McNab, the Chamber of Commerce.
Fort Macleod Allied Arts gets its annual Giant Christmas Craft sale under way at 6 p.m. Friday at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall. The sale continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30.
People are urged to gather at the west end of Main Street at 6:45 p.m. Friday for carolling and hot chocolate, followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree by Fort Macleod Mayor Rene Gendre.
The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police will hold its annual Yuletide Fest at 7 p.m. Friday, continuing Saturday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Parade day kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday with a pancake breakfast at the corner of Third Avenue and Main Street. Proceeds go to the A-T Children’s Project, whose volunteers will run the breakfast.
The Santa Claus Parade is the centerpiece of Fort Macleod’s Christmas Festival and it gets under way Saturday at 11 a.m.
The parade, which last year attracted more than 100 entries, will make its way north on Second Avenue before turning east on Main Street.
Bands taking part are Calgary Stampede Show Band, Calgary Arts Academy, Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts, Calgary Stetson Band, Calgary Round-up Band, Raymond Junior-Senior Percussion Ensemble, Sophmore Jakes and Pangea Steel Band.
Following the parade, Fort Macleod Knights of Columbus will operate their Food Barn as a fund-raiser from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Parish Hall. The Knights will serve chili, beef-on-a-bun, hot dogs, smokies and homemade pie.
Children can get their photo taken with Santa from 12:15-1:30 p.m. at The Macleod Gazette on Main Street. The Macleod Gazette runs Pictures With Santa as a fund-raiser, with proceeds donated to Fort Macleod Kids First Family Center. There is no fee, but donations are accepted.
Fort Macleod Legion and Family and Community Support Services will host a free family movie at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Empress Theatre.
The Rotary Club of Fort Macleod will host its annual fund-raising auction of items donated by the community at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Midnight Stadium Agriplex. All proceeds are spent on community projects.
There is a family dance from 7-10 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall, sponsored by Hand In Hand Out of School Care.
The weekend wraps up with the annual Rotary Carol Festival at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 at F.P. Walshe school.

The developers of Macleod Airfield Properties asked town council Nov. 25 to put the brakes on car racing at the airport.
Barb Vallance and Larry Zehanoviz appeared as a delegation to ask that auto slalom racing be discontinued.
“I would like the town’s commitment to abide by its own by-laws,” Vallance said.
Vallance pointed out that auto racing is not a permitted or discretionary use under the Town of Fort Macleod’s land use by-law for the airport.
Vallance said if council wants to allow racing it should present a by-law amendment at a public hearing.
“Then it would be the proper time to debate the issue,” Vallance said.
Town of Fort Macleod municipal manager David Connauton argued the municipality is allowed by the Municipal Government Act to hold special events such as car racing on its property.
Fort Macleod’s previous council in 2010 allowed the Southern Alberta Solosport Club to use the airport for events in September and October.
The following year council approved use of the airport for 16 events from April to October.
Council in 2012 voted to let the Southern Alberta Solosport Club and the Lethbridge Sport Car Club rent the airport for a total of 16 events.
The Town of Fort Macleod charges the car clubs $450 a day, with the money going to the airport maintenance account.
In 2013 in response to complaints from Vallance and some residents of Macleod Airfield Properties council reduced the number of car racing events to six from April to October.
In auto slalom cars race individually down a track and are timed for performance. A slalom-like course is laid out on the airport runway that the driver has to negotiate while trying to achieve the best time.
Vallance told the new council Nov. 25 that auto racing is not conducive with the country residential lifestyle of people in Macleod Airfield Properties.
Vallance also said closing the airport to planes to allow car racing makes it difficult to market the subdivision to people who own airplanes.
Development of Macleod Airfield Properties started in 1997, Vallance told council.
In 2006 the idea of allowing plane owners to taxi from the runway to their homes where hangars for their planes would be located began to take shape.
Vallance told council there are 12 houses built in Macleod Airfield Properties at present, with three other lots sold and one house being built.
Vallance estimated residential development at present at $4-million.
Vallance said residents of the subdivision, all of whom pay property taxes to the Town of Fort Macleod, deserve more consideration from council.
“I’m not against car racing,” Vallance stressed. “I am against car racing right against residential development.”
Vallance, who is a lawyer, told council she would welcome the chance to argue at a public hearing Connauton’s position that auto slalom racing can be allowed.
“Whether or not the town can do it, doesn’t mean they should do it,” Vallance said. “It’s not something that would normally be permitted in a residential area.”
Council did not make a decision on the matter at the Nov. 25 meeting.

It’s no secret that Santa needs some help delivering gifts to every family in Fort Macleod.
That’s why Fort Macleod Kids First Family Centre every year sponsors a Secret Santa program to ensure Christmas morning dawns bright for everyone.
“Based on feedback we have received from families in the past, it helps struggling parents feel less inadequate,” Kids First director Susan Simpson noted. “Many of these parents sacrifice things for themselves in order to provide for their children’s most basic needs.”
“Christmas comes along and meagre resources simply will not stretch to cover the cost of gifts for the children.”
The Secret Santa programs delivers gifts to every member of a low-income family to ensure Christmas morning dawns bright.
Last year Kids First provided gifts for 50 families through the Secret Santa program, up from 41 families in 2011.
“I have seen parents so visibly relieved that their entire presence becomes stronger, they seem just a bit taller, they walk just a little more confidently,” Simpson added. “All because someone in their community cared enough for them and their family to offer a helping hand — a priceless gift for any parent.”
People have the option of “adopting” a family and buying gifts for all the members, or simply donate a gift or cash.
If people are stumped on what gifts to buy, Kids First recommends choosing gift cards, particularly for those hard-to-buy-for teenagers.
For people who do not want to sponsor a family but still wish to help, Kids First has drop-boxes placed around town where people can leave unwrapped gifts for the Secret Santa program.
Families can register for the Secret Santa program through the schools or an agency such as Family and Community Support Services or Mental Health.
“It is not unusual for a family that is on the list one year to offer help in another year, when they are in a better financial situation, the recipient becoming the giver and a community caring for and supporting their own,” Simpson said.
People who know a family who needs help are also encouraged to register them with Kids First at 403-553-5354.
The program has a deadline for donations of Friday, Dec. 6.
“Our Secret Santa program shows us the best face of our community as people, families, businesses and service groups step up year after year to help.,” Simpson added. “With all the struggles that we see throughout the year it is such a blessing for us to witness this generosity and we feel honoured to be part of the process.”

Scott Piggott (13) and Jadon Porterfield (44) of the Fort Macleod Mustangs corral Greg Martin of the Nanton Palominos.

Kent Broere of the Mustangs battles for position in front of Nanton Palominos goalie Spencer Freer.

After racing to the front of the Ranchland Hockey League herd, the Fort Macleod Mustangs were reined in last weekend.
The Mustangs, who won three straight to open the season, lost in a shootout Friday to Lomond Lakers and then fell Saturday to Nanton Palominos.
The Mustangs are back in action Friday, Dec. 6 when they travel to Nanton for a rematch with the Palominos.
On Saturday, Dec. 7 the Mustangs host Pincher Creek Huskies at 8:30 p.m. at Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre.
Lomond 5 Mustangs 4
Josh Wiest and Riley Honess scored in the shootout to lift Lomond Lakers past the Mustangs.
Lomond sniped three goals to take a big lead in the first period Friday as Wiest, Danton Shigemi and David Foord found the back of the net.
The Mustangs fought back in the second, cutting Lomond’s lead to one goal.
First it was Keaton Foder scoring for Fort Macleod 7:51 into the second period, with Jadon Porterfield assisting.
Six minutes later Tyce Gallamore scored to make it 3-2, with Kent Broere and Cole Matson picking up assists.
Devery Edmonds scored for Lomond 8:29 into the third period to give the Lakers a two-goal lead.
The Mustangs just kept coming, and with six minutes to go in the game pulled to within a goal on an unassisted marker by Leo Lacourciere.
Fort Macleod continued to press and with 2 1/2 minutes to play got the equalizer with Lomond two men short. Lacourciere got the goal, assisted by Broere.
Overtime solved nothing but in the shootout Wiest and Honess scored for the Lakers, with only Lacourciere finding the back of the net for the Mustangs.
Tyler Marcotte made 35 saves in the Fort Macleod goal while Lomond counterpart Danny Wiik blocked 31.
Nanton 10 Mustangs 6
Nanton Palominos beat Fort Macleod 10-6 on Saturday to spoil the Mustangs home opener.
The defending champion Palominos galloped to a 5-3 lead in the first period and improved their lead to 9-5 in the second frame.
The teams traded goals in the third to make the final 10-6.
Abe Jensen scored twice and Gallamore had a goal and two assists for Fort Macleod.
Justin Donahue, Porterfield and Jon Call David also scored for the Mustangs. Lander Marr and Broere each had two assists and Zack Kotke had one helper.
Greg Martin scored five goals for Nanton, Tom Mikrut had three and Steve McMasters and Shane Stewart had singles.

Food banks in southern Alberta communities including Blackie, Vulcan and Fort Macleod get a needed boost next week when the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train pulls into town.
The Holiday Train consists of 14 brightly decorated cars, including a modified boxcar that has been turned into a travelling stage for performers.
The Holiday Train stops at 1:15 p.m. at Blackie, 3 p.m. at Vulcan and 7 p.m. at Lethbridge on Monday, Dec. 9.
Then on Tuesday, Dec. 10 the Holiday Train stops at Fort Macleod at 9:30 a.m., Pincher Creek at 11:15 a.m. and Coleman at 1:15 p.m. before moving on to B.C.
The Holiday Train’s visit will include musical performances by Canadian singer-songwriter Melanie Doane and jazz musician Matt Dusk. Others who have performed with the Holiday Train in 2013 include Jim Cuddy, Crystal Shawanda and Doc Walker.
After the band and singers get the party started there will be a brief ceremony involving CP officials, food bank representatives and local dignitaries.
Once the ceremony complete, the band resumes its show of 30 minutes of music that includes a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs.
Food bank officials will be on hand to accept donations of non-perishable food items that will help fill the shelves of the food banks in each community.
Since the Holiday Train program first launched in 1999, it has raised $7.4-million and three million pounds of food for local communities.
All the money that is raised and the food that is collected says in the community where it is collected, so the food banks in Blackie, Vulcan, Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, Pincher Creek and Coleman will benefit from the Holiday Train’s arrival on Monday and Tuesday.
Since 1999, the Holiday Train has covered about 100,000 miles and entertained hundreds of thousands of supporters.
It takes 30 Canadian Pacific “elves” about 100 days to completely transform and decorate the two Holiday Trains before they start their journey across Canada and the U.S.
In 2012, more than 20,000 candy canes were handed out to the kids at Holiday Train events. In the 14 years of the Holiday Train program, it is estimated over a quarter of a million candy canes have been given out to children as treats.
The Holiday Train started its 15th annual journey on Nov. 25 in Kahnawake, Que, and will end its journey on Dec. 16 in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Another Holiday Train is making a journey through the U.S.

Mr. Lee Edward Nathe of High River passed away at his home on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at the age of 68 years.
Lee is survived by his daughter Candace (Larry) Perko of Bragg Creek; son Dustin (Katerine) Nathe of Calgary; brothers Grant (Linda) Nathe of Strathmore and Dennis (Elsa) Nathe of Fort Macleod; mother Leona Nathe of Fort Macleod; aunt Jean of Queensland; grandchildren Blayke, Karis, Daymond and Maxim; nieces Tammy, Amber and Kori-Jo and nephews Rodney, Brad, Jeff and Dan.
Lee was predeceased by his father Norman Nathe in 2005 as well uncles Herman, Bud and Stan and aunt Yvonne.
Lee was born Nov. 4, 1945 and raised in Fort Macleod. Working the NormLee Ranch alongside his father for many happy years he then relocated to Calgary in the early 1980s. After a rewarding career with UMA Engineering, Lee retired to Cayley in 1991 and moved to High River in 1995.
To send condolences and view Lee’s tribute page please visit www.lylereeves.com. A celebration of Lee’s life will be held on Friday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. at Eden’s Funeral Home in Fort Macleod.
Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass). Phone 403-652-4242.

Alberta Health Services is warning people who ate at a Lethbridge restaurant may have been exposed to hepatitis A.
A food-handler who worked at Pasta Fresco and Black Tomato Lounge on Oct. 21, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Oct. 31 and Nov. 6 was diagnosed with hepatitis A.
“While we believe the risk to the public is low, hepatitis A can be a serious infection,” South Zone medical officer of health Dr. Vivien Suttorp said. “We’re asking any patron who consumed food or beverages at these two locations on the noted dates to please watch for symptoms of hepatitis A, stay home when sick, and call their health care provider if they do begin to show symptoms.”
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus common in many parts of the developing world.
Symptoms of hepatitis A may include tiredness, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and fever, dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, and yellowing of eyes and skin several days later.
Illness can occur within 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus, but usually within 28 to 30 days.
People can be infectious one to two weeks before symptoms occur until at least one week after the onset of illness.
Spread through the fecal-oral route, individuals primarily contract hepatitis A through direct contact with an infected person.
People can also contract the illness indirectly by ingesting food or water contaminated by an infected individual who does not wash hands after using the washroom, before preparing food.
Alberta Health Services has completed thorough inspections of the Pasta Fresco and Black Tomato Lounge locations, and confirmed both are in compliance with all public health codes and standards.
“These locations do not pose any risk of infection at this time,” Dr. Suttorp said. “This is a reminder of the importance of proper handwashing, staying home when sick, and ensuring your immunizations are up to date, including prior to travel.”
Although there is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, it can be prevented through vaccination.
If travelling to an area where hepatitis A is present, travellers are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses, including hepatitis A, prior to travelling.
People who have had hepatitis A infection in the past, or who have previously received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine, are not at risk of infection.
For more information on hepatitis A contact Health Link Alberta to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-866-408-5465.

Shopping locally will pay off in Fort Macleod this Christmas.
Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce will award $1,350 in gift certificates to one person through the Christmas Shopping Spree.
The certificates can be redeemed at the participating businesses for regular-priced merchandise.
The certificates can not be redeemed for cash.
People can enter the Christmas Shopping Spree in draw boxes at participating businesses.
The winner’s name will be drawn at 12 noon Friday, Dec. 20.
The Chamber of Commerce organizes the Christmas Shopping Spree every year to promote shopping in Fort Macleod during the Christmas season.
The promotion is designed to encourage people to shop in Fort Macleod first for Christmas gifts before heading to the city.
In addition to quality merchandise at low prices, Fort Macleod businesses also offer a personal touch for people shopping for Christmas gifts.
In addition to great service, customers also don’t have to struggle to find parking and battle huge crowds and long line-ups like they do in the city.
Theresa Miller of The Macleod Gazette called to invite businesses to participate in the Christmas Shopping Spree, and the response was positive.
The $1,350 in gift certificates can be redeemed at participating businesses. The gift certificates cannot be redeemed for cash.
People can enter the Christmas Shopping Spree at any of the following participating businesses:

• Bridge City Chrysler sales department.
• Bridge City Chrysler service department.
• China City Restaurant.
• Extra Foods.
• Fort Macleod Chiropractic.
• Fort Macleod Veterinary Clinic.
• Fort Pharmacy.
• The Hair Palace.
• Hansen’s Family Foods.
• Itsy Wear.
• Larson’s Tire Shop.
• Macleod Pawn.
• Macleod Restaurant and Lounge.
• Mereski Jewelers.
• NAPA Auto Parts.
• Perfect Touch Massage and Spa.
• Photo Plus/The Source.
• Puff’s Floral Design.
• Rexall Drug Store.
• Scougall Motors.
• The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police.
• The Macleod Gazette.
• Town and Country Liquor Store.
• Tru Hardware.
• UFA.
• Village Greenery and Gifts.
• Young Parkyn McNab LLP.

The Christmas Shopping Spree is also sponsored by Eden’s Funeral Home, Fort Macleod Agencies and the Lam family.

Ashley Gunderson of the F.P. Walshe Flyers is mugged by Kamala Knight of the Oilfields Drillers in the semifinals.

Hannah Bullock of the F.P. Walshe Flyers drives past Sarah Griffin of the Oilfields Drillers.

Picture Butte Queens were crowned champions Saturday night of a senior high school girls basketball tournament at Fort Macleod.
The Queens grounded host F.P. Walshe Flyers 53-40 in the championship game of the eight-team tournament.
Flyers 61 Titans 21
The Flyers opened the tournament Friday with a 61-21 win over Coaldale Christian Titans.
The Flyers were never threatened in this game as they opened a 22-4 halftime lead.
Cheyenne Hofer paced the Flyers with 17 points and Sam Bassett also hit double figures with 11 points.
Ashlee Koch had eight points, Katie Bullock had seven, Ashley Gunderson had five and Nicole Quinlan, Holly Bergo and Hannah Bullock each had four.
Flyers 63 Drillers 55
That win propelled the Flyers to the semifinals and a match-up with Oilfields Drillers, who beat County Central Hawks 75-7 in their opening game.
This one proved to be a thriller as the Flyers overcame a 33-18 halftime deficit to beat the Drillers 63-55.
Oilfields started strong, opening a 17-9 lead in the first quarter.
The Drillers kept pouring it on and built a 15-point lead by the break.
The Flyers defence stiffened in the second half, holding the Drillers to just 22 points.
Meanwhile, the Flyers started to find the range on offence and led by Hannah Bullock’s 15 second-half points poured in 45 of their own to take a 63-55 win.
Hannah Bullock finished the game with 16 points, tying Kamala Knight of Oilfields as the game’s top scorer.
Bassett had 10 points for the Flyers, Katie Bullock had eight, Hofer had seven, and Gunderson had six.
Bergo, Koch and Quinlan each scored four.
Queens 53 Flyers 40
The Flyers advanced to Saturday’s championship game against Picture Butte Queens, who had won games against Vauxhall Vi-Queens and Willow Creek Composite Cobras.
The Queens relied on a tough zone defence to prevent the Flyers from getting high percentage shots down low and that proved the difference as Picture Butte won 53-40.
Emily Johnson of Picture Butte led all scorers with 12 points.
Bergo was the Flyers top scorer with 10 points and Hannah Bullock had eight.
Katie Bullock had seven points, Basset had six, Hofer had five, Quinlan had four and Gunderson had two for the Flyers.

The Holiday Train’s decorated boxcars.

Children watch the Holiday Train arrive Tuesday

Angie O’Connor, Major Brian Beveridge and Mayor Rene Gendre accept a Holiday Train cheque for the Salvation Army.

The CP Holiday Train pulled into Fort Macleod right on schedule on Tuesday morning to deliver support for the Salvation Army food bank.
Hundreds of people turned out to be entertained by musicians Matt Dusk and Melanie Doane and to watch CP present a $7,000 cheque to the Salvation Army.
“We’re humbled by it,” Major Brian Beveridge of the Salvation Army said os the CP Holiday Train’s efforts.”It’s an awesome undertaking to do this and we recognize that. We thank you on behalf of people who will have food they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
The Holiday Train consists of 14 brightly decorated cars, including a modified boxcar that has been turned into a travelling stage for performers.
Since the Holiday Train program first launched in 1999, it has raised $7.4-million and three million pounds of food.
“When life goes sideways we sometimes refer to it being off the rails,” Gendre said. “When life rights itself we say we are on track. We wish to wholeheartedly thank CP Rail, its employees, organizers and volunteers for stopping in Fort Macleod this year and donating so generously to our food bank.”

Matt Dusk watches Melanie Doane play the fiddle.

After its stop in Fort Macleod the Holiday Train rumbled west to Pincher Creek and Blairmore. The Holiday Train will end its journey on Dec. 16 in Port Coquitlam, B.C.

Fort Macleod residents can once again dispose of used plastics through the town’s recycling depot.
Council decided Dec. 9 to pay BFI Canada Inc. to collect plastics as part of the recycling program.
At the beginning of July BFI Canada Inc. advised the Town of Fort Macleod it would no longer accept plastics as part of the recycling program.
In a report to council, assistant municipal manager Gloria Schwindt explained BFI will only accept single sorted, type specific, baled plastics.
The move was driven by a new policy adopted by China, which has tightened its rules on accepting waste from other countries.
Schwindt explained that Canada and other countries have long depended on being able to ship plastics to China.
Canada is not equipped to sort the clean materials to meet China’s new standards.
Canada has few options to dispose of these items and recyclable waste is being dumped in domestic landfills.
“At this point there is no money in plastics as a commodity,” Schwindt said. “We would be paying to have it hauled to the landfill.”
Recently, BFI Canada Inc. announced it would accept some loose plastic from community recycling depots such as the one in Fort Macleod.
BFI Canada Inc. will charge the Town of Fort Macleod $80 per tonne, or $4 to $5 per bin.
BFI Canada Inc. wants the plastics sorted, and will not accept bubble wrap, styrofoam or plastic shopping bags.
“As a short-term solution I would recommend we go this way for now,” Schwindt said.
Coun. Trish Hoskin supported paying BFI Canada Inc. to haul the plastics.
“I know in my circle lots and lots of people are really concerned they can’t recycle plastic,” Hoskin said.
Municipal manager David Connauton said the Town Office received many calls from people angry they could no longer recycle plastic.

Our Mother, Henrietta Joyce Nowicki, died peacefully on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at the Foothill General Hospital in Calgary, with the love of her family around her.
Joyce was born in 1917 in Alnwick, England and she came to Canada with her parents Thomas and Rose Laing. She lived for a time in the Okanagan and grew up on a farm near Carbon. She earned her diploma in teaching and taught in Beaverlodge and in Hythe.
Joyce married Andy Nowicki in February 1941. They lived in Glenwood, Parkland, Stavely and Fort Macleod, and raised their children in these wonderful communities. They always modelled a love of books and learning.
Joyce was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Stavely. In Fort Macleod, she served as librarian and as a member of town council. She supported many charities and canvassed for funds for worthy causes.
Joyce moved to Calgary, bought a home and embraced many activities through Holy Cross Anglican Church. She loved to travel, play golf and bridge and most of all she enjoyed playing Scrabble. She held the seniors Scrabble championship in Calgary for two years. In the past few years she lived in Boardwalk Towers. Joyce always enjoyed her talking books, Jeopardy and most of all the achievements of her family. She was a wise and wonderful mother and friend.
Joyce was predeceased by her beloved husband, Andrew Joseph; baby daughter Marion Joy; her brother, Jim Laing; and sisters, Molly Trembath and Iris Brown.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Iris Evans and Loretta Yantara Walker; sons, Andrew (Jo) Nowicki and Ken (Jan) Nowicki; her grandchildren, Kevin (Vivien) Evans, Trent (Laurel) Evans, Darren (Lori) Evans, Maureen and Jim Nowicki, and Blake and Glen Nowicki; her great grandchildren, Justin, Jarret, Madison, Eric and Ryan Evans also mourn her loss.
A celebration of Joyce’s life took place at the Holy Cross Anglican Church (2828-19th St. N.W. Calgary) on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. Her interment will be a private family affair at a later date.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Friends, who wish to honour Joyce, may make a donation directly to the Calgary Library Foundation “Diversity Service Department” for the Talking Books Collection (1221 Second St. S.W., Second Floor Memorial Park Library, Calgary, T2R 0W5).
In living memory of Joyce Nowicki, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: 403-241-0044.