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[
"Katherine Engqvist"
] | 2016-08-31T02:50:43 | null | null | Monday crashes serve as a reminder about road safety heading into fall | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fnews%2F391815851.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/22919goldstreamGNG-SALeighGoldstream-KE.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Langford collision leaves motorcyclist with serious injuries | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | The newly reconfigured intersection at Goldstream Avenue and Leigh Road was the site of one of six motor vehicle crashes Monday. A motorcyclist struck by a car was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The West Shore RCMP is looking for anyone who may have witnessed a collision involving a motorcycle that took place Monday night in Langford.
Emergency crews were called to the Leigh Road and Goldstream Avenue intersection at approximately 9:20 p.m.
It is believed that a Hyundai Accent was making a left turn while the motorcycle was travelling through the intersection. The driver of the motorcycle was treated at Victoria General Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
South Island Traffic Services is investigating the collision, but any witnesses are asked to contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
The crash was part of a busy Monday for the local detachment, which responded to six motor vehicle incidents and nine complaints of erratic driving. As of Tuesday, traffic-related issues for the month of August were up slightly from the same time last year, while the year-to-date number of traffic offences and complaints has increased by roughly 12 per cent over 2015.
This year's second quarter saw the number of collisions with injuries rise approximately 23 per cent while impaired investigations saw a slight drop. West Shore RCMP spokesperson Const. Alex Berube pointed out that impaired investigations numbers are heavily influenced by the amount of targeted enforcement conducted.
Monday’s crash total was higher than usual, he noted, but the numbers weren't unheard of.
"It's not uncommon for West Shore to have a few collisions reported to police a day. Driving complaints and other driving-related issues are some of the most common calls for service at the detachment, counting for almost 10 per cent of our total call volume," he said.
When asked if Monday's wet conditions may have played a factor in the number of calls, Berube said, "the weather certainly can be a factor if we see a spike in collisions, however, it was also noted that distracted driving (driver inattention) counted for several collisions. With summer holidays ending, the new school year starting and the days getting shorter, it's a good reminder for all drivers to slow down and pay attention."
katie@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/391815851.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/cb280e638a4c474ad2e16e3200d4dbd7603114244c607d77dcb79cc4efb0f6d0.json |
[
"Don Descoteau"
] | 2016-08-30T20:48:42 | null | null | With the hard work done, champion fundraisers have fun on the course | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fcommunity%2F391776941.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/3706goldstreamGNG-Woman2Warrior1.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Warrior women raise big money for charity in Colwood | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Sari Ringma of Sooke, part of the Integra Super Women team, crawls through the ice cold water pool as part of the Women2Warrior obstacle course race at West Shore Parks and Recreation. The event saw more than 160 women participate and raise more than $56,000 for the B.C. Lions Society’s Easter Seals program.
A spirit of teamwork, collaboration and good humour prevailed at the second annual Woman2Warrior race at West Shore Parks and Recreation on Sunday.
More than 160 women ran five kilometres then tackled an obstacle course that tested their climbing abilities and their willingness to crawl through ice cold water, all in the name of raising money for B.C. Lions Society and Easter Seals programs.
At the finish line, participants sounded thrilled to have completed the untimed event, but also happy to help raise money.
“We’re proud to support the cause; it’s important,” said Tammi Fitch of Victoria, one of six members of the Integra Superwomen team, who were easy to spot in their superhero costumes.
Following the crunching of numbers in the back rooms by volunteers, the total raised of $56,875 was announced at the finish line to a throng of participants and supporters.
“This year’s event was amazing. We had so many great teams, everybody dressed up in costumes and they enjoyed doing it,” said Shannon Bernays, special event co-ordinator for Vancouver Island for the Lions Society and Easter Seals.
“They worked hard over a number of months for fundraising, and so this is a big celebration for them. And they get to go out with their teammates and support each other.”
Participants ranged in age from 15 to 70 and participated on teams or as individuals. Some solo racers were even welcomed into other teams, Bernays said.
With a number of teams back for their second time, many of those groups grew their participation and their fundraising, she added.
With the fundraising aspect of the event over by the time they reached the start line, the women involved were able to focus on the course and have fun challenging themselves.
Asked if she had a favourite obstacle on the course, Integra team member Sari Ringma of Sooke didn’t hesitate: “I loved the ice bath,” she said, laughing. “I kept wondering whether I should stop but I didn’t know if anyone was behind me.”
Jennifer Midlane of Langford teamed up with her mother-in-law, Terry Richardson of Sidney, for the race and the two women finished together with big smiles on their faces after climbing up and down an elevated rope net.
“The ice pit, oh my God it was so cold,” Midlane said.
Taking part for the first time, Richardson said, “I think we’ll try to get more people involved next time.”
That sentiment echoed what Bernays was hearing around the fields at Juan de Fuca. While the number of participants was down slightly from last year, the amount raised was up a modest amount, which shows the fledgling fundraiser is heading in the right direction.
“It’s a great event. People love it and they are definitely excited for next year,” she said.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/community/391776941.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/04b3f7c05cac6e8608e413e47dfce140624b4363a5bfe7ef52ffbe3eabaedb94.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:26 | null | null | Canada falling behind on its commitment to developing countries | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F387833771.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | International aid hike needed in today’s climate | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | International aid hike needed in today’s climate
SDG – What, exactly, does that stand for? With so many acronyms out there these days, it is hard to keep up.
Is it a financial institution? A disease? Actually, SDGs are ‘sustainable development goals.’ In 2015, more than 190 world leaders committed to 17 SDGs to help us all end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice and fix climate change.
How can we, as individuals, contribute to a better world? Simply by letting our leaders know that we need to implement policies which are compatible with the SDGs.
Canada has had a reputation for reaching the hardest to reach and helping those most at risk, but we are falling behind in our commitment. Minister of International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau, could you please have a word with our lovely Prime Minister? We would truly appreciate it.
Connie Lebeau
Saanich | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/opinion/letters/387833771.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/d51c83433b8c38becc28627966f1a0f986c0485ccfae6a55ebaced66a8f79e89.json |
[
"Joel Tansey"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:35 | null | null | Future UVic student earns Airborne associations' educational honour | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fcommunity%2F390604151.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/16762goldstreamGNG-scholarship-jt.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Aspiring doctor from Metchosin duplicates mom's scholarship feat | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Shaelyn Littlejohn accepts a $2,000 scholarship from the Canadian Airborne Forces Association and the Airborne Regiment Association of Canada. The Metchosin resident will attend the University of Victoria this fall and hopes to pursue a career in medicine.
Like mother, like daughter.
Following in the footsteps of her mom, Metchosin’s Shaelyn Littlejohn has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship by the Canadian Airborne Forces Association and the Airborne Regiment Association of Canada.
Littlejohn, who received the award in a ceremony on Saturday at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 292 in Victoria, is a recent graduate of Pacific Christian School and is enrolled in the chemistry program at the University of Victoria this fall.
There, she’ll begin to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric surgeon, an ambition that grew out of personal experience.
Littlejohn was born prematurely and with two congenital heart defects, leading to a childhood spent in and out of the hospital for various surgeries and appointments.
“I feel like I’ll be able to relate not only with what the child is going through, but I can relate to what the parents are going through,” she said. “As my parent’s first child, it was really scary … with all of these issues and they didn’t know what was happening.”
She added, “I like working with children; they’re so resilient and even though they are in the hospital and they are sick, they find joy in the little things.”
And Littlejohn knows all about resiliency, having had to battle throughout her childhood.
“She’s always just pushed through it … she never used it as an excuse,” said her mother, Paula.
The scholarship is given to prospective students in the Armed Forces or to one of their descendants. Shaelyn’s grandfather, William Willbond, was a sergeant in the airborne regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces. “It’s even more special because he really encouraged all of us to go to school,” Paula said of her late father. “School was really important to him.”
Paula, a nurse, received a sum of $300 when she earned the very same scholarship in 1989. “She was excited … that it was [now] $2,000,” she said with a laugh about her daughter’s reaction.
Shaelyn Littlejohn was given the honour for her wide range of achievements in high school, which included being on the honour roll, participating in extra-curricular sports and music, and for her personal merit and potential. She was unanimously selected for the honour by the voting committee.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/community/390604151.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/3f3491b7b4316e5293be2a039514787f3c5da8a322335138331343a2000b6eca.json |
[
"Pamela Roth"
] | 2016-08-30T00:50:31 | null | null | Independent group hopes to faciiitate breakaway of Langford and Colwood from CRD project | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fnews%2F391677681.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Treatment site details still being flushed out; no West Shore site on shortlist | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | She's not surprised McLoughlin Point has wound up on the shortlist of options for a wastewater treatment facility in the capital region.
But until the core area wastewater treatment project board releases its final report in a few weeks, recommending the best site for a plant, Esquimalt Mayor and Capital Regional District board chair Barb Desjardins doesn't want to prejudge the future of McLoughlin Point.
“The project board has been sifting through all of the information and this is what they brought forward to date. I think the important information is still to come,” she said. “The site is only one small part of what we've heard from the region.”
The core area wastewater treatment project board released its interim report last week that included a shortlist of options – a single plant at Rock Bay in Victoria, a single plant at McLoughlin Point in Esquimalt, or a plant at both locations.
No West Shore plant was listed as an immediate option. In those presented, however, secondary treatment was looked at and biosolids would be conveyed to the Hartland landfill in Saanich. The estimated range of cost is pegged between $750 million and $1.1 billion.
Jane Bird, chair of the project board, said they established a methodology to consider and evaluate alternative options. Key themes of prior consultations were also considered, along with the extensive public commentary, when narrowing down the list of options.
Bird is well aware of the concerns that have been echoed in the past with a single plant at McLoughlin Point.
“Our job now is to say, ‘alright, let's unpack what's behind those concerns and think about whether we can be responsible to those concerns as part of our recommendation,’” she said. She noted that a more detailed cost analysis will be done on the shortlisted options, along with further review of the key themes against them.
“The difficulty with two sites is they tend to be more expensive, so that's a bit of a challenge with a two-plant option … Certainly cost is really important, so it's a big factor here. If there was a slight difference in cost, but the other benefits be they environmental or social, were greater, would we consider absorbing a little bit more in cost?”
Grant money important to big picture: Blackwell
When asked for her thoughts on last week’s sewage treatment plant shortlist announcement, Langford Coun. Denise Blackwell said, “It’s not much of a surprise.”
Blackwell, who also sits on the CRD’s core area liquid waste management committee, added, “It’s a little disappointing they’re not considering a site on the West Shore.”
There are a number of environmental factors that would have to be considered for a West Shore location, she noted, and time constraints may have limited those options even further. But Blackwell said those environmental considerations should have been looked at earlier in the process.
As for the potential for Langford and Colwood to have their own facility, an option currently being proposed by a group of private residents, Blackwell said Langford council has not yet seen the proposal nor had a presentation been scheduled by the end of last week.
“We’re concerned about losing the grant,” she added. “We want to work with the CRD to find the most cost effective option for Langford residents … That’s been Langford’s decision all along.”
Project has been contentious for years
The subject of sewage treatment has been a contentious one for more than 30 years in Greater Victoria, costing taxpayers millions of dollars in studies and consultation. Despite arguments made by local scientists, the federal government has deemed Victoria as high-risk when it comes to its current method of discharging screened sewage into the ocean. The classification means the region has to move towards secondary sewage treatment by 2020 in order to comply with federal wastewater regulations.
Two years ago, the region came close to constructing a facility at McLoughlin Point, but the Township rejected the plan, citing concerns with the size of the facility and the environmental impact.
In March, the CRD took another stab at the matter, voting to explore constructing two tertiary treatment facilities at Victoria's Clover Point and McLoughlin or Macaulay points in Esquimalt, at an estimated cost of around $1 billion. The proposal, however, sparked backlash from both communities and needed approval from Victoria and Esquimalt council in order to proceed.
The province waded into the matter in May to help the region find a way to move forward and established an independent panel of six experts, including Bird, to come up with a business case to present to the CRD in mid-September. CRD directors will ultimately have the final say on where a facility should be located.
Desjardins said there are still significant concerns for a single site at McLoughlin Point, and whether one could ever work there is a discussion council has yet to have.
“We still have a few weeks to wait. They've got a lot of work to do and the next information is going to really give us a true sense of what can be different,” said Desjardins. “They really haven't brought forward any new information. I want to wait and know the full understanding of what they're coming to.”
The final report, including the recommended option, will be available publicly on Sept. 7 and presented to the CRD Sept. 14. The CRD has until the end of September to submit its plans for wastewater treatment to the federal government or risk losing tens of millions of dollars in funding.
– with files from Katherine Engqvist
editor@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/391677681.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/212fd089a90932945488b6c2d5da67582b943b0b76a0170a11e7e73a4a5c36c8.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:15 | null | null | Costume fundraiser benefits B.C. Children's Hospital Foundation | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fcommunity%2F391065951.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/48178goldstreamGNG-SuperheroesDay.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Superheroes band together for super kids in Langford | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Captain America and other crowd favourites such as Spiderman, Thor, the Joker and Batman were in Langford on Sunday to help children through fun, interactive games.
The wind didn’t put a stop to last Sunday’s Super Summer Kids Day at Westhills Stadium in Langford. The event, hosted by Superheroes of Victoria, paired with generous private donations, raised $3,500 in support of the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Langford Mayor Stew Young was on hand to throw the first bean bag at the dunk tank, sending Mark Ashfield, Superheroes of Victoria founder and director, looking for a towel.
Children weren’t just able to interact with their favourite fictional superheroes, they were also able to hear about the day-to-day lives of some real-life heroes that work in the community.
Firefighters, police officers and other first responders were on scene to share some of their own experiences and maybe inspire the next generation of local heroes.
Ashfield posted a heartfelt thank you on the group’s Facebook page to everyone that lent a hand to make the event possible, including members of the West Shore RCMP, St. John Ambulance’s youth program,View Royal Fire Rescue and the Westshore Rebels. | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/community/391065951.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/9292182665b2b9d07a7a7f56628a36108d33656f392886286e6511f6e23ddabc.json |
[
"Joel Tansey"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:58 | null | null | Easter Seals fundraiser a “really fun time” for racers, says second-time participant | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fcommunity%2F391065171.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/47870goldstreamGNG-Woman2warrior.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Women ready to bring out inner Warrior | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Morgan Rozan works to climb a wall during last year’s Woman2Warrior obstacle race. Despite the obvious challenge of the 5 kilometre obstacle race, the Colwood resident says she had a lot of fun. The race happens Aug. 28 at West Shore Parks and Recreation.
From crawling through a pool of ice water to scaling walls to traversing teeter totters, it’s fair to say that participants in the annual Woman2Warrior charity obstacle race are put through the wringer.
But as difficult as the five-kilometre race is, it’s also a lot of fun, explains Colwood’s Morgan Rozon, who will compete in her second Woman2Warrior event on Aug. 28 at West Shore Parks and Recreation.
“It’s a really amazing event and I think that everybody should try and get involved with it if they can,” she said. “It’s just a really, really fun time to get involved with a bunch of very inspirational women.”
Rozon participated in last year’s event, which attracted 175 participants and raised $50,000 in support of Easter Seals.
Funds raised help send more than 800 children and young adults with disabilities to adventure camps at one of three accessible Easter Seals camps in B.C., including one on Shawnigan Lake.
Woman2Warrior racers are required to complete 12 top-secret obstacles on their way through the course, testing their strength, agility, determination and endurance. They are entered in teams and compete against each other to get through the extensive course, although Rozon says the competition is very friendly in nature.
“I feel like everybody’s definitely trying to push themselves a little bit, but everyone’s really cheering for the other teams, and you’re not trying to race past in front of them,” Rozon said. “The camaraderie between everybody was really cool.”
On Sunday Rozon will compete with a team of fellow cross-fitters, as was the case last year. This time they’ll be dressed in hot pink and bright green and be known as the “CrossFit Chicks,” complete with a chicken crossfitter logo.
“Everyone’s costumes were hilarious [last year] … it made it a lot more fun and entertaining,” she said.
As of Aug. 19, Rozon was the second-leading fundraiser for the Victoria race, having brought in $1,025. She’s managed to do that through online donations and bottle drives, and Woman2Warrior provides its competitors with a variety of different fundraising ideas.
“It’s a $300 minimum and it can be a little intimidating for some people to have to raise that much, but they give you a lot of tools to be able to do it,” Rozon said.
For more information on the event, log on to victoria.woman2warrior.ca.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/community/391065171.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/39869c9a25e27341a349845627f80b64eb58f0c7bd86eb9360ba01459dbcceae.json |
[
"Arnold Lim"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:19 | null | null | Check out a photo gallery of the dozens of musical acts that stormed the stage for Rock the Shores 2016. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fentertainment%2F388316301.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/38591goldstreamBP-RTS-SS-AL-007.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Rock the Shores Photo Gallery | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Rock the Shores stormed the West Shore Parks & Recreation Lower Fields in Colwood for a three-day music festival featuring Jesse Roper, Malahat, Metric, City and Colour, The Arkells, July Talk and much more. | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/entertainment/388316301.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/a1c9acda97ca22b001cc3c531950c708092aeca92062668e83685fbff43d45f4.json |
[
"Joel Tansey"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:17 | null | null | The 3-0 series lead that Victoria once held is a distant memory and now their first round series with Burnaby will come down to game 7. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fsports%2F390794471.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Shamrocks lead gone, Game 7 set for Sunday night | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | The Burnaby Lakers have clawed their way back into their first round series with the Victoria Shamrocks, and now the teams will take to the Q Centre floor in a winner-take-all matchup on Sunday night.
The Lakers completed the series comeback on Friday night with a 14-12 win over the visiting Shamrocks.
The Shamrocks appeared to be in control for much of the evening, holding 7-3 and 9-5 leads at various stages of the second period before the Lakers cut the Victoria lead to just one by the end of the frame.
Burnaby didn't take its first lead of the night until seven minutes had been played in the third. The 'Rocks quickly responded and the game was tied 12-12 as they moved towards the latter stages of the third.
Josh Byrne and Robert Church tallied markers three minutes apart for Burnaby, completing the scoring and leaving the 'Rocks on the wrong side of a close contest.
The Shamrocks will have one last chance to put the Lakers away, only this time they'll be facing the prospect of elimination as well.
The opening faceoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at The Q Centre. | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/sports/390794471.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/47907480928419ae4ff92f817a7723a1100c648c748c5a4e4ecf2ef875222caa.json |
[
"Joel Tansey"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:16 | null | null | Budding musical talent Jaimey Hamilton has an inspiring story. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fentertainment%2F391228311.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/18647goldstreamGNG-singerpic-jt.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Royal Bay student making waves on Vancouver Island music scene | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Jaimey Hamilton performs at Beach Food Fridays in Colwood earlier this month. The Royal Bay student hopes to pursue a career in music and has already performed with a lineup featuring Carrie Underwood.
Artists will often find inspiration for their music from a variety of sources.
For budding Royal Bay secondary student-musician Jaimey Hamilton, inspiration comes from a series of traumatic experiences she endured in her childhood.
Hamilton, 17, was diagnosed with leukemia at ages five, nine and 12, making her a three-time cancer survivor before reaching adulthood.
For most, the kind of perseverance needed to overcome those hurdles would be hard to comprehend. But for Hamilton, it was her passion for music that helped her through many difficult days.
“Music was the one thing that kept me going … it helped me deal with the rough times,” she said.
She got her first guitar at seven and took lessons for a few years, but then realized she was able to fine tune her skills by herself using online resources such as YouTube.
She counts country as her primary genre and plays a mix of her original compositions and cover songs, but she also enjoys playing popular classic tunes, such as “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” by Bob Dylan.
Naturally, her medical history plays into her songwriting, providing inspiration for a lot of her lyrics. “I have a lot of songs that are based on my journey through all of that,” she said, adding that overcoming cancer has helped her appreciate the little things and taught her to be “a better person.”
Hamilton performed for the first time at the age of 12 at an event called Jam for the Kids, a fundraiser for the oncology clinic where she received treatment.
“I was definitely nervous my first time … But once I started singing I was very comfortable. I was in front of friends and family, so that made it easier,” she recalled.
Friends and family were among the many in attendance earlier this summer for Hamilton’s biggest gig to date, Sunfest in Cowichan Valley, where the young artist got a chance to share the lineup card with names such as Carrie Underwood and Dierks Bentley.
Hamilton applied for a spot in the festival months ago and wasn’t necessarily expecting to hear back. “I sent in videos and an audio recording and they got back to me a few months later … I definitely was [surprised] just because there’s so many applications being sent in,” she said.
Now entering Grade 12 – a year that’s typically full of decisions for young adults – Hamilton isn’t entirely sure what the future holds for her and music, but she hopes to turn her passion into a career.
“I hope I can go pretty far with it and make a career out of it. That would be my goal.”
Judging by both her early success and perseverance, it would be foolish to count her out.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/entertainment/391228311.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/1ef05a13807837e79f607d9f93cb0267950183c63c9914dbfad1035c3e4ff9a1.json |
[
"John Arendt"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:37 | null | null | B.C. Day, on Monday, Aug. 1, is an opportunity to celebrate this spectacular province. See how well you know British Columbia. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Flifestyles%2F388492001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/60468summerlandimage.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. DAY TRIVIA QUIZ: How much do you know about British Columbia? | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | B.C. Day, on Monday, Aug. 1, is an opportunity to celebrate this spectacular province. See how well you know British Columbia. | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/lifestyles/388492001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/1108f6ae6da2478719e112c6e2ee9b682fb9991ee807af17ac6982318c3b2b05.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:19 | null | null | Investigations office staffer's point belongs in Monty Python skit, reader writes | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F387492541.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Beckett crash comment a statement of the obvious | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Beckett crash comment a statement of the obvious
Re: RCMP watchdog clarifies Beckett crash investigation (Gazette, July 8)
Well aren’t we so relieved? Aidan Buckley of something called the “Independent Investigation Office” hastens to assure us – six months after the deadly crash – that RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett is not the focus of its investigation.
This statement belongs in a Monty Python skit rather than being aired in serious media. It shows, again, that even in times of high unemployment there are still time wasters in the federal bureaucracy who are paid well for producing nonsense.
Canada survives despite them.
Ron Armstrong
View Royal | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/opinion/letters/387492541.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/c67c950c95c81a2963f562fe3b607c2386fe010d472263891293fe8f387b6577.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:29 | null | null | A Colwood resident writes about her appreciation for Bill Beadle, who is funding the study for sewage solutions in the city. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391064281.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Resident appreciates West Shore businessman taking on sewage issue | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Resident appreciates West Shore businessman taking on sewage issue
Re: Colwood gives thumbs up to regional sewage plan (Gazette, Aug. 19)
I have to thank Mr. Beadle for taking on the regional board regarding sewers.
We need someone with common sense who can encourage our elected officials to stop wasting taxpayer money on nothing. I wish nothing better than to get rid of the regional board, we don’t need a second level of local government.
As a taxpayer in Colwood, I am sure a lot of people feel the way I do. Thank you, Mr. Beadle, for your work.
Frances Cammiade
Colwood | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/opinion/letters/391064281.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/3b194277c1e82f506aa801c33f3d64970ea1fbc4472f7984da17c43cd69be515.json |
[
"Rick Stiebel"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:19 | null | null | Organic pigment has proven to be popular in California | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fbusiness%2F389913061.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/85767goldstreamGNG-homefinderlawn1.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | HOMEFINDER: Lawn painting idea brings solution to brown grass | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Chris Peereboom, co-owner of Victoria Lawn Painting, sits next to a patch of grass his company treated. He says some of the calls he fields are from people curious to know if it's a real business.
If you’re fed up looking at your brown lawn, you might consider having it painted green.
Chris Peereboom admits some of the calls he fields are shaded with skepticism since he launched Victoria Lawn Painting. “We didn’t know what to expect at first,” he noted. “There was a lot of curiosity … ‘Is it organic? What’s it going to do to my lawn?’ We’ve had calls from people who are shocked that it’s a real business.”
Although the company only launched in June, so far the people who have had their lawns painted appear to be impressed with the results. The company has already done work from Sidney to Sooke and Peereboom expects interest will grow through word of mouth.
“Everyone’s been very happy with the results,” he said. “All the feedback has been positive and people are surprised at how realistic it looks.”
Peereboom and partner Jeff Meyer, a realtor with Victoria Property Group, believe their solution to brown lawns is an environmentally-friendly approach that will save money and reduce water consumption significantly.
Victoria Lawn Painting utilizes a plant-based pigment purchased from a Lower Mainland company. The pigment is diluted with water and then sprayed on with a device equivalent to a garden sprinkler to produce a natural green colour. An application lasts two to three months on average, depending on the amount of rain.
The product, which is pet and child-friendly, dries within an hour and maintains its colour for up to six months in some cases. Once it’s been applied you simply treat your lawn as you did before, without the watering, Peereboom explained. As it grows and you have to cut it, the new growth is green as well.
A typical 500- to 800-square-foot lawn takes about an hour to 90 minutes to complete. The company charges 40 cents a square foot, which works out to about $250, on average.
“It’s a really good alternative to constantly watering,” Peereboom said. “It saves water and money, especially in an area like Victoria that’s known for its watering restrictions.”
As far as he’s been able to determine, Victoria Lawn Painting is the only company in the Capital Region offering the service.
It’s a huge industry in California, which has been dealing with strict watering conditions for years, he added.
“I think it’s the kind of business that will do really well in a super dry summer.”
For more information visit victorialawnpainting.com, call Peereboom at 250-858-0829 or email victorialawnpainting@gmail.com.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com
GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE » MONTH TO DATE, AUG. 8/16 COURTESY VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD
» 188/741 -- NET UNCONDITIONAL SALES / TOTAL, AUGUST 2015
» 265/952 -- NEW LISTINGS /TOTAL, AUGUST 2015
» 2,133/3,688 -- ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS / TOTAL, AUGUST 2015 | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/business/389913061.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/335178815c0987716382f21c7f683503941db3b9c18254e64fe05d90063c44d1.json |
[
"Joel Tansey"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:40 | null | null | Cuts are on the horizon as the Grizzlies get set for their first exhibition game tonight. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fsports%2F391202771.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/8750goldstreamGNG-Grizzliescamp-jt.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Optimism in the air as Victoria Grizzlies open camp | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Tynan Ewart (gold jersey) watches as the puck slides harmlessly into the corner during a drill at the Young Stars portion of the Victoria Grizzlies’ training camp on Tuesday. The Grizzlies will play their third exhibition game tonight (Aug. 26) against Cowichan.
The window to impress is a small one in junior hockey.
That’s likely the realization for some of the roster casualties of the Victoria Grizzlies’ opening few days of training camp, with players having just a handful of on-ice sessions and perhaps an exhibition game or two to prove to head coach Craig Didmon and his staff that they belong.
The Grizzlies play their first of four exhibition games in four nights tonight. Before that contest against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Didmon made it clear that the time was now for some of his players to step up.
“Some guys that have had sort of an okay camp, it’s time to shine,” he said. “We need those guys to start to come out of their shell a little bit and show us what they’ve got, because time runs out real quick.”
On the whole, Didmon was pleased with how the early stages of camp went, believing that the team was set up to have a lot of success this year following a rocky 2015-16 campaign that saw the club miss the playoffs by just two points.
“It seems to be a team with a lot of depth and there’s a lot of optimism around the rink right now,” he said.
Numerous new and returning players stood out as difference makers in the first two days of camp, with a pair of veteran defencemen leading the list of those who have impressed.
“The defence corps of Cody Van Lierop and Jake Stevens, they’re two 20 year olds that have looked really solid in camp … [Van Lierop] kind of looks like a man among boys out there and [Stevens] as well,” he said.
Stevens played in 54 games last year, his first with the Grizzlies, notching six goals and 19 points, while Van Lierop had 25 points in 55 games in his second BCHL campaign. Both stand 6’2” and will give Victoria experience and size on the back end to go with returning No. 1 goaltender Matthew Galajda.
Up front, the projected top line of Tyler Welsh, Nathan Looysen and Cole Pickup appear poised to have a big year offensively. Welsh, the youngest of the three at 19, has filled out his 5’10” frame this year and will be looking to build on the 40 points he produced as a rookie.
New blood should add to that picture up front, as a pair of promising Americans have the look of significant contributors.
Sage Englund from Arizona and Justin Michaelian (Detroit) showed Didmon enough in the early part of camp for him to confidently say that they’d be a part of the roster to open the season.
“They’re big, they’re strong, they’re quick, they’re smart. Those two have sort of solidified what I had hoped, that they could be guys that could come in and be major contributors offensively right away,” he said.
The Grizzlies are due to continue to trim their roster before the weekend, with Didmon saying they’d likely be down to 18 forwards following their second exhibition game, in Duncan against the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Thursday night.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/sports/391202771.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/621c0388c76926ad9ff9f4c3b5cc54de21c4fbfc930895fde5ed4009eea98dd8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:10 | null | null | Rabbits continue to multiply on the side of the Helmcken off ramp in View Royal and it’s not Mother Nature at work – well, not entirely. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fopinion%2F390600571.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | EDITORIAL: Grass isn't greener for rabbits on TCH | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Rabbits continue to multiply on the side of the Helmcken off ramp in View Royal and it’s not Mother Nature at work – well, not entirely.
Efforts by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and a local group of volunteers saw captured almost all of the rabbits that previously inhabited the area, with the intention of spaying or neutering the animals then sending them to a private sanctuary in Texas.
While some would argue their efforts are a waste of time and money, it’s a passion project nonetheless and who are we to say what people can or can’t be passionate about – or what causes to which they choose to donate.
This group is not causing anyone harm by rescuing and relocating the abandoned rabbits. If anything, they are helping to right a wrong committed by others.
But members of the public continue to abandon rabbits alongside that stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway, prompting the ministry to put its foot down after roughly 20 additional adult rabbits appeared in the area.
Earlier this week, the ministry announced that if more animals continue to be left at the site, it would be forced to find alternative measures to deal with the rabbits, including euthanization.
Up until now, the volunteer group, backed with private donations, has offered to foot the bill for relocating the rabbits.
But their funds will only go so far and this project was meant to be a one-time solution, not a long-term rescue operation and not something that will turn into a drain on taxpayers’ money.
And rabbits cannot continue to live stay at Helmcken, that is clear. Their burrows undermine the integrity of the roadways and surrounding sidewalks. Their floppy ears and fluffy tails also distract some motorists, and the lunacy of stopping at the edge of a busy highway to feed or visit the animals is obvious.
It’s an unsafe situation that the ministry says must end, and we agree, it’s time to find greener pastures for these animals. It’s also time for people unable to care for their rabbit pets to find more suitable homes for them. | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/opinion/390600571.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/f13511d634875c4ed62057a8e933fe0b520b9f84558158dcaddea505665b1fc9.json |
[
"Don Descoteau"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:10 | null | null | Victoria defends its WLA crown against Maple Ridge starting on Wednesday in Colwood | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fsports%2F390935781.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/94322goldstreamGNG-ShamrocksGm7-1.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Cardiac kid Shamrocks pull out semifinal win, host game 1 of lacrosse final | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Victoria Shamrocks Greg Harnett, left, Matt Yager and Jon Harnett smother Burnaby ball carrier Jason Jones in the late stages of Game 7 of the teams' Western Lacrosse Association playoff semifinal Sunday at The Q Centre in Colwood. The Shamrocks hung on for a 14-11 win and will host Maple Ridge in the WLA final, starting on Wednesday in Colwood.
Shamrocks host Game 1 in WLA final tonight in Colwood
It took four games to do it, but the Victoria Shamrocks finally put away the pesky Burnaby Lakers in their Western Lacrosse Association playoff semifinal.
The Shamrocks begin their WLA title defence Wednesday night (Aug. 24) at The Q Centre against the Maple Ridge Burrards at 7:45 p.m.
In front of a large crowd at The Q Centre on Sunday night in Colwood, the defending Mann Cup champion Shamrocks took an 11-4 lead into the third period, but escaped with a 14-11 win.
“Burnaby is an outstanding team and we knew that going in,” said Shamrocks head coach Bob Heyes after the game. “We bent a little bit, but we didn’t break.”
Shamrocks stalwart Cory Conway led the attack with three goals and five assists on the night to earn the game’s first star honours. Afterward he gave kudos to Burnaby for making the Shamrocks work hard for every victory they achieved.
“They’re a well-coached team; they’re hungry and they never went away,” he said. While pointing out that goaltender Adam Shute came up with some big stops at key times for Victoria on Sunday, the Lakers’ Zak Boychuk was equal to the task the last few games. “He comes up big when he gets confident.”
Shamrocks captain Corey Small noted that Burnaby is a club with all the right pieces in place to contend in years to come, adding, “They’ve got a bright future, that team.”
Having faced elimination and emerged with a win in three straight games, the Lakers showed in the third they would not go quietly.
Down 11-4 to start the third period, Burnaby scored five of the next six goals to pull within three at 12-9 with seven and a half minutes still to go. Faced with having to overtake a veteran playoff team, the Lakers played much of the last half of the period with goaltender Zak Boychuk pulled for an extra attacker and the strategy paid off with three straight goals.
Victoria transition player Ethan Garland made the Lakers pay by popping a shot into the empty net to make it 13-9 at the 14:13 mark, but Chris O’Dougherty scored just 34 seconds later to cut the lead to three again.
The teams battled hard for the next few scoreless minutes and Shute, who finished with was large in net for the Shamrocks until Conway broke free and found the empty net in the final minute to make it 14-10.
Rhys Duch and Corey Small added two goals and three assists each to help power the Shamrocks’ offence. Call-up Braylon Lumb continued his solid play, scoring twice as did Jeff Shattler, while Tyler Burton and Chris Wardle had a goal apiece.
Josh Byrne had seven points to lead the Lakers, on a goal and six assists, while Eli McLaughlin had the hat trick. Robert Church finished with six points on two goals and four helpers and Scott Jones also scored twice. Other goals came from Matt Beers and Tyler Digby.
Heyes said the seven-game battle with the Lakers was good preparation for the final against Maple Ridge, who eliminated New Westminster in five games and clinched with a come-from-behind 11-10 win last Wednesday.
“They’re focused,” he said of his players, who are a bit beat up but ready to go. “It’s going to be a great series.”
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
WLA showtime
Here’s the schedule for the Western Lacrosse Association final between the Victoria Shamrocks and Maple Ridge Burrards:
Game 1 - Wed. Aug. 24 in Colwood, 7:45 p.m.
Game 2 - Fri. Aug. 26, Maple Ridge
Game 3 - Sun. Aug. 28, Colwood, 6 p.m.
Game 4 - Tues. Aug. 30, Maple Ridge
Game 5 (if necessary) - Wed. Aug. 31, Colwood, 7:45 p.m.
Game 6 (if nec.) - Fri. Sept. 2, Maple Ridge
Game 7 (if nec.) - Sun. Sept. 4, Colwood, 6 p.m.
Home game tickets for the final series are on sale at the Shamrocks team office at 120-967 Langford Pkwy., or online at victoriashamrocks.com. | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/sports/390935781.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/0cec1427aa1916c9ada418aa0e9ea9c323c322de9441f54ac6012dec4784f6a4.json |
[
"Rick Stiebel"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:30 | null | null | Son of a gun, it’ll be fun times this weekend for annual water pistol fight in Colwood. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fcommunity%2F390605901.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/17723goldstreamGNG-fabforts-AL-001.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Fort Rodd Hill hosting a flurry of family events | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Andrew Gillis, left, sprays Jake Henry with a water gun during Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site's Fab Forts event last year. The annual event happens this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Editor's note: the print version of this story in the Gazette contained an inaccurate date. The following version has the correct information)
If you’re looking for a great way to stay cool on a hot day with a good old-fashioned family water pistol fight, look no further than Fort Rodd Hill.
The squirt gun showdown takes place Saturday, Aug. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. as part of Parks Canada's Fab Forts events. You can even sharpen your skills on the squirting range from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for the event is included in the price of general admission, and they’ll even supply a squirt gun if you don’t bring your Super Soaker along.
Other events will also highlight the day, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m., including the Platoon Challenge Scavenger Hunt, Second World War demonstrations by the Victoria-Esquimalt Military Re-enactor Association, a firepower demonstration, face painting, live music and more. There’s activities for people of all ages and lots of opportunities for adults to learn the history of the fort or enjoy a scenic stroll, said Sophie Lauro, the park’s promotion officer.
“Remember to bring your sunscreen and prepare to have an awesome time,” she said. “Bring some lawn chairs and a picnic lunch and make a day of it.”
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites also offer a variety of other free programs throughout August.
There is no charge for any of these events, other than regular admission to the park.
Another event that might appeal to those wanting to test their battle mettle is the Airsoft programs, which run every Saturday and Sunday throughout August. “You get to dress up in a World War II uniform and fire a Tommy Gun that shoots paper bullets,” Lauro explained. “You get a clip with 30 rounds that you can shoot one at a time or rapid-fire, and you can take the target home for bragging rights.” The cost for that activity, which runs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. is $7.80, plus park admission. You must be at least 10 years old for Airsoft and sign up at the front gate on the way into the park.
Admission to Fort Rodd Hill is $3.90 for adults, $3.45 for seniors and $1.90 for youths. Family passes for $9.80 are available as well. Please remember that pets are not allowed.
For more information on the events and schedules, visit pc.gc.ca/fortroddhill and click on events.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/community/390605901.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/93b48436bc94364445c0a5e9a043ed872533bb447aa00bb2f4246b44034caa9c.json |
[
"Cole"
] | 2016-08-30T22:51:44 | null | null | Racing trucks offer highlight for speedway attendees | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fsports%2F391795981.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | WESTERN SPEEDWAY: Harder faster among Big Rig drivers | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Last weekend Western Speedway played host to the Wilson and Proctor Big Rig Weekend, featuring the North American Big Rigs, LORDCO Auto Parts Demo Series, Nexx Financial Claimers and an exhibition from Richlock Rentals Capital Drift.
The Big Rig main event was the highlight of the evening, with Jager Berdahl and Kevin McMekan leading the field to the green. Ron Singer would jump from the second row to the front on lap three before pulling into the pits with engine trouble.
Isaac Harder inherited the lead, with Darren Berdahl hot on his heels, but Berdahl would lose an fuel line with 20 laps to go, bringing out the only caution in the race. Harder went on to dominate the rest of the main event, crossing the line ahead of Glen Creed, Cory Riplinger, Cole Wiesner and Kevin McMekan, in that order.
A rundown of the night’s race winners:
Big Rigs
Dash: Gino Howe; Heat 1: Kevin McMekan; Heat 2: Darren Berdahl; Main: Isaac Harder
Demos
Dash 1, heat: Tyler Clough; Dash 2: Jeff Haslam; main: Craig Holfeld
Bombers
Dash: Mike Dionne; heat 1: Stuart Campbell; heat 2, main: Bill Gallacher
Claimers
Dash: Nolan Perry; heat 1: Gord Percival; heat 2, main: Glen Percival
Mini Figure 8’s
Dash: Phil Lagan; heat 1: Tanner Jacobs; heat 2, main: Sam Lagan
This weekend, the Canada 200 Late Models races take over the track, joined by the B.C. Street Stock Invitational. Visit westernspeedway.net for more details and ticket information.
Cole Sorenson is track announcer and website contributor for Western Speedway. | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/sports/391795981.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/9404ed2f8716644c409c5bc85ce77ed7c3b5d3e9e9e9ce9334dd272b518c9f3d.json |
[
"Joel Tansey"
] | 2016-08-31T00:48:44 | null | null | Eleven teams put their best recipes to the ultimate test | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fcommunity%2F391778041.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/4223goldstreamGNG-chili-jt.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | West Shore chili cookoff brings the heat in Langford | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Terry Walsh of Nando’s dishes out a sample of his team’s spicy yet sweet pot of chili at the West Shore Rotary Club’s annual chili cookoff. The team from The Market on Millstream took home this year’s top prize in a decision by a panel of judges.
Regular and potent gusts of wind were a welcome reprieve from the serious heat that was supplied by the numerous pots of chili entered in the West Shore Rotary Club’s annual cookoff.
Eleven teams put their best recipes to the test on Saturday at Millstream Village, with each batch spicier, hotter and more fragrant than the next.
In the end, the team from The Market on Millstream took home the top spot with their recipe that included a special sriracha and sour cream topping.
“We’ve been thinking about it for 364 days, since the last contest. We tried to use local ingredients wherever possible and a little bit of pork, beef and pepperoni,” said Jason Boer, the store’s manager.
And it was the spiciness that separated the Market team from the rest, according to taster Lindsay Straith, who gave their chili his personal vote for its heat level.
That’s not to say that there was much to separate any of the 11 chilis entered into the contest. The concoction from the Axe and Barrel Brew Pub received top marks for its “perfect balance of spice and sweetness” according to one voter, while Nando’s got points for “uniqueness” according to another, citing their use of chicken for the base protein as a welcome change to traditional recipes.
Bucky’s Taphouse took second spot in the judged contest while the team from Royal LePage earned third.
As for this reporter’s vote, call me a front-runner, but the sriracha sour cream sauce clinched it for me.
The Market on Millstream gets a full five chili peppers out of five.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/community/391778041.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/0592936a95de0b0bdca7204bd5ce769ecce4c6c41c1fca12681678424bf9635f.json |
[
"Don Descoteau"
] | 2016-08-27T00:50:20 | null | null | Having reached the halfway point of the BCFC season, the Rebels have a chance to take over sole possession of second place this Saturday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fsports%2F391320371.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/59657goldstreamGNG-RebelsRams6Mackinnon.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Westshore Rebels off to fastest football start in recent years | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Westshore Rebels quarterback Ashton Mackinnon looks for an open receiver while being pursued by Langley defensive lineman Adam Marchetti in a B.C. Football Conference game at Westhills Stadium. Mackinnon and fellow Rebels QB Scott Borden have split duties this season.
Having reached the halfway point of the B.C. Football Conference season, the Westshore Rebels have a chance to take over sole possession of second place this Saturday (Aug. 27).
Hosting the winless Valley Huskers in the second half of a home and home series at 4 p.m. at Westhills Stadium, the Rebels are favoured to duplicate their results from last weekend’s 47-23 victory in Chilliwack.
The same day in Langley, the Rams (4-1) host league-leading Okanagan (5-0) in a game that could be a preview of a BCFC playoff game.
The Rebels are on a roll, having scored more than 40 points every game so far except their loss to the Sun (27-21). They get another opportunity to beat the Sun on Sept. 10 after the Labour Day weekend break.
Westshore head coach J.C. Boice’s prediction that his team would turn heads this season is so far coming true. The 2016 Rebels are making three consecutive 2-8 seasons seem like another era, or another club, and getting standout performances from different players every week.
Three-time BCFC player of the week award winner, running back Jamel Lyles (featured in a Aug. 24 story), isn’t the only Rebel making a splash. Last week’s game saw running mate Trey Campbell pile up 173 yards rushing and score twice, giving the Westshore offence another weapon to counter Lyles, who still ran for 97 yards and a touchdown.
The sharing of quarterbacking duties between second-year man Ashton Mackinnon and rookie Scott Borden this year appears to be working well. Borden has a 57.9 per cent completion rate and a quarterback rating of 109.6 (second in the BCFC); Mackinnon sports a middling 50.9 completion rate but with just one interception, his QB rating is 95.4 (third). The latter, a strapping six-seven, 225 pounds, has also taken up punting of late and is averaging a league-best 41.4 yards per boot, only a few off the distance currently being achieved by middle-of-the-pack CFL punters.
Among receivers, Kain Melchior continues to impress, having hauled in 13 balls for 294 yards and four TDs, while Nathaniel Skeete has 10 catches for 180 yards and two TDs. Mackinnon and Borden have spread the ball around well otherwise, involving 11 other players in the passing game.
On the other side of the ball, fourth-year defensive back Brody Uddenberg leads the way with 23 solo or assisted tackles, followed by linebackers Adam Masur with 22, Kevin Gabriel with 20 and d-lineman Matt Pastro with 12. First-year lineman Kent Hicks leads the way with three sacks and rookie defensive back Julio Makambo has a team-best two picks.
Down the stretch the Rebels will need to continue to show depth on both offence and defence, with two of their remaining five games coming against teams that have so far shown to be in the upper echelon of the BCFC.
editor@goldstream gazette.com | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/sports/391320371.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/15dacdf7e9b2c186f22a04ead6d200f302cbe31213ba610fade80f70e821b350.json |
[
"Octavian Lacatusu"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:30 | null | null | The cougar is believed to be the same animal captured, tagged and relocated from the Florence Lake area last spring | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fnews%2F391209931.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/10838sookeCougar_closeup.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Problem cougar returns to Whiffin Spit area | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | A young cougar has been spotted in the Whiffin Spit area
The Whiffin Spit area in Sooke is on edge after a cougar was seen peering into a resident’s home last week.
The cougar is believed to be the same animal captured, tagged and relocated from the Florence Lake area last spring, said conservation officer Peter Pauwels.
“There are very few that get ear tagged and released, so there’s only two possibilities which one it is,” Pauwels said.
There have been 15 cougar-related calls in Sooke region since April.
Still, a cougar sighting is rare and unusual.
Pauwels pointed out a rumour in another Sooke news outlets stating that an ear-tagged cougar has been seen in the Whiffin Spit area for years is “absolutely untrue.”
If captured, the cougar, a two-year-old male, will not be relocated again.
“We’re only allowed to do that once. With the behavior it’s displaying now, it wouldn’t be a candidate anyway because it’s showing unusual behaviour. It’s walking up to houses, looking in windows. It’s not afraid of people,” Pauwels said.
“Relocation can work in certain situations, but if you have an animal that’s habituated to people, that prefers to live around people, if you take it up in the bush, it’s going to come back.”
Pauwels said the cougar seen in Whiffin Spit is not acting aggressively towards people, but that doesn’t make it less of a concern, either.
“It has no fear of people, so it’s going to live amongst us. That makes it a concern because if somebody was to see it and do the wrong thing like run away, it could actually trigger an attack.” | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/391209931.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/bcc5a5fb70525210929bf5c01b757650ffec5010e535663dacbcbcbcd306dc3d.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:04 | null | null | Asian demand for B.C. wood products peaked in 2013, analyst says China sales on pace for 50 per cent drop | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldstreamgazette.com%2Fbusiness%2F391328001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/63096BCLN2007thomsonchinaosb7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Lumber exports shift to U.S. as China sales slump | null | null | www.goldstreamgazette.com | Wood products exports from Canada to Asia were down 18 per cent in the first six months of 2016, with the biggest decline being softwood lumber from B.C. to China, according to the Seattle-based Wood Resources International.
Lumber sales to China are on pace to drop by 50 per cent this year compared to 2014, as B.C. lumber producers direct their sales to a healthy U.S. lumber market, according to customs data tracked for the Wood Resources Quarterly (www.woodprices.com).
The latest edition notes that by value, 75 per cent of B.C.'s exports to Asia in 2015 and 2016 are in the form of lumber, while 77 per cent of exports from Washington and Oregon are logs.
Asian demand reached a record high in 2013, with China passing Japan as the largest importer of North American wood products in 2011. The B.C. and federal governments promote wood construction in China and Japan, and B.C.'s forest minister is required to conduct an annual trade mission to China, Japan and other Asian countries.
The shift in demand provides extra urgency for talks to renew the Canada-U.S. softwood lumber agreement that expired last year. B.C. sales are booming without the export cap that both Ottawa and Washington have agreed will be required. | http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/business/391328001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.goldstreamgazette.com/48847bc93388e29b521e9514cfa5e82a5b07cef79ec11f3e027e32e89b1a7483.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:09 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fcommunity%2FAnnual_Flower_and_Garden_Show_coming_up__389750431.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Annual Flower and Garden Show coming up | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | There will be all kinds of eye-catching displays at the annual Flower and Garden Show, which is set for Aug. 18th at Festival Hall.
For details about entering, a show book guide is available for viewing at their web site at www.reddeergardenclub.ca.
Organizers say that the staging of exhibits runs 5 - 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 17th and 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 18th (no entries will be accepted after 9:30 a.m.)
Late entries may be used for display only, according to the web site.
The event will be closed for judging from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Aug. 18th, and open to the public from 2 - 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 18th.
It’s free to enter the show and there are prizes to be won by local businesses as well.
There is also a junior section for the younger crowd of 14 years of age and under, and a Garden Tea Party from 2 to 4 p.m.
Admission to the show is free, and there will be an awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 18th as well.
Local growers shouldn’t be shy about entering the show – sometimes folks can find treasures in their own yards that deserve to be a part of the popular annual event, explained Clarice Schulz, the event’s convener.
Meanwhile, for locals with a green thumb, both educational and social opportunities abound via the Red Deer & District Garden Club. The Club, whose origins stretch back to the early years of the last century, is still going strong.
Founded during the spring of 1911, the Club was originally known as the Red Deer Horticultural Society.
Today, the Red Deer & District Garden Club is a non-profit organization and is a member of the Alberta Horticultural Association. Their intent is to foster an interest in all types of gardening and provide a forum for gardeners to get together and celebrate the love of gardening.
Meanwhile, members meet once per month from September through June (December excluded) on the third Thursday of each month. Meetings are held at the Kerry Wood Nature Center and usually begin at 7 p.m.
The yearly fee for membership is $20 per household which is payable each September.
According to the web site, membership includes newsletters outlining upcoming events, gardening advice and submissions from club members, free attendance at the monthly meetings - guest speakers with various garden topics, gardening knowledge and tips, an annual pot-luck dinner in March, the perennial plant sale in May, the summer garden tours of local yards in July and August, the flower and garden show, a members-only plant exchange in September and a festive pot-luck and gift exchange in November.
Regular meetings typically include a presentation from a local expert on various garden related topics.
And as pointed out, things don’t come to a grinding halt during the colder months. Members meet all year to share tips, stories and they continue to enjoy special speakers and sessions to hone their skills.
For further information about the Red Deer & District Garden Club, contact Clarice at 403-341-4351. Check out www.reddeergardenclub.ca.
-Weber | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/community/Annual_Flower_and_Garden_Show_coming_up__389750431.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/144d709b3a9fd046f1db03cbac401bd83d70682f89122c7826d4a5fa3dcd4c6f.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:24 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FTraining_camp_gets_underway_for_Rebels__391160851.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Training camp gets underway for Rebels | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | It’s been a relatively short off season, but the Red Deer Rebels are already preparing for the start of another Western Hockey League season.
After a whirlwind year that saw them go all the way to the semi final of the 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament as the host team, the Rebels are set to mark the start of the 2016-2017 training camp, which officially opens on Wednesday.
“It’s an exciting time. It’s been a quick turnaround over the summer, obviously not getting done until the end of May because of Memorial Cup and so forth. But we’re excited about getting started on a new year and having some new faces come to the team, so it’s an exciting time in that regard,” said Rebels’ Head Coach and General Manager Brent Sutter of the camp, which began on Wednesday with main camp and will see rookies begin to roll in on Saturday morning.
The Rebels, who made it all the way to the WHL Eastern Conference Championship last season before hosting the Memorial Cup tournament in May, will be looking to make another solid run at the playoffs come May next year, Sutter said.
“I like the mindsets of our returning players, what they talked to us about in the exit means, and what leadership they need to take on themselves to help us — again we want to grow as a team and we always want to be playing into May, that’s ultimately your goal,” he said, adding he’s excited about the young crop of players coming into this year’s camp.
“The young guys coming in and being sponges and wanting to learn and get better. They’re all a bunch of good, young kids and they’re all players that want to play. That’s what’s encouraging with our group coming in.”
Sutter added the biggest thing is to be patient with some of the younger players who will be looking to make the leap into major junior hockey from the ranks of Midget teams this season and who will form the core of a slightly younger Rebels team than last season.
“I think the biggest thing with these young guys is we’ve got to be patient with them. They’re all hard working kids, they’re caring kids. We’ve got to bring them in and let them grow. They’re obviously a big part of our team this year and moving forward into the future. We’re excited about that and we’re excited with the group coming back.
“Hopefully they can take the next step and we can all gel and form some chemistry together so we can be a good team here this season and moving forward.”
With the departures of key players such as Ivan Nikolishin, Adam Helewka, Luke Philp, Haydn Fleury and Jake DeBrusk, Rebels’ fans can expect to see some familiar faces take on bigger roles on the team.
“Every year your older players move on and younger players get to play more prominent roles. They’ll become those last guys that just left, just like those guys were in the year before. You don’t get caught up in certain guys leaving because you know they leave after their 19 or 20 year old year. So some of the young players now, they get put in that prominent role.”
Sutter said players like Adam Musil, Michael Spacek, Grayson Pawlenchuck, Brandon Hagel and Evan Polei will have to step up to become the leadership group of the team.
“I expect them all to be. There are guys that have been in the league now for three years. I expect them all to help carry that load and help us develop and make our young players better but at the same time make themselves better too. It’s a good group of kids we have coming in. Now it’s just gelling together and growing as a team.”
He added he’s confident that those guys will be able to step up and fill the void left by graduating players.
“I will tell you one thing. The group that’s coming back, we’re going to see them play hard every night.”
On-ice sessions of the 2016 Red Deer Rebels training camp began on Wednesday and run throughout the week. All ice times are at the ENMAX Centrium and are open to the public. The training camp will culminate in the annual Black and White Game, which is scheduled for Aug. 31st at 7 p.m. Free tickets are available at all Central Alberta McDonald’s locations or for a $2 donation at the door in support of the Red Deer Firefighter’s Athletic Fund.
The Rebels play their first pre season game on Sept. 2nd at 7 p.m. at home against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Training_camp_gets_underway_for_Rebels__391160851.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/e31f052fbeeebd08e928e1fac8d93c2421f8a17ae955738c1b02b68e04c13d58.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:56 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fcommunity%2FRed_Deer_Express_-_Your_community_newspaper_390362381.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Your community newspaper | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | null | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/community/Red_Deer_Express_-_Your_community_newspaper_390362381.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/c21718e99deadd69115e1c264af74246ecaed0b7808cbf82a9fd027fb23c709e.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:08 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FRed_Deers_Chaim_Schalk_relishes_Olympic_experience__391161311.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/RGB_160824-EXP-ChaimSchalk_1.jpg | en | null | Red Deer’s Chaim Schalk relishes Olympic experience | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | HOMEGROWN -From left, Red Deer native Chaim Schalk spiked the ball past Robert Meeuwsen of the Netherlands during a round of 16 match at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last week. Schalk, along with his partner Ben Saxton, made it to the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament.
It was the culmination of years of hard work and practice for Red Deer’s Chaim Schalk, as the 30-year-old beach volleyball player had the opportunity to compete in his first Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro last week.
“The trip was pretty awesome. It was a pretty amazing experience. Everything involved was really cool and we felt so much support from everyone back home and everyone that was there with us. Just competing on that stage was really, really cool,” said Schalk during a phone interview from Long Beach, California, where he is busy preparing for his next major tournament.
“We worked super hard to do it and (teammate) Ben (Saxton) and I teamed up four years ago and we made it clear that we wanted to go and continue to progress. Obviously the end goal was to make it and to give ourselves a chance to be a medal contending team at the Olympics. And we did all of that.”
Schalk and Saxton fought their way through to the quarterfinals of the men’s beach volleyball tournament before being eliminated in straight sets by the duo of Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen from the Netherlands last week.
Despite coming up short of the medal rounds, Schalk said the team is taking it in stride.
“Things didn’t go quite as well as we would have hoped for, but we know it’s hard. We’ve battled in these tournaments of the same calibre, it’s just that this wasn’t our time.”
Right from the get go of the tournament, the duo were faced with some of the toughest competition they’ve ever seen.
“We were put in, in any beach volleyball tournament, probably the hardest pool that has ever been put together. That’s because we had Brazil as the top seed, we had Latvia, who was injured for part of last year so they were ranked lower than what they should have been,” said Schalk, who along with Saxton went into the tournament ranked seventh in the world.
Topping off the four-team pool was Cuba, who don’t play on the World Tour, but according to Schalk are a strong team.
“Going into the tournament we knew it was going to be a grind just to get out of the pool.”
Still, the pair put up some really good fights, coming within two points of toppling the Latvians in their first game of the tournament before upsetting the Brazilians in three sets in their second.
“Beating Brazil in Brazil was something that I’ll never forget. That was pretty amazing with that huge crowd and all of the support that we received after, it was really amazing,” Schalk said.
The pair ended up going 1-2 in the pool round, finishing third in their pool. That meant they would have to play a ‘Lucky Loser’ game in order to qualify for the quarter finals.
They were up to the task, as they ousted Poland in straight sets to advance into the elimination matches.
“It was a pretty tough draw to go against Poland and then to qualify for the Netherlands, who are a little bit younger physical team who won the World Championships and if they get hot, they can really take any team down.”
Unfortunately for Schalk and Saxton, the Dutch team were on their game and were able to oust the Canadians in straight sets.
“In that sense, we know it’s tough because we know that game got away from us a little bit. That’s a team that we’ve beaten three times and we hadn’t lost to them before,” Schalk said, explaining that on the World Tour, you tend to know where you stand against certain teams. Upsets aren’t necessarily that common of an occurrence.
“If you’re top 20 in the world you’ve probably beaten almost every team. This was one team that hadn’t beaten us yet and everything kind of came together for them, this one time, to beat us. It’s kind of frustrating because we had them figured out a little bit. It was just one of those games where nothing was really going how we needed it to go.”
Despite the frustrating way in which their Games ended, Schalk said the team is happy with how they did overall.
“Overall we battled really hard and felt really good about it, obviously, as a whole.”
For the Red Deer College alumnus, the team’s work ethic on the road to Rio is what he is most proud of.
“We wanted to medal, so it was a little disappointing. For the Olympics, that alone, the journey getting there was really special for us, I think. I’m really proud of that.”
Now the duo are preparing for the final Grand Slam tour event of the season, which goes this week in Long Beach, before they get to make their way back to Canadian soil to play in the World Tour finals, which take place in Toronto this year.
“That’s really exciting for us because I’ve never played a big tournament in Canada. Canada, in general, never has World Tour events, so this will be really big for exposure,” Schalk said of the final tournament of the season, which only allows the top 12 teams in the world to compete for the ultimate prize on the tour.
The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour finals go on Sept. 13th-18th in Toronto.
Also competing in the Olympics from Red Deer was Gavin Schmitt, who played on the Canadian men’s indoor volleyball team. The group made a strong push to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by the Russians in straight sets.
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Red_Deers_Chaim_Schalk_relishes_Olympic_experience__391161311.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/a7bf29993d59d0de47f75933246d21c784c199e435a302936b4f4fad3beedc48.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:45 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FGord_Bamford_nominated_for_four_CCMAs__389073812.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*100/Bamford3.jpg | en | null | Gord Bamford nominated for four CCMAs | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | ACCOMPLISHMENT - Lacombe-native Gord Bamford has been nominated for four Canadian Country Music Association Awards. photo submitted
BY RYAN WELLICOME Red Deer Express Lacombe’s own country music star Gord Bamford has been nominated for four Canadian Country Music Association awards following the recent announcement of this year’s nominees.
Bamford’s newest album Tin Roof is up for Album of the Year, his single Don’t Let Her Be Gone is nominated for Single of the Year and the man himself is a nominee for Male Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
“It’s great to be recognized again for the work that you and your team do,” said Bamford. “It’s really exciting.”
This year’s award show takes place in London, Ontario and will feature Canada’s best and brightest country music talent.
“(The team and I) are looking forward to going to London and hoping for the best,” said Bamford.
Bamford is up against Dean Brody, Brett Kissel, Johnny Reid and Dallas Smith for Male Artist of the Year but chooses to keep cool under pressure.
“When you’ve been lucky enough to win it a few times it’s not near as much pressure on you,” he said. “I’m just happy to be going there this year and whatever happens, happens.”
Bamford’s newest album, Tin Roof, released April 8th and has reached number 16 on the Canadian music charts.
Bamford expressed that he is excited about the album.
“It’s one of the best projects we’ve done, if not the best,” he said. “It’s really trending good.”
Over his 16-year country music career, Bamford has released seven studio albums from which nine singles have charted on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart.
He has garnered 50 CCMA award nominations with 15 awards under his belt.
“It’s been a lot of effort but sometimes if you put in that kind of effort you get rewarded. It’s been really amazing,” he said.
His award wins include three for Male Artist of the year, Single of the Year and Songwriter of the Year and two for Album of the Year.
Despite being in the industry for 16 years Bamford says he is not done yet.
“I feel like I’m just getting rolling so I got lots of years left for sure,” he said. “I just keep making music that I believe in.”
Next up for Bamford is his Australian National tour making stops in Melbourne, Tasmania and his birthplace, Traralgon.
Bamford moved to Lacombe from Traralgon at the age of five and has lived here most of his life.
He said growing up in Lacombe has had a significant impact on his music and his career.
“The community in Lacombe has been a huge part of my growth in the music business. I’ve lived (there) all my life up until about a year ago,” he said. “I’ve met great people (there) and had lots of support through the community.”
Through his Foundation, the Gord Bamford Foundation, he has spent much of his time and effort giving back to the community and surrounding areas.
The Gord Bamford Charity Classic golf tournament, held annually in Red Deer and Lacombe, raises money for various children’s organizations in Lacombe and Alberta in addition to promoting local businesses and commerce.
The tournament is currently running for its ninth year on Aug. 4th at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club with the charity gala taking place at the Sheraton Hotel Exhibition Hall in Red Deer on Aug. 3rd.
The event is the Foundation’s chief fundraiser and, judging by its tickets sales, is a popular event.
“It’s sold out again and (we are) looking forward to raising some money,” said Bamford.
The Foundation has raised over $2.3 million for Alberta charities and initiatives since it began in 2008.
news@lacombeexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Gord_Bamford_nominated_for_four_CCMAs__389073812.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/d32be63d3de930460c12c5c2e1323eecf14ba101399d61ec1a6338296f867a91.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:44 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FStill_riding_the_Olympic_Games_wave__391160451.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Still riding the Olympic Games wave | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Well, it’s all over for another four years. After all of the concerns about the Zika virus, violence, a lack of security in general, polluted water in the adjacent waterways - the list seemed endless - the Rio Olympics seemed to go quite smoothly.
There were of course bumps along the way, but there is with virtually any Olympic Games. In Vancouver, there wasn’t enough snow - or barely enough for some events during those winter Games back in 2010. In Beijing’s 2008 Games, horrendous air pollution threatened to cloud the event in the weeks and months prior. And with thousands of visitors, there are of course things that can’t be foreseen.
But thankfully, the crowds were safe from acts of terrorism, which sadly seems to be in the back of everyone’s minds these days when a multitude of people gather for a massive public event. And finally, the glittering closing ceremonies were indeed something that Rio and Brazil at large can be very proud of.
Organizers pulled out the stops and crafted a spectacular send-off to these games - which ultimately are so successful at really bringing people together to celebrate the world of athleticism. It’s two weeks where at least some differences can be laid aside and we can focus on something that at least to some degree promotes unity and celebration. The torch has now been passed to Japan for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.
Tokyo was announced in September 2012 as the host for the next Summer Olympic Games.
As for the Olympic Games earlier this month, Canadian athletes walked away with 22 medals - four gold, three silver and 15 bronze.
Locally, we also had much to be proud of. It was the culmination of years of hard work and practice for Red Deer’s Chaim Schalk, as the 30-year-old beach volleyball player had the opportunity to compete in his first Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“The trip was pretty awesome. It was a pretty amazing experience. Everything involved was really cool and we felt so much support from everyone back home and everyone that was there with us. Just competing on that stage was really, really cool,” said Schalk, who grew up playing beach volleyball in his backyard at his family’s acreage near Red Deer.
He decided to officially pursue this side of the game in 2009, making the national team that year. He partnered with Saxton from Calgary in 2013, and the teammates moved to California to train when not competing on the world tour.
Over the years, the men have been absolutely committed to perfecting their performances on the courts.
“We worked super hard to do it and (teammate) Ben (Saxton) and I teamed up four years ago and we made it clear that we wanted to go and continue to progress. Obviously the end goal was to make it and to give ourselves a chance to be a medal contending team at the Olympics. And we did all of that.”
Schalk and Saxton fought their way through to the quarterfinals of the men’s beach volleyball tournament before being eliminated in straight sets by the duo of Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen from the Netherlands last week.
As for the Olympics as a whole, it is always a much anticipated event. It brings hope, positivity, and it is a nice distraction from the calamities that take up so much of the airwaves in today’s society. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/Still_riding_the_Olympic_Games_wave__391160451.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/f740d3ea38934477bf17de32a68986615747987b5e9c1493855e7ebcbe9d553f.json |
[
"Mark Weber"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:22 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FRed_Deer-born_JJ_Shiplett_set_to_play_Fratters_388381202.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*100/JJShiplett.jpg | en | null | Red Deer-born JJ Shiplett set to play Fratters | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | NO LIMITS - Singer JJ Shiplett bring tunes from his latest project - The E.P. - plus other hits to Fratters on July 31st.
Singer/songwriter JJ Shiplett – described as ‘rugged, raspy and reserved’ - plays Fratters on July 31st.
His latest release, The E.P. came out at the beginning of February and quickly climbed to number three on the Nielsen SoundScan Canadian Country Albums chart and number eight on the overall Country Albums Chart.
The project resonates with an irresistible authenticity - each tune frankly comes right from the heart, particularly the slowed down reflective tones of Always For You to the powerful and superbly-crafted single Something to Believe In.
These songs will be re-released later this fall as part of a highly-anticipated full-length CD.
Shiplett was also direct support to Johnny Reid on the 47 show ‘What Love Is All About Tour’ and quickly gained momentum with The E.P. which again is a testament to his range and depth as an artist. The E.P. was also co-produced with Reid. After Reid heard Shiplett singing on another artist’s track he hunted him down and quickly offered a helping hand, taking him under his wing and working with him to rush The E.P. so that it would be ready for the start of the extensive tour.
Talk about a dream come true.
Reid literally called up Shiplett out of the blue.
“I was in the middle of doing a record and it really wasn’t going the way I wanted it to go - I was really fighting it. I was about to mix the record, and I got a call from Johnny,” he recalls. “So he did hunt me down - it’s really true,” he laughed. “We ended up recording a whole new record so I ended up going down to Nashville. We spent about 10 months doing a new record - basically we just re-recorded a lot of my songs that I had done.
“It’s one of those things when you are an artist and you want to start making some headway, you need someone to help you out,” he added of collaborating with Reid. “The great thing about Johnny is that it’s not like it’s about some guy who is just interested in making money - Johnny is actually interested in me succeeding as a human being and being a better person.
“And for me, that’s what I want. At the end of the day, I want to be known as a good person and I want to be surrounded by good people.”
As his bio points out, while Shiplett’s uprising may seem like a massive stroke of luck, he has spent the better part of 12 years working in the industry - touring, playing clubs and writing music – telling stories that mean something personal to him, like the uplifting track Higher Ground which was written after the devastating Calgary floods a few years back.
But a love for music was actually sparked early on. Now Calgary-based, Shiplett was born in Red Deer before the family moved off to Brandon, Manitoba.
And from the start, music was a primary focus of the family.
“My dad was a preacher at church back then, and he sang his heart out all of the time,” Shiplett recalled. “So from an early age, it was instilled in me that we were a musical family.” His folks first off signed him up for piano lessons. Then drum lessons followed, and finally the guitar came along.
All the while, a gift for singing was surfacing as well.
“When I was a kid, a family friend of ours wrote out the American national anthem,” he recalls. “I’m a proud Canadian, but that American anthem is quite something. Melodically, and its structure - it’s a very well put together song.
“So when I was about five, six or seven years old, I used to go out on the porch and I would just belt it out at the top of my lungs,” he said with a laugh. “So the singing was instilled at a young age as well. I always loved singing.
“And there is still nothing better than just being able to belt out a song at the top of your lungs.”
As a teen, he started playing in various bands with his buddies, and came all the more into his own as a musician.
It was during his teens that a knack for songwriting started to bubble up as well.
“I think from that point I also fell in love with the idea of songwriting,” he explained. “I didn’t really know how to do it - and I still don’t really know how to do it - just when you think you’ve got ahold of it, you get your (butt) kicked type of thing,” he added with a laugh.
“But I really began to dive into songwriting then,” he said, adding that he eventually ended up in a band with his older sister’s boyfriend where his craft for creating tunes really started to crystallize. “As I was getting deeper into it, I realized that, you know, there’s a lot of power in songwriting.
“You’re able to hold this power in your hand and touch people, and make them feel something that they need to feel or that they are supposed to feel or want to feel. You want to hopefully give them something more than the mundane that they may be living through everyday.”
Clearly, Shiplett indeed has a way with creating a song. As mentioned, each cut from The E.P. stands strongly on its own, and of course the project as a whole is striking.
Ultimately, the stage is clearly where Shiplett belongs, and one of the places where he feels most at home.
“I literally have my best pals on stage with me,” he said. “We hang out all the time, we’re really close friends - that’s the part that I love. I love getting up onstage with my brothers and playing music.”
editor@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Red_Deer-born_JJ_Shiplett_set_to_play_Fratters_388381202.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/e6c49bed198f29ac9c05f7f4f79dc1bba2b7e0f583f387c9320c75f0530dd2eb.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:20 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FA_look_at_the_past_391160331.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*63/RGB_160824-EXP-FortNormandeauDaysSA_5.jpg | en | null | A look at the past | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | A look at the past
HISTORIC - A group of participants play the part of the 65th Mount Royal Rifles where they fired a blank from a black powder cannon following a demonstration depicting the North West Rebellion as part of Fort Normandeau Days last weekend. Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/A_look_at_the_past_391160331.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/c56e088116895a0c96958e11046688b7a9517c612564b03614184423aacb0221.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:48 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fcommunity%2FLocal_woman_one_of_the_faces_behind_important_community_agency_256719741.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/Jennifer.jpg | en | null | Local woman one of the faces behind important community agency | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Local woman one of the faces behind important community agency
INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN - Jennifer Vanderschaeghe, executive director for the Central Alberta AIDS Network Society, displays the graffiti painted behind the headquarters of CAANS, Turning Point in downtown Red Deer.
When Jennifer Vanderschaeghe began volunteering at the Lethbridge HIV Connection (LHC) on Aug. 1, 1993, it was at a time when AIDS was the leading cause of death for North Americans aged 25-44. Fast forward 20 years and she is now leading Central Alberta’s battle against HIV/AIDS as the executive director of the Central Alberta AIDS Network Society. Although it has been a few years since her work on the frontlines and she now resides mostly behind the scenes, her fingerprints from the last 10 years at CAANS can be seen on a wide range of inspirational projects throughout the community. “I went into the LHC wanting to volunteer somewhere interesting and provocative and at that time in Lethbridge the most provocative you could get was the agency talking about sexual health, HIV, and drugs,” she said. “If you’ve ever seen the movie Dallas Buyers Club then you’d know this was a time when HIV/AIDS medications, such as AZT were being tested and released.” These new drug therapies being released such as AZT meant the industry of HIV/AIDS treatment was about to change, as the life expectancy and longevity of HIV positive people was to greatly increase. “In that first year of me being involved in the HIV movement, I buried 12 friends,” she explained of her early days with the LHC. “We had two friends that died on the same day, so you’d have a funeral on Wednesday and one Thursday and you’d have a group of folks who’d gone to both, but now HIV positive people live so much longer.” Vanderschaeghe explained how CAANS now has people in their caseload who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the 80s and thanks to treatment are now living to be quite a bit older. They are now facing issues such as heart disease from old age and other health issues not associated their previous diagnosis. “Early on when I told people that I worked for an HIV organization they were scared and kind of freaked out,” she explained. “They would say things like, ‘Oh, that’s too bad’ because they would assume I was HIV positive or ‘Aren’t you scared you’re going to catch something?’ “But today people are a bit more understanding and open to talking about it and although there is still a stigma around the HIV movement it’s getting better.” Vanderschaeghe’s journey carried on from the LHC to various places including the Provincial AIDS Organization, as well as Living Positive Edmonton where she was the organization’s first HIV negative staff member. Her compassion for those living with HIV/AIDS is unwavering and unforgettable. For this caring and compassionate nature she gives credit to her parents who are both psychiatric nurses. Her work over the years at various organizations has included supporting those living with HIV in ways such as connecting them with others facing the same issues, helping HIV positive people connect with infectious disease doctors in Calgary or Edmonton, preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS through handing out condoms and clean needles, educating those living with the virus, as well as educating the public on HIV/AIDS, and much more. These days she stays busy writing proposals for funding for projects to help the community’s HIV movement, but said she is particularly proud of past projects such as Night Reach which puts a team of two workers into downtown Red Deer distributing information and harm reduction supplies such as needles, condoms, and crack stems to people on the streets as well as a joint project with the RCMP to team up with a mental health worker to help vulnerable people on the streets. Her hope for the future of CAANS is to continue to integrate her work further into the community and to continue to enrich the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS in Central Alberta. jswan@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/community/Local_woman_one_of_the_faces_behind_important_community_agency_256719741.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/2941e6a1a9a3b3ba96c366030c741d2cdc90ac744ab47a3c158a8f625f045f04.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:58 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FPicture_of_the_past_391041381.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*70/RGB_160824-EXP-FortNormandeauDaysSA_1.jpg | en | null | Picture of the past | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Picture of the past
BACK IN TIME - Participants play the part of the 65th Mount Royal Rifles as they prepared for battle ahead of their demonstration depicting the North West Rebellion as part of Fort Normandeau Days last weekend. Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/Picture_of_the_past_391041381.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/d3db3fcd7baa8e587f43dc97563570fdc43eafa384c966a5e3f466c3b61d6896.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:25 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FCarrie_Rodriguez_and_Chip_Taylor_heading_to_City_390437221.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/CarrieRodriguez.jpg | en | null | Carrie Rodriguez and Chip Taylor heading to City | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | GIFTED - Musicians Carrie Rodriguez and Chip Taylor will be performing at the Elks Lodge in Red Deer on Sept. 15th. The show is being presented by the Central Music Festival Society.
The Central Music Festival Society is gearing up for a terrific show this September featuring acclaimed musicians Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez.
The gifted duo performs Sept. 15th at 8 p.m. at the Elks Lodge.
The two are joining for a reunion tour behind the 10th anniversary deluxe reissue of their Red Dog Tracks album.
Rodriguez, a singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas, finds beauty in the cross-pollination of diverse traditions.
A passionate performer, she effortlessly melds fiery fiddle playing, electrifying vocals and a fresh interpretation of new and classic songs with an ‘Ameri-Chicana’ attitude.
Her newest project, the Spanish/English album Lola, is both a return to her musical roots and something of a departure where she delivers her own twangy, Texas-bred twist on Mexican Ranchera songs, creating culturally blended music for a culturally blended world.
Inspired by the 1940s-era recordings of her great aunt, Chicana singing sensation Eva Garza, the CD is a mixture of new and old songs.
It features Spanish songs written by some of her favorite Mexican composers, as well as her own Ranchera-inspired original songs written in English, Spanish and ‘Spanglish.’
Produced by Lee Townsend, the album is supported by an all-star band, The Sacred Hearts, assembled especially for this project. The band features internationally acclaimed composer/guitarist Bill Frisell, Viktor Krauss on bass, Luke Jacobs on pedal steel and guitars, David Pulkingham on nylon string guitar and electric guitar and Brannen Temple on drums and percussion.
Rodriguez, an Austin native, began playing violin at age five.
Her training quickly became the passion and focus of her childhood, and by age 10, she had performed as part of a group at Carnegie Hall.
She continued the classical track in her first year at Oberlin Conservatory, then shifted gears to pursue her true love affair with the fiddle—staying true to her Texas roots—at the Berklee College of Music.
Early in her career, a collaboration with singer-songwriter Chip Taylor resulted in four highly acclaimed duet albums.
Her subsequent solo albums highlight the diversity of her musical identity, from her debut Seven Angels on a Bicycle to 2013’s Give Me All You Got, which reached number one on the Americana Music Charts.
Rodriguez has also toured, recorded and co-written songs with legendary artists such as Lucinda Williams, John Prine, Bill Frisell, Rickie Lee Jones, Mary Gauthier, Los Lobos, Alejandro Escovedo and Los Lonely Boys, among others.
She has made numerous television and radio appearances, including Austin City Limits, The Tonight Show and A Prairie Home Companion.
Currently, she lives in Austin with her partner and musical collaborator Luke Jacobs, a multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter from Minnesota and their son, Cruz Calvin Jacobs.
Meanwhile, Taylor has been writing and performing for nearly 60 years and shows no signs of slowing down.
With the release of Little Brothers, a charming and intimate collection of new songs, and the EP I’ll Carry For You (inspirational songs for the Rio Olympics) he continues to engage and delight music fans everywhere.
Creating distinctive music that is also enduring and influential has been Taylor’s métier over the course of what is closing in on five decades. His two best-known songs are only some of the many pop, rock, country and R&B chart hits he wrote in the 1960s (Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield and Frank Sinatra all recorded his songs).
Taylor was then one of the pioneers of the pivotal country-rock movement as a recording artist in the 1970s.
His 1973 album, Last Chance, remains a beloved cult classic.
But after refusing to play by the Nashville establishment rules, Taylor gave up music for full-time professional gambling in 1980.
“Chip Taylor could’ve rested on his laurels years ago and still been way ahead of everybody else today. Lucky for us he didn’t and he’s making some of the most relevant music out there,” said Buddy Miller just last year.
Since returning to music in 1996 he has enjoyed elder statesman stature within the Americana, contemporary folk and singer-songwriter scenes as an artist in his own right as well as in collaboration on albums and in performance with Rodriguez, Kendel Carson and John Platania.
In a remarkable and prolific run, Taylor has also released nearly an album a year since his return, each rising high on the Americana chart.
His last album, The Little Prayers Trilogy, was among the best-reviewed album of his long career.
He has also been involved in a series of amazing projects in the last several years.
Norway’s premier folk singer, Paal Flaata, recorded a full album of Taylor songs, Wait By The Fire, and rode it to the Top 10 and a Norwegian Grammy nomination.
- Weber | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Carrie_Rodriguez_and_Chip_Taylor_heading_to_City_390437221.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/76baf1355107dd6f817eef81205659c47ca39e6d47c25156214bffc83ccaa304.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:04 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FCommunity_spirit_during_Central_Alberta_Pride_week_390440121.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Community spirit during Central Alberta Pride week | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | You could say that Red Deer and Central Alberta in general have come a long ways in terms of support for the LGBTQ community.
This week marks the fourth annual Central Alberta Pride Week, and things kicked off with numerous events planned, including a film night, family BBQ, bowling, drag show, comedy show and two worship services including one at Gaetz Memorial Church this past Sunday.
Central Alberta Pride has been working for the last year to solidify the plans, and director of events Joel Graham said this year will be the biggest and best Central Alberta has seen yet.
“What I’m most excited about isn’t a specific event - it’s seeing the collaboration of people come together and show their support,” he said last week. “It’s not just the LGBTQ community, it’s also a lot about our supporters and allies. I am beyond excited to experience the love from the community.”
Recently, the City of Red Deer also painted two rainbows at the intersection of Ross Street and Little Gaetz Avenue to show support for the LGBTQ community ahead of this year’s Pride events. It is unfortunate to see that these crosswalks have been vandalized in recent days, but community spirit still shines through.
“Our rainbows have been painted on Ross Street at Little Gaetz and those are probably our City’s biggest rainbows this year. It’s been a little bit of a challenge, but it’s a great achievement to have this in our City. After coming downtown and seeing the rainbows, it’s a spectacular, welcoming feeling and means big things for Central Alberta’s LGBTQ community,” Graham said.
Serge Gingras, co-chair of the Central Alberta Pride Society, has said that he has seen a huge development in relationships within and outside of the local LGBTQ community.
“Pride Week is really for everyone. It’s not all rainbows and parties, but also about celebrating our journey to inclusiveness and embracing people for who they are,” Gingras said.
“The rainbows downtown are not only a big thing for the LGBTQ community in Red Deer, but for Red Deer as a whole. It’s significant in showing how far we’ve come as a community over several decades, but particularly in the last five years. We’ve come a long way - a really long way.
“The work is never done and Pride Week is just one avenue to celebrate who we are. That celebration is not only in our own LGBTQ community, but in the community as a whole. To me, it’s also a recognition of our history.”
A full list of locations, dates and times for the various Pride Week activities can also be found online at the Central Alberta Pride web site.
“Central Alberta Pride Week celebrates Red Deer’s welcoming and inclusiveness and promotes a community free from discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation,” added Gingras.
The Official Kick off was the Mayoral Proclamation on Aug. 14th at City Hall where about 400 people gathered.
Meanwhile, as mentioned there have been a number of events already this week, with several more planned over the next few days including the RAINBOWling family bowling night at Heritage Lanes on Aug. 18th, and a Diversity Presentation by Chevi Rabbit, ‘From Hate to Hope – Creating Safe and Inclusive Communities’ at Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery on Aug. 19th. There is also a Bullskit Comedy Show at the Scott Block Theatre at 8 p.m. on Aug. 19th as well.
This Saturday, there will be a Drag Queens and Kings show at the Royal Canadian Legion and on Aug. 21st, a worship service at St. Andrew’s United Church in Lacombe, followed by a barbecue in the park.
“All Red Deerians are invited to attend these events and are welcome to join the celebration, regardless of their identity or affiliation with the LGBTQ community,” said Gingras.
For more information on Central Alberta Pride Week events, visit www.centralalbertapride.ca or www.facebook.com/RedDeerPrideDays. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/Community_spirit_during_Central_Alberta_Pride_week_390440121.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/ebedd8dd8893b6e8a14bb87aa105c51aef59913f32690984828810ffe7bbb1c1.json |
[
"Pam Pikkert"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:40 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FFrom_pre-approval_to_getting_the_keys__your_step_by_step_guide__391161681.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | From pre-approval to getting the keys - your step by step guide | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | After diligently saving your pennies and carefully managing your credit to be as strong as possible, you are finally ready to start house hunting for that perfect dream home.
Between you and your new life lies the seemingly terrifying mortgage process so let’s go over what you can expect so there are no surprises along the way.
1. Pre-approval - the first step should always be to choose a great mortgage professional. Referrals from friends and family and your real estate agent can help with this. You are trusting the largest loan you are likely to take to this person so make sure they know what they are doing. They are going to take an application, pull your credit and determine what your maximum purchase price will be. You will be asked to provide a whole bunch of paperwork to verify your information
• Letter of employment and pay stub
• Down payment verification
• Two year’s Notice of Assessment and/or T4’s
• Void cheque
This list is the very least of what you may be asked for.
If you are self-employed, separated, previously bankrupt, new to Canada, receive bonuses or many other scenarios then you will likely be asked for much more.
Given the current state of the economy and the record levels of attempted mortgage fraud, the banks have to be very careful these days.
The other real benefit to the pre-approval is that you can house hunt with confidence knowing that your entire situation has been assessed. You will not look at homes out of your price range either which can save you the heartache of falling for a home you cannot afford.
It also makes your offer very strong if you find yourself in a competition with another buyer.
2. Approval - hopefully you provided the bulk of the paperwork for the pre-approval but you may be asked for updated information such as a more recent pay stub or bank statement.
At this point your application is reassessed by the lender.
They will take a look at the property you are purchasing and make sure it fits their guidelines. Then it is sent off for mortgage default insurer approval and once there you will get the official approval to sign. Make sure that you do not remove the financing condition until all lender conditions are met. Your mortgage professional will tell you when that is.
3. Final steps - once you have met all of the conditions, the lender will send the paperwork over to the lawyer’s office. It takes the lawyer a few days to get things ready for you to sign and when you go you will be asked for the balance of the down payment in the form of a bank draft, two forms of ID and a void cheque.
The day of funding, the lender sends the funds to the lawyer who sends them to the seller’s lawyer who upon receipt of the funds gives the all clear and you will be given the keys to your new home.
It is a great idea to call your lender a bit after the mortgage closes to make sure everything is set up the way you wanted.
Make sure to ask questions at each stage of the mortgage process.
The onus is on you as the person signing the contract to understand the loan you are being offered and the terms it comes with. There are so many resources available to you as a home buyer that it is easy to learn a bit about mortgages before you sign.
It can seem a bit daunting but we broke it down into bite size pieces so you will be ready to navigate it like a boss and before you know it the realtor will be handing you your keys and your new life can begin.
Pam Pikkert is a mortgage broker with Dominion Lending Centres - Regional Mortgage Group in Red Deer. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/From_pre-approval_to_getting_the_keys__your_step_by_step_guide__391161681.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/cf50c7b5992cf3867d3b50430486e17a8e8c7497d65a0fa7c234a10aeeb645ad.json |
[
"Erin Fawcett"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:55 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FCity_RCMP_rolls_out_new_crime_strategy_391164191.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | City RCMP rolls out new crime strategy | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | The Red Deer RCMP have a new way of policing in the community and officers have already begun to see positive results.
The crime reduction strategy has been titled Project Pinpoint because of its focus on data analysis and targeted enforcement. From April 1st to Aug. 10th, Red Deer RCMP conducted 192 checks on targeted people, places and criminal patterns, including 65 identified people on parole and/or probation and more than 20 career criminals with an active history of property crime. These strategies resulted in 121 criminal charges being laid and 80 warrants executed during that time period.
“What we want to tell people is that if you are living in Red Deer and you are on probation, on parole or on conditions, we’re going to check. If you’re not abiding by those conditions we will arrest you and we will put you back in jail,” said Insp. Gerald Grobmeier with the Red Deer RCMP.
The RCMP are also identifying individuals that are identified as being highly-involved in crime whether it be with break and enters, theft of motor vehicles and other property crime.
“We are trying to use proactive enforcement to arrest them and stop them,” said Grobmeier. “Our last area is social persons of interest and these are individuals who are involved in property crime as well. However, there is more to it - there might be mental health issues, addictions, or family or social issues. We actually reach out to those individuals proactively when they are not in crisis and link them up with agencies that can help them.”
Part of the new strategy also includes targeting prolific addresses as well as hot spots in the community.
“We have started looking at prolific addresses in Red Deer. There are certain addresses that come up a lot whether it be businesses or residential,” said Grobmeier. “We are looking at both criminal and non-criminal instances.
“In our hot spot targeting we are looking at theft of motor vehicles, home and garage break and enters and business break and enters. What we are doing is identifying those areas in the City that are coming up more than others. Once we have those areas identified, those areas are then assigned to different units and we conduct target controls in those areas.”
Grobmeier added Project Pinpoint is not just a temporary project.
“This is the way we do business in Red Deer now,” he said.
Insp. Heidi Wild, acting commander for the Red Deer RCMP, said property crimes in the City continue to be a priority for the RCMP.
“We’re aggressively targeting prolific career criminals with our new crime reduction strategy,” she said. “Our focus is on career criminals with an active history of property crime; one piece of that strategy includes actively checking on those who are required to follow court-imposed conditions, and sending them back to jail when they aren’t complying.”
Mayor Tara Veer said community safety continues to be top of mind for local government.
“Community safety and crime reduction is a priority for our public and a priority for City council,” she said. “Project Pinpoint is just one example of where we’ve made enforcement progress as a result of implementing the Annual Policing Plan. We still have work to do; however, the updated policing priorities enable us to become even more proactive in identifying and addressing citizens’ safety concerns, and the APP highlights where we’ve been able to reduce crime and where we need to focus our enforcement efforts in the upcoming year.”
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/City_RCMP_rolls_out_new_crime_strategy_391164191.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/3177be87897657dbdd9c4fb79fe1969a15d2c8cf792dcb6924ec80f30668d834.json |
[
"Mark Weber"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:34 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FPowerhouse_rockers_The_Lazys_head_to_Bos_this_month_391161601.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/Lazys.jpg | en | null | Powerhouse rockers The Lazy’s head to Bo’s this month | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | NO LIMITS - Australian powerhouse rock band The Lazys are set to play in Red Deer on Aug. 29th at Bo’s. photo submitted
Australian powerhouse rock band The Lazys are set to play in Red Deer on Aug. 29th at Bo’s.
The tour comes on the heels of the release of their new Canadian single Howling Woman which is currently Top 40 in Canada at Active Rock Radio. The tune was co-written by Leon Harrison and Mathew Morris.
The Lazys have been warmly embraced in North America gaining recognition from their fall 2014 tour opening for The Trews, One Bad Son and Big Wreck. They played Red Deer in both the spring and the late winter of 2015 as well.
Harrison, lead vocals, said the band has been embraced by the Canadian people - thus the frequent returns to the Great White North - plus they plan to do some recording here later this fall after the tour wraps up.
“It’s a great opportunity to play rock ‘n roll - and we will take it,” he added, pointing out this time around, the guys are covering the nation with about 20 shows.
The recording sessions, as mentioned, will follow in Vancouver with Garth Richardson in late September. There will be loads of collaboration with other artists including The Trews, and Harrison said the vision for the CD is mainly sticking to what has fueled the band’s success so far while also not being wary of evolving.
“We’ll definitely be branching out and trying some other kinds of instrumentation.” To date, they have about 25 cuts that could end up on the disc but of course only about a dozen will make the final cut.
Being one of Australia’s best and most talked about live rock and roll bands, their live performances they are described as gritty, loud, edgy and dangerous, delivering a ‘fistful’ of rock ‘n’ roll.
Harrison’s love for music stretches back over the years, even having sung in choirs in his younger days as well.
Still, getting used to the stage took some adjusting. At first, it was a bit daunting.
But the undeniable chemistry amongst the guys in the band makes it easier once they hit the stage.
Rounding out the band are Mat Morris (lead guitar), Liam Shearer (bass guitar), Glenn Williams (bass guitar) and Andy Neilson (drums).
Hailing from New South Wales and having launched the band in 2007, The Lazys first set of showcases at last year’s Canadian Music Week in Toronto quickly became the buzz of the festival after they played three sets in only 23 hours, gaining the attention of elite music industry members.
In Australia, they have released three EPs and a full-length album, Prison’s Earth (2010).
The Lazys had a chance to work with renowned producers including Phil McKellar and Matt Lovell (Grinspoon, Silverchair).
In 2008, they secured over 3,000 votes to win the Jack Daniels Set, a national music competition to find Australia’s best live band.
From there, their single Hey Man charted high on Triple M’s Best Aussie Songs 2009 list and Sunshine City was adopted as the FOX sports theme song.
That first tour certainly sparked a mutual love affair between the band and Canada.
Morris calls the country, “Our new home away from home.
“You guys have just taken us under your wing. We can’t believe the support,” he said. “Canada was the very first overseas tour for us as a band. Our first show was in a small town called Chicoutimi and it was one of the best gigs I’ve ever played.
“The people, the crowd. It was just soooo intense and supportive. They definitely love their rock and roll!”
During that earlier Canadian visit, the aforementioned superstar hard rock producer/engineer Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Nickelback, Mötley Crüe) was so blown away by one CMW set, he arranged to produce two new tracks at his Vancouver studio.
Shake It was co-written by the band and Ian D’sa of Billy Talent, while two other Canadian rock heroes, John-Angus and Colin MacDonald of The Trews, co-wrote Hard Luck with The Lazys. The self-titled disc was released in the fall of 2014, with Shake It Like You Mean It the first single.
The rest of the album was recorded in Brooklyn with the ace Canadian production team of Gus Van Go and Werner F. and it captures their marriage of rock muscle and melody.
For Morris, a passion for music came relatively early.
“I guess it all started for me with my dad,” he recalls, describing his father as an avid Beatles fan.
“He played in a Beatles cover band, so I guess I was around that kind of music as a child. So I loved the Beatles - first and foremost,” he added with a laugh. “I started playing guitar from around the age of eight and it’s been a really strong passion - and it’s just gotten stronger and stronger in time.
“I’m fortunate to be able to chase this kind of dream now.”
editor@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Powerhouse_rockers_The_Lazys_head_to_Bos_this_month_391161601.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/26e0607c4eeeed32e583a804c4013aba61df992e2f779ea56bb8e2f1c800cf38.json |
[
"Kalisha Mendonsa"
] | 2016-08-31T14:50:49 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FAlberta_Culture_Days_events_seeking_artists_community_support_391879271.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Alberta Culture Days events seeking artists, community support | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | It’s almost time to celebrate Alberta Culture Days and the City is busy working with various community partners to ensure a vibrant experience for Red Deerians.
From Sept. 30th to Oct. 2nd, a variety of activities will take place including live music, chalk artists around downtown, film screenings and more. The City is currently accepting applications for musicians and the Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival, with application forms available on the City of Red Deer web site.
Greg Stafford, special events programmer with the City of Red Deer, said he’s very much looking forward to this year’s events and hopes that many citizens come out to enjoy the programming.
“What we’re really looking forward to is the community participation from all of our different partners and we’re hoping to draw a large crowd to enjoy it all,” Stafford said. “We really want to bring more ears and eyes downtown and into the various venues. We’re just putting the final description of events together but we will be releasing that soon to various community calendars.”
Stafford said the City is excited to welcome world-renowned chalk artist Ian Morris to the festival this year. Morris is a Victoria, B.C street artist who has participated in international events with a specialty in designing 3D street art. Morris will be creating on the west end of the Ross Street Patio on Oct. 1st and will be guiding selected local artists through a workshop on the evening of Sept. 30th.
“We’ve never done anything quite like this before, so it’s exciting and I think it’ll be good for our local artists,” Stafford said.
The City is also encouraging artists to apply to become a part of the Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival.
“For those who get selected, there is a $200 honorarium. We will also organize a ‘People’s Choice’ section for our local artists, and there will be a prize of a $200 certificate from Alberta Art and Drafting. We’re really looking forward to that.”
Stafford said he’s excited to announce a brand new event that will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Saturday of Alberta Culture Days - a steamroller print event, hosted beside the Welikoklad Events Centre.
“We’re going to have huge wood cuts inked and printed by a steamroller. We’ll be doing print-making on large 4x8 piece of wood. It’s not usually done with a steamroller but that’ll be really cool,” Stafford said. “We’re describing that as an initiative to bring together students, artists and the community in a cooperative event that celebrates Red Deer arts and cultural communities. That’s one of our bigger features.”
He added a number of events will take place in the Welikoklad Centre as well as local libraries.
“I think it’s important that people know Alberta Culture Days are happening and that it’s a national event. It’s Canada-wide and filters down differently for each of the provinces and then cities,” he said. “I think celebrating Alberta Culture Days really makes this a welcoming community. It brings people together and we think the culture here is very vibrant. When people come out to enjoy arts, they are relieving stress and able to relax.
“It just makes Red Deer a better place to live to have all of these aspects of art and culture in our community.”
Stafford said there will soon be a full list of featured events available on the City of Red Deer web site, as well as a number of other local community calendars.
kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Alberta_Culture_Days_events_seeking_artists_community_support_391879271.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/df681bf8079e3a06d87f09ee9520e30e752add1bc1e5fc0537005547500109a0.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:51:31 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FArrests_made_after_search_warrant_executed_391755571.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*75/Guns4.jpg | en | null | Arrests made after search warrant executed | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | BUST - Pictured here are guns that were seized from a home in Sylvan Lake after a major bust by police.
On Aug. 24th, members of the Sylvan Lake RCMP Detachment located two stolen trucks (previously stolen from Lacombe and Westlock) at a residence on Richfield Crescent in Sylvan Lake. Four people were arrested at this residence (including the two residents of the house) and a search warrant was later granted allowing members into the residence to search for illegal items.
Results of the search netted police with a significant quantity of illegal firearms and drugs and property. All firearms are believed to be stolen and have had serial numbers removed. Some have been altered and sawed off.
Some of the seized items include 10 firearms including shotguns, sawed off shot guns, hand guns and an 'Uzi' style assault rifle, brass knuckles, prohibited ammunition magazines, ammunition, a stolen licence plate, morphine and other prescribed pills, stolen credit and ID cards, a large 'rock' of crystal meth, methamphetamine, mushrooms, a tomahawk and hatchets, stolen mail and Canadian currency.
This investigation is complex and further charges are anticipated. At this time, four people have been charged in relation to the search warrant.
Jason Sagal, 41, of Sylvan Lake was arrested on numerous outstanding warrants plus charged with eight counts of unlawful storage of a firearm, three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, seven counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance for purpose of trafficking, four counts of possession of a firearm while prohibited and five counts of failing to comply with recognizance.
Jason William Ionson, 35, of Blackfalds was arrested on numerous outstanding warrants plus charged with eight counts of unlawful storage of a firearm, three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, seven counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, 35 counts of possession of a firearm while prohibited and eight counts of failing to comply with recognizance.
Samantha Casimer Johnstone, 26, of Red Deer has been charged with eight counts of unlawful storage of firearm, three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, seven counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of controlled substance for purpose of trafficking.
Nicole Rae Armstrong, 31, of Sylvan Lake has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and five counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Sylvan Lake RCMP then re-attended this same residence less then 24 hours later for a complaint of a male outside with a gun. Police located and arrested a man and recovered the involved firearm. A female was also located and arrested during the course of that investigation. The two arrested individuals have been charged following this second event.
Jesse Kaelin Strongeagle-Geddes, 21, of Red Deer has been charged with careless use of a firearm, failing to comply with a probation order, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and obstructing a peace officer.
Kristie Lynn Stauth, 34, of Red Deer has been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon that is dangerous to the public, possession of counterfeit currency, four counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, two counts of failing to comply with undertaking and possession of marijuana.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information regarding this occurrence to contact the Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-858-7200. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or at www.tipsubmit.com.
- Fawcett | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/Arrests_made_after_search_warrant_executed_391755571.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/15b25215c391cb99960f52522aa83e5966b9443661753f38d9282c20ddb7c1db.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:42 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FPro_rodeo_makes_a_stop_in_City_last_weekend_390436421.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*71/RGB_160817-EXP-Rodeo_9.jpg | en | null | Pro rodeo makes a stop in City last weekend | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | GETTING READY - Bull rider Wacey Finkbeiner prepared his rope before taking on a bull called Corona Time from Wayne Vold Rodeo during the Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event at Westerner Park last weekend.
The City of Red Deer got a rare glimpse of the world of professional rodeo last Friday night as the fifth annual Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event rolled into Westerner Park for the first time ever.
The annual charity rodeo, which is put on every year by former Calgary Flame Curtis Glencross, featured some of the top cowboys and stock in bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding who took to the arena in support of the Hockey Alberta Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta.
This is the first year that the rodeo, which in previous years has been hosted at the Daines Ranch Rodeo grounds, has taken place in Red Deer and Glencross said he couldn’t be happier with how the night turned out.
“I think it went awesome. We had great support. Obviously with our sponsorship, our title sponsors and all the rest of our sponsors and with the turnout we had — look at the building here, it’s full. That’s all you can ask when you’re putting on an event,” said the former NHLer, who retired from hockey in 2015.
Glencross added the move indoors also proved to be a good idea for the event, which has seen some rain in previous years.
“It’s tough to beat that one. You don’t have to worry about the weather or anything like that and, like I said, we packed the building here tonight so as long as we can keep packing the building and raising money for what really matters for the two charities of choice.”
Attendees were treated to an excellent night of rodeo action in last Friday’s public performance, which saw 12 competitors in each event going head to head to earn the night’s big prize - a one year lease on a brand new Dodge 1500 Laramie Ecodiesel pickup, plus the prize money that goes along with it.
“This is a great event. Curtis does a great job with (fellow committee member and saddle bronc competitor) Jim Berry’s help and getting great sponsors. It’s awesome,” said Strathmore bull rider Scott Schiffner, who put up a pair of big scores on Friday winning one of the trucks.
“The last couple of months I’ve struggled just a little bit; just haven’t had my things going, so I feel pretty good,” said the former Canadian champion of his stellar evening, which included an 89.5 point ride on a bull called Tennessee Whisky from Franklin Rodeo in the long go and an 89 point spin on a bull called Crooked Nose from Nansen Vold in the short go.
“He bucked me off last time that I had him and I just wanted to get things right. I kind of had a little bit of a bad start out of there but it all turned out good. He just round and round to the right into my hand,” Schiffner said of Crooked Nose.
The legendary Canadian bull rider added that although the prize money and the truck are great, they’re not the reason that the cowboys compete at the Glencross event.
“It’s awesome what Curtis does. This is an event that really doesn’t count for anything; it doesn’t count for any finals or anything, but it’s here because it’s for charity. It’s for the Ronald McDonald House. So, you know, me having three little girls of my own, I hope I never have to use something like that but if we ever do it’s near and dear to my heart.”
Schiffner wasn’t the only Alberta cowboy to come away from Friday’s performance smiling, however, as Carbon’s Cole Goodine rode a horse called American Thumper for 89.5 points to win the bareback while Berry, who hails from Rocky Mountain House and sits on the Glencross Invitational Committee, posted an 87.5 on Quittin’ Time from the Outlaw Buckers to win the rodeo that he helped plan.
When asked whether he thought the event would be coming back to Red Deer next season, Glencross said the future looks bright. “We’ll see what happens but it’s definitely looking that way right now.”
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Pro_rodeo_makes_a_stop_in_City_last_weekend_390436421.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/500693643f92d0119f41f9009a1e09a55eee24124c6d01635885d324fd340a3e.json |
[
"Erin Fawcett"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:20 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FStan_Schalk_trial_continues__391164411.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Stan Schalk trial continues | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | The trial for a Red Deer pastor who has been charged with sexual assault continues in court this week.
Stan Schalk, 57, has been charged with one count of sexual assault.
The victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, was the only witness to testify during the first day of the trial, which was held last month.
The alleged offense took place between June 15th-30th, 2015. The victim was working for Schalk at his residence doing some painting and staining. The job was offered to her after Schalk learned the victim was in need of financial help.
Schalk testified that his relationship began with the victim after her best friend’s daughter passed away. “We began planning the funeral and through that we became pretty good friends after that.”
During the victim’s testimony last month, she recounted incidents where her and Schalk embraced and he ran his hands down her back and grabbed her buttocks. She also testified about an incident in which Schalk drove her near Delburne without telling her where they were going. She said in that instance, Schalk took her to a favourite spot of his where they had lunch and where he touched her left breast.
During Schalk’s testimony on Monday in Red Deer’s Provincial Court, he recalled having, “Lengthy embraces” with the victim.
“I don’t recall that happening (touching the victim’s buttocks). I’m not saying it didn’t happen; it may have happened, but it was not something we talked about after.”
Schalk also testified that he took the victim on a picnic - something the victim testified that was a surprise to her. “On the Monday we agreed we would go on a picnic. The idea was to go for about an hour. She knew full well that we were going on a picnic.”
Schalk said once at the spot for their picnic, they sat down on a blanket and talked.
“It was mostly conversation. We ended up in an embrace laying on the blanket. I had my hand on her back. My hand moved to under her shirt and to the front of her stomach. I moved my hand under her bra onto her left breast and touched and felt her breast. She either said you shouldn’t do that or we shouldn’t do this,” he said, adding he asked the victim if he could hold his hand there for a couple of seconds. “She put her hand on my hand and said move your hand. I moved my hand.”
Schalk added the victim questioned why he did that. “I was defensive because I was not understanding why she was surprised. We sat for a bit and talked about what happened. I knew we had gone past the point of no return. I was ashamed. I knew we both did something we shouldn’t have that day.”
He added the next morning him and the victim spoke about how that could not happen anymore.
“I was not acting like a married man, a Christian or a pastor.”
In the following days, Schalk traveled to Florida with his wife to see his son play in a volleyball tournament, adding there continued to be lengthy phone calls with the victim during his time away.
The trial continues this morning as Schalk remains on the stand. Proceedings stopped on Monday in the early afternoon after Defense Lawyer Lorne Goddard said he was given disclosure at the lunch break by the crown prosecution regarding defense witnesses.
“I need time to find out what this means,” he said.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/Stan_Schalk_trial_continues__391164411.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/327483e499402e80681af884cb5c806e0aa234f0af0e8b6d77b697ac9d5bdbd4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:56 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FDangers_of_both_drunk_and_drugged_driving__389735401.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Dangers of both drunk and ‘drugged’ driving | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Throughout the year, there is much focus on the dangers of drunk driving - but no so much on the potential perils of ‘drugged driving’.
Until now.
Provincial officials are stepping up a campaign to get folks thinking about the dangers of getting behind the wheel while in a drugged state - or worse, with a mix of drugs and alcohol coursing through their systems.
According to the province, few drivers are aware of the penalties for drugged driving and may believe alcohol-impaired drivers are more likely to be stopped by police than drug-impaired drivers.
“It comes as a surprise to many people that drunk driving and drugged driving carry the same criminal charges. This is because both substances impair a driver’s ability and increase the likelihood of being involved in a collision,” said Brian Mason, minister of transportation.
The Traffic Injury Research Foundation determined that in Canada during 2012, drugs were detected in 40% of fatally injured drivers.
Alberta is slightly above the national average at 41%.
This represents 82 drivers who were killed in collisions during 2012 who tested positive for drugs.
For perspective, 71 fatally injured drivers tested positive for alcohol during that same year. Of those, 34 had both alcohol and drugs in their system.
Anything that impairs your ability to drive – alcohol or drugs, whether legal or illegal – may result in an impaired driving charge.
Mixing alcohol and drugs of any sort is also a concern. Combining impairing substances has major risks. Always use substances responsibly.
According to a study done by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, cannabis creates performance deficits in many skills required to drive safely, such as tracking, reaction time, visual function, concentration, short-term memory and divided attention.
Studies of driving performance (both simulated and on-road) show increased likelihood to swerve, following distance and speed as a function of cannabis use.
Also, many types of illegal and prescription drugs can impair a person’s ability to drive. Such effects can include reduced ability to divide attention, poor time and space management, and reduced ability to allocate concentration. These effects can increase the crash risk by up to eight times. Such crashes sometimes result in death.
People in general seem to becoming more aware of the issue. In the 2014 Driver Attitude Survey, seven in 10 Albertans agreed that too many people are driving under the influence of legal or illegal drugs.
But that survey also noted only 55% of Albertans make other driving arrangements when they have taken drugs which can affect their ability to drive.
Another area of particular concern is the prevalence of driving after drug use among young drivers.
According to the 2012 Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey, 5% of youth aged 15–24 reported driving after using marijuana during the past year, compared to 9.4% after consuming alcohol.
And data from the National Fatality Database revealed that between 2000 and 2010, marijuana was the most common illicit drug present among fatally injured drivers aged 15 to 24 in Canada.
The 2011 Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey revealed that individuals aged 15 to 24 were more likely to be passengers of an individual who had consumed alcohol or other drugs, rather than to drive impaired themselves.
Riding with a driver who has used drugs or alcohol can lead to consequences just as tragic as driving while impaired.
“Impaired driving is Canada’s leading cause of criminal death in Canada,” said Andrew Murie, CEO MADD Canada.
“The number of drugs present in motor vehicle fatalities in Canada (also) continues to grow. It is absolutely essential that when you are using drugs that you not drive and create that risk of death or injury to yourself or others.” | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/Dangers_of_both_drunk_and_drugged_driving__389735401.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/f805c985ab673cf8af2d267fe4b37d5dc07a6eae878cd6ebc61b069f5ffbe877.json |
[
"Michael Dawe"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:38 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FTowers_family_always_active_in_community_affairs_390440201.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Towers family always active in community affairs | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | On Saturday, Aug. 20th at 10:30 a.m., the Sunnybrook Farm Museum will be presenting its prestigious Golden Furrow Award to a pioneer family who has distinguished themselves in agriculture and community affairs. This year’s recipients are the Towers family of the Willowdale district, southeast of Red Deer.
The award is particularly appropriate as this year (2016) is also the 125 anniversary of the Westerner Fair and Exhibition Association.
The Towers family have been key members of that organization for many decades.
The patriarch of the family was Henry Towers, who was born in 1846 in Staffordshire, England.
After farming in Warwickshire, he, his wife, Elizabeth Barnes and three sons, Thomas, William and Fred, decided to emigrate to western Canada.
The Towers originally settled in the Cochrane/Morley area of Alberta, where relatives Frank and Elizabeth Glover Towers, who had already established a ranch.
Frank and Henry also both worked for a while on the railway.
Henry heard about very good land near Red Deer that was available for homestead.
Hence, in 1894, he moved up to the Willowdale district. Henry took out homesteads in his name and his two older sons’ names. The Towers worked hard over many years building up their new farms and homes.
Elizabeth passed away in June 1918 and Henry in May 1922.
They are buried in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, southeast of Red Deer.
In 1904, Tom married Janet Morrison.
They had four children – Robert, Mary, Hazel and Gordon.
Tom was a progressive farmer.
He owned one of the first windmills, which was used to power a grain grinder for himself and his neighbours. He bought a Titan tractor in 1918.
He ran the community beef ring that ensured people had a steady supply of fresh meat before the days of refrigeration.
Tom was active in the community. He served on the Willowdale school board and on the manse board of the Willowdale (Zion) Presbyterian Church.
Janet was also active with the Presbyterian Church and particularly with the Women’s Missionary Society (W.M.S.). Tom passed away in 1942 and Janet in 1962.
Robert (Bob) Towers lived in Willowdale all his life.
He married Katherine Larsen and they had three children – Dorothy, Mary Joan and Ken.
Bob served on the Willowdale School Board and Presbyterian Church boards. He served a councilor with the Municipal District of Red Deer for six years. Bob passed away in 1952 and Kay in 1986.
Ken Towers worked in the life insurance industry for many years. He has been active with the Rotary Club, Olds College Alumni Association and Willow Valley Presbyterian Church.
Like many in his family, Gordon Towers was also a long-time rancher and farmer in the Willowdale district. In 1940, he married Doris Nicholson of the Balmoral District. They had four children – Tom, Gary, Lynda and Ross.
Gordon followed the family tradition of being very active in community affairs. He served as president of the River Glen Home and School Association and the Red Deer 4-H Council. He was very active with the Masons. He served as president of the Red Deer Exhibition in 1966-1967.
In the early 1960s, Gordon became very active in federal politics. In 1972, he was elected as Red Deer’s Member of Parliament and continued to serve until 1988.
He was subsequently named Red Deer’s Citizen of the Year. Doris was also involved in the community. She was active with Zion-Willowdale Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. She was active with the Creative Arts Committee of the Red Deer Exhibition.
In 1991, Gordon was appointed as Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, becoming the first person from Red Deer to attain that honour. Gordon passed away in June 1999 and Doris in 2012.
Gary, Lynda, Tom, Ross and their families have been very active in a number of organizations including 4-H, Red Deer Exhibition, Willow-Valley Church and various sports groups. Tom and Ross both followed their father and became presidents of the Westerner Exposition Association.
Unfortunately, space does not allow a full listing of all the groups, projects and activities that have greatly benefited from volunteer and community involvements of the Towers family. With all that they have done for Red Deer and district, they are very worthy recipients of the 2016 Golden Furrow Award. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/Towers_family_always_active_in_community_affairs_390440201.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/e20a97f7e8df21e566f7d97a122e58a32fd79253731ce6c82598bf0704abd5a7.json |
[
"Mark Weber"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:32 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FHanna_artists_stellar_works_on_display_in_Kiwanis_Gallery__389073082.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/Gallery.jpg | en | null | Hanna artist’s stellar works on display in Kiwanis Gallery | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | REFLECTIVE - Currently on display in the Kiwanis Gallery of the Red Deer Public Library downtown is ‘Highways of Alberta: Paintings by Greg Pyra’ which runs through to Aug. 21st. Cyril Brabant/Red Deer Express
Sometimes people can walk into a gallery and the art that is being exhibited strikes them in a deep, personal and unexpected ways. That’s likely the case with the ‘Highways of Alberta: Paintings by Greg Pyra’ which is currently on display in the Kiwanis Gallery of the Red Deer Public Library downtown branch.
The exhibit, also hosted by the Red Deer Arts Council, shows through to Aug. 21st.
Pyra’s style is simply mesmerizing - as one ponders the images of service stations, fast food spots and service vehicles set in some instances on lonely landscapes, highways or silent stretches of Alberta’s prairie communities, there is almost a palpable sense of nostalgia. Skies also play a major part in many of the works - backdrops of crystal-clear colour that beautifully add to the sense of ‘aloneness’ that is at the heart of the subject matter.
Pyra likens life to a journey, and the sense of being on a journey - with many of these homegrown sites and sounds in the province sadly vanishing - shines through all the more. It’s a poignant exhibit - personal and absolutely meaningful.
As to the sites represented within this exhibit, there’s a spiritual sense of journey resonating there, too.
Certain points on the horizon may be gas stations or restaurants - places of security and familiarity. But folks as passer-by are essentially moving on elsewhere. “There is no final destination in life - life is the journey,” he said, adding the pieces in the exhibit do cover a span of years.
As mentioned in a release, “Capturing places of comfort and refuge, like service stations, fast food joints and service vehicles that are disappearing in small towns, allows Hanna artist, Greg Pyra, to comment on the migration of people to the cities while celebrating the towns and communities of southern Alberta and (recognizing) their cultural contribution to the province of Alberta.
“Light becomes an important aspect of this journey of paintings as it alters the environment in significant ways and expresses Greg’s inner state of mind.”
As indicated, many of the elements seen in these works are disappearing. “The prairie life is disappearing, but this is what I knew. These service stations, these restaurants, these small towns. Some are in a state of decay - in fact, many of these places I’ve painted are already gone.”
For Pyra, a love for artistic expression was sparked early on.
His dad had wanted him to be a lawyer initially, but Pyra knew a drive to create art and chose to focus on that.
“I was taking art classes already in Grade 4 and my art teacher from Grade 9 is still a friend,” he explains during a recent chat. “So we’ve been friends for 40 years. He was giving me private art classes after school in addition to the regular art classes.”
Post-secondary studies eventually followed, plus a career in teaching. Pyra also spent three years in Cologne, Germany because it was the centre of visual art in Europe, he said. A primary influence during his own formation as an artist was acclaimed artist Agnes Martin, who was born in Macklin, Saskatchewan in 1912.
Later on, he taught at the junior high/senior high level for more than 24 years in Hanna.
Ultimately, Pyra said he would describe his work as a study in human isolation. “People are also moving to the cities so there is a rapid migration from the prairies. It’s a loss of history and heritage. So there’s a sadness on my part, because I think there is a lack of appreciation of the beauty of the prairies.”
For Pyra, sharing his work brings fulfillment as well. He enjoys openings to his shows, and the opportunities to chat with folks and see their reactions to his works. “Artists basically work a lot by themselves, so to see people’s reactions is very affirming - both the good and bad. Most of the time, there’s an excitement and enthusiasm and a positive response.
“Artists also tend to be critical of themselves - there’s often no formal feedback apart from friends or other artists, if that. There may not be any feedback at all.”
Meanwhile, the Red Deer Arts Council is pleased to present a special First Friday Red Deer Aug. 5th performance featuring Improv Jelly, Red Deer’s newest improv and sketch group in Central Alberta, in the Snell Auditorium at the downtown library.
Four actors will be doing improvisational games from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m.
The adjacent Kiwanis Gallery will be open from 6 to 8 p.m.
Refreshments will be served. There is no charge, but donations are accepted.
According to a release, “Improv Jelly will be performing two sets of classic, simple, yet fantastically fun improvisational games with actors, Paul Sutherland, Nicole Leal, James Scott and Philip Abusow.
Improv Jelly, led by Sutherland and Leal, was launched this past May.
Sutherland’s past experience starts off with his years of being a working actor in Alberta who graduated from Red Deer College’s theatre program in 2005. He also improvised for four years with Against the Wall Theatre’s improv group called Bull Skit.
Leal has been a working actor and director in Central Alberta since graduating from Red Deer College’s theatre program in 2013. She has been a part of Prime Stock Theatre’s Bard on Bower and Against the Wall Theatre’s sketch and improv group called Veal Skit.
She is also embarking on a new adventure as Tree House Youth Theatre’s artistic director for the 2016/2017 season.
editor@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Hanna_artists_stellar_works_on_display_in_Kiwanis_Gallery__389073082.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/5ccfd47d3704f9a192df351a3047d89f200e499772747675eb5514449aa671dd.json |
[
"Erin Fawcett"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:58 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FUpcoming_concert_in_support_of_Generations_Church__389739681.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Upcoming concert in support of Generations Church | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | A concert is set to be held in Red Deer this fall as a fundraiser for Generations Church which helps those in need in Jamaica.
A Musical Evening with The Singing Hills will be held on Oct. 22nd at Victory Church (98 Oberlin Ave.)
Doors open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Hors d’oeurves and a silent auction will take place before the concert.
Tickets are $25 each and are available at Kennedy’s Parable (Gasoline Alley), Thompson Cabinets (5238 53rd Ave.) or by phone from Dwayne Hillman at 403-598-3021, Mike at 403-877-1315 or Wendy at 403-340-9164. Tickets are limited.
Hillman has been involved with people in the community of Mandeville, Jamaica for more than a decade and continues to make a positive impact on the community.
“We are involved with a ministry in Jamaica called Generations Church and the community called Mandeville,” he said. “When you get down into Jamaica there are no food banks as such as we know, no soup kitchens, there is nothing there and what we’re doing is offering a hand up for these people to get them back on the ground.”
There are a number of initiatives Hillman and his team help out with.
“We are involved in a children’s home called New Home Children’s Home. The lady that runs it has 30 children under the age of five - some are handicapped, some are abandoned - there’s a lot of interesting things happening,” said Hillman. “We are also involved with a home for mentally challenged men. There are 19 of them there at the moment.
“We started a sewing centre down there. One of our girls one year decided to bring a sewing machine down there and there is a young girl there now making her own clothes. From that one sewing machine we now have four sewing machines and two sergers and one industrial sewing machine. We often take sewing material and sewing items down so she can make money with what she is doing.
“We are involved in a hand up in the community - we do not give a hand out. Everything is long term. We want to make sure it is sustainable.”
There are many other initiatives Hillman helps out with as well.
As to the concert, Hillman encourages the community to come and enjoy the evening.
“We will also be bringing awareness to our ministry,” he said. “We want to make people aware of what we’re involved in. We want people to be aware that there is an opportunity to invest in this community (Mandeville) and 100 per cent of net proceeds will go towards our cause.
“We hope people come and enjoy the entertainment and learn about what we do.”
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Upcoming_concert_in_support_of_Generations_Church__389739681.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/69b3843b8e64f51a90054c0f555d0d4724082a2777cdb6af11424bda53c57418.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:51:12 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FRelaxing_read_391646771.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*74/RGB_160831-EXP-LibrarySA_1.jpg | en | null | Red Deer Express | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Relaxing read
ENJOYMENT - Jared Bourn spent an afternoon relaxing with a magazine at the Red Deer Public Library's Dawe Branch. Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/Relaxing_read_391646771.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/2522ebcbaebb06a27274efa4a4af8d1efe4460563f909bb8c93c37dd834fb2f1.json |
[
"Kalisha Mendonsa"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:13 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FSenator_talks_innovation_deregulation_and_Albertas_future__391163961.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/RGB_160824-EXP-SenatorDougBlack_1.jpg | en | null | Senator talks innovation, deregulation and Alberta’s future | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | DOWN TO BUSINESS - Senator Doug Black addressed the Rotary Club of Red Deer this week as an honoured guest speaker, where he used his time to speak on innovation, de-regulation and the way to build a more resilient Alberta.
Senator Doug Black was in Red Deer this week, where he engaged with local Rotary Club members on Alberta innovation, deregulation and the importance of market access.
Black took his opportunity to discuss the current economic crisis Albertans are experiencing, and said he is working hard to provide a new framework that could help ensure an innovative and prosperous province, with his Alberta 2.0 plan.
“The biggest question I’ve been asking Albertans over the last year is how do we become an economy of intent, rather than an economy of circumstance?” Black said.
“We know that Alberta has a long and successful history of meeting challenging circumstances - we are facing challenging circumstances today. We know that Alberta has a history of innovation, whether it’s irrigation, taking oil from sand, directional drilling, the smart-board or the Bloody Mary - Albertans innovate.”
He also addressed the economic statistics of Alberta, including falling oil prices, lack of inbound investment, loses in revenues from energy and the ever-shrinking gross domestic product (GDP). As well, Black touched on the energy projects that have been cancelled or postponed.
Black spoke about issues known to many Albertans in terms of job losses, high suicide rates and a huge increase in food bank use but said the overruling issue in Alberta is a lack of international market access for our products.
“Albertans know it is essential to build pipelines to go through the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to allow access to the global energy markets, not just the U.S. market. There are no active pipelines today that face the prospect of imminent approval that will help us get our oil to market,” he said.
He said he feels no closer to a consensus on pipelines than he did three years ago, and expressed frustration in Canada’s lack of trade among provinces and nations.
“All the time that we’re going through this discussion, Canada continues to import oil to Atlantic Canada and Quebec -approximately 700,000 barrels of oil a day,” he said.
Black also explained that a major asset to Albertans is a history of innovation - a history that Black feels needs to be revived. He said particular attention needs to be paid to the areas of health care and agri-business.
“We are not victims. If there is a challenge, we can mourn a little bit and think about our poor fortune or bad timing but we will get over it and get back to work. That’s what we’re going to have to do very aggressively over the next year or year and a half,” Black said.
He added that de-regulating the province would allow for innovative businesses to move forward on projects with ease, and this in turn would help to develop a resilient economy.
“We’re over-regulated. We are perhaps the most regulated province in the country and that needs to end,” he said.
“With our Alberta 2.0 plan, we’re asking how we, as Albertans, could once again achieve an Alberta like the one we grew up with, how we ensure prosperity, how do we ensure that our kids stay in this province and get people attracted to our province to create.”
The Alberta 2.0 document is set to be released in four to six weeks.
“These are the conversations I think we need to have, and this is why I’m speaking to Albertans around the province - to help people recognize this is where we are and we need to deal with where we are collectively and productively.”
kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/Senator_talks_innovation_deregulation_and_Albertas_future__391163961.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/00dafe3564765892182957a268559f8b944c724f247caf546916875c3d6867c1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:36 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FShowing_support_390947441.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/RGB_160824-EXP-RFWSA_1.jpg | en | null | Red Deer Express | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Showing support
STANDING TOGETHER - Red Feather Women gathered outside of the Red Deer Courthouse on Monday to show support for an alleged victim in a sexual assault case. Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/Showing_support_390947441.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/26245bdae59bd9cd8a39644960a5759c53c3d80357fb38842ecb4b75a39ccf28.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:00 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FShowing_pride_390700011.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/RGB_160824-EXP-DragShow_1.jpg | en | null | Red Deer Express | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Showing pride
PUTTING ON A SHOW - D. Frost of The Laddies of La Cage brought some sass and style to the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre to celebrate Central Alberta Pride Week. Kalisha Mendonsa/ Red Deer Express | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/Showing_pride_390700011.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/9c78492f3f5f92dca82ae917d0c0439f5feb1cd72d266c231365f3eea1fb9543.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:11 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FShake_the_Lake_returns_after_two_year_hiatus__389739371.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Shake the Lake returns after two year hiatus | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | BY TODD VAUGHAN Courtesy of the Sylvan Lake News
Shake the Lake returns on Aug. 12th and Aug. 13th after taking two years off in Central Alberta.
“We decided we need to bring Shake the Lake back because we saw the other festivals shutting down,” Organizer Edward McIntyre said.
“We really wanted to have something that the whole family can come to without stressing their finances.”
The event, which is free of charge, features some of the same events as it did in its previous seven iterations, however on top of music and BMX competitions, this year will also feature a new event for the area, Art Battle.
“I am a graphic designer by trade and I have been doing it a very long time, so we have been always trying to get art into the festival,” McIntyre said. “I was at a couple design conferences and saw this battle format that we will be doing. It looks amazing and it looks like a really good fit to bring it in.”
The Art Battle gives artists a standard tool kit and theme that is given to them the second the competition starts. They then have an hour to complete a work of art to be judged on a 6 ft. by 8 ft. canvas.
McIntyre added, “Every different style is welcome and will be judged on an even playing field.”
On top of this exciting new addition, Shake the Lake will bring in new up and coming musical acts, according to McIntyre – including The New Electric, which has two members who have previously played at this event in the past.
“We pride ourselves on finding the up and coming musical acts,” McIntyre said. “There are lots of people who have played our event in the past that have went on to win Group of the Year at the Juno Awards.”
Saturday will also feature BMX action which will include X-Games level participants competing. At Shake the Lake two years ago, more than 1,500 spectators came to watch this event because of the high calibre of the athletes competing, explained McIntyre.
The event, according to McIntyre, is still looking for sponsorships to help put it on.
Although he said their large sponsors, such as Red Bull, have stepped up, “In a big way,” many of their local sponsors have had to back out due to the struggling Alberta economy.
“We are still in a position where we do need sponsor dollars to come in,” he said. “We are a registered charity so we can offer tax receipts.”
He added anyone looking to sponsor or volunteer can go to shakethelake.ca for more information.
McIntyre said this festival is important adding, “People love it because it is something amazing for the community.” reporter@sylvanlakenews.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Shake_the_Lake_returns_after_two_year_hiatus__389739371.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/9947b24ecd43e7dc0f43fb8a2594200583c13462c6c7c3c4a1447d193533b9d2.json |
[
"Dr. Gifford Jones"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:53 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FWhy_cancer_patients_will_suffer_to_protect_the_lives_of_addicts__391161261.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Why cancer patients will suffer to protect the lives of addicts | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | How history repeats itself!
Today, politicians are once again ignoring the pain of terminal cancer patients. At the same time they are shooting themselves in the foot by making illogical remarks about pain. This human folly takes me back 37 years.
In January 1979, I wrote a New Year’s resolution in this column to petition the government to legalize medical heroin to ease the agony of terminal cancer patients. I knew that heroin had been used in English hospitals for 90 years, so why not have this painkiller available in North America? But rather than being applauded for my compassion, all hell broke loose.
One well-known cancer specialist labelled me, “A misinformed headline-seeking journalist.”
The Cancer Society argued that morphine was as good as heroin, “In most cases.”
It provided no alternative if you were not one of the “most cases.”
Besides, it’s a physiological fact that heroin is more potent than morphine. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and The Journal of Hospital Pharmacy worried about security.
And doctors who damned the use of heroin had to admit they had never used it. So much for scientific curiosity!
The volume of negativity around heroin was so intense I decided to visit England and Scotland to get a first-hand look at how heroin was used in these countries.
One of the most heartrending moments was when I visited the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London where children were dying of cancer.
I asked why heroin was prescribed? The nurses replied, “They prefer heroin as it eases their pain and gives them a fuzzy feeling.”
Surely, I thought that was the least that could be done for them.
In London, I interviewed Scotland Yard detectives who told me there was no problem with security. They and the drug officials in Edinburgh said they had more important problems to worry about.
I discovered that heroin was the first medication emergency doctors administered to heart attack victims, to relieve their pain and anxiety.
Doctors were also prescribing heroin to women with difficult childbirth and patients with severe burns. And family physicians told me they always carried heroin in their bags in case they encountered an accident where it was needed. In other words, all I had heard from the medical establishment in Canada was untrue.
So what happened?
On my return I wrote more columns about the medical need of heroin. Finally readers who had lost a loved one and witnessed their final agony, sent me letters and money to promote this cause.
Eventually I delivered 40,000 stamped letters (not e-mails) to the Federal Minister of Health in Ottawa all demanding that politicians legalize heroin for terminal cancer patients.
On Dec. 20th, 1984, the Minister of Health announced the government’s intention to legalize heroin as a painkiller. And $500,000 from readers’ donations then established the Giffford-Jones Professorship in Pain Control and Palliative Care at the University of Toronto Medical School.
So 37 years later?
Now the Minister of Health of Ontario has announced that doctors will no longer be able to prescribe high dose opioids to either addicts or cancer patients. It’s an asinine ruling that must be challenged.
Everyone must ask this question, “Why should a loved one in final agony be denied high doses of opioids just because addicts want to get high?”
The lack of good sense remains the same.
For example, an official associated with this study remarked, “It is reassuring that the vast majority of palliative care patients will not be impacted by this policy.”
Why would anyone make such a foolish statement? Isn’t there any empathy for others who will be impacted?
Families of the dying should vigorously protest when loved ones suffer from inadequate painkillers.
English specialists told me patients in severe pain do not become addicted to painkillers and can be weaned off huge doses quickly if remission of malignancy occurs.
It’s hard to believe that cancer patients with a few days to live are denied sufficient painkillers for fear of addiction. Today common sense has become an uncommon commodity.
For information, check out www.docgiff.com. For comments, email info@docgiff.com. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/Why_cancer_patients_will_suffer_to_protect_the_lives_of_addicts__391161261.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/ac42f9bdf9bf3d55d2d3e5ed2d9484c7e4c8eb650529b2dd08767b947c0e76cf.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:49:35 | null | null | Band attracting new fans via latest project | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FCurrent_Swell_heads_to_City_on_fall_tour_223304291.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*47/CurrentSwell.jpg | en | null | Current Swell heads to City on fall tour | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Current Swell heads to City on fall tour
SONIC JOURNEY - Victoria band Current Swell brings their eclectic collection of songs to Red Deer on Oct. 6 at Bo's Bar & Grill.
Victoria’s Current Swell are taking a break from writing and rehearsing songs from their upcoming 2014 release and are hitting the road. Red Deer is on the list of stops, with the guys performing Oct. 6 at Bo’s Bar & Grill. Special guests Jon and Roy will be joining Current Swell for the tour. Current Swell (Scott Stanton, Dave Lang, Ghosty and Chris Petersen) have built a name for themselves through years of performing. The band is currently on the road with the newest addition to their discography Long Time Ago, capturing new and old fans with their live performances. They have toured Canada many times as well as Brazil and the U.S. and have shared the stage with acts like Xavier Rudd, Bedouin Soundclash, K-OS, K'Naan, Ron Sexsmith and even the Beach Boys. They also recently released the CD in Europe followed by a 32-day tour including stops in the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands. This past spring the CD dropped in Australia followed by theatre shows with SOJA and two performances at the infamous Byron Bay Bluesfest that featured Iggy Pop, Paul Simon, Wilco, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant, Santana, John Butler Trio, The Cat Empire and many more. The band originally wanted to call its fourth record People Not Places, as if to signify its new lyrical direction. “We used to write about traveling, because that’s all we did for a while,” says singer/guitarist Scott Stanton. “But on this record, we wrote mostly about people in our lives.” Friends, acquaintances — even strangers — have been an integral aspect of Current Swell’s personal and professional development. Decidedly grass-roots, the band has developed a strong online following over the years, dating back to the independent release and promotion of its previous recordings, So I Say (2005), Trust Us Now (2007), and Protect Your Own (2009). Steady momentum at the grass-roots level (the group’s video for its campfire-friendly single Young and Able became a word-of-mouth YouTube success in 2010) has now translated to the stage, where Current Swell shines. Their ability to capture a crowd was honed the old-fashioned way — through constant practice. Current Swell has always tweaked things as needed, careful not to move in a direction that feels inauthentic. “The online community has always backed us,” said singer/guitarist Dave Lang, addressing the group’s considerable presence through iTunes and YouTube. “That is a big reason for our success.” The band, which also features drummer Chris Petersen and bassist Ghosty Boy, started its career with the most modest of expectations, playing shows in settings that ranged from backyards to beaches. “When we first got together, we just started writing music for fun,” Stanton says. “Then we got an opportunity to perform, and then we got an opportunity to tour. It wasn’t something we ever chased too passionately at first. A lot of things just fell into place for us.” The quartet struck upon a rhythm soon after, the size of its concerts increasing in tandem with its progressing talent. Momentum kept Current Swell moving forward in the years that followed, culminating last summer with a Canada Day concert before 45,000 people at the B.C. Legislature, one of the largest concerts of its kind ever in Victoria. That level of accomplishment (when coupled with sets in support of everyone from the Tragically Hip and Xavier Rudd to K‘Naan, K-OS, The Beach Boys and more) suggests a band long-removed from its learning-on-the-fly early days. That didn’t happen by accident. “We’re all much more educated and knowledgeable about our career nowadays,” Stanton says. “We feel like we know how to do this for a living.” Despite years of careful planning and intuitive, thoughtful decisions, some things remain beyond Current Swell’s control. Case in point: Brazil. Through a mixture of circumstance and happenstance, the members of Current Swell are now the beneficiaries of a large and loyal following in Brazil, the largest country in South America. The group has just returned from a tour of the country, a trek which saw Current Swell headline two large festivals in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, among the largest cities in the world. “We’d get an e-mail here and there, ‘Please come to Brazil, I’m a huge fan,’ which was hilarious to read,” Stanton says of the group’s throng of Brazilian fans. “But then we’d go on YouTube and there was a bunch of people covering our songs. Someone even covered one of our music videos, lip-syncing all our lyrics.” -Weber | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Current_Swell_heads_to_City_on_fall_tour_223304291.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/e7c8268e7c720ee4f9fb06a4743eaac7ace5c6d8842ba745e0aa85b9bbf7d11d.json |
[
"Dr. Gifford Jones"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:08 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FThings_to_keep_in_mind_on_the_open_seas_390440261.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Things to keep in mind on the open seas | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | I should hate being at sea.
In 1952, during my first trip as a young ship’s surgeon, I sailed to Germany to bring persons displaced by the war to Canada.
I did not know that during the voyage I would have to remove the Captain of his command, for medical reasons. Nor did I realize how many medical problems I would encounter with 800 very ill passengers. Still, I’ve always loved being at sea. Now I’ve just returned from a cardiology seminar aboard a cruise to Alaska. During it I pondered how to keep well while cruising.
First, get rid of misconceptions.
Some people decide not to cruise for fear of Norovirus infection. But such infections are rare occurrences that hit the headlines. Actually, you’re much safer at sea due to strict sanitary precautions aboard ship. After all, how many city restaurants expect you to sanitize your hands at their door!
I recall one cruise passenger who started to pick up ice for her drink with her hands. She was firmly told not to do so.
But remember, it’s still a germy world whether at home or at sea and frequent hand washing still remains the best guard against infection. Hand sanitizers are important but not a replacement for hand washing with soap and water.
In conversation with ship’s surgeons, I was told the big problem aboard is overindulgence.
Cruise ships are noted for the abundance and variety of food and it’s staring you in the face all day. So is alcohol. It is readily available, particularly if it’s included in the fare. So every night becomes Saturday night.
Not a good time for the stomach. The best caution is to eat and drink prudently while aboard.
It’s tempting and easy to become a daiquiri-guzzling couch potato on a cruise, particularly during the summer.
I’m not a gym lover at home or at sea, but over the years I’ve made a habit of using the stairs or walking the promenade deck for exercise. It’s still the best and safest way to keep fit. As Abraham Lincoln remarked, “You have the two best doctors in your body, your left and right leg.”
Keep smart while ashore, particularly if visits are in less developed countries.
As a rule it’s safer to take water and food ashore with you in these locations. And never put ice in your drinks except on board.
The possibility of falling is a constant threat.
Keep in mind that on the ship or on a shore excursion, it’s new territory. So be aware of your surroundings, hold onto railings and watch for hidden steps. A fall can end with a disastrous broken hip. And take special care in the bathroom as it’s the most hazardous location on the ship.
Numerous bathrooms are located around the ship and it’s often more convenient to use one of them than returning to your cabin. But infectious disease experts say it’s safer to walk further and use your own bathroom to decrease the risk of infection.
Keeping well also means good preparation for the trip. I continue to take several thousand milligrams of Vitamin C daily while cruising, to maintain a high immunity to infection. C also fights constipation often associated with travel.
Be sure to pack prescription medication and other health products. But they should always be in your carry-on bag, just in case your luggage never arrives!
It’s also prudent, particularly if travelling to exotic locations, to consult a travel specialist about vaccinations several weeks prior to departure. No one wants to develop malaria when it can be prevented.
Today, sea sickness is usually not a problem.
If it is, scopolamine patches placed behind the ear are available.
But it could be that sickness upon sailing is not the ship’s fault. Rather, you made the mistake of requesting an aisle seat on the plane. It is the most infected one, caused by the number of people who use the plane’s bathroom, but fail to wash their hands. They then use your aisle seat to steady their passage back to their own seat.
Enjoy your ship’s cruise. You’ll keep well if you practice moderation and are cautious about its many joyful temptations. Savour them all gently.
For information, check out www.docgiff.com. Email questions to info@docgiff.com. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/Things_to_keep_in_mind_on_the_open_seas_390440261.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/2396c3837f862225314ce73f37f7d2c01db2bd4a3d3a30de3817016e5372a59c.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:41 | null | null | A therapeutic ‘boxercise’ program has clients pleased with results | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FA_brand_new_way_to_fight_Parkinsons_Disease__391165441.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*71/RGB_160824-EXP-ParkinsonsBoxing_5.jpg | en | null | A brand new way to fight Parkinson’s Disease | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | WORKING OUT - Cathy Fleury, who suffers from Parkinson Disease, punched a heavy bag held by her husband, Don Fleury, during a Dopamain Gym Boxercise Program at Arashi-do Martial Arts.The program is designed to increase the level of dopamine in the system for Parkinson’s patients.
If you walked into the Arashi-do Martial Arts Gym on a Monday or Wednesday morning, nothing would seem too out of the ordinary. You’d come across a small boxing class of about 11 people, listening intently as a coach explains the proper way to roll off a punch. You would hear the sounds of participants practicing new techniques and going a few rounds on a heavy bag.
In fact, the only thing that you would really notice would be the age of some of the participants, some of whom look to be in their early 80s.
But this is no ordinary boxercise class. This is the Dopamain Gym — a special therapeutic ‘boxercise’ program that is put on by the Red Deer Boxing Club and Parkinson’s Alberta for people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their caregivers, which creates an exercise opportunity that has distinct benefits for people with PD due to boxing’s fast, vigorous movements which research has shown increases dopamine receptors and dopamine production in the brain.
“What it is is that they’ve tried lots of other things in the past for physical therapy for Parkinson’s patients and nothing has really worked well. The only thing they found in the past that worked well was Tai Chi,” explained Doug Rowe, one of the Red Deer Boxing Club coaches who leads the program, which can increase core strength, and reduce some of the symptoms of PD.
Parkinson’s Disease is neurodegenerative disease which is caused by a reduction in the number of cells which normally produce dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between nerves in the brain. This can result in tremors, slowness and stiffness, impaired balance and rigidity of movement, among other symptoms.
“I had a bad night, so I was like this,” said Cathy Fleury, who is a Parkinson’s patient and one of the participants in the program, showing a thumbs down sign. “And after now working out, now I’m a thumbs up. It energizes us and the energy lasts for a few hours after we leave, and sometimes longer.”
Fleury, along with her husband Don Fleury, have been regularly attending the twice a week classes since the program started in early July this year.
“It’s the heavy bag that is the big thing. It just does something. It fires your neurons and you feel it. You can actually feel yourself being energized. I’m much stronger. Like getting in and out of a car, in and out of a chair. Rolling over in bed at night. My gait is better. I’m just stronger,” Cathy said, adding the program also provides a support network.
“It’s great working out with other people who have Parkinson’s because we’ve got a really tight group here. We really cheer each other on for every little victory and a little empathy for every bad day.”
The class, Don said, enhances quality of life across the board for his wife and for other Parkinson’s patients in the program, which is led by coaches from the Red Deer Boxing Club.
“It gives them hope. Like Cathy said, we have community here. We’ve developed friends. But the exercise aspect is phenomenal. It’s amazing exercise,” Don said.
“It took me to a new level of fitness. I was still working out at a gym and walking and doing stuff, but this has really pushed me right over the top. It has encouraged me to give it everything. To fight,” Cathy added.
The group, the pair said, also gives them an opportunity to grow as a couple.
“One of the surprising things to me is I’ve never been in a gym other than to get her out of it, but I really enjoy the exercise and the camaraderie that we have. It’s taken our relationship to a different level where we can do this all over the world,” Don said, adding the couple even have sparring gloves at home so they can work on the exercises.
Moira Cairns, the client services coordinator at Parkinson’s Alberta, said that the pilot program, which is the first of its kind in Alberta, has been an excellent peer support system and therapy program for Parkinson’s Alberta clients.
“People are encouraging others to come to the class, because with Parkinson’s Disease you can have good days and bad days, and these are good days for people when they come here now. Very good days with lasting effect,” Cairns said. “I venture to say this is a therapy and not just a class that you enter and leave with your new skills because this is about skill but it’s also about balance, coordination, bringing those things back.”
And those effects aren’t lost on participants, who, according to their coaches, give their all every single day.
“With this program, initially we thought we’d have to modify a lot of our training sessions for these individuals — nothing. We haven’t had to modify. I train these guys the same way I would be training our youth, our seniors. They’ve honestly blown my mind on how determined they are when they actually come to train with us,” said Roman Rzepkowski, one of the three elite coaches for the program.
“These people are the most determined, resilient people I’ve ever worked with. They’re an inspiration,” added Rowe, who has been involved in boxing for over 40 years. “We’ve seen improvements in all areas. We’ve seen improvements in core strength, in stability, in balance and ability to punch. We’ve seen improvements in speech patterns, endurance. We have a client that could not roll over in bed who can now roll over in bed. So there’s huge amounts of improvement.”
And for the people who have to live with Parkinson’s every day, it’s also an opportunity to break down barriers, Cathy said.
“I come in really grouchy and don’t want to be here and I leave feeling like myself. I’m Cathy again, no Parkinson’s.”
Anyone interested in getting involved with the Dopamain Gym can get in touch with Moira Cairns at 403-346-4463 for more information.
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/A_brand_new_way_to_fight_Parkinsons_Disease__391165441.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/f2140f61dd3451fc1f3dc927d0d85964919031aa0115c709b05c0d3139745da6.json |
[
"Kim Wyse"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:54 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FWhen_your_kids_dont_want_your_household_hand-me-downs_390440581.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | When your kids don’t want your household ‘hand-me-downs’ | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | The current generation baffles me which is a sign that I am getting older.
The minute you stop understanding why a group of people act a certain way is the minute you have to look at yourself in the mirror and admit that you are approaching geezer-hood.
I have tried to stay current with music, social media and current events yet I constantly feel myself falling behind or I get an eye roll from my daughter which tells me that I’m way off the mark of what she considers to be cool.
I will take you back in time to 1987; I was moving out of my parents’ home and onto Edmonton to start university and was setting up my first apartment.
I couldn’t wait to set up my own place and spent months looking for items.
When I say looking I mean that I tried to pilfer as much of my mom’s stuff as I could to keep my costs down. When I was 18 I thought my parents had the coolest stuff, my mom had impeccable taste and I wanted all that I could get.
Fast forward to 2016 where my partner and I have children who are leaving home, attending university and embarking on careers.
There is a vast selection of things they could have to start them on their individual journeys such as decorative items, kitchen ware and furniture. In my opinion many of these items are wonderful (well, they are MY items!) and I figured that giving the kids a helping hand to start solo life would be a breeze. Was I mistaken!
Nobody - and I mean NOBODY wants anything!
Polite ‘I’ll think about it’ to direct nose in the air ‘uhh no thanks’ have been coming at us for weeks.
Beautiful items, stuff that they are going to have to buy is available and waiting but we have no takers. When I left home I was packing my old teddy bears and Michael Jackson posters along with anything I could steal from my mom and now I’m considering guerrilla decorating where I covertly drop things off on doorsteps and let the children deal with the items.
Do we have too much?
Does the current generation want for nothing or do they have a different view on material goods? Possibly they don’t want to be weighed down in materialism like their parents.
This makes the parents sad because we have saved things for them hoping they would take this treasure or that family heirloom with them when they moved along.
I was eager to decorate with gramma’s precious teacups or my mom’s candlesticks and now I have a hard time raising interest in my big screen television, I am so confused!
I can’t say I blame the current generation as I agree we all have too much stuff which I believe weighs our souls down.
Purging is always a good practice every few years to ensure that you have a fresh perspective on the items in your home. I heard a quote once that said, ‘Have nothing in your home that you don’t consider useful or beautiful’ and it sticks with me all the time when I am considering the space and useable items in my home. We can’t count on our kids to take it off our hands anymore!
Kim Wyse is a local freelance designer. Find her on facebook at ‘Ask a Designer/Ask a Realtor’. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/When_your_kids_dont_want_your_household_hand-me-downs_390440581.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/3ffcc52c7f783836d831223a0b690c46f4cc2c10d27a8493abfc75f2c7bf4122.json |
[
"Michael Dawe"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:10 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FA_look_back_at_the_Gull_Lake_Regatta__391160761.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | A look back at the Gull Lake Regatta | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Summertime is full of all kinds of celebrations, festivals and family activities.
However, one type of summertime event which used to be very popular, but is no longer held in Central Alberta, is an annual regatta at one of the local recreational lakes.
The first regatta in the region was held at Sylvan Lake on July 12th, 1913.
It was so popular that Gull Lake soon announced its intention to hold a similar summer celebration on Saturday, Aug. 9th, 1913.
As had been the case at Sylvan Lake, the first annual Gull Lake Regatta was a tremendous success. There were so many entries for the swimming and boating races that a second day of competitions had to be quickly organized for the following Monday.
As it turned out, the sailing races still had to be postponed to the following Saturday in order to keep the schedules manageable.
Plans were made to hold a second annual regatta at Gull Lake at the beginning of August 1914, but on a Monday instead of a Saturday.
The new Gull Lake Aquatic Club took charge of the arrangements. In order to make it possible for even more people to attend, the Lacombe Town Council declared a civic holiday.
Once again, the Regatta was a phenomenal success. An estimated 2,500 people from Calgary, Edmonton, Lacombe and many other parts of the province turned out. About the only glitch occurred when the canoe races were interrupted by, “A motor boat in charge of some water hog.”
Despite the fact that the First World War broke out literally the day after the second annual Regatta, plans pushed ahead for a third annual event on Monday, Aug. 9th, 1915.
Lacombe declared a civic holiday again and the village of Bentley followed suit. Once again, large crowds turned out for the competitions and festivities.
Because of the continuation of the War, no Regatta was organized in 1916.
Instead a sports day was held on Wednesday, Aug. 9th. However, to encourage attendance, a civic holiday was still proclaimed in Lacombe and Bentley.
In 1919, after the War was over, the annual Gull Lake Regatta was revived.
A large ‘illuminated’ evening boat parade was staged as a climax to the festivities. In 1920, a children’s regatta was organized in July, with the main regatta continuing to be held in early August.
By the latter part of the 1920s, a tradition commenced of alternating which hometown of the cottagers and vacationers would be honored. Hence in, in 1928, Calgary was given the nod, in 1929, it was Edmonton and in 1930, Lacombe.
On July 23rd, 1930, a big boost came when the annual regatta was combined with the official opening ceremonies for the Aspen Beach Provincial Park and government pier.
An estimated 3,000 people turned out for the ceremonies and competitions.
The addition of a large new public pier made it possible for another big boost in 1931 and 1932. The championship Wrigley Swims were held in conjunction with the Regatta.
These special competitions were sponsored by the Wrigley Chewing Gum Company, in cooperation with the Canadian and Alberta swimming associations.
The Wrigley Swims were moved to Sylvan Lake in 1933.
However, the Gull Lake Regattas continued to be popular mid-summer events for several more years. A new setback occurred in 1938 when the government pier was removed. The outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939 was an even bigger setback. The annual event was scaled back to a mini-regatta for children.
In 1948, an attempt was made to hold a full-scale Gull Lake regatta again, but support had ebbed.
Moreover, regattas took a lot of time and money to organize, but were very dependent upon the weather for success. Hence, the new ‘first annual’ Gull Lake Regatta turned out to be a one-time event. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/A_look_back_at_the_Gull_Lake_Regatta__391160761.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/194ff15d97cf756433e8c80c3bb02ead7d83bfd67cddb041304e73ca4cc95b03.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:32 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FRed_Deer_Minor_Hockey_player_learns_from_the_best__389744011.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*100/RGB_160810-EXP-SidneyCrosbySchool_2.jpg | en | null | Red Deer Minor Hockey player learns from the best | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | HUGE MOMENT - From right, Malia Tetreault, age 10, of Red Deer had her Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys autographed by Penguins captain Sidney Crosby when she travelled to Crosby’s hometown of Cole Harbour, N.S. to participate in the Sidney Crosby Hockey School. The school included the chance to get on-ice instruction from Crosby as well as the chance to meet the superstar.
A young Red Deer hockey player had the opportunity of a lifetime last month as she had the chance to travel across the country to meet and learn from her all-time favourite hockey player.
“It was a dream come true,” said 10-year-old Malia Tetreault, who just recently returned from a trip to Nova Scotia where she attended the prestigious Sidney Crosby Hockey School.
The school, which takes place in Crosby’s home town of Cole Harbour, only accepts 160 kids out of 5,000 applications every year, and the lucky few who are selected are given a truly special experience.
“He was on the ice everyday with the kids. He would be there in the morning or in the afternoon, but he was on the ice everyday. He had 10 other assistant coaches out there with them, so the kids had tons of training,” said Malia’s mother Bridget of Crosby, who is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and is the captain of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after the Penguins triumphed over the San Jose Sharks in the Stanley Cup Final last season.
In addition to the on-ice instruction, participants also had the opportunity to have a one-on-one meeting with Crosby for a photo and to have something signed.
It was the experience of a lifetime for Malia, who is an avid Penguins fan and considers Crosby her hero.
“He’s probably the best player in the NHL,” she said, adding that when the time came for her to meet the superstar, she was really excited.
“I was kind of nervous and happy. I got to meet my hero.”
The school, which Crosby runs annually in Cole Harbour, ran from July 11th-15th and featured on-ice practices that included the opportunity to refine stick handling, and work on skating technique as well as shooting, dryland training and special guest speakers such as Colorado Avalanche young gun and Crosby’s fellow Cole Harbour native Nathan MacKinnon. It’s such a unique opportunity that players travel from as far away as Norway to participate in it.
“She gained skating skills, she learned respect for the sport. That’s one of the big things that Sidney likes to teach the kids. And being a good leader. I think it was just an overall well-run hockey camp,” Bridget said.
“He kept the kids busy from eight until four every day.”
And the once-in-a-lifetime experiences didn’t stop there for the young Red Deerian.
There’s a tradition in the NHL in which every member of any team who wins the Stanley Cup gets to spend 24 hours with the famous silver trophy in the city of their choice over the summer following their win.
This year, Crosby chose to spend his day with the Cup in Cole Harbour, where he dropped by the hockey school with his new friends Stanley and Conn Smythe so the kids could see hockey’s ultimate prizes first-hand.
“That was pretty cool,” said Malia, who currently plays at the Atom level in Red Deer Minor Hockey.
Bridget said the initial decision to apply for the camp stemmed from Malia’s passion for the game, and for the Penguins in particular.
“She’s just such a huge fan of Sidney Crosby. She follows him and everything, so she saw advertisements for his hockey school. So I thought just a shot in the wind, I thought, oh well we’ll apply. She may not get accepted because there were 5,000 applicants, but I thought whatever at least we can say we tried.
“But she was lucky enough to be accepted, which was absolutely amazing,” Bridget said.
The trip also allowed the youngster to experience the east coast’s unique culture, as the family decided to tour around the Maritime provinces after the conclusion of the camp.
“We went to P.E.I., New Brunswick and Cape Breton,” said Malia, adding that even with all of the cool places she saw, Cole Harbour is still one of the most special.
“It was beautiful and pretty cool because I’m in his home town.”
Now Malia said she’s looking forward to hitting the ice for the upcoming hockey season to apply what she learned from the two-time Olympic Gold Medallist.
“I’m pretty excited.”
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Red_Deer_Minor_Hockey_player_learns_from_the_best__389744011.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/ca0c84e7377b78e99642e2c71531e57cb7ffb6d869b6deb4cf9b7202ac2023bc.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:44 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FRenegades_take_stock_of_a_standout_spring__389744871.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*76/RGB_160810-EXP-Renegades_1.jpg | en | null | Renegades take stock of a standout spring | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | WRAPPING UP - From right, Pacen Vandermeer of the Red Deer Renegades U18 Boys Tier I/II team tried to dribble the ball around Alex Julian of the Edmonton Drillers 1 during a regular season game at Edgar Athletic Park in Red Deer recently. The Renegades and Red Deer City Soccer Association just wrapped up the outdoor soccer season.
It has been another successful outdoor soccer season for the Red Deer City Soccer Association and the Red Deer Renegades competitive youth soccer teams.
With the 2016 outdoor soccer season in the rear view mirror, the Renegades are taking stock of a spring that included several standout stories.
“We’ve had quite a good season. As far as the outdoor season’s concerned, we brought on a couple of new players and it’s been going quite well,” said Shane Samson, head coach of the Renegades U12 Boy’s Tier I team, who were one of the standouts in the local competitive soccer program.
The young squad finished in the middle of the pack in their 13-team league, which was a big deal for a team who was competing at a Tier I level despite only having competed in Tier III during the indoor season last year.
“My hope for the kids when we made the decision to take them up to this group was that we could be competitive in about 70 per cent of our soccer matches. I didn’t have a whole bunch of high expectations when it came to win-loss. But the kids really worked hard,” said Samson of his team, who finished the season in seventh in their league.
Samson said his squad really brought a work ethic to the outdoor season this year, which paid off in the standings.
“We trained three times a week, we attended six different tournaments as well as all our league play and the kids stepped up and performed far better than anticipated. We were competitive in 100 per cent of our games and the kids performed very, very well for the entire season.”
It’s that kind of work ethic, Samson said, that is at the centre of the development program that the RDCSA and Red Deer Renegades have in place.
“I think as coaches we offer the players opportunities and the athletes, it’s up to them if they want to take us up on the opportunities. I think that this group is finding the success that they find because the majority of them are willing to take us up on those opportunities.”
The vast improvement of the team as a whole is a promising sign of things to come for the young players, who, for the most part, will be able to stay together as a team heading into the new U13 age category for the indoor soccer season this year.
“The aspiration is to keep as many of the players together as we possibly can and we’re always on the look-out for new acquisitions to the team.
“There is room for a few more players. So moving forward the aspiration is to continue to work hard, train hard, and be competitive. And always looking to achieve a new standard for ourselves,” Samson said, adding that the team is also focused on individual development.
“We still are very much focused in on the developmental of the individual athlete. Yes we are trying to coordinate the individuals into a team setting, but the primary focus is still on the development of the individual technical skills of the players for sure.”
On the other side of the development scale, the Renegades U14 Girl’s Tier II team are gearing up to head to provincials this weekend.
“In my best case scenario I’m hoping we get a medal. They really seem to pull together in tournaments for some reason, which is great to see in some aspects. But I think realistically if the kids walk away knowing that the girls put out 100 per cent effort knowing that they did the best they could, that will make them happy and that will make me happy as a coach,” said Head Coach Moira Duley of her team, who have won medals in every tournament they entered this season.
“There’s always room for improvement but I think overall it’s been pretty successful for them.”
Of course, as the outdoor soccer season draws to a close, the focus now shifts to preparing for the fast-approaching indoor season.
“We have tryouts coming up at the end of the month. We also have some additional training that will be free of charge coming up towards the end of the month, which will be before tryouts,” said Samson, adding that the Renegades are always looking for new players.
Indoor soccer registration began on Aug. 1st with tryouts for the 2016-17 season set to begin on Aug. 29th. Anyone interested can check out the Red Deer City Soccer Association’s web site at www.rdcsa.com.
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Renegades_take_stock_of_a_standout_spring__389744871.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/5f99cf8ad2ec2b4e1d821e2145d95b1a3971b343c66cd924c8213ba107ea85ae.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:04 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FCentral_Alberta_Buccaneers_move_onto_final__391160721.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*73/RGB_160824-EXP-Bucs_2.jpg | en | null | Central Alberta Buccaneers move onto final | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | FIGHTING THROUGH- Clockwise from left, Ron Lee of the Central Alberta Buccaneers tried to return a punt while Terrence Yamasaki and Erik Kyler of the St. Albert Stars tried to defend during Alberta Football League semi-final action at MEGlobal Athletic Park in Lacombe last weekend. The Bucs came away with a 43-24 victory to secure a spot in the AFL final.
Orange flags were raining from the sky on an otherwise clear night in Lacombe, but the Central Alberta Buccaneers are heading to the Alberta Football League final for the first time ever after defeating the St. Albert Stars 43-24 in semi final action at ME Global Athletic Park last Saturday.
In what Bucs Head Coach Devon Hand described as one of the sloppiest games his team has played this season, the Pirate Crew found a way to come up with a victory over a Stars defense that wasn’t willing to give the Bucs’ offensive juggernaut any kind of ground.
“That, without a doubt, and I’ve been involved with football for over 20 years now, that was the ugliest football game I’ve been a part of,” Hand said of the win, which saw the team struggle to find a groove on either side of the ball due to a number of penalties, bad decisions and turnovers.
“We didn’t show up, first of all, to compete. We had that going against us. There were issues with officiating, which I won’t comment on other than that. We had players ejected, we had disruptions. We had just every negative thing that you could really factor into a football game, we saw all of that today.”
After taking their bye week to rest and relax, the top seed Bucs came into the game with all of the confidence in the world. Quarterback Brandon Leyh had just come off a regular season where he set or tied the AFL record in nearly every major category and didn’t throw a single interception.
They had every reason to be confident, too, as the last time they played the Stars, the Bucs came away with a convincing 44-8 victory.
Right from the get-go, though, it became apparent that this game wasn’t going to be anything like the last one, as the Stars’ defense were successfully able to limit the Bucs’ potent offense for the majority of the first half, including holding Leyh and the Bucs to a season low two points in the first quarter.
“That was a frustrating one, to say the least. I don’t think we played very well offensively or defensively,” said Leyh, who passed for four touchdowns and 431 yards, but threw his first two interceptions in the victory, which means the Bucs will move on to play the always dangerous Fort McMurray Monarchs, who defeated the Calgary Gators 32-20 in the other semi final game, in the AFL final in Lacombe this Saturday.
“Luckily I don’t think we gave Fort Mac or Calgary anything to watch on film, because that’s pretty much as bad as we can play in my opinion.”
It took until the second quarter for the team to get into their usual rhythm, as Leyh eventually broke his offense’s silence with a touchdown pass, the first of four, to wide receiver and former Mount Allison University teammate Josh Blanchard early in the second quarter.
Blanchard was easily the star of the night for the home team, putting up 253 yards on seven catches and completing all four of Leyh’s touchdown passes.
Despite the fantastic play of the quarterback and receiver, the Bucs still struggled throughout the game. Penalties marred the team on both sides of the ball, as they lost several big plays and scoring plays due to orange flags on the field.
“I’m not sure what the league record is in a playoff game for penalties, but I’m pretty sure we have that now,” Hand said, adding the team’s focus now has to be on preparing for that all important AFL final matchup against Fort Mac this Saturday.
“There’s so many lessons to be learned from this game. If we take anything like the product today and try to take this against Fort McMurray next week, we’re going to get beaten and beaten badly. Discipline is huge.”
“I think we took a step backwards today, so we’ve just got to get back to where we were and how we were playing a couple of weeks ago. Obviously we’re excited to play in the big game, but it’s a little bittersweet at this point.”
The last time the two sides met the Bucs managed to eke out a 43-42 come-from-behind victory over the team that eliminated them from last year’s playoffs.
“Fort McMurray’s a very, very, very good team. We beat them by one point and to come from behind and to barely eke out a win against them — they’re incredibly hungry, they’re talented and they’re motivated and they’re not doing the things that we’re doing,” Hand said.
The Alberta Football League final will take place this Saturday at ME Global Athletic Park starting at 6 p.m. The winner of that game will go on to host the Northern Football Conference champion Greater Toronto Area (GTA) All Stars in the national championship game.
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Central_Alberta_Buccaneers_move_onto_final__391160721.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/7d5056286be2d38f147ffb3e7486080101e371c2b69b72f0ef62f7665852d93d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:10:15 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FBucs_enter_the_AFL_2016_playoffs_389745401.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Bucs enter the AFL 2016 playoffs | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | On Aug. 6th, the Central Alberta Buccaneers geared up for their final game of the regular 2016 season.
While they had already secured the number one spot in the AFL (and in the nation, overall), they were determined to come out with a victory; doing so meant that the Bucs were undefeated (a first in franchise history).
They kicked off against the Edmonton Raiders (who had secured fifth place in the standings).
The pirate crew got off the boat quickly – their defense shut down all Raider attempts at moving the ball, their special teams set a nasty tone, and their offense was as surgical as ever.
New Buccaneer Vince Roth said, “I think we played a well-rounded game on all sides of the ball. We executed well throughout the entire game.”
The Bucs drew first blood with a 68 yard punt return by Josh Blanchard. Central Alberta’s offense quickly followed this with a flurry of touchdowns.
They ended the first half of the game 63-0.
“We definitely need to work on discipline and avoiding penalties,” said Roth.
“There were way too many flags thrown in that game.”
The Raiders were able to drive down field late in the fourth, resulting in their only score of the night.
That offensive drive was shut down by Buccaneer defense several times, but was prolonged thanks to penalties. Ty Page, a first-year Buc, said, “Unnecessary penalties take away our momentum. In a different game, this could result in an outcome where we don’t come out on top.”
The final score on the night was 77-8.
Now that the regular season is over, the Bucs enter the AFL 2016 playoffs.
Since they finished in the first seed, they earned a quarter-finals bye and will have an opportunity to rest and heal.
In semi-finals (hosted in Lacombe on Aug. 20th at 4 p.m.) they will play the lowest-seeded team to survive the first round. If they make it past semi-finals, the Bucs will host the AFL Championship (Aug. 27th at 6 p.m.)
And if they are the Alberta Football League Champions, they earn the right to host the NFC champions from Ontario (Sept. 10th at 7 p.m.)
Regarding playoffs, Buc-veteran Mark Fay said, “It’s the first time in franchise history that we are 8-0 on the season, and that’s awesome, but now the real work begins. We have one goal and that’s a championship.”
The Bucs continued their partnership with the Whisker Rescue on Saturday as well.
The fundraiser to win ‘Romance Galore with #24’ continued and saw many people enter the draw.
The winner of the draw will be announced at halftime during the semi-finals game (Aug. 20th); the winner not only gets to go on a date with #24 Ryan Miller, but receives numerous additional prizes as well.
Proceeds go to the Whisker Rescue (an organization dedicated to rescuing stray cats in Central Alberta).
-submitted by Todd Lewis, chairman of the Central Alberta Buccaneers | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Bucs_enter_the_AFL_2016_playoffs_389745401.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/9314d953646b7e121beb83ccfa49b70e3adf9ad13f357f6ecd820007d5559ebf.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:34 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FWhy_you_should_watch_the_Rio_Olympics_389751001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Why you should watch the Rio Olympics | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Have you heard that the Summer Olympics are happening in Rio de Janeiro right now? Apparently it’s a pretty big deal, at least that’s what the constant ads on CBC have been telling me.
In all seriousness, it would be pretty hard to avoid hearing about the massive international sports meet. Between all of the problems that the Games faced leading up to last Friday’s Opening Ceremonies and the sporting events themselves, Rio 2016 has been dominating the news landscape over the past month and a half; and not necessarily for the right reasons.
I’m not going to sugarcoat things here. Between the Russian doping scandals, fears over the Zika virus, the high levels of pollution in the waters around the city, the state of the Athlete’s Village and the overall political turmoil that Brazil finds itself in, I’d have to say that these Olympics are off to the rockiest start in recent memory.
Don’t get me wrong, there are always issues at the start of every Olympics. In Vancouver in 2010 it was the warm weather that was melting the snow, in London in 2012 there were concerns over security and Sochi 2014 had the LGBT rights protests to worry about.
But something about these Olympics seems different. Maybe it’s the fact that besides the various scandals and protests that accompany any major event, the Rio Olympics have also faced growing concerns about the safety of their venues, many of which were built specifically for 2016.
I mean, there was a report on Saturday that an Olympic kayaker had capsized after hitting a submerged sofa. Yeah, for real. An underwater couch. At an Olympic venue.
And while those reports have so far not been corroborated by anyone and the organizers of the event are currently investigating the claim, you really have to wonder: did anybody on the Olympic committee think that maybe they should do an underwater sweep of their venues to check for discarded sofas or washing machines before the athletes got out on the water? I don’t know - just a thought.
But despite all of the scandals and issues that have surrounded the roll out of the event in Rio this week, there has been a silver lining: the Games themselves have been pretty good so far.
I mean is there any other event besides the Summer Olympics that an average Canadian sports fan will sit down in front of their TV and watch an entire Beach Volleyball match without thinking about changing the channel once?
That’s what I spent my Sunday night doing, as Red Deer’s Chaim Schalk and his partner, Ben Saxton took on Latvia’s Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Jānis Šmēdiņš (yes I had to Google those spellings) in preliminary action.
As a qualifier to my next point, I’d like to give a point of comparison. In the past year, I’ve watched and reported on everything from rugby to hockey to golf.
I was there for the Memorial Cup Final between the London Knights and the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, which ended in overtime. It was incredible. So believe me when I say that Sunday night’s beach volleyball match was one of the most exciting things that I have seen this year.
Canada lost the final and deciding set by just two points and while it was disappointing, it was heartening to see the Canadian athletes smiling and taking it in stride. Because they’re at the Olympics and that’s still something special.
By the way, that Latvian team came into the tournament ranked number one in the world, so the local boys did pretty darn well.
The Olympics are a time where sports that don’t generally get a lot of coverage are put into the spotlight on prime time television for the world to see. It’s a time when volleyball players, swimmers, cyclists, archers and other athletes from every sport and every discipline get to showcase their talents and when the world gets to experience sports they don’t often get the chance to see.
I guess what I’m saying is that it doesn’t matter that these Olympics have been somewhat mired in controversy so far. Because they’re still the Olympics and they’re still worth watching.
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Why_you_should_watch_the_Rio_Olympics_389751001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/5fc945a2bcbbd6c2b79c57a0f8d6340f4be9a19b1e7337f58972b28b67ac8404.json |
[
"Mark Weber"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:06 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FTreehouses_SplashN_Boots_heads_to_City_this_fall__389738921.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*133/SplashBoots.jpg | en | null | Treehouse’s Splash’N Boots heads to City this fall | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | FAMILY FUN - Splash ‘N Boots brings their latest show ‘The Big Yellow Boot Tour’ to the Memorial Centre Sept. 22th.
Treehouse TV’s Splash’N Boots of The Big Yellow Boot are including Red Deer on their fall tour.
They perform at the Memorial Centre Sept. 22th. Splash ‘N Boots features the talented duo of Nick Adams and Taes Leavitt.
The three-time Juno nominees are hitting the road with their brand new live show ‘The Big Yellow Boot Tour’, performing in more than 30 Canadian cities along the way.
They’re latest CD, Songs from the Boot, was released in 2015.
For the first time ever, Splash’N Boots will also be bringing their Big Yellow Boot friends on tour with them - Charlie, Keys and Jumping Jack Granny as well.
In addition, one dollar of each ticket sale of The Big Yellow Boot Tour will go towards Splash’N Boots 4 Kids- A Foundation dedicated to bringing musical opportunities to Canadian children and families in need.
“It started as a university project,” explains Adams during a recent chat of the duo’s beginnings. “Our assignment was to create a children’s play. So instead of doing a play, we actually wrote some songs.”
These tunes promptly resonated strongly with audiences that originally heard them. “So from that, we said, ‘Oh, let’s make a CD’. We did it on a shoestring budget, and we then started doing birthdays and performing at libraries - that kind of thing. We got paid $50 here and there, and thought that was the coolest thing,” he added with a laugh.
“We loved it so much, and couldn’t believe that people were paying us to hear our songs.”
But it eventually came to be a full time gig and the gifted duo has never looked back. “Every year, we look at each and say, ‘Are we still Splash ‘N Boots because we still can’t believe this is happening’,” added a clearly delighted Adams. ”We don’t take it for granted for a second.”
Their first disc was released back in the early 2000s. And its been a constant churning out of fresh, bright and fun materials since.
“When we aren’t touring, we are constantly writing and recording,” he said. “We’ve just started a new album right now, so there will probably be a new one in the fall.”
As to the name of the duo, they had first thought of ‘Nick and Taes’. But with the unusual spelling of Taes, they opted for something big and bold. “It was just the idea of kids, and it being rainy, and puddles and how good it all sounds together,” he chuckles. “We just liked the name and it stuck.”
Meanwhile, the pair appears daily in more than 8.3 million homes across the country on their hit TV show, The Big Yellow Boot. “Love and happiness are such huge components of Splash ‘N Boots - and it’s the shared feelings that happen during our show, too.”
Building a positive self-esteem and sense of positivity in general are also persistent themes as well as the melodies move along. As to the concerts, Adams said the duo pours everything they have into the shows - and are indeed mindful of every moment in terms of making them as fun as possible.
Often, they don’t even go into a show with a set list - a given show will go according to a particular crowd.
“We read the crowd, and between the two of us we engage them on a really heightened level,” he said.
And having done many shows in Canada’s north, they are excited about how ‘Splash’N Boots 4 Kids’ (focusing on its four core values - love, happiness, inclusion and connection) can help create sustainable, long-term musical programming, as well as hands on opportunities for kids to build confidence, get creative and have fun.
“We’re so excited to be taking this brand new show across Canada and, in doing so, help bring more music to families in northern communities,” says Leavitt. “We believe strongly in the power of music to inspire and bring people together, and feel that concerts and musical programming should be accessible to everyone.”
Splash’N Boots encourage families to come to The Big Yellow Boot Tour wearing their best yellow and blue outfits, and get ready to sing and dance and have a hilarious and unforgettable time with their families.
“We put the same passion and energy into a crowd of two kids that we put into a crowd of 1,000. We’re committed to it and we love it, so I think that’s infectious and that people want to be a part of it.
“Often I look into the crowd, and I’ll watch parents watching their kids dancing for maybe the first time. And that really hits home to me. Parents say, ‘My kid is so shy’, and then they can’t believe it because their kids are in the front row - that’s the best! We hear parents who say, ‘I had no idea my child loved music so much - thank you’.
“That kind of stuff is just the best - that connection. That we somehow are going to be a part of these children’s lives growing up,” he said. “That’s pretty cool for us.”
Meanwhile, Splash ‘N Boots can’t wait to showcase their newest concert to local audiences.
“This time our show is bigger, with so many more elements and characters, so we’re excited for families to have the full Big Yellow Boot experience and also work collectively to spread music far and wide across our country,” said Adams, adding how grateful he and Leavitt are for the career they enjoy so much.
“It’s smile, laughs and singing - so it’s the best.”
Tickets are available at www.blackknightinn.ca.
editor@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Treehouses_SplashN_Boots_heads_to_City_this_fall__389738921.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/b44cfc27e8f4cf21102e56b6ef12ced0318b3b4cbe8734d25e1f28b5a251295b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:00:59 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FTraffic_tie-up_391326071.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/RGB_160831-EXP-AccidentSA_2.jpg | en | null | Red Deer Express | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Traffic tie-up
COLLISION - Members of Red Deer RCMP and Red Deer Fire responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Taylor Drive on Wednesday afternoon, causing traffic to be redirected away from the northbound lanes of Taylor Drive. Kalisha Mendonsa/ Red Deer Express | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/Traffic_tie-up_391326071.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/9b9d0de1fc7870977823bbde0a1ba72e2dfa25a69e487fb60583daa862590693.json |
[
"Mark Weber"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:38 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FIgnition_Theatre_starting_principle_photography_on_latest_project__391161371.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Ignition Theatre starting principle photography on latest project | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Ignition Theatre, in association with Ridge Enterprises, has announced that principle photography on their second feature film Break on Through runs Aug. 27th through Sept. 17th with an anticipated October of 2017 release.
A group of strangers find themselves trapped in an isolated, abandoned farmhouse during an unknown but potentially cataclysmic world event. As they attempt to unravel the mystery, their fear and confusion mounts and they must learn to trust one another if they have any hope for survival.
The director for Break on Through is Dustin Clark, while Matt Grue (Ignition’s artistic director) has penned the script and has taken the role of producer.
“In terms of the process, it was particularly interesting,” explains Grue. “Dustin and I are long-time collaborators and I think we were both feeling a little creatively stagnant and we made a decision that we wanted to begin development on a new feature film.
“Over the course of several months, after several pitches back and forth and even a handful of different screenplays, we hadn’t found a middle ground. We struggled to find something we were both passionate about. So, I dusted off an idea, a framework of a story I had initially conceived as a play - and brought it to Dustin’s attention.”
That was in May of this year.
“We sat on a patio, enjoying a coffee and we bounced ideas for hours and basically took a framework and built a house. From that point, I went and began work on the first draft - which was completed in about three weeks and from that draft we decided to move forward into pre-production with a goal to shoot this summer.
“So, from inception to wrap - five months. Crazy.
”I’m always fascinated by stories that involve strangers learning to cope with one another. I’m fascinated by stories that invite you to participate in a meaningful way. I’m fascinated by what makes people tick and how I can alter that rhythm. Things I hope we have and will accomplish with Break on Through.”
Ignition’s first feature film, Year After Year, screened in several film festivals across five countries, was nominated for five prestigious AMPIA awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Actor and Best Editing and most recently completed a three-month television broadcast.
For Break on Through, the cast includes Amber Bissonnette (Caution: May Contain Nuts, APNTV), Robert Van Der Linden (Lassie, YTV), Sebastian Kroon (Arrow, The CW), Merran Carr -Wiggan (Love of My Life, Paragraph Productions), Evan Hall (The Glass Menagerie, Ignition Theatre), Christoff Lundgren (The Flash, The CW) and introducing Shelayna Christante and Minyang Dau as THE BOY.
“It’s a story in which perspective is very important, environment is very important, intricate subtlety is very important,” explained Grue on why the story will translate well to film format. “These are things you just couldn’t achieve in another medium. It’s also as much a mystery as it is a psychological drama and mystery is a genre that plays significantly better on screen than it would on stage.
“Our goal is to make a film that was as open to audience interpretation as possible without becoming obscure or vague. We want you to have a ‘good’ time going on this journey with these characters, we want to keep you constantly guessing and we don’t want to give away all the answers, or we want to hide the answers from plain sight,” he said.
Grue said the making of Year After Year provided a terrific foundation for this new venture.
”Year After Year was a masterclass in filmmaking,” he said. “We learned so much about both the artistic process, but as much about the commercial process. We made a lot of mistakes, we teetered the line between ambition and insanity - but I’d still rather be telling these stories rather than thinking about how great it would be to tell these stories. It was a grueling process, during both photography and post production.
“But in the end, after what was essentially a four year process we had a film that was celebrated worldwide, winning awards at various film festivals and being nominated for a handful of AMPIA awards. We were nominated (and lost) in the same categories as Fargo and Heartland - let’s say two of the most critically-acclaimed American and Canadian productions at the time. It was the injection of spirit we needed. It affirmed for us that not only were we capable filmmakers and storytellers, but in fact we had something to offer.”
Grue said this time around, the scope is much more realistic.
“I think, as I guess would be expected, we’re more mature filmmakers. We’re four years removed from making Year After Year. During that time there was a lot of creative and personal growth and we get to not only bring that, but experience to this production as well.”
Meanwhile, with principle photography about to start, there is much to keep in mind but Grue is thrilled to hit the ground running. “I’m always thinking about the next setup, the next shot, the next day. Producing a film is an exercise in staying one step ahead of everybody else at all times.
“It’s about anticipating problems and solving them before anybody else ever realized there was an issue. I think having run a theatre company for the past decade, it’s a skill set I’m particularly proud of. But, having also written the film I have to be conscious to compartmentalize my brain - sometimes I need to be a writer and sometimes I need to be a producer and it’s hard to be both at the same time.”
Ultimately, Grue said what also fuels his inspiration is that he has made a commitment to the local community.
“When I made the decision to start Ignition, one of the more important mandates I set for our company was that we were going to create meaningful, professional art in this community,” he said. “We will bring artists to Central Alberta and we will develop artists to send across Canada and the U.S. (and beyond),” he said. “A really fine example of this is our director of photography Adam Cummerford - we met Adam during our production of The Shape of a Girl; a show we collaborated with LTCHS on.
“From that point he showed a real interest in the arts and came to us looking for future volunteer opportunities. We brought him on board as a teenager to work backstage, to run lighting, etc. Since that time he moved to Montreal, to Toronto and now, in my opinion, is now one of the hot young filmmakers in the country and he’s coming back here, back to Ignition, six to seven years later to shoot our flick.
“I’m not suggesting we’re responsible for his success, but I think we certainly introduced him to the possibility. How cool is that?
“I’m just always pumped to get going. We always manage to assemble such amazing teams of artists and watching them work, collaborating with all these geniuses everyday for a few weeks is a tremendous pleasure. It’s an honour, quite frankly. To breathe life into characters I created - it’s a rush you can’t describe.”
editor@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Ignition_Theatre_starting_principle_photography_on_latest_project__391161371.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/71a2657c80126ec76bcded153f6f1e77d76b936dd7ba03c122558347079a4e1d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:20 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fentertainment%2FJazz_at_the_Lake_continues_Sounds_of_Summer_390436911.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Jazz at the Lake continues ‘Sounds of Summer’ | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Jazz at the Lake (JATL) festival organizers, along with Premier Sponsor Source Mortgage Centre, are excited to present the third concert in their four-part series, ‘Sounds of Summer’ featuring Juno Award Winner Tommy Banks in concert on Aug. 20th at the Alliance Church in Sylvan Lake.
Showtime is 8 p.m.
“Our last concert, ‘Swing Into Spring’ was a huge success. A big thank-you to all of our valued volunteers and to our fans. Johnny Summers lit up the stage and the dance floor was rockin’,” said Eric Allison, festival coordinator.
“We are excited to move forward with our summer concert,” he said. “Tommy Banks is a legendary jazz artist and we can’t wait to have him back.”
Since his 1950 professional debut, Banks is the recipient of the Juno Award, the Gemini Award, the Grand Prix du Disques-Canada, several ARIA Awards and is a member of the Edmonton Cultural Hall of Fame.
Musical touring has taken him to the farthest reaches of China, to eastern Europe and to most points in between.
According to his web site, Banks also provided musical direction for the ceremonies of the XI Commonwealth Games, EXPO ’86, The World University Games, the XV Olympic Winter Games and for countless television shows.
He has produced and/or conducted command performances for Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family and for President Ronald Reagan.
Banks was also the founding chairman of the Alberta Foundation for the Performing Arts, a member of the Canada Council from 1989-95 and a policy consultant to the Council from 1996-98.
He was chairman of the Edmonton Concert Hall Foundation from 1989-91. He is the recipient of an honourary doctorate of laws from the University of Alberta, of the Sir Frederick Haultain Prize, the Alberta Order of Excellence and is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
He has conducted symphony orchestras throughout North America and in Europe and his recordings are on Century II Records, distributed by Royalty Records.
Banks made his jazz-playing debut in 1950 in the touring band of saxophonist Don (D. T.) Thompson. Since then, he’s played jazz throughout North America, Western and Central Europe, Japan, and southeast Asia.
In 1983 his quintet became the first jazz band to tour in continental China since the 1949 revolution.
He has also appeared with such luminaries as Clifford Jordan, Sonny Stitt, John Handy, Zoot Sims, Mark Murphy, Anita O’Day, Nat Adderly, Al Cohn, Pepper Adams, Joe Williams, Art Farmer and many other greats, in clubs, concert halls, and on radio and television, according to his web site.
Meanwhile, join jazz fans for a pre-concert reception at Viva La Sirena, 6:30 - 8 p.m. and post-concert at 10:30 p.m.
Show your ticket for a drink discount. JATL organizers are also happy to announce the return of the Pub Crawl on Aug. 21st afternoon and evening live jazz bands from all over Alberta will be featured at multiple venues along Lakeshore Dr.
The music line-up for the pub crawl is as follows - Fireside Restaurant & Lounge – Jazz Plus Trio (2-5 p.m.); Viva La Sirena – Sandro Dominelli Quartet (3-6 p.m.); Pete’s at the Beach – Morgan McKee Trio (4-7 p.m.); Chef Francisco Pub & Grill – Dynamic Trio (5-8 p.m.) and Bravo Gastro Lounge – Fedora Club (6-9 p.m.)
Upcoming is the Autumn Leaves Concert featuring 2015 Juno Award winners The Brothers Landreth. It runs Sept. 23rd at the Alliance Community Church as well.
Tickets and complete concert details are available at www.jazzatthelake.com.
-Weber | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/entertainment/Jazz_at_the_Lake_continues_Sounds_of_Summer_390436911.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/1cd5088f5d688eba932e229b2a24bff33e590ad74a5f4dce6000e9bf489561f0.json |
[
"Kim Wyse"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:26 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fopinion%2FPainting_your_home_can_make_all_the_difference__391161431.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Painting your home can make all the difference | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | Guess what - I’m painting again.
If you follow my article I’m sure you are not surprised by this announcement!
I’m such a fan of how paint can change a room and brighten a space and even if you buy premium paint at $70/gallon it is still the least expensive form of redecorating an entire room.
I’ve dug into my decorative accessories recently too, taking items that I am still fond of and giving them a lift and a new lease on life. I have several large metal items which are unique and still loved but they are in the sage green tones that I have decorated with for years.
I have decided to re-purpose some of them for another room and have taken the hammered metal finishes to them and then added some silver highlights which bring out the embossing on the metal.
I’m pretty proud of the results and still love these items - even more so now that they are shiny and bright!
Painting is a love/hate thing with me and even though I love the results I dislike the prep and actual painting doesn’t thrill me much either. It seems that in every project there is that ‘I will never be done’ feeling as you shuffle through the mess and debris and then suddenly that last stroke or roll is on the wall and you stand back and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
After so many painting projects I have learned a few key tips to help keep my sanity and I am happy to share them with you.
Buy good equipment and keep it maintained. Invest in better brushes with natural fibres and make sure to clean them at the end of each project.
Polyester bristles leave hard, deep lines in paint which do not level as well as a natural bristle and they also leave pieces of brush behind which is ridiculously frustrating if you find it after the paint is dry.
If your project is stretching out over a few days you can store brushes and rollers in plastic bags for the next day so you don’t have to wash then out every day but when the project is done carefully clean and dry your brushes. A good quality brush will last you for years if you take care of the bristles.
Skip the cheap paint, it’s not worth it!
You don’t need to buy top of the line products but stay away from the builder grade products. Many lines of paint have a mid-line product which will suit your needs and you will discover how satisfying it is painting with a better product.
The paint has more viscosity, it splatters less and it covers in one or two coats. If you are choosing a dark colour it is especially important to chose a quality paint and do two coats rather than a cheaper brand which forces you into several coats to get the same results.
Patience and prep will give you a superior finish. Fill holes carefully and sand smooth then gently wipe walls with a solution of water and TSP (ask the paint people).
Once the walls are dry give ample time and air movement between coats and your paint finish will be strong and smooth.
Happy painting! Kim Wyse is a local freelance designer. Find her on facebook at ‘Ask a Designer/Ask a Realtor’. | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/opinion/Painting_your_home_can_make_all_the_difference__391161431.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/02e006edb6dd2aea9133ecc23a3e52e06daa002eca269f1e38181e22b45503bb.json |
[
"Kalisha Mendonsa"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:23 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fnews%2FRCMP_seize_900000_worth_of_property_in_Red_Deer_391196871.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*66/RGB_160831-EXP-TaskForceSeizure_1.jpg | en | null | RCMP seize $900,000 worth of property in Red Deer | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | MAJOR BUST - From left, Red Deer RCMP Const. William Lewadniuk, Cpl. Bob Schultz and Insp. Heidi Wild oversaw the seizure of a property, two vehicles, Canadian currency and items from within the residence of 87 Towers Close, as the result of a proceeds of crime investigation spurred by a drug trafficking investigation that first began in April.
Red Deer RCMP have followed up a trio of Priority Crimes Task Force search warrants where large amounts of drugs and cash were seized in April by seizing $900,000 worth of property, including a house and two vehicles, as proceeds of crime.
While four people arrested by the task force on April 13th were charged at that time with multiple counts of drug trafficking and weapons charges, two now face further charges of money laundering and fraud.
Matthew Rose, 31 and Katherine Howe, 21 have been further charged with laundering proceeds of crime, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000.
Members of the task force have been on the scene at 87 Towers Close in Red Deer to oversee the seizure of the home, vehicles, and Canadian currency found within the residence.
“After we completed our initial investigation in April, based on evidence for the judicial authorizations and interviews, we determined that a large amount of assets were dervied from the proceeds of crime. The pre-cureser to this was the drugs - the house, cars, cash - we believe that is all from proceeds of drug sales,” said Const. Willian Lewadniuk, lead investigator, of the Red Deer RCMP.
The initial investigation Lewadniuk referenced was conducted by the RCMP Priority Crimes Task Force and addressed as a drug trafficking operation. On April 13th, the investigation culminated in three search warrants that were executed simultaneously on both sides of a duplex in Garrison Circle in Red Deer and the residence in Towers Close.
Police seized two shotguns, over 8kg or marijuana, 1.3kg cocaine, .35kg ecstasy powder, 388 ecstacy pills, almost 1.4kg psilocybin, one litre of hash oil, 88 grams of hash, 44 hash tablets and 240 oxy pills. Police also seized approximately $37,800, large amounts of drug paraphernalia and 21 cell phones.
The continuing investigation by the Red Deer RCMP Fraud Section, in collaboration with the RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit and the Civil Asset Forfeiture Program resulted in the property seizure carried out last week.
“From there, we found evidence that Matthew Rose and Katherine Howe had further laundered proceeds of crime through a variety of separate bank accounts and other schemes,” Lewadniuk said.
“This is something that those two were doing before we ever did the initial search in April. This has been a lengthy process. You don’t just happen to come accross this amount of money all at once - you need to build up a certain amount to have a house like this. You don’t just get this off the streets.
“Obviously, this delves more into white collar crime. This is getting above street level at this point, maybe a layer above that. The items that are seized go to a Victims Restitution Front, and from there towns and cities can make applications to have those. For example, I believe the Women’s Shelter utilized items that were secured through Civil Asset Seizure. We’ve restrained the house and most of the contents in it and there will be a disposable date following this that is similar to a trial, but for property. If we don’t have any response, the property will be sold off at auction,” he said.
Corp. Bob Schultz of the Red Deer RCMP said officers were in the home on Towers Close under a search warrant this past April.
“We found evidence that supported these other charges. The sheer volume of evidence we found is what took the time to put together. That’s what (Lewadniuk) has done over the past four or five months. He partnered with our Civil Asset Forefeiture branch of the Alberta government, which helped him to go and secure the affidavit based on his information and that’s how we ended up with the seizure at that point,” said Schultz.
Mayor Tara Veer was on site to bring thanks to the RCMP members and associated investigators.
“One of the priorities in our Annual Policing Plan is reducing organized crime. We know that we have an issue and the establishment of the Regional Priority Crimes Task Force was in direct response to organized crime, not only in Red Deer, but the rest of the region as well,” she said.
“What we are seeing today is a direct result of local priority being placed on reducing organized crime.”
Officials said the seizure was in part thanks to an anonymous tip from a private citizen and encouraged residents to call the RCMP non-emergency line to report information they feel is necessary.
kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/RCMP_seize_900000_worth_of_property_in_Red_Deer_391196871.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/4736f7371114a1990bdda41b84af708a599d505bd9b5c4f417528d35f076b546.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:30 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FRed_Deer_Razorbacks_head_to_final_tourn_389079322.html.json | http://media.albertalocalnews.com/images/100*67/RGB_160803-EXP-Razorbacks-2_2.jpg | en | null | Red Deer Razorbacks head to final tourney | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | BIG WIN - The Red Deer Razorbacks scored an important 9-8 victory in extra innings over the Lacombe Dodgers in Parkland Baseball League regular season action at Great Chief Park last Friday. The win means the Razorbacks will head into the PBL final tournament in Lacombe this weekend in second place overall. Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express
The Red Deer Razorbacks will be heading into their final tournament full steam ahead this weekend.
Red Deer’s senior men’s AA baseball team proved why they have been one of the top teams in the Parkland Baseball League this season when they picked up a huge win over the visiting Lacombe Dodgers at Great Chief Park last Friday night.
“The game was good. We had some battles, some base running errors. But the boys worked hard. We’re a scrappy team and we pulled it off,” said Razorbacks’ second baseman Mark Weiss of the 9-8 victory, which required extra innings.
The Friday night barn burner was a back and forth affair, with neither team being able to really pull ahead, despite numerous attempts by both sides.
It was a tough night on the mound for pitchers on both ends, as the batters smacked base hit after base hit to run up the scores. By the top of the sixth of seven innings, the score was deadlocked at eight runs apiece.
“We were happy with the way it went. We grinded it out and, like I said, it didn’t end the way we wanted it to but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” said Lacombe Dodgers player Andre Touchette of his team’s play.
Tochette added the Dodgers weren’t putting too much stock into the game.
“We’ve got our big league tournament coming up next weekend, so that’s what we’re focusing on right now.”
The matchup came to a head in the bottom of the seventh inning, with the Razorbacks trailing the visitors 9-7.
After putting up a couple of quick runs to draw even again, the home team found themselves with runners on the corners and two out. A base hit would mean the game was over while an out would mean the game would be heading to extras.
Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, there was a third scenario that not many people could have seen coming, as they managed to smack a base hit into shallow centre field and score the run, but the runner on first base forgot to touch second before heading in to celebrate with his teammates.
The base running error resulted in a force out at second which ended the inning, meaning the run didn’t count. We were heading into extras.
Luckily the error wasn’t too costly as the home team slammed the door in the top of the final inning before grinding out one final run to seal the deal in the bottom of the eighth.
“It felt good. I was one of the guys who made an error on the running earlier, so it was good to get some redemption there,” said Weiss, who picked up the walk-off RBI hit for the Razorbacks.
The win put an exclamation point on a solid regular season of baseball for the Red Deer team, who finished with a 12-4 record, which tied with the top-ranked Innisfail Eagles. It was only by run differential that the home team finished short of the top spot.
“It was a pretty good year. We’ve had some pretty good battles with Innisfail, they ended up first. We’ve had some close games, I think this is three games now that we’ve gone into extra innings. So it’s been a lot of games like this through the year,” said Weiss.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good shot. Innisfail’s top of the league, but going into the tournament I think we’ve got a good chance.”
He added that the win was an important one for the Razorbacks, as it solidified their position in the standings heading into next weekend’s final tournament.
“I think it’s big because we’re going to end up playing Lacombe first off. This game decided that; this game decided second and third. So we’re going to play them first off, we’ll be home team now with this win. It gives us last at-bats and we showed tonight what last at-bats can do.”
The Parkland Baseball League final tournament will be held this Friday through Sunday at Michener Park in Lacombe, with the Riggers and Dodgers taking the field at 1 p.m. on Saturday in quarter final action. The top two teams in that tournament will advance to the best of three final.
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Red_Deer_Razorbacks_head_to_final_tourn_389079322.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/fde7ab097d6307a521505db28740dc94ac490ca39662fc675ce3065923d16ee8.json |
[
"Zachary Cormier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:20 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddeerexpress.com%2Fsports%2FRiggers_fall_just_shy_of_provincial_title_390435951.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/designimages/facebook_logo.png | en | null | Riggers fall just shy of provincial title | null | null | www.reddeerexpress.com | It was a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar season for the Red Deer Riggers, as their hopes of locking up a Provincial Senior AAA baseball championship were dashed last weekend.
After finishing the Sunburst Baseball League regular season in first place and summarily sweeping the St. Albert Tigers in the first round of the playoffs, the Riggers finally met their match, last week, as they fell to the Sherwood Park Athletics in the best of five provincial final.
“It was just a tough finish there,” said Riggers’ Head Coach and second baseman Jason Chatwood following the fifth and final game of the series at Great Chief Park on Sunday night, which the Riggers lost 5-3 in extra innings.
It was a dramatic end to an already tense series that saw the two powerhouse teams trade wins back and forth before battling it out in game five on Sunday night.
“Literally it was just back and forth the whole time,” said Chatwood of the series, which the Athletics ended up winning three games to two.
The series got off to kind of a rocky start for the Riggers at home on Monday night, as they dropped a close one 6-5 to the visiting A’s.
But Red Deer showed their resiliency, bouncing back to take the next two matchups in a row, first earning a 7-6 victory in a drama-filled game two at Great Chief Park, Tuesday, before spoiling the A’s homecoming in game three by picking up a 12-10 victory in Edmonton on Thursday.
“We’ve played them in the finals the last seven or eight years and I think the majority of those series went to five games. We knew it was going to be a battle going in,” Chatwood said of the Athletics, who were by far the Riggers’ toughest competition through regular season play this year.
The two straight victories gave Red Deer an opportunity to put an early end to the close series with a win on Friday night, but it was not to be, as the resilient Athletics rebounded to beat up on Riggers’ starter Josh Edwards in a big way, knocking the veteran pitcher around for five runs in the bottom of the first inning.
From there Athletics’ pitcher James Fischer quickly asserted his dominance over the Riggers’ lineup, pitching all nine innings and striking out seven batters to seal the deal. Final score: 6-1 Athletics. This series was going the distance.
“I felt there was a couple of games that we left runners on. We had chances to score and we just couldn’t really capitalize. There’s times early in the games where you don’t do that, it kind of keeps the game closer; closer, maybe, than it should be,” said Chatwood.
In fact, the Riggers left a total of 39 runners on base over the first four games of the series, not exactly a stellar statistic.
That lack of consistency with runners on base would end up being the difference maker in the tight series, and specifically in the final game on Sunday.
“I thought we had a couple of chances even earlier in the series and, you know, even a couple of chances (Sunday) night where we had runners on and we needed to capitalize and we just couldn’t find a way to do it.”
The winner of the game would become the provincial champion and go on to represent Alberta at the Baseball Canada Senior Men’s National Championships in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
The final showdown was a hard fought battle that saw both sides struggle to put numbers on the scoreboard as starting pitchers Drew Boyer of the Riggers and Ryan MacDonald of the A’s battled it out on the mound.
By the time the bottom of the fourth inning rolled around, the score was deadlocked at one run apiece. That would change, however, when the Riggers knocked in a pair of runs with just one out to chase MacDonald from the game. The A’s starter retired after 4.1 innings, conceding three earned runs and leaving two runners on base for the bullpen to deal with.
That set the scene for Athletics reliever Adam Paulencu, who not only slammed the door on the Riggers in the fourth inning — he didn’t concede a single run for the remainder of the game, surrendering only five hits in 6.2 innings and tallying 10 strike outs.
Paulencu’s performance allowed the Athletics to charge back and tie the game at three, sending it into extra innings where, with two out in the top of the 10th, Sherwood Park slugger Greg Wallace took Riggers’ pitcher Josh Edwards deep for a two-run homer to seal the deal. Final score: 5-3 Athletics.
“You’ve got to tip your hat to them, they got the big hits when they needed them,” said Chatwood, who along with his brother Jaret Chatwood and teammate Aaron Dunsmore will join the A’s and represent Alberta at nationals later this month.
Despite the tough loss in the final, Chatwood said the Riggers are happy with how this season turned out.
“It was a great year. We had some guys that had some big years and we had a lot of team victories and we had a great group of guys that worked hard and put a lot of time and effort in. So, yeah, it was an awesome year,” he said, adding he couldn’t be more proud of his team’s play throughout the season.
“I’m super proud of the guys and how they handled themselves. We battled right to the very last out and just came up a little bit short, which is hard to swallow but it happens sometimes.”
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com | http://www.reddeerexpress.com/sports/Riggers_fall_just_shy_of_provincial_title_390435951.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.reddeerexpress.com/988c1849bc14d59b43bf81c93f01b32adbaa8555e0e3dd583a5cd753d872beb0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:45 | null | 2016-08-26T11:30:07 | With its mix of world folk music and classic pop songs, The Musicality Singers’ summer concert in Worksop proved to be a big and enjoyable success. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fmusicality-singers-going-from-strength-to-strength-1-8090157.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8090155.1472200465!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Musicality Singers going from strength to strength | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | With its mix of world folk music and classic pop songs, The Musicality Singers’ summer concert in Worksop proved to be a big and enjoyable success.
Indeed, Greg Watson, the choir’s musical director, said they had produced their best performance yet from some of the hardest arrangements he’d ever set them.
He added that the performances of David Bowie’s Space Oddity and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah were so accurately haunting, he had been moved to tears.
Entertainment was the order of the evening, whether it was the rousing All Around My Hat, Janis Joplin’s Mercedes Benz or classic Abba numbers.
The choir’s youngest member, Elisha Woods, particularly caught the eye and ear with her solo during Freddie Mercury’s Somebody to Love.
As we’ve come to expect from The Musicality Singers, the evening proved to be an entertaining and enjoyable mix of singing and fun, and the choir are clearly going from strength to strength. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/what-s-on/musicality-singers-going-from-strength-to-strength-1-8090157 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/f17f4369c9ac5f8082c76ce00097f6a858cd095ae735abdf321e814603c538be.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:47:38 | null | 2016-08-26T17:00:00 | British soul icon Billy Ocean has added a Lincolnshire date to his headline UK tour next year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fbilly-ocean-adds-auditorium-date-to-uk-tour-1-8084639.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8084638.1472056648!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Billy Ocean adds Auditorium date to UK tour | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | British soul icon Billy Ocean has added a Lincolnshire date to his headline UK tour next year.
The Here You Are: The Best of Billy Ocean tour will now come to the Grimsby Auditorium on April 6.
Billy’s hits album, also called Here You Are: The Best of Billy Ocean has soared to number four in the UK charts, giving him his highest charting album since 1989.
The star is Britain’s biggest selling black artist of all time, with a string of huge hits, including Red Light Spells Danger, Caribbean Queen, When The Going Gets Tough, Get Outta My Dreams, Love Really Hurts Without You and Suddenly.
Billy will perform all of his greatest hits from the new album and favourite tracks live on the tour.
The album also includes interpretations of songs which helped the young Leslie Charles become the Billy Ocean we all know today.
Billy said: “I’m humbled by the success of this album and am grateful that people continue to find joy in my music.
“I have so many people to thank, but I owe this one to my fans.”
Tickets for his Grimsby show are £22.50, £35 and £45 (under-16s need accompanied by an adults) from the box office on 0300 3000035 or online at www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/what-s-on/billy-ocean-adds-auditorium-date-to-uk-tour-1-8084639 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/e598dcb31efa26a0fbe16922e6d3d897b410cd99128571382eb53619d1925ced.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T12:49:22 | null | 2016-08-31T11:30:00 | The Hospital Players are back at Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe next week as they present the comedy Happy Birthday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fbirthday-laughs-for-the-hospital-players-1-8084012.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8084011.1471970947!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Birthday laughs for the Hospital Players | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | The Hospital Players are back at Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe next week as they present the comedy Happy Birthday.
Bernard has foolishly asked his mistress, Brigit, to his home on her birthday, despite the fact his wife is there.
To get round this, he asks his friend Robert to pretend Brigit is his mistress.
Then a temporary maid arrives and frantic complications of identities, plot and bedrooms ensue and increase the confusion.
The show is from Tuesday, September 6 to Saturday, September 10 at 7.30pm each night.
Tickets are £10 on 0844 8542776 or www.plowrighttheatre.com | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/what-s-on/birthday-laughs-for-the-hospital-players-1-8084012 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/32878e58837962bd06db1c5fe8482abc0ed62b25e2a7968e7de47e762639378b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:42 | null | 2016-08-21T17:00:00 | Sixties legends The Dreamers have a live date in Gainsborough this weekend | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fsixties-legends-the-dreamers-live-in-gainsborough-this-weekend-1-8076065.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8076064.1471521657!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Sixties legends The Dreamers live in Gainsborough this weekend | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Sixties legends The Dreamers have a live date in Gainsborough this weekend
The group consists of band members, Alan Mosca, Bryan Byng, Colin Temple, and Steve Temple.
Alan and Bryan have been members of The Dreamers for more than 37 years, having been part of the original Freddie and the Dreamers with 60’s superstar Freddie Garrity.
The Dreamers enjoyed a string of hits in the 60’s with songs like You Were MAde For Me, If You Gotta Make A Fool of Somebody, I’m Telling You Now and I Understand (Just How You Feel).
They are at Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough on Saturday, August 27 at 7.30pm.
All tickets are £20 from the box office on 01427 676655 or online at http://bit.ly/1tgZiSf | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/what-s-on/sixties-legends-the-dreamers-live-in-gainsborough-this-weekend-1-8076065 | en | 2016-08-21T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/354fc29279119939e86de748558d5b780ce4d13ac9cfaa678d7fb7202bbe8710.json |
[
"Sophie Wills",
"Sophie.Wills Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-31T12:50:08 | null | 2016-08-31T12:22:54 | The chief executive of the Bassetlaw Hospital Trust has announced he will be stepping down after four years in the role. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fbassetlaw-hospital-s-chief-executive-steps-down-1-8097816.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8095753.1472642554!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Bassetlaw Hospital’s chief executive steps down | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | The chief executive of the Bassetlaw Hospital Trust has announced he will be stepping down after four years in the role.
The Trust confirmed this week that Mike Pinkerton is resigning from his post in order to “spend more time” with his family.
He is set to continue as chief executive until the end of January next year.
He said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege leading the Trust for the past number of years and I want to thank each and every member of staff for their support throughout my time in this role.
“Although a very difficult decision, I have decided to step down so I can spend more time with my family.”
Prior to taking up the role with the Trust, Mr Pinkerton has held a number of NHS positions including at the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, the National Cancer Peer Review and Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals.
Chairman of the Bassetlaw Hospitals Trust, Chris Scholey, said: “I have particularly enjoyed working alongside Mike, his open style, knowledge and experience of the NHS, and I find his total commitment to patients and staff has been both refreshing and motivating.
“During the last year, Mike and his team have worked tirelessly to set the Trust on the road to financial recovery, whilst ensuring that the Trust’s quality measures are regularly in the top 20 per cent of the country.
“Mike is a talented manager and I am saddened but understand and respect his decision. The search for his replacement will start immediately while Mike will continue in his role until the end of January 2017.”
During his time as chief executive, Mr Pinkerton has had to rise to the challenge of tackling the Trust’s £12m “financial blackhole” which was revealed in October last year.
The hospital boss said the Trust had manage to save more than £45million in the last few years but it had “come to a point where it was difficult to make the savings required whilst maintaining and improving quality.”
It is understood the Trust’s debt is improving after controversial measures were introduced such as an almost 50 per cent increase in parking fees at Bassetlaw Hospital.
A spokesman for the Trust said it will begin the recruitment process for a new chief executive in the coming weeks. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/bassetlaw-hospital-s-chief-executive-steps-down-1-8097816 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/9dafd7b371246f336eb93eec31a2a33dd1846311ea43497c6c62bf9799c9c074.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:23 | null | 2016-08-18T11:30:00 | The Last Night of the Proms comes to the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe next month. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fpomp-and-splendour-with-a-night-of-the-proms-1-8059566.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8059565.1470840161!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Pomp and splendour with a night of the Proms | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | The Last Night of the Proms comes to the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe next month.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will present classical extravaganza full of Pomp and Circumstance, celebrating the best of British music, plus many more well-loved masterpieces, popular arias and Proms favourites.
Featuring guest soprano Annie Gill, the programme will include Peer Gynt, Climb Every Mountain, Jerusalem and Rule Britannia.
The event is on September 2 at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £17.50, £23, £26.50 and £33 on 0844 8542776 or www.bathshall.co.uk
Group and school discounts are available. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/what-s-on/pomp-and-splendour-with-a-night-of-the-proms-1-8059566 | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/dc124002aa86b9a4f5fb873e971b40fad492bd315d8172b8a2a95c67cb7a799d.json |
[
"Stephanie Bateman",
"Stephanie.Bateman Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:32 | null | 2016-08-26T13:02:15 | Applications received by North Lincolnshire Council. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcommunity%2Fplanning-isle-applications-received-by-north-lincolnshire-council-1-8090810.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.7187862.1472212917!/image/image.jpg | en | null | PLANNING: Isle applications received by North Lincolnshire Council | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Applications received by North Lincolnshire Council.
To erect portal framed building extension for anaerobic digestion plant at North Moor Farm, Belton by Mr Tim Bletcher.
Application for determination of the requirement for prior approval for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling house (class 3) on land adjacent to Ashlawn, Brackenhill Road, East Lound by Mr C Bingham.
To erect a porch extension to front elevation at 12 Wyvern Close, Crowle by Mr Mason.
Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed use of a dwelling house as a residential children’s home at 31 Low Street, Haxey by Mr Pete Buller of Esland Care.
Application to undertake pruning works on sycamore and ash trees identified as T2, T3 and T4 respectively in and subject to Tree Preservation (Westwoodside) Order 1972 at Pond End Cottage, 1 Cove Road, Westwoodside by Mr Ron Hutchinson.
To erect a two storey extension at 55 West End Road, Epworth by Mr Addlessee.
To erect a single storey side extension at Dykedales Farm, Wroot Road, Epworth Turbary, Epworth by Mr Craig Williams.
To erect an extension to the front elevation at 25 Holm Road, Westwoodside by Mr Jones.
To erect a temporary agricultural dwelling at Dale Croft Farm, Wroot Road, Epworth Turbary, Epworth by Mr Andrew King.
To erect an information board at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, Epworth by Mr Melvyn Rose.
Outline permission sought to erect a two bedroomed detached bungalow with all matters reserved for subsequent approval on land adjacent to Highwinds, 116 Akeferry Road, Westwoodside by Mr and Mrs Ellis Kynman.
Application under the Overhead Lines (Exemption) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 for an aerial bunched conductor at High Street/Chapel Lane in East Butterwick by Mr Mark Joynes.
Application under the Overhead Lines (Exemption) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 for an aerial bunched conductor at King Edward Street, Belton by Mr Mark Joynes.
To erect a detached four bedroomed dwelling with integral garage on land to the rear of 83, 85 and 85a High Street, Belton by Mr and Mrs Brydon.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story PLANNING: Isle applications received by North Lincolnshire Council Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area... | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/community/planning-isle-applications-received-by-north-lincolnshire-council-1-8090810 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/3f530cbd2c933250a1142cb84af82cff212e6ad48f216834b805d38bb5e4de8f.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:49:12 | null | 2016-08-30T17:00:00 | Richard Hawley and Gaz Coombes head the bill for this weekend’s Northern Sky Festival at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Frichard-hawley-and-gaz-coombes-headline-northern-sky-this-weekend-1-8083885.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8083884.1471951892!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Richard Hawley and Gaz Coombes headline Northern Sky this weekend | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Richard Hawley and Gaz Coombes head the bill for this weekend’s Northern Sky Festival at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe.
Joining the two main headliners on the main stage line-up will be John Bramwell from I Am Kloot, Juanita Stein from Howling Bells, John Smith and Ben Ottewell from Gomez.
Gaz Coombes headlines the second night of the Northern Sky Festival
Local acts have also grabbed a chance to get themselves noticed by playing at the event.
Richard Hawley will headline the festival on the first night, Saturday, September 3.
He found success in the 1990s in indie band The Longpigs and then with Pulp before starting a successful solo career which has seen him nominated for a Mercury Music Prize twice and a Brit Award once.
He is known for his 1950s image and his critically-acclaimed songwriting talents and subtle arrangements that make him one of the most revered and respected performers on the scene today.
Gaz Coombes will headline the second night of the festival on Sunday, September 4.
The former singer and guitarist with Supergrass, responsible for songs like Alright, Going Out and Moving, and albums like I Should Coco and In It For The Money, is now the Brit Award and Ivor Novello Award-winning man responsible for, amongst other things, the cover of The Kinks’ This Time Tomorrow for a John Lewis advert earlier this year.
Singer and lead guitarist in rock band Gomez, Ben Ottewell will also perform on the main stage on the Saturday.
Ben is well known for his unmistakable voice and talent for blistering and inspired guitar solos.
I Am Kloot’s singer-songwriter John Bramwell is another who has previously been nominated for a Mercury prize.
With a bag of classic songs and great stories, his live show brings together poetry, great guitar playing, a beautiful, unique voice and a little chaos.
Having spent more than a decade fronting critically acclaimed Australian band Howling Bells, Juanita Stein is now ready to embark on a journey all of her own.
Working with Gus Seyffert (Beck, Black Keys and Norah Jones) on her first solo record in Los Angeles, the outcome is a dusty and cinematic collection of alt-country tunes.
Juanita has long been inspired by the Americana sound and its origins, and while very much present on her new recordings, so is her trademark moody swagger.
John Smith is an English folk guitarist and singer from Devon.
He has toured Britain, Europe and America extensively, both solo and with artists such as Iron and Wine, James Yorkston, John Martyn, David Gray, Jools Holland, Gil Scott-Heron and Lisa Hannigan (whose records he also plays on).
Several more acts will also play across the festival’s three stages as organisers put together an eclectic mix of styles and genres for the event.
Tickets are available from the box office on 0844 8542776 or www.bathshall.co.uk | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/what-s-on/richard-hawley-and-gaz-coombes-headline-northern-sky-this-weekend-1-8083885 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/85d2407598a9c056f0e046edff88b02cbbaeddb9db110b94c2e96e89b73510ee.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:48:50 | null | 2016-08-26T15:21:42 | Holidaymakers who are jetting off on holiday are urged to use official approved airport parking after a number of national complaints about rogue parking firms. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fwarning-issued-about-rogue-parking-firms-1-8091270.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8091269.1472221286!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Warning issued about rogue parking firms | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | The types of cookies we, our ad network and technology partners use are listed below:
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Add This ► Add This provides the social networking widget found in many of our pages. This widget gives you the tools to bookmark our websites, blog, share, tweet and email our content to a friend. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/warning-issued-about-rogue-parking-firms-1-8091270 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/d93e42ebe9931f746a2167a9c91088d87489648a7215e99d617d781887bd5ea3.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:50:06 | null | 2016-08-30T16:25:15 | More than 7,000 objections have been made against the controversial plans for a new factory farm for pigs in Upton. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fmore-than-7-000-objections-to-pig-rearing-farm-plans-in-upton-1-8096358.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8096357.1472570694!/image/image.jpg | en | null | More than 7,000 objections to pig rearing farm plans in Upton | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | More than 7,000 objections have been made against the controversial plans for a new factory farm for pigs in Upton.
Opposition to the plans which is intended to hold nearly 2,000 animals has hit a new peak with 7,400 objections being submitted via Animal Aid’s website, urging West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) to reject the application.
The plans are to build two pig-rearing units, a straw storage building and a farmhouse off Cow Lane, Upton.
In January, plans for the farm were stopped following objections from more than 4,000 people.
The plans have now been resubmitted to the council, which has provoked the latest public outcry.
National animal protection group Animal Aid argues that the intensive farm, if approved, will cause a huge number of pigs to suffer in close confinement.
It also points out that the application raises serious public safety and animal welfare concerns due to inadequate provisions for dealing with fires, an issue raised by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Intensive farms liked the proposed development also pose a risk of disease outbreaks, such as MRSA and swine flu.
Isobel Hutchinson, Head of Campaigns at Animal Aid, said: “Aside from causing a great deal of animal suffering, these plans for a factory farm for pigs in Upton could have a significant impact on local quality of life.
“They pose a risk to the environment, to the health of the local community, and could spoil the area with noise, traffic and unpleasant smells.
“The latest public outcry shows just how unpopular these plans are, and we urge West Lindsey District Council to take this on board.
“We believe that the best choice for animals, the environment and the local community is to reject these plans.”
Objections include the smell, noise and traffic.
Peter and Diana Ford of Hawksland Close, Upton, said: “With the increase of traffic through our village, the noise will have a high effect on our daily lives.
“With increased tractor and lorry noise movements will effect the peace and quiet of the village. Some of the houses are close to the main road and the noise will impact on their lives.”
Don Spittlehouse, of Dovecote Close, Upton, has lived in the village for 30 years.
He said: “It does not seem feesable and financially viable to bring straw from the farmers land at Harpswell to Upton, and to take manure back to Harpswell. The cost of transporting in fuel and manpower alone doesn’t make sense. The pig units should be at Harpswell, where the applicant owns more than 60 acres of land.”
Beckside Buildings, the applicant’s agent, were unavailable for comment. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/more-than-7-000-objections-to-pig-rearing-farm-plans-in-upton-1-8096358 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/811f5f4912a754f379151ff42f0df3f597d292bbd3f3c398320fa52e25248647.json |
[
"Matt Allan"
] | 2016-08-31T14:50:10 | null | 2016-08-31T13:59:15 | For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Famazon-dash-lets-you-order-your-loo-roll-at-the-touch-of-a-button-1-8098147.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8097633.1472648331!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Amazon Dash lets you order your loo roll at the touch of a button | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.
The online retailer today revealed that it is introducing its Amazon Dash Buttons to the UK.
The dinky little gadgets are a one-touch way to order a host of popular products without all that complicated rigmarole of actually logging onto your Amazon account and searching for them.
The Dash Buttons are literally that, small plastic boxes housing a button, which when pressed will connect via wi-fi to your Amazon account and using one-click buying order your selected products.
Each button is linked to a particular item and there are 40 brands available from launch so you can get everything from cat food to condoms and nappies to NERF ammunition delivered to your door.
Daniel Rausch, director of Amazon Dash, explained the thinking behind the devices: “We’ve all experienced the frustration of running out of something we need - Dash Button and Dash Replenishment Service are designed to make that moment a thing of the past.
“Dash Buttons offer the convenience of one-click shopping from anywhere in the home - they can be placed near those frequently used items you don’t want to run out of, and when you see supplies running low, the Dash Button makes it easier than ever to order more. Just press the button and your item is on its way.”
The £4.99 devices are only available to Amazon Prime customers, which means you’ll have to sign up to the £79-a-year service to enjoy the Dash Button’s convenience. The good news is that you’ll get £4.99 back off your first order of each product.
Alongside the buttons, Amazon also announced the UK rollout of its Dash Replenishment Service.
Like the button this links to your Amazon account but rather than having to do the ordering yourself it allows connected smart devices to order supplies themselves.
This means the likes of washing machines, dishwashers and printers from big-name brands including Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool and Siemens can monitor your consumables usage and order more before you run out.
If they could just design a button that remotely loads the dishwasher too, they could be onto a winner. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/amazon-dash-lets-you-order-your-loo-roll-at-the-touch-of-a-button-1-8098147 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/f7b993776c4122b61defe4f1cc67ece79c16cec4f9cec32b8e1f0446faf81ebe.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:46 | null | 2016-08-26T11:26:13 | Children who have taken part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge will be presented with their certificates and prizes at an event at Gainsborough library on Thursday, September 9, at 4pm. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fchildren-doing-the-summer-reading-challenge-will-be-presented-with-certificates-and-prizes-at-library-event-1-8090531.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8090530.1472207156!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Children doing the Summer Reading Challenge will be presented with certificates and prizes at library event | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Email verification
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Verification link has expired, please click on resend verification email from your profile page. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/children-doing-the-summer-reading-challenge-will-be-presented-with-certificates-and-prizes-at-library-event-1-8090531 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/00f731a3506c2a1367bf9f34cc0c7c7fc8b14ef397facb84a2fed5614cbe6c42.json |
[
"Sports Reporter",
"Sport.Nmsy Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:08 | null | 2016-08-22T13:48:18 | Marshall Milton Keynes AC’s Mark Ryall and wife Linsey combined house-hunting with medal-winning in this morning’s second annual Reach Mansfield 10k race. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fare-you-pictured-in-our-gallery-of-runners-at-the-mansfield-10k-1-8082233.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8082231.1471870082!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Are you pictured in our gallery of runners at the Mansfield 10k? | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Marshall Milton Keynes AC’s Mark Ryall and wife Linsey combined house-hunting with medal-winning in this morning’s second annual Reach Mansfield 10k race.
And there was a big boost for the race’s future with the news that Mansfield District Council looks set to back the embryonic event for the next five years.
Mansfield 10K
As local focus on athletics left television coverage of the Rio Olympics for the sunny streets of Mansfield, Ryall, 35, won the race in 34:12, three seconds ahead of Sutton Harriers’ Richard Robinson, going one better than last year’s third, with Mansfield Harriers’ James Mee third in 34:37.
Meanwhile, Ryall’s wife Linsey took the women’s Veterans 35 years title for a family double as they combined the morning’s race with looking for a house in the area.
The overall women’s winner was Jane Potter, of Charnwood Harriers, in 35:49 in a race which raises funds for local charity Reach Learning Disability.
CLICK HERE for full race report.
Who finished where in 10k? | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/are-you-pictured-in-our-gallery-of-runners-at-the-mansfield-10k-1-8082233 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/4c06c42cfc9f636f877b5f5d9607e28ebb4166fd708c64ef175c51cbacedf7b3.json |
[
"Sophie Wills",
"Sophie.Wills Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-31T10:50:10 | null | 2016-08-31T10:52:02 | Bassetlaw MP John Mann summited Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise funds for a an Armed Forces Covenant centre for Worksop’s former soldiers. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fmp-s-climb-in-bid-to-open-armed-forces-covenant-centre-in-worksop-1-8097468.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8097463.1472637836!/image/image.jpg | en | null | MP’s climb in bid to open Armed Forces Covenant centre in Worksop | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Bassetlaw MP John Mann summited Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise funds for a an Armed Forces Covenant centre for Worksop’s former soldiers.
Mr Mann said he covered the cost of the gruelling climb himself and that “every penny” will go towards the new base, which would deal with housing, welfare and other vital services for the town’s ex-Army personnel.
The MP was inspired to scale Africa’s highest peak after seeing the difference the Armed Forces Covenant has already made in the district.
He said: “Without identifying individuals, one Bassetlaw example of how the Armed Services Covenant is already working is where a soldier who served in Afghanistan was badly impacted by the death of his comrades, and developed post traumatic stress disorder.
“Sadly, this led to conflict and violence with his wife.
“He pleaded guilty to assault and received help elsewhere in the country. His wife and their children left him and found housing through Bassetlaw District Council and A1 Housing.
“This could not happen without a council understanding the Armed Forces Covenant, which in unusual circumstances like this, applies to families as well,” Mr Mann added.
The North Nottinghamshire branches of the Royal British Legion and Helpfor Heroes, whose flags are now displayed at the top of Kilimanjaro, would operate from the centre should enough funds be raised to open it.
Mr Mann added: “I want to say a big thank you to Bassetlaw District Council and its leader, Simon Greaves, who has agreed to provide an office base in the heart of the council. It makes Bassetlaw the first place in Britain to have a proper centre for ensuring that the Armed Forces Covenant is delivered appropriately across the district.
“I am proud that we are the most advanced in the country in our support and I anticipate this new office base will deepen our commitment. The Covenant is not a policy to be filed, but an action plan that has to be carried forward.”
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served are treated fairly.
Find out more and donate at www.mann4bassetlaw.com. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/mp-s-climb-in-bid-to-open-armed-forces-covenant-centre-in-worksop-1-8097468 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/9ef41bfd706eb7ab2ee3ea9a00dcd653b9afc4695e1716b5f5554d179d25bb6c.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:49:53 | null | 2016-08-30T10:27:35 | In the early hours of Monday, August 22, two males were seen acting suspiciously around the Rose and Crown pub in Upton. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fpair-were-seen-acting-suspiciously-1-8095358.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8095356.1472549234!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Pair were seen acting suspiciously | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | In the early hours of Monday, August 22, two males were seen acting suspiciously around the Rose and Crown pub in Upton.
Lincs Police want to hear from anyone who saw anyone in and around the village at that time or any vehicles.
If you saw anything call 101 and quote incident number 31 of August 22, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/pair-were-seen-acting-suspiciously-1-8095358 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/dd924c9e17fb11584242578533c42c4e4896bbde42eb07ee761e08794ed2642a.json |
[
"Graham Walker",
"At The Rio Olympics",
"Graham.Walker Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:36 | null | 2016-08-18T00:19:37 | Yorkshire | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Frio-video-360-photo-yorkshire-s-ed-clancy-gears-up-to-equal-sir-bradley-wiggins-five-olympic-golds-1-8075097.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8075093.1471476174!/image/image.jpg | en | null | RIO VIDEO & 360 PHOTO: Yorkshire's Ed Clancy gears up to equal Sir Bradley Wiggins' five Olympic golds | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Yorkshire's Olympic cycling superstar Ed Clancy hopes to equal Sir Bradley Wiggins' total of five gold medals.
The 31-year-old, Barnsley born and Huddersfield raised, is already the county's most decorated athlete in Olympic history after helping to defend the men's team pursuit title from Beijing and London, picking up his third gold in Rio.
360 PHOTO: Look around the Rio Velodrome as Team GB race for gold in our amazing 360 photograph - CLICK HERE
After their win, in a video chat with Clancy at Team GB in the Olympic Village - watch it above - he told how he is now thinking four years ahead to what could be his own fairytale ending in Tokyo.
There he believes he could end up with two more Olympic golds.
That would put him level with Wiggins, aged 36, who ends his career as the most decorated British Olympic athlete with five golds, a silver and two bronzes to surpass fellow cyclist Sir Chris Hoy's tally of six golds and a silver..
Clancy, the only ever present member of the pursuit team to have won gold in the most recent three Olympics, said:: "I'm 31 now and I've got three golds. I'm going to do Tokyo, at least that's the plan.
Ed Clancy wins his third Olympic gold medal in Rio
"So who knows, I might pick up another one; two if I'm really lucky.
"In reality it's going to be very, very hard to match Sir Brad, but that's nothing to be ashamed of. He's a brilliant guy. He's been a real addition to this team. Brad's retired now but I'm grateful I've gone through two Olympics with him."
He paid tribute to National Lottery funding, distributed by UK Sport, which has given the financial support to take him and Team GB up the medals league table.
Clancy said: "My whole career started with them really. I was brought in through the talent team - British Cycling it was called back in the day and it's called Go Ride now.
Five gold medals for retiring Team GB cycling legend Sir Bradley Wiggins.
"Keep buying Lottery tickets. It's not just me that benefits from this.Without the funding, the input we've had from the Lottery and the Government we wouldn't be here."
The Yorkshireman was the beating heart of Rio's four man pursuit team, also featuring Owain Doull and Steven Burke, which saw Wiggins retire after their dramatic world record victory over Australia,
In a stand-out moment of an amazing Games for Team GB they came from behind in the pursuit final to beat the Aussies by almost a second with barely 500m of the 4,000m contest to go.
They set a new world record in the heat and broke it once again in the final, with a time of 3:50.265, in Rio's Olympic Park.
Going for gold in Rio - the GB Men's Pursuit Team
But it was against all the odds.The team failed at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and they didn't make the podium at last year’s world championships
Clancy was suffering from his own problems, slipping a disc in his back after a training session - simply picking his bag up in the changing room. Surgery followed, forcing him to miss the European championships.
He only turned it around in recent weeks, with reports from the team’s training base in Wales that they were going well after smashing the world record in a practice session. A nd he said it felt like the best gold yet.
"Yes, I'm over the moon," he said.
"It's been a difficult time between London Olympics and getting here in 2016, not just in terms of motivation but getting over injuries and what not.
"There is an old sayting, the tougher the fight the sweeter the victory and it's so true. I've never had to work so hard for this one.
"I had to get over a back surgery in December and scrape into the team in the World Championships, just to qualify your place. It's been a tough one but crossing that line ahead of the Aussies made it all so worthwhile.
"In a typical Team Pursuit the most efficient way to get from A to B is to set off hard, reach a cruising speed which you can only just hang on to, however the problem is if you ride like that in a final the other team can just set off like maniacs, get in your slip stream and then it's very hard to get rid of them.
"So both us and the Aussies were well over world record pace for the first two or three kilometers, way over it. There was no schedule really, We went flat out from the gun. I'm guessing they just pushed it a little bit too much, too soon.
"That's pursuiting. It's easy to go fast for the first three kilometers. You've got to cross the line after four kilometers.
"I guess we just paced it that little bit better than the Aussies and came better in the last two laps.
"It's like a house of cards, as soon as you take one guy out of the equation all comes crumbling down eventually. It might take one, two, three laps...but by the time that guy's got to do his turn again, they had nothing to give so it was good for us."
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story RIO VIDEO & 360 PHOTO: Yorkshire's Ed Clancy gears up to equal Sir Bradley Wiggins' five Olympic golds Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area... | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/rio-video-360-photo-yorkshire-s-ed-clancy-gears-up-to-equal-sir-bradley-wiggins-five-olympic-golds-1-8075097 | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/23ec8a1d8b1c484bd8d0b23b3692b68364d28f6d7954018d3583587343487846.json |
[
"Rob Hughes",
"Sport Gainsboroughstandard.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-28T10:48:08 | null | 2016-08-28T10:29:24 | A ‘gutted’ Dom Roma felt Gainsborough could have got something at Salford City, | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Fdom-roma-disappointed-as-gainsborough-trinity-fail-to-make-most-of-good-start-1-8092973.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8092972.1472376544!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Dom Roma disappointed as Gainsborough Trinity fail to make most of good start | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | A ‘gutted’ Dom Roma felt Gainsborough could have got something at Salford City,
A bright start for Trinity saw them take a lead inside the opening five minutes, with Ashley Worsfold rising highest to power home a header off the underside off the bar, before two goals in two minutes, five before the break turned the game on its’ head.
Roma said: “We have restricted them to efforts from range for the first 38 minutes, they haven’t cut us open, but then we have switched off and got caught a couple of times.
“For the first, I thought the free-kick was a bit harsh, it has just fallen to their captain and he hasn’t known too much about it.
“The second though, we have let ourselves down in both full back areas really. We’ve let the cross in too easily and we haven’t done our job at the back post and that has cost us.
“We got a goal in front, and for twenty minutes we bossed the game, playing a lot up in their half, but then it comes down to those two lapses in concentration that we have been punished for.
“The third goal has really killed us though. I spoke to the referee after the game and he admitted he has maybe got that one wrong (the foul on Jonathan Hedge in the build up to the goal). That doesn’t help us now though as we were really pressing for an equaliser, but it’s killed the game at that point.”
Roma continued by paying tribute to the superb Trinity supporters.
“It was a brilliant following from the supporters. I have been here a long time and those supporters that follow us all over the country have been brilliant,” he said.
“They have supported me as a player and the support they are giving myself and Fozzie (Martin Foster) is first class.
“They deserved to see their team take something from today, at least a point, but we have to go again on Monday now and not get too down about the result today and put in a performance and hope that we pick up some wins, starting on Monday.” | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/dom-roma-disappointed-as-gainsborough-trinity-fail-to-make-most-of-good-start-1-8092973 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/c06c7ddab3953f3dcd23d842ca0e328e2ca86e551dbba7f8e1b3663fb88f3971.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:50:03 | null | 2016-08-30T16:11:39 | A Gainsborough resident has taken the top prize in a garden competition looking to find the best creative use of a small space. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fgreenfingered-resident-scoops-garden-prize-1-8096317.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8096316.1472569877!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Greenfingered resident scoops garden prize | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | A Gainsborough resident has taken the top prize in a garden competition looking to find the best creative use of a small space.
Margaret Conway scooped the award in the Acis in Bloom competition which is open to all of the social housing provider’s 5,500 homes.
The awards were judged by Acis Chief Executive Greg Bacon, A Place to Call Our Own’s Alan Withington and gardening expert Colin Bates.
Colin said: “The competition was incredible. There were so many beautiful gardens and you could really tell people put a lot of effort in making their gardens unique.” | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/greenfingered-resident-scoops-garden-prize-1-8096317 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/7d292ceec3080116c88d13b707d8791f3752f5bd2bb7ce6187b0bbd88eaf4e74.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:48:49 | null | 2016-08-30T11:03:31 | Here are the stories making today’s headlines... | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Ftransfer-rumours-jack-wants-out-of-arsenal-hart-on-torino-and-the-man-who-said-no-to-man-utd-1-8095487.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8095485.1472551391!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Transfer rumours: Jack wants out of Arsenal, Hart on Torino and the man who said ‘no’ to Man Utd | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Here are the stories making today’s headlines...
Jack Wilshere demanded loan move during crisis talks with manager Arsene Wenger CLICK HERE (The Sun)
Joe Hart close to sealing loan move to Torino CLICK HERE (Daily Star)
Manchester United transfer news: Fabinho says he is likely to stay at Monaco to play Champions League CLICK HERE (The Sun)
Gunners set to move for £11m Paraguay attacker Miguel Almiron after completing deals for Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez CLICK HERE (The Sun)
Chelsea close to £25m deal for Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic as Antonio Conte looks to add aggression in midfield CLICK HERE (Daily Mail)
Sam Allardyce insists ‘door will always be open’ for Ross Barkley to return despite dropping Everton star from first England squad CLICK HERE (Daily Mail) | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/transfer-rumours-jack-wants-out-of-arsenal-hart-on-torino-and-the-man-who-said-no-to-man-utd-1-8095487 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/03b07c21fd3e7eff4fe5f93abb7dd02d9d8218fa985fb0ecd52f6dfb8845a884.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T12:50:09 | null | 2016-08-31T12:06:59 | On Sunday, September 11, the Friends of Gainsborough Cemeteries and Chapel will be taking part for the first time in the Heritage Open Days. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fdiscover-more-about-gainsborough-soldiers-at-heritage-open-day-1-8097762.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8096357.1472641596!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Discover more about Gainsborough soldiers at Heritage Open Day | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | On Sunday, September 11, the Friends of Gainsborough Cemeteries and Chapel will be taking part for the first time in the Heritage Open Days.
There will be an exhibition in the Cemetery Chapel in Cox’s Hill, Gainsborough, about Gainsborough soldiers and the Battle of the Somme and there will be cemetery walks pointing out graves which remember soldiers who fought on the Somme.
The Friends are also participating in the Commonwealth War Graves Living Memory project which aims to draw attention to the many war graves in local cemeteries.
The Chapel will be open from 10am to 3pm and there will be cemetery walks taking place throughout the day.
For more information about the day or the Friends of Gainsborough Cemeteries and Chapel call Peter Bradshaw on 07765 203 773. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/discover-more-about-gainsborough-soldiers-at-heritage-open-day-1-8097762 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/498b3de47b411ce6540c3223f969793f6958d1e2c069c4b4651247bf72f89150.json |
[
"John Lomas",
"John.Lomas Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:22 | null | 2016-08-25T10:38:33 | Today’s rumours from the world of football on Thursday, 25th August 2016 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Fmartial-warned-over-girlfriend-row-united-chase-olympic-ace-chaplow-s-usa-homophobia-slur-drinkwater-deal-1-8087648.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8087647.1472117897!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Martial warned over girlfriend row, United chase Olympic ace, Chaplow’s USA homophobia slur, Drinkwater deal | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Today’s rumours from the world of football on Thursday, 25th August 2016
Boss Jose Mourinho has warned Anthony Martial he must raise his game after lacklustre start The United chief fears that his chaotic personal life is starting to affect his performances on the field. Martial, 20, recently split from childhood sweetheart Samantha and has been subjected to a series of public attacks from his ex-girlfriend. (The Sun).
Click HERE to read the full story
Olympic Gold medal winner Gabriel Barbosa is on Man Utd’s radar but they’ll have to hurry up if he decides to leave Brazil. United’s Brazilian wonder kid target Gabriel Barbosa has been told it is up to him whether he leaves Santos or not. Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho is said to be interested, however, the South American club’s president has revealed that, despite the Reds being linked with the 19-year-old striker, there have only been concrete bids from Italy. (Manchester Evening News).
Click HERE to read the full story
Mark Hughes is ready to offer Liverpool outcast Mamadou Sakho an escape route with a loan move to Stoke City. Hughes has made an inquiry for the French centre-half and is hopeful of concluding a deal before the transfer deadline. Sakho is free to leave Liverpool on a temporary basis after falling out of favour with manager Jurgen Klopp and Stoke have asked about his availability. (Daily Telegraph).
Click HERE to read the full story
Former Premier League player Richard Chaplow has been suspended for two matches for verbally abusing openly gay opponent Robbie Rogers. Rogers, 29, said he was subjected to a repeated “gay slur” during a match between his LA Galaxy II team and Chaplow’s Orange County Blues.
Click HERE to read the full story
Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater has signed a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions. The 26-year-old England international was instrumental as the Foxes won the title by 10 points last season. His previous deal was due to expire in 2018, and there had been speculation of a move to Tottenham. (BBC Sport).
Click HERE to read the full story
West Ham are aiming to push through a deal to sign striker Loic Remy on a season-long loan from Chelsea, according to Sky sources.
Click HERE to read the full story
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Martial warned over girlfriend row, United chase Olympic ace, Chaplow’s USA homophobia slur, Drinkwater deal Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area... | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/martial-warned-over-girlfriend-row-united-chase-olympic-ace-chaplow-s-usa-homophobia-slur-drinkwater-deal-1-8087648 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/b8df89befae79d287ee928da80e52966a8d87baebf78573e5637ef8776cad1fa.json |
[
"Dave Granger",
"Sport Gainsboroughstandard.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-29T20:48:36 | null | 2016-08-29T19:01:55 | Gainsborough manager Dominic Roma believes the close nature of the fixture over the Bank Holiday Weekend had a major effect on both sides performances in the draw with Brackley. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Fdom-roma-happy-as-gainsborough-trinity-overcome-bank-holiday-tiredness-1-8094881.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8094880.1472493693!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Dom Roma happy as Gainsborough Trinity overcome Bank Holiday tiredness | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Gainsborough manager Dominic Roma believes the close nature of the fixture over the Bank Holiday Weekend had a major effect on both sides performances in the draw with Brackley.
Nathan Jarman equalised for the Blues ten minutes after Brackley took the lead in the first half with an excellent volley.
The game really petered out for the remainder of the game with the visitors in particular at walking pace at times.
Speaking after the draw, Roma said: “Both teams looked like they had played two games in two days. We’ve played better and lost this season as we did on Saturday and did not get anything out of the game. Today we ground out a result or a point so to speak and a point is a point.”
Blues boss Roma believes the visitors to be a strong side and feels that Gainsborough did well at home to a side who will be fighting at the top end come April.
He said: “They’ll be up there at the end of the season, I mean they have a lot of good players and a manager who has got promotion out of this league so they will be up there and we’ve ground out a point against them.
“I think 15 minutes from the end of the first half we started to get momentum and a five or ten minute spell in the second half when Gavin Rothery and Liam Davis came on when we tried to put more crosses into the box but it looked a little bit leggy this afternoon.
“I was pleased with how we defended. We restricted them to shots from distances or high balls into the box.
“They were just the odd time where we switched off but in times in the last couple of games which they capitalised on that but they did not today. Obviously we need a bit more going forward but I think that is the case of two games in two days.”
The Blues next destination is an inaugural trip to Bromsgrove, the new home of Worcester City who have moved from their usual destination of Kidderminster in the off season.
Trinity have struggled over the last couple of seasons against Worcester, winning one point from a possible twelve but Roma thinks that if they can replicate the performance from Saturday, they will get some reward from their travels.
He said: “We’ve been getting better away, as daft as it sounds as we have lost all three games, but the performance against Salford was a lot better.
“When I’ve played against them they have always been tough to play against and difficult to beat.
“I know they have had a lot of off-field issues, that possibly may have had an effect on the pitch and we need to go there and produce the same performance as at Salford and we should get something from it.” | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/dom-roma-happy-as-gainsborough-trinity-overcome-bank-holiday-tiredness-1-8094881 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/9f48e515faf0ecf0d4c98e5e7e1758d26a3bcf9d2e66ca1d7a3df62860bcbe42.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:32 | null | 2016-08-22T11:11:57 | Arsene Wenger is preparing to splash the cash if today’s rumour mill is to be believed. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Ffootball-rumours-wenger-wants-german-ace-hart-can-leave-city-gboly-to-barnsley-1-8081788.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8081786.1471860705!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Football rumours: Wenger wants German ace, Hart can leave City, Gboly to Barnsley? | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Arsene Wenger is preparing to splash the cash if today’s rumour mill is to be believed.
The Arsenal boss has confirmed, according to SFR Sport via the Daily Express, that he wants to sign Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi.
But the Daily Mirror say the Valencia man could set the Gunners back by a whopping £50m.
Elsewhere, the Daily Telegraph reports that Manchester City will allow goalkeeper Joe Hart to leave, having agreed to sign Claudio Bravo from Barcelona.
The deal for the 33-year-old is said to be worth up to £17m.
The Liverpool Echo say Everton want to land Hart, but could be held up by a chain of goalkeeper transfers, with Barca keen to secure Ajax stopper Jasper Cillessen.
Sky Sports report that the Toffees are in talks with Porto over 26-year-old Algerian forward Yacine Brahimi.
And in the Guardian, Jurgen Klopp says panic buying would make him an ‘idiot’ after Liverpool’s defeat at newly promoted Burnley.
According to Press Association reporter Sean Taylor, Barnsley have made an improved offer for Chesterfield winger Gboly Ariyibi.
The Spireites are said to have slapped a £3m asking price on the American-born youngster, but with his contract due to expire next summer it seems unlikely they’ll receive that much. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/football-rumours-wenger-wants-german-ace-hart-can-leave-city-gboly-to-barnsley-1-8081788 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/c207f5880b54ca30c1949748caf3c0c50bf232c69ac580f195f90d53473247d3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:20 | null | 2016-08-23T16:50:23 | With only one or two matches to go, the exciting race for the First Division title in the Gainsborough Evening Tennis League is set to go down to the wire. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Frace-for-gainsborough-evening-league-honours-goes-down-to-the-wire-1-8084645.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8084644.1471967408!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Race for Gainsborough Evening League honours goes down to the wire | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | With only one or two matches to go, the exciting race for the First Division title in the Gainsborough Evening Tennis League is set to go down to the wire.
Gainsborough Town 1 are currently top after winning all 13 of their matches so far, and they boast a healthy lead of four points.
But second-placed Epworth 1, who have a game in hand, can still steal the title off them if they win their final two fixtures.
There is a six-point gap back to the rest of the eight-team division, who are headed by third-placed Retford 1 and propped up by Haxey 1, who have suffered 11 defeats on the spin and are stranded at the bottom of the pile, behind Scotter 1.
In the Second Division, even after a surprise 8-1 defeat at Epworth 3, North Scarle 2 are worthy champions. They have won nine of their 11 games so far and will end up at least four points clear of the rest, who are currently headed by Gainsborough Town 2.
In Division Three, Retford 2 finished their ten-game season undefeated with a 9-0 whitewash of Retford 3 and can be crowned champions. They are fully eight points clear of Haxey 2 and Scotter 2, who are duelling for the runners-up slot.
The Fourth Division championship has gone to Wheatley 3 after an emphatic 9-0 success over Epworth 5 in their last fixture pipped Haxey 3 on leg-difference (plus-52 to plus-22). Both teams had finished on the same number of points.
Meanwhile in the league’s Knockout Tournament, the remaining semi-final resulted in a terrific victory for Retford 1 over league leaders Gainsborough Town 1.
The Tournament finals take place at Gainsborough Tennis Club on Sunday, September 4, with a 2 pm start.
Retford 1 take on plucky underdogs Lea Park, who hail from a division below them, in the main contest, while the B final will be between Fourth Division Saxilby and Third Division champions Retford 2.
Spectators are welcome to go along for what is sure to be an entertaining day of end-of-summer tennis that showcases the best talents of the popular league. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/race-for-gainsborough-evening-league-honours-goes-down-to-the-wire-1-8084645 | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/1849b3357dfdc2dc5f742e0d7fe96bf6872f22a1ddeeea1b0548d6b4f9606db7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:08 | null | 2016-08-17T12:19:11 | For their final Unicorns (Eastern Division) Championship fixture of the season, Lincolnshire travelled to Knypersley near Stoke to play Staffordshire. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Fchampions-lincolnshire-ccc-clinch-eastern-division-title-1-8073673.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8073672.1471432743!/image/image.jpg | en | null | CHAMPIONS! Lincolnshire CCC clinch Eastern Division title | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | For their final Unicorns (Eastern Division) Championship fixture of the season, Lincolnshire travelled to Knypersley near Stoke to play Staffordshire.
Lincs were in second place prior to this match commencing, two points behind Northumberland who were at home to Cambridgeshire.
Lincolnshire brought Dominic Brown into the side replacing the unavailable Louis Kimber, and Matt Carter replaced James Kimber.
Staffordshire won the toss and elected to bat.
Martin Weightman dismissed opener Sam Kelsall with the total on 20 before Kadeer Ali and Tom Steele added 97 for the second wicket to leave Staffordshire on 117 for 2.
The home side’s scoring rate at this stage was a modest one but when Tim Maxfield joined Kadeer Ali the tempo increased as they added 107 for the fourth wicket.
Kadeer Ali was dismissed by Martin Weightman for 111 and Maxfield by Matt Carter for 95.
The home side’s eighth wicket fell at 327, but the vital ninth wicket could not be taken as Paul Byrne (32 not out) and Greg Willett (27 not out) added an unbeaten 55 to leave Staffordshire on 382 for 8 after their allotted 90 overs.
Martin Weightman with 4 for 70 was Lincs most successful bowler.
Lincolnshire had 17 overs to negotiate before the close of play on day one, and Jonny Tattersall and Harry Warwick saw them safely to 51 for none by the close.
Lincolnshire’s minimum target on day two was 325 to ensure maximum batting points.
Harry Warwick fell early with the total on 54, then Conrad Louth and Jonny Tattersall added 85 before Louth was dismissed for 46. Dominic Brown joined Tattersall and the total passed 200 before Tattersall was caught behind for 88.
Brown and Tillcock then added 83 before Tillcock was caught behind for 33 in 35 balls. Brown reached a fine century and finished on 123 not out including eleven fours and four sixes as Lincolnshire declared on 346 for 5 off 84 overs, a deficit of 36 runs, but with maximum four batting points in the bag.
Staffordshire commenced their second innings just before tea on day two, and Alex Willerton dismissed the dangerous Kadeer Ali with the score 7 for 1.
After tea Lincs gained a stranglehold on the game as Willerton tore through the top order and they slumped to 94 for 7, closing the day on 102 for 7, a lead of 138.
Overnight news was that Northumberland, whilst gaining maximum four bowling points, had only secured one batting point so the teams were now level on points.
If Lincolnshire could force victory, their vastly superior run rate would see them as champions even if Northumberland won.
On day three the Staffordshire tail-enders showed considerable resistance adding a precious 68 to their overnight total before being dismissed for 170, leaving Lincolnshire a victory target of 207.
Alex Willerton with 4 for 31 was Lincs outstanding bowler.
Lincs set about their task in attacking mode, and despite losing the early wicket of Harry Warwick, took a firm grip on the match. Tattersall and Louth added 122 for the second wicket before Tattersall was caught for 57.
Louth continued to attack, finishing with 112 not out off 73 balls, including twelve fours and four sixes, and together with Dominic Brown seeing Lincolnshire to victory by eight wickets in mid-afternoon.
Lincolnshire took 23 points from the match and, despite Northumberland beating Cambridgeshire by two wickets, Lincolnshire were Eastern Division champions by virtue of their superior run rate.
They will now meet Western Division champions Berkshire in a four-day fixture commencing on Sunday, 28 August at Wormsley, the picturesque ground built by Sir Paul Getty inside his massive 2500 acre estate in Buckinghamshire. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/champions-lincolnshire-ccc-clinch-eastern-division-title-1-8073673 | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/3b82209259a91d44717296cb1b7f97be553975d5f3d12583af0db7f39aaeeec1.json |
[
"Graham Walker",
"Graham.Walker Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-30T14:49:13 | null | 2016-08-30T15:06:21 | Yorkshire | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fyorkshire-s-strictly-ex-champs-to-give-free-dance-lessons-at-city-limits-1-8096127.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8096126.1472566063!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Yorkshire's Strictly ex-champs to give free dance lessons at City Limits | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Yorkshire's Strictly Come Dancing ex-champions Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will quick step back home this weekend - to give free dance lessons to fans.
It coincides with the start of a new season of the hit BBC One show.
Strictly's most successful couple, now parents to one-year-old Valentina Rose, are returning to their family's City Limits Dancentre studio in Penistone Road, Sheffield.
They will take part in free taster sessions on Saturday, September 3, from noon to 2pm. Full details and more at www.city-limits.co.uk
City Limits is run by Sheffield born Darren's parents, former dance champions, Tony and Judith, and his twin brother Dale.
Darren, aged 39, and his Moscow wife Lilia, 37, are the most successful competitor couple of their generation, winning four British amateur championships, three UK championships and representing Great Britain at the World and European Championships.
They turned professional in 2003, winning the British National Professional Championship two years running and made the final of the World and European Championships.
But they became household names when they joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and won the show in consecutive years.
At his first attempt Darren, dancing with Jill Halfpenny from Eastenders, won the show and then went on to win the Champion of Champions dance off.
In 2005, Lilia waltzed off with the title while partnering Barnsley's own former Yorkshire and England cricketing star Darren Gough, after which they also went on to win the International Christmas special.
They went on to host their own West End show, Latin Fever, which they toured nationally and are today still regarded as one of Britain’s finest Latin American dance couples.
More recently they have worked on the Turkish and Lebanese versions of the Strictly TV show, Darren, born in Deepcar and brought up in Todwick, as a judge and Lilia as a consultant choreographer to the professional dancers.
Darren has also consulted on Danse Avec la Stars, the first series of the French version of Dancing with the Stars.
As well as being successful competitors and performers they have built up an International reputation as coaches, choreographers and first class trainers in both dance and corporate arenas.
They have also trained many of the top junior, youth and amateur couples, including the British Junior champions and No. 1 youth couple in the UK.
Darren's twin Dale said: "Strictly is back and we have Darren and Lilia joining us for an open day, with free taster sessions for children and adults to come along and see what being a student at City Limits is like.
"Fans can take part in one of our Ballroom and Latin classes led by Darren and Lilia.
"It runs from 2pm until 4pm, and we have a timetable of taster sessions throughout the day. Plus visitors can chat to our teachers and find out more about our new beginners' classes starting in September.
OPEN DAY TASTER CLASS SESSIONS
12.15-12.45pm: BALLROOM & LATIN WITH DARREN AND LILIA ALL AGES
12.30-1.00pm: STREETDANCE FOR ALL AGES 4-ADULT
12.30-1pm: BABY BALLET AND TAP
1.00-1.30pm : SALSA AND LATIN WITH DARREN AND LILIA
1.15-2pm: ZUMBA AND FITSTEPS TASTER
1.15-1.45pm: ADULT TAP
The pole fitness studio will also be open, for demonstrations and free workshops, from 12-2pm.
There will also be three Ballroom and Latin technique workshops for those wishing to develop their skills
2pm: Juvenile (under 12's), 45min, cost £5.
2.45pm: Junior (age 12 to 15), 45min, cost £5.
3.30pm, - Adult (age 16+), 60min, cost £8.
For more information about the open day and new class timetable, call he studio on 0114 234 4866 or visit www.city-limits.co.uk
Also visit Darren and Lilia's official website at www.darrenandlilia.com
* Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed this year's celebrity cast for the show, which returns on BBC One on Saturday, September 3, 6.50pm.
The line-up features EastEnders actor Tameka Empson, Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph, former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, Pop Idol winner Will Young, former Eternal singer Louise Redknapp, actor Danny Mac, newsreader Naga Munchetty, reality TV’s Judge Rinder, US singer Anastacia, model Daisy Lowe, GB long-jumper Greg Rutherford, gymnast Claudia Fragapane, presenters Laura Whitmore and Ore Oduba, DJ and presenter Melvin Odoom.
TV stars Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be on hosting duties with the judging panel of Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and – in his final year – Len Goodman. For more visit www.bbc.co.uk | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/what-s-on/yorkshire-s-strictly-ex-champs-to-give-free-dance-lessons-at-city-limits-1-8096127 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/b0e4ccda00c0f1fe3934b6f65872a3b6ac5e655569e71087e22f1c197381a80a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:10:55 | null | 2016-08-26T09:35:33 | Gainsborough Town Council was delighted to formally open the newly refurbished Richmond Park play area. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fthe-newly-refurbished-richmond-park-has-been-officially-opened-1-8090163.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8090161.1472200516!/image/image.jpg | en | null | The newly refurbished Richmond Park has been officially opened | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Gainsborough Town Council was delighted to formally open the newly refurbished Richmond Park play area.
The opening was conducted by Mayor of Gainsborough, Councillor Kenneth Woolley, and formed part of the annual Lark in the Park celebrations hosted by the Friends of Richmond Park.
The newly refurbished play area has been made possible due to a £100,000 grant from FCC Communities.
Leader of Gainsborough Town Council, Councillor Matthew Boles, said: “I am absolutely delighted by the improvements that have been delivered at Richmond Park.
“The reaction from the public has been amazing
“The park has been absolutely packed out every day since it has reopened and everybody has been enjoying the facilities.
“The site is now also covered by monitored CCTV which will hopefully aid keeping the park free for vandalism and anti social behaviour.” | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/the-newly-refurbished-richmond-park-has-been-officially-opened-1-8090163 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/1cfe97eb10e495a44684888937f0df3ce675f9ed8cfc6abe31ff92860599ec59.json |
[
"Stephanie Bateman",
"Stephanie.Bateman Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:44 | null | 2016-08-26T12:27:14 | Patients at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust have been having their say on which staff should be recognised at the Trust’s annual Our Stars awards. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fhospital-staff-picked-by-patients-as-their-stars-1-8090721.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8090720.1472210816!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Hospital staff picked by patients as their ‘stars’ | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Patients at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust have been having their say on which staff should be recognised at the Trust’s annual Our Stars awards.
Each year patients visiting hospitals in Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole and accessing the community services run by the Trust are asked to nominate their NHS heroes for the ‘Patients’ Choice Award’.
Patients and their loved ones were asked to put forward individual staff members or teams that made a real difference to their experience and created a lasting impression on them.
A panel of patients met recently to shortlist three finalists:
Nicola Barrell, neonatal intensive care unit, Grimsby hospital - the patient who nominated Nicola said: “Nikki is an amazing lady. My little girl, who has just turned one, was in neonatal for a brief spell when she was first born. Nikki made a lasting impression on me because you could see she had a passion about her role and was highly skilled in it. Not only that she’s got the ability to make even the scariest of times less worrisome with a shoulder to cry on and support for parents as well as devotion for her tiny patients. I was very poorly post-delivery and ordered to bed to rest. There was no way that was going to happen easily and she knew I’d break orders to come up to the unit to be with my baby as her shift ended. The delight and glee and tears that I had when she arranged for my daughter to be cared for at my bedside with me doing as much as I possibly could... you know it’s not often someone can be so kind and think of the bigger picture rather than just the task in hand. I’ve thanked her many times over and still a year later I tear up at the compassion and kindness she showed me during one of the most scariest moments of my life. I’m forever thankful to her, she will always be remembered as an amazing nurse who helped my daughter and I bond at a difficult time and guided us both through and out the other end with laughter smiles and lots of support. She is simply amazing. A true diamond of the NHS.”
Ward C1 Holles (medicine ward), Grimsby hospital - the patient who nominated the ward said: “My mother received excellent care at the end of her life on C1 Holles Ward. As a nurse with over 40 years’ experience and having spent over 12 hours a day with my mother for the two week period she was receiving care in the hospital, I am well placed to observe and show appreciation for such outstanding care. It really was some of the best nursing care I have seen. From the ward sister Sarah, staff nurse Carol (a brilliant nurse who listened and supported me) as well as student nurse Trish (who brought in her son’s bingo game and brought the ward together to enjoy a bank holiday game), the consultant who made time for me and many other kind and extremely professional nurses. My mother was treated with respect despite her dementia and I saw the difference first hand in allaying her fears (terrors) by treating her in this kind way. This quality of care appears to stem from the high standard the ward sister sets and it must be a beacon to other wards in the hospital.”
Neonatal intensive care unit community team at Scunthorpe hospital (Sue Eagles and Claire South) - the patient who nominated Sue and Claire said: “Sue and Claire both made bringing my daughter home a less frightening experience. I had spent 12 weeks in NICU with my daughter Erin as she was born premature at 28 weeks and three days due to pre-eclampsia (I was cared for by Scunthorpe for nearly four weeks prior to delivery, who were also fantastic). Not only was my daughter on home oxygen that took some organisation from NICU staff and the community team, she was on a number of different medications, of which one needed to be refrigerated and discarded after seven days and it had to come from the hospital chemist. Sue and Claire made sure I always had the medication (they even dropped it off on some occasions). I knew that they were always at the end of the phone if I had any concerns with Erin. I once read somewhere that not all superheroes wear capes. We all remember the staff on the ward, the consultants and paediatricians but tend to forget how important the community team are in getting things back to normal. From the bottom of my heart I would like to say thank you.”
The winner of the Patient’s Choice Award category will be revealed alongside nine other staff awards at the Our Stars 2016 event at the Forest Pines Hotel and Golf Resort on Friday October 7.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Hospital staff picked by patients as their ‘stars’ Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area... | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local/hospital-staff-picked-by-patients-as-their-stars-1-8090721 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/98894be7f118a3194de9432c9ccc7fa54238e7806a4a1918d410d5d4561a354b.json |
[
"Sports Reporter",
"Sport.Nmsy Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:21 | null | 2016-08-26T09:45:12 | Arsene Wenger will splash out more than £50million before the transfer deadline on centre half Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez, report the Daily Mail. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Ftransfer-rumours-arsenal-to-spend-big-and-joe-hart-keen-to-drum-up-liverpool-interest-1-8090190.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8090187.1472201094!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Transfer rumours: Arsenal to spend big and Joe Hart keen to drum up Liverpool interest | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | Arsene Wenger will splash out more than £50million before the transfer deadline on centre half Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez, report the Daily Mail.
The paper reports the Arsene Wenger has had bids accepted on both players.
England goalkeeper Joe Hart is looking to clinch a move to Liverpool by taking a big pay cut, report the Sun.
The Guardian say West Ham have agreed a €28m (£24m) fee with Juventus for Simone Zaza, with the Italy striker set to fly to England on Friday for his medical after agreeing personal terms. Southampton defender Jose Fonte looks set to stay at the club and reject interest from Manchester United after holding one-on-one talks with Saints chairman Ralph Krueger to discuss his future. (Metro)
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata wants to stay at Old Trafford despite not being guaranteed a starting role under manager Jose Mourinho, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford is expected to agree a season-long loan with Burnley on Friday. (Daily Mail) | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/transfer-rumours-arsenal-to-spend-big-and-joe-hart-keen-to-drum-up-liverpool-interest-1-8090190 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/551110ab73282d9354ae30b55ba8426c8dfe5d7483fcfaed6b3f2828dba76491.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:48:30 | null | 2016-08-29T11:52:49 | The Premier League and the rest of professional football has been gripped by the dealings of deadline day at the end of the transfer window this week. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal-sport%2Ftransfer-window-as-gainsborough-sunday-league-aims-for-more-level-playing-field-1-8094241.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/webimage/1.8094240.1472467950!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Transfer window as Gainsborough Sunday League aims for ‘more level playing field’ | null | null | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk | The Premier League and the rest of professional football has been gripped by the dealings of deadline day at the end of the transfer window this week.
And a similar scenario is expected among the lesser lights of the Gainsborough and District Sunday League for the new season, which kicks off on Sunday.
For the league is to operate its own transfer window in December as part of its determined plans to help ensure that no teams are far more superior to others and/or playing in divisions far below their strengths -- all in the interests of local football.
Explained a league spokesman: “A series of alterations to the league’s constitution have been made for the coming season, with all teams restricted to 25 players each, and no players allowed to sign on or be transferred after July 27.
“A transfer window will operate in December, but the maximum quota of 25 players per team will still apply, and players will have to be de-registered to make way for any new incoming players.
“A much leveller playing field is what is trying to be established with regards to the playing strengths of all the clubs.
“The management committee has been able to assess the relative playing strength of each club and place them in the appropriate divisions of the league.
“Only time will tell if this will work for the good of the league, but players playing in divisions way below their capabilities was becoming a real problem for the league, and these measures are an attempt to make local football better for all.
“The management committee wishes all clubs a successful season but, above all, a sporting one. The four teams in the county cup have all drawn tough fixtures but we wish them success.
“The league is looking for more referees, and anyone interested in taking up the whistle can contact Clive Fisher on 07929 085676, or Grahame Lyner 01427 612791, or Steve Lilley 01427 728618.”
League fixtures for the opening day of the season on Sunday are: DIVISION ONE: Friendship v Retford Rail, Misterton United v BFC Clumber. DIVISION TWO: AFC Ordsall v MUSC, Black Horse v Leverton United, Walkeringham v Morton. DIVISION THREE: Crown Inn v Ropery Rangers, Ropery Inn v Bridon, Stanwood Engineering v Horse And Jockey. | http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/sport/local-sport/transfer-window-as-gainsborough-sunday-league-aims-for-more-level-playing-field-1-8094241 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/1888546a384bd0a6dcdcbd1ee1739883bbc0cdad71a457d983ad9c842f1f4cee.json |
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