Milo Canopener (February 1, 2009)

An archive of the Milo Canopener.The University of Lethbridge Library received permission from the Archives at Milo Library to digitize and display this content.Canada Post Agmt. # 40607518 MILO CANOPENER February 2009 Edition no. 224 Milo Can Opener Box 12. Milo, AB TOL 1L0 IAN & BARB G BOX 158 MILO, AB N N/C 3 T0L1L0 Lt Happy Valentine’s Day and Family DayAd Rates Subscription Rates Business Directory $ 5.00 Milo $ 16.00 Quarter Page 6.00 (- pickup,delivery or mailed) Half Page 8.00 Mailed (outside Milo) 24.00 Full Pages 15.00 Single Copies 2.00 Classifieds 2.00 The following items are free of charge Notices Announcements ( Wedding, Anniversary, Births, Showers, etc.) Cards of Thanks News items Articles Letters to the Editor are welcome. Please sign them, no letters will be printed if not signed. Requests to remain anonymous will not be honoured. Many ways to forward your articles, notices and advertising: Milo Can Opener Box 12, Milo, Alberta, TOL 1L0 Email: help@milolibrarv.ca Fax# 599 ■2457 (You can also fax to Milo Municipal Library at 599-3850) e-mail is the preferred method if possible. Faxed documents tend to be unclear. Items may be left at Milo Green Foods in the Canopener box at back of store or at Milo Library or in the library book drop. Canopener volunteer staff Layout Editors - Barb Godkin - 599 -2213, 485-8389 Colleen Bartsch 599-2204 Darlene Phillips 599-3791 Production - Betty Armstrong Subscriptions - Darlene Phillips -................. 599-3791 Notices - Any Canopener volunteers Cartoons & “Kids Say” - Marina Vannatta -... ...... 381 - 6389 Please Note: The deadline for articles is the Monday before the last Friday of each month. Printing is done during the week.GOODS & SERVICESWe would like to thank our advertisers for their continued support. Without them, we would not be able to print this newsletter for the enjoyment of the readers. TOWING J3 Services VACUUM * 4 X 4 Service * Septic Tanks * Wheel-Lift Bus: 485-2667 * Portables * Boosting Mobile: 485-0500 * Mud Pits * Winching * Sumps * Fuel, Flats " 24 Hour Emergency Service" * Holding Tanks * Lock-outs Ready & Reliable * Cisterns * Recoveries * Basement * R.V. Towing Floods * Small Repairs [PHONE JOEJ S3 Box 93 Vulcan Alta. TOL 2B0 MILO SEEL CLEANING^ ASSOCIATION LTD. 599-2150 Cleaner Seed is Sown. Cleaner Crops are Grown. Sheldon Walker Manager (Esso) VULCAN VILLAGE GAS BAR P.O. BOX 425 VULCAN. ALTA. TOL 2B0 PHONE: 485*6000 FOOD TO CO Garry & Bernardine Nelson 485-2519 Place your business card here. Business card ads are $60/year but also include a subscription to the Canopener. GRANT. KRYSTALOWICH & BENNETT CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANTS FULL ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND CONSULTING P.O. Box 239 Vulcan, Alberta TOL 2B0 Septic Solutions . Septic System Design and Installation Soil Testing DAN KING 403-599-3909 Phone: 485*2996 485-2681 Alberta Porta-Podi & Septic Bay 102, 4116 - 64 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2C 2B3 (403)273-6521 1-877-PODI2GO (769-4246)Richardson Partners Financial Limited FAMILY WEALTH MANAGEMENT Lori Vooys CIM, FCSI, FMA, APM First Vice President Wealth Advisor lori.vooys @ rpO.com The Stevenson Vooys Group Suite 1000-333 7th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 2Z1 Tel: (403)355-6056 Fax: (403) 355-6109 Toll Free: 1 (866) 867-7735 www.rp0.com ^ PRECISION ■ DENTURE CLINIC SUITS 1, 506 - 71 flV€. S.UJ. CRLGRRY, RL8ERTR T2V 4V4 TELEPHONE: 403-252-4140 SCOTT D. FfliRBflNKS, DD Vulcan Optometric Clinic Dr. (8. L. Trump Optometrist Open Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. BOX 972 VULCAN,ALBERTA T0L 2B0 TELEPHONE 485-2177 (EMERGENCIES ONLY 485-2886) HDtf* (Go LQo L3®£®IMlQD® (403) 485-6005 PiO. Box 87, Vulcan, Alberta, Canada n r ARROWWOOD CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION LIMITED P.O. BOX 120, # 17 Center Street, Main Store Phone (403) 534- 3803 Toil Free 1-888-534-3803 (CO-OP) "Organized for Savings ......... Not for Profit" HARDWARE STORE Hardware / Lumber Plumbing / Electrical Hydraulic Hoses / Belts / Bearings Feed and Animal Health Supplies Paint: Interior / Exterior / Stain Housewares / Sporting Goods ARROWWOOD, Alberta TOL 0B0 Fax (403) 534-3330 Tire Shop Phone (403) 534-3804 Rod Armstrong Cell Phone (403) 485- 8649 - BULK FUEL & CARDLOCKS at Arrowwood & Milo sites Petroleum Products: Fuel / Lubricants TIRE SHOP We sell and service ALL tires Calcium filling Custom Exhaust & Muffler Service Shocks Oil Change HOURS: Mon to Fri to 12:noon & to 5:p.m. — Sat 8;a.m. to 12;noon Pet Containment Pet Doors Bark Control Remote Trainers Complete Installation & Training 100 % Satisfaction or Money Back Sonic Bark Control, No Collar needed even works on your neighbors dog ! NEW Chip activated Pet Doors Only desired pets can enter ! Greg Deitz www.invisiblefence.ca Come see us at the : Red Deer Home Show March 7-9 Lethbridge Home Show March 12-15& b> VILLAGE^ OF MILO COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM In past issues, we provided you with a detailed description of the eight criteria that the community is judged on. Along with a certificate awarding the village 3 out of 5 blooms, the judges forwarded their comments and suggestions. We would like to take this opportunity to share them with you. General Comments and Suggestions Welcome Milo, to Communities in Bloom. The initial effort your community has made in just a few short months, indicates that you will be a strong and vibrant member of the Communities in Bloom network. Your community planning and action, hard work and a few coats of paint has enhanced your village image and instilled a sense of pride throughout the community. This is a benefit promoted by the Communities in Bloom Program. It is wonderful to see "People, Plants and Pride" growing in Milo1 Your awareness and interest in all the criteria areas described in the Communities in Bloom Program, indicate a desire to develop the Village of Milo, as an environmentally friendly, culturally aware, visually beautiful place to live, work and play. The judges were impressed by the neatness of appearance, color and activity when we entered the Village and by the friendly people we met during our visit. We were equally impressed, when we set out early the following morning, by the beautifully treed, tidy community that was still rousing from sleep Milo presents itself as warm and welcoming. Comments and Suggestions - Turf and Groundcovers Ihfh.Sr °f n!"Ve 9faSS 15 commenc)able in areas lacking access to irrigation areas ^ benef" fr°m aera"n9 and control,ed fert'"2in9 and over seeding to sustain the The ride on mower shared with the community ,s an excellent example of the cooperation which occurs Comments and Suggestions ■ Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation residents of Milo and area are conscious of their history and take pride in honouring their pioneers through naming of parks and other areas and designating historical sites in the community Congratulations on the planning and action involved in moving and restoring the Libeny School for ToiT5? feTaUons 'n 2°°9' You have man* °P"ons end use of the build,ng The arrival ol the old school will provide a basis for other historical projects The fence erected to recognize the past and present ranching community through the.r brands is informative and unique. The Model T Ford used as transportation for one segment of the judges tour lent a nice historical flavour to the visit. The Cemetery ,s a source of history of the people and the area. It would be an invaluable community asset to develop a written or oral record of the stories and memories of these people while they sun exist m the memories of some of the residents. Perhaps this could be done as an interview project by some high school students or other interested people in the community. Another suggestion would be to use stone markers to designate the outline of the original church located in the cemetery and the unmarked graves. The plaques noting the previous owners of several heritage buildings are an excellent way of conserving the history of the Village. We understand that this project was part of previous anniversary celebrations Some proprietors have chosen to keep the plaques on display, while others have removed them We encourage you to keep a central permanent record of this history, so it does not become lost Are there any opportunities within your existing community events to celebrate some of the food, dance and traditions of the various ethnic groups who have settled in the area"? With the proximity and interaction with the Siksika Nation in the school, is there also an opportunity to explore each others culture and tradition?Comments and Suggestions • Tree / Urban Forest Management a*** h6,rr9e 'ree y°U haVe 'n 'he Hin9'ey Elm Tree recognition for „ from the brooks Horticultural Centre is a real honour. p'o^eaionVelOP 3 'ree Pr0teC,'°n bylaw t0 Preserve the variety of trees you have that are wonhy of property 9rea^ !ime *° Starl successi°n planting as well as establishing an inventory of trees on public Congratulations on the use of a qualified arborist to assist in the maintenance of your urban forest Offering residents the opportunity to take advantage of his services was a wonderful way to share this resource and ensure good health for the trees in Milo. On the next visit, would ,t be possible to keep the chips from pruning and removals for use as mulch in some of your landscaped areas’ Green Streets Canada may be a valuable resource to help you obtain trees for your community. Comments and Suggestions • Landscaped Areas IvwInto"* landSCapea a,eas’ as »>• Communities m Bloom °f.ther"fS 3nd s,andards wil' unify the development of the areas. Examples: the use of the other landscape aspect^a^sense T specifications for Panting in the variety of trees and Past and future educational on n COntl"ulty and un,ty Wl11 be established throughout the community maintenance o, S!!! opPor1un"'es tillage staff are beneficial to the whole community ,n the Village Foreman is to be comm/a*If’ aShWe" 3S ,hrou9h sharing the information with residents The age roreman is to be commended on his interest in learning Common/6 vas‘majori,y of nesidential areas display a pleasant appearance. Comments and Suggestions - Tidiness The entrance to Milo is well maintained and free from garbage and weeds, creating a positive impression on both visitors and residents alike This indication that the Village cares about it's appearance will hopefully be contagious to others and remind them to pul their garbage in appropriate containers to maintain the tidiness. The new sidewalks and curbs also contribute to a neat appearance. It is recommended that new curbs have curb cuts to allow the streets to be easily accessible for people of all ages, whether they are being wheeled in baby carriages and wagons, or traveling with the use of walkers and wheelchairs. The painted park benches give a clean and inviting appearance. The blue colour presents a positive image. We understand that these benches had been in disrepair and were reclaimed and refreshed. Congratulations on making use of what items you have available. This is both a financial and environmental advantage. The Lions Club maintenance of the park and cemetery is commendable The efforts of the members involved contribute to tidiness and pride in appearance. The enforcement of the unsightly premises bylaw is positive. Clean up of the areas by village employees, when owners fail to respond to requests to maintain their properties, sends the message that Milo is serious about having a tidy community. The addition of the costs involved to the owner's taxes should be an effective deterrent to future infractions. Marks Oilfield Services Inc has set a fine example in the Commercial and Industrial Sector. The dedication of company employees in cleaning up their worksite, indicates a sense of community responsibility for tidiness and appearance. The use of the Communities in Bloom program as a motivator for the employees is wonderful. The residential areas displayed many well maintained and planted yards Comments and Suggestions - Community Involvement Congratulations to all the members of Milo and area for the way you contribute to the quality of life m your community with your many programs, clubs and projects. Recognition of your volunteers is achieved in unique ways, such as with the 'Helping Hands Fence'. C® cM'IOHCanopener'is a valuable newsletter. It keeps the community informed on a wide range of topics and provides a forum to recognize volunteers. The fact that volunteers produce the newsletter should not be forgotten We encourage that all volunteers receive recognition for their contributions The Community Involvement page in your Community Profile is an outstanding summary of the activ.r occurring in Milo. Keep up the aood work and bn nrnuri of wo. ir appnmnlichiComments and Suggestions - Environmental Awareness Milo exhibits awareness of the importance of environmental awareness in the life of its community and neighbourhood. Purchasing locally as much as possible is a great green procurement strategy This awareness will lead to other positive environmental improvements into the future. Cooperation with neighbouring communities and Vulcan County is an effective way of addressing large issues such as recycling and waste removal. The distance learning programs will help reduce travel costs and environmental impacts, at the same time as offering educational opportunities Recycling of beverage containers to raise funds for CiB addresses educational environmental anc financial goals Recognition of the need for water treatment upgrades indicates a proactive approach to addressing the needs of the Village. The installation of water meters will lead to a greater recognition of water use by the residents This understanding should result in further support of water use conservation programs Perhaps a program could be explored with regional neighbours to promote low flush toilets ana other water and energy conservation efforts. The development and maintenance of the Walking/Bike Path to McGregor Lake Dam, by the Ag Society is commendable. It not only encourages fitness but also offers an alternate route for tourists to visit Milo for food and supplies, without the use of motorized vehicles Recognition of the importance of good training programs for staff in pest management and other plant care principles is commendable, as is the recognition of documenting and updating of safety and emergency preparedness procedures. Although the Village of Milo is small, it is faced with all the challenges of larger communities when it comes to Brownfield remediation and redevelopment You have recognized these challenges and are addressing them. The reclamation of gas station and rail yard areas is not easy, but your community will benefit as a result of your efforts. You appear to be addressing the new residential development in an orderly and logical manner, taking into consideration environmental impact of the new area. Comments and Suggestions • Floral Displays Floral displays are an excellent way to add colour to the Village. Congratulations to all the volunteers who planted and maintained the window boxes at the Seniors Centre and the Hope Lutheran Church. The Scotia Bank and Trends Hair Salon are also congratulated on their contribution to Milo beautification. Other businesses and industrial areas are hopefully encouraged by this example to begin their contributions to beautification. It has been the experience in other communities that businesses who do participate, benefit from increased customer activity and community prestige for their efforts Consider the use of perennials and flowering shrubs as part of your floral displays. They are more economical and sustainable than the sole use of annuals. A combination of each will achieve the colour you desire, within financially prudent means. (We saw many lilac hedges on residential properties throughout the Village. They must present a wonderful sight in the Spring!)VILLAGE OF MILO Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. (mail slot located in office door for after hour drop offs) Next regular Council Meeting will be 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2009 in the Village Office. (Deadline to book a time on the Agenda is February 11, 2009) Contact the Village at PHONE: 599-3883 FAX: 599-2201 vilmilo@wildroseinternet.ca MAYOR ------------------------------------------- ROBERT PHILLIPS COUNCILLORS -------------------------------------------- STEVE EDWARDS -------------------------------------------- WENDY HINGLEY MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR ------------------------ GINGER DEITZ BOUQUETS! To Steve &. Chase Edwards for plowing sidewalks with their quad, to Sheldon Walker for walking his snow blower up &. down sidewalks, to Barry Monner for using his Bobcat to dig out driveways and push snow to the road side, to Marks Oilfield staff for bringing out the big toys to clear roads and to the many selfless others who have helped us all dig out this past month - Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! 2009 STEP Position Once again this year, the Village of Milo will be recruiting for a Summer Temporary Employee(s) to assist the Public Works department doing a variety of grounds keeping and outdoor maintenance duties. To be eligible, you must be at least 14 years old, able to work a minimum of 6 consecutive weeks through July - August and willing to work outdoors engaging in moderately physical tasks. Drop off a written letter of application at the Village Office soon! *************************************************************************************************************** Snow and the Roads.... The Village is trying very hard to keep up with the steady drifting caused by fresh and blowing snow! We really appreciate your patience with our limited budget and resources!! Our overall intention is to keep the streets in passable winter driving condition and minimize the icing as much as possible, but common sense and slower speeds should prevail, please!! We try to address the entrances to the Village and Centre Street first and get to all the residential streets as quickly as possible following that. Unfortunately, the sheer amount of snow and strong winds and Chinook temperatures has meant that the drifts and slush build up faster than we can move it. If there are areas that are consistently being overlooked and require our attention, please contact the Office 403-599-3883 or Public Works 403-485-5524 and we will do our best to remedy any problems!“Burt’s Page” As some of you know, I spent my Christmas in Vancouver with my father, Corinne (sister), and Grant (brother). As could be expected with the weather conditions this time of year, my flight was delayed, but not because of miserable weather conditions, not because of plane icing, not because of mechanical problems, not because of no plane, but four hour avoidable wait in the airport because of no flight attendances. It wasn’t a problem I couldn’t live with (I didn’t have a choice), but it sure put a crimp in Corinne’s busy Christmas schedule, not knowing what time to pick me up at the airport. Instead of the usual Vancouver rain when I landed, there was snow and plenty of it, over two feet and still falling, the most snow Vancouver had for Christmas ever. Only the main streets were suitable for two wheel drive vehicles. Fortunately, Corinne has a fancy top of the line Toyota 4- runner, (four-wheel drive vehicle), she just had new winter grip tires installed, for the mere price of only $1200.00. “What a deal!!” My first meal (at my father’s place), was worth the trip, Philippine home cooked well-stacked meatloaf, combined with carrots, asparagus and other vegetables, a meal in itself. It was still snowing the next day and Aidan, Corinne’s son, and I were busy on snow shoveling detail. I was surprised to see so many people on foot, mostly walking in the tracks in the middle of the road left by daring brave drivers. A majority of the vehicles were not equipped for this kind of weather, no winter tires, plenty of two-wheel drives and little experience driving under there conditions. Many Vancouver residents didn’t expect this dump, and by the looks of the sidewalks, didn’t own a snow shovel. Matter of fact, being used to the Alberta snow, keeping Corinne’s sidewalk area clear was a must for me. I was surprised with the amount of wonderful comments I received from passersby about a snow free sidewalk. On the 24th, after snowing all night, I shoveled snow for a while and Corinne was very busy with preparing Christmas dinner. After shoveling, I helped, cut up mushrooms for the dressing and prepared (washed and l lcleaned) the 21 lb turkey for the oven. I thought I did a wonderful job till Corinne pulled out the bag full of heart, gizzard and liver, after the turkey came out of the oven. Regardless, she put on quite a fancy spread for the guest and our father who is wheelchair bound and in his high 80’s, didn’t have any effect on his appetite though, devoured a large turkey leg with the rest of his meal. Corinne had joy all over her face when she brought out her first creation of a freshly baked “mince meat” pie, after which she served pieces with a big scoop of ice cream. As you can see, Corinne was very proud of her very first attempt at pie. Grant, Corinne, yours truly and B.A (father) The very next day after shoveling snow again, Corinne, Grant, our father and myself were invited out to Philippine friends of ours for lunch. Did I say lunch; let me tell you, the hostess had almost as much Philippine dishes on her counter as does Wayne, (Milo Restaurant) for his Sunday smorge. It was a wonderful time and other than us, there were five of their family members present. Friday, Corinne, her friend and I with their sn