It is that time again, municipal elections.  No matter if you like the candidates or their platforms, it is important to get out and vote.  It is our RIGHT, our DUTY, our OBLIGATION and our RESPONSIBILITY as Canadians.  If you don’t vote, you have no say in your community.  If you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain about the state of the community. If you do vote, you are participating in the democratic process, you are making a difference, showing you can take initiative to make change.

At the last municipal election in Spruce Grove, there was a mere 20% voter turn out.  This is a really disappointing statistic.  We are a thriving community, but don’t appear to want to be involved.  With a population nearing 28,000 the turnout translates into less than 6,000 residents voting.  Sad, very sad.

The government is elected by citizens.  Ultimately, we are helping to decide where our tax money goes.   We help decide on policies and programs that determine our wellbeing, such as: Community Vitality, Democratic Engagement, Education, Environment, Healthy Populations, Leisure and Culture, Standards of Living, and Time Use.

If you don’t agree with any of the candidates, you still need to vote.  How?  Spoil your ballot.  This will show that you protest the candidates, but you still get counted as having your say. Why should you vote?  Because it is your right and your responsibility.  There was a time that certain parts of the population were not allowed to vote.  By voting, you can honor those people that fought to bring the vote to women and minorities.  If we become apathetic towards out government and exercising our vote, we could end up with a government that is not representing the people, and would eventually evolve into a non-democratic society.

Every vote counts!  Some races may come down to a very tight margin where one or two votes can make a difference.

Think of voting as your civic obligation.  Get out to the poles on October 16, cast your vote, make a difference!

Here is the step by step directions for winterizing your hose bib correctly, to ensure no breakage or bursting when spring rolls around.
Step One: Take Off The Hose
You can’t winterize the hose bib with the hose attached to it still. No brainer right? Detach the hose from the hose bib and drain it completely. Frozen water in hoses can cause holes and leaks too, so to keep your hose over winter it needs to be properly drained. You can lay the hose down and walk the length of it, picking up small sections and letting the water flow out. Imagine a tube of toothpaste, and try not to miss any spots. Once it’s empty, roll it up and store it for the winter months.
Step Two: Drain the Faucet
This step is quite like the steps you take to winterize faucets in your home. You’ll locate the shut off valve for the outside water line (if you have any trouble here contact a plumber to help you locate it) and shut the water off. Once the water is disconnected go back outside and turn the faucet all the way on. This will drain out any water currently sitting in the line.
Step Three: Drain the Valve
Go back inside to where the shut off was, and locate a small brass looking plug or cap. Unplug that cap, so that the valve itself will drain. Draining the water out, without emptying the valve, is useless. You must do both. Once that valve and all the water in the line have been drained, you can close the valve and shut the hose bib faucet off.
You’re Done!
It’s a simple 10 minute job, but it can save you hundreds in plumbing repairs when spring thaws the frozen winter water.

Celebrate as our local libraries, municipalities, and the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland After Dark Rotary clubs share steps they are making to build relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal neighbours in our Tri-Region area.

As part of our desire to engage with our aboriginal communities, the Rotary Clubs of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland After Dark helped organize an event to celebrate reconciliation and build relationships with our aboriginal neighbours. We invite everyone to share in this event.

February 3, 2016
6:30 p.m.
Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre
1001 Calahoo Road Spruce Grove, Alberta

Tickets $30, plus service fees

• Join Shelagh Rogers, celebrated host of CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, Honorary Witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and Chancellor of the University of Victoria, as she interviews local authors Patti LaBoucane-Benson, Esther Supernault, Tracey Lindberg and Dianne Meili to explore the importance of Indigenous literature.
• Enjoy musical entertainment with Juno-nominated special guest Asani who will sing in Cree, French and English.
• Sample traditional Aboriginal foods and visit with local artisans who will explain their creative process and have products available for purchase.

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Rotary Clubs of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland After Dark, together with the Rotary Aboriginal Partnership and Norquest College.

Tickets available at the Spruce Grove City Hall Ticket Centre, 315 Jespersen Avenue, by phone at 780-962-8995 or online at www.horizonstage.com/tickets
Proceeds will support the purchase of books by Indigenous authors. For more information, please call Lisa Smith at 587-986-8758.

There is always so much going on in the Tri-Municipal region, and as a proud Rotarian, I’m happy to promote important events such as this one. Comments or questions? Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Whether you have just a few minutes or are planning a large community project, every action can have a positive impact when it comes to greening our communities of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or Edmonton. To help you get started this summer, and in celebration of its 25th anniversary, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation is sharing 25 easy ways to green where you live.

1. Volunteer for community greening projects
2. Pick up garbage at a local park
3. Volunteer at a community garden (or start one in Spruce Grove or Stony Plain)
4. Help build or teach at an outdoor classroom
5. Plant a tree (or many trees) that are native to our region
6. Put up a bird feeder or plant a butterfly garden
7. Plan a local shoreline cleanup
8. Host an eco-friendly party using biodegradable cutlery and food from local sources (Remember that Spruce Grove will help you host a Block Party.)
9. Walk, bike or take public transit instead of driving
10. Participate in your community’s recycling program
11. Upcycle old or out of date items around the home
12. Compost leftover food waste
13. Donate proceeds from a garage sale to local greening projects or your TD FEF chapter (tdfef.com)
14. Use organic fertilizer on your lawn
15. Collect rainwater and use it for your plants
16. Get a push mower for your lawn
17. Water your lawn deeply only once or twice a week
18. Participate in Meatless Monday
19. Learn about invasive species of plants and help with their removal
20. Add raised planters or container gardens to help green a paved play space
21. Start a “friends of” club to help protect your local parks and green spaces
22. Make sure to properly dispose of items like batteries and paint
23. Organize a carpool to work, school or day-camp
24. Create an adopt-a-tree program in your community
25. Use more natural cleaning products in your home

Donating and volunteering with an environmental organization can make a big difference. TD Friends of the Environment Foundation uses 100 per cent of funds donated to directly support local environmental projects. Since 1990, over $70 million has been raised to support more than 23,000 community initiatives. To learn about volunteering opportunities to help green where you live, visit www.tdtreedays.com.

What are your favorite ways of helping the environment?  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

(Most of the content of this article courtesy of www.newscanada.com)

(Image by KiddaiKiddee Studio, courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

As a resident of the Tri-Municipal area of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County, you know that life here is pretty good. Our high standard of living and quality of life is much enhanced by the large number of people who give freely of their time and skills to help others. Of course, there’s payback for those friendly, giving folks too. They not only have the chance to do new things and meet new people, but they know that their volunteer contributions are real and appreciated. Besides, it just feels good to help!

If you’re new to the community, or maybe your life circumstances have changed, and you’re looking to make a difference, there are so many opportunities for volunteers to get involved.

How do you find out who could use your help?

• City of Spruce Grove website: City of Spruce Grove Volunteer Opportunities

Information about how to get involved with the many special events organized by the City throughout the year (such as the Canada Day celebration, or Spruce Up Spruce Grove Community Clean Up, for example), as well as various boards and committees (such as the Economic Development Advisory Committee, Horizon Stage Theatre Advisory Board, Spruce Grove Public Library Board, and numerous others).

See also volunteer opportunities for adults (such as Adopt-a-Driveway program, Meals on Wheels, Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, Horizon Stage opportunities including Stagelighters, Tech Team and Horizon Players, etc.) and volunteer opportunities for youth (Summer in the City, Canada Day Street Performers Festival and more).

• Check out the Community Resource Directory (Green Book) for a listing of organizations throughout the Tri-Municipal region that use volunteers. Resources here include service clubs, groups, associations and societies of every type.

• Town of Stony Plain: Stony Plain Volunteer Centre

This centre acts as a hub, connecting organizations in Stony Plain and Parkland County needing volunteer assistance of every variety with people willing and able to help out. The range of volunteer jobs available at any one time is vast, ensuring a volunteer job for every skill and interest.

At the end of January 2015, volunteers were needed for health and social service organizations (such as the Alberta Cancer Foundation, WestView Health Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society, Victim Services Society), youth concerns (Big Brothers Big Sisters, Zebra Club), sports (Special Olympics, Stony Plain Amateur Minor Ball Association), education and culture (Forest Green School, Parkland Adult Literacy, Stony Plain and Parkland Pioneer Museum, Multicultural Heritage Centre, Friends of the Stony Plain Library), and many more.

Check out also the opportunities listed on www.govolunteer.ca

• Another good source of information is the weekly local newspaper (Grove Examiner in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain Reporter in Stony Plain).

Many volunteer opportunities aren’t advertised because the need is ongoing. Think of all the places you go in any given week. Could your child’s school use your skills? What about your church, or the local public library? How about joining Stony Plain’s volunteer fire department? All you’ll have to do is ask “Need some help?”, and you can bet that someone can put you to work!

Comments or questions about all the interesting things to do in our local communities? Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Residents of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region regularly make the trip to Stony Plain to shop at one of Alberta’s oldest official farmers’ markets. The market is celebrating its 40th year in 2014 and shows no signs of stopping as its popularity refuses to die down. All residents of Stony Plain and Spruce Grove owe it to themselves to spend at least one Saturday shopping at one of the best farmers’ markets in the region.

40 Years of Offering Quality Produce

Everybody wants to eat healthier, but it can be really hard to find food that is up to the standards needed. Thankfully the Stony Plain Farmers’ Market has a long history of offering farm fresh food and produce so their shoppers can guarantee their food will be going from farm to table. Fresh food and produce is becoming more popular and harder to find, which is why farmers’ markets are gaining popularity all across Canada. The Stony Plain Farmers’ Market has no shortage of farmers willing to provide good and fresh food to the residents of Parkland County. However, food isn’t the only thing to be found at the market.

Over 50 Rotating Vendors

Farmers’ markets are now known for more than just fresh food. Unique vendors selling hand-made crafts, jewellery, clothing and gifts fill the market stalls to sell their products to shoppers. Shopping at the market has become an all-day event for families as they browse some of this year’s big vendors which include Sammy’s Sweet Shop, which sells homemade chocolate and muffins, and Wandeis Doggy Delights, which makes doggie treats for the four-legged friends visiting the market. A full list of vendors is always available online on their official site so people don’t have to go in blind if they don’t want to.

Runs Every Saturday Right up Until Christmas

Most farmers’ markets in Canada fall victim to the winter weather. Some markets don’t even last through the fall before they shut down for the year. The Stony Plain Farmers’ Market doesn’t close down for the season until December 20, 2014, giving residents and visitors the chance to do some Christmas shopping right up to the last minute. With the number of vendors they have there are many great gift opportunities, making sure everybody gets crossed off the Christmas list. The market takes on a new light around December and is a great way to spend a Saturday during the holidays.

Find the Market

Every Saturday, 9 AM to 1 PM, at the Stony Plain Community Centre, 5008-51 St, Stony Plain AB T7Z 1Y1; Phone 780-962-3993

I know the unique offerings of the many farmers’ markets in the Parkland County and Edmonton region are part of what has made these communities sought after by first time home buyers. Anybody looking to buy in Spruce Grove or Stony Plain who wants to talk to an experienced professional about opportunities in the area should not hesitate to get in touch with me. I’m always available to help. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Golf lovers in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region rave about one of Alberta’s best golf courses: Stony Plain Golf Course. With 18 holes of professional level golfing, Stony Plain Golf Course has quickly become a go-to course for Albertans when the season rolls around. Here are five reasons to check it out before the cold weather interrupts.

Some of Alberta’s Best Golfing

The 18 championship holes at Stony Plain Golf Course are some of the best in Alberta. People travel from around the province to compete in tournaments held at the course. There is a driving range and practice areas for both short game and putting and official leagues for different ages and talent levels. They have made it easy for both locals and visitors to compete and enjoy everything the course has to offer.

A Free Junior Course for Young Golfers

A 4-hole loop is offered free of charge for anybody under the age of 10 to enjoy. With oversized holes and small to medium length fairways, the course doesn’t rush the kids or make it too hard on them. This gives kids the chance to learn the basics of the sport with their friends while their parents use the rest of the course.

Revenue is Used to Help Stony Plain Residents

Even though the entire course is owned and operated by the town of Stony Plain, no public money is used to fund it. The course is so successful that over $100,000 a year is taken from the money they make and put directly into the Stony Plain Tax Levy Stabilization Fund. This means that every resident will benefit from the money brought in by all the tournaments and rounds of golf played at the course.

Fully Equipped For More Than Golfing

The course has more than just golfing. There is a full pro shop and a restaurant and lounge that is open all year round, even when the course is closed. There is a meeting facility and banquet hall that can fit up to 160 people and can be used for many different events or parties.

Offers Great Tournament Services

The Stony Plain Golf Course is able to organize tournaments for groups as small as 12 or as large as 144. Their package includes everything a group would need to put on their own golfing tournament. Not only are professional tournaments held here regularly but also many small tournaments, for nothing more than bragging rights, often take place between friends and co-workers. This is a perfect idea for a unique birthday gift or bachelor party.

The Stony Plain Golf Course is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great services for residents. I’m always available to talk about the benefits of living in Stony Plain to anybody interested in getting more information on the community. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.