Jane Fonda's Visit to Alberta

Last week, actress Jane Fonda came to Alberta to tell us how to manage our petroleum resources!  She said flying over the oil sands extraction areas made her physically ill.  She told us to stop this terrible industry, right now!

I wonder how much actual research she did on the problems of oil extraction in the Athabasca Oil Sands.  Did she base her comments on strong scientific evidence?  What qualifications does she have to tell us what to do?  I personally don't think she has any right to come here from California (which isn't known for it's pollution free environment) in a private jet fueled by petroleum products to tell us we're all going to heck for what we're doing to the environment! 

I have doubts that she understands the situation!

Wasn't it Jane Fonda who went to North Viet Nam during the war, sat in an anti-aircraft gun and pretended to shoot and kill American airmen?  My case rests!

Fort McMurray Update #2

Our Beiseker Fire Truck and the accompanying firefighters have been spotted in the Fort McMurray area helping out.  Way to go guys!

For those wishing to donate items to help the evacuees they will be accepted at the AngelaRoxanne Photography studio.  The studio is next door to the hardware store on Main Street (230 6 Street).  They're open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. day.   They'll also have a special time to be open this Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

They'll need a couple of volunteers to help out down there.  If you can give them a couple of hours that would be great.

Right now the authorities are asking for specific items such as personal hygiene items, disposable diapers,  bottled water, granola bars, toilet paper, facial tissue, pillows (new), and blankets (new).

The Canadian Red Cross is accepting cash donations which are always greatly appreciated in disasters like this.  Money is easily transferred and outfits like the Red Cross can get huge buying power discounts!

If you know someone up there from Fort McMurray, text them, e-mail them or call them and let them know that all of Canada is beside them in their fight.

Fort McMurray Update

I am pleased to announce that the Beiseker Fire Department has sent a small contingent of firefighters and one piece of firefighting apparatus up to Fort McMurray to help out.  God Speed!

We as individuals can help by donating to the Canadian Red Cross, who I believe are already on the ground up there!  The Alberta Government has announced they will match donations made, as well as provide the Red Cross $2 million to kick-start their relief operations for Fort McMurray residents.

I was less than pleased with our Prime Minister this morning, who was pretty general and non-specific about the assistance the federal government is going to provide.  I'm hoping that he'll become more specific in the next few days as more details become available.

I haven't heard if the city of Fort McMurray has requested support from our armed forces yet.  Those folks are trained to handle disasters such as this.

Thoughts and Prayers to Fort McMurray

I've been watching the reports coming in from Fort McMurray all evening.  They are quite terrifying!

This small Alberta city is under siege by a raging forest fire.  The authorities have ordered a complete evacuation of most of the city! 

Parts of the city appear to be on fire or already destroyed.  I think I can speak for all of Beiseker's council in saying our thoughts and prayers go to all those folks in Fort McMurray.  We hope that you all are able to reach safety tonight.  Over the coming next few days and weeks there will a multitude of projects coming from Southern Alberta to help you all through this difficult time.  You are not alone!

If you want to help people displaced by disaster, you can donate to the Canadian Red Cross through their Alberta Fires Appeal.