Mayor's Christmas Message

While I was attending the International Council of Air Shows convention in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, the Rocky View Weekly emailed me asking for a copy of my Mayor's Christmas Message.

Somehow, I didn't get the memo!  I had prepared a message before I left.  Here it is;

"As this 2015 holiday season draws near, our thoughts usually turn to family and friends.  This year those thoughts are being distracted by the events in the Middle East, where all semblance of human compassion and peace appears to have vanished.  I'm afraid the Syrian refugee crisis and the recent events in Paris will overshadow much of the celebration this Christmas.

I think we need to remember the message preached by the man whose birthday we celebrate every December 25, now more than ever!

On behalf of myself and my fellow Councilors I wish all of you a very safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

Dave Fegan Retires

Today was Dave Fegan's last day as pharmacist at the Beiseker Pharmacy.  After 36 years as Beiseker's pharmacist, Dave has sold the drug store business and is planning to take life a little easier.  The pharmacy will remain to serve us Beisekerites.  The new owners will take over its operation next week.

Dave has been an integral part of Beiseker since he and his family arrived here almost four decades ago.  His pharmacy is part of the centre of our town.  I and many others remember having a sick kid and Dave getting up to open the drugstore to fill a prescription in the middle of the night!  Dave is active in the Beiseker Lions' Club and he takes part in many activities of that wonderful organization.  He has already retired from politics, having been a Councilor and Mayor of this great little village for more than two decades.

In the political arena Dave and I have not always seen eye-to-eye.  In fact, we've been involved in some pretty serious verbal debates over the years.  The trouble is both of us know we are always right!  Dave and I don't fight as much these days.  Dave says it's because I'm seeing it more his way.  I say it's more vice-versa.   Despite our battles, I've always respected Dave's dedication and sincerity to his adopted village!  I will continue to do so.

Dave's not going anywhere!   He and his family are staying in Beiseker, except for their annual pilgrimage to the warmer south!  I dropped I today to congratulate Dave on a fantastic career as Beiseker's pharmacist and to wish him a great retirement. 

Excellent ICAS Convention this Year!

ICAS is the International Council of Air Shows, and their convention is held every year at the beginning of December in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I've just returned from this year's convention with a renewed sense of excitement and optimism for the 2016 air show season!

The American military is back in a big way, flying at shows on both sides of the border!  They were back in a limited capacity in 2015 but they are planning to go all out in 2016.    Canada's magnificent Snowbirds have a full 2016 schedule planned. 

One of the most exciting bits of news comes from right here in Alberta!  Team Rocket, a two plane aerobatic team from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, announced that they are planning a most ambitious air show tour in 2017!

As you all know, Canada is celebrating its 150th Birthday in 2017.  Air shows are huge spectator draws.  They rate right up there with auto racing, soccer, football, and baseball in the numbers of fans attracted to air shows each year.  But the folks in Canada's far north rarely, if ever, see an air show!  Team Rocket is planning to remedy that in 2017!   They're planning an air show blitz across Canada's North to celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday!  They want to organize full air shows in the bigger centres and almost 40 fly-pasts over the smaller communities!

What a fantastic plan!  I volunteered to help out wherever I can. Stay tuned for more details coming up.

Overall I found this year's convention full of optimism and excitement.  Now we need to get ready for the spring!  Clear skies!

My 'Stache Outlasts Movember!

Every year, the month of November has become Movember as men grow moustaches then shave them off on December first in support of research into men's health issues across the country.

Some folks have asked me if I would shave off my 45 year old 'stash as part of the celebration.  My answer is "no," my moustache stays!

One newscaster on television shaved off his moustache live in TV, then re-grew it, then shaved it off again at the end of the month all in the name of men's health research.  While I support the program to specifically support men's health issues, I like my cookie duster right where it is.

Thank you to all those who supported the Movember program - and a reminder to all men over the age of forty to get themselves checked out on a regular basis.