Muslim/Christian dialogue encouraged

(Amazon.com image)

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - In the first century, when many Christian churches became mosques, few changes had to be made in the sanctuaries. Through the centuries Christian communities have existed within Islamic countries. What, now, feeds distrust, fear and antagonism between some members of the two Faith groups?  While so much of our media covers the negatives, I’m glad to hear about Mustafa Akyol’s book “The Islamic Jesus”. What can Islam learn from Jesus, he asks through the subtitle “How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims”?

It felt good

Pastor Chris Ney -  Easter Sunday was a blast, tons of people at church together and then family meals, it felt pretty good to have a day like that. Then real life sets back in and we forget that feeling, we go day by day again maybe setting our eyes on the next holiday to come together in a setting like that. I get it, we left thar weekend and the music was awesome, the message was all about Jesus what more could you ask for as a follower of Jesus? Here at Vertical it was a real celebration, and who doesn’t love a good celebration? What happens though when that feeling wears off, life settles in and we look at the idea of going back to church and think man I don’t have time for that?

B&Es and theft of holiday trailer near Monarch

Alberta RCMP - Sometime during the evening of April 28, 2017 and the morning of April 29, 2017 unknown persons entered into the fenced storage facility located at Highway RV Storage on Highway 3 west of Highway 3A near Monarch, Alberta. A white 2005 Pilgrim 237RK-S travel trailer was stolen from the compound. The trailer is 28' long tow behind trailer with a pull out and awning on the driver's side.

Several other vehicles and trailers parked at this location were broken into and rummaged through.

The RCMP in Fort Macleod are investigating this Break & Enter and Theft and are seeking public assistance. Anyone that may have information are asked to contact the RCMP in Fort Macleod at 403-553-7200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

St. Michael's Middle School students participate in Dragon Days

submitted - On April 11, 12 and 13, St. Michael’s Middle School students (Grades 5-8) participated in their second round of “Dragon Days.” On these days, students got to choose two activities to participate in. Some of the sessions included Mixed Media Art Projects, Health & Fitness activities, Outdoor Games, Soap Making, Kayaking, Sewing, Mini Treehouse Building, Cupcake Decorating, Hairstyling, Robotics, Coding, Medical Careers, Traditional First Nations Games and Drama.

The students had a fabulous time and are looking forward to Dragon Days 2017/18.

Letter to the Editor: Infrastructure funding - the dark side

Cornell Van Ryk - When a senior level of government decides to open its coffers and fund infrastructure projects, the genie is clearly let out of the bottle. Success is measured in terms of how much money is spent and how quickly people are put to work. Quality and cost-effectiveness are sacrificed for expedience. Municipalities are forced to act quickly to access and spend grant money. This haste results in waste and poor decision making.

Letter to the Editor: Follow the money when it comes to OHVs in the Castle Parks

James Tweedie - In an opinion piece in the Edmonton Journal earlier this month, Gary Clark, as the mouthpiece for the Crowsnest Pass QuadSquad and lobbyist for the Alberta Off Highway Vehicles Association, made a number of outrageous statements in response to the many scientists who voiced their support for the decision by the Minister of Environment and Parks to phase-out Off Highway Vehicles from the recently designated Castle Parks.

Community Foundation awards $14,000 in Youth in Action grants

Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta - The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is happy to announce ten grants to fund projects through its Youth in Action Granting program, for a total of $14,000. Funding will support active youth, learning opportunities, pet care, and a solar energy project. Communities involved include Cardston, Coaldale, Glenwood, Hays, Lethbridge, and Pincher Creek.

Cultural exchange between Piikani and Calgary students

Students from Napi's Playground Elementary School in Brocket perform traditional dances at Sunnyside School's day-long cultural exchange program. Students learned about First Nations culture and also about the impact of residential schools on that culture.

Dawn Sugimoto - Mark Anderson read aloud a story of a young First Nations student who learned to count to 30 by the number of times her teacher brought the strap down on her outstretched palms. Her sister learned to count to 50.  “Did anyone here learn to count that way?” he asked students from host Sunnyside School (Calgary), and their guests from his own Napi’s Playground Elementary School on the Piikani Nation.

U of L hosts LRSD students for Experiential Learning Week

University of Lethbridge - A group of nine high school students from the Livingstone Range School Division will get a sneak peek of life as a post-secondary student at the University of Lethbridge May 1-5, all the while learning skills to develop solutions to the world’s problems.

Waterton-Glacier receives Dark Sky Park designation

Upper Lake night sky - Parks Canada photo

Parks Canada - The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has recognized the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (W-GIPP) with provisional status as a new International Dark Sky Park through their certification program.

Pincher Creek's annual Cricket match to be held June 25

Annual Cricket Match

Sunday, June 25, 2.00 pm

Pincher Creek Lions Ball Diamond

Everyone is welcome to play or watch

Teachers and school board representatives reach tentative agreement

Government of Alberta - An agreement has been reached between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), whose leadership is made up of representatives from both government and school jurisdictions. The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), completing the first step of the updated collective bargaining process.Details of the MoA are confidential and cannot be released until after an agreement is ratified. A list of matters that were on the negotiating table was agreed upon in June 2016.

AFSC streamlines crop inspection

Government of Alberta - Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier issued the following statement after meeting Alberta crop commissions and discussing farmers’ concerns on unharvested crops:

Alberta sees increased rig and drilling activity

Government of Alberta - Drilling activity returned to Alberta with an increase in new wells drilled and active rigs in the first quarter of 2017. Alberta operators drilled 1,199 wells during the first three months of 2017 compared with 519 a year ago, a 131 per cent increase in activity, according to industry figures. This was the largest increase in activity and the highest number of wells drilled overall in Western Canada from January to March.

Annora Brown: Learning through play

Joyce Sasse - Ten years after Annora Brown retired from Fort Macleod, in her autobiography she recalled how important childhood play was. In an era when introverts were considered to be inept, Annora thought herself to be mouse-like. But what a mouse! Trees and flowers and rocks talked with her, each in their own language. Rocks, particularly, could be used for throwing, for breaking open to find colours and patterns, and for building play-houses. She loved them – and there was no shortage of rocks in her neighbourhood.

Pincher Creek Multimedia events rates

Now booking music/photography/videography events for summer/fall/winter 2007.

We offer a variety of services, including:

• Event management
• Events photography
• Events video
• Streaming video
• Promotional video
• Photo and Video editing
• DJ service
• Live music
• Audio restorations
• Crafted music
• Website design and management
• Social media marketing

Contact us at 403-751-0025 or via email at pinchermedia@gmail.com for more information.  We are currently booking summer, fall, and winter 2017.

U of L establishes School of Liberal Education

University of Lethbridge - Solving complex problems facing the world today takes the expertise of professionals who can think critically and broadly. The Ebola outbreak of 2014-2015, for example, came under control with the involvement of not only doctors and nurses, but also scientists, researchers, developers, policy makers and an anthropologist who knew cultural beliefs about the dead were helping spread the virus.

Stubbs: Softwood tariffs will harm Canadian jobs and industry

Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs

Shannon Stubbs, MP for Lakeland  - On April 25th, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed countervailing duties as high as 24 percent on Canadian softwood lumber imports. The pervious Softwood Lumber Agreement expired on October 12, 2016 and the Liberals have failed to negotiate a new agreement putting 400,000 jobs across Canada at risk.

Policing in Alberta to April 28, 2017

• Calgary Child Exploitation suspect arrested
• ICE arrests Wetaskiwin childcare dayhome worker
• Red Deer home invasion suspect sought by police
• Airdrie RCMP charges man for giving drugs to youths
• Gas and dash in Airdrie
• $150,000 telecommunication equipment theft near Elk Point
• Taber area search warrant leads to several charges
• Innisfail RCMP locate man in stolen vehicle
• ASIRT concludes investigation into EPS incident
• Suspicious vehicle complaint assists helps robbery investigation
• Multiple charges after suspicious vehicle investigation
• Airdrie RCMP charges San Diego man with Voyeurism
• Flight from police leads to three arrests in drive-by shooting
• Red Deer RCMP investigate personal robbery
• Injury MVC near Leduc
• Lac La Biche RCMP investigate threats made towards school
• Rimbey RCMP locate wanted male following attempted truck theft
• Fatal MVC near Kitscoty
• Firearms stolen in Grande Prairie B&E
• Spruce Grove area drug bust
• Stony Plain search warrant leads to several charges

Piikani RCMP seek public's assistance in rash of thefts from vehicles

RCMP Alberta - Piikani RCMP are looking for tips from the public to help identify the person or persons responsible for a string of thefts from motor vehicles.

Between 9:00 pm on Sunday, April 23 and 7:00 am on Monday, April 24th, eight different vehicles were entered in the town of Brocket and items stolen from inside. Three of the vehicles had been left unlocked. For the other five vehicles, entry was gained by breaking a window.

Anyone with information on this or any other crimes is asked to contact the Piikani RCMP detachment at 403-965-2000. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) , by internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions). You do not have to reveal you identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or the seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

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ORCA advocates for quiet recreation in the Castle Parks

Christian Davis - Outdoor Recreation Council of Alberta (ORCA) Executive Director Albi Sole MSc appeared as a delegation before council for the MD of Pincher Creek at the outset of their April 11, 2017 regular meeting to talk about the benefits of non-motorized "quiet" outdoor recreation in the Castle Parks area.  He said ORCA recognizes the negative impact of removing off highway vehicles (OHVs) from the Castle Parks but averred the benefits will outweigh the negatives.

MD of Pincher Creek council holds off on Chamber of Commerce membership decision

Christian Davis - At their April 11, 2017 regular meeting, council for the MD of Pincher Creek heard from a delegation of Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce representatives Sam Schofield (President) and Ola Crook (Administrator), who asked council to consider purchasing a membership, at a cost of $265.

Ford F350 containing cinematographer equipment stolen in Millarville area

RCMP Alberta - On April 24, 2017 the Turner Valley RCMP received a complaint of a stolen pick up truck in the Millarville area. The white 2009 Ford F350 Crew Cab was taken sometime during the night from a quonset on a property situated on 240 Street West, just north of Highway 549. The truck was bearing Alberta licence SBZ046, had a white topper, Cabela's decals on the box and contained approximately $172,000 worth of cinematographer equipment.

MD of Pincher Creek council hears Patton Park revitalization update

Proposed (in 2015) Patton Park layout (altered Google map) - file image

Christian Davis - At their April 25, 2017 regular meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek heard from Patton Park Society President Kathy Rast. Patton Park is located in the hamlet of Lundbreck. The society, which was incorporated November 30, 2015, was organized to revitalize the park for the use of a number of stakeholders, including Livingstone School and residents of Lundbreck and the surrounding area, for multiple uses. Those uses include various sports activities including soccer, track and field, baseball, frisbee, horseshoes, skateboarding, and golf, as well as other activities such as walking, picnicking, and the annual Lundbreck Corn Fest and similar events. A revamped playground is also part of the plan, and is already in progress.  Rast asked council to consider helping fund an irrigation system for the track and field area, which is planned to be installed this year, to be completed by the end of summer.

Alberta stands with forestry industry

Government of Alberta - Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier issued the following statement in response to the latest development in the softwood lumber dispute with the United States:

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Alberta’s forest workers, their families and communities that rely on a strong forest industry.  Our government is working closely with the federal government and our forest industry to defend Alberta jobs and fair market access.  Together with affected provinces and Ottawa, we are developing plans to help support Albertans in addressing the possible impacts of a prolonged trade dispute.

Alberta RCMP reports to April 24, 2017

Pincher Creek RCMP summary to April 23
Gas and dash in Airdrie
Caterpillar bulldozer stolen near Del Bonita
Stolen excavator stolen near Blackfalds
Lotto tickets stolen in Airdrie
Arson in Bonnyville
Strathcona hit and run
Grande PrairieRCMP arrest man with axe

Alberta and Guangdong become sister provinces

Government of Alberta - Alberta and the province of Guangdong in southern China have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen ties and facilitate trade between the two jurisdictions.  Premier Rachel Notley signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Alberta in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong. Governor Ma Xingrui signed on behalf of the Guangdong government.

Lawn chemical poisoning

Amanda Poll, Alberta Health Services - Spring is here - that means sunshine, warmer weather and yard work! As we start planning out all of the work that needs to happen on our lawns and in our gardens, we may forget that the chemicals we use to make everything lush, green and fruitful can also be dangerous.

Syncline Castle Trails Association AGM to be held May 5

(promoting non-motorized recreation in the Castle)

AGM: May 5, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

Potluck supper before, and slides of backcountry travel after

Details: SynclineCastleTrailAssociation on Facebook OR synclinecastletrails.org website OR phone 403-627-5131

Paradise: God’s garden and ours

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - According to the earliest stories, God created a magnificent Garden of Eden and turned it over to Adam and Eve.  However, because these humans were not prepared to handle the knowledge associated with Eden, they were separated from the Paradise that surrounded them.  Through the centuries, although Old Testament believers tried, they could not reconnect with what was lost. The Prophet Amos, for example, longed to have his people “seek good and not evil”, but reality eluded them.

Solutions & Substitutions with Reena

Prescribed fire at Waterton Lakes National Park

Eskerine area closure map (Parks Canada)

Parks Canada - On Thursday, April 20, 2017, if conditions allow, Parks Canada fire management staff plan to light 2,200 hectares in the Eskerine Complex Prescribed Fire Area in Waterton Lakes National Park using aerial ignition devices. The prescribed fire area is between Bellevue Hill, the Bison Paddock, Waterton River and Lower Waterton Lakes and the Red Rock Road. Parks Canada fire crews including fire management specialists, and three helicopters will assist Waterton Lakes with this prescribed fire.

Health information breaches result in fine

Government of Alberta - A former registration and staffing clerk pleaded guilty and was fined $3,000 for accessing individuals’ health information in contravention of the Health Information Act (HIA) on March 27.  In 2015, Alberta Health Services (AHS) identified 279 alleged unauthorized accesses of health information in electronic health record systems by Deborah Nimco.  The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) received a self-reported breach from AHS. The OIPC also received 10 complaints from individuals affected by these incidents after they had been notified by AHS.

Swann statement on proclamation of off-highway vehicle safety legislation

Liberal Party of Alberta - On April 13, Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann released the following statement in response to the Order in Council proclaiming Bill 36, An Act to Enhance Off-highway Vehicle Safety:

“Requiring off-highway vehicle operators to use helmets on public land is an important first step, especially since Alberta was the only province not to have such legislation. However, much more needs to be done to ensure the safe operation of these machines.

MLA Stier questions ministers on water co-operatives funding

Wildrose Party - On April 12 Wildrose Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier questioned the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on water co-operatives funding. The Leavings Water Co-op near Claresholm is out of a local supply of water and has met with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure regarding their urgent need to supply over 550 people with reliable, clean water.

OWC introduces 2017 Outreach Assistant Nata De Leeuw

Nata on top of Mt. Dungarvan in Waterton National Park

Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) - As part of OWC's Engaging Recreationists program, we hire seasonal Outreach Assistants (OAs) to engage backcountry users in conversations about recreation and watershed health. We'd like to introduce you to the first of our OAs for 2017, Nata de Leeuw.

University of Lethbridge announces Board of Governors research chairs

University of Lethbridge - The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors appointed or reappointed seven Board of Governors Research Chairs at its regular meeting. The Board of Governors Research Chair program acknowledges the research accomplishments of University faculty members.

U of L appoints Kathleen Massey as new Associate Vice-President (Students)

University of Lethbridge - The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Kathleen Massey as Associate Vice-President (Students).  Massey is currently the Registrar and Executive Director, Enrolment Services at McGill University, a position she has held since 2007. She previously held posts at the University of Calgary, Centennial College and York University.

Alberta RCMP reports to April 19, 2017

• Pincher Creek RCMP summary for April 10-16, 2017
• April 13 armed robbery at Red Deer food store
• Red Deer RCMP investigate linked armed robberies
• Red Deer RCMP investigate harassment report
• Red Deer RCMP release composite drawing of robbery suspect
• Theft from Airdrie gas station
• B&E in Okotoks
• $10,000 Fraud at TD Canada Trust in Airdrie
• Enclosed trailer theft
• Red Deer RCMP search for driver of stolen truck
• Red Deer RCMP arrest driver of stolen truck
• Oyen RCMP investigate serious collision - Update
• Powered parachute interferes with air traffic
• High Prairie cocaine bust
• Rash of stolen vehicles in Sylvan Lake
• Fatal collision on Highway 855
• Red Deer RCMP investigate attempted personal robbery
• Wood Buffalo RCMP arrest man for second degree murder
• Vehicles prowled in Beaumont
• Grande Prairie RCMP Charge Male in Child Pornography Investigation
• Maskwacis RCMP continue efforts in homicide investigation

Copper wire theft near Fort Macleod

RCMP Alberta - On April 17, 2017, the Fort Macleod RCMP received a report of theft of copper wire from a rural business in Fort Macleod, AB, overnight. Approximately $15, 000 worth of copper wire was cut out of heavy equipment and stolen. The RCMP would like to remind the community to secure all equipment and to report any suspicious activity.

If you have information regarding this theft or any other crime please contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at (403) 553-7200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Police blotter to April 18, 2017

• Redwater RCMP investigate fatal collision
• Didsbury RCMP investigate armed robbery
• Semi vs train collision south of Lethbridge
• Strathmore armed robbery suspect charged
• Fatal MVC near Sexsmith
• Beaumont theft suspect sought by police
• Red Deer RCMP execute Highland Green search warrant
• Red Deer RCMP warns public of bank manager fraud
• Wood Buffalo assault victim dies
• Grande Prairie RCMP respond to Mischief complaints
• Stolen Red Deer kitten returned
• Bluffton Community Hall target of repeat vandalism
• Alberta and Saskatchewan disrupt fentanyl supply together

Talking tobacco with teens

Marissa Robinson

Marissa Robinson, Public Health student intern, AHS - In the not-so-distant past, tobacco use among teens was not uncommon - quite the opposite really. Now, in 2017, you may believe that teen tobacco-use is a thing of the past, especially considering that most Canadians have a much better understanding of the health consequences associated with tobacco use.

AHS South Zone introduces Indigenous Hospital Liaisons

Harley Crowshoe

Harley Crowshoe, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Health, AHS  - The role of the Indigenous Hospital Liaison was introduced to Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH) in December 2015, through Alberta Health Services’ Indigenous Health Program in South Zone.

Let loose in the world

The Ascension (Gustave Doré courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - “Is he dead?” Pilate’s wife asked the soldier after he returned from the tomb. She had taken notice of this Jesus of Nazareth when he was brought before her husband earlier in the week. Now she’d heard strange rumours and wondered what the truth really was. “No, Madame,” the soldier replied. “He is not dead.”

“Not dead!” She could hardly believe her ears. “Not dead! Then where is he?”

“Let loose in the world, Madame,” came the reply. “Let loose in the world where nothing can corrupt his truth.”

Solutions and substitutions with Reena

Reena Nerbas

In this issue: Cornbread tip, soiled cushions, salty water stains on windows, keeping mice out of farm machinery, cleaning ovens, all about rice, household hints, cleaning aluminum baking sheets, hardened honey, stinky pet fish, reface/recasting thermoplastic kitchen drawers, household hints.

Mustangs athletes prepare for upcoming ABC Bowl

Coach Jeremy Nelson - When you think of springtime sports in Pincher Creek you might think of baseball, soccer, rugby or even softball. Not for a select group, spring sports means football, football, football. Yes you read that right football.  A handful of Mustang football players are soon to be reading playbooks, learning the new plays, hitting the gridiron and practicing all weekend. Not only that, but some local coaches will be right there beside them.

Mustangs well represented at Alberta's ABC Border Bowl victory

Former Mustangs at the 2016 ABC Border Bowl:

Austin Bruder, Thane Buckingham, Riley Sokownin

(Kim Buckingham photos)

Originally published January 18, 2017.  Updated with Riley Sokownin interview.

Chris Davis - Way back on December 10 Alberta won the annual 2016 ABC Border Bowl Current Stars Game at Chilliwack BC's Exhibition Park, an event that organizers now refer to as  the "2016 ABC Snow Bowl".  The game featured athletes in grades 11 and 12 from Alberta and British Columbia.  The two teams played in a foot and a half to two feet of snow, with the snow still falling.  Alberta won 8-6.  Three young men familiar to Pincher Creek Mustangs fans were on the Alberta team: Austin Bruder (Left Tackle Offence, Pincher Creek Mustangs). Riley Sokownin (QB Lethbridge's Winston Churchill Bulldogs), and Thane Buckingham (Strong Side Linebacker, Taber's WR Rebels).  All three began their football careers as Pincher Creek Mustangs.  Also in attendance was Dennis Sokownin, who coached all three nine years ago.

April is Canada’s National Oral Health month

Jenna Simmons, Dental Hygienist

Jenna Simmons, Dental Hygienist, Alberta Health Services - April is Canada’s National Oral Health month. Good oral health is important and can relate to good overall health. Oral pain, tooth decay, missing teeth and infections can decrease a person’s quality of life.  Tooth decay in children is prevalent in today’s society and there are many people that do not view this as an issue. Missing teeth or pain from decay can cause a child to be unable to eat. This can relate to lack of nutrition which can decrease a child’s overall well-being.

Alberta chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supports direction of new Castle Parks

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Alberta Chapter - A group of Alberta hunters and anglers are congratulating the government on the protection of the Castle Provincial and Wildland Parks and supporting the phase-out of off-highway vehicle use from the new parks.  The Alberta Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers are united in their belief that the freedom to hunt and fish depends on habitat. While many enjoy hunting and fishing on a range of landscapes, there is something special – even magical – about hunting deep in the backcountry or fishing on a remote river.

Gossiping about Annora Brown

Annora Brown painting, picture courtesy of Mary-Beth Laviolette

Joyce Sasse - Annora Brown wrote, in her introduction to Old Man’s Garden, that her intention was to “gossip about the flowers of the west” because she wanted to “gather under one cover some of the legend and lore (about them) that is to be found lying in odd corners.”  Now, in our Life & Legacy Project, we want to gossip about Annora Brown. We want to bring together the bits and pieces of her life and lore and memorabilia that made her such an amazing person.

RCMP reports to April 12, 2017

• Pincher Creek RCMP summary for the week of April 3-9, 2017
• Know your role when dialing 911
• RCMP search in north Red Deer for theft suspects
• Pedestrian struck by vehicle in Grande Prairie
• $200,000 drug bust in Edmonton
• Charges laid in string of rural Vulcan area thefts
• Theft of Trailer and side-by-side quad in Cochrane
• Red Deer RCMP look for kitten thief
• Jasper RCMP arrest bank robbery suspect
• Elk Point RCMP investigates theft of gas and stolen vehicle
• Theft of oilfield equipment near Lloydminster
• Red Deer RCMP arrests include stolen vehicles and outstanding warrants
• EPS civilian employee arrested by Internet Child Exploitation unit

Linden Willms tells Multicultural Friendship Group of his visits to Kikwit, Africa

Linden Willms

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek's Linden Willms shared his experiences from his time in the Africa, spanning over 40 years of trips, at the Pincher Creek Multicultural Friendship Group (MCFG)  potluck dinner on March 25.  He has been visiting Kikwit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa since 1974. He originally went on a mission for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for an agricultural project.  He has visited this same area three more times in the last 6 years.  Willms said "Every country in Africa is unique, and the Congo is very unique."  Originally Willms went because MCC sponsored agriculture development projects in the Congo.  Willms and his wife Del spent five years in the Kikwit area trying to help the people hands-on through teaching agriculture and animal husbandry so the locals would be able to take over the project when they left.