Opinion

While we’re only one month into 2017, the excitement is already building around the numerous opportunities residents in the Foothills will have to celebrate our great country this year.

I’ve noticed that the outdoor skating rink downtown is in perfect condition. Every Saturday in February there will be a skating party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the downtown outdoor skating rink beside the Olde Towne Plaza.

When the Russian Revolution broke out in 1917, my great-grandfather had to leave. At the time, he lived in Odessa and oversaw an Imperial orchard.

We welcomed 30 of our over 200 members to our annual meeting on Jan. 26. It seems we can’t even tempt attendance with delicious food, and the luncheon prior to the meeting definitely was superb.

If it only takes one generation to make a change, then my bet is on Gen Z. Including those born between 1995 and 2009, those belonging to the Generation Z cohort have mighty worthy traits.

Don’t forget our annual meeting tomorrow with lunch at noon and meeting to follow. Come out and welcome the new members of your executive and express your continued support for those who are staying on to keep your club running smoothly.

The snow has stopped falling and Okotokians are getting a bit of a reprieve from what has become a frigid winter so far. But, don’t put away the snow shovels just yet.

Thank you very much to everyone who made a donation or assisted with the Western Wheel Cares charity fundraiser in 2016. Together we raised $56,424.

The New Year’s Eve celebration at the Flare n’ Derrick was a huge success, although I’m told the number of attendees was only about half of last year. The weather was definitely a factor but the kids had so much fun in the snow.

Whoopee, I’ve got my free national parks pass. Yes, I’m one of those awful people who are going to troop into as many national parks as possible in this year-long birthday bash Canada’s merrily engaged upon.