Wee Jackie Weighs In

It’s not really a pressing question, but who will light the torch and who will carry the flag if Cochrane gets some games?
It’s a possibility, and there’s certainly interest.

Approximately 30 people gathered at the RancheHouse Nov. 14 to hear Dennis Allan, director of Alberta Games and Marketing, outline some of the challenges and rewards of hosting a games.

Alberta games host as many as 2,000 teenage athletes and a great deal of work.

Alberta 55 Plus Games are less than half the participants and certainly much less cost.

There’s been no decision of course, but the feeling I got from that group is Cochrane should make a bid to host the 2013 55 Plus Summer Games.
I like that idea for a number of reasons.

First, Cochrane has existing facilities that could handle it. It would be delightful if our new swimming pool was complete by then, but even if not we could get by with the existing one.

The 55 Plus Games always attract a good   amount of fans, but wouldn’t there be more if it were summer and we’re this close to the Rockies?

Another aspect of summer games I’d like to see is the Stoney Nation get involved with Cochrane as hosts. Just think of the colour, tradition and history they could and would bring to such an event.

The potential for our community is enormous.

There are many details to explore of course, but the next step is a meeting in January involving some of the key people from Airdrie’s successful hosting of the 2009 55 Plus Summer Games.

And I don’t think it’s too early at all to start the wheels rolling.

Airdrie made a decent profit, so there’s no reason we can’t.

And wouldn’t it be nice at the end of such an event to have enough profit to pay for some much needed facilites in our new seniors’ centre?
Just a thought, and everything is at this stage.

How about buttons for everyone in Cochrane saying, “Just ask me. I live here.”

The potential is endless.

We’ll keep you posted.

That empty chair is reserved for you for the next meeting investigating if Cochrane should host a provincial games. Dennis Allan, director of Alberta Games and Marketing, spoke to about 30 Cochrane folks Nov. 14 at the RancheHouse. Another informational meeting will be organized in January, but no date has yet been determined. Photo by Jack Tennant

Show time
Now this acting thingy.

The Vision  Theatre production of Knight Fever goes at the RancheHouse Nov. 27, 28 and 29. THIS YEAR.

NEXT WEEK.

Am I ready? Of course not. I will never be completely ready in my mind for such an adventure.

As you know, I’ve never acted before and the saving grace is nobody is more aware of that hard truth than my fellow actors in this production. Their help, encouragement and motivation is simply amazing.

It’s really quite amazing to be involved and witness how a production like Knight Fever all comes together.

From actors, to directors, to stage hands, to sound, costumes, scenery, props, lights —  everything must be done just perfectly to make it all come together as it should and will.

But that Lester is a funny jester. Even though he can be a bit of a berk.

See you there.

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