Blackie & the Rodeo Kings

What began as a one-off tribute album to the late, iconic singer/songwriter, Willie P. Bennett, by formidable roots warriors, Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden and Tom Wilson, has erupted into one of the most highly-regarded and well-received roots collectives currently on the market: Blackie & the Rodeo Kings.

The boys are storming into town, making their way to the Cochrane Alliance Church for the first 2012 show for the 12th season of the Cochrane Valley Folk Club (CVFC) on Feb. 5.

“We’re on tour forever, but this leg is seven shows,” said one of the Kings’ three founders, Stephen Fearing, adding that the group is gearing up for a major Massey Hall (Toronto) show on March 21.

“I think of it as the ‘lunatics taking over the asylum show’.”

The trio continues to wield their enormously successful 2011 release, Kings and Queens — a 14-track splendor featuring a different ‘queen’ from blues, country, jazz and roots genres, such as Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Serena Ryder and Cassandra Wilson to name a few; Linden took the production reigns and since its June release, the Canadian guitar gurus have focused on touring the U.S. This year, however, is the year to bring it home.

Canadian fans can anticipate a heavy fall touring schedule for the group, who will likely have a queen or two as guest appearances.

It’s been 17 years since the trio put their heads together to collaborate on a tribute album in honour of their beloved friend Bennett, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 57.

“We gathered around the fire of Willie P. Bennett’s music,” said Fearing. “It meant that there was a template for us.”

Fearing added that the unique platform the three chose to stand on together in their quiet beginnings helped each of them spare their egos — a common problem when three successful frontmen embark on an egalitarian project.

What helps, Fearing added, is that Blackie & the Rodeo Kings operates like a safety net when each member pursues their ongoing solo projects.

“We all get to go out and do our own things and then come back to the house of Blackie & the Rodeo Kings,” said Fearing, who is currently wrapping up a tour with Ireland’s Andy White, in promotion of the duo’s 2011 release, Fearing & White.

The folkster’s counterparts, Linden and Wilson, also remain busy when not working on their trio’s jammed-packed schedule of recording albums and subsequent touring.

Linden’s resume includes multiple accolades as a producer, (Bruce Cockburn and Colin James, for example) — even a Grammy; his songs have been covered by The Band, Keb’ Mo’ and The Blind Boys of Alabama and his work as a hired ‘guit-slinger’ has seen him flanking the sides of Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris and Robert Plant.

“I get to play in a band with one of the best guitar players in the world (Colin Linden),” affirm-ed Fearing, who himself, carts around his 1989 Manzer acoustic and 1963 Harmony H-75 electric.

The many successes of veteran rocker Tom Wilson also stand on their own — from his formidable days as the frontman for Junkhouse or his alter-ego, ‘acid-folk’ LeE HARVeY OsMOND project; but his bold presence and rocker appeal often culminates in surprise after surprise.

Wilson’s son, Tompson Wilson, will be opening up for the Kings (who will be accompanied by bassist John Dymond and drummer, Brian Owings) with his four-piece, roots-rock group, Harlan Pepper.

Tickets to all CVFC shows are $25 and are available at Cochrane Coffee Traders or online at cochranefolkclub.com; doors to the Alliance Church open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Ron Partlow

Those interested in learning about health and fitness from a seasoned pro can participate in a weekend with 2007 Canadian super heavyweight bodybuilding champion, Ron Partlow.

The 6-foot-2, 320 pounder, who lives in Grande Prairie, will be hosting a two-day seminar at the Cochrane Health and Fitness Club Feb. 4-5.

The seminar will involve an information session, exercise and lifting technique demonstrations, as well as an open floor question and answer period.

Those taking part in both days will attend a round-table meal with time for one-on-one conversation with Partlow, along with eligibility for more than $500 in door prize money on the second day.

“We wanted to bring him in to help people get started — to learn from the best about health and fitness,” said Stacey Broderick, who owns Cochrane Health and Fitness, along with her husband, Gord.

Broderick added that the seminar is geared just as much towards women as men and that it gives people who are interested in the sport of body building an in-depth look into the lifestyle, while debunking some of the myths surrounding it.

Talking candidly and openly about the commitment and passion he has for his chosen path as a competitive body builder, coach and educator of the sport, Partlow reflects on his early teenage beginnings and early Schwarzeneg-ger influences.

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow! He looks incredible!’ ” laughed Partlow, of his 13-year-old self watching Conan The Barbarian for the first time.

Soon afterwards, Partlow found his passion inside a gym. Whatever sport he was playing at the time — BMX, downhill skiing or football — his love for the gym fueled his successes in sport and set the tone for his career path.

“The thing I love the most is the training — being in the gym, pushing myself, overcoming obstacles,” he said.

Partlow began competing in 1997, earning his biggest win to date in 2007 — the Canadian super heavyweight title.

This year, Partlow will be heading to the nationals — the 2012 Canadian Body Building Federation (CBBF) Championships in Edmonton on Aug. 18, in search of the overall title, which would officially spring him from amateur to pro status.

Partlow said he will begin training for the event around four months prior.

“That’s when the diet changes,” he explained. “Every single thing I eat is weighed, recorded and accounted for.”

When not in training for a competition, Partlow devotes 60-90 minutes to weight lifting each day and eats 6-7 meals (around 5,000 calories) and an astounding 450 grams of protein per day.

Once training kicks in, his routine amps up to include an additional two hours per day in the gym — consisting of an hour of cardio and an hour of therapy (massage and physio); he also lessens his carbohydrate and calorie consumption, helping him cut down to 260-270 pounds for competition.

“The weight training is incredibly intense — full-out and all-out,” explained Partlow, adding that the common misconception that body builders are “only” in the gym for less than two hours per day is because people don’t understand how intense that time spent really is.

To learn more or to register for Partlow’s seminar on Feb. 4-5, phone Cochrane Health and Fitness Club at 403-932-4250 or visit bigronpartlow.com.

Judy Norman

Mary and Catherine Barclay spent two life-altering weekends hiking in the Bragg Creek area in May of 1933.

During those walks the Calgary school teachers formed the idea of creating a place for young travellers like themselves to stay while enjoying the area’s renowned beauty — a place like the youth hostels common in Europe, where they had recently travelled.

The sisters walked out of the woods and asked Harry and Ida May White if they could erect a tent on their Wake Siah Lodge property. The Whites agreed. By the end of the first season 64 guests had spent 25 cents each to stay for a night.

The 12-foot by 14-foot canvas structure became North America’s first youth hostel on July 1, 1933.

Parks Canada has just added it to the list of historically significant sites in Canada.

“This illustrates that Bragg Creek has been a popular and accessible destination for hikers and campers to have a wilderness experience for a very long time,” said Bragg Creek’s historian, Barbara Teghtmeyer.

A plaque was erected at the site on White Avenue in 2009.

The tent was used for two summers, until local game warden Tom Fullerton offered to let the sisters and their group build a permanent hostel in 1936 on his Last Break Ranch property, five kilometres north of Bragg Creek. Fullerton and his wife Elizabeth served as house parents.

It is that building, a log cabin with a beautiful stone fireplace, that many in the area — along with former hostellers returning to Bragg Creek as visitors in their later years for the 2009 plaque unveiling — remember as the Bragg Creek youth hostel site.

Fullerton sold his ranch to Alex Baptie in 1947 and the Baptie family continued to operate the hostel on weekends until the late 1950s/early 60s. The Fullerton hostel building no longer exists.

In the ’70s a newer building was constructed inside the Kananaskis Country entrance at West Bragg Creek. It burned down in 1984 and was not replaced.

Judy Norman, a member of the Baptie family, still lives in the original Fullerton ranch house, which was built in 1914. She has concerns the Fullertons don’t get the recognition due them as the hosts of the permanent hostel.

“If Mary (Barclay) was still alive she would say this was where the hostel was,” Norman said.

According to the Springbank history book Chaps and Chinooks, the second hostel in the area was operated by Robert and Minnie Barnes from 1947 to 1968 on a property on Highway 22 south of Highway 1.

Tent erected on what is now White Ave. in Bragg Creek where hostel was built

Deb Erickson with horse Don Bandido

Partaking in anything and everything to do with part and pure Spanish Andalusian horses, Deb Erickson of Highland Stables will be bringing dressage virtuoso, Dominique Barbier to her Highland Stables to lead his third classical dressage clinic at the venue.

Barbier will be hosting his three-day clinic Feb. 10-12; those who wish to participate with their horses must register a week ahead of time, while auditors can just pay at the door to get in.

Located 10 minutes north of Cochrane on Highway 22, Highland Stables has been around for 15 years, focused on Erickson’s long-running favored breed — the Spanish Andalusian.

Recognized as an individual breed in Spain since the 15th century, the majestic animal is known for it’s beautiful elegance, yet strong build. Originally bred for bullfighting, classical dressage, driving and as stock horses, modern Andalusians are primarily used for classical dressage, jumping and other equestrian activities.

“Because of their bold nature, I compare my horse to a Ferrari — very quick to accelerate,” said horsewoman, Erickson, who has been on a horse her entire life, but began dressage with Andalusians later in life.

“If you want to drive a sports car, then the pure Spanish (Andalusian) horse is for you.”

“My husband dances very little, so I bought a horse that I could dance with a lot,” she laughed.

Erickson said they have had great reception with Barbier’s clinics and hope to have him return every 3-4 months to continue his work with previous, as well as new clientele.

“The training that Dominique does transcends to and improves the movement of all horses for all competitions,” she said. “But his focus is on classical dressage.”

A native of France, Barbier now resides in California, and is recognized on an international scale for his contributions to the world of classical dressage – through books, hands-on instruction and globe trotting with his style and technique.

“Dominique has a real love of horses and he’s one of the few masters of classical dressage,” said Erickson, adding that his technique involves bringing lightness and balance to the horse, with minimal interruption from the rider.

“Under his training, your goal is to learn to dance with your horse.”

Auditors can attend Barbier’s workshop for $60 plus GST per day or for all three days for $165 plus GST. Those wishing to bring their horses must pre-register.

Auditors and participants are encouraged to read Barbier’s book, Dressage for the New Age, prior to the clinic; 4-H and other pony club students will receive special rates.

Deb Erickson can be reached at deb@highlandstables.ca or 403-932-7797. Learn more about Dominique Barbier at dominiquebarbier.net.

Amanda Stephens-Reed

In an effort to assist ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Zumba lovers can dance for the cause on Feb. 3 at the SLS Centre from 6-7 p.m.

Hosted by Zumba instructor, Amanda Stephens-Reed, and led by Zumba education specialist, Andrea Sandhu, the fundraiser is part of a series of Zumbathon events taking place across the nation between Feb. 1-March 31.

Proceeds go directly to MDA’s Augie’s Quest — a non-profit research initiative dedicated to finding the cure and improving on treatment alternatives for ALS.

“People should want to join because it is our responsibility to help those who can’t help themselves,” said Stephens-Reed. “All you have to do to support is buy a ticket and dance.”

MDA’s Augie’s Quest is named after Augustine (Augie) Nieto, a leading figure in the fitness industry who was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. Alongside wife Lynne, the Nietos work tirelessly on their worldwide campaign to combat ALS.

“I believe there is a cure out there and I want to do everything I can to help,” said Stephens-Reed. “Dancing is my life and I see the joy and happiness that people have while dancing and want everyone to be able to feel that.”

Tickets are $20 or two for $35. Zumba instructors who take part and bring three students with them get in free and Zumba participants who bring five friends also get in free.

There will be free United we Dance gear available for participants and a chance to win a free month of Zumba from the SLS Centre. Those who wish to purchase tickets or learn more about the event can go to facebook.com/Zumbamesexy or phone Amanda Stephens-Reed at 403-796-5515.

Not every church can say their annual goal is to outdress their pastor.

Cowboy Trail Church, an evangelical Christian fellowship who connect gospel music with western values and flair, is celebrating their seventh anniversary on Feb. 7.

The group, who gets together every Tuesday evening at the Cochrane RancheHouse, is led by pastor Bryn Thiessen — who’s prescence can’t be missed.

“Our pastor is a very colourful dresser, to put it mildly,” said secretary-treasurer, Dee Doige. “We started this tradition six years ago.”

“It’s a regular church service, but we add some fun to it.”

The congregation varies anywhere from 110-165 members throughout the year and is well-known for their Christmas caroling, visiting Cowboy poets and wagon rides.

Doige said to make it seven years is a great accomplishment for a church. Their secret?

“Bryn’s motto is to tell the truth and serve good coffee — those two are non-negotiable,” laughed Doige.

Intrigued newbies are encouraged to stop by and take in the various wildly dressed members on Feb. 7 at the Cochrane RancheHouse.

Learn more about Cowboy Trail Church at cowboytrailchurch.com.

Bob & Beverly Head

Established last spring, the Cochrane and District Warm Water Therapy Pool Society is gaining momentum and is hoping to see a few new faces at their first annual general meeting (AGM) on Feb. 8, which will be held on the second floor of the Provincial Building at 7 p.m., with guest speakers, marathon man Martin Parnell and councillor JoAnn Churchill.

The group, which already has more than 50 members, is advocating for a full-sized warm water therapy pool to be included in the proposed new aquatic centre.

“It’s quite well-known that warm water is very good for people with certain illnesses, and Parkinson’s is one of them,” said committee member Bob Head, whose wife, Beverly, has been battling a slow deterioration from the illness for 15 years.

Beverly’s symptoms include affected balance and gait, slow and hushed speech and physical discomfort.

Bob went on to explain that research has shown that warm water therapy poses numerous benefits for all ages and types of injuries — including cardiac rehab, post-surgery, post-injury and post-polio persons, as well as those battling arthritis and cerebral palsy, among a host of other ailments and illnesses.

Committee member Lydia Graham said the group has been working with a variety of health and wellness specialists, who support the proposed therapy pool, which would be able to accommodate persons with severe physical disabilities and their support workers.

“It offers benefits for all ages — young people, seniors, athletes,” said Graham.

Suzanne Gaida, senior manager of community services with the Town of Cochrane said that representatives from the society have been directly involved with the schematic design phase of the new aquatic centre and that the Town will continue to work with the group to meet their needs.

“We want to get directors — we can have up to 15,” said Gaida of the AGM’s goal.

The estimated cost of the new aquatic centre is 29 million, and the Town has put it to the community to come up with one-third of the cost through fundraising initiatives.

To learn more about the Cochrane and District Warm Water Therapy Pool Society or the upcoming AGM, contact Pat Graham at 403-932-1980.

To find out more about the proposed aquatic centre, contact Suzanne Gaida at suzanne.gaida@coch-rane.ca.

AHS

From Feb. 3-14, Screen Test — Alberta Health Services (AHS) – Screening Programs’ mobile breast cancer screening mammography service — is coming to Cochrane; this service is part of the Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program.

The mobile screening unit will be parked in the…

Urgent Care Services-Cochrane Community Health Centre, parking lot, providing mammography service to women by appointment only; the centre is located at 60 Grande Boulevard.

The service is geared toward women between the ages of 50-69; women not in this age category must be referred by a doctor before booking an appointment with the exception of women under the age of 40 — who are not eligible to take part in the Screen Test program.

“This is our first visit to Cochrane,” said AHS Screen Test manager, Joan Hauber. “We’re quite excited about it and have had some excellent community support.”

Screen Test, which began in 1991, provides mammography service to women living in rural areas — to provide better service and improved access to all women.

Hauber emphasizes that early detection is the first step towards prevention and that women between 50-69 can benefit from getting screening mammograms every two years and a breast exam from their health care provider on an annual basis.

“We want all women who are age-eligible to have access to mammograms,” said Hauber.

Working closely with Urgent Care Services site manager, Sean McIntyre, Carmen Webber, health promotions specialist with AHS Screen Test in Calgary, said that while they are hoping for a good turn out, it may take a couple of visits to get the ball rolling.

“Once we have an engaged clientele, when it comes time for their next screening mammography, we’ll send out reminder letters,” said Webber, adding that all women who participate in the program will receive a letter.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 23,400 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, of which 5,100 won’t survive.

Eligible women are encouraged to phone 1-800-667-0604 to book an appointment; learn more about AHS at albertahealthservices.ca.

Five months of tough practice will be landing the 16 members of the Snap Dance Performance Team in the Mayan Riviera from Feb. 16-23 — thanks in part to the Cochrane community for purchasing tickets to the now sold-out fundraising gala.

The gala will be held on Feb. 4 at the Cochrane RancheHouse, and includes dinner, a silent auction, a dance performance and a family dance to follow; over 200 tickets were sold for the event.

“It’s to raise funds for the trip and to unveil the show,” said Snap Dance Studios instructor/owner, Courtney Sproule. “It gives the dancers a chance to practice on home soil.”

The troupe will be staying at the Gran Bahia Principe Tulum in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico; the resort has three adjacent resorts, which gives the dancers three different stages to perform on nightly over their week-long stay.

“It’s a really good opportunity,” said 13-year-old Meghan Luft, who will be heading down with the troupe, accompanied by her mother, Sherri Luft.

“I love to learn the steps and express myself through the movements.”

To learn more about Snap Dance Studios and their various classes, visit snapdancestudios.com.

Colin Davidson, left, and brother Cameron.

The annual Cochrane celebration of Robbie Burns Night — an evening filled with traditional dance, food and song in homage to the famed 18th century Scottish icon and poet — will be of particular significance to any parent or person who has ever been affected by war.

Muriel Davidson, bagpiper with the Cochrane Men of Vision Pipes & Drums, will be brimming with pride and emotion, as she pipes in the haggis (traditional Scottish dish) which will be carried in by her 23-year-old identical twin sons, who are both soldiers with Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) armoured regiment, based out of Edmonton.

Muriel has spent the last two years anxiously awaiting the safe return of her only two children from their respective tours of duty in Afghanistan.

Colin was deployed to Afghanistan for eight months in 2010 and Cameron returned home after serving there for six months in 2011. On Dec. 4, 2011, Muriel was reunited with both her sons for the first time in two years.

“The last two years have been living in fear for my sons’ well-being,” said Muriel.

“Now that they are safely home, I have such an overwhelming sense of gratitude.  I keep the 158 families who lost their soldiers in my thoughts and those who are dealing with injuries and emotional scars.”

When asked what the hardest adjustment was upon arriving in Afghanistan, the twins unanimously agreed on one thing in particular — the heat.

“It was about 50-55 degrees celsius when I got there,” said Cameron, adding that the dust and air quality (allegedly made up of 45 per cent fecal matter) was the worst either had ever encountered.

“It bites your tongue,” said Colin.

“Afghanistan is hell on earth,” added Cameron, providing an example of culture shock he experienced when he saw a car drive by with a man driving, a goat in the front seat, wife in the back seat and two children strapped to the roof of the car by rope.

“It’s called the wild west because they’ve just started establishing a police force, etcetera,” explained Colin. “That was my main job — working with the Afghanistan army and national police to help them establish wells, schools and get supplies to rural Afghanistan.”

Cameron, who spent his time in the Kandahar Airfield, working with add-on armour removal, clearly remembers the explosions from the Iraq attacks — which occurred 10-15 times per day.

For this soldier, whose closest call was being a mere 15 paces away from an explosion, it was nothing more than a constant reminder to not become too comfortable.

“The word our bosses used a lot was complacency,” said Colin. “Especially to not get complacent in your last couple of months — to keep your guard up.”

Nonetheless, both Cameron and Colin have no regrets about joining the Canadian Armed Forces, as they vividly talked about opportunities to travel the world, receive a well-rounded education and continue to feel the unmistakeable pride for serving their country.

Colin and Cameron will also be performing a bagpipe duet on Robbie Burns night. The event takes place at the Cochrane RancheHouse on Jan. 28. Doors open at 6 p.m and entertainment will be provided by the Cochrane Men of Vision Pipes & Drums and Calgary Celtic-rockers, Fraid Knot.

Phone 403-932-7446 for more details.