It's Hockey time in Bonnyville

Dropped into the first exhibition game of this year's version of the Bonnyville Pontiacs and unfortunately they were playing Ft. Mac. Yup, the MOB was back in town with their big budget coaching and player enticements. OK, I'm jealous but our youngsters did a pretty good job until about mid way in the second period and then they kept backing up. Yes, there were a lot of new players that have moved up from Midget level and lots of new faces so I guess we can't fault them too much at this stage. For a first effort it was pretty entertaining and there were some noticeable new talents that stood out. Beau Ferbey (4) comes to mind who played a great game on defense but needs some help on the other side. Ty Carey (27) is going to be a power house up front with a deft hand and great positioning. Newcomer Matt Montesano (27) all the way from Boston who had never even heard of the AJHL until a month or two ago is another welcome addition.

Rejoining the Pontiacs are Go Getter Kevin Carthy sporting a new A on his sweater. Kevin jumped on a stray puck last night and set up the only regulation time goal for the Pontiacs against the Ft. Mac onslaught. Yup, the final score was 6 to 1 for them. Oh, we went 3 for 3 in the shootout vs their 1 for 3 but it was too little too late and you have to score those good ones during the game. I'm not sure I'm going to  like the new format they are introducing to break ties - One five minute 3 on 3 followed by a shootout. (the one they had last night was just a practice to get the boys used to it.) I say, finish the other team off by the final buzzer. In any case, there's lots of raw talent there for Coach Mercier to work with and now its up to him and his assistants to trim the herd and get the juggernaut rolling. Have a terrific season. Home opener is Saturday, September 11 against the Lloyd Bob Cats at the RJ Lalonde arena 7 p.m.  Go Pontiacs!

Where you gonna get your Beef?

The cattle industry in Alberta continues to be in a state of jeopardy. How many current ranchers/farmers will survive and can they continue to produce beef and receive only a pittance for their hard work while packers earn record profits and the consumer is still unaware. Join other producers at a town hall meeting coming up on August 23rd at Flat Lake Hall. It all starts at 6 p.m. with what else, BEEF on a Bun. The meeting will start at 7 with Chuck MacLean - Alberta Beef Producers chairman as the guest speaker. Its too darn wet to bale anyway and the fields are too soft to drive on. Although, it'll likely be hot and sunny that day. See the poster at right or print it off and stick it on your fridge. (Thanks to Bill Fox for passing this on.)

Ladies Tee it Up for Cancer

Here's an upcoming event that will get you swinging. Don't forget to register by the deadline of August 11, 2010. It looks like a great day of golf and friend/fund raising. You can phone the pro shop for more information or to book your cart.

Haying in the 30's a terrific event

It was a great weekend of music, old time farming demonstrations and giving at Haying in the 30's near Mallaig, Alberta on the August long weekend. Thousands of people visited the site to tour the exhibits, partake of the food and take in the entertainment provided by visiting musicians who donated their time.

Volunteer members of the committee operated horse driven machinery or vintage tractors to demonstrate how field work was done back in the day. Quaint buildings throughout the valley that makes up the site were staffed by even more volunteers who performed or informed all passers by. Some folks even decided to take their Saturday night bath next to the old saloon.

The most important part of the weekend though was the generosity of the visitors who came to support this Cancer Support Society. All visitors were fed, entertained and many even brought their RVs and none of them were charged any admission or fee for the food. All the Society asked was for them to consider a donation towards the cause. And they gave. At the end of the day on Sunday, it was announced that the event had raised approximately $165,000. dollars. The money will still keep coming in throughout the year with a cut off around the middle of December.  Last year's event raised a little over $200,000 by year end so organizers are hoping that the trend will continue.

The money is used to assist with expenses for those who have to travel for treatment or be near a loved one who is undergoing treatment. No one on the society is paid and none of the money is used to buy food or build buildings. Everything is donated so that 100% of the funds are available for those who need it most.  Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers who are Haying in the 30's.

To see more, visit their website www.hayinginthe30s.org