Boilerplate

Celebrate Black History Month with us at the Cochrane Public Library!

Bertrand Bickersteth is the 2024-2025 Writer in Residence for Athabasca University. He was born in Sierra Leone and raised in Alberta. His work explores the question of what it means to be Black and from the Prairies through a variety of prisms: historical, biographical, and essentially, geographical. His collection of poetry, The Response of Weeds, was the recipient of multiple awards. His writing has appeared in many places including Geist, Prairie Fire, The Walrus, The Sprawl, and CBC’s Black on the Prairies. His current project features the history of Black cowboys in western Canada. He lives in Moh’kins’tsis (Calgary) and teaches at Olds College.

Join us as we celebrate Black Excellence with Bertrand. Refreshments will be served.

Registration is now open and available through the Cochrane Public Library website.

This event is made possible through the generosity of the Walmart Community Grant.

The second session of the Living Sustainably Series III will be Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality in the Bow Valley on Jan. 18, 2025 from 10am - 11:30am at the Frank Wills Memorial Hall, 405-1 St E, Cochrane AB.

Over the last decade, the increased frequency of wildfires in western Canada have produced more and more smoke. Since this trend is expected to increase, wildfire smoke will continue to impact air quality in the Bow Valley.

The Calgary Region Airshed Zone (CRAZ) monitors, collects, and analyzes air quality data in Calgary and the surrounding region. CRAZ has developed a “Community Guide to Wildfire Smoke and Health’, to provide consistent Alberta-specific messaging, resources, and information to help municipalities, companies, schools, organizations and the public to plan for and prepare for wildfire smoke events.

CRAZ will review and discuss the following:

• the composition of smoke,
• fire and air,
• how smoke can negatively affect a person’s health,
• how to protect yourself during smoke events,
• overview the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), and
• overall air quality trends in the Bow Valley.

The speakers will include Mandeep Dhaliwal and Tanya Carlson.

Mandeep Dhaliwal is the Air Quality Program Manager with CRAZ.
Mr. Dhaliwal, B.SC., P.CHEM, is an atmospheric scientist with over 15 years of experience in monitoring air quality (ambient and indoor), meteorology, and noise. Mandeep is experienced in monitoring data collection and data validation protocols, as per provincial and national air monitoring reporting protocols. In previous positions, Mandeep has developed, implemented, and maintained various monitoring programs related to mining and oil & gas operations throughout Canada.

Tanya Carlson is the Engagement Program Manager with CRAZ.
Ms. Carlson began her tenure with CRAZ as the Engagement Program Manager in March 2015. With a robust background in the non-profit sector, Tanya has dedicated several years to roles in Marketing and Special Event Management before joining CRAZ. In 2022, Tanya completed her Non Profit Management Certification from Mount Royal University. Additionally, she is also a Recreation Therapist, specializing in the field of Gerontology.

For more information: info@cochraneenvironment.org

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health Workshop
Date: March 11th, 2024
Time: 12:30 to 5:00 pm
Location: Canmore Recreation Center, Room 200, 1900 8th Ave, Canmore, Alberta

Join us for an informative Wildfire Smoke and Your Health Workshop. Learn the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. Our expert speakers will discuss the health risks associated with exposure to smoke, offer practical tips for staying safe, and answer any questions you may have.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and receive up-to-date information to safeguard your health during wildfire season. Sign up now to secure your spot!

Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wildfire-smoke-and-your-health-workshop-tickets-824730831117

A PRESENTATION PAIRING SCIENCE, ART, AND SPECIALTY WINE, SERVED WITH LIGHT APPETIZERS.

Join us for "Wine and Wolves of the World," featuring Dr. Shelley Alexander, a leading expert on wild canid behaviour and compassionate conservation, and award-winning wildlife photographer Jo-Anne Oucharek. Explore captivating wolf research and stunning wildlife photography, as they share their passion for understanding and protecting wolves while showcasing the beauty of nature through science and the art of storytelling.

Specialty wine & light food pairings will be served, with vegetarian options. A silent auction will be held with work by local artists.

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Evening Program:

6:30pm - Doors open, specialty wine & light food pairings served, and silent auction opens with work by local artists

7:15pm - Presentation begins, followed by a question period

8:15pm - Socializing, Final bidding

9:00pm - Silent Auction closes

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Date: Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Location: Vinestone Wine Co. 608 Second St W, Cochrane, AB

Price: $125

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About our Presenters:

Dr. Shelley M. Alexander

Dr. Shelley Alexander is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Calgary. She has over 30 years of experience studying wolves and coyotes. Shelley founded the Canid Conservation Science Lab. Embracing the principles of Compassionate Conservation, her research spans ecology, ethology, epidemiology, ethics, and coexistence (@canid_lab). She founded the flagship coexistence program UCalgary Living with Wildlife (https://research.ucalgary.ca/wildlife). Shelley has provided expert review on wild canid behaviour for international communities, courts, and contributes regularly to the media on best coexistence practices.

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Jo-Anne Oucharek

Jo-Anne Oucharek is an award-winning wildlife photographer. Capturing moments has always been a part of her life. When she moved to Cochrane in 2014, she brought my camera out of retirement. It marked the beginning of a new photography adventure. It was the birds that inspired “Nature in my Backyard”! This new journey opened her eyes to the beauty and nature that surrounds us in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Her adventures are usually close to home, but over the past couple of years, her backyard has expanded, travelling to other provinces, the US and Africa to capture amazing birds and wildlife stories. Jo-Anne is passionate about sharing her adventures through the stories behind the lens. Her hope is the images captured from these adventures provide insight into the compelling stories of the animals she is fortunate to spend time with in nature.

The past 10 years have been a learning experience. A big part of my journey is connecting with like-minded photographers who believe that nature comes first. We are privileged to have such a variety of wildlife so close to home. When we get to see wildlife in their natural environment, it is truly a gift!

The winter season is brim full of holidays and traditions. Experience the various moods of the holiday season – from wonder and awe, to festive joy, to romance, to toe-tapping, big-band-style!

Cochrane Music Society is eager to celebrate the magic of this time as we warm our audience with fantastic music!

Saturday, December 14 at 7pm
Cochrane Alliance Church

Tickets at www.cochranemusic.ca and at the door

Cochrane Food Bank Donations Welcome!