A final goodbye to the Rep and Leduc

I am horrible at goodbyes. I am not that girl who starts bawling like a baby or the person who can just laugh it off and move on.

My goodbyes are usually awkward moments with long periods of silence as I try to figure out what to say next without sounding like a complete tool.

Seeing as my time in Leduc was filled with those awkward moments that have shaped my life in the past year and a half, I am just going to try to skip that with a final column to say one last adios before I leave the paper on Oct. 29. I learned a lot during my 18 months employment, one summer internship and two practicum’s at the Leduc Rep. But that is just the icing on the cake compared to the people I have met and interesting events I had the opportunity to take part in.

The first person I need to thank would have to be my editor Michelle. Not only did she teach me so much about journalism but she never hit me over the head with a stapler, even though I know for a fact that sometimes after a long day of working with me she had to have been tempted. It is also important for me to mention Neil, Anthony and Suzanne. These three people were the first ones to help me get my foot in the door and without them I probably would have never come to the Rep in the first place or stayed during the summer that I was the only reporter. 

During my time at the paper I have had the opportunity to work with some extremely talented reporters. 

From listening to the boys Bill, Chris and Nick talk about every professional sport from football to hot dog eating, to just Alex and I talking about our cute pets and interesting court cases, this newsroom has had every type of combination since I have started here.

One thing that never changed here was the fact that even at the slowest times my job stayed interesting and the days were never the same. I wish I had the time and the space to personally say thank you to everyone, but I don’t, so if you have ever helped me with a story, given me a good idea or posed for a picture I would like to say thanks. It was people like you who made my job easy. There are a few people I don’t think I could write this column without mentioning though.

Not only did Const. Jodi Heidinger help me almost weekly with work, but it was because I was scared she would see my name on file if I was arrested that I behaved so well when I was off the clock.

Jim, Darrell, Jason, Taylor, Rachel, and everyone else with the City of Leduc, I cannot count how many times you all went above and beyond while helping me with stories.

John Norton and the entire Boys and Girls Club’s staff and volunteers. Besides making me dance, you all are some of the kindest people I have ever met.

To Mr. Nosyk and all the other teachers and staff at the Comp, I am still a little disappointed I never won a car when I went to school there, but seeing as you always gave me stories I have forgiven you all for that (kind of).

From little kids raising money through shaving their heads or walking dogs to adults hosting major fundraisers, I have seen the best side of Leduc, proving to me that this really is a great community I am proud to be from.

From learning to shoot a gun, to meeting a few celebrities and having a buffalo suck on my hand, I will remember so many of my experiences here for the rest of my life. As people continuously ask me what’s next the only answer I can come up with is a quote from Lauren Conrad when asked what was next after her departure from The Hills last season: “For the first time in a long time, I really don’t know.”

All I know is my dog Zoey and I are moving back to Airdrie, to be closer to my family. I may go back to school, I may just find a new job. 

So thanks for the memories Leduc, goodbye for now.

Cemetery Vandalism

To some people a headstone at a cemetery may just be a large piece of cement; to others it is a memory of a sibling, parent, grandparent, significant other, friend or child.

They represent a final laying place for those who have passed away.

Last week seven headstones at a cemetery near Calmar were vandalized leaving thousands of dollars in damage for one family.

This is not the first time headstones have been damaged near Calmar, a few years ago Calmar Community Cemetery was vandalized leaving numerous families left to replace headstones, while flowers, wreaths and other items placed by graves in memory of someone were gone or ruined.

Among one of those headstones was one belonging to my cousin Rebecca, who was taken far too early and left behind a family who spent good money on a tombstone and flowers in memory of her.

When I talked to my Auntie about when her daughters headstone was vandalized all she had to say was how heart breaking it was.

“It is absolutely devastating to get that call from the grounds keeper to say ‘come down, daughters grave has been wrecked’.”

I will be the first to admit I have done some very, very stupid things growing up, sometimes hurting people who likely didn’t deserve it, even if I thought at the time they did.

One thing I knew even as a dumb, reckless, immature child was that death is never a joke, and the emotions that arise when a person loses a loved one is not something to mess around with.

If you are drunk, stoned or just stupid and want to break stuff, do everyone a favour, go home and ruin something that means the world to you.

 Photo above: One of the headstones damaged last week near Calmar. Photo taken by Carole Morris-Underhill

 

California Lane Change

Last week I attended the first ever Rock the Rails hosted by the City of Leduc. I didn't expect the turnout to be that great, and I was very wrong.

Not only were there some pretty great bands, the Skatepark was packed and there were several other activities.

Nine bands took part in a Battle of the Bands. The winner was a local group, California Lane Change.

They won over the crowd with two covers, Check Yes Juliet and The Middle, and with an original Stars and Swing Sets.

The had energy, stage presence and a huge crowd of girls screaming.

I met with them Monday night, and what I thought would be a quick 20 minute interview turned into a hour and a half.

These five guys are more than just a band, they are best friends.

With all the Will Ferrell movie quotes, different food combination explanations and debates about One Tree Hill and the OC, the time I spent with them didn't feel like an interview at all.

They all love music, sure they all love different types of music, but that's what makes a great band, different backgrounds.

These guys aren't in it for the fame or the fortune. They like music, hanging out with each other and having a good time, and that is what makes some of the best bands.

Joe, Kyle, Matt, Tyler and Kevin are talented guys who I expect to see a lot more of in the future.

Check out their Facebook group California Lane Change and become a fan to stay up to date with upcoming shows.

Weekly Roundup — August 28

Here's what's making news in Leduc and area this week:

• A 55-year-old Edmonton woman remains in hospital after sustaining serious but non-life threatening injuries when her car jumped the barrier on the Highway 2 overpass and landed in the middle of 50 Avenue in Leduc Monday afternoon.

• Time is running out for Canadian boaters to get their pleasure craft operator card.

• The 16th annual TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is coming to a body of water near you next month.

• Canadian Blood Services are looking for at least 115 donations at their next clinic in Nisku.

• The City of Leduc is giving residents the chance to sneak a peek at the LRC next Wednesday.

• Protect your "grown-up toys" this winter.

• Laura has an inside look at the daily life of a STARS air ambulance pilot.

• Leduc County council aired some fears about the Capital Region Board's land-use plan at their Aug. 25 meeting.

• ACI-NA says EIA is tops in PR.

• Leduc and District Victim Services is looking for volunteers.

• You know that inner door connecting your garage to your house? Always lock it.

• Feel sorry for Laura.

All this and more in the Aug. 28 Rep!

Not ready to say goodbye to my cell phone

I don’t know what I would do with out my BlackBerry.

I use it to talk, text, BBM (BlackBerry messenger), check my e-mails, check facebook, waste my time playing brick breaker and it’s my alarm clock.

Since the day I got it I was in love.

I can’t deny that I occasionally use my BlackBerry while I driving to talk to people or text or use BBM.

Last week it was announced that the provincial government is going to address the problem of distracted drivers this fall.

This potential law could prevent drivers from using handheld phones, texting and other tasks that could distract a driver.

I am looking forward to this fall to see how it all goes down. What I am most looking forward to is to find out what they classify as a distraction.

Cell phones and IPods will likely be grouped as a distraction, but what about everything else?

What about the radio, or the directions you have written out on a piece of paper or the passengers you are having a conversation with, or the cigarette people light up while driving?

I understand that many people in this world cannot text and drive at the same time, and it can make a bad driver.

But I also understand that many people in this world just suck at driving. Distractions will always be a factor in driving.

Instead of trying to remove them, maybe the government should focus on trying to improve the drivers on the road.

People will still text and talk, but if a law like this is passed they will know to put the phone down once they spot a police officer.

Yes, cell phones can make the road dangerous. But so does a cigarette, a baby crying in the back seat, a barking dog, a gossip-queen passenger, changing the radio stations, picking a new CD, or rocking out to Britney Spears latest single.

If no one talked on the phone or sent text messages while driving the number of accidents would almost certainly decrease. But just because it’s the law doesn’t mean people will follow it.

 

The nicest buffalo I have ever met

Today I woke up for work I wanted to go right back to bed. Some of my friends were spending the day at the beach while I would be stuck in the office being bored, at least that is what I thought.

Then Michelle called me into her office to tell me about a picture I needed to go get. I didn't know what to expect then I googled Bailey D. Buffalo, the animal I was about to meet.

Now I don't know much about wild animals, but I do know a few things like pigs don't fly, cows don't jump over the moon and Buffalo don't hang out in houses and ride in cars.

But was I ever wrong, at least about the buffalo.

Bailey D. Buffalo Jr. was not some wild creature, he was actually a friendly pet that kind of reminded me of my dog.

Bailey Jr. is the second buffalo Jim and Linda Sautner have raised as a pet, and has already become the next buffalo to be making headlines across the world.

After talking to Kim for about 40 minutes I almost forgot that the gentle, innocent animal he had been describing was a animal that weighed nearly 1,000 pounds.

We went out to see Bailey one last time before I left, because to be honest, I just wanted to see him again.

Bailey and Jim's dog, Charlie Brown, were hanging out together, and both got excited to see Jim approaching them.

When Jim went to give some attention to his pet buffalo, Bailey went for his hand, and I thought it was all over. I could see the headlines: "Reporter witnesses man loose hand to pet buffalo" "Buffalo gets taste of human then goes right for journalist."

To my surprise Bailey just stood there and sucked on Jim's hand. Like a baby and a bottle.

As I stood there amazed Jim asked me a question I thought I would never hear, "Want to put you hand in my buffalos mouth?"

Immediately I said no. Why would I ever want to do something like that? I was certain that is my hand went into that mouth it would never come back. 

Then Jim reminded me I would likely never get a chance to do this again and I pulled up my sleeve and tried to hide my fear, even though Bailey could probably smell it from a mile away.

My hand went in, stayed attached to my arm, and I calmed down.

It felt like his mouth was made of sandpaper and I knew he could rip off my hand in a second, but it was interesting, to say the least, and kind of reminded me of when my dog sucks on my pinky. 

It took lots of soap and scrubbing to get all the slobber off my hand, but it was worth it.

Once again I got to do something I would never have dreamed about doing all thanks to my job.

Picture Above: Me with Jim and Bailey D. Buffalo Jr. Yes, he is in the car.

First memory of the Boys and Girls Club

I have no idea how many stories I have written about the Leduc Boys and Girls Club, and I probably couldn't count how many pictures I have taken of members of the club.

Not only have I learned more about the club and everything they do for the community, but I have also had the opportunity to meet the people who make it the great place it is today.

My first memories of the club are from a long, long time ago when I was still in elementary school. 

It was probably when I was in Grade 4 or 5, when I was still a shy little girl that hated attention (I know what you're thinking - Laura, hating attention? No way. But it's true!)

My class went on a field trip to the club to learn about safety. We were in the middle of being taught what to do if a stranger approached us, when they decided to pick us kids to come up and show what we would do.

Even though I did everything in my power not to make eye contact with the speaker I still was the chosen one.

I remember the person pretending to be in a car, and I was pretending to be riding my bike. 

He Pulled up and started talking to me, I said something along the lines of "Sorry I cant talk right now my mom is waiting for me at home" and pretended to speed away. 

Knowing myself, I was probably certain I was wrong, my face was likely burning red and I could have cried I was so embarrassed to speak in in front of my entire class.

The staff at the club went on about how great I did and I was on top of the world.

This was about the time I stopped being so shy.

I went home that night and taught my little brother and sister what to do if a stranger ever approached them, and felt like a genius.

I never was a member of the club, but would always go on buddy days and on school trips.

In those few times I thought it was one of the coolest places for kids to hang out. 

My work with the club only confirms all my thoughts.

The staff know how to be friends with all the kids, while being great role-models.

The Boys and Girls Club takes kids off the street and away from their precious TV and computer screens. It keep them active and even teaches them with games and day trips.

The club is more than just a place to drop off your kids while you are at work, its a fun friendly environment that is probably a second home to several of the young members.

Vacation countdown

It has been years since I have been on a vacation and even though I (usually) really enjoy my job, I just need a break!

I have been working at the Rep for more than a year, with no vacation. The summer before I started I was interning here, with no vacation. The summer before that I was working full time saving up for school, with no vacation.

As of Friday July 3, I can stop complaining, because I get an entire week and one day off. This is the week and one day I have been looking forward to since I called dibs on it about 10 months ago.

I decided to save my first holiday for this exact week for one simple reason: CALGARY STAMPEDE.

Growing up I would go to Stampede every year with my family. I usually enjoyed traveling on the C-Train more than any of the rides, and usually ended the day vomiting thanks to the few rides I did go on, but it was some of the best times of my life.

Since I have turned 18 and been legal to drink I have not had the opportunity to go, but this is my year.

To make things even better I will get to see some friends and family I haven't seen in months and some close friends from Leduc will also be making their way there.

We have some big plans that include beer gardens, midways, shopping, nachos and early breakfasts to help us get ready to do it all again. And the best of all Reba McEntire, a concert I missed out on two years ago because I got the summer position here, with my good friend from SAIT Torie.

Somehow, Torie got us row 7 tickets, and I have been counting down the days since I found out.

So in just a few days I will be throwing all my laundry into a few garbage bags to take home for my mom to wash, putting on my drinking boots (actually flip-flops, boots just sound more appropriate for Stampede) and get my new cowboy hat ready for a long week that I can guarantee will end up with me broke and sleep deprived.

Thinking about it at work I would probably have more time to myself, I would get more sleep, save a lot of money and I wouldn't have any of those mystery bruises I always end up with.

But I cannot wait! 

I should probably take a vacation from my vacation, because my predictions are I will end up coming back to work even more worn out than I am now and I will need a break more than I do now.

The only thing I know I will be able to do when I get back is what I do now, rush to the office after I sleep in, leave all my work to the last minute and beg to go home early. 

Twittering Anonymous

I am the type of girl who enjoys the simple things in life like my family, friends, my dog and trashy magazines with all the latest Hollywood romours. 

I find myself often going online to check my messages and three hours later know everything that happened that day with my favourite Celebs.

When I first heard of Twitter I was certain I would never join. I felt like Twitter would be replacing Facebook, and in my heart nothing could replace Facebook.

Before my roommate moved out we would talk about everything and she would always keep my updated on Taylor Swifts rapping career, When Kristen Stewart was hanging out with Robert Pattinson and everything to do with Kendra Wilkinson's wedding. 

One week ago, my roommate moved out. And immediately had the urge to join Twitter. Last night I lost the battle and became a Twitterer. 

And in less than 24 hours I have become addicted. 

Sure my little sister had to teach me how to do everything, and I still haven't changed my status once but I absolutely love it!

Not only can I stay updated on what my favourite celebrities are doing but I can follow the news and Perez Hilton!!

The best part is that my editor can't tell when I am online the days she takes of. 

Currently I am following about 57 people. I am pretty sure I know 2 of them.

So if anyone has and idea of someone interesting I should follow or if you have any advise on Twittering let me know, I am LauraFayeRing. 

And make sure you don't forget to follow the Leduc Representative - Leducrep.

Weekly Roundup — June 19

Here's what's making news in Leduc and area this week:

• The community is helping the victims of the tragic Prairie Professional apartment fire pick up the pieces, while the fire department continues its investigation into the cause of the blaze.

• A group of young boys raised money for the victims with an impromptu juice stand.

• Laura's life was touched by the fire as well, an experience she wrote about in a column this week.

• The editorial this week also focuses on the incredible generosity of residents in the wake of the tragedy.

• As Bobby blogged last week, Alberta Liberal leader David Swann is critical of Bill 44.

• At the last EDA breakfast before summer, Travel Alberta vice-chair Bob Normand told everyone not to worry for the province's tourism industry.

• Leduc is ready to get co-operative — housing, that is.

• Your life is not complete until you've enjoyed a hot dog from the Leduc Community Living Association's outdoor vending cart.

• Across the county, Calmar is trying to cut down on misuse of its skatepark. The town also enjoyed a very successful diabetes walk. Also, the New Sarepta Municipal Library came in under budget last year.

• A local teen is preparing to showcase her pinup-inspired paintings in the upcoming Whyte Avenue Art Walk.

• Drugs are still bad for you — take it from Mike Ryan of Clean Scene.

This week was stacked with news and events, so pick up a June 19 Rep for more.

(Photo by Kate Hamilton)

Trouble Dog

Me and my dog Zoey have a love hate relationship.

She loves to chew up everything she can get her paws on and I hate to replace and the random items she destroys.

Don't get me wrong; I think I have a great dog that is very smart. But that’s her problem, she is just too smart for her own good.

It has been months since she tore apart the back seat of my car, and since then she has been sticking to socks and sandals. 

The other day I was preparing for what I knew would be a long day of layout at work.

I noticed Zoey and Twix (my roommates Chihuahua) were being oddly quiet. Usually when they are together Zoey is chasing Twix trying to get him to play with her, or he is growling and trying to attack her.   

I walked into my living room only to see Zoey looking scared to death with my fairly new glasses hanging out of her mouth. She dropped them the second she noticed me and ran to the back door.

I punished her, locked her in her kennel and left for work. 

This was the same day I decided it was time to sign Zoey up for obedience classes.

I was surprised to learn the six-week course would be about $130, which is good since I had to pay $200 to replace my glasses.

When I cam home from work I was still furious, but like usual she was cute, playful and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So I gave in, forgot about all the money I could be saving for a nice trip but instead had to spend on fixing all the stuff she broke, and played with her all evening and told her what a great dog she is and how much I adore her. (What can I say, I am sucker for her one floppy ear and the way she jumps around the second she thinks I am going to play with her.)

June 16 is the big day. She will start classes and hopefully chewing on socks, glasses and car seats will be a thing of the past.

I am not expecting for a miracle, just hoping, and maybe just maybe she will finally learn her name!

 

My new view on scary movies

Working at the Rep has given me the opportunity to write about things I feel strongly about. I get to write a news article, features and I have even started writing columns that truly say what I am thinking about at that time.

This is really good when I am frustrated about something like drinking and driving or domestic abuse. It is also nice to write about things I just want to say for the fun of it.

But not everything I have to say is great for the paper. So this is where the blog comes in on days my editor is out of the office. I can write anything I want....

Which is perfect because something has really been bothering me for the past month, and I need to get it off my chest.

I am the kind of person who enjoys to be scared during a movie. I love old movies, new movies and remakes. Anything that can scare me I will watch.

When I heard there was a remake of Friday the 13th I was ecstatic.  

The weekend it was released me and my roommate went to the Leduc Theatre ordered our popcorn and watched Jason kill (Without the music).

We both were really into the movie and didn't say a thing to each other, until the moment that has since changed the way I look at white masked serial killers. Jason ran after a victim!!!

I have been watching scary movies for years now, and every good slasher flick the killer never ran, that is was made it scary. The victim always had a chance, and you had hope they would live but either they would trip, get lost or hit a dead end. And even though the thing chasing them was walking it would still always catch up.

Now Jason runs?!?!

I always thought about what I would do if a giant man with a white mask was trying to chop me into little pieces. I knew I would be one of the first people to go (being a blonde nosy reporter who would likely go up to the person in the mask thinking it was one of my friends), but this is ridiculous, I won't even have a good chase scene!

Even though I am not a fast runner I swore I would watch where I was going and not trip. I would be the person people thought might live, but now that has all changed.

So I would like to take this unsupervised time in the office to say thanks to the people who created the new Jason. Thanks for not giving me a chance if I was ever a white masked giant's prey.

Speaker brings up interesting point

For the Feb. 27 edition of the Rep, I wrote a story about the Smart Youth Power Assembly by Norbert Georget, who I thought was a great speaker with lots of interesting information.

The main focus in his evening presentation for families was a parents role in their child using or not using drugs.

I agreed 100 per cent with him that parents play a major role in what a child does when they are with their friends.

I have never heard of a city or town that doesnt have a problem with drinking or drugs, so I think it would be interesting to find out how people think addiction start.

Go to the Rep's website and scroll down to our weekly poll. Our question for the week is What do you think is the biggest influence in a person's decision to use drugs or alcohol?

And make sure you check out the results in the March 6 edition of the Rep!

Oh My Blog

I have thought long and hard about how I would start of my first blog.... And I came up with nothing.
My name is Laura Ring.
I have been working at the Rep full time since April 2008, after three rounds of being the student reporter.
I graduated from the SAIT Journalism program in May 2008, where I concentrated mostly on wing nights at our on-campus bar, getting in as much shopping as I could on my student loan and attending a Calgary Flames game with my fellow classmates whenever possible. Somewhere between all that I did learn about blogs and online journalism. What I learned about them or if I even went to that class, I am not too sure about.
So as Rep readers and my Editor learn more about our online features I can honestly say so am I.
Between growing up in Leduc and working at the paper I have seen the City of Leduc and its local newspaper go through many changes.
And now I get to take part in the Rep going online.
Not only do we have a new blog we all will be taking part in, but our website has new features to find out what the reader thinks and soon a Facebook group.
I hope all our readers take advantage of the new forms of communication, and tell us what exactly what you think. Whether it is an opinion about a certain article or a community event going on in the Leduc County, we want to know!
Not only will this Blog will give us the chance to let the readers know about events going on in the County earlier, but now we can give the inside scoop and tell all the entertaining and interesting moments behind the scenes, that didn't make it into the paper.