City Notebook: No matter how your summer went, it likely wasn’t the best

By COLLIN GALLANT on September 4, 2021.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant

“The best summer ever” is a politicized statement – the banner unfurled by the provincial government over and over again in June and August, but now a bit of an anchor all things considered.

Without getting political, I’d be surprised to find many who’d categorize it that way.

It’s been a hot, uncomfortable time. Aside from forest fire smoke and a devastating heatwave, there’s also been growing dread.

And aside from rising numbers and novel experience of learning you know someone who has or has had COVID-19, there is the uncomfortable everyday questions of rising out of pandemic alert status.

We were all so isolated, so how can you not feel exposed on some level?

A lot of people are quick to say they’re living their lives, and sure, that’s fine.

But, still, there was your first crowd, wasn’t there?

The first time back in someone’s home or having someone in yours. The first day of school. That initial handshake.

It’s been great to see family. Hug. Breathe easier since the spring.

But now we’re into fall weather. Actual autumn begins on Sept. 20, the same day as a federal election that very few people seem to want or enjoy in the best of times.

Take care of yourself.

Masks

Albertans will see a province-wide indoor mask mandate starting today, but most of the discussion appears to be about lockdowns (which the province didn’t announce) or vaccine passports (ditto), or the $100 enticement for new first-shot bookings.

Locally, some commentators remark, it must be music to the ears of local politicians who were set to see the mask issue debated Tuesday.

Some people have asked when they’ve seen me out or at meetings, so I’ll tell you.

My personal standard for wearing a mask will be to do so until my kids are eligible to get the vaccine.

That’s not a political statement or an agenda.

It’s just fair in my opinion.

Geigle remembered

An in-person memorial service for former Cypress County Reeve Darcy Geigle will be broadcast from the Cypress Centre on Saturday afternoon starting at 2 p.m.

The online feed and a book of condolence is available at pattisonfuneralhome.com.

His obituary suggests making a donation to HALO, care of the Southern Alberta Air Medic Society, in lieu of flowers.

Jokes

Does anyone out there have an appetite for a joke candidate in coming elections?

In 2019, the Rhinoceros Party fielded 110 candidates, about one-third of federal ridings across Canada, but only have 28 profiles on its website this time around.

Maybe that’s a sign of the times.

Promises from the 2019 platform (the most recent) include promising to privatize the senate, provide one job (in some cases two) to Canadians, and promoting national unity by declaring the War Measures Act in nine remaining provinces.

I don’t know if folks are in the mood for jokes… but here goes.

The best one seen online this week: As for vaccination requirements to attend major sporting events; between Roughriders and Curling Canada, that should cover off all of Saskatchewan.

Thought for the day: Whoever said “real men don’t eat quiche,” must not have realized it’s basically bacon and eggs in a pie crust.

A look ahead

City council returns Tuesday evening following the Labour Day holiday. It will feature a land zoning hearing into changes for the final phase of the Hamptons Community, the recipients of the 2021 Community Spirit Awards and a plan to provide new space for a city pound.

100 years ago

The Labour Day festivities would features an old country football match between teams of English and Scottish heritage, the News reported on Sept. 2, 1921.

“A lively game is assured,” at the athletic grounds.

The Ford Motor Company was looking to secure supply of a large amount of aluminum to use in production of lighter vehicles. The relatively hard to find material could “revolutionize” the auto industry, said company officials.

A rare picture page showcased the “Prince of Wales Ranch” in the foothills which was purchased by the Royal heir on a recent tour and would act as the royal residence in the province.

As well, the country’s new vice-regal, Lord Byng, arrived via steamship in Montreal to assume duties of governor general.

Mayor Bott, of Redcliff, reported his duck hunting party “filled some good bags” north of the town.

Collin Gallant covers city politics and a variety of topics for the News. Reach him at 403-528-5664 or via email at cgallant@medicinehatnews.com