My Message in the Town of Killam Christmas Newsletter

It's hard to believe that we are coming to the end of another amazing & eventful year in the Town of Killam. 

Like all communities, we have had reasons to celebrate & reasons to grieve; we have shared in happy times & sad times.  But whatever the event or emotion, we are blessed to be able to share with & lean on great friends & neighbors. 

I have attached my message to the Town of Killam for Christmas 2012 following.  I hope you find it interesting, and welcome your comments as always.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas & the best in the new year.

Tammy & Bud

 

This past year we have had some collective achievements to celebrate.

Three of our community members were awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for their contribution to community.  Congratulations to Ralph Sorenson, Robert Borth, and Sharleen Chevraux for receiving this honor, and congratulations to all recipients in our region.

In May Killam honored leaders past & present at the Hall of Fame event.  Ralph Sorenson, Bob Gabruck, Herb & Marion Wilson, and John Albert Neely (Killam’s first Mayor) were inducted into the Hall of Fame, in a very well attended banquet & presentation.

Congratulations to Small Business Week award winners Fee & Sons Funeral Service (Customer Service), Campbell McLennan Chrysler (Community Spirit), and O’Brien Autobody (Small Business of the Year).  These businesses set a great example for our growing business community.  Also congratulations to Bradley Link who was recognized as an Outstanding Youth.    

Killam was the lead municipality in receiving the “Minister’s Award for Municipal Excellence for Partnerships” from Alberta Municipal Affairs.  This partnership is the development of the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor project, a joint effort of Battle River Alliance for Economic Development, North East Alberta HUB, Palliser Economic Partnership, and its 83 municipal members.

Our community has taken delivery of a new Fire Truck in July to ensure our fire department staff continues to have the appropriate equipment to do this important job.   Many thanks to our fire service volunteers for their commitment to deliver this service.

Our Main Street (50^th) rebuild has been completed and we continue to receive positive comments from residents & visitors, including through a ‘First Impressions Survey’ project we completed with the Town of Castor.  Castor’s impression of Killam can be found in their report, currently posted on the Town of Killam Website.  As well the Main Street project was recognized by Alberta Public Works Association as their ‘Project of the Year’.

In addition, our 46 Street has been rebuilt.  Pavement needed to be replaced, and there was also a need to correct an issue with the flow of rain water.

Killam competed this past summer for the title of “Pinkest Little Town in the West”, a Wild Pink Yonder Fundraising Project for Breast Cancer Research.  The community participation was amazing, with fundraisers throughout the summer & pink decorations everywhere.  Killam placed a very respectable 2^nd in the competition, had a lot of fun doing it, and raised a lot of money for a good cause.

In other news, you may be interested to know that the equalized assessment for our municipality is just over $85 Million.  This is the total market value of all properties within our corporate limits.  Killam continues to grow, which is important to our future as a community.

Killam continues to be active in working with other levels of government and with the associations that represent us at those levels.  Through Alberta Urban Municipalities Assn. (AUMA) and directly to provincial government, we are advocating for renewal of the Municipal Sustainability Initiative.  Federally, through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the program is the Federal Gas Tax allotment to municipalities.  Our infrastructure is aging, and these funding programs are very important to allow us to deal with the issue of replacing those assets essential to our community.

Council continues to play an active role in work with our neighbors as well, in the areas of fire service, regional housing, waste management, medical staff recruitment, family & community services, and others.  

On a sad note, Killam Town Councillor Blake Kinzer lost his battle with cancer this past year.  The loss of Blake, former Mayor Reg Fee and other leaders in our community impacts us all; we will be thinking of their friends & family as we enter the Christmas season. 

Our leaders and volunteers are very important to our sustainability; the people in our community are our greatest asset, and I want to thank you all for everything you do that has a positive effect on Killam.  Our success depends on us being a great community to visit, to live in, and to work in, and our collective words & deeds define that success.  

In October 2013 we will be having elections for Town of Killam Council and for Battle River School Board Trustee.  If you are interesting in pursuing one of these positions, now is the time to start educating yourself on what the duties, time commitment, etc. are.  For more information on the municipal election process or the positions of Mayor or Councillor, contact CAO Kim Borgel or speak with any of our Council members.

A big thank you goes out to our Town of Killam employees.  CAO Kim Borgel & her team work hard daily to carry out policy developed by Council – sometimes not an easy task.   Your efforts are much appreciated. 

As we enter the final days of 2012 I hope you are able to spend time with family & friends, reflect on your blessings, and appreciate the good things we share as a community.

On behalf of my Council colleagues and our families, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and the very best for 2013.

Sincerely,

Bud James

Mayor

Killam Hall of Fame Inductees for 2011

The Killam community recently inducted 5 of it’s citizens into the Hall of Fame for 2011.

Again this year, for the second year in a row, the committee chose to honor inductees who have made a past contribution, as well as those who have made a difference more recently.

It was a very good evening with a large crowd, great meal, entertaining musical interludes, and a chance for all of us to learn the storys of a few people who have made significant contributions to our community.

My thanks and appreciation go to the organizers of this event – it has become an evening I look forward to every year.

Doug Munro spoke of Ralph Sorenson and his contribution to our community through sports & recreation, political involvement, volunteering in various capacities like the Community Charity Auction, and being a cornerstone in the Baptist Church community.  Ralph has been a life long community supporter, and a big reason Killam is a great place to live.

Herb & Marion Wilson farmed near Killam for years, and were invloved in the community in many ways.  Sharleen Chevraux spoke of their dedication .  Herb was a member of the Co-op Board of Directors for over 25 years.  Marion was very involved in the Knox United Church, serving on the board and leading the Choir.  Their love of their community and the value they placed on it was evident.  Daughters Joan Widmer and Margaret Peterson accepted the nomination on behalf of their parents.

Denis Boutin introduced Bob Gabruck.  Bob has spent the past 30 +  years  at Killam Public School as the Physical Education Teacher.  His love of  all sports turned into many many hours outside of school time coaching all school sports – resulting in 81 County & Regional Championships over those years.  Add to that his passion for and commitment to the Killam Spartans Volleyball Club for the past 25 years.   He is past President of the Killam Agricultural Society, past Chairof Killam Rec Board, Project coordinator for the Centennial Park Redesign, and 21 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion.  Bob's dedication to his community over the years is awe inspiring, and a great example for younger generations to follow.     

I was given the honor of introducing J.A. (John Albert) Neely to the Hall of Fame.  J.A. was Killam’s first Mayor in 1908, and it’s Mayor from 1925 to 1945, very difficult years during the great depression and WWII, years when Killam was starting to define itself as a community.

We were very pleased to have Mr. Neely’s grandsons, Grant, and his wife Margaret, and John (Woody) and wife Marjorie, join us to accept this honor.

My introduction for Mr. Neely follows.

Induction of John Albert Neely

Into

The Killam Hall of Fame

April 21, 2012.

It is my honor to tell you the story this evening of one of Killam’s earliest residents, and it’s first Mayor, John Albert Neely.  I would like to acknowledge those who contributed to Killam’s History books, “The Ten Dollar Bets” and “The Pleasant Country”, excepts of which appear in this intorduction.

J.A. Neely was born in 1865, and emigrated to Canada as a young man in the late 1800’s.  He and his brother James left Northern Ireland, and worked their way over on a cattle ship to settle in Carp, Ontario.

Mr. Neely made his way west and settled in Killam.  He met, courted, and married his wife Sarah, who was a twin sister of Rachael, Mrs. F.E. Nichol.  The Nichols were proprietors of the first hardware store in Killam.

Mr. Neely earned a living in several ways in the Killam area.  He contracted Gabe Clement to build the first livery stable in Killam (Mr. Clement hauled some of the first lumber into the Killam area).  J.A. was the first owner & operator of the livery stable.  He was an implement & machinery agent, eventually selling to D.V. York.  He was a real estate agent for several years, and as well operated the post office for seventeen years, from 1910 to 1927.

Killam was developing as a community at that time – population surged from 30 people in 1906 to 197 citizens in 1911.  With this growth the need to solve various community issues, such as water, sanitation, burials, and the keeping of law & order became apparent.  To deal with these issues initially the overseer system was implemented.  Community members would gather for a meeting, the issue was debated, and a decision was made.  Mr. Neely was responsible for calling these meetings, and making sure any decisions made were carried out.  The first such meeting was held at F.E. Nichol’s store in 1907.

In January, 1908 Killam was incorporated as a village, and the first village Council was elected.  The three chosen to serve were J.A. Neely, W.R. McGowan, and John Cotton.  At their first meeting Mr. Neely was elected as Chairman, a position he held until 1911.  These Councillors received an honorarium of $2.00 per meeting.  J.A. Large was contracted as Secretary – Treasurer and Constable for the Village, receiving $75.00 per year plus 1% of taxes  as compensation.

J.A. & Sarah had three sons: Eldon Albert, Wentworth, and Vernon.   Tragically, Sarah died during the birth of a daughter in 1911, and J.A. was left to raise his sons alone, with the assistance of his sister-in-law Rachael.

While on a visit to Ontario, J.A. met Sarah McInnis.  They were married, and J.A. and his new wife returned to Killam.

J.A. and Sarah had several grandchildren –

·         Grant, Ardythe and Woody, children of Eldon and Julia.

·         Michael, Richard, & Douglas, children of Wentworth & Phyllis.

·         Donald, child of Vernon & Lucille.

Mr. Neely was active in the Anglican Church, and instrumental in the effort to build the Anglican Church in 1912.  The Reverend J.A. Partridge was the first Recor, and Mr. Neely the Rector’s Warden.

A map of the village from 1920 notes the Neely property situated at the corner of 50^th (Lorne) Avenue and 54^th (McGuire) Street, across from the Nichol home, that would eventually become a hospital operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of London.  Additionally, 55^th Street was first named Neely Street.

The Ten Dollar Bets, Killam’s first History Book, states “If residents were asked who contributed most to the village of Killam in it’s early years, many would mention J. A. Neely.  For forty years he was a dominant community figure, not only as implement agent, postmaster, and real estate agent, but primarily as Mayor of Killam during over twenty of it’s most difficult years – it’s foundation years when he was first Overseer, then Chairman of Village Council from 1908 to 1911, then Mayor from 1919 – 1922,  then during the depression and war years when he was Mayor from 1925 to 1945, retiring at the age of 80 years.

“In many ways Killam is a memorial to the leadership of J.A. Neely.”

John Albert Neely passed away in 1953 at the age of 88 years.  

When a bad thing happens in a great community.

A recent event in our corner of the world has been alarming and disturbing, and has shaken our community.

On February 7, 2012 RCMP from Killam Detachment attended a rural residence to execute a search warrant for a .45 calibre handgun.  An exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in two officers being wounded, one civilian deceased at the scene, and a suspect currently being sought by police.

Having this happen in our community has rocked our world. 

For starters, the two wounded officers are well known in the area; they are our friends & neighbors, and there is tremendous concern & support for them & their families.  Thankfully, it appears they will recover from their physical injuries, and I know we as a community will stand with them as they try to get back to living a normal life.

Additionally, the colleagues of these two constables – the other members of Killam Detachment – had to continue their work to bring this crisis to a peaceful conclusion, and for awhile did not know the condition of the wounded officers.  The stress on these men & women and their families – also our friends & neighbors – has been incredibly high.  They too will need the friendship of the community.

As well we can’t forget the family and friends of the alleged suspect who are trying to understand what happened.  These folks need our support & understanding, as you can bet their world has been turned upside down.

The Killam Detachment area is incredibly safe in my opinion, and this is backed up by local statistics that the detachment commander shared with me and others recently.  The numbers show a dramatic decrease in crime against persons over the last year, and a slight decrease in crime against property.

There is no way to explain a crime with this level of violence in our part of the world, except to acknowledge that wherever we live, sometimes we cross paths with people that have bad intentions.  This is an unfortunate reality we deal with from time to time.

Many lives have been touched by this event, and some individuals may struggle to move forward from it.  However, our regional community is still a very safe place to live and visit, and I hope these people will continue to believe this as well. 

Whatever happens to rock our world, we will remain a caring, supportive community full of people who help each other through their challenges with great understanding and compassion.

That’s where I want to live.

Bud James 

A Salute to Killam Volunteer Fire Department

My wife Tammy & I, along with Deputy Mayor Darcy Eskra & his wife Annette, had the pleasure of attending the Killam Fire Department Christmas Party recently.  An annual event, it is a chance for this hard working group of volunteers and their partners to get together socially, share a few stories & laughs, and to celebrate their achievements & awards.

Volunteer Fire Departments were once thought of as a group of guys who got together once a month to spray some water on the street, then have a few beers & play some cards.  While this may be the case with some departments today, I can tell you that Killam Fire Department takes their task far more seriously.

Chief Joe Knievel informed us that his members combined for over 1,000 hours of training in 2011 – that is a phenomenal commitment as a volunteer; time away from work, friends & family.  Add to this the time spent at practice, maintaining equipment, and at fire calls, and their commitment is staggering.

Being a former member of this group, I know the dedication it takes to do the job effectively while keeping themselves & their colleagues safe. 

It is a commitment that is 24/7, 365 days of the year.  This fact was brought home at last year’s event – interrupted twice by two different emergency response call outs.

These men & women provide something very precious to our community – peace of mind – and I am proud of them for that.

I encourage you to offer a word of encouragement or shake the hand of a fire fighter you know - they make a huge contribution to our safety & well being.

A portion of my remarks to this group follow.

Cheers,

Bud James

Good Evening everyone.  Thank you very much for your kind invitation for Tammy & I to attend your banquet.  We always appreciate the chance to visit with you.


It’s my pleasure to bring greetings to you on behalf of our community and my Town Council colleagues, and to pass on our sincere thanks for all that you do for the Town of Killam, and the region, in the delivery of fire & rescue services. 


As well, congratulations to those of you who are receiving an award this evening.


Killam, like any small town, depends on involvement by its residents to be progressive.  There are various opportunities to volunteer for your community, from service groups like the Lions Club or Legion, to community boards, like the Recreation Board or Library Board.  All have an important role to play. 


Being a fire fighter is another way to serve your community, but in a very distinct way.  Your role requires you to drop what you are doing & leave work, home, the hockey rink, your kid’s soccer game, a good night’s sleep,  or whatever, to help those who may very well be having the worst day of their lives. 


Your role is vital to our community in this distinct way, and you are to be commended for taking up this challenge.


Our Council tries hard to make sure that you have the tools - the assets - to do your job efficiently & safely. 


However, the single most valuable asset in this organization is you; it is the human asset, and without it Killam Fire Department does not exist.  It is your commitment to take the time & effort to deliver this service that makes Killam Fire Department what it is. 


We applaud your effort, we applaud your dedication, and we thank you for all that you do for Killam & community.

Six things we need to do to make Health Care sustainable.

Health Care in Alberta, in its current state, is not sustainable.  We are currently allocating somewhere around 40% of the provincial operating budget to health care, and it seems that any additional money we have thrown at this industry is gobbled up with little indication of any improvement in service to the patient.

Here are six things I think we can do to help make health care in Alberta sustainable.  Whether you agree or not, give me your thoughts on this issue.

1. There are many health care facilities around rural Alberta that are not being used to their potential.  Why can’t we make better use of these facilities?  Why can’t we do cataract surgery in Daysland?  Why can’t we do hip & knee replacements in Wainwright?  If we can find a way to do this we use facilities that are already in place.  Sure, there may be some renovation required.  However the positive is we are not building more facilities in Edmonton & Calgary, where the cost is huge.  Other positives are ease of access for patients in rural Alberta, plus the obvious local economic boost.  

2. Wages & benefits are a big part of the cost of health care.  We need to carefully examine the value we are getting from health care employees, whether they interact directly with patients, or not.  Change of work flow and reallocation of duties will result in better use of human resources in the delivery of health care.

3. When we are receiving a service from Alberta Health Services, we need to ask ourselves “Would I do anything differently if I was writing a cheque at the end of the day?”  I am talking about a visit to the doctor for a common cold, or accessing various tests or procedures that simply confirm what is known.  The issue here is responsible use of resources.  By the way, you ARE writing a cheque for the service.  Health care is not free – it is paid for by you & I, in the form of income tax. 

4. The elimination of health care premiums was a mistake.  Users of the service will respect it more if they are paying something for it – even if it is nominal.  I am not opposed to the introduction of an annual deductible of some kind either, with a program in place to waive the requirement for those unable to pay.

5. We need to have the discussion about private delivery of health services.  I know that many of you believe this will result in destruction of the public system, but we have to at least examine this possibility.  Other jurisdictions seem to have found a way to make a blended delivery system work efficiently.

6. We all need to get exercise & eat properly.  This may be the single most important thing we should be doing.  A healthy population will access health services less and ease the strain on the system.  I know I could do better, how about you? 

What do you think?  Okay, maybe we can’t solve this issue with six simple initiatives.  However I think they are a good start.

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Bud James