Agricultural Societies
Newsletter
MAY c C m
ISSN: 0228-1090
MAY 1990
INDEX
Pg.
3
Judges Forms
• Pg-
3
AAAS or US
Pg.
8
More Fair Suggestions . . . .
• Pg-
7
Adopt a Classroom
Pg.
10
Nothing But Ideas
- Pg-
5
Another Fair Idea
Pg.
7
Notice Board
■ Pg-
9
Pg.
2
Not Your Average Idea . . . .
- Pg-
3
Ask Us About Our Idea
Pg.
5
Order an Idea or Two
- Pg.
6
Community News
Pg.
7
Please Help
- Pg.
5
Congratulations
Editor's Note
Pg.
3
Spring Into 4-H
. Pg.
10
Pg.
2
10 Hot Tips on How to Get a
Fair Ideas
Pg.
9
Fair Grant Faster
. Pg-
4
Fund Raising Facts & Followups.
Pg.
2
Theme A Year
. Pg.
3
WILDERNESS PARK, Grimshaw Picture from
Alberta Farm & Ranch, Jan. '90
^JOll^l Photo by: Carolyn Paul, Grimshaw
AGRICULTURE
Community Services /Rural Services Division, 7000 -113 St. Edmonton, Alta. T6H 5T6 Ph: 427-2171
Digitized
by the Internet Archive
in 2014
https://archive.org/details/agricsocnews94
EDI TOR NOTE
If your agricultural society didn't get
"noticed" in our good ideas section, this
newsletter, please don't feel slighted. As
many of you know, I started in January and
now, four months later there are still many
things I don't know.
Keep those program and activities reports
in your year ends as descriptive as
possible because many of these ideas are
direct "lifts" from your reports.
I am responsible for the Northern half of
the province, so you should not consider
the lack of Southern attention as an
indication of anything but the fact that I
review year ends from the North!
Everyone will have his/her day. Thanks for
sharing.
Karen Hoover
ASK ANDY
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A . . .
Several agricultural societies expressed
concern about what to do with a member who
is very energetic and influential but is
blocking the agricultural society through
his or her action or inaction.
From the presentation given about
volunteers and some experience on the side,
we know that we are our own most positive
or most damaging promoters.
How do we turn the energies of this person
to flow along the same channel our
agricultural society is going?
If you've had some success, write or call
and we'll have some answers for the next
newsletter.
FUND RAISING FACTS AND FOLLOW UP
Fund raising can be a lot of fun and a lot of work. Here are some return rates on
money invested, gathered from financial statements of several agricultural
societies. Thought you might find it interesting.
Net Income # of Ag. Societies
Project Revenue Direct Costs x % Reporting
1.
Cookbook
$ 1,400.00
$ 2,236.00
<36%>
2
2.
Nevadas
$27,064.08
$ 5,125.48
428%
4
3.
Raffle
$ 1,904.00
$ 2,458.00
<23%>
1
4.
Cal endar
$ 2, 280.00
$ 1,361.00
68%
1
5.
Bingo
$61,436.69
$29,070.39
111%
7
6.
Cafeteria
$75,108.00
$38,061.52
97%
6
7.
Fair
$178,153.91
$136,858.00
30%
21
I heard several groups complaining bitterly about having to go out to bingo halls on
a regular basis. You need a fund raiser that your members enjoy, have time for and
will return enough money to meet your goals.
- 2 -
NOT YOUR AVERAGE IDEA
CONGRATULATIONS
Grimshaw Agricultural Society says it's not
FAIR for them! After many years of hosting
a successful trade show, they decided to
get a project that allowed them to work
when farming time isn't so critical and to
enjoy the outdoors at the same time.
The wheel chair accessible Wilderness Park
is a quarter section with 2 fishing ponds,
cross country ski and hiking trails with
picnic areas and many unique bird houses.
A resident manager oversees the area.
The plan includes a third pond and wildlife
sanctuary and will see more gravelled
trails in the future.
Don't hesitate to choose a project that you
really enjoy! It's worked in Grimshaw.
A MEMBER IS . . .
From the February Newsletter at Genesee
"In the future each membership card will be
attached to a list of privileges and a
definition of "Active Member", in order to
prevent misunderstandings.
The very nominal fee of $2.00 is enough to
make one a card carrier, but it takes more
than that to run the hall and meet our
obi igat ions .
An "Active Member" is one who helps with
the social functions, attends the monthly
meetings (at least 50% of time) and is
willing to take a turn at catering and hall
maintenance.
Privileges include lower hall rentals,
admission to the curling, appreciation night
and the enjoyment that comes from community
involvement."
Thanks, Genesee
To those agricultural societies celebrating
a special year this year. Here are four I
noticed in year end reports.
Willingdon - 46th Annual Fair
Wildwood - 50th Annual Fair
Westlock - 75th Anniversary
Peace River - 75th year
Let us know if you're having special
celebrations this year.
JUDGE'S FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT
AGRICULTURE OFFICE. CALL IN FOR YOURS
TODAY. Thanks for reminding us Ellen.
- 3 -
10 HOT TIPS ON
HOW TO GET GRANTS
FASTER
1. Send the grant in as soon as It's
complete.
Fair grants can come in any time after
the fair and operating grants can be
submitted as soon as you have reached
your maximum or as close as possible to
your year end.
2. Match bills and cheques.
We cannot accept one without the other.
Be careful with this step. Time does
cost money! It is helpful if the
appropriate bill and cheque are copied
together.
3. We do not pay late charges or fees
charged by banks, etc. when you pay your
utility bills. Please subtract these
from the totals before you submit them.
4. Copy the full bill .
The auditors are not pleased with just
a line which outlines the amount. This
tells nothing of who the bill is for,
how the charges were set, etc.
5. January 15th is an important deadline.
Until that date, you are in good standing
by your last year end. All grants are
processed. January 16th we start holding
any grants for societies who have not
submitted a list of officers, an activity
report and a financial statement completed
by an accountant. (CA, CGA or CMA) . And
there the grants sit.
6. If the person who does your financial
statement uses none of the designations
(CA, CGA or CMA) he or she probably does
not qualify under the regulations. We've
had to ask several groups to get their
statement redone.
7. There are some expenses that are not
el igible.
- Capital improvements are not operating
expenses
- Garbage pick up is not eligible
- Judge's expenses on a fair claim form
(we pay these separately)
- Prize money on a form called Statement
of Fair Expenses
(they are already on the other form)
Please refer to the guidelines sent with
the grant forms, or if in doubt, call or
write us or make a note to us when you
send your claim in.
8. Don't cut, staple and paste many little
pieces of information onto one sheet.
The photocopier will not accept this so
it must all be taken apart before copying
9. Claim only one fiscal year per form!
10. Insurance
We need an invoice to show your cost and
your cheque to show you paid it. You
don't need to send us a copy of your
pol icy.
I'm sure this is very confusing for some - please call if we can help you because we'll
be calling you if we don't have what we need to process your grant.
NOTHING BUT IDEAS
Here are some ideas picked from yearend reports. They may be new, old or they may just
give you some ideas of your own.
4-H
* Yellowhead looks after achievement day
expenses
* Facility for regular meeting
* Peace River - classes in fair books for
4-H'ers
* Judging competitions
* Innisfree - 1990 Reunion
* Public speaking support
* Workshops
* Potluck and awards night host
* Sponsor to Goldeye Camp
* Joint leadership development
Agriculture Courses
* Extra Income for Rural Families - Willow
Prairie
* Farm Women in the Work Place - Two Hills
* Rural Women's Day - Peers
* Agriculture Week breakfasts - Ryley,
Sangudo
* Exhibitors' Workshops/Judges Workshops
* Rocky Lane - purchased videos on
agriculture related topics
* Safety courses
* Red Angus and Market Lamb
Shows - Vermil ion
* Savor Alberta Flavor - Delia
Homecoming, Rochester
* Surface Rights meetings
* Rural Crime Watch meetings
* Alberta Wheat Pool meetings
* Seed Cleaning Plant meetings
Farm Family Development
* Worsley nominated a farm family for
recognition
* Sponsor a youth of any age to conference
or camp (Alberta Women's Week, AAAS)
* Two Hills Farmers' Day - beerfest, dance
dance and demol it ion
* Sponsor a local athlete - Kinsella
* Provision of and maintenance of a place
for community members to meet
* Donate to health care center
* Subsidization of playschool or minor
hockey
* Scholarship fund - Rocky Lane, St. Paul
Other Interesting Ideas
* A wagon train from Red Deer to Westlock
* Vegreville hosts a mural painting and a
scarecrow competition
* Mundare runs a tourist information
centre, May 1 - September 1
* Victoria Trail - children's parade
* Chauvin - Environmentally safe household
cleaners display
* Peace River has a fair class for
miniature doll houses and one for shadow
boxes
* Mom's and Tot's - fashion show and tea
* Chauvin - inventions class for fair,
agricultural and recreational
ASK US ABOUT OUR IDEA
* Ask Maxine Anderson or Karen West from
Provost (Phone 753-6871) about their
Agriculture Week breakfast. 200 people
braved a storm and paid $1.00 per plate
or farmgate prices for their breakfast.
The Agricultural Service Board
co-sponsored the event and displays and
hampers told the Alberta "Food" Story.
* Ask Karen Swanson (R. R. #1 Chauvin) how
to improve the quality and number of
entries at the fair by hosting guided
tours for school classes.
* Ask June Conrad (Hondo, AB) what a flat
race is.
* If you need some tips on improving your
recording system at your fair, ask
Colleen Hemingway (Rycroft)
* The 15th Annual Road Rally - ask Edith
Anderson at Rochester
* Ask Bertha Kasbolm (Box 2108, Westlock)
how to hold snowmobile races with no snow
* La Crete agricultural society donated 10
acres of land to Fairview College, ask
Bill Neufeld (Box 351) about it
* Thinking of setting up a Christmas Light
Up Contest?, ask H.iordis Armitage at
Box 8, Kinsella
* Brenda Jossy of Fort Saskatchewan can
tell you about preparing TV dinners for
plant workers
* Innisfree had great success getting new
members, ask Harry Kulak
Please Help! Have you sponsored a husband calling contest? Corrine Dechaine at 635-4147
would like details. Please give us or Corrine a call.
ORDER AN IDEA OR TWO!!!
If you want to receive an excellent newsletter, here's an
address for you!
Newsletter
Resource Centre for Voluntary Organizations
Room 318, 7th Street Plaza
Grant McEwen Community College
10030 - 107 Street
EDMONTON, Alberta T5J 3E4
It's free, it's quick to read and it's well worth the time!
At the AAAS Conference, Louise Welsh and I presented a session about working
with your communities.
I have point form outlines on Tips for Working with a Committee and how to do
Promotions on a Shoestring. These are tried and true and work for me. Ask
for either or both, if you'd like a copy.
Louise attended a conference in Brandon this spring and brought back several
good articles on working with the media. If you're interested - check the
appropriate articles and we'll send them to you.
Understanding the Media
Importance of, who are the media, meeting the media,
taboo subjects, handling an interview, when to hold
a news conference, when to send out a news release.
Writing Releases - Four styles
4 examples of PNE news releases - each effective
Release Tip Sheet
Concise, "How to" sheet
Guidelines When Dealing with the Media - BC Hydro
13 concise rules to successful encounters and
11 points for a good interview
The Spring '90 newsletter has these articles:
* Fundraising * Tip of the Month
* How to be a Local Hero * Managing Conflict
* Training Tips * What's New at the
* Invigorating your Board
* Borrowing a Fundraising
Professional
Resource Centre
Name:
Address:
Postal Code:
- 6 -
Hanna Community Resource Awareness Dav -
"Review Your Inventory"
The Hanna Agricultural Society with the
assistance of Alberta Agriculture,
Agricultural & Community Services sponsored
a very informative day for close to 50
participants. Presenters were from Alberta
Agriculture, Alberta Gaming Commission,
Alberta Recreation & Parks, Alberta Sports
Council, The Recreation and Parks
Foundation and the Wild Rose Foundation.
The best time to learn anything is when
whatever is to be learned is immediately
useful .
Postman & Weingarter
Teaching as a Subversive Activity
Each of the resource staff presented a half
hour capsule of their services, grants and
other resources they offer. Participants
also shared their resources.
The purpose of the workshop was to
enlighten community organizations regarding
resources available to the community and to
encourage groups to cooperate in making
these services available to the community
at large.
The evaluations indicated that the workshop
was definitely well received, that they'd
like another workshop with different
resource presenters and more time for
participants to share.
Hanna Agricultural Society has committed
funds from their lotteries to support the
school in hiring a resource person to be
available to talk to students with a focus
on stress reduction, lower suicide rates,
drug and alcohol abuse.
Rimbey Agricultural Society - New Idea
Bunny Hunt - bunnies are turned loose in a
fenced area for youngsters to catch, take
home and raise. Good lead into a small
rabbit show. Don't forget to provide
information on bunny care and housing. The
Agricultural and Community Services Branch
lias Information to assist you. Phone your
Prggr^m Consultant.
ANOTHER FAIR IDEA
Medicine Hat holds an exhibitor's
reception prior to the public
opening of the fair. This gives
the exhibitor's a chance to view
the judge's comments and find out
their status regarding placement
of winners.
It gives the agricultural society
a chance to say, "thanks for
entering" and become more visible.
Perhaps a suggestion box or
question and suggestion period
could be added to the reception
pi an .
MORE FAIR SUGGESTIONS
Regarding a large number of
entries in a board general class,
add to the fairbook - This
category may at the suggestion of
the judge and discretion of the
fair convenor/management, be split
into sections that would reflect
the types quality of the articles
exhibit .
Have judge's sign their comment
tags so the exhibitor can contact
them for information.
- 7 -
SKILL TESTING SECTION
AAAS or US
There is a lot of confusion about the difference between AAAS - your provincial
association and US - Agricultural and Community Services. Try this little game and
see how well you know your resources!
1. Administers grants and sends out grant forms
2. _ Provides you with fair tags
3. Writes newsletters
4. Runs an annual conference
5. Sets up mini conferences in your area
6. Louise, Rae, Andy, Karen and Anne are your contacts
7. Has a delightful accent when you speak to her
8. Our address is J.G. O'Donoghue Building, Edmonton
9. Is in the office Tuesday and Thursday
10. _ Is your lobby group to influence issues through various channels
11. Provides an office, equipment, storage, mailing and photocopying, printing
services and phone to AAAS
12. Provided a new resource binder to your agricultural society to keep things
in order
13. Is responsible for the formation of new agricultural societies
14. _ Administers, arrangements for touring and booking of quilts and organizing
quilt workshops
15. Is happy to refer questions directed either to AAAS or US
It's difficult for people to understand that when two offices with different purposes
are located adjacent to each other that we don't each know everything the other
office does. Have patience and bear with us. We'll all be the better for it!
ANSWERS
1. US 2. AAAS 3. Both 4. AAAS 5. US 6. US 7. AAAS 8. Both
9. AAAS 10. AAAS 11. US 12. US 13. US 14. AAAS 15. Both
If you got (1-5) answers correct - to the back of the bus!; (6 - 10) Good - we'll
hire you; (11 - 14), Leave your name and address - Free subscription to our
newsletter; (15) Reg & Eve are not eligible!.
A leader is best when peopl e" barely know he exists
i Not so good when people obey and acclaim him.
1 Worse when they despise him.
i Fail to honour people, They fail to honour you.
1 But of a good leader, who talks little,
I When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
1 The people will say, "We did this ourselves".
1 Lao-Tzu
i _ o I
I wv»p^wv«j^«*!^"^^!«!'^iw*^^ r^rmmf^^^^^^^ www www i
NOTICE BOARD
FAIR IDEAS
2.
3.
4.
Notice to Southern Alberta, mark
November 23 - 24 on your calendar and
plan to attend the 4th Annual Mini
Conference.
Our hosts -
Associat ion
Taber Exhibition
Agricultural Society
From Edmonton Northlands Events
Manager, Leroy Emerson (March 2, 1990)
Consider adding the question, "Are
these cattle originating from a
Leucosis tested herd? Yes No ?",
to the bottom of the entry form you
send out to your livestock exhibitors.
This would help you to keep tested and
untested livestock separate and may
encourage more exhibitors to enter your
fair.
From Arts Afield. Vol II, No. 1
November '89 - Portable Stage Can
Travel to Southern Alberta
"Calgary Exhibition & Stampede [has] a
fully-equipped, heated, portable
stage, complete with dressing room,
lighting and sound input and
amplification is available for use at
suitable outdoor activities, free of
charge..." The stage is ideal for
use with a large crowd and is, "14 feet
in height, 8 feet, 6 inches deep and
65 feet wide. It is equipped with a
6500 watt generator, is fully-lighted
for television coverage, has sound
input, amplifiers and speakers and
Helpful Hints from Judge's Update,
Region I, Photograph
What does Special Effect mean? Is it a
tree with knobby knees? Is it a double
exposure? A drop of water on the lens as
you take the picture?
Our 'experts', in this case a collection
of minds, came up with this definition
and suggestion.
Definition PHOTOGRAPHY - SPECIAL EFFECTS
Manipulation of the camera, supplies,
materials and dark room techniques to make
the object look "out of the ordinary"
Suggestions
- that this definition be included in the
fairbook. Special trees with knobby
knees, please go to special object or
unusual object category.
- also include the rule that the
photographer must indicate how the
special effect was achieved, on the fair
tag.
- photographs entered must have been taken
within 18 months or 2 years prior to the
fair in which they are entered. In this
way, new photographs and increased
quality will always be on view for your
heaters,
dressing
contact,
Calgary.
two
There is also a heated
room. For more information,
John Campbell at 560-0050, in
publ ic
have a class
indicating a
to 1945.
for historical
prior to date,
photos
ie: prior
The Senior's Craft Society of Alberta
Gift Shoppe at #201, 10324 - 82 Avenue,
Edmonton, T6E 1Z8, phone 433-2053 is a
non profit organization formed to give
seniors an opportunity to sell their
crafts on a consignment basis in the shop
All types of articles are welcome. Call
or write them, if you are interested and
are 55 years or over . . . REALLY!
SPRING INTO 4-H
4-H has been going strong in Alberta for
over 70 years. Currently there are 7,450
members in 460 Alberta 4-H clubs. With the
assistance of 2,500 volunteer leaders, 4-H
provides an opportunity for rural youth
between the ages of 10 and 21 to become
productive, contributing members of
society.
4-H is an enjoyable, educational and
personally rewarding organization. Through
4-H, members acquire knowledge and skills
in specific project areas by managing their
own project. Educational workshops and
clinics supplement project activities.
There are more than 32 different 4-H
projects. A wide range of agricultural and
homemaking projects, plus a variety of
other projects including photography, small
engines and wildlife are available.
Members gain knowledge through the "learn
to do by doing" principle. But, the 4-H
program also stresses personal development
such as building self-esteem, communication
skills and leadership.
Communication skills are an important facet
of 4-H. Members have an opportunity to
develop both oral and written skills
through public speaking, demonstrations and
other activities.
Leadership skills are another key aspect of
4-H. Members' skills are enhanced by
participating in their club executive and
or as a junior leader. Adult volunteer
leaders are also encouraged to develop
their leadership skills through workshops,
programs and training materials.
Through exchanges and other programs, 4-H
also offers its members an opportunity to
meet new people and socialize with rural
youth from across Alberta, Canada and other
countries.
Community involvement is an important part of
the 4-H movement. Volunteers and sponsors
play a vital role in helping members achieve
their goals through programs, conferences,
awards and scholarships.
As they have for many years now, in early May
approximately 6,000 4-H club members
participate in the annual Alberta highway
clean up. 4-H members cleaned local
roadsides to help keep Alberta clean and
to fund club activities.
In the summer of 1992, 4-H will celebrate
75 years in Alberta. A "Big Celebration is
being planned and 4-H families from across
Alberta are expected to attend.
4-H is a well established and worthwhile
organization for rural youth. The 4-H
movement's aim is to see its members become
citizens who will bring responsibility,
creativity, reliability and caring to their
club, community and country. For further
information on how to become a member,
leader or sponsor, please contact your
nearest Alberta Agriculture district
office.
WHY NOT?
ADOPT- A-CLASSROOM!
Agriculture in the Classroom is looking for
"pen pal" families for urban school
cl assrooms.
This may be your opportunity to share
country life highlights with an urban
classroom. It's fun, it's easy and it's
coordinated through the Agriculture in the
Classroom Program.
For more information, contact:
Betty Gabert
2nd Floor, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Phone: 427-2402
- 10 -
^^L. I. ^0
Agricultural Societies
Newsletter
ISSN: 0288-1090
JSi^PPO^t to other community organizations
SEPTEMBER 1990
CZJbjectives - to improve agriculture, horticulture and
homemaking in rural Alberta
CZHommunity cooperation
Ulnvestment in the future of rural communities
!EInthusiastic volunteers
Training for young leaders
_l_ndividual achievements
Hlfiiicati nn of consumers
INDEX Page 7
JSharing with over 300
agricultural societies
/dibcrra
. Mask Making - Alder Flats Fair
AGRICULTURE Believe it or not! The instructors are in the picture!
Community Services /Rural Services Division, 7000 -113 St Edmonton, Alta. T6H5T6 Ph: 427-2171
Caimhif ims
Congratulations to the new fairs that were
initiated this summer and fall.
Tomahawk & District Sports Agricultural
Society did an excellent job with their
first ever fair. The local community-
provided excellent support with numerous
entries in most of the categories.
Beaverlodge & District Agricultural Society
impressed their area and the local DHE,
Susan Meyer, with some outstanding
displays. The fair was rated as a complete
success by all those who attended.
The efforts of all the volunteers was
evident in the displaying of the entries.
Everything looked good and the quality of
the entries was excellent.
The enthusiasm of all the volunteers was
evident as the quality of entries and the
overall show was a highlight in the local
community.
NEW IDEA The convenors who had organized a
yard and garden contest had an excellent
idea to pass on to other fairs. Winners of
each category had pictures of their yards
and gardens displayed with a few comments
of the judges typed and mounted on the
bristol board.
I'm sure Tomahawk will have many successful
fairs in their future.
No doubt the Beaverlodge fair will be the
first of many more in the area.
The Beaumont
District Agricultural
Society held their first bench show this
fall. They picked a theme with lots of
potential for displays and entries -
Zucchini.
The possibilities for things to do with
zucchini added to the fun and enjoyment of
all those entering and attending the fair.
A very interesting display idea was a weed
identification contest with a slight twist.
A scentless camomile plant was brought in
and guesses were taken on the number of
seeds that one plant would produce.
Besides educating more people about those,
"lovely daisies", the guesses for the
number of seeds helps people understand how
fast these weeds spread and their
categorization as "noxious".
The Beaumont & District Agricultural
Society is endeavouring to make themselves
known throughout the community with many
more activities already being planned.
Good luck to their agricultural society and
all their future events.
World Pumpkin Confederation Weigh-In
The Smoky Lake Agricultural Society has an
opportunity for you to display your
overgrown vegetables. The official
weigh-in will be held, Monday, October 8 at
the Smoky Lake Agricultural Complex.
There are prizes and trophies for the
heaviest pumpkin, squash, watermelon,
garlic, potato and cabbage. The world's
heaviest pumpkin will net the producer
$3,000 US.
A lot of contests and activities are
planned for the day to make it a fun
activity for the whole family. So get your
front end loader into the garden and load
up that prize winner.
Please contact the pumpkin hotline for more
details - Barry at 656-3508 or Larry at
656-3599.
^^^nl^ HOTLIME
It s \Arorth getting up early
for something this
SPECIAL
Come and enjoy the day . . .
Help celebrate and welcome hack
Tlje Springbank Country Fair!!!
•^GNAGE SIGNA^F
SIGNAGE AWARDS
La]cedell Agricultural Society - fair signs
along highway from Mameo Beach East of
Lakedell to Winfield to the West
Mid-River8 Agricultural Society a large
bench show schedule sign on a trailer in
the buisness area of town, plus large signs
announcing the fair at both main entrances
to town.
Tofield Agricultural Society addition of
fair signage to Town of Tofield sign.
Alberta Beach & District Agricultural
Society - a series of signs along the
secondary road indicating activities,
inviting people to the fair.
A CONE BACK SAMPLE
Schedule of Events
Curling Cl|ib Pancake Breakfast — Curling Rink
Country 105 Community Cruiser — Curling Rink
Community/Commercial Booths — Red Dutton Arena
Contact: Brenda Watson (242-7914) or Rosie Willick (242-9303)
Speaker's Comer
Stage Show — Stage, Red Dutton Arena
Contact: Ute Holewa (242-5844)
Baseball Tournament — Baseball Field
Contact: Wayne McNeil (249-2%3)
Horeshoe Tournament
Contact: Jim McKendrick (242-9152)
Heritage Club Soup Kitchen — Cafeteria, High School
Farrier Demonstration — Football Field ■ •
Hayrides - Football Field
Agriculture/Craft Show — Gymnasium, High School
Contact: Jackie Ford, Park office (242-2223) home (246-0777)
Lions' Auction
Contact: Neil Leeson (286-9846) or Ray Bussey (246-6010)
Kite Flying Demonstrations — Football Field
Presentation of Awards — Stage, Red Dutton Arena
2nd Annual Springbank Harvest Dance — Curling Rink Doors Of>en
2 Step Lessons
Cindy Church Band
Contact: Park office (242-2223) or Gord Phillips (247-1553)
Advance ticket sales only please
Especially for Kids
10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Bicycle Parade — Tennis Courts,
Contact: Roberta Clark (949-3659)
10:45 a.m. - 1 1 a.m. Awards for Bicycle Parade —
Stage, Red Dutton Arena
1 1 a.m. - 4 p.m. Carnival Tent — Football Field
1 1 a.m. - 4 p.m. Castle Fun for Kids — Red Dutton Lounge
1 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Kids Field Day Activities -
Tennis Court Area
Petting Zoo
Camrose county Fair and Festival a comback
with a whole new fair format in their new
and newly renovated Agriculture Building on
Exhibition Road.
Cochrane - Hollywood type sign on hill West
of town featuring the Cochrane Agricultural
Society.
Oyen - Big Country Fair on highway entrance
to town.
Community Events
All 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
IVIinor Hockey Registration and
Dsed Equipment Sale
Dropoff Friday night
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Contact: Doug Biggs (242-9213)
Figure Skating Registration and
Used Equipment Sale
Drop-off Friday night
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Contact: Carole Wright
(288-9554)
Boy's Brigade Registration
Contact: Bill Lazenby
(249-3535)
Park Membership & Special Drt
Contact: Rosie Willick
(242-9303)
For more information
concerning any of the Country
Fair events feel free to contact
fair coordinator Jane Squier
(242-9355).
If we missed your fair signs, please send us
a picture or a note telling us what to look
for and where they are located.
welcome hack
f^^OSt COUNTY FAIR &FfSmyii
CAMROSE REGIONAL EXHIBITION
Welcome Back
Springbank
ARB YOU JUST A MEMBER?
There are groups and group members who
operate as if the President /Chaiirman is
totally responsible for the entire
leadership of the organization.
Experience shows that groups are strongest
when many members assume leadership roles.
When people feel they are "just members" of
the organization, both the organization and
its individual members suffer. Members
become frustrated because they do not feel
they have a role and do not feel free to
express themselves. Others stop attending
meetings because they become bored or do
not feel they are contributing.
In a healthy, well functioning group,
everyone contributes in some way at various
times. Members are just as responsible
for directing discussions, keeping the
meeting on course or running programs.
One member may present an idea and others
help clarify, enhance, offer a compromise,
summarize and call for a decision. It is
every member's responsibility to maintain
the organization, to help set goals, plan
objectives and accept responsibility for
the actions and strategies to get the job
done.
Some roles are "maintenance" roles which
help the group stick together. Other roles
are "task" roles which help get the job
done. An organization needs working
members to fill these roles, small or
large, in order to assure a healthy group.
So — "Just a Member"- Use the following
checklists and you'll discover you are,
"A Participating Member" of your
organization. By being aware of your
skills, you as a member can help the
organization maintain itself by
strengthening your maintenance and task
roles.
Maintenance Roles
] Listening - accepting other's ideas
] Encouraging - being friendly, praising
others
] Harmonizing - finding common ground for
agreement
] Relieving Tension - seeing humor in a
situation; putting
other ' s at ease
] Elaborating - adding facts or giving
examples
] Setting Standards - maintaining a code of
conduct
] Helping - enabling everyone to have a say
Task Roles, which help the organization
remain productive.
] Initiating Ideas - getting the ball
rolling
] Expressing Opinion - saying how you feel.
] Giving Information - Being prepared with
facts
] Seeking Information - questioning and
clarifying ideas,
statements.
]BleUt>orating - adding facts, giving
related examples
] Steering - Keeping the group on course,
relating discussions to goals.
] Testing - examining soundness,
feasibility of ideas
] Summarizing - restating major ideas and
discussions
How did you do? Members often assume
several of these leadership roles at
different times in different situations
without really being aware of their input.
As a result, they look at themselves as
"just a member". Small roles are
important. Leadership is a function of
what a person does, it does not always
require a title beyond "MEMBER". Be more
conscious about your role at the next
meeting. YOU ARE A MEMBER, NOT, "JUST A
MEMBER" .
4
MORE NEW IDEAS
UP COMING EVENTS
Fair workshop for students. This workshop
is designed to inform participants about
why we have fairs, why people exhibit, how
to prepare their exhibits, what the judges
are looking for and how they can contribute
to the organizing and running of a fair.
Gleichen & District Agricultural Society
plans to add this to their fair activities
next summer. Interested? Contact
Program Consultant.
your
M OUT
Please note the dates of these regional
meetings. This is an opportunity for
agricultural societies to share ideas and
update your information. A mailout has
been sent to your agricultural society.
Region 5 - Barrhead, Athabasca, Edson,
Calmar areas
October 27 at Alberta Beach
Region 4 - Vermilion, Lac La Biche,
Provost, Ryley areas
November 14 at St. Paul
Region 6 - Peace River, Fort Vermilion,
Bonanza, High Prairie areas
November 17 at Fairview
Agricultural Societies Branch Expands 1
. . so do the McPhee family
Newest Member: Allan
Born to Andy & Elaine McPhee,
Robbie & Patrick
Date: August 19, 1990
The Atlas of Alberta Lakes is now in print.
Contact the University of Alberta Press,
141 Athabasca Hall, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G
2E8.
Agricultural Society Handbook
Have you received and are you using the big
blue 3-ring organization binder we mailed
you early this summer ???
AG IN THE CLASSROOM
Agriculture Ambassador Program, sponsored
by Alberta Wheat Pool will be launched in
Medicine Hat on November 24, with the
special Agriculture School Fair.
Come one. Come All! There will be fun
activities for both exhibitors and
spectators .
For more information, contact: Cindy Dixon
2nd Floor, J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6 Phone: 427-2402
Regions 1, 2 & 3 - Fourth Annual Southern
Area Mini Conference -
"Break 100"
November 23 & 24 at Taber
Annual Alberta Association of Agricultural
Societies Conference and Canada Packer's
Alberta Quilt competition finals
February, 1991 at Grande Prairie
5
LOOKING FOR A NEW BOARD MEMBER?
Try this short workshop with your present
board members. It can be fun,
enlightening, educational and result in a
positive response to recruiting new
members .
1: Divide the group into small groups of
three persons.
2: Allow everyone time to pick up their
favorite beverage on their way to join
their group members.
3: Write the following categories on a
board, flip chart paper or have them typed
to present each group with a copy.
- Title of Position
- Purpose
- Responsibilities
- Qualifications
- Is Responsible To
- Training &/or Resources Provided (or
needed )
- Time Estimates (Hours per week, month,
year)
- List of events and services the board has
planned.
- Ncime of person most responsible for each
- Asterisk events the new board member will
be responsible for
4; Have each small group discuss and
complete the job description (approximately
1/2 hour) .
5: Have small groups report back and
record the results on a flip chart for all
to see (no need to report duplication but
it's important to record all ideas)
6: As a total group, review the recorded
information and develop a single job
description.
7: You're now ready to turn the job, of
finding a board member, over to your
nominating committee.
This will have served as an in-service
review of the position for present board
members and will provide the nominating
committee with a job description for
recruiting new candidates for the position.
Encourage your committees to use this
process to gain committee members and
volunteers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN
ORGANIZING WORKSHOPS, CALL YOUR FRIENDLY
PROGRAM CONSULTANT FROM ALBERTA
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES,
Phone 427-2172
Northern Alberta (Reg. 4,5,6) - Louise
Southern Alberta (Reg 1 2 3) - Rae
DM
COFFEE BREAK SHARING
"8 Heads are Better Than 1"
This program is set up on "coffee break"
discussions. A member of the agriculture
society invites several of his/her
community friends to join them in an
"8-to-a-booth" or kitchen coffee break.
The coordinator sets the initial topic for
discussion. The group generates future
topics and program ideas. At times a guest
may be invited to enhance the topic.
TRACTOR PEDAL PULL for kids. Terrific event I
Contact Oyen, Big Country Agricultural
Society for details or come to the November
Mini Conference and find out.
Youth l^ricultural Awatreness Conference
Ask your school to work with you to offer a
one-day conference for youth and/or
children. Planning and organizing
committee should include young people.
Students could be divided into small
cross-graded groups to attend sessions
relating to the importance of agriculture
in their lives.
Displays by local farmers, ranchers and
merchants as well as Alberta Agriculture,
6
Funtastic Fund
Raisers
WE ASK THE EXPERTS - YOU 1 to SHARE FOR THE
NEXT NEWSLETTER
- Best fundraising idea. What, Why, When,
How successful and Where, of course.
- Ideas to feature agriculture in your
community or at fair.
- How do you involve youth?
Please, DO IT NOWl We need your help to
reply to questions from other agricultural
societies. Send us your idea and we'll
send you a copy of allw the submissions we
receive.
DON'T WAIT FOR THE DEADLINE, NOVEMBER 15,
1990. Mail to the Community Services
Newsletter, Room #201, J.G. O'Donoghue
Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6H 5T6 or phone in to 427-2171.
INDEX Page
New Fairs 2
World Pumpkin Weigh-In 2
Signage Awards 3
Are You Just A Member? 4
More New Ideas 5
The Cat ' s Out Of The Bag 5
Up Coming Events 5
Ag. In The Classroom 5
Looking for A New Board Member? . . 6
Coffee Break Sharing 6
Youth Agricultural Awareness ... 6
MURPHY'S LAWS FOR PROVINCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
By Peter Fleming, Program Manager, Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Guelph
* There are calls for keeping people
informed about what's going on, but concerns
that there is to much paper flow/too much
information.
* There are calls for greater consultation
with local people, but concerns that we
don't like survey. s
* There are calls for standards set at a
provincial level, but concerns need
flexibility and local diversity.
* There are calls for more resources to be
developed provincial, but concerns that too
much budget/staff resources are allocated to
the provincial office.
* There are calls for new ideas/ways to
doing things, but concerns that we must
value our traditions.
* The provincial office/organization becomes
concerned that local/regional costs are
going up, but everyone else worries about
how the provincial of f ice/organization
spends its money.
* There are calls for greater input from all
levels into provincial decisions, but
concerns are raised about how long it takes
for decisions to be made.
* In every large organization, the most
consistent question that everyone asks, is
"What does the provincial
office/organization do?
7
U , I . o^ y J-
Agricultural Societies
Newsletter
OEC 1 8
ISSN: 0228-1090
DECEMBER 1990
I
Community Services /Rural Services Division, 7000 -113 St. Edmonton, Alta. T6H 5T6 Ph: 427-2171
THE BEAVERLODGE FAIR.
Submitted by: Susan Meyer, DHE, Grande Prairie
I'm proud of Beaver lodge. The volunteers
who organized this first community fair
should smile all winter. As an outsider,
here are my views on why it was so
successful .
1: No volunteer tried to do everything.
2: Every volunteer talked up the great
work.
3: The fair was planned with the
entertainment and education; exhibitors
and spectators in mind.
The little details which ensure a friendly
atmosphere and enough interest for everyone
included:
1: Name tags on volunteers, judges and
exhibitors - there always seemed to be
someone approachable for conversation with
a stranger.
2: Local judges who stayed for much of the
public time.
3: After the judging, each convenor
arranged their areas for viewing by the
public. The backdrops and tables were
works of art in themselves.
4: Displays of exhibits included the
judges name and posters describing judging
standards .
5: The area had business displays in the
center, ensuring a people presence in all
parts of the room, and judged events on the
outside.
6: The committee piggy backed this first
community fair on the annual children's
fair which boosted both events in
importance .
I heard the pride of volunteers who were
turning to plans for a bigger and better
show next year. If my address were
Beaver lodge, I'd go for better but I might
forget bigger. The community feeling is too
precious to waste on an event to show off to
neighbours - in my opinion.
10 HOT TIPS ON HOW TO GET GRANTS FASTER
1: Send the grant in as soon as it's
complete.
Fair grants can come in any time after the
fair and operating grants can be submitted
as soon as you have reached your maximum
or as close as possible to your year end,
2 : Match bills and cancelled cheques
We cannot accept one without the other.
Be careful with this step. Time does cost
money! It is helpful if the appropriate
bill and cheque are copied together.
3: We do not pay late charges or fees
charged by banks, etc. Please subtract
these from the totals before you submit
them.
4: Copy the full bill
The auditors are not pleased with just a
line which outlines the amount. This
tells nothing of who the bill is for, how
the charges are set, etc.
5: January 15th is an important deadline.
Until that date, you are in good standing
by your last year end. January 16th we
start holding any grants for societies who
have not submitted a list of officers, an
activity report and a financial statement
completed by an accountant ICh. CGA, CMA) .
A Special "Thank You"
To the Taber Exhibition Association and ^
Agricultural Society for hosting the 4th
Annual Southern Area Agricultural
Societies Conference. It believe this was
a first in their updated facility which
offered a few chills and thrills. We all
learn how things work through experience;
they handled their end well.
An extra "hug" for Jean Holman, Pat Goruk,
Sharon Shockey, Maureen Paterson and Tilly
Gamble for their extra efforts. Ross Gibb,
for the added humor which I've dubbed
"Gibbers", we didn't fit enough of these
into our rushed day. "Gibbers" has
delighted all 4 years of our conference.
6: If the person who does your financial
statement uses none of the designations (CA,
CGA, CMA) he/she probably does not qualify
under the regulations. We've had to ask
several groups to get their statement
redone .
7 : There are some expenses that are not
eligible .
- Capital improvements are not operating
expenses
- Garbage pick up is not eligible
- Judge's expenses on a fair claim form
(we pay separately)
- Prize money on a form called Statement
of Fair Expenses
(They are already on the other form)
8: Don't cut, staple and paste many little
pieces of information onto one sheet.
The photocopier will not accept this so it
must all be taken apart before copying.
9: Claim only one fiscal year per forml
10 : Insurance
We need an invoice to show your cost and
your cheque to show you paid it.
You don't need to sent us a copy ^
of your policy. ^^y>-;^4-^
Vauxhall Agricultural Society for sponsoring
a coffee break and providing entertainment.
Big Country Agricultural Society and
Empress/Bindloss Agricultural Society for
supporting the conference by sponsoring
sessional presenters.
Gifts and door prizes, sponsored by Empress
Foods, Taber Exhibition Association
Agricultural Society and the Taber
Equestrian Club.
65 RESOURCE PEOPLE WEATHER THE STORM
Rose Jardine of Big Country Agricultural
Society and her team, Helen Ball, Jim Ball
and Anne Goodine shared new ideas for fairs
land brought their International pedal pull
tractor for a demonstration/try out. Our
Dh in Taber, Tilley Gamble, Wayne Bodin of
South East Alberta Agricultural Society
(Manyberries) and Anne Goodine were
w'olunteer "competitors". Rose Jardine,
spokesperson, presented her material like a
'pro'- short, sweet, visible and so was
Rose,
i
Pr. Patel, Treasurer of the
Smpress/Bindloss Agricultural Society
Iphared the method he uses to claim
operating grants for four community
facilities. He provided a well-prepared
jLtemized account of how to present your
fclaim so even Rae can review it for
processing in a maximum of 10 minutes,
^he key is organization.
I
These presentations are proof that our
agricultural society members are the best
resources for each other and are capable
presenters .
A representation from the Lethbridge
jdandicap Riding Association, Randy Mayne
expressed that new insights were gained by
attending and sharing with agricultural
Societies. The benefit was mutual as he
^hared their program and resources with the
^roup. We need to work at getting more
organizations within the communities
jinvolved and sharing toward community
jpducation and development.
1
llJlint Dunford, Catalyst for Economic
pevelopment Consulting Ltd., Lethbridge,
putlined clearly and concisely the
resources available through Alberta
(Tourism.
'Don Gedlamen, Executive Director, sponsored
oy the Pacific National Exhibition
Association, British Columbia, shared
British Columbia's visions and future
fplans .
Irene Collinge, Region II Director for AAAS ,
presented an update of their progress and
terrific ideas for agricultural programs.
Other sessions:
GST and Not for Profit Organizations
A look into the Future of Fairs, and
A Plan to get and Keep Volunteers
were facilitated by Agricultural and
Community Services staff.
The "Trade Your Mug" was a fun break.
Sharon Shockey, a Taber hostess rescued
those who forgot mugs by rushing in compli-
mentary mugs from Shockey Construction Ltd.
A spokesman from each of the 15
agricultural societies represented shared
their accomplishments in a nutshell
presentation.
Big Country won the case of orange juice
from Empess Foods for coming the furthest
to attend the conference.
Vauxhall won the mystery prize with 14
members present - case of goodies from
Empress Foods.
The Vauxhall Impromptu Players, in their
usual jovial manner, provided entertainment
in the manner of skits. We must solicit
more agricultural society talent at next
year's conference. It was great!!
The door prize, a lovely "Country Broom
Mouse" donated by the Taber Equestrian
Club, also went to a Vauxhall delegate.
All agricultural society members present
shared ideas and contributed to a
successful day. What a wealth of knowledge
and experience!!
The weatherman insisted we close earlier
than we planned so he could harass people
on their way home and we obliged. (He said
he'd try to be nicer next year.)
[MARK NOVEMBER 22 AND 23, 1991 ON YOUR
CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR'S CONFERENCE]
r
^^^^
Farm Family Treat
Managing Agriculture for Profit
Kananaskis, March 3-6, 1991.
An opportunity for farm families to be
entertained and informed, with this year's
theme of Farm Business is Family Business.
This conference is for management teams
that want to make or keep their operations
among the most innovative, productive,
profitable in the Canadian agriculture
industry.
Numerous speakers will cover a variety of
topics of interest to farm families.
Details on the conference are available
through your local District Agriculture
Office.
Consider this a shared present that will be
of lasting value to your farm family.
FREE
Stocking Stuffers for Your Agricultural
Society Directors, Members or Yourself
Contact your District Agriculture Office for
the new Fact sheets on Leadership. Many
areas of leadership and organizational
skills are covered in these easy to read
materials .
What about a video party?
The video's available from the agriculture
library can be borrowed for some future
meetings or a Friday Night family meeting.
The list of what's hot is also available at
your District Office.
Recycle and Make Music
A pamphlet that describes some easy to make
musical instruments which you can build
using used household items.
4-H Anniversary Cookbook
The 4-H clubs are selling a 4-H Anniversary
Cookbook which would add to anyone's
culinary library. This project is intended
to be part of the build up to 1992 and
celebrations of 75 years of 4-H in Alberta.
Individual cookbooks can be ordered
directly for $15.00 plus $3.00 for shipping
and handling.
Make the cheque or money order payable to:
Alberta 4-H 75th Anniversary Committee,
c/o Benita Fossen
Box 96
Cadogan, Alberta
TOB OTO.
This handout is available through our
office - Agricultural and Community
Services. See the check off sheet at the
back of this newsletter.
FLIP A COIN?
Article by: Dorene Slater, DHE, Drumheller
Every day we make decisions. Each decision
has several steps to it, but we are not
always conscious of going through the
process. As the decisions get more
difficult, we get hung up in the process
and will even go so far as not to decide!
There are a number of reasons for not
making a decision. Lack of information,
time and money can hamper the decision
making process. Our individual perceptions
color what we see and can prevent us from
finding a solution.
The human brain is a barrier to making
decisions. It retains only a small amount
of information in the useable memory and is
(limited in its ability to calculate the
best choice.
Despite all this, making a difficult
decision can become easier if you follow
seven simple steps.
1: Define the real problem. Think about
how it affects you and why. Is it a major
or minor problem?
2: List the alternatives. You might feel
that there aren't any, but are you sure?
|Open the door of your mind and let ideas
enter. Make a list of the solutions from
the obvious to the insane.
3: Assess the alternatives. Throw out
the illegal, impossible and unrelated
items. Look at how each alternative
relates to the problem.
4: Research the alternatives. Set a time
limit to complete this step so that you
■can go ahead with actually making a
Idecision.
5: Choose one alternative. Fear of
failure or of being wrong is a major
hurdle to choosing a solution. A poor
decision is better than no decision. And
a partial solution based on the facts that
you have is better than no solution.
6: Do it. Put your choice into action.
7: Review it. Keeping an eye on the
expected results will enable you to catch
minor problems before they become major
ones .
The final step is to accept the
responsibility of the decision. If it was
good, enjoy the success. If it could have
been better, accept that, then make
adjustments and continue.
lanta's Specials
GST FOR NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
February 1, 1991 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Red Deer Provincial Building
Sponsored by Alberta Agriculture,
Agricultural & Community Services, and
Red Deer District Office. Open to
agricultural societies and other community
organizations .
For further information, call the
Agricultural & Community Services Branch,
427-2171.
DEADLINE: 4:30 pm, January 28, 1991
Contact: Lynn Stegman, Red Deer Office
Phone: 340-5364
Rural Leadership Training
Rural Education and Development Association
(REDA) will be holding Leadership Skills
Workshops at the Goldeye Center. Level 1,
January 21 - 25, 1991 and Level II,
February 18 - 22, 1991.
These week-long, intensive learning and
participating workshops have been very
highly rated by those attending in the
past. For more details, contact REDA at
14815 - 119 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L
2N9 or phone 451-5959.
MASSIVE SHARING CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS
Through three regional meetings held across
Northern Alberta, 53 agricultural societies
have gained new ideas and knowledge. All
three sessions had presentations on the
Alberta Association of Agricultural
Societies and the dreaded GST.
In October, Alberta Beach hosted an
excellent one-day meeting. Highlights of
the day included a sharing session on new
activity ideas, recycling projects that
were very successful, volunteers and how to
get more, agricultural connections of
agricultural societies and a good
discussion of the future role of
agricultural societies.
In November, St. Paul, hosted a one-day
meeting with Monica King, local District
Home Economist chairing a jam-packed day of
information. The future of rural Alberta
and the agricultural society role was an
interesting session and Alberta Recreation
and Parks personnel presented an outline of
their services. Agricultural programming,
volunteers and meeting skills all added to
an informative day.
Also in November, a meeting of the Peace
region agricultural societies was hosted by
the group at Fairview. A lot of good
sharing of ideas was a major focus of the
day with agricultural education and the
image of farmers to the urban public
providing a lively discussion. Local MLA,
Glen Clegg was available to listen to some
of the concerns of agricultural societies.
New ideas for volunteer involvement and
improving the fair were shared.
The Peace Region is excited about hosting
the annual provincial conference of
agricultural societies in Grande Prairie in
February 1991. From the ideas that were
generated as part of their discussions,
visiting agricultural societies will be in
for an excellent meeting.
!
^ HAPPT NEW YEAR ★ HAPR- NEW YEAR * HAPPY NEW YEAR ★ HAPfT ^
gig^Qf^v
i RESOLUTIONS FOR 1991
II: We will have all our year end forms
Including the financial review done by our
accountant mailed to Agricultural and
Community Services by January 15.
: Our fair plans will be started early,
(a) judges will be arranged at least by
May;
(b) fair books will be sent to Rae or
Louise at least 6 weeks prior to
our fair.
: We will continue to strive to respond
o the needs of our community and cooperate
i|k;ith others in our similar objectives.
!^
ii
I^ND RAISING IDEA
[n our last newsletter we asked for your
fund raising ideas so that we could share
phem across the province. Lucky for you,
f^ou can still share and we offer this
Bxample of something your agricultural
society could do as a fund raiser.
:ontact the Heritage Park Fall Fair
uommittee and Sell the booklet:
. . . and The Winner Is,
Almost Everything a Newcomer Needs to Know
ibout competing in Old Time, Country and
?mall Town Fairs, (including prize winning
ecipes ) .
\ single copy of this book is available for
54.75, orders for 24 or more books can be
purchased at $3.75 per book.
4: Our membership and volunteers will be
continuously updated on our plans, both
short and long term.
5: All volunteers will be shown
appreciation, at least a "thank you".
6: Our agricultural society will continue
to try ideas and new activities in support
of agriculture.
7: We will share with other agricultural
societies and the Agricultural and
Community Services Branch - Andy, Anne, Rae
and Louise to make everyone as happy as
they deserve to bell
This booklet would be a welcome addition for
your fair convenor and new exhibitors. The
book covers hints on exhibiting in:
Arts
Handicrafts and Sewing
Children in Competition
Home Cooking (including recipes).
Horticulture
Judges
Small Livestock and Pets
There are references to the judging
standards available through the Alberta
Agriculture, Publications. Prize winning
recipes and advice on exhibiting through
the booklet. A quote from the booklet
describes it all, "To foster the
preservation of agricultural fairs, we-
truly hope that this book will encourage
you to become a competitor and, perhaps, a
volunteer" .
For copies contact:
Heritage Park Fall Fair
c/o Betty Wheatley
1900 Heritage Drive, SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2V 2X3
Or, phone: (403) 255-1182
BLIZZARD BLOWS IN
AGRICULTURAL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede
hosted the first Agricultural Ambassador
School Fair, Saturday, November 24 in the
Cypress Center.
The school fair was a terrific success.
:260 student displays were seen by the
attending community and dignitaries. The
students and spectators enjoyed a "Taste of
Alberta" lunch (sponsored by Alberta
businesses) to kick off the Agricultural
Ambassador Program.
Congratulations to the Bashaw and District
Agticultural Society and Youth
the agricultural society board has a Junior
feoard Member Program with an active junior
Livestock Show Committee. This committee is
also a part of the board and attends board
meetings .
The luncheon was followed by speeches from
the Honourable Jim Horsman, Minister of
Federal & Intergovernmental Affairs;
Honourable Shirley McClellan, Associate
Minister of Agriculture and Mr. Lawrence
Nicholson, Regional Representative for the
Alberta Wheat Pool.
Mr. Nicholson then handed out the divisional
high point awards . . . Three of the four
winners were in attendance to receive their
awards .
The community then toured the student and
agricultural industry displays while
enjoying agricultural activities like, a
sheep shearing demonstration, media hog
calling contest, calf roping, butter making
and Texas line dancers.
The weather failed to cooperate but those
attending enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon,
learning about agriculture.
This program will continue to grow next
year. Contact Betty Gabert, Coordinator of
the Agriculture in the Classroom Program for
more details:
Room 200, J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6
Phone: 427-2402
4-.
AN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY WORKSHOP
They are now negotiating for junior board
niembers to attend meetings and to become
full members of the board, responsible for
keeping the board up to date on their
community needs and to help organize
activities and events.
Contact: Jackie Northey, Secretary
Bashaw & District
Agricultural Society
Box 550
BASHAW, Alberta TOB OHO
Phone: 372-4021
Contact Rae Hunter or Louise Welsh with
your requests and needs. We offer a
variety of organizational workshops
available to agricultural societies who
have identified a need for - Planning
Workshops, Leadership Development, Fair
Workshops and Community Involvement.
A complete list of workshops is available
by calling or writing to this office. This
offer is free and only requires that you
book well in advance to avoid
disappointment .
REQUESTS FOR PUBLICATIONS;
Copy of Agricultural & Community Services,
Workshops for Agricultural Societies
Recycle and Make Music
Help? (List your ideas for future newsletter
articles )
Please send the above order to:
Name :
Address :
Postal Code:
###############################################################
Please return the following form no later than MARCH 1, 1991
to:
Agricultural & Community Services Branch
Alberta Agriculture
#201, J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6
1991 FAIR DATES/ACTIVITIES
Name of Agricultural Society
Contact: Name:
Address :
Phone :
Fair Theme:
Location of Fair:
(Over)
- 2 -
Please check (/) the activities listed below that are included
in your fair, enter the date and any comments on special
features of the activity you would like others to be aware of.
Check (/) Show/ Activity Date Special Features
Seed Show
Bench Show
Horticulture Show
Livestock Show/Sale
4-H Support
Trade Show
Parade
Midway
Rodeo
Other (Children's
Activities , BBQ,
Ball Tournament)
Is your agricultural society planning any special celebrations
or hosting other events/activities you would like others to
know about? If so, please list these below.
Event /Activity
Date( s )
Comments
Agricultural Societies
Newsletter
ISSN: 0228-1090
PEDAL TRACTOR PULL - Oyen
Big Country Agricultural Society
APRIL 1991
S?upport to other community organizations
C3t>jectives - to improve agriculture, horticulture and
homemaking in rural Alberta
C^ommunity cooperation
Investment in the future of rural communities
nthusiastic volunteers
"-L'raining for young leaders
Ulndividual achievements
Am E^Iducation of consumers
.^IuX^KJ Sharing with over 300
AGRICULTURE agricultural societies
Community Services /Rural Services Division, 7000 -113 St Ednr-onton, Alta. T6H 5T6 Ph: 427-2171
Do you ever feel like you have taken on
too many commitments and there isn't
enough hours in a day. Anne Bennett
certainly does. Her hubby brought this
list from one of his meetings and they'd
like to share it with you.
PLANTING SCHEDULE FOR MEETING GOERS
First plant four rows of peas:
. Presence
. Promptness
. Preparation
. Perseverance
Next plant four rows of lettuce:
. Let us obey rules and regulations
. Let us be true to our obligations
. Let us be faithful to duty
. Let us be loyal and unselfish
Then plant three rows of squash:
. Squash gossip
. Squash indifference
. Squash criticism
Finally, plant four rows of turnips:
. Turn up for meetings
. Turn up with a smile
. Turn up with new ideas
. Turn up with a determination to do
the job
I think these pointers are good, and with
this advice, meetings should be more
enjoyable. Anne Bennett for those new to
agricultural societies, is the office
based part of our team in Agricultural and
Community Services.
2 -
INDEX
Page
Pedal Tractor Pull - Oyen Cover
Planting Schedule 2
Community Highlites 3
"Mark These Dates" 5
GST Questions & Answers 6
Feature Article - Do Animals Have Basic
Moral Rights - CAE Conference .... 7
Resources 9
1991 Census of Agriculture 10
IMPORTAN T MESSAGE
(Please forward to Fair Judges)
If you are interested in forming a Fair
Judges' Association to share updates,
information, discuss standards, judge's
training, apprenticeship program, etc.
Contact: Mary Burrows
Phone: 843-2076
(After 7pm is best)
Mary is the chairperson of the Judging
Committee, Alberta Horticulture Association.
They have a training and apprenticeship
program to ensure a standard of judging of
Horticulture in Alberta.
SHORT NOTES AND SCRIBBLINGS
Project Development - A "real world" experi-
ence! Any truth in the following??
Six Phases of a Project
1. Enthusiasm
2. Disillusionment
3. Panic
4. Search for the Guilty
5. Punishment of the Innocent
6. Praise & Honors for the Non-Participants
COMMUNITY HIGHLITES
GREAT BUSINESS SENSE
ALDER FLATS Community Agricultural Society
- Revision of by-laws include, "Audit - 3.
The accounts of the society shall undergo
a financial review each year but every
third year (beginning 1993) a complete
audit will be done by the society's
auditor in advance of each annual meeting.
The audited or reviewed financial
statement of the financial affairs of the
society shall be presented to the annual
meeting." This shows consideration for the
board of directors position in handling
public funds!
TERRIFIC OPPORTUNITY
BLACKFALDS District Agricultural Society
takes advantage of the fact that cable
stations are required by law to allow a
portion of their air time to promoting
local communities. With the cooperation
of Shaw Cable in Red Deer, the
agricultural society has presented topics
to the public such as, potato farming,
horticulture, strawberry farming, home
made sausage making, v-line fencing, tree
pruning, plant care, local businesses and
eating places, school science fair and
local talent. These topics are
interspersed with announcements of local
events and activities. A good way to
increase their visibility and inform the
public .
NEW TO ALBERTA IDEA
BIG COUNTRY (OYEN) Agricultural Society
In addition to demonstrating their Pedal
Tractor Pull at the Taber Mini Conference,
Herb Norris has drawn plans for the
pull-a-long which are available, upon
request, from our office. For further
information regarding this new to Alberta
event for the youngsters, contact Herb at
664-2709. Thanks to Rose Jardine, president
of the agricultural society and her team for
sharing this information.
A VOLUNTEER BUSINESS
CROSSROADS Agricultural Society president's
report. "So with these challenges facing
us, our Board of Directors, who were chosen
for their skills as visionaries, community
leaders, builders, promoters at a government
level with abilities to do computerized
accounting and record keeping at a
professional level, had to be transformed
into a Board of Directors involved in the
day-to-day operation of a business that
provides various kinds of community
services. In this area, every local
resident is involved in some way with new
ideas, the reinforcing of old ideas,
praises, criticisms, opinions, etc. which
must all be compiled to come up with what is
best for the majority. To complicate
matters even more, many times the good ideas
are gently presented and the unfavorable
ideas are very tenaciously presented, as the
less you know about a topic the more sure
you are that you are right because you don't
know all the pit falls in your thinking.
The Board being the very flexible and
talented people that they are, were able to
meet this challenge."
Well presented comments from the President
and a reflection of many agricultural
society boards and situations. Note the
WORKING TO INCLUDE THEIR PUBLIC
RAYMOND Agricultural Society published their
annual objectives as well as their new Board
of Directors and they are directed at
supporting leadership and agriculture.
These "new kids on the block" are old
'pros'. Congratulations for another good
year.
- 4
NO DOUBT WHAT THEY'RE ABOUT
WETASKIWIN Agricultural Society new
membership cards printed with the
agricultural society's Belief and Mission
Statements reflect just a few hours of the
Board of Director's on going planning
time. They have progressed in their
planning and now have developed priorities
for two years. The set objectives and
action plans for the current year are well
into the first objective - to increase
visibility and active membership. This
process came about through their commitment
to better service. The planning workshop
that Wetaskiwin is involved in is offered,
at no cost through Alberta Agriculture,
Agricultural & Community Services Branch.
Call your program consultant, Rae or
Louise.
This certifies that
is a member in good standing
PRESIDENT
WETASKIWIN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
BELIEF STATEMENT
We believe that it is important to maintain an agricultural society to
promote a broad awareness of agriculture in the Wetaskiwin area
by improving community spirit and individual lifestyles.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our purpose is to promote, preserve and improve agriculture in the
community, by creating opportunites for involvement and by
making people aware of our society and its goals. This is to be
achieved by educational programs, community service, social
events and other functions.
Reprinted from the Alberta LEAD Newsletter,
(Leadership Education for Agricultural Development)
Features Wetaskiwin
When people ask, "Why does your group
exist" What is your answer? "My job was
either to increase memberships or find out
why we haven't been able to increase
memberships". When Ross Foulston took
over membership recruitment for the
Wetaskiwin Agricultural Society, he
quickly realized that even after one year
of seeing what the agricultural society
did, he was not clear why they did it.
When approaching potential members, the
society's lack of direction made it
difficult. "How can you get interest from
farmers if you are not dealing with their
interests?" asks Foulston.
When he expressed his frustration to other
agricultural society board members, Foulston
found that others felt much the same way.
Delwyn Weaver, the current president,
describes others concerns. The society,
•had been going nowhere the past six years".
They had built up some funds but were
divided as to how to spend it.
With the help of Alberta Agriculture staff,
the group developed a step by step planning
process. To date the steps covered are the
planning basics including: Philosophy,
Purpose or Mission Statement and Goals.
According to Weaver, the first session was a
pleasant surprise. "We found that our
(purpose) was the same for most everybody.
19 out of 20 people agreed."
Both Weaver and Foulston point out that the
board entered the process with optimism.
Weaver advises, "go in with an open mind,
that's for sure".
The process is not yet completed.
Consequently there has been little impact on
general membership. Still, the board's mood
remains upbeat. We will keep you posted of
future outcomes.
NORTHERN ALBERTA
- 5 -
SOUTHERN ALBERTA
Northern Alberta Agricultural Society
Meetings. All Saturday meetings
( 10am - 4pm) .
November 2 - West lock for all the
Northwest Area Agricultural Societies
November 16 - Fairview for all the
Peace Area Agricultural Societies
November 23 - Ranfurly for all the
Northeast Agricultural Societies
Send in your agenda ideas and suggestions
early (by June) to Louise Welsh.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FOR VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
Edmonton
April 4 & 5, 1991
This conference is being co-sponsored by:
Grant MacEwan Community College, Volunteer
Action Centre and Volunteers Association.
By attending this 15th Annual Conference you
can discover and develop your leadership
skills, and learn dynamic concepts for
enhancing and revitalizing your volunteers.
Topics ;
- Eight Sources of Leadership Power
- Leadership Styles and Impact on Others
- Leading People/Organizations Through
Change
- Key Qualities and Skills of Exemplary
Leaders
Brochures are available. Contact:
Resource Center for Voluntary Organizations
Grant MacEwan Community College
Phone: 441-4623
Southern Alberta Agricultural Society Mini
Conference. Mark November 22-23, 1991 on
your calendar. Location, to be confirmed,
somewhere in Region II.
Send agenda suggestions to Rae Hunter.
Agricultural society members did such a
professional job in the presentations that
Rae aims to utilize more of the local
agricultural society resources this year.
If you'd like to learn or hear something
from another agricultural society, please
include your request with your agenda
suggestions. It's you're input that has
made the Mini Conferences a success.
DO IT NOW!
VITALIZE '91
Edmonton
June 6, 7 & 8
The Wild Rose Foundation (Alberta Government
Foundation funded by lottery proceeds, whose
mandate is to assist community volunteer
organizations) is hosting VITALIZE '91.
This Provincial Volunteer Conference will
provide Alberta's volunteers with education,
information-sharing and re-vitalization .
Volunteers will have the choice of
approximately 30 different session topics
relating to volunteer boards, committee
members and front-line volunteers of
non-profit community service organizations.
A chartered bus system, "Hop-a-Bus" , will
run from various locations across the
province for early-registered delegates.
Contact: Winston McConnell, Special
Projects Consultant, Wild Rose Foundation,
2100 Royal LePage Building, 10130 - 103
Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3N9, Phone:
422-9305 (Toll-free via your Government
R.I.T.E. Operator).
JUNE A, 1991 - CENSUS DAY
— . — y
- 6 -
Question; What is a charity? What is a
?????????? "Non-Profit Organization?"
GST QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
This column will be a new feature written
by Revenue Canada, Customs & Excise.
Please send us your questions for the June
newsletter .
Question: Who must register for GST
purposes?
Answer; If a person's annual sales from
taxable goods and services are more than
$30,000 a year, the person must register
for the GST. Please remember that taxable
goods and services include zero-rated
goods and services, but do not include
exempt sales and sales of capital
property.
Under the GST, a "person" is considered to
be an individual, a corporation, a
partnership, a charity, an association or
any kind of organization.
Charities and Non Profit Organizations that
are small suppliers will not be required to
register for the GST, nor will they be
required to collect the GST on goods and
services they provide. However, charities
and non profit organizations below this
$30,000 threshold may voluntarily register
for the GST, which means they will be able
to claim input tax credits on purchases
used in taxable activities.
Question: Who can claim a rebate?
Answer; Charities and qualifying non-
profit organizations may claim a rebate of
50 percent rebate of the GST they paid on
expenses used to provide exempt goods and
services .
Qualifying non-profit organizations means
those organizations that receive 40 percent
or more of their funding from governments.
NOTE: A person does not have to be
registered for GST in order to be eligible
for the rebate.
Answer; An organization is considered to be
"non-profit" if it is organized and operated
solely for a purpose other than making a
profit. Charities and registered amateur
athletic organizations are not considered to
be non-profit organizations. The term
"charity" refers both to charitable and
national amateur athletic organizations or
organizations registered under the Income
Tax Act.
WHAT IS CONSENSUS?
By: Chuck Bokor, Rural Leadership Consultant
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food,
Guelph.
Consensus is a method of decision making in
groups in which all members actively discuss
the issues surrounding the problem. The
group thus pools the knowledge and experi-
ence of all its members. Any final decision
must be supported by each member of the
group. When your group reaches the point
where each person can say, "Well, even
though it may not be exactly what I want, at
least I can live with the idea and support
it", then the group has reached consensus.
Here are some tips to help you:
1. Prepare your own position as well as
possible prior to discussing the problem
with the group.
2. Listen carefully to the views of others
- consider the other person's viewpoint
before insisting on yours.
3 . Express your own opinion and explain it
fully, so that the rest of the group has the
benefit of your thinking.
4. Explore as many views as possible - give
everyone a change to be heard.
5. Look for a most acceptable solution -
everyone should come out a winner - there
are no losers.
6. Deal with conflict with a positive view
- the group's willingness to disagree means
that it is committed to the task, is testing
how good an idea is, or ensures that many
possibilities are being explored.
7. Do not use conflict reducing techniques
such as voting or compromising.
ANIMAL WELFARE OR ANIMAL RIGHTS?
That is the Question
The following are exerpts from Al Hickey &
Adrian Cooper, speakers at the Canadian
Association of Exhibitions Conference, in
Vancouver, February 1991.
Some of the traditional activities we
present for entertainment and fund raising
at our community events may not be
ethical. Perhaps we've never thought
about it or even been aware of animal
rights .
There is a difference between Animal
Rights and Animal Welfare. Al Hickey BC
Society for Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals assured the audience they are not
the same at all.
Animal Rights - Believe humans have no
inherent mandate to abuse animals in any way
(not for food or otherwise) advocate setting
all animals free. He reminded us that this
would cause havoc; there 'd be no need for
farms, animals not bred for wild would be
subject to disease and disaster.
Animal Welfare - believe the animals should
be kept to a practical minimum and handling
should be with the most sensitive measures
possible in mind. We must learn to manage
animals with due respect to the dignity of
the animals involved (pig greasing, rodeos,
chicken slot machines are not presented with
dignity in mind and some animals are harmed
and harassed) .
Al believes a code of ethics for fairs is
needed to manage the animal rights issues
and have animal welfare in mind. He
encouraged the audience to solicit
cooperation from others in developing and
maintaining the code, ie: Veterinarians,
Animal Welfare, producers, etc..
ADRIAN G. CCX>PER COMMUNICATIONS presented
10 Basic Premises that may be applied to
the exhibition of and sport use (rodeo) of
animals. Source Veterinary Ethics,
Tannentaum, J.S., Willicims and Wilkins,
Baltimore, 1989 with much flexibility...
1. People may benefit from agricultural
and sport animals ie: food, fiber,
entertainment, draft, companionship.
2. Agricultural and sport animal clients
are entitled to a fair profit and may
factor economic considerations into
management decisions.
3. The role of public demand in the
determination of how agricultural and
sport animals are treated must be not
underestimated .
4. Agricultural and sport animals have
interests that must be taken into account.
5. Individual animals count.
6. These animals have basic moral rights
( see later ) .
7. Although assessment of mental states is
an important consideration in the
determination of animal interests, one must
avoid exaggerated claims about these states.
8. All other things being equal, a
husbandry method or course of veterinary
care that causes animals less pain,
suffering, distress or discomfort is
preferred to one that causes them more.
9. All other things being equal care
that gives animals more positive mental
states or greater well being is
preferable.
10. It is often unhelpful to maintain that
animals should be spared "unnecessary" pain,
suffering, distress or discomfort, or that
they should be treated "humanely" when this
is from a purely anthropomorphic* interest.
Adrian's premise is that domestic animals
have no real natural rights in a man
engineered world. They most certainly do
have the right to be treated kindly and
with a basic respect for life. Adrian
noted that minimum animal rights referred
to by the Brambell Committee 1972 were
sufficient freedom of movement for an
animal ;
1. to get up 4. turn around
2. lie down 5. strengthen its limbs
3. groom normally
Adrian felt that we need to look more at
animal welfare than rights. So what is
animal welfare? This is certainly under
discussion and new university chairs are
needed in this area.
Adrian offered some suggestions . . absence
of suffering; the degree to which animals
can adapt without suffering to the
environments designed and designated by
man; absence of methods for handling and
management that are so extreme as to
induce stress or its overt
symptoms distress, on animals. Stress is
understood to mean extensive physiological
and behavioral disturbances in the animal
resulting from noxious environmental
factors .
Adrian's thoughts are that we clearly need
to do more work and we will eventually
make different definitions for different
species .
The Veterinarian as an animal advocate.
Adrian felt that the Veterinarian is
uniquely able to judge . .
whether an animal is being overworked
to the extent that it is threatened with
acute or chronic injury or disease, and
whether resting, euthanasia, or
shipment for slaughter is the only feasible
way of preventing short or long term
suffering;
whether an animal is too injured or
broken down to be used for breeding
without causing suffering or discomfort;
whether an animal needs special
nutrition, treatment or care;
whether a condition suffered by one or
several members of a herd is likely to
spread to other animals unless action is
taken;
whether animals require professional
care to be maintained at an adequate level
of welfare.
The word welfare is used without a strict
definition. But Adrian questioned who
else is the animals' best advocate, if not
the veterinarian.
He states that, for exhibitions and sport
events to continue, they must be
pro-active. There is a need for animal
welfare and to use committees made up of
staff, cowboys, SPCA inspectors and
veterinarians. Likely they would also
benefit greatly from the input of outside
consultants .
Producers are concerned about
animal welfare Taken from, "The Mercury", Tofield, March 19, 1991
Some traditional livestock
production practices will have to
change in the future, says central
Alberta rancher Ron Bennett.
Traditional branding, castration
and dehorning are three practices in
the cattle industry he expects will
be replaced or made less stressful
on livestock through new technol-
ogy and better producer education.
But at the same time, he says the
agriculture indusuy has to do a bet-
ter job now of communicating with
its own members and the public.
"Most ranchers and other live-
stock producers today treat their
animals with care and respect," he
says. "But the message has to be
delivered clearly that poor manage-
ment that results in any mistreat-
ment of livestock won't be
tolerated by the public, the govern-
ment, or the livestock industry."
Bennett operates a 100 head
cow/calf ranch near Alix, in central
Alberta. He's a member of the Al-
berta Cattle Commission and chair-
man of an ACC committee dealing
with animal welfare issues.
"As ranchers we have a dual
responsibility," he says. "We must
make sure our industry is raising
livestock in the most humane way
possible, and at the same time, we
need to increase public awareness
about the clean, safe, caring live-
stock production practices com-
monly used today."
He says while most livestock are
produced for slaughter, that doesn't
mean they can be allowed to be
mistreated.
Dr. Terry Church, director of Al-
berta Agriculture's animal health
division, says ongoing research
may hold the key for developing
improved livestock production
practices.
"The industry and animal wel-
fare groups have flagged certain
traditional production practices
used not only in Alberta, but around
the world where changes are
needed," explains Church.
These include branding of cattle,
raising veal calves in closed
hutches, housing hens in cages to
produce eggs, and confining sows
in stalls which restrict freedom of
movement for long periods.
"We hope research and new
technology will show us ways to
eliminate some practices, while at
the same time maintaining efficient
and economical production," says
Church.
He explains work is being done
to develop an clectionic identifica-
tion system for cattle that would
eliminate branding. Studies are
being conducted in Canada and
Europe to determine a better means
of housing egg producing hens.
And computerized feeding systems
have been developed that allow hog
producers to raise sows in group
pens instead of individual stalls.
"The message has to be made to
the public that just because we raise
hundreds or thousands of hens,
hogs or cattle on livestock opera-
tions, that doesn't mean they are
being mistreated or not cared for
properly."
Dr. Jeff Rushen, an animal wel-
fare and animal behavior specialist
at the University of Alberta is look-
ing at improved methods of hog
production, for example.
He says, while animals can't
talk, there are sophisticated and ef-
fective ways to monitor behavior
and growth that tell whether an
animal is under stress or uncom-
fortable in its environment.
"First we need to separate emo-
tion from fact," Rushen says. "Wc
need to clearly identify what rear-
ing practices are stressful on the
animal, and then develop imagina-
tive ways to improve those condi-
tions."
- 9 -
FUNDRAISING FOR CHARITIES
New rules for fundraisers, which became
effective January 1990, may change how
charities fundraiee. Alberta's Public
Contributions Act now has increased re-
quirements for campaigns run by professional
fundraisers, and fewer restrictions on
smaller volunteer-run campaigns.
Hiring a professional fundraiser to conduct
a fundraising campaign will require that:
The professional fundraiser must be
licensed by Alberta Consumer and Corporate
Affairs, must post a $25,000 surety bond and
must act as trustee for all monies received
during a campaign.
- Your charity must have a written contract
with the fundraiser.
Other changes to the Act include new
accounting regulations. If you raise more
than $5,000 you must file a financial
statement within 60 days of the end of the
campaign. The financial statement may be a
financial report or an independently audited
financial statement. Detail the amount
collected, expenses and a breakdown how the
money was used. Audited statements will be
required when a professional fundraiser is
hired, or if you raise over $50,000 from
your volunteer campaign.
Anyone representing your charity in a
fundraising capacity must reveal basic
information regarding the campaign, such as
the purpose for which the proceeds will be
used or the percentage of funds collected
that will actually be used for the charity.
For further information or to request the
pamphlet "Planning a Fundraising Campaign:
The Public Contributions Act", contact your
local office of Alberta Consumer & Corporate
Affairs .
"VOLUNTEERS AND THE LAW"
A booklet is available from:
The Public Legal Education Society
150 - 900 Howe Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2M4
(Approximate Cost - $5.00)
SUGGESTIONS - FUNDRAISING BY MAIL
- Know your audience before writing your
letter.
- Eliminate trivia in your message
- Remember: women give the majority of
gifts; men give the larger gifts.
- Throw away your old brochure; don't use
them up.
- Don't be afraid to ask for more money.
- Use newsletters.
- Use the words and phrases that "Pull" and
"Tug" .
- Remember to use the "P.S." — often, this
is all your prospect reads.
- Use a visually-appealing mailing piece.
- Get your name on every mailing list.
- Use pictures to maximum effect.
- Have a professional look over your copy.
- Create new ideas for your donors to
appreciate .
RISING ENERGY PRICES
There are a lot of things you can do to use
less energy and reduce your costs - which
helps our environment. Helpful tips to
conserve energy are available from the
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA. To obtain a free
package of brochures, call the toll-free
energy line: 1-800-267-5166 (Monday
Friday, business hours).
You can also receive the Energy Savings
Package by writing to: Energy Publications,
580 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario, KlA 0E4.
REDA - Rural Education Development Assoc.,
offers a variety of leadership workshops for
organizations or communities. If you are
wondering which leadership skills to
inprove, REDA offers a tool, "Planning Your
Road to Leadership" .
PYRTL is designed for any level of experi-
ence. This tool will help you recognize
your strangths and the areas of leadership
development you most need to work on. It
will assist you in choosing courses to
improve your skills. To receive a free
copy, contact:
REDA, 14815 - 119 Avenue, Edmonton,
Alberta, T5L 2N9 or Phone: 451-5959
19 9 1 C E N S U S^^O F AGRICULTURE
Wliat'siilit
for Hsunners?
H ■ n Juna 4, 1991 — the next Census o\ Aghcuiture — stand up and be counted
U as !Z\ important memtier ut Canada' ;> fann cormiuntty. Fanners have always
given tt?t Census their full co-opwration; they know what* s at stake.
wnat is at staks?
Yojr I'^acify for making strong tyjsiness decisions, your access to (jiallty services, your
impac< or th» environment anr! rrore. depend on everyone's partJdpatJon in the Census.
How can famers use Census of Agriculture information?
The Census provides the industry :)V4V<view needed for making t)usiness deciskxis and
i-.iqhiiij'its important fanning trencS. With the Census as a Ijase. you can evaluate your own
ay'icCiyral methods (cropptng, irOduction and soil conseryatton). weigh alterrwtives and act
on f?.C(S rather than on specuteitfi.
Do you (i9tiiand quattty products and services?
You should ciot have to travel far to get quality products and services. You benefit when
( ompanies spe-jiclizing in fertilizers, pesticides, teed, fencing, seed and f-^rm equipment use
Censu.' data to find out where to locate. A farm equipment company in your community, for
example, means ready access to equipment sales, rental, parts snd mci.uenance.
W(i2t isbout the environment?
Our envitonment needs protection. Farmers — like everyone else — are do:nq their part. The
Census identifies larming practices and measures hew these practices are changing to deal
with snvironmenial concerns.
What about the role of women in agriculture?
The 1 991 Census form allows for more than one operator to be named to show the reility of
vi/omen's contribution to the farm industry m Canada. The role of women as decision-makers
on the farm will be better reflected in the data.
How els!« do you benefit from everyone's participation?
In the case of emergency situations and natural disasters. Census of Agriculture dats are
osed to quickly locate and identify agricultural areas affected — possibly your area — and to
assess the impact of the damage. Associations and unions use the data for measuring the
financi"! well-being of farmers and lor lobbying on your behalf. Accurate data from the
Cens.is of Agriculture are an important part of the information needed to support government
stabilization and pric<? support programs.
Is being well informed important to you?
Farm organizations and the farm media use the Census of Agriculture database to report on
farm industry facts, trends and developments — details essential for getting the viewpoint of
farmers in front of legislators and the Canadian public
You benefit from the Census so take a few minutes on June 4 and fill out your form and
mail it back. There's a lot at stake.
Agricultural Societies
T>Newsletter
ISSN: 0228-1090
SEPTEMBER 1991
FAIR SIGNS ARE GROWING ACROSS ALBERTA
(Send Us a Slide of Your Sign)
PINCHER CREEK
FAIR»RODEO
^010 EVENTS Alin, 18 t9-20
'""'^H EXHIBITS "^'^
15 SHOW ; ^
JIREWORKS'MID#AY
^PitiS OTHER E«NTS >
f)
/dibcrra
AGRICULTURE
upport to other community organizations
C)bjectives - to improve agriculture, horticulture and
homemaking in rural Alberta
CZIommunity cooperation
I nvestment in the future of rural communities
!EI nthusiastic volunteers
■JL'raining for young leaders
I ndividual achievements
!EIducation of consumers
JSharing with over 300
agricultural societies
Community Services /Rural Services Division, 7000 -113 St. Edmonton, Alta. T6H 5T6 Ph: 427-2171
1992 National Volunteer Week
April 26 - May 2
Regional Agricultural Meetings
North West Region - Westlock November 2
Peace Region - Fairview November 16
North East Region - Ranfurly November 23
Details and registration forms have been
sent to your agricultural society
secretary. Contact our office for more
details.
'ALBERTA GOLD'
C
Southern Alberta
See
Insert
Mini Conference
November 22-23,1991
INDEX
Page
Important Dates to Note 2
Good Fair Ideas 3-5
Procedure for Fair Date Changes .... 5
Fall Tune-Up Tips 6
Volunteer Hunting Guide 7
Unconditional Lottery Funding 7
- 3
FAIR lOEAS FROM
Edgerton Agricultural Fair deserves spec-
ial recognition for one of the loveliest
bench shows I was able to catch a glimpse
at.
The theme "Save Our Earth" was carried
right through the fairbook in special
classes and decorations centered around
the theme.
With the environment being such a major
concern, the agricultural society did an
excellent job of increasing awareness along
with an activity that kept the whole
community busy.
If you get a chance next summer, the fair
in Edgerton is worth a visit.
Victoria Trail Agricultural Society
(Waskatenau) gave out certificates for the
horse show, flower vases for the
horticulture and general houseware prizes
for the rest of the aggregate winners.
Cheaterroere Agricultural Society A flood
of youngsters, identified with large red
buttons as volunteers, cheerily ran the
whole show in the children's activities
area and were very visible in other
volunteer roles. TERRIFIC TEAMl
Duchess Agricultural Society The cover of
their book was designed by a local artist,
Sabina Endersby, - a tree upholding the
changing sub-themes of each year on it's
branches under the theme "Progress in
agriculture" .
This is the second year featuring, "Dairy
1991". 1990 was "Changing Roles of
Women". Nice history record 1
High River Agricultural Society gardening
section at the fair includes garden
information booths.
THE SUMMER OF 1991
New Classes are always of interest to agri-
cultural societies. Some of the ideas we've
gleaned from this summer include:
Foods - dehydrated food classes, trail
mix, children's rice crispie squares or
puffed wheat squares, part cakes (half or
quarter), smaller pies, small bread
loaves, pints and small jars for canning,
relish, etc.
Sewing - creative stitching classes using
the sergers, neon-bright shorts for boys,
designer outfits for girls (although both
could enter either category).
Christmas Fair Sections included wreaths,
ornaments, stockings, etc.
There have been a few fairs switching from
ribbons to smaller tags. A few have given
up trophies.
Westerner Exposition Association (Red Deer)
The "Little Red Barn" area included
McLevin's Blacksmith Shop manned with an
experienced blacksmith at work at the anvil.
The "Oldest Brand" competition invited
participants to bring their brands and leave
their mark on the wall of the Blacksmith's
shop.
In the "Speed Knitting Contest", partici-
pants cast on 25 stitches and started
knitting on signal and knit one row, purl
one row for 5 minutes. Annie Varlent won
the $25 gift certificate for the most rows -
ten. A consolation prize was also offered
for the least rows.
Delia & District Agricultural Society
offered a "Paint a Mural" (4'x4' agricult-
ural theme) contest for senior high school
students. Cash prizes were won by the top
five murals. The murals were displayed at
the fair.
- 4 -
ALBERTA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
Partners in Education
Source: Delia's Fair Book, 1991
DEAR PARENTS;
Have you ever counted how many bag lunches
you make in a year? If you have two
children who take lunches to school,
they'll eat about 400 lunches each year.
Fun With Nutrition
Children can take part in making their own
lunches. Choose simple tasks for younger
children such as peeling carrots or
helping to package food.
Preparing portable lunches that your
children will eat and enjoy takes
imagination and knowledge of a variety of
foods .
What's In a Good Lunch?
A nutritious lunch provides about one-
third of a person's daily nutrient needs.
It contains foods from each of the four
food groups;
* Milk and Milk Products
* Fruits and Vegetables
* Meat, Fish, Poultry and alternates
* Breads and Cereals
Snacks _
1: Good for Teeth and Body These foods
contribute to your total nutrient needs.
They are also low in sugar and therefore,
do not promote dental decay.
Milk and Cheese
Plain Yogurt (add fresh fruit)
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Unsweetened Juices
Plain Muffins, Crackers, Breads and
Cereals
Nuts and Seeds (Sunflower, Pumpkin)
Pizza
Meat, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, Peanut
Butter
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers
2: Good for Body Only These foods have
nutritional value but, are high in sugar.
They are less harmful to the teeth, if
eaten with a meal.
Chocolate Milk, Milkshakes
Milk Puddings
Ice Cream, Ice Cream Sodas
Older children can do a great job of pre-
paring simple foods. The more experience
they get, the less supervision they need.
And, chances are, if they make it, they'll
eat itl
Plan a lunch bag competition among your
children for a week. Offer small prizes for
the most interesting, colorful and nutri-
tious lunches.
Flavoured Yogurt
Raisins and Other Dried Fruit
Sherbert
Sweetened Fruits and Juices
Granola
3: Good for Teeth Only These foods
contribute very few nutrients but, because
they have a low sugar content, they are not
harmful to the teeth.
French Fried Potatoes
Popcorn
Potato Chips
Pretzels
Sugar-free Soft Drinks
Cheezies or Similar Snacks
Sugarless Gum
4: Bad for Teeth and Body These foods do
not contribute to nutrient needs and are
high in sugar. They are poor choices for
snacks. Fruit Flavoured Drinks
Regular Soft Drinks
Honey, Jam
Sweet Baked Goods - Cake, Cookies,
Pastry
Chocolate Bars
Candies, Lozenges
Regular Gum
More Fair Ideas . . .
^ Planning an Awards Ceremony
When planning an awards ceremony, there
are several key things to remember if you
want everything to run smoothly. They
appeared recently in an American
publication, "Meeting News".
* Limit the number of spealcers.
How many times have you heard someone
complain. There were too many speeches!"
* Have two people present the awards.
One can announce the names and achieve-
ments; the other can present the award.
* Make it easy for recipients to reach the
stage quickly.
Why not seat them all at the front?
* Check the sound system to ensure it
works .
Get someone at the back of the room to
signal if they can't hear.
* Schedule a photo session for after the
ceremony .
There's nothing worse than a photo-
grapher trying to get posed pictures of
^ everyone during the event.
Follow these guidelines and your event
will stand a better chance of success.
PROCEDURE FOR
Fairs are an important service of agri-
cultural societies in any community. Due
to the closeness in distance of many of
our fairs. Fair dates should not be
changed without consideration of the
effect on other communities. Forward this
procedure to your fair chairperson.
1: Obtain a copy of the Alberta Exhibi-
tions Fairs and Agricultural Societies
publication, Agdex 007.
2: Write all agricultural societies in
your area that might be affected by
the change of dates.
Inform them of your intent and enquire
as to whether or not they would be
) affected by the change and/or have
any objection.
5 -
Vegreville Agricultural Society had an
agricultural society booth and survey form
for their patrons. They also held excellent
children's day activities including a toy
parade. Children were invited to show some
of their treasurers through a few ■ clever
categories. Children were also invited to
dress up in the "When I Grow Up" class.
Demolition derbys seem to be a real
success in a lot of fairs. The urge to
wreck something is probably strong in a
lot of areas 1
Parades are moving away from throwing
candy off floats into the street, a
practise which has some dangers, to having
people walk beside the floats and along
the audience to distribute treats.
More ideas will be shared if you send in
your notes about success at your fair.
FAIR DATE CHANGES
3: Write Alberta Agriculture, Agricult-
ural and Community Services Branch, to
the attention of your area consultant.
Provide information regarding the
agricultural societies you contacted
and the agreed upon change of dates
for your fair. Indicate whether the
change is for a one time event or a
permanent change.
This procedure allows the responsibility for
changing fair dates to remain in the
community ' s hands .
LAST WORD: The difficulty lies not only
in the new ideas, but in escaping from the
old ones. - John Maynard Keynes
FALL TUNE-UP TIPS
- 6 -
By: Andy McPhee
Occasionally you will find that your group
of volunteers is showing signs of sluggish
or inefficient performance. The question
then is: "What kind of tune-up is
required?"
The following are some simple, inexpensive
group tune~up ideas.
1 : To correct for low commitment/ involve--
roent
* Plan an evaluation meeting
* Ask, "Why are we doing these
activities?"
* Record the answers and suggestions
for changes
* Make an effort to accept and make
some of the changes suggested
* Make sure all members hear about
the changes being made
2 : To tune-up regular meetings
* Try a written agenda distributed
beforehand
* Discuss the agenda first thing in
the meeting
* Get the group to agree on the time
that the meeting will end
* Encourage participation of members
by direct questions from the
chairman, time limited discussions
in small groups
3: Changing the Oil and Spark Plugs
Every once in a while your organization
needs to consider whether a major tune-
up is necessary. This is often a
difficult decision because there may
not be total group consensus that it
is time to replace a few of the vital
spark plugs that may no longer be as
"electric" to the group functioning.
* Deal with group goals and group
performance rather than any
specific individual's action(s)
* Once group goals have been
determined, evaluate, evaluate,
evaluate. Ask questions:
a) Why are we doing this?
b) Do we need to write down
information and instructions for
members and committees?
Does the operation and
maintenance committee need a
procedures manual to ensure the
pipes don't freeze?
Does the finance committee need
to write down purchasing
procedures?
c) Do we need to review the by-laws
to look at terms of office and a
rotation of job responsibilities?
* Take time, if possible at a special
meeting, to discuss and come to a
group consensus on which changes
need to and can be made in the next
year. Use this consensus at the
start for planning activities for
the next year.
) The Road Test
After you have poked and prodded,
"under the hood" for a while it is
important then to get on with the
work of your organization. Make the
changes in operating procedures and
then give it a good run, to ensure
optimum performance. Any misfiring can
then become the basis for next year's
tune-up.
- 7
VOLUNTEER
In the March 1991 issue of "The Pryor
Report", Dr. Paul Friedman, Editor,
explained how "reciprocation" is the most
powerful tool in organizational life.
He noted that people are naturally more
willing to give you what you want if you
give them what they want. It's human
nature! The most powerful people, he
says, are not necessarily the ones at the
top of the organizational chart. Power
generally accrues to those who commend the
currency other people wish to deal in.
In a book called, "Influence Without
Authority". Allan R. Cohen and David
Bradford list a number of these valued
currencies. When reading the list, try to
think of someone you wish to influence and
pick out a currency they value that you
can provide or help them gain.
* Vision: to be involved in something with
significance for a larger group
)* Excellences to do their work really
well; to be the best
* Morality: to do what's ethical or
right, not just what's efficient
* Challenge/Learning: to increase their
knowledge and skills
HUNTING GUIDE
* Assistance; getting your support with
their valued project (or a task they
don't like)
* Rapid Response: getting a quick reaction
to a request
* Information: getting the inside scoop
they normally wouldn't have
* Recognition: having their effort,
abilities and achievements recognized
and affirmed
* Contacts/Visibility: meeting key people
and having their work known to
superiors
* Understanding: having their concerns
heard with compassion
* Gratitude: being appreciated and having
an indebtedness acknowledged
* Involvement /Owner ship: having a role in
planning or taking charge of an
activity
* Comfort: being free of hassles, having
something run smoothly
Remembering that you command these curren-
cies can help you and those around you work
more effectively. You're more powerful than
you think!
Jl ft $ $ $ $ ^ $ j/t ^ ^ ,
UNCONDITIONAL
We've been checking our lists and getting
them right! The process of requisitioning
278 unconditional lottery grant cheques
for agricultural societies for a total of
$5,480,000 and then distributing them to
the correct address is moving along
nicely.
We anticipate that the 1991 Unconditional
Lottery Grant cheques for agricultural
societies will be distributed well before
the end of September.
1
LOTTERY FUNDING
These grants are unconditional in that they
do not have to be matched and can be applied
to any area of your agricultural society's
operation including debt retirement,
programs, operations or capital improvements.
Our best wishes go out to all those dedi-
cated volunteers who have the responsibility
of managing these funds on behalf of their
agricultural society.
For further information contact Agricultural
& Community Services, Alberta Agriculture,
#201, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6H 5T6, phone (403) 427-2171.
r
V
'*
- 2 -
A
A
.GRICULTUR
AL
S
UPPORT TO OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
O
BJECTIVES- IMPROVING AGRICULTURE. HORTICULTURE AND HOMEMAKING
c
OMMUNITY COOPERATION
I
NVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF RURAL COMMUNITIES
E
NTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS
T
A.
RAINING FOR YOUNG LEADERS
I
NDMDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS
E
DUCATION OF CONSUMERS
S
HARING WITH OVER 300 AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
INDEX
Page
wish List from Agricultural &
Community Services Branch Cover
Reminders 2
How Do We Get Volunteers? 3
4-H 75th Anniversary 4
Alberta Rose Jardine 5
Bashaw Junior Agricultural Society 6
Regional Meetings and Mini
Conference Reports 7
Resources for You 8
Agricultural Ambassador Fair and
Conference Report 8
SECRETARY'S HANDBOOK
Have you seen this book? It is blue with
colored tabs and dividers and should be in
the hands of your secretary.
This book should be updated to contain the
1992 List of Directors, Report of 1991
Activities and the last Financial Statement.
Check your by-laws. A dated copy should also
be in the handbook. If the by-laws are more
than 5 years old consider doing a revision,
or at least review to see if they are
accurate .
R E MEMBER
1991 year end reports are due in our office
JANUARY 15, 1992.
Fair dates should be sent in or the
information can be given over the telephone
by March 1, 1992.
Grant forms can and should be forwarded as
soon as they are completed. Last date for
mailing is February 29, 1992.
Far too soon summer is over (sooner than we
wanted it to end) and community organizations
are buzzing with activities they plan to
provide for the community. Volunteers will
be on everyone's list.
The common cry has become, "How do we get
volunteers?" Volunteers have become cautious,
their comments are, "When I say I'll help for
one task for a few hours, I often end up in a
lifetime commitment" or "When I got there
nobody knew what I was supposed to do". If
you are having trouble getting volunteers,
here are a few principles to enhance the
volunteer's position. Perhaps this will
ensure that your volunteer will do the job
and volunteer again.
1. Preparation: Determine why you need
volunteers. Make a list of specific
tasks for which you require help. For
each task outline, when you need help,
details of the action required, how much
time it will take, how many times the
task will be repeated, abilities, skills
needed to perform the job, the name of
the person from when the volunteer will
receive support. It's a good idea to
keep this information on file cards.
Decide who will be responsible for each
position. Who will recruit, train and
supervise the volunteer work?
2. Develop a second set of file cards for
volunteers and members of your
organization: Record their name, phone,
address, skills and abilities, interests,
positions they have filled within your
organization and other organizations; the
days and time they are available. This
provide a ready reference for calling on
volunteers and a record for recognizing
your volunteers.
3. Advertise your volunteer requirements by
word of mouth if possible, carry the task
outlines with you as a ready reference,
with a contact name and dates for
interviews. Don't be tempted to call the
person who did it before because they are
always willing to support you. Let them
know the position they filled in the past
is open for interviews as well as any new
challenges they might like to accept.
4. Plan a time to orientate and brief the
volunteers you select. Make this a
specific date and time commitment, even
if it only requires five minutes. this
may be a time for the volunteer to meet
co-workers and to become aware of their
role. Review the volunteer's task and
responsibilities and who to call for
support. Take time to make the
volunteer feel welcome and needed.
This step helps build and then
maintain the volunteer's confidence
and ability. Further support and
training can be done as in-service
training throughout the duration of
the job/task.
5. Recognition may be a simple handshake, a
smile or a "thank you". Whatever it is,
recognition is important in letting the
volunteers know they make a difference.
6. When the job is done, take time to ask
the volunteer for feed-back. Did he/she
enjoy the work Do they have any
suggestions for improvements, new ideas?
Was there anything you could do to make
the volunteer more comfortable in the
position? Ask if they would volunteer
again and whether they have a preference
for a specific area of volunteerism.
Remember, you are a volunteer employer,
volunteering is an important and vital
function in community education and
development. The objectives of your group
can only be met if you spend time preparing
for your volunteers and planning to meet
their needs. A good volunteer program will
assure a successful organization.
- 4 -
SHOWCASE *92
Prepared by: Lloyd Marshman
Chairman - Marketing
4-H Showcase '92
As a new and exciting year approaches, I
would like to suggest some ideas and themes
for agricultural societies throughout the
Province.
1992 marks the 75th year of 4-H in Alberta.
Since the inception of 4-H in 1917 in Olds,
Alberta, 4-H has come a long way and at
present involves about 4500 families
throughout the province.
Agricultural societies could use this as a
theme for fairs and other events, possibly by
using local leaders and members to set up
displays and enter projects which they have
completed.
July 31 - August 2, 1992 at Calgary's
Stampede Park, 4-H is celebrating with a huge
Jamboree. We are expecting 5-6,000 past and
present 4-H members, parents and leaders to
participate. There will be major
entertainment in the evenings (concerts and
dances), a barbeque, pancake breakfast and
throughout the days, livestock shows, horse
shows and demonstrations involving all 30
plus 4-H projects.
Perhaps some agricultural societies might
like to help promote this in their
communities or help send some local 4-H youth
to "Showcase '92" in Calgary. There will be
all types of billeting, camping and hotel
accommodation available.
Last, but not least, I would like to mention
two items of interest that are available
through your local 4-H clubs.
1: 75th Anniversary Cookbook, with over
1,000 recipes at a retail price of only
$15.00.
2: A Collector Plate, which sells for $60
and/or $48 for a frame or a combination
price of $99.
I thank all agricultural societies for
their consideration of the above and help
in promoting an exciting year in 4-H.
For more information on this and other
opportunities regarding the 75th Anniversary
and "Showcase '92", please call:
Diane Maull, Chairman
4-H Anniversary Committee
Box 1865
METISKOW, Alberta TOB 3A0
Phone: 857-3779
Art Griffith, Chairman
4-H showcase '92
R. R. #2
BALZAC, Alberta TOM OEO
Phone: 226-0555
Gail Companion, Coordinator-
Promotion Manager
4-H Showcase '92
Box 3130
HIGH RIVER, Alberta TOL IBO
Phone: 652-2873
Lloyd Marshman, Chairman
Marketing Committee
Box 225
ROCKYFORD, Alberta TOJ 2R0
Phone: 533-2315
- 5
AN ALBERTA ROSE, BORN IN SASKATCHEWAN
On November 16, 1991 just under 300 people
attended an appreciation night for Rose
Jardine, President of the Big Country
Agricultural Society in Oyen.
Rose has an impressive history as a volunteer
and community supporter. The brief history
that follows, highlights a few of her
achievements.
Rose Elizabeth Ducie was born November 20,
1911 in Dundurn, Saskatchewan. She attended
a one room school through high school in
Dundurn. She attended the University of
Saskatchewan, graduating with honors in
English and History in 1931.
In the 30 's Rose took a correspondence
bookkeeping course and later earned her
tuition by teaching English and Arithmetic at
Scotts Business College. In 1937, she
accepted a position as secretary to the
women's editor of the Western Producer.
Volunteer and Organizational Commitments
include:
- Helped organize a young people's group,
"The Cheerio Club, in the 1930' s.
- Member of the Canadian Society for
Horticulture
- President of the Canadian Women's Press
Club
- 4-H Leader
- Publicity convenor for the Oyen and
District chamber of Commerce, since 1964
- Volunteer newspaper report for the Oyen
Echo.
- Served as secretary of the Oyen and
District Centennial Committee in 1967
- Local news reporter on Drumheller Radio
- Charter member of the Oyen and District
Historical Society
- Co-editor of "Many Trails Crossed Here",
Oyen Historical Book
- Secretary/treasurer of the Senior Citizen's
Workshop group
- Area representative to the Big Country
Further Education Council
- Volunteer tutor for adult literacy
- Active organizer of the Big Country
Agricultural Society, She helped with her
22 fair this year.
- Member of the Management Committee for self
contained suites at the senior citizen's
home
- Treasurer for Oyen's 75th Anniversary
Committee
- Treasurer of the Oyen and District Pool
Committee
Awards of Recognition Include;
- 15 year, 4-H Leadership Certificate for
services
- Oyen's Citizen of the Year
- Honorary Life Member in both the
Saskatchewan and Alberta Horticultural
Associations
- Recognition Award from Alberta Advanced
Education
- Elected to the Alberta East Central
Agriculture Hall of Fame
- Honorary Kinette of the Year
Obviously Rose is well known throughout the
Big Country area as a tireless worker, even
at the young age of 80. Her interests and
enthusiasm for many aspects of agriculture,
has shown itself in the diverse ways already
mentioned.
As a final note, the group advised Rose that
this wasn't a retirement party, they didn't
expect or want her to retire. Oyen would
be missing a lot if she did. She was offered
advice to slow down a little if she wished,
however, the community looks forward to man^
more enjoyable hours of working with Rose an.
benefiting from her writing and
organizational skills.
BAflHAW JUNIOR AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
A First in Alberta
^^rom a presentation by Jackie Northey at the
5th Annual Southern Alberta Mini Conference
The formation of a Junior Agricultural
Society has been a project of the Bashaw
Agricultural Society. We believe that
Juniors are very capable young people with
many creative ideas that can be beneficial to
our community.
The Bashaw Agricultural Society has set up a
start-up budget of $500.00 for the Juniors.
We do not want to impose any rules or
regulations on the Juniors as to what the
purpose or philosophy of this society will
be. The only rules that must be considered
are those that have been placed on all
societies (eg: legally or morally).
The Bashaw Agricultural Society will offer
their assistance a.id/or guidance if the
Juniors so desire. The only other time that
the Bashaw Agricultural Society would inflict
a set of standards, would be if the Juniors
required funding for a project. They would,
at that time, be required to follow the same
procedures as any other group or organization
requiring funding.
The following are the questions give to the
young people to help them formulate
guidelines for their organization.
Bashaw Junior Agricultural Society
Purpose:
Who will be eligible members of the Junior
Society?
When will this society meet? How often?
How many members should make up the
executive?
Will there be a fee to join this society?
How will projects be determined?
First Project (s) will be
Whom in the community will it serve?
What will the benefits to the community be?
What age groups will this project affect?
Will the project eventually or presently
include persons beyond the generally accepted
boundaries of Bashaw & District?
What will the project cost?
When will it be completed?
Please remember that the above are only some
questions, perhaps you will have some ideas
of your own about what to include and what
should be excluded.
It is not necessary for every project to be
geared towards the whole community. Perhaps
you believe that there is a need for more
Junior Activities in Bashaw, or that there is
a need for a particular service in the
community. The possibilities are limitless,
but the ultimate decisions will be yours.
We hope that the above can provide you
with
some guidance to the formation of your unique
society. The agricultural society's
facilities are available to you free of
charge for meetings or activities, subject of
course to availability.
Editor's Note: We will be following up with
Bashaw and hope to report the successes of
the Bashaw Junior Agricultural Society in the
future.
7
MEETINGS^ EXCELLENT MEETINGS
As well as annual meetings across the
Province, many agricultural societies have
attended regional meetings and mini
conferences. These meetings have been an
excellent opportunity for people to share and
learn.
Some highlights of the meetings are noted in
this newsletter. We hope that all
agricultural societies will note this
opportunity and consider picking a
representative to attend next year's meetings
as you delegate director's duties and
responsibilities.
76 agricultural representatives from 37
agricultural societies across Northern
Alberta have been meeting through the month
of November.
Many new ideas were exchanged, including the
following:
- promotion ideas in community
- visible agricultural societies
- insurance updates
- tourism possibilities
- visions for the future
- stress management
- rural communities in the year 2000
- an example of a policy and procedures
handbook
Many of those attending will be reporting
back to their local agricultural societies at
the next meeting. If you missed your
regional meeting, check for a letter
describing the meeting in your region in
detail.
If you would like a copy of some of the ideas
from other regions, contact our office
for a copy of some of the notes and
ideas .
Program Consultants
Alberta Agriculture
Agricultural & Community Services Branch
#201, J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, T6H 5T6
WE TALKED, WE LISTENED , WE DANCED
(and learned from each other)
The 5th and last Southern Alberta
Agricultural Societies Mini Conference was
shared by participants from Carmangay,
Standard, Vauxhall, Milo, Hanna, Bassano,
Raymond, Lomond, Blackf oot (Gleichen) and Big
Country (Oyen) .
Thanks and congratulation to the Blackfoot
and Bassano Agricultural Societies for
cooperating to sponsor the conference. This
was a first for the Blackfoot Agricultural
Society and all but one of the evaluations
complimented their efforts. The dance
demonstration and participation dancing
presented by the local dance troupe was
enjoyed by all and was the highlight of the
evening. It was the only session that did not
have to compete with the sound of the heating
system which was the fault of the designer
and not the volunteers who rented the
complex.
The afternoon in Bassano was informative ar^
enjoyable. The tour of their complex was a
lesson in what results when the whole
community gets behind a project to support
it. If you are planning a facility in your
community I'd suggest that they would be a
valuable resource.
The highlight of this conference was the
leadership provided by the real experts -
people from agricultural societies, willing
to give of their time and information to
present topics related to volunteers,
planning, networking, involving youth in
agricultural societies and their program and
services .
Thanks to the following agricultural society
leaders for a great conference. Jackie
Northey, Bashaw; Jennifer Peddlesden,
Chestermere; Larry Johnstone, Red Deer;
Gordon Porteous, Camrose; Edith Svanes,
Carmangay; and our Dinner speaker Don
Jacques, Calgary.
A special thanks to the two youth volunteer^
who manned the registration table like a >^
couple of professionals, Venessa Young Man
and Glenda Spotted Eagle.
- 8 -
ther Related Resources: For free Fact
Sheets, phone 427-0391, or write, Print Media
Branch, Alberta Agriculture, 7000 - 113
Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5T6. You may
order up to 10 copies of different
publications at once by specifying the Agdex
or Homedex number and publication title.
Request a copy of the Publications List,
Agdex 001
From Community Services Section
Committees will Work, if you tell them
what their work is - Rae Hunter
Contact your Program Consultant for a
Volunteer, Board Planning and Goal Setting,
etc. workshop designed to meet your needs and
request a workshop outline list.
Northern Alberta - Louise Welsh
Southern Alberta - Rae Hunter
PEOPLE LIKE TO WATCH THEMSELVES
An idea worth sharing from one "un-named"
agricultural society was to have a "video
aper position" to tape activities
throughout the year. At the annual meeting
highlights of the agricultural society
activities could be presented in video form.
Suggestions for this tape would include good
commentary, lots of people shots and good
editing so that the tape is 30 minutes
maximum.
Agricultural societies in the Wainwright area
may be interested in a project that Alberta
Agriculture is developing. We hope to work
with a few fair committees to produce a tape
showing the steps in developing a bench show
or fair.
Contact Louise Welsh, Program Consultant,
Alberta Agriculture, Edmonton (427-2171) or
Brenda Nazar, District Home Economist in
Wainwright if your wish to participate.
Agricultural society members have always been
quick to adapt and change with the latest
technology. Consider the technology when
making your 1992 plans.
AGRICULTURE AMBASSADOR FAIR & CONFERENCE
November 22/23, 1991
The Agriculture Ambassador Fair and
Conference was held November 22/23, 1991.
This event was a sharing between
educators, the agriculture industry and
the community.
It featured a school project fair/competition
open to all Alberta students from grades one
to twelve in all subject areas. There were
425 entries.
The agriculture industry sponsored over
$4,000 in prize money for this event as well
as tremendous participation by
exhibitors, guest speakers and hosts.
As well as the major support of the
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Co.
Ltd., new partners for the event were 30
agricultural societies, who generously
sponsored the accommodations of more than 50
teachers attending the conference portion of
this event. The teachers spent the Friday
evening and Saturday morning sharing
strategies for incorporating agriculture
content into their regular classroom lessons.
The Agriculture Ambassador Program is a
partnership with Alberta Agriculture and
Alberta Wheat Pool for the purpose of
supporting a teacher in every Alberta school
who volunteers to share agriculture resources
with their colleagues.
The organizers anticipate the volunteer
recruitment will take until 1995 to
complete. Each year, the prograun hosts
the fair and conference to increase
awareness of the program amongst
students, teachers, the agriculture
industry and Alberta communities.
HAPPY hSW YIAR ^ HAPinr NEW YEAR ★ HAPPY NEW YEAR ★ HAPPY
I
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES
\ A A -
N
W
YOUTH FAIR VOLUNTEERS GALORE 1
Jennifer Peddlesden, Chairperson
Chestermere Country Fair, 1991-91
Places where young people helped at our
fair:
1: Organized a PENNY CARNIVAL for the
5-12 year old group - booked the carnival
games (Have Carnival Will Travel-279-6322 ) ;
decided on prizes and ordered them or
obtained donations (Alberta Bingo, Old
Dutch); decorated buttons which identified
them as carnival workers; solicited
volunteers from other students at school
(about 15); set up/took down the carnival
games; did a report for school on their
project.
Two parent volunteers supervised and
took responsibility for this project. The
two students were in Grade Nine in a Leader-
ship Program. This was their project for
this class, so we initially had to approach
the teacher with our proposal. This year the
two students will speak to the next Grade
Nine Leadership class to see if anyone else
would like to take on this as a project for
their 1992 semester.
2: Worked as MASCOTS. We were able to get
the local Scout mascot (a beaver) and the
local high school mascot. A student wore the
school mascot costume.
3: SOLD BALLOONS and mingled with the
children - four girls (age 12-17) dressed up
AS CLOWNS and sold helium balloons during
the day.
Continued on Page 2
R
MARCH 1992
INDEX
Feature Article, "YOUTH FAIR
VOLUNTEERS GALORE!" . . . . .
Community News
Changes in A.A.A.S. Office
Future Events ■
Associate Minister's Address
Fairs & Exhibitions Booklet ,
. Effective Communication . . .
/dibcrra
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 427-2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
Page
Cover
3
4
5
5
2.
4; Every student (310) at the local ele-
mentary school (Conrich School) COLOURED A
POSTER which illustrated some aspect of a
Country Fair. The Advertising Committee
provided the school with the posters bundled
in numbers correct for each class and
labelled with the teacher's name. Because
our Fair occurs at a busy time for the
schools, we made it as easy as possible
for the teachers.
These posters lined the walls of the
Chestermere Complex on Fair Day. The
posters were returned to the students (see
picture of Advertising Chairman, Rosemary
Paddock, with Mr. Barry Gore, Vice
Principal of Conrich School returning a
poster to, student. Tammy Press. This was
so popular that we will be doing it again.
An alternate idea is to have a poster
contest each year as part of the children's
bench competition with the winning design
being used as the following year's poster.
A Fair out in Invermere a number of years
ago had school children do large size
posters at school and these were placed in
the windows of every store on main street.
These were not suitable for posting outside
or on bulletin boards as they were very
large, but the children must have loved
seeing their handiwork advertising the
Fairl
5: In 1992 we will be having the
Chestermere School Band play at the Fair
and in our parade.
We had a great deal of success in selling
the Fair to the children by having a dis-
play of samples of items which they could
enter in bench, horticulture set up in
the display cabinet at the elementary
school entrance. This was up for over a
month
Also the Children's Committee in
combination with the Advertising Committee
visited the school on an Assembly Day 6
weeks before the Fair, showed some
examples of entries from a previous
year, described the poster project and
left the bundles of posters for distri-
bution.
Especially popular was the dog we
brought in (to advertise the pet show)
and the decorated bicycle as a sample
for the decorated bike contest and bike
parade. The nutritious lunch category
had been popular the previous year, so
to illustrate the nutritious lunch for
the students, we cut out shapes of
sandwiches, carrots, apples, etc.
described the 4 food groups and placed
these in a lunch bag. One enterprising
youth entered his lunch as paper cut
outs of his choice of nutritious items
in his lunch box. We gave him a spec-
ial ribbon and decided we had to explain
the requirements more clearly next
year 1
Many of the older children (Jr. High and
up) offered to help on the day of the
Fair. Several worked with their parents
at the gate, and some inside at our
information/ticket booth.
My assessment is that a key to getting
youth volunteers is getting the whole
family involved. When there is a
feeling of excitement about the Fair in
the community and the youngsters see
everyone else involved, they feel very
comfortable helping and being a part of
the Fair.
For further information contact: Jennifer
Peddlesden, phone 272-3764.
This Newsletter is a publication of the
Agricultural and Community Services Branch
of Alberta Agriculture.
Reg Kontz, Branch Head
Andy McPhee, Head
Community Services Section
Anne Bennett - Secretary
Rae Hunter - Program Consultant, South
Louise Welsh - Program consultant. North
PHONE: 427-2171
COMMUNITY NEWS
Acme & District Agricultural Society We
received information and compliments for
their program from Ted Darling, Regional
Farm Economist.
The agricultural society sponsored and
organized a discussion "Pay the Producer
or Pay the Railroad". 65 producers
attended. The panel presented all points
of view which were carefully considered by
the audience.
Crogsroads Agricultural Society Excerpts
from a positive president's report by
Charles R. Moore.
"As in the past, our Fifth Annual Fair and
Sports Days was a big success again this
year. This is mainly due to the hard work of
the joint committee, sub-committees and many
volunteers who make it all happen. We must
remain constantly vigilant that there is no
let up in this area as we feel we have built
a reputation of having one of the finest
events of its kind in the Province."
"The addition of a theme, this year saluting
our Heritage, was well received and the many
antique displays, wearing of pioneer costumes
and display of vintage tractors were a credit
to all who participated. In keeping with
tradition and with the help of local
sponsors, our fair grant and lots of hard
work from our volunteers were were able to
showcase agriculture past and present in a
way the whole family could afford, enjoy and
participate in."
I would like to thank the retiring directors
for their dedicated service in the past and
also way that this past year's board have
been great to work with, as always. It was
personally gratifying to see that
volunteerism in our community is alive and
well, as many turned out from all parts of
our area to help."
Stromc & District Agricultural Society
Commitment to agriculture support and
research. The Strome & District Agric-
ultural Society completed its 3rd of 5
payments to support the Battle River
Applied Research Association. This is an
organization started up to do research in
our area. The organization has conducted
test plots and is analyzing crop varieties
and types of cultivation and soil
conservation, to find those best suited
for farmers in our area. A donation was
made to the Alberta Association of
Agricultural Societies to further their
work.
Okotokg Agricultural Society celebrates the
agricultural society's 100 Anniversary this
year. (1892 - 1992) Their major fund
raising for the June 20-21,1992 celebration
is the sale of Lottery Calendars offering
daily prizes as well as larger amount
prizes throughout the year.
Owen Lewis will be pleased to have you
'participate' by purchasing a calendar.
Contact him at 938-2494, he still has a
few calendars available.
Vauxhall Agricultural Society The mini
fair, mighty board and volunteer commun-
ity announces date for not one but four
fairs:
13 - Flowers, Potted Plants
27 - Fruits, Vegetables,
Grains
No . 1 , Aug ,
No . 2 , Aug ,
No . 3 , Sept
No. 4, Sept
10 - Handicrafts, Photography
& Kids Section
24 - Home Baking, Canning,
School Display
000
TREE DECORATING EVENT
Empress/Bindloss Agricultural Society
The date for the tree decorating is set at
the November meeting and a committee is set
up for the evening events that will take
place on that day.
The event usually starts around 5:00pm. All
members of the community are invited to come
and bring a non-returnable Christmas Tree
Ornament. The tree is purchased from a local
club and is set up in the middle of the park.
The event commences with a hay ride around
the town which involves singing Christmas
Carols and finishes at the park where hot
chocolate is served and a marshmallow roast
takes place. During this time everyone hangs
up their ornaments on the tree together with
the lights and another sing along is held.
. Submitted by: Peter Rafa
Secretary
Rimbey Agricultural Society says "Thank You
Fred Harrison" for 25 years of service in
the agricultural society.
WHAT ARE VOLUNTEERS?
Taken from the Rumsey & District Agriculture
Society ' s 1991 Activities Report
by Audrey Nelson.
Submittec
VOLUNTEERS are like Ford; they have better
ideas .
VOLUNTEERS are like Coke; they are the real
thing.
VOLUNTEERS are like Pan Am; they make the
going great,
VOLUNTEERS are like Pepsi; they've got a lot
to give.
VOLUNTEERS are like Dial Soap; they care
more, don't you wish everyone did?
VOLUNTEERS are V05 Hair Spray; their goodnes
holds in all kinds of weather.
VOLUNTEERS are like Hallmark cards; they are
enough to give the very best.
VOLUNTEERS are like Standard Oil; they expec
more and you get it .
But most of all, VOLUNTEERS are like Frosted
Flakes;
THEY 'RE G-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-E-A-T 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 M M I
CHANGES IN THE A.A.A.S. OFFICE
Submitted by:
Eve-Lyn Cockle,
Secretary/Manager
My husband has been offered a transfer withi
his firm to British Columbia and we have
decided to make the move. The Agricultural
and Community Services Branch asked me to put
a short "blurb" in their newsletter, to say
"Goodbye" to all my friends in the
agricultural societies in Alberta.
For the past nine years, I have been the onl^
paid employee of the association and the
Scottish voice at the other end of the phone
I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure with
AAAS, especially touching base with many of
you. I have made many friends over the year
and I am going to miss you.
I sincerely hope that a solution is found to
the plight of the rural farming community in
Alberta and wish you health and happiness in
the future.
Editor's Notes
Eve left her office at the end of
February. Best Wishes in new challenges,
we know she'll be missed.
FUTURE EVENTS
Fair Judge's Update (Region I) Lethbridge
April 2, 1992, Contact Jan Williams, DHE,
Brooks, Phone: 362-1212.
Fair Judge's Update (Region VI) Savanna,
April 2, Linda Hawk-Sellin, DHE, Spirit
River
Find Your Own Sunlight" Women's Conference
(Region III) Red Deer, Black Knight Inn,
April 2, 1992. Contact Karen Goad, DHE
Innisfail, Phone: 227-6565.
Agricultural Service Board, Provincial Tour,
County of Grande Prairie at Beaver lodge,
July 13 - 16, 1992.
Agricultural Society Board Planning Workshop,
Goldeye Centre, November 20 - 22, 1992,
Contact, REDA, Phone: 451-5959.
Vauxhall Mini Conference (Region I)
November 27 - 28, 1992. Contact: Siny
Brummelhuis, Secretary Vauxhall Agricultural
Society, Phone: 654-2546 or Rae Hunter,
Program Consultant, Alberta Agriculture,
Phone: 427-2171.
"Control The Future For Your Community's
Sake", a one-day institute, will be held
at the University of Lethbridge on Satur-
day, April 4, 1992. This day-long session,
sponsored by Alberta Recreation and Parks
with administrative assistance from the
Southern Alberta Recreation Association
(S.A.R.A.), has been organized in direct
response to individuals such as you.
The assistance that David Irvine & Richard
Larsen (the Institute's leaders) will give
to you on Saturday, April 4th, will be the
beginning of your community's desired fut-
ure. Make the connection!
Participation in this institute will be the
first step for you, as a community leader,
in identifying and agreeing on the common
goals and values for your community to take
control of its future.
Please do not hesitate to call 381-5231 if we
can be of assistance in ensuring your
participation in this positive self-help
session.
\\ SHIRLEY McCLELLAN ' S ADDRESS
J\ We love to get your compli-
mentary letters to forward
A' to the Association Minister,
^v,^^ however, should you want to
mail direct , her address is;
vX Honourable Shirley McClellan
Assoc* Minister of Agricultui
^al26 Legislature Building
iton. Alberta T5K 2B6
ALBERTA EXHIBITIONS, FAIRS
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES, 1992
AMD
Judging by the pile of responses we have
received for the 1992 issue of the fair
book, it's going to be the best book ever.
Thanks 1
Work is going to start very shortly on
preparing the new booklet. If you haven't
sent us your 1992 fair/activity dates and
wish to be include, we could "squeeze" you
in if you can get the information to us by
March 20.
Effective communication
6.
By: M. (Mo) Renaud
General Manager
Red River Exhibition
Key components
Statistics suggest there are three key
components in successful informal, or
spoken, communications; 7% is word
choice, 38% is tone of voice, and 55%
is body language. How can we use this
information to our best advantage?
There are some significantly power-
ful words and phrases that can help to
establish trust relationships, jyiot only
with staff, but with business associates
and volunteers as well:
* • "We" not "They" - We is front
line and shows that you take respon-
sibility for your actions
• "I Don't Know" - It's very human
not to know all the answers
• " Your Idea is Better Than Mine"
- If someone has a good idea admit it!
• "What Do You Think Should Be
Done" - We all have opinions, and we
all like to be asked for our opinion.
Solicit input!
• "Thank You" - Good manners are
never out of style.
• "I Made a Mistake" - Again, this
shows humanity. We all make mistakes,
so why not admit them? It feels good
and helps to resolve the problem.
• "Let's Work Together To Do It"
Cooperation will make the program or
concept work.
Finally, two words that will cure a lot
ofiUs.
• "I'm Sorry" - No one is infalUble,
mistakes happen. Take responsibility
and personalize it by say ing ' r m sorry ' .
Of even greater importance to effec-
tive communication arc the other two
components - TCmeTiirvoice and body
language.
FAIR SCOPE - January/Febniary 1992
VOLUNTEERS
Used at Appreciation Night at Rich Valley,
sent in by Violet Nordlund.
Many will be shocked to find,
When the day of judgement nears.
That there's a special place in heaven
Set aside for volunteers . . .
Furnished with big recliners.
Satin couches and footstools.
Where there's no committee chairman.
No group leaders nor car pools.
No eager team that needs a coach.
No bazaar or no bake sale.
There will be nothing to staple;
Not one thing to fold or mail.
Telephone lists will be outlawed . .
But a finger snap will bring
Cool drinks and gourmet dinners
And rare treats fit for a king ...
You ask, who'll serve this privileged few
And work for all they're worth?
Why, all those who reaped the benefits
And not once volunteered on earth.
TME FINAL WCI^D
EErci^E rcu civc
SCMECODT A DIECE CF
rCUl^ MIND,
MArE SUB^E rcu CAN
€ET BY WITH WHAT YOU
tiAVE l_EETI
SICNED ANCNYMCUS
/diberra
RECREATION AND PARKS
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES
JU
NEWSLETTE
SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY??
R
JUNE 1992
Summer should be a time for relaxing
and enjoying life. This is true for
many people but in our group we know
that many volunteers in agricultural
societies throughout the province
think of summertime as FAIR time.
Hardly the laid back "sip on a mint
julep" time!
The Agricultural and Community
Services Branch, Reg, Andy, Rae,
Louise and Anne, will be visiting a
number of fairs throughout the
summer. If you have a special event
that you would like us to note or if our
schedule allows us to attend, please let
us know well in advance.
NOTE:
FAIR BOOKS SHOULD BE SENT TO
OUR OFFICE AT LEAST 6 WEEKS
PRIOR TO THE FAIR.
Because the best ideas come from each
other, we invite you to provide stories
and pictures to share with other
agricultural societies.
Send in your best fair story for our
fall newsletter. The workshops we
hold on fairs need some of your ideas
for the next season. Write down some
of the most successful activities and
even some of the thoughts on what
didn't work.
TRIED AND TRUE IDEAS FROM THE PAST
Environment issues depicted in youth
classes.
Themes for parades that carry through
the day. This year Chestermere will have
an historical costume contest to emphasize
their theme.
Christmas class sections. (Why have even
one month without snow! ! )
Live demonstrations and displays, just
about anything that will add interest and
people seems to work.
Classes that encourage young people to
enter the Provincial Ag, in the Classroom
fall fair.
Insert your brainwriting or brainstorming
session into the next fair committee
meeting and let us know some of your
creative thoughts for this year's fair.
(Cont'd.)
INDEX
Article
Page
Fair Ideas
1
Alberta Lotteries
3
Insurance
4
Upcoming Dates & Events
5
Heart Smart Food Classes
5
Congratulations
6
Survey Results
6
/diberra
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 427 2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
VOLUNTEERS
The problem of getting the
people to attend the fair is
small when compared with
getting the help required to put the
whole event together.
Here are a few quick hints which may
help your agricultural society with
your recruitment strategies.
Develop an outline for the work
required. This should include every
job, in detail. If you break down each
job into small tasks , you may be able to
insert some new people at a level they
can successfully handle.
For example, taking in the entries the
night before could be further broken
into; one person checking off entries
against forms from 6:30 to 8:00, one
youth putting entries on the tables
from 7:00 - 8:30 and one person at the
door with a fair book and extra entry
tags, etc.
The more detail is written down, the
greater the chance is that no one will
forget the job and also that some new
people may begin to get involved.
Evaluate your activity. The goal of all
agricultural societies is to have the best
fair in their community. This takes a lot
of dedication and commitment but a critical
factor for every committee is to objectively
evaluate all your efforts . Keep a notebook
handy and write ideas on how to improve,
also what ideas are very successful.
Visit other fairs with this critical
approach and learn from the successes
and the failures that others have
experienced .
Budget for the fair. Every fair committee
should have some established financial
plans so that the fair can be rated
successful in many ways . What income will
the fair provide? There is nothing wrong
with having the steak barbecue cover the
cost of some of the prize money.
The major discussion comes at the
meetings of the agricultural society where
no budget has been established and
everyone is discussing where the money
should have come from or where the money
should be spent.
FAIR GRANT FORMS HAVE BEEN
SENT TO THE SECRETARY ...
PLEASE CHECK AND LET US KNOW IF
YOU HAVEN'T RECEIVED A FORM.
This grant can be applied for as soon
as you have received all the
documentation required. We would like
to see many fair grants in September
and October.
THE FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS BOOKLET
HAS BEEN PRINTED AND SENT ACROSS
THE PROVINCE. Please note these date
changes .
Winfield & District Agricultural Society
"Ugetuk Days" will be held August 8 & 9,
1992.
Neutral Hills Agricultural Society
dates are August 6 & 7, 1992.
fair
- 3 -
CREATIVE
JUDGING
As most of you
know by now ,
the payment of
fair judges is no
longer part of the responsibility of the
Agricultural and Community Services
Branch. This budget was one of the
items that was eliminated in the effort
to balance the overall budget of the
Alberta Government.
The good news is that many
agricultural societies are accepting the
change well and have adopted some
creative approaches to looking at their
fair judge requirements .
Options include:
1 . Paying judges directly from the
agricultural society. Consider your
budget and needs before sending out
the judge's contracts. This is an
opportunity to evaluate your fair
competitions in total and decide if
outside judges are required for all
classes .
2. All judges used to be volunteers.
Perhaps there are some local talents
and professional knowledge that you
have not tapped. Are there some
people in your community who would
trade some of their talent for
recognition or support from the
agricultural society in their
endeavors?
3 . What about a judging team? This could
be less threatening to the individual and
perhaps very enjoyable for the group.
4. Have the public vote or run a "You be
the Judge" contest for some categories.
This could add more interest in the overall
competition .
5 . Once again the best ideas usually come
from sharing your thoughts with others.
Have a brainstorming session and send us
some of your creative thoughts on getting
judges .
ALBERTA LOTTERY FUNDS
Most agricultural
societies have met
the requirements
that will put them
in good standing
under the
Agricultural
Societies Act and
qualify them for
the lottery funds
for this year.
Good Standing
For those of you who are not in good
standing - get your documents to us soon
as we are starting now to prepare the lists
that will be used to generate the 1992
lottery payments .
There is no special application form for
the unconditional lottery funds and if all
things run smoothly, you can anticipate
receiving this year's cheque by
September.
4
INSURANCE
PLAY THE UNDER-
OVER GAME!
Insurance is an eligible expense which
most agricultural societies claim on
their operating grant. Both Rae and I
have noticed a wide variety of policies
and coverage.
All agricultural society executives
should review your policies regularly
with a few questions in mind.
1 .Do you have enough coverage? Most
owners of buildings must have enough
insurance coverage to replace their
existing facilities if some major
catastrophe happens.
Every three years the agricultural
society may claim an appraisal under
the operating grant . Even if you do an
appraisal every five years, you will
ensure that you have a policy that
looks at the value of the facilities and
will provide the opportunity for your
agricultural society to review the
policy.
2 . Do you have too much insurance?
As strange as it may seem, some of the
agricultural societies seem to be over-
insured.
Occasionally, we notice agricultural
societies paying for double insurance
on their facilities or insurance on their
directors. It is not uncommon to see
fidelity bond insurance as part of your
major insurance policy as well as a
separate cheque paid for fidelity bond
insurance when you pay the
membership dues of the provincial
association.
3. Have you compared the rates? Most
agricultural societies like to support their
local businesses. I would always
encourage you to talk to the local people
first.
The Alberta Association of Agricultural
Societies offers an insurance program
which is optional for agricultural
societies. Municipalities can often offer
some inexpensive insurance coverage
through their program.
We encourage you to shop around for the
most appropriate coverage at the best
rate.
4 . What do you get for your payments?
As most of us have found, you often only
know the real policy coverage when
something happens.
Make time to review your policy and talk
to your agent about the coverage that you
have. In the insurance business, service
is everything. Have your policy clear to
all the executive. If the agent cannot
explain the policy clearly and to your
satisfaction, perhaps it is time to look
around for someone interested in satisfied
customers .
5 . What do you need? This is a question
that each agricultural society has to
answer for themselves. Insurance, is
trying to anticipate the worst case
scenario with a gamble clause!
There are more cases of groups having to
review their coverage after a disaster
than we would like to see. Hopefully, you
will never have to use your policy but
consider what the consequences would be
if you were not covered.
Insurance is part of the regular budget of
almost all the agricultural society's
planning. Take the time to review your
policy this year and be sure that you are
satisfied with your coverage.
Let's hope we all have a year with no
claims !
UPCOMING DATES
AND EVENTS
Peace (Region 6) Wanham, November 14
NW (Region 5), Possibly late October
or late November. More details to
follow.
NE (Region 4) , Tofield agreed to host
in fall, possibly November.
These meetings are a cooperative
venture aimed at providing a sharing
experience .
Contact LOUISE WELSH if you would
like to have more input.
After 5 years, the Southern Alberta
Mini Conference is going District .
Participation and the sharing of
resources and information at these
conferences has been great.
Hopefully, by holding the conferences
closer to home, these aspects will be
even better.
Red Deer (Region 3) , January 3 or 4th
Week. No sponsor at this time! I'm
looking for someone in Region 3 or part
of Region 2 between Red Deer and
Calgary. Could it be you?
Oyen October 30-31
Vauxhall - November 27-28
Contact RAE HUNTER if you would to
have more input.
HEART SMART
FOOD CLASS
Submitted by:
Aileen J. Whitmore,
Chairman Heart Smart Theme Program
The Heart Smart Food Class is a poster
presentation at the International Heart
Health Conference being held in Victoria,
British Columbia at the end of May. It
was one of the ones selected to be
presented from a number of abstracts
submitted from around the world.
The Heart Smart Food Class has been
sponsored by the Heart and Stroke
Foundation of Alberta for the last three
years . During 1991 eighty-nine fairs held
the class.
The primary aim of the Heart Smart Food
Class is to encourage people to enter heart
healthy foods and submit the recipies.
Heart Smart recipes are those that feature
a low amount of fat and sodium (salt),
while increasing the amount of fibre.
They may contain a moderate amount of
sugar. The recipes may be existing or
could be adapted or modified.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of
Alberta offers prizes for the recipes that
best exhibit Heart Smart cooking. The
recipes must:
limit the amount of fat,
limit the amount of salt, and
increase the amount of fiber.
Fairs wishing to hold the Heart Smart Food
Class this year should contact:
Heart Smart Program Coordinator
Heart & Stroke
Foundation of Alberta
1825 Park Road, SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 3Y6
Phone: 264-5549
- 6 -
SURVEY RESULTS
In our last newsletter, we attached a
survey asking for your response.
Many of you did respond and we would
like to share some of those responses
with you. If your agricultural society
would still like to participate, we will
gladly accept your forms or written
notes .
Question 1: What, excluding more
grants would be the greatest need for
your agricultural society?
- Volunteers
- Improved community profile and
agricultural visibility
- Executive and board training in
planning and skills
- School awareness of agricultural
society's purpose
- Involving more young people
(female) directors
- Help to set up five year plan
- Sharing with other agricultural
societies
- How to better the agricultural
society
- Take advantage of training
A similar series of responses will help
us look at resources and workshops for
this year.
Question #5: What topics do you feel
we should address if we held a
workshop in your area?
- Applying for grants and what is
available
- Fund raising ideas
- New activity, projects or fair
ideas
- Environmental concerns
- Advertising
- Videos or speakers for fun at
meetings
- Planning for the future
- Involving young people
- Working together as directors
- Stress management
- Recruiting new members
- How to run effective meetings
- Differientiating between paid and
volunteer staff
- Leadership
- Volunteers
We are open to your requests. Let us
know if you have needs that are not being
met and where we can be of assistance.
Agricultural societies who have requested
our attendance at workshops will be
seeing our smiling faces this spring or
fall. We look forward to working with as
many of you as possible.
aoDODa
CONGRATULATIONS
Okotoks Agricultural Society - 100 years
old (1982 - 1992)
There will be a great time in Okotok, June
20 - 21, 1992, when they celebrate their
100th Anniversary.
For further information contact: Owen
Lewis, phone: 938-2492.
AGRICULTURAL sep 281992
SOCIETIES
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 1992
"If ' •
li
OKOTOKS lOOTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
See Page 4
INDEX
FAIRS 2
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY INFORMATION .... 7
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES 8
NEW RESOURCES 9
GOVERNMENT 11
/dibcrra
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 427-2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
- 2 -
FINE FAIRS ACROSS ALBERTA
By: Louise Welsh, Program
Leadership Consultant, North
Alberta Agriculture,
Agricultural & Community
Services Branch
As usual, visiting fairs gave
me lots of new ideas for future
workshops and information to
share with you in our
newsletter. The community fair
still continues to be one of
the best family events
happening throughout Alberta.
Once on the ground there was a
lot going on, definitely
something for all ages. Even
at this large center and bigger
fair, it was obvious that the
community was very supportive
and everyone worked together to
make a successful family event.
I must nominate SAVANNA
Agricultural Society for having
the most impressive bench show
that I saw all summer. The
quality of entries was
extremely high and the displays
were excellent.
In NEWBROOK, the
competition was
keen in the bench
show, cattle show
and ball games.
The volunteers of
the Newbrook Agricultural
Society worked hard for many
days to make sure the weekend
was successful.
There were lots of people and
lots of activities going on
when I attended the fair. The
community was enjoying a great
get-together.
The THORHILD bench show was
held on the same day as the
rodeo. People needing a break
from watching all the cowboys
were encouraged to wander
through the exhibits. The
largest puff ball of the summer
was quite a feature.
VERMILION Agricultural Society
had great weather (although the
farmers probably hoped for rain
at the time) . The parade was
well run and had some excellent
floats .
These hard working volunteers
should be giving a workshop on
creating dynamic displays.
Everything in the display was
done with local materials and
ordinary articles.
For example; school gym
equipment, small ladders to
hang afghans.
HARMON VALLEY rented a mini
golf course which was a busy
place most of the afternoon.
The executive did an excellent
job of acknowledging all those
who helped prior to giving out
some excellent prizes and
awards .
Some how the
flowers in FAIRVIEW
missed enough hail,
drought and wind to
make a beautiful
display. It is
obvious that there
are some excellent
with very artistic talents.
The quality of this
horticulture show makes an
excellent competition.
gardeners
3
HIGH PRAIRIE was preparing for
their show when I arrived. The
convenor's were busy making the
display areas look appealing.
The secretary was setting up
her computer and printer to
ease the recording of entries
and prizes. This group looked
like they were ready for a
great fair.
The women organizing the second
bench show of the DEBOLT
Country Club and Agricultural
Society were extremely kind and
hospitable. They even let me
stay and observe the judging
and work with the convenors.
I thank them for the experience
as it should help in my
understanding of how much
volunteers do to make a
successful fair.
It seems the summer has gone
much too quickly. Some of the
fairs had a definite drop in
entries this year. There were
a lot of hot days, hail storms
and general drought in the
north that hopefully are a one
year phenomenon.
Now that your fair committees
have had time to evaluate,
let's hear from you about your
summer fair. I really enjoyed
all those that I attended.
Edmonton Northland's Fair
Report by: Anne Bennett,
Administrative Support, Alberta
Agriculture, Agricultural &
Community Services Branch
It was with great excitement,
that I received an invitation
from Edmonton Northlands to
attend the Safeway Klondike
Crafts and Country Fair Coffee
Party and presentation of
awards. Being an amateur craft
person I have an appreciation
for the skill required to
produce the fine works that are
entered in the fair and look
forward to going through the
Sportex each year to view the
exhibits .
Rae Hunter and I arrived early
on July 17th to find the place
bustling with activity. We
wandered through the exhibits
examining each display in
detail, marvelling at the
workmanship of the entries.
Some of the classes we found
interesting were dried herbs,
creative recycling and the
beautiful sketching on eggs in
the egg decorating class.
We noticed that many of the
winners were not only from
Edmonton but from throughout
Northern Alberta as well. One
entry came from as far away as
Ontario. The oldest exhibitor
was 94 years and the youngest
three .
During the Coffee Party we
spoke to a couple who have both
been entering exhibits in the
Northlands show for many years.
They were enthusiastic and
eager to show their work and
share their knowledge with us.
- 4 -
The lady had knit a very
intricate, lacy doily and had
received 2nd prize.
The gentleman had received 2nd
prize for designing and
constructing a church using
over 12,000 popsicle sticks.
His joy at receiving 2nd prize
was overshadowed, however; by
his marvel at the workmanship
that had created the overall
prize winning entry by another
exhibitor ,
The awards
presentation
gathered together a
group of Edmonton's
top creators and
craft persons with
expertise in areas from baking,
cake decorating, sewing and
quilting to woodworking, paper
tole, painting and sketching.
Prizes were presented by the
sponsors and pictures were
taken of each 1st prize winner
and overall top points winner.
One of the oldest agricultural
societies is still improving
and setting examples for the
future of fairs in Alberta and
beyond .
The grounds are located just a
short 15 minutes drive from
Calgary and only 10 minutes
south of Spruce Meadows.
The Okotoks Agricultural
Society was first formed in
1892 as the "Sheep Creek
Agricultural Society", and was
located in the Town of Dewdney,
North West Territories .
In 1977, the society moved its
location to the current
facility, known as Hebson
Arena, named in honour of Tom
Hebson .
The Okotoks Agricultural
Society exists primarily to
serve the community by
providing facilities and offers
a variety of interesting
programs and clinics.
The facilities and services are
available to all members of the
community.
Members, through their
contribution of time and effort
maintain the facility and
organize the services provided.
Grants, provided by our
provincial government, help
augment the rising costs of
maintaining the society.
OKOTOKS
AGRICULTURAL
- SOCIETY
By: Sheila McLellan, Secretary
On June 20th and 21st, the
Okotoks Agricultural Society
hosted their 100th Anniversary
Celebration. This makes us one
of the oldest agricultural
societies in Alberta.
Rae Hunter, from Alberta
Agriculture, and Don Tannas,
MLA, Highwood Constituency were
both in attendance for the
celebration .
The board of directors, along
with members form various
activities held at the Okotoks
Agricultural Society, organized
some action packed events.
- 5 -
Saturday saw the Cutting Horses
and Team Cattle Penning events,
along with a steak barbecue,
beer garden and dance. This
day was very successful.
The morning cutting had 16 open
riders competing and 19 non-pro
cutters .
There was also an exhibition of
bridleless cutting which is
always a crowd pleaser. It is
a real joy to watch these
beautiful animals working
cattle on their own.
The winner of the Pro
competition was Jim Simpson of
Okotoks riding Miss Doc Elite
and the winner of the Non-Pro
competition was Irwin Endicott
of Calgary riding Leo San
Seven. Both competitors were
presented with buckles donated
by Douglasdale Estates.
The afternoon Team Cattle
pennin„. e . en-^ saw i r. teiims,
parMci{:at€; , all of whom had
quaxified for this final event
through the June 6th Cattle
Penning competition. The
winners of the Open Division
were Marlene Berster, Ken
Bester and Pat Clarke. The
Amateur event was won by Ken
Slovak, Yvonne Krause and Carl
Tory (pictured on the front) .
Both teams received silver
buckles donated by Westbrook
Trading Company Ltd. plus prize
money.
The barbecue and dance which
followed in the evening was
attended by 150 people. The
band "Bobcat Logic" was
outstanding and everyone
celebrated in style. A 100th
Anniversary cake (picture on
the front), made by Kathy Grant
of Okotoks was cut at midnight
and served to everyone in
attendance .
Sunday was Family Day. Events
held were Gymkhanas, put on by
the DeWinton Riding Club and a
Western Horse Show, put on by
the agricultural society. The
Pony Club held a small show and
also gave pony rides to
children attending the day.
The newly formed
Foothills Poultry
and Rabbit club had
a display of their animals and
there were clowns handing out
balloons and suckers.
The Longshot Canine Entertainer
day group put on an excellent
demonstration with their
talented dogs. All these
groups operate out of Hebson
Arena .
The weather was outstanding
both days making all the events
just that much more enjoyable.
Some of the results of the
Sunday events were: Western
Pleasure Stake class was won by
Eric McGhee; Freestyle reining
was won by Cathy Stav.
Highlights for Rae Hunter were
the canine demonstrations which
were presented in a serious
manner from which the dogs
strayed to add a touch of
humour to the event.
The freestyle reining event for
which riders/trainers dressed
in a costume related the
musical theme they chose and
was quite enjoyable. It was
quite amazing to see the
discipline of both the horse
and rider. It is a great event
gaining popularity.
All in all, the celebration was
an outstanding success enjoyed
by both competitors and
spectators alike.
K.A.C. Agricultural Society
Report by: Rae Hunter, Program
Leadership Consultant, Alberta
Agriculture, Agricultural and
Community Services Branch
The Kirriemuir, Altario, and
Compeer communities cooperate
under the name K.A.C.
Agricultural Society.
Their fair, held at the
community school in Altario,
was indicative of their
cooperation. I felt like I had
arrived in at a family reunion.
People came from Oyen, Provost,
Neutral Hills, Alliance and
points in between both as fair
participants and exhibitors.
It was truly a family affair
from babes in arm to
grandparents .
We enjoyed well displayed
exhibits, kids games and races,
"Rachel the Hutterite" act,
community dinner, award
presentations, local talent,
and I saw my first Ostriches in
the livestock show; shown by
Healys ' Ostrich Ranch, Neutral
Hills, Alberta.
THANK YOU to two community
minded VOLUNTEER JUDGES; Nancy
Ferrence and Maggie Baier.
6 -
Wetaskiwin Shopping Mall and
the Wetaskiwin Agricultural
Society jointly presented their
agricultural fair to the
community.
Dave Olsen, the mall manager,
agreed to provide the facility
for the bench show and I
understand that he was pleased,
the mall merchants were pleased
and Julie Stalker of the fair
committee felt it was a very
successful union.
Congratulations to all!
What Makes an
Organization Strong?
There are two critical factors that enable an
organization to prosper and survive —
1 . The development of a Board of
Directors with the right blend of
talents and contacts for the
organization. The board must
function well as a unit, and
understand its role and the role of
the executive director and staff.
2. The creation of a good
organizational plan. If a strong
board is in place, that board will
usually ensure that a strong plan is
developed and continually reviewed
and tested for relevancy. The plan
should include long-range goals that
provide direction, as well as an
annual strategic plan that supports
the long-range goals.
- /
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY INFORMATION
THAT'S ECONOMIC
COOPERATION
An events booklet for 1992
Foothills Horse Shows was
published cooperatively by
Champion, Sandstone, Priddis,
High River, Turner Valley and
Okotoks Horse Shows .
The cost of this collective
effort was more economical than
printing individual show
calenders and their publicity
reached more than one
community.
Perhaps a groupuig of
agr. cultural societies could
cooperate to improve their
visibility for fairs, events or
just a "getting to know us"
publication for their area.
1992 FARM FAMILY
AWARDS ^
Agricultural Society people
were among the winners of the
1992 Farm Family Awards for
central and northern Alberta;
selected by the Farm Family
Awards Committee at Edmonton
Northlands .
The farm families being
honoured this year were
nominated by 35 district
Agricultural Service Boards
from Township 34
( Innisf ail/Bowden area) north.
The Farm Family Awards
Committee evaluated the farming
expertise and community
involvement of each applicat^'on
before ak i ng their d- . ision.
The annual awards recognize the
achievements of rural citizens,
promote a better relationship
between rural and urban people,
and encourage interest in
Alberta's agriculture-based
industries .
Planning is already under way
for a special 25th anniversary
Farm Family Awards celebration
next year.
Many of the farm family winners
are recognized in their
community as leaders. It is
good to see that individuals
havf) been recognized at this
level. Hopefully every
agricultural society will add
their congratulations to their
community winners along with
these fair family awards.
COMMUNITY & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Lakeland College, Vermilion
VOLUNTEER BOARD DEVELOPMENT
A course developed to equip
volunteer board members and
agency staff with skills and
knowledge to provide effective
leadership. Boards are
encouraged to attend with 2-3
members plus their Executive
Directors .
Course Content:
- Developing boardmanship
skills
- how to conduct meetings
- teambuilding
- committee effectiveness
Dates: (Mondays) October 19 -
November 9
Timo: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Fee: $30/person or $80 for
members from one board
To Register: Phone 871-5716 or
871-5712
- 8 -
WO S HO I> S / O OlSIF E RE ISrC E S
Workshops are open to everyone and any group in the
district .
FUND RAISING WORKSHOPS
Valleyview Region
Wednesday, October 7, 1992
7:30 p.m.. Polar Palace,
Swanson Room, Valleyview
Registration: $15/person
For Information Contact:
Carmen Andrew, DHE,
Phome: 524-3301 or
FCSS Coordinator, 424-5150
Medicine Hat
Monday, November 16, 19 92
7:00 p.m. ,
Contact: Brenda Lee McPhail,
DHE, Phone: 529-3511
Foremost
Tuesday, November 17, 1992
7:00 p.m.. Provincial Building
Contact: Jackie McKnight, DHE,
Phone: 867-3606
Cardston
November 9, 1992
Contact: Christine Poss, DHE
Phone: 653-4461
VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
Foremost
Wednesday, October 14, 1992
7:00 p.m.
Contact: Jackie McKnight, DHE,
Phone: 867-3606
OPPORTUNITY
There is still space open for
your Agricultural Society Board
at the Agricultural Society
Planning Workshop (brochure
enclosed) .
November 20 - 22 1992
Goldeye Centre
Nordegg, Alberta
Contact: REDA 451-5959
This workshop will help you:
- focus on where you
agricultural society really
wants to go
- make useable, meaningful
plans for practical results
- use input from the general
membership for your plans
- work together with members of
your board in a secluded
setting
- share your ideas with members
of other agricultural
societies in an enjoyable
comfortable atmosphere
MINI DISTRICT CONFERENCES
Medicine Hat
Friday, October 16, 1992
7:00 p.m.
Contact: Brenda Lee McPhail
DHE, Phone: 529-3511
Cardston
Wednesday, October 21, 1992
Contact
Phone :
Christine
653-4461
Poss, DHE,
Oyen
October 30 - 31, 1992
Contact: Jose Jardine
Phone: 664-3850
Vauxhall
November 27
Contact :
28, 1992
1993 Olds & District
Dates to be confirmed
- 9 -
ISTEW RE
A.A.D.A.C.
There is a catalogue available
listing all of AADAC ' s resource
material for the various groups
in your community. Catalogues
can be ordered from:
Production & Distribution
2nd Floor, 10909 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, AB.
T5J 3M9
Telephone: (403)427-7319
Fax: (403)422-5237
A specific resource also
available at the above address
is, "Tracking the Good Times" a
helpful handbook for youth
leaders .
This book is designed to
encourage young people, ages
12-15 years, to take
responsibility for creating
enjoyable leisure activities
for themselves through
responsible decision making and
action .
Something for the children of
your community. Imagination
market is a non-profit arts and
recycling association that
offers inexpensive reclaimed
materials, workshops and
conference ice-breakers for
adults and children.
They were at the Camrose Fair
when Rae met Anne Jourdan and
crew involving young people (&
adults) in fun & creative
activities .
Imagination Market is dedicated
to protecting the environment
by increasing public awareness
and education on reclaiming
reducing and reusing materials
traditionally seem as waste.
Rae saw hats, whirly gigs, cats
& pigs evolve from the most
unusual items in the hands of
creative, involved people.
Next time you are wondering
what to do to involve youth
give Anne Jourdan a call or
write her and ask for a
brochure (with costs)
Imagination Market
10215-112 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5K 1M7
Tel: (403) 426-1862
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ON SHOW
An interesting & educational
booth was displayed this
summer, provided by Visitor
Services, Legislative Assembly
of Alberta.
The booth includes a colourful
photographic history of the
Alberta Legislative Building
and an invitation to tour it's
- 10
facilities, park and even to
watch democracy in action in
the Legistative Chamber.
Fact sheets about how the
assembly works. Alberta's
parliamentary system, laws and
what kinds of bills exist,
symbols & traditions regarding
the emblems of Alberta, styles
of governing, the Mace, and the
flag are only part of the
information available at this
booth .
An "Educational Program",
1991-92 outline and all of the
above information is available
to your community & schools.
Call or write for details,
Maryanne Gibson,
Manager, Visitor Services
Legislative Building
Edmonton, AB
Tel: (403) 427-7362
or 427-8414
REDUCE LOSS
INCREASE PROFIT!
Reprinted from Alberta Tourism,
Parks & Recreation Newsletter.
The cost of providing
energy has increased
dramatically over the
past few years and
will likely continue to rise in
the future. Implementing an
energy management program to
reduce costs makes good sense.
If you are interested in
reducing your costs, why not
start by requesting a visit
from the "Energy Bus"?
WHAT IS AN ENERGY BUS?
It is a vehicle equipped with a
computer and various monitoring
devices needed for in-plant
checks. Staffed by a team of
engineers and technologists,
the energy bus visits
industrial, commercial and
institutional buildings
throughout the province.
The team will inspect your
plant, analyze your energy use,
advise you of conservation
measures you might take, and
estimate how much you would
save. There is no obligation
to do anything the audit team
suggests. The audit is a free
service offered by Alberta
Department of Energy.
If you, as an owner or manager
of a recreation facility, wish
to take advantage of an
analysis of your facilities
energy use and receive the
expert advice offered by the
audit team, please write to:
Alberta Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency Branch
Seventh Floor,
9945 - 108 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2G6
Phone: 427-5200
- 11 -
OOVERrsTMElMT
ON THE MOVE
Alberta Culture and
Multiculturism
The following offices have
moved to :
7th Floor, Standard Life Center
10405 Jasper Avenue,
Edmonton, AB. T5J 4R7
Office of the Deputy Minister:
Office of the Executive
Director, Finance &
Administration
Financial Operations Branch
Systems & Information Services
Branch
Human Resources Branch
Communication Branch
Office of the Assistant Deputy
Minister Cultural Development
Division
Cultural Industries Office
Arts Branch has now moved to:
3rd Floor, Beaver House
10158 - 103 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 0X6
Fax: 422-9132
Film Censor Board is not
located at:
5th Floor, Beaver House
10158-103 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 0X6
* The telephone numbers have
not changed.
QUESTIONS OF THE TIME
"Which Minister is responsible
for ?"
"How do I locate this person?"
Whether it's to thank them or
question, here's a list to pin
on the wall.
Hon. Al ADAIR
Transportation & Utilities
Rm. 208, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2080
Hon. Dennis ANDERSON
Consumer & Corporate Affairs
Rm. 229, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2305
Hon. Nancy BETKOWSKI
Health
Rm. 323, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-3665
Hon. Roy BRASSARD
Minister Responsible of Seniors
Rm. 107, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-0141
Hon. Jim DINNING
Education
Rm. 402, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2025
Hon. Peter Elzinga
Economic Development & Trade
Rm. 324, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2134
Hon. LeRoy FJORDBOTTEN
Forestry, Lands & Wildlife
Rm. 408, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-3674
Hon. Dick FOWLER
Municipal Affairs /Native
Affairs
Rm. 319, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-3744
- 12 -
Hon. John GOGO
Advanced Education/Deputy
Government House Leader
Rm. 227, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2291
Hon. Jim HORSMAN
Federal /Intergovrnmental
Affairs
Deputy Premier
Rm. 320, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2585
Hon. Ernie ISLEY
Agriculture
Rm. 131, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2137
Hon. Dick JOHNSTON
Provincial Treasurer
Rm. 224, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-8809
Hon. Ralph KLEIN
Environment
Rm. 130/ Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2391
Hon. Ken KOWALSKI
Public Works, Supply & Services
Alberta Gaming Commission
Rm. 132, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-3666
Hon. Doug MAIN
Culture & Multiculturalism
Rm. 418, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-4928
Hon. Shirley McCLELLAN
Assoc. Min. Agriculture/
Minister Responsible for Rural
Development
Rm. 127, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-9156
Hon. Elaine McCOY
Labour
Rm. 103, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-3664
Hon. John OLDRING
Family & Social Services
Rm. 104, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2606
Hon. Rick ORMAN
Energy
Rm. 228, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-3740
Hon. Ken ROSTAD
Attorney General
Rm. 423, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2339
Hon. Don SPARROW
Tourism, Parks & Recreation
Rm. 424, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-3162
Hon. Fred STEWART
Tech, . Research & Telecom.
Government House Leader
Rm. 403, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-5982
Hon. Peter TRYNCHY
Minister Responsible for
Occupational Health &
Safety/WCB. Alberta Public
Safety Services
Rm. 420. Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2608
Hon. Norm WEISS
Career Development & Employment
Rm. 404, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-0358
Hon. Steve WEST
Solicitor General/ALCB
Responsible for Professions and
Occupations
Rm. 425, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2468
Hon. Dr. David CARTER
Speaker
Rm. 325, Legislature Building
Tel: 427-2464
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES
N E W S L E T
Twas was the week before Christmas
And all through the hall
No directors were sleeping
They v^ere having a ball.
R
DECEMBER 1992
The secretary had written each director's name with care
The list of activities was the President's to prepare
The treasurer had presented the Accountant's Review-
Each director was pleased with the year they'd been through.
The cheques had been copied
The invoices were found
The numbers were filled in
Grants were Edmonton bound.
When out in the lobby there rose such a clatter
They set down their punch to see what was the matter
And what through their wondering eyes did they see
But some new members with ideas for 1993.
There were members with plans for updating the fair
And all kinds of agricultural programs to share
A new display to let people know more about food
Some youth programs proposed by a very cool dude.
The enthusiasm grew, such a fun place to be
The agricultural society was the focus of the whole community
Now in the big city the Community Services Section
Prepares for the grants and reports they're expectin' .
Anne waits by the phone with pen in hand
For dates to make the fairbook look grand.
The files have been labelled and sorted with flare
Grants for Rae, Andy and Louise to review with care
Calculators hum and typwriters clatter
The deadline is near and nerves are getting shattered.
Soon the grants will be paid and the year ends recorded
But now we must start on the workshops you ordered.
It all sounds quite hectic and not too much fun.
But with a sense of good humor the work all gets done.
So from us folks in the city to our volunteer friends
Who are resourceful, helpful and incredibly bright
We hope that the work and the fun never ends
Merry Christmas to All and To All A Good Night !
y^lberia
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 427-2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
What's In this Issue ...
Upcoming Events
"Creating Tomorrow" 3
Managing Agriculture Conference (MAC '93). . 3
Alberta Assoc. of Agricultural Societies
(AAAS) Conference .... 3
Agriculture Week 3
Thoughts on Financial Responsibility ... 4
I Found an Investment Worth More Than Gold 6
Congratulations and Bouquets 7
Cooperation Ideas 8
Agriculture Ambassador Fair 8
Retirements 9
International Year 9
Reminders
Fair Dates 10
Grants 10
Year End Reports 10
This year, every active agricultural society
submitted its year end reports and is in
good standing until January 15, 1993.
Tjri>CC3IVlIIsrG eveistts
Agricultural society members
involved in "Creating Tomorrow"
public meetings should note, January
6 - 8, 1993. This is the date of
a conference being held at the
Westerner in Red Deer. This
conference is the final stage in the
consultation process .
A registration package was enclosed
with this newsletter.
Changed Conference for Changing
Times
Alberta Agriculture's, "Managing
Agriculture for Profit" (MAP)
Conference is no longer. In its stead
comes the Managing Agriculture
Conference (MAC'93), from February
1-3, 1993, in Red Deer.
This conference has been a popular
event for farm families for the last 15
years .
Conference speakers will discuss the
theme of "a time for change" in
agriculture. Speakers include
market and financial analysts,
business leaders, communicators,
psychologists, humorists and farm
entrepreneurs from across Canada.
Brochures and registration forms are
available at Alberta Agriculture
district offices.
A.A. A.S. (Alberta Association of
Agricultural Societies)
Convention in Medicine Hat,
February 12-14, 1993.
Machine Quilting and Sugar & Spice
Tote workshops will be held Friday,
February 12 from 9:00 - 4:30, and
Applique Basics and Drunkard Path
quilting will be held, Saturday,
February 13th.
For information and registration,
call: Wendy in Edmonton at 427-2174.
AGRICULTURE WEEK
March 7-13, 1993
Plan to be part of this week and
support agriculture.
What activities can your agricultural
society sponsor?
- 3 -
THOUGHTS (RULES) ON FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
All agricultural societies have a
number of hard working volunteers
who raise money for the organization.
As fund raising gets harder,
directors are forced to review their
money management.
Wait a minute!
Let's stop right there!
Isn't all that money business the
treasurer's job? The answer as many
organizations are finding out is NO.
The treasurer is often a director,
just like the rest of the board. The
treasurer is a volunteer who, like all
other positions , takes their direction
from the board as a whole.
The board should consider their
financial responsibility, using the
following idea.
Treasurer's should note that all other
bills must come to the board of
directors to be paid.
2: The board should expect and
demand accurate financial reports at
every regular meeting. The
treasurer is NOT the only person
responsible for the finances of your
organization. The Board of Directors
needs an accurate financial picture as
a basis for good decision making.
3: Never sign a blank cheque.
Most individuals would
not do this with their
own bank account .
Yet, I have seen and
even myself, signed
blank cheques so that
the treasurer would have them.
The treasurer is then a single
authority for that cheque and could
write in their own name and cash the
cheque .
1 : No decision on spending money
should be made without a motion. No
matter how small or large an
expenditure, motions should be made
by the directors to pay the bills.
Practically all agricultural societies
have regularly occuring expenses
which they would like to pay as the
bills are due. IDEA In January, list
all the regular bills which should be
paid, generally these include all
utilities. The motion could read that
the treasurer is directed to pay; (Ust
all regular bill sources) as they come
due. Discuss and pass this motion.
When signing cheques , at least fill in
the "Pay to the Order of" section.
For example, a cheque for Alberta
Utilities could be made out and the
amount filled in as it comes due .
The best way for all directors to
accept their part of financial
responsibility is to always ensure
that at least two individuals sign
cheques .
- 4 -
4 : Develop a Budget
Each committee should send this
information to the treasurer prior to
the annual meeting. A budget should
be prepared with the help of all the
directors . It will be your best guess
and should provide some guidance to
each director as to the cash flow
position.
5: Understand and ask questions
about your agricultural society*s
financial statements. The financial
statement presented at your annual
meeting is your best information
about the money you work hard to
raise. All the members and especially
directors should understand your
financial picture and agree with the
information presented.
Remember, the only "dumb" question
is the one not asked.
Support your treasurer by helping
them in their role. The treasurer
needs direction of the directors and
probably feels more confident
knowing that all the directors have a
say in the spending of the
agricultural society's hard earned
cash.
If all the directors are working to
raise the money, it only makes sense
that they all feel a part of spending
it.
For more information on financial
management, contact the Agricultural
& Community Services Branch (Phone
427-2171) or pick up the Fact Sheet,
"A Guide to Financial Management for
Non-Profit Organizations" , Homedex
1932-10, at your local District
Agriculture Office.
NOW HEAR THIS!
I FOUND AN INVESTMENT WORTH
MORE THAN GOLD - Rae Hunter,
Program Leadership Consultant
I am very impressed and
pleased with the terrific
leadership shown by-
agricultural societies.
The District Conferences held
by Big Country Agricultural
Society in Oyen and Vauxhall
Agricultural Society in
Vauxhall were great examples
of team effort towards
success .
THIS YEAR'S THEME FOR THE
CONFERENCES IS - BEING VISIBLE
IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND
THROUGHOUT ALBERTA
It's hard to admit but overall
they did a better job than
we've done. Both societies
had their board out in full
force and every volunteer
director had a specific
responsibility to assure the
conference's success.
Congratulations to both
communities !
The Olds Agricultural Society
has brought their leaders
together to organize a
District Conference for
January 22 & 23, 1993.
One week following a meeting
with them, I returned to find
a 5-page FAX from their
designated coordinator,
Kathleen Windsor. She
outlined their plans for
sessions, based on suggestions
you sent to this office,
speakers and a draft agenda.
(I made the initial date
announcement mistake, be sure
to check your calendar) .
This partnership with
agricultural society volunteer
leaders has exceeded my
wildest dreams. We are going
to have a top notch new year.
Other communities who have
accepted the responsibility to
host and organize workshops or
conferences are showing the
same enthusiasm.
Congratulations and Bouquets
Okotoks Agricultural Society
They burned their mortgage
during their annual meeting,
November 28th.
Big Country and Vauxhall
Agricultural Societies
For organizing successful
district conferences in their
area .
Picture Butte & District
Agricultural Society
For not only a very efficient,
well run meeting but also for
having people volunteer to
become directors.
The Westerner Exposition
Association (Red Deer)
For offering to host and
organize a volunteer
development workshop for
agricultural societies within
range of their community for
March 27, 1993.
Wildwood, Wanham and Tofield
Agricultural Societies
For hosting the Regional
Agricultural Society meetings
their areas.
New Sarepta Agricultural
Society
They are taking an opportunity
to explore their future with a
Board Planning Workshop. This
is a cooperative training
effort between REDA and
Alberta Agriculture.
Valleyview & District
Agricultural Society
An opportunity to discuss
common problems successes and
concerns, January 23, 1992.
Grassland & Districts
Agricultural Society
Hosted a gathering of five
community groups to share
ideas for future cooperation.
Donalda & District
Agricultural Society
In the process of organizing
an agricultural society
director's workshop for the
new year.
COOPERATION IDEAS ]
The agricultural societies in
the Sedgewick area have met
once with the district staff
to look at potential ideas for
cooperation and support.
Trevor Yurchak, local District
Agriculturist, was encouraged
by the number of agricultural
societies represented at this
first meeting.
There were lots of good ideas
brought forward from
agricultural societies wanting
to do more with agriculture.
Agriculture Week was a start,
but many organizations want to
increase their ties with
agriculture awareness in the
future .
Trevor hopes that agricultural
societies in his district will
be an informal advisory group.
The leaders from these
communities could help the
agriculture office in
sponsoring training and
educational programs.
Agricultural societies should
be able to provide direction
to the district staff for
programs for the future.
There are tremendous
advantages in cooperation.
The agricultural societies can
do a lot by working together.
Trevor hopes that this will be
the start of great programs
for the future.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
The Agriculture Ambassador
Fair is planned with enjoyable
education in mind. The
organizers hope it will
provide some highly
motivational projects for
students in all subject areas
from Kindergarten to Grade 12
and allow them to demonstrate
their abilities and ideas in a
school fair atmosphere.
Your agricultural society
could support this project in
the future. The prize list
could be used as an outline
for your summer fair.
The fair is celebration of the
Agriculture Ambassador Program
which is jointly sponsored by
Alberta Wheat Pool and Alberta
Agriculture .
Everyone is welcome to attend
the fair and join us for an
afternoon of entertainment,
including such events as:
working stock dog, sack races,
mock auction, calf roping,
butter making and hog calling.
The fair is February 26 - 27,
1993 in Medicine Hat.
For more Details, contact:
Agriculture in the
Classroom Program
Phone: 427-2402
Trevor Yurchak is the District
Agriculturist in the Sedgewick
Office. You can reach him at
384-3737.
RET I REMEISTTS
Irene Leavitt^
the Assistant
Deputy Minister
of Field
Services, will
be leaving
Agriculture
after 35 years
of dedicated
service .
Irene has attended the
agricultural societies
conventions in the past years
and was known as a strong
voice in support of rural
organizations .
Don Jacques
was honoured'
in Calgary
November 26th.
Don is retiring
after 12 years as
the General Manager
of the Calgary
Exhibition & Stampede
He has done a lot for
agricultural organizations and
the cause of agriculture. His
wisdom was an asset to all
agricultural societies, no
matter what size.
Gordon Porteous, Past
President of AAAS, paid
tribute to Irene on behalf of
agricultural societies at her
farewell held in November.
We wish her well in her future
activities and encourage her
to volunteer. Her talents
will be an asset to any
organization .
Agricultural societies from
across the province join in
wishing him well in his
future .
KAPPY NEW YEAR ★ HAPPY NEW YEAR ★ HAPPY NEW YEAR ★ HAPFY M£W YEAR * HAPPY P^£W YEAR * HAPPY NiW YEAR ★ HAJW YEA
INTERNATIONAL YEAR
Each year, the United Nations
focuses on one group or cause.
This year, 1993, has been de-
clared "The Year of Aboriginal
Peoples" .
Looking ahead, 1994 has been
designated "International Year
of the Family". The Premier's
Council in Support of Alberta
Families, invites you to join
in identifying ways that we
can all work together to
enhance and support families
in this province.
The Premier's Council has
developed some planning
resources for all target
groups .
Please contact their office to
obtain information and be
involved :
Premier's Council in Support
of Alberta Families
Hilltop House, 9910 - 103 St.
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0X8
Phone: 422-0475 Fax: 427-2117
- 9 -
]RJE M INO JS Ft S
Fair Dates
Each year we publish the Fairs
and Exhibitions dates for
those agricultural societies
who have sent us the
information.
Year End Reports
January 15, 1993 is a very
important day for all
agricultural societies. By
that date, our office should
receive :
There are 2500 copies of this
booklet distributed. If you
don't want to be missed, send
the 1993 fair dates to:
Anne Bennett
Agricultural & Community
Services Branch
#201, J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton AB T6H 5T6
Grants
Applications for your 1992
fair and operating grants
should be sent by March 1 .
Call Louise or Rae if you need
an explanation or help
applying for these grants.
- A List of Officers for the
1993 activities
- Report of 1992 activities
- Financial Statements
reviewed by a designated
accountant
If you want to be in "Good
Standing", meet this deadline
★ HAPPY NEW YEAFjf
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES MAY -61993
NEWSLETTER
MARCH 199 3
RAE HUNTER RECEIVES AWARD
It was smiles all around at
the February 1993 annual
conference of the Alberta
Association of Agricultural
Societies when it was
announced that Rae Hunter,
Program Consultant was awarded
the Association's Award of
Merit .
During Rae ' s seven years of
employment working with
agricultural societies, she
has been an inspiration to all
she meets in encouraging the
leadership development of
agricultural societies in
southern Alberta.
The Association's Award of
Merit is in recognition
of outstanding
contributions of
individuals to the well being
of agricultural societies in
Alberta .
The award has only been given
once since its inception in
1988. At that time it was
given to Mr. George Hughes on
the occasion of his retirement
as General Manager of Edmonton
Northlands .
The staff of the Agricultural
Societies Program at Alberta
Agriculture, Food and Rural
Development would like to
thank the Board and members of
the Association for their kind
words and appreciation of
Rae ' s work.
/dibcrra
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 427-2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
- 2 -
March 4, 1993, Honourable
Ernie Isley announced that
Alberta Agriculture is
changing its name to Alberta
Agriculture, Food and Rural
Development .
During the recent public
consultations participants
emphasized the diversity of
the agriculture and food
industry in Alberta.
Participants of the Creating
Tomorrow initiative
acknowledged that the industry
is composed of a variety of
partners and that
communication between those
partners must be enhanced.
Alberta Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development is committed
to enhancing that
communication. The name
change emphasizes the
Government of Alberta's
commitment to the Province's
diverse agriculture and food
industry.
RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
The Rural Services Division
name has been changed to Rural
Development Division. This
change gives a clear focus to
rural development activities
within the department.
BRANCH NAME
The Agricultural and Community
Services Branch has joined
with the Agricultural
Education Branch.
Reg Kontz is the head of the
new Agricultural Education and
Community Services Branch.
RAE HUNTER, Program Leadership
Consultant for Regions 1, 2 &
3 has retired effective March
31, 1993.
Andy, Anne and Louise are
keeping their names and we
will continue to serve your
needs .
WRATHS IN THIS ISSUE
Rae Receives Award .... Cover
Changes 2
Year of Craft in the Americas. 3
Vitalize '93 3
Visibility 4
"Farmer's Share of the Food $. 4
Remember 1993 Fair Books ... 4
Stavely Celebrates 80th ... 4
Keep In Touch 5
Become a Partner in IMAGINE . 5
Volunteers and The Law .... 5
Volunteer Appreciation Week . 6
1994 International Year ... 6
A Message From Rae 7
1993 is the YEAR OF CRAFT IN
THE AMERICAS (A celebration of
craft in Canada, the USA,
Central and South America)
In honour of this celebration,
on December 9, 1992,
Honourable Doug Main
proclaimed 1993 as the Year of
Craft in Alberta.
The Alberta Craft Council is
planning a year long
celebration, promoting craft
awareness in Alberta as well
as participating in national
and international events
celebration "The Year" in
Canada and the USA.
All art galleries, allied arts
clubs and visual arts
organization to participate.
If you have events planned for
1993 that focus on crafts or
includes a craft element, we
would like you to announce it
as part of the 1993
celebrations .
The following logo is
available to put on posters,
invitations, news releases and
any other promotional
materials .
1993 yy
celebrate y/^^-^^^
craft/
in the
americas
1993 year of craft in alberta
If you would like further
information on the Year of
Craft in the Americas there is
a participation guide also
available to you from:
Susan Abells, Exec. Director
Alberta Craft Council
#509, 10136 - 100 Street,
Edmonton, AB, T5J OPl
Phone: 428-1654 or
FAX: 425-2314.
VITALIZE '93
Convention Centre, Calgary
June 10, 11 and 12, 1993
The WILD ROSE FOUNDATION is
hosting this Fifth Annual
Provincial Volunteer
Conference to assist Alberta's
volunteer sector.
There's something worthwhile
at this conference for you -
whether you're a volunteer in
your organization, a staff
member working in the
volunteer non-profit area or a
member of the Board of
Directors .
Over 55 educational sessions
will be offered in the streams
of Human, Financial and
Organization Development.
Register before May 20
The $93.00 registration fee
includes all educational
sessions, meals, nutrition
breaks, GST, entertainment and
transportation by chartered
coach.
Vitalize '93 Hop-A-Bus will
provide pre-registered
delegates with free
transportation to and from the
conference (pick-up depots in
Southern Alberta: Cardston,
Lethbridge and Medicine Hat) .
For more information phone:
Laurie Brooks, Special
Projects Consultant 422-9305.
- 4 -
VISIBILITY
for Agricultural Societies in
1993 was the theme suggested
by Southern Alberta
Agricultural Societies at a
District Conference.
Thanks to those who supported
their District Conferences
organized and hosted by Oyen,
Vauxhall, Olds and Red Deer.
Those who missed - really
missed not only super
conferences/workshops but an
opportunity to meet other
agricultural society members
and to share ideas, concerns
and brag a little.
Verdant Valley
Agricultural
Society
had a booth at the Drumheller
Trade Fair in April 1992. The
display, viewed by several
thousand visitors, depicted
the "Farmer's Share of the
Food Dollar" .
Items were displayed on the
table, with the following
messages .
Consumer Cost Value to Farmer
Bread ($1.29) wheat ($.04)
Flour ($3.39) wheat ($.27)
Crackers ($1.55) wheat ($.03)
Pasta ($2.25) wheat ($.06)
Cereal ($3.99) wheat ($0.07)
Cookies ($3.99) oats and wheat
($0.04)
Canola Oil ($2.47) Canola
Seed ($.60)
Beer ($1.10) barley ($.01)
In some cases, if the farmer
gave away his product, the
consumer price would scarcely
change." (Report by Hon. Ralph
Ferguson, MP, August 1991).
REMEMBER
Send us a copy of your 1993
fairbook at least 6 weeks
prior to your fair.
1992 marked the 80th
Anniversary of the Stavely
Indoor Rodeo. They celebrated
this event with over 1,000
people .
- 5
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FORMER
BOARD MEMBERS
When board
members end
their term of
office, many
of them leave
the
organization.
This can be a
terrible
waste of knowledge, expertise,
contacts and energy.
Instead of retiring board
members, have you considered
making them associate members
or supporters?
These people have been
committed to your organization
in the past and chances are
good they will consider
supporting your organization
in the future.
By maintaining these valuable
connections with past board
members, your organization can
continue to benefit from their
valuable skills and influence
as volunteers.
A new
spirit of
giving
A njdonji pr(>);ram lo cni:ouri){e f;ivin^
inil vnlunicennji
IMAGINE
Become a Partner is IMAGINE
The goal of IMAGINE is to
increase public and corporate
awareness of the importance of
philanthropy, the giving of
both time and money.
Help spread the message of A
NEW SPIRIT OF GIVING that will
benefit the charitable sector
as a whole - and, as part of
that important sector, your
organization .
For information on how your
voluntary organization can be
a partner, call the Resource
Centre For Voluntary
Organizations at 441-4623.
VOLUNTEERS AND THE LAW
A copy of the article,
"Liabilities of Persons
Involved in Volunteer
Organizations" (Taken from the
Spring 1993 Edition of
CONNECTIONS Newsletter
prepared by the Resource
Centre for Voluntary
Organizations, is enclosed for
your information.
- 6 -
VOLUIsTTEER A.E> E> RE O I AT I OlST WEEK
April 18 - 24, 1993
Today's volunteers belong to a
new breed. These active
individuals already have busy
jobs, families, hobbies and
interests. Many can't offer
their services between nine
and five - so organizations
have to be flexible and work
around their schedules.
Most volunteers want short-
term, task-oriented
responsibilities. Tell them
what's expected so they know
exactly what they're getting
into .
Follow through -- if you say a
meeting will be an hour long,
make sure it doesn't run over.
After you've recruited your
volunteers, conduct personal
interviews - become familiar
with their interests,
experience and skills. Give
them a job with clearly
defined responsibilities. Be
realistic in what you ask
volunteers to do - if you ask
too much, the task will stop
being fun.
Above all, don't forget to
thank your volunteers - make
them feel special. In
addition to the personal
satisfaction derived, they
want to feel appreciated for
their hard work.
1994 International Year of the Family
Annee Internationale de la famille
The United Nations has
declared 1994 International
Year of the Family
Included as an insert with
this newsletter is your
invitation to plan your 1994
events around the families in
your community.
This invitation includes a
Vision Statement, Objectives
and Guiding Principles and an
Idea Checklist for Community
Associations .
If you would like more
information or further
assistance in planning your
events, contact our office at
#201, J.G. O'Donoghue
Building, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
or phone: (403) 427-2171.
7 -
A Message from Rae
I have the
following comments
for the
agricultural
societies and
volunteers I've enjoyed
working with so much.
It is with joy and an element
of sadness that I am retiring.
It has been in my mind for
some time now, but every time
I got out into the field with
you wonderful people, I didn't
want to leave. However, now
the time has come for me to
spend more time with my
family. To let my husband
experience having a wife under
foot. To have more time to
hug my children and
grandchildren.
I have a garden to plant,
weeds to gather and eat while
I'm waiting for the garden to
grow and time to smell the
daisies .
I plan to continue teaching
natural basketry and to become
a relaxed basket case. I
received a grant from the
Alberta Arts Foundation to
research natural basket
materials in Alberta. You may
find me gathering in your back
40.
I am committed to do two
basketry exhibitions in
September - one in Stony Plain
at the Oppertshauser Gallery
and the other in Whitehorse at
the Yukon Gallery.
As volunteers, you have worked
with me to make workshops,
mini conferences, rural
initiatives and the
interchange of ideas
meaningful .
There are now experienced
conference planners in Oyen,
Vauxhall and Olds and I hope
that you will relaize that the
ideas I shared were relayed
from your experiences. You
are your own best resources
and a vital link in community
betterment .
I will miss you. Yes, it's
the people I'll miss in all
aspects of my job. I've been
very lucky. I've had the
support of volunteers and co-
workers to keep my dreams and
ideas at ground level and to
risk flying with me.
Some of you have pushed me on
occasion. Ross Gibb from
Taber gets a gold star or
keeping me in line. I will be
forever greatful for what I
have learned from you.
The sadness is in realizing
the time of sharing with you
with you will change. The
sadness is in realizing the
time of sharing with you will
change. The leadership shown
by the people in agricultural
societies and their
communities has always
surpassed my expectations.
Be sure to make ways to create
links between societies. The
support you require from this
office is still just a phone
call away.
Cheers !
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES
CANADIANA
JUN -71993
N
W
R
JUNE 1993
WHY BE AN EXHIBITOR?
Reasons for entering your
exhibits at the fair are as
many as there are individual
exhibitors .
Common reasons are:
1) For self-satisfaction, a
chance to show your work to
other community members.
2) For competition, a chance to
have your work rated against
others .
3) For education, a chance to
learn from your peers,
convenors and judges.
4) For community support of
local fair volunteers and
activities .
FAIR VISITING
A Summertime Tradition
Alberta Exhibitions Fairs and
Agricultural Societies 1993,
Agdex #007 - is now available
from:
Print Media Branch
Alberta Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, T6H 5T6
2,000 copies of this free hand
out have been printed to assist
in locating fairs and other
activities of agricultural
societies in Alberta throughout
the year.
WHAT IS AN EXHIBITOR?
An exhibitor:
5)
/diberra
AGRICULTURE
Keeps an open mind.
Reads the prize book
Follows class
requirements as outlined
in the prize list for
size, quantity, type,
etc .
Is knowledgeable of the
judging standards of
their entries.
Doesn't always expect to
win .
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 42^-2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
Stand up and be counted!
Of the 291 active agricultural
societies in Alberta, only L5
have not met the annual
requirements for year end
returns under the Agricultural
Societies Act of Alberta.
GOOD WORK ! !
Please send a copy of your 1993
fair book to us at Community
Services .
We get many requests for
information on fair book set
up, classes, rules and
regulations .
The best source of information
on how to set up a fair book is
from examples of your current
book.
Thanks for your help!
SUMMER AGRICULTURAL
EDUCATION INSTITUTE
Olds College, Olds, Alberta
Wednesday, July 14, 1993,
5:00pm - 8:00pm will be a
special display by agricultural
industry participants.
The Institute is a week-long
training session for educators
in Agriculture in the
Classroom.
Wednesday evening 5-8:00 pm is
set aside for general public
viewing of many informative
displays for industry and
government .
If you are in the neighbourhood
of Olds College - check it out.
JUDGING STANDARDS FOR FOODS,
SEWING AND HANDICRAFTS
An updated version of this
popular book is now available
at your District Office.
Ask for Homedex 980-10.
OLOS SOCIETY
A Little Bit of Everything
The Olds Agricultural Society
has been around since 1899.
Recently, the Board of
Directors identified that
longevity does not always mean
familiarity .
The result is a series of
monthly news releases which are
being printed in the Olds
Gazette .
The following is a sample of
the April News Release.
"The Olds Agricultural Society
was founded in 1899 and is
still dedicated to the
encouragement and promotion of
agriculture, horticulture, home
making, cultural activities and
improvement of the quality of
life in the community."
add
"These may seem like broad
objectives for a society whose
main reason for being often
seems to be simply putting on a
summer f air . "
"It is, but the members of the
Olds Agricultural Society are
actively involved in all these
aspects in one way or another."
"Besides sponsoring the
Mountain View County Fair, the
society supports the Olds
Farmers' Market, provides
scholarships and bursaries to
post-secondary institutions,
hosts conferences and
workshops .
"Olds Agricultural Society also
helps sponsor the Santa Glaus
Parade and assists other
organizations including the
Olds Gollege Judging Glub,
STARS, Glassroom Agriculture
Program, local 4-H clubs. Range
Patrol, the Volunteer Fire
Department, the Kiwanis Music
Festival, Santa's Anonymous and
various sports and school
teams . "
"The society also supports
their many volunteers with an
appreciation banquet every
winter. "
d Ci d
"Agricultural society
facilities are used for many
livestock sales and shows, 4-H
shows and competitions and
various rodeos, clinics and
field days . "
d d d
"Membership in the Olds
Agricultural Society is just
$5.00 per year and is available
to anyone over 18 years of age
who supports the objectives.
There are four general
membership meetings per year
and the elected Board of
Directors meet at the Gow
Palace Board Room on the last
Thursday of each month."
"The agricultural society
office is open every week day
morning . "
Is this an idea for promotion and awareness
that would work for your society?
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
RESPONDS TO
CREATING TOMORROW
To complement its economic
strategy, the Alberta
Government released, "Breaking
New Ground: The Government of
Alberta Responds to Creating
Tomorrow" .
"The Alberta Government has
taken the first step to
responding to Creating
Tomorrow," says Ernie Isley,
Minister of Alberta
Agriculture, Food and Rural
Development. "The second step
is up to the industry. We
encourage a frank resonse from
industry stakeholders.
At Creating Tomorrow, a public
consultation process conducted
by the agriculture and food
industry, participants
identified a vision, goals and
strategies for the industry's
future. "Breaking New Ground"
is the government's response.
The document provides proposals
in draft form for public
consideration.
"Breaking new Ground" includes
proposals for policies directed
at improving the industry's
competitive position,
sustaining the natural resource
base and the environment, and
facilitating rural development
as well as ways to re-allocate
funds to finance the necessary
changes .
"Proposed policies and plans
will provide a positive
environment for Albertans in
the agriculture and food
industry to compete in
international trade," Isley
says .
I hope that industry will view
'Breaking New Ground* as one
more step in the consultative
process that will yield
positive results for the
agriculture and food industry
over the next decade," he adds.
Copies of "Breaking New Ground"
are available from:
Policy Secretariat
Alberta Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development,
#310, 7000 - 113 Street,
Edmonton, AB, T6H 5T6 .
HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
On May 21, 1993, Agriculture,
Food and Rural Development
Minister Ernie Isley invited
the province's agriculture
community to submit nominations
for the Alberta Agriculture
Hall of Fame.
"Hall of Fame awards honour the
most outstanding members of our
industry, past and present,"
siad Mr. Isley. "The awards
also acknowledge the essential
role played in the lives of all
Albertans by agriculture and
the members of our agriculture
community . "
Nominations for the 1994
Agriculture Hall of Fame must
be received by July 31, 1993.
Forms are available through
Alberta Agriculture district
offices or by writing to:
Alberta Agriculture Hall of
Fame, Information Services
Division, 7000 - 113 Street,
Edmonton, T6H 5T6 .
FAIR lOEAS LIST
Agricultural Society Name:
This is your opportunity to share some of your successes and
failures with other fair organizers.
Simply jot down the details and we will gather them into a "Fair
Ideas Issue" of this newsletter.
1993 FAIR
We had great success with:
What didn't go over was:
New ideas for next year:
Please return to:
Agricultural Education & Community Services Branch
Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development
#201, J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton T6H 5T6
:0
ICULTURAL
OCIETIES
CANADIAN/
SEP 201993
NEW
THE IsFEW EXECUTIVE
R
FALL 1993
The majority of agricultural societies elect their new executives
and board of directors in the fall. Hopefully all the new and
existing directors hold an orientation session for the board.
lo Review the bylaws of the
society. This can be a brief
session to ensure that all
directors understand the legal
obligations of the board and
the society.
2. Discuss all the directors
job descriptions. Having this
discussion should ensure that
everyone understands their
roles and responsibilities.
3. Set regular meeting dates
for the next year. The
Agricultural Societies Act
requires that all members and
directors have notice of all
meetings. By setting a regular
date for the entire year, all
directors will hopefully mark
dates on their own calendars
and not over book that date.
4. Establish all the
committees required for the
general operations. If a
director is to be either the
liaison or the chair of these
committees, they should be
clear about that role,
5. Designate someone on the
board as the director in
charge of any hired staff or
personnel. This avoids a
situation of uncertainty about
who will represent the
employer in any discussion
of the work.
6. Review the financial
statements and proposed
budget. All directors should
have factual information about
how the agricultural society
will do their fund raising and
will meet all its obligations.
7. Outline the planned
activities for the year.
8. Make the first meeting fun.
The agricultural societies who
have little trouble recruiting
directors and filling
committees seem to share a
common thread. They enjoy the
work they do and they enjoy
the people they work with on
the board.
Directors who know the bylaws
and procedures of the
agricultural society will use
their time more efficiently at
meetings. With written job
descriptions in hand, all
directors will be more
confident in their roles.
If you would like us to
assist with your board
orientation call us at
427-2171 and we will
arrange a meeting.
/dibcrra
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 427 2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
FAIR AND OPERATING
GRANT APPLICATIONS
All secretaries should now
have received the new forms
for these grants . We have
received very positive
comments from secretaries
and treasurers who have
completed their
applications .
Time spent by the
volunteers has been reduced
in filing out the
information. Another major
saving is that PHOTOCOPIES
OF CHEQUES AND INVOICES are
no longer required.
If you have been wondering
about accountability, note
that the new application
requires two signatures
from directors who have
signing authority.
Please keep all the
information for two years
to verify your grant claim.
Now that you know how easy
it will be to apply for the
grants, start filling them
out and sending them to our
office. You do not need to
wait for March 1, 1994 if
you have already spent more
than the maximum.
What*s In This Issue?
New Executive
Orientation Sessions . . 1
Fair And Operating
Grant Applications 2
Annual Meeting 3
Notice of Meeting
Membership
Quorum
Agenda ( 4 )
How Successful
Was Your Fair? . 5
Important Telephone
Numbers 5
Toll Free Line
A.A.A.S.
The Year Of The Family . 6
Regional Agricultural
Society Meetings . . 6
Why wait for spring do it
now
2
THE AIsriSrUAL MEETHSTG
The fall is the time when the
majority of agricultural
societies hold their annual
meeting. The requirements for
this meeting are outlined both
in your bylaws and the
Agricultural Societies Act.
Review the procedures for this
meeting well ahead of the
scheduled date so that you
have a clear understanding of
what should happen.
Membership
The secretary and/or treasurer
should be available at least
one hour before the meeting to
renew and sell memberships.
This renewal of membership is
very important as the list of
members who are eligible to
vote at the annual meeting.
The bylaws of most
agricultural societies require
Notice of Meeting that all directors are members
of the society.
All members of the
agricultural society should
have at least two weeks notice
of the time and place of the
meeting .
If you send a newsletter to
all the members this should be
noted. Consider putting a
notice in your local newspaper
as a way of providing written
notice. Posters on bulletin
boards in a few key areas of
town may also help your
advertising. A telephone
committee could take sections
of the membership list and
divide up responsibility for
calling all the members. Do
whatever works well in your
community to ensure that all
members know about the
meeting .
Quorum
The bylaws of each
agricultural society specify
the minimum number of members
required for the annual
meeting .
This number is usually no less
than 10 and may be more for
each organization.
3
(Cont'd. )
&
The order of business for an
annual meeting is outlined in
section 20 of the Agricultural
Societies Act.
(a) Reading minutes of
previous meeting; the minutes
of all meetings should be kept
in the official minute book of
the agricultural society.
Annual meeting minutes will
include copies of all the
reports of committees and
directors .
require further discussion at
this meeting. Ensure that all
the information required is
available prior to the
meeting .
(e) New business; the
executive should review their
plans of action along with the
budget to ensure that any
items needing general
membership approval be
addressed at the annual
meeting.
Because these minutes could be
quite long, the secretary may
wish to highlight any
important aspects of business
and have a few complete copies
available for any member
wishing more detail.
(b) Addresses and reports of
officers; the executive should
ask each director and
committee head to provide a
written copy of whatever
report they will be
presenting » This report
should become part of tae
minutes of the annual meeting.
Giving each director notice
that a written report should
be presented will help each
director in planning for the
meeting and focusing their
thoughts prior to the meeting.
(c) Reports of committees; the
procedure for officers reports
noted above should apply.
(d) Unfinished business; the
secretary should provide the
chair a list of all items that
(f) Addresses and discussions;
this section is left as a part
of the meeting open to the
floor. Allow any members an
opportunity to present their
opinions and ideas about the
future of the agricultural
society and its operations.
(g) Election of officers; the
Agricultural Societies Act
specifies that the board of
directors must have a minimum
of 12 directors, the
president, two vice-presidents
and 9 other directors .
Note that all directors serve
without compensation. In the
case of an agricultural
society having a paid
secretary/treasurer, the total
does not include that
position.
(h) Adjournment. This could be
the opportunity to add some
socializing into the meeting.
However if it is late, people
may be quite ready to depart
with the next directors
meeting established.
4
HOW SUCCESSFUL
WAS YOUR FAIR?
In our last newsletter we
asked you to send in
details of some of your
success stories that
happened at your fair this
summer. We have had some
replies but encourage you
to send in you information.
We will be publishing a
special fairs section in
our next newsletter, so
send in you information if
you wish to be included.
TOLL FREE GOVERNMENT RITE LINE
When calling our Alberta
Agriculture, Food & Rural
Development office, between
8:15 am and 4:30 pm, use the
R.I.T.E. system.
Call through your nearest
R.I.T.E. operator or use 1-
800-565-7483 (R.I.T.E.) ask
for 427-2171 and we will be
happy to answer your
questions, provide information
and discuss your training
needs .
AAAS (Alberta Association of
Agricultural Societies) has
their own phone line as well
as an answering machine.
Wendy Pruden will get back to
you with fair supply orders,
membership enquiries, quilt
competition information and
annual convention updates.
Call 427- 2174 to reach their
office .
5
1994 International Year of the Family
Annee Internationale de la famille
Many agricultural societies
will be using this theme
throughout the coming year for
special events and activities.
Some topics for Year of the
Family Theme are:
Balancing work and family
Issues in supporting
aging parents with other
family responsibilities
(Sandwich Generation)
How to use family
evenings effectively
Various aspects of family
law
Family violence
prevention
Importance of morals and
values
Changing roles and
realities of men, women
and children
Parent/teen
communications
Conflict resolution
Financial Management
Problem Solving and
Decision Ma k i nq
Impact of Mass Media
REGIONAL
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY MEETINGS
Plans are under way for a
series of agricultural
societies meetings across the
province. These meetings are
an opportunity to share ideas
and get new knowledge to help
your organization. Mailouts
with more detail about the
meeting planned in your area
will be going to your
secretary.
Please note the date of the
meeting in your area and plan
to attend.
Multi-Regional Meeting
New Sarepta, October 23, 1993
Peace Regional Meeting
Manning, October 30, 1993
MQrt.heast Regional Meeting
V^^rmiiion, November 16, 1993
Southcentral Regional Meeting
Cross field, January 29, 1994
Southern Regional Meeting
To date we have not received
an offer from a group in the
South to host this year's
regional meeting. If you are
interested, or know someone
who is -- please let us know.
Please call the Community
Services staff, Louise, Andy
or Anne if you would like more
information.
6
I DO
c 2.
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES
DEC
NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 1993
Walk in Customer's Shoes
Lottery Dollars
5 Important Dates and Deadlines
' Ideas from Regional Meetings
New Fair Planning Video
Fair & Other Event Ideas . .
Managing Risks
New Direct Dial R.I.T.E. Line
/dibcrra
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 427-2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
WALK IN CUSTOMER'S SHOES
The following was in the
Eastern Alberta Community
Connection Newsletter.
It is worth reflecting on this
from an agricultural society-
perspective. When you
evaluate your fair and other
activities, consider the
customer's shoes.
^ Customer relations expert
^ Craig Oscarson says,
"It's a good idea to try to
walk in someone else's shoes."
He adds, "Smart people walk in
the shoes of their customers,
but wise people remove their
own shoes first."
Implication ; You can't
^ put on someone else's
% shoes until you've taken
yours off.
To look at things from your
customer's viewpoint, you
really need to forget
everything you know about the
product or service from your
inside perspective.
A good way to do this:
^ Conduct focus panels of
your customers to get
their thinking.
Also : Call three customers a
day, just to see how they feel
about your products or
services .
TOTAL LOTTERY
DOLLARS TO
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES
Alberta Lottery Funds are
allotted to agricultural
societies throughout Alberta
in the following amounts:
$6,880,000 unconditional
$2,700,000 fair and
operating
Edmonton Northlands and
Calgary Exhibition and
Stampede each receive
$5,000,000.
Some agricultural societies,
as well as other worthy
organizations and projects,
receive grants through
the $2,650,000 Agricultural
Initiatives Program.
Some agricultural societies
have received lottery funds
under the Community Facility
Enhancement fund and Tourism
Initiatives .
Agricultural societies are
recognized through these
grants as providing a valuable
contribution to their
community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 29, 1994 Region 2
Agricultural Societies Meeting
Crossfield
February 22, 1994
Judge's Training Workshops,
Lamont
March 5, 1994
Fair Exhibitor's & Convenor's
Workshop, Brooks
DEADLINES
All agricultural societies
must have the following
information into our office by
January 15, 1994,
V List of 1994 Directors
(Minimum of 12)
V Report of 1993 Activities
V Financial Statements,
reviewed by a CMA, CGA or CA
The following information
should reach our office before
March 1, 1994.
V Fair and operating grant
applications
V Fair dates and descriptions
(See Insert)
IDEAS
SHARED AT REGIONAL
AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY MEETINGS
Classroom Prize
Money
The Innisfree Agricultural
Society approaches the
teachers of each classroom
offering a lump sum per class
in exchange for 1 or 2 entries
from every student.
This eliminates the problems
of numerous small cheques as
well as supporting the school.
Best result - all students can
display something they have
made .
The more volunteers - the
better
No matter what activity or
event, many hands make light
work.
COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU
Alberta Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development staff,
Brenda Tangen, Jocelyn
McKinnon, Brad Lowrie and
Louise Welsh are producing a
video .
The stars of the production
were the people of Edgerton
who produce an excellent bench
show.
The video and manual promise
to be a "best seller" with
ideas on how to show off all
your exhibits.
Watch for details in 1994.
FAIR AIsTD OTHER EVEISTT I OE AS
Scavenger Hunt
Olds Agricultural Society was
involved in a Scavenger Hunt
throughout their county.
Participants were encouraged
to visit businesses, the fair,
museums, farms and farmer's
markets .
At each place there was an
item to be collected, as well
as an opportunity to find out
more about the local business.
This idea was a cooperative
effort and initiative of the
Olds Tourism Action Committee.
Many participants commented
that, "They had never visited
these places before."
The idea made people more
aware of what their county had
to offer throughout the summer
for one day vacations.
Exhibitor Training
If you feel you need more
knowledgeable exhibitor's, why
not host a training session.
The Tofield Garden Club hosted
such a workshop in July.
Successful exhibitors and
judges share their knowledge
with the participants.
The workshop was held about
one month before the fair and
not only helped to educate
exhibitors but increased
interest in the fair.
Observations From a Parade
Participant
1) Start the parade on time.
Participants, both people and
animals, must start getting
ready long before the parade
is scheduled to start and
standing and waiting for the
event to begin can be very
tiring .
2) If possible, choose a
parade route that isn't "up
hill". Marching bands and
small children would be very
thankful for this small
consideration .
3) Calmar had a good idea.
Their parade runs a very short
distance down main street.
So, to add interest and to
make the parade more
entertaining, participants
were instructed to stop and
provide a small show, at
specified points along the
way .
Battle River Agricultural
Society (Manning) hosted a
Threshing Bee at the Heritage
Day celebrations.
Summertime Snowshoeing . . .
this activity has
possibilities at many summer
events, especially last
summer! Something new to try
in the relay games.
An article in the local paper
explained "How to Watch a
Rodeo"
4
Rae Hunter may have changed to
a successful "basket case",
but she continues to attend
fairs .
Rae visited the Castor and
Tofield fairs. Her comments
will be helpful to any fair
committees .
• Signs are always good
• Consider letting the public
know "why" one article
placed higher than another.
• Judges should encourage good
work with positive comments.
• Convenors should wear a
noticeable badge or ribbon.
• Returning the Exhibits
Consider closing the doors
for a few minutes to allow
convenors to group craft
articles by exhibitor name
or number. Less chaos and
potential for a mistake in
taking articles.
Rae still enjoys learning new
skills and is busy (as
expected) sharing her crafts.
MANAGING RISKS
A Handbook for the Recreation
and Sport Professional
This 32 page handbook
introduces what you need to
know to manage risks in your
recreation facility, events
and programs .
Learn how to minimize
liability for your
organization, your employees
and your volunteers.
Part 1: Explains, in clear
language, the legal concepts
of negligence, standard of
care and liability. Learn how
the law expects you to behave
whether as a director,
recreation administrator,
program leader, volunteer
facility manager or coach.
Part 2 : Shows how to
identify, evaluate and manage
risks to ensure that your
actions and those of your
staff and volunteers meet the
standard which the law
requires .
Part 3: Discusses some
practical tools and techniques
which can be used by the
recreation practitioner to
manage risks in their
facilities and programs.
Featuring . . .
• Clear explanations of the
legal principles
• Illustration of these
principles using actual law
examples
• Tips on improving your
waivers
• Ideas for warnings and signs
• Suggestions for staff and
volunteer training
Price: $7.95 plus shipping
and . GST
For more information contact:
Center for Sport and Law,
phone: (403) 432-0283.
5
DIRECT DIAL LINE FOR RURAL
ALBERTANS 1-800-565-
RITE(7483)
The Alberta Government has
introduced a new telephone
service, making it easier for
Albertans, living in Rural
communities, to call
provincial government
departments .
Until now, they had to ask for
a Zenith number to be
connected to the nearest
government R.I.T.E. (Regional
Government Information
Enquiry) Center.
Approximately 10% of
Albertans, living in 110 rural
communities, have used the
Zenith Service ( about 27,000
calls per month) . Now they
can reach the nearest R.I.T.E.
Center by direct dialling
(1-800-565-7483) .
Faster than Zenith, the new
system doesn't require
operator assistance, saving
$40, 000/month (almost $500,000
a year) .
This improved, cost effective
service is part of
government's commitment to
rural development in Alberta.
t
GRICULTURAL "^"^^a
SOCIETIES
NEWSLETTER
SPRING 1994
SPRING FAIR PLANNING THOUGHTS"
An excellent day was enjoyed
by all those attending the
agricultural societies meeting
hosted by the Crossfield
Agricultural Society in
January. The following
highlights of the day are
ideas worth considering by any
agricultural society.
VOLUNTEERS
Gordon Elhard started the day
with a session entitled,
"Volunteering; Is it worth
it?
or
"Are the eggs
worth the wear and tear on the
chicken?"
Gordon's presentation was
delivered in a very
entertaining and humorous
style. His message focused on
the true meaning of life and
the various stages we may go
through in seeking that
meaning .
Stages of seeking pleasure,
wealth and power often leave
people with an empty feeling.
Gordon felt that the true
meaning in life is found in
serving people.
He listed some basic
principles that he believes
in:
♦ People are more important
than things.
♦ The individual is more
important than the group,
"each person is unique".
♦ Relationships are more
important than skills
♦ Values are more important
than knowledge.
♦ Listening is more important
than talking.
♦ Feelings are more important
than facts.
♦ A clear conscience is more
important than a clear
victory.
♦ The walk is more important
than the talk.
The volunteer connection was
very clear. Gordon feels that
the true meaning of life is
found in the service of
others .
His excellent presentation was
packed into an hour and gave
everyone inspiration for the
day.
/dibcrra
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RURAL SERVICES DIVISION
7000-113 ST., EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 5T6 PHONE 4 :7-2171
ISSN: 0228-1090
CHALLENGES TO THE FUTURE
Dr. Bob Church presented a
challenge to all agricultural
societies and their future
role in rural communities.
Dr. Church closed his comments
with some interesting
statistics about where people
would like to live.
He noted all the changes that
have happened in all parts of
the world. The rural
community is being affected by
these changes.
The access to entertainment,
through satellite dishes and
increased mobility will cause
many agricultural societies to
review the role of the summer
fair.
Bob outlined a number of
options that could be
considered in developing fairs
and in connection with the new
rural community.
He suggested that agricultural
societies could do a small
survey of the non agricultural
people living in your
community.
1) What is your image of a
farmer or rancher?
2 ) Where does food come from?
3) How do farmers/ranchers
relate to the environment?
A quote worth thinking about:
"In a rural community you
get along with your
neighbours; in an urban
community you pick your
friends" .
This presentation raised lots
of questions and created an
excellent topic for our lunch
discussions .
LUNCH
The local 4-H group catered to
an excellent lunch. As in
many agricultural societies,
the connections between the
volunteers on the agricultural
societies and the volunteers
involved in 4-H are strong.
Listen to the answers and
consider what your
agricultural society role
should be in the future in
supporting agriculture.
There are a lot o
being made to agr
farming practices
agricultural soci
re-think its role
and awareness and
some new programs
traditional fair.
f challenges
iculture and
The
ety should
in education
respond with
beyond the
After lunch, the group broke
into two sections.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
One section discussed facility
operations and costs. June
Gair and Matt Collins from
Alberta Community Development,
presented some information on
activities and facilities
operated throughout the
region.
The issues common to many of
the facility operations were:
1) Cooperation with user
groups, town and counties.
2) Communication in the local
area about volunteer
contributions, costs and grant
allocations .
The groups felt that because
of the pressures to provide
more and more with less; there
will be a need for improved
community cooperation.
The optimistic closure of this
session indicated that not
only will agricultural
societies continue in the
future but that cormnunities
will be stronger.
"PROGRAMS THAT ENCOURAGE
VOLUNTEERS"
The other section discussed,
"Programs that Encouraged
Volunteers" .
Kathy Lowther, DHE, Airdrie
introduced a panel of very
capable volunteers who have
had success in their fair
operations .
Kathleen Windsor, Mountain
View County Fair, Olds,
described how their fair
operates and how they
recognize and work with all
their volunteers. Her words
of wisdom are good for all
agricultural societies to
consider. "Nothing great was
ever achieved without
enthusiasm. Your enthusiasm
is contagious; when you are
excited, your excitement will
infect someone else."
Kay Smith, President, Bearspaw
Fair, outlined how their
success has developed over the
years. Some of their key
points in supporting the
volunteers include:
• Many hands make light work
• Enjoy the work and relax
with suppers and lunches
• Encourage constructive
criticism as a way to learn
and develop.
The volunteers do an excellent
Job because, "they love it!".
Kathy Lowther then shared some
of the resource materials
about leadership and
volunteers that are available
through Alberta Agriculture,
Food and Rural Development.
The message for the whole
session focused on ideas for
success as leaders and volunteers.
ALBERTA FOUNDATION
FOR ANIMAL CARE
Dr. Ray Fenton addressed some
of the critical issues facing
agricultural producers and
especially the beef industry.
Dr. Fenton 's experience as a
veterinarian and conunittee
member of the Alberta
Foundation for Animal Care,
was an insight into some of
the activities that are
happening throughout North
America and the world.
He stressed that while there
is more knowledge about
agriculture, we need to
increase programs supporting
the understanding of the
practices in the industry.
Agricultural societies
interested in becoming more
proactive in increasing
agricultural awareness, were
encouraged to support:
• the Agriculture in the
Classroom Program
• Classroom Agriculture
Program
• Alberta Foundation for
Animal Care
Dr. Fenton 's presentation made
it clear that there is a need
for agricultural societies to
review their role in the
support of the agricultural
industry.
The Agricultural Societies
Regional Meeting, hosted by
the Crossfield Agricultural
Society, was an excellent,
thought provoking day for all
those attending.
Hopefully, these notes will
stimulate discussions in your
organization about
volunteering, future roles,
facility operations, planning
volunteer recognition and tlie
role agricultural societies
should play in the animal
welfare issues.
RECRUITING THE PERFECT
COMMITTEE CHAIR
0 Can they delegate
effectively?
o Do they empower others to do
and be the best they can be?
o Do they store/record
information in some organized
system?
o Can they make decisions?
o Have they set plans and then
stuck to them?
0 Do they have an enabling
follow-up style?
o Do they keep everyone
involved and informed?
0 Are they knowledgeable about
the area of responsibility of
the committee?
JUDGES FOR YOUR FAIR
If you still haven't hired
your judges for this year's
fair . . . get busy!
Hiring judges takes some long
term planning. Review the
fair prize list and last
year's number of entries. How
many judges do you need and
what qualifications do they
need to have?
If you have a small seed show,
is it possible to find a judge
who can judge in other
categories when they are
finished? Other alternatives
might include getting a local
elevator agent or top seed
producer.
The fair coordinator should
review the recommended judges
from each committee. Can some
money be saved by combining
judges, car pooling or
selecting judges with more
areas of expertise.
REMEMBER! Your agricultural
society is the employer. You
should negotiate all fees,
mileage rates and meals ahead
of the event.
If you are a member of the
Alberta Horticulture
Association, you may be able
to have the judges supplied
and costs covered. Almost all
other judges are now being
paid directly by the
agricultural society involved
in the show. These costs
should be part of your budget.
Where to look for judges
• Alberta Association of
Agricultural Societies has a
new judge's list available for
$6 . 50/copy .
• Most convenors have kept a
list of judges from past
shows .
• Organizations such as
Equestrian Federation, Rabbit
Growers, Goat Societies, etc.
• Former 4-H members who were
trained as judges.
• Former District Home
Economists
• Local craft instructors,
photographers, flower shop
owners .
• Neighbouring agricultural
societies. You could exchange
judges and convenors or just
get more ideas. Talking to
others is always good
learning.
Judges are an important part
of your competition. Getting
the best job for your money is
your goal. As in all of your
activities - planning is the
key to success.
REMEMBER!
All fair books should
be sent to our office
at least 6 weeks prior
to your fair.
lyiAlSriTOBA FAIRS COIsTDUCT
EVALUTATIOIsT OF I> E RFORMAlSrc: E
The following results were taken from an article by Morris
Deveson in the Western Canada Fairs magazine. They did an
evaluation of 60 Manitoba summer fairs in 1993. The results may
be of interest to all the Alberta fair planners.
WHAT ARE FAIRS DOING BEST?
• Supporting the cattle
industry through shows,
including special breed shows.
• Providing a good family and
community-based activity,
allowing for involvement of
all age groups.
• Providing good homecraft,
leisure arts and family living
exhibit halls, allowing
exhibitors to display their
talent .
• Good horse shows .
• Providing an activity that
allows for rural-urban
cooperation.
• Providing good all-round
family entertainment.
• Developing an awareness of
agriculture and its importance
in society.
• Supporting/promoting 4-H and
youth.
• Good food and meals
(Mentioned often) .
WHERE COULD FAIRS IMPROVE?
[Listed in order of items
identified]
• Improve "educational
content" .
• Directional signs/handouts
on grounds and buildings to
help fair visitors.
• Directional signs to
fairgrounds - on highways and
in towns.
• Improve the educational
content of livestock shows.
• Increased/improved public
awareness/education re:
agriculture and farming and
its importance.
• Improvement in exhibitor^
breed and animal
identification in barns and
show ring.
AGRICULTURE IN
A Program For
The Winter of Our
Discontent"?
No way!! Not by a long shot.
For Ag in the Classroom and
the Agricultural Ambassador
Program, it has been an
extremely eventful and
successful season - leading to
anything but discontent!
By far the biggest highlight
of the winter months was the
1994 Agricultural Ambassador
Fair, held February 24th and
25th at the Camrose Regional
Exhibition.
Combine 1,300 school kids,
some 1,400 artistic creations,
a flock of sheep, a gaggle of
geese, an auctioneer, a
ferrier and two full days jam-
packed with agricultural fun
and learning and what do you
get? One real knock-out,
humdinger of an agricultural
fair, that's for sure!
The aim of the Agricultural
Ambassador School Fair is to
provide students province-wide
with the opportunity to
explore and showcase ideas and
projects relating to
agriculture.
This year, the student and
teacher participation in this
event was overwhelming -
participation levels across
the board were double those of
past years !
THE CLASSROOM
All Seasons!
By: Clare Stott
In conjunction with this
year's Fair, a Teachers'
Conference, sponsored in part
by Alberta Agricultural
Societies, was held. This too
was a great success!
Informative key-note addresses
and presentations, along with
a series of 12 different round
table sharing sessions
provided the participating
teachers with the opportunity
to network with and gather
informational resources from a
variety of agricultural
industry representatives!
Thank you agricultural
societies, for making
this teachers'
professional development
opportunity possible!
And now that our Winter of
Content is over and Spring has
sprung, we've got the summer
to look forward to ... and, of
course, the 1994 Summer
Agricultural Education
Institute in Fairview!
This Institute is a full-
credit course offered to all
practising teachers and
aspiring education graduate
students in Alberta.
The course, made possible
through a partnership of the
United Farmers of Alberta, the
University of Lethbridge,
Fairview College, the Peace
River regional community and
Alberta Agriculture, Food and
Rural Development, will be a
week (July 10 -17) chalk-full
of fun and learning for
teachers interested in knowing
all there is to know ( . . and
then some) about agriculture
in Alberta and how they can
incorporate all this into
their own classroom.
The 30 successful applicants
will all receive full-
scholarship to attend.
In its past runs, the
Institute has received nothing
but rave reviews and is sure
to please again!
If you know of any teachers
who may be interested in
attending the Institute, be
sure to pass the word!
(Deadline for application
April 31, 1994) .
For more information on the
Institute, or for general
enquiries about the Program!
Contact: (403) 427-2171
Agriculture
in the
Classroom
Thank you for your continued
interest and support!
THERE'S A NEW NUMBER!!
If you need to talk to us from
anywhere in Alberta just give
us a call on the new
government access number.
Dial, 310-0000 and ask fpr
427-2171, then ask for Andy,
Louise or Anne your
agricultural societies team.
National Library of Canada
Blbiioth^que nationale du Canada
3 3286 50494 1192
1994 International Year of the Family
Annee Internationale de la fami|le
STRONG FAMILIES, STRONG FARMS
Business strength is perhaps
easier to measure by looking
at the bottomline of a balance
sheet. However, measuring
family strength is more
difficult. But strong
families can be seen in
certain characteristics.
Those characteristics are ones
that give you a healthy
balance between business and
family, because your family is
strong.
Appreciation is one quality
often seen in a strong family.
This doesn't mean that
everyone is nice all of the
time. It's more a case of
recognizing the good, whether
with a hug, a gift, a
celebration or a compliment.
You'll probably groan at
communication as the next item
on the list. Strong families
talk and listen to each other.
Sadly time isn't often given
to these important activities.
One researcher found husbands
and wives talk with each other
an average of only 27 minutes
per week. Other studies found
mothers average less than a
hour per day in active
communication with their
children. Fathers averaged
less than 10 minutes.
Sharing responsibility, or
being relatively democratic in
planning and decision making
is another trait of strong
families. This fits right
into the UN's motto for
International Year of the
Family: Building the smallest
democracy at the heart of
society .
my
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