Timeless Story
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Although Catherine Clifford (top left) recited her part a poem called A Special Gift, some of the other performers on stage in this traditional Sunday School scene were ready for a rest before the complete Christmas story was acted out on stage. Front is shepherd Tyler Ell, centre is shepherd Dawson Pickard and right is Joseph, portrayed by Tylan Pickard. After the performance, members and guests of the Community of Christ church took in a turkey dinner at Ribstone on December 10. ©Provost News Photo.
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Lack of Manpower, VLTs Sinks Lions Bingo
The last regularly scheduled Lions Bingo will be held in town tomorrow, Thursday night at the Legion Hall.
Lions bingo worker, Roger Jickling told The News that they don’t have enough members to help out at the weekly bingo.
He also said that since the introduction of video lottery terminals (VLTs) that the amount of money raised for the community has been going down.
“We got a good crowd last night (December 7) . . . 34 if we got that every night it wouldn’t be too bad.”
The crowd in recent years ranges from approximately 21 to 34 people on the regular Thursday nights play.
“It’s too bad, it’s entertainment” for local people.
The Lions took over the community-fund raising event from the Legion possibly as far back as 1987.
There are 20 to 25 Lions members, but says Jickling about four to six help out at the weekly bingo.
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“We are real short” (of manpower) when some people go away on holidays, he added.
Approximately half of the people who play bingo come from neighbouring communities, and says Jickling, many others running similar bingos in other places are experiencing problems as well.
If more people are willing to join the Lions service club, maybe the bingos could be re-started, the volunteer said.
“I feel bad about it.”
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In Alberta:
1920s:
Bingo is played in community halls and church basements.
1985
An amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada allows provinces to operate mechanical gaming devices.
1991
Video lottery terminals (VLTs) are tested at summer fairs in Edmonton.
1992
The VLT program is officially introduced.
1994
Alberta Lotteries and Gaming releases a commissioned report on gaming behaviour and problem gambling in Alberta.
1996
Slot machines are introduced into Alberta’s charitable casinos.
Satellite bingo is introduced.
1997
VLTs are removed from Rocky Mountain House and Sylvan Lake following local plebiscites. A challenge is later made to ruling.
1999
Province launches a Bingo Industry Review to examine the bingo industry and charities that take part in bingo activities.
2003
Alberta Lottery Fund website set up.
Province removes nearly 200 VLTs from seven communities.
Bingo terms and conditions and operating guidelines are updated to govern bingo operation in Alberta.
The government introduces digi bingo and keno into bingo halls across the province in attempt to help revitalize the bingo industry.
2004
Alberta’s 6,000 VLTs are replaced with updated machines that include new games and features.
Rest of story in December 13 edition of The Provost News.
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Testimony to be Heard in Salsman Murder Trial
Two Provost RCMP officers have been called to testify next month during the murder trial for a man who went missing from this area in September, 2004.
Full story in December 13 edition of The Provost News.
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Police Gear up For More Checkstops
Full story in December 13 edition of The Provost News.
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Street Spokesman
This week we ask : "The Provost Legion Has Disbanded. What Did This Organization Mean to You, or What Will You Mainly Remember About It?"
. . . and we heard opinions from Joan Froland, Gail Symington, Della Spilde, Jim Miller, and Denise Imeson.
Check out the December 13 edition of The Provost News for their answers.
Want to Subscribe to The Provost News? Click here. |
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This, along with many other stories and pictures can be found in this week's edition of The Provost News.
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