On March 15, Power Engineering students from NAIT and Civil Engineering students from the University of Alberta attended a stimulating one day event, beginning here in Big Valley, to examine the history of Canadian railroading. Don Totten, along with Larry Potter, Jim Potter, and Rich Graydon met with 24 students to share their knowledge of the railway industry and its development in Canada. Using audio-visual presentations to coincide the discussions, they were able to cover a wide spectrum of information.
Holding the meeting in the historic Big Valley Train Station proved most advantageous as the students were able to tour the facility, visiting the different areas of the station and learning the purpose of each area. Following the morning sessions the group enjoyed their lunch across the street at the Big Valley Inn.
Afternoon activities included a visit to Warden and the historic steam locomotive 6060, followed by a visit to the west Stettler shops to see Alberta Prairie Steam #41. Many of the students said they wished they had more time and expressed their desire to return during the summer months to observe a steam train in operation.
Thank you to Larry Potter for his in depth discussion of how to build and maintain a railway system, to Jim Potter for sharing his knowledge of operating a steam locomotive as well as running a train and to Rich Graydon for his colourful description of slack action in a train. We would also like to thank Cathy Evans, Rich Graydon and the Canadian Northern Society for all the help they provided the group in arranging this event at the Station.
The Big Valley Beautification and Cultural Society will be holding a meeting for the beautification of Big Valley at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 at the Train Station. We hope many people will choose to attend to help with organizing the planting for this summer. Remember this year is Big Valley’s Centennial and we really want to show our visitors how much we care about our Valley. Everyone is welcome to attend. Bring your ideas and we will see what we can do together.
May birthday wishes go out to Sandra Schell – 2, Don Kent – 2, Alana Stefanik – 4, Shelley Burnstad – 6, Joy Walker – 7, Dale Johnston – 7, Erika Stefanik – 8, Trudy Spence – 8, Hudson Stewart – 8, Wayne Garrison – 9, Marilee Colp – 10, Tennille Daychief – 10, Bentley Stewart – 10, Les Knapp – 12, Chantel Dubitz – 15, Eldon Stewart – 15, Teresa Greig – 16, Abigail Webster – 17, Rose Authenac – 20, Rilynn Stewart – 20, Deanna Skocdopole – 25, Pat Parkin – 26, Dallas Gordon – 26, Tim Burnstad – 27, Otto Nicklom – 28, Barry Bolton – 28, and Madison Tizzard – 30.
Happy Anniversary to Don & Margaret Lane – 1, Quinton & Amanda Baird – 4, Art & Ann Tizzard – 4, Wayne & Holly Skocdopole – 7, Rick & Carmen Tizzard – 9, Bob & Sue Boswell – 12, John & Marian Rinehart – 20, Wolf & Dorothy Dressler – 22 and Russell & Alice Faye Watts – 28.
BIG VALLEY BULLETIN