News

Here are some Halloween Safety tips from Caring for Kids website.

• Do not use masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction), non-toxic make-up kit instead.
• Make or buy costumes in light-coloured material.
• Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can better see your child.
• Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes.
• Dress your child for the weather. Add layers if needed.
• Put your child’s name, address and phone number on his costume.
• Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends. 
• Keep in mind that gum and hard candy can pose a choking risk for young children.
• Remove make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

If your child is going out without an adult:

• Make sure your child is in a group of at least 3 people.
• Give them a flashlight. A cell phone is also a good idea if you have one.
• Discuss in advance the route they should follow. Ask them to call you if they plan to go on a street that isn't on the route.
• Set a curfew (and make sure they have a watch with them).
• Tell your children not to eat anything until they get home.

For children and youth:

• Carry a white bag or pillowcase for your candy, and add some reflective tape.
• Dress for the weather. Cold weather or water absorbent materials in the rain can be very uncomfortable.
• Bring a cell phone, in case you need to make an emergency phone call.
• Always travel in groups. Be sure there are at least 3 of you at all times.
• Let your parents know where you're going to be at all times.
• Don’t visit houses that are not well lit. Never go inside a stranger's house.
• Use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there's no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
• Don't criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way up one side of the street, and then start on the other.
• If you have any allergies, tell the person who is giving out the treats.
• Don't eat any of your treats before you get home. Once home, ask your parents to look through your treats with you to make sure everything is okay.

For homeowners:

• Turn on outdoor lights, and replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Remove items from your yard or porch that might trip a child.
• Sweep wet leaves from your steps and driveway.
• Use alternative to candles in your pumpkins, such as a flashlight or a battery-operated candle.
• Remember that some children have food allergies. Consider giving treats other than candy, such as stickers, erasers or a yo-yo.

Thanksgiving weekend is here! The weather has been fantastic lately, so after you've gobbled till you wobbled, why not head outside with your loved ones for some fall fun? Here are some ideas to get up and out! 

• Visit a playground
• Check out nature at a provincial or local park
• Go for a walk and collect some leaves
• Throw on your helmet and pads and go for a bike/skate

Check out Things To Do for more outdoor activities! 

Applications for the 2017 Reducing Barriers to Community Wellness Seed Grants are now open! If you are planning a project that will enhance or promote healthy eating and/or active living in your community, ChooseWell is offering grants of up to $2,000. Communities must be registered for Communities ChooseWell in 2017 to be eligible to receive a grant.

The deadline to apply is October 31, 2017.

The OHV (off highway vehicle) Helmet Law has taken effect on May 15th. OHV riders are now required to wear a helmet while on public and crown land. The fine for failing to wear a helmet is $155.00

For more information, please see the FAQ sheet link below or visit Alberta Transportation's website. 

Looking to spend 2017/2018 visiting Alberta's provincial historic sites and museums? Get unlimited admission with the Experience Alberta History Annual Pass! Rates are:   

Family: $150

Adult: $50

Senior: $40

Youth: $30

Under 7: FREE

Passes are available for purchase upon arrival at major Government of Alberta provincial heritage facilities (except Royal Tyrrell Museum Field Station), or at any AMA offices in Alberta.

The County of Northern Lights and the Manning & District ECD Community Coalition have partnered together to create a Parks Pass brochure to get families out and active. The Parks Pass has a map with locations of public parks & playgrounds from Paddle Prairie all the way to Deadwood! Each park/playground is highlighted with ways you can use the play facility to help develop one of the five developmental domains. Please note that the new North Star Playground will be installed soon!

Parks Passes are available at the FCSS office and County of Northern Lights office in Manning. You can also print your own copy by clicking the link below. 

Have fun!

June is a great time of year to get a head start on planning and preparing for your camping trips. Check out all the Provincial Parks & campgrounds in the County, Manning, Peace River & Grimshaw area. Plus, there is this handy dandy free camping check list to make sure you don't leave anything important behind!

Launched early this year, Passport 2017 helps you find, or list, Canada 150 activities near you using the website or the free app! You’ll also have access to articles that feature and showcase parts of Canada’s history, culture and famous Canadians like Mr. Dressup and k.d. Lang. 

Visit the Passport 2017 website

ParticipACTION is celebrating Canada’s 150^th Birthday with a 150 Play List; 150 ultimate activities that define our land and our people. 

Canadians sign up to participate and track the activities they complete. Tracking your activities gets your name in for some pretty awesome prizes. 

Weekly prizes of gift cards and fitness trackers, Monthly prizes of trips to the Grey Cup, Manulife LPGA Tour, Canadian Tours by Fairmount and a grand prize of a new Chevrolet vehicle! 

The more activities you track, the greater your chances of winning! Now, time to get signed up and get out tracking your activities.

Visit ParticipAction website