Opinion

The Christmas season is upon us – a time for friendship, family and fellowship for all including our furry friends.

An intriguing convergence of events has altered the course of this year’s Christmas column.

Cochrane's current housing situation may be a microcosmic example of what Canada as a whole may be headed toward in the coming years. According to the Bank of Canada's Financial System Review, housing prices, coupled with consumer debt, are the biggest risks to the Canadian economy.

The price of oil has been steadily declining since the end of the summer. As the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) watches the price freefall, Albertans are left wondering what this means for our families. We're all hoping for the best. However, we should be aware of the risks we face and budget responsibly.

Seniors on the Bow (SOTB) had a great 2014, and 2015 is shaping up to be filled with interesting events and activities, something to suit every Cochrane senior. Before December 2014 is gone, be sure to check the Town of Cochrane activities guide to register for ballroom and social country dancing, zoomer zone, yoga and meditation for longevity, gentle yoga, Zumba gold, dance yourself fit, Piloga, beginner snowshoes and acrylic painting for beginners.

On Oct. 14 a severe snowstorm and devastating avalanches took the lives of 50 trekkers along the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.

The history of aviation in the Cochrane area is close to my heart, as I have been a licensed Private Pilot since 1978. That was the same year Air Canada hired its first female pilot for commercial flights.

I want to thank the organizers and volunteers of Cochrane Light Up. It was a bitterly cold day, a true test of community spirit, and yet 5,000-6,000 people still came out and participated in the festivities.

The responses to our current series of columns on the role of religion in public life just keep coming in. Clearly, this topic is close to the hearts of many of our readers.

Contrary to what some may believe, the Cochrane Eagle has never advocated against Cochrane High School’s (CHS) wind turbine – we have simply asked questions, which is a newspaper’s job.