Connecting Your Community

I am currently the Manager of The Watch.I was a police officer for nearly 29 years in Lethbridge, from 1985 to 2014.  I held 11 different jobs through four ranks during my tenure, retiring as an Inspector in 2014.  After retiring I worked as a safety coordinator for a local custom home builder, I was the Regional Manager for the Commissionaires for a year and a half providing security services for a number of clients in Southern Alberta, and I was an instructor at a local private vocational school a curriculum I had developed for them for Security Professional and as a provincially certified Basic Security Training and Private Investigator Training instructor. I started with The Watch as a volunteer in the first training class in April of 2019.  I saw it as an opportunity to give back to a community that had been so generous to my family and I in a way that I was familiar with.  My family was into volunteering, especially my wife who is a past president of the Lethbridge and District YWCA and the Lethbridge and District Boys and Girls Club.  She had volunteered at our daughter’s schools in addition to that, and now it was my turn.  Besides, I was mostly retired so I had time to give back. We have two grown daughters who live with their husbands and children in Lethbridge.  One of our daughters is a nurse and one is an emergency dispatcher in the Lethbridge Public Safety Communications Centre.  We have four grand children, a boy and three girls, ages 9, 7, 5 and 2.   The Watch Manager’s job became vacant when our initial manager left in September last year,  and we had an acting Manager who was doing a great job but was set to start training as a Community Peace Officer in the spring.  I was asked to apply for the Manager’s position last December, which was the furthest thing from my mind as I was very content being a volunteer and being mostly retired at that time.  However there was a need in the community and I saw it as an opportunity to ensure there was something good being done in the community to address an large problem, and it was an opportunity to develop The Watch into a positive social partner to help solve that problem, so I applied.  Here I am eight months later…not retired and enjoying the work.

I am currently the Manager of The Watch.I was a police officer for nearly 29 years in Lethbridge, from 1985 to 2014.  I held 11 different jobs through four ranks during my tenure, retiring as an Inspector in 2014.  After retiring I worked as a safety coordinator for a local custom home builder, I was the Regional Manager for the Commissionaires for a year and a half providing security services for a number of clients in Southern Alberta, and I was an instructor at a local private vocational school a curriculum I had developed for them for Security Professional and as a provincially certified Basic Security Training and Private Investigator Training instructor. I started with The Watch as a volunteer in the first training class in April of 2019.  I saw it as an opportunity to give back to a community that had been so generous to my family and I in a way that I was familiar with.  My family was into volunteering, especially my wife who is a past president of the Lethbridge and District YWCA and the Lethbridge and District Boys and Girls Club.  She had volunteered at our daughter’s schools in addition to that, and now it was my turn.  Besides, I was mostly retired so I had time to give back. We have two grown daughters who live with their husbands and children in Lethbridge.  One of our daughters is a nurse and one is an emergency dispatcher in the Lethbridge Public Safety Communications Centre.  We have four grand children, a boy and three girls, ages 9, 7, 5 and 2.   The Watch Manager’s job became vacant when our initial manager left in September last year,  and we had an acting Manager who was doing a great job but was set to start training as a Community Peace Officer in the spring.  I was asked to apply for the Manager’s position last December, which was the furthest thing from my mind as I was very content being a volunteer and being mostly retired at that time.  However there was a need in the community and I saw it as an opportunity to ensure there was something good being done in the community to address an large problem, and it was an opportunity to develop The Watch into a positive social partner to help solve that problem, so I applied.  Here I am eight months later…not retired and enjoying the work.

My name is Jen Visser and I’m the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District. I’ve been part of this organization for 10 years and have seen first hand the lasting impact that volunteer based mentoring has on our community. I moved to Lethbridge in 2002 to pursue my university education and choose to stay in Lethbridge post graduation. I’m married to my husband Jordan and together we have an 8 year old son, Aiden. 

My name is Jen Visser and I’m the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District. I’ve been part of this organization for 10 years and have seen first hand the lasting impact that volunteer based mentoring has on our community. I moved to Lethbridge in 2002 to pursue my university education and choose to stay in Lethbridge post graduation. I’m married to my husband Jordan and together we have an 8 year old son, Aiden. 

My name is Bill Ginther, currently the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, my third un-retirement job.The reason for accepting this position at this stage of my life is solely because of my passion for the poor (our homeless neighbours) and a deep desire to do whatever I can to restore and enhance their dignity, by way of providing a safe/comfortable/non judgemental environment for people to enjoy a hot/nutritious meal 3x a day 7 days a week without the need to qualify.I’m also passionate about providing meaningful activity for homeless people and am currently working with a group of people of like mind trying to establish a Community Drop In Centre in Lethbridge.I’m blessed to be surrounded by a great staff, a large core of amazing volunteers and a highly supportive board of directors.

My name is Bill Ginther, currently the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, my third un-retirement job.The reason for accepting this position at this stage of my life is solely because of my passion for the poor (our homeless neighbours) and a deep desire to do whatever I can to restore and enhance their dignity, by way of providing a safe/comfortable/non judgemental environment for people to enjoy a hot/nutritious meal 3x a day 7 days a week without the need to qualify.I’m also passionate about providing meaningful activity for homeless people and am currently working with a group of people of like mind trying to establish a Community Drop In Centre in Lethbridge.I’m blessed to be surrounded by a great staff, a large core of amazing volunteers and a highly supportive board of directors.

My name is Sarah Heringer. I am the mother of two wonderful children- a son, 12, and a daughter, 10. I am here because I lost my partner to suicide July 30th. My intentions are to raise awareness about the disconnect for services available, to acknowledge the divide for men to speak about mental health, and to stress the importance that we freely discuss mental health and addiction to our youth to remove the stigma.

My name is Sarah Heringer. I am the mother of two wonderful children- a son, 12, and a daughter, 10. I am here because I lost my partner to suicide July 30th. My intentions are to raise awareness about the disconnect for services available, to acknowledge the divide for men to speak about mental health, and to stress the importance that we freely discuss mental health and addiction to our youth to remove the stigma.

Bullying – what are some possible solutions?This podcast highlights incidents of bullying along with researched solutions. After review of various solutions, we also tap into the Anti-bullying bylaw brought forward in Chestermere, AB. While looking for solutions through a restorative lens. We understand countless children and youth are experiencing this social issue and this is not fair. Our hope is to come together to continue to raise awareness while reviewing solutions.Bullying doesn’t just happen for this cohort. Adults within the workplace and also in public settings are also experiencing the same. Statistics are showing an increase of this behavior being tolerated with very little being done.We thank the local community organizations and volunteers assisting those who have or are experiencing bullying. We look forward to continued community conversations around this issue. We believe the Community of Lethbridge can come together through positive conversation and engagement  to do our best to eliminate this distasteful issue while lifting one another up.If you have other alternative options that we did not cover, we invite your ideas. This is an issue that has taken the lives of many who have experienced bullying to a level they felt their lives were not worth living anymore. Enough is enough. 

Bullying – what are some possible solutions?This podcast highlights incidents of bullying along with researched solutions. After review of various solutions, we also tap into the Anti-bullying bylaw brought forward in Chestermere, AB. While looking for solutions through a restorative lens. We understand countless children and youth are experiencing this social issue and this is not fair. Our hope is to come together to continue to raise awareness while reviewing solutions.Bullying doesn’t just happen for this cohort. Adults within the workplace and also in public settings are also experiencing the same. Statistics are showing an increase of this behavior being tolerated with very little being done.We thank the local community organizations and volunteers assisting those who have or are experiencing bullying. We look forward to continued community conversations around this issue. We believe the Community of Lethbridge can come together through positive conversation and engagement  to do our best to eliminate this distasteful issue while lifting one another up.If you have other alternative options that we did not cover, we invite your ideas. This is an issue that has taken the lives of many who have experienced bullying to a level they felt their lives were not worth living anymore. Enough is enough. 

Brendon Pyne has lived in lethbridge most of his life and lives calling the city of Lethbridge home.  Brendon is most passionate about helping to serve and protect Lethbridge’s citizens working for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency services.  Being a member of the Lethbridge Fire Department is very rewarding work, whether functioning in his roll as a firefighter or paramedic. Brendon has been with the Fire department just over 13 years and water rescue team member for 10 years, while being a Team Lead for 9 years.  Brendon was a diver on the the Water Rescue Team but has since transitioned out of the dive position to a support roll called Tender.  Brendon is proud to call Lethbridge home and happy to raise his 5 children in this community with his wife, Cheryl. 

Brendon Pyne has lived in lethbridge most of his life and lives calling the city of Lethbridge home.  Brendon is most passionate about helping to serve and protect Lethbridge’s citizens working for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency services.  Being a member of the Lethbridge Fire Department is very rewarding work, whether functioning in his roll as a firefighter or paramedic. Brendon has been with the Fire department just over 13 years and water rescue team member for 10 years, while being a Team Lead for 9 years.  Brendon was a diver on the the Water Rescue Team but has since transitioned out of the dive position to a support roll called Tender.  Brendon is proud to call Lethbridge home and happy to raise his 5 children in this community with his wife, Cheryl. 

Amanda Tomaras and her brothers Trent and Curtis were born and raised on the Southside of Lethbridge.Amanda is 32 years young and raises three boys with her husband still in the community. Currently, Amanda is a stay at home mom, but soon will be enrolling in some upgrading this fall with the intentions of becoming a nurse. Amanda comes onto Connecting Your Community to share her story about the sudden loss of her brother, Curtis to addictions. Curtis was a kind, loving and amazing human. A father, a friend, a brother and a spouse. Despite the addiction that took Curtis' life, this by no means defines or takes away his love for life.  This podcast will highlight Amanda's story as a sister to a loved one struggling with addictions while also highlighting Curtis' journey. May we continue to stand together as those with loved ones struggling in the darkness of addiction but for those who have lost someone, may we continue to celebrate their lives. 

Amanda Tomaras and her brothers Trent and Curtis were born and raised on the Southside of Lethbridge.Amanda is 32 years young and raises three boys with her husband still in the community. Currently, Amanda is a stay at home mom, but soon will be enrolling in some upgrading this fall with the intentions of becoming a nurse. Amanda comes onto Connecting Your Community to share her story about the sudden loss of her brother, Curtis to addictions. Curtis was a kind, loving and amazing human. A father, a friend, a brother and a spouse. Despite the addiction that took Curtis' life, this by no means defines or takes away his love for life.  This podcast will highlight Amanda's story as a sister to a loved one struggling with addictions while also highlighting Curtis' journey. May we continue to stand together as those with loved ones struggling in the darkness of addiction but for those who have lost someone, may we continue to celebrate their lives. 

Cate Rigaux, BA, MPAInstructor, Lethbridge CollegeCriminal Justice - Policing2 decades of policing experience with the RCMP and was briefly in the Canadian military prior to thatBA in Psychology from U of C and a Masters in Public Administration from UVic.Key Achievements:Recipient of RCMP meritorious service award for valourRecently published in the Journal of Policing and Society regarding research on diversity in policing and organizational cultureDrug Recognition Expert (DRE)Led or was a team member on projects related to aggravated assaults/attempt murders; high profile or complex missing persons; child sex assaults; serial offences such as robberies; gang related offences; high level drug investigationsHandled a number of high level sources and agentsMember of the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team

Lee Mein is the Owner and Head Instructor at Canadian Martial Arts Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta Canada.Lee has been teaching Martial Arts for 25 years and offers classes for ages 4 and up in Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiujitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.Accomplishments:Black Belt Kenpo KarateBlack Belt Bas Rutten MMA System2nd degree Black Belt Brazilian JiujitsuLee still competes in Professional Boxing, Professional Kickboxing, Professional MMA and Brazilian JiuJitsu tournaments.Lee is currently the oldest active fighter (53), to win a fight in Mixed Martial Arts.Lee has trained 3 fighters from Lethbridge to the UFC.Jason Day (retired), Jesse Bongfeldt and Jordan Mein (active Bellator/UFC fighter)Lee is a level 2 certified Arrest and Control Tactics Instructor with Harris International (San Diego, California)

Lee Mein is the Owner and Head Instructor at Canadian Martial Arts Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta Canada.Lee has been teaching Martial Arts for 25 years and offers classes for ages 4 and up in Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiujitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.Accomplishments:Black Belt Kenpo KarateBlack Belt Bas Rutten MMA System2nd degree Black Belt Brazilian JiujitsuLee still competes in Professional Boxing, Professional Kickboxing, Professional MMA and Brazilian JiuJitsu tournaments.Lee is currently the oldest active fighter (53), to win a fight in Mixed Martial Arts.Lee has trained 3 fighters from Lethbridge to the UFC.Jason Day (retired), Jesse Bongfeldt and Jordan Mein (active Bellator/UFC fighter)Lee is a level 2 certified Arrest and Control Tactics Instructor with Harris International (San Diego, California)

Kristine Cassie has worked in the human services sector for more than 35 years with substantial experience and advocacy efforts in the areas of youth empowerment, domestic and sexual violence and housing.Skilled at the development of programs, policy development, risk management and advocacy, Kristine has been instrumental in a number of community networks. Kristine is currently the CEO for the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre; Vice Chair for the Board of Governors at Lethbridge College; Board Trustee with Palliser School Division; and, sits on the  Sport Task Force on Gender Based Violence/Teen Dating Violence with the Coaching Association of Canada.Kristine has her Masters in Leadership/Management, maintains status as a Registered Social Worker in the Province of Alberta and is a certified community traumatologist.Kristine and Dennis, her husband of 35 years, reside in the Town of Coalhurst where they raised their son, Gabriel, who is currently working on his masters in political science through York.

Kristine Cassie has worked in the human services sector for more than 35 years with substantial experience and advocacy efforts in the areas of youth empowerment, domestic and sexual violence and housing.Skilled at the development of programs, policy development, risk management and advocacy, Kristine has been instrumental in a number of community networks. Kristine is currently the CEO for the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre; Vice Chair for the Board of Governors at Lethbridge College; Board Trustee with Palliser School Division; and, sits on the  Sport Task Force on Gender Based Violence/Teen Dating Violence with the Coaching Association of Canada.Kristine has her Masters in Leadership/Management, maintains status as a Registered Social Worker in the Province of Alberta and is a certified community traumatologist.Kristine and Dennis, her husband of 35 years, reside in the Town of Coalhurst where they raised their son, Gabriel, who is currently working on his masters in political science through York.

Vin White Buffalo joins our podcast to share his experience, strength and hope. Vin has overcame great hardships. Vin and his twin brother were separated from their biological family during the 60's scoop, wherein he was placed in a non-indigenous foster home. Life had already been tough, but it became even tougher for him and his brother. At the young age, he and many of his friends became survivors of one of life's hardest trauma's, sexual assault by a family friend. We commend the courage it takes for anyone survivor to come forward and share his strength through this. Fast forward a couple years Vin found himself living in a world of darkness and with little hope consumed by poly-substance use. Through assessments he had been diagnosed with FASD and despite all of these hardships, he has overcame these grave situations to share with listeners that despite what anyone has gone through, there is hope.  Vin is a testimony that recovery is possible. That despite any diagnosis, you can still live life to the fullest. Vin has accomplished post-secondary education and currently works and serves those on the streets that are confined by the same darkness he found himself in.  May Vin's story be a light to anyone struggling. We trust everyone who watches this finds hope, knows that despite how hard life is, there is support for you, and a community that will stand with you through this transition. 

Vin White Buffalo joins our podcast to share his experience, strength and hope. Vin has overcame great hardships. Vin and his twin brother were separated from their biological family during the 60's scoop, wherein he was placed in a non-indigenous foster home. Life had already been tough, but it became even tougher for him and his brother. At the young age, he and many of his friends became survivors of one of life's hardest trauma's, sexual assault by a family friend. We commend the courage it takes for anyone survivor to come forward and share his strength through this. Fast forward a couple years Vin found himself living in a world of darkness and with little hope consumed by poly-substance use. Through assessments he had been diagnosed with FASD and despite all of these hardships, he has overcame these grave situations to share with listeners that despite what anyone has gone through, there is hope.  Vin is a testimony that recovery is possible. That despite any diagnosis, you can still live life to the fullest. Vin has accomplished post-secondary education and currently works and serves those on the streets that are confined by the same darkness he found himself in.  May Vin's story be a light to anyone struggling. We trust everyone who watches this finds hope, knows that despite how hard life is, there is support for you, and a community that will stand with you through this transition. 

Lyra comes onto Connecting your Community with an immense passion and desire to end the risk Children and residents in Lethbridge face due to needle debris in the City of Lethbridge. Lyra and her ally's have gathered folks outside Letbridge City Hall begging needles stay at the SCS to reduce the chance of the general public being victim to disregarded needles. Lyra has attempted to make suggestions, unite with leadership and organizations in Lethbridge yet like many residents, has gone without being heard to create a safer community in Lethbridge. Lyra has been publicly shamed by municipal leadership for suggesting needles stay at the Supervised Consumption Site while also accused of creating the problem, verse being heard. Lya has also been part of various coordination of rally's bringing local citizens in the community together to stand against the epidemic and risks residents have been put in as a result of needles leaving the SCS.  The question we ask our viewers is do consumption sites really reduce harm to the general population within the community? Or, has it increased crime, needle debris and the deterioration of others while encouraging and supporting illegal drug use in the city?

Lyra comes onto Connecting your Community with an immense passion and desire to end the risk Children and residents in Lethbridge face due to needle debris in the City of Lethbridge. Lyra and her ally's have gathered folks outside Letbridge City Hall begging needles stay at the SCS to reduce the chance of the general public being victim to disregarded needles. Lyra has attempted to make suggestions, unite with leadership and organizations in Lethbridge yet like many residents, has gone without being heard to create a safer community in Lethbridge. Lyra has been publicly shamed by municipal leadership for suggesting needles stay at the Supervised Consumption Site while also accused of creating the problem, verse being heard. Lya has also been part of various coordination of rally's bringing local citizens in the community together to stand against the epidemic and risks residents have been put in as a result of needles leaving the SCS.  The question we ask our viewers is do consumption sites really reduce harm to the general population within the community? Or, has it increased crime, needle debris and the deterioration of others while encouraging and supporting illegal drug use in the city?

Jim Bennett is a proud father and devoted husband. He has demonstrated what true community collaboration can do to assist individuals and family’s in need.Sgt. Bennett was the recipient of the Police of the Year award (2014) along with being the recipient of an opportunity from the Govern General.Sgt. Bennett is an Indigenous Ally who received a Traditional Blackfoot name while being adopted by many Blackfoot family’s throughout the Treaty 7 community. He has been part of many sacred ceremonies within the Indigenous community. He also was given the right to transfer tipi's and head dresses - an honour few non-Indigenous people will ever be part of. However, Sgt. Bennett continues to promote and raise awareness on the importance of non-Indigenous people to learn to understand.Bennett continues to build up communities throughout SW Alberta by encouraging everyone to join together. He has also taken steps to apply for grants for all year housing, he continues to feed those who may be without, while also encouraging children and youth to have the opportunity to build relationship with police.We thank Sgt. Bennett for coming onto our podcast to speak about how positive policing can make a huge difference throughout communities.

Jim Bennett is a proud father and devoted husband. He has demonstrated what true community collaboration can do to assist individuals and family’s in need.Sgt. Bennett was the recipient of the Police of the Year award (2014) along with being the recipient of an opportunity from the Govern General.Sgt. Bennett is an Indigenous Ally who received a Traditional Blackfoot name while being adopted by many Blackfoot family’s throughout the Treaty 7 community. He has been part of many sacred ceremonies within the Indigenous community. He also was given the right to transfer tipi's and head dresses - an honour few non-Indigenous people will ever be part of. However, Sgt. Bennett continues to promote and raise awareness on the importance of non-Indigenous people to learn to understand.Bennett continues to build up communities throughout SW Alberta by encouraging everyone to join together. He has also taken steps to apply for grants for all year housing, he continues to feed those who may be without, while also encouraging children and youth to have the opportunity to build relationship with police.We thank Sgt. Bennett for coming onto our podcast to speak about how positive policing can make a huge difference throughout communities.

This podcast is pure authentic conversation about two peoples perspectives on the happenings within the community of Lethbridge through 2019. Sit back, grab a tea and enjoy real and raw conversation. We invite anyone who wants to join us, to connect with us so we may host you.Happy 2020 from Blaine and Mallory!

This podcast is pure authentic conversation about two peoples perspectives on the happenings within the community of Lethbridge through 2019. Sit back, grab a tea and enjoy real and raw conversation. We invite anyone who wants to join us, to connect with us so we may host you.Happy 2020 from Blaine and Mallory!

"We took him to a doctor and, sure enough, a little mark was there," Fyfe says.The doctor ordered a series of blood tests on the boy and has started off with some vaccine treatment to combat a possible Hepatitis C infection. But it will be some time before any results come back.Fyfe says it's an awful feeling, seeing what her son is going through while being forced to sit and wait for results.Michael FranklinCTV Calgary

A Lethbridge mother is sounding the alarm after she claims her son was stuck but a discarded needle while he was playing at a public park earlier this week.Janessa Fyfe says she was at Sequoia Park with her husband and kids when her six-year-old son Jarom was hurt by a needle left behind in the grass.The boy was apparently crawling along the ground, following a spider when he went into the bushes and was pricked by a syringe. "We took him to a doctor and, sure enough, a little mark was there," Fyfe says.The doctor ordered a series of blood tests on the boy and has started off with some vaccine treatment to combat a possible Hepatitis C infection. But it will be some time before any results come back.Fyfe says it's an awful feeling, seeing what her son is going through while being forced to sit and wait for results.Michael FranklinCTV Calgary

Mike Hoffman was born and raised in Alberta and worked the majority of his field career as a fire fighter / paramedic in a variety of locations throughout Western Canada including The City of Calgary, Kainai First Nation, Fort McMurray, the City of Yellowknife, and most recently the City of North Battleford, Saskatchewan.Mike began his career in the fire service as a volunteer in Coalhurst Alberta in 1987 and has since enjoyed 27-years in emergency services. Since those early years Mike has been a career fire fighter / paramedic and has worked his way through the ranks, in the past 7 years he has been in two Deputy Fire Chief roles and finished his career as Fire Chief.Mike has achieved fire officer VI qualifications through the Justice Institute of British Columbia and has additionally earned a diploma in paramedicine from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as an advanced care paramedic.Mike has taught firefighters & emergency medical service providers for the majority of his career, Mike spent 5 years teaching paramedic students pharmacology which included the drug Fentanyl. Mike is also an NFPA 472 Haz Mat Technician certified, and has been trained by the Canadian government in Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nucular weapons (CBRN)Mike has written published articles on the topic of Fentanyl and has given presentations nationally on the subject of First Responders and accidental syntheteic opioid exposures. Mikes article on Fentanyl appeared in the Canadian Firefighter magazine and he has presented to the Canadian Fire Chiefs Association, the Saskatchewan Fire Chiefs Association, and the Alberta Fire Chiefs Assoiciation.Mike and his wife Lila look forward to fully retiring in Lethbridge within the next ten years. Mike is excited to serve the community now in a variety of ways. Currently Mike is the owner of Aerial Observation Services & Studio Eh Productions locally that provides photography / videography services to Lethbridge & surrounding area. We also work with RPAS (drone) technology, the fastest growing industry worldwide today with an estimated 60 billion dollar impact on the worlds overall economy each year.

Mike Hoffman was born and raised in Alberta and worked the majority of his field career as a fire fighter / paramedic in a variety of locations throughout Western Canada including The City of Calgary, Kainai First Nation, Fort McMurray, the City of Yellowknife, and most recently the City of North Battleford, Saskatchewan.Mike began his career in the fire service as a volunteer in Coalhurst Alberta in 1987 and has since enjoyed 27-years in emergency services. Since those early years Mike has been a career fire fighter / paramedic and has worked his way through the ranks, in the past 7 years he has been in two Deputy Fire Chief roles and finished his career as Fire Chief.Mike has achieved fire officer VI qualifications through the Justice Institute of British Columbia and has additionally earned a diploma in paramedicine from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as an advanced care paramedic.Mike has taught firefighters & emergency medical service providers for the majority of his career, Mike spent 5 years teaching paramedic students pharmacology which included the drug Fentanyl. Mike is also an NFPA 472 Haz Mat Technician certified, and has been trained by the Canadian government in Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nucular weapons (CBRN)Mike has written published articles on the topic of Fentanyl and has given presentations nationally on the subject of First Responders and accidental syntheteic opioid exposures. Mikes article on Fentanyl appeared in the Canadian Firefighter magazine and he has presented to the Canadian Fire Chiefs Association, the Saskatchewan Fire Chiefs Association, and the Alberta Fire Chiefs Assoiciation.Mike and his wife Lila look forward to fully retiring in Lethbridge within the next ten years. Mike is excited to serve the community now in a variety of ways. Currently Mike is the owner of Aerial Observation Services & Studio Eh Productions locally that provides photography / videography services to Lethbridge & surrounding area. We also work with RPAS (drone) technology, the fastest growing industry worldwide today with an estimated 60 billion dollar impact on the worlds overall economy each year.

This podcast invites listeners to hear the remarkable work of a grassroots, volunteer-based initiative in Lethbridge, AB. Two fierce women met during some trying times over on the northside, an area that was heavily impacted by crime daily.The coming together of this group formed as a result of an innocent woman who was sexually assaulted walking to her friend’s house two doors over, and drug houses operating throughout the neighbourhood. This neighbourhood had enough, yet through having enough, it was quickly noted the need that Lethbridge needed solutions, and fast.Tarin Clark and Mallory Kristjanson share the unified work done, while celebrating overcoming harassment, bullying and negative misconceptions put on this group. Since starting, COCL has done a lot of work and we are excited to share this local volunteer initiative with our listeners.Enjoy. 

This podcast invites listeners to hear the remarkable work of a grassroots, volunteer-based initiative in Lethbridge, AB. Two fierce women met during some trying times over on the northside, an area that was heavily impacted by crime daily.The coming together of this group formed as a result of an innocent woman who was sexually assaulted walking to her friend’s house two doors over, and drug houses operating throughout the neighbourhood. This neighbourhood had enough, yet through having enough, it was quickly noted the need that Lethbridge needed solutions, and fast.Tarin Clark and Mallory Kristjanson share the unified work done, while celebrating overcoming harassment, bullying and negative misconceptions put on this group. Since starting, COCL has done a lot of work and we are excited to share this local volunteer initiative with our listeners.Enjoy. 

We are grateful to everyone tuning in, and welcome you to the Connecting Your Community Podcast.To our viewers, this is a little bit about who we are as your hosts and how we connected with one another through our passion for our community. This is our first podcast, and the number one thing we have learned from others is to JUST START, so here we are.We look forward to sharing about local community initiatives and stories from community members throughout Lethbridge and wherever we may venture. This series is raw, real and welcomes every perspective on the social issues we will be bringing forward.Huge shoutout to Copy Express for sponsoring our first episode!Thank you for tuning in! Blaine and Mallory

We are grateful to everyone tuning in, and welcome you to the Connecting Your Community Podcast.To our listeners, this is a little bit about who we are as your hosts and how we connected with one another through our passion for our community. This is our first podcast, and the number one thing we have learned from others is to JUST START, so here we are.We look forward to sharing about local community initiatives and stories from community members throughout Lethbridge and wherever we may venture. This series is raw, real and welcomes every perspective on the social issues we will be bringing forward.Huge shoutout to Copy Express for sponsoring our first episode!Thank you for tuning in!