09/05/2026
Greetings, everyone. And Happy September!
Please remember school zones are in effect as the kids are back to school. Also please note that when calling the BTG office, you now have to punch in Extension 4. For reference, our number is 403-934-5335 ext. 4. However, the easiest way to contact me is through this email address. We have loads of programming starting soon, so please email me to get your registrations in. (Please scroll down for BTG programming dates.)
Here's what's new this week (and there's a lot!):
There are loads of great things planned in September at The Vault Cultural Collective in Strathmore. Have a look at their newsletter and save the dates! The Vault Cultural Collective
Compass for the Caregiver - Caregiving is a very demanding role, but support is available. The fall sessions of Compass for the Caregiver start next week, September 9. Please see the poster for the details.
Introduction to Square Dancing - Learn how to square dance with the Wheatland Whirlers on September 17. Please see their website for more information: https://squaredancecalgary.com/clubs/wheatland/
New Day & Time for Grief Coffee 'n Chat - Please note that the Grief Coffee 'n Chat group at Wheatland FCSS will be resuming Thursday, September 17, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. The sessions will now be held on the third Thursdays of the month. This group is designed to help participants meet others who understand the challenges of loss and transition, and to share experiences and gain support from fellow participants. Registration is required by calling Chris at 403-934-5335 or by emailing [email protected].
Lunch 'n Learn at WFCSS - The fall session of Lunch 'n Learn with WFCSS at the County Office starts Friday, September 18. Please see their website to register (by the Monday before): https://www.wfcss.org/lunch-n-learn.html
United Church Thrift Sale - This huge annual sale runs September 24 - 26, but requires a lot of sorting and set up before hand. If you help out, please reach out to Susan at the United Church 403-660-8030.
Heavy Item Garbage Pick-Up & Trash To Treasure - Here's another opportunity to declutter your space. And judging by the forecast this weekend, it will be a great time to get rid of what you no longer need or want.
HIG is a service provided alongside your curbside waste collection service, taking place on the 3rd week of April and September. If you pay the residential garbage charge on your Town of Strathmore utility bill, the HIG service is available to you. There is
no fee associated with the tags. Keep in mind that households are limited to 5 items per collection.
Trash to Treasure: September 10 to 13, 2026
Heavy Item Garbage: September 14 to 18, 2026
The last day to pick up HIG tags is September 11, 2026. All items must be placed out by 7 a.m. on September 14, 2026 to ensure your items are picked up. Tags can be picked up at Town Hall and the Strathmore Library.
For more information on HIG or Trash to Treasure, visit
Strathmore.ca/HIG
Volunteer Driver for Meals On Wheels Needed - Do you have some spare time? Would you like to be a volunteer driver for Meals On Wheels in Wheatland County? If so, please reach out to Chris at WFCSS at 403-934-5335.
AHS Screen Test Mobile Mammography Clinic coming to Strathmore - September 5 to October 6, at the Strathmore Stampede Grounds, east side of the Remuda building. Call 1-800-667-0604 (toll-free) to book an appointment. There is no cost for this screening.
Who should be screened?
• Women 45 to 74: This group is most commonly diagnosed with breast cancer, and should plan to have a mammogram every 2 years until they turn 75. This group can self-refer.
• Women 75 and over: Can continue screening and should discuss the risks and benefits with their health care provider.
BTG Reminders:
Our first fall session of Lunch Club is coming up on Tuesday, September 15. It will be nice to see everyone again, but please consider volunteering for this very worthwhile program. Lunch Club will only be successful if we have enough volunteers to run it. Please reach out to me here or to one of our regular volunteers if you can help out, even if it's a few times a year.
Last call for registrations for the Dinosaur Anatomy Challenge - Join science educators from the Royal Tyrrell Museum to learn about the different types of dinosaurs that lived in southern Alberta. Examine real dinosaur fossils and work together to identify them. Whether you’re a palaeontology enthusiast or simply curious, this event offers a relaxed way to connect with others and explore Alberta’s ancient past—one fossil at a time. Two identical sessions are planned for Thursday, September 10: The first will be held at the Standard Young At Hearts Centre from 10 - 11 am; the second will be held in the Rockyford Friendship Centre that afternoon from 1 - 2 pm. I will be there with coffee, goodies, and door prizes, so please plan to attend. You may register with me up until September 8, by emailing me here or by calling 403-934-5335 ext 4.
Tech Talk! - We are offering another session of Tech Talk!, personalized one-on-one tech support with knowledgeable staff and volunteers from SAIL (Strathmore & Area Adult Inclusive Learning). If you need help with email, with your phone, laptop or Ipad, or staying safe online, plan to attend this second session of Tech Talk! on Thursday, September 17, at 10 am in the Strathmore Library Program Room. Please email me here if you would like to register and please indicate what you need assistance with.
Learn Monoprinting with BTG in Gleichen - Please join us to learn the art of monoprinting and make some original and unique nature prints to take home. Nature is full of intricate details, delicate patterns, and quiet beauty. Botanical monoprinting preserves the fine textures and unique characteristics of plants, flowers, and leaves. This is a free event for those 55+. All materials will be supplied, Thursday, September 24, at 1 pm at the Gleichen Community Hall. Please register with Nancy by September 17 by emailing [email protected] or by calling 403-934-5335 ext 3.
And don't forget:
Happy Gang AGM and Membership Renewal - Friday, September 4, at 1 pm. Come a little early to renew, or sign up for, your membership. The annual barbeque will follow the AGM, and there will be lots of good food, games, a 50/50 draw, and will be a great opportunity to meet new members.
Low Impact Walking - Low impact walking with Arlene Wahl will recommence at the Happy Gang on September 8, at 10 am and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. All members welcome, come and enjoy some regular exercise.
Baby Volunteer Needed - This sounds like the best volunteer job EVER! The Strathmore Library is seeking a volunteer to assist with baby programs on Monday and Tuesday mornings. If interested, please email Laura at [email protected]
Be a Book Buddy - Book Buddies is program at the Strathmore Library that provides support for children who are experiencing reading difficulties or need help building their reading confidence.
Volunteer applications are available here: Volunteer Application 2021.pdf
Free Concert - This fall's free concert at Hope Community Covenant will feature the folk-music stylings of Adam Corkett and will be held Tuesday, September 15, at 1:30 pm. The concert series is open to the public and is free for anyone to attend.
Ears to You Mobile Hearing Health Check Day - You might remember our BTG Hearing Health session with Ears to You last winter. Trish from Ears to You (the guest presenter that day) will be back at the Strathmore Library in her mobile van conducting hearing tests on Tuesday, September 29. These appointments book up fast, so call now to book yours: 403-970-7201.
Don't forget to check out our page for all the extra things I post there.
That's it for this week, friends. Stay well!
“When you are reluctant to change, think of the beauty of autumn.”
– V V Brown
Kindest regards,
Nancy van Egmond
Program Coordinator
Bridging The Gap
HIG occurs twice a year and is an opportunity for residents to dispose of large residential waste alongside their normal curbside pickup. Learn more about HIG.
