It is a month into the new Distracted Driving legislation, and by and large it appears residents are learning to hang up on the road.
    The local detachment has been enforcing the new law, which bans the use of hand held cell phones and a number of other activities that could distract a driver while they are behind the wheel.
    “I think the majority of the people are compliant, but there are still some people that think it is more important to take that phone call or text when they are driving,” said Corporal Kevin Charles.
    He said by last week they have issued about a half dozen tickets and about the same number of warnings.  By and large the violations have been for using a cell phone, although he knows of one where a woman was applying lipstick while she was on the road.
    “It is going to be a lot like seatbelts.  I remember as a kid there was no seatbelt law in Alberta. When that changed over, I am sure the public was up in arms, and there was a time period before people realized. And now everyone knows that when you get in a car you wear a seatbelt,” said Charles.
    “In a few more months it will become a positive habit for people.”

    While stores have only put away Back-to-School supplies, and are cranking out the Halloween costumes, many in the valley are already bent on creating a Christmas Miracle.
    The Annual Wish List for children being served by Familias Saludables is out. Supporters of the Morgan Jayne Project get behind this project to bring Christmas to children who would normally not have a Christmas at all, if it weren’t for the generosity of valley residents.
    “For the past five years since Morgan’s death and the beginning of the Morgan Jayne Project, we have made Christmas for children who wonder daily if they will have a meal, who are the head of a household at the age of 10, who live with indescribable poverty and who are or have someone in their family who have HIV or AIDS,” said Fred Makowecki. “For one day, thanks to your generosity, these children, have the chance to just be a kid. Something we take so much for granted.”
    The reality for these children is much different than most can even imagine. They or a family member is dealing with AIDS.  Everyday they experience the struggles of illness, poverty and discrimination.
    This year there are 50 families on the list. This includes children such as six-year-old Jenny who is homeless with her mother and infant brother. Last year she received a flower girl dress from a donor, and she was able to wear it in a parade. This was the highlight of her life.
 Ava is the only child of a single mother who live in a tent made of garbage bags and cardboard. Her mother sweeps street to make a little bit of money for food.
    The list is available at www.themorganjayneproject.com. Fred Makowecki says that for every child on the list there are three more watching over the fence. As much as they strive to fill the list, also needed are some funds to cover shipping. Formula is always a welcome gift
    “Every small box costs us about $35-$40 to ship to Florida where it is taken by boat to the project. To save lives formula is always welcome. If you want to through a can along with your shipment that would just rock our world,” said Makowecki.
For more information, contact Makowecki at 403-823-8082.