20 minute read
Millar up for three country music awards
By Murray Green
Country music performer Tracy Millar is having a good year.
The local singer-songwriter has been nominated for three Country Music Alberta (CMAB) awards.
Not only is Tracy nominated for awards, she will be performing her music on stage during the show in Red Deer on March 20, along with names such as Drew Gregory and the Road Hammers.
The ceremonies are in Red Deer at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Center at 7 p.m.
“This is really exciting. I’ve been in the music industry for many years, so it is nice to be recognized by my peers and my fans,” said Tracy.
She has been nominated for Horizon Female Artist of the Year; Album of the Year, I’m Not 29 No More; and the Fans’ Choice of the Year. This is the second time she has been nominated for the Fans’ Choice award.
“I was nominated last year and I’m excited to be nominated again for the Fans’ Choice award because it comes from the fans. I can’t say enough about the fans because if it wasn’t for the people who support you, you wouldn’t be doing it,” said Tracy. “To be nominated for top female artist along with some very talented young women is special. It is voted on by the Association who decide on the people who made the final nominations.”
The country singer just signed to LMS Records (out of BC) under her booking agent LMS Entertainment.
The award that honours consistent work over an entire album is perhaps the best of all. “My last album was back in 2008, so it was nice to record again in 2021. The songs on the album are written by me, so it’s nice to receive that honour. There are so many amazing artists out there and albums in this category, so just to be nominated is a huge honour. It is humbling, more than anything,” shared Tracy. “It is nice to be recognized for the work that you put into it. It’s rewarding that way.”
Along with the nominations, Tracy will perform on stage during the award ceremony. “To be on the same stage as The Road Hammers is great. Clayton Bellamy is part of The Road Hammers and Jason McCoy, and I’ve known Jason from when I first started in this business. We
File Photo
Tracy Millar was nominated for three awards including Alberta country music’s Album of the Year.
ASANI is made up of Debbie Houle, left, Sarah Pocklington and Sherryl Sewepagaham.
have been friends for many years, so it is exciting to share the same stage.”
Tracy comes from a world far away from those, where an artist’s career is shaped by the myriad of variables the music business insists are necessary to drive a musician’s career. A rural Alberta gal, Tracy has always been passionate about music and contributing to her community. And passionate with a capital “P”, as this recording artist never gives less than 100 per cent of her heart and God-given talents to any project or performance.
All this wouldn’t carry much weight if her efforts over the last decade had landed on deaf ears and indifferent audiences. But the fact is Tracy has been winning over the public and peers with a pure voice coming out of the country tradition and songs resonating with audiences possibly hearing her for the first time or tenth time. An accomplished performer, she strives to stay humble, loving to connect with her audience, from an intimate soft stage audience or from the main stage at Big Valley Jamboree.
As an accomplished performer, Tracy has shared the stage with some of North America’s biggest stars: Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Brett Kissel and Gord Bamford.
“I’m honoured just to share all of this with Albertans and local people. It encourages me to get another album out. I have so much momentum going with this last album. The pandemic changed a lot of our goals, but we moved forward. Now I find that I can’t quit now, and there is definitely another album on the horizon.”
Coming off the success of her last release “Girls Like Fishing Too,” Tracy didn’t catch her breath before releasing “I’m Not 29 No More.” She placed number one on numerous charts around the world, including Canada, Australia and the US.
With the 2020 pandemic came some obstacles to releasing her full self-penned third album, I’m Not 29 No More, but finally in January 2021, she released her record along with the single “Loretta’s Moonshine,” which brought her top 100 success on the BDS chart.
Tracy had one more single released off the record, “Cowboy’s Last Ride” that hit Canadian radio and International radio on August 2021. As much as her sights are set on playing the large music festivals of both Australia and Europe, Tracy still loves playing the stages at home in Canada. Although she’s not 29 anymore, Tracy is not slowing down.
ASANI together again for a special night
By Murray Green
ASANI, One Special Night, will be performing on Sunday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre.
Why is it a special night? ASANI, an Indigenous women’s trio, retired from the centre stage in 2019 to pursue individual projects that each member wanted to do. After the pandemic and with many things on hold, the group decided to come back for a special evening in Camrose. ASANI is Debbie Houle, Sherryl Sewepagaham and Sarah Pocklington.
“It is almost three years now, but nice to come together to do this show. These girls are my sisters. It is time for us to pause and reflect on the situation of residential schools. We use drums to share our music and stories,” said Debbie.
ASANI draws from their cultural heritage to create music that is accessible to a wide audience, but delivers a powerful message from their hearts.
“Sarah is the executive director of the Citadel Theatre. Sherryl is working on her master’s degree. She has a degree in music therapy, so she is using some of those technics in music. I’m working with Alberta Indigenous Relations, sitting on the board of the Edmonton Arts Council, and I am helping Ann Briend with some new music. She was inspired by her community to perform porch concerts. We started jamming and then she asked me to sing with her,” added Debbie.
They have performed across Canada and internationally at such venues as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC and the Saddledome in Calgary. They have performed for the Dalai Lama, Queen Elizabeth II and at the 2010 Olympics in Whistler, BC.
“We started in 1996 and we just wanted to get together and sing. We started with five members, went through some changes, and it settled with the three of us in 2001. We are all Cree and connect with the land. After we retired, nothing was happening because of the pandemic. I didn’t do any music and then in 2021, I learned to play the ukulele and wanted to play and sing music. The pandemic has opened some new doors and ways of communicating,” shared Debbie.
Their debut CD Rattle and Drum was nominated for 11 music awards including a 2006 JUNO nomination for Aboriginal Recording of the Year and received the Canadian Aboriginal Music Award (CAMA) for Best Female Traditional/ Cultural/Roots Album in 2005. In October 2009, they released their sophomore CD Listen, receiving a 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year and a 2010 Indian Summer Music Award for Best Spiritual Song.
“Nothing is as pure as live music. The vibration of sound waves has an impact on us. Our songs are very dear to our heart. These songs are our opportunity to share a little bit about ourselves as Cree women and tell stories about our communities and the impact the residential schools had on our community. We didn’t learn Cree in residential schools, so this is an opportunity to share the music in our language. We gather in Camrose to come back together again in a spirit of truth at a time of where we are in Canada,” explained Debbie.
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A new high school for Camrose in plans
By Murray Green
When the province announced its Budget 22, it showed that a new high school is in the works for the Elk Island Catholic Separate School Division in Camrose.
The new school will include Grades 9 to 12 in the south end of Camrose.
Alberta’s government is investing $251 million over three years in new funding for 15 priority school projects. These projects include new schools in Calgary, Edmonton and Camrose.
These Budget 2022 school projects will provide new and improved student spaces, create jobs and revitalize communities across the province.
“As Alberta’s Recovery Plan continues to drive our economic recovery, we know we need a strong education system to equip our next generation with the tools and skills they need to succeed in our modern, diversified economy. These new and upgraded schools will do just that, while creating more jobs and making life better for Alberta families,” said Premier Jason Kenney.
“This investment shows our unwavering support for student learning in stateof-the-art schools that will also benefit parents and communities. We’re meeting the need for additional classroom space across the province while creating healthy and safe learning environments for students and teachers,” added Adriana LaGrange, Alberta Minister of Education.
“New schools and modernization projects throughout the province are creating vital economic activity in Alberta communities and supporting thousands of jobs,” said Prasad Panda, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure.
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AIRSHOW DONATION
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
With proceeds from last summer’s Airshow, organizers were pleased to present a donation to the Swans and Roses Lions Club. On behalf of the Camrose and Iron Creek Flying Clubs, Camrose Flying Club immediate past president Barry Graham, left, and secretary/treasurer Glenn Lyseng, right, presented a donation to the Swans and Roses Lions Club member Gary Cunningham, centre.
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The Vikings beat Red Deer 7-4 in the final to reap the gold medals. The golden girls are Josie Zimmerman, Claire Bevan-Stewart, Darby-Anne Swanson, Bryn Woloshyn and Hope Zimmerman.
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Flag football to expand for children
By Murray Green
The Camrose Buffaloes football program will be expanding the flag football program this spring.
The NFL Flag Football program is open to all players based on age, regardless of gender and experience. Players will practice footwork, eye-hand coordination, catching, throwing and other techniques during their weekly practices.
Those skills will be used on weekend game days. “These athletes learn the fundamentals of football movement, terminology, routes and more while learning to work in unison. Our Novice Flag program is designed to develop skills, provide a basic understanding of football terminology and will allow players to expand their skills,” said president Kim Kienitz.
“Our flag program is designed to benefit athletes who are interested in moving into tackle football, as well as for those who prefer non-contact.”
Practices begin midApril. Games begin the first weekend in May and wrap up mid-June. Games are played in Edmonton.
Divisions include atom for those between eight and 10 years old, not turning 11 in 2022; peewee for 11 and 12 years old, not turning 13 in 2022; and bantam for players 13 to 15 years old, not entering Grade 10 in 2022.
Everyone can play community football. The team players are placed on is strictly dependent on the their age. Roster sizes are limited.
Registration is now open until March 30. View www.camrosebuffaloes.com for more information.
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Camrose & District Senior Centre Society ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Mirror Lake Centre, 5415-49 Avenue, Camrose Members and public encouraged to attend. Call 780-672-7022 for more information.
Encompass, Vision Credit Union to merge operations in Fall 2022
Submitted
The Boards of Directors of Encompass Credit Union (Encompass) and Vision Credit Union (Vision) confirmed today that after a comprehensive due diligence process the two organizations have approved a business case in support of a merger. Subject to membership and regulatory approvals, the two credit unions plan to combine their operations effective November 1, 2022.
Both Encompass and Vision have long proud histories of support to rural Alberta. Each has a strong base of loyal members in the communities that they serve. By combining resources Encompass and Vision can leverage their strengths to increase the value that they provide their membership.
Doug Callaghan, Encompass Board Chair comments that, “The Board and Management Team of Encompass are inspired by the opportunities available to our membership through a merger with Vision. One opportunity is the ability to grow our successful PlanWright wealth management division into new communities, serving new members.” Alan Fielding, Vision Board Chair also sees opportunities. “Vision and Encompass share a commitment to rural Alberta and the hardworking people who live here. Our combined credit union can serve more members including larger businesses, than either could on its own.” Both boards are unanimously recommending the merger, and are encouraging members to participate in the vote to confirm the merger. Information about the merger can be found at www.whatsyourshare.ca/ rural-first-banking or from any branch. Information meetings for members will take place during April, leading up to membership votes to be held in June, 2022.
Encompass Credit Union
Encompass serves approximately 8,800 members with an employee base of 65 full-time equivalents. As of fiscal year-end 2021, Encompass had approximately $540 million in assets with branches in the communities of Wainwright, Irma, Hardisty, Hughenden, Edgerton and an agency in Consort. The Wainwright branch of the credit union serves as its administrative centre.
Vision Credit Union
Vision serves approximately 26,700 members with an employee base of 164 full-time equivalents. As of fiscal year-end 2021, Legacy Vision had approximately $1.5 billion in assets with branches in the communities of Camrose, Sedgewick, Two Hills, Vegreville, Daysland, Stettler, Wetaskiwin, Viking, Killam, Castor, Alliance, Pincher Creek, Falher, La Glace, Peace River, Manning and La Crete. Camrose also serves as its administrative centre.
Alan Fielding VCU Board Chair
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CITY PAGE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Development Permit #4838 – Discretionary Use
The City of Camrose Development Authority has received a Development Permit application to be considered for construction of a residential Duplex, which is a Discretionary Use within the SRD – Special (Historical) Residential District, located at:
Lot 1, Block 7A, Plan 1961KS; 4723-48 Street, Camrose, AB
Any person(s) who objects to, or supports the proposed use, or for additional information contact Planning & Development Services, 5204-50 Avenue, Camrose, AB T4V 0S8. Tel: 780-672-4428, Fax: 780-672-6316, or Email: planning@camrose.ca by March 21, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Written submissions shall include full name and address and reasons for support or objection.
48 AVENUE
STREET 48
Subject Property
PUBLIC NOTICE
Accessory Building Development Permit #ABP2022002 – Variances
The City of Camrose Development Authority has received an Accessory Building Development application that includes a Variance for Reduction of Rear Yard Setback of a detached garage. The proposed structure is located within the SRD – Special (Historical) Residential District at:
Lot 15, Block 10, Plan 3605U; 4606-49 Street, Camrose, AB
Any person having comments of support or objection, or for further information, may contact Planning & Development Services, 5204-50 Avenue, Camrose, AB T4V 0S8, Tel: 780-672-4428, Fax: 780-672-6316 or Email: planning@ camrose.ca by March 21, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Written correspondence shall include name, address and reason for support or objection.
Subject Property
STREET 49
46 AVENUE
BRCF grant provides funds for financial education
By Lori Larsen
The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $3,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity Camrose to be used towards Habitat’s Financial Literacy Training Program.
The grant is from investment income generated by Community Funds, donated by generous residents of Battle River area, who allow the Foundation Board to select grant recipients from among local charities that apply for assistance annually.
This grant will help with the costs of offering the first year of a threeyear financial education program for prospective Habitat partner families.
“Habitat Camrose helps families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership,” explained Habitat for Humanity Camrose executive director Cody McCarroll.
By building homes and selling them using affordable financing, Habitat puts homeownership in reach of families with children.
Since 1996, Habitat has helped change the lives of many Camrosian families with the builds of 41 homes in Camrose. “With our 42nd and 43rd homes currently under construction, and plans in place to build three additional homes in 2023 and in 2024, the future is bright for families who need a hand up to homeownership,” reported McCarroll.
However, Habitat does more than just build and finance homes. The organization also offers educational support in maintaining a home, understanding mortgages and in financial literacy.
“Battle River Community Foundation’s support for our Financial Literacy Training Program will help local families with children whose finances have been negatively impacted by Alberta’s economic downturn and COVID-19,” said McCarroll.
“Financial literacy education empowers families to reduce debt and increase savings, which prepares them to succeed as homeowners.
“It is heartwarming to see families learn and grow together with an affordable place, not only to call home, but to call ‘their’ home.”
The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support organizations in East Central Alberta, such as Habitat for Humanity, which benefit the local communities and have a positive impact on the future.
Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment funds. The principal of these endowment funds are kept intact and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations.
Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $7,900,000 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity
Submitted
Battle River Community Foundation director Leon Lohner, left, presents the cheque to Cody McCarroll, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Camrose.
Chartered Professional Accountants Directory
3831B-44 Avenue, Camrose, AB T4V 3T1 Phone 780-679-2515, Fax 780-679-2507 Toll Free 1-877-679-2515
Chartered Professional Accountants
#201, 4870-51 Street Camrose, AB T4V 1S1 Tel. 780-672-9217 Fax 780-672-9216 www.grantthornton.ca
Beth P. Kushnerick CPA, CA Michael Wetsch CPA, CA Annette McTavish ACIA Scot Lorenson CPA, CA
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4602-49 Avenue Camrose, Alberta T4V 0M6 780- 672-2600
Fax: 780-672-0057 Toll free: 1-866-772-2600 Website: www.hwgr.ca
Members of
ALBERTA
Camrose, contact the Cody McCarroll, executive director, at 780-672-4484.
To learn more about the Battle River Community Foundation. contact Dana Andreassen, executive director, at 780-679-0449.
