Construction to begin on OLMP playground
By Lori LarsenPlaygrounds play a sig nificant role in the growth and development of chil dren. Besides the obvi ous physical benefits of improved flexibility and balance; developing motor skills, dexterity and handeye coordination; learning to control movement and improve instincts; promot ing healthy lungs, heart, muscles and immune sys tems; the social benefits are enormous.
Playgrounds encourage children to cooperate, col laborate, resolve conflict, communicate and interact with others that may look and act differently than they do.
After years of fund raising through COVID and a staff and student body working with no play structure, Our Lady Mount Pleasant (OLMP) School will be breaking ground on a brand new playground.
“I began this work ini tially because OLMP had Grades 5 and 6 added and we had no playground or much of anything for stu dents to engage with out side,” explained OLMP former assistant principal Kristy Smith.
“I rounded up a small group of parent volunteers to start planning and fundraising. This was further of importance once the pan demic hit as outside time
was an important aspect of disease prevention and positive mental health.”
The actual fundraising for the project did not begin until after the pandemic began, which proved to make the effort that much more challenging.
“But we were able to successfully raise over $200,000 in just a cou ple years and make our dream for students come true,” said Kristy. “We had numerous community, business and school fam ily donations. We also had countless fundraisers led by our champion parent volunteer Janelle Evenson, which included raffles, on line auctions, and bottle drives to name a few.”
Once the committee received approval on the application for the Commu nity Facility Enhancement
Program, a matching grant applied to through the pro vincial government and the Ministry of Culture, the finish line came into focus and the groundbreaking was booked.
Current committee members Kristy, Tyler Callicott, Carleen Nelson, Megan Kumar, Janelle Evenson, Linette Enzenau er, Shannon Bird, Cherilyn Sharkey and Chella Ross are delighted to be able to see their hard work pay off with the build commencing in October.
With an anticipated three-week completion date, the new playground will be a welcome addi tion to both the school and greater community.
A place where children can feel included, play safe ly and enjoy all the benefits of being on the playground.
Stop
So thankful
Coming up to Thanksgiving weekend, I’m filled with gratitude, personally and as a Canadian.
Personally, I’m grateful for the abundance of love and affection in my life, from people who are unfailingly kind to me.
As a Canadian, I’ve been irritated and sometimes appalled by actions and words of some of our political leaders. But I’m grateful that I have the right to express those feelings out loud. I can also take action, including but not limited to how I vote.
Besides that, whatever might be going on politically, we Canadians have more beauty, more freedom, more safety and–whatever the economy–more prosperity than most people in the world. We can be grateful for that.
***
When I was younger, when I was cranky and somebody advised me to, “Count your blessings,” I found it eye-rollingly irritating. Clearly that person didn’t understand reality.
Since then, I’ve come to appreciate appreciation. I’ve learned that appreciation is actually a gift to the appreciator. The more I look for things to appreciate, the more things I find to appreciate and the more joy I experience. Huge benefit.
Conversely, on cranky days when I’m critical and grumpy, it’s easy to see bad things everywhere I look. “And not only that…yadda yadda yadda…” Cranky begets cranky.
I’ve concluded that thankfulness, appreciation and gratitude (and possibly everything else) are in the eye of the beholder.” On my more mature days, I choose to behold many things that bring me gratitude.
***
Turns out research verifies my conclusion.
According to an article by Craig and Mark Kielburger, “Research in the field of neuroscience and psychology suggests that negative emotions restrict our focus and limit our ability to think of new ideas. Positive emotions increase creative output and activate neural pathways associated with creative thought.”
Who knew that feeling thankful could “activate neural pathways of creative thought”? That’s not something I would have figured out on my own.
In Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, psychologist Michael Mantell said studies show that feeling grateful lowers stress, blood pressure and cholesterol and boosts our immune system. Maybe we could lower public health costs for drugs and medical care by feeling grateful!
Studies also show that gratitude is associated with positive youth development, improved academic performance and selfesteem.
Ask young people to start noticing their favourite moments of the day. They do get past eye-rolling. The benefits to them include greater happiness, optimism, bonding and kindness.
***
A book called The Magic by Rhonda Byrne describes the benefits of gratitude. She also maps out a 28-day gratitude program. Among the activities, each morning you write ten things you’re grateful for, and each evening you ask yourself, “What’s the best thing that happened today?” In other words, you “book-end” the beginning and end of every day with gratitude.
I’ve worked my way through the 28-day activities several times, and each time I’ve been amazed by what a difference it makes to my contentment. I’ve also noticed that each time has included at least one happening that seemed miraculous.
When I notice that my contentment level is below par, I know it’s time to re-activate the 28 day gratitude process.
***
When my mom lived in a seniors’ lodge, she said that when someone asked residents, “How are you?” they would often answer, “Grateful!” They were just glad to be breathing for another day.
Thanksgiving weekend is coming up. I’m looking forward to some events I’ll enjoy and be thankful for. But actually, no matter what, every day has something in it that is worthy of gratitude. Every day is a good day for giving thanks.
***
I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send an email to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com I’ll happily reply within one business day.
Land use
How many Camrose residents care about the appearance of properties near them? How many Camrosians are aware that the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) contains the rules and reg ulations regarding (a) zon ing/districting (what can be built [including location on a lot, size of footprint, height] and where, and to what uses the land and building can be put (e.g., urban hens]) and (b) park ing, and (c) signs, and (d) sight triangles−in fact, ev erything about land use? How many Camrosians are aware that the City’s LUB has recently undergone a review and revision?
The LUB review oc
curred largely during the summer when people had other things (like a vaca tion, especially after two years of COVID restric tions) on their minds and calendars. There was op portunity for public input (20 people attended an open house at which were featured only five issues of the 15 that were under con sideration; 26 people com pleted a survey; opinions could also be submitted via ourcamrose.ca), but few provided input. To say, for example, that 73 per cent of survey respondents were in favour of detached second ary suites on any corner lot and any lot with a back al ley, while literally true, is
quite meaningless since 19 self-selected people cannot represent Camrose’s 19,000 residents (a random sample of 1,000 or so individuals would be required).
One of the four “fo cus areas” of the City’s 2022-26 Strategic Plan is to increase citizen engage ment. It seems to me that something as important as the revision of the LUB, which deals with “almost every type of development that could occur in Cam rose” (consultant’s words)− should have been timed and planned in such as way as to get the opinions of more Camrosians.
John Olson, CamroseReaching out for help
By Murray GreenMental Health
takes place
health care provider
doctor or
can give
vices (AHS) also provides
range of programming
help to treat mental health issues.
or someone you know is
is
are
If you
treatment options for children and youth, includ ing counselling services for youth through community mental health clinics, as well as specialized and hos pital-based services that
Go to ahs.ca/helpin toughtimes to learn more and to find reliable infor mation on steps you can take to take care of yourself or others.
• Windwood Signs and Graphics was named Camrose Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month for September. Making the presentation to business owners Linda Mikasko and Morris Henderson, was Chamber Small Business Week Committee Chair, Mike Ploner. Mike noted that the business was launched by Joel Cassady in a 600 sq. ft. space at the back of the Yellow Submarine store, but now occupies 5600 sq. ft. in the Ace building and has a staff of eleven.
• Wills Awareness Week was programmed by Mayor Norm Mayer with Greater Camrose Community Foundation Board Chair, Louise Jensen. The Foundation has planned a campaign during the week to reach the large number of people who do not have wills. Part of that will include a forum on wills and estates, featuring a panel presentation and discussion involving lawyer Alan Fielding, accountant Gerrie Dey and financial planner Jerry Iwanus
• Greater Camrose Community Foundation board member Blain Fowler, speaking to the members of the Camrose Chamber of Commerce, announced that the first call for applications will go out shortly with grant allocations to be announced by year’s end. The GCCF was for med in 1995 by a steering committee of citizens who saw the need to establish a per manent endowment fund in this region that would benefit the community indefinitely
• Lion Orval Collyer reported that their Annual Apple Drive, chaired by Walter Manchakowsky was the most successful ever Max McLean, President of the Camrose Lions Club and Lion, Bob Burgess delivered several boxes of apples to the Bethany Children’s Home in Gwynne, accepted by Mrs. Jespersen
• City Manager Jim Lambe and John Timinsky, of the City’s Engineering Department, attended a two-day annual Wester n-Canada Conference of Water and Sewage Engineers. Regulations and recommendations regarding sewage treatment and water systems were discussed.
• Construction on the Dressing Room Facility at the Edberg Skating Rink has been progressing satisfactorily for the past month and it is expeted that this structure will be completed by the time the hockey and skating season arrives. The building will include dressing rooms, washrooms and a spectator area in front.
Also under construction was a Dressing Room Facility at the Rosalind Skating Rink. Construction began at the beginning of September and will be complete and ready for use by the beginning of the Minor Hockey season.
Included in this facility will be dressing rooms, washrooms and a spectator area.
It was noted that these facilities, for the most part, are constructed voluntarily by the residents of the community and congratulations are in order for the fine efforts shown by the construction of these facilities.
Fixing Canada’s finances
By Damien C. Kurek, MP, Battle River-CrowfootParliament is sitting once again, and Canada’s Conservatives are ready to get back to work on Parliament Hill. With our new leader, Pierre Poilievre, Canada has a steady hand at the helm of His Majesty’s Official Opposition, and we are ready to address the is sues that matter to you and your fellow Canadians.
The role of the Official Opposition is to provide feedback on government policies and to ensure the rul ing government is held to account. It’s in this role Con servatives have insisted action must be taken to curb inflation and address the affordability crisis. For years, we have signaled the Liberals’ agenda of overspending, business-killing red tape, and anti-oil and gas sentiment would suffocate the Canadian economy and contribute to inflation but…they ignored our warnings and are see ing the consequences of that.
Many Canadians are facing hardship as their hardearned dollars are worth less than they were a year ago as inflation eats up their money. Food prices are up 10.8 per cent, inflation is at seven per cent and interest rates were raised to 3.25 per cent. With this adversity, there is no financial relief for Canadians as they are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.
Conservatives have made it clear that we are will ing to work with the Government and any party that will acknowledge the challenges we face as a nation, such as showing fiscal restraint and a commitment to not raise taxes. Further, Canada’s Conservatives have outlined how we would tackle the affordability crisis. We would cap inflation-causing government spending with a Pay-As-You-Go Law requiring the government to find a dollar of savings for each new dollar of spending, scrap carbon tax to reduce the cost of fuel, and remove red tape and gatekeepers to allow businesses, farmers, and workers to produce more affordable energy, food, and housing. These are all measures we can implement when we are in government and advocate for while we wait to be elected as your next government.
I have heard it loud and clear from the people of Bat tle River-Crowfoot: life is getting more expensive. Con servatives have been listening to you, and we are find ing solutions to help Canadians who are struggling, and ensuring that your future is not held back by the short falls of government. By getting out of Canadians’ way, we can foster innovation and grow the economy so we can all live in a better society led by incentive and merit.
It is my hope, with the solutions Conservatives have proposed and will continue to present, that Canadians will look to themselves and build with us to work towards a better future for all. It is deeply important to me that Canadians are able to thrive and be free.
Free Harvest Lunch
October 21, 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
days
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 494550th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-6084600, text 403-575-5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl. gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by fol lowing him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a federal government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.
Bandits steal Camrose Kodiaks winning streak
By Murray GreenAfter six games into the Alberta Junior Hockey League season, the Ko diaks hold a 4-2 record.
Camrose suffered a 6-2 loss to the first place Brooks Bandits on September 27.
The Bandits led 2-0 before Camrose got on the scoreboard with a Levi Carter marker in the open ing period.
In the middle frame, Brooks scored on a power play to regain a two-goal advantage. Ethan Short closed the gap for the Ko diaks later in the period to make it a one goal game.
However, the third pe riod belonged to Brooks as they notched three tallies including a shorthanded marker.
Netminder Robert An dreakos suffered the loss by turning away eight of 12 shots in the Camrose net. Liam Bechthold came in and stopped three of five shots. The Kodiaks fired 32 shots on the Brooks’ cage.
Camrose edged the Olds Grizzlys 4-3 in the first battle of the bears of the season.
Both teams scored in the first 20 minutes with Carson Brisson netting the Camrose tally. The Kodiaks took over in the second with markers from Nathan Sulli van and Carter, while Olds
scored once.
In the third, the teams again exchanged goals with Callum Gau netting the winner for Camrose.
Goalie Bechthold turned away 21 of 24 shots he faced. Camrose fired 33 shots at the Grizzlys’ net.
Camrose garnered another one-goal victory against the Blackfalds Bull dogs, 5-4 on September 23.
Gau and Carson Whyte led the offence with two goals each. Gau scored on a power play marker in the lone goal of the opening pe riod.
Both teams scored in the middle frame with Car son Whyte counting for the Kodiaks. Owen Dean, Gau and Whyte collected goals in the final period.
Goalie Andreakosturned away 23 of 27 shots that were directed at him.
Camrose is at the Rec reation Centre on October 7 and 8 against the Bonny ville Pontiacs and Olds Grizzlys. Both games are 7 p.m. starts.
Bear facts The Whitecourt Wol verines traded Owen Lan sing to the Kodiaks for future considerations on
Steve
Hailey’s
Steve and Hailey,
September 24. Lansing is from Camrose, so it is a re turn home for the forward.
Nathan Sullivan is the top scorer for the Camrose Kodiaks with six points in six games.
In net, Andreakos has a 3-1 record and a 2.91 goals against record.
Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce business awards
By Lori LarsenOn November 17, lo cal businesses and indi viduals will be recognized for their contribution to Camrose and area at the annual Camrose and Dis trict Chamber of Com merce Business Excellence Awards Gala to be held at the Norsemen Inn.
Excited to be returning to an in-person event the
Chamber welcomes anyone to come out and show their appreciation and congratu late to the Camrose busi ness community.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with champagne re ception and cocktails and dinner served at 7 p.m.
The Business Excellence Awards are an opportunity for residents to nominate a business or individual they
feel deserving of recognition for the exemplary service and positive impact they have on the community.
Awards include: Inno vative Marketing; Home Based Business (three em ployees or less); Small Busi ness (zero to 24 employ ees); Business Excellence/ Franchise (40+ employees); Community Spirit (not for profit); Customer Service
(individual); Ambassador (individual); Woman in Business (individual) and Young Entrepreneur. For more information on the Event or if you wish to nominate a business or individual (nomination deadline is October 14) visit the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce website at https:// camrosechamber.ca.
Dr. Adaeze completed her medical education and postgraduate training in Nigeria. She is enthusiastic about o ce practice with care for all age groups. Her practice interests include acute care and emergenc y, preventive medicine, chronic disease management and women centred care with special interest in extende d Obstetrics. She is married with four kids and has just moved with her family to the beautiful city of Camrose.
n my short stay here, my kids love Camrose ady and would love to be here for the longest time. In my spare time, I love to share quality time with my family. We play games together, engage in some sporting activities and travel together too. I am eager to begin my practice here in Camros e and I look for ward to enjoying a long-lasting patientdoctor relationship with the people of the community. I am currently accepting patients and cannot wait to meet you
have your name added to a list to see Dr Ndubuisi, please call 780-672-2423
(REA)
PO Box 374, Hay Lakes, AB T0B 1W0
Phone: 780-878-3946
NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2022
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING (POLLING STATION)
FortisAlber ta presented an offer to purchase the Armena REA’s electric distribution system for $13.84 million.Vote on the FortisAlber ta proposal and the extraordinary resolution by casting your vote at the polling station. Please note , there will be no formal presentations.
POLLING STATION:
Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (closes at 8:00 pm sharp)
Hay Lakes Agriplex, 101-4th Avenue North, Hay Lakes, Alberta
1. Who can vote:
• According to the Rural Utilities Act Section 12-4 - a member has one vote regardless of the number of utility ser vice contracts held by the member No member may vote by proxy.
• Member must be in good standings with a signed electrical ser vice contract
• Joint Member (more than one person), one person is designated to vote
• Couple owns more than one proper ty, example, couple owns and are registered owners of three services, one can vote on ser vice A and one can vote on ser vice B, MAX 2 votes.
2. Register at the polling station:
• Bring photo ID (driver’s license) to secure your ballot.
• If you have not signed your Armena REA contract, you will need to do so prior to voting. There will be contracts available to sign at the polling station. (If needing to sign a contract the day of voting, you must bring your current legal land title or county tax assessment with you.)
The members who register to vote at the polling station, will constitute the quorum for the Sales Vote.
(Minimum of 50 Armena REA members need to vote)
The extraordinary resolution the membership will be voting on is as follows:
“Do you authorize Armena REA to sell all of the works (assets) to FortisAlberta for the amount of $13,840,000.00, as offered in the FortisAlberta Purchase Proposal, and to distribute the proceeds and the reserve account on a per- site basis?”
Voting “No” keeps the REA
Voting “Yes” sells the REA to FortisAlberta No ________ Yes _________
Please come out and vote!
CITY
REQUES T FOR PROPOSAL S
POUND K EEPER
Th e Ci ty of Camros e is seek in g th e se rv ices of a Contractor to perfor m duties of Poun d Ke eper as outlined in Sectio n 46 of th e Ci ty of Camros e Animal Cont ro l Bylaw 3118 -20.
Th e contract will en ta il , bu t not be limite d to, th e following; ke nneling
Enjoy th e Autumn Season
Recreation
voting on the purchase proposal will occur at the Armena Special General Meeting, Oct. 20
11 a.m.–8 p.m. at the Hay Lakes Agriplex
FortisAlberta is proud to operate and live in the 240
serve.
more than
and to
and
who
reside in
City celebrates culture and arts with fun family activities
By Lori LarsenIn celebration of Al berta Culture Days, which took place September 1st until 30th, the City of Cam rose Recreation and Cul ture Department is excited to be able to extend recog nition of the importance of culture in our communities with an official Culture Day to be held on Saturday, Oc
tober 15 at the Chuck Ma cLean Arts Centre, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The day will include a tip of the hat to culture with the following activi ties.
Local artists are invit ed back to the Underpass to “touch up” their works of art. Residents and guests are also invited to come
take a walk through the Underpass and appreci ate the beauty these pieces bring to our City.
The Chuck MacLean Arts Centre will be hosting an Open House. Local user groups of the Arts Centre are invited to display and discuss the operations of their organizations.
Drop-in Crafts/Paint
ing workshops will be held at the Arts Centre and the Camrose Public Library Book Bike, Story Time and Games will be available to entertain those of all ages.
Entertainment will be taking place at the Gazebo, just north of the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre fac ing out to Mirror Lake, and guests are invited to bring
a lawn chair and enjoy some local talent.
Food trucks will also be available for when your stomach gets rumbling.
Come out and enjoy a day of appreciating the cul ture and arts in our com munity that help to make Camrose a beautiful and abundant City.
Joyce Elva Brooks
On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, Joyce Elva Brooks of Camrose, formerly of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away at the age of 62 years. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
She leaves behind her husband Russell; daughters Shannon (Mark) and Darla (Greg); six grandchildren Brianna, Kade, Cody, Tristyn, Parker and Kiara; brothers Larry, Orval (Betty), Donnie (Bonnie); and several nieces and nephews.
Joyce is best known for being her grandchildren’s loudest cheerleader at all their numerous sports and events, her infectious smile, the love for her family and the best hugs.
As per Joyce’s wishes, no formal service will be held.
Memorial donations may be made to the Edmonton Epilepsy Association or to the MS Society.
The family of Evalene Bowie
…thank the following for their care and support of our mother, and our family in our bereavement on her passing:
• Reverend Hunter for your kindness, compassion, wisdom and sense of humour;
• Bart Orr and the staff at Burgar Funeral Home for the many services and professionalism;
• A-1 Catering for the lunch;
• Rosalind Ag Society for the use of the hall;
• Doctors and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and Bethany Meadows (Pine) for the excellent care.
Also, thank you to our countless friends and relatives for your kind thoughts and support.
In loving memory of Lori Ozment
Holding you deeply in my heart
Then, now and forever.
– Judy
Legacy Auto Group brings Toyota dealership to Camrose
By Lori LarsenThe City of Camrose is excited to announce a new automotive dealership is coming to Camrose. Toyota City Wetaskiwin, owned by Legacy Auto Group, will be renamed Camrose Toyota and is moving to the east side of Camrose in early 2024.
service
“We are proud to have Legacy Auto Group and Toyota Canada demon strate their confidence in the Camrose market by making this move,” Mayor PJ Stasko stated. “We have an existing strong automo tive market, and a custom er reach of approximately 100,000, which supports this investment by Legacy Auto Group.”
The family of Tom Nahirniak
…would like to thank family and friends for the flower arrangements, food, phone calls, cards and charitable donations that we have received since his passing.
We would also like to thank Burgar Funeral Home for coordinating all the arrangements and to Father Kris Schmidt, Deacon Doug Tien and Kevin and Amelia Keech for the wonderful service, as well as the CWL for serving a lovely lunch following the funeral.
We would also like to extend a special thanks to all of the Health Care Providers who helped Tom make it to 86 years: Dr. Dale Lien; Dr. Soori Sivakumaran; Dr. Heba Arafat, Dr. Eugene Harms; Dr. Diana Peters; Dr. Leslie Kasza and the Camrose Heart and Stroke Team; the Home Care team; and all of the staff at Bethany Meadows Maple Cottage for their excellent care.
The support and love from this community has been incredibly comforting and is greatly appreciated.
your depa rted
or relative
The construction for the 24,500 square foot full service Toyota dealership will commence this fall, and is planned to be completed in or around the early part of 2024. This building will be a new state-of-the-art facility, and will offer cus tomers an outstanding environment in which to shop. Camrose Toyota will continue the Legacy Auto tradition of offering excep tional customer service, including the full lineup of Toyota vehicles both new and preowned, along with comprehensive service and parts departments with highly trained Toyota tech nicians.
“We are looking forward to moving our business to Camrose, and are extreme ly excited to become part of the Camrose community,” stated Del Bouck, Owner and Dealer Principal of Legacy Auto Group.
Legacy Auto Group owns eight dealerships in Alberta and B.C., includ ing the Dodge dealership in Wetaskiwin and the Ford dealership in Ponoka.
A.
Del and Charlene Bouck, owners of Legacy Auto Group state, “Our family is thrilled to be opening this state of the art dealership in the com munity where Del was born and raised. We believe in a strong community spirit, and are involved in sup porting the people and businesses of our commu nities. We are passionate about this community and are committed to making Camrose a great place to live and work in.”
“Legacy Auto Group’s reputation for being a strong corporate citizen makes us believe that they will fit in well with our community-focused busi ness culture here in Cam rose,” Mayor Stasko stated.
With the onset of autumn comes the annual reminder by fire departments across Canada of the importance of fire safety during Fire Preven tion Week, this year from October 9 to 15.
The theme this year is: “Fire won’t wait. Plan Your Escape.”
“This topic brings attention to the impor tance of being prepared if your home ever catches fire,” said Camrose Fire Department Fire and Safety educator Captain Jeff Knopf.
While Knopf said that fire in a home is not very common, he explains that being prepared for any event is vital. “I think of this like wearing a seatbelt in a car. Collisions are not common either, but we wear a seatbelt every time we get in a car. In that same light, house fires are not common, but we drastically improve the outcome if we are prepared. Statistically, the most likely place that we would encounter a fire is in the home, and specifically cooking on top of the stove.”
Knopf said the first step in being prepared is developing a thorough, clear and understandable escape plan and ensuring everyone in the home knows what to do if there is a fire and where to meet outside to ensure everyone is safe.
Information on planning your escape, pro vided on the National Fire Prevention Associa tion website, is as follows:
■ Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows and discuss the plan with everyone in the home, including overnight guests.
■ Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are not blocked.
■ Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
■ Practice your home fire drill at night and dur ing the day with everyone in your home twice a year.
■ Practice using different ways out.
■ Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
■ Close doors behind you as you leave. Other helpful tips include what to do in the event a smoke alarm sounds in your home:
■ Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.
■ If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
■ Call the fire department from outside your home.
Besides a well-thought-out and practiced escape plan, Knopf suggests consideration be
given to people in the home who may require mobility assistance.
The following tips for older and mobility challenged people are also provided on the National Fire Prevention Association website:
■ Reduce the risk of trips/falls during an escape by removing clutter in the hallways, stairways, and near exits/windows for a clear, safe path out of your home. Make sure all windows and doors are able to open in an emergency.
■ If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can fit through the doorways.
■ Keep your walker, scooter, cane, or wheel chair by your bed or where you sleep to make sure you can reach it quickly.
■ Keep eyeglasses, mobile phone, and a flashlight by your bed or where you sleep so you are able to reach them quickly in an emergency.
■ Consider sleeping in a room on the ground floor to make emergency escape easier.
■ If you cannot escape safely, keep your door shut, place a towel or blanket at the bottom of the door and stand near the window for fire service to reach you. You can use a flashlight to shine out the window to alert emergency personnel. Telephone 911 to let the fire de partment know you are inside the home.
■ If you are deaf, hearing impaired, or have trouble hearing, install a bedside alert such as a bed shaker alarm that works with your smoke alarm to alert you of a fire. Strobe light alarms can be added to your smoke alarms for a visual alert. These can be found online
or in most retail and hardware stores.
■ For people who are visually impaired or blind, the sound of the smoke alarm can become disorienting in an emergency. Practice the escape plan with the sound of the alarm with which to become familiar, and practice with the extra noise.
■
If you have a service animal, agree on a plan to keep the animal with you during an emergency.
■ When looking for an apartment or high-rise home, look for one with an automatic sprin kler system.
■ For people with cognitive disabilities, work with their healthcare providers and local fire department to make a plan that works for their needs.
Other fire safety tips include: installing op erable and regularly maintained/tested smoke detectors inside every sleeping room and out side each separate sleeping area; closing doors to slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire; keep flammable items a safe distance away from stoves and other heat sources and appliances; never leave burning candles unattended; have an operable and maintained fire extinguisher in the home, preferably close to the kitchen and in the garage; never leave items cooking on a stove unattended, and turn pot handles in towards the back of the stove; never leave children unattended by gas fireplaces or stoves in use; and educate children at an early age on the importance of fire safety.
For more information on fire safety tips, visit the National Fire Prevention website at www.nfpa.org
Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
City of Camrose Mayor PJ Stasko, left, signs a proclamation declaring October 9 to 15 Fire Prevention Week, witnessed by Camrose Fire Department Chief Peter Krich.
Join the Camrose Fire Department in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.
Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.
HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLANNING AND PRACTICING
It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different.
Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people
Escape Planning
Plan ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Every one needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.
SAFETY TIPS
■ Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
■ Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!
SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home. Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathrooms.
Choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory, meaning it has met certain standards for protection.
For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician, so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.
■ Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
■ Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
■ Practice using different ways out.
■ Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
■ Close the doors behind you as you leave.
IF THE ALARM SOUNDS…
■ GET OUT AND STAY OUT. Never go back inside for people or pets.
■ If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW AND GO under the smoke to your way out.
■ Call 911 from outside your home.
! A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms inside every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
! According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
!
While 71 percent of people have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47 percent of those have practiced it.
! One-third of households who made an estimate thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8 percent said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!
Smoke alarms at home
SMOKE ALARMS ARE A KEY PART OF A HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN.
When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
SAFETY TIPS
■ Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
■ Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
■ It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
■ Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
■ Current alarms on the market employ different types of technol ogy including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
■ Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
■ A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
■ People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
■ Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
! A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
Mother Micki Malish waits with six-year-old Rocky Malish for daughter Rylie-Ann Wright, age eight, to join them the makeshift meeting spot as they practice their fire escape plan.
! Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level of protection.
! Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Test smoke alarms monthly. Press the test buttom to ensure the alarm is working.
Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly
In loving memory
By Lori LarsenOur lives are composed of milliseconds, moments to which we may not give a lot of thought, until a decision alters the course of our lives and the lives of others.
On a sunny day in June 2018, one of those milliseconds sadly changed the lives of a Camrose family forever, leaving behind a broken family bearing scars of huge loss and pain.
The Sainbhee family were on what they thought to be a routine drive to Edmonton to purchase a new car for mother Parampre et, so that she could hand over her used car to newly licensed, daughter Hershita. Tragically, they never made it to Edmonton that sorrowful day, after being in volved in a horrendous motor ve hicle collision just north of Cam rose on Highway 21, where the unfortunate decision of another driver to drive while distracted not only took the life of Hershita, but changed Parampreet’s, her husband’s and younger daugh ter’s lives forever.
“She (Hershita) was sitting in the back of her parents’ car just listening to music, and this hap pens,” recalled Parampreet. “I have no memory of the accident. Everything is just wiped out from my brain (involving the accident).”
Not only did the accident claim Hershita’s young life, but both Parampreet and her younger daughter suffered brain injuries and Parampreet’s husband suf fered a serious spinal injury. “Me and my younger daughter were very close to death, if not for EMS who arrived on scene.”
These past four years have been a long journey of grieving and healing for Parampreet and her daughter and husband. They are still struggling with the incred ible hole that has been left in their lives, trying to carry on without Hershita physically with them.
“Every day I remember her. She is with me. I keep her alive with me, that is how we deal.
“It is a huge trag edy to our younger daughter too,” added Parampreet. “They were so close. She is so broken. She is not the same girl anymore. She was my happy girl and now she is totally changed.”
As difficult as the grieving journey is for the entire fam ily, Parampreet said that they are help ing their younger daughter and trying in every way to sup port her through. “She is doing very good in school. We are blessed, she has her aims, but that void in her life is forever.”
Through it all, Parampreet has also been walking through her own grief journey and is so very grateful for the support she and the family have received from so many in Camrose.
“I am very thankful to the Camrose people who have been so sup portive. It (Camrose) feels like a big family to me.
“I am also very thankful to the first po lice officers (RCMP) and Emergency Medical Ser vices who were on scene that day. They were very nice people. The officers even came and visited and helped us mow lawns after the accident.”
Parampreet is also very grateful for the car ing support she has re ceived from the Hospice Society of Camrose, spe cifically Colette Howery, whom she had known previously through her work at the hospital.
“She has been walking with me through this,” said Parampre et, adding how helpful it was that Colette shared her own journey of loss and grief.
“I have met many mothers and we talk. That is the worst tragedy that can happen to any parent.”
As part of the continued heal ing process, Colette and others suggested to Parampreet (when she was ready) to find a way to memorialize Hershita.
Situated just outside the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre fac ing the lake is a simple wooden bench honouring the life of a beautiful daughter, sister, fam ily member and friend, Hershita Sainbhee.
The bench was placed in memory of Hershita and in hon our of her life by her family. “The bench idea came from the prin cipal of École Camrose Compos ite High School who suggested a bench would be a wonderful way to honour Hershita’s life,” ex plained Parampreet.
“I have been there picking up my daughters on occasion and would see how the children were standing waiting for their parents to pick them up, some times in the cold. So I thought this is the right spot where chil dren can make use and have a place to sit while waiting for their parents.”
Parampreet said that she will eventually have a bench placed at the high school in Herishita’s honour as well.
“The bench stands as a re minder of how we used to keep our pain inside our hearts. I feel this is something that should be honoured.”
The bench, however, goes far beyond a symbol of a life lost. It represents the invitation of a pow er greater than us all, to sit, reflect and calm one’s heart and mind.
“At first I was angry with God–why did this happen? But some power told me that God is giving me connection with Her shita and my faith is helping me a lot.”
The Sainbhee’s lives will never be the same and the void, which she mentions often, will al ways be a part of them. A sticker placed on the back window of the car Hershita would have been driving acts as a reminder to all of the consequences of our decisions: In memory of Hershita Sainbhee. ‘In a split second, you could kill others and tear a hole in the heart of their family.’ Be sensible, don’t text and drive.
how other families/people can be protected from the pain of losing someone they love.
“There are so many (deadly) accidents on Highway 21,” re marked Parampreet. “That high way needs to be divided/twinned. I have not driven on that Highway since the accident. It is such a busy highway and so many people are killed there. I want to pass that message on to the Ministry of Transportation.”
She is also a huge advocate for increasing the punishment for distracted driving.
“My husband was a very care ful driver, but at that time, we didn’t have time to even think, it was totally out of our control. We don’t know what can hap pen in this world, but accidents are increasing,” warned Param preet, hoping that her story will change the behaviours of drivers and encourage the justice system to place stricter consequences on those who drive while distracted.
As a newly licensed driver (about one week prior to that fate ful day), Hershita had told her mom that she had to be so careful of how people are driving around her. “Now that just hurts me. A very precious life has been lost.”
As well, Parampreet and her husband, both regarded physi cians in Camrose, dedicate their work to saving the lives of others. We owe it to them and to each oth er as humans to think strongly of the consequences of our actions.
“This is very shocking, but I keep her in my heart.”
The family thought at this time, a bench would be dedicated outside of the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre, where Hershita participat ed as a dancer for nine years with the Camrose Academy of Dance.
Continuing to walk her journey of healing, Param preet has returned to her practice as a respected Camrose physician. “I wanted to stay strong for my daughter, but also Hershita would nev er like her mom to be sitting. She was a go-go-go kid–a very focused, high academic girl who helped other students with stud ies and she wanted to be a physi cian.”
She also shares her story and spreads vital messages about
It is difficult for any parent to imagine the loss of a child. For Parampreet and her husband and their young daughter, the loss is a harsh reality.
As you pass by the bench out side the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre, remember the short life of a wonderful young girl and spare a thought for her family as they continue their journey of grief and healing.
“We will never stop missing you. We will never stop loving you. Therefore, we will never stop remembering, speaking of and honouring you, Hershita. You are more than a memory for us.”
Kucy places third, New Norway second
By Murray Green The Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association(ASAA) High School Golf Provincials were played at Turner Valley GC and Highwood GC on Septem ber 26 and 27 with local golfers doing well.
OLMP High School sent one boy and two girls, while New Norway High School had four girls that participated.
Jayla Kucy shot rounds of 76 and 73 to finish third out of 85 girls and win ning the individual bronze medal.
Nicole Rohr shot rounds of 81 and 80 to fin ish seventh out of 85 girls in the event.
Connor Wenig shot rounds of 79 and 77 to fin ish 28th out of 134 boys be ginning the tournament.
New Norway were led by Ariana Lundstrom who fired 95 and 102 to place 30th; Jessica Brown shot 101 and 107 to finish 37th; Alyssa Lundstrom shot 119
Top left: The New Norway School silver medal winning team consists of Aryana Lundstrom, Julie Snider, Jessica Brown and Alyssa Lundstrom. They were solidly supported by their families and coach Jon Lindstrand over two days of intense competition at the Turner Valley Golf Club and the Highwood Golf and Country Club.
Right: OLMP golfer Jayla Kucy received the bronze individual medal.
and 117 to finish 63rd and Julie Snider shot 130 and 132 to finish 72nd.
This year’s ASAA pro vincials had a record num ber of 85 female and 134
male golfers with teams from every corner of the province represented. As a combined team
score New Norway shot 300 and 314 to finish in second and won the Team Girls sil ver team medal.
Heisler Winter Bowling League
County council updated on Bailey Theatre
By Murray Green Bailey Theatre presi dent Barb Stroh, vicepresident Colleen Nelson and manager Arlo Grund berg, all County residents, update council on the the atre at the regular meet ing on September 27.
Councilor Doug Ly seng moved “That Cam rose County council accept the presentation from the Bailey Theatre represen tatives as information.”
The delegation talked about the history and the direction the theatre is go ing.
“We want to live, learn and play in the County. We have worked together in the past. We certainly call the County a friend, so for that thank you very much,” said Barb.
“The theatre was built by Camille David in 1911, who actually lived in the County. It changed hands in 1919 when it became the Bailey Theatre. We have a 27-minute docu mentary of our history and the development of the area,” added Colleen.
“For a number of years the theatre continued to operate as a movie theatre and then closed its doors in the early 1990s. Start ing in 1999 a commit tee of volunteers began the process of bringing it back to life. We opened in 2011 and this fall marks our 12th year of operation under the direction of the Bailey Theatre Society,” explained Colleen.
“We are a charity, non-profit society that offers everyone a place to play. We have one full time employee and 10 part time staff as well as a ros ter of 115 volunteers work at our events, do change overs or work as fundrais ers. About 19 of those live in Camrose County,” add ed Colleen.
“We have a promising start to the season with increased attendance.”
Arlo talked about the operations of the theatre. “Most communities in Al berta had a theatre, but most didn’t survive. We give hundreds of tours every year, most are un scheduled to people com ing in off the street want ing to see the theatre. If you look at TripAdvisor the Bailey Theatre is the number one attraction in Camrose. The other thing the Bailey does so well at, is programming,” said Arlo.
“When a theatre group comes in we treat them like royalty. We have great sound and lighting offering them things they may not get anywhere else. The thing I really like is the adaptability. We can seat 20 to 400 peo ple. If you have 20 people in a wide open space the group looks small, but we can adjust our seating to make it feel comfort able as a packed house,” shared Arlo.
He talked about get ting live-streaming in the near future. He also shared the fact that 15,000 people go through the Bailey each year (non COVID-19 years).
“With COVID-19 we were able to receive some grants. Now these funds have dried up. We know the historic build ing needs repairs. We also realize that arts is not a money-making business. Each year we run about a $50,000 deficit,” men tioned Colleen. “We con tinue to depend on fund raising.”
Barb asked council to consider a $1 grant per capita to raise about $9,000.
Banff
Film Festival
By Murray Green The Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Artshad a great lineup
Maddie
shows
the
winter season.
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival on October 6.
are partnering with the Camrose Ski Club to bring this filmfest and they are using it as a fundraiser. You get to see the
scenes
Relive
The automotive section of
Roose dusts the highways in Plymouth
By Murray GreenCheryl Roose of Cam rose owns an electron blue 1971 Plymouth Duster.
The original Plymouth Duster is a semi-fastback two-door coupe version of the compact-sized Plymouth Valiant automobile that was marketed by Plymouth in the United States from 1970 to 1976 model years.
“I bought this car from a friend of mine in Camrose, who bought it in Texas. It sat for 18 years and he bugged me to buy it. So we did and went through everything to restore it,” said Sheldon, about his wife’s car.
“I’ve always liked the Dusters. I like the look and the fact it can go when it needs to. My wife always wanted one, something that was a ’70s street car, so we found this one for her. This is the look we were going for,” added Sheldon.
“I wasn’t thinking Dust er at first, but when my friend kept bugging I had to think about it. I looked at it three or four times before deciding this was the one. Over 10 years of knowing about it, I finally decided to buy it,” revealed Sheldon.
“We are Dodge people and I have always liked the Duster since I was a kid. They are light and fast. I al ways liked them and it kind of grew on Cheryl as well.”
The Duster features a 360 engine that is punched out to a 414 to give it even
FUN FACTS
The Duster was built on the Valiant platform and shared the same front end sheet metal, but featured a different design from the cowl back. The Duster name plate was used only for the two-door coupe.
Numerous trim and option package variants of the Duster were offered with names that included Feath er Duster, Gold Duster, Silver Duster, Space Duster, Duster Twister, Duster 340 and Duster 360. These marketing variations of the basic Duster design target ed customers seeking economy, cargo capacity and/or performance. The Duster was a success for Plymouth, so much so that in 1971 Dodge requested and received their own version, the Demon. In response, Plymouth was given a version of the Dodge Dart Swinger twodoor hardtop named the Plymouth Valiant Scamp.
For 1971, only small changes were made to the Duster. The Valiant fender badges and Plymouth grille logotype were deleted. A new trim package was released, called the Duster Twister. The Twister pack age presented the appearance of the Duster 340, but came only with the base I6 or 318 V8.
The Twister’s appearance package included spe cial side stripes that mimicked the Duster 340 Wedge stripes, a matte-black hood, and the 340’s special shark-tooth grille.
standard back then. The value wasn’t hurt by doing extra things to the car. In the end it is a Duster and that in itself is attractive. No harm, no foul,” added Sheldon.
The Duster coupe pro vided the compact-sized Plymouth Valiant with a sporty body style to attract customers. The car was a $15 million effort to update the Valiant for the 1970 model year. The Valiant badge appeared only on the first model year Dusters, and continued to be used on all the companion four-door sedan and two-door Valiant Scamp hardtop models.
“The car was painted in Texas years ago. We thought it was good enough to just leave it. The colour is listed as a 1991 Honda Prelude Electron Blue.
Originally, it was a green car. The Honda blue looks good,” shared Sheldon.
You are impressed once you get behind the wheel. “We put in a whole new sus pension, so it handles like a new car. It sounds good. I
never turn the radio on be cause I like listening to the nice running motor. I like to listen to the car,” he chuck led.
“It just cost way more than it should have to re
store. Once you start going on it, you can’t just stop. You want to finish it and do everything right. I quit adding up the cost. As some point, you just don’t want to know,” Sheldon said.
This powerful Plymouth Duster has no trouble keeping dust free when it hits the road with its modified 360 engine. Cheryl Roose stands by her decision to allow her husband Sheldon restore this classic muscle car. more power on the roads and highway. “It has a 727123 gears with an eight and three-quarter rear end. Oth er than that, everything has been re-done. I made the car more powerful. Originally it had a 318 motor, which was
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Buffaloes earn third shut out
By Murray GreenThe Camrose Buffa loes bantam team made it four straight victories in as many games with a 54-0 stampede over the home team St. Albert Fury on September 25.
“The defense pitched their third straight shut out and put together a flaw less effort, as the Buffaloes took the game,” said coach Brad Berger.
“The offense were click ing on all cylinders again and had touchdowns by five different players includ ing two from quarterback Brady Berger who had a 75 yard sideline run, two from wide receiver Ayden John son both receiving touch downs, two from Devoughn Quijote on the ground as a tail back. Wyatt Bardell and Tristan Ryschka also got on the scoreboard with running touchdowns from the full back position,” shared coach Brad.
Peewee
The Camrose Buffa loes peewee team defeated the Sherwood Park North Stars, 55-19 on September 25.
“A rough start for the Buffaloes offence, with a fumble on the first play and the North Stars capitaliz ing on it with a touchdown on their first drive. This led me to believe we were in for a long day, however, I think it ended up being one of the offense’s few mistakes
and everything just clicked from there. We have one of the smallest offensive lines in our league this year, but their blocking was incred ible. Giving us lots of time for high pass completion
and great movement out of the back field. Watch ing their timing and flow I would think they have been together for years,” praised coach Troy Christie.
“The defence did well,
but had to work hard, with two key defensive linemates missing. It was a battle of the yards for them. The North Stars large running backs pounded the defense all afternoon. I was very
proud of them. They all had bumps, bruises and were dog tired by the end, but they never gave up, they just kept getting up, mak ing some big stops,” coach Troy added.
READY
CHANGE
Soccer Vikings shake Rattlers
By Murray GreenThe Augustana Vikings compete in the 2022-23 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
Soccer
The Vikings shut out the Medicine Hat Rat tlers 1-0 to record its third victory of the season on September 25.
Defender Rowan Corry led the offence with the only goal of the contest in the second half. In the net,
Kristi Bignell stopped all five shots kicked her way for the shut out.
The Vikings dropped a 2-0 match to the tough Lethbridge Kodiaks the day before. Goalkeeper Bignell stopped seven of the nine shots she faced.
Augustana hosts the SAIT Trojans on October 23 in the final game of the reg ular season.
Cross-country
The Vikings cross-coun
try running team are train ing for the fourth race at St. Mary’s in Calgary on October 15.
Hockey
The Vikings defeated Concordia 5-3 in a preseason hockey game on September 23.
However, they bounced back to defeat Red Deer 4-1.
The Vikings open the season at home against the Red Deer Kings on October 15 at 6 p.m.
Financial relief for Alberta families
By Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose ConstituencyJust in time for fall and winter, our United Conser vative government is pro viding more financial relief for families facing rising costs due to inflation.
Many families in the Camrose Constituency and across Alberta are facing extreme increases in energy prices in recent months due to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, global supply shortages and other factors. These high energy prices are creating immense stress for Albertans.
To combat rising energy prices and the rising cost of living, our government remains persistent in execut ing programs that will make life more affordable for fami lies and businesses.
Starting October 1, Alberta’s natural gas rebate pro gram will provide price protection from spikes in natural gas costs this winter.
In Budget 2022, our government committed to en suring natural gas consumers are protected from Euro pean-style price spikes this fall and winter. The rebates will provide critical support and cost certainty to at least 1.6 million homes, farms, and businesses, including those in rural and remote areas. These rebates will put money back into Albertans’ pockets, exactly where it belongs.
From October 1 through March 31, any time the monthly default rate exceeds $6.50 per gigajoule, a re bate will be issued to all eligible Albertans to help cover the increased costs of the natural gas or other petro leum-based heating fuels they consume that month.
The monthly default rate will be posted on alberta. ca for about five business days before the start of each month, which will inform Albertans if the rebate will be triggered and how much they will receive per gigajoule that month.
Information for those consumers that are not con nected to the natural gas system or consume other eligible heating fuels will be posted online after the pro gram starts.
The natural gas rebates combined with the $50 monthly electricity rebate and fuel tax pause are all working together to help combat the rising cost of living by providing protection from high energy prices. These actions are just some of the ways our government is working to make life more affordable for Albertans.
More will need to be done to help working families cope with rising costs, but these are three immediate actions we are taking to make life more affordable at this important time in our economic recovery. We are also urging the Trudeau Liberals to stop feeding this inflation bubble by printing and spending money as fast as they can.
Alberta is in a strong position to help Alberta families fight inflation because our budget and our economy are in great shape. Alberta currently has a balanced budget and the first budget surplus we have seen in nearly a de cade. Further, the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund grew to its highest net value in Alberta history–earning $1.95 billion in investments to bring the total value of the fund’s investments to $20 billion.
Your provincial government is supporting Albertans, maintaining fiscal balance, paying down the debt, in vesting in the future, and getting Albertans back to work.
Contact my office if you require my assistance 780-672-0000. A reminder that I am a commissioner of oaths and a notary public and provide the service free for constituents.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact my office. We are always here for you!
You can contact Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA, at Constituency Office, 104, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1. Tel: 780-672-0000, camrose@assembly. ab.ca or at Legislature Office, 6th Floor, 9820-107 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7.
it’s much more
far less
within an hour
In all seriousness, policing has evolved, and continues to evolve, from what has traditionally been imprinted in the public’s mind through pop culture.
health, addictions, and homelessness are very much a part of today’s societal issues. The police
typically the only 24/7 agency
on
deal with them
Red skies in morning
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Camrose has been privy to some incredible sunrises these past few days. The sky was aglow with bright hues of orange and yellow against the silhouetted backdrop of a cityscape.
Truth and Reconciliation Day recognized
By Lori LarsenOrganizations and in dividuals throughout the City of Camrose recognized the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation through a variety of symbolic ges tures including the lower ing of the Canadian flag, displaying orange flags or other symbols and wearing of orange shirts on Friday, September 30.
This federal statutory holiday, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day, was created to honour the chil dren who never returned home and survivors of resi dential schools, as well as
their families and commu nities.
The Government of Canada website describes Orange Shirt Day as an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day in tended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-gen erational impacts of resi dential schools, and to pro mote the concept of “Every Child Matters.”
The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experi enced by Indigenous chil dren over generations.
GROCERY
GROCERY GIVE
GROCERY
GROCERY
County adds economic development officer
By Murray Greenarea has a water problem (lack of water) and which area has plenty of water for certain businesses,” ex plained Lina.
“I will be marketing the County and attracting businesses to move or start here. I will use an ice cream shop as an example. If you set up an ice cream shop, then you look at which other businesses go with it. They use local milk that has local employees. These employees shop local. If the money stays in the commu nity, then it is community growth,” she added.
Firing up the grills
Lina Petkeviciene wants to attract business to the various County busi ness developments. Lina previously worked in Lan genburg (near Yorkton), Saskatchewan after mov ing to Canada from Vilnius, Lithuania.
“We wanted to try to work in Canada and we loved it. So we decided to move to Canada, that was 10 years ago. I was looking for something new when this development position came up,” said Lina, who has a master’s degree in business administration.
“We eventually wanted to move to Alberta and I was looking for a job op portunity. My husband is a carpenter, so he will build up his business again. I re ally like this community. In Saskatchewan it is an agri cultural community and it is similar here too,” added Lina.
“I work with the County planning department. My first job is to create a strat egy and research the com munity. Then I will build an action plan to reach the businesses we want to reach. I will interview lots of people and then figure out what actual businesses we need in the different ar eas. I need to know which
“Imagine this ice cream shop gets more and more customers and starts to grow. Now we need to open a factory with additional employees to make the cones. We go to education al institutions to attract workers that we need in the Camrose area. One of the goals is to connect with ed ucation so we have the fu ture employees. Specialists follow local industry, that is very important. Camrose has a university, so that at tracted me to work here, as well as that I have three children,” said Lina.
“Tourism is also eco nomic development. Maybe people come here to take a tour of the factory. It all goes together with promot ing our area. We (County) have a new seed cleaning plant, so now we look for services that go along with the plant,” suggested Lina.
“I will visit all aspects to see what we need and develop a strategy. I like it here and I see Camrose as an attractive place for people. Smaller cities have more opportunities for business. We have strong assets, we just have to use them. The city and county are in the same area and we have to help each other,” said Lina.
For more information on setting up a business in Camrose County, email linap@county.camrose. ab.ca or phone 780-6783070.
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
If not for the fact that he isn’t quite old enough to have a driver’s license yet, six-year-old Norris Cleveland was all ready to take one of the CFD fire trucks for a spin around the block.
No
trips to the
Conceived as an environmentally friendly, elec tronic phone book, with content that could be changed and distributed within minutes of being received.
remains cons tant ss of ment situations, tions.
source for breaking business vertising,
and more dates ever y a.m.!
Helpful Tips for Writing Classified Ads Which Get Results!
Be Thorough
Sure you want your ad to stand out from the rest, but don’t skimp on the sort of information that sells. The item’s condition, size, age, brand name, and colour are some of the basics readers want to know. Without them, your ad may be overlooked.
Steer Clear of Abbreviations
Okay, so you want to include all the important basics. Don’t use strange abbreviations because our ads are designed to spell all the important details. Besides, you are not paying by the line, but by the word, so there is really no need to abbreviate.
Be Honest
Exaggerating your item’s finer points may bring in a lot of responses, but a buyer who’s misled won’t appreciate it and will take his business somewhere else.
State Your Price
The cost of an item is one of the most important concerns of want ad readers.
Ads showing prices are ones which get results. Giving a price also serves to “weed out” those buyers not in your price range.
Be Accessible Including a telephone number or address puts you in touch with potential buyers.
Be sure to state the hours you can be reached: a caller who can’t get through the first time often won’t call again.
Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or problems you may have regarding advertising. Our professionally trained sales staff know the ropes, and would be happy to pass their know-how on to you. That’s why we’re here to help you get the results you deserve.
Call 780-672-3142 4925-48 Street, Camrose ads@camrosebooster.com
PERSONAL
LOST THAT LOVING FEELING? Find it with a per sonal ad in The Camrose Booster classifieds. Ph. 780-672-3142.
TO GIVE AWAY
GREY/WHITE FLUFFY
KITTEN – 13 weeks old. Trained, cute, curious. Call/text 780-781-1748.
TWO KITTENS – 20 weeks old. One fluffy grey, one tiger grey. Tame and litter trained. 780-608-6189.
WANTED
WILL ACCEPT OLD VEHICLES, machinery, scrap iron, etc. Car batteries (will pay for). Call 780-686-5211.
HELP WANTED
NEED A HOUSE / PET SITTER?
Call Wyatt Mowat 780-352-1331
EMPLOYMENT WANTED
2ND BEST PAINTER IN TOWN – 30 years’ experience for all your painting needs. Call Rick the Painter, 780-672-0391.
SERVICES
SELF-INKING STAMPS –
Every shape, size, and colour. We deliver, right to your office. Camrose Booster Ltd., 4925-48 St., Camrose. Call us at 780-672-3142.
DSS CONSTRUCTION
Don’t put off those projects any longer! Give me a call and we can plan together. Devin Meakins, Ph. 780-853-1080
J.D.’s SMALL ENGINE REPAIR, SALES & SERVICE – Ph. 780-672-7649.
McTAVISH DELIVERIES LTD.
Local and long distance moving Storage Insured and bonded Where your business is appreciated 780- 672-5242, Camrose
THE SHIRT OFF MY BACK TAILORING in Camrose
Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thurs. Evening and Sat.: By Appointment Closed: Sun., Mon. and Holidays Please call 780- 672-4793
JUNK TO THE DUMP –Free estimates. Garages, Base ments, Yards, Light hauling. Tom – 780-678-1847.
MAIN STREET RETAIL
SPACE – located in high traffic, southerly area of Main Street, Camrose. Generous 1,664 sq. ft. of prime space at 4868-50 Street. Nicely decorated, air conditioned. $14.34/sq. ft./year, plus share of property taxes, utilities, waste removal and insurance, boils out to $2,812.16 all-in monthly. Available immediately. Call Blain or Don at 780-672-3142, the fairest, most reasonable people in the business.
2-BEDROOM APART MENT – In excellent condition!
Perfect for seniors. The suite has stove, fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer, blinds and one park ing stall. Heat, water, garbage pick up, Telus TV and internet included. Building has an eleva tor and social room. No smoking building. Call 780-678-2621 for more info or to set up a viewing.
STORAGE SPACE – in Downtown Camrose. Secure, clean, dry, heated storage space on main floor in office building. Easy access. 124 sq. ft. $200/mo. Available immediately. Call Blain or Don at 780-672-3142, the fairest, most reasonable people in the business.
ROOMS FOR RENT in the Scotney and Jacqueline character homes. Both are 2.5 blocks from university in Camrose. Clean, quiet and bright. Rent is $495 - $600 monthly plus DD and includes WiFi, utilities, recycle pick-up, yard care and snow removal. Partially furnished w/ shared laundry. (Some rooms are fully furnished for international students.) This is an affordable, quality accommodation that fills quickly. (Some rooms still available.) No partiers, smokers or pets allowed. Reduced rate over the summer for students. Please call Dave P., 780678-6163.
GENEROUS OFFICE
MAIN STREET CAMROSE
193 sq. ft. on second floor.
Quiet considerate neighbours. Paved occupant parking in rear. $263.93/mo., all inclusive, except communications and GST.
Call Blain Fowler or Don Hutchinson 780-672-3142 days, two of the fairest, most reasonable fellows in the business!
CHOOSE YOUR NEW OFFICE
Selection of very nice street level offices in newer airconditioned building in Downtown Camrose
* Single offices from $237.51 per month
* Two consecutive 137 sq. ft. offices. Take one or take both of them. $313.16 each monthly, all in. Come and have a look!
* Quiet, considerate neighbours
* Easy access
* Lots of parking for customers
* Energized parking for tenants
* Immediate occupancy
Call Blain Fowler or Don Hutchinson, 780-672-3142 days, the fairest, most reason able fellows in the business!
SELF-CONTAINED BAY
2400 sq. ft., a/c, 2 wash rooms, renovated. Water/ sewer included. Ready now. Move-in time allowance and possible help for set-up. 5044-52 Street ~ $2250/mo. 780-608-5032
ESPECIALLY NICE OFFICE SUITE
LOCAL HANDYMAN! –Need a helping hand? Call or text me with details for a free quote. Over 20 years’ construction experience. Licensed & Insured. Door & Window Installation / Soffit & Fascia / Siding / Exterior House Painting / Baseboard Install / Basic Plumbing / Light Fixture Installation / Deck & Fence Repair / Cabinets & Countertops / and much more… “I solve problems for homeowners and landlords.” Phone 780-686-4045. Email: bluetruck13@hotmail.com
FOR RENT
FOR RENT ADS
NOW UPLOADED
BEST LOCATION ON MAIN STREET CAMROSE
– Excellent, affordable multi-use space with reception area, office, work area with cupboards and sink. $725/mo. includes all util ities. COVID workable. Could be the perfect place for your business. Have a look! Immedi ate possession. Best crosswalk location on Main Street. 780679-2170.
SUPER LARGE, SUPER QUIET – Second floor office in downtown Camrose! 340 sq. ft., former broadcast studio. $464.95/mo., all inclusive except communications and GST. Call Blain Fowler or Don Hutchinson, 780-672-3142 days, two of the fairest, most reasonable fellows in the business!
MAIN STREET RETAIL
SPACE – for lease. Ground floor plus basement. Prime location on busy corner, 5001-50 Street. 2950 sq. ft., plus +/– 1500 sq. ft. in basement. Nicely decorated, a/c, new roof. $2700 plus triple net. 780-608-5222 for details. Our thanks to Fringe Benefits for being a wonderful tenant. We wish them great success.
Generous 794 sq. ft. suite, suitable for two, three or more staff. Includes two private offices. Located in Downtown Camrose. Main floor, easily accessible, bright, quiet. $1,668.06/mo. Call Blain Fowler or Don Hutchinson, 780-672-3142 days, two of the fairest, most reasonable fellows in the business.
RENOVATED ONE BED ROOM APARTMENT –
Fridge, stove, heat, water includ ed. Powered parking space, free laundry. $875/mo. No pets, no smoking. Augustana/downtown area. 780-672-9531.
HOUSEHOLD
PINK FABRIC LOVE
SEAT, oak coffee table, both in good condition. Asking $100 obo. 587-336-4316.
REAL ESTATE
SEDGEWICK HOME FOR
SALE – single garage, fenced yard. Renovated inside and out. Basement ½ bath, washer, dryer. Room for 2 bedrooms. 480149 Street. $68,900. Phone 403332-1039, Alec 403-715-3804.
MACHINERY
SWATHER NO LONGER ‘CUTTING THE MUSTARD?’ Call The Camrose Booster Classifieds, 780-672-3142.
MISCELLANEOUS
TURF TIL 5 hp tiller with forward and reverse. POULAN PRO 208 cc/24” snow blower. MTD 3 hp 18” tiller. 780-679-3414
FALL AND WINTER ARE HERE – I have firewood for sale. Spruce and pine mixed totes. Approximately 1/3 cord, 1/4 cord. Also bagged approxi mately 50 pounds. 780-292-0676.
GARAGE SALES
EVERYTHING MUST GO! – 5438-50 Street (in back alley). Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
AUTO
DADS – LOOKING FOR A CAR WITHOUT A BACK SEAT? Count on our classifieds. We match up buyers and sellers. Phone the Camrose Booster, 780-672-3142.
2008 MERCEDES C350 –very well maintained, excellent condition. Asking $7500. Comes with winter tires on Mercedes rims. Call Ken, 780-278-2638.
BOATS, RVS and TRAILERS
2003 FLEETWOOD WIL DERNESS 27H TRAILER –very clean! Super slide, great floor plan with plenty of room, lots of storage inside and out, a/c, private island queen bed, sleeps six. Fibreglass exterior. Second owner. Just spent over $2000 on safety/service and detail, includ ing new awning and tires. 28 feet to the hitch. My Dodge 1500 (1/2 ton) pulls this 5,000 lb. unit eas ily. $9,900 Call 780-608-9695.
LOVE CAMPING, BUT TIRED OF SHOVELLING SNOW OFF THE AWNING IN MAY? Say goodbye to your Gulfstream! Move it fast with a Camrose Booster classified. Phone 780-672-3142.
SELLING YOUR SEAWORTHY BOAT? Make a splash with an ad in the Booster classifieds! 780-672-3142.
Star t a New Career –Become a Health Care Aide!
The Bethany Group, in partnership with NorQuest College, is offering the Health Care Aide Workplace Delive ry program. This dynamic program gives students the opportunit y to wo rk while they lear n in a person-centered environm ent suppor ted by the health care team
Health Care Aides (H CA s) work within a multidisciplinary care team by providing physical and emotional suppor t, and compassionate care to resident s in Long-Ter m Care, DSL and Home Care.
What We Of fe r:
• The abilit y to earn money while in school
• A variet y of shif ts
• Face -to-face classes and labs
• Tuition suppor t and bursarie s available
• A rewarding career with the largest employer in Camrose
Requirements:
• Desire to learn, grow, and challenge yourse lf
• High School Language Ar ts or equivalent Enquire fo r detail s.
English Language Profi ciency Requirements:
• You must provide proof of ELP prior to registration In addition successfully co mplete the ACCU PL ACER Assessment of Admission. ELP test result s must have been obtained within two years of the star t date of your program. Enquire for detail s.
The HC A program star t date is Januar y, 2023 Successful candidates will be able to star t wo rk immediately. To learn more, please call 780-679-2012 or email education.services@bethanygrp.ca to register for our Virtual Career and Information Fair, to be held on Thursday, October 6, from 12:00pm-1:00pm Join us
We’d love to meet you!
Who We Are:
The Bethany Group is a major provider of Health and Housing services to over 2,60 0 households in 30 communities in Central Alberta. We are a leader in creating safe and supportive wo rk environments for our staf f while fostering a culture of dive rsit y, inclusivity, and respec t.
What We Do:
Our mission is to provide person -centered service that builds a caring communit y, connec ts people and makes a positive difference in each person’s life through the provision of Health, Housing and Suppor tive Living Services www.thebethanygroup.ca
*T he Bethany Group is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for our resident s, staf f, visitors and volunteers In order to co ntinue to protec t our staf f and those we serve, all employees within The Bethany Group will be required to be fully immunized against COVI D-19 as well as provide a clear Criminal Record Chec k.
Maintenance Worker
Battle River School Division is a ccepting applications for a ful l-time Maintenance Worker based out of the Maintenance Shop in Camrose, AB.
Under the direction of the Custodial and Grounds Coordinator, this position is responsible in the maintenance of grounds, and ground maintenance equipment
General grounds keeping abilities related to grass cutting, snow blowing and landscaping. And other general duties.
Quali cations and E xperience:
• High School diploma;
• Relevant experience in a related eld;
• Valid Alber ta Class 5 operator’s licence;
• Abilit y to work within a team setting and maintain good working relationships;
• Abilit y to communicate e ectively, both orall y and in writing;
• Willing and able to work after hours and be available for standby rotation to respond to emergencies;
• Abilit y to maintain con dentialit y;
• Criminal R ecords Check & Child Intervention Check
For inquiries contact Jennifer Hauck at: 780- 672- 6131 ex t. 5258 or jhauck@brsd.ab.ca.
Submit applications by Oc tobe r 6, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
We thank all who apply. Only those selec ted for fur ther consideration will be contacted
ONLY ONLINE APPLIC ATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Apply at: www.brsd. ab.ca/careers
Missed Delivery Policy
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS FOR GR AVEL HAULING
Camrose County invites applications from Gravel Hauling Contractor s for the County’s 20 22-2023 Winter Gravel
Haul The Gravel Haul consists of winter gravel hauling from November 2022 to March 2023 in order to complete the County Road Gravelling Program.
The 2022-2023 Winter Gravel Haul Tender WG23 -01 may be obtained for $25.00 pe r copy from the Camrose County Public Works Of fice, locate d at 3755 -43 Avenue, Camrose.
Please note your company name, phone number and email are required when obtaining te nder document.
The deadline for applications is 11:0 0 a.m., Octobe r 18, 2022
Please contac t Mark McNary, Gravel & Drainage Superintendent at 78 0- 672- 4449 for further information.
BIRTHS
To Joelle and Levi Paulgaard, of Provost, a son on September 22.
DEATHS
Adam Giesbrecht of Bawlf, on September 12.
Patrick Connolly of Tofield, on September 16, at 75 years of age.
Otto Schroedl of Strathcona County, on Sep tember 24 at 91 years of age.
Paul Orville Jones of Tofield, on September 25, at 95 years of age.
Sherman Brian Fenrick of Tofield, on Sep tember 25, at 65 years of age.
in
BRCF funds assist at-risk youth
By Lori LarsenThe Battle River Com munity Foundation re cently awarded $3,550 in grants to The Open Doors Association.
The grants are from income earned by the The Open Doors Association Fund, the Laverna Grand field Fund, the Dwight and Bonnie Maurer Fund and the Larry and Margaret Rathnavalu Fund, which are designated funds estab lished to support the The Open Doors Association.
Income from the Doug and Anne Burkard Family Fund, a donor advised fund which allows the donor to recommend annual grants recipients, was also grant ed to the Association.
“The Open Doors is grateful to the commu nity for showing their continuous support of our Integrated Youth Hub,” re marked The Open Doors regional director Morgan Shott. “The generous dona tions we receive have had such a positive impact on the lives of at-risk youth in Camrose.”
Generous donations, such as those provided by Battle River Community Foundation, have allowed The Open Doors to provide shelter, food, hope and ad ditional support services
that may not have other wise been accomplished without donor assistance.
“By providing wraparound services, we are able to walk alongside people and give them a hand up–rather than just a handout,” said Shott. “Your time, financial contribu tions and compassion truly make a difference and are incredibly appreciated.”
The Battle River Com munity Foundation exists to support organizations in East Central Alberta, which benefit the local com munities and have a posi tive impact on the future.
Grants from the Battle River Community Founda tion are primarily made possible through the gen erosity of individual do nors and organizations that have created endowment funds. The principal of these endowment funds is kept intact and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations.
Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Com munity Foundation has granted over $8,216,000 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.
Central Agencies Realty Home of the Week Beautiful bungalow
Graham Wideman By Lori LarsenIf you are looking for an exceptionally wellbuilt home in a quieter adult community, this beautiful four-bedroom bungalow offers it all. Located in the Park View Ravines by Stoney Creek Valley, this home is close to walking trails, which will fit in perfectly to an active lifestyle.
The open design home keeps family and friends close by while meals are prepared. Gorgeous warm-toned hardwood flooring flows throughout the main floor of the home. The large open living room features bayed tall win dows, combined with vaulted ceilings which flood the entire area with natural light.
The well appointed kitchen offers a curved sit-up island, complete
with a sink so you can prepare and serve a Thanksgiving dinner buffet. A corner pantry offers so much storage space. Continue enter taining your guests in the adjacent dining area with garden doors lead ing out to a large deck complete with barbecue gas hookup, and over looking the landscaped backyard with mature trees lining the property.
Continue conversa tion in the lovely great room with a feature gas fireplace in the bayed window area.
Welcome the end of your day in the large pri mary bedroom complete with a private four-piece en suite featuring double sinks and easy access four-foot walk-in shower.
Another bedroom on the main level could be used as a den or home
office, and the spacious main floor laundry fea tures a sink and plenty of cabinet storage.
Move down to the completely finished base ment that has wonderful nine-foot ceilings, a huge family or games room, two more bedrooms, a threepiece bathroom and a cold or storage room that has built in shelving.
But what really sets this home apart is the 22’ x 24’ heated garage and extra parking.
This exceptional home, located at 540539 Avenue, #18 , is priced at $437,500, and is available for imme diate possession. Join Graham Wideman at an open house on Thurs day, October 6 from 2 until 4 p.m. or, for a private viewing, contact Graham at:
Central Agencies Realty 4870-51 Street, Camrose 780-672-4495 or Cell 780-679-8384
THANKSGIVING EDITION
A woman got a pet parrot , but she was horri ed to discover that all it did was say mean things and insult her. Nothing she did would stop it . She was especially worried because her whole family was coming over for Thanksgiving dinner
But when the dinner nally came, the parrot didn’t say a word the entire time
Af ter the meal, the parrot turned to it’s owner and said, “Please forgive my behaviour from before. I was entirely out of line
“Wow,” the woman said. “Glad to hear it ”
“If I may ask,” said the parrot , “What on ear th did that turkey say to you?”
Thanksgiving Tips:
• Don’t bother cleaning the cobwebs and dust in your house – just tell your company that you are decorating early for Halloween this year
• Never eat any food o ered to you by an adorable toddler relative. It might look like a cookie or a pickle, but it’s actually the u
• Keep pumpkin pie from dr ying out by eating it all in one sitting
• Be sure to bring up politics at Thanksgiving this year – you’ll save on Christmas gif ts.
• Compliment the host on their baseboards. That is what they’ve spent this week cleaning
• If your kids have come home for Thanksgiving and are occupying all the toilets in your house and you are waiting for one to be free, just switch o the Wi-Fi.
Thanksgiving is the day you forget about all the ghting and division in the world and just focus on all the ghting and division in your family
I’m not sure if I’m thank ful for family, or thank ful for all the food they brought over.
Thanksgiving with kids: Mom: “What do you want to eat ? We’ve got sweet potatoes, wild rice with mushrooms, cranberr y almond stu ng, cornbread, cranberr y sauce, roasted asparagus, potatoes and grav y and turkey!”
Kid: “Grilled cheese.”
Thanksgiving is the only holiday where you eat the mascot
My family told me to stop telling Thanksgiving jokes, but I told them I couldn’t just quit “cold turkey ”.
A potato and a sweet potato were playing on the playground. The sweet potato told the potato, “Hey, I just found out I’m related to you.” The potato said, “No, you’re not!” and the sweet potato replied, “Yes, I yam.”
Thanksgiving is the day men star t getting in shape … to play Santa Claus.
Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings, one by one, as each relative goes home.
You can tell you ate too much for thanksgiving when you have to let your bathrobe out Happy Thanksgiving! Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has to do the dishes.
Ultimate Turkey Recipe
Here’s a killer turkey recipe, with a foolproof self-timer. It’s impossible to mess this up. You’ll get a per fectly cooked turkey ever y time
Preheat the oven to 325. Prepare the turkey, basting it with salt, garlic, butter, and black pepper
In a bowl, combine equal par ts stu ng mix and popcorn. ( Yes, popcorn.)
Fill the turkey ’s cavit y with the mix ture. Lay the turkey in a greased roasting pan. Inser t the turkey into the oven, with the neck pointing inward. ( This is ver y impor tant )
Do not concern yourself with roasting time
When the turkey ’s rear end blows the door o the oven, it’s done
Battle River School Division High quality teaching. Optimal learning.
Adapting as we go!
The 2021-2022 school year was the third in a row to be impacted by the global pandemic. It is a startling fact that students in Kindergarten to Grade 2 have never had a full non-pandemic school year.
As extra measures were imposed and lifted, as school response plans were made and revised, as student and staff absence rates rose and fell, everyone in Battle River School Division continued to do their very best to be flexible and adaptable to each new circumstance.
We know the disruptions of recent years have impacted students’ academic achievement, as well as their mental health. We know staff have experienced high rates of stress and struggle too.
But as we look back at the year that was, we also know that, through all the adjustments, challenges and ongoing changes, one thing remained the same: the commitment to providing high quality teaching, in order to support optimal student learning. Staff ensured students made the most of every opportunity to be engaged and participate as active learners and citizens.
Looking forward to the year ahead, we are excited to be moving into a post-pandemic era that allows us to focus on implementing new curriculum, broadening our perspective on equity and engaging in-person with our communities.
Did you know...
On an annual basis, Battle River School Division is required to report to the communities we serve.
This publication was produced and distributed to households throughout the division at a cost of approximately 45.5 cents per copy.
Hello from Sparling!
Success comes in many forms
Our school division focuses on the “critical 2” –providing high quality teaching, to support optimal student learning. That learning happens in classrooms and CTS labs; in sports and performance venues; on playgrounds and in commons areas, too. Creating environments in which academics, relationships and a sense of belonging are all focused on helping students thrive is what school is all about.
Success is different for every student and can take a different form every single day.
Sometimes, success means mastering a new concept or idea; sometimes it is learning a new skill. Sometimes success means feeling safe and welcome at school; sometimes it means being able to get along with the people around you today. Sometimes success is focused on belonging to a team or getting absorbed in creating a performance or product. Whatever success means to them, BRSD wants every student to experience something positive at school each day.
Contributing to society
BRSD students often take on projects which support causes that are bigger than themselves and their school. Many schools participate in activities such as the Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research or Jump Rope for Heart, which raises funds for Heart Health. This year, many schools also took on projects to support Indigenous causes or Ukrainian refugees.
Our Mission
The Battle River School Division, in collaboration with our communities, will support every student to be a lifelong learner and contributing member of society.
We believe…
• Every student can learn.
• Our fundamental purpose is to promote student learning, growth and understanding.
• Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect in a safe and caring environment.
• Positive relationships build healthy, resilient students and staff.
• When a student is in need we will provide support.
• We will support every student to the best of our ability every day.
• All staff must be skilled, committed and dedicated to their own continuous learning.
• Optimal learning occurs when it is engaging, meaningful and active.
Celebrating a new school
After several years of planning and construction, students and staff were able to move across the yard from the old Chester Ronning School to the brand-new Chester Ronning School in the spring of 2022. The replacement building was funded by Alberta Government in response to the increasing need for repairs and upgrading of mechanical, electrical and structural systems in the old building.
Learning from stakeholders
Despite limitations on in-person gatherings throughout much of the school year, BRSD created online opportunities for stakeholders to provide input, first with a survey regarding the 2022-2023 school calendar, and then with surveys focused on each of literacy and numeracy.
The feedback from parents influenced decisions at the Board table and BRSD is looking forward to being able to invite input on other topics this year.
Building a sense of equity
The school division offered an Equity Committee for the first time in the 2021-2022 school year, to help build knowledge and understanding across BRSD. The main area of focus in the first year was on Truth and Reconciliation, with many schools welcoming Elders into their classrooms to share stories and Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
BRSD is also honoured to welcome International Students into our local schools. This program, which allows students from around the world to pay tuition to attend a BRSD school, increases our students’ knowledge and awareness of global cultures and opportunities.
As we move forward, the school division will continue to focus on ensuring students have equities of opportunity regardless of their culture, race, religion, abilities, gender, sexual orientation or country of origin.
Where is the money allocated for 2022-2023?
Battle River School Division ensures resources are allocated in ways that serve the best interests of students.
That’s why nearly 73 percent of the 78.8 million in projected expenditures for the 2022-2023 school year is allocated directly to student instruction. That amount includes the cost of ensuring schools have adequate staff, that there are specialized programs available to meet student needs and that our technology and learning resources are continually updated.
A further 7 percent of expenditures is budgeted to transport students to and from school each day. That includes the purchase of school buses, as well as the salaries and training of people who drive them, as well as for scheduling and repairing them.
Operating and maintaining school facilities, creating positive environments in which students and staff can safely spend their school days, accounts for about 14 percent of budgeted spending.
About 2 percent of funding is directed to external services, which includes providing mental health and wellness support programs for students.
The School Division budgets 3 percent of its spending for Administration of the School Division, which includes Board costs, providing staff to manage the payroll and benefit programs, ensure the bills are paid and the Division continues to run smoothly.
The budget year runs from September 1 to August 31, so the annual year-end audit process is now underway.
Welcome to the Board!
The BRSD Board was sworn in for a four-year term in the fall of 2021.
The current Battle River School Division Board of Trustees was elected in the fall of 2021, for a four-year term which will expire in the fall of 2025.
2019, the Board announced that, at the time of the 2021 election, they would reduce the number of Board members from eight to five, in reflection of declining rural enrollment and number of schools. As a result, the 2021 election saw five Trustees assuming positions on the Board for the years ahead, as opposed to the eight positions there were in the past.
During their first year, the three new Trustees have been busy learning their new roles. As they settle into their second year, the Board is focused on beginning a process of engaging their communities and gathering feedback. Watch for more details over the weeks and months ahead!
13.81%
57,391,930
10,884,933
5,691,273
2,734,436
2,141,878