One of the most welcome sights and sounds of winter in Camrose is when the Public Works crew of eleven hits residential neighbourhoods with heavy equipment to make life easier for drivers. Fighting against Mother Nature’s relentless flurry of freezing/thawing temperatures, snow squalls and high winds in recent weeks, plus the never-ending challenge of maneuvering through a maze of vehicles parked in well-signed and advertised snow-clear routes, the City of Camrose has hauled over 2,400 truckloads of snow from residential streets since November 2024. In addition, crews, with the support of contractors, have cleared the Downtown core three times this winter, the 48th Avenue meridian once, and priority roadways, the airport, schools and major intersections multiple times each.
The same crew sands streets as required and moves snow away from key City sidewalks, crosswalks and bus stops, in addition to other civic responsibilities as delegated and prioritized.
Roadway clearing last week in the Southwest Meadows subdivision of Camrose.
Photo by Ron
Pilger
Battle River School Division thanks Battle River Community Foundation for their support
Submitted
Battle River School Division (BRSD) is grateful for Battle River Community Foundation’s (BRCF) continual dedication to supporting education throughout our community. This generosity helps to enhance programming, enrich learning environments, and provide students with resources necessary for success.
The foundation’s generous donation of $60,000 in 2024 allowed students to continue learning during the summer through Reading University, an impactful program that enhances literacy and fosters a love of reading among youth.
This bighearted donation is just one of several contributions BRCF has made to support local schools and students. Since September, BRCF has awarded numerous grants and scholarships to support BRSD schools and educational journeys for individual students.
These awards have supported school band and music programs, including the purchase of band instruments, in addition to the opportunity for school enhancements.
Many BRSD students received scholarships reflecting a broad range of
award criteria. This includes recognition for academic achievements such as top-performing, skill improvement, high marks, completion of grade level or program and extracurricular involvement.
Through these awards, students have also been recognized for outstanding personal qualities, fostering relationships with school leaders, community volunteer work and demonstration of commendable leadership qualities, as well as the need for financial support.
Students who are pursuing careers in teaching, education, and children’s services received scholarships. Also, students received awards for pursuing post-secondary education in culinary arts, hospitality, trades and Red Seal programs, the technical sector and agricultural programs.
BRSD schools that have benefited from BRCF grants since September 2024: Battle River Alternative Centre for Education (BRACE), École Camrose Composite High School (ÉCCHS), École Charlie Killam School (ÉCKS), Forestburg School, and Hay Lakes School.
Grants for scholar-
ships to support student educational journeys were awarded to students at: Bawlf School, Central High Sedgewick Public School (CHSPS), Daysland School, École Camrose Composite High School (ÉCCHS), and Forestburg School.
BRSD Superintendent Rhae-Ann Holoien expressed deep appreciation to BRCF and its efforts to make education and extracurricular activities accessible for all. “We are beyond grateful for the Battle River Community Foundation and the scholarships and donations received by our division, students and schools,” says Holoien. “Because of their generosity, we are able to enhance our educational opportunities, and our students have additional support to excel and build confidence as they work toward their career goals. We thank the BRCF for their generous commitment to education and to our students.”
BRCF has provided invaluable support to Camrose and surrounding areas for 30 years. The work of the foundation has provided opportunities for current and past donors, making impactful differences within the community.
ROTARY CARES
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Rotary Camrose member Ron Rebus, left, presented the Rotary Cares winning ticket holder Kaye Rud with $1,000 for January’s draw. She said it pays to support Rotary and has $1,000 to prove it. The proceeds from the draw go towards community projects.
Blessed Carlo Acutis
Catholic High School
Grade 9 to 12
Open House Date: Spring TBDDetails will be shared on our
Pleasant Catholic School
Grade 5 to 8
Open House Date: Spring TBDDetails will be shared on our website at olmp.eics.ab.ca
Vein finder arrives at St. Mary’s Hospital
By Murray Green
Covenant Health St. Mary’s Hospital Camrose received $8,725 from the St. Mary’s Hospital, Camrose Foundation for the purchase of a Vein Finder machine for the hospital.
“Many patients, especially chemotherapy patients have poor veins, which impacts the insertion of an IV. A vein finder allows the nurse to see the vein under the skin clearly to insert an IV. The use of a vein finder means greater patient comfort, less attempts to start an IV and an overall decrease in the number of pokes required. Vein finder usage also helps decrease the need for more invasive methods being used to ensure medications are being administered, like central lines.
“We are delighted to
be able to utilize this Vein Finder device throughout the hospital. It will make a big difference to enhance patient care and comfort,” said Carlye Smith, program manager at St. Mary’s Hospital.
“Some chemotherapy requires specific access locations and vein size. The vein finder device increases our ability to visualize IV access points on patients, especially those receiving cancer care. Having a vein finder aids us in looking for an appropriate vein and lessens IV attempts, which ultimately decreases patient stress. A vein finder can provide visualization of veins that may not have been previously accessed,” continued Jennifer Hihn, RN nurse navigator at the Camrose Community Cancer Clinic at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Unit manager Jamie Nester of St. Mary’s Hospital, Camrose Foundation member Agnes Hoveland, Foundation board member Gail Cunningham and Marnie Barkman, RN at the Camrose Community Cancer Clinic, test the new vein finder machine.
Four happiness boosters It’s the tail end of “Happy New Year” season. In the past two weeks, I’ve mentioned things you can do to feel happier, based on an article by Jeff Haden. The article title was, “Want to Be Happier? Science Says Do These 11 Things Every Single Day.”
In the past two weeks, I’ve described six of those things. They were smile more, exercise for seven minutes, sleep more, spend more time with friends and family, go outside more often, and help other people.
Here are four more ways the article describes that can help make you feel happier.
***
Plan a trip (even if you don’t ever take it). As opposed to actually taking a holiday, even just planning a vacation or some other break from work or routine can improve your happiness. One study found that the biggest spike in happiness came during the planning stage of a holiday.
But it’s not just about vacations. “One study found that people who just thought about watching their favourite movie actually raised their endorphin levels by 27 per cent.” Having something to look forward to increases your happiness. So–if you don’t have something to look forward to right now, plan something, even if it’s a month or a year away!
***
Meditate. Some of us have a chattery mind. The idea of “stilling your mind” might be appealing but seems impossible. However, I’ve learned that sitting in a comfortable chair and taking a few deep breaths, just noticing the breath moving in and out, can help my chattery mind to stop flitting about. Scrunching up muscles and then relaxing also has that effect.
Any practice that helps to still your mind can increase your focus, clarity and attention span. It can also increase your happiness. One study showed that after people completed a course in mindfulness meditation, the parts of their brain associated with compassion and self-awareness grew. The parts of their brain associated with stress got smaller.
***
Practice gratitude. Having an attitude of gratitude increases your happiness. A focus on looking for things to appreciate can lower stress or sadness and lift your happiness and life satisfaction. A practice like noticing three good things every day, or keeping a gratitude journal, can increase your happiness level.
You can even be grateful for being grateful!
***
The easiest tip. Just get older. As you get older, especially past middle age, you tend to grow happier naturally. Perhaps that’s partly because you have fewer responsibilities and more time when you can choose what you want to do. Some studies show that older people tend to remember happy times more than unhappy times. They let go of loss and disappointment and focus on greater well-being.
If you’re not yet past middle age and worry about getting older, you can lower your worry level. You’re almost certain to be happier as you get older. How cool is that?
***
My “Happy 2025” gift for you, if you’d like it.
Two weeks ago, I mentioned that physical movement can help increase your happiness level. I also mentioned a “7-minute workout.”
If you email Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com and ask for the “7-minute workout,” I will happily email you a copy of a one-page version. It has diagrams of all the movements, and some information about them.
And now? Let’s just get on with choosing to be as happy as we can for the rest of the year, no matter what may be happening around us.
***
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 two business days.
Federal election
The 1988 federal election was the last in Canada to be fought over a big, overarching, national idea–in this case, free trade with the United States. It featured a gripping and passionate televised debate between John Turner and Brian Mulroney, who would ultimately become PM.
Turner’s impassioned argument that free trade with the US would undermine our economic independence and make us vulnerable to capricious policy makers in Washington. While some would argue that 30 years of tighter economic integration was worth the price we must now pay; economic observers on both sides of the border must now admit Turner was right as the USA benefitted to a much greater degree than Canada...as was Pierre Elliot Trudeau when he warned.
“Living next to you [the US] is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and eventempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.”
Like the US is about to learn, elections have consequences. Even if they are not immediate. Not the first time Canada has been outsmarted...Canada paid 75 to 80 per cent of the cost of upgrading the St. Lawrence Seaway in the late 1950s and received 10 per cent of the benefit.
Mulroney and Pat Carney’s signed NAFTA which demolished Canada’s ethical pharmaceutical industry who packed up lock, stock and barrel and left Canada. Mulroney also sold Connaught Labs to a private investor (including the patent rights to insulin) for a pittance. Connaught Labs was one of the three top virology labs in the world along with the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the Lister Institute in London. Some 35 years later, any wonder Canada was not able to compete producing an anti COVID-19 vaccine?
Trump’s tariffs are no more than a tax because the USA needs the money and sly old Donald sold it as an MAGA slogan and Hilary’s “deplorables” were easily fooled. Gives all new meaning to the expression…“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice shame on me.”
Lynn Clark, Camrose
Disappointing delay
Until this point, I’ve never felt compelled to write to The Booster with concerns that I’ve had about my community and how it’s being managed. But I’m writing today to express my dis-
appointment and concern over the delayed opening of Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School.
Being a ‘born and raised’ Camrosian (with two children in Grade 8 and Grade 11 at Our Lady of Mount Pleasant High School), I was excited to hear about the new Catholic high school finally coming to fruition and the benefits it brings to our community. Unfortunately, the repeated delays in the project’s timeline have left myself and many other parents feeling lost, frustrated and disappointed.
I understand that in a project of this size delays do occur, but the constant push-backs have made it extremely difficult for families, teachers and school administration to plan for the future. The lack of a clear and definitive opening date has created uncertainty, particularly in students (like my kids), who are looking forward to attending the new high school in September 2025. As a community, we’ve had no reliable information or a clear understanding of the new high school’s status. Instead, we’re forced to try and find some semblance of truth in a pool of rumours, half-truths and innuendos about ‘infighting’, ‘back-room deals’ and ‘finger pointing’ regarding the delays in the school’s opening. As a city, we should pride ourselves on a commitment to education and providing our students with a top-notch facility. The impending delay in opening the high school not only affects the students, but has a ripple effect on all of Camrose. These now very public issues reflect poorly on our reputation as a city. Our City manager, our mayor and our City council look unprepared, unprofessional and unserious, as they’ve struggled to find solutions to ultimately getting this school open. I have serious doubts that they’ve considered the concerns of our community and are too obtuse to see how this whole affair is an embarrassment to Camrose’s reputation. I pray that all groups involved can still find a solution to getting this project back on track. I hope that rather than being viewed as villains…our City manager and council can re-focus on finding a solution to this boondoggle and how they’ll be remembered when their time in civil service is over.
Dr. Davin Wilcox, Camrose Need election
My dream of a “former Prime Minister” Justin
Trudeau was a little premature. His fake resignation and prorogation of Parliament has allowed him a couple more months in office and further opportunity to destroy our once great country.
Few people realize that Mr. Trudeau and the Liberal Party have been systematically destroying Canada. It sounds absurd, and it took a very long time for me to come to this realization, but I believe it is true.
At one time I just thought they were stupid, because they kept making stupid decisions. Then I realized that those decisions are only stupid if you want the best outcomes for Canada. These are not stupid people. Many of them are highly intelligent, highly educated, professionally accomplished people. So, if they are not stupid, and they are consistently making decisions that are harmful to our country, they are malicious. They want to destroy the wonderful country that our forebears laboured so hard to build.
Take, for example, US President Donald Trump’s threat of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports. What the Canadian news media have failed to report is those tariffs are conditional on Canadian government stopping the flow of illegal migrants and drugs across our border. I don’t know about you, but I happen to think a secure border is a good idea. Not only will it help to protect our closest neighbour and largest trading partner, but it will protect us as well. Yet Trudeau and his party, along with nine out of 10 premiers, have decided that it is better to enter a trade war with the United States than it is to stop the flow of contraband and undocumented migrants across our border.
From my perspective, this is stupid. From Trudeau’s perspective, it seems to be a good idea. But what can Canadians expect from a trade war with our closest neighbour and largest trading partner, especially when that trading partner is the single largest economy in the world? It will be a disaster for our economy, for all of us and for our children. Yet Trudeau and nine out of 10 premiers have decided to pursue this policy, rather than secure our border to stop the flow of contraband products, drugs, and human beings. Kudos to Premier Danielle Smith for having the backbone to stand up for all of Canada by opposing this suicidal madness.
Dave Gosse, Camrose
❚
WHO can I count on?
Your handy dire ctor y for area profes sionals, tr adesmen and se rvice businesses
• Canada Safeway District Manager Doug Parsons told members of the Camrose Rotary Club that Camrose can look forward to a new 42,000 square foot store to be located west of Garden Market IGA in a development which will include a 107,000 square foot Wal-Mart store. The new $8 million store will feature a full-service bakery, deli, floral department and pharmacy. It should be open in September or October, creating around thirty new jobs in the process.
• Around 1,300 students from the St. Patrick, Sifton, New Norway, Hay Lakes, Bawlf, PACE, Rosalind and Bashaw Schools, as well as CCHS, will be attending the day-long “High on Life” conference. According to Kathy Henderson, Chairperson of the High on Life committee, the conference will feature 49 different presentations to equip students with information and skills that will enable them to make positive choices about things like drug and alcohol use, peer pressure, healthy relationships, life choices, financial choices, stress, anxiety, self-esteem and more. The conference was the recipient of $2,500 to assist with conference expenses. Part of the grant came from the Harry M. Kuntz Memorial Fund, administered by the Greater Camrose Community Foundation which provided $1,980 while an additional $520 came from donations given in memory of Katherine Humbke (nee Brady) by her family
• At the annual meeting of the Camrose Flying Society, at the York Cafe, Steve Shuman was installed as President for 1975 by outgoing President, Theo Thirsk. Other executive positions will be filled by Frank Reid, VicePresident; Art Dahlen, Secretary; and Derald Lloyd, Treasurer. New directors are Howard Beebe, Larry Campbell, Blain Fowler, Dwayne Kinnaird and Tom Klug. Members of the club who learned to fly in 1974 were presented with wings: Dwayne Kinnaird, Don Nelson, Tom Klug, Derald Lloyd, Frank Reid, Ross Baptist, Bill Solverson, Terry Browning and Larry Campbell
• Mayor R.P. Swanson signed a proclamation to declare February Heart Month in Camrose This year the Kinettes are coordinating the Heart Fund Campaign for funds. Witnessing the signing of the proclamation were: Simone Shepert, President of the Kinette Club; Doreen Jones, Vice-President and Chairman of the Heart Fund Drive; and Judy Phillips, Cochairman and Treasurer of the Club.
• Honourable Roy Farran, Minister of Telephones and Utilities, announced that direct distance dialing service for Camrose and 17 communities in Central Alberta will commence at noon on February 15, 1975. The service will permit customers to make long distance calls without operator assistance.
What becoming a Bird Friendly City means
Adan
Shown above is a bird feeder at Mirror Lake. The City of Camrose is excelling in several areas to protect its bird population. From habitat protection to public education, the community has already taken many actions to make the City bird friendly.
By Adan Shaikh
Camrose is home to a wide variety of beautiful birds – you can hear their song as soon as the sun rises. Professor Glenn Hvenegaard, along with a team of eight individuals from different wildlife preservation organizations, has been working towards getting the City of Camrose Bird Friendly City status. If the City achieves this status, it would allow them to collaborate with different organizations to educate the public about bird awareness.
“This is a program sponsored by a national organization called Nature Canada. The Bird Friendly City program is designed to recognize cities that are doing the work to protect the birds and promote their welfare. Populations of birds in Canada are declining and municipalities, land owners and communities need to work together to respond to this crisis,” explained Hvenegaard.
He requested that the City sign a letter of support which can be submitted to
Nature Canada for Camrose to apply to become a Bird Friendly City.
“Some areas that we are already excelling in are education and habitat protection. We host an annual bird festival and have citizen science for outreach. An example of habitat protection would be our Stoney Creek Valley. We do need to do more work on threat reductions, such as having speed limits in habitat areas, and introducing a cat bylaw,” said Hvenegaard.
As announced by Nature Canada last May, there are a total of 26 municipalities currently holding the Bird Friendly City certification all over Canada. Some of the notable cities are Vancouver, BC; Hamilton, ON; Regina, SK; and Dorval, QC.
The council carried a motion agreeing to provide Professor Hvenegaard and team a letter of support to apply for certification.
Property values on the rise
By Adan Shaikh
The City of Camrose manager of assessment Travis Lantz presented the council with 2025 property assessment roll, sharing a summary of changes in property values across residential and non-residential properties in the City.
“We do a new assessment for every property every year. This assessment is based on the conditions of the properties at the end of 2024,” explained Lantz.
Assessment notices were mailed on January 9 and property owners have until March 17 to file complaints regarding their assessments, if they have any. But what does this mean for the City?
Residential market
The total assessed value for residential properties has increased from $2.333 billion in 2024 to $2.557 billion in 2025, an 8.97 per cent rise in market value. Growth from new developments contributed an additional 1.25 per cent, while affordable housing exemptions reduced the assessment base by 0.44 per cent. The housing market in Camrose saw much demand, with most properties selling over the list price and with minimal time on the market.
Non-residential
The non-residential market also experienced growth, rising from $591 million to $621 million, representing a 2.42 per cent market value increase and 3.01 per cent growth from new developments. This growth is the highest the City has seen
since 2009. However, the final assessment for regulated non-residential properties, such as industrial and utility assets, is yet to be determined.
Exemptions
A recent decision made by the Province to exempt affordable housing properties has impacted the overall assessment growth, reducing the tax base by $10 million. The City has observed sustained growth after years of decline, with residential growth levels the highest since 2016. New residential construction, including single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings, contributed approximately $28.8 million in new assessments. Non-residential growth, driven by new commercial developments and renovations, added approximately $17.7 million to the assessment roll.
Assessments are based on the market value of properties as of July 1, 2024, and their condition as of December 31, 2024. Property owners can review their assessments with City staff throughout the year, but the formal appeal window runs from January 17 to March 17. Once tax notices are issued in May, no further assessment complaints will be accepted.
City council is expected to finalize tax rates for all property classes in March or April. For further details, property owners are encouraged to review their assessment notices and contact the City of Camrose’s assessment department if they have any concerns.
By Adan Shaikh Property
owners affected by the 2010 annexation of lands from Camrose County voiced their concerns to the council on the January 20 meeting of the whole council.
“In 2010 the City completed the annexation of multiple properties from Camrose County. An Order in Council (OiC) was passed to offer the owners of these properties a lower City tax rate for a period from 2010 to 2024,” explained City manager Malcolm Boyd.
These provisions were set to expire at the end of 2024, leading to anticipated tax increases of 70 to 100 per cent for residential properties. According to the City’s assessment, the average tax increase per property is estimated at $1,900 annually.
Property owners argued that the annexation was based on growth projections from a 2006 study that estimated an annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent between 2007 to 2011 and 2.5 per cent growth thereafter. However, recent studies suggest a much lower growth rate of 0.7 per cent between 2022 and 2046.
“The City had estimated a higher rate of growth than what actually happened,” commented Cliff Walline, one of the property owners from the annexed areas.
“I don’t think it’s fair for the City to tax our properties at higher rates because the level of service provided in our area is not the same as the higher level of services available in the City. The reason why we were allowed a lower tax rate between 2010 to 2024 is because the City has not progressed to our area,” said Walline.
Sharing statistics and
projections from the municipal development plan, Walline said, “From the current forecasted growth, my estimate is that we will not see the City increasing the level of access to amenities and services in our area until 2040.”
The property owners also pointed out that, at the time of annexation, both Camrose County and the City agreed there would be no significant financial impact on either municipality, as the total tax revenue generated from the annexed land was only $28,000, which is less than one per cent of total annual tax revenue.
“It may not seem like much, but we pay a $50 maintenance fee to the City, and we have been told the fee is to maintain the infrastructure within Camrose, such as street lights. But we don’t have any street lights or any services that are maintained through this fee in our area,” explained Walline.
In the past 15 years, the taxes the property owners of the annexed area have paid have been based on County tax rates. The affected residents are now urging the City to reconsider the expiration of the tax provisions and explore options to mitigate the financial burden on homeowners.
Councillor Agnes Hoveland advised that the council discuss this matter further, considering that projections for growth have not been accurate and reconsider the annexation piece.
The council acknowledged the concerns and will review the information provided by the property owners before making any further decisions.
Shaikh, Camrose Booster
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster
Many areas in Camrose are experiencing a growth in residential and non-residential development. The Cascades (pictured) is one of the areas where property values have seen growth in 2024.
The
Bashaw hockey game raises funds
By Murray Green
Bashaw
RCMP detachment hosted a Charity Hockey Game, dubbed The Buffalo Cup as a trib
ute to both the RCMP Buffalo badge as well as Buffalo Lake near Bashaw, on January 17. RCMP deputy commissioner Rob Hill dropped the first puck. He is responsible for overseeing all of Alberta, the RCMP’s second largest division in Canada.
RCMP members and friends from around the province joined in the fun including members as far north as Kitscoty and as far south as Raymond. The team also included two retired NHL players, Nick Holden and Erik Christensen. The RCMP team came out with high energy and strong skill in the first period, but the Camrose Vikings U18AA team came out victorious with stamina and exuberance in the end. The Buffalo Cup was launched because the local RCMP believes in positive community engagement, as well as having an understanding regarding the importance of fundraising in rural communities.
w h i c h I h o p e t o c o n t i n u e f o s t e r i n g i n m y n
a c r o s s m y t e r r i t o r y I w a n t t o t a k e t h i s o p p o r t u n i t y t o t h a n k y o u f o r y o u r
p a s t a n d o n g o i n g s u p p o r t o f N o b l e E q u i p m e n t
P l e a s e d o n ’ t h e s i t a t e t o r e a
The Bashaw Community Resource Centre (Bashaw CRC) was the big winner. The hockey game idea was a great fit as Bashaw is a hockey focused town, which is evident in the abundant utilization of Bashaw’s Minor Hockey Association as well as the participation in vying for Kraft Hockeyville in the upcoming days.
A silent auction and a 50/50 draw raised more than $5,000 to go towards Bashaw CRC, which serves Bashaw and the local area.
All ages are served from the Resource Centre and they work hard to support our thriving communities through their innovation and leadership. Bashaw RCMP are looking forward to hosting the next game.
There are many different ways to begin the planning ahead conversation. For some families, it might be a casual conversation over dinner or a family gathering. For other families, a formal meeting might be better suited.
Benefits of Pre-Planning
• Peace of mind – Pre-planning takes the burden of making important decisions off your loved ones during a dif cult time.
• Longevity – Pre-planning your funeral will make certain that your choices are respected and carried out, without leaving your family to wonder what your wishes may have been.
DO YOU KNOW?
• Hauck Hearing Centre has been open in Camrose since 20 05 . We’ve been here the longest.
• Hauck Hearing Centre is an independent retailer We are not a franchise; we can dictate our preferred brand & competitive prices, without quotas or high-pressure sales, and we choose to o er in-home ser vices when other clinics won’ t or are not permitted. We are not bound by a head o ice in another par t of the world making our decisions for us.
• Hauck Hearing Centre is a family owned and operated business Claire Milligan is a second-generation Board Cer tified in Hearing Instrument Sciences, Registere d Hearing Aid Practitioner. Claire has se since 2002 . Presently, she is training her teenage daughter in this field
By Lara White, Seniors’ Coalition
Hauck Hearing Centre o ers a hearing aid trial experience like no other clinic in Canada. Contact our o ice to learn more!
Milligan,
As we get older, many of us begin having concerns about our memory and wonder if the things we are experiencing are normal changes or cause for concern. Perhaps you’ve heard (or used) the phrases “meno brain” or “senior moment” and wondered if you are in the early stages of dementia.
Let’s clear up some misconceptions and misunderstandings about memory, aging, and dementia. All of our bodies’ organs and systems age, and the brain is no exception. Normal age-related memory changes include more difficulty recalling names of infrequently seen people or ones we just met, taking longer to learn something new, or
occasionally misplacing things or forgetting to pay a bill. Sometimes a person has difficulty finding the right word they want to say or repeats oneself on occasion. Although these changes can be annoying, they don’t noticeably disrupt day to day life or affect the ability to complete tasks that the person normally would. One may have to strat-
egize differently around memory changes, like using a smartphone calendar or day timer to record appointments rather than relying on memory, but the person is able to continue managing these tasks.
It’s really important to understand that dementia is not a normal part of aging, and it doesn’t refer to one specific disease. Dementia is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect not only one’s memory and thinking, but also day to day function and the ability to care for oneself. There are several different types of dementia including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form. Red flags for dementia include such things as difficulties with driving (an increase in tickets, accidents or near-misses, or even new dents or scratches on the vehicle that are unexplained or explained in vague terms), getting lost in familiar places, difficulty taking medications properly, missing or forgetting appointments, and changes to personal hygiene and housekeeping. Dementia can also cause personality changes such as increased irritability/impatience, as well as mood changes such as increased anxiety or low mood. These types of changes are usually noticed by friends or family one has regular contact with. Medications can sometimes be helpful in the management of dementia symptoms.
Falling in between the normal age-related memory changes and dementia is mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. MCI is not early dementia, but the memory and thinking changes are more pronounced than those that are simply age related. Although approximately 15 per cent of those diagnosed with MCI will progress to dementia in one year, the majority don’t and some even improve. Those with MCI are still able to manage their day to day lives as before, but the changes in thinking and memory may be noticeable to their friends and family. MCI is an active area of research, and the use of medications in this stage is not well substantiated at this time.
Sometimes people have awareness, or insight, into their own cognitive changes, while others do not, and the changes are of most concern to their friends/family. If you have concerns about your cognition or that of someone close to you, please discuss your concerns with a qualified health care practitioner, a close family member of the person, or if you feel it is appropriate, the person themselves. It is not an easy conversation, but you could start by saying “I’ve noticed a change in you and I’m concerned, have you noticed it?”
In increasing understanding of and dispelling myths around the memory changes of aging, we can create a more compassionate, empathetic, and supportive community.
Friday, Februar y 14
6:00
7:15 p.m.
9:45 p.m. Café Voltaire Music by Stephen
10:30 p.m. The Last Repair Shop USA, 2023 Musical intro by Brynn Archibald
Saturday,
Grease: The Musical is coming to Lougheed Centre soon
By Murray Green
The Camrose Churchmice Players will hit the stage with Grease: The Musical in early February.
“This is different from a whole lot of Churchmice shows because we haven’t done such a dance heavy musical in a long time. For most of our people, it is the first time doing heavy choreographed numbers.
But, I’m really impressed by how fast everyone picked things up. They are not only doing the dances well, but they are doing it with such a huge smile on their face, which makes it so fun to watch,” said choreographer Kyra Thompson. The show goes back in time to Chicago in 1958.
Continued on page 13
Back row from left: Mike Hicks, David Roth, Mike Ploner and David Downey. Second row from left: Kyra Thompson, Tammy Herman and Jessica Betcher. Front row from left to right: Janet Roy, Kelly Laskosky Olafson, Barb Stroh, Margaret Holliston and Colleen Nelson. Missing from the photo is Lawrence Dufresne.
Grease is coming to Lougheed Centre
Continued from page 11
In Camrose, the 10 show dates are evening performances on February 6 to 8 at 7:30 p.m., and February 13 to 15 at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances will be on February 8 and 9 at 1:30 p.m., and February 15 and 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre.
“I have never choreographed a show before, so being able to go from an actor to a choreographer, it has definitely been a really cool side to see,” shared Kyra.
“A big part of Churchmice is community. Doing a show that so many people know gives you that sense of community. The shows brings people together to hear songs we all love to sing. It brings people together for some good community time,” said Kyra.
The show offers her some challenges. “The song ‘Born to Hand Jive’ is one of the hardest dance numbers because only one character is singing. Because the cast isn’t singing, we gave them a lot of choreography for that number. It was hard teaching everything, but they picked it up really fast. Even though it is the hardest number, it might be the best number in the show,” added Kyra.
“It was nerve-wracking to start out on the production side because it is something new to me, but everyone in the whole cast is super supportive to allow you to make mistakes and learn as you go. They give you that pat on the back when you need it. Now it feels like a natural process just because everyone is so supportive to each other,” said Kyra.
Here is some background on the show. The Rydell High School’s senior class reflects the too-coolfor-school Burger Palace Boys who are stealing hubcaps and acting tough with their gum-snapping, chainsmoking Pink Ladies looking hot in dance wear and pencil skirts.
The 1950s high school dream is about to explode in this musical that is both an homage to the idealism of the ’50s and a satire of high schoolers’ age-old desire to be provocative and rebellious. At the heart of the story is the romance between hot-rodding Danny Zuko and the sweet new girl in
professors Paul Gareau,
and Joe Wiebe
Film & Food: An Evening Connecting the Farm to the Plate
A screening of “Before the Plate” (2018) with sample fare from the Food Artisans of Camrose County and a locally focused Q&A.
February 11, 2025, Bailey Theatre
5:30 Sample Fare, 6:00 Film, 7:45 Local Q&A
As par t of this event, the Camrose Art Society has curated “Art To Table” an ar t show exhibiting ar tists’ interpretation of food and sustainability in our local community. Guests are invited to check out “Art to Table” in the Spotlight Bistro before the main event.
Presented by Camrose County and the Alber ta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities in
town, Sandy Dumbrowski. They had a secret romance in summer, but now back in the context of school, peerpressure and cliques make their love a bit more complicated. Can Danny maintain his cool dude status and still make Sandy his girl?
The whole gang sings and dances around Danny and Sandy’s romance, through hit songs such as “Greased Lightnin’,” “We Go Together” and “Mooning” imitating the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became
the soundtrack of a generation.
Grease was a Broadway hit long before the movie was released four years later.
The show transferred to Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre and later to the Royale Theatre, closing on April 13, 1980, after a record-breaking 3,388 performances. The film adaptation of Grease premiered in 1978 and became the highest-grossing movie musical of all time.
Featuring: Free to attend Please register in advance.
https://www.ualberta.ca/en/events/augustana/acsrc/film-and-food.html Alber ta Centre for Sustainable Rural Development uab.ca/acsrc
University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty presents
Tonquin Contemplations
Lecture-Recital featuring Micah Pawluk, piano
ze a sp ec ia l oc ca si on with an ad on th is pa ge !
SPOUSE
If you have a gem of a mate, we want to know.
Write to: The Love Department, Camrose Booster Ltd., 4925-48 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1L7 or email: ads@camrosebooster.com and tell us why your spouse deserves the title “Spouse of the Year” Explain what you love about your husband or wife and what makes them extra special.
Deadline for Entries:
Friday, February 7, 5 p.m.
We’ll publish the top four entries in our Valentine’s Booster on Tuesday, February 11.
The writer of our favourite entry will be specially recognized in this issue. His or her spouse will be awarded the title “Spouse of the Year” and will win:
❤ Dinner fo r Two at Days Inn Norsemen
❤ Tickets for Two to the Churchmice Players production of Grease on February 14 at the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre
to you
Ask the CITY
Question:
What does the City do to help ensure that they use local contractors?
Answer:
Unlike the private sector, as a government institution, the City must comply with various agreements, acts and regulations. For example, the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) and the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). The NWPTA requires an open and non-discriminatory procurement process where the expected costs are at or above the established threshold amounts. Those threshold amounts are:
• $75,000 or greater for goods or services
• $200,000 or greater for construction
To ensure compliance with the various agreements, acts and regulations, City council approved a Procurement Policy. This policy allows for preferential treatment of local vendors when the procurement of goods, services or construction are below the procurement limits as prescribed in the NWPTA. To help balance the desire for a local preference against the need to ensure good value for taxpayer’s dollars, this preferential treatment is limited to a maximum amount of five per cent higher than the lowest non-local vendor submission.
Also, if local vendors are available and the purchase is below the threshold, the City will contact those local vendors directly for quotes using the current year’s Business Licence listing. Local vendors are also encouraged to take part in the procurements that are above the thresholds via posts on the City’s website with links directly to the City’s e-procurement platform, “Bids and Tenders” (which vendors can sign up for at no cost). On major capital projects, we also encourage the general contractors to use local subcontracting where feasible.
The bottom line is that, although the City endeavours to support local businesses, we must follow the laws of the land which require the use of an open and non-discriminatory process for procurement. We also must ensure that we’re getting good value for taxpayer’s dollars.
Have a question for the City? Email them to The Camrose Booster at news@camrosebooster.com
Malcolm Boyd, City Manager
Kawasaki Disease
By Adan Shaikh
Mayor PJ Stasko signed a proclamation on January 20 to observe January 26 as Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day.
Kawasaki disease is a rare, but serious illness that generally affects children under the age of five. According to myhealth. alberta.ca, the disease causes inflammation in the walls of blood vessels throughout the body and can lead to complications with the heart if not treated right away. The exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown. However, researchers believe it may be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as infections.
Kawasaki is not contagious and can be difficult to diagnose as there are no specific tests for it, and it mimics the symptoms of many other common childhood illnesses. Some early symptoms of the illness include a fever that lasts more than five days, red eyes without discharge, a rash on the torso and groin, swollen hands and feet, and cracked red lips. Other signs to look out for include swollen lymph nodes and irritability. Some cases also report peeling skin on hands and feet in the later stages of Kawasaki.
Timely treatment is very important to prevent serious complications, particularly complications involving the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. The standard treatment involves administering high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart damage. Most children recover fully with timely treatment; in severe cases, some may develop long-term cardiovascular issues. The best way to protect children against this disease is to seek medical attention as soon as the child portrays any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
Camrose citizens can find some relief in knowing that Kawasaki is relatively rare in Canada. A journal published by the National Library of Medicine estimated that there is an incidence rate of 19.6 cases per 100,000 children under the age of five in Canada. By sharing information and education about Kawasaki disease in Camrose, families and individuals can contribute to increasing awareness in the community, which can ultimately lead to early diagnosis and treatment for any children affected by the disease. For more information, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society’s website or speak with a healthcare provider.
NOTICE OF INCREASE TO THE FRANCHISE FEE ON NATURAL GAS BILLING S
For question s or concerns please cont ac t: Trav is Bouck
Genera l Manage r – Financia l Se rv ices
5204 -5 0 Avenue , Camrose, AB T4V 0S 8
Phone: 78 0- 672- 4426
Fa x: 78 0- 672-24 69
Email: tb ouck@cam ro se.c a
FR ANCHISE FEE INCREASE NOTICE
Please be advi se d that th
Th e fee is recove re d by Fort isAlbe
Question
Camrose growth increased
By Adan Shaikh Aaron Leckie, the manager of City Planning and Development,
shared development statistics for 2024.
“After 2023, the busiest year we have had on record, I was very much telegraphing 2024 to be a slower year and I am happy to be prov-
en wrong. My main message is that when it comes to private investments and private capital in the development industry, we had a busier year in 2024 than 2023,” shared Leckie.
The private sector investment was on the rise, with $56 million in capital projects approved this year, which is a jump from the $43 million reported last year. Ten non-exempt projects valued over $500,000 received approval, and five of those projects surpassed the $1 million mark, tripling the typical annual av-
erage. Interestingly, there were no major exempt (nontaxable) projects this year, which really highlights how the private sector is stepping up to contribute to the City’s growth.
However, there was a 20 per cent drop in the total number of permits compared to the 10-year average. For the second year in a row, multi-unit housing developments outpaced single-family homes, showcasing the changing residential trends.
The City reported an increase in minor permits for structures such as fences and accessory buildings. Business growth also remained strong throughout 2024, with a 10 per cent rise in business licence revenue and more new businesses opening than closing. The Downtown area saw a reduction of 10 acres in vacant and underutilized land since 2016.
Leckie predicts that in 2025, new subdivisions in areas like West Park and Stoney Creek Estates will drive further growth, with many lots transitioning to taxable developments.
Alberta Highway Projects
By Jackie Lovely, MLA
Camrose Constituency
Highways are the lifelines of Alberta, connecting cities, rural communities, and industries across our vast province. They serve as critical pathways for economic growth, access to essential services, and safe travel. Recognizing the vital role highways play, our government continues to prioritize the maintenance and improvement of this essential infrastructure.
In 2024, our government allocated $818 million to over 200 highway improvement projects across the province. This significant investment reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and reliable highway network. These projects not only improve roadway conditions but also drive economic development by supporting community growth, reducing travel times, and creating jobs.
Several key projects in the Camrose constituency highlight the government’s focus on improving regional connectivity and safety:
• Hwy. 13 Roundabout at Hwy. 13 and Hwy. 56: Construction is underway to enhance traffic flow and safety at this critical intersection.
• Cattlepass on Hwy. 13 (4 kilometres west of Camrose): Design work is complete for replacing the culvert, with construction planned for 2025.
• Hwy. 13 Widening Project: Engineering design is in progress, paving the way for safer and more efficient travel.
Broader Regional Projects
• Hwy. 53 Repaving: Twenty kilometres between Hwy. 861 and Hwy. 608 are being designed for repaving, ensuring smoother and safer travel.
• Hwy. 56 Repaving: Twenty-two kilometres between Hwy. 53 and two kilometres south of Hwy. 609 are slated for repaving, with construction planned for 2025.
• Hwy. 609 Upgrades: Twelve kilometres between Hwy. 21 and the Village of Edberg are set for repaving in 2025.
Completed Projects
DEATHS
Marion Lucille Case, of Tofield, on January 8, at 91 years of age.
Viola Pearl Roth, of Edmonton, formerly of Ryley, on January 16, at 85 years of age.
• Hwy. 854 Erosion Slide Repairs at Battle River: This project has been successfully completed, addressing erosion issues, and ensuring the highway’s longevity.
• Hwy. 53 Bridge Repairs: Bridge rail replacement, concrete repairs, and miscellaneous work near Donalda are complete, enhancing safety for all road users.
A project planned to begin in 2025 include significant upgrades like grade widening along Hwy. 834 (19 km) and access relocation at Pioneer Legacy Junction in Tofield. These enhancements aim to improve traffic flow, accommodate growth, and ensure long-term infrastructure resilience.
In addition to these large-scale projects, our government has prioritized routine maintenance such as pothole repairs, crack sealing, line painting, and grading of gravel roads. These efforts are essential for keeping roadways safe and minimizing long-term repair costs.
January 18, at 91 years of age.
Our government understands that well-maintained highways are more than just roads—they are vital for safety, convenience, and economic prosperity. By investing in infrastructure improvements and maintaining a proactive approach to roadway upkeep, the United Conservatives are building a stronger Alberta for future generations. Whether you’re travelling to work, visiting family, or transporting goods across the province, these investments ensure that Alberta’s highways remain a reliable part of everyday life. The improvements in the Camrose constituency and beyond are a testament to the government’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all Albertans.
Justine “Jessie” Steinwand, of Camrose, on January 17, at 88 years of age.
Victor “Vic” Norman Redekopp, of Camrose, on
Jerry A. Sheets, of Camrose, formerly of Kelsey, on January 16, at 60 years of age.
Darlene Anne Johnston, of Camrose, on January 20, at 80 years of age.
Thelma Florence McInnis, of Camrose, formerly of North Sydney, NS, on January 23, at 82 years of age.
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.
Our 14th province
By Arnold Malone In a previous article
(in the January 21st issue of The Camrose Booster), I outlined some reasons why Americans would wish they had the advantages that we in Canada enjoy. These are reasons why Canada will never become a 51st state, but they may cause Americans to wish they were Canadian. The list continues from a previous article.
9. Canada is a happier place. For decades, international rankings have placed Canadians as being happier and more content with life than our neighbours to the south. A recent European poll asking, “If you could not live in your home country which country would you choose?” Canada was the number one first choice.
10. For ongoing years, Canadians have recorded longer lifespans than USA residents. Currently, Canadians have an average life expectancy of 82.72 years while those in the USA have an expectancy of 76.1 years.
11. As for a healthy population, Canada’s obesity numbers are also better than in the US. In Canada, 24.3 per cent of Canadians are obese, while in the US, the obesity rate is 40 per cent. In the states of West Virginia, Mississippi and Arkansas, obesity soars much higher.
12. Guns and mass shootings: Phew! Here we have a huge difference. In Canada, there are 34.7 guns for every 100 citizens. In the USA, there are 120 guns for every 100 citizens.
In 2024, there were 488 mass shootings in the USA, down from 690 mass shooting in 2021. I was unable to find dependable numbers for Canada, but it is a whole lot less than the US, where they average more than one mass shooting every day.
13. In Canada, judges are appointed for their understanding of the law and their ability to be objective and non-partisan. Americans politicalize their judicial system. Judges have a tendency to favour those who appointed them. By contrast, Stephen Harper, when Prime Minister, appointed seven of the nine justices to the Supreme Court and spent $4.7 million on 15 losing cases. Canadian courts are not politicalized.
14. Prison systems: United States has 10.35 million people incarcerated. As a per cent of population, the USA has the world’s highest percentage of prisoners. Prison sentences are also given for what other countries would consider a minor offence.
15. The poverty rates: This is a more difficult issue to compare since many countries define poverty differently. Given that qualification, it is still easy to assert that Canada has a lot fewer persons in poverty as a per cent of population than the USA. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) states: “The USA has the highest rate of poverty among 26 most developed countries.”
Canada’s poverty rate is 7.3 per cent, while the USA is 19 per cent. Americans have 38 million persons who are in poverty.
16. Canadians would consider the voting ballot in the USA laughable. Everybody seems to be elected. The ballot is pages upon pages. The sheriff, the animal control officer, the coroner, even the local judges are elected. The very long list of elected people might seem democratic, but the question needs to be asked, “For a sheriff, is there a Republican or a Democrat way to enforce the law?”
Should they not enforce the law without any political thought? The same questions need to be asked about the dog catcher, the health authority, the judges and so many more.
So, all of this talk about Canada becoming a 51st state begs the question, “Why in the world would we ever want to degrade the advantages we already have?” Canada is a place where we should continue to make the best better.
Finally, these 14 advantages are not the end of a long list of examples.
HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE
By Murray Green
Marlow Bonk owns a 1969 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible.
“I bought this car when I was 19 years old. It was a car that my friends and I could jump into it, and go have a good time. Back then you didn’t have to wear seat belts, you could just go and enjoy life,” said Marlow.
The Plymouth Fury is a model of automobile that was produced by Plymouth as both full and mid-sized cars from 1955 until 1989.
“Gas was cheaper. I grew up on the farm and you always had to work for gas money. I had a 1970 Dodge Challenger before this, but this car has more room. I blew that one up by racing around, so I needed something with a bigger interior and a car I could have more fun in,” shared Marlow.
“I have been working on this car ever since and it has close to 500,000 miles on it, 20,000 short. I drive this car every chance I can. I have rebuilt the motor twice, interior three times, roof three times, rear differential twice, brakes numerous times and last painted in 1999 to the same colour, but it was originally gold,” recalled Marlow.
“The maroon colour goes well with the white in-
The automotive section of
Bonk still enjoys his car after 40 years
Marlow Bonk escaped the trunk of his 1969
He has had the car for about 40 years and still
terior. The basic interior is original. It has a 383 motor in it and those things are almost bulletproof, still the original motor. It still has
FUN FACTS
According to Wikipedia, the 1969 model year featured Chrysler’s new round-sided Fuselage Look styling. The Fury was again available as a two-door hardtop, two-door convertible, four-door hardtop, four-door sedan and four-door station wagon.
For 1970, the VIP was discontinued and a four-door hardtop was added to the Sport Fury range, which also gained a new hardtop coupe. This was available in GT trim; the 1970 and 1971 Sport Fury GTs were powered by the 440 cubic inch (7.2 L) engine, which in 1970 could be ordered with three two-barrel (twin-choke) carburetors (the six-barrel on Plymouth and six-PAK for Dodge) producing 390 horsepower. The base model engine produced 350 horsepower.
The 1969 models included the Fury I, Fury II, and Fury III, the sport-model Sport Fury and the top-line VIP. The 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine continued as standard on the Fury I, II and select III models, with the 318 cubic inch (5.2 L) V8 standard on the Sport Fury, some Fury III models and all VIP models plus the station wagon.
A three-speed manual transmission was standard, with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission optional. The six-cylinder engine/three-speed manual transmission power team–along with the three-speed manual transmission on the 318 V8–continued to be available until midway through the 1971 model year.
FUN CONVERTIBLE
the original 727 automatic transmission, just rebuilt twice. If I see a little rust, I get after it and the car will last a lot longer that way,” advised Marlow.
“I just want to enjoy this car and drive it. The car will keep up to any other car on the road today. This Fury has been a wedding car 12 times, at least. In fact, it was our wedding car. We travel with the car and just enjoy the trips. It has been to Vancouver and the States. I’ve taken it to Manitoba. It is just a really good traveller,” added Marlow.
The 1969 models were part of the fifth generation of Fury’s.
“Having a convertible allows you to enjoy this car with your friends. That is the bonus. You could easily put five people in here and go to the drive-in for fun. You could smuggle two or three people into the trunk,” he laughed.
“I remember one time my buddies threw me into the trunk and closed it
real quick. After a while, they were wondering why I wasn’t banging on the hood to get out and not making a lot of noise. What I was doing was drinking all of their beer,” Marlow explained.
“By the time they got me out, I had already drank six of their beers,” Marlow laughed. “I had the car when I went to college in Lethbridge. I even still drive the car to work every now and then,” he concluded.
If you have a vintage ride (rebuilt or original), if you’re in the midst of a restoration, or if you’re building a “rat ” or a street rod, we’d lik e to hear from you. We may want to profile your projec t. Lik ewise, if you own vintage automotive tools, old diagnostic equipment or other tools or techniques of the trade, please contact us We’re eager to write and repor t on these k inds of topics And, our readers want to see what interests you! Contact Murray Green, News Repor ter Phone 780.672.3142 Email murrayg@camrosebooster.com
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Plymouth Fury car to enjoy driving it as often as weather permits.
enjoys driving it.
Arts council supports local leaders
By Murray Green
The arts and culture scene in Camrose was supported by the Camrose Arts Council, which invested $39,050 in a wide array of initiatives and events during 2024.
“The City of Camrose, through the Camrose Arts Council, sees tremendous value in supporting and encouraging arts and culture projects in our
community,” said Steven Hansen, chair of the arts council’s board.
“Many of these initiatives would not have come to fruition if the arts council hadn’t been there to provide critical grants.
We are gratified by the breadth and scope of the successful projects we were able to support through the City’s grant program.”
The arts council is always looking for innovative arts and culture projects to support. Anyone interested in finding out more about the criteria required to apply for an arts council grant can find out all they need to know on the City of Camrose’s website.
The next deadline for applications is March 30.
Submitted
The community was supported by the Camrose Arts Council, which invested $39,050 in a wide array of initiatives and events during 2024. Pictured left to right, Arlo Grundberg, University of Alberta Augustana Campus; Danielle Chute, Camrose and District Music Festival; Louis Ducharm, Camrose Public Library; Mike Hicks, Infinite Imagination; Jess Hughes, Camrose Arts Society; Helen Teichroeb, Camrose Arts Society; Elliot Harder, Bailey Theatre Society; Ashley Robson, École Camrose Composite High School drama program; Camrose Arts Council board members Joy-Anne Murphy, Agnes Hoveland, David Roth, Carole-May Coty, Mike Ploner and Stacey Beach.
BRCF donates beef to Neighbor Aid Food Bank
By Murray Green
The Battle River Community Foundation (BRCF) gives back to the community in a number of ways.
One of its most interesting initiatives is undertaken as part of the annual Community Builders dinners held by the BRCF in the fall. This initiative, part of the proceedings since 2016, is entitled Where’s the Beef? and involves the donation of meat for the Camrose Neighbor Aid’s Food Bank.
This year, the Community Foundation committed to donating 500 pounds of beef to the Camrose Food Bank in honour
of Roxy and Boris Rybalka through the Where’s the Beef? fundraiser.
“We’ve done this for several years. Our generous donors pay for the beef and they don’t get to keep any, but they have the honour of passing on the beef to the local Food Bank and it goes to the people in the community that really need it,” said BRCF board chair Kevin Gurr.
“Tofield Packers are good partners with us, they give us a very good deal. It is sort of a beef raffle, but the people who buy the beef don’t win beef, it’s the Food Bank that wins,” said Kevin.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Neighbor Aid Center assistant program director Holly Field, left, accepts 500 pounds of beef processed by Tofield Packers from Battle River Community Foundation chair Kevin Gurr on January 16 to go towards the Food Bank in Camrose.
The beef was purchased by BRCF supporters at the Rybalka Community Builders event last fall.
St. Mary’s Hospital staff celebrate milestones
By Murray Green Covenant Health St. Mary’s Hospital Camrose staff celebrated various milestones at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre on January 21.
“At Covenant Health, celebrating career mile-
stones is one way we can recognize the dedication and commitment of our teams to our patients, residents, families, colleagues and communities.
The Milestones Long Service Recognition Program honours employees, physicians and volunteers at
all Covenant Health sites for their service beginning at five-year career milestones,” said site administrator Stacey Brewster.
Sheila Worton, Marlene Dmytriw and Shelly Dalueg all reached the milestone of 40 years.
“Sheila has worked her entire career at St. Mary’s Hospital. She has made comments that she was born to be a nurse. I would like to add that she was born to be a nurse at St. Mary’s. She has put her heart and soul into everything every day she has worked. Every task she is given, she accomplishes with ease and care. She started in a six-month temporary position. This was extended to 39 more years. Now she is irreplaceable,” said unit manager Jamie Nester.
Cheryl King, Patricia Mah, Tammy Meyer, Michelle Solverson and Cathy Storey were honoured for 35 years of service.
“Pat Mah has been a dedicated employee for 35 years. She has had various roles throughout the hospital and currently works in emergency and heart and stroke. When her coworkers were asked what Pat is most known for was that she goes above and beyond in any situation she is put in. Thank you Pat for your wealth of knowledge and dedication to St. Mary’s Hospital over the years,” said Stacey.
“Cheryl has had an incredible career as a nurse. As a life-long learner, Cheryl has done it all and succeeded at everything. Her skill is applying her knowledge and experience with every task. She was the primary lead in developing the stroke rehabilitation program at St. Mary’s. This is now called the Heart and Stroke Clinic. She helped develop 13 stroke programs in Alberta,” said Jamie.
Jose Preza and Debora Schultz were thanked for 30 years of service.
Dr. Leif-Erik Bredesen, Lisa Coles, Derek Gademans, Reena Kelndorfer and Pamela Ovelson were honoured for marking 25 years of service at St. Mary’s.
Dr. Ettiene Groenewald, Mary Nahirniak, Dr. Johan Otto, Valerie Schneider and Darcie Webster were thanked for 20 years of employment.
Reaching 15 years at St. Mary’s Hospital were Freya Apita, Sara Brandt, Vanessa Gaviotakis, Dr. Itua Iriogbe, Wanda Lefebvre, Ashley McLean, Dr. Kizza (Stanley) Muwanguzi, Jamie Nester,
Leo Revelo, Catherine Stacey, Andrea Taeger, Tara Ursuliak, Tracy Van Hende, Nicole Vinet and Kathy Westphal.
Numerous staff members received five- and 10year certificates. Retirees Jacalyn Brausen, Lynn Bruce, Wendy Buckle, Lorie Christenson, Marion Powell, Sherry Schneider, Julie Smith, Leanne Vikse and Laura Wiens were also thanked for previous dedication to
Mary’s Hospital.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Nurse Mary Nahirniak, left, received her 20-year milestone service award from St. Mary’s Hospital site administrator Stacey Brewster.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Nurse Pamela Ovelson, right, received her 25-year milestone service award from St. Mary’s Hospital site administrator Stacey Brewster.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Nurse Reena Kelndorfer, left, received her 25-year milestone service award from St. Mary’s Hospital unit manager Jamie Nester.
St.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Nurse Patricia Mah, left, received her 35-year milestone service award from St. Mary’s Hospital site administrator Stacey Brewster.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Nurse Cheryl King, right, received her 35-year milestone service award from St. Mary’s Hospital unit manager Jamie Nester.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
Nurse Sheila Worton, left, received her 40-year milestone service award from St. Mary’s Hospital unit manager Jamie Nester.
Kodiaks defeat Bobcats, Pontiacs
By Murray Green
The Camrose Kodiaks have run its unbeaten streak to five games with a 3-2 win over Lloydminster and an 8-2 victory over Bonnyville during Alberta Junior Hockey League play January 17 and 18.
After the Bobcats scored first, newcomer Damian Palmieri notched his first goal as a Kodiak to tie the game at 1-1 in the opening period.
Neither team could score in the middle frame.
In the third Spencer Masters (9) scored with the man advantage and AJ Schaaf (12) added an insurance marker to give the Kodiaks the win in the third period.
Goalie Wilson Maxfield stopped 23 of 25 shots fired his direction. Camrose re -
corded 23 shots on the Lloydminster cage.
Garrett Thom (16) started the scoring in the game against Bonnyville on a power play. Masters (8) and Sam Lozinski (19) added tallies to give Camrose a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes.
Bonnyville fought back into the match with two scores in the middle frame, sandwiched between Lozinski’s (20) marker.
Camrose poured on the offence in the third period with Luka Taylor scoring twice (3 and 4), Will Jamieson (2) and Cole Barrett (5) all scoring.
Goalie Maxfield made 22 of 24 saves for Camrose, while his teammates counted 44 shots on the Bonnyville net.
The Kodiaks play at
home on February 1 at 6 p.m. against Canmore; February 2 at 2 p.m. against Calgary; February 8 at 6 p.m. against Olds; February 12 at 7 p.m. against Fort McMurray; February 14 at 7 p.m. against Drumheller; February 17 at 2 p.m. against Bonnyville; February 21 at 7 p.m. against Grande Prairie.
In March, Camrose is home on March 1 at 6 p.m. against Olds; and March 2 at 2 p.m. against Drumheller.
Bear facts
Camrose is in third place in the south division with 50 points after 35 games. Canmore with 53 points in 38 games and Calgary with 52 points in 38 games remain in the top two spots.
PLAYOFF HOSTS
Augustana hosts women’s volleyball championships
By Murray Green
The University of Alberta Augustana Campus will be hosting the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Women’s Volleyball Championships on February 20 to 22.
The organizers of the championships at Augustana approached Camrose County for some assistance.
“I move that council provide funding of $750 to the Augustana Vikings for the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Women’s Volleyball Championship to come from grants to organizations in the 2025 operating budget,” said councillor Doug Lyseng.
The motion was passed at the County regular meeting on January 14.
A letter was addressed to the County stating that “One of the aspects we are most excited about for this tournament will be partnering young volleyball teams (from high school or club volleyball) as hosts for competing teams, giving the young local athletes a chance to interact and socialize with university student-athletes from around the province. With the growth of women’s volleyball in our area over the last few years, we feel this is a great opportunity to celebrate women in sport and champion this to the Camrose and area youth athletes.”
This is the first major sporting event hosted at Augustana Campus since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ACAC championship anticipates more than 200 student-athletes, coaches and team personnel from across the province to attend. Successful athletes will advance to represent their institutions and the ACAC at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship.
Through hosting the conference championship, Vikings athletics want to bring increased enthusiasm for collegiate women’s volleyball and increased brand recognition for both Augustana Campus and the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
The Friends of the Vikings package includes four full event passes, listing in the commemorative program, recognition in webcast ads for the event, recognition on all gymnasium screen ads for the event.
Although at the moment the Vikings will be entering the championships as hosts, they ended last year’s championships as the sixth best team in the province. They beat Briercrest (Saskatchewan) and lost to Keyano (Ft. McMurray) prior to the match for fifth place.
In loving memory of our wonderful Grandmother
Barbara Lede who passed away on January 29, 2020
Five years of missing you
Of all the special gifts in life,
However great or small,
To have you as our Grandmother
Was the greatest gift of all.
Love forever and always, Your Grandchildren
In loving memory
Evelyn Lucille Adam
January 31, 2023 ~ September 8, 2023
It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
With love, Tyler and Danielle Adam and families
Phyllis Schultz Bjorgum
January 5, 1927 ~ January 23, 2025
Phyllis Schultz Bjorgum of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on January 23, 2025, at the age of 98 years.
Celebrating a life well lived are her children Coral (Wally) Lehman, Connie (Dale) Anger, Darryl (Dyann) Schultz, Sharon (Larry) Stone, Merryl (Janet) Schultz and Sheldon (Nola) Schultz; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.
In addition to her parents and siblings, Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Ben Schultz; her granddaughter Julia Schultz; and her second husband Merlin Bjorgum.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 30, 2025, at the Church of God in Camrose.
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Phyllis’s memory are gratefully accepted to Samaritan’s Purse, Camrose Church of God or a charity of your choice.
Thelma Florence McInnis
August 27, 1942 ~ January 23, 2025
Thelma Florence McInnis of Camrose, Alberta, formerly of North Sydney, NS, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82 years.
A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Rose City Baptist Church, 6406-44B Avenue, Camrose.
To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com
Phone 780-672-2121
“Dedicated service since 1906”
Memorial Poems
Available for publication in The Camrose Booster
Ask for our 24-page booklet of poetry. Words of comfort to remember someone special.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
The Augustana Vikings women’s volleyball team will be hosting the ACAC playoffs.
Justine (Martens) Steinwand
On Friday, January 17, 2025, we said goodbye to Jessie Steinwand – wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister and friend.
Justine (Martens) Steinwand was born on March 11, 1936, in Herbert, Saskatchewan, the oldest of nine children, and grew up in the Herbert/ Main Centre/Gouldtown area. She moved to Alberta when she married Rudy Steinwand, and they farmed together in the Holden area until they retired to Camrose in 2001.
Her memory will live on in her children Valerie (Jerry) Boettger, Dennis (Jacquie), Darlene (Don) Klumpp and Gerald (Marla); sonin-law Dallas Upton; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Rudy and daughter Lynnette Upton.
Mom’s gift was hospitality, and her door was open to all she knew, whether you were family, friend or neighbour. The coffee pot was always on and many times there was good home baking to go along with the coffee.
Mom was also a strong woman of faith, and lived her faith quietly and faithfully. She was a prayer warrior and daily prayed for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends and neighbours, and her prayers will be missed.
Mom, you have traded your earthly body, along with the pain and sorrow of this world, for a new heavenly body free from the cares of this life. We will miss you, but we know that we will see you again and spend eternity with you.
Love you forever.
A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Rose City Baptist Church, Camrose, AB. Interment will follow at Camrose Valleyview Cemetery.
Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to Tribal Trails or to the Salvation Army.
Victor “Vic” Norman Redekopp
April 22, 1933 ~ January 18, 2025
Victor “Vic” Norman Redekopp of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the age of 91 years.
A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025, at CityLights Church, 4920-48 Street, Camrose, officiated by Rev. Brian Hunter.
To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com Phone
“Dedicated service since 1906”
Viola Pearl (Good) Roth
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother. On January 16, 2025, Viola Pearl (Good) Roth passed away at the age of 85 years. She was born on March 12, 1939, in Empress, Alberta, to Milo and Selina (Martin) Good. Viola was the youngest (by far) of four children. Older siblings were Lloyd, Beulah and Edgar. She grew up on a farm around Acadia Valley in southern Alberta, where her family attended the Missionary Church.
She met Vernon Roth at a church conference and they were married in October of 1957, and lived on a farm near Tofield for the first few years of their marriage, where they welcomed sons Ron and Gary. They later moved into the town of Ryley, where they owned the Roth’s Red and White Store, and welcomed their daughter Dalene.
In 1969, they moved to Edmonton, where Viola worked at Bateman’s IGA. Two years later, they moved to Sherwood Park, where they bought their first house and Viola started with Safeway, where she worked for the next 25 years. In 1989, they moved to Edmonton, where Viola lived until her passing.
Viola and Vernon enjoyed travelling and were able to enjoy a number of trips before Vernon passed away suddenly in February of 1995.
In 2006, Viola married long-time family friend Merlin Wideman. Viola and Merlin enjoyed a number of cruises before Merlin passed away in August of 2016.
Viola is survived by her children Ron, Gary (Rhonda) and Dalene (Fred); grandchildren Stephanie (Corbin) Loberg and Tyler Roth; brother-in-law Don (Dolores) Roth; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Vernon; her husband Merlin; her siblings Lloyd (Hilda) Good, Beulah (Sam) Martin and Edgar (Grace) Good; sister-in law Vivian (Dave) Wilde and sister-in-law Velda (Nathan) Stutzman.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Hainstock’s Funeral Home, 9810-34 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB.
Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to MCC or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Bill Jubien
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, Bill (William) Ernest Jubien, on January 18, 2025, at the age of 92 years old.
He will be missed by his daughter
Susan Jubien (Martin Jaeger); his grandchildren Abigail Jaeger (John Neumann) and Cameron Jaeger (Rhanda Jaeger); and his great-granddaughter (Mackenzie Jaeger). He was predeceased last month by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service.
Bill completed a civil engineering degree from McGill in 1956, and then completed a master’s degree in soil mechanics and foundational engineering at the University of Alberta in 1957.
Bill was passionate about his work in geotechnical engineering, working for over 30 years with CN, and later as a consultant in railways in the areas of geotechnical design and construction.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of St. Mary’s Hospital and all the staff of Seasons Camrose for their heartfelt kindness and care.
Memorial donations in Bill Jubien’s honour can be made to the Camrose Foodbank at foodbankscanada.ca
The family of Sanford Boettger
…wishes to thank all those who attended Sanford’s celebration of life both in person and online – it was a blessing to see the many lives he touched. Thank you for sharing the many stories, words of encouragement and comfort, and supporting us with gifts of food in the early days after Sanford’s passing. We are truly blessed by your kindness.
Thank you also for the many monetary gifts given to Mennonite Central Committee, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, STARS, Canadian Cancer Society, and Cornerstone Christian School in Sanford’s memory. May his legacy live on in the lives of others touched by your generosity.
As well, a sincere thank you to all of you who supported Sanford (and us) during his cancer journey – our family, friends, neighbours and the many caregivers. Your encouragement, love and care brought sunshine and a smile to our days.
May God bless each one of you.
– Gwen and
Family
In loving memory Cam Lyster
January 29, 1997 ~ March 19, 2017
On your 28th birthday, we’re thinking about you, missing you, and celebrating you on this side of Heaven. With much love, Mom, Dad, Greg and Bianca
Jerry A. Sheets
February 6, 1964 ~ January 16, 2025
Jerry Sheets of Camrose (formerly of Kelsey) passed away on January 16, 2025.
He was born on February 6, 1964. He attended Bawlf School and enjoyed playing sports, particularly with the Kelsey fastball team. Jerry loved an adrenaline rush and found this through snowmobiling, motorbiking and cruising around in his car. As a kid, Jerry was curious and mischievous, often disassembling and reassembling his toys. After high school, he enrolled in an apprenticeship for automotive mechanics. During that time, he discovered a newfound passion for computer technology and made a career change. He then worked as an IT technician for AM PM servicing computer terminals in retail outlets. Later, he was employed at Rocky Mountain Liquor as their IT manager, where he worked for 25 years until the time of his passing. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage restoring Pontiac cars. Jerry was a strongwilled, kind, gentle man and will be sadly missed by many.
He was predeceased by his parents Lyle and Janice Sheets. He is survived by his sister Janine (Ken) Klevgaard; nephew Martin (Jen) Klevgaard; nieces Kate Klevgaard (Cam Borton) and Annette Klevgaard (Josh Feddema); and grandnieces Clara, Ivy and Jane.
Enjoy peace as you reside in Heaven, Jerry.
A private graveside inurnment will be held as per Jerry’s request.
Donations, if family and friends wish, can be made to the charity of one’s choice.
We are grateful for the thoughts you have sent our way as we continue to heal.
– The family
To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com
Phone 780-672-2121
“Dedicated service since 1906”
Darlene Anne Johnston
March 28, 1944 ~ January 20, 2025
Darlene Anne Johnston of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the age of 80 years.
There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, and people we can’t live without but have to let go.
When someone close to us passes, the confusion and mixed emotions we feel can often become overwhelming. However, it is important to recognize that there is no standard way of experiencing loss and no right way to grieve.
Grief can manifest itself in a range of emotions:
Shock, anger, guilt, despair, numbness. It is important to be kind to yourself and give yourself the time and care that you need to transition through the grieving process.
Coping with grief:
Recognize your emotions, lean on support from family and friends, talk about it, get additional help if needed, and give yourself time.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband Leroy; children Susan Johnston (Kevin Winters) and Sharon Chartrand; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers Gordon (Wendy) Thorpe and Len (Val) Thorpe; sister Marion (Jim) Anderson; brothers-in-law Darryl (Connie) Johnston and Guy (Jackie) Johnston; and sisters-in-law Sandra Johnston and Colleen Johnston.
Darlene was predeceased by her parents Syd and Nora Thorpe; brother Ray Thorpe; half-sister Sharon Ward; two infant sisters; and parents-in-law Arvid and Martha Johnston.
A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Burgar Memorial Chapel, 4817-51 Avenue, Camrose, officiated by Rev. Brian Hunter.
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Darlene’s memory may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com
Phone 780-672-2121
“Dedicated service since 1906”
For information regarding available grief resources, contact our of ce.
Ronald Harvey Lehman
Ronald Harvey Lehman, 66, of Cold Lake, AB, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
A larger than life personality, Ron lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed summer days fishing, spending time with family and friends around the campfire, and nights in the garage, cuddled up with his wife Bonnie and dog Ginger, watching the Minnesota Vikings and Boston Bruins.
Ron enjoyed a successful 24-year career in broadcasting as an announcer and salesperson, working for CFCW Radio in Camrose, Alberta. After broadcasting, Ron relocated to Cold Lake to be closer to the water, and worked in the oilfield until retirement.
Ron is survived by his wife Bonnie Lehman (Tober); son RJ Lehman (Kelsey Lehman); daughter Kelsey Lehman; grandchildren Penny Lehman and Madelyn Lehman; nephew Corbett Geldart (Shannon, Adler and Klaus); sister-in-law Virginia Lehman; niece Kelly Lehman (Mike); and nephew Brad Lehman.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in his honour.
The family would like to thank Dr. Khan and the staff at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre for their kind care of Ron.
~ Respectfully submitted by the family
ARRANGEMENTS WERE IN CARE OF MEMENTO FUNERAL CHAPEL, COLD LAKE, BONNYVILLE AND ST. PAUL
780-639-3113
The Thackeray Family ~ A Tradition of Trust since 1975
Customers are never sitting still.
They are always on the lookout for products they need, services they require and sales and opportunities of which they want to take advantage.
Are your customers seeing your message? Or are they being exposed to the advertising of your competitors?
■ Our specialty is making sure advertising gets noticed and read. Our publications professionally rank amongst the leading print products in North America.
■ Our website has many new viewers and fans every week.
■ We’ve become the leading local source for creative advertising, branding products and logo apparel.
■ We print eye-catching brochures and all kinds of printed material.
We are professionals with mountains of experience.
We won’t allow your customers to be taken for “granite”. Give us a call to have a confidential, no-obligation discussion on how we can assist in increasing your visibility and your sales.
Helpful Tips for Writing Classified Ads Which Get Results!
Be
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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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE CAMROSE DANCE
CLUB – dance will be held again February 1 from 1-5 p.m. Located at Mirror Lake Centre, 5415-49 Avenue, Camrose. The admission is $15 each and includes lunch. The band for this dance is Sparkling Tones. Please come and join us for a great time. For more information, please call Neil Leeson 780-672-9549 or Sherry Tovell 780-916-8968.
PERSONAL
LOST THAT LOVING FEELING? Find it with a personal ad in The Camrose Booster classifieds. Ph. 780-672-3142.
I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY SINCERE THANKS – to Dr. Morrow and all of the staff of St. Mary’s Unit 5 for their exceptional care and kindness during my lengthy stay with them. Their warm attentiveness lead me to my recovery and the ability to return to my home and family. With heartfelt gratitude, Audrey Dammann.
WANTED
PASTURE LAND – Artist/ Musician/Master of Education/ Bachelor of Fine Arts/retiree looking for pasture land to purchase near Camrose. No utilities required. Leave detailed information in private message. 403563-5531.
HELP WANTED
SUPPORT/RESPITE
WORKER – Part time. For adult male in wheelchair. Home in Round Hill area. Valid driver’s licence. Will train. Wages to be discussed. Send resumé to broblin.br@gmail.com or text 604793-3756.
EMPLOYMENT WANTED
2ND BEST PAINTER IN TOWN – 30 years’ experience for all your painting needs. Call Rick the Painter, 780-781-6305.
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.
J.D.’s SMALL ENGINE REPAIR, SALES & SERVICE – Ph. 780-672-7649.
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
McTAVISH DELIVERIES (2023) 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
LaCRIA TRUCKING
Potable Water Hauling Residential, Commercial, Oilfield Gerald and Marla Steinwand, Owners PHONE 780-679-9134
FOR RENT
FOR RENT ADS
NOW UPLOADED TO The Camrose Booster Website DAILY!
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.
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. $2221/mo., triple net. Clean, dry storage space in basement also available. Available immediately. Call Blain or Don at 780-6723142, the fairest, most reasonable people in the business.
PRIME DOWNTOWN
SPACE – 4917-50 Street. Second floor with reception area, lunch room and two private rooms. Elevator. $900/mo. includes utilities. 780-679-5085.
2-BEDROOM APART-
MENT – In excellent condition! Perfect for seniors. The suite has stove, fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer, blinds and one parking stall. Heat, water, garbage pick up, Telus TV and internet included. Building has an elevator and social room. No smoking building. Call 780-233-0224 for more info or to set up a viewing.
ESPECIALLY NICE MAIN FLOOR OFFICE SUITE
Generous 794 sq. ft. suite, suitable for three or more staff. Includes two private offices. Ground floor, easily accessible. Modern building in downtown Camrose. Bright, quiet, air conditioned. $1239.96/mo., plus share of operating expenses. Call Blain Fowler or Don Hutchinson, 780-672-3142 days, two of the fairest, most reasonable fellows in the business.
EXTRA LARGE SECOND FLOOR OFFICE – on Main Street, Camrose. 340 sq. ft. former broadcast studio, super quiet. Very well-kept property. Quiet, considerate neighbours. $483.08/ mo., including utilities. 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 $229.92 per month
* Quiet, considerate neighbours
* Easy access
* Lots of parking for customers
* Energized parking for tenants
* Immediate occupancy
* Come and have a look!
Call Blain Fowler or Don Hutchinson, 780-672-3142 days, the fairest, most reasonable fellows in the business!
LOOKING FOR A ROOMMATE? No smoking or partiers. Pets allowed. Close to downtown and the university. Fully furnished apartment. $750-800/mo. Includes utilities and WiFi. Call 780-678-6720 and leave a message.
NOW AVAILABLE – in a fantastic location. New 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit with insuite laundry and dishwasher. 9’ ceilings with modern finishings. Quiet neighbourhood close to most amenities in Camrose. Unit comes with a designated parking stall, snow removal and yard maintenance included. Water included for utilities. No pets, non-smoking unit, $1600/mo. on a minimum one year lease. Call 780-608-8315 for more details.
2-BEDROOM SUITE –very spacious and bright. Convenient downtown location, just one block from Co-op grocery store and Mirror Lake walking path, walking distance to University. Private balcony! Clean, quiet, non-smoking building. No pets. In keeping with our existing tenant profile, we are inviting inquiries from mature, responsible adults. $1075/mo. rent, one year lease. Phone 780-679-7090.
LIVESTOCK
/ FEED / AG
HAY AND STRAW – 100 round, heavy unthreshed wheat bales. Phone 780-877-2339, 780608-5127.
MACHINERY
SWATHER NO LONGER ‘CUTTING THE MUSTARD?’ Call The Camrose Booster Classifieds, 780-672-3142.
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.
BOATS, RVS and TRAILERS 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. 780-672-3142.
Cer ti ed Dental Assistant
Cit y Centre Dental is looking for a motivated individual to ll a par t-time position in our o ce due to a retirement.
Hours are exible / negotiable No evenings or weekends
Please email resumés to: ccdcamrose@hotmail.com
Att: Cathrine
Missed Delivery Policy
If you do not receive your copy of The Booster or pre-printed inserts, please report this to us by calling 780-672-3142. We will promptly re-deliver these to city households. Note that we do not have access to certain apartment buildings. In these cases, we ask you to contact your apartment manager to request delivery
Rural readers are asked to report missed deliveries and we will consult with your postmaster to ensure future deliveries.
Thank you for being a loyal reader of…
780-672-3142 ads@camrosebooster.com 4925-48 Street, Camrose AB T4V 1L7
Hockey Vikings in tough against Briercrest
We’re Hiring
read!
By Murray Green
Hockey
Qualif ications:
We are now accepting applications for a permanent , full-time position as a repor ter in our News Depar tm competit ion will remain open until a suitable candidate is found
The successful applicant will wor k collaboratively wit our other repor ters to maint ain and enhance our hig st andards of editorial qualit y and communit y ser vice
We o er a competitive s alar y and benef it s package, including a car allowance and the oppor tunit y to work wit h a team of hard-working profe ssionals who t ake pride in producing a publication that is recognized as one of the top 1% in the North American free communit y paper indus tr y.
1. Strong org aniz ational and time management skills , ensuring that objec tives are achieved within the necessar y deadlines
2. A demons trated abilit y to write crisp, engagin stories wit h attention-grabbing leads and meaningful quotations.
3. E xcellent inter viewing skill s demons trating the abilit y to zero in on the essential element s of the s tor y while est ablishing and maintaining rappor t wit h sources
Point s will be g iven to c andidates who have pos tsecondar y education, preferably in journalism, have previous experience in a communit y newspaper newsroom and have knowledge of page layou t. Preference will be given to a local per son who is a Be aware that his position involves a cer tain amo weekend assignment s on occ asion.
Please provide us with:
1. A brief bio graphy of yourself, including your education and previous employment his tory
2. Samples of your writing and photography
3. Names of three references wit h an indication of their relationship to you and contac t information for each.
4. Your s alar y expec tation
Mail or email your material to :
Blain Fowler, Publisher
mc foul@camroseboos ter.net
4925-4 8 Street , C amrose, AB T4V 1L7
The teams at the University of Alberta Augustana Campus are heading down the stretch for the 2024-25 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference year.
Augustana Vikings lost both ends of a two game series against the first place Briercrest Clippers on January 17 and 18.
In the first contest, Briercrest won 5-3 in Saskatchewan. They scored the first three goals of the game be -
fore Garett Zasitko of the Vikings replied prior to the end of the middle frame. Both clubs scored twice in the third period with both of Augustana’s markers coming from Tanner Manz on the power play.
Goalie Jack Osmond stopped 37 of 42 shots. The Vikings counted 20 shots on goal.
In the rematch, Briercrest won 5-2. This time Augustana started the scoring with Jayven Leslie connecting with the man advantage. After a Clippers’ tally, Leslie notched another
goal before Briercrest tied the game once more.
In the second and third periods, Briercrest shifted gears and scored three more tallies. Goalie Osmond turned away 35 of 39 shots, while his teammates fired 36 at the Briercrest net.
The Vikings have six wins in 14 games and sit in fifth place in the ACAC standings. The top six teams qualify for playoffs.
Augustana hosts the Red Deer Kings on January 31 at 7 p.m. in the next home game.
Murray Green EDITOR
Adan Shaikh REPORTER e ment
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HE ARING
BYLAW NO. 1555
Pursuant to Section 606 of th e Municipa l Gove rnment
Ac t, th e Council of Camrose County gi ve s notice that it ha s gi ve n Firs t Re ading to Bylaw No. 1555 to amend La nd Use Bylaw No 1541
Th e purpos e of this Bylaw is for a municipal re se rve closure for all of Plan 5821BK , Block R, Ke lsey Th e intent is to remove th e re se rve designatio n to allow for th e sale of th e proper ty
Anyone af fected by this Amendment may ma ke writ te n submission s befo re 12:0 0 p. m. Tuesday, Febr ua ry 4, 2025 Th e Public Hearin g for Bylaw No 1555 will be held on Tuesday, Februa ry 11, 2025 , at 9:30 a.m. in th e County Council Ch ambers , 3755 -4 3 Avenue, Camrose, Al be rt a T4V 3S 8. Wr it te n submission s will be heard fi rs t, oral submission s will be heard as time permits.
Copies of th e proposed Bylaw an d Business Plan a re availabl e online at www.count y.camrose. ab.c a
Burlesque Follies at Lougheed Centre
By Murray Green
The Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre has a great line-up still to come this season.
Prepare to be entertained during the Burlesque Follies show from The House of Hush Burlesque on Friday, January 31, at 7:30 p.m.
It will take you back to the days of travelling carnivals complete with glitter and feathers. “We had a burlesque show before and to say the Camrose audience had a fun time would be an understatement. It is so much fun, empowering and an incredible art form.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CL AIMANTS
Estate of ROBERT E ARL YOUNG, who died on December 30, 2024.
If you have a claim against this estate, you must f ile your claim by March 6, 2025, and provide details of your claim with Bishop & McKenz ie LLP, Attention: Megan B. Harris, 2300, 10180-101 Street, Edmonton, Alber ta T5J 1V3. Phone 780-426-5550.
If you do not f ile by the date above, the estate proper ty can law fully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have
It is very funny, but yet it is done in a tasteful way,” said Lougheed manager Nick Beach.
“A week before the show we are going to have a workshop for people to learn bumps, grinds and shimmies,” added manager Nick Beach.
Grease is the word! The Camrose Churchmice Players will be presenting the musical from February 6 to 16. Both matinees and evening performances will be available throughout the 10 shows.
Ticket to Hollywood will supply music from the movies under the Edmonton Pops Orchestra on Friday, February 21, at 7:30 p.m. This show will not only have world famous musicians, but also vocalists singing iconic songs. “The response last time they were here was super positive (Ticket to Broadway) and we are happy to have them back,” added sponsorship coordinator Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye.
HOST SQUAD
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
The Camrose Vikings bantam double-A hockey team will be hosting provincials in March. Members of the team include, back row from left, Easton Freadrich, Seth Edwards, Nick Shapka, Jayven Ilg, Joren Kosinski and Cholo Annett. Middle row from left, Seth Tkaczyk, Kai Burnstad, Ryder Bonnett, Linden Tuftin, Mattias Briggs, Will Hoyme, Braydon Watters and Noah Galenza. Front row from left, Connor Christenson, Jett Parsons, PJ Ranin, Kale Hurlburt, Blake Sitler, Conrad Phillips, Brody Calhoon, Oliver Ringwall and Ashton John. Missing: Jacob Biensch and Brayden Koch.
By Murray Green
The U16 double-A Camrose Vikings hockey team was selected as the host team and community for the 2025 provincial tournament, March 20 to 23. This hockey tournament will be composed of five teams. This year the top two rural division teams and the top teams from the southern, central and metro divisions will form the teams in the tournament.
Currently, the U16 double-A Vikings, led by head coach Blake Sitler, are ranked number one in the rural division and are try-
ing to qualify for a regular spot, rather than just get in as hosts.
This tournament will showcase the best teams in the U16 league and give Camrose the opportunity to highlight what this community has to offer.
“The team is excited to be given the opportunity to host and showcase a community that has always supported our youth minor hockey. We invite everyone to come support the Vikings during the tournament, and enjoy some great hockey as well as community spirit,” said team spokesperson Lauren Hoyme.
BRCF grants Killam and District Health Care Foundation
Submitted
Submitted
The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $10,300 grant to Killam and District Health Care Foundation.
According to Terri Rombough, “The Killam and District Health Care Foundation is grateful to receive a grant of $10,300 from the Battle River Community Foundation for the purchase of a replacement ice machine for the Campus of Caring Long-Term Care at Killam Health Care. The ice machine is important for patient hydration, comfort, and ice therapy.”
As per its website, the Killam Health Centre was opened in November 1963 by the Sister’s of St. Joseph of London, Ontario. Today, Killam Health Centre provides the people of Flagstaff County with individual
and family health services including 24/7 emergency care, inpatient acute care, diagnostic imaging, rehab, adult day program and continuing care.
In spring 1990, the Sisters withdrew and in 2009 Killam Health Centre became part of Covenant Health. The website states, “Although the Sister’s of Saint Joseph physically left the building, their influence and legacy is always present in the compassionate and loving care that is delivered to patients at the Killam Health Centre today,” she added.
The grant for the Killam and District Health Care Foundation is funded from income earned from the Bowthorpe Family Memorial Fund and the Stan and Sharleen Chevraux Fund.
The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support organizations in east central Alberta that benefit the local communities and positively impact the future.
Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment funds. The principal of these endowment funds 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 Community Foundation has granted over $9,891,300 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.
Central Agencies Realty Home of the Week
Move-in ready home in Edberg
By Murray Green
You have to see this exceptionally clean three-bedroom home.
This affordable property is movein ready and has had many recent upgrades including shingles, siding, vinyl plank flooring, paint and appliances.
This home features a tastefully renovated, open-concept kitchen/dining/living area, a huge master bedroom with a four-piece en suite bathroom, two more good-sized bedrooms and a second four-piece bathroom.
The heated single car garage is connected by a breezeway. Included are
Nighty-Night
Snoring is basically bragging about being asleep so loudly that it stops other people from sleeping. It's like laying there screaming, "LOOK AT ME! I'M HAVING SUCH A LOVELY SLEEP!"
How do I become one of those people who go to bed at 10:00 and wake up at 6:00? Does it require some sor t of special surger y?
Is there anything worse than heading to bed and then remembering that you washed the sheets that day so you have to put them back on the bed first?
I can' t believe how quickly I fell asleep last night. I didn' t even get a chance to regret all the awkward conversations I made throughout the day
Once you hit a cer tain age, life becomes a delicate balance between trying to stay awake and trying to fall asleep while slowly getting worse at both.
The worst thing you can do when you are in a fight with your wife is fall asleep easily that night.
My favourite childhood memory is falling asleep on the couch and then waking up in bed. I miss teleporting, it never happens to me anymore.
My husband, getting out of bed in the middle of the night: "Sorry, I was trying to get up without waking you."
Me: "Are you kidding? I woke up ten minutes ago because one of the kids coughed. And she's in college across the country."
I recorded my husband snoring and played it back to him so he could hear what I hear and he rolled over and said, "TURN THAT DOWN! I'M TRYING TO SLEEP!"
My brain at 3:00 a.m.: "I can see you're trying to sleep, so I would like to o er you a selection of ever y memor y, unresolved issue or things you should have said or done today or in the past 40 years."
I pulled out a nose hair last night to see if it hurt. Judging how fast my husband woke up screaming, it seemed pretty painful
My body at 3:00 a.m.: "Let 's wake her up for no reason." My body two minutes before my alarm: "Let's make her feel more comfor table than she's ever felt in her life."
I don' t agree with the phrase , " You snooze, you lose." Snoozing seems like a win to me!
Me [watching husband sleep]: "I just love him so much, he's my every th–" [husband snores]
window coverings, garage door opener and control(s), dishwasher, dryer, electric stove, refrigerator and washer.
The quiet Village of Edberg is conveniently located within commuting distance to Camrose, Ponoka and Stettler.
View this home at 16 Main Street Edberg, rural Camrose County. It is priced at $119,000. Enjoy living in a smaller community within the County. For a private viewing, contact Sascha at:
or
Me: "I can' t live like this!"
Mom Sleep = like regular sleep but without the sleep
Brain at 3:00 a.m.: "Let me o er you a selection of catchy songs from the past 30 years."
Me: "No, we need to go to sleep."
Brain: "Don' t tell my heart , my achy breaky heart…"
The most disturbing thing about accidentally waking up at 4:00 a.m. is realizing that some people actually do this on purpose so they can exercise.
People call you at 6:00 a.m. and ask , "Are you asleep?"
Nah, I'm outside on the trampoline.
Sometimes I wake up grumpy. But other times, I let her sleep in
Them: " What inspires you to get ou t of bed ever y day ?"
Me: "My bladder mostly."
Me, on mornings when my wife can sleep in: [tiptoeing around, whispering to the kids, wearing socks, using airpods, volume down on the T V]:
My wife, on mornings when I can sleep in: "DOES ANYONE ELSE WANT A SMOOTHIE?"
[loud blast of blender]
Me: [finally drifting o to sleep]
My alarm: " You are not gonna believe this!"
Instead of saying, "Good morning," my wife and I go straight into explanations about how badly we slept last night.
I'm up, but I refuse to be at 'em until noon
Sascha Dressler
Kevin Gurr, chair of the Battle River Community Foundation board, presents a cheque to Sharon Moser, chair of the Killam and District Health Care Foundation and Terri Rombough, vice-chair.
