Merry Christmas
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Bruderheim town council voted last week to post on the web and social media for public input wanted over two bylaws being considered; one that would turn subdivision development decision-making over to town council instead of one person, and another for their Procedural Bylaw, a bylaw directing how council meetings are conducted.
Although council passed a motion to present the bylaws for public commenting on the web and social media, it was not clarified that instead of public comments being opened on the Town’s social media, a link would be provided for residents to express their opinions through a private comment form managed by Bruderheim Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth.
Residents can find the link to the bylaws, and the commenting form, on the Town’s social media page and have until Jan. 2 to express their opinions. For further information, residents can also view the Dec. 11 meeting discussion on the Town’s social media page with the two bylaws being debated starting at 33 minutes.
Additionally, Forsyth said by email that if residents have any questions around the bylaws they can contact her at CAO@bruderheim.ca or by phone at 780-7963731.
One aspect of the Procedural Bylaw debated at the Dec. 11 meeting was the idea of a ‘Committee of the Whole’ (COW), a separate council meeting meant for discussion only and Mayor Karl Hauch said would be closed from the public.
In previous discussions it was felt by some members of council that the COW would take away the public’s ability to view council debates
on issues because they will be closed meetings.
The motion to create a COW was voted down unanimously in Oct., but brought back for decision again in the Procedural Bylaw Dec. 11.
Although Mayor Hauch said the COW are intended to be closed from the public, the MGA (Municipal Government Act) states in section 197 that all council committees, including COWs, must be conducted in public unless a matter falls under FOIP (freedom of information and privacy).
Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth confirmed by email that due to the COW being a
meeting closed to the public there would be no recording or minutes kept of the discussion.
She said while the public would be kept away from the discussion itself, the topics being covered would be made public.
Forsyth was asked by email why a COW is necessary if the council already conducts closed sessions when there is an
item under FOIP, or can call a special council meeting if the need arises. She was not able to provide an answer by press time.
Bruderheim’s next council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. online through the Town’s social media or in person at the town fire station.
Do
If you possess leadership qualities, are
Add your name with a Minimum $5 cash or food donation
Last year, we raised $1,885! With your help, we can get to that number again!
Lamont Leader; Kerry, Michelle, Brennan & Garrett Anderson; Crystal & Hunter; Sylvia & Family; Aileen; John Mather; Jana Semeniuk & Family; Al Harvey & Family; Chuck & Andrea Varga; Albert & Florence Stelmach; Julian, Joannie & Kaitlyn Lopushinksy; Ray Letawsky; Patrica & Lawrence Hryniw; Chipman Hotel Staff; Tyson, Tristan & Tatum Jonker; Lincoln, Aspen & Cohen Jonker; Christmas Angel; Pat & Terry Oleksyn; Erich & Rosena Frobel; Ed & Donna Kucheraway & Family; Jack Kucherawy; Gerry & Carol Palichuk; Johnny & Wendie; Grant & Hazel Hackett; Anonymous #1; Richard & Sharon Johnston; John & Doreen Homeniuk; In Memory of Daniel, John & Jonathan Patan & Thomas Kowal; Steve & Stella Stodola; Bob & Brenda Melnyk; Barb Tessier, Robert & Debbie Tessier; Laurie & Julian Woldanski; Marshal & Zenia Maydanski; $7000!!
Anonymous #2; The Little Things - Deanna Ruether; Zennia Trollope; In Loving Memory of Louise Moren; Dave Fedun; Oscar OS Pederson; Oscar BJ Pederson; Tom & Mae Adamyk; Jim Antoniuk; Nickie Antoniuk; Wayne Antoniuk; Gale Antoniuk; Adeline Antoniuk; Wayne & Lorraine Field; David & Mary Boyko; Peter & Emily Kostiuk; Lamont River Rats Snowmobile Club; Mary-ann & Milton Holowach; Ron & Debbie Tresham; Delores Cossey & Family; Wayne & Darlene Schoepp; Gloria & Harvey Downie; Richard, Linda & Stefanyk Family; The Painting Fireman; Nora Gauthier; Mark & Alison Courtnage; Wayne & Mary Letawsky; Bill Skubleny; Bernie & Linda Kotylak; Antoinette Siracky; Al & Carol Ropchan; Mark, Ginger, Taylor & Elie Ropchan; Kim, Derek, Jarret & Tyson Burns; Anonymous #3; Mark & Debra Bilocerkowec; Albert & Wenlove Candia & Family; Willie & Mary Ann Borys; Rita & Raymond Paquette; Trevor Schinkinger Trucking Ltd.; George & Mary Boyko; Park Memorial; Eileen Mandryk;
Due to the delay of mail during the postage strike, we will be accepting donations by mail up until Januar y 3. Donations have been passed on to the Food Bank, and we will have an updated Fill the Tree and finale in the first paper of the new year, on Januar y 8, 2025.
BY JOHN MATHER
During their regular Dec. 10 council meeting the Town of Lamont Council agreed to support the Lamont United Church as it moves forward during the 100 anniversary of the United Church of Canada.
Town Chief Administrative Officer Tyler Edworthy told council the letter seeking support form the local United Church had been presented to the Town Parks and Recreation Committee and a motion was made to support the contributions the United Church had made in Lamont.
“The committee made the motion that it be supported with a tribute leaf and a tree would be planted in Hillside Park,” said Edworthy.
Councillor Linda Sieker asked if the decision would mean a change in the Parks and Recreation policy allowing the committee to support organizations.
Edworthy said no change would have to be made.
Councillor Al Harvey moved to support the motion and it was carried by council.
In a second item, the council approved the appointment of David Diduck to the Lamont Library Board to a one year term which will expire Dec. 31, 2025.
Councillor Harvey wanted to know if Diduck was being appointed as a private citizen or as a Lamont County representative.
Harvey pointed out Diduck could fail in his bid should he seek election in Lamont County’s Division three in the municipal election next October which as a representative of the County would cut short his tenure on the board.
Edworthy said he believed it was as a councillor but he needed more clarification.
“If he wasn’t re-elected, I’d assume we would have to reappoint someone to finish the term,” she said.
Harvey amended the
Councillor Colleen Holowaychuk, who sits on the Library Board, confirmed it was as a councillor.
appointment motion to add a term expiring Dec. 2025 or for a term where Mr. Diduck was no longer eligible.
His amended motion was accepted and it was passed by council.
BY HAZEL ANAKA
In last week’s column I shared with you The Word/s of 2024 as selected by big dictionary companies. For this final week of 2024, I think it would be appropriate to talk about the importance of selecting our own personal perfect word.
Selecting one’s word is popular in personal development and artistic circles. I haven’t done it consistently but have definitely written about it before in this space. The key difference between what the dictionaries do and what I’m suggesting each of us should do is the fact that their choice is retroactive. It is the culmination of a year’s worth of search results; it’s looking backwards not ahead.
I’m saying it’s worthwhile for each of us to look ahead to 2025 and choose the one word that will set our direction or
FROM WHERE I SIT: Word-Perfect
intention for the coming year. It will be positive and aspirational. It will be easy to remember or journal about or mediate upon. I first learned of this idea through Christian author Debbie Macomber’s book, One Perfect Word. I was so enamoured with the idea that I did the same for a couple of years.
But it is a busy life and even important things get pushed off the front burner. Now whether a person chooses to declare their new word choice publicly through a YouTube video or over Christmas dinner is entirely personal. Whether it remains a closely guarded secret shared only with your planner or journal is another credible option. Our word, our choice. So, what might the thought process be for choosing a word to guide a whole year? And is it even a thought process or a message from one’s heart? Or, more likely, is it one of those body and soul gut instincts?
One thing I think is clear. Our hopes, plans, aspirations, intentions for a new year are a direct result of the introspection and soul searching revealed during an
annual life inventory. Say, we sit down with a warm beverage and remember that 2024 saw us angry and on the offensive a lot of the time. We don’t like how that felt or made others feel. We want to do better, to evolve as a human being. We don’t want to repeat destructive behaviour or double down on harmful thinking. Maybe we choose Laugh as our perfect word because we can’t laugh and be angry at the same time. Or we might decide Patience is the better choice because anger is often the result of impatience with ourselves, others, our environment. Gratitude may be another perfect option. Anger and gratitude literally cannot occupy the same space at the same time in our brains.
Step 4 in the Alcoholics Anonymous recovery program asks addicts to ‘make a searching and fearless moral inventory.’ News flash: we don’t have to be problem drinkers to undertake this step. I think the work searching means we look deeply into the matter; we don’t chicken out or grab the first easy answer.
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145
Rev. Deborah Brill
SUNDAY SERVICES 11:15 AM CHRISTMASEVESERVICES DECEMBER 24TH, 2024
PARTRIDGE HILL UNITED CHURCH 5 PM
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 7 PM Everyone Welcome! CHECKOUTOURNEWFACEBOOKPAGE!! AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm
Fearless indicates that it will take strength of character to do this; no hiding one’s head in the sand or blaming others. No BS… just manning up. Whatever that searching, fearless moral inventory reveals could be the catalyst for choosing the right word. If we finally admit to being a consummate liar, Truth may be the word. If we acknowledge we’ve been coasting, not breaking a sweat, not carrying our share of the load, then picking Work or Ambition may make sense. If we discover that we don’t believe anything or anyone because ‘the system is rigged and
they’re out to get us’ maybe that cynical outlook can be softened with the word Believe.
Sometimes people choose the word Intentional in order to bring some control to their lives; to stop letting things happen to them and instead consciously decide what will happen to them. Proactive versus reactive.
I know I just dropped this concept into your lap and it will take time to decide on a word if you choose to do so. And I hope you do. In the last umpteen videos I’ve scheduled to cover the holiday break, I find myself talking about pushing comfort zone
limits, growing artistically, taking myself less seriously, losing some control, taking some chances. Given all that, Play, Risk, Expand, or Growth could be on the short list. In the time it took to type and reread that sentence, I chose Risk, right here, right now. Risk sounds ballsy with the possibility of reward; risk sounds like what have I got to lose. Risk it is, from where I sit.
PS From my home and heart to yours, I wish you a wonderful Christmas or holiday season and an awesome word-perfect start to 2025! Many thanks to Kerry and his crew for a great 2024.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
Dec. 19, 2006 edition of the Lamont Leader: The Andrew School grade 12 class sold 190 poinsettias in a fundraiser that will help pay for some of the expenses of their graduation.
Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775 Join us: SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 AM
@ 9:00 am St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael 2nd, and 4th
Opinion
Christmas exists in our hearts not in shopping malls
BY JOHN MATHER
Well this is Christmas week.
As is typical in Northern Alberta the ground is covered with a blanket of white and people are scurrying around like rats (there are none in Alberta) as they complete last minute shopping for gifts or food for those scrumptious, weight adding meals.
I can remember as a kid in Brampton, Ont., Christmas was a little different.
Oh sure, we had the Christmas tree, and there was lots of food and gifts under the tree.
When we were very young, my sister, brother and myself would spend days before Christmas sneaking around the house looking for the hidey holes to see what mom and dad may have purchased for gifts for us.
This was generally done with little success.
Mom and dad either had really great hiding places or there was a Santa Claus.
In the 1960s, shopping malls were just becoming mainstream and for us kids in Brampton a trip to see Santa Claus generally meant a trip to both Eaton’s and Simpson’s in downtown Toronto where Santa held court in a place of reverence … toyland on either the fourth or fifth floor depending which store you were in.
Up the dingy escalators we travelled, excitement building as we got to approach the jolly old fellow to sit on his lap and tell him our inner most secrets.
These not only included what we might want for Christmas, but also detailed descriptions of just how good we had been all year so we could ensure the “fix was in” for the most desired gifts. No mention of previous searches for gifts or sibling scraps.
Christmas Eve, was watching a movie, generally the Alastair Sim version of “A Christmas Carol,” which I will watch again on Christmas Eve with great nephews or nieces. This is a tradition.
During the weeks leading up to Christmas, often we would watch other Christmas movies as they appeared on the old black and white television, “White Christmas” and “Holiday Inn.”
CONTINUED
Those too, still reside in my Christmas movies collection.
But as I got older, Christmas changed. It lost much of its religious significance as people stopped going to church as regular as they may have back in the 50s and 60s.
Still on Christmas Eve there are midnight services where carols can be sung and the real meaning of Christmas can be recited to warm your hearts and give us that wonderful feeling of joy.
But now, Santa Claus is on every corner and in every store.
Christmas has become a time of consumer gluttony beginning in October, with much of the joy of the season being lost.
Yet, as we gather with family and friends on December 25, there is that few precious hours when we all remember the memories and share the joy that does unite us on this one special day of the year.
And to mark that, we can reflect on the words Francis Church penned in 1897, when a young girl named Virginia, wrote a letter to the editor asking if there was a Santa Claus because many of her little friends denied his existence.
Church’s response still resonates to this day and I hope we all can think of it this December 25 as we gather with family and friends.
Even if people are in a hotel, hostel or having a meal from a shelter because of their circumstances, these words ring true.
“Dear Editor,
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say that there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in the Sun, it is so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
“Virginia,
Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be, which is not comprehensible by their little minds.
All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's
or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to our life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your Papa to hire men to watch all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove?
Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.
Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, or even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond.
Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else as real and abiding. No Santa Claus?
Thank God he lives and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, maybe 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the hearts of children.”
I hope each and every one of our readers enjoy the merriest of Christmases.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter
Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren Office
BY JANA SEMENIUK
After a dismal report during the Dec. 11 council meeting on the status of preparations for the outdoor rink, Bruderheim Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomuschat now says they have turned a corner.
Tomuschat reported to the council that despite attempts at building up the ice surface of the outdoor skating rink, intermittent blasts of warm weather thwarted their efforts.
“We had it probably about 40 percent made last Friday (Dec. 6), and it (all) melted. It was all water by Friday afternoon,” he said. “I can’t guarantee it would be in prior to Christmas because it usually takes 10 days to make. It’s all weather pending.”
Tomuschat estimated that $2,000 in water was wasted so far trying to get the rink up and running due to the short periods of warmer weather.
However, by Dec. 18, temperatures dropped to -20 C bringing a rosier picture for residents hoping for outdoor Christmas skating time.
Tomuschat said by text message on Dec. 18 that the rink should be opened very soon.
“If all goes well it
should be open by this Friday (Dec. 20),” he said. “We have had the Zamboni on it now so just smoothing out rough spots. Will continue to flood later today when the snow stops and all day tomorrow (Dec. 19) and Friday (Dec. 20). It should be good to go.”
Meanwhile, Town of Lamont Chief Administrative Officer Tyler Edworthy wasn’t sure they would be able to have their outdoor rink finished in time for Christmas.
Lamont’s outdoor rink sits on the ground, just like Bruderheim’s, but within Hillside park without boards lining
the edges. He said the intermittent warm weather delayed getting it up and running.
“We have been caught a little off guard this year with the warm weather turning to consistent snowfall. We are hoping to get on it over the next week, but will not be in time for Christmas break this year,” he said by email.
Edworthy said that to make up for the lack of outdoor skating time, more public skating and shinny times will be added to the arena.
While Chipman does not have an official out door skating rink, executive assistant Keiron
SANTA VISITS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Bruderheim AG Society held its final Christmas Market of the season on Dec. 14. Here, vendors were visiting with Santa, as were visitors entertained by Santa and the Grinch.
Melissa MacIntosh-Youngs photo.
Willis confirmed that a concrete pad, left over from an old curling rink that has been torn down, is still in good shape and flooded by the town to use as an ice skating surface.
Willis said the Village began flooding it near the beginning of Dec. but so far the skating surface has not yet been used.
She said the users will usually shovel the snow off the rink themselves, and the Village will flood it as needed when there is time.
The village of Andrew and the town of Mundare do not have an outdoor skating rink.
Glory
Yea,
May you and your loved ones rejoice in the splendour of all His creations during this beautiful and wondrous season.
We thank you sincerely for your valued business throughout the year! From Cliff & Sharon & all the Staff
Greetings and best wishes to all of the folks who make our communities such wonderful places to
Sending prayers and hearty Christmas greetings to you. May you receive the most special of God ’ s blessings during this Christmas season!
May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility
Yours in Christ, BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF LAMONT HEALTH CARE CENTRE
From: Board of Directors, Administration and Staff Lamont County Housing Foundation
Chestnuts
They
Everybody
And
Sophia Benoit, 4, and her sister Agnes Benoit, 3, wait patiently as Candace Tratch, from Mundare, toasts some marshmallows for them during Mundare’s Christmas market Dec. 7. The warming fire was adjacent to the town office. The girl’s mom watches from behind them.
Small group of carolers spread Christmas joy in Bruderheim
BY MELISSA MACINTOSHYOUNG
Christmas caroling is a time-honoured tradition that has been spreading holiday cheer for centuries.
Rooted in community and celebration, caroling involves groups of people singing festive songs and hymns door-todoor, in public spaces, or during special gatherings.
As the holiday season approaches, a small yet spirited group of carolers brought Christmas cheer to Bruderheim on Dec. 15.
Armed with warm smiles, glowing lanterns, and classic holiday songs, they created unforgettable moments for those who need it most.
Organizers, Luanne and Blaine Taylor have been caroling locally for years. It started when their children were young.
Blaine said, “In previous years, we sometimes had 20-30 people taking part.”
The carollers met at the Bruderheim Community Church before and afterwards for hot chocolate and goodies.
Caroling remains a cherished part of Christmas traditions worldwide. It’s a way to bring communities together, offering comfort and joy to listeners, especially in settings like senior homes, hospitals, or public squares.
Modern caroling blends old classics like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” with contemporary favourites, creating a heartwarming blend of nostalgia and festivity.
The Catholic Communities of Our Lady of the Angels Parish Christmas Masses 2024 780-998-3288 www.olafortsask.caedm.ca
Christmas Masses for the Catholic Communities of Our Lady of the Angels Parish 10004 – 101 Street, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 1V9 780-998-3288 www.olafortsask.caedm.ca
Christmas Eve., Tuesday, Dec. 24
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro: 4:00pm
Christmas Eve Masses Tuesday, December 24, 2019
O.L.A., Fort Sask.: 4:30pm, 8:00pm and Midnight
Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25
St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael: 10:00am
Our Lady of the Angels: Fort Sask.: 5:00 pm, 9:00 pm, 12:00 Midnight
O.L.A., Fort Sask.: 10:00am
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Lamoureux: 7:00 pm
Holy Family, Sunday, Dec. 29
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro: 9:00am
O.L.A., Fort Sask.: 9:00am and 11:00 am
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro: 5:00 pm Sacred Heart, Gibbons: 12 Midnight St. Clare, Redwater: 7:30 pm
New Years Eve./ Mary Mother of God, Tuesday, Dec. 31
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro: 5:00pm
Christmas Day Masses Wednesday, December 25, 2019
O.L.A., Fort Sask.: 5:15pm
Our Lady of the Angels, Fort Sask: 10:00 am Lamont Aux. Hosp. Chapel: 9:00 am
New Year’s Day, Holy Mother of God, Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025
St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael: 9:00am
St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael 11:00 am
O.L.A., Fort Sask.: 10:00am
Bruderheim carolers
New vendors come to Lamont Christmas Market
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Lamont Farmers’ Christmas Market was bustling Dec 14 with at least 30 vendors selling a variety of goods and spreading holiday cheer.
Market manager Anke Schroeder said she was happy to see a number of new sellers bringing different items although was disappointed with several cancellations prior.
“We had over 40 vendors (but) we had a lot of cancellations, unfortunately. But I think we still had a really nice variety, and we have some new vendors,” she said.
One table with bread sold out quickly while a steady stream of customers kept other vendors, such as the Sock Junkie and others selling beautiful Christmasthemed items, stunning pottery and crocheted art, very busy.
One new vendor to the Lamont Farmer’s Market is game designer Jesse Hlushko, a heavy-duty mechanic from Ashmont. When Hlushko isn’t working, he is designing board games and card games, finding a level of success with his prehistoricthemed card game ‘Unga Bunga’.
Hlushko describes it as a ‘silly little family card game’.
“It’s a five-card pairing game where you match things to make things and the goal is to become the ultimate caveman by making all six of your items,” he said.
Hlushko added that two to six players can play Unga Bunga which has been on the market for the past two years. He said so far he has sold 2,000 of the games and it’s now available in 33 stores across the province including the Home Hardware in Vegreville. It’s also available on Hlushko’s website HKOgames.ca.
Meanwhile, market manager Anke Schroeder said she is looking forward to the coming year for the Lamont Farmer’s Market
as they are now an allyear market, happening once a month until May when they move weekly until Sept.
“We’ll have a fruit
truck available all year at every market,” she said.
“We hope to get (more vendors) out and involved a little bit more.”
From our Family to Yours!
Schroeder said the next Lamont Farmer’s Market, scheduled on the third Wednesday of every month, will be on Jan. 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lamont Arena.
From our family at Lamont United Church to your family
A very Blessed Christmas with much Hope, Peace, Joy and Love in the New Year.
Join us for our Christmas Eve Services Dec 24th, 2024
Partridge Hill United Church 5:00 pm
Lamont United Church 7:00 pm
Jesse Hlushko demos his game Unga Bunga at the market. Jana Semeniuk photo
Ottawa drops 3-2 thriller in Boston
Bruderheim goalie most minutes in league
BY JOHN MATHER
The Ottawa Charge travelled to Beantown for a women’s hockey match Dec. 17 and came out on the short end of a 3-2 finish.
The Charge and Boston Fleet went scoreless through the first 20minutes, but both teams came out on fire in the second frame scoring two goals each.
Jamie Lee Rattray opened the scoring for Boston at the 2:18 mark with Emma Greco picking up the assist.
Ottawa’s Shiann Darkangelo tied the match at the six minute mark with Jincy Roese and Danielle Serdachny getting helpers on the goal.
Two minutes later, Shay Maloney gave Boston the lead again putting the puck past Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer in the Ottawa net.
Amanda Pelkey and Sophie Shirley assisted on the goal.
Late in the frame Aneta Tejralova tied it up for Ottawa from Jenner and Serdachny.
In the third period, Boston sealed the game
when Hannah Brandt scored at 8:26 from Hilary Knight.
Maschmeyer faced 25 shots in the game stopping 22.
Goaltenders Maschmeyer and Aerin Frankel of Boston are tied for the PWHL lead with 121 shots against. Frankel leads Maschmeyer in saves, 113 to 111.
The win before 2,854 fans moved Boston into second place in the standing while Ottawa fell to fifth place.
It marked the first game since Ottawa came into existence where the teams went penalty free for the entire game.
Ottawa’s next several games are all on the road playing December 19 in Minnesota and then travelling to New York to take on the Sirens Dec. 29. The team will have a late New ¥ear’s celebration when they play in Toronto on Dec. 31.
The first game of the new year for Ottawa will be Jan.7 back in New York.
Emerance has a 2.49 GAA and a .917 save percentage on the season.
a
Topped with
fire helmet, the Friends of the Lamont Emergency Services Christmas tree stood out at the Lamont Style “Festival of Trees,” Nov. 30 with its decorations of different station badges from around Lamont County along with small fire axes, fire boots and other apparatus. Candy canes and a fire hose rounded out the display. The tree won second place. John Mather photo.
Volunteers from Smith Park Farms in Strathcona County, demonstrate Heritage Rope Making during the Josephburg Winter Market Nov. 30. Young children lined up for a chance at turning the crank to make the ropes.
John Mather photo.
The Golden Wrapping Paper
Once upon a time, there was a man who worked very hard just to keep food on the table for his family. This particular year a few days before Christmas, he punished his little fiveyear-old daughter after learning that she had used up the family's only roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.
As money was tight, he became even more upset when on Christmas Eve he saw that the child had used all of the expensive gold paper to decorate one shoebox she had put under the Christmas
tree. He also was concerned about where she had gotten money to buy what was in the shoebox.
Nevertheless, the next morning the little girl, filled with excitement, brought the gift box to her father and said, "This is for you, Daddy!"
As he opened the box, the father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, now regretting how he had punished her.
But when he opened the shoebox, he found it was empty and again his anger flared. "Don't you know, young lady," he said harshly, "when you
give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside the package!"
The little girl looked up at him with sad tears rolling from her eyes and whispered: "Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was all full."
The father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his precious little girl. He begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger.
An accident took the life of the child only a short time later. It is told that the father kept this little gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box, take out an imaginary kiss, and remember the love of this beautiful child who had put it there.
In a very real sense, each of us has been given an invisible golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.
Anonymous
This vintage Santa Claus is brought out to sit on the stage at Mundare’s MRC and watch over the annual Christmas market. This year warm weather brought a large crowd to the market which was held Dec. 7. John Mather photo.
20 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 23, 2024
Community Programming
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman
(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters & locations, or call 780-895-2233 for info./registration). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors activities: Office Closure (FCSS/CALC/KFRN) – Offices are closed from December 23 through January 6 during the holiday season. For emergent matters, contact 780-895-2233.
Access current monthly services & programs information scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC and KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages. For more info, scan the QR code: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming | FCSSlamontcountyregion | KFRN:
& kalynafrn.ca | CALC: LamontCountyAdultLearns || CALC/FCSS/KFRN:
MERRY CHRISTMAS, A JOYOUS UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May your 2025 be full of joy!
Industrial Heartland Career Forum – Discover a career in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland explore new career opportunities in industrial/trade sectors. Learn more at: industrialheartlandcareersforum.ca
Lamont County’s 2025 Budget is now approved. See lamontcounty.ca/news for details.
Business License Renewals Reminder: Reminder: business licenses issued in 2024 expire Dec. 31 can be renewed for 2025. Be part of the Business Directory. Do you have a business within Lamont County and want to be included in the digital directory, complete your free application at lamontcountynow.ca/businessdirectory. Businesses are added once approved. If you have any questions, contact Economic Development at 780-895-2233. A further reminder to support local economy by shopping local this holiday season/year-round.
9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Line
The holiday season can be a challenging time for many, and this continues into the winter months (Bell Let’s Talk Day is held annually in Jan./Feb. to raise mental health awareness for this reason).
Help is out there for those in need! If you're in immediate danger or need urgent medical support, call 9-1-1. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week anywhere in Canada.
Other Items of Interest
Tax Installment Payment Plan
Reminder : Lamont County offers taxpayers the ability to pay property taxes in monthly installments by pre-authorized withdrawals rather than one single payment. Sign up before December 31. Contact the Tax Clerk if you have any questions related to this or the outstanding unpaid tax penalty (Jan. 1). Reminder: you can report road conditions or service needs with a Service Request at lamontcounty.ca/servicerequests (all phone, email & online submissions are entered into the same queue, online submissions may addressed faster during peak events and when phone lines are limited/extremely busy). Winter safety tips page: lamontcounty.ca/ be-prepared
SQUEAL ON PIGS (CAMERAS INSTALLATION)
As part of the Squeal on Pigs/Wild Boar control, Lamont County is installing cameras at specific locations to monitor boar traffic (including on or near private land) in the efforts to control and eradicate. These will be installed by a contractor during the next 2-3 weeks in a Lamont County vehicle with proper identification. This is an eightmonth surveillance program developed in conjunction with Alberta Pork and Squeal on Pigs. Learn more about how wild boar is controlled in Alberta at: alberta.ca/wild-boarin-alberta.aspx. This invasive pest cannot be controlled by hunting. Report a sighting or if you have questions, contact Lamont County Agricultural Services at 780-8952585 or abinvasives.ca/squeal-on-pigs/ at 310-FARM (3276) and wildboar@gov.ab.ca.
Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting
The next scheduled ASB meeting is (Wednesday) February 12 (in 2025), starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb.
Next Lamont County Council (Regular Council Meeting)
The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, January 14 (in 2025), starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Admin. Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link). A link to meetings, agendas and minutes can be found at: lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.
Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: www.lamontcounty.ca/communications (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as fullsized PDF and to access hyperlinks)
Reeve’s Annual Holiday Video Message: see Lamontcounty.ca for this annual update.
Economic Development Opportunities