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Your LOCAL Media since 1918! VOLUME 107: ISSUE 14
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Wednesday, November 27, 2024
l l a f w o n S r o j a M iF rst
This weekend’s winter blast dumped as much as 25-30 cm of snow in much of Alberta including the Beaver County region. Crews were hard at work all day Saturday clearing highways, with one employee commenting “within a few minutes, it looked like I hadn’t even touched the it yet.” Pictured right: Town of Tofield Public Works cleared the weekend's heavy snowfall on Monday morning, Nov. 25. LISA KUFLAY & KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Chamber members share updates heading into the Christmas season Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Tofield District and Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 5, at the Beaverhill Lake Nature Centre, and each Chamber member in attendance provided a short update on their business. As a general update on Town business, Assistant CAO Jeff Edwards said that they are heading into budget season. “We're just heading into the budget right now, and we'll be starting to work on that likely in the December time frame. Our projects, for the most part, have wrapped up for the season. The last big one that we had taken on was some alley remediation work behind what I'll term as the strip mall at
the end of main street. That was the last big project that we had taken on, and I’m not entirely sure what 2025 will look like in terms of projects, but we're looking forward to wrapping up another successful year,” he said. The representative for the Tofield Mercury, Kari Janzen, said that they were gearing up to sell shop local ads, and then will be heading in the busy season of selling Christmas ads. Barb Ferguson on behalf of the Tofield Legion provided information on the several Remembrance Day ceremonies the Legion would be part of, including the Tofield ceremony that they put on each year. Rebecca Warkentin from Country Lane Pet Boarding said winter is a busy time of year for them, especially during
the holidays, said she appreciates the opportunities to advertise in the local newspaper, and shared positive feedback on the street light installation project in town. “We had a very successful 2024, and we're getting into a very busy season now, with winter holidays and Christmas. For a few notes as a business, I know we really appreciate the supplements that the Mercury does. For the Town also, I've heard a lot of positive things with the street lights, and I can't wait to have them actually lit,” she said. Warkentin asked Edwards if there is a date in place when the new street lights will be turned on, and Edwards said, barring any setbacks with the weather, it should be completed in early December.
! a t n a S t e e m d n a Come
Saturday, Nov. 30th @ the Tofield Legion
Breakfast 8 am - 11 am $8 per person; kids 5 and under eat for free. Cookie decorating by donation & tattoos by Harvest Moon Proceeds go to the Christmas Hamper
Sponsored by: Tofield IGA, Tofield Legion, Tofield Fire Department, and Home-Time Realty.
Colleen Hebert representing Tofield ATB said that since the branches in Ryley and Holden have closed, the Tofield branch is looking to go to those communities. “We're trying to get out to communities, out to Ryley, we go to the Lodge, and we're thinking of getting out to Holden, because our branch did close in Holden as well,” Hebert said. Yvonne Brown, representing Busy B Bargains, said they are continuing to offer free coats and other winter wear to those in need, in partnership with the Tofield Ryley and Area food bank. “Since we had the story in the Mercury about that project, I've had three people stop me here and there and ask how many coats we need, but of
course, it’s as many as they are able to give. One lady said, well, my husband is away right now, so he'll have fewer coats when he comes back,” Brown said with a laugh. Sydney Baxter of the Tofield Municipal Library said they continue to have many programs on the go. “There's something for
every age. We have a write group, a book club, a game night for kids, Dungeons and Dragons; there is always stuff going on at the library,” she said. Greg Litwin of Maxwell Devonshire Realty provided an update on housing facts provided by the Government Continued on Page 14
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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 3
Busy B presents cheque for Poppy Fund
SPILSTEAD HALL
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Busy B Bargains board member Nola Pogany, left, recently presented Chris Shaw, Tofield Legion Poppy Chair, a cheque for the poppy fund and a general donation to the Legion. PHOTO SUBMITTED
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN
Ryley Pool
Annual Turkey Dinner
Ryley Community Hall
Thurs., Dec. 5th 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Ages: 18+ $20 • 7-17 $10 6 & under FREE!
On our menu • Turkey & Stuffing • Potatoes & Gravy • Mixed Vegetables & Salad • Desserts • Coffee & Tea
THE VILLAGE OF RYLEY Ryley Christmas Market Thursday, November 28 from 3-7pm 5103 - 49 St @ the Community Hall Tasty’s is cooking a Turkey Dinner $18/$9 A portion of the proceeds from every meal will be donated to support FCSS for Seniors Programs
Christmas Light Up! Sunday, December 1st 4 - 7pm Wagon rides, hot chocolate, candy canes and H Holiday themed videos at the Ryley Community Resource Centre 5021 - 50 St (4-6pm) Light up at Century Park 6pm with the Mayor Fireworks @ Sports Grounds @ 6:45pm
SANTA IS COMING!!! 2-7pm Holiday Movies & Crafts followed by a Hot Dog Supper @ 5 and Santa will arrive @ 6! Saturday, Dec 14 at the Hall
Holiday Lights Contest Best Business and Best Residence Judging Tuesday Dec 17 5 - 6pm
Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Holden annual Christmas Market a big hit despite blizzard
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Holden held their annual Christmas market in the Holden Community Hall on Saturday, November 23. Vendors said the stream of people was steady despite the rapidly falling snow.
The Holden Senior Club sold beef on a bun, hot dogs, over ten kinds of pie, and refreshments at the Holden Christmas Market, held in the Holden Community Hall on Saturday, November 23.
24114BA0
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 5
Inspect your home for fire The story of Alberta's rural long COVID program that never was hazards heading into the holidays Brett McKay
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter
November 24 to 30 marks National Home Fire Safety Week this year, held to remind people to keep themselves and their families safe heading into the Christmas season. "The Canada Safety Council (CSC) encourages Canadians to be mindful of fire hazards to ensure a safe and joyous holiday season," it was stated in the CSC National Home safety week media release. "According to Statistics Canada, open flame is one of the two leading causes of residential fires, behind only cooking equipment. Further, home fires accounted for three quarters of the 202 fire-related deaths in the country in 2021," the release says.
During the holidays, use the following tips from the CSC to safeguard your home from fire hazards. Place candles carefully. Candles left unattended or next to flammables or items such as curtains can be a high risk fire hazard. Practice fireplace safety. Utilize fireplace screens, ensure a clean chimney, and never leave a fire unattended. Water your Christmas tree daily to keep it from drying out and becoming more flammable. Also keep your tree away from heat sources such as furnace vents or space heaters. Inspect holiday lights, checking wires and outlets before plugging them in. Make sure outdoor lights are rated for outdoor use. Keep an accessible fire ex-
tinguisher, and be comfortable with how to use it. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the batteries, and make sure there is an alarm on each floor. The CSC also recommends that children and pets remain under supervision to reduce risks. "Establish a ‘kid-free zone’ around fireplaces, stoves, and candles to prevent accidental contact," the release said. "The CSC wishes all Canadians a safe and happy holiday season, filled with warmth, celebration, and the peace of mind that comes with a fire-safe home. Taking a few extra steps toward safety can help everyone enjoy the season while preventing avoidable accidents," the release said.
As better diagnosis and symptom management emerged for people with long COVID, researchers in Alberta set to work creating a program that could remotely connect urban specialists and rural patients. Between development and clinical implementation, the project was shelved. With the province closing its clinics dedicated to treating people with long COVID, the story of Alberta’s innovative rural outreach program appears destined to remain incomplete. Long COVID, or post COVID syndrome, refers to patients who are still experiencing symptoms twelve weeks after the initial infection. According to Health Canada, the condition affects about 1 in 9 adults who have had
COVID. Martin Ferguson-Pell said the University of Alberta’s Rehabilitation Robotics Lab was approached by Alberta Health Services to find a way to help assess rural patients for two common symptoms: breathlessness and fatigue. “What we did, because of the challenges that people who are in rural areas have in getting access to specialist assessments, was to look at the feasibility of doing this remotely,” Ferguson-Pell. The rehabilitative medicine team has over several years designed a clinic-to-clinic model using the ProMote system. A combination of video conferencing and telerobotics equipment, the platform allows patients to be remotely assessed by an expert from their local health centre. “The idea was that we would make sure that
rural health centres had the means to be able to support these patients and help with the assessment and monitoring of their symptoms after COVID, with the focus in our case on measuring breathing and respiration,” he said. Over the course of about five months, Ferguson-Pell said they developed the specific tools needed to ready the ProMote platform for long COVID care. “That was finding the right kind of stethoscope that we could use remotely. Producing a means to be able to measure breathing rate and, ideally, depth of breathing,” and communicating the information from the rural site to a specialist who could interpret what was happening in real time. Ferguson-Pell said the team achieved their goal, Continued on Page 20
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Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
OPINION
Want to have your say? Write a Letter: news.tofield@gmail.com (all opinions must be signed to be published)
JOHN’S RANT
Those grovelling for money not happy with COP 29 outcome So the COPout29 conference has ended in disunity in Azerbaijan. The tree huggers who cry for more money for those poor third world world, developing and less privileged countries that wanted to pick the world’s pockets to the tune of $1.3 trillion. $1.3trillion! That will buy one heck of a lot of windmills I guess. Or it may just line one heck of a lot of pockets along the way. But some reasonable calmer heads prevailed at this ridiculous annual climate fest. An item on oilprice.com stated, “Environmentalists are departing Baku feeling underwhelmed with the outcome, as COP29 negotiators backed away from an ambitious climate financing target and continued to bicker among themselves even over the significantly scaled back dollar goal.” While the first draft of an agreement to conclude this climate summit, which attracted 65 private jets to Baku, sought the $1.3 trillion, saner voices prevailed and by the time a final agreement was settled on the price had come down to $300 billion to
help in humanity's fight against climate change, aimed at helping poor nations cope with the ravages of global warming. The money will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off the coal, oil and gas that causes the globe to overheat, adapt to future warming and pay for the damage caused by climate change's extreme weather. The Azerbaijani hosts had hoped at the outset of COP29 that it would go down as one of the more successful meetings in the annals of the annual UN climate conference. Instead, the early view is that COP29 will go down as one of the more failed gatherings. The backtracking on the contribution amount has left representatives of the developing world outraged. “Our expectations were low, but this is a slap in the face,” the DW news agency quoted Mohamed Adow from Power Shift Africa as saying. “No developing country will fall for this. They have angered and offended the developing world.” Canada’s Environ-
ment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault attempted to lead the charge, urging global leaders to agree on a transformative climate finance goal to address the scale and urgency of the crisis. “Canada has come to COP29 ready to secure a new climate finance goal that addresses the nature and scale of the climate crisis,” Guilbeault, the former Greenpeace activist, stated. “Outside the halls of these important negotiations, the urgency of action is undeniable. Rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events like wildfires and hurricanes, and the rapid loss of biodiversity all demonstrate the profound and lasting impacts that climate change is having on the planet.” But just two months earlier, Guilbeault was stating his ministry wasn’t to blame for the fire that ripped through Jasper National Park this summer, devastating one-third of all structures in the Alberta mountain town, and that nothing could have been done to prevent it. Questions have been
raised about whether the federal government, which oversees Jasper through Parks Canada, had done enough to prepare against a catas t r o p h i c wildfire, particularly given the amount of dead trees in the area, resulting from years of pine-beetle infestation. The environment minister told the committee that Jasper was one of Canada’s most “fire-prepared” communities before the 32,000-hectare blaze, which started in late July. Guilbeault repeatedly evaded questions about the federal government’s response to multiple warnings of the potential for a catastrophic forest fire in Jasper, including exhortations in 2017 from both Jasper’s mayor and the MP whose riding the municipality falls in. Researchers Ken Hodges and Emile Begin warned a catastrophic Jasper blaze was “a matter of when, not if” in 2018. Of course Jasper is in Alberta and Albertans know when it comes to this province the Federal Liberals just don’t care about what happens. Meanwhile back in
Azerbaijan, one environmental group took aim at COP29’s ostensible host, Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev, alleging that he set the wrong tone for the gathering with his opening remarks. “He did not invite world nations to adopt more ambitious emissions reduction commitments or take on greater climate finance obligations,” said environmental activist Javid Gara for the regional Climate Action Network, an association of NGOs that has been tracking developments at the conference. “A more positive and collaborative speech would have been more helpful than a defensive tone and blame shifting.” The Climate Action Network released a report breaking down the region’s climate-change vulnerabilities, as well as what countries are doing to reduce emissions. Climate change raises the risk of natural disasters and harmful precipitation trends in the region, the report said, including landslides in Georgia and Armenia, and water shortages and a higher likelihood of droughts in
Azerbaijan. The report also indicated that the three regional states are making progress on meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets. But determined action still needs to be taken to address numerous challenges. “Key insights reveal weak and inconsistent ambitions for mitigation and adaptation, along with a continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels and modest targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy,” a summary of the report states. “This is set against a backdrop of increasing natural disasters, water scarcity, and sectoral risks – particularly in agriculture and energy.” Now all eyes will turn to Brazil, the host of Cop30, after the world’s developing nations deemed the finance plan agreed at Cop29 to pay for the ravages of climate change to be too little, too late. There was no one direct price tag that Canada will put on its share of the $300 billion, but I’m sure much of it is money that could have better been spent fixing issues in this country. JOHN MATHER
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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 7
RCMP Report Tofield RCMP arrest male and seize drugs after traffic stop On November 22, Tofield RCMP member was conducting proac-
tive patrols on Highway 833 in Beaver County when they conducted a
traffic stop on a vehicle. Further investigation led policing to seizing
what is believed to be 45 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 26 grams of suspected cocaine, two vials of susp e c t e d g a m m a - h y d ro x y b u tyrate, $920 in cash, three scales, two cell phones, and three shotgun shells. Maury Kushnir (51), a resident of Ryley, AB, has been charged with the following offences: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Control Drug X3; Possession of ammunition in motor vehicle; Possession of ammunition contrary to an order; Possession of illegal cig-
arettes. “Tofield RCMP officers continue to work very hard to take illegal drugs off our streets,” says Cpl. Stephen Cunningham with the Tofield RCMP. “This seizure will have an impact in local drug trafficking and organized crime within our communities.” If you have any information about drug activity in our community, please contact the Tofield RCMP at 780662-3353 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
(TIPS), online at www.P3Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
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Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Holden Council rejects resident request for stop sign re-installment by school Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
A resident of the village of Holden submitted a letter to Holden Council in early November with a complaint of the increase in speeding vehicles on 50 Ave., particularly between the cenotaph and the school. At the last regular council meeting held on Monday, November 18, councillors voted against putting the stop signs back up at the intersection of 50 Ave. and 53 St., three to one. “More and more, there are vehicles speeding between the cenotaph and the school. That is why
those stop signs were put up in the first place. It would be great if they were reinstalled,” the letter reads. There were stops signs removed at three intersections within the village in 2022, including the intersection east of the school. Mayor Tyler Beckett said he has heard concerns since the school reopened, that the stop signs should return now that students are walking there again, and he suggested that Council should speak with the RCMP to see if they could monitor the area on occasion during school hours. “I think maybe we
Ryley students participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Ryley School Grade 9 students participated in the 30th annual Take Our Kids to Work Day on Wednesday November 6, and got firsthand experience learning about sorting mail, answering the phone, and washing dishes with a commercial dishwasher. “All of Ryley School's grade nine students participated in Take Our Kids to Work Day 2024,” Ryley School Communication Officer Alycia Whalley said. “The opportunity for students to spend a day on the job with an adult in their life is an excellent way to introduce students to a variety of potential career paths. This year, Ryley School students engaged in a variety of experiences including learning about processing mail at the post office, answering phones at a business, and being trained to use a commercial dishwasher. All students reported having
very positive experiences, but none of them are in a rush to get into the world of full-time work,” she said. Whalley said Grade 9 students at Ryley School have participated in the Canadian program every year during her career at Ryley School. “Ryley School has encouraged students to take part in this event for the 24 years that I have taught here, but I cannot speak to the years prior to 2001,” she said. Ryley School’s most recent spirit days included a formal dress day on Thursday, Nov. 7 and a pajama day on Wednesday, Nov. 20. “Ryley School is welcoming the change in seasons with a variety of School Spirit Days including a formal day, a pajama day, a dress-like-a-food day, and, to kick off the holiday season, a Christmas sweater day. Students are also selling popcorn and toppings on November 26 and December 3,” Whalley said.
should talk to the RCMP about doing increased enforcement during school hours. We should be penalizing the people doing the crime, not penalizing everybody who's driving through town (by putting up a stop sign),” he said. Councillor John Markel said that he thinks most of the speeders are the high school students, and Beckett said that was his point. “That's what I'm getting at, maybe we could get a cop to be driving around during school hours, find out when the coffee breaks are and lunch break is, and then sit around those areas
and give them tickets,” Beckett said. Markel also said the complaint could be a result of the increased traffic taking the detour caused by the main entrance into the village on 50 St. being blocked off during the last several weeks for ATCO’s integrity digs on the Viking #4 Transmission line. “Because of this blockage, there's a lot more traffic there than usual,” Markel said. Mayor Tyler Beckett agreed and said of all the streets in Holden, besides main street, 50 Ave. is in
the best condition, comparing it to 51 Ave. with its dips and bumps, saying no one would choose to race down that street. “The problem is that 50 Ave. is probably in the nicest shape, short of main street. Nobody's going to race down 51 Ave., because they are going to absolutely blow the tires off their car. I don't have a problem putting stop signs back up at that one intersection, I agree with that one, due to the school being open again,” Beckett said. Beckett also suggested that a radar speed sign
could help as a visual reminder to drivers about their current rate of speed, and could inform pedestrians of whether the vehicle is truly going over the speed limit. “Something that might also help, and I don't know what the pricing is on them, but those speed signs that say like, ’40,’ tell you what your speeds are, and show a smiley face when you are going under the speed limit. From an outside observer's point of view, because everybody tends to travel 30 to 40 km/h in this town, 40-45 Continued on Page 22
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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 9
Local Christmas Bird Count date set for December 14 Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Local birder and Christmas Bird Count compiler Irene Crosland said that this year’s Christmas Bird Count in the Tofield area is set to take place on Saturday, December 14. Each year Birds Canada, in partnership with the National Audubon Society, oversees the program in Canada. To describe what the Christmas Bird Count is, Crosland said it is a great way to meet other birders, compile data, and enjoy the outdoor winter conditions. “It is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other birders to participate in a winter event. Counting birds is, of course, for the purpose of joining other science ventures to compile data, to help the industry in their decision making with various scientists who are doing re-
search, those would be the main purposes, but I think that the local people do it as an enjoyable winter pastime,” she said. Crosland has been part of the Christmas Bird Count in Tofield for about six years, and this is her third year as the area’s compiler. Those who are interested in joining Tofield’s count can register online, finding Tofield’s count circle and contacting Crosland. Crosland said there is no cost to register. “We don't have a lot of local people, as most of the 15 registered so far have connections through the Beaverhill Bird Observatory, so that's where a lot of the interest lies. But certainly, it would be great to have some local people involved. “Obviously, it's good to have a knowledge about birds in order to be successful with this. However,
if people are brand new to birding and they still would like to participate, we make sure to buddy them up with somebody that has a higher knowledge level, and then they can be learners. “Besides the Tofield circle, there are other circles that are not that far away. If people are interested, they can also look at the website and see what circles they might be interested in, because the dates can be anywhere from the 14th of December to the fifth of January. Various count circles have their counts throughout that time period,” Crosland said. Crosland said birds counted in Tofield’s circle includes birds within the town of Tofield and in the surrounding rural areas. “The whole area, which is about a 15-mile diameter circle, gets divided up both town and country with ap-
U16 AA Warriors win with shutout Kery Anderson These are some of the results from Minor Hockey League games held recently. (Please note that scores and scoring is taken from the websites, and some game scores and scoring is dependent on proper league entries). Gabriel Thorson scored the lone goal for the Strathcona U15 Warriors (2-6-0) in its 8-1 loss last Thursday against SZ602. Cale Helfrich scored
twice in his Strathcona U16 AA Warriors 8-0 win over GPAC on Sunday. Kaylum Robers picked up an assist in his Stratcona U18 AA Warriors 4-0 win over Leduc on Saturday. On Saturday, Emmytt Yurkowski picked up an assist in his Fort Saskatchewan AAA U18 Rangers 4-3 OT win over Oil Kings. Please contact the Tofield Mercury adsmercury@gmail.com, or
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propriate people, and then I send them their guidelines for things to be aware of. Afterwards, we have a fun get-together at the end to share our wonderful sightings,” she said. The Christmas Bird Count first began in 1900, when Frank Chapman, an American ornithologist, decided to head up a different type of count than
the typical hunt. “Frank Chapman decided that instead of having a winter hunt in which there was a competition to see how many birds they could hunt and kill, that they should rather do a count, which was an immediate success. “And since then, they've developed about 2000 cir-
cles in 21 countries with 80,000 participants. Last Christmas they counted 40 million birds, about 2000 species, so there was a lot of information gathered. “The information from this is used by peer reviewed scientific articles that get written which guides decision making around the birds and where they live,” she said.
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Automotive Mechanic! Are you tired of your current environment and looking for a change? Do you want to work in a tight-knit rural community for an honest, prosperous Company? If you possess leadership qualities, are full of energy, very well organized, a highly motivated individual, represent excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, and love helping customers and thrive on solving mechanical problems, WE NEED TO TALK! We offer a clean, fun, safe, and warm environment to work in. Competitive pay plan. Benefits package.
Apply by resume Attention Wes, in person at Campbell McLennan Chrysler in Killam or by fax 780-385-3803 or email wcampbell@cmchrysler.ca or Gerry Keyzer Service Manager at service@cmchrysler.ca
WE’RE HIRING at The James Insurance Group We are a progressive, dynamic business providing general insurance and other services at 4 locations in East Central Alberta. We are accepting applications for a
Full Time General Insurance Broker starting immediately. This position includes competitive salary & benefits. The successful candidate will – U Possess strong organizational & communication skills. U >Ûi > Ü } iÃÃ Ì i>rn quickly. U >Ûi the ability to work with various computer applications. U Þ Ü À } > v>ÃÌ «>Vi`] Ìi> i Û ronment. U >Ûi the desire to deliver excellence in customer service every day. Insurance experience is preferred, but not essential. Candidate must be eligible to be licensed by AB Insurance Council. Would you like to join our team? Please submit your resume to PO Box 100, Killam, AB T0B 2L0
marcy@tjig.ca or deliver to – S. James Agencies (Killam) Ltd., 5012 – 50 St. Killam. Sedgewick Land & Insurance Ltd., 4834 – 47 St., Sedgewick. www.tjig.ca Battle River Agencies, x££n q xä -Ì°] >rdisty | 5007 – 50 St., Lougheed
Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
We have moved locations!
Come to us for your automotive needs!
(780) 663-3990
ITEMS
Get your pepperoni, beef jerky, ham & garlic sausage rings for your Christmas platters!
(877) 774-7541 or 780-662-0551 102 5116 46 Ave., Tofield, AB
Tofield Autobody (1987) Ltd.
Please, when you report your accident or claim, tell them you want to repair it at the LOCAL shop in your community. Tell them it is going to be fixed at Tofield Autobody.
5006 50 St, Ryley
50% OFF
CLEARANCE
780-662-3003 • 5031-53 Ave., Tofield
Ryley Sausage
SOURMOOSE.CA
SHOP LOCAL. SAVE LOCAL
Support the local businesses that support your local newspaper. 4908-52 Ave. 780-662-3432
Buy your family and friends a gift from Beary Berry Honey or Aspen Grove Meadery this holiday season!
BEARY BERRY HONEY Store Hours 9am - 5pm Mon.,Wed., Fri., Sat.
19225 Twp Rd 504 • 780-662-3577 Please call before visiting our farm store.
AINS BUSY B BARtsG @ Busy B North
craf • All tree decorations, & gs), Christmas onesies, • New clothes (with ta B South & ugly sweaters @ Busy decor @ both stores e m ho & , ns tio ra co De • family, friends, & fun! Everything you need for
-4116
North store 780-662
4920 52 Ave., Tofield
-4325
South store 780-662
4903 52 Ave., Tofield
TO JOIN VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
ANYTIME!
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 11
5101 50th St., Tofield (780) 662-3728 5315 - 50 St. Tofield • 780-662-3212 High-Visibility Extension Cords 25’ length $32.89 50’ length $69.99 100’ length $139.99
$5 OFF when you spend $25 or more for each household! YOU MUST BRING THIS COUPON! OPEN
• Outdoor use • 12-gauge SJTW weather-resistant wire • Single-outlet, 3 prong grounded plug • 13 A rating
Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
780-243-3206
OFFER VALID UNTIL DEC. 31, 2024
Located 1 km West of Tofield on HWY 14
Tofield Bottle Depot 20422 Twp Rd 502 Beaver County
Phone: 780-800-8031
Located at 5304 - 56 St. Tuesday - Saturday
Mon. Closed Tues. 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Wed. 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Thurs. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Fri. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Sat. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun. 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
We sort your bottles!
780-662-3936
5312 – 50 St. Tofield 500 Sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 Bond Paper
$9.95 + tax 780-662-4046 • adsmercury@gmail.com www.tofieldmerc.com
SELECT FRAMES FREE WITH PURCHASE OF LENSES! EVENING & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SMALL TOWN BUSINESS
5213 50th St., Tofield Phone: (825) 977-5394 Movies, Games, Funko Pops!, and More!
FRAME SALE - 40% OFF OAKLEY AND RAYBAN. PLUS OTHER GREAT BANDS WE DIRECT BILL MOST INSURANCES
780-662-0104 BOOK ONLINE @ TOFIELDEYECARE.COM
5024 51ave Tofield, AB
Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Come wash the salt off your vehicle at
TOFIELD CAR, RV, & TRUCK WASH
Tilly’s Restaurant offering
Daily Specials
RV Storage available
7am - 9pm (including holidays)
780-913-5318
5114 50 St., Tofield
CHiLL & GRiLL FAMILY RESTAURANT
5210 50 Street, Tofield • 780-662-2819 • Senior & Student Discounts • Offering Daily Specials • Serving Original Gyro (Donair) • 2 for 1 Pizza Deal • Catering Book your staff party with us! Best Texas fried chicken and best fish and chips in town! OPEN HOURS: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. 7 DAYS A WEEK INCLUDING HOLIDAYS
Winter Tire Sale On Now
Buy One Pizza Get 2nd One at 1/2 Price
Come see us for your tire needs!
Open Mon.-Sun.
780-662-3334 5018 – 52 Ave. Tofield, AB
780-662-3727
Holden Country Bottle Depot
Tofield Spirits Beer & Liquor Store OPEN 364 DAYS A YEAR
780-688-3378 780-632-9313
• Gift Packs • Special Orders • Case Lot • Discounts
Tuesday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 5012 48 Ave., Holden
5028 - 53 Avenue
780-662-4400
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED #101 5116 46 Ave., Parkstone Plaza, Tofield
780-662-0307 780-662-4842 • 5020-50 Ave. Tofield
Mon. - Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sat. 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun. 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Custom processing available
Come check out our fresh meat, homemade sausages and other great products for all your Christmas needs! Gift Certificates also available.
Get a 6” Holiday sub with Cranberry Dijon, Potato Rings and two Red Velvet cookies!
BEAVER EAVER COUNTY OUNTY SEED CLEANING C B CO O--OP OP BEAVER C COUNTY S SEED EED C CLEANING LEANING C O OP For September Sale:November Common Seed Oats, OPEN &BY October APPOINTMENT ONLY Pony and Barley Open byOats appointment only
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County
Chronicle
Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Phone780-688-3917 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB AB Phone Phone 780-688-3917 • • Holden, Holden, AB
The Beaver County
A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County
Hubert & Margaret Graham Parts, & Sales & Service Hubert Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799 Fax: 780-663-3799 ryalta@digitalweb.net
5108 - ryalta@digitalweb.net 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4J0
5108 - 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4A0
Wednesday, November27, , 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46 Wednesday, WednesdayNovember February 16 2024, 2022 Volume Volume 17, 15 Issue Issue 48 7
Holden family receives Beaver County Farm Family award Kari Janzen Beaver County residents near the village of Holden, Otto Suchy, his son Mike and his family, have received the 2024 Beaver County Farm Family Award, which was presented by Beaver County Division 3 Councillor Gene Hrabec during the Holden Ag Society’s annual fundraiser at the Holden Complex on Saturday, November 23. Every year Beaver County awards an outstanding farm family that shows leadership in the agriculture industry and is active in the community. “Otto started farming in 1979 and shortly after married his wife Rita in 1981. They had three sons, and as the boys grew up both Otto and Rita became very active in the community, both on the Ag Society and sitting on several boards,” Hrabec said, from a write up provided by the Suchy’s on their history. “Otto coached hockey and Rita, as you would expect, was the treasurer on multiple boards. Otto takes great pride in his cattle herd and enjoys watching a calf go from birth to pasture, and, with the support of Rita working away to pay the bills, the farm continued to grow through the 1990s and 2000s. “While the boys were young, they could be seen helping on
2024 Beaver County Farm Family: Otto Suchy, his son Mike and his family are this year's recipients of the 2024 Beaver County Farm Family Award. The award was presented to the Suchy family during the Holden Ag Society’s annual fundraiser at the Holden Complex on Saturday, November 23. L-R: Reece, Cheyenne, Nicole, Mike, Otto, with presenter Beaver County Deputy Reeve and Division 3 Councillor Gene Hrabec. KARI JANZEN PHOTO
the farm and learning what it takes to get every job done. With the new help from the boys, the farm was again able to grow,” Hrabec said. Mike and his wife Nicole moved back to the Holden area in 2011, and began volunteering in the same way Otto and Rita did. Mike and Nicole have been on the Holden minor hockey board since 2013, Nicole has helped judge and work with the local 4-H, and they both continue to help at the Bruce Stampede. “In the last few years, most of their focus has been on the Holden Rural Academy
including purchasing the basketball uniforms for the students and getting the hockey academy up and going,” Hrabec said. “Unfortunately, life is full of challenges and we lost Rita in 2013. This shifted the focus onto Mike and Nicole to help fill her shoes. Mike continued to work away as a firefighter paramedic, while still getting the crop in and off, while Otto was still able to focus on his cows,” he said. Mike is now a full-time farmer, having retired after 20 years of being a firefighter paramedic. “Since Mike and
Nicole have been at the farm full time, it has seen continued growth, with continued improvements in agricultural practice and land management. Like in the past with Otto’s boys, Mike, Nicole, and Otto couldn’t do it without the help of Cheyenne and Reece. “They are extremely active on the farm and now starting in the community. Together this family has been through some difficult loss but continue to work together it as a family and will continue to support this community,” Hrabec said. Beaver County’s website says in order for a family to be
eligible for the Farm Family Award, 75 per cent of the members of the Farm Family Unit must live within Beaver County. They must also earn at least 50 per cent of their total income from farming operations, increase awareness of agriculture through active participation in agricultural organizations like Ag Societies and 4-H, maintain a high standard in its agricultural business, promote the agriculture community through involvement and rural citizenship, be proactive in new agricultural technologies, and act as a role model to the rural community.
County Council votes against CAO signing water capacity terms of reference Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County Council voted not to sign the terms of reference for the Beaver Region Water Capacity Operating Committee. The committee is composed of chief executive officers from the five municipalities within
and including the county. It is the result of water issues that need to be addressed including supply and capacity needs for the region into the future. However, a couple of county councillors would not go along with the committee’s mandate, stating that CAOs were getting too much author-
ity in those terms of reference. In a 2-2 vote, the motion to authorize the chief executive officer to sign the committee’s terms of reference went down to defeat. Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec and Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) voted against while councillors Barry Bruce (Division 4) and
Lionel Williams (Division 2) were in favour. Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 5) was absent. County CAO Kayleena Spiess brought the issue before council November 13, noting that the county would be the last of the municipalities to sign the terms as outlined.
Pederson quickly stated his dislike of the terms, believing it went against the Municipal Government Act’s municipal governance statutes. “I will not support it,” he said. Spiess replied that the “intent is not necessarily an Continued on BCC4
2 - Beaver County Chronicle, November 27, 2024
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Beaver County Chronicle, November 27, 2024 - 3
IMPORTANT DATES November 27-29 9:30 AM - 4: 30 PM Council Budget Meetings December 18 9:30 AM - 12 PM - Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting 1 - 4:30 PM - Regular Council Meeting December 25 - 27, and January 1 Office Closed for Christmas, and New Years Day
WHATS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY Book Club Location: Ross Creek Community Hall, 531041 Rge Rd 191 Rural book club that meets the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings run from 7PM - 8PM, all ages welcome! Tofield AA - Thursdays, 8 - 9 PM Basement of Bardo Lutheran Church, 4737 57 Ave, Tofield. Viking AA - Wednesdays, 8 PM, Zoom option also available. Golden Valley Lutheran Church, 5327 56 Ave, Viking. https://area78aa.org/meetings/147-3 Submit your event/s, meetings and/or gatherings to the events calendar on the website! Just head to the website, under the Explore menu click on County Region Events Calendar. We have partnered with Go East to share local events on our website!
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS Beaver County is currently accepting submissions for the following:
Request for Proposal: RFP2024-21INFR: Engineering Services Closes: December 2, 2024 @ 10 AM Local time Request for Quotation: RFQ2024-22INF: New 2024/2025 ¾ ton Crew Trucks Closes: December 3, 2024 @ 10 AM Local time Please find complete information for all requests on our website > Business > Requests for Proposals & Quotes
Community Christmas Hamper Program The Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West and Viking/Beaver FCSS offices are now accepting Christmas Hamper requests for individuals and families in need. Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West Serving the communities of Tofield, Ryley, and Beaver County west to RR 162/Hwy 855 (excl. Holden).. Location: 5407 - 50 Street, Tofield, AB (Upstairs) Phone: 780-662-7067 or 780-662-7066 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm (Closed 12-1pm for or lunch) lunch h) Deadline to register: Friday, December 6, 2024 Viking/Beaver FCSS Serving Kinsella, Viking, Bruce, and Holden. Viking Office: VikingProgram@vbfcss.ca | 780-336-4024 4 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm (Closed 12-1pm) Holden Office: HoldenProgram@vbfcss.ca | 780-688-3928 92 28 Hours: Monday - Thursday, 1:00pm - 4:30pm (Closed 12-1pm) m) Deadline: December 9, 2024 (Early registration appreciat Support the Program: Donations of food, gifts, or financial contributions are welcome at any FCSS office.
Stay S tay in in the loop! loop! the
The following Development Applications have been APPROVED (except where otherwise noted) by the Development Authority under the provisions of Land Use Bylaw No. 98-801, subject to the right of appeal to the relevant appeal body - Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) or Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT). APPEAL DEADLINE Appeal Body Application No. Applicant Landowner Location Development
DECEMBER 26, 2024 SDAB 020020-24-D0072 Brent & Heather George Same Pt. SW 08-50-18-W4 Permitted Use (Variance) – 1400 ft² Post Frame Building with 38 ft Variance from Minimum Front Yard Setback (Buildings and Uses Accessory to Permitted Uses)
APPEAL DEADLINE Appeal Body Application No. Applicant Landowner Location Development
DECEMBER 26, 2024 SDAB 020020-24-D0076 James John Merrithew Audrey Paulette Coburn Lot 1, Block 3, Plan 782 2156 in NE 19-51-19-W4 Permitted Use (Variance) - 245 ft² and 316 ft² Storage Sheds with 8 ft Variance from Minimum West Side Yard Setback (Buildings and Uses Accessory to Permitted Uses)
Any yp person wishing g to appeal pp an application pp may y do so by (stating serving written notice on the prescribed form f rm (stat fo reasons fo fforr the appeal) to the relevant appeal body. For information info f rmation on how to appeal can be found f und our our fo website under Services > Planning & Development Developmen > Appealing Ap ppealing Planning Decisions Further information info f rmatiion regarding the th he above above decisions may be obtained Office o btained ffrom rom the County ty O ffice in Ryley.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 15, 1 PM HOLD HOLDEN COMMUNITY HALL 4919 - 49 Ave. HOLDEN, AB
Admission person Admissi ion - $ 5 per p erson Musicians/Participants No Charge M usicians/Partic cipants - N oC harge Come Dance to the Music! For more info: Dave 780-720-5839 beaverhillplayers17@gmail.com or b beaverhill eaverh hillplayers117@gmaiil.co om
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4 - Beaver County Chronicle, November 27, 2024
Beaver Regional Partnership bylaw gets first reading Motion also passed to start including other agencies in BRP discussions Patricia Harcourt The Beaver Regional Partnership (BRP) bylaw was given first reading by Beaver County Council after some airing of grievances and other discussion. Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) stated the reason he “stepped off” the BRP a year ago was because “everything was done in closed session.” “I don’t think it has value,” he said, “and this (agency) is not helping anything at all.” Margaret Jones, manager of legislative services, said the section of the bylaw mandating closed sessions has been removed in the new bylaw. The BRP can still go into closed session but that is not a given anymore. And the CAOs making up the BRP can take information back to their respective councils. If BRP discussions were in closed session, then the councils would also have to receive this information in closed session, she explained.
Council Continued from BCC1 economic development thing,” but to act more like an advisory or steering committee. “It would still go back to the decision makers,” she said, giving boards and councils final say on anything the committee brings forward. “Is there not a conflict between an independently operated commission being interfered with by the CAOs?” asked Williams, referring to the Highway 14 Regional Water Commission. To that, Spiess said the water capacity committee “would not have authority over the other municipalities,” and each municipality has a different struggle with water use. She added: “The CAO of the water commission needs information from the CAOs of the municipalities to know what is needed…A working group is necessary to bridge that (gap). “We need to speak to each other ,” she said. “In
“The BRP can now be in open session unless, like other councils, there is a need for a closed session,” she said. When Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) asked Pederson if this information fixed his issues with the BRP, Pederson said meetings are still in closed session for the most part and wanted other agencies included in the meetings. “This can all be addressed through other groups,” he added, who currently aren’t at the table when they are being discussed and can’t defend themselves directly if they are not at the BRP meeting. Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) asked if the Beaver Emergency Services Commission, Beaver Foundation and Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission could be included and Jones said they were not. “You would have to take that suggestion back to the BRP for a decision,” she said, noting: “It’s not county administration
doing this.” A motion by Williams to give first reading to Bylaw 24-1158 BRP was passed. In October the BRP met and recommended that each participating council that makes up the BRP pass a bylaw to establish the intermunicipal committee and its terms of reference in the form of an agreement. Following first reading, Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec made a motion that the Beaver Regional Partnership include BESC, Beaver Foundation and Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission. Williams replied that “BRP meets with these commissions on a scheduled basis already.” He also wondered if they would have to be at the table for every meeting. But Hrabec said the idea was for these commissions and boards to get the agendas of the meetings and have a heads up when it was in their favour to attend, should a subject be on the table that refers to them. CAO Spiess stated that
the past, that has not been happening, for the last 20 years.” She said that any decisions go back to the municipalities for approval,” as it would with any steering committee. With that explanation, Williams asked: “So you don’t see any conflict?” “No, it’s just a working committee,” replied Spiess. “The Beaver Regional Partnership (BRP) can look at it and if it’s okay it goes to the councils and boards for approval.” Spiess added that, currently all the municipalities function solo as separate departments, and that is why there are “no plans in place regarding potable water and its uses.” At this point, Hrabec turned on his earlier position. “I was totally okay with it until I heard the comment about going back to the BRP to decide if it goes further,” he said. Spiess said each CAO on the steering committee would report back to their individual councils and, if
discussed in closed session at the committee level, any discussion at the local level would also have to be done in closed session. “But it goes to the BRP first,” she said. “I think you’ve got the cart before the horse,” Hrabec replied. A motion was made by Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) to have the CAO sign the committee’s terms of reference. Councillor Williams pointed out that in the 17 terms of reference, “it does state that they will communicate with their respective councils and boards, so I think it’s okay.” However, if the decisions of the steering committee go to the BRP first, that was a concern as the BRP only meets quarterly. CAO Spiess added that a water assessment report is expected to be completed in about a month’s time. Following that, the evenly split vote defeated Bruce’s motion with no further discussion in the open meeting.
there were times when names of agencies came up and were discussed at BRP meetings. Hrabec felt that they should be given the option of attending and giving their viewpoint if this happens. He said that having these agencies come and explain their operations was preferable to discussing them and then sending out letters asking for information from them based on those discussions. Instead, “They could be there to answer questions about subjects of concern,” he said. Williams said the BRP already does invite agencies and commissions to speak, citing the RCMP as an example. “I think they should be at the table when these have been the topics of discussion (concerning them),” said Hrabec, of the pertinent agencies and commissions. The motion passed 3-1 with Williams opposed.
Wild Rose
Alice Schmidt Alice Schmidt of Camrose, Alberta passed away on November 24, 2024 in Camrose at the age of 89 years. She is survived by her children Joanne (Robert) Govenlock; Doreen (Tom) Govenlock; Sharon (Rick) Misyk and Howard (Cindy); grandchildren Sheldon Misyk, Candace Misyk; John Govenlock and Cody Ronsko; step-children Robert, Donny, Karen (Rodney), Larry (Roxy), David, Sharon (Clifford); stepgrandchildren; numerous family and friends. Alice was predeceased by her first husband John Ronsko and her second husband Adam Schmidt; two grandsons TJ and Michael Govenlock. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Weber's Mount Pleasant Chapel in Camrose. Memorial donations may be made to the Polska Cemetery. Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 www.weberfuneralhome.ca
Im Important Announcement Canada Post Strike and Payment Options
Pleease be advis Please advised that due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, there h are currently disruptions to mail services, which may cause delays in receiving your payment reminders or processing cheques. To avoid any inconvenience, we want to provide you with alternative payment options: • Online Bank Payments: You can register with your bank to make payments online. If you encounter any issues—such as differing bank listings for our organization—please don’t hesitate to contact our administration office. We’re happy to assist you in setting up the correct payment details. • Automatic Monthly Withdrawals: Sign up for automatic withdrawals to have the full amount of your monthly statement automatically debited on the 25th of each month. This ensures timely payments with no hassle. • Cheque Payments: If you prefer to continue paying by cheque, you may drop it off at any Wild Rose Co-op location. This will ensure faster processing and avoid mail delays. • Go Paperless: Choose to have your statements emailed to you, eliminating any mail-related delays. Sign up today to receive digital copies of your statements.
You can find the Co-op flyer online at https://www.co-op.crs/flyers or in-store. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact our Finance Department at 780-672-3107. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation
Wild Rose
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 13
OBITUARIES
Lauretta Edna Ila Gwendolyn (Savage) Wade (Moen) Thomas
Linda Darroch Linda Darroch of Tofield, Alberta our dear mother, wife and grandmother sadly passed away on November 20, 2024 at the age of 66 years. She is survived by her husband David Lampitt; three children Elizabeth Deagle, Alex Darroch and Kathy Anderson; step-children Tom Lampitt, Mark Lampitt and Susan Good; grandchildren Joe, Evie, Liam and Anna-may. We find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through her grandchildren. At her request, a private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 www.weberfuneralhome.ca
We announce with heavy hearts, the passing of Lauretta Edna (Savage) Wade on November 16th, 2024 at the age of 90. Lauretta loved her family dearly and led a full life filled with accomplishments, determination, and conviction to her family, friends, and farm. Lauretta was deeply invested in the community in which she lived. From cofounding North Cooking Lake Aviaries with her husband, Harvey, to competing across the province in horse-showing events, to faithfully supporting the Tofield Legion #91 and the Royal Purple of Canada, Lauretta truly left a lasting legacy in all that knew her. She is survived by her sister Muriel, her son Bruce, her daughter-in-law, Carol, her stepdaughter, Patricia, her grandchildren, Mac, Jake, Daniel, and Travis, and all of her loving extended family. There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday, December 8th at North Cooking Lake Hall, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome.
Church Directory Bardo Lutheran Church Salem Mennonite Church Worship: Sundays at 10:30 AM 49232 Rge Rd 184 Tofield, AB Pastor Calvin Andringa Sunday Worship Services: In Person – 10:00 AM Streaming – 10:00 AM Livestream available at: tofieldalliancechurch.com
We find joy and hope when we are joined to and rooted in Christ!
Pr. Peter Beckman www.bardolutheranchurch.ca 780-662-2762 • 5907 - 49 Street 5609 48th St. - 780-662-3411 TOFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH 4619 - 57 Ave
(780) 662-3 3166
Sunday Worship Service 10:30am www.tofieldchurch.com Lead Pastor:
Jon Stewart Children/Youth Pastor:
Nathan Nichols
Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2365 Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am
Tofield United Church
St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish
in person or via zoom/phone
Coffee and snacks after Mass, everyone welcome! Contact Wendy @ 780-232-5300
Pastor: Fr. Jim Corrigan Sunday Mass @ 11 A.M. Sunday Worship Service @ 10 am 5523 - 50 st. Tofield, Ab.
4832 - 53 Ave, Tofield
for more information call 780.662.3471 or email tofieldunited@gmail.com
Mar. 21, 1928 - Nov. 13, 2024
Ila Gwendolyn (Moen) Thomas was born at Tofield, Alberta and died peacefully in London, Ontario, at age 96, surrounded by family. She looked forward to her move to heaven to join Dave, her husband of 59 years; their first-born infant son Kevin; her parents Iver and Olfrid; her brothers Harold and Eldon; her sisters Hazel and Doreen; and other loved ones who had gone before her. Ila was the third of six children born to Iver and Olfrid Moen, who themselves were born into large families of Norwegian immigrants who came to Canada at the turn of the 20th century to settle and farm in the area around Bardo, Alberta. A rich heritage of faith, family, community, and song infused Ila’s life from birth. She attended the two-room Anderson school in Bardo through Grade 10 and went on to high school at Camrose Lutheran College. At age 19, after one year of training, Ila began her teaching career in the one-room school at Woodlawn. She taught in Holden and Edmonton until her children were born, returned to full-time teaching in Calgary in 1975, and retired in 1989. Ila participated in church life from early childhood, beginning at the Bardo Lutheran Church which stood on land donated by her grandfather. She met Dave Thomas in Holden where she was teaching school and he was working at the Royal Bank, and they were married at the Bardo Lutheran Church in June 1951. Ila and Dave welcomed Ila’s mother into their Calgary home after the early death of Ila’s father. Their first house, bought for $12,000 in 1958, also became the home base for Ila’s three younger sisters before they were married. She and her sisters remained close throughout their lives, and whenever they were together, the Moen sisters sang. Like her mother before her, Ila had many interests and talents and these were expressed in myriad church and community activities, hobbies, and side gigs over the years. She and Dave travelled extensively across Canada and the US, and around the world to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, and China. Ila will live on in memories cherished, stories told, songs sung, and recipes shared by her five children: Cheryl Thomas (Walter Friesen), Heather Thomas (Craig Millar), Robyn Thomas, Craig Thomas (Colleen Thomas), and Kerri Anne Thomas; ten grandchildren (Kelsey Andries, Jill Rajewicz, Lise Rajewicz, Leah Andries, Trevor Thomas, Molly Thomas-Lee, Duncan Thomas, Rachel Friesen, Liam Thomas, and Sonia Friesen), three great grandchildren (Willa, Eddie, and Camilo), her sister Peggy Nichols (Pat Nichols), and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. Full Obituary: https://amgfh.com/obituaries/ila-gwendolyn-moen-thomas/ Celebration of Life: December 14, 2024, 2:00 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 40 Holmes Street, Red Deer, Alberta.
Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
New youth centre in Tofield to be operational soon Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Tofield Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) was the spotlight at the last Tofield District and Chamber of Commerce meeting held on Wednesday, November 5, and Executive Director Tracey Boast Radley provided an update on the programs FCSS provides, including the plans for a new youth centre. “It will be held at the old North Star room at the Tofield Arena. We hired one casual employee and I have another casual employee in place to run the youth drop-in centre. “They are preparing our schedules and finalizing details of times for the centre, but it should be running four days a week after school, probably 3 to 5 p.m. or 3 to 6 p.m., with the occasional Friday evening and the occasional Saturday. “We want to get it rolling and see where the time is needed more,” she said. “We would like to have some volunteers come and join us here and there, and so I would ask that you reach out to me
Chamber Christmas Updates Continued from Page 2
of Alberta. “For new builds, housing starts compared from last year to this year, Alberta is up 33,577 starts, which is a 35 per cent increase from last year. Edmonton is up 47 per cent, Calgary is up 23 per cent, Lethbridge; 600 per cent, Red Deer; 314 per cent, so that shows you that it’s not just the city, but the bigger centres as well, is up,” he said. “It shows that there's a big need right now. It's pretty tight, with the amount of jobs that are still offered here, and
so that we could work on some planning around that as well,” Boast Radley said. Some recreational entertainment equipment has already been donated, and Boast Radley said they also hope to buy a mini fridge, a couch, and a TV. “We've received some donations from the Holden seniors who gave us a lawn bowling activity, we received a ping pong table from the Tofield United Church, there is a pool table already there, and we’ve received some gaming donations from the public. Recently, I went out and purchased a bunch of board games and some chair. We'll be moving in a stove, and we are looking to purchase a mini fridge, a couch and a TV,” she said. Boast Radley also provided the number of volunteer hours, meals prepared, and tax returns filed in the last year through various other programs FCSS is involved in. “We run a community volunteer Income Tax Program and our two volunteers processed 294 tax returns for us this year. We run the program year-round, compared to
people wanting to come here, it's been a little tricky. Some people are a little nervous to put their house on the market in case it sells and they have nowhere to go. But I just wanted to bring you some of those housing starts stats, as it shows that the inventory is coming, but it might be a year away,” he said. Chamber members also heard an update on the programs of the Tofield Beaver County West FCSS from Executive Director Tracey Boast Radley, and an update on Winterfest plans from Town of Tofield Assistant CAO Jeff Edwards. Busy B Bargains will be the spotlight feature at the next meeting which will be held on Wednesday, December 4.
249 as of November 6 last year. By providing individuals who need that service, we’re bringing $2.5 million in credits and benefits back into our communities. “We have a home health program, which is a light cleaning service. We started that at the beginning of last year. We currently have five clients and one home health aide, and she has provided 131.5 hours of total service. There is a fee for that, and it's based on a sliding scale, based on income. “Another program to highlight is our Meals on Wheels program. As of November 6, we have had three volunteers deliver 635 meals, and that's a total volunteer time of approximately 190 hours. We've also administered the pickup of 95 meals. Our partners on that program is the Tofield Lodge. They actually prepare the meals for us, and we do all the administration and manage the volunteers, “We have a contract counsellor for our general family counselling program, and she's provided counseling services to 303 individuals this year and it's across the lifespan,” Boast Radley said.
Boast Radley also said they are ready for the Christmas hamper program, and those who need a hamper can call the FCSS office. “We are a committee
member on the Tofield Beaver County Ryley area Christmas hamper program, we do the intake for that, and it is open, so we are here waiting for your phone
calls for any individuals that are in need of a Christmas hamper this year. The deadline for Christmas hamper applications to be received is December 6,” she said.
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5111-50 Street • Ph: 780-662-3553 Member • Family Dentistry • Oral Surgery • Implants of the: Services Provided:
• Extractions • Cosmetic Dentistry • Child Development Program “Your dental health matters. If you have an emergency or concern outside office hours please call me directly at (780) 893-9270.”
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 15
Reduce hazards to protect children and seniors from falls Kelsey Witham Staff Reporter
November marks fall prevention awareness month in Canada, a crucial time to focus on preventing falls and related injuries. Falling is the leading cause of hospital admission for children and seniors, ultimately identifying the senior and youth population most at risk. “About 180 children ages four and under and 11,000 adults ages 65 and older were hospitalized due to falls in Alberta in 2022,” Alberta Health Services reported. Falling is a typical part of development as children learn to walk, climb, run, jump, play, and explore their environment, but it is important to be mindful of
preventing the risk of falling for children. Parachute, Canada's national charity dedicated to injury prevention, lists the following recommendations in order to protect children from falls. Always set car seats and other carriers down on the floor, never on top of furniture. Always keep one hand on a child when on a high surface, such as a change table. Using stair gates on both the top and bottom of staircases. Place furniture away from windows and balcony doors, and assure doors and windows have an appropriate lock installed on them. Make sure furniture such as dressers or bookshelves are fastened to the wall. Ways that seniors can
help protect themselves from falls are by keeping floors and walkways clutter-free and assure lights are turned on when using stairways. Choose footwear that has a low heel, fits well, and has a good grip. Review medications with a doctor or pharmacist and ask questions about side effects such as feeling dizzy or sleepy. Make sure outdoor walkways are free of ice and snow. Tofield Senior Connector has resources to assist those who are unable to clear pathways themselves. Participating in exercise programs such as walking clubs, yoga, or dance. Regular physical activity promotes an independent lifestyle, enhancing flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Tofield Hearing Clinic Tuesday, December 3, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tofield Medical Clinic
1-877-313-5582 2024 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS HAMPER PROGRAM The Community Christmas Hamper program aims to assist families in need in the Tofield, Ryley and Beaver County (west) area.
1. Hamper Requests Tofield Mercury; Kerry, Michelle, Brennan, & Garrett Anderson; Eric & Ally Anderson; Lisa, Derick, Kylie, Cody, Keifer, & Colton Kuflay; John Mather; Jana Semeniuk & $3,905.60 family; Crystal & Hunter Inverarity; Kari Janzen & family; Kate Priestley & family; Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous; Anita Domoslai; Gilbert & Dorothy Suchy; ; D. King; Harold & Barbara Conquest; Lillian Grinde; Gerald Upton; Kelly Phillips; Beaverhill Bird Observatory; Geoff Holroyd; Rose & Joe Yurkowski; Brenda Williams; KC Insurance; Bruce & Bernice Peters; Ed & Vi Gara; Sylvia Race; Raymond Peterson; Darlene Williams; Leonard Nearing; Richard & Dana Koss; Ken & Marilyn Bruha;
To request a Christmas Hamper, visit the FCSS Office in Tofield (5407-50 St.) (upstairs) or Call: 780-662-7067. Presentation of photo ID, and proof of physical address (eg. utility bill) will be requested to confirm that you are within our service area. Referrals are confidential. Hamper request deadline is Friday, December 6th.
2. Angel Tree Angel trees are set at both Tofield and Ryley Post Office locations. 1. Pick an angel from the tree. A child’s age, and their interests will help you select a gift. 2. Purchase a gift(s) for that child - suggested spending limit of $60. 3. Attach the angel to the unwrapped gift, and return it to the collection box at the Angel Tree.
Angel gifts returned to the tree by Friday, December 13th.
3. Stuff the Bus Saturday, November 30th from 10 am – 6 pm at Tofield IGA. Support the program by purchasing $10 or $15 paper ornaments that represent a food hamper. IGA Supports the Christmas Hamper Program as well.
Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 17
REMEMBER WHEN
Holden Christmas Market Top left: The Holden 4-H Beef Club took part in the market held on Saturday. Bottom left: Lots of people were out and about and shopping at the Christmas craft sale held at the Holden Community Hall. This photo appeared in the Tofield Mercury on November 23, 2004.
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Journeyman Outdoor Power Equipment Technician N.E. Beaver County General repairs on lawn tractors, lawn mowers, snowblowers, chain saws, water pumps, quads, etc. Contact: Shawn 780-932-0131
Page 18 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
CLASSIFIEDS
NOW ONLINE AT cariboupublishing.ca
All Classified Ads booked in our paper will also be posted online at the new online Classifieds Section at no additional cost. THOUSANDS of page views online every month in addition to our THOUSANDS of weekly readers. Plus our site is Employment. Employment. Events. Events. Thank Thank Yous. Yous. Memorials. Memorials. Services Services & & More! More! Google SEO optimized. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH US!
COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS
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COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS
Kingman Community Fundraiser Lutefisk Supper Kingman Hall December 6, 2024 Noon seating by reservation: 12 noon 1:30pm (780) 662-3829 Evening Seating 4:30 - 7:30 pm Adults $40 each, Children under 12, $15 each. Lutefisk, Swedish Meatballs, Lefse, Flatbread, Desserts. TM48P
Celebrate the New Year at the Alliance Community Hall. Dec 31 . Fun, Food and Favors for the 3whole family. $40 each, $75 couple, $100 family (one household) Music by The River Jacks, Call 780 385-1483 or 780 879 2158 for tickets.
Killam/Forestburg Baptist Church Christmas Banquet Sunday, December 8 at the Killam Community Hall Doors open at 5 p.m. Supper at 5:30 p.m Concert at 6:30 p.m. with Daddy-Daughter roots duo Ben and Jessica Crane For tickets please call 780-385-3607 Adults $25, ages 12-17 years $20, under 12 years FREE
Christmas is Coming!! Viking Grad Class of 2025 is selling Christmas Greenery Red or White 6.5" Poinsettia $13 24" Wreath $38 Outdoor Arrangement $50 Contact your local graduate for more information OR contact Donna at 780-385-4809 or Erin Hollar at 780-336-6377 Pick-up is scheduled for December 5 & 6th at the Viking Carena or discuss possible delivery with your seller Hurry! Selling until November 18!
Round Hill Christmas Market. Monday, December 9th from 5-7 pm. For a free table, text or call Terry 780678-6131 TM48-49C The Lougheed Agricultural Society invites you to supper at 6 pm on December 2 at the Fieldhouse in appreciation for volunteering at our events, may your contribution be large or small it is greatly valued. Without volunteers the board would be unable to hold events. Please let us know if you can attend call 780-385-0752. Following at 7 pm we will be holding our Annual General Meeting, please stay if you wish to see our plans for 2025 and provide some insight to what you may like to see happen.
Sedgewick Farmers Bonspiel Dec 10-13th. Late afternoon/evening draws with meals provided. Mens/Ladies/Mixed welcome! Call (780)385-4501 Viking Seniors Centre Christmas Dinner Sunday, December 1 $25 per person. RSVP before Nov. 28 to Audrey at 780-336-2678. Entertainment by Bob Williams Doors open 5pm. Supper 6pm. Entertainment 7pm. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas A Christmas Pagent & Concert at the Sedgewick SDA Church December 7 at 6 p.m. Luncheon to Follow Everyone Welcome! 48c
SUDOKU
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com. Order of the Eastern Star Forestburg Chapter is hosting a Soup/Chilli Luncheon Monday, November 25 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Masonic Hall Basement in Forestburg. $10/Lunch VIKING HEALTH CENTRE AUXILIARY CHRISTMAS MARKET Thursday, December 5 11 am to 5 pm Viking Community Hall Lunch available for purchase Great Christmas ideas, Crafts, Baking, Gifts, Décor & more To reserve table, call Kim 780-385-0902 Viking United Church Candlelight Service December 1, 7:00 pm Donation to Christmas Hamper Program (toys, food, money) Coffee & Dessert following service Everyone Welcome
ANSWERS
FOR RENT FOR RENT Large, non-smoking 2 Bedroom Apartment in Killam. Call Chuck 780-263-7290 2 Bedroom House For Rent Near Hardisty. Small older home 2 kms out of town. Includes fridge, stove, microwave, washer & dryer. Recent reno’s. Very reasonable rate for the right person or couple. Call or text (780) 699-3449 for details HARDISTY: 2 BR furnished house for rent available now. $1200 plus electricity. Call or text 780-717-6783 SEED FOR FOR SALE SEED SALE ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888483-8789.
FOR SALE FOR SALE Affordable, maintenance-free 12’x12’ deck with attached ramp and two steps. (Buyers responsibility to move must be gone by the spring). Call Brian at 780-678-0053 If anybody is looking for Pepper Seeds in different varieties (mostly sweet), Brian has some. As well, if you are looking for Flower Pots, Hanging Baskets, or Window Boxes, Brian has many different sizes available. All Washed and Disinfected. 780-6780053
Does your club have an event planned? Advertise in the Classifieds
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 19
CLASSIFIEDS
NOW ONLINE AT cariboupublishing.ca
All Classified Ads booked in our paper will also be posted online at the new online Classifieds Section at no additional cost. THOUSANDS of page views online every month in addition to our THOUSANDS of weekly readers. Plus our site is Employment. Employment. Events. Events. Thank Thank Yous. Yous. Memorials. Memorials. Services Services & & More! More! Google SEO optimized. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH US!
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Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing 40 years experience on the job, from commercial buildings to new homes to home renovations. No job too small. Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself? Give me a call! Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251
CASH FOR COIN COLLECTIONS & COIN ACCUMULATION'S! Also buying all Gold, Silver, Old Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling, Bullion, Ingots, Royal Canadian Mint Coins, Rare Coins +, Todd 780-504-7995.
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Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
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Prime Minister announces GST holiday on some items Announcement includes news of ‘Working Canadians Rebate’ of $250 for next spring Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The federal government announced a two-month GST break for groceries and holiday essentials on Thursday, Nov. 21. “Our government can’t set prices, but we can give Canadians, and especially working Canadians, more money back in their pocket. With a tax break for all Canadians and the Working Canadians Rebate, we’re making sure you can buy the things you need and save for the things you want,” said The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. “The government is proposing that the GST/HST be fully and temporarily relieved on holiday essentials, like groceries, restaurant meals, drinks, snacks, children’s clothing, and gifts.” The break is set to start on Dec. 14 and will end Feb. 15. The government claims that removing the GST from qualifying goods for two months will provide an estimated $1.6 billion in federal tax relief. Spending $2,000 on qualifying goods would realize a savings of $100 on GST over the two-month period. In provinces who charge HST, a combined GST and provincial sales tax, like Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI, will see savings of $260 from the same purchases. Businesses are expected to remove the GST/HST on all qualifying goods at the checkout as of Dec. 14. Qualifying goods include: -Children’s clothing up to girls size 16 or boys size 20; -Children’s footwear;
-Children’s diapers; -Children’s car seats; -Print newspapers; -Printed books, not including magazines, brochures, sales catalogues, warranty booklets, or blank diaries, colouring or sticker books, programs, calendars, directories, rate books, pattern books; -Christmas trees, whether natural or artificial; -Food or Beverages, including alcoholic beverages but excluding spirits. That includes wine, beer, ciders, and spirit coolers up to 7 per cent alcohol by volume; -Carbonated beverages, non-carbonated fruit juice or fruit flavoured, or products that when added to water produce one of these beverages; -Candies; -Chips and related items, included salted nuts and seeds; -Granola products and snack mixtures; -Frozen treats; -Fruit bars; -Cakes, muffins, pies, pasties, tarts, cookies, doughnuts, brownies; -Pudding; -Prepared salads, sandwiches, platters; -Food or beverages heated for consumption; -Dispensed beverages; -Food or beverages sold in conjunction with catering services; -Food or beverages sold from a place where all or most of the food are currently excluded from zero-rating, including restaurants, coffee shops, take-out outlets, mobile canteen, and concession stands; -Bottled or unbottled water
dispensed at a supplier’s establishment; -Select children’s toys, including board or card games for children 14 and under, toys that imitate a fullsized item, like a toy truck or toy farm set; dolls and plush toys, construction toys; -Jigsaw puzzles for all ages; -Video game consoles, controllers, or physical game media (cartridge or disc). Announced with the GST “holiday” was a new “Working Canadians Rebate.” Canadians who worked in 2023 and who earned $150,000 or less will see a $250 cheque in their bank account or mailbox in early spring 2025. Eligible Canadians must file their 2023 tax return by Dec. 31, 2024, and must have claimed a tax credit for Canadian Pension Plan and Employment Insurance, or reported income from EI benefits. They must be residents of Canada, have not been incarcerated for a period of 90 days immediately prior to April 1, 2025, and must be alive. Not all reaction to the announcement was positive, as PEI Premier Dennis King announced that he only found out about the measures in a news briefing. PEI and New Brunswick, who have had their combined HST effectively cancelled, say they stand to lose millions in tax revenue. Premier Susan Holt says it will cost her province roughly $62 million. “That’s not money you can just find through regular efficiency mechanisms.” They have questioned whether the
federal government would be reimbursing provinces for this. Ontario says it’s provincial sales tax already didn’t apply to many of these products, and Premier Doug Ford praised the federal government for the break. “We did this two years ago, we just didn’t go out and do cartwheels to announce it.” In Alberta, where there is no provincial sales tax, Premier Danielle Smith said, “If you wanted to come through with the most complicated, convoluted, ineffective way of issuing a tax cut, they’ve come up with it.” Under the HST agreement, the federal government is liable for any significant changes, so despite Trudeau’s being non-committal about reimbursing provinces, it may have to. Retailers are generally happy to pass along a tax break to customers, but how that’s going to happen will be different depending on their system. “Every retailer is going to be different because everyone's system is different, but it can range from being a simple fix to being quite laborious,” said Matt Poirier, vice-president of federal government relations for the Retail Council of Canada. Retailers will start by trying to identify which of the products will need to have the tax removed by Dec. 14 and then adjust their pricing accordingly. Some say the arrival of the GST cuts will come weeks after many people have begun holiday shopping, or even wrapped up their spending on gifts. “Especially on Christmas trees,” said one retailer, “most people have had them up for at least a week on Dec. 14th.”
Page 20 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Town of Tofield Public Works busy clearing streets after heavy snowfall over weekend
LISA KUFLAY PHOTOS
Town of Tofield Public Works cleared the weekend's heavy snowfall on Monday morning, Nov. 25.
Rural Long Covid Plan Continued from Page 5
and delivered the technological solutions needed to adapt ProMote to long COVID patients. But as the clinical implementation phase approached, AHS’ interest in the project shifted, and funding for it dried up. “We did step one, and we got everything set up and ready to go. Step
two, the funding was not provided. In other words, they decided not to go forward with the implementation. And that was nothing to do with the quality of our work. It was a strategy decision that was made by AHS. This was during the latter stages of COVID,” he explained. A spokesperson for AHS said there are no plans to put the clinic-toclinic assessment tools to use for long COVID patients.
“This research program relied on in-kind contributions and shared general research grant dollars, which were exhausted. The long COVID aspect of the ProMote program was discontinued in July 2023. “While AHS has no plans for clinic-to-clinic assessments of long COVID symptoms using the developed tools, the telerobotic technologies and tools under the Promote program (which were not limited to long
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COVID) continue to enhance assessment and treatment across various practice areas, including orthopedics, neuro rehab, vestibular care, and more.” Jennifer Kendall is one of many in the province with enduring health problems that followed a COVID infection. Originally from Lacombe,
Kendall sold her house and moved in with family in St. Albert, both to be closer to her specialist in Edmonton and because she was no longer able to care for herself due to long COVID symptoms. Kendall said initiatives like the remote long COVID program could still be of use, and help fill the void created by
the shuttering of the specialized clinics in Edmonton and Calgary, which left many patients without a doctor who really understands the condition. “Anything is better than nothing for us. Absolutely I think that (program) would be beneficial,” she said.
Unreserved Real Estate Sale for Garth & Darlene Fleming Sale Starts December 6th & Closes on December 9th, 2024 Holden, Alberta Directions: From Hwy 14 Go 3 1/2 Miles South On Rg Rd 163, West 1/2 Miles to Corner of Twp Rd 490 & Rg Rd 164 Selling A Beautiful Half Section Of Mixed Farm Land Located Just South of Holden
Parcel #1 - Consisting Of the NW-33-48-16-W4M - Being 160 Acres M/L - Beautiful, Mostly Open Land Currently Having 63 Acres Cultivated, 97 Acres being Pasture Land & Few Trees with a Creek Running Through The North East Corner. Surface Lease Road & Lease Site That Currently Has A Yearly Revenue of $3600.00/Year. With Some Work There Is An Opportunity For Many Of the Pasture Acres To Become Cultivated. Parcel # 2 - Consisting Of The SW-33-48-16-W4M - Being 160 Acres M/L - Beautiful, Mostly Open land, Currently Having 50 Acres Cultivated, 110 Acres Being Pasture Land & A Few Trees, Dug Out, Also A Former Yard Site. Quarter Is Fenced & Cross Fenced, With Some Work There Is An Opportunity For Many Of The Pasture Acres to Become Cultivated. Please Contact Garth @ 780-868-4181 For More Information Real Estate Transactions are being Handled by Maxwell Polaris Victor Lillo (780) 708-2000 & Allen Olson (403) 783-0556 Real Estate Terms & Conditions: 10 % Down on Sale Day. Balance & Possession on or before January 15th, 2025. If Balance is NOT RECEIVED by January 15th, 2025 the Deposit will be Forfeited as Liquidation Damages. All measurements are approximate and need to be verified by the purchaser.
Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd. 1-855-783-0556 Toll Free - (403) 843-2747 Rimbey Office 780-208-2508 East Central Office Rimbey, Alberta - License No. 165690 Email: abolson@telusplanet.net - Homepage: www.allenolsonauction.com
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 21
Local FCSS directors attend annual conference Kelsey Witham Staff Reporter
The annual FCSSAA (Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta) conference took place at the Edmonton Fantasyland
Hotel from Wednesday, Nov. 13 to Friday, Nov. 15, with over 400 people in attendance. The conference serves as an annual general meeting and networking and professional development event for FCSS programs
that are members of FCSSAA, including Tofield Beaver County West and Ryley FCSS. Tracey Boast Radley, TBWFCSS Executive Director spoke on her time at the conference, and said she has been attend-
ing the annual conference since 2014. “I am happy for the opportunities to network with other FCSS colleagues. I always learn something new at the
conference, but two that I enjoyed the most were a session hosted by Elder Bert Auger and Sangeeta Sicking on Indigenous Relationships and Engagement, and our clos-
ing Keynote speaker Jody Urquhart - Bliss Out Feel Good and Move Forward in Uncertainty,” Boast Radley said. “The conference opens Continued on Page 23
Winning ticket of the Take a Year Off Lottery to be announced this week Kelsey Witham Staff Reporter
“Phase 1 was completed in 2022; this included the replacement of the arena slab floor,” The Ag Society stated. The Tofield Ag Society has been serving the community since 1972, organizing many fundraising initiatives such as this specific raffle, family cash bingo nights, 50/50 raffles, and hosting the annual Tofield Western Days in the summer as well as slo-pitch tournaments. The Ag Society continues to bring the community together and enhance the infrastructure that the town of Tofield relies on.
Tofield Beaver County West FCSS had breakfast with MLA Jackie Lovely at the annual FCSSAA conference on Thursday, Nov. 14. L-R: Public at Large Advisory Committee member Lynn Hryhirchuk, MLA Jackie Lovely, Tofield Town Councillor and Public Advisory Committee member Brenda Chehade, Beaver County Reeve and TBWFCSS Chair Kevin Smook, Public at Large Advisory Committee member Lesley Fath, kneeling; TBWFCSS Executive Director Tracey Boast Radley. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Killam Chamber of Commerce Presents
Due to the postal strike:
TM S I R at the
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The Tofield Agriculture Society’s ‘Take a Year Off’ raffle will be coming to an end with ticket sales closing on Saturday Nov. 30, at 4:25 p.m., the same date the winning ticket will be drawn. With eight prizes up for grabs, the grand prize is $52,000. At press deadline, the fundraiser had just over 1000 of the available 2000 tickets sold, and just over $98,000 raised. The proceeds of the fundraiser will be dedicated towards Phase 2 of the Tofield Arena
Renovation Project. “The new construction will include a Zamboni room, enhanced washroom areas, storge and a dedicated area for referees. Secured funding has been confirmed from both the Town of Tofield and Beaver County, as well as Provincial granting dollars approved in the spring,” the Tofield Ag Society announced earlier this year. The renovations are projected to cost over $1 million and the construction of the project is estimated to be completed for the 2025/2026 season.
Crossroads FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
Main Street Killam
Subscribers can pick up their paper at the: -Tofield Mercury office (open M-F 8:30am to 5pm) -Tofield Municipal Library (open M-F 9:30am to 5pm,
FREE KIDS MOVIE LIVING ROOM THEATRE 2 PM PICTURES WITH SANTA LIVING ROOM THEATRE 4-6:30 PM festival OF trees/gingerbread display
Sat. 9:30am to 2pm, & until 8pm on Wed. & Thurs.)
LIVING ROOM THEATRE 4-7PM, Vote for your favourite - proceeds to Food Bank
-Beaver County office in Ryley (M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm) -Village of Holden office (M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm but closed during the noonhour for lunch)
-Spilstead Hall AND, until the strike is over, the weekly edition will be available for free viewing online on patreon.com (search Caribou Publishing) or issuu.com (search Tofield Mercury). Papers also continue to be available for sale at local stores. Please donʼt hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Call or text 780-662-4046, email adsmercury@gmail.com, or visit us 5312 50 St. Tofield.
PARADE OF LIGHTS 7PM COOKIE DECORATING FCAL 4-7 PM LETTERS TO SANTA & FOOD BANK DROP-OFF ATB 5-7PM NIGHT family christmas crafts KILLAM LIBRARY 4:30-6:30PM LATE SHOPPING BONFIRE HOSTED BY A2Z SAFETY BESIDE GUARDIAN DRUGS 5-8PM AT SELECT BUSINESSES faCE PAINTING BALL FAMILY DENTAL 5:30-7PM ‘TIL 7PM CHRISTMAS GOODIES KILLAM SENIORS CENTRE 5-7PM hot chocolate THE COMMUNITY PRESS 5-7PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
craft fair COMMUNITY HALL 10AM - 3PM festival OF trees/gingerbread display LIVING ROOM THEATRE 10-3, Vote for your favourite - proceeds to Food Bank NAZARENE YOUTH CHRISTMAS CONCERT 6PM LIVING ROOM THEATRE - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - ADMISSION BY DONATION
Page 22 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Ryley to begin taking FEATURED PROPERTIES TOWN OF LAMONT submissions for 2025 mural Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
At the last Ryley regular council meeting held Tuesday, November 19, Ryley council moved to launch their 2025 mural program, and will be accepting submissions until Tuesday, January 7. The artwork chosen for 2025 will be selected at the Tuesday, January 21 regular council meeting.
This mural will be painted on the Ryley Village Office building, on the south wall. The first mural of the program was designed and painted by Ryley resident Vance Heslin on the Ryley Community Resource Centre building. Heslin described his mural as traditional native art, which is titled ‘Community Together.’ “I tried to incorporate as many different ani-
mals as I could, because the title of this one is ‘Community Together,’ and our community is made up of a lot of different people. I believe that it all works together to be a good thing,” Heslin told The Tofield Mercury in an earlier interview. Heslin donated his work and the Village purchased the materials necessary to paint the mural.
Holden Ag Society raises over $25,000 at steak dinner event
• 4712 51 St Lamont 5,800 sq ft shop with office and sales space. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. Price: $450,000
LAMONT COUNTY • W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County. 138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price: $2,990,00 • HWY 834 between HWY 16 and TWP RD 530 Lamont County 19.48 acres with power and a holding tank. Nice building site. Price: $215,000.00
VILLAGE OF ANDREW
• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000
VILLAGE OF CHIPMAN
KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
Many people were in Holden at the Complex Saturday night, November 23, despite the steady snowfall all day, for the first Holden Ag Society steak dinner of the winter season and the Ag Society’s annual fundraiser. Treasurer Gail Alger said just over $25,000 was raised from the supper, and live and silent auctions.
• PENDING W4-18-54-29-NE N 54466 A RR184 Village of Chipman 38.75 acres 25± acres in hay. Double car garage, power, septic, and well nice building site. Price: $289,900
STRATHCONA COUNTY • SW Part of NW–23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property. Price: $7,200,000 • Parts of SW and SE-7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price: $5,100,000
THORHILD COUNTY
SOLD
SOLD
• NW 1/4 -14-58-22-W4 and NE ¼ -14-58-22-W4 Plan 172-0793 Block 3 Lot 222 acres game farm with page wire 100 acres could be cultivated. 4 mile North of Redwater. Good HWY 28 access. Price:
$690,000 The ice was open for free skating during the evening.
Council Stop Sign Continued from Page 8
km/h looks fast. It would give bystanders the ability to see, oh, that person's actually not speeding, and it would be a reinforcement for the people who are driving,” he said. Chief Administrative
Officer Rosemary Offrey also suggested more speed limit signs could help, and said she’s not noticed many within the village. She said she believes there are only 40 km/h signs at the four main entrances into town, excluding the entrance by the school, which is a school zone. The speed limit within the village was re-
duced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h in 2017. Beckett also wondered what the cost of flashing crosswalk lights would be. Councillor Shawn Cole made a motion that council accept the complaint for information and not put any stop signs back in, which he, Markel, and councillor Travis Schiewe voted in favour of, with Beckett voting against.
Norman Hill
780-449-5622 | nhill01@telus.net www.hillrealty.ca
Steven Hill
Lauren Hill
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Page 23
FFCS conference Continued from Page 21
with a Keynote Speaker, and this year that was Dr. Lisa Bélanger Adaptive Minds: How Your Brain Thrives in Times of Change,” Boast Radley went on to say. “Thursday hosts a breakfast with MLAs from across the province. We were grate-
ful that MLA Jackie Lovely was able to join us for breakfast again this year. “The organizing region (Northeast) and the FCSSAA staff deserve a significant amount of recognition for the work they put in to make the conference a success for all of us,” she said. Mickey Wilson, Ryley’s FCSS Director of Programs, said the conference was very informative.
“There was lots to learn with an excellent opening keynote speaker, great workshops, and many displays by external organizations that had lots to offer in terms of information and resources,” Wilson shared. “We learnt about different strategies related to various population sectors such as seniors and youth, and that was also very good, and information about
Ryley FCSS had breakfast with MLA Jackie Lovely at the annual FCSSAA conference on Thursday, Nov. 14. L-R: MLA Jackie Lovely, Ryley FCSS Director of Programs Mickey Wilson, Ryley FCSS Community Programmer Danny Iles.
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the new FCSS provincial reporting structure that is coming was very positive,” he said. “I think one of things that we heard was the importance of our organizations being interconnected and working together, that it is important for us to support one another as well as the communities we serve. We were excited to meet other FCSS organizations that we will work and share with in the future,” Wilson went on to say. “This year they opted to include an evening at Jubilations Dinner Theatre rather than the typical evening dinner and social. It was a great show, and our assigned seating arrangements meant that we were able to connect with people we otherwise would not have had the chance to encounter. “It was great to have the work that we do in our small community affirmed and celebrated. “We are ‘boots on the
ground’ in terms of service and resources especially with
vulnerable persons in the community of Ryley,” he said.
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Page 24 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
MLA Lovely speaks on lung cancer awareness John Mather Staff Reporter
Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely rose in the Alberta Legislature to speak on behalf of some lung cancer volunteers who were visiting the legislature in Edmonton recently. “November is lung cancer awareness month, and I am happy to speak on behalf of Right2Survive in this house today,” said Lovely. “Right2Survive is a coalition of The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, Lung Cancer Canada, and the Lung H e a l t h Foundation which have come together to promote lung cancer screening programs in Canada. “Lung cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers across the country and one of the leading
causes of cancer death in Alberta. “Lung cancer has devastating effects on the lives of Albertans, our families, and our communities. “I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the work that this government has already done to promote survivorship.” Lovely continued. “Just last month, the Minister of Health announced an investment of $1.5 million for a mobile lung screening program to increase access to these services for rural communities and unders e r v e d populations across this province. “As part of Alberta's Budget 2024, our government is expanding our healthcare system capacity by hiring more healthcare professionals,
including oncologists at all cancer centres. “These investments are t r e m e n d o u s , but at this moment, I wan t to thank Right2Survive for their incredible work and advocacy,” added Lovely. “As the number of new cases continues to grow, we need to prepare Alberta’s cancer system for the future. “Access to cancer screening services ensures that patients are diagnosed in a timely manner and help Alberta lung cancer patients become Alberta lung cancer survivors. “I am proud to be part of a government which is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services for all Albertans, no matter where they live in the province.”
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Real Estate Auction for Ducks Unlimited Sale Starts December 6th & Closes on December 9th, 2024 - Lamont County Featuring 4 Quarters of Land for Ducks Unlimited in Lamont County
Parcel #1 - Consisting of the Parcel #2 - Consisting of the Parcel #3 - Consisting of the Parcel #4 - Consisting of the SE 36-53-18 W4M NW 7-55-17 W4M SW 25-55-18 W4M SE 35-55-18 W4M Being 160 Acres M/L Being 148.95 Acres M/L Being 160 Acres M/L Being 160 Acres M/L Pasture Land Fence with Page Wire, Currently Seeded to Alfalfa, Seeded to Alfalfa/Grass, Can be A Very Nice Open Quarter with DugSingle Strand Barb Wire New 4 Strand Barb Wire Fence Hay/Pasture Land, Old Yard Site, outs, Brand New 4 Strand Barb Wire & A Dug Out. Around the Perimeter of the Property. One Flat Bottom Grainary, Fence, Seeded to Located North of Hwy #16 on Rge Rd Beautiful Mostly Open Quarter that New 4 Strand Barb Wire. Alfalfa/Grass, Excellent Hay or 180 for 5 Kms. West Side of the Road does have a Located On the Corner of Rge Rd 181 Pasture Land. Subdivision out the NW Corner, a & Hwy 29 with 1/2 a Mile of Hwy. Located 1.7 Kms North of Hyw #29 Good Shelter Belt, Ample Wildlife, Frontage on Rge Rd 181 Real Estate Terms & Conditions: 10 % Down on Sale Day. Balance & Does Have a Few Sloughs That Possession on or before January 15th, Would Work as a Water Sources, on Real Estate Transactions are being Handled by Maxwell Polaris Victor 2025. If Balance is NOT RECEIVED the SE Corner of TWP Rd 552 Lillo (780) 708-2000 & Allen Olson (403) 783-0556 by January 15th, 2025 the Deposit will & Rge Rd 180 be Forfeited as Liquidation Damages. All measurements are Located 8.7 Kms North of Hwy #15, approximate and need to be verified 20 Kms North of Hwy #16, East Side by the purchaser. of the Road.
Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd.
Attached is the Ducks Unlimited No Brake No Drain Conservation Easement Agreement that was registered on title. This agreement is intended to protect the habitat on the quarter keeping it in perennial hay or pasture production. Please direct specific questions regarding the easement to Ducks Unlimited (Megan Maier 780-608-5782)
1-855-783-0556 Toll Free - (403) 843-2747 Rimbey Office 780-208-2508 East Central Office Rimbey, Alberta - License No. 165690 Email: abolson@telusplanet.net Homepage: www.allenolsonauction.com