September 27 Tofield Mercury

BBO public banding Page 9

Your LOCAL Media since 1918!

Volume 106 Issue 05 VOLUME 106: ISSUE 05

www.tofieldmerc.com www.tofieldmerc.com

Wednesday, September 27, 202327, s 2023 WEDNESDAY, September

Great weather for Harvest Fall Supplement issue enclosed

Field of Dreams A crop duster desiccates a field west of Holden in early September to prepare the field for harvest. Kari Janzen photo

Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

3D printer donated

BY KATE PRIESTLEY On September 12, two former students of

Tofield School, Ed Kuczera and Jeff Seaver, donated an Ultimaker 3 - 3D

Printer to the Trades and Technology class in Tofield School.

Kuczera and Seaver’s NAIT program received a new model of the 3D printer, resulting in the two immediately thinking of donating the tech to their former school as it would allow the students to use this modern printing technology, which the students had never seen before.

School’s 3D printer. Kate Priestley photo

FINAL BACK TO SCHOOL ASSEMBLY FOR GRADE 12S

Students give the donation of a 3D printer to the school a thumbs up.

Photo by Gilles Daigle

Grade 12 students ham it up for the camera at the back to school assembly, Sept.

8 at Tofield School.

Kate Priestley photo.

Infant Eye Care

Doctor’s Note: “Part of baby care is eye care. Have your infant’s vision and eye health checked.”

The Alberta Association of Optometrists

In appreciation of our local famers for their hard work and dedication.

Have a safe & bountiful harvest!

An infant eye exam is an important step towards ensuring your child is seeing correctly and there are no eye health issues.

Book baby’s eye exam with your optometrist now.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Page 3

Leadership Class hosts a hot dog giveaway at Tofield School

BY KATE PRIESTLEY On September 15, the leadership class had a hotdog giveaway for the whole school. They also provided juice boxes for each child.

Administration was

Above: Some of the students enjoying the hot dogs.

Below: The new Vice Principal, Mr. Chanasyk, also helped with the hot dogs. Paul Cordeiro photos.

even asked to help, and gladly took on the challenge.

“It was a welcome back to school thing,” Emily Rutz, one of the leadership students, said.

After further investiga-

tion, Mr. Hamm, the leadership class teacher revealed that it was actually Principal Lazaruik’s idea to give away hot dogs.

“They were actually funded by the school,”

Hamm explained, when questioned about where they were able to get the hot dogs.

All the students enjoyed it, as it gave them a chance to get together to enjoy this school treat.

25TH ANNIVERSARY Minister’s Seniors Service Awards Nominations for the 2023 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards are officially open For 25 years, these awards have recognized individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations that support seniors, lead the way for improved services and contribute to strong communities.

Nominations are assessed based on volunteerism, philanthropy, innovation and outstanding service.

The deadline for nominations is November 15, 2023.

Apply: alberta.ca/mssa

JACKIE LOVELY

780.672.0000 | Camrose@assembly.ab.ca 4870 - 51 Street Camrose, AB T4V 1S1

MLA Camrose

TOFIELD Thank you to the Community of Tofield for coming out to celebrate and enjoy the Tastes of Tofield, Cultural Displays and Art Exhibits.

A special thanks for the donations and display items from: Tofield Historical Society, Tofield IGA, Maple Park Farms, Yvonne Brown – Many Countries Display/Plants, K3 Corn Maze, Denise Hoag – “The Soaring Peacock Studio”, Tofield Municipal Library - ‘The Traditional Inuit Way', Tilly’s, Uncle Roger’s, Mary Ann Mercado, The Sour Moose, Diamond Restaurant, Loretta Kroeker and Shiela Koop

Thank you to the follow organizing partners:

The Tofield and Area Welcome Initiative

DON’T HIBERNATE FAIR

Everyone coming together helped make the Tofield Culture Festival a success!

Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Ryley FCSS twice monthly movie nights well attended

BY KARI JANZEN Many of the Ryley FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) programs are back up and running for the fall and beginning of the new school year.

Most recently a family movie night was held at the Ryley Community Hall, with over 25 people coming to watch Elemental on Sunday evening, Sept. 24.

“I think it's a program that gives (the kids) something to do. Our (movie showings) will always be at no cost, and we provide snacks. Who comes to the movie and doesn't have popcorn and a pop?” said Mickey Wilson, Director of Ryley FCSS. Wilson said nearly all of the programs have started up again, with some having continued through the summer. The movie nights, occurring on the second and fourth Sundays of every month, are a new addition to Ryley FCSS. “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Lorax will be the next two movies,” Wilson said.

They also have a teddy bear tea party about once a month, weekly chair yoga, game nights for the youth, alongside other events to look forward to this fall.

“We have a year round tax program, we’re planning bingo for the fall, (but) if not, it'll be at the beginning of the new year. Chair yoga is back and it's really well attended. We’re getting a steady six to 10 people coming to yoga every week.

“We've got a lot on the go and the community is hungry for this kind of stuff. It's what binds people together,” said Wilson.

“We did ice cream sandwich days (in the summer) to bring people into the municipal office, meet the staff, so it doesn't become such a scary place,” he said.

Ryley FCSS also had a hand in the organization and planning of Ryley’s annual Sports Day event.

“We volunteered to coordinate Sports Day. As a community gathering, that's part of the work we do. People (who) have

LD E I TOF CURY R ME

been around for a long time said it was the best attended Sports Day we've ever had. Things in Ryley need to be well thought out these days because there is a little bit of a financial overcoming that we have to do, but we were under budget and we (made) 430 hotdogs at lunch (during Sports Day),” Wilson said.

There are new event ideas in the works for the next few months, with the main goal of community engagement.

“We're looking at something like planning a family pumpkin carving event at Halloween, paint nights for adults, seniors coffee days, we're doing a community potluck supper in October. There’s so many age groups and we want to reach people across that whole lifespan and get families to meet one another,” said Wilson.

The Ryley FCSS board has all the needed members, except for a vacant youth seat.

“We've got a good board; we're at full steam.

We have an opening for

youth but we have fully appointed board members. Six, and a full board is seven if we have that youth person.”

“I am excited. I came back on board to resur-

rect it and get it back on its feet. I don't intend to be here forever. I'm past retirement age, but this is important to me. It's about our community. I love Ryley,” Wilson said.

“I just really love this little community and it's those things that you do in the community that will make this a place that people want to be,” he said.

More than 25 people came out to join the family movie night held by Ryley FCSS on Sunday, Sept 24 at the Ryley Community Hall.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Page 5

Tofield considers marketing approach to attract people to community

BY JOHN MATHER Tofield council heard a unique marketing pitch at their regular council meeting Sept. 25, but held off making any decisions on going forward with it.

Luke Panek of Yolo Nomads met with council via a zoom link.

“There’s a lot of great reasons for moving from a big city to smaller centres and many people are doing just that,” he told council. “But we’re trying to help small communities benefit from this trend.”

“Where are they going to go?” he asked. “Name recognition is a challenge for these small communities.”

He said the challenge was getting people from Edmonton, Calgary or even Vancouver to know about communities like Tofield.

“How many people in those cities know you exist?” he asked. “If they haven’t heard of you, then how can they relocate to your town?”

Panek said Yolo would, for costs, promote Tofield over social media, by preparing brochures on the town and then selling the brochures to Facebook or Instagram to be promoted to targeted audiences as set out by the Town.

“We’re trying to help those people who want to leave the big city to work in a smaller community and raise their families there.”

He said the town and his representatives would meet to determine who to target.

“Do you need nurses, teachers, or other services,” he said. “We’re marketers. We’ll connect you to your target audience.”

He said once the audi-

ence is figured out, then Yolo will create ads to reach out to that target audience.

“It’s not hit and miss like other forms of advertising. Only nurses, teachers, skilled trades … whoever we’ve decided will see the ad,” he said.

“It gets the name of Tofield on the potential candidate's brain.”

“If you want foreign workers or families then let’s get the word out,” he added.

Once the target is interested they can click on a PDF brochure Yolo would write and produce.

“It will sell the features of your community,” he said. “Show the shopping, recreation facilities … things like that.”

Another stream could be to set up a page to attract investors using brochures featuring statistics and growth charts from the region.

“It all about educating them to get them excited,” he said.

And then, he said, you had to remain on the potential candidate’s radar.

“You can’t let them forget about you,” he said. “So we’ll send out updates or a newsletter every couple of months.

“It would feature things that are happening in the community.”

He said his firm would write all the material, but if the Town cancelled the contract those materials would remain with the Town.

He added his company would have quarterly meetings with the Town to show the clicks and data measuring the responses to the promotion.

They would suggest improvements so they could continually im-

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prove the promotion.

The cost for a worker package would be $3,450 per year in U.S, dollar, (roughly $4,600 Canadian) with a one-time $500 set up fee which would only be charged for the first year.

“It goes away in years two, three, four and five,” Panek explained. “We’re looking at a long-term commitment.”

“We will work hard to get your renewal in the additional year, but the costs will never go up.”

The last additional charge would be $100 per month to put the package on to Facebook or Instagram aimed at the targeted audience.

He said all prices were U.S, because they were an international company so the U.S, dollar was the best currency to work in.

Panek said the $100 monthly was an approximate fee depending on the number of times the package was exposed to the audience.

Deputy Mayor Harold Conquest wondered if they should wait until the Town’s strategic plan was approved so they would have an idea of what audience to target.

He further said it could be tough to budget because of fluctuations in

the U.S, currency.

Panek said from the time council decided to move ahead with the program, it would be eight weeks before it appeared on Facebook giving the company time to meet with the Town to determine who the target audience was and research and write the brochure.

“We do all the work for you, but we’ll need the first two weeks to meet twice with you to develop the package. Then once you’ve approved it will be running your ads within eight weeks.”

When asked if Tofield could change the package to attract a different audience within a few months of launching, Panek said if they were “regular people” there would be no

Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association

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neighbouring towns, contributing to the costs.

Panek said a multicommunity package would cost $4,950 a year ($6,600 Can).”

After Panek left the meeting Councillor Norm Martineau said it was an interesting concept.

“I think we need to wait a bit but it’s a good idea,” said Councillor Brenda Chehade.

“This is a whole next level in terms of marketing,”stated Martindeau.

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards said he had reached out to the County of Paintearth and they were pleased with the results.

Continued on Page 15

Church Directory Bardo Lutheran Church Salem Mennonite Church Pastor Calvin Andringa Sunday Worship Services: In Person – 10:00 AM Streaming – 10:00 AM Livestream available at: tofieldalliancechurch.com

780-662-2762 • 5907 - 49 Street TOFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH

Pastor Peter Beckman Sunday Worship @ 10:30 am All are welcome!

Worship services can also be accessed online @

bardolutheranchurch.ca 780-662-3411

Sunday Worship Service 10:30am

Tofield United Church

www.tofieldchurch.com

4832 - 53 Ave, Tofield

4619 - 57 Ave

(780) 662-3 3166

plus GST/HST

Value a Ad Network

additional charges, but if it was to attract investment then a new brochure would have to be prepared at at cost of $950 ($1,350 Can).

“Investors want a different type of PDF brochure so that’s more work on our part,” he explained. “But if you just want to add teachers along with nurses to be targeted there’s no additional charge.”

Mayor Deb Dueck said they would have to reach out to partners in the community to determine what the needs were for workers.

This led to asking if maybe several groups could get together to put a package together with each group, possibly Beaver County and some

Lead Pastor:

Jon Stewart Children/Youth Pastor:

Nathan Nichols

Sunday Worship Service @ 10 am in person or via zoom/phone

for more information call 780.662.3471 or email tofieldunited@gmail.com

49232 Rge Rd 184 Tofield, AB

Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2365 Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am

St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish Pastor: Fr. Jim Corrigan Sunday Mass @ 11 A.M. 5523 - 50 st. Tofield, Ab.

Coffee and snacks after Mass, everyone welcome!

Contact Wendy @ 780-232-5300

Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

OPINION

Want to have your say?

Write a Letter: news.tofield@gmail.com (all opinions must be signed to be published)

JOHN’S RANT Hard to be a proud Canadian when politicians continually embarrass us

BY JOHN MATHER What is it with our politicians?

And I can’t paint all of them with the same brush, but some seem so out of touch with reality it scares me.

In Ottawa, the Liberal government can’t seem to go a day without embarrassing us as a country on the world stage.

Last week, Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of aiding in the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in B.C. in June.

Nijjar was an advocate for a Sikh independent nation to be located in northern India, something very much opposed by the Indian national government.

But Trudeau offered no facts to back up his assertions. He claimed he did mention it to the Indian prime minister during recent G20 meetings in India and it was also softly reported the U.S. may have made small mention of the claim also.

But the fallout has been immediate and continues to escalate.

Indian newspapers have laughed at Trudeau and called him an embarrassment to Canada.

Well, it does seem whenever Trudeau sets foot in India, he embarrasses this country.

And then with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky standing in parliament, the Liberal appointed Speaker of the House invited 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka to receive recognition for being “a

Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service.”

Yes, that was Speaker of the House Anthony Rota introducing Hunka who lives in his riding.

Then it came out Hunka was a member of the Nazi 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Galician).

Really, doesn’t anyone do some research and vetting of these guests of parliament? Apparently the prime minister’s office does, but either they didn’t do a good job or Trudeau simply didn’t read the memo and allowed Hunka to receive a standing ovation from all members of parliament and guests during Zelensky’s visit and speech.

And then there was the 1-Million-March-4-Children held in various communities across Canada last week as parents marched opposed to the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification programs being taught in public schools in all provinces.

There was Trudeau calling the parents “hateful” while NDP wannabe Prime Minister Jagmeet Singh marched with those in favour of the programs being taught in schools.

The counter protesters showed up to undermine the parents’ protest, echoing false accusations that the marchers were bigots and haters who pose a terrible threat to – and target – sexual minorities.

Yup, there was Singh chanting, lecturing and clutching a rainbow

flag that said Pride not Prejudice.

It was enough that one organizer of the Ottawa march, Kamel ElCheikh, singled Singh out directly to his face.

“I said ‘Shame on you, you piece of sh*t. I said that to him!” ElCheikh told the Western Standard.

“He didn’t say anything. He was scared. Jagmeet Singh looked me in the eye, but he couldn’t look at me too much, looking down, looking everywhere, of course, rich boy himself.”

“I said to him ‘Man, you’re supposed to represent all Canadians.

You are only representing the minority class.’”

In Edmonton, Singh’s Alberta lieutenant Rachel Notley demanded Alberta Premier Danielle Smith turf Red Deer South MLA Jason Stephan for speaking during the parents’ march in Red Deer.

Premier Smith just said: not going to happen.

As well she should. You don’t see Notley condemning her MLAs when they march with the alphabet people in their various marches across Alberta or when Drag Queens campaign against people opposing them reading to children in public libraries.

I agree with the parents on this issue.

They should be the ones involved in bringing up their kids.

Schools shouldn’t be instructing children that if they want to change their names or pronouns, then suggesting it should kept from parents.

And I expect the vast number of people, aka the silent majority, also agree with the parents.

Far too often are politicians and unions trying to regulate our daily lives and I think the silent majority is starting to wake up to this.

They aren’t going to tolerate it much longer.

It points out the difference between rural and urban centres when the parents’ rights marchers are supported locally, but Edmonton MLAs, the mayor and union leaders condemn them. And obviously the same thing happens in other large urban centres.

Those union leaders fail to recognize they have rural members and it could come back to haunt them.

I was surprised Trudeau didn’t invoke the Emergencies Act when the parents marched in cities across the country.

That’s his style.

But for the most part, as all this nonsense that appears in the news day in and day out does nothing more than diminish Canada’s reputation on the world stage.

Our reputation on the world stage used to be very commendable I can remember Liberal Prime Minister Lester Pearson being highly perceived by the world.

He was leader and his cabinet was respected for their abilities.

Governments of all levels were respected.

What the hell has happened?

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Page 7

LOOSE ENDS

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

This summer our youngest son’s friends wanted to take him somewhere special on their annual trip. There’s a bunch of them and they go camping at new and

different places and have even done the Vbro (or is it Vrbo?) thing where they rented an apartment sight unseen except for photos on their cameras.

They weren’t disappointed.

The special destination this year was to celebrate his birthday. They asked where he’d like to go, and he said anywhere as long as they didn’t plan on leaving him there, and finally chose one spot he’d always wanted to go, to see the giant Redwoods in California.

It was further than they

Big Trees usually travel but the planner of the group – apparently she’s part magician - came up with a route on which the only visible flaw was a three hour lay-over in Calgary on their way to Portland.

I spoke with him briefly, just checking that he’d made it back safely; woke him up since they got back at some ungodly hour yesterday so he was

still sleeping but he called it 90% successful. With the magician at the helm they’ve never had a bad trip. Knock on wood.

0ne reason I mention this trip is because the birthday he celebrated was his fiftieth. OMG! How did that happen? If our youngest grandson turning 25 made me into a fossil, what does a 50year-old youngest son do

for me? I read somewhere that there are places where people don’t age – oh yeah, it was in an ad for Botox.

I’m a bit late for going the frozen face route; besides, I sleep mostly on my face so would wake up with the whole mess shifted behind my ear or lodged in my arm pit. What you see is what you get.

Another reason is I’m jealous of his amazing group of friends and it’s unlikely that I’ll ever visit a ‘hydration station’ (fancy name for an outdoor bar) on a scenic

lakeshore; cross the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or drink beers in three states in three days. And I’ll only see small photos taken on a phone camera of the California Redwoods which our son said are so magnificently massive that until he laid eyes on them he’d had absolutely no idea what BIG TREES meant. Suddenly our big elm out back seems like a twig. But it’s still growing so there’s hope yet.

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A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, September 27, 2023, Volume 16, Issue 39 Wednesday February 16 2022 Volume 15 Issue 7

Council adopts policies for adults and youth improvement Patricia Harcourt In the interest of recognizing adults and youth and to help them attain their goals, county council has adopted or revised three initiatives for people within Beaver County.

“As part of the county’s ongoing policy review project,” explained Aimee Boese, general manager of community services, “policies relating to scholarships and opportunities have been scheduled for review by council.

“These policies are geared toward students to recognize their academic achievement and/or participation in extracurricular activities.”

She further explained that, “in the past, council has also received requests from adults; however, there has been no policy that addresses these requests.”

A draft policy was prepared similar to the Youth Outstanding Achievement Policy. This new policy was presented at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting Sept. 6.

“The committee reviewed the policy and recommended that the policy be submitted to council for approval,” stated Boese.

A motion by Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) to accept Policy CS-001, Adult Outstanding Achievement Support was passed without discussion.

Boese stated that there was a maximum of $2,500 available every year for the policy, which states that “county council may recognize significant adult achievements in sports, recreation or performing arts by providing financial support to attend provincial/territorial, national or international levels of competition representing Alberta, Canada and/or Beaver County.”

To be eligible as an adult, a person must have teached the age of majority by January 1, 2002.

Those living within rural Beaver County will take priority, followed by people living within

With the good weather occurring in Beaver County these days, harvesting has been going gangbusters as producers - like this one finishing up the combining of a field just outside Viking - work to get their crops off as quickly as possible as we get into the fall season.

PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTO

the towns and villages within the county.

County Council also passed a newly revised version of the Ed and Marie Stelmach Scholarship Policy.

The budget for the award will be $2,000 in any calendar year. The bylaw states that two recipients would each be awarded $1,000.

And it adds that, “The award will be given to two applicants with the highest and second highest academic achievement in the most recent school year prior to post-secondary.”

Council passed motions by Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) to rescind the old policy and by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) to adopt the new one.

Council also dealt with the rescinding of the old Youth Education of Government Bylaw named ADM-013, followed by approval of new bylaw CS-017.

The policy states that, “Beaver County recognizes that knowledge of the democratic process encourages individual and community involve-

ment, promotes better citizenry, and strengthens the region’s capacity for leadership, resulting in a health and dynamic democracy.”

Students enrolled in schools located within Beaver County, including Tofield School, Viking School and Holden Rural Academy are eligible.

A Social Studies 30 Award with financial support of $250 will be awarded to a student from each school who achieves the highest academic standing in the Social Studies 30 program.

For extracurricular studies financial support will not exceed $1,000 per calendar year. Each student is eligible to receive a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $200 depending on the number of applications received. The funding allotment can support up to 10 students per year and will be split equally among the applicants.

In making his motion Hrabec said: “I think it goes to show the county is committed not only to students in the county but also adults,” adding: “It’s good the county is giving these (awards) out.”

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, September 27, 2023

Council schedule re-arranged for budget meetings Patricia Harcourt Scheduling dates were changed for some meetings in the upcoming months before Christmas to accommodate budget discussions and other scheduling.

The county’s organizational meeting will be held on Oct. 18, to be followed immediately by the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) meeting at the conclusion of the organizational.

Budget meetings by regular council will be held on November

29 and 30, and then again from Dec. 6-8.

The council and GPC meetings originally scheduled for Dec. 6 will be set over to Dec. 13.

It is at this meeting that the county wants to pass its interim budget for 2024.

Council and GPC meetings scheduled for Dec. 20 are cancelled.

A motion by Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) was passed by council accepting the recommended changes to the schedule to occur before Christmas.

County council revisions to waste facility policy recognize name change Patricia Harcourt Beaver County made revisions to a waste facility policy at the Sept. 20 meeting of council recognizing the facility’s name change to Claystone Waste. It meant rescinding a prior policy and replacing it with an updated version.

Most of the discussion for this had taken place earlier during a Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) meeting.

However, Margaret Jones, the county’s manager of Legislative Services, provided some background information in her report.

At the June 21 meeting of the GPC, amendments were considered to the Beaver Municipal Solutions Surplus Revenue Policy.

Based on that discussion, administration recommended that a new policy be adopted with several changes made from the original.

The name Claystone Waste Dividend would replace the original name in the document as the landfill had incorporated and was no longer called Beaver Municipal Waste.

The Grant-in-Lieu of Taxes portion of the original document would be removed, as well as the removal of the specific allocation of the dividend portion of the grant.

“This will provide council with increased flexibility for use of the grant,” said Jones.

Application deadlines would also be removed as “these are already referenced in the Community Support Requests Policy,” she said.

Included would be the allocation of the Good Neighbour Grant towards the cost of dust control for occupied residences on roads near

the waste facility, which is located northeast of Ryley in Beaver County.

Council passed a motion by Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) to rescind Policy ADM024, Beaver Municipal Surplus Revenue and accompanying administrative procedure.

Then a motion by Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3 councillor) was passed to approve Policy CORP-002, called Claystone Waste Dividend and its accompanying administrative procedure.

Jones stated that, with the passing of the new policy, the next step would be to inform affected residents regarding dust control and bin service.

“Landowners living adjacent to the roads affected by the policy change will be advised of the opportunity to receive dust control,” she said, adding: “Dust control will only be applied upon request of the resident.”

The Good Neighbour Grant is $78,873.65 for 2023, she informed council.

“If all eligible residents participated, approximately $29,160 would be allocated towards the waste bin benefit program,” she said. “The balance available for other purposes is $49,713.65.”

She added that the Claystone Waste Dividend Policy enables the county to support regional initiatives with the local towns and villages.

In terms of public consultation regarding this move, she said: “A member of the public adjacent to the landfill attended a council meeting to request that the Claystone Waste grants be used for other initiatives.”

FALL LARG GE ITEM COLLECTION PROGRAM P The fall large item collection program is just around the corner. In the past, regular garbage was put out for collection, instead of large items such as sofas and washing machines. Just a reminderϞif it fits in the waste bin in your alley, y, please put your items for disposal in there. This ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˔ˠ ˜˦ ˙ˢ˥ ˟˔˥˚˘ ˜˧˘ˠ˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˗ˢˡϠ˧ ˙˜˧ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘˥˘ʡ The dates for each of the municipalities is as follows:

Mon, October 2 to Thurs, October 5ϞHamlet of Bruce No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located: x Community Hall (2 bins) x Lift Station (1 bin)

Thurs, October 12ϞTown of Viking Curbside pick up, large items must be on the streetϞnot on your lawn or driveway.

Mon, October 16 to Thurs, October 19ϞVillage of Ryley No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located: x Old carwash beside Village OfficeϞ50 St & 50 Ave x Truck stop area close to the cardboard binϞ51 St & 50 Ave x Trailer park close to the 4yd binsϞ53 St & 52 Ave x Grassy area north end of Village on 57 Ave between 49 & 50 St.

Thurs, October 26ϞTown of Tofield Curbside pick up, large items must be on the streetϞnot on your lawn or driveway.

Mon, October 30 to Thurs, November 2ϞVillage of Holden No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located: x Empty lot at 5024Ϟ50 St x Gazebo Park entrance located on 51 St. x ʵ˘˦˜˗˘ ʵ˘˔˩˘˥ ʶˢ˨ˡ˧ˬϠ˦ ʧˬ˗ ˕˜ˡ˦ ˢˡ ʧʫ ˆ˧ʡ x West side of Public Works shop at 4920Ϟ48 Ave

This collection program is provided at no-charge to regional urban residents twice a y year. Please note: if y you are a res esident of Holden, Ryley ey or Bruce and need help getting your large items to the ctions Department for collection bin, please reach out to our Collec assistance. t our transfer stations All regional residents can take their large items to ˬ˘˔˥ ˥ˢ˨ˡ˗ʟ ˜˙ ˬˢ˨Ϡ˗ ˣ˥˘˙˘˥ ˡˢ˧ ˧ˢ ˪˔˜˧ ˙ˢ˥ ˧˛˜˦ ˕˜˔ˡˡ˨˔˟ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˔ˠʡ ʶ˛˘˖˞ our website to see which items are acceptablle at which location. If you have questions or need help, please call our Collections Department at 780.663.2038.

Left ft: Not large itemsϞput in bin in alley Rig ight: Placed on grassϞput on street

Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.6 663.2038 50117 Range Road 173 (Secondary Highway 854) Box 322, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0

Landfill and Ryley Transfer Station Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am - 4:30 pm; Saturdays / STATS 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Closed Sundays NOTE: customers must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing;

Lindbrook k Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Thurs 11:30 am - 6:30 pm; Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Tofield Transfer Station Hours: Wed, Fri and Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Viking Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Kinsella Transfer Station Hours: Wed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fri 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Beaver County Chronicle, September 27, 2023 - 3

Funding request granted for final Bathgate funds to repair Ryley pool Patricia Harcourt

never went ahead.

“The county and Clean Harbors recently Beaver County Council granted a funding entered into a new agreement for annual request that the final Bathgate Water Co-op grants,” she said.

The result was that $210,000 was received monies go towards repairs to the Ryley from Clean Harbors over a two-year period. swimming pool.

The amount of $15,306 will go towards the Funds were then held in reserve and disBeaver Heritage and Agricultural Society to bursed upon requests from the Bathgate complete upgrades and renovations at the Water Co-op, which had originally been the grant recipient.

Ryley Swimming Pool.

Funds had gone towards engineering This is the last of the Clean Harbors’ grant costs for the Bathgate waterline project. held in reserve by Beaver County.

Once that ended, however, grants went to An agreement between Clean Harbors and the county was entered into in 2014 that a the Beaver Heritage and Agricultural grant would be used for the Bathgate Society, Ryley Legion, Ryley Museum Waterline Project, or other county strategic Society, Friends of Ryley School Society, and the Ryley Sunshine Club, as well as for priorities if that didn’t proceed.

“This is the original grant agreement,” upgrades to the Ryley water truck fill stasaid Margaret Jones, manager of legislative tion.

With the final $15,306 going towards the services. However the Bathgate project

swimming pool upgrades in Ryley there are now no funds left from this pool of money held in reserve.

The upgrades are going to repair of the pool’s sidewalk and breezeway, and the removal of some old equipment.

“I would like to thank the group,” said Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3), referring to the people of Bathgate, noting: “It’s the last money in that account. They’ve done a great job (and) the people doing it had their hearts in the right place.”

Hrabec also thanked Clean Harbors, “for providing the funds,” adding: “They are important to the community and it’s good to see this (funding) going into the community as well.”

His motion to disburse these final funds in the manner recommended by administration was then passed by council.

Beaver County 5120 - 50th Street, Box 140, Ryley AB, T0B 4A0 Phone: 780-663-3730 | www.beaver.ab.ca CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTI ION UPDATE UPDATE

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE START DATE

ESTIMATED END DATE

UPDATE: September 27th

Culvert Maintenance

April 1

November 1

ONGOING

Patching oil roads

May 1

September 29

ONGOING

May 29

June 9

TASK

TWP RD 490 between HWY 36 and RGE RD 124 Terra-Cem Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st lift of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd lift of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips) Carey Ridge Estates Terra-Cem Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st lift of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd lift of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips) TWP RD 502 between RGE RD 205 to CAREY RIDGE entrance Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st lift of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd lift of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips)

June 12

June 14

June 13

June 15

Phase 1 - Complete Phase 2 - Complete Phase 3 - Complete Phase 4 -Complete Phase 1 - Complete Phase 2 - Complete Phase 3 - Complete Phase 4 -Complete Phase 1 - Complete Phase 2 - Complete Phase 3 - Complete Phase 4 -Complete

Phase 1 - Complete Phase 2 - Complete Phase 3 - Complete Phase 4 -Complete

HWY 854 from HWY 14 south to TWP RD 500 Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st lift of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd lift of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips)

July 4

July 10

Rechip 2 miles Terra-Cem on TWP RD 492 from RGE RD 172 -190 (Various locations)

June 19

June 24

Rechip: TWP 480 between HWY 36 and RR 130 P&H Road TWP 480 and RR 130

August 4

August 7

Complete

Shoulder Pulls ( Multiple Locations) Current location - TWP 484

August 19

October 2

In progress

Backsloping (Location TBD)

October 2

November 1

Gravelling

March 13

December 22

ONGOING

May 2

October 1

ONGOING

August 8

August 15

COMPLETE

Patching roads throughout season Dust Control - 2ND Application

Phase 1 - Complete Phase 2 - Complete Phase 3 - Complete Phase 4 -Complete

der Pulls Pulls in the Beaver County will be completing Should Shoulder following areas over the next couple of weeks: RGE RD 124 between TWP 492 and 49 494 94 (2 (2 miles) TWP 482 between RGE RD 130 and and 123 123 (3 miles) mile es) TWP 500 between HWY Y 36 36 and and 132 (1 mile) mile) TWP 500 between betwee en RGE RGE RD 142 and d 144 144 (2 miles)) RGE RD 1194 94 b between etween TWP P 500 500 and and HWY 14 4 (6 (6 miles) miles) RGE RG GE R RD D 202 betwe between een TWP TWP 502 and TWP TWP 504 504 ( 2miles) Road rehabilitation through shoulder pulling will reestablish crown, compact the road surface and allow for grading of the road slope for proper drainage. Although the roads will stay open during construction, please expect delays or use alternate routes.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this road maintenance causes and thank you for your patience and understanding during construction. If you have any questions, please call the Beaver County Service Center at 825-385-0052.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY Human Resources Manager Permanent Full-time 35 hours per week, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday This role is pivotal in fostering the organization’s culture and driving its success through people oriented programs and services. Reporting to the CAO, the HR Manager provides strategic leadership and direction for human resources management, aligning with the corporate mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives. Thriving under pressure, they are committed to learning and continuously apply new insights and processes to enhance HR operations.

Closing Date: October 16th, 2023 Email resume and cover letter to careers@beaver.ab.ca or via mail to: Human Resources, Beaver County, Box 140, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 For full job description scan the QR code with your phone or visit our website under Government > Careers

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, September 27, 2023

Beaver County 5120 - 50th Street, Box 140, Ryley AB, T0B 4A0 Phone: 780-663-3730 | www.beaver.ab.ca DEVELOPMENT PERMITS

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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 Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

October 4th: 9:30 AM: Regular Council Meeting 1:00 PM: Governance & Priorities Committee Meeting October 18th: 9:30 AM: Governance & Priorities Committee Meeting 1:00 PM: Regular Council Meeting

COMMUNITY EVENTS Book Club Location: Ross Creek Community Hall, 531041 Range Road 191 Rural Book Club that meets the first Tuesday each month.

Books are provided by the local library or can be checked out on their own by attendees. October 3rd, November 7th, December 5th, 7 PM-8 PM. All ages are welcome!

Technology Classes Sharpen your digital skills with Beaver County CALP Technology Classes!

Starting September 26th through to October 31st. Runs every Tuesday from 1-3 PM at the Beaverhill Lake Nature Centre. Cost is $2 per session, call 780-663-3732 to reserve your spot!

APPEAL DEADLINE: Application No: Applicant: Landowner: Location: Development:

September 27, 2023 020020-23-D0053 Hofer, Peter Hutterian Brethren of Holden SE-18-49-16-W4 Discretionary Uses - Second or Additional Dwellings (fourplex – 7,040 sq.ft.)

APPEAL DEADLINE: Application No: Applicant: Landowner: Location: Development:

September 27, 2023 020020-23-D0054 Kuby Energy Renewable Energy Ltd. Doll, Jared NE-35-52-19-W4 Discretionary Use – Solar Collectors, Structure Mount (roof mounted solar panels on existing single-family dwelling – 117 sq.ft.)

APPEAL DEADLINE: Application No: Applicant: Landowner: Location: Development:

October 18, 2023 020020-23-D0064 ATCO Electric Ltd. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta NE-3-47-11-W4 and SE-3-47-11-W4 Discretionary Use – General Industrial Use - Type II Temporary Storage Yard

Any person wishing to appeal a decision may do so by serving written notice on the prescribed form (stating reasons for the appeal) and submitting the applicable fee of $200.00 to the Secretary of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at the following address.

The notice of appeal must be submitted before 4:30 pm on the appeal deadline date shown above. The prescribed form is available on the County website or in the office.

Tofield Golden Club - Burgers, Salads, and Sweets!

Location: 5004-54th Avenue Tofield Friday, September 29th 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM $10 at the door, all are welcome!

Borschiw Social Guild Turkey Bingo join the Guild for a fun game of Bingo and your chance to win a turkey!

Just in time for Thanksgiving!

Location: Borschiw Community Hall Wednesday, October 4th Doors open at 6 PM | Bingo starts at 7 PM Snacks and refreshments available for purchase!

For more information contact borschiwsocialguild@gmail.com

Halloween Family and Teenage Dance Viking FCSS and Holden Community Hall Association are partnering up to host a Halloween dance!

Location: Holden Community Hall Family Dance: 6-7:30 PM (Free to all) | Teenage Dance: 8-10:30 PM ($10) Music, games, food and more!

Contact Dawn at 780-336-4024 for more information!

Submit your event/s, meetings and/or gatherings to our events calendar on the website! Just head to the website, scroll down to the calendar, click to view all events, then hit the Submit an event button!

Further information regarding the above decisions may be obtained from the County Office: SECRETARY Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Beaver County Box 140 Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 780-663-3730

SIGN UP FOR OUR MAILING LIST! Get County news direct to your inbox, including fire control levels changes, Council Meeting Highlights, and updates on the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw Project.

To subscribe, visit www.bit.ly/subscribebc or scan the QR code with your phone...

2023 FALL LARGE ITEM COLLECTION PROGRAM HAMLET OF BRUCE | OCTOBER 2-5 Bring your items to the large bins located: Community Hall (2 bins) Lift Station (1 bin)

TOWN OF VIKING | OCTOBER 12 Curbside pick up, large items must be on the street—not on your lawn or driveway.

VILLAGE OF RYLEY | OCTOBER 16-18 BRING YOUR ITEMS TO THE LARGE BINS LOCATED: Old carwash beside Village Office—50 St & 50 Ave Truck stop area close to the cardboard bin—51 St & 50 Ave Trailer park close to the 4 yd bins—53 St & 52 Ave Grassy area north end of Village on 57 Ave between 49 & 50 St.

TOWN OF TOFIELD | OCTOBER 26 Curbside pick up, large items must be on the street—not on your lawn or driveway

VILLAGE OF HOLDEN | OCTOBER 30 - NOV 2 Bring your items to the large bins located: Empty lot at 5024—50 St Gazebo Park entrance located on 51 St. Beside Beaver County’s 4yd bins on 48 St. West side of Public Works shop at 4920- 48 Ave

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Page 9

Owl fanciers flock to the BBO for public banding event U.S. researcher visits to learn about new tracking devices

BY JANA SEMENIUK Beaverhill Bird Observatory held one of several fall sold-out public owl banding events Sept. 23 where 50 visitors to the facility enjoyed a vegetarian dinner and the opportunity to possibly get up close and personal with a saw-whet owl.

The goal is for people to observe the owls, who are captured between the hours of 8 p.m and 2 a.m., as they are tagged for tracking and research purposes, then released back into the wild.

Despite their best efforts however, there is no guarantee owls will be caught. Nonetheless, the visitors, some with small children, were bundled up against the chilly weather with headlamps firmly strapped to their foreheads patiently waiting for any opportunity to see an owl up close being processed by the on-site biologists.

BBO board chair Geoff Holroyd said the public events are a fun interactive way for people to learn about owls. Although there is no guarantee an owl will be caught, Holroyd said there is a good chance people will see one as the facility captures between 300-500 saw-whet owls between Sept. 1 and early Nov. each year. “(It’s a great opportunity to see what we do).

(Some nights) it’s a smaller group and they watch as an owl is being banded and I just stand in the back and smile to myself that we put this

together and here’s people learning all about owls (that) they would never see otherwise,” he said.

Holroyd said they also recently began using a new tracking device, a nanotag, that’s superior to the traditional way of placing a band on the bird’s leg. He said the nanotag provides realtime information by sending signals on the bird’s whereabouts to an online app.

“It allows us to track the birds rather than putting a band on and then hoping someone finds it,” he said.

Holroyd said the technology has been around for approximately 10 years but efforts have been concentrated mostly in eastern North America and in Ontario until now.

He added that although the technology is useful it’s also expensive with each tracking unit costing $300. Holroyd said the BBO held a fundraiser last May to help with the cost, where people donated the $300 and also got to name their bird while tracking it themselves, if they chose, on the open-source app.

“So, 46 people donated the $300 and we went from having a trial with five or 10 of these to ordering 50,” he said. “It’s a major project funded by our members which is pretty incredible.”

Holroyd’s use of the tracking devices has also attracted the attention of a researcher from the U.S.

Beaverhill Bird Observatory assistant biologist Ethan Denten holds Tansi, a great horned owl, during the public owl banding event at the BBO on Sept. 23.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Jerry Toll, a raptor bander from the Hitchcock Nature Centre in Iowa, said he contacted Holroyd and made arrangements to visit the BBO and learn about the tags.

“Telemetry (collection of data through wireless transmission) is new to me. I've been putting bands on saw-whet owls since 2007 and there's a lot of things unknown about how they move through the grasslands, and in farmlands of the central part of the U.S. be-

cause there’s not very much habitat for them,” he said. “So I wanted to find out if they were moving through that area, and the only way I can find out is to do telemetry.”

Toll spent four days at the facility learning about the tracking devices with Holroyd during the owl banding events.

The public saw-whet owl banding events are scheduled for every Thurs. to Sun. until Oct. 22 this year.

Beaverhill Bird Observatory board chair Geoff Holroyd (L) sits with visiting U.S. researcher Jerry Toll who came from the Hitchcock Nature Centre in Iowa.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

TALKING TO ALBERTANS ABOUT NEW SOCIA SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM Alberta’s government is beginning a transparent and collaborative process to engage Albertans and education partners to redraft kindergarten to Grade 6 (K-6) social studies curriculum.

Alberta Education will gather information about what Albertans would like students to learn in the social studies curriculum through a survey and discussion guide online, which will be available until Oct. 16.

JACKIE LOVELY, MLA Camrose 780.672.0000 | Camrose@assembly.ab.ca | 4870 - 51 Street Camrose, AB T4V 1S1

Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Page 11

REMEMBER WHEN Winner Andrea Perrott, Value Drug Mart presented Ashley Zowtuk, Holden, with a bedroom ensemble.

The draw was sponsored by Value Drug Mart Pharmacy.

This photo appeared in the Tofield Mercury on May 23, 1995.

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Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

The

$14 minimum for first 25 words, 45¢ per word thereafter (G.S.T. not included) PICTURE BOLD $10 $5 ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID BEFORE INSERTION unless customer has an account in good standing.

LAMONT LEADER Ph. 780-895-2780 Email: lmtleader @gmail.com ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS Heart to Home Meals Made for Seniors Quality and Convenience Over 200 quality frozen meals, soups, and desserts delivered directly to your home.

Average $9 per meal Free delivery* No obligation Request your FREE menu today!

Ask us about our trial offer HeartToHomeMeals.ca *some conditions may apply.

Call 780-666-2336 to inquire.

We accept Veterans Affairs Allowances.

We offer special diet options. ___________________________ Potatoes Beets Carrots **Taking Orders for Fall Potatoes, Carrots, and Beets** Off Highway 13 Turn North on RR 122 go North 3 Miles.

Helen Tanton 780-888-6800 ANNOUNCEMENTS AUCTIONS HOUSE TO BE MOVED: Updated bungalow in Lougheed AB. Must be moved by 2025.

Includes triple car garage. Ritchie Bros Auction Oct 25-27. https://rb.gy/7u7au.

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Sunshine Villa Autumn Pie Social, Saturday, September 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.

5834 51st Street, Tofield.

Admission $5.

Pie, coffee, tea, etc!

Silent Auction at the Social. All proceeds to the Residents Association Fund.

Thank you for your support of Seniors! ___________________________ Brian’s U-Pick Fruits and Berries and Vegetables has tons of Tomatoes available for sale! All sizes! Many different Varieties!

Contact Brian at 780-678-0053 Tuesday - Thursday 10 - 5, Friday & Saturday 10 - 6, Sunday 10 - 5.

Closed Mondays. For Pick-Up by appointment only.

The U-Pick Vegetables will be Closed for the Season.

U-Pick Fruits and Berries will remain open until they are done. ___________________________ Ravenhill Agencies Ltd. GRAND REOPENING! Coming in October! We look forward to seeing you! Contact us for all your insurance needs. 5109 50th St. Tofield. 780-662-0330. __________________________ Brian’s U-Pick Fruits and Berries and Vegetables is taking orders for any Fruits, such as Saskatoons, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Apple Trees, or any other Fruit Trees.

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HELPWANTED WANTED HELP The Andrew Community Center Association is looking for a janitor/caretaker to maintain the hall.

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Please forward resumes to barb@barpek.com. ___________________________ Tofield Skating Club is in need of a Star Skate Coach for the 2023/24 Skating Season.

Volunteer Executive members are also needed. Call 780-918-6760, or email tofieldskatingclub@gmail.com SERVICES SERVICES Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749

WEEKLY REVIEW 780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS WANTED WANTED Are you new to the Andrew area or have lived here for some time but want to get involved in the community?

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Page 13

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Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Streetlighting project put on hold in Tofield

BY JOHN MATHER Tofield has put the brakes on a project to improve streetlighting around the community pending additional information on extra costs following several concerns from affected residents.

“Originally we were going to move forward with installing 98 new streetlights,” said Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards.

“We’re working in partnership with Fortis on this and as staking for the project moved ahead we heard from residents and it wasn’t all favourable.

“What we have heard is that people aren't interested in having lights placed on what they consider their property, the second if there is brushing or removal of trees on their property they’re not receptive to that,” he added. “And the third is people are interested in having underground wiring for the lights rather than overhead lines.”

He said in consultation with Fortis there are certain things that can be provided by council.

He suggested a better communication plan for the project be prepared because he felt many of the residents weren’t aware of the scope of the project before it happened.

He suggested Fortis go door to door informing residents what the project was about.

He said on social media the Town had communicated the project indicating that the increased light canopy would improve safety in the area affected as well as reducing the risk of thefts.

“But of course not everyone uses social media,” he said. “So we missed several residents.”

He said in meeting with Fortis they met and explained the concerns and decided communication could be done through the use of doorknockers and direct contact with residents where possible.

He said after the meetings with Fortis the project status had to be brought back to council for a decision on how to proceed.

He indicated there were

up to six alternatives and it included some potential cost increases.

When the project was first approved by council earlier this year, the cost to the Town was about $14,000 with Fortis picking up the lion’s share of the total of more than $300,000.

Council, at the time, decided this was an offer they couldn’t refuse and they could find the $24,000 without impacting the 2023 budget.

But if the project was to proceed with underground wiring, it could add upwards of $400,000 to the project and that cost would have to be 100 per cent picked up by Tofield.

“It’s important to know the Fortis money wouldn’t change,” said Edwards.

“If the underground services are provided it changes the scope of the project because of the ground disturbances resulting in adding landscaping and what to do when encountering drivingways and areas of paved services.”

Continued on Page 15

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Ryley mayor Brian Ducherer looks on as Beaverhill Bird Observatory Board Chair Geoff Holroyd holds an American Kestrel on his arm. Holroyd brought the small falcon into the Ryley village council meeting Sept. 19 as he was presented with a certificate for his $1,000 grant awarded from the Clean Harbors Community Enhancement grant. Four additional local organizations were also awarded grants which totalled over $33,000.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Page 15

Tofield locks in agreement cementing relationship with Tofield Ag. Society

BY JOHN MATHER After operating under a “gentleman’s agreement” with the Tofield Agriculture Society to provide services and activities within the community for years, Tofield wants to put an agreement in place to ensure the strong relationship is ongoing.

“Where this came from,” said Chief Administrative Officer Cindy Neufeld, “is there is an informal handshake deal with the Ag. Society to put on the events such as Western Days and the RyTof Slo Pitch tournament and we as a Town couldn’t put these events on without their support.

“So my fear is, as council changes or administration changes, we could lose that relationship and those events would fall by the wayside.

“The town couldn’t do the events by themselves,” she added.

“The Town has strong support with the Ag Society and an agreement will ensure this strong relationship remains ongoing.”

Councillor Norm Martineau agreed stating, “The Ag. Society's one of the backbones of our community.

“Not supporting them wouldn’t be a good thing.”

Neufeld said if the Ag. Society folded the Town would then assume operations of the Tofield Arena and would lose $47,000 in grant monies that the Ag. Society receives.

“Through the shared services agreement that money is matched by the County,” she said. “That relationship is so strong right now I don’t want to see us lose it moving forward.”

Martineau asked if a similar agreement would be penned with Beaver County and Neufeld said it was in place already through the shared services agreement.

Streetlights

more mature trees were located along the roadsides.

When asked, Edwards said complaints were received in person, by phone, or in person from about 25 to 30 residents.

In addition there were comments on social media.

“That does represent a large percentage of our residents,” he said. “And the majority of the comments weren’t in favour of the project.”

Chehade wondered if the residents would be comfortable with proceeding with underground lines if it meant adding an additional $400,000 to the project's cost.

“They would have to foot the bill for that,” she said. “Instead of just the $14,000.”

Mayor Deb Dueck said council had to decide whether to proceed with underground services or not and then determine actual costs.

“Then we would have to find out if the residents want to proceed,” she said.

Administration further

would have to find out if Fortis could continue to honour the base price of its $300,000 if the project was spread over several years.

Council passed a motion pausing the program until further information on costs were finalized on the price of underground lines and whether the Fortis contribution would change if the project was spread over several years.

Continue from Page 14 Councillor Norm Martineau said council had acted on the original project because of the amount Fortis was willing to cover.

“It was like looking a gift horse in the mouth,” he said. “I don’t think we can find the $400,000 or more on top of that.”

Chief Administrative Officer Cindy Neufeld indicated Tofield could proceed with the project dividing the town into quadrants and managing the project over four to six annual projects until complete.

“We have multiple issues facing us if we go ahead with underground services.”

Martineau added.

Councillor Brenda Chehade wondered if costs would be further increased by having to bring equipment back to do the project over various years and Neufeld said she didn’t think so.

It was pointed out most of the opposition came from the older sections of the community where

Marketing Continued from Page 5 “This is more specialized than anything we’re doing right now,” he added.

Edwards said it would benefit economic devel-

opment in promoting the community.

Council passed a motion to defer the package until their next meeting to allow administration to determine budget ramifications and whether there could be a multicommunity interest.

“It’s a unique agreement and relationship,” added Neufeld. “You don’t see a relationship like this in other parts of the province.”

Mayor Deb Dueck agreed.

Council passed a motion to sign the agreement with the Ag. Society solidifying the Town’s relationship which passed unanimously.

Neufeld then told council it would be sent back to the Ag. Society

for ratification but that wouldn’t likely happen

until its annual meeting in December.

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Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Ryley COP gives council presentation before receiving $10,000

BY JANA SEMENIUK The newly formed Ryley Citizens On Patrol (COP) association gave a presentation at the Sept.

19 Ryley village council meeting before accepting their Clean Harbors Community Enhancement Grant certificate of $10,000.

COP president Jason Hill explained that the group is aimed at assisting law enforcement by observing and reporting suspicious activity while doing scheduled patrols throughout the village.

“We are a vital initiative that has the potential to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our community. We (have) dedicated volunteers who are willing to invest their time and energy into patrolling our streets to keep a watchful eye for any suspicious activities and serving as an extra set of eyes and ears for local law enforcement,” he said.

“Their presence alone can act as a deterrent to potential wrong-doers and contribute significantly to the overall safety of the community.”

Hill added that the association has more value to the community than helping to keep the streets safe.

“It’s about building connections with the community,” he said. “I urge the council to consider the establishment of this association as an important step towards a safer and more closely knit community.”

COP patrol and communications coordinator,

Mickey Wilson then gave a slide-show presentation. He said the association is now a registered society and is officially a part of the Alberta-wide COP program.

“There are 45 communities in Alberta that have active COP programs, and because we're now incorporated, we are one of those in Ryley,” he said.

Wilson’s slide show also depicted the associations’ timeline, showing the increase in property crime during the summer of 2022 which sparked the initial conversation, leading to a community meeting last Sept., then contact with local law enforcement and finally incorporation as an Alberta Society and election of the first official board of directors in June 2023.

Wilson added that the volunteers in the association are unpaid and require training and a criminal records check.

“They use their own vehicles, they patrol in pairs, never alone and they are covered by liability insurance by our membership in the provincial COP program,” he said. “Members must always present themselves as volunteers, never as law enforcement.”

Wilson said the association currently has seven board members plus approximately 15 volunteers and they have so far submitted 24 criminal records checks that have passed. He said the village has been supporting the organization by pro-

viding photocopying of all patrol documents and reporting envelopes as well as providing a drop site for sealed reports.

"We want to say we're grateful to the village of Ryley council and Clean Harbors for their support,” said Wilson. “(This grant) will ensure that we can provide our volunteers with what they need (for their) training and fuel costs.”

Once Ryley Mayor Brian Ducherer presented Wilson with a certificate for their successful $10,000 grant, he clarified to all grant recipients that the funding will be followed up by administration for accountability.

“One of the things that I want to really stress, to all the groups that are getting money, (is) that six months after receiving your money, you must give us a report of where you're at. You don't have to have all the money spent, but you need to give us a report back,” he said. “We want to make sure that the money is being spent the way it should be, and the way it was intended to be when it was given to us. So we want to make sure that that occurs.”

Other organizations who received a Clean Harbors Community Enhancement grant are the McPherson Municipal Li-

brary which received $10,000, The Tofield Country Quilters Guild

for $1,400, The Beaverhill Bird Observatory which received $1,000 and the

Beaver AG Society which received $11,000.

Tofield Skating Club is in need of a Star Skate Coach for the 2023/2024 Skating Season Volunteer Executive members are also needed.

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Ryley Citizens on Patrol (COP) Patrol and Communications Coordinator Mickey Wilson gave a slide-show presentation to the village council members Sept. 19 before receiving a certificate for a $10,000 grant for the organization from the Clean Harbours Community Enhancement Grant. COP president Jason Hill is seated in the photo. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

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Page 2 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

Scenes of harvest progress

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Page 4 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

Beary Berry Honey branches out; introducing Aspen Grove Meadery Kari Janzen Beary Berry Honey near Tofield has recently branched out and has begun making and selling mead.

“Mead is wine made from honey instead of sugar as a base,” said coowner Sandra Thiessen.

Under the parent company of Beary Berry Honey Inc., Aspen Grove Meadery has been up and running for the last year and half.

The ingredients of a basic mead is honey, water, and yeast, and more complex meads can include fruit, spices, or hops.

The meadery currently has five meads available, including Apple Pie Mead, Blackberry Mead, Black Currant Mead, Cherry Hibiscus Mead, and Red Raspberry Mead.

“We experimented with many flavours. Some worked, and some didn't work. The first flavour that my husband (Sam) made, actually won a national bronze award,” Thiessen

said.

Although Sandra, Sam, and their son Matthew had no previous experience making this type of alcohol, Thiessen said her husband did a lot of research. “(Sam) did a lot of reading, and then he just decided one day to try it and it worked. And that's the one he won (with).”

The Blackberry Mead was awarded a WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada bronze medal in the mead classification for 2023.

The family started out with a small operation and equipment, but have since expanded.

“We first bought the smaller equipment, 20 litre carboys, then we moved up, and now we have 1,000 litre stainless steel tanks,” Thiessen said.

Mead can be considered a niche taste, but it hasn’t always been that way.

“A lot of people haven't heard of it. It's actually the oldest alcoholic drink, because that's what they had back then, honey, and yet,

it's the least known-about drink,” said Thiessen.

The mead-making process takes time, and the success of flavour experimentation is a monthslong wait. “(First you) add the honey, fruits, water, and yeast. And then it ferments for two weeks. After that it ages in the tank, ideally for nine months.

“It's quite a long process,” Thiessen said.

Thiessen said that one of the challenges was waiting, just to see if their new venture was effective.

“It was over a year before we could start marketing it. (One of the) challenges in that year was just waiting to see if the recipes actually worked,” she said.

“Licensing is always a challenge. It's just a lot of paperwork getting it running,” Thiessen said.

They were working to get the licensing for the new business complete, all for a product they were hoping would be marketable.

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780-243-3206

“We already had an existing business, but when you make alcohol, it has to be a business of its own for AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis). So, we had to form a new business and keep everything separate (from Beary Berry Honey) and that’s why we had to start Aspen Grove Meadery,” said Thiessen.

Now that the business and meads have been established, the drink has been selling well at markets, as well as at local businesses.

“Tofield Spirits carries it, Country Garden Liquor Store in Camrose, they carry it as well. We're in the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival this fall under the Sobey’s banner, so we're hoping that Sobeys might pick it up, (too),” Thiessen said.

RYALTA INDUSTRIES LTD. 5105 - 50 St. Ryley

780-663-3759 Working together with the local farmers to help bring in the harvest.

All the best this fall!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE

780-663-3583 Thank you to the farmers for all they contribute!

We hope they have a safe harvest!

From Richard, Christine, Dylan, Dave, John, Brian & Kyle

Wishing our local farmers a safe & bountiful harvest this fall!

Ryley, Alberta 780-663-3828 www.cleanharbors.com

Nonnie’s Grill & Artisan Shop

DINE IN or TAKE OUT Call (780) 297-8856 22106 South Cooking Lake Rd Unit 2, Sherwood Park, AB

Wednesday & Thursday - 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday & Saturday - 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm 95% of everything at Nonnie’s is homemade and prepared on site.

We wish all a bountiful & safe harvest!

Holden Country Bottle Depot 780-688-3378 • 780-632-9313

Wishing our farming community a safe and productive harvest season!

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 5

Andrew area woman grows incredible blooms Crystal Moren Sarah Laudin, of Andrew, grew up with a love for flowers and turned that love into Sunshine Blooms Farm; a cut flower farm.

Her grandmother and mother always had flowers growing on the farm.

Sarah has carried that forward; in beautiful perennial gardens surrounding the front of her home, and more specifically in three different types of perennials planted on another piece of land for retail purpose.

Sarah has focused on Gladiolus, Sunflowers, and Dahlias, and for the first time, Sunshine Blooms Farm hosted tours of the Dahlia Fields this September.

Guests met at the farm, heard a bit of information about Sarah and her business, and then they were invited to stroll amongst

the many rows of plants and view all of the gorgeous blooms. At the end of the tour, guests could purchase a fresh cut bouquet prepared by the host.

Sarah grows some 1,300 Dahlia plants, which include over 110 varieties. These flowers require their tubers to be hand-dug-up every fall, and properly stored for the winter and then replanted every spring.

Sarah was eight months pregnant last fall and dug 700 tubers out of the ground.

A few years back, Sarah decided to start up a Coop for sale of her flowers, where today, along with a handful of local growers, they supply fresh cut flowers to some Edmonton and local stores.

"Some mornings, I am out here in the dark at 5 a.m. with a headlamp, cutting flowers to haul

into the city" It is important to get them in fresh, as they don't have a long vase life once cut; hence the reason they are not readily available as an order-in flower unless there are local suppliers.

Sarah's main job is working on the family farm. She also has two young children and spoke of opening a Farm Stand in the near future, to sell fresh cut bouquets to locals.

Sarah Laudin, of Sunshine Blooms Farm, holds a variety bouquet of Dahlias she hand cut for tour guests.

All the Best for 2023 Harvest!

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Page 6 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

Alberta and Prairies storms cause over $300 million in losses Leslie Cholowsky According to initial estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc (CatIQ), storms that hit Alberta and the Prairies this summer resulted in estimated damages of over $300 million, just in those losses that were insured.

Out of that figure, it is estimated that 30 per cent, around $90 million, will go toward replacing or repairing stormdamaged vehicles in Alberta.

In the past three years, Alberta vehicles have racked up over $500 million from severe weather claims.

“Unfortunately, residents in Alberta and across the Prairies experienced another summer of extreme weather events that damaged or destroyed homes, vehicles, and businesses,” says Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific and Western, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

“This is the third straight summer in which Alberta has seen significant insured damage from hail, wind, and rain. The trend is clear, and it's important that consumers work with their insurance representative to ensure they have the right coverage to protect their property or business from the impacts

of these storms.”

A number of this summer’s weather events have been designated as catastrophes by CatIQ, including Central Alberta Flooding from June 18 to 20, resulting from heavy rainfall in the Edson, Whitecourt, and Edmonton area primarily.

Canada Day storms in Alberta and Saskatchewan, including Flagstaff County, caused over $100 million in insured damage. That includes an EF-4 tornado near Didsbury, which completely destroyed three homes, did severe damage to four others, and moderate damage to another five.

Storms with powerful wind gusts brought down trees and damaged structures in Saskatchewan.

A Calgary hailstorm on July 15 resulted in large hail falling on the south central residential area, damaging siding and roofs, denting vehicles, and even broke a glass ceiling at Chinook Shopping Centre.

Other severe prairie storms occurred July 24 to 26, in Alberta and Manitoba, producing grapefruit-sized hail, and violent winds, including at least three confirmed tornados.

This storm system also produced

dented vehicles, cracked windshields, flooded roads and basements, with strong winds that damaged roofs, downed trees, and damaged power lines.

The Town of Tofield experienced severe flooding July 24, as well as some areas of Beaver County due to heavy rains hitting the areas over a number of days.

Damage caused by wind and rain is covered under a standard home, commercial property, and through comprehensive auto insurance policies, says

Thank You to our Loyal Customers!

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Great Northern Grain Killam, Alberta

the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

Flood damage is not typically covered under standard policies. Hail waivers can be added to home and building policies, but generally come with higher deductibles.

IBC reports that insurance companies are continuing to work through the claims process to help clients impacted through the storms.

The figures quoted do not include figures of insured losses from wildfires which have struck many areas of the province of Alberta.

During the During he h home ome heating season, if you are away from your home for extended periods of time, you may need someone to check your home regularly to keep some insurance coverages in force.

oker r B e c aps uran s g n o I n r re ou Call y ure there a ou are le y ke s i a h m w o e t erag m home! v o c n i fr o away

780-385-3622 www.tjig.ca

S. James Agencies Killam 780-385-3654 Sedgewick Land & Insurance 780-384-3639 Battle River Agencies Hardisty 780-888-3999 Battle River Agencies Lougheed 780-386-3741

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 7

Local plant providing higher quality grain with new sorter Kari Janzen The Beaver County Seed Cleaning Plant in Holden recently installed a new colour sorter in early March of this year. The previous sorter had been in use since 2011, but now needed replacing due to technological advancements in the industry. “(The new one is) much more advanced and can do a lot more than the old one could,” said plant manager Tyler Suchy.

“With the technology, (the colour sorter) is not like the other equipment. Things (have) advanced, like the computer. It was (becoming) obsolete, and you couldn’t get tech support,” he said.

Purchased from Saskatoon, Sask., the new sorter, with its enhanced features, has more precision in sorting the grain from the impurities.

“It's more precise and we can do a wider variety of separations. It’s more beneficial to the producers because we can do more,” he said.

Suchy and the other cleaning plant staff did much of the installation work, sourcing out help in areas where needed.

“I used a local electrician, a local welder, and the rest, my people (and I) did. We tried to do what we could and got professionals where we couldn't,” he said.

Operation of the plant continued during the set up of the new sorter, with work being done on it consistently a little bit at a time.

“We just chipped away at it when we were working,

as the plant ran. It took longer that way but we saved quite a bit of money (as opposed to hiring) it all out to a contractor,” Suchy said.

The sorter runs for as long and as often as needed, which means it could sit idle for a whole day, or operate nonstop.

“It varies a lot. Today for example, we have nothing booked in so (there is) zero (amount of runtime). (In the) springtime we’ll go around the clock. Basically all cereals go through that machine. It does see a lot of use throughout the year,” said Suchy.

The primary function and purpose of the sorter is to purify the grain.

“It's just an extra tool to take impurities out of grain.

So for example, ergot, wild oats, and low percentages of other grains. Most guys are using it for seeding, so the more pure the seed the better, so you're not seeding (anything) other than what you want to grow. And some also use it for upgrading grain. If there (are too many) impurities and it's not going to make a good grade at the elevator, you could clean it up and it makes a better grade,” he said.

The seed cleaning plant can be very busy, but they have a good system for keeping track of everyone’s grain.

“Everything's labeled. You check the bins before you dump in, make sure nothing has been forgotten about in the bin. It's labeled as soon as you dump it, there’s samples taken off the truck, (which) are kept and labeled. And then of course, you clean out between batches, so there's no contamination,” Suchy said.

Good luck to the farmers during their harvest!

Wishing the farming community an abundant harvest!

John Daoust Shingle Co. 780-662-4901

The Beaver County Seed Cleaning Plant is the only public one in the county, and belongs to the Alberta Seed Processors Co-op, formerly known as the Alberta Association of Co-op Seed Cleaning Plants Ltd. “We're a cooperative. There are private ones in the county, (but) this is a public one. We are the only coop plant in the county,” he said.

The plant isn’t too busy at the moment because farmers are focusing on getting the crop off as quickly as possible.

“We've been slow for right now because guys are busy combining, but that's fairly normal. We’ll get the occasional guy, if it works out, to bring it in off the combine but most guys focus on combining,” Suchy said.

5407 - 50 St. 780-662-3269

Wishing our local farmers a safe & bountiful harvest!

THANK YOU! Mayor Dueck and Council

Tofield Autobody “Collision Repair Specialists”

780-662-3432 Hoping the weather holds for the farmers this harvest season!

780-662-4400

BLR Services Inc. - Licensed Heavy Duty Mechanic Mobile & Shop Services Agriculture - Construction - Tractor/Trailer - Skidsteers I am available to help you keep all of your machinery running smoothly.

Call Bryan @ 780-686-6344

Tofield Bottle Depot would like to wish the farmers a great harvest season!

Hours of Operation Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm We are located at 5304 - 56 St. We sort your bottles!

780-662-3936

D&D Septic Services

THANK YOU FARMERS, AND HAVE

A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST!

Thank you farmers!

RYLEY SAUSAGE

Ryley: 780-663-2147 Camrose: 780-679-9219 Cell: 780-984-2000

wishes you all the best this harvest season!

• Septic Cleanings • Pump Sales • Portable toilet rentals Serving the areas of Camrose, Viking, Daysland, Tofield and More!

780-663-3990

Phone:

Page 8 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

PetSmart Charities of Canada provides funding to help develop Canada’s first pet food bank Leslie Cholowsky A recent survey of pet owners discovered that a majority (77 per cent) would forgo their own food before their pets. Unfortunately, for some, that’s not an option, and pet shelters are seeing record numbers of animals being surrendered and pet rescues bursting at the seams with adoptable animals.

PetSmart Charities of Canada is stepping up to bring more awareness of pet food insecurity by celebrating the first-ever Pet Hunger Awareness Day, which was held Tuesday, Sept.

26.

"We know that circumstances change, but we believe everyone deserves the love of a pet, even when times are tough," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. "We're eager and excited to draw attention to this important issue through Pet Hunger Awareness Day because when families face food insecurity, their pets often do too."

To help those who love their pets but might struggle to afford to feed

them, PetSmart Charities of Canada has committed $500,000 to help end pet hunger.

A sum of $300,000 will go to Humane Canada to help develop Canada's first national pet food banking network, which aims to serve over 21,000 pets throughout the country.

The grant supports: -Identifying pet food assistance programs across Canada and developing an interactive map to connect pet parents in need with local resources; -The purchase and distribution of pet food for existing pet food pantries and; -Identifying areas of need and helping increase the number of organizations offering pet food banks and pet food assistance.

"We are so grateful to partner with PetSmart Charities of Canada to ensure families with companion animals can feed their pets and stay together," said Kathy Duncan, Director, National Programs at Humane Canada. "The pet food banking program helps so many vital organizations implement and maintain pet food pantries in animal shelters and human social serv-

ices agencies across Canada."

The additional $200,000 will go towards grant funding through 2024, sent directly to various animal welfare organizations across Canada and helping keep pet food pantries stocked.

Flagstaff Food Bank already accepts donations of pet food. “We never pur-

chase it,” says Flagstaff Food Bank board member Lynne Jenkinson, “but we do accept donations of dog and cat food, and distribute it to those in need.” She says she suspects other food banks do the same.

She thinks the development of a pet food bank is a great idea, and has already registered with the program.

Thank You to our Clients past, present and future

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 9

Communities benefit when consumers shop locally Ideas about shopping are never set in stone, and the pandemic illustrated just how quickly consumer trends and opinions can change.

Many individuals are now reevaluating how they spend their hardearned money, particularly since inflation has affected just how far a dollar can be stretched.

When consumers think about which stores to patronize, locally owned businesses may be the smartest option for a number of reasons - not the least of which is the way such enterprises benefit the communities they call home.

More money kept in the community Shopping locally

means that more money will stay in the community.

According to recent research from Civic Economics, local eateries return nearly 79 per cent of revenue to the community, compared to just over 30 per cent for chain restaurants.

Overall, for every $100 spent at a local business, around $73 remains in the community, versus roughly $43 when shopping at a non-locally owned business.

Get a personal touch Local business owners typically are inclined to go the extra mile for their customers and are personally invested in the services and products they are selling. As a result, shopping locally tends to be a personalized experience.

Furthermore, a local business owner may be more amenable to ordering products for specific clientele. Such personalized service is typically not accessible when shopping big box stores or other shops where owners are off-site.

Lines are short Waiting in long lines

IRMA INSURANCE SERVICES

for checkout or to pick up merchandise ordered online can drain consumers’ energy and contribute to stress.

Local businesses tend to have short lines and small crowds, which can lead to a more pleasant shopping experience.

Generates tax revenue Local businesses generate more tax revenue per sales dollar, according to Rubicon, a digital marketplace for waste and recycling businesses. Taxes paid by local small businesses go to support schools, parks, roads, and other programs that benefit the community as well.

Support nonprofits Local businesses often support good work in the community, such as nonprofit groups.

These can include schools and sports teams, among other groups.

Studies indicate nonprofits “receive 250 percent

more support from small businesses than larger ones.”

Support other local businesses Local business support other local businesses by buying and selling

among each other.

Small businesses are a boon to the economy, particularly local economies.

These enterprises help their communities in a multitude of ways.

IRMA

We salute farmers of today and tomorrow because they keep us fed.

Without farmers and farming industries we would not be provided with the great variety of food we enjoy today.

Thank You

From Management, 0 ûČ & Board of the Irma Co-operative Association 780-754-3654 U N R E S E R VE D O N L I N E T I M E D C O M P L E T E D I S P E R S A L AU C T I O N F O R I VA N D MY T R I W NEAR VIKING, AB

BIDDING OPENS: 9 AM OCT 7

BIDS START CLOSING: 9 AM OCT 10

1988 Versatile 4700 25 Ft Swather

1994 Belarus 8400 Combine

Rem REM 2100 Grain Vac

1986 International 1754 S/A Day Cab Grain Truck

1979 Case 2090 2WD Tractor

Massey Ferguson 820 25 Ft Tandem Disc

FARM - AUTO - HOME - COMMERCIAL

Ph: 780-754-2121 Fax: 780-754-2239 Email: irmainsurance@baughan.ca

Thanks to all our Farmers!

Curtis Rusnak: 780-888-7722

teamauctions.com

Page 10 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 11

BRSD to mark upcoming dates of significance Battle River School Division (BRSD) honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, acknowledging its significance on Sept. 30 and throughout the year.

Throughout the month of September, Battle River School Division (BRSD) proudly joins communities across Canada in recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are dedicated to a journey of understanding, reflection,

and commemoration.

On September 29, staff and students will culminate our month of learning by wearing our orange shirts in honour of Orange Shirt Day. This day serves as a symbol of our commitment to reconciliation, and a reminder that every child matters.

BRSD Superintendent, Rhae-Ann Holoien, emphasized the importance of this learning, which is a significant observance with a much broader

commitment.

"National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are not just one day events for us,” says Holoien.

“This learning is part of our commitment to reconciliation and understanding that takes place throughout the month of September and beyond.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and mutual respect."

To those who work in acres, not hours We thank you!

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MP MP DAMIEN.KUREK@PARL.GC.CA 1.800.665.4358 • @DCKUREK WWW.DAMIENKUREK.CA

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 13

ONLINE TIMED FALL CONSIGNMENT AUCTION

Viking Auction Market Ltd.

BIDDING STARTS MONDAY, OCT. 16TH AND BIDDING ENDS FRIDAY, OCT. 20TH

Corner of Hwy 26 & 36

CAMROSE, ALBERTA

54th Annual

Visit our website to register for our online timed auction

WWW.LINDSTRANDAUCTIONS.COM Accepting delivery of consignments from Friday, October 6 to Friday, October 13 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

ALREADY LISTED: 3 LARGE LATE MODEL FARM DISPERSALS! CONSIGN TODAY TO BE PART OF THIS BIG AUCTION! Public Viewing: Monday, Oct. 16th to Thursday Oct. 19th from 8:00 am- 6:00 pm & Friday, Oct. 20st from 8:00 am until NOON SHARP. At our yard: 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec, Hwy 833) We conduct Alberta’s Largest 1-day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction 4 times a year. Selling farm equipment, cars & trucks, lawn and garden, recreation vehicles and shop equipment. Whether you have 1 piece or a complete line of machinery, we have the facility & the experience to bring you top dollar for your equipment.

For full listings and pictures visit our website at: www.lindstrandauctions.com

CONSIGN NOW!!

AT LINDSTRAND AUCTIONS SALE SITE, 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec, Hwy 833)

780-336-2209

ery v e s e l a S Regular ting at 9AM tar s y a d s e u T r a d n e l a C site b e W k c e Ch les a S l a i c e p for S Cliff Grinde 780-336-6333 Darcy Sheets 780-336-6485

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Page 14 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 15

Page 16 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

We would like to take this time to thank all the farmers in our region, and wish them all a wonderful year.

Lougheed Co-op Seed Cleaning Plant P.O. Box 123, Lougheed, AB, T0B 2V0 Manager: Jeremy Simpson, 780-386-3771 Email: lscp@xplornet.com Website: lougheedprocessing.ca

RETAILERS FOR: 403-443-2577 780-777-5885 780-385-5330

PEDIGREED SEED FOR SALE Wheat: AAC Brandon AAC Redberry AAC Viewfield AAC Wheatland AAC Starbuck

Barley: AB Cattlelac CDC Fraser Esma Peas: AAC Carver

Oats: CDC Arborg

Seed Treating Available

! s r e m Far

Killam Towing Dallas Oberg 780-385-3785

24 hour emergency service

Salute to Agriculture!

with a big

Small & Large Animal Medicine & Surgery Small & Large Animal Digital Radiology

Maximize your profit this winter…

Book a fall herd health visit.

Discuss preventative medicine and herd management while preg checking your herd.

Iron Creek Veterinary Hospital For all your pet and livestock needs (780) 583-2476

Sedgewick, AB 780-384-0003 Happy Harvest to all of our local Producers!

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 17

From the NAPA AUTO PARTS STAFF...

Wishing our 5315 50th St. Tofield, AB • 780-662-3212 Local Farmers A Bountiful & Abundant Harvest!

NAPA, working hand in hand with the local farmers!

Working together is the quickest most efficient way to get the fall crop off. Here two combines pass each other picking up the fall crop, while a tractor with a grain cart waits to haul away the harvested crop. This action took place just south of Lamont Sept. 22.

JOHN MATHER PHOTO

Best wishes to the farmers during their harvest!

From Trevor & Staff at Tofield, Camrose, & Wetaskiwin SHAREK ENTERPISES

A swather taking up space on town roads is a familiar sight during harvest season. This one was photographed JANA SEMENIUK PHOTO near Bruderheim in early Sept.

We wish the farmers all the best during their harvest!

5020 - 50 Ave. Tofield

(780) 662-4842

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Bringing Freshness, Quality and Grade A Service to Your Dinner Table.

Thank You Local Farmers for Your Patronage!

5023 52 Ave., Tofield 780-662-3988

VMJ Custodial Services 780-603-0710 Thank you to the farmers for their hard work and dedication!

Thank you to our farming community for their essen al service! www.claystonewaste.com

780.633.2038 780.663.2038

780-662-0307 #101, 5116 46 Ave. Parkstone Plaza, Tofield

Wishing the farmers a successful harvest!

Page 18 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

ARE YOU ON AN ACREAGE WITH A SEPTIC TANK ?

LOCAL BUSINESS

mk98ltd@gmail.com

Trevor Mikolajczyk

780-975-8343

SCOTT’S SEPTIC SERVICE IS HERE TO HELP!

~ WE HAVE THE PERSON FOR THE JOB ~ 24/7 ~ CUSTOM FENCING ~ LANDSCAPING & YARD MAINTENANCE ~ CUSTOM BALING ~ TRENCHING ~ B O B C AT ~ D U M P T R U C K wishing you a ~ C U S T O M M E TA L R E N O ’ S ~ HANDY MAN JOBS safe & plentifu~lBRUSH CUTTING ~ MOWING

harvest!

All the best to our local farmers for this years Har vest!

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From a septic tank cleaning to trouble shooting any problems, new pump installations, 200 feet of hose to stay off your grass, free estimates and reasonable rates, make Scott’s your next choice.

Scott’s Septic Tank Pumping 7 8 0 - 2 9 8 - 5 4 8 0

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 19

We’re so thankful for our area producers!

ble i d e r c n ur I o g n i t rs! e Salu c u d o r Local P

IT IS OUR PLEASURE TO

SERVE ALL AREA FARM FAMILIES.

WE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO AND WISH YOU A SUCCESSFUL HARVESTSEASON !

Hardisty Bulk Sales (780) 888-3555

Signature e Tire T Forestburg Forest Forestb F (Dallas Oberg Auto Ltd.) 780-582-3530

Viking, AB 780-336-4944

From seeding g to ship pping pp g g,,

Thank you, Farmers It can ttake k years off effort ff t and d planning l i tto b build ild a productive farm. Many exist today only because they have been passed from one caring generation to the next. It is our pleasure to pay tribute to the stability of our farming community and to those who have worked so hard to make it successful.

DAYSLAND PHARMACY Daysland, AB (780) 374-3900

Saluting those in the Ag Industry!

DOUBLE Z FARMS Jerome, Tina, & families (780) 376-2208

Strome, AB.

Strome Seed Cleaning Plant We Appreciate Your Business!

Contact us with ith all ll off your marketing k ti needs!

780-376-3573

We’ve watched farming advance from ploughs to precision combines. Across a century of agriculture, one thing hasn’t We know relationships are the cornerstone of our business; we’re proud to be part of the informed decisions on your farm.

Find us at

www.PARRISHANDHEIMBECKER.com

Dakota Crop Inputs Sedgewick, Alberta

Viking Grain and Crop Inputs

780-384-2265

780-336-2413

Page 20 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

Now is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs Patricia Hanbidge Lead Horticulturist Orchid Horticulture It is the end of summer!

I always get a little bit sad when the evenings get cool and the days get shorter. In order to stop the autumn doldrums from happening, it is time to plant some spring flowering bulbs!

There is a huge selection of hardy spring flowering bulbs that include: crocus; scilla; grape hyacinth; tulips and daffodils.

Spring flowering bulbs must be planted in the fall to allow the bulb to develop a good root system.

These bulbs also need a cold period (winter) in order to allow their flowers to fully develop.

For best results plant them well before our ground freezes – now is the perfect time! Spring flowering bulbs are inexpensive, simple to plant and require very little for care. If you choose those that are hardy, then their beauty will increase every year.

When purchasing bulbs, it is important to remember that this is one instance when you truly get what you pay for. The larger bulbs of each flower type will without fail give you a better product. Take time to examine the flesh of the bulb as it should be smooth and free of any blemishes.

Your favourite garden centre should have plenty of stock in now that will ensure you can enjoy the latest bulbs of your dreams come spring.

Bulbs should be planted in an area that is welldrained. The soil should be free of weeds and dug to a depth of about 12 inches (30cm).

If your soil is a heavy clay soil, incorporate equal portions of coarse sand and a suitable organic matter like compost.

A good rule of thumb is to incorporate a good four to six inches (10 to 20 cm) of organic matter prior to planting. Apply a standard bulb booster fertilizer (9-96) or bone meal at planting time to encourage a vigorous and healthy root system.

The planting depth will vary for each type of bulb, but a good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb to a depth of three to four times the width of the bulb. There-

fore, if you are planting a tulip bulb that is two inches (five cm) wide, it should be planted eight inches (20 cm) deep.

After planting, water the soil thoroughly and mulch the surface with leaves or grass clippings to a depth of two inches (five cm).

When planting spring bulbs, you will get the best impact if you group the same type of bulb together.

The bigger the grouping the larger will be the impact.

Most spring flowering bulbs are low in stature.

What that means from a design perspective is that they should be planted at the front of the border but also somewhere that enables you to enjoy the show on a regular basis.

Spend a bit of your fall in the garden planning for spring, plant some spring flowering bulbs and enjoy the grand show in the spring!

I have a love of all tulips.

You can extend the spring season by planting a collection of early, mid and late flowering selections.

Spring on the prairies is

often short so play with the climate and extend every season by planting for extending the colour.

Do remember that a lot of the exotic tulips are not really perennial in nature and you may need to replant annually. H o w ever, if you use some of the old tulip types like Darwin, you should be able to get lots of years of blooming tulips.

Plan for spring... plant now so you can spend the long winter anticipating the show you are creating to be enjoyed in spring.

Saluting our farmers!

Your Independent Insurance Broker.

Viking Insurance Viking Registries 780-336-4711

Guenter’s Mechanical 13024 Hwy 14

780-336-1330 Thank you to all the farmers

To those that work In acres, not in hours.....

We are proud to support you!

We salute the dedicated men and women of our agricultural industry. Their commitment to produce a thriving variety of crops and livestock requires long hours, risk and hard work.

Our hats go off to you! ~ Staff and Management

For all your crop input needs

Killam - 780-385-2230 Forestburg - 780-582-3887

Farmers, thank you for all that you do! ~ Irma Mayor, council, staff and residents

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 21

KILLAM, ALTA.

Purple Scissor Campbell Campbell McLennan McLennan

Chrysler • Dodge • Jeep Killam ✦JEEP CHRYSLER DODGE Big Town Dealership,

CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM

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5009 - 49 Ave. Forestburg www.campbellmclennan.com

MAXIM KILLAM AUTOMOTIVE LTD.

dd

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Killam, Alberta

Killam, Alberta

PLUMBING & HEATING

Vaughn Prichard

780-385-3644 780-385-3562

Along Hwy 13, 4951 51 Ave.

VILLAGE OF FORESTBURG

Make Daysland Your Home!

Murray Prichard www.Daysland.com 780-374-3767

780-384-3504 www.sedgewick.ca

Mayor, Councillors, and Staff

780-582-2220 780-582-3668

llage Budding Ideas 4809 49 Ave, Paw Prints 780-385-3976 780-3 of Killam, AB 780-385-3771 Dan & KathrynAB Fee Village of Lougheed Alliance Killam,

780-385-3977 780-879-3911 (780) 385-3976

Killam, AB 780-385-7827 7780-385-3014 80-88 89-3774

Coutts FProud O Rto support E ST BourUFarmers!

RG Budding Providence Sedgewick Home V ET C LI N I C Ideas Place Hardware 780-582-3560 Place “For allAging your in floral needs.”

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Wild Rose

We salute our Agricultural Producers!

4708-43 Ave. Dr. Jeff Serfas

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Killam Forestburg TollMain FreeStreet, 1-866-582-3556 Flagstaff Family & Shop Late Thurs 7-9 pm Community Services

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ERTIFICATE

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Page 22 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

Farmers show neighbourly support as generations pass the torch “We don’t put nothing away until the neighbours are done” Jana Semeniuk Lamont County division five councilor, and local farmer, Neil Woitas, 62, is working long hours these days along with several family members and friends who are scrambling to get their 2,900 acres of crops off the fields while the weather is still good. Woitas said they are having a good year this year thanks to an early rain.

“We had the early rain, so our crops are yielding really good,” he said. “We're under the gun here, trying to get it done before it rains. (We) could lose a week (or a) couple of weeks (if it) rains. Before you know it, it’s mid-October and it can snow and you won't get

the crop off.”

Woitas said their fields have 50 percent canola; 20 percent barley, and the rest are wheat.

Historically, Woitas said that although his family settled in the area in 1897, his dad, Mike didn’t have his own farm until he purchased one near Bruderheim in 1954.

Woitas said his dad carried a lot of the workload on his own father’s farm, as Woitas’ Gido (grandfather) was also an electrician who spent a lot of his time working for his neighbours.

“He was an electrician and started Woitas Electric. He wired just about every farm house in division five,” said Woitas.

“My dad quit school in

THE TOFIELD AGRICULTURE SOCIETY WANTS TO WISH THE FARMERS A GREAT HARVEST SEASON!!!

780-662-3707

grade eight to farm so my Gido could do the electricity. (Gido) also fixed furnaces and (did a lot) for everybody. He (Gido) had no time for farming.”

Woitas said his Gido, John, passed away in 1977.

Meanwhile, Woitas’ dad, Mike, filled his own time with much more than farming.

He was elected county councilor from 1966 to 1985, influencing Woitas as he grew up and planted early seeds in him for a future in municipal politics. Woitas was elected as Lamont County division five councilor, just like his father, in 2017, and still serves today.

“When I was little, I spent a lot of time with my dad while he was county councilor,” said Woitas. “Now that I’m a

county councilor I know a lot about our (local) history and they (administration) can’t pull the wool over my eyes.”

While Woitas’ dad passed away at the age of 79 in 2005, his mom, Vickie, only passed away in 2021 at the age of 91.

Woitas said his mother stayed on the family farm until right before her passing.

Today, Woitas said his son Jon is poised to take over the land with his fiancé Rachael Melenka as the next generation of Woitas farmers. Jon has been working there alongside his dad since 2006.

“He was seeding with a 60foot air seeder since he was 11,” said Woitas, adding that his other son Alex, also works with the family on the farm.

Wishing all the farmers a plentiful harvest season!

Crystal Buyar Beauty 780-953-1570 buyarbeauty@gmail.com @buyarbeauty

780-918-9300 Greg Litwin, Realtor®

5324 -50 St. Tofield, AB.

5118 - 50 Street, Tofield

Tofield Car, RV, & Truck Wash 780-913-5318

Thank you to the farmers for all their hard work and late nights to put food on our table!

“Jonathan and Rachel have moved in and are renovating the house. They'll start their family there.”

Woitas said he feels very proud that the tradition of farming will also continue for his family.

“It’s going to be excellent. It was my dad’s dream,” he said adding that neighbours can also be counted on in case help is needed.

“We’ve got a pretty good group (of neighbours). We help each other. Some farmers, as soon as they are done, they clean their combines and put them away (right away).

“We’re lucky because we’ve got good neighbours. We don’t put nothing away until the neighbours are done.”

Coyote Auto Salvage

Wishing everyone a bountiful harvest!

Quality and Service (780) 662-2403 or (780) 289-8147 Email: coyoteauto@hotmail.com

Busy B

Economy Concrete

Tofield Hotel

North store 780-662-4116 South store 780-662-4325 Wishing all the farmers a successful harvest!

Farmers are our bread and butter.

780-662-3116 or 780-916-8642

Thanks for all you do!

Wishing the best for the farmers during harvest time!

Volunteers are welcome!

780-662-2600

• Tofield 780-662-0165 • Mundare 780-764-2238

Beaver County Seed Cleaning would like to wish the farmers a bountiful harvest season!

Wishing the farmers the best during their harvest!

Phone: 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

780-662-3334 5018 - 52nd Avenue, Tofield

Wishing all the farmers a successful harvest season!

2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 23

Special farewell for patriarch of century family farm Jana Semeniuk The Hrehorets family, originally from Andrew, lost their family patriarch earlier this month when George Hrehorets passed away at the age of 95 on Sept. 10. George is the first family member the Hrehorets have lost in 37 years. Lamont resident and George’s son, Tom Hrehorets, said the family held a fitting tribute to his father who loved horses, hunting, and es-

pecially his farm north of Andrew. George got to spend one last night on the family farm, the place he where he was born in 1928, and then brought to his funeral the next day in a horse drawn wagon. “(The funeral director) said she never had anyone ask for anything like this,” said Hrehorets.

“She teared up when we said what we wanted to do.”

Hrehorets said he is proud that his parent’s

farm currently houses the fourth generation of Hrehorets just north of Andrew.

“My nephew, Cody, lives on the farm now and he’s the fourth-generation farming (there),” he said. “In 2018 we celebrated 100 years of farming on that property. It was (my grandparent’s) farm first, then my dad, then my brother, and now my nephew.”

Hrehorets said his dad was born the only son

George Hrehorets' casket sits in the shop area of his family farm for one final night Sept. 18 before being buried after his funeral the next day.

TOM HREHORETS PHOTOS

with four sisters and learned how to work hard very early in life.

“He used to tell stories about working with his dad in the field and (how exciting it was) when they got their first tractor,” he said. “He seen it from having nothing to all this new stuff. Farming was in his heart. He always loved farming.”

Hrehorets said his parents married in 1952 when his mother, Elizabeth, was 16 and George was 24. Their union was followed by the births of seven children, with Tom being the youngest. He said his parents lived happily on the farm, raising their family until 1983 when George retired to move into the village of Andrew and open his little shop; George’s Saddlery.

“When they moved to town, mom and dad

would go almost every evening to the farm,” said Hrehorets. “That went on for months, then it was a couple of times a week,

Mayor, Council and Staff

then once a week, then maybe it was once a month. They made their new life.”

Continued on Page 28

Thanking our Farmers for their year round hard work

ThankYou to our local farmers!

Mayor, Council & Staff

Employment Opportunity AGRO/FRONT-END TEAM MEMBER Beaver Creek Coop is seeking a qualified candidate as an Agro/Front-end team member. This position has become available due to a team member retiring. The main focus will be to carry out customer requests. As well as: • Provide prompt service and assistance to customers in a friendly manner either in person or over the phone.

The Hrehorets family load George Hrehorets' casket onto a wagon for the horse-drawn ride to his funeral Sept. 19. Hrehorets' nephew Christopher Gow is standing on the rear of the wagon. Front to back on the left carrying the casket are Hrehorets' brothers Tom, Wayne, and Brian, on the right are Len, Darrell, and Wes while standing at the rear is funeral director Maryanne Zarusky.

• Candidates should possess some Agriculture industry knowledge.

• Basic computer skills would be a requirement. Data entry skills are considered an asset.

• Candidates must demonstrate effective organizational skills and the ability to work well within multigenerational teams.

• Cash handling and previous customer service experience required.

• Warehouse or yard and forklift experience an asset. 1 year experience (preferred) • Be capable of physical labour; lifting, pulling pushing up to 25 kg.

Over 1100 years of deddicated servicce • Burial B i l and d Cr Cremation ti S Services i • Pr P e-aarranged d Funeral F l Plans Pl • Monument Sales and Service S Phone 780.672.2 2121 4817-51 Av Avenue, Camr C ose www w..burgarfuneralh home.com Recorded Obituary Line: 78 80-679-2400 Daysland: 780-374-3535

The work hours are from Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and every third Saturday.

Please submit resume no later than 4:00pm, October 20, 2023 to: Kevin Andrychuk Beaver Creek Co-op Box 600 Lamont, AB TOB 2R0 Email: Beaver11@telusplanet.net Fax: (780)-895-2052 We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

Page 24 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

Is it even possible to not be on social media?

The answer is "Yes," however, the existential question is, "Can you live without social media?"

How social media works: Me: "I prefer mangoes to oranges..."

Random Person (hiding behind an anonymous account): "So basically, what you're saying is that you hate oranges. You also failed to mention pineapples, bananas, and grapefruits. Educate yourself!"

You can never win on social media. Are there times when you wonder if the benefits, whatever they may be to you, of being active on social media outweigh the adverse effects of being exposed to all the toxicity it manifests?

W h a t motivates you to spend as much time as you do scrolling, posting, and commenting on social media? FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)? Wanting to appear relevant? Seeking recognition?

Studies have shown how social media negatively impacts our mood and self-esteem and is creating a generation lacking social skills and unable to develop meaningful relationships.

Many people, regardless of age, find creating a persona on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter much easier than navigating the real world as themselves.

Gen Z has turned being unengaged with their surroundings and community into a Zen-like thing.

Today, many people have

the limiting belief they are an introvert and use social media as a crutch to avoid face-to-face interactions.

Without a strong sense of self, it is easy to lose yourself while vying for your place in the world, comparing yourself to everyone's beautiful social media life.

Social media works the way an abuser and manipulator works. Asking if one can live happily without social media implies the person knows social media is hurting them but fears a life without it.

It would be overly simplistic for me to advise, "Deactivate it!", "Delete it!", "Stick to emailing the people who matter to you, asking how they are doing." If you followed this advice, you would be sharing and inquiring without being voyeuristic.

However, we have long passed the point where having a digital presence is optional, especially if you have an ongoing career, a business or are seeking recognition (e.g., artistic endeavour, promoting a cause, running for political office).

Conversely, having a digital "presence," which you maintain occasionally, greatly differs from being constantly "active" on social media.

It has become a familiar sight to see people hunched over their phones in social settings, mindlessly scrolling through their feeds, ignoring everyone around them as if what is happening in the digital world is more

important than what is happening in the real world.

Your life will not implode if you do not have any social media accounts.

However, being completely off the digital grid comes at a price. Imagine 30 years ago not having a telephone.

The reason for having one was so people could reach you and vice versa.

Nowadays, people prefer to send a message (Facebook messenger, WhatsApp, Twitter direct message, LinkedIn message) rather than call because it is more "efficient."

Think of all the messages you now receive, whether by email, text, or social media, that would have been a telephone call or a letter not long ago.

If you eliminate social media entirely from your life, you offer fewer ways for people to communicate with you. Essentially, you would be severely cutting yourself off from family, friends, professional networks, and the world at large.

Having a social media presence is akin to having a landline telephone back in the day.

I recommend having a presence on LinkedIn and Facebook (other platforms are optional) where you connect selectively and have message notifica-

tions turned on. Consider the notification ping as your telephone ringing.

However, just because you have a social media presence does not mean you have to be active on social media; being inactive offers many benefits.

You free up considerable amounts of time. (Are we not all time-stressed?)

You have more control over your personal information and privacy.

Your mental well-being improves since you will not be comparing yourself to the posturing (flaunting a sugar-coated lifestyle while drowning in debt)

typically displayed on social media, causing feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.

You will be more social in real life.

You are less in your head and more in the present moment.

In terms of your professional life, having a social media presence is a necessary evil; otherwise, you will miss out on networking and employment opportunities.

Not being active on social media is not an act of rebellion; it is you choosing to prioritize your mental health and time, which

you will likely find liberating.

The key is to convince yourself that not being active on social media will help you follow your own pace of development, with progress and failures.

Focusing on yourself first, instead of looking at what others are "supposedly" doing, will foster a sense of self-awareness, which many people lack.

Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what's on his mind from Toronto. You can follow Nick on Twitter and Instagram @NKossovan

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2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 25

Fall is the time to prepare your fireplace for the winter As hours of daylight shorten and fall gives way to winter, thoughts shift from fall foliage to spending time cuddling under warm blankets and being cozy indoors.

A fireplace can improve the ambiance of any room and help to create a warm and welcoming gathering spot.

Home fireplaces typically are wood-burning or gas. Though maintenance for these fireplaces differs, certain preparatory steps must be taken to prepare a fireplace for winter.

Clear the clutter Items can accumulate in areas that are not in use, and a fireplace is no exception. Take a few hours to remove any belongings from in front of the fireplace and clean the mantle thoroughly.

Have the chimney cleaned Hire a professional chimney cleaning company to inspect the chimney and clean it thoroughly before winter.

According to BobVila.com, a chimney should be cleaned once a year, or after about every 80 fires.

The National Fire Protection Association says failure to properly clean chimneys is one of the leading contributors to home fires. That’s due to creosote, a highly flammable residue that builds up in the flue that lines the chimney.

Inspect the interior The interior of a wood-burning fireplace is likely lined with fire bricks. Check for cracks and loose joints. Hire a professional mason to make any repairs, as special materials are needed to withstand the heat of fires.

Install a chimney cap and screen According to Family Handyman, a chimney cap is a protective covering that goes over the top of the chimney. It is made of steel or copper mesh with a cap on top.

This protects the chimney from rain and

downdrafts and keeps animals and debris from getting into the chimney.

Prune overhanging branches If there are trees close to the home and the chimney, cut them back, as they can be a fire hazard.

Branches and leaves also can restrict the proper draft of the chimney.

Assess the outdoor vent Gas fireplaces typically emit exhaust through a vent in the home. Remove any blockages from the vent, including leaves, cobwebs and debris.

Check glass or other coverings The glass or face of the fireplace helps regulate carbon monoxide exposure and protects people from the flames. Be sure the glass covering is intact.

Clean ceramic logs Gas fireplaces use ceramic logs, rocks or beads that can become dusty. Clean them prior to use. Dirty ceramic logs can be a fire hazard and produce an un-

pleasant burning smell.

Check the blower and pilot If the fireplace has an electric blower, clean and dust it so it doesn’t become clogged. Inspect the pilot light for any wear and tear that includes wiring or structural issues.

It takes several steps to prepare fireplaces for cold weather seasons when they’re most likely to be used with frequency.

Fall pastures running short?

Looking for an option to utilize that dry grass?

Rite-Lix tubs could be an answer.

They contain a protein supplement that during dry conditions will improve the digestibility of low-quality forages & increase the amount of critical energy cows need Call Alliance Seed Cleaning for more information

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Drug & Alcohol Testing services available

Call Colin 780-842-0399 for more info, or stop by On Line Locators 5001 - 48 Ave., Sedgewick, AB OPEN Monday thru Friday 8 am - 4 pm

Page 26 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

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2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 27

Killam, Alberta

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Page 28 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023

Hrehorets Continued from Page 23 Hrehorets said George worked in his little saddlery shop until 1998, adding advanced age did not slow George down, even in later years, when it came to hunting.

“He was getting old and his health was failing, but he was 90 years old when he got his last moose,” said Hrehorets.

“He had to get my broth-

ers and friends to come because he couldn't drag a moose out of out of the bush, but he got his moose.”

Hrehorets said he was out of town when he got word that his dad passed away. His parents were married for nearly 71 years and he knew they wanted a special send off for him. “(After prayers, the night before the funeral,) the hearse brought dad to the farm so he could have

one last night there,” he said, adding the casket sat in the farm’s shop area among the machinery George loved so much. “Cars were (lined up for) everybody to come to the farm. We unloaded Gido and put him by the combines and the guys were having drinks and snacks and people were coming to talk and reminisce about (him).”

The next morning, Hrehorets said he and his family, all dressed in red

because it was George’s favorite colour, loaded his casket onto the back of a horse drawn wagon for the long ride to the church and George’s final resting place. His mother rode in a car following the wagon.

“It took an hour and a half to get to the church and we had that (extra time) to be with our dad before we parted ways,” he said. “We reminisced, we cried, we laughed, we joked around and it was just that time that we got

to spend with him, that last little bit as a family. It just meant so much.”

George Hrehorets’ funeral and interment was held at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kahwin on Sept. 19.

403.343.8083

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Various species of geese including Canada geese, snow geese, and the greater white-fronted geese, stop to rest and feed on any leftover grain in a recentlyharvested field east of Holden.