Move Up ~ Issue 25 by VAULTmedia

MOVE work, live and prosper in northwestern alberta

Local Features

News

25 FOLLOW UP

FEATURES

Opportunities

Events

TAKE One FEB | MAR | APR 2020

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

Contents >>

FEBRUARY - MAY 2020

VOLUME XXV

PUBLISHERS

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke EDITORS

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke

ADVERTISING SALES Tormaigh Van Slyke // hello@moveupmag.com LEAD WRITER

Talena Winters LAYOUT DESIGN

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke AD DESIGN

Aimie Williams Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke PHOTOGRAPHY

Ç MFTA Member Profile: The Pizza PLace in La Crete

p. 20

Jenna Armstrong, Melissa E. Earle, Paul Lavoie, Life Through a Lens Photography, Amanda Monette, Tyrell Parenteau & Michelle Stiebe CONTRIBUTORS

Northern Lakes College Staff, Northern Lites Speed Skating Club, Jenelle Van Slyke & Tormaigh Van Slyke Move Up is published by VAULTmedia. No content herein, including designed advertising, can be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. 16,000+ copies are printed and distributed throughout the Mighty Peace Region, Alberta and beyond. Move Up is 100 per cent funded by advertising dollars. Have a great story idea? Please send us your press release for consideration.

moveupmag.com hello@moveupmag.com

Ç Feature | 25 Follow Up Features

p. 36

Also >> 13

Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer Protection Plan

Community stakeholders implement plan to protect important water source

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA E. EARLE

MOVE UP IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY

VAULTmedia

REDI Prof ile: Long Sleeve Productions

REDI commissions videography company to profile member communities

Northern Lake College student prof ile

Student finds success with supported distance learning

MOVE UP IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS

PREDA

PEACE REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

Speed Skating Club Takes to the Ice

Fast-paced sport thriving in the Peace Region

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 2 0 2 0 M OV E U P

Light Up a Memory

Loved Ones Remembered Peace Palliative Care Society

Adamson, Catherine Adamson, Finlay Alexander, Bill Alexander, Max Alexander, Wauneta Allchin, Dorothy Alm, Raymond Alm, Roy Alm, Verna Alm, Victor Anderson, Bert Anderson, Isabel Arkel, Carol Aspeslet, Kendall D. Auger, John S. Sr. Bachmeier, Illa Bachmeier, Joe Bachmeier, Paul Bachmeier, Phena Bagan, Anna Bagan, John Bagan, Mike Balfour, Darleen Balfour, David (Scotty) Bambush, Ann Bambush, Michael Barhurst, Donald J. Barr, Ernie Barr, Ida Bartlett, Rob Batty, Ronna-Lee Baxter, Bette Baxter, Terry Bennett, Joy Berger, Michael P. Bessette, Mary Bettenson, Kirsten Bewell, Budd Bieraugle, Darin Blondeau, Greg Boivin, Marc Bojanowski, Irene Bondar, Edna Boucher, Noella Boucher, Ricky Bowie, Perry Bowman, Brad

e 4

Bowman, Hugh Brown, Bill Brown, Minnie Brust, Gunther Buholzer, Henry Bunn, James G. Butler, Carrie Butler, Tom Calloway, Donna L. Campbell, Bill Campbell, Everett Campbell, Ken Campbell, Marcy Campbell, Marvin Campbell, Mary Campbell, Russell Campbell, Tammy Canning, Howard Canning, Janice Canning, Tim Cardinal, Shaylene Carruthers, Aileen Carruthers, Catherine Carruthers, Fred Charlebois, Richard Christenson, Debbie Cimolai, Francis Clare, Jim Clements. Kevin Coates, Eleanor Coates, Walter (Ike) Colbert, Agnes Cotton, David Craig, Francis Crowe, Burt Crowe, Cherry Crowe, Doreen CWL Deceased Members Dahm, Caroline Dahm, Don Daigle, Archie Daigle, Bernie Daigle, Irene Daub, Allan Daub, Sandi Davis, Jean Debolt, Lorston

Debolt, Rose deHeus, Jarvis deHeus, Maria deJong, Wes W. den Biesen, Cor den Biesen, Nellie den Biesen, Peter Dixon, Maria Dodds, Elwood Dodds, Gregg Dodds, Russell Dodds-Wilson, Aletha Donis, Bruce Donovan, Jenn Donovan, Lew Donovan, Mary-Lou Downing, Bill Doyle, Pat Durham, Eugene Eliasson, Axel Eliasson, Beda Ellsworth, Trina Ethier, Henriette Ethier, Louis Ethier, Maurice Evans, Jim Fawcett, Dale Fiebelkorn, Clifford Fiebelkorn, Ferdinand Fiebelkorn, Lydia Fleming, Edna Ford, Elmer F. Fordyce, Sherry Forman, Ernest Forster, Bill Forster, Selma Fortier, Leo Fortier, Ruth Fortin, Jules Fortin, Nicol Foster, Kristin Foster, Norma Gach, Fred Gach, John Gaetz, Bill Gaetz, Luella Gaetz, Sam Gair, Glen

Gair, Miriam Gall Joseph Gall, Andrew Gall, Clema Gall, Don Gardner, Esther Gardner, Ken Gardner, R.J. Gardner, Tom Gaucher, Hubert Gaucher, Maureen Gaucher, Roger Gayton, Darrell Gayton, Les George, Ernest George, Vina Gerbrandt, John Gillon, Elsie Gillon, Evangeline Gillon, Joseph Glasier, Penny Glen, Charlie Glen, Maureen Glodek, Ed Glodek, Hazel Glodek, Luy Glodek, Polly Glodek, Steve Goodswimmer, Barry Goss, Agnes Goss, John Gour, Kirkland Gour, Laurent Grant, Ian Gray, Denise Green, Fred Green, Janice Griffith, George Griffith, Irene Griffith, Irwin Gullion, Aunt Annie Halerewich, Wanda Hanusz, Joe Hanusz, Julia Hanusz, Tony Hanvold, Vyrl Harrop, Dolly Harrop, Hugh

Thank you to the businesses that displayed our posters and boxes.

M OVE U P RF ETBI SR EUM A REYN -T M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com 4 ADVE

Hawe, Jessy Hees, George Hees, Katie Henderson, Keith Hibbard, Howard Hibbard, Justine Hibbard, Vicki Higginson, Ed Higginson, Gudrun Higginson, Ivan Hofferd, Nicole Hogan, Betty Ann Horner, Gail Howie, Ron Huber, Connie Huber, Hans Huber, Jack Hulanicki, Eddy Husch, Gerald Husch, Jo Husch, Peter Hutton, Virgina Iftody, Elizabeth Iftody, John Iftody, William, Sr. Iverson, Frances Iverson, Lyle Jacques, Beatrice Jacques, C. Louis Jacques, Joel C. Jaschke, Calvin Javos, Emil Javos, Rosie Jepson, Ethel Jerrold, Percy Johansson, Doris Johnson, Al (Alan) Johnson, Allen Johnson, Art Johnson, Dave Coyote Johnson, Geraldine Johnson, Gwen Johnson, Kelly Kamieniecki, Ted Kenndy, Randy Kennedy, W.J. Mac King, John King, Margaret

Light Up a Memory

Loved Ones Remembered Peace Palliative Care Society

Klatt, Louise Klovansky, John Klovansky, Justine Knobel, Ted Knor, Angela Knor, Peter Kobe, Terry Konowalyk, Eric Kuester, Herb Kuester, Jean Kuester, Kay Kuran, Frank Lagace, Andre (Andy) Lagace, Francoise Lagace, Richard Laliberte, Wilma Lambert, Howard Lanctot, Gloria Lapensee, Martin Latremouille, Lyda Lauzon, Roger Laviolette, Maureen Lavoie, Michel Law, Mathew Lawrence, Andrew Lefebvre, Marion Lefebvre, Robert Lehoux, Russel Lepage, Ernest Lepage, Natasha Lepage, Raymond Lepage, Rose Lizotte, Emma Lizotte, Lester Lizotte, Tom Lorenscheit, Hazel Lougheed, Irene Lovas, Brenda Lucas, Ed Lussier, Rita Lussier, Romuald Maczala, Ann Maczala, Helen Maczala, John Maggs, Paul Manzer, Eileen Manzer, James May, Helen

McDonnell, Elizabeth McFaddin, Ivan (Buck) McIlroy, Brian McIlroy, Edith McIlroy, William McIvor, Judy McKen, Allan McKen, Beth McKen, Ernest McKen, Ida McKen, Neil McKen, Roy McPhillamey, David McPhillamey, Delbert McPhillamey, Jess McPhillamey, Sylvia Merrier, Carl "Cowie" Merrier, Mariah Merrier, Mary A. Merrier, Matilda Merrier, Raymond Mierau, Darryl E. Mierau, Karan A. Mikula, Anna Mikula, Bruce Mikula, Milan Mikula, Peter Millar, David Millar, Perry Mitchell, Eric Montgomery, Phyllis Moon, Alf Moskalyk, Jerry Munro, Ron Murphy, George Murphy, John Murphy, John Jr. Murphy, Rose Nashima-Skrlik, Carrie Oehlert, Maria Ofukany, Micheal Orr, Aileen Orr, Frank Our Friends at Points West Residence Palinkas, Margaret Palinkas, Steve Palmer, Anne

Paluck, Carol Paluck, Walter Parman, Ron Patrick, Allan Patrick, David Paul, Edith Paul, Madeline Paul, Patrick Paul, Rusty Paulovich, Mary Paulovich, William Persson, Carl Persson, David Persson, Louis Persson, Louisa Persson, Margaret Persson, Perry Persson, Rod Phimester, Kenton Phimester, Lachlan Phimester, Rachel Plowman, Agnes Plowman, Diane Plowman, Will Porlier, Berna Rabchak, Tony Rasmussen, Jim Raymond, Teckla Reber, Dwayne Renneberg, Angela Renneberg, Gordon Renneberg, Wally Reyda, Alex Reyda, David Rochette, Jean Yves Rodrigue, Raymond Rodrigue, Sarah Rodrigue, Wilfrid Rolling, Dale Rolling, Irene Rondeau, Dorothy Roshuk, Walter Rousel, Rene Rowan, Herb Rowan, Jim Rown, Elizabeth Roy, Marie-Paule Rumball, Alice

Rumball, Howard Rumball, Tom Russell, Leo Russell, Ruth Sarsfield, Sue Sasseville, Ghislain Sasseville, Madeleine Sasseville, Rita Sauser, Jocelyne Schaff, Frank Schmale, Clarence Schmale, Gladys Schmidt, Olga Schneider, Vic Screpnek, Metro Sitter, Delphine Sitter, Tony Skrlik, Joseph Sr. Skrlik, Joseph, Jr. Skrlik, Verona Skwarik, Alex Skwarik, Emily Skwarik, Mike Skwarik, Pauline Slattery, Frank Sokoloski, Brandon Sokoloski, Kathleen Sokoloski, Louis Soucy, Mariel Spirig, Robert Stark, Fred Stenhouse, Darrel R. Stewart, Glenn B. Stewart, Jim Stewart, June Sullivan, Lynda Szmata, Annie Szmata, Darlene Szmata, Doris Szmata, Matt Szmata, Tanas Tackaberry, Bourke Tackaberry, Doris Thompson, Beth Thompson, Jack Titus, Charity Tjostheim, Dave Tjostheim, Erling

Thank you to the businesses that displayed our posters and boxes.

Tjostheim, Violet Trautman, Allen Trautman, Carl Trautman, Erma Trautman, Lee Troup, Jim Troup, Sue Tunke, Emmie Tunke, Willie Turner, Alice Tyler, Lori Tyler, Rob Unrau, Sharon Valancius, George Vance, Stewart Van Slyke, David John Vedress, Jeanette Vitanovec, David Vitanovec, Mary Wagner, Fred Wahl, Erich Wald, Don Wald, Doug Wald, John Wallace, Joan Wallace, Leonard Wallace, Lloyd Wallace, Marilyn Waren, Kelly Warkentin, Audrey Wearden, Bonnie Weaver, Theresa Weaver, Violet Webber, Nell Webber, Ray Webber, Vern Welsh, Glen Woodburn, Marion Woodward, Roberta Woodward, Roy Yachimec, Dave Yakemchuk, Ron Zumbush, Joe Zumbush, Solange

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARYADVERT - MAY 2ISE 0 2 0ME MNOV T E 5U P

FROM the EDITORS

Looking back on 25 issues of Move Up At Move Up magazine, we strive to tell the stories of the exceptional, hard working individuals who make northwestern Alberta what it is—a remarkable place to live, work and play. Somehow, what results is more than the sum of its parts. As northern Alberta’s business and lifestyle magazine, we have the pleasure of reaching out across a vast plain to find incredible stories of triumph and resilience. ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES I’m Jenelle Van Slyke. I’m originally from Meander River, AB, but I mostly grew up in Peace River and Dixonville. In Dixonville, I had the pleasure of meeting my future husband and business partner, Tormaigh Van Slyke—we’ve been inseparable ever since. We went to university in 2007 to study media and communications in Victoria, BC. During the drive back to the Peace Region after graduation, we brainstormed our first venture, theVAULTmagazine—an alternative newspaper showcasing regional arts and culture. After two years we found ourselves drowning in debt, so we made the decision to cut the cord and let our newspaper go. We learned an awful lot from this experience, and we won the 2012 Young 6

with from five to 10. We distribute magazines and cover the businesses and initiatives of these areas. In doing so, we strengthen regional awareness and civic pride.

Entrepreneur(s) of the Year award from the Peace River Chamber of Commerce—so it wasn’t all bad. MOVE UP’S STORY In late 2012, we met several times with a group of Economic Development Officers (EDOs) who expressed interest in a promotional magazine focused on business and lifestyle. The charge was led by Eleanor Miclette, who was the County of Northern Lights EDO at the time. Miclette had the original idea and brought the group of EDOs to us. With their valued input, we created the formula Move Up still uses today. The first issue of Move Up came out in the spring of 2013, borne of regional collaboration and partnership. Its mandate, a tool for recruitment and a way to showcase regional success stories and business achievements. It was important to dispel rumours and disinformation as well as get real-life testimonials from those who have relocated here.

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

In 2015, Move Up won a Marketing Canada Award for a Publication Series at the Economic Developers of Canada Conference and was a Rural Tourism Championship Award finalist in February 2016 at the Growing Rural Tourism Conference. REVISITING THE PAST It was an ambitious, but important, exercise this issue to revisit 25 past features to see how these individuals and businesses have changed and grown over the years. You’ll read stories about businesses that were forced to adapt to changes in the marketplace and about businesses that have boomed since we’ve last featured them. It takes a lot of courage and audacity to be an entrepreneur, but when you hold strong to your endeavor and make it through to the other side it’s completely worth it—at least in our experience. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE In the days since 2013, we’ve grown the number of municipalities we partner

Move Up’s vision is a united and interconnected northern Alberta—widely known as a thriving centre of economic opportunity and a remarkable place to live, work and play. To get us there, we feel we must grow the area economically by connecting advertisers to consumers and employers to career opportunity seekers. We grow the area socially and culturally by sharing the stories of the north. Today, we circulate 16,000 copies of each issue. Our strategy is to saturate distribution in our partnering municipalities, which represent more than 20 percent of Alberta’s landmass. THANK YOU! Move Up wouldn’t exist without our partners, advertisers and readers. We would also be lost without our contractors who write, photograph and design advertisements for the magazine. Lastly, we recognize the past and future growth of Move Up, and similarly northwestern Alberta, is hinged on visionaries who see the potential of what we’re doing and help us take it to the next level. We warmly thank you all.

WORDS, PICTURES and ADVERTISEMENTS Talena Winters Talena Winters is addicted to stories, tea, chocolate, yarn and silver linings. She writes pageturning fiction for teens and adults in multiple genres, coaches other writers, has written several award-winning songs, designs knitting patterns under her label My Secret Wish and is lead writer for Move Up magazine. She resides on an acreage in the Peace Country with her husband, three surviving boys, two dogs and an assortment of farm cats. She would love to be a mermaid when she grows up. Melissa E. Earle Melissa E. Earle is passionate about telling stories through photography and social media. She loves freshly baked bread, fresh roasted coffee and her four kids—sometimes in that order. This year she is trying something new: polar bear dipping with her hubby, John Mark. She didn’t understand why people did it until she tried it, freezing herself. Melissa has been taking photos since she was 13 years old. She has met some fantastic people photographing for Move Up, and she enjoys helping to tell their stories. Melissa also helps distribute Move Up around the region.

Aimie Williams Aimie (Karpiak) Williams grew up in Peace River. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design & Illustration as well as certification in Visual Communications Design from Grant MacEwan. She married her high school sweetheart, Josh, and after having children she went freelance and never looked back. Her advertisement design has graced the pages of theVAULTmazagine and Move Up since their inceptions. She’s also VAULTmedia’s secret weapon. She resides in Morinville with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, two cats and many fish. Aimie has volunteered extensively with The Girl Guides of Canada for 10 years. Tyrell Parenteau Tyrell Parenteau is a hobbyist photographer based in Peace River. He works full time at Rocky Mountain Equipment in Grimshaw, AB, as a parts technician. Tyrell’s photography contributes to the articles throughout Move Up magazine. Tyrell’s photography made its debut in Move Up in Fall 2016.

Paul Lavoie Paul Lavoie is a coffee-crazed night owl and local Peace River landscape photographer who has a passion for night shooting the aurora borealis. He’s always craving wild thunderstorms and epic light. Paul lives in Peace River with his wife Alexis and three children, Marley, Lily and Finn. Paul’s photography made its debut in Move Up in Spring 2014 as the cover image, a waterskiing selfie. Jenna Armstrong Jenna Armstrong has been passionate about photography and design since she was a young girl. These days her main subject tends to be a spunky toddler exploring this beautiful country; however, she also gets invited to photograph many talented locals in the region. When she’s not working for Mighty Peace Tourism, you may find her in council chambers or teaching fitness classes at Brave Culture in Fairview. #Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 2 0 2 0 M OV E U P

Shoppers Drug Mart Owner/Pharmacist Monique Lavoie

SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH EXCELLENCE SHOPPERS DRUG MART, PEACE RIVER

ince 2009, Shoppers Drug Mart Peace River has been a one-stop shop for consumers looking for pharmacy, beauty, health and grocery products in one easy location. No matter which department, the customer’s needs are the number one priority from the moment they walk in the door. “We want people to feel welcome when they come in,” said Monique Lavoie, Owner/Pharmacist. “We are welcoming these customers into our home, and we want them to feel appreciated.” The range of products and services the store offers

ADVE R T I S E M E N T

is truly astounding. The 15,000-square-foot space contains a full beauty counter and fragrance selection, personal care and other typical drugstore items, a books and magazines section and a photo counter where you can print photos, order photo gifts or get your passport photos taken and printed while you wait. There are even grocery aisles with dry goods, dairy and frozen foods.

at once. The store has clean lines and it’s easy to shop in. We put in a lot of effort to make sure it’s crisp,” said Lavoie.

When you walk in, you are greeted by a beautifully lit beauty display with prestige brands such as Smashbox, Lise Watier, Clinique and hot new items like Too Faced Mascara, with more brands available through the online beauty boutique. They also have a wide “People can browse for selection of fragrances. The books while waiting for Peace River store even has prescriptions or grab a jug of its own dedicated Instagram milk or a bottle of shampoo. account for beauty We cater to families on the @shoppers_peaceriversquare. go who want to just stop “Our trained cosmeticians quickly and do everything

are passionate about helping our clients. They do makeover and skincare consultations by appointment and will even take walk-ins when they can,” said Lavoie. In the main part of the store, clients can easily find whatever personal care items they are looking for. If they can’t, a staff member will walk them directly to the product. If the staff member doesn’t know the answer to a client’s question, they find someone who can help them. The excellent service does not stop there. “If there is a request for a product we don’t have,

“

Our patients and customers are at the centre of everything we do. Monique Lavoie

such as a sale item that’s not on the shelf, we will order it in or give a rain check. We’ll offer to book a travel consultation to check on people’s travel vaccinations when they get passport photos. A beauty consultant might suggest talking to the pharmacist about skin conditions after helping someone. We try to go the extra mile,” said Lavoie. Of course, they also have a full range of pharmacy services. “Our patients and customers are at the centre of everything we do. We strive to offer patient-centred care with comprehensive service in the pharmacy. People can also create an online pharmacy account to see their full profile of medications, request refills or get notifications when prescriptions are ready to pick up. It gives them more control over their medications,” said Lavoie. Since Lavoie has additional prescribing authorization, she can write prescriptions, manage medication and initiate therapy for ailments that she can properly assess—if not, patients are triaged to the appropriate services. She is also a Certified

Travel Health Consultant and Certified Diabetes Educator. “We do medication reviews, travel and diabetes consultations. We can give vaccinations or test for strep throat with results in 15 minutes. We do a lot of prescribing for things like skin conditions, cold sores, bladder infections and even birth control. Since there is a shortage of physicians, we can help carry people over between appointments,” said Lavoie. Having worked in Peace River as a pharmacist since 1996, Lavoie has developed a strong and loyal client base. She believes strongly in giving back to the community. “Every year, we participate in the Growing Women’s Health fundraiser where we collect donated funds from customers and storedriven initiatives for the local women’s shelter. This year, for our 10 year anniversary, we wanted to do more,” said Lavoie. The result was a partnership with Northern Sunrise County to create the Awesome Eighties Colour Me Fun Run to benefit the Peace River Regional Women’s Shelter

Top (L to R): Pharmacists Mike Song, Monique Lavoie, Ashleigh Snell and Stacy Jardine Bottom (L to R): Management Team: Assistant Jodie Suvanto, Front Store Manager Serena Maure, Store Administrator Anne Puracan, Owner Monique Lavoie, Cosmetic Manager Kristel Foisy and Assistant Jade Ross

in May 2019. The event had over 300 registrants and raised $10,000. The store also hosted a customer appreciation anniversary barbecue in August.

staff or the customers. That openness is reciprocated by loyal staff members such as Raminder, who has been a cashier at the store since it opened.

“We wanted to increase our commitment and how we gave back, and we intend to continue that going forward. We plan to make the fun run an annual event. This year, it will be the Shoppers Love You Colour Me Run for Mental Health. It’s just for fun. It’s about being happy and generating smiles,” said Lavoie.

“My staff is amazing. I have such a great team. I couldn’t do it without them. If we can’t help a customer find exactly what they want, we ask ourselves ‘What can we do for them?’ We always try to help them in some way,” said Lavoie.

In every part of the store, Lavoie encourages a culture of trust, authenticity and building relationships, whether it is between the

With their focus on relationships, convenience and giving back, Shoppers Drug Mart Peace River will continue to raise the bar in how they serve their community. And that’s the way Lavoie likes it. ADVERT ISE ME N T

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

WE: Set it up, service, maintain and restock - all free of charge. YOU: Choose your favourite snacks and beverage - we do the rest!

CALL MICHELLE 1-780-625-5589 www.campbelllandvending.com | campbellland@outlook.com

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

News 

Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer Management Advisory Association (L to R): Colleen Sklapsky, Town of Grimshaw; Ray Skrepnek, MD of Fairview No. 136; Adam Norris, Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance; Cheryl Anderson, County of Northern Lights; Richard Kiellor, Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance; Janice Reyda, MD of Peace No. 135; Peter Frixel, Clear Hills County and Ken Monty, Village of Berwyn

GRIMSHAW AQUAFIR WATER PROTECTION PLAN A

Source Water Protection Plan was completed for the Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer in an effort to proactively manage this important water resource. The plan was the joint effort of Alberta Environment and Parks, the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance and the Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer Management Advisory Association, which includes members of Clear Hills

County, County of Northern Lights, the MD of Fairview, the MD of Peace, the Town of Grimshaw and the Village of Berwyn. The Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer is an underground source of water in the Grimshaw area that many residents and communities access via wells to obtain drinking water. The aquifer is close to the surface; in some areas there are fewer than four

metres (13 feet) of clay cover; therefore, this water source is very susceptible to contamination. The plan focuses on preventing contamination and has three main components as follows: 1) Hazard Identification— what could go wrong? 2) Risk Assessment—the likelihood something will go wrong and its impact 3) Mitigative Strategies— what do we do to reduce

the chance of the water being negatively affected? Implementation is beginning. It's hoped the community, landowners, governments and business will contribute to ensure the Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer continues to be a safe, secure source of drinking water. Information will be provided to the public, so everyone can help protect this important source of water.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

MOVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

News 

ÉCOLE DES QUATRE-VENTS TO GET A NEW SCHOOL

NSC RESIDENTS RECEIVE VOLUNTEER AWARDS

ongratulations to Northern Sunrise County residents Bobbi Toker and Kristy Provost who were awarded the Recreation Volunteer Recognition Awards for their contributions to recreation within

Northern Sunrise County. These ladies received their awards at the 2019 Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Conference in Lake Louise on October 26, 2019.

he Conseil scolaire du Nord-Ouest No. 1 (CSNO) is very pleased with the announcement that an infrastructure project to replace the Quatre-Vents school in Peace River has been announced by the Ministry of Education and Infrastructure. The construction of a new school will finally solve the many infrastructure needs at École des Quatre-Vents,

especially with regard to accessibility issues, access to a quality gymnasium, equivalent high school programming and many others. This announcement comes after many years of advocacy on the part of the school board and the community of École des Quatre-Vents. The council thanks and congratulates the parents and the students for their support and perseverance in obtaining this project.

FAIRVIEW FCSS LAUNCHES HOME SUPPORT SERVICE

he Fairview Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has launched a Home Support Service and is now accepting registrations. The program will offer practical interior and exterior home supports including light housekeeping, light meal

preparation, light snow removal and lawn care. The program is for families and individuals residing in the Town of Fairview and the MD of Fairview No. 136 that are experiencing disruptions of normal family routine.

Eligible clients will fall under one of the following classifications: citizens over 55 years of age, citizens with disabilities, new mothers (short term) and citizens recovering from surgery, illness or operations (short term). Age and income thresholds

may be a factor and proof of income may be required. Appointment spots are limited for this program. Services are free for qualifying individuals. Contact Fairview FCSS for more information at 780836-5471.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

Owners of Long Sleeve Productions Kathleen and Drazen Rukavina

BRINGING THE NORTH TO THE WORLD THROUGH VIDEO REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (REDI)

he Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) recently hired Long Sleeve Productions, a video production company based in Edmonton, to produce a series of nine videos promoting the economic potential of its member communities. They profiled the communities of High Level, Paddle Prairie, Rainbow Lake and Mackenzie County as well as four local industries: oil and gas, agriculture, forestry and pea protein. Kathleen Rukavina, executive producer and co-owner (along with her husband Drazen Rukavina) of Long Sleeve, loved getting to know the people and area she was filming.

ADV E R T I S E M E N T

“Everybody has been open with us and happy to share stories about their business or home community. People were very welcoming and warm. It was wonderful,” said Rukavina.

between places. We understood the region really well from an economic perspective, and that’s what these videos were about,” said Rukavina.

This was not Long Sleeve’s first foray into the north. In 2018, the company also produced a series of videos for the Northwest Species at Risk Committee, an organization working to educate communities and the government about the human and economic impact of legislation aimed to protect the caribou.

The videos were filmed in two one-week stints, one in mid-May and the other in early July after residents had returned to a region now altered by wildfires. All the footage of Paddle Prairie was taken pre-fire, and the High Level video includes a FireSmart barbecue hosted by the High Level Fire Department the week before evacuations started.

“We had some familiarity with the region. We knew the communities. We knew people to interview and who could give us information, and we knew the distances

“It was devastating to hear some people had lost their homes in Paddle Prairie. We had been there only two weeks before it happened. The land in that community

is beautiful and has so much potential, and they have great ideas for creating economic opportunities,” said Rukavina. Rukavina was delighted with how many women entrepreneurs there are in the north, something she sees as a benefit of the region. Some of Rukavina’s more memorable experiences while filming included the surprise gem of the museum at Fort Vermilion—the oldest European settlement in Alberta—and attending the Dene Tha’ General Assembly in Chateh. “We were driving to Rainbow Lake and saw a sign on the side of the road for the assembly and I thought ‘We have to see

Video "stills" submitted by the Long Sleeve Productions

what this is about,’” said Rukavina. “First Nations is a huge population in the Northwest. I believe they are an up-and-coming economic force, so for us to go there was really important,” said Rukavina. For Rukavina, Zama City and Rainbow Lake broke through the stereotypes about oil and gas communities. “They are working communities, so you don’t see people out and about because they are servicing rigs or fixing tires of equipment on the road. However, we discovered that even though these folks do hard-and-heavy work, they really have their community at heart. At community events, everyone is there

and participating. People feel safe, welcome and included,” said Rukavina. After seeing the finished product, Mackenzie County commissioned the company to make two additional community profiles, one for Fort Vermilion and one for La Crete. REDI commissioned three more videos that include a profile about family activities and options available in their communities, and a commercial for REDI. An additional industry video about transportation infrastructure will educate potential investors about how to access things in the north. “Many people don’t know

a lot about the north. It’s a story that hasn’t been told enough. It was important for us to be able to capture that in these videos. Every time I go there, I learn something new,” said Rukavina. The videos will be circulated to REDI partners and sent to Alberta’s international office as a marketing tool to show potential investors. To that end, the industry videos were translated into Punjabi, Chinese and Japanese—which represent three countries that are actively looking to invest in Alberta.

them well. You can have a lot of technical information on a website, but until you hear about it in people’s own words—until you see the grain running through someone’s hands and see the size of the oats—you don’t get the full picture,” said Rukavina. The videos can be seen on YouTube (search for Long Sleeve Productions) and will be posted on individual community websites and the REDI website, which is currently being redesigned.

“Video as a medium really shows people. It allows others to see and hear what it’s like in these regions from the people who know ADVERTI SE ME N T

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A MACKENZIE FRONTIER TOURIST ASSOCIATION MEMBER FEATURE

Cole and Maria Patmore [and kids] // Photography Submitted

LIVING THE NORTHERN ADVENTURE

Deer River Outfitters, Zama City

hen Cole Patmore, 36, got a job working for a local guide and outfitter fresh out of high school in 2002, he did not anticipate it would become his career—but that is exactly what happened. He purchased the guide’s northern assets in 2004. Now he and his wife, Maria, own Deer River Outfitters, a year-round guide and outfitting company operating near both Zama City and Fort Vermilion.

I’m still doing it today,” said Patmore.

“My dad’s an avid hunter, so when we moved here after buying my uncle’s farm in 1998, he got a job working for an outfitter here. Right after high school, I started guiding for him, too, and

Animal management is the most important part of what the Patmores do.

Patmore points out how important professional hunting is to the economy of rural areas such as the north, with over 11,000 clients being brought into Alberta last year. Businesses like airlines, hotels, restaurants and hardware stores all benefit from both the hunters and the business owners in the hunting tourism industry.

“I’ve got world-class deer, and I need to maintain that. We only harvest mature animals—I don’t like them

“We’ve had a regular client come every year since 1998 for the deer and the wolf season. People bring their

Patmore and his sister, Jessi, have both hunted since they were children. Jessi now helps with marketing the business by attending tradeshows and organizing trips. She recently created a line of apparel and other merchandise for their clients. Patmore’s father, Larry, still guides with the company as well as running the family ranch.

to be younger than seven years old. And getting predators under control is hugely important for the caribou, moose and deer,” said Patmore.

families. We have clients in every hunting season, pretty much year-round. The money we make stays in the region,” said Patmore. As the most northern region to hunt whitetail deer in Alberta, Fort Vermilion area offers a true wilderness experience to the Patmores’ clients. In addition to hunts on their 6,500 acre ranch, the company also offers wall tent and jet boat specialty hunts. “There are places I go where no one’s been to for a long time,” said Patmore. “We’re in the middle of nowhere, and customers appreciate it. It’s an adventure every time.”

780-926-4233 mackenziefrontier.com info@mackenziefrontier.com ADVERTI SE ME N T

A MACKENZIE FRONTIER TOURIST ASSOCIATION MEMBER FEATURE

LEFT PHOTO: Billy and Mary Jane Martens RIGHT PHOTO: (L to R) Manager Agatha Wiebe and Owners Mary Jane and Billy Martens // Life Through A Lens Photography

THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS GRATITUDE The Pizza Place, La Crete

he long-standing success of The Pizza Place in La Crete is the result of several key ingredients—determination, perseverance and offering the food and service their community needs. However, getting here was not as straightforward as throwing a pie in the oven. Owners Billy and Mary Jane Martens owned two previous businesses—a pizza shop that went bankrupt and another that burned down—before starting the company 18 years ago. “We started The Pizza Place with nothing. We had two employees, lawn chairs for

seating, and I had to borrow money from the cook to have money in the till,” said Martens. After the fire, Billy had a short stint working for another restaurant. The Martens opened The Pizza Place on December 1, 2001. “When my other business burned down, I thought it was the worst thing that had ever happened. Then, in 2001, I became a Christian. Life started changing for me, and so did the business. I thought I had a good thing going before, but it was nothing compared to what we have now,” said Martens. As the oldest restaurant in La Crete, The Pizza Place is

now a community fixture. They offer a wide variety of food choices, and comfort food like their chicken ranch salad and spicy homemade hamburgers have remained popular for nearly two decades. “We try to be different from everyone. I don’t like to be the same. I like to make the path,” said Martens. They now employ 22 people. Mary Jane does the scheduling and runs deliveries, and Billy does the paperwork and occasionally still gets behind the line to cook. Their manager, Agatha Wiebe, has been with them since a few months after they opened.

“We have very good, committed staff. They have been with us a long time, and we couldn’t have done it without them,” said Martens. The Martens hope the business will stay in the family—the younger two of their four boys, Cole and Luke, both work in the restaurant. The Pizza Place supports local initiatives such as sporting events and groups whenever possible. Martens is grateful for what they have achieved. “We want to thank God and the community for their support. I hope they support us for another 18 years,” said Martens.

780-926-4233 mackenziefrontier.com info@mackenziefrontier.com 20

ADV E R T I S E M E N T

ADVERTI SE ME N T

CHOOSE THE DENTURE OFFICE THAT EXCEEDS YOUR EXPECTATIONS

t the Denture and Implant Cottage, we deliver our utmost best in customer service and satisfaction. From the minute you walk in, you will receive a friendly greeting and a warm beverage. Appointments are made and we do our very best to not keep anyone waiting. We strive to deliver the same outstanding quality of care to every patient. Our denturists are specialists in the trade of denturism, and we will always find a solution to make a positive impact on your smile and denture needs. Using only the best products available on the market, we can provide a guarantee on our products for comfort, long lasting durability and a natural looking smile. We do not make cookiecutter dentures. We offer custom crafted smiles to everyone. We give careful attention to detail and deliver a uniquely tailored smile based on your facial 22 22

ADV E R T I S E M E N T ADV E R T I S E M E N T

form and lip guidelines. Tooth shades are available ranging from bleach shades to exact tooth shade matches. If you only need partial dentures, we can even create stains in the dentures if desired to deliver a true match to your natural teeth. We do our best to ensure your smile does not look like false teeth—we want them to look like natural teeth! WHAT HAPPENS IF A DENTURE SORE OCCURS? Denture sores certainly can happen after new dentures are made. Your mouth’s tissues need time to adjust to loads in slightly different areas than where your previous dentures may have sat. As the underlying bones atrophy (shrink), often the dentures no longer contact the bony ridges, and they start to sit along the outer shelf areas. When this happens, the dentures generally become loose and usually cause soreness, but patients tend to get used to the old, worn-out dentures—despite not being

able to chew properly and possibly having jaw joint pains. You need not be afraid to have a new tailored smile. We make sure you are satisfied and happy you did. When new dentures are inserted, we use our expertise to load the primary support areas to ensure less bone deterioration occurs, which is a result of wearing ill-fitting dentures. Similar to a snowshoe effect, we are covering the entire support shelf and attempting to use the outer-cheek folds and tongue space to hold the dentures in snugly. When dentures are simply resting on the bone itself, they are not able to achieve any type of suction effect. They either float or denture adhesive is needed to hold them in place. Creating a new smile using the snowshoe effect also means delivering more volume to a sunken face. It’s like a mini facelift without the need for surgery—a win/win!

ensure our patients can function with ease and leave our office with a genuine smile. Our office is staffed with three licensed denturists, and we are always able to deliver quality and excellent customer service because we take the time to listen to your needs and wants. IS 2020 THE YEAR FOR YOUR NEW, TAILORED SMILE? We look forward to meeting you and working together to deliver your denture masterpiece. Our consultations are always free. Pop in and say hello to our friendly team. From all of us at the Denture and Implant Cottage, cheers to terrific health, new friendships and many smiles in 2020.

We take the necessary time to do any adjustments and

780-624-4573 | DENTUREIMPLANTCOTTAGE.CA | 9803-98 AVE, PEACE RIVER

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

TOWN OF PEACE RIVER CELEBRATES VOLUNTEERS

n December 2, the Town of Peace River celebrated volunteers and all they contribute to our community during the third Volunteer Awards. The Volunteer Awards Program is a program that Council, the Community Services Advisory Board and Administration are very passionate about. Each winner received a gift bag and a $500 donation was made to the charity or nonprofit of their choice by the Town of Peace River.

AWARD CATEGORIES Emerging Leader Award This award recognizes youth volunteers 18 years and younger who have demonstrated leadership and helped build a stronger communityÂ throughout the 2019 year.

Community Recognition Award

Seth is 14 and goes to Glenmary High School. Seth has volunteered for over 50 hours coaching and mentoring younger children in basketball teams and events. Seth has been volunteering for 2.5 years.

Dianne is a dedicated volunteer as a Victim Services advocate. Dianne responds to support requests whether at a police scene, hospital setting or court date. Dianne has been volunteering for 11 years.

DIANNE IRELAND

This is a dedicated individual who has volunteered in our community for the 2019 year.

Volunteer of the Year Award This is a dedicated individual who has gone above and beyond in supporting our community throughout the 2019 year and has inspired volunteers, has led volunteer groups or has made other exceptional achievements through volunteering.

SELECTION PROCESS The public nominated volunteers from June 1 to October 1, 2019. The Community Services Advisory Board reviewed and scored each nominee individually and recipients were determined. All the nominations were extremely powerful and inspiring. The Community Services Advisory Board had a difficult time scoring each nominee.

SETH PARKER

Emerging Leader Award

Community Recognition Award

Paul organizes and runs Picnic in the Park every Thursday during the summer and fall seasons. There is no cost to those who choose to attend these events. Paul has been volunteering for 4 years.

PAUL HEBERT

Volunteer of the Year Award

Nominees included Nadine Kamieniecki, Carol Drescher, Emily Smith, Courtney Hughes, Mark Owens and Suzin Jorgensen. ADVERTI SE ME N T



Relocation Story COMPARED TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM, HOW DOES THE PEACE REGION DIFFER?

HAVE YOU HAD ANY INTERESTING WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?

Living up north, one would have to drive three-tosix hours to see the next community.

At our last home we’d see lots of moose and bears, but here in the Peace it’s deer.

We have so many wonderful neighbours that are close together. There are also more services and shopping available. IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU INTEGRATED YOURSELF INTO THE COMMUNITY?

We’re still getting settled in, but our seven-year-old daughter has just started school, and our four-yearold is patiently waiting. There are so many different activities for all the seasons here that weren’t available at our last home.

Photography submitted

DEVIN AND JENNIFER MOVED TO PEACE RIVER FROM HAY RIVER, NWT Devin, 44, is originally from Lethbridge, AB, and his wife Jennifer, 38, is from Hay River, NWT, which is where they met. They moved to Peace River this past September. WHERE DO YOU WORK?

I'm the Superintendent of Public Works for the Town of Peace River. HOW DID YOU END UP RELOCATING TO THE MIGHTY PEACE REGION?

Region over the years as a possible new home. We’ve stopped through many times travelling south from Hay River, and we’ve always enjoyed our stay. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE PEACE REGION?

The Peace Region is beautiful, and having lived next to the Mackenzie and Hay Rivers for the past 20 years, the Peace River just makes it all feel like home.

We had been looking at the Peace/Grande Prairie 26

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

When we lived in Hay River, I was a volunteer firefighter with the local department, and have since signed on with the Peace River Fire Department. It’s a great way to meet new people and to give back to the community. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO ANYONE THINKING OF RELOCATING HERE?

If you like that small-town feeling, this is the place for you. I have met so many genuinely kind-hearted people since moving here, and we’re big on community events. For example, with Light Up the Park it seemed like the whole town was out that night to get together, sing, laugh, watch fireworks and drink hot chocolate.

I nearly walked into one a few weeks ago in my driveway while fumbling for my truck keys. I looked up and there he was, standing 3 feet away. I said, “after you,” and he casually turned around and walked away. I’m also looking forward to watching and listening to the bird migrations with our kids this spring. WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY IN THE PEACE REGION?

Most weekends, it seems, we are always on the go, and with the recreation facilities in town, there’s lots of opportunities to keep the family busy even on the coldest days. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE PEACE?

We’re big on camping, and the summer nights stay warmer down here than they do up north. My goal is to try all the campsites in the region by the end of summer. I also hadn’t realized just how many walking trails we have here until I started with the Town, so we’re very fortunate to live in a community that promotes outdoor activities.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

Column

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THRIVING IN A SUPPORTED DISTANCE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

shley Sturgeon has accessed her Academic Upgrading courses while travelling and from home. However, her favourite place to access her courses is the Northern Lakes College campus in Peace River.

“Correspondence did not work for me. There was

The flexibility of the NLC LIVE Online™ delivery model allows her to access her courses from wherever she may be. It’s part of the unique, Northern Lakes College Supported Distance Learning (SDL) environment.

is now I enjoy the learning process. For example, I love chemistry. I enjoy the mixture of math and science and how understanding chemistry helps to make sense of the world around you,” said Ashley.

Having once tried a correspondence course, Ashley explains that NLC’s Supported Distance Learning model is world’s apart from the correspondence learning model.

Ashley had her daughter when she was 17 and decided to leave school to raise her. Now, she has three daughters. Over the years, she kept pushing her yearning to finish high school into the future. When she did come back, she had been out of school for 14 years.

“Correspondence did not work for me. There was nobody checking up on me, no support, nobody to motivate me. I knew when I came back to school that model of learning would not work for me. SDL holds me accountable to progress,” said Ashley.

Ashley lives in Grimshaw and travels to the Peace River Campus, about a 20-minute commute. She is in her second year of Academic Upgrading and on track to graduate in June 2020. After that, she intends to enroll in the College’s Educational Assistant Certificate program. “I worked as an Educational Assistant for a year or so, and I loved it. In order to continue to work in that capacity, I need a credential,” said Ashley. Ashley intends to stay in the Grimshaw and Peace River area and work for a local school upon graduation. “Returning to school has been a great experience. I’m glad I had the opportunity to come back when I did. I appreciate it more. When I was a teenager, I disliked school, even though I did not struggle academically. The difference

nobody checking up on me, no support, nobody to motivate me. [NLC's] Supported Distance Learning holds me accountable to progress.”

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to finish my high school diploma. My oldest daughter will graduate from high school a year after me. It has always been a motivator to get my high school diploma before my girls do,” said Ashley. While it took Ashley time to adjust to the Northern Lakes College online delivery model, she thoroughly appreciates the flexibility it affords. “The fact I can review the class recordings is really helpful. Upon second viewing, I catch things I missed in class,” said Ashley.

SDL means learning online in a supported environment. That ranges from having a physical campus to attend to obtaining assistance with funding. “It is nice to have a campus to go to. I need to be away from my house, away from the tasks that need to be done at home, in order to focus on my studies,” said Ashley. Most importantly, SDL means having a campus resource person whose primary function is to ensure student success. For Ashley, that person is Campus Instructor Marty Fullerton.

Ashley Sturgeon

Northern Lakes College Student

“Marty is always checking in with students. He is so friendly and understanding of the struggles an adult learner might face. If you need anything, he will facilitate as best he can. If he can’t answer a question, he will find someone who can,” said Ashley. When it comes to her future, Ashley is keeping her options open. Obtaining the Educational Assistant Certificate will allow her to get a job locally doing something she knows she enjoys—working with children. “I want to leave the door open for future educational opportunities that may present themselves. If I can find a way to get further education, I will pursue it. I don’t want to box myself in. Knowledge is power. At first returning feels like you are going to drown, but once you get the swing of it, and realize you are not as far behind as you thought you are, it changes your perspective on yourself and your abilities,” said Ashley.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

Photo by Janice Nemecz

Photo by Carol Haskell

Photo by Marvella Exner

Celebrating 25 Years

1995-2020

Photo by Brian Hohner

On April 1, 1995, the Improvement District No. 22 incorporated to form the M.D. of Northern Lights No. 22. Prior to this date, our council only advised the Alberta government on local matters. In 2010, we officially changed our name to County of Northern Lights. 780-836-3348 600 7th Ave., Manning, AB countyofnorthernlights.com

Recreation Feature



Dominik Hansen of Northern Lites Speed Skating Club // Photography by Amanda Monette

Gaining Speed

Northern Lites Speed Skating Club takes to the ice for another season

t’s winter in northern Alberta, and the cold brings with it a return to ice sports for youth and adults. For many, it means lacing up the skates and grabbing a stick and a puck. For others, it means slipping on a slider, throwing rocks and calling “sweep!”, but don’t forget about speed skating. It’s a fun, fast-paced sport that’s thriving in the Peace Region. Small though mighty, the Northern Lites Speed Skating Club (NLSSC) started in 2000, and it

currently has about 20 youth members, ages 5-16. The club has been a consistent presence in the Peace Region, and it’s currently in a growth phase. NLSSC accepts skaters ages four and up (yes, adults too), and the focus is to have skaters of all levels improve their skating abilities and become faster. Speed skating is an individual sport with two major disciplines: short track, 100 or 111 metres, and long track, which is 400 metres. While the

NLSSC skaters compete in both short and long track events, all the training in Peace River is done a short track, which is set up on a standard size arena ice surface. When compared to hockey or figure skating, speed skating skates have flatter and longer blades, typically 14”-18”. Needless to say, the skates feel quite a bit different, and it often throws athletes who cross over from other skating sports for a loop, but NLSSC focuses a lot of emphasis on proper skating

technique and personal improvement, so skaters will find their stride. Though the focus is on individual skating improvement, speed skating is still a competitive sport. NLSSC skaters compete annually in several regional open meets such as those in Grande Prairie, Fort St. John and Dawson Creek. There is quite a welldeveloped speed skating community in the larger Peace Region, and there are opportunities to travel further afield in

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P



Recreation Feature

TOP: Northern Lites Speed Skating Club group picture BOTTOM LEFT: (L to R) Ethan Hansen, Nolan Kinshella, Dominik Hansen BOTTOM RIGHT: (L to R) Leila Cook, Claire Cook, Lily Bakker, June Lynch // Photography by Amanda Monette

the province to compete in open events as well as competitions that require qualification. One of the highlights of the sport for youth skaters is the ability to qualify and attend higher-level events. For instance, every two years the Alberta Winter Games are held, and skaters from Grande Prairie and Peace River form the team for Zone 8 and can compete at a provincial level. 32

There is also an amazing opportunity for some of the skaters from Peace River and Grande Prairie to represent Team Alberta North in the Arctic Winter Games, competing against athletes from Alaska, NWT and other circumpolar regions such as Scandinavia. “It takes a lot to keep the club running, and we have been very fortunate for the sponsorship we have received from Value Drug

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

Mart, H&R Block, the County of Northern Lights and Tansi Welding over the years,” said NLSSC President Derek Bakker. “In particular, the County of Northern Lights has provided two grants over the past five years, which helped us purchase the crash mats needed to host competitions, and Tansi Welding assisted in helping us build mat carts, which are used to move mats from a storage room onto the

ice.” The cost for the whole season ranges from $325$520 depending on age. Registration starts in September, but new skaters are welcome throughout the year. If you are interested, or if you have any questions, email nlssc4pr@gmail.com or find “Northern Lites Speed Skating Club” on Facebook.

CLEAN AIR = HEALTHY BEES

According to Earthwatch, bees are the world’s most important species of pollinator.

PRAMP:

PRAMPAIRSHED.CA

MONITORING EMISSIONS AND AIR QUALITY TO ENSURE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IN THE PEACE RIVER AREA.

PEACE RIVER FARMERS' MARKET 2020 DATES

WEST HILL INDUSTRIAL PLAZA 8002 - 102 AVE | 10AM–2PM

February 8 March 14 & 28 April 11 April 17* (4-8pm) April 18* (10-4pm) May 9 & 23 June 6 & 20

July 11 & 25* August 15 & 29 September 5 & 19 October 10 & 24 November 27* (5-9pm) November 28 December 12 (10-4pm)

Aug 8 ~ Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum Day & Berwyn Farmers’ Market November 6 & 7 ~ Artisans of the Peace & November 21 ~ Grimshaw Multiplex * Possible alternative location. Please check our Facebook posts.

peaceriveragsociety.com | Tracy 780-274-0536 | #Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P



Relocation Story Photography submitted

lifting over Peace River in the bright sun was a sight to behold. WHAT SURPRISED YOU ABOUT THE PEACE REGION?

What surprised me the most was the amount of events that go on. Mudbogging, cultural activities, river racing, to name a few, as well as all the local clubs that provide a wide array of activities and opportunities to get out and enjoy the community. IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU INTEGRATED YOURSELF INTO THE COMMUNITY?

BRITTANY TURCHYN, 29, MOVED UP TO PEACE RIVER FROM MEDIKA, MB Brittany Turchyn, 29, is from “a very small slice of earth called Medika, Manitoba.” She originally moved to Grande Prairie in 2017, but she spent all her time in Peace River, so she decided to move there last year.

was always a draw for me to end up here. All through my university degree I looked for opportunities to relocate post-grad, and a few years after I graduated, an opportunity with my company was presented, and I jumped on it!

WHERE DO YOU WORK?

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE PEACE REGION?

I work everywhere! My job as a Territory Manager for Corteva Agriscience takes me as far South as Valleyview and as far north as crop farming goes (Fort Vermillion, La Crete and High Level). HOW DID YOU END UP RELOCATING TO THE PEACE REGION?

Despite never having been to the Peace Region, there

My first trip up to the Peace was in the fall of 2016, which was a difficult year for farmers to harvest their crops. Although I was shocked by the amount of crop left out in the field, it didn’t take away from the spectacular beauty of the area. Taking the “Golden Gate Bridge of the North” (the Dunvegan bridge) was jaw-dropping, and the fog

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

All my life I’ve been an avid volunteer, and since moving I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of community organizations and events. I’m a board member for Peace Regional Restorative Justice, a 4H Leader with Berwyn Multi Coveralls and an organizing member of the RCMP Musical Ride, which was held in Peace River in 2019. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO ANYONE THINKING OF RELOCATING HERE?

Come with an open mind. Dig into the community and find what you’re looking for because it’s likely here. Small towns offer unique opportunities to get involved in things that you may have never thought about becoming a part of. HOW DO YOU ENTERTAIN OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS?

Everyone who comes ultimately wants to see the view of the valley. Twelve

Foot Davis or Sagitawa Lookout are must-sees that provide picturesque views of the Peace River Valley as well as the Town of Peace River. The Town of Peace River puts on an amazing fireworks show for Canada Day, which is also a mustsee. WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY IN THE PEACE REGION?

An ideal Sunday for me is getting into the truck with my spouse and our dogs and going for a cruise on the backroads. There is so much history and beauty to be found once you get off the highway. Slow down, and take in the sights. WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL NIGHT OUT/DATE NIGHT IN THE PEACE REGION?

We have a lot of fun getting together a group of friends and heading to the local bowling alley and knocking down a few pins. That, or drinks and appetizers at MR MIKES. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE PEACE?

My favourite outdoor activity is grabbing the dogs and taking a trek up Misery Mountain. The view from the top is breathtaking no matter what time of the year. IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE PEACE REGION?

There’s something about the rich opportunities and diverse community that grabs a hold of you.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

25 MOVE work, live and prosper in northwestern alberta

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MOVE work, live and prosper in northwestern alberta

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FIREFIGHTING ON THE FRONT LINES

TAKE One

ZAMA CITY ENERGY PROJECT

TAKE One AUG | SEPT | OCT 2019

NOV | DEC | JAN 2019/2020

thE LEGacy PrOjEct LEaviNG yOur Mark iN thE wOrkPLacE

it takEs a viLLaGE

cOMMuNity suPPOrts FraNcOPhONE EvENt

GO: MiGhty PEacE

ADDRESSING THE OPIOID CRISIS IN THE PEACE REGION

WE HAVE

DMI BECOMES MERCER

KEEPING THE ARTS ALIVE

A LOOK INTO THE NORTH PEACE PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

GO:EXPLORE MIGHTY PEACE AND ENJOY OUR REGION

HIGH LEVEL RODEO CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

sOciAL MEdiA trENds cAN yOur BusiNEss kEEp up?

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MAY | JUN | JUL 2019

FEB | MAR | APR 2019

WiLd iN thE pEAcE

duNvEgAN Fish + gAME AssOciAtiON

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ESÂWA GIFTS AND GALLERY HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

GO MIGHTY PEACE

TRAVEL & EXPLORE THE PEACE REGION

UNiqUE FOssiL FiNd

LOcaL FamiLy UNEarths iNcrEdibLE spEcimEN

TAKE One

WESAHKECAHK AN ABORIGINAL LEGEND

THE WITNESS BLANKET SURVIVORS, WARRIORS & RECONCILIATION

pr mOtOcrOss cLUb grOWiNg aNd gaiNiNg mOmENtUm

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Þ Big

TAKE One DANIEL’S COFFEE

SO MUCH

RATE TO CELEB

A CHANGING OF THE GUARD FOR A PEACE REGION INSTITUTION

Influencers and Go Getters

FIGHTING HATRED WITH KINDNESS

Opportunities

Peace Region Cares 7 Businesses and Initiatives with Heart

Cheers!

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celebrity spotlights Peace Region in the Public Eye

EXPLORE AND ENJOY OUR REGION

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THROUGH THE EYE OF THE STORM

rAiL LiNE prOpOsEd At cONFErENcE

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EXPLORE + ENJOY OUR REGION

NOrth tO ALAskA

ExPLOrE aNd ENjOy Our rEGiON

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FOOD FOR THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING

RECOVERING FROM THE FIRES

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS FRANCOPHONE EVENT

FAIRVIEW FLYERS

5 Fresh DENTURE & IMPLANT COTTAGE

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GO: MIGHTY PEACE

Many Hands Make Light Work

PERSPECTIVES BUSINESSES WITH WORLDLY INSIGHT

LEAVING YOUR MARK IN THE WORKPLACE

work, live and prosper in northwestern alberta

COMPETITIVE HOCKEY, RIGHT AT HOME

come together

AVENGE ENERGY SERVICES

THE LEGACY PROJECT

MOVE

work, live and prosper in northwestern alberta

WEsahkEcahk aN abOrigiNaL LEgENd

Inspiring Women A NEW ERA FOR ENERGY

SHELL DIVESTS AFTER NEARLY 40 YEARS IN THE PEACE

IN BUSINESS

Dr. Jennifer Adams

TAKE One

CANADA’S 150TH

CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S MILESTONE

GO MIGHTY PEACE

TRAVEL & EXPLORE THE PEACE REGION

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amBitions lead locals to amazing Places

TAKE ONE

TAKE One

NOV | DEC | JAN 18/19

K WORyles St

MOBILE MARKETING

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH YOUR PHONE

KIHKWAHÂKÎS

WOLVERINE: AN ABORIGINAL LEGEND

GO MIGHTY PEACE

TRAVEL & EXPLORE THE PEACE REGION

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highly of theuctive prod

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Ironstone Resources

the dan Mody interview Local legend looks back

Could our future be in iron ore?

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Rustic Charm &

Cozy Cabins Unforgettable Getaways

TAKE ONE TAKE ONE

Lavoie Family Farms

When canvassing for suggestions for story ideas, we frequently receive suggestions to feature individuals and businesses we've already profiled. In fact, we've received so many that it's given us some pause. We've profiled hundreds of people, businesses and organizations over the last seven years, so it can be difficult to keep track.

Since this is our 25th issue, and a new decade, we thought we'd celebrate by revisiting 25 of our past features. We tried our best to keep them in chronological order, so we invite you to take a trip with us down Memory Lane and check in with some old friends. To see any of the original articles, go to moveupmag.com/archives

Favourite Winter Events Carnaval de St-Isidore 2020 is Feb. 14-16, and this year’s theme is Émoji Invasion. Over 2,000 participants are expected during the weekend as well as over 600 during the school program.

This year’s entertainment includes: Les Rats d’Swompe, Daniel Gervais Band, Renelle Ray, Roger Dallaire and Plein Soleil.

Carnaval has an outstanding reputation for francophone entertainment and a variety of unique winter activities such as snow sculpting, log sawing and hay rides. And, don’t forget about the famous poutine, tourtière and maple snow taffy.

There will also be a host of activities for kids such as face painting, a treasure hunt, sleigh rides and fun winter games. Children’s entertainer Isabelle la Wonderful will make balloon art for children throughout the weekend

The Alberta Pond Hockey Championship will take place March 6-8, 2020, at the tranquil Lac Cardinal Recreation Area. Teams and fans travel from all over Canada and even internationally to attend the event. This year the divisions for the tournament are Recreation, Old Timer’s (35+) and Women’s and Junior’s, and the Junior teams are always free. More than just hockey, there will be scenic helicopter tours, a beer garden, delicious food

from MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual, the Tim Hortons Cruiser will be serving up free hot beverages, there’s live music, ice sculptures, family rinks for ice skating and ringette games. And, Saturday night there’s a Gala at the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex (MZRM) featuring the band LumpSumm. Getting advanced tickets is recommended as the event sells out. Purchase tickets online at albertapondhockey.com or at the MZRM. See you at the lake.

and host a workshop for all ages on Saturday from 11am to noon. Then, at 1pm, she will perform a children’s show in the gazebo. An important part of the festival is the annual King and Queen Competition. This year, eight youths from all over the region are vying for the titles. Participants take part in several activities over the weekend and act as ambassadors during the event. The King and Queen

The Town of High Level is partnering with Ice on Whyte again to host the 5th Annual High Level Frostival on February 21 and 22, 2020. The Festival Society is putting together another amazing weekend of winter family fun including professional and public ice and snow carvings, an ice carving workshop, a corporate carving challenge, a shinny hockey tournament, cross county skiing, skating and activities for kids.

will be crowned during the opening ceremony on Friday at 7:30pm. Finally, don’t miss out on the famous “Kitchen Party” on Saturday night. The “Party d’cuisine,” is an evening of great music with local musicians performing well known party songs. Come join the fun! www.centreculturelstisidore.ca 780-624-8481 explorestisidore@gmail.com

An event of this size and scope would not be possible without the support and dedication of our local business community and private donations. If you’re interested, there are three ways you can sponsor this year’s Frostival: Cash donations, In-kind donations (such as hotdogs, hot chocolate, event fencing, smores, enclosed trailer, etc.) and volunteering. Contact Jena Clarke at 780-821-4026 or jclarke@highlevel.ca for more information. Deadline for sponsorship is February 13, 2020.

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25 Maintaining a Tradition of Authenticity Les Tisserandes de St. Isidore/St. Isidore Weavers, St. Isidore Featured in Issue 1, Spring/Summer 2013 Words by Talena Winters | Photography by Melissa E. Earle

For over 45 years, Marie Lavoie, 80, of St. Isidore, AB, has been part of Les Tisserandes de St. Isidore, a.k.a. the St. Isidore Weavers, a group of women who meet in the St. Isidore Cultural Centre to keep the French tradition of weaving alive. Since 1973, the Weavers have created quality hand-woven textiles, from small items like napkins, baby blankets and tea towels to large items like blankets for queen- and king-sized beds. They even make traditional French-Canadian blankets called catalogne out of brightly coloured recycled bedsheets and other clothing. “Most of my weavers range from ages 55 to 88. Three of us are 80 or over. The last one that passed away wove until the age of 93. It’s a physical job and can be painful at times, but it keeps us active,” said Lavoie.

(L to R) Jacqueline Boulanger, Françoise Lavoie, Lucie Tailleur, Paulette Monfette, Marie Lavoie and Angeline Fortin of Les Tisserandes de St. Isidore a.k.a. the St. Isidore Weavers 38

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The six weavers who currently meet at the Cultural Centre include Lavoie, her sister-in-law, Françoise Lavoie, Paulette Monfette, Angeline Fortin, Lucie Tailleur and new weaver Jacqueline Boulanger. They come to the Cultural Centre when they have work to do or just for coffee with their friends. They share responsibilities for ordering supplies, and each woman pays for her own materials and receives the profit from her own sales. “We have expanded from nine looms to 11, including two extra-large looms for making blankets that need two weavers to operate. Some women only work the smaller looms, but once they start a project, our policy is that they must finish it within a day or two to free up that loom for someone else,” said Lavoie. All of their advertising is by

We work together cooperatively, and we respect each other and what we each like to do. word of mouth, and they don’t have a website. According to Lavoie, an article written about founding member Germaine Robert and her blankets and rugs made from recycled clothing resulted in her receiving boxes of clothing in the mail. Later, she helped get the Les Tisserandes project off the ground. Since then, the group has been featured on a TV show about French culture. “It put this town on the map,” said Lavoie. “If people are going somewhere

else to visit, they will often come in and buy a gift to bring with them because it doesn’t take up much space in their suitcase. Our products are often purchased to give as gifts. Then, if the recipient likes the product, they get in touch with us to buy something, and it grows from there.” The group began as a way for French-speaking ladies to get out of their homes, especially once their children had been raised. Over the years, some of them have taken courses in weaving. They’ve

experimented with new fibres like cottolin, a blend of cotton and linen, and have recently begun making placemats using the same method as the catalogne blankets. “We’ve had two new weavers join us in the last few years. One of them, Francoise Lavoie, is the daughter of one of our previous group members. She started by making blankets for her children, and this year she made throws for her 13 grandchildren,” said Lavoie. What hasn’t changed is the group’s commitment to tradition, authenticity and quality—as well as of course the fact their products are beautiful and practical. “We work together cooperatively, and we respect each other and what we each like to do. We appreciate our clients very much,” said Lavoie.

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Visionary environmentalists Brad and Rebecca Rabiey began The Carbon Farmer in 2007. Essentially, their business model was to plant trees for clients to accrue carbon credits and then sell those credits to industry to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Since snagging an investment deal on CBC’s Dragon’s Den in 2012, and their feature in Move Up in 2014, the Rabieys have restructured their company by adding organic grain farming to their portfolio; they had a second baby and rebranded their entire company Wearth. “It’s a combination of We and Earth, the idea being people are doing something for the environment and environmental services are worth being assigned a value. Our entire company is based on the idea of stewarding land in a way that is giving back and providing value from an environmental services perspective,” said Brad.

Rebecca and Brad Rabiey, owners of Wearth // Photography by Michelle Stiebe

Connecting People with the Planet The Carbon Farmer, Peace River Featured in Issue 4, Fall 2014 Words by Talena Winters | Photography submitted

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The company is comprised of three parts. The Carbon Farmer still sells carbon credits to clients. The Forest Farmer allows individuals or businesses to plant a tree on one of the company’s many tree planting properties throughout Canada for habitat restoration. And, under The Vintage Farmer umbrella, the Rabieys raise certified organic grain on the family farm near Manning. “We found operating strictly in carbon credits was limiting because not everyone was looking to address climate change. Not everyone needs a certified carbon credit. We wanted to tailor the outcome to what our clients were looking for in a way that related to them,” said Brad. One of the challenges of selling carbon credits is helping clients understand how it works and why it is important. “There’s a whole bunch of jargon. We talk about CO2 equivalence, kilograms of offset, root-to-shoot coefficients and buffer pools. All of these things are valid and important from the integrity

On Dragon’s Den in 2012 (L to R) Rebecca Rabiey, Bruce Croxon, Arlene Dickinson & Brad Rabiey

of discussing a carbon offset, but it’s a difficult concept in a fast-moving world of social media and memes. There is a huge segment of people who just want to say they planted a tree, so we changed how we operate,” said Brad. In the last five years, the Rabieys’ clientele has also changed from primarily oil and gas companies to other industries. Many of these groups have concerns centred around habitat restoration and things like the impact of paper use. For them, tree planting projects make the most sense. “In 2014, we were about 97 percent oil and gas-centred. We have gone through a boom and bust cycle, but we’re back up, and we exceeded our 2014 revenues in 2019 with an entirely different group of clients. The main industries that support us now are hotels, group realty, manufacturing and printers. There is a push away from the more fancy, tech-based solutions to environmental issues and a new push toward ‘keep it simple and plant some trees,’ which brings interest in what we do,” said Brad.

Environmental services are worth being assigned a value. The company continues to expand to meet demand. “We currently have projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, and we’re scoping out new projects in British Columbia and Nova Scotia. We’re also looking at some pilot projects in the United States, which we hope to see happen in the next one or two years. We are actively planting in four out of a total of 20 projects right now, and people get the choice of where their trees will go,” said Brad. Bruce Croxon and Arlene Dickinson from Dragon’s Den are still invested in the company, but the Rabieys are currently looking at bringing on new investors to achieve some of their goals faster. “We found people want trees planted ‘in their backyard’ or as close as

possible. That’s why it’s important to extend our geographical reach,” said Brad. The Rabieys found they had to change course after adding a second son to their young family and taking on the family grain farm. “We learned it’s important to have a diversified portfolio. We also learned how important it is to have support in place when you have young kids. I think it’s the toughest thing in the world to be an entrepreneur and a parent. You’re constantly on duty,” said Brad. The organic grain farm helps to address client concerns that tree planting removes arable land for food production. “Organic food production lets you have a positive

impact on the environment through the choices you make at the table every day,” said Brad. “In addition, we are trying to show that if you focus your crop production on your best land and plant marginal land back into trees, rewilding habitat is not a problem for food supply. We take that same principle and apply it to other projects. It’s an important balancing act.” To date, The Carbon Farmer is has planted almost a million trees. They plan to continue to offer individuals and corporate entities an avenue to have a positive and tangible effect on the environment. “In a world that’s becoming more urbanized, the idea of having someone who is still connected to the ground and can have a positive influence on land use, is an important thing. We’re honoured and privileged to able to provide the link back to that environmental outcome for them,” said Brad. For more information, go to wearth.farm

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25 Growing Beyond Expectations Beyond 2000, Grimshaw & Bell Mobility, Peace River Featured in Issue 6, Spring 2015 Words by Talena Winters | Photography by Melissa E. Earle

Dave and Fay Allan, 56 and 58, have supplied products and services relating to electronics and entertainment for 20 years now. From humble beginnings selling Bell Satellite TV out of their garage, they expanded to a storefront in Grimshaw called Beyond 2000, an electronics and office supply store that also provides service for Xplornet wireless Internet, Bell Mobility and TV and Shaw TV. In May 2018, they expanded further with the purchase of the Bell store in Peace River. “It started small, but it grew in a hurry,” said Dave. “Diversity has been important—it’s one of the reasons we’ve been successful, especially the way the economy has gone in the last few years. Being diverse and offering good customer service can carry a company through tough times.”

Dave and Faye Allan, owners of Beyond 2000 in Grimshaw and Bell in Peace River 42

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As the name of their business implies, the Allans have always had an eye toward the future, and 20 years in business has only strengthened that. Case in point, their recent purchase of Peace River’s Bell location enables them to provide better service to a wider area. “People can now purchase Bell TVs or mobility products and accessories in either location,” said Dave. “If we’re out of something at one store that the other store has, we can shuttle it over. It works well that way.” Beyond 2000 began when Dave added Bell Satellite TV to his home-based business selling computers in 1999. At the time, he and Fay were both school teachers. “I picked up Bell Satellite TV because people were asking about it. Companies like Bell and Shaw were coming out with small dishes you could wire onto the side of your house. Soon, we were selling and installing 150 to 200 systems a year,” said Dave. When Bell expanded into the rural market in late 2001, they called the Allans up and asked them to be a dealer. “They didn’t know we didn’t have a retail store, and I didn’t tell them, I just said yes, but Fay and I knew we weren’t going to be able to sell it out of our garage. That’s when we came up with the name Beyond 2000, and we’ve stuck with it,” said Dave. They rented a small building on Grimshaw’s

Clients can order through our online ordering system, and we’ll deliver to their door. You have to be able to adapt and meet customer needs,” said Dave. The Allans believe community involvement and support is important, and they hire staff who share these values. They support local groups and initiatives in Grimshaw and throughout the Peace Region like the Alberta Pond Hockey Championships, the Peace Regional Airshow and local rodeos.

Bell Store employees Alyssa Smith and Natalie St-Laurent

Being diverse & offering good customer service can carry a company through hard times. Main Street for a short time, but they kept adding TVs and other electronics to their stock and soon ran out of room. In 2002, they purchased the old movie theatre. Within a few short years, they filled the 4,000-square-foot space by adding more cell phones and accessories, TVs and electronics and then office supplies to their lineup. They also became dealers for Shaw TV and Xplornet and are the local courier depot for Loomis, UPS, Purolator and Cold Shot Bus Service. Between installers and instore staff, they employ 10 people. “It’s always scary as any business grows, you invest

more money and you wonder ‘is this going to work,’ but you leap ahead, you have faith, you believe in the products and services and the people you have and you move forward,” said Dave. The Allans have always worked hard to serve their customers, putting in long hours and taking opportunities they feel will benefit the community. They keep their pricing competitive and their product lines and services relevant to the changing market.

“Our staff know our customers by name, and they have their freight waiting on the counter when they come in. I think people appreciate that. It feels warmer and more inviting. Some of our staff have been here for 10 or more years, and I’ve watched their kids grow up,” said Dave. As they approach retirement age, the Allans are working on a plan to make sure the business remains a viable part of the community. Even still, it doesn’t seem likely that retirement will slow this dynamic duo down. “If I was retired and didn’t have anything to do but golf in the summer, I think I’d be bored,” said Dave. Their focus on the future and ability to adapt are strong indicators their businesses will thrive well past 2020—and beyond.

“Every customer is different. Some want to talk to you, some want to send an email, and we even still get faxes. #Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

25 Fun, Friendly and Forward-Thinking Hospitality

MR MIKES & Peace Valley Inns, Peace River Issues 8 & 9 (Fall and Winter 2015) Words by Talena Winters | Photography by Tyrell Parenteau & Paul Lavoie

From saloon owner to restaurant franchisee to hotel and conference centre owner, Benjie Giesbrecht, 37, has been a dynamic part of the Peace River hospitality industry for over 12 years. Originally from High Level, Giesbrecht purchased Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar & Grill (previously the Moon Saloon) on the West Hill in 2007. In 2015, he partnered with his mother, Annie Giesbrecht, in a MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual franchise, converting the nightclub into a restaurant and keeping Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liquor Store in the same building. In 2019, the entrepreneur expanded again with the purchase of Peace Valley Inns (PVI) in downtown Peace River, this time in partnership with both Annie and her boyfriend, Allain Robichaud.

Benjie Giesbrecht, co-owner of MR MIKES Peace River, River's Liquor Store, Peace Valley Inns, Smitty's Peace River and The Pub // T Parenteau Photography 44

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TOP LEFT: Transition between River's Bar and Grill and MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual (construction Giesbrecht's was the general contractor for) // Photography by Paul Lavoie Images

“Purchasing PVI was really because of Allain. He enjoyed the property and thought it could be taken to the next level. We liked the idea and saw the potential, so we reached out to the previous owners to see if they were interested in selling. Now it’s a done deal,” said Giesbrecht. PVI encompasses Smitty’s Family Restaurant, a British-style pub (called The Pub), 90 hotel rooms and banquet and conference rooms. The business now provides catering in-andout of house, something Giesbrecht believes fulfills a need in the community. Since the partners took over the hotel in August 2019, Giesbrecht has been focusing on streamlining

policies and procedures and building a core team before some planned renovations this spring. “The property was getting tired and dated, and we want to fix that. There are good solid staff that stayed on at PVI, and we’ve retained a lot of our original staff at MR MIKES. It’s been a big help having those core people so we can take on other ventures,” said Giesbrecht. Giesbrecht says the number one quality he looks for when hiring is attitude. “I look for people who are fun. Having a culture of fun at work is one of the reasons we retain staff, and it translates to the guests. We treat our staff and

patrons like family,” said Giesbrecht. With his various businesses, Giesbrecht makes it a priority to be involved with community events and non-profits. MR MIKES has contributed to events benefitting the Alberta Pond Hockey Championships, the Peace River Boating Association, the Misery Mountain Ski Club, Peace River Pow Wow, local school programs like First Steps at Springfield School and more. “We try to be a part of any event that’s going on in Peace River. There is a big need for non-profit organizations in our community, and we take pride in helping where we can,” said Giesbrecht.

While Giesbrecht’s current focus is getting the new property in line with his business standards, he doesn’t plan to stop there. He hopes to open another MR MIKES location at some point, and it seems likely he will consider other opportunities as they present themselves. “I’ve been in business in Peace River for over 12 years. This is my home now,” said Giesbrecht. “We’re proud of the work we’ve put into launching Peace River’s MR MIKES location, and we’re grateful for the patronage we’ve received. We look forward to contributing more to the community and the region with Peace Valley Inns.”

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As companies mature, they adapt their business practices to changing markets and lessons learned by gaining experience in their industry. This is definitely true of Travis and Cassandra Vreeling, ages 37 and 27, of Hotchkiss, Alberta, who have owned Mossy Ridge Logworks, a log home and timber building company, since 2014. “When you interviewed us in 2015, we were primarily building log cabins and wood and timber structures,” said Travis. “Now, our portfolio has grown substantially. We take on lots of different types of projects such as large residential buildings, small cabins, gazebos and even small commercial jobs.”

Cassandra and Travis Vreeling, owners of Mossy Ridge Logworks

Carving a Niche in the Log Home Industry Mossy Ridge Logworks, Hotchkiss, County of Northern Lights Featured in Issue 8, Fall 2015 Words by Talena Winters | Photography submitted

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The Vreelings have worked all over Alberta, a testament to their dedication to quality and precision. They work with a range of woods, from largediameter cedar that comes from the BC coast and Douglas fir from the interior of BC to local woods like pine, to create custom log homes built to their customers’ exacting specifications. “We do a wide variety of projects. We can work with really large logs, whether it is for full-scribed flared cedar buildings or post and beam, all the way to high-end timber framing with kiln-dried Douglas fir timbers. We love challenges, and there are challenges in every type of building, but we also like doing simple projects like cabins too,” said Travis. When a client contacts Mossy Ridge to build their dream home, they often have a clear idea of what they want but need help with the specifics. The Vreelings have learned that the earlier they get involved in the design process, the smoother the building process will go.

“By the time they come to us, most people have waited to build for so long that it can feel like forever to go through those early planning stages. The design process can take longer than the actual build, but it’s so important. We like to be involved from the first steps. If they have a design, that’s great, but if they’re designing it, we like to be involved to avoid certain issues from the start,” said Travis. In creating their projects, the Vreelings team up with experienced engineers and designers who know the ins and outs of log and timber framing and are committed to helping clients achieve their goals. While the number of employees in the shop can fluctuate,

they hire local contractors whenever possible. As they have gained experience, they have continued to look for new ways to become more precise and efficient. “We have learned to adapt to every season. Our local market is changing, so we need to be able to adapt to what will be necessary, where we need to sell and what products we’ll need to sell. Our name is out there now, and people come to us because it they’ve heard of us or found us on the internet. We’re a healthier company,” said Travis. One way the Vreelings are adapting is by developing a system to build log homes using modular panels. In the past, they would build log homes in the shop,

then take them apart to transport them to the site and reconstruct them, a very common industry practice. The Vreelings want to improve efficiency and accuracy even more by completing log wall sections inside their shop and transporting them intact to reduce time on site. “We’ve built something similar before, but nothing quite like this, with the finishing details all done before it ships. It’s going to be a good thing for the client and save them money. We can build small or large buildings this way; it has a very flexible design capability. You can design really neat buildings using this method,” said Travis.

To others beginning a business, Travis stresses the importance of networking as a cornerstone of success. “We’ve gained so much knowledge and information by surrounding ourselves with successful people in the industry. I think that’s been key for us to get to where we are. If you can learn from other people’s mistakes before you have to deal with those situations, that’s a big win,” said Travis. With a dedication to innovation and quality, Mossy Ridge Logworks is prepared to continue building a legacy of beautiful structures for years to come.

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An innovative program at High Level Public School (HLPS) is in its eighth year of providing students the skills they need to be able to run a business, run events and take a product idea from conception to design to execution. What began as a way to utilize a donated laser engraver and a CNC router has become a fully operational engraving, hobby, gaming and comic shop called Bear Necessities (BN) and an annual comic convention known as Aurora-Con. “We want to give our students skills that will benefit a resume and help them in the working world. We also wanted to supply our community with products and services that were missing,” said Assistant Principal and program supervisor Chris Burris.

High Level Public School Assistant Principal Chris Burris with former student Conner Jacobsen

Designing a New Teaching Model Bear Necessities, High Level Featured in Issue 8, Fall 2015 Words by Talena Winters | Photography submitted

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Program veteran Austin Fordham, who received the annual $500 bursary awarded to a graduate of the program in 2019, has now enrolled in the Computer Science program at the University of Lethbridge. He credits his two years in BN as giving him skills that are helping him succeed in his current program. “It was helpful to get early experience working with different computer programs. In university it has been easier to learn the design program I’m working with now because I was familiar with the concepts,” said Fordham. Bear Necessities allows students to earn CTS credits while developing employable skills in their design workshop and storefront. In 2015, thanks to a major renovation at HLPS, Bear Necessities began a brick-andmortar storefront in a building separate from the school.

“You need a variety of people to run a business well. It takes a lot of different skill sets to push innovation,” said Burris.

celebrating graphic art and entertainment. Students even have booths to showcase their products and encourage entrepreneurship.

The project thrives on innovation. Students who work with the engravers are producing products for customers within two weeks and must develop a new product idea and take it to completion within the quadmester.

“Literacy is a major focus of the event. We have been able to connect with authors and artists from all over Western Canada. It’s so cool when people come to the Con and buy a book, then tag us on social media with a picture of their kid reading comics on the lawn,” said Burris.

“Every 10 weeks, it’s like getting an entirely new batch of employees. We run the shop course in either the morning or the afternoon, and workexperience students work in the storefront under the supervision of educational assistant Heather Jonson. Returning students who work after-school hours or on the weekends are hired as casual employees,” said Burris. The high turnover makes mastery of skills a challenge, but it is a predominant focus of the class. To that end, they retired the CNC router and added a second, larger engraver. They also acquired a 3D printer for the purpose of developing design skills. “When we focused on one technology, the mastery came faster and the waste became easier to manage,” said Burris. The storefront has given more students the opportunity to join the program and has also created a gathering place for the community. BN hosts weekly tournaments for games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon. They also carry a wide selection of literature by

Something they are working on is connecting with community organizations to provide support for the students in the program. “It takes time to develop partnerships and the skills needed to do something like this. We’re not experts, and none of us knew how to run a business. There is a lot of after-hours communication, but once we truly understood our purpose, it changed the game considerably,” said Burris.

Indigenous authors, which has been a major draw. “When we were interviewed [by Move Up] in 2015, our business was more like a boutique. Now, we have gaming tables and board games. People get to come in, geek out, talk about cool stuff and order laser engraving materials. It’s more of a community space,” said Burris. The success of their storefront led to yet another addition to the program—a hobby and comic convention.

“We wanted to give our kids access to authors, artists and publishers who could show them how ideas are developed into legitimate pieces. So, we thought up Aurora-Con,” said Burris. The May event, which launched five years ago, involves cosplay, free activities for kids and purchasing geeky merchandise from vendors such as Renegade Arts Entertainment. They also offer writing workshops at the schools. On Saturday, BN participates in Free Comic Book day, an event

To mitigate the challenges of constant turnover, Burris says they hope to start introducing junior high students to the program in their options classes to raise awareness of how it can benefit them. Burris, Jonson, and all those associated with BN, are committed to promoting innovation while providing a safe community space and top-quality products. “We want to put these kids in a position where they can be employed after school. We owe it to the kids to do this,” said Burris.

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Empowering Women Issue 5, Winter 2015 The Women in the North Conference is gearing up for another successful year, and it’s getting a bit of a makeover with a rebrand by local graphic designer Rylee Armstrong and a new website by Michelle Stam of Design Loft in Fairview. This year’s conference will feature keynote speaker Kristen Cumming of Cantos Performance Management. The “Let’s Talk” panel will feature local businesswomen including Trina Moyles, author of Women Who Dig; Leah Fox, owner of Brave Culture Fitness in Fairview and Doris Doyle, owner of Mousse Hair Salon in Fahler. The conference has other exciting goodies in store, so don’t miss your chance to get in on the action. April 29 & 30 womeninthenorth.com

Enter the Reaper Dome

New Partner at GMC

Innovation in Clear Hills

Issue 6, Spring 2015

Issue 9, Winter 2016

Issue 11, Summer 2016

When we last spoke to the Grim Reapers Roller Derby team, they were in their temporary home at the Grimshaw Curling Club where the track was slightly too small to be regulation size. They had demonstrated themselves as a tight-knit, supportive group—and that much hasn’t changed.

On January 8, Mighty Peace GMC and Mighty Peace Powersports owners Brett Smyl and Terry Smyl welcomed Peter Herritt to their operation as General Manager and Part-Owner of both entities.

In 2016, we spoke with Ironstone Resource CEO Barry Caplan about plans to mine ore in Clear Hills County to extract Vanadium—an element with a variety of remarkable uses including strengthening steel, storing solar and wind energy and extending the life of lithium batteries.

They have since moved into their permanent home— the Reaper Dome at 5213 50 St., Grimshaw, and have kept busy competing in games against a variety of local teams. They have also been busy supporting local causes and volunteering time to a variety of deserving events. They recently held a recruitment fair at the end of January. Anyone interesting in roller derby should check them out at the Reaper Dome on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

After proving himself at Peace River Ford for six years, Peter embraced the opportunity to advance his career. Originally from Sandyville, Newfoundland, Peter moved to Peace River in 1995. He has been involved with the Peace River Chamber of Commerce for many years and currently serves as their vice president. Herritt aims to use his previous experience to maintain the highest level of customer service the region has to offer.

Revamping Recreation with the Baytex Energ y Centre Since the Baytex Energy Centre broke ground in 2016, the Town of Peace River held a number of consultations to discover what the needs from the community are.

The Baytex Energy Centre officially opened to the public in October 2019. As the arena continues to be a pillar of the Peace Region for ice users, the same can now be offered to Canadian Natural

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Fieldhouse user groups. In addition to these amenities, the new arena also boasts an indoor running track, indoor playground, a fitness centre, concession and community rooms.

Ironstone has since become PRISM Diversified Ltd.— an acronym for Peace Region Innovative & Sustainable Manufacturing. In January 2018, PRISM acquired 1.88 million acres of permits to prospect for lithium in the Peace River Arch. PRISM now holds the largest amount of mineral tenure in Alberta. PRISM is entering its commercialization stage of development in 2020 with production operations anticipated for 2021.

Issue 9, Winter 2016

Usage continues to grow with daily drop-ins and scheduled programming. The Baytex Energy Centre currently averages about 40 fieldhouse and walking track users daily.

Physical Therapy Close to Home Berwyn Athletic & Physical Therapy Inc., Berwyn Featured in Issue 15, August 2017 Words by Tormaigh Van Slyke | T Parenteau Photography

Sylvia Ciurysek, owner of Berwyn Athletic and Physical Therapy Inc. (BAPT)

In late 2017, when we last interviewed Sylvia Ciurysek, 44, she was working as a sole-charge physical therapist at the Fairview Health Complex and simultaneously volunteering as a physical therapist with Skate Canada and the National Figure Skating Team— helping world-class figure skaters reach their potential. Now, Ciurysek is starting her own practice, Berwyn Athletic and Physical Therapy Inc. (BAPT), which is based much closer to her home in the MD of Peace. “I’ve continued to volunteer with Skate Canada and the National Figure Skating Team since 2017. It was a real blessing to work with the athletes in preparation for the 2018 Winter Olympics where they achieved outstanding success. I was also fortunate to travel to countries like Poland, Latvia, Germany, China and even Japan

for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in 2019,” said Ciurysek. When Alberta Health Services declined Ciurysek’s request for unpaid leave in 2019, she ultimately decided to start her own clinic in Berwyn so she could continue with Skate Canada and the National Figure Skating Team and offer a new, much-needed service to the area. With a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree and with 20 years of widereaching experience in both physical and athletic therapy under her belt, Ciurysek is excited to offer a wide array of services with BAPT including physical therapy, athletic therapy, exercise therapy/ kinesiology, concussion management, acupuncture, manual therapy, client education/physical literacy and therapeutic modalities. “There is a lack of access to both physical and athletic

therapy in the northern region. Many people in Manning, Dixonville, Grimshaw, Berwyn, Brownvale, Whitelaw, Fairview and McLennan travel to Peace River or Grande Prairie for therapy services. Local hospital physiotherapy waitlists are long, and clients are prioritized based on the severity of their condition. Our clinic is first come, first serve, so we can provide earlier access to therapy services while also decreasing the commute for many clients,” said Ciurysek. Ciurysek notes that northern Alberta remains one of the only regions where clients can go to the hospital’s outpatient physiotherapy department and receive treatment under general healthcare without personal cost. “It’s much like going to a dentist or an optometrist but for physiotherapy or athletic therapy. The big difference is you can schedule an appointment right away; you’re not put on a long waiting list. You

receive care sooner, and if you have coverage, you can submit the paperwork for reimbursement,” said Ciurysek. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, early physical therapy can take the place of short-term opioid use for clients with certain types of pain. It’s believed this could play a role in reducing the risk of long-term opioid use, something Ciurysek is passionate about. BAPT also offers additional education opportunities providing lectures to schools, sports teams and organizations on concussion awareness and management as well as the benefits of physical literacy or “learning to move.” “I’m very excited to be able to walk or bike to work again!” said Ciurysek. Ciurysek welcomes anyone interested in receiving physical or athletic therapy to call 780-338-2742 to make an appointment. BAPT is located at #1, 5005-51 Street, Berwyn.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

Twinning of PR Bridge

Freeland visits the Peace

Issue 14, May 2017

Issue 18, May 2018

The first time we featured the Bridge Twinning Project was in the news section in mid-2017, and construction had not yet begun.

Born in Peace River, Chrystia Freeland, a Harvard and Oxford graduate and esteemed journalist, was Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs when she was last featured as an honourable mention in our “Celebrity Spotlights” feature.

In February 2018, AECOM, Alberta Transportation and Flatiron-AECOM Joint Venture (FAJV) held an information session, which detailed the traffic impacts, a construction update and the closures and detours pertaining to 98 St. and Hwy 684. In the summer and fall of 2018, construction work was done on the main Peace River Bridge, the Hwy 684 interchange, the CN Overpass, the secant wall to the RCMP office and the Hwy 2 east and west major earthworks. The project is still scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2020.

In the 2019 Federal election, Freeland was reelected as the MP for the University-Rosedale riding, and appointed the Deputy Prime Minister—only the tenth person to hold such designation. Freeland is also the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Freeland recently returned to Peace River where she met with Mayor Tom Tarpey to discuss issues important to the Town and region including economic diversification, GST on inter-municipal agreements and the sustainability of the Peace River Regional Airport.

Acting Upwards

Busy by Design

Issue 18, May 2018

From Grimshaw, Sheldon Elter is a masterful actor, musician, writer, producer and comedian. His TV credits include Caution: May Contain Nuts, Delmer & Marta and Hank William’s First Nation— Elter was also a contestant on the 4th season of Canadian Idol.

Jillian Harris, originally from Peace River, is a renowned interior designer, blogger, influencer and reality TV star.

Elter also wrote, produced and acted in his autobiographical one-man play, Métis Mutt, which won two Sterling Awards, one for Best Actor in a Fringe Show and one for Best New Fringe Work.

She also runs a successful lifestyle blog, jillianharris.com.

Elter has certainly kept busy since we’ve last spoke with him acting around Canada in productions of Stories from the Red Dirt Road, Métis Mutt (in PEI), The Comedy Company, Bears and The Skin of our Teeth. Coming up, Elter will be performing in The Ministry of Grace in Victoria, BC and After the Fire in Edmonton.

Northern Sunrise County Shelterbelt Program Taking Orders When we first featured NSC’s Shelterbelt program in 2018, it was being reoffered after being cancelled in 2013. The program provides tree seedlings to farmers and rural landowners for field shelterbelts, farmyards, livestock facilities, riparian 52

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

Harris co-hosts Love It or List It Vancouver and was featured on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette in 2009.

Since we last caught up with Jillian, she has partnered with Saje Natural Wellness to design a limited-edition oil diffuser, she released a “plantforward” cookbook with her cousin Tori Wesszer called Fraiche Food, Full Hearts, she’s launched a curated a subscription box featuring products designed by Jillian and her favourite brands dubbed the Jilly Box, and she gave birth to her second child, daughter Annie.

Issue 18, May-August 2018

areas, wildlife plantings and conservation areas. In 2018, 40 residents ordered over 8,000 seedlings, which was the largest seedling order in the county’s history. In 2019, the program’s demand doubled with 80 residents ordering over 16,000

seedlings. Bundles of seedlings start at $5 with 10-15 seedlings per bundle. Orders will be accepted until March 15, 2020 Visit the following URL for more information:

northernsunrise.net/shelterbelt2020

25 Eat Local, Drink Local, Think Big Heilan Beer House, Fairview Featured in Issue 19, Fall 2018 Words by Talena Winters | Photography by Jenna Armstrong

Cameron Smith, 38, and his business partner, Trevor Kerschbaumer, 38, had a dream—create a local brewery and steakhouse that offers rotating taps of craft beer brewed in-house, fresh produce raised in their own greenhouse and grass-fed beef raised on a pasture a few hundred yards outside the door. When we spoke to Smith in the fall of 2018, that vision was well on its way to becoming a reality. On June 21, 2019, the new Fairview business Heilan Beerhouse opened its doors. “Craft beer is new to the community and we pride ourselves on being the first to offer it. We also offer a unique dining experience for this area. We allow minors and promote a relaxing and welcoming environment. Board games can be found throughout the dining area, and the upstairs bar and banquet room can be used for private functions,” said Smith.

Mary Evans of Heilan Beer House #Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

TOP LEFT: Heilan Cows BOTTOM RIGHT: Mary Evans and Iris Kwasniewski of Heilan Beer House

The company has stayed true to its vision of offering primarily locally produced food and beer options, and they continually work to improve.

door. To meet that demand, they are in the process of creating a core menu that includes some staple entrees in addition to seasonal addons.

“We try to maintain a balance of familiarity and new, exciting options. Some of our beers are in here for the long haul and some are one-offs. Our food offerings rotate with the seasons— you can expect something new every three months,” said Smith.

“After being open for a few months now, we’ve seen what the community expects. Being a new business is an ever-evolving experience. As we learn and grow, the customer experience will evolve with us,” said Smith.

They started off with woodfired pizza, burgers from local beef and other pubtype items, but they soon learned customers expected more traditional steakhouse fare when they walk in the 54

In 2020, Heilan Beerhouse intends to broaden its horizons in the Peace Region and beyond. “We plan to attend two craft beer festivals in Edmonton, one in Grande Prairie and hopefully host

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

one of our own on our oneyear anniversary in June. We want to expose a wider audience to our beer, and we have a canned product coming soon to help with that. Eventually, we want to establish a couple of satellite locations in the Peace Region,” said Smith. Since Smith’s role is head brewer, Kerschbaumer’s direction on the restaurant side has been invaluable. Smith recommends having that balance of knowledge in place to anyone wanting to start a similar venture. “As a brewer, my thinking and goals are more focused toward the brewery side and don’t always align with what is best for the

restaurant. You need to have a good understanding of the restaurant industry or have a partner who does for this business model to work,” said Smith. As Smith says, their young business is a work in progress as they find their place in the community, but their progress is marked with optimism for where they are going and their future potential. “Be patient on a new venture. There will be hurdles, but if you stick with it, everything will come together,” said Smith.

River Pulp Ltd. was named one of Alberta’s Top Employers by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers—in part for offering academic scholarships, $2,000 per child, to the children of their employees who were interested in secondary education.

Moving the Legacy Forward Issue 20, November 2018

On October 4, 2018, it was announced that the Daishowa Marubeni International (DMI) pulp mill, and other assets, would be sold to Mercer International, and the name change was made official on January 14, 2019. Employing hundreds and earning a reputation for sustainability, empowering its people and giving back to the community, DMI had become a fixture in the Peace Region since the mill’s construction began in 1988. Mercer Peace River has honoured this legacy and moved it forward. In February of 2019, Mercer Peace

Brewing Success When we interviewed husband and wife Tyrell Kehler and Medrey Bond last, they had just opened Peace River Brewing in March of 2018. Since then, they have rolled out

Issue 21, February 2019

On May 29, Mercer held a tour of their land northwest of Dixonville set aside for the Ecosystem Management Emulating Natural Disturbance (EMEND) Project, the largest forest management experiment in the world.

Now in its 27th year, the North Peace Performing Arts Festival is back from March 1-14. The festival will take place at the St. James Anglican Cathedral, Glenmary School and Manning Elementary School with the Grand Concert taking place at the Athabasca Hall on March 14 at 7pm.

On November 4, Mercer’s 2019 shutdown officially commenced. In December, Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd. reported they were very proud to sponsor of the Science in Motion Program (SIM), an outreach program from the TELUS World of Science in Edmonton where coordinators travel the province bringing a suite of science activities to Alberta schools.

The festival showcases local talent in speech, voice, piano and other instruments with group performances in band and choir adjudicated by experts. Participants can win cash rewards with the best performances showcased at the Grand Concert, which caps off the event.

In the final quarter of 2019, Mercer International reported “NBSK [Northern bleached softwood kraft] sales volumes increased by approximately 41 percent…due to the inclusion of Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd. and strong sales volumes to China.”

The festival, which relies on a large number of volunteers, can be a catalyst for students to advance to provincial and national competitions.

Truck Fills Now Open

Issue 19, August 2018

various food options, live entertainment events and merchandise including glassware and toques. Last year they began offering a fun summer patio for patrons to enjoy.

Performing Arts Festival Coming up in March

In addition to selling growlers of draught beer, they now have five canned varieties to choose from that are brewed onsite. Or, you can relax in the lounge and enjoy a flight.

In July 2018, the County of Northern Lights (CNL) and the Town of Peace River hosted a sod turning to mark the beginning of the $31-million, 61-km South Regional Waterline Project.

Issue 19, August 2018

In November 2019, CNL was excited to announce the Warrensville and Weberville TruckFill Stations were open. Residents in these areas wishing to access potable water can apply

for a truck-fill account. The cost of water is $4.40 per cubic meter, up to 20 cubic meters. Usage over 20 cubic meters will be charged at $7.46 per cubic meter.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY - MAY 20 2 0 M OV E U P

THERE IS NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT

OUR MISSION The Mile Zero Regional Multiplex is a multi-purpose facility offering a wide variety of physical activity and wellness opportunities designed to promote active living including walking, running, cardiovascular & weight training, hockey, figure skating, basketball, badminton, volleyball, tennis, dance and much more.

TO BOOK A RENTAL IN OUR FACILITY CALL

780-332-4005 EXT. 0

www.grimshaw.ca | The Mile Zero Regional Multiplex is located at 4609 50 St. in Grimshaw, AB. 56

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y - M AY 2020 | www.moveupmag.com

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

N W T

YELLOWKNIFE 632 HAY RIVER 381 HIGH LEVEL 180 MANNING 52 GRIMSHAW

MILE ZERO MACKENZIE HIGHWAY

UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL

ONGOING

SNOW ANGELS PROGRAM Town of Grimshaw

Snow Angels is an awareness and recognition program that encourages residents in Grimshaw to help a neighbour in need by shovelling their snow. To become a Snow Angel, all you need to do is shovel for a person in need— particularly seniors and people with disabilities. If you have been helped by a Snow Angel, nominate them by calling 780-332-4005 ext. 4. Your Snow Angel will receive public recognition and pizza from Norm’s Pizzazz.

STEPPING STONES TRIPLE P GROUP January to March (Dates TBA) E.E. Oliver School in Fairview

Registration required.

780-624-0770

TRIPLE P ONE ON ONE (PRIMARY, TEEN OR STEPPING STONES)

By appointment in Peace River, Manning or Fairview Peace Parent Link provides year round, research-based parenting support for caregivers of children aged 2 to 16 for typically developing children as well as those with developmental delays. Call 780-624-0770 to set up an intake with an accredited Triple P Practitioner to learn more and determine which program is the best fit for you. One on one programs typically include four one-hour sessions.

($360) or large ($595) CSA, then you will be contacted in June to make pick-up arrangements. Prevention based service providers Delivery can be arranged in North Star, Deadwood, Dixonville are invited to apply for FCSS and Grimshaw with centralized funding to provide workshops, programs and initiatives that help pick up points in Manning and Peace River. You will receive 12 build resiliency, self sufficiency weeks of fresh vegetables. The or promote/support volunteers program usually wraps up by midin Peace River. Applications will September. be available in January 2020 at peaceriver.ca or by emailing NORTHERNLIGHTSPRODUCE.COM lstavne@peaceriver.ca after January 20, 2020.

PEACE RIVER FAMILY AND COMMUNIT Y SERVICES SUPPORT

⛄

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH WHIST PROGRAM 2nd and 4th Sunday Town of Grimshaw of the month at 7pm The Town of Grimshaw Community Services Department would like to Golden Age Drop In Centre, Fairview ask all interested residents and/ or organizations to recognize a worthy recipient for Grimshaw’s Volunteer of the Month program. Nomination forms are available at the Town Office. For more information call 780-332-4005 ext. 04 or email fcss@grimshaw.ca

OUTDOOR RINKS & SKATE PATHS

Air Walking Track

Indoor shoes required by all users. Sponsored by the Town of Grimshaw.

780-332-4005 EXT. 1

Cut off June 12

Join this Community shared agriculture program and support small fruit and vegetable farmers. Order a small ($200), medium

FREE SKATE Every Sunday from 6:15pm to 7:45pm Fairplex Arena, Fairview ADULT FLOOR HOCKEY (18+) Sundays from 7pm to 9pm Old Kennedy Elementary School $6 (cash or e-transfer).

CHRIS Q AT 647-223-0144 ADULT ART NIGHT First Monday of the Month Manning Municipal Library

FB.COM/MANNINGMUNICIPALLIBRARY

ADULT BOOK CLUB 2nd Monday of the Month at 7:30pm (Oct. to May) Fairview Public Library INDOOR WALKING PROGRAM Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 10am St. Isidore Cultural Centre Enjoy a free hour of walking and socializing. Get active. Dress for comfort. Bring indoor shoes, a water bottle and a friend.

D.A. THOMAS SWIM From February 3 to April 26 Peace Regional Pool

NORTHERN LIGHTS FRUIT AND VEGGIE CO. CSA PROGRAM

Ages 16+. Registration is usually required. Details change from FREE WALKING PROGRAM month to month. Check the library Sundays from 10am to 8pm Facebook page for updates and (Until April 12) details. Event details may change Mile Zero Regional Multiplex ~ Northern due to scheduling conflicts.

FREE TO USE Skate Paths: Behind the Town of High Level Office (10511 103 St.) Outdoor Rink: High Level Sports Complex (10101 105 Ave.)

Swim a portion of the D. A. Thomas Historical Route from the comfort of the Peace Regional Pool. It is free! For more information call 780-624-3720.

ADULT SHINNY Sundays from 5:15pm to 6pm High Level Sports Complex

PUBLIC SKATE Sundays from 4pm to 5pm Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 4:45pm Fridays from 3:30pm to 5pm High Level Sports Complex

780-624-8071

INDOOR WALKING PROGRAM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 3pm Fairplex Arena

Infants (0-2): free, Children (3-7): $1.50, Youth (8-17): $2.50, Adults Bring a friend and smash your (18-54): $4.50, Seniors (55+): $2.50 daily step goals. and Families (up to 5 members with an adult): $9.00.

FREE WALKING PROGRAM FOR SENIORS Mondays & Thursdays from 10:30am to 11:30am Northern Air Walking Track, Mile Zero Regional Multiplex Program operates until April 23. Sponsored by the Town of Grimshaw.

780-332-4005 EXT. 1 WHEELS TO MEALS PROGRAM Mondays (excl. holidays) from 11am to 1pm Harmon Valley Hall

SENIORS COFFEE MORNING Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm (until June 2020) Café du Coin, St. Isidore

SACRED MORNING YOGA Wednesdays at 6:50am Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio 12-week sessions (starting on (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) January 6). Next sessions begin on 780-926-5030 April 6. For ages 3-6. Join us for crafts, snacks, stories and games. Registration is required. $10.

gathering and fellowship. Hot meal: $6, Take Home Meal: $6, Delivered Meal: $8, Community Van: $5. To arrange a ride in the community van or for more information, please call 780-6253287.

Ages 3-5 years.

EVENING GLOW YOGA Mondays at 7:00pm Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) 780-926-5030

780-624-8071.

DROP IN ADULT PICKLEBALL Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm (until March 6) Mile Zero Regional Multiplex (Field House Court #1)

YOUTH SHINNY Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 4:45pm Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5pm High Level Sports Complex

SENIORS LUNCH PROGRAM Tuesdays from 12pm to 1pm Café du Coin, St. Isidore

$12 per senior’s meal, $8 per take home meal, $15 per adult meal.

SHUFFLEBOARD Tuesdays at 1pm Fairview Seniors Drop In Centre

$4.25

$5. Schedule subject to change due to ice rentals. All skaters are required to wear a CSA approved helmet and full face mask. Must be 16+. Full hockey equipment is recommended.

780-332-4005 EXT. 0

JACK AND JILL Tuesdays from 10am to 11:30am High Level Sports Complex Free. For ages 0-6.

RHYME TIME ON MOMMA’S LAP Wednesdays at 11am (Sept. to May) Fairview Public Library For ages 6 months to 2 years.

LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY Wednesdays from 11:30am to 1:30pm Peace River Municipal Library

Want to lunch with your friends without the giant bill? Pack your lunch and meet at the library. Enjoy your meal surrounded by travelling art exhibits or by the relaxing fireplace. Microwave and complimentary coffee provided.

KID’S PICKS Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45pm to 5:30pm Manning Municipal Library (Program Room)

Kids ages 6-12 can join us for crafts, snacks, stories and games. Registration is required as spaces are limited. Please call 780-8363054 to register.

MID-DAY WARRIOR YOGA Thursdays at 12:10pm Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) 780-926-5030 SHUFFLEBOARD AND CARDS Thursdays at 1pm Fairview Seniors Drop In Centre CLUB MEEPLES Thursdays from 3:45pm to 5pm Peace River Municipal Library

Board games! Card games! New to try and old favourites. For ages 7 to 12. Registration required monthly.

ADULT GYM NIGHT Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm Spirit of the North Community School

Follow the Town of High Level on Facebook for more information.

BRIDGE Wednesdays at 1pm Fairview Seniors Drop In Centre CARDS Wednesdays from 1pm to 4pm Worsley Pioneer Club Hall

New members welcome. Come enjoy an afternoon of visiting.

TINKER TEAM Wednesdays from 3:45pm to 5pm Peace River Municipal Library

780-332-4005 EXT. 0

DROP IN ADULT SHINNY HOCKEY Monday Evenings from 9:15pm to 10:45pm Mile Zero Regional Multiplex

Music to follow.

BOOKWORM BUDDIES Tuesdays from 10:30am to 11:30am Manning Municipal Library

TIME FOR TOTS Tuesdays at 11am (Sept. to May) Join us for a hot meal, information Fairview Public Library

Looks like tennis, sounds like ping pong and favours the same lighton-your-toes action of badminton. $5 or $3 for seniors.

POTLUCK SUPPERS 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm Golden Age Drop In Centre, Fairview

For ages 7-12. Explore, discover, create and play with a variety of hands-on activities and challenges. Every month will feature a new project/theme to build and play with. Registration required. Sign up monthly.

FOUNDATIONS OF YOGA Wednesdays at 5:30pm Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) 780-926-5030

SACRED WARRIOR YIN YOGA MAKERSPACE DAY 2nd Thursday of the month (Sept. to Apr.) Tuesdays at 7:00pm Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813A 100 Fairview Public Library Ave., High Level) 780-926-5030

SACRED EVENINGS YOGA Thursdays at 7:00pm Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) 780-926-5030 TEEN NIGHT First Friday of the Month from 6pm to 8pm Town of High Level

Free event. For ages 10 to 17. Follow the Town of High Level on Facebook for more information.

MORNING WARRIOR YOGA Fridays at 6:50am Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) 780-926-5030

UPCOMING EVENTS CONTINUED... FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL

MUSIC AND MORE IN FAIRVIEW Fridays from 10am to 11:30am Fairview Parent Link (E.E. Oliver School)

TOONIE TRACK TIME Saturdays (year-round) Mile Zero Regional Multiplex

Toonie Track Time allows patrons to access the Northern Air Introducing children to music as part of their PLAY while interacting Walking Track for $2! 780-332-4005 EXT. 0 with their caregivers and promoting the five developmental CHESS CLUB domains of early childhood development and Parent Link’s five Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm core services. Fairview Public Library

PEACERIVER.CA/PARENTLINK

YOGA ROULETTE STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY Saturdays at 10:00am Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio Fridays from 10:30am to 11:30am (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) Peace River Municipal Library Bringing stories to life with 780-926-5030 sensory play, crafts and activities related to the story. All ages welcome to join. This program is designed for ages 0 to 4.

FAIRVIEW DROP IN PLAY Fridays from 1pm to 4pm Fairview Parent Link (E.E. Oliver School)

Come let your children play in an early childhood development room while you interact with the Parent Link staff, other caregivers or come just to observe your child at play. The room is set up with parent tips, ideas and support resources.

TRACEY 780-618-7829 HAPPY HOUR Fridays at 5:45pm Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) 780-926-5030

SACRED NIDRA YOGA Sundays at 7:00pm Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813A 100 Ave., High Level) 780-926-5030

Together we will create a Gemstone Imbolc Crystal Bracelet with stones that symbolize Imbolc and a 500ml Dead Sea Bath Salt with essential oils that symbolize Imbolc. Afterward we will bless and activate our bracelets and salts. Tickets are $30 (a $45 value).

‘70S/’80S DISCO PART Y February 1 at 8pm Royal Canadian Legion #54 Fairview

$10 at the door. Costume prizes and door prizes.

CHAKRA WORKSHOP February 1 at 10am Sacred Warrior Yoga Studio (9813 100 Ave., High Level)

Sacred Warrior is teaming up with Julie Melville to use the flow of yoga postures to help align energy centres to keep them healthy and vibrant.

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY February 1 from 11am to 4pm Grimshaw Municipal Library

GAMES AFTERNOON February 1 from 1pm to 4pm Berwyn Elk’s Hall Free family event.

FREE PUBLIC SWIM February 1 from 3pm to 5:30pm Fairview Aquatic Centre

Sponsored by the Dunvegan Motor Inn & Suites

INTRO INTO THE CHAKRA SYSTEM February 3 from 7pm to 9pm Elements: The Compass of Health

Spend an evening with Michelle Dacyk as she introduces us to the Chakra system. $40 (incl. GST). Please RSVP by calling 1-877-2267843

BASIC BEADING WORKSHOP (NATIVE BEADING EMBROIDERY ) February 3 from 7pm to 9pm Sagitawa Friendship Centre

Limited spots available. Registration and payment due before each workshop. $25 for Sagitawa members or $30 for nonmembers. For ages 14+.

NORTH PEACE NAVIGATORS HOME GAME February 5 from 8pm to 10:30pm Baytex Energy Centre

FEBRUARY

Drop in throughout the day for activities, prizes and more!

LEGO AND DUPLO CLUB Every second Saturday Fairview Public Library

IMBOLC CELEBRATION: GEMSTONE BRACELET AND BATH SALT CLASS February 1 from 7pm to 10pm Emerald Healing Lounge

Navs vs. Grande Prairie JDA Kings. $10.

KARAOKE February 1 at 10pm Sharks Billiards & Sports Lounge, Peace River

FAST FEET February 6 from 10:30am to 11:30am Baytex Energy Centre Field House

FREE FAMILY SKATING February 2 from 2pm to 3:30pm Mile Zero Regional Multiplex

Come ready to get moving. Join us in the Field House for a fun physical activity program with running, throwing, catching, kicking, movement games and more.

780-332-4005 EXT. 0

Rosary School, Manning

Sponsored by Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (Fairview). Helmets HARRY POTTER are mandatory for all youth under TRI-WIZARD TOURNAMENT February 6 from 4pm to 6pm 18 years of age.

4TH ANNUAL SUPER BOWL BASH February 2 at 4pm Christian Life Assembly Church, Peace River

A free community event. Big screen, catered food, kids’ activities and door prizes.

780-624-2430

There will be wizard games, wand making and more! Registration is required, and the event is free for all ages. Details coming soon.

NORTH PEACE NAVIGATORS HOME GAME February 7 from 8pm to 10:30pm Baytex Energy Centre Navs vs. Sexsmith Vipers. $10.

NORTHWAY BULL SALE February 7 Hawker Pavilion Arena, Fairview

FAIRVIEW FLYERS VS. DAWSON CREEK February 7 at 8pm Fairplex Arena

MICROGREENS AND SPROUTS WORKSHOP February 8 at 2pm Sunscape Gardens (110548 HWY 35, High Level)

CHALK COUTURE WITH PENNI TREMBLAY February 10 at 7pm Famers Restaurant, Nampa

Don’t miss out on our next MISS MANNING LADIES Join us for an informative, hands- NSC business women social networking event. $20. For more on workshop that teaches you BONSPIEL information, please contact Lynn how to grow your own fresh green February 7 & 8 crops at home! Seed your own at 780-625-3288. Manning Curling Club microgreens and take them home Enter your team to be a part of the MANNING NO GUILT BOOK “Miss Manning” Competition. The after class. $20. Please call 780821-0651 to register. Manning Curling Club presents CLUB the 2020 Ladies Bonspiel. Entry February 11 at 7pm TRIBUTE TO WILLIE NELSON Manning Municipal Library fee: $240 per team (4 curlers). Calcutta: $20 per team. Please WITH GEORGE BROTHERS & Check out our Facebook page for contact Sayler Schmidt at 780PRIME RIB DINNER book themes and dates/times 836-0262 to enter your team! February 8 FB.COM/MLNOGUILTBOOKCLUB The first 16 teams to register Tapas Room Restaurant, Peace River guarantee a spot. Dinner from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. PEACE COUNTRY BEEF Show from 7:30pm to 9:15pm. $35 CATTLE DAY PEACE RIVER FARMERS’ for dinner and show or $20 for the February 12 from 9:30am to 4pm MARKET show. February 8 from 10am to 2pm Grimshaw Legion BPCENTRE.CA | 780-624-8318 Hosted by the Peace Country West Hill Industrial Plaza Beef and Forage Association. (8002 102 Ave.) KARAOKE Presentations start at 10am on PEACERIVERAGSOCIET Y.COM February 8 at 10pm a variety of topics. Cost is $30/ Sharks Billiards & Sports Lounge, Peace member or $50/member unit or FINGER WEAVING WITH River $40/non-member or $70/nonLORRI WHITE member unit. Price includes lunch. February 8 from 10am to 2pm NATIONAL LIFEGUARD 780-836-3354 Fairview Fine Arts Centre PEACECOUNTRYBEEF.CA COURSE Learn the ancient craft of finger February 10-14 from 9am to 5pm weaving. $40 for members. $50 for INTERGENERATIONAL non-members. Please pre-register. RE Walter Memorial Centre, High Level $240. For more information, please PROGRAM February 12 from 11:30am to 12:30pm ADULT ART NIGHT: WIRE call 780-926-3662.

WRAPPED JEWELRY February 8 ~ 1pm to 2pm and 2pm to 3pm (two sessions) Manning Library

With guest artist Siobhan Kennedy. $20 per person. Ages 16+. Spaces are limited. Registration required.

780-836-3054

RHY THMIC MOVEMENT WORKSHOP February 8 from 1pm to 4pm Dixonville Golden Age Inn

Location TBA

HEALTHY HEART PRESENTATION February 10 from 10am to 11am Baytex Energy Centre Indoor Track

Join AHS Heath Promoter for resources and strategies for maintaining health and lifestyle goals with an interactive presentation followed by a walk on the indoor track and tips to spice it up. $2 drop-in fee applies.

running, throwing, catching, kicking, movement games and more.

ST. ISIDORE CARNAVAL February 14, 15 & 16 St. Isidore Cultural Centre

Theme: Invasion des Émojis. Featuring live music, local talent, hay rides, bonfire, workshop and show for kids on Saturday, outdoor games, facepainting, toboggans, maze, treasure hunt, competitions, French Canadian food, beer garden and so much more.

PUBLIC SKATING February 14 from 1pm to 2:30pm Mile Zero Regional Multiplex $2

NO SCHOOL DAYS MZRM FIELD HOUSE YOUTH TIME February 14 from 1pm to 4pm Mile Zero Regional Multiplex $2. 780-332-4005 EXT. 0

The Intergenerational Program provides an opportunity to connect youth with seniors where everyone comes together to share, learn and engage with each other. If you are a senior with free time and would like to take part in our program, call Misty at Grimshaw FCSS: 780-332-4005 ext. 4.

SHINNY HOCKEY February 14 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm Mile Zero Regional Multiplex

CARD MAKING STATION February 12 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm Grimshaw Municipal Library

$22 for adults, $18 for seniors and $13 for kids under 10. See the full menu at fb.com/ sawridgeinnpeaceriver

VALENTINE’S DAY BUFFET February 14 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm Alexander’s Restaurant, Sawridge Inn, Peace River

All materials provided. Just bring your patience, creativity and friendly thoughts. Free and open to FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT February 14 at 6:30pm all ages.

Beat the winter blues with this holistic wellness workshop focused on rhythmic movement facilitated by Meghan Thom, MA DMP, RPC-C. Cost is $20.

Grimshaw Municipal Library

FB.COM/NLSHW.SPIRITUALHEALTH

FREE SWIM February 10 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Peace Regional Pool Sponsored by Baytex Energy

FAST FEET February 13 from 10:30am to 11:30am Baytex Energy Centre Field House Come ready to get moving. Join us in the Field House for a fun physical activity program with

Movie: The Addams Family. Free popcorn and bottled water. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

UPCOMING EVENTS CONTINUED... FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL

GRIMSHAW FAMILY DAY EVENT February 15 Mile Zero Regional Multiplex

Magician, turkey bingo, free skate and family dance at the legion to follow. 780-332-4005 EXT. 4

GUIDED IMAGERY WORKSHOP: MANAGING ANXIET Y February 15 from 6pm to 8pm Dixonville Golden Age Inn

This workshop will assist participants in moderating the effect of social anxiety and trauma related anxiety. Participants should bring a journal. If you do not have one, one will be provided for you with guidance about using it in your sacred journey of healing and growth. Cost is $50 (cash, cheque or etransfer). FB.COM/NLSHW.SPIRITUALHEALTH

under 18 years of age. For more information call 780-332-4005 ext. 0

WET FELTING WORKSHOP February 17 from 11am to 3pm Peace River NAR Station

A weekend filled with outdoor winter activities live ice carving, snow carving, shinny hockey, snow Celebrate Family Day at the Peace maze and more events for the whole family! Free event. River NAR Station with our local artist and instructor Rhonda JCLARKE@HIGHLEVEL.CA Warren. Please bring a lunch. $50 for Peace of Art Members or $65 for non-members.

FAMILY DAY AT THE BAY TEX February 17 from 11am to 4pm Baytex Energy Centre

Looking for something to do on Family Day? Look no further! We will have extended public skating, open fieldhouse for play and the indoor playground available for use. Come enjoy all the Baytex has to offer!

FAMILY DAY FREE SWIM February 17 Fairview Aquatic Centre

Family/Lane swim from noon-3pm Public Swim from 3pm to 5:30pm Free Family Day cake for swimmers!

FAIRVIEW FLYERS VS. GRANDE PRAIRIE February 15 at 8pm Fairplex Arena WATT MOUNTAIN WANDERERS POKER RALLY February 16 High Level, AB

5TH ANNUAL HIGH LEVEL FROSTIVAL February 21 & 22 Jubilee Park

BERWYN’S ANNUAL FAMILY DAY EVENT February 17 from 1pm to 4pm Village of Berwyn

Crafts, games, cookie decorating, movie and more.

GENERATION XYZ LIFE CASTING FOR FAMILY DAY February 17 from 1pm to 4pm Fairview Fine Arts Centre

FARMERS & FRIENDS BONSPIEL February 21 & 22 Grimshaw Curling Club

$160 per team. Supper on Saturday evening. Everyone welcome. To enter, please email the club at grimshawcurlingclub@ hotmail.com or call Penny at 780625-2444.

HIGH LEVEL RUNNING CLUB HOT BUNS RUN February 22 Spirit of the North Community School

Food and drinks available for purchase.

GUT HEALTH SEMINAR February 22 at 6pm Peace River Pilates Studio

Please contact Balanced Spoon Nutrition on Facebook to register. Time and location may be subject to change. Cost: donations will benefit a local charity.

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD RECERTIFICATION February 23 from 9am to 4pm Peace Regional Pool

$92 (GST included). Must have a valid (non-expired) NL certificate on the day of recertification.

LIFESAVING INSTRUCTOR (LSI) COURSE February 24 to 27 Peace Regional Pool $260 (GST Included)

SOIL HEALTH MINI CONFERENCE February 24 from 9:30am to 4pm A 4km walk or run followed by hot Dunvegan Inn & Suites, Fairview chocolate and cinnamon buns.

TABLETOP ZEN GARDEN WORKSHOP February 22 at 2pm Sunscape Gardens (110548 HWY 35, High Level)

Build your own calming tabletop Zen garden for your home or office. All supplies included. $65.

11am start. Prizes awarded at 4:30pm. Follow Watt Mountain Wanderers Snowmobile Club on Facebook for more information.

Make a perfect replica of your family’s hands or just one hand. 780-821-0651 All materials supplied. $20 for members or $25 for non-members. PEACE COUNTRY BEEF AND Please pre-register. FORAGE ASSOCIATION AGM

FREE FAMILY SKATING February 16 from 2pm to 3:30pm Mile Zero Regional Multiplex

COMMUNIT Y KITCHEN February 20 Hines Creek Seniors Centre

Sponsored by Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (Fairview). Helmets are mandatory for all youth

JENNIE OGILVIE THE COMEDIAN MEDIUM February 22 at 6pm Belle Petroleum Centre

February 22 with 3:30pm registration Dunvegan Inn & Suites, Fairview PEACECOUNTRYBEEF.CA

Join us for a day full of soil biology, soil amendments, microbes and more! We are very excited to be welcoming Dr. Yamily Zavala from the CARA Soil Health Lab and Dr. Mir M. Seyedbagheri of the University of Idaho. Tickets at peacecountrybeef.ca. Cost: $80/ member or $100/non-member. Lunch included.

PEACECOUNTRYBEEF.CA MONDAY MORNING MUFFINS AND MORE February 24 at 10:30am Grimshaw Library

This program is open for everyone. Join us for a different presentation or speaker each month with plenty of discussions and muffins too!