T8N Volume 10 Issue 5

DECEMBER 2023 I t8nmagazine.com

DONATION DOLDRUMS WHY CHARITIES ARE FEELING THE PINCH

DIP INTO THESE!

5 UNIQUE FONDUE RECIPES

MUSIC MAN AWARD WINNER MICHAEL MASSEY

HOMEGROWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS GIFTWORTHY ITEMS MADE LOCALLY

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T8N December 2023

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r e t n i W e r o Expl mount ! e l a V in Welcome to Valemount

4

Surrounded by majestic mountains this vibrant village welcomes you to experience all our seasons!

Valemount is situated in a mountain corridor leading to seemingly unlimited outdoor recreation and local cultural experiences. Explore the diverse trail networks, discover natural gems, and quiet serene locations where you can relax and enjoy scenic views. Those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting, sledding and downhill biking will find many reasons to keep coming back. Prefer the gentler activities like hiking, paddling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and fishing? We have that too.

For those who enjoy browsing through museums, galleries, shopping in local markets and boutiques, meeting artisans, hearing musicians, and going to live theatrical performances Valemount has it all.

T8Nmagazine.com

Explore Winter in Valemount

Let the mountains move you! Be inspired to preplan your winter adventures in Valemount. Known for the incredible alpine snowmobiling, groomed cross country ski trails, dog sledding, snowcat-skiing, snow shoeing, ski-touring, heliskiing, and warm hospitality this vibrant village is your destination for a truly memorable Canadian winter experience.

Groomed trails provide access to the most spectacular alpine riding areas in Clemina, Allan Creek and Chappell Creek. Discover Crystal Ridge, the only snowmobile assisted ski/snowboard facility in the world!

Know before you go! Go to www.visitvalemount.ca for information on planning your winter vacation!

How to get here.

Take the scenic route - Coming from the east follow Hwy 16 along the majestic Rocky Mountains to Hwy 5 with views of the Monashee, and Caribou Ranges.

Top Ten Winter Experiences 1.

Sledding - Experience the joy of snowmobiling in one of the most scenic Environments.

2. Cat-skiing - Enjoy backcountry snowboarding & skiing by the comfort of a cat while accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

3.

Dog Sledding - Enjoy the truly unique and Canadian experience of navigating trails by dogsled.

4.

Winter Fest - Taking place in February, this family friendly event is jam packed with local vendors, artisans, face painting, skating, and games.

5. Snowshoeing/micro-spike to Kinney Lake- Winter transforms Mount Robson into a quiet and serene destination to explore by foot.

6. Cross Country Skiing – Explore the local trials and see the trees and mountains dressed in their winter finery!

Check out the Jackman Flats groomed trails, one trail for dogs on leashes. Discover the Camp Creek trails featuring a cabin, and dog friendly trials.

7.

Backcountry huts- Book a backcountry hut for a chance to unplug and experience the untamed wilderness. Accessible by snowshoe, helicopter, and ski-touring.

8. Ski Touring- Surrounded by 3 different mountain ranges, it’s no surprise that Valemount is prime ski-touring terrain.

9.

Snow Capped Mountain views- Talk a walk downtown or at any of the nearby trails to take in the mountain views.

10. Warm up at a lounge/eatery- After all the fun of the day, unwind at a local food & beverage establishment.

Did you know that one of the largest Pacific Salmon varieties comes back to Valemount to spawn? Take in the journeys end for the large Chinook Salmon from August to September or join us in the spring for the annual release of salmon fry into Swift Creek.

This happens in May or early June. Be a part of renewal and celebration as the small fish head out to the waters of the Fraser and return years later to complete their circle of life.

Visit Valemount, explore all our seasons, our culture, and our wild side. See for yourself why Valemount is in the middle of everywhere.

Follow us at Tourism Valemount on Facebook and Instagram as we share upcoming adventures to enjoy! www.visitvalemount.ca

T8N December 2023

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Contents

T8N MAGAZINE

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 December 2023 PUBLISHER

EDITOR

Rob Lightfoot

Gene Kosowan

DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Isaac White PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephanie Cragg, Paula E. Kirman, and Brenda Lakeman CONTRIBUTOR

Paula E. Kirman, Tom Murray, Dawn Valentine, Shima Zonneveld OFFICE MANAGER

Janice Lightfoot CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Adobe Stock 195243450, 598510894 and 636008215

ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT) ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)

For editorial inquiries or information, contact T8N magazine at info@t8nmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t8nmagazine.com.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Conversations

City

UNTIL IT HURTS 24 MEET YOU THERE 10 GIVING Why some St. Albert charities BRIGHT IDEAS are feeling the cold this holiday season

Culture THE HOMES 14 DECK Lighting up your abode for the holidays isn’t just a DIY option anymore

Living 18 FOOD & GATHERINGS FUN WITH FONDUE On your marks, get set, go dipping!

8S 22 THE PRAIRIE PRESENTS

Unique gift items that highlight the spirit of Wild Rose Country

Two not-for-profits light up the winter darkness

THEN & NOW 26 THE GRANDEUR OF

GRANDIN A mature neighbourhood helped trigger St. Albert’s historic rapid development

Spotlight

Rob Lightfoot rob@t8nmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t8nmagazine.com T8N magazine is published 5 times a year by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2023 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.

Content marked by the Sponsored Content icon was produced in partnership between content producers and T8N magazine.

PRINTED IN CANADA

T8N PUBLISHING INC PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

Rob Lightfoot: rob@t8nmagazine.com Mailbox #215, 3-11 Bellerose Drive, St.Albert T8N 5C9

KEYS TO SUCCESS 28 Michael Massey and his

contribution to Canadian culture

Downtime YULETIDE YUMMIES 30 Try your hand at this Christmas candy count

CONNECT WITH US

/t8nmagazine

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Warm winter wishes May your days be filled with warmth, love, and good cheer as you celebrate the season.

Happy holidays!

CST-1096

Jennifer Miles, Agent 125-15 Circle Dr St. Albert AB 780-460-2279 jen@jmilesinsurance.com jmilesinsurance.com

MBroadbent Insurance Agency Inc. Michelle Broadbent, Agent 3523 Tudor Glen Market St. Albert AB 780-470-3276 michelle@michellebroadbent.com michellebroadbent.com

Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance and living benefits products.

Desjardins®, Desjardins Insurance®, all trademarks containing the word Desjardins, as well as related logos are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.

T8N December 2023

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I FROM THE PUBLISHER I IF YOU WANT to credit anyone for illuminating

the darkness of the holiday season, consider Edward H. Johnson. In 1882, Johnson had the bright idea of stringing together some red, white and blue light bulbs that colleague Thomas Jefferson created and wrapping them around a Christmas tree. Obviously, the rest is history.

Since then, we’ve gone all out, especially in St. Albert, where no less than two charities are making the most Rob Lightfoot of Edison’s invention to create panoramic attractions for locals to gape at for the next several weeks. We look at what they’re creating on page 14. And if you want to replicate those installations on your own home, you can try doing it yourself or consider a professional. We weight those options for you on page 24.

Besides colourful lights, this time of year is also the season of giving, although several current events have created more obstacles for charities to reach their funding targets. What they face and how they plan to deal with those arising circumstances are explained on page 10.

Elsewhere, we present unique ways to make fondue (page 18), showcase some homegrown gift items (page 22), chat with Edmonton Youth Orchestra Music Director Michael Massey (page 28), and explore the history of our venerable neighbourhood of Grandin (page 26).

So enjoy the read and the season, stay warm, and try to give generously to those in need.

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On the Cover The St. Albert Kinsmen Club and the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association break out the bulbs for their own kaleidoscopic takes on the season, both of them for very worthy causes. Find out more about their campaigns on page 24.

Photo: St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association

T8N December 2023

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I CONVERSATIONS I

GIVING

UNTIL IT HURTS

Why some St. Albert charities are feeling the cold this holiday season BY: PAULA E. KIRMAN AND GENE KOSOWAN

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SO FAR IN 2023, the St. Albert Food Bank is holding

its own, said its Executive Director Suzan Krecsy, although she’s noticed some familiar faces among its recipients of late. “We are seeing folks that used to be our donors who are now receiving food hampers,” she said. ”Who knows if this trend will continue or not?”

Meanwhile, Rosanna Fischer, President of KDM Helping Hands, which assists local, needy children and families, recalled that its 2022 campaign experienced a massive shortfall compared to the previous year’s coffers, which she attributed to inflation, an unpredictable economy and more charities competing for donations. “Contrary to what many think, St. Albert is not immune to these challenges,” she added.

Feeling the donor pinch Digging themselves out of the social paralysis brought about by COVID-19 and corresponding lockdowns only to be gripped by rampant inflation spawned in part by the pandemic, people don’t seem to be as generous as they used to be. From St. Albert’s standpoint, it’s certainly not for lack of benevolent will as local residents have provided assistance of late to accommodate temporary evacuees from wildfires raging in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories and refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine. But a metropolis with enough prosperity to enjoy top-20 status in Resonance Consulting’s 2022 assessment of Canada’s best small cities and still feel the donor pinch is particularly telling.

percent over the past decade, while respondents stating a need for charitable assistance jumped to 22 percent.

Roughly 3,000 charities surveyed in the report revealed that more than 40 percent of them have experienced a lasting increase in demand since the pandemic. Alarmingly, 57 percent of them said they weren’t able to meet that demand, while 32 percent of them raised fewer funds in 2022. Besides shortfalls, more than half of the charities polled in the report also reflected concern over staff burnout and a reduction in volunteer help.

The report’s survey of close to 3,000 charities revealed that since the pandemic, over 40 percent of charities have experienced a lasting increase in demand. However, over 57 percent cannot meet current levels of demand and almost 32 percent raised fewer funds in 2022. Over half of charitable organizations are also deeply concerned about staff burnout, and have fewer volunteers than before the pandemic.

Soldiering on Facing these obstacles, local charities are still soldiering on.

The St. Albert Salvation Army’s annual, six-week long Christmas Kettle campaign raised $350,000 to provide toys to some 200 families, said Bhreagh Rowe, its Community Ministries Officer. But recently, the not-forprofit establishment has had to reach its fundraising goals the hard way.

“We have lost a few big corporate donors which has had an

If anything, the dwindling spirit of giving that otherwise underscores the vibe of the holiday season indicates that St. Albert is in good company. In the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported that donations in 2022 dropped by almost 24 percent compared to the previous year. Domestically, an Environics Canada and CanadaHelps report used tax filings to reveal that 18.4 percent of Canadians donated to charity, a steady downturn of five

effect on our bottom line, but not a massive effect in our kettle campaign,” said Rowe. “We are not seeing an increase in donations overall but [are] currently maintaining well.”

T8N December 2023

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The kettle drive is responsible for 90 percent of the organization’s budget, which covers the costs of projects that include youth programs, a market and café, and free yoga classes. All the money raised stays in the Sturgeon and Parkland counties, added Rowe, who estimated that roughly 50 local residents seek the Salvation Army’s help each week.

Meanwhile, The Giving Tree, supported by employees in the City of St. Albert’s Recreation and Parks department, had to adjust its expectations after the pandemic shut the initiative down in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the charity donated 242 winter-wear items to residents at the St. Albert Community Village, adding to the cumulative 2,500 articles of seasonal apparel it’s donated since starting in 2016.

The Giving Tree doesn’t operate with quotas in mind each year. ”Rather, we approach the Giving Tree project as ‘every little bit counts,’ especially during the holiday season,” said Molly Bujold, a communications advisor with the City of St. Albert.

“After facility closures and difficult years due to the pandemic, we’re thrilled with the number of donations we were able to provide and look forward to adding to this number in 2023.”

Bujold added that staffers often throw a little extra into the mix by knitting and crocheting items for the cause during the year.

And while The Giving Tree doesn’t accept cash, donations have remained consistent each year.

Recovering from shortfalls Conversely, KDM Helping Hands is recovering from the previous campaign’s $20,000 drop in support, which goes to subsidize its KDM Christmas for Kids program, which supplies free lunches, gifts, and a visit from Santa for students at a designated school. Also affected was its “Time for You” Salon self-care initiative for families at Ronald McDonald House and the establishment of a Serenity Room at Sturgeon Family Hospital. Other activities include providing holiday hampers, meal trains, and gift cards to children and families in need.

This year, the organization decided to reach regular donors earlier via social media postings and email campaigns. “The challenge each year is expanding the existing base, something we are working on this year through other fundraising initiatives,” said Fischer. “In addition, we always take a “thank-you” ad after our flagship event to recognize and thank all our donors.”

It’s KDM’s way of acknowledging the difference all that help makes, especially during a time when donation and volunteer fatigue are undermining charitable efforts. “By extending a helping hand, you’re not just offering practical assistance, but also spreading hope and compassion,” Fischer noted, “fostering a sense of belonging and support for those who need it most.”

“I would say that the community of St. Albert is incredibly generous and responsive and collaborative and this is what is helping to keep things going for us.”

Yo

Krecsy said she was cautiously optimistic that the organization can meet that demand, but couldn’t determine precisely what will be needed beyond that. “It’s very hard to accurately predict what next year will bring,” she said. “I would say that the community of St. Albert is incredibly generous and responsive and collaborative and this is what is helping to keep things going for us.”

erfect H ol i ru P

day

That seems to be a similar sentiment regarding the St. Albert Food Bank, which managed to meet all of its requests for assistance in 2022. But with 1,400 families in its database, Krecsy anticipates this holiday season will see roughly 850 food hampers be delivered to recipients, nearly 60 percent more than what they provided the previous year.

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T8N December 2023

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I CULTURE I

Deck the homes Lighting up your abode for the holidays isn’t just a DIY option anymore BY: GENE KOSOWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY FIVE STAR & STAR LIGHTS, DARREN DOES THAT

CHANCES ARE, EVERYONE knows someone like Clark Griswold, the inept

dad who wanted his family to catch the traditional holiday spirit in the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” One telling scene had Clark trundle up a stepladder with a baled string of bulbous Christmas lights to get the homestead ready for the occasion, nearly destroying the house and risking his life in the process.

Darren Steele, who runs Edmonton-based Darren Does That and has been illuminating home exteriors to greet the season, says he’s the beneficiary of all the guffaws in that classic moment, in that households hire him for that task once they realize the hazards involved in doing it themselves. “The classic Griswold scene is famous,” said Steele, who’s been brightening homes for 14 years, “and when people are thinking about doing their place up to the nines, that’s one of the touchstones they refer to.”

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Folks lighting up the domestic compound on their own are about as traditional as midnight mass, beautifying that coniferous tree, and carving the turkey. Hardier traditionalists would argue that breaking out the bulbs is cheaper, especially when reusing those strings of lights, and helps bring the family together when everyone chips in to complete the task.

But notions of those Griswold rooftop misadventures are what often prompt families to seek the help of a professional. Susan

Larison, who’s been running St. Albert-based iStar Lights with her husband Brent the past four years, says she frequently gets calls from folks who’ve seen neighbours injure themselves while prepping their homes for Christmas. “When people were doing their own Christmas lights back in the ‘50s, they were doing it with a stepladder and people were getting hurt,” she noted.

Companies like iStar are far more sophisticated when on the job. They might break out the stepladder on occasion, but more aerial efforts more likely require a cherry picker. And

with LED lights being smaller and more versatile, companies can customize tracks to install them to match the exteriors.

Regardless of how elaborate the final results might be, job safety remains top of mind. Most companies make sure their labour is covered by WCB insurance.

“Safety is our top priority, and our longstanding presence in the region has allowed us to develop the highest standards for safe and reliable holiday decorating,” said Steven Knight, owner of Five Star Holiday Décor, a North American franchise operation that started in Edmonton in 2010.

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T8N December 2023

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Even if homeowners are safety-conscious, Larison warns that opting for the high-tech route could turn into a trial-and-error exercise. “Permanent lights are a little more complicated than I think one assumes,” said Larison, whose husband is a techsavvy engineer. “It’s taken us hundreds of hours to figure all that out.”

When families figure out that outsourcing the exterior decoration option is a best bet, they’re faced with whether they want them up temporarily each season or get them permanently installed. Steele, whose operation can handle both those tasks, sees the advantage in having them put up exclusively for the holiday season.

“They cost an awful lot less money than a permanent lighting system,” he said. “And temporary lights can be strong in all sorts of places for the season when you see the lights themselves. You’re not going to install permanent lights around your shrubbery and around your columns because they’re really visible and look really bad.”

But Knight argues going such a route amounts to unnecessary annual labour, storage issues when decorations aren’t being used, and becomes less cost-effective when lights need replacing. It could also be potentially dangerous if people leave them up year-round anyway. “Temporary holiday lights, though convenient during the holiday season, must be taken down in hot summers,” he said. “The plastic covering the lights can melt under high temperatures, posing a fire risk.”

Companies like iStar and Five Star specialize in permanent lighting, which is easier on a bank account in the long run.

“The feedback I’m getting from customers is that is so pricey anyway, that getting permanent lights pay for themselves in a handful of years,” indicated Larison.

Knight also noted that a one-time installation can be used for more than the Christmas season. “This permanent lighting system offers thousands of lighting patterns and colors, allowing homeowners to customize their displays for any occasion, holiday, or celebration,” he said. “This versatility enhances the curb appeal of the property throughout the year.” Steele often gets asked by clients to put up a system using their favourite

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hockey team colours, so the house can be lit up on game days. Larison has also found that Edmonton Oilers fans like to illuminate their homes in orange and blue throughout the hockey season, while others use the system to celebrate events like Valentine’s Day and Halloween.

Larison has nothing against people who still insist on decorating their homes themselves.

“For people who want to do string lights, I understand that. They’re more affordable and happy. When I drive around in St. Albert communities and see string lights, I love that.”

Still, do-it-yourselfers are at the risk of falling prey to the Clark Griswold syndrome. To those people, Larison has one piece of advice: “I would say just be careful.”

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T8N December 2023

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I FOOD & GATHERINGS I

Fun with fondue On your marks, get set, go dipping!

BY: SHIMA ZONNEVELD | PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDA LAKEMAN

A FEW DIFFERENT types of cheeses and tasty chocolate can turn into a family

friendly, fun gathering. The range of dippers for this fondue span from chewy baguette all the way to roasted vegetables and dried fruit. Truly something for everyone!

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GRUYÈRE & FONTINA (WITH OR WITHOUT PESTO) The key to a great fondue is patience while melting the cheese.

Melting the cheese is a slow process, but taking it slowly will ensure a smooth cheese fondue ready for dipping! ¾ c. grated fontina cheese 1 ½ c. grated gruyère cheese ¾ tbsp. cornstarch ½ tsp. dried oregano 1/8 tsp. sumac ¾ c. dry white wine 1/3 c. homemade or store bought pesto

In a bowl, toss together the two types of cheeses, sumac, oregano and the cornstarch. Set aside.

In a medium pan, heat the white wine over a medium-low setting to ensure it does not boil. Once the wine has warmed and tiny bubbles have appeared, start adding in the cheese mixture, ¼ cup at a time.

Stir or whisk until the first addition of cheese has completely melted and then add in another ¼ cup. Continue to whisk or stir after each addition until all of the cheese has been added and has melted.

Bring the cheese mixture up to a boil and allow it to thicken. If adding pesto, add in at this step and stir to combine.

Transfer to the fondue pot and keep over a low setting.

Great dippers for this fondue: sliced baguette, roasted potatoes, roasted broccolini, baby tomatoes, crunchy bread sticks, slices of pear.

THE CLASSIC CHEDDAR FONDUE (WITH SOME HEAT!) 1 ½ c. grated sharp cheddar ¾ tsp. corn starch ½ tsp. dry mustard powder 1 c. of pale ale (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) splash of sriracha pinch of red chili flakes

In a bowl, toss together the cheddar, cornstarch, dry mustard, and the pinch of chili flakes until evenly coated.

In a medium pan, heat the ale over a medium-low setting to ensure it does not boil. Once the ale is warm, start slowly adding in the grated cheddar mixture. Continue to add a small amount of cheese in at a time until the mixture is smooth and all the cheese has melted.

Add in a splash of sriracha and transfer to a fondue pot and keep over a low setting. Sprinkle the top with a few chili flakes.

Dipper ideas: apple slices, sliced pretzel buns, meatballs (homemade or store bought), bacon slices, roasted potatoes, roasted broccolini.

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PB & C FONDUE Peanut butter and chocolate is an extremely tasty combination. Other nut butters as well as seed butters would work well as substitutes on this chocolaty dip! ¼ c. Lyle’s Golden Syrup 1/3 c. whipping cream 1 ¼ c. dark baking chocolate, chopped ½ c. natural peanut butter 1 tsp. vanilla extract pinch of kosher salt

Using a medium sauce pan and a heat safe bowl, create a double boiler for melting the ingredients together.

Fill the pan with water and bring the water to a simmer. In the bowl, add in the golden syrup and the whipping cream. Set the bowl over top of the simmering water and stir.

When the cream and the golden syrup are warm and mixed together, add in half of the chopped chocolate and stir until melted. Add in the last half of the chocolate, along with the vanilla and the salt and continue to melt the chocolate. Once all the chocolate is melted, stir in the peanut butter.

Transfer the mixture to a fondue pot over very low heat and serve with select dippers!

Great dippers: pretzels, banana spears, biscotti, crepes

BLENDER CREPES 1 ¼ c milk 1 c. flour 1 egg pinch of kosher salt butter for cooking

In a blender, add milk, egg and salt. Blend together and then add the flour slowly, blending after each addition.

In a frying pan (small will yield small crepes), warm over medium heat and melt 1 tsp. of butter. Add enough batter to thinly cover the bottom of the frying pan. Cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes.

Flip the crepe when tiny bubbles start to form throughout.

Keep cooking until all the batter is gone. If the crepes are sticking, add butter between every few crepes.

Eat the crepes hot or let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for an easy morning breakfast or a delicious vehicle for chocolate fondue!

ROASTED VEGGIES For a fondue, there are a vast array of roasted vegetables that would pair well. Roasted potatoes and roasted broccolini are delicious with any kind of cheese fondue and are a great addition to the dipper choices.

4 tbsp. olive oil kosher salt 8-10 stems of trimmed broccolini 2-3 c. baby potatoes

Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375oF. On one sheet pan, toss the baby potatoes in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and a couple of pinches of kosher salt. Before roasting, ensure that all the potatoes are evenly coated.

Roast for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork.

On the second sheet pan, toss the broccolini with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and a big pinch of kosher salt. Roast for 5-8 minutes until the tops start to darken in colour.

Serve both as dipper options alongside the cheese fondues!

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RASPBERRY FONDUE Raspberry and white chocolate is a classic pairing echoing the flavours of a favourite scone combination! You have the sweet from the white chocolate with the zing from the raspberries. ½ c. whipping cream 2 c. white chocolate (chopped or chips) 2 ¼ tsp. freeze dried raspberries pinch of kosher salt splash of vanilla

Please join us on Christmas Eve for some festive cheer and Irish Spirit!!

Toast Christmas Benedict

In a double boiler ( or a medium sauce pan with a heat safe bowl), over medium low heat, warm the whipping cream.

Add in half of the white chocolate and stir until melted. Add in the second half of the white chocolate and once that has melted add the freeze dried raspberries, salt and vanilla.

Stir to combine and transfer into a fondue pot over a low heat setting.

Great dippers: brownie bites, biscotti, strawberries, pretzels, mini scones

Wishing all our Toast friends the happiest of Christmas seasons and a wonderful New Year.

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@toastbreakfastandlunch T8N December 2023

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I THE EIGHTS I

Prairie Presents

Unique gift items that highlight the spirit of Wild Rose Country PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE CRAGG

TO THOSE PONDERING what to get their friends and reflect the rustic spirit of Wild Rose Country. From

family for the holiday season, here’s an option: Rather than figuring out what they might like, remind them where they’re from. To that end, here’s a list of eight unique made-in-Alberta items that in some way

art and books to practical—and even silly—options, these gifts are bound to get recipients talking. They’re also interesting conversation starters with those non-Albertans on your list.

Alberta Beef underwear, $36, from The Seven Eighty (131-375 St. Albert Tr.) Huron Woodwork cribbage board, $90, from The Makers Keep (101 Riel Dr.)

Jelly Belly pancakes and maple syrup jellybeans, $4.50, from Candy Bouquet (12 Perron St.)

Raku Vessel “Grain Elevator”

by Margaret Belec, $120, from W.A.R.E.S. (5 St. Anne St.)

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Selv Rituel bath rejuvenation essentials, $47.50, from Salisbury at Enjoy (101 Riel Dr.)

“The Little Goose That Could” children’s book

by Cheryl Fountain (illustrated by Lorraine Shulba), $15, from Musee Heritage Museum (5 St. Anne St.)

Mini cow dough bowl candle, $40, and bear dough bowl candle, $80, from Threekind Candle Company (threekindcandleco.ca)

Deer head bolt action pen designed by Rian Fleming, $95, from Double Dog Woodcrafts, Inc. (instagram.com/doubledogwoodcrafts)

T8N December 2023

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I MEET YOU THERE I

Bright Ideas Two not-for-profits light up the winter darkness

BY: GENE KOSOWAN PHOTOGRAPHY: CLG LIGHTS, AND THE ST. ALBERT STURGEON HOSPICE ASSOCIATION

AS THE SUN dips much earlier on the horizon this

time of year, two attractions plan to illuminate the holiday season in a big way. They’re literally highlights, with a huge emphasis on the lights part.

One of them, Borealis Lights, a major fundraiser for the St. Albert Kinsmen Club, plans to plug in for its sophomore staging with a drive-through panorama of installations in the organization’s RV park. The inaugural event in 2022 required some 800,000 LED bulbs. This year, Edmonton-based CLG Lights, which set up the attraction, estimates they’ll use nearly a million bulbs.

“We have more lights, more displays, and a slightly longer route,” said CLG co-founder Scott Matthews. To accommodate those additions, the company added a few curves in the route in the parking lot. Drivers who chugged through the 2022 circuit took roughly 25 minutes to complete the grand tour.

The latest rendition will take closer to a half-hour to see all the installations.

The Boreal Lights entrance itself will be decked with more lights, another change in this year’s itinerary, while larger displays that previously wowed patrons will still provide motive for folks to take in a return visit this season. “They’re so big, that they just can’t help but be impressive,” said Matthews about the gargantuan attractions that included the candle extravaganza and the illuminated tunnels. “Overall, those ones sort of really pop, but then it’s just the accumulation of all of it in one spot. In some ways, you have to go through it more than once just to see everything.”

What’s mandatory for Matthews is a drive-through to inspect the results of six weeks of installation involving a crew of eight.

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While it might be thrilling to preview the visual impact of those efforts, he still maintains a critical eye.

“It’s like a lot of artists who look at their work after, and you’re looking for imperfections and where you can improve it, like how many lights are out, making sure it’s working, and if the experience is going to be there as the cars go through,” he said. “Will they be able to see what you want them to see? You want to ensure the displays are visible and oriented right.”

In 2022, the inaugural staging of Borealis Lights raised $23,300 for its Kinettes Christmas Hamper drive, which supported 300 families, according to Kyla Mandrusiak, president of the St. Albert Kinsmen Club. “Last year, being the first year, it was a huge event,” she added. “It helped since after Covid, things were a lot tighter for people.”

Hopes are that Borealis Lights will raise $25,000 for the cause, enough to support 310 families. The Kinsmen Club will also be working with the city’s food bank and the Salvation Army throughout the attraction’s run.

Smaller in scale, but no less ambitious, is Lighting the Way, a major funding stream for the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA). Its fourth annual drive is geared towards not only bringing joy to residents of the Foyer Lacombe facility afflicted with life-limiting illnesses, but also supports the programs offered by the organization.

“It really truly means a lot to everyone staying both in hospice and in long-term care at that facility, just to be able to see the lights over our long dark winters,” said Zoe Spaans, SASHA’s interim executive director. “This just looked like a great way for our community to come together and show their support.”

Spaans estimates that up to 50 trees on the Mission Hill surroundings could be decorated for this season, which includes 20 community trees made possible by folks who each donated $10 to buy bulbs for those trees, an additional 20 from individual and business sponsors, and a handful of other decorated trees made possible by other community efforts. “Our long-term goal is to get that whole Mission Hill lit up,” Spaans added.

Lighting the Way is free to visitors and SASHA puts in a lot of effort to ensure each tree can be seen up close. “We clear the pathways around the trees, and it’s a wonderful place to come any time during the winter when the lights are on, to just reflect and look at the lights,” said Spaans. “The goal is just to have people to have somewhere to go and remember their loved ones, but even if you haven’t contributed, it’s just really somewhere pretty to go on those dark winter nights.”

Although the fundraiser outsources the actual decorating of the trees, the rest of the campaign is volunteer-run. SASHA’s goal is to collect $30,000 from contributors with all the money going to its programs. Contributors won’t be able to donate at the Lighting the Way site, but are encouraged to do those transactions on its website.

BOREALIS LIGHTS, 47 Riel Dr. Nov. 17-Jan. 7 | Open 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

(5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday & Dec. 20-Jan. 1) $32 Regular Admission | $27 Students & Seniors Group rates available borealislights.ca LIGHTING THE WAY, 1 St. Vital Ave. Nov. 16-Jan. 31 | Special light-up ceremony Nov. 16, 6 p.m.

Free Admission sasha-cares.com/lighting-the-way-2023

T8N December 2023

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I THEN & NOW I

The grandeur of Grandin A mature neighbourhood helped trigger St. Albert’s historic rapid development BY: DAWN VALENTINE & GENE KOSOWAN PHOTOGRAPHY: PAULA E. KIRMAN

GRANDIN IS NOT only one of St. Albert’s older

neighbourhoods, it’s also a district that helped spark a rapid growth spurt in the city. Grandin is also a part of the city that reflects both tradition and progress, as signified by the mid-century modern styles of the original residences and the postmodern buildings that sprung up after. Sandwiched between all those complexes are a number of lush green spaces, adding to the attractive nature of the area.

There’s still much to tell about the neighbourhood, named after Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin, who has recently become a controversial topic himself. The cleric’s changing legacy partly warrants an update of a Grandin story that originally ran in t8n October, 2018.

1950s St. Albert’s population stood at roughly 1,300 citizens when development began. A year before shovels began turning sod in 1956, the best-known landmark in the area at the time, the St. Albert Drive-In, had just opened immediately south of Grandin Pond. The city became part of the “New Town” provincial program in which council approved a three-year plan to build 700 homes in Grandin, as well as Braeside, Mission Park and Sturgeon Heights.

Council also introduced a street-naming system that designated names and proper nouns for its roads according to the first letter of the neighborhoods. In the case of Grandin, its streets

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paid tribute to the likes of Lt. Col. Charles E. Garnett (a veteran of two world wars and a prominent local businessman) and newspaper editor and publisher Caen Gladstone.

In 1957, Grandin witnessed the creation of a new landmark, the St. Albert United Church. Two years later, Grandin officially became an established neighbourhood.

1960s By 1961, St. Albert’s population had quadrupled in 10 years to a town of more than 4,000 residents. The milestone was timely in that St. Albert’s residents were also celebrating a century of the municipality’s existence from its beginnings as a Metis settlement founded by Father Albert Lacombe.

The year also showcased a great deal of development, including a town hall and Grandin Shoppers Park, which started out as an open-air strip mall with Safeway on one end and a bowling alley on the other. Developers eventually enclosed the mall and added a newer Safeway to the complex’s west end. Another new arrival was Grandin Park School, which opened the same year. It later became Sir George Simpson Junior High after a media outlet held a “Name the School” contest.

As the decade rolled along, construction continued on sites like the Sir George Simpson Elementary School, which opened in 1965 (although its name later changed to Robert Rundle a few years later). Roughly at the same time, the Klondike Inn drive-in restaurant also began operating, serving its signature mushroom burgers and corn fritters. In 1967, Grosvenor Park Pool opened as did the Centennial Library, built onto the town hall.

1970s-1990s After St. Albert became a city in 1977, Grandin continued to expand, necessitating the opening of Wild Rose Elementary School on Grenfell Avenue the following year. Simultaneously, community volunteers built the Grandin tire playground at Albert Lacombe School.

But the bigger boom took place during the following decade with the arrival of the Village Tree Mall shopping complex in 1981, which included St. Albert Cinemas, the city’s first movie theatre. Not to be outdone, Grandin Shoppers Park changed its name to Grandin Park Plaza and added an office tower and parkade. In 1984, the old town hall that served the municipality well for several years was abandoned in Grandin, when the council and administration moved into the newly-built St. Albert Place downtown. The complex also housed the St. Albert Public Library, which also used to be in Grandin.

By the ’90s, when mall shopping was starting to lose its allure, Grandin Park Plaza lost a bowling alley and its Safeway outlet, the latter replaced by movie venue Grandin Theatres.

2000s-Now Feeling the pinch from competing big-box retailers, Village Tree Mall started to lose businesses, including St. Albert Cinemas in 2003 and eventually changed its name to Village Landing. Four years later, developing firm Amacom purchased Grandin Park Plaza. But it wasn’t until 2014 when restructuring took place, vacating most of the businesses to make room for three high-rise residential buildings, relegating retail to the concourse floors. Another change of late has been the 2023 closure of the French immersion school École Father Jan, after the building fell into a massive state of disrepair.

More controversial and still unresolved is whether the neighbourhood’s name needs to change in light of Bishop Grandin’s support of the national residential school system which historically contributed to the deaths of up to 6,000 indigenous children. In response to a public outcry on the issue, St. Albert City Council started looking into a renaming process in 2021. A 2023 report revealed that citizens were divided on the issue, prompting Mayor Cathy Heron to tell the CBC that the city needed to work harder to become more inclusive to its residents.

?

Did You Know?

The Edmonton Interurban Railway connected the Alberta capital to downtown St. Albert with a track that ran through what is now Grandin in 1913.

During the 1970s, Grandin resident Don Clark built a 46-foot concrete boat dubbed “Clark’s Ark” on his driveway.

Gardening entrepreneur and Alberta Lieutenant Governor Lois Hole was the first organist and choir director at St. Albert United Church.

Catch memories.

LACLABICHEREGION.com Fishapalooza Ice Hut Rentals

T8N December 2023

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I SPOTLIGHT I

Keys to success Michael Massey and his contribution to Canadian culture BY: TOM MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE CRAGG

W

HEN MICHAEL MASSEY was very young

he opted for Bach and Schubert over Elvis and Bill Haley.

“I didn’t really get those rock and skiffle groups of the time,” the London-born, Edmonton-raised pianist and composer acknowledges. “I started out singing in choirs in the church when I was nine, and playing piano when I was 10. That being said, I do believe that all music is relevant… except maybe country & western.”

There’s a mischievous sense of humour running through the conversation with Massey, who at the age of 78 has racked up an impressive number of honours since first putting his fingers on those ivory keys. Massey, who now resides in St. Albert, moved with his parents to Edmonton when he was 12, swapping Finchley, North London for a new home in the rougher Boyle Street area. Lacking a keyboard to practice on at his house, he found an upright at the McCauley school music room.

It wasn’t the best of situations, but thankfully someone was listening.

with L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Europe was exhilarating for the young musician, and he attempted to extend his stay, even moving to London for a few years and trying his hand there.

In the end, he moved back home to Canada. “Like most young graduating musicians I said to myself ‘Okay, what the hell do I do now?’ For me, it was going home, opening my studio to teach a bit and play as much as I can.”

That included cheekily auditioning for and gaining a seat in the cello section of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Cello was Massey’s second instrument while studying at university, and while he doesn’t claim virtuosity, he does take a certain amount of impish pride in “faking it.” At the same time he was picking up piano gigs from the symphony, alternating as needed.

“It was part of the fun,” he chuckles. “I was good for them at the time and I did okay. I mean, I had literally no technique but I had a good ear and I could play the tunes nicely. I can make it sound nice. But any technical passages I faked like crazy. I was a good faker. Those were fun years.”

Three years later, ESO assistant conductor John Barnum approached Massey with a proposition; he wanted the “Allan Rumbelow, who was the music supervisor for Edmonton young musician to take up the job of Music Director for the Public Schools said, ‘You need a good teacher, kid.’ We got some Edmonton Youth Orchestra. The orchestra had gone through names and my dad bought a piano. Luckily, five conductors in the past two decades, we found an amazing teacher who was at but Massey, who was firmly ensconced Alberta College. That’s where it all started; as the ESO pianist, was game for the it changed my life.” challenge. It’s turned into his greatest contribution to Canadian culture, as he’s That teacher was Jean-Pierre Vetter, who held the position for 46 years now, with had moved from Switzerland only a couple the EYO acknowledged as one of the best of years before. Vetter had an outsized in the country. In the process he mentored influence on the teenage Massey, who countless musicians including Juno Award went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree winning clarinetist James Campbell and from the University of Alberta under the Grammy- and Juno-nominated trumpet tutelage of Professor Alexandra Munn. player Jens Lindemann.

After graduating in 1967, he decamped for Switzerland and more studies at the Geneva Conservatory.

He did well, picking up the Premier Prix de Virtuosité and twice performing as a soloist

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“From my first lessons with Vetter I discovered that you always want to impart that teaching is part of learning as well,” he says about his role, which has led to

him taking the orchestra all over the world on tours. “You learn things from putting experiences into words. Always be self- critical and self-analytical. We’re trying to find what to say with this music other than playing the notes.”

The awards and honours have flooded in over the past two decades. In 2002, Massey was the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the same year that he was inducted into Edmonton’s Cultural Hall of Fame. There was the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2016, and the Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award by the City of St. Albert in 2017. Last year he was singled out for the Order of Canada, and when it finally arrives, he’ll find a space for it on the mantelpiece.

“You can always find a spot,” he chuckles.

“It’s very nice, and the nice thing about something like that is that you don’t make millions of dollars in this profession. This isn’t something that you do for money; if that’s what you’re after you really should consider another occupation.”

Happy Holidays

SIGIS is thankful for our dedicated team of Educators!

Thank you to all the families who continue to support and believe in SIGIS! We remain committed to excellence!

sigischildcare.ca

Follow SIGIS on their Instagram & Facbook Page

Thank you St. Albert for recognising us again in 2023!

T H A NK Y O U &

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! We hope to see you in the New Year at our showroom location!

MOND AY-FRIDAY / 10 AM -3PM Off hour appointments available upon request

(780) 306-1015 / #30-200 Green Grove Drive / St. Albert, AB T8N December 2023

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I DOWN TIME I

Yuletide Yummies

Try your hand at this Christmas candy count

It’s that time of year when we break out all that holiday finery right down to those seasonal sweets. It’s a task that T8N has obviously prioritized, as evidenced by this jar of candy. All we ask is that you try to figure out how many are in the jar, write down the answer on this page, whip out your smartphone to click an image of it, then post it on either Facebook or Twitter (tagging #t8n, of course) or direct message us instead.

The closest guess wins. If there is a tie, we will randomly draw a winner.

Prize is available only to St. Albert residents.

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780-459-6716

234 ST. ALBERT RD, ST. ALBERT fountaintire.com/stores/st-albert

We’re ’re road Wethis on on this road together . together.

Thank you for welcoming us to St Albert and helping our local community events succeed: • The Auto-Rama which took place May 27, 2023 • The Soap Box Derby which took place June 14-15, 2023 • The Rock’n august Fountain Tire appreciation night, which was one of our largest showing of vehicles, there were more than 450 cars and we gave out 2,000 hamburgers and hotdogs • We received the Pillar of The Community award from the City of St Albert in 2023.

• We were fortunate enough to meet with the Lions Club, Food Bank and Diabetes Foundation.

• You also voted us the T8N Magazine’s Best automotive tire shop of 2023 • The community support has been inspiring and we look forward to working in the community in 2024.

y r r e M stmas Chri

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