The afternoon of August 20 was dedicated to the love of kids when the Fourth Annual Vegreville Toy Run was held.
To kick off this event, volunteers and members of Vegreville Motorcycle Riders and Iron Runners Auto Club of Vegreville met at the parking lot of Galleria Shops.
From there, they had a parade where they drove through the town and seniors’ facilities. After this,
they stopped at the end of the parade at Vegreville Regional Museum, (Vegreville Event Centre) where everyone was treated to chili, salad and dessert.
Coordinator Patti Gallien explained that this event raised $925 and a truck load of toys for the Vegreville Christmas Bureau. “The event turned out really well. The weather was nice and everyone seemed to have a good time. I am grateful to all the sponsors and volunteers who made this happen.”
Participants explained what they liked best about Vegreville Toy Run - CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
The Two Hills Ag Society hosted its annual Country Fair on Aug. 19. The day kicked off with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade which had 32 entries. Bouncy houses, mini golf and laser tag kept the kids’ busy. As is tradition, a Horticulture Show was held as well. (Michaela Charlebois & Cherilyn Charuk/Submitted Photos)
Members of Lamont County Council and Administration expected a large turn-out for its Aug. 15 special meeting at the Lamont Recreation Centre, but they probably did not expect nearly 400 people to be in attendance.
According to Lamont County Communications Coordinator Jay Zaal, there were approximately 375 attendees with 15 people listening via livestream.
Following the adoption of the agenda, Reeve David Diduck stated, “The only topic of discussion is the public hearing, and that is the only topic that will be allowed to be discussed are items related to the LUB, (Land Use Bylaw) and MDP, (Municipal Development Plan). Discussion regarding staff and operations will not be entertained.”
Following introduction of council members, Diduck went over the ground rules and any comments would have to be directed through the Chair. Economic Development Officer Tina Cosby gave a power point presentation on the MDP and LUB before turning the floor back over to Chair Diduck.
“It’s very awesome and fantastic turnout to tonight’s meeting,” stated Diduck.
He went on to say, “Obviously, a big step forward from public hearing held on January 24 where we had three written submissions and two in-person presentations.
From there we went to the March 4 meeting where we determined to give residents an additional 60 days to send in written questions and concerns. We received 17 letters. Council summarized those opinions and are going to take those under consideration.
But after that meeting it was determined that we needed a second public hearing, and the main reason for that was that the residents felt that the advertising for the first meeting was inadequate. So, we definitely took large measures to ensure that the advertising for this meeting was front and center and obviously, it’s had some very positive results, so thank you one and all for attending tonight.”
The first presenter of the evening was Sada Gagnon, who resides in the Industrial Heartland. – First of all I’d like to thank everybody for coming. We had to fight hard for this meeting amongst what’s being told here. It wasn’t just handed to us, we fought hard to get this second meeting so I appreciate every single one of you that came here. (Applause) This was not handed to us so I appreciate that we get some benefit on that, not just council, because were right there fighting you guys and you wanted to pass that right through; one, two, three, nobody know anything. Secondly, I have to say I’m pretty disheartened by talking to people in this county, how many people are afraid to stand up and talk to you guys or say something because it’s the old boys club or the repercussions for speaking up, or something’s going to happen to their land.”
Gagnon warned council that if any repercussions come as a result of ratepayers speaking out that they will all join together and there will be future repercussions on them. That comment drew robust applause from attendees. Pointing to members of council sitting on this stage, Gagnon pointed out, “These people pay you to be here so it’s time you hear us. I’m so tired of hearing strict rules. This public hearing is for the public so if we have questions we should be allowed to ask even if it’s multiple questions.”
Gagnon’s concern was with the stipulation that a single detached dwelling could only be rebuilt when it has been destroyed by an Act of God. She pointed out that it was not in the 2007 LUB and openly asked why it was included in the proposed LUB revisions.
Reeve Diduck asked which section she was referring to when someone in the crowd yelled out, “Didn’t you guys read it?” Gagnon then asked the question, “Isn’t it your guys’ job to catch these weirdly written rules and regulations of what you’re putting on us? Not the average Joe.”
When it came to questions, ratepayer Sylvia Holowach had a few of her own. But she started off by thanking Councillors Aaron Wick and Neil Woitas for the support they had voiced and shown up to this point. She also thanked council for granting county residents another opportunity to voice concerns regarding these proposed land use bylaws.
“A huge thank you to the residents of Thorhild County for exposing their plight and in turn waking almost every landowner in Alberta to take a closer look at the bylaws being presented to them. And last, but not least, thank you everyone that’s here tonight. Thank you so, so, so much.”
Holowach asked Diduck if she could ask questions now or after her presentation, and he responded by saying, “Council is not accepting questions, but we will ask you questions.”
She countered, “Okay, so I can’t ask you guys if you read this document.” Diduck replied, “You can ask, sure. I’m prepared to answer that.”
Holowach asked, “Council, have you all read the MDP and LUB documents and be honest please.”
Diduck said he had. Councillor Roy Anaka said, “I have read most of it and I have a lot of questions and don’t understand part of it.” Councillor Daniel Warawa said, “I read about three quarters of it and there’s also a lot of questions that I have.”
Councillor Woitas said, “I skimmed through it, but definitely with the help of the residents now when it was presented they said it was basically what we have now with
a few changes. Totally honest, I didn’t read it word for word the first time around, but now, like I said there’s a lot of stuff coming out.”
Councillor Wick said, “I think you and I have been in contact enough that you to know that I’ve read a lot of it, not all of it, A lot of it, same as you, did not understand, but we are both working, I think that this is what it’s about. I am the same as you guys, I did not understand a lot of it, and we just found some more stuff again that we don’t.”
Presenters Theresa and Peter Lysyk requested the county have offensive nuisance noise guidelines for all industries put in the form of a bylaw and that a clause be included in the LUB. Other presenters brought forward concerns regarding identification of hazard lands one in 100-year flood level, permitting, designation of environmentally sensitive areas, development costs and requirements for subdivisions, multi-family dwellings on the same parcel of land, etc.
After hearing over two hours of testimony, Diduck ended the public hearing and the meeting was adjourned, but not before telling attendees that council would be taking a long hard look at all of the testimony and letters before making a decision. He did not respond to an earlier question from Gagnon who asked if the amendments to the bylaws would be made public before they are passed.
Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion
Wow, how time flies as you get older. A quick show of hands…you know what I mean. Well, not if you’re under 30, but you too shall get there. The reason I mention this is that recent events had me thinking back about my involvement and exposure to renewable energy over the years. It seems not long ago that our sister company installed its first small-scale solar and wind site when in fact it will soon be approaching 30 years ago.
The recent news? Well, on August 3, the Alberta Government stated they would halt new renewable electricity projects for a period of six months. Of course, everyone put on their partisan hats and began ranting. The exact wording from the Alberta.ca website? “Starting Aug. 3, the Alberta Utilities Commission, (AUC) will pause approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024, and review policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation.”
So, this means that large commercial projects are on hold. Residential, farm, small commercial and similar projects at this point do not seem to be affected. In fact, a colleague at work mentioned that a solar sales rep had been going door to door in Vegreville just last week.
While many factors come into play, I’m sure one of them is
simply the most obvious. Politics. The feds are trying to push for 2035 but the province, and many logical observers, don’t see that as a practical target. When the feds push and make threats, provinces must push back. There are not many tools, so provinces must pull the levers they have at their disposal.
I personally don’t know if this is the correct move, but I understand the reasoning and the history. For many decades, multiple federal and provincial governments have been on the fossil fuel gravy train. Royalties from fossil fuels have allowed many governments to ignore good practice and common sense and spend without consequence. Another major concern voiced by landowners is the same that is currently plaguing us from the oil and gas industry. Who, if anyone, will be held responsible to clean up defunct wind and solar sites when they are no longer viable. Will some shell company dissolve and leave a mess? A review on these merits alone is needed.
Unfortunately, we are now at a point where instead of recentering and taking a logical approach, some want to jump out the other side of the plane in hopes the fall will hurt less.
Ontario used this approach and it’s possible we will be in the same position regardless of what we do. At its peaks in 2019 and 2020, consumers in Ontario saw rates as high as 20.8 and 21.7 cents per KWh. The news was filled with people who had to choose electricity, which is the primary source of heat for many in Ontario, over food and rent. Alberta is currently seeing a regulated rate option, (RRO) of around 27.5 cents per KWh. This is set to increase to the 32 cent range pending approvals from the AUC. That would be in the highest 10 percent in the world. The argument here seems weak at best considering the current situation. I’m sure, however, that if you asked politicians, many fingers would be pointing.
There is no doubt that electricity is gaining momentum. There are more electric vehicles on the road every month. It’s a natural growth of sorts and should be allowed to be just that. It’s the carrot or the stick argument alongside the chicken or the egg. Do we punish people for using fossil fuels IE a carbon tax or do we reward people for changing their habits to greener alternatives? Do we design and grow the electrical grid to allow for more dependence on electricity or do we push an electric agenda on an already stressed power grid that is not ready?
Numbers this year had pegged wind and solar to become 30 percent of the Alberta grid’s capacity. Yes, this in a province known for our fossil fuel power generation. If planned properly we would be able to enjoy all the benefits. Unfortunately, we are living in the shadow of historical bad planning, corporate influence and politics over sound policy.
I’ll continue next week rounding out my thoughts.
Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
The value created by employees determines a company’s survival and future. Therefore, when hiring, employers focus on the candidate’s potential value to their company.
Most people see work as nothing more than a means to an end – a way “to make a living.” Therefore, when searching for a job, most people simply list their skills on their resume and LinkedIn profile and rattle them off when interviewing. Conversely, hiring managers are more interested in finding out how you can add value to their company with your skills and experience (READ: track record).
Every time a candidate, during an interview, cites their list of “skills,” which I have read on their resume or seen on their LinkedIn profile, I think, “How will these skills help me achieve my goals?” Hence hiring managers need to play detective by asking discovery questions such as, “Tell me a time when …” to identify how, for example, your claiming to possess “wizardlike” Excel skills will be of value to the company.
Rather than waiting for your interviewer to ask you discovery questions, you can earn mega points when you are inevitably asked “Tell me about yourself” by:
• Describing how you have used Excel to solve problems or improve processes. For instance, you might mention how you created a complex financial model, analyzed data to identify trends or patterns, or used advanced functions to streamline a process.
• Explaining the potential cost savings and revenue generation resulting from your Excel skills. For example, improving financial reporting accuracy, reducing data entry errors, or accelerating decision-making through data visualization.
• Discussing how your Excel skills can help the employer achieve their goals. For example, if the employer wants to improve their supply chain management, you could discuss how you have used Excel to track inventory and forecast demand.
Bottom line: Hiring managers are looking for candidates who show they understand the role and are hungry to deliver massive results.
As I have stated in previous columns, employers hire candidates who they feel will achieve results and create value.
You are not not getting selected for interviews, or being rejected after being interviewed, because:
• Your resume has horizontal lines or red font.
• Your resume lacked the right keywords.
• Instead of five paragraphs, your cover letter had four.
• Your interview attire was blue rather than grey. You are getting rejected because you are not persuasively explaining how your skills will add value to the company.
There are three ways an employee creates value:
1. Revenue Growth:
Without revenue, a business ceases to exist. Therefore, revenue-generating employees are highly valued. These employees are eliminating what every employer stresses over: keeping revenue, the lifeblood of every business, flowing.
If you are a sales or marketing professional, you should be able to easily show, using numbers, which every employer understands, how you have contributed to your employer’s bottom line.
Tip for those looking to make a career change: Jobs are generally more secure in professions that generate revenue.
2. Cost Reduction:
Cost control is crucial to a business’s survival and profitability. Therefore, employers are constantly looking for ways to keep their expenses as low as possible.
Consider your past and present roles. Did you save money? Did you improve delivery efficiency resulting in increasing customer retention? As a manager, do you have a track record of employee retention, thus not necessitating your employer having to go through the expense of hiring replacements? There are opportunities to control costs in virtually every position.
3. Freedom:
Employees who give their employer the freedom to focus on the big picture are highly valued. Do you deliver consistently, within expectations, so your boss can focus on more than just managing your work and results?
I have never encountered a manager who does not want to give their employees autonomy. However, many managers believe their employees have yet to show they can work autonomously and consistently deliver results. Call it what you will, powerhungry, micromanaging, your boss is responsible to their boss for your results, and therefore they must feel comfortable allowing you to work autonomously.
In contrast to proving you can generate revenue or reduce costs through numbers, proving you can work autonomously can be challenging. I advise having at least 2 STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories ready to showcase your ability to work autonomously.
When job searching, remember your skills are the tools you use to provide value to an employer and that employers are looking to hire the candidate they believe will provide the most value for their salary.
Look at it this way: If someone asked you to list all your skills, they would be impressed. But if they were to ask you how those skills have created value for your employers, they would be even more impressed. It is not just the possession of skills that employers want. Employers want employees who can produce tangible value for them through their skills.
Bob Moore at the Pool elevator took in the first load of this season’s wheat on Saturday, from Wm. McAreavy. The wheat was Univ. 222 and graded No. 1 Nor. Price 48 ½ c. This is one year when John Borgens, who usually holds the record for early delivery had been beaten out.
A crowd of unemployed men estimated at around 250 arrived in town on Tuesday via the side-door pullmans and gondolas on both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific. They congregated at the Canadian National Park and laid down their burdens along the fence whole conferring among themselves and with the police. Some of them undoubtedly will be picked for harvest work but most of the lads will have to move on.
C. Gordon has the contract for a new barn to replace the one lost by W. McAreavy in last Friday’s fire. The new structure will be of more imposing dimensions and of modern type.
George P. Fedorak of Willingdon Motors has taken the agency of Massey-Harris Implement Co. here.
W. McAreavy, whose farm is east of Vegreville, lost heavily in a fire on Friday, August 18th, when his barn, two hog sheds, poultry house, all of his hay, and about 100 bushels of chop were destroyed.
75 Years Ago – August 25, 1948
The auxiliary plant here of Canadian Utilities Ltd. is being fixed up for action in case it is required later on when the winter load calls for more energy. One regulator being installed cast $10,535 and other parts added will cost an additional $5,855, bringing the present expenditure to $16,420. The Vegreville plant is mostly a standby when breakages occur, but it is always kept in readiness to go to work as occasion requires.
John Stokke of Edmonton has accepted a position with the Singer Sewing Machine Co. in town and is now engaged in assisting the manager, W. Kastner.
Roy Kassian, R.C.A.F., was a caller in town over the weekend, visiting his parents and friends. Roy has been with the Air Force in Trenton, Ont., and is now en route to Kittigazuit, N.W.T.
The word barber is derived from the Latin barba, meaning beard. The common belief that the century plant blooms once in 100 years is a myth. In warm regions, it grows rapidly and blooms about the seventh or eighth year. In hot houses or in colder climates 80 or 90 years may elapse before the plant blooms.
50 Years Ago – August 23, 1973
Larry Homeniuk was the proud showman of the Supreme Champion of the Willingdon Agricultural Fair. The classy Hereford bull was a part of the seven-animal herd display of the Homeniuk. Interbreed Dairy Champion animal at the Willingdon Agricultural Fair was Jersey owned by the Metro Kolotylo family of Willingdon.
The new town secretary-treasurer, Garnet J. Burnstad, has brought a host of municipal experience with him to the town office, a position he took over at the beginning of August. In addition to his municipal work, he has found time to be a very active member of the Lions Club and has garnered a total of 11 years of perfect attendance. He is married to the former Ann Strilchuk of Round Hill and they have two children, a daughter who is married and lives in St. Albert and a son who is employed at Redwater.
Among the pilots who flew into the Vegreville Flying Club’s Fly-In Breakfast were Mr. and Mrs. K. Lowe’s grandson, Arnold Sanford of Grand Prairie. He was the recipient of a trophy having flown the furthest for the event. While here he visited with his family, the Edward Sanford’s of Lavoy.
25 Years Ago – August 25, 1998
Five members of the Vegreville Fire Department competed at the all-provincial hose and coupling competition in Olds. The firemen were Dale Lefebvre, Fred Willette, Lorne Chrapko, Philip Rowe, and Miles Lowe.
There was lots to do during Vegreville’s Community Heritage Day on Sunday, August 23. Besides displays by Welcome Wagon, Carl Grosfield and Rob Hughes, and the Homestead Lodge, there were tours of the Museum and concessions.
The second meeting of organizations concerned about the future of the Two Hills Arena was held. Representatives from the Two Hills Agricultural Society, town, curling club, minor hockey, figure skating, and the Bald Eagles attended. They all decided to keep the rink open and a group called the Two Hills District Sports Activities Council will take over the operations and maintenance of the arena.
The 4-H provincial program People Developing People (PDP) attracted 67 4-H Alberta members to Westerose. Local members Jacquie Stuart, Vegreville, Ryan Yaremchuk, Beauvallon, and Kent Elias of Vegreville took part in the week’s activities and challenges.
One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher.
The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.
Susan Martinuk
Last month, the Winnipeg Free Press ran a particularly sharp critique of Manitoba’s healthcare system, decrying provincial healthcare budgeting as “parsimony” and stating that monetary decisions made by the government since 2015 have created a healthcare crisis in Manitoba. It strongly implied that the solution is … more money.
If only it were that simple. And if only the healthcare crisis was limited to Manitoba.
Un fortunately, universal healthcare woes, from extended waiting periods to doctor shortages, are no strangers to Canadians. Recent data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) underscores the grim reality:
According to the report:
• about 12 percent of Canadians are without a family doctor
• waitlists for medical procedures have soared from a median of 19.4 weeks in 2015 to a staggering 31.5 weeks in 2021
• 743,000 fewer surgeries were performed during the first 2.5 years of Covid.
The report also documented 18 million overtime hours in public hospitals between 2020 and 2021 – the equivalent of 9,000 full-time jobs, so, of course, healthcare workers are burning out.
Healthcare chaos, in other words, is not a problem in any one province – it’s a Canadian problem.
And, as Canadians have observed over and over again, pouring more money into a broken system is not a solution. Canada already has the second most expensive healthcare system in the world. Healthcare will cost the average family (of two parents and one child) about $17,000 in 2023. It’s difficult to imagine how much more of a tax burden Canadian families are willing to endure.
So, what are some ‘systemic’ solutions that could improve Canadian healthcare?
One idea that seems to be gaining traction is changing hospital funding from huge, black-box global budgets to activity-based funding.
Hospitals represent the largest healthcare expendi-
ture in Canada. With global budgets, each patient represents an expense and encourages hospitals to do what they can to reduce access and expenditures. They are also notoriously inefficient in containing costs. By contrast, under activity-based funding, each patient represents a source of income and adds to the hospital’s financial resources. Hospitals are paid based on the number of people treated and procedures performed; this has been shown to increase access to, and cost efficiency of, healthcare.
Activity-based funding is already in place in some hospitals in Canada – but the vast majority still fall under global budgets. This is just one of many reforms suggested by a task force of emergency department physicians in Canada. Their report has been two years in the making, and the draft report is available online.
It will be a significant contribution to the conversation about healthcare because Canada’s Eme rgency Departments serve as the nadir for the constellation of crises that now constitute the Canadian healthcare system.
Emergency Departments are the first place patients go when they can’t access a family doctor. They are where hallway medicine begins as a shortage of hospital beds puts patients who need to be admitted on st retchers in busy hallways. They are where geriatric patients find themselves when they have chronic conditions and need the kind of care that should be provided in a long-term care situation or by a family doctor. No wonder the Emergency Department report says, “For us to survive, our entire ecosystem must change.”
Another systemic reform that has proven successful in other countries is the “purchaser-provider split.” As the name suggests, this is a model of healthcare delivery in which the payer for the service is separated from the service providers. That doesn’t happen in Canada – under our public healthcare system, the government both pays for and provides the service.
One can easily see how inefficient this can be.
Healthcare reform is desperately needed, but our federal and provincial governments are out of money. Change can only come through innovation.
Susan Martinuk is a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and author of Patients at Risk: Exposing Canada’s Healthcare Crisis.
- Richard Kluger -
Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism...
Twelve decades after the construction of Motivi, (Mathew) and Salomea Chomiak’s homestead house, (SE 4-52-16-W4) approximately 11 miles southeast of the Town of Mundare, approximately 60 descendants gathered there on Aug. 12 to remember, reminisce and honour the courageous and determined efforts of those brave Ukrainian settlers.
The event was hosted by John Chomiak, a grandson of Motivi and Salomea, and his wife of 58 years, Cathie, who have resided on the homestead since 2004. Shortly after 2 pm a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held beside the 120-year-old log structure to commemorate and pay tribute to the couple and their nine children who once inhabited the log home.
John pointed out that the homestead house is the last building on the homestead site. He explained that, “The plan is to save the south and west walls since the rotting is at a minimal; the interior wall which initially was the west outside wall, I plan to do my best to maintain it standing and build a canopy to protect it from the elements. In a way it will become a shrine. Many of the saved logs will be relocated to redo the Chomiak Pioneer Garden.”
The house will be dismantled in stages. John said he was thinking of another way he could capture and retain the spirit of his grandparents who laboured to put up the house and came up with the idea of cutting up some of the logs into two-inch strips to give to guests when they plan to gather again next summer at the homestead.
John said the happiness he saw on the faces of guests of meeting each other again or for the very first time at the event was gratifying and many expressed their gratitude to him and Cathie for initiating and hosting the event.
“I loved watching them get reacquainted. It was very gratifying for me to see the connection that started back in 1901.” John added that some of the descendants who couldn’t attend Saturday’s event, returned the following day to visit with them.
According to family history, “In 1901, Motivi and Salomea, along with their three-year-old daughter Eva and infant Fred left the village of Klekotiv in Ukraine and arrived in Canada by ship via Hamburg. In Halifax, following processing by immigration officials, they travelled by train to Strathcona and then to their homestead, where it remains to this day.”
The log house was built in two phases. Logs in the eastern end were prepared by hand, (axe) in 1903. In the next phase, between 1908 and 1910, most of the logs were prepared by a machine/mill. It was likely during the second phase a lean-to was attached to the west end.
“Based on John’s recollections as a young boy, this lean-to was the kitchen. A large stone still exists from the southwest corner of the kitchen on which the portion of the building rested and is now painted red. The initial phase housed the family of four: Motivi and Salomea, Eva and Fred, then soon to be born John and Ann. Soon after came the arrival of Mary in 1910, Sophie in 1912, Steve in 1913 and Nellie in 1916.”
A new log house was built on the northside of the current house years later. In 1921, the family relocated to the new home. To the best of John’s research, the thatched roof was replaced by boards and shingles as it exists today.
John spent many a day at his grandparents’ farm. John said his grandparents were already quite elderly and starting to take life a bit easier when he was young, and fondly recalls sitting between the two of them during buggy rides.
John said Motivi assisted in the building of Borshiw Catholic Church and Moscow Hall. In the cemetery beside church, a special shrine is dedicated to Motivi and Salomea and their descendants. A time capsule was buried beside their grave in 2001 and will be reopened in 2026 to add more information and sealed again until the summer of 2051 when it will be reopened as that will officially mark 150 years.
Their lives, legacy and pioneering spirit continue to live on as their descendants are farming well over 10,000 acres, with the land spreading out across several counties in the region. John, now 83 years of age and Cathie, 79 years of age, have seen many changes on the farmstead over the years and are hoping their three children and two grandchildren will continue to honour Motivi and Salomea; their life, their love and their dedication to family, faith and farming.
Neil Gorda Submitted
On August 5th, 2023, the Willingdon School Class of ’73 celebrated their 50 year reunion at the Willingdon Rec Centre.
Neil Gorda started the planning of this happy, momen-
tous event and, together with the other two members of the organizing committee, Sherilynn Mazepa and Walter Gegolick, put on a great party. The turnout was fantastic.
The original grad MCs, Don Makowichuk and Sharon Hawrelak, were also the MCs for this celebration. George Leonty delivered a speech on behalf of the teachers who taught the class of ’73. Sebastien Dutrisac
brought greetings from the County of Two Hills.
Attendees were treated to a wonderful meal prepared by Mary Karbashewski and her team. Emmy-Lou Grekul provided dinner music on her accordion.
Everyone enjoyed an evening of stories and reminiscing, smiles and laughter.
this event. Ried Ziegler, who was pulling the trailer of donated toys with his truck, mentioned this is good for the community as it brings people together.
Shirley Jean Kercher commented that it is cool to have this because it supports Vegreville Christmas Bureau in the way that it brings attention to the organization.
Our most sincerest thanks to the following businesses and individuals for their generosity and support for our silent & live auction items: Ron's Auto & Ag.; Ram River; Vision Credit Union – Vegreville Branch; Dale's Auction Service; FCC; Webb's Machinery; Mannville Riverview Golf Course; Grains Connect; Marion Austin; Marg McBain; Helen Taylor; Richardson – Lavoy; Xtreme Power Products – Kubota; Flying Dutch Farms – Lloyd & Dana Boere; Deerland; Vision Credit Union – Viking Branch; Yaremcio Honey Farm; Grant Miller Motors Ltd; NAPA; . A huge thanks to everyone for your generous bidding and purchasing these items; your support is most appreciated.
To Dale Menzak, Pete Conway & Dwayne Durie thanks for conducting our live auction which always generates lots of excitement and entertainment. Great job, gentlemen.
Thanks to Tara Kuzio, & Crew for setting up our wonderful Bench Show – what a FANTASTIC display. To Veg. & District Co-op for supplying the meat and veggie platters along with the buns for our bench show volunteers on Friday. They greatly appreciated being fed.
To P&H, thank you for providing the entire pancake mix for the delicious breakfast.
Thank you, Battery World (Edmonton), for the generous donation of water to keep everyone hydrated. Thanks to the Playgroup Mom's for looking after the games again this year. The children always enjoy these fun events. Thanks, Margie Axten, for organizing the Bouncy Houses – the children had a BLAST!
The Ranfurly Ag. Society would like to extend a sincere thank you to all parade, bench show exhibitors, horse show participants, teamsters and all the judges. It is your
John & Jeannette Semotiuk
Vegreville Liquor Store
Robert & Margaret McBain
Jody & Darcy Zwarich
Grains Connect-Vegreville
Synergy Chartered Accountants
Judith Dutton– In Memory of Jerry Rudniski
TJ's Light Dozer & Bobcat Services – Tim O'shea
continued support, participation & attendance that make our fair a success every year. Thanks to our gate people, Kerri Sokalski & Kirby Mears and the other gate personnel in making sure all our participants were ready to go. Huge Thanks to Dale Dmytriw for doing a fantastic job as our ring man for the day and keeping everyone on task in the horse show ring.
Once again a Huge Thanks to Pete Conway announcing our horse show, keeping the show exciting and making sure our sponsors are all recognized.
To Nadia Melnyk along with all her kitchen help and community volunteers, THANK-YOU for all your hard work during the weekend, especially on Sunday, keeping everyone fed and watered. Thank you the various groups namely- Innisfree Grad Class of 2024; Kidsport - Roy Mills & crew, New Kiew Church Group, Chuck & Shelia St. Clair for ALL your help throughout the day. Your assistance helped make our day so successful and stress free. Words cannot express our gratitude.
To our FANTASTIC group of volunteers a heartfelt THANK YOU for your time, commitment, dedication and support in hosting annual fair - bench show, horse show, kitchen, games, bar and museum help. Thirty-nine years of commitment to our community and fair is truly more than words can say!! We did it with success and enjoyable for everyone in attendance!! Absolutely amazing, Ranfurly!! Hope to see you all again next year – our fortieth.
Be proud RANFURLY, you put smiles on many people, but most of all the children!!!! Small community with a heart of gold.
If we forgot anyone, we apologize, but we do appreciate your support and contribution in making our fair a success!!!
Myself, personally, I used to like getting brand new school supplies and clothing when I went back to school every year. Then there was the challenge of getting adjusted to new teachers and routines that I grew to enjoy.
When asked, students shared what they looked forward to about going back to school.
Donovan Simpson-Wolfe who is going into Grade Five at A.L. Horton School said he likes indoor recess
and playing games on the computer.
Emrys Simpson/Wolfe who will be a Grade Three student at A.L. Horton School in September mentioned that he is looking forward to learning and free choice time.
Katana Musiowsky who will be in Grade one com-
mented that she is looking forward to the Math parts about school, recess, art and crafts, and Ukrainian class. Well, Nykita Musiowsky will be going back to preschool said, “I enjoy playing outside and at the water table, as well as, having ice pops at school.”
with your child.
Some ideas are to get a blank notebook and have your child decorate it with stickers and drawings.
Another suggestion is to find some construction paper and draw a school bus or if your child is old enough to, have them draw one while they invent stories of all the places and adventures the students will have while they travel on the bus.
Go to the school before the big day and have your child pose in whatever way they want to in their back to school clothing.
Draw circles and glue the edges of these circles with scrapbooking paper where you make a bookmarker or just a big sign where you write the child’s favorite things about school. A bookmarker can also be made with paperclips and ribbons.
Going back to school is a time for fresh ideas and goals and there is never a better time to encourage creativity
Talk to your child about your school days.
Make a paper doll from a picture of your child. After
which are point by putting your arms out when you are ready to cross the road, pause to make sure there are no drivers going by and proceed across with your arms out while still looking in both directions.
When you get to the bus stop, take five steps back from the road when the bus is stopping and wait for the bus to completely stop before you take a step forward. Then stay at least five steps away from the front, sides, and back of the bus.
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
One of the most important things is for children to be aware of their surroundings when they go back to school.
In terms of pedestrian safety, My Health Alberta states that children should walk across the road at marked crosswalks.
When a crosswalk isn’t available, find a way to cross at the corner of the street. If the town is really small that there is no corner nearby, children should find the safest way to cross the road. Never cross the street when the lights are red. If children must cross in front of a bus, they should make sure the bus driver sees them.
Follow the three P’s when crossing the street
To get on the school bus, stay in a group to wait for the bus and get on one at a time while using the handrail to get on and off the bus.
When you are on the school bus, pay attention to the driver and listen to what they say.
Try to not make any noise or talk while you are on the bus, don’t put your things under the seat, stay seated and keep facing forward. Also, don’t get up or walk around and stay on your seat until the bus comes to a full stop.
you do this, ask your child their goals for this school year and future plans while pretending this doll is them and all the fun they will have when they achieve their plans.
For younger kids, use a stencil and have them trace letters and numbers and cut it out from this. If they are older, have them form sentences from the alphabet or do numeracy challenges.
Have a scavenger hunt in the school yard before school begins.
Discuss healthy eating and take your child grocery shopping and have them choose and prepare back to school lunches with you.
Culture, history and heritage were on full display during Ukrainian Day celebrations at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, (UCHV) on Aug. 20. Ukrainian Day has been held at UCHV since the late seventies and drew a strong turnout once again.
Amber White, Head of External Relations and Events at UCHV, said, “Ukrainian Day 2023 was a vibrant celebration of Culture, Heritage, and Community. This cherished annual event, co-hosted by the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Alberta Provincial Council, brought together people of all ages and created lasting memories.
The theme for this year’s event, ‘Opening Our Hearts,’ was designed to warmly embrace Ukrainian newcomers visiting UCHV for the first time, and we were delighted to extend a heartfelt welcome to many new faces!
The day commenced with a divine liturgy and a heartfelt tribute to the early settlers of east central Alberta. In the afternoon, our concert was a jubilant celebration of Ukrainian dance, music, and song in Alberta, with a special nod to Metis heritage through the captivating performance of a Metis fiddler.
As part of this remarkable event, we encouraged our visitors to explore the historical village, where they could immerse them-
Our
selves in the rich history of early Ukrainian settlement in east central Alberta. Additionally, we invited them to savor the delectable flavors of Ukrainian cuisine and explore the diverse offerings at the vendor market and gift shop.”
Several dignitaries were in attendance for the day-long event including: Oleksandr Danyleiko, Consul General of Ukraine, Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA for Fort SaskatchewanVegreville, and David Diduck, Reeve of Lamont County.
Danyleiko spoke briefly about the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine and Putin’s plan to destroy it as a nation. “Putin openly said there is no such country as Ukraine. There is no such people as Ukraine…They want us to be slaves to the Russian empire, but we will never be. We will never surrender. We will fight until the end and get Russian invaders out of our land and we will always be free, independent and strong Ukrainians.
He also asked for continued support in the fight against Russia. We are not only fighting for Ukraine, we are fighting for our common values; democracy, the rule of law…Please stand with Ukraine. Support us and we will celebrate our common victory.”
Armstrong-Homeniuk brought greetings on behalf of Premier Danielle Smith and the Government of Alberta. She stated, “Today, I hope everyone is able to enjoy and learn more about Ukrainian heritage, traditions, food and history.
Vegreville
Friday, August 25 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 26 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, August 27 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Free
But today is also an opportunity to come together to support the Ukrainians who have evacuated to Alberta.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, Alberta has welcomed over 40,000 people to our province. Being of Ukrainian heritage, and a descendent of the first Ukrainian settlers to Canada, I acknowledge that Alberta has enjoyed a longstanding and productive relationship with the people of Ukraine.
In my role as Parliamentary Secretary, I recognized the need to provide a safe haven to Ukrainian evacuees fleeing the horrors of war. The Alberta Government has worked in partnership with a number of organizations, to help Ukrainian evacuees adjust to their new home, language, and communities.
I want to take a moment to thank all the settlement agencies, immigrant-serving organizations, volunteers, and volunteer groups, like the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, who have done an extraordinary job supporting the evacuees when they arrive in Alberta.
As we celebrate today, let us recognize the vital role that the Ukrainian people have played in building our great province.”
Lamont County Reeve David Diduck, said, “On behalf of Lamont County, the Cradle of Ukrainian settlement in Canada, it is my distinct pleasure as Reeve to welcome all of you to this year’s Ukrainian Day celebration.
Ukrainian Day is a special day which brings us together to celebrate our Ukrainian history, traditions and culture through food, music, song and dance. What better place to celebrate Ukrainian Day than at the UCHV where early Ukrainian settlement in east central is depicted through the real life museum from 1892 to 1930.
Wasyl Eleniak and Iwan Pylypow would be extremely proud knowing that the traditions and culture they brought to Lamont County 131 years ago would still be a large part of the social and cultural fabric within the Ukrainian community.
Orysia Boychuk, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Alberta Provincial Council, (UCC-APC) presented former MLA Deron Bilous with the Michael Luckovich Award for their significant contribution and dedication for the betterment of all Canadians.
Boychuk was presented with the Paul Harris Rotary Club Award. Additionally, she accepted a $50,000 cheque on behalf of the UCC-APC from the Polish Canadian Humanitarian Society.
On August 17, I was officially sworn in as the Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees. I am honored to continue my advocacy in this position for displaced individuals who have made Alberta their home.
In other news, our government is working to keep life affordable so Alberta families and businesses can thrive. Because of this, we are taking a stand against Justin Trudeau’s reckless plan to reach a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. Estimates have predicted this transition will cost Canadians up to $1.7 trillion.
Our government has created Alberta’s Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan to achieve a carbonneutral power grid by 2050. As the national leader in renewable energy development, we are determined to facilitate this transition to benefit the interest of seniors, families, small business owners, farmers, and ranchers who have vocalized their concerns about what Trudeau’s net-zero ambitions could mean for their power bills.
Undeniably, the net-zero regulations would exponentially increase the cost of all Albertans’ power bills and would disincentivize investment in new natural gas generation. Fortunately, electricity generation is a constitutionally protected provincial responsibility and our United Conservative government is fighting back. We have been clear -these proposed regulations are unconstitutional and will not be implemented in Alberta, period.
Alberta is not alone in this.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has vocalized his concerns stating, “Trudeau’s net-zero electricity regulations are unaffordable, unrealistic, and unconstitutional. They will drive electricity rates through the roof and leave Saskatchewan with an unreliable power supply.” Reconfiguring the electricity sector to adapt to a net-zero target needs to be planned on a province-by-province basis rather than a one-size-fits-all plan to address each provinces’ specific needs and existing infrastructure.
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At long last dog owners in Mundare have their own dedicated space to exercise their furry friends. It’s only been a few weeks, but the new dog park in Victory Park has been reported to be well utilized since it opened.
Resident Shaan Kapoor has lived in the community for two and a half years and said he just loves the dog park and spends a lot of time there with his
Australian Shepherd/Pointer cross dog Bruce. Town of Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin said the dog park opened at the beginning of August. A total of 600 feet of fencing was installed by Phoenix Fence at a cost of approximately $18,500.
The dog park was first proposed by former Councillor Jason Kowal on the input and recommendations of dog owners. After a favourable trial run, council decided to proceed with the project.
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The Mannville Agricultural Society hosted its annual Fair on Aug. 19. The day was filled with a wide variety of activities. For the first time it held a bean bag tournament which had 30 teams. There were kids’ games, bouncy house, antique tractor and vehicle display, vendors market, food trucks, beer garden, greasy pig contest, parade and pancake breakfast. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)
MATVIW, Elizabeth (Elsie) 1925 - 2021
The world changes from year to year, Our lives from day to day, But the love and memory of you, Shall never pass away.
Mom, your loving ways, ethics, And positive influence live on in Your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Vichnaya Pamyat
Forever loved and remembered by your
Children: Mildred Saik, David Matviw, and Barbara Morris and their families
ZACHARUK, Raymond
On August 17, 2023, Mr. Raymond Zacharuk of Beauvallon passed away at the age of 81 years. He is survived by his son, Gerald (Erica); grandchildren, Kayleigh, Mikayla, Reanna & Alexis; numerous other relatives & friends. Raymond was predeceased by his wife, Marie; son, Cory; & numerous siblings. A Celebration of Raymond’s Life will be held on Friday, August 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel, St. Paul. Reverend Anne McGrath will be officiating with interment in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Lac Bellevue. If desired, donations may be made to Haying in the 30’s (Cancer Support Society) c/o 5626 51 Street, St. Paul AB T0A 3A1. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 - 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677
LOZOWY, Bill
July 20, 1932 – August 14, 2023
On Monday, August 14, 2023, Bill Lozowy of Vegreville, Alberta passed away at the age of 91 years.
Bill is survived by his loving family; children Arnold (Jean) Lisoway, Katherine Kiziak, Michael Lisoway and John (Karen) Lisoway; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Eugene (May); sister Lovie Hewko; also with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Bill was predeceased by his wife Gladys; parents John and Annie Lozowy; son-in-law Edward Kiziak; brothers Stanley and Walter Lozowy; sister Nadie (Nick) Horon; brother-in-law Mike Hewko.
A Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Vegreville, Alberta with the Basilian Fathers officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Alberta Cancer Foundation” or to the charity of one’s choice.
To connect to the live stream for the Divine Liturgy or to send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800
The Two Hills Health Centre would like to thank the Royal Canadian Legion for their most recent donation. The Royal Canadian Legion has donated a Vicair Mattress 415. This mattress is designed for pain relief, unrest reduction, and pressure ulcer prevention. The addition of this new mattress will contribute to the overall well being of our patients and residents. L-R: Tammy Tarkowski (Site Manager, THHC), Rick Karpo (Royal Canadian Legion).
In loving memory of our mother
SENIUK, Marcia
April 30, 1934 - August 29, 2021
We often think of bygone days
When we were all together. The family chain is broken now, But memories will live forever.
To us, she has not gone away, Nor has she travelled far, Just entered God’s eternal home
And left the gate ajar.
Take her in Thine arms, dear Lord, And ever let her be A messenger of love
Between our hearts and Thee.
Forever loved and deeply missed by Children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
KORPAN, Edward John
April 17, 1939 – August 20, 2023
On Sunday, August 20, 2023, Ed Korpan of Inland, Alberta, passed away at the age of 84 years.
Ed is survived by his loving family, his wife of 62 years, Diana; two sons and one daughter Kevin (BillyJo), Shawna (Dwayne) Farmer and Orest (Yvette); 7 grandchildren Robin, Dustin, Dallas, Derrick (Nicole), Nicole, Kristen (Andrew) and Justin; fourteen greatgrandchildren; sister Joanne; brother-in-law Ed Laibida; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Ed was predeceased by his parents John and Anne Korpan; brother Orest; sister Irene.
A Private Funeral Service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation.
To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD.
Vegreville, 780-603-5800
ZUZAK, Josephine
In Loving Memory of Josephine Zuzak
April 19, 1929 – August 20, 2022
Precious memories woven in gold, This is the picture we tenderly hold.
Deep in our hearts your memory is kept, To love and to cherish and never forget. A special smile, a special face, And in our hearts a special place.
No words we speak can ever say, How much we miss your everyday.
To be together the same old way, Would be our greatest wish today. May the words of love blow softly and whisper, so you can hear.
We will always love and miss you and wish that you were here. Your loving family.
Andrew, AB – Council wishes to announce that HumanEdge Recruitment & Consulting Services, has been contracted to provide administrative support to the Village of Andrew.
Mayor Merwin Haight said, “Council recognizes its obligations and responsibilities under the Municipal Government Act to the Province, to its municipal partners, and to its residents, and we have not been able to address these matters effectively on our own in the absence of a full time Chief Administrative Officer. With the help from HumanEdge we hope to address some key matters and help the Village move forward”. HumanEdge has been contracted to work with Council, staff, and specific external parties to help identify and address administrative, financial, and operational priority items.
Deputy Mayor Tammy Ann Pickett added that, “HumanEdge is required to provide Council with updates on its findings, actions and recommendations and we will in turn ensure residents are kept informed.”
HumanEdge is headquartered in Edmonton with other branch offices in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. The firm provides executive and senior level recruitment and other management consulting services to the municipal sector and other public and private organizations. Ken Glover, Managing Partner with HumanEdge will oversee the team and services provided to the Village of Andrew which commences Monday August 14th.
The News Advertiser inquired with the Mayor for additional information but we were unable to connect prior to press time. We expect additional details to follow in the coming weeks.
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Around 15 children from three to six years of age, as well as, their older siblings were able to learn about outdoor happenings at the Nature Summer Sprouts program from August 14 to 18 at KIN Community Park.
Vegreville Centennial Library (VCL) partnered with Kalyna Family Resource Network (KFRN)-Vegreville for this event.
Library Programming Assistant for VCL Valerie Lowes explained, “The themes for this program were sunshine, camp out, insects, plants, and wild animals.
The sale of hollow logs is prohibited
We sang songs, crafts, read stories, went on scavenger hunts and had snacks all while learning about nature and the different themes.
The children benefited by learning about nature in an outdoor environment while playing and making friends.”
The winners from each category were announced for the Vegreville Deerland 120th Anniversary Country Fair recently which saw around 85 entries.
The Parade Marshal was Dave Humphries.
Office Manager for Vegreville Agricultural Society Rachel Farr said they are grateful to everyone who participated and the businesses, organizations and individuals who won for the 2023 Parade were for the Non-Commercial Category: First – Valid, Second - Vegreville Centennial Library, Third - Borschiw Social Guild.
With the Commercial Category the winners were First - Vegreville Family Dental, Second - Lakeland Power Co-op, ThirdBank of Montreal.
For the Clown Category, the winners were: First - Community Futures Elk Island Region.
With the Horse Category, they were First - Alyssa Ezio, Second- Karina Trudel, Third- Ray Bachette.
Kyle Gauvin won first place for the Decorated Bike Category.
The winners for the Youth Organization Category were first- Vegreville Vipers, second- Junior B Rangers.
From the Antique Category, the winners were first- Iron Runners Auto Club, second- Warawa Family, and third- Darcy L.
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Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Muddy conditions made Vegreville Bunnock Association, (VBA) change the location of Vegreville 14th Annual Bunnock Tournament to Vegreville Social Centre overflow parking lot on August 19 and 20.
VBA President Sherry Beaudette said that they had 58 teams with four people on each team who participated in this tournament.
“The furthest people came from Ireland to visit their daughter. Participants also came from British Columbia, Lloydminster, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, and local areas.”
When asked, Beaudette admitted that she has been playing for 10 years and the best part is the fellowship and having a chance to see people you don’t see all the
time. “Also, the competition and winning is good.
Other attractions that were available were a 50/50 draw, food truck, and performances by Off Ramp Boys.”
Mary Ruff who came from Ireland commented that it was so nice to see her daughter Paula and grandchildren Sarah and Joey who live in Vegreville. “Also, the game is fantastic! I regularly play petanque at home.”
Ray Gartner who is the Founder, Senior Director and Advisor for VBA mentioned that the best part is the variety of ages of the players who get together and enjoy the game. “A great grandfather was 92-years-old and he had his great grandson on the team. This is like a reunion where people meet each other again and enjoy being together. It is just an overall super fun event.”
