4 minute read
Holidays in the News Advertiser
Two Hills Emergency Services Santa Claus Food Drive
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Members of the Two Hills Fire Department, Medavie EMS Services and members of the 2024 Two Hills School graduating class participated in the annual emergency services Santa Claus Food Drive the evening of Dec. 10.
Two Hills Fire Chief Marj Skoropadyk said they managed to collect 400 kilograms of non-perishable food, unwrapped toys and cash donations during the charity drive. All of the items go to Two Hills Family & Community Support Services that supplies Christmas hampers to community members who are in need of assistance.
Advent Celebration
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
An array of Christmas musical performances were enjoyed by 101 attendees at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Dec. 10.
Coordinator Colleen Albert said she had a lot of helpers to make this event happen. “We are so grateful to Debra Giebelhaus-Maloney, our guest conductor coming up from Calgary to do practices for the performers.”
The accompanists and soloists were: Kryshtyna Kahut, Colleen Albert, Lisa Topilko, Viola Braun-Fox and Laura Lillies.
Choir members were: Colleen Albert, Terry Baydala, Emily Booth, Viola Braun-Fox, Martha Die, Julie Kim, Laura Lillies, Elizabeth Nawrot, Tim Nawrot, Julie Thompson, Lisa Topilko, Becky Yurko, Ashley Ziprick, Hugh Ziprick and Linda Ziprick.
Vegreville Youth Ensemble members were: Brendan Lusk, Cayden Lusk, Emma Mullett, Mary-Katherine Prestash, Matthew Prestash, Scarlett Randhue and Scott Yurko.
Ashley Ziprick led the attendees with the sing-along.
The highlight of the evening was the memorial plaque presentation which Colleen Albert stated that the church has a new instrument courtesy of the Giebelhaus family. “Do you remember Dan and Elizabeth (Li) Giebelhaus? Li was the first president of the Wendy Brook Music Festival and both of them were so involved in the community. Li passed away on December 9, 2022, and because of this, her family decided to bless us with Li’s grand piano and we are dedicating a plaque for this which will be at this church.”
Attendees gave their impressions of the performances. Jennie Johnson mentioned that the music was heartwarming, beautiful and uplifting. “The choir and the children expressed the songs well. It was a pleasure to listen to them singing.”
Frank Albert commented that they put a lot of work into their performances. “They tightened up things and did a nice job.”
Nativity of Jesus
Filipino Festive Christmas Party
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Coordinator Laura Rarama said 75 attendees at this party at Vegreville Centennial Library on Dec. 9. “I hosted this event to have a gathering for all my friends and families for Christmas as it is an occasion to celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came from heaven to earth to teach us valuable lessons about life and love. It is also a time to be thankful for what you have in your life, whether it be your family, friends, or financial stability. I am grateful to all the sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible.”
This party included Caroline Mockon as the Mistress of Ceremony, Nadeth Palmer presenting the opening prayer, a virtual message by Kreena Balansag, a delightful supper of Filipino foods, regular dishes, and traditional Christmas food, raffle prizes and games, Christmas songs performed by Wayne
Camantigue and Eduard Rarama, as well as, Samantha Rarama singing songs, photos with Santa, a birthday party for Ruth Lim, Renz Rarama, Leidon Ramos, a gift exchange, Karaoke time and dance and closing remarks by Lorelei Lloyd.
