Vegreville News Advertiser - December 21, 2022

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner Submitted December 13, 2022

A former Lamont Health Care Centre employee pleaded guilty on Friday, December 9 to knowingly disclosing health information in contravention of the Health Information Act (HIA).

Kathryn Starzynski admitted to taking photos in August 2019 of three long-term care residents at the Lamont Health Care Centre in Lamont, Alberta. She applied a bug-eye filter to alter the image of one of the residents. She disclosed the altered

photo to a colleague and shared the other two photos on one of her social media accounts.

Ms. Starzynski received a conditional discharge and was placed on probation with conditions for the next 12 months, including advising any potential employer about the conviction if the prospective employment involves accessing health information. She was also sentenced to 30 hours of community service.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) opened an offence investigation into Ms. Starzynski’s actions in May 2020 after the Lamont Health Care Centre reported its findings

to the OIPC. Charges were laid in July 2021.

It is an offence under HIA to knowingly disclose health information in contravention of the Act (section 107(2)(a).

Adam’s No Frills

780-603-2600

Agriterra Equipment 780-632-2514

Canadian Tire 780-632-2601

County of Minburn 780-632-2082

Deerland Equipment 780-632-6006

Ernie’s Auto Body 780-632-3011

G&R Sand & Gravel Ltd. 780-632-1569

H.C.L Site Services 780-632-6853

Hi-Way Registries 780-632-7474

Jiffy Lube & Car Wash 780-632-6144

Kal Tire 780-632-6688

Lakeland Power Co-op 780-632-6112

Loves Custom Meats 780-632-2700

Ok Tire 780-632-2388

Park Memorial 780-632-2000

Perry’s Pizza 780-632-6300

Prime Cuts Meat & Deli 780-632-6149

Regent Health 780-632-2141

RJV Gas Field Services 780-632-7774

Rocky Mountain Equipment 780-632-6677

Synergy CPA’s 780-632-6788

The Brick Vegreville 780-632-6100

Tingley’s Harvest Center 780-632-3246

Tower Tack 780-632-1205

Twin Lakes Ready Mix & Aggregates 780-632-7787

Vantage Builders / Vantage Building Supplies 780-632-3422 / 780-632-2119

Vegreville Auto Body 780-632-2445

Vegreville & District Co-op 780-632-2884

Vegreville Dental Centre 780-632-3368

Vegreville Drug Mart 780-632-7660

Vegreville Family Dental 780-632-3912

Vegreville Home Hardware 780-632-3388

Vegreville Liquor Store 780-632-7732

Vegreville Mechanical 780-632-4140

Vegreville News Advertiser 780-632-2861

Vito’s Steak & Pizza and Sports Lounge 780-632-3999

VM Systems 780-632-2859

Webb’s Machinery 780-632-6772

Xtreme Power Products 780-632-7780

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

Your health is important. are freedom drive Respect yourself and others 1.

Your health is important. Your friends and family are precious. Your reputation is valuable. Your freedom is priceless. Life is irreplacable. When you decide to drive impaired, you risk it all Respect yourself and others by committing to a sober ride home this Holiday Season!

Bah Humbug

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

Bah Humbug! If this phrase is not familiar to you, then it’s time to watch some old movies, or if you prefer, read a classic novel. The phrase is well-known as a favourite of miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character in Dickens’ 1843 novel, “A Christmas Carol.” Scrooge, who thinks Christmas is an enormous deception, retorts, “Bah! Humbug!” to anyone who dares to wish him a merry Christmas.

While we are mere days away from Christmas, December is one of those months with plenty to celebrate. While in today’s world, there is something being celebrated almost every day of the year, there are certain days that should be elevated above the likes of National Lasagna Day and National Oatmeal Muffin Day.

As for December, it would be unfair to only list the top ten, so here are the top 11, (or so) holidays for those who enjoy being festive. If you missed any of them, mark them on your calendar for next year.

December 5 sees Germany, Australia and others celebrate Krampusnacht where children are chased by the evil Krampus.

The day after (Dec 6) is St. Nicholas Day which is also popular in Europe and it is very common for chocolate to be given on this day.

December 8 is the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. The holiday celebrates the Christian belief that Mary was conceived in her mother’s womb without original sin.

Hanukkah is a holiday that is quite interesting in the fact that it varies from year to year for 2022 it spans the 8 days between Dec 18 and 26. The common tradition of Hanukkah is the lighting of a celebratory menorah which families of the Jewish faith have in their houses.

December 13th sees St. Lucia or Santa Lucia Day. This is a day to commemorate the martyr Lucia of Syracuse who, according to the legend, brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting the way with a candlelit wreath on her head.

December 16th to 24th marks Las Posadas or “The Inns” in Spanish and commemorates the journey the Joseph and Mary made in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus.

Everyone should be familiar with December 21st which marks the Winter Solstice. Actually, the solstice can occur between the 20th and 23rd, but who’s really watching. For some it’s the “Bah Humbug” shortest day of the year and for others it’s the official start of winter which includes longer days, winter sports and warm fires. It’s the perfect time of year to go for a walk in the snow. Just bundle up because it’s more than a little chilly this year.

Only fans of the 1990’s sitcom Seinfeld will be familiar with December 23rd and Festivus. This is a fictional holiday marked in response to the commercialism of Christmas. The origin is said to come from the father of one of the Seinfeld writers who invented it in 1966. The motto of this fake holiday… “A Festivus for the rest of us!”

Of course, the trifecta that many are waiting for is Christmas which for most includes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th people worldwide celebrate this Christian holiday by gathering with close people and exchanging gifts. Christmas is when children wait with great anticipation to get gifts from their family, friends, Santa Claus, or Father Christmas. Christmas is typically an exclusive family affair; however, it is common to invite friends to a Christmas meal. Everyone has their way of celebrating Christmas, and traditions change over time, but joy and happiness are the ultimate goals for most.

Kwanzaa kicks off December 26th. This is a seven-day festival of African culture and is celebrated worldwide with people wearing traditional African clothing during the celebration. As with Bah Humbug - CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Claystone

$4 Million Composting Facility near Ryley

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

One of western Canada’s largest waste management corporation’s is diversifying operations to include composting of organic waste.

Claystone Waste Ltd. officially announced plans to construct a $4 million state-of-the-art aerated composting facility adjacent to its sanitary landfill which is located near the Village of Ryley this fall. The facility is expected to begin operating next summer and will process up to 20,000 tonnes of source separated organics, including biodegradable supports such as wood fibre per year.

Construction is expected to create up to 40 jobs that will contribute to ongoing employment growth in the region with three to four permanent positions required for operations at the composting facility, stated Claystone’s Chief Operating Officer Corey Popick.

“The compost project itself has been in discussion since 2015 with Beaver Municipal Solutions, our previous name, and it’s carried forward through to Claystone.

It’s been talked about it for the past seven years, and it’s in Claystone’s business case, and we just felt the time based off market conditions due to municipal waste diversion targets and goals and source separated organic collection programs that it was the time to build the organics facility.”

Claystone will be building the composting facility adjacent to its landfill. Popick said provincial registrations are in place, as well as a development permit from Beaver County, but authorization to proceed is still required by Alberta Environment.

Leaf, yard and household food waste products are all considered organic waste. Popick pointed out that, “This facility is

to

being designed on spec to cater to the green cart collection program, either from a municipal or commercial customer.”

Those customers would come from Edmonton and surrounding areas. “We’re confident the City of Edmonton and the outlying communities can fulfill the need to get us up to 20,000 tonnes of organic waste. We do know based on market demand that area does not quite have that capacity. That’s why we’re building it on spec and it’s our job to go out and get contracts.”

Currently, there are no communities within the region that have a green cart program, but Popick said that is something that could be pursued in the future.

Living a greener lifestyle is the wave of the future and is definitely part of future development plans of Claystone. “We are very aware of the circular economy, green initiatives and the generation of greenhouse gas emissions from the landfill perspective. Organics facilities like this one allows you to contribute to the economy by taking food waste converting it into a usable compost that can be reintroduced into the food production system to then grow more products and be reused in the food cycle,” noted Popick.

He went on to say, “Its natural fertilizer that has all the elements that all life needs to grow and thrive.”

Claystone Waste Ltd. officially became a municipally-owned company in 2020. It is owned by Beaver County, Village of Ryley, Town of Tofield, Village of Holden and Town of Viking.

As such, it offers community benefit programs. For example, over the past year Claystone Waste provided $4.9 million worth of direct and indirect financial benefits throughout Beaver Claystone - CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Claystone Waste Ltd. COO Corey Popick. (Claystone Waste Ltd./Submitted Photo)

90 Years Ago – December 21, 1932

In a bulletin issued by the Dominion bureau of statistics, Alberta is shown as having the lowest farm mortgage debt in the prairie west, on the basis of the 1931 census. Farm mortgages in this province total $108,436,606.00 while the total value of land and buildings etc. is places at $662,606,000.00, at ratio of 15.4 per cent. The ratio in Saskatchewan is given as 17.6. The percentage of the number of farms under mortgage in Alberta to the number of farms is 36.2. During the year 18 building projects were undertaken in the town of Vegreville at cost of $29,075.00. At the date of making this report, the writer is unable to learn of a single vacant building either residential or commercial, and on the other hand has beard from time to time of representatives of outside corporations who would be resident here if housing accommodation were available. All of the foregoing shoes a distinct and unusual trend against the tendency of the times, and may surely be accepted as an indication of real progress to come when times again return to normal, as we cannot but believe they will.

75

Years

Ago – December 17, 1947

“Why won’t you advertiser?” asked the representative of a newspaper of a man who owned a small business in a provincial town. “It don’t leave a man any tine,” was the reply. “I advertised once last summer and the consequence was I was kept so busy I didn’t have time to go fishing the whole season.”

There has been some pretty childish and dangerous nonsense aired about the “luxury” imports we might eliminate from the United States. One item stressed repeatedly had been citrus fruit. Actually, the Financial Post declares our main problem today is to sell to the Americans a far bigger volume of Canadian production. New we may have to retrench on some of our exports but we should remember that it’s a poor way to start any big selling campaign by cracking down on the other felloe’s goals.

The thickness of the layer of air, or atmosphere, surrounding the earth is not known exactly, but it is certain some air exists more than 100 miles from the globe’s surface.

50 Years Ago – December 21, 1972

The County of Minburn at its regular meeting agreed to investigate several crossings in the County at which the Canadian Transport Commission had requested improvement of site distances.

When the Edmonton Branch of the Canadian Authors Associations announced the winners of its 43rd Annual Poetry Contest Cindy Reid of Mannville was one of the top three poets in the Juvenile Class with her poem, “Before Dawn.” There were more than 1580 poems from 334 authors across Canada entered in four separate classes.

President of the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce, Joe Blonsky presided at the final meeting of the Chamber of Commerce year end at which Rev. Herb Heinemann was guest speaker. Mr. Blonsky’s term of office expired in December and his successor will be Jerry Wilde, of the accounting firm of Wilde, Tetreau & Co.

The Vegreville and District Co-op Ltd. Finalized the purchase of the Vegreville Branch of the Imperial Lumber’s downtown properties. The properties purchased are situated between 51st and 52nd Avenue and south of 51st Avenue. This is another step for the Coop stores in Vegreville that started in 1929. The original charter was signed by Albert Jennings, John Lowe (still living in Vegreville), E.W. Meyer, M. Kostash, George Ziegler, Harry Payne, Robert Wilson, L. Hulett, Ernest Karrar and A. Handy.

25 Years Ago. – December 22, 1997

Joyce Stewart is installed as the first female president of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Vegreville branch by Tom Barton, president of the Legion’s Alberta-Northwest Territories Command Wilde, Miller, Tetreau Chartered Accountants donated a used computer to the Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity (VALID) by Mark Tetreau and accepting the computer was Nada Chelvam, VALID’s CEO.

Two Hills Elementary School students worked hard to support their swimming pool during their annual Swim-a-Thon in November. With all the pledges in, the students presented the pool authority with a cheque for $7,467.

Dave Horvat, treasurer of the Kinsmen Club of Vegreville presented a cheque for $1,000 to the treasurer of the Vegreville Christmas Bureau, Bonnie Litwin.

Mary Myer, a resident at the Two Hills Health Care Centre and a former Grade 1 teacher, shares a happy moment with her Grade 1 friends. Myer participates in the Friends and Fun Program run through the health centre’s integration program. Residents from the centre and outreach program clients from Myrnam visit the school every Wednesday morning for a special reading activity. Students and residents share stories and complete special projects with each other.

Letters Welcomed

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.

CERB Repayment Fiasco Risks Ruining a Modern Approach to Federal

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the federal government responded by doing something it hadn’t done at scale in a long time – deliver cash transfers in entirely new ways. As the feds doled out relief funds, more government support went to businesses ($176 billion) through programs like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) than went to individuals ($151 billion) through programs like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

Now, two years after the start of the pandemic, people are still receiving letters from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) asking them to pay back the CERB they received in 2020. A new report from the Auditor General (AG) argues that the government should be going hard after people who made errors in applying or came up short in meeting the eligibility requirements – $5,000 in earnings in 2019. It estimates that $5 billion was paid to people who received advance or duplicate payments, and another $8 billion went to people who earned less than the minimum income threshold.

The CRA seems to think this money is recoverable – that low-income recipients kept it in their savings accounts instead of spending it – but come on, there has to be a limit as to how long after the fact you can go after people, except in cases of outright fraud.

The same report also highlights the fact that $16 billion in Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) went to businesses that likely weren’t eligible (the largest single category the AG looked at). The report rightly bemoans the lack of data on whether companies actually used the money to retain employees and forestall layoffs.

While “wage subsidy” was in the name, there was actually no legal requirement for companies to use the money on wages. In fact, 68 publicly traded companies paid out dividends (i.e. profits) to

Who’s more blameworthy, some poor schmuck who lost their job and only made $4,500 in 2019 or some millionaire CEO who applied for government aid and got a bonus as a result?

Looking at how CEWS vs CERB played out isn’t just an interesting historical debate. Getting benefits directly and immediately from the CRA website is the way of the future. The new Canada Housing Benefit top-up and the low-income child dental benefits are going this route. You go to the CRA website, fill in some basic details, attest that you qualify, and the money shows up in your account in a few days.

There are clear benefits to this new CERB-like approach. You get the money now and don’t have to wait for tax time. You get a cash transfer, not a “reduction in taxable income,” which is what boutique tax cuts from the 2010s provided. It’s a better and more modern way to help Canadians in difficult circumstances.

But going after low-income Canadians for CERB payments from 2020 could well taint this approach for years to come. If you think CRA is going to come after you years from now, you may think twice about applying, even if you need dental care for your kids or you pay too much in rent.

For this new model to be successful, there must be clear rules and easily verifiable criteria for eligibility. The rental top-up does have pretty clear eligibility rules. The children’s dental coverage doesn’t –which may force low-income families to repay it years from now.

There must also be a clear statute of limitations on recourse, with exceptions for cases of fraud. If people don’t qualify, fine, don’t send them the money. But don’t force them to pay it back two years after they’ve already spent it.

David Macdonald is senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, a non-partisan research institute.

- Richard Kluger

David Macdonald Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

shareholders while receiving the CEWS. A third of the 100 highest-paid CEOs in 2020 worked for companies that received the wage subsidy.

Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism...

National Leader Leonard Shain Visits Vegreville Elks

When asked why he believes people should join the Elks, he replied, “There is no better feeling then to help others, and we are looking for members to get involved to come up with new fund raising ideas, projects and ways to give back to the community. The Elks are open to men and women 16 years of age and older. We assist with public speaking, networking, and event planning. New members are the key to new ideas as well as new groups to assist and partner with.

Some of the projects the Elks across Canada have been involved with are the Gowns4Grads, and suits2 - free gowns and suits for graduates, mystery dinners, lobster suppers, snowmobile rally, built playgrounds, assisted with renovations

on community halls,” Shain explained.

In a press release, it was noted that the Elks of Canada is an all-Canadian organization founded in Canada in the year 1912, and have a total membership of approximately 8,000 members.

The organization have provided playgrounds, children camps, senior citizen housing, and special equipment for hospitals and regional health units.

Vegreville Elks Lodge was formed in Vegreville under a charter dated November 24, 1926. In the past, they had two Grand Exalted Rulers of Canada which were the late Brothers Robert Robert and Dr. Nick Kuzyk. They currently have 26 members. The present Exalted Ruler is Bro. Paul Bosse.

Fortier News Correspondent

Members of Vegreville Elks Lodge No. 143 had a presentation on Dec. 1 from Grand Exalted Ruler Leonard Shain, who is the Chief Executive Officer and National Leader of Elks of Canada.

Shain was born March 24, 1964 and grew up in Coronach, Saskatchewan. He currently lives in Sherwood Park with his wife Barbara and works for TELUS as an

outside plant cable repair technician. All four of their children are grown-up.

When Shain was asked what was unique about the Elks Order, he said, “The Elks of Canada raise funds to give back to their community, we also assist children under the age of 19 when no other help is available. We have assisted in purchasing special needs beds, walkers, vans, learning devices, hearing aids, just to mention a few.”

Best t of f the e Season

from all of us at

We support the Vegreville Food Bank. Please consider donating.

Rosanne

L-R: Immediate Past Exalted Ruler George Childs greets Leonard Shain. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Vegreville Welcomes Fire Chief and Health and Safety Officer Mitch Newton

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

“I worked for the Town of Millet before I came here where I was the Manager of Enforcement and Safety Services.

I like living in Vegreville now. It seems to have a very small town feel to it and there are all the great amenities here which is appealing to me. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to meet with any of the residents yet but my staff have been phenomenal.”

When asked what made him want to get involved with a career in the fire department, he said, “I started when I was 17-years-old when I wanted to be a police officer at the time. But I always had a vision to help people. So, the person that I was training to be a police officer with recommended me to join the fire department as a junior firefighter at the time and I continued on with it for 18 years as I loved the fire service.

I love it as it is never the same thing. You can walk into any fire hall in the world and be welcomed into that fire hall. Then everything comes with a challenge and I am up to any challenge that is presented towards me. I think the biggest challenge I will be facing right now is recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, and that is in every fire service around the world right now. As a team, we will face that challenge together in the New Year.”

Newton said the team he is working with are doing a great job and plan to continue providing services to the community and striving to be the best they can be.

According to a Dec. 8 news release issued by the Town of Vegreville, Newton brings a wealth of experience to the position thanks to a 22 year career in emergency, fire, and law enforcement sectors. Most notably, Newton has served as the

Newton’s hiring rounds out the creation of the Town of Vegreville’s new Protective Services Department, managed by Allan Weiss who was hired for the role last month. Weiss’ municipal experience spans 40 years in the fire, paramedic, and municipal bylaw enforcement services.

Prior to joining the Town, he served as the CAO/Regional Emergency Manager & Director of Emergency Management for the Beaver Emergency Services Commission.”

Under Weiss, the Town of Vegreville’s Protective Services Department will include management and administration of the operations of the Fire Hall, Peace Officers, Occupational Health and Safety and liaising with the Vegreville RCMP detachment.

Manager of Protective Services for Lac La Biche County, a position tasked with overseeing 77 volunteer firefighters, four full-time staff, and five district fire halls.

New Fire Chief and Health and Safety Officer for Vegreville Fire Department Mitch Newton.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Vegreville Vipers Looking for Billet Families

Amberliegh said she thought about hosting a player last season, but had a few reservations since one of her children is immunocompromised. She talked with Vipers General Manager Bryan Brown initially before talking to her children about the idea. Amberliegh said she was at the arena and met Matteo’s father first. After speaking with him she felt their family values aligned and that Matteo would be a good fit. She didn’t make her final decision, however, until she met Matteo.

It didn’t take long to warm up to Matteo who has a warm welcoming demeanor. His positive energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and Amberliegh said he “seamlessly fit” into the family and she’s extremely grateful to have the opportunity to host him.

tion has definitely improved his overall performance.

Even if the Grade 11 student doesn’t return to the team next season, Amberliegh said it’s been so great to have Matteo living in their home and has been a great addition to their lives. “We’re going to stay in contact with him no matter what.”

Billet Coordinator Candice van der Torre said hosting a hockey player is a great opportunity for families to showcase their culture and traditions as well as make new connections. “Players often come from families with siblings and they are used to that type of environment and interaction,” noted van der Torre.

The players pitch in around the house doing chores, shovelling snow or doing yard work for their host family. She added that families do receive some financial compensation for hosting hockey players. As well, “All of their hockey equipment is housed at the arena, so they don’t have to worry about that.”

With more new players expected to arrive in the New Year, the Vipers will need local families to help fill the need, and they are hoping some families will consider making the choice to open their home and hearts to these young, hardworking athletes.

The Vegreville Vipers Jr. A Hockey Club is currently looking for billet families to host new players.

One family that recently signed on to host one of the players is the MacRae family. They are hosting goaltender Matteo Medoro. The 16-year-old St. Albert resident said he’s enjoyed every minute of his stay with his billet family since signing on with the club just over three months ago.

Matteo said the time he’s spent living with the MacRae family has been awesome. “It’s been a really good overall experience. It was such an easy transition and I was totally welcomed into the family!

Amberliegh MacRae is a single mother to 10-yearold son Benson and eight-year-old twin daughters Lena and Quinn.

“He’s a great role model,” added Amberliegh. The kids are in total agreement and love having Matteo around. He helps with homework, plays floor hockey with Benson, watches Peppa Pig with the girls, engages in video games and plays their favourite card game Dutch Blitz.

All in all, Matteo said, “It feels like a second home.” He is very appreciative of the opportunity to live with the MacRae family as well as the chance to play on the Vipers. Matteo is hoping to reach the National Collegiate Athletics Association, (NCAA) level of hockey and hopefully obtain a scholarship to study dentistry in the United States.

In addition to online studies, Matteo practices four days a week and trains both on and off ice training by following a customized plan. Matteo said, having a goalie coach to give him specialized instruc-

VEGREVILLE/MUNDARE

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Vipers goaltender Matteo Medoro and his billet family. Mom Amberliegh with twin daughters Quinn and Lena and son Benson. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Mundare Family Lights Up the Holiday Season

past 25 years, Brian makes a new Christmas decoration. This year he added three decorations. They include: The Grinch, an elf delivering mail and a flaming fireplace with stocking.

Decorations in the yard and the field can often be seen from Highway 16 on Range Road 170. People come in droves to enjoy the spectacular display. Brian’s wife Shawna says many people have made the annual visit part of their holiday traditions and thoroughly enjoy seeing the spectacular display.

“It is great to hear how much people enjoy the lights and comment on all the work that goes into making the display. There is a constant flow of traffic from the night we light up until Jan. 7 when the lights go off,” adds Shawna.

Each year, Brian, Shawna and their daughter Cheyenne host a Light Up party

the first Saturday in December. Besides sharing in the joy of the season, they also raise funds for local charities. This year’s event raised over $6,000 through the generosity of more than 140 attendees, most of whom are family members and friends of the Sharun’s.

All of the proceeds from this year’s Light Up will go to the Ed Stelmach Community Foundation that will help support the Mundare Easter Basket. Brian and Shawna say all the money raised will stay local and help the Ukrainian families living in Mundare.

Some of the other past recipients include: Mundare Fire Department, Humboldt, Tisdale and Zenon Park Fire Departments, Vegreville Food Bank, STARS, Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Cody Sharun Memorial Scholarship.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Decorations created by Brian Sharun. (Michelle Pinon/File Photo)

Some of the attendees at the Light up celebration on Dec. 3.

(Sharun Family/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville Rangers Jr. B Hockey Team Supports Local Charities

most celebrations, people gather, baked goods are shared and homes are decorated. A kinara is a sevenbranched candleholder which symbolizes the principle of unity, ‘which makes all else possible.’ The seven candles represent the seven principles of Kwanzaaunity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Of course, the final day of the year is also an almost

universal favourite. December 31 is New Year’s Eve and is one of the largest global holidays. People across the world celebrate to bid goodbye to the end of the year and welcome in the new year with new beginnings. This day is also knows as Osaka in Japanese culture. This day is celebrated with family and a meal which is common in many parts of the world. For some this is a bigger celebration than Christmas. This could be a Bah Humbug time of year for you or it

may be full of joy and optimism. Whatever the season brings you, it’s a time to give if you can in whatever way that comes to you. It could be with a donation of money or time or simply a smile or a kind gesture. It’s in you and will bring the joy of the season to others and quite likely yourself.

To all of our readers, merry Christmas and happy holidays, however you celebrate.

Arthur Beaudette and the News Advertiser Team

Out Performs

Members of the Vegreville Rangers Jr. B hockey team members collected bottles and can from the club’s Halloween fundraiser and passed the helmet around the dressing room recently to support of two local charities. On Nov. 26 presentations were made to the Vegreville Food Bank and the Vegreville Christmas Bureau. Front row L-R: Ass’t Captain Dylan Hennig presents Joanna Karaczmak of the Vegreville Food Bank with a $300 cheque. Joanne Veldcamp with the Vegreville Christmas Bureau accepts $300 cheque from Captain Devon Hamaliuk. (Vegreville Rangers/Submitted Photo)

Bah Humbug - CONTINUED from PAGE 4

Stubbs said the recipients, 70 in total, were identified through community outreach as individuals who have made “outstanding volunteer impacts” in their communities. Each recipient received a pin, certificate and award.

“Many communities are struggling with lack of volunteers. This is an important reminder of how crucial volunteerism is to communities. There are no words that can truly explain how vital a volunteer is to success and sustainability,” said Stubbs.

One of the volunteers that was recognized was Jerrold Lemko. He said he was very humbled to have been nominated for the award. Lemko is a former Fire Chief of the Vegreville Fire Department and currently sits as a member of Vegreville town council. As well, he has many other volunteer interests past and present.

Lemko is currently involved with the Vegreville and Area Stands with Ukraine Committee, Vegreville Corn Maze and Alberta Sports as a Mission Staff member for the Canada Games.

“I certainly don’t volunteer to receive any recognition or awards. I simply enjoy volunteering and all the pleasures that it brings. Volunteering has been a part of me since it was instilled in me by my dad many years ago. He told me that volunteering would pay me more than money can buy.”

Vegreville resident Larry Ruptash also received the Queens’ Platinum Jubilee Pin. Ruptash said the honour held very special meaning to him as he was the Mayor of the Town of Vegreville when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the community in 1978 during their Royal Tour.

Ruptash is a life member of the Vegreville Kinsmen Club, having served 25 years, and has coached at all levels of Minor

Hockey in Vegreville as well as Jr. B and Seniors Hockey.

Mae Adamyk, who resides in the St. Michael area, was also on hand to receive the Queens’ Platinum Jubilee Pin. She is a former Lamont County councillor and has been involved in numerous activities and events as Events Coordinator for the St. Michael Ag Society. She also serves as Secretary-Treasurer for the St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, involved with parish and pastoral councils as well as a member of the Catholic Women’s League. She also serves on several committees and is a board member with the Lamont Health Care Centre.

Tina Warawa received her pin during a special presentation before the Vegreville Vipers Dec. 3 home game. It was a fitting tribute as Warawas’ son Colby

plays for the Vipers and she served as President of Vegreville Minor Hockey for many years.

Warawa said she was “completely surprised” by the honour. She stated that, “An arena feels like comfort and home for me. So, to receive this honour in a hockey arena was the most fitting.

A lot of the volunteerism that I was nominated for was based on year of involvement within various levels of hockey. It’s a passion that started with my late husband Jeff, who passed on Dec. 4, so to receive this the day before that anniversary felt very special.

In the presentation they spoke about how my love for the sport came from Jeff. And while I was thanked for the gift of my volunteerism, I want to say that I actually think that the years of memories was a gift to me.”

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs took the opportunity to personally congratulate recipients of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin during a recent open house at her Constituency office in Two Hills.

Recipient Larry Ruptash and MP Shannon Stubbs. (Lakeland Constituency/Submitted Photo)

Recipient Jerrold Lemko and MP Shannon Stubbs. (Lakeland Constituency/Submitted Photo)

Recipient Mae Adamyk and MP Shannon Stubbs. (Lakeland Constituency/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee and Tina Warawa. (Jem’s Snapshots/Submitted Photo)

News Correspondent

There were around 35 vendors and 500 attendees at the Christmas Arts and Craft Sale at the Vegreville Social Centre on Nov. 19.

The event was jointly hosted by the Vegreville Agricultural Society and the Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce.

Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce General Manager Roxane Bordyniuk was the main organizer of this event. Bordyniuk said they host this sale because it gives different vendors an opportunity to show what they have and also lets people know what is available to purchase.

“A lot of people liked the idea of being able to buy homemade stuff rather than going to a big store and purchasing it from them. This sale had all home crafted items in it. There was a variety of different vendors at the sale. We had woodworking crafts, homemade jewelry, quilted materials, different home décor, Christmas décor and items from the Vegreville Visual Artists.

The event turned out well. It seemed like everyone had a good time there. We are looking forward to having it again next year,” Bordyniuk said.

At the foyer there were collection boxes where people could donate to Vegreville Christmas Bureau and Vegreville Food Bank. The musical group Perogies and Jam and Debbie Fedoruk Singers performed Christmas songs. The singers included: Clarence Shires, Treasa Jofin, Rachel Unrau, Brynn Weleschuk, Sam Rarama, Sawyer Kotelko and Jessie Zeleny who were accompanied by Debbie Fedoruk on piano.

In the early afternoon, Santa Claus arrived and children were able to get their pictures with the big guy in red.

The venue was jam packed with Christmas and home creative items. Sherry Matheson from Sherwood Park was one of the new vendors. She has been doing crafts for 25 years as she really likes the idea of keeping crafting alive. Some of the stuff she had for sale were 18’ doll clothes, teapot cozies, mittens she made from wood sweaters, embroidery towels, and more.

Vegreville residents’ Becky Hoff and Jerri Ziegler were selling the crafts from DIY kits they make themselves together. “We have been doing crafts all our lives. We have a lot of fun making them. It took us a week to finish the woodworking projects and signs. We also made binkies for babies and other craft projects,” Becky and Jerri said.

Later, Santa paid a visit where youngster were able to get their picture taken with the big guy in red.

This sale also had a concession stand.

Bohdonna Blay was a vendor from

Vegreville who was selling crochet and items she sewn, as well as, pysanka writing eggs she has been making for 50 years, babushkas and crochet cotton scrubbies, crocheted water bottle holders, and welders hats. “I am Ukrainian. The Ukrainian eggs I make are all freehand, I make my own designs.”

Another new vendor from Vegreville was Louise Hicks who was selling jewelry and crochet items. “I make the bracelets and some of the necklaces. Some of the jewelry I buy a bag and repair them. I have been doing this for about five years.”

Although this is currently a part-time opportunity this position may develop into a full-time position with the successful candidate. If you are the person we are looking for, we would like to hear from you. Please forward your resume with references to: Box 810, 5110 - 50 St., Vegreville, AB T9C 1R9 or email: hr@newsadvertiser.com

Rosanne Fortier

Barrett Dmytriw with Santa. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

L-R: Alex and Charlie Paranych with Santa Claus. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Sam Rarama entertains visitors with Christmas songs. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

L-R: Vendors Becky Hoff and Jerri Ziegler. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Vegreville Royal Purple Lodge No. 125 Ladies’ Christmas Donations to Local Charities

News Correspondent

On Dec. 4, Vegreville Royal Purple Lodge No. 125 ladies gathered at Vegreville Elks Hall to present their annual Christmas cheque

organizations.

Honoured Royal Lady Shirley Rattray said, “We give these donations every year to help the community and the citizens of Vegreville. We generated these funds by working at the casino in Fort McMurray because we weren’t able to have the fundraising events we normally had the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Representatives and the charities included: Sandra Hayes for Vegreville Food Bank Society, Melody Batchelor for Vegreville Christmas Bureau, Elaine Kucher for Vegreville Transportation Services Society, Paul Bosse for Vegreville Elks Lodge No. 143, and Pat Dobush for Wendy Brook Music Festival.

VCHS Holiday Lunch

News Correspondent

Staff, students and invited guests were treated to a free hearty turkey lunch with all the trimmings at Vegreville Composite High School Holiday Lunch on Dec. 16.

Assistant Principal Holly Warawa said Chef and Culinary Arts Instructor Sheldon Thompson was the star of this lunch. “Mr. Thompson made this lunch

along with our Commercial Food students, Culinary Arts students, and Junior High Food classes. We hosted this lunch to bring the students together, give everyone a sense of community while they could enjoy a special festive meal. We had local sponsorship that allowed us to give this meal to everyone.”

After lunch, staff and students enjoyed a bit of karaoke.

Rosanne Fortier

L-R: Honoured Royal lady Shirley Rattray and the Royal Ladies with Representatives of the charities which were Paul Bosse, Marion Baxandall, Marian Lemiski, Sandra Hayes, Melody Batchelor, Enid Theophile, Pat Dobush, Mey Andreas, Elaine Kucher and Nora Paquette. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Junior A Basketball Girls dressed up for the holiday lunch. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier

Nigel Albert.

Anne Bilyk gave her impression of the event. “It was excellent! It was wonderful the way they are helping people from Ukraine. The Christmas message of Jesus’ birth brought a lot of meaning to it and the music was beautiful. I liked Tanya Bombak’s vocal solo in Ukrainian as it was nice to add Ukrainian songs to it.”

Deb Zaleschuk said she thought the Christmas Cantata was totally beautiful. The event raised $1,385 for Vegreville and Area Stands With Ukraine Committee and $1,205 for Living Waters Lutheran Church. “We are very grateful to the community for all their support,” said Albert.

Fortier News Correspondent

Around 130 people attended A Christmas Cantata at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vegreville on Dec. 11. Coordinator Colleen Albert said they were planning this Cantata for their Christmas Eve service. “So, we decided to have an additional performance as it would be a good opportunity to get some benefit to the people from Ukraine.”

Albert explained that, “A Christmas Cantata is different from a regular Christmas music performance as a Cantata is a combination of a number of songs and it is combined with narration which is meaningful to the subject manner.”

The musicians who performed in the Cantata included: Khrystyna Kohut, St. John Lutheran Church Choir and Friends, soloist Tanya Bombak, and a duet by Anastasia Zadolia and

Rosanne

St. John’s Lutheran Church Choir and Friends perform. Inset: Tanya Bombak performs a vocal solo. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Some of the people from Ukraine who now live in Vegreville.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Vegreville Preschool and CALS Head Start Christmas Concert Helps Kids Shine

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Senior Citizen Sunshine Club of Vegreville Centre. CALS Executive Director Jennifer Dixon said, “It was so incredibly special to be able to have this Christmas concert as this is many of the students first time performing because we have not been able to host Christmas concerts due to the health restrictions and concerns over the past few years.

Our current Preschool teacher, Tanya Giebelhaus is a music teacher and loves to have her students sing, play instruments and perform. Mrs. Giebelhaus uses music every day in the classroom to help teach language, rhythm, memory and music as this is a wonderful tool to help the students’ transition between activities. This concert benefited the children as it allowed the students to perform in front of others and increase their confidence.

We were so happy to see so many siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents and friends out to support our preschoolers. The students did a wonderful job singing, dancing and playing the instruments. It was so wonderful to have everyone together for this concert.”

Love Was Born a King Musical

People were treated to a free performance of the musical, Love Was Born A King at Vegreville Alliance Church on Dec. 9, 11, 16, and 18.

The musical, directed by Joan James, tells the story about how an error on the church calendar puts the people in the church choir in the same place and same time as the homeless people for the choir’s dress rehearsal at a Christmas event. This causes confusion and quite a mixed up situation. But a few people in the choir soon realize that when they help others, they discover how much they need these people just as much as they need us.

On Dec. 11 Glenn Wiebe emceed the event in place of the Lead Pastor Darren Driedger. Wiebe welcomed everyone, stating, “Christmas was about the love of God who saw our need.”

Attendee Robert Prestash said he thought the musical was great. “They put a lot of work into it. The singing was lovely and the message was great.”

Ten-year-old Mary Kate Prestach said she liked the play because it talked about homelessness. “I feel it is important to deal with the suffering of homeless people because that is what Jesus would have done.”

Food donated at the event goes to the Vegreville Food Bank.

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Mariyon Sen (Dan-The Man) performs some dancing for the musical. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

People from the church discuss the mix up in the schedule. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

To the delight of a crowd, Vegreville Preschool and CALS Head Start program hosted a Christmas Concert on Dec. 12 at

Children visit Santa. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

The four-year-old students perform for those in attendance. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Alan Baxandall Receives Honourary Life Director Award

leak when our office flooded a few years ago, cleaning up the manure pile after a horse (or cattle) event with his bobcat, running the spring and fall auctions, running the beer gardens and even personally purchasing the tables and chairs and loaning then to the ag society for years for use in the beer gardens, and so many more tasks that we know we are forgetting.

Alan is never too busy to call when you need a hand, and is one of the best people at fixing a problem right now. He is reliable, dependable, has a heart of gold and a passion for this ag society that is far greater than we can comprehend. He has shared his passion with his family and he brings in not just his kids, but siblings, and mom to help out each year for all we are extremely grateful!

Most recently Alan became the President of the Veg Ag Society and has led us through a couple shaky years, but has been the leader that has encouraged us to keep going, push harder, dream bigger and great things will happen. It is our honour to present the Honorary Life Director to Alan Baxandall.

Vegreville Ag Society

Submitted

This year the Veg Ag Society awards committee brought forth one name for the honorary life director award.

Alan Baxandall has been a very familiar face in the Ag society for decades, well centuries technically. He has served on multiple committees and helped out with almost every one of our committees in one way

or another over the years. He has served our ag society for 28 years now, and has done more than a lifetime of helping around the Ag society as a whole.

Two committees you may best know him by would be Fathers Day many years ago – and more recently the Beer gardens committee. He has been seen watering the racetrack, Sucking water off the grass with the vac truck so the kid zone could open after a downpour mid fair, climbing into the attic to find the

Generosity Shines Through at Nativity Festival

Alan Baxandall, sitting, with Past Honourary Members from L-R: Dan Beaudette, John Litun, Derek Fox, Walter Krill and Daryl Cole.

(Vegreville Ag Society/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville Food Bank Coordinator Joanna Karczmarek, (left) accepted cash donations of $696 and 123 pounds of food collected at the Nativity Festival that was co-hosted by Vegreville United Church and St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Vegreville. Pat Beuhler, (centre) and Lisa Topilko, (right) delivered these items on behalf of the two churches.

(Pastor Calvin Sommerville/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville

and Royal Purple Host Joint Memorial Ceremony for Departed Members

Honoured Royal Lady Shirley Rattray said they do this to recognize the people who have been serving them in the Royal Purple and Elks for years. We honour them for what they have done. For the Royal Purple ladies we

go back from 1961 till 2022 and The Elks go back from 1943 till 2022. We do not forget our departed members because they were instrumental in establishing these lodges and without those members and volunteers, we wouldn’t have gone as far as we had.”

Acting Chaplain Laureta Blondin said sometimes we think of me or mine but she thinks it can be truly said that the Elks and Royal Purple are committed to the ‘we’.

“Some of you might even shed a few tears today as you remember a fellow member who has passed on from this life. In the Book of Wisdom in the Old Testament, we hear the words that the souls of the righteous are in the hands of God and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish, they seem to have died and their

departures are thought to be a disaster, but they are at peace.

I find those to be comforting words as we remember those who have died. To hold before God the fact that we do miss them. To remind ourselves that nothing is truly lost, they are in God’s care, and to trust that God is there in their safe keeping.

Nevertheless, it is still not an easy thing to do when all those who have lost loved ones whether recently or a time ago, they still remind in different stages of the grief journey and different states of distress because of it. In fact it is a rather brave thing to do, to gather like this and to acknowledged before God and with each other, how we are feeling and to reflect on the memory of those who have died,” stated Blondin.

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Safe

Vegreville and District FCSS Christmas Party for Volunteers and Clients

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

On Dec. 13, Vegreville and District FCSS hosted a drop-in Christmas Party at Vegreville Centennial Library for the volunteers and clients of the Meals on Wheels (MOW) program and Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

Around 30 people attended this party. FCSS Community Programmer Linda Wilkinson said this was their traditional Christmas party. “After COVID-19, I thought it would be really nice for everyone to be able to get together and just have something informal.

We have 24 volunteer drivers for the Meals on Wheels program and eight volunteers for the CVITP.”

Phillis Rusu, who volunteered for Meals On Wheels for 42 years, attended this event with her husband William Rusu who was the driver for 22 of those years.

When Phillis was asked what made her want to start volunteering for MOW, she said, “I wanted to help out the community. I especially enjoyed meeting all the clients. It is also rewarding. One time I remember I had to call the ambulance for one of the clients. She needed help so I stayed there until the ambulance came. She was really grateful for me doing this. I would recommend for others to volunteer because there is a need for them to do this in the community. We are down to so few drivers for MOW. Also, doing this work makes the volunteer happy and the clients happy.”

This event also included gifts for the volunteers and food for the volunteers and clients. Randy Kereliuk sang a selection of Christmas songs and Mayor Tim MacPhee offering a few words of gratitude to the volunteers.

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Elks Lodge No. 143 and Vegreville Royal Purple Lodge No. 125’s members gathered for a Memorial Ceremony at the Elks Hall on Dec. 4.

Rev. Laureta Blondin with Vegreville Elks and Royal Purple’s members who attended the Memorial Ceremony. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

L-R: Phillis Rusu and William Rusu. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

L-R: Community Programmer for FCSS Linda Wilkinson and Administrative Assistant Raquel Manabat. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

School’s Students Perform

Christmas’

Students took the audience on a journey through narration and songs where the bugs try to get around the obstacle of the termites chewing the Christmas tree decorations and eating the lights.

The audience issued a standing ovation at the end of

the concert.

An attendee Gabriel Perepeletza said the concert was awesome. “I loved all the songs and actions.”

Maha Bakjaji said it was nice. “It was good to have everyone get together to see the concert.”

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Students from A.L. Horton Elementary School in Vegreville performed a polished production of ‘A Bugz Christmas’ on Dec. 14.

Students performing. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Tributes

In

MEMORIAM OBITUARY OBITUARY

December 26, 2007

We thought of you today, But that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday, And days before that too.

We think of you in silence, We often speak your name. Now all we have are memories, And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake, With which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, We have you in our heart.

Vichnaya Pamyat Rudy, Theresa, Jason, Steven, and David

MEMORIAM

16, 2016.

We little knew that morning that God Was going to call your name In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone, For a part of us went with you, The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, Your loss is still our guide; And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same; But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.

Always remembered and loved by Nick Fasek, Gynelle Gagne and family; Todd, Linda, Jasmine and Diesel Fenske and Sandra Fasek.

MIHALCHEON, Carolyn

February 19, 1964 - December 20, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful wife and mom

And you never will

We hold you close within our hearts And there you will remain

To walk and guide us through our lives Until we meet again

Very sadly missed and always remembered James, Jesse, Alyssa

WOLOSHNIUK, Stan

December 16, 2012

As time unfolds another year

Memories keep you ever near.

Silent thoughts of time together.

Fond memories that will last forever. We did not see you close your eyes Or hear you faint last sigh We only heard that you were gone Too late to say goodbye.

Your resting place we visit Place flowers there with care No one knows the heartache

When we turn and leave you there. We hold you close within our hearts Today, tomorrow, our whole life through, We will always love you and remember you.

Memory Eternal Love from June, Darrin & Rita & Duane

GIEBELHAUS, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Pauline (Li) Giebelhaus, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend passed away peacefully in her home on December 9th, 2022.

Her laughter, smiles and love will be deeply missed by her children Anita, Debbie, Sharon, Dana (Fern); grandchildren Patrick, Shannon, Richard (Michelle), Sarah (Tyler), Adam, Amy (Dean), Sydney, Kristy; great grandchildren Lincoln, Lukas, Elise, Konrad, Jakob, Nicholas, Griffin, her nieces, nephews and her many ‘adopted’ children, grandchildren, and families.

Li is survived by her siblings Ruth Adria and Jean Krieger. She was predeceased by her parents Elisabeth and Reverend Johannes Krieger, her brothers Johannes and Jann, her husband Daniel of 60 years and her son Eric.

Born in Wolseley, Saskatchewan on November 25th, 1928, Li spent the early years of her life moving from Canada to Germany and then to Josephburg, Alberta. A graduate from the U of A Education Program, Li was a lifelong learner, master teacher and musician. On July 10th, 1952, Li married the love of her life Dan, and moved to Vegreville to raise a family. Li lived each day to the fullest. She will be remembered by all for her warmth, kindness, gentle hugs and love of family and friends; her handwritten notes; her service to her church family as a layperson, organist, choral director, UCW, Sunday school, CGIT, World Day of Prayer; her passion for literature, art, photography and music; her volunteerism and dedicated service to multiple organizations and people; gatherings at Danli Farm and Danli Acres; her pride in being Canadian; her ‘camera’, ‘iPad’ and ‘guestbook(s)’; her steadfast, unwavering faith in God and her belief in the goodness in all mankind. Li’s lasting words are, “Life is beautiful!”

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 22nd at 11:00 a.m. in the Vegreville Social Center 4802 47a St, Vegreville, AB with Reverend Anne McGrath officiating.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Palliative Home Care Team that cared for Li with the gentlest hands, genuine love, and utmost respect. We are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Bursary Fund for Li Giebelhaus, Founder of the WENDY BROOK MUSIC FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION Box 2075, Vegreville, AB T9C 1T3

Patients’ Comfort Society Vegreville Care Centre Box 295, Vegreville, AB T9C 1R2

Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute 8440-112 St. NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

PRYSTASH, Joseph Alexander

December 28, 1939 – December 18, 2022

On Sunday, December 18, 2022, Joseph Prystash of Mundare, Alberta passed away at the age of 82 years.

Joseph is survived by his loving family, his wife of 23 years, Iryna; daughters Olena (Ura) and their son Taras; and Ulana (Volodia) and their children Olena and Nazar; along with numerous relatives and friends. Joseph was predeceased by his parents; and one sister.

A Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022 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. Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

KUPCHENKO, Marie

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marie Kupchenko of Vegreville, formerly of Two Hills at the age of 92 years.

She is survived by her son Dean of Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan and one granddaughter Mackenzie Kupchenko of Fort Saskatchewan; one sister Ann Tymko; two sisters-in-law Elsie Bereska and Ollie Kupchenko; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Marie was pre-deceased by her husband Metro in 2002, parents John and Mary Bereska, brother Mike in infancy, brothers John and Metro Bereska, 2 sisters: Jean Klimchuk (Logozar) and Stefania Chrapko. Also pre-deceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Dmytro and Frozina Kupchenko, 6 sisters-in-law: Kate Pundick, Ann Logozar, Josephine Richardson, Diane Holynski, Mona Bereska and Elsie Orlecki, 10 brother’s-in-law Bill and Walter Kupchenko, John Pundick, Bill Chrapko, Alex Logozar, Al Richardson, Metro Logozar, Bill Klimchuk, Metro Holynski, and Steve Tymko.

A private Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Two Hills, Alberta with Reverend Fr. Peter Haugen officiating. Interment followed in the St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cemetery Luzan-Toporiwtzi.

If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the “St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church of LuzanToporiwtzi” or charity of one’s choice.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

August

In Loving Memory

I Was Left Diminished

I was left diminished when your light went out it left a shadow on my soul and my heart was left as an empty vessel by your absence

As I sit cold and alone

In the home we shared

A place full of memories Where once I felt so at home Now I wish to be there no more

Reminded every waking moment

Of my cruel loss

So I sit alone and think of the moment of my own passing So our souls will be reunited And we can be together once more

Always Remembered & Deeply Missed Dwayne & Mother

SOROTSKY, William December 27, 2017

In loving memory of our father, grandfather & great grandfather.

Today recalls the memory

Of a loved one gone to rest And those who think of him Are those who loved him best

The flowers we lay upon his grave May wither and decay But the love for him who lies beneath Will never fade away Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving family Love Tracy, Wanda, Darcy & Carol, Tammie & Brian & their families.

CORRY, Theresa (Terry) (nee HEWKO)

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, Theresa Eugenia Corry of Vegreville passed away. Theresa is survived by one daughter Donna; grandsons Jordan, Tyler and Mitchell; one sister-in-law Lucette Hewko; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Theresa was predeceased by her husband Ron; son John; parents William and Olena Hewko; sisters, Ann, Mary, and Olga and brothers Peter, Nick, Mike, Paul, John, Joe and Walter Hewko.

A Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday December 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Vegreville with Basilian Fathers officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery.

Donations may be made in honor of Theresa Corry to the “Make a Wish Foundation”, “Wounded Warriors of Canada (National Mental Health)” or for “Mass at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church.”

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

Shirley Hlady

By Paul Curtis

We think about you always We talk about you still You have never been forgotten

FASEK, William

memory of our dear father and grandfather William Fasek who passed away on December

Roman Warawa

Tributes

CARD OF THANKS OBITUARY OBITUARY

Thank you

CHARCHUK, Nancy Cecilia

On December 13, 2022, Nancy Cecilia Charchuk of Vegreville passed away at the age of 86 years. Cecilia is survived by two sons and one daughter, Lucan (Chloe), Carolyn (Walter) Kercher, and Kevin (Roland Cormier); three grandchildren, Crystal (Michael) Humber, Neil (Niceena) Kercher, Caley (Dallyce) Charchuk; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Harry Fasek; one sister, Marion (Allan) Eschak; also numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family of the late Orest Kuly wish to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation of all our relatives, friends, and neighbors for the support that we received at this difficult time of our loss. Special thanks to Fr. Damian Dutka OSBM for a spiritual service. To cantor Roman and the choir for singing. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus and the Brother Elks for the presentation and eulogys. The many acts of kindness and expression of sympathy, with prayers, floral arrangements, food baskets, baking, sympathy cards, phone calls, donations and everyone that attended the funeral. Thank you to the church caterers for the delicious meal. To the various Doctors that attended to Orest, all the nursing staff and all other staff including the kitchen of the St. Joseph’s Hospital for the compassionate care given to Orest during his stay. Special thanks to Gordon and Patty of Autumn Rose for the compassion and services provided. Thank you to Ryan Kuly for putting together a beautiful power point presentation and everyone who had the chance to listen to Orest’s accordion music.

Sincerely, Emily Kuly & family

CALDER, Karolyn 1946 – 2022

Mrs. Karolyn Faye Calder (nee Romanchuk) passed away at Points West Living, Red Deer, after a courageous battle with breast cancer and dementia on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the age of 76 years. Karolyn was born on July 25, 1946 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Fred and Myrtle Romanchuk (nee Sorgard). Karolyn was an avid supporter of the Order of the Eastern Star; having held many offices including Worthy Matron and Worthy Grand Matron of Alberta. Anyone who met Karolyn knew she was a special person and was always willing to help anyone. Karolyn and Daryl enjoyed vacationing in Arizona in the winter, and touring around Alberta in the summer. Karolyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband of fifty eight years, Daryl; her daughter, Rhonda Calder of Red Deer, Alberta and her son, Trevor (Charlene) Calder of Edmonton, Alberta; and her four wonderful grandchildren that she was blessed with, Ty Calder, Brody Calder, Nolan Betts and Kylee Betts. She will also be sadly missed by her siblings, Ron (Diane) Romanchuk, Larry (Lillian) Romanchuk, James (Maureen) Romanchuk, and Wendy (David Garner) Romanchuk; her special brother-in-law, Don Calder, as well as numerous family members and dear friends. Karolyn was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Myrtle Romanchuk and a sister, Darlene Romanchuk. Karolyn’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff (Phase 1, 3rd Floor North) Points West Living for the excellent care Karolyn received. A Memorial Service for Karolyn will be held at a later date (Summer of 2023). If desired, Memorial Donations in Karolyn’s honor may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Canada at www.alzheimersociety.ab.ca.

Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www. parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

Predeceased by her husband, Paul; parents, Nick and Mary Fasek; Daughters-in-law, Jackie and Linda; brother, William Fasek; and sisters, Sophie Orlesky and Lillian Yakimshyn.

Prayers Monday, December 19, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, 4814-50 Street, Vegreville.

Funeral Rite Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Vladimir, 5146-48 Avenue, Vegreville. Right Reverend Father Slawomir Lomaszkiewicz officiating with interment in Riverside Cemetery. Donations in memory of Cecilia may be made to “Vegreville and Area Stands with Ukraine”.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com

PARK MEMORIAL LTD. VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000

FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM

County. This investment includes:

• $3 million in dividend payments to Claystone’s municipal shareholders. This dividend represents approximately $300 per person benefit to every resident in the region to keep property taxes low and fund local priorities.

• $1 million in subsidized waste collection services for residents in the region to keep utility bills low

• $500,000 in community grants, including a Good Neighbour Grant to the Village of Ryley and Beaver County. The Claystone Community Grant provides financial support to groups such as: Family and Community Support Services, the Royal Canadian Legion, Holden Seniors Club, Viking Agricultural Society, Tofield and Area Health Service Foundation.

• $400,000 in annual property taxes to support municipal operations and public services.

THANKS

Thank you

The family of Victoria “Vicky” Field would like to express our heartfelt thank you to everyone for their love, kindness and support. So appreciated were your calls, cards, flowers, food, visits and the donations made in mom’s memory. Thank you to Pastor Greg Kjos for his kind and comforting words. Thank you to Colleen Albert for her singing and music. Thank you to Donna Brooks for the lovely lunch and a special thank you to the Bruce Ag Society and Bruce Stampede Assoc. A special thank you to Gordon and Patty of Autumn Rose for their compassion and professionalism. A sincere thank you to Kim, Trudy and other caregivers for providing the care and needs for mom over the years. In lieu of thank you cards, the family has made a donation to the Viking FCSS (Viking/Holden Food Bank) Wanda & family Randy, Elaine & family

Claystone - CONTINUED from PAGE 5

Festive Joy Abound at Vegreville Filipino Community Christmas Party

Fun and fellowship were the trimmings at Vegreville Filipino Community Christmas Party on Dec. 17 at Vegreville Elks Hall.

This celebration included a large buffet style meal Coordinator Laura Rarama said, “There were 90 people including kids who attended. I hosted this party for family, friends and kids to be able to get together as we all used to gather back home in the Philippines to have reunions to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with this kind of celebration for Christmas.

There were raffle prizes, party games for kids and adults, photos with Santa Claus and, open disco for everybody, as well as, a gift exchange.”

photo.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Families and friends get their picture taken with Santa Claus. (Kreena Balansag/Submitted Photo)

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Christensen Submitted

International Day of Persons with Disabilities was held on Dec. 3, 2022. The theme: Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities around the world. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Inspired by the seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly opening on 13 September under the theme, “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges,” and in recognition that the world is at a critical moment in the history of the United Nations, it is time to act and find joint solutions in building a more sustainable and resilient world for all and for the generations to come.

The complex and interconnected crises facing humanity today, including the shocks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other countries, a tipping point in climate change, all pose humanitarian challenges of an unprecedented nature, as well as threats to the global economy.

Most often, in moments of crises, people in vulnerable situations such as persons with disabilities are the most excluded and left behind. In line with the central premise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to “leave no one behind”, it is crucial for governments, public and private sectors to collaboratively find innovative solutions for and with persons with disabilities to make the world a more accessible and equitable place.

EmployAbilities strives to promote the awareness of Persons with Disabilities in Vegreville and surrounding areas. As an Employment Facilitator, I assist individuals with a disability to maximize their potential in areas of employment, skill development and integration into our community.

Derek

The Christmas Story in Song

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

St. Mary’s Anglican Church presented The Christmas Story in Song on December 14.

Companions on the Journey led people with singing the songs.

Rev. Laureta Blondin said, “This event was about creating an opportunity for people in our community to come together to sing some Christmas songs. It can best be described as an indoor style carolling event, complete with hot chocolate and treats.

The evening was designed to be a simpler version of the

more traditional Anglican Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols that is a worship service usually celebrated on or near Christmas Eve. Rev. Blondin said, “The service tells the story of the fall of humanity and the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in nine short readings or lessons from the book of Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels. In the longer traditional service, each of the readings are usually followed by various suitable prayers and the singing designed one or two Christmas carols, hymns or choir anthems.”

EIPS Launches Pilot Project to Support Mental Health

Elk Island Public Schools Submitted

Thanks to a new grant from Alberta Education, Elk Island Public Schools, (EIPS) is putting plans in place to launch a new pilot project that has the potential to make a real difference for students throughout the Division.

Ernie & Pat Motiuk; Cathy Rakchaev; Debbie Lesoway, In Loving Memory of: Mike J Lesoway, Nick Lesoway, Peter Lesoway, Tony Lesoway, John & Anne Lesoway, Pearl & Nick Cebeniak, Virginia Wolinski, Angela Bogdanski, Bill & Gladys Lozowy, Mike Lisoway; M & E Baxandall Family; Ron & Marge Horon, Scott, Trina, Avery & Ardynn Horon, Tarrah, Keith, Keirnen, Colten & Conner Lakusta, Annie Warawa; Ron & Dianne Humeniuk; John Kubin; Zacharuk Family in Memory of William & Kenney, Gerry & Debbie Rokus; Curtis and Kim Duk; Dave & Millie Giebelhaus; Cassie, Helen, Patsy & Sally, In loving memory Kathy Petruk & In Loving memory Ron Petruk, Bettyann, Breck & Roan Gibson, Roger & Shauna Petruk, Jerry Tymchak & In loving memory Evelyn Tymchak; Peggy Allen; Anne Hewko; Les & Darlene Ferguson; Don Tkachuk; Bill & Lydia Pawluk & Families; Rose & Dwayne Gorda; Elizabeth and Betty Lou Hewko; Randy and Jeanette Footz; Dennis & Patricia Anderson; Deb & Don Zaleschuk & family; Marvin & Margie Tomashavsky; Daryl & Shelley Sapp; Peter & Alice Sokoluk; Lawrence & Elaine Svitich; Marshall & Elsie Juba, Terence Juba; Randy & Cindy Kereliuk & family, Anne Marie & Dale Essensa, Brian & Joan Ferguson; Rose Hook; Brian Hook; Clarence Petroskey; Clarence Powley, In Loving Memory of Angie Powley, Annie Powley; The Wakaruk Family; In Memory of Louis Hirsch & Todd Hirsch; Diana and Marcel; Dianne & Ernie Gizowski; In loving memory of Victor Palahniuk; Gladys & family; Howard Austin Family; Shane, Rachel & Zack Farr; June Woloshyn in loving memory of Peter Woloshyn; Lillian Koziskie & family; Phyllis, Edmond & Maurice Dubuc; Marie and Terry Gorda; Dan & Albina Beaudette; Arthur Beaudette; Lisa & Marvin Topilko; Georgina, Sheldon & Percy Stark, In Loving Memory of Bradley Stark; Robb, Cheryl, Karissa & Kyler Zeleny; John & Madeline Kitz; Steve Kereliuk; Nick Seniuk, Evan Yaremko, Greg, April, and Phineas Huizinga; Andy & Lil Dulaba & Family; Kevin & Cindy Bentley & Family; David G & Patricia DurieDuralta Farms; Sally Patrie & Family, In Loving Memory of Frank Patrie; Arnold & Linda Sanford, Brad Mitchell & Kate Sanford Mitchell, Deryk, Katrina, Brayden, & Bailey Sanford; Jamieson & Kitt Families; Orest & Janet Kolisniak; Albert & Sylvia Deacon; Don, Jenovia, Megan Woloshyn, Craig, Kendra, Moraya Woloshyn; Ted Shavchook; George & Lynda Childs; Victor & Elsie Saskiw, Darrell & Donna

In December, the province awarded EIPS $1.9 million, as part of its mental health grant to address student emotional wellness challenges. EIPS is using the funds to pilot a new Mental Health in Schools project by setting up support centres in every junior high school across the Division.

“The need for enhanced mental health supports was amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Sandra Stoddard, the Associate Superintendent for Supports for Students at EIPS. “Over the last year, we’ve seen a higher number of students with mental health challenges. So, the purpose of the support centres is to be there in the moment with students to help address the issues they’re facing, in school and in their lives overall.”

In fact, a recent Division survey revealed more than 60 per cent of students and staff feel their mental health and well-being deteriorated since the onset of COVID-19. The most common conditions: heightened anxiety, stress and dysregulated behaviour— resulting from the prolonged learning disruptions, isolation and health fears. The Division has also observed social-and-emotional developmental delays—attributed to the loss of peer interactions, isolation and limited engagement in social activities.

Through the pilot project, all EIPS junior high schools will house a support centre, featuring a continuum of evidence-based mental health supports and services for students and their families. The centres will act as spaces for students where they can come when they feel overwhelmed and focus on what they’re experiencing in the moment—all under the supervision of an EIPS teacher who’s trained in mental health literacy and supported by the Division’s counselling team. “We want to offer students a school-based space to teach regulation, support students and educate about the importance of advocating for your mental health and well-being,” says Stoddard. “The support spaces are part of a larger Mental Health Strategic Plan that works with students and families to ensure their needs are met.”

Over the past two years, EIPS’ Board of Trustees has invested significant Division resources to address mental health issues for students and staff as part of its post-pandemic recovery plan. It’s also actively advocated at all levels of government about the need for mental health supports for students. “In the last year alone, the Board of Trustees has invested close to $1 million to address student mental health and social-emotional development, and to create both a post-pandemic recovery plan and mental health strategic plan,” says Trina Boymook, the Board Chair of EIPS. “The generous grant from the province means we can expand the work we’ve already done, and leverage new resources, to benefit the thousands of junior high students who face mental health and learning challenges in the wake of COVID-19.”

In addition to Alberta Education, the Mental Health in Schools pilot project is supported by Strathcona County’s Family and Community Services, a collaborative community partner that works with EIPS on several student- and family-focused initiatives. As well, EIPS partners with community-based Solutions Navigators to work with schools to help connect families to other local supports. EIPS will provide more information about the Mental Health in Schools pilot project in the coming weeks. The pilot will run through the end of June 2024.

Jim Bragg and Lisa Topilko from Companions on the Journey. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rev. Laureta Blondin. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)