VOL. 71 NO. 52
71 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNIT Y
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018
VCHS Serves Up Holiday Spirit
See Story on Page 15
50 Years Strong
Two Hills Christmas Tea
See page 5 for story
See page 14 for story
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DECEMBER 26, 2018
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WHAT’S INSIDE Agriculture.........................9 Business................................5 Classifieds...........................10 Employment.......................11 Family..................................14 Letters...................................4 Marketplace.......................13 Notices................................8 Real Estate..........................15 Sports.................................7 Tenders...............................8 Tributes...............................12 Upcoming...........................8
Mayor MacPhee Welcomes New Business Page 8
Story Time at the Library Page 9
4-DAY WEATHER Thurs. -12°C
Fri. -11°C
Sat. -5°C
MORE ON PAGE 7
Sun. -5°C
LOTTERY NUMBERS 7 21 23 25 31 34 45
MORE ON PAGE 3
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RCMP files from December 17 - 23 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser December 17 12:07 – Traffic stop conducted resulting in a cell phone ticket $287 fine issued. 15:06 - Traffic stop conducted for speeding in a school zone. $211 fine was issued. 16:24 – Recovery of a GPS unit that was found in a vehicle that someone had purchased. The serial number of the unit did not match the vehicle it was installed in. December 18 08:23 – Traffic stop conducted for speeding in a school zone. $154 fine was issued. 08:32 – Complaint of concern from a father about the person his daughter is dating. He is concerned for his daughter and wife’s safety and they are possibly being manipulated. The investigation showed that there was no evidence either party was in danger. 08:57 – Complaint about a driver that did not stop for the school bus. Investigation ongoing. 09:43 – Report of copper wire and batteries from an industrial site. Investigation ongoing. 12:00 – Complainant reports that her common-law husband assaulted her. Members attended and arrested the male for assault. Charges laid and the subject was released pending court. 13:54 – 2 vehicle collision on 50th Ave and 51 St. in Vegreville. Minor injuries. Vehicle occupants were taken to hospital by EMS. A ticket was issued to one driver and ATCO was called out to attend to a power pole. 14:55 - Traffic stop conducted for speeding in a school zone. $163 fine was issued. 15:10 - Traffic stop conducted for speeding in a school zone. $167 fine was issued. 18:41 – Report from EMS about a dark coloured SUV had been tailgating them while they were driving with their lights and sirens on. Still under investigation. 20:48 – Report of identity theft and fraud. The reporting party indicated that there had been money transferred from her account which have since been closed. Suspects have been identified and the investigation is ongoing.
December 19
04:52 – Report of a vehicle stolen overnight. The vehicle was later located in Viking burnt. Still under investigation. 07:50 – Report of a vehicle in the ditch near Hwy 631 & RR 134. Members attended and then spoke to the registered owner who stated he had swerved to miss a dear and hit the ditch. Minor damage to the vehicle and there were no injuries. 08:33 – Someone attended the detachment to report that his son was driving and had a tire blow out on his truck. The truck rolled which resulted in minor injuries to the driver. 09:24 – Report of a vehicle stolen overnight. The vehicle has been entered into the RCMP database and has not been located at this time. Still under investigation. 14:45 – Call to detachment requesting
the westbound lane of hwy 16. Members attempted to locate the vehicle but were unable to find it. 12:18 – Report of an abandoned vehicle in Hilliard. The vehicle had been parked on the street for over a year. Members attended and found that the plates had expired. The vehicle was towed. 18:32 – Call from a local business about a male in the store who appeared intoxicated and was disturbing customers. Members attended but the subject was gone.
December 21
Multiple reports of collisions on Hwy 16 due to high winds and icy roads. 20:22 – Report of a male at a restaurant drinking and possibly intoxicated leaving in a vehicle. Members located the vehicle and conducted roadside sobriety checks finding no signs of impairment.
December 22
10:09 – Report of a purse being stolen from an unlocked vehicle overnight. All credit cards had been canceled. Investigation is ongoing. 10:11 – Report of a license plate being stolen from a vehicle overnight. The plate has been entered into the RCMP database. 11:00 - Members spoke with citizens taking part in a yellow vest rally. The protest was peaceful and organized. 18:16 - Report of theft from a grocery store. A male and female left the store with a grocery cart full of groceries which they had not paid for. They proceeded to load up the car and drove west. Investigation is ongoing. device on a marital issue. The caller wants to retrieve property from the residence. This matter needs to be dealt with in civil courts and the caller was provided that information. 14:45 - Traffic stop conducted for speeding in a school zone. $207 fine was issued. 16:30 – Complaint about something dragging from a tow truck. Members located the truck and it was found that the truck had chains secured to the vehicle for work which were hanging low but not a concern. The driver adjusted the chains.
December 20
12:05 – Caller reported a truck hauling water was traveling eastbound in
December 23
11:03 – Members attended a 3 car train derailment. No dangerous goods, no leaks. The matter was being dealt with by CN workers ad CN police.
During the week there were 48 calls for service made in total including: 2 false alarms, 3 false 911s and 0 animal strikes. Have a safe and happy holiday. Behave and don’t end up in the Blotter. - AB
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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Welcome to Bethlehem
The owner of Bethlehem Inn with an employee. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Welcome to Bethlehem created by Joel Lindsey, Jeff Bumgardner, Heidi Petak and Daniel Semsen is a poignant and dramatic musical stage play for Christmas which Vegreville Alliance Church pre-
sented a flawless and vibrant production of on December 14, 16, and 19. The musical opened with the adult choir performing the song, ‘It’s Christmas’, which continued on with this choir performing a few familiar Christmas carols, and the youth choir performing, The Carolin’ Reel. The musical play went on with the characters appearing who were the hotel, Bethlehem Inn’s owners-Mr and Mrs. Wiseman, the hotel’s personnel and guests. Hope was the theme which was threaded throughout the play where the music with its heartwarming lyrics on how Jesus loves and accepts us as we are and we should do the same for others helped to confirmed this message. The Wiseman’s soon discovered their hotel was in bad financial shape. Their hotel guests- Richard and Audrey Jorgenson also had a teenage daughter who ran away from home. Solutions and circumstances happened that offered hope for these situations. The audience issued an appreciative applause after each music piece and a standing ovation at the end. People were invited to fellowship and a bountiful supply of refreshments afterwards. This musical was free to attend and a donation for Vegreville Food Bank was accepted.
The youth choir performs, The Carolin’ Reel. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Get ready for the cold Winter tires in stock $ starting at 49.99 and batteries starting $ at 89.99
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Vegreville Fire Department Certifies Instructors
Arty Benson
Kent Maddigan Finance Manager
Sales and Leasing Consultant
Glenn Wiebe
Matt Paterson
Shane Cartier
General Sales Manager
Dexter Maddigan
(L-R) Lt Brayden Ferguson, FF Glenn Brophy, FF Johnny Dyck, FF Amanuel Webeshet, Fire Chief Phil Rowe, FF Tracie Freeman, and Lt. Sherry Haque
Chief Phil Rowe Fire Chief – Town of Vegreville On Wednesday, December 12, Fire Chief Phil Rowe presented certificates to 6 new certified fire instructors. The 6 members of the department were Lt Brayden Ferguson, FF Glenn Brophy, FF Johnny Dyck, FF Amanuel Webeshet, Fire Chief Phil Rowe, FF Tracie Freeman, and Lt. Sherry Haque. Each instructor was presented with International Pro-Board certificates as certified Level I Fire Service Instructors. As instructors, they may now teach any course that they have passed and are certified in. “What this does for the department is ensures that we have a variety of trained instructors to serve the department and community for years to come. On behalf of the entire department, Congratulations on all your hard work! Well deserved!” -Chief Rowe.
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Out of Touch Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser - Opinion The more news I read about politics the more I get the feeling that I live in a different world than our politicians in Edmonton, Ottawa and frankly most other places. Ignoring the circus that is the current US political scene, we have plenty of examples here at home. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you will have seen news about the “yellow vest” protests. This started in France with protesters calling for lower fuel taxes, the reintroduction of the solidarity tax on wealth, a minimum wage increase, and Emmanuel Macron’s resignation as President. This movement has now inspired similar protests in Canada in response to a week oil market (and associated petroleum employment), federal carbon tax as well as dormant pipeline projects and for some, our government’s liberal asylum policies. To help fuel the flames out west, in a recent premiers’ meeting, Francois Legault, Premier of Quebec dashed the hopes of New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs for a pipeline east to transport western crude to ports there for export overseas. Legault stated, “We are offering an energy that is not expensive and is clean,” Legault said. “I am not embarrassed
to refuse dirty energy while we are offering clean energy at a competitive price.” Legault seems to have missed the post-it note with the facts on Quebec oil and his electorate. According to Montreal’s HEC business school, 53 percent of oil refined in Quebec comes from the west. In a recent poll, 2011 Quebecers stated that they would prefer oil imported into Quebec originate in Western Canada. Only seven percent would choose U.S. produced oil, three percent Algeria and one percent from the Middle East or Nigeria. Perhaps turning off the taps for a month would remind him how attractive our oil really is. Looking west, a poll conducted in April showed that British Columbian’s increasingly support the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. The number rose to 54%. If a Horgan’s NDP government had 54% of the vote (or even 54% of the seats) it would not need the support of the Green party. While going all-in on blocking the Trans Mountain, Horgan proudly stood by the side of PM Trudeau when the $40 billion LNG project in northern B.C was announced. When pressed by the same environmental groups that oppose the Trans Mountain expansion it has been stated by
out of touch - CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Grand Prairie Rally
The people have an absolute right to be concerned by which the current and previous federal governments have treated Alberta. By concerned Albertans organizing and participating in positive and constructive rallies the message might hit home to some politicians hopefully in the current federal government. The thing which is bothersome to me, having listened to Jason Kenny’s dissertation at the rally in Grande Prairie, this man who held powerful and influential positions in the previous Harper governments, while I am not a Liberal supporter, he was condemning the actions and lack of actions by current Liberal government. The amazing thing is that he along with Harper and the previous Conservative powerhouse 1) failed to kick-start the east pipeline, 2) failed to kick-start the west pipeline, 3) failed to initiate the logistics on a pipeline route to Prince Rupert, messed up immigration and failed to do anything regarding the transfer payments where Quebec’s current infrastructure is being built by
Grand prairie rally - CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 Name: Trever Garretsee Likes: popcorn, Woody doll Dislikes: mushy peas, Batman
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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Vegreville Plumbing and Heating Ltd. Recognized for 50 Years of Business
Vegreville News Advertiser’s Larry Ruptash presents Terry and Trevor Semeniuk with a plaque in recognition of Vegreville Plumbing and Heating Ltd.’s 50 years of business in Vegreville. (Emily Mailhot/Photo)
Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser On Wednesday, December 19, Larry Ruptash presented a plaque to Terry and Trevor Semeniuk in recognition of Vegreville Plumbing and Heating Ltd.’s 50th anniversary of business in Vegreville. The plaque was designed and commissioned by Dan Beaudette of the Vegreville News Advertiser Presenting the plaque, Larry acknowledged the sturdy pillar in the community
50 Years - CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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DECEMBER 26, 2018
from the pages of the vegreville observer
Compiled by Dan Beaudette
90 Years Ago – December 19, 1928
Barclay’s Bank of London, England, announces that a charter has been applied for in Canada and that it expects to open offices in this country when incorporated here. This bank is one of the five largest in Great Britain and its entrance into the Canadian field of finance is regarded as an initial effort on the part of the moneyed interests of Great Britain to participate actively in Canadian financial matters. Considerable repairs and adjustments have been made in the United Church during the past week. Two new gas stoves have been added and the entrance fitted up with a stove and light. The windows also have been tightened up for the coming cold weather. A new booklet dealing with the noxious week situation in Alberta entitled “Alberta’s Weed Problem, No. 3” is in course of preparation by Field Crops Commissioner, W.J. Stephen, and will be ready for distribution through the Department of Agriculture early in the new year. Copies of this publication may be secured by farmers, municipal officials and other persons interested in the control and eradication of noxious weeds by communicating with Mr. Stephen’s office.
75 Years Ago – December 22, 1943
The U.S. War Production Board has increased the total tonnage of farm machinery permitted to be exported to Canada – Canadian wheat and flax exports this August totalled 27,707,135 bushels, the largest August shipment in five years – Argentina’s wheat crop is estimated by Broomhall at 257,180,000 bushels higher than last year’s crop. Corp. Doug Campbell, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Campbell of Warwick, is in the hospital overseas as a result of a head-on collision between a motor bike and a lorry. Doug was piloting the motor bike when the accident occurred. This was on November 10th, and he has been in hospital there ever since with a fractured leg and other injuries. Milo Ferguson announces that he has sold his truck and is therefore out of the freighting business. Defence headquarters said allowances to dependants of soldiers are not stopped for “crimes” or misdemeanors by the soldiers, except when the soldier’s pay is stopped because he is absent without leave for more than 21 days. Expressing belief that the end of the war is now in sight, Lt.-Col. Anthony Marlow, Conservative MP for Brighton, said that when the Soviet army marches into Germany an English-speaking army would meet it halfway.
50 Years Ago – December 19, 1968
Fire of undetermined origin completely gutted a bedroom of the J. Dobush home about 7:00 p.m. Monday night. The fire was contained primarily to the bedroom where it started but burned through the door and of course the heat charred paint in the hallway. Western Hardware in Vegreville was broken into on Saturday night by person or persons who stole at least eight wrist watches and six transistor radios. Entry was made by smashing the glass front door of the building and the goods taken were enclosed in a showcase about half-way down the store. The robbery was noticed by manager Wes Hughston about 10 o’clock Sunday morning. Alberta Gas Trunk Line Company Limited has selected Vegreville as the site for its sub-district offices it was learned by the Observer, Tuesday. A representative of the company, R.H. (Harold) Coleman of Calgary, who is right-of-way inspector, informed that the new line being constructed from Boyle to Consort will begin on the 2nd or 3rd of January. In addition to five or six houses that will be constructed Alberta Gas Trunk Line will erect a warehouse and maintenance shops in which an office will be situated.
25 Years Ago – December 21, 1993
Winners of this year’s Christmas Light Contest are as follows: overall winner was claimed by Clarence Petrosky; best Santa Clause display went to Todd Cikaliuk and best religious display was won by Nellie Highet. The town is looking for $125,000 in provincial grants to help fix vaporization problems at the aquatic centre. The brick walls of the Aquatic and Fitness Centre require a liner to prevent vapors from permeating through the brick. The vaporization increases the walls rate of deterioration and could “significantly shorten the life of the building,” explained town manager Richard Binnendyk. Lifetime volunteers were recognized at St. Joseph’s Hospital’s recognition night last Saturday. Peggy Tetreau, Helen Stachow, Betty Hantiuk, Sophie Dziwenka, Elsie Mudryk were among those honored. Not present at the ceremony were Marion Baxandall, Olga Petruk and Joyce Ziegler. The same evening employees of St. Joseph’s Hospital were awarded for their years of service and are as follows: Eugene Rudyk (15), Kyu-Ho-Ha (25), Sophie Lemiski (15), Alma Wilcox (15), Joan Douglas (10) and Lorne Hughes (10).
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. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.
New Federal Labour Law Changes a Giant Step Backwards for Innovation and Productivity Milena Stanoeva Canadian Federation for Independent Business
New labour standards tabled on October 29 by the federal government in its omnibus budget bill are deeply concerning for small businesses already dealing with a slew of punitive tax changes and the increasing payroll costs, warns the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). “Just after the new Ontario government got rid of many of these job-killing ideas, the feds come along and pull them into the Canada Labour Code,” said Dan Kelly, CFIB’s president. “There is nothing in this that will improve the innovation or productivity of a single Canadian workplace. Instead, it will bind the hands of entrepreneurs with reams of new red tape.” The labour changes included in Bill C-86, Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2, will introduce new standards for federally-regulated businesses starting as soon as next year: -Five days of personal leave, with three of those days paid -Requirement to provide 96 hours (4 days) advance notice of schedules -Four weeks of paid vacation after
10 years or more of service -Eliminating the length of service requirement for certain leaves, including parental leave -Complex equal pay rules for casual, parttime, temporary and seasonal employees “Instead of modernizing workplace rules, this will move us backwards to the days where everyone had or wanted to have a 9 to 5 job with little flexibility to balance their needs,” added Kelly. “We are concerned for SMEs that are federally regulated and even more concerned that big unions will use this to pressure provincial governments – which regulate the majority of workplaces – to do the same.” “It is alarming that changes of this nature are included in a budget implementation bill, providing almost no opportunity for SMEs to share their concerns,” Kelly said. “It appears government has learned very little from last year’s small business tax change fiasco.” The government has also launched an expert panel to examine issues like minimum wage, the right to disconnect and providing a collective voice for non-unionized employees. “It will be critical to have small business representation in this future review,” Kelly concluded. “Are unions now calling for mandatory dues from workers who don’t wish to be unionized?”
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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More Fishing Restrictions Proposed for 2019 Ray Makowecki Volunteer Fish Biologist - Next Step Team The Alberta Government has announced further notifications and consultations for additional fishing regulation restrictions for 2019. People are expressing concern that regulatory notifications and consultations on the Walleye-Pike-Perch-Lake Whitefish lakes are occurring prior to the initiation and completion of the Third-Party Independent Science Review. The Third-Party Independent Science Review of Fisheries Management in Alberta for the Walleye-Pike-PerchLake Whitefish Management Plan has not been completed. Although the review on the Native Trout Management in the East Slopes has progressed to a draft report, an expert science panel has not been selected for Walleye-PikePerch-Lake Whitefish Management.
A fish survey was sent to the anglers by the Alberta Government in November and may be found on the TalkAEP site. Several Next Step members and our Volunteer Biologists Group have expressed concern and have asked why another 21 lakes/rivers (including Lac Bellevue, Claude, Lac La Nonne, Lake Isle, Snipe Lake, Sturgeon Lake, Wabasca Lakes, Long Lake (west), Wolf Lake (west), Long Island Lake etc.) are
being consulted prior to the science review. As well the Government has listed “notifications” for regulatory changes on 44 lakes (2019). Several of these lakes have limited current fish data and some have no fisheries data from the index netting program. Many of the notifications are indicating zero harvest limits with catch and release only for pike and for walleye. These increased restrictions include the following lakes: Lac La Biche, Pinehurst, Jackson, Blackett, Kinnaird, McGuffin, Fork, Whitefish, Elinor, Goodfish, Ironwood, Heart, Helena, Logan, Lac La Nonne, Battle, and several others. A few restrictions on specific lakes also indicate catch and release only on Yellow perch and on Lake Whitefish. There are potentially 66 changes to the 2019 fishing regulations at the population level. People have indicated the following: • The people have already provided input for the past several years and many people want fewer restrictions and more opportunities. • The people want to harvest and consume some Alberta fish in a sustainable manner • An ecological imbalance appears to be present in numerous lakes having abundant walleye and lower numbers of pike, perch and Lake Whitefish. The government fish information appears to be similar to what the anglers have observed. • The Government should implement low-risk consumptive harvesting regulations that will use the fish and sustain the fish populations. Options have been provided. With the proposed increase in fishing restrictions, it would appear that the
restrictive harvest regulations for the past 20 years have simply been unsuccessful. The Alberta Government has stated, “Harvest opportunities are viewed as a socio-economic benefit and an indicator of successful fisheries management.” The proposed Government of Alberta fishing regulations for 2019 indicates another 66 regulatory changes (mainly more restrictions) after 20 years of major restrictions. Fisheries management has failed in Alberta. I would strongly suggest that no changes occur until after the third party independent science review for Walleye-Pike-PerchLake whitefish Management.
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DECEMBER 26, 2018
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An RJV Christmas for CALS
Mayor MacPhee Welcomes New Business to Vegreville
Craig Horon News Advertiser The staff atVegreville’s RJV held an in-house lottery, which raised $960 for CALS Breakfast Club. These funds were matched by RJV’s Don Cherniawsky (Chief Operating Officer) for a total of $1920. Heather Giebelhaus, CALS Breakfast Club coordinator attended to receive the donation, which will be a great help in operating costs, supplies, and programming throughout the new year.
Rachel Farr Communications Coordinator – Town of Vegreville On behalf of Town Council, Mayor Tim MacPhee welcomed Vegreville’s Barbershop to the business community. Congrats Othman Assaf on your opening of Vegreville’s Barbershop here in Vegreville.
50 Years - CONTINUED from PAGE 5 that Terry and VPHL have been throughout the years. “Vegreville is better, because of the work you have done and continue to do here.” “To see that plaque, both businesses on there, it was something else,” Terry Semeniuk said, “There is a lot of history there. The long story of Vegreville Plumbing and heating began 50 years ago, when Terry Semeniuk was working for Tower Plumbing in Vegreville and had a dream to start his own company. With the help of friend and co-founder Sandy Eliuk, Vegreville Plumbing and Heating was created in 1968. Semeniuk and Eliuk shared their experience in plumbing and sheet metal, respectively, to create a well-rounded service. “We borrowed some money to get us started, and then little
by little, we built it up,” said Terry Semeniuk. From the very beginning, Terry says that Vegreville Plumbing and Heating had about 14 employees and have run successfully and created jobs in the community ever since. Sandy Eliuk retired after 65, so Terry bought him out. Eliuk continued to work for Vegreville Plumbing and Heating until his passing later on. As Terry was looking into retirement, his son Trevor was working in the same trade for a large company in Calgary. “I just woke up one day, and knew what I wanted to do,” Trevor recalled. “So I phoned my dad and asked him if there was still that option. He said yes, and I never looked back.” He returned to his father’s company in 1999, with the interest of taking it over one day, Trevor moved home to Vegreville. He explained that he had always kind of known that he would want to take over the company. “The company I worked for in Calgary gave me a lot of
great experience that helped me bring something to the table here,” Trevor continued, “The move to Vegreville was also good for me personally; since then, I’ve gotten married, I have two kids, and this is a much better place to raise a family than the city.” “I was fortunate to have a son working in the same trade,” said Terry Semeniuk. “Tevor has done a marvelous job since he took over the place.” After his son’s return to town in 1999, Terry officially retired. In 2015, Vegreville Plumbing and Heating Ltd. moved under the abbreviated name “VPHL,” which they now carry, to a new location on 48th Avenue. The sign from their old location still looks over the east side of the street, to keep the history of their business with them and remind them where they came from. As for the next 50 years, Trevor Semeniuk intends to keep at work for VPHL as long as he can but is unsure of VPHL’s future after he retires. “My daughters can be anything they want to be,” said Trevor, “But it’s only a matter of whether the younger generation will want to continue this (VPHL) on in their adult lives.” ‘It’s never easy,” said Trevor, “But we’ve been lucky because the community, and the relationships we’ve made with our customers, have kept us here for fifty years.”
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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Holden Agricultural Society Sends Off the Old Year Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser On December 19, members of the Holden Agricultural Society met at the Holden Complex to go over some highlights of 2018, as well as some details moving forward. The Agricultural Society handles the building maintenance and development, concession, and employees at the Holden Complex, as well as hockey, an annual casino, and the 4-H Beef club. From the board, Christine Suchy, Carrie Crabec, Julianne Foster, Lucy Upham, Gail Alger, and Mark
Giebelhaus attended the meeting. During the President’s Report, Christine Suchy went into a few details of the progress on the renovations to the Complex. While there is still some work that needs to be done to the dressing rooms, she says that they will continue to thrive and complete the renovation in the next year. “Support from the community, minor hockey, and volunteers have been a help throughout this process,” said Suchy, “and Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) Spirit Funds, as well as the money we received from Beaver
County, helped us to operate this year as well.” The financial statements this year showed that the concession made less money in 2018 than previously, but all in all, the Agricultural Society feels that this was a good year. “It seems as though we’ve planned and achieved more in the past few months than in the past three years combined,” commented Carrie Hrabec. “I think that will reflect in next year’s report.” In elections, Christine Suchy was elected as President of the Agricultural
New Lamont PetroCan Paves the Way to Cheaper Gas Prices Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser A new PetroCan was welcomed to the town of Lamont with a bang at their grand opening day on December 17, 2018. Mayor Bill Skinner, along with Town of Lamont employees and a few customers, attended to the The festivities for the day included a draw that customers could enter by spending $15 or more in the convenience store for a chance to win a new TV, second prize of a $100 gift card, or a third-prize $50 gift card from the 17th to the 31st. Previously the only petrol station in Lamont, the ESSO just south of Hwy 15 has been appreciated by the residents of Lamont and travellers through the area. Surrounding the events of the PetroCan grand opening celebration, residents of Lamont expressed their excitement for the possibility of some healthy business competition to lower
gas prices. The project for the new gas station broke ground on August first of 2018, and was completely set up and stocked with time to spare before the grand opening. Office Manager for the LKS Group, who owns the new gas station, Min Kim said that part of the reason construction was able to finish so quickly was that the owner, Kevin Lin, who owns other gas stations under the ESSO banner in Breton, Delbourne, and Drayton Valley, also owns a construction company, which was contracted to prepare the site and construct the gas station.
A Christmas-Themed Story Time at the Library
Coordinator for Vegreville and District Child Development Coalition (VDCDC), Charlene Melenka reads to the children. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent The best gift children can receive is one where they can learn and discover while they play and enjoy themselves. The December 19’s Christmas theme Story Time at the Library had a special guest, Coordinator for Vegreville and District Child Development Coalition (VDCDC), Charlene Melenka who read them several familiar children stories which were turned into a Christmas theme. After this, children decorated Christmas placemats with playdoh and each child received a candy cane and a board book, “The Night Before Christmas” by Barbara Reid, which they could keep.
Children listen attentively to the story Melenka reads. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Society for another year, alongside last term’s Vice President, Dave Maruszeczka, who had not attended the meeting but accepted nomination beforehand. Julianne Foster was elected second vice president, with Carrie Hrabec and Gail Alger as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. Committee representatives were also chosen, with a new 4-H Beef representative for the new year, Lucy Upton. Upton says that her experience with this 4-H club and others will make this role both easy and enjoyable.
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DECEMBER 26, 2018
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MR. CLASSIFIED
Call toll free from anywhere in Alberta
1.800.522.4127 or fax to 780.632.7981
Ask the Guys Dear Classified Guys, My wife and I recently found out we're going to be first-time grandparents. That was enough to make us finally clean out the spare room so our new arrival could come visit. In the process of cleaning, I came across an old desk that I inherited from my grandfather many years ago. Now I've watched enough episodes of Antique Road Show to know that it is either destined to be a great antique or just a pile of old firewood. I want to take out an ad and sell it to make room for our new grandson and his toys, but I don't know how to tell if this desk is valuable or not. Do I need to find an expert who can tell me or can I do it on my own? I need to figure this out soon because my wife is threatening to put it in the garage in place of my car.
•
•
•
Cash: Sounds like
time is running short, so pull up a chair and we'll figure this out. Carry: Determining whether or not a piece of furniture has value can be difficult. In many cases, a reputable dealer can be very helpful in appraising the desk for you. However, by first looking at the
Fast Facts Volley for Serve
Duane “Cash” Holze & Todd “Carry” Holze 12/23/18 12/09/12 ® ® ©The Classified Guys ©The Classified Guys
furniture's construction, you can quickly evaluate if it is worth calling one. Cash: You first want to determine if the desk was handmade or machine cut. Handmade desks tend to be much more valuable. Carry: Look for a manufacturer's name or builder's signature on the underside of the desk or any drawers. Any markings or information that you can find will help you track down it's origin and potential value. Cash: You can also evaluate the construction of the desk, giving particular attention to the joints. A handmade desk will typically have dovetail joints that are very wide and uneven. Having made them by hand, most crafts-
men wanted to make as few as possible. You can also look at any spindles or slats to see if there is any variation in their construction that would indicate they were made by hand. Carry: Machine cut furniture came around 1860, so you can imagine that a handmade desk may be quite old. If you determine the desk is handmade, then consider calling a reputable antique dealer to appraise it further. Cash: Although regardless of its value, maybe it's something you want to incorporate into the playroom since it is a family heirloom. After all, your new grandson will need a place to color with his crayons.
There's no doubt that furniture can be expensive, but imagine paying over 36 million dollars for a single piece. That is the current record for the most expensive non-pictorial work of art ever sold at auction. With the tap of a gavel at a London Christie's auction in 2004, a badminton cabinet, built around 1720, broke it's previous sales record of 15 million dollars. Made by the Henry Somerset, third Duke of Beaufort, the cabinet is considered more a work of art than a piece of furniture. Today it is on display at the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna.
Sitting in Style
When it comes to furniture, many of us have our favorite chair in the house and most of us recognize the brand name La-Z-Boy. Designers of the first reclining chair, Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker created their invention in the late 1920's. Originally designed as a wooden slatted chair, they began covering it with upholstery at the request of their customers. However, the final name for their invention was the result of a contest. Although entries like "The Sit and Snooze" and "The Slack Back" made the list, "La-Z-Boy" ultimately won out.
Reader Humor Speed Limit
Like many boys his age, my six-year-old son forgets to use the bathroom during the night and occasionally wets the bed. Hoping to motivate him to get up, my husband and I bought him one of those beds molded like a racecar. He was so excited when we brought it home that he even went to bed early. The first few nights he was good about getting up and using the bathroom. However, then one night he forgot again. When I noticed it in the morning, I asked him, "Why is your bed all wet?" Obviously still excited about his racecar bed, he innocently replied, "I don't know, Mommy. Maybe I drove through a puddle." (Thanks to Sally P.)
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HELP WANTED F5 Entities Ltd. o/a Tim Hortons is currently looking for 8 Food Counter Attendants. Location: 6801 Highway 16A West, Vegreville, AB T9C 0A4 Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time, PartTime, Shift, Weekend, Morning, Day, Night & Evening. Salary: $15.25/ hour + Benefits. Start Date: ASAP. Experience: No Experience Required. Education: No degree, certificate or diploma. Please contact for job description. How to Apply: In Person or by mail: At above location By email: cdoubledouble@ gmail.com By phone: 780632-6090
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3 bedroom, 1 bath townhouse available January 1, 2019. Willowbrook townhouse south of A. L. Horton School. Nice neighbors, fenced yard and ample parking. Complete unit has new paint and blinds. Rent is $875. Please contact Linda Walker at 587-280-1727
Newly Renovated home (1138 sq ft top) in Innisfree - 3 homes south of the Fire Hall (4819 - 51 St). 25 miles east of Vegreville. New shingles, siding, windows & doors on both house & garage (14’ x 24’). 3 Bedrooms upstairs + 1 downstairs, washrooms on both levels, complete Family Room 460 sq ft downstairs. Many new light fixtures, all new switches & plugs upstairs, new water heater & tank, complete with stove, fridge, dishwasher, washer & dryer. 5 ceiling fans/10 pot lights. Taking offers. For sale by owner. Phone Len after 8 p.m. 780-632-7934
Advertise your rental property here for as little as $7.95 per week! 4-5 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 1157 sq ft acreage with double detached garage located in Two Hills County for rent $1550 includes utilities. Call 587280-0399. 3 Bdrm Mobile Home, N/P PH: 780-208-9608 2 bedroom home for rent. N/S, No Pets. Call 1-780632-1376. New 3 bdrm duplex Vegreville. $685/mo. Call 780-275-0089. New developments. Near Aquatic Center in Vegreville. Approx 450 Sq Ft., 1 bedroom, fully renovated, kitchen appliances, washer/dryer, soaker tub. NS, NP. $600/m + utilities. Same DD. References required. Available Dec. 1, 2018. Call or text 780632-0480 3 bedroom, 2 bath, single attached garage and shop in back. $1350/mo. Contact 780-603-4965 Multiple rental properties available ranging from $750/mth and up. Vegreville, Mundare, Lavoy, County. Call 587280-0399. 4 bedroom 2 story $1350 4313-49A Street - 3 bedroom $1150 4213-49 Street All above plus utilities. Call Gary 780-632-9454.
LAND FOR SALE 240 acres NE of Vegreville. No yard. No agents. Ph: 780-632-2750 Evenings Farm land for sale. Across the road from Plain Lake Church. 140 acres. County gas on property. SE-2153-12-W4. Ph: 780-6030006
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WANTED Looking for a cheap room to rent in Vegreville for just one month. From January 18th to February 20th. Would like it to be closer to the UFA if possible. Willing to Pay $400. Call: 587-7847620. Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 Wild Fur Wanted. Coyote, fox, etc. Will be at Musidora Rock Store 5 miles east of Two Hills, January 5 and February 9, 2019 at 11:00am. PH: 780-755-3860 or 780842-7153 ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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Technical Lesson Lori Thickson Life’s Little Moments As I have mentioned, my family and I moved to this area at the end of June. We came from Edmonton, with all the comforts it had to offer. Technology at our fingertips. I’m telling you this because it plays into the story later. Now I’m sure you’ve all heard about this wonderful thing called “The Internet”. Out here having it provided to us was not as easy as it sounds. After some research and a lot more effort than I had wanted to expend, we decided to get a “Box”. Instant Internet to our devices. Oh, Happy Day! When you buy one of these wonderful gadgets, you need to “fill it up”. Gas to gas tank idea. You have to buy a “data package” to feed the little bugger. These data packages allow your little darling to eat, to grant you Internet access. Each and every little thing you do causes a little more of that data food to be eaten up. I stress that point. Again, coming from the city, we were used to just doing things. Watching TV. Talking to family back in Ontario on Facebook. Simple, technical things. You pay a certain amount each month for a specific amount of data for your Box. That data rolls over/re-starts on a specific date each month. No carry-overs or starting your next month early. Overages are extremely costly, which we rudely discovered. Being new to this, it took working with our provider and some very costly bills to figure out why our bills were rising each/every month. Let me share with you what we found out, so it may save you some money, time, and a whole lot of stress; • Certain apps use data just like a lawnmower chews through week-old grass. Some just plug along like a lazy turtle. • With 3 people in the family, all doing their own thing on their own devices, those little nibbles at the data food turn into great big bytes!
• Downloading things to your Xbox does not mean you can view them if you lose Internet access. You think if you download it into the device, AND PAY FOR IT in US dollars, it is yours to view as much as you want. NOT SO! What they fail to mention is that the driver/program you need to view those shows is provided through the Internet. It is not on your device already, nor can you find/buy it. So, think about this. Download/ buy 3 seasons of your favourite show. Sit down to binge watch. Love every minute of it. Later on, wonder why your data usage is WAY over, and your bill is scary. The power/driver playing that show for you all those hours is coming off/out of your Box Baby’s data food. And boy, is it one hungry little lawn mower! • There are good providers out there willing to spend the time and patience to help their customers figure problems like
Early Deadline for Ads. See Page 6
this out. Hats off to our wonderful internet providers.
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Tributes out of touch - CONTINUED from PAGE 4 MEMORIAM
MEMORIAM
SOROTSKY, Bill December 27/2017 In loving memory of our father, grandfather & great grandfather. Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving family 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
ZIEGLER, Edna In loving memory of our dear Mother, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother Edna Ziegler, Who sadly left us on December 22, 2017. We your family miss you Mom In the house where you used to be. We wanted so much to keep you But God willed it not to be. Now you are in God’s keeping You suffer no more pain, So dear God take care of her Until we meet again. Forever In Our Hearts Your loving Husband, Gordon, Children - Rebecca, Arden, Gwen, Colleen, Blair and their families.
ELKOW, Wyatt Jon November 22, 1997-January 1, 2017 To honor you, we get up every day and take a breath, and start another day without you. To honor you, we laugh and love with those who knew your smile, and the way your eyes twinkled with mischief and secret knowledge. To honor you, we take the time to appreciate everyone we love, as we know now there is no guarantee of days or hours. To honor you, we listen to music you would have liked and imagine you singing and dancing in your own unique style. To honor you we take chances, say what we feel, hold nothing. You are the light in our dark days, you are in our hearts always, and you are a gift of love from the very highest source. So every day we vow to make a difference as now we live for you too. Missing you more than ever Love you to the Stars and Back! Love Mom, Dad, Rylee and Shilo
SARAFINCHAN, William In Loving Memory of William Sarafinchan October 1, 1923 - December 27, 1997 Remember him with a smile today He was not one for tears Reflect instead on memories Of all the happy years Recall to mind the way he spoke And all the things he said His strength, his stance, the way he walked Remember these instead The good advice he’d give us His eyes that shone with laughter So much of him will never die But live on ever after As we loved you, so we miss you In our memory you are near Loved, remembered, longed for always Bringing many a silent tear Forever remembered by your children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren
OBITUARY
HAWRELAK, Nancy On December 18, 2018, Nancy Hawrelak of Edmonton, formerly of Willingdon, AB, passed away at the age of 90 years. Nancy took great joy in her grandchildren. She was a prolific writer – as a columnist for several newspapers and as a novelist portraying life as a pioneer in the Andrew/Willingdon area. Nancy is survived by her children, Brian (Elaine), Jacalyn (Neil) and Sharon; six grandchildren, Kris (Michelle), Jason, Colleen (Will), Alayne (Evan), Greg (Jessica) and Devin; two great-grandchildren, Nova and Summer; one brother and four sisters, Jean, Kay, Elizabeth, John (Hazel) and Evy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her husband, Nick in 2011. Funeral Service was held Saturday, December 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, 9709 – 111 Avenue, Edmonton. Interment followed in St. Mary’s Russo Orthodox Church Cemetery, Shandro, AB. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com. Park Memorial Edmonton 780-426-0050 Family Owned Funeral Home, Crematorium, Reception Centre
OBITUARY
WIDMANN, Alfred Herman On December 10, 2018 Alfred Widmann of Vegreville passed away at the age of 51 years. Alfred is survived by a host of friends and caregivers. Celebration of Life Friday, December 21, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Vegreville Alliance Church, 4606-55 Avenue, Vegreville. Pastor Darryl Crocker officiating with interment in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com PARK MEMORIAL LTD. VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000 FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM
DIDECHKO, Gladys On December 13, 2018 Gladys Didechko of Vegreville passed away at the age of 66 years. Gladys is survived by three daughters and one son: Lori Derenowski, Jolene (Kevin) Kisilevich, Rochelle (Joseph) Sweeney, and Stephen (Charlene); six grandchildren, Jody, Jessica, Kingsley and Austin Derenowski and Brandon and Cody Kisilevich; mother, Elizabeth Lastiwka; one sister and two brothers, Beverley (Alex) Mihalcheon, Leonard (Vivian) Lastiwka and Raymond (Lydia) Lastiwka; also numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Predeceased by her husband, Victor; father, Eli Lastiwka; parents-in-law, Josephine and Nick Didechko. Private Funeral Service Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, Vegreville. Erik Berge officiating with interment in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness of Vegreville. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com PARK MEMORIAL LTD. VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000 FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM
the B.C Chamber of Commerce that B.C. is a “small pin drop” in its contribution to global climate change. In response to the current situation in Alberta, the federal government announced funding totaling $1.6 billion. Clearly another sign that they just don’t get it. The federal government in large part created the problem. Now they think throwing taxpayer money at the problem will somehow fix it or at least shut us up till the next election. It is not only regular folks who see the disconnect. Other federal and provincial political hopefuls also do. Who’s to say that they would prove to be any different but they are being vocal. People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier says that his federal party is a “gift of hope” for Canadians seeking to bring back freedom, responsibility, fairness, and respect to the country. Derek Fildebrandt’s Freedom Conservative Party launched an “Equality or Independence” campaign. They want Alberta to get major constitutional reform that recognizes the province as an equal partner in Confederation within a year of the next provincial election, or the province will hold a referendum on independence. Alberta Party Leader Stephen Mandel has said what sets him apart from the other leaders is he is the only one who made a payroll. “I understand business. I understand the problems of business. I understand employment and having been employing people and the challenge they face.” It has been said by many that, once elected, many politicians quickly forget why they are there. They are there to make Alberta and Canada better... not pad their expense accounts and buy votes. This disconnect is the reason for movements such as the Yellow Vests. I suppose it is easy to forget the average person when you have a (far) higher than average wage, fat expense account, and a cushy pension. No need to worry how you will pay your next electric, grocery or rent bill. Clearly, too many politicians are... out of touch Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
Christmas Bureau Donation
Ann Waters Vice-Chair – Vegreville Christmas Bureau Classy Canadian, Vegreville Chapter of Crown Jewels Society of Canada donates to the Vegreville Christmas Bureau. Accepting the donation is Ann Waters, Vice Chair of the Vegreville Christmas Bureau.
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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News Advertiser PAGE 13
Grand prairie rally - CONTINUED from PAGE 4 Albertan’s hard earned dollars. In my 45 years in the political arena, whether being a strategist or a campaign manager, or a fund-raising chair or Alberta co-chair of the 1988 federal PC re-election or on many special back room task projects, I can tell you that my path crossed with very few politicians who really cared and made their objective to make Alberta or Canada a better place for the citizens to live, work, play, invest and enjoy. Now in Grande Prairie, this amazing White Knight on a White Horse is saying to us how his leadership is going correct the problem when a few years ago he had numerous opportunities to provide the necessary leadership to make a difference for better Canada and a better Alberta. How can a man who never soiled his hands nor held a job nor experienced operating a business and received his paycheques on the backs of taxpayers, now say to us he knows how to solve these situations?.... WOW. Currently Albertans are faced with an overloaded debt along with many
marketplace
obstacles preventing export of various Alberta products. For Albertans to think that this White Knight is the answer is rather short sighted and a bit foolish. It will require a leader with all ingredients to provide the necessary leadership to correct the mess created for Albertans. Should Albertans not have a Premier with all of those ingredients after the next election, then an exodus of young educated people will occur and without question, in the investment world Alberta and Canada will not be a go to province or country. John Chomiak Mundare, Alberta
-- Thanks for your letter John. The point you made when you stated “very few politicians who really cared and made their objective to make Alberta or Canada a better place for the citizens“ rings true with me and I believe will with many of our readers. - AB
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DECEMBER 26, 2018
Two Hills and District FCSS Open their Doors for Christmas Tea Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser On Friday, December 21, the Two Hills and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) office opened their doors to the general public for an open house in appreciation of the volunteers and community members who participate throughout
the year This year, FCSS in Two Hills began a few new projects, including a shift in focus towards young families, a partnership with the Adult Learning Council, a newcomer welcome center, and the
Christmas memorial service. “We’re trying to stress on the younger families now,” said Two Hills and District FCSS director Karen Forbes, “We’ve focused a lot on seniors in the past, and are trying to expand to offer support for all families.” As FCSS offices and services can be just as diverse as the communities they serve, the Two Hills and District FCSS feels as though they have something special and important to offer the families in the Two Hills area. “We have programs for everyone,” said Forbes, “From the tiniest toddlers to seniors in the community, we try to keep people of all ages included.” Two Hills and District FCSS is looking forward to the next year with plenty of new ideas on the table, but none that they are able to release yet. A full room of guests from the community trickled in and out of the cozy basement boardroom throughout the afternoon for a cup of coffee, FCSS-logoed gifts, snacks, and fellowship.
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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VCHS Serves Up Holiday Spirit Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser A holiday lunch was served to the students and staff of the Vegreville Composite High School on December 20, the second-last day of school before they embarked on their own journeys to winter break activities and return in the new year. Deanna Miller, the foods and fashion teacher for VCHS, said that this luncheon was a great opportunity for the students, the school and the community to interact in a positive way. Miller prepared and served the meal along with her students, other staff from the school, and community volunteers, in order to make sure every student had the chance to have a tasty, traditional Christmas dinner. Special guests from the community included Mayor Tim MacPhee and Councillor Jerrold Lemko from Vegreville Town Council, members of the Vegreville RCMP detachment, Peace Officer from the town of Vegreville, Vegreville Fish and Wildlife, and Aly Mitchel from the Country 106.5 radio station. Students volunteered their musical
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W E D N E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 6 , 2 018
VCHS Winter Concert
VCHS Junior Band and Jazz Band perform. (Rosanne Fortier/photos)
See story on page 4
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Vegreville Royal Purple and Christmas Bureau Work Together
Anne Waters, Geri Tuck, Melody Batchelor, Rita Smith, Tracey Ganie, Brianna and Brielle Burke, Lil Koziskie, Janet Kobylnyk, Marg Varga, Cheryl Gottert, Russell Geibelhaus, and Heather Giebelhaus.
Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser On Saturday, December 15th, the Vegreville Royal Purple Society Treasurer Janet Kobylnyk presented a cheque donation to the Vegreville Christmas Bureau
Food Coordinator Lil Koziskie at the Vegreville Christmas Bureau headquarters next door to the Brick, as the Christmas Bureau volunteers filled boxes with nonperishable food items for distribution to those in need within the Vegreville community.
Vegreville Vocalists on the Road with Concordia Community Chorus Dana Swedgan Submitted Faith Swedgan and Terry Kubin, Vegreville’s local vocalists are part of Concordia Community Chorus and they performed alongside Bella Voce Concordia, Jubiloso, Bells of Concordia and Jubellations. Conducted by Debbie Rice, Jolaine Kerley, and Isabela Ramos. The voices and bells filled the Glory Lutheran Church (Sherwood Park) on Sunday, December 9th. It was a night to remember!
ATB Financial Donates to Kidsport Vegreville Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent ATB Financial cares about the well being of all children and this business also realizes the benefits of participating in organized sports. On December 18, ATB Financial in Vegreville presented a $1000 donation to KidSport Vegreville which will help over three children from low-income families participate in sports. Chair of KidSport Vegreville, Roy Mills was very pleased with this donation.
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Vegreville Chamber of Commerce Teams up with KidSport Vegreville Annual Christmas charity banquet raises funds so that “Every Child Can Play”
Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser On December 14, the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce hosted chamber members and guests from the community for their annual Christmas dinner and fundraising auction. This year’s charity for the auction was KidSport Vegreville, who make it their mission to ensure that no child is left on the sidelines, and everyone has a chance to participate in team sports. KidSport Vegreville expressed their gratitude for being chosen by the Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce as this year’s recipient of the banquet and auction funds, so they can continue to work in the community to assist families who are struggling financially pay for children’s sport registration fees. “We would like to thank KidSport for their assistance in running tonight’s event,” said past-president of the Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce, Kathy Dmitriw, “We hope they reach all of their goals in 2019.” Dmitriw also commented on the Chamber’s executive, and the generosity of those who contributed to the event. Money was raised with a Christmas-themed silent auction, live auction with auctioneer Dale Menzak or Dale’s Auction Services, a “pay what you pull” ticket draw with up to $500 worth in gift certificates, chair heads or tails 50/50 draw, and dinner tickets for $70 each. All of these fundraising sales and prizes were organized in an effort to help KidSport Vegreville reach next year’s goal of $15,000. This will be an update from last year’s $14,311.00 in funds raised, which went
Nativity Festival at St. Mary’s Anglican Church
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent St. Mary’s Anglican Church Second Annual Nativity Festival on December 8 and 9 was a pathway to stories on the lips of God about the true meaning of Christmas-the birth of His son-Jesus. This festival included many nativity scenes and sets from around the world that were handmade or brought by members of the church. People browsing the stables and mangers said there were quite a collection and they were unique and neat. One nativity scene from Honduras read that it was sewn and designed by a 54 year old single mother who was able to complete Grade 9 under the program Bryan was working with and she could
then teach sewing at a local factory with this education. Fellowship was offered at this event, as well as, complimentary refreshments, and hot and cold beverages. There was also a bake sale where proceeds will go to Vegreville Food Bank and a collection box for donations for Vegreville Food Bank. For the children, there were coloring sheets and story books about the birth of Jesus. Rev. Laureta Blondin for St. Mary’s Church said they host this nativity festival so the community can come into their church and see something different that’s free and will help to get them into the true spirit of the season.
towards grants paid out to 68 kids in the Vegreville area for sports fees. Dinner was catered by Baba’s Best Catering Co. with choice of chicken or beef, with a bread table and homefor-Christmas-style desserts. Guests for the evening included public officials such as Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee, Fort SaskatchewanVegreville’s NDP MLA Jessica Littlewood, and UCP Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen. The live auction kicked off with a chair auction, where the opportunity to win a $3,500 travel certificate and $1,000 spending money was sold for $500 each. Each of the chairs had on it a gingerbread house, one of which was home to the winning gingerbread man. After some suspenseful waiting for each chair to fill, the contestants smashed their houses, to see who the lucky winner would be. After this, other live auction items such as the use of a brand—new combine for 8 hours (went for $31,000), free flowers for a year ($1,100), 6 different “levels” of the alcohol tree (all levels were collectively purchased for over $4,500), and a printed painting that was donated to the auction by the Auctioneers Association of Alberta with all proceeds going to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. The Pay what you Pull prize went to Joanne Freed, with $250 Chamber Bucks (good for any store that is part of the Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce) going to Brian Soldan. The Heads or Tails 50/50 prize of $1,200 went to a very excited Mardelle. Following the auction, live band the Give ‘em Hell Boys played plenty of country tunes for party-goers to dance to, with brief intermissions taken over by the DJ.
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United Church’s Christmas Luncheon, Bazaar, and Bake Sale
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Rev. Carolyn Woodall from Vegreville United Church opened the December 8’s United Church’s Christmas Luncheon, Bazaar, and Bake Sale by saying that they host this event to share the joy of the season with the community. She went on to read a poem which she wrote about Christmas. After this, she led the people with a prayer. The church’s auditorium resembled a warm and classic Christmas scene as Rev. Woodall’s full porcelain village overlooked the luncheon in the church’s auditorium. People socialized as they enjoyed the tropical salad, cheese cake for dessert, juice, tea, and coffee. There also was a raffle, a bake sale, and a bazaar which sold handcrafted and other Christmas wares.
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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Daddy and Me Have Christmas Fun
Kendall Warawa with his daughter, Shelby. (Rosanne Fortier/ photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent December 15 was a special day for fathers and their children at the Parent Link Centre’s Daddy and Me program because they decorated gingerbread houses together. This program helped fathers bond with their children while they enjoyed themselves by sharing a common interest together. It also gave children a chance to be creative, learn about Christmas, while it developed their fine motor skills. Children said they had a lot of fun making the gingerbread houses and they were really pleased that they were allowed to take them home. Afterward, everyone enjoyed pancakes which were shaped like gingerbread houses and sausages. All of this was followed by free play and socializing.
Fathers make gingerbread houses with their children. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
VCHS Winter Concert Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent The holiday season carried a new light while the wonderful feeling only quality music can deliver was presented at Vegreville Composite High School Winter Concert on December 11. The mood of celebration set in with season greeting from ELPS Trustee Randy Footz, VCHS Principal, Rod Leatherdale, and VCHS Band Director, Brendan Barkwell. Barkwell also acknowledged the hard work and dedication the students put into producing this concert. The concert opened with performances by the VCHS Junior Band where the Diary of the Grumpy Elf by Timothy Loest was partly narrated by a few students where they walked people through why the elf is not impressed with what is happening at the North Pole. At one point, they used the effects that only a drum can bring to express this mood. Following this, VCHS Jazz Band performed the familiar favorite, All of Me by Gerald Marks which most ages
of folks can relate to. This performance carried a relaxed swing while other well-paced notes sustained a higher tone. They continued to perform more tunes. The VCHS Senior Band went on to perform many pieces while they did an impressive performance of Allegretto by Ludwig van Beethoven which the audience commented that it was very good. They sneaked in the piece, Winter Lullaby by Scott Rogal which had a pleasant and unique sound. So much so, that a person could almost picture the winter scene it created. Eye of the Tiger by Frank Sullivan and Jim Peterik was a powerful piece which sustained fever pitch as the melody seemed to dance around the room. The concert capped off with the entire band performing, Sleigh Ride. All these performances were harmonious and received a continuous applause and enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
DECEMBER 26, 2018
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Heritage House’s Mitten Tree
In no particular order-Representative from Vegreville Christmas Bureau, Lil Koziskie with some of the Heritage House’s residents, staff and volunteers who donated items-Recreation Aide-Kathy Sawchuk, Student Recreation Therapist-Leah Bergman, a few staff who didn’t want to disclose their names, residents-Helen Zubreski, Betty Brimacombe, Veronica Litun, Wilma Golinowski, Victor Phillips, Jean Romaniuk, Marcia Seniuk, Alice Fodchuk, Olga Larsen, Irene Fried, Rose Stradnadka, Nettie Bohaichuk, Helen Stachow, Helen Chimlar, Josie Nestorowich, Rose Kerich, John Babcock. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Heritage House’s residents, staff and volunteers really wanted to ensure less fortunate people had the essentials and kept warm this holiday season. Hence, they spent months creating and buying outfits for dolls, scarves, mittens, toques and other items to place on Heritage House’s Mitten Tree where all items will be donated to Vegreville Christmas Bureau. Representative from Vegreville Christmas Bureau, Lil Koziskie joined in a photo with these kind-hearted folks by Heritage House’s Mitten Tree on December 7. Koziskie acknowledged the work and care Heritage House’s residents and staff devoted to this project.
Bedtime Routines
Interested parents listen to the Bedtime Routine program. Fortier/photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Sleep patterns are one of the most common discussions Guest Presenter, Margo Anderson who is a Child and Youth Development Specialist with Alberta Health Services has. Anderson presented the interaction program, Bedtime Routines for infants and toddlers at Vegreville and Area Parent Link Centre on December 10. Anderson began by saying sleep patterns change a lot within the first two years of a child’s life and young children usually need a nap during the day when they are young and in the afternoon when they get past the toddler stage. There are five steps to a happier sleep which are the timing, the sleep space, sleep patterns and the behavior, your child’s individual personality, and medical factors. Anderson said parents and caregivers need to recognize the signs that their child is tired and ready to go to sleep. If children become too tired, they might fall asleep but they won’t sleep well. For children to sleep well, they need
a relaxing bedtime routine where parents do the same thing in the same order every night. Do not give them chocolate or pop as a bedtime snack and do not give them electronics. The bedroom should be dark and quiet. White noise is good. If the child wakes up at night and needs attention, you should stay in the room but slowly move out of it and go towards the door. Also, every child is different and your child’s temperament plays a huge factor in their sleep. If your child is really active, they might need a longer windup time before bedtime. It’s essential to have a stuffed animal or blanket if children need this to comfort them before bedtime. Children usually sleep better in their own beds so when on vacation or visiting, it is essential to bring a familiar object or try as much as possible to stick to the same routine around bedtime. Afterward, parents were free to ask questions where Anderson gave helpful and detailed answers.
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New Year Celebrations in Switzerland Some of the festivities witnessed around this time are pretty much similar to what you can see in other places. Live music, extravagant display of fireworks and free flowing drinks, are some of them. The New Year celebrations at the banks of the River Limmat and Lake Zurich attract more than 150,000 people every year. The festivities here feature ringing of the church bells at midnight and illuminating the sky with spectacular fireworks. If you like to celebrate New Year well into the night, the city of Zurich is an ideal choice. Here, the live music pauses only for the fireworks, and then runs till 3 in the morning. The city has excellent public transport services, which can be used by revelers to go back to their hotels. You will enjoy the wonderful New Year celebrations here, with family and friends. Apart from these two cities, other places in Switzerland also see exciting festivities around this time.
Traditional New Year Celebrations in Sweden Apart from the conventional celebrations, one also gets to see a loyal implementation of customs and traditions in New Year celebrations. There is a tradition of eating twelve grapes on the midnight of the New Year. Also, there is another tradition of eating chocolate with fritters at the end of the celebrations. On the occasion of New Year, people make sure to dress up best and preferably in newly bought clothes. Also, it is ensured to have clean and tidy house, preferably with finest tablecloth, dinnerware, and candles. The dinner as planned for the day saw everyone sitting, eating, cheering, and celebrating the moment. It is considered as a symbol of good luck and prosperity to have black-eyed peas and legumes as a part of New Year dish. Discussions are made over the year that went, and the year that has to come. With clock ringing twelve at midnight, all those present either by an announcement in public or in their hearts, promises to be a better human being in the coming year. Some also make resolutions, with the most common being is to get rid of any bad habit, say smoking, excessive drinking, or to achieve something, say lose weight, make savings, etc. However, it is not
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necessarily firmly followed by everyone, at least not for an entire year. Though, there are exceptions, which are difficult to found. There is a tradition of Ano Viejo, as a part of which an effigy is prepared in the dress of a scarecrow, and is covered up with newspapers and is equipped with firecrackers. It represents for all the evil and bad things iof the past. At midnight, it is burnt, and people cheer and celebrate in joy. There is a ritual of chiming bells and speaking out a New Year verse to the nation on New Year’s Eve. It occurs in the Skansen open-air museum, and is live telecasted to the entire nation. This is prominently important as a majority of the Sweden population find it to be too difficult to break their solitary their warm winter rugs, which cause them to have their New Year celebrations over their beds or sofas, with a TV at fore. However, there are some who prefer to let the cold air touch their skin, and thus, they move out to have a live view of the fireworks show.
Traditional New Year Celebrations in Slovakia Apart from the standard New Year celebrations, there are some interesting customs and traditions, followed by the native of Slovakia while celebrating New Year. Most of these traditions are quite funny, and thus add an additional amusing angle to the entire New Year celebrations time. Masks and parades are intrinsic part of the New Year celebrations in Slovakia, as a part of which processions go through different streets. People participating in these parades wear amusing masks and dresses, and sing, dance, and clap through the entire procession. They also make visits to each and every house, where people pleasurably serve them with foods and drinks. In some of the processions, people move along with wooden swords in a closed chain, which commemorates for the ancient sword dance which is considered as a symbol of the eternal cycle of life. There is another tradition of making loud noises while welcoming the New Year. Usually, people in Slovakia make use of wooden ratchet or rehtacka, which comes in different sizes. These instru-
ments are used to blow loud and clanging noises. These noises along with the noises as created out of the fireworks show are traditionally considered to sway away all evil spirits and negative energies of the past, and ensure a positive start to the New Year. The ancient tradition of Lead Pouring or Das Bleigieen is also prominently followed in Slovakia during New Year’s time. As a part of this tradition, a small amount of lead is taken to be melted in a tablespoon with the help of a candle flame. The melted lead is then poured in a bowl of water. Then, predictions are made for the coming year on the basis of the different shapes formed by the molten lead in the bowl of water. Each of the shapesis predefined and is considered as a symbol of a particular trait. For instance, a molten lead forming a shape of a ball suggests good luck in the coming year, a shape of an anchor suggests help or need, a shape of a cross suggests death, etc. Scottish New Year Customs The Bells: ‘The Bells’ is one of the primary New Year customs in Scotland. The first New Year stroke of Chime is called The Bells. People sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ together while holding hands. After ‘the bells’, people visit the places of their near and dear ones. People gift whisky bottles to each other as the New Year spirit. This spirit is placed by the
fireplace or on the bookshelf. The New Year spirit is opened at midnight. People wish each other happy New Year with the Hogmanay toasts. First Footing: It is observed at the midnight. In this custom, people try to become the first person to knock at a friend or neighbor’s door and give him/ her a customary gift such as salt, shortbread, whisky, coal, black bun etc. It is considered the fate-deciding factor for the New Year, as all the aforementioned items refer to different lucky charms. However, giving salt as a New Year gift has become obsolete these days. Handsome men are preferred to do the custom, according to a popular myth. All the abovementioned objects are presented to the family and friends in order to bring good luck and keep away the
DECEMBER 26, 2018
evil spirits. If guest visits, the Scottish people present food and drinks to the guests. Redding: It is one of the most important Scottish New Year traditions. Scottish families spend the New Year eve together. They start preparing for the grand event by cleaning their houses and other belongings. It is said that a clean and tidy home can welcome the good spirits of the New Year in the best way. Special attention is given to the fireplaces. The fireplaces should be cleaned and polished. According to a popular Mexican custom, some people read the ashes of the last fire, in order to know their destiny for the next year. The entire custom of preparing the home for New Year celebrations is called ‘redding’ in Scotland. There are a number of things, which the Scottish families do to bring good luck. According to Scottish New Year traditions, people think that debts bring bad luck, so they clear all debts before
New Year eve. They place Rowan trees at the entrance of their houses. They place a piece of mistletoe in the house, which is thought to bring good health for the family. Hazel and yew are kept to bring magical power and protection respectively. Juniper is burnt in the house and all the doors and windows are kept opened during the process. It is said that burning juniper can bring a fresh air into the house. Some pieces of holly are also placed inside the house in order to keep away the evil spirits Traditional New Year Celebrations in Portugal There is a tradition of eating twelve raisins by everyone. Each raisin is considered represent a month of the coming year, and while eating each raisin, one has to make a wish for that month. The arrival of the moment of New Year is celebrated by putting down a toast of champagne down the throat. There is another tradition of baking King Cake or Bolo-Rei, which is eaten in between the Christmas Day of December 25th and King’s Day or Dia de Reis of January 6th. However, very few people are aware of its true recipe, and therefore, they prefer to buy it from Confeitaria Nacional
DECEMBER 26, 2018
located in the capital city of Lisbon. Also, one more dish with the name of Caldo Verde e Brao or green broth and corn bread are eaten as a part of traditional New Year celebrations. There are few other traditions such as keeping some money in the pocket which symbolizes for a wealthy year ahead, wearing blue slippers or panties or boxers which symbolizes for good luck and harmony in the coming year, putting the right foot first while getting down from a chair which symbolizes for optimism in the coming year, and hitting pots and pans loudly which symbolizes for swaying away all evil spirits and negative energies of the past. On the morning of the New Year’s Day, small children gather at one place, and make a visit to all the houses of the neighborhood while singing special New Year songs, or old songs of Janeiro’s. This is considered to bestow everyone with good luck. As a mark of their love for children, people in turn gift them sweets and coins. Kissing one’s partner on the midnight of New Year is another Portuguese tradition, very elegantly followed by everyone, and is done with a belief that their love and relationship will grow to a more stable state in the coming year New Year In Philippines The New Year in Philippines is celebrated with lots of noise and sound as it
drives away all evil spirits from our life and creates space for good ones. Fireworks of different types are common sights and they have a special name called Filipino Paputok and they are done so that good fortune and happiness comes with a guarantee in the New Year. At home people dance and play loud music for the same reason. At the rural areas, the villagers clang pots and pans to create noise. In the urban areas, whistles are blown, horns of the cars are pumped and other ways of creating noise are adopted during the celebrations. Houses are cleaned properly to welcome the new year. the inhabitants keep their doors and windows open as the clock strikes 12 so that good fortune can
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enter and evil goes away. A weird but followed customs as the Filipinos is to wear polka-dots dress during the New year as round shapes signify prosperity and happiness. They fill their pockets with round coins that is believed to bring more wealth. Children interestingly believe they can be taller if they jump high at midnight. It is a tradition to greet and wish every member of the family as the New Year knocks at the door. Children show immense respect to the elders of the family. The good wishes of the peers and the blessings of the elders surely makes the upcoming New Year to be a Manigong Bagong Taon or Happy New Year. Traditional New Year Celebrations in Paraguay Most of the customs and traditions are drawn from South American countries, which were later adopted by the people of Paraguay, and have now reached to the state where they are
intact part of the lives of people of Paraguay. Each and every tradition as followed by the natives of Paraguay during the New Year times holds an essence and significance of its own. There is a tradition of creating a life size effigy of a human, and then dressing it up like a scarecrow. Old newspapers and firecrackers are put over it. It is then burnt at the midnight, with the arrival of New Year. According to this tradition, a scarecrow defines for bad luck and bad things of the past time, and burning it symbolizes for burning those bad things to give a new optimistic start to the New Year. People dance, cheer, and joy with enthusiasm as soon as the firecrackers put in the effigy set off to burn it. There is another tradition of keeping all doors, cupboards, and windows open on the midnight of New Year. Also, people in the household make noises by beating pots and pans, and by setting off firecrackers. It is done with a belief that loud noises sway away all the evil spirits and negative energies away out of the life of the people of household. New Year Traditions in Norway There is also a tradition as a part of which small children went to all the houses in the neighborhood, while sing-
ing special New Year songs. In turn, people give them candies. There is also a Halloween like tradition followed in Norway during the time of New Year, which is referred as ‘Nyttarsbukk’. As a part of it, people dress up fancily, and make a visit to friends and family members who in turn treat them with drinks. As a part of New Year traditions, people also prepare the symbolic dish of rice pudding with an almond in between it. It is sweet in taste, and eating it is believed to confer one with a sweet year ahead. Also, one who gets the hidden almond out of the rice pudding is considered to have a lucky year ahead, with lots of wealth and fortune in favor. New Year Celebrations in Nigeria People in Nigeria believe in celebrating their festivals with lot of oomph and splendor. The intensity with which celebrations are made can be deeply felt and experienced even if one is not a part of them. It is one of the best places to be in, if one wish to have a different New Year, which they would love to surrender in their memories for life. Even the climatic conditions during the time of New Year are too pleasant, which itself seems to be supporting the celebrations of the moment. Apart from the traditional celebrations, the standard New Year celebrations are also hosted by the country in the form of number of big, bigger, and
biggest parties in various pubs, discotheques, night clubs, etc. People from all age group, irrespective of their age and background mutually drink, eat, dance, and celebrate all night, and as soon as the midnight arrives at twelve, everyone should out loud with cheer and grandeur. Everyone cherishes the special moment, and raises a hope to be more optimistic and better human beings in the coming time. Also, vows are taken by everyone to forget rivalries, turn foes into friends, and give a new buoyant start to life. Also, it is also the time when people irrespective of the fact that if they are in a party, in their house, or on the street, offer prayers to the supreme lord, to confer them with peace, prosperity, and growth in the coming year. It is followed by exchanging of wishes with friends, families, and all
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those present around. Usually, people love to shop and dine during the time of New Year, and various restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls offer special offers and discounts at that time to lure more customers. Dining restaurants and hotels prepare special dishes including traditional dishes during the time of New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve in Nigeria. Even if one wish not to be part of these very regular ways of New Year celebrations, then the scenic beauty of the country spread over its assorted wildlife, fascinating waterfalls, and startling beaches can offer you a different way with which you can spend your New Year’s Eve. Usually, those looking to be at nature’s lap, move out either to Indanre Hills or to the Oluma Rocks or Pacific Own falls, and experience the first light of the dawn rising there in the presence of the spectacular natural vista
Traditional New Year Celebrations in New Zealand New Year is also the time when people express their gratitude and thankfulness to the supreme Lord for conferring them with something new. People holding optimistic beliefs pray for a bright and peaceful future, and set up their aspirations and resolutions for the coming time. It is also considered as a time when one should move out and away from all the troubles, miseries, difficulties, and hard times of the past. The natives as well as those visiting New Zealand on New Year have lots of exciting options to choose from. Those who love adventure, can have world of options in New Zealand such as heli biking, heli fishing, horse-trekking, mountain-biking, sky diving, towerclimbing, jet-boating, kayaking. The parties organized all over the town, offers something for people of every generation. What one can be sure of is that one will end up welcoming the New Year with lots of dancing, laughing, and celebrating in the midst of the firecrackers show set off exactly at the midnight ring of twelve. Traditional New Year Celebrations in Netherlands There is an ancient New Year tradition of making visits to the places of near and
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dear ones on the day of New Year. It is important for them to have at least a glass of liquor of any form and eat something, from each house they visit. There is also a prominently followed tradition of exchanging New Year gifts. One also prefers to have any ring shaped substance, as it is considered to symbolize for the entire circle which life went through in the old year, and also considered as a figure of good luck. There is a New Year tradition of preparing various special dishes of sweet dough and donuts on the occasion. Some of them which is necessarily required to be on the platter include oliebollen, appelflappen, duivenkater, waffles, knijpertjes and spekdikken. Each of them is a special kind of dish of its own, prepared by women of the house with lots of love and affection during the time of the New Year. Special concern is made to have the best silver and china crockery of the house to be placed on the eating table. Italian New Year Traditions The Romans prepare for the New Year celebrations with great excitement and joy. The New Year is known as ‘January Kalends’. The preparations start with decoration of houses and work places. Lights are adorned and greenery is given much preference during the New Year Italian decorations. The Italian people wear new clothes and exchange gifts on these days. The
gifts play very vital role in brining fortune to homes. People are extra careful in choosing the right presents for their loved ones. The Italian New Year gift items that are considered very lucky sweets, honey jar, Gold, silver, money, coins and lamps. Every gift denotes something very special features and this is the reason that Italian people love spreading their happiness by sharing these gifts. Honey signifies sweetness and peace; gold and other precious metals are to bring prosperity and lamps are to illuminate the year with light. Another funny tradition in Italy on New Year is to wear red inner wears. It is auspicious to welcome the new beginning by ringing in ‘La Fiesta di San Silvestro’ which means – New Years Eve in Italy.
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Traditional New Year Celebrations in Ireland Ireland is considered to be a country of many beliefs, customs, and tradition. Ireland have many New Year related customs and traditions, with most of them being meant more for fun and amusement. There is one such tradition of organizing New Year’s dips, which are organized around the waters of either Irish Sea or Atlantic Ocean. People are made to go through ice cold waters with short swims. There is also a tradition of cleansing the house well before the New Year Day arrives, as doing is believed to bring good luck in the coming year. People keep their cellar equipped with coals, and house with abundant of provisions, as doing so is believed to ensure a bountiful coming year. There is another tradition which calls for banging on Christmas bread on walls and doors of the house, which is done with a belief that it sways bad luck out and brings good luck in. Some also believe that it ensures ade-
quate bread for the coming year. The tradition of first footing is prominently followed in Ireland, as a part of which one expects a dark, tall, young, and a good looking man to arrive first on the threshold on the New Year’s Day. It is believed to be a symbol of good luck in the coming year. However, a woman, a blonde, or a red haired female first arriving on the threshold is considered to be a sign of grief and bad luck for the coming year. There is another tradition followed by young unmarried women of the house, who put a little bit of mistletoe under their pillow before they sleep on New Year’s Eve. This is done with a belief that they will be conferred with a true lover in the coming year.
Traditional New Year Celebrations in Holland There are few traditions which are rigorously followed by the people of Holland during the time of New Year. Though, most of them hold their roots in the Dutch soil, others have been much more locally rooted and followed. Everyone ensure to clean up their houses before New Year arrives, as doing so is considered to be a part of purification process. For this, people collect Juniper
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another popular dish for the evening, which is prepared few days ago before the big day.
and water after sunset. There is a tradition of carrying Juniper branches to home, which are later burned with a belief that doing so sways all prowling germs and diseases out of the place. According to a widely popular Holland belief, a person who wakes up most6 early in the morning n the household on the day of New Year, would take up Hit pint to spiced ale it over those who are still sleeping. Quite similar to the first footing tradition followed in England, Holland also have a eminent and profound first footing tradition, as a part of which the first person arriving on the threshold of the house defines the luck of those residing in for the rest of the year. In case, a dark haired, young, and good lucking man arrives, it is considered as a symbol of good luck. In case, a woman, a blonde, or a red haired arrives, it symbolizes for bad luck. Traditional New Year Celebrations in Germany People in Germany intently abide with their customs and traditions while celebrating New Year. There are many such traditions, with few of them being immensely popular among German people. One such tradition is of foretelling the future of the coming year, which is called as ‘Bleigiessen’. It is performed by falling molten lead in cold water. The shape then formed in the water is considered as the basis of the predictions made for the future of a person. For
instance, a heart or ring shaped formation suggests wedding, a ship shaped formation suggests journey or travelling, a pig shaped formation suggests abundance of food, etc. In Germany, there is a major following for the tradition of leaving a bit of the New Year’s Eve food till the midnight, till the time New Year arrives. There is a traditional belief that doing so confers plenty of food for the entire coming year. Also, a dish of carp or herring (special dish of fish), and carrots and cabbage on the platter, along with champagne raised for a toast on New Year’s Eve is considered to be bring financial stability for the coming year. Also, people share meat and cheese with close friends and family members over the feast. Also, lentil soup with wieners is
Traditional New Year Celebrations in Costa Rica There is an old and vastly followed New Year tradition of running twice around the house or crossing the neighborhood street with a suitcase or a backpack in the hand or on the back respectively. According to beliefs, doing so ensures travelling in the coming year, and those with any travelling aspirations never miss a chance to do it on December 31. There is another principally followed tradition of cleaning and sweeping the entire house by the women on December 31, as doing so is believed to sway away all the past evils. Another one calls for throwing a pan full of water over one’s shoulder, as doing is believed to sway away all the bad luck of the past year, and confers one with good luck in the coming year.
There are some amusing New Year traditions which are widely practiced among the natives of Costa Rica. One among them is wearing red underwear on New Year with a hope that the coming year will make them meet their spouse or true lover; and wearing yellow with a hope of getting conferred with good luck in the coming time. Eating twelve grapes at midnight, with each one dedicated to one month of the Old Year, and making wish with every grape is also a traditional way of bidding farewell to the past. The feast thrown on New Year’s Eve is necessarily and traditionally required to have pierna de cerdo (a leg of pork) as the main course served. Termed as the Switzerland of America, Costa Rica offers whole world of options for those who wish to have a gala and unforgettable New Year time. Apart from its rich tradition, the scenic beauty lying in the rain forests, charismatic mountains, and exhilarating beaches of Costa Rica ensures one to have a good time there. With the time of New Year drawing close, once can evidently witness the rich tradition and customs followed by the people of Costa Rica, who believe in celebrating their time with immense fervor.
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Traditional New Year Celebrations in Costa Rica There is an old and vastly followed New Year tradition of running twice around the house or crossing the neighborhood street with a suitcase or a backpack in the hand or on the back respectively. According to beliefs, doing so ensures travelling in the coming year, and those with any travelling aspirations never miss a chance to do it on December 31. There is another principally followed tradition of cleaning and sweeping the entire house by the women on December 31, as doing so is believed to sway away all the past evils. Another one calls for throwing a pan full of water over one’s shoulder, as doing is believed to sway away all the bad luck of the past year, and confers one with good luck in the coming year. There are some amusing New Year traditions which are widely practiced among the natives of Costa Rica. One among them is wearing red underwear on New Year with a hope that the coming year will make them meet their spouse or true lover; and wearing yellow with a hope of getting conferred with good luck in the coming time. Eating twelve grapes at midnight, with each one dedicated to one month of the Old Year, and making wish with every grape is also a traditional way of bidding farewell to the past. The feast thrown on New Year’s Eve is necessarily and tradi-
tionally required to have pierna de cerdo (a leg of pork) as the main course served. Termed as the Switzerland of America, Costa Rica offers whole world of options for those who wish to have a gala and unforgettable New Year time. Apart from its rich tradition, the scenic beauty lying in the rain forests, charismatic mountains, and exhilarating beaches of Costa Rica ensures one to have a good time there. With the time of New Year drawing close, once can evidently witness the rich tradition and customs followed by the people of Costa Rica, who believe in celebrating their time with immense fervor. Traditional New Year Celebrations in Buddhist Any New Year celebration, whether social or private, initiates after offering
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prayers and worship to Lord Buddha. According to Buddhist traditions, no celebrations or festivals are considered to be complete until and unless one lights up candles in the temples and monasteries, as doing so is considered to be a symbol of showing love and respect to the blessed souls and to the supreme power. Also, it is considered to bless petitioner with good luck and happiness for the coming time. The same goes for New Year celebrations as well. On New Year day, people in Buddhist countries make a visit to temples and monasteries, bath Buddha statues, offer prayers and worship to Lord Buddha, and call for getting conferred with happy and peaceful times ahead. All other mighty deities are also worshipped, and people sing songs to mark their homage and admiration to them. Most of these songs are directed towards glorifying the powers and abilities of Buddhist deities. On the day of Buddhist New Year, people take a look on their past lives,
and try to identify and rectify the mistakes. Other than that, people buy new clothes, clean up and decorate their households and surroundings, and visit all close friends and families to mark their wishes and share gifts on New Year. Bursting firecrackers is another important part of traditional New Year celebrations. People gather on streets, or in neighborhoods, to light up firecrackers as soon as the clock at the midnight turns twelve. It is followed by New Yeas wishes with all those present around. There is also a customary part to celebrations, as a part of which special sweet dishes for the occasion are prepared to be served at Buddhist New Year Feast. Berlin Open Air New year Party The highlighting aspect of New Year celebrations in Berlin is the open-air party, which is stated to be the largest and biggest of its kind in the world. This party is organized at the Brandenburg Gate, a prominent landmark in the history and present of Germany as well as Berlin. More than a million of live spectators and visitors from all corners of the world come to Berlin to be a part of this astonishing and one of its kind New
Year celebration. The character and passion with which this open air party is celebrated is incomparable to any of the parties organized anywhere in the world. New Year Celebrations in Argentina New Year celebrations in Argentina witness people coming out of their houses to be a part of the street parties. Also, special grand parties are organized in clubs, hotels, and other party places. Arrangements are made for drinking, eating, dance, music, and celebration. People along with their friends and family members party throughout the New Year’s Eve; and eagerly wait for the clock to turn twelve. As soon as clock turns twelve, people sing, dance, and celebrate. Bursting crackers is an intact part of celebrations of New Year in Argentina, and small children and people of young age leave no stone unturned to ensure that the grandest and most appealing of fireworks show occur in their part as soon as the moment of New Year arrives. Usually, the entire family comes out of their houses to move to party places, and to be a part of the firework show. Fireworks usually go on till the dawn of the first day of the New Year, with people dancing, singing, eating, drinking, and celebrating during the whole night. The majority of the population of Argentina is Roman Catholic. On the first dawn of the New Year, they prefer
to go to Churches and Cathedrals to offer prayers to God for happiness, peace, and prosperity for the New Year. The afternoon time is usually booked for picnics, swimming, or family gatherings. Though, it is not a stern tradition, but still out of their generosity and love, elderly people confer young kids of the family with gifts and goodies. New Year Celebrations in Amsterdam Almost all the clubs, discotheques, pubs, hotels, and restaurants go into a detailed planning well before the arrival of New Year to decide the theme of the New Year parties. One gets to see the craziest and most unusual themes making it to the New Year parties, with party crowd getting in with the wackiest of costumes, and then singing, dancing,
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and celebrating to the celebration tunes. However, one can also find typical New Year celebrations, where one can have good time celebrating New Year with one’s family. Also, there are adequate quality options for those who wish to spend their New Year Eve with their special one. Other than that, large numbers of street parties are organized all around the town, where local people as well as tourists from all over the world come, gather, participate, and celebrate New Year. For the fact, these street parties hold the true soul of the Amsterdam New Year celebrations, as these actually hold and reflect the true essence of the Dutch tradition. Before heading to the midnight New Year celebrations, special dinners for the day are served to the guests in all such parties. Traditionally, people in Amsterdam hold a tradition of consuming special sweet treats on New Year, as well as the during the entire month leading to it.
The special sweet treats go with the name of ‘oliebollen’ and ‘appelflappen’. While oliebollen are round shaped doughnuts coated with icing sugar, appelflappen are delicious apple fritters. One can easily find vendors and stalls selling these two special sweet treaties, a month ago before the date of New Year. There is also a celebrated tradition of lighting firecrackers, which is visibly more popular among small kids. Though, it’s difficult to find a person without champagne in hand, some exceptions which one might found can be seen bursting firecrackers. New Year Traditions in the US Gatherings and fun moments includes watching of championship football games in the stadiums. The streets are crowded with youth and elderly people dressed fashionably to welcome the new year with great joy. The Times Square in the New York City hosts several events which is hosted by the television celebrity Dick Clark. Many people love watching these programs broadcasted on the television with all their family and friends. The streets are decorated with lanterns, flash lights and colored papers. Flags are also
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adorned to express happiness. Giant vibrant colored electric apples are lowered to the ground at the time when people start saying “Happy New Year”. American New Year customs are very colorful and entertaining event. You can have fun at the dance parties which is one of the major celebrations on New Year eve. At the stroke of midnight all the Americans shares kisses and express their New Year greetings. This tradition came in existence from the masked ball which symbolizes evil spirits. It is believed that when you kiss it wades off the veil spirits and purifies the new beginning. Traditional New Year Celebrations in Venezuela Traditionally, the New Year celebrations made in Venezuela are very much similar to the celebrations made in other South American countries, and the European country of Spain. Most of the traditions followed during the time are believed to confer its practitioner with good luck in the coming time. Some of the prominent traditions include wearing red underwear, which is believed to confer one with a love partner in the coming year. Similarly, wearing yellow underwear is believed to confer one with deep contentment in New Year. There is another tradition of having a high value bill, which is believed to confer one with wealth and prosperity in
the coming New Year. There is another prominently followed tradition of moving out of the house with some luggage in hand on New Year’s Eve. Also, people write wishes o piece of papers, and then burn them with a hope that they get fulfilled in the coming year. Traditional New Year Celebrations in Mayan According to traditions of Mayans, there are number of deities who are followed and worshipped. Each coming year is dedicated to a certain God. As a part of the celebrations to welcome New Year, new idols and images of the concerned deity are prepared well in advance. Also, entrances and trappings of all temples and sacred places are deconsecrate and are painted blue.
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Blue is considered as a sacred color by Mayan followers. There is a belief that once everything is put into place as per customs and traditions; the concerned God enters through a direction, which has traditionally been associated with that concerned deity. Other than this, there are few other prominently followed New Yeas traditions in Mayan such as people pull down old pottery and fiber mats, buy themselves new clothes, put up new hat, and carry the traditional Mayan bag The core of the New Year celebrations as made by Mayans revolves around celebrating the phase with which life has gone a full circle, to arrive at a New Year. To signify the same aspect in their celebrations, several rituals and traditions are followed. Mayan New Year is also a time when ceremonies are conducted to introduce new priests to the priests’ community, by making them engage into community services. Other than various traditional ceremo-
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nies, one can also witness a not-sointense reflection of modern day celebrations. As a part of it, baseball games are played, and social fire ceremonies are organized during the month of Wayeb. Sunrise and sunset ceremonies are another prominent part of celebrations. Other than that, few mid day celebration ceremonies are organized around the Lake Atitlán. During this time, people love to dance to welcome the New Year. People show gratitude to the past time of the previous year, and build up an optimistic attitude towards the New Year to arrive. New Year Celebrations in Britain New Year celebrations in British saw a lot of planning and preparation going in before the key day arrives. Traditionally, British New Year celebrations begins on New Year’s Eve, i.e. 31st December of the old year, and go on till the dawn of the New Year’s Day, i.e. January 1st of the New Year. Setting off fireworks is an important celebration tradition, which gained eminence in last few years. As soon as church bell rings twelve at the midnight, these fireworks are set off. Also, people all around the place, whether in houses, streets or parties, wish and hug one another while spread-
ing and celebrating immense cheer and joy associated with New Year. Also, tradition of sending gifts, presents, New Year cards, flowers, cakes, and candles to near and dear ones have also gain immense popularity. The Edinburgh part of Scotland holds a massive party on New Year’s Eve, which extends from Prince’s Street and goes on through Royal Mile to end at Edinburgh Castle. However, not everyone can be a part of this regal party. There is a tradition of opening the back door of the house as soon as the church bell rings twelve. It is considered to be a reflection of one’s farewell to the old year. Then a dark haired moon, preferably young and good looking, is asked to enter through the front door with salt, coal, and bread in his possession. Doing so is traditionally believed to bring good luck, and also ensure abundance of food (bread), money (salt), and warm (coal) in the coming year. One should prefer to bring in a stranger. Also a blonde, a woman, or a red-haired are unwelcomed, as they are considered to be bring bad luck to the house. Japanese New Year Customs There are a number of Japanese New Year customs, among them, some important ones are mentioned below: In order to keep away the evil • spirits, the Japanese hangs a straw rope
in front of the entrance of their home. This brings good fortune. • At the juncture of New Year, they start laughing and they think that this would keep away the evil spirits. • The Japanese go to the temple and ring the temples bells 108 times. They think that ringing the bell 108 times will keep away all the evil forces. • Those, who believe in the Shinto religion, decorate their houses with green plants and bamboo. Green plants signify new life and bamboo signifies honesty. • Japanese makes lobsters with paper and decorate their house with them. They think that they back side of the lobsters resembles an aged person, which symbolizes an earnest desire for
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endurance. Japanese New Year celebrations start from January 1 and it lasts for two weeks. It is celebrated in two festivals: The Greater festival and the Lesser festival. In the Greater Festival, Japanese people offer prayers for their dead family and friends. In the Lesser festival, they offer prayers for having good crops. Following the prayer, the bird-scaring ritual begins. Apart from all these New Year traditions of Japan, they also play games on the New Year eve. In fact, in some communities, it is mandatory to plat Japanese New Year games. Some traditional games are takoage, fukuwarai, sugoroku, karuta , koma, hanetsuki etc. There is also a custom of arranging entertainment shows during the New Year celebrations. Japanese people arrange a lavish dinner for the New Year eve. The traditional Japanese New Year dinner consists of boiled seaweed, mashed sweet potato with chestnut, fish cakes, sweetened black soybeans, and simmered burdock root.
New Year traditions in Mexico One tradition is to eat twelve grapes at midnight on 31st December. While eating, people make a wish for the coming New Year. Mexicans search for luck in various innovative ways. If you want to have good luck in love in the New Year, wear red underwear. If you are searching for good luck with money, wear yellow underwear. If you think of traveling in the New Year, Mexicans normally take their luggage outside of their house and go for a walk at midnight. Another New Year Mexican tradition is about cleanliness in the New Year. People take a bath on New Year’s Eve and some even wash their pets and cars. Apart from these traditions, people eat various traditional foods on New Year’s Eve. A staple food is dried and salted codfish called Bacalao. Toasts are prepared with sparkling cider and ponche which is a hot fruit punch is also prepared.