Vegreville News Advertiser - December 27, 2023

VOL. 76 NO. 52

WEDNESDAY,, December 27, 2023 WEDNESDAY 76 YE ARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNIT Y The Only Locally Owned News & Adver tising Media in Vegreville .

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With perfect diction and time, students from Pre-K and Kindergarten and grades one to three each performed a Christmas Concert at St. Martin’s Catholic School on December 19.

The younger students sang secular pieces with clear

voices and recited a poem called, The Chubby Little Snowman which were followed by religious themed songs with one being, Take a Walk to Christmas. They expressed so much joy in each of these performances.

The older group of students’ performances took place

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Photo Exhibit of War Torn Ukraine Evokes Strong Emotions

Viewing exhibit. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

A few of the many images on display. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

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Michelle Pinon News Advertiser While the global spotlight of war in Ukraine has dimmed considerably since it first came into view during Russia’s full scale invasion that began on Feb. 24, 2022, people from that country and people here in Canada are turning the focus back on the ongoing tragedy through a special exhibition.

The exhibit titled: ‘The War Is Not Over’ features photographs and stories taken and written since the war began. It has been produced by the Ukrainian National Youth Federation (UNYF) Edmonton members Inna Ivchenko, Oleksandra Pasieka, Diana Kotsyuba, Kateryna Didukh, Myroslava Soloha, Dmytro Psyokha, Sviatoslav Pylypchyk and Ukrainian Canadian Congress Edmonton.

The exhibit was showcased at the Ukrainian National Hall in Smoky Lake on Dec. 16 through the efforts of a group of local residents who have named themselves the Smoky Lake Supporters of Ukraine.

One of those supporters is Pat Palechuk, who welcomed everyone to the exhibit.

Palechuk stated, “Imagine 94 weeks ago, the country that many of us call our ancestral homeland declared war! Sadly, we are here today to create awareness and come together to acknowledge the War Is Not Over and recovery is a distant thought Don’t Drink & Drive

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to those newcomers in our community, province and country amongst those still there fighting.

The loss and suffering is great, thus it is our hope to raise money for the children in the hospitals of Kviv in Ukraine.”

UNYF Edmonton member Inna Ivchenko also addressed the crowd, saying that “the exhibition is meant to highlight the magnitude of the humanitarian catastrophe, the extent of horror inflicted

by Russia and the stories of courageous Ukrainians who lives were ruthlessly taken or forever altered by this war.”

Ivchenko said it is also important to understand that if Russia stops fighting the war will end. However, if Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no more Ukraine.

“And while Russia stands for terrorism, aggression and crime, Ukraine stands for freedom, independence and democracy.

This is why we need to continue to support Ukraine and continue to speak about the ruthless crimes that Russia continues to commit there every day.”

Ivchenko also asked attendees, about 150 in total, to take photos and videos of the exhibition and share it on social media and to continue to speak about the war. “People need to know. People must not forget, that the war is not over in Ukraine, that Ukraine still needs help.

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and help Ukraine in this information war as well.”

Members of the Smoky Lake Supporters of Ukraine, Yurii and Maryna Kudrenko, fled their home in Kharkiv, Ukraine and arrived in Smoky Lake on June 8, 2022, with their son Denys and Maryna’s parents. Maryna smiles and said the very next day their friend Adam Kozakiewicz took their son to school.

While the transition to Canadian life has been challenging, they are grateful for the support of Adam and his family as well as other people in the community.

Both Yurii and Maryna have found jobs and are adapting to their new lives here.

Their minds, however, are not far away from their homeland. Yurii scrolls through a few pictures on his cell phone.

He smiles wistfully, looking at a photo of three of his friends’ back home standing beside his car that he gave to them to use.

He prays for them and many others as the war continues to rage on.

Ivchenko does not believe the war will be over a year from now, and it is hard for her to be separated from her parents, who are still back home. She said they need to continue to raise awareness about what is going on there. “The pictures are reality.”

The horrors of war all too clear, and the stories of the victims will not be forgotten. “You don’t need to be Ukrainian to support Ukraine. You need to be human.”

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DECember 27, 2023

Christmas Angels 3

2 02

Henrik 4 yrs Summer 8 mths

Ethan 15 mths

Moraya 35 mths

Jaxton 22 mths

Parents: Justin & Catherine Bay Grandparents: Harold & Monica Bay; Terry & Jennifer Williams

Parents: Jordan & Megan Bay Grandparents: Harold & Monica Bay; Don & Trish Kolotyluk

Parents: Craig & Kendra Woloshyn Grandparents: Jon & Jenovia Woloshyn; Jeff & Pauline Heck

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Ryder 3 yrs Kali 5 yrs

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Parents: Sheila Mae Lorenzo / Moe Afsal Grandparents: Susanne Mag / Allan Kit

Parents: Brett & Tanneil Berezan Grandparents: Sandi & Rod; Crystal & Dan; Terry & Tabitha Great Grandparents: Ray & Liz; Orest & Sharon; Doris & AJ

Parents: Brady & Brittney Berezan Grandparents: Sandi & Rod; Darryl & Shawna; Terry & Tabatha Great Grandparents: Ray & Liz; Orest & Sharon; Gloria; Ivan & Karolyn

Parents: Evan & Brittni Langkow Grandparents: Sandi & Rod; Grant, Cindy, Terry & Tabitha Great Grandparents: Ray & Liz; Orest & Sharon

Judd 2 yrs

Rhett 4 yrs

Charlotte 10 yrs, Sofia 7 yrs, Victoria 4 yrs

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Parents: Travis & Tracy Semeniuk Grandparents: Garry & Diane Laschowski

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Trina & Kevin Moroz; Alan Baxandall & Sharmen Chorney; Morgana Larsen

Jayden 1 yr Jaxton 3 1/2 yrs Parents: Randy & Cinder Stepanick Grandparents: Larry Robb & Tracy Erickson Great Grandparent: Nancy Duke

Peter 11 mths

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Jax 13 yrs

Sienna 4 yrs, Dawson 1 yrs, Harper 8 mths, Hallie 7 mths

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DECember 27, 2023

Resolutions

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Those readers who have been following this space for some time, may know my feelings about New Year’s resolutions. If you’re not sure what I mean, I think one of the best resolutions to make for 2024 would be to dedicate time to writing a book on any or all of the “65 Best New Year’s Resolutions for 2024.” You’ll have a year to do it before it is time to flog it to the masses looking for something they can change for 2025….Available at your favourite book outlet.

Because of the way the holidays fall this year, production for the newspaper had to be pushed up. Due to the shortened timelines, I contemplated taking last year’s piece and republishing it. A solid idea if it were not for the fact that last year seemed to be an endless news reel of scandals.

2023 was not far off the mark. The year ended with a number of interesting stories in Canada that speak to some of the things

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we can improve on as a country.

The Western Standard published a story by Licia Corbella describing what looks like the destruction of an Alberta company by the CRA. The owner of WayFare Identifiers Inc., David Elderfield is asking to be charged criminally by the Canada Revenue Agency. He feels this is the only way to bring light and accountability to his plight where he describes his file with the CRA as a bureaucratic black hole of unaccountability.

The close of the year also saw our government publish new regulations which will effectively end sales of new passenger vehicles powered only by gasoline or diesel in 2035.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault cited sizable growth in EV sales in Canada and that we were at “at tipping point.” Interesting since Consumer Reports recently made public a report on how poor reliability is and search data from Auto Trader showing that interest in EVs was down in 2023 compared to 2022. Those looking for electric vehicles account for less than three percent of all searches on their platform. The general consensus is that a large factor for the decline is the affordability of EVs compared to other options.

December news also had a Global News investigation bring to light that an importer of COVID-19 rapid tests was awarded and estimated $2 billion in federal contracts in 2021 and 2022. The report following a year-long investigation revealed that BTNX, a small rapid test supplier deleted data from a study submitted to Health Canada making their products appear more reliable and sensitive than they really were. Unfortunately, the money ultimately went to China manufacturer Assure Tech. Canadians likely had no notion that, under laws governing medical devices, a product’s importer may call itself its manufacturer, or that importing a test from abroad is a form of “manufacturing.”

Falsifying documents aside, why the Canadian government would choose a Chinese product over truly Canadian products, is truly puzzling.

Circling back to my opinion on resolutions, Forbes polling showed that the average resolution lasts 3.74 months. Only 5 percent make it six months and 1 percent a full year.

If Canadians are going to make resolutions, maybe we should resolve to demanding better. Better governance, better representation, better accountability. While the odds are against us, there’s the outside chance, we will see results in a stronger Canada that values and benefits all of us.

Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

Name: Erica Mason Occupation: family support coach Likes: sushi, watching movies, spending time with my kids Dislikes: mushrooms, cold weather 2017 Advertising & Editorial Excellence Award Winner

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GoodVibes Cannabis Spreading Good Vibes Throughout Rural Alberta subsequently opened retail stores in Vilna, Crossfield and most recently, the Town of Two Hills on Dec. 15.

Kalia is very excited about opening his Mundare location and is preparing to make that happen. He told members of council he is just waiting for licensing approvals by the Alberta Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) and is hopeful he will be opening his door next month.

He re-told how he began his journey to help destigmatize cannabis by visiting all the churches in Three Hills and area, having conversations with pastors and educating them on his mission to do cannabis responsibly, focusing on safe usage and benefits of it. He went so far as to meet with Indigenous leaders, politicians, farmers and local businesses before opening his retail store in that community.

Cannabis education is very important to Kalia, and he approached the AGLC regarding that. As a result CannabisSense was formed to educate Albertans on cannabis. He also collaborated with AGLC to host the first ever retailer hosted public education event in Three Hills on April 7.

Kalia said connecting with people is the key to opening the door to conversation and making a positive impact. His positive energy and unfettered enthusiasm can’t be contained. He said, “Once you can be in good vibes, then whatever you do automatically converts into good

GoodVibes Cannabis Owner Akshthal Kalia.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Akshthal Kalia loves small towns, and since this past spring the young entrepreneur has been spreading good vibes in several rural communities in Alberta, opening four locations, and soon to be fifth retail store in the Town of Mundare.

Kalia met with members of town council during its Dec. 12 regular meeting to share his philosophy, approach, and plans for his newest business that he expects to open early in the New Year. GoodVibes Cannabis of Mundare will be located in a former laundromat on Main Street in Mundare.

GoodVibes Cannabis opened its first retail store in Three Hills on March 1, 2023.

He’s the first and only cannabis operator in the area, just northeast of Calgary. He

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DECember 27, 2023

from the pages of the vegreville observer Compiled by Dan Beaudette

90 Years Ago – December 27, 1933

Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce and President for 1934. A.W. Fraser has had much experience in many fields of action and his quick mind, ready wit and wide grasp of public questions will stand him in good stead as presiding officer for the ensuing year.

Chas Gordon put in an energetic year as President of the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce but refused re-election for the coming year. Mr. Gordon looked up lots of interesting topics for discussion and sometimes had the members swimming in pretty deep waters, but the interest in chamber matters kept up well during his term of office.

Two accidents at Shandro, one of a rather serious nature, took place during the week. George Russ had his hand badly mangled when it came in contact with a radiator fan. He was rushed to Vegreville but roads by car struggled along for seven miles and had to be taken in by a team for the remaining thirty miles. He may lose a part of his hand. In the other accident, Mike A. Shandro fell down a straw chute in the stable, badly wrenching and bruising his back.

75 Years Ago – December 22, 1948

“Buck” Jennings came into the Observer office today carrying a load that the writer has never seen before and, he supposes, not very many people of this district have seen before, either. He had under his arm, (rather both of his arms), what is believed to be an American eagle, which was shot on his farm north of town by Art Payne. The bird has a wing span of well over 6 feet, and its feet were as large as an average man’s hand – that is a lot of bird.

The recent meeting of the ratepayers of Sub-Divs. 1 and 2 of the Vegreville School Board was held. L.S. Cole was the only retiring trustee throughout the whole division and he was re-elected by acclamation.

Two new members of the Bank of Montreal staff arrived recently.

They are Messrs. J.O. Cuthbertson of Medicine Hat and Leonard Corse of Grassland, Alta.

Nearly all snowflakes are six-sided, as are honeybees’ cells.

When lightning strikes a tree, the heat generated often causes the sap to boil and evaporate.

The first meal in the air was eaten in 1783 when a man and woman went aloft in a balloon.

50 Years Ago – December 27, 1973

Mrs. Beulah Giebelhaus, president of the Wendy Brook W.I. warmly thanked Mrs. Kay McKenzie for her participation in the Carol Festival. Mrs. McKenzie did an admirable job as chairman of the occasion.

At a recent art showing in the City of Regina, Provincial Government Building, the work of a Vegreville artist, Leon Abel, was noted and commented upon. His display was cited as an unusual three by four foot abstract in inlaid leather, called Sunburst. Mr. Abel also works with oils with considerable success and effect.

Mrs. Katherine Suder, a Rivercrest Lodge Nursing Home resident, celebrated her 103rd birthday on Thursday, December 6th. Mrs. Suder was born in Germany on December 6th, 1870. She married in Ontario at the age of 20 and bore 15 children, six of which died in infancy. In 1922 she was widowed.

Two choir leaders who participated in the Carol Festival were Russel Goshko, who conducted the Ukrainian Orthodox Choir, and Jacob Matviiw who led the Ukrainian Catholic Choir from Holy Trinity and St. John’s (Borschiw) Parishes. Mr. Goshko filled the breach for the regular choir master, Tony Lynkowski.

25 Years Ago – December 22, 1998

Bernie and Mike Kotelko of Highland Feeders along with their families, celebrated the grand opening of their new Feed Mill on December 15, 1998, with approximately 300 dignitaries and guests in attendance. Cutting the ribbon to officially open the feed mill were Bernie Kotelko, Jack Kotelko, Minister of Agriculture Ed Stelmach, Two Hills County Councillor Ron Hrudey, and Mike Kotelko.

On December 11, 1998, David and Patricia Durie of Lavoy were inducted into the Alberta Hereford Hall of Fame. This prestigious award comes after a life-long commitment and undying dedication to breeding and showing polled Herefords.

Vegreville Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Jim Davis presented a cheque for $2600.00 to the Vegreville and Area Figure Skating Club. Leigh Ann Hrabec (figure skating coach) and Debbie Keller, treasurer, accepted the cheque.

A.L. Horton School celebrated Christmas in many different cultures at their annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 15.

Principal Ron Horon congratulated all the children on a Christmas Concert well done and wished them all a safe and Merry Christmas.

All the classes got together with Mrs. Topilko to sing Felis Navi da to all their friends and family who visited the A.L. Horton Christmas Concert.

Letters Welcomed

One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Social Media Epidemic is Causing a Lot of Harm Nick Kossovan

Troy Media Columnist Being accepted within social media confines is extremely important, particularly for young people, as face-to-face communication is rapidly being replaced by texting, posting, messaging, and commenting. What is troubling is it is becoming more common for people to use social media to (ironically) avoid social interactions.

Young people today often have difficulty looking you in the eye and having a live conversation because they are more comfortable communicating via social media, where they do not have to present themselves physically and can create an online persona that garners them popularity.

Not long ago, forming new relationships, joining a group, or interacting with others required you to call someone or leave your home. Today, many consider their Facebook friends their social circle, and texting/messaging has become the most prevalent form of communication. Ironically (again), social media is a contributing factor to the decline in possessing social skills.

However, even as social skills diminish, the need to belong still exists, so people, particularly youths, latch onto moral bandwagons in order to feel connected to others.

Discussions about how social media affects our mental health and has created divisive religious, racial, and political climates have been endless. While these selfidentifying divisions have always existed, they are now bubbling more angrily than ever, thanks to the ease with which individuals can use social media to spread selfserving “us against them” narratives.

An under-discussed effect of social media-driven society is that it subtly, and often overtly, promotes “moralizing.” Unsurprisingly, most social media flame wars occur between people, usually anonymously, over who is morally superior. By moralizing, I mean judging others based on their supposed good and bad behaviour.

As a result of mass moralization, I believe something I would not have considered 10 years ago: the world needs less moralization … much less.

Moralizing is a problem because of how clueless and ignorant almost everyone, including myself, is about virtually every topic. We rarely really know both sides of an issue or story. Content designed to be emotionally provoking, coupled with the ease social media allows us to judge and condemn people we do not know and then anonymously post harsh judgments and insults, is how we ended up with a large segment of the population being selfrighteous zealots hiding behind anonymous accounts.

A lesson that we should have learned from the pandemic is that everyone will, at some point, be wrong about something. It does not matter what your politics are, where you live, your gender, or your personal beliefs or risk tolerance level – at some point in the last three and a half years, you and I were wrong about something, in many cases, horribly wrong. Assuming you and I will be wrong about something again is a safe bet, which means that most of what you see or read on social media has, to some degree, “stupidity” baked into the selfserving motive for the content having been conceived and created. (All social media content is self-serving.)

Theoretically, people should have been humbled by the pandemic and become more accepting of others’ viewpoints. Instead, the opposite happened. The world became more polarized and angrier, with disinformation (READ: propaganda) spreading like wildfire, creating new “moral panics” almost daily.

Moralizing has gotten to the point where we now live in a world where you are negatively labelled and publicly shamed if you have a viewpoint, opinion or belief that goes against the self-appointed moral majority. If you oppose Israel’s continuation of the Israel-Gaza war, basically saying enough is enough; Israel has made its point, you are challenging the current moral panic.

Rather than assuming you oppose escalating civilian deaths, the moral majority assumes you are pro-Palestinian, which, according to them, is equivalent to support-

Epidemic - CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Freedom of conscience, of education, of speech, of assembly are among the very fundamentals of democracy and all of them would be nullified should freedom of the press ever be successfully challenged.

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DECember 27, 2023

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ARRIVE SAFELY END IMPAIRED DRIVING Every year, the festive season is sadly overshadowed by car accidents that could have been avoided. A large percentage of collisions involve drivers who have been drinking over the legal limit or taking drugs.

Plan ahead! No one wants to be part of another statistic or have someone’s death on their conscience for the rest of their life. In 2024, there are no excuses for driving under the influence.

You have plenty of choices to avoid putting your own safety and that of others at risk.

Be Prepared: It’s widely known that drugs and alcohol impair your judgement. Despite this reality, some individuals who’ve consumed these substances may believe they’re fit to drive when actually they’re not. In short, if you’ve had any amount of alcohol or smoked or ingested cannabis, its not safe to rely on your own judgement.

Here are a few options to consider for a safe holiday season and new year: •Call a taxi.

•Designate a non-drinking person to drive you home.

•Use a designited driver service.

•Arrange to sleep at the party venue or stay somewhere within walking distance.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

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New Years Eve in Australia

New Years Eve in Sydney, Australia:

Known for hosting the second largest and one of the best New Year celebrations, Sydney is a place worth visiting during the holiday season. The illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge and its spectacular firework show, is however the highlight of the New Years Eve in Sydney, Australia. If this was not all, you can also hear the melodious singers and musicians perform some of their best tracks during the celebrations.

Fun and enjoyment does not end here.

There are beach parties, bonfires, camping and picnics that form the essence of the New Year Eve celebrations in Sydney.

You’re at home here.

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Please accept our heartfelt wishes for a New Year that’s happy and healthy, from the first moment until the last.You deserve it, friends!

New Years Eve in Melbourne, Australia:

Melbourne is yet another Australian destination that promises you one of the best New Year celebrations in the country. With beach parties, fireworks, rock band performances, and luxurious dinners, all you can expect to have is a gala time. Hot spots like Southgate, NewQuay, Alexandra Gardens, Federation Square, Waterfront City and Birrarung Marr host’s special entertaining programs on the New Year Eve in Melbourne. To have a different experience though, you can party hard at some of the New Years Eve special cruises, sailing across the city.

New Years Eve in Brisbane, Australia:

Brisbane in Australia too is a great place to visit for New Year celebrations. From splendid fireworks, laser shows to Hollywood styled parties and balls, Brisbane knows how to entertain its residents and visitors on the New Years Eve. New Year Ball in Brisbane takes place at RNA Showgrounds in Bowen Hills. Dress as you like and party as hard as you can is the basic principle followed here on this occasion.

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New Years Eve in Canberra, Australia:

Canberra city is yet another amazing Australian destination to come to for grand New Year celebrations. Celebrated events at Civic Square and Garema Place are some of the attractions to be a part of during the Eve in the city. Music lovers can enjoy shows by Kiwi G, The Whitlams, and Who’s Ya Daddy, while party lovers can groove to some of the best tracks played by the DJ at Garema Place.

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New Years Eve in Hobart, Australia:

Hobart’s waterfront is known for hosting grand celebrations on the New Years Eve. The Taste Festivals is although, a highlight of the Harbour Waterfront celebrations.

From festival special food to Tasmanian Wine, you can savor them all at the festival.

Apart from this, you can also be a part of the artistic performances held throughout the place.

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menu there is champagne toast, noise making, fireworks, and party hats ceremony at the zero hour. You should book your ticket right now.

•Foodie fond of American cuisine may come in 1 Vizio. Besides A la Carta dinner menu the restaurant offers party favors, champagne toast, and fires works show at zero hour. Similarly 1770 House, 21 Club, 490 West, 3 forty Grill are some other restaurants who have arranged special offers for their guests on NYE occasion.

Those who have plan for New York cruise party may take a look at the agenda of programs in family cruise through New York Harbor, NYE cruise in New York City, New York Dinner Cruise, Exclusive NYE cruise for enjoying city skyline and NYE fireworks show from sea base.

New Years Eve in Perth, Australia:

If you want to be a part of grand New Year celebrations, the city of Perth is certainly a perfect Australian destination to visit. Special highlights of the New Years Eve in Australia include, Disco Fever at Applecross, New Years Eve celebrations at The Byrneleigh and the Eve party of Perth at the George.

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London Parade

London Parade on NYE is world famous for its theme, which is Hats off to London.

Almost 10,000 participants from all over the world join the parade for representing London and its legacy. Dancers, cheerleaders, acrobats, performers and musicians join the parade in order to celebrate the special day.

London party bash

New Years Eve in New York NYE Party Bash at New York

The NYE celebration in Time Square in New York is indeed the biggest party arranged, parties arranged by Big Apple is no way inferior to Time Square celebration.

Besides, Bigg Apple parties, New York City bars and Nightclubs also host dozens of scintillating parties on that special EVE. Some of the best are mentioned here.

•Dream Downtown •Bowlmore Time Square •NYE Extravaganza hosted by Vinni Guadagnino •Abe and Arthur’s •Greenwich Village Country Club •49 grove •AMAC Time square, and many more To be on the safer side of your planning you must collect your entry pass as soon as possible.

Restaurants for attending special dinner

New York Restaurants have arranged special dinner menu for NYE night. Here we have jotted down the name of some best places where you will be able to enjoy brimful.

•La Carveceria is known for its 4course dinner menu and special dessert. The restaurant is located at East Village area. The restaurant has no parking area; therefore you have to be there early to get access at street parking. The place is famous for its Peruvian cuisine.

•Those are fond of Italian foods may book their table at 1 Noscello. This place is situated at Midtown west. Besides 4 courses

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London classical musical events

Those who have a soft nose for classical western magic London has lots of to offer for thewm during NYE festive occasion.

Some of these are Venice by Night, New Years Eves Operetta Matinee, Jack Frost;s Christmas Adventure, La Boheme, and Raymon Gubbay Christmas Festival concerts deserve special mention in this category.

NYE Party theme at London

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May the New Year bring you happiness, peace, and prosperity.

If you wish to spend your NYE night at London, you will surely be spoilt by wide options. Lots of special events and parties take place here in London on that gala day.

Different types of parties are arranged here.

Starting from warehouse parties to chic shindig, London has lots of party’s arrangement on that day. Some of the best events are Audio Sushi, Belle Epoque Party New Year Eve’s Part Special, Bite, Bodymove presents NYE white and Gold Rio Revellion, The Cnadlelight Club’s Chistmas Ball, connected NYE, and many more.

A New Year is about to drop in, and we can’t think of a better place to celebrate than right here with all of you.

Thank you for making us feel so at home in this community. We appreciate your patronage and friendship.

2024

Happy New Year!

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London houses lots of daytime attractions like London Museum, London Zoo, Up at the O2, Somerset House, Rain ROOM, London Wetland center, London Aquarium are only a few of the world famous tourist attractions. If you want to enjoy London and its innumerable tourist attractions, you can plan a London tour at day time. It will be a great enjoyment and

A vintage New Year Party, Great Firework party at NYE, SKATING in New Year EVE at Naturalk History Museum at London, and New Years Eve at Bounce are some of the well known venues for gala celebration of the zero hour.

In 2019 some of the most outstanding party events arranged in London are New Year Day Parade, Cecil Beaton: the theater of war, Tick and Twitch walk, New Years Day masked ball dance party, Strictly Winter Swing, Hollywood costumes; if you are on the tour with your kids do not miss to visit Sea Life London Aquarium.

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NYE in London is typically celebrated around Thames River, centering Big Ben and London eye. The countdown comes with the baritone chimes of Big Ben and another countdown timer are kept projected on Shell Centre. The fireworks are played at London Eye at midnight, which lasts for 8-10 min and it is observed by multitude of spectators. On coming NYE celebration in London will be maintained with this austerity and diligence.

Celebrations on New Years Eve in Brazil

New Years Eve in Brazil is sizzling hot, and is meant for those who wish for nothing but pure fun. Apart from the hot parties organized on New Years Eve, the prolific view of the fireworks show at midnight is

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simply stunning.

Around the time of New Year, Brazil has a moderately hot weather, and therefore, people prefer to go to beaches with friends and families during the first half of the New Years Eve, and spend some time comforting there. There is a belief that lighting up candles on the sand of the beaches, throwing white flowers in the water, thanking Iemanja- The Goddess of Sea, and jumping seven waves while making wishes for the coming year, confer one with good luck, and fulfill one’s wishes.

The evening time of New Years Eve

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remains set aside for partying and celebrating hard. One of the prominent places to be in on New Years Eve is Copacabana, where people from all across the country and world gather to have a gala time celebrating the essence and spirit of New Year. Copacabana remains illuminated with fancy lights, crafted in very splendid way. Other than Copacabana, one will find almost every other place, street, and building in Brazil to be lit up with lights and decorations. Also, it is a part of Brazilian culture to set off firecrackers on New Years Eve, and therefore, everyone either in small, moderate, or big way ensures to have some sort of fireworks show in their neighborhood.

All the clubs, pubs, party halls, and res-

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Our Best Wishes. As we wrap up another year, we’d like to share our thanks and well wishes with all of you. Happy New Year!

taurants are packed with throngs of people.

Other than that, numbers of musical shows, live performances, and concerts are organized in some major cities of Brazil. The hottest parties of Brazil can be found occurring in Rid de Janeiro. There is another highlighted aspect of New Years Eve, which is the New Year Brazilian carnival, in which large number of people comes in wearing colorful and fancy clothes, walk down in the procession passing through various streets, and eat, sing, cheer, dance and play music all along, while making New Year wishes to everyone. The samba dance performed during the carnival makes everyone go vibrant in their knees.

New Years Eve in Brazil is also about following of many traditions which according to the beliefs of local people, symbolizes for positive aspects in coming year.

Each of the traditions as followed is believed to hold a certain essence and an

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impact over its practitioner. For instance, wearing a pair of new underwear is necessary, and for deriving certain specific results, certain colors are required to be selected. A green for good health, a white for peace, a yellow for wealth, a pink for love, a red for passion, and a purple for inspiration. Other than this tradition, you will notice most of the people wearing white clothes on New Years Eve, which is done with a belief that it will confer prosperity and peace in the coming year.

There is another tradition of eating lentils, pork, and fish during New Year’s time.

While eating lentils symbolizes for the arrival of abundance of wealth in one’s life in the entire coming year, and fish and pork are considered to be forward moving beings, which symbolizes for moving ahead in one’s life. With the same sense, eating birds or crabs symbolizes for moving backside in life, which is not recommended.

Another tradition associated with New Years Eve in Brazil includes eating of seven grapes, and then keeping their seeds in the pocket. This symbolizes for enough money in the coming year.

While those spending their daytime of New Years Eve on beaches have already been told all they need to do. Here are some traditions for those who are away from seas or beaches. Jump with your right foot for three times, or climb up a stool, and then come back down stepping the right foot first. If you wish to get conferred with a happy love life in the coming year, make sure that your first New Year wish goes out to a person of an opposite gender, and that too with a hug.

New Years Eve in Zimbabwe

The African nation of Zimbabwe is basically a diverse country with lots of cultures in it. Many of those different cultures derive numbers of festivals of varied significance.

New Year and celebrations made on New

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Years Eve is one common festival for all, which provides a opportunity to everyone to come together, to share smiles, and to celebrate the moment together as one.

With its astonishing flora and fauna, and some of the most exhilarating sceneries of the world, Zimbabwe has a lot to offer to the world. The runs of Great Zimbabwe, the very famous Victoria Falls, the historical Zimbabwean civilization, numbers of

wildlife parks, and the pleasant tropical weather of the country during the time of New Year, mutually make it a perfect destination for those travelers looking to have something different.

The celebrations made during the time of New Years Eve in Zimbabwe are high on passion and fervor. Everyone enthusiastically and excitingly waits for the time to arrive, as it is a time to party and lots of celebrations. All streets and commercial buildings are colorfully decorated with illuminated lights and other adornments.

Usually, people in Zimbabwe make sure to spend adequate amount of the special time with families and friends in the men-

Cheers to the New Year!

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tioned order. People invite all friends and relatives to their houses to be a part of the family celebrations. Special dinners are arranged for the evening, with delicious traditional dishes on the menu. Other than that, many communal celebrations are also organized.

Most of the clubs and restaurants organize vibrant New Years Eve celebrations

May the New Year bring you happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Wishing you a joyous 2024!

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huge crowd in attendance.

Among all these music performances, performers from different genre such as rock, pop, and jazz perform during the night. Thousands of people from far off place travel to arrive in these parties on New Years Eve. People cheerfully groove to the music all through the night, and with great food and drinks on the offer, celebrations get much more elevated and spirited.

New Years Eve in Romania

In Romania, New Year is not only considered as a new start of calendar or a new date, but is also considered as a mark to make new positive initiations in life. People dance, play music, cheer out loud, and most importantly abide by all possible rituals, customs, and traditions to mark the arrival of New Year.

With the arrival of New Years Eve, one can sense the spirit, enthusiasm, and fervor flowing all around in every bit of air.

Sound out of the ringing bells, bull sounds, and music being played all over the place makes one feel like a part of a movie, with a background festive score. Also, the sights of people dancing through the streets, like no less than a procession, reflects the dynamism and enthusiasm hold by the people for the day.

In villages, people commences the morn-

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for the evening, putting special consideration on the entertainment aspect. Usually, live music performers from the local region are called on to perform during the evening, and some big clubs and restaurants are able to draw in eminent artists of national and international fame.

Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, hosts the best and biggest celebrations of New Years Eve. With home to some of the biggest nightclubs, tourist places, and other classy restaurants and hotels, one can be a part of some big stage celebrations organized for the evening. Other than Harare, many major cities in Zimbabwe hosts live concerts and music performances, with

You deserve the best, and we hope 2024 makes all of your dreams come true. That’s our New Year’s wish for you!

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New is the year, new are the hopes, new is the resolutions, new are the spirits, and new are my warm wishes just for you.

Have a promising and fulfilling new year! ing time on New Years Eve with the ancient tradition of ‘Little Plough’ (Plugusorul). As a part of it, villagers and farmers pray for a fruitful and rich harvesting year ahead. As a part of this tradition, children, and people of young age who are the ploughmen for the custom, play whips, bells, and rings.

Also, there is another instrument called as ‘bull’, which when played, creates a sound similar to that of a bull’s roar. In the evening, the tradition of ‘Old Plough’ is observed. It is in no way different from the ‘Little Plough’, other than a point that it has older men performing the rituals. Also, they use real farming tools, along with two oxen to plough the field.

In the evening time, most of the villages have planned cultural programs, in which everyone from the village come in, wearing colorful amusing masks. As a part of celebrations, local people showcase their tradition by performing their customary dance on traditional music.

Most of the traditions observed by people

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Phone: 780-632-2388 of Romania have some or the other significance, and most of the time, that significance is related to one’s fate and about optimistic hopes for the future. The traditions as followed on the occasion of New Years Eve are no different.

Bear ritual is one important practice associated with the history of the Romania celebrations on New Years Eve. As a part of it, people dress themselves in vibrant clothes or clothes made of artificial animal fur. Then, they gather to form groups, and then make a visit to every house in the neighborhood while dancing. This very old bear tradition is believed to sway all evils and negativities away and out of a household and the lives of people living in them.

In return, people usually present them with some cash. In last few years, this

Happy New Year!

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tradition has gained prominence in urban parts of the country as well. Similarly, there are masks’ games and goats’ games organized in several parts of Romania on New Years Eve. It is also believed that the way with which one behaves on New Years Eve, is the way with which one will pass his life through the entire coming year. Therefore, it is always recommended to have jovial mood and smiling faces. On the same lines, there is a tradition of keeping a lamp lit all through the New Years Eve till the dawn of New Year’s Day. Doing so is believed to confer adequate sunshine and good harvest in the coming year.

To get conferred with wealth and pros-

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perity in the coming year, there is a tradition of tossing a coin in the water, in which one washes hands. Keeping some money in the pocket at the time of the arrival of New Year, and preferably all through the New Years Eve is also a tradition, which is

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believed to draw a prosperous year ahead.

Don’t over sleep; otherwise one might remain lethargic all through the year.

Vergel is another prominent tradition, which is used for making future predictions, in particularly for the married life of the unmarried people. Similarly, there is a tradition of predicting weather in different months of the coming year, by unpeeling the onion peels in an order reflecting the months of the coming year. Then, some salt is applied over those peels. Then the amount of water left in the peels is checked, and is used for determining the weather of a certain month of the coming year.

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New Years Eve in Bahamas

Being located in the southeast side of the United States, Bahamas hosts many people from United States as well as from various other places around the world during the New Year time.

One arrives in Bahamas with an expectation to have different and vigorous New Year celebrations, which Bahamas profoundly fulfills. The increased popularity of Bahamas as a New Year destination spot, has even turned its fate to ‘Family Islands’, which were once used to be called as ‘Out Islands’. Apart from the factors of natural splendor and pleasant weather of Bahamas, the other factor behind the growing stature of it as a New Year destination spot is the celebration made on New Years Eve.

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New Year Eve’s saw Bahamas in its full vibrant mode, when it comes up with some of the most parties and celebrations. The most different aspect associated with it is the casualness with which Bahamas celebrates New Years Eve, which is very much intrinsic to the nature of Bahamas. That casual attitude of celebration contributes in making New Years Eve in Bahamas a big wild party, for which everyone wishes to be a part of. It is neither too hot nor too cold in Bahamas around New Year’s time, which makes it a pleasant time for the inhabitants as well as the visitors to have a gala time celebrating on New Years Eve. On December 31st of the Old year, i.e. on New Years Eve, most of the people love to spend their daytime relaxing and having fun on the beaches. The real party begins with the arrival of the evening, when almost

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It’s a time to celebrate new beginnings, and we hope your year starts out happy and grows better by the day. We wish you all the best!

all night clubs, discotheques, pubs, and hotels remain jam-packed with throngs of people. People spend the whole of night, and sometimes even the early hours of the morning of New Year cheering and celebrating. Being considered as an important festival by Bahamians, New Year is tried to be turned into a perfect goodbye time, and thus long preparations go in to ensure that.

The highlighted aspect of New Years Eve celebrations is a festivity, which is known as ‘Junkanoo’. Junkanoo is a conventional Bahamian style of celebration. It is in practice for more than a century, and holds a lot of prominence among the local people as well as the visitors, who every year wishes to be a part of it. Almost everyone, irrespective of their gender, age, and relationship status endeavor to get into it.

This special gala hosts huge crowd, who eat, drink, dance, cheer, and celebrate.

Most of the people come up in striking and colorful dresses, to mark their grand welcome to one of the most important time of their year. Also, prepare make long hauled preparations for various performances, such as dance, music, acrobats, etc., reflecting the culture and tradition of Bahamians.

Junkanoo initiates with a procession, in which people of all age participate. They head towards the ultimate party destination, where celebrations begin on New Years Eve and go on till the dawn of the New Year’s Day. New Years Eve in Bahamas is a perfect time to sweep off the taste buds through some highly enthralling and delicious local dishes of Bahamas, which are simple yet extraordinary. It is also a perfect time to have a close and precise view of the rich tradition, culture, and heritage of Bahamas and Bahamian people. Being in Bahamas on New Years Eve ensures a profoundly frolic time for everyone, where one will only end up framing good memories of New Year.

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New Years Eve in Iceland

Though there are many places in Iceland, which throw some extraordinary New Years Eve celebrations, the capital city of Reykjavik stands out as the most prominent one. Apart from the conventional party celebrations, equal importance is given to the customs and traditions involved with the occasion.

As far as conventional party culture goes,

New Years Eve is the time when all party places are chock-full, both with the locals as well visitors from other countries.

The nightlife scene in Iceland is hot, definitely more intense than its cold weather. Some great music is played all through the evening and night of New Years Eve, and most of the bars and pubs play it loud till the dawn of New Year’s Day. Also, people book a table in a fine restaurant to have a special dinner of the evening along with their family.

Other than that, all the major cities are beautifully decorated, and all major cities have splendid light shows. The largest crowd of the evening gathers at the Reykjavik’s cathedral in the capital city of Reykjavik. The live broadcast of the same on the radio is listened over by millions others. On New Years Eve, the entire Reykjavik gets into the party groove, and one can sense the same with the magnificent celebrations made over almost every street and lane of the city.

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The evening holds a special feast for everyone, which is later followed by the fireworks show at the stroke of midnight.

City also hosts number of cultural programs on New Years Eve, with many of them based on traditional music. Those carrying a good luck for the evening can expect to have a view of the Aurora Borealis.

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Other than this, those at home remain hooked on to their television sets on New Years Eve to watch the special yearly episode of the comedy program of Áramótaskaupið, which refers to ‘The New Year’s Comedy’. It is basically a severe satire over the eminent personalities, as well as the prominent events occurred during the past whole year. Meanwhile, with the moment of the arrival of New Year drawing close, people start coming out of their houses to have a view of the splendid fireworks over the city skies.

Other than the socially organized fireworks shows, people in every house have their own scale of firework program, though comparatively on a small scale.

Taking a look from some high point of the city, makes the entire city look like a big party stage, with splendid and magical lights flowing out to the skies There is a tradition of organizing large

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community bonfire, in which everyone from the neighborhood participates. This tradition of community bonfires are in existence since a long time, and have grown up to be an intrinsic part of New Years Eve celebrations in Iceland. These bonfires are the places to come across few of the ancient stories related to the occasion. With the clock striking twelve, these bonfire gatherings turn into big party celebrations, with everyone eating, drinking, dancing, and raising toasts to mark their grand welcome.

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New Years Eve in Hong Kong

The New Year’s countdown at Times Square:

The grand event during New Years’ time in Kong Is perhaps the New Year’s countdown that happens at the Times Square, for those who want to be a part of a street gathering and revelling this is perhaps the closest you can come to it. So as thousands gather to watch the clock strike twelve, and the sounds of cheering hit the sky, there is no other place you should be when the New Year begins. There shall be lots of entertainment in the form of liv music and stalls so, just absorb the feel of a New Year with the New Year’s countdown in Hong Kong.

The New Year Celebrations at Victoria Harbour:

For those of you who love fireworks and love to celebrate in style, the best fireworks display would probably be the fireworks display that is held on top of the Victoria Harbour each year at midnight. The view is truly spectacular, and the skyline above the Hong Kong islands appear to be bejewelled and bedecked it is truly a beautiful sight to behold. So climb on the boat as you sail under a star lit sky. For those who cannot hop on aboard you can try to witness the display from the Avenue stars which is almost equally beautiful a view.

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The New Year Parties at Lan Kwai Fong:

The street and bars that are present in Lan Kwan Kai are the best bet for people who are ravelling in groups or are looking for a crowd, if you are looking for slightly cheaper alternatives then too this is the place you would want to be in. You can grab drinks from the nearby pubs and drink on the streets, the food being amazing, there are also a number parties that you can attend when in Lan Kwai Fong.

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6022 Highway Ave Vegreville, AB As you get ready to ring in the New Year, please keep in mind our best wishes for a festive celebration and a prosperous year to come.

New Years Eve in South Africa

New Year in South Africa is celebrated in accordance to the Georgian calendar on its first date of January 1. The energy, dynamism, and colorful festivities during the time of New Year, in particularly on the New Years Eve, certainly make South Africa as a perfect place for having New Year celebrations.

South Africa hosts big stage parties during New Years Eve. South Africa is a perfect destination for all those, who wish to be a part of something extravagant and royal during New Years Eve. The daytime is usually spent relaxing with family, friends, and relatives. Also, most of the people keep their New Years Eve reserved for spending it with only near and dear ones. However, community celebrations also occur and accepted on a big scale.

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Most of the parties go on all night, concluding in the early morning hours of the New Year’s Day. South African people like to party hard. New Years Eve offer them the much need respite from the routine and hectic life, and thus everyone seem to make the most of it, as if there is no tomorrow.

Lavish meals, and lots of music, dance, and cheer all around is one intrinsic aspect of New Years Eve in South Africa. The dishes served during feasts or normal dinners on New Years Eve reflect a blend of the tradition, as well as the season of South Africa.

Also, finest of wines are an essential part of celebrations.

Churches ring bells at the stroke of midnight to officially announce the arrival of New Year. With that, everyone cheers out loud, celebrate with joy and excitement, and some of the over-enthusiastic people even fire gunshots in the air. Some of the people also throw fridges off their balconies. However, in the present time, these traditions of forting a gunshot and throwing of fridges have taken a backseat, much because of the risk factor involved in it, and because of the strict legal aspects involved.

The biggest celebrations in absolute aspects occur at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa. Most of these extravagant events have great music, dancing, dining, drinking, and spectacular fireworks at the offer. In particularly, the music events such as Kirstenbosch Gardens New Years Eve Concert and Rezonance New

Years Eve Festival, organized in Cape Town hold a distinctive identity and significance.

The annual event of Cape Town Minstrel Carnival organized on New Years Eve is said to be the biggest party of Cape Town of the entire year. It holds its date back to the nineteenth century. This carnival is extravagant and highly colorful, with thousands of people coming in, and participating in it wearing colorful costumes.

According to estimations, around 10,000 costumed performers, singers, dancers, and musicians participate in it. Lots of local performers, street performers, and eminent performers from around the country participate in it. The colorful and vibrant marching bands participating in it are too worthy to miss out for anything. People sing, dance, and cheer all through the procession, while celebrating the time of New Years Eve.

Wishing you a fresh start with renewed energy and confidence throughout the New Year.

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The beautiful beaches in Durban are other prominent and popular destinations during the time. In fact, they remain one of the most visited places in South Africa all around the year, and during the time of New Year, they just get filled to their capacity. The evening parties as organized on beaches, and in the nearby night clubs and bars, offer a perfect way to say goodbye to the last moments of the Old Year, and put a grand welcome to the New Year.

Johannesburg, the largest city of South Africa, has some spectacular fireworks show at the midnight. The Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown hosts one of the biggest parties of the town, with around fifty thousand in attendance.

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May the new year bless you with health, wealth, and happiness.

New Years Eve in Denmark

New Year is a time of the year, when all people believe in moving ahead, and moving over the past troubles of life. It is a time of being an optimistic for the coming time, and being pleasant and happy. New Year celebrations in Denmark are an extensive expression of the same.

Most of the people ensure to plan a dinner, or if possible a special feast along with champagne and sweets, with close friends and family. New Years Eve provide them hosts itself as a gala time for everyone, so that everyone can spend the last few moments of Old Year and initial few hours of the New Year, by being close to their near and dear ones. Traditional dishes such

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as marzipan ring cakes, boiled cod, stewed kale, and cunavy saddle are necessarily required to be on the platter.

As far as social parties are concerned, almost every small and big city of Denmark hosts the biggest parties of the year on New Years Eve. Most of these parties begin during the evening time of December 31, and with each passing moment, the crowds in such parties get intense.

They eat, drink, dance, and cheer, and eagerly wait for the clock to turn twelve.

Also, large crowd turns in for hotels and restaurants who apart from offering special dishes for the evening, also organize events of gambling, and music shows and live shows of eminent performers. With the big moment drawing close, many get hooked to their television sets watching the live fireworks show occurring in major parts of the city, and also lending their ears to the Queen’s Speech of the New Years Eve.

May the New Year bring you happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Wishing you a joyous 2024!

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When New Year actually arrives, fireworks are set off to swell in the skies.

People, and in particularly small age children and people of young age also bun crackers in their respective selves. It is the moment when all decibel meters shatter, as throng of people go crazy, cheer out loud, and exchange wishes in the midst of the show. It is well prop up by the music shows, some of them being live.

Among all the fireworks show, the one in Tivoli Gardens is considered as the best. In fact, it has a five day extended fireworks festival, beginning after the day of Christmas, and going on till the midnight stroke on New Years Eve. Experimentarium is also popular for it’s about half an hour fireworks show.

Most of the traditions followed during New Years Eve in Denmark, seem to be standing on a humorous side. Thus, people pleasantly observe them with an element of fun. Among those many traditions, there is one most prominent and pleasurable tradition. If one finds broken dishes at one’s threshold, one might feel odd and bad.

But, an exact opposite feeling is felt in Denmark, if same occurs on New Years Eve. People save dishes all through the year, to only throw them at the doors of their friends and neighbors on New Years Eve. The more one’s door gets struck by the broken dishes reflects that one has many friends in life, and many of those friends love and like him.

PAGE 12 News Advertiser

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DECember 27, 2023

Mundare Cougars Give Back to Female Hockey

Cougars and Silverbacks gather for group picture during cheque presentation on Dec. 15.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The Mundare Cougars ladies hockey team gave back to female hockey in a big way by donating $2,500 to the Silverbacks, a Lamont based team that’s in its first year of operation in the Premier Hockey League.

Team Managers Steph Shaw and Crystal Yeske said

they hope to be able to donate to a female hockey team every year, not only to promote the sport, but to encourage female hockey players to play the sport well into adulthood.

“Hopefully they’ll join our team.” Yeske and Shaw say it’s challenging to find female players to play adult hockey, but hope by supporting them and raising aware-

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ness locally that’s what will happen.

The Cougars team just tries to pick up games throughout the season, and this year they decided to participate in tournaments. Every Friday night they are at the arena in Mundare and could always use a few more players.

Cougars Give back - CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Holiday Celebration Rosanne Fortier

News Correspondent

Around 48 attendees relished a classic Christmas event at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville (SCSCV) on December 16.

Local musician Justin Hambidge started the evening by singing some Christmas tunes with his friendly and upbeat voice.

During this time, people socialized and had a supper of turkey, meatballs and ham with all the trimmings. Many of the attendees went back for second helpings while they commented that the meal was very good as the turkey was tender and juicy.

After this, Loretta and Friends Entertainment led people in a carol sing-

a-long. Later, there was a White Elephant Gift Exchange game.

SCSCV President Dwayne Hlady mentioned that they held this event to have something different to do for Christmas instead of their traditional dine and dance to have something more Christmassy and family-oriented.

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DECember 27, 2023

Cougars Give back - CONTINUED from PAGE 12

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Shaw and Yeske say funds donated to they’re playing right now. the Silverbacks came from a men’s hockThis year is a development season, and ey tournament they organize and run at Barclay’s goal is to get an all girls’ team the end of March. The Cougars have been playing next year. “I also hope to see my playing out of Mundare for the last five daughters coaching their kids one day.”

For the time being, Barclay and the years and prior to that in Holden and other hockey parents are enjoying the Tofield.

Silverbacks Coach Barclay Leitch said camaraderie between the Silverbacks and this is the first year he’s coached the team Cougars as they share their love of the that has 10 girls and six boys. Leitch is game. also hoping the donation will awareness. “A lot of people don’t Food Processing Labourer know there’s Additional information: Responsibilities/Tasks: female hockey Work conditions and physical • Food safety/handling skills capabilities: • Transport raw materials, finished around here.” He • Repetitive tasks products and packaging materials also wants his two • Manual dexterity • Measure and dump ingredients into • Hand-eye co-ordination hoppers of mixing and grinding daughters to know • Standing for extended periods machines • Attention to detail • Feed flattened boxes into forming there is something • Bending, crouching, kneeling machines to construct containers beyond what • Fast-paced environment • Remove filled containers from

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DECember 27, 2023

Dispute Over Fence Height Emerges During Mundare Town Council Meeting Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Mundare resident Bill Rankin appeared before Mundare town council Dec. 12 to discuss issues arising from a fence in his front yard.

Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla stated in a request for decision that Mr. Rankin built a fence in the front yard of his house and on the lot to the east of his house which he purchased.

He noted that the two lots have been amalgamated onto one title.

“The fence in front of his house is four feet high. The portion in front of the lot to the east is over four feet as it is built on a retaining wall.”

Zyla pointed out that, “Our current Land Use Bylaw (LUB) does not allow fences in the front yard nor on empty lots.

However, according to Section 4.9.1 of the LUB, “The maximum height of a fence shall be 1.85 meters.” That is the approximate equivalent of 6.07 feet.

1˘˝˒ˌˎ 2ˏ 6˞ˋˍ˒˟˒˜˒˘˗ $˙˙˕˒ˌˊ˝˒˘˗ Per The Municipal Government Act

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An owner of adjacent land may make a written submission to the Subdivision Authority for it to consider when it makes its decision on a proposed plan of subdivision. Adjacent land means land which touches the parcel being subdivided, or which would touch the parcel if it were not separated from it by a highway, road, river, or stream.

Any written submission must be received by Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, by noon. Your submission should contain your name and mailing address; the location of land you own; and any comments you may wish to make.

For further information on subdivision application 23-TOW-003, please visit www.vegreville.com under the ‘News’ section on the homepage, or to provide your comments, contact: The Subdivision Authority Attention: Kayla McCutcheon P.O. Box 640 Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1R7 Phone: (780)632-6479 ipd@vegreville.com

Bill Rankin during his presentation to Mundare town council.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

On Nov. 2, Zyla issued a Stop Order, stating that the fence in the front yard and on the adjacent lot had to be removed. Rankin had until Nov. 16 to appeal the decision and Nov. 18 to remove the fence.

Rankin told council he did not receive the letter of notification until after that deadline and that it was because it was addressed general delivery and not addressed to his mailing address. Rankin also advised council that Zyla had entered his property without notice or permission on Sept. 25, violating Section 2.9 of the LUB regarding Right of Entry.

According to Section 2.9: 2.9.1 Upon reasonable notice (generally to mean 48 hours) to the owner or occupant, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the Development Authority or designate may enter property at reasonable times (generally to mean 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) to ascertain if Bylaw requirements are being met.

2.9.2 A person shall not prevent or obstruct the Development Authority or designate from carrying out any official duty under this Bylaw. If consent is not given, the Town may apply to the Court of Queen’s Bench for an authorizing order.

Rankin asked members of council if they were aware of the Stop Order or had any input or voted on

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the matter. He was told no by each member of council. Zyla pointed out that he has authority to issue Development Permits or Stop Orders and these do not have to go before council.

Zyla argued that based on the diagram in Section 4.9.6 that no fencing was allowed in the front yard.

But that was also disputed and challenged by Rankin. No elevations or height requirements are visible on the diagram.

Coun. Glen Rozumniak said the diagram doesn’t show any fence, just the property line and that the maximum allowable height for a fence is 6 feet according to the LUB. Zyla said an extension on the deadline to remove the fence was granted to Jan. 15, 2024. There was no mention of a deadline to appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. The Town of Mundare charges $600 for filing an appeal. Rankin pointed out that the Province of Alberta does not charge any fee for appeals.

Mayor Cheryl Calinoiu said there was nothing council could do about the Stop Order, but that council could address the LUB. “We can discuss the bylaw and move on from there.” The next meeting of council is scheduled for Jan. 2.

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DECember 27, 2023

Recap of 2023

SHOP LOCAL. SAVE LOCAL

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk

MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville It has been a very successful year for Fort SaskatchewanVegreville. As 2023 comes to a close, I want to recap some of the amazing things we have accomplished together for our community over the past year.

Recently, I was proud to join the Premier as we announced Dow Chemical’s historic investment into the $11.5 billion Path2Zero project, the world’s first net-zero carbon emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives facility. This project will create 60007000 jobs during peak construction, and 400-500 fulltime jobs once operational. I am proud to have successfully advocated for this game-changing investment in our constituency.

Also in Fort Saskatchewan, I was proud to help open the Muriel Ross Abdurahman Court, an affordable housing project partly funded by our Alberta government that will provide 83 units for the most vulnerable members of our community.

Additionally, I successfully advocated for the $60 million Vinca Bridge replacement, to improve connectivity and economic development in the region, and I also led the successful push for new overpasses at the intersections of Highway 830 with Highways 15 and 16, which are now in the engineering and planning stages respectively.

Our government also recently announced that the 2026 Alberta Games will be coming to Strathcona County. I look forward to welcoming these tremendous athletes. This major sporting event will be a unifying force for our community, in addition to the great boost to our local economy.

Lastly, this past year I have also had the opportunity to serve first as Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Evacuee Settlement in Alberta, and currently as Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees. In these roles, I have been a strong advocate and have led our government’s efforts to ensure that newcomers from Ukraine and elsewhere are best equipped to not only support themselves and their families, but also to contribute in meaningful ways to the Alberta economy.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and look forward to continuing our fantastic work together in the New Year!

Epidemic - CONTINUED from PAGE 6 ing Hamas.

Speaking your truth on social media platforms without anonymity requires a lot of courage. Therefore, I greatly admire those who do and withstand the attacks they know will come. Their courage reminds me of 1984 author George Orwell’s words, “The further a society drifts from the truth; the more it will hate those that speak it.”

As a result of moral grandstanding by bandwagoners seeking approval from their digital tribe, social media has become a battleground over whose position is supposedly the purest, as opposed to what it could be: a digital town hall where discussion of current issues takes place in a civilized manner, where differing opinions can agree to disagree, where the need to be right is not even a thought.

For this utopia to happen, social media users, especially those considered “an influencer,” would need to adopt what I believe should be the number one Internet rule: Instead of trying to prove others wrong, try to see in what sense they may be right.

Until all social media users adopt this Internet rule, I hope more and more people begin realizing the need to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate our Twitter-driven world, along with the ability to avoid jumping to conclusions and reserving moral judgment, which are not only beneficial social skills for the digital world but also for the real world.

Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s on his mind from Toronto.

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Peter & Alice Sokoluk; Jerry, Donna, Kevin Eliuk; Michael Lisoway; Rosanne Fortier; Mercedes Larocque & Lee Streets; Adam Kozakiewicz; Pat & Ernie Motiuk; Debbie Lesoway, In loving memory of Mike J Lesoway, Josh Lesoway, Ann & John Lesoway, Tony & Nick Lesoway, Pearl & Nick Cebeniak, Virginia Wolinski, Angela Boqdanski, Gwen Polomark, Kevin O� Gorman; Steve Kereliuk; Darryl & Shelley Sappa; Ron & Dianne Humeniuk; Diana & Marcel; Peggy Allen; Bill & Lydia Pawluk & Families: Dwayne & Rose Gorda, Lindsay & Nadine Gorda & Family, Donna Gorda & Richard & Family; Don, Jenovia, Megan Woloshyn, Craig, Kendra & Moraya Woloshyn; Ron Makowecki - In memory of Jeanette; Marshall & Elsie Juba, Terence Juba; Victor & Elsie Saskiw, Darrell, Donna, Derek, Jordanna & Cash Saskiw; George & Lynda Childs; Howard Austin Family; Roger & Deb Welsh; Clara & Douglas Nawrot; Orest & Janet Kolisniak; Anne Hewko; Les & Darlene Ferguson; Penny Teske & Teddy & L1 Feather; “In Loving Memory of Todd Hirsch & Louis Hirsch”; Dave & Millie Giebelhaus; Gordon & Marilyn Lucyk; Randy & Jeanette Footz; Elizabeth Hewko; Betty Lou Hewko; Marie & Terry Gorda; Katie & Marvin Boe; Lois Bienvenue “In memory of Philip, Annette, Denis & Barry Bienvenue; In Memory of Mike & Mary Patrie - Tompkins family – Keith, Kevin, Kelsey, Kelly; Chris & Greg Kurulok, Jennifer Kurulok, Garrett Gregoroschuk, Adrian & Kalyna Gregoroschuk, Stephanie & Michael Beart, Cybil & Grace Beart; Shawna Petruk; In Loving Memory of Kathy Petruk; In loving memory of Ron Petruk; Bettyann, Breck & Roan Gibson; Roger & Shawna Petruk; Jerry Tymchak; In Loving Memory of Evelyn Tymchak; Lillian Koziskie & family; Victoria Paranych in honor of the Paranych family; Brian & Joan Ferguson & family; Margie Tomashavsky in memory of Marvin; Arnold & Linda Sanford; Brad Mitchell &Kate Sanford Mitchell; Deryk, Katrina, Brayden & Bailey Sanford; Phyllis, Maurice & Edmond Dubuc; In memory of Frank Patrie from Sally & family; Andy & Lil Dulaba; Anonymous; Marion Baxandall & family; Gladys Palahniuk; John Kubin; June Woloshyn; Pat Febrouski in memory of Michael, Pauline, Alfred Klymochko; Gerri & John Ewaniuk; Ronald & Marge Horon; Susan & Allan Kit; Ted Shavchook; James, Jessie & Alyssa in memory of Carolyn Mihalcheon; Gerry & Debbie Rokos & family; Barry & Bev McCarty; Georgina, Sheldon, Erin, Percy, Kelly Stark & families, In loving memory of Bradley Stark; Tom & Shirley Ewanchuk; Victor Sorochan; Dave & Pat Durie; Geri & Wayne Tuck; Jamieson & Kitt Families; Nick Seniuk & Evan Yaremko; Garry & Barb Carstairs; Mark, Katryna, Layne, Kole, Kylee Sawchuk; Charlotte & Bernie Stewart

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Tributes MEMORIAM

MEMORIAM

MEMORIAM

OBITUARY

DEHID, Marshall January 1936 - December 2015 In Loving Memory Of A Dear Husband, Father & Grandfather.

Sending thoughts to Heaven Since the day you went away And hope you know you’re missed More than words could ever say.

Lovingly Remembered & Forever in our hearts.

Pat, Jeff, Jamie (Al) & Granddaughter Avery

STEMBERGER, Frank October 2, 1944 - January 1, 2019 Five years ago today dear Frank was called To his eternal rest; Gone where the angels sing so sweet, And taken when God knew best.

We miss him here so very much, His presence oft seems nigh, But we all hope in Heaven to meet Where no one says good-bye.

Always remembered and loved, Wife Maria, son Robert (Sheila), grandchildren Mya, Owen, and Adam

DUBUC, Eileen December 30, 2019 A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again.”

Lovingly remembered by Dan and family

HOGGINS, Lorna Doreen November 27, 1928 – December 21, 2023 On Thursday, December 21, 2023, Lorna Hoggins of Vegreville, Alberta passed away peacefully at the age of 95 years.

Lorna is survived by her loving family, children Rick, Heather Paziuk, Karen (Dan) Litke and Darlene Muntz; son-in-law Bill Muntz; eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband George; parents Roy and Agnes Cole; parents-in-law Dick and Ada Hoggins; daughter-in-law Dawn Hoggins; and son-in-law Terry Paziuk.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Autumn Rose Funeral Home in Vegreville, Alberta with Pastor Greg Kjos officiating.

Inurnment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMNN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

SARAFINCHAN, William 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 loved and remembered By your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

OLINECK, Margaret May 26, 1929 - December 28, 2005 As life unfolds another year Treasured memories keep you near Silent thoughts of times together are memories that last forever.

So may the winds of love blow gently And whisper that you can hear.

How much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed

by Len, George, Dawn, and families

In loving memory of TRATCH, Robert November 5, 1946 - December 30, 2018 He never looked for praises He was never one to boast He just went on quietly working For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken His wants were very few And most of the time his worries Went unspoken too.

He was there…A firm foundation Through all our storms of life A sturdy hand to hold on to In times of stress and strife.

A true friend we could turn to When times were good or bad One of our greatest blessings For all the times we’ve had.

From Darlene & Carmen Candace & Shane

ROZUMNIAK, Clarence In Loving memory of our dear Brother who passed away on December 28, 2000 Brother in heaven They say there is a reason They say time will heal; Neither time or reason Will change the way we feel.

Gone are the days We used to share, But in our hearts You are always there.

The gates of memories Will never close; We miss you more than Anybody knows…

Love and miss you everyday Till we meet again Always & Forever Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Kelly & Glen and family Brenda & Jim

NEED TO REACH MILLENNIALS?

In Loving Memory HORON, Marge May 3, 1940 - December 30, 2013 Wife, mother, grandmother, friend 10 years ago The one we loved passed away.

An empty place no one can fill, We miss you and always will.

You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Your love of gardening, flowers, cooking, baking and holiday meals, are all passed down to us and bring us so much joy.

You are deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Larry Cindy & Brent Linda & Bob And all your grandchildren

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DECember 27, 2023

Santa’s Elves Give Again

Support Our Retailers Pick up your copy of

RCL Branch No. 39 Ladies Auxiliary Submitted

At These Convenient Locations

President Cindy Herbert and Auxiliary members of Branch No. 39 Ladies Auxiliary to The Royal Canadian Legion admire the kindness and diligent effort of creating an opportunity for children and adults to experience the joys of receiving something special during the Christmas season.

“We would like to share our profits through catering various events for $300 to the Vegreville Christmas Bureau (VCB) in hopes that the donation will assist in continuing your annual services. We are grateful for all that you do within our community,” Herbert expressed.

L-R: VCB Toy Coordinator Irene Bowen accepts a cheque from Cindy Herbert on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

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DECember 27, 2023

Students Shine - CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Crazy Laws

shortly after.

These students did a holiday skit. Then they went on to act out a Christmas pageant about the nativity of Jesus. After this, they sang a medley of carols. There were no visible errors in any of these pieces.

With their cheerful voices, the students demonstrated the spirit of Christmas.

At the end of each of these concerts, the audience cheered, whistled and issued a standing ovation.

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DECember 27, 2023

Hallo and привіт: Immerse Temporary Closure Two Hills Students in Language and Emergency Department Culture Programs Alberta Health Services Submitted

On December 6, over 100 Kindergarten to Grade Six Ukrainian Language & Culture Program students gathered together for St. Nicholas Day at A.L. Horton Elementary School in Vegreville.

Amie Weleschuk, Shelby Crowther, Jade Keel and Emily Wiebe helped St. Nicholas as he delivered small gifts to all the other students in the school.

(A.L. Horton Elementary School/Submitted Photo)

Elk Island Public Schools Submitted Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students are enriching their language learning experience through two Language and Culture (LAC) programs—one in German and one in Ukrainian. The programs are offered from kindergarten through Grade 6, introducing students to another language through instruction, activities and cultural celebrations.

“I like how we get to make food, like borscht and kolach. Kolach is a braided bread where you have dough and you split it into three pieces and you braid them,” says Shelby Crowther, a Grade 4 student at A.L. Horton Elementary. “Last year we went to a museum to see Ukrainian beading and sewing and this year we went to a Ukrainian dance concert by Viter.”

LAC programs benefit students in numerous ways. Second-language learning can improve listening skills, communication in English and test scores in other subjects, such as mathematics.

These programs also promote acceptance and appreciation of other cultures and help many students learn about their own heritage.

“When students first start to explore their environment, they do so using language to make connections to themselves and their immediate surroundings,” says Pia Jampen, a German LAC teacher at Mills Haven Elementary.

“When they learn a second or third language, their world expands, their critical thinking skills take a leap, and their understanding of self and their place in an interconnected society becomes more multifaceted.”

Each LAC program has its unique advantages. For example, classes in the German LAC program embark on a language journey that ties in famous German fairy tales, gummy bears, and the Berlin and Bernese Bären. Meanwhile, students in the Ukrainian LAC program immerse themselves in the culture, from baking paska and babka with their families to decorating pysanka for Easter. In the spring, classes visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.

“Whether it’s learning about German traditions like the origins of our beloved Advent calendars and Christmas trees or exploring iconic Austrian artists like Hundertwasser, taking part in the German Language and Culture program allows students to inquire, express themselves in novel ways, and wonder about places far and wide,” adds Jampen.

“We have lots of students. In kindergarten we started with nine and now fourteen students enjoy the Ukrainian program. In Grade 1 there’s 32 students enrolled,” says Panna Svitlana Fedorouk, an educational assistant instructor at A.L. Horton Elementary. “This year, we’re visiting seniors’ lodges and the residents there are really excited to see the kids. They’ll make crafts and sing together. I’m preparing students on how to use the words they’ve learned in Ukrainian.”

In addition to LAC programs, students can learn various second languages at schools throughout the Division—including French, Spanish, German and Ukrainian. “It’s really fun to learn about another language, other cultural events and how Germany is different than Canada,” says Asia Lozeron, a Grade 4 student at Mills Haven Elementary.

TWO HILLS - Due to significant staffing challenges in laboratory and diagnostic imaging (DI) services, the Emergency Department at Two Hills Health Centre will be temporarily closed over the following dates: • From 8 a.m. on December 23 until 8 a.m. on December 27, and • From 4 p.m. on December 29 until 8 a.m. January 2, 2024 There will also be no laboratory or DI services available over the same time periods. When the ED reopens on January 2, it will temporarily operate on reduced hours – along with lab and DI – until staffing levels are stabilized.

As of January 2, the ED will close overnight, from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday to Friday during the week. Additionally, the ED will be closed during weekends, beginning at 4 p.m. on Fridays and reopening at 8 a.m. on Mondays.

Nursing staff will remain in the ED during the temporary closures to triage and assess any patients presenting to the department. Patients will be re-directed to other care options appropriate to their needs, including to other EDs as needed including St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Vegreville, St. Therese Hospital in St. Paul, the Viking

A D V E RT I S E Y O U R H O M E B U S I N E S S H E R E

Health Centre, or Vermilion Health Centre.

EMS will be available to transport patients if needed.

Laboratory testing such as in-depth blood analysis, along with diagnostic imaging like x-rays, provide emergency care teams with vital patient information for diagnosis and treatment. While limited testing can continue to be done at a patient’s bedside, the decision to temporarily close the ED has been made in the interest of patient safety following consultation with medical staff.

Recruitment for laboratory and DI staff continues. Until additional staff are secured, these services will be temporarily unavailable for community appointments as of January 2. Anyone needing blood work or other lab work, as well as x-rays, will be able to access services from other facilities, including those in Vegreville or St. Paul.

Services will resume in Two Hills as additional staffing support is found.

The decision to temporarily reduce these services is a last resort after exhausting all options, including all possibilities of utilizing staff from other facilities without affecting those services. Alberta Health Services and Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) are providing nursing staff and physicians’ additional training to allow for a limited number of blood tests to continue to be completed for inpatients afterhours as needed.

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DECember 27, 2023

Holden 4-H Beef Club Report

Members with their gift bags for local seniors.

(Holden 4-H Beef Club/Submitted Photo)

Members at weigh in day on Oct. 22.

(Holden 4-H Beef Club/Submitted Photo)

Alyssa Ezio

Club Reporter

Assembling gift bags. (Holden 4-H Beef Club/Submitted Photo)

This year started off with weigh in on Oct 22nd at the Bruce Stampede grounds.

It was a cooler day but with everyone helping and making the day run smooth it was a good day.

There is a challenge for the club members this year to take a night farm photo once a month.

We also just had our monthly meeting combined with our Christmas party. We played a crazy game of gift exchanges, it was so much fun. We made gift bags for the seniors at the lodge and then hand delivered them on Dec. 17. The residents were so happy to see us.

Delivering gift bags. (Holden 4-H Beef Club/Submitted Photo)

Beaver County 4-H Multi-Club Participates in Toy Drive

The Beaver County 4-H Multi-Club participated in the Vegreville Christmas Bureau toy drive on Dec. 13. Our Club’s job this year was to sort girls’ toys from ages 3-17. After sorting everything we packed the toys into bags and put them in piles ready for delivery. Our Club was happy to participate.

(Beaver County 4-H Multi-Club/Submitted Photo)

7-DAY WEATHER Weekly Crop Market Review

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WEATHER VEGREVILLE & SURROUNDING AREA