Vegreville News Advertiser - December 30, 2015

VOL. 68 NO. 52

65 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015

Most Albertans unwilling to foot climate change bill

Joe Machney Towards the end of 2015, the Alberta government rolled out a Climate Leadership Plan which elaborated on a new strategy for climate change, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy calls for the implementation of a carbon tax that would reach $30/tonne by 2018, increasing government revenue by $3 billion annually once fully implemented and potentially increasing thereafter.

In Premier Notley’s own words, “Like the plans being implemented in California and Quebec, this carbon price will apply a performance-based standard to emitters... we will put every penny raised through the carbon price to work here in Alberta — building our economy, creating jobs, and dou-

bling down on efforts to reduce pollution and promote greater efficiency... including clean research and technology...”

For Albertans, this has been one of the dominating issues in public discussion. From coffee shops to internet forums, many locals are against this strategy, saying it will do more harm than good – environment aside. “[There’s] very strong opposition, there’s no question people are opposed,” said David Valentin, spokesman for Mainstreet Technologies polling firm. Their automated telephone survey revealed that 68% of those polled were against the climate plan, 22%, were in favour.

Support for the climate plan is strongest in Edmonton, where 45% approve and 41% oppose it.

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Storms hit St. Mary’s

MLA Jessica Littlewood brings Christmas greetings

See page 5 for story

See page 8 for story

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Vegreville RCMP Files from Dec. 17 to 23 Michael Simpson Editor Dec 17 1:01 a.m. Male calls believing his girlfriend is drugging him.

Girlfriend tells police he’s imagining it. Police attend, the man ends up complaining of chest pains and is taken to the hospital.

There was no indication the man had been drugged or poisoned.

6:37 a.m. A complaint comes in from a man whose roommate wants him to serve court documents on his ex. Police informed the roommate and the caller that documents of that nature aren’t served by police. The complainant then decided to serve the documents himself with no issues.

11:34 a.m. A man is told by his computer manufacturer his machine has been hacked. The man phones police instead of giving the “company� representative access to his machine. The man was advising police about the incident. The caller also cancels his credit card.

11:51 a.m. A report of a residential alarm comes in. Surveillance from a real-time app on the caller’s phone shows someone in the garage of the residence. The house was empty, and nothing was taken. No suspects are identified yet.

1:16 p.m. Call comes in about another Canada Revenue Agency scam.

1:28 p.m. Three locations belonging to a telecommunications company report theft of copper.

2:59 p.m. A similar attempted fraud call comes in. A man identifies himself as an officer and threatens to arrest the complainant if she doesn’t call him back. Instead, she reports it to police.

Dec 18 4:15 a.m. Police catch a man with stolen goods in his vehicle.

The individual has been linked to previous break-ins from the area and beyond. Charges have been laid.

11:39 a.m. Police receive a tip that a youth is not following his probation order relating to curfew. He is being charged with failing to comply with conditions.

1:33 p.m. A man complains to police that items are missing from his vehicle in Vegreville. Police have no suspects at this time. Most items did not have traceable serial numbers.

2:52 p.m. Police get a report of a 17-year old that was assaulted by her father a few days prior. Police determine it to be a minor assault with no injuries and the daughter did not wish for charges to be laid against her father. Alcohol was a factor in the incident.

5:38 p.m. Police respond a break and enter call from the night before, however when members attend the scene, the caller turns out to be drunk and his missing items were simply moved, their location forgotten by the caller until later.

5:51 p.m. A man completed an online application for a loan, paying a security deposit to a “bank� in the process. He got no loan, but was ripped off instead. The matter is still under investigation.

11:38 p.m. RCMP attend a call of a dead animal on the side of highway 16 near Vegreville. The animal is shovelled off the road, and members move on.

Dec 19 2:51 a.m. A man claims he’s been assaulted, but when police attend, they learn he punched someone else before they smacked him back in the face. Alcohol is a factor in the matter, and no charges are laid.

3:50 a.m. A woman reports an unknown male is yelling on her front step. Members patrol but the suspect is not located.

8:45 a.m. A report of an overturned vehicle in the ditch around Range Road 150 and Twp 522 brings police to a stolen vehicle. The matter is still under investigation.

12:16 p.m. A report of theft from a vehicle. The vehicle was unlocked during the night, when the theft occurred.

9:02 p.m. A 911 hangup leads police to call back a distressed male who wasn’t sure where he was. Further investigation reveals the man is intoxicated and recently kicked out of the Innisfree hotel. He asks police for a ride back to Vegreville, and is told ‘no’.

Dec 20 12:59 a.m. Police get a call from a man who claims his son is walking to the park in Vegreville to sleep, and is drunk. Members attend and determine the son has been causing problems at his parent’s house. He is arrested for mischief. As fate would have it, he is the same man kicked out of Innisfree hotel earlier that evening. He is given a spam sandwich by his mom, and transported and lodged in cells until sober.

DECEMBER 30, 2015

3:01 a.m. A motorist reports hitting the ditch. No damages or injuries sustained, but the caller isn’t sure where they are. Members locate them along highway 16 and subsequently the driver is arrested for warrants out of Strathcona County for liquor related offenses. The travelers are taken back into town, the driver is released on promise to appear for his outstanding warrants.

10:33 a.m. Someone’s ex is texting them with a bunch of putdowns. Members speak to the man and tell him to cease and desist or face charges of criminal harassment for bullying his ex.

2:46 p.m. A driver is dinged for having no registration, insurance after being pulled over for speeding. He’s given a ticket for that, too.

3:21 p.m. A 911 report of a two-vehicle MVC results in no injuries to either party. One vehicle slid through a yield sign, colliding with another. A driver is charged with failing to ascertain sufficient space for movement.

7:48 p.m. A report of an unknown model SUV swerving in the eastbound lanes of highway 16. Police post a BOLO to the Vermilion detachment.

8:32 p.m. A call comes in regarding a child custody issue. Police learn there’s been a misunderstanding and the parents involved are advised to get a written, police enforceable agreement in place relating to custody of children.

Dec 21 4:39 p.m. A 911 call of an erratic semi weaving all over the road and almost hitting the ditch. Police couldn’t locate the semi and sent a BOLO to Ft. Sask and Sherwood Park detachments.

4:43 p.m. a report of someone with a mental health issue.

Mediation is done as there was damage to property, but the matter is left settled when police leave.

7:29 p.m. A 911 report of a dog locked in a vehicle. Police learn that the animal has been there for a few minutes as part of a rotating schedule of dogs being trained by an animal trainer and determine the dog is not in any danger.

11:33 p.m. A noise complaint comes in. The complainant doesn’t answer their phone, police attempt to make contact for another 15 minutes by buzzing other doors in the apartment complex before leaving, unsuccessful in their bid to locate the complainant.

Dec 22 2:47 a.m. A report from Mundare of two males in a truck with a missing tire. The men drove from the highway in to Mundare on a flat tire and wrecked their rim. Police learn the vehicle is not insured or registered. As it is not driveable the license plate is seized and the two are given leeway to make other transportation arrangements.

2:29 p.m. Another attempted phone fraud comes in where a woman is threatened by someone impersonating an officer. She doesn’t call them back, and calls police instead.

Dec 23 12:40 a.m. Police received a complaint of two people walking on highway 16 east of Vegreville. Member attended and learned one of the individuals, a 19 year old female from the area, was in breach of a curfew order. They were brought back into Vegreville and the female was arrested and released on a promise to appear in court.

3:23 a.m. A male reports his wife possibly missing. She is located an hour later at a casino in Edmonton. She had left the residence after arguing with her husband about her drinking and gambling habits.

6:21 a.m. A report of suspicious activity after someone feels his residence shake a little and suspects someone is on his deck. The caller reports seeing a flashlight in his backyard. A member attends the trailer park and patrols but locates no one.

5:41 p.m. Police get a report of a drunk driver that jumped in his truck. Members did not locate the vehicle.

6:26 p.m. A driving complaint comes in regarding a vehicle that bypassed another stopped vehicle, pulling into oncoming traffic to get by. The caller has a license plate identifying the driver. Police are now waiting to lay charges due to sufficient evidence from the eyewitness.

8:26 p.m. A report of a guy hanging around an apartment building earlier in the day, the caller doesn’t want the person to come back again. Police tell the caller to call if the person comes back.

9:06 p.m. Police attend the residence of a deceased 78 year old man in a rural area under the Coroner’s Act. Police assist the coroner in their investigation of the man’s passing. It is ruled non-suspicious.

Police received 59 calls for service during this week, including one false alarm and 3 911 calls.

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DECEMBER 30, 2015

Traveling nativity scene revives Christmas spirit

Michael Simpson Editor A group of wanderers representing Mary and Joseph and other participants were spotted in Mundare and Vegreville on December 23 singing Christmas carols and travelling in the fashion of old, atop a donkey (Abel) and bringing livestock with them as they went. Many were surprised, but pleasantly so, as often the remark was heard that the scene

was a strong message at Christmas about the origin of the holiday, that is, the birth of Jesus.

The group began in Mundare in the morning followed by Vegreville in the afternoon. They came from Chesterton House, which sits in the old Mundare Hospital. Therese McDonald runs a blog which details her experiences participating in the event, which can be read online at www.chestertonhouse.wordpress.com.

Smile of the

WEEK

Name: Nathaneil Ergezinger Occupation: tire salesman Likes: family, friends Dislikes: line-ups, flies

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Storms hit St. Mary’s

Leader Representatives forThunder,Triefen Pesaruk,Andrei Roman, Alexis Salsbury.(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Leader Representatives for Tornado, Crystal Lastinka, Lily Voutier, Amy Stefaniuk, McKinley Makowecki.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Leader Representatives forTyphoon,Destiny Payton,Will Quinton,Shelby Shapka.(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Leader Representatives forTsunami,Payton Sugg,Kayla Powley,AnitaTrosin. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier St. Mary’s School’s students are learning about social justice first-hand! The students at the school were divided into houses where they raised funds and collected items for worthwhile causes.

The houses Thunder and Typhoon both collected food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and Christmas gifts to sponsor two local families for two to four months. They generated over $2,000 worth of goods for each family.

Destiny Peyton, one of the Leader Representatives for Typhoon said their house was pleased to do this project because they were able to get the family they sponsored back on their feet because this family won’t have to worry about their financial situation or buying that volume of stuff for a while. “It was rewarding to take on this project and know we are making such a positive impact on the family’s life.”

“We did this same project last year on a trial basis and it was very interesting to take it on again. We are in grade 12 this year, so we wanted to take it above and beyond what we did last year. We

in others’ lives that don’t always have the essentials of living,” McKinley Makowecki, one of the Leader Representatives said.

House Tsunami raised over $500 to purchase two bundles of real animals to help out a third world country. These animals were purchased through Feed the Children. “We bought 15 chickens and two goats. We held a taco sale and a movie night to raise money for this project. This was a lot of work but it was for a good reason.

These animals will help families in

knew how much it helped the family last year. This year, we tried to emphasize more participation; that even a little bit would help. We tried to promote it within our school as much as possible. It felt really good to know we were giving to others that needed it,” Andrei Roman, one of the Leader Representatives for Thunder said.

House Tornado collected socks and filled them with hygiene products and treats that will be distributed to the Mustard Seed Church in Edmonton.

“We broke into ten groups and between these groups, we brought the stuff in and we put them altogether. We learned how nice it is to give to others. It feels really good to know we could make a difference

poor countries to be self-sufficient for a while. They will get a profit and food from it too. We fundraised to help two families but we got enough money to help out six families because if you have enough for two families, the company matches the amount. It would be cool to do this project after we finish school,” said Kayla Powley, one of the Leader Representatives for Tsunami.

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DECEMBER 30, 2015

FROM THE PAGES OF THE VEGREVILLE OBSERVER

COMPILED BY DAN BEAUDETTE

90 Years Ago – December 30, 1925 Thomas A. Edison, in his seventy-ninth year, has taken to sleeping more and eating less. He sleeps as much as five to six hours a day, although for a period he cut this down to four hours. He therefore has only about eighteen hours a day of work. His diet, according to an interview published in Popular Science Monthly, brings the cost of living down very low. Although his weight is 166 pounds without variation, the inventor eats at all meals the following combination. A piece of toast, one and one-half glasses of mild, a tablespoon of cooked oats and a sardine. He observes this menu for weeks at a time, and then will change it slightly, though he never eats anything more hearty. In his laboratory he is engaged on many new lines of research and is busy also with perfecting the phonograph and the storage battery. He refused to tell about the new inventions on which he is working.

There was a considerable exodus of city ward Christmas guests.

There is much favorable comment on the consideration of the CNR in putting on the passenger service train for the Christmas season. The electric care was by no means able to handle the heavy traffic.

75 Years Ago – January 1, 1941 Proudly exhibiting on Tuesday morning, a set of Rogers Silverware, comprising of knives, forks, tea-spoons, tablespoons, butter knife, sugar spoon, etc. Archie Steele was taking comfort to his soul for having done a good year’s work and having his efforts crowned by this handsome gift from General Motors. Mr. Steele in the course of his salesmanship, is connected with the Thomas Garage Ltd. the members of which firm bask contentedly in the knowledge that one of their salesman has been thus distinguished.

A large New Year’s crowd of 400 saw the Vegreville Juniors lose a thrilling game to the Maple Leaf juveniles by the score of 6-4. This was the Juniors first loss in 18 starts since January 1940.

H. T. Tayler of the Observer office got quite a thrill this week when he received a cablegram from his brothers and sisters in Hull, Yorkshire on the occasion of his birthday and was quite relieved to hear they were all safe and well. A letter arriving on Monday and mailed on November 4th told how the people over there felt sure they were going to win and also intimated that a nephew had been in the Dunkirk affair.

50 Years Ago – December 30, 1965 A one million, nine hundred thousand dollar permit for the construction of the new Vegreville Technical School gave Vegreville building activity in 1964 a boost to bring the total for the year to almost $3,000.000.

The annual Christmas Light-Up contest sponsored by the Vegreville Junior Chamber of Commerce, has again proven a big success. Six categories were judged with the Best Commercial display going to Canadian Utilities Ltd.; the best non commercial display went to the personnel at St. Joseph’s General Hospital with a live Nativity scene.

The Best Religious display was won by Bob Langpap with honorable mention in this category going to Bill Bushko. The best Santa Claus was that shown by Wally Pardely, with Ed Keifiul drawing an honorable mention. Best lighting was taken by the Virgil Moshansky display with John Yakimetz drawing the nod for honorable mention.

Vegreville Rangers are leading the Eastern Alberta Hockey League into the New Year. Playing before a small crowd in the Recreation Centre Wednesday night the Rangers downed the hapless St. Paul Darts by a score of 14 to 4 to give them an unofficial point total of 21 at year’s end.

25 Years Ago – December 24, 1990 It’s Cold out there! The deep-freeze and blizzard which started Monday night deterred some of the hardiest souls from venturing out to complete their Christmas shopping. High winds and freezing temperatures closed schools throughout the county.

A Merry Medieval Christmas was presented by the Drama 10 class at St. Mary’s on December 19. This exciting show was an hour long modernization of half a dozen English Miracle Plays. The originals overflowed with contemporary humor, yet the underlying faith always shone through. The audience shared candy with the players in the friendly opening; watched God create the universe; helped boo the villain, and enjoyed the slapstick of the shepherds as they journeyed to a reverent meeting in Bethlehem.

Mayor Kay McKenzie and Inge Moore from the Town of Vegreville were guest speakers in Mrs. Fried’s grade 3 social studies class on December 12. The topic was Vegreville’s future, and students saw the plan for revitalization of main street. The session went so well that the students asked for an autograph session afterwards.

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.

Syria: Not a Peace, But Maybe a Ceasefire Gwynne Dyer Abu Muhammad al-Golani is the leader of the Nusra Front, an alQaeda affiliate that is classified by the United States as “terrorist”. He spent almost a decade fighting in Iraq as a loyal member of the Sunni extremist organisation now called Islamic State before going home to Syria in 2011.

He went home to create a Syrian clone of what was then called Islamic State in Iraq, on the orders of Abu Baqr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Islamic State and now the self-proclaimed “Caliph” of all the Muslims. Golani named the Syrian branch the Nusra Front, and it did so well that he broke with Islamic State and went out on his own in 2013.

There was a three-month turf war between Islamic State and the Nusra Front in Syria in early 2014.

Islamic State won it and now controls most of eastern Syria. Golani managed to hang on to northwestern Syria, where the Nusra Front and

another extreme Islamist organisation, Ahrar al-Sham, now completely dominate a rebel alliance that also includes several smaller “moderate” outfits.

So you would not expect Golani to favour a peace deal that left the brutal Assad regime in power in Damascus. And indeed he does not: in a rare interview recently, he condemned the peace deal being cooked up by the US and Russia as a plot to merge more moderate rebel fighters with Assad’s forces in order to fight extremist groups like his own and Islamic State.

Golani was right to be suspicious, and yet he may go along with the deal in the end, because it isn’t really a permanent peace settlement that is being discussed. It’s actually just a ceasefire that will leave all the players in Syria in control of the territory they now hold – except for Islamic State, which they can then all concentrate on destroying.

You can’t admit that that’s what you are doing, of course, so you talk in terms of a peace settlement.

That’s what Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Foreign Secretary John Kerry were doing in Moscow on Tuesday, and the result is that a United Nations Security Council resolution endorsing the Syrian peace process will probably be passed on

Friday.

The current round of “peace talks” began in Vienna on 23 October, with no Syrians present, just Russia, the United States, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. A conference in Riyadh last week decided which Syrian rebel groups will be included in the talks, scheduled for early in the new year.

But Islamic State won’t be there, and at the moment the Nusra Front says it won’t be either.

But the Nusra Front’s close ally, Ahrar al-Sham, did show up at the Riyadh meeting. It walked out at one point – but then, after some further thought, it emailed in its signature to the joint declaration.

The Islamists of the Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham are clearly in two minds about a ceasefire (disguised as a peace agreement). On one hand, it would leave the Assad regime in power. On the other, it would give them time to consolidate their control over the territory they now hold, and maybe to eliminate their most dangerous rival, Islamic State. So in the end, they may go along with the idea.

It wouldn’t be perfect, and it wouldn’t necessarily be permanent either. But it would stop most of the killing, it would at least contain if not eliminate Islamic State, and it might even let some of the refugees go home. If anybody has a better idea, please let us know.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

DECEMBER 30, 2015

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A.L. Horton Fire Prevention Week’s contest winners

In October, Vegreville Emergency Services held a Poster Contest for Fire Prevention Week. Captain Phil Rowe and his team chose three winners from A.L. Horton School. On December 17, the winners rode to school in the Emergency Services’ fire truck. Winners of the Fire Prevention Week’s Poster Contest who received a certificate and a toy for a prize. First place winner-Cohen Wierad in Grade three, Second place winner-Kaleigh Kratko in Grade two and Third place winner-Jason Park in Grade one. Back row – Scheherazade Haque, firefighter and Captain Phil Rowe from Vegreville Emergency Services. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

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MLA Jessica Littlewood brings Christmas greetings to Heritage House Rosanne Fortier MLA Jessica Littlewood paid a brief visit to Heritage House on December 22 to bring Christmas greetings and answer questions from residents. “I am learning what the struggles are at Points West Living facilities. The management said they are carefully reviewing the wages the staff receives because they pay the same wages as Alberta Health Services. But with the economic downturn, they are concerned that they won’t be able to stay competitive with the surrounding facilities that pay Alberta Health Services’ wages.” Littlewood explained when asked how the NDP plans to help Points West Living facilities.

“The finance minister is meeting with other finance ministers across Canada and they are lobbying the Federal Government for health care dollars that were promised during the federal election. So, we are definitely looking to see how we can access our Federal counterparts.”

MLA Jessica Littlewood paid a brief visit to Heritage House on December 22 to bring Christmas greetings and answer questions from residents.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

MLA Jessica Littlewood greets Carol Mock, a resident of Heritage House, on December 22 where Littlewood was around to answer questions from residents. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rangers help out

The Vegreville Jr. B Rangers hockey team was out in the community on Sunday, December 20, 2015 delivering food hampers and gifts for the Christmas Bureau. The Rangers players are always happy to be helping out and giving back to their community.

(Photo Submitted)

DECEMBER 30, 2015

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Jr. B. Rangers get top score for helping the less fortunate

Grayson Soprovich presents a $250 cheque to Vegreville Food Bank Coordinator, Alicja Gruntowicz.

Other Jr. B. Rangers in photo are from left to right-Wyatt Murphy, Tygean Mungongo, Derek Miller.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Tygean Mungongo presents a $250 cheque to Jennifer Hladilo, Christmas Bureau’s Coats for Kids and Family Coordinator. Other Jr. B. Rangers in photo are Wyatt Murphy, Grayson Soprovich, and Derek Miller. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier Sometimes, the most valuable skills young hockey players obtain don’t include using a stick and puck. The Vegreville Jr. B. Rangers knew this when they generated funds with their families while working at a bingo at Fort McMurray which they do every year. From this, $250 was donated to the Vegreville Food Bank and $250 went to the Vegreville Christmas Bureau, which the coordinators say will be put to good use.

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Santa Man comes to town

Joe Machney It was a nice break for the Elementary and Junior High students and the teachers of Myrnam School as well as the gathered parents and guests as they were all treated to a short play by the Myrnam High School drama class.

The play, Santa Man was written by Ian McWethy and directed by Mrs. Owen. In this fast-paced, action packed and rather intelligent comedy, Santa Claus is bullied by corporate ninjas into commercializing Christmas. He retaliates by quickly learning kung fu. With his new skills he quickly fights off the bad guys. Unsatisfied by his victory, he sets out to battle the villains from all of the class Christmas stories, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Mr. Potter from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, and a certain Green Meanie. As he becomes drunk on his vigilante power trip to right the wrongs of commercialism, a Santa is forced by the courts to clear up a lawsuit from his clash with the corporate executive ninjas. As penance, he must conduct himself in a nice-

Santa manner hereafter.

Talking with the director of the performance Mrs. Owen, she was most pleased with her students. “I am really proud of our drama class because we decided to do the play in a very limited time span and were able to pull this all together in about five weeks - not a long time for a play, really. We had a very committed cast and crew and we couldn’t have done it without everybody’s input.”

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Getting your financial records ready for 2016 Agri-News “Financial record keeping is the part of farming that is rarely discussed or high on a farmer’s priority list,” says Dean Dyck, farm business management specialist, Alberta Ag-Info Centre Stettler. “It often takes a back seat to growing crops, fixing machinery or managing livestock until a banker or accountant schedules an appointment to review the farm’s finances.”

In 1988, John E. Carlson published an article in The Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers entitled Farmers’ Perceptions about the Management of their Farms.

He found that farmers admit to the importance of good record keeping but rank it fourth behind field work, buying and selling machinery and crops, and working on farm machinery. Only sixteen percent hired outside help for record keeping, 50 per cent did it themselves and 20 per cent named their spouse as the primary record keeper. Although this survey was completed over 25 years ago, Dyck says the results may be similar today even if the advent of computers has eased the burden of record keeping.

“There are many reasons why farmers’ financial management skills and literacy have been slower to develop compared to other industries. Although financial institutions require up-to-date statements, many farmers’ primary reason for record keeping is for Canada Revenue Agency reporting. Since cash basis accounting provides farmers with significant advantages in managing their tax liabilities, there is little incentive for them to prepare accrual financial statements, a primary management tool in other industries.”

Nonetheless, because farming is a complex business, accurate records and careful financial management serve many

purposes, says Dyck. “They can help increase profits by identifying profitable crop or livestock enterprises. They can help secure financing for the next production year and livestock/equipment/ land purchases. And, they can indicate the overall health of the farm business and provide direction for future management decisions.”

Dyck says that a strong farm financial plan should answer three questions: Where am I? Where am I going? and, How do I get there? “There are two key financial statements that every farm should prepare to answer those questions: a balance sheet and a cash flow. A balance sheet will give you the power to manage working capital and debt repayment capacity. Projecting a cash flow budget for 2016 is essential, particularly if you sold off livestock in 2015, lost part of your land base in a rental competition or paid too much to win that land rental competition. This budget will keep you focused on variable expenses (seed, fertilizer, chemical or feed) as well as fixed costs.”

“These statements will give you the power to manage risk. There is a lot of volatility in both grain and livestock markets and knowing your break even prices allows you to act when the market goes in your favour. Crop insurance is an important production risk management tool. A budget will allow you to compare your total production costs to your coverage levels and assess the exposure you face.”

Profitability in agriculture is cyclical by nature, adds Dyck. “Taking the time to focus on your farm’s financial picture will ensure that you can prosper and take advantage of profitable times in the future. If you have any questions on farm financial planning, give us a call at the Ag Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276).”

DECEMBER 30, 2015

CLIMATE CHANGE - CONTINUED FROM FRONT

In Calgary, 33% support the plan with 70% against it.

Outside the two major cities 18% support the plan and 72% oppose it. The province has touted its strategy as a way to improve Alberta’s environmental reputation and make pipeline projects an easier sell though 62% of those surveyed say the climate change strategy will not help pave the way for future pipeline approvals.

Wildrose official opposition leader Brian Jean said taxing everything will hurt the economy: “This new carbon tax will make almost every single Alberta family poorer, while accelerated plans to shut down coal plants will lead to higher power prices and further jobs losses.”

Paige MacPherson, Alberta director for Canadian Taxpayers Federation, felt similar, “Where did the Alberta government get the idea that Alberta families had an extra $900 lying around they didn’t want? This carbon tax is kicking Albertan families and businesses when they’re down. The price of clothing, food and everything transported will also increase. Shutting down coal-fired electricity plants and subsidizing green energy companies (corporate welfare by a friendlier name) will raise electricity prices. The province will lose investment, and rural communities will be hit hard. The negative impact that the carbon tax will have on Albertan families, businesses and rural communities far outweighs the infinitesimal impact on global climate change.”

According to Environment Minister Shannon Phillips, Alberta’s new climate change policy is being warmly received at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, which finished on the 11th of December. “The plan we have put forward enables us to take real action on climate change, protect our electricity market and responsibly transition away from coal to up to 30% renewable energy by 2030,” said Phillips. “This is good for our environment, good for our image in the world and good for the health of families.”

Dr. Andrew Leach, chairman of the climate change advisory panel and professor at the University of Alberta, said cost projections were based on current consumption levels and projections from Alberta Environment.

Energy Minister Margaret McCuaig-Boyd believes the plan will spur billions in new investments. “While this transition takes place, our government is committed to working with the companies operating in our competitive market, as well as those looking to invest to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.”

How does this hit the folk here at home? Some area residents said that acting to protect the environment is good, but like other pieces of recent legislation, this one may be coming on a bit too quickly for the pockets of average Albertans. “Don’t compromise energy affordability,” said one area resident. “Low income people [will] struggle to pay their heating bills if we rush into changing the renewable mix. Create a plan that represents economic stability and prosperity and responsible development. Take the time to get it right.”

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News Advertiser PAGE 13

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News Advertiser

Ask the Guys Dear Classified Guys, I've been looking for the perfect job for a long time, and a few weeks ago I picked up the classifieds and saw it in print.

Seizing the opportunity, I jazzed up my resume and landed an interview. I brushed up on my interview skills and even made my wife ask me questions so I could practice. I really felt prepared. Then on the day of my interview, I was totally disappointed. After meeting with the HR manager for a few minutes, he directed me to the guy doing the hiring, the new boss. I quickly realized this guy was completely unqualified to do an interview. At first he was vague about the job. Then once I got him talking, he turned out to be a total chatterbox. I don't think he asked but a few questions. I listened to him for almost 40 minutes. I like the company and the job as it was defined in the ad, but feel I got shafted on this interview. Are there any ways to salvage this opportunity?

• • •

Carry: Unfortunately when

you're hunting for a job, you don't always get to choose your boss.

Sometimes you have to make the best of the situation.

Cash: The circumstances you

Duane “Cash” Holze & Todd “Carry” Holze 12/27/15 ©The Classified Guys®

encountered are the reason many companies leave the hiring to a human resources department.

Some managers, while quite qualified to supervise a department, lack the skills to conduct a good interview.

Carry: It's unfortunate that you've run into that case.

However, all hope is not lost.

Cash: Considering how your interview unfolded, you may be in a better position than you think.

Even though you were not asked many questions about yourself, you obviously connected with "the boss" well enough for him to feel comfortable in talking about himself.

Carry: It may have simply been important for you to make a good

impression during the interview and not necessary to discuss your background in detail. If your resume is in order, and you listed your credentials effectively, then that may be enough to speak for your qualifications.

Cash: While your perception of the interview left you thinking it went poorly, your future boss may not have had the same opinion.

Allowing him to talk may have made a very good first impression.

After all, it's difficult to judge how well an interview goes when you're the one participating.

Carry: So for now, there may be no need to salvage anything.

Your best bet is to follow up with a thank you note and wait for the call for your perfect job!

DECEMBER 30, 2015

Fast Facts Good Job

Reader Humor Doesn't Add Up

Most people would love to have their dream job, but what is the perfect job? A new study released this year to find the best and worst jobs reviewed 200 professions based on five criteria including environment, income, physical demand, employment outlook and stress. The # 1 occupation was mathematician, followed by actuary, statistician, biologist and software engineer. The worst jobs, ranking with the lowest scores, were lumberjack, dairy farmer, taxi driver, seaman and EMT. But then again, the perfect job is the one you love!

After applying for a job and having two interviews with partners at an accounting firm, I was finally sitting in the manager's office to discuss salary. He was a jovial gentleman who tried to make me feel comfortable, but I was still nervous about receiving an offer.

As I sat there awaiting him to say something, he took out a piece of paper and said that he would write down an offer for a starting salary. When he finished, he folded it and pushed it across the desk.

Upon opening it, my eyes practically burst and I blurted out, "Wow, that's seven figures!"

"You're right," the manager laughed, "and as an accountant, your first job is to figure out where to put the decimal!"

(Thanks to David H.)

Keep Talking Almost anyone can carry out an interview, but not everyone is good at it. Celebrities like Oprah and Jay Leno have mastered the art and had great success with their careers.

Unfortunately, being a celebrity isn't enough to guarantee success.

The road to talk shows is littered with those who didn't quite make it.

Among the stars that tried their hand at interviewing were Chevy Chase, John McEnroe, Sharon Osborne, Richard Bey, Carnie Wilson, Richard Simmons, Magic Johnson and even the puppet Alf. •

•

•

Got a question, funny story, or just want to give us your opinion? Email us at: comments@classifiedguys.com.

Laughs For Sale This "hair" styling job will keep you hopping.

WANTED nal fessio Seeking Pro lists. ty S re a H mmission.

Salary + Co terview.

Call for an in

www.ClassifiedGuys.com APARTMENTS 1 & 2 bdrm suites with spacious storage.

Balcony.

Near Vegreville hospital, walking distance to Nofrill Superstore. Revin and Park are next to the building. Rent incl. water, heat and energized parking stall. 1 bdrm start from $795, 2 bdrm start from $895. SD start from $500. More info and viewing call 780-632-6878.

2 BEDROOM MAIN FLOOR SUITE NO SMOKE/NO PET CALL OR TEXT 780-218-2278 3 Bdrm, 2 bath large suite for rent. Includes garage, laundry, and utilities. Must be able to look after yard. $1400.00. Phone 780658-2221 SUITES FOR RENTStudios Alberta Ltd is accepting rental applications for immediate occupancy at its Landell Studios project at 5721 - 49A Street in Vegreville. Landell Studios offers affordable housing for single adults of any age.

Suites are totally self-contained 325 square foot studio, furnished with a fridge, stove, blinds and phone/ cable jacks. Rent is $440 per month (includes water/ sewer), and damage deposit is $440. Landell is ideal for persons receiving AISH, Social Assistance, an age or disability pension or some similar type of assistance.

Suites are single occupancy only. Further information and applications are available at www.studiosalberta. com or by calling 1-888963-5698.

2 Bdrm suite, includes utilities and laundry. N/S, N/P. $900.00. 780-658-2221

AUTOMOBILES

2000 Windstar.

Ex. engine & transmission.

Body damage. For parts $750. 780-922-5999 1978 Mercedes 280. 4dr.

Like new. 145,000kms only. $3600. 780-922-5999.

2002 Honda Civic, Standard Drives Excellent Needs TLC $3200 780-922-5999 2001 KIA, 4 cyl, 4 dr, standard, $1600. PH: 780-922-5999 Rare Super Charged 40th Anniversary Grand Prix.

Loaded. $4700. Phone 780-994-3005 2010 damaged Dodge Caliber 125,000kms. Drives excellent. For parts. $1500.

Phone 780-994-3005 Rare 2003 Acura Type S. Loaded. Ex. shape. $6700.

Phone 780-994-3005 2008 Touring Edition PT Cruiser, loaded. Only 36,000k, $8350. PH: 780994-3005

FEED Highland Feeders is purchasing feed barley. Please call the office at 780-768-2466.

Oats + Wheat Wanted.

Any condition, dry wet or heated. On farm pick-up.

Immediate payment. Toll free 1-866 349 2056

FARM LAND Looking for pasture and hayland. Min. 25 pair.

Hairy Hill/Vegreville or surrounding area. Phone Glen 780-208-0134

FOOD COMPUTERS VM SYSTEMS Looking for a new computer? VM SYSTEMS has all you’ll ever need in computers! Installation – Sales – Service – Internet. One call will get you in touch. Phone 780-632-2859 9am – 5pm.

THRILL DAD with 100% guaranteed, deliveredto - the - door O maha Steaks! SAVE 69%, plus 4 FREE Burgers - The Favorite Gift - ONLY $49.99! ORDER Today!

1-800- 483-3491 or use code mbdad75 at www.

OmahaSteaks.com / 49377JCF Honey for sale. 10 pounds $ 25. Phone 780-632-4077

EDUCATION 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a driver for Stevens Tr a n s p o r t !

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers earn $800+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs! 1-888-7346714 drive4stevens.com

ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTV Starting at $19.99 /mo.

FREE Installation. FREE 3 months of HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, & Starz. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included (Select Packages) New Customers Only.

CALL 1-800-370-1356

HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL NOW! 1-888-223-8818 Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian & International pharmacy service to compare prices & get $15 off your first prescription & FREE Shipping.

1-800-815-6059 VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping!

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VIAGRA & CIALIS! 50 pills for $95. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed.

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1-877-743-5419 VIAGRA! 52 Pills for only $99.00! The Original Blue Pill.

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Guaranteed Delivery Call 1-888-410-0514 VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 50 tabs $90 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888-836-0780 or MetroMeds.net

HELP WANTED Caretaker For Apartment Building Needed. Experience is not necessary as training will be provided. Retired single or couple is the most suitable and strongly encouraged to apply. Small repair skills an asset. Qualified candidate is expected to move into the building. Fax resume and application to: 780-488-8814 or e-mail: albertareal@telus.net F5 Entities Ltd 0/a Tim Hortons, Hiring 10 Food Counter Attendants, 6801 Highway 16A West, Vegreville, AB. Permanent, FT, PT, Shift, Weekend, Day, Night & Evening; $12.50/hr+ Benefits, , Start ASAP. No E xper ienc e / Educ ation required. Contact for job description. Apply in person or fax : 780-632-6032

HOMES FOR RENT 3 Bdrm Townhouse, $1090/ mo. available immediately.

Call Dave at 780-632-0321 or 780-932-0041 Advertise your rental property here for as little as $7.95 per week!

Executive 4 bdrm home for rent or sale - Vegreville 411448A St. . Completely Landscaped. Huge covered deck. Back alley access.

Extra wide 60 x 140 Lot. 2 car heated attached 24 x 24 garage. Oversized driveway.

4 bathrooms including 3 piece ensuite. 3 fireplaces.

Family room and living room. $1900/month. Call Gary 780-632-9454 2 bdrm Mobile Home, No pets PH: 780-208-9608 3 Bdrm Mobile Home, N/P. PH: 780-208-9608 Double Wide Mobile, newly renovated. N/P. PH: 780-208-9608 2 bdrm, $950/mo. D/D same.

Detached garage. 5617-50St. Vegreville PH: 780-974-4062 2 Bdrm/Main FLR, Furnished, N/S, N/P, 850/Mo DD + Util.

780-603-0833 3 bdrm/1 bth, N/S, N/P, avail imm. 632-7096 or 632-8882 Newly renovated, 3 bdrm, 2 bath house. Available immediately. Single car detached garage. Nice yard. New carpet and fresh paint. Please call or text 780-686-9608 Newer Home. 3 Bdrm, 2 bath, upstairs laundry, full basement, big yard. January 1, 2016. $1300.00.

Phone 780-658-2221

HOMES FOR SALE

HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB alert for seniors!

Bathroom falls can be fatal.

Safe Step Walk-In Tub, approved by Arthritis Foundation, therapeutic jets, less than 4” step-in, wide door, anti-slip floors, A mer ic an made.

Installation Included. Call 800-379-6390 for $750 off

New Year, New Career AVIATION Grads work with American, Boeing, Southwest and others- Get hands on maintenance training. Financial aid if qualified.

Call AIM 866-453-6204

MOBILE HOMES Lot for mobile home available. Located in trailer park.

Call Sue 403-823-4499

MISC.

900 gal poly water tank w/pump on trailer. $1500 PH: 780-367-2228 Protect Yourself From Unsafe Banks! DON’T BANK ON IT! Free book reveals 20 modern banking dangers such as cybercriminals, money-hungry politicians & Too-Big-To-Fail bankers. 800-893-261 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks.

Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1888-909-9905 18+.

A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today!

Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-217-3942 DISH TV Starting at $19.99/ month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $34.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877477-9659 CHILDREN’S BOOK – Looking for some wholesome reading material for your young reader? Check out Richard the Donkey and His LOUD, LOUD Voice at www.RichardTheDonkey. com

2 Black male cats, 6 months & 3 months. Phone 780632-7820 To give away kittens. Phone 780-688-2287

PERSONAL

Make a Connection. Real People. Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks.

Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+

TO GIVE AWAY

Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages & connect live. Try it free. Call now: 800-417-7304 Find the love you deserve!

Discover the path to happiness. New members receive a FREE 3-minute love reading!

Entertainment purposes only.

18 & over. 800-758-2304 ALL MALE HOT GAY HOOKUPS! Call FREE! 800450-0813 only 18 & over

TRAVEL CRUISE DEALS available for a limited time. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival and Norwegian.

Hurry as these offers won’t last! Call 877-270-7260 or go to NCPTRAVEL.COM to research.

NCL CRUISE SPECIAL Pick one - FREE Unlimited Beverages / FREE Specialty Dining / FREE WIFI / Free Shore Excursions! Hurry, limited time offer. Call for full details 877-270-7260 or go to NCPtravel.com

Death may be the most misunderstood subject in the world today, what is the truth about death? What happens when you die? Find out the truth about death and uncover the deadly deceptions. truthaboutdeath.com or call 632-3746

1993 Chev 4x4 Ext Cab. For parts. $650. 780-922-5999

POULTRY

2002 GMC 4x4 HD ¾ ton Service Truck 340k $3500 780-922-5999

For sale 6 month old laying hens. Phone 780-632-1340

REAL ESTATE

TRUCKS

1985 F350 Dually. Extra long flat deck, $1600.

780-922-5999 1997 Ford 7.3 Diesel, 4 x 4, missing transmission.

Nice deck, $2800. 780922-5999 2000 Dodge Dakota V8 4x4 Farm Truck. $1,600.

780-922-5999.

2006 Honda Pilot 6 passenger SUV. Loaded. $5750. 780-994-3005 1999 Chev Silverado 3/4T, 4x4. Good for farm. $1500.

Phone 780-994-3005 2004 Dodge Ram 4x4.

Body damage. Farm truck. $1800. Phone 780-9943005

DECEMBER 30, 2015

New, complete, exhaust system, fits GMC, Chev, crewcabs. $ 600.00.

Phone 780-632-9689 2001 Dodge Cummins Diesel. Sport, RWD, automatic. 196,000K, $11,500.

PH: 780-994-3005 2015 Chev 2500 Crew Cab 4X4 Short Box, Duramax Diesel, Z71 and Ultimate GFX packages.

Fully loaded with every option including heated steering wheel and heated and cooled seats.

18000km. Bumper to bumper warranty to 100,000km.

Asking $64,900. Must be seen to be appreciated! Phone 780-632-1685

WANTED CARBON CREDITS – Attention Farmers – Not Completed? Call Today!

780-603-0630, Crystal Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 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 danielleburnettifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information.

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News Advertiser PAGE 15

Passwords that pass the grade

Arthur Beaudette to three characters, there are 17576 possibilities. Continue Tech Talk forward and the math becomes quite daunting.

Is complexity the answer to your password security conLength is the most important factor in creating a secure cerns? password, according to a whitepaper A Practical Guide To Consider the difference between the following two Protecting Passwords And Your Data by Derek passwords: My Coffee Is Not Hot Enough and Melber, Microsoft, MVP. As you increase the pass2kfb04@1M. Which one do you think is harder to word length, you’re not just doubling the complexity; crack? Which would your favorite geek or IT profesyou are making the calculation exponentially harder sional tell you?

– to the point of rendering password attacks infeaThe answer is the former - it takes 763 nonillion sible. years. Why? Let’s get into some of the math behind By allowing users to use passphrases instead of it.

TECH TALK cryptic series of letters, numbers and symbols, you Compiled By: Despite the fact that My Coffee Is Not Hot Enough Arthur Beaudette are making your environment more secure and VM SYSTEMS doesn’t include any number of special characters, it users’ lives easier because they can now remember nearly doubles in length. Consider a basic password their passwords and the passwords are more secure. with only one lowercase letter “a,” the attacker would have 26 If you would like to discuss the security of your business possibilities to guess from A to Z. Now increase the password network, VM Systems has the expertise to ensure your IT length to two characters, the attacker would have to go systems run smoothly. through 676 possibilities. If you increase the password length

Learn to Skate and Pond Hockey at Myrnam this January Joe Machney Although the weather has been rather mild this past November, that hasn’t stopped the Learn to Skate and pond hockey program in Myrnam. The natural ice is being f looded at the Myrnam arena and the starting date for the Learn to Skate and pond hockey programs are set to begin in January of the New Year.

Since its inception a number of years ago, Dennis Machney has been the main organizer of both programs, having been a coach for his sons as they were growing up and playing hockey himself as a child and young man.

Dennis still continues to play for the Myrnam Crooked Shooters hockey club, so has another reason to look forward to ice being ready at the arena. Glenn Hladunewich has also been an intricate part in the organization of the Learn to Skate program. Many other members of the community, including parents and high school students have contributed to the overall success of this program.

The program is for kids aged 2 years old and older, up

until their late teens. According to Dennis, “It is a program that has several levels and does not only gear towards beginner skaters. There are different sections so that advanced can be in one area, and the first timers can be at the other end of the ice. We’ve had as much as four different levels going at the same time.” He was quick to add that, “It incorporates hockey skills as well that translate well to games and team play. So everyone has something that they can learn.”

In the past years the program has been run on Tuesday evenings, and it is their intention to continue that tradition.

The pond hockey program will run on Wednesdays, as it has in former years. Starting ages are children aged five to six and older. It is required that the participants have basic hockey equipment in order to play.

The contact for the Learn to Skate program is Dennis Machney, who can be reached at 780 210 0744, should you have any questions. For the Pond hockey program, people can contact Dennis Machney or Kathy Fedoriuk at 780 366 3782 for more information.

PAGE 16

News Advertiser

CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINET Residential / Commercial Kitchen Cabinets Custom Millwork Cabinet Doors

Dave Ph. (780) 632-4488 Shop Fax. (780) 632-6765 Cell. (780) 603-7922 email: dhorvat@telusplanet.net

“A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY & SERVICE”

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DECEMBER 30, 2015

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DECEMBER 30, 2015

MEMORIAM

News Advertiser PAGE 17

MEMORIAM

OBITUARY

LINDBALLE, Daniel Dean August 30, 1990 – January 4, 2007 In loving memory of a wonderful son and brother.

A million times we needed you, A million times we cried, If love alone would have saved you, You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still, In our hearts you hold a special place, No one can ever fill.

A light from our household is gone, A voice from our love is stilled, A vacant place within our home, Which never can be filled.

Some may think you are forgotten, Though on earth you are no more, But in our memory you are with us, As you always were before.

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

Your precious memories are keepsakes, With which we’ll never part, God has you in His keeping, We have you in our hearts.

Loving you always, Dad, Mom, and Brett

LAKUSTA, Sylvester John September 17, 1925 - December 21, 2015 Sylvester (Sylver) Lakusta of Two Hills passed away peacefully at the Vegreville Care Centre at the age of 90 years on December 21, 2015.

Sylver was a loving husband to Olga for 68 years, a strong father to Linda (Richard) Roye and Sharon Schmidt, and a doting grandfather to Shawnda (Shane) Beaudoin and Jaclyn (Jay) Schmidt. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary. Sylver was a family man, creating many lasting memories with his siblings, nephews, nieces, and extended family.

He lived a life full of passion and commitment for everything he put his mind to. He was respected in his community, dedicating countless hours to the Two Hills Senior Citizens’ Club, Two Hills Fish & Game Association, and his many other volunteer activities. He is remembered by many as the the town barber and for the billiards hall where he and his wife Olga kept all the local kids in line.

Sylver was a man of many hobbies and talents. He was a skilled snooker player, an enthusiastic fisherman, a greenthumbed gardener, and an innovative tinkerer - every scrap could be reinvented! He had compassion for all living things, and provided a caring home to many family pets over the years.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial dinner will be held at the Two Hills Senior Citizens’ Centre, 4903 47 Avenue, at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 23, 2016.

Donations may be made in Sylver’s memory to your local SPCA or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta.” To send condolences visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com Autumn Rose Funeral Home Ltd., Vegreville,780-603-5800

PREUSS, Karen Lynne (Blanche) June 9, 1960 – January 3, 1974 We seem to see in the soft dim light A face we love the best; Recalling her as the sun’s last rays Go down in the far-off west.

We miss her more as time goes on, We can never close our hearts; And the lamp of our love still burns.

Her heart the truest in the world, Her love the best to recall; None on earth could take her place, She is still the dearest of all.

Forever Remembered Mom, Brian, & Danny Preuss SARAFINCHAN, William In Loving Memory Of William Sarafinchan October 1, 1923 – December 27, 1997 Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn’s rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush Of quiet birds in circled flight I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not there; I did not die.

Forever remembered by your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren BOHAYCHUK, Aldine In loving memory of a dear daughter and sister who passed away on December 24, 2007.

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 all can hear.

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

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed

By Mother, sister, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews

HORON, MARGE In Loving Memory of Marge Horon who passed away Dec. 30, 2013.

A Wife, a Mother, a Grandma too, Sad are the hearts that loved you Silent are the tears that fall, Living life without you Is the hardest part of all.

Time speeds on, two years have passed Peacefully sleeping, resting at last.

A heart of gold, unselfish and kind, Few on this earth her equal to find.

In our hearts your memories stay true.

There’s not a day, I do not think of you.

Forever loved and deeply missed by your husband Larry, children Cindy (Brent), Linda (Bob) and all her grandchildren

FEDORUK, STEVE In loving memory of a dear Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather who passed away December 30, 2007.

We can not clasp your hand Your face we can not see.

But let this little token Tell that we still remember thee You left sweet memories to blossom Bearing fruit for years to come In the lives of those who loved you.

Precious memories of days that are gone.

It only takes a little space To write how much we miss you.

But it will take the rest of our lives To forget the day we lost you.

With All Our Love Love your wife Elsie, children Linda and Grant, Trudy and Grant, and all the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren

OBITUARY

LINDBALLE, Daniel Dean August 30, 1990 – January 4, 2007 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 hear How much we love and miss you And wish that you were here.

Always remembered and loved by Grandpa & Grandma Lindballe

WARAWA, Quentin Feb. 4, 1981 – Jan. 2, 1995 In Loving Memory Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near.

Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

Love Mom, Dad & Tami

TYMCHUK, Reginald Gerald October 4, 1937 – December 23, 2015 On Wednesday, December 23, 2015, Reginald Gerald Tymchuk of Vegreville, Alberta passed away at the age of 78 years.

Reginald will be remembered by his loving family: Wanda (Tim) and their son Ritchie: Darcy (Tracy) and their children Dayton, Karlee and Kamdyn: Tammy: Karen (Shaun) and their son Lucas; one sister Mary Jane; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Reginald was predeceased by his wife Dorothy; his parents Jack and Alice Tymchuk; his parents in law George and Zelda Giebelhaus; brother in law Harry Graschuk.

Cremation has taken place. A gathering of friends will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Salem United Church Fund. To send condolences visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com Autumn Rose Funeral Home Ltd., Vegreville,780-603-5800

Annie Yaniw April 24, 1922 - December 23, 2015 It is with profound sadness and gentle relief the family announces that Annie Yaniw passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 in Vegreville, Alberta at the age of 93 years.

Annie will be lovingly remembered by her three children Allan, Shirley, and Elaine (Gunter), her brothers Nick (Mary) and Cecil Yarmoloy. Annie was predeceased by her parents John and Pearl Yarmoloy, her brother Peter, and her husband Sam. In keeping with Annie’s wishes, there will be no formal service and cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Instead of flowers or donations, an act of kindness in Annie’s memory would be appreciated. A special thank you to the staff of Century Park and Vegreville Manor for their kind and compassionate care during these past two years.

BEZUBIAK, Anne July 12, 1926 – December 26, 2015 On Saturday, December 26, 2015, Anne Bezubiak of Mundare, Alberta peacefully passed away at the age of 89 years.

Anne is survived by her loving family: four grandchildren Michael (Wanda) Stepchuk and their children Rebecca and Caitlin: Michelle (Lance) Scott and their son Michael: Jennifer (Robert) Crosbie and their children Logan and Kohlson: Christopher (Penny) Ulan and their daughter Allison; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Anne was predeceased by her husband Mike; two daughters Lorraine Bezubiak and Janice Ulan; her parents Kost and Mary; one sister Josephine (Hans) Balsiger.

At Anne’s request a Private Divine Liturgy will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mundare, Alberta with the Basilian Fathers officiating. Interment to follow in the Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta.” To send condolences visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com Autumn Rose Funeral Home Ltd., Vegreville,780-603-5800

OLAH, Julius On December 27, 2015 Mr. Julius Olah of Vegreville passed away at the age of 89 years. Julius is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ruby; his children, Tom (Nancy) Olah, Frances Nicholson, Marie (Ron) Eade, Judy (Don) Schuler and Ron (Connie) Olah; seventeen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and siblings, Anne (Lloyd) Micku, Frank (Pat) Olah, Lena (Vern) Dyrland, and John Olah.

Predeceased by his parents, Julie and John; and one sister, Helen.

Funeral service Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, 4814-50 Street, Vegreville. Mr. Keith Nuttall officiating with interment in Riverside Cemetery, Vegreville. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Society.

To send condolences, visit www.parkmemorial.com PARK MEMORIAL LTD. VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000 FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME

PAGE 18

News Advertiser

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DECEMBER 30, 2015

Canadian economy will remain sluggish in 2016 Jock Finlayson Troy Media As the clock ticks down on 2015, it is time to ponder what may lie ahead for the Canadian economy. The near-term picture isn’t particularly heartening. After a disappointing 2015 that included a minor “technical” recession in the first half of the year, Canada looks poised for a somewhat better, but still generally lackluster, performance.

The Canadian economy continues to be weighed down by sluggish world growth and dismal commodity markets. The global outlook remains subdued.

Nor are there many signs suggesting an imminent rebound in commodity prices. The Bank of Canada’s commodity price index has been sliced in half since mid-2014 and is now back to where it stood in 2003. Moreover, the commodity downturn is not just about oil; it also extends to natural gas, coal, base and precious metals, uranium, potash, and other industrial raw materials.

Taken together, the resource-based sectors listed in the previous sentence supply about two-fifths of our merchandise exports.

That said, within the Canadian commodity basket, oil undoubtedly looms largest. Two years ago, before prices began to collapse, oil and natural gas combined accounted for one-quarter of the nation’s exports, and the energy and pipeline industries were responsible for more than a third of all business capital spending. So the dramatic decline in oil and natural gas prices has delivered a punishing blow to our economy, dampening both private sector incomes and government revenues and triggering a broad slump in business investment.

Turning to the domestic economy, record levels of household debt and stretched urban housing markets will keep a lid on gains in consumer outlays and residential investment in the next two years. Housing-related spending has been run-

ning ahead of demographic and economic fundamentals and is overdue to downshift. As a result, housing is expected to contribute little to economic growth over 2016-17.

Business investment is on track for a second annual slide in 2016, led by further cuts in capital budgets by oil, gas, and mining companies. Stepped-up infrastructure investment and a dose of fiscal stimulus from the newly-elected federal government should offset some of the weakness in private sector demand.

However, it must be noted that a number of provincial governments are not in a financial position to join Ottawa in a multi-year program to boost infrastructure spending.

For Canada, the main positive features of the current economic setting are the ongoing expansion in the United States and the short-term advantages conferred by a plunging Canadian dollar that has lost 30 per cent of its value against the U.S. currency in the last three years. Near record-low borrowing costs are also providing support to domestic demand - and will continue to do so as the Bank of Canada keeps its short-term interest rate at rock bottom levels over 2016.

Looking ahead, an important unknown is the extent of the anticipated recovery in Canada’s non-energy-exports. So far, the growth of non-energy exports has been underwhelming, in part reflecting the post-2007 hollowing out of the Canadian manufacturing base and the disappearance of thousands of firms in the sector. These latter developments put a question mark over the growth potential for Canadian manufacturing, even with a more competitive exchange rate.

In the past decade, the geographic centre of gravity in North America for manufacturing production and related investment has moved inexorably southward, mainly benefitting the southern U.S. states and Mexico. It is doubtful that a period of Canadian dollar weakness will be sufficient to reverse this pattern, although it may stem further losses of Canadian production capacity and prompt some manufacturers to channel more capital spending to their Canadian operations.

In the meantime, several Canadian industries that produce tradeable services - everything from engineering, finance and scientific and technical services to education, IT-based services, and tourism - arguably will have better growth prospects than manufacturers or resource producers over the next few years.

Canadian policy-makers would be wise to pay attention to the upside opportunities which exist in tradeable services.

Add it all up, and Canada should be able to crank out real economic growth in the vicinity of 1.6 per cent next year, a slight improvement on 2015’s roughly one per cent gain, but certainly nothing to get excited about. As the sun sets on 2015, Canadians have few reasons to feel ebullient about the country’s economic prospects in the coming year.

Troy Media columnist Jock Finlayson is Executive Vice President of the Business Council of British Columbia.

DECEMBER 30, 2015

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Andrew students donate to food bank Andrew students learn school bus safety

Gr. 3 students helped Assistant Principal Mr. Cruickshank collect all the Andrew School donations for the Andrew FCSS Food Bank.(L-r) Bryce Dalpe,Blair Habart,Preston Burback,Kaley Matte,Kaige Grosul, Nola Sagstuen & Abby Kapicki. (Photos supplied)

Andrew School Submitted At the beginning of December, Andrew School students began preparing and collecting for the local Food Bank located at Andrew Family & Community Support Services (FCSS). Students wrapped boxes in bright Christmas paper and asked students and staff for donations of non-perishable food items.

On Thursday, December 17th, all the items were collected and taken to the FCSS office for distribution prior to Christmas. A hats off to everyone who donated so that others could enjoy their Christmas celebration.

Andrew School kindergarten students listen carefully as they receive instructions on where to stand while waiting for their school bus. (Photos Submitted)

Andrew School Submitted Christine Hogan, Julie Ptasznyk and Erika Colbourne from Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Student Transportation spent part of December 14 with the Andrew School kindergarten students teaching school bus safety. These little students learned some valuable lessons on how far away they should be from the bus when it stops to pick them up, how to board the bus properly, how to sit and behave on the bus, and how to safely get off the bus in the event of an accident. As a reward for listening so well, each student received a stuffed Elwood the Elk to keep.

Crafty elves make the season warm To keep children engaged in creativity during the holiday season, Vegreville Centennial Library and FCSS put on a crafty afternoon on December 21 at Vegreville Centennial Library. The children in this photo are holding the different projects they made out of beads and pipe cleaners, jars and Popsicle sticks they painted where the kids wrote what activity they planned to do with their family on the sticks. Some of the kids are displaying the picture frames they painted which might hold their most special Christmas memory. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

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W E D N E S D AY, d e c e m b e r 3 0 , 2 015

Christopher Ziegler: New M.O.D.E.L Project Coordinator Christopher Ziegler is the new M.O.D.E.L Project Coordinator. Ziegler believes that issues with children need to be address when they are as young as possible. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier M.O.D.E.L Project and the Community of Vegreville are excited to announce the arrival of Christopher Ziegler, new M.O.D.E.L Project Coordinator. Mr. Ziegler resides with his partner in Ryley but he hopes to move to Vegreville in the near future. “I’ve been looking around the Town of Vegreville and I have been really impressed with what I have seen so far,” Ziegler said.

“Initially, I spent 25 years in Whitehorse and worked for the Yukon Government in Whitehorse in Health and Social Services; predominately with youth in different departments and at different capacities. This covered mental and physical health, alcohol and drug services, youth justice and more services,” Ziegler said.

“I got to be a teen leader, supervisor and counselor.

I enjoy working with youth a lot; they keep a person young. For the last two and a half years, I also worked at a school in Clyde as a success coach where I had to wear a number of different hats. There was a high case load with a lot of issues going on. There is no comparison to what a success coach did in Clyde to what they do in Vegreville. I had a position similar to

a counselor; running programs, doing a lot of disciplinary issues at the school with the principal and vice-principal involved. Because Clyde is so small, the school is almost the focal point; like a community center. I had a lot of walk-in parents and grandparents who also needed help and referrals.

“I completed a college program in Human Services called Criminology. Then I went into a Social Work program and supplemented that by taking a Criminal Justice Certificate Program at Yukon College also.

“I feel a program like M.O.D.E.L Project is so essential within a community because there is the prevention aspect where you address issues that come with children at a younger age. When you do this in later years, it can be almost too late.

“Ways for people to have good mental health is to have the services in place, to have a community that is open, accepting and not judgmental. In a lot of places, the labels are too quick. I don’t think people should be fearful of the word mental health. We need to acknowledge there is an issue going on and we need to work on it. Let’s make a community that is well as a whole and help people as we go that way.

We have to retain that focus.

“People need to address issues and not let issues fester; they call depression an any-person’s disease. I think we need to remain focused on that and not be fearful of that. People can’t fix depression alone; they need help and need to have people and a community that will take on a supportive role for them. I think it starts at the grassroots level.

“What excites me the most about my new position is the staff we have in place. They are wonderful people and they have already humbled me in a lot of ways from seeing the relationships they have built with agencies, individuals, the schools and kids; it’s amazing. To talk to them collectively and hear their ideas blows me away. I think that these are people who are in the right profession for the right reasons.

“I hope to add something to M.O.D.E.L Project; my vision is to continue to grow this service and make it something that Vegreville and the schools can be proud of. I want to see us address the mental health issues as they come up. I think they are getting very complex in the society we live in now. That reflects on our children; if I can do a small portion to help alleviate that anxiety and stress that children are experiencing; that is where I want to be focused.

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Christmas Bureau recieves donations

Joanne Veldkamp, Chairwoman of the Vegreville Christmas Bureau, and Ann Waters,Vice Chairwoman of the Christmas Bureau, were happy to receive a cheque from Vegreville’s Freemasons from St. John’s Lodge #25. Past Master Andy Herbert presented a cheque to the bureau in the amount of $500.

(Michael Simpson/Photo)

Joanne Veldkamp, Chairwoman for the Vegreville Christmas Bureau , was joined by Ann Waters, Vice Chairwoman of the bureau, and Cindy Herbert, Secretary for the Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch #39 as Mrs.Herbert presented a cheque for $200 to the bureau on behalf of the Auxiliary just before Christmas on Dec. 23. (Michael Simpson/Photo)

Preschool fundraiser a good partnership with local businesses The Vegreville Preschool Association is a nonprofit, curriculum based, early childhood education program that prepares preschool aged children with the skills required for the start of a successful school experience. The VPA prides itself on keeping enrollment fees low in order to make our program accessible to all families.

Because of this, the VPA relies a great deal on

our families and our community for financial support through fundraising and donations.

When I accepted the position of Fundraising Coordinator, I knew I wanted to keep a large portion of our fundraising dollars in the community as well as provide our families with quality fundraisers. I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of Vegreville’s local business community and their support for the Vegreville Preschool. I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to these businesses and let the readers of the Vegreville News Advertiser know just how much we appreciate all of the support we have received from this incredible community.

Great support from Boston Pizza Vegreville, Vegreville Value Drug Mart

and Vegreville Dairy Queen for helped give the fundraising campaign strong financial support.

Also, Gina Mabbitt Photography’s gracious donation of her exceptional talent and time to our Christmas Mini Sessions helped not only raise a huge amount of money for the Vegreville Preschool but also gave our families a gift to treasure for years to come.

Arthur Beaudette and his team at the Vegreville News Advertiser Print Shop have been integral in executing our VPA Art Card Fundraiser. The service I received from the moment Arthur offered his printing services to the assistance I have received with selling and packaging the cards has been exceptional. Arthur and his team made this fundraiser a reality and it has been a great success. It has truly been a pleasure to work with the News Advertiser; the preschool is grateful for their generosity and time.

Lastly, to all of our volunteers and families that give their time and support, I am constantly amazed by your generosity and spirit.

Preschoolers in this community are so very fortunate to be growing up in such a nurturing, caring and generous town.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Dixon Fundraising Coordinator Vegreville Preschool

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Can’t get no satisfaction in the New Year?

Michael Simpson Editor New Years…

Older, fatter, a little more exhausted. Some a little saggier, some a little poorer, pants a little tighter, or a lot, depending on how merciless the fates have been and how tenacious the appetite has been.

New Years can be a vicious time of reflection in our lives, one complete with all the wallowing that inevitably give rise to a rash of short-lived promises to better oneself from having a better attitude, losing weight, eating better (I’m excited about my new juicer that my sister gave me this Christmas!) or just planning to be more of everything and anything in general.

That’s great. Good luck with that.

Is New Years’ really that time where we fool ourselves we’ll kick all our bad, comforting habits for good – and we really only mean until sometime in February? Let’s face it – changing one habit or two while trying to live your life as you have in previous years is akin to trying to stop a flood with a single finger.

What is it that really needs changing?

Is it us? Are we not good enough as we are?

Where did we even get that idea anyway?

Was in comparing ourselves to others around us, or what we see in that mass consciousness known as mainstream media?

Are we bad? Somehow from cheeseburger to

cheeseburger did we cross a line between acceptable and unacceptable?

These are rhetorical questions of course. The answer is no – we’re not bad. Sure it’s fun to set these “short term” goals, but stats show that six months later only half of us will still be in the game. And then, for those who let go of the resolution, curve back to their normal path, are there feelings of regret, acceptance or disappointment left to contend with?

Sometimes. Yes sometimes we feel bad as we head back to that cheeseburger. But only until the first bite. Then remorse flees in the face of satisfaction.

Perhaps, however, we’re chasing the wrong sort of satisfaction in our lives. If it’s an endless drive to eat more, spend more, drink more, enjoy life to the fullest (usually a combination of the first three all at once), perhaps that’s the thing we’re missing the point on.

How many of us resolve to do more to help others in the New Year. Stats show that is somewhere around 8th place, just before falling in love and spending more time with family.

So… if you want to feel good, but hate that feeling of giving something up… then I say a possible solution could be to find a way to help others more. This means anything from becoming a volunteer at your kid’s school, working at the Food Bank, taking a skill you have and volunteering it to teach to others such as art classes

or working on crafts. You could join a service club and follow a structured plan to help others.

I will single out the Lions and Rotary Clubs as having active projects in the coming years that are very family-oriented. There are also the Elks, the Royal Purple, the Kinsmen, Kinettes, for kids there’s Interact, the Rotary Youth chapter in Vegreville. There’s 4H clubs galore depending on your interests, girl guides, scouts, brownies, pathfinders and more. There’s groups like the Vegreville Transportation Services Society, Meals on Wheels, and so on.

If this newspaper has seen coverage of any one major thing in its time, it’s charity. And above all other things we report on, we notice that the volunteers who are doing the work are smiling, and they’re happy. The kind of lasting happy that doesn’t require you to run yourself to death on a treadmill, or stare at cheesecake and cry. It’s a calorie free, no fitness test, no judgment, sleep better at night kind of happy. If you don’t believe me, keep picking up our paper in the new year and watch for the articles on what volunteers are doing in the community, and how they feel while they’re doing it.

It’s that kind of self-improvement satisfaction we think we’ll achieve when we resolve to focus only on ourselves, and it lasts all year-round.

Try it (with or without a fresh, organic non-soy gluten free all natural humanely harvested glass of juice) and see how you feel this coming year.

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December 30, 2015

International

Give a Gift New Year’s Day was once the time to swap presents.

• Gifts of gilded nuts or coins marked the start of the new year in Rome.

• Eggs, the symbol of fertility, were exchanged by the Persians.

• Early Egyptians traded earthenware flasks.

• In Scotland, coal, shortbread and silverware are exchanged for good luck.

• Put Your Best Foot Forward • In Scotland, the custom of first-footing is an important part of the celebration of Hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve Day. • This practice holds that the first foot to cross a threshold after midnight will predict the next year’s fortune. Although the tradition varies, those deemed especially fortunate as “first footers” are new brides, new

Cemetery Sleepover (Chile)

mothers, those who are tall and dark (and handsome?) or anyone born on January 1.

Turn Over a New Leaf The dawn of a new year is an opportune time to take stock of your life.

• Jews who observe Rosh Hashanah make time for personal introspection and prayer, as well as visiting graves.

• Christian churches hold “watch-night” services, a custom that began in 1770 at Old St. Georges Methodist Church in Philadelphia.

• The practice of making New Year’s resolutions, said to have begun with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C., is another way to reflect on the past and plan ahead.

In Chile families spend the night in the company of their deceased loved ones by sleeping at the cemetery.

Animal Whispering (Romania) Just like in Belgium, Romanian farmers try to communicate with their cows. If they succeed, however, then it means bad luck for the year.

Bread Power (Ireland) In Ireland they hit the walls with bread to get rid of evil spirits

Furniture Disposal (South Africa) In some parts of South Africa they throw furniture out the window

Frozen Trunks (Siberia) Just as you might expect, in Siberia they jump into frozen lakes carrying tree trunks

Metal Casters (Finland)

Mulled Cider Hot cider fills the house with a delicious fragrance. Make it for brunch or just to have throughout a holiday.

Ingredients 1 gallon apple cider 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 cinnamon sticks, broken into small pieces 8 to 10 whole cloves 3 to 4 strips lemon peel or orange peel Instructions

108 Rings (Japan) In Japan they ring all of their bells 108 times

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1 orange, thinly sliced Instructions Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan or pot, adjusting sugar to taste, and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve in mugs, or pour into a punch bowl and serve warm in cups.

Yield: Makes 10 to 12 servings.

settle their differences. They then start the year off on a clean slate.

in alignment with the Buddhist belief that

Dropping Icecream (Switzerland)

this brings cleanness. It’s also considered

In Switzerland they celebrate the New Year

good to be smiling going into the New Year

by dropping ice cream on the floor.

as it supposedly brings good luck.

Takanakuy Festival (Peru)

Make Some Noise

Light Wassail Wonderful with just the right amount of spices. A great drink any time, especially during the holidays and colder months when one is tired of hot chocolate. The kids will like it too.

Ingredients 1 gallon apple cider 2 cups cranberry juice 1/2 to 1 cup brown sugar, to taste 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Give a Gift

Combine the cider and brown sugar in a large stainless steel or enameled pot. Tie the cinnamon, cloves, and peel in cheesecloth, and add to the cider. Slowly bring just to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove the spice bag and serve hot.

Yield: Serves 8 to 10.

• In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons.

• In China, firecrackers routed the forces of darkness.

• In the early American colonies, the sounds of pistol shots rang through the air.

• Today, Italians let their church bells peal, the Swiss beat drums, and the North Americans sound sirens and party horns to bid the old year farewell.

Eat Lucky Food Many New Year’s traditions surround food. Here are a few: • In the southern US, black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune. See our recipe for Good Luck Hoppin’ John.

• Eating any ring-shaped treat (such as a donut) symbolize “coming full circle” and leads to good fortune. In Dutch homes, fritters called olie bollen are served.

• The Irish enjoy pastries called bannocks.

• The tradition of eating 12 grapes at

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Every year at the end of December people

Coin Tossing (Romania) In Romania they throw their spare coins into the river to get good luck.

in this small Peruvian village fist fight to

midnight comes from Spain.

• In India and Pakistan, rice promises prosperity.

• Apples dipped in honey are a Rosh Hashanah tradition.

• In Swiss homes, dollops of whipped cream, symbolizing the richness of the year to come, are dropped on the floors (and allowed to remain there!)

Drink a Beverage Although the pop of a champagne cork signals the arrival of the New Year around the world, some countries have their own traditions.

• Wassail, the Gaelic term for “good health” is served in some parts of England.

• Spiced “hot pot” is the Scottish version of Wassail. It’s customary to drink a glass or two at home before sharing with neighbors.

• In Holland, toasts are made with hot, spiced wine.

George Washington’s Christmas Eggnog Here is a recipe from our first President, in the exact words they were written by George Washington himself.

This was one of his favorite concoctions for celebrating Christmas at Mount Vernon.

You’ll notice he pinpointed the exact amount of brandy, whiskey, rum and sherry to be used—but failed to include the number of eggs. So for that part, you’ll just have to wing it…

“One quart cream, one quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one pint brandy, ½ pint rye whiskey, ½ pint Jamaica rum, ¼ pint sherry—mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let set in cool place for several days. Taste frequently.”

In Finland people predict the coming year by casting molten tin into a bucket of water and interpreting the resulting shape.

Effigy Burning (Panama) In Panama effigies of everyone and anyone famous are burned as a way to start the new year off with good luck

Cranberry Punch Chill all the ingredients before making this festive punch. If you prefer, use unsweetened cranberry/raspberry juice and sweeten to taste with superfine sugar.

Ingredients 2 bottles (32 ounces each) cranberry juice cocktail 1 quart orange juice 1 lemon, sliced and seeded 1 quart ginger ale Instructions Just before serving, combine the chilled ingredients in a punch bowl. Add ice if you wish.

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New Years Factoids In Colombia, Cuba and Puerto Rico, some families stuff a large doll, which is called Mr. Old Year, with memories from the past year. They also dress him in clothes from the outgoing year. At midnight, he is set ablaze, thus burning away the bad memories.

It’s good luck to eat foods like black eyed peas, ham and cabbage because it is thought they bring prosperity.

But if you want to have a happy new year, don’t eat lobster or chicken.

Lobsters can move backward and chickens can scratch in reverse, so it is thought these foods could bring a reversal of fortune.

Yield: Serves 12 to 14.

International Round Things (Philippines) In the Philippines it’s all about the cash. They believe that everything should be round so as to represent coins and bring wealth. Round food, round clothes, as long as it’s round.

Colored Underwear (South America) In some South American countries wearing colored underwear will determine your fate for the new year.

Red underwear means you’ll find love. Gold means wealth, and white signifies peace.

Real Eggnog Ingredients 12 egg yolks 1 cup superfine sugar 1 quart milk 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 quart half-and-half 1 to 2 cups rum (optional) freshly grated nutmeg

New Years Factoid Time Square New Year’s Eve Ball was first dropped in 1907 after there was a fireworks ban. Back then, a 700-pound ball embellished with 25-watt bulbs made of iron and wood was dropped. Now, however, it weighs 11,875 pounds, is 12 feet in diameter and is adorned with 2,668 Waterford crystals.

Instructions Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl, until smooth. Combine milk, cinnamon, and cloves in a large saucepan and heat slowly

New Year’s History and Traditions The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back to ancient times. In 2000 B.C., the Babylonians celebrated the New Year for 11 days (starting with the vernal equinox). One popular resolution was the returning of borrowed farm equipment (which makes sense for an agriculturally based society).

The Babylonian New Year was adopted by the Romans as was the tradition of resolutions. The timing, however, eventually shifted with the Julian calendar. The Romans named the first month “January,” in tribute to Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and the guardian of gates and doors.

Janus was pictured as two-faced so that one face looked forward into the future while the other took a retrospective view.

Janus presided over the temple of peace,

where the doors were opened only during wartime. It was a place of safety, where new beginnings and new resolutions could be forged.

If you think about the land and the seasons, the timing of early January makes sense for most of North America. The active harvesttime has passed, we have turned inward to time with family, and the holiday frenzy is over.

As our founder, Robert B. Thomas, said, this is a time “of leisure to farmers … settle accounts with your neighbors … now having been industrious in the summer, you will have the felicity of retiring from the turbulence of the storm to the bosom of your family.” It is a good time to pause and reflect.

until mixture just reaches a boil. In a thin stream, whisk the hot milk into the yolks and sugar, whisking constantly. Return mixture to pan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until mixture coats the back of the spoon (about 12 minutes; do not let mixture boil). When thick, pour into a large bowl and let cool. Stir in the half-and-half and rum, if using. Chill for 3 hours or overnight. Sprinkle each serving with grated nutmeg.

Yield: Makes 10 to 12 servings.

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Hogmanay (Scotland) The birthplace of “Auld Lang Syne” is also the home of Hogmanay (hog-mah-NAY), the rousing Scottish New Year’s celebration (the origins of the name are obscure).

One of the traditions is “first-footing.” Shortly after midnight on New Year’s eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year’s wishes.

Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread.

It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party

Times Square The first rooftop celebration atop One Times Square, a fireworks display, took place in 1904 and was produced

by The New York Times to inaugurate their new headquarters in Times Square and celebrate the renaming of Longacre Square to Times Square.

China As most people already know, the Chinese New Year is not on January 1, but they still celebrate old traditions to ring in their new start. Every front door is painted with a fresh coat of red paint, symbolizing good luck and happiness. Also, families prepare feasts without using knives. All knives are put away for 24 hours to keep anyone form cutting themselves, because it is thought to cut the families’ good luck for the year.

The first ball dropping celebration atop One Times Square was held on December 31, 1907.

In 1942 and 1943 the ball lowering was suspended due to the wartime dimout. The crowds who still gathered in Times Square celebrated with a minute of silence followed by chimes ringing out from an amplifier truck parked at One Times Square.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, we are sure to make plans for our New Year’s resolutions. Some people may choose to quit smoking and/or dinking, get out of debt, learn new skills, or lose weight and live a more active lifestyle. Over the next week or two, I will dive into these resolutions and list the top 10 products that will help you and/or your customers achieve their goals and promote your business at the same time. Stay tuned!

England The first guest to arrive at their home is believed to hold their good fortune. They believe it should be a man bearing gifts, such as coal for the fire or a loaf of bread for the table. The guest will enter through the front door and exit out the back. Any guest who shows up empty handed or unwanted will not be allowed to enter the home first. - See more at: https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/ blog/new-years-traditions-facts-around-theworld/#sthash.UDOmGSuX.dpuf

Did you know any of these New Year facts already? How will you celebrate this year? Will you make a new tradition or maybe incorporate one from another country?

Let us know in the comments below!

Traditions New Year’s is the time when many people traditionally make resolutions to break bad habits or start good ones.

Ancient Persians gave New Year’s gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness.

Most New Year’s traditions are believed to ensure good luck for the coming year. Many parts of the U.S. observe the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck.

December 30, 2015

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St. John’s Lodge donates to Food Bank

News Advertiser insider PAGE 7

Kalyna Quilt presentation

On December 4, 2015, the Kalyna Country Quilter Guild presented the Community Association for Lasting Success with a “Charity Quilt”. This quilt was made with loving hands and given to a charity to use as needed for a fundraiser, raffle or for a family in need. This quilt- made from pieces- as a whole, represents the way in which communities are strengthened by the collective actions of caring individuals. (Dee Palichuk/Submitted)

Vegreville’s St. John’s Lodge #25 presented a cheque to the Vegreville Food Bank, received by Phyllis Warburton from Lodge Past Master Andy Herbert for the amount of $500. (Cindy Herbert/Photo)

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St. Martin’s 4-6 Christmas concert

Rosanne Fortier Editor’s Note: In light of the fact that this article was intended to run in our December 23rd issue but was the victim of an internal gaffe, we have opted to rerun the article the following week that the children who made such a great effort to entertain and express Christmas spirit may be recognized for their efforts in full. We apologize for the previous error.

St. Martin’s School Grades four to six presented a Christmas concert that waved the tinsel of the future on December 16.

Videos created by Digital Design were titled Get the Party Started, What Happens in Santa School, The Christmas Story and What Elves Do in Their Spare Time. The ones with a comedic theme made audiences laugh while the spiritual ones created a peaceful feeling in the audience.

A new twist was presented with Frosty the Snowman, and Sleigh Ride poured with creativity as the students performed music through the beating of red ‘solo’ cups. An impressive dance was performed to All I Want for Christmas is You, the same song a St. Martin’s flash mob performed at Tim Horton’s earlier this month.

Love for Jesus glowed with the talented, upbeat and youthful voices as they sang, This Little Light of Mine while their glow sticks danced to the rhythm of the song. This was followed

by Joy to the World. The song One Bright Star, offered an additional spiritual feel.

Then all the students entered the stage and sang a heartfelt performance of ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’ in French.

The finale was Hip-Hop Reindeer which completed the perfect tape on the gift of music the kids cheerfully gave the audience throughout the evening.