A Load of Festive Fun
Dancing fun. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Alberta RCMP Submitted
On Dec. 23, 2024, at approximately 12:10 p.m., members of the Tofield RCMP
Detachment attended a rural residence located in Beaver County to arrest a male wanted on outstanding warrants.
Members established containment, notified the neighbouring residents for safety, and
the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team from Edmonton arrived to provide assistance. Unfortunately, during the interaction the male was fatally injured. Life saving measures were immediately attempted but were unsuccessful and he succumbed to his injuries on scene. No other members of the public or RCMP officers were injured.
Alberta RCMP Officer Involved in Shooting in Beaver County
In compliance with legislative requirements, the Director of Law Enforcement was immediately notified resulting in the deployment of ASIRT to conduct an independent investigation. The RCMP believes in accountability and transparency and in so doing will provide full support to the ASIRT investiga-tors. Events like this are difficult for everyone involved.
90 Years Ago – January 2, 1935
Commencing January 1st. 1935, all persons possessing pistols and revolvers must register the same.
The presidency of the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce depended upon the flip of a coin on Monday when C.W. Clifton assumed that chair.
The record of attendance for the Shandro school for four fall months in both rooms of the school is ex-cellent in spite of the fact that three neighboring schools were closed and others were badly hit on ac-count of measles. Bukowina, to the west, Willingdon to the south, and Ispas to the east, were closed, and the senior room of this school has a percentage of 99.1 for December.
A new chopping mill in Willingdon has been just put into working order by Mr. G.P. Fedorak.
Corporal Warke of the office staff of the RCMP has been promoted to the rank of Acting Sergeant, ac-cording to orders received this morning.
Emergency freight rates on low-grade wheat destined for United States drought areas became effective December 31. The new rate will apply to No. 6 wheat and frosted grades labeled as unfit for human con-sumption.
75 Years Ago – January 4. 1950
Marquis wheat and OAC 21 barley have been removed from the recommended list of grains of Alberta farmers, Hon. David Ure, Minister of Agriculture for the provincial government, said. Thatcher and Saunders wheat are the two main varieties in the province, according to Mr. Ure, while Montcalm and Oill are the favored malting barleys. In Oats the new variety, Beaver, is recommended for the first but only in the gray soil area of the west and north.
Rumors current over the past few days that the Canadian National Railways were about to curtail pas-senger services on most of its lines, were confirmed officially this week. The service here is cut to 3 days a week, each way. The CNR gives the shortage of coal all over Canada, but particularly in the East, as the reason for the cut in services.
Miss Charlotte Horton, RN, left for Lacombe on January 2nd to take up new duties on the staff of the Lacombe Municipal Hospital. Second Lieut. Jim Ross left for Camp Borden, Ontario on Tuesday to receive his commission in the Ca-nadian Army. Jim will be gone for a matter of 6 months.
50 Years Ago – January 2, 1975
Town employees and members of Diachuk Construction and Twin Lakes Construction were called out in force on the weekend of December 21st to clean up the aftermath of the real first snowstorm of the cur-rent winter.
A very special commitment has been made by members of our community, Mundare Ukrainian Catho-lic Youth Club of Mundare, Alberta has joined the Foster Parents Plan of Canada. They have ‘adopted’ little Diny Tat Coung aged five years of Viet Nam. The Club’s monthly contribution of $17 brings material and financial assistance to both child and family and is aimed at strengthening the family unit by helping each member.
Rev. R. Seal, minister of the Vegreville United Church was the guest speaker at the Christmas meeting of the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce and pointed out the discrepancies in the distribution of wealth between the affluent Western world and other areas which are faced with continual poverty.
An excellent program of carol singing by local choirs and participation by the audience was sponsored by the Wendy Brook W.I. at the Composite High School on Sunday evening, December 22. A featured guest for the program was Sgt. Garth Hampson of Ottawa is a soloist with the famed Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride.
25 Years Ago – January 4, 2000
The four candidates who will be vying for the seat vacant since the death of Helmet Zelent are Brenda Gladue, Valarie Morrow, Phillip Rowe, and Iona Sarnecki.
Two Hills residents’ light-up contest for homes and business winners for the annual Lions Club contest were announced. The overall winner was Eugene Dmytriw. The Religious scene winner was Wesley Niki-foruk. Winning the Creative category was Peter Popowich, with top honors in Commercial going to the Junction Inn.
Subway co-owner Brian Fedoruk, Vegreville Mayor Dave Kucherawy, and Lions Club members Tony Jasinski and Johnnie Warawa kicked off a campaign to collect blankets, sleeping bags, and sheets for “Blanket Northern Alberta 2000”.
George Bodar from the Brosseau Community Centre Cash Calendar project presented a cheque for $1,000.00 to December 25, 1999 winner Walter Danyluk.
The Vegreville Club 4 Singles recently donated money. Club President Joe Prystash and Treasurer Frances Hall made a presentation to the Vegreville Army Cadets for $100.00. Valid was also the recipient of a $100.00 cheque from Club 4 and VALID Office Administrator Virginia Watling accepted the cheque.
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
Turning the Page
Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion
It’s that time of year again. Time to turn the page, start anew and look forward to what 2025 has to offer. Anyone who has read this space for any length of time knows that I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions, so we won’t dive into that just yet.
The earliest known record of a New Year festival dates from about 2000 BC in Mesopotamia. In early medieval times most of Christian Europe regarded March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, as the beginning of the new year, although New Year’s Day was observed on December 25 in Anglo-Saxon England. William the Conqueror decreed that the year begin on January 1, but like with every new year, things change over the centuries. Many cultures observe January 1 as the start of a new year, but across the globe, various religions and cultures observe the beginning of the year on days other than January 1.
Many of the customs surrounding New Year celebrations are similar. There is the passing of time and letting go of the past along with any regret. The baby is a symbol of starting anew and dates back to the ancient Greeks with an old man signifying the year that has passed.
The practice of making resolutions in an effort to rid oneself of bad habits dates back to ancient times with some believing this custom began with the Babylonians.
In past years we’ve tried to do some predictions from readers, but it went over like a lead balloon. I’d like to do that in the future, but for now, you’ll have to take some of my observations and run with them. Note…these are observations and not predictions so…your mileage may vary.
Robots are a big thing. Many companies across the world are releasing videos and demonstrating their latest developments. Like many things in technology, robotics seems to be advancing at a breakneck pace. Some of the names to look for when it comes to humanoid robots are Boston Dynamic’s Atlas, Unitree G1, Figure, Agility Robotics, 1X and Tesla’s Optimus. Some of the videos are impressive (or frightening) and AI companies are joining in the action. 2025 should prove to be interesting with many companies estimating humanoid robots to arrive at a price point below $20,000. A price point surely to make companies consider replacing some roles.
Quantum computing made waves in December and will undoubtedly continue to top the news in 2025. This week physicists think they found a link between the experiments at the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) and quantum computing. Google also announced their state-of-the-art quantum chip named “Willow” in December. Terms used to describe this new breakthrough chip “remarkable” and “mind-boggling.” For anyone not familiar with this technology, Google’s ‘Willow’ quantum chip can solve a problem that would have taken a supercomputer 10 septillion years in only five minutes. I could go on for hours as this is all very exciting. There are of course topics such as fusion advancements, unless you think it’s all smoke and mirrors; Artificial Intelligence, medicine, self-driving cars, flying taxis and more.
For most people, looking to 2025 mostly means looking at how optimistic they are and how 2025 will look compared to 2024. Will we be better off? For that, you only need to look to and Ipsos poll taken this fall. In that poll, Indonesia was most respondents (90 percent) stating they felt that 2025 would be a better year. Working down the list Poland with a war not far away was at 72
Ranfurly RV Business Recognized by County of Minburn
Director of Planning and Community Services for the County of Minburn.
“This venture created a unique space where RV enthusiasts can find quality new and used RV parts. We are thrilled to see this addition to our County of Minburn business community and look forward to the positive impact it will have in Ranfurly,” added Gegolick.
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
While it hasn’t been too many months since Shit Show RV opened its doors in the former curling rink in Ranfurly, the owners are making a positive impact in the small community, approximately 30 kilometres east of Vegreville.
Davin Gegolick, Director of Planning and Community Services for the County of Minburn, said, “On November 1, 2024, the County of Minburn had the pleasure of presenting a plaque of recognition to Young Farts RV Parts to celebrate the opening of their new location, Shit Show RV in Ranfurly,” stated Davin Gegolick,
“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Shit Show RV, a new and used RV parts store located in the historic Ranfurly Curling Rink. This venture would not have been possible without the incredible support from Minburn County’s councillor and development officers.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for making the process of starting our business so smooth and welcoming. A special thank you also goes out for the thoughtful plaque presented to us, marking this exciting new chapter for our business and community.
We look forward to serving Minburn
County and beyond with all your RV needs. Thank you for helping us turn our vision into reality,” stated Dawson Glowatsky.
Presenting the plaque is Councillor Tara Kuzio, left, to Dawson Glowatsky and Jagger Glowatsky. Pictured to the right of Dawson and Jagger is Deputy Reeve Kevin Bentley, Kathy Dmytriw, Crossroads Economic Development Consultant, and Davin Gegolick, Director of Planning and Community Services. (County of Minburn/Submitted Photo)
times has a few wisps of hay on the embroidered table cloth as a reminder of the manger in Bethlehem. Many Canadian and American families wear their Ukrainian embroidered shirts on this occasion.
CHRISTMAS, WHICH TAKES ITS NAME from Christ’s Mass, was first celebrated on various dates from about 200 A.D. but was finally set on December 25 by Bishop Liberus of Rome in 354 A.D. The December date, which almost coincides with the winter solstice, became a popular festival of West Europe during the Middle Ages. But as late as the nineteenth century, Christmas celebration was suppressed in Scotland and New England because of some religious differences.
All Christian nations have traditions which have become a part of the Christmas season. For example, England has contributed the decorations of holly and mistletoe, carolling and gift giving. The Christmas tree is a medieval
German tradition and the immortal carol “Silent Night” also comes from Germany. The United States first made Santa Claus popular in New York, popularized the Christmas card about 1846 and made the major contribution to commercializing Christmas.
When Ukraine under King Volodymyr (St. Vladimir) accepted Christianity from Byzantium in 988 A.D. many pagan traditions were in existence which were adapted by the Church to the new religion. Some of those traditions have survived a thousand years and now form a part of today s Christmas celebrations.
SVIATA VECHERA OR “HOLY SUPPER” is the central tradition of the beautiful Christmas Eve celebrations in Ukrainian homes. The dinner table some-
When the children see the first Star in the eastern evening sky, which symbolizes the trek of the Three Wise Men, the Sviata Vechera may begin. In farming communities the head of the household now brings in a sheaf of wheat called the didukh which represents the importance of the ancient and rich wheat crops of
Latin Church and on December 19 according to the churches, such as the Ukrainian, which follow the Julian Calendar.
Ukraine, the staff of life through the centuries. Didukh means literally “grandfather spirit” so it symbolizes the family’s ancestors. In city homes a few stalks of golden wheat in a vase are often used to decorate the table.
A prayer is said and the father says the traditional Christmas greeting, “Khristos rodyvsya!” (Christ is born!) which is answered by the family with “Slavite Yoho!” (Let Us Glorify Him!) In some families the Old Slavic form Khristos razhdayetsya is used.
AT THE END OF THE SVIATA VECHERA the family often sings Kolyadky, Ukrainian Christmas Carols. In many communities the old Ukrainian tradition of carolling is carried on by groups of young people and members of organizations and churches calling at homes and collecting donations.
The favorite Ukrainian carol is Boh predvichny (God Eternal) which has a very beautiful melody and Iyrics. Some Ukrainian carols are unusual because they mention Ukraine while others are ancient pagan songs of a thousand years ago which have been converted into Christian carols.
CHRISTMAS IS A JOYOUS DAY which opens for Ukrainian families with attendance at Church. Ukrainian Churches offer services starting before midnight on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning. Christmas supper, without Lenten restrictions, does not have
as many traditions connected with it as Sviata Vechera. The old tradition in Ukraine of giving gifts to children on St. Nicholas Day, December 19th, has generally been replaced by the Christmas date.
MALANKA OR SHCHEDRY
VECHIR on January 13th according to the Julian calendar is celebrated as Ukrainian New Year’s Eve in many cities. On this, the last night of the year, New Year’s carols called Shchedrivky are sung. One of the most famous of these is the popular”Shchedryk” by Leontovich which is known in English as “The Carol of the Bells.”
While Christmas is a religious event, Malanka is a secular, merry-making celebration. In some communities Ukrainian professional and businessmens’ clubs or
youth organizations sponsor a dress up Malanka Banquet and Ball.
The traditional Christmas customs of Ukraine add color and significance to the winter festival of Christmas, and Ukrainian Christmas on January 7th is usually a peaceful and quiet event. This celebration reminds us of the baby in a Bethlehem manger whose 1,975th birthday we celebrate. But whether Christmas is celebrated on December 25th or on January 7th the message is the same: “Peace on Earth! Good will towards men!
SAINT NICHOLAS, one of the most popular saints honored by the Greek and the Latin churches was actually a real person who lived in the 4th century in Myra, Asia Minor, which is presently Demre in Turkey. Traditionally, he has been honored on December 6 by the
In his youth Nicholas entered a monastery and later became an abbot and then a bishop. After suffering persecution and imprisonment, he was freed by a new emperor, Constantine. He died in 352 and his relics were preserved in Myra for seven centuries until some Italian merchants sent an expedition of three ships and 62 men to Myra and, through a ruse, carried off his remains. They were deposited in the church in Bari, Italy on
the Adriatic Sea on May 9, 1087 where they have remained to this day.
Many traditions relating to Saint Nicholas as the special guardian of maidens, children, scholars, merchants and sailors, have come down to our day.
THERE IS A LEGEND that connects St. Nicholas with the tradition of giving presents secretly. There was a nobleman in Patana with three daughters but he was too poor to provide them with a dowry for marriage. He was almost on the point of abandoning them to a sinful life when Nicholas heard of his problem. That night he took a purse of gold and threw it in an open window. The nobleman used it for a dowry the next day as he did a second purse he found the next night. Curious about his benefactor, the third night he
watched and caught Nicholas in the act but he was told not to reveal the Saint’s identity or generosity. Ever since, St. Nicholas has been identified with the tradition of gift giving. His three purses of gold eventually became the three golden balls symbol of pawnbrokers.
St. Nicholas is the most popular saint in the Ukrainian church after St. Vladimir, as is shown by the fact that there have been more churches named after St. Nicholas than after any other saint. Some scholars believe that it was through the great popularity that the Saint enjoyed in Kievan Rus-Ukraine in medieval times that his popularity spread to
only 355 days long so it had over ten days error and the seasons and the calendar over the years continued to lose their correct relationship.
JULIANCALENDAR
Europe, and particularly to Belgium and Holland.
OVER THE PAST 200 YEARS, as the traditions around Christmas have grown and the importance of this winter festival brightens the season, Saint Nicholas has been absorbed into the tradition. It was the Dutch settlers who brought the St. Nicholas customs across the ocean to New York. The whitebearded Saint Nicholas in a red bishop’s costume was transformed into Santa Claus in the United States and Canada and eventually the tradition re-crossed the ocean to England.
WHY DO UKRAINIANS
CELEBRATE Christmas on January 7th rather than December 25th? Many people wonder why the Ukrainian date is thir-
teen days later and only a few people are aware that it is related to a change from the calendar which was in use two thousand years ago.
Tradition plays a great part in the lives of people of Ukrainian origin and it is for this reason that they have continued to celebrate Christmas on the old date that would have been observed by all Christians.
The Roman calendar that had been in use since the eighth century B.C. originally started the year on March 1 and had 10 months as the names of the months themselves indicate, September (7), October (8), November (9) and December (10). Eventually two months were added, Januarius and Februarius, and the year was started on January. However, it was
JULIUS CAESAR FINALLY in 46 B.C. had the Greek astronomer Sosigenes establish the length of the solar calendar at 365 and one quarter days (365.25). Every fourth year was to add one day to keep the quarter days accurate and this has now become our leap year with February 29. The Julian Calendar was introduced on January 1, 45 B.C. and the
next year Caesar was honored by having the seventh month renamed in his honor as July. A later Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, corrected the leap year system in A.D. 8 and in his honor a month was renamed August.
But the Julian year of 365 days and 6 hours exceeds the true solar year of 365.2422 days or 365 days 5 hours 49 minutes and 46 seconds by the amount of 11 minutes 14 seconds. The difference is about 0.0078 of a day per year or about one day in 128 years. Over a period of 1,500 years the calendar was again getting out of step with the natural seasons by about ten days.
Christmas, which had been celebrated on many different dates was finally fixed on December 25th by Bishop Liberius of Rome.
only in 1752 so there was 11 days difference by then.
The Orthodox and Eastern rite churches such as the Ukrainian have maintained the Julian Calendar for ecclesiastical purposes into this century. The Ukrainians, numbering some 50 million in the world are the second largest nation following the Julian Calendar in their churches. The difference between the two Calendars placed Christmas on January 7th and, because of the size of the Ukrainian church the date has become widely known as “Ukrainian Christmas.” However, there are other smaller Eastern-rite Orthodox national churches such as the Greek, Syrian, Serbian, Bulgarian and Byelorussian that follow the same calendar.
Historically the Julian Calendar is sometimes called Old Style (O.S.) and the Gregorian is called New Style (N.S.). All the Orthodox countries which preserved the Julian Calendar into this century had a 13 day lag. Thus a date would be written January 4/17, 1918, meaning the 4th in new style and 17th in the old style calendar.
the big advantage in celebrating Ukrainian Christmas is that the big sales start - just in time for Christmas shopping. - A.G.
In Ukraine the first mention of St. Nicholas is related to the year 882 at the time of King Ihor of Rus when there was
mention of a St. Nicholas Church on one of the hills of Kiev. When St. Vladimir, King of Rus-Ukraine in 988 proclaimed Christianity the religion of his realm it is said he had a special veneration for an ikon of St. Nicholas. When he had visited Constantinople he had seen and was impressed by an ikon of the mighty Byzantine Emperor bowing to the Saint. To this day St. Nicholas ikons may be found, usually on the left of the ikonostas wall of Ukrainian churches.
Among the talismans the Zaporozhian Cossacks would often take in their boats on the treacherous Black Sea was an ikon of St. Nicholas, or Sviaty Mykolai, as Ukrainians usually call him. The Hutsuls, mountaineers of western Ukraine named the four seasons of the year after saints. Winter honored St. Nicholas, Spring was St. George, Summer was St. Peter and Fall was St. Demetrius. Gift giving has been related to St. Nicholas in Ukraine for less than a century and a half. The Christmas Tree, originally a German tradition, first came into Ukraine about 1840 via Austrian influence.
In 354 A.D. he chose the date to replace a Roman pagan festival of sun-god worship with Christ’s Mass, a Christian event.
GREGORIANCALENDAR
FINALLY POPE GREGORY XIII in 1528 introduced changes to correct the error in the Julian Calendar. To restore the vernal or spring equinox to March 21st he eliminated the 10 days from March 11 to 21 in 1582 so the dates March 12 to 20 never existed in 1582, at least not in Roman Catholic countries. Some Protestant countries like England and Sweden adopted the new calendar
Many Ukrainian families and many Ukrainian churches continue to observe the old traditional date of Ukrainian Christmas on January 7 despite the pressures of modern society to change. The later date appeals to many people since, after the commercialism of December 25th, it is possible to enjoy a quieter and more religious occasion. For those who leave their shopping for the last minute
Saint Nicholas is now a permanent part of Christmas, the season of peace and generosity among all peoples. So it’s appropriate that the elements of our Christmas celebrations should have come from so many nations. Although the Ukrainian Saint Nicholas wears the dress of a bishop while the American Santa Claus is a jolly fellow in a white fur-trimmed suit of red, however, under both there is a heart that first beat some sixteen centuries ago in Myra. The generous spirit of Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, lives on today.
Ukrainian Dishes for Christmas Eve
Plus bonus recipes for Christmas Day!
Kutya
Kutya is also known as kutia, koljivo, colivă, koliva, sochivo, and more depending on which country you happen to be in. This first-course Christmas Eve pudding of sorts is typically made with wheatberries that are sweetened with honey and sometimes augmented with poppy seeds, dried fruits and nuts. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity
and, in some families, a spoonful of kutya is thrown up to the ceiling. If it sticks, a plentiful honey harvest can be expected
1 pint (2 cups) cooked wheat
6 tablespoons ground poppy seeds
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans
3/4 cup hot water
To cook wheat:
Dry wheat in 205F oven for 1 hour, stir occasionally. Wash, soak in cold water overnight. Next morning, bring wheat to boiling point, simmer 3-4 hours, until kernels burst open.
To prepare the poppy seeds: Scald poppy seed, simmer 3-5 minutes. Drain, grind twice using the finest blade of food chopper.
Add ground poppy seeds to wheat.
Combine honey and sugar in hot water. Add to wheat. Finally add your roughly chopped pecans.
Holopchi - Cabbage Rolls
3 cups short grain rice
6 cups water
3/4 cups margarine
(divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup)
1 tsp salt
1 lb ground beef
(omit for Christmas Eve meatless meal)
1 onion
1 can tomato soup
2 heads cabbage (steamed, sectioned,
frozen and then thawed)
1/4 lb bacon (omit for Christmas Eve meatless meal)
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring 6 cups of water, 1/4 cup margarine, and your 3 cups of short grain rice to a boil and simmer until cooked. While your rice is cooking, brown your ground beef with 1/2 of your onion chopped. While your rice is cooking, brown your ground beef with 1/2 of your onion chopped. Keep your cooked rice in the large pot. When your ground beef and onions are cooked, mix in with your white rice and set aside. Mix your can of tomato soup with 1/2 cup water and set aside. Next step, bring out the margarine (or butter) and melt with your remaining 1/4 onion chopped. Lay aluminum foil on the bottom of a large casserole dish and spoon one layer of your tomato soup, bacon and
layer with a few remaining cabbage leaves and place foil over top. Bake in a 325 F oven on the middle rack for approximately 3 hours or until cabbage is soft. You can also freeze cabbage rolls and cook them at a later date. Place uncooked cabbage rolls on a baking pan lined with plastic wrap. Wrap thoroughly and freeze up to a few months.
Pyrizhky -Ukrainian Cabbage Buns
2.5 cups warm water
1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp sugar
2 packages of yeast
2 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
8 cups all purpose flour
1 jar sauerkraut
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp pepper
onion mixture. Take a cabbage leaf (roughly the size of your hand) and lay it flat. Take a small spoonful of your rice and beef mixture and place it on the top 1/3 of the cabbage leaf. Begin to fold the edges over the rice/beef mixture. Shape and roll the cabbage leaf and rice/beef mixture to the bottom. Tuck in both edges of the cabbage roll. Place in your casserole dish. In between the first and second layer, and on top of the second layer, add more tomato soup mixture along with bacon and onion. Remember that margarine (or butter) and onions we melted? Pour it over the two layers of cabbage rolls. Cover second
In a large bowl (large enough to fit 8 cups flour later), combine 1/2 cup warm water with 1 tbsp sugar and 2 packages of yeast. Let stand in a warm place for 10 minutes to allow it to activate. Should look foamy after 10 minutes. In a blender combine your 2 eggs, vegetable oil, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 cups warm water. Blend until completely combined and a little frothy. Add your mixture into the large bowl with your activated yeast. In another bowl, sift together your flour and salt. Add flour and salt mixture to your wet ingredient mixture. Mix well. Turn all your dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead very well. This is meant to be a very soft dough. Once kneaded, wrap in plastic and
allow the dough to rise for at least 30 minutes. While your dough is rising, rinse your sauerkraut. Squeeze as much liquid out as you can. The next step of boiling the sauerkraut is optional. Fill a large sauce pan with water and your sauerkraut. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Drain well. Squeeze as much liquid out as you can. In a food processor, finely chop your onion. Empty into a bowl. Next, place your sauerkraut in the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. In a large pan, fry your sauerkraut and onion together in 1/4 cup butter. Add your pepper. Place your sauerkraut mixture in a baking pan and set on the counter until completely cooled. By now your dough should have risen nicely. Punch it down. Cut or pinch off small pieces and flatten in your hand. Place maybe a tsp of the sauerkraut filling in the middle. Be careful not to have any filling along the edges as they will not seal properly. Pinch to close. Pinch well. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 – 12 minutes. Allow pans to cool on a wire rack then transfer to a towel on the counter. Store in ziplock bags or tupperware. You can also freeze these and thaw when you need them.
Zaprashka is a brown sauce used for seasoning vegetables, especially on strict fast days. It is also used to thicken soups and stews.
1 Tbsp. oil
1 Tbsp. chopped onion liquid
1 Tbsp. flour
Heat oil and add flour and onion. Stir constantly until mixture thickens and turns a golden brown. Add liquid from vegetables or soup and stir until smooth. All is then returned to soup or vegetables Perogies - Dumplings You can make perogies with any type of filling you want. Cottage cheese, blueberry, poppyseed, chokecherry, you name it! To make the sauerkraut filling you
1/2 onion
Zaprashka
need:
1 quart sauerkraut
4 strips of bacon
(omit for Christmas Eve meatless meal)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Cook sauerkraut, about 20 minutes or until done. Drain and press out water. Saute onion in oil until golden. Add sauerkraut, salt and pepper. Fry for 10 minutes. Cool before using as filling.
For raisin filling:
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
Boil fruit for 20 minutes. Drain and cool before using as filling.
For prune filling:
1 cup prunes
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
Boil fruit for 20 minutes. Drain and cool before using as filling.
For potato filling:
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter
3 cups cooked potatoes, mashed (reserve water used while boiling potatoes)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Saute onion in butter, add to mashed potatoes. Add salt, pepper and cheese. Mash well. Cool the mixture completely until using as filling. Yields about 5 dozen perogies.
For the dough:
4 cups flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1.5 cups lukewarm potato water (VERY IMPORTANT)
1 tsp salt
Combine the above ingredients. Knead a bit and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes before rolling out dough (very important and key to soft dough). After your dough has rested for over 30 minutes, take a piece of it and begin to roll it out into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Note – wrap the dough currently not being used in plastic wrap and then cover
with a damp towel to ensure it does not dry out. Using a disk-shaped cutter, press out as many circles of dough as possible. Now the folding process: Place filling in the center of the dough. Be careful not to overfill or have any of the filling touch the edges, as this will not allow for them to adhere and they will break open in the cooking process. Fold. Pinch edges around – hard! Note: with the raisin filling, dust a bit of sugar in this step rather than after cooking the fruit. The fruit becomes too juicy if you do that. Best to sprinkle some on right before you fold them. If you are making ahead of time and want to freeze these, line a baking sheet with wax paper and ensure perogies do not touch each other. Place saran wrap over top of the bottom layer and place perogies on top in opposing directions. When we use any
sort of fruit filling (i.e. raisin or prune), we typically create a different shape for them so we know what they are. The ends of the perogy are turned in. Those are our fruit ones! If you don’t do this, you have a harder time distinguishing between them all once cooked.
To cook: Place some butter, and onions in a frying pan and cook until tender. In a large pot, bring water, tsp salt and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to a boil Place perogies in boiling water and gently stir so they don’t stick to the bottom. Cooking time varies – I’d say about 10 minutes but you want to check them. There is a theory that once they rise to the top they are done. Not
really so…a lot of the time the edges are still raw. Best to just watch and test them accordingly. Once done, scoop out with slotted spoon and place in a bowl. Toss with butter and onions.
Pidpenky - Mushrooms and Gravy
2 cups dried mushrooms
1 large onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp oil for frying (optional)
1 Tbsp flour
4 cups hot water
salt and pepper to taste
Soak mushrooms overnight. Drain and wash well. Cover mushrooms with water and boil for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse again and set aside. Steam fry or saute onion and garlic in oil. Sprinkle flour over the onion and add hot water to make a smooth paste. Add drained mushrooms, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Nalysnyky
- Cheese Crepes
Nalysnyky (pronounced NAL-YESNAH-KEH) is essentially cheese filled crepes (slathered in butter of course and baked). This recipe takes a total of one hour from start to finish and truly is worth every minute.
You will need :
4 eggs
1 heaping cup milk (1% works well)
1/2 cup water
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
For Cheese filling:
2 cups Quark Whole Milk Cheese (if you cannot find this, you can substitute cottage cheese)
2 egg yolks
2 tbsp whipping cream
1 tbsp dill (or more to taste – use fresh if you have. If not, the dried stuff works great as well)
Beat eggs one at a time. Add the milk, water, flour and salt and beat enough just
to blend and get rid of any lumps. Pour 1 tbsp canola oil in a hot non-stick pan and scoop 3/4 of a ladel full of batter and swirl around creating a thin circular layer. Flip when side is golden brown (approximately 45 seconds). Oil pan in between each crepe as needed. Makes approximately 8 – 10 crepes. Beautifully golden brown! Next, melt 1/4 cup of butter and ensure your cheese is at room temperature. Mix egg yolks, whipping cream and salt with cheese. Add your dill. Lightly spread an even layer of cheese on each crepe. Roll up gently. We cut each crepe in three equal pieces. However, you can easily keep them in tact. I find the pieces are easier to fit into the bowl if they are sectioned. Spoon a small amount of the melted butter into the bottom of a large foiled casserole dish. Now start layering in your Nalysnyky. Make sure to butter in between each layer and on top of your final layer. You don’t want any layers to stick together. Wrap the sides of the foil loosely over the top of the Nalysnyky. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. The Nalysnyky puffs up nicely as it bakes.
Poppy Seed Roll Recipe
Dough:
1 package active dry yeast
2 cups warm milk
8 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
5 eggs
4 ounces (1 stick) butter, melted
2 (11-ounce) cans poppy seed filling (or make your own, see below)
Poppy Seed Filling:
1 pound ground poppy seeds
1 cup sugar
1 cup hot milk
1 lemon rind, grated
Prep Time: 120 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 2 Polish Poppy Seed Rolls
1. If making your own filling, grind the poppy seeds in a poppyseed grinder, then combine all filling ingredients. Beat well and set aside.
2. In a small heatproof bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm milk.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt and eggs. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups warm milk, butter and yeast mixture. With the paddle attachment, or by hand, beat until smooth. Dough will be sticky at this point.
4. Scrape dough into a clean, greased bowl. Sprinkle the top with a little flour and cover. Let stand in a warm place for 1 hour or until double in size, or follow this Quick Tip to cut the rise time.
5. Punch down dough and turn out onto a floured surface. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a rectangle.
6. Spread 1 can or half of the filling you
made on each rectangle of dough and roll up like a jelly roll. Turn ends under so filling will not leak out.
7. Place on a parchment-lined or greased pan, cover and let rise again until double in size.
8. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Brush tops of rolls with additional melted butter. Bake 45 to 60 minutes or until rolls are golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and cool. Dust rolls with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Nondairy Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes
1/2 c. oil
1 small onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Peel and cut potatoes as for mashed potatoes. Cook until done. Drain water just before potatoes are finished cooking. Fry onion in oil trying not to get the onion brown. After water is drained from potatoes, add the fried onion and oil, salt and pepper, and mash and mix well. This can be eaten with fish or can be placed in soup bowl and put either a bean, mushroom or pea soup over it and eat it that way
Dried
Fruit Compote/Kompot
It is a traditional Christmas Eve dessert and originally was made with 12 dried fruits to represent the 12 apostles. Makes 12 servings.
1 1/2 pounds dried fruits (prunes, apricots, figs, apples, peaches, pears, berries)
8 cups water
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks Lemon zest, optional
1 cup sugar, or to taste
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
1. In a large saucepan, place fruit, water, cloves, cinnamon, zest, if using, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes or until fruit is tender and syrup has thickened slightly. Add more water if you like a liquidy consistency or reduce by further simmering for a thicker compote.
2. Cool in an ice water bath and transfer to impeccably clean containers. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
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SPORTING
For sale: Gently used golf balls. 18 for $10. If interested text 780-6329304.
TICKETS
Raffle Ticket Printing or Ticket Blanks to print your own. Call or email the News Advertiser. 780632-2861 or ads@newsadvertiser. com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Memorial Mass and Service of Healing. St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church. Saturday Jan 25 2025. Mass begins at 10:30 am; Program and lunch to follow. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, and would like to attend this event, please call to register at 780 – 6323272 or email stmartintours.vegreville@caedm.ca All are welcome.
Death Cafe: 5:00-6:30 pm, 2nd Wednesdays: Jan. 8; Feb. 12 at Vegreville Senior Sunshine Club. “A place to talk about the issues surrounding death”
WANTED
Drum Circle monthly meet up every 3rd Sunday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at Vegreville Train Station. Drums provided or bring your own. $25 per person. Contact Carmen at info@awakenevents.ca or text 780362-1491
ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information.
Historic Paragon Theatre Demolished
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
While the Paragon Theatre has been demolished, the plays, movies, musical performances, graduations and other special events that were held there will continue to live on in the memories of patrons and volunteers alike.
One of those patrons was Gene Hrabec. Beaver County owns the property and Deputy Reeve Hrabec said that council was faced with a “very tough decision” whether to save or demolish the historic building. However, because of the engineer’s report and assessment as well as the insurance assessment, Hrabec said, it left the future very bleak.
That engineering report and assessment were conducted following a flood in the theatre this past summer.
“It was even a harder decision for the fact that I grew up utilizing the theatre for my Christmas concerts and I got to see my first rock concert there. In the early 2000’s the theatre had great live performances and I took my daughter Sarah to her first
concert there.
I sure hope that we can support the community in the future as culture is so important to rural Alberta.”
The Beaver Regional Arts Society (BRAS) played a huge role in the success of the theatre as it hosted many dinner theatres over the years. Back on Feb. 23, 2021, BRAS celebrated its 40th season, hosting an ABBA Tribute Band from Vancouver. That afternoon, four charter buses arrived from Edmonton for the performance, and it was a full house in the 285 seat theatre as tickets were sold out for weeks.
The local amateur theatre group, The Beaverhill Players, also played a pivotal part in the theatre’s history. Formerly known as the Beaver Regional Arts Centre, the grand opening of the Paragon Theatre was held from April 15-17, 2016. The Junior Players held two performances, there was a steak supper, musical performance, and late night movies during that weekend.
Dave Maruszeczka, has been the President of The Beaverhill Players since 2016. The theatre group has leased the building from Beaver County for many years. He said they managed to recover the video and
sound equipment, big screen and other items before the demolition took place.
While Maruszeczka would have liked to have seen the theatre saved, he said the potential costs associated with rehabilitating the building were estimated to be somewhere between $800,000 and $1 million. Maruszeczka said the theatre had “great sound and character” that will be missed, along with the good times and laughs that were shared over the years. But he, along with other members of The Beaverhill Players, are hoping to find another venue to hold plays. “We’re still hoping to keep this alive.”
He said the Village of Holden has been gracious enough to allow the group to host Music Jams at the community hall in recent months. These events have gone over well, and plans are to continue in 2025.
Paragon Theatre demolition. (Dave Maruszeczka/Submitted Photo)
Main Photo: Paragon Theatre demolition. (Dave Maruszeczka/Submitted Photo)
Inset: Theatre was located on Main Street Holden. (The Beaverhill Players/Facebook Photo)
Memorabilia displayed during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Beaver Regional Arts Society. (Vegreville News Advertiser/File Photos)
Tributes
Cole KOROLUK
December 14, 1997 - January 2, 2023
Bridge of Love
There is a bridge of memory,
From earth to heaven above.
It keeps you always near us,
It’s called the Bridge of Love.
May you always walk in sunshine
And God’s love around you flow,
For happiness you gave us, No one will ever know.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone,
For part of us when with you
The day God called you home.
Love you and miss you forever!
All our love, Mom and Brett
Frank PATRIE
November 9, 1927 - January 4 2020
In loving memory of our dear Husband, Father and Gido
He never looked for praises,
He was never one to boast,
He just went on quietly working, for his family, the ones he loved the most.
His dreams were seldom spoken,
His wants were very few, And most of the time, his worries went unspoken too.
He was always there - a firm foundation through all our storms in life.
One of our greatest blessings we are left with is the one that left us behind.
Our family chain is broken and will never be the same, but in our hearts your memory will always remain.
Forever loved, Forever missed.
Sally, your children and grandchildren
LINDBALLE, Daniel Dean
August 30, 1990 - January 4, 2007
In loving memory of a wonderful son and brother.
You never said I’m leaving,
You never said goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knew why.
A million times we needed you,
A million times we cried.
If love alone could 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,
Than no-one could ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone.
For part of us when with you,
The day God took you home. Loving you forever, Dad, Mom, Brett & Mercedes
PAWLIUK, Martha
March 24, 1927 - January 4, 2024
In loving memory of our Dear Mother, Baba, and Prababa
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday…
unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed Debby, Marilyn, Cindy and families
Quentin WARAWA
February 4, 1981 - January 2, 1995
Loving Memories of A Special Son
To lose someone so special
Is really hard to bear
It hardly seems believable
That you’re no longer here
You left us far too early
Before your time, it seems
And now you’ll never have the chance
To fulfill all those dreams
However hard it is though
We’ll take comfort in the thought
Of all the memories we have
And all the happiness you brought
You always lived life to the full
But ours isn’t the same
Until the day when we can see
Your smiling face again
Forever loved and missed Mom, Dad, and Tami
LINDBALLE, Daniel
August 30, 1990 - January 4, 2007
In loving memory of our dear grandson
We thought of you with love today
But that is nothing new
We thought about you yesterday
And all the days before that too
We think of you in silence
We often speak your name
All we have are great memories
And your picture in a frame
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we will never part
God has you in His keeping
We have you in our hearts
Just as you are, you will always be
Treasured forever in our memory
Always remembered and loved by Grandpa and Grandma Lindballe
STEMBERGER, Frank
October 2, 1944 - January 1, 2019
Six years ago today dear Frank was called
To his eternal rest; Gone where the angels sing so sweet, And taken when God knew best.
We miss him here so very much, His presence oft seems nigh, But we all hope in Heaven to meet
Where no one says good-bye.
Always remembered and loved, Wife Maria, son Robert (Sheila), grandchildren Mya, Owen, and Adam
ELKOW, Wyatt Jon I don’t ever wanna feel, like I did that day… take me to the place I love, take me all the way….Red Hot Chili Peppers
Wyatt Jon Elkow
November 22, 1997 - January 1, 2017
Wyatt, we can’t understand why this happened, why we are not sharing our life, this isn’t how it was supposed to be.
We still have a lump in our throat and tears in our eye when we talk about you.
We try remembering and reflect on the happy times.
The way you spoke
The things you said Your strength Your stance
The way you walked
The way you danced
Your advice
The way your eyes shone with laugher
Your mischievous ways
All these things will never die but they will live with us forever.
Our love for you grows stronger every day
And missing you will last until we take our last breath.
On January 1 we will continue with our tradition of a shot of Fire Ball in your memory.
Love you forever to the stars and back and back again
Dad, Mom, Rylee and Shilo
Turning the Page - CONTINUED from PAGE 4
percent feeling positive, Canada came in at 18th spot with 71 percent and the US at 70 percent. Keep in mind the timing of the poll which was done in part before the US election and well before our PM dropped even lower in the polls.
In closing, should you feel the need to join in the Babylonian tradition of making a resolution, here are some ideas. Keep in mind, these aren’t MY ideas…just some stuff Google whipped up. Volunteer, develop a hobby, learn a new skill, keep a gratitude journal, practice meditation, drink more water, make new friends or practice self-care.
There you have it! Thanks to all of our readers and local businesses for sticking with us for another 52 editions. We look forward to another 52 + 1 in the coming year filled with local news and advertising.
Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
KRAWCHUK, Jean
August 15, 1935 – December 28, 2024
On Saturday, December 28, 2024, Jean Krawchuk of Two Hills, Alberta passed away at the age of 89 years. Jean is survived by her daughter Betty Mihalcheon; grandson Robert (McKenzie); and great-grandchildren Christopher and Samantha. She was predeceased by her husband Harry; parents William and Katie Eliuk; son-in-law John Mihalcheon; brother Eddie Eliuk; and sisters Lena (Bernie) Bracco and Nadia (Mike) Kitt. Cremation has taken place. A private graveside service and inurnment will be held at the St. Volodymyr and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery in Two Hills, Alberta.
To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800
LASSU, Jaclyn (Jackie) Lee
With broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful Jackie on December 17, 2024 in Maple Ridge B.C.
Sadly mourning her loss is her husband, Mark and their daughters Nevaeh and Ella; parents, Al and Laura Lenkewich; brother, David (Mariah); Grandparents, Tom and Marguerite Lenkewich; Grandmother, Mary Zahorodniuk; brothers-in-law, Aaron (Trina) and Neil (Linzy); mother-in-law, Diane; also numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Born January 22nd, 1983 in Edmonton, Alberta, Jackie packed a lifetime of love and laughter into her short time with us.
Memorial service will be held on January 4th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Vegreville Social Centre, 4802-47 Street, Vegreville Alberta. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com
PARK MEMORIAL LTD. VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000 FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM
TWIGGE, Shawn Allan Gene November 12, 1969 ~ December 24, 2024 (age 55) The family of Shawn Allan Gene Twigge of Lac La Biche, Alberta are saddened to announce his passing on December 24, 2024 at the age of 55 years. Shawn will be lovingly remembered by his Loving Wife of 13 years Ashley Dawn Twigge, children; Stefan (Jacinta) Twigge, Sydney Twigge, grandchildren; Odin, Athena and Oslo Twigge, Ava & Weston Campbell, brothers; Stacy Twigge, Trevor Juknies, sisters; Sherry (Gerry) Andrushuk, Lynn Juknies, maternal mother; Cherryl Murphy, step mother; Dollie Anderson, mother & father in law; Darlene & Les Ferguson, sister in law; Carlie Ferguson, as well as numerous ; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. Shawn is predeceased by his daughter; Shanelle Twigge, father; Allan Twigge, sister Luana Juknies. A service of remembrance will take place on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. from the Evangelical Free Church in Lac La Biche with Pastor Emmanuel Chiwele officiating.
Donations to the Bonnyville Cancer Clinic “Fun Run” or Haying in the 30’s Cancer support group c/o Box 35 Mallaig, AB T0A 2K0
Outdoor Fun
(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
Community Connection at
Cultural Potluck
People of all ages laughed and mingled at the Holiday Cultural
Resource
- Vegreville and Area on December 23. Participants brought their favorite dishes from their culture.
Jana Neradilova made a potato salad with sour cream instead of mayonnaise, which is popular in Czechoslovakia. At home, she cooks deep-fried cod at Christmas because all her family likes it.
Tiia Sep cooked some deviled eggs, and she admit-
ted these are a hit in
Rayna Nawrocki is Ukrainian and Polish, but she brought in tzatziki, a delicious Greek dip because her husband is Greek.
Iryna Krugliak said she was Ukrainian and wanted to give a plate of regular Christmas cookies for people to enjoy.
Professional pastry cook Svitlana Svirska made a Napoleon cake because this is a popular cake in Ukraine and is super delicious. This dessert is known to be a Christmas dessert in France too.
Free play for kids and games for adults and children were also a part of this event.
Name: Justin Hambidge Occupation: parts salesperson Likes: music, Vegreville Dislikes: big cities, ignorance
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Potluck hosted by Kalyna Family
Network
Estonia.
Kids enjoying festivities. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
Attendees enjoy the food together. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Rarama entertained the audience with a few Christmas songs. A holly, jolly Santa paid a visit next and every child received a gift from him. Party-goers tried their skills
at various games. This was followed by dancing, a gift exchange, raffles, prizes and giveaways.
Thoughtfulness was the highlight of the event as everyone left with a gift.
Festive Fun - CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE
The Big Guy in Red. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Samantha Rarama performs seasonal songs. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
L-R: Winner Tammy Eleniak receives the door prize from Laura Rarama. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Youngsters Wow Crowd
The angelical voices of 34 young children added rhythmic brightness to the celebration of musical innocence when they performed for around 200 attendees at the Vegreville Community
Christmas Concert on December 19 at Vegreville Social Centre.
These young ones charmed the audience as they sang and did perfect hand movements to six seasonal songs.
There was a short family dance while kids waited for the appearance of special guests Santa Claus and the Grinch, who the children all gathered around when they arrived.
At this visit, each child received a gift.
Interim Program Director Kayla Stepanick said the children are from one to six years of age. They practiced for a month for this concert. “We are grateful for the community support for this event.” Stepanick added.
Daycare
Excited children visit Santa and the Grinch. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
With plenty of enthusiasm, children perform. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
