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Vegreville News Advertiser - Community News
A Good Time Learning Rhymes
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Children giggled and spoke in enthusiastic voices when they participated in the second session of The Community Association for Lasting Success (CALS) Ready Set Rhyme program at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville on January 17.
Family Literacy Coordinator Erika Trufyn explained, “There are eight families with 12 children participating in this program. Ages range from six months to 4 years of age.
The program’s focus is to strengthen and build literacy skills in both adults and children, foster the importance of parents in their children’s learning, and help create new learning opportunities. In this program, we included musical objects to assist with songs & rhymes. By including a musical object children and caregivers can follow the rhythm of the songs. During Ready Set Rhyme, we emphasize the importance of nursery rhymes in early language development.
Throughout the program, facilitators provide caregivers with learning topics like reading strategies, writing, and how to incorporate literacy into everyday activities.
Each session is broken down into varied components– songs and stories to increase early language skills through intonation, rhythm, and pitch; discussion on various topics and learning; and a hands-on portion of activities for parent and children to engage together.”
Parent Bonnie Dribnenki commented, “My children and I enjoy the Ready Set Rhyme program! Saliou, my three-year-old, enjoys the songs, listening to the Family Literacy Coordinator Erika Trufyn or the Family Literacy Facilitator Sara Decoste read the stories, and doing the numerous fun activities offered. Ida, loves taking in all the new surroundings and meeting new people.
Saliou's favorite part is Erika and Ida's favorite part is Sara. My children have grown incredibly fond of these two amazing women. They are truly phenomenal.
The children gain new experiences with new friends in each class. They have countless opportunities to play with new people and learn new skills. This program aids them in their growth both socially and developmentally.
I enjoy the program as it allows me to spend special time with my children. It also provides me an opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers.”
Lamont County Church Capital of North America
Lamont County is not only the Cradle of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada, it is the Church Capital of North America. It has more than 40 historical churches, more per capita than anywhere in North America. One of those churches is St. Michael Archangel Roman Catholic Church which is located on the outskirts of the hamlet of St. Michael. It dates back to 1905. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)
Smoky Lake Holubka Dancers Host Malanka
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Malanka is a Ukrainian folk holiday celebrated in January. It is a way to ring in the New Year and several different organizations host Malanka celebrations during the month. The Smoky Lake Holubka Dancers were no exception.
Dance Club President Elena Jarema said they had over 400 people in attendance for the celebration. She said Malanka is not only an annual fundraiser, but a way to showcase their Ukrainian heritage and traditions. “We love hosting this event and seeing all the kids take to the dance floor and enjoy the experience of it all.”
Another highlight of the evening was the Malanka parade that featured a variety of characters dressed up to welcome in the New Year. That was held following the dance performances. Of course, no event is complete without Ukrainian fare and entertainment.
The Club has 47 dancers between the ages of three to 17 years under the direction of Instructor Steve Murrel. “Funds raised go to the club expenses like instructional fees and purchasing of new costumes.”
She went on to say, “Overall, the event was a huge success. Everyone in attendance loved watching the kids dance. I’m so thankful for all the hard work from our dance families. Without them we couldn’t have put on such a fun family event.”
The Smoky Lake Holubka Dancers will be performing next during the Kalyna Festival in Smoky Lake in early March.
