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VEGREVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT - CONTINUED from PAGE 9 the industry. In fact, Rowe’s daughter also went through the program. Young mom Jenn Clyne said the fire department is her “happy place” and loves the camaraderie and being out in the community and in the schools. Jaime Watt said she has friends on the fire department and was in the process of filling out an application form during the open house. She said she wants to try something physical in nature and find another way to be useful outside of her professional life. Kieran Foran heard about the open house on Facebook and decided to attend. Foran,16, said he came out because it’s something new that he might want to try. His Mom Heather said she was impressed with the junior program and that it would be a great way to earn credits as well as provide the opportunity for a new life experience.
JANUARY 29, 2020
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Twenty-two year veteran firefighter Gary Faas said the main focus of the event was recruitment and anyone who is interested in joining can sit in on a practice which is held once a week on Wednesday evening between 7-9 p.m. Many different types of training is available, including: international training, rope training, high and low angle rescue, confined space training, medical training as well as training in public relations and education. The fire department currently has 36 firefighters, and are hoping to increase that number to 40 this year. The department serves both the Town of Vegreville as well as several rural areas in the County of Minburn and covers part of the territory near the borders of Lamont County and Beaver County. On average, they respond to between 160 and 180 calls for service each year.
Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival gets Funding Boost
Hazel Anaka, Co-ordinator of the Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival, (left), accepted a cheque for $25,624 from Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk on Jan. 10. (Submitted Photo)
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
The Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival received a funding boost of $25,624 thanks to a successful grant application through the Community Initiatives Program (CIP) on January 10. Festival Co-ordinator Hazel Anaka was pleased to receive the funding that will provide “seed money” for its 2020 festival. “Sponsorships and
grants such as the CIP allow us to maintain our free admission policy, and keep cost from becoming a barrier to attendance for anyone,” stated Anaka. The funds will also be used to offset other expenses like performance fees to dancers, musicians, presenters, rentals, printing, postage, decor, etc. The 8th annual Babas & Borshch Festival will be held this year on August
22 and 23 in Lamont. While it’s a bit early to make any announcements, Anaka said they plan to implement some of the ideas they had in the works last year. “Fan favourites like Baba Magda, the Borshch Cook Off, Music Jam, Baba’s Bizaar, Lamont County Kid Zone and Zabava are all returning. As always, expect some learning, some surprises, some fun.”
