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News Advertiser insider
JULY 31, 2019
www.NewsAdvertiser.com
A Fond Farewell for Bill and Earl (Left-to-right) Earl Giffin and Bill Skitch. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Memories are the best thing to collect. Members and friends of Vegreville United Church did a bit of reminiscing at the farewell party for Bill Skitch and Earl Giffin who are leaving Vegreville to go to seniors’ homes in other towns and small cities. Bill has been a member of Vegreville United Church for 55 years and Earl has been with this church for 49 years, both of these men have been
active and contributed well to the church. The party was styled in a down-to-earth manner with a light buffet lunch, a farewell cake, beverages, tea, coffee, and refreshments. Li Giebelhaus said this was an awesome celebration because Bill’s and Earl’s families came into town to come together to honor their fathers and grandfathers and see people they haven’t seen for years. “We were very blessed to have these families attend and be involved in our
church. These men’s wives were very active in the United Church and the community. These women needed good men like Bill and Earl behind them to do all the things they did. Their children were also involved with the church’s music. I am so blessed to have known these families. These men have spoiled me too as they did extra things for me when I volunteered. I have been so blessed to have known these families. They have really enriched my life.”
Georgina Baron said Bill and Earl have done many things behind the scene for the church. They have made donations for Vacation Bible School or have done work which went unnoticed by the church. “As Li said, we have been very blessed to know these men and their families. They have come in and gave so much of their time and lives to our church.” Bill and Earl were each given a framed photo of themselves with members of the United Church on it.
Facebook Announces Libra Brought to you by Arthur Beaudette VM Systems - Bits and Bytes Facebook has been indicating for some time that it was interested in branching out into cryptocurrencies. Mark Zuckerberg informed the F8 developers’ conference in May that he thought transferring money
should be as easy as transferring an image, and that it should be secure, instant, digital, and free of charge. Facebook has now revealed Libra, its long-awaited entry into the digital currency market. Alongside the currency, Facebook has created the Libra Association, an independent
entity for management of the new currency, as well as Calibra, a new subsidiary that will provide financial services for the Libra network. With 2.4 billion users worldwide, it is predicted that the new Facebook currency could drive cryptocurrencies into mainstream. However, Facebook is currently under massive pressure from politicians and regulators to prove that it does not have an undue influence in its field and that it is not mishandling data. Facebook has also announced a trial run for its blockchain, the technology that is the foundation of cryptocurrencies. The blockchain is open source, so developers can create applications and provide feedback on the code. Libra proper will be launched in 2020. Part of the aim of Libra will be to provide reliable financial services and stability to 1.7 billion global citizens who can’t access them at present. The Libra Association has been formed, based in Geneva, with 28 founding members, both nonprofits companies, because and Facebook wants Libra to be seen as a public service, not just a Facebook entity. Each member, including MasterCard and Uber,
has an equal vote. Libra will not be solely confined to Facebook. Using Calibra, money can be sent and purchases made through Fa c ebook , Instag ram, WhatsApp and Messenger at the push of a button. However, other entities such as banks and stores will be free to build their own versions using Libra. One of the main problems facing widespread adoption will be persuading retailers and banks to handle the currency; users will most likely tire of it if they are continually having to switch funds between Libra and conventional currencies. One point in Libra’s favor is that it will be backed dollar for dollar by hard currency and government securities, meaning that it won’t fluctuate as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have done. This gives Libra a level of security not even most banks have, and it is hoped this will overcome initial fears regarding adoption. - Arthur Beaudette is the General Manager at VM Systems in Vegreville, AB. VM Systems is a full service Information Technology company that has been servicing NE Alberta for over 25 years.
