Community Stories from the News Advertiser

Art From a Kind Heart

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Local artist Mary Harasewich hosted a Gigantic Art Show and Sale which was a closing out sale on June 11 at Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville.

Mary put 40 of her paintings up for sale. “The proceeds are all going to help people with the crisis in Ukraine, (Vegreville and Area Stands With Ukraine). I want to support the poor people from Ukraine that came here as they have to get settled in and everything. They need financial help.

My paintings are mostly of scenery and a few are of people. I get my inspiration from my head. I just make up whatever I paint.

Mary Harasewich, Carolyne Kozio, and Savana Lavoie.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

This is it. I am not going to paint anymore. My eyesight is not the best, I have macular degeneration and I am almost 90-years-old. I might discover a different hobby,” Mary said.

Mary’s daughter Carolyne Kozio and her granddaughter Savana Lavoie were at this art show where they both were showcasing and selling some of their artwork.

Carolyne said they come from a long line of artists and wanted to feature their work. “I am quite new to this. I only discovered painting in the fall of 2021. If I sell the painting I created of a sunflower, I will donate the proceeds to help people who come from Ukraine to Canada,” Carolyne said.

Community-Wide Sales Rain with Good Bargains

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Bargain shoppers were out in full force during the Community Wide Garage Sale in Vegreville on June 18.

The Town of Vegreville provided maps which included the addresses of the people who were hosting the garage and yard sales. Altogether, there were 60 registered private garage sales, and another one inside Wally Fedun Arena.

“At the Garage Sale at the Wally Fedun arena, Vegreville and Area Stands With Ukraine, (VASWU) Committee raised $371 from donations and t-shirt sales,” said Nicole Lakusta, Communications and Media Chair for VASWU.

People show some of the items they purchased.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

The morning and early afternoon saw rain, but later in the afternoon it was mainly sunny.

Donna Deal who had a garage sale on that day said she did very well. “I had over 100 customers,” Donna said.

Another vendor, Karen Ziegler said the garage sale she held was very successful and she appreciates people coming out in the rain.

The customers’ comments all echoed that they were happy with their purchases and they got some really good deals.

An Introduction to a Summer of Fun and Learning

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

A Summer Program Registration Night was offered at Vegreville Centennial Library (VCL) on June 7. This event included people from various organizations showcasing what they had to offer, along with a few treats and prizes.

Program Assistant for VCL Valerie Lowes said as a group, they hosted this event to have a night where they would let everyone know about the programs that will be happening in the town and to promote the programs that will be available during the summer.

Families visit the people at the different tables to get information on the programs which might be offered this summer.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Families visit the people at the different tables to get information on the programs which might be offered this summer.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

“The other organizations we partnered with who were over here tonight were Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) Vegreville, FCSS, Vegreville United Church, Vegreville Cares Coalition, Vegreville and Area Kalyna Family Resource Network and Alberta Health Services Children’s Rehabilitation Services,” Lowes explained.