Vegreville News Advertiser - May 8, 2024

WHAT’S INSIDE

April 28

00:29 – Report of minors drinking in a Vegreville drinking establishment. Members attended and did not locate any minors. Members spoke to security who indicated they had discovered minors and removed them from the premise.

08:47 – Report of theft from community mailboxes overnight. One in a series of break-ins.

12:14 – Complainant reported a fence missing from a property they were cleaning up. Property rep is to attend the detachment to provide a statement. Complainant provided the name of a possible suspect.

April 29

03:57 – Report of a fight on the road near 56 Ave and 49 St in Vegreville. Members attended and located youth on the road being loud. No fighting was taking place when Members arrived. Youth dispersed and went home.

04:37 – Report of two males fighting. Members attended and upon arrival at the reported location did not locate anyone. Patrols conducted but turned up negative.

07:34 – Report of a missing person.

10:05 – Report of theft from a motor vehicle where a wallet was stolen. Stolen credit card used at multiple retail locations. Members obtained CCTV footage. Under investigation.

10:54 – Report of theft from a motor vehicle. Luggage was taken and the vehicle was not damaged. Reporting for information purposes. Bag later located behind a different residence and returned to owner.

12:19 – Request from Edmonton Police Service to conduct a curfew check. Members attended the address where the subject was supposed to be staying. Residents indicated that the subject was not there but they had been staying there before. EPS updated.

13:05 – Report of an assault where the female complainant was pushed to the ground and kicked in the face approximately six times while also being threatened with a hammer. The subject then used the hammer he was holding to smash the complainant’s phone. Under investigation.

14:17 – Report of an assault. EMS requested Police assistance at a scene with an injured male. Members attended and identified the victim who refused to provide any information or a statement. No one in the vicinity would provide a statement.

16:14 – A set of keys on a short lanyard with a name embroidered on it was turned in at the front counter.

May 1

06:09 – Complainant reported parking their 1997 Jeep Wrangler at the Vegreville Social Centre at 04:00. Two hours later it was missing. Patrols and neighbourhood inquiries turned up negative. Vehicle added to the RCMP database as stolen.

08:08 – Anonymous call to report a subject transporting stolen goods. No further information was provided. No vehicle identification, location or destination. Members on patrol did not locate the subject.

18:30 – Report of an attempted break and enter where the back door was damaged and a window smashed.

22:50 – 911 report of unwanted, intoxicated neighbour. Members spoke to both parties and warnings given.

May 2

02:03 – Members on patrol on RR 144 noted an SUV with trailer drive onto a rural property. Traffic stop conducted. One of the occupants had active warrants from Edmonton, Vermilion, Grand Prairie AND Saskatchewan. Subject arrested and held for a bail hearing. 19:54 – Report of a suspicious vehicle parked at the Vegreville Museum with a male occupant. Members attended but the truck was gone.

May 3

08:24 – Report of criminal harassment – Under investigation.

12:26 – Report of impaired driver. Members located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Driver blew a fail on a roadside screening device. Second fail on appeal. Alberta Sanctions completed. Vehicle towed and a ride was arranged to take the subject home. 21:55 – Report of a dead deer was blocking the roadway. Fish and Game unable to respond. Members attended and cleared the carcass.

May 4

03:12 – 911 call received where the caller was screaming and crying. Dispatch believed the caller may have been assaulted. Members attended and found the complainant highly intoxicated with friends at the scene. Members spoke to all parties present. Complainant was brought back to cells to sober up. Complainant declined to provide a statement and did not state she was assaulted.

April 30

10:19 – Client attended the detachment to report the theft of a license plate off of a trailer. Plate added to the RCMP database.

11:09 – Client reported that when mail was stolen in December it included a cheque from their employer. Cheque was cashed but not by the client. Investigation ongoing.

11:03 – Report of a vehicle driving around in which the complainant believed there were stolen tools. Sherwood Park RCMP located and pulled over the vehicle. No contraband found and no indication anything was stolen. Complainant updated.

During the week there were 77 calls for service made in total including: 2 false 911s, 0 false alarms, 1 animal strike, 2 relationship violence, 5 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 28 tickets or warnings from traffic enforcement.

The RCMP encourages members of the community to contact them if they have any information on files listed in the Blotter.

11:56 – Report of a number of mailboxes broken into. Possibly seven boxes involved.

15:07 – Report that a subject punched the complainant in the face while at the complainant’s residence. Subject then left in a Dodge Charger to Edmonton. Warrant to be sought.

Have questions about the blotter? Reach out to us at blotter@newsadvertiser.com and we will do our best to provide answers to your queries.

St. Martin’s Catholic School Open House

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

It might have been a rainy evening but this didn’t dampen people’s spirits at St. Martin’s Catholic School Open House and Grand Opening of St. Martin’s Catholic School Foundation and School Council-funded outdoor gazebo (outdoor classroom) on April 30.

The gazebo has four maintenance-free tables (one barrier-free) that can seat 45 students and two new windbreak walls with transparent plexiglass.

This event included a free hot dog meal, games and indoor scavenger hunt.

Lisa Gegolick, Chair for the St. Martin’s Catholic School Parent Council and Foundation, explained, “We are so proud and excited to celebrate what our Foundation has worked together to accomplish this year! Our Foundation and School Council are parent/guardian volunteers who consider the thoughts and ideas of ways we can expand our children’s experience at school and make it the best that it can be.

We fundraise to bring those visions to life, which in the past have included learning materials, hands-on experiences, performances, a school bus for field trips, and

more. This year’s goal was to provide our school with the increased opportunity to be outside and use the outdoors as its classroom and we are so pleased with the results.

The new outdoor classroom, two windbreaks, and additional playground games are a tangible result of efforts from our students and their families, big and small businesses, and other members of our community who have supported us, for which we are so grateful. I feel very blessed to be a part of a council that shares similar hopes for our future and works well together.

Feedback from other school members, students, and staff has been outstanding as well, and we are just so excited to see what fun and opportunities this will provide our current students and the generations to come!”

When asked how everyone benefits from this project, Principal Joe Kucy replied, “An outdoor gazebo can enhance students’ learning experience by providing a unique environment for exploration and discovery. It offers a space for outdoor lessons, hands-on activities, and creative projects, fostering engagement and curiosity. The gazebo provides shelter from the elements, allowing classes to continue outdoors regardless of weather conditions. It also promotes a connection with

God’s Providence at Work

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Vegreville Seventh-Day Adventist Church continues to lend a helping hand to the local food bank by providing a space so gift cards as well as fresh fruits and vegetables can be handed out to individuals and families in need of emergency assistance.

It is the first time the Seventh-Day Adventist Church has partnered with the Vegreville Food Bank Society and the initiative was made possible through the establishment of a community fund. Church member Linda Wilkinson said she noticed the food bank needed a place to be able to hand out gift cards after the place it had been housed in for several years sustained water damage, making it necessary for the food bank find an alternate temporary location.

Wilkinson said she contacted a board member, who then approached commu-

nature, encouraging students to observe, interact, and learn from their surroundings. Additionally, the gazebo can be a versatile outdoor classroom for various subjects, promoting interdisciplinary learning and stimulating intellectual growth in a refreshing and inspiring setting.

Our gazebo at the school grounds serves as a communal gathering spot for the wider community, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among families. It provides a welcoming space for various events such as community picnics, outdoor performances, and social gatherings. Families can celebrate special occasions or enjoy leisure time in a serene outdoor setting. The gazebo encourages interaction and bonding among community members of all ages, strengthening social ties and promoting a sense of solidarity. Its presence enriches the school environment, transforming it into a vibrant hub where families can connect, support each other, and build lasting memories together.”

When asked, parent Shelby Hourie said the new outdoor gazebo was very nice. “It will keep people dry on a rainy day.”

While children in the background exclaimed, “We love it!”

nity services committee members about the feasibility of offering that, and members agreed. Wilkinson added, “It is a great opportunity for our church that people can come here.”

Pastor Jeremy Wellman, who has been with the Vegreville Seventh-Day Adventist Church for the past three years, remarked, “We certainly saw God’s providence at work.” The Church has been offering space since the Easter weekend and has church members as well as community members have stepped up to assist them.

Eva McCauley, Assistant Food Bank Coordinator, said, “We’re overwhelmed with the love and support they have given us and their commitment to food security.”

McCauley said they “stepped up” when the food bank needed support and is so happy that they’ve been able to form such a strong partnership. She pointed out that, “Food insecurity is huge in this community. We’re heartbrokenly busy at the food bank.” That, coupled with a lack of housing or other income supports in the community, has made more and more people turn to the food bank for assistance. She said it’s not just one demographic, but seniors, single adults as well as double income earners who can’t make everything stretch enough because of high food prices, gas prices, rent and inflation.

Wilkinson said the Church recently received a grant through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) the Church’s official humanitarian agency and is currently looking into opportunities of partnering with other local charities to support other initiatives to assist residents.

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Representatives from the school, foundation, Vantage Builders Ltd, with members of the community officially opening the gazebo. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

People explore the school. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Pastor Jeremy Wellman and Linda Wilkinson. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Advice from the CIA

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

Advice from the CIA: How Poor Management...Can Sabotage Your Workplace. Sounds like a Hollywood thriller or at least a classic Kevin Smith or Seth MacFarlane spoof. However, in fact, it is an actual document (not with that exact title) that has been declassified by the US government. A very lightly redacted version is available for all to read on the CIA website.

The formal title is “Simple Sabotage Field Manual” issued by the “Office of Strategic Services” department of the CIA. Strategic Services Field Manual No. 3 looks to be issued on January 17, 1944 in Washington, D.C.

The preface goes like this:

“This Simple Sabotage Field Manual- Strategic Services (Provisional) - is published for the information and guidance of all concerned and will be used as the basic doctrine for Strategic Services training for this subject.

The contents of this Manual should be carefully controlled and should not be allowed to come into unauthorized hands.

The instruction may be placed in separate pamphlets or leaflets according to categories of operations but should be distributed with care and not broadly. They should be used as a basis of radio broadcasts only, for local and special cases, and as

directed by the theater commander.

AR 330-5, pertaining to handling of secret documents, will be complied with in the handling of this Manual.

Signed: William J. Donovan - Director”

The initial intent was to engage citizens who were sympathetic to the Allies in WWII and coach them on how to weaken their country through various means. I won’t go into every detail due to space (the manual is 32 pages) however, it went through things like blacksmiths not hardening tools properly, ticket agents being slow or issuing wrong tickets, and dropping rice in fuel tanks. Basically do a crappy job and either sabotage things directly or just lower productivity.

This manual has had a resurgence in modern times as a way to sabotage your workplace. However, an argument can be made that it had also found its way into various levels of government.

According to the latest data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada ranks 29th among 38 OECD countries for labour productivity, despite being one of the best countries in the world to live in.

When you think about what you see, hear and read with regards to government or other organizations, see if any of these points sound familiar.

- “Talk as frequently as possible and at great length”.

- “Bring up irrelevant issues as frequently as possible”.

- “Haggle over precise wordings of communications, minutes, resolutions.”

- “Refer back to matters decided upon.”

Finally, for those on the front line, here are a few gems.

“Tell important callers the boss is busy or talking on another telephone.”

“Spread disturbing rumors that sound like inside dope.”

“Work slowly. Think out ways to increase the number of movements necessary on your job.”

- “Be worried about the propriety of any decision.”

Sounds a little like question period on Parliament Hill.

For those not in upper management, here are a few suggestions from the manual.

“Misunderstand orders. Ask endless questions or engage in long correspondence about such orders.”

“In making work assignments, always sign out the unimportant jobs first.”

“Insist on perfect work in relatively unimportant products.”

“Hold conferences when there is more critical work to be done.”

“Multiply the procedure and clearances involved in issuing instructions.”

“Contrive as many interruptions to your work as you can. When you go to the lavatory, spend longer time there than is necessary.”

“Do your work poorly and blame it on bad tools, machinery, or equipment.”

A cursory glance at the manual looks a lot like a manual for the modern workplace if not at the very least our halls of federal government. If this were a drinking game, the highlight of the weekend would be watching reality TV with cameras of parliament and federal office buildings.

How has Canada fallen so far? Those in power have a manual to follow, and we the voting public put them there. Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

Business and Makers Market Celebrates 20 Years

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

The Spring Annual Home Business and Makers Market has been a staple in the community for 20 years and its popularity and success has not waned in the slightest. This year, around 300 attendees browsed the authentic items from 35 tables from 33 vendors at the market that was held at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville on May 4.

Organizer Jennifer Hladilo said the main objective of the market is to feature local home-based and small business people. “I have been a Pampered Chef Representative for 16 years.

I’ve been a vendor at this sale for 15 years. I have been the organizer for 13

years. So, it might be time to pass the reigns.

I just started Busy Buddies Creative Crafts this week! So far, the ‘buddies’ are made by me, a friend, and a senior friend.

I think it’s lasted 20 years because people know it’s a great, warm, friendly, fun place to go to and something to do. And because some vendors have been a part of it for so long... people know what to expect. And they know there will always be a couple of new vendors that they better come and check out.

People know they are welcome! Welcome to shop, visit, have lunch, and stay as long as they like.

With support from the public, and back-and-forth support from the business community as sponsors and suppliers, our goal for the next 20 years is to keep going strong!

When a vendor at the sale for 20 years, Nancy Makowecki was asked why she believed she did so well. “My success being a Mary Kay consultant for 20 years wouldn’t be possible without my loyal customers. I strive to be prompt in my service with in-stock items and delivery.

Mary Kay is a reputable beauty line and has stood the test of time with relevant and quality products. When I started my Mary Kay business, I advertised in the Vegreville News Advertiser small business ad section. I also relied on word-ofmouth, hosted home parties, and helped organize this annual market.

The Annual Home Based Business and Makers market has grown in number of vendors and customer attendance over the years by having a great organizer, Jennifer Hladilo, who took over facilitating it more than 10 years ago. The market has consistently offered an annual spring and fall event and the community knows if they want that special product they love, they know where to find it all under one roof.”

Vendor Marlene Giebelhaus described her journey in selling Watkins products before the market began in 2004. “Watkins has been around since 1868 and it is known for its quality. I use many of the products in our home.

When the opportunity arose to join a group of vendors at the A. L. Horton School gymnasium, I took on the challenge. I had never participated in a market before. Twenty years later, I still enjoy sharing products from Watkins, and now with a new generation. It has been great meeting people from all over Alberta.

The venues have changed a few times, but the Senior Citizen Sunshine Club has been a great environment. Congratulations to the organizers and vendors for keeping the market going after all these years!”

According to archives from the Vegreville News Advertiser, Taneen Rudyk and Lisa Rowe were the first organizers of this side. Other community members who organized it were Nancy Makowecki, Candice van der Torre, and Cara Fedorak.

People enjoying the sale. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

90 Years Ago – May 9, 1934

Mr. Fred Woychuk of Andrew has disposed of his business there and is taking up farming east of Kahwin. It is reported that he is going to take up his father’s farm.

Spontaneous combustion from an oily rag is believed to have been responsible for an early morning fire that gutted the premises of Third Bros’ Drug Store on Main Street East Side, Wednesday night. The fire was noted about one-thirty in the morning when it had already broken through the roof of a lean-to at the rear of the store.

Seventy-five percent of the wheat has been at present put in around New Kiew, with hopes of better prices on the market in the future.

The incubator capacity of the 178 approved hatcheries under the hatchery-approved policy of the Dominion Department of Agriculture provides for 2,043,400 chicks.

The average yearly wages for farm help in Canada in 1933 is reported as $161.00 for men as compared with $176.00 in 1932 and for women as $112.00 against $120.00 in 1932.

During the month of February 2,778,358 lbs. of branded beef were sold in Canada.

75 Years Ago – May 11, 1949

Lamont United Church was the scene on Saturday of the annual Commencement Exercises at which the nurses in training who have completed the course receive their diplomas. They remain, however, at the hospital for a further six months. Fourteen of them graduated at Lamont on Saturday of whom Miss Hohn and Horton are from Vegreville, while Miss Jory is from Vermilion.

Leo Milner was elected head of the Vegreville Tennis Club at their annual meeting.

Camille Fontaine, formerly of Edmonton, arrived in Vegreville Tuesday to assume duties with Park Memorial.

Bidding was so fast and furious at an auction to raise funds for a swimming pool here that the auctioneer’s topcoat was sold by mistake. The committee which raised $2,800 today, offered to buy the coat back from the purchaser and return it to the auctioneer.

The teacher wrote on the blackboard: “I ain’t had no fun all summer.” Then she asked a youngster on the front row: “Harry, what should I do to correct that?” “Maybe – get a boyfriend?” he suggested helpfully.

A new 24-hour influenza cure is being successfully tried out in hospitals throughout the country. The cure – 1,000,000 units of penicillin every four hours – puts patients on their feet five days earlier than usual.

50 Years Ago – May 9, 1974

Miss Tracy Sorochan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Sorochan, has been notified by the English Council of the ATA that she has won the poetry contest on the provincial level and her poems have been forwarded to the national contest in Toronto.

The Vegreville Firemen were the winners of the President’s Plaque (The Grant Fowle Shield) for having the greatest number of blood donors turn out to the clinic held recently.

On Monday, April 1, the girls of the A.L. Horton School defeated St. Martin’s School by a score of 15-10. It was the County of Minburn basketball tournament. The girls participating for A.L. Horton were: Lynne Bates, Joan Achtymichuk, Karen Campbell, Terry Tebbutt, Yolanda Dowhaniuk, Berry Bay, Cindy Madill, Lorna Lukenchuk, Terry Flanagan, Darlene Hoggins, Tannis Cochrane, and Valarie Toronchuk. The coach was Mr. Kryklywicz.

A gathering of the CGIT on Sunday evening took the form of a graduation program in which the girls were delighted by their mothers when they received graduation pins and single roses. The girls were: Lenora Lemiski, Robin McKenzie, Candy Gilchrist, Sandi Goodman, Mona Esak, Shirley Smoliak, Judy Skitch, and Audrey Esak. The leaders were Candice Borud and Heather Hoggins.

25 Years Ago – May 11, 1999 Special Constable Ken Podoborozny went under the razor wielded by his father-in-law, Ray Hossay with Hair Stylist Debbie Horon in attendance. Hossay has been “waiting 17 years” to do what he did to his son-in-law. Over $10,000 was raised by the local Police Department and Fire Department for cancer research.

The Giebelhaus family was busy cleaning along Highway 16 as part of the annual 4H Highway Clean Up. Sharon, Sarah, Adam, and Richard started at 9:00 a.m. and went to about 3:00 p.m. or until they finished their designated area.

President Anne Yaremchuk and Treasurer Elizabeth Nakonechny of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League presented Homestead Lodge manager Barbara Rozdziabek with a donation of $2000.00. Among other donors were Allan and Alma James with a donation of $1000.00 and Ardyth Butler on behalf of St. Mary’s Anglican Church a $250.00 donation toward the building fund. Other donations included Tillie Hawriko - $500; John Pasieka - $150; Bill and Mary Flechuk - $120; Mike Stefancik - $100; Innisfree Recreation Centre - $500 and Mike Feschuk - $250.

Brian Giesbrecht Frontier Centre for Public Policy

Some argue that Scotland’s new hate speech law is more draconian than Canada’s yet-to-be-enacted equivalent, Bill C-63. Others say this is not so – that portions of Bill C-63 are even greater threats to free speech than Scotland’s extreme new law.

Regardless of who wins in this radical experiment in mass censorship, one thing we can predict with certainty: Both laws will be a goldmine for the legal profession and a nightmare for anyone who has ever dared to write, say or broadcast anything controversial.

How? Well, in the first week that Scotland’s new hate legislation had been in force, there has been an avalanche of new claims launched – 8,000 and counting. Every one of those claims will have to be defended by a person who believed they were exercising their right to free speech.

Now, 8,000 of those people will be caught up in expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining litigation. Their cases will mostly be heard by officials and judges appointed because they shared the same views as the government that appointed them – the same government that felt the need to prosecute these 8,000 people.

That 8,000 surpassed the total number of hate crime allegations in Scotland for all of 2023. A projection is that there will be an estimated 416,000 cases in 2024 if this rate keeps up. The complaints have completely overwhelmed Scotland’s police.

The Scottish Police Federation’s David Threadgold had this to say about the new law: “… (it is) being “weaponized” by the public in order to settle personal grudges against fellow citizens or to wage political feuds ….”

We’ve witnessed this Scottish law in practice with J.K. Rowling, renowned for her Harry Potter books and, more recently, for asserting the fundamental truth that men are men and women are women. She boldly reposted that claim, openly challenging the Scottish police to take action against her.

The police announced that she wouldn’t be charged – at this time.

The other person who has been the subject of many of those 8,000 complaints is Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf himself – the very man responsible for this monstrosity of a law. Yousaf is famous for complaining that Scotland has too many white people. That comment resulted in a world-famous spat with Elon Musk. The online slugfest basically took the form of each man accusing the other of being a racist. Yousaf and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are birds of a feather. Both are convinced that only “acceptable views” – namely, the views they agree with – will be allowed, while “unacceptable views” – namely, those they don’t like – must be disappeared by the machinery of the state.

At this point, I should clarify that Scotland’s new law, unlike our C-63, mandates police to ascertain whether the individual being complained about has “stirred up hatred.” In Canada, the Human Rights Tribunal will hear “hate” complaints.

If C-63 becomes law, will Canada experience a similar avalanche of complaints as Scotland has?

Actually, there will probably be a lot more here because our population is many times the size of Scotland’s.

Scotland’s Hate Speech Law a Sign of Things to Come in Canada say

C-63 also permits individuals to file complaints anonymously if deemed appropriate by the tribunal. Furthermore, it pledges up to $50,000 per complaint, a significant incentive to filing complaints, to be paid by

Beaver County 4-H Multi Club Members Work on Projects

On April 14 the Beaver County 4-H Multi Club met at the Holden Complex to work on their projects. Projects include: welding, sewing, quilting and small engines.

Innisfree-Minburn 4-H

Beef Club April Report

April Report

Keely Chomik - Club reporter

Welcome back everyone the InnisfreeMinburn 4-h club has been very busy with Achievement Day coming up on May 29! We had a few club members go to compete in the regional communications event in Lac La Biche. So congratulations to Camille Kassian, Rylan Jackson, and Keely Chomik for representing our club.

Father’s Day Event

We had our grooming clinic on April 7 led by Kaide Rancier and Paige Zimmer and they did an awesome job. We also have our Mock Achievement Day coming up on May 11 at the Minburn Ag. Grounds.

Josiah Johnson Club Reporter

Rebekah Johnson working on a sewing project. (Beaver County 4-H Multi Club/ Submitted Photo)

Josiah Johnson working on a welding project. (Beaver County 4-H Multi Club/Submitted Photo)

Mary-Anne Prestash working on a welding project. (Beaver County 4-H Multi Club/Submitted Photo)

Suzanne Nelsen & Abigale Mackenzie working on sewing projects. (Beaver County 4-H Multi Club/Submitted Photo)

New Myrnam School Hosts Spring Showcase

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

New Myrnam School’s annual Spring Showcase did not disappoint as students eagerly engaged with visitors to discuss and provide examples of their latest projects on April 25.

Harper Matthews enthusiastically talked about her hens and guests could get a birds’ eye view of her chicken coop stationed outside the Career and Technology Education Centre (CTEC) building. Inside, there were a variety of shop projects on display.

Representatives from the County of Two Hills and Lakeland Industry & Community Association were on hand to visit and answer any questions attendees may have. In another area of the building were a number of display tables with students and their handcrafted items, some of which included: laser engraving, macrame, crocheting, paintings, etc.

Horticulture as well as specialty projects were on display and parents had an opportunity to sign their children up for

kindergarten during an orientation session. Also on hand during the showcase were board members with the Village of Myrnam Public Library who were seeking applicants for the library manager position.

Principal Danielle Eriksen said the Spring Showcase has evolved over the years, and this year, the school has started to connect with community members. Those connections include: Lakeland Industry & Community Association, Village of Myrnam Public Library, Myrnam & District Ukrainian Dance Club, County of Two Hills ALUS, FCSS, and Fire Service.

New this year to the showcase was entertainment by the Myrnam & District Ukrainian Dance Club as well as author readings by Grade 5/6 students who recited their own fictional stories. Grade 7 student Chance Taylor couldn’t wait to show his i-movies to visitors.

Darla Snow, Operations Manager of Vermilion Play Development, was in attendance as it will be opening the Myrnam Play Development Daycare in the CTEC building this year. “We’re hoping to open in August,” said Snow. The licensed daycare will be able to accommodate 20 children. “Families can take advantage of grants and subsidies that are available,” noted Snow.

Student showcasing one of his creations. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Grade 7 student Alex Misik with her macrame creations. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Grade 7 student Chance Taylor. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Introduction to School Days

There were many excited people when A.L. Horton Elementary School presented a Kindergarten Information Night on April 23.

Principal Mrs. Busenius said around 35 parents and caregivers attended. Twenty-two children attended which is over 65 percent of the children currently enrolled; an additional 15-20 Kindergarten are expected to be enrolled in the next four months, based on community averages.

The other staff members at this event were the Kindergarten teacher and School Counselor Ms. Giebelhaus, Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Bortnick, KinderCare teacher Ms. Jenny Powley, Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) coach Mrs. Folk, Assistant Principal Ms. Rice and the new School Principal for 2024/25, Mr. Howell.

When asked about what type of programs the school has for this age group, Busenius explained, “KinderCare is offered on non-Kindergarten days and focuses on play-based learning that matches what is being taught across the hall on Kindergarten days. This program is helpful to full-time working parents and establishes a routine for children of what going to school every day to learn is like.

The Ukrainian Language and Cultural program is an optional class offered every day in kindergarten. In this program, Children engage in many cultural activities: making paska and babka, embroidery, visits from St. Nikolai, and learning language through songs, conversation, and instructional activities. Students do not need prior experience with the Ukrainian language to enroll.

When questioned about how the kindergarten program prepares children for school, Busenius noted,

“Kindergarten programming includes instruction and immersion in activities promoting the development of social skills and literacy, numeracy, communication, thinking, problem-solving;

regulation, and motor skills. Children learn through language, play, and connection with peers and adults. Going to Kindergarten and experiencing the routines and expectations of outdoor play, classrooms, libraries, and bus rides become familiar and well-established in kindergarten and benefit children for the rest of their school careers.”

Busenius closed by saying, “Highlights of the evening included the children exploring the Kindergarten classroom and interacting with each other, as well as, it gave opportunities for parents and caregivers to ask questions and speak with school staff.”

People enjoying the event.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce (VDCC) has a variety of programs that entice people to visit different small businesses.

VDCC General Manager Roxane Tannas explained, “Our local businesses have so many things to offer that a person would not even realize is there. We are here to assist in promoting our local businesses.

We run different programs throughout the year. The Spring Bingo is going right now, the Chamber Bucks runs all the time, and the Passport to Christmas runs around Christmas.”

Tannas went on to state other ways they help businesses do well. “We support our businesses with our annual Career Fair. We are planning on hosting information nights. We are working on a five-year strategic plan, and continuing business visits.”

Tannas noted that they help businesses and attract them to set up here. “We do whatever is needed to assist in economic development.

The main advice that I will give to help businesses be successful is for businesses to network with other businesses. Also, if needed the Chamber is able to advocate and be a voice for the business.”

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

My first impression was that every item in this store was made with thought and care.

Owner and Vegreville Resident Jackson Wiebe said he opened this store in Vegreville at the end of November 2023.

When asked how business has been

so far. “I have been doing pretty well. The community has been supporting me quite well.

I opened this business to supply quality hand-made woodworking and leatherwork made by me to the town. All the products are unique; you will not find anything I make in a bigger store.

This store has everything from cut-

Roxane Tannas. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Some of the available items. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Fieldside Fitness Completes First Year

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

fitness trainer and a nutri-

ting

home décor items, and custom items for businesses and individuals. I can customize products for people to make them exactly

tional consultant.

When asked how the business has been going so far. “The response from the community has been great. The clients that I have gotten who have stuck with me are wonderful.

The objective of my business is to help people find

the way they want them. There are a lot of great gift ideas in this store. I try to keep my prices as reasonable as I can.”

a balance in their life between work and kids and everything else where they can find time for themselves to be a bit healthier, feel better, and have a better understanding of overall wellness of mental and physical health to create functional longevity in their lives and be able to be functional, independent adults their entire lives.”

When asked what is special about her clients, Laniuk admitted, “The majority of them already had an active lifestyle. “They have input this separate workout into their lives from one to three times a week and they have changed their schedule around to implement this, to make their lives better and to increase their quality of life by being stronger and having more energy.”

Inside the fitness centre, Stephanie Laniuk is training a client. (Teresa Makowecki/Submitted Photo)

Items made from wood. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Vegreville United Church Spring Tea and Bake Sale

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

This event was arranged in a classy manner where each table besides the fancy china cups and plates, had petite sandwiches and beautifully arranged desserts.

When asked, Coordinator Holly Cependa explained, “There were 35 people who signed the guest book and enjoyed the tea and fellowship. However, many just came to see what was for sale (baked & canned goods; crafts, raffle prizes, jewelry, and silent auction items).”

When questioned how this tea helps people get into the spirit of spring. “It was a beautiful day to get out and socialize with others while supporting the work of our church.

The highlights for the committee were seeing the happy faces of everyone who entered, the excitement of the children as they purchased a treasure (possibly a Mother’s Day gift), and hearing positive comments from everyone.

Being held on May the 4th we added some Star Wars decorations to the room and as one Obeying My God (OMG) Day Camper reminded us -‘God is our force’!”

On how much money was raised, Cependa replied, “We raised under $1,400 which will help us with the work of our church. This wouldn’t have happened without an amazing team & supportive community. We are truly blessed!”

Lamont Veselka Dance Club Hosts Spring Fundraiser

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Lamont Veselka Dance Club’s first ever Spring Fundraiser received overwhelming community support as several hundred people attended the April 27 event at the St. Michael Recreation Centre. It was a very special evening for the 21 dancers; especially Kira Snyder, the most senior dancer in the club who will be graduating this year and hope-

fully, moving on to a promising dancer career. Kira, was the first performer of the evening with a captivating Transcarpathian dance. Emcee Carla Graham introduced her and described the dance which showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage through dynamic choreography, vibrant costumes and spirited, bouncy movement.

Kira closed the show by performing her Poltava Solo ‘Dido Dan’ as a dedication to the former musi-

cian. Graham said in her introduction that, “Kira worked closely with her instructor, Mikaila, to create this lively, action-packed dance that would serve as a gift to her family.

The song she performs to is by Royal Aces Four, the family band of the remarkable musician Dan Kardash. Ten years ago this past October, Dan passed away from brain cancer, and this powerful dance serves as a dedication not only to him, but also to his son, Kira’s stepfather, Les.”

It was impossible to hold back tears during the performance as Kira laid her heart and soul on the dance floor. Kira has been dancing with Veselka for the past 11 years, and said she is still coming to terms with the fact she won’t be returning next year. She admits to growing very close with the young dancers, who she helped coached over the past two years.

Kira will be graduating this year, and already has plans for part of the summer as she will be performing with the Alberta Ukrainian Dance Association’s Unity

Volyn troupe that showcases the talents of youth dancers from across the province at UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival, Pysanka Festival in Vegreville and Calgary Ukrainian Festival BRAVO!

She hopes one day to be able to join one of the larger professional dance club’s as her passion for the artistry and sport has no bounds. Ukrainian Dance has always been a way for Kira to embrace her culture and express herself. By doing that, she is inspiring many other dancers to follow her example.

The Lamont Veselka Dance Club has been in existence for more than 40 years and the fundraiser was held to be able to purchase new costumes.

Attendees enjoying the event. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Group photo following the performances. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Dancers with Zorianka perform Dovbush. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Dancers with Zorianka perform Dovbush. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Original Theatre Art Production at Mannville School

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

K-Grade 9 students from Mannville School presented two performances of ‘Leadership: Stories to Live By’ on April 26.

The evening performance drew a crowd of approximately 150 people. School Coordinators for the production included Erin Hinton and Gisele Amero with Dusti McLaughlin as School Volunteer Coordinator.

Hinton explained that, “Trickster Theatre took up residency in Mannville School the week of April 22-26. Artists worked with K-9 classes, focusing on a leader to create a small performance to showcase. This opportunity brought drama, music and presentation skills to our students in our small rural school that they do not always get the opportunity to experience.”

The experience was made possible through a $15,000 grant the school received from the Alberta Foundation of the Arts. “The total cost for Trickster to come to our school was $21,000. The rest of the funds was generated with community support.” Hinton expressed her gratitude to Park Plans East Local #31 who donated the remainder of the funds through its special project funding.

Position Summary

This is a fundamental role within the Village Administration, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer. This position is responsible for taking care of all public works and related activities, including but not limited to monitoring sewage lagoons, sewage lift stations, grading roads, snow clearing using a grader, and other related duties. Also responsible for the maintenance of the community hall along with seasonal lawn and building maintenance, etc.

This position is open due to the retirement of the person who served in this position for 24 years. This position supports the Chief Administrative Officer in fulfilling all the requirements of the public works department.

About Us

The Village of Holden is a small urban village within Beaver County with a population of 338 residents. The Village's new tag line is "Holden Has Heart", this is due to the fact that many of the village amenities are made possible by compassionate volunteers. The Village staff consists of the Chief Administrative Officer, Public Works Foreman/Equipment & Systems Operator and Admin Assistant.

The Position

This solo public works role requires a lot of patience and the ability to adapt to different situations. You will be great for this role if you are a self-starter who is attentive to detail, mechanically inclined, able to come up with solutions efficiently and cost effectively, is confident when providing advice to your supervisor and enjoys working alone and outdoors. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of high school diploma, with equipment operator experience (grader and Bob Cat) and able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. The successful candidate will be required to have or willing to take the small system wastewater certificate as well as equipment operator certificates and willing to participate in the Incident Command System training to the 300 level.

The Location

The Village of Holden is located 100 kilometers east of Edmonton. The village is located off highway 14 and is at the center of Beaver County.

Contact info

If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and cover letter to cao@holden.ca

Our ROYAL Leader. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Village of Innisfree CAO Kayla Paranych up to the Challenge

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Kayla Paranych began in her role as Chief Administrative Officer (CA0) for the Village of Innisfree on March 1 and has faced several challenges head on with great success.

On her second day on the job there was a water main break. She has also been juggling her duties while the village office has been under extensive renovations for the past five weeks. Perhaps the biggest hurdle to date was completion of the audit. Having finished that she’s moved onto completing the budget.

Passion for the job as well as the support from “the team” has kept her focused and driven. Fortunately, Kayla is a quick learner and has applied her previous experience in business administration, stakeholder relations, programming and project management to good use for the past two months.

Kayla worked with Women Building Futures program for about five years, and found that very rewarding; especially after developing their own driver training program to assist women to connect to that particular career. While switching hats and taking on the CAO

position has been different in many respects, there have been some similarities. Admittedly, she loves a new challenge.

In terms of new policies, Kayla has had a hand in developing the Village of Innisfree Commercial Development Incentives Policy and the Residential Infill Incentive Policy that council recently adopted. The Commercial Development Incentives Policy is designed to stimulate commercial expansion and new commercial development and increase the commercial assessment.

The Residential Infill Incentive Policy is to provide incentives to construct new residential dwellings in established residential zones for the purpose of beautification, resident attraction and economic development.

Kayla said the Village of Innisfree has a lot of potential and is already seeing progress as more than a dozen properties have been sold in the last couple of months.

This summer the Village of Innisfree will be undergoing water infrastructure upgrades as well as its sidewalk replacement project.

Kayla was recently awarded the Larry Majeski Bursary by the Society of Local Government Managers that will enable her to attend the Municipal Administration

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MOBILE HOME FOR SALE

$25,000. Priced for quick sale! 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom 1977 Glenriver Highwood Mobile Home. Located at Wood & Garden Estates, Vegreville. Lot rent $540/month. 14’ by 68’ with 9’11” by 38’5” addition. Includes enclosed unheated porch and a large room that can be used as a bedroom or extra living space, but still needs some finishing. Open concept living room/ kitchen with new wiring (and electric panel), insulation, drywall, windows, and kitchen cabinets. Other upgrades are heat wrapped pipes, insulated skirting, and a new metal roof. Includes fridge, stove, washer, dryer, and gas powered furnace. The yard is fenced on 3 sides and has a large shed. Home is being sold as is. NO rent to own. Serious inquiries only please.

Leadership Workshop in Kananaskis from May 14-17. Eventually, Kayla plans to obtain her Local Government Certificate through online courses.

Her life outside work is busy as she and her husband Cecil operate a grain and cattle farm near Innisfree. They have three children: Rocco, 10, Charlie, 5, and Alex, 2. Cecil is Vice President of the Innisfree & District Fish and Game Association. Kayla is involved with Ukrainian dance, baseball and soccer.

Tips from Terry for Collecting Treasures

Precious Metals Buyer Terry Burrill was at the Legion Hall in Vegreville for the Precious Metals Recycling Roadshow on April 30 and May 1.

When asked how people usually find gold and silver jewelry, coins, and, collectible Canadian paper money and how to know what is valuable? Terry explained, “I would think that most of the coins and paper money come from estates people have received.

Jewelry can be first tested at home with a strong magnet, (gold and silver are not magnetic). Then bring it in for secondary testing and verification. With prices of gold and silver being so high, it adds up quickly, even the broken or single pieces.”

MOBILE HOMES

Village of Innisfree CAO Kayla Paranych. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Valuable gold pieces of jewelry and Valuable Canadian paper money people brought into Terry Burrill’s Recycling Roadshow. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Terry Burrill. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

EICS Trustees Approve Updated Three-Year Capital Plan

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Trustees with Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) approved an updated three-year capital plan and reviewed its 10-year facility plan at its March 20 regular meeting.

According to an EICS news release, “The priorities laid out in the 10-year capital plan would follow completion of the first three priorities in the threeyear plan identified above and could include proposing reconfiguration, modernization or a new school in rural Strathcona County, Bremner and Cambrian, (both of those neighbourhoods are located within the corporate limits of Sherwood Park.)

Both St. Martin’s Catholic School and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Vegreville are part of the school division which also operates schools in Sherwood Park, South Cooking Lake, Ardrossan, Fort Saskatchewan and Camrose.

The three-year capital plan has been submitted to Alberta Education with a funding request to support the planning and design of a new school in Fort Saskatchewan as well as to finance stakeholder engagement in Sherwood Park and Vegreville over the next few years. Obtaining community feedback in Vegreville would begin after provincial funding is received which is not expected before 2026.

Board Chair Le-Ann Ewaskiw said, “Input from our parents and staff are vital to our way forward in building a more sustainable future for Elk Island Catholic Schools in each of our communities. We know the future may hold difficult conversations with each of our communities, but these conversations are vital to the health of our division and our ability to provide the level of quality Catholic education that we are so well known for.”

According to the 2023/24 ACU report, St. Martin’s

K-6 School and St. Mary’s 7-12 are both currently 48% utilized. This poses both challenges and opportunities for the community. The challenges are that running two schools at 48% utilized is expensive when it comes to utilities, and deferred maintenance. St. Martin’s for example is 116 Years old and has an FCI (Facility Condition Index) score of 30.2 which is considered POOR. It has a 5-year deferred maintenance cost of approximately 1.6 million dollars, most of which reflects the condition of the 1950’s section of the building. St. Mary’s on the other hand is 59 years old, has an FCI of 21.7 which is considered FAIR Condition. The school has a significantly lower 5-Year deferred maintenance (the province records deferred maintenance at about $35,000). This reflects significant mechanical and electrical work conducted as part of the modernization in 2016. Recommendations within this plan are based on utilization data provided by Alberta Education, 10-year enrolment projections, and facility condition reports provided by Alberta Infrastructure. Identified as priority number three in the plan, “Funding to explore a right-sizing option involving a K-12 consolidation in either St. Mary’s School (Option 1) or St. Martin’s School (Option 2).

Request for a value-scoping workshop/consolidation study and public engagement to develop options aimed at reducing excess capacity in Zone 5, increasing utilization, and improving learning environments. The consolidation study would include a cost/benefit analysis of the long-term maintenance cost of keeping underutilized sites running versus the cost of consolidating and modernizing existing space.

St. Martin’s (K-6) School and St. Mary’s (7-12) are both 48 percent utilized as reported in the 2023-24 Area Capacity and Utilization Report. St. Martin’s

enrolment as of September 30, 2023 was recorded at 236. St. Mary’s enrolment as of September 30, 203 was recorded at 190. Enrolment projections indicate that enrolment will decrease or remain static over the next 10 years and utilization rates will remain low for both schools.

EICS Communications Coordinator Michael Di Massa, pointed out that, “Nothing has been decided and no changes to either school are planned for the foreseeable future. The capital plan suggests consolidating the schools based on the contractor’s recommendation, but nothing would proceed without EICS first engaging the community, and provincial government funding is required to begin that conversation.”

Currently, there are 18 schools in EICS which serves approximately 8,000 students.

St. Martin’s Catholic School in Vegreville. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

St. Mary’s Catholic School in Vegreville. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Tributes

It

BEAUDETTE, Elona

In memory of a loving Mom and Nana

September 18, 1940 - May 8, 2022

We thought of you today

But that is nothing new

We thought of you yesterday and will tomorrow too.

We think of you in silence

We often speak your name

All we have are memories

And your picture in a frame

Remembering you is easy

We do it every day

It’s the heartache of losing you

That will never go away

Love Ted, Teresa, Roxanne, Theo, Nichole, and Boland

MEGLEY, Alex

March 20, 1926 - May 9. 2014

Memories of Dad

We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds.

The days we do not think of you are very hard to find.

Each morning when we awake

we know that you are gone.

And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on.

Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow.

What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.

Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill.

In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still.

But always a precious memory of the days when you were here.

If tears would make a staircase, and heartaches make a lane,

We’d walk the path to heaven and bring you home again.

We hold you close within our hearts; and there you will remain,

To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

Sadly missed and loved by:

Jean, Sharon & Grant; Douglas & Kathy; Cheryl & Brad & grandchildren

LAKOMSKI, Annie

October 27, 1919 - May 7, 2005

Mom, I don’t think of you as gone

You’re just on another journey And this earth was only one

In a beautiful garden you are at rest

Free from sorrows and tears

In a place of warmth and comfort

Where there are no days or years

Vichnaya Pamyat

Miss you Mom

Love, Nancy

ZUKIWSKY, Margaret May 7, 2016

In Loving Memory of our Dear Mother Who passed away May 7, 2016

Our lives go on without you

But nothing is the same

We have to hide our heartache

When someone speaks your name.

Sad are the hearts that love you

Silent are the tears that fall.

Living here without you

Is the hardest part of all.

You did so many things for us

Your heart was kind and true,

And when we needed someone

We could always count on you.

The special years will not return

When we were all together,

But with the love in our hearts

You walk with us forever.

Forever in Our Hearts….Your Loving Family

SEMENIUK, Josephine

June 25, 1942 - May 8, 2017

To hear your voice and see your smile

To sit with you and talk a while,

To be together in the same old way

Would be our greatest wish today.

So please God take a message

To our precious Mom up above, Tell her we miss her terribly

And give her all our love.

Love, Terry and loving children and grandchildren

KEAST, Vidette (Vaillancourt – Charuk)

June 13, 1951 – May 3, 2024

On Friday, May 3, 2024, Vidette Keast of Vegreville, Alberta passed away at the age of 72 years.

Vidette was survived by her two daughters Michelle Cymbaluk (Ken Kleefman) and Donna (Kevin) Melenka along with 6 grandchildren, Ariel Cymbaluk (Kendal Morrow), Reann Cymbaluk (Niko Fernandes), Hayley Cymbaluk (Tristan Mentore), Matthew (Shaylene) Melenka, Kaitlyn Melenka (Dylan Schultz) and Alysha Melenka (Dylan Hennig); 3 step grandchildren and 1 great step grandchild; three sisters Verna (Larry) Powley of Edmonton, Vannette Keast (Blaine Michalsky) of Red Deer, Jackie Lunder (Ken Pierson) of Keoma and one brother Vernon (Kassandra) Keast of Mundare, brothers-in-law Stan Mamela of West Bank, BC and Martin Craig of Edmonton, along with many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Vidette was predeceased by her daughter Cheryl Charuk; husband Art Vaillancourt; parents Vernon and Annette Keast; sisters Violet Craig and Valorie Mamela; and one brother Jerry Keast.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Autumn Rose Funeral Home in Vegreville (5036-51 Avenue) with Father Robert Lee as the Celebrant. Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment will follow Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Dewberry Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Vidette to Prairie Tails Animal Rescue Society, Vegreville or Akasu Palliative Care, Vegreville.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Hollins, Dr. Naidoo, the nursing staff, and palliative care nurse Michelle at St. Joseph’s General Hospital for working so hard to help keep Vidette comfortable in her final days. Our family appreciates you all. To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

and nursing staff at Leduc hospital unit 31 along with the palliative care Dr. Voldeng and nursing staff at St. Joseph’s auxiliary hospital in Edmonton. To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800

the subject of the complaint. And you might be required to fork over an additional $20,000 to the tribunal for their troubles.

Many knowledgeable Canadians have outlined in detail the hundreds of objections they can see with this Bill. Prominent Canadian figures, including former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin and author Margaret Atwood, have warned Canadians about the significant flaws within this legislation.

But what no one has done – except for Trudeau apparatchiks – is to give any good reasons why Canada needs this legislation.

If Scotland’s projected number of com-

plaints for 2024 is 416,000 and they have a population of less than six million, the projection for Canada would be into the millions of complaints.

Bill C-63 is an appallingly disrespectful way to treat Canadians. We already have hate laws. We already have laws to protect children. C-63 is as useless as the tired apparatchiks pushing it. We need to pay attention to what is happening in Scotland. It will be our fate if this perfectly awful Bill C-63 is not defeated.

Brian Giesbrecht is a retired judge and a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

ZUKIWSKY, Margaret

August 5, 1931 - May 7, 2016

Although it has been eight years

is still hard to hold back the tears.

Missed by your family and friends.

The memories of you never end. Alex, Deb, and family

Mundare Town Wide Garage Sale a Great Success

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The annual Town Wide Garage Sale in Mundare was a great success as bargain hunters combed the streets for the better part of the day in search of great deals on May 4.

Mayor Cheryl Calinoiu said it was extremely busy in town. The weather cooperated beautifully and folks went hope happy with their treasures.

According to the Town of Mundare there were a total of 65 vendors who offered a great assortment of terrific finds, some of which included: mufflers, motors, bikes, books, Barbie dolls, baking, baby clothes, Halloween costumes, vintage home décor and antiques to name a few of the items.

Vendor Rhonda Yurkiw and Allison Palsitt with an item she’d purchased. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Vendor with her imaginative creations. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Fundraising barbecue for Mundare School to purchase a new playground. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Meadow Bennet holding a loaf of Babka and jar of honey. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Katelyn Yakemchuk’s Life with Three Children

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Katelyn Yakemchuk lives on a farm northeast of Hairy Hill with her husband Ryan, five-year-old son Nikkan, threeyear-old daughter Eisley and one-year-old son Wyllin.

When asked how she felt when each of her children was born, she replied, “Well, I still think the first child was the most challenging. I had no idea what I was doing. I like to be prepared, and nothing prepares you! I will never forget that feeling of being handed the car seat, and heading home with Nikkan that first time. It was terrifying!

I joke that I was given a lesson with each child that has changed me to my core. Our first guy showed me that I cannot control many things so I may as well just buckle up and enjoy the ride. Our second taught me to trust myself and how amazing it is when you have that

relationship with yourself. Our third one has shown me the beauty in slowing down and enjoying the small things, there’s always time to play and laugh.

We are still in the thick of it, and I know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but there are sure a lot of things to love about being a mom. I thought I would be a career woman, and I love that journey for whoever wants to rock it. But, no one is more shocked than I am to know I am a proud Stay At Home Mother. I love learning with them and the discussions we have. Every day I see new parts of their personalities shining through and I’m so proud of the people they are. It’s the strangest, most bittersweet feeling in the world watching your kids grow up. Being with them daily is such a blessing.

My favourite moment of the day is when they wake up, and I hear each of their little feet make their way down the hallway to me. I just love that first-morning hug and how cute they are

when they first see me.

We feel one of the most important things we need to teach our children is kindness. They can tell someone when they feel uncomfortable and they tell us when we hurt their feelings. We respect their boundaries and we help them hold them with others. We apologize to them when we as adults make mistakes.

We also expect our kids to work hard.

We teach our children the word no. When someone tells you no, it means no. And when you say no, it means no. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, but you need to extend others the same courtesy.

The best part about motherhood, I struggle with this one because I love every stage we’ve been in already. I am struggling a bit to close our baby chapter this last time. I love the newborn stage of cuddles and when everything smells new. Our little guy just crossed into the sticky, covered-in-dirt phase which is fun too because everything makes him laugh and he’s so curious. Our full-blown toddler doesn’t miss a thing and cracks me up with all her independence, and professing how much of a big kid she is. The kindergartener is incredibly interesting to hang out with. He’s always got a new joke or story to tell.

My favourite moment of the day is when they wake up, and I hear each of their little feet make their way down the hallway to me. I just love that first-morning hug and how cute they are when they first see me.

I think the biggest challenge is finding all these subconscious ideas and notions you had about parenting, and commingling them with your spouse’s! Regulating your own emotions and reactions has been something I definitely can see has changed from our first babe to our last. I don’t sweat the small stuff as I used to.”

In closing, Katelyn expressed, “My children are the very best parts of me and their dad all wrapped up in special parts that make them unique. It’s truly magic you can hold in your own two hands.”

The Yakemchuk family. (Katelyn Yakemchuk/ Submitted Photo)

Diligence Pays Off for Jamieson Brown

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Jamieson Brown, Community Engagement & Economic Development Manager for the Town of Vegreville was honoured with the Emerging Talent in Economic Development Award at the Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Xperience 2024 Leaders’ Summit and Conference at the Pomeroy Kananski Mountain Lodge on April 10.

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee mentioned that Jamieson has worked for the town for approximately two years in the new department, Community Engagement and Economic Development.

“We are very proud that he won this award. It has been a pleasure for council and myself to watch Jamieson grow into this new position. With his background in marketing and a very strong work ethic and a community first approach, he has been a great addition to our team.

He was nominated by the Town of Vegreville for this award. We had to write letters of recommendation from the town. We also had Bob Bezpalko from Alberta HUB write a letter of recommendation as well.”

When asked what the criteria for the award was, MacPhee replied, “A person has to be currently employed in the economic development profession in Alberta.

A list of other requirements we had to write are:

• A detailed list of the nominee’s professional achievements to date and promise for the future, including

• education and commitment to ongoing professional development.

• Professional accomplishments

• Demonstrated leadership skills

• Community involvement and volunteerism

• Future career goals and aspirations

• Committed to the economic development profession

• Letter of recommendation from the nominee’s current employer.”

MacPhee went on to state, “As far as what the future of economic development in Vegreville under the guidance of Jamieson looks like with his ability in advertising and marketing, plus his personal skills in meeting and showing the opportunities to new businesses and industries to set up in Vegreville, I feel very confident for the future of our town.”

Alberta HUB Executive Director Bob Bezpalko said, “This award recognizes an (EDA) member who demonstrates notable professional accomplishments to date with less than five years’ experience as an Economic Development Officer (EDO) and serves to enhance Alberta’s economic development profession by celebrating new professionals and promoting future leaders. It’s a very prestigious award.

Candidates are nominated by their communities and then evaluated by an (EDA) panel of their peers.

Jamieson’s work for Vegreville has been outstanding and I for one was very happy he was chosen.”

When asked what this award meant to himself personally, Jamieson mentioned, “I’m incredibly humbled, and was quite honestly stunned, to be named the recipient of this award. From what I understand a lot of work went into the submission process and I am so grateful to all my colleagues for their efforts in putting my name forward as well as everyone on town council for their overwhelming support of economic development in Vegreville and my department as a whole.”

Volunteers Heart of Communities in Lamont County

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

National Volunteer Week highlights the importance every volunteer and each contribution they make to their communities.

Lamont County held volunteer appreciation events in partnership with Lamont County FCSS, Kalyna Family Resource Network and the Town of Bruderheim, Town of Lamont, Town of Mundare, Village of Andrew and Village of Chipman from April 14-20.

Sara Rindero, Community Services Manager with Lamont County, said, “Volunteer Appreciation is a national event, and we love bringing it to all the communities within Lamont County. Volunteers are the heart of communities.

I loved this year to see the youth attending. It is important for the

younger generations to become volunteers and keep the cycle if giving back to the community. We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors including Cenovus Energy, Enbridge, Volunteer Alberta and Servus Credit Union for the continued support,” noted Rindero.

Lamont County Reeve David Diduck said, “Family & Community Support Services, Lamont County Region, is to be commended for hosting four very successful Volunteer Appreciation Nights in the Village of Andrew, Town of Bruderheim, Town of Lamont and Town of Mundare. The appreciation nights were well attended in each community by county and urban volunteers,” said Lamont County Reeve, David Diduck. “To all volunteers, a sincere ‘Thank you’! You make our communities strong and vibrant.”

Jamieson Brown holding his award at the conference. (Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)

View of guests at volunteer appreciation event in Mundare. (Lamont County/Submitted Photo)

Mind magic entertaining the crowd in the Village of Andrew. (Lamont County/Submitted Photo)

Mind Magic show in Mundare. (Lamont County/Submitted Photo)

Lamont Bullarama Supreme Wows Crowd of 1,600 Fans

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Lamont Bullarama Supreme drew a crowd of 1,600 fans at the Conrad Schinkinger Memorial Grounds on May 4. Attendance surpassed last year’s record of 1,100 attendees.

The competitors didn’t disappoint as there were many high flying and low lying moments to be had inside the ring during the annual springtime event. A total of 25 cowboys battled the bulls with legendary bull rider Cody Coverchuk taking home the best combined score to earn top prize and earnings of $4,460.

NOTICE is hereby given that a Certificate of Intent to Dissolve was issued by the Alberta Registrar of Corporations to ALBERTA AGRI ETHANOL CO. LTD. on April 8, 2024.

2024 standings to date.

Announcer Mike Labelle fondly referred to Coverchuk as ‘The Legend’ and Coverchuk lived up to his moniker as he took home the championship. Coverchuk hails from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan and has been a professional bull rider for the past 11 years. He is currently ranked as the number one bull rider in the Professional Bull Riders Canada

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Following Coverchuk’s victory, he was asked: “So, what does it make you feel like when you hear the word the legend?” He replied, “It makes a guy feel really special for sure. To be considered something like that is pretty special to me but rodeo is a very humbling sport, each and every time, each and every day. I can be a champion today but tomorrow I could be a chump. So, you take it for what it is each and every day. But to be considered a legend overall feels good.”

Coverchuk said he’s been riding since he was 12-years old and now he’s 30 years of age. “But I’ve been getting on full grown bulls since I was 15-years-old. Even though he’s shattered his jaw and hyper extended his thumb and shoulder, he considers himself fortunate as bull riding is such a tough sport.

What makes Coverchuk want to continue to compete since it’s such a tough job?

Coverchuk responded, “It is, absolutely. It’s all I’ve ever really done, and at the end of the

day it’s my job. So, I just keep myself motivated and keep pushing myself to be better and better each and every day because at the end of it I don’t want to have any regrets.”

While prize money helps keep him on the road and competing, his late father is his biggest motivation in life. “My dad, he passed away eight years ago now, he always pushed me to do this, to do what I love. That’s my fire. I keep coming back each and every time for him.”

Rebecca Green, Chair of the Bullarama Committee with the Lamont Agricultural Society, commented on the event by stating, “Every year I am amazed at the support we are given! Another record breaking year with packed stands and they drank us dry and ran us out of food.”

Green said they had assistance from about 75 volunteers to make the event an overwhelming success. She noted that LA Dance Moves and Lamont High School grad class helped with volunteers and clean up, utilizing the event as a fundraiser for their groups.

Austin Paley from Beaverlodge on Aces and Eights. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Champion Cody Coverchuk, right, offered congratulations by Vold Rodeo Company representative. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Montana cowboy Kobe Whitford. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Cowboy Mason Hamilton. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Bull takes after Wyatt Milgate. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)