Vegreville News Advertiser - May 15, 2024

Courageous Natalie Andrews’ Dream Comes True

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Vegreville resident Natalie Andrews was diagnosed with Desmoid Fibromatosis when she was in Grade Five. She is now a Grade 12 student at St. Mary’s Catholic High School who underwent a below-knee amputation.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Desmoid Fibromatosis is: “A type of soft tissue tumor that forms in fibrous (connective) tissue, usually in the arms, legs, or abdomen. It may also occur

in the head and neck. Desmoid-type fibromatoses are usually benign (not cancer). They often recur (come back) after treatment and spread to nearby tissue, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body. They may occur in adults or children. Also called aggressive fibromatosis and desmoid tumor.

In a press release from Make-A-Wish Canada, it is noted that when Natalie learned she qualified for a wish, she asked for her beloved truck to be

WHAT’S INSIDE

May 6

07:19 – Report of smoke seen at a Vegreville school approximately five minutes prior to call. Member called school and spoke to secretary at school who informed them that firefighters had attended and no fire was found.

19:46 – Complainant reported being threatened while traveling from the Elks Park to his home. Complainant suffers from hallucinations and it was determined that threats did not occur.

23:58 – Complainant reported that her dog was attempting to hurt her and she was afraid to let the dog in from the back yard. Members responded and spoke to the complainant advising her to phone the SPCA.

May 7

03:14 – Break and Enter. Members responded to a burglary alarm at a Vegreville business. Upon arrival they noted entry through the front door. Building cleared three times with no subjects being located. Specific tools were taken. Under investigation.

May 8

10:13 – Client attended the detachment to report a lost license plate. Plate added to the RCMP database.

12:08 – Complainant reported his truck was stolen during the night. Truck was added to the RCMP database. Members conducted patrols but the truck was not located.

14:35 – Members attended a residence to serve a Subpoena on a witness. While at the residence, a member saw a subject who was on conditions to not be at the residence. Subject was arrested and held for a Judicial Release Hearing.

21:42 - Members conducting curfew checks were unable to locate a subject despite multiple attempts to wake anyone at the residence. Under investigation.

21:59 – Report of a hay bale on Highway 16 partially blocking the roadway and forcing cars to swerve to avoid it.

May 9

03:10 – Report of an assault.

10:32 – Report of an assault.

16:33 – Break and enter where the complainant reported three travel trailers were damaged in attempted break and enters. Members attended and found one trailer had been entered and it was determined that property was stolen. Damage to all the trailer doors was noted.

16:45 – Report of criminal harassment where the complainant reported that two people were being harassed by contractors working in a rental property.

May 10

01:34 – Members conducted a wellbeing check.

10:39 – Report of an assaulted

13:41 – Complainant reported a senior on a scooter heading towards Hwy 16. The complainant was concerned for the individual’s safety. Members patrolled the area provided by the complainant but the subject was not located. Members later found another person matching the description but the subject did not want to

provide any information.

18:37 – Report of assault. Family dispute between siblings. Parent wants a restraining order against one of the children. Victim Services assistance requested.

May 11

08:43 – Found wallet turned into the RCMP detachment. Member called the owner and left a voicemail. Owner later attended the detachment and the wallet was returned. Nothing was missing. 09:29 – 911 animal complaint. Complainant reported that his children were outside and a Rottweiler was offleash. Kids got scared and ran home. Members attended the address, located the Rottweiler off-leash and spoke with the owner providing a warning and education.

13:50 – Neighbour dispute between two parties. Members spoke to both parties and advised them to stay away from each other and keep the peace.

During the week there were 54 calls for service made in total including: 2 false 911s, 0 false alarms, 1 animal strike, 2 relationship violence, 7 calls under the Mental Health Act or related to mental health, and approximately 16 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.

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.

Fire Destroys Three Homes in Mannville

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Three homes in the Village of Mannville were destroyed by fire on May 11. According to Mike Fundytus, Director of Protective Services with the County of Minburn, crews were notified of the fire at 15:52 on Saturday.

“There was a structure fire on 53rd Avenue in Mannville on Saturday. The fire spread to the two neighbouring houses. All three houses sustained catastrophic fire damage.” Fortunately, there were no injuries as everyone got out safely from their home before fire personnel arrived on scene.

Following a request for comment, this written statement was provided by the Village of Mannville to the Vegreville News Advertiser. “The Village of Mannville Council wishes to extend their heartfelt support to the families directly affected by the devastating fire that consumed three homes in Mannville this past weekend. While the loss of property is significant, we are grateful that there was no loss of life. Our thoughts are with those impacted during this difficult time”, said Mayor Rex Smith.

Fundytus said firefighters from both Mannville and Innisfree attended the call. High winds during the time of the fire pushed the flames to the adjacent houses, noted Fundytus. The first truck arrived on scene at 16:00 and the fire was brought under control at 17:09. Trucks departed the scene at 20:49.

“We applaud the County of Minburn Fire Department for their swift and efficient response. Their dedication and courage in tackling this emergency is commendable,” continued Smith. As we come together to support one another, let us remember the resilience of our community and the strength that lies in unity. May the spirit of compassion and solidarity guide us as we rebuild and recover from this tragedy.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Paying it Forward through the Warrior Project

Courtney Yakimetz was a warrior in every sense of the word. Her family and friends continue to keep her memory shining bright by raising funds to help others battling cancer through the Warrior Project.

The fundraiser basically came into effect because the community came together and helped our family out when when Courtney was going through her treatments and it’s just a way that the kids and I could pay forward the support we received. Courtney’s family is a huge part of this event as well. They put a lot of time and effort into organizing. We also have an online raffle and 50/50 happening on Facebook under ‘Warrior Project’.

The first annual Warrior Project fundraiser was held last spring, and plans have already been set for the second annual event that will be held on June 1 at the Yakimetz farm in Minburn County. Mike Yakimetz said they have received so much community support, raising just over $6,000 to help other individuals battling cancer. He said they will continue to do the fundraiser in honour of his late wife.

Mike said, “The fundraiser basically came into effect because the community came together and helped our family out when Courtney was going through her treatments and it’s just a way that the kids

Paying it Forward - CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Thank You

Welcome To New Partners

Wilde & Company CPA’s is pleased to welcome Aimee Baxandall (Campbell) CPA and Natasha

CPA,

to the Partnership. Both of these young women, having grown up on Vegreville area farms, are very happy to now live, work and volunteer in our local community.

Aimee, who is married to local business owner Joey Baxandall, joined our firm over ten years ago. With her farming background on the Colin & Sheila Campbell home place, she shares accounting expertise and business insights with the many farm clients that she serves. She also has significant experience with municipal and NPO audits and internal control systems optimization. Aimee has been the Treasurer for Kinette’s and is the ‘Youth Programs Coordinator’ for Rotary.

Aimee and Joey are expecting their first baby any day, so she will be shifting gears as a new mom. It is very exciting for her that her twin sister Amanda is also on maternity leave with the birth of her second child. Although Aimee’s future travel may look a little different that her previous adventures, she is excited about more time at the lake, farm and of course, home.

Natasha literally ‘grew up with the accounting firm’ as her Dad, Curtis Palichuk, FCPA FCA, is the Managing Partner of Wilde Advisory Group. After finishing school in Vegreville, Natasha studied at the University of Alberta, completed a semester in Grenoble, France and earned her Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan. She worked with KPMG for seven years and now shares her expertise in financial accounting, personal and corporate tax planning, and estate work with our clients. Having completed the CPA In-Depth Tax program, Natasha is instrumental in helping our clients with incorporations, corporate reorganizations, and a variety of other specialized complex tax services.

Natasha and her husband Isaac Jones, a science teacher, recently bought and renovated the house formerly owned by Jerry Wilde, our founding partner, an interesting small-world story. She is excited to ‘re-settle’ into the Vegreville Community and looks forward to volunteering and connecting with clients and friends. She was a regular volunteer with CALS where her Mom, Dee Palichuk, was the Executive Director for over twenty years and is the past Treasurer for the Brain Care Centre, a not-for-profit dedicated to helping adults

Aimee and Natasha enjoy mentoring our CPA

students and are always willing to help our Team. We are so grateful to have the

enthusiasm, and expertise that they bring to our Wilde clients and Team.

Palichuk

MPAcc,

Palichuk CPA,

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Last year’s fundraising recipient standing in front is Kristina Ross. Back Row L-R: Robin Crowle (Courtney’s brother), Connie Brown (Courtney’s mother), Ben Proulx, Kendall Proulx (Courtney’s sister), and Mike Yakimetz. (Mike Yakimetz/Submitted Photo)

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser – Opinion

It’s official. I’m half way there.

While not everyone agrees on the concept of not mowing during May, I’m firmly in the no-mow camp if for no other reason than it’s a better reason than procrastination.

The history of No Mow May extends out to the United Kingdom and a group called Plantlife. They state that certain regions have lost 97 percent of flower-rich meadows since the 1930’s. With that loss goes the food needed by pollinators we ultimately depend on for our food…mainly bees and butterflies.

They claim our lawns can help buy providing long grass with wildflowers which can also tackle pollution, reduce urban heat extremes, and lock away atmospheric carbon below ground. Lofty ambitions for the common lawn. The trend has caught on with organizations such as Bee City USA whose ultimate goal is to provide more habitat for pollinators.

With spring being a critical time for young bees, the logic is

that the added floral resources will help pollinators thrive in urban areas.

Several studies have recorded many species of bees visiting dandelion and white clover in urban areas. This was most notable in lawns that were mowed every two or three weeks. Additional studies have focused on lower mowing frequencies leading to fewer pests and a possible cost savings (up to 36 percent) for park managers as well as increased satisfaction by park users.

A larger benefit would come from some dedicated space with wildflowers that are available throughout the year. It has been stated that dandelions, while beneficial, are ultimately poor nutrition for pollinators. If one is looking to do more, however, a “bee lawn” can be created which could include white clover and other low-growing flowering plants.

As with almost everything, there is conflicting research. The University of Guelph has a Turfgrass Institute or GTI which actually conducts research and provides education to those in the turf industry. They state that while No Mow May is wellintentioned they cite the issue with lawns ultimately being a poor source of nutrition for pollinators. They recommend dedicated plants such as flowering trees like crabapple, choke cherry, maple, oak and willow. They go on to recommend “pollinator-friendly” flowers, grasses and shrubs instead.

The Doctors at GTI also state that No Mow May could actually harm domestic lawns. Longer lawns can encourage the growth of undesirable weeds such as thistle which are more difficult to remove. They also say cutting too much length at once is traumatic to the grass leaving it with loss of energy and leaving it susceptible to insects and disease.

The GTI recommends mowing home lawns when the grass reaches approximately three inches. Grasses have evolved to be grazed by herbivores so respond positively to regular mowing. If nothing else, No Mow May provides for some education. While humans are obsessed with being hit by an asteroid or some other major calamity, one of the areas some scientists are looking at that will lead to the collapse of civilizations is the inability to sustain food supplies due to loss of pollinators and related insects in the food chain. When they go, ultimately we go.

So while No Mow May could offer an excuse to not tend to our lawns, it may also be an opportunity to plant a corner of our yards with some wild flowers that will serve as a small pollinator habitat for years to come.

Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

Province Invests $30 Million into Funding for Recreation Facilities

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

Our government is invested in enriching the lives of Albertans. In Budget 2024, we are investing $30 million in new funding for sports and recreation facilities to inspire, connect, and promote the wellbeing of Albertans. Recreation centres and facilities truly are the heart of so many communities, they give us the opportunity stay active, build friendships, and enjoy time spent with our loved ones. To preserve this, we are funding various recreation facility projects in every corner of the province.

More exciting news…our government has created two nomination streams to highlight the incredible efforts of Albertans – the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards and the Alberta Newcomers Recognition Awards.

The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards were established to recognize the outstanding contributions of Alberta volunteers in helping better the lives of families, friends and neighbours throughout

our province. Each year, thousands of Alberta volunteers dedicate their time and talents to making this province a great place to live, visit, and raise a family. Thanks to the selfless dedication of volunteers, Albertans have access to the social, cultural, and recreational programs that have created a strong foundation for the health and wellbeing of our communities. To highlight this incredible work done by volunteers in your community, I encourage all Albertans to submit nominations for the 2024 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards. Up to nine awards, two in the categories of youth, adult and senior, as well as three in the breaking barriers category, will be presented later this year. I personally want to thank all those who dedicate their time in service to the many communities throughout the Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville constituency. Because of your time, effort, and devotion to various causes and organiza-

tions, you help to increase opportunities for education and collaboration throughout our communities.

The second way that you can highlight the notable efforts of people in your community is through the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards. Our government invites all Albertans to nominate a newcomer who has made a significant contribution to their community. As Alberta is home to individuals and families from a wide variety of backgrounds, we want to highlight the incredible help individuals have made in enriching the lives of many Albertans.

The Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards provides an opportunity to honour the effort of those who have paved the way in volunteer activities, leadership, innovation in business, achievements in their academic or professional field, or by creating a more welcoming and inclusive community. Albertans can now submit their nominations for the Alberta Newcomer Awards in the categories of youth, women, seniors, entrepreneurs, academics, professionals, and community builders. This is one of the many govern-

Roofing Project in Town of Vegreville

90

Years Ago – May 16, 1934

A petition requesting the establishment by By-law of a weekly halfholiday was presented to Vegreville Town Council and refused. Seeding operations are about concluded in this district both of wheat and coarse grains. The conditions of seeding have been uniformly good with a fairly moist seed-bed and good growing weather. High winds have not caused soil drifting to any extent in this district.

Most of the wheat in the Shandro area is up above ground in spite of the lack of much-needed rain.

A glance at our reliable thermometer on Tuesday afternoon, May 15th revealed it hitting the high spots at 90 degrees. This is unusually warm for May and affords some compensation for those dreadful days of last December, the memory of which still makes us shiver. Rain is needed shortly and the barometer this morning, May 16th indicates a change of some sort, registering 29.70. Strawberry culture demands much more attention to detail than most horticultural crops. The amount of hand labor is relatively great and must be performed by persons skilled in the methods of cultivation.

75 Years Ago – May 18, 1949

At the annual meeting of the Alberta Association of Libraries held in Calgary last week, Mrs. Kathleen Allen of Calgary was elected First Vice-President and Mrs. E. E. Morton of Vegreville is Second Vice-President.

Pool officials have announced that the Vegreville Swimming Pool will open this coming Saturday.

From weather records kept by the late James B. Steele of Beaver Lake for some thirty years in the very early days of settlement, it is learned: 1883 – A very dry year, yield poor. 1888 – A winter without snow; lots of prairie tires in the spring; no rain fell until August; no crops at all. 1897 – Dry spring; no rain until June 7th; first class crop taken off.

Nick Starko narrowly escaped with his life when the parts room floor of his garage, Starko Motors, in Mundare, fell through to the basement while he was looking over some stock.

The first known international telephone connection was made by submarine cable between Windsor and Detroit in 1881.

John Ruptash of Hairy Hill, won the top engineering faculty prize, the Henry Birks & Sons gold medal in engineering.

John Kinniburch of Lethbridge will arrive in Vegreville shortly where he intends to operate a watch repair stand in the hardware section of the Vegreville Co-op Store.

50 Years Ago- May 16, 1974

Following 33 years of service with the Post Office Department, 18 of them as Postmaster in Vegreville, John Symyrozum will throw in the towel, come July 1st. Assuming the position of Postmaster when John’s retirement becomes effective is Gordon Patterson who has taken on many of the chores in the Vegreville office.

Three Junior High School students, Victor Benoit, Edmond Dubuc, and Terry Luhoway, all of them from St. Martin’s School have been notified by Mr. T.W. Gee, Chairman of Alberta Pandora Committee of the ATA English Council that they were among the winners in the second annual Canadian Student Poetry Contest.

On Saturday, May 4, 1974, Harry P. Chomik received at Red Deer, Alberta, the Distinguished Service Award from the Council on School Administration.

Four students from Innisfree School received cash awards and a certificate for their winning cancer posters. They were: Shirley Sangster, Susan Bohaichuk, Susan Scherba, and Nancy Bruce.

Winners of the Cancer posters at St. Martin’s School were: Susan Stefancik, Ross Sturmay, and Grant Wilde.

A post office is to be constructed in Willingdon. A contract valued at $45,764 has been awarded to the Tofield firm of Watson Tofield (1973) Ltd., Minister of Public Works for Canada J.E. Dube announced recently.

25 Years Ago – May 18, 1999

A proliferation of stray animals has forced the Mannville Council to act. Residents will soon be limited to having a maximum of three cats and dogs. Village administrator Kent Staden said the bylaw will limit the total number of cats and dogs to a combined total of three per household.

Vegreville’s Alberta Treasury Branch has a new manager. Dave Evans started at the branch on April 26, moving from Claresholm. He’s no stranger to the area, his parents retired to Vegreville and he served as branch manager in Tofield for several years.

Doug Millar of St. Paul Fish Farms stocked the Elk’s Park fish pond with 700 Rainbow Trout. The fish averaged 9 inches and ¼ pounds. Within 2-3 months children and seniors may enjoy free fishing. Earlier in spring, 10 Elks members supervised pumping water from the adjacent river stream into the pond.

Vegreville 4-H Horse Whisperers Club is sponsoring a trail ride on May 23 at Silver Berry near Myrnam to raise money for cancer research. Organizers Shirley Reithmayer and Jim Davies are hoping for approximately 60 riders.

Letters Welcomed

One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Is Pierre Poilievre a Threat to Canadian Values and Traditions?

The great African American writer Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre raised some Canadians’ ire recently when the Speaker of the House, Greg Fergus, expelled him from the House of Commons for using non-parliamentary language. He called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s drug policies “wacko.” As an isolated incident, this would not be too concerning, especially since Trudeau’s behaviour was not significantly better. However, Poilievre’s disregard for Canadian values and tradition extends far beyond the House of Commons.

I am a progressive and have generally been represented by parliamentarians I would consider conservative. I have not had a problem with this. I have always found them congenial, helpful, and, at worst, willing to agree to disagree.

This is how our Canadian democracy functions. The person elected normally belongs to a particular political party and holds particular views, but they serve all residents of their constituency.

I live in Prince George, British Columbia. The constituencies in northern BC are geographically enormous, but two of them meet in Prince George. They have both been Conservative strongholds for decades. The two Members of Parliament, Bob Zimmer and Todd Doherty, share a downtown office. I have resided in both ridings and am on a first-name basis with both MPs. Their staff members, both in Prince George and Ottawa, have always treated me with the utmost respect.

The atmosphere in the local constituency office has changed significantly recently, and I don’t believe it is because of the current Israel-Palestine issue. Zimmer is extremely pro-Israel. I advocate for the human rights of all people in the region. We were

still able to sit down over coffee and discuss the issue. My dialogues with Doherty primarily involved advocating for Indigenous rights in Canada, and I found him to be very open-minded and collaborative. Since Poilievre has become the leader of the Conservative Party, staff members remain congenial, but both Doherty and Zimmer have become inaccessible.

Shortly after Israel began its assault on Gaza, there were numerous sit-ins at constituency offices across Canada. One can understand that MPs were concerned about the well-being of their staff members and briefly locked their offices. Shortly after, a very kind and diverse group of people, primarily women, made up of a minister and other Christians, Muslims, agnostics, and even a former member of the Israeli Defense Force, began gathering weekly for what they called “knit-ins” at Doherty and Zimmer’s office in Prince George. They not only shared information with their MPs regarding the crisis in Gaza, but they also shared their knitting and baking with the office staff. They were able to do this until the constituency office closed for the Christmas break.

In January, the “knit-in ladies” were locked out of the constituency office. They were given vague and unclear reasoning for this action. They were told that only those with appointments were allowed to enter, but when they tried to make appointments, their phone calls were not returned, or their requests were denied. Given the positive relationship that Zimmer and Doherty have built in the region, one has to wonder why there has been a change in attitude. Was this a direct order from Pierre Poilievre? Canadians cherish their parliamentary democracy. We value respectful dialogue, the right to protest, law and order, and our reputation on the international stage. It is becoming clear that Pierre Poilievre

Freedom of conscience, of education, of speech, of assembly are among the very fundamentals of democracy and all of them would be nullified should freedom of the press ever be successfully challenged. - Franklin D. Roosevelt -

Gerry Chidiac Troy Media Columnist

from the pages of the vegreville observer

Compiled by dan beaudette

Svitlo Year-End Performance

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Thirty-seven members of the Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers performed an impressive array of dances at their year-end concert at the Vegreville Social Centre on May 5.

Treasurer Curtis Zorniak emceed the event. Zorniak welcomed everyone and introduced instructors Debbie Kachmar-Potter and Shaughnessy Potter. He went on to state that they dedicated this performance to their President, Kevin Siemers, who recently lost his battle with cancer. “His heart was woven into this club and he was proud to be a part of the spectacular group of people. The executive and the Svitlo Ukrainian dancing family all stepped up to finish the dance season.

The many highlights from our dancers were performing at events such as Razom, Zabava, competitions, dancing at the four senior citizens complexes, the Christmas concert, the year-end concert, and when we will finish the season performing at Vegreville Pysanka Festival.

From participating in dancing, dancers gain the art of performing and learning about Ukrainian culture and different regions, learn the fundamentals of dance, get to practice and have fun with their peers,

and make friendships that will last a lifetime. ”

When asked, dancers Rachel Wynnyk and Savannah Wynnyk commented that they have been participating in Ukrainian dancing for 11 years.

“The best part is being older because we can be a role model for the little kids. Our favorite part about performing is showcasing everything we learned from all our work during the year.

Our achievements this year have been our group received three gold and the best in choreography at the Vermilion Festival.

Gavin Worobec said he has been dancing for 11 years. “My favorite part is getting to be a star. At the Vermilion Festival, I received the best choreography and the Spotlight Award.”

Annya Palsitt stated she has been performing Ukrainian dancing for 14 years. “I like doing the spins and the turns. As a group, we received Most Outstanding and the Best Choreography at the Vermilion Festival.

JOB POSTING – VILLAGE OF HOLDEN, ALBERTA

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Office Administrator

Job Description

Our company is looking for an organized and self-motivated Office Administrator/ Accountant who will be responsible for providing administrative support to our Mundare deli & production facility. The Office Administrative's role will include working closely with our leadership team as well as our production teams by multitasking and handling clerical duties, performing file-keeping tasks, assisting in the purchasing of supplies and inputs, and inputting and helping coordinate orders.

In order to be successful in this position you should be detail-oriented, professional and have strong written and verbal communication skills.

Office Administrator Responsibilities:

● Carrying out clerical duties such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, and preparing documents, including office correspondence, and forms.

● Assisting Shipping and Receiving with order taking and fulfilment.

● Performing bookkeeping tasks such as invoicing, monitoring accounts receivable and accounts payable and statements.

● Maintaining general office files, including job files, vendor files, and other files related to the company's operations.

● Purchasing office supplies, production inputs, equipment, merchandise and furniture.

● Assisting the Management Team with miscellaneous office-based tasks.

● Performing other relevant duties when needed.

Office Administrator Requirements:

● High school diploma or a Bachelor's degree in business, administration, or a related field.

● 2 or more years' office administration experience.

● Proficiency in a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access).

● Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.

Work remotely: No

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: $23.00-$30.00 per hour

Who are we?

Stawnichy's Mundare Sausage is a family owned and operated specialty meat and Ukrainian food company in operation since 1959. Our specialty is our World Famous Mundare Sausage, however our product list includes over 80 uniquely prepared meat and Ukrainian food products. We are proud of our Alberta heritage and work hard to maintain the values & traditions set by its founders. For more information about the company please visit: www.mundaresausage.com.

.mundaresausage.com.

All dancers perform to the Storyline of Our New Home. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

All dancers perform to the Storyline of Our New Home. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

restored including a new paint job and stereo system.

A surprise party with all her family and friends was presented to Natalie on May 9. At this time was the unveiling of the refurbishment of her vintage 1977 Dodge Adventurer half-ton truck at the company that restored it, Vegreville Auto Body Ltd.

The expression on Natalie’s face was of pure joy when she first saw her truck.

When asked what this meant to her, she responded, “I’ve always loved trucks and cars; especially vintage ones as they are nostalgic. I love the classic feel. When I saw my vehicle, I was so surprised! It was unreal! It was like a dream that became a

On how her life has been since she was first diagnosed. “I just learned to live with it because I had a lot of support from my family and friends. It is what it is. I learned to accept it. My life is so good now. I am starting to plan my career and my life as an adult. I have now been accepted into a Natural Resource Compliance.”

Vegreville Auto Body Owner Myron Hayduk expressed that he wanted to be involved with this project because he shared a love of vintage vehicles with her. “I also had a critical illness and have been there. It makes me feel good to make a difference. I am impressed with Make-A-Wish because they have lighted up so many young people’s lives.”

Judy Maggs, an adopted grandmother from the heart, has been a next-door neighbour to Natalie’s family for 23 years. She mentioned that she saw Natalie grow up and that she means the world to her. She is so glad that all these people have been there

for Natalie.

Jen Garden, Chapter Director for Make-A-Wish, commented that they grant wishes for kids from three to 17 years of age. “They have to have a doctor sign that they have a critical illness and they never had a wish before they qualify for a wish.

We had done vehicle refurbished wishes before but they are not as popular as trips. But we fund different wishes with older kids. We are not government funded so we rely on our communities to help fund these wishes from donations or by hosting their events.”

The press release also mentioned that Natalie’s wish was one of the 300 waiting to be granted in Northern Alberta by Make-A-Wish. This year alone, we have already been able to grant 111 wishes. Natalie’s wish unveiling is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the power of community coming together.

Dreams Come True - CONTINUED from Front PAGE

Natalie expressed her joy by hugging Myron Hayduk. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Natalie with her family and friends. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Seeding Time

Seeding is starting to get underway. This unit was spotted just west of the Village of Innisfree off Highway 16A and Range Road 114 on May 11. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

SafeStep. North America’s #1 Walkin

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SERVICES

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Strong Appetite for Connection at Food Symposium

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

There was a strong appetite for connection as 120 people plated up, figuratively and literally, during a one-of-a-kind symposium in Vermilion on April 15.

Co-founders of Connect for Food, (CFF) Perry Phillips and Keleigh Cormier, were very pleased with the turn out as people from various communities throughout the province came to learn about bolstering Alberta’s food industry and meeting other interested parties during the one-day event.

Phillips and Cormier say the intent of the symposium was to build a thriving food industry, local and beyond. Phillips explained that, “Connect for Food is a process of working with stakeholders and communities to bolster their economy through developing their food industry. The key word is connect. We believe that individuals have the vision and solutions to more effectively harvest the opportunities to shape the future of their communities.”

Cormier added, “The Connect for Food Symposium is building on dozens of connections already made through a series of community-based workshops over past months.”

The Symposium program is focused on action and progress. It included Bianca Parsons of the Alberta Food Processors Association, who shared how a region can evolve its food industry and highlighted the “Made in Alberta” brand.

‘Unlocking Alberta’s Food Potential’ was the title of Parson’s presentation. She focused on the food production chain, the power of buying local food and beverages, how attendees can join or support the system and how to employ, inspire and support the next generation.

An interactive “Supply Chain Panel” offered diverse perspectives from the food industry, relating their experiences and revealing challenges and opportunities for closing the gap between supply and demand, locally and beyond.

Some of the featured products from entrepreneurs throughout the northeast region included: Black Stripe & Backroads Coffee from Vegreville, CP Pharms & Vertical Roots from St. Paul, Serben Farms from Smoky Lake County and Emjay’s berries from the Andrew area.

Cormier said through this event, a champion organization will carry the initiative forward in the future.

Featured products at the luncheon. (Connect for Food/Facebook Photos)

Tributes

Sheldon RADZICK

July 23, 1979 - May 13, 2014

Time speeds on, ten years are gone,

Since death its gloomy shadow cast

Upon our home, where all seemed bright

And took from us a shining light.

We miss that light, and ever will;

His vacant place none can fill,

Here we mourn, but not in vain,

For in Heaven we will meet again.

Forever loved and dearly missed Gloria and Clayton

SARAFINCHAN, Annie

August 9, 1923 - May 16, 1990

In loving memory of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Annie.

Thoughts wander as daylight fades,

To the land of long ago,

And memory paints old scenes

In the gold of the twilight glow.

I seem to see in the soft dim light

A face I loved the best.

I think of her when daytime

Fades in the far-off west.

Forever loved and remembered by your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

SOROTSKY, Helen

In loving memory of Helen Sorotsky May 14, 1987

We think of you in silence,

We often speak your name.

All we have is memories

And your picture in a frame.

Our hearts still ache in sadness

And our tears continue to flow.

For what it was to lose you, No one will ever know.

Sadly missed & always remembered by your family.

Love Tracy & Wanda, Darcy & Carol, Tammie & Brian and their families

PAWLIUK, George May 18, 2021

In memory of a loving Husband, Father, Gido and Pragido.

He never looked for praises

He was never one to boast

He just went on quietly working

For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken

His wants were very few

And most of the time his worries

Went unspoken too.

He was there…a firm foundation

Through all the storms of life

A sturdy hand to hold on to

In times of stress and strife.

A true friend we could turn to

When times were good or bad

One of the greatest blessings

The man that we called Dad.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed Your family

SEIDEL, Ernest Lloyd

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Lloyd Seidel passed to his rest at the age of 77 years.

Lloyd resided in several Alberta towns: Viking, Lougheed, Strome and lately in Vegreville. Lloyd was predeceased by his first wife, Rhea Taylor; parents, Richard and Elsie Seidel; four brothers, Werner, Ben, Carl and Elias Seidel. Lloyd is survived by his wife, Ulrike Unruh; sons Randy (Josephine) Seidel and Garry (Nicki) Seidel; daughter, Tamara (Max Sabeti) Seidel; grandchildren, Cole Seidel, Talise, Rozene, and Jolon Sabeti Seidel; and one brother, Dick Seidel.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Lloyd’s life will be held in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vegreville, Alberta on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Lloyd may be given to the ALS Society, or to ADRA, or any charity of one’s choice.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

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

Injury Awareness and Prevention Program

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

On a rural road in the County of Two Hills a small compact car is flipped over on its roof. A vehicle stops and the passerby walks over to the crash to access the situation. The driver of the vehicle is stumbling around yelling for someone to help her friends, one of which was thrown from the vehicle and has already died. The other friend in the back of the vehicle is lying motionless, but is conscious and shouting that she can’t feel her legs.

The passerby calls 911. It seems like an eternity before emergency responders arrive on scene to assist.

While this is a mock scenario, Two Hills Fire Chief Marj Skoropadyk knows all too well the actual reality of the situation that is playing out before a group of 37 Grade 9 students from Two Hills School, Two Hills Mennonite School and New Myrnam School in the parking lot of the Centennial Hall.

The mock collision is all part of a full day injury awareness and prevention program called Prevent Alcohol and RiskRelated Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) that was held on May 8. It was sponsored by Two Hills & Area Victim Services in partnership with Two Hills Fire Rescue, Two Hills RCMP, Medavie Emergency Medical Services, Two Hills Emergency Trauma Facility, Veg Al Drug Society, Autumn Rose Funeral Homes as well as members of the Two Hills community.

Skoropadyk explained that it takes 15 to 20 minutes on average for firefighters to leave the hall. The geographical area of Two Hills County is challenging and vast, spanning approximately 100 kilometres from east to west and about 60 kilometres from north to south. She explained what was happening in detail during the mock scenario and the implications to each person involved in the crash as well as the impact it will have on their family members and friends. “We’re not telling you guys not to go out and have fun. We’re telling you to be smart about it. You go out with your buddies, one person is the designated driver. Make sure all your friends and family members get home.”

Deputy Chief Ryan Morey also spoke to the students. “When we go out to a call we don’t know what we’re getting into. She, (Skoropadyk) said this is reality, and this is true. Most of us have handled several fatalities in our careers so far. I think one of my first calls was a fatality. It was with a quad out in the middle of

TOMA, Dale Lynn September 30, 1965 – May 12, 2024 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dale Lynn Toma of Willingdon, Alberta on Sunday, May 12, 2024. Left to hold dear her memory are, her buddy Jesse; sister and brother-in-law Jackie Toma and Bob Dushenski of Beaumont/Willingdon along with their daughter Felicia, husband Justin Tidd and family of Hurricane West Virginia, sister Andrea, husband Peter Tombrowski and family of Calgary; Dale is also survived by numerous family members and a large community of Friends. Dale is predeceased by her mom MaryLou Toma; sister Terry Lynn Toma; and Dad Andy Toma. She was born in Edmonton in the cab of the truck on September 30, 1965, Dale was challenged after an accident at home at the age of two years which left her with brain damage. Dale never let her handicap define her. Mom ensured that Dale had as normal of a life as she could, attending school first in Hairy Hill and completing her education in Two-Hills, where she received a special graduation diploma. After school Dale lived on the farm in Hairy Hill and then years later Mom and Dale settled into a life of two, moving to Willingdon and starting a fresh beginning. They both enjoyed the animals, the chickens, the gardening, and content with rural life. When mom was diagnosed with her cancer in 2019, mom and Dale moved to the Willingdon Eagle Hill Lodge. Mom only had a very short stay of 1 month before she passed. Dale enjoyed living there until her passing. She was an active resident of the lodge. Making many friends with the residents, staff, and family of the residents as well. Dale would be cheerful, cranky, quiet, loud. She also helped where she could, becoming a beloved resident of the lodge. We wish to acknowledge Eagle Hill Lodge for giving Dale a home full of love, home care nurses who assisted in keeping Dale comfortable, Royal Alexandra Hospital Diagnostics/ultrasound for becoming friends as Dale was there for her weekly drains for the past year and a half, Dr Satar who regularly visited the lodge and kept Dale’s medical needs a priority, palliative nurse Michelle, what a beautiful angel she is guiding me as Dale’s caregiver and sister, we cried and we laughed, Michelle was the very best when speaking with Dale. Thank you to the nursing staff at Two Hills Hospital (Palliative Suite) who allowed me to be just a sister and not a caregiver during her last week.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Willingdon and District Recreation Centre with Very Rev. Fr. Mircea Panciuk and Fr. Gheorghe Petrovan officiating. Interment to follow in the St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church of Boian. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the “Willingdon Eagle Hill Resident Special Fund.” We will be creating a beautiful outdoor gazebo area for the residents and staff to enjoy for years to come in the memory of MaryLou and Dale Toma.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

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

Mock collision. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)

Two Hills RCMP Cst. Joshua Keeping followed up by saying, “This is kind of a reality of our job too. Especially, in rural area like this. For the fire department it’s six people, for the police it’s just me. If I’m on shift, usually I’m by myself, especially in rural area like this. For the fire department it’s six people, for the police it’s just me.”

Skoropadyk told the students, “Even though this is a mock collision it is reality. It’s all about a choice… I’ve been down on my hands and knees holding a piece of somebody’s scalp because it was peeling off someone’s head.”

nowhere. I was first on scene with my vehicle. Without even a first aid kit and I had to watch someone dying in front of me. And it’s a reality for us, and it’s a reality for you if you chose to make those decisions.”

Cst. Keeping outlined the seriousness of being charged with impaired operation causing death and potential consequence of going to jail for life. “It’s not easy to see dead people and search them for id’s and talk to their parents. It’s not easy to say your daughter died in an accident today. Not only is it difficult on the family, it’s difficult on the driver. They didn’t mean to kill their friend. Even if you only had a few drinks, it’s easy to kill someone. Don’t drink and drive. Full stop.”

Astounding Aurora

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

The eight children who attended this event along with their parents/caregivers at Mundare School on April 18 wore happy expressions on their faces.

Programmer for Kalyna Family Resource Network Lamont County Region Erin Ballance explained, “These children will be attending Kindergarten in the fall of 2024.”

When asked what were the activities and stations that were offered and what each involved?” This program is built on the Talk, Read, Create, and Play Everyday model. It focuses on experiential learning that helps develop children’s literacy, math, creativity, physical, and socialemotional skills and competencies. Our stations include:

• Talking & Reading Together –Families are invited to read a book or two while practicing the three C’s: Cuddle, Conversation, and Choice.

Crazy Laws

New Hampshire

A Kinder Welcome

• Creative Exploration – Children are encouraged to colour, draw, and cut with scissors.

• Mathematics – Families are invited to count, sort, identify colours, and make patterns using building blocks.

• Noticing Print – Children are encouraged to play a matching game with magnetic letters and numbers on a cookie sheet.

• Healthy Choices – Families are encouraged to talk about packing lunches for school and what that will look like as well as engage in conversation with healthy choices. Children take part in an activity where they get to pack an imaginary lunch. This also helps caregivers identify what their children might like in their lunches.

• Music and Movement – Children are invited to practice their gross motor skills to move through the sensory path.

• Social and Emotional Learning – Set up to introduce the idea that conversations happen more easily when seated shoulder to shoulder rather than face to face. Families are encouraged to play with playdough as they engage in conversation about how their child’s day is going.

• The Kinder Welcome program offers families resources and teaches them how to engage in play-based learning with their children. Each child also gets to take home a bag filled with items that will help them practice this at home while developing skills that are important to experiencing success in their first year at school.

This program is also run in partnership with Mundare School and their Kindergarten Orientation Day which means that families also get a chance to meet their teacher and learn more about the school they will be attending in the fall.

The highlights from the event were the partnerships that we have formed with the schools in our region are wonderful. But my favourite part of this program is seeing the excited faces of the children as they move through the stations. They are so excited to go to school.”

People of all ages having fun at the event.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

An Afternoon of Fine Arts Fun

Residents of Lions Golden Villa and guests were treated to an art show by local artist Mary Harasewich and a music performance by Sunshine Romeos on May 2.

When asked about her journey with art. Mary said, “I have been doing artwork since Grade One and people across Canada have bought my art.”

During this time, Sunshine Romeos performed a variety of traditional folk and country favorites which all received an appreciation applause from the audience.

Merv Zemlak and Frank Koopmans are the only members who regularly play music and sing. The rest of this group just got together this time.

When Merv was asked about his background in music. “My dad bought me a guitar when I was 12 and I got my first accordion when I was 14. It was around this time that I started performing music. When I got married, I had other priorities. About 20 years ago, I started performing again. My favourite part is making people smile.”

Frank mentioned that he finds it very therapeutic. “Many years ago, I was in the police force and we had a little band together where I played the drums. Then I got married and had three kids; so I was

more interested in being with my family. I just started performing again about four months ago when I moved here. My favorite part about performing is making people happy.”

Tues. May

Mary Harasewich besides some of her artwork. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

L-R: Merv Zemlak and Frank Koopmans. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

and I could pay forward the support we received.

Courtney’s family is a huge part of this event as well. They put a lot of time and effort into organizing. We also have an online raffle and 50/50 happening on Facebook under Warrior Project.”

Last year’s fundraiser helped Kristina Ross from the Smoky Lake area. This year’s fundraiser is to assist Erin and Jon. Erin is a single mom to a one-and-a-halfyear-old daughter named Summer. The day before her 38th birthday, Erin was diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Her treatment plan involved chemo, surgery and radiation.

Jon was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer with metastasis to the

liver on May 19, 2022. In July, 2022, Jon had surgery that successfully removed all the tumors. For six months following, he underwent chemo, followed by a CT scan that showed no recurrence. In April 2023, he had an ileostomy reversal surgery, and two months later a CT scan showed five tumors on his liver. A biopsy confirmed a local recurrence of a Mucinous Adenocarcinoma which metastasized from the previous Colorectal Cancer. In September 2023, Jon was approved for immunotherapy, which he has been receiving for the last nine months. Jon and his wife Ashleigh have five children. They include: Austyn, Landyn, Karsyn, Naya and Koltyn.

Innisfree-Minburn 4-H Beef Club May Report

The Innisfree-Minburn Beef Club is buzzing with excitement as this year is coming to an end. We had a grooming clinic in April led by Kaide Rancier and Paige Zimmer. It was very informative and everyone learned a lot.

We also had Mock Achievement Day at the Minburn Ag. Grounds on May 11. There are some amazing projects and our members are very excited to show off their hard work and dedication at our annual show and sale at the end of May. We are all looking forward to showing off all of our hard work and hope to see you there!

Keely Chomik Club Reporter

Top Left & Inset: Members at grooming clinic. (Innisfree-Minburn 4-H Beef Club/Submitted Photos)

Members at Mock Achievement Day. (Innisfree-Minburn 4-H Beef Club/ Submitted Photo)