Vegreville News Advertiser - May 27, 2020

VOL. 73 NO. 22

73 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNIT Y WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 The Only Locally Owned News & Adver tising Media in Vegreville .

St. Mary’s Catholic School Holds Graduation Celebration

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Shortly before 1 pm on Thursday, May 22 graduates and family members began arriving in vehicles in the parking lot of St. Mary’s School. Staff were busy making sure everything and everyone were in their places for the special celebration.

The sky was heavily laden with dark clouds, but just before the procession began, a ray of sunlight brief ly appeared, before disappearing again. It was windy and chilly at five degrees Celsius. Spirits were bright, however, when the event got underway.

ST MARY’S GRAD - CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Vegreville Playgrounds are now Open

Vegreville Fire Department Responds to Accident

See page 8 for story

See page 24 for story

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RCMP files from May 18 - 24 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser

May 18

Vegreville Community Gardens Page 10

MLA Encourages Constituents Page 19

may 27, 2020

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03:44 – Call to assist Sherwood Park RCMP for a vehicle that failed to stop with license plates that did not match the vehicle.

The pursuit reached Mannville at which point the suspects left the vehicle and were pursued on foot with the assistance of Police Dog Services (K-9). Two individuals were apprehended and were charged with firearms, weapons & drug (methamphetamine) charges and transported to Sherwood Park.

03:59 – Report of an unknown individual who rang the complainant’s doorbell. They did not come in but the complainant was concerned they were trying to break in. The complainant was advised to lock his doors.

14:10 – Report of a female in Lavoy who was stunting on an ATV on 50th Street and 51 Ave. Patrols were made but turned up negative.

22:53 – Report of a female screaming in Mundare. Members located the individual that the complainant reported but this person was fine. No other reports.

23:37 – Complaint of loud music in Vegreville. Members attended and spoke to the subject of the complaint who explained his desire to play the music loud. The subject agreed to turn down the music. No further complaints came in.

from a rural area near Mundare. The vehicle was later located parked at a Mundare business with the door locked.

Under investigation.

11:18 – Report of a possible impaired driver in the rural area near TWP 534 and RR 164. Patrols were made but turned up negative.

11:49 – Report of a minor collision in Vegreville.

The two individuals exchanged information but one party did not want anyone to leave the scene to go to the police station to report the incident unless police came to the scene first. Members attended.

13:23 – Report of an individual who was involved in a domestic dispute on the weekend prior, now back at the residence in Vegreville. The subject along with their spouse had left the home together and were located in Killiam.

The subject was transported to Viking where Vegreville members collected them and brought them back to the detachment to be arrested on their warrants. The subject was held for a hearing and then transported to the Remand Centre.

May 23

May 19

05:13 – Report of someone throwing a rock and breaking the window of a home in Mundare. The incident happened at approximately 4:30 am.

12:25 – Father called to report his adult daughter missing.

Members informed him that she was the subject of a blotter item the week prior and informed him of her whereabouts.

13:44 – 911 call to report a family member who had “harmed themselves critically”. Members attended and found the subject of the complaint was injured but not gravely. The subject was transported by EMS to Vegreville for treatment.

16:26 – Report of someone attending a place of business thinking that someone at the business was involved in a break and enter to their own business.

Members attended and determined that there was insufficient evidence substantiate the claim. The original matter remains under investigation. *** it’s best to leave the police work to the police.

May 20

05:34 – Members were called to assist Fire with a vehicle that was on fire in Mundare. The vehicle was not stolen.

The registered owner was present and stated he had been working on the vehicle the day before.

09:15 – Report of a stolen vehicle

in rural Vegreville near RR 145 TWP 534. The complainant stated that this vehicle had driven past and stopped by their property multiple times. The complainant followed the vehicle back to Vegreville but provided an invalid plate number to members. The vehicle described could not be found.

13:48 – The subject of a curfew check was found not to be at home. The individual was located the following day and arrested during a second breach of her conditions. She was held for a hearing at which time she was remanded into custody.

14:18 – A Vegreville resident returned a wallet that she found at the Vegreville Trout Pond. The owner was contacted and had indicated that he lost the wallet in Dec of 2019. and searched extensively at that time. When claiming the wallet he indicated that EVERYTHING was still in the wallet including the cash.

He offered a finder a reward but the offer was declined.

17:47 – While attempting to make a purchase which required ID to be presented the buyer refused to do so and then became irate. Damage was done to the Vegreville business. Members attended and reviewed CCTV. Recognizing the subject, members located him at his residence and arrested him for mischief. The subject was later released with documents for court.

May 21

17:35 – Report of two males fighting with bats. One individual claimed that the other threated his kids and called him a goof. Neither party wanted charges and no witnesses were willing to provide statements.

19:00 – Call about a roommate dispute where one roommate was “kicked out”. The female claimed that she was threatened by the male stating his cousin would break her kneecaps. She later claimed that she was threatened over Facebook after posting about her roommate. Members were unable to substantiate any of the claims. The parties had gone their separate ways for the night.

22:39 – Complaint of someone banging on the door and yelling. Members attended and found the roommate outside who had locked himself out and was trying to get the attention of the complainant.

May 22

06:43 – Report of a suspicious vehicle

00:23 – Fox on the loose! When about to take her dog out, a Vegreville resident reported a fox in her yard.

Members called back but the complainant did not answer. The next day members spoke to the complainant and informed her that this is a Fish and Wildlife matter and provided the appropriate number to call.

08:53 – Call to report a possible stolen vehicle. The caller did not recognize the vehicle parked in the street.

Members attended and found the vehicle was not stolen and had a valid registration from Vegreville.

May 24

07:29 - Multiple reports of break and enters to commercial properties in Vegreville. Under investigation.

During the week there were 83 calls for service made in total including: 1 false alarms, 6 false 911s, 0 animal strikes and approximately 16 tickets from traffic enforcement.

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.

mAY 27, 2020

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Local Restaurateur Discusses the Impact of COVID-19 Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Local restaurateur Mark Halabi has encountered many things over the years, but nothing like COVID-19.

Halabi, part-owner of the well-known eatery Vito’s, recently discussed the issues and challenges behind the health pandemic and its effect on the Vegreville restaurant.

Of course, the most frequently asked question he now receives, “When are you going to re-open?” Halabi says he is going to continue operating take out service until such time as the health restrictions are lifted and it becomes Mark Halabi, part-owner of Vegreville restaurant Vito’s, talks about the impact COVID-19 is having more viable.

He says it will also depend on how on his business. Even though times are tough, he manages to smile through the good and the bad. comfortable he and his staff are with serving customers. Of course, the biggest consideration of all, Halabi points out that profit margins in the restaurant, says Halabi, is his customers. He said that well over 60 per- hospitality, and retail sectors are very tight. coupled with the cent of his customers are senior citizens, and he is very fact they had lost 20-25 percent before COVID-19, makes it mindful of their susceptibility to the virus and some of the extremely difficult for them to bounce back financially. “It serious consequences of contracting it. “I don’t want to put them in jeopardy.”

Even though he has lost about 70 percent of his business, Halabi is emphatic about protecting the personal safety of staff and residents alike. Since closing the dining room and lounge over two months ago, Halabi has had to temporarily lay off 15 employees. A couple of them are back with reduced hours to assist at lunch and supper time. The hours for take out has also been reduced from 11 am to 7 pm.

has a big trickle-down effect. When they say 50 percent of businesses will be closing, I believe it.”

As far as programs, Halabi says the wage subsidy does not apply to the business because it is not an essential service. However, the rental subsidy would assist the business, although it would require the full co-operation of the landlord who would have to apply for the program. He adds, “I don’t know why any landlords wouldn’t go for it.”

Even though various loans have been made available through the governments, Halabi says it is not as easy to apply and qualify as they would make you believe. That might be something he may have to consider if things don’t turn around in the next couple of months.

He truly believes it’s better to be safe than sorry. So for now, he will continue to try and ride it out. But even he admits, he won’t be able to do that indefinitely.

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Ask and You Shall Receive Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser - Opinion As economies around the world begin to open up and here at home, we do the same, questions about what is next start to surface.

Questions about what will the next 3, 6, or 12 months look like? Will we ever go back to “normal”? How will we repay the huge debts that have been created by government? Will visiting the grandparents put their lives at risk?

Those are all very important questions we will hopefully get clarity on in time, but I want to look at a different question. How did we get here? I think the answer is simple.

I think we arrived here because we basically received what we asked for. Every time we do not hold our politicians to account, we get more of the same. When we look to other countries around the world, people are willing to subject themselves to grave danger to have their voices heard.

However, as Canadians we are far too nice to speak out. If we do, we get letters of the sort I get, or in our government houses, some elected officials attempt to label others who dare to oppose them. This doesn’t sound like a democracy, but it is the way of the world in 2020.

When I first started to think about this I wondered what happened to our fishing industry in Canada. The story out-

lined on www.heritage.nf.ca is fascinating. To encapsulate it, governments for decades failed to act strongly to protect the industry and eventually had to shut it down in 1992 at the cost of 30,000 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador alone. To put our current situation in perspective, Alberta lost more than 117,000 jobs in March of this year alone.

In the fishing industry, governments failed to put proper controls in place to protect not only Canadian fishing territories, but also overfishing by Canadian companies. Fear that drops in quotas would result in economic losses, and pressure from private industry along with inaccurate scientific analysis resulted in over-fishing that decimated the cod populations. Estimates are that northern cod “population” had dropped 93 percent in only 30 years and ended a fishing industry that had been thriving for almost 500 years.

Making difficult choices are not easy. Some would argue that Quebec has made a difficult choice to block pipelines for one good (the environment), but to stifle an industry that exports more than $40 billion to the US alone seems odd.

Now Quebec’s own petroleum industry is struggling to source Alberta oil which they desperately need to function.

We are told to “buy Canadian” but if we say that too loud, you can be assured that other countries will make their voices heard, and as good Canadians we will bend to their will at the cost of our own industries. China and Huawei have already been pushing their weight around and have been making veiled threats to opponents. Even if we, as Canadians,

Ask and You Shall Receive - CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Name: Patti Gallien Occupation: Rural Mail Service Carrier Likes: volunteering, having a good life Dislikes: rude people, being cold.

Mr. A Beaudette Your scathing comments in your column last week were rude and obnoxious.

How dare you call Ms. May an idiot when she is right whether you like it or not? The oil industry will go steadily downhill exactly the same as the coal industry.

Look at electric cars. No matter what your opinion they are the way of our future. When Ford brings out an electric F150 then we will all know that the oil and gas industry will go the way of the dodo birds.

But my complaint is not about the future of gas, it is about your know it all attitude.

You need to apologize to Ms. May and to all Albertans and remember your opinions are just that - your opinions.

And in this case they are highly objectionable coming from a person in your position.

Yours truly, Jazz Read --Hello Jazz, Thanks for your letter, for reading and for our conversation. I had to look at what I wrote. Scathing… possibly but I definitely did NOT use the “I” word (idiot). I would however say that Blanchet’s stance IS a little idiotic when Quebec is home to one of Canada’s largest Oil refineries and Bombardier. Electric is most likely the future, but it won’t happen overnight. -AB

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Mundare Mortgage Broker Sharing the Love Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The Town of Mundare is known as the “small town with a big heart” and local mortgage broker Jason Kowal has been sharing a piece of his heart with local residents and businesses through the LOVE-19 challenge.

The special initiative was first introduced by DLC Maximal Mortgages to give all of its brokers a chance to participate. Kowal accepted the challenge and officially kicked-off his campaign on April 14.

The LOVE-19 challenge allows Kowal to give away 19 gift cards to support local businesses hit by COVID-19.

People can either sign up to win or support a local business by going to Jason.Love19.com Mundare Mayor Mike Saric supported Kowal during the launch of his campaign. Saric thanked Kowal for taking on the challenge, and stated, “It’s great to see that local people are helping other local businesses in this time of trouble and helping them actually get people back into their stores.” Saric donated the first four gift certificates to give away to people in the community.

Kowal said Saric has shown great leadership as the mayor, and as a former business owner, and that it’s been nice to receive his assistance.

Local mortgage broker Jason Kowal stands beside the world-famous Stawnichy’s sausage statue in Mundare.

The massive kielbasa stands 42 feet tall and weighs 12,000 pounds.

(Jason Kowal/Submitted Photo)

With four weeks left to go in the campaign, Kowal said the response by residents and businesses has been terrific.

Kowal said he has received donations

from other local businesses and residents to purchase gift cards. To date, almost 40 businesses have been nominated, and he has been touched by the heartfelt thanks and gratitude shown to local businesses in both Mundare and Vegreville. Even though Kowal won’t be able to accommodate all of the nominations, he said he is planning to recognize all of them in some way.

Kowal said a lot of home-based and mom and pop businesses don’t get a lot of recognition, and he has really enjoyed learning more about their businesses and visiting some of them over the past month and a half. He said there are a lot of risks operating a small business, and with the additional challenges and stresses with COVID-19 it ‘s nice to be able to offer something like this. He is also hoping the exposure will generate even more business to local businesses as well as help promote tourism in the region.

Ace Babcock, who won one of the gift cards, is impressed by the campaign.

“My experience has been great. I think it is so important to support local, especially during these challenging, unprecedented times.

Local businesses are the backbone of our community, and I believe it is greatly appreciated by the local businesses as well as local folks and participants in this campaign. Jason is a local

business owner himself as well as a farmer. He understands the direct impact COVID-19 has had over the last few months on local communities and it is very humbling that he has taken the time out of his own busy schedule to organize LOVE-19.

The email updates on the weekly winners are so fun. What a great way to show local support and brighten someone’s week.”

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from the pages of the vegreville observer

Compiled by Dan Beaudette

90 Years Ago – May 28, 1930

To take the place lately vacated by Dr. Part, Dr. J.H. Burnet, M.R.C.V.C. will open a veterinary practice in Vegreville about the first of the month. Dr. Burnet has had many years of experience in this work and will be able to look after your interests and his own while he is here. It is Dr. Burnet’s intention if he finds that his practice will permit it, to move his family to Vegreville. At the present time he is residing with his daughter, Mrs. Mackie at Lavoy.

Ryley was practically deserted on Saturday, the 24th, most of the population migrating to Vegreville to take in the sports. The first game the Ryley baseball team played was with Holden. Ryley winning by a score of 7-4. The final game was between Vegreville and Ryley, resulting in a score of 12-2 in favor of Ryley.

A recent official compilation shows that farm livestock in Canada in 1929 was valued at $864,167,000 as compared with $696,472,000 in 1926. Canada’s poultry population in 1929 numbered 60,899,732, valued at $63,854,000.

75 Years Ago – May 30, 1945

A crew from the Heiland Exploration Company, working for the Shell Oil Co. of Canada, is doing seismic research for oil pools in districts north of Innisfree. Mr. Jack Timmins, foreman of the company which travels by truck and trailer, expects that they will be at Innisfree for some time yet.

John Huzil, capable manager here for the Alberta Poultry Producers Ltd., was kicked upstairs last week by being appointed superintendent of branches from Mundare to Vermilion on the CNR line and from Myrnam to St. Michael on the CPR. Mr. Huzil has established his central office in Vegreville.

John Leach has succeeded Ormie Trimble as president of the Exhibition Association.

Freedom, to some, means the right to do wrong to others, a way to right it. 12,000,000 people thinking only of personal success can bring nothing but colossal failure to their nation. We spend far more time thinking how to get on in the world than how the world can get on. Good intentions, translated into action, are understood in any language.

To get teamwork, give it. Unselfishness will work if we work unselfishly. Freedom is always hard to win and easy to lose.

50 Years Ago – May 28, 1970

Awards night for the Army Cadets was held and presented by the Royal Canadian Legion. Some of this year’s winners were as follows: Dennis Zaporozan, Most Improvement in Year; Lyle Toderovich, Best Cadet of the Year; Albert Smiley, Runner-up to Vest Cadet and Robin Smiley, Best Shot of the Year.

Along with the awards night Cadets qualified for their St. John’s Ambulance certificates. Mrs. Pat Yates, Senior Health Nurse, instructor, presented them with their certificates. Cadets were as follows: Leonard Ranch, Ernest Acton, Gregg Harsulla, Ian Campbell, Lyle Toderovich, Albert Dennis, Dennis Zaporozan and Robin Smiley.

A telegram to the Observer informed that W.J. (Bert) Brown of Woodstock, Ontario, died at age 89. Mr. Brown operated the Vegreville Flour Mill until it was destroyed by fire about twenty years ago when he retired.

The Vegreville swimming pool opened its doors for the summer splash and despite the unpleasant winds a total of 132 persons, mostly kiddies, were in for the first dip. Miss Betty Ann Kennedy has accepted the position of pool operator and has been on the job since the beginning of the month. Assisting her will be a staff comprising Vicky Nicholls, Henry Wynnychuk, Marsha Edmunds, Cam Cole, Susan Lucow and Andy Briggs.

25 Years Ago – May 30, 1995

The County of Minburn plans to balance its budget this year with no tax increases. “We did the same as the town of Vegreville did,” said David Marynowich, county manager. “We kept taxes the same and transferred some mills over to the municipal side.”

Green Ash, a tree originally unique and indigenous to Vegreville, is being planted at the Elks Park. The tree is now called the Patmore Green Ash after its “discoverer.” The trees come from a Manitoba nursery which bears the Patmore name. The late R.H. Patmore was travelling through Vegreville in 1976 when he noticed a green ash on one of the boulevards. The tree fascinated him and he got permission from the town’s parks department to take some wood from the tree for bud grafting.

Evan V. Chrapko, son of Victor and Elizabeth Chrapko of Brosseau, was one of 355 students awarded a Juris Doctorate from Columbia Law School at the school’s graduation ceremonies on May 16 at New York’s Carnegie Hall. While at law school Chrapko founded the Columbia Law School Investor’s Club.

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. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Reaching into the Past for a Better Pandemic Supply Plan Constantine Passaris University of New Brunswick An old and obscure economic theory should have shaped the Canadian response to the COVID19 global pandemic. Sometimes we need to go back to find the right path forward.

The infant industry argument was first proposed

by Alexander Hamilton in 1791. He made a case for the United States government to protect fledgling industries against some imports from the United Kingdom.

Implementing that argument as Canada’s response to global pandemics could have saved us a lot of sleepless nights and considerable heartache when COVID-19 reached our shores.

There’s no denying that the worldwide spread of the coronavirus turned out to be a devastating and destructive biological tsunami.

The infant industry argument takes its name from the process of raising a child from birth to adulthood. Just like a child requires the love, nurturing, and support of its parents in order to grow through the phases of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, some vital economic sectors require government support and protection in order to grow and mature.

In effect, some industries need more time to work out the kinks and problems in their production process and become efficient in their economic mission. In most cases, those industries are central to the economic profile of the nation and they need to be protected to ensure a domestic supply chain of their products.

In the present context, the infant industry argument is an economic theory about an inconvenient truth regarding globalization and unfettered international trade. It’s also a teaching moment that reveals the importance of economic history as our intellectual anchor and our public policy compass. Referencing our economic history allows us to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and chart an enlightened course for the future.

Most economists embrace international trade as distinctly beneficial for consumers, businesses, and government. These benefits manifest themselves in the form of lower retail

prices for consumer products, employment creation, raising our standard of living, and growing our economy.

However, those same economists simultaneously note that there are exceptions to this general rule.

Those special cases are sectors of the economy that are vital to national security; areas where we must ensure the uninterrupted supply of certain products and services.

Canada and most provinces and territories were caught completely unprepared when it came to adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the broken links in our supply chains.

PPE is the first line of protection and the medical armour for our doctors and nurses, who rely on them to stay safe while treating highly contagious patients. Across Canada, the pandemic revealed an acute shortage of protective garments, gloves, masks, face shields, respirators, and other medical equipment needed to fight this aggressive virus.

Canada learned the hard way that the globalization of production had exposed us to supply chain vulnerabilities. Resorting to the infant industry argument would have been our insurance policy and the antidote to exposing our country’s economy to supply chain uncertainty and unpredictability.

While we should embrace the benefits of international trade, we should also continue to pay premiums for insurance in the form of the infant industry argument. This will prevent us from facing the pitfalls of an inadequate supply of vital products.

Our playbook for dealing effectively with global pandemics should include an element of self-sufficiency in the production of vital medical equipment.

Never again should we expose our country to the vulnerability of being dependent on foreign products that are central to our health and well-being.

Dr. Constantine Passaris is a professor of Economics at the University of New Brunswick.

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Alberta Rural Health Week Recognized by Foundation Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation Submitted One of the keys to a vibrant community is a strong health care network. We are fortunate in the Tofield, Ryley, and Beaver County region to have a wonderful Health Care Centre, Medical Clinic, Pharmacies, and top-notch Ambulance service. These are facilities are successful because of the dedication

shown by their health care professionals and support staff.

We would also like to acknowledge, the Beaver Emergency Services Tofield and Ryley Station members who play an active role in medical first response.

In addition, the Primary Care Network (PCN) and the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) play a key role in enhancing health ser-

vices here.

May 25th – 29th is Alberta Rural Health Week. On behalf of the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation, we salute and thank all of you for your contributions in striving to keep our area healthy.

Brenda Chehade, Chair Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation

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Local Businesses Adapt well to COVID-19 Pandemic Protocols Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Some of the local businesses revealed how they have been affected or have not

been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Bert Loves, owner of Love’s Custom Meats, said his business has been able to offer full services and has not been affected by the Coronavirus. “We have been open the whole time of the COVID19 Pandemic. We have been following all the special protocols needed at this time including the social distancing, hand washing, and sanitation practices that are required,” Loves said.

Dayton Gegolick, one of the owners of Vantage Building Supplies Ltd. said their stores are open and people can come and go. “If you want you can call us up and place your order there. We can give you a price and if you are in town, we can also deliver it to you; if you are somewhere like in Mundare, we can possibly do free delivery if we time it when we are going into the city.

We are now offering full services. We

Please be advised that the Vegreville & District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their General Meeting. This will be done via an online zoom meeting. Our guest speaker is being sponsored by Wilde and Company and will be Todd Hirsch who is the Vice President and Chief Economist for ATB Financial.

The presentation will be Alberta’s Economy in a COVID-19 World: What we KNOW, what we DON’T KNOW, and potential opportunities Date: June 3rd, 2020 Place: Online via Zoom Time: Noon - sharp Cost: There will be no cost to participate, however we encourage a e. donation to the local food bank or to a charity of one’s choice Please RSVP by noon June 2, 2020 to 780-632-2771 or by email to vegchamb@telus.net. Once you RSVP, a link to the meeting will be provided to you.

always stayed open during the COVID19 Pandemic. For about a month there,

our doors were locked but if you knocked on the door, they let you in.

We reduced our hours a little. This year,

we were open on Saturday’s but we temporary removed Saturday’s because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

But then yes, the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected us especially on the Vantage Builders’ side where we design buildings and do houses, commercial and farm buildings; everything stopped on that side but hopefully things start improving, we will see how that works,” added Gegolick. “The special protocols we are practicing are we have a sign on the door that says to keep a certain distance away. We always had hand wash stations at the entrance of our door in our building as soon as you walk in, so we still have those. We are also washing down and spraying down everything in the building four times a day; more often for the exterior handles and we hope that people wear masks but that is not a requirement.”

Vegreville Playgrounds are now Open Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Vegreville Town Council announced on May 22 that playgrounds had re-opened. The announcement is part of the Government of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy as well as the Town of Vegreville’s Relaunch Plan.

The regulations of social distancing of two metres still has to be followed.

Several families ventured out on May 24 to enjoy the many playgrounds in Vegreville, and said how excited they are to be able to enjoy the parks again.

Chantelle Fritz keeps active with her son Ryker Fritz on the equipment at Vegreville Lions Club Community Pirate Playground. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

GLOBAL RUNNING DAY VIRTUAL COMMUNITY EVENT JUNE 3, 2020

Get moving with the Kalyna Country Primary Care Network to celebrate your health and support local businesses, all while social distancing.

Here's how it works: 1. Join our 'team' for free by messaging us on Facebook or emailing sosko@kalynapcn.ca.

All participants will receive a virtual registration package and entry to win a door prize with treats from local businesses.

2. Make a pledge to run, walk, or bike as many km as you would like on June 3rd - all pledges go towards a team goal!

3. Join our Facebook group to receive updates and extra door prize entry opportunities!

mAY 27, 2020

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BRSD Approves Tight Budget Battle River School Division Submitted The Battle River School Division Board of Trustees met on May 14 and approved a budget for the 2020-2021 school year. The budget reflects many difficult decisions about how to reduce spending, in light of the school division’s current financial realities.

As a school division located in an area of declining population and school enrollment, but still facing increasing costs, BRSD has struggled with balancing its budget in recent years.

Along with making numerous reductions in division-wide service and staffing, BRSD has used reserve funds to offset Instruction funding deficits and avoid making significant cuts to schools and classrooms. Now those reserves have been depleted. There are also changes to the funding of Inclusive Education and PUF programs that will impact services next year.

As a result of the existing shortfall and the funding changes coming for next year, BRSD would require approximately $6 million more in order to completely cover costs for 2020-2021.

The Division is fortunate to have received $4 million in ‘bridge funding’ from the government for next year, to help slow down the pace of change.

The bridge funding offsets about twothirds of the $6 million shortfall, lowering the number of reductions that must take place. Here are some of the changes BRSD is making for the 2020-2021

school year: •A reduction in the spending / staffing allocation for every school, department and program. This reduction will result in fewer staff for BRSD next year.

•Reductions in spending on PD, equipment / resources, conferences, etc.

•Permanent closure of Allan Johnstone School in Hardisty.

•Consolidation of Holden / Ryley Schools into one K-9 school site, with the closure of Holden School and the reallocation of Ryley high school students.

•Consolidation of Battle River Online School and Camrose Outreach School.

•Introduction of a Technology Fee that will be charged to parents.

According to Board Chair Norm Erickson, these changes are difficult and not made easily. “We know change is necessary, but it’s a lot. We’ve been talking about this reality for quite a while and trying to find solutions that would reduce the impact on students in classrooms as much as possible. “ “We’re grateful for funding flexibility that allows us to make decisions we think work best for us. We’re grateful for the bridge funding that allows us to protect services to students in classrooms, and to slow down the pace of change. But we also know that bridge funding is temporary. We will experience another $4 million in reductions by the 2022-2023 school year. That means we’ve still got many difficult decisions ahead.”

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Vegreville Community Garden a Growing Concern Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The May long weekend is the unofficial start of the gardening season in Canada, and things were no different in Vegreville as members of the community gardens were busy planting in their plots.

Kim Kenward, along with her husband Ralph Lange, and daughter Winnie were busy Sunday afternoon.

Kim explained, “This year, with the Agricultural Fair cancelled, the normal end goal for a junior garden isn’t there.

But we’ve gotten into the habit and enjoy gardening as a family. With all the lockdown time at home, I even managed to start some of my own bedding plants this year and did some trading with a friend. And since my daughter doesn’t have to plant everything from seed to be looking pretty in time for the fair, she will get the chance to experiment with the longer season and purchased bedding plants.”

Winnie, 14, said they are planting radishes, carrots, pumpkins. They are also going to give watermelon and strawberry popping corn a try. They’re definitely hoping for a better growing season this year and they were very excited to get

their hands dirty.

Kim went on to say, “Our family’s time there started as a space for our daughter to plant her junior garden for the Agricultural Fair. We have raised beds at the house but needed some more room. Junior gardeners have to plant a mix of flowers and vegetables, so we had to find another way to keep gardening within the rules. Luckily that was the year the community garden opened, and they were able to accommodate us.

I think our plot was one of two originally intended for Sizzling Summer, but they ended up only using one, and we got the other. The plot was bigger than our daughter needed at the time, so my husband and I planted the rest. Our bit has been getting smaller over time as her section has expanded.”

Sonia Hunka was also enjoying gardening at her plot.

Sonia has always had a garden and encourages everyone to give it a try. Besides beets, carrots, and beans, she is planting dahlia’s and sunflowers, which attract bees and provide a nice windbreak.

Sonia has been gardening at the community gardens since its inception in 2014. She said it’s a great form of exercise and loves to eat the organically grown produce. In the past she has also shared some of her bounty with the residents of Homestead Lodge which is adjacent to the community gardens.

The idea for the community gardens came about as a result of a committee that was formed between the Town of Vegreville and the M.D. of Minburn Foundation and Homestead Lodge. Kaleb Brink, Communications Officer with the Town of Vegreville, said, “Community gardens provide a source of food security, support wellness and promote a sense of community. The many benefits they offer include education, social interaction, physical and mental wellbeing, and beautification.”

Sonia Hunka holds up her dahlia bulbs she was planting at the community gardens on May 17. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Today the town solely operates the community gardens. Brink said the gardens are very popular with many participants returning year after year.

There are only a few plots available this growing season, and anyone interested should contact the Town of Vegreville for more information.

Families Stroll Through a Spring Afternoon Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent The weather has been very nice as of late, and Ian and Megan Seitz recently decided to take their daughter, Mira with them for a leisure stroll through the Town of Vegreville.

Ian and Megan Seitz with their daughter, Mira. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)

mAY 27, 2020

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ST MARY’S GRAD - CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE After a brief welcoming address by Principal Jim Salsbury, Assistant Principal Scott Walker recited a prayer. Walker stated, “God of love and hope, May 22nd was to be the graduation day of our St. Mary’s Grade 12’s, but because of COVID, like the whole world we were forced to make other plans. So today, we pray for our Grade 12 students and lift them up before you as we seek to recognize them and this day in a meaningful way. We thank you so much for each one of them, and for the work You are continuing to do in their lives after graduation.

We ask that You make their way in life clear to them. We ask that You keep their footsteps firm and remind them that You are with them, always and everywhere. May they sense the freshness of your Holy Spirit over their lives in amazing ways. May they be strengthened and instilled with hope for the new roads You have in store for them.”

Principal Salsbury’s message stated, “As your thoughts think to the future, you might ponder the uncertainty of things. You might feel lost and upset.

But hear these words, this pandemic will not be the obstacle that stands before you and your dreams, the shrinking of the curve will happen and your lives will slowly get better.

Two months of remote learning has not ruined your whole education.

They say that you are a collection of your past experiences. Decisions that you have made in your past is what shapes you and molds you into what you are today. Continue to make more memories and live those experiences to the fullest.

Graduation is not defined by a cap or a gown. Graduation is defined by your character. To seize the moment and be willing to take that next step, to take chances, and to be authentic witnesses to God’s blessing in your life.

So whatever graduation means to each of you personally, know that St. Mary’s

believes in you. Know that God loved us first, last, and always, and that in that love all things are possible.”

All of the staff then raised their hands in a traditional blessing to the graduates. After the name of each graduate was called they and their families made their way from their vehicle and walked down the main sidewalk to receive a gift bag and miniature rose from Walker and Salsbury, before having photographs

at the school for them. I know it can’t be an easy time for those kids, what their expectations were, but the ones that I did talk to said it was better than nothing, and they’re keeping a positive attitude.”

Graduation Co-ordinator Kelli Giebelhaus and Co-Co-ordinator Margaret Michaelchuk worked many hours to make the vision of the celebration come to life. “We had seen some great ideas from other schools in

Teachers pray over the graduates during the graduation celebration. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

taken with family members.

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, not only represented her constituency, but attended as the mother of graduate Jacklyn Homeniuk, along with her husband and son.

Armstrong-Homeniuk said it was very nice of the teachers and staff to recognize the graduates with a ceremony and that it would serve as a really good memory for years to come.

Even though the graduates could not have their formal graduation ceremony, several expressed their gratitude to the staff who put on the celebration, added Armstrong-Homeniuk.

Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, said, “I was happy to see that they had some sort of recognition

the United States in terms of decor, etc, but we really wanted to take elements from what we had discussed with the students in terms of their decorating vision, in combination with providing them each with a moment to walk ‘the stage’ and have their names announced as they would have in our original plan.”

Part of the original plan included a mass at St. Martin’s Church on May 19. “We were very fortunate that Father Vu, from St. Martin’s Parish, was still very willing to lead a graduation mass for our students on the morning of May 22; students, families and staff were able to attend mass virtually through YouTube.”

Normally the school has a traditional banquet and reception at the

social centre, complete with speeches and formal recognition of the graduates. Giebelhaus said, “We are optimistic that we will be able to fully recognize our graduates to this degree once the chief health officer deems it safe to do so as this would be deemed a mass gathering I also want to congratulate our Valedictorian, Sarah Breitkreuz on her incredible academic portfolio, and our Salutatorian, Alexis Salsbury for all of her commendable community work.” She described the Class of 2020 as determined and full of personality. “They have worked very hard and matured into wonderful young adults.They have experienced something like no other class before and have come out stronger.”

Giebelhaus is hoping the students will continue to stay connected and practice gratitude for what they do have. “Your faith will guide you to exactly where you are supposed to be.”

She also wanted to recognized the hard work and teamwork of her colleagues. “Finally, what made the day run smoothly was the teamwork of our staff.

Everyone knew how emotional this day would be for them. The positivity and benevolence of the staff taking care of a vast array of different tasks was greatly appreciated.”

She also thanked the sponsors who donated a variety of items including: a congratulatory message on the town’s information board, the large grad portraits, decorations for the photo booth, a specialized Grad 2020 t-shirt, and a handmade rosary.

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Agriculture and Forestry Supplies Grant to Farm Fresh Producers Michelle Pinon News Advertiser On May 21, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry provided $81,000 to the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to enhance its online producer directory.

The grant allowed AFFPA to expand its directory to include more producer profiles and build awareness of the high-quality farm-fresh food Alberta is known for. The site will now give retailers, wholesalers, restaurants and the food service industry more opportunities to connect with farms.

With the recent increase in demand for local food, the province’s restaurants and stores have looked for new ways to bring more locally grown and produced food to Albertans.

Site enhancements include: •Additional and more detailed product categories.

•Identification of additional certifications and licensing.

•More marketing channels for producers to include food service and retail.

•Improved search and mapping capabilities.

•The AFFPA will also be offering complimentary memberships for farmers and ranchers for 2020 and 2021.

“Alberta’s farmers grow the best food in the world. We’re proud to work with the AFFPA to help get our high-quality, locally sourced food into more kitchens across Alberta,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry “AFFPA is excited to partner with the provincial and federal governments to further promote Alberta local food.

With increased connections between Alberta producers, processors, retail, and food service, more Albertans will be able to enjoy the great locally produced and processed food,” stated AFFPA President Willard de Wilde.

Tammy Swedburg, AFFPA Executive Director and Marketing Manager, said “The government grant was to assist in expanding the directory to go above and beyond

what we were doing with our customers to be able to find a farm, but now to expand so that media, consumers, retailer, and food organizations would be able to find our producers to assist in their product needs, and be able to find a supply change for fresh Alberta local food products. The previous directory was geared for customers to find local producers, u-pick, and farm events/stores or markets.

With the COVID 19 Pandemic, our Board driven organization has been working directly with the Provincial and Federal Governments to find ways to assist our Farm Producers through these challenging times. They had reviewed our website and partnered with us to expand our “Find a Farm” and to assist producers to market their farm fresh products through one “Go-To” Resource.

A part of the Government Grant to help promote our Find A Farm directory, but an added bonus was the Government wanted to help Producers get access to being a part of the Directory by paying for their 2020 Membership to our Organization so that the Producer can advertise and be a part of our Find a Farm directory.

The expanded project for our Producers/Members is huge as it allows them to go to our Website and update their information as to what they sell – which include a large detailed product inventory, certifications, and licensing

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information, hours of operation, their events as they happen and any additional information along with letting customers know exactly where they are located on the AB Map which helps buyers of all kinds. The functionality of the search and mapping capabilities has made it so easy for our customers and members.”

•AFFPA is a voluntary membership, non-profit organization representing direct market growers across Alberta.

•Local food sales from farmers’ markets and through direct-to-consumer channels have more than doubled since 2008 and exceeded $1 billion in 2018.

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CALS Committed to Quality Programming Community Association for Lasting Success Submitted During this time of change and as we continue to transition to a “new normal”, the Community Association for Lasting Success (CALS) would like to reach out to all of our families and partners.

This is a unique, unprecedented time, and one that we have never experienced in

the 23 years that we have been providing programs and services to families in Vegreville and surrounding communities.

CALS will continue to adapt to our changing environment and will continue to provide programs and services to meet the individual needs of children and families in our community.

We are committed to offering individualized, strengths-based educational

programming with the understanding that the quality of parent-child interactions is the foundation of healthy child development. CALS will continue to focus on designing programs that support children’s educational development and emotional well-being while at the same time, increasing caregivers’ foundational skills and access to social supports in the spirit of life-long learning.

In collaboration with community partners, CALS will continue to provide: • Inclusive, play-based early learning programs for children ages 3-5 during the school year (Head Start) and summer (Little Explorers); • Community-based programming that promotes literacy development and social interaction skills for children and youth in addition to capacity-building and social supports for caregivers (Family Literacy, LANE);

• Intergenerational programming that promotes the well-being of children, caregivers and seniors in care (Family Literacy); • School-based youth programming that works with schools to identify children who might benefit from mentoring relationships that foster well-being and resiliency through a Growth Mindset framework (LANE) and • School-based, healthy mid-morning refueling, the Breakfast Club, to increase children’s ability to focus and be ready to learn.

As we continue to move forward, please check our Facebook page for program information and online opportunities. Head Start registrations are now being accepted for the 2020/2021 school year.

Please stay safe and strong Vegreville!

Ukraina Park in Mundare Remains Closed

REMINDER The Town of Vegreville issued the 2020 combined assessment and property tax notices to ratepayers on May 11, 2020. In light of COVID-19, Town Council has made every effort to ensure residents receive support from their local government during tax season by making adjustments to the Town’s typical processes.

Property Tax Payments are due by June 30, 2020.

If you have not yet received your combined assessment and property tax notice, please contact the Town of Vegreville or email Taxation Clerk at 780-632-2606 propertytaxes@vegreville.com.

The following payment options are available: 1. Sign-up for The Town of Vegreville pre-authorized withdrawal program, or Tax Installment Payment Program (TIPP). TIPP is a monthly tax installment payment plan by which taxpayers may make a consecutive monthly payment for taxes rather than a single annual payment. For information on how to register, visit www.vegreville.com/town-services/finances-taxes/tipp 2. Pay online or by phone through your bank.

3. Pay in person at most banks and financial institutions.

4. Mail your cheque payable to the Town of Vegreville at The Town of Vegreville, PO Box 640, Vegreville, Alberta, T9C 1R7 5. Submit your payment anytime through the mail drop-off box located at the Town Office.

6. Pay at the Town Office between 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Please note – we have measures in place to adhere to distancing protocols and hours/operations are subject to change.

Town of Vegreville Administration Office 4829 50 Street, Vegreville, Alberta, T9C 1R7

Ukraina Park in Mundare remains closed, and will remain so, unless the Province lifts restrictions around ball tournaments.

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Even though the Province has allowed campgrounds to re-open, Ukraina Park in Mundare remains closed.

Colin Zyla, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Mundare, said he is trying to obtain information from the provincial government as to whether they will be allowed to host ball tournaments this summer.

“It was decided to close the park for the summer for financial reasons. The majority of our revenue at the park is from ball tournaments. It did not make sense to continue to operate the park if

provincial regulations meant a majority of our revenue could not be achieved.

If the rules change, we will look at opening the park again if it is possible.”

On average, the town hosts five ball tournaments per year. “We would lose about $20,000, however, any revenue we receive helps to cover the cost of operations. The cost to operate the facility is about $60,000 which is offset by revenue.”

Zyla said he believes the ball tournaments have a positive effect on the local economy, but could not give an actual amount as to what that would equate to in dollars and cents.

NOTICE COUNTY OF MINBURN NO. 27 TAXPAYERS PREPARATION OF COMBINED ASSESSMENT/TAX NOTICES As per the Municipal Government Act, notice is hereby given that the 2020 combined Assessment and Property Tax Notices were mailed to County ratepayers on May 21st, 2020.

All assessed persons are deemed to have received their combined Assessment/ Tax Notice as a result of this publication. Payments in full are due by October 31st, 2020.

Any person wishing to make an assessment complaint must do so by July 28th, 2020.

If you do not receive your Assessment/Property Tax Notice or have a change of address, please contact the Administration Office at 780-632-2082 or info@minburncounty.ab.ca.

County of Minburn • 4909-50 Street, Vegreville, Alberta

mAY 27, 2020

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School Re-Entry Plans Under Discussion Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Rita Marler, Superintendent of Schools for the Battle River School Division, (BRSD) reported that many conversations have taken place with Alberta Education and other education stakeholder groups in recent days, as a variety of plans are considered for re-entry to school next fall.

According to Marler, “The province has asked school divisions to consider how they would manage a range of scenarios, including conditions being totally back to normal; a blend of in-school and at-home learning being offered, and a totally at-home learning plan.

It is expected that, based on how re-entry plans go for other services and businesses over the next couple of months, decisions will likely be made by the beginning of August for how the return to school will roll out in September.”

Trina Boymook, Chair of the Elk Island Public Schools board of trustees, stated, “Right now, Alberta Education is still working on the various scenarios the Minister put forward earlier this month—that is, a full resumption of classes, a partial resumption of classes with restrictions in place, and a continuation of the alternative learning model which involves remote teaching. In the meantime, EIPS staff have started examining what steps would need to be taken by the Division in each scenario.

Every school board will have the safety of staff and students top of mind when making decisions. Social distancing and restrictions on gatherings, mandated by AHS at that point in time, would have to be respected, and that poses some challenges in terms of what a return to the classroom might look like. There are also questions about how best to manage the situation for vulnerable students and employees, how student transportation might work, and how to deliver the best possible education to students regardless of the learning model in place. We know that a plan needs to be in place ahead of the 2020-21 school year but we’ll need to be flexible depending on how the public health situation evolves.

As plans are developed and we move forward, EIPS will engage with school families and the communities we serve,“ added Boymook.

Re-entry plans were discussed during the St. Paul Education’s board meeting on May 20. Superintendent Glen Brodziak told trustees he didn’t really know where it (Re-entry Plan) was at, and that they are taking direction from Alberta Education.

Brodziak said some of the things they would have to examine are: transportation, classroom capacity, washrooms, water fountains, personal protective equipment, etc. “That’s just a few of the factors.” He added that BC and Quebec will be their test cases as they have opened up earlier.

On May 15, the provincial government in British Columbia announced a partial resumption of in-class instruction beginning June 1. In-class attendance was deemed voluntary and the decision rests with students’ families. A complete set of guidelines was implemented by its provincial health minister. Preschools and elementary schools are gradually resuming their activities in all regions of Québec, with the exception of schools located in the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal.

“Realistically we could be making decisions in July and August.” There are many unanswered questions, and Brodziak said they have to have special guidelines in place before school resumes.”

Notice of application to be filed for approval to renew the electric franchise agreement between the Town of Mundare and ATCO Electric Application summary: The Alberta Utilities Commission expects to receive an application from ATCO Electric to renew its franchise agreement with the Town of Mundare following the submission deadline indicated below.

The franchise agreement will, subject to further renewal, continue to allow ATCO Electric the exclusive right to deliver electricity to the residents of the Town of Mundare for approximately 10 years from the effective date of the franchise agreement.

The franchise fee rate rider percentage will remain the same at 6.0%.The average monthly franchise fee for an average residential customer is forecast to remain the same at $6.28.The franchise fee is calculated based on distribution charges.

An average residential customer uses about 7,500 kilowatt hours per year.

You may send your objections, concerns about, or support for the application in writing to ATCO Electric or the Town of Mundare on or before Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at: ATCO Electric, Scott Merrifield, 8th Floor, 10035 105 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 2V6 Phone: 780-975-0193; email: Scott.Merrifield@atco.com Town of Mundare, Colin Zyla, CAO, Box 348, Mundare, AB,T0B 3H0, Phone: 780-764-3929, email: cao@mundare.ca Any submissions received, unless you request otherwise, will be part of the application submitted and will become part of the public record.

For more information on franchises or to receive a copy of the franchise agreement please contact either ATCO Electric or the Town of Mundare at the addresses listed above.

For more information: For more information about the AUC or its approval process associated with franchise applications, please contact the AUC directly at 780-427-4903 or at consumer-relations@auc.ab.ca.

The Alberta Utilities Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body responsible for making decisions about utility-related applications.

Issued on May 27, 2020.

Alberta Utilities Commission Douglas A. Larder, QC, General Counsel

Susan Johnson, Head of Communications with Elk Island Catholic Schools said they are still awaiting the plan for education from the Minister of Education. Until then, we really don’t have anything concrete to say.”

Colin Aitchison, Press Secretary for the Minister of Education, stated on May 21, “We are currently working with education partners, including the Alberta School Boards Association, the Alberta School Councils’ Association, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta and individual school divisions to develop a re-entry plan for the upcoming school year.

Once a plan has been finalized we will communicate that to both the education system and the public. School authorities will be provided with enough time to prepare their schools as we transition into the 2020-21 school year, and our aim is to communicate a finalized plan prior to August 1st, 2020.”

THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MUNDARE HAS SCHEDULED A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER: 1. Map and Text Amendments to the Municipal Development Plan - Bylaw No. 905/20; and 2. Adopting Land Use Bylaw No. 909/20.

The public hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2020.

In alignment with the MGA Meeting Procedures (COVID-19 Suppression) Regulation, the public hearing will be held remotely by teleconference.

Opportunities are being provided to allow you to submit your comments/concerns either in writing or by registering to speak remotely.

You are invited to attend the Public Hearing remotely to express your views or listen to the deliberations.

If you wish to speak remotely and/or provide materials at the public hearing please register in advance by contacting Colin Zyla at (780) 764-3929 or at cao@mundare.ca. Anyone wishing to submit a written representation may do so by mailing the submission to Colin Zyla at the Town offices or emailing the submission to cao@mundare.ca on or before 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020. All written submissions will be available for public review online.

Information on how to join the remote Council Public Hearing can be obtained by calling Colin Zyla at (780) 764-3929 and will be posted online.

If you have any questions about the proposed Bylaws, please contact Colin Zyla at (780) 764-3929.

You may also view the proposed bylaws and accompanying reports online at www.mundare.ca Colin Zyla, Chief Administrative Officer

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MR. CLASSIFIED

Call toll free from anywhere in Alberta

1.800.522.4127 or fax to 780.632.7981

Ask the Guys Dear Classified Guys, I'm rather new to being a real estate agent, but I'm fairly certain that last weekend's experience is out of the norm. A couple came in and asked if I would show them my listing for a very expensive house. I was so excited I told them to jump in the car and we'd go. Little did I know that their 140-pound Bull-Mastiff had to tag along. "Charlie" had to like the house in order for them to buy. So we loaded in and took off. It seems Charlie liked it because the couple wanted to make an offer, but only after coming back next week with Charlie's older and larger brother, Max. This seems ridiculous, but the commission might just be worth it. Any ideas on how to impress a dog with a 2.8 million dollar home?

• • •

Cash: You know, many people

treat their pets like family, but this is the first time we've heard of a dog making a large investment decision.

Carry: It kind of makes you wonder if their bank is Bark of America?

Cash: One thing is for sure.

This sale could be one of the most expensive doghouses ever sold.

Duane “Cash” Holze & Todd “Carry” Holze 05/24/20 05/24/15 ©The Classified Guys®

Carry: I'm not sure there's any protocol for showing a house to a dog. After all, Charlie and Max are probably not impressed with Italian marble floors or hand-crafted stained glass. They'd probably be more excited with a fire hydrant on the front lawn!

Cash: However, dogs do have a very keen sense of smell. As a real estate agent, you may know that people find a home more appealing when there is a pleasant aroma lingering in the air, such as a fresh baked apple pie or homemade bread.

Carry: Imagine what the dogs would think if they walked in and smelled the aroma of a fresh pot roast in the oven.

Cash: Of course, if a few drippings dropped on the floor, I'm sure they wouldn't mind if it was accidentally left behind.

Carry: The truth is that if your potential buyers are eccentric enough to let their dogs make the final decision, there probably isn't much you can do. After all, you don't know how they decide if Charlie or Max actually like the place. If Max lies down in front of the fireplace, is that a good sign or is he just bored?

Cash: Your best bet is to simply accommodate the owners to the best of your ability. But pay attention. You never know when the dogs might give some good stock advice.

Fast Facts Odor Eater

Reader Humor Full Disclosure

Most dogs like to sniff everything. And with just one whiff, your dog can take in a lot of information. That's because dogs have about 25 times more smell receptors, called chemoreceptors, than us humans. That allows them to sense odor concentrations 100 million times lower than we can. So when they sniff the sidewalk, they can tell if the neighbor's poodle has been by or if someone dropped a donut on their morning stroll. That's probably also how they tell when the mailman is coming.

As a real estate agent, you never know what might come up when you show a house.

Last weekend I was showing an older home to a couple. After touring the upper floors, we ventured into the basement for a final look.

As we walked around the rather vacant space, I told the couple I had to disclose that the basement sometimes floods during a heavy rain.

"I'm guessing like a swimming pool," the gentleman commented.

"Why would you say that," I asked him.

Pointing to the far end of the room, he replied, "They wrote on the wall, 'Deep End'!"

Trust Fund We've all heard of people who inherit millions from their heirs.

However, believe it or not, at least 16 states now allow owners to establish trust funds for their pets and pass on an inheritance for their care. In 1993 tobacco heiress, Doris Duke, left $100,000 to her dog Rodeo. It's been reported that actress Betty White will be leaving $5 million of her estate to her pets.

Even Oprah Winfrey is believed to have added her dogs to her will so they may continue living in the lap of luxury. Nowadays, it seems a dog's life isn't so bad.

•

•

(Thanks to Harold F.)

Laughs For Sale

•

Got a question, funny story, or just want to give us your opinion? Email us at: comments@classifiedguys.com.

We hope this builder meant "Our" vailable Property A signs.

Custom De suit.

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HELP WANTED Is there anyone interested to pick stones? Short-term work, probably max of two days; will be well rewarded; call 780-945-1504 Visit us at jobs.newsadvertiser.com

HOMES FOR RENT Advertise your rental property here for as little as $7.95 per week!

New 3 bdrm duplex Vegreville. $685/mo. Call 780-275-0089. New developments.

Vegreville 2 story big house. Living/ dining/family room. 5 appliances.

Laundry on main floor. Close to swimming pool. $1000/mo. + utilities. 250-215-6910 Near Aquatic Center in Vegreville.

Approx 450 Sq Ft., 1 bedroom, fully renovated, kitchen appliances, washer/dryer, soaker tub. NS, NP. $600/m + utilities. Same DD. References required. Call or text 780-632-0480 Vegreville 2 bdrm bungalow.

Completely renovated. Fenced yard. Single garage. 4 appliances.

Pet friendly. $800 Rent + utilities.

250-215-6910 3 bdrm house for rent. 5 appliances.

Ph: 780-275-0054 or 780-603-9116 for more information.

3 Bdrm Mobile Home, N/P PH: 780208-9608 2 bdr house in Vegreville. Close to downtown. $975/mo includes water but other utilities extra. DD same.

Non-smoking. No pets. References required. Call or text 780-940-4951

LAWN AND GARDEN SPRUCE TREES Up to 24” - $1 each.

Taller ones available. Call 780-6322278 for information (leave message)

!! OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277 NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait?

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LIVESTOCK

PRINTING

Salers bulls for sale. Red, black & tan. Very Quiet. Semen tested and delivered. Scattered spruce salers.

PH: 780-768-2284

The News Advertiser can help you with your personal and commercial print work needs: business cards, invoices, envelopes, posters and much more.

Phone: 780-632-2861 or email jobsubmit@newsadvertiser.com

2 - two year, purebred, 3/4 Full French Charolais Bulls for sale or lease. Bull 16F... Scurred, BW 97, 77%, 38 cm Bull 48F...Polled, twin, BW 88, 70%, 36 cm, excellent heifer bull Call...780-945-1504 Yearling and Two Year Old Registered Red & Black Angus Bulls. Semen Tested. Brownalta Farms. 780-603-4882 LAKEFORD Registered Polled Hereford and Red Angus Bulls for Sale! Top Quality from a herd with over 50 years production history.

Contact Dan Prichard 780-385-2298 or 780-385-5125 For Sale: Simmental & Speckle Park Bulls, Yearling & 2 year olds. Semen tested. Free delivery. Ph: 780-9130221, 780-914-2521, 780-349-1936 For Sale: Gelbvieh Bulls. Limestone Stock Farms. 780-896-2352 780983-5030 For Sale: Registered Polled Hereford Bulls, Yearlings, and Two-year olds.

Quiet, guaranteed breeders.

Reasonably priced. Can be kept till 2020 breeding season. PMD Polled Herefords Paul Dinisyk 780-3362675

MISC. Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the NANI Network! For more information go to www.afcp.org/ nani

SERVICES Scott’s Septic Tank Pumping. Phone

V

TRUCKS

1993 Chev 4x4 Ext Cab. For parts. $650. 780-922-5999 2006 Ford 4x4 Crew Cab. New tires. $4600. 780-994-3005 2000 Dodge Dakota V8, 4x4, farm truck. $1600. 780-922-5999 2002 GMC 4x4 HD ¾ ton Service Truck 340k $3500 780-922-5999 1997 Ford 7.3 Diesel, 4 x 4, missing transmission. Nice deck, $2800.

780-922-5999 2004 Chev 4 x 4, new t/case, canopy, $3200. PH: 780-994-3005 2002 F250 Crew cab, 7.3 diesel.

Loaded. 410,000kms. $6500 PH: 780-994-3005

WANTED

780-298-5480. 20 years septic tank cleaning experience. Visual inspec-

tion before and after cleaning. 200

feet of hose to stay off your grass.

Scott phone: 780-298-5480

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes.

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mAY 27, 2020

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News Advertiser PAGE 19

MLA Encourages Constituents to Shop Local MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Dear friends and neighbours, After many months of uncertainty, our province is gradually and safely beginning to reopen. Throughout this pandemic, many small businesses in our community have stepped up to provide support to their fellow Albertans. As they begin to reopen, I encourage everyone to support our community’s wonderful local businesses and I know so many of you already are.

I want to highlight Kelsey Kueffler and Steven Ken Dalida who own The Venue/Ken’s Catering for their wonderful initiative Feed the Fort. Their efforts are feeding hundreds of wholesome, nutritious meals to those in need in Fort Saskatchewan and area. Thank you to the owners and to those who are supporting them for generously giving back to your community.

I am happy to share that we are introducing new measures to support our hard-hit tourism and hospitality sector. This week, our government announced that hotels and other lodging providers will be able to keep their tourism levy amounts collected between March 1 and December 31, 2020. This measure will increase cash flow for the hospitality sector, which employs 30,000 Albertans, and will put the sector in a better position for recovery as our province gradually relaunches. Travel Alberta is also working on measures to support local tourism organizations across Alberta that will be

grade twelve graduates. Graduation season is upon us and it will look very different this year. I know this isn’t the ending you were expecting but I want you to be encouraged. High school graduation marks the end of your K-12 journey and accomplishments but it also marks the beginning of what lies ahead next. You are our next wave of innovators, entrepreneurs, creators, and strategic thinkers. Your future is bright. They say it takes a village to raise a child. To the families and support systems that have been there by the graduate’s side to help them achieve this milestone thank you for your efforts in shaping our future generations. Congratulations to the graduates of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville! announced in the weeks to come. This measure comes in addition to a deferral program for tourism levies collected before March 1, 2020. These measures are part of our province’s plan to help Alberta’s struggling tourism industry recover and eventually grow.

The three-phase plan will focus on responding with immediate relief for the sector; relaunching and supporting the sector through recovery, and rebuilding the sector into a position for growth.

In closing, I want to acknowledge our

TOWN OF TWO HILLS 2020 SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Town of Two Hills invites applicants to apply for Summer Employment positions. Please apply in writing and state on your applications which position you are applying for, OR if you would like to be considered for more than one of the following positions:

• Public Works Assistant • Landscape Assistant • Office Assistant

Fax, e-mail or hand deliver applications by

MAY 29, 2020 to the attention of:

2020 SUMMER EMPLOYMENT, TOWN OF TWO HILLS 4712 – 50 Street, P. O. Box 630, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 Fax: 780-657-2185 • E-mail: info@townoftwohills.com Only successful applicants will be notified

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Ask and You Shall Receive - CONTINUED from PAGE 4

Tributes MEMORIAM

WINTONYK, Anthony July 2, 1947 - May 30, 2017 Time speeds on, three years have passed Since death its gloom, its shadow cast Within our home, where all seemed bright, And took from us a shining light.

We miss that light, and ever will, Her vacant place there’s none to fill.

Down here we mourn, but not in vain, For up in Heaven we will meet again.

Sadly Missed Dianne Blair & Family

OBITUARY

GORDA, Anne On May 14th, 2020, Anne Gorda (nee Axani), of Willingdon, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 94. She was laid to rest at Desjarlais Cemetery on May 18th.

To mourn her loss are her children, Adeline, Arthur (Lillian), Nickon, Neil (Joanne) and Janice (Mel) Kuprowsky; her beloved grandchildren, Lyal (Kim), Wesley (Bonnie-Lee), Garth (Amanda), Stephen (Alisha), Emily, Ben, Michael Kuprowsky, John (Alia) Kuprowsky, Marianne (Brian) Mohr and Robert; seven great-grandchildren, Kyla, Alyssa, Naiya, Olivia, Harisen, Thomas and Jayden. Her sister, Eleanor (George) Lutzak, is her last surviving sibling. Anne is survived by three sisters-in-law (Hazel, Doreen and Irene) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Nicolai, parents Domnica and Floria Axani, siblings Mike, Bill, Sarah, John, Ted, Metro, Steve, Con, George, Nestor, and most recently, Arthur on May 4th. Anne lost an infant granddaughter, Stephanie Kuprowsky, in 1985.

Anne was born on the farm in Boian in 1926. She was pulled out of school in Grade 8 as she was desperately needed to help at home. She learned at a young age to run a house, plant and harvest a huge garden, make preserves and bake bread for her family. In 1948, she married Nick Gorda and they started their life together on the farm at Desjarlais, raising their family during difficult years. Anne’s lifelong love was growing vegetable gardens, flowers and fruit trees and she shared her knowledge and produce freely.

Upon her retirement from the farm, Anne continued to volunteer in Willingdon for the Seniors Drop-In Centre, the Recreation Centre and the hospital auxiliary. While her health allowed, she never turned down a request for help. Her later years were spent at the Willingdon Lodge where she received excellent care, for which the family is very grateful.

Anne (our Bunica) will be dearly missed and never forgotten. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Desjarlais Church.

may 27, 2020

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OBITUARY

SKIBA, Lil (nee Horobec) January 4, 1939 – May 21, 2020 On Thursday, May 21, 2020, Lil Skiba of Andrew, Alberta peacefully passed away at the Lamont Health Care Centre at the age of 81 years.

Lil is survived by her loving family, three sisters Mary Fedun, Pat (Alex) Kulchycki and Viennna (Jim) Oakes; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Lil was predeceased by her husband Don Skiba; parents Peter and Helen Horobec; siblings John, Kay (Alec) Chichak. Steve Horobec and Mike (Vi) Horobec along with Nick, George, Bill, Eli and Metro Horobec in infancy; brother-in-law Joe Fedun.

Due to Covid-19 a private Funeral Service was held on Monday, May 25, 2020 at Autumn Rose Funeral Home in Vegreville, Alberta with with Archimandrite Gerasim Power officiating. Interment followed in the St. Michael The Archangel Orthodox Church at Sachava. Memorial donations may be made to the “Alberta Diabetes Foundation” or “St. Michael The Archangel Orthodox Church at Sachava.”

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. VEGREVILLE, 780-603-5800

did choose to buy more Canadian, our lawmakers have failed to put strong labeling laws in place so that we even know what is ACTUALLY Canadian.

We worry about our beef supply when COVID shuts down meat plants, but many small processors have shut down citing onerous regulations. This is not unique to the meat industry.

So much is made in China and we have shortages of things like N95 masks. The government blames our stockpile issues on the Harper government but the current government has been in power since 2015. According to 3M, their N95 filtering face-piece respirators should no longer be used if five years have passed since the date of manufacture. This means that regardless if the entire stockpile was replaced the day before the Liberals were put into power, they should have been looking at replacing it in the coming months to avoid expiration.

Who would want to manufacture in Canada when the cost of doing so (taxes, labour, regulations) is such a barrier? It’s much easier to set up almost anywhere else in the world if you have the means.

Outdated Canadian tax policies allow corporate juggernauts such as Facebook, Google Netflix, Twitter, and others to

essentially pay no taxes because they do not have a physical presence in Canada and therefore are not considered to be “carrying on business” in Canada. This is at the cost of Canadian jobs, primarily in the media. Instead of fixing the issue as other countries have, the government wants to fund media and have them seemingly as dependents.

When oil crashed, we saw Encana change its name and move to the U.S. While stating this was not a reflection on Canada, they did it for a reason.

Increasingly, Canada has become a more and more difficult place to do business.

These issues did not happen overnight and they will not be fixed overnight. We need leaders and those they depend on in the government system to be able to think past the next election cycle and learn from the past. We also need to learn from other nations that are doing a better job at certain things.

If our elected officials keep pandering to voters & lobbyists and taking their guidance from Twitter followers, we will get more of the same. More of what we’ve asked for.

We can do better. We need to demand better.

Tell me what you think.

Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

Roof Reconstruction at Vegreville BMO

Crews could be seen at work on May 12 atop the roof of the Bank of Montreal branch in Vegreville. The roof was reconstructed over the course of several days.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Dr. Daralyn Wiles-Lawrence Speaks on COVID-19 and your Pets Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Dr. Daralyn Wiles-Lawrence from Vegreville Veterinary Clinic said in this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 Pandemic, people should practice the regulations set forth by Health Canada; self isolate if showing any signs of sickness, social distancing, practicing good hygiene by washing hands and using hand sanitizer, coughing into an elbow, limit the amount of contact with your face. “This applies to care of your pets as well. Do not cough onto your pets, limit contact with your pet if you are showing signs of illness,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence went on to say people

should have a plan set up for the health of their pets. “If in the case that the owners become ill they should have an emergency plan on where and who will take care of their pet.

Whether they discuss this with their next of kin or have made arrangements with another family member or friend prior. This applies to any emergency situation. If owners are properly social distancing then their pets should be social distancing as well.

Lawrence forwarded the information from the Government of Alberta Website which states preliminary information suggests cats, dogs, and ferrets can get infected with COVID19. There have been several reports of people with COVID-19 transmitting

the virus to their pet (dog, cat). There is also a report of a tiger in a zoo that tested positive for COVID-19.

There is however no evidence to suggest that animals infected by humans are playing a role in the spread of this human disease. This is an area that continues to be studied.

It was also recommended that people with COVID-19 avoid close contact with animals during their illness and restrict your animal’s contact with other people and animals outside the household until the illness is resolved.

For example, house cats should remain indoors at all times, and dogs should be only taken out briefly on a leash to relieve themselves.

mAY 27, 2020

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News Advertiser PAGE 21

Chipman Car Crafters Cancel Show and Shine Michelle Pinon News Advertiser For the first time in the history of the Chipman Car Crafters Car Club, it has had to cancel its annual Show and Shine because of COVID-19 gathering restrictions.

June 7 would have marked the 20th annual show and shine for the organization. Alf Zips said that while members are disappointed they will be looking forward to the milestone event that will be held on June 6, 2021.

Chipman Mayor Toni Nygren stated, “On behalf of the Village, I can honestly say that the Village as a whole is truly going to miss this highly anticipated annual event. The Chipman Car Crafters annual Show and Shine is always an exciting event that the Village likes to support and participate in especially this year 2020 it being their 20th anniversary. The car show always seemed to get bigger and better every year and this year, celebrating 20 years of Show and Shine, it would have been a great party. We are looking forward to the day we are able to resume these kinds of special activities. So much fun

there are around 350 entries and 1,500 people who attend the annual show and shine which is always held the first Sunday of June.

The Village of Chipman is transformed every year into a thriving metropolis of vintage automobile enthusiasts. Young and old, normally 1,500 people strong fill the streets to view more than 350 vehicles, all makes and models, and to converse with their owners and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere the community has to offer. (Michelle Pinon/Submitted Photo)

for everyone.”

In August of 2000, Harv Hauer, Rick Thornton, Alf Zips, and Lionel Thomas held an informal meeting with the

intention of organizing an annual show and shine. There was enough local interest to form a car club. Membership has grown to 26 members. On average

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COVID-19 Weekly Regional Update Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Alberta’s COVID-19 hospitalization rates remain low with 46 people in hospital, six of whom are in intensive care. In total, 5,924 Albertans have recovered from COVID-19. There have been no more deaths.

The numbers in this region remain unchanged. In Vegreville/Minburn County, there were: 2 cases, 0 active, 2 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Two Hills County, there were: 0 cases, 0 active, 0 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Lamont County there were: 2 cases, 0 active, 2 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Beaver County, there were: 2 cases, 0 active, 2 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Tofield, there were: 2 cases, 0 active, 2 recovered, and 0 deaths. In Viking there were: 0 cases, 0 active, 0 recovered, and 0 deaths.

Alberta Health reported that voluntary testing is now available in longterm care and level four designated

supportive living facilities. According to the Province, there are about 27,000 residents and 44,000 staff in long-term care and level 4 designated supportive living facilities – those providing a higher level of support to people with more complex needs – can now be tested for COVID-19, if they choose, even if they have no symptoms.

Also on the seniors front, the Province announced funding for seniors housing projects that are estimated to create about 190 jobs, and ensure seniors with low income have access to well-maintained homes.

According to a government press release, the Province is providing $26 million to support 82 new capital maintenance and renewal projects for seniors housing facilities. These projects, taking place in communities across the province, will focus on the health and safety of residents, help keep units open and contribute to the government’s ring of defence around seniors.

Funding will finance renovations and emergency repairs to facilities. Projects include replacing or repairing boilers, elevators, HVAC units, electrical and safety systems, siding, windows, roofing, and more. To ensure current residents stay safe, the maintenance and renewal work will focus on building exteriors, unoccupied suites, and lowtraffic areas.

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro issued a statement on Alberta Rural Health Week: “Health-care providers

make untold contributions to enhance the quality of life in rural Alberta. They live in their communities, are active in their communities, and care about their communities. They choose to serve in rural communities for the quality of life it provides and for the meaningful relationships they are able to build by working in smaller centres.

“Our health-care providers deliver outstanding patient care regardless of where they work in the province. We want to thank them for their expertise and commitment to keeping Albertans healthy, especially during these unprecedented times as they battle COVID-19

on the front lines.

“During this special week, we also recognize local community volunteers who help keep health care close to home by supporting health-care initiatives and health-care providers in their communities. These volunteers go the extra mile by giving their time, extending kindness, and sharing a personal connection that means so much.

“On behalf of all Albertans, we celebrate and thank health-care providers in our rural communities for all they do. They are valued and appreciated.

Happy Alberta Rural Health Week.”

Birthday Celebration in the Park

Jesse gets to honor his 15th birthday with his family at Vegreville/Elks Kinsmen Park. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

The Keryluk’s family thought the weather was so lovely on May 24 that they had a picnic at a gazebo at Vegreville Elks/Kinsmen Park to celebrate Jesse’s 15th birthday.

mAY 27, 2020

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Pioneers and Ukrainian Immigrants Experienced Isolation too Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent With the health and safety measures in Canada needed to slow the spread of COVID-19, many Canadians are claiming they feel a strong sense of isolation.

However, we have unlimited means of communicating with each other in this era. There is the internet and other means of video chatting or writing to someone. Then we have home telephones, cell phones, and other avenues to communicate. The COVID-19 pandemic is also a chance to spend time and bond with your family that is if you are all well and healthy.

Our pioneers and Ukrainian immigrants were well aware of what isolation felt like as they experienced isolation and discrimination when they first arrived in Canada after the First World War. From doing research, I found out there was no welcome wagon to help them adjust and get to know the community. They had to depend on their own ability to survive. If they came as a family, the husband was frequently gone for months at a time and the wife was left alone on the homestead. It was indicated that only a few pioneers had enough money to keep up the farm with equipment. There were no government subsidies for the Ukrainians, as there had been for the Mennonites and Icelanders who had arrived in Manitoba earlier.

Elsie Kawulych, a resident of Vegreville whose parents emigrated from Ukraine and came to Canada in 1924-25 said her parents were single when they came to Canada. “My mother came to Canada

straight on the train from Halifax and then she went on a farm where she would be working as a labourer. My dad came straight to Edmonton where he stayed with a couple of friends in Vegreville.

Later, they met in Vegreville and got married,” Elsie explained. “Of course, they experienced isolation and discrimination when they first came to Canada.

My parents felt more isolated because of the language difference. When they were in Ukraine everyone spoke the same language. When they came to Canada, people always thought Ukrainian immigrants were the serphs from the other part of the world because they didn’t speak English. So, they were treated like second or third class citizens wherever they had to go. They never had any good jobs. Most of the professionals at that time changed their names. If you had a friend who was English, then you had a bit of a string you could pull once in a while.” Elsie said.

Elsie went on to say that her parents won’t allow to speak Ukrainian in school and even she wasn’t allowed to speak Ukrainian when she went to school. “In school, you got strapped if you spoke Ukrainian. However, this all became better around 1955. This could have been because the second generation was educated and had Ukrainian roots.

So, they pushed the idea that we were the same type of people and had the same type of brains as everyone else.

Then my parents’ and mine’s generation always respected everyone and they had great respect for the people wherever they worked as well as, had respect for people for whatever position the

workers had.”

Hence, Elsie doesn’t find the social distancing from the COVID-19 pandemic now that hard because she keeps busy. “I delivered food to my family for Easter and left it at their door. At home, I clean the house, do crafts, and read a lot. My greatest enjoyment is keeping in touch with my family online and watching church services on the internet,” Elsie said. “This situation gives parents a chance to share a lot of different activities with their children.

Before everyone was on their cell phones and nobody knew how to talk to each other. This is teaching families to socialize together.”

5 tips for a safe moving day News Advertiser If you’re planning to move, the pandemic requires that you take additional steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Here are five tips to help you stay organized and healthy on moving day.

1. Hire professionals

Until social distancing regulations are lifted, avoid asking friends and relatives to help you move.

2. Maintain your distance

On moving day, you’ll need to ensure everyone maintains a safe distance from one another.

3. Limit trips

As much as possible, boxes and furniture should be lined up near the front door before the movers arrive.

4. Disinfect often

Remember to wash your hands regularly during the move and avoid touching your face.

5. Keep empty boxes

Since the virus can linger on surfaces

for a time, wait at least 24 hours before you put unpacked boxes out to the curb. This will help reduce the risk of contamination.

If a member of your household has symptoms of COVID19, be sure to advise your moving company beforehand so appropriate safety measures can be taken.

News Advertiser PAGE 23

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Rotary Skate Park Update Rotary Club of Vegreville President Ashley Brown Given the current state of our Community, our Province, our Country, and the World, Rotary Club of Vegreville is adjusting the schedule of the building of the skatepark.

The Skatepark will now be scheduled for building the summer of 2021 or 2022 depending on securing the required funds.

Unfortunately Rotary was not successful in getting the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) large stream grant it applied for October 1, 2019, as the CFEP granting committee wants to see all matching funds in place prior to approving an application. Rotary’s request was for $425,000 and through the tremendous support of our community, Rotary has raised just over $320,000 to date. This

is outstanding and we want to thank you and the entire community for all your support.

The government has also adjusted the CFEP large stream application deadline from October 1 to June 15 so in order to reapply this year, Rotary would need to raise an additional $110,000 by June 15, 2020, or focus on applying in June 2021.

Rotary will not be proceeding with

actively requesting donations and support at this time. Should however donations be made to raise $110,000 before June 15, 2020, Rotary will reapply to CFEP this year.

Please look after your family, yourselves, and stay healthy. As Canadians, Albertans and Vegrevillians we will get through this by helping each other, and don’t forget we are all in this together.

Vegreville Fire Department Responds to Accident Members of the Vegreville Fire Department responded to an accident at the intersection of Highway 16 and Secondary Highway 631 Monday, May 25. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Members of the Vegreville Fire Department responded to an accident at the intersection of Highway 16 and Secondary Highway 631 Monday, May 25.

According to the Vegreville Fire Department, VFD, at approximately 7:30 am, on May 25, 2020, the VFD,

Vegreville RCMP, and EMS responded to Hwy 16 and Hwy 631, for a 3 vehicle motor vehicle collision.

Details as to the cause of the incident are not available at this time as RCMP are investigating. All motorists involved were assessed by EMS with no one requiring transport to hospital.

Crews cleared the scene at 9:30 AM.

Mannville Riverview Golf Course & RV Resort is open for the season.

Men’s Night Mondays, Ladies’ Wednesdays.

Call Clubhouse to Register 780-763-2252