February 27, 2024 Camrose Booster

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By Lori Larsen

The University of Alberta Augustana Campus recently announced the appointment of Dr. John Parkins as the incoming dean of the Augustana Faculty and executive officer of Augustana Campus, effective July 1.

Parkins is currently serving as chair of the Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology with the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. As chair, John has built strong relationships through his collaborative approach with colleagues and the community and is an exemplary, forward-thinking leader. He is deeply committed to indigenization and equity, diversity and inclusion.

John is actively involved in the community. He is serving a two-year appointment as executive secretary for the International Association for Society and Natural Resources. Since 2017, he has been an editorial board member of Society & Natural Resources, an international journalist, and a board member of the Alberta Emerald Foundation since 2022.

Parkins joined the University of Alberta in 2007 as an environmental sociology professor, after a decade of Canadian Forest Service experience.

His research and teaching career has focused on many aspects of rural and community development, sustainable rural livelihoods and the complex relationship between industry development and community development. John is a proud graduate, earning a Master of Science from the University of Alberta in 1987 and a PhD in sociology in 2004.

Parkins will be stepping into the position after dean Dr. Demetres Tryphonopoulos, who dedicated the past five years to developing and maintaining the growth and sustainability of Augustana, despite some incredibly challenging times. Beginning July 1, Tryphonopoulos will begin an administrative leave.

“I want to thank Dr. Demetres Tryphonopoulos for his tremendous contributions during his five-year term as dean of Augustana Faculty and executive officer of Augustana Campus,” remarked University of Alberta provost and vice-pres-

Augustana incoming Dean announced

ident (Academic) Verna Yiu in a news release. “His innovative and collaborative strengths have been integral to Augustana’s growth and successes.

Noting some of Tryphonopoulos’s accomplishments throughout his tenure at Augustana Yiu said, “He helped develop and implement an ambitious vision for Augustana with the 2020-2025 Strategic Academic Plan. His tenure as dean saw the revival of the rehabilitation medicine master’s program on campus, the development of a two-year elementary education program with the Faculty of Education and the launch of the Hesje Observatory.

“He also led innovative program and degree changes to provide better opportunities for students to gain transferrable skills and real-world experience.”

Yiu commented that Tryphonopoulos’s additional contributions include welcoming Augustana’s first Canada Research Chair and being instrumental in helping the campus navigate the transition to online learning during COVID-19.

“I am also grateful for his commitment as an engaged and constructive member of the larger university community through his work on committees and institutional initiatives.”

EMAIL

Dr. John Parkins

Take two steps and call me in the morning Scene: A cold Friday morning, 5:32 a.m., Lions Bay, B.C.

I am standing outside in pitch dark at the top of a steep driveway. The icy rain makes the driveway slippery so I’m opting to take the stairs along the side, hoping my feet will be able to feel the edge of each step.

I am carrying a large garbage can in front of me.

Though I can’t see it in the dark, I know the driveway has a sharp U-turn in the middle. I don’t know if the stairs continue on past the driveway’s sharp U-turn and down to the road far below.

I peer over the side. Pitch black. I can’t see the driveway or the road far below, just blackness.

Did I mention I have never fully overcome my childhood fear of the dark? As an adult, I can reason myself out of terror, slow down my pounding heart and dissolve the anxiety knot in my stomach, but when I’m in total darkness, I never quite get past uneasiness.

I have looked everywhere and tried all the light switches in the house and garage, but I cannot find a way to light up the driveway.

So. Decision. ***

I can continue on in the dark, try to feel my way to the bottom of the driveway, place the garbage can by the curb for pick-up and climb back up the steep driveway to the house. Or I can wait a couple of hours until daylight and possibly miss the garbage truck.

The instructions from the home’s owner are clear. Garbage containers are to be placed by the curb on the road far below on Friday morning, sometime after 5 a.m. Do not leave garbage outdoors on the evening before pick-up, because of wildlife.

As a diligent short-term tenant, here for a six-day private writing retreat, I want to do the right thing.

Again, I peer over the side into the blackness. After a long while, I think maybe I can sort of see a hint of the shape of the driveway.

I decide to take the first step. I slide one foot forward to the edge of the step and let my heel feel its way to the step below. While I’m still holding the garbage can, my other foot slides to the edge and steps down too.

I pause to balance. Again peer over the edge. Still just as black. Slide a foot forward again, find the second step and follow with the other foot. Scary, but so far so good. I wonder how many other steps it will take.

Again I slide a foot forward, find the edge, and let my heel find its way to the third step. As my other foot slides forward and over the edge, I am flooded with light.

Wow! The light is coming from my left–apparently from a floodlight that is sensitive to motion. I can now see to the bottom of the driveway.

I am glad I decided to take a few steps.

The incident becomes my metaphor of the day. In times of confusion or turmoil, when we don’t know what’s ahead and maybe don’t even know where we are, we can take one step–whatever step is in front of us. And then another. And trust that–gradually or suddenly–we will see light. ***

Two quotes: From poet David Whyte: “Take the first step. The one you don’t want to take.”

From Patrick Overton: “When we come to the edge of all the light we have known, and step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe one of two things will happen. Something will come up to meet us–or we will be taught to fly.” ***

I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send an email to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com I’ll happily reply within two business days.

Entertaining hockey

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wives, girlfriends and family members of the Camrose Bruins players for giving them the okay to play this year. Same holds true to the family members of the coaching staff, trainers and equipment manager.

Senior hockey is a special game, played by teams that love the game of hockey. It is a very fast paced, hard hitting and exciting game to watch. Blink and you might have missed a goal. You sure get great entertainment value for the price of a ticket, I am not sure if there is better hockey played in Camrose.

There are many other volunteers working up front and behind the scenes to put Bruins hockey in Camrose. I also thank them and hope they can come back next year. I should also offer thanks to the employers of the Bruins players, for allowing players to get off work for an early away game or putting a player on a desk, while he suffers an injury. It all helps and as a fan, thanks.

From the smile on his face every time I talked with Boris about the Bruins, I could tell he was enjoying the job. Your ef-

fort and knowledge will be missed.

Let’s hope whoever takes over for Boris can get the city to put in a sound system that is not a total embarrassment and could be heard in the Max McLean. I wonder if one of the wonderful Bruins sponsors might like to tackle that issue. Without the sponsors there would be no Bruins hockey.

Every team cannot win, but nobody can fault the effort the Bruins put into this year.

Pat Barott, Camrose

Garbage mess

Like roughly 250 other homeowners in Camrose, I now have to wheel my garbage bins from the back alley out to the front street for collection.

We are told this is to prevent damage to the alleys, and that the trucks can’t negotiate the alley intersection behind our crescent. Funny, there’s been garbage trucks in our alley for 50 years, and the grader is able to make these turns. The rest of the story is... the city switched garbage collection contractors last year. The new contractor runs older, longer and taller trucks than the previ-

ous one did and the operators are less experienced. I worked in the garbage business for years and have seen these municipal contracts.

Not only does the city save money by going with the low-ball bid, they also get money back by fining the contractor when they inevitably have problems. Did your house get missed during the recent cold snap? That’s because Integrity doesn’t have an indoor parking facility either and they couldn’t get the trucks started.

They would have been fined for that too—a winwin for the city. Unfortunately it’s a lose-lose for us homeowners. Garbage collection is a pretty basic element of municipal services, and just about every year the value proposition for us taxpayers gets worse. Places like Hay Lakes have curbside recycle collection, while we have nothing. Centra Cam accepts less and less all the time. The landfill is now a transfer station, and they charge to dump everything, even compost. Camrose is way behind other municipalities when it comes to waste collection.

Landon Lewsaw, Camrose

ROTARY CARES

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Rotary Club of Camrose secretary Lou Henderson presents January Rotary Cares winner Brett Denham with $1,000. The proceeds from the draw go towards community and youth leadership projects such as Camrose Air Cadets.

through the pages of e Booster

• Team Alberta will be counting on strong performances from three Camrosians this week at the 1999 Canada Winter Games. Augustana College students Charmion Rebus and Dale Ristal, with Camrose Composite High School student, David Leoni will be competing for Alberta in three Biathlon Races, culminating with relays.

• A Camrose dancer is one step closer to her goal of becoming a Professional Ballet Instructor Danielle Deveau, from Ballet Camrose, recently passed her Cecchetti Professional Ballet exam.

• The Kroeger family of Camrose celebrated four generations with the birth of Alex Kroeger Posing with a happy and squirming Alex were Great-Grandmother Cleona Kroeger, Grandfather Brian Kroeger and Father Brandon Kroeger

• The Camrose Knights of Columbus used Bingo proceeds to make donations totalling $1,250 to three different Camrose organizations. Accepting cheques from Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Alvin Koehli were: Jamie Nester, on behalf of the Electric Ice synchronized skating teams; Bernice Olufson and Tricia Dey Twomey from Home Support Living Services; and Noreen Blonke on behalf of Camrose and District Music Festival Association.

• District Commissioner Walter Busenius congratulated the 1974 Executive of The Wildrose District Council, Boy Scouts Canada, following the 14th Annual Meeting. They are Thor Andressen, President; Marie Swanson, Treasurer; Sylvia Clemens, Secretary; Jens Jenson, First Vice-President; and Otto Streberg, Second Vice-President.

• At the Annual Meeting of the Wildrose District Council, Boy Scouts Canada, Don Heie presented awards in appreciation of ten years of service to the Scouting Movement to Don McMillan, Mike Csernyanszki, Jens Jenson, Miran Falk, Jules Hall and Florence Boden

• Art Yaeck, who holds the coveted title of Able Toastmaster, presented the Art Yaeck Trophy to Erik Knudsen, winner of the Camrose Toastmaster Club Speech Contest. Mr. Knudsen will represent the Camrose club in the area Speech Contest to be held in Edmonton. Mr Knudsen won over three contestants: Les Brager, Don Baker and David Brager. Judges were MLA Gordon Stromberg, Hazel Naslund and Walter McFadyen, all Presidents of the Camrose Club.

• Joan Osness of Camrose captured second place in the eight-kilometre distance event for junior women in the Canadian Junior Olympics CrossCountry Skiing Champion held in Whitehorse. Miss Osness is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Osness of Camrose.

• The City of Camrose will pay the $50 entry fee for a contestant in the North-Am International Snowmobile Races to be held in Wetaskiwin. The machine and driver wil be selected by the Camrose Snowmobile Sports Club. A number of Alberta cities will sponsor contestants in this popular event which receives national and international television coverage.

Shortly after The Booster was delivered, we received an email from Al Zwack. Al was the snowmobile racer selected for the race, and the City of Camrose sponsorship. He noted that he still has in his possession the newspaper clipping from way back then!

Bringing it all home

Ever since a record number of members of the Conservative Party of Canada elected Pierre Poilievre as its leader in September 2021, he has been hard at work.

This work includes his role as Leader of the Official Opposition in holding the Liberal government, propped up by the NDP, accountable. This work in Parliament is why so many issues with mismanagement, corruption and bad policy are coming to light. It is also where Pierre and the entire team of common-sense Conservatives can ensure that the voices of regular Canadians are heard in Parliament.

When he announced that he would run for leader of the party, Pierre made it clear that he was starting his campaign to become Prime Minister. And in that process, a vision of hope for the country was outlined. Many folks think of Pierre as the prosecutor who exposes Liberal corruption, and he is, but in the last year and a half, since becoming leader, he has shown how, with skill and hard work, we can work together to get Canada back on track. In his many rallies and tours, he reassures Canadians of a better future and economic opportunity, being proud of our nation and its people, removing censorship, cutting red tape, and giving Canadians back control of their lives. This has been summed up by talking about the need to, “Bring it Home.”

There are many components which go into an election platform and policy to shape the future of our nation. To ensure all Canadians know and trust what Pierre and our Conservative team are going to do, we have summed it up straightforwardly…Conservatives will axe the tax, build homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.

Justin Trudeau, along with the Liberal Party and the NDP, are tired and corrupt. Recently, the ArriveScam Scandal has dominated headlines, but it’s a continuation of a trend of the disrespect the Liberals have for taxpayers and the rule of law, assuming accountability doesn’t apply to them. While this makes headlines in big spending scandals, I see it every day in their attitude.

All these issues ring true for the residents of Battle River—Crowfoot, examples like: Rural Canada faces the brunt of the unfair and ineffective carbon tax as well as the many policies designed to punish Canadian ingenuity and hold back our country’s economic growth. There is a growing issue of homelessness in our local communities which would have been unheard of only a few short years ago. While young people struggle to buy homes, seniors are being forced to sell their homes to make ends meet. Folks around here know budgets don’t balance themselves, and the bill eventually comes due. We also know our justice system needs an overhaul. There is unprecedented crime on both our town streets and gravel range roads… catch and release doesn’t work.

We are working diligently to hold the Liberals to account and to show Canadians a common-sense plan that will restore the hope and promise of Canada after the next election. It is an honour to serve the people of Battle River—Crowfoot alongside Pierre Poilievre and the national Conservative team. This is a Leader and a team who listens to what Canadians, including rural Canadians, need and who respect them. It is time to bring home Canadian taxpayers’ safety and hardearned income, ensuring they can own their homes and prosper.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403-5755625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a federal government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.

By

Joel

Infinite Imagination tackles A Midsummer Night’s Dream

auditions that will be held on Tuesday, April 30, Wednesday, May 1 and Thursday, May 2.

To schedule an audition or sign up for the study class contact infiniteimagination tt@gmail.com

The class study and audition will lead to summer performances both in a park as well as the Bailey Theatre.

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PRESENTED

Life lessons from Groundhog Day

It’s February, the month where winter is still ongoing and spring seems around the corner-sort of. It’s also the proud month of Groundhog Day, which began as a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will continue for another six weeks. If it doesn’t see its shadow, spring will arrive early. Luckily for us, the groundhog has predicted an early spring for 2024.

Last week, we watched the 1993 movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray and Andy MacDowell. The movie follows cynical TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) who is covering the Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and becomes trapped in a time loop that repeats February 2 over and over again.

The movie is quite repetitive, but that is the whole point–he can’t leave that day behind until he becomes a better person. After he begins to accept his predicament, he decides to use the time to learn how to ice sculpt, play the piano, and learn French.

My favourite part of the movie is when he starts to notice the suffering and bad fortune of the people around him and starts to plan his day to make their day go smoother. He catches a boy falling out of a tree each day (though the boy never thanks him); he fixes a flat tire for elderly ladies who had been out shopping; he helps a choking man; he takes a homeless man out for lunch. I thought–what a great lesson for a movie, to suggest that we should focus our efforts in our daily lives to make someone else’s day brighter and smoother.

The movie is full of great life lessons: take opportunities to learn new skills; pay attention to people around you; sometimes things just aren’t meant to be; use yesterday’s mistakes and shortcomings to make a better today; be more mindful and selfless in our daily lives. The most important one though is that we can make a difference in someone else’s life by doing things that might seem small or insignificant to us.

I’ve often told my kids that I think this is the best thing that we can do for someone else–to find small ways that help them feel more comfortable. This can be noticing when someone feels awkward or uncomfortable, and being the one to stand by them and strike up a conversation so they’re not alone. This is actually how I got my first journalism job out of college. At a scholarship awards dinner, a classmate of mine was sitting alone as no one had turned up who was assigned to be at her table, so I invited her to join our table. A local newspaper publisher who was at my table took note of this and it helped me get the job as editor of the Nanton News when I applied a few months later. When my kids are expecting a new classmate at school, we talk about how to make the newcomer feel welcome. Could they invite the new student to play at recess? Volunteer to show them around the school?

One little way that I like to make things go smoother for others these days seems pretty insignificant at first glance. We noticed last year when coaching outdoor soccer that the players would often run out of water, especially during hot games. We purchased a small camping jug that we would bring with cold water to each game, so the players could always fill up. For the indoor season, I keep one or two water bottles in my coaching bag because there is always a player who has forgotten their water bottle in the change room or in their vehicle. They get a look of panic when they realize that they have to run hard for the next hour without any water! It seems like such a simple thing, to pull out a bottle of water in that situation, but the relief the players feel is evident on their faces. I’m not performing the Heimlich on a daily basis, feeding the hungry (unless my own family counts), or stopping boys from serious tree-falling injuries like Phil in Groundhog Day, but I like to think that I’m helping in my own way.

Hospital clean-up phase three nearing completion

By Murray Green

“Thank you for your continued support and patience as we work through the changes required for the successful remediation following the water event December 2nd. Phase 3 of the remediation continues to be on track with the anticipated handover date of March 3rd. Our registration/admitting and HIM is continuing to operate well using the multi-purpose room and front foyer,” said Stacey Lynn Brewster, site administrator at St. Mary’s Hospital.

“Phase 4 will commence February 26th (yesterday), this will include the Cha-

pel, the hallway leading to the Chapel and the Unit 2 meeting room near the entrance of the unit. Access to Unit 2 will be unchanged, the hard hoarding will take over one of the double doors. Notification will be sent regarding the temporary relocation of our Spiritual Care office as the remediation work takes place,” she added.

“A special thanks to the hospital auxiliary for their continued support with way-finding and assistance to our many patients and visitors. I would like to express my appreciation to all staff for your dedication. Join me in thanking Service Masters for their outstanding collaboration and efficient remediation work,” concluded Brewster.

Chester

Jack

École

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Sparling School

All

Selected Topics:

Please

1.

and how do we encourage volu nteerism?

How ha s the lack of volu nteeri ng a ec ted your commun it y?

2. How ca n ag ricu lt ural producers use tech nology to ma nage cu rrent chal lenges in the indust ry?

Ex ample: Drought, Climate Change Policy, and Fert ilizer usage.

e winner will be photog raphed for pre ss relea ses and the e ssay or v ideo p resentation will be posted on the Camrose County website

For more informat ion:

Contac t Corey St uber 780- 672-4765

Bailey nominated for MusiCounts teacher of the year

By Lori Larsen

One of Camrose’s own, Bob Bailey, École Charlie Killam School teacher and music director, has been nominated for the 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment–an incredible honour bestowed upon teachers who advocate for students’ accessibility to and love for music.

MusiCounts is Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards with a vision to ensure that all youth in Canada have access to music education through their schools and communities.

Bob was one of five finalists selected from all of the teachers nominated across Canada.

Nominated by the École Charlie Killam School (ÉCKS) Music Parents Association, Bob is most certainly deserving of the recognition, having taught and directed music for 41 years, beginning his career in Rocky Mountain House, then moving north to Manning.

“Manning was an amazing experience,” said Bob. “That is where I gained a lot of confidence and where I first established a thriving music program, including a large band program from grades 5 to 12.”

After being away from Camrose for five years, Bob felt the pull to come back to where he was born and raised. His teaching career has since continued at ÉCKS for the past 36 years, where he has shared his passion for music to well over 5,400 students. Throughout those 36 years, Bob has worked passionately at building the music program at ÉCKS, which unfortunately, like so many other programs, took a hit during COVID. Bob is happy to say, however, the program is back to numbers very close to where it was pre-COVID.

In addition to teaching and directing music at ÉCKS, Bob was, until recently, responsible for the Grade 5 beginner programs at various feeder schools throughout Camrose. Unfortunately, the Grade 5 program was discontinued in 2018. Students now get their start in band at the grade 6 middle school level at ÉCKS. He also taught the Grade 9 band program at ÉCKS until it was moved to the high school.

Bob came by his interest and talent for music naturally, and for those familiar with the name Bailey, know that the family has contributed a lot to music and theatre in this area.

“My father (Don Bailey) was a trumpet player, he had a dance band here in Camrose. He was a big fan of big band jazz, so I grew up with that kind of influence. And Stan Bailey (Bailey Theatre) was my great uncle.”

Bob also recalled having had a great many role models and influences as his musical ability grew including: his high school (Camrose Composite High School at that time) music teacher Nelson Taylor, Tom Spila, Bob Wilson, Bob Stewardson and others.

Stewardson started Bob off playing trumpet in Grade 7 at, ironically, ÉCKS, after which he continued on into high school under the direction of Taylor.

After high school, Bob completed five years of post-secondary music education at the University of Alberta and ultimately became a music teacher, no doubt following in the footsteps of his mentors to become a mentor himself to so many students.

Bob affirmed that it is a combination of a love for music and a love for teaching children that has fueled his 41-year-long career.

“I love to see students accomplish something, and I have been told I have a lot of patience,” laughed Bob, adding that he has found his niche as an expert at this particular age level, though he has directed many older ensembles as well.

As a dedicated advocate of the important role music plays in schools, let alone life, Bob continues to bring music to the forefront, sharing the many benefits of music with students and the community.

“Music is such an academic subject and it is directly intertwined with the other subjects,” said Bob, further explaining how it relates specifically.

“In music, there is such a mathematical relationship of counting notes and rests, and keeping the beat. As for history, students explore the origins of musical genres and their role in our society. Music also relates to science through the study and performance of pitch, tone, timbre, volume and resonance. And, of course, the very study of music is learning a new language and mastering an instrument.

“Then there is the social aspect of learning: teamwork and group dynamics and participation. Playing in a musical ensemble produces more well adjusted people who are used to working hard to attain a common goal. All in all, music education should be an integral part of every student’s well-rounded education,”

Bob added that prior to COVID, but also exacerbated by COVID, society, and especially young people, have experienced an increase in anxiety. “Music seems to have a calming effect and is really beneficial in dealing with anxiety.”

Music has also been proven to bridge gaps that may occur within the school setting.

“We have a compulsory Grade 6 program at ÉCKS and, after that, it is an optional selection. Many students over the years, who may have never thought of taking band, take it in Grade 6 and realize they can do it and get a lot from it. There have even been a number of students over the years who have gone on to make music as a career.”

Bob said that despite some beliefs that may still exist that music is a nice-to-have versus a need-to-have, numerous studies have proven that music actually improves students’ overall academic performance by boosting memory and mental alertness. “Especially if you take into account all the skills being developed and concurrently worked on.

“I love to see students accomplish something,” said Bob.

“For example, when I start these students out, the number of things they need to focus on all at the same time is really quite amazing in comparison to most other activities. They have to learn a new language, interpret the music they are reading, know about the mechanics of their instrument, and what to do with their facial muscles and breath in order to produce a tone. They also have to listen carefully to one another in order to blend and balance with the group and watch a conductor and their music at the same time, and respond to gestures. That’s why I tell these students they are the smartest in the school, because they have to be able to do all this. Playing music is one of the only activities that activates all areas of the brain simultaneously.

“Students need self discipline and work ethic and commitment to do what they do in

the music class.”

But of all the benefits and connections that music provides for students, the one that pulls at Bob’s heartstrings the most is the fact that many of the students he has taught over the years have told him that the music room is their happy place–their safe place. “That does my heart good.”

Bob voiced his appreciation to all the staff at ÉCKS for their continued support and encouragement of the music program, allowing music students time away from other studies or activities to fulfill commitments, practices, performances and field trips. “In turn, the music program is very supportive of other activities the students are involved in.”

He is extremely grateful to the ÉCKS Music Parents Association not only for nominating him for this prestigious award, but for being an exceptional support of the music program.

“Regarding the nomination, about a month ago, I received a phone call at school saying I was one of the finalists and there were five in Canada,” said Bob, admitting that it was difficult to focus on teaching the rest of that day. “It was very exciting.

“I am so flattered and so honoured to be even considered for something like this. It is very humbling.”

Recognizing all the extra curricular demands placed on teachers, such as himself, to provide students with the best learning experience possible, Bob graciously thanked his wife Valerie for her continued support. “It all takes time away from home and without full support of this career path that I have chosen, none of this would happen.”

He and wife Val will be attending the JUNO Awards presentation and ceremony on March 24, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “When they (representatives on behalf of MusiCounts) sent the information, it said that myself and a guest will walk the red carpet and take part in all the preliminary activities. So we are going to see first hand what the JUNO Awards ceremonies is all about,” smiled Bob.

Of the five finalists of the 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year, one will be chosen by an external committee of music education experts and announced as the MusiCounts Teacher of The Year Award winner on the 53rd Annual JUNO Awards live broadcast from the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, NS, on March 24.

The recipient will receive a JUNO Award statuette, a $10,000 cash prize, a grant for their school through the MusiCounts School Music Funding Program, and grants made to additional schools in their honour.

MusiCounts vision is realized through grant programs that invest directly into schools and communities across Canada that put musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them the most.

“Rural communities face significant barriers to providing music education,” noted MusiCounts president Kristy Fletcher.

“For example, if an instrument gets damaged, it could be out of rotation longer while it gets repaired. There tend to be fewer opportunities for private lessons, so it’s often the case that school is the place where kids will get their first taste of playing an instrument.”

MusiCounts creates educational resources for teachers and students; empowers young people to pursue music as a career; and celebrates teachers, artists, and philanthropists who champion music education. Since 1997, MusiCounts has awarded over $18,000,000 in support of music education in Canada.

“Teachers like Robert Bailey go above and beyond to make sure that students in their communities have as rich a musical experience as possible,” said Fletcher. “Music is central to Alberta’s culture, and it’s teachers like Robert who ignite the musical spark in kids from the very beginning.”

As for Bob, this incredible recognition by the parents of his students, and his students, is reward enough, but the opportunity to shine even more light on the importance of music in schools is priceless.

Bob Bailey

Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose Constituency

illness, our United Conservative government has embarked on the ambitious journey of Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS)–a comprehensive initiative aimed at fortifying primary health care services across the province.

At the heart of our MAPS initiative lies a collaborative effort that engages Alberta’s primary health care leaders alongside national and global experts. Together, we are working to identify immediate and long-term improvements to bolster primary health care and build on the improvements our government has already made. These efforts are not just about addressing present needs, but also laying down a road map for a sustainable and resilient primary health system for generations to come.

One of the key priorities of the MAPS initiative is ensuring that every Albertan has access to a family doctor or a primary care provider they can trust. To achieve this, our government has created a task force in collaboration with the Alberta Medical Association to devise a new payment model incentivizing comprehensive primary care. Additionally, we have acted to reduce administrative burdens on health care providers and allocate funds to support family doctors and nurse practitioners. And we are expanding online mental health services, enabling doctors to conduct virtual mental health checks and therapy sessions. The initiative will help bridge the rural-urban divide that exists when it comes to accessing mental health services.

Just a few weeks ago, our government announced that we are providing an additional $57 million in funding over three years to provide family doctors and nurse practitioners with support to help manage costs related to their increasing number of patients. This funding is part of our commitment to stabilize, strengthen, and improve Alberta’s primary health care system.

The Camrose constituency has many doctors and nurse practitioners who will benefit from the actions we have taken to improve primary health care. We are also working to ensure there is a billing system in place for eligible providers who don’t already have access to one. This includes many nurse practitioners who are providing critical primary care.

It is imperative we fix the issues facing primary health and ensure every Albertan has access to a family doctor or primary care provider they trust.

Primary health care is the first stop on the journey to wellness and recovery–and our government is investing to ensure the system is working the way it needs to for all Albertans.

Contact my office if you require my assistance. A reminder that I am a commissioner of oaths and a notary public and provide the service free for constituents.

You can contact Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA, at Constituency Office, 104, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1. Tel: 780-672-0000, camrose@ assembly.ab.ca or at Legislature Office, 6th Floor, 9820-107 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7.

World Day of Prayer service

By Murray Green

This year marks the 71st anniversary of the World Day of Prayer in Camrose. The residents of Palestine will be celebrated for World Day of Prayer 2024 on March 1.

“A special Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada service will be held at the Camrose United Church beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Friday,” said local organizer Irene Johnston.

The theme will be based around “I Beg You... Bear With One Another in Love.”

This program calls us to bear with each other in love, despite all difficulties and oppression. The program was written

by a group of ecumenical Christian Palestinian women in response to the passage from Ephesians 4:1-7. They reflected collectively on this theme from the context of our suffering as Palestinian Christian women. They hope to inspire other women around the world to bear with one another in love during troubled times.

In these verses, Paul encourages the Ephesians to live a sanctified life, bearing with one another in humility and love in order to maintain the gift of unity that God had given them. Paul reminds the Ephesians that God chose both Gentiles and Jews to be saved, bringing togeth-

er people of very different backgrounds through the shared promise guaranteed by Christ to all the members of his church. Paul urges the Ephesians to live a life worthy of the calling they received, as people united with one another through Christ’s saving work.

“In 2017, a group of ecumenical Palestinian Christian women were chosen by the World Day of Prayer International committee to write the 2024 service based on the theme. Over the last four years through COVID they then worked, prayed, reflected and wrote,” said Johnston.

Continued on page 13

World Day of Prayer service to be held in Camrose

Continued from page 12

“They wrote, ‘In these trying times, let us remember that the human experience transcends borders and political differences. We must stand together as one global community, advocating for the welfare and dignity of every individual, irrespective of their nationality, religion or origin. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more harmonious future for all in this troubled region,’” shared Johnston.

“As we observe the World Day of Prayer, our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to those suffering in Israel and Palestine and we hold steadfast to the hope that one day, the people of this land will enjoy peace and prosperity,” she continued.

“The World Day of Prayer writing committee of Palestinian women now invites all people around the world to join them in prayer and action,” said Johnston.

Before the web, there was the World Day of Prayer, an international event that has been connecting people in a meaningful way for almost a century.

On March 1, Christians in more than 170 countries and in 2,000 communities across Canada will gather to learn about, pray for and celebrate with the women of Palestine through the World Day of Prayer.

In Canada, the World Day of Prayer is coordinated by the Women’s InterChurch Council of Canada. For World Day of Prayer materials or to learn more about WICC, visit the website at www.wicc.org or email wicc@wicc.org

The World Day of Prayer has its roots in an ecumenical day of prayer organized by women in Canada and the United States in 1920. This event became the international World Day of Prayer in 1922 and Christians around the world began celebrating this event on the first Friday of March.

For more information on the World Day of Prayer service contact Irene Johnston at 780-672-0704.

What’s Cooking Soup Supper

By Lori Larsen

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Cor nerstone Christian Academy, K ingman, AB

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

For tick ets, call 780-672-7197 or email ccasociet y@gmail.com

Join members of the Augustana Chaplaincy and students at the annual What’s Cooking Soup Supper, on Sunday, March 3 at 5 p.m. in the Augustana Convocation Centre gymnasium.

Enjoy a tasty soup and bread supper, worship and fellowship with other community members and members of the Augustana community, including many students, and take an opportunity to learn about students’ experiences as well as the important role the Chaplaincy plays at Augustana.

This year’s Supper celebrates the 20 year partnership with the University of Alberta (Augustana Campus) and the Church in the forming of the Augustana Chaplaincy.

“Twenty years ago, a

wild and unprecedented event occurred,” noted Augustana Pastor Craig Wentland. “At merger, the University of Alberta, a public institution, and the Church (ELCIC), had the vision to create a chaplaincy that was at the heart of the Augustana Campus. They established Augustana Chaplaincy as a bold joint partnership.”

Wentland explained that a renewed Augustana Chaplaincy, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, would be ecumenical in scope and support the needs of a diverse student population within a public institution.

“Chaplaincy would partner with Augustana in its promise to provide a whole-person education. Twenty years later, Augustana Chaplaincy is going strong and looking forward

to supporting the next generations of students.”

Attendees will also witness representatives of the Church and the University as they recommit to the Chaplaincy and hear from Pastor Craig and the Student Chaplains on the theme Augustana Plus.

The evening features a silent auction including a number of wonderful items to bid on and an opportunity to make a financial gift to Augustana Chaplaincy.

For those who wish, end the evening with worship through Holden Evening Prayer.

For more information on Chaplaincy visit www. ualberta.ca/augustana/ student-life/chaplaincy. html or to purchase tickets online for the March 3 ‘What’s Cookin’ fundraiser visit uab.ca/augchap

an d stor m sewers , fi re hydrants , statio n checks , statio n main te nance, sanitary sewe r cleaning , sewe r manhole i nspections, sanitary sewe r root contro l program, excava tion an d re pair of broken sanitary sewe r mains, wate r main s an d se rv ices , operate th e wate r truck, va lve operations , UD F program, cc va lve operations , distributio n labora to ry an d fiel d testing, sanitary sewe r labora to ry an d fi el d testing, lagoon weed an d vege ta tion cont ro l, mete r re ading an d mete r se rv ic e work (installations , accoun t re ad-out s an d proble m troubleshooting)

• Operations an d main te nanc e of th e Utilitie s System as di re cted

• Assistance with ot he r Public Wo rk s functions as necessar y.

QUALIFICAT IONS :

• Grade 12 diplom a or equivalent

• Wa ter & Wa stewater Te chnica l Program an d or PostSecondar y Education.

• Al be rt a Envi ro nmen t Cer ti fi cation – Leve l I Wa ter

Distribution Leve l I Wa stewater Collection Leve l I Wa stewater Treatment.

• Minimu m two (2) years’ ex perience in utilitie s an d infrastructu re main te nance.

• Aw arenes s of th e Ci ty of Camros e Al be rt a Envi ro nmen t A pprovals.

• Must be able to work in conf ined spaces , trenches , elevated plat fo rms, ladders, an d ex trem e weathe r conditions

• Ba si c computer literacy to operate mete r re ading computer soft wa re

• Must be able to meet th e Ci ty ’s “o n-call protocols” and will be required to pa rt icipate in th e on-cal l rota tion within th e Utilitie s te am

• Re liable with a st ro ng work ethic, with soun d decisionmaking an d communicatio n skills

• Ab ilit y to exer t moderate physical activi ty

• Va li d Clas s 5 driver ’s licenc e an d th e abilit y to obta in vali d Clas s 3 driver ’s licenc e with ai r brake endorsement within th e tria l period

HOUR S OF WO RK : Hour s of work are generall y 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday th ro ug h Fr iday Shif t work , on-cal l an d overtime will also be necessar y to addres s operationa l requirements

HOUR LY WAGE : $ 30.17 pe r hour in accordance with CUPE

1425 Collecti ve Agre emen t, plus any additional premiu m pay as outlined in th e collecti ve agreemen t.

A PPLICAT IONS : Individual s inte re sted in this positio n are invite d to submit a cove r le tter an d resumé to th e addres s or emai l addres s below by Ma rc h 8, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

We appreciate and consider all applications ; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacte d.

CONTAC T:

Ci ty of Camros e – Public Wo rks: At tent ion, Manage r of Utilitie s

Mailing Ad dress: 52 04 -50 Avenue , Camrose, AB T4V 0S 8

P: 78 0.672.5513 | E: hr@cam ro se.c a | W: www.c am ro se.c a

TE MPOR ARY SEASONAL POSITION S

Are yo u look in g for a challengin g summer jo b where yo u will work with a grea t te am an d lear n some valuable skills?

Join ou r te am at th e Ci ty of Camros e where yo u ca n contribute to helpin g Camros e grow as a dynami c communit y.

TE MPOR ARY SE ASONAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Parks – La bourer – manual labour for main te nanc e an d operations in th e park s system

2. Parks – Wildlife Coordinato r – promotin g wildlife an d greenspac e stewardship th ro ug h planning , education, projec ts an d research

3. Go lf Cours e Ground s – La bourer – manual labour for main te nanc e an d operations on th e golf course

4. Public Wo rk s – La bourer – manual labour for public work s operations: st reet , sidewalk an d sign main te nance.

5. Go lf Cours e – Pro Sh op At tendan t – responsibl e for se tt in g an d charging tee times, sales, preparin g golf ca rt s, genera l housekeeping answering phones an d prov idin g excellen t customer se rv ic e in th e Pro Shop

QUALIFICAT IONS :

• Re liable with st ro ng work ethic.

• Ab ilit y to follow instructions an d work both independentl y an d in a team enviro nment.

• St ro ng writ ten an d ve rbal communicatio n skills

• Ba si c computer skills

Su cce ssfu l candidates will be req uired to produc e a va li d Clas s 5 driver ’s licenc e an d a satisfacto ry Driver ’s Abstra ct an d Police Informatio n Check.

HOUR S OF WO RK : Hour s of work will va ry dependin g on applicable positio n. Some shif t work will be necessar y to addres s operationa l requirements

HOUR LY WAGE :

• La bourers – Th e wage for these te mporar y positions ranges from $18.17 to $22.18 pe r hour, in accordance with th e CUPE Lo ca l1425 Collecti ve Agre emen t.

• Wildlife Coordinato r – Th e hourly wage for this temporar y positio n will be base d on $18. 00 pe r hour

• Pro Sh

Community newspapers

If you have opened your Camrose Booster and read through to this column, congratulations! You are participating in civil society and contributing to democracy. Sadly, the continued sustainability of journalism in Canada is in danger and this has implications for democracy. In the diverse tapestry of Canadian media, community newspapers are pillars of democracy, embodying the essence of local engagement, civic participation and grassroots journalism.

CBC News recently reported on the closure of 29 community newspapers in 2023. The industry is in dramatic decline, which is problematic because it comes at the same time Canadians are reporting that they have less trust in media and are less willing to pay for their news. As many media scholars, journalists, and policy analysts have argued, the loss of community newspapers not only leaves unfortunate gaps in their communities, but also endangers democracy and civil society. As Dale Eisler, Senior Policy Fellow at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, has argued, “when newspapers close, the community loses more than just jobs, it loses a window on itself and society.” Community newspapers contribute to the social fabric of their communities, fostering a sense of cohesion, identity, and pride. By showcasing local achievements, historical milestones, accomplishments of businesses and community organizations, and human-interest stories, local newspapers celebrate the unique character and resilience of their communities, reinforcing a collective sense of belonging among its residents. In doing so, the newspaper strengthens social capital, laying the groundwork for a vibrant and robust community.

In an era of digital proliferation and news blockages by social media, these newspapers remain committed to chronicling the pulse of local events, issues, and achievements that might otherwise go unnoticed. From city council meetings to school board decisions, from local sports triumphs to cultural celebrations and national holidays, local newspapers, like The Camrose Booster, provide a comprehensive snapshot of community life, providing citizens with the information they need to participate in civic life.

Moreover, community newspapers serve as a forum for diverse viewpoints and perspectives, promoting dialogue and debate essential to a healthy democracy. Through editorials, op-eds (like Second Thought), and letters to the editor, community newspapers cultivate an environment where citizens can engage in civil discourse, exchange ideas and challenge assumptions. By amplifying the voices of community members, the notion that democracy is a collective endeavour is reinforced.

Finally, community newspapers are the lifeblood of local democracy, serving, to differing degrees, as a voice for the community and a watchdog for accountability. Beyond their role as information disseminators and public forums, some community newspapers across the country play a crucial role in holding institutions and individuals accountable. With limited resources and staff, these newspapers often operate on the front lines of investigative journalism, shining a light on issues of local concern and ensuring transparency in governance.

For example, last year  Kamloops This Week was recognized as a finalist for the Michener Award, a top journalism prize in Canada, for stories uncovering questionable spending at the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, including a $500,000 retirement payout for a chief administrative officer and excessive ‘hospitality’ spending at champagne rooms and steak houses. Whether uncovering instances of corruption, exposing inefficiencies in public services, or scrutinizing the actions of elected officials, local newspapers serve as guardians of the public interest, safeguarding the democratic values of transparency, accountability and integrity.

In an era of exceptional change and uncertainty, community newspapers are indispensable to democracy, serving as community builders, watchdogs, forums, and champions of the public interest. Yet, in our complex modern median landscape, community newspapers face numerous challenges, including declining readership, dwindling advertising revenue and competition from online platforms. These challenges only underscore the importance of supporting and preserving these vital institutions.

As trusted sources of local news and information, community newspapers play an irreplaceable role in the democratic ecosystem, bridging the gap between citizens and their government, fostering community and civic engagement, and ensuring a vibrant and informed citizenry that are essential to the health and vitality of local democracies.

Geraint Osborne, law, crime, justice, University of Alberta Augustana Campus

Spring Machinery Consignment Auction

Hwy #16 East, Alberta - Online Auctions

Toll Free 1-855-783-0556

Selling equipment to all four Western provinces and the Northern USA. Listings are now being accepted for our Spring Machinery Consignment Auctions at our Hwy #16 East Location Hwy #16 East Sales Yard

April 5th to 9th, 2024

Location: Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 (1 Mile East of Hwy 834)

South Side of the Road

Phone: (780) 208 -2508 Office

Aaron Olson - (403) 913-9644

Justin Janke - (780) 515-0888

We are now accepting Listings for this Sale. Any items prelisted by March 8th will be included in our Sales Posters, Newspaper & Radio Advertising, Web Page & Social Media.

Whether you have one piece or a complete line of Machinery give Aaron a call at (403) 913 -9644 or Allen at (403) 783-0556 to discuss the best option for you to realize top dollars.

Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd.

Rimbey Office - 403-843-2747 - Toll Free - 1-855-783-0556

Hwy #16 East Office - 780-208-2508

Rimbey & Hwy #16 East, Alberta - License No. 165690 Email: abolson@telusplanet.net - Website: www.allenolsonauction.com

by March 20th will be included in our Sales Posters, Newspaper & Radio Advertising, Web Page, Social Media and extensive mailing lists.

Whether you have one piece or a complete line of Machinery give Allen at (403) 783-0556 to discuss the best option for you to realize top dollars.

Kodiaks edge Oil Barons, beat Olds Grizzlys

By Murray Green Camrose Kodiaks needed extra time to defeat the Fort McMurray Oil Barons 4-3 in overtime in Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) action on February 19.

The Kodiaks scored first with a Ty Hodge marker, his fourth of the season. Fort McMurray came back with two goals to take the lead.

In the middle frame, Garrett Thom (13) and Sam Lozinski (18) gave the Kodiaks the lead again.

The Oil Barons scored the lone tally in the third period to force overtime. Carter Matthews was the hero when he notched his sixth of the year.

Goalie Elliott Pratt stopped 26 of 29 shots on goal, while Camrose counted 35 shots on goal.

Camrose also edged Olds Grizzlys 3-2 on February 16.

The Kodiaks jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes with Lozinski collecting his 17th on the power play and Owen Lansing

scoring his eighth.

After a scoreless second, Olds scored twice with Ludovik Tardif garnering his 17th in between for the game winner.

Goalie Carson Ironside turned away 24 of 26 shots, while Camrose fired 26 shots at the Olds’ cage.

The Kodiaks are home against Canmore (7 p.m.) on March 1 prior to the end

of the season.

Bear facts The Camrose Kodiaks are in seventh place in the standings, just one point back of the Canmore Eagles.

Camrose Kodiaks goaltender Elliott Pratt was the AJHL rookie of the week.

The Robert Morris University (NCAA) commit has earned the award for the

second time this season.

Pratt recorded a 34save shutout against the Drumheller Dragons on February 13th to earn the second shutout of his rookie campaign. The 4-0 road win also earned him his fifth AJHL player of the game award. Pratt is second among rookie goaltenders with a .901 save percentage.

By Lori Larsen

Celebration of dance and culture

Prepare to be part of a celebration of culture and dance on March 8, 9 and 10 when Culture FUZE (2024) returns for the 6th year of bringing an exciting family event to Camrose.

The three day event will take place at the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre with over 750 dancers representing 22 dance groups from Alberta and Saskatchewan, and anyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the high spirited, joyful event.

“Growing up and doing Ukrainian dance as a child, I am proud to be a part of the Camrose Ukrainian Dance Society,” said Camrose Veselka Ukrainian Dance Society president Christina Nahirniak. “A small community like Camrose has such a family style club. We’ve got a great instructor (Kelsey Olijnyk) that is passionate about dance and the Ukrainian culture that you’re able to see when watching our club dance.”

Nahirniak commented on how proud she is of, not only her Ukrainian descent, but being able to raise children is such a supportive community and also how delighted she is to be in a community that continues to host a dance festival (Culture FUZE) dedicated to Ukrainian dance. “This is normally something you find in larger cities.”

During the four years that Nahirniak has been a member of the Camrose Veselka Ukrainian Dance Society she has seen the Culture FUZE festival grow in numbers as well as geographical representation to include dance groups from all over Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. “This brings in many visitors to our wonderful community.

“While the Camrose Veselka Ukrainian Dance Society and Culture Fuze

Festival are not affiliated, I feel they go hand in hand with one another.”

The idea of hosting the festival began back in 2017 with the Joyce and Pattullo families developing then running a three-day event.

agreed that the Festival offers an opportunity to express the diversity within Camrose, and see what coming together can do for everyone as a whole.

“We highly encourage anyone to come take part

ter, contemporary and an open category.

At the time their children participated as dancers as well as working at the festival. As the children grew older they began taking on very important roles to help ensure the Festival goes off without a hitch.

Sisters Malia and Brooklyn Pattullo shared comments. “We absolutely love Culture FUZE Dance Festival and look forward to it every year.

“It’s exciting to see people from around Alberta come in and share in the love of Ukrainian dance and culture. Each year we see new people join us and get to experience the love of the Camrose community, and the support for the arts and culture the community gives us in return.”

Malia and Brooklyn

in this experience with us, and share in the excitement for Ukrainian Dance.”

Culture FUZE 2024 will feature 244 dances including: solos, duets and trios on Friday, March 8 and small and large groups on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday March 10.

Dances will represent nine different regions of Ukraine including: Volyn, Hutzul, Lemko, Bukovynian, Podilliam, Polissian, Poltava, Pokuttian and Transcarpathian and traditional dances will include: the Hopak (popularly referred to as the “National Dance of Ukraine”) and the Priyvit (the traditional Ukrainian Welcome Dance).

Other types of performance will include charac-

“I am super proud to be one of the two co-founders of Culture FUZE. It’s hard to believe that what started as a dream idea actually became a reality,” said co-founder and co-organizer Kyla Joyce.

Co-founder and coorganizer Tanya Pattullo added. “Culture FUZE holds a special place in all our hearts. It continues to bring the spirit and beauty of Ukrainian Culture to our community. These dancers leave it all on the stage, it’s so inspiring to watch.”

This year’s adjudicator, Toronto-born Paul Olijnyk, began his association with Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in 2001 when he moved to Edmonton and joined the company to pursue his passion for Ukrainian dance.

Since then, Olijnyk has taught Ukrainian dance throughout the province of Alberta, adjudicates dance festivals throughout Western Canada, and has been

a guest choreographer for dance ensembles throughout Canada.

As well as a skilled adjudicator and choreographer, Olijnyk has performed with the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, throughout Canada and China with various productions, including: Shumka’s Cinderella; Absolutely Shumka; Travelling Chumaky; Shumka at 50 and Clara’s Dream, a collaboration with Ukraine’s Virsky and Kyiv Ballet companies. Since 2011.

“Paul has a unique way of weaving together the traditions of Ukrainian dance with the proper technique needed to execute the intricate steps properly and safely,” noted Tanya.

As for the dancers, the incredible event not only offers a first-class stage to perform on but also an opportunity to receive feedback from an experienced and renowned adjudicator.

“Getting feedback is part of the dance festival process,” explained 15-yearold Autumn Joyce. “Dancers eagerly await the comments from the esteemed adjudicator.”

On Friday, March 8 attendees can enjoy a special perogy lunch hosted by the University of Alberta, Augustana Cafeteria and throughout the Festival meander through Lougheed lobby taking in a variety of Ukrainian vendors featuring crafts, clothing, embroidery, Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanky) decorating kits and supplies, gifts, souvenirs, cookbooks, nesting dolls and more.

Attendees can purchase a weekend pass or individual day passes enabling them to come and go as they please throughout the event.

For more information on the Culture FUZE festival visit http://www. culturefuze.ca.

PRESCHOOL FUNDS

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

The Camrose and District Preschool received $294 from the Camrose Elks as their charity of choice in the Chase the Ace draw. From left, Elk’s Gerry Czapp, Camrose and District Preschool program director Kandace Bonney, children Emilee Dewart, Everleigh Paquette, teacher Cathy Franklin, children Luca Mohra and Stevii Mohr, Camrose Preschool teacher Crystal Schiermann and Elk’s Larry Babiuk.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster

Camrose Veselka Ukrainian Dance club dancers, left to right, 15-year-old Autumn

Joyce, seven-year-old Matilda Nahirniak, four-year-old Frank and nine-year-old George Nahirniak prepare for the upcoming Culture Fuze to be held March 8, 9 and 10.

Plan Now For Their Future Needs

You’ve worked your entire life to build your assets. Sound estate planning can ensure these hard-ear ned assets are passed on to your family according to your wishes, without interference. Talk to us today about developing a plan that makes sense for you and your loved ones.

Estate Planning

• W ills • Enduring Power of Attor ney • Personal Directives Estate Administration

• Legal services associated with probate of the will

Senior Chat

By Camrose Seniors Coalition

Camrose and District Family and Community Support Services continues to offer free income tax services year-round for people who have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

We are tremendously grateful to partner with the Canada Revenue Agency and a group of outstanding income tax volunteers to provide the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) has existed since 1971 and is a longstanding partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and community organizations and their volunteers (www.canada.ca/ en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/ community-volunteer-income-tax-program/lend-ahand-individuals/about. html).

Tax Clinics will begin March 11. You may access

tax clinics two ways: Scheduled Tax Clinics–CVITP volunteers and staff will be present in your building/community. Watch for advertising in your common areas or community bulletin boards. To date a few of the scheduled clinics are: all Bethany Senior Subsidized Housing (Camrose), Rosealta Lodge, Mirror Lake Centre, Tamarack with more to come. Walk-In–access the tax clinic during advertised hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m.) on a first come, first serve basis (4823-51 Street across from Wild Rose Co-op).

Let us come to you. We are ecstatic to leave the office and meet all of you. If you are wanting a scheduled tax clinic in your community, call Kari at 780673-1388.

Eligibility and annual income: No more than $35,000 for a single person; or $45,000 for a couple.

Pre-planning for t omorrow me ans pe ac e of mind for today

The idea of advance funeral planning is one which many people would rather not think about. However, planning your own funeral is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones. At a time of grief, your family members will be spared the stress of making important, emotionally draining decisions.

Pre -planning also ensures your final arrangements will be carried out according to your exact wishes, in a cost- sensitive manner. Call us today for more information about advance funeral planning or to arrange a no - obligation consultation with one of our directors.

4817-51 Avenue, Camrose | Phone 780-672-2121

RECORDED OBITUARY LINE: 780-679-2400

Ser ving your community for over 110 years

Senior tax clinics begin soon

Simple return: can only have T3, T4 and T5 slips.

Cannot have income from rental properties, farming, or capital gains (capital gains income listed on a T3 or T5 slip is okay).

Couples must file taxes together and must both be present for the appointment to give verbal consent to their taxes being filed.

CVITP does not complete returns from: self employment, rental income and/or expenses, capital gains or losses, file for bankruptcy, have employment expenses, business income and/or expense.

Volunteers are not expected to answer complex tax questions. If a taxpayer needs information that is beyond the volunteer’s expertise, they should go to canada.ca/taxes or call 1-800-959-8281.

We look forward to seeing you. For general infor mation, call 780-672-0141.

Health minister reviews concerns

By Murray Green

The Alberta Government is launching a series of comprehensive provincewide in-person engagement sessions to hear experiences, inputs and concerns from health care workers and Albertans on refocusing health care in Alberta.

Health minister Adriana LaGrange was in Camrose on February 5 to learn more about local health issues. “We are given this opportunity in Camrose at a pivotal time in our government’s journey to refocus health care here in

Alberta. This is our opportunity to share vital information, concerns about local issues and priorities and have our voices heard,” said LaGrange.

“Your continued participation is key in creating a unified system we can all rely on to support our own health, the health of our family and friends, and those who work on the front lines of the system.”

This new unified provincial health care system will have a strong foundation informed by real peo-

ple, real stories and real experiences.

“We are committed to engaging with health care workers and listening to the input of patients, families and caregivers across Al berta. The future of health care is in your hands. This is an opportunity for open conversations about the challenges, solutions and innovations that will help build a stronger health care system,” LaGrange said.

Q.

www.burgarfuneralhome.com

ASK THE EXPERT

I’ve he ard ab out models of hearing aids that can de tect when I’m sitting tting down or moving around , and others that track my GPS location. I understand that hearing aids adjust themselv es depending on all this data, but is this really impor tant? this is this impo rtant?

A.That depends mainly upon two things: your lifest yle and your own he aring abiliti es . Firstly, consider your li fest yle. How of ten do you hear enough noise that you struggle to hear conversational speech? The largest purpose of adaptivi ty in any hearing aid is to meet the challenges of speech in noise, or comfort in noise. Secondly, hearing aids aren ’t capable of changing how clearly your ears can hear or “proce ss” speech, even once it ’s at the nece ssar y volume . A “Word Recognition” test teaches us where we should set our expectations. If these te st scores are low, more adapti ve, advanced or expensive hearing aids will not provide better performance or value. In these instances, connectivity is recommended, to isolate the preferred speech from any competing nois e. If your Word Recognition-test scores aren’t low, and your lifest yle exposes you to speech in noise of ten, hearing aids with highly adaptive featur es may provide better performance when in noise. That being said, many, many factors about your listening environments are being measured by hearing aids in order for them to be e ec tive in noise, re gardless if you are in motion , stationary, or your geographical location The best way to know what to ex pect and what ac tions will help you is to: get your hearing tested

“Health care workers know the most about our system, the gaps and the

needs that exist. We welcome and encourage ideas that can better support them and the patients they care for.”

Collaboration is crucial to creating a health system that serves the current and future needs of Albertans.

“We want to encourage

health care workers and the public to help us shape the future of health care,” said LaGrange.

In addition to public engagement sessions, there will be dedicated engagement with Indigenous leaders and other key health partners.

4918-51 STREET CAMROSE 780-672-8851

By Murray Green Dave Hare of Tofield owns

a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible.

“I found this car in the States, Lake Abasolo near Vegas. Actually, it was my wife caused this. She is a Mustang lover and we have a friend that has a house down there. He phoned us one Friday night and said I found a Mustang for Mieka, so I said you better talk to her,” explained Dave.

“Next thing I know she is coming to me saying, ‘We have to go to Lake Abasolo.’ I said, ‘For what?’ She said, ‘To get the Mustang.’ I sai,d ‘How do you know I’m going to buy it.’ She said, “‘We are buying it, end of story,’” Dave laughed.

The first-generation Ford Mustang was manufactured by Ford from March 1964 until 1973.

“So we did buy it. The couple we bought it from said they needed to sell it to send their daughter to college in Colorado. They thought she should have a four-wheel drive instead. We made a deal and they said they would drop off the car tomorrow when you have the money,” said Dave.

“The next morning we get a phone call and I’m thinking they changed their mind. Turns out they took it on one last cruise to the lake and there were a bunch

The automotive section of Hare finds Mustang near Las Vegas

FIRST MUSTANG

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Dave Hare made a trip to Las Vegas to purchase this 1965 Ford Mustang. Originally bought for his wife, the car was built in the first year of production for the Mustangs. Despite no power steering, Dave loves to drive his classic. of young people partying, so they walked to the other side of the lake. When they came back, the roof was trashed. The couple fixed the roof under their insurance a couple of days later,” said Dave.

FUN FACTS

Since it was introduced four months before the usual start of the 1965 production year and manufactured alongside 1964 Ford Falcons and 1964 Mercury Comets, the earliest Mustangs are widely referred to as the 1964½ model by enthusiasts. Nevertheless, all 1964½ cars were given 1965 U.S. standard VINs at the time of production and with limited exception to the earliest of promotional materials–were marketed by Ford as 1965 models. The low-end model hardtop used a U-code 170 cubic inch (2.8 L) straight-six engine shared with the Falcon, as well as a three-speed manual transmission, and retailed for US $2,368.

Standard equipment for the early 1965 Mustangs included black front seat belts, a glove box light and a padded dashboard. Production began in March 1964.

Mustang Serial Number One (5F08F100001) was sold on April 14, 1964, at the George Parsons Ford dealership in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Official introduction followed on April 17 at the 1964 World’s Fair. The V8 models were identified with a badge on the front fender that spelled out the engine’s cubic inch displacement (260 or 289) over a wide V. This emblem was identical to the one on the 1964 Fairlane.

The DC electrical generator was replaced by a new AC alternator on all Fords (a way to distinguish 1964 production from the 1965s is to check if the alternator light on the dash reads GEN or ALT).

The introduction of the Mustang created a new class of automobiles known as pony cars. The Mustang’s styling, with its long hood and short deck, proved wildly popular and inspired a host of competition.

“We towed it home and made it without any problems,” he added. “It has just a six-cylinder 250 truck engine (260) and that is original, that’s how they came. It has a three-speed automatic transmission. When we bought the car it was blue. The original colour was venetian yellow. We had it repainted back to the original colour. I haven’t done very much else to it because it was in pretty good shape,” he said.

It was introduced on April 17, 1964, as a hardtop and convertible with the fastback version to follow in August 1964. “It has armstrong steering and you have to stand on the breaks to stop the car. I would like to have disc brakes and power steering, but my wife wanted everything original. It is the way it has stayed, so not sure

if that will change any time soon,” said Dave. With each revision, the first-generation Mustangs grew in overall dimensions and engine power.

“My wife loves cars and

I like to drive it. I wouldn’t drive to Vancouver with it, but around here it is fun to drive. It would be nice to have some technology of today in it as well,” Dave said.

OLMP leadership students take charge

By Murray Green

Our Lady of Mount Pleasant leadership students brought in some guest speakers for classmates and students from other schools to listen to for encouragement on February 21.

Former Humboldt Broncos hockey player Ryan Straschnitzki was one of those speakers who talked about not letting a disability prevent him from chasing his dream.

“In leadership, we learn from others. We learn from their actions and you are not just born a leader. You have to find your own way and version of that. We bring these speakers in so when students feel they are scared to be themselves,

they can see someone else who felt the same way they did and help them embrace themselves. At the end of the day, we want students to be able to feel like they can own themselves and be the person they want to be,” explained Grade 10 OLMP student Maya Matthiessen.

“This conference also brings together a lot of different students to make new friendships, have shared experiences, but also take things back to their school and share things to grow the school community and help people feel they are welcomed. They can input that information into their own school environment. It’s about being the leader that we want to be in the world,” added Grade 11 OLMP stu-

dent Jayda Blackman.

“I hope they take away Ryan’s message of resilience that he shows and the way he was able to come back to be himself after a major injury, what I think was a mental block for him for a long time. Tragedy happens in people’s lives. I hope students take away from this that it doesn’t define you. What happens to you doesn’t define you, its what happens after that defines you,” said Maya.

“When you see a person like Ryan who is a little older, they may think I could be that person. I could be that person who is resilient or someone who is trying to make a change in the world. They try to make other people better. Stu-

dents may listen to someone who is around their own age. They think someone that young is doing such amazing things. Maybe I could do something like that too,” added Jayda.

“I just thank everyone coming out to give us this opportunity to show people what we are about and spread out into this world,” said Maya.

“Thanks to CSLA (Canadian Student Leaders Association) for helping us put on this conference,” concluded Jayda.

About 70 students from New Norway, Bawlf, Sedgewick, Vegreville and Camrose attended the conference.

Humboldt bus crash survivor still chases his dream

By Murray Green

Former Humboldt

Broncos hockey player Ryan Straschnitzki isn’t letting a disability prevent him from chasing his dream.

He launched the Straz Strong Foundation to help others through motivational speaking.

“I am from Calgary and first got into hockey when I was about four years old. My dad got me into the sport being a die-hard Flames fan. At the age of 16, I moved away to go play Midget triple-A in Leduc, to try and pursue my career to make the jump to Junior A hockey. My 17-year-old year, I ended up playing a little bit of junior hockey in Whitecourt. I got traded to Humboldt that same year and we had a good season. I developed as a person and I developed as a hockey player as well,” explained Ryan, at Our Lady of Mount Pleasant School in Camrose on February 21.

“The coach in Humboldt cared more about the person you were versus the hockey player you were. He instilled that in all of us as being a good person around the community and always giving back. And that’s something I’ll always remember and something I’ll cherish, with me for the rest of my life,” Ryan told students.

The day of April 6, 2018 changed the lives of 29 families forever.

“It was like any other game day–pre-game skate with the team, team breakfast at the local familyowned restaurant and then

back home to our billet houses for a pre-game nap. We all got onto that bus that day to go win a hockey game when all of a sudden the bus driver screamed. I poked my head down the aisle and there was a semitruck coming towards our bus at full speed,” recalled Ryan, about that frightful day.

People across the nation heard devastating news from Canadian officials. The Humboldt Bron-

“Those were the words my family had heard about the accident, not knowing if I was still alive or not. I don’t remember how long after I gained consciousness, but I remember sitting up with my back against the semi truck, looking around at all the mayhem, trying to collect my thoughts, trying to understand what just happened and seeing my teammates and debris around me,” said Ryan.

“My first instinct was

they’re just not moving and there’s nothing on top of them. It’s one of those things where unless you experience that, you don’t understand the feeling of am I going to live or am I going to die in this situation,” shared Ryan.

“I couldn’t move unless a nurse brought in a giant crane and lifted me out of bed just to get into a wheelchair to go to therapy. It was important for me to build up my mental

cos junior hockey team from Saskatchewan was involved in a serious accident when a semi-trailer truck broadsided the team bus, killing at least 15.

just to get up. That’s all I could repeat in my head was just get up. So I go to move, but I’m not moving. I’m stuck under something. So I go, look at my legs and

fortitude to overcome that, if you can get past the little challenges every day is something as simple as getting out of bed every day that’s going to allow you

to reach your goals. That’s what I had to learn in the hospital,” he admitted.

“Just around the same time, Canada lost in the Paralympics to the Americans in para-ice hockey. ‘I’m going to play sled hockey and try to win Canada the gold’ was one of the first statements I said to my dad from the hospital bed. I truly believe that if you’re still breathing, you still have an opportunity to get a second chance at life and I’m not going to let opportunity be for nothing,” he told himself.

Everyone has their own story. The only disability you can have is a bad attitude in life. “At Straz Strong, our aim is to find those with a hard work ethic, those who show respect and kindness to everyone around them, those who aren’t afraid of taking a leap of faith to achieve goals beyond what they imagined and most importantly those who aim to make a beneficial difference in their communities. At Straz Strong, we welcome all who exemplify those exact qualities and values to help benefit those with both mental and physical disabilities through adaptive sports, social awareness through public speaking and funding for rehabilitation needs,” he said about the foundation he started.

OLMP staff and students brought Ryan in to bring leadership to the forefront.

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Ryan Straschnitzki’s dream of playing professional hockey hit a snag when he was in a bus accident, but he still wants to play sledge hockey in the Olympics Games.

Bruins end season with overtime loss

By Murray Green

Camrose Bruins pushed the Red Deer Rustlers to overtime, but came out on the short end of a 4-3 score in the North Central Hockey League playoff action on February 17.

Although Red Deer won the series in four games, Camrose worked hard to try to extend it to five games. The Bruins came out hard in the opening period with Matt Raymond and Zaine Walker scoring for Camrose.

However, the middle frame belonged to Red Deer as they scored twice to tie the contest.

In the third, Raymond added his second of the night on a shorthanded play. The Rustlers kept pace with a shorthanded tally of their own to force overtime. Just 26 seconds in the extra period, Red Deer notched the winner.

Goalie Curtis Skip stopped 43 of 47 shots fired his way to keep the Bruins in the game. Camrose recorded 35 shots on the Red Deer cage.

The Rustlers won 6-1 in the third game, February 16. Carter Danczak garnered the lone Camrose goal in the opening period.

Goalie Skip stopped 54 of 60 shots, while Camrose fired 35 at the Red Deer cage. The Red Deer win now puts them against the Lacome Generals.

Bear tracks

Both Raymond and Brett Njaa led the Bruins in playoff scoring with two goals and an assist. Carter Burton and Danczak also had three points with a goal and two assists.

Skip played four games in net with a .930 save percentage and a 3.52 goals against average. He faced 201 shots in four games to hold the Bruins in the series.

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Mitchell McMullin of the Bruins takes a shot on goal.

LETR Torch runs through Camrose

By Lori Larsen

On February 26, Camrose was one of the honoured municipalities to host the LETR Torch Run, an extraordinary event that kicks off the opening ceremony of the 2024 Special Olympics Canadian Winter Games held on February 27 in Calgary and commemorates a longtime, support-

“The law enforcement community worldwide has taken on the Special Olympics as our charity of choice with the first LETR taking place in Wichita, Kansas in 1981,” noted LaGrange adding that the first Canadian LETR was in 1987 and has raised over $72 million for Special Olympics since then.

The runners were escorted, front and back, by Camrose Police Service police vehicles honouring the athletes but also ensuring a safe run.

Once at the Station a short ceremony ensued with welcoming remarks from Special Olympics LETR torch run organizers CPS Chief LaGrange.

ive partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics.

“The Camrose Police Service is a proud partner of Special Olympics through the LETR,” commented Camrose Police Service Chief Dean LaGrange.

Despite the drastic change in weather, the ceremonial run of the torch in Camrose still took place ending in front of the Camrose Police Service Station, welcomed by a dedicated group of supporters including several members of CPS.

“Special Olympics Camrose is so fortunate to have our local Camrose Police Service as a community partner,” said Special Olympics Camrose chairperson Melanie Poole.

“Many people don’t realize that Special Olympics is a whole sports organization, not just one event. LETR events take place throughout the year and across the country, just like our sports programs. Having involved police officers as coaches, or as a rival, is an outstanding role model for our athletes, and witnessing the plunge or the run is a fun and rewarding way to interact and develop those relationships further.

Poole remarked that the positivity that a police officer brings to athletes is not only exciting, but also an honourable experience.

“Volunteers witness Camrose athlete’s faces light up with anticipation of interacting with a police officer, whether it is at a floor hockey game or when medals are being handed out with a handshake.

“As a local organization, we are so grateful for the positive role that the Camrose Police Service has demonstrated in our community.”

The goal of the torch run is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement, worldwide.

Camrose Police Service members join over 85,000 law enforcement officers across Canada, United States and 46 other countries in the largest grassroots fundrasier for Special Olympics.

The torch run carried on from Camrose to Calgary ending at the opening ceremonies at the Nutrien Centre in Calgary.

Sonja June Kristin Hendrickson

July 29, 1936 ~ December 14, 2023

Sonja Hendrickson (nee Gotaas) was born to Yngvar Christian (Chris) and Martha Jane (June) Gotaas (nee Howard) in Camrose, AB, where she was raised with her sister Mary Anne. Sonja suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke, which left her paralyzed on her right side, from which she never fully recovered. Sonja died at her acute care home in Burnaby, BC, on December 14, 2023.

Sonja’s gracious warmth, generous spirit and strong faith touched all who met her throughout her life as mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, friend, seamstress, organizing wizard, cook, and hostess extraordinaire. She loved her many professional years working with Camosun College students in the English Placement office, served on many boards and committees, and stayed active with her church.

With James (Jim), her beloved husband of 65 years, she raised four children in Victoria, BC, and later delighted in welcoming six grandchildren who held a special place in her heart. In retirement, Sonja and Jim moved to East Sooke, BC, wintered in Arizona, and eventually moved to White Rock, BC, to be closer to family. Wherever Sonja was, she was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

Sonja is survived by her husband Jim; her children Joy, David, Mark, Mary; her grandchildren Kady, Anneka, Kieran, Kai, twins Akimi and Maya; her sister Mary Anne; and numerous extended family members. We are grateful for the full life she lived, and for the strength of the connections she leaves behind.

Please join us for Sonja’s Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 3787 Cedar Hill Rd, Victoria, BC, or live-streamed from their website: www.lutheranvictoria.ca

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sonja Hendrickson’s name to Lutheran Church of the Cross, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada at www.heartandstroke.ca

John Thomasen

John Thomasen of Ryley, AB was born on April 18, 1931; he passed away on February 20, 2024, at the age of 92 years.

He is survived by his stepsons Derek (Teresa) and Andy (Johanna); grandchildren Thomas, Ian, Jacey, Lucas, Matthew, Monique, Sebastian and Sophia; great-granddaughter Madalyn; friend Erik Brix; as well as numerous extended family and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Janina.

A private graveside service will be held on a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster

Joined by several Alberta Special Olympics volunteers and runners, Alberta Special Olympics torch runner David Hall along with Camrose Police Service runner Constable Matt Rolfe bring the torch up to Camrose Police Service.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster

Camrose Police Service Chief Dean LaGrange, right, joins Special Olympics athlete Torch Runner David Hall in honouring all Special Olympic athletes and LETR volunteers, when the 2024 final leg of the Torch Run came into Camrose.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Members of Camrose Police Service join LETR Special Olympics Torch Runner athlete David Hall, sixth from left, Chief Dean LaGrange, right of David, and Special Olympics Camrose chairperson Melanie Poole, right of Chief LaGrange, in celebration of the torch run signifying the opening of the 2024 Special Olympics Canadian Winter Games held on February 27.

Michael Bryan Pollom (Mike)

Michael Bryan Pollom (Mike) of Strome, Alberta, passed away on January 29, 2024, at the age of 60 years. He was born on July 26, 1963, to Mike and Helen Pollom, the youngest of 13 children.

Michael lead a diverse life going from outriding in chuckwagon races with cousin Wilf to owner/operator of trucks, heavy equipment operator, and construction superintendent. In the early ’90s, he moved to Missouri, USA, where he fell in love and married his former wife Carol Delmerico and they had their son Cody. Michael loved singing and playing guitar. He was a regular performer at Glen’s Opera House in Toganoxie, Kansas. He opened for a Clint Black concert, sang at the opening of a Kansas City Royals Baseball game, and was one of the top three in a regional singing competition. Carol and Michael travelled to Nashville where he recorded his own CD. Working as a horse trainer with the famous trainer Ray Hunt was one of his highlights. He also won a weeklong training event in California where he drove a NASCAR; he placed top in his class and was presented a Top Gun leather jacket by Tom Cruise.

Michael is survived by his son Cody (Julie) Pollom; sisters Lue Lindseth, Carrol (Syl) Kirchner, Ginger (Neil) Martens and Robbie (Len) Paltridge; brother Randy (Donna) Pollom; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his daughter Amie Ashton Pollom; parents Mike and Helen Pollom; siblings Errol, Larry, Allen, Rodney, Wanda Chenier, Marion (Francis) Yurkoski and Sharon (Ron) Walz.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at CityLights Church, Camrose, AB, with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. Cremation has taken place.

A livestream of the memorial service will be available: https://www.youtube.com/@citylightschurch2377

Memorial donations may be made to the Lung Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Willem Slabbert

Born 15 February 1989

How do you say thank you for kindness? Words are not adequate to convey our family’s appreciation for all the condolences, hugs, cards, flowers, phone calls, financial donations to charities, and meals that we received at a time when our family was hurting.

Our son, brother, father, husband and brother-in-law passed away on Boxing Day. During our time of pain, we realized how many good people there still are in this world in which we live.

To the community of Camrose, we hope you all realize the privilege to live in such a place. The love and support we received during this time meant a lot. Again, thank you so so much.

– The Slabbert family

James Sparre Holmberg

October 30, 1930 ~ February 19, 2024

James Sparre Holmberg of Camrose, AB, passed away Monday, February 10, 2024, at the age of 93 years. Jim was born October 30, 1930, in Bawlf. At the age of three, they moved to the farm near Rosalind. He completed all of his schooling at Rosalind School, with many stories of travelling muddy roads, strong winds blowing in all directions, and cold winter storms.

Jim’s first introduction to music was listening to his older sister Ellen practice classical music on the piano. He always left the house when she played because classical music was not his passion. As Jim got older, he attended Saturday night dances, igniting his passion for music, especially the saxophone. Farming became his way of life after his dad’s health failed, and he took over the family farm. Jim harvested 60 crops and endured many obstacles along the way, as many farmers do.

In 1954, Jim met the love of his life, Nora (Haukedal), on a blind date which consisted of taking in the movie Farmer Takes a Wife They were married on July 28, 1954. She was Jim’s biggest love. Every morning, he would bring her coffee in bed complete with sugar cubes, followed up with chores and a game of crib. If a special song aired on the radio, they would drop everything and dance in the kitchen.

Family came first, which started with Dave, then Allan, Jeff, and Sandy. Jim felt it was very important to be involved in the community playing major roles in the Alberta Wheat Pool, Unifarm, the United Church, and many others. At the age of 19, Jim learned to play the saxophone and joined the Daysland Elk’s Band. His love for dancing started the process of his musical journey, playing for dances and all kinds of celebrations. After many great years of farming Nora and Jim retired and moved to Camrose in 2010. After Nora’s passing, August 25, 2011, Jim still played music, but with a broken heart. He entertained in several senior homes throughout Camrose during this time.

Jim was fortunate enough to find love a second time with Leone Fortier from Saskatchewan. They were married January 11, 2014, and resided in Camrose until Jim’s passing. For many years, they filled their days with coffee, friendships, and music.

Jim will be greatly missed by his wife of 10 years, Leone; sons Dave (Barb) Holmberg, Al (Karen) Holmberg, and Jeff (Jill) Holmberg; daughter Sandy (Neal) Roth; grandchildren Tanner (Amanda) Holmberg, Brett (Kayla) Holmberg, Greg (Nicki) Holmberg, Mitch Holmberg, Emily (Darcy) Wold, Kevin (Kate) Roth, Lyndon Holmberg, and Elin Holmberg; great-grandchildren Isabel, Adam, Ryker, Kolby, Jude, Gavin, Anna, and Carter; and many friends who brought much laughter and joy to his life.

Jim was predeceased by his grandson Tyler Holmberg in 2001; his loving wife Nora in 2011; his older brother Brant Holmberg; and older sister Ellen Mayo.

A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from CityLights Church, 4920-48, Street, Camrose, officiated by the Rev. Ted Wigglesworth. The service will be livestreamed, recorded, and the link accessible @ www.burgarfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s memory are gratefully accepted to The Jim and Nora Holmberg Scholarship in music at the University of Alberta Augustana Campus.

“The song has ended, but the melody lingers on” by Irving Berlin

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com

Phone 780-672-2121

“Dedicated service since 1906”

In loving memory of Laura (Rosland)

Sorenson

Our Beloved Daughter

At home with the Lord March 1, 2022

Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure, You are loved beyond words, And missed beyond measure. With love, Dad and Mom

Donald “Don”

Rene Bertschi

December 16, 1929 ~ February 18, 2024

Donald “Don” Rene Bertschi of Camrose, Alberta, formerly of Provost, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the age of 94 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at a later date.

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com

Phone 780-672-2121

“Dedicated service since 1906”

Donna Patricia Smith

March 24, 1957 ~ February 22, 2024

Donna Patricia Smith of Daysland, Alberta, formerly of Heisler, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the age of 66 years.

A private family service will be held.

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com

Phone 780-672-2121

“Dedicated service since 1906”

Ruby Delores Lamprecht

March 13, 1938 ~ February 17, 2024

Ruby Delores Lamprecht of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the age of 85 years.

Ruby Delores Sass was born on March 13, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta.  The first years of her life were spent on the farm at Onoway. When Ruby was nine, their family moved to the Highlands area of Edmonton. She graduated from Eastglen Composite High and then entered the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Alberta. She graduated in 1960, and worked as a pharmacist for the next 40 years in Edmonton, Wetaskiwin and Camrose.

Ruby met Enos Lamprecht at Sylvan Lake Bible Camp. They were married on June 10, 1961, and eventually moved to the farm near Camrose, so she became a “farm-assist” as well. Ruby and Enos had two daughters Cathryn and Karmyn.

Ruby was always an active member of Century Meadows Baptist Church. She served as the social convener, a deaconess and was part of the Mission Circle. She was also involved in the Helping Hand Club which was made up of women from the East Bittern Lake District (aka neighbours). In her “free time”, she spent countless hours mowing grass, keeping up the flower beds and hosting guests on a regular basis.

Ruby passed away on February 17, 2024, at the Louise Jensen Care Centre in Camrose.

Ruby is survived by her husband Enos; daughters Cathryn Korchinski and Karmyn (Doug) Johnson; grandchildren Matthew, Braeden (Tenaya), Katelynn (Jared), Luke (Hannah Mae), Ben, Beth and Jack; and in-laws Lil Strangway and Gordie Pollon.

She was predeceased by her son-in-law Brian Korchinski; siblings Geraldine Anderson and Gerald Sass; and her parents Bill and Annie Sass.

Her life was celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024, at the CityLights Church, 4920-48 Street, Camrose, officiated by the Rev. Mark Morris. The service was livestreamed, recorded and the link accessible @ www.burgarfuneralhome.com

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Ruby’s memory may be made to Living Springs Bible Camp (donations can be sent to RR3, 3610 - 56 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 1X1 or e-transfer to: giving2lsbc@gmail.com).

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com

Phone 780-672-2121

“Dedicated service since 1906”

Audrey Agnes Nielsen

March 19, 1955 ~ February 16, 2024

Audrey Agnes Nielsen of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the age of 68 years.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Lars Nielsen; children Karsten (Kaitlyn) Nielsen and Katrina (Chris) Stuckey; two grandchildren; and siblings Harold (Gail) Bjorge and Joan Stavne.

Audrey was predeceased by her parents Marvin and Norma Bjorge; brother Myron; and sister Dorothy.

A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 26, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church, officiated Rev. Bev Swanson.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Audrey’s memory may be made to Ferry Point Historical Society or to The Bethany Group.

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com

Phone 780-672-2121

“Dedicated service since 1906”

Bill Schafer, Alvin Koehli, Barrie Fenby, Robert Lyslo, Wanita Toews, Kerry Grettum, Loya Steinwandt, Barry Burkard, Mark Yuha, Raymond Cyre, Koreen Cyre

Gary Albert Voss

September 29, 1942 ~ February 7, 2024

Gary Albert Voss was born on September 29, 1942, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose. He was the oldest child of Albert and Ellen Voss. In 1945, Gary and family moved from Duhamel to Bawlf. Gary was joined by his brother Jim in 1946, sister Betty in 1952, and brother Darryl in 1961. Gary attended Bawlf School from 1948 to 1960, and then the University of Alberta from 1960 to 1964, from which he graduated with a degree from the school of Commerce. Gary started his career in Calgary with Teneco Oil and Minerals from 1965 to 1967, Canadian Pacific Oil and Gas from 1968 to 1970, and Pre-built Industries from 1970 to 1973.

Gary met the love of his life, Lillian, in high school. They married in 1968 while living in Calgary. Their first son, Karl, was born in 1971. In 1974, Gary and family moved to Bawlf and they became full time farmers. Their second son, Austin, was born in 1975. Gary and Lillian lived on their farm near Bawlf for 40 years, then moved to Camrose in 2017.

Gary leaves behind his wife Lillian; his children Karl (Sue Bay) and Austin (Melanie Gallant); his grandchildren Anders, Niels, Soren, Griffin and Eliza; and his brother Jim (Linda).

Gary was predeceased by his parents Albert and Ellen Voss; sister Betty Voss; and brother Daryl Voss.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024, from Grace Lutheran Church, 5306-50 Avenue, Camrose, officiated by Rev. Greg Kjos.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation.

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com

Phone 780-672-2121

“Dedicated service since 1906”

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NOW UPLOADED TO The Ca mrose Booster Website DA ILY!

PR IM E DOWN TOWN

SPACE – 4917-50 St reet. Second floor with reception area, lunch room and two pr ivate room s. Elevator. $900/mo. includes ut ilities. 780- 679-5085.

M AIN ST REET RETA IL

SPACE – located in high traffic, sout herly area of Main St reet, Ca mrose. Generous 1,66 4 sq ft of pr ime space at 4868-50 St reet Nicely decorated, ai r conditioned. $2160/mo., tr iple net. Clean, dr y storage space in basement also available. Available im mediately.

Call Blain or Don at 780- 6723142, the fairest, most reasonable people in the busi ness

2- BE DROO M APARTMENT – In excellent condition!

Perfect for seniors. The suite has stove, fr idge, dishwasher, washer and dr yer, blinds and one pa rking stall. Heat, water, ga rbage pick up, Telus TV and internet included Building has an elevator and social room No smok ing building Call 780-233- 0224 for more info or to set up a viewing.

ESPECIALLY NICE OFFICE SUITE

Generous 794 sq. ft. suite, suitable for three or more staff. Includes two private offices. Ground floor, easily accessible. Modern building in downtown Camrose. Bright, quiet, air conditioned. $1206.22/mo., plus share of operating expenses. Call Blain Fowler or Don Hutchinson, 780-672-3142 days, two of the fairest, most reasonable fellows in the business.

ROOMS FOR RENT in the Scot ney and Jacqueline character homes. Both are 2. 5 blocks from un iversity in Ca mrose. Clea n, quiet and br ight. Rent is $495 - $600 mont hly plus DD and includes Wi Fi, utilities, recycle pick-up, ya rd ca re and snow removal. Pa rtially furnished w/ shared laundr y. (Some rooms are fully furnished for internationa l st udents.) This is an affordable, qu al it y accommodat ion th at f ills quickly. (Some rooms still available.) No pa rtiers, smokers or pets allowed. Reduced rate over the summer for st udents Plea se ca ll Dave P., 78 0678- 6163

SP RU CE TE RR AC E APARTMEN TS – Br ight, spacious suites, with plenty of storage, huge ba lcon ies! Peacef ul and quiet, welcom ing neighbou rhood, near schools and downtown amenities. 1-bedroom suite available. No pa rties, no pets, no smok ing. Locally owned, local management Call 587-557-9142

HOUSEHOLD

CH ESTE RFIELD – and matching chai r, genu ine leather. Excellent condition. $950 780673- 0701

LIVESTOCK

RED AN D BLACK ANGUS BU LLS – for sale, registered Call 780-986-9088

MACHINERY

SWATHER NO LONGER ‘CUTTING TH E MUSTAR D?’

Ca ll Th e Ca mrose Bo oste r Classifieds, 780- 672-3142

MISCELL

CHOOSE YOUR NEW OFFICE

Selection of very nice street level offices in newer airconditioned building in Downtown Camrose

* Single offices from $224.08 per month

* Quiet, considerate neighbours

* Easy access

* Lots of parking for customers

* Energized parking for tenants

* Immediate occupancy

* Come and have a look!

Call Blain Fowler or Don Hutchinson, 780-672-3142 days, the fairest, most reasonable fellows in the business!

2- BE DROO M APARTMENT – with balcony. Includes heat, water, fr idge, stove, dishwasher, powered pa rk ing space. Free laundr y in building Augustana area No pets, no smok ing/ vaping $110 0/mo One year lease. 780- 672-9531

AGRICULTUR AL L AND FOR SALE BY TENDER

The following land is o ered for sale by tender subject to restrictions on the existing Cer ti cate of Title:

MERIDIAN 4 R ANGE 16 TOWNSHIP 47

SECTION 23

QUARTER NORTH EAST

EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINER ALS AND THE RIGHT TO WORK THE SAME

ARE A: 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS

Title Number: 232 18 0888

Land is comprised of 160 acres, more or less, of No. 2 soil with approximately 138 acres under cultivation and approximately 22 acres native non-agricultural land located in Beaver Count y. No fences. No outbuildings.

TERMS OF TENDER:

(1) The purchase price submitted shall be subject to payment of GST;

(2) Sale of the land is “as is – where is”

(3) Tenders are to be accompanied by a cer ti ed cheque or bank draf t made payable to “Insight for Life – L AW Ser vices, in trust” representing 10% of the tendered amount;

(4) No conditional or subject to nancing tenders will be accepted;

(5) Decision on tenders is to be made on or before Friday, March 8, 2024, at which time deposits of unsuccessful tenders will be returned via registered mail.

(6) Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted and the registered owner reserves the right to reject any or all tenders.

(7) Subject to (1) above, upon acceptance of a successful tender, the purchaser shall be obligated to complete the purchase, subject to normal closing adjustments, on or before close of business Thursday, March 28, 2024, or sooner as agreed bet ween the par ties. The 10% deposit shall constitute a deposit towards the purchase price. If the successful tenderer fails to complete the purchase, the deposit shall be forfeited.

Tenders will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024

Tenders are to be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “TENDER #13655” to:

Insight for Life – L AW Ser vices

Attention: William N. Bohdan Zadworny

Barrister & Solicitor 5131-50 Street , PO Box 250

Vegreville, AB T9C 1R2

Phone 780-632-7779

ll

PA RCEL 2: NE and NW 20 -40-16 W4: 307 acre s more or le ss 15 0 acre s of which is improved pasture, remainder nati ve pasture and trees, one burrow pit (dugout) and one older dugout , newe r fencing on 3 sides of perimete r.

Parcels may be sold toge ther or individually The highes t or any tender not nece ss ar il y accepted The land is sold “a s is ” with no warranties or repr esentations from the registered owne r. Re ferences to acreag e or compos ition of the Land s are esti mated on ly and subjec t to independent conf ir mation by potential buye rs For more information about the land you may contac t Lisa Mueller directly at 403-74 0- 3410

Te nder s must be received by the of fice s of Simonin Law up to but not af ter 12:0 0 noon on Tues day, March 12, 2024 Te nder s must be in a se aled

FOR SALE BY TENDER

BE AVER COUNTY

The followin g parcel of land is hereby of fere d for sale by tender, subjec t to the re se rvations , exceptions, and othe r encumbrances containe d in the exis ting ce rt if ic ates of title:

MERIDI AN 4 RA NG E 16 TOWNSHIP 49

SECTION 1

QUARTER NORT H EA ST

CONTA INING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS

EXCEPT ING THEREOUT: HECTARES (ACRES) MORE OR LESS

A) PL AN 0525561 SUBDIVISION 4. 88 12.0 6

EXCEPT ING AND RESERVIN G THEREOUT AL L MINE S AND MINERA LS (W HICH WITHOUT RE ST RICTING THE GENERA LI TY THEREOF, SHAL L BE DEEMED TO INCLUDE AL L GA S AND PE TROLEUM) TOGE THER W ITH FULL POWER TO WORK THE SA ME AS SET FORT H IN TR ANSFER 7426 OZ

There is a surf ac e leas e on the proper ty with an annual income of $3,250.0 0.

All tender s must be in writ ing and include a depo si t of $10,000.0 0 payable to Knaut John son Francoeur. Te nder s will be accepted up to 12:0 0 noon on Februar y 29, 2024, in a se aled envelope marked “ Christof fe rs on Te nder ” to the of fice s of :

KN AU T JOHNSON FR ANCOEUR

Barri ster s & Solicito rs 4925 -51 St re et Camros e, AB T4V 1S 4

At tention: David R. Francoeur

Phone: 780- 672-5561

The balance of the purcha se pric e to be paid by solicito r’s trus t cheque or ce rt if ied fund s on or before March 22, 2024 (“ Closin g Date”), or the deposi t will be forf eited.

No conditional tender s will be allowed and the highes t or any tender for any parcel may not nece ss ar il y be accepted Te nder s will not be opened in public Te nder pric e excludes GS T. Purchaser is re sponsible for all cost s as sociated with regi st ration of the Tr an sf er

Ve ndor make s no warranties or representations about the proper ty ’s size /measurement , condition or environmental st atus

If the success ful tenderer fails to comple te the purchase af ter a ccept ance of that tender, their deposi t shall be forf eited. Any unsuccess ful tenderer s will have their deposi t re turned by regular mail

For furt he r part icular s please contac t David R. Francoeur at 780- 672-5561

This tender may also be viewed on the Knaut John son Francoeur website: www.k jf-law.c a

Driving deserves your undivided attention

By Lori Larsen Cellular phones and

other devices aren’t the only thing causing havoc on our roadways, anything that diverts the operator of a motor vehicle’s attention away from the task at hand, driving safely, could be a deadly distraction.

Besides focusing on the operation of, on average, a 1,860 kilogram car and 2,720 kilogram passenger truck, motorists must also be completely aware of their surroundings and other road users.

Once a motorist’s focus is diverted from the road, the risk of driver error, collision, serious injury even death, increases.

A vehicle travelling 50 km/h can travel approximately 60 metres in five seconds. Imagine firing an 1,800 to 2,700 kilogram projectile, approximately the width of a football field, blindfolded.

While the dangers of distracted driving are fairly common knowledge, and police members across the country, Camrose included, continue to educate on the dangers of distracted driving, in 2023 Camrose Police Service alone charged over 47 motorists with the offence.

“While using an electronic device, such as a cell phone, may be most commonly thought of as the top distraction to motorists, any distraction that impairs a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is dangerous and unlawful,” noted Camrose Police Service Traffic Enforcement Constable Matt Rolfe.

“Distracted driving includes other behaviors such as personal grooming, adjusting a GPS or audio device, adjusting mirrors or seat position, consuming food or beverage, writing, reading, tending to a passenger or pet, trying to pick something up or removing something from a bag,” explained Rolfe. “If your attention is on that instead of what you are supposed to be focused on, driving, then you are distracted.”

Rolfe advises motorists to be prepared before putting their vehicle into drive.

“Adjust your mirrors, music, seats and anything else. Ensure all passengers are belted in and their needs are taken care of and limit the amount of boisterous activity or noise in the vehicle. Ensure pets are safely secured and not running loose in the vehicle.

Turn your cellular phone to mute and put it out of reach or pre-set it to hands-free,” said Rolfe adding that if you do need to make adjustments drive to a safe, legal location, put your vehicle in park and make the adjustments when the vehicle is fully stopped.

“Making adjustments while stopped at a red light or stop sign is still considered distracted driving.”

Rolfe concluded that, while a distracted driving fine is $300 and three demerit points, the cost of injury or death is the highest price one can pay for making the dangerous and completely avoidable decision to drive while distracted, in any manner.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions in Canada and causes more fatal collisions than impaired driving. Those are sobering statistics considering most motorists are aware that distracted driving is not only unlawful but dangerous, yet continue to do things that take their attention away from safely driving, even if momentarily.

BRSD welcomes foreign students

By Murray Green

Battle River School Division (BRSD) added 10 students from Japan as well as a group of students from Brazil to its schools.

Currently, BRSD’s International Student Program has students from Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and Turkey.

BRSD has 186 students enrolled in Work Experience across the division. This provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in various fields. Another success is the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), which supports students spending part of their time in school, while working in industry as registered apprentices in one of the trades. BRSD currently has 35 RAP students.

Five BRSD students received dual credits in various courses including horticulture and veterinary studies, partnering with Olds College. A dual credit course is an opportunity for our students to gain high school credits, while simultaneously obtaining postsecondary credits.

The Green Certificate Program is another opportunity which provides students with access to the first level of agricultural apprenticeship; BRSD has 14 students registered in this program.

Registration is now open for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. Visit the website www.brsd.ab.ca for information and to register.

BRSD’s 2024-25 school calendar was approved at the board meeting on January 25 and is available on the website. The calendar incorporates trends in previous and current feedback and has students starting school after the September long weekend in 2024-25. BRSD has eliminated the early dismissals and combined its professional learning, collaboration time for staff into full days off for students approximately once per month. BRSD staff and students will have a week-long break in November and a spring break in March.

On March 21, BRSD’s division office will be relocated to 4302-38 Street in Camrose. This site has been under renovation, and the transition marks a strategic decision aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and providing opportunities to host BRSD professional learning events and meetings.

FA RM LA ND FOR SA LE BY TENDER

Tenders for the pu rchase of la nds in Flagstaff County as described below are invited. The La nd will be sold subj ect to all existing reservations and exceptions stated on Certif icate of Title.

TH E SOUT H WEST QUARTER OF

SECT ION TW EN TY-SEV EN (27)

TOWNSH IP FORTY-TWO (42)

RA NGE FIFTEEN (15)

WEST OF TH E FOURTH MERI DI AN, CONTAINI NG 64.3 HECTAR ES (159 ACRES) MORE OR LESS

EXCEPTING THER EOUT: 2. 06 HECTAR ES (5.09 ACRES)

MORE OR LESS,

SU BDIVIDED UN DER PLAN 7922898.

EXCEPTING THER EOUT ALL MINES AN D MINERALS

In 2023, 121 acres were seeded with canola. There are no buildings or bi ns of any value on the la nd

Tenders are to be subm itted in sealed envelopes ma rked “OBERG Tender”, to Scot t Fa rn ha m at Fa rn ha m West Stolee Kambeitz LLP, Ba rr isters and Solicitors, 5016 -52 St reet, Camrose, Alberta T4V 1V7, on or before 12:0 0 noon, MA RCH 8, 2024, and shall be accompanied with GST number and a certif ied cheque or ba nk draft payable to Fa rn ha m West Stolee Kambeitz LLP in tr ust for 5% of the tender pr ice.

No conditiona l tenders will be accepted and the highest, or any tender, will not necessar ily be accepted

Tenders will not be opened in public The deposits of all unsuccessf ul tenderer s will be returned to them by regula r mail The successf ul tenderer will be obligated to complete the pu rchase on or before APRI L 5, 2024 The 5% deposit shall constitute a deposit towa rds the pu rchase price. Ta xes will be adjusted on closing date There will be no ot her adjust ments. If the successf ul tenderer fa ils to complete the transaction by the closing date, the deposit will be forfeited.

Vendor ma kes no wa rranties or representations about the proper ty’s size, condition or envi ronmental st ate.

The successf ul tenderer will be responsible for the cost of title insu ra nce to faci litate timely closing.

Tenders are ir revocable and shall remain open until dealt with by the offices of Fa rn ha m West Stolee Kambeitz LLP.

For further information or to view the proper ty, please contact

Gerr y Oberg at 780-554-6017 or Glor ia Oberg at 780-218-20 08

Th is Tender may also be viewed on the Fa rn ha m West Stolee Ka mbeitz LLP website: www.fwsllp.ca

Missed Delivery Policy

If you do not receive your copy of The Booster or pre-printed inserts, please report this to us by calling 780-672-3142. We will promptly re-deliver these to city households. Note that we do not have access to certain apartment buildings. In these cases, we ask you to contact your apartment manager to request delivery

Rural readers are asked to report missed deliveries and we will consult with your postmaster to ensure future deliveries.

Thank you for being a loyal reader of…

780-672-3142

4925-48

FA RM LA ND FOR SA LE BY TENDER

Tenders for the pu rchase of la nds in Camrose County as described below are invited. The la nd will be sold subj ect to the existing nonfina ncia l encumbra nces on title.

MERI DI AN 4 RA NGE 19 TOWNSH IP 46

SECT ION 19

QUARTER SOUT H EAST

CONTAINI NG 64.7 HECTAR ES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS

EXCEPTING THER EOUT: HECTAR ES (ACR ES) MORE OR LESS

A) PLAN 7923016 SU B’D 1.09 2.70

EXCEPTING THER EOUT ALL MINES AN D MINERALS

MERI DI AN 4 RA NGE 19 TOWNSH IP 46

SECT ION 19

QUARTER SOUT H WEST

EXCEPTING THER EOUT ALL MINES AN D MINERALS

CONTAINI NG 64.7 HECTAR ES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS

The la nds have been cropped in 2023 and previous years. There are no buildings or bi ns of any value on the la nds.

Tenders are to be subm itted in sealed envelopes ma rked

“ELLIOTT Tender”, to Scot t Fa rn ha m at Fa rn ha m West Stolee

Ka mbeitz LLP, Ba rr isters and Solicitors, 5016 -52 St reet, Camrose, Alberta T4V 1V7, on or before 12:0 0 noon, MA RCH 8, 2024 and shall be accompanied with GST number and a certif ied cheque or ba nk draft payable to Fa rn ha m West Stolee Kambeitz LLP in tr ust for 5% of the tender pr ice.

No conditiona l tenders will be accepted and the highest, or any tender, will not necessar ily be accepted Tenders may be made for one or both of the said pa rcels.

Tenders will not be opened in public The deposits of all unsuccessf ul tenderer s will be returned to them by regula r mail

The successf ul tenderer will be obligated to complete the pu rchase on or before APRI L 5, 2024 The 5% deposit shall constitute a deposit towa rds the pu rchase price. Ta xes will be adjusted on closing date There will be no ot her adjust ments. If the successf ul tenderer fa ils to complete the transaction by the closing date, the deposit will be forfeited.

Vendor ma kes no wa rranties or representations about the proper ty’s size, condition or envi ronmental st ate.

The successf ul tenderer will be responsible for the cost of title insu ra nce to faci litate timely closing.

Tenders are ir revocable and shall remain open until dealt with by the offices of Fa rn ha m West Stolee Kambeitz LLP.

For further information or to view the proper ty, please contact Eric Elliott at 780- 679-8128.

Th is Tender may also be viewed on the Fa rn ha m West Stolee

Ka mbeitz LLP website: www.fwsllp.ca

Estate of JENNIE DOREEN WALLINE who died on Februar y 6, 2024.

If you have a claim against this estate, you must f ile your claim by April 2, 2024, with VERLYN D. OLSON, Olson + Rau Law at 5212-51 Avenue, Camrose, AB T4V 4N5.

If you do not f ile by the date above, the estate proper ty can law fully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have

SUMMER STUDENT LABOURERS

Cont ac t: Matt @bat tleriverrailwa y.ca

We bsite: Batt leRi ve rRailway.c a Empl oyer : Batt le Ri ve r Railwa y

Position: Fu ll Time, May 1 to August 31 an d July 1 to August 31

Abou t Us

BR R is a New Generation Cooperative ow ne d locall y by an d for farmers. Headquar te re d in Fore stbu rg , AB , we ow n an d operate ou r shor tline railwa y from Camrose to Alliance, AB , as well as grain assets at th ree locations along ou r railwa y.

The Job

BR R is seekin g summer student empl oyee s. Th e empl oyee will work as part of a team on th e track crew

Ta sks

• Genera l labour

• Tr ack mainte nance

Skills req uired

• G ood team player

• Re liable

• Physic ally capabl e

• Va lid Clas s 5 Driver ’s Licence

• Abilit y to report to work at various locations along th e Batt le Ri ve r Railwa y

• Ty pical star t location is Rosalind AB

Compensation

• Hourly pay of $20

Hockey Vikings split with NAIT

By Murray Green

A season of sports is under way at the University of Alberta, Augustana for the 2023-24 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference season.

Hockey Augustana Vikings split a two-game series against the NAIT Ooks on February 16 and 17.

NAIT won the first game 4-3 in Edmonton. The teams traded goals in both the first and second periods.

Tavis Roch opened the scoring for the Vikings. Jack Hamly, on a shorthanded play, and Ben Stollery earned the second period goals. The lone NAIT tally in the third was the difference in the contest.

Goalie Daniel Moody stopped 33 of 37 shots directed his way, while his teammates counted 41 shots.

In the rematch, Augustana needed overtime to win 4-3. The Vikings garnered the first two markers when Kyle Ford and Jake Gudjonson scored before NAIT got on the board.

In the middle frame, Jordan Mish scored the only tally for the Vikings.

NAIT mounted a comeback with two goals in the third. Conrad Phillips of the Vikings netted the winner at the 5:24 mark of overtime.

Goalie Moody turned away 12 of 15 shots. The Vikings dominated play with

40 shots on goal.

The Vikings are in fourth place with a 12-10 record and qualified for playoffs. Augustana will play on March 1, 2 and 3 (if needed) in the opening round of playoffs.

Volleyball

The women’s Vikings team finished in second place in the standings at 16-3. Augustana qualified for the playoffs and played Briercrest in the opening round at Lethbridge.

The men’s Vikings ended up in seventh place at 1-18 and were eliminated from the playoffs.

Basketball

The women’s Vikings lost 71-63 to SAIT Trojans on February 17.

Hanna McCarroll led the Vikings with 14 points, while Mackenzie Mrazik chipped in with 13 points.

The Vikings were in fourth place with an 8-12 record. They met Keyano Huskies in the first game of the playoffs.

Augustana men’s squad lost 103-64 to SAIT, February 17. Cooper Nelson scored 10 points as the only player to hit double digits.

The men’s team were in sixth place with a 7-13 record and missed the playoffs.

Curling

The ACAC championships were held on February 23 to 25 at the Airdrie Curling Club and hosted by SAIT.

BOOKKEEPER REQUIRED

We are a public practice accounting office that has been in business for 26 years. Located in New Norway, just 15 min south of Camrose.

Exper ience required:

Payroll, bank reconciliations, A/R, A/P, etc. Excellent knowledge of QuickBooks We are looking for someone who has strong accuracy in data input ************

Per manent position available

Competitive wage and flexible hours

Awesome wor k environment

Please forward resumé to:

Confidential Bookkeeping Inc confidential@syban.net

We’re Hiring!

Office Manager

Permanent position available

Competitive wage and exible hours

Quali cations:

• At least one year of accounting experience

• Familiarit y with QuickBooks Online

• Prepare invoicing, payroll, repor ts and GST remittances

• Perform basic data entr y with Outlook , Excel and Word

• Organization and exibilit y Send your resumé to: piomac@telusplanet .net

P.O. Box 1087

Camrose, AB T4V 4E7

DEATHS

M. Mitchell “Mitch”

Webb, of Camrose, on February 4, at 67 years of age.

Annette Marian Whelen, of Holden, on February 6, at 84 years of age.

Audrey Agnes Nielsen, of Camrose, on February 16, at 68 years of age.

Wayne Happy, of Daysland, on February 17, at 77 years of age.

Eilleen Johnson, of Tofield, formerly of Saskatchewan, on February 17, at 85 years of age.

Ruby Delores Lamprecht, of Camrose, on February 17, at 85 years of age.

Donald “Don” Rene Bertschi, of Camrose, formerly of Provost, on February 18, at 94 years of age.

James Sparre Holmberg, of Camrose, formerly of Rosalind, on February 19, at 93 years of age.

William Arnold “Arnie” Taylor, of Camrose, on February 19, at 96 years of age.

Harvey LeRoy Trace, of New Norway, on February 20, at 93 years of age.

John Thomasen, of Ryley, on February 20, at 92 years of age.

Sally Ann MacArthur, of Beaver County, formerly of Ormskirk, England, on February 21, at 70 years of age.

William “Bill” Arthur Schaffter, of Camrose, formerly of Beaverlodge, on February 21, at 94 years of age.

Donna Patricia Smith, of Daysland, formerly of Heisler, on February 22, at 66 years of age.

Gerald Roswell Roth, of Camrose, formerly of Bawlf, on February 22, at 90 years of age.

Murray Green, Camrose Booster Augustana Vikings goalie Daniel Moody had a rolling puck escape him to a waiting NAIT Ooks player in action at the Recreation Centre in Camrose.

A lesson in art

By Lori Larsen

In an effort to enhance Camrose and area youths’ knowledge and appreciation of all forms of art, the City of Camrose Community Services Arts and Culture Department hosted a free workshop for youth ages 8-12 on Saturday, February 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre.

The workshop was in collaboration with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and TREX Art Exhibition, Strange and Known Places, that is showing at the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre until February 28.

“Students of the workshop took their own trek as they examined the works of the TREX Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling art exhibition,” noted City of Community Services Department recreation program coordinator

Jayda Calon.

“We looked at these art works up close and had open discussions about what they saw, how the art may have been created, and the basic elements that art can be made of.”

Using what the students learned the group then participated in art related games, activities and ultimately created their own Zine or Comic/Story Book based on one of the artists featured in the show.

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts TREX exhibition is available for viewing by anyone during the regular scheduled hours of the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre. For more information on the programs and events available at the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre visit the website at www. camrose.ca/en/living-here/city-facilities. aspx#Chuck-MacLean-Arts-Centre.

Central Agencies Realty Home of the Week Great investment opportunity

By Lori Larsen

If you’re thinking about your future and financial sustainability, investing in real estate can be very promising. This newer fourplex offers the opportunity of residential ownership as well as rental revenue.

Located in the quaint community of New Norway, this four-unit property offers renters the enjoyment of peaceful small community living with an excellent kindergarten to Grade 12 school and several businesses, all within a 20-minute drive to the amenities in Camrose.

The units are currently all rented for $1,100 per month plus utilities, and the property itself includes a live-in property manager for the convenience of both renters and the property owner.

The units boast up-to-date style and decor and highly sought after open concept living/dining and kitchen.

Sascha Dressler

Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen featuring plenty of maple shaker cabinets and countertop space, a sit-up island great for chatting with children after school while they enjoy a snack, and a walk-in pantry for even more storage.

A balcony just off the dining area will be a great place to enjoy barbecuing and taking in fresh air.

Completing the main floor are a two-piece bathroom and a bedroom that could work as a home office.

The lower level has two more spacious bedrooms, a four-piece bathroom and a laundry/utility/storage room.

Consider an investment in your future with this fourplex located at 211 Main Street, New Norway, and priced at $569,000. For a private viewing, contact Sascha Dressler at:

Central Agencies Realty

4870-51

780-672-4495 or 780-781-8242 Cell

Psssst – It's cold and flu season. Pass it on!

Only a woman who has delivered a baby without an epidural can truly understand the pain a man goes through when he has a cold

Someone just called my phone , sneezed, and then hung up. I'm getting so sick and tired of these cold calls. My husband and I both have a cold

The only di erence is I'm cleaning and he's dying.

I'm so o ended when my body decides to be sick I gave you a vegetable last week . How dare you?

Any time I get a headache, I take two ibuprofens and keep away from my children, just like the bottle says. Which is faster – hot or cold?

Hot , because you can catch a cold

When you've got kids and both you and your spouse are sick at the same time, you're better o being the one who's waaaaaay sicker

Ever yone in my family is sick but me. This means I'm going to spend the nex t five days tending to ever yone until I succumb to illness and will definitely not get the same care in return.

Let 's have kids so instead of doing fun stu on the weekends, we can go to kid's bir thday par ties where ever yone coughs and sneezes on us.

Mom Math: If Kid # 1 is sick on Monday, and Kid # 2 is sick on Tuesday, when will Kid #3 be sick ? And will the multi-vitamin I took on Januar y 1 keep me healthy?

A truck loaded with Vicks VapoRub over turned on the highway. Amazingly, there was no congestion for eight hours

I'm writing a fantasy fiction novel about a mom who has a cold and her family does things for themselves while she rests.

I know I vowed to take care of my husband in sickness and in health, but I was young and naive and did not fully understand the meaning of a "man cold".

One of the rewarding things about parenting is seeing your kids share and take turns –like when they take turns getting sick from the cold the y shared with each other

Me : "My husband has a cold. Do you have any of those eu thanasia pills?"

Pharmacist : "Don' t you mean echinacea pills?"

Me : "No."

I'm not sure if my wife didn' t hear me say I am coming down with a cold or if she is ignoring me. I guess I'd better mention it another 47 times.

Me : "It 's just a cough."

Mom: "It 's just a cough."

Doctor : "It 's just a cough."

Google : "I looked into your future and I saw death." My husband has a cold. He is currently sprawled ou t in his recliner making "I'm dying" noises . He has a COLD.

This morning, my son said his ear hur t . I said, "On the inside or the outside?" So he walked out the front door, came back in and said, "Both."

It 's moments like these that have me wondering if I'm saving too much for college

The plague, the flu and the common cold walk into a bar. The bar tender asks, " What is this – some kind of sick joke?"

It 's cold and f lu season. If you even so much as hiccup near me , I will mace you with Lysol

I tr y to avoid people during cold and f lu season.

Ditto for the other nine months of the year

Did you hear the joke about the germ?

Never mind. I don' t want to spread it around

When my husband is sick, he feebly murmurs: "Make me soup?" [snor ts, sni les and sleeps all day ]

When I'm sick , he says: "What's for dinner ? Let 's clean out the basement!"

Friend : " Want to get together next week?"

Me : " Sorr y, my kids are healthy this week, so that means they' ll definitely be sick nex t week."

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster City of Camrose Community Services Arts and Culture art workshop instructor 16-year-old Edward Morningway, right, assists nine-year-old Easton Gallaugher with his own work of art.