Special Features - Christmas Cronicle

TETTLER SSTETTLER

INDEPENDENT THE

THE

2012

Chronicle

Stettler sings Joy to the World

Page 2 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Commentary:

Christmas fellowship warms hearts near and far from home

With tidings of comfort and joy, we extend bright wishes.

By Richard Froese Stettler Independent

We greatly appreciate your friendship and goodwill.

Left to Right: Ron Matchett, Brock Anderson, Don Hewlett, Dean Hewlett, Monte Turre, and Scott Roberts.

Missing: Bryce Fisher, Sophie Hewlett and Julie Nixon.

From the staff at

For many people away from family and home, Christmas can be a lonely time of year.

While my home church, Stettler Alliance Church, has become my special faith family, it just doesn’t seem to be the same.

With most of my family back in British Columbia in the Fraser Valley, I do enjoy the special times I experience at the homes of Stettler-area people with their extended families at this joyous Christmastime.

During the festive time, it’s vitally important to

Christmas Message ~Mayor Dick Richards ~

On behalf of Town of Stettler Council and Staff I would like to extend warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! At this happy and joyous time of year please remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Enjoy your time with your families and loved ones and if you are travelling please be safe.

make sure everyone is around the dinner table with family and friends and others in the community to assure everyone shares in the season of love and care.

Living here in Alberta away from home for the past 10 years, I definitely appreciate the warm and open arms and homes of families and friends.

For those less fortunate or impoverished, Christmas and the cold season can be very lonely and often-times deadly, especially when no one offers a warm meal, heart and home.

In this resource and agriculture-rich province of Alberta, no one should go hungry — at Christmastime and otherwise.

As more people also travel and leave their families, or are working away from home at this time, opportunities like a community Christmas dinner are welcoming, just like Stettler Alliance Church and Freedom Christian Fellowship will

host again this year.

When I reflect on my great memories of Christmas, family and church were the focal festivities, strongly valued in my Mennonite Brethren heritage.

For the church, the Sunday school Christmas program was the major event as each child anxiously waited to get a goodie bag with an orange, candy, candy cane and chocolate bar after the dramatic presentation.

While my home church held a Christmas Day morning service, that changed in the mid-1980s, when it introduced a Christmas Eve service in the world-class Harrison Hotel, as guests from far and wide shared in the universal celebration.

At home, we opened our gifts Christmas morning, after breakfast and after dishes were done, before we would have to hurry off to church. Christmas gatherings with extended

families of both my father and mother were always exciting.

On my mother’s side, my grandfather and grandmother were always so fair about their gifts that all the grandsons and granddaughters in similar age ranges would each get the same gifts, even with the name on the gift, such as a pillowcase or tuque matching our favourite National Hockey League team.

Grandma also made sure each person received a gift of equal value, even if she had to chip in a few cents or dollars.

Oh, to relive all those great Christmas memories, wouldn’t that be grand.

May your memories of Christmas be treasured just as much, wherever you will be home for the holidays.

As we all focus on Christmas, let’s be sure we give with a spirit of love and care for everyone, especially those less fortunate and away from home.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our families to yours. May Peace and Joy of the Season be with you.

'TIS THE SEASON to say,

Thanks!

–And wish you all the trimmings of a very merry and festive season.

Larry, Angela, Faye & Troy

Box 459 4302 - 44 Ave., Stettler, AB T0C 2L0

For more information call

403-742-4216

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 3

Seniors relish Christmas memories — with or without all the trimmings

By Les Stulberg Stettler Independent Many family memories are tied to Christmas.

Seniors from Stettler’s three lodges — Heart Haven, Willow Creek and Paragon Place — are among those who treasure such golden moments.

Those were simpler times and they contrast sharply with some of the lavish Christmas celebrations of today, but they still produced meaningful memories.

Some of those seniors shared Christmas stories from their childhood:

Lois Ballinger Lois Ballinger recalled that during her childhood, her Uncle Harry’s family used to spend Christmas with them.

“We kids would watch from an upstairs window — waiting to see them come — and would get quite excited at the first glimpse of their team and sleigh as it rounded the hills,” she said.

“Christmas was the most special occasion of the year. Our Christmas was plain — not fancy — we were just happy to be together.”

Ballinger remembered

Christmas having a traditional turkey dinner, while the coal and wood stove would be covered in pots.

“You had to be careful to keep an even heat on a coal and wood stove,” she said.

One less-traditional food Ballinger’s mother made each Christmas was a tomato and creamed corn dish.

“Some of us liked it — and some didn’t,” she said with a laugh.

There was always a lot of snow then, and after dinner, the children would go sleigh-riding

Highway 12 Communities for Drug Prevention wishes you a

Happy and Healthy Christmas

you had some paper bells to hang in the centre.,” she said.

“Gifts weren’t expensive enough for anyone to be jealous.”

Christmas concerts were popular at Rustle School “Mr. McBride was always Santa, and most of us kids were terrified,” Ballinger said with a laugh.

LOIS BALLINGER or skiing on the hills or skating on the slough, Ballinger said.

She remembered mittens hanging on the oven door to dry.

Ballinger recalled decorations being basic red-and-green crepe paper streamers strung from the corners of the room to the centre of the ceiling.

“If you were lucky,

Doreen Kneeland Doreen Kneeland remembered that as a child, her family always had a bachelor neighbour, Charlie Hammil, join them for Christmas — and the Nicholson family would come in the afternoon.

One of the “big things” about Christmas during her childhood was that she would get a new store-bought dress for the Christmas concert each

DOREEN KNEELAND year, Kneeland said.

“At the concert, Santa would hand out bags with an orange, a candy cane and a few hard candies.

“We always had a live tree — Dad would cut our own tree. The decorations were mainly homemade.”

Continued on Page 4

Support Your Healthy Lifestyle • Set limits & stick to it.

• Drink Slowly – no more than 2 drinks in 3 hours.

• Alternate between an alcoholic drink and a non alcoholic drink.

Practice Low Risk Drinking - Adults reduce your long-term health risks by drinking no more than:

Warmest wishes from your friends at Tim Hortons.

• 10 drinks a week for women & no more than 2 drinks a day • 15 drinks a week for men with no more than 3 drinks a day *Plan non drinking days each week to avoid creating a habit

Special Occasions - Reduce risk of injury/harm: • Drink no more than 3 drinks (for women) or 4 drinks (for men) on any single occasion.

• Drink in a safe environment. Stay within your planned limits.

Zero is the limit when: • • • • •

Driving a Vehicle, Pregnant or Planning to be Pregnant, Responsible for the Safety of Others, Living with Alcohol Dependency Taking Medication (or other drugs) that may Interact with Alcohol

For Low Risk guidelines “a drink” means:

341 ml (12 oz.) bottle of 5% alcohol 142 ml (5 oz.) glass of wine content (beer, with 12% alcohol cider or cooler) content 43 ml (1.5 oz.) serving of 40% distilled alcohol content (rye, gin, rum, etc.)

Wishing Wishingeveryone everyoneininour ourcommunity communitythe thehappiest happiestofofholidays. holidays.Best Best wishes for the New Year from René Bernard and the team members wishes for the New Year from Rene Bernard and the team members at your local Tim Hortons in Stettler. at your local Tim Hortons in Stettler.

Source: Canada’s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines; Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines were developed by an independent team of Canadian & international experts, for the National Alcohol Strategy Advisory Committee (NASAC). The guidelines are a key part of the National Alcohol Strategy. Visit www.ccsa.ca for more information.

© Tim Hortons, 2008

Page 4 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

‘One gift from Santa’ Continued from Page 3

With Warm Wishes

this Holiday Season

Back R Back Row: ow: Ryan Ryan B Bolin Bolin, olin, Pat Pat Bol B Boli Bolin, lin, in JJere Jeremy eremy Y Yanke, anke, Mel ank M Melani Melanie e aniie Whi W White, hite hit e, Mart M Marty arty ty Cann C Cann, ann, Terry MacPherson, Shawn Charbonneau. Front Row: Tyler Bauman, Justin Anderson, Robyn Derr, Amber Smith. Front Center: Bill Lakusta Pat and staff at Burmac Mechanical would like to wish all of our customers a happy holiday season and thank them for their patronage and patience during this busy year that we have had.

Phone 403-742-5208

STETTLER PETROLEUM

Lydia Morlock

She said her family had a traditional Christmas turkey dinner and her mother would make mincemeat tarts, steamed pudding and popcorn balls.

Her father had relatives in England, and during the years that country was going through rationing, her parents would send packages containing bacon, sugar, butter and Christmas cake, Kneeland said. “We only got one gift from Santa and one gift from Mom and Dad.”

May Knowles May Knowles grew up in during the hard times of the 1930s, when there were few luxuries, even at Christmas.

A highlight of the year was the Christmas concert, held in the oneroom school she attended.

She recalled going to the concert by horsedrawn sleigh and that there wasn’t enough room in the school barn for all the horses, so some had to be covered with blankets.

The teacher taught grades 1 to 9, and she tried to involve everyone in the concert in some way, Knowles said.

“A box of oranges would be passed around at the concert — that

MAY KNOWLES was the only time we got oranges.”

She remembered the family’s Christmas tree as not having many storebought decorations.

“We would string popcorn for the tree and make crepe paper streamers.”

Gifts were mostly homemade socks, mitts, tuques and scarves, Knowles said.

She remembered that families had to make their own entertainment.

“We lived by a small lake, so we shovelled the snow off by hand and flooded a spot to make it smoother by hauling barrels of water on a handpulled sleigh,” Knowles said.

“People were very good at visiting one another as neighbours then and a lot of card games were played.”

Growing up, Lydia Morlock always went to church before Christmas.

“We all learned a Christmas verse to recite,” she said.

“The Christmas tree had candles on it — they were in little cups clipped onto the tree.”

Another happy memory was that her mother would always sew new dresses for Morlock and her sisters each Christmas.

She also recalled the Christmas dinner being either goose or turkey.

“Mom would bake for the whole week before Christmas, making German Christmas cookies, other cookies that were cut into shapes, fruit cake and a dessert strudel with a sweetened cheese filling,” Morlock said.

Continued on Page 5

LYDIA MORLOCK

wishes you a very Merry Kerry, Marj & staff Christmas at

We would like to take this time Star to thank all ofFive our customers for their support.

Fuels We wish you good health and happiness in the New Year.

Crystal, Robin, George Winnie, Emily and Sharon

“Wishing you all the best of the season” From Terry, Linda, Lori, Adrice and Karen at

LANDMAN REULE LAW OFFICE 4819 - 51 Street

403-742-3411

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 5

Century worth of memories for Savage Continued from Page 4 “Dad would buy a box of oranges at Christmas — that was a luxury, for we never had oranges anytime but Christmas.”

She remembered going to the Christmas concert in a team and sleigh.

“We all got a little bag of candy, which was a real treat.”

She recalled that presents were mainly clothes and that they “didn’t have much for decorations.”

Verna Nelson Verna Nelson recalled her childhood Christmases were always spent with their neighbours, the Sorensens.

“My Mom was the best cook ever,” Nelson said.

“She made a steamed Christmas pudding every Christmas — a recipe she brought with her from the Orkney Islands.”

Nelson said gifts were often ordered from the Eaton’s catalogue and she remembered getting a doll at Christmas.

She reminisced about the Christmas concerts at Ideal Valley School.

“Planks were put out for people to sit on,” Nelson said. “After the concert program, Santa Claus came in through the window.

“I remember Ivan Schoonover told me there was no such thing as Santa Claus — I was devastated.

“My happiest times

were when we were all together for Christmas.”

Gertie Savage Gertie Savage’s Christmas memories go back further than most, because she’s 101 years

old. She was one of 12 children in her family.

“We didn’t have much money, so presents were mostly homemade,” Savage said.

She recalled times when her family didn’t have a traditional evergreen tree

for a Christmas tree.

“Dad would cut down a poplar tree and we would wrap the branches in Christmas wrapping paper that was left from the Christmas concert,” Savage said.

“To get a bag of candy

at the Christmas concert was a real treat.”

Savage remembered the cooking at Christmas as being “so good, because everything was homemade.”

Continued on Page 6

Merry Christmas!

With greetings and gratitude from all of us to all of you at this joyous time of year.

We are proud to serve people like you and thank you for your continued support.

GERTIE SAVAGE

“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas means a little bit more.”

- The Grinch

JT Auto Body Ltd.

4606 - 40 Street, Stettler

403-742-2869

Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium

VERNA NELSON

Dean Ross

At this Christmas Season we Remember & Honor those who are no longer with us & cherish those who are

Corinne Nattestad

Wherever you go, we wish you a world of happiness this holiday season!

Thank you for your patronage.

Bestway Travel 5006 - 50 Street, Stettler

403-742-8290

Verna Rock Wes Carey

During this holiest of seasons and throughout the year, may the blessings of love and joy echo throughout your heart and home.

It's been our pleasure to serve you this past year, and we're grateful for the loyal support you've shown us. Thanks, friends and please accept our sincere wishes for a happy holiday.

Sharon Kempf

Barry Haner

Tim, Rita & staff 4706 - 44 Ave., Stettler

403-742-5237

Season’s Greetings

Page 6 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Sheets from home used as concert curtains Continued from Page 5

Holiday train raises money for food banks

Agnes Sorensen During this Christmas season, we hope that everyone experiences the joy of Christmas and continues in the spirit of community.

Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year from everyone at Clearview Public Schools.

Clearview Public Schools…success is measured one child at a time.

IC

CLE

IEW PU RV

BL

Clearview Public Schools

A

The Board and Staff of

SC

H O OLS

For Agnes Sorensen, like many of her generation, the Christmas concert was the highlight of the season.

She remembered taking the sheets from home to make the curtains for the stage at the school concert.

She also recalled her mother making Scottish shortbread and Christmas pudding each Christmas — a tradition she has kept up until recently.

“Gifts were pretty

Season’s Greetings We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all our customers.

We hope you have a safe & happy holiday & look forward to serving you in the New Year.

Sean’s

AGNES SORENSEN basic — we were lucky to get a colouring book, or something like that,” Sorensen said.

She said that for many years, her family and the Somerville family would alternate having Christmas and New Year’s celebrations together.

“We would go by team and sleigh for Christmas dinner, and later in the afternoon, the men would go home to do chores, and then come back again by team and sleigh to play cards late into the evening,” she said.

“It was not often that we had a Christmas tree.”

Canadian Pacific’s holiday-train program launched in late November for a 14th year of supporting local food banks along its North American rail network and making a difference one stop at a time.

On Nov. 28, the Canadian holiday train kicked off the cross-Canada journey from Beaconsfield, Que., while the U.S. “train of lights” began its trek through the U.S. northeast and midwest from Scranton, Pa. The U.S. holiday train made its first stops on Nov. 27 in Kahnawake, Delson and Lacolle, Que., prior to beginning its U.S. journey.

The two holiday trains, each decorated with hundreds of thousands of LED festive lights, plan to reach more than 150 communities with its mission of helping food shelves feed the hungry in their neighbourhoods.

Entertaining crowds at the holiday train events from the special boxcar stages are Brothers Dube, Miss Emily and Doc Walker on the

Canadian train, and Tracey Brown and The Claytones on the U.S. train.

Holiday train supporters are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or money to donate at the event.

Making this year’s U.S. holiday-train program even more important is the Hurricane Sandy disaster. At each U.S. holiday-train stop, corporate and community donations made to the local food pantry will be matched by CP. The matching donation, up to $250,000 US, will be provided to Feeding America, whose member food banks are continuing to provide food and other supplies to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Since 1999, the holidaytrain program has raised close to $6.4 million and about 2.6 million pounds of food for North American food banks. Everything raised in the local community stays in that community.

More information is available at www.cpr.ca.

Supporters can join the holiday train on Facebook and follow the progress on Twitter: @CPHolidaytrain.

— CNW

Wishing everyone in our fine community a joyous holiday season.

Wishing you and yours a dose of good cheer and a large measure of happiness this holiday season. We’re proud to care for people like you, and thank you for your trust in us.

G K D P

Gitzel Krejci Dand Peterson

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 4912 - 51 Street, P.O. Box 460, Stettler, Alberta

403-742-4431

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 7

Churches open arms to host community Christmas dinner

By Richard Froese Stettler Independent Christmas without a turkey or ham dinner is like the turkey without the stuffing.

While many people will enjoy a mouth-watering free Christmas dinner with family and friends at “home,” others with no family members nearby are invited to the second annual traditional Christmas dinner on Christmas Day at the Stettler Legion.

Two local churches have opened their hearts to bring people together in the spirit of the season.

“We invite anyone who is alone for Christmas Day — tourists, workers away from home and family, seniors and those who wouldn’t otherwise have Christmas dinner that day,” said Scott Whitford, the lead pastor at Stettler Alliance Church.

The Alliance Church is a partner with Freedom Christian Fellowship for the Christmas dinner at the Stettler branch of the

Royal Canadian Legion.

“This is something the whole community needs to get behind, because it is people in the community who are often left behind and alone at Christmas,” Sean Unkauf said.

“This is the time of year when love is really needed the most.”

A traditional Christmas dinner is set for 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Stettler Legion.

“It will be a hot, fullcourse meal with turkey and ham, potatoes, vegetables and salads, dessert, coffee, tea and juice,” Whitford said.

Churches will supply the meat, while people from the congregations will prepare and provide the other food.

“We also plan to have carol singing to add to the spirit of the day,” Whitford said.

The meal is a way to share love with people in the community at a special time of year, he said.

“The dinner provides a sense of belonging,

because Christmas can be a lonely time for a lot of people.

“Part of our faith is the desire to love our community and this is a great way to extend that love.

“Christmas is about giving, and not everyone receives that love or joy at Christmas.”

Last year, about a dozen people were overwhelmed with the meal they received

Christmas is such a wonderful time because it brings family and friends together in celebration. We hope all your family and friends are able to gather together to share this very special time of year.

Thank you for your business and Happy Holidays from our home to yours.

Jensen Contract Flooring 403-876-2574

Lori's Leather Repair 403-876-2001

Granny's Fudge

from the Alliance Church, Whitford said.

“There were a lot of people who were joyously surprised that somebody thought about them on Christmas Day to provide this meal.”

For more information, phone Whitford at 403742-1135 or Unkauf at 403-742-2645.

The physicians & staff of the Heartland Medical Clinic would like to wish each and everyone a joyous holiday season and a prosperous & healthy New Year.

HEARTLAND MEDICAL CLINIC

MERRY

CHRISTMAS We’re really grateful to have friends and neighbors like you!

From the staff of Tervita Earth Matters Big Valley.

Have a safe and joyous holiday season!

403-876-2233

Muhlbach Electric Ltd. 403-876-2587

403.876.2636

Big Valley, AB

Page 8 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

CCoffee Tree Coffee Shop

Wishing you and your loved s ones, peace, health, happiness and prosperity in the coming New Year.

Nev & staff

403-742-0999

stock up on

JOY!

May your Christmas holiday Be filled with glad tidings every day And when the holiday is through, May our best wishes remain with you!

Merry Christmas and many thanks for your loyal support.

59th STREET LIQUOR STORE Hwy. 56, South

403-742-4540

Canada Post reminds Canadians not to let spammers spoil holidays A new spam email bearing the brands of various shipping companies has recently surfaced, Canada Post reported this month.

The email highlights an unsuccessful delivery and suggests clicking on a link for more information.

While holiday shoppers are expecting to receive more parcels this time of year, Canada Post would like to remind everyone to be vigilant, as those emails

We wish we could send each and every one of you a gift, but nothing could compare to the gifts of friendship, loyalty and support we’ve received from you!

Many thanks and best wishes for a beautiful and joyous holiday season from all of us.

Skaley Landscaping & Bobcat Services Ltd. Phone 403-742-5749

could contain viruses.

Canada Post advises that it does not email customers after an unsuccessful delivery attempt.

To ensure protection against spammers and malware, Canada Post recommends the following steps: If anyone is awaiting a parcel, but didn’t specifically request a delivery update by email, delete the email; — Anyone who is not expecting a delivery is

asked to delete the email; — Do not click on any link; — Do not provide any personal information requested by these emails; — Customers can follow the progress of their item by using the package tracking number, either on canadapost.ca, or through the Canada Post mobile app, which can be downloaded for free to all key mobile devices.

— CNW

Mennonite Youth Christmas Program

We’re making a list of all the people we’d like to send a big thanks to this year and your name is on it!

With Best wishes for a very joyous and merry season.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From Kirk & Tera Blake and staff at

ELECTRIC (2006) INC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING IF IT'S ELECTRICAL, WE DO IT

5002 - 46 St. Stettler

403-742-5111

e Mennonite 10 Church er 10 miles South of Stettler on Hwy 56 & 2 miles East

Sunday, Dec. 16 7:30 p.m.

Everyone Ev welcome! e!

For more information Phone: 403-742-3764 p 40 or 403-742-2780

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 9

Cosy Christmas W ISHING YOU THE

Happiest of Thank you for your generous support.

Best Wishes from All of Us at

C.R. GLASS LTD. 403-742-2520

Hwy. 56, next to A & W, Stettler

Randy, Cindy, Michael, Vicky & staff & families

MERRY CHRISTMAS from our entire team

With best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.

TORNADO Combustion Technologies Inc. 403-244-3333

Page 10 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Shining bright at Christmas

The Management and Staff of Brennan Auto Body would like to thank you for your patronage over the past year.

We wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and look forward to serving you in the future.

Sending Christmas Greetings Your Way Here’s hoping your holiday is filled with good cheer!

Thanks to our loyal customers.

Thank you for your valued business.

“We’re big enough to handle it and small enough to care!”

SANTA’S EXPRESS

Reid Volker Construction Ltd. Stettler

403-742-5288

The lawyers & staff of Schnell Hardy Jones wish each of you a joyous holiday season and a healthy & prosperous New Year!

Our vision for all of our customers and good friends is a beautiful and bright holiday season with a clear focus on fun!

Merry Christmas from the staff at

4902-51 Street, Stettler www.schnell-law.com Ph: 403-742-4436

5014 - 50 St., Stettler

403-742-4504

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 11

Signs of the season are everywhere and as the holidays approach we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.

Mike & Wanda

WEBSTER ENTERPRISES 403-741-7795 Grain Hauling

As Christmas draws near, we wish you a season filled with heartwarming memories as you celebrate with those near and dear to you.

We want you to know that your patronage means a lot to us, and we’re proud to have you as our customer.

Thanks, folks!

Holiday Greetings from our Family to Yours Signs of the season are everywhere, and that means it’s time to let you know just how much we value your loyal support.

Thank you!

Jim, Amy & Staff

First Sale of 2013

Tuesday, Jan. 8 Check The Stettler Independent for dates

Stettler Auction Mart (1990) Ltd. 403-742-2368

GBC C

GILBERT BENEFIT CONSULTING

Benefit from our experience

Page 12 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Sing to the Mountains “Good friends friends are are hard hard to to fifind, nd, harder harder “Good to leave,and leave,and impossible impossible to to forget.” forget.” to With this this thought, thought, we we wish wish you you aa very very With Merry Christmas, all the Happiest Merry Christmas, all the Happiest Holidays and and all all the the luck luck the the New New Year Year Holidays could possibly possibly bring bring you. you. could From the the staff staff at at From

Stettler & Consort 403-742-8889

Lutheran Church welcomes Christmas carolers

By Les Stulberg Stettler Independent

May you know the comfort & joy of God's presence this Christmas season & always!

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church hosts the Stettler Christmas Carol Fest this month.

For many years, the festival had been based

at the Stettler United Church, but it has changed locations this year, partly because of the renovations underway at the United Church.

The popular Christmas event is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 19,

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Hope your holiday season is filled with joy & happiness!

With special thanks and best wishes from all of us.

GRANT & DEVRIES Barristers and Solicitors

Gary Grant 403-742-4437 Robert DeVries 403-742-3399

403-742-3060

at 7 p.m.

“It’s an interchurch get-together,” said Doug McKay, who is one of the Lutheran Church members organizing the event.

About six groups are expected to participate in the carol festival.

In the past, the United Church, along with the Lutheran, Anglican and Catholic churches, have been joined by groups

like the Heartland Belles and the seniors’ choir.

“Many people look forward to the carol fest,” said Evelyn Shursen, who organized the event at the United Church.

“They say this is when Christmas begins for them — when you can sing Christmas carols as a community.”

In the spirit of the season, the carol fest is open to the public.

Season's Greetings Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.

A special thank you to this year's past customers.

ROD’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Rod Smith

Sing Hey! Sing Hey! For Christmas Day Twine Mistletoe And Holly For A Friendship Glows In Winter Snows And So Let’s Be Jolly Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!

Nathan

Zac

Holiday Greetings from Us to You Thank you to our loyal customers and may the Love, Joy and Peace of the Christmas Spirit be with you and your family during the festive holidays and throughout the year.

From Murray, Mary-Lou & staff at

Manson’s Welding & Canadian

Zac and Nathan at

STETTLER

the common sense solution to secondary containment

Ph: 403-742-2967 www.enviro-tub.com

5015 - 50 St., Stettler

403-742-3308

403-742-3148

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 13 Wishing you great happiness this holiday and beyond. Knowing you has made our lives brighter. Thanks!

We hope we have the pleasure of serving you again very soon.

Shane Menard and staff

Christmas is Almost Here!

Before the season really takes off, we wanted to wish everyone all good things for the holidays and beyond.

Thanks so much for your support and continued patronage!

Seams Right Alterations

RICHARD FROESE/Independent reporter

Operation Christmas Child collected about 1,250 shoeboxes in the Stettler region through late November.

Among those sorting the boxes at the Stettler Alliance Church were campaign co-ordinator Christy Brennan, pastor Scott Whitford, Julie Weekes, Judah Auton, Maya Brennan and Marlene Borne.

Cindy Zimmermann

403-742-1537

Operation Christmas Child sets record

By Richard Froese Stettler Independent Residents in the Stettler, Castor, Forestburg and Bashaw areas showed holiday spirit as a record 1,250 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child were collected at the Stettler Alliance Church for needy children in Central America.

“This year, we collected 1,247 shoeboxes,” said Christy Brennan, the collection co-ordinator in Stettler. “It’s amazing.

It shows great support

and response from the community.”

This year’s count far surpassed last year’s figure of 901.

While the Stettler church had inadvertently received a double order of 1,200 boxes from Samaritan’s Purse, that mix-up seemed to drive the region-wide communities even more.

“I guess it was meant to be,” Brennan said. “The response seems to grow and grow from the wider community.

“For a community to double its donation in two

A Heartwarming Holiday

years is awesome,” said lead pastor Scott Whitford.

“This is a concerted effort of everyone in the Stettler region and communities beyond, such as Castor, Forestburg and Bashaw.”

“This has really taken off. It’s about sending as many boxes from this region.”

Local shoeboxes were slated to be distributed

by Samaritan’s Purse to children in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Venezuela, Paraguay, Guinea and Equatorial Guinea.

“Many of the children who receive a shoebox are given the first gift they have ever received,” Brennan said.

As the central Alberta regional collection depot, the Stettler church collected from various churches and schools.

“It’s great to instill a giving attitude into our children,” Brennan said.

Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes were collected from various community groups and school-based organizations in the Stettler region.

TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Wishing all our customers, a happy and safe Christmas holiday filled with a large measure of peace, joy and merriment.

It's an honour to serve you, and for your faith in us, we are truly grateful.

SAVAGE VALUE DRUG MART Scott Savage

403-742-3367

Bright Wishes & Warm Regards

Peter, Merlin & Vicki wish you and your family a joyous festive holiday season.

Thank you for trusting us with your business in 2012, and we look forward to this continuing partnership in 2013.

From our home to yours, we wish you and your loved ones the best holiday season ever!

Thank you for your loyal support this year.

JIM RENSCHLER CONSTRUCTION LTD. “37 Years of Experience” Box 22, Botha, Alta.

Fax: 403-742-5311

403-742-5034

Boys Financial Services

It fills us with much joy it's true, To recall the time we've spent with you – So as we send our gratitude your way.

We wish you a happy holiday.

Diane, Vivian & staff

“Wanna get fresh?”

4910A - 51 St. Stettler

403-742-6450

Diane Andrews, owner 4812 - 50 St., Stettler

403-742-2725

Page 14 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

BEST WISHES ALL AROUND

Here’s hoping everything meets your specifications for a great holiday season.

SCHWARTZ

5002 - 51 Ave., Stettler

403-742-3385

Greetings Of The Season May the coming season bring peace, joy and contentment to you and yours.

It’s always a pleasure to see you and we hope you’ll stop in again, soon.

Seniors get

10% off Thursdays

4902B - 44 Ave., Stettler

403-742-8985

Dear Santa, I don‛t know how good I have been this year. How is Mrs. Claus and you, the elves and reindeer?

My list includes Ipod cases, animal sweater, quad, furby, Hello Kitty ice cream maker, Barbie and design salon, Barbie sewing machine, Leap Pad 2, Skis and helmet, Panda stuff, win the million, mockasenz, Ipad, Easy-bake cakepop maker.

Have a nice night, Santa. Drive safe, too, Santa.

From Jasmine Diegel Dear Santa, I have tried so, so hard to be good this year. For Christmas, I would like a Happy hippo stuff.

Merry Christmas, and I would really, really like an Ipod.

From Kassy Dear Santa, A big monster truck, a lepster Ipad.

From Elijah Diegel Dear Santa, Hi Santa. How are

you? I was a good girl this year. For Christmas, I would like: — Fashion Styling Head — Fijit — Crawling Baby — Barbie Horse & Carriage — Rapunzel Barbie I would be happy with any toy you bring.

Thank you, Kara Wilkie Four years old P.S. We will put out some milk and cookies.

Dear Santa, How have you and the elves and Mrs. Claus been doing?

I have been very good this year. I would like a marble set, Ipod dock and Barbie Styling Head and maybe a figit. I‛ll be happy with whatever you bring me. We will be leaving cookies and milk out for you.

From Brooke Wilkie Dear Santa, My name is Trayton, and I am three years old. I have tried to be a good boy this year, and hopefully you think so. For Christmas this year, I would like a remote control snake, an

IN THIS SEASON OF GIVING…

alligator, a shark, the Hulk toy and Dragon toy, too. I also love dinosaurs and bugs. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day and I promise to be a good boy next year.

Love, Trayton Derr P.S. I would like you to bring my baby brother some toys, too!

Dear Santa, Hello, my name is Selena Sharpe. I am 11 years old. I am writing for my sister, who is 10 months old. Her name is Birelyn

Sharpe. How are you and the reindeer? We will leave some milk and cookies for you.

What we want for Christmas: I would like a wii game called slapshot and an Ipod case. My sister — she is to young to tell me. But she does like this show on treehouse called Babble gappies.

She would like a movie of bable gappies and an activity cube.

Thank you.

Love, Birelyn and Selena Sharpe

In the spirit of community, we’ve gathered together to wish our friends, neighbours, customers and associates a very merry season and a prosperous new year. We’re deeply grateful for your loyal support and look forward to serving you again, soon.

Halkirk Hotel 403-884-2044

Wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas!

Village of Halkirk 403-884-2464

Halkirk Snack Shack 403-884-2008

ALBERTA PRAIRIE RAILWAY EXCURSIONS Phone 403-742-2811 Located at: 4611 - 47 Ave., Stettler

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 15

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Dear Santa How are you this holiday season? How is Mrs. Claus and the reindeer doing? One of my friends doesn‛t believe in you, but I don‛t listen to her, because I‛ve believed in you my whole life and I will keep it that way.

I‛ll be sure to leave you some chocolate milk and some cookies for you when you come on Christmas.

Here are some things I would like for Christmas: — Poke Park #1 Pikachue‛s Adventure — Lego Police Station — Lego Fire Station — Pokemon Black and White 2 — My little Pony a Canterlot Wedding Castle And those are my top five things I want for Christmas this year.

Hope you are feeling well and please leave a little something for my Mom, Dad, Maria and Wolfy.

Love from Cassidy B, Happy Holidays!

Dear Santa, Is it cold where you live? For Christmas, I would like to ask for a BIG bean bag chair,

...And do you know why?

It’s because we get to thank you for your stopping by! Merry Christmas!

5504 - 51 Avenue Stettler, AB

403-742-5859

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Here’s hoping all the blessings of the season shine down upon you. May peace and goodwill be our guides as we navigate our way through the holiday season and beyond.

Thank you for making us a welcome part of this community.

Your friendship and goodwill mean so much to us, and we look forward to many more years of doing business with you.

All the best to you and yours at this special time of year.

6690 - 50 Ave. Stettler

403-742-5600

angry bird bedding, a BIG combine and if you know something else I might like, you can surprise me! Because I like surprises! Merry Christmas! HO HO HO! Love, Elliot Skocdopole Dear Santa, How are Mrs. Claus and the elves? I would

like for Christmas, a beanbag chair (grey coloured) and a Rafters lace-up jersey (NHL) and a couple pair of PJ pants and a Staedtler lumograph sketch set and a triplus fineliner 20-pieces set and a big, fluffy monster energy blanket and a mini fridge, please.

Sincerely, Chandler Skocdopole

Dear Santa Claus, How are you doing this year? How about those elves? I hope you have an awesome Christmas! I would love a 12-gun, gun safe and a couple cabbalas gift cards, plus a trail camera and a pair of camo sun glasses … thanks for reading my letters!

Sincerely, Alex Skocdopole

Greetings SEASON

OF THE Friendship. Goodwill. Support.

We have a lot to be grateful for this holiday season and we owe it all to you!

Thanks for being such wonderful customers and loyal friends.

Daryl Nelson

As the holidays draw near, we’d like to toll a message of sincere thanks and best wishes to our friends near and far.

May all the best come to you and yours this holiday season.

Shannon & staff

Dianne & staff

Brandi & staff

STETTLER

Would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year.

Stettler

403-742-2035

Drumheller

403-823-7771

Page 16 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

We you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year Year

As We Welcome the Holidays…

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for coming by this year. We wish you the best of the season and hope your holidays roll along smoothly with lots of happy celebrations along the way.

It’s been our good fortune to have you for our customer, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Hope you have a very good new year.

From the managment & staff of

5002 - 48 St., Stettler

403-742-3311 Dear Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus,

How are you? How are the elves? For ChristWe wish you and your family a season full of fun, celebration and great times!

Thank you for your patronage and support throughout the year.

From all of us at

No matter how you say it, we hope your holiday season is perfect in every way.

ENJOY LOTS OF HOLIDAY FUN!

Royal Canadian Legion

Thank you for your loyal support.

Just add With appreciation to all those who have helped to make the season a bright one for us.

4607 - 50 Ave., Stettler

We really value your business and look forward to the pleasure of serving you again, soon. Happy Holidays!

403-742-5025 Phone 403-742-0779

mas, I would like to ask for a beanbag chair (colour chocolate), tall muck lucks (any colour), PJ pants like my Mom‛s, a pink camera, “meow” Katy Perry perfume set and “dork diaries” books 1,3,4,5, “dear dumb diary” books (I already have #10 and my pants are haunted) and a big jewelry chest, please!

Sincerely, Bridget Skocdopole

Dear Santa, My name is Jinger Skocdopole. I am almost 19 months old.

My three big brothers and my big sister said I should ask for a baby doll, and a Barbie. My Mommy thinks I should ask for a princess canopy toddler bed and a baby stroller. I think I will be happy with some candy canes and chocolate in my stocking. But I will probably like to play with all the wrapping paper and empty boxes the best!

Kisses and hugs, Jinger

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 17

We’ve enjoyed your visits in 2012, And hope to see you all again -For one thing that we know is true, We wouldn’t be here without all of you!

So without any fanfare or further delay, We’d like to wish you all a great holiday!

K-OSS KLEANING

403-742-0080

4707 - 50 Street, Stettler

Here’s hoping joy tops it all this holiday season!

For all the joy you’ve given us this year, we are sincerely grateful, and look forward to seeing you again in 2013.

403-742-4747 3811 - 46 Ave., Stettler, AB

To All Our

GOOD FRIENDS At The Holidays From these Donalda & area businesses

We’re sporting our holiday cheer To thank you for your visit here And no matter what you play May it all go smoothly this holiday!

Season’s Greetings from Ken, Lenore & Staff of

GUNS ‘N’ GAMES

Village of Donalda 403-883-2345

Van Haga Trucking For all your general trucking needs

From all of us, to all of you, go our warm wishes for the brightest holiday season ever! You’ve helped make this a wonderful year for us and we look forward to serving you in the new year!

• Crude Oil Trucking • Condensate Trucking • Oil Marketing Services

Phone: 403-742-4189

3811 - 46 Avenue

Crude Services Inc

John’s Vending Ltd. Donalda

403-883-2287

Todd’s Welding Phone 403-883-2570 Fax

403-883-2576

Teresa’s Catering Donalda

403-883-2780

Ben & Tammy & staff

403-883-2679

Echoglen Gardens Donalda

403-883-2849

Re-Covery Room Upholstery & Furniture Refinishing 403-883-2274

Page 18 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

With well wishes to our patients and their families during this festive time of year. We thank you for the privilege of caring for you. Merry Christmas!

Dr. Drummond, Dr. Agwaze & staff

STETTLER MEDICAL CLINIC

Stettler students help to ‘drive away hunger’

By Richard Froese Stettler Independent

May health and happiness be yours during this wonderful season and throughout the new year.

Customers like you are the heart of our success, and we thank you for your generous support.

Happy Holidays from Scott, Lisa, Leslie, Lorri, Fran, Wendy, Michelle,

Susan & Claudia

Johnson Connor Agencies Check out our website at www.johnsonconnor.com

Phone 403-742-2392

More than 1,800 pounds of food were donated to the Stettler food bank this fall as students from two schools packed a trailer to help Farm Credit Canada to “drive away hunger.”

“We got great results and collected about 1,860 pounds of food,” said FCC’s Ron Podbielski as he visited Stettler, one of the 40 communities selected for the tour.

“For a community this size, that’s an incredible amount of food donated.

This doesn’t happen with-

out people committed to making a difference.”

Stettler and District Food Bank was grateful for the students’ support, which came just shortly after Stettler’s annual community food blitz.

“It’s amazing that the community can do this and be so generous, soon after the annual food blitz,” said Kathy Willis, managing director of the food bank.

“We are absolutely thrilled.”

She said the food would assist the food

Greetings of the Season ... And many thanks for your generous support all year long.

Stettler Agency

REINBOLD PETROLEUM LTD. 7007A - 50 Ave., Hwy. 12 West STETTLER

1-866-742-2647

bank to package and distribute food hampers to the applicants who need them the most.

“Stettler community support has been fantastic,” said Jon Hironaka of FCC Stettler-Camrose.

“This is a way to help raise awareness for the needs of residents and a way to promote and encourage people to give back to the community.”

Stettler had last participated in the hunger tour about four years ago.

FCC alters the locations to try to serve as many communities as possible.

“I get emotional, knowing children are hungry and seeing other kids helping out and buying food, knowing it will go to those hungry kids,” Podbielski said.

“Did you know that nearly 40 per cent of the almost 900,000 people who use a Canadian food bank each month are children? That’s more than 300,000 kids right here at home who regularly have to go hungry.

“Thanks to generous Canadians like you, FCC Drive Away Hunger collected more than 2.4 million pounds of food for food banks across the country in 2011.”

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Chronicle - Page 19 LES STULBERG/Independent reporter

O CHRISTMAS TREE — Dining in front of the “family tree” at Heart Haven Lodge in Stettler are Lydia Morlock (left), Rosemary Rymal and Anna Sherriff.

Activities co-ordinator Chris Coolen designed the tree, which features pictures of all 62 lodge residents.

In The Spirit Of The Season

At the birth of our Savior, we’d like to join you and your family in giving thanks for the many blessings we share, including the friendship of good people like you. Merry Christmas!

Bob & Rosemarie & staff

403-742-6277

From the staff at “Your Power Team Headquarters”

From the staff of

AFTER HOURS TELEPHONE Sales: Regan Finlay 780-372-2043 * 403-740-6494 (cell) Terry Jobs 403-740-9473 Parts: 403-742-8327 General Manager - Tracey Peters Hwy. 12 East, Stettler

403-742-8327

Page 20 - Christmas Chronicle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Season’s Greetings Stettler style

Your Stettler Downtown Business Association invites you to to

The Night Before The Night Before Sunday, December 23rd on Main Street

Cabinet of Curiosities

Free Cupcakes & Hot Toddies

FREE TRAIN RIDES

FREE MOVIES

FREE HAY RIDES

10am - 9pm

Savage Value Drug Mart

Free Hot Chocolate & Pre-Boxing Day Specials 12pm - 6pm

Designer D De essiign gner nerr F Frames ram ram ra me es Suzanne’s & Jenny’s

Free Chocolates & 20% Off Storewide

Free Treats 10am - 9pm

10am - 9pm

In co-operation with Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions

Home H Hom ome me H Hardware ardw ar dware

FREE for Everyone – Donations of food or $5 to the food bank appreciated.

Ride for a chance to WIN $500* and other great prizes

Free Apple Cider & Popcorn 11am - 4pm

11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm & 5:00pm

Prize sponsored by Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions & SDBA, given in Heart of Alberta dollars*

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift 11 am and 5 pm at Jewel Theatre Bring donation for Food Bank

5 pm – 8 pm

by Agro Stettler Pickups at Christmas Tree Intersection, Home Hardware & Lawlor Jewelry

Tom’s Boots

Free Candy & Western Style Calendars til 9pm

Jim’s Video

2 $5 3 $20 $5.99 played games

WISH Kitchen & Gift

for viewed movies for viewed blu-ray

FREE REFRESHMENTS AND OTHER EVENTS AT MANY DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES!

10am - 9pm John’s Clothing ng g & Shoes

Lawlor Jewelryy

Panda Flowers

Free Hot Free Christmas Free Cookies iees Chocolate Candies & 20% der 11am - 9pme Off Storewide & Apple Cider 9am - 9pm 10am - 9pm

Party Maxx

Free Candy 11am - 5pm

Pfeiffer Housee of Music

Free Gourmet Dips & Tea 10am - 9pm

Word of Life Church

FFree r Candy Canes anneess Free Soup, ngg Chili, Buns, & Pre-Boxing Apple Cider Week Specialsls &5pm - 7:30pm 1pm - 5pm