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December 18, 2013
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Stettler gains Christmas traditions ROBIN TARNOWETZKI Independent reporter
LISA JOY/Independent reporter
RCMP maintain a weeklong vigil last Friday at the scene of a Castor-area farm fire on Dec. 8 that’s believed to have killed three family members. This week, police reported that they found remains on the scene.
Police pull remains from site of Castor farm fire LISA JOY Independent reporter
CASTOR — Human remains were found in the ruins of a Castor-area farm home destroyed by fire east of Castor last week. “Non-identifiable human remains were located within the fire debris,” confirmed RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Josee Valiquette on Monday. “They were forwarded to the medical examiner’s office in Calgary and it is expected the examination will continue this week.” But Sgt. Valiquette said that because of the devastation caused by the fire, it hasn’t been officially determined how many people perished in the blaze. Natalie Kenrick, public affairs officer for Calgary Coroner’s
office, said that although she can’t comment on the particular case, 90 per cent of the investigations take about three months, with the more complex cases requiring additional testing. The cause of the Dec. 8 fire is still under investigation by the provincial fire investigator, Sgt. Valiquette said. Investigators, including Calgary Major Crimes, weren’t able to access the fire scene until late last week because of the condition of the structure and the debris, making it unsafe for investigators, Sgt. Valiquette said. Sgt. Valiquette confirmed three people connected to the residence remained unaccounted for. The farm was owned by Sandi and Gordon Klaus. Their middle-aged daughter, Monica, was visiting from Stettler that weekend.
Police say that between 7:30 and 8 a.m. that Sunday, Coronation RCMP were called to assist Castor and Coronation fire departments to a home fully engulfed in flames. The Castor-Stettler region has been mourning the suspected loss of three Klaus family members who were well-respected in the community. A tribute to them appears on the Parkland Funeral Chapels website, though no formal funeral plans have been confirmed. “On behalf of (son and brother) Jason, (and) the Klaus and Berry families, we thank you all for your inquiries, thoughts, support and condolences,” reads a note signed by funeral director Dean Ross and staff. “In this time of tragedy, on behalf of Jason and family, we ask for your patience and love.”
Stettler is home to a diverse group of people, some of whom are far from home for Christmas this year. The Independent spoke with some of those people about Christmas traditions in their homeland. Christmas celebrations in the Philippines begin in September and don’t end until after New Year’s. Because the Philippines is a predominantly Christian country, Christmas is an important holiday, celebrated with many decorations. “In the Philippines, you can see all the Christmas lights,” said Juliet Aquino, a Stettler resident originally from the Philippines. Starting on Dec. 16, Filipinos have a mass every night until Dec. 25. Aquino won’t be home for Christmas this year, but will celebrate on Dec. 23 with a Filipino Christmas party. Manny Cruz is also far from the Philippines for Christmas. “Before Christmastime, all the families are joined together sharing food, waiting for Dec. 25,” Cruz said. “After that, when we reach Dec. 25, then we give our gifts.” Cruz plans to spend Christmas with his brother in Edmonton. Krishna Sarojini lives in Stettler, but is originally from India. “According to our tradition, we first put a star in almost all the houses,” she said. “After that, we make Christmas trees.” In some respects, Christmas in India doesn’t sound that different from a Canadian Christmas. “On the day of Christmas … almost all the family members get together, and our friends also,” Sarojini said. This year, Sarojini will celebrate Christmas with friends. But there are some traditions in India that probably wouldn’t fly here, especially when it gets to -40 C. Stettler resident P. Sreedharan Pillai said many of India’s Christmas celebrations take place outside. He said people march through the streets singing Christmas carols, and that it can sometimes last hours. “Christmas carols are somewhat different from this place,” Pillai said. “Because of this climate condition, our celebrations (in Canada) are in a closed environment, but … ours are in the streets. People dance, but we can’t really do that here.” This year, Pillai plans to celebrate Christmas with other Indian families in Stettler. Some other Christmas traditions from around the world include: — China celebrates with fireworks and acrobats, and in English Santa is called “Christmas Old Man” or “Nice Old Father.” — On Dec. 6, German children leave their shoes outside to be filled with treats. — In Mexico, those celebrating Christmas cut designs into paper bags and put lights inside, making a lantern called a farolito. — In Sweden, Christmas celebrations kick off on Dec. 13, or St. Lucia’s Day. The oldest daughter in the family wears a white dress and a crown made of leaves and candles. She then goes to each bedroom and serves coffee and goodies.
Stettler marks Night Before Night Before ROBIN TARNOWETZKI Independent reporter
It’s almost Christmas, and that means it’s almost time for a Stettler tradition: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas. Downtown businesses plan to offer free refreshments this Friday night, and most will be open late. “The Night Before the Night Before is the annual thank-you by downtown merchants to the people of Stettler
for shopping local,” said Kurt Baker, a member of the Stettler Downtown Business Association. “It’s where we drill it in that it’s good to shop local.” Some of the free refreshments that are offered are hot chocolate, candy, tea, popcorn and cupcakes. The Word of Life Church is also serving soup, chili, buns and apple cider from 5 to 7 p.m. “The main thing is, it’s a social night,” Baker said. There are other fun things going on, in addition to what’s offered by the
downtown businesses. There are free train rides four times throughout the day and riders have the chance to win $500 in Heart of Alberta dollars, which can only be spent locally, as well as other prizes. There are two chances to catch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Jewel Theatre, as well as free hay rides from 5 to 8 p.m. Pickups are at the Christmas Tree intersection, Home Hardware and Lawlor Jewelry. “It’s a beloved annual tradition,” Baker said.
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ROBIN TARNOWETZKI/Independent reporter
Stettler resident P. Sreedharan Pillai said many of India’s Christmas celebrations take place outside.
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