December 21 Lamont Leader

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Volume 15, Volume 17, Issue Issue55 | Tuesday, December 21, 2021 | FREE

2 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Generosity of Lamont County residents to food bank is overwhelming It’s the most we have ever seen, says Vice Chair

BY JANA SEMENIUK The County of Lamont Food Bank was overwhelmed with generosity from Lamont County communities during this year’s Christmas donation food and toy drive.

Contributions poured in from Jason Kowal’s Stuff a Limo event in Mundare, Bruderheim’s Xpressions Dance Studio, Lamont and Bruderheim hockey teams, plus various individual donations.

“It’s the most we have ever seen!,” said County of Lamont Food Bank Vice Chair Jody Zachoda.

Tables set up in the Lamont Community Hall on Dec. 18 were overflowing with toys for children of all ages as volunteers sorted the haul. The next day volunteers completed each hamper with a Christmas breakfast containing pancake mix and syrup, Christmas dinner including a soup kit complete with a recipe for making soup stock with the bird, as well and various personal care items.

“We did the toys on Saturday and the food on Sunday. It’s too big of a job to do on the same day,” said Zachoda.

In addition to dona-

tions of toys and food, the Food Bank collected nearly $9,000 in cash donations with the biggest contributors being the Bethlehem Lutheran Church who donated $5,000 and the Bruderheim Lions Club who gave $2,000.

“With cash, we are able to purchase all of the items that we might be falling short of in the donation department.

So, if we run out of soup crackers, we can use the cash donations to buy it,” said Zachoda. “We don’t normally get a ton of donations of baby formula, because it expires, or diapers so we can use the cash for that too.”

Zachoda added that families in need, request a hamper prior to the deadline and submit information about their family. Each hamper created is personal and tailored to the family members.

While last year the Food Bank distributed 125 Christmas hampers, the numbers this year decreased to 107.

Zachoda said that she is always grateful for support provided by the communities when the Food Bank is in need, such as during the toilet paper shortage of 2020.

“COVID was really

hard to deal with at first with the toilet paper shortage because how do you go to the store and say, I need to buy toilet paper for 20 families?,” she said. “We give one roll per person for hampers. Because our school was shutting down, the elementary school where I work, gave me a whole case of toilet paper rolls to tide us over until we could start buying it again. And the town of Lamont also gave us a couple cases of toilet paper. I put it out on Facebook and said, ‘where can a person buy toilet paper for the food bank, I'm scrambling’ then the town came through and the school came through. It was really great.”

Zachoda added that she feels blessed to be a part of the great team at the Food Bank.

“None of this stuff happens without incredible contributions from every person who volunteers with us and there are some who have gone above and beyond for Christmas hampers this year,” she said. “It’s such a team effort there is real truth to seeing many hands making light work.”

Former Mundare business gets Dragon’s Den support

BY JOHN MATHER The Glowatsky brothers took a chance and it has paid off with them getting financial support through the Dragons Den program.

The owner’s of Young Farts RV Parts in Vegreville, formerly Mundare, appeared on the CBC show Dec. 16.

During the show the brothers chopped up an older RV, listing the parts they could salvage and sell. They told the show’s panel they were the only company doing this type of business in Canada and that the salvage was much more profitable than selling a used RV. "I don't know if you

realize it, you guys have a big idea," said Dragon, Michele Romanow, who is the co-founder and president of Clearco, a director of Vail Resorts, Freshui and other enterprises.

In the end they did a deal with Romanow for $150,000 and 12 percent of the business.

Volunteers sort through tons of toy donations Dec. 18, collected by the County of Lamont Food Bank for this years' Christmas Hampers. Photo: Jody Zachoda

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 - 3

STILL TIME TO FILL THE TREE 100% Proceeds go to the County of Lamont Food Bank

$5 GETS YOUR NAME ON THE TREE and you are helping to make a difference this Christmas Season!

Raymond & Rita Paquette Trevor, Katie & Marley Schinkinger Donations can be made at: John & Doreen Homeniuk & Family The Lamont Leader Park Memorial or by mail: Funeral Home Larry & Carol Race Box 1079 Dr. Z. Mohamed Lamont, AB Dr. E. El-Hajj T0B 2R0 Vision & Medical Clinics Reception Staff:Evelyn, Cindy, Please make cheques Erin, Scott, Ashley, Teresa, payable to: Darlene, Brenda, Judy, Mary Ann, Darlene County of Lamont In Memory of John, Jonathan & Daniel Food Bank Patan, & Thomas Kowal Justin & Candace Bryks Anonymous Richard & Sharon Ken & Denise Dorland & Family Johnston Al & Carol Ropchan Mark, Ginger, Taylor & Elie Ropchan, Kim, Derek, Jarret & Tyson Burns Patty & Terry Oleksyn, Heather Ryan Mike & Nadelle Oleksyn, Bob & Brenda Melnyk Logan & Nevaeh Cossey Family : Delores, Caren & Marc, Trish & Darren, Wade & Tara, Myles, Katie, Sydney & Madden, Jace, Dane, Bentley & Lincoln Kerry, Michelle, Jana & Chris, Aileen Bilodeau Brennan & Garrett Anderson; & Laura Vanessa Semeniuk The Lamont Leader Sylvia, Andrew, Sandy & Julian McDonald Crystal & Hunter John Mather

The County of Lamont Food Bank provides assistance to families within Lamont County.

4 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Owners on the leash to pay dog fees

BY JANA SEMENIUK The choice for Lamont town residents to purchase a one-time dog license, verses an annual one, was approved at the most recent council meeting Dec. 14 making Lamont the only town within the county to offer the option.

Chief Administrative Officer Rick Bastow said the new licensing choice, coming into effect Jan. 1, 2022, should make life easier for dog owners.

“We want residents to know that they can license their pet as a onetime transaction if they choose. And then it's one less thing they must remember on an annual basis,” he said.

“Efficiency is kind of driving the heart of this because we want to make things user-friendly for residents.”

The fee structure, which does not extend to cats, for an unaltered animal will be $25 per year or a $200 one-time fee, and for an altered animal $15 per year or $150 onetime fee.

Although administration budgets approximately eight years for the life of any

animal, refunds will not be available if your pet passes away shortly after purchasing the one-time registration and no extra charges will be expected

one pet to another, and the fine for an unregistered animal in Lamont is $30.

New Lamont Mayor Kirk Perrin was enthusi-

Although cats are still not required to be registered within the town of Lamont, residents will be able to register their dogs annually or choose the new one-time registration fee.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

if your pet lives longer.

Additionally, the license is not transferable from

astic about the new licensing rules at the most recent council

’Tis the season for celebrating friends and neighbours like you!

Greetings and best wishes to all of the folks who make our communities such wonderful places to work and live.

meeting, although questioned whether he would be eligible for a discount if he now chose to use the one-time fee option after registering his own two dogs annually for the past eight years.

“It was not approved prior to Jan. 1, 2022, so that is when it would start. Past fees are for past services,” said deputy Chief Administrative Officer Dawn Neilson. “It’s up to each person if they want to pay annually or a one-time fee.”

Bastow added that it’s important to license your pet.

“Animals need to be accounted for because they are important. If there's ever an emergency, the town knowing how many animals in the community exist, then we're able to work with the SPCA and other groups to ensure that if an evacuation occurred, we’re able to track how many animals have been successfully evacuated,” he said.

A Chipman dog license is $10 for altered and $15 for unaltered, Bruderheim is $35 for unaltered and $25 for altered, and Mundare is $15 for all dogs.

Mundare is also the only municipality within Lamont County requiring cats be licensed. The cost to license a cat in Mundare is $5 per year.

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 -5

FROM WHERE I SIT: What Else is There?

BY HAZEL ANAKA Each year, at about this time, many of us look around in disbelief and say, “I can’t believe another year has whizzed by. Didn’t we just watch the New Year’s Eve specials on TV? How can time speed up like this?”

Many around the world will also say good riddance to 2021. I’m not sure anyone on the planet is untouched by this brutal year. We’ve either been subjected to not one but two elections or we live in countries where dictators and despots rule unchallenged for decades… looking at you Kim Jung-un and

Vladimir Putin... to just name two.

We’ve either watched the ravages of climate change on TV or experienced it personally: fire, flood, extreme heat, drought, deadlier storms, more crop insurance claims. It is scary to contemplate what’s in store for the planet next.

No discussion of 2021 is complete without talking about how COVID19 and its variants have hurt every one of us. It’s all been said before. Over and over and over again.

I used to jokingly refer to eventual seventh or eighth waves. But, when Dr. Hinshaw says the fifth wave may be the worst yet because of the transmissibility of Omicron, it’s no joke.

Sometimes, I think about how naïve and trusting we were in March 2020 when health experts and politicians asked us to stay home for a ‘couple’

of weeks. Right. It continues to stun me that the entire world was brought to its knees by this thing. And it ain’t over yet. If I wouldn’t have lived through the past two years myself, I wouldn’t have believed this global nightmare was even possible. But there is no choice but to hang in there until the threat is gone. Following the recommendations of the scientific world is our only hope.

Unless they’re selling us vaccine, personal protective equipment, and ventilators presumably their motives are scientifically pure.

As I write this governments are again talking to us about our Christmas plans. There is no coherence or clarity or consistency to the rules.

They also differ depending on where you live in Canada. Non-essential international travel for

St. Michael Landfill may not be full for 90 years

BY JOHN MATHER Lamont County Reeve David Diduck updated his council Dec. 14 on the organizational meeting of the St. Michael Regional Solid Waste Commission . It was the first meeting since the municipal elections.

At this formation meeting Chipman Mayor Morris Langevin was elected as the chairman

of the board of directors and Mundare councillor Glenn Rozumniak was elected as the deputy chair.

During the orientation session, he reported, presentations were heard from the commission’s lawyers, accountants and engineers.

“Much to my surprise,” he said. “The landfill has an estimated

remaining life of 90 years.”

“So essentially they’re not expecting it to be filled until 2110.”

He did say the commission was expecting to see significant costs involved for closure and post closure activities, which the commission had to start planning for.

Canadians is not recommended yet travel into Canada is a-okay…. at least today. What the rules will be tomorrow or on Christmas day is anyone’s guess. If you’re confused and sick to death of this pandemic, you’re not alone. I’m just trying to roll with it because honestly, I don’t see any other option.

What if this is the new normal?

Typically, in this last column of the year, I try to summarize what’s been and look forward to what might be. In past years, that usually included a recap of top

news stories, top newsmakers, top absurdities.

Forget it this year. I’ve spent most of it tuned out and avoiding the news, the talk shows, even the late-night comics. I was also very busy with the County’s Twinning Initiative planning. And this fall, before Omicron hit the fan, I began the work of planning for a live Babas & Borshch Festival in 2022.

But enough about that.

Let’s try to celebrate Christmas safely with the ones nearest and dearest to us. Let’s not flaunt the rules because we’re sick of this. So far,

Church Calendar LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB

Lamont Alliance Church

7 8 0 -8 9 5 -2 1 45 R e v. De b o ra h B r i l l

Sunday Service 10 am

S UNDAY S ERVICES 11:15 AM C HRISTMAS EVE SERVICES PARTRIDGE HILL 5 PM L AMONT 7 PM

WE WILL ALSO BE ON FACEBOOK

~ Everyone Welcome!~ AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm

Orthodox V Parishes All services 9:30am, followed by DIVINE LITURGY 10 am unless otherwise indicated.

December ~ S UNDAY D EC 26~ NO SERVICE

~ F RIDAY D EC 31 ~ C HIPMAN

MIDNIGHT SERVICE

Please register for attendance F a th e r Ale x 7 8 0 .991. 4981

Visit our website: www.orthodox-canada.com

Bethany Lutheran Church 20577 TWP 550 Fort. Sask.

(7km East of Josephburg)

780-998-1874

Pastor Rev. Jeff Dul

RAILWAY OPENING Fort Saskatchewan Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk and Lamont County Reeve David Diduck cut the ribbon to officially open the new general offices of the Alberta Midland Railway at the terminal location just west of Lamont, Dec. 15. The AMR terminal has connections to both CN and CP Rail and provides services to companies using railway cars in the Alberta Industrial Heartland area.

we’re losing the battle with coronavirus and its cousins and we’re supposed to be the intelligent life form on the planet. Let us continue to make plans for 2022 because that gives us hope; but not be shocked when those plans implode and we need to adapt again quickly to ‘what is.’ This pandemic will continue to test our patience, our creativity, our compliance, our intelligence, our maturity, our acceptance of that which we cannot change.

For 2022, I wish us all good health and the strength to continue fighting the good fight. I don’t know what else there is, from where I sit.

Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School (during service) Coffee after Service

5007 44 st., Lamont

780-895-2879

J OIN

US FOR SERVICES SUNDAY MORNINGS @ 10 AM Pastor Darren Anderson Check out: www.lamontalliance.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro

1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays @ 9:00 am St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael

2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am Administrative Office: Our Lady of the Angels Parish 10004 ~ 101 St., Fort Sask.

780.998.3288 Email: olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca www.olafortsask.caedm.ca

Bruderheim Community Church Wo rship Services Sundays @ 10:30 a.m.

All are welcome!

Join Us for our

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec 24 @ 630 pm cal l t o r egi s t er 780. 796. 3775

Pastor Wayne Larson admin. bruderheimcommunitychurch@shaw. ca

Church Directory 780-895-2780 Ad $40/mo.

6 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Opinion Pharmaceutical shares a good Christmas gift this year

BY JOHN MATHER So what are you getting your loved ones for Christmas?

What is one of things that has fared very well this year?

Quick, follow the money. And no, you know it’s not the Canadian economy.

Trudeau and his spend-crazy Liberal pals are doling out even more money to those who they feel might vote for them and calling it Covid relief of one sort or another.

No, spend some money and buy some pharmaceutical stocks.

Pfizer would be good. Moderna or its parent company.

Maybe stay away from Johnson & Johnson. No one seems to be giving their vaccine high marks.

But for the first two their share prices are booming.

And now that it looks like we’ll have to endure booster after booster. There doesn’t appear to be a downside to the share price.

And why is that?

Well as soon as one variant of Covid seems to come under control, another variant pops up.

And the hue and cry from health officials and politicians ramps up once again.

“Get vaccinated,” “Get your shots” This attempt at public shaming is creating two classes of citizens. Those vaccinated who can enjoy access to stores, venues, theatres, and are considered wonderful people. And those unvaccinated who are barred from events and stores and are dismissed by society in general. Some are losing their jobs.

It’s so bad in some cases it’s splitting families apart. Can you say Justin Trudeau’s favourite words… “systematic racism.”

Yet look closely at the numbers of people catching the variant and many of them are double vaccinated.

But we’re told it’s the unvaccinated catching Covid.

I’ve socialized with both vaccinated and unvaccinated during the past four months. I’m healthy and so are they. Go figure that out.

Premier Kenney, stating the obvious that people are sick and tired of this nonsense has said that people can spend some of their time at Christmas together with some family and friends, vaccinated or not, if they don’t exceed the number 10.

“Nooooooo,” screams NDP Nurse Notley. She would rather everyone remain locked up out of sight and out of mind. And her Christmas wish includes everyone voting for her so she can run Alberta her way, which is generally downward into the ground.

CONTINUED

CONTINUED We’re at a point where people are not listening to the health officials or politicians. Why? Because they aren’t providing straight answers.

Transparency is not the synonym for gobbledygook.

If you don’t have an answer either say you don’t or say nothing.

Changing the story just ruins your credibility.

There’s a meme floating across social media platforms of a card featuring punches of the next booster.

When you get ten you get a free coffee or sandwich. I wonder how close to the truth this might be?

Former Newfoundland Premier Brian Peckford, the

last surviving premier to sign Canada’s 1982 constitution states Trudeau is exceeding his authority in making his travel restrictions on Canadians.

“I think there’s a virus of fear more than anything else,” Peckford said. “Our democracy is failing, and failing very fast.”

We’re now in the midst of Omicron variant or as I like to call it the OmiGod variant.

Sure, sure, I heard Dr. Fauci in the U.S. says is would be continuing to grow in the “omcoming” weeks.

I’m sure the next variant will arrive around Valentine’s Day and be called the “love bug.”

And eventually we’ll just go like U.S, pro football and

refer to the variants as Superbug XXII, Superbug XXIII, Superbug XXIV, Superbug XXV and so on.

For the best part of two years now, it’s been all about health officials and politicians.

Never so much about the world population as all the same group of human beings who just require some simple truth rather than all the misdirection that's being spread about.

At Christmas 2021, let’s try and think about the world as one, not a system of artificial geopolitical entities over whom the vast majority have no control.

And let me get to my broker before Dec. 25 to load up on pharmaceutical shares.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

5038 - 50 Avenue Box 1079, Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 Phone: 780-895-2780 Fax: 780-895-2705 Email: lmtleader@gmail.com Published every Wednesday at Lamont, AB Serving the Communities of Andrew, Bruderheim, Chipman, Hilliard, Lamont, Mundare, RR 4 Tofield, Star and St. Michael

Available online at Kerry Anderson Publisher

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 -7

Lamont Leader 2021 Christmas Gre e ting Se ction

Mrs. Claus accompanied Santa on Dec. 18 as he made a trip to Bruderheim to listen to the children’s stories and finalize his naughty and nice list before his big trip Dec. 24. Mrs. Claus made sure every child in the area had a chance to whisper their secrets in Santa’s ear.

This holiday season we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to our customers for their support throughout 2021.

Moving forward into 2022, the management and staff at WEBB’S Machinery wish you & your family a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy prosperous New Year!

Lamont Vegreville

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Wainwright Consort

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St. Paul 780-645-4465 Vermilion 780-853-5196

8 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Lamont Leader 2021 Christmas Gre e ting Se ction

WWI Christmas ‘truce’ remains one of the most talked about peace acts During Christmas of 1914, during WWI, (although there was no official truce) about 100,000 British and German troops were involved in unofficial cessations of fighting along the length of the Western Front.

The first truce started on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1914, when German troops began decorating the area around their trenches in the region of Ypres, Belgium.

The Germans began by placing candles on their trenches and on Christmas trees, then continued the celebration by singing Christmas carols.

The British responded by singing carols of their own. The two sides continued by shouting Christmas greetings to each other.

Soon thereafter, there were excursions across

the 'No Man's Land', where small gifts were exchanged, such as food, tobacco and alcohol, and souvenirs such as buttons and hats.

The artillery in the region fell silent that night.

The truce also allowed a breathing spell where recently-fallen soldiers could be brought back behind their lines by burial parties. Joint services were held.

The fraternization was not, however, without its risks; some soldiers were shot by opposing forces.

In many sectors, the truce lasted through Christmas night, but it continued until New Year's Day in others.

Bruce Bairnsfather, who served throughout the war, wrote: "I wouldn't have missed that unique and weird Christmas Day for anything.

“I spotted a German officer, some sort of lieutenant I should think, and being a bit of a collector, I intimated to him that I had taken a fancy to some of his buttons...

“I brought out my wire clippers and, with a few deft snips, removed a couple of his buttons and put them in my pocket. I then gave him two of mine in exchange.

“The last I saw was one of my machine gunners, who was a bit of an amateur hairdresser in civil life, cutting the unnaturally long hair of a docile Boche, who was patiently kneeling on the ground whilst the automatic clippers crept up the back of his neck."

General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, commander of the British II Corps, was irate when he heard what was happening, and issued strict orders forbidding friend-

ly communication with the opposing German troops.

The events of the truce were not reported for a week, in an unofficial press embargo which

was eventually broken by the New York Times on Dec. 31.

The British papers quickly followed, printing numerous first-hand accounts from soldiers in

the field, taken from letters home to their families, and editorials on "one of the greatest surprises of a surprising war."

Continued on Page 9

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 -9

Lamont Leader 2021 Christmas Gre e ting Se ction

Xmas truce Continued from Page 8

By Jan. 8, pictures had made their way to the press, and both the Mirror and Sketch printed front-page photographs of British and German troops mingling and singing between the lines.

The tone of the reporting was strongly positive, with the Times endorsing the "lack of malice" felt by both sides and the Mirror regretting

that the "absurdity and the tragedy" would begin again.

Coverage in Germany was more muted, with some newspapers strongly criticising those who had taken part, and no pictures published.

In France, meanwhile, the greater level of press censorship ensured that the only word that spread of the truce came from soldiers at the front or first-hand accounts told by wounded men in hospitals.

The press eventually was forced to respond to the growing rumours by reprinting a government notice that fraternizing with the enemy constituted treason.

In early January an official statement on the truce was published, claiming it had happened on restricted sectors of the British front, and amounted to little more than an exchange of songs which quickly degenerated into shooting.

The Christmas Day Truce of 1914,’ by Arthur C. Michael, published on Jan. 9, 1915

May you and your loved ones rejoice in the splendour of all His creations during this beautiful and wondrous season.

We thank you sincerely for your valued business throughout the year!

From Cliff & Sharon & all the Staff of

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10 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Lamont Leader 2021 Christmas Gre e ting Se ction

Origins of some of our favourite Christmas tunes The holiday season is not complete without music. Holiday hits play in shopping malls, and families often trim the tree to their favourite albums.

Classic carols may be the first Christmas songs that come to mind.

However, less than a quarter-century ago, a pop singer managed to contribute to the holiday music pantheon.

Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You," released in 1994, is considered to be the

most popular modern Christmas standard.

"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," with its warning to children to be nice since Santa is keeping tabs on kids' behaviour, has helped children toe the line for decades.

Songwriter James "Haven" Gillespie was asked to pen the tune during one of the darker times in his life. Gillespie was jobless and poor and his brother had just passed away - hardly inspiration for a Christmas tune.

However, after thinking about the memories he shared with his brother, Gillespie was able to pull together an upbeat and catchy classic, changing his life for the better.

Even though "Silent Night" is the most recorded Christmas song in history, another tune holds the title of the bestselling holiday standard of all time.

"White Christmas" was written in 1942 and reminisces about an old-fashioned Christmas celebra-

tion.

The version recorded

by Bing Crosby has estimated sales in excess of 100 million copies worldwide, according to "The Guinness Book of World Records."

The song was written for the 1942 movie "Holiday Inn," starring Crosby and Fred

Astaire.

It became an instant classic and remains Crosby's best-selling recording.

Some of the most recent versions of the song have been recorded

by Pentatonix, Sarah McLachlan, and Laura Pusini.

This season, Sir Elton

John has added to his huge resume with a collaboration Christmas song with Ed Sherran called “Merry Christmas”, which has become a massive number 1 hit.

John was handed the lyrics from Sherran, from which he constructed the music.

From our family at Lamont United Church to your family A very Blessed Christmas with much Hope, Peace, Joy and Love in the New Year.

780~998~2501

Lamont, Alberta

Mer ry Christmas r! & A Happy New Yea

Join us for our Christmas Eve Services Partridge Hill UC – 5:00 pm Lamont UC (No Communion) – 7:00 pm

Lauren Hill

Steven Hill

Norman Hill

Thank you for your business in 2021 and looking forward to doing business with you in 2022.

Website www.hillrealty.ca 780-449-5622

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 -11

Lamont Leader 2021 Christmas Gre e ting Se ction

Gingerbread Boy Cookie Recipe Ingredients • 1/2 cup butter, cubed • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 cup molasses • 2 teaspoons white vinegar • 1 Eggland's Best Egg, lightly beaten • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon •1/4 teaspoon salt Decorating icing, nonpareils, red-hot candies or candies of your choice, optional Nutritional Facts 1 cookie (calculated without optional ingredients) equals 64 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 47 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 1 g protein.

Directions 1. In a large saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, molasses and vinegar; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; cool to lukewarm. Stir in egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; stir into molasses mixture to form a soft dough.

2. Divide dough into thirds. Shape each portion into a disk; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until easy to handle.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-in. gingerbread boy cookie cutter. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 7-9 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate as desired.

Yield: 3-4 dozen.

M ER R YAS !

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

M erry

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s a m t s i r h C Merry

To One & All

& A EA R EW Y N Y P HAP

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays all of & Happy New to Year! and ourWishing Valued you Customers. your family a safe and We hope you have a safe happy holiday! and happy Christmas!

Old Country Sausage Bruderheim closed *Custom cutting *Custom Sausage Making *Game Processing Dec 25 ~ Jan 9 Bruderheim

Old Country Sausage 780-796-3040

ATB Financial Agency Mundare

780-764-4085

Merry Christmas

& A Happy New Year

Mayor, Council & Staff

May all your Christmases A VERY

Trevor Mikolajczyk

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TO EVERYONE, & ALL THE BEST IN 2022 MAYOR, COUNCIL & STAFF

WE HAVE THE PERSON FOR THE JOB 24/ 7 ~ Landscaping & Yard Maintenance ~ Snow Removal ~ Trenching ~ Bobcat ~ Dump Truck ~ Custom Metal Reno’s mk98ltd@gmail.com ~ Handy Man Jobs 780-975-8343 ~ Brush Cutting ~ Mowing

be white

12 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Lamont Leader 2021 Christmas Gre e ting Se ction Classic Christmas Carols

Deck the halls Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la!

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la!

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la la la la la!

See the blazing yule before us, Fa la la la la la la la!

Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la la la la!

Follow me in merry

measure, Fa la la la la la la la!

While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la la la la!

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la la la la!

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la la la la!

Sing we joyous all together! Fa la la la la la la la!

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la la la la!

Away in a manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Jingle Bells Dashing through the snow, In a one horse open sleigh Over the fields we go Laughing all the way.

Bells on bob tail ring making spirits bright What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.

Chorus Oh jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!

Oh what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh, Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way!

Oh what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh

Merry Christmas

S e a s ons G r e e t i n g s

& A Happy New Year

& A Happy New Year

Management, Board & Staff, St. Michael Regional Solid Waste Commission www.stmichaellandfill.ca

Merry Christmas To All!

Neil Woitas & Family

D

In

780-998-7668

through the sno Merry Christmas w

ng ashi

Merry Christmas

to All

Lamont Travel

.. a o n (780) 895-2101 h g i e horse open sle

D ON ’ T T HINK T OWING T HINK T ITAN !

&

.

(780) 895-7620 5012 47 Ave, Lamont, AB

M &

from the Staff at Lamont ATB 780-895-2261

All The Best In 2022!

erry Christ mas All The Best for 20 22

Mundare, AB

780~764~4007

Do you hear what I hear?

Said the night wind to the little lamb, do you see what I see Way up in the sky, little lamb, do you see what I see A star, a star, dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite With a tail as big as a kite Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear A song, a song, high above the trees With a voice as big as the sea With a voice as big as the sea Said the shepherd boy

to the mighty king, do you know what I know In your palace warm, mighty king, do you know what I know A Child, a Child shivers in the cold Let us bring Him silver and gold Let us bring Him silver and gold Said the king to the people everywhere, listen to what I say Pray for peace, people everywhere! listen to what I say The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light He will bring us goodness and light

Merry Christmas!!

Lamont Foods 780.895.2080

(780) 764-2272 5219 50 Street, Mundare

Dr. Scott Lopetinsky Associates & Staff W i s h you a Merry Christmas & All the Best in 2022!!

S E E YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!!

We Thank you for 16 years of patronage Lamont Vision Centre 780-895-2770

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 -13

Lamont Leader 2021 Christmas Gre e ting Se ction

Christmas celebrations based on traditions Christmas as we know it today is a Victorian invention of the 1860s.

Probably the most celebrated holiday in the world, our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe.

Ukraine Srozhdestvom Kristovym!

Ukrainians prepare a traditional twelve-course meal.

A family's youngest child watches through the window for the evening star to appear, a signal that the feast can begin.

Canada Most Canadian Christmas traditions are very similar to those practiced in the United States. In the far north of the country, the Inuits celebrate a winter festival called sinck tuck, which features parties with dancing and the exchanging of gifts.

England 'Merry Christmas!'

An Englishman named John Calcott Horsley helped to popularize the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards when he began producing small cards featuring festive scenes and a prewritten holiday greeting in the late 1830s. Newly efficient post offices in England and the United States made the cards nearly overnight sensations. At about the same time, similar cards were being made by R.H. Pease, the first American card maker, in Albany, New York, and Louis Prang, a German who immigrated to America in 1850.

Celtic and Teutonic peoples had long considered mistletoe to have magic powers. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits.

During holidays in the Victorian era, the English would hang sprigs of mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways. If someone was found standing under the mistletoe, they would be kissed by someone else

in the room, behaviour not usually demonstrated in Victorian society.

Plum pudding is an English dish dating back to the Middle A g e s .

S u e t , f l o u r, sugar, raisins, nuts, and spices are tied loosely in cloth and boiled until the ingredients are "plum," meaning they have enlarged enough to fill the cloth. It is then unwrapped, sliced like cake, and topped with cream.

Caroling also began in England.

Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and homes of the rich.

In return for their performance, the m u s i cians hoped to receive a hot meal or money.

In the United States and England, children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep.

In Scandinavia, similar-minded children leave their shoes on the hearth. This tradition can be traced to legends about Saint Nicholas.

One legend tells of three poor sisters who could not marry because they had no money for a dowry. To save them from being sold by their father, St. Nick left each of the three sisters gifts of gold coins. One went down the chimney and landed in a pair of shoes that had been left on the hearth. Another went into a window and into a pair of stockings left hanging by the fire to dry.

Happy Holidays!

4803 Queen St., Bruderheim

780.796.3012 Mayor, Council & Staff

Wishing You All A Very s Merry Christma

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

Gondola’s Steak & Pizza 5031 50 St., Lamont

780.895.7300 A Very M erry C hristmas &a

H appy N ew Y ear to everyone!

Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge Residents & Staff

Merry Christmas

TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR 2022, FROM ALL OF US AT

BEAVER CREEK CO-OP Lamont 780-895-2241

for your patronage and hav e a great N ew Y ear!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR FEB. 22 - Contruction Equipment (Acheson) APR. 1 2 - Trailers, Vehicles, Camp Units, Light Towers, Fuel Tanks, Shop Equip, Parts (Fort Sask.)

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WE

WILL BE CLOSED DEC 23 ~ JAN

BROCHURE DEADLINE - MARCH 1 ST, 2022

ED PRODANIUK AUCTIONS & STAFF

- www.prodaniukauctions.com PH. 780-446-9555 FAX. 780-473-5750 EMAIL - edprodaniukauctions@gmail.com ONLINE

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5118 50 Ave., Lamont, AB

9

14 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Lamont Leader 2021 Christmas Gre e ting Se ction istmas Mer r y Chr & ew Year A Happy N

We w

you ish

mas t s hri a

a nd a Mer ry C Happy New Year!

11213 88 Ave. Fort Sask.

780-992-1449

Recipe

White Christmas Hot Chocolate

h We Wis You A Merry as !

Christm

3 cups light cream or half-and-half 3/4 cup vanilla candy melts, chopped 1 teaspoon vanilla Pinch of ground cinnamon 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur-(Optional) Combine 1 cup of the cream with the candy in a saucepan.

Melt over low heat, being careful not to burn.

Add the remaining cream, vanilla, and cinnamon until everything is heated.

Add the liqueur and stir.

Garnish with more cinnamon. Serve warm.

Merry Christmas

Hwy 15 & Hwy 29 780.895.7312

Mer ry Christmas MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, SEASON’S GREETINGS. ALL THE BEST IN 2022 FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

JACKIE ARMSTRONG-HOMENIUK, MLA FORT SASKATCHEWAN ~ VEGREVILLE Constituency Office Constituency Office for Fort Saskatchewan for Vegreville 780 992-6560 780 632 6840 Fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca

all the best in 2022!

4931 49 St., Redwater 780.942.2424

Nonnie’s Grill & Artisan Shop

DINE IN or TAKE OUT • NOW LICENSED 22106 South Cooking Lake Rd Unit 2, Sherwood Park, AB

Call (780) 297-8856 Sundays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Closed Mondays Tuesday to Saturday - 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 -15

BOOKKEEPING

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

I&M

Tax and Bookkeeping Services ~ Farms & Businesses ~ Excellent rates & bundled discounts

1” AD ~ $40/ MONTH 2” AD ~ $80/ MONTH

4703, 51 Street Lamont, AB T0B 2R0

Maria Stamati

ADVERTISE TODAY. CALL 780.895.2780 OR EMAIL lmtleader@gmail.com

Phone:(780) 579-3883 Fax: (780) 579-3884 LmTaxServicesLamont@yahoo.com

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL

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FOR ALL YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS 5003 - 50 Street, Mundare, AB

THE LAMONT LEADER THANKS OUR COMMUNITIES FOR READING OUR NEWSPAPER

780-764-3936

16 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Developer hosts open house to highlight plans for new Bruderheim growth

BY JANA SEMENIUK Developer Glen Kennedy, with Copperstone Holdings, held an open house at the Bruderheim Community Centre on Dec. 13 to chat with residents about plans for a section of land west of the West Woodlands subdivision.

The company is finalizing arrangements for construction to possibly begin next year on the 25-acre parcel, bought from Strata Developments five years ago.

Original plans included establishing more singlefamily homes before those plans changed.

“We weren’t able to commit to the next stage of (building) residential because there were still a large number of vacant lots in town,” said Kennedy. “After speaking with potential buyers, the feedback I was getting was that everyone was looking for as much amenities as possible. So, about a year ago we started thinking seriously about the commercial component.”

Kennedy and his team have had the land use switched from R3, which is high density residential (apartments and condominiums), to mixed

themselves, we took it upon ourselves to hopefully build the opportunity within the neighborhood.”

While construction goals are aimed at spring of 2022, Kennedy said there could be hurdles.

“We are going to sit down as a group and review the market. There are a lot of challenges with building costs, supply costs, and supply shortages,” he said.

“Even just a week or two ago we were hearing upwards of a year to get an electrical transformer.”

Should construction

use which will allow for buildings to house commercial businesses on the bottom and residential units above. Kennedy feels Bruderheim is a good area to support the new development.

“I think the location and employment around the area is a big attraction. Our goal is to look at 10 minutes out (of the area). It's all about creating affordable housing which also has a great community tied to it as well,” he said. “And instead of waiting for some of the other areas and talent to perhaps develop commercial

MONUMENTS Tom

Hrehorets

proceed, Kennedy described the types of businesses w h o might take advantage of the new buildings.

“In gen- Developer Glen Kennedy, of eral, it's Copperstone Holdings, chats with e v e r y - Bruderheim residents during an open t h i n g house on Dec. 13. Photo: Jana Semeniuk f r o m restaurants, retail con- office, those types of venience stores and pro- ideas,” he said. “It’s a fessional services. You really cool zone that could also have anything hopefully has a lot of from physio, dental, you flexibility to generate a know, small doctor lot of interest.”

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Area Rep Lamont, AB.

1” AD ~ $40/ MONTH 2” AD ~ $80/ MONTH Reflecting Life Well-Lived

780.918.7406

ADVERTISE TODAY. CALL 780.895.2780 OR EMAIL lmtleader@gmail.com

Serving Lamont & Area

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Office ~ 780-764-4007 Cell ~ 780-920-3076

Motor Vehicle Accidents, Fatal Accidents, Wills, & More Elizabeth J. Tatchyn, B.A., LL.B

at Smith Insurance Service, Main Street Lamont etatchyn@biamonte.com Speaks Ukrainian Edmonton: 780-425-5800 * *

LEGAL ISSUES? Ronald W. Poitras Barrister & Solicitor Serving Lamont and Area Since 1977 Wednesday 1:30 – 5:00 pm

by Appointment

780-895-2055 THANK YOU FOR READING

antique/classic vehicles, RVs, and more!!

5004 50 Street, Mundare

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SEPTIC SERVICES Scott’s Septic Tank Pumping 20

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Happy Holidays & Happy New Year to my customers, THANK YOU for your business over the past year

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 -17

From the Government’s Election Platform:

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18 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Heartland water study may help Lamont County

BY JOHN MATHER At the Dec. 14, Lamont County Council meeting, Reeve David Diduck reported the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA) had received funding to conduct a water intake study.

The funding is coming from Alberta Environment and Parks in the amount of $1.5 million, said Diduck. It will allow the study to be conducted as part of the industrial zoning initiative.

He said the funding allows the AIHA to contract a consultant to do a study which will look at three potential water intakes along the North Saskatchewan River.

“It’s not directly related to the study we have going on in the County,” he said in a later interview.

He added the water intake study will help AEP create a designated industrial zone for the Heartland.

He said it would allow

water permit to be common for everyone whether development was taking place in Strathcona, Sturgeon or Lamont Counties.

He said in addition to looking at potential water intake sites, it would also look at other issues such as storm water management.

He did feel the study could help Lamont’s intake site get approval.

The County was recently given a parcel of land by Inter Pipeline situated on the river at a site which is thought to be well suited for a water intake.

The County has an application before Alberta Environment to get a water licence which would allow the County to draw water from the river.

“Our application has been submitted for more than a year,” said Diduck. He added he doesn’t expect to hear anything back on it for several more months.

At-home Covid test kits out of stock in hours, more on their way

BY JANA SEMENIUK Phones are ringing off the hook at pharmacies across Lamont County since free at-home rapid COVID 19 tests were made available to the public on a first come first served basis Dec. 17 ahead of Christmas.

The Lamont Community Health Centre, which was the only site in Lamont County offering the free kits, had a case of 105 tests which they ran out of by 10 a.m.

“The rural pharmacies weren’t assigned the test kits. Only the Lamont Health Unit in our coun-

Drug Mart pharmacist and owner Robert Bilan.

“We’ve had a lot of calls about them.”

Sites across the province offering free at-home COVID test kits ran out of stock within hours on Dec. 17. Photo: Jana Semeniuk ty, and pharmacies in larger cities,” said Value

The province of Alberta assigned 500,000

of the free kits to 140 sites across the province, many of whom also ran out within short order. A limit was set of one box of five tests per person.

More tests will be available in the coming week, with the Lamont Community Health Centre slated to receive five more cases.

Meanwhile, Lamont County is continuing its zero COVID case count streak at 23 days without one COVID case as of Dec. 20.

PEROGY TRUCKING 780-385-2004 Viking, AB

Thank you for your business this year! We look forward to serving you in 2021!

Thank you for your business in 2014 and we look forward to serving you in 2015!

Lawrence and Family

Building For Rent Main St. Viking, AB 5205 - 50 St. Small retail building for rent. Near newly opened as well as established businesses on main street. Reasonable rent.

Call 403-679-9958.

Available immediately.

Mannville Indoor Vintage Flea Market 4711 - 47A Ave. Mannville, AB Open Wed - Sun, 10am - 8pm Jam-packed wall to wall with vintage.

Pyrex, milk glass, repurposed, oil & gas, hot rod, tons of antiques & more.

Find us on Facebook by name.

Find us on Instagram: "vintage_camper_treasures"

Vendors wanted: 403-679-9958 NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS Estate of Eric Koivula who died on August 23rd, 2021.

If you have a claim against this Estate, you must file your claim by January 31, 2022 with GREGORY J. PROPERZI at Properzi Tims Barristers and Solicitors 9831 - 107 Street Westlock, Alberta T7P 1R9 and provide details of your claim.

If you do not file by the date above, the Estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

rry e M

r h C

! s a istm

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

Thank you for your continued support!

Guenter’s Mechanical 13024 Hwy 14 Viking, AB T0B 4N0

Gas or Diesel Mechanical Repair

780-336-1330

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021 -19

Icy roads keep Lamont County Fire Department busy ibility actually kept the

BY JOHN MATHER Both icy roads and firefighters from finding mystery smoke kept the the source of the smoke.

Lamont County Fire “It was likely coming Department busy during from a controlled burn in the first half of the area which was kept close to the ground by an December. layer,” County Fire Chief inversion Milliken.

Shayne Milliken said the explained weather had been play- “With a fog coming off ing a large part in the the river, visibility was really bad d e p a r t and we had ment's activa number of ity during vehicles hitDecember. ting the “ We ’ v e ditch on seen a lot of Dec. 12.” activity There along the were no Highway 16 injuries in corridor,” he County Fire Chief any of those said.

Shayne Milliken incidents.

Most of Milliken added there this was during a series of ice storms, with one was an accident in on Dec. 8,where three Strathcona County along tractor trailers slid off the Highway 15 and near highway near the Highway 830 on Dec. 14 entrance to Elk Island when there was a heavy snowfall.

National Park.

Milliken said with the “Most of these have been due to road condi- coming of the cold tions or failure to plan weather the department for the road conditions,” is prepared for additional structure fires as peosaid Milliken. use alternative “We also had an issue ple with smoke and fog sources to heat their along Highway 45 and homes.

“We did have a garage Highway 831,” he said.

“It was a combination of fire in Mundare last heavy ice fog and low week and that was caused by use of an alterlying smoke.”

He said the lack of vis- native heating source.”

He urged people to be careful when using fireplaces or space heaters

tives heat sources.

“We are prepared, as a department, for any inci-

and to make sure they keep combustible items away from the alterna-

dents that might arise during the holiday season.”

HOMEWISE REALTY

Kathy O’Shea 780-603-8516 kathy@keyrealtor.ca

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5

FEATURED LISTING 532027 RR164 Rural Lamont Cty Grand acreage living. 5 bdrm executive home with 3 baths conveniently located just off of Highway 16! Hot tub room for entertaining. 5.81 acres with heated shops and 90x45 cold storage. $749,900 realtor.ca E4265759

NW 20-51-14 W4 Minburn Cty 79 Acres of Pasture Land Located Only 7 KM South of Vegreville on Secondary Hwy 857. Add to your present farming operations or purchase as an investment. $165,000 realtor.ca E4259684

16025 HWY 14 near Holden Great first home or retirement property in friendly Lavoy. 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Many recent upgrades, plus detached garage and space for activities, garden, and RV storage. Must-view property. $129,500 realtor.ca E4236389

158 acres of Agricultural Land located 3km from Holden.

Mature yard site with 3 bdrm, 2 bath home. Oversized garage/shop, older barn. 75 acres Cropland, 50 acres could be converted. $499,500 realtor.ca E4247224

51025 RNG RD 143 Minburn Cty

4812 53 St., Innisfree

4819 - 51 St., Innisfree

Well maintained 2 bdrm 1 bath home in friendly community of Innisfree.

Laminate flooring, upgraded appliances, fresh paint. Value price perfect for first time buyer or retirement home. $62,500 realtor.ca E4259383

Well maintained and upgraded 4 bdrm, 2 bath home with detached garage. Many recent upgrades and spacious rooms.

Great for growing young family or retirement couple at a great price! $168,900 realtor.ca E4248863

5032 51 Ave., Lavoy

12 mins from Vegreville, 12 acres with mature yard site. Spacious 4 bdrm, 2 bath home. Grassed area and shade trees. This property has it all - space, storage, and location! A must view. $449,500 realtor.ca E4261577

May the coming season bring peace and joy and all good things; And when the holiday is through, may it’s message of hope remain with you.

Beaver Foundation, Sunshine Villa, Tofield, Holden, & Vialta Lodges

NW-20-53-14-W4 Minburn Cty Excellent opportunity to start your own farming operations. Fertile 160 acres, 80 cropland, 80 pasture. Older yard site with machine storage buildings. Pipeline crossing gives you an annual income. $549,900 realtor.ca E4270359

5003 - 50 St., Spedden

133 Brookwood Est. Minburn Cty

4502 50 St., Myrnam

Great opportunity to own a business on a main drive to Garner Lake Provincial Park in the community of Spedden. All stock and features, plus 1380 sq. ft.

4 bdrm, 3 bath home and empty lot. $269,500 realtor.ca E4268020

4.1 acres with well-maintained 1576 sq. ft. 3 bdrm, 2 bath home built in 1996.

Fireplace, jacuzzi tub, recent upgrades.

Detached garage. Country living just 10km on pavement from Vegreville. $199,500 realtor.ca E4268211

Located on the south edge of Myrnam, you will find 22.29 Acres with 3 bdrm, 2 bath home, cattle shed, barn, 3 wall machinery shed, plus misc. out buildings. Lots of potential at a value price. $285,000 realtor.ca E4268214

20 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 21, 2021

Administration and Public Works Offices Closed During the Holidays Lamont County Administration and Public Works Offices will be closed for the holidays from December 25 to December 29, 2021 and January 3, 2022. Offices will be open (available to the public through pre-booked appointment only) on December 30-31. Happy holidays!

Lamont County Holiday Greetings

Alberta Government COVID-19 Update

Watch for the Reeve’s holiday message to be posted on lamontcounty.ca and social media (Twitter and Facebook) later this week.

On behalf of Lamont County Council and staff, we would like to extend warmest wishes to all residents of Lamont County for a Christmas season filled with faith, hope and peace, and urge everyone to maintain contact with loved ones and friends by following the Alberta Health Services guidelines for gatherings, and via social media and phone over the Christmas holidays.

Stay safe and healthy, and best wishes for 2022.

Availability of Rapid Tests and Vaccine Boosters Free rapid tests are available to the public at the Lamont Health Care Centre and select pharmacy and Alberta Health Services (AHS) clinic locations across the province starting December 17. There is a limit of one test per person.

Albertans age 50+ are eligible for a COVID-19 booster (third dose) as long as it has been six months between doses).

Children 5 and older are also eligible for vaccination.

Social Gatherings Over the Holidays Albertans are asked to observe all public health measures over the holidays to help slow the spread.

Limit indoor private social gatherings to a maximum of 10 people ages 18 and older. There is no limit on those under 18.

Alberta Healthy Living Program: Free Online Workshops ps Alberta Healthy Living Program (AHLP) free workshops & classes are available virtually though online Zoom sessions or telephone for the Central Zone (including Lamont County).

Outdoor private social gatherings are limited to 20 people.

Physical distancing between households is required.

Check out: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page16878.aspx for more info.

Continue practicing good habits to protect yourself and those around you: stay home if you are feeling sick, get tested at an AHS assessment centre if you have symptoms, and take a rapid test before gathering with other households.

Tax Reminders – Installment Payment Plan, Business License Renewals, Deadlines (December 31) Tax Reminder A friendly reminder that an additional 10% penalty is applied to unpaid Lamont County taxes on January 1, 2022. If your taxes are overdue, please submit them by December 31 to avoid penalty.

Business License Renewals Reminder, business licenses issued in 2021 expire on December 31 and need to be renewed for 2022!

Tax Installment Payment Plan Reminder Lamont County offers taxpayers the ability to pay their property taxes in monthly installments by preauthorized withdrawals from their bank account, rather than in one single payment. Sign up before December 31.

Lamont County accepts cash, cheque, debit or credit card (additional fees apply) for payment of taxes and licenses; you can also use OptionPay on the Lamont County website, online or teller banking for taxes and invoices, or in person/drop box (by cheque) at the Adminsitration Building during business hours (call ahead to arrange visit, and ring the doorbell upon arrival).

Farmer Stress & Mental Health Resources Mental health is a rising, prominent issue in society, and it is becoming more apparent within the agricultural community.

If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not helpless, and you are not alone. It is OK to ask for help. The following are just some of the resources available to you: x Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 or Dial 811; x Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca; x The Support Network (Northern Alberta): 1-800-232-7299 or 780-482-HELP; x Do more Agriculture Foundation: www.domore.ag; and/or x Alberta Farmer Express: www.albertafarmexpress.ca.

For more information, contact FCSS Lamont County Region at 780-895-2233.

Regular Council & Committee of the Whole The next Regular Council Meeting and Committee of the Whole Meeting is Tuesday, January 11 starting at 9 a.m.

The public is welcome to attend. If you would like to present or speak at a meeting, please contact Legislative Services.

The meeting agenda, previous meeting minutes and a link to Microsoft Teams to attend the meeting virtually can be found at: www.lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.

CAUTION – Roadside Mulching Program m #LamontCounty Agricultural Services is working on roadside mulching from now until the end of March.

Signs are posted to enforce temporary road closures while they work. If you enter a closed area, the County will NOT be at fault for any damage to vehicles.

Please obey the signs! The Lamont County Peace Officer will be enforcing these road closures.