Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Vol. 43, No. 44
Your LOCAL Paper
Happy Halloween!
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Village of Holden Halloween is a go in Viking but with COVID protocols in place gets new mayor Patricia Harcourt Editor
Moush John
Expect to find some little ghosts and goblins, fairies and princesses coming to your door on Saturday, Oct. 31, despite coronavirus concerns. “Halloween is going ahead,” said Town of Viking CAO Don McLeod, but will be proceeding under Alberta Health Services guidelines. The rules on how to conduct oneself while trick or treating in this age of COVID-19 are designed to keep everyone safe while still having a fun time. The AHS rules state that you shouldn’t go trick or treating while feeling ill, even if they are just minor symptoms. Also, try and keep your contact with other people to a minimum by going out with your family or a cohort of people which you are used
Staff Reporter
Joy Zoopkow was sworn in as the new Mayor of Holden on Monday, Oct. 19, and took the reins from former Mayor Mark Giebelhaus. As a councillor, Zoopkow is not new to the Holden landscape, however she said that one of her challenges would be to get more familiar with the Municipal Government Act (MGA), “I pride myself in knowing my facts and will do my best to meet this challenge and others as they come.” Speaking to the fact that since Holden no longer has a school what would be some of the attractions of this little hamlet, she said, “Although it’s true that we no longer have a school here in Holden, we do have a very involved arts and cultural community. With the Paragon Theatre and The Gallery we have discovered many talents from local persons and are attracting them from farther away as well. “I’m personally involved with The Gallery and though the current format is barely two years old, we are finding the not-for-profit platform of the group very successful. “It’s also helping to ensure the restoration of a recognized historical site.” According to Zoopkow, there’s a group working towards a charter school for the village, so even though it may just be a different school village, it won’t be a no school village. “I am excited to see the outcome of this, as we also have some very determined individuals locally,” she added. “I am hoping that there is a resurgence of community involvement.” This past summer there was a group of volunteers and generous benefactors that made it possible to have three businesses painted on Holden’s Main Street, which seemed to have spurred on some home improvement for some of the residents, she explained. “The group is planning to begin
helping residents with their home improvements next year, especially those who may be unable to accomplish or afford some minor updating,” Zoopkow noted. “I look forward to helping and seeing this come to actuation and hope we can get the entire village involved.” Zoopkow said that the community needs motivation especially during such a difficult time. “In the light of the recent pandemic situation, I believe it was harder to have this in the forefront of our minds,” she stated. “I am hoping to help with inspiring this exact thing.” Having been a resident in this village for almost 20 years and volunteered in different capacities over that time period, she is aware of the goodness of Holden’s residents. “That is how I know that we have wonderful people living here as I have interacted at some point with most of them and individuals from the surrounding area. I look forward to continuing to serve and work alongside them in the future!”
to being with. Remain in the community and stay two metres, or six feet, apart at all times. Choose costumes that make it possible for a non-medical mask to be worn underneath it, but it’s also important for safety reasons that the wearer can see and breathe with comfort. Avoid touching doorbells or railings, stay two metres away from the residence while calling out “trick or treat.” Don’t used doorbells but knock if necessary, and use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces. Once you are home, always wash your hands and disinfect the packages before eating the candy, no matter how delicious it looks. The weather will also be cooperating as it is predicted the end of the week will have seasonal temperatures instead of the Arctic air and snowfall of last week.
New regional COVID cases Patricia Harcourt Editor
While COVID-19 cases are rising dramatically in the province’s largest cities, there have only been slight increases in some local jurisdictions. There have been no new cases of the virus in Viking district (Beaver County East) which encompasses the eastern half of the county. But Tofield (Beaver County West) now has four active cases, up from two last week, and the M.D. of Wainwright is also dealing with two active cases. As well, Flagstaff County had just one case reported Oct. 25 but now there are two cases reported. To the west of Flagstaff, Camrose/Camrose County’s number is now 10. To the east of Flagstaff, the M.D. of Provost has two new cases. Vegreville/Minburn County went from no cases two days ago to two active cases. And Lamont County now has four active cases. The data was updated on
Oct. 27 but applies to the end of day Oct. 26. It was reported that 1,440 new cases were recorded over the three day weekend period with Friday having 364 new cases, Saturday having 572 and Sunday having 504. Surges are highest in the Calgary Zone with 1,672 active cases and Edmonton with 2,290 active cases. The Central Zone has 165 active cases. With cases rising in Edmonton and Calgary, new mandatory and voluntary measures have been put in place to stop the spread. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta, in imposing the new limits on Monday, said the province is reaching “a tipping point and are losing the balance we are seeking.” With the rise in active cases has also come an increase in severe cases. There are currently 123 Albertans in hospital, with 16 in ICU. The death count is now at 309, with the average age of 82.
Page 14 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Special quilt from Kinsella brought in for Vialta Lodge residents Marion R. Cottrell Vialta Lodge Chatter
Vialta Lodge is grateful to report an increase in our number of residents. October 1 was the official ‘moving in’ day for a few people: Donna Tkaczyk, Emily Lefsrud, and Elizabeth (Liz) Forsyth. Coby Roeleveld also came in October while Edith Cookson and Wilda Lindsey joined us in September. Welcome to each of you. We hope to see you at our “Club ’93” resident meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month. It is a good setting to become familiar with the role we as residents play in decision making. It is with regret we report the loss of Lois Child, a long-time resident of the Viking area. We were sorry Helen Ross and Mavis Loudon had to move to different care facilities. In October, a daughter of one of our residents brought a special quilt for our viewing pleasure. The quilt had been made by the Kinsella Royal Purple ladies in 1963. There are 38 members’ names and flowers beautifully embroidered on blocks. This particular quilt had originally belonged to Ivy Mollier and appears to have never been used, or very gently used, as it is in wonderful condition. The quilting is all hand done.
What a delightful time many of us had as we read the names and shared memories of each one. I’m thinking some of these ladies were very young when they joined #163 Royal Purple Lodge! One of our current residents, Violet Lancaster, is shown here (see photo) seated in front of the quilt. Her block is the centre one on the bottom row. It would be interesting to hear of memories this photo stirs up in other people in the community. Thanks to family and friends for your visits and contacts. Much appreciated. Tuesday night Whist games have resumed on the first and third weeks of each month for residents. All the staff of Vialta Lodge play a significant daily role in our lives. During COVID-19, the work load of every department has increased tremendously. They have all risen to the challenges of applying ‘infection control’ strategy to absolutely every job and action. The addition of two high school girls to help with extra surface disinfecting in the facility and many other duties has been wonderful for us. And, I believe, for them! We want to express our thanks to every one of you for jobs well done. Thanks especially for your continued sense of
fun and laughter. We ALL need humour in our days. Thanks also to Home Care employees who are very much appreciated in the many services they provide for us. When we need them, they will come! Things I Learned from My Dog: - When your loved one comes home, always run to greet them. - Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. - Take naps. - Stretch before rising. - Run, romp, and play daily. - Don’t bite when a simple growl will do. - Delight in the simple joys of a walk. - Be loyal and never pretend to be anything that you’re not. - When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. Remember, we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Stay safe.
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The Weekly Review, Wednesday, October 28, 2020 - Page 15
Fill the Tree! We’re again raising money for the Food Bank & Community Christmas Hamper Program this year! With a minimum $5 donation, you can add your name to the tree! (donation amount not
Cash or Cheque only. Stop by The Weekly Review office in Viking or mail your donation to: Box 240, Viking, AB T0B 4N0
Weekly Review; Eric & Ally published) Anderson; Pat Harcourt; K Kerry & Michelle, Brennan, Garrett Anderson; Dustin Moroz & Alie Wagar; Dudley & Jennifer Lund; G Gerald & Carol Kalynchuk; Ron & Doreen Mizera; Freda Otto; Gerard & Dolly Wadley; Sonya So Maxwell; Lydia Hanson
Last 2 years, we’ve raised $2,810! It’s been a tough year, let’s do what we can again for those in need!
YOUR NAME HERE
We don’t keep a single dime. It ALL goes to the right place!
! T R A T S O T Y L R A E O O T R E IT’S NEV