8 minute read
Lamont keeps running for Terry Fox
Ukrainian settlement in area celebrated in Mundare
BY JOHN MATHER
A wet, gloomy Saturday put a damper on the Hands on History festival in Mundare, Sept. 11.
Yet while it was wet outside, the meeting room at the Basilian Fathers Museum was packed as 130 years of Ukrainian settlement in the area was celebrated.
The occasion also marked the 30th anniversary of the Basilian Fathers Museum being in its current location.
A short program that had been scheduled for outside at the historic Sawchuk house was moved inside and the mudding of the walls of the building had to be postponed.
The main event began at 11 a.m. when Vegreville’s Tanya Bombak sang the national anthems of both Canada and the Ukraine in full Ukrainian national costume.
In marking the 130th anniversary, Mundare Mayor Mike Saric said it was “the fact the Ukrainian people came to this region with literally nothing and created the community that we now live in and share is amazing.
“They’ve left us a legacy that will be remembered forever.
“What they created here in our community is something newcomers can look at today and see how they were successful, and see the culture that has been left for the next generations.”
“These are the things they brought to Mundare and this region, so we are very grateful to be able to welcome you all today.”
Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk brought greetings from the province and told of her family roots going back to one of the original settlers in the area, Ivan Pylypow.
The Consul General of the Ukraine in Edmonton, Oleksandr Danyleiko, also brought greetings to the event.
“These days are full of celebrations,” he said. “A few days ago we celebrated Canadian Ukrainian Heritage Day, the twinning of Lamont County and the village of Perehinske, and now we celebrate 130 years of Ukrainian settlement in this area.
“Since the first settlers arrived, many thousands of Ukrainians have come to Canada and found their new homes here,” he said. “The Ukrainians’ colourful culture, language and centuries old traditions have already become common to the Ukrainian Canadian heritage. This heritage helps make this country great and diverse.”
He said it was his first time visiting Mundare and he was very much looking forward to touring the museum.
“I see the museum is just, just beautiful.”
Dressed in traditional Ukrainian costume, Vegreville’s Tanya Bombak was on hand at the Hands on History festival in Mundare, Sept. 13 to sing both the Canadian and Ukrainian national anthems. Fort Saskatchewan Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk brings greetings to the Hands on History Festival at the Basilian Fathers Museum, Sept. 11, while Mundare Mayor Mike Saric (left) looks on.
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Lamont adds to its fundraising during Terry Fox Run
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The annual Terry Fox Run, in Lamont Sept. 19, brought people of all ages out to honour a Canadian hero while raising money for cancer in his name.
Organizer Curt Malica, who has been involved with the annual event in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus for the past 15 years, said he feels very committed to the cause.
“It’s basically all volunteer with very little overhead so most of the money actually goes directly to cancer research,” he said. “I really believe it’s making a difference.”
While last year’s event was virtual due to COVID restrictions, Malica said it was still very successful.
“People still raised money doing their own things. The event raised $1,300 last year,” he said. This year, however, Malica said he was very satisfied with the results.
“We had 22 participants today and raised $3,985,” he said.
This year’s route map included options where participants can choose a two, five or a 10-kilometer run.
Malica added that been involved since 2000 but organizing for the past 15 years,” he said. “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer.”
While Malica was
Knights of Columbus member and Terry Fox Run organizer Curt Malica (R) sits at the Terry Fox Run registration table in Lamont, Sept. 19, with his 15year-old son Mitchell (L). Mitchell has not missed one Terry Fox Run since he was born. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Rain or shine participants in the annual Terry Fox Run begin their trek in Lamont
since the Knights of Columbus first got involved in 1988, the organization has raised an astounding $248,000. “We’ve been doing this run since 1988 and I’ve happy to welcome so many participants in the run for cancer, he was also thrilled that his 15year-old son Mitchell was on hand to help.
“Mitchell has been coming since he was a baby,” said Malica smiling down at his son. “I don’t think he has missed one year.”
Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope began after he lost his right leg to cancer in 1977 at the age of 18. After Fox ran more than 5,000 kilometres over 143 days in 1980, his cancer returned and eventually took his life on June 28, 1981 at the age of 22.
Since then, the Terry Fox Run has raised over $800 million world wide over the past 40 years for cancer research.
Thank You
To the following local businesses, who supported the Terry Fox participants by purchasing their T-shirts, or providing food & drinks.
$200 and over: Lamont Value Drug Mart Webb's Machinery General Auto and Ag Supply $100 - $200: Beaver Creek Elk Island Thrift Store Knights of Columbus, Star Council #6382
Other Coop Insurance Dental Clinic Elk Island Mechanical Pioneer Grain Lamont Grocery Smith Insurance AAA Natural Foods Town of Lamont
The Knights of Columbus
on Sept. 19. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Lamont business owner Al Carter and his wife Brenda drove their 1935 Ford V8 two door to the site of the Terry Fox Run on Sept. 19 to bring in a donation. Carter said he was too old to participate in the annual fundraiser but still wanted to help
