December 18 Tofield Mercury

Mercury The Tofield

$1 GST INCLUDED Vol. 102 Issue 17, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Established in 1918 in Tofield, Alberta

CW Sears performs Christmas Concert to packed audiences

Long Term Care staff recognized by Tofield & Area Health Foundation

Tofield School’s Cookie Walk raises funds for Class of 2020

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Tofield Peewee 1 win gold at Pat Donnan Memorial Tournament Tofield Tier 4 Peewees beat Sylvan Lake in the final 4-3 to take gold this past weekend at the Pat Donnan Memorial Tournament. See pages 14 and 15 for story and images. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

CW Sears performs Christmas Concert to packed audiences Moush John

Tofield Mercury

The Annual Christmas Concert at CW Sears School was held on Thurs-

day, Dec. 12 at The House instead of the school gymnasium, and it was packed to capacity for both shows as friends and familes came out to support the students.

There were two shows – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“The Christmas concert was a success! Special thanks to our music teacher Cheryl Laxdal for

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all of her effort and enthusiasm,” said Principal Emily Coykendall. “Students did their best practicing daily for weeks learning their songs, and finally did a great job of their performances and the audience loved the sing-along Christmas carols!”

Once the individual acts were over, all the classes came up on stage and performed a few songs, with audience participation.

“Thank you to the community for coming out and showing your support for our school,” Coykendall added. “Community members generously donated 185 lbs. of food and $78 in cash for the Tofield, Ryley and Area Food Bank as their admission to the concert.”

Coykendall said that she really appreciated the support of the great community CW Sears is a part of.

“Thank you everyone, and warm wishes for a Merry Christmas from everyone here at CW Sears School.”

Continued on Page 14

TOP: CW Sears students perform altogether on the stage at the end of the individual acts. BOTTOM: Principal Emily Coykendall addresses the audience after the show. MOUSH JOHN PHOTOS

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page 3

Long Term Care staff recognized

by Health Services Foundation Moush John Tofield Mercury

Last Thursday, Dec. 12, the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation recognized Long Term Care staff – Nicole Kulba and Veronica Westlake.

Present at the occasion were Chair Brenda Chehade and Board Member Yvonne Brown, who presented them with flowers and cheque.

“I feel it’s very important to recognize anyone that is doing great things in and for our community,” Chehade said.

Kulba, who is the recreation therapist was the recipient of the 2019 Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) Innovative Practice

Award. The provincial award is given to a professional who has developed innovative practice or research in therapeutic recreation, as well as demonstrating the sharing of knowledge and expertise with other professionals.

Kerri Appleton, president of the ATRA Board presented the award to Kulba earlier this year.

Also felicitated was Veronica Westlake, whose dedication of over 10 years to the Tuck Shop has been invaluable.

Chehade added, “It’s important that people know what they are doing or have done; it means a lot to the community and they certainly deserve a pat on the back! All board members feel the same,

and we’re very happy to recognize them.”

Westlake has been volunteering with the Alberta Health Services (AHS) for more than 10 years, and has been committing about 60

hours per month on an average. She is also the purchaser for the shop, going on shopping trips to ensure that she has the most wonderful gifts for both patients and residents.

The Tofield Mercury Holiday Hours Final newspaper of 2019 on newsstands Wednesday, Dec. 18 (Ad deadline: Monday, Dec. 16 by 5:00)

First paper of 2020 is on Friday, Jan. 3 We are closed: Dec. 19 – 26, 2019 Re-open: Dec. 27, 30, & 31, 2019 We are closed: Jan. 1, 2020 Re-open: Jan. 2, 2020

TOP: Nicole Kulba (centre), recreation therapist at the Tofield Long Term Care, was presented with a bouquet and cheque by Brenda Chehade, right, and Yvonne Brown. BOTTOM: Veronica Westlake, right, receives her cheque from Chehade. MOUSH JOHN PHOTOS

Council Corner Bad communication, questions plague government policing announcement In September of 2019, the Alberta Government provided a webinar presentation for all Alberta municipalities. The focus of the webinar was on policing in Alberta. The specifics were targeting a review of the police act, as well as the potential for cost sharing across the province, which could affect each municipality, both urban and rural.

The discussion on cost was based upon the fact that municipalities under the threshold of 5,000 for population do not pay for policing services. Also, rural districts and counties under the police act do not have a direct cost associated with policing. The notion of equalizing costs across the province has been discussed by the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) for some time. This association has asked for a review of the police act and a more equal sharing of costs.

At the time of the webinar, there were multiple scenarios that were presented and discussed that could have a financial impact on municipalities. The key take away at that time was that this information was simply that, just information. The Alberta Government had not stated this would in fact be coming, we were simply advised that a thorough re-

view would be taking place and further information would be coming in the future.

Last week, via media this information was made public. There was no forewarning for the municipalities, each of us were informed of these changes the same way as anyone else watching the publicized news.

This was a shock, as traditionally something of this magnitude would see a formal letter from the Minister of Justice, and/or the Minister of Municipal Affairs. This approach would be taken to prepare the municipalities for what would be released to the media and would prepare them for questions and concerns from the electorate. This was not done. It left Tofield with having to source the information from multiple government sources, and, to date; there has still not been an official response nor notice supplied by either Minister.

Now, how will this impact Tofield, especially in what has already seen

our planning for budget 2020. There has been a release of a five year snapshot on costs for Tofield. Year one sees a cost of $41,564 and years four and five escalate to $124,782 dollars. In these costs what does this mean on a multitude of levels, does this cost equate to better service provision and more members being placed in the community? Also, when will this cost be imposed on Tofield, as there are multiple responses on the timing of the billing. The final question which is paramount for our citizens is how will this impact taxation? At the time of this release, the answers to these questions cannot be provided.

A response from Mayor and Council on this piece is that we are each aware of the need to share costs and to distribute these costs in a fair and equitable fashion. The issue lies in how this has come forward. The communication from the Government has been atrocious.

Honour the past...

Build the Future

There has been little to no time to prepare for something of this magnitude. Mayor and Councils’ first responsibility is to that of the community. With these costs, what detriment will this then provide to Tofield? In what is likely to be a difficult budget year, what does this now do to anticipated projects and amenities for the community?

As was highlighted by Mayor Dueck on Global News, our community has been impacted by property crime, vandalism and theft. Will these costs equate to a decrease in our Crime Severity Index? Sadly, time will tell. Also, impacts or potential impacts on taxation are too premature to tell. What can be said is that the communication and timing of this announcement has put many municipalities in a very difficult position for 2020.

Respectfully submitted, Mayor and Council

Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Bird Count held successfully Joyce Sinclair Guest Columnist

Plans were once again in progress for the up-

coming Christmas Bird Count for Tofield and vicinity, which took place on Saturday, Dec. 14.

We had appealed to in-

terested individuals who may be feeding birds on their property or know of their presence in their locale.

Obituary Ellen Dunn

Ellen Dunn passed away peacefully on December 12, 2019 at the age of 98 years.

She was born July 3, 1921 to John and Jessie Morrow and was raised on the family homestead at Deville, Alberta. She is survived by her children Carol (Malcolm) Barr, Margaret (Roger)

Fournier, Marion (Brian) Harry, and Gordon Dunn; sister Peggy Cook; and many precious grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband John; and sister Jean Faulkner.

Ellen attended Normal School in Edmonton and taught at Woodlawn and in Tofield. After marrying she returned to Deville to farm with Johnny and raise their four children. Ellen returned to teaching as the Principal of Ministik School from 1963 to 1977. In retire-

ment she became an accomplished oil painter and she and Johnny travelled extensively.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2020 at the Tofield United Church with Rev. Adam Hall officiating. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bethany Group Foundation or to the Tofield United Church.

Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 www.weberfuneralhome.ca

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The process for the count took only minutes – to visually observe and count the number of individual birds seen and recorded.

The totals were then either called in to the area compiler, which is me, either by phone at 780-6624100 or via email sinclairinc@outlook.com .

If you have any questions, you can get in touch with me.

This year was the 120th year of the counts’ inception, but 29 years of it taking place locally in Tofield and area.

Bird Studies Canada and the National Audubon Society based in United States partner the information gathered by well over 55,000 citizen scientists from across the Western Hemisphere.

This invaluable database assists biologists assessing population trends in wintering birds.

Last year’s event in the Tofield region netted 23 species on a blustery, windswept day with the conditions challenging to spot birds and so this year it was comparatively favourable weather.

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TOWN OF TOFIELD NOTICE ALL TAXES REMAINING UNPAID AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2019 will have an eighteen (18%) percent penalty added thereto. Payments will be accepted if the post marked date on the envelope is December 31, 2019.

Please be advised that The Town of Tofield Office will be closed December 24th, 25th, 26th, & 27th, 2019 and January 1st, 2020.

Cindy Neufeld Chief Administrative Officer

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“It is finished.”

Your knees bend down, Your nose to the ground, Only He can save you.

Those who do not take heed, But live in greed, The world will soon be given.

But know this all, ye damned, Well, it’s from the pits of hell, You will suffer and cry.

In the first three years, through blood and tears, Two billion of you will die.

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The world will be cruel, Jesus was the tool, Safety is Jesus and your submission.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page 5

Loose Ends: The great debate

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

Did you know there is an annual debate about which Christmas song is the best of all time? I’m not sure how it began or

who takes part, the singers, the players, or the listeners – or if they just poll harried Christmas shoppers who might say anything just to get out of the mall alive.

Certainly not me, because I have only heard one of the songs, which are the same ones every year. Doesn’t sound fair to me but I suppose they can’t argue for recent titles.

Oh wait, is Mariah Carey really an old crone

in a very good disguise?

Because her “All I want for Christmas is you” is high on the list. Or is the hunt really for Mariah’s best-selling single of all time? In any case, she won’t make my list because she ain’t country.

Maybe, if Keith Urban or Reba comes out with a version.

They don’t include Christmas carols – but if they were, mine would be O Holy Night. Not that I dislike any of them; I enjoy them all in vary-

ing degrees, except when played on the radio too frequently. But sometimes after decorating the tree I sit in the glow and twinkle of the lights and just listen to carols. And I can feel the Grinch in me being replaced with the Christmas spirit, for a while, anyway.

No one’s asked, but I have some holiday ditties that wouldn’t make my Nice list, like the one that thinks it’s funny to run over grandma with a sleigh; and there’s those

Tofield Subway broken into Cpl. Sheryl Cody Tofield RCMP

During the last week, Tofield RCMP responded to 38 calls for service; three of which were motor vehicle collisions.

On Dec. 10, Tofield RCMP responded to a multi family dwelling following up on a noise complaint for a party.

Members attended and the party was shut down.

No further complaints were received.

During the early morning hours, Tofield RCMP were dispatched to a suspicious person’s call near Range Road 181 & Township 492. The complainant reported a female trying to get into her house, stating that she was out of gas and needed fuel. On route to the dispatch address, members located a F250 truck with a male in the driver’s seat. The truck was stolen out of Vermillion, and the plate did not match the vehicle. The male was placed under arrest. When the RCMP arrived at the dispatch address, they located the female in question in a truck on the rural property. She was trying to start the vehicle, and in the

process had destroyed the ignition. She was subsequently arrested and charged. Both parties were held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing. The female was charged with Theft of truck, obstruction x 2, and mischeif under $5000 x 2. She was released on a Recognizance by a Justice of the Peace with a $2,000 no cash bail to report to Vegreville Court on Jan. 6, 2020. The male was charged with PSP over $5,000 x 2, Prohibited Operation of a motor vehicle, Drive uninsured motor vehicle, and Display of improper plate.

He was released on a $3,000 no cash Recognizance to appear in Vegreville Court on Jan. 29, 2020. The male was subsequently held to be shipped back to Saskatchewan on outstanding warrants from Biggar, SK. On Dec. 11, Tofield RCMP were called to assist EMS with an unconscious female. Members attended and it was determined to be medical in nature. The female was transported to Tofield Hospital for treatment by EMS. Tofield RCMP were dispatched to a breakand-enter to the Subway

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Sandwich shop on Dec. 16. The front door had been smashed and the till stolen with about $1,500.

There was no alarm on the door so the breakand-enter was not noticed until morning staff came to open the store.

This file is still under investigation.

There was a break in the shed at the back of Busy Bee Bargain Shop in Tofield. The lock was removed from the shed door and some Grinch stole the Christmas decorations. Neighbourhood enquiries were completed with no witnesses found.

Phone scams continue to be a problem during the Christmas season.

There have been scammers using the cover of Canada Revenue and most recently Canada Pension. DO NOT GIVE ANY INFORMATION TO THESE PEOPLE OVER THE PHONE. The

annoying dogs barking Jingle Bells, I think – I’ve never listened long enough to know for sure.

The current Naughty list headliner is about the Grinch (not me, the other one), especially the version sung by what sounds likes Darth Vader. Dear Santa, please run me over with your sleigh so I never have to hear it again!

The one song I know is ‘Baby, its cold outside,’ and aren’t we lucky

they’ve given us a new sanitized version?

Why, I didn’t even realize it was about sexual harassment. I’ve always thought it was a guy asking someone he loved to come in out of the cold.

At this rate, we’ll soon only be allowed to hum the carols we’ve loved since we were kids, and never in mixed company.

Oh-oh, the Grinch is back!

Merry Christmas everyone, and all the best in 2020.

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Have a Safe and Festive holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Tofield RCMP.

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On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, we wish to extend this note of thanks to the physicians and other health professionals in rural communities who have contributed to the education of our medical learners throughout the past year.

Despite the complex healthcare issues in rural and regional Alberta communities, these teams continue to rise to the challenge of supporting their communities and looking toward the future. Their dedication is greatly appreciated.

We also extend our gratitude to the community as a whole, which welcomes these learners and exposes them to the richness of rural life. Without your kindness and acceptance, our learners would not have received such a valuable and memorable experience. We greatly appreciate and look forward to your continued support and partnership in the future.

Thank you for supporting our future physicians!

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Email: randrh@ualberta.ca

Phone: 780-662-0112 51136 Range Road 212 - Only 20 minutes from Sherwood Park or Tofield.

In support of the Bissell Centre we are holding a Fill The Horse Trailer Clothing Drive. Please bring clean, gently used clothes in a plastic bag to the clinic and help us fill the trailer. We are accepting donations until December 20th.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at West Wind Vet Hospital!

Holiday Hours: Dec. 23 - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Dec. 24, 25 & 26 Closed, Dec. 27 & 30 - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 - Closed Equine Emergency 24/7, 365 days.

Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Keep the conversation going!

Facebook.com/TofieldMercury Twitter.com/TofieldMercury

Opinion

Email us your letter to the editor: news.tofield@gmail.com

The right woman is available for the job

EDITORIAL Kerry Anderson Tofield Mercury Publisher

In the brutally cruel world of politics, leaders who do not win elections can be cast aside with extreme prejudice. That seems to be what happened this week to Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer, who said he will resign upon the party naming a new leader.

Despite losing the election to Liberal PM Trudeau, Scheer led his party to 22 more seats in Parliament. Despite a Howdy Doody-like appearance and personna, the real Andrew Scheer never really did stand up.

Just who is Andrew Scheer? Is he the rising star he once appeared to be? At only 25 years old he was named a Conservative candidate winning in the 2004 federal election.

At 27, he was named Assistant Deputy Chairman of Committees of the Whole. In

2011 he became the Speaker of the House of Commons, the youngest ever in Canadian history. Then at the age of 38 he was named leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Quite a resume, but despite that there seems to be ambiguous sides to Andrew Scheer. He claimed to be a former insurance salesman, yet never sold a policy. Scheer was a Catholic who didn’t believe in abortion or equal marriage, yet could never seem to articulate to the media his reasons which were obviously religious in nature – and that should be okay. Scheer wanted to become Canadian Prime Minister, yet he held dual Canadian and American citizenships, had filed US tax returns and was actually registered for the draft under the U.S. Selective Service System and could be conscripted into the United States Armed Forces in the event of a national emergency. Geez.

Scheer criticized PM Justin Trudeau’s elitism yet was making $280,000 per year as

Published Wednesday of each week by: The Tofield Mercury 5312 - 50 Street P.O. Box 150, Tofield, AB T0B 4J0 Ph: (780) 662-4046 Fax: (780) 662-3735 news.tofield@gmail.com

Opposition Leader, had free housing in a mansion and free food cooked by a chef. In addition to all that, he had his party members pay for his children’s private schooling.

The long knives were already out in the Conservative Party wanting him to resign sooner rather than later, but this private schooling news hitting the media was the final straw. Scheer was left with no choice but to be fired or resign, and he chose the later.

But with every negative action, there can be

a positive reaction: A blessing in disguise as they say.

Throughout the history of the Conservative Party in Canada there has been but two female leaders.

Kim Campbell became party leader and Prime Minister in June 1993 when she replaced Brian Mulroney yet was defeated in a federal election just over four months later. Rona Ambrose was interim party leader from November 2015 to May 2017 and because of that could not run for

the party leadership Scheer eventually won.

I am a believer in hiring by merit and not by race, gender or sexuality; yet in my opinion there is a very strong female candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party at this very moment.

Truthfully, she was always already there.

Rona Ambrose, 50, is an intelligent politician and tremendous speaker whose resume includes; interim Leader of the Opposition and Conservative Party, Minister of

Health, Minister of Public Works, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, Minister of Labour, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Privy Council and Minister of the Environment. Plus she has a likability Scheer lacked.

Perhaps it is time for a woman’s touch, when it comes to putting the Conservative Party back into position to lead this country from the ruin PM Justin Trudeau will no doubt have left it in. I hope so.

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Moush John

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*Advertisements designed, set, and produced by The Tofield Mercury, as well as original photographs, articles and columns, editorial content, and other printed materials are protected by copyright and may not be used or reproduced without the expressed and signed written consent of The Tofield Mercury. In addition, we reserve the right to edit, delay, and/or refuse any and all material submitted to us without notice. Submitted Letters to the Editor and Opinion columns reflect the exclusive thoughts and opinions of the article’s author, and do not represent those of this publication, nor its publisher and staff.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page 7

Tofield School’s Cookie Walk fundraiser Kylie Kuflay Student Reporter

The Cookie Walk was hosted in the Tofield School Gymnasium, and ran from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

“This was my first year being in charge of this fundraiser,” said Mari-

anne Paul. “There were three parents who worked really hard to make the Cookie Walk run as smoothly as possible.”

Paul added that these parents helped make the notes that were sent home in students' school bags and they created

Make sure they know you want your vehicle brought to

flyers, which were put up all over town.

Grade 12 students participating in the Cookie Walk had to bake 12 dozen cookies.

“I think this is a fantastic fundraiser, for grads and the community,” remarked Paul. “I think graduating classes should do the Cookie Walk every year.”

Paul said fundraiser brings the community closer during the holidays and is often expected by local people every year. She also added that the anticipation for this event helps Continued on Page 16

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Tofield and Area Church Directory Tofield Alliance Bardo Lutheran Church 48 St. 57 Ave., Tofield Church Pastor - Calvin Andringa

Sunday Worship - 10:00 am

780-662-3411

Sun. Mornings: 10:30 am

Salem Mennonite Church Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2364

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Holden United Church

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Jeremy Koloski helped a community member pick out her cookies, and helped carry all of her baked goods during the event. KYLIE KUFLAY PHOTO

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No one knows our heartaches.

Only those who have lost can tell Of the grief we bear in silence For the one we loved so well.

Lovingly remembered and deeply missed

by Laura and family

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page 9

Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Chronicle The Beaver County

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, December 18, 2019, Volume 12, Issue 51

County plans for cuts instead of raising mill rates - $1.1 million shortfall in uncollectable taxes must be made up Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council held a wide ranging discussion around the 2020 budget Dec. 4. The choice was between raising mill rates in light of provincial downloading or making cuts to services and programs.

The discussion favoured cuts and council is again meeting Dec. 18 (this week) for further attempts to keep costs down in light of fallen revenues.

At that meeting, council will consider approving the 2020 interim budget with total expenditures of $24.1 million and total tax levy of $12.4 million.

Direction was given Dec. 4 for various possible cuts that would influence the upcoming budget.

This includes a consideration to fully suspend the dust control program for 2020, not entering into a contract for calcium supply and allowing residents to seek private dust control once product is approved by administration.

The county is dealing with at least $220,000 in provincial cutbacks to municipalities. Provincially legislated changes are expected to affect the non residential assessment regulations to the tune of at least $995,000.

As well, a "significant increase" of $1.1 million is expected in uncollectable non residential taxes, most of which are linear in nature.

"Administration has made best efforts to balance the budget without a mill rate increase and found savings to mitigate the provincial budget cutbacks and loss in assessment," stated financial officers Margaret Jones (Assistant CAO) and Ed Bujnowicz (Director) in a report to council.

But there will still be a financial shortfall of $1.2 million attributed to the uncollected county taxes.

Jones predicted that "more changes are coming" as policing costs are also to be downloaded, also referring to "historically high levels of uncollected non residential taxes," of $1.1 million. The county's assessment base has dropped $47 million. Wells and linear is down 35 per cent.

"We don't see it returning in the foreseeable future," she said. "If we don't increase the mill rate we will be short $1 million."

Leaving the situation as is, Jones said the county would have $955,186 less in tax revenues. She referred to a graph showing "a sharp dive in assessment and tax levy."

"It's the uncollected taxes on machinery and equipment that's killing us," said Jones.

"This is horrible but you're doing the best you can," replied Councillor Kevin Smook (Division 1).

Smook discussed shared services agreements while Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) questioned the cost of raising the mill rate.

Jones said 1 mill rate equals $122,000, calling a rise of 10 mill rates equalling the needed $1 million "not palatable."

Reeve Jim Kallal (Division 2) once again brought up the cost of the two county campgrounds. "We spent $570,000 for campgrounds last year," he said, participating through a teleconferencing call. "I think we all understand we're going to have to give quite a haircut (to the budget)."

Jones replied that, with 98 per cent of the shortfall due to uncollected taxes, "we have a revenue problem."

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) said he would take the hit for suggesting deep cuts rather than raising taxes.

"Instead of downloading the cost onto the ratepayer maybe we should tighten our belts," he said, suggesting the county "sticks to last year's numbers.

"If we don't take from Peter we don't have to give to Paul," he said, referring to the suspension of dust control for one year.

"I think the people will understand it," he said, but then said, "I know the phone will ring off the hook…We've got to lead by example," noting he preferred $1 million in cuts to a substantial tax increase.

The Community Hall Program and rural road programs were discussed.

A motion by Hrabec was passed that the county freeze all 2020 funding under the shared services agreements to the lesser of the submitted amount or the county's 2019 budget amount, including all agreements between Beaver County, towns of Viking and Tofield, and villages of Holden and Ryley.

"The programs we cut…we're going to hear about them," he said. Smook called the discussion "a good exercise," noting the county would save $300,000 from the calcium program alone.

Hrabec suggested informing other municipalities of the county's intentions. "It won't be a good Christmas present," he said, "…but I think we need to be blunt," and give the boards and commissions "as much notice as possible as they are working on their budgets, too."

"I think everybody knows we're in a tight squeeze," said Kallal.

A motion by Hrabec for the county "to suspend all capital funding for all capital purchases for all

community organizations and regional services commissions" was tabled until Dec. 18's meeting.

Smook said he was "dead set against this one," referring to a meeting he would be attending that evening for budget discussions at the Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC).

"I know these are dire times but it puts zero dollars in for the fire halls," said Smook.

Reeve Kallal added: "It's kind of going at the jugular."

"We have to get that $1 million taken off," said Hrabec. "We've got to move forward…It's important to give administration direction."

A motion to reduce the Community Support Grants from $250,000 to $75,000 for 2020 was passed unanimously. Also included was a direction to bring the Community Support Policy back for a review.

As for dust control, Kallal said he considered it an essential service that the county shouldn't put on the ratepayer.

Hrabec had suggested perhaps the county could do the work but get the entire amount from the ratepayer rather than paying 50 per cent of the cost as it now does.

"Desperate times require desperate measures," said Smook, whose motion to discontinue the dust control program subsidy for one year passed.

"I'm totally not in favour," said Kallal, after the motion. "Dust control is a happy medium between nothing and providing paved service roads." He called it a health issue and a service.

"We can still offer the service at cost," said Hrabec.

Kallal replied: "I do feel we owe it to our ratepayers especially in high traffic areas, calling it a "small budget item." He opposed the motion.

He added: "I think we're in the deep end of the pool when it comes to fire protection service."

Also discussed was taking $177,000 out of the Beaver Municipal Solutions dividend funding and putting it toward the deficit.

CAO Bob Beck said: "We'll have to pass an interim unbalanced budget as a work in progress…We still have heavy lifting to do in January to March to make cuts."

He noted that, "administration has a list of its own we can look at in the New Year."

Both Hrabec and Bruce felt the ratepayers should be made aware of council's intentions, and get feedback.

The final 2020 budget is not usually completed until April or May following an interim budget at the end of December.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, December 18, 2019

Christmas in the Country celebrated in Viking

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Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson brings greetings on behalf of Beaver County during the Christmas Luncheon in Viking Dec. 6.

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Beaver County Chronicle, December 18, 2019 - 3

County Reeve steps down as committee chair Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Reeve Jim Kallal resigned from his position as facilitator and chair of the Municipally Controlled Corporation Committee at an MCC meeting Dec. 5.

The committee is coordinating the change over of Beaver Municipal Solutions (BMS), a regional landfill near Ryley, to corporation status.

Taking over as chair for the MCC is Deb Dueck, who is mayor of the Town of Tofield and former MCC deputy chair. Jason Ritchie, mayor for the Town of Viking, is the new Deputy Chair of the MCC. Taking Kallal’s place as the county’s representative is Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec.

Kallal agreed to step down during a Beaver County Council meeting the previous day. But as Reeve, Kallal still has questions concerning the implementation of the municipally controlled corporation, and expressed the desire at council for answers prior to the

incorporation proceeding.

Both Kallal and Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec have asked for clarification of several issues, including long standing problems of odour control, mud tracked onto the highway, and birds in the area called cumulative effects.

The county also wants to have an equal part of the BMS Good Neighbour Grant as Ryley now receives. Ryley gets about twothirds more of the funding than the county does.

County Council also felt that the communication and perception of Claystone versus BMS was not being made clear, and that information was not being posted in a way that the public can easily access it.

Both have taken the stance that these issues need to be addressed before BMS incorporates and becomes Claystone Inc. However, Kallal said the answer from BMS was that these were issues best left to the newly incorporated board to resolve in 2021, which he found unsatisfactory.

Have a Happy Holiday Season

Other members of the MCC committee have complained the process is being held up on items that are not part of the incorporation process. The other municipalities including the towns of Viking and Tofield and villages of Holden and Ryley, recently passed motions accepting the business plan for the new entity.

This paves the way for a public hearing, or hearings, to take place, once Beaver County has accepted the business plan.

That move is being considered at the Dec. 18 meeting of council this week.

Beaver County has requested that only one public hearing be held in Ryley so other municipalities can hear the concerns of local residents in the village and surrounding countryside.

Tofield has decided to hold its own public hearing, rejecting that idea, but also plans to attend the hearing in Ryley. Monday night Viking Council agreed to only attend the one hearing in Ryley with the county.

Services

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FCSS Community Programmer (Ryley/Tofield) quality of life of our community members.

Community Programmer.

Community Programmer (Ryley/Tofield) Date Posted:

December 9, 2019 January 10, 2020

line: Hours: Wage:

$22.00 per hour

Role Requirements

•

The development of programs and services that: o

Promote social development for children and families;

o

Enrich and strengthen the family unit;

o

Enrich and enhance the quality of life for older adults;

o

• • • • • • •

o

Promote volunteerism in the community;

o

Inform community members of resources and other services available to them within or outside of their community.

Knowledge of the Village of Ryley, Town of Tofield and Beaver County is an asset.

The ability to work with community members across the lifespan (children, youth, adults and seniors).

The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

-related experience in a related Human Services field would be an asset. The candidate must possess a valid driver’s licence, his/her own Check.

Interested applicants may submit their resume by fax, mail or email to:

Box 1058, 5407-50 Street, Tofield, AB, T0B 4J0 Email: tboastradley@tofieldalberta.ca Direct Line: 780-662-7066 Facsimile: 780-662-7067

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, December 18, 2019

Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice of Public Hearing

ADOPTION OF THE HOLDEN/BEAVER INTERMUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN VILLAGE OF HOLDEN BYLAW 4-2019 BEAVER COUNTY BYLAW 19-1079

ADOPTION OF THE VIKING/BEAVER INTERMUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF VIKING BYLAW 2019-686 BEAVER COUNTY BYLAW 19-1081

The Village of Holden and Beaver County wish to repeal the existing Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) and adopt a new IDP to address future land use and development, provision of transportation systems, coordination of intermunicipal programs, environmental matters, and other matters related to the physical, social, or economic development adjacent to the common boundary between the two municipalities.

The Town of Viking and Beaver County wish to repeal the existing Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) and adopt a new IDP to address future land use and development, provision of transportation systems, coordination of intermunicipal programs, environmental matters, and other matters related to the physical, social, or economic development adjacent to the common boundary between the two municipalities.

The IDP area is the land within the County and adjacent to the Village as shown below:

The IDP area is the land within the County and adjacent to the Town as shown below:

The Councils of the Village of Holden and Beaver County have scheduled a joint public hearing to consider arguments for and against the proposed bylaws to adopt the new IDP. The public hearing will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020, at 7:00 pm, in the Village of Holden Office. You are invited to attend the public hearing to express your views.

A copy of the proposed bylaws and IDP are available at the Village of Holden Office and the Beaver County Service Centre in Ryley during regular business hours or on-line at www.village.holden.ab.ca or www.beaver.ab.ca.

If you wish to speak at the public hearing, please register in advance by contacting the Village of Holden Office, attention Sherry Garbe, CAO, at 780-688-3928 or at vholden@telusplanet.net. Written submissions may be provided to Holden and Beaver County Councils during the public hearing, however it is requested that a copy of the written submission be delivered to Sherry Garbe, CAO, at the Village Office or by e-mail on or before 4:00 pm, January 13, 2020.

If you submit comments regarding the bylaw in writing, the information you provide may be made public, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Sherry Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer Village of Holden Box 357 4810 50 Street Holden, AB T0B 2C0

Bob Beck, Chief Administrative Officer Beaver County Box 140 5120 50 Street Ryley, AB T0B 4A0

Beaver County Holiday Hours

The Councils of the Town of Viking and Beaver County have scheduled a joint public hearing to consider arguments for and against the proposed bylaws to adopt the new IDP. The public hearing will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020, at 5:30 pm, in the Viking Carena Complex (Louis Sutter Boardroom). You are invited to attend the public hearing to express your views.

A copy of the proposed bylaws and IDP are available at the Town of Viking Office and the Beaver County Service Centre in Ryley during regular business hours or on-line at www.viking.ca or www.beaver.ab.ca.

If you wish to speak at the public hearing, please register in advance by contacting the Town of Viking Office, attention Don McLeod, CAO, at 780-336-3466 or at cao@viking.ca.

Written submissions may be provided to Viking and Beaver County Councils during the public hearing, however it is requested that a copy of the written submission be delivered to Don McLeod, CAO, at the Town Office or by e-mail on or before 4:00 pm, January 13, 2020.

If you submit comments regarding the bylaw in writing, the information you provide may be made public, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Don McLeod, Chief Administrative Officer Town of Viking Box 369 5120 45 Street Viking, AB T0B 4N0

Bob Beck, Chief Administrative Officer Beaver County Box 140 5120 50 Street Ryley, AB T0B 4A0

Notice of Development Permit The following Development Application has been APPROVED (except where otherwise noted) by the Development Officer under the provisions of Land Use Bylaw No. 98-801, subject to the right of appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

APPEAL DEADLINE: January 02, 2019 Application No. 020020-19-D0053 Applicant: Carl Rudzki Location: Plan 782 2156; Block 2; Lot 1 NE-19-51-19-W4 Development: Reduce Side Yard Setback for Garage from 6.1 m (20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) to 3.1 m (10â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) and Garage Door/Opener Mobile Repair Business Any person wishing to appeal a decision may do so by serving written notice on the prescribed form (stating reasons for the appeal) and submitting the applicable fee of $200.00 to the Secretary of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at the following address. The notice of appeal must be submitted before 4:30 pm on the appeal deadline date shown above, or be postmarked by the appeal deadline date. The prescribed form is available at www.beaver.ab.ca or at the County office. Further information regarding the above decision(s) may be obtained from the County Office, Ryley, Alberta.

SECRETARY Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Beaver County, Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0

(780) 663-3730

Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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CLASSIFIED AD RATES $10.75 first 25 words 39¢ each additional word PICTURE BOLD $10.00 $5.00 WEEKLY REVIEW Ph. 780-336-3422 Email: vikingreview @gmail.com

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LAMONT LEADER Ph. 780-895-2780 Email: lmtleader @gmail.com ____________________ COMING EVENTS EVENTS COMING New Years Eve Party Viking Seniors Centre Bring Your Favourite Snack No Alcohol Cards, Games, Prizes Everyone Welcome Doors Open 7:30 p.m.

51c ____________________ LUTEFISK SUPPER Golden Valley Lutheran Church Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 at 6:30 p.m Tickets are $25 ADVANCE ONLY Contact Muriel at 336-2444 49/50c ____________________ FOR FOR RENT RENT For Sale or Rent to Own mobile home in Viking. $18,500. 780-336-6375 51/01p

EADER

Serving

Lamont

county

3 papers for the price of 1!

____________________ FOR RENT RENT FOR

____________________ HAY FOR FOR SALE HAY SALE

____________________ HELP WANTED WANTED HELP

____________________ SERVICES SERVICES

____________________ SERVICES SERVICES

House for rent in Viking.

2 bedrooms upstairs, 1 downstairs. Double stall garage. 4 appliances.

Close to school and hospital. $850/month plus utilities. Available December 1. Call 780-385-0885 or 780-385-1524.

Hay for sale.

ALF/TM/BR/CW mix.

Shedded, small square bales $8. Round bales $80. Minimal rain. Phone late evenings 780-9424107.

Round Hay Bales for sale.

Timothy, orchard grass and tall fescue mix. $60.00 each. 780-7217184

Carpet and upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial. Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning.

Auto and RV cleaning.

Call Glenn and Cindi Poyser, Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at (780) 384-3087 tfnc ____________________ Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780662-0146 or 780-2323097.

TM33tfnc ____________________ PHIL’S CLEANING AND JANITORIAL SERVICES Residential and Commercial Cleaning •Strip and Wax Floors •Steam Cleaning •Window and Wall Washing •Move Out Clean •Yard Work - Grass Cutting •Tree Cutting & Trimming Great references and flexible hours.

Your Home is Safe with Me! Contact Naz 780-385-4869 or Criselda 780-385-8976

Need to re-order:

45tfnc ____________________ Townhouse for rent in Viking. $900/month plus utilities. Contact 780-3855287.

51tfnc ____________________ House for rent in Viking.

2 bedrooms. Close to School, Clinic, and Hospital. $850/ month includes utilities.

Available immediately.

Call 780-336-6089 or 780-336-6088 34tfnc ____________________ 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom.

Air conditioning. Washer, dryer, fridge, stove, microwave. $650/month plus utilities. Preferably no pets. 5002-59 ave, Viking. 780-385-1137.

30tfnc ____________________ Spacious Apartments for rent in Tofield with insuite laundry. Heat & water included. Ideal for family/seniors. 1) 2 bedroom - $800/month. 2) 3 bedroom - $975/month (2 baths). Contact: 780-9320041.

TMtfnp ____________________ HAYFOR FOR SALE HAY SALE

LL50/10p ____________________ HELP WANTED WANTED HELP Vegreville Family Dental, located next to the Boston Pizza in Vegreville is looking for a very enthusiastic Registered Dental Hygienist to join our team on a part time basis.

Our practice is committed to and focused on providing excellent quality patient care.

We are looking for someone who is professional, reliable, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, is warm and friendly with patients.

We offer competitive wages commensurate with experience as well as a great and friendly work environment!

We would be willing to compensate for travel as well.

If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please apply to vegredental@gmail.com.

All applications will be treated confidential.

Thank you!

Big Round Alfalfa/Timothy Hay Bales.

Net wrapped, Approx. 1200 lbs., Good Quality, $100 / Bale Can deliver 40 Bale Loads, Vilna, Alberta 780-210-0800 51/01c ____________________ Hay for Sale - Round hardcore bales, Alfalfa/Mixed Grasses.

Call 780-662-4800.

tfnc ____________________ APIARIES OF ALBERTA are looking for Five Apiary Technicians $16$18/hr depending on experience for full time (40+hrs/wk) employment March thru October 2020.

Must have a min of 3 years (seasons) working fulltime on Canadian style commercial apiary in the minimum capacity of Apiary Assistant.

Gerard 780-662-4449 RR4 Tofield, AB. gsieben@mcsnet.ca

TM49/50p

TM43-50p

LL49/51p ____________________ 7 Day Hotel open in Lamont, AB 4815 - 51 St. Now Hiring: •LINE COOK, •BREAKFAST COOK, •CHEF. FULL TIME AND PART TIME. Apply in person with resume, or call 780-716-1797 48/51p ____________________ SERVICES SERVICES 35+ years experience Drywall Taper for hire.

Big jobs or small.

Living in Killam but willing to travel. Hand taper by trade but have experience with boxes, roller/flusher, taping tube.

No bazooka experience.

Have own tools (10-12" boxes, pump, angle box, roller, flusher, hand tools, etc.) Also do ceiling texture. Non-drinker/partier, just want to get the work done. Willing to work with existing building or taping crew. Contact me if interested. 780-385-2106 / 780-385-1251. tfnp ____________________ Supporting local business also means supporting local media!

A 2017 AdWest survey shows that print still outperforms all other mediums for advertising in towns & villages.

What drives this?

Quality local media.

Support local. ____________________ SERVICES ____________________ Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 or 780-688-3564 tfnc

•Company Forms?

•Invoices?

•Envelopes?

•Business Cards?

•Bookmarks?

•Magnets?

•Score Cards?

•Stamps?

•Certificates?

•Receipts?

•Posters?

•Menus?

•Invitations?

•Calendars?

•Letterhead?

And more!

Call your local paper with your print order today!

Tofield Mercury 780-662-4046 tofieldmerc.com Lamont Leader 780-895-2780 lamontleader.com The Weekly Review 780-336-3422 weeklyreview.ca tfnc

tfnc

ALL THAT HARD WORK, WHY LEAVE IT UP TO CHANCE? You’re going to spend all that time and money organizing an event and then cross your fingers that enough people on social media will be interested?

WHY NOT ADVERTISE? Classified Ads start at just $10.75. Studies show again and again that people in towns, villages, hamlets, & farms are reading their local paper.

JUST EMAIL US, IT’S EASY!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page 13

Remember When

CANDY CANE FUN: Kindergarten students from Holden perform at the school’s Christmas concert. This image appeared in the Tofield Mercury dated Dec. 19, 2000.

Get all the local news, sports, and community events by subscribing to us . . . TODAY is the last day for our Christmas offers! Call 780-662-4046

Blanket Alberta Ads take approximately 10 days to process ______________________ BUSINESS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT? Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $50, 000 lump sum refund.

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide! Expert help. 1-844-453-5372. ______________________ EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES SEEKING A CAREER in the Community Newspaper business? Post your resume for free right where the publishers are looking. http://awna.com/resumes_a dd. ______________________ FEEDAND AND SEED SEED FEED HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola.

Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain.

"On Farm Pickup" Westcan Feed & Grain, 1877-250-5252.

______________________ FOR SALE INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com. ______________________ METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 37+ colours available at over 55 Distributors.

40 year warranty. 24-48 hour Express Service available at supporting Distributors. Call 1-888263-8254. ______________________ SERVICES SERVICES CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss?

Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed?

Think: Criminal Pardon.

US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction.

Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com.

COLOUR THIS PICTURE

These blanket classified ads are produced through a joint agreement by The Community Press, Viking Weekly Review, Lamont Leader, Tofield Mercury and Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA). These ads appear in all AWNA member papers (120 papers) for the cost of $269.00 (+gst) for the first 25 words, $8.00 per word over 25. To place a blanket classified, call a CARIBOU PUBLISHING representative at 780-385-6693 or email ads@thecommunitypress.com.

Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

CW Sears Christmas Concert Never miss an issue!

Call us TODAY

6624046

to SUB SCR IBE

Here are more images form the CW Sears Christmas Concert.

MOUSH JOHN PHOTOS

Tofield Peewee 1 win gold at Pat Donnan Memorial Moush John Tofield Mercury

Peewee 1 goalie Jacob Bigney in action against Sylvan Lake. MOUSH JOHN PHOTOS

Tofield’s Carter Olson nets the puck against Sylvan.

It was an exciting weekend of hockey, Dec. 13-15, on Tofield ice as six teams – Fort McMurray, Hinton, Lloydminster, Spruce Grove, Strathcona Warriors, and Sylvan Lake – participated in the Pat Donnan Memorial Tournament, besides Tofield Peewee 1 and 2.

In the Tier 5 Final, Hinton took gold beating Spruce Grove, while in the Tier 3 Final, Tofield took gold beating Sylvan Lake 4-3.

One of the annual staples on the hockey calendar for Tofield and area, the tournament was named after Pat Donnan, who passed away suddenly after spending a day at the Tofield Arena enjoying a Peewee tournament in 2002.

Hosted on the second weekend of December each year, this tourna-

ment is a huge draw for teams like Fort McMurray, Hinton,and Spruce Grove who are all return teams.

“We always try to invite far away teams that aren't in our regular league so we haven’t played them before,” said Christine Olson, director of Peewee hockey. and main organizer. “The visiting teams always seem to like the tournament we put on, and everyone, including the hard-working parents, coaches, and players have a blast.”

Both Tofield teams played three games each on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, on their way to the finals; however, Peewee 2 didn’t make it.

“We are still developing as a team and have some areas to work on,” said Head Coach Billy Teefy of Peewee 2. “The kids all know the fundamentals; it’s a matter of pulling them all together.”

According to Teefy, this season has been a mix of wins and losses, but they are having a good time, and have had only two games before this tournament where they have had their full team on ice, which can make a huge difference.

“The most important thing to remember is that we are out there to play, and we will continue to do just that,” Teefy added.

Co-Manager Stacey Rude of Peewee 1 said, “This team has been playing very well the past couple weeks, and playing in the Pat Donnan Memorial Tournament is very exciting for the kids.

“Our players kept the effort level up all weekend and topped off with a 4-3 win in the final. Thank you to the Donnan family members for attending and presenting the trophies and medals.”

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page 15

Keep the conversation going!

Facebook.com/TofieldMercury Twitter.com/TofieldMercury

Sports

Email us your sport roundups and scores news.tofield@gmail.com

Pat Donnan Memorial Tournament Employment Listings

Work! adsmercury@gmail.com

Tofield/Ryley Beaver County West Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services serves the communities of Tofield, Ryley and the west half of Beaver County. We provide preventative social programs and services to enhance the quality of life of our community members.

Our organization is currently seeking a responsible, self-motivated and compassionate person to join our team as a Community Programmer.

Position Title: Date Posted: Application Deadline: Hours: Salary:

Tofield Peewee 2 in action against Fort McMurray on Sunday morning, Dec. 15.

Tofield won 3-0. Peewee 2 goalie Jack Teefy makes a save in the top picture; while Noah Peterson chases the puck in the bottom frame. MOUSH JOHN PHOTOS

Bantams lose to Wabasca TOFIELD MINOR HOCKEY REPORT

Kerry Anderson Tofield Mercury

These are some of the results from the Northern Alberta Interlock Minor Hockey League games held recently.

No Novice scores are recorded.

Tofield Tier 3 Bantams (2-6-3) lost a 5-4 game on Saturday at Wabasca.

Down 3-1, Tofield came back to tie the game by the end of the middle frame. Wabasca scored two early third period goals to take control of the game, but Seth Sideroff scored his second

goal of the game to get Tofield to within one with 1:13 remaining. Other scorers were; Davin Codd, and Zach Lundal.

Brody Van Engelen picked up an assist. On Sunday, Tofield travelled to Slave Lake and skated away with a 3-3 tie.

Tofield took a 3-2 lead into the final minutes of play but allowed a SL goal with 1:31 remaining.

Davin Codd, Seth Sideroff and Brampton Jennings scored for Tofield, while Caleb Lampitt picked up two assists. Daniel Zander was in goal for Tofield.

Tofield Tier 4 Midgets (3-3-1) were scheduled to play at Wabasca on Sunday but no score was posted.

Tofield’s Ethan Thom scored a goal in his Strathcona Peewee A team’s 5-3 loss to Sherwood Park on Sunday.

Tofield’s Landon Van Engelen got an assist in his Northern Alberta Xtreme Elite 15s 3-0 win over Prairie Hockey Academy on Friday.

Please note that scores and scoring is taken from the website, and some game scores and scoring is dependent on proper league entries.

Community Programmer (Ryley/Tofield) December 9, 2019 January 10, 2020 14 hrs per week. Flexible with some evening and weekend shifts. $22.00 per hour

Role Requirements: • The development of programs and services that: - Promote social development for children and families; - Enrich and strengthen the family unit; - Enrich and enhance the quality of life for older adults; - Assist communities identify and respond to their social needs; - Promote volunteerism in the community; - Inform community members of resources and other services available to them within or outside of their community.

• Knowledge of the Village of Ryley, Town of Tofield and Beaver County is an asset.

• Establish partnerships with schools, businesses and other community service organizations.

• Effective communication and listening skills.

• The ability to work with community members across the lifespan (children, youth, adults and seniors).

• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Possess excellent organizational skills.

• Provide coverage for the Administrative Assistant during their absence.

Applicants must have a minimum Grade 12 education, post-secondary education or work-related experience in a related Human Services field would be an asset. The candidate must possess a valid driver’s licence, his/her own reliable vehicle and will be able to obtain a clean, current, Criminal Record Check and Child Welfare Intervention Check.

Interested applicants may submit their resume by fax, mail or email to: Attention: Tracey Boast Radley, Executive Director, Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West FCSS Box 1058, 5407-50 Street, Tofield, AB, T0B 4J0 Email: tboastradley@tofieldalberta.ca Direct Line: 780-662-7066 Facsimile: 780-662-7067 We appreciate and consider all applications, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Cookie Walk

Xmas in the Country Pam Webb posed with her daughters Gwen and Nora with “Hawkeye”, a Hawk Owl, at the Hastings Lake Craft Sale Dec. 7. Hawkeye is an educational owl used by the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) and was a photo booth as part of their table. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Fill the Tree!

We raised money for the Tofield, Ryley & Area food bank again this year!

TOP: Roman Didushenko, left, Jeremy Koloski, right, and Tyler Sekulich in the background fold more boxes.

BOTTOM: Community members at the Cookie Walk.

KYLIE KUFLAY PHOTOS Continued from Page 7

bring more people to come and support the graduating class.

“I think the Cookie Walk is a great fundraiser because of how many people expect it each year,” said Grade 12 student Sunnie Mack-Russell. “It is also good for all the people who don’t have the time to do all their Christmas baking.”

Mack-Russell added that she made 12 dozen baked goods with her mom. To further contribute to the fundraiser her mom had been part of the parent group that organized the fundraiser. Mack-Russell and her mom also helped with the setup for the Cookie Walk.

“After all the grads have baked their cookies, they bring them to school,” explained Mack-Russel. “Then people come in, pay, and are given a pizza box which they fill with a dozen or more baked goods.”

Mack-Russell further explained that each dozen cost $7, and there was no limit on how many someone could purchase.

“In the first half an hour alone we had nearly sold a large table worth of treats,” she said. “It was amazing how many people came out to support the grad class.”

Mack-Russe noted that it was amazing to see all the hard work pay off as more people came in and bought some of the baked goods available. She hopes that the grad class raises over $1,000 from this event.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported us by attending this event,” concluded Mack-Russell.

“Your support is greatly appreciated and we hope everyone enjoys the cookies as much as we loved baking them!”

We apologize if we Our fifth year missed any names! was a huge Your generosity is success! what keeps our amazing communities We raised Thank you for $1385.00 in • The Tofield Mercury alive! your donations!

• Michelle, Kerry, donations! Garrett & Brennan Anderson • Moush John • Lisa, Derick, Kylie, Cody, Keifer & Colton Kuflay • Sarah, Cory, Caitlyn, Hailey, Riley & Abby McLaughlin • Joanne, Larry, Lindsay, Jeremy & Cupcake Suchy • Louise Demeria, Benji & Peppi • Claire Thomas • Al Girard • Dana & Richard Koss • Janet & Dale Winsnes • Elsie Olson • Marilyn & Ken Bruha • Mike & Dave RV Inc. (MDRV) • Kylie & Mike Glessing, and Brutus, Veto & Pepper • The Van Engelen Clan of Beaver County • Marilyn & Wayne Lysons • Linda Lyons • Ken, Janice & Susan Hillerud • Lesley, Dan, Desirae, Breanna, & Brooklynn Anderson • Lorna-Jean Lockerby • Rose & Joe Yurkowski • Bob • Florence Chubaty • Gloria, Cliff, Kevin & Connie Knudslien • Treva & Dave, Kathryn, Neil, Lilly & Austin Schultz • Beverly & Ervine Kading • The Hope’s • Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous • Shirley & Ron Goeglein • Doris & Howard Brown • Beaverhill Bird Observatory • Doreen & Rod Ravbar • Phyllis & Marion Ludwig • Armand & Joanne Goubault

We don’t keep a single dime.

It ALL goes to the right place!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED!

Mercury

SECTION B Vol. 102 Issue 17, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

The Tofield

Over 100 years as your #1 source of news, advertising, and opinions

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Enjoy our Christmas greetings section Thank you for your contributions!

Please support the Tofield and Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community-minded businesses and organizations enclosed in this special section!

Kerry and family Moush and family Lisa and family Joanne and family Sarah and family

Page B2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Giving Ideas •VOLUNTEER FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER Firstly, if you are one of those people that hate your family Christmas dinner, or are feeling lonely yourself, volunteer in a soup kitchen

or homeless shelter. Not only will it make you feel good, but you will also be helping other lonely people feel welcome and wanted.

•SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH YOUR LONELY

NEIGHBOUR Do you know any seniors who live around you, who may not have family and will be celebrating Christmas on their own? Consider approaching them

All The Best Wishing you and your loved ones a wondrous season filled with all the trimmings and hopes of a prosperous New Year!

From Mayor Deb Dueck, Council and Staff

before Christmas and ask them if they would like to spend Christmas dinner together with you. Furthermore, you could make a simple dinner, or just bring round biscuits and cake and have a chat. This will help tackle their loneliness and social isolation.

You may even make a new friend.

•BABYSIT FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS If you are an introvert or just someone that hates the Christmas fever, instead of joining the festivities, babysit for your friends and family that want to. At least, this way you both are in a place you want to be. You may

Greg Litwin would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

780-918-9300

not enjoy the parties, but you are allowing other people to enjoy the night.

•DO AN ACT OF KINDNESS THIS CHRISTMAS Christmas is a time to bring peace and harmony into your lives. Think of a way to be kind to someone you dislike or even the people you do like. Giving on Christmas to people will increase your feelings towards them, and that’s definitely a brownie point to show Santa!

•LIGHT UP THE WORLD WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS BEAM Give a smile, a smile is worth a million words.

Presents are materialistic but a nice smile and chat with a stranger on the street or in a nursing home, will be sure to change someones Christmas and help tackle loneliness and social isolation.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page B3

Best holiday hot chocolate recipe

Hot chocolate can be made in many different ways, beginning with either cocoa powder or actual chopped chocolate.

• Heat up milk in a saucepan with a smidge of sugar, which is optional.

• Bring it to a scalding temperature, which is about 180 degrees Fahrenheit or 82 degrees Celsius. Basically, when little bubbles start to form on the side of the pot, but

it’s not quite boiling.

• Be careful to not let the milk come to a boil, or your end result will be grainy.

• When the milk is properly hot, turn off the heat, and add melted chocolate straight into the milk – just microwave the chopped chocolate in 30 second intervals – stirring after each time, until melted.

• The melted chocolate whisks in beautifully and

May the Holiday Season bring only happiness & joy to you & your loved ones!

780-663-3653 www.ryley.ca

you end up with creamy, smooth end result.

• Serve with eithermarshmallows or whipped cream.

• If you’re reheating hot chocolate, make sure you don’t bring it to a boil, and try and reheat it on the stove top until it’s steamy.

Tofield Lions Club

We’re really grateful for your loyal support and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a joyful holiday season!

The staff at BHD Tubular would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

From Trevor, Lindsay & Staff at UFA Sharek Enterprises Ltd. Tofield 780-662-3233

Dr Kallal, Dr Lim, Denise, Tanya, Nova & Ryean Happy Holidays from Tofield Eyecare

JACKIE LOVELY, MLA

Camrose Constituency Office #104 4870 - 51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1 Ph: 780-672-0000 Email: Camrose@assembly.ab.ca

780-662-0104 5024 51 Ave, Tofield

Holiday Hours Tues Dec 24 10-3

BOOK ONLINE: TOFIELDEYECARE.COM

Fri Dec 27 9-3 Sat Dec 28 9-1 Mon Dec 30 11-4 Tues Dec 31 10-3

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!

Dec 25 & 26 Closed

Page B4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

A Christmas message from BESC 780-662-4091 “The staff at BMO Bank of Montreal, Tofield Branch would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!”

The Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC) has a Christmas message for Beaver County and area residents.

Recent fires including a house fire that killed five people in a small hamlet

School’s Out!

within Lac Ste. Anne County – northwest of Edmonton, should serve as a reminder to be extra vigilant this holiday season. Please take a moment to assess any home hazards to ensure your family has a safe and joyous Christmas season.

Here are a few quick

household checks to make: •Ensure Christmas lighting and wiring are clear of any combustibles and your circuits are not overloaded •Keep natural trees well hydrated to avoid them drying out •Keep lit candles away

BP s GLASS wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cell: 780-884-5698 childrenofofBattle BattleRiver River School School Division Christmas TheThe children Divisionare areonon Christmas vacation from Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Jan. 5.

Please watch out vacation until Monday, January 3. Please watch out for them, fortothem, to ensure all ahave happy holiday season. ensure we all we have safea safe and and happy holiday season.

Complete set of glasses

Kyle Pomfret

from other flammable items and do not place them under cabinets or shelves.

•Do not dispose of Christmas wrappings in a wood burning fireplace •Ensure smoke alarms are unobstructed, working and vacuumed clear In addition, when cooking ‘watch what you heat’ and always have a plan and meeting place assigned if the alarm sounds.

BESC is committed to being prepared just in case.

“We would like to thank our firefighters for volunteering to spend their holidays on call to ensure everyone’s safety” said Gene Hrabec, Chairman of BESC. On behalf of the Beaver Emergency Services Board, we would like to wish you and your families a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

$79-$129

Merry Christmas $80.00 while quantities last from all Readers withof $20.00 sun at flipSpexx, up us and Happy Readers 3 pack $8.25 Limited Quantity New Year!

Designer Sunglasses

Thank you to our valued customers for supporting us in 2019!

Come in and see our newset line of frames.

780-662-0051

5221 - 50 St. Tofield

Optometrist in Tofield every

Seasons Greetings

and Warmest Wishes for 2020!

From the staff at B&M Plumbing and Heating

B& M

PLUMBING AND HEATING INC Authorized&Trane dealer for all for your Armstrong Coleman dealers, all yourplumbing plumbing and heating needs. and heating needs.

CALL: 662-2454 CALL: 662-2454

Happy Holidays from

Holiday Hours:

and have a safe and happy holiday!

Christmas Eve: 9 am - 4 pm Christmas Day: CLOSED Boxing Day: CLOSED New Years Eve: 9 am - 9 pm New Years Day: CLOSED

From the students and staff at Tofield School

From the Staff and Students at CW Sears School

Join us for a Ukrainian buffet on Jan. 5th!

5103 - 50 St. Tofield • 780-662-4441

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page B5

Shop local this HOLI

We join in praying that the light and peace of Christ’s presence would be known in your heart and home.

DAY sea

We invite you to join us in celebrating Christ’s birth:

Merry Christmas!

May the New Year bring you joy and laughter.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship: 7:00 pm, Dec. 24

Son

Bardo Lutheran Church 48 St. & 57 Ave., Tofield Northern Graphics Ltd. Signs and More 780-662-4684 We would like to wish our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Seasons Greetings and All the Best in the New Year!

Thank-you to all our customers for your support throughout the year!

RED’S PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING Ph: 780-662-7237 Cell: 780-238-7429

The Ryley Pool would like to wish everyone a

Brenda’s Bookkeeping and Tax Services Ltd. Wishing everybody a very Merry Christmas and safe New Year!

BRENDA THOMPSON

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

780-662-4395

Still Meadows Ranch 780-922-5566

Season’s Greetings from 780-662-3003 5031 - 53 Ave. Tofield

Thank You to all our valued customers!

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2020!

Barrister & Solicitor 5120-50 Street Tofield 780-662-3293

Wishing you a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from

Merry Christmas!

Tofield Hotel

Nancy Buchko

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year

As we enter into this glorious season, our spirits are uplifted by warm thoughts of the many good people we’ve come to know. We are again privileged to have this opportunity to wish you all a very Brian, Elaine, joyous Christmas. & Sandy

from

Tofield Lumber 780-662-3342

662-3550 662-3550

Page B6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

780-918-5757 Merry Christmas from the staff at Farout Fitness!

Thank you to our customers, and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Grooming Appointments: 780-243-0206

Boarding Services: 780-243-3206

May the sights and sounds of Christmas work their merry magic in your heart!

Here’s hoping your holiday season is filled with glad tidings, happiness and joy from beginning to end!

Coyote Auto Salvage 780-662-2403 • Tofield

Did you know that The Tofield Mercury provides laminating services?

Wallet size $1.50 each & 8.5 x 11 $3.00 each

The Management and Staff of Tofield Wish the community of Tofield a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

CLEAN HARBORS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Best wishes for a joyful holiday season Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

From the Management and Staff at Clean Harbors Ryley facility

Home Auto Life Investments Group Business Farm Travel

Todd Ritchie Financial Advisor Ritchie Agencies Insurance Ltd 5036 53 Ave | Tofield 780-662-3833 | www.cooperators.ca/Ritchie-Agencies

Not all products available in all provinces.

Clean Harbors Canada, Inc. Ryley, Alberta 780.663.3828 www.cleanharbors.com

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page B7

Some Christmas facts you should know

Do you know which provinces boast the most generous gift givers? Or how many turkeys get devoured at Canadian dinner tables? Here we go . . .

A Christmas Story has Canadian roots – While the tale appears to be allAmerican, a substantial part of the movie was filmed in Canada. Ralphie’s school, the Chinese restaurant where his family ate, the famous swearing scene as well as the interior segments were all shot in Canada. And where else would you find the old TTC “red rocket” streetcars?

The Atlantic provinces spend the most on Christmas – A 2018 survey conducted by the Re-

tail Council of Canada discovered that residents of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador plan to spend more per capita ($813 on average per person) in retail stores than any of the other Canadian provinces. Citizens of Ontario and British Columbia will cause cash registers to ring in holiday exultation, too, as they ranked in at no. two ($805) and three ($688), respectively. Quebecers plan to spend the least, at $458 on average per person.

Canadians love department stores and alcohol – According to Statistics Canada, Canadians prefer to shop in person.

With total sales of nearly

May your home be filled with love and laughter throughout the holiday and after!

D & D Septic Services 780-663-2147 or 780-679-9219

$3.2 billion dollars, the number one place for Canadians to check off their holiday shopping lists was department stores. Care to guess the second most-visited venue for festive spenders? Pop the cork and raise a glass to Canada’s beer, liquor, and wine stores. Their $1.6 billion dollars worth of holiday sales earned the runner-up position.

Christmas trees – Did you know our country had 1,872 Christmas tree farms in 2016? According to the 2016 Census of Agriculture, the farms were concentrated in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

If you can’t spend Christmas in Canada, you might as well take a little piece of the country with you. In 2016, Canada ex-

Canada grows a lot of

Continued on Page B8

Have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

ELECTRIC LTD. Electrical Contracting

Ph:780-672-8700 Fax:780-672-7668 3820-42 Ave. Camrose, AB.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

John Daoust Shingle Co. Box 576 Tofield E FRE TES Cedar Shingles & Shakes, IMA Asphalt, Repairs, Barns, Churches EST

(780) 662-4901

All the best to you and your family in 2020!

Tofield: 780-662-3212

Happy Holidays No matter what your age, Christmas is a time that makes us feel young at heart and our hearts are gladdened by warm thoughts of good customers like you.

From Tom & Staff at NAPA

From: Richard, Christine, Terry, Charley, Dave, Jim, & John

– Ryley

780-663-3583

(780) 818-8700 From all the staff at DRIVEN Transport we would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Page B8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Some Christmas trivia

Continued from Page B7 ported 1.95-million Christmas trees to over 20 countries, including Australia, France, Jamaica and Thailand.

Rudolph was Canadian – If you were born in Canada after 1964,

to say “thank you” to so many of our supporters!

May the coming season bring joy Your waste services provider, and contentment to you and yours.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas holiday and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Busy B Bargains

your Christmases probably involved an annual viewing of the “animagic” holiday special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Rankin-Bass, an American production company, created this beloved Christmas program, but did you know that there’s a secret Canadian connection? All the characters’ voices – with the exception of Sam the Snowman – were performed by Canadian ac-

tors, singers and voiceover artists at the RCA Victor Studios in Toronto.

Canadians really dig turkey – According to Turkey Farmers of Canada, Canadians consumed a mighty 153.1million kg of turkey in 2017. During Christmas that year, 3.3-million whole turkeys were purchased – that’s equal to 47 per cent of all the whole

turkeys sold over 2017.

Canadians can’t get enough of ballet – Dreaming of Sugar Plum fairies, mice and soldiers dancing through your holiday season? Since 1995, the National Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker has been wowing audiences from coast to coast.

Over one million people have watched the annual play since its premiere, and as of 2018, 6,722 pairs of pointe shoes have been used by The Nutcracker‘s ballerinas.

Christmas isn’t only once a year – In some corners of Canada, it’s Christmas 365 days a year. Welcome to Reindeer Station (Northwest Territories), Christmas Island (Nova Scotia), Sled Lake (Saskatchewan), Holly (Ontario), Noel (Nova Scotia), Turkey Point (Ontario), and Snowflake (Manitoba).

Business: 780-668-7305 Email: dynamitecory@icloud.com www.dynamiteheating.com

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas, and to stay warm during the holidays!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page B9

Here’s how Canadians across the country celebrate Christmas

Canada is known to be a little quirky. Visitors to the great white north often have some questions with how we go about our day-to-day: why is there a Timmy’s on every corner? What does “eh” even mean? bagged milk, really?

So it only makes sense that our holiday traditions are little odd. Here is a sample of the shenanigans our fellow hosiers get up to across this strange country.

• Meet your soul mate at a taffy pull On St Catherine’s Day, Quebecers have a sweet (and strange) tradition: they make taffy. The patron saint of unmarried women, St. Catherine was executed in 307 AD for refusing to marry the Roman Emperor Maxentius. So how did taffy get into the mix? This tradition began in New France by a teacher who decided that taffy would focus the attention of her distracted students. It became customary on St. Catherine’s Day for “marriageable” women to show off their cooking skills to young men in the area by making taffy. Today, people still celebrate this strange holiday with a fundraiser, traditional music, and of course, taffy.

• Find the bean To mark the end of the holiday season, Quebec celebrates “La Fete du Roi,” which for those who might be a little rusty on your high school French, means “Party of the King.” Hidden in a cake is a small bean; whoever gets the slice of cake with the bean is named king or queen for the day.

ing is probably the strangest of their holiday traditions. While it has tapered off throughout the years, mummering still remains a holiday tradition in some parts of the province and beyond.

People travel from house to house with masks on and disguise their voices as they ask “are there any mummers in the night?”

Once they are invited into the house, their hosts will watch as they perform and try to guess their identities.

It seems that Nova Scotians also like to dress up and test their neighbours.

Similar to mummering, “belsnicklers” move from house to house dressed

Hereʼs hoping everything runs smoothly for you this holiday season.

Weʼre always at your service and are grateful for your business.

Don Henriksen Jeff Van Engelen

780.662.3988 Box 478 • Tofield, AB • T0B 4J0

K e e p i n g y o u o n t h e ro a d . . .

Kelly A. Kristensen Barrister & Solicitor 780-662-2572 Here’s wishing you a Christmas day full of joy and laughter.

Savor the wonderful delights for months to come.

• Who am I? Though Newfoundland has quite a few to choose from, mummer-

Tofield Chiropractic

Greetings of the Season

O ff i c e H o u r s Wednesdays 1:30 - 5 pm

Call Dr. Yaremko 780-662-6388

Continued on Page B10

Tofield Agricultural Society

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

Have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

identities guess at.

Wishing you a holiday Filled with merriment and mirth Plus lots of love and laughter, With joy and peace on earth!

• So many Santas

F X D

up in Santa costumes, perform for their neighbours, and have their

from

David McQuaid David & & Lesley Leslie McQuaid 780-908-3327 662-4300

Page B10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas traditions Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Explorer Welding Ltd. Aurel & Sue Perry & Family (780) 662-2047 Cell (780) 499-9295

Continued from Page B9

• A Christmas tree of thanks During the Halifax Explosion of 1917, Boston officials immediately sent a relief train to help the survivors. The people of

Nova Scotia decided to honour this show of support with a very festive gesture; they sent a massive Christmas tree. Now, years later, that tradition endures. Nova Scotians continue to send a Christmas tree to

Merry Christmas to all our Customers & Firework Sponsors this year!

Aegis Security 1-855-55-AEGIS (23447)

Boston in remembrance of the first responders who came to their aid.

• Travelling light show What could be more Canadian than the CP rail? Starting back in 1999, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train travels across the country, spreading holiday cheer, raising money, and collecting donations for food banks.

• Spend Christmas with the birds This one’s for all the nature lovers out there.

Each year, thousands of Canadians participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count across the country. For over a hundred years, this tradition has worked to gather valuable information on how North America’s

feathered friends are faring over time.

• Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?

And finally, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without an orange in your stocking.

Whether this tradition began as a representation of St. Nicholas’ gold, the result of Depression-era gift giving, or a way to fight off scurvy, this sweet orange surprise still finds its way into modern day stockings.

STOCKYARDS VETERINARY SERVICES 780-662-0085 Wishing Our Valued Customers A Very Merry Christmas!

Be sure you re stocked up for the holiday season for all your animal supplies and pet foods!

Dec. 24th 9:00am 1:00pm Closed Dec. 25th & 26th Dec. 27th 9:00am 5:00pm Dec. 28th & Dec. 31st 9:00am 1:00pm Closed Jan. 1st Open Jan. 2nd 9:00am 5:00pm

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

Viking Auction Market Ltd. 780-336-2209 www.vikingauctionmarket.ca

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page B11

Things to do locally in the Christmas season If you’re not travelling this Christmas season, here’s a list of things you can enjoy with your friends and family.

Take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane It’s one of Edmonton’s most popular Christmas traditions. Stroll the lane to view all the stunning Christmas decorations.

You can drive the lane or better yet book a sleigh ride through their official website!

The Lane is run by Crestwood residents and volunteers, and serves as a collection site for Edmonton’s food bank, so when you visit, please remember to bring a non-perishable food donation.

Time: Nightly from sunset to midnight Where: 148 Street between 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue, Edmonton Website: www.yegcandycanelane.com Enjoy Light Festival in St. Albert Celebrate the magic of the Christmas season with the Edmonton area’s newest holiday festival – the Enjoy Light Festival.

From Nov. 21, 2019 to Jan. 5, 2020, The Enjoy Centre in St. Albert will be trans-

formed into a glittering Winter Wonderland.

Stroll the interactive light

gardens and experience the magic of favourites like the shimmering

Light Tunnel and Comet’s Cove, where meteors fall from the ceiling of this glowing room.

Time: Thursday through Monday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: The Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Drive, St. Albert

Website: enjoylightfestival.com Continued on Page B12

Wishing you a merry Christmas and peace throughout the year.

from Tofield & District Chamber of Commerce

and

HAPPY NEW YEAR from

TOFIELD

662-3334

Staff and Management It is our wish that everyone in our community has an enjoyable Christmas with their family and friends.

It’s not often enough that we get the opportunity to thank you for your business, that is, until the Christmas season.

So thank you for your support and also for all the extra service at times.

We hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Francis & Sandi Van Engelen, and staff, Jesse Brown, Rick Arychuk and Zach Smuk.

Tofield Auto Body (1987) Ltd. 4908-52 Ave. 780-662-3432

Page B12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Things to do locally during Christmas Continued from Page B11 Zoominescence Festival of Light at the Zoo Starting Dec. 6, and running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December, including Dec. 26, visit in the evening as the zoo will be transformed into a magical and bright win-

ter wonderland. Enjoy the light displays set up throughout the zoo grounds, see your favourite animals, or maybe even go for a skate. There will also be ice sculptures, fire dancers and other seasonal special events.

Zoominescence is a fundraiser for the Valley

Zoo Development Society, and regular zoo admission passes are not accepted for this event.

Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road, Edmonton Website: buildingourzoo.com Canadian Tire Magic of

Lights at Castrol Raceway Castrol Raceway and Canadian Tire have teamed up to bring the magic of the season to the racetrack. Canadian Tire Magic of Lights is your chance to drive the track at Castrol Raceway, and the entire twokilometres is decked out

With Our Gratitude

We’re serving up an extra order of thanks for our many dear patrons and friends. Serving you is always a treat for us.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dec. 24 7 am - 7 pm Dec. 25 Closed Dec. 26 7 am- 11 pm Dec. 31 7 am - 7 pm Jan. 1 Closed

with festive and vibrant LED holiday displays, including the stunning 200-foot light tunnel.

Select days and times will also offer “horsepowered” hayrides through the displays. A portion of proceeds supports 630 CHED Santas Anonymous and Canadian Tire Jump Start.

Time: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Where: Castrol Raceway, Highway 19, Nisku Website: www.castrolraceway.com

Start your

2020 right.

Subscribe

to us today!

Call 662-4046

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Thank you for visiting us at the Tofield Municipal Library!

Holiday Season Hours:

Tilly’s Restaurant • 662-3727

Salem Mennonite Church Wishing Everyone a safe and Merry Christmas. God Bless!

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE DEC. 24 AT 7 PM

Dec. 24 – 10 am - noon Dec. 25, 26 & 27 – CLOSED Dec. 28 – 10 am - noon, 1 - 5 pm Dec. 31 – 10 am - noon Jan. 1 – CLOSED Jan. 2, 2020: Regular hours resume at 10 am

Wishing you comfort and joy this holiday season...Merry Christmas!

Fromthe themayor, mayor,council council, From administration staff and residentsand of the of theVillage VillageofofHolden Holden

Happy Holidays from everyone at Beaverhill Veterinary Services. We hope your holidays will be filled with joy and laughter through the New Year!

The Doctor’s & Staff of Beaverhill Veterinary Services 780-662-3400 Hours:

49232 Rge Rd 184

pastor@salemmennonite.ca Phone: 780-662-2365 Everyone Welcome!

Glen’s Mechanical Services in Ryley 780-663-2299 Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and may God continue to Bless you in the New Year!

Thank you to our customers for their continued support!

Christmas Eve: Christmas Day: Boxing Day: New Yearʼs Eve: New Yearʼs Day:

6 am - 8 pm CLOSED 8 am - 8 pm 6 am - 8 pm 10 am - 6 pm

Happy Holidays and a heartfelt thanks to all!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Prairie Pride Meats 780-662-3661

Andy Kowalski and the staff at Ryley Sausage would like to thank our customers!

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the very best in the New Year!

780-663-3990

Tofield Car, RV, & Truck Wash also RV &Storage also SeaCan RV Storage 780-913-5318

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page B13

Delicious Christmas Butter Cookies

Butter cookies are a holiday classic for a reason: They're delicious, versatile, and make the perfect foundation for sugary-sweet frosting.

Using the cookie cutter of your choice, turn this basic dough into stars, Christmas trees, and more.

Ingredients 1 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder Assorted colored granulated sugars for decorating Directions • Preheat oven to 350ºF. In large bowl, with mixer at low speed, beat butter and sugar until blended.

Increase speed to high, beat until light and creamy. At low speed, beat in egg and vanilla.

Beat in flour and baking powder just until blended.

• Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Wrap each piece with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about 1 hour.

• On lightly floured surface, with floured rolling pin, roll 1 piece of dough 1/8 inch thick. With floured 2- to 3-inch assorted cookie cutters, cut dough into as many cookies as possible, wrap and refrigerate trimmings. Place cookies, 1 inch apart, on large ungreased cookie sheet, sprinkle cookies with colored sugar now if you like, or frost with Orna-

mental Frosting after baking.

• Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. If you like, brush colored sugar remaining on cookie sheets onto piece of waxed paper to use

again. Repeat with remaining dough and trimmings.

• When cookies are cool, prepare ornamental frosting if you like, use to decorate cookies as desired.

Sprinkle colored sugars as desired on frosting before it dries. Allow frost-

ing to dry completely, about 1 hour. Store cook-

ies in tightly covered container up to 2 weeks.

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP Phone 780-688-3917

Merry Christmas!

We are closed Dec. 20th - Jan. 5th

Christmas Hours Dec. 23rd & 24th - 8 am - 3 pm Closed: Dec. 25th & Dec. 26th Dec. 27th - 8 am - 5 pm Dec. 28th - 8 am - 12 pm Closed: Dec. 29th Dec. 30th & 31st - 8 am - 5 pm Closed: Jan. 1st 780-662-4842

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

D.P.I (Diesel parts Inc.) Would like to extend a warm Holiday Greeting to ALL!

May the spirit of Christmas be with you throughout the New Year!

May Christmas warm your heart the whole year long!

Marsha Matiyek • 780-662-4886

780-662-2227 Merry Christmas & thank you Tofield & Area for your support!

Tofield Bottle Depot would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Here at D.P.I, we handle a Complete line of good quality used automotive parts & rebuildable Cores.

For More info, please contact Jorja Office: 780-662-4255 Cell: 587-983-3396 Email: dpartsinc@gmail.com or Check out our Website: www.dieselpartsinc.weebly.com

Holiday Hours: December 24th 10 am - 3 pm December 25th CLOSED December 26th CLOSED December 31st 10 am - 3 pm January 1st CLOSED

Ryley Seventh-Day Adventist Church invites you to our Christmas Worship/Program on Saturday Dec. 21st 11:00 am start.

Regular Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm We are located at 5304 - 56 St. Ph: 780-662-3936

We sort your bottles!

Merry Christmas & God Bless you in 2020!

Potluck dinner to follow.

All are welcome!

55 Ave. & 49 St., Ryley

Page B14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

All about ‘Elf on the Shelf’ ‘Elf on the Shelf’ is a Christmas tradition where a special scout is sent to your home from the North Pole to encourage kids to behave them-

selves. The idea is that Santa’s little helper watches the children by day, and each night, it returns to the North Pole to report on whether they

DVS Enterprises Ltd. 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

Devin Van Sickle 587-322-2141 Merry Christmas & Have a Safe & Happy New Year!

were naughty or nice.

The Christmas tradition has just two rules.

First, children are not allowed to touch the elf or it will lose its magic. If an elf is touched by mistake, the official ‘Elf on the Shelf’ website advises children write a letter to Santa to apologize and sprinkle a little cinnamon

WITH BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

With glad tidings to you and yours at this joyous time of year.

beside the elf before bed.

“Cinnamon is like vitamins for scout elves, and it helps them get back to the North Pole,” the website reads. “Once they arrive, the North Pole doctors will check them out.”

The second rule of Elf on the Shelf is that the elf will not speak or move while the kids are awake.

The elf only moves at night when it makes its trip back to the North Pole. Once it returns home, it then assumes a new position in the house.

In the past, we’ve seen the elf get up to all sorts of crazy antics, from playing poker to taking selfies to sunbathing on the kitchen counter.

The world was first introduced to the Elf on the Continued on Page B16

Merry Christmas to you & your family & best wishes in 2020!

• Farm

from:

• Residential • Commercial

Beaver Emergency Services Commission HURUM TRUCKING LTD.

• 24 hour service

rry e M

r h C

Call (780) 662-DOGS (3647)

! s a istm

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

Thank you for your continued support!

Guenter’s Mechanical 5123 - 51 Ave. Viking, AB T0B 4N0 Gas or Diesel Mechanical Repair

The word is out... Christmas is on its way and so are our best wishes.

Hurum Trucking Ltd. (Bovine Relocators) would like to send a sincere Thanks to all our Customers and wish you all the best that the Season brings, and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year!

Roger & Cindy Ph: 780-336-4962 Cell: 780-385-0507

780-336-1330

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 - Page B15

Merry Christmas & Greetings of the Season

Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West FCSS Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West FCSS 2018 Holiday Hours 2019 Holiday Hours D E C 2 4 - C24, L O S25, E D 26 and 27 – Closed December

DEC 25 - CLOSED

December 30th – Open D E C 2 6 to- 12:00pm C L O S E D and 1:00pm to 4:30pm 8:30am DEC 27 - OPEN

Season’s Greetings and All the Best in 2020!

Gerry Footz The Real Estate Guy

DEC 28 - OPEN (8:30AM - 12:00PM, 1:00PM - 4:30PM)

January 1st – Closed

www.gerryfootz.com

DEC 31 - CLOSED

gerry@gerryfootz.com

January 2nd – Open JAN 1 - CLOSED 8:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm JAN 2 - RESUME REGULAR HOURS (8:30AM - 12:00PM, 1:00PM - 4:30PM)

(780) 983-3694 (780) 464-4100

$399,900

December ( 8 : 3 0 A M - 31st 1 2 : 0–0 Open PM,1:00PM-4:30PM) 8:30am to 12:00pm

Price Reduced !

• 21.83 Acre Horse Set-up!

• Great Price for a Great Acreage!

• 1456 Sq Ft, 3-Bedroom Bungalow has undergone considerable renovations • Horse shelters, barn, hay shed, waterers, round pen & corrals • MLS# E4178707

50210 Range Road 210 - Spilstead Area/Beaver County

“TAKE THE NEXT STEP...

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SEASON GREETINGS FROM ALL THE STAFF AT FCSS

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year filled with Peace and Prosperity.

We value the relationships we have with the surrounding communities and thank you for your support in 2019.

Lamont, Alberta 780-895-2389 Vegreville, Alberta 780-632-6772 Vermilion, Alberta 780-853-5196

All the best for a successful 2020!

Page B16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Continued from Page B14 Shelf in 2005. That year, Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell published a children’s book called The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. They teamed up with Aebersold’s other daughter, Christa Pitts, to market the book to kids.

Elf on the Shelf

The story was based on the family’s own holiday tradition that started in the 1970s. In their household, an elf would appear every year after Thanksgiving to keep an eye on the children and prevent them from misbehaving.

In 2008, the book won a number of awards, including the Best Toy

Award by Learning Express and Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Awards.

Phenomenon continues Today, the book has be-

come a bestseller and inspired an animated TV movie called “An Elf’s Story: The Elf on the Shelf.”

The phenomenon has become so strong that the

Elf on the Shelf is also now a regular at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in the US. Kids can adopt an elf and register it online.

They can even receive a

personalized adoption certificate and letter from Santa.

Usually, the Elf on the Shelf arrives at the end of November or beginning of December.

9 9 Closed

Tofield 5118 - 50th St. 780-662-0165 WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! Brenda, Breanne, Anysa, Kathy & Shealynn

PEROGY TRUCKING 780-385-2004 Viking, AB

Thank you for your business this year! We look forward to serving you in 2020!

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

Lawrence and Family Supporting health care in our region since 2004.

Visit us online at tofieldhealthfoundation.ca Email: tofieldhealthfoundation@gmail.com

Donations are always welcome and appreciated.