TANDEM TREATS
HOLIDAY-INSPIRED DRINKS & DIPS
Thanks to all of our valued patients for making our year so merry and bright with your visits. We really appreciate your trust in us, and we wish you the happiest of holidays!
RETIREMENT LIVING
Three Robins Riverside in St. Albert 55+ Rental Apartments | Immediate Occupancy
Tailored senior living with freedom and flexibility. Stylishly crafted suite ranging from 641 to 1387 sq. ft. offering access to exceptional resort style amenities.
Suite features:
-Oversized Low E 366 Windows
-Quartz Counter-tops
-Stainless Steel Upgraded Appliances
-In suite laundry with full sized washer & dryer
-Walk through closets
-Tiled showers in all suites with most suites having a 2nd bathroom with bathtub
-Modern style cabinetry
-Private balconies with glass panel
-aluminum rails
-Upgraded sound proofing
-Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Building Features:
-Controlled access entry doors
-Safe & Secure video monitoring
-Underground Heated Parking and Surface Stalls
-Additional Storage Available
-Expansive community
demonstration kitchen
-Hobby Shop
-Games/Party Room
-Cardio/Movement Studio
-Theater Room
-Crafts/Fabric arts room
Spend your Christmas unwrapping joy, not stress – make your move now!
T8N MAGAZINE
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 5 Xmas 2025
PUBLISHER EDITOR
Rob Lightfoot Gene Kosowan
DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Isaac White
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephanie Cragg, Gloria Ge-Weald, Pexels, Adobe Stock images: Gorodenkoff, Denis, Sarfan, Ichsan, Happy Photo Stock, Valentyna Prudnikova, Thomas, Habibur614
CONTRIBUTORS
Stephanie Cragg, Gloria Ge-Weald, Paula E. Kirman, Gene Kosowan, Tom Murray
OFFICE MANAGER
Janice Lightfoot
CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES
Adobe Stock
ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT)
ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)
For editorial inquiries or information, contact T8N magazine at info@t8nmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t8nmagazine.com
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Rob Lightfoot rob@t8nmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t8nmagazine.com
T8N magazine is published 5 times a year by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2025 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Content marked by the Sponsored Content icon was produced in partnership between content producers and T8N magazine.
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T8N PUBLISHING INC
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Rob Lightfoot: rob@t8nmagazine.com
Mailbox #215, 3-11 Bellerose Drive, St.Albert T8N 5C9
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Contents
Conversations
7 THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
Exploring the science behind those generous gestures
Culture
12 NO AUDITIONS REQUIRED
The St. Albert Singers Community Choir focuses on a love for singing
Living
16 FOOD & GATHERINGS DRINKS AND DIPS
Holiday pairings to ward off that winter chill
20 THE 8S A SEASON TO SPARKLE Gifts that add a twinkle to Yuletide festivities
City
22 MEET YOU THERE SHOULD AULD ACQUAINTANCES… How local dining establishments plan to ring in the New Year
24 THEN & NOW BIG LEAGUERS
St. Albert’s massive contributions to the NHL talent pool
Spotlight
27 OPEN YOUR EARS
Soundwalks can be anything from inspirational to therapeutic
Downtime
30 COLD FEAT
Try this counting contest designed to chill
Rob Lightfoot
FOR MOST OF us who gather around the Christmas tree and indulge ourselves in the tradition of exchanging presents, those feel-good vibes you get from seeing folks gush in gratitude over gifts you gave them is irresistible. Such feelings are called the “warm fuzzies,” the “warm glow” or sentiments that—as poets like to say—come straight from the heart.
Except, as our feature on page 7 explains, the heart has nothing to do with it. According to psychologists, the brain triggers reactions to those aw-shucks moments via a part called the hypothalamus, which injects a blithe hormone into our bloodstream the moment those gifts change hands. Still, such a clinical analysis certainly won’t be enough to downplay the generous spirit within us. After all, regardless of the source, warm fuzzies are really awesome.
And how can you get that feeling? Start with our holiday gift guide on page 20, then put together a casual spread of drinks and dips for your guests, courtesy of recipes on page 16. For those preferring to nosh away from home during the festive season, we offer some dining alternatives on page 22.
Rounding out this issue’s editorial lineup, we profile the St. Albert Singers Community Choir (page 12), look at a few NHL players with roots in this fair burgh (page 24), and explore a little-known therapeutic activity called soundwalking (page 27) .
Finally, we hope you enjoy this edition of T8N, the result of efforts that came straight from the heart. Or was it the hypothalamus? t8n
On the Cover
'Tis the season to be jolly and there are few holiday amenities that can top a warm drink to sip and a guilty pleasure to chew on. We've come up with a few Yuletide pairings worth sampling starting on page 16.
The spirit of giving
Exploring the science behind those generous gestures
BY: GENE KOSOWAN
Whether through gifts or supporting a cause, giving is rewarding, strengthens relationships, and reflects our values.
During the holidays, this is especially true, as it brings joy and keeps the season’s spirit alive.
- Erica Attia, Wholesome Psychology
WHILE CHRISTMAS MIGHT be recognized as a holiday season for giving to friends and family, it’s a deed that St. Albert folks perform year-round to pretty much everyone else.
Since 2022, locals have contributed everything from the bare essentials to medical equipment to citizens in war-torn Ukraine. They’ve also donated blankets and clothing to Edmonton’s Hope Mission to help the homeless endure those punishing winters.
Not to be outdone are the students at Bellerose Composite High School, whose annual bike-a-thons have generated thousands of dollars towards cancer research. And volunteers and donors contributing to the St. Albert Food Bank never fail to impress Suzan Krecsy, the organization’s executive director.
“We’ve always seen the community of St. Albert rally around folks who need their help,” said Krecsy about the locals who managed to stuff 500 food hampers for needy families last Christmas. “It’s a very altruistic approach. They give and many of them don’t want any recognition.”
Charity donations
The rest of Alberta seems to be just as benevolent overall, contributing more than $1.8 billion to worthy causes in 2022, third behind Ontario and British Columbia, according to Statistics Canada. Based on roughly five million tax filings, results from 2023 revealed that Canadians donated $12.8 billion to charity, higher than the previous year’s tally of $11.4 billion.
Statistics Canada also noted that seniors and folks earning more than $100,000 annually were more likely to dig into their pockets. The median donation in 2023 was $390—nearly three percent higher than in 2022—indicating that other demographics have been trying to do their part as well.
“People give to connect with others, show care, and make a positive impact,” said Erica Attia, a psychologist at St. Albert-based Wholesome Psychology. “Whether through gifts or supporting a cause, giving is rewarding, strengthens relationships, and reflects our values. During the holidays, this is especially true, as it brings joy and keeps the season’s spirit alive.”
Deeper incentive
Charity might begin at home, but more intensive research reveals that the incentive goes much deeper, as in right into the base of the brain. It turns out that the very acts of gift-giving and philanthropy are major sources of happiness for donors, thanks to the hypothalamus sitting in all that grey matter.
Whenever someone gives an individual a gift or donates to a charity, the process triggers the hypothalamus to release oxytocin, often dubbed the “cuddle hormone” by psychologists. Once oxytocin enters the bloodstream, donors experience a feel-good vibe prompting the joy of giving.
“Oftentimes, people refer to it as the ‘warm glow,’ this intrinsic delight in doing something for someone else,” said Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, a science director at the University of California-Berkeley, in a piece published by the American Psychological Association. Simon-Thomas, who specializes in researching the psychology behind compassion, added that the effect is the same among recipients.
“If you’re given a gift from someone who cares about you a lot and you really love what they have gotten you, that is going to yield a very similar oxytocin-laden reward response.”
MRI technology measured brain activity, scanning concentrated on areas connected to social cognition, motivation, reward and goal-setting. the findings demonstrated a higher level of cerebral activity and links among the those who gave.
Zurich study
A 2017 experiment conducted by the University of Zurich in Switzerland placed a greater focus on how economic transaction activity affects our moods. The study involved two groups of participants, each given 100 Swiss francs. One group was told to spend that money on others, with the other required to fritter the cash on themselves within a month.
At the end of the period, MRI technology measured brain activity of each participant. Scanning concentrated on areas particularly between the temporoparietal junction (a spot that’s key for social cognition) and the ventral striatum (a part of the brain that focuses on motivation, reward and goalsetting). The findings demonstrated a higher level of cerebral activity in the striatum and a stronger neural link with the temporoparietal junction among the more generous group than those who spent on themselves.
Folks who dropped their dough on others also reported they were happier during the giving process. “These results demonstrate that top–down control of striatal activity plays a fundamental role in linking commitmentinduced generosity with happiness,” revealed the Zurich report, published in the scientific journal Nature.
Results from the Swiss project echo findings that surfaced five years earlier in a study conducted at the University of California Berkley. According to a Scientific American article, the U.S. experiment tested participants—each presented with $128—who were given the choice of offering a one-time donation to a total stranger or keeping all the loot to themselves. Interestingly, all participants chose to donate, some even wanting to give away up to 40 percent of their stash.
Social standing
Medical research might have proven that it’s better to give than receive if happiness is the main goal. But it isn’t merely altruism or those warm feelings that entirely motivates givers. Some academics believe that such generous actions also serve to uphold a donor’s community reputation. “You
Two-fold effect
In some cases, choosing a gift can spur a two-fold effect of pleasing a grateful recipient and benefiting the community at large. “People are very motivated to shop locally and support different vendors,” noted Abbie Millard, a manager at St. Albert gift shop The Makers Keep.
No auditions required
The St. Albert Singers Community Choir focuses on a love for singing
BY: PAULA E. KIRMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY:
ST. ALBERT SINGERS COMMUNITY CHOIR
The only things you need are
a willingness to learn, an open
heart, and a love of singing
- Caroline Crispin
MUSIC HAS A way of bringing people together.
With that old saying in mind, the St. Albert Singers Community Choir welcomes those who love singing, but don’t have formal musical training. In fact, neophytes don’t even need to audition.
“The only things you need are a willingness to learn, an open heart, and a love of singing,” says Caroline Crispin, the choir’s artistic director and principal conductor.
Founded in 1986 by Dr. Lillian Upright as an offshoot of her church choir, the St. Albert Singers has grown over the years from 24 singers in 1991 to roughly 60 today. The choir also expanded into the St. Albert Singers Guild, which at its peak included up to six groups, including the St. Albert Women’s Vocal Ensemble and four children’s choirs.
Singers range in age from their mid-30s to their 80s, including members who have been part of the choir for more than three decades. “Our singers come from all walks of life, including teachers, entrepreneurs, business professionals, retirees and everything in between,” says Crispin, who has been with the community choir since 2023. Members reside throughout St. Albert and surrounding communities.
The choir’s choice of material reflects the demographic range of its members. “Our repertoire is as varied as the people who sing it,” says Crispin. “We perform everything from classical choral works to contemporary pop and jazz, folk songs from around the world, and well-loved musical theatre pieces. Every program is carefully balanced to include something familiar, something
fresh, and something that stretches us as musicians. This variety keeps rehearsals exciting for our singers and ensures our audiences leave feeling enriched and entertained.”
Crispin’s life-long passion for music began as a child when she learned violin and later joined a choir in elementary school. “The moment I sang in harmony, I was hooked,” she recalls. In addition to years of violin and voice training, she went on to earn a B.Ed. degree with a specialization in music education. She has been teaching band and music to Grades K-12 for more than 20 years, and began working with St. Albert Public Schools in 2009.
“I first connected with the St. Albert Singers Guild through my student choirs, as one of the board members had grandchildren in my program. In 2023, when the Guild began searching for a new artistic director, I was honoured to be chosen,” says Crispin, who has decades of experience directing choirs of all ages.
But how can a choir function when formal musical training is not a requirement? “We operate with the belief that a love of singing is the only real requirement for joining,” Crispin says.
“While some members read music fluently, others learn entirely by ear, and both approaches are celebrated. We support our singers with rehearsal tracks, sectional practices, and a teaching style that makes learning accessible to everyone. Over time, many members naturally develop music-reading skills, but the focus is always on creating a welcoming environment where everyone can succeed and feel part of the sound we create together,” she adds.
Crispin also believes that music can be a force that can connect with people in the community. “For me, this role is about more than leading the music, it’s about nurturing that connection, building community, and creating performances that leave our singers and audiences feeling uplifted, united, and part of something extraordinary,” she says While the St. Albert Singers Guild still includes the women’s choir, the organization decided to put it on hiatus this season to focus on the mixed choir. “Bringing everyone together gives us more time to grow as one unified group, strengthening our sound, expanding our repertoire, and deepening the connections that make singing together so rewarding,” says Crispin.
The choir is also gearing up for its 40th anniversary in 2026. “Our 40th anniversary is going to be a celebration of why we’re still here, 40 years later, and going strong. It’s about asking ourselves what keeps us coming back year after year, and for us, it’s the joy of making music together,” Crispin explains.
“This season will honour the past and the strong foundation that’s been built, while also looking ahead to the bright future we’re building together. It’s going to be a mix of looking back with gratitude and looking forward with excitement.” t8n
HOW TO JOIN
The St. Albert Singers Community Choir meets every Tuesday from September-May at Muriel Martin Elementary School (110 Deer Ridge Dr.). New members are welcome at the start of each term in September and January. Interested singers can get in touch through the Community Choir’s website (stalbertsingers.org).
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
Friday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m.
St. Albert United Church (20 Green Grove Dr.)
Happy Holidays
michelle@michellebroadbent.com michellebroadbent.com
Drinks and Dips
DECEMBER IS THE time when it really starts to feel like winter is setting in. Nights loom towards the longest they will be, with the Winter Solstice taking place Dec. 21, and then the holiday season is the last leap towards the new year. For most, it is a mixture of cold weather and warm gatherings. For all, a hot drink brings comfort, and paired with a baked good, further cozied comfort, to keep the chills at bay.
Holiday pairings to ward off that winter chill
BY: GLORIA GE-WEALD PHOTOGRAPHY: GLORIA GE-WEALD
Matcha Latte
The Western latte, originating in Italy, may seem like a far cry from a Japanese Tea Ceremony, with its frilly froth and richness, but some aspects do align, if you’re willing (and able) to find contentment and gratitude in every sublime sip. The four elements of the tea ceremony are wa, ke, sei and jaku, or harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. If done with high-quality ingredients and attention to detail, you too can turn your tea drinking experience into a cultivated art form. It all starts with intention!
1.5 tsp matcha
2 tbsp. boiling water
1/2 c. canned coconut milk
1 c. milk of choice maple syrup to taste
Add matcha to your cup, followed by the boiling water. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds.
Heat the milks together in a small pot then use your frother to create a silky foam.
Pour this milk foam into the matcha cup and enjoy!
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
It is difficult to overstate just how satisfying it is to bite into one of these cookies. They toe the line between surprisingly healthy, chewy and rich so well that, dare I say it, you may never try another chocolate chip cookie recipe again. As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! They’re pretty gentle on the sweet, though, so if your sweet tooth is adamant in having a say, you may want to add an extra 1/4 cup of coconut sugar.
1/3 c. softened butter
1/2 c. coconut sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. aluminum-free baking soda
1 large egg
2 c. almond flour
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350°F and line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine the butter and coconut sugar.
Mix in the vanilla and egg.
Add remaining ingredients except for the chocolate chips.
Once the dough is formed, add in the chips.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the cookie sheet. You won’t be able to fit all the dough on one tray.
Once the tray is full, gently press down on the balls with a fork. Bake for 9-10 minutes.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes, as they will be fragile until then. Store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Hot Dark Chocolate
Another classic comfort, hot chocolate, is also something that goes back to childhood for many of us. There was nothing like coming home after a foray, or play, outside on a freezing day, turning on the kettle and ripping open one of the ‘just add water’ packets. This hot chocolate is a lot more refined. You could say it’s the adult version of that nostalgia. Still very quick to make, though!
1 tbsp. + 1tsp. cocoa powder
Pinch of sea salt
Dash of cinnamon
1 tsp. maple syrup
1/4 c. coconut milk
1 c. milk of choice
Optional: mini marshmallows
Add all ingredients into a small pot and stir until completely smooth. Once hot enough for you, (no need to bring to a boil), pour into a mug.
If desired, garnish with a few marshmallows.
Almond Peppermint
Biscotti
Biscotti is perfectly shaped to be dipped into any hot beverage of choice, yet with peppermint and chocolate being such a heavenly combo, this particular biscotti was made for hot chocolate. This ‘twice-baked’ sliced bread has a much, much older history in its homeland of Italy than cocoa or coffee does, though, as it dates back to ancient Rome, while both coffee and cocoa were not introduced until the 16th century. Before that, its pairing was with wine.
1 3/4 c. almond flour
1/2 c. coconut sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 c. sliced almonds
1/2 tsp. peppermint flavour
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. When that is well blended, add in all remaining ingredients except the sliced almonds.
Once a thick dough is formed, fold in the almonds.
Pick up the dough in your hands and give it a roll until it is very smooth, then evenly flatten it on the cookie sheet to about 9 by 4 by 0.5 inches.
Bake for about 18 minutes. Let cool for about 30 minutes before transferring to the fridge to cool for another 20 minutes.
Once cool, slice the loaf into about 1-cm wide pieces. Preheat the oven to 250°F. Lay the slices back onto the cookie sheet and bake for another 20-25 minutes.
These keep well for 1.5 weeks in the fridge.
Fudgy Carob Black Bean Brownies
Yes, you read that right- black beans! This recipe has been a staple of mine for years, and it never gets old. High in protein, fibre and flavour, these brownies are not at all your typical fare, even without the carob alternative to cocoa. Add that in, too, and you’ve got a wild, skepticism-inducing name that will surprise anyone who tries it. Fun tip: don’t let anyone know just how weird they are until after they’ve tried them. These really don’t taste as strange as they sound, but the placebo effect is real!
1/4 c. oats
1 15oz can black beans
2 tbsp. ground flax seed
1/2 c. almond butter
2 tbsp. melted coconut oil
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. coconut sugar
1/2 c. carob powder
1/4 tsp. sea salt + to sprinkle atop 1/2 tsp. aluminum free baking soda
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8 by 8-inch dish with parchment paper.
Adding a stitch of oil to the dish will help the paper stick.
Then, using your food processor, add the oats and grind until they turn into a flour.
Add the remaining ingredients, except for the vinegar, and blend until a thick dough forms. This may require opening the lid and stirring it here and there, as it is very thick.
Add the vinegar and blend one more time.
Press the dough into the dish until evenly distributed.
Sprinkle sea salt atop then bake for 27-30 minutes, until the top is cracked.
Let cool for an hour before cutting and serving. These keep very well in the fridge for up to a week.
Turmeric Latte (AKA Golden Milk)
Known as haldi doodh in India, golden milk is actually over 3,000 years old! It’s an ayurvedic beverage often used to hasten healing, soothe, and support digestion and sleep. Paired here with carob brownies, this duo offers a caffeine-free alternative to the usual brownies and hot drinks.
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1 heaping tsp. fresh minced ginger
Pinch of black pepper
A few dashes of cinnamon
1/2 c. canned coconut milk
1 c. milk of choice maple syrup to taste
Rinse and mince the fresh ginger.
Add all ingredients to a small pot and bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Strain into a mug.
Private Event Spaces available for your Christmas Celebration. Join us for New Year’s Eve for a gourmet experience. Gift Cards Available.
A SEASON TO SPARKLE
Gifts
that add a twinkle to
Yuletide festivities
BY: STEPHANIE CRAGG | PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE CRAGG
IT’S THE TIME of year when glitz is good! You can gift it, decorate with it, or dress yourself up with it! But you don’t have to succumb to the typical tinsel and LED lights to highlight the season. Be unique and choose ways to shine like no one else!
Silver sparkle tissue box ($23.95), Seasons With Zack & Finnegan, 8865 McKenney Ave.
Engravable pet name tags ($22.49), Global Pet Foods, 1 Hebert Rd.
Boots by Aqua Flex ($179.99), Romani, 375 St. Albert Tr.
Boho West, 375 St. Albert Tr.
Kids sequin skirt by Great Pretenders ($28.95), Karries Kostumes & Dance Supplies, 2004 Tudor Glen Place
Sephora Collection eye shadow ($11), Sephora, 935 St. Albert Tr.
“Blue Ambition” artwork by Barbara Mitchell ($50), W.A.R.E.S., 5 St. Anne. St.
BY: GLORIA GE-WEALD
How local dining establishments plan to ring in the New Year
THERE MAY ACTUALLY be some scientific merit as to why 2025 seemed to have flown by so fast for so many!
Since 2020, Earth’s rotation speed has continued to outdo itself, and this year, on Aug. 5, it completed its rotation 1.52 milliseconds short of 24 hours. That marginal decrease in time may not seem like much to our human perception, but it sure is an interesting note, when feeling like 2026 has crept up as it has!
Still, just because last year’s New Year was only a blink ago, that doesn’t take any beauty away from the momentous occasion of the next! For decades, celebrating New Year’s Eve has been synonymous with champagne and booze-laden parties, but for this year, maybe something a bit more filling can help you usher in 2026 with class. Here are some local restaurants who agree, and are hosting dinner events to commemorate!
Argos Bar & Bistro
101-150 Bellerose Dr., 780-569-1199
Argos is fairly new to the St. Albert scene, but it is already known for its perfect ambience and presentation, going the extra mile by hosting live music sets. Conscientiously offering supremely elegant northern Mediterranean food, Argos will surely elevate your celebration with soul warming satisfaction. Their lovely selection of cocktails, spirits and wines always offer an ideal pairing with a beautiful meal, but you’re in for an extra heightened treat, as they are presenting a special feature menu just for New Year’s Eve.
Bodega Tapas Bar
101-1 Hebert Rd., 587-290-1119
Bodega Tapas Bar by Sabor has had great success, expanding from one location within Edmonton to now six different venues, including one on Herbert Road. The friends who founded it, Christian Mena and Adelino Oliveira, were inspired by a motorcycle trip together across Spain and Portugal, and it shows.
Just like their experience, the food (and the sangria!) comes to life by being shared. Tapas are Bodega’s name hallmark and make for great festive food, yet the offered rice dishes and special event menus, such as on New Year’s Eve, elevate the Bodega experience well beyond classy finger food.
The Cajun House
7 St. Anne St., 780-460-8772
They may not have a menu special specific for just New Year’s Eve yet, but The Cajun House keeps things celebratory all the same. Throughout December, a “Christmas Festival” menu is offered, with New Year’s Eve, of course, being the last day. They’ve been doing this for years, and it’s always a hit for both dine-in and pickup.
Authentic Creole and Cajun specialties may not sound like your typical holiday fare, yet The Cajun House special menus still boast the markers of a cheerful, hearty and comforting meal.
Central Social Hall
280-525 St. Albert Tr., 780-569-5044
Another local establishment with multiple locations, Central Social Hall has a true bar vibe, with later hours and all. This may be the place to be, for those who can’t seem to shake off the urge to get a bit rowdy once the countdown commences.
Or it would make a good second stop. to multiple awards for some of their dishes, such as honey hried chicken sandwiches and ‘Berta sushi rolls, the Hall can hold its own gastronomically as well. However, you may be more interested in the to-be-announced New Year’s Eve party special!
Riverbank Bistro
8 Mission Ave., 587-290-1655
Longtime St. Albertans Chef Dan Ducharme and his wife Nichole have put their hearts into Riverbank Bistro and established it as one of the top fine-dining restaurants in the capital region. It also happens to be in the heart of St. Albert and a recipient of tons of awards, including three consecutive years of Open Table’s “Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants.”
For years, it has been a local favourite place to go for special occasions, and this New Years is yet another time to shine. Because Chef Ducharme focusses on a rotating, seasonal menu, there is often something new to explore, even for the regulars. His love of cooking gourmet cuisine is communicable, and adds to the celebratory nature of all who dine here.
The Ridge Social Eatery
105-4 Versailles Ave., 587-290-3463
More seemingly casual than some of the restaurants on this list, with their high tables and local hangout vibes, The Ridge offers fresh comfort foods and a nicely curated selection of beers and cocktails. For New Year’s Eve, though, they like to outdo themselves.
Last year, they offered a three-course meal, included choices of multiple salads, soup, AAA sirloin steak, lobster tail, oysters, desserts and more. This year, be sure to check out the hearty options once they divulge them, and make sure to reserve your meal selections in advance!
Come visit our thrift store this holiday season!
If you want to support our programming for adults with developmental disabilities in a different way, we also accept cash donations to our charity in person or through our website.
Wishing all our Toast friends the happiest of Christmas seasons and a wonderful New Year.
Please join us on Christmas Eve for some festive cheer and Irish Spirit!!
1-215 Carnegie Drive, St. Albert | loseca.ca
BIG LEAGUERS
St. Albert’s massive contributions to the NHL talent pool
BY: GENE KOSOWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
THERE USED TO be a time when the bulk of NHL players came from rural communities. Gordie Howe was the product of Floral, Sask., Bobby Orr hailed from Parry Sound, Ont., and Bobby Hull’s birthplace was Pointe Anne—now an Ontario ghost town. Today, NHL players can come from any size of municipality almost anywhere in the world. Not to be left out of the mix is St. Albert, which for decades has contributed its fair share of players to the pro league. Here’s a look at a few of them.
Matt Bening
This St. Albert native first made his mark with the hometown Saints for two seasons until the Boston Bruins drafted him in the sixth round in 2012. But his NHL debut was with the Edmonton Oilers, who picked him as a free agent in 2016. He spent four years with Edmonton, before landing with the Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, and eventually the Toronto Maple Leafs, who put him on waivers in 2024.
464 Games 17 Goals 85 Assists 102 Points
Joe Benoit
According to NHL stats, Benoit was the first St. Albertan to play in the league in 1940, his first of five seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, helping them earn one Stanley Cup title. Benoit missed a year when he joined the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. During that time, he also played with the Calgary Currie Army hockey team.
185 Games 75 Goals 69 Assists 144 Points
Rob Brown
Although born in Kingston, Brown spent most of his youth in St. Albert, where he played for the local Sabres and the Saints, until finishing off his junior years in Kamloops. He signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1987, where he had his best years, including the 1988/89 season when he scored 49 goals, the fifth-highest tally in the league at the time. After stints with the Hartford Whalers, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings, he returned to Pittsburgh for three seasons, finishing his NHL career in 2000.
543 Games 190 Goals 248 Assists 438 Points
Nick Holden
This native St. Albertan first played hockey locally in 2003 with junior teams like 18U Steel and the AAA Raiders, but it wasn’t until 2010, when he turned pro with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Three seasons later, Holden wound up with the Colorado Avalanche for two seasons, until he found himself landing spots with the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, and Ottawa Senators, before retiring in 2023.
654 Games 52 Goals 126 Assists 178 Points
Jarome Iginla
Edmonton might have been his birthplace, and the Calgary Flames may have adopted him, but St. Albert can always claim Iginla was where his hockey career started. After spending his junior career with the St. Albert Raiders and Kamloops Blazers, Iginla ignited in 17 stellar seasons with Calgary, starting in 1995, and leading the team to the finals in 2004, won leading scorer and leading point-scorer titles, and became the Flames’ all-time leading scorer. Enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020, Iginla also was on hand to see St. Albert’s Akinsdale Arena named in his honour in 2019.
1,554 Games 625 Goals 675 Assists 1,300 Points
Tyson Jost
Jost may have been born in St. Albert, but his formative years were spent in B.C., playing with teams in Penticton and the Okanagan. He came to public attention winning gold for Team Canada in the World Juniors in 2016, in the process breaking Oilers great Connor McDavid’s tournament points record. He quickly signed with the Colorado Avalanche, where he spent six seasons, which led to stints with the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes. Placed on waivers during the off-season, Jost was picked up by the Nashville Predators in October.
495 Games played upon conclusion of 2024/25 season
61 Goals 88 Assists 149 Points
For decades St. Albert has contributed its fair share of players to the NHL
Eddie Joyal
Born in St. Albert, Joyal first played with local teams like the Edmonton Oil Kings until he joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1962, helping them reach the finals two years later. After tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and the Philadelphia Flyers, Joyal jumped to the newly-formed World Hockey Association in 1972. He spent four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, where he retired in 1976, three years before the franchise joined the NHL.
465 Games 128 Goals 138 Assists 262 Points
Mark Messier
The all-star affectionately called “Moose” might be an Edmonton native, but St. Albert quickly claimed him, once he dominated with the Saints during his teens. In 1979, the Edmonton Oilers signed Messier, who was instrumental in the team winning five Stanley Cups. He added another trophy in 1994 with the New York Rangers, who acquired him from the Oilers three years earlier. But Messier has other distinctions, such as being the only captain of two Stanley Cup-winning teams, two NHL most valuable player awards and two most outstanding regular season player titles. Fittingly, part of St. Albert Trail is named after him.
1,756 Games 694 Goals
1,193 Assists 1,887 Points
Troy Murray
Born in Calgary but raised in St. Albert, Murray first got noticed in 1978 during his two-season tenure with the Saints. After playing stateside, he was chosen to be team captain of Canada’s World Junior squad, which struck gold at the 1982 championships. He quickly signed with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he stayed for 10 seasons, even winning the NHL’s best defensive player award in 1986. Murray also played briefly with the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche, where he concluded his career in 1996.
914 Games 230 Goals 354 Assists 584 Points
Colton Parayko
Still going strong with the St. Louis Blues, this St. Albertan first went north to develop his hockey skills, first with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and later with the University of Alaska’s Fairbanks team. A year after playing with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, Parayko debuted with the Blues in 2015, even helping the squad win a Stanley Cup four years later. In 2019, Parayko inked an extended eightyear, $52-million contract with the team.
723 Games played upon conclusion of 2024/25 season 77 Goals 218 Assists 295 Points
OPEN YOUR EARS
Soundwalks can be anything from inspirational to therapeutic
BY: TOM MURRAY
SCOTT SMALLWOOD’S FIRST soundwalk took place in Australia in 2003.
“I had no idea what it was,” the musician, sound artist, and professor of music at the University of Alberta admits. “It was at a conference, and I just showed up where I was told to go.”
Under the guidance of Canadian soundwalk pioneer Hildegard Westerkamp, Smallwood and about 15 or 20 other people
moved silently through the streets of Melbourne. There were only three rules: follow Westerkamp and keep together, and don’t speak to each other or to anyone else. Most importantly, open your ears to the sounds that you normally block out in the process of your day.
“In the end, we all gathered around a big tree and we kind of related our experiences of listening to the city that way,” Smallwood explains. “So, it was just kind of intentional and that’s really all a soundwalk is.”
That’s the simplest explanation of a term that carries so much meaning. Smallwood, who has led his own soundwalks on the streets of Edmonton, acknowledges that he’s been on one where the guide secretly populated the walk with musicians, and others where the walk is self-guided with signs along the way. If the barest explanation is that a soundwalk is a walk with intense focus on the environment, then anything goes.
Composer R. Murray Schafer and members of the World Soundscape Project are generally agreed to have first coined the term in Vancouver in the 1970s, but there are a lot of cooks in this kitchen. Probably the most notable is Pauline Oliveros, an American musical multi-hyphenate, academic, and proponent of what she called “deep listening.” For many people soundwalks are a way to release themselves from purpose and simply exist in the moment, seeing and hearing what they normally ignore as they go about their day. For others, there’s a connection to how we listen to everything, sounds and music included.
“It’s a practice that Pauline used to teach people,” says Ian Crutchley, composer, educator, and artistic director of New Music Edmonton. “There are many people doing soundwalks who have no other real experience with contemporary music, and it’s used as kind of a wellness thing. So, it’s really about the individual experience. It’s really offering people the opportunity to basically stop doing everything else, except maybe walk and look, but mostly just to walk and let your ears find what they will.”
Multi-disciplinary artist Mika Haykowsky was first introduced to soundwalks during her undergrad studies at the U of A. Initially, she would take an audio recorder and capture sounds in the environment, which she would then layer to create soundscapes. Those sounds would then be brought into a physical space so people could listen through speakers or headphones.
In December of 2024 she was asked by New Music Edmonton to lead a soundwalk.
“I created a map and had people follow me in a single file, about five paces between us, and we just walked in silence for about 40 to maybe an hour,” she recounts. “We started in Riverdale and walked across the Tawatinâ Bridge.”
Haykowsky chose that route because of the train sounds above, followed by the sounds of the forest on the other side. Squirrels, birds, and other animals acted as sonic punctuation as they warned each other of human interlopers. The most important thing for Haykowsky was following the sun, because the soundwalk took place on Dec. 21, the winter solstice.
“It was kind of this almost ritualistic walk for me, kind of celebrating the really short days and the long nights. It was about what we can hear during those short days, and what we can appreciate around us.” t8n
Cold Feat
Try this counting contest designed to chill
There’s no need to get frosty or flaky in this edition’s contest, created with the spirit of the season in mind.
Simply guess how many candies are in this snowman container, write down the answer on this page, whip out your smartphone to click an image of it, then post it on either Facebook or X (tagging #t8n, of course) or direct message us instead.
The person who guesses the right amount or gets closest to the correct total wins. If there is a tie, we will randomly draw from those lucky candidates. Prize is available only to St. Albert residents.
