Vegreville News Advertiser - December 31, 2025

VOL. 78 NO. 53

WEDNESDAY,, December 31, 2025 WEDNESDAY 78 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY The Only Locally Owned News & Adver tising Media in Vegreville .

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Attendees are enjoying the festive time.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

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Friendly attendees, catchy and cheerful Christmas music performed by Colleen Albert, Frank Albert, Randy Kereliuk, and Robert Hughes, and delightful snacks created a warm and merry environment at the community celebration on December 18 at Vegreville Centennial Library.

Vegreville and District FCSS Community Development Facilitator Elizabeth Koehler-Lenko said they had a partnership with VALID, VegMin Learning Society,

Labour Force Link, and the Vegreville Centennial Library to offer this party, which celebrated community and the incredible people who participate in and volunteer for their programs.

Vegreville and District FCSS is supported by 47 dedicated volunteers, including two businesses, one church, and one non-profit organization.

Lenko expressed that one of the greatest highlights of this get-together is seeing the connections that form

Community Holiday Party - CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Excavator and Skid Steer Services Jason Burke 780-603-7807

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Community christmas Cheer

Discovering Hanukkah

See page 5 for story

See page 14 for story

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December 31, 2025

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WHAT’S INSIDE Agriculture ................... 20 Business.......................... 5 Classifieds .................... 14 Community .................. 15 Employment................... 9 Family ........................... 18 Marketplace ................. 17 Politics ............................ 3 Real Estate ................... 19 Tributes ........................ 16 Ukrainian Christmas ................10-13 Upcoming....................... 7

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Cultural Feast Page 18

4-DAY WEATHER Thurs.

-9°C

Fri. -13°C

Sat. -13°C

Sun. -15°C

MORE ON PAGE 14

LOTTERY NUMBERS Friday, December 26, 2025

2 6 14 20 43 46 47

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Zustreech Ukrainian Society Continues Support for Ukraine

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

It has been almost four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The conflict began on Feb. 24, 2022.

But even before that, a Mundare man who heads up a non-profit organization which donates humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and military equipment for Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines has been diligently working to assist them.

Bohdan Pivovarchuk, President of the Zustreech Ukrainian Society, has been organizing donations for troops since 2014. Every week he sends clothes, medical supplies, coffee, foot and hand warmers, and other items to Ukraine.

While U.S. President Donald Trump has made attempts in recent months to broker a deal between Ukraine and Russia, talks may or may not lead to lasting peace. In the meantime, Pivovarchuk continues to do what he can behind the scenes.

Society Vice President Sam Kostiuk said he has never seen anyone as committed as Pivovarchuk, who has also helped organize local fundraisers and donation drives. Every year, the organization has a table at the Pysanka Festival in Vegreville to raise awareness about the group and its cause.

The Society has also sponsored a couple of doctors from Ukraine to visit Alberta.

One of those physicians is Dr. Oksana Makar who visited this past July. She shared some of her experiences through a letter with the News Advertiser.

Makar stated, “This July, I had the honor of visiting Canada at the invitation of the Ukrainian community, in particular the non-profit organization “Zustrich,” led by Mr. Bohdan Pyvovarchuk. For many years, I have served both as a physician and a volunteer, and today I work with a Volunteer Medical Battalion that provides essential medical support to Ukrainian military medics on the front lines.

Each year, the town of Vegreville hosts the Pysanka Festival, a remarkable event that brings together the Ukrainian community from across Canada. The festival celebrates Ukrainian culture through exhibitions, traditional music, dance performances, and community gatherings. It was deeply moving to witness how strongly Ukrainian traditions are preserved and how sincerely Canadians

Bohdan Pivovarchuk, right, with Dr. Oksana Makar, middle, and delegate at the Pysanka Festival this past July.

(Dr. Oksana Makar/Submitted Photo)

continue to stand with Ukraine.

During the festival, I delivered several presentations dedicated to the ongoing

Bohdan Pivovarchuk with Dr. Oksana Makar (Dr. Oksana Makar/Submitted Photo)

war in Ukraine and the urgent need for continued support. Together with the “Zustrich” organization, our team presented an informational tent showcasing the results of many years of volunteer work carried out by our battalion and our cooperation with the Ukrainian commu-

nity in Canada.

We are sincerely grateful to the large number of people who offered heartfelt support and made donations during the festival. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to purchase vital medical supplies used to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers: tourniquets for controlling severe bleeding, - hemostatic bandages, - emergency trauma dressings, - backpacks for combat medics, - flashlights, protective goggles, and ear protection for safe medical operations in combat zones.

These supplies will directly strengthen the ability of Ukrainian medics to save lives on the front lines. We firmly believe that the steadfast support of the Canadian people brings Ukraine closer to victory and to peace.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the organizers of the Pysanka Festival, the “Zustrich” community, and every individual who stood with us. Your kindness, solidarity, and unwavering support make a real difference.”

Pivovarchuk wants people to know there is still an urgent need for assistance and hopes support will continue in the future.

Bohdan Pivovarchuk, far right, standing next to Dr. Oksana Makar, and volunteers at the Pysanka Festival this past July. (Dr. Oksana Makar/Submitted Photo)

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December 31, 2025

Vegreville Town Council Approves Two Percent Tax Increase Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Vegreville town council passed it 2026 budget contained in the Three-Year Operating Plan and Five-Year Capital Plan during a special meeting on Dec. 15.

Corporate Services Director Meghan Saskiw stated that, “The 2026 Three-Year Operating Plan contains the 2026 Operating Budget and Operating Financial Plans for each of 2027 and 2028.

The Three-Year Operating Plan includes an estimated property tax levy of $10,285,686 for the municipal portion of property taxes. Total revenues, including the municipal portion of property taxes and internal transfers are $21,503,321 and total expenditures are $21,503,321 resulting in a balanced budget.”

It was noted that the amortization expense is not an expenditure, but is an expense required to be included in the 2026 Three-Year Operating Plan.

Mayor Tim MacPhee said there’s roughly $200,000 more in taxes across the board. He also pointed out that there is also a $250,000 increase in policing expenses and additional $171,000 in the asset retirement obligation.

As far as how the tax increase will affect residents, MacPhee stated, “We

don’t know what the assessment looks like today.” He said, there are some residents that have been assessed very high in the last two years and some residents whose assessment hasn’t changed in 20 years. “We don’t know exactly how this is all going to play out, but we’re very happy that we were able to offer employees a two percent COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) which will keep them up with inflation.” MacPhee noted that overall inflation in Canada is 2.2 percent.

MacPhee also commented on the 2026 capital budget which topped almost $3 million. The breakdown included $2,369,175 in grants, $435,000 in reserves and $175,325 in taxes to equal $2,979,500.

“If you look at this capital plan there’s not a lot in it, I can tell you that,” stated MacPhee. In recent terms, MacPhee said they’ve prided themselves on taking on a lot of large capital works projects to bring aging infrastructure back to new, but that will not be the case in 2026. “Luckily, our main core infrastructure, forced main has been addressed.”

The list of capital projects includes: Cemetery runner, man-hole tripod, crawler loader repairs, landfill lawn tractor, northwest sewer lift building, water control upgrade, and spare pump, manhole replacement program, sewer lining

You’re Looking At A Piece Of Toast

program, articulating plow blade, pave cold-mix roads, capital works 45 A Avenue, and runway overlay.

MacPhee estimates that it will take three years before the town can undertake some major infrastructure projects. He said the town is experiencing some growth and that added taxation will be helpful in the future. “Hopefully, we can

apply for some grant funding and start moving things forward.”

He expects corporate services to bring forward changes to utility charges for apartments, hotels, and mobile home parks early in the new year. “We’re looking at how to make it fair to fund and pay off these debentures.”

Happy New Year!

From the staff at Olson Rau + Mohr

from the Plain Lake Hall Thank you to everyone that attended our 10th Annual Harvest Supper and Dance and Live Auction. Because of you we get to do it again next October 24, 2026!

The profits made from the auction and dance will go towards updating our kitchen. Most of our money made from our function comes from the auction so thanks to Dale's Auction, Dale and Gladys Menzak.

We thank Tom's Catering for serving a delicious meal as they always do.

The Sparkling Tones kept the dance floor busy, all night.

We thank all the following companies and people for donating towards our function in some way.

Thank You to Our Auction and Raffle Doners

You may not be sure WHY you’re looking at the toast, but you are. And you’ll be thinking about it later. Tomorrow too.

Why you ask?

Newspaper advertising works. sales@newsadvertiser.com 1-800-522-4127 www.newsadvertiser.com

Wowdzia Enterprises Vegreville UFA Petro Canada Vegreville Romaniuks Waste Management, Willingdon Jenny & Sherry Palichuk X3 Tom's Catering X2 Jerlanco Reno and Construction, Two Hills Rustic Friends Highmark Maintenance Service Ltd,Two Hills Victoulic Terry Kotyk, Edmonton Eugene Frankiw Yak of All Trades, Ryan Yakenchuk Humeniuk's Wild Game Processing Hairy Hill Hot Mustard Webbs Machinery, Vegreville Elkow Enterprises Inc., Two Hills EMW, Two Hills Solutions Services X3 Green Hills, Two Hills Sara and Eddy Palichuk, Myrnam

Ed and Hilda Horon Katie Frankiw Shauna and Jason Frankiw Richardson International Inc. Loves Meats, Vegreville Robert Kassion Adam’s No Frills, Vegreville Crop Management Network Inc., Vegreville Vegreville Liquor Store Veikle Agro, Marwayne Done With Pride Monument Restoration, Ranfurly Susan Frankiw Wingshot Guiding Services Ltd., Two Hills Zeniuk Family Darrell Palichuk Violet Yakemetz Stealth Bin Products X2 UFA Two Hills Bumper to Bumper, Vegreville

We thank our many volunteers - many that are not members. Thanks to the people working the door, the bar and the ticket sellers. To everyone that donated to our lunch and helped serve it - thank you! To the people that decorated the hall, made breakfast on Sunday morning, and cleaned the hall - we thank you.

See You Next October 24, 2026 Sorry if anyone was missed

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Change is Hard

VEGREVILLE NEWS ADVERTISER LTD. 5110 - 50 Street Box 810 Vegreville, AB T9C 1R9 Phone 780-632-2861 Fax 780-632-7981 Toll Free 1-800-522-4127 Sales@newsadvertiser.com Ads@newsadvertiser.com

December 31, 2025

Arthur Beaudette

News Advertiser – Opinion

CIRCULATION

7,446 The News Advertiser is an independently owned newspaper featuring the best news and the best buys in the area. Published every Wednesday at Vegreville, Alberta

by The Vegreville News Advertiser Ltd. The News Advertiser has a free, total market coverage by business & community racks as well as carriers and is available to every home in 25 communities. Additionally the paper is available online via our website or free digital subscription

Daniel Beaudette Publisher/Advertising/Special Promotions

Arthur Beaudette General Manager

It’s that time of year. The token night where we shed the old, say goodbye to the year and welcome in the new year along with all the wonderful things our minds can imagine. We open up ourselves to good fortune, and look forward to personal growth. These rituals often involve resolutions, parties, and some unique rituals meant to usher in happiness, health, and prosperity.

But, change is hard. Like… REALLY hard. I’ve said many times before in this space that the stats on New Year’s resolutions are abysmal. Only 9-10% succeed with around 80% making it all the way into February.

Change comes in many forms as well. It is interesting that approaching the new year, we have seen many changes. There has been a significant pullback in EVs in many places while in others are increasing adoption. China announced mass production of a new battery chemistry that works better in the cold and is cheaper.

This year has seen ample conflict and some has increased in recent weeks. The US seems to be more involved in many spheres and we see protests in Iran.

Things are constantly changing when it comes to the US and trade, so that is nothing new for recent times but is a display of how geo-politics is changing.

Albina Beaudette Accounting

Sofia Manro Administration/Accounting

Ruth Burke Reception/Office Assistant

Amanda Wolf Graphic Designer

Michelle Pinon Reporter

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

This relates to Canada in a few different ways. While governments of late would try to impose our values on other countries, (think Europe asking for natural gas and Trudeau telling them they needed hydrogen) that seems to be changing. Mark Carney is actively courting investment from the UAE despite their human rights track records and recent allegations the country is fueling division in Sudan. The current government has been criticized by many of putting our values aside in the current geopolitical and fiscal climate. In response, Anita Anand, Minister for Foreign Affairs has stated that Canada must ”frame” things differently.

Alberta is also in the midst of potential change. There has been much more talk about an Alberta police force with the national RCMP union speaking out against the Alberta Next Panel report.

Not long ago, the Alberta referendum question on the province separating from Canada was officially approved by Elections Alberta. “Do you agree that the province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?” That is a very significant potential for change, but at least it is one we can vote on.

We have to circle the sun a few more times to see how the big things play out, so for now, we really only need to focus on the task at hand. What can WE change. In our lives in our communities or for even a single individual who crosses our path.

Since I’m an eternal optimist (some days), I’ve tracked down some hints for those of you brave enough to make a resolution or two and risk failing. A quick note… the human brain is said to run on about 20 watts of power. So technically, while brilliant, we can barely light a dim lightbulb. Keep that in mind and take advantage of the quirks of the human brain. You likely can’t beat a computer at chess or “Go”, but you can probably decide when a vacuum is not a good gift. Hint… if it’s not a shop vac for a man in your life… it’s likely not a good gift.

1. Break things down into chunks. Smaller pieces of bigger puzzles are easier to tackle.

2. Be flexible. Provide for various options. There are usually multiple ways to accomplish something. Think of them and be prepared to pivot.

3. Stay persistent. You will hit obstacles. “Everyone has a plan, till they get punched in the mouth.” Mike Tyson. When your plan fails, keep pressing forward.

Thomas Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” Winston Curchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.

Thankfully for hockey fans, one thing that hasn’t changed for some time is the annual tradition of World Junior Hockey and Spengler Cup hockey. More than enough to go around. And for Darts fans… London is the host of the now traditional World Darts Championship.

Change can be hard, but some things are better left as they are.

Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

Name: Isabela Luca Occupation: retail clerk Likes: painting, hanging out with my family Dislikes: cold weather

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The Vegreville News Advertiser Ltd. reserves the right to edit letters for length (recommended length is 150 words), clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. The Vegreville News Advertiser Ltd. will publish letters without bias, but reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

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Send all ad submissions to ads@newsadvertiser.com THIS ISSUE'S

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December 31, 2025

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Community Christmas Party and Market Sale

Corporate Yearends and Personal Taxes

(780) 646-2943 Santa has arrive in Vegreville’s finished colouring project. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rosanne Fortier

News Correspondent

The timelessness of the family-friendly attractions suited every style and taste!

Whether it was the cheerful voice of Christmas carols performed by Justin Hambidge, people exclaiming that they found an authentic gift at the one-stop shopping market, little kids beaming with pride from the perfect cookie they decorated, or children’s eyes in wonder at the big guy in red, everything completed the season with the perfect touches on December 22 at Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville.

Especially interesting was that attendees were given a picture to colour, which represented Vegreville and all that makes it vibrant: Santa carrying the World’s Largest Easter Egg (pysanka), and the TELUS candle.

Free cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, oranges, and candy canes were available for everyone.

All the vendors with handmade items shared that they enjoy creating things and expressing their personality through their work.

Dan's Quote of The Week

Excited shoppers. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Sunshine Café was also open for people to purchase supper or snacks.

Coordinator Jennifer Hladilo said there were 12 local vendors. “I’ve organized pop-up markets before, this idea... to make it a Christmas party just came to me as I was considering where to hold it, and then what more we could do in the ‘space’ at the Sunshine Club.

As a first-time event, I feel it was very successful! We heard positive feedback during the night and the next day!

For me, the highlights were watching the kids decorating the cookies and colouring the specially designed colouring page, and the live music, and Santa.”

Email: irenekupchenko@gmail.com

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December 31, 2025

from the pages of the vegreville observer Compiled by Dan Beaudette

90 Years Ago – January 1. 1936

A questionnaire sponsored by London Film Productions which secured a response of ten thousand replies throws an interesting light on public taste. Percentages only are given here: Q. Do you consider a film dull unless it has a love interest? Yes 12%; No 88% Q. Do you prefer films that are purely entertainment, or films with a serious message? Entertainment 66%; Message, 54%.

Q. Are you interested in such subjects as “Things to Come” or “Conquest of the Air”? Yes 80%; No 20% Q. Would you like to see Shakespearean plays on the screen? Yes 58%; No 42%.

These replies reflect the attitude of the British public but we think would apply almost equally to Canadian taste.

There was a gratifying response to the White Gift appeal a week ago Sunday. It certainly is a very thrilling sight to see the youngsters marching up with their gifts and we have no doubt they too felt genuine enthusiasm for unselfish activity in a common cause.

The new community hall at Shandro is ready for opening. It is in its last stages of completion and will be ready for the mammoth threeday opening.

75 Years Ago – January 3, 1951

Mr. E. Corbert, General Superintendent of Lands, Department of Natural Resources, Canadian Pacific Railway Company, Calgary, Alberta, wishes to announce that Mr. William A. Weis has been appointed District Inspector with headquarters at Vegreville.

Mary Boyle of Minburn was presented with the governor-general’s medal for the highest grade nine standing received this year in the Vegreville School Division. Mary took her grade nine at Minburn School, where her teacher was Harold White. Mary is now attending Mannville High School where she is taking grade 10.

The Lions Club of Vegreville deserves a hearty pat on the back. They raised over $170 by their dime day a few weeks ago and are putting it toward their fund to furnish a room in the new wing of the Vegreville General Hospital. The total cost of the project will be well over $450.

Dr. A. B. Svarich, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Svarich of Vegreville, was elected President of the Norwood Branch of the Canadian Legion, Edmonton, at their recent annual meeting.

The chewing gum industry dates back to 1860.

50 Years Ago – January 1, 1976

A number of records were established at this year’s Vegreville Exhibition, it was learned at the Association’s annual meeting.

According to the Secretary-Manager’s report, this year’s exhibition had the largest number of memberships in the Association; the highest number of entries and receipts from entries and receipts from entry fees; the largest receipts at the gates; and the highest receipts from a midway to give the Association the highest gross income ever realized.

The Main Street Vegreville committee will look at the proposed face-lifting plans in greater detail, it was learned at the regular Council meeting. The plans were presented at the Chamber of Commerce meeting and objections were voiced against the narrowing of Main Street. Councillor Larry Ruptash said that he couldn’t see the Council “narrowing the street at this time.”

Two Vegreville dairymen participated with good results at the Farmfair ’75 held in Edmonton. Dale Cole, the prominent Jersey breeder of the district, picked off three major awards, the Champion Jersey Bull, Reserve Champion Jersey Bull, and the Reserve Champion Jersey Female. In addition, the last mentioned animal was selected as the Junior Champion Female and was shown by Dale’s son, Grant Cole.

The Vegreville Jaycettes raised $400.00 during their annual Christmas caroling spree.

25 Years Ago – January 3, 2001

A nine-pound, 11-ounce baby boy, 21 and three-quarters inches in length, belonging to parents Kent and Elaine McDonald is Vegreville’s 2001 New Year’s Baby.

Judges had a difficult time judging the beautiful Christmas displays in Mundare this season, but they decided on two winners of the lighting contest. Leonard and Gail Patrie won for Best Religious Theme while Brian and Shauna Sharun won for Best Christmas Theme.

St. Mary’s Anglican Church celebrated the season by remembering and recreating the Christmas story in a frosty, lantern-lit pageant.

Sadly, this structure was destroyed in a series of deliberate, sustained attacks beginning just after the pageant concluded and ending several days later. Thankfully no one was hurt, nothing was burnt.

The Ukrainian Dance of Greeting was performed by the Kindergarten class at the Mundare School Christmas Concert. The theme of the concert was Santa On-Line and students performed songs, dances, and skits from countries around the world.

A very successful Vegreville & District Chamber of Commerce Party and Silent/Live Auction was held. The event is one of the Chamber’s annual fundraising projects. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Crisis Association of Vegreville.

Letters Welcomed

One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Argentina’s Milei Delivers Results Free-Market Critics Said Wouldn’t Work

Inflation is down, poverty is falling and Argentina’s economy is growing as Javier Milei pushes reforms many skeptics said would fail Michael Taube Troy Media Javier Milei recently passed the two-year mark as president of Argentina. While his personal popularity has been bumpy in recent months—the Americas Society/Council of the Americas suggested his approval rating was a little under 40 per cent this fall—the political climate is still very much in his favour.

His party, La Libertad Avanza, won almost 41 per cent of the vote in the October midterm elections, earning 13 of 24 Senate seats and 64 of the 127 contested lowerhouse seats.

Few would have expected a libertarian economist who supports small government, lower taxes, more individual rights and freedoms, private enterprise, trade liberalization and anarcho-capitalism to become a success in Argentine politics. The proof has been in the political pudding for quite some time, however.

“As of September, the economy is growing at five per cent on a yearly basis,” the Cato Institute’s Marcos Falcone wrote on Dec. 10. “Poverty, which exceeded 40 per cent before Milei took office and peaked at 52.9 per cent in the first half of 2024, is now down to 31.6 per cent.

Monthly inflation, which often surpassed 10 per cent in the pre-Milei era and reached 25 per cent in December 2023, now hovers around two per cent. Both exports and imports are rising rapidly.”

These are all significant benefits for the Argentine economy. Milei wants to accomplish even more. Falcone noted that “the government has already called for special sessions in Congress for its new members to vote on labour, tax and criminal justice reform bills before the end of the year.” Some other legislative goals include “privatization of major state-owned enterprises, pension reform that allows for private retirement plans, the liberalization of education, and further deregulation of the economy, among others.”

Milei’s libertarian philosophy of anarcho-capitalism, which was largely the brainchild of the late American economist Murray Rothbard, rejects statism and socialism. He has worked hard to convince Argentines that free markets, private enterprise, open trade and more will lead

to economic success for individuals, families and businesses alike.

That is why Milei remains a “breath of fresh air for Argentina,” as I wrote in a Nov. 20, 2023, National Post column, and “he’s exactly what the doctor ordered for this struggling and impoverished nation.”

He is also an eccentric fellow, to put it mildly. The Argentine president used to be a TV pundit known as El Loco, the madman, who was known for his “profane outbursts,” Time magazine noted on May 23, 2024. He also bragged about being a “tantric sex guru, brandished a chainsaw at rallies to symbolize his plans to slash government spending, dressed up as a superhero who sang about fiscal policy, and told voters that his five cloned English mastiffs, which he reportedly consults in telepathic conversations, are his ‘best strategists.’”

Milei even claimed to have met one of his beloved canines, Conan, in a previous life in the Roman Colosseum more than 2,000 years ago. He was a gladiator, and his four-legged companion was a lion.

Milei’s left-leaning critics have attempted to use these eccentricities to their advantage. They have also called Milei “far right” and claimed he was an Argentine version of U.S. President Donald Trump. None of this is true.

Milei has always rejected fascism and totalitarian regimes.

He is business-oriented and focused on getting Argentina back on the road to financial success. He wants his home country to be free from government interference, state control and the iron grip of Peronist fanatics. He is getting closer to this goal.

Falcone, the Cato Institute analyst, pointed out in his piece that “a key reform that is still part of Argentina’s unfinished agenda is dollarization.” Milei strongly “advocated” for this policy in 2023, and he has wanted to finish it off for some time. With his party in control of both houses, that time is now.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Dec. 15 that “Argentina’s central bank … would allow the peso to move more freely, responding to investors who have demanded President Javier Milei’s government correct an overvalued

Milei delivers results - CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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December 31, 2025

Discussing Ukrainian Christmas Rosanne Fortier

News Correspondent

According to research materials, in 2024, many Ukrainian Canadians celebrated Christmas on December 25. In 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Christmas would be moved from the traditional January 7th to December 25 due to the Russian war against Ukraine.

Residents expressed whether they will be celebrating Ukrainian Christmas this coming year on January 7, or are switching to observing the occasion on December 25.

Denise Neona Eglinski shared that they will not be switching. “We have celebrated on January 6 and 7 for over 50 years. “For our family, we will continue to have Christmas Eve supper at our place and Christmas Day at another family’s place. This way, our children don’t have to choose where they go. All my kids are married and celebrate at their spouses’ parents’ place on December 24 and 25, and then they can come and be with our family on January 6 and 7. I agree the calendar doesn’t change because somebody decides they don’t like it anymore.”

Jen Noel expressed that after over 20 years of celebrating in January, she is not about to change her heritage or traditions. “We are supposed to be a free country, aren’t we?”

Kris Mosiuk said the Orthodox calendar does not change because an installed president says so.

Fay Gies Tymchak replied that it has been a lifetime of celebrating in January, so they will not be switching either.

Bernice Bilyk said she does the same, but on January 6 and 7. “I follow our usual Ukrainian tradition, the way I was brought up with.

As long as I can, I will do a small celebration on the 25th, but will continue with the January 6 and 7.”

Wanda Lutyck-Neufeld commented that their family celebrates both in different ways. “For us, I feel it’s more about tradition, and certainly not about politics.

An extra day or two for family to gather!”

Georgina Malin Frankiw said they still honour the day like Christmas Eve, the 6th of January, by having a meatless

2 0 2 67 supper.

Loretta Neubuhr shared that she celebrates every day because today is all she has. “I am blessed, loved, forgiven, chosen, highly, etc. Jesus is here, and He is alive because He is risen.”

Joanne Windsor mentioned that she celebrates the solstice.

Donna Mykyte explained that Orthodox from other countries have kept the old dates.

Fiona Sorochan said with grandkids at the University of Alberta and children back at work, it’s harder to get everyone together for January 7. “We will do our best for both days.

Blessed Christmas to all.”

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December 31, 2025

Hope Delivered in Words and Songs

ed that history of the Service of Lessons and Carols is the heart of the service continues to this day-that is, the retelling of the Christians’ story of faith from the fall of Adam to the coming of the World Incarnate, following a format of nine lessons, which include biblical passages from the Old and New Testaments, with carols.

This Weeks Numbers Saturday, December 27, 2025

1 8 12 29 47 49

Vegreville Handbell Choir.

Inset: St. John’s Lutheran Church and Friends.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Colours, warmth, and delight were presented when The Anglican and United Church Ministries hosted the powerful and insightful performance of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on December 21 at Vegreville United Church.

The evening spoke of the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus through short stories from the Bible from Genesis to John.

These scripture readings were followed by supportive carols by Organist Ellen Johnstone, Pianist Colleen Albert, Companions on the Journey, Vegreville Handbell Choir, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir with Director Larissa Bombak, and Soloist Khrystyna Kohut, St. John’s Lutheran Church Choir and Friends, where each one transmitted

the perfect sound from carols sung by choirs, soloists, and the congregation.

Especially moving was when Becky Yurko and Lisa Topilko performed, “Mary Did You Know” by M. Lowry and B. Greene where Becky did the sign language, and Lisa led the congregation in singing.

On why they hosted this evening, Rev. Laureta Blondin said she decided a traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols would be a lovely way to celebrate the season of Christmas, as Vegreville is so very blessed with many excellent and gifted musicians at its various churches.

“I thought it would be wonderful if we could do this together.

All in all, it was an amazing evening and one we will surely offer again,” Blondin added.

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Phone 780-632-7787 CHRISTMAS, WHICH TAKES ITS NAME from Christ’s Mass, was first celebrated on various dates from about 200 A.D. but was finally set on December 25 by Bishop Liberus of Rome in 354 A.D. The December date, which almost coincides with the winter solstice, became a popular festival of West Europe during the Middle Ages. But as late as the nineteenth century, Christmas celebration was suppressed in Scotland and New England because of some religious differences.

All Christian nations have traditions which have become a part of the Christmas season. For example, England has contributed the decorations of holly and mistletoe, carolling and gift giving.

The Christmas tree is a medieval

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German tradition and the immortal carol “Silent Night” also comes from Germany. The United States first made Santa Claus popular in New York, popularized the Christmas card about 1846 and made the major contribution to commercializing Christmas.

When Ukraine under King Volodymyr (St. Vladimir) accepted Christianity from Byzantium in 988 A.D. many pagan traditions were in existence which were adapted by the Church to the new religion. Some of those traditions have survived a thousand years and now form a part of today s Christmas celebrations.

SVIATA VECHERA OR “HOLY SUPPER” is the central tradition of the beautiful Christmas Eve celebrations in Ukrainian homes. The dinner table some-

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times has a few wisps of hay on the embroidered table cloth as a reminder of the manger in Bethlehem. Many Canadian and American families wear their Ukrainian embroidered shirts on this occasion.

When the children see the first Star in the eastern evening sky, which symbolizes the trek of the Three Wise Men, the Sviata Vechera may begin. In farming communities the head of the household now brings in a sheaf of wheat called the didukh which represents the importance of the ancient and rich wheat crops of

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Ukraine, the staff of life through the centuries. Didukh means literally “grandfather spirit” so it symbolizes the family’s ancestors. In city homes a few stalks of golden wheat in a vase are often used to decorate the table.

A prayer is said and the father says the traditional Christmas greeting, “Khristos rodyvsya!” (Christ is born!) which is answered by the family with “Slavite Yoho!” (Let Us Glorify Him!) In some families the Old Slavic form Khristos razhdayetsya is used.

AT THE END OF THE SVIATA VECHERA the family often sings Kolyadky, Ukrainian Christmas Carols.

In many communities the old Ukrainian tradition of carolling is carried on by groups of young people and members of organizations and churches calling at homes and collecting donations.

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Phone: 780-632-2388 The favorite Ukrainian carol is Boh predvichny (God Eternal) which has a very beautiful melody and Iyrics. Some Ukrainian carols are unusual because they mention Ukraine while others are ancient pagan songs of a thousand years ago which have been converted into Christian carols.

CHRISTMAS IS A JOYOUS DAY which opens for Ukrainian families with attendance at Church. Ukrainian Churches offer services starting before midnight on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning. Christmas supper, without Lenten restrictions, does not have

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as many traditions connected with it as Sviata Vechera. The old tradition in Ukraine of giving gifts to children on St. Nicholas Day, December 19th, has generally been replaced by the Christmas date.

MALANKA OR SHCHEDRY VECHIR on January 13th according to the Julian calendar is celebrated as Ukrainian New Year’s Eve in many cities. On this, the last night of the year, New Year’s carols called Shchedrivky are sung. One of the most famous of these is the popular”Shchedryk” by Leontovich which is known in English as “The Carol of the Bells.”

While Christmas is a religious event, Malanka is a secular, merry-making celebration. In some communities Ukrainian professional and businessmens’ clubs or

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youth organizations sponsor a dress up Malanka Banquet and Ball.

The traditional Christmas customs of Ukraine add color and significance to the winter festival of Christmas, and Ukrainian Christmas on January 7th is usually a peaceful and quiet event. This celebration reminds us of the baby in a Bethlehem manger whose 1,975th birthday we celebrate. But whether Christmas is celebrated on December 25th or on January 7th the message is the same: “Peace on Earth! Good will towards men!

SAINT NICHOLAS, one of the most popular saints honored by the Greek and the Latin churches was actually a real person who lived in the 4th century in Myra, Asia Minor, which is presently Demre in Turkey. Traditionally, he has been honored on December 6 by the

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Latin Church and on December 19 according to the churches, such as the Ukrainian, which follow the Julian Calendar.

In his youth Nicholas entered a monastery and later became an abbot and then a bishop. After suffering persecution and imprisonment, he was freed by a new emperor, Constantine. He died in 352 and his relics were preserved in Myra for seven centuries until some Italian merchants sent an expedition of three ships and 62 men to Myra and, through a ruse, carried off his remains. They were deposited in the church in Bari, Italy on

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the Adriatic Sea on May 9, 1087 where they have remained to this day.

Many traditions relating to Saint Nicholas as the special guardian of maidens, children, scholars, merchants and sailors, have come down to our day.

THERE IS A LEGEND that connects St. Nicholas with the tradition of giving presents secretly. There was a nobleman in Patana with three daughters but he was too poor to provide them with a dowry for marriage. He was almost on the point of abandoning them to a sinful life when Nicholas heard of his problem. That night he took a purse of gold and threw it in an open window. The nobleman used it for a dowry the next day as he did a second purse he found the next night. Curious about his benefactor, the third night he

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watched and caught Nicholas in the act but he was told not to reveal the Saint’s identity or generosity. Ever since, St. Nicholas has been identified with the tradition of gift giving. His three purses of gold eventually became the three golden balls symbol of pawnbrokers.

St. Nicholas is the most popular saint in the Ukrainian church after St. Vladimir, as is shown by the fact that there have been more churches named after St. Nicholas than after any other saint. Some scholars believe that it was through the great popularity that the Saint enjoyed in Kievan Rus-Ukraine in medieval times that his popularity spread to western

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Europe, and particularly to Belgium and Holland.

OVER THE PAST 200 YEARS, as the traditions around Christmas have grown and the importance of this winter festival brightens the season, Saint Nicholas has been absorbed into the tradition. It was the Dutch settlers who brought the St. Nicholas customs across the ocean to New York. The whitebearded Saint Nicholas in a red bishop’s costume was transformed into Santa Claus in the United States and Canada and eventually the tradition re-crossed the ocean to England.

WHY DO UKRAINIANS CELEBRATE Christmas on January 7th rather than December 25th? Many people wonder why the Ukrainian date is thir-

teen days later and only a few people are aware that it is related to a change from the calendar which was in use two thousand years ago.

Tradition plays a great part in the lives of people of Ukrainian origin and it is for this reason that they have continued to celebrate Christmas on the old date that would have been observed by all Christians.

The Roman calendar that had been in use since the eighth century B.C. originally started the year on March 1 and had 10 months as the names of the months themselves indicate, September (7), October (8), November (9) and December (10). Eventually two months were added, Januarius and Februarius, and the year was started on January. However, it was

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only 355 days long so it had over ten days error and the seasons and the calendar over the years continued to lose their correct relationship.

JULIAN CALENDAR JULIUS CAESAR FINALLY in 46 B.C. had the Greek astronomer Sosigenes establish the length of the solar calendar at 365 and one quarter days (365.25).

Every fourth year was to add one day to keep the quarter days accurate and this has now become our leap year with February 29. The Julian Calendar was introduced on January 1, 45 B.C. and the

next year Caesar was honored by having the seventh month renamed in his honor as July. A later Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, corrected the leap year system in A.D. 8 and in his honor a month was renamed August.

But the Julian year of 365 days and 6 hours exceeds the true solar year of 365.2422 days or 365 days 5 hours 49 minutes and 46 seconds by the amount of 11 minutes 14 seconds. The difference is about 0.0078 of a day per year or about one day in 128 years. Over a period of 1,500 years the calendar was again getting out of step with the natural seasons by about ten days.

Christmas, which had been celebrated on many different dates was finally fixed on December 25th by Bishop Liberius of Rome.

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In 354 A.D. he chose the date to replace a Roman pagan festival of sun-god worship with Christ’s Mass, a Christian event.

GREGORIAN CALENDAR FINALLY POPE GREGORY XIII in 1528 introduced changes to correct the error in the Julian Calendar. To restore the vernal or spring equinox to March 21st he eliminated the 10 days from March 11 to 21 in 1582 so the dates March 12 to 20 never existed in 1582, at least not in Roman Catholic countries.

Some Protestant countries like England and Sweden adopted the new calendar

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only in 1752 so there was 11 days difference by then.

The Orthodox and Eastern rite churches such as the Ukrainian have maintained the Julian Calendar for ecclesiastical purposes into this century. The Ukrainians, numbering some 50 million in the world are the second largest nation following the Julian Calendar in their churches. The difference between the two Calendars placed Christmas on January 7th and, because of the size of the Ukrainian church the date has become widely known as “Ukrainian Christmas.” However, there are other smaller Eastern-rite Orthodox national churches such as the Greek, Syrian, Serbian, Bulgarian and Byelorussian that follow the same calendar.

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Many Ukrainian families and many Ukrainian churches continue to observe the old traditional date of Ukrainian Christmas on January 7 despite the pressures of modern society to change. The later date appeals to many people since, after the commercialism of December 25th, it is possible to enjoy a quieter and more religious occasion. For those who leave their shopping for the last minute the big advantage in celebrating

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Ukrainian Christmas is that the big sales start - just in time for Christmas shopping. - A.G. In Ukraine the first mention of St. Nicholas is related to the year 882 at the time of King Ihor of Rus when there was mention of a St. Nicholas Church on one of the hills of Kiev. When St. Vladimir, King of Rus-Ukraine in 988 proclaimed Christianity the religion of his realm it is said he had a special veneration for an ikon of St. Nicholas. When he had visited Constantinople he had seen and was impressed by an ikon of the mighty Byzantine Emperor bowing to the Saint.

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To this day St. Nicholas ikons may be found, usually on the left of the ikonostas wall of Ukrainian churches.

Among the talismans the Zaporozhian Cossacks would often take in their boats on the treacherous Black Sea was an ikon of St. Nicholas, or Sviaty Mykolai, as Ukrainians usually call him. The Hutsuls, mountaineers of western Ukraine named the four seasons of the year after saints. Winter honored St. Nicholas, Spring was St. George, Summer was St. Peter and Fall was St. Demetrius. Gift giving has been related to St. Nicholas in Ukraine for less than a century and a half. The Christmas Tree, originally a German tradition, first came into Ukraine about 1840 via Austrian influence.

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Saint Nicholas is now a permanent part of Christmas, the season of peace and generosity among all peoples. So it’s appropriate that the elements of our Christmas celebrations should have come from so many nations. Although the Ukrainian Saint Nicholas wears the dress of a bishop while the American Santa Claus is a jolly fellow in a white fur-trimmed suit of red, however, under both there is a heart that first beat some sixteen centuries ago in Myra. The generous spirit of Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, lives on today.

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Ukrainian Dishes for Christmas Eve

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While your rice is cooking, brown your ground beef with 1/2 of your onion chopped. Keep your cooked rice in the large pot. When your ground beef and onions are cooked, mix in with your white rice and set aside. Mix your can of tomato soup with 1/2 cup water and set aside.

Next step, bring out the margarine (or butter) and melt with your remaining 1/4 onion chopped. Lay aluminum foil on the bottom of a large casserole dish and spoon one layer of your tomato soup, bacon and onion mixture. Take a cabbage leaf (roughly the size of your hand) and lay it flat. Take a small spoonful of your rice and beef mixture and place it on the top 1/3 of the cabbage leaf. Begin to fold the edges over the rice/beef mixture. Shape and roll the cabbage leaf and rice/beef mixture to the bottom. Tuck in both edges of the cabbage roll. Place in your casserole

Kutya

Kutya is also known as kutia, koljivo, colivă, koliva, sochivo, and more depending on which country you happen to be in.

This first-course Christmas Eve pudding of sorts is typically made with wheatberries that are sweetened with honey and sometimes augmented with poppy seeds, dried fruits and nuts. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity and, in some families, a spoonful of kutya is thrown up to the ceiling. If it sticks, a plentiful honey harvest can be expected 1 pint (2 cups) cooked wheat 6 tablespoons ground poppy seeds 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans 3/4 cup hot water To cook wheat: Dry wheat in 205F oven for 1 hour, stir occasionally. Wash, soak in cold water overnight. Next morning, bring wheat to boiling point, simmer 3-4 hours, until kernels burst open.

To prepare the poppy seeds: Scald poppy seed, simmer 3-5 minutes. Drain, grind twice using the finest blade of food chopper.

Add ground poppy seeds to wheat.

Combine honey and sugar in hot water.

Add to wheat. Finally add your roughly chopped pecans.

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dish. In between the first and second layer, and on top of the second layer, add more tomato soup mixture along with bacon and onion. Remember that margarine (or butter) and onions we melted? Pour it over the two layers of cabbage rolls. Cover second layer with a few remaining cabbage leaves and place foil over top. Bake in a 325 F oven on the middle rack for approximately 3 hours or until cabbage is soft. You can also freeze cabbage rolls and cook them at a later date. Place uncooked cabbage rolls on a baking pan lined with plastic wrap.

Wrap thoroughly and freeze up to a few months.

Holopchi - Cabbage Rolls

3 cups short grain rice 6 cups water 3/4 cups margarine (divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup) 1 tsp salt 1 lb ground beef (omit for Christmas Eve meatless meal) 1 onion 1 can tomato soup 2 heads cabbage (steamed, sectioned, frozen and then thawed) 1/4 lb bacon (omit for Christmas Eve meatless meal) Salt and pepper to taste Bring 6 cups of water, 1/4 cup margarine, and your 3 cups of short grain rice to a boil and simmer until cooked. While your rice is cooking, brown your ground beef with 1/2 of your onion chopped.

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1 tsp pepper In a large bowl (large enough to fit 8 cups flour later), combine 1/2 cup warm water with 1 tbsp sugar and 2 packages of yeast. Let stand in a warm place for 10 minutes to allow it to activate. Should look foamy after 10 minutes. In a blender combine your 2 eggs, vegetable oil, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 cups warm water. Blend until completely combined and a little frothy. Add your mixture into the large bowl with your activated yeast. In another bowl, sift together your flour and salt. Add flour and salt mixture to your wet ingredient mixture. Mix well. Turn all your dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead very well. This is meant to be a very soft dough. Once kneaded, wrap in plastic and allow the dough to rise for at least 30 minutes. While your dough is rising, rinse your sauerkraut. Squeeze as much liquid out as you can. The next step of boiling the sauerkraut is optional. Fill a large sauce pan with water and your sauerkraut. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Drain well. Squeeze as much liquid out as you can. In a food processor, finely chop your onion. Empty into a bowl. Next, place your sauerkraut in the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. In a large pan, fry your sauerkraut and onion together in 1/4 cup butter. Add your pepper. Place your sauerkraut mixture in a baking pan and set on the counter until completely cooled. By now your dough should have risen nicely. Punch it down. Cut or pinch off small pieces and flatten in your hand.

Place maybe a tsp of the sauerkraut filling in the middle. Be careful not to have any filling along the edges as they will not seal properly. Pinch to close. Pinch well. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 – 12 minutes. Allow pans to cool on a wire rack then transfer to a towel on the counter. Store in ziplock bags or tupperware. You can also freeze these and thaw when you need them.

Zaprashka Zaprashka is a brown sauce used for seasoning vegetables, especially on strict fast days. It is also used to thicken soups and stews.

1 Tbsp. oil 1 Tbsp. chopped onion liquid 1 Tbsp. flour Heat oil and add flour and onion. Stir constantly until mixture thickens and turns a golden brown. Add liquid from vegetables or soup and stir until smooth.

All is then returned to soup or vegetables

Perogies - Dumplings

You can make perogies with any type of

filling you want. Cottage cheese, blueberry, poppyseed, chokecherry, you name it!

To make the sauerkraut filling you need: 1 quart sauerkraut 4 strips of bacon (omit for Christmas Eve meatless meal) 1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper Cook sauerkraut, about 20 minutes or until done. Drain and press out water.

Saute onion in oil until golden. Add sauerkraut, salt and pepper. Fry for 10 minutes.

Cool before using as filling.

For raisin filling: 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup sugar Boil fruit for 20 minutes. Drain and cool before using as filling.

For prune filling: 1 cup prunes 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup sugar Boil fruit for 20 minutes. Drain and cool before using as filling.

For potato filling: 1 medium onion, chopped 1/4 cup butter 3 cups cooked potatoes, mashed (reserve water used while boiling potatoes) 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Saute onion in butter, add to mashed potatoes. Add salt, pepper and cheese.

Mash well. Cool the mixture completely until using as filling. Yields about 5 dozen perogies.

For the dough: 4 cups flour 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1.5 cups lukewarm potato water (VERY IMPORTANT) 1 tsp salt

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Combine the above ingredients. Knead a bit and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes before rolling out dough (very important and key to soft dough). After your dough has rested for over 30 minutes, take a piece of it and begin to roll it out into a thin sheet on a floured surface.

Note – wrap the dough currently not being used in plastic wrap and then cover with a damp towel to ensure it does not dry out. Using a disk-shaped cutter, press out as many circles of dough as possible.

Now the folding process: Place filling in the center of the dough. Be careful not to overfill or have any of the filling touch the

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edges, as this will not allow for them to adhere and they will break open in the cooking process. Fold. Pinch edges around – hard! Note: with the raisin filling, dust a bit of sugar in this step rather than after cooking the fruit. The fruit becomes too juicy if you do that. Best to sprinkle some on right before you fold them. If you are making ahead of time and want to freeze

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these, line a baking sheet with wax paper and ensure perogies do not touch each other. Place saran wrap over top of the bottom layer and place perogies on top in opposing directions. When we use any sort of fruit filling (i.e. raisin or prune), we typically create a different shape for them so we know what they are. The ends of the perogy are turned in. Those are our fruit ones! If you don’t do this, you have a harder time distinguishing between them all once cooked.

To cook: Place some butter, and onions in a frying pan and cook until tender. In a large pot, bring water, tsp salt and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to a boil Place perogies in boiling water and gently stir so they don’t stick to the bottom. Cooking time varies – I’d say about 10 minutes but you want to check them. There is a theory that once they rise to the top they are done. Not really so…a lot of the time the edges are still raw. Best to just watch and test them accordingly. Once done, scoop out with slotted spoon and place in a bowl. Toss with butter and onions.

Pidpenky - Mushrooms and Gravy

2 cups dried mushrooms 1 large onion, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp oil for frying (optional) 1 Tbsp flour 4 cups hot water salt and pepper to taste Soak mushrooms overnight. Drain and wash well. Cover mushrooms with water and boil for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse again and set aside. Steam fry or saute onion and garlic in oil. Sprinkle flour over the onion and add hot water to make a smooth paste. Add drained mushrooms,

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salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Nalysnyky - Cheese Crepes

Nalysnyky (pronounced NAL-YESNAH-KEH) is essentially cheese filled crepes (slathered in butter of course and baked). This recipe takes a total of one hour from start to finish and truly is worth every minute.

You will need : 4 eggs 1 heaping cup milk (1% works well) 1/2 cup water 1 cup flour 1/2 tsp salt For Cheese filling: 2 cups Quark Whole Milk Cheese (if you cannot find this, you can substitute cottage cheese) 2 egg yolks 2 tbsp whipping cream 1 tbsp dill (or more to taste – use fresh if you have. If not, the dried stuff works great as well)

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Beat eggs one at a time. Add the milk, water, flour and salt and beat enough just to blend and get rid of any lumps. Pour 1 tbsp canola oil in a hot non-stick pan and scoop 3/4 of a ladel full of batter and swirl around creating a thin circular layer. Flip when side is golden brown (approximately 45 seconds). Oil pan in between each crepe as needed. Makes approximately 8 – 10 crepes. Beautifully golden brown!

Next, melt 1/4 cup of butter and ensure your cheese is at room temperature. Mix egg yolks, whipping cream and salt with cheese. Add your dill. Lightly spread an even layer of cheese on each crepe. Roll up gently. We cut each crepe in three equal pieces. However, you can easily keep them in tact. I find the pieces are easier to fit into the bowl if they are sectioned. Spoon a small amount of the melted butter into the bottom of a large foiled casserole dish.

Now start layering in your Nalysnyky.

Make sure to butter in between each layer and on top of your final layer. You don’t want any layers to stick together. Wrap the sides of the foil loosely over the top of the Nalysnyky. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. The Nalysnyky puffs up nicely as it bakes.

Poppy Seed Roll Recipe

Dough: 1 package active dry yeast 2 cups warm milk 8 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt

5 eggs 4 ounces (1 stick) butter, melted 2 (11-ounce) cans poppy seed filling (or make your own, see below) Poppy Seed Filling: 1 pound ground poppy seeds 1 cup sugar 6 ounces softened butter (1 1/2 sticks) 1 cup hot milk 1 lemon rind, grated Prep Time: 120 minutes Cook Time: 60 minutes Yield: 2 Polish Poppy Seed Rolls 1. If making your own filling, grind the poppy seeds in a poppyseed grinder, then combine all filling ingredients. Beat well and set aside.

2. In a small heatproof bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm milk.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt and eggs.

Add remaining 1 1/2 cups warm milk, butter and yeast mixture. With the paddle attachment, or by hand, beat until smooth.

Dough will be sticky at this point.

4. Scrape dough into a clean, greased bowl. Sprinkle the top with a little flour and cover. Let stand in a warm place for 1 hour or until double in size, or follow this Quick Tip to cut the rise time.

5. Punch down dough and turn out onto a floured surface. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a rectangle.

6. Spread 1 can or half of the filling you made on each rectangle of dough and roll up like a jelly roll. Turn ends under so filling will not leak out.

7. Place on a parchment-lined or greased pan, cover and let rise again until double in size.

8. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Brush tops of rolls with additional melted butter. Bake 45 to 60 minutes or until rolls are golden brown.

9. Remove from oven and cool. Dust rolls with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

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Nondairy Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes 1/2 c. oil 1 small onion, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Peel and cut potatoes as for mashed potatoes. Cook until done. Drain water just before potatoes are finished cooking.

Fry onion in oil trying not to get the onion brown. After water is drained from potatoes, add the fried onion and oil, salt and pepper, and mash and mix well. This can be eaten with fish or can be placed in soup bowl and put either a bean, mushroom or pea soup over it and eat it that way

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Dried Fruit Compote/Kompot It is a traditional Christmas Eve dessert and originally was made with 12 dried fruits to represent the 12 apostles. Makes 12 servings.

1 1/2 pounds dried fruits (prunes, apricots, figs, apples, peaches, pears, berries) 8 cups water 8 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks Lemon zest, optional 1 cup sugar, or to taste Prep Time: 0 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes 1. In a large saucepan, place fruit, water, cloves, cinnamon, zest, if using, and sugar.

Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes or until fruit is tender and syrup has thickened slightly. Add more water if you like a liquidy consistency or reduce by further simmering for a thicker compote.

2. Cool in an ice water bath and transfer to impeccably clean containers. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

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Discovering Hanukkah The menorah Elizabeth’s family lights.

(Elizabeth Koehler-Lenko/Submitted Photo)

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Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights will be observed from sundown of December 14 ending at sundown on December 22.

This is a Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Temple.

Vegreville Centennial Library offered a Special Hanukkah Storytime with guest reader Elizabeth Koehler-Lenko on December 16.

This session was also available online.

Lenko read the books “On Hanukkah,” written by Judy Zocchi, “I Have a Little Dreidel,” by Maxie Baum, and “The Very Hungry Caterpillars: 8 Nights of Chanukah.”

By Eric Carle.

Lenko expressed that for their family, Hanukkah is a time to slow down, gather together, and celebrate the light they share. “Each of the eight nights, we light our menorah, watching the candles grow brighter as the week goes on and taking a moment to remember the miracle at the heart of the holiday; a small light that lasted longer than anyone expected.

Call tolltalking free from in Alberta We love reading Hanukkah stories together, aboutanywhere courage, hope, and standing up for what matters. These stories help us connect the past to the present and give our children a sense of where our traditions come from. Hanukkah is also about togetherness for us; spending quality family time, invitingorfriends relatives to join fax toand 780.632.7981 us, and sharing our traditions with the wider community.

What makes Hanukkah especially meaningful in our home is the chance to pause and reflect. In a busy season, the simple act of lighting candles reminds us that even a little bit of light can make a big difference; a message we carry with us long after the candles burn out.”

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Christmas Nativity Celebration L-R: Mike Hewitt, Merv Zemlak, Tammy Hewitt, Niki Schieck holding Stetson Schieck aka Jesus, Crimson Hewitt, Carson James, Espyn Deacon, and Nathan Heier.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Attendees watching.

(Rosanne Fortier/ Photo)

Time to enjoy the animals.

(Rosanne Fortier/ Photo)

Walking into the Holidays

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

After the Legacy4Health Walking Group finished their strolling session in the gym during the morning at the Vegreville Centennial Library on December 16, they hosted a holiday party at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville.

The afternoon kicked in with a lunch at Soup-er Tuesday, and was followed by a fun and unique gift exchange.

President Helen Christensen expressed that they wanted to host their celebration at the Sunshine Club, as the members are a wonderful bunch. “We wanted this to have a sense of togetherness. We are not just about walking because people like being part of a social group too.”

A fun, seasonal get-together. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Rosanne Fortier

News Correspondent

The live nativity scene at Vegreville Alliance Church captured the perfect representation of Christ’s humility at birth, despite the bitterly cold weather outside, and the fact that the organizers had to scale it back a bit and host it indoors instead of outdoors, as originally planned, on December 19 and 20. Community and church members, as well as sheep, and real hay were in the manger.

Originally, there were supposed to be horse-drawn toboggan rides for kids, but these were cancelled.

However, attendees could still pet the horse and llama outside.

There was also hot chocolate, coffee, fellowship, and snacks inside.

Niki Schieck spearheaded this sacred happening and shared that one of the Church Elder, Carson James helped with this idea. “I wanted to host this because it was something I remember doing as a kid in my old church, and it was heavy in my heart. So, I brought it up, as I thought the church had never hosted this before,” Niki added.

Carson said he thought it was a really cool idea because it was something they had never done as a church before, and felt it would bring in people in the community to see it.

Scott Schieck noted that it was good to get the families out to see something different.

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Tributes MEMORIAM

STEMBERGER, Frank October 2, 1944 - January 1, 2019 Seven years ago today dear Frank was called To his eternal rest; Gone where the angels sing so sweet, And taken when God knew best.

We miss him here so very much, His presence oft seems nigh, But we all hope in Heaven to meet Where no one says good-bye.

Always remembered and loved, Wife Maria, son Robert (Sheila), grandchildren Mya, Owen, and Adam

Frank Patrie November 9, 1927 - January 4, 2020 In loving memory of our dear Husband, Father and Gido He never looked for praises He was never one to boast He just went on quietly working For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken His wants were very few And most of the time his worries went unspoken too.

He was always there - a firm foundation Through all our storms in life.

Your life was a blessing, Your memory is a treasure, You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure.

Forever loved, Forever missed.

Forever in our hearts, Sally, your children and grandchildren

TRATCH, Robert In loving memory of Robert Tratch November 5, 1946 - December 30, 2018 He never looked for praises He was never one to boast He just went on quietly working For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken His wants were very few And most of the time his worries Went unspoken too.

He was there…A firm foundation Through all our storms of life A sturdy hand to hold on to In times of stress and strife.

A true friend we could turn to When times were good or bad One of our greatest blessings For all the times we’ve had.

From Darlene, Carmen & Candace

MEMORIAM

Cole Brant KOROLUK December 14, 1997 - January 2, 2023 If flowers grow in Heaven, On land that’s wild and free Lord, place some in my son’s arms And tell him they’re from me.

Please tell him that I love him And miss him every day And tell him there’s still so much That I would like to say.

Remembering him is easy, He’s in everything I do I miss him so much every day But I know he’s safe with you.

If tears could build a stairway Made from all the pain, I’d walk right up to Heaven And bring him back again.

Lord please take care of him And I hope that he will see That he was a special person And a special son to me.

We miss you every day, and will always love you.

Rest peacefully until we see you again.

Love, Mom and Brett

Russell Dolinski June 28, 1936 - December 30, 2020 You were the quiet strength behind our days, A steady hand, a warming blaze.

Husband, father, grandfather—three gentle crowns you wore, Each one held with grace, and loved all the more.

You taught us how kindness can soften the world, How love can be spoken without a word.

Your laughter lingers in the spaces you filled, Your wisdom in the moments that time has stilled.

We carry your stories, your hope, your light, Guided by memories that glow through the night.

Though our hearts ache with the weight of goodbye, Your spirit walks with us—never far, never shy.

In every small joy and every shared smile, In every quiet pause where we rest for a while, We feel you beside us, gentle and true— A lifetime of love still leading us through.

Your legacy lives in each life that you touched, In the love that shaped us, steady and much.

Gone from our sight, but forever held near— Beloved husband, father, grandfather…

We keep you here.

Sadly missed, but not forgotten Zinnia, the Ewanchuk and Kuzio families

MEMORIAM

OBITUARY

RAWLUK, Terry May 30, 1955 -December 19, 2012 It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone.

For part of us went with you The day God called you home.

It’s so lonely here without you For you’re spending Christmas In Heaven this year.

Forever loved and sadly missed by Loving mother Edna and brother Dale

Shirley Motowylo (nee Severn) Dec.3 1943 - July 8 2025 Harry Motowylo Jan.6 1945 - Dec. 15 2025 Shirley and Harry are survived by their daughter Sharon Motowylo and their sons Mike Motowylo (Sherry), Obrey Motowylo (Angie) and Dudley Motowylo as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and grandchildren who were their greatest pride and joy.

Shirley was born in Two Hills,AB and was known for her determination and zest for life. She loved to sing and enjoyed playing bingo. Shirley battled parkinson`s disease for 4 years and passed away at the age of 81.

Harry was born in Two Hills, AB and farmed for most of his life. He raced pony chuckwagons and chariots.

Harry was straight forward and let you know where you stood. Harry passed away suddenly on Dec.15 2025 at the age of 80. They both shared a passion for horses whether it was watching them race or just turned out to pasture.

Shirley and Harry were married for 60 years and he missed her dearly after her death. It has been 5 months since her passing and they are now reunited again.

Shirley and Harry both resided in Two Hills until their passing. May they rest in peace together. A celebration of life with the family will be held at a later date.

LINDBALLE, Daniel August 30, 1990 - January 4, 2007 In loving memory of our dear grandson We thought of you with love today But that is nothing new We thought about you yesterday And all the days before that too We think of you in silence We often speak your name All we have are great memories And your picture in a frame Your memory is our keepsake With which we will never part God has you in His keeping We have you in our hearts Just as you are, you will always be Treasured forever in our memory Always remembered and loved by Grandpa and Grandma Lindballe

LINDBALLE, Daniel Dean August 30, 1990 - January 4, 2007 In loving memory of a wonderful son and brother.

You never said I’m leaving, You never said goodbye.

You were gone before we knew it, And only God knew why.

A million times we needed you, A million times we cried.

If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still.

In our hearts you hold a special place, Than no-one could ever fill.

It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone.

For part of us when with you, The day God took you home.

Loving you forever, Dad, Mom, Brett & Mercedes

Milei delivers - CONTINUED from PAGE 6 currency.” The new policy for the peso will “allow the band to expand at the rate of monthly inflation, which was 2.5 per cent in November, the central bank said. The band currently expands at a monthly rate of one per cent.”

This announcement has been met favourably. “The changes go in the right direction,” Pablo Guidotti, an economist at the Torcuato Di Tella University in Buenos Aires, told the Wall Street Journal. “If the economy expands, this will contribute to higher peso demand allowing Argentina, together with access to capital markets, to accumulate international reserves.”

The quest to achieve dollarization in Argentina has begun.

In summation, Milei’s economic program “is serious and one of the most radical doses of free-market medicine since Thatcherism,” The Economist noted in a Nov. 28, 2024, piece. While the political left “detests him” and the “Trumpian right embraces him,” he does not belong in either camp. “He has shown that the continual expansion of the state is not inevitable,” The Economist continued, and he is a “principled rebuke to opportunistic populism, of the sort practised by Donald Trump. Mr. Milei believes in free trade and free markets, not protectionism; fiscal discipline, not reckless borrowing; and, instead of spinning popular fantasies, brutal public truth-telling.”

There is much that world leaders can learn from the strange, quirky anarchocapitalist president of Argentina. They should start to take note—and, more importantly, take notes.

Michael Taube is a political commentator, Troy Media syndicated columnist and former speechwriter for Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He holds a master’s degree in comparative politics from the London School of Economics, lending academic rigour to his political insights.

The views, opinions, and positions expressed by our columnists and contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our publication.

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Vegreville and Area Delivers for Christmas

Once again, Vegreville and area stepped up and delivered to the Christmas Bureau via the News Advertiser Christmas tree. Readers support of this year’s Christmas Bureau surpassed expectations with a total of $6080 raised. 100% of the proceeds from this News Advertiser Community Fund initiative go to the Christmas Bureau to help fund the great work they do in our community.

Vegreville and area residents stepped up in their support of the Christmas Bureau this year with a total of $3130 donated. Presenting the cheque to Joanne Veldkamp and grand daughter Paisley Veldkamp is Vegreville News Advertiser’s Amanda Wolf. (News Advertiser/Photo)

Presenting the cheque for the $2950 in total Business donations to Joanne Veldkamp and grand daughter Paisley Veldkamp is Ruth Burke from the Vegreville News Advertiser.

(News Advertiser/Photo)

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PAGE 18 News Advertiser

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December 31, 2025

Cultural Feast

Rosanne Fortier

News Correspondent

Families were able to share a dish they enjoy at Christmas at the Holiday Cultural Potluck at Kalyna Family Resource Network-Vegreville and Area on December 22.

There was music, a poster of children from different countries, cultural puzzles, games, and stories, as well as free play experiences.

Eight families participated.

KFRN provided a turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, and potato salad.

Spoke Programmer Cheryl Sorensen said they offered this so children and families can get a good idea of what Christmas looks like for different cultures, what they eat, and how they celebrate the occasion.

Tiia and Junior Sepmann brought some deviled eggs. Tiia shared that it was great to enjoy good company and good food for

Crazy Laws Nevada

Families enjoy the various tastes of holiday dishes from different cultures. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

the night. “I was born in Tallinn, Estonia. Junior was born in Edmonton.

I lived in Vegreville for eight and a half years.

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Stuffed eggs are always on our table during the holidays.

We are very grateful to the Kalyna family resource network.

We started participating in the program when Junior turned two.

We live in a friendly and clean community where children are considered at every step.”

Lila Kelly, is British, and she made some sugar cookies.

Kristine Higenell is of Ukrainian and Polish descent, and she baked some fresh sourdough bread.

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December 31, 2025

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L-R: Professionals and volunteers: FCSS Community Development Facilitator, Elizabeth Koehler-Lenko, VegMin Executive Director Jessica Fenner, Volunteer Anita Morrison, Volunteer Devin Fenner, Labour Force Link Employer Strategist Stephanie Vallis, Volunteer Roy Mills. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

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(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

between volunteers and program participants. “These moments truly reflect the power of natural supports and the importance of bringing people together in meaningful ways.”

They also held this celebration for their volunteers to intentionally create a space where clients, community members, and volunteers can connect. “This year’s collaboration with partner organizations allowed us to share resources, reach a broader audience, and strengthen community connections.

This year’s guests of honour were Phillis and Bill Rusu, whose long-standing commitment to Meals on Wheels has had a lasting impact on the community.

Phillis began delivering meals 45 years ago as a way to get to know her new community after moving to Vegreville.

Bill joined her as a delivery driver 25 years ago following his retirement.

Together, their dedication and service exemplify the spirit of volunteerism celebrated at the event,” Lenko added.

Phillis decided to volunteer also because she thought it would be a nice way to get to know people, and find her way around the town.

“I liked helping out people in the community. One time, I had to call an ambulance.

The years of volunteering have really enriched my life.”

Bill is retiring from this work and said he enjoyed it. “My wife was involved, and it gave me a chance to spend time with her.”

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December 31, 2025

County of Minburn Council Supports Coyote Harvest Incentive Program

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County of Minburn council is throwing its support behind a coyote harvest incentive program.

Council unanimously voted in favour of Agricultural Fieldman Quentin Bochar applying for a grant under the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS) Wildlife Management Fund during its Dec. 15 regular meeting.

Members of council also approved the implementation of the program, if the funding application is successful.

Notification to county residents would be made via website and social media as outlined in the request for decision (RFD).

Bochar stated in his RFD that inquiries for implementation of the program have come from members of council, residents, ratepayers and livestock producers. Discussions have taken place between administration and APOS Executive Director.

Under the proposed Coyote Harvest Incentive Policy, the program would run between Nov. 1 to March 31. The County of Minburn would pay $15 per coyote during those six months. To be eligible, participants must reside within the County of Minburn boundaries and they must provide the legal land description of where the animals were harvested.

The harvest limit would be 20 coyotes per week to a maximum of 100 per season per resident/landowner. Carcass requirements, verification, identification, payment and responsibilities were also outlined in the policy.

Sara Miller, Assistant Agricultural Fieldman with the County of Two Hills, said the municipality hasn’t run the program for a couple of years, but that it was successful. The County of Two Hills received a $30,000 grant from APOS and have been running its coyote reduction program since Nov. 1, 2025.

County of Two Hills Council Approves Agreement Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Representatives with the Willingdon Agricultural Society went before members of Two Hills County Council to discuss the possibility of a new contract with the municipality on Dec. 18.

Ag. Society President Nicole Robinson and Darwin Ullery provided an update to council regarding different aspects of the operation, facility and grounds which are located within the hamlet of Willingdon.

Council said there had been concerns raised regarding manure, weed control and overall cleanliness.

Nicole Robinson responds to a question during the Dec. 18 council meeting. Sitting beside her is Darwin Ullery. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

They explained that the contractor they had utilized in recent years to remove manure from the site, did not return phone calls, however, they have since had the manure cleaned up and are currently in the process of lining up quotes for manure hauling in 2026.

The two parties also discussed the idea of utilizing County of Two Hills summer students for weed and vegetation control through a possible cost share agreement.

Sand is a constant challenge as the facility, which is primarily used for riding, as it’s dragged from the arena to the indoor area of the facility. They said they have plans to address that and will be using shavings in the tie up area to reduce the amount of sand being tracked in.

Cattle are normally boarded on-site and are used for roping practice, jackpots and breakaway events.

Robinson said the facility has also been used for archery shoots and by the Hairy Hill Fire Department in the past.

Robinson said, “We’re very open to community using the facility.”

Following the presentation, Div. 4 Councillor Neal Lapaschuk made the motion to enter into a six-month contract with the Willingdon Agricultural Society that would expire on May 31, 2026. The arrangement will be reassessed with a possibility of a longer agreement if those issues have been addressed.

Robinson and Ullery were visibly relieved with the decision and are hoping to increase utilization of the facility as well as bolster membership and increase the number of volunteers to assist the Ag. Society in its future endeavours.