Vegreville News Advertiser - December 18, 2019

VOL. 72 NO. 51

72 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY WEDNESDAY, December 18, 2019 The Only Locally Owned News & Adver tising Media in Vegreville .

Spirit of the Holiday Season Alive and Well Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The spirit of the holiday season is alive and well in Mundare.

Mundare Fire Chief Glenda Dales said the department recently completed its food bank collection that was held during its community appreciation supper on November 29.

The fire department is also heading up a toy drive for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. “The idea is the brainchild of Jason Warawa,” says Dales. Donations of new unwrapped toys can be left at the Mundare town office until December 20.

Part of the vision of the Servus Credit Union is to value communities, and staff at the Mundare location recently hosted the Make It and Take It Christmas Ornament event during the annual Christmas Extravaganza on December 7. Manager Shelly Taylor said they have hosted the event for the past eight years, and was more than happy to supply fresh popcorn, juice and treats for participants. “We are going to try organize something for Family Three-year-old Chase Flasha talks to Santa during a visit to the Mundare town office during the Christmas Extravaganza on Dec. 7. (Michelle Pinon/photos)

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SPIRIT - CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Local RCMP and Peace Officer Conduct Document Stop

Heritage House Christmas Tea Party

See page 3 for story

See page 9 for story

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Library hosts Parent and Child Page 14

Kids Make Christmas Cards Page 18

RCMP files from December 9 - 15 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser December 9 06:53 – Report of suspicious individuals in the complainant’s yard that were loading items into a vehicle. The complainant confronted them and the subjects fled.

10:25 – Report of an erratic driver on Hwy 16 westbound towards Mundare.

Members were able to intercept the vehicle and found it pulled to the side of the road. The driver admitted to being very tired and had pulled over to have nap.

12:05 – Report of a black Dodge truck eastbound on Hwy 16 that was “all over the road”. The male driver was observed texting while driving. The vehicle was out of the area and the call was forwarded to Vermilion RCMP. 15:01 – Report of an attempted fraud.

The complainant stated they were selling their ARGO on Kijji and received a cheque from ROWLEY COLLINS for $6600 which was more than the $3500 asking price. The bank confirmed that the cheque was fraudulent.

Under investigation.

15:05 – Report of three phone calls from 2 different numbers about a refund that the recipient was to get from their bank. Probable fraud. The complainant did not return the calls nor provide any information.

December 10 02:01 – Report of theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle that was parked in front of a residence. A saw was used to cut off the converter and the suspects left in a silver SUV. Under investigation.

03:49 – Members attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled and then parked at residence in Vegreville. Members arrested the 41 year old female on multiple charges. She was held until her court appearance on Dec 16.

08:09 – Call to report a car alarm that was going off at 1:30 am. There was no damage to the vehicle but she believes that it may have been her neighbour.

10:31 – Report of mischief to a vehicle and theft. The complainant’s vehicle window was smashed and money and personal belongings were taken.

Under investigation.

10:32 – Vegreville members along with probations conducted a search of a Mundare residence for compliance.

The team found items that the individual was not to be in possession of. The individual was arrested and was to

appear in court on Dec 16 on charges of 6 counts of breach of probation.

12:48 – Report of mischief to solar lights. The complainant stated that lights in their yard were damaged.

Under investigation.

15:23 – Report of attempted scam.

The complainant received calls stating that their SIN number was compromised and that there was an investigation into drug trafficking. Reporting for information purposes.

December 11

15:25 – Report of theft of batteries from multiple industrial sites. Under investigation.

16:27 – Report of a hit and run at a Vegreville business. The complainant was parked in the parking lot and came out to discover the front grill had been damaged. Under investigation.

December 12

13:05 – Complainant returned from vacation to find out that his shop had been broken into in the rural Ranfurly area. Doors were wide open in the shop, multiple items missing and other items believed stolen were left behind.

Under investigation.

14:24 – Report of a break in at a Lavoy commercial site. Lock to the gate was cut and an attempt was made to steal fuel. Under investigation.

December 13

00:40 – Traffic stop conducted. The child passenger in the vehicle was not in a proper restraint system. Ticket issued with a voluntary penalty of $155.

18:25 – Traffic stop conducted in Vegreville. The members detected the odour of alcohol but the driver denied drinking. A roadside sample was taken which confirmed the driver had been drinking. A suspension was issued to the GDL driver which has

ZERO tolerance.

December 14

18:03 – Report received about an exspouse breaching no contact conditions.

The members were informed that the subject of the call had climbed on the roof and was shining a flashlight through windows. Members attended and arrested the male for breaching his conditions of no contact. He was held for a hearing.

December 15

08:51- Traffic enforcement resulting in 7 speeding tickets, one no insurance card and multiple no seatbelt violations.

15:15 – Report of an assault. While a group of men were butchering a pig, there was a disagreement about butchering technique. One individual proceeded to assault another (punching and kicking) and then fled the residence in his vehicle. Leduc RCMP have arrested the subject and he was released for court in Vegreville on January 20, 2020 and conditions of no contact with the victim.

During the week there were 82 calls for service made in total including: 1 false alarm, 1 false 911, 2 animal strikes and 15 tickets from traffic enforcement.

Break-In at Andrew and Chipman Post Offices Submitted

The Andrew Post Office was broken into during the night of December 6-7, 2019.

Entry was gained by prying open the door between the post office boxes and the service counter.

The Two Hills RCMP continue to investigate in collaboration with Canada Post Security. Anyone with information about this incident can call the Two Hills RCMP at 780-657-2820 during business hours.

Your identity can be kept confidential. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).”

According to Cst. Ahlstrom with the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP around 3 am on Dec. 7 a male dressed in black clothing holding an unknown tool broke into the Chipman post office. It’s not known if any items were taken and the matter is still under investigation. Anyone with information can call the detachment at 780-9977900.

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Local RCMP and Peace Officer Conduct Document Stop checking for any outstanding warrants in accordance of the Traffic Safety Act and Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. Cpl. Stack said even though they conduct random acts throughout the year, they do hold more throughout the Christmas season. “It’s challenging at times, but we do it for the better good.” Cpl. Stack said document stops create awareness and enhance public safety

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Local RCMP Officers Cpl. Ray Stack and Cst. Daniel Bentley, along with Town of Vegreville Peace Officer Ken Podoborozny conducted a document stop on December 13.

According to Cpl. Stack, approximately 100 vehicles were pulled over during the document stop that was set up near the intersection of 49 Ave. and 49 St. Friday evening.

While the thermometer dipped below minus 23 degres Celsius, the officers said they had been out in much colder weather.

During the evening one driver received a 24 hour suspension for driving under the influence , (less than point eight), as well as a vehicle

tow. Two others were ticketed for driving without a drivers license.

Peace Officer Podoborozny said during document stops they are examining motorists drivers license and registration, looking for equipment violations,

Suspect Attempts to Evade Vegreville RCMP Submitted On Dec. 10, 2019 at approximately 2:00 a.m., Vegreville RCMP members while completing patrols attempted to stop a vehicle when it fled and parked at a residence in Vegreville.

Sherry Lynn Cannon (41) of Vegreville was arrested and charged with flight from a police, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), fail to comply with probation order and fail to comply with a Recognizance (x3). A small amount of drugs were located a seized.

Cannon was set to appear in Vegreville Provincial Court on Dec. 16, 2019.

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Adults Can Ruin Anything Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser - Opinion Ask any teenager. You could get Vegas odds that a good percentage would agree... adults can screw up just about anything.

Usually it’s not intentional, but I think we often get caught up in things and common sense, which is not all that common, flies out the window. Then of course, there are the “Trolls” and “Keyboard Warriors” who live on the Internet and command great respect in the virtual world (or so they think).

Last week in Blackfalds, AB, we received proof that parents can in fact ruin anything. Even Christmas and a school dance. After hearing about a lesson from his child, one parent started a chain of events that resulted in the school cancelling the Family School Christmas Dance.

What was the problem? According to

Name: Candice Welsh Occupation: postal clerk Likes: my family, chocolate Dislikes: winter, cigarette smoke.

the Superintendent, a teacher was presenting two sides of an argument, one from Greenpeace and the other from the Government of Alberta, about the positive and negative aspects of the oil industry, and then asking the students to form their own opinion about it based on that information.

The focus was not a vilification of the petroleum industry, but an exercise in critical thinking and the issue of climate change.

Instead of calling the school to discuss his concerns and possibly be enlightened, this parent took to social media to do what many people do in this day and age.... rant.

Unfortunately it did not stop there. Finding some support in this echo chamber, one parent escalated things to a point where threats were made to go to the school dance, confront the teacher and cause a disturbance.

The RCMP had to get involved and the school cancelled the dance as a cautionary measure. Score one for social media raging and an adult with ZERO common sense.

One would hope that this was an isolated, albeit unfortunate case, but every community has a collection of people who frequent the “Rant and Rage” boards and attack ideas and people they don’t agree with.

There is no room for debate. It’s simply a mob mentality and a fight waiting to happen.

The main recipients of this targeting seem to be those that are in the public spotlight to some degree. Everyone from politicians and those working in government offices to professional athletes and those in media. It is clear that when these keyboard warriors have nothing productive to say or not enough intelligence or ambition to have a productive debate that they resort to name calling, wild accusations and even threats.

The worst part is… kids are watching these adults in their lives who should be acting like role models. What they are seeing, is anything but a role model and instead people who bully, use foul language and generally be terrible human beings. Some learn these bad traits and become bullies themselves and then parents are left wondering how it all happened.

Adults can ruin anything. Maybe by NEXT Christmas, some of these adults will have learned to act like real role models and show the young people in their lives what a mentor should look like.

Are you a young News Advertiser reader? Email me and tell us what things adults are good at ruining.

Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

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Showroom Shopping Hurts Communities The Canadian Federation of Independent Business Submitted

Majority of shoppers admit to “showrooming” at local retailers, later buying from online giants Toronto, November 27, 2019 – “Showrooming” – when shoppers visit local businesses to try out or learn about a product, but then buy it from a big box store or online competitor – is a major problem for independent merchants heading into the busy holiday season, warns the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

In fact, 60 per cent of independent retailers say they have experienced showrooming, with a third of those saying it’s having a significant impact on their business, according to a new CFIB survey. A separate poll of shoppers finds that 55 per cent of consum-

ers are doing it.

“When customers go into independent stores to ask questions or try on merchandise and then take a picture or write down a model number so they can buy the item online, they might not be aware that they’re not just taking away a sale – they’re taking money away from their neighbourhoods.

These are the shops that support local kids’ hockey teams or donate to the community foodbank every Christmas,” said Dan Kelly, CFIB’s president. “They care about their customers and want to help and share their expertise, but their rent, their property taxes and their employees need to be paid.

Ultimately, when consumers take up the time of local retailers but spend their money elsewhere, it’s our communities that suffer.”

Showrooming is a major pain point for small retailers

Shoppers aged 18 to 34 were more likely than older consumers to showroom shop, with three out of four admitting to having done it, and one in seven even saying they do it often according to a survey CFIB conducted among a representative sample of Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum.

CFIB received hundreds of comments from retailers detailing their showrooming experiences: •One had a customer so bold that after spending time discussing a product, they ordered it online from a different retailer right there on the spot.

•A jeweler in Manitoba said a customer consulted her at length to choose the best design and materials for a custom bracelet but ordered it online.

•A paint store in Ontario has home-

Royal LePage Homewise Realty Welcomes New Face

Submitted

There’s a new face at Royal LePage Homewise Realty!

Please help us welcome Realtor Kathy O’Shea.

A bit about Kathy.

I was raised on a family farm south of Vegreville. My husband and I along with our children

and grandchild actively grain and cattle farm.

Favourite hobbies are horseback riding, curling, fishing, sewing and watching sunrises and sunsets.

Past employment; worked for the Battle River School Division as an Educational Assistant which was a very fun and rewarding career. “With a new day comes new strengths and new thoughts,” Eleanor Roosevelt.

We are very excited to have Kathy joining us. Give her a call today or stop by to chat with her about all of your real estate needs. 780-603-8516.

owners and builders who come in for colour advice, but take the paint sample to a big box store to get a match in a

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

from the pages of the vegreville observer

Compiled by Dan Beaudette

90 Years Ago – December 18, 1929

The Town of Two Hills is increasing every day. Alex Palamaruk has built an addition to his barber shop expecting more business.

Alex Gorsline bought a McCormick-Deering tractor last week.

Alex says he has to keep up with the times so he bought a tractor and is right up to the minute with his farming now.

Objection was raised in Vegreville town council to selling of fish on streets. Instructions were given that in future when issuing Peddler’s license to fish vendors, it be stipulated that the licensee must either rent a lot on which to park his truck or else remain on the market place. This order however is not to prevent peddling from door to door.

Elmer Wilson, who is constructing the new building across from the Observer office for Tom Dimos of the Prince Edward Café, has discovered a new sort of gravel in a pit located somewhere near Inland. A number of the pebbles in the gravel have encrustations on their surfaces of the crystals of a salt.

75 Years Ago – December 13, 1944

All farmers are advised to give immediate consideration to their seed requirements for next year. Good seed is in short supply. Only those who place their orders for Registered or Certified Seed at an early date can be assured that their requirements will be met.

The town of Vegreville has sent notice of Compulsory Closing.

Those concerned are notified that by decree of the Council of the Town of Vegreville: Stores and other places of business may remain open on Wednesday afternoon, December 20th. Boxing Day, Tuesday, December 26, having been declared a public holiday it will be observed as such. As provided by the compulsory closing By-Law, all places of business will be closed to the public on every Saturday evening during the months of January, February and March at 7 o’clock.

Free distribution of deciduous trees grown at the Dominion Forestry Station at Indian Head and Sutherland are available to farmers in the Prairie Provinces only. These farmers may also purchase evergreen trees from the Forestry Station at a price of $1.00 per 100 trees.

Wool interlinings and elastic are among finishing returning to 1945 fur models in materials are available since the Prices Board has removed manufacturing restrictions on coats, jacket, capes, scarfs and muffs made of fur.

Poultry sold to purveyors of meals must not be sold at ten per cent more than maximum wholesale ceiling price. Designed to ensure continuous supplies during off seasons, this new Prices Board order, effective December 11, requires that all sellers, other than primary producers or retailers, register with the Board.

50 Years Ago – December 18, 1969

Peter Wyllie, well known Alberta agriculturist, was named secretary-manager of the Vegreville Exhibition Association by the board of directors at a recent meeting. He has past experience with fairs and exhibitions and will no doubt be of tremendous value to the Vegreville Fair.

Mutual Surplus Sales recently was named Scorpion snowmobile dealer in the Vegreville area by Trail-A-Sled Inc., pioneer U.S. manufacturer of the frisky snow sleds.

Response by the Vegreville Rural Fire Protection Association to a call to a fire at the farm of Marshall Triska probably saved the entire lot of farm buildings, it was learned Wednesday. The fire which broke out about 3:00 o’clock Tuesday afternoon in a summer house, was out of control when the firemen arrived but they were able to confine the blaze to the one building.

Mrs. Ted Stevenson, Treasurer of the Ada I. Wright Chapter, I.O.D.E. presented a cheque for $300.00 to Mrs. Robert Kelly, librarian, to be added to the building fund of the proposed new Vegreville Library. Mrs. Mike Kawulych, Regent of the Chapter and Hugh Gilchrist, a member of the Vegreville Junior Chamber of Commerce who are spearheading the drive for the Library Building fund were on hand for the presentation.

The peace of Christmas Day in the year 1968 was marred by 28 fires causing a total of $3,826.00 fire loss. The greatest number of these fires were caused by cigarettes carelessly discarded, that is, 13 fires out of a total of 28 were from cigarettes.

25 Years Ago – December 21, 1994

Vegreville Town Council voted unanimously to freeze councillor fees at current levels for 1995. They also accepted a request from local Realtor Gary Kuchik to waive his rental fees for a billboard advertisement for 1995.

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. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Many Canadians Pay a Great Deal for ‘free’ Health Care Milagros Palacios and Bacchus Barua The Fraser Institute The fall federal election showed that politicians across the spectrum are happy to promise to spend more on our government-run health-care system.

Whether the spending is for long-term care or pharmacare, the political solution to any health-care problem seems to be to pump more money into it.

Of course, the Canadian taxpayer is stuck with the bill.

So just how large of a tab did we run up last year?

While it’s fairly easy to obtain a receipt for our health-care bill ($163 billion in 2018), most Canadians remain unaware of their individual contributions.

This is through no fault of their own. It’s primarily because general government revenues – not a dedicated tax – finance health care in Canada. That means we pay for health care through a variety of taxes, including income, sales and so-called sin taxes on alcohol and tobacco.

Even per-person estimates ($4,389) are misleading because Canadians don’t pay equal amounts of tax each year. For example, children and dependents are not taxpayers.

Meanwhile, health insurance premiums in provinces that impose them only cover a fraction of the true cost of health care, which further exacerbates the confusion.

In reality, the amount we pay for health care through the tax system depends on family income and size. And while difficult, it’s possible to estimate these relative contributions using data from Statistics Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information. A recent study by the Fraser Institute does just that.

Calculating estimates across six common family types, the study finds that a typical Canadian family (two parents, two children) with an

average household income of $140,049 will pay $13,311 for public health care this year. A singleparent family with two children (earning $65,858) will pay $3,833.

The amount individual Canadian families pay for health care varies widely across the income spectrum. For example, the 10 per cent of families with the lowest incomes (earning $15,070 per household, on average) will pay $464 for health care in 2019 while families in the top 10 per cent of income earners (with a household income of $298,872, on average) will pay $39,486.

Why should we care how much Canadian families pay for health care?

Because knowing how much we pay enables us to better judge whether we receive good value for our health-care dollars. For example, while some Canadians may consider these amounts reasonable for a system that provides life-saving treatment in the emergency room, others may rue the fact that despite spending thousands of dollars, they had to wait more than 26 weeks for neurosurgery last year.

By comparing how much families annually contribute towards the public system, we can better understand the impact of the growing burden of public health care.

For example, between 1997 and 2019, the cost of public health care for the average Canadian family grew 1.7 times faster than the average income.

However – again due to the complex nature of how we pay for health care – many Canadians are unaware of this unsustainable growth in the cost of health care relative to their incomes.

These numbers should help disabuse Canadians of any notion that we have a ‘free’ health-care system.

Families across Canada pay a lot for health care through our tax system, and it’s important they know just how much of the $163-billion bill is on their tab.

Milagros Palacios and Bacchus Barua are analysts at the Fraser Institute.

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Heritage House Christmas Tea Party Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent To help residents enjoy the comradeship of Christmas and to raise funds to better the lives of the residents, Heritage House hosted their Christmas Tea Party on December 5.

This event featured tea, coffee, black forest cake, and strawberry shortcake. There were also many door prizes.

Jo-Anne Fried who is the President of Residents and Family Council said this tea is meant to raise funds which will be used to provide entertainment, bus rides, cab rides to go to special events, and other activities for the residents of Heritage House. “We also used

the funds from before to update our Christmas tree in the dining room which really beautifies the place. As well, we bought most of the silk flowers in the hallways and other ornamental arrangements.

“We host this event because we want the community of Vegreville and surrounding areas to come in and check out Heritage House and visit with the residents. We think Heritage House is a pretty special place,” Fried added.

Also available at Heritage House’s living room was a mini trade show with products for sale by vendors Scentsy and Fifth Avenue Collection.

Gladys Palahniuk, Sonia Hunka, Pauline Coleman, Joan Yoronchuk enjoy the tea party together.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

Wouldn’t You Prefer a Different Place Than

Save Your Life of Oth Impaired Driving

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Impaired driving means operating a motor vehicle while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both. Impaired driving is a serious crime under the Criminal Code in Canada and throughout the world.​​​

Why impaired driving is a concern

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs remains a major contributor ​​to fatal road crashes in Canada.

In the 10-year period from 2000 through 2009, 8,431 people died on Canadian roads in crashes involving a drinking driver (data from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and Transport Canada).

Drug impaired driving is increasing as a safety problem. In 2010, nearly as many drivers died in road crashes after using drugs (34.2%) as those who had been drinking (39.1%).

Young people continue to be the largest group of drivers who die in crashes and test positive for alcohol or drugs.

These community sponsors urge you to celebrate res

DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Than This For Your Next Family Gathering?

ife and Those Others

Drug-impaired driving

Drugs can impair your ability to drive safely and increase the risk of getting into a collision. In fact, marijuana doubles your chance of a car accidentFootnote 1. Marijuana is second only to alcohol as the most commonly detected substance among drivers who die in traffic crashes in Canada.

Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada, and drugimpaired driving is increasing.

Getting behind the wheel while impaired by drugs is not only dangerous, it’s against the law. Drug Recognition Experts can determine if you are under the influence of a drug and can charge you with impaired driving. You could have your license suspended, face fines, criminal charges, and even jail time.

If you’re the least bit impaired, don’t take a chance with your life, your future, or the safety of those around you. Always drive sober.

Plan ahead

There is no good excuse for driving while impaired, and being a passenger with an impaired driver is also risky. You have options: • Make sure you have a designated driver.

• Call a friend or loved one to pick you up.

• Call a cab or a ridesharing service.

• Stay over and sleep it off.

Information for parents

Young people continue to be the largest group of drivers who die in crashes and later test positive for alcohol or drugs, and yet, only 11 percent of parents surveyed said they had discussed the risks of driving under the influence with their teenagersFootnote 2. This dropped to 4 percent when teens themselves were asked whether they had discussed impaired driving with their parents Start a conversation with your children about impaired driving. It could save lives.

ate responsibly for a safe and happy holiday season!

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

SHOWROOM SHOPPING - CONTINUED from PAGE 5 cheaper product.

“You wouldn’t sit down in a restaurant just to read the menu and get

Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Dec. 21st Dec. 22nd Dec. 23rd Dec. 24th Dec. 25th Dec. 26th Dec. 27th Dec. 28th Dec. 29th Dec. 30th Dec. 31st Jan. 1st -

some cooking tips from the chef before heading to the grocery store,” added Ryan Mallough, Director at CFIB and

lead author of the survey.

“Showrooming may seem harmless, but can really hurt independent retail-

7:30am - 6pm 8am - 6pm 7:30am - 9pm Christmas Eve - 7:30am - 4pm Christmas Day - Closed Boxing Day - 8am - 5pm 7:30am - 9pm 7:30am - 6pm 8am - 5pm 7:30am - 9:00pm New Year’s Eve 7:30am - 4pm New Year’s Day - Closed

ers, and undermine the health of local communities – especially during the make-or-break holiday season when they’re competing against big box stores and online giants.”

Holiday cheer not lost on independent retailers Independent retailers are deeply grateful and appreciative of their customers.

“While small retailers wish their customers might better understand the challenges they face and the contributions they make to their communities, the number one thing they wanted to say to their customers was ‘thank you’,” concluded Kelly. “With Black Friday and Cyber Monday kicking off the holiday shopping season, we encourage consumers to save themselves the crowds and clicks and visit their local, independent merchants. They’ll thank you and pay it forward.”

5338- 50 Ave., Vegreville • 780-632-6707

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PRESENT & NEW CUSTOMERS WISHING YOU A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY FROM ALL OF US

VEG AUTO & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY LTD. 4821 • 50 Ave. • 780-632-3770 • Vegreville, AB

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Vegreville RCMP Arrest Male for Breaching Conditions Submitted

Mundare, Alta. - On Dec. 10, 2019 at approximately 9:30 a.m., Vegreville RCMP attended a residence of a male for a compliance check.

During the check the male was found to be breaching a probation order by having electronic devices in his residence.

A search warrant for the residence in Mundare was obtained the same day and several items including electronic devices were seized.

Robert Edward Ventress (49) of Mundare was arrested and charged with failing to comply with a probation order (x6). He was remanded into custody after a judicial hearing and will be appearing in Vegreville Provincial Court today.

As this matter is now before the courts no further information is available.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Sniffing out Clubroot A recent trial has tapped into the potential use of sniffer dogs to detect clubroot galls in the field.

Alberta Agri-News

It was a sight this past September in canola fields near Brooks in Newell County and again in Leduc County, 2 sniffer dogs on the hunt for clubroot galls. They and their trainers were in the province for the final phase, the field trial, of the canine detection of clubroot project.

The project came about when Michael Harding, research scientist of plant pathology with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF), was contacted by dog trainer Mario Bourque in New Brunswick about training sniffer dogs to detect plant disease.

Harding suggested clubroot.

“I knew that the concept had been done before (with avocados) and we needed to find the situation that needed the solution,” explained Harding. “Clubroot was the one because all the symptoms are underground. We have to destructively sample to see them. We needed something that could see the roots without pulling them out of the ground. That is where the dogs’ olfactory senses came into play.”

Harding contacted Farming Smarter’s general manager Ken Coles to support the project.

“In the research world, it is always a struggle to figure out how to get the projects that are interesting to farmers and practical in your area,” said Coles. “We felt that it was a relevant and kind of an out there idea and that’s kind of the premise of Farming Smarter.”

Before the two dogs - Josie, a 2 year old German Shepherd, and Adi, a 13 month

old Golden Doodle - flew to Alberta, trainer Bill Grimmer used clinical scent training for 3 months in New Brunswick. Once they had proven the dogs could detect clubroot in the clinical trials, they were ready for field testing.

During those two days in the field, those participating in the trial saw evidence that the dogs would alert their handlers to areas where clubroot was present without digging up the roots.

“We set out to answer the question can dogs be trained to sniff out clubroot. We have shown that is truly the case both in the clinical setting and in the field setting,” Harding added.

“We learned a lot in those field trials,” said Harding. “The dogs had never been in a canola field before. They had never been on an airplane. It did not go seamlessly because this was a really new environment and a new experience for the dogs.

They are used to detecting gall material that is not

CLUBROOT - CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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Library hosts Parent and Child Holiday Crafting

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Ethan shows the tri bead candy canes he made. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Vegreville Centennial Library’s gymnasium was the site for holiday arts and crafts when it hosted ‘Parent and Child Holiday Crafting’ event on December 11.

Library Programmer Calina Sokalski said, “We are hosting this event to get families to come out in the holiday spirit and to give them a chance to do some crafts in case they can’t come to one of our after school programs. It gives them a chance to hang out with the library’s staff and be at the library to see what we do. As well, it is really beneficial for parents to spend time with their children.”

Parents helped their children make a variety of holiday crafts including: colouring festive pictures, tri bead candy cane making, terra cotta Christmas tree painting, and candy cane reindeer.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

News Advertiser PAGE 15

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Stuff a Limo Campaign fuels up to Support local Food Banks Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Jason Kowal wears many hats.

The Mundare resident is a town councillor, grain farmer, family man and businessman. Now he is using his latest venture, Kowal Limo Service, to collect donations for the Lamont County Food Bank and the Vegreville Food Bank this holiday season.

Kowal will pick up donations at homes and workplaces until December 31. “I’m looking to attract individuals to get out there and donate if they haven’t donated before or to donate a little bit more to give back in the Christmas season. I chose the food bank because I don’t think anyone should go hungry, not just through the Christmas season, but throughout the year.

Canada is still a great country. We’re a first world county and we hear a lot about famine across the world and all that, but it’s a great opportunity for us to take care of our own country and province here.”

Kowal said he has already reached out people he and his wife Shannon know directly, but he’s also wanting to connect with other people and businesses in the Mundare and Vegreville area. “I’m looking to be that transportation hub for people and businesses who have collected nonperishable grocery items and monetary donations.” He encourages neighbours to get together and collect donations, and he will arrange a day and time to pick up those donations.

“I have no idea how big it’s going to get or anything like that because it’s the first year; but even if we’re able to get one or two extra people donating, that would be great.”

Jason Kowal was busy collecting food bank donations during the recent Christmas Extravaganza in Mundare.

Proceeds from his ‘Stuff A Limo’ campaign will be donated to the Lamont County Food Bank and the Vegreville Food Bank.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Kowal said it is tough times, and while he doesn’t personally know of anyone who uses the services of the food bank, he knows there is a definite need for donations. “I don’t know everybody’s situation, but for some people their work situation has changed. With our government talking about lay-offs and rolling back wages, it’s a time when everybody has to look at kind of pinching pennies…”

Kowal said the food bank is a “great organization” and that it seems like there is a need throughout our helps fill a void

in Alberta throughout

and the

country. He believes any amount of donations, food and otherwise, will definitely

Stuff a limo - CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Tributes MEMORIAM

MEMORIAM

MEMORIAM

OBITUARY

SAWIAK, Stefania November 13, 1910 - December 19, 2003 Sixteen years have passed since that sad day, When one we loved was called away; God took her home, it was His will, But in our hearts she liveth still.

As long as me and my memory last I shall remember you Frances Sawiak

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

ROYER, Karen Darlene October 28, 1955 - December 10, 2017 Precious memories woven in gold This is the picture we tenderly hold Deep in our hearts your memory is kept To love and to cherish and never forget A special smile, a special face and In our hearts a special place No words we speak can ever say How much we miss you everyday To be together the same old way Would be our greatest wish today May the winds of love blow softly And whisper, so you can hear We will always love and miss you And wish that you were here.

Lovingly remembered by daughter Jennifer, mother Marcia Seniuk and family

SPERBERG, Grant Alexander Nicholas November 16, 1995-December 8, 2019 Grant Sperberg passed away suddenly at the age of 24.

He is survived by his loving mother, Annette Sperberg; and brother, Nick Sperberg. Predeceased by his father, Frank Sperberg; by grandparents, Nancy Stuart, Nick Stuart, Doreen Sperberg, and Alex Sperberg; also by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Private service will follow at a later date. Donations in memory of Grant may be made to Prairie Tails Animal Rescue Society, Vegreville by contacting Connie Brown (conniebrown@atco.com) or Andrea Lystang.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com PARK MEMORIAL LTD. VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000 FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM

CROSBIE, Robert (Bing) Henry June 29, 1951 - December 18, 2015 In loving memory of our husband, father, grandfather and uncle Quietly remembered everyday Deeply missed along life’s way No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts you are always there Memories are a gift to treasure Ours of you will last forever The pain of losing you will always stay Loved and remembered every day Forever loved and sadly missed by “All your loving family” Your wife Linda, sons John, James (Sheena), Bailee, Ryker, Robert (Jennifer), Logan, Kohlson and Harper, and niece Angela Crosbie.

CARD OF THANKS DORASH, Lyndon February 3, 1983 - December 19, 2017 Forever Missed Yesterday I felt OK, I smiled when I thought of you I remembered happy times and the funny things you’d do But today I felt so very sad, I think of you and cry I’m missing you so very much, and still asking God why I don’t know what will happen, when I face another day What will tomorrow bring, will I cry or be OK This rollercoaster of emotions, Is the worst ride of my life Nothing can prepare you, for the never ending strife I may not handle my emotions, the way that I should do But I still thank God, For the time I had with you Love Mom & Dad

CHUDYK, Harry April 19, 1936 - January 18, 2008 CHUDYK, Irene November 10, 1938 - December 20, 2017 In our hearts your memories live on We will never get used to you being gone For God gained two angels separated by years And knowing you’re together gives rise to tears Tears of happiness that you are at peace But a clenching heartache, never to release.

Always remembered and sadly missed by Rodney, Dannielle and family Marie, Aaron and family

HALABUT, Susan September 25, 1932 - December 11, 2013 If roses grow in Heaven Lord please pick a bunch for me Place them in my Mother’s arms And tell her they’re from me Tell her that I love her And miss her And when she turns to smile Place a kiss upon her cheek And hold her for awhile.

Always in our thoughts Forever in our hearts Elaine & Randy, Jordon, Amy & Quinn, Blayke, Janelle, Wade & John

BEREZAN We would like to thank our family and friends that have helped us through our difficult time in the loss of our son Brad. Thank you for the visits, phone calls, food, cards and flowers. Thank you for the donations made in memory of Brad.

We are very thankful for the harvest crew that came together under the directions of Chris Klammer, son Terry and grandsons Brett and Brady. They were able to finish our harvest in a matter of hours.

We wish all a peaceful family time together this holiday season.

Orest & Sharon and Family

BIRTHS

TENNANT, Remington Bryan Michael Welcome baby Remington! Born November 15, 12:15 a.m. weighing 7 lbs., 19 inches long. Proud parents Jenna Tennant and Yan Tremblay. Grandparents Doreen and Brian Tennant and Antoinette Lavoie and Réjean Tremblay.

DEHID, Marshall January 1936 - December 2015 In loving memory of a Dear Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather Thinking of you this Christmas And how things just Aren’t the same.

There’s this dull And nagging heartache When someone speaks your name.

Sadly, we can’t buy gifts for you Just silent tears that fall.

For this time of year without you Is the hardest time of all.

Loved forever and always, Pat and your loving family

Lakeland MP Sworn into Office

Submitted Shannon Stubbs, Member of Parliament for Lakeland, was officially sworn into office in Ottawa December 3. Standing beside Stubbs is former Reform MP Deborah Grey. Stubbs was recently reappointed by Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer as the Shadow Minister for Natural Resources.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

News Advertiser PAGE 17

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SPIRIT - CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE Day,” added Taylor. The branch also hosts complimentary events on Farmer’s Day, during Agri-Days, and a Harvest Breakfast in the Fall.

During the Christmas Extravaganza members of the Mundare Library board offered free books to the children who visited Santa. They also supplied treats and held a raffle during the event.

Monica Dascavich, the newest board member, was also on hand to greet visitors. The library board also hosts a silent auction and book sale during Agri-Days and sells community calendars in the Fall.

Members of the Communities In Bloom (CIB) Committee were also busy during the Christmas Extravaganza bake sale at the Mundare Recreation Centre on Dec. 7. Members and volunteers baked 88 trays of goodies in addition to many pies and cakes.

Proceeds from the event help members to plant flowers and trees throughout the community every year. CIB also hosted a raffle and accepted food bank donations during the event.

Mary Immaculate Hospital Auxiliary (MIHA) members were also on hand during the event with their Lite-a-Lites mini-Christmas tree. For a nominal fee people were able to

write memorial messages to loved ones. MIHA members recently held their own highly successful annual bake sale.

Members fill Christmas stockings and purchase Christmas gifts for the long term care residents. The auxiliary has also

November of 2017 to raise funds for the bus. Even though there was a lot of “red tape” to go through, the organization has ordered the bus, and expects it to arrive in the Spring of 2020. The bus is valued at $160,000 and has fold up seats which allow room for six wheelchairs. To date, the hospital foundation has received a provincial grant of $50,000 and between $6,000 and 7,000 worth of donations. The remainder of the money will have to come from donations, and she has been spreading the word through the town newsletter and will be mailing out a flyer in the near future.

donated money to the Mary Immaculate Hospital Foundation which is currently in the process of raising funds to purchase a new 20 passenger bus for the long term care residents.

Sylvia Zacharkiw, Chair of the Mary Immaculate Hospital Foundation, said members decided in

marketplace

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Kids Make Christmas Cards for Seniors Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Children with the assistance of their parents and grandparents decorated Christmas cards during the Community Helpers program at the Vegreville and Area Parent Link Centre (PLC) on December 6.

Litania Holyk, Community Programmer for PLC read the children a community helper’s story before everyone helped themselves to a light snack.

All of the Christmas cards that were decorated will be given to the seniors at Century Park.

Holyk pointed out: “We are teaching the children about the community and we are trying to make children more aware of the different helpers in the community.”

Holyk said the children will be singing some Christmas

Cindy Smook helps her grandson, Elias decorate a Christmas card for a senior. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)

songs and decorating Christmas cookies with Century Park residents on Dec. 16. “Everyone wins when organizations host intergenerational programs where children connect with seniors.” Holyk read the chil-

dren a community helper’s story and everyone helped themselves to a light snack.

All of the Christmas cards that were decorated will be given to the seniors at Century Park.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

News Advertiser PAGE 19

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CLUBROOT - CONTINUED from PAGE 13 underground on a canola stubble, so it was the first time for that.”

Harding added that these dogs would need some additional training to be working dogs with a high rate of success at detecting clubroot. “But, we have seen lots of evidence that they can do it.”

“Clubroot costs the industry a lot of money,” said Coles. “For us down south, where we are in that sort of clubroot-free zone, to be able to detect it earlier, we can employ the strategies that have already been successful and maybe keep it out a bit longer.”

“If you have a scent dog that can help scout for clubroot, you eliminate the need to pull out 500 roots to find one with a gall,” said Harding. “There is an upfront cost for a sniffer dog, but you do not have to pay them a salary. They are really happy to go.

Dogs could be trained to detect resting spores in the soil, so they could detect clubroot infestations in soil on equipment.

The dog could verify there is no presence of clubroot spores on equipment up for sale.

You could combine with GPS, on the dog’s collar to see where the dog has scouted, what it missed, where it has alerted and where it has not.”

Harding also added the possibility of training the dogs to detect more than clubroot. “You could train a single animal to alert you to fusarium, aphanomyces, blackleg, verticililium wilt, late blight - these dogs have the capability of learning that skill.”

“Now the work starts,” said Cole. “There are just so many approaches and opportunities, and we need to sort them out.”

STUFF A LIMO - CONTINUED from PAGE 15 help the local food banks, and is greatly appreciated.

Joanna Karczmarek, Co-ordinator of the Vegreville Food Bank, said the demand for the services of the food bank is year round, and there are always items that need replenishing. Some of the items that are recommended include: canned meats, tuna and salmon, canned fruit, beans, and milk, skim milk powder, bagged flour, peanut butter and jam.

Between January 1 and December 9, 2019 the Vegreville Food Bank served 303 households which represent 758 individuals. The majority of users, 40 per cent, are between 0-18 years of age.

“Unfortunately, hunger doesn’t go away,” stated Colette McBride, board chair of the Lamont County Food Bank. She reported that a lot of the recent recipients are single people, and pointed out that while the cost of groceries, rent and utilities continue to rise, people still remain on a fixed income.

According to McBride, the Lamont

County Food Bank distributes 35 hampers per month, however, this month they already have 29. For the most part, the food bank numbers are in line with the figures that were recently published in the Food Banks Canada 2019 Hunger Report, noted McBride. For example, of the rural food banks, there were 150,732 total visits.

The number of total visits (child) were 49,620. The total number of meals and snacks equalled 332,131. The report also included a breakdown of percentages according to age, primary source of income, household type, and housing type.

As stated in the report: “food bank use remains at unacceptably high levels” and that only long-term policy solutions can address the root causes of hunger in Canada.

On December 22 volunteers will be sorting and distributing the Christmas hampers. McBride said anyone interested in participating can drop by the Lamont Recreation Centre’s hall after 12 noon.

Merry Christmas

to our Past, Present, and Future Clients

Homewiise Realty

PAGE 20

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

W E D N E S D AY, D e c e m b e r 18 , 2 019

A. L. Horton School Christmas Concert

See story on page 2

PAGE 2

News Advertiser insider

DECEMBER 18, 2019

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A. L. Horton School Christmas Concert Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

THURSDAY @ 5PM. DEADLINE FOR ALL ADS

Creativity and expression transformed the atmosphere of A.L. Horton School’s gymnasium when the students presented their Christmas Concert on December 12.

The elves were the emcees who introduced each act where they took the audience on a journey through songs, dancing, and narrations about snow, everlasting fruitcake, hot chocolate, and winter wiggles. During these performances, the audience chuckled freely during the comical and witty acts.

The four reindeers added their own sense of humor with jokes and acts.

A cultural accent enhanced the concert when the children sang, an Inuit song by Susan Aglukark.

A warm glow enveloped the gym when the Ukrainian Bilingual students sang a few

A few of the reindeer speak. (Rosanne Fortier/photos)

songs in Ukrainian.

After this, the students welcomed the Christ child with a nativity scene where they sang songs about Jesus’ birth.

The finale was a sing-a-

long where all the audience was invited to sing various festive songs.

This concert closed with a standing ovation from the audience.

Zone 7 Archery Alberta Winter Games Trials

Valerie Jamie Vegreville Wildlife Federation The Zone 7 Alberta Winter Games Archery Trials were held in Lloydminster December 1. There were 22 archers aged from 12-17 from Northeast Alberta.

Five members of the Vegreville Wildlife Federation (VWF) Youth

Archery program went to the trials and did very well.

Layne Lowes - Cub Compound Female 1st place Barret SchergerCub Compound Male 1st place Alexander Farkas - Cub Compound Male 2nd place Alec EwanchukCadet Male Compound 2nd place Carter Legan - Cadet Male Compound 4th place The first place

winners will go to the Alberta Winter Games and the second place winners will become alternates.

Alberta Winter Games will be held during the February long weekend in Airdrie. The Zone 7 coaches are VWF youth archery coach, Jamie Lowes and former VWF archer Mikyla Miller (currently of Sherwood Park)

VegMin 10th Annual Christmas Potluck

Alda Jarvis, Robert Jarvis, Darren Ham, Justin Ham, and Julie Kim gather for food and fellowship. (Rosanne Fortier/photo) they invited their learners, and refreshments while Rosanne Fortier instructors, volunteers and everyone who came brought News Correspondent VegMin Learning Society their families to the 10th some food or a dish they gives the gift of learning to Annual Christmas Potluck made to the supper.

Donations were also coladults almost every month at the Senior Citizen Sunshine Club of Vegreville. lected for Vegreville of the year. On November VegMin supplied the Christmas Bureau and 28, VegMin gave the gift of food and fellowship when turkey, ham, potatoes, buns Vegreville Food Bank.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

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News Advertiser insider PAGE 3

PAGE 4

News Advertiser insider

Some people in Denmark give and receive extra Advent presents on the four Sundays of Advent.

Different types of Advent candles and calendars are popular in Denmark. A Kalenderlys (calendarcandle) is an Advent candle and most people have one of these types of candles. A Pakkekalender (gift calendar) is also a fun way to countdown to Christmas Eve. There are 24 small gifts for the children in the calendar, one for each day until Christmas Eve. Julekalender (christmas calendar) is a television series with 24 episodes.

One episode is shown each day in December with the last one being aired on Christmas Eve. The first Julekalender was shown on TV in Denmark in 1962. The two main Danish TV channels DR and TV2 both show different versions of Julekalender each year. The theme of the stories in the Julekalender normally follow a similar storyline, with someone trying to ruin Christmas and the main characters saving Christmas!

As well as the TV series, both DR and TV2 produce paper advent calendars to go along with the stories!

DR is the oldest TV channel in Denmark and it’s paper calendar is called Børnenes U-landskalender (Children’s U-Country Calendar). It’s been making the calendars for over 50 years and profits from the sale of the calendar go to help poor children in a developing country. The calendar made by TV2 is called julekalender and profits from that calendar go to help Julemærkefonden, a children’s charity in Denmark.

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In Georgia, Christmas is celebrated on the 7th January. This is because the Georgian Orthodox Church (like the Orthodox Churches in Russia, Ethiopia and other countries) use the old ‘Julian’ calendar for their festivals.

On Christmas Day, many people will go on a ‘Alilo’, a parade in the streets. They are dressed in special cloths and costumes to celebrate Christmas. Some people carry Georgian flags and others might be dressed as people from the Christmas story. Children like taking part in the Alilo as they’re often given sweets!

Carols are sung and they vary across the country. Many of the songs and carols sung during the Alilo include these words: “ოცდახუთსა დეკემბერსა, ქრისტე იშვა ბეთლემსაო’” (otsdakhutsa dekembersa qriste ishva betlemsao) which means “on 25th December Christ was born in Bethlehem”.

In Georgian Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘გილოცავ შობა-ახალ წელს’ (gilocav shoba-akhal c’els). Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.

The traditional Georgian Christmas Tree is called a ‘Chichilaki’ (ჩიჩილაკი). It’s made of dried wood, such as hazelnut or walnut branches, which are shaved into long curly strips to form a small tree. Some people say they look like the long white curly beard of St Basil the Great! They are decorated with small fruits and sweets. They are traditionally burnt on the day before the Georgian Orthodox Epiphany (19th January).

This is meant to mark the end of the year’s troubles. ‘Western’ Christmas Tree (nadzvis khe) are also popular.

People in Ghana celebrate Christmas from the 20th of December to the first week in January with lots of different activities. Many people travel to visit their relatives and friends in other parts of the country. Over 66 languages are spoken in Ghana and all these language groups have their own traditions and customs!

December is also the start of the cocoa harvest (the bean that make chocolate) in Ghana. Ghana is the worlds second biggest cocoa producer.

I really like some fair-trade chocolate that’s made with cocoa from Ghana!

Christmas Eve night is the time when the celebrations really start with Church services that have drumming and dancing. Children often put on a Nativity Play or other drama. Then choirs come out to sing and people come out in front of the priests to dance. Songs are mostly sang in the languages that the people understand best. This makes them feels that God speaks their language. Sometimes these services and dancing go on all night long!

Other people celebrate Christmas Eve with fireworks and parties.

On Christmas day the Churches are very full. People come out dressed in their colorful traditional clothes.

After the Church service on Christmas morning, people quickly go back to their houses to sTraditional food includes stew or okra soup, porridge and meats, rice and a yam paste called ‘fufu’.

During the Christmas period children’s parties, employees’ end of year parties, etc. are mostly celebrated in the hotels, at the beaches, school parks and community centers with good wishes for all people on earth.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

• Christmas in Canada has many different customs and traditions because of the country’s diverse population. Most people celebrate on December 25th.

• The Santa Claus parade has been held every Christmas in Toronto since 1905. Almost 1,800 people take part in the parade, and about 500,000 people line the parade route.

• Every Christmas, homes in Labrador City in Newfoundland have a Christmas lights competition.

Homeowners also try to outdo each other with huge ice sculptures and light displays in their gardens.

• Also popular is the festival of lights at Niagara Falls. The waterfalls are decorated with over 2 million lights, and visitors can also enjoy concerts and fireworks over the falls.

• Turkey or ham is the traditional Christmas meal for most English speaking Canadians. Other popular seasonal foods include mince pies, plum pudding and a rich Christmas fruit cake.

• Attending midnight mass is customary among French speaking Canadians, as well as attending feasts on Christmas Eve. A stew made from pigs’ feet is a traditional Christmas meal in parts of Quebec.

• Every year, the Canadian province of Nova Scotia gives a Christmas tree to the US city of Boston. The tree is in appreciation for help given by Boston residents after a ship exploded in Halifax in 1917.

• Mummering is a popular tradition at Christmas in Canada, in parts of Newfoundland. Children go from door to door, sing and dance, and are given snacks and a drink.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

As in The Netherlands, children in Belgium believe that ‘Sinterklaas/St. Niklaas’ (Flemish) or ‘Saint Nicholas’ (Walloon) brings them presents on December 6th, St. Nicholas’ Day. Children put their shoes in front of the fireplace, together some for Sinterklaas like a drawing or biscuits; they might also leave a carrot for Sinterklass’s horse and something for Zwarte Piet (Black Peter, Sinterklass’s assistant). Then in the night, Sinterklaas arrives on the roof on his horse with Zwarte Piet. Zwarte Piet climbs down the chimney and leaves the presents in and around the shoes.

Sinterklaas has a book in which he keeps all the names of the children and tells if they’ve been bad or good.

Children are told that if they’ve been bad, Zwarte Piet will put you in his sack and take you back to Spain!

Traditional foods that are left for Sinterklaas include tangerines, gingerbread, chocolate and ‘mokjes’ (cookies made in the shapes of letters.

There are lots of songs that children sing about Sinterklaas. Different regions of Belgium have different customs and traditions about St. Nicholas.

The visit of Sinkerlass is a separate occasion than Christmas. Christmas is a more religious festival.

In Belgium there are three official languages, Dutch (a Belgium version of Dutch is known as Flemish, this is mainly spoken in the northern area of Belgium called Flanders), French (mainly spoken in the southern Walloon Region) and German (spoken by about 1% of Belgiums in the east of the country).

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In France, a Nativity crib is often used to help decorate the house.

French cribs have clay figures in them. During December some towns and cities, such as Marseilles, have fairs that sell Nativity figures. As well as having the normal Nativity figures in them, French scenes also have figures such as a Butcher, a Baker, a Policeman and a Priest.

In French Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘Joyeux Noël’. In Breton (spoken by some people in Brittany, Northern France) it’s ‘Nedeleg Laouen’ and in Corsican it’s ‘Bon Natale’. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.

Yule Logs made out of Cherry Wood are often burned in French homes. The log is carried into the home on Christmas Eve and is sprinkled with red wine to make the log smell nice when it is burning.

There is a custom that the log and candles are left burning all night with some food and drinks left out in case Mary and the baby Jesus come past during the night.

In France, Father Christmas / Santa Claus / St. Nicholas is called Père Noël (Father Christmas). In eastern France he is accompanied by Le Pere Fouettard, a man dressed in black. He might be the same person as Zwarte Piet in The Netherlands. made from different types of Fruit, Nuts and Pastries.

Epiphany, called Fête des Rois in French, is also celebrated in France on January 6th. A flat Almond cake is eaten called ‘Galette des Rois’. The cake has a toy crown inside and is decorated on top with a gold paper crown.

Christmas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is more of a religious festival than being commercial. Most people won’t have any presents.

Christmas Eve is very important with Churches having big musical evenings (many churches have at least 5 or 6 choirs) and a nativity play. These plays last a very long time. They start at the beginning of the evening with the creation and the Garden of Eden and end with the story of King Herod killing the baby boys.

People taking part in the play really like to show off their ‘best’ acting skills and tend to go over the top and ‘ham it up’! King Herod and the soldiers are often figures of fun (like pantomime ‘baddies’) and Mary is often well advanced in labor before she arrives!

The birth of Jesus is timed to happen as close to midnight as possible and after that come the shepherds, the wise men and the slaughter of the innocents. This means the play normally finishes about 1am.

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However, in some places there will be further singing until dawn! The Christmas day service then starts at 9am with lots more singing.

On Christmas day, most families try to have a better meal than usual.

If they can afford it, they will have some meat (normally chicken or pork). The rest of the day is spent quite quietly, maybe sleeping after a busy and late night on Christmas Eve! People go back to work on the 26th (Boxing Day).

In the Lingala language, which is spoken in the DRC and some other African countries, Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘Mbotama Malamu’.

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In Bulgaria, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. Many countries in Eastern Europe celebrate Christmas on January 7th as most Orthodox Churches use the old Julian Calendar, but the Bulgarian Orthodox Church uses the Gregorian calendar Christmas in on the 25th December.

For many Bulgarians, the preparations for Christmas start with Advent which lasts 40 days in the Orthodox Church and starts on November 15th.

One legend in Bulgaria is that Mary started her labor on ‘Ignazhden’, December 20th (Saint Ignatius of Antioch’s Day) and she gave birth of Christmas Eve but the birth of Jesus wasn’t announced until Christmas

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Day. The 20th is also the traditional ‘new year’ in Bulgarian culture. It’s traditional to eat a special ring shaped caked called ‘kolaks’ on this day.

Christmas Eve (called ‘Badni Veche’) is a very important day and the main Christmas meal is eaten in the evening of Christmas Eve. The meal should traditionally have an odd number of dishes in it (normally 7, 9 or 11) and an odd number of people sitting around the table.

(Salt, pepper and sugar can count as separate dishes!)

Straw is often put under the tablecloth and you might even bring a wooden plough into the house and put it behind the door! These are meant to help you have good crops during the next year.

There’s a special round and decorated loaf of bread called ‘pita’ which has a coin baked in it. If you find the good you’re meant to have good luck for the next year! The bread is normally cut by the oldest person at the meal and hands it around the table.

It’s normally a rich vegetarian meal and includes dishes made of different such as beans soup, ‘sarmi’ cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, peppers stuffed with rice, boiled wheat with sugar and walnuts, different kinds of pastries (cheese, pumpkin and sweets pastries soaked in syrup), some kolaks, lots of fruits and nuts like dried plums, dried apricots, oranges and tangerines and ‘oshav’ a dried fruit compote.

Walnuts are especially popular. If you walnut is delicious you will have a good year, but if it’s empty or has a small nut you’ll have a bad year!

Christmas in Chile is very warm as it’s in the middle of summer!

However, it shares many of the same Christmas customs as the USA. People like to decorate their houses with Christmas Trees and lights. Having Christmas lights is a fairly recent development with more people being able to afford them.

Sometimes neighbors compete to see who can have the best and most lights!

Nativity Scenes are also an important decoration. They have little clay figures (called ‘pesebre’) in them.

Many Catholics in Chile celebrate Advent and also go to special church services for nine days before Christmas, known as a Novena.

Christmas Eve is the most important day over Christmas. Families and friends gather together for a big meal in the evening, eaten about 9pm or 10pm. Many people like to have ‘asado’ (barbecue) and chicken, turkey and pork. The Chilean Christmas Cake is ‘Pan de Pascua’ which is quite like Panettone.

A popular Christmas drink is ‘Cola de Mono’ (or monkey’s tail) which is made from coffee, milk, liquor, cinnamon and sugar.

After the meal, some people like to go to a church service.

At midnight everyone opens their presents! Children sometimes go round each others houses with their new toys - even in the middle of the night!

DECEMBER 18, 2019

In Croatia, preparations for Christmas start on 25th November which is St Catherine’s day. People also celebrate Advent. Over 85% of people in Croatia are Catholics so Advent is an important time for them.

It’s traditional to have an Advent wreath made of straw or evergreen twigs which has four candles. The wreath symbolizes endlessness and the four candles symbolize different parts of history and life: First Candle (purple): cre• ation - hope; • Second Candle (purple): embodiment - peace; • Third Candle (pink): redemption - joy; • Fourth Candle (purple): ending - love; A fifth candle is sometimes added in the center which is lit on Christmas Day! You can buy wreaths, but many people like to make them. People also often have a paper Advent Calendar.

As well as St Catherine’s day, other saints days are celebrated in Advent in Croatia. On the 4th December it’s St Barbara’s Day; on the 6th December it’s St Nicholas’s Day and on 13th December it’s St Lucia’s/Lucy’s day.

On St Nicholas’s Eve (5th), children clean their shoes/boots and leave them in the window. They hope that St Nicholas will leave them chocolates and small presents in their boot. If children have been naughty, Krampus (a big monster with horns who sometimes travels with St Nicholas!) leaves them golden twigs to remind them to behave.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Facts About Christmas

In Argentina the weather is warm at Christmas. Preparations for Christmas begin very early in December and even in November.

Many people in Argentina are Catholic and they also celebrate Advent.

House are beautifully decorated with lights and wreaths of green, gold, red and white flowers. Red and white garlands are hung on the doors of houses. Christmas Trees are also very popular and they are often decorated by 8th December (the feast of the Immaculate Conception - when Catholics celebrate when Mary was conceived). Some people like to put cotton balls on the Christmas Tree to represent snow! Any tree might be made into a Christmas Tree - not just the traditional fir tree!

The Nativity scene or ‘pesebre’ is also an important Christmas decoration in Argentina. The pesebre is put near to the Christmas tree.

Christmas Cards aren’t common in Argentina and although some people give and receive presents, it’s normally only between close family and friends.

The main Christmas celebrations take place on Christmas Eve. Many Catholics will go to a Mass in the late afternoon.

The main meal Christmas is eaten during the evening of Christmas Eve, often about 10pm or 11pm. It might be served in the garden or be a barbecue! Some popular dishes include roasted turkey, roasted pork (in northern Argentina, some people will have goat), stuffed tomatoes, salads and Christmas bread and puddings like ‘Pan Dulce’ and Panetone.

In Colombia, Christmas celebrations and preparations start on the evening of the 7th December which is known as ‘Día de las Velitas’ or ‘Day of the little Candles’. Houses and streets are decorated with candles, lanterns and lots of lights. There are also big firework displays and music to dance to and foods like ‘buñuelos’ and ‘empanadas’. This day is celebrated by Catholics around the world as The Feast of the Immaculate Conception but is especially popular in Colombia.

From December 16 until Christmas Eve, many Colombians take part in ‘novenas’. These are special times when family, friends and neighbors come together to pray in the days leading up to Christmas. They are known as the ‘Novena de Aguinaldos’ (Christmas Novena) and often a different house hosts the meeting every night. As well as the prayers, people sing carols and eat lots of yummy foods! You can find out more about Novena de Aguinaldos on the Hispanic Culture online site.

People like to decorate their homes with Christmas Trees and other decorations. It’s very common for there to be candles (normally red and white) and other lights displayed in windows or on balconies. Another very important Christmas decoration in Colombia is a nativity scene or ‘el pesebre’. In early December, children write a ‘Carta al Niño Dios’ (letter to the baby Jesus) asking for what presents they would like. The letter is placed in the pesebre. They hope that Jesus will bring them presents on Christmas Eve.

During the evening of the 5th December, children are very excited and watch for St. Nicholas (Svatý Mikuláš) to arrive. He normally is accompanied by one or more angels and one or more devils. He asks the children if they’ve been good all year and also asks them to sing a song or recite a poem, and gives them a basket of presents, often containing chocolate and fruit. If you’ve been naughty, the devil might give you a lump of coal. Like in the The Netherlands and some other European countries, St Nicholas’ Day is a very separate holiday than Christmas.

In the Czech language Happy/ Merry Christmas is ‘Veselé Vánoce’.

Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.

The main Christmas celebrations are on Christmas Eve. Some people fast during Christmas Eve in the hope that they will see a vision of ‘the golden pig’ appear on the wall before dinner! This is meant to be a sign of good luck!

The Czech traditional Christmas dinner is eaten during the evening of Christmas Eve. The meal often consists of fish soup (made of carp), and fried carp with potato salad.

Ježíšek ‘Little Jesus’ (the Czech version of Christkindl) brings presents during the Christmas Eve dinner and leaves them under the Christmas Tree.

Czech children have their dinner in a different from where the tree is located.

When they hear the bell ring (usually after the children have finished eating their main meal but when they are still at the table), that means that Ježíšek had been and has left their presents under the tree. The presents are normally opened right after dinner.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! From the Council and Staff at the Town of Vegreville.

“Silent Night” was first sung as part of a church service in Austria. A guitar was used because the church organ was so badly rusted it couldn’t be played.

In Germany there are many different characters for Christmas.

Nikolaus comes on December 5th and on December 24th when the actual opening of the gifts is happening ,they have been brought either by Knecht Ruprecht, Weihnachtsmann, or the Christkindl, (Christ child) wich is an angelic child dressed in a white and or golden dress much like a long nightgown. It has wings, and has usually a small horse or a donkey as a companion.

In Germany and some other western European countries, St. Nicholas , or Nikolaus comes on the night from the 5th to the 6th of Decemer, where children have their boots all shined and clean in front of a door or window.

He will leave toys, nuts oranges, apples and chocolate for the good children.

The bad child gets a branch to be used by the parents to punish the child.

Guatemalan adults do not exchange Christmas gifts until New Year’s Day. Children get theirs (from the Christ Child) on Christmas morning.

In North America, children put stockings out at Christmas time. Their Dutch counterparts use shoes.

The poinsettia, a traditional Christmas flower, originally grew in Mexico, where it is also known as the ‘Flower of the Holy Night’. Joel Poinsett first brought it to America in 1829.

When visiting Finland, Santa leaves his sleigh behind and rides on a goat named Ukko. Finnish folklore has it that Ukko is made of straw, but is strong enough to carry Santa Claus anyway.

When distributing gifts in Holland, St. Nicholas is accompanied his servant, Black , who is responsible for actually dropping the presents down their recipients’ chimneys. He also punishes bad children by putting them in a bag and carrying them away to Spain.

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Leave No One Behind Pancake Brunch Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent People with disabilities are hard working and dedicated individuals who make a unique contribution to the workplace and community. For this reason, Leave No One Behind Pancake Brunch was hosted at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville on Dec. 2.

Around 150 people attended the special event that was designed to celebrate and recognize the hard working and dedicated individuals with disabilities. The luncheon also coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is officially held on Dec. 3.

This year’s United Nation’s theme was ‘Promoting the

Participation of Persons with Disabilities and their Leadership’.

Marnie Sydora, an employment facilit ator w ith EmployAbilities North in Vegreville, emceed the luncheon. Sydora is also the chair of Veg rev ille IDPD the (International Day of Persons with Disabilities) Committee.

Sydora stated that: “The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations. The annual observance draws attention to the many ways those with disabilities enriched our communities. It also increases awareness and understanding of disabilities issues and trends. It mobilizes sup-

port for practical action at all levels by, with and for all persons with disabilities.”

Sydora went onto say that EmployAbilities offers a variety of employment programs and services to those with disabilities.

“Our mission at EmployAbilities is to provide specialized services to individu-

ing opportunities for full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the province. I share their passion for creating an Alberta where all people are included and equal.

Every person has an important role to play in this.”

Jody Conley, who is a support worker with the Alberta Brain

Employment Facilitator for EmployAbilities North in Vegreville, Marnie Sydora speaks. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)

als with disabilities or barriers to employment by creating opportunities for skill development, education and employment.”

Cathy Smith, who is a member of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Person’s with Disabilities, said: “It, (the council), is responsible for providing advice to the government regard-

Injury Network in St. Paul told her story about how she got the job because of her past experience with strep throat which closed off her airways and resulted in brain damage. “A person’s disability is not always recognizable and it can happen at anytime. I am fortunate that I am able to work with my dis-

ability and fulfill my calling. So, in life, regardless if a person looks like they have a disability or not, just treat everyone with respect, kindness and love.”

Following the speeches, awards were presented to Adam Cherneski, owner of Adam’s No Frills, received ‘The Employee of Excellence Award’. Adam was nominated by employee Kyle Gauvin for the award.

Honorable Mention Awards were presented to: Kevin Tremblay and Corrine Audy, owners of Vegreville Bowling Lanes, Colleen Krill, owner of Tim Horton’s, and Tim Andres, owner of Perry’s 2 for 1 Pizza and Pasta.

Students from Vegreville Composite High School’s LINKS class showcased their artwork.

Actors with Vegreville Reader’s Theatre performed, ‘Money Trouble’ which was about how it is difficult to save money but well worth it.

There were free door prizes and ATCO donated $300 worth of food for the event. The cost to attend the brunch was by donation and the proceeds from the brunch and silent auction came to $857.10 that was divided 50/50 between the VegMin Learning Society and the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville.