Two Hills Regional Chronicle March 2021 by Natraja Media

Two Hills Regional Chronicle P.O. Box 156, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 w w w. t w o h i l l s c h r o n i c l e . c o m FREE (780) 657-3536

within the County of Two Hills

Proudly Serving the County of Two Hills & Surrounding Areas Carbon Tax implementation: a major burden for framers by Sonny Rajoo

Local doctors welcome AHS initiative for rural doctors by Sonny Rajoo

Reeve Don Gulayec in front of his new heating system he dreaded Carbon Tax that was system to natural gas. recently implemented by the The former hog farmer now heats Federal Government, is opposed by his entire farmyard, shops and home the provinces of Alberta, Saskatch- with natural gas thanks to a grant ewan and Ontario citing that this from the Federal Government that will also place a heavy burden for all Gulayec had applied for. The conAlbertans, especially the severely hit version from coal to natural gas will farmers. The Agricultural sector has result in tremendous savings. already dealt with several financial Meanwhile the Alberta governsetbacks, including the onslaught of ment has lost its appeal against the the Covid-19 pandemic. Federal government in the issue of In view of the ramifications of the the Carbon Tax. Log onto our online Carbon Tax, local farmer and Reeve version… www.twohillschronicle. of the County of Two Hills, Don Gu- com for more updates on this feature layec, has opted to replace his entire and other stories. heating system from a coal burning

Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro ocal physician, Dr Majeed Satar, has commended Alberta Health Services and Health Minister Tyler Shandro for investing $6 million towards medical students who commit to serve in rural Alberta. The funds will be used over a period of three years to help students pay for the costs of medical school. In exchange, students will complete residency training in rural Alberta and agree to practice in a rural Alberta community when their schooling is complete. The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) will administer the new Return of Service Agree-

ment program. RhPAP is a trusted, well-experienced and reputable organization that has, for over thirty years, supported Rural Albertans in their effort to maintain an accessible health workforce in their communities. “We are pleased for this new program to get off the ground to get more doctors working in rural areas. Return of Service Agreements will give Albertans in rural and remote areas timelier access to a family doctor. With RhPAP’s decades of experience working in this area, they are perfect partners to manage this program.” Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health “Rural health centers welcome doctors who serve in rural areas to lift the health and welfare of residents in small towns, villages and counties. There is always a shortage of physicians and any attempt by the Alberta government to recruit, retain and encourage graduating medical students is a welcome move. This is especially important giving the aging population of our well deserving and hardwroking residents” said Dr Satar.

Municipal leaders prepare for 2021 Elections by Sonny Rajoo

D Reeve Don Gulayec

Councillor Dianne Saskiw, Division 3

Deputy Reeve Elroy Yakemchuk

Councillor Murray Phillips, Division 2

ue to COVID-19, nominations for the October 18 Municipal elections are available at the Town, County, and Village offices. At the time of going to the press, the following nominees have indicated that they are planning to run in the next Municipal Elections for the current County of Two Hills Council: Don Gulayec,, Reeve; Elroy Yakemchuk, Deputy Reeve and Councillors Dianne Saskiw (Division 3) and Murray Phillips (Division 2). The Two Hills Regional Chronicle intends to cover the elections comprehensively and will afford each potential candidate a platform where they can be frank regarding their strategy, intentions, manners intended to implement these goals, their vision and missions for the municipalities, should they be elected to serve. As a Councillor and member of the community, serving the people of Two Hills

KUZYK & MOL

County, I have the utmost respect and admiration for all those candidates who are willing to let their name stand. Whether you win or lose, you have the courage and the fortitude to run for the elections rather than be relegated to a small group of armchair critics. In politics and on some councils you will always get the ‘nattering nabobs of negativity’ or will always run into C.A.V.E. men (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) but don’t let this deter you nor should you forsake the righteous with the wicked.

In this Issue:

Face to Face with Sgt Daisley Tribute to Roman Fodchuk Hillside Christian Fellowship New Myrnam School Pink Shirt Day

5038 - 50 Avenue, Postal Drawer 969 Vegreville, Alberta, T9C 1S1

A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW

Phone: (780) 632-4552

Fax: (780) 632-4553

3 5 13 21 28

Page 2

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Lack of Stable Funding Hurts Municipalities

March 2021

A message from the Green Party of Alberta

to start with a base amount of $860 million per year. The UCP has now reduced that base amount by $138 million per year. Just as concerning, it has pushed back the rollout of LGFF for two years. Jacquie Fenske, Acting Leader of the Alberta Party:

“The current government has broken its promises to municipalities. It’s done that repeatedly over the past two years, and it is doing it again now. How are muThe Alberta Party has pronicipalities to know what promisposed stable, predictable, es will be kept in the future? With long-term funding plans. The doubt about future funding, it is current government has left impossible for them to properly municipal leaders without the build long-term plans. The govability to build their commuernment is making it impossible nities and support economic for municipalities to provide the growth. unicipal leaders have been best possible stewardship of pubclear: they understand Alber- lic dollars and infrastructure.”

ta’s fiscal situation. Reeves, Mayors, and Councillors are focused on finding savings even while delivering quality services to residents. They are willing to help the province find a path back to balance. However, municipalities collect less than 10 percent of tax dollars while maintaining a majority of public infrastructure. This means they rely on predictable, stable funding from the provincial government; which makes infrastructure funding in the new provincial budget troubling. The UCP government had promised to implement the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) next year. This was going to see municipalities receive significantly less infrastructure funding than they received in the past. However, under the LGFF, funding would also be calculated years in advance, allowing municipalities to accurately create the multi-year budgets required by the province. It was supposed

The UCP’s blatant disregard for partnership with municipalities isn’t limited to infrastructure funding. In its budget, the UCP also rolled out dramatic changes to municipally managed Disaster Recovery Program funding without warning to or conversation with local elected officials. And this week it rolled out recall legislation for Councillors, with no consultation, and there has been no support in helping municipalities collect unpaid taxes from oil and gas companies. Jason Kenney and his Cabinet have shown themselves completely unwilling to work with other levels of government, which is a shame. Now more than ever, cross-government partnerships are needed to build Alberta’s future.

Submitted by the Office of Jacquie Fenske, Acting Leader of the Alberta Party. The Two Hills Regional Chronicle is grateful for the contribution.

Jordan Wilkie Green Party Leader

hen it comes to campaign strategies, the Green Party of Alberta (GPA) is putting the health and safety of Albertans first and will ensure that our activities are in-line with the Provincial COVID-19 guidelines. For instance, volunteers who would normally door-knock in communities across the province will now be trained to use our phone bank system, which enables them to talk to Albertans in a safe manner. If door-knocking is necessary to gather original signatures, or for flyer drops, our volunteers will wear masks, keep their physical distance, and have sanitizer available to sanitize hands, pens, and clipboards as necessary. We will also make use of digital tools like Zoom to host town-hall meetings, debates, and forums. The GPA’s digital outreach on social media will be a primary focus of our 2023 campaign. In the recent BC provincial election, nomination signatures were collected and witnessed

Thank you to our farmers and our agricultural industry for the support and contributions to our community

5002 50 Ave, Two Hills, AB (780) 657-3544 Open 7 Days a Week

Evelyn Tanaka Green Party Deputy Leader over the phone instead of by doorknocking. We propose a similar system to collect signatures is implemented as an available option in Alberta, as it is much safer for everyone involved. The GPA urges concerned citizens to contact their local MLAs to request changes to the options available for collecting original nomination signatures for candidates. The GPA will be moving forward with a bold progressive platform for 2023 that will speak to a wide diversity of Albertans. Our member-led grassroots policy development process is prioritizing the creation of environmental, economic, energy, education, healthcare, and agricultural policies that center on the well-being of all Albertans, including the Indigenous Nations who have generously shared this land for hundreds of years. Our campaign platform is currently under development by our wonderful GPA team, and we cannot wait to share it with Albertans once it is ready!

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 3

Face to Face with Sergeant Robert Daisley of the Two Hills RCMP Detachment

by Sonny Rajoo

his month The Two Hills Regional Chronicle goes face to face with Sergeant Robert Daisley. Chronicle: Sergeant Daisley, given the Covid-19 pandemic and its ramifications on society, how are you coping while carrying out your duties to serve and protect the people of the Two Hills Region? I am coping well. Like most people, I find it an inconvenience to participate in all of the measures necessary in order to keep Covid at bay. I miss going to the events like Fall Suppers, Christmas parties, Rural Crime Watch meetings, sporting events, etc. But I’m philosophical about it and I can also see some of the positives that have come out of it: changes have been forced onto the criminal justice system, there have been opportunities to do things that we wouldn’t otherwise have done, and this is probably the first winter I’ve ever had without catching a cold! In the past, a police officer had to drive to a courthouse to meet with a judge to have a production order signed (an order that permits the police to access information). Now there is a digital application process which is much more efficient, saving the officers a ton of time. I’m looking forward to a time when we have our vaccines and can go back to a more normal way of meeting each other! Chronicle: Over this period (the last year), have you seen a decrease in criminal activities, including breaking and entering, drug offences and traffic violations, given the restrictions faced by Albertans? We have seen a massive decrease in reported offences over the past year. For example, in the months of January and February we saw a decrease in property crime by 40% compared to the same months in 2020 and by 25% versus 2017. Is this because of the restrictions? Common sense tells us that the restrictions must be a factor, but it is difficult to say how much. Other variables that may be influencing trends include: a)changes to legislation (around scrap metal, trespassing, etc.) b)access to addictions treatment (the Government of Alberta elimi-

nated some fees and worked to open more beds) c)policing efforts (we have put a lot of pressure on the prolific offenders in the area) d)changing crime trends (we are receiving a lot of fraud files, most of which have an online component) e)reporting (are people deciding not to call because they think that nothing will be done?) f)Rural Crime Watch – is greater awareness leading to more suspicious vehicle/person calls which generate a police response and deters crime? Chronicle: This issue of masks has been somewhat controversial in the Two Hills Region and there are strong and passionate differences on either side. In the execution of your duties, do you find that most people comply with the mask mandate as required by Alberta Health Services? Most of the people that I come across are using masks appropriately. As we know, wearing a mask is not to protect yourself, but to protect your “neighbor”. The love that we demonstrate for others is our highest calling, regardless of our place in society. Chronicle: Given the nature of the area that you serve, i.e. from Andrew at one end to Myrnam at the other end, are your boundaries well-suited to serve in the best interests of the community, given the travel time between one village and the other? Our detachment area stretches beyond even the noted villages, from Range Road 190 in the west (two miles west of St. Michael) to Range Road 62 in the east (four miles east of Highway 41). Two Hills is centrally located and the vast majority of our calls are in the western half of the detachment area. With two members living in Andrew, I think that the configuration fits pretty well. It has been rare that we have had to drive from one end of the area to the other, but even when it has happened, we are lucky to have excellent highways through the area. At about 120km from one end to the other, this is the smallest detachment area I’ve been posted to! In addition, we have a good working relationship with the adjoining detachments and we’ve worked with Elk Point, Vermilion, Vegreville, Smoky Lake, St. Paul, Fort Saskatchewan, and Traffic Services (based in St. Paul and Vermilion) on various files throughout the last year. It is really nice to know that if there is another member who is in a better position to respond that they will assist! Chronicle: We have always felt that the R.C.M.P. should have more members in rural areas because, although the population is

somewhat smaller, the vast area to be covered is widespread and the needs of the community are as diverse as the population. What are your sentiments? We have often had this discussion in different offices over the years and there is definitely something to the idea. For example, a member working in a city detachment can probably be at any call within ten minutes (and often much less), while many of our calls require driving for 45 minutes or more each direction. The RCMP tries to take this into account when staffing detachments, using dispatch information to calculate how long it takes members to go to calls instead of simply counting how many total files there are. Ultimately, the number of officers required to police a given area depends on many factors, but one of the main ones is the expectations of the public. Do you want officers spending time in the schools? Do you want them just responding to complaints or out patrolling and trying to prevent crime? Do you want every lead pursued on each file or are you satisfied with focusing on the most serious files and letting the “little stuff” slide? How do you think online crime should be investigated? The reality is that no matter how many officers are in a given area, they are constantly trying to balance the needs and expectations of the public, the individual complainants, the RCMP as an organization, and the Government of Alberta (which contracts our services). There is a limitless amount of work that can be done, so prioritizing is key! That’s one of the reasons that it is important for us to seek feedback from our communities: we want to know what you think is a priority and we can use that information to inform our decisions! Chronicle: I realize that you and your members should stay above politics. We, as the Council of Two Hills, have taken a strong stand against introducing a provincial police force in Alberta to replace The Royal Canadian Mounted Police who, in my opinion, have done a sterling job by serving the needs of Rural Albertans. How do you feel about this? Of course I feel proud of the work that we are doing and the work that has been done before my time. Each day that we come to work, each interaction that we have is an opportunity to build trust and I think that your support is a reflection of the members who have served at the Two Hills Detachment over the years. None of us are perfect, but the vast majority of us are here to serve the community to the best of our abilities. To be clear, this is not just the uniformed members, but also (maybe especially?) the sup-

port staff who are the first and often only point of contact that members of the community have with the RCMP: Diane Saskiw, Trish Proznick, Peggy Soprovich and others have served just as faithfully as any of the members! The premier has committed money, time, and political capital to investigating whether to replace the RCMP with a provincial police force and there may come a time when we are asked to vote. If that day arrives, I will weigh in with a personal letter to the editor. In the meantime, I will say only that we appreciate your support and will continue to work to maintain the trust that you have placed in us! Chronicle: Sergeant Daisley, your presence in Two Hills and the activities of your members has gone a long way to serving the needs of Two Hills and the surrounding areas. Is there some stability in the local detachment whereby there is a stronger bond between the community and the R.C.M.P.? I feel very fortunate that there has been a period of stability here at the detachment. Shortly after my arrival in 2019, the two senior constables both moved on and were replaced by new recruits. Since that time, the same five members have been posted here and the current projection is for another year before anyone moves on. On the other hand, opportunities arise and it is very important to me to ensure that everyone achieves their full potential, even if that means moving on. Having Vlad and Lee arrive as our last two recruits gives me confidence that even if we lose someone to another opportunity, we stand a very good chance of having them replaced with another excellent member! I want to thank our families, too. The opportunities that we have to coach or visit or be at our best at work are a result of the strong support that we have from our partners, children, and extended families. I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that I am not in Two Hills as a result of the RCMP sending me here or because I decided to come; it was a joint decision with my wife that this would be a great place to live and work. And we were right!

March 2021 Two Hills Regional Chronicle More than 17,000 eligible Albertans in Phase 2A Wishing Maria Elkow a very Happy Birthday! Submitted by Judy Wilson he family of Maria Elkow have booked COVID-19 immunization appointments

Page 4

would like to wish her a Very Happy 95th Birthday on April 4th. It is such an honor and privilege for us, your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to celebrate your heroic deeds, your extraordinary generosity, your acts of kindness, your tremendous huge heart and your love for God. Thank you for being such a great example. May God bless you with many more birthdays Mom. We love you so much. Above: Maria Elkow’s cheerful She considers it an added blesssmile is easy to recognise in ing to share her birthday with her youngest grandson Toma Elkow, town. Below: Maria with her young- who will be 40 on April 2nd. Happy Birthday Toma, we love est grandson, Toma Elkow. you to the moon and back.

We salute our Agricultural Industry and recognize their contributions to our communities

lberta Health Services (AHS) has helped an additional 6,500 Albertans book COVID-19 immunizations since 10 a.m. today, meaning approximately 17,300 Albertans have booked appointments through AHS since Phase 2A launched Monday morning. Phase 2A expands immunization eligibility to people born between 1947 and 1956, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis people born in 1971 or earlier. People in these two groups are able to book appointments through participating pharmacies. A list of participating pharmacies is available at https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/ covid-19-immunization-programinformation.php. Some people in Phase 2A are also able to book appointments using the AHS online booking tool, or by calling Health Link 811. At 10 a.m. Tuesday, AHS opened bookings for the next birth years in the 2A cohort. This means that Albertans born in 1948 or earlier, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1963 or earlier, are able to book through AHS. These appointments can be booked through the AHS online booking tool (ahs.ca/covidvaccine), or through Health Link 811 if people need booking assistance. To ensure the stability of the AHS

online booking tool and 811, and to help make sure we do not have more people booking than we have available appointments, AHS will open up more appointments according to birth year as the week progresses. Updates to eligible birth years will be communicated by Alberta Health and AHS daily by website, news release and social media. If the wait time is long when you call or go online to book, or you receive a busy signal through the 811 booking system, please visit later in the day. There are minimal waits in off times - after 5 p.m. and before 7 a.m. Users who want to change COVID-19 immunization appointments are now able to do so through the online booking tool or Health Link 811, following a coding change that was implemented overnight. We understand the process of booking a COVID-19 immunization appointment may be confusing and stressful for some and sometimes this leads to high emotions. Please know all our teams are doing their best to book as many Albertans in to be immunized as quickly as possible. We are here to help. Please be patient. Abusive behaviour is not acceptable. If you have questions about eligibility criteria, please go to alberta.ca/ covid for more information. Source: Alberta Health Services

We salute our Farmers and Agricultural Businesses and recognize the importance they play to the vitality of our communities

County of Two Hills Natural Gas Utility 5606 51 Street | Box 428, Two Hills AB T0B 4K0

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Closed 12:00 to 12:30 pm for lunch Two Hills Farm & Ranch Store 5101 53 Avenue Two Hills, T0B 4K0

(780) 657-3333 www.ufa.com

Closed for all statutory holidays

Office: 780-657-2446 Fax: 780-657-2731 Email: countygas@thcounty.ab.ca

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 5

In loving memory of Roman Paul Fodchuk February 22, 1931 - February 4, 2021

n February 4, 2021, Roman Paul Fodchuk passed away in Vancouver, B.C., just days before his 90th birthday. He was born February 22, 1931 to Michael and Nancy Fodchuk in Hairy Hill, Alberta, as the oldest of fourteen children. Graduating from Hairy Hill High School, he went on to earn many degrees: a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) at the University of Alberta in 1954, a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1959, and a Master of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University in 1963, as well as undertaking postgraduate studies in Arid Lands Resource Sciences at the University of Arizona in 1985.

Roman was a life-long learner, with a continuing, deeply held interest in the land, and the plant and insect life that thrive upon it. In 2007 Roman was awarded a University of Alberta Alumni Award in recognition of his work in planning and interpretive design, contributing to a number of major projects. Roman is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Dobbin of Vancouver, B.C., Laura Neville (Ferguson Neville) of Vancouver, B.C., Ramona Fodchuk of Calgary, Alberta, and grandchildren Lewis and Jasmine:Dobbin and Mason and Spencer Neville, all of Vancouver B.C. Roman is also survived by his siblings: Alice Yurko of Vegreville, Alberta; Olga (Steve Orleski) of Two Hills, Alberta; Nestor (Lila) of lnvermere, B.C.; Alexander (Rose) of Edmonton, Alberta; Victor (Sylvia) of Hairy Hill, Alberta; Victoria (Ken Georgson) of Olds, Alberta; Steven (Jean) of Hairy Hill, Alberta; Stephanie Kofa It of Surrey, B.C.; Paul of Edmonton, Alberta; and Maxine (Allen Melnyk) of Edmonton, Alberta, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many more relatives. Roman is predeceased by his lov-

ing parents Michael and Nancy, his beloved wife Adeline, a baby sister Iris, brothers Taras and Bohdalbrgfhers-in-law Kost Yurko and Alois Kofalt, and nephews Mitchell and Donnie Yurko. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1954, Roman took a job as District Agriculturist with the Alberta Department of Agriculture in Two Hills County District, Myrnam and Two Hills, Alberta. Never one to stay still for long, he returned to school to study landscape architecture in Berkeley, California. He then became a landscape architect with Lawrence Halperin and Associates in San Francisco, California in 1957, followed by a position as Landscape Planning Officer and Chief, Landscape Planning Section, with the National Parks Branch in Ottawa, Ontario in 1959. In 1965, Roman was an Associate Professor at the School of Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph, Ontario. He then returned to Ottawa in 1967, working as Chief of the Landscape Architecture Division of the National Capital Commission. In 1970, Roman worked as the Assistant Director, Planning and Development, for the Western Region of Parks Canada.

He then created his own landscape architecture firm in 1975, Roman Fodchuk and Associates, with offices in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta. Of the many projects undertaken by his firm, Roman paid homage to his roots through participating in the development of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village in Elk Island National Park, Alberta. One of his proudest accomplishments was writing _Zhorna: Material Culture of the Ukrainian Pioneers_ in 2006. Throughout his life, Roman had a keen interest in many things; he especially enjoyed working on his Model T Fords, collecting antique cameras, tools, and avidly reading books of all sorts. It also seemed he could grow just about anything he set his hand to. He participated actively in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as a member of the Order of St. Andrew at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox congregation in Calgary, Alberta. A virtual funeral service for Roman was held at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Vancouver at 11:00 am PST on Thursday, Februany 11, 2021, memorial yet to be determined.

Above: Alice Yurko, Roman Fodchuk, Olga Orleski Left: Roman Fodchuk and brother-in-law Steve Orleski (1951) Far Left Top: Roman Fodchuk receiving a University of Alberta Alumni Award Far left Bottom: Back - Brothers Alexander, Bohdan Front - Brother Paul , Roman

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 6

March 2021

Independence Party of Alberta comments on UCP lockdown policy

he Independence Party of Alberta is extremely disappointed that the UCP Government and its NDP allies have continued to pursue a damaging anti-business lockdown campaign. Every day there is more and more data showing that the negative effects of lockdowns are not negligible, and were not given sufficient weighting by policymakers. Albertans, more than ever before, are losing faith in their political system, and are calling en masse for the government to stop its brutal assault on their personal choices. We believe that the government and their loyal opposition has allowed the whole pandemic to become a game of political warfare against their own people, dodging questions about mental health and the common good while continuing to take actions that do not suitably protect vulnerable Albertans. By implementing highly impractical and experimental policies developed by european and internationalist policy think tanks, many of which are actively involved with the war on Alberta’s energy industry, Jason Kenney has proven that he holds the needs of Albertans in lower regard than the wishes of his friends in Ottawa. The unhelpful and pseudoscientific partisan alarmism spewing out of the mouths of members of the NDP socialist party and the corrupt UCP kleptocrats has drowned out

the sensible and pragmatic advice of doctors, creating a toxic atmosphere of despair and helplessness more similar to the former USSR than a western democracy. But, of course, no Albertan establishment politician worth their weight in caviar would ever let a good tragedy go to waste, as Alberta’s political upper class continues to treat our misfortunes like a game. On the federal front, the Bank of Canada has been snapping up the assets of Albertan companies, consolidating Federal authority and further stripping our woefully underrepresented province of its remaining sovereignty. If the government or their opposition truly cares about the wellbeing of Albertans into the future, they will allow Albertans to serve one another through individual participation in responsible, free markets without hindrance. While the closures of locally owned and family operated shops due to pressures from the lockdowns are treated as “necessary sacrifices”, the billionaire owners of the American franchises that are replacing them have doubled their profits. Since no other party in the country seems to be noticing that our tireless workers and rent-strapped local shop owners alike are suffering, that our youth are struggling with an epidemic of depression and self-harm, and that our economic opportunities

are evaporating as more and more chains are placed around the necks of our creative innovators, it is up to the people of Alberta to stand up and declare that Canada literally does not work. And, indeed, anyone familiar with our history will know that Canada has never, ever worked for Albertans. Alberta, throughout its history, has been abused and pillaged by eastern companies and governments. From Bennet’s denial of the Great Depression and Pierre Trudeau’s disastrous National Energy Program to Justin Trudeau’s war against Albertan values and industries, our 115 year history has been marred by a constant war with Ottawa. Every year, Ottawa receives the equivalent of approximately six thousand dollars from each of the almost three million Albertan workers in this province which will not be returned to Albertans through government services. Despite paying proportionally more into confederation than any other province, we are the least represented province at the federal level. All the constitutional amendments in the world will never resolve the systemic anti-Albertan biases that are present in the value systems of Central and Eastern Canadians. It is the duty of every Albertan to ask themselves the following question: Is a maple leaf on our flag worth over ten billion dollars a

year and a complete lack of control over our own destiny? And if so, are you willing to have your children pay that price as our neglected local enterprises shrivel up and die? Experts have a word for that sort of obsessive, unearned devotion: Stockholm Syndrome. While the road to our independence will be a long and challenging one, our party will be taking decisive action on behalf of the silent separatist majority even before we form government. When Bill 52 passes, we will support Albertans that organize recall referenda across the province to allow Albertans to remove their underperforming MLAs and their boss, Jason Kenney. Though the government has intentionally set the threshold impossibly high, Albertans have a knack for overcoming the most unfavorable of odds. As individuals, the members of The Independence Party of Alberta are tired of watching their family and neighbors suffer needlessly due to the poor decisions made by the government and the NDP socialist party over the past year. It is time to discover our independence, and reclaim our stolen fundamental freedoms. If you would like more information about The Independence Party of Alberta, please go to our website at www.abindependence.com. #DiscoverYourIndependence

NOTICE TO READERS

Our trained and professional staff can assist you will all your compilation needs.

ASSURANCE

Our CPAs are experienced and ready to provide an audit or review.

INCOME TAX

We can satisfy all your corporate and personal tax needs.

GST

We can prepare and file your GST returns accurately and on time.

BOOKKEEPING

If all you need is someone to keep your books organized, we’ll be glad to help.

TAX PLANNING

Need advice on future Tax planning? Our Tax experts can assist!

TWO HILLS OFFICE

#5 5002 Diefenbaker Ave, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 Tel: 780.657.2492

www.ncubelandry.com

Dave Campbell, Eli Weisberg, Vicky Bayford, Peter Downing at the Edmonton Independence Party rally February 20, 2021.

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

Editorial

Straight from the Heart

From the Publisher’s Desk An Easter Blessing

Jesus Christ …by His Stripes we are “Healed” by Sonny Rajoo

Page 7

by Jared Rajoo

n a world that is currently in turmoil, marginally due to political unrest and the ramifications of Covid-19, now more than ever we need God in our lives. Easter, in particular, especially Good Friday showcases the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ. In many cultures, Easter is celebrated with a greater degree of reverence than even Christmas or any other holiday. The entire theme of Christianity rests on one Man dying for the sins of the whole world and that sacrifice enabled us to be free of the bondage of sin. Therefore the Easter weekend is probably the most recognized contribution of God The Father, His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit. I spent the first half of my life as a staunch Hindu who looked down and condemned many of my Christian friends and relatives, purely on the basis of my perception that while they led Christian lives they also tended to be hypocrites. Later on in life, when I became a Christian, I realized that when it came to

hypocrites, I was probably one of the worst kind…but I took comfort in the fact that through the Sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, He forgave me for the hypocrisy, and that was the entire reason why Jesus came into the world; to wipe our sins clean and allow us to be free and lead precious lives so that under the banner of God we thrive and survive. We are familiar with the fact that ‘For God so loved the world ….. and that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ The three days that my Lord’s Body lay in the grave, and the news of His Resurrection was probably the greatest news ever delivered to Mankind. For those of us that are skeptical, one has to read a little more and you will learn about Jesus Christ outside The Bible, in the book of Flavius Josephus, the Jewish writer and historian, who was highly respected through the generations for his contemporary work. In the Koran, the Holy book of the Muslims, Jesus is highly regarded as a prophet and is mentioned in it several times. Even as a little Hindu boy growing up, I heard of

this man, Jesus, and what He meant to humanity. In those days, I always saw him as a great human being, no greater than the other prophets that we read about. It is striking that The Bible references more than six hundred laws that The Lord gave Moses on Mount Sinai and that there are over two hundred reasons why people can be put to death according to The Old Testament. This scourge on mankind was too heavy a burden to carry and therefore God had compassion on us and sent His Only Begotten Son so that “one Man died for the sins of the entire world.” So dear beloved, no matter what your religious beliefs are, from a historical perspective, and from a biblical one, we owe The Lord Jesus Christ a debt that we can never repay and freedom that we can never take for granted. To those of us that are Christians, and sometimes only profess to be, let us never allow racism to be thinly veiled in the guise of Christianity. That is not what God expects us to be and that is not why Jesus Christ died on the cross!

Two Hills Regional Chronicle P.O. Box 156, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0

aster. One of my favourite times of the year. It’s not just the food, fun and family. Not even the weather warming up and the first buds of Spring. Nor even the singing of the birds who’ve returned from their winter vacation. To me Easter was always a time to celebrate and remember our faith and respect the sacrifice made for our salvation. Most people who know me know despite my faith, I seldom discuss it openly as religious beliefs sometimes have a way of causing divisions of which there are enough in this world. However, Easter is extremely important. A time for spiritual growth and inner contemplation. This year more than ever what we are witnessing, more than a strained health care system, economies and basic liberties, is the need to spread love and compassion. While there are many who are being strained financially, there are even more people battling inner demons. Ones we can all empathize with - depression, lonliness, isolation, fear. It is at these times our faith must cause us to persevere. Believe me I understand that there are days that make you want to crawl back into bed and ignore everything but the world needs us. Each one of us. We all have a light within us burning brightly illuminating the path for ourselves and others.

As each month passes and it gets further into the year without me being back in Two Hills, I would be lying if I said my patience has not been tested, but I am reminded that sometimes periods of waiting are integral to personal growth. God always has a plan and is always at work even though we can’t always see it. Tough times and times of great tribulation and pain are a way to strengthen us and build character. They are also a reminder to focus on God and showing love to our fellow man. I wish everyone a safe and happy Easter. May the light and love of God fill your homes and the treasure of family time warm your hearts. A big thank you to my Dad, Sonny Rajoo for all his hard work and guidance. We could not do this without you. To my big sister Niri, thank you for all your hard work and extra hours you put in to make sure we can provide our community with the best possible news. May God bless you all. Stay safe and stay healthy.

Our Team Jared - publisher@twohillschronicle.com Niri - news@twohillschronicle.com Sonny - (780) 657-3536

The Two Hills Regional Chronicle is proud to serve the County of Two Hills and surrounding areas. We also distribute to local outlets at convenient locations as well as the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. (Approx. 2500 copies).

We can also be found online at

www.twohillschronicle.com and on Facebook.

www.twohillschronicle.com

Jared Rajoo Publisher

Niri Rajoo-Jeevanath News

Sonny Rajoo Reporter/Sales

Page 8

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

Two Hills FCSS 4712-50th St Two Hills AB T0B 4K0

2021 FCSS Board of Directors

(780) 657-3540

FCSS Program Information Need Help with Your Taxes?

Two Hills FCSS Volunteer Income Tax program prepares basic tax and electronically file returns for low-income individuals, families and seniors throughout March and April. Please contact the Two Hills FCSS office at 780-6573540 to see if you qualify or to schedule a drop off.

Meals on Wheels

Call the Two Hills FCSS office at 780-657-3540 and a member of the staff will assist you in joining the Meals on Wheels program and will answer any questions and/or provide additional information.

Seniors Transportation

Back row - Chair, Dave Albrecht – Member at large, Donna Rudolf – Village of Myrnam representative, Sonny Rajoo – Town of Two Hills representative Front row - Debbie Schafers – Member at large, Claudette Gorgichuk – Member at large, Vice chair, Dianne Saskiw – County of Two Hills representative

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Two Hills Family Resource Network Program Assistant Part-time position (12hrs/week) Two Hills FCSS is looking for a Part-time Program Assistant for the Two Hills Family Resource Network. The program assistant will support the Family Resource Network Program Coordinator in delivering programming for children (ages 0 to 18) in the Two Hills area. Qualifications: • Experience and education working with children and youth would be an asset. • Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Low and High German would be an asset. • Experience with computers • Excellent time management, planning and organizational skills. • Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. • Valid Alberta’s Driver’s license, insurance and reliable vehicle as travel will be required. • A Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check are required. A detailed job description is available upon request. Position requires 12 hours per week, with the possibility of some evenings and weekends. Submit resume by emailing or dropping them off at the office by April 9th, 2021 to: Heather Landiak Director, Two Hills FCSS Phone: 780-657-3540 Office address: 4712-50th Street, Two Hills, AB Heather.landiak@twohillsfcss.com Only those selected for an interview will be notified.

Available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings within Two Hills town limits.

Information and Referrals

If you need assistance in accessing available community and provincial services and supports, please contact the office.

Thank-you Two Hills FCSS would like to take this opportunity to Thank all of those individuals and organizations that volunteered their time and energy to our programs last year. Also, a heartfelt Thank-you to those that generously donated to the Christmas Hamper Program and Emergency Food-Vouchers .

For more information or assistance call 780-657-3540 or email at admin@twohillsfcss.com Two Hills FCSS Staff Heather Landiak – FCSS Executive Director Marjorie Skoropadyk – FCSS Youth Centre Coordinator Connie Waddle – FCSS Program Coordinator Lisa Wiart – Family Resource Network Program Coordinator Yolande Williams – FCSS Program Assistant

www.twohillsfcss.com

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 9

Veterans Memorial Highway #36 & #881, Alberta

Highway 36 (also named Veterans Memorial Highway) is a north-south highway located in eastern Alberta, extending from the town of Lac La Biche in the north to the village of Warner in the south. It was given the name Veterans Memorial Highway in 2005 during the Province of Alberta’s centennial, in honour of the province’s military history, and for the contributions Alberta’s veterans have made. The northernmost leg of Highway 36 begins 20 kilometers (kms) south of Lac La Biche, where it meets with Highway 55 to complete the route further north to Fort McMurray and Alberta’s Oil Sands region, via Highway 63. Highway 36 continues to stretch south through eastern Alberta, all the way down to Warner, where it meets with Highway 4 traveling southeast out of Lethbridge. From Warner, it is approximately 30 kms to Coutts at the US border. The total length of Highway 36 is 626 kms (375 miles).

Our Vision Statement The Veterans Memorial Highway #36 Association is the catalyst facilitating a collaborative approach to the development of a viable international transportation route that enhances the economic opportunities for Eastern Alberta communities”

Our Mission Statement “To advocate and promote the improvement and development of the Veterans Memorial Highway #36 as a local, regional and international transportation route, so as to maximize upon the resulting benefits to the eastern corridor communities. The Association shall support all efforts to improve safety and encourage economic development and expansion of Highway 63 and 881 which are integral to the future of Highway 36”

We would like to express our thanks to our agricultural industry for their continuous contributions to the betterment of our communities

www.veteransmemorialhighway36.com

Page 10

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

4829 - 50 St, Vegreville, AB T9C 1R7 (780) 632-2606

The Town of Vegreville takes this opportunity to salute farmers, and all agricultural sectors of our community. Your tenacity, your perseverance, and your dedication to ensuring that your produce is still at an optimal standard despite the challenges and setbacks during these tumultuous times have been noted, and we applaud you! To all farmers, all farm workers, all that are involved in bringing in farm produce, preparing, packaging, and having the produce available for our communities, your role in this integral, primary sector of our economy, is highly valued and greatly appreciated. Thank you, Agricultural Sector!

www.vegreville.com

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

Page 11

Commodities at at March 29, 2021 Name / Contract Canola May 2021 Canola Jul 2021 Canola Nov 2021 Canola Jan 2022 Canola Mar 2022 Soybean May 2021 Soybean Jul 2021 Soybean Aug 2021 Soybean Sep 2021 Soybean Nov 2021 Soybean Jan 2022 Soybean Meal May 2021 Soybean Meal Jul 2021 Soybean Meal Aug 2021 Soybean Oil May 2021 Soybean Oil Jul 2021 Soybean Oil Aug 2021 Corn May 2021 Corn Jul 2021 Corn Sep 2021 Corn Dec 2021 Corn Mar 2022 Oats May 2021 Oats Jul 2021 Oats Sep 2021 Oats Dec 2021 Oats Mar 2022 Wheat May 2021 Wheat Jul 2021 Wheat Sep 2021 Wheat Dec 2021 Wheat Mar 2022 Spring Wheat May 2021 Spring Wheat Jul 2021

High 761.90 719.70 607.20 610.40 608.70 1402.75 1394.25 1348.25 1261.00 1211.75 1210.25 404.80 406.30 399.00 54.03 51.32 49.10 552.00 535.75 485.50 468.00 476.00 375.25 371.50 348.75 345.00 348.75 617.75 612.75 613.00 620.00 625.75 615.25 624.25

Low 744.40 703.50 603.00 606.60 607.30 1383.00 1375.25 1333.00 1250.00 1202.50 1202.00 397.00 399.20 394.00 52.00 49.64 47.73 542.25 527.00 477.50 460.50 468.25 371.50 369.25 348.75 345.00 348.75 607.25 602.25 602.50 609.50 615.00 607.25 616.75

Last

Settle

759.90 8.40 759.90 719.20 12.70 719.20 604.90 1.10 604.90 608.50 1.30 608.50 607.80 1.20 607.80 1393.00 -7.50 1393.00 1385.25 -6.00 1385.25 1340.50 -5.25 1340.50 1255.00 -2.00 1255.00 1204.50 -2.75 1204.50 1204.00 -2.50 1204.00 398.10 -5.90 398.10 400.30 -5.40 400.30 394.50 -5.30 394.50 52.96 0.48 52.96 50.75 0.87 50.75 48.80 1.00 48.80 546.75 -5.75 546.75 531.25 -4.50 531.25 479.00 -4.75 479.00 461.25 -5.25 461.25 469.25 -5.50 469.25 373.50 -1.50 373.50 369.75 -2.00 369.75 348.75 -1.50 350.25 345.00 -1.25 346.25 348.75 unch 348.75 616.75 3.50 616.75 612.00 2.75 612.00 612.50 2.50 612.50 619.25 2.50 619.25 625.00 2.75 625.00 610.75 -3.25 610.75 621.00 -2.25 621.00

Thank you to our agricultural sector for its contributions to improving our communities.

Name / Contract

High

Low

Last

Spring Wheat Sep 2021 Spring Wheat Dec 2021 Spring Wheat Mar 2022 Hard Red Wheat May 2021 Hard Red Wheat Jul 2021 Hard Red Wheat Sep 2021 Hard Red Wheat Dec 2021 Hard Red Wheat Mar 2022 Live Cattle (Pit) Apr 2021 Live Cattle (Pit) Jun 2021 Live Cattle (Pit) Aug 2021 Feeder Cattle (Pit) Apr 2021 Feeder Cattle (Pit) May 2021 Feeder Cattle (Pit) Aug 2021 Lean Hogs (Pit) Apr 2021 Lean Hogs (Pit) May 2021 Lean Hogs (Pit) Jun 2021 Canadian Dollar Apr 2021 Crude Oil WTI May 2021

631.75 641.75 645.00 570.25 576.00 582.25 591.75 599.50 120.98 122.65 121.48 147.08 152.20 160.00 100.38 100.45 105.23 0.7943 61.77

624.75 628.25 -2.75 634.00 638.00 -2.50 642.50 645.00 -3.00 558.25 569.50 1.25 564.25 575.50 1.00 571.00 581.75 0.75 581.00 591.25 0.50 589.75 599.50 0.75 120.98 120.98 0.88 122.65 122.65 0.88 121.48 121.48 0.60 147.08 147.08 1.95 152.20 152.20 2.33 160.00 160.00 1.55 100.38 100.38 -0.43 100.45 100.45 -0.90 105.23 105.23 -0.38 0.7935 0.7939 -0.0002 59.41 61.43 0.46

Settle 628.25 638.00 645.00 569.50 575.50 581.75 591.25 599.50 120.10 121.78 120.88 145.13 149.88 158.45 100.80 101.35 105.60 0.7939 61.43

We honor the members of our agricultural industry for helping to create strong rural communities.

Steve Upham

Reeve of the County of St Paul

Village of Myrnam 5007 50 St, Myrnam, AB T0B 3K0 Phone: (780) 366-3910 admin@myrnam.ca www.myrnam.ca

Box 400 Vegreville, AB T9C 1R4 Phone: 780-768-2466 Hours: Mon to Fri - 9:00 to 17:00 www.highlandbeef.com

Thank you to our agricultural industries for their contributions to the improvement of our community.

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 12

March 2021

We proudly salute our farmers and members of the agricultural sector for their support and contributions to the betterment of our community

Licenced Heavy Duty Mechanics for Truck and Trailer Full power train repair and overhaul CVIP Certified Inspections B620 Certified Inspections Licenced welder - specializing in aluminum welding

TRUCK & TRAILER REPAIR 4834 - 50 Avenue, Vegreville, AB T9C 1K9

(780) 632-4770

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 13

Hillside Christian Fellowship Church: A lighthouse in Wilingdon & area

by Sonny Rajoo

Hillside Christian Fellowship entrance.

Pastor Abraham Bueckert at the pulpit.

Hillside Christian Fellowship building

he old Willingdon school building has seen ownership changes several times and is now home to one of the areas most prominient churches. Hillside Christian Fellowship Church has a congregation of approximately 250 people and holds regular services while observing all Alberta Health COVID-19 guidelines. The church has a great singing group, holds regular classes for children and has a missionary team in

Back Row - Josephina, Jewell, Lillyen, Tanya, Kendra Front Row - Aaron, Mark, Sylvia, Jasper, Abraham, Neri, Pearl

Haiti. Part of the youth also went to Uganda, Africa to assist in missionary work. Several businesses have also opened in Willingdon by members who attend the church. The families with their young children have been a blessing to the community and appreciated by all. Thank you for being a blessing and being a great addition to the region. Happy Easter and may God bless you.

For sales or to send us your stories email Niri at news@twohillschronicle.com or call Sonny Rajoo at (780) 657-3536. Be sure to check us out online at www. twohillschronicle.com and like us on Facebook.

We proudly salute our Farmers and our Agricultural Sector for their contributions to our communities.

We proudly salute our agricultural industry for their contributions to our community.

5034 52nd Ave.Vegreville, AB T9C 1R9 Phone: (780) 632-2275 Fax: (780) 632-6226 www.vegrevilleplumbing.com

Two Hills Branch 4916-47 Avenue, Box 388 Two Hills AB Canada T0B 4K0 Phone: 780 657-3321 Fax: 780 657-2036

The Town of Two Hills salutes our Agricultural Industry for it contributions to the livelihood of our community.

780-657-3395 info@townoftwohills.com

www.townoftwohills.com

Page 14

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

Karla Thurber, General Manager of the Hillside Lodge, interviews resident Sonny Rajoo

Hillside Lodge in Two Hills, a cozy place to call home. (Photo by Colby Klassen)

Hillside Lodge resident and Two Hills Town Councillor Sonny Rajoo.

e are at Hillside Lodge with Sonny Rajoo Thurber: So Sonny, what was it like before you moved into Hillside Lodge? Life was very busy with me being involved in Journalism and Politics, with a result that I neither ate nor took my medication on time. This led me to lead a very unstructured and undisciplined life. The Lodge has taken care of that as its service to its residents. Thurber: So what problems were you trying to solve by moving into The Lodge? Rajoo: I solved the problem of taking care of my diet by eating properly, eating on time and particularly the problem of structure, whereby, I was able to live a life where my needs were taken care of medically and diet-wise. Thurber: Did you consider other options than The Lodge? Rajoo: I gave careful consideration to continue to live in my own home, and if I had to move to a lodge, I considered larger centered and more cultural diversity so that there would be more people that are understood, as in my case, the East Indian culture where they provide the food and the music as well. Thurber: How long have you been in Two Hills? Rajoo: Over twenty years. Thurber: So that would have been a big change? And moving back to the city would have been a big change too? Rajoo: It would have been, but I have lived in large cities, so I am aware of the complexities within and the dimensions. Rural Alberta is still what appeals to me because I grew up on a farm in South Africa. But the absence of the cultural sector and the ramifications thereof, something that I grew up with, did play a role. I realized it’s a very miniscule situation, so if I need to experience more cultural activities, I could go to the city once in a while. Thurber: So you don’t feel limited by living out here and you can make it to the city to experience whatever you need should you feel like it? Rajoo: The love, warmth and care of

career, which is Journalism. This lodge took away the daily strain and time-consumers of life. I’ve learned discipline in a good way, just like there’s bad trouble and there’s good trouble! Thurber: What is the main reason that you would recommend The Hillside Lodge rather than somewhere else? Rajoo: Clearly, there is a misconception that you are losing your independence. On the contrary, you gain more independence because you now have the time to pursue your interests and your hobbies. Not only the physical aspect of food, laundry, medication, etc, is catered to, but the human, psychological aspect of warmth, fellowship and social interaction is met. Thurber: What has exceeded your expectations since living here? Rajoo: The level of service provided by the Staff has transformed this from the perception of an institution to a warm, loving and friendly family atmosphere. Like a village! Thurber: What about living at Hillside Lodge surprises you? Is there anything that you hadn’t really thought about prior to moving in here, that has surprised you since your stay? Rajoo: The variety of the food, the quality and quantity of the meals, where one day’s is never the same as the next day has surprised me. When you come down for your meals, and the staff always ensures that you have the right proportion, and the uncanny ability of the kitchen staff to prepare foods exactly the way you like it, astounds me. It’s the personal attention that is warmth to the heart and soul for a man. Thurber: It’s like they really get to know you, your likes and dislikes, which is great. Sometimes with a smaller community and their efforts, they could ignore you if they would choose to. Rajoo: There’s always the exception to the rule. It depends on how you view life, and not everyone is motivated by the same things. Thurber: Yes, you have to look at the whole picture. What would you tell someone who is considering living at The Hillside Lodge?

the local people, who have elected me four times to Council, showed me that I have been accepted as their very own, and I too, have accepted this community as my very own. I love the people of Two Hills with an unspeakable love, so that played a key role in my choice to stay. Thurber: That’s really good. So what factors helped to make the decision to come to The Hillside Lodge? Rajoo: I visited her very regularly to cover events for my paper, and saw how well the people lived, how much they laughed and how in depth their conversations were. I realized that if there is anywhere that I would like to live, it would be at this lodge where all aspects of my personal life are met. Thurber: That’s wonderful. What was the obstacle that most prevented you from moving in? Rajoo: I feared that too much structure will hinder my career and personal life, for example, having my supper at 16H30, adjusting to getting up at 7H30 in the morning, whereas in my life before living at The Lodge, I got up when I felt like it, worked until I felt like stopping, and ate whenever I wanted to. Now that I live in Hillside Lodge, I have to consider other residents, their welfare, and their needs. So this forced me to adapt, which was fortunate for me, a positive attribute to my life. Thurber: Especially when it’s improving your health, right? What features of The Lodge sold you on moving in? Rajoo: The cleanliness of this place, the ambience, the beautiful flowers, but most of all, the love, warmth and attentiveness of the staff are all wonderful. The Staff expresses a genuine interest in wanting to be here to serve the residents. They treat us like family. Thurber: It does feel like that here, doesn’t it? What have you been able to achieve since moving in? Rajoo: By allowing The Lodge to take care of my personal needs, both medical and dietary, it allowed me the opportunity to continue to serve my people as councilor. It also aided me to devote enough time to my

Rajoo: I would recommend it without hesitation and I would extol the human virtues of living here, by relating my own experiences. Not over one or two years, but over the last two decades, I have observed the lives and happiness of the people that live here, and found very few, if even any, move out, unless forced to due to medical reasons. Most of have been here for a long time and that in itself, speaks volumes about the caring staff and the quality of life in this lodge. Thurber: When you were thinking about moving in here, is there anything that we could have done differently to have made you consider moving here sooner? Rajoo: Having lived across the world, the greatest advertisement is testimonies of people that actually experience it, so the testimonies of people actually living here. All your brochures would be viewed as propaganda unless authenticated by the word of the residents. People telling other people, make the prosperity, chances and enriches other lives. What happens is that I, as a journalist, have examined many of the residents, past and present, and have realized that there is credibility, consistency and continuity. That is what the Hillside Lodge has given us. Thurber: Is there anything else that you would like to comment on regarding The Hillside Lodge? Rajoo: Hillside Lodge has afforded me a great living environment where my health welfare is taken care of and is the uppermost priority to the staff. My family, including my children and grandchildren, are extremely happy to see and hear of the life that I am living here. Testimony to this is the fact that I have gained weight, there is a smile on my face all the time and there is no stress. I lose my temper only once a week, as opposed to the prior twenty times a day (said in jest). The doctor has given me a clean bill of health, my sugar levels are well-controlled and as an added bonus of credibility to Hillside Lodge…my doctor told me that I am in much better health now, than I was fifteen to twenty years ago.

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Agriculture

Agriculture update from ASB Chairman Murray Phillips

griculture is something that many of us have been born into or learned to appreciate throughout our lives. Whether you are in crop production, ranching, retail, agronomy, etc. we work in an industry that allows us to appreciate the value in working together. Alberta has one of the worlds most productive agricultural economies, with a total of over 50 million acres used for crop or livestock production. As most people read the headlines commodity prices are hitting record level, well what most people don’t realize is when prices go up so does almost everything else. Fertilizer have gone up $200-$400/ ton, fuel have gone up over .30 Cents per litre, steel has gone up 30%, chemical shortages/ price increases and the list goes on and on. Pre buying and planning ahead have helped farmers maintain profits for this year but who knows where things will end up for next season. With most of the snow gone already some parts of Alberta are talk-

ing potential drought, quite the opposite of what most of us had to deal with last season. The one thing we can count on in our industry is that every year will be different, and that keeps us adapting and learning to keep our farms profitable. Last year the province took fusarium off the pest act, therefore allowing farmers to clean and plant seed with levels of fusarium (previously it was a zero tolerance). The county will be maintaining our fusarium and clubroot testing for this upcoming season as an education tool towards good management practices. For 2021 we will continue with our pest management program (coyote/beaver trapping) and we will be selling strychnine for gopher control. Our ASB has also been working through the winter months planning our road side spraying program, our road side mowing plan, and new to this year we are proud to be rolling out our ALUS program! The ALUS program works with farmers to

produce ecological services on farmland. Specifically, ALUS helps farmers and ranchers restore wetlands, reforest, plant windbreaks, install riparian buffers, manage drainage systems, create pollinator habitats and establish ecological beneficial projects on their properties. While we are in the beginning stages, we are excited to offer a program that can help many farmers in our county manage some of their land in a more sustainable way. Many producers in our county have been faced with extremely challenging conditions over the last few years, lets hope for a better one this year! While COVID restrictions are still in place, our ASB staff are still able to assist producers wherever possible. Here is wishing all producers a successful 2021 season. Murray Phillips ASB Chairman

MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk commends Alberta Inovates

am very pleased to see the economic diversification happening in my riding of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. Vegreville, along with Alberta Innovates is developing value-added agriculture through their industrial hemp park. This eighty-acre development will be fully serviced, and will become the leader in hemp innovators, making Vegreville the hemp Capital of Canada. Construction is planned to begin in May 2021 with an anticipated completion date of October 2022. The Town of Bruderheim will also benefit from this as soon they will be home to North America’s largest hemp-processing facility. These are the kinds of innovations that lead to job creation, investment, and diversification. I am glad to see Alberta’s Recovery Plan in economic diversifications working in Alberta

Page 15

and right here in Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. MELT training includes driver training curriculums with set hours for in-class, in-yard, and in-vehicle training. The grant will cover about $8,900 of the cost of the MELT training program. Industry has warned of a potential shortage of 3,600 commercial truck drivers in Alberta by 2023, and that’s why we originally announced the Driving Back to Work grant in November 2020 with funding to help 300 unemployed Albertans earn their class 1 license. More recently, we are spending $5 million more, so another 500 Albertans can start new careers with well-paid trucking jobs. Budget 2021 provides an additional $5 million to help train commercial Class 1 drivers and protect livelihoods. The Driving Back to work grant will cover up to 90% of the cost of the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) to help eligible unemployed Albertans get their class 1 license. I also had the chance to speak to Bill 212 this week, this bill would make rodeo the official sport of Alberta, and recognizes the cultural importance of rodeo and its related agricultural events. Rodeo has a history in Alberta dating back before we

were even officially a province. I chose to live and raise my family in a rural community and I am proud of the hard-working men and women that earn their livelihood in the agriculture industry. As our culture and our industries continue to evolve, it is increasingly important that we do not forget our past. Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions launch shared website showcasing ‘Better Together’

he Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions are pleased to announce the launch of albertawheatbarley.com– a new joint website for Alberta farmers to access timely information about the commissions and their programs. The new website delivers an intuitive and user-friendly experience with seamless navigation. After months of consultation and work within the commissions’ management team, the website contains numerous new features to help connect farmers to the commissions’ core programs and priorities. Although the commissions have many synergies, maintaining the integrity of both brands remains to be of utmost importance. The new website is designed to integrate both brands, while simultaneously providing the option to choose ‘Barley’ or ‘Wheat’ to view the differences in areas such as Research, Markets and Agronomy. Users can toggle between the two using the tab function in the top left navigation. “This new combined website is another way our leadership is showcasing the ‘Better Together’ mantra that the commissions continually embrace,” says Todd Hames, Alberta Wheat Commission chair. “We are excited to launch albertawheatbarley.comand highlight our organizational efficiencies with this collective information hub.” A new fundamental feature of the website is What Farmers Need to Know Now – atimely news feed highlighting essential updates on agriculture policy, research investments, market access initiatives and other commission related updates. “One of the best qualities about this new website is its ability to relate the commissions’ initiatives to on-farm decisions and issues,” says Tara Sawyer, Alberta Barley chair. “It also prioritizes important news and initiatives for farmers so we have access to timely and concise updates from the commissions, across all program areas.” Over the coming months, stay tuned for further updates and the addition of the new agronomy section for both crops. To view the new website, visit albertawheatbarley.com. If you have any feedback or comments, please connect with Megan Evans at mevans@albertawheatbarley.com.

2021 Pea leaf weevil survey

‘Every year a team of surveyors sets out to count, sweep net and soil sample to gather information for insect forecasts and population maps in Alberta,’ says Shelley Barkley, insect survey technologist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. ‘First up in the survey season is pea leaf weevil. We visit about 250 pea fields from Warner to south of the Peace River looking for and counting the feeding notches of the adult pea leaf weevil.’ Field visits consist of counting the notches on the nodes of 50 plants in the field. Surveyors wear boot covers, work along the field edge while doing the counts, and park on the approach to the field. ‘Timing for the survey is important as we want the peas to be in the 4 to 6 node stage, and this is where we can use help in building a list of predetermined fields

for our survey locations. This gives us the ability to plan our survey routes and be more efficient when we are out doing the surveys. Predetermined fields also allows producers to know who is entering their fields.’ Participation in the surveys will help build the 2022 population map. Producers will also receive the results of the fields visited. With approval from producers, information may also be provided to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s pathology program if fields are needed for pea disease surveys. ‘So how can you help? Contact me with the legal land description of your pea field and the municipality you are in,’ says Barkley. ‘You can contact me by sending an email, or a direct message on Twitter.’

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 16

March 2021

HIGHLIGHTS

March 24, 2021 Council Meeting

March 30, 2021

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: National 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline: Council unanimously supported MP-Lakeland, Shannon Stubbs Letter of Request to petition the Federal government for a consolidation of all suicides crisis numbers across Canada into a unified national suicide prevention hotline. The petition may be personally endorsed at: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/details?Petition=e-2772 MOST Grant: The County received Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) funding from both the Governments of Alberta and Canada to support financial impacts due to COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. The County recognizes that hardships are faced locally and is providing a one-time grant to rural/ hamlet recreation centres and community groups for operational impacts due to COVID-19 Coronavirus, totaling $220,000.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS & PERMITS

Next Council Meeting:

Wednesday April 21, 2021 in Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT DUE TO DRY CONDITIONS A FIRE BAN WILL BE COMING INTO EFFECT. FOR FIRE BANS AND RESTRICTIONS, PLEASE VISIT: www.albertafirebans.ca or www.thcounty.ab.ca

National Volunteer Week is April 18-24, 2021!

The County wishes to extend a gracious thank you to all local volunteers. Please know how truly appreciated your time and efforts are in the continuous support you give your great community.

Fire Permits are REQUIRED on a YEAR-ROUND BASIS for all types of Open Burning. Fire permits are issued for 10 days at a time. Fire Permits can be obtained from the County Administration Office or electronically. Electronic Fire Permit applications are available at www.thcounty.ab.ca.

NATURAL GAS UTILITY CARBON LEVY INCREASE

WILLINGDON, TWO HILLS AND MYRNAM If an existing resident entices a new move-in, both the current and new resident will receive a FREE MONTH’S RENT! Our Two-week Free Trial to our ALL-INCLUSIVE LODGE SUITES has been popular and still continues for those wanting an escape. Or, if a new resident comes in without either of these programs and signs a lease, we will DEDUCT $200 off their rent for 3 MONTHS!! For more information, please contact the Eagle Hill Foundation at (780) 657-2061.

Public Works 780-657-2499

Natural Gas Utility 780-657-2446

As of April 1, 2021, the Carbon Levy imposed by the Government of Canada will increase by approximately $.53/GJ to $2.1025899/ GJ. This increase will be applied to natural gas consumption starting April 1, 2021 and will be included on your May bill. The County of Two Hills Gas Utility is responsible for reporting, collecting, and remitting these amounts to the federal Government on a monthly basis. CLICK BEFORE YOU DIG With construction season coming up PLEASE CALL/CLICK BEFORE YOU DIG @ 1-800-242-3447 or www.albertaonecall. com. Click before you dig is FREE and SAVES LIVES; PLEASE DON’T take a chance without it. NO locates will be done until your project is registered with Click Before You Dig. NATURAL GAS INFILLS The County of Two Hills Natural Gas Utility reminds residents to book new service infills early, as they are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis. Rates for the 2021 construction season are as follows: Rural: $ 8000.00, Urban: $ 4000.00 and Grain Dryers and Commercial: Actual Cost. To book your infill or for further information please call 780-657-2446.

Two Hills Regional Chronicle AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD PUBLIC WORKS

March 2021

Page 17

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE The County of Two Hills Agricultural Service Board has for sale 2-Cattle Squeeze Chutes being (1) HiQual and (1) Stampede. Both units are in good working order, and have their own transport trailers that sell with the chutes. For inquiries, please contact Elden Kozak, Agricultural Fieldman at 780-654-3358. Bids will be received until April 30, 2021; SEALED Cattle Squeeze Chute bids can be sent in by mail to: County of Two Hills, Box 490, Two Hills, Alberta, T0B 4K0.

REQUEST FOR ROADSIDE MOWING PROPOSALS

ROAD USE LOAD RESTICTIONS Order No. 1-2021, defining maximum allowable weights permitted on certain County of Two Hills No. 21 roads. Pursuant to the authority granted under the provisions of Bylaw No. 6-87, the Vehicle Weight Committee orders that effective March 22, 2021 – time 8:00 a.m. Percentage axle weights for County of Two Hills

The County of Two Hills No. 21 is now accepting price proposal for mowing operations for the 2021 season. The price proposal is for a one-year contract with an option to renew the contract on a yearto-year basis. Bid proposals must be received at the County Office by 4:30 p.m. on April 5, 2021. Submissions must be clearly identified as “2021 Roadside Mowing Proposals.” Further information is available at www.thcounty.ab.ca/employment, and inquiries may be forwarded to Elden Kozak, Agricultural Fieldman at (780)657-3358 or by email ekozak@thcounty.ab.ca

REQUEST FOR 2021 HERBICIDE APPLICATION SERVICES The County of Two Hills No. 21 is seeking submissions from qualified contractors to provide Herbicide Application Services for the 2021 Spraying Program. Quotations must be received at the Agricultural Service Board Office by 4:00pm on April 15th, 2021. Submissions must be clearly identified as “2021 Herbicide Application Services.” Further information is available at www.thcounty.ab.ca/ employment, and inquiries may be forwarded to Elden Kozak, Agricultural Fieldman at (780)657-3358 or by email ekozak@thcounty. ab.ca

No. 21 roads are:

Roads Percentage Axle Weight All Gravel and Oil Surfaces Roads 75% (unless otherwise posted)

DUST CONTROL The Public Works Department would like to advertise to qualifying residents the commencement of 2021 Dust Control Applications, available April 1, 2021 to May 14, 2021. Please contact the Public Works Office at 780-657-2499.

GRAVEL SALES The Public Works Department would like to advertise to qualifying residents the commencement of 2021 gravel sales, available April 1, 2021 until September 30, 2021. Effective 2021, all private gravel sale deliveries will be the responsibility of the purchaser. The gravel pick up date must be booked through the Public Works Office. For inquiries, please contact the Public Works Office at 780-657-2499.

TWO HILLS REGIONAL WASTE SUMMER GARBAGE SCHEDULE Please be advised that the summer garbage pick up program is now in effect, having garbage collected every Thursday until late October.

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING EXPANDED

Please be advised that all County of Two Hills Offices shall be closed:

Friday April 2, 2021 and Monday April 5, 2021.

The Two Hills Regional Waste Management Commission has expanded its electronics recycling program, aligning to Alberta Recycling Management Authority’s 2-year electronics recycling pilot program. Included in the pilot project will be audio visual equipment, telecom, cell phone and wireless devices, electronic gaming equipment, small home appliances, portable power tools, toys, musical instruments and solar panels. For further information please visit https://armaepilot.com/ or call 780-657-3524.

Page 18

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Agriculture

March 2021

Accelerating the adoption of climate-smart best practices in agriculture

armers are on the front lines of worsening climate impacts, and face increasing risk of wildfires and extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. The best way to build climate resiliency across Canadian agriculture’s diversity of realities and landscapes is by developing and deploying solutions that are tailored for each region, led by farmers and farm groups themselves. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of $185 million over the next 10 years for the new Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) program. “Our government is working in partnership with farmers to develop and deploy the best practices that will fight climate change, protect our lands and waters, and deliver important economic benefits to farmers. With significant regional collabora-

tions from coast-to-coast, Agricultural Climate Solutions puts farmers at the helm of steering Canadian agriculture towards a climate resilient future for the generations to come.” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food The ACS program aims to establish a strong, Canada-wide network of regional collaborations led by farmers and including scientists and other sectoral stakeholders. Together, they will develop and share management practices that best store carbon and mitigate climate change. This work will also help protect biodiversity, improve water and soil quality, and strengthen farmers’ bottom lines. “Our government is working in partnership with farmers to develop and deploy the best practices that will fight climate change, protect our lands and waters, and deliver important economic benefits to

farmers. With significant regional collaborations from coast-to-coast, Agricultural Climate Solutions puts farmers at the helm of steering Canadian agriculture towards a climate resilient future for the generations to come.”said Minister Bibeau. To be eligible for the ACS program, applicants must form a large network of partnerships within a province, including with agricultural non-profits, Indigenous organizations and environmental groups. The program will proceed in two phases. The first phase, which will launch April 1st, aims to support the development of proposals focused on regional collaboration hubs, also known as “Living Labs”, by offering grants of up to $100,000. The aim is for every province in Canada to have at least one collaboration hub. Each hub will centre on farms, where farmers and researchers can co-develop best practices, including cover crops, intercropping, conversion of marginal land to permanent cover, shelterbelts, nutrient management, and inclusion of pulses in rotations. Applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to engage with researchers and develop plans for knowledge transfer and adoption among their peers. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will host regional information sessions over the coming weeks. The program’s second phase will open as early as Fall 2021. At this stage, applicant groups can submit

their applications for funding support of up to $10 million per project. “Canadian farmers are constantly innovating to make their practices more sustainable. That’s why the Government of Canada is pleased to be working with farmers across the country to continue that work by identifying and implementing on farm management practices that engage the power of nature-based solutions to cut carbon pollution and support biodiversity. Through programs like the one announced today, which complements the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, we will create a stronger future – one that achieves Canadians’ environmental goals and economic hopes.” stated Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change The ACS program is one of many important new initiatives being undertaken to promote environmental sustainability and resiliency in the agriculture sector, and is part of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and towards net-zero emissions by 2050. “This program allows researchers, farmers and other groups to work closely together and test their ideas on farm to evaluate them in real-world circumstances to achieve meaningful results.” - Mary Robinson, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

Now available to all western Canadian producers, Farmcash opens Spring Advance Application with new features

or the first time in its history, FarmCash is accepting spring advance applications from all western Canadian producers. This announcement follows the multi-provincial expansion of the FarmCash program made public on February 17, 2021. While funds cannot be released until the official Advance Payments Program open date on April 1, producers can complete their online application today and explore new account features including a designated FarmCash account manager and an online ac-

count dashboard. These features provide a cash advance experience tailored to the unique needs of agriculture producers. Western Canadian producers of over 50 agriculture commodities including crops, livestock and honey, can apply for up to $1 million with the first $100,000 interest-free and the remaining balance at a competitive interest rate of TD prime minus 0.75 per cent. “The uptake of FarmCash as a business management tool continues to grow and we are excited to

open up the enhanced program to producers in additional provinces,” says Todd Hames, Alberta Wheat Commission chair. “Because of the knowledgeable customer service team and excitement for FarmCash within the industry, producers are becoming increasingly aware of its year-round uses including mitigating the risk of unexpected weather or operational bills during the growing season.” The new online account dashboard will provide producers with their current account information at-aglance, and the designated account manager system will give customers an enhanced and personalized experience. “FarmCash is committed to constantly improving the program experience for our customers,” says Syeda Khurram, chief operating officer of FarmCash. “Producers have questions on how FarmCash can improve the long-term profitability of their operation and we continue to take a leadership role in educating producers on the Advance Payments

Program offered by the federal government.” FarmCash features that producers have come to rely on will continue to be provided, such as the convenient online application and quick application turnaround times with access to funds in as little as three to five business days. Producers can learn more about the benefits of FarmCash and apply online at FarmCashAdvance.com or call 1-855-376-2274 to speak with a FarmCash representative. The Advance Payments Program is a federal loan program administered by the Alberta Wheat Commission. It offers Canadian farmers marketing flexibility through interest-free and low interest cash advances. For more information, please contact: Syeda Khurram FarmCash Chief Operating Officer 403-219-6264 skhurram@albertawheatbarley. com

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

Hemp…More than a high!!

emp! When one hears the word, one is inclined to think weed, cannabis, pot, highs, addiction, destroyed lives. There is so much more associated with the “hemp” stigma. Healing, pain relief, easing mental health symptoms. Do the benefits outweigh the dilemmas or are we simply poking a sleeping bear? What is Hemp? Hemp is a low type of Cannabis sativa with a low level of the cannabinoid’s THC, which is a wind pollinated plant that is an annual broadleaf plant with a taproot. It is cultivated for its production of long fibers for textiles, hemp seeds for oil and other uses. Hemp is a fast-growing plant that can mature in up to four months, therefore depending on soil conditions and climate. Under optimum conditions, hemp germinates within three to five days. It is a fast grower, generally requiring about 120 days to mature, preferably under warm and light conditions. The yield of seeds and biomass (stems and leaves) is lower in dark and cooler climates. Hemp is a high-production crop that can provide more oil than peanuts and up to four times as much paper pulp than trees on the same size of land. Hemp can also be farmed hydroponically

(farming that only uses water and essential nutrients, and not soil). When to plant hemp? As stated by the Agricultural Research Council’s industrial crops facility, the hemp plant is sensitive to short day length. Subsequently, planting date is an important factor to optimize fiber hemp production. Hemp requires long warm summers and a daylength of between 14 and 16 hours. Permits for growing hemp: In Canada, hemp farmers that need permission to farm hemp, must supply GPS coordinates of the corners of the hemp production area, a map of hemp production area showing landmarks and roads, the name of hemp variety to be grown and a police security check. Hemp products Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial use. It can be used to make a wide range of products. Along with bamboo, hemp is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth. It was also one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber 50,000 years ago. It can be refined into a variety of commercial items, including paper, rope, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed. Hemp is known to have a variety of medical uses. It stimulates pain and helps ease of stress and anxiety which are the most common causes of depression and mental illnesses. As well as health benefits I personally say that there is a fine line between hemp and alcohol due to the different effects and feeling. A Miracle Drug:

We salute our agricultural industry for their dedication to the betterment of our communities

Page 19 Can hemp cure cancer? Hemp has not been proven to cure cancer although research has shown that: Different from cannabidiol or CBD oil, hemp oil is extracted from the hemp seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Rich in antioxidants and highly nutritious, the hemp seed oil can be used as a supportive treatment for cancer. A person suffering from cancer must go through some emotionally and physically exhausting treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. These often lead to various side effects like loss of appetite, nausea, and eventually weight loss. Now, I am not telling you that hemp seed oil is a substitute for chemo or radiation. It is surely not the miracle drug for your maladies. But when used as a complementary form of therapy, hemp does show some remarkable qualities that curtail the growth of cancer. Hemp seed oil can also be used to treat epilepsy and ADHD. Reading the effectiveness of hemp oil, maybe it sounds promising that sure why not? Let us not rely on natural remedies for diseases as grave as these. Doing that is strongly not recommended as there are not enough studies out there that have crowned hemp as the cure for cancer. Using hemp as a form of direct treatment would not bode well for the patient. But you can use it as a complementary treatment to alleviate the symptoms. In conclusion research in hemp should be broadened. Hemp as many healing qualities as well edible qualities. This is a chance to plant and grow hemp so that thorough research by scientists, doctors, pharmaceutical nurses/ doctors can have a new and more effective treatment due to its natural healing effects and for the main cause of it being natural.

P.O. Box 608, 5122 50 Street Vegreville, AB T9C 1R7

780-632-6064 elkislandregion.albertacf.com

We salute our farmers and agricultural industry for their contributions and continuing to strive for the improvement of our community.

P.O. Box 54, Hairy Hill, AB T0B1S0

Elroy Yakemchuk (H) (780) 768-2284 (C) (780) 208-0199 James Yakemchuk (C) (780) 603-7628

www.scatteredsprucesalers.com

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 20

March 2021

Village of Derwent

A brief history of Derwent

erwent, a quaint hamlet in central Alberta, Canada within the County of Two Hills, is located on Highway 45, approximately 41 kilometres or 25 miles north of Vermilion. Derwent was originally incorporated as a village on June 25, 1930. This dissolved on September 1, 2010, and Derwent inadvertently was labelled a hamlet. In Alberta, a hamlet is a community which has more than four dwellings, a specified boundary, a name, and land used for non-residential purposes. Those communities in Alberta that are recognized as hamlets by Alberta Municipal Affairs are assigned to this category. Derwent is assigned to that category. Established in 1928, when the Canadian Pacific Railway opened a rail line through the region, it was

named after Derwent, Derbyshire, England. Prior to this name, the community was briefly known as Monkman. Albert Monkman was a Canadian First Peoples and member of the Metis Nation. Before that, the Native Americans of the region referred to it as Penguix. The population peaked at 301 in 1959, but declined rapidly after a bridge was constructed to Elk Point and thereafter the closure of the local grain elevator. Due to the subsequent abandonment of the Lloydminster to Starr rail line in 2005 – 2007, the final chapter in Derwent’s rail access dwindled. It is reported that only two new homes have been built since the 1980s and the last business building permit issued was in 2001.

Derwent Agricultural Society $45,000.00 CASH RAFFLE!

The prizes are phenomenal!!

1st $ 30,000.00 2nd $ 10,000.00 3rd $ 5,000.00 It’s a 1/666 chance of winning and 1,999 tickets are printed. AGLC Raffle License no. (532108)

Motor Vehicle Registration - Driver Exams - Marriage Licenses - Birth Certificates - Civil Enforcement (Fine Collection) - Land Title Searches - Personal Property Lien Searches - Corporate Registry - Identification Cards - Passport Photos We salute our farmers and the agricultural industry for their contributions to our community

5046 50 Ave, Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6 (780) 632-7474

www.hi-wayregistries.com

We were to have the draw on on Dec. 31, 2020, but didn’t have enough tickets sold because with Covid we were not able to go to Fairs, Rodeos, Farmer’s Markets, hockey rinks and other public venues. The lottery board extended the draw until May 29, 2021. Call 780 977 4714 for tickets ($50.00 each). We can do e-transfer or accept cheques until the end of April, we can arrange pick up or delivery of tickets at your convenience. Tickets can also be purchased at: • Auto Parts Plus in Vermilion • Integra Tire Auto Centre in Vermilion • Uniquely U Styles in Vermilion • Derwent Hotel • Derwent Store • Derwent Tattoo Shop • Golden Loaf Bakery in Elk Point • Grocery/Liquor Store in Myrnam • Nutrien Ag. Solutions in Myrnam

• •

Majek Meats in St. Paul Mundare Sausage House in Mundare (We are arranging with Judy at the new leisure cntr. in Two Hills to have tickets available there on Tuesdays & Thursdays). We were disappointed not to have our popular ‘Cabin Fever’ dance this year with Covid. It is an event that I had introduced to the community a few years back. The Winter was so long that we thought it would break up the Winter with a dance and a live band & the fun time proved to be beneficial to all that attended. We are hoping to have it again next February so we hope to see you then. :) We are raising funds for upgrades in our community hall that is used for a variety of events such a craft sales, weddings, funerals, public speaking, sports and... We would like to encourage the purchase of tickets for Mother’s/ Father’s day, graduation, birthday gifts or whatever you may need to help support our cause. THANKS to all our supporters in whatever way you have contributed as it takes a village to have a healthy, happy village. *Stay safe & remember that you may be one person in the world, but to one person, you may be the world. Blessings today & always to all!

We salute our farmers and agricultural industry for their contributions and continuing to strive for the improvement of our community.

Myrnam Municipal Seed Cleaning Association Ltd 4802-45 Ave, Myrnam, AB T0B 3K0 (780) 366-3871

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

by Sonny Rajoo

Village of Derwent

Page 21

Derwent saves Post Office thanks to County

Gladys Hardcastle in Hardcastle Store in Derwent where she also operates the Derwent Post Office. (Photos by Colby Klassen)

hen the late Darlene Lalonde shut down her business, The Store, the Post Office was also about to shut down. The County of Two Hills Council in general, Reeve Don Gulayec of Division 1 in particular, played a key role in saving Derwent from not having a Post Office. The County turned its old village office into a Post Office and convenience store, thanks to Gladys Hardcastle, who not only runs the Post Office but operates the store in a building which is still owned by the County. In an interview with the Chronicle, Gladys said she was grateful

The late Darlene Lalonde

for to the community and its support and Reeve Don Gulayec and his council for their foresight. Derwent is a community bent on survival and has the Flagship Fire Department/ Derwent Fire Department whose members donate all their honorariums back to the Fire Department making it one of the finest in the region. The Chronicle can never overstate the role played by the late Darlene Lalonde in the welfare of the community and her support of the Chronicle. May her soul rest in peace.

For sales or to submit your stories contact us via email at news@twohillschronicle.com or call Sonny at (780) 657-3536. Be sure to check us out online at www.twohillschronicle.com and like us on Facebook.

Thank you to our farmers and agricultural industry for their contributions to our community.

Don & Debbie Gulayec

Page 22

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Brosseau Cash Calender winners for March

Date Ticket # Name 1 203 Darwin Makowecki 2 336 Tammy Marcichiw 3 107 Trevor Oullette 4 673 Lorraine Bachelet 5 445 Michaela Charlebois 6 150 Ed Lapaschuk & Philip Leonty 7 667 Allan Holmberg 8 593 Joanne Addley 9 772 Don Semeniuk 10 38 Rhonda Bailey 11 723 Mark Wurz 12 465 Joanne Kohlman 13 417 Sue Schlapbach 14 632 Grant E. Redington 15 916 MaKenna Klochko 16 611 Trish Proznick 17 347 Bailey Hadland (Lydia) 18 327 Carla Inkster 19 230 Derrick Boulianne 20 814 Matt C. Grant 21 269 Nathalie Bachelet 22 415 Georgette Lafreniere 23 521 Bob Ross & Danielle Boutin 24 536 Eugene Dmytriw 25 531 Gisele Weir 26 694 Warren Young 27 737 Shawn & Steph Yakimec 28 546 Carrie Hamilton 29 132 Maurice Lavallee 30 406 Yolande N. Williams (Natalya) 31 133 Maurice Lavallee

Amount $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 100 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 100 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 100 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 100 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20

Congratulations! Two Hills School Home of the Tigers 4806 51 Avenue, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0

Phone: (780) 657-3383 Text: (587) 773-3665

Email: ths@sperd.ca

We salute our farmers and the agricultural industry for their role in creating a strong community.

March 2021

Ideal Carpets

& Interiors Ltd. HARDWOOD CARPET VINYL LAMINATE TILES

Box 306, 5029 50th Avenue, Saint Paul, AB T0A 3A0

(780) 614-2701

www.idealcarpetsandinteriors.ca

4767 - 50 Street, Vegreville, AB T9C 1L1

(780) 632-6649

Thank you to our farmers and our agricultural industry for their role in helping to create strong communities.

Have a safe and happy Spring Break. Remember to follow all the regulations set by the government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Stay safe and healthy.

www.twohillschool.ca

www.apluscellular.com

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

The Two Hills RCMP respond to community feedback

Submitted by Sgt Robert Daisley of the Two Hills RCMP

Sergeant Robert Daisley in front of the Two Hills RCMP Detachment.

ergeant Robert Daisley of the Two Hills RCMP requested feedback from members of the community who have concerns or questions about policing in the Two Hills Detachment area. Feedback was received in a variety of forms and has been generalized to prevent anyone who did respond from being singled out or identified. Why do the RCMP favor Mennonites? Why do the RCMP pick on Mennonites? The answer is “we don’t”. We strive to treat everyone fairly, regardless of who they are, and no group of people or resident of this community is treated either more harshly or more leniently just because of who they are. Like every other group in the community, most Mennonites are good people with a number of people who cause problems. There was another more specific concern that driving without a licence is common, but based on our experience, that isn’t true. The traffic stats look like this over the past five years: 2016 – 405 2017 – 289 2018 – 617 2019 – 1353 2020 – 1400 Our members have made it a priority to get out of the office and onto the roadways over the past two years which has resulted in more visibility and many more encounters with drivers of all types. The safety of road users is a high priority which has resulted in members completing more traffic stops and more opportunities to check for driver’s licences. There are a few people who choose to drive without a driver’s licence but the vast majority of people on the road are operating a vehicle with a valid driver’s licence. People are drinking and driving and nothing ever seems to happen to them. Drinking and driving has always

been an issue on our roadways. The RCMP is committed to keeping the residents of our communities safe and this includes locating impaired drivers. We have caught too many people drinking and driving, although most of the time this isn’t publicized. We continue to encourage residents to immediately report impaired drivers to police by calling 911. The Government of Alberta recently passed legislation which decriminalizes some impaired driving offences. The hope is to free up court time for the most serious offences while reducing the administrative burden on enforcement officers. This strategy seemed to have worked well in British Columbia and hopefully we will have similar success here in Alberta.

a supervisor.

• The file is dated and there is no hope of recovering evidence at the scene. Sometimes crimes are reported weeks or months after they occur and the time delay makes it very unlikely that evidence can be recovered. If you feel like your complaint hasn’t been handled well, you can always call and discuss the matter with

COVID-19 complaints (enforcement, lack of enforcement) Alberta Health Services has the responsibility to respond to COVID-19 complaints. If they require our assistance, we happily give it. If you have concerns about COVID-19 regulation enforcement, please contact AHS online or by phone. Concerns about the treatment of women by the RCMP

Page 23

There are still problems, but things are getting better. Everyone in the Two Hills Detachment works hard every day to ensure that women are treated with respect and with dignity. When I began (almost twenty years ago), it was common to hear cadets talking about how women couldn’t be good police officers because they weren’t strong enough to fight. I have had the privilege of serving alongside many excellent female police officers and those comments have mostly gone away as women have continued to demonstrate their ability both to fight when necessary and to avoid creating situations where fighting is necessary. The Commissioner has committed to making the RCMP an institution which is supportive of women and we are proud to be part of that effort. The RCMP is doing a great job Thank you! As the Detachment Commander in Two Hills, I am fortunate to have an excellent team of officers and support staff here. I am very proud of this group: they come to work every day determined to put in their best effort and do everything that they can to serve our communities! Sergeant Robert Daisley

VEGREVILLE AUTO BODY LTD. Providing superior automotive services since 1993.

INSURANCE CLAIMS

I heard someone called the police for a break and enter and the police never showed up. Every file that is reported to the police is reviewed by the Detachment Commander before being concluded and any file that isn’t investigated properly is sent back to the investigator to be followed up on before completed. If a police didn’t show up at a call, there are several possible reasons why: • The complainant told them that they were reporting for information purposes only. Sometimes people call in to tell us something happened even though they know there is no evidence for us to pursue. We appreciate knowing what is happening as it helps us target our patrols and gives an accurate picture for those looking at funding. Complainants sometimes just need a file number for insurance purposes and does not require police to attend in person. • The officers were at a higherpriority file. Just like in the 5213 51 Avenue, Vegreville, Alberta emergency room at the hospital, we are constantly having to tri- Phone: 780.632.2445 age the files that we have. Email: vegauto@digitalweb.net

REPAIRS

RESTORATIONS MECHANICAL

We salute our farmers for their

contributions to our community

www.vegautobody.com

Page 24

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

EARLY DELIVERY of Co-op Premium Dyed Diesel

and get delayed billing!

ON NOW until APR 30 Receive a free oil analysis sample test with 3,500 litre purchase! Contact your local Co-op Fuel Team.

780-645-1728

www.cornerstonefuel.ca

Cornerstone

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 25

Myrnam schools & local businesses participate in eco project

ew Myrnam School and Myrnam Outreach and Homeschool Centre are excited to announce the official launch of our hydroponic growing system to grow and provide fresh produce for local businesses. This month, we formed partnerships with both CJ’s Cafe in Myrnam, as well as the Twisted Fork, a restaurant that features local producers, in St. Paul. By providing fresh produce for these local businesses, less transportation is required, and therefore our students are actively working to reduce our community’s carbon footprint! We plan to continue growing and find new ways to have a positive impact on our community and environment. This project is operated by students in our Horticulture classes and Green Certificate programs, and was made possible with funding from Inside Educa-

tion’s “A+ for Energy” program. We hope to continue to grow this initiative and look forward to future possibilities. When researching various types of hydroponic systems, students have designed this system to be energy efficient as well as water efficient. We have a 5KW grid tied solar array on the building roof. We can grow plants year-round with no additional energy input. The drip hydroponic system optimizes growth with minimal water usage as each plant is watered directly where needed. Evaporation is kept to a minimum as the roots are bathed in oxygen rich water in a chamber beneath the plants. In addition to this project, students in our Sustainable Development Club are exploring ideas for a sustainable, small environmental footprint food supply to the local area

through their backyard poultry project. This team is currently working on a demonstration chicken coop that is sized for a small number of birds. We hope to be able to test it out and reduce our environmental impact by encouraging small-scale food production at a local level. We also have a team of students working to build a solar cattle pump for local farmers. They will be demonstrating the process for those who want to learn to build their own! Both of these project proposals have been submitted for review in the Caring for Our Watersheds contest for Central Alberta. Finally, students from grades 7, 9, 11, and 12 attended Inside Education’s “Gener8 2021” conference this month to learn more about environmental stewardship and the energy industry in Alberta. We were

selected to showcase our two current A+ for Energy Projects at the Gener8 conference. We were also one school from a handful of K-12 schools across Alberta selected to receive an Environmental Student Action Challenge grant. Our students are driving home an ambitious project this year. They are collaborating with their Village Council to convert an electric golf cart into a renewable energy vehicle by retrofitting them with solar panels. Students from grades 5 to 12 will work on the vehicle, learning about how electrical technologies can help reduce their community’s dependency on non-renewable energy, all while learning about renewable energy systems and reducing their carbon footprint.

Page 26

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

St Paul Education Board meeting highlights for March 10, 2021

St Paul Education Board Town of St. Paul Community Grants: The Board expressed appreciation to the Town of St. Paul for the newly-revised Community Grant. This grant offers support for a qualifying individual or team representing the Town to participate in a competitive activity at the provincial or national level. This could include a Division student or team. It is important to note that expenses for Division students to compete at the provincial or national level are not covered by provincial education funding. Council of School Councils (COSC) - Alberta School Councils’ Association Conference (ASCA): An email has been shared with all school councils to gather interest for the upcoming ASCA conference to be held virtually on April 23-25, 2021. As the conference is online this year, the Board will sponsor the registration for one school council member from each active school council.. Expressions of interest are due by Friday, April 2, 2021. Assurance Model: The Department of Education has introduced a new assurance model that accompanies the new funding framework implemented this year. Important changes in this new model include more local flexibility and stakeholder engagement. The Division’s Education Plan is due on May 30, 2021. The Board will be considering additional engagement activities to be conducted in early April. An initial draft of the plan will be shared with the Board at the April 21, 2021 meeting and the final draft will be presented for approval at the Regular Board Meeting on May 5, 2021. Board Policy 16-Board Operations and Policy 7-Recruitment and Selection of Personnel: Trustees passed a motion approving revisions to these two policies, as presented by Trustee Cook. All board policies can be viewed on the Division website . Transportation Committee Recommendations: The Transportation Committee met with bus contractors on March 8, 2021 to discuss a number of concerns, notably the increasing costs of insurance, as discussed at previous board meetings. In their motion motion for school bus con-

tractors, the Board has agreed to the following: a 2% increase on the InTown Bus Daily rate (retroactive to September); a 2% increase on the Rural Monthly Basic rate (retroactive to September); a $0.02/km increase on the Rural Grid (retroactive to September); a one-time lump sum payment covering 85% of the increase to the insurance premiums for spare and regular buses in the current term; and removal of the age limit policy of school buses. Superintendent’s Report ● Recent announcements related to Step 2 of ‘The Path Forward’ have not introduced any changes to school COVID procedures. ● Family Choice of At-Home Learning or In-Person Learning: Throughout the year the Division has been flexible in responding to families’ choices to move between in-person and at-home learning. Due to the requirements of year-end achievement reporting, families will be asked to stay with their choice of either athome or in-person learning for the final three months of the year, this will take effect on April 6, 2021. In order to continue to support our students and families, extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on an individual basis. ● As part of the COVID pandemic response, the regional health inspector has inspected a number of Division schools. The feedback received has been very positive, and recommendations were shared as learning with other schools. The Division would like to thank custodial staff, school personnel and our students for their efforts to keep our schools clean and safe throughout the year. ● The Division has experienced a shortage of substitute teachers and educational assistants during the pandemic. We are currently recruiting for educational assistants for casual and substitute positions. ● Special recognition goes out to our substitute teachers during Substitute Teacher appreciation week March 8 to 12, 2021. “Thank you for all you do!”. Thanks also to the education assistants for their tremendous contribution to the Division. ● The Division recently conducted a review of the inclement weather policy. The policy will continue to focus on meeting the needs of students as learners by providing valuable learning and ensuring that students who are not at school have a chance to get caught up.

● Trustees reviewed cheque and financial information. ● Although the provincial budget was announced February 25, 2021 the Division will not receive a detailed funding profile for the upcoming year until March 31, 2021. Divisions have been told that overall funding will not be reduced. The Division budget process will proceed once the funding profile has been received. ● A review of the Division’s financial profile over the past five years shows a decline in revenue which is mostly related to a slight trend in declining enrollments. Reduced revenue combined with inflation has led to five consecutive deficits and drawn down reserves. The Board approved these deficit budgets as part of a plan to have a more strategic transition to lower enrolments. As reserves are dwindling, a shift to more balanced budgets will be necessary. ● The Division expressed thanks to the Town of St. Paul for their generous commitment of $15,000 to support the Family School Liaison Worker program. ● A summary of the Division’s Critical Worker Benefit submission was provided indicating that 284 support staff should qualify. Reports Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA): Trustee Rajoo provided an update from the Zone 2 & 3 ASBA meeting on February 19, 2021. The ASBA will be moving forward with a planned governance review. Trustees are invited to a Zone 2 /3 Meeting with the Education Minister on March 26, 2021. The Edwin Parr Award sponsored by the ASBA closes on March 19, 2021. This award recognizes outstanding contributions of first year teachers across the province. Trustee Attendance Schedule: Trustees reviewed upcoming meetings and commitments. Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA): Trustee Wiebe provided a report on the status of the GRACE program (Grate-

ful Advocates of Catholic Education), which the ACSTA has been supporting for the past number of years. The ACSTA’s 2021 S.P.I.C.E. (Sharing Purpose in Catholic Education) and Blueprints conference will be offered virtually on April 29 and 30, 2021. Registration is open until the end of March. Correspondence ● Information from the Deputy Minister about an initiative aimed at enabling youth to explore careers in trades and technologies through collaboration with CAREERS: The Next Generation . To support this initiative, CAREERS will increase the number of paid internships and full-time apprenticeships to 6000 by 2023. The information will be shared with school administrative teams. ● Information from the Minister about a government-led review of Alberta government procurement process and project delivery practices . This review will look at eliminating waste and duplication and exploring opportunities for joint purchasing. ● An update from the chair of the Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards . ● Correspondence from the Edmonton Public Schools board to the Minister of Education advocating for the Department of Education to restore Program Unit Funding to at least the 2018 per-student levels. ● A call from Minister LaGrange for students to participate in the Minister’s Youth Council . Successful students will serve a one-year term. For more information see the Alberta Education website . ● The ASBA is collaborating with the Department of Education to get information on mental health best practices to understand COVID19-related supports and challenges . Each board will submit one survey. ● A letter from the Minister announcing a new COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub on Jack.org .

www.vegrevilleglass.com

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 27

We salute our farmers and the agricultural industry for helping to build strong communities.

Phone: (780) 645-4481 Fax: (780) 645-5076 5101-50St. Box 1480 St. Paul, Alberta T0A 3A0

www.stpaul.ca

Office Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 2nd Floor, Two Hills Recreation Centre 5303 - 45 Avenue Two Hills, AB Tel: 780-657-3542 Fax: 780-657-3551 Email: thagsoc@telusplanet.net www.www.twohillsagsociety.com

PO Box 938 545010 Highway 36 Two Hills, Alberta T0B 4K0 info@greenhillsconstruction.ca Tel: 780-657-1026 Fax: 780-657-1023

We proudly salute our agricultural industry for their contributions to our community. Box 356 Willingdon, Alberta, T0B 4R0 PHONE:780-367-2711 FAX:780-367-2148

www.seed.ab.ca/plants/Willingdon

Preconstruction Planning and Drafting

Quality New Home Construction Professional Commercial Construction

We are grateful for the contributions of our farmers and the agricultural industry to the betterment of our community.

We salute our agriculture industry for their contributions to our communities.

780-657-1026 www.greenhillsconstruction.ca

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 28

March 2021

Two Hills area schools host Pink Shirt day

n 2007, two Nova Scotia students decided to take action after witnessing a younger student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. The students bought fifty pink T-shirts and encouraged schoolmates to wear them and send a powerful message of solidarity to the bully. CKNW Kids’ Fund was inspired by the story and to date have raised more than $2.55 million for anti-bullying programs in British Columbia through the sales of Pink Shirt Day T-Shirts and donations. Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and online. Over the month of February, and throughout the year, CKNW Kids’ Fund’s Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of these issues, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem. The latest statistics from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research indicate that 47 per cent of Canadian parent’s report having a child victim

of bullying. The most common types of bullying experienced by youth are verbal, social, physical, or cyber. With everything becoming ‘virtual’ due to the pandemic, there is an increased risk of cyber-bullying becoming the most common form of bullying experienced today. On Pink Shirt Day students and staff are encouraged to wear pink in support of promoting kindness, healthy relationships and preventing bullying. Specific events will vary between schools. All activities will focus around promoting kindness/healthy relationships and preventing bullying. Some of this year’s events include: • Presentations/discussions on kindness and respect. While it is important to focus on preventing negative behaviors such as those associated with bullying, this day is also an opportunity to remind students about the positive behaviors we want to

•

see in our schools and community every day. Administrative Procedure 350 states that it is our expectation that employees, school volunteers and students contribute to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment in the school that reflects the diversity and fosters a sense of belonging of others. This is the foundation of our school communities. During presentations, students are given an opportunity to reflect on questions such as: What does kindness and respect look like to you? What are the characteristics of a healthy relationship? Why is it important to be kind and respectful? Continuing to highlight where students and others can access support. In these challenging times it is so important that people know where to turn for help. Whether it is reaching out to a trusted adult, friend or fam-

•

ily member or accessing 24 hour resources such as the Kids Help Phone or other resources listed on our COVID-19 Updates and Resources page, help is always available. Students writing positive notes and uplifting messages to share with each other (samples attached below) Some schools are doing Random Acts of Kindness activities starting the week of February 15th to remind students the power even the smallest act of kindness can have on someone Community Partnerships (the Town FCSS will be delivering balloon bouquets to the town schools to raise awareness, our Together We’re Better Mental Health Capacity program is partnering with local Two Hills agencies to “paint the county pink” with kindness blooms) Bulletin boards & visuals, door decorating contest

Be sure to check us out online at www.twohillschronicle.com and Schools in the Two Hills area participating in Pink Shirt to like us on Facebook. Get in touch with us! day to show support for children who are victims of bullying and to promote kindness. We love to hear from our community. (Photos courtesy of Bridget Severin Division Counselling Email Jared at publisher@twohillschronicle.com, Coordinator for St. Paul Education) Niri at news@twohillschronicle.com or Sonny at (780) 657-3536.

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

March 2021

Page 29

56 Wheatland Ave, Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0

Town Phone: (780) 656-3674 Town Fax: (780) 656-3675

w w w. s m o ky l a ke. c a Garbage Days Residential pick up is Tuesday mornings; please cover your cans and place next to curb. Commercial pick up is Wednesday mornings. Bylaws Copies of our Bylaws are available at the Town Office Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Recycling The Compost trailer for grass clippings is located beside the Public Works Maintenance Shop / Firehall. Utility Hook ups

FACE COVERING REQUIRED

Town Office – 780-656-3674 Municipal Library Free Highspeed Internet/wireless available located at 5010-50 Street open Monday 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. -6:00p.m., Wednesday 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. -6:00p.m., Thursday 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Friday 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed Weekends and Holidays. Landfill Garbage Smoky Lake County Landfill hours 9:00 a.m. – 5 :00 p.m., Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Located along the Iron Horse Trail about 5 km northeast of Town – range road 171A. The Town Office will be closed for the following Statutory Holidays: New Year’s Day, Ukrainian Christmas Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Heritage Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day until New Year’s Day

All persons must wear a face covering within enclosed public spaces and the pedestrian zones Town of Smoky Lake Bylaw No. 024 - 2020 Exemptions include children younger than two years of age or a person who has underlying medical condition or disability which inhibits their ability to wear a face covering. For more information please visit: www.smokylake.ca or call the Town Office at 780-656-3674

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 30

March 2021

Aunt Niri’s Fun Corner From my corner by Niri Rajoo-Jeevanath

aster is absolutely my favorite time of the year…more so than even Christmas. I was born on a Good Friday, and dad always wishes me happy birthday on the Good Friday of the year and my actual birth date…with a loving quip that was “only the Queen of England and my princess celebrate two birthdays!” (I’m not sure how true that is…but he makes it sound awesome nonetheless!!) Easter is sacred, holy, a reminder of the violent, inhumane suffering that our Lord Jesus endured, all for God’s love for us, His desire to have fellowship with us and for us to enter into His Kingdom to share eter-

nity with us. Easter is also joy, health and victory, where, by the shedding of Christ’s Blood, we are completely healed of sickness and disease, where we have become physically, mentally, psychologically healthy, and where we have overcome all curses, negativity, cruelty, and anything that we feel can defeat us. It’s a time of reflection, introspection and rededication to The Lord and the acknowledgement that we are nothing without Him, but in Him, we have all things. How awesome is this!! The Lord of Lords, Creator of all life and Supreme King, loves us so much, knows each one of us by our names and even knows our deepest thoughts and fears, not just to know, but to quell our fears, Who loves us with an everlasting, unconditional love, to protect us sometimes even from ourselves….all for us, just for us, completely with us and exclusively for us. Just ponder that for a while… May the spirit of Easter, the spirit of love, forgiveness and victory surround you and your loved ones. Love always Niri

Don’t forget to check out our website at www.twohillschronicle.com and like us on Facebook!

March 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 31

Helen Philimine Huppie September 5, 1936 – March 8, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Helen Huppie, on March 8, 2021 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. Helen is survived by her daughter Darlene (Larry) Heidt of Houston, Texas; sons David (Mary) of Abbotsford, British Columbia and Lyle (Susan) of Edmonton, Alberta; her grandchildren Tracy (Lauren), Candice (Matt), Kristy, Brent, Derek, and Kaylita; her great-grandchildren Kristen, Daylen, Lilie, and Milo; sisters Betty Campbell and Joanne (Dee) Higgins; her brother Robert (Janet) Hunter; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband James; sons Wade and Larry; granddaughter Shelley Anne; great-grandson Evan; brothers Raymond and James; sister Noreen; and her parents George and Ann Hunter. Our mother loved having company and talking on the phone for hours. She was an avid crocheter and liked playing cards. She travelled to many places throughout her lifetime. Every year she spent six months of the winter in Houston, Texas. Helen had many great accomplishments throughout her life, but the one she was most proud of was her family and friendships. There are many memories we have of her and we will carry these today, tomorrow, and the days to come. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. To express condolences to Helen’s family, please visit womboldfuneralhomes. com. Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~ www.womboldfuneralhomes.com

We would like to thank our farmers and the agricultural industry for helping to create and maintain strong communities

Two Hills IDA

5019 51 St, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0

780-657-3530

MARCEL’S PAINTING RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • FARM BUILDINGS • FREE ESTIMATES • SENIOR RATES

587-280-2876 • 587-280-2879 A message from Pastor Warren Charlton of the Two Hills Fellowship Chapel

ften throughout my pastoral ministry I have found myself praying for people who are battling life threatening injuries or diseases such as COVID-19. From newborns to seniors they were facing death. But then, death is a reality with which we are all confronted. Someone has likened Death to a preacher and wrote, “Every tombstone is his pulpit, every newspaper prints his text, and someday every one of you will be his sermon.” That word “every” reminds us of the sobering truth that Death comes to each one of us. Will dust and ashes be our destiny forever? Is there any hope before this relentless enemy? Listen to the apostle as he taunts and mocks Death. One can almost imagine Paul standing over an open grave

and asking sarcastically, “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 15:55-57).” Christ has defeated Death! This is good news. How did he defeat Death? How did he win this great victory? How can we enter into and experience Christ’s victory over death for ourselves? First, Jesus saves us from the sting of death. “Where, O death is your sting?” The Scriptures tell us the sting of death is sin. The sting of death is not dying of cancer or covid. The sting of death is not dying as a child. The sting of death is not dying while your family is still young. The sting of death is sin. To die in your sins is to experience the terrible sting of death. The power that gives sin its poisonous sting is God’s Law. His Law reveals that every one of us is guilty of sin before our Maker and our Judge. The law brings its curse upon all of us who have failed to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength all the time and our neighbour as ourself. To die in your sins is to die under the curse of God’s law and experience death’s terrifying sting. But the good news

is that Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Jesus has declawed death. The sting of death was plunged into the sinless soul of Jesus as he offered himself on the cross as a sacrifice to take away our sins once for all. Now when we die, we die in Christ rather than in our sins. Instead of condemnation, we die blessed of God. The power of sin to sting us with eternal death was broken when Jesus died under the curse of the law for all our sins. In Christ we have victory over the sting of death; a victory Jesus won for us at the cross. Second, Jesus saves us from the victory of death. “Where, O death is your victory?” What is the victory of death? The victory of death is the grave. “Every tombstone is his pulpit.” Are dust and ashes our final destiny? Do we die forever? Is there no exit from the grave? The good news is that Christ not only died for our sins and was buried, but he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. God has proven that Christ’s death was sufficient to overcome sin and death by raising him from the dead. “Jesus cannot die again; death no longer has any mastery over him” (Romans 6:9). Because Jesus’s grave is empty, our graves have an exit. In Christ, we

now die with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead. At death, we go home to be with Jesus knowing that when he returns we shall be raised imperishable; our bodies will be transformed into the likeness of his glorious resurrected body. Victory over death is found in Christ alone. How do we obtain this victory over death that Christ has won? Paul testifies, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Victory over death is a gift of God. One cannot earn it. It is a free gift from God. But it is only given through our Lord Jesus Christ. To receive this gift we must come to Christ with empty hands and ask him for this victory he has won “For the wages of sin death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Do you want what you earned (which is death) or do you want the gift of God (which is eternal life)? Call upon the Lord Jesus for he alone is the One through whom God gives Victory over death! In Christ Jesus, we celebrate the DEATH of Death. Thanks be to God! Pastor Warren Charlton Two Hills Fellowship Chapel

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 32

MLS E4232058 4209-47 St Vegreville 3+2 Bed 3 Bath 1624 ft2 home with attached heated garage.

$389 900

MLS E4220465 4928-50 Ave, Vegrevill e 5206ft2 commercial property with basement

$229 000

MLS E4232351 4430-48 St, Vegreville 3+2 Bed 3 Bath 1600 ft2 bungalow with 2 car garage

$390 000

MLS E4216854 5302-48 St, Two Hills 2+2 Bed 2 Bath Beautiful well maintained home with oversized garage

$189 000

MLS E4208007 29-562007 RR 113 County of Two Hills 2 Bed 1 Bath 1343 ft2 cottage on 2.1 acres

$494 000

MLS E4223415 49107 RR124 Beaver County 3+2 Bed 4 Bath 1605 ft2 home on 14.8 acres

MLS E4195388 6109-50 Ave Vegreville 3300 ft2 commercial property on Hwy 16A

MLS E4216252 6109-50 Ave Vegreville 5000 ft2 commercial property on Hwy 16A

MLS E4231361 471-47 St, Two Hills 2 Bed 1 Bath Affordable, well maintained. Many upgrades

$495 000

$749 000

$849 000

$79 900

MLS E4228153 RR 153 Twp Rd 534 Minburn County Vacant land - 160 acres of agricultural land

MLS E4231030 4217-46St Vegreville 2+2 Bed 3 Bath 1388 ft2 executive style home

MLS E4231384 122004 Hwy 36 Twp Rd 560 County of Two Hills 5+1 Bed 3 Bath Close to Lac Sante

$240 000

MLS E4148671 SE-28-53-18-4th

MLS E4204304 5206-45 Ave, VegreLamont County Vacant ville 2+2 Bed 2 Bath land - 80 acres of pasture Custom built home land 30 mins from Vegrewith 2 car garage ville

$195 000

March 2021

$179 500

$269 500

$469 500

MLS E4228156 53431 RR 154 Minburn County Vacant land - 160 acres of ag land - 100 acres crop 55 acres pasture

MLS E4226204 SW-12-53-13-4th Minburn County Vacant land - 160 acres - 80 acres crop land 80 acres pasture

MLS E4201599 5303-55 Ave, Viking 3+1 Bed 3 Bath 1500 ft2 home on corner lot 2 car garage

MLS E4212687 4707-50 St, Myrnam 3 Bed 1 Bath Very affordable well maintained. Many upgrades

MLS E4216899 5605-45A St, Vegreville 3+2 Bed 3 Bath Beautifully updated and meticulously kept

MLS E4204302 26 4801-61 St Vegreville 2+2 Bed 3 Bath 1242 ft2 home with attached heated garage

$89 500

$367 500

$369 500

MLS E4201595 5240-59 Ave, Viking 3+1 Bed 3 Bath Well maintained and upgraded. Finished basement and garage

MLS E4229964 53309 RR 145 Minburn County Vacant land - 160 acres of agricultural land

$365 000

$429 500

$449 500

$187 000

MLS E4215475 NE-24-54-12-4th County of Two Hills 159 acres 10km from town 40 acres crop land

$299 000

MLS E4221214 53510 RR 154 Minburn County 3 Bed 2 Bath 1384 ft2 home on 5.04 acres

$225 000

$185 000

Royal LePage Home-wise Realty 5013 48 Street, Vegreville, AB T9C 1T9

MLS E4221282 4712-47 St, Two Hills 1 Bed 1 Bath 751 ft2 on a 7500 ft2 corner lot

MLS E4226317 50111 RR 131 Beaver County 2 Bed 3 Bath Well maintained home on 3.15 acres

$55 000

$369 500

MLS E4227295 5303-57 Ave, Viking 3 Bed 3 Bath Well maintained upgraded home on large corner lot with garage.

Phone: 780-632-2542 Cell: 780-603-0944 Ralph Soldan - Realtor

$197 500

www.royallepage.ca/en/agent/alberta/vegreville/ralph-soldan/20960