


Lorna Hamilton Reporter
The ice at the Vermilion curling rink buzzed with energy from January 16 to 18, as 24 teams gathered for Vermilion’s 72nd annual Farm Curl. This cherished community event, originally known as the Massey-Ferguson Bonspiel and hosted by Webb’s Machinery, has since transformed into a joint venture between the Vermilion Agricultural Society and the Vermilion Curling Club.
Honouring tradition, the festivities began with the ceremonial entry on Thursday evening. At around 7:30 p.m., the Lakeland Pipe and Drum Band set the stage, leading participants into the rink with a stirring procession. Following the entrance, Farm Curl organizing committee member Jason Zayac delivered opening remarks before three ceremonial stones were thrown to mark the official start of the bonspiel.
Jason Zayac described the Farm Curl as “a funspiel set up for farmers to come out and enjoy a weekend of curling and camaraderie,” while emphasiz-
ing that the event welcomes all participants, not just those in agriculture. His words encapsulated the inclusive and community-focused spirit that has kept this event thriving for over seven decades.
The weekend concluded in style with a banquet on Saturday evening.
Guests were treated to a delectable meal catered by Delicious Bites, paired with the much-anticipated prize awards. Both the Curling Club and the Agricultural Society extended heartfelt gratitude to the over 50 generous sponsors who made the event possible, along with the community for their unwavering support.
“We look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition for many years to come. Mark your calendars for next year’s Farm Curl, happening January 15 to 17, and make sure to register your team early to join the fun,” Zayac encouraged. With its blend of tradition, community spirit, and friendly competition, the Farm Curl continues to be a highlight of Vermilion’s winter calendar. Volume
Lorna Hamilton Reporter
On Thursday, January 16, the Town of Vermilion officially welcomed A & R Filipino Delicacies, a new Filipino food production home business, into the community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque presentation took place at the council chambers in the Town of Vermilion building, with town officials attending to mark the occasion.
Among those present were Interim Chief Administrative Officer Mike van der Torre, Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment, Councillor Robert Pulyk, Councillor Robert Snow, Councillor Kevin Martin, Vermilion Alberta Cham ber of Commerce Executive Director Jyllian Fairholm, and Economic Devel opment Officer Mary Lee Prior.
her family, has called Vermilion home since 2012, apart from a two-year period from 2013 to 2015 when they lived in Prince Albert to obtain their permanent residency. Jardinico shared that her passion for cooking and love of experimenting with food inspired her to open the business, with a particular focus on her well-loved spring rolls.
“I heard people saying they loved the spring rolls, and my friends suggested I sell them, so I decided to start this small business,” she explained.
For now, Jardinico is preparing her products at the Elks Hall commercial kitchen, which has been fully inspected and approved by Gregory Ward, Public Health Inspector and Executive Officer at Alberta Health Services. Her current offerings include spring rolls, roasted
plans for her business. “If it is a success, I’m aiming for the
Looking ahead, Jardinico has ambitious
Lorna Hamilton Reporter
With over 200 children enrolled in the Vermilion Minor Hockey Association (VMHA), the need for resources to support the growing teams has never been greater. The association consists of an impressive lineup of teams, including four U7 teams, two U9 female teams, three U9 co-ed teams, one U11 female team, three U11 co-ed teams, one U13 female team, one U13 co-ed team, one U15 team, one U18 female team, and two U18 teams. However, with only one metal shooter tutor available, players were finding it challenging to maximize their practice time effectively.
“Membership numbers have never been stronger in VMHA, and the demand for additional shooter tutors became evident,” said Mitch Visser, Vice President of Development with the VMHA.
Recognizing this need, the VMHA reached out to Heine Westergaard of Iron Goose Metal Works with plans to purchase three additional shooter tutors in the spring of 2024. To their amazement, Westergaard generously offered to build and donate all three tutors to the association.
“The craftsmanship, creativity, and quality of the products created were outstanding,” praised Visser. He explained that shooter tutors are
essential tools in hockey training. Designed to hang on the top crossbar of goal nets, they simulate the presence of a goalie, challenging players to improve their shooting accuracy by aiming for specific target zones. These tools play a pivotal role in enhancing player skills during practices.
Visser also expressed his admiration for the bustling activity at the local arena and stadium, which have become vibrant winter hubs for the community. “Any weekend and even weekday nights, you can see the parking lot filled with vehicles as families drop kids off for practices, tournaments, and games. It’s quite
impressive to think about how many people cycle through there, utilizing the facilities and participating in minor hockey,” he said.
The Vermilion Minor Hockey Association extended its heartfelt gratitude to Heine Westergaard and Iron Goose Metal Works for their incredible generosity. The donation of the shooter tutors not only demonstrates strong community support but also contributes to the ongoing development and success of local athletes.
With the donation in place, the VMHA’s teams are better equipped to train effectively, ensuring players continue to hone their skills and excel on the ice.
Dawn Hames Columnist
Our chickens have been good layers lately, so I needed to use up some eggs. I decided to make egg bites. Egg bites are handy and yummy for a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack. They can be stored frozen or refrigerated for several days, depending on the size of your family and how fast you can go through them.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain all the essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are protein components that the body needs and cannot
make itself. Eggs contain many nutrients such as choline, selenium, biotin, vitamin B12, Vitamin B2, molybdenum, iodine, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and pantothenic acid. An egg almost reads like the back of a vitamin bottle. Eggs do contain dietary cholesterol, which for most people means that your body just makes less cholesterol internally. Cholesterol is needed and used by the body for the proper working of many hormones.
Cottage cheese is a high-protein food that helps build muscle. It is an excellent source of calcium plus it has phosphorus for healthy and strong bones. Cottage cheese is a good source of selenium. Cottage cheese is high in B vitamins, especially riboflavin and B12.
Cottage Cheese is naturally low in carbohydrates, making these egg bites ideal for those with insulin resistance, and blood sugar problems. When cottage cheese is blended in with the eggs, it gives the egg bites a creamy texture. These egg bites are full of vegetables, which provide all the benefits of phytonutrients and fiber.
Egg Bites (makes 24)
16 large eggs
1 cup cottage cheese, 5% fat
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Add ins
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup red and or orange pepper, chopped 1/2 pkg cooked bacon (5 or 6 slices), chopped 1/2 green vegetables such as: spinach, broccoli florets, parsley, chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Butter or oil 24 muffin tins. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using a blender or immersion blender, cream together the eggs, cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the chopped onion, pepper, bacon, vegetables and garlic. Sprinkle each egg bite with the grated cheddar cheese. Pour the mixture into the muffin tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Craig Baird Columnist
In December 1910, Vermilion was only a few years old but when you start to get people together in one place, things are going to happen. While most people keep the law and do not try to break the law, there were some bad apples who came to the community and decided to live by their own rules.
At the beginning of December, Judge
Taylor presided over several cases in the community for two days, dealing with one criminal case and three civil actions. I thought it would be interesting to look at those cases.
Who knows, maybe one of them was an ancestor to someone who currently lives in the community.
John Bendixon was charged with shooting a cow. He plead guilty to the charge, stating he had no intention of injuring the cow but simply wanted to use his gun to scare them away. A respected member of the community, several local residents signed a petition on his behalf and presented it to the judge. In light of this, he was allowed to go free on a suspended
-Copying & Printing
-Booklets
Posters & Wide Format
-Laminating & Foam Core
-Large Format Scanning usiness Cards
-Tickets - Event & Raffle
-Padding
-Cutting
-NCR(Carbon Copy)
Sales: Susan Chikie, Lorna Hamilton
the original conviction related to.
In the case of Anna Hominuik vs Mike Laniuk, an action for slander judgement was given to the plaintiff, Hominuik, for $25 without cost. Today, that $25 would be worth about $750 today.
Lastly, the third civil case was Mose East vs Joseph Robinson on the action of lost wages and damages for wrongful dismissal. There was a counterclaim for conversion of goods. The judgment was given to the plaintiff for $38.40 and costs. That money in 2024 would be worth about $1,200 today. On the counter claim, $1.40 was allowed without costs, amounting to about $45 today.
That was just a brief look at some of the
Doreen Flewell Klatt Columnist
Going to town was a pretty big event when I was kid living on a mixed farm close to Streamstown. Mom and Dad were married in 1949 and started having children in 1951. They would have 10 children by 1966 (5 boys and 5 girls). 7 of us were born while living at our Streamstown farm. Mom and Dad went to Marwayne often; they had a meat locker at Swanson’s Meat Market, bought farm implements and repairs from C.H. Hancock Garage, as well as J.R.Quist McCormick-Deering, and Wirtz Garage. They bought their lumber at Crown Lumber Company and did their banking in Marwayne as well. Occasionally, they would take us to the restaurant (I’m guessing the Home Café) and us kids would get to have a treat. We got to sit on the stools that swivelled at the coun -
ter. Mostly we got to sit in a booth with our parents and siblings. I remember Dad enjoyed a visit to the beer parlor in the Marwayne hotel as did many of his friends. Remember the signage back in the day? Most hotels had two entrances one said, “Men Only” and one said “Ladies and Escorts”. Really? Did ladies need an escort to go into the bar? Yes, they did. Prior to 1959, it was men only who could enter those beer parlors but in 1959 ladies were allowed to enter a separate “beverage room” only if they were accompanied by a man. I read several different reasons but mostly to keep women from “disturbing” men and men from “disturbing” women. The interpretation will be yours to decide.
Other days, we would sometimes get to go with Dad to Streamstown to pick up the mail and go to Curtis’s store.
When I was very young, I remember standing on the seat of the truck beside him for short distances with my arm resting on his shoulder. Many times my
brothers and I would sit between Mom and Dad on the seat. No seatbelts or child seats in those days.
One time we had to pick up a parcel at the train station in Streamstown. It was a large, galvanized bathtub, and my Dad helped the station attendant load it in our truck off the dock. Mom was so excited because we only had a small round bathtub before that time. She heated the water for baths on the wood burning cook stove so instead of one boiler full of water, that one was going to take two.
We moved to a ranch west of Paradise Valley in 1961. My first baby sister was only 2 months old when we moved. I was so excited to finally have a sister. Some grocery trips could be made to Paradise Valley only 16 miles east of our ranch. There were two General Stores, Mr. Gunn’s and Mr. Henry’s General Stores. Dad would dig in his pocket and give us a quarter and for 25¢ we could buy a bottle of pop, bag of chips and a chocolate bar! I bought
my first ball glove at PV Lumber and Hardware owned by Ben Lievers. Also on main street was the bank, Post Office and a restaurant. There was a garage on the corner of main street called Len’s BA Service and Dad often had tire repairs and oil changes done there. That service station changed hands a few times over the years; Paradise Automotive, PV Automotive, and Dad continued service with all of them. Dad hauled grain to the Alberta Wheat Pool elevators in Paradise and had his grain cleaned at the Battle River Seed Cleaning Plant. We got to go with him a few times. Movies would be played at the PV hall occasionally and I remember the first one I saw there, called “the Sundowners” with Hollywood star, Robert Mitchum. The projector booth was up the stairs in the balcony seating area. The Climb Thru Time Museum has many displays of Paradise Valley history, and one of my favorites is the movie theatre display. To be continued...
Letter to the Editor
Submitted by: Louise Storch
Dear Editor,
I just read the front page of the Voice’s January 14, 2025, issue. It talked about how lucky we are to have so many doctors in Vermilion.
Yes, that’s wonderful, but your article should have included another very important person who provides medical care in Vermilion: Nurse Practitioner Kim Thompson. She has helped Vermilion and surrounding communities while we were short of doctors. She is a very efficient and very personable individual.
So I think an acknowledgment of her services should be included in the next edition of the paper. I want to say thank you to Nurse Practitioner Kim Thompson and the staff for your dedication and service to Vermilion and surrounding communities.
Sincerely Louise Storch
Response from the Editor
Dear Louise,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us and share your thoughts regarding the article in the January 14, 2025, issue of the Vermilion Voice. I appreciate the opportu-
In the Minor Hockey Section (page 10) the teams were listed as Marwayne. It should have said Marwayne/Dewberry Minor Hockey. We apologize for this error.
nity to clarify the intent of that piece.
The primary focus of the article was to introduce the three new doctors to our community; and to highlight how fortunate Vermilion is to have six doctors actively serving our rural town. Additionally, the article aimed to address an issue we’re currently facing: the challenge new doctors are experiencing in attracting patients. As it was not well-publicized when these doctors began practicing, there is now a genuine risk of losing them due to a lack of a steady client base. Without this, it becomes difficult for these professionals to cover their clinic overhead and provide for their families.
Your letter is a nice reminder of the dedication and contributions made by Nurse Practitioner Kim Thompson, who is indeed an invaluable member of our healthcare team in Vermilion. However, the scope of the article was limited to the topic of introducing and promoting the new doctors and informing the public that all our doctors are accepting new patients. The doctors, their practices, and their financial models are quite different from Nurse Practitioner Kim Thompson’s.
That said, I absolutely acknowledge the incredible work Nurse Practitioner Kim provides to Vermilion and the surrounding communities. Alongside her, we have
Nurse Practitioner
Lynette Adamson operating LA Health in the Primary Care Network office who is contributing significantly to our community’s health needs. Recognizing their vital role in Vermilion, I do plan to dedicate an upcoming article specifically to showcasing our nurse practitioners and their unique contributions to the region. Thank you once again for your thoughtful feedback and your recognition of those who work tirelessly to keep our community healthy.
Warm regards, Lorna Hamilton Editor, Vermilion Voice
Courtney and Annabelle Unruh have filed Application RA24026 with the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) to obtain a registration to construct a new poultry confined feeding operation (CFO) on the northeast corner of SE 2-54-4 W4M in the County of Vermilion River, Alberta. The application is to permit 10,000 chicken layers and to build a chicken layer barn with attached egg handling area and a manure storage pad.
Any person who is directly affected by the application may submit a written response to the NRCB. The response must be received by the NRCB on or before 4:30 pm on February 19, 2025 Submissions should be made to the NRCB address provided below. All attachments sent electronically must be in a pdf format. A copy of the responses will be sent to the applicant for comment. Responses regarding the application may be posted on the NRCB’s public website, as they are public records and are non-confidential.
Your written response must include your name, the legal land description of your residence or landholdings, mailing address, phone number, and email. You must also explain how you are directly affected For further information please refer to the fact sheet “The Permitting Process for Confined Feeding Operations in Alberta” at www.nrcb.ca
Failure to submit a written response affects your right to apply for an NRCB Board review.
A complete copy of the application and supporting documents submitted by the applicant under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act may be viewed on the NRCB website at www.nrcb.ca (under Confined Feeding Operations / Notice of Approval and Registration Applications) The application will also be available for in-person viewing at the Red Deer office by appointment If you require further information, please contact the approval officer listed below.
Nathan Shirley, Approval Officer
#303, 4920 – 51 Street Red Deer, AB T4N 6K8 nathan.shirley@nrcb.ca 587-785-0407
The closing date for submissions: 4:30 pm on February 19, 2025
Dated at Red Deer, AB, on January 21, 2025
BCRC
Submitted
Calving season can be one of the more exciting seasons on the farm. With the chance to witness new life being brought into the world and an opportunity to see the results of decisions made in the previous year. But it can also be a busy time coupled with less sleep and more stress. A bit of prevention and preparation can go a long way to ensuring your calving season goes smoothly and you are prepared for what may come. While we
can’t control Mother Nature, doing some work ahead of time can help you be ready for many of the obstacles that come your way during a hectic season.
herd? Think again. Many things can introduce pathogens into your herd such as neighbours coming to visit, clothes or boots that were wore to an auction market, fence line contact with other cattle, etc. Make sure to clean and disinfect surfaces, tools, clothing and vehicles.
ent areas so you can manage risk based on what group is most susceptible to disease. Naïve animals such as first calf heifers and new calves should be kept in the highest risk category. Consider implementing a calving strategy to help minimize calfhood disease.
Whether you are in the thick of calving season, months away or somewhere in the middle, check out this list of helpful calving tips and resources that can prepare you and your farm.
1) Prevent disease before it starts by having a biosecurity plan.
-Think you don’t have to worry about biosecurity because you have a closed
- Avoid comingling any new cattle with pregnant cows and implement strict quarantine times for animals coming back to the main herd.
- Separate classes of cattle into differ-
- Print off a Google map of your calving areas so you can strategically plan how to move through groups of cattle in your day-to-day chores to prevent the spread of contaminants to high-risk animals.
(Continued on page 7)
invites you to the PREMIER HEREFORD & ANGUS SALE
February 3rd, 2025 at Northern Livestock Sales, Lloydminster, SK Offering 20 Two Year Old Horned Hereford Bulls & 50 open replacement heifer calves
Contact Bill: 306-753-2500 (home) or 306-753-7040 (cell) Cole: 780-753-7239 or Jinaye: 306-830-1282 Find more information on ayreyherefords.com
(Continued from page 6)
- Eliminate possible contaminants such as old feed piles, manure and deadstock. Think ahead to spring melt and be prepared for wet areas and how drainage can lead to standing stagnant water and disease reservoirs. Always have adequate dry bedding available when it is not possible to move cattle to clean and dry areas.
- Clean your equipment. Ensure that the loader tractor you used to spread manure in the fall has been properly cleaned and disinfected before using it to bed new calves.
- Create areas on your farm specifically for sick animals. Ensure those animals do not share water or have cross-fence contact with healthy animals. Never place sick animals in the same area as naïve animals, such as first-calf heifers.
2. Do inventory on your supplies needed for calving.
Make sure you have the following calving supplies on hand in case they are needed:
Colostrum: Ensuring calves get colostrum within the first 24 hours is essential for calf health going forward.
Electrolytes: Sick calves are at high risk for dehydration, which is often what kills calves. Knowing when a calf is dehydrated and when to administer electrolytes can help save calves.
Bottles and stomach tubes for administering colostrum and electrolytes: Have separate supplies for colostrum and electrolytes to prevent cross contamination and exposing newborn calves to pathogens from sick calves.
Record-keeping supplies: Whether it is a paper and pen, an Excel spreadsheet or an app, having your calving record-keeping system ready to go can help when that first calf hits the ground. Take some time to review last year’s records and decide which data is useful to record so you can make the best decisions for your operation. Not sure what data you should record? Consider taking our free record-keeping e-courses.
Talk to your veterinarian about any vaccines, medications, vitamins or mineral supplements recommended for your calves.
Calf tags and identification: If you tag calves at birth make sure to have all tags you use on hand.
Supplies for assisting with difficult calving: Having supplies on hand such as palpation sleeves, antiseptic soap, lubrication, calving chains, etc. is important to ensure quick intervention. Hover over the pins in the image below for descriptions of common calving supplies.
3. Prepare yourself and your people for a busy, stressful season.
Prepare meals in advance: Eating nutritious meals is important to keep going during stressful times. You wouldn’t put gas is your diesel tractor, so make sure you are also fueling your body appropriately. Making some freezer meals ahead of time can help you have something quick and easy to cook during the busy calving season.
Set realistic goals: What are the things you want to accomplish during the busy season that you can control
and work towards (e.g., keeping on top of your records, making sure all calves get tagged within 48 hours)? Remember goals are important, but calving season is unpredictable and it is ok if you don’t always meet your goals.
Sleep when you can: Getting a full eight hours of sleep is not always possible during calving season, but sleep is essential to rejuvenate your mind and muscles and keep you able to make the best decisions in the moment. When you can, practice good sleep hygiene to help you get a more restful night’s sleep:
Try not to look at your phone one hour before bed.
Avoid caffeine after noon.
Use your bedroom only for sleeping. Develop a bedtime routine.
Take care of your body: You may not be able to get to a gym during calving season, but you can take small steps such as moving your body daily, dressing warmly for long periods outside, taking time to rest even if it is only for a few minutes.
Take a deep breath: When the season gets stressful or feels overwhelming, remember to stop and take a few deep breaths. It can be helpful to look at the horizon and remind yourself of some things you enjoy about being a beef producer.
Check in with yourself: Consider using AgKnow’s anonymous self-check-in tool, How Are You Really.
Remember you can’t plan for everything: Focus instead on choosing how to respond in hard situations, finding
gratitude where you can and drawing strength from past successes during stressful times.
4. Print or download handy decisionmaking tools and resources.
Calving time can be busy, and while having information at your fingertips can be great, sometimes it is nice to have a printable resource you can hang up in your barn for easy access. Because of this, the BCRC has developed some new, practical options for producers to access vital information from the Calf 911 series in an easily accessible format.
Calf 911 checklists with practical management tips have been printed on a durable cardstock and are currently available to producers through veterinary clinics across Canada. The 8.5″x11″ checklists are perfect for posting on the calving barn wall and are easy to read and reference when you need quick and accurate information.
Calving season can be stressful, but taking the time to gather equipment and prepare your farm, your team and yourself can help make the season run smoothly.
More calving information is available on the BCRC’s Calving & Calf Management topic page.
Thank you to the following therapists from the AgKnow Counselling Network for providing mental health advice for this article: Jenna Ibach, Michael Fedunec and Erica Leniczek.
Thank you to the Beef Cattle Research Council for the reprinting of this article, www.BeefResearch.ca
Lorna
Hamilton Reporter
One of Western Canada’s most highly awaited events - the Lloydminster Fish & Game Association’s Gun and Outdoor Sportsman Show was held this past weekend on January 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the 19th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WLS Convention Center on the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds located at 5521- 49 Ave, Lloydminster. This
annual spectacle is said to be an unparalleled experience for outdoor and firearm enthusiasts alike and it did not disappoint.
The show featured an impressive lineup of over 235 exhibitor tables, and stood as a comprehensive hub for all things related to outdoor sports and firearms. From the calls of the wild to the intricate artistry of taxidermy, and from cutting-edge rifles to essential gun parts, the event catered to a
diverse range of interests. Attendees immersed themselves in a plethora of offerings, including ammunition, knives, reloading supplies, marine equipment, fishing gear, archery essentials, hunting supplies, and a carefully curated selection of clothing and boots.
The General Admission fee was attractively set at $10, while children aged 12 and under enjoyed free entry with a paying adult, making it an ideal
family-friendly outing. The well-known WLS Convention Center, accustomed to hosting community events, added accessibility and convenience to this much-anticipated show.
With the promise of an immersive experience, the Lloydminster Fish & Game Association’s Gun and Outdoor Sportsman Show lived up to its reputation and was a highlight in the calendar for outdoor enthusiasts and firearm connoisseurs.
Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-4348746 www.awna.com.
COmInG EVEntS FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
EmpLOYmEnt OppORtunItIES
START 2025 WITH AN ADVENTURE. In DESPARATE need of two Veterinarians in Yellowknife, NWT. Population 20,000 - approximately same number of small animals. Please call Pat at 867-444-7479.
NEWTEC IRRIGATION. Looking to Hire: Travelling Salesperson. Agricultural Experience Preferred. TOP WAGES. Please call for more information: 306-2609575.
FOR SALE
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 80 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-
282-6903 ; www.awna.com; email classifieds@awna. com.
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com. PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
Submitted
Submitted
Where does the time go? We are already halfway to February. With the closing down of the Free Winterwear Outlet, we distributed coats and many other items to the Community Closet, before bagging up what they couldn’t use for Creeches to take to shelters. We had already kept aside as much as we are able to store. We will help again next year but it will be in a limited way and by phone call only. We do our best to keep these items local. We also received a good supply of items from the Library Mitten Tree. Thank you to the library staff and everyone who contributed. Hearts and Hands will continue to accept winter items, underwear, blankets and other items in the future, but in a limited way. Part of our mandate is to reduce waste by distributing what others can no longer use. What we cannot use for our clients, we will find
someone who can use it. Very rarely does something have to go to landfill. Thanks to everyone who makes this possible.
We continue to support people in a crisis or emergency situation.
Upcoming this year is something rather special, and it is our way to show this community our appreciation for the support and donations we have received over the years. We have invited Mike Hall, star of the Rust Valley Restorers TV series to attend an event featuring him downtown on July 23...the day before the parade. We have applied to the town to have the downtown blocked off for the day. He has confirmed he is coming on his way back from Digby, Nova Scotia, and is hoping to take in the fair, as well as be in the parade...and yes.... he will be bringing his T-shirts.
Hearts and Hands can be reached by phone only at 780-581-0521. No text or e-mail.