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Ready For Christmas!

One Piece At A Time VES Grades 1 and 2 students dress “Good Old Santa” from head to toe at the Alumni Theatre at Lakeland College on Dec. 16. The last, and maybe the most important piece of Santa’s suit, his bag of toys, was successfully placed on his shoulder after a few comical wardrobe malfunctions. See more on page 4. Photo Shannon O’Connor

In This Week’s Issue: Pet Licensing Page 8

Christmas Greetings Page 11-21

Santa’s Anonymous Page 26-27

MERRY CHRISTMAS MANAGEMENT & STAFF WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS IN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

VERMILION, DEWBERRY, MANNVILLE , WAINWRIGHT, PROVOST LIVING THE BRAND

Puppy Room Page 28

local news

2

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

How To Lose An Annual Christmas Story Contest

Shannon O’Connor Submitted

Her fingers hovered over the home row of her polished Underwood. They tingled with anticipation. The creative flow should start flowing any time now, she thought.

Sooner than later, she hoped. The deadline for her writers’ group potluck meeting and Annual Christmas Short Story Contest was tomorrow.

Unfor tunately, coming up with a winning menu for the potluck, rather than winning the Annual Christmas Short Story Contest, had become her claim to fame. So, while her nemesis, and group President Amelda Muse, was receiving accolades for her “moving” and “highly” original works of fiction, she was being complimented on her subtle, almost tastes like they came from a grocery store, hors d’oeuvres.

She tried to push the contests of Christmas past from her mind. She knew dwelling on them would only block the creative flow. She continued to wait with fingers poised, ready to pounce on the keys; she only hoped they would be able to keep up with the flurry of creativity that was sure to sweep her away at any minute.

Three hours later, her fingers, now tingling from restricted blood flow, began to curl over the keys of her vintage Underwood. She was thinking of hors d’oeuvres: cheese balls, crab balls, shrimp balls and meatballs. Yet, she remained uninspired. What was happening?! She had performed all of her “writerly” rituals to a tee.

She went over the events of the past six weeks, beginning with the announcement in the writers’ group that the contest was officially underway. This was followed by, at the suggestion of Amelda Muse, an exchange of inspirational gifts.

Over the period of the next four weeks, she purposely refused to write a word

or even think about the contest. She performed best when a deadline was looming.

With only two weeks to go until the contest, she removed her pristine typewriter from its protective cover and placed it on her desk. For the next week she refused to touch the keys. This was the week reserved for sitting and staring at the typewriter and imagining which literary giants may have used just such a piece of machinery to hammer out some of the greatest Christmas stories of all time.

She followed this, as she always did, by retrieving the works of various literary giants and reading them for inspiration. In fact, she was usually so inspired by some of them that she used similar plots in her stories as a “homage” to these great writers.

She smiled, fondly remembering her previous year’s contest entry. She had put a modern spin on O Henry’s beloved tale, The Gift of the Magi. She thought the self-sacrifice that the pover t ystricken couple Jim and Della Dillingham displayed in the story could be just as effective when applied to her hip yuppie couple, Tim and Nella Billingham.

She had reworked the classic opening passage flawlessly: One thousand and eight y seven dollars! That was all? Thrice Nella looked at the tag. One thousand and eightyseven dollars. Tim usually picked something way more expensive. One thousand and eighty seven dollars. What a selfsacrificing man, thought Nella, sobbing dramatically for effect.

How THAT didn’t win, she would never know. A jealous Amelda Muse even had the nerve to accuse her of plagiarism.

She vehemently denied the accusation and proved Miss Muse wrong by stating, “The word thrice never once appeared in

The Gift of the Magi.”

And that was it. She had retraced every step, including her morning before the night before the contest viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey’s happy pink cheeks always signaled the embarkation of the actual writing stage of the contest.

Happy pink cheeks? No, that wasn’t right! George Bailey didn’t have happy pink cheeks. George Bailey had happy white cheeks. That’s what was wrong!

She had watched It’s a Wonderful Life in colour, not black and white. She always watched it in black and white. The colourized version was her inspirational gift from Amelda Muse.

She screamed, “WHY?!” and for the first time that day, she broke free from the writing position. Her gnarled hands clumsily pounded the keys resulting in an angry repetitive clunk that culminated in a resounding DING over her Underwood.

That was when she got her idea; a not so wonderful idea...a not so wonderful awful idea. In fact, it was probably the worst idea she had ever had.

Tears of joy began to flow from her eyes. You see, she convinced herself that despite unknowingly abandoning one of her writer’s rituals that had served her so well in the past, the creative flow had found its way to her after all; when she heard that DING, she had found her Christmas story.

It was the story of a writer who had lost her inspiration, and in the depths of despair, heard a DING from her trusty typewriter. But this was no ordinary DING, this DING was heaven sent; for surely that was the sound of a writer who had just earned her wings.

As the words finally began to flow from her fingers to the typewriter and onto the paper, she had a self-satisfied grin as she thought... in your face Muse!

Photo supplied

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Music Festival 2016 Keri Pullyblank Arts Corner

14 at the United Church.

Piano is Monday – Wednesday, March 14 – 16 at the Alliance Church.

Strings/Band are Thursday and Friday, March 17 &18 at the United Church.

This year Allied Arts’ Missoula Children’s Theatre is also that week with the production of Jungle Book on Saturday, March 19 at Alumni Hall Theatre. We will make every effort to accommodate anyone who is involved in Music Festival and the Missoula Theatre production. So mark your calendars for this very busy week. Let’s see if we can increase the number of entries in the Music Festival and at the same time have a very successful Children’s Theatre week!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas, and God Bless you as we celebrate the Christ of Christmas.

Submitted

Christmas stockings, concerts, and holiday plans are what these days are all about but it’s also time to think about MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016! The week for the Music Festival is March 14 – 18 with the final concert on Sunday, March 20 at the Alliance Church. Registration takes place at the mall on Thursday, January 14 from 5:00 to 8:00 and on Saturday, January 16 from 10:00 to 3:00. In order to be registered in any music class, please be certain to bring a copy of your music so that you can be put in the appropriate class.

Vocal/Speech Arts are Monday, March

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local news

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

BOXINGDAYSALE Boxing Week biggest savings

3

Start your Sale with the

On Dec 26th

DON’T MISS IT!

(MPCF 'PPUXFBS -UE r r 8BJOXSJHIU

Sale is Noon to 4:00 PM

Donation To The Vermilion Food Bank Geraldine Collins from the Vermilion Food Bank with Vermilion Knights of Columbus Eastalta Co-op Shopping Spree winner Marjorie Lawrence donating the first $100 of her prize winnings to the Vermilion Food Bank.

John Dashes Around Eastalta Co-Op John Snider helps his grandmother fill her shopping cart at the annual Vermilion Knights of Columbus Shopping Spree at Eastalta Co-op in Vermilion on Wednesday, December 16.

EASTALTA CO-OP LTD.

STORE HOURS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24, 2015 Food Stores: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Home Centre: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm C-Store/Gas Bars: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm Petroleum: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Admin/HR: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Boxing Day

Saturday, December 26, 2015 Food Stores: Closed Home Centre: Closed C-Store/Gas Bars: Closed Petroleum: Closed Admin/HR: Closed

New Year’s Day

Friday, January 1, 2016 Food Stores: Closed Home Centre: Closed C-Store/Gas Bars: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Petroleum: Closed Admin/HR: Closed

Christmas Day

Friday, December 25, 2015 Food Stores: Closed Home Centre: Closed C-Store/Gas Bars: Closed Petroleum: Closed Admin/HR: Closed All Locations will resume normal hours on December 27, 2015

New Year’s Eve

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Food Stores: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Home Centre: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm C-Store/Gas Bars: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm Petroleum: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Admin/HR: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm All Locations will resume normal hours on January 2, 2016

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dash For $1000 Shopping Spree Vermilion’s Eastalta Co-op was a hub of action and excitement for three minutes as Marjorie Lawrence and her grandson John Snider raced around the grocery store trying to fill up as many shopping carts as possible. “This is the 10th annual Knights of Columbus Eastalta Co-op Shopping Spree that we’ve had now. We alternate between McDonald’s Family Foods and the Eastalta Co-op, so next year it will be at McDonald’s Family Foods,� said Coordinator of the Shopping Spree raffle Larry Bingham.

The Knights of Columbus said that they will use the net profit from the raffle to contribute back to community groups. One hundred dollars of food from the prize winnings was donated to the Vermilion Food Bank. “It was good fun; I was surprised at how quickly the trolley added up to $1000. I thought we would be under,� said participant John Snider.

From left, Shana Donnelly, Jack Seewalt, Glenn Eaket, Shopping Spree winner Marjorie Lawrence and Marjorie’s grandson John Snider. Photos Marie Conboy

4

local news

Shannon O’Connor Reporter

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

VES Holds Final Two Christmas Concerts

VES held their final two Christmas concerts for the holiday season on Dec. 16 and 17 in the Alumni Theatre at Lakeland College. The theatre was packed on both nights and the performances were livestreamed from the College.

Musical Director, Miss Leggette led the Grade 1’s and 2’s through their concert, “Holiday Hoopla” on Dec. 16. The Grade

1’s started out strong with their rendition of “Blitzen’s Boogie.”

This was followed by the students helping to dress Santa in his holiday gear, which took some time due to a few costume malfunctions, but in the end it was definitely worth the wait.

A reindeer joke and a very animated performance of “Let it Snow” followed as well as a humorous reference to Principal Michelle Webb’s questionable driv-

ing record, that got a big laugh from the students and audience.

The Grades 3 to 5 took to the stage on Dec. 17 as Musical Director; Ms. King helped the students get in touch with their inner Christmas Animals, beginning with the opening number based on the classic the Twelve Days of Christmas, called A Moose in the Maple Tree that was performed by all of the Grades.

The animal imagery theme continued as students brought dinosaurs back to life, put

hippos in the spotlight and gave voice to donkeys and reindeer all through the magic of song.

The final number saw all of the Grades take the stage again to sing “Canadian Jingle Bells”.

The program featured special thanks to students, staff, Lakeland College and the audience and stayed true to its animal theme and stated: “We hope we put you in the “moo”d for Christmas and that you have a “dino”mite holiday.”

“Brrrrr” Grade 2 VES students sing “Let it Snow” during their “Holiday Hoopla” concert at Lakeland College on Dec. 16.

OOOHHHH...Jingle Bells, Eh? Grade 3 to 5 students sing “Canadian Jingle Bells” at the grand finale of the VES concert in the Alumni Hall on Dec. 17.

Whale Of A Time “Animal Christmas” was the theme of the Grade 3 to 5 VES Christmas concert held on Dec. 17 at Lakeland College. Photos Shannon O’Connor

Oh, Deer!

All of Santa’s reindeer were on stage for the Grade 1’s performance of “Blitzen’s Boogie” that took place at the Alumni Theatre on Dec. 16.

editorial

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

Lorna Hamilton

The Season Of Eat, Drink And Be Merry

Editor

O h, the Christmas season; a time of going out and visiting friends and f a m i l y. I nv i te s to heaven only knows how many Christmas parties and outings to social gathering places.

Christmas is a time when we can indulge in the many forms of baked Christmas goods, cakes, cookies, chip dips and, of course, the Christmas dinner.

Christmas is supposed to be a happy and joyous occasion, but all too often a night out on the town ends in disaster,

Margaret McCormack Submitted

Who knew fries didn’t come from a bag? The kindergarten class learned that you make fries from potatoes! The children visited Anthony’s Restaurant where they sliced their own fries from real potatoes, watched them cook in oil then ate them. It was a fantastic hands on experience! Thanks to Anthony and Tally for the exciting and tasty field trip.

St. Jerome’s students and staff took time to remember the true meaning of the season of Christmas celebrating Mass together on Thursday, December 17. Basing his

accidents, DUI charges or even worse the death of a loved one.

I have taken notice that in some establishments the owners have taken it upon themselves to have breathalyser machines that have been supplied by STARS. When I saw one in one local business here in town, I thought to myself how brilliant it was that the owner gave their patrons the opportunity to act responsibly, by supplying a breathalyser in their establishment.

The owners in my mind are acting with due diligence in their role of preventing driving under the influence. I know the establishment’s owner can’t force a patron to utilize the option of checking

their driving ability, but I still think it’s an awesome service and should be placed in all establishments that serve alcoholic beverages.

So, with me being me, I had to give this contraption a try. Before I drank, I put in my toonie grabbed the straw and gave a blow until it told me to stop. Of course, I was good to go because I had no alcohol in my system. I then went and ordered an alcoholic beverage, sat down and drank it, waited a while and popped in another toonie and repeated the same steps. When the results popped up I was a little shocked by the results, I blew a warning and to me, I felt perfectly fine. If I had one more drink, I

probably would have failed.

These machines should be in every establishment, and people should use them. You may be very surprised at your results, plus it helps support one of the most valuable services we have; STARS! STARS helps save so many lives and could be saving yours if you drink and drive or the life of someone you hurt by drinking and driving.

Let’s keep this Christmas season full of joy instead of devastation and sadness.

Eat, Drink and be Merry the smart and responsible way.

The Vermilion Voice would like to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

St. Jerome’s School News

message on the genealogy of Jesus, Father Roger reminded us that Jesus came from a family with connections to King David, Abraham and even Adam, but also relatives who were unsavory as well, just like many of us.

No matter our circumstances God is with us and will use our situation to bless others and us if we allow him to. Thank you to the Grade Twelve class and the Grade 4 class for their contributions to the service.

The High School had a fun week of Christmas events. On Monday they were treated to Hot Chocolate when they showed up to school in their pajamas. At lunchtime on Tuesday High School students competed against one another in the “Brain Freeze

Competition”. The student who could drink done a slurpie the fast was the winner.

Congratulations to 1st – Shae Collins, 2nd – Breanna Maughan, 3rd – Colin Nazarchuk.

Wednesday saw the students sporting a variety a Christmas hats to show their festive spirits. Red/Green Day or Ugly Sweater Day was celebrated on Thursday and there were some pretty amazing sweaters seen throughout the school. St. Jerome’s 1st “Lip Sync Battle” was held on Thursday afternoon with 7 acts entertaining the students of St. Jerome’s. The teachers started off the battle followed by Breanna Maughan, Shae Collins, and Gracie Evans. Other competitors were Noah Sanson, Austin Patry, Cain Collins and Bailey Koebel, Michael McCrea and Reagan Heck, and Michael Menzies and Tyson Granigan. The competition finished of with past VIBE coach Crystal Jackson performing on video all the way from Micro-Indonesia. All participants were entered into a draw with Regan Heck winning the $100. We are sure that this tradition will continue with all the competitors giving amazing performances. On Friday students enjoyed sharing “Warm Fuzzies” with each other and then eating an “Ethnic Potluck Lunch together. In the afternoon students participated in a variety of activities

organized throughout the school.

The Elementary students celebrated Happigrams on Wednesday. Congratulations to all the winners for their hard work and excellent performances in the Christmas Concert. On Friday Grade 3 to 5 students went to Lloydminster to watch the movie, “One Good Dinosaur”. The Middle Level students were excited to be able to watch the movie “Star Wars” on opening day in Lloydminster.

The St. Jerome’s staff was treated to a wonderful breakfast on Wednesday cooked and served by the High School Student Council. Pancakes, strawberries and whip cream, sausages, eggs, fruit and so much more. It was very delicious and a great way to start the day. On Thursday the Board of East Central treated the staff to a wonderful lunch of pizza, chicken and ice cream.

Again what a special treat and it was greatly appreciated by all.

The staff of St. Jerome’s would like to wish all of our students and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. We pray for safety for all those traveling and that everyone is surrounded by the love of God, family and friends during this Christmas season. School starts back up on Monday, January 4th.

Ugly sweater day. Photos submitted

Field trip to Anthony’s.

Dining Room & Drive Thru WILL BE OPEN ALL NIGHT

Christmas hat day.

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The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

Around The Campfire

Neil B. Stratton Columnist

Lots of rain happening for mid D e c e m b e r, o r i s i t just me with a dark c lou d fo llowing me this year, or is it just because 2015 has been a weird year all around? I think I’m ready for the New Year.

Christmas is just around the corner and coming quickly, holidays with the family should end the year nicely. Also, this ole turkey addict is looking forward to Christmas dinner. I think I may have drooled on the 22 lb bird I put in the deep freeze Roxanne brought home.

I will have some needed time off, and will have a lot of time for outdoor adventures. Also, I have a new buddy that demands outdoor adventures, but more about that later.

Most hunting seasons are done now in Alber ta other than some special elk licenses; Camp Wainwright was another success this year even though many thought the deer population was way down.

Some outstanding bucks were harvested, and with a total of 250 deer harvested; it was very successful for many. The big surprise again this year was moose with 112 moose harvested.

Lots of great tablefare and BBQ’s will result from those harvests.

Once again, the elk outwitted and outsmar ted ever yone, and only two elk were harvested. All in all, hats off to all those involved in the hunt. It is a well-organized wildlife management program.

There are lots of people already with the urge for the ice fishing mode, including myself. However, ice condition warnings are all over Alberta, so use caution on any ice.

Standing water has enough ice and is safe to walk on, but use caution with any machines or vehicles, Any moving water is still considered dangerous at best, including any lakes that have aeration systems demands caution as well.

Even though the weather has been mild, to say the least, I hope everyone has their vehicle winter emergency kits up to date. I have seen a few vehicles in the ditch of late, seems like some of those kits are missing memory data on how to winter drive once again.

Outdoor adventures were cut short this fall due to circumstances, but that has been changing rapidly, as much as I miss…Miss Pickles, her presence is still near, and it seems as well as all her bad and funny antics.

I still constantly sense her presence, and go to her campsite several times a day to talk, but there are still weird things going on. Like, I had a large quilt on the clothesline secured tightly with clothes pins, and when I got home, it’s laying on the ground. One of Miss Pickles’ antics. Or, a couple of days ago, the head of one of my 3D archery targets laying on the ground, most times these are so secure you can’t force them off.

Miss Pickles used to decapitate the many targets very nicely to remove the fake antlers from them. Something she knew I wouldn’t give her trouble for as I trained her to retrieve antler sheds.

And now with my new pup Missy Oohohh, it seems all the funny or bad antics, depending on how you look at it, is also influenced. So, I guess I have no choice but to include “The Missy Oohohh Chronicles” in my column.

I would also like to thank the many readers that contacted me with kind and comforting words, as well as much wisdom, it is ver y appreciated and

means more than you know, also most said they looked forward to hearing about Miss Oohohh.

“The Missy Oohohh Chronicles” We l l f i r s t yo u m ay s e e a s l i g h t change in Miss/Missy’s name, some like my wife Roxanne didn’t like Miss Oohohh for a name, sorr y it stays, however since Miss Oohohh and I have the same boss we will give slightly.

Roxanne was calling her Miss Piddles, Miss Nibbles and the list went on, it had to stop so we had to compromise. Roxanne will call her Missy, and I will call and introduce her as Missy Oohohh.

Now, “ Miss Piddles” was almost appropriate, as this pup has a constant intake and outflow of water. I still have to figure out how the outflow is greater than the intake. It seems the outflow occurs immediately after the intake of water, which is constant, so the backdoor is like a revolving door. If I didn’t know better, I would suspect a conspiracy just to get outdoors.

So, I have been getting lots of exercise, and outdoors, yup Missy Oohohh is allowed to share my couch. However, she is too little to climb up by herself without a rear end boost.

So, tell me how, when I get home or in the mornings, Missy Oohohh is laying in daddy’s massage armchair in the shop, just like some other Miss that took over that chair.

The chair is half again higher than the couch so how is she getting up there.

I’m suspecting another conspiracy and she is getting help from another culprit.

It’s kind of funny, as I used the TV as

a babysitter when both were/are pups, maybe I set myself up for that one as I set the channel to “The Animal Channel” and I swear they both watch it.

When we received Missy Oohohh, she was a little timid and laid back, well that has changed dramatically. Now it’s a tornado gone wild that has to explore everything.

This past weekend was Missy Oohohh’s first firewood adventure.

Now since I am being perhaps over protective of her, she got a front row seat on the quad. We rode the whole nor th for ty until she got used to it.

Again being over protective, mom had to babysit while I cut the firewood. But I grabbed her to pick up the wood, and she helped me. Once we filled the quad trailer we headed home.

About half way there I stopped and let her off, and she followed behind running as fast as those lit tle legs would carry her, of course, I almost ran into a couple of trees as my eyes were on her the entire time.

It will be awhile before she will run 45Km an hour, but she put everything she had into it, and it was good exercise. It didn’t take long and she was sleeping like a log by the fireplace… that was the longest she was still and didn’t spring a leak I have yet seen.

When The Smoke Clears Like a puppy, many people don’t realize they are in intense training if it’s fun and adventurous.

WRAP UP

GOOD HEALTH

THIS CHRISTMAS!

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December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

A Winter Trip To Town, 1940 Style

Franklin Wolters Columnist

In the winter times of the forties, much of the winter travel would have been with a team and some kind of a sleigh. To keep the price for stabling the team, you’d bring your own grain (oats) and a couple of big forkfuls of hay for one night’s stay.

The livery stable was about where the Vermilion Hotel is now and had capacity for a good few teams!! If you lived any distance from town, it wouldn’t be possible to travel there and have much time for business and return home the same day in the short days in winter.

The typical trip, if you wished to travel in daylight, would be to stay overnight in town and, of course, make use of the livery stable to put up your saddle horse or team. I don’t know how you’d feel about driving or riding in the pitch dark, but in a cold dark night, many is the time I can remember how vivid the Aurora Borealis

was in those times.

Yes, we did travel at night, but time to shop was limited, and you of need would stay over. My, how things have changed!!

You never contemplated going to town just for coffee as we now do; you’d try to wait for good weather, and you’d try to arrange for all your business to correspond with the time you’d have available!!

Dad would prepare his coyote skins to take to trade; he’d ready his bag of oats, and pack some hay into the sleigh box, and I know he’d take special care to trim the tails and manes of his horses. That hair was saleable too. You were judged; it seemed, on how your horses looked and how the harness was cared for. Little things told the story of your abilities as a horseman.

Yes, to make it to town as early as possible, the daily chores would have had to be done. Indeed, provision made for them to be carried on the next day when you would be away. No, a trip wasn’t a spur of the moment occasion!! So, you needed the sleigh packed and loaded,

the horses and harness right up to snuff as they’d say.

So in the allotted morning you only had to hook up and go. Twenty-five miles would take at least five hours. Horses would be hard pressed to manage five miles an hour, so do the math. Try to imagine five hours in an open sleigh in sub-zero weather!!

Dad’s big deal was in bartering with the Wener Bros, who had a store that dealt in almost anything money would buy and they’d trade for fur and even horse hair. I guess that would be Dad’s first step after he put his horses in the barn and put on the horse blankets to keep the horses from getting a chill as they rested from the long hard trip.

Later times I saw Dad go through the drill of selling or trading his fur and it was an education all on its own!! You had to be there to see it, so I can only surmise the scene.

The Wener Bros. couldn’t be fooled, but Dad knew his product too, so the contest would have been equal!!

7

Once, Dad had some cash and the ticket for goods in hand, he’d clear up the banking and such business of like, and of course, he’d need a room to stay overnight. You didn’t need to load the sleigh until just as you were to head home, so you could visit some friends and relax and prepare for the trip home.

The trip home would be an anti-climax and we’d hear the jingle of the trace chains in the early evening, more than likely quite dark and we’d have to light a lantern and help bring in the bounty he had brought home for us. I can remember being so very excited at seeing all the nice clothes and I remember an ice cream maker one time that celebrated good price for the for.

Yes, a trip to town was a big deal, and we were so glad to have Dad home and see all the wonders that trip to civilization had afforded us. I didn’t think he ever made more than one or two trips maybe all winter. My, how times change.

I remember so many years we kids never saw town all winter, it just wasn’t a trip for kids!!

Cooking Up Christmas Susanna Pankiw Dewberry School News Submitted

“No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” Julia Child Cooking is much like schooling; one spends many an hour in various learning environments and they can only improve by getting their hands dirty! This was definitely evident, over the last few weeks, as the staff and students have been busy at work, jamming in all they can, from volleyball to crafting with seniors, even demonstrating their fashion sense and cooking skills. It has been a culinary experience of a different kind.

The flavour of the day had volleyball champions written all over it. Several junior and senior high students shredded up the Lloydminster Lakeland College Rustlers courts and percolated spots on

their college club teams. The successful candidates were: U14 - Jacy Soloy and Jenna Bowman, U15 – Nicole Dennill and U17 – Kyra Weidmark. Awesome job, girls!! Nicole Dennill stirred up the pot a bit more and made the Zone 7 team for Winter Games that are being held in Medicine Hat on the Family Day weekend. Way to go, Nicole!

Darci McMillan, along with Veronica Radesh and the Grade 1/2 class combined crafts and snacks and mixed in the true meaning of Christmas for about 20 seniors and 10 parents from the Dewberry area, including Lloydminster.

What was the hidden agenda? Besides enjoying time spent with these important people in their community, they learned ways to be thankful for the people in their life and to give back in thoughtful ways.

The students had a blast and the seniors

Grinch Day and Craft & Snack Day. Photos submitted

is suggesting

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are already anticipating next year. The event would not have been successful without the help of Mrs. Zayac’s Food Studies class as well as other teachers and parents.

The final week was like a pres sure cooker, boiling over with action packed days and a plethora of happenings. On the heels of Craft and Snack Day, the Grinch stole the show. The Grade 1/2 class infused the school with Grinchy attitudes and a bombardment of miniature Grinches. Grades 1-6 blended not only their voices but their acting talents with hours of practice to perform, “It’s A Magical Time of the Year”, for the annual Christmas Concert. Truly, a magical performance from all the students!

Who said the staff were only good a t t e a c h i n g? We l l , t h ey c e r t a i n l y

proved that theory wrong. Thursday, December 17, saw all the staff decked out in their ugly Christmas attire cooking up and showing off their talents in a friendly rivalry of Pancake Wars.

While the verdict is still out on which Panther team had the best pancakes, the students definitely enjoyed the variety and the socializing that went with the meal. Will this hit become tradition? Only time will tell.

In the immortal words of Julia Child, “Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun.” We intend to take this analogy and put it to the test.

2016 will be a year of fearlessness, trying out new things and having fun while we’re learning.

Merry Christmas from the staff and students of Dewberry School!!

columnist

8

Margaret Lonsdale Columnist

If I were a refugee, forced by circumstance and fear for my life to flee, I would imagine I could somehow become invisible and slip away to safety undetected by those who would harm me. I would know, even in the same moment when such ethereal thoughts are born, that although my flight was necessary for survival, doing so means saying goodbye forever to everything I hold familiar and dear, to all of those unnamable things I hardly notice but that together comprise the foundation of who I am, my herstory.

I would be afraid, not only of dangers I hoped to escape but of an unknowable future. I would enter into a state of bewilderment. With every step, I would feel parts of me, my identity, shedding away in layers. I would be chilled by my new unfamiliar status. Who are all these

If I Were A Refugee

strangers who walk with me, encumbered by their own burdensome loads.

We carry our children, our most basic and precious belongings. We lean on each other, support the weak among us. We push aside fear of what we will encounter up ahead, what obstacles to finding safe harbour. We ignore our own thirst, our hunger, our fatigue. We know only that we cannot remain. We cannot allow our children to be slaughtered or lured into the clutches of soulless marauders who now rule our once vibrant, safe streets.

We meet many from other cultures along our journey. Although we cannot speak their language nor they ours, when our eyes meet we recognize the kind ones. They bring warmth in its many forms. Food. Clothing. Shelter. Encouragement. They offer their humanity.

In other places, we meet those whose faces are best not gazed upon. Their eyes speak of loathing, which I have long recognized as a specific manifestation of

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

fear. It grows strongest in those bred in ignorance, of learned hatred for the indefinable Other. Today, now, I am among the great masses of what is perceived as the menacing Other. The fearful who push us, who herd us like livestock, and who call out to us the kind of words that twist their mouths to ugliness, know only that we come from the land of Great Chaos. They know only that we keep coming, thousands and thousands of us, fatigued and bewildered. They believe they must protect themselves as we are greedy to have what is theirs. They refuse to listen when we try to tell them yes, we are greedy, it’s true, but not for their goods, their jobs, their homes; the thing we are greedy for is Life. So, despite the danger, despite the risks, we keep coming because for us there is no alternative. What would they do in the same circumstance, we wonder? But we cannot ask. Their hate is a warning to silence.

I do not forget easily my former life.

Refugee does not connote only the alley cat scavenger lurking in darkness to pounce on scraps to sustain life. Like others who walk with me, I studied. I attained some status through perseverance and education. I held a job. I lived somewhere. I am a former somebody.

Like you, although today I am reduced to the status of desperado. I am no one to you. You may avert your eyes and wish my existence away. I have no words to convince you otherwise.

I only ask that in a quiet moment, you try with all your humanity to see me as not just one foreign face among many other foreign faces come to threaten your comfort. I only ask that you, the best part of you, try to understand that I come not to threaten or take from you what you have accumulated and all you have built for yourself. I only ask for your help. I ask for a chance to live.

If I were a refugee, I hope someone might rescue me. I hope they’d grant me just half a chance to be.

Council Discuss Change To Pet Licensing Requirements Marie Conboy Reporter

Town Council discussed passing a motion to change a bylaw concerning the availability of lifetime licensing for pets, including stainless steel dog tags as well as a recommendation that all pets be microchipped, but Councillors Clint McCullough, Caroline McAuley, Greg Barr and Robert Pulyk – voted to bring the changes to the public before passing the bylaw. “ I think it ’s a positive thing, one reason is the lifetime pet licensing.

Previously we just had annual licenses,

now there will be a onetime fee if a pet is microchipped and spayed or neutered,” explained Town of Vermilion Director of Community Services Shawn Bell.

“We really want to encourage people to microchip their pets. It helps us for returning them home.

“We have lots and lots of stray cats in the community, and many of those cats end up at the SPCA in Lloydminster or somewhere else. What we want to do is return them home to where they came from and I think that having them microchipped will help that a lot,” said Bell.

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Changes to the bylaw would affect all place on January 19, where Council pets. The primary goal is to limit the number will vote on the passing of the lifetime licensing requirement. of stray cats roaming throughout town.

The cost of an annual license of a spayed, neutered and microchipped cat, would be $15 and a lifetime license would cost $75. Without the microchip a license would cost $55 annually and $200 for a lifetime.

“I think that lifetime license will work out better than the annual license. We will be more proactive about fining people if they don’t have the license.

The cost of the fine will be $125.”

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December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

Dawn Hames Columnist

The Christmas season seems to encompass all of our senses.

I have noticed that as I get ready for Christmas, memories from Christmas’s past dart to the surface. As I hang a tree ornament a happy moment from a previous Christmas flashes by, as I make my grandmother’s cookie recipe, my thoughts are of missing her. The scents of evergreen, poultry seasoning, gingerbread and butter tarts are the aromas of the tradition.

The sounds of Christmas music, jingle bells, scotch tape and wrapping paper are part of the prelude. Sparkly lights, smartly

Monica To Submitted

Mr. Woodward ’s senior boys basketball team competed in Camrose on December 12 and 13. Then, in Bonnyville on December 16, 2015, they defeated the Wildcats 79-37. Upon their return from break, the Marauders head to Drumheller on January 8, 2016 where they will attempt to continue their winning ways.

Miss Borysiuk and Matt Borysiuk’s junior girls recently played against St. Jerome’s and then played Paradise Valley early last week.

Ugly Sweater Day featured so many questionable colors and outfits. Students and staff sported their ugliest goods on Thursday, December 17. Many were creatively uglyfied, adorned with gaudy images, protruding Christmas characters like reindeer and Santa, and even lighting up or singing carols.

Christmas Is Coming Fast

wrapped packages and splashes of red delight our eyes, with the embellishments of Christmas. The flavours of eggnog, cranberry and turkey are anticipated and expected. But how do you describe how Christmas feels?

It is how you feel when you put money into the Salvation Army kettle, or when you wish everyone you come in contact with, a Merry Christmas. It is the joy of watching the excitement of young children open gifts, or seeing your family gather on Christmas morning.

It is how it feels to contemplate how God humbled himself to be born as a baby, as an act of love to all of us. Christmas is how love feels.

There are few days that have the ability to touch us as deeply as Christmas. Everyone

does not experience Christmas the same way.

Some people really enjoy everything about the whole season while there are others that are stressed, anxious and overwhelmed. Some people are writing lists of what they would like for Christmas, while others are thinking of what they will give. Some are surrounded by their family and friends, while others are alone. Some families will celebrate with in joy, while other families will have sadness. Some are decorating their homes while others are homeless. Some people will be sitting down to a fine meal and some will not.

No matter what the situation that one may be in this Christmas, the message is always the same. Whether you hear it on the Charlie Brown Christmas Special or at the Church

columnist

9

Christmas pageant, the words from Isaiah 9:6 are unchanging and they transcend all circumstances.

“For unto us a Child is born, to us a child is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders.

And his name shall be, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Christmas is bigger than our senses, traditions and circumstances. The Christmas story is that Jesus is the reason for the season. God was born as the baby Jesus. Wise men still seek Him, and He will be found by those that diligently seek Him. That my friend, is a very good reason to have a Merry Christmas.

J.R. Robson School News

On the last day of classes before holidays, J. R. held its annual pancake breakfast.

Several teachers and volunteer were in the Foods lab and cafeteria starting at 6:30 that morning, whipping up eggs, pancakes and sausages. Students, arriving in their pajamas, were served a complimentary breakfast for the first half hour of the day before classes resumed.

Once the afternoon rolled around there was a wide range of festively fun activities that the kids participated in. This included oversized inflatable soccer balls in the large gymnasium and human bowling, floor hockey and dodgeball in the small gym. The concourse was a beehive of activity as well with cookie decorating, an Olaf scavenger hunt and a hot chocolate bar. The students also tested their food inhaling limits in a pair of contests; egg nog drinking and rice krispie square eating.

College Park Motors Donated To Lakeland College Interior Design Class On Monday December 7 General Manager of College Park Motors Larry Alward along with Alyssa Alward presented the Buick Test Drive Event Cheque to the Interior Design students at Lakeland College.

On October 30 College Park Motors held its Buick Test Drive Event. During the event Buick donated $20 to the interior design students at Lakeland College. With 330 test drives $6,600 was raised. Also, the staff of College Park put on a hotdog sale that raised another $400 to go towards the students trip to Las Vegas for an Interior Design show. Larry and Alyssa Alward with the Interior Design Class at Lakeland College. Photos submitted

The staff of J.R. Robson School wish all the students and their extended families a safe and happy holiday season.

See you all in 2016 !Dates to remember: Dec. 19 to Jan. 3 - Winter break, Jan.

4 - Classes resume, Jan. 6 (6:30 PM at J.R.) New York City / Boston trip meeting Jan. 13 - Diploma exams begin, Jan. 27 VIBE Day (junior high students,) Jan. 29 - PD day (no school for students)

Julie, Cleopatra, Victoria, and Shane Newberry at the pancake breakfast that J. R. Robson hosted for its students on Friday, December 18, 2015. Photos Submitted

Jarrett Eyben, Shauna Weimann, Crystal Roach competing in the square-eating contest.

Does your farm or ranch have non-family employees?

Get the information you need for the new year.

Family-owned farms and ranches that have no waged, non-family 15123DG0 workers will remain exempt from occupational health and safety rules

and mandatory worker’s compensation in the new year.

Farm and ranch operations that employ non-family workers have some new obligations as of January 1.

Visit farmandranch.alberta.ca for information on: •

registering with the Worker’s Compensation Board by April 30

•

basic health and safety rules that apply as of January 1

•

how you can help shape the application of future safety and other workplace rules in coming discussions

You can sign up for regular updates on these topics at farmandranch.alberta.ca. You can also e-mail farmandranch@gov.ab.ca or call toll-free at 310-0000 for more information.

Larry Alward (General Manager of College Park Motors) shaking Sarah Johre’s hand, Jennifer Lansdall, Alyssa Alward with College Park Motors, and Payton Ramstead. Sarah, Jennifer, and Payton are all interior design students at Lakeland College.

10

local news

“We’re Nearly There!”

Elina Castro Submitted

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

The second Habitat Vermilion build has enjoyed a tremendous year thanks to energetic volunteers, the business community and donations from many individuals. For this, we are truly grateful.

In December we received over one thousand dollars from the rummage sale at the Anglican church. On Thanksgiving we partnered with Lakeland Florists to provide rose bouquets. In October, ATCO Gas made a generous donation and supplied the BBQ for the house. In September, our favourite chefs Mike and J.C. flipped the best burgers in town, on the grill loaned by a generous Eastalta Co-op. Two thousand twenty-nine dollars were raised at the Lakeland Funeral Home Customer Appreciation BBQ in August. Eastalta Co-op, FOCUS, Parkview Alliance Church, the staff at VES, and many friends made our summer BBQ great. The Rusylvia weekend raised funds through the concession from the Rusylvia Ukrainian Community Association.

In the spring, Greg Young Trenching and Mechanical donated fifty percent of the trenching bill. Donations came from the Lions Club and from The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Vermilion.

The crew of Legacy Building Contractors worked through winter, spring and summer, and donated much of their time. Gilbert Roofing and Siding expertly installed the siding and Lakeland Glass donated the installation of our windows.

And then there is the Twenty Dollar Club which comprises many individuals whose tremendous contribution has made a huge difference to the growth and well-being of our little house on the prairie. The Vermilion Standard collected pennies, and donations from Rona, Vermilion Paint, Deborah A. Tovell Professional Corporation, Total Image Natural Foods, Elevation, Webb’s Machinery, the Vermilion Standard, the

Vermilion Voice and Hiway 16 News kept us moving forward with the build.

A legion of volunteers helped us throughout the year: Phyllis Elmer, Rita Barr, Joann Mones, Ruby McMinis, Merle Thompson, and Jim Zadorozny.

Brandy Robertson, Chris Brancroft, Keisha, Justin Carriere, Melanie, Chris, Breanne Orton, Kristy Schroeder, Shane Collins, Karen Baker, Justin Thompson, Althea Lindsay, Thom McAlleer, Matthew Perreault. The Parkview Alliance church fab four Lori, Brad, Barb & Bryce, as well as Doreen McIntyre and Councillor Clint McCullough, Dean Manning, Shawn Jacula and General Contractor Murray Martin and his nephews all deserve a huge Thank You! We are still fundraising; our goal today is $20,000. Please keep giving, Vermilion; you are a generous town that truly cares. With this amount we will be able to hand over the keys to a deserving young family. and if you find yourselves all bottled up for Christmas and New Year, we would be grateful for your plastic and glass bottles. Please them in the bin at 4717-48 B Avenue or call Mic at (780) 581-3356 for a pick up.

Linda and Mic Jacejko, Tom and Gwen Kibblewhite, Ron Roth, Holly Day-Ferguson, Murray Martin, Candice Anderson, Elina Castro, and our long distance friends, Eleanor Sanderson and Bryce Ashlin-Mayo thank you with all our hearts.

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December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

Shannon O’Connor Reporter

An enthusiastic group of young naturalists, birders, and parents gathered in Vermilion Provincial Park on Dec. 19 for the second Christmas Bird Count for Kids (CBC4Kids) to learn about winter birds and wildlife and to contribute to Canada’s winter bird census coordinated by Bird Studies Canada.

“We had so much fun at last year’s first Christmas Bird Count for Kids we decided to host another one,” said Charlotte Wasylik, president of the Vermilion River Naturalist Society.

Young naturalists and birders aged 6 to 14 were welcome to participate, accompanied by their parents. No previous experience was required. The second CBC4Kids also flushed out a few older naturalists who were eager to learn about winter birds and birding.

Wasylik said they would be on the lookout for winter species found in the park and in the Vermilion area in general.

“We’re almost guaranteed to spot Blackcapped Chickadees. They are very common

Kids Bird Count, Counts

local news

11

and very friendly,” Wasylik said. birds at feeders in her backyard that she later laughed.

“Hopefully we’ll spot Pine Grosbeak, researched and identified as American GoldThe Christmas Bird Count numbers, includDowny and Hairy Woodpeckers too as they finch. ing those of the CBC4Kids, will be totalled are also a common species.”

“I’ve been obsessed ever since,” she over the next few days.

Whatever species is spotted will be added to the bird count and submitted to Bird Studies Canada which will then be added to their database to determine the distribution and abundance of wintering birds in Canada said Wasylik.

“The kids’ count definitely counts.”

Wasylik said the key to spotting birds is awareness of your surroundings.

“You can catch a movement out of the corner of your eye. They’re harder to spot in winter as there are fewer species to see and they are spread out and looking for food.”

Wasylik said it is also just a great opportunity to get out for a winter nature walk in the park and to spot other animals and their tracks.

“It gets the kids outside and gives them an Charlotte Wasylik, president of the Vermilion River Naturalist Society, led an enthusiastic extra boost of knowledge.”

Wasylik is an avid birder who said she group of naturalists and birders through the Vermilion Provincial Park on Dec. 19 for the got hooked when she spotted some yellow second Christmas Bird Count for Kids.

J.R.Robson School Pancake Breakfast And Pajama Day J.R.Robson School held their annual Pancake Breakfast donating to Santa’s Anonymous and the Vermilion Food Bank on Friday morning, December 18. Students wore their pajamas to school. “It’s a tradition that has been going on at the school for a long time now,” said J.R.Robson Principal Lindsey Bates. “It’s for a good cause, they have a pajama day theme today and after breakfast they go back to class and have activities in the afternoon.” Photo Marie Conboy

Two young birders ready to count birds for the Christmas Bird Count in the Vermilion Provincial Park on Dec. 19. Photos Shannon O’Connor

2015 Christmas Message Dr. Richard Starke MLA Vermilion-Lloydminster Submitted

As snowflakes fall and Christmas carols are sung it is hard not to have a lighter step as you greet friends and family. It is hard not to smile as you watch the excited faces of children light up as they look at all the bright lights and presents wrapped under the tree. Christmas is a special time of year.

We also understand the hardships of many Alberta families who this Christmas find themselves in a very different economic situation. The loss of jobs in the energy indus-

try has left many families hurting and I would encourage neighbors and friends across the constituency to reach out to help each other during this time. Take the time to be a blessing of love to others this Christmas season.

As world events continue to unfold Alison and I would also like to thank our men and women in uniform who are serving at home and around the world. Christmas can be a hard time for military families and we

continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you also to the medical and emergency workers who staff our hospitals, RCMP, Ambulance and Fire for your service not only over the holiday season but also all year long.

As the son of immigrants I feel privileged to have been born and raised in Alberta. I love that no matter where I travel in our province I can see the pride and genuine care of the people for

their communities and for this province. Since before its inception the Province of Alberta has welcomed people of different countries of the world – those people homesteaded our farms, operated businesses and worked to build the communities we all enjoy living in.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, Alison and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. All the best in 2016!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

5019 50 Ave, Vermilion, AB (780) 853-2822

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Vermilion Constituency Of fice Christmas Open House MLA Dr. Richard Starke, pictured with his Bernese Mountain Dog Liesl, at the Christmas Open House in the Vermilion Constituency Office, December 15.

MLA Starke took questions and spoke with local people regarding their concerns about the current economic climate in Alberta.

Photo Marie Conboy

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CHristmas Greetings

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

VES, Grade 2A

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CHristmas Greetings

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. I want to be one of your elves. I will clean the workshop and keep you on track. I will carry the nice list and help make and paint the toys. I will help wrap presents and eat the extra gingersnap cookies. I will set up the G.P.S. and shine the reindeer hooves. I will fill your sack. Have a great Christmas with Mrs. Clause.

Yours sincerely, Chante Ford

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. I want to be one of your elves. I will feed food to the reindeer. I will bring the nice list and keep Santa on schedule. I will set up the music and eat all the extra ginger snap cookies. I will give carrots to the reindeer. Have a great Christmas with Mrs. Clause.

Yours sincerely, Payton Farkash

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are great. I want to be one of your elves. I would bring the nice list and eat the ginger snap cookies. I will hook up the sleigh and set the G.P.S. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Conner Betz

Wishing

13

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. I want to be one of your elves. I would be good at unloading the sleigh and loading the sleigh. I could feed the reindeer and help make toys. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Jonathon Rumbolt

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CHristmas Greetings

Dear Santa, How are you at the North Pole? I like your elves. I like you Santa. I like your reindeer. I like your workshop and I really like your elves. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Blake Sheppard

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

Dear Santa, How are you? I would like to be an elf. Here’s some jobs I can do. I can make the toys or I can set the G.P.S. I can eat all the gingersnaps or I can start the sleigh. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Ian Gould

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Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. I want to be one of your elves. I want to set the G.P.S. and load the sleigh. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Aden McKinnon

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are great. I want to be one of your elves. I’ll unload the sleigh and load the sleigh. I will clean the reindeer. Have a great Christmas.

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CHristmas Greetings

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are great. I want to be one of your elves. I would feed the reindeer that will be great. I will eat the extra gingersnap cookies. I will spy on the kids to see who is good.

Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Mikaela Stewart

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things are swell. I want to be one of your elves.

I would bring the nice list and eat the ginger snap cookies. I would hook up the reindeer. I would clean the sleigh and feed the reindeer. I would make toys. I would be nice. I would eat the extra gingersnap cookies and the cakes. I would set the G.P.S. and set the tree up. I would wrap the presents and deliver them. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Braxton Betz

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. I want to be one of your elves. I keep Santa on track. Put the music on and feed the reindeer. I would set the G.P.S. I would load the sleigh and eat the extra gingersnaps. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Mackenzie Flanders

Rejoice and be glad for the Saviour has been born!

Merry Christmas and a fun-filled New Year!

15

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are great. If I was an elf I would watch the kids. I’ll keep my eyes on them. I’ll be in a Santa hat with jeans, Nike shoes and a cool shirt. I’ll send a 1000 presents to good kids and I’ll help keep you on track and not be late. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, James Gannon

MERRY ASW!ITH STM CHRI6” SANDWICH FREE

Best Wishes in 2016

EVERY $25 GIFT CARD

Offer is valid until January 2016!

4121 - 51ST STREET, VERMILION, AB

780-853-4647

FRANK’SYours.

FIELD SERVICES would like to wish Right from athe start. our customers Happy Your EastaltaHoliday Co-op hasSeason been part of your community for decades.

Closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 3 ILION, DEWBERRY, MANNVILLE, WAINWRIGHT LIVING THEResuming BRAND work Jan. 4 to give our staff time for the holidays.

From Management & Staff at

Eastalta Co-op Liquor Store 2405 - 15 Ave., Wainwright, AB

780-853-5335 Holiday Hours:

OPEN: Dec. 24 - 10:00 am - 6 :00 pm CLOSED: Dec. 25 - 26 OPEN: Jan. 1 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

16

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

SALE DATES: Dec. 18 - 24, 2015

19.95

$

750 ml

16.95

$

19.95

$ SMOKER BARREL

Shop & n!

Wi Enter to 00 in 0 OVER $6 ays Giveaw

99.95

750 ml

14.95

$

20.95

750ml

$

17.95

$

$

34.95

$

750 ml

Argentina

11.95

$

750 ml

9.95

$

750ml

29.95

$

750 ml

750 ml

750 ml

Enter to Win a Kitcheaid Mixer

Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Pinot Grigio Shiraz Sangria

6.95

$

Italy

9.95

$

750 ml

France

12.95

$

10.95

$

780-842-5752 • 1206 - 10 Street, Wainwright

“Your Community Minded Liquor Store” Please don’t drink and drive

750ml

750 ml

Germany

9.95

$

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand

750 ml

Riesling Cool Red Pink

Valpolicella Pinot Grigio

Red Reserve

Portugal

$

750 ml

22.95

$

750 ml

Red White

Pinot Gris

USA

23.95

$

24pk cans Variety Pack

$

750 ml

9.95

$

12pk cans Original/ Half & Half

29.95

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Shiraz

Australia

24.95

$

8pk cans Variety Pack

$

12.95

$

12pk cans Variety Pack

USA

17.95

$

750 ml

750 ml

The Library Reserve

Australia

19.95

$

750 ml

Locally Owned & Operated

by Jay & Sandra Robinson WAINWRIGHT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2010 2007 Alberta Retailer of The Year

/w

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

17

38

$

22.95

$

.95

24pk cans

12pk btls

38.95

$

21.95

$

19.95

$

750 ml

39

17

.95

$

750 ml

17

24pk cans

23.95

$

.95

22.95

19.95

$

Plastic or Glass

750 ml

10.95

750 ml

12pk btls

750 ml

Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio

Caberner/ Merlot Moscato Pinot Grigio Shiraz

Australia

22.95

$

12pk btls

21.95

$

750 ml

Kabinett Vino Noire Riesling Reserve

$

Bonus Mug

12pk btls

750 ml

$

.95

Germany

41.95

$

12pk btls

Palm Breeze White Dark

$

12pk btls

Bonus Glass

22.95

$

$

24pk cans

8.95

$

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Red Velveet

750 ml

New Zealand

14.95

$

750 ml

Sauvignon Blanc

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay

13.95

$

USA

750 ml

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Moscato Pinot Grigio Sauvignon Blanc Whiew Zinfandel USA

6.95

$

Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranella Malbec Merlot Pinot Grigio Chardonnay Shiraz / Cabernet

Double Barrel Shiraz

750 ml

Riesling

NEW

8.95

$

750 ml

New Zealand

9.95

$

Riesling

Germany

8.95

$

750 ml

VISIT US ON

wainwrightliquor

750 ml

Australia

14.95

$

750 ml

Red White Dark

USA

9.95

$

750 ml

6.95

$

Canada

9.95

$

New Zealand 750 ml

HOLIDAY HOURS: DEC. 24 10:00 am - 6:00 pm DEC. 25 CLOSED DEC. 26 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Germany

10.95

$

Sauvignon Blanc

Shiraz

Australia

750 ml

995

$

750 ml

750 ml

Sparkling

9.95

$

750 ml

REG. HOURS: MON. - SAT. 10:00 am - 10:00 pm SUN. 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

18

CHristmas Greetings

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are great. I am applying to be an elf. I can wrap the presents or feed the reindeer. I can hook them up to the sleigh. I can set up the G.P.S. or eat the extra gingersnaps. I can help deliver presents down the chimney and make sure you get down the chimney safely.

Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Annie Bardoel

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. I want to be one of your elves please. Some of the chores I can do are load the sleigh with presents. I can make the presents. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Jarrett Poliakiwski

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015 Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. I want to be one of your elves. I will set the G.P.S. and load the presents. I will keep you on track.

I will help Ms. Claus cook stuff. I will make sure the reindeer are connected to the sleigh. I will give you ideas and

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. These are some ideas I can do. I’ll eat the extra cookies. I can set the G.P.S. I’ll make the toys. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Brooke Miller

help you get down the chimney safely.

I will feed the reindeer and put ribbons on the presents. I will let you know when you can lift off and set the music.

I will make sure you have been to every house. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Kane Fadden

To all our clients and friends: Christmas wishes for Joy, Peace & Happiness.

Our office will be closed Dec 24th thru Jan 1st for the holiday season.

Deborah A. Tovell Professional Corporation Certified General Accountant Suite 14, 5125 – 50th Avenue Vermilion, AB T9X 1L9 Ph# (780) 853-2801

RICHARDSON DENTURE CLINIC

May the peace and joy that Christmas brings always be with you and your family

HOLIDAY HOURS Closed Dec. 24 - Reopening Jan. 4.

780-853-5887

5030 49 Ave, Vermilion, AB

Wishing you a safe season Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! #1. 2616-50 Ave. Lloydminster AB T9V 2S3 Ph: (780) 875-6333

4701-41 St., Vermilion Ph: (780) 853-6470 fountaintire.com

May the spirit of Christmas, Enfold you in it's peace.

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are great. I want to be an elf. I can have the nice list. I can warn you about the other kids. I can feed the reindeer. I can keep you on time. Who is my elf? Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Kash Schroeder

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are great. I want to be one of your elves. Here are some job’s I can do. I can connect the reindeer to the sleigh and help make the toys. I can feed the reindeer and bring the nice list. I can set the G.P.S.. I can help you get down the chimney. I can help make the naughty and nice list and eat the extra cookies. I can help unload the sleigh. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Aaralyn Tupper

Happy Holidays We wish our staff, students and parents A SAFE AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY and look forward to seeing everyone back on January 4, 2016.

BUFFALO TRAIL PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF TRUSTEES & STAFF

CHristmas Greetings Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are good. I want to be one of your elves. I will feed the reindeer. I will eat the gingersnap cookies. I will keep you on time and set the G.P.S. I will make the toys and get you the files. I will run the machine and wrap the presents. I will watch the kids. I will get you down the chimney and bring the nice list. I will make sure you are going the right way. I will help Ms. Claus cook. I will load the sleigh and make sure you fly safely. I will let you know when to lift off. I will unload the sleigh and bring you the list of toys. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Reo Martin

19

Dear Santa, How are you? I hope things at the North Pole are going good. I want to be one of your elves. Here are some things I can help with. I can help feed the reindeer. I can set the G.P.S. and make toys. I can keep Santa on track. I can load the sleigh and hitch up the reindeer. Have a great Christmas.

Yours sincerely, Kianna Gould

MERRY CHRISTMAS From the staff and management at

Vermilion A&W 5114 47 Ave

We Wish You A Safe And Happy

Christmas Season!

FROM MANAGEMENT & STAFF

Have a safe & Happy Holidays!

ROCK SOLID NITROGEN T-ROCK COIL TUBING ROCK SOLID HEAVY HAULING ROCK SOLID RENTALS ROCK SOLID MECHANICAL

Toll Free 1-800-661-6534 www.nlc.ca GROUP OF COMPANIES

READY TO MOVE HOMES

780-853-6604

McMinis & Company CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANT

As the Holiday Season is upon us, we are grateful for the loyalty and support of people like you. We value our relationship and look forward to working with you in the year to come. We wish each one of you A Happy Holiday Season and A New Year filled with Health, Love and Laughter.

Our Office will be closed for the holiday season from December 24/14 to January 3/15 inclusive.

5135 – 50 Ave Vermilion, AB 780-853-2922

ALL THE BEST OF THE SEASON

TO ALL OF YOU

9am - 6pm Mon-Fri; 10am - 4pm Sat. 4931-50 Ave Vermilion AB

20

CHristmas Greetings

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

It Is Christmas Day! By: Jayden

Rifle Shells By: Owen

Christmas Morning By: Dawson

We drive to grandma’s house My mom’s side meets us there We all meet inside and play a dozen games Then us kids go play We play go hide and seek Then we meet upstairs and have a big traditional feast Oh, Jingle bells Jingle bells It is Christmas day We do a prayer and have dessert and that is how goes hey!

Dashing through the snow with a pair of bob tailed nags over the hills we go tripping over snags bells on blood hounds ring making spirits bright what fun it is to ride and sing a hunting song tonight oh jingle bells rifle shells hunting deer all day oh what it is to ride in a beat up chevrolet hey!

Nixie woke me up by nibbling on my ear running down the hall cause christmas mornings hear gifts under the tree just for you and me what fun it is to open them to see what is inside oh jingle bells Brycen yells, christopher plays hockey me my mom and dad we all bake christmas cookies

Mackenzie Berg VES, Grade 6

CLARKE INSURANCE WISHES YOU A VERY

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Seasons Greetings

#203, 5102-50 AVE, VERMILION

Ph. 780-853-1885, 5008 - 50 Ave.

780-853-4446

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY PROSPEROUS

NEW YEAR

FROM THE STAFF

to all our customers from Bryon and Janet G. T. Horton Agencies (2007) Ltd. Ph: 780-847-3970 Fax: 780-847-3896

Home - Auto - Farm - Business Insurance P. O. Box 39 Marwayne, Alberta TOB 2XO

Merry

Christmas

We wish a Merry Christmas

to all our valued customers and friends!

FROM THE STAFF

780 - 763 - 3626 Box 119 4639-46 St. MANNVILLE, AB T0B 2W0 1-877-541-9029

4704 - 50th AVENUE MANNVILLE, AB

BAUER AUTO & TIRE Ltd.

CHristmas Greetings

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice Jingle Bells, Christmas Morning By: Cassidy The morning Christmas came My dog came running in He made my face all wet Then went woof woof woofing Down the stairs we run Tripping over toys The dog runs faster than me And he wreaks the Christmas tree Oh jingle bells wet dog smells Tracker runs around Oh what fun it is to ride in a one dog open sleigh Hey! Jingle bells wet dog smells Tracker runs around Oh what fun it is to ride in a one dog open sleigh Hey!

Merry Christmas!

21

This season we gather with loved ones to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the warm fellowship of holiday festivities.

Alison and I encourage everyone to remember those who are less fortunate, and to share with them in the spirit of the season.

We remain truly grateful for your trust and support, and wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season.

WISHING EVERYONE

A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON 780-853-6305 vermilionvoice@gmail.com

Richard & Alison Starke MLA Vermilion-Lloydminster

Wishing you a joyous

Holiday Season

5710-44 ST., LLOYDMINSTER, AB PH. (780) 871-2889 FAX (780) 871-7019

Wishing Everyone a Safe and Blessed Holiday Season Cell: (780) 853-0650 Fax: (780) 581-0078

OIL FIELD & INDUSTRIAL

EXHAUST

Phone: 780-875-0911

Seasons Greetings & Happy New Year!

Complete performance exhaust for gas, DPF and diesel vehicles

Exhaust

Masters Lloydminster

Would like to wish our valued customers a very Merry Christmas!

5905 - 44 Street 780-875-8851

www.exhaustmasters.ca

Give a gift card this holiday season

22

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

WINTER BOOKING

10% DISCOUNT

UNTIL JANUARY 31, 2015 - PLUS CASH INCENTIVE!

CASH & CARRY SALE ENDS JAN, 15

25

% OFF

ALL FIBERGLASS INSULATION

10%

Pittsburgh

Interior Paint

Gallons only

Envy

12.33 mm

Laminate Tile Flooring

Complete Toilet In

A Box

In Stock items only

WHILE QUANTITIES LAST

1

$ .99 /sq.ft.

Sale Ends January 15, 2016 GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

2-Colours in-Stock

95

$

Each

4x8x1/2 Std. Drywall

7

$ 99 /Sheet

ADORE

Laminate Flooring 8.mm 2 Colors in-stock

DeWALT Tools in stock

1-800-665-9682 r 5FM Email: lumber1@telusplanet.net

99

¢

/sq.ft.

LARGE SELECTION

Wainwright Lumber TU "WF www.wainwrightlumber.com

OFF

local news

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

23

Vermilion Skating Club

Lena Black

Competition January 30 and 31, 2016.

Vermilion Figure Skating Club would like thank everyone who donated to our Stollery Skate-a-Thon on Dec 3,15. We raised over $1500 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Congratulations to the November Male Skater of the Month Duso Award, Dane Bast. Dane. He has been a member of the CanSkate program in Vermilion for the past 3 years. Dane always has a great smile on his face. He loves the fast track and uses it as much as he can. He also loves to learn and try new things and is a pleasure to have on the ice. He won $100.

Submitted

Our StarSkaters have worked really hard at their Dance Tests. These are Dance Tests performed with partners. They have recently gone to Maidstone and Lloydminster and passed the following tests: Maidstone, Saskatchewan: Jayden Scully- Preliminary Dance TestCanasta Tango Hannah Black-Junior Bronze TestSwing Dance Darin Graham- Senior Bronze Test- Ten Fox and European Lloydminster, Alberta: Jayden Scully- Prelininary Dance TestBaby Blues Madison Ferguson- Preliminary Dance Test- Canasta Tango and Baby Blues Megan Ryan-Preliminary Dance Test-Canasta Tango Alecia Mcdonald-Junior Bronze Test-Swing and Fiesta Tango Hannah Black - Junior Bronze TestFiesta Tango Congratulations to all the girls!

“Our Synchro Team, the Sharp Edges” will be going to Edmonton for their first Dane Bast on the ice. Photo Submitted

Sylvia Preteau Submitted

Rock Loss The Rock dropped their home game to the fifth place Elk Point Elks at the Vermilion Stadium on Friday, Dec. 18 despite a solid effort in the final five minutes of the first period to even up the score, which had the Rock trailing 0-2. The Elks went on to defeat the Rock by a final score of 2-7. The Vermilion Rock currently sits in eighth place in the SaskAlta Senior League standings. Photos Shannon O’Connor

Vermilion Senior Center News

December is usually a very busy month with everyone looking forward to the Christmas season, whether its extra baking, putting up the Christmas tree, putting up the Christmas lights, washing bedding for those quests that plan to stay a few days.

One must attend those special invitations as well as the additional dinners or lunches that the different clubs or groups hold. This year the weather has been fairly decent so it allows for safe travel. December is also the end of another year, with new hope for the New Year 2016.

The Seniors have, as well, been carrying out their regular activities, floor curling every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations took place on December 7, and their Executive Meeting on the 8.

On December 8, the Senior Choir held their annual Christmas concert with guests, “A Touch of Brass”, the Vermilion Handbells, and the “Quartet. It was a nice warm evening which brought out a larger crowd than in past years, around 55-60. Lunch was served and donations were made to the local Food Bank.

The Crib Doubles Tournament was held on December 12 with 11 tables of players attending.

The winners of the prizes were: 3rd place – Eileen Goad and Caroline Deford, 2nd place – Frank and Mildred Molineux, 1st – Ella Eyben and Margaret Bardoel.

There was a skunk prize awarded to Vern The Seniors are currently selling tickets Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 Crowther and Joe Laboucane for their to the Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper to for children. Plan on coming to this special single game score of 47. The 50/25/25 tick- be held at the Seniors Centre on January supper and bring a friend! A good way to ets were won by Elsie Quickstad and Jean 6. Tickets must be purchased in advance. start the New Year!

Morrison, and Fritz Younghans.

The Christmas potluck supper was held on December 16 complete with turkey and trimmings, Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, and mandarin oranges. A short program was emceed by Art Boggs.

The crowd participated in singing well known Christmas Carols and Donna Eyben played several tunes on the piano. Doreen McIntyre and Sylvia Preteau read some Christmas related poems and writings.

Bingo was held on December 17. The winner of the first game became the queen, and every time her winning number was called she gained a little “bonus”. Door prizes were handed out to several of the participants. The next bingo will be held on 15123CC0 January 7 with a jackpot of $79 plus half the take-in.

The Seniors bus trip to Edmonton on the 14 was enjoyed by all those that went.

A very knowledgeable guide escorted the group through the Muttart Conservatory.

The special feature was one pyramid filled with a Christmas theme that featured poinsettias. Many were surprised to learn that poinsettias are native to Mexico and they are actually a tree. The second stop was Greenland Nursery where it looked like a festival of trees was taking place. Many ladies couldn’t resist purchasing either plants or Christmas decorations.

CROSSWORD PUZZLES ACROSS

49 At sea 50 Affirmative 1 Clasp 51 Oceans 5 Thorn 53 2,000 pounds 10 Not his 54 Ship initials 14 Domain 57 That (possessive) 15 Scoop 59 Set of tools 16 Asian country 61 Slides 17 Legal claim to 63 Smocks property 69 Manner 18 Greased 19 Famous person's car 70 Prodded 71 Soybean 20 Property owner 22 Improvise a speech 72 Dale 73 Month 23 American Cancer 74 Wrongdoing Society (abbr.)

75 Otherwise 24 Charge 76 Grainy 26 Affirmation 77 Fencing sword 27 Dined 30 Pulls 33 Congressional vote 35 Professional football team 37 Small paper book 42 Three 43 __ Francisco 44 Cattle 45 Align

DOWN

1 Lyceum 2 Opera solo 3 Was looked at 4 Chinese bear 5 Blasts (2 wds.)

6 Drizzle 7 Loaf 8 Notify 9 Scarlet 10 Wield 11 Author Dickinson 12 Synthetic fabric 13 Stuck up people 21 Fall mo.

22 To incite 25 Sailor's yes 27 Branch of learning 28 Lemony 29 Native ruler in Asia 31 Oh my __! (slang) 32 Gets out 34 Syrian bishop 36 Borax 38 Joint 39 Expel 40 Margarine

41 Part of the "KKK" 46 Bulb flower 47 Have 48 Nude manner 52 Mr. 54 Utilization 55 __ and crossbones 56 Fathers 58 Extent 60 Sample 62 Citizen of Denmark 64 Gumbo 65 Bride's headdress 66 Intertwine 67 Greek stringed instrument 68 Fill 70 Highest trump in some loo

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

28

24

29

35

30 36

31

42

25 33

55

39

61

47

48

57

52

58

62

63

59 64

68

53 60

65

66

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

Puzzle Solution Page 26

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

1 Clasp

67

49

69

ACROSS

41

44

51

56

40

34

43 46

13

26

38

50 54

32

37

45

12

22

23 27

11

45 Align 49 At sea 50 Affirmative

business cards

24

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

VERMILION AND AREA BUSINESSES •CARPET •LINO •HARDWOOD •CERAMIC •LAMINATE

MERIT K I T C H E N S

Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Behind Ferby’s and Integra Tire

780-853-3002 CVIP’s Truck and Trailer Parts

vice you can trus Ser t

4517 - 46 Avenue Vermilion Oil Changes Automotive Repair

Heavy Duty Truck and Trailer Repair

w

ww .t o m

a fin efl o

co o rs .

Bert Duncan Trailer Sales (2007) Inc. Box 3813 Hwy #16 and RR 83 Vermilion, AB T9X 2B8

Horse, Stock, Cargo, Flat Deck

4911-50 Ave, Vermilion, AB tomafinefloors@telus.net m

Sales, Parts, and Service

We handle the full line of Hijacker Hitches

Phone: 780-853-7393 Cell: 780-632-8709

Phone: 780-763-2424 Fax: 780-763-3723 E-mail: sales@bdtrailer.ca

Check out our Website!!

www.bdtrailer.ca

19 7 7

Windshields Rear Sliders Side Windows Rock Chip Repairs Tractor Trailers Campers and RVs Custom Safety Glass Cuts Heavy and Farm Equipment

One Color Version

(780) 853-9777

780-853-4122

JOE & CRYSTAL MYSHAK

lakelandglass@outlook.com

3913-48 AVE VERMILION

18,000 plus potential customers will see your ad HERE!!

Call 780-853-6305 vermilionvoice@gmail.com

LAKELAND GLASS 4520 RAILWAY AVE, VERMILION AB T9X 1E9

Two Color Version

McMinis & Company

Photocopy services

CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANT

GB

Embroidery

Roofing/Siding/Eavestroughing

0702

1335

128 130 132

????

No substitutes for embroidery threads will be accepted.

5643

On the two color version the green can be substitued with the Red Pantone 180 or the Yellow Pantone 124

Alan McMinis, C.G.A. Patricia Hanson, C.G.A. Robert B Ernst, C.A. 5135 50th Avenue VERMILION, AB T9X 1A8 Phone: (780) 853-2922 FaxL (780) 853-2707 Email: emailus@mcminis.ca

available at: Competitive prices.

Located on south side of Vermilion campus next to the Service Centre.

For more information call 780 853 8410 or email printing@lakelandcollege.ca

General Contractors Project Management

Residential / Commercial / Agriculture 780.581.3364 www.classicbuilders.ca

Department: Print/MailServices Paper: Vermilion Voice Size: 2.5” x 1.5” Business Directory Black & white Cost: $900.00/year Code: 13_7035_PrintServicesAd Cost code: 01 3311 INS

VERMILION AND AREA HOME BUSINESSES N & J GARAGE DOORS Install/Service/Repair/Sales All Makes/Styles of Overhead Doors Framing and Custom Install 20 Years of Experience

587-789-1008

Mannville, AB T0B 2W0 • njgaragedoors@hotmail.com

Carlotta and Joan

“C us 4 your bookkeeping services”

KEN HARTWELL pH: 780-853-3318

Rawlin’s Custom Tubgrinding

Financing Available for Bred Cows, Bred Cows with Calves at Side, and Bred Heifers

Rawlin James Box 164 Dewberry, AB T0B 1G0

Rick Rewuski Box 1265, Dewberry, AB T0B 1G0 Ph: (780) 847-4166 Fax: (780) 847-4944

B & J RENOVATIONS Interior & Exterior Painting,

MARCEL’S PAINTING

BIG

NO JOB TO ...OR TO SMALL RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, FARM BUILDING SENIORS RATES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

780-853-0650

Vermilion Breeders Co-op

C4 Bookkeeping Services Ltd. Phone: 780 214 9824 C4bookkeepingservices@gmail.com

Commercial • Residential • Farm Maintenance • Trenching

FREE ESTIMATES

PH: 780-657-2240 • CELL: 587-280-2879

CELL: 780 205 1324

Putting your horse first

Siding, Metal & Roofs, Laminate Flooring, Barn Painting Deck Building, Fences & Sheds

TOTAL RENOVATIONS % OFF INTERIOR + EXTERIOR-PAINTING Call for a free estimate! (780) 593-3911

10

Box 252 Myrnam, AB T0B 3K0

Cell: 780-210-2545 Res: 780-366-2545

Site 6 Box 11 RR 2 Kingman, AB T0B 2M0

Hm 780-662-4013 Cell 780-203-8444 neverdunranch@hotmail.com

Vermilion Septic Services Specializing in Livestock Hauling

Ernie Lessner Tel: 780-847-2405 / Cell: 780-205-1571

Elaine Urwin, RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Trent Westman owner/operator A Flush is Better than a Full House

For Promt Officient Service

Call 780-853-6314 Cell 780-853-7801

E L E C T R I C Murray Brown • R E SID E N T I A L • C O M M E R CI A L •SERVICE

(780) 581-0852 ampedelectric14@gmail.com

(780) 853-7714 Derek Selte Vermilion, AB • SNOW REMOVAL

New to area Tom’s Interior/ Exterior a Handi Man Installation of Siding, Window Capping, Soffit, Fascia, Eavestroughing FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL TOM AT 780-581-6167 NO JOB TOO SMALL

CLASSIFIEDS and careers

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

AWNA BLANKET AND LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Auctions NEW YEARS DAY Antique Collector Auction! 11 a.m., Friday, January 1, Wainwright Legion, 1030 - 2 Ave., Wainwright, Alberta. Scribner Auction 780842-5666; www.scribnernet.com. Unreserved & No Buyer’s Fee! Career Training MEDICAL TRAINEES needed now! Hospitals & doctor’s offices need certified medical office & administrative staff! No experience needed! We can get you trained! Local job placement assistance available when training is completed. Call for program details!

1-888-627-0297.

HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day; www.canscribe.com.

1-800-466-1535; info@canscribe.com.

Coming Events COME AND LEARN. Unlock your Superpowers!

Jan. 29 & 30, 2016, Edmonton. AWNA’s Annual Symposium. Educational Sessions in Journalism, Sales Ad & News Design. Internationally acclaimed speakers. Pre-Register. For more info: www.awna. com/symposium.

Employment Opportunities WATKIN MOTORS FORD, Vernon, BC, immediately requires an experienced Ford Diesel Technician.

Go to watkinmotors.com About us, Employment, to apply and review required qualifications.

SEEKING A CAREER in the Community Newspaper

business? Post your resume for FREE right where the publishers are looking. Visit: awna.com/for-jobseekers.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career!

Employers have work-at-home positions available.

Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT SCHOOL. HandsOn Tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training! Funding & Housing Available! Job Aid! Already a HEO? Get certification proof. Call 1-866-399-3853 or go to: iheschool.com.

Equipment For Sale A-CHEAP, lowest prices, steel shipping containers.

Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans insulated & 40’ freezers, Special $2200. Wanted: Professional wood carvers needed. 1-866-528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.

Feed and Seed ROUND BALES - Hay, green feed, straw and bulk oats. Delivery available. No Sunday calls please.

Phone 403-704-3509 or 403-704-4333.

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup� Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-2505252.

FOR SALE: Alfalfas, Clovers, Grasses plus Hay, Pasture, Reclamation and Lawn Mixtures. Early order discount - Book now! No charge custom blending. Call 1-800-661-1529 or esther.stigter@hannas-

seeds.com.

For Sale METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 32+ colours available at over 55 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-263-8254.

Health CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-5112250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment Manufactured Homes HARVEST SALE! Save $50,000 from the replacement cost of this 20 X 76 drywalled Grandeur Showhome that has to go! A sacrifice at $124,900. Call Terry 1-855-347-0417 or email: terry@grandviewmodular.com.

Motorcycles WIN - 2016 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide FXDWG103. 2nd - $700/credit; 3rd - $300/credit. Only 599 tickets printed. Three Early Bird Draws. $100/ ticket. June 17 draw. Proceeds to support Motorcycle & Harley Programs, GPRC Fairview Campus. 1-888539-4772; www.gprc.ab.ca. License #421307.

Real Estate PASTURE & HAY LAND. 400 - 8000 acres of year round water supply. Full operational with management available. Central Saskatchewan. Crossfenced & complete infrastructure. Natural springs excellent water. Shortly ready to locate cattle. Other small &

25

large grain & pasture quarters. $150k - $2.6m. Call Doug Rue 306-716-2671; saskfarms@shaw.ca.

Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver. Divorce? Simple. Fast. Inexpensive. Debt recovery? Alberta collection to $25,000.

Calgary 403-228-1300/1-800-347-2540.

REACH OVER 1 Million Readers Weekly. Advertise Province Wide Classifieds. Only $269 + GST (based on 25 words or less). Call now for details 1-800-2826903 ext. 228; www.awna.com.

HAVE YOU BEEN denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefits? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222; www.dcac.ca info@dcac.ca.

EASY ALBERTA DIVORCE. Free Consultation 1-800-320-2477; www.canadianlegal.org. CCA Award #1 Paralegal. A+ BBB Reputation. 26 Years Experience. Open Mon. - Sat. Wanted BLUE GRASS LTD. is looking for Lodgepole Pine and Scots Pine in any size. Willing to dig or pick up ourselves. Contact Bill 403-226-0468.

BLUE GRASS LTD. is looking for logging truck loads of Birch Firewood. Split or logs, delivered or picked up. Contact Bill 403-226-0468.

FREE SCRAP and truck removal including farm machinery. We pay cash at our yard. 1-780-914-7560; www.sturgeonbusparts.ca.

m Hortons

VOICE CLASSIFIEDS AND CAREERS EMPLOYMENT

Farm buildings

services

The

Tarp Maker 43 Years of Custom Made Craftmanship

Garbage & Recycling Christmas Holiday Hours and Pickup Schedule

Wessels in Mannville • 763-3789

GARBAGE PICKUP SCHEDULE FOR ROLLOUT BINS

• Boat Covers • Truck Tarps • Roll ups • Hunter Tents • Banners • Repairs

Vermilion Tim Horton’s REQUIRES

Food Counter Attendant

• RV Awnings and Enclosures • Windshield Covers • Commercial Awnings • Insulated Wraps • Quality Material Only • Saddlery and Shoe Repair

Local and area applicants preferred Full time/ Part time /shiftwork benefits after probation

Apply in Person gregrwhitney@gmail.com or Fax 780-854-9093

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 3� wide version

for rent RENTAL properties available. Call Stewart Realty at 780-853-4725 You will like our prices! Take the time to give us a call!

Lloydminster 780-875-6636, Toll Free # 1-888-858SUITE FOR RENT fully furnished, walk-out, basement suite. One bedroom, large office (second bedroom), 1011. kitchen/dining, living room and full bathroom. HD TV and wifi available. 10 minutes West of Vermilion on Highway 16. Available immediately. (R) 780-853-1773 (M) 780-853-9205.

LOOKING FOR PASTURE land to buy or rent in the Vermilion Area. Please contact 780-581-3364 for sale FRANKLIN WOLTERS, BOOK in Paper back Now Out “Memories of life on Grizzly Bear Coulee.� Call Franklin for sale locations or book signing events 780853-7520.

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WITH RESUME TO: plus GST/HST For Sale and For Rent , 4825 Value 47 AVE Ad Network , AB VERMILION WX 540 Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association Trailer toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 Ph:853-4622 email andrea@awna.com Fax: 853-4623 Log Splitter or visit this community newspaper 4814 - 49A St., Vermilion, AB 780-853-4013 www.irelandfarm.com

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THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Thursday, Dec. 24 - Vigil Mass: 6pm, St. Columba (Clandonald) Thursday,Mass Dec.During 24 •the VigilNight: Mass: 6pm, St. Columba (Clandonald) 10pm, Holy Name (Vermilion) Mass During the Night: 10pm, HolySt.Name Friday, Dec. 25 - Mass at Dawn: 9am, Joseph(Vermilion) (Derwent) Friday, Dec. • Mass at Dawn: 9am,Name St. Joseph (Derwent) Mass 25 During the Day: 11am, Holy (Vermilion) Mass DuringSOLEMNITY the Day: 11am, Holy Name (Vermilion) OF THE HOLY FAMILY SOLEMNITY OF THE FAMILY Saturday, Dec. 26 - Anticipated Mass:HOLY 5pm, Holy Name (Vermilion) 12345 Saturday, Dec. 26 • Anticipated 5pm, (Clandonald) Holy Name (Vermilion) Anticipated Mass: 7pm,Mass: St. Columba 7pm, (Derwent) St. Columba Sunday, Anticipated Dec. 27 - 9am,Mass: St. Joseph 11am,(Clandonald) Holy Name (Vermilion) Sunday,Dec.27•9am:St.Joseph(Derwent)•11am:HolyName(Vermilion) SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Add Thursday, this feature your next booking Dec. 31to- Anticipated Mass:career 7pm, St.adColumba SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD(Clandonald) Friday, Jan. 1 9am, St. Joseph (Derwent) Thursday,Dec.31•AnticipatedMass:7pm,St.Columba(Clandonald) 11am, Holy Name (Vermilion) Friday,Jan.1•9am:St.Joseph(Derwent)•11am:HolyName(Vermilion) THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD EPIPHANYMass: OF THE LORD Saturday, Jan.THE 2 - Anticipated 5pm, Holy Name (Vermilion) Saturday, Jan.Anticipated 2 • Anticipated Mass: 5pm, Holy Name (Vermilion) Mass: 7pm, St. Joseph (Derwent) Anticipated Mass: 7pm, St. Joseph (Derwent) Sunday, Jan. 3 - 9am, St. Columba (Clandonald) 11am, Holy Name (Vermilion) Sunday,Jan.3•9am:St.Columba(Clandonald)•11am:HolyName(Vermilion)

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7/25/11 12:30 PM

During the holiday season, changes will be made for the following garbage rollout bin pickup days: Airport Subdivision garbage pickup will be Wednesday, Dec 23 Regular garbage pickup for Friday, December 25th will be picked up on Thursday, December 24th Regular garbage pickup for Friday, January 1st will be picked up on Thursday, December 31st All other garbage pickups will be done as per your regular schedule.

CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP

Natural Christmas Trees will be picked up the week of January 18th.

After January 22nd, you will be responsible to make your own disposal arrangements.

HOLIDAY HOURS

Vermilion Recycle Centre December 24th - Open until 2:00 pm December 25th - 28th - Closed December 29th - 30th - Open December 31st - Closed January 1st - 4th - Closed January 5th - Open

VERMILION REGIONAL TRANSFER STATION December 24th - Open until 2:00 pm December 25th - 27th - Closed December 28th - 30th - Open December 31st - Open until 2:00 pm January 1st - Closed

Careers and local news

26

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

When Things Get Tough The Tough Get Going

Marie Conboy Reporter

Mayor Bruce MacDuff says that he believes the Town of Vermilion will pull through tough economic times ahead in 2016.

“Times are tough. We are not going to be hurt as bad by the downturn as other communities, because we are an agricultural community. But that being said it’s not going to be easy. We are in a downturn and we are being taxed more. We have been through it before. We came through it, we’ve thrived and we’ve grown and we will grow some more. We will come back.

The wish is that the economy will pick up for 2016.

“People are not spending, the dollars are not flowing as freely as they were.

There were a lot of job losses.

“Alberta will come back when the oil comes back. Where are you going to work if you don’t have your job in the oil field now,” questioned Mayor MacDuff.

“It will take a while to come back. The agricultural community is taken aback with the new Bill 6 because they don’t know what their future is going to be and they don’t know what the cost is going to be,” explained MacDuff.

“They went out and they explained it and they got a big push back from the farming community.

“We have oil companies that are saying they are not going to invest in Alberta.

Husky Energy Inc. is trying to sell a lot of their Alberta holdings right now,” said Mayor MacDuff.

“For every dollar that you sent to Ottawa for taxes 25 cents goes to pay interest.

Mr. Trudeau is going to borrow another 6 billion dollars a year.

“We have to support our local economy or we will be losing businesses.

We’ve got some great new businesses in town that will be able to help the commu-

nity, we will be able to hold hockey tournaments again, we will be able to hold conventions again. The Rotary is going to host a curling tournament for the whole of Alberta and we can do it because we’ve got the hotel space. We’ve got new people coming to town because it’s a stable community, it’s not as affected like everybody else but again it’s going to be a difficult time ahead because of the economic situation and the political situation.

“Don’t get discouraged but do your planning and be cautious in your future endeavors. Costs have to be cut,” said Mayor MacDuff.

Employment Opportunity Full Time Clerk - Utilities & Taxes.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Administration and working within a team environment, this full time position is responsible for clerical duties related to Utility and Taxes: • Maintaining the tax system including assessment roll, including changes in ownership, tax certificates, filing, tax arrears and preparation of the annual tax notices.

• Maintaining the utility system including changes in ownership/tenants, organizing meter reads, collections and preparation of the monthly utility invoice as well as final billings.

• Maintaining the Name/Address sub-ledger.

The Successful candidate will demonstrate a majority of the following skills/abilities: • Organizational & time management • Demonstrate people skills and ability to work in a team environment • Excellent financial skills and cash handling • Telephone etiquette • Computer skills and aptitudes including Microsoft Office, AS 400

Santa’s Anonymous Reaches More Families Than Ever

For further information or a detailed copy of the position description, please contact Denise MacDonald 853-5358 Please submit your resume with references by Friday, January 8, 2016 to: Denise MacDonald Director of Finance & Administration Town of Vermilion 5021 49 Ave Vermilion, AB Phone: (780) 853-5358 Fax: (780) 853-4910 Email: dmacdonald@vermilion.ca

WE RESERVED YOU ROOM IN OUR COMING EVENTS SECTION ONLY $26

FIRST UNITED CHURCH VERMILION

Call Vermilion Voice at 780-853-6305 OR EMAIL vermilionvoice@gmail.com

Website: vermilionmannvilleunited.ca Find us on Facebook under: “United Church, Vermilion.”

HOROSCOPE/SUDOKU AND SOLUTIONS S K U L L

U S A G E

S I R E S

T E A M R I T R

A R T S

H A S A R E L I E L A N

P A N D O A C T S O A I P R I D S A N E

B R I A L A D L O I L E W N E R S T U G S P O C K S A N G H T E O S E T S C O V P O K E A P R I M E A L

R H E R S E O M A N D L I M O http://www.dailys A D L I B A B Y E S Y E A E T B O O K B U L L N A S E A A S T O N K I T E R A L L S D S O Y A L T O R T Y E P E E

Solution:

Daily Sudoku: Mon 14-Dec-2015

medium

5 4 7 9 6 3 2 1 8 2 6 1 8 5 7 9 3 4 9 3 8 2 4 1 7 5 6 6 9 4 5 1 2 3 8 7 7 5 2 3 8 4 1 6 9 1 8 3 7 9 6 5 4 2

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2015. All rights reserved.

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Be careful today because arguments with authority figures will easily explode.

Therefore, do whatever you can to avoid this because it will not be pleasant. People are opinionated and they are intent on making you hear their point of view. Don't get involved!

Avoid controversial subjects today like politics, religion and racial issues because they will quickly disintegrate into arguments and efforts to proselytize. People are highly opinionated today and they insist on being heard. But hey when the annals of history are written, will this really matter?

Probably not.

Be patient with friends and members of groups today, especially if you are discussing how to spend a certain amount of money or deal with shared property or the responsibilities you have for others. People are argumentative today. Very dicey day, indeed!

A public argument with a boss, parent, partner or close friend might take place today. (You need this like a fish needs a bicycle.) Do not be goaded into this argument. Don't take the bait! Just walk on by. This way you can avoid some public humiliation or notoriety.

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Those of you at work today might find yourself at odds with someone, especially someone from another country or a different background. Or you might quarrel about deliveries, travel arrangements or supposed reforms and improvements to your job. ("This improvement makes things worse!")

Lover's quarrels are likely today. This is also a challenging day for dealing with your kids because people are entrenched in their own point of view and they insist on being heard. Furthermore, everyone is impatient and obsessed! No one is really listening to anyone. Not good.

Jealousy, irritability and envy are just some reasons your peace of mind might be ruined today. In turn, this could lead to family arguments and disagreements about how things should be done at home. Run away! Run away!

Arguments at work might occur today. In fact, equipment breakdowns and difficulties with introducing so-called improvements might frustrate others - you included. Therefore, go slowly, be gentle. Be understanding. Be gone.

Elvis has left the building.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Parent should be vigilant because this is an accident-prone day for your kids or children under your care. Accidents related to sports and social events are also likely. Arguments with lovers and romantic partners might occur because of jealousy. Oh dear - that green-eyed monster.

Family arguments might break out today, especially with a female family member.

The main thing is to be more gentle. Do not insist that your way is the best way. And do not insist that others listen to you. Lighten up to keep the peace. Do yourself this favour.

You might be preoccupied with the past or just too concerned with trivialities, which causes difficulties in your conversations with others today. This will especially be apparent with siblings, relatives and neighbours. Don't make a big deal about anything today. Be generous and tolerant.

Quarrels about money and possessions might arise today.

You might also be frustrated because something breaks down or doesn't work. Just be aware that a lot of people are frustrated and at the end of their rope, today. Knowing that others feel this way, you can imagine what it's like to walk a mile in their wedgies.

3

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP IS NOW 10:30 AM. WE INVITE YOU ALL TO OUR: Christmas Eve Service • Dec. 24 at 8:00 PM. Family Game Night • January 28, 2016 at 5:30 PM.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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2 4 8 4 9

1 5 3

7 1 8

4 6 3

5

1

7

1 2 8

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Crossword Puzzle Page 23

Daily Sudoku: Mon 14-Dec-2015

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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2015. All rights reserved.

The Salary range for this position is $46,432 - $58,751 per annum depending on experience and qualifications plus an excellent benefit package

The total number of hampers distributed this year was 106 reaching 366 people. The past few years the number of families has been about 70 to 80. “Santa’s Anonymous is a community wide initiative and that’s why it has been around for over 20 years,” said Pat Calyniuk, committee member for Santa’s Anonymous.

“There were many volunteers involved from the community that raised money and donated toys. Volunteers from the Outreach School filled the children’s wish list.

“We tried to give every child one item off their wish list. The fire department and the Lion’s Club helped with the delivery of the toys on Saturday, December 19.

“This year we did something different and we also gave out gift card to families so that they can buy what they want to eat for Christmas dinner,” said Calyniuk.

“Without all of the individuals, businesses, community organizations and donations this would not be possible because it costs a lot of money to put it on.”

Pictured above are some of the toys donated to this year’s Santa’s Anonymous, gathered for distribution at Atco Gas in Vermilion this past weekend. Many volunteers stopped by the ATCO building to help sort and then deliver some of the gifts to those who are unable to pick up their Christmas packages. Photo Marie Conboy

3 2 5 4 7 8 6 9 1 8 1 9 6 2 5 4 7 3 4 7 6 1 3 9 8 2 5 Daily Sudoku: Mon 14-Dec-2015 (c)

local news

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

Bargain Shop Toy Drive Donates To Santa’s Anonymous

27

A donation of toys with the value of $6,000 was made to Vermilion Santa’s Anonymous by the Vermilion Bargain Shop on December 15.

“I would like to thank the community for their fantastic generosity. It was really nice to see the community get behind this and support the local families in need this Christmas. There are so many more people in need now,” said Bargain Shop Manager Gidget Maida.

In the lead up to Christmas people had the option to purchase a toy of their choice at the Bargain Shop. The numbers for Santa’s Anonymous are estimated to be a lot higher this year with people’s livelihoods affected by the downturns in oil and agriculture.

From left, Bargin Shop employee Jackie Bodurka, Bargain Shop Manager Gidget Maida and Bargain Shop employee Shai Kiziak pictured with the large donation of toys for Santa’s Anonymous this Christmas. Photo Marie Conboy

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28

local news

Shannon O’Connor Reporter

Students were saying the best place to be on campus during exam week was what was affectionately referred to as the puppy room in Lakeland College, said Animal Health Technology (AHT) Program Coordinator, Robyn Rodgers.

Staff and students in the AHT program brought their dogs to the College as pet therapy for students from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18, to help relieve some of the stress of exam week.

Who Let The Dogs In?

Dylan Bowen, a first year Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation student at the College said he has spent up to two hours a day in the puppy room after his exams.

“It really relieved a lot of stress after writing my exams,” he said. “But I don’t know if it will help my exam marks,” he added laughing.

Bowen, who is from B.C., said visiting the puppy room made him less homesick.

“The majority of kids that come have a dog at home,” said Rodgers. “They come to hug, play, or just lie around and pet the dogs.”

Rodgers said they got the idea from other larger universities that are bringing dogs into their institutions to help reduce student stress levels.

“So, we thought we’re a ll i n t h e

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

animal health program; we have the staff and the dogs, so let’s do it and see how it goes.”

Rodgers and fellow instructor Crystal Mullen had their dogs in the puppy room on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Rodgers has an Australian Shepherd named Sage and a five-month-old Irish wolfhound named Keely. Mullen brought her seven-monthold Bernese mountain dog, Molly.

Rodgers said they thought they’d try it out with their own dogs first because they knew their dogs would all get along based on previous visits to the lab.

Student Sheena McInnes also brought her golden retriever, Lou that is a certified pet therapy dog.

“She’s used to go into nursing homes and care facilities,” said McInnes.

However, the number one certification required for dogs to secure their spot in the puppy room was just to be cuddly, said Rodgers.

“We’re getting some really good feed-

back from the students, and it’s not just students; a lot of staff are dropping by too,” laughed Rodgers.

Alice Wainwright-Stewart, President of Lakeland College, happened to be in the puppy room for a quick visit on Wednesday.

“I think this is fantastic,” said Wainwright-Stewart “I have my own dogs, so I see what they can do. This is a lot of extra effort for these instructors,” she added.

“You’ve gone above and beyond,” she told Rodgers and Mullen.

“It is fun,” said Mullen. “We all like animals.”

With up to 60 students visiting the puppy room a day, Rodgers said, “I think it is working”.

Rodgers and Mullen are planning on bringing the puppy room back in April for final exam week.

“We might try to expand it by adding more hours and more dogs,” said Rodgers.

The Puppy Room From left: Sheena McInnes (second year Conservation and Restoration Ecology) with her certified pet therapy dog Lou; Jocelyn Whiting (first year Environmental Monitoring Protection); Instructor Crystal Mullen; Shanelle Twigge (first year Animal Health Technology, AHT) with Sage; Brooke Thauberger (first year AHT) with Molly; Dylan Bowen (first year Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation); Instructor Robyn Rodgers with Keely and Lakeland College President Alice Wainwright-Stewart. Photo Shannon O’Connor Box 69, 4912 - 50 Ave. Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0

(780) 846-2244 or (780) 853-5492

COUNTY CORNER “A sustainable, Vibrant, and Diversified Community with Opportunities for All”

ADMINISTRATION NEWS:

CHRISTMAS HOURS – Our office will be closed Dec 25 to Jan 3, reopening on Jan 4th.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Division 4 Municipal By-Election will take place on February 29, 2016. Nomination packages are now available. Nomination Day will be February 1, 2016.

AGRICULTURE NEWS:

Funding available for Wetland and/or Riparian Restoration and Enhancement Projects for landowners in the Vermilion River Watershed. Projects can vary greatly, but examples include constructing and placing habitat structures; removing non-native or invasive species; managing grazing by cattle and other herbivores etc. Deadline to apply is Feb 1, 2016. Contact our ALUS Coordinator for more info.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS:

It’s never too late to Register your Business with our new Business Registration Program – available for all businesses operating within the County of Vermilion River. Check out our online Directory on our website if you are looking for a local business.

PUBLIC WORKS NEWS:

HEAVY TRAFFIC PERMITS: Reminder that your annual Heavy Traffic Permits will EXPIRE Dec 31st. Renewals are now available – act now to avoid delays later.

CHANGES to SNOWPLOW FLAG PROGRAM: we will be implementing a new snow plow flag program this year. All flags will now be sold for the season, rather than as individual plows. Your new annual flag will last you the entire winter. Now there is no need to worry when we get an unexpected snowfall – you already have your flag for the winter.

Regular ratepayers will buy a red flag ($200 for the year); Buffalo Trails School Division Yard Service “Parental Choice” will buy yellow flags ($200 for the year) and Seniors/Disabled Persons will be green flags ($50 for the year). If you have unused single plow ORANGE flags from a past year, you may return those to our office for a credit.

Contact our main office for details on getting your Annual flag.

REMINDER to check our website www.vermilion-river.com for new events, announcements, employment opportunities and more! For current news and updates:

CountyofVermilionRiver

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December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

Karen King VES School News Submitted

VES staf f and students wish each and every one of you a wonderful Christmas filled with peace, love, and joy. We will resume school on January 4. On January 5, we will have our first 2016 AR assembly at 10:45.

Both Grade 1 classes are under Elf surveillance in their classrooms. Cocoa and Noel have been watching the students closely and returning to the North Pole each night to give a report to Santa. Cocoa and Noel have been having lots of fun from decorating the Grade 1 Christmas trees to painting pictures for them. Grade 1 students have also been working hard

School news

Have A Wonderful Christmas

on their Santa letters, first making a rough draft and then rewriting them to perfection for delivery to the North Pole. Both Grade1 classes also decorated gingerbread cookies.

The Grade 4 classes created Christmas cards, wove ornaments, made boxes out of old Christmas cards, and created a Christmas village. The Grade 4C class went snowshoeing to celebrate their November AR points.

Each of the Grade 4 classes spent time during VIBE’s Building Mental Wellness (BMW) Youth program learning about red, negative thoughts and green, positive thoughts. To go along with the Christmas season, the students coloured red and green elves. The red elf represented a red, unhelpful thought that the students

4C took to the snowy playground at VES to try their hand at snowshoeing. Photos submitted

have had, and the green elf represented a green, helpful thought that the students could think instead of the red thought.

Students from Grade 5 spent time playing some Christmas games in the gym, Christmas Jeopardy, and making some Christmas crafts during the last week of school. Fun was had by all, and this really helped them get in the Christmas spirit.

6B celebrated Christmas around the world and applied that to the Christmas traditions they do at home (for example, carolling originated in Sweden and the Christmas tree in Germany). They had a potluck of traditional foods on Dec. 18.

The Grade 6C class wrote their very own Christmas Jingles as part of a Language Arts assignment. Using the tune of clas-

29

sic Christmas Carols, such as Jingle Bells, to showcase some of their favourite family Christmas traditions was lots of fun.

On Dec. 16, Miss Leggette led the Grade 1-2 classes, who did a fantastic job at their concert. Grade 3-5 students, under Ms. King’s direction, took to the stage on Dec. 17 and did superbly well. We appreciate the audiences for coming out and supporting our concerts. To end 2015, staff and students donned pajamas and slippers on Dec. 18 and enjoyed some hot chocolate and fellowship with one another.

Dates to Remember: Dec. 19-Jan. 3 – Christmas Break; Jan. 4 – First Day Back at School; Jan. 5 – Assembly at 10:45; Jan. 11-13 – Farm Safety presentations; Jan. 18 – PAC Meeting at 7:00; Jan. 20 – Arctic Presenter John Dunn

The three Grade 4 classes in VES got together to make Christmas crafts.

local news

30

The Vermilion Voice | December 21, 2015

Hands Of Hope Helping Women Overseas

Shannon O’Connor Reporter

A work bee that took place at the School of Hope in Vermilion on Dec. 17 will have a direct impact on the social, economic, psychological and physical well-being of girls in underdeveloped countries all over the world.

School of Hope teacher Denise Kissel was in Vermilion to instruct volunteers how to assemble sustainable, reusable feminine hygiene kits for an international organization called Days for Girls.

“It’s such an eye opener,” said Kissel referring to the fact that this need even exists.

“Girls have to stay home two to three months out of the year because of their menstrual cycle,” added Kissel.

“Some of the girls just drop out of school because they have missed so much time.”

According to the Days for Girls website, this has a huge economic, social and psychologi-

cal impact on the women, when they can’t go to school or work because of their menstrual cycle which eventually affects economic growth.

There is also some serious health risks associated with the lack of access to hygiene products.

“Some girls will find used surgical gauze in the dump that is infected,” said Kissel.

“It’s something I never thought about,” said worker bee volunteer Marla Palmer. “It’s one of those things where you think, ‘I’m sure they’ve got this,’” she added.

Another work bee volunteer, Kaylan Zorn said it really put her “me” moments into perspective.

“I was really unaware of what other women have to go through,” said Zorn who was measuring and cutting the drawstring for the kits.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to do

something that seems so simple, but means so much,” she added.

Along with the reusable, washable, cloth sanitary napkins, the kit includes new underwear, a facecloth and a small bar of soap.

The kits can be used for up to three to four years.

Palmer was cutting the fabric while Kissel was ironing on decorative appliqués to the bags.

Each bag is individual and the volunteers all agreed it was important that the bags are pretty.

“These girls literally have nothing. This may be the first thing that is theirs’. We want them to know someone took the time to make them feel special,” said Palmer. “We want them to be proud of being a woman.”

The Days of Hope project is run in conjunction with the Hands of Hope social justice club, which is a leadership club at the School

of Hope that is overseen by Kissel and Elaine MacMillan. Students are heavily involved in the club and suggest worthy causes and charities to support, such as Days of Girls.

“We are not just raising money and writing cheques,” said Kissel. “The students are involved and do something.”

If anyone is interested in donating to this organization, items needed are: new underwear (all sizes, dark colours), new face cloths, new small bars of soap (hotel size) and fabric (cotton or flannel). Cash donations will also be accepted. Donations can be dropped off to Phyllis at the School of Hope. Donations can also be made directly online at www.daysforgirls.org.

“People have been so supportive,” said Kissel. “Instead of a gift exchange, staff (at School of Hope) donated $130. People are so generous and so kind and they just want to help.”

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Work Bee From left, work bee volunteer Marla Palmer, School of Hope teacher, Denise Kissel, and work bee volunteer Kaylan Zorn making feminine hygiene kits for girls overseas.

Photo Shannon O’Connor

December 21, 2015 | The Vermilion Voice

Ray Bourner Submitted

The last weekend was a must win weekend for the Tigers. The Tigers set the tone on Friday, December 11 with a 7-4 win at home against Saddle Lake, unfortunately Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 each featured a 1 goal loss. That leaves the Tigers 8 points back of 8th place and the final playoff spot.

Goaltender Danton Brooks picked up his 4th win of the season in the victory Friday, December 11. the Tigers were led by Carter Myhovich’s 2 goal effort. Also scoring for the jungle cats were Ryan VanGenderen, Lucas Dennill, Rylan Mauws, Dalyn Borysiuk and Ian Gadsby. The Tigers ended up going 2 for 5 on the power play, thanks to some undisciplined play from Saddle Lake.

The Cold Lake Ice rolled into Vermilion on Saturday, December 12 for their final visit of the season. The Tigers were down early as Cold Lake netted their first goal less than a minute in. The Tigers battled back and forth all game but some bad penalties ultimately cost them as Cold Lake scored 3 of their 4

Cathy Wolters

Sports

Jr. B Press Release

31

goals on the power play en route to a 5-4 win. facebook.com/Vermilion-Jr-B-Tigers, www. vermiliontigers.ca Goaltender Brendan Plant was stellar with 47 saves in the losing effort. Evan Bardoel scored twice for the Tigers with Spencer Ross and Rylan Mauws also picking up goals.

The team packed up and headed down 16 to face the Rangers Sunday, December 13 in Vegreville. The Tigers came out strong as Evan Bardoel continued his hot play scoring less than a minute into the 1st period. Goalie Danton Brooks stymied the Rangers all night long as Vegreville pushed the pace. The Tigers faced with a power play with two minutes remaining in the 3rd period with game tied at 2, gave up a shorthanded breakaway goal to seal the win for Vegreville.

News and Notes: The Tigers played one last game prior to the Christmas Break in Lloydminster Friday, December 18, beating the Bandits 4-1. The team has made a change in an attempt to bring a different dynamic to the locker room. Overage forward Nolan Blair was announced captain.

For more information check us out on twitter @jb_vermilion and on Facebook at www. Photo Karen Golinowski

Martin & Pollard Going To 2016 Winter Games

Submitted

Sarah Martin is off to her first provincial competition of any kind in Medicine Hat next February.

Martin will suit up for Zone 7’s female hockey team. Joining her is another Vermilion teen, Bryn Pollard. Both are also first year members of the AAA Bantam Ice Cats team based in Lloydminster.

“I couldn’t stop smiling,” says Pollard, 13, of her reaction to the phone call she received telling her she made the team as one of 12 forwards.

Unlike Pollard who didn’t think about trying out for the games until recently, Martin had the zone tryouts on radar since the spring. The 14-year-old defenceman describes the skill and scrimmage sessions at the tryouts as nerve wracking, but also fun as she met a lot of other girls who also love to play hockey. Zone tryouts were held at the Vermilion Arena Dec 4-6.

There were plenty of familiar faces at the tryouts that will also be on the zone team. The 20-person zone team will have 12 other Ice Cats including Abigail Earl of Kitscoty. Their opponents in Medicine Hat will also be familiar as most of the team members come from the ranks of the AAA Bantam league.

Female hockey is one of 20 sports at the 2016 Alberta Winter Games in Medicine from February 13 to 16

STAY SAFE AROUND POWER LINES Always assume a downed power line is energized. If you happen to contact a power line with your vehicle or equipment, avoid injury or death with these steps:

Sarah Martin (left) and Bryn Pollard (right) pose at the Russ Robertson arena in Lloydminster before an Ice Cats game. Photo Submitted

1 Break the contact. Do what you can to break the electrical circuit. When possible, move the arm of your sprayer or auger, or whatever is touching the line, away from the line.

2 Stay put and keep others away. If you can’t break the contact, stay in your vehicle, keep others away and call for help.

3 Call for help. Call 911 or ATCO Electric’s emergency line (1-800-668-5506) so crews can isolate and ground the line to make it safe to work around.

IT’S BEST TO STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE, BUT IF YOU MUST EXIT YOUR VEHICLE, FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO STAY SAFE for help. Call 911 or the door to from your 1 Call 2 Open 3 Jump ATCO Electric’s emergency line your vehicle. Be vehicle, landing (1-800-668-5506).

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at least 10 metres away. Make sure the heel of one foot never passes the toe of the other.

Don’t touch anything (vehicle, passengers) until you’re clear.

10 M For more information on working near power lines safely, visit ATCOElectric.com Clip and save for your vehicle.

ON NOW AT YOUR ALBERTA CHEVROLET DEALERS. AlbertaChevrolet.com 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the finance of a 2015 Cruze LS 1SA, Equinox LS AWD and Silverado 2500HD/3500HD WT 2WD with gas engines. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices.

Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in Alberta Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer trade may be required. * No purchase necessary. Open to Canadian residents with a valid driver’s license who have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Contest closes January 4, 2016. Credit Awards up to $10,000 include applicable taxes and must be applied to the purchase or lease of a new 2015 or 2016 MY Chevrolet vehicle delivered on or before January 4, 2016. 30 Vehicle Awards available to be won, each consisting of winner’s choice of a vehicle with an MSRP of $35,000 CAD or less. The customer is responsible for any other taxes, license, insurance, registration, or other fees. Vehicle Awards are not transferable and no cash substitutes are permitted. Not all awards have the same odds of winning. For full rules and program details visit your GM dealer or gm.ca. Correct answer to mathematical skill-testing question required. See your GM dealer or gm.ca for full contest rules and program details. ^ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles delivered between December 4th, 2015 and January 4th, 2016. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 84 months on all new or demonstrator 2015 Spark, Sonic, Cruze LS 1SA, Malibu (except LS), Volt, Impala, Camaro, Trax, Equinox LS AWD, Traverse, Colorado 2WD, Silverado 1500 Double Cab 2WD WT / Crew Cab 2WD WT and Silverado HD’s WT 2WD with gas engine.

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PLUS $500 HOLIDAY BONUS ON CRUZE AND EQUINOX ††

MONTHS^

TOTAL CASH CREDIT ON SELECT MODELS ON SILVERADO 2500HD/3500HD†

2500HD HIGH COUNTRY SHOWN