On December 3 the Wainwright Dance Academy, alumni, and guest artists from across Canada and the Ukraine performed its 9th annual performance of the Nutcracker.
This traditional Christmas balletThe Nutcracker was originally produced in 1892 and has been delighting audi ences worldwide since 1982, and in
Vermilion since 2013.
When Kinley, the star of this season’s performance was asked what came to mind when the Nutcracker is mentioned she replied, “Magic, Christmas, Happi ness.”
The first time Kinley saw The Nutcracker she was 7 years old. The following year she made her Nutcracker debut as a gingerbread child. When asked she knew she wanted to play the
iconic role of Clara she said, “I knew I wanted to be Clara the first time I saw the show!” Clara is one of the most coveted roles for young ballerinas worldwide, and is a dream come true for any dancer.”
Sandy Sundborg has been direct ing the performance since 1990 and was very proud of the dancers who perfomed in an extra showing at 3:30 p.m. as well as the scheduled perfor
mance at 7 p.m.
Attendees were very pleased with the performance and commented that it was a well-produced show.
It is a Christmas tradition for me to come to the show each year. I have always enjoyed it and look forward to it every year,” commented one attendee.
Another said it was her first time seeing the show and that it will proba bly become an every-year thing for her.
The Community Cantata Choir hosted their second performance of ‘Lead Me Back To Bethlehem’ at the First United Church in Vermilion on December 4.
Approximately 20 voices from all walks of life came together on stage to share the choir experience. Recognizable songs of the season brought much joy to the audi ence and had an inspirational way of sending them home wrapped in peace.
Following the Cantata they sang a few extra songs they had learned through out the year and director, Bernie Huede pohl said over the years he is surprised to see the number of songs that incorpo
Submitted
St. Saviour’s Anglican Church held its third annual garage sale this fall in which the proceeds were shared between the Vermilion Elementary and St. Jerome’s School’s hot lunch programs. Thanks to the generosity and phenomenal support of our community over $2800 was raised.
Pictured from St. Saviour’s are Rita Barr and The Venerable Rachael Parker presenting a cheque to Kirsten Burns, fundraising coordinator for the Vermilion Elementary School Hot Lunch Society.
Pictured from St. Jerome’s School is Allan
rate ‘Silent Night’ and they found another this year. One member told him ‘Angels Watching Over Me’ was the only reason she came.
“It’s just a beautiful piece of music. There is so much good Christmas music out there and it’s such a pleasure to sing together,” said Huedepohl. “Every year I have to find something challenging for the choir. This year we sang ‘Comfort and Joy’ in a madrigal style (styled after music written in the 1300’s). It was fun to learn.
Thank you for coming.”
The group received a standing ovation and they will be hosting their final perfor mance of the year at the United Church on December 11 at 7 p.m.
Chase, Principal, receiving a cheque from The Venerable Rachael Parker.
This occasion also marked the oppor tunity for The Venerable Rachael Parker to meet and speak to the school’s repre sentatives on the importance and need of their hot lunch programs which continue to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of children living in our community. With the rising cost of food and living expenses,many families are struggling to make ends meet, so these programs are needed more than ever.
St. Saviour’s officially welcomed Rever end Rachael as our Rector during our Thanksgiving Service in October. This marked a new venture of shared minis try, worship, study, friendship and fellow ship between St. Saviour’s in Vermilion, St. Mary’s in Edgerton and St. Thomas in Wainwright. Also included is the Church of the Nativity, Frog Lake. Dayspring Ministries was born. As Reverend Rachael has expressed, we have been invited to do a new thing. God is asking
us to move beyond being “Anglican” and out into the world as Christians who have hearts of love to share with the world and our Communities. This garage sale is one such opportunity for fellowship and sharing and we look forward to continuing many more.
St. Saviour’s Anglican weekly Sunday
morning worship begins at 10:30 am, followed by refreshments and fellowship. All are welcome.
Since November 13 the Vermilion Bargain Shop has been collecting toys and donations to be donated to the Vermilion Lions Club Santas Anony mous program and on December 3 they held their Fill the Sleigh Toy Drive event.
“This fundraiser is an annual event for the Bargain Shop and it is some thing as a business we are very proud of. Everyone sometimes needs that little helping hand,” commented Bargain Shop Manager Cori deWolde. deWolde also went on to say that on Saturday Mrs. Claus was on site and that she had the help of elves from the Lions Club to help out which she really appreciated.
“We had some volunteers from the
Lions Club come down to help out and they also collected $130 to go towards the program, and they seemed to enjoy chatting with patrons and telling them about the program,” said deWolde.
The goal for this year was to collect $4500 in toys and donations and deWolde said they have come very close to reaching that goal.
“We are just $200 short of our goal, but we still have a couple of days to hopefully reach it, it has been a very successful campaign and I am so appreciative to all the management and staff of the store who have worked very hard to help promote it and collect items for it. I would also like to thank all the community members who have supported us during the past three weeks or so. It has been wonderful to see all the generosity that Vermilion
has, thank you,” said deWolde.
During the Fill The Sleigh event the Bargain Shop had a Christmas gift basket draw worth $75 and it was won
by Morgan Richards.
The toys, items and donations will be delivered in the next couple of days to the Lions Club.
Are you looking to help spread a little cheer this year? if so, The Vermilion Quilt Guild is holding a Christmas Pillowcase Project designed to help bring cheer and enjoyment to others this holiday season.
The Quilt Guild members have sewn 180 beautiful pillowcases to be distrib uted to residents residing in the Vermilion Long Term Care, Supportive Housing, the Lodge and Focus Vermilion.
The members of the Guild are hoping to raise $25 per pillowcase for a total of $4500 so they can fill the cases with essential everyday items such as unscented lotion, shampoo, deodor ant, denture cleaner and brush, and nail trimmers as well as a special Christmas related item and a pair of bed socks. FOCUS Vermilion would like to receive
Christmas Crackers in their pillow cases as a special Christmas item.
“Long’s Value Drug Mart has sourced most of the products that we will need and if you would like to donate to this Christ mas project you can make cheques out to the Guild or to me, or you can put money on account at Long’s Value Drug Mart at the front check out (it can be cash, debit or credit) or you can etransfer to vermil ionquiltersguild@gmail.com (no password necessary, auto deposit) or you can make a donation to any of the guild members,” explained Project manager Barb Knauft.
The pillowcases will be assembled on December 17th and the Sheriff’s will be delivering the pillowcases the week before Christmas so if you would like to participate in this special project please bring your monetary donations to Long’s or a Guild member as soon as possible.
website.
New Phone System: The County has implemented a new phone system to better serve the public. To help make the rate payer experience a bit more efficient, the options available are also listed on our website and list the main topics covered by the staff you will be directed to. This new phone tree system is intended to ensure calls coming into the County Office are directed in a timely, efficient manner and calls are transferred to the correct individual without delay.
PROTECTIVE SERVICES: Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment: If you are interested in volunteering with one of our stations (Blackfoot, Clandonald, Dewberry, Islay, Kitscoty, Marwayne or Paradise Valley), please contact the County at fire@county24.com.
Changes to Boundaries of the East Catholic School Division: The boundaries for the East Catholic School Division have changed for the 2023 tax year. Any property within the Catholic School Division boundaries may have its education tax dollars to be directed to either the public or separate school jurisdictions. The County has mailed property owners within the new boundaries a School Support Declaration form. If you own property within the area prescribed in the Ministerial Order (please visit our website for map) and haven’t received a School Support Declaration form, please contact the Tax Department. PUBLIC WORKS: Snow Plow Flags: are available for purchase at the County office. Stop by today to sign an agreement for the 2022/2023 season. If you have a red or green flag from last year, place it at the end of your driveway and the grader operator will pick it up. Heavy Vehicle Permits: All heavy vehicle permits will expire on December 31, 2022. Please contact our Public Works Team to renew your permit for 2023 at 780.846.3309. All vehicles registered for 22,500kg and over require a permit to travel on County roads as per the Traffic Bylaw (Bylaw 14 04).
Brr… Cold winter days are the perfect time to turn on the oven and do some baking. Last year I had the wonderful opportunity to spend several days in the Banff Springs Hotel and I got to see the gingerbread castle that was on display, it was probably 12 feet in the front by 4 feet deep, and approxi mately 4 and a half feet high, placed up on a 3-foot-high platform. While most of us will not build a gingerbread house that grand, its fun to design one, bake it, assemble it and then decorate it. I use the carboard from a cereal box to make the pattern, and then check the fit with some tape, before cutting it out in gingerbread
dough.
Gingerbread House and Cookies
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 egg
4 Tablespoons cooking molasses
Pinch of salt
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
Mix together the sugar, butter, egg and molasses. Add the dry ingredients and then mix. Shape into small balls about the size of a walnut. Roll the balls in white sugar. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Flatten the balls a bit with a fork. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. This is a moist and chewy soft centered ginger cookie. For a harder gingersnap or gingerbread men bake up to 15 minutes. This recipe
can also be used to make a gingerbread house. If you are making a gingerbread house or gingerbread men, roll the dough out on a floured surface. If you are build ing a gingerbread mansion then you may want to double the recipe. Make a pattern for your house out of light cardboard, such as a cereal box, and cut around it with a knife on the dough. Be sure to cut out your doors and windows before you bake the pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, depending on your oven. To “glue” the house together you will want to use the Royal Icing recipe.
3
About 1 pound bag of powdered icing sugar
Beat the egg whites until frothy and then slowly add the icing sugar until it is a thick consistency. Using an icing bag
When gale force winds wind them selves around the granaries, and temperatures dip below what any sensible person would go out in, more and more people think of escaping to the south. And there are so many possible destinations. In the past, such a pursuit was something only the prosperous could afford and these afflu ent people enjoyed the privilege of being a seasonal resident. Still, this isn’t a new phenomenon. During the Victorian era,
north as they journeyed toward the Medi terranean where the climate was milder.
Of course, owning or renting a home in a warm climate is only one way to escape frigid temperatures. Almost everyone you talk to these days has been somewhere tropical. The allure of an all-inclusive vacation creates a compel ling reason to make exit plans forthwith. Sadly, I’ve never gone anywhere warm during the winter. Unless making a trip to the sofa with an electric heater and a blanket would count? No? I didn’t think so.
Along this line of thought, I often indulge myself in a little pipe dream –fade to black. As the curtain rises I see myself basking in the bright sunshine
dwelling, nothing too ostentatious, you understand. Just a simple six bedroom home facing the Cote d’Azur. As I gaze over the gently lapping waves of the Mediterranean, a small, almost scornful smile lights my face, and several ques tions are pondered. Is there a snowdrift in sight? Frost in the air? Ice underfoot?
“NO!” I cry with a joyous fist pump, accidently dropping the keys to my red Porsche into the infinity pool.
Usually at this point a humble pot of potatoes boils over on the stove, or the cat claws my leg wanting kibble, and I’m jolted back to reality. Sigh.
In any case, I’ve taken certain steps to be ready on the off chance this is my true destiny. Spending the last number of years learning to speak French with the help of a couple of online courses, I now feel equipped to handle any situa
will make it easier to apply the icing to the house joints, but you can also use a knife to apply the icing to the cookie house pieces. If a piece breaks or cracks you can repair it with this icing. Royal Icing dries hard, so cover the icing in the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out too quickly while you are working on the house. You can also use this icing to make a log cabin with pretzels.
I have used Shreddies for shingles, glued on with royal icing, and then sprin kled with powdered icing sugar for snow. You can also use the royal icing to have icicles hanging from the house. Use soup cans to hold the walls and roof in place while the icing hardens. Stick on the candy of your choice with the royal icing. When decorating gingerbread men, you can use royal icing or buttercream icing.
tion that may surface whilst living abroad. It’s hard to envision when I might need to say, “A lion is among the crowd” or “This white hat does not suit my grandmother,” but if, while in France, circumstances require me to warn the masses of a zoo escape led by a group of attacking lions, or my grandmother is found alive and poorly dressed in a women’s accessory shop—I’ve got it covered.
With all of this in mind, I congratulate those of you fortunate enough to jet off through the snowstorm and land else where in a greener pasture far, far away. Enjoy your moments of pleasure under the radiant sun in some exotic land while the rest of us poor slobs grimly advance into another glacial morning, yanking open the squealing doors of our vehicles to huddle miserably inside.
We’ll be fine – enjoy yourselves.
To avoid any property tax penalty, please remember to pay your 202 property tax on/before December 31, 202 Any remaining tax balance after this day will be subject to 8% penalty effective January 1, 202 , except those property owners that have signed up for the Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plan. An additional 4% penalty will be assessed on balances that remain outstanding effective March 1, 202
Payments must be received by Town of Vermilion prior to penalty date to avoid penalties.
Your only local independent newspaper. Proudly serving Vermilion and area since 2004.
Gove nment of Canada
the publisher.
It had been almost 20 years since Vermilion had been represented by the premier of Alberta himself, Arthur Sifton.
While Sifton was no longer premier, in fact, he was long dead, that didn’t mean Vermilion wasn’t still on the radar of the premier.
Vermilion is unique because it has been represented by not one, not two, but three premiers in its history.
While Arthur Sifton was the first from
1910 to 1917, and Ed Stelmach was the most recent, from 2006 to 2011, there was one person in the middle. Also, as a side note, I believe Vermilion is the only place to have been represented by three different premiers.
This time, the premier was Richard Gavin Reid, who served as premier from July 10, 1934 to Sept. 3, 1935.
On Oct. 11, 1934, only a few months after he became premier, Reid visited Vermilion.
Joined by Minister of Agriculture F.S. Grisdale, the two men attended a supper that was served by the women from the Anglican Church. Mayor
Fallow welcomed them to the town, and W.J. Elliott, the principal of the school of agriculture, expressed his appreciation for the premier and Gris dale for their work.
The premier spoke only briefly and stated that he was impressed with the improvements in conditions in the province during The Great Depres sion. He also referenced the work being done in reforestation in the area.
Grisdale spoke regarding the excel lent results of the agricultural school and stressed the need for unified action in the agricultural activities of
the province which he felt was lacking co-operation in various branches of the industry.
After speaking and enjoying their dinner, which was sponsored by the Vermilion Board of Trade, the two men went back to Edmonton.
Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx. com
Support Craig by donating at https:// www.buymeacoffee.com/craigU
Listen to his podcasts Canadian History Ehx, Canada’s Great War, From John to Justin, Pucks and Cups and Canada: A Yearly Journey on all podcast platforms.
The world’s second largest digital asset exchange has recently filed for bank ruptcy after informa tion about the compa ny’s gross mismanagement of user funds was made public. FTX was a company that offered a platform for users to exchange Bitcoin and other digital assets with one another.
FTX acted more like a bank than an exchange, lending out user deposited funds or making their own trades with them. This model can work when it comes to stable currencies like USD and CAD, but when it comes to the highly volatile markets such as with cryptocur rencies it is very easy for these exchanges to quickly become undercollateralized. In FTX’s case they lost nearly all of the 32 billion in user funds according to the bankruptcy filing.
Where FTX truly went wrong though was with its owner’s blatantly criminal activity in the lack of regulation for crypto related assets and exchanges. Sam Bankman-Fried or “Sam
December 10, 2008
A loving brother, true and kind. No friend on earth like him we’ll find. For all of us he did his best and God gave him eternal rest. In out hearts his memory lingers, sweet, tender, fond and true. There is not a day dear brother we do not think of you. There is a link death cannot sever, love and remembrance last forever.
Brian you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Rod(Ruby), Alan and Anne(Bob)
Bankman-Fraud” as he’s now called, was solely responsible for appointing his incom petent group of friends to the highest posi tions of power in the company, and as of what was released in the bankruptcy filing it turns out that FTX didn’t even have an accountant. Sam was the only person keeping track of the companies financials and he would frequently lose track of what they had.
The FTX case becomes fraudulent only when looking at FTX’s sister company; Alam eda Research. This company focussed on day trading different low quality crypto curren cies with leverage, and to do something called yield farming, which essentially means join ing pyramid scheme scams. This Alameda company was not publicly traded and did not technically have users, but it was used as a way for Sam and his friends to cash out large sums of money, much of which came directly from loans given to Alameda from FTX using what should have been user deposited funds.
The thing that put the final nail in the coffin for FTX was users flocking to remove funds when they learned that there wasn’t enough money to pay everyone back which caused
December 10, 2008
‘‘SPECIAL UNCLE’’
His life was earnest, his actions kind, a generous hand, an active mind, anxious to please, loath to offend. A loving Uncle and a dear friend. When an Uncle becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. We miss you Uncle Brian. Lori(Leonard), Alysha(Darren), Darcie(Adam), Shauna, Breanne(Brent), Joel(Jen) and Mark
a ‘bank run’. However the effects of this were astronomically higher than what could have been if it wasn’t for FTX’s last critical mistake; FTT (FTX Token). FTT was essentially FTX’s way of releasing shares of the company, but in a way that allowed them to circumvent any regulation that would be in place if it had been a stock. They released FTT as a cryptocur rency and sold it as a way to generate some extra money from users. This, while being kind of a scam, wouldn’t have killed the company on its own, it was the short sighted move to continually buy up their own FTT token from the market, representing more than 1 billion dollars of user funds that caused the real prob lem. Typically when a company is rumored to be going bankrupt the sell price of the shares in that company will quite dramatical lydecrease in value. They should have real ized that this would happen here, FTT token was sitting at 25 dollars just the day before the rumors of bankruptcy started, and just the next morning it had dropped to just 1 dollar. This is a drop from 1 Billion to just 45 million in a few hours and this absolutely killed any hopes of gathering enough investor money to save the
company.
Join us at the First United Church
December 4th at 2pm
Admission - Donation of food or cash to Hearts and Hands
December 11th at 7pm
Admission – Donation of food or cash to Vermilion Food Bank
COUNTY OF MINBURN NO. 27
2023
The County of Minburn No. 27 is accepting submissions from contractors for its 2023 Approved Contractors Listing. The intent of this program is to provide the County with a prequalified listing of equipment contractors that can be called periodically to work on smaller road construction projects, to participate in the annual spot gravel program, hauling heavy equipment, maintaining road and utility infrastructure as well as providing assistance in the event of a local emergency.
A complete registration package must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “2023 Approved Contractors Listing” and include the following:
• a completed registration package including initialed terms and conditions, the unit price schedule, and operating locations identified
• proof of at least $2,000,000 of comprehensive general liability an auto/equipment liability insurance
• proof of WCB coverage
• a completed Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Form
• any other pertinent information that may enhance value
• Proof of being able to follow OH&S safety requirements.
Registration Packages are available at the Operations Department, 4105 51 Avenue, Vegreville, Alberta, or on our website: www.minburncounty.ab.ca.
Please contact Brianna Burke with any questions at 780-632-2082 ext. 3 or via email at bburke@minburncounty.ab.ca
Vermilion Elementary School held its Canley Cup Tournament on Decem ber 1.
The first Canley Cup where students faced off against the teachers was
held in 2003 and since its inception, they have added cans (rings) to the cup.
During the game, Teddy Bears were tossed after the first goal the students succeeded in making. The idea of the Teddy Bear toss originated in
2012 by Geoff Faull and his grade six class. The Teddy Bear/stuffies will be donated to the local Santa’s Anony mous to be distributed to families in need.
Throughout the game, the teach
ers didn’t take pity on the little grade six students and played hard to beat them. Unfortunately for the teachers, the students beat them with a final score of 5-4 in a shoot-out. The event collected 104 stuffies.
After the November cold spell, the snow fell and then we were given the gift of warm weather for the fantas tic 2022 Christmas parade. Now it is the countdown to Christmas, but not everyone is excited. There are still people who will not benefit from all the extra support available because they are unaware that they may
qualify, or because of the inability to reach out for themselves. Some are single and often low income away from family and friends. They may not have a phone, or a means of transport, or they may have missed the cutoff date for help. Anyone can recommend someone in this situa tion to us, but they must live within our service area. The Hearts and
Hands phone is checked daily for messages if not answered immedi ately, and we are available to assist with a holiday food hamper. We can also provide smaller amounts for those unable to access the food bank to pick up or due to hours of opera tion. We consider ourselves a crisis service and not a food bank, nor will we replace the food bank. Our
number is 780-581-0521 (no text or email ) In 2021, we distributed 22 holiday hampers.
Our FREE WINTER WEAR SERVICE held in the base ment of Christina’s Home Furnish ings from NOON to 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday – Friday) will close for the season on DECEMBER 9th. Winter wear may still be available by appointment after that date by phon ing our number. It has been a very successful year for shoppers and donations of goods.
Helpful Hint for December: If you run out of freezer room, food can be stored in mouse proof covered containers outside once the temper ature is at least -10.
Lorna Hamilton Reporter
This is the season when donations seem to increase and it is doing just that here in Vermilion. This time it was the Vermilion Food Bank that felt the warmth of the Christmas season.
On November 26 the Vermilion Ridge Riders held their annual Snow mobile Expo, and with that attend ees were asked to donate an item of food and pay a small admission to the show, and in typical Vermilion style the residents and visitors to the area stood up to plate allowing the organi zation to donate $500 and large boxes of food.
“We are so appreciative to all those who attended the event and brought food items and made donations. Each
year we donate to the Food Bank as it is an important service to the commu nity and we couldn’t do it without the support of the community and attend ees,” said President of the Vermilion Ridge Riders Warren Young.
Vermilion Food Bank volunteer Anne Lorenson noted that the Food Bank is always accepting donations and that over the past couple of months the amount of people visiting the Food Bank has increased.
“The Vermilion Food Bank is so grateful for this donation from the Vermilion Ridge Riders. We are always looking for donations as the service is needed in the community and it is our goal to help as many people as needed especially during these cold winter months,” said Lorenson.
For 26 years the Moses’ has shared their Christmas dinner with the community.
Back in 1996, Lynda Moses’ husband Ron invited people to join them at the Legion Hall for a free turkey meal, and with that the tradition of the Ron Moses Community Christmas Dinner was born and has continued ever since.
In 2005 Lynda’s husband Ron passed away and she wasn’t sure if she would continue to do the dinner, as her husband had said it would be the last one, but members of the Rotary club reached out to Lynda and offered a helping hand if she would organize it and with that wonderful show of kindness and caring the supper continued. It hasn’t been an easy road to
provide the dinner each year as was in 2020 when the pandemic hit, everyone was affected, and even the possibility of the dinner being cancelled was touched by it, but when a local caterer offered the helping hand of cooking in her kitchen the dinner was saved, and 129 meals were delivered to people in Innisfree, Minburn, Mannville, Islay, Clandonald, Dewberry, Elk Point as well as Vermilion. In 2021 Lynda once again served the famous Christmas dinner by delivery only.
This year Lynda is once again offer ing the Ron Moses Community Christ mas Dinner by delivery only on Decem ber 25th and if you would like to receive a meal you can contact Lynda at 780-8531818 by December 20th to be put on the list. Volunteers are always welcome.
A Christmas Evening Market was held just north of Dewberry on November 25. Visitors enjoyed fresh donuts, and hot drinks made by Trestle Coffee. Others stayed for a meal including chili soup, cornbread, maple butter, and home made pie.
Overall, approximately 13 local arti sans filled the old church building with an assortment of handcrafted items. Some were edible like sourdough and other baked treats. Others were gift
items such as cookware, seasonal floral arrangements, handmade and vintage clothing, candles, artwork, wooden chil dren’s toys, leather work, 3D printing, etc.
The group had only about 4-5 weeks to pull everything together and one of the organizers, Hailey Toews has been sewing and crafting for approxi mately five years and said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a yearly thing. Thanks to the community for showing up; we couldn’t do it without the custom ers.”
Donations can still be made to Santas Anonymous – the muchloved community giving program that
supplies Christmas goods to families in need (this year’s recipients have already been selected). The Vermilion Lions Club has hosted the event for approximately 30 years and another
organization looked after it previously.
The Vermilion transfer site will close at 2:00 PM on both Saturday December 24, 2022, and Saturday December 31, 2022.
The Vermilion transfer site will be closed on Boxing Day— Monday, December 26, 2022.
All other transfer sites in the region will close at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 24, and Saturday, December 31, 2022.
Normal operating hours for all transfer sites will resume beginning Monday, January 2, 2023.
The Vermilion River Regional Waste Management Services Commission would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Monetary donations can be made year round, but for toys and gift cards the cutoff is December 13th as they will be gathered up for delivery on December 17. Deliveries will not just include Vermilion, but Mannville, Minburn, Islay, and Clandonald as well.
White boxes are located at several local businesses for cash donations and others are placed for new toy donations. They ask that toys be left unwrapped, but if you wish you can donate wrapping paper. The deadline for requested tax receipts is Decem ber 20.
The program helps spread Christ mas joy and Lions member Cliff Rolheiser said, “For those in need it’s important because they will get a bit of help which I’m sure they will appre ciate, and for those giving it might give you a good feeling (they used to say you receive more in giving).”
The program no longer creates food baskets but delivers gift cards or certificates to grocery stores instead.
Head Elf, Delores Coates-Ling ley said, “This way they have more control over what they serve at their table and it avoids allergies, etc. Gift certificates or cards are also easier to carry than all those boxes.”
She noted that Lego seems to be popular this year, and asked people to “please remember the teenag ers” as they are an age group they are usually short on. Coates-Lingley has been volunteering for the project approximately 27 years and said, ”It’s when you need it the most, and it’s Christmas; it’s been a rough couple of years, so it will be nice that families can get together again and that the program will be running again much the way it used to. There have been a lot of changes over the years on how the program is done, but I think it’s so worthwhile. Sometimes people just run into a tough spot in their lives, and we have such an amazing community - blessing us so we can bless others.”
For more information you can contact Barry at 780-853-1188 or Cliff at 780-853-4240.
Walking Through Grief Society
Submitted
“Helping Yourself Heal During The Holi day Season”
Exerts lovingly lifted from Dr. Alan Wolfelt Ph.D.( Center for Loss and Life Transitions)
LOVE DOES NOT END WITH DEATH – Since love does not end with death, holi days may result in a renewed sense of personal grief-a feeling of loss unlike that experienced in the routine of daily living. There are no simple guidelines but we hope the following suggestions will help you better cope with your grief during this pain ful time of year.
TALK ABOUT YOUR GRIEF - Express your feelings of grief. Ignoring the feelings won’t make the pain go away. Find caring friends and relatives who will listen–without judgement, helping you feel better.
BE TOLERANT OF YOUR PHYSICAL AD PSYCHOLOGICAL LIMITS - Grief loss may leave you feeling fatigued and the low
energy level slows you down. Respect what your body and mind are telling you. Lower your expectations about being at your peak during the holiday season.
ELIMINATE UNNCESSARY STRESS - Avoid isolating but make sure you have some time for yourself. Keeping busy won’t distract you from your grief, but may increase your stress.
BE WITH SUPPORTIVE COMFORT ING PEOPLE - Find supportive people who encourage you to be yourself and accept your feelings, both happy and sad.
TALK ABOUT THE PERSON WHO HAS DIED -Include the person’s name in holiday conversation. remember that special person who was an important part of your life. Others will likely be more open to acknowl edging the loved one’s name if you do.
DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU DURING THE HOLIDAYS-Instead of going along with other’s plans, focus on what you want too. Discuss your wishes with caring
trusted family or friends. Clarify what you want and need during the holiday.
PLAN AHEAD FOR FAMILY GATH ERINGS-Decide what family traditions you want to continue and what you would like to begin new. Structure holiday time-have a plan, don’t exhaust yourself mentally or physically. Getting caught off guard can create feelings of panic, fear and anxi ety when your feelings of grief are already heightened. Be sure in your structure you leave room for change if needed.
EMBRACE YOUR TREASURE OF MEMORIES-Memories are the best lega cies that exist after the death of someone loved. Holidays make you think of the past. Don’t ignore the memories but share them with family and friends. Remember memo ries will be tinged with happy and sad RENEW YOUR RESOURCES FOR LIVING-Pause to think of the meaning and purpose of your life. The loss creates oppor tunities to take inventory of life –past, pres
ent and future. Take time to use this time to define the positive things in your life that surround you.
EXPRESS YOUR FAITH -During the holidays you may find a renewed sense of faith or discover a new set of beliefs. Asso ciate and talk with people who respect your need to talk about those beliefs. If faith is important you may want to attend a holi day service. As you approach the holiday remember grief is both a necessity and a privilege. It comes as a result of giving and receiving love. Don’t let anyone take your grief away. Love yourself. Be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to be surrounded by loving, caring people.
Our hope at Walking Through Grief Soci ety is that these thoughts will take away the dreads and that you may honour your loved one in the holiday season with thoughts, feelings and actions.
Walking Through Grief Society 780-8462576.
Mouly Reporter
Regina, Saskatchewan, November 29, 2022 Strong demand for farm equipment is expected to continue in 2023, as the market weathers rising interest rates and a weakening Canadian dollar, according to Farm Credit Canada ’s (FCC) farm equip ment market outlook.
“Producers will benefit from stra tegic planning as inventory levels for farm equipment remain below pre-pandemic levels, something we expect could continue through 2024.” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist, noting tractor inventory levels are down 42 per cent and combines are down 47 per cent from the five-year average. “This equip ment demand is supported by strong farm cash receipts, while inventory is hampered by the supply chain disruptions we saw over the past two years.”
The used equipment market has seen increased demand because of the pandemic-related shutdowns. With limited availability of new equip ment and parts, producers were adapting by having additional used equipment available for parts if needed.
Equipment manufacturers are expected to increase production of new equipment due to the chang ing economic environment providing the opportunity for inflationary pres sures in the used equipment market to moderate.
As for new equipment, the Cana dian dollar has a direct impact on equipment prices.
“Most new tractors and combines sold in Canada are manufactured south of the border, so an expected depreciation of the loonie through 2023 should lead to price increases on farm machinery,” Gervais explained. “This is also the result of inflationary pressures in the supply chain that occurred in the last half of 2022.”
While the depreciating loonie m akes new tractors and combines more expensive, producers can take some solace in the fact that a depreci ating loonie also has a positive effect on farm commodities destined for export.
Strong commodity prices will continue to support the demand for farm equipment, offsetting the impact of higher interest rates and a lower Canadian dollar. The used equipment market is expected to stay robust for most of 2023 and into 2024.
Farm equipment sales for 2023 are projected higher for high horsepowered (HP) tractors, combines, and implement sales driven by strong crop receipts:
100+ HP tractor sales to rise 8.7 per cent 4WD tractor sales to rise 13.9 per
cent
Combine sales to rise 19.3 per cent
Canadian agricultural implement manufacturing to rise 32.2 per cent
However, small HP tractor sales, which are largely driven by the health of the Canadian economy, are expected to slow in 2023:
Less than 40 HP tractor sales to decline 0.4 per cent 40 – 100 HP tractor sales to rise 0.4 per cent
By sharing economic knowledge and forecasts, FCC provides solid insights and expertise to help those in the business of agriculture and food achieve their goals. For more economic insights and analysis on
the top trends to watch for in Cana da’s agriculture and food industry in 2022, visit FCC Economics at fcc.ca/ Economics
FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $44 billion. Our employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and food. We provide flexible financing, AgExpert management software, information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and food industry. As a Crown corporation, we provide an appropriate return to our shareholder, and reinvest our profits back into the industry and communities we serve. For more information, visit fcc.ca
DARE
Friday,
Karen King
Submitted
VES had their November assembly on December 1. We started with the singing of O Canada. The land acknowledgement and the Seven Grandfather Teaching of respect were announced by Grade 6 students. The Canley Cup, Creative Kids and Leadership Club were introduced. VES would like to thank Fat Cat for being in attendance to help support and encourage our AR goals. We would also like to thank the TNT singing group of Doreen Ford, Judy Walsh, Barb Wilhelm, Rex Cunningham and Ms. King for performing a few Christmas songs during the assembly and leading the students in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
VES students have accrued 4338.2 points so far this school year. 1184.4 points were earned in the month of November. 2169 books and 5,164,456 words were read in November. The Grade 2-3 highest point earner
for November was Theo Visser (3A) with 21.1 points. In Division 2, the highest point earner was Josiah Williams (5B) with 56 points.
At noon on December 1, the Canley Cup All Stars kids’ team made up of Karsen Cadrain, Sawyer Cochrane, Kohen Croke, Taylyn Eyben, Kalen Garnett and Taylor Maxwell, went up against the staff Dream Team in floor hockey. The All Stars won in a shootout! Congratulations to all students who partook in floor hockey this year. We also had our teddy bear toss after the first student goal. In total, VES collected 104 teddy bears/stuffies for Santa’s Anonymous. Way to go, kids.
Dates to Remember: Dec 21 – Kindergar ten and Grade 1-2 Christmas Concert at 7:00 at Lakeland College Theatre; Dec 22 – Grades 3-6 Christmas Concert at 7:00 at Lakeland College Theatre; Dec 23 – Pajama Day; Dec 23-Jan 8 – Christmas Break; Jan 9 – School Resumes; Jan 9 – Dress to Impress or Career Wear Christmas Sweaters - Grade 3 and 4. Photos submitted
Emcon Services is currently seeking Seasonal snow plow operators for the Dewberry and Vermilion areas.
Job Duties may include but are not limited to:
Road patrols, snow plowing, sign, pothole and guardrail repairs
Ability to work extended hours and weekend and respond 24 hours when required
Applicants must have minimum Class 3 driver’s license Emcon Services Inc offers competitive wages and maintains a substance abuse policy.
Please email resume to:
wmears@emconservices.ca www.emconservices.ca
Submitted
November is always a month of hard work and quiet preparation at our school. There are many things to do to get ready, for Christmas will be here before we know it. But, the most important thing we prepare at this time of year is our hearts, as we wait for Jesus. Last Sunday marked the first day of Advent, and our school has been celebrating this special time with a tradition that started many years ago. The tradition of handmaking Advent calendars for each elementary class was started by Mrs. Martin and Mrs. McCormack, both of whom retired at the end of last year. Now, they have passed the torch to Miss. Heinrich and Mrs. Reidel and their grade 3 classes. These teachers and students worked hard learning all about Advent, so that they could explain this important tradition to every one at the Happigram celebration on Novem ber 30th. Grade 3 students decorated the
gathering area with the beautiful calendars they created and performed not one, but two candle songs all about the tradition of the Advent wreath and what the candles symbol ize. They sang their hearts out beautifully and it was a very special ceremony to witness. Following their performance, the elementary teachers handed out Happigram awards to many deserving STJ students. There was also a whisper of excitement that ran through the crowd, when Mr. Chase reminded everyone that our Annual Christmas Concert is back on and in-person again this year at the Lakeland College Alumni Theatre on December 15 at 7 pm. Our students have been busy practic ing and rehearsing for this since the day after Halloween! We can’t wait to put on a spec tacular show for you, all about the reason for the season…It’s All About That Baby!
Our grade 6 class was fortunate to travel with Mr. Wheat and Mrs. Beaudette to the Alberta Legislature Building last Friday. They
are learning about democracy and politics in social studies and they went all in for the experience. They elected party officials, a Speaker, officers, and students participated in a mock debate in the Legislative Assem bly. Wow, talk about an experience that they will never forget! The students were in awe of the beauty of the building itself, with all the marble throughout and interesting architectural design features. Thank you again, to Mr. Wheat and Mrs. Beaudette, for making this such a special opportunity for our students. It is amazing what dedicated teach ers can do for the growth and devel opment of our future voters!
November 30th was also Mous tache Day at STJ to raise aware ness for “Movember” and men’s health initiatives. It is always fun to pretend to have amazing facial hair. In Ms. Svenungard’s grade one
class, it was all ladies wearing “staches.” A serious giggle fest that ensued, with all these girls trying to make facial hair work for them! Thank you to our high school student coun cil for organizing this day for students & staff to bring awareness and start conversations about how we can help men to live happier, healthier, longer lives.
