By Lori Larsen

With the rising costs of living comes an increase in the amount of people in our community struggling to make ends meet and often not knowing where to turn, which is exactly why members of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge Camrose Bonnie Cooke and Holly McIndoe decided to reach out a helping hand.

The two were brainstorming one day about what they could do to help those in need in our community, specifically those struggling with food security. The thought of children, students, seniors, homeless, or anyone in our community for that matter, going without food was too much for them to think about and so the two set the wheels in motion.

“We came up with the idea of offering anyone in our community the opportunity to come out and enjoy a free, nutritious spaghetti supper,” explained Bonnie. “Our vision is to be able to serve this spaghetti supper every Wednesday, starting with the first one on August 31.”

Realizing that it would take the assistance of many in the community to make their heartfelt idea come to fruition, Bonnie and Holly started making phone calls and knocking on doors.
Before long, they had the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge Camrose providing the venue, offers of donations of food and/or reduced costs for food, a donation of aprons for volunteers, and $2,300 in cash donations that will be used towards purchasing the necessary items to make the meal.

“In order to bring life to this vision of giving back to our community we not only need the generous donations of our community but volunteers to prepare and serve the supper,” said Holly. “Volunteers who would be willing to come out and give a little of their time and have a lot of fun to bring joy to others in our community who truly may need a little help and some extra caring.”

Beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, volunteers are needed to come to the Moose Lodge (5001-52 Avenue) and help put the ingredients together for the August 31 supper in what can only be described as “a saucy night of fun”.

Bonnie and Holly both agree that this is a win/win/win initiative.

A win for all those in the community who just want to be able to enjoy a nutritious free meal and may need a helping hand up.
A win for the volunteers who will not only have the pleasure of doing good for others, but have fun with other like-minded volunteers.

And a win for our community overall for realizing the best gift of all is the gift of giving.

The supper will be open to anyone wishing to attend with hopes that members of the community can take this time to sit and “break bread”, enjoy the company of others, but mostly take time to appreciate each other and whatever may be happening in each others’ lives.

The first supper is planned for Wednesday, August 31 at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge Camrose located at 5001-52 Avenue with seatings at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.

“This may be the only warm homemade meal that some people may have in their week,” thought Holly. “We want to make a positive impact on our neighbours within our beautiful city.”

For more information on volunteering or donating to the Spaghetti Supper initiative, contact Bonnie Cooke at 780-672-1026 or Holly McIndoe at 780-679-3960.

By Lori Larsen

The Battle River Community Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 grant to the Camrose Women’s Shelter Society to support the Society’s therapy program for outreach clients.

The grant is from income from the Jack and Lily Kirschmann Fund, established to support programs providing services to victims of family violence in the region; and by the Dennis and Doris Ofrim Fund and the Beverly (Pearson) Penner and Don W. Penner Fund, both established to support programs in Camrose. Additional funding came from the Foundation’s Community Funds.

“We can’t thank Battle River Community Foundation enough for this year’s grant. This grant will provide quick access to therapy for clients in the Shelter’s Outreach Program,” explained Camrose Women’s Shelter executive director Nora-Lee Rear, adding that the Outreach Program has been extremely successful.

“We’ve been told that the clients who attend therapy are some of the most dedicated clients these therapists have ever had.”

In summing up the success of the program, Rear quoted one of the program participants. “I like making it on my own, and with all the therapy resources the Women’s Shelter has provided, it really does make me feel like I’m doing it.” The participant added that her son always tells her, “No matter what, Mom, you’re going to figure it out. If anyone is going to figure it out, you will, because you always do.”

The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support organizations like the Camrose Women’s Shelter Society in East Central Alberta, which benefit local communities and have a positive impact on the future.

Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment funds. The principal of these endowment funds are kept intact and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations.
Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $7,900,000 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.

To learn more about the Camrose Women’s Shelter Society, contact Nora-Lee Rear, executive director, at 780-679-4975.

To learn more about the Battle River Community Foundation, contact Dana Andreassen, executive director, at 780-679-0449.

By Lori Larsen

On August 25 from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m., the City of Camrose, Camrose and District Centennial Museum in partnership with the Camrose Kinettes and the Camrose Centennial Museum Society, will be hosting a fundraiser held on Museum grounds, aimed at pleasing a variety of pallets for attendees.

The Taste Night at the Museum event will showcase a variety of local businesses both in food and beverage.

“Camrose Kinettes, a long time Camrose service group who does the Silent Santa project in Camrose each year, are putting together a fun adult event in support of the Camrose Centennial Museum Society,” noted Camrose Kinettes member Chris Shuman. “This is a liquor tasting event, not just wine, but a broad range of beverages with a focus on local.”

Shuman said the aim of the event for attendees, is to highlight some of the  many great local breweries, meaderies, distilleries, cideries and feature treats from local restaurants, all the while raising funds to assist in maintaining the Camrose and District Centennial Museum as a vital part of the community.

The event will take place on the grounds of the museum so guests can enjoy the many artifacts, displays and buildings that make the museum a treasured part of Camrose and its history. Each museum building will feature at least one vendor offering attendees a taste of their products as they meander back in time.

Tickets for the event are available at the Bailey Theatre and a 50/50 raffle will be held by the Bailey at the event.

By Lori Larsen

With the return of the Big Valley Jamboree, Camrose Police Service reports that, for the most part, the festival was enjoyed without any major concerns.

However, as would be expected when that many people are congregated in one area mixing alcohol and good times, there was bound to be some incidents requiring police response.

According to Camrose Police Service Inspector John Corbett, there was a total of 83 reported police occurrences, in comparison to 103 in 2019, the last year BVJ was held prior to COVID cancellations.

Some of these occurrences include: one sexual assault, three assaults, 13 impaired occurrences, and three thefts.

“The remainder of police-reported occurrences included liquor complaints, noise complaints, collisions, general assistance, and one major site eviction of a problem campsite.”

There was a total of 103 violation tickets issued on site during the event compared to 203 in 2019.

“The same number of traffic tickets were issued both years; however, the number of liquor violations issued in 2022 were significantly less than in 2019,” reported Corbett, stating that officers wanted to balance enforcement actions and education for patrons on the site grounds.

Corbett said there was a total of 14 arrests at the 2022 Jamboree site, compared to 29 in 2019.

The arrests included: impaired driving (5); public intoxication (5); breach of undertaking (1); outstanding warrant (1); theft of vehicle (1); and other provincial statute (1).

“Five of the 14 arrested subjects were lodged into cells because the subjects were not able to safely care for themselves,” explained Corbett.

Corbett said that high visibility and a proactive strategy were the main goals of police presence at the event.

“One proactive strategy that had a fairly big impact this year was the deployment of daily Checkstops,” he explained. “A total of 13 drivers were intercepted and taken off the road who were either over the legal limit (‘Fail’ readings), or not quite over the legal limit but should not have been driving (‘Warn’ readings). Overall, there was a 63 per cent increase in Impaired Driving events at this year’s event compared to 2019.”

He noted that all of these drivers were exiting the BVJ site on their way into the City of Camrose during daytime hours, and that officers also observed that once people noticed the police were conducting Checkstops, several motorists turned around and returned to their campsites.

This year, the police on site deployed the use of the Camrose Police Service E-bikes which assisted in providing a more efficient and effective response on the festival grounds.

According to Corbett, the 2022 BVJ did mark a year with notable reductions in police events compared to the 2019 festival:
 

• 19 per cent reduction in reported police occurrences
• 52 per cent reduction in arrests
• 75 per cent reduction in assault complaints
• 73 per cent reduction in theft complaints.

Corbett said that while these trends represent some favourable public safe- ty experiences, there were some factors that may have caused a decrease in police calls, including not having a walk-up police station on site and the Friday evening weather system that shut down main stage and beer garden entertainment.

“Overall, the event was a very positive one, and it was great to see the event return to full operation in our community, and people being able to get out and enjoy it after a long hiatus,” concluded Inspector Corbett.

By Lori Larsen

As the summer begins to wind down and we draw closer to September and school starting again, families with school-aged children are facing the “back to school” supply lists for students recommended by most school divisions.

Sadly, the past few years of dealing with the pandemic and an economic turndown, some families within our communities are struggling just to get by, never mind having to find the funds to purchase school supplies.

Because every child and youth deserves the chance to be as successful as they can in school, Camrose Family Resource Centre (CFRC) and Camrose and District Support Services (CDSS) have partnered with Camrose Staples for the Tools for Schools.

“The program reduces a known barrier preventing children and youth from successful learning and participation in school–access to school supplies,” explained CDSS executive director Lyndel Kasa.

“There are many families who cannot afford the supplies needed for school and this year the need will be greater due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.”

During the month of August and up to September 11, Staples employees will be asking customers at each transaction if they would like to donate to the Tools for Schools. Staples will then provide CDSS and CFRC with vouchers to distribute to families in need that reside within the City of Camrose or Camrose County. The vouchers can then be redeemed for a grade specific pre-filled backpack from Staples.

“Being a part of the Tools for Schools program is a natural fit for us,” said Camrose Family Resource Centre program coordinator Krista Lantz. “Successful learning and participation for children in school leads to a successful family overall.”

Kasa added that when the families come to pick up their voucher, they will be connected with the Camrose Family Resource Centre (CFRC) and CDSS for information, referral and supports.

Camrose and District Support Services reaches individuals and families in the City of Camrose, Camrose County, and the villages of Hay Lakes, Bittern Lake, Edberg, Bawlf and Rosalind, providing preventative social programs and services that help people improve quality of life and enhance capacity to deal with crisis situations should they arise.

The Camrose Family Resource Centre is part of the Camrose and Area Family Resource Network. “We provide consistent, flexible and accessible programs to families with children 0-18 years of age in the City of Camrose, Camrose County, Beaver County and Flagstaff County,” explained Lantz. “These programs include family support, information and referral, parent education, family programs and events, developmental screening and rural support.”

Lantz continued by saying that the aim at CFRC  is to support parents in navigating their parenting journey through connection. “Connection with the staff here at the CFRC, to participate in our programs and services, but also connection with other agencies, families and supportive programs in the community. Families can call our office or come down to our office and access our services.”
Last year, the Tools For Schools program distributed 35 backpacks to families in the Camrose area. This year, with the need being elevated, people are encouraged to give what they can to help students succeed. A bin will also be set up in the Camrose Staples store to collect any donations of school supplies including any unused or unopened supplies you have left from a previous school year.

The backpacks are set up to suit Grade levels and  include a variety of colours and styles to suit individual preferences.

In support of the CDSS and CFRC, the Chase the Ace progressive raffle, sponsoring organization Kinsmen Club of Camrose, has chosen the Tools For Schools as the Draw 29 feature charity. Proceeds from the funds raised during the ticket sales of this draw will be donated to the Tools for Schools program.

“Back to school time is always exciting, especially when you have everything you need for learning,” commented Kasa. “Not everyone has that opportunity. The Tools for Schools can help those unable to afford all the necessary supplies –and keep that excitement alive.”

For more information on Camrose and District Support Services, visit camrosefcss.ca.

For more information on Camrose Family Resource Centre, visit camrosefrc.com.

By Lori Larsen

The Camrose Sea Serpents swim club didn’t take long to get back into a busy year of practices and meets after the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Happy to be back in home water at the renovated Mayer Aquatic Centre, the swimmers’ hard work paid off with lots of successes.
The Camrose club was also delighted to actually be able to host meets in the new facilities including the August 5 to 7 regionals.
For a total of nine swim meets in the season, the club brought home 30 medals–seven gold, 14 silver and nine bronze.

The following are the medal results from the various 2022 swim meets.

Wetaskiwin, May 21: Eight and under: Ben Wosley, bronze; 10 and under: Isaac Wosley, silver; 14 and under: Nolan Verbaas, bronze; 17 and under: Ella Boyd, silver; Ethan Verbaas, silver; and Will Allaway-Brager, gold.

Vermilion, May 28: Seventeen and under: Akari Okada, silver.
Sherwood Park, June 4. Ten and under: Isaac Wolsey, silver.
Lloydminster, June 11: Eight and under: Brady McNabb, silver; 10 and under: Ben Vogel, gold; 12 and under: Hedda Rookmaker, bronze, and Serkan Isik, gold.

Camrose, June 18: Eight and under: Anja Nelson, bronze, and Brady McNabb, silver; 10 and under: Ben Vogel, bronze and Isaac Wolsey, silver; 12 and under: Serkan Isik, bronze; 17 and under: Will Allaway-Brager, silver.

Provost, June 25: Seventeen and under: Will Allaway-Brager, bronze.

Wainwright, July 9: Eight and under: Brady McNabb, silver; 12 and under: Serkan Isik, gold; 17 and under: Akari Okada, silver.
Huma, July 1: Ten and under: Ben Vogel, silver; 12 and under: Serkan Isik, bronze.

Fort Saskatchewan, July 23: Eight and under: Brady McNabb, gold; 10 and under: Ben Vogel, gold; 12 and under: Serkan Isik, silver; 17 and under: Akari Okada, gold; Makenna Marcinkowski, bronze, and Ethan Verbaas, silver.
The regionals were held in Camrose August 5 to 7, and the Sea Serpents pulled out all the stops on home water with a total of 604 points, total medals 93 (31 gold, 23 silver and 39 bronze), garnering them third place. Of the 43 swimmers, 31 qualified for provincials, held in Edmonton on August 12-14.

Regional medal results by swimmer:
 

• William Allaway-Brager (boys 15-17 and 17 and under): five gold and one silver.
• Sophia Beach (girls 15 to 17): one bronze.
• Logan Bergstrom (boys 14 and under): two bronze.
• Ella Boyd (girls 15-17): one bronze.
• Sammy Brager (boys 17 and under): two gold and one silver.
• Ainsley Burnett (girls 15-17 and 18 and over): three gold.
• Seth Dewald (boys 14 and under and mixed 14 and under): two bronze.
• Grayce Flemming (girls 15-17): two gold and one silver.
• Serkan Isik (boys 12 and under and mixed 14 and under): two gold, two silver and two bronze.
• Sevcan Isik (girls 15-17): two bronze.
• Diego Lopez Balcells (mixed 12 and under): one bronze.
• Makenna Marcinkowski (girls 15-17): two gold and three silver.
• Brook McCarroll (mixed 12 and under): one bronze.
• Jacob McCarroll (mixed 12 and under): one bronze.
• Brady McNabb (boys eight and under and 10 and under): one gold, three silver and two bronze.
• Lily Millington (mixed 12 and under): one bronze.
• Akari Okada (girls 15-17): four gold and two silver.
• Colin Rookmaker (mixed 14 and under and boys 14 and under): two bronze.
• Hedda Rookmaker (girls 12 and under and mixed 14 and under): two silver and three bronze.
• Ethan Verbaas (boys 15-17): two gold, three silver and one bronze.
• Nolan Verbaas (boys 15-17 and 14 and under): two gold and two bronze.
• Sage Verbaas (mixed 14 and under): two bronze.
• Ben Vogel (boys 10 and under): one gold, three silver and two bronze.
• Levi Vogel (boys 14 and under): two bronze.
• Kayla Vogel (girls 15-17): two gold, one silver and two bronze.
• Jacob Wolsey (boys 14 and under and 17 and under): one silver and two bronze.
• Isaac Wolsey (boys 10 and under): two gold and three bronze.
• Ben Wolsey (boys 10 and under): one gold and one bronze.
• Olivia Zilinski (girls 15-17): one bronze.

“With 43 swimmers attending the meet, we managed to pursue over 139 personal best times,” remarked coach Jana Gau. “That is a direct result of commitment and effort that all swimmers have displayed over the season.”

Stay tuned for the results of the provincial meet.

For more information on the Camrose Sea Serpents, visit www.teamunify.com/team/abcss/page/home.

By Lori Larsen

We often take for granted our ability to breathe, our ability to sustain life, but for those who suffer from lung diseases or respiratory illness, every breath counts, as does every dollar raised during the Walk to Breathe campaign.

Join others from September 7 to 17 in a virtual 2022 Walk to Breath initiative. Over the past two years, organizer Chris Sadleir from Edmonton has walked over 840 kilometres and raised over $90,000 with the Walk to Breathe campaign. He walked in honour of his father, the recipient of a lung transplant six years ago, who will be celebrating his 73rd birthday on September 17, and in support of Alberta Lung.

Nearly one million Albertans struggle to breathe every day and Chris’ vision is to raise funds for Alberta’s Breathing Space, which will be the first facility of its kind in Canada that will provide a sanctuary for lung transplant patients and their families.

According to Alberta Lung and NWT, Edmonton’s transplant program is ranked second in Canada and sixth in the world for transplant innovation, and 77 per cent of transplant patients live outside Edmonton and surrounding areas.

The estimated cost for a lung transplant family for nine months, including accommodations, meals, hospital parking, gas, laundry, cell phone and medication, is $78,610.50.

The Breathing Space will offer patients and their families a home away from home where they can come, stay and heal.

Funds raised will also help other programs in support of Albertans with lung disease and respiratory ailments.

Unfortunately, Chris has been advised by medical professionals to sit out the walk this year, so he invites all Albertans to join him in the virtual walk in hopes of having 840 participants to help raise the funds.

Anyone interested in participating and helping fellow Albertans get their second wind can register at https://secure3.convio.net/ablung/site/TR?fr_id=1060&pg=entry

For more information on the Breathing Space, visit www.ablung.ca/breathing-space-home-away-home.

By Lori Larsen

Aria Gutmann is a high-spirited little six-year-old whose infectious smile has a way of lighting up a room, not to mention an arena.
By all accounts, the first 27 days of Aria’s life seemed normal. Then, with the onset of her first seizure, Aria’s life, supported and accompanied by her devoted family, mother Andrea, father Garratt, elder sister Alexis and eventually younger sister Addy, veered off on a challenging path.

Eventually, Aria was diagnosed with PACS1, caused by a mutation of one gene, a condition which causes intellectual disability, speech and language difficulties, and distinct facial features.

“For Aria, this included seizures as a baby, kidney issues, and a heart murmur which was repaired,” explained Andrea, adding that the disabilities can range from mild to moderate, and often producing speech is very difficult, “Although Aria’s understanding of language is quite high.”

Through a slew of visits to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, a battering of tests and stay-overs, Aria’s journey began–a journey filled with clinical intervention and what is likely to be lifelong medical support, but also a journey that has proven once again that love has the potential to conquer all.

“Early on, Aria had to have a lot of medications which had to be administered orally, resulting in her having some sensory concerns when it comes to certain triggers such as eating or even going into a parkade or tunnel, which she automatically associates with going to the hospital.

“If she sees blue gloves, she thinks nurse. But the one place where nothing is bad (in the sense of having tolerating clinical procedures) is the hockey rink.

“Every positive memory, social interaction, smiles have occurred at the rink,” smiled Andrea.

“We actually started  billeting Kodiak’s players when our oldest daughter Alexis, who is now 12, was just over two years old, and  Alexis had just started initiation hockey before Aria was born. So we spent a lot of time at the rink.”

However, when Aria   was born and started experiencing seizures, the family decided to forego billeting for that season.

“We were still pretty new to the billeting about three years in. We were also new to the Camrose community.”

But it didn’t take long for the Gutmann family to realize the power of community and the true meaning of family.

“Even when Aria was in the hospital, the Kodiaks players would come out and shovel our driveway. It is such a family.”

They started billeting again the next season, when Aria was just shy of a year old. “Our billet was Slater Strong, who was the biggest kid ever,” laughed Andrea.

The bond between the players and Aria was instant every time. She beamed when she saw them and they didn’t shy away.

“The boys (players) would literally just take her and go. You would think these boys would be scared of a baby, but it only took a few times holding her and the boys would get more confident.

“It didn’t really matter who we billeted, they (players) were just kind of drawn to her,” commented Andrea.

With the atmosphere of the rink playing such an important role, these players are the positive reinforcement Aria needs to continue her growth, while, on the other hand, Aria possesses a sense of calming for these otherwise energetic young men.

“She loves the rink and everyone at the rink knows her. She is always happy when she is there and that is contagious.”

So much so, that even when the players are having a rough go, Andrea says their spirits seem to lift the minute they see Aria, who more often than not will wait for them in the hallway to the dressing room offering fist bumps, high fives, huge smiles and lots of giggles.

“One day during a fist bump, Aria actually said ‘hi’ to the player and he was so excited he had to let me know,” recalled Andrea, adding that speech is the one thing they really work hard on with Aria, so this was monumental for the player.

Outside of the rink in the Gutmann’s home (like many of the gracious billets) is a place where players can just be themselves, a place where they can feel that sense of home that they miss from being away from their own.

“In the course of all this, I also took on the responsibility of organizing the players into the schools,” said Andrea. “So they are always at our house. And it doesn’t matter who the players are, as soon as they are in our house, Aria will come over and scooch in beside them on the couch or hug them.

And despite Andrea trying to warm to the newer players, it comes so natural to Aria that it is happening before anyone can, or would for that matter, say otherwise.

Even with the new player this year and the family being unsure about how he would react to Aria’s unfiltered affection, Andrea said he took to her right away. “He didn’t really have a choice,” laughed Andrea. “Aria just latched onto him kind of like ‘you’re mine now’ and he just embraced it.”

For the players, it is as though Aria were their own little sister, treating her with the same care, love and patience.

“When I watch them, they authentically engage with her,” praised Andrea. “She won’t eat meat regularly, but she will eat meat off the fork of one of the boys. It is so amazing to see them just innately start feeding her at the table.

“We don’t get to spend a lot of time with the boys. But dinner time for us is that loud crazy time after the boys have chased the kids around playing with them, they just have that time.  Then 7 p.m. rolls around, and everyone goes to bed.”

Now that Aria is older, Andrea said she qualifies for Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). “We are always trying to find a way to improve her speech, a way to get her connected in the community with talking.

“We have a lady who does her respite care. She takes Aria a couple days a week. So we asked Boris (Rybalka, Kodiaks general manager) if he would mind if Aria and her respite caregiver came to the rink and watch practices. He was immediately on board.”

Andrea said Aria helps with water bottles, if appropriate, but always has her iPad there practicing speech. “If you want to bring the best out of children, you play to their strengths,” she smiled. “I will always check in to make sure it is okay to bring her out.”

However, it never seems to be an issue. The players go above and beyond to make this sweet little girl feel like she is part of the team. “She was given a mini stick that they made out of a regular stick and taped all up so she could use it in sledge hockey. On picture day, Aria happened to be at the rink, so the team insisted she be in the team picture.”

Beyond the tight-knit closeness the Gutmanns have with the Kodiaks organization, they have also developed a strong connection with others in the rink family.

“During COVID, Aria started walking in her walker, so we would take her to the arena where she could do laps and people got to see her, and when COVID shut everything down the last time, people saw she was in a walker,” explained Andrea. “When families were first allowed back in the arena as COVID restrictions started to ease, only a handful of people saw her actually walking without the walker. When we came back this season, there were people who were shocked to see her running.”

The Gutmanns have also been involved with Special Olympics Camrose and Andrea commends the work they do to not only build community within the organization, but inclusivity in the larger community as well.

“Carol Wideman’s son, Preston, would light up when he saw Aria at the hockey rink and come over and high five her. The rink is a hub connection for family.”

Currently, Aria is registered in Camrose Minor Hockey U5, which she began on her sledge, then within a month, was up on skates.

“Whenever they could, Kodiaks players would come out and work with the kids. Those boys do so much for this community from serving breakfasts at the school, where they high five students, to other volunteer work throughout the community. When I have sent them to other schools for volunteering, I have received nothing but positive feedback.”

Andrea says it is a reciprocal relationship, giving of their time to volunteer with organizations such as Special Olympics Camrose and the Kodiaks, has come back tenfold to the family.

“Knowing that the community is there,” she paused, “is so comforting. They showed up for us when we needed them. You get out of it what you put into it.”

The Gutmanns celebrated another milestone for Aria on February 25, when she received a service dog from Dogs with Wings.

“Those dogs are incredible. It has quickly become her best friend.”

This story of a little girl and her bears–a group of young men brought into a community to play hockey, but leaving behind them so much more, is a shining example of what a community can do when it pulls together.

By Lori Larsen

Join others on September 17 in a walk to support the Northern Alberta and Territories Kidney and Transplant Community, either virtually or in-person.

Those wishing to participate in the in-person walk are asked to meet at the Bill Fowler Centre (5402-48 Avenue) for registration at 11 a.m. with a start time of noon.

With the return to an in-person event, the Kidney Foundation reminds all participants of the commitment to following COVID-19 guidelines established by public health authorities and to respect the safety of others.

Participants wishing to support the cause but desire to walk on their own are encouraged to send in a photo of their own walk tag to the Kidney Walk on social media.

To register for the Camrose 2022 Kidney Walk or donate to the Kidney Walk, visit kidneywalk.ca and click on Find A Walk Near You/Alberta (Northern) and the Territories/Locations/Camrose.

By Lori Larsen

Cleaning the arena ice  wasn’t always the job of the modern day ice cleaners. In fact, it was quite an arduous task that more often than not took a crew of three people or more to manually shovel for almost an hour.

Those unsung heroes, however, have not gone forgotten. In fact, one particular Camrose group of “Rink Rats” is fondly remembered by Dennis Pellrene.

“In the age before the Zamboni, in the mid 1950s, volunteer youths from the east end of Camrose scraped and cleaned the ice between periods of the Maroon games and were on call for any other events through the week,” recalled Dennis.

“Of course, there were rats before us and after, but this was sort of our club.”

A club that consisted of Walter Byers, John and Jim Kehoe, Kerry Grettum, Dennis Pellrene, Don Syrnyk, Dale Sjervin, Dennis Mohler and Lyle Holmes. According to Pellrene, Dennis Mohler and Lyle Holmes have since passed away.

“The reward was that we could play hockey after the Maroon games while Prosper Atkinson and his helper Elmer would clean the seating area.”

The Camrose Maroons were an intermediate hockey team playing in the 1940s and 1950s, including some seasons in the Central Alberta Hockey League. The Maroons won the Alberta intermediate A championship in 1948.

“This building was the mecca of hockey, all other hockey was played on outdoor rinks,” said Pellrene.

“It was fun and, of course, we could see all the Maroon games and on occasion get a broken stick, take it home, glue it and clamp it. Now, I had another stick to use on the way to school practicing my stick handling skills.”

Simple rewards for simpler times one might say, as Pellrene shared that another advantage of the hard labour these “rink rats” put in was once the ice melted in the spring, they could play broom ball on the slippery surface.

Hoping to share some more memories and no doubt a few laughs, Pellrene is planning a reunion of the “Rink Rats” of the 1950s on September 6, at 9 a.m. at the Norsemen Inn and invites any of the group who are still around, or anyone else who would like to spend some time reminiscing of an era gone by, to come down and join him.

Camrose and area has a variety of clubs, organizations and businesses aimed at getting residents out and active and taking advantage of recreation, educational, hobby, art, culture, entertainment and volunteer opportunities.

Camrose Adult Learning Council will once again be hosting the Community Registration Night on Thursday, September 8 from 6:30 until 9 p.m. at the Field House (4516-54 Street).

For more information on the Community Registration Night, visit the CALC website at www.camroselearning.com or phone 780-672-8754.

BIRTHS
 

• To Vanessa and Warren Habermehl, of Sedgewick, a son on August 2.
• To Madison Stadnik and Jordan Bownes, of Bawlf, a daughter and son on August 3.

DEATHS

• Edgar “Ed” Helferd Hapke, of Camrose, formerly of Lethbridge, on August 5, at 88 years of age.
• Mildred Christine Bjorgum, of Camrose, formerly of Kingman, on August 6, at 95 years of age.
• Sherry Lynn Killen, of Camrose, on August 6, at 72 years of age.
• Nancy Dale Muller, of Camrose, formerly of Sylvan Lake, on August 7, at 55 years of age.
• Clifford “Cliff” William Wolbeck, of Daysland, formerly of Heisler, on August 8, at 87 years of age.
• Jordie Kenneth Norman, of Rocky Mountain House, on August 8, at 32 years of age.
• Cecile Lena Kryzanowski, of Camrose, on August 11, at 69 years of age.