Columns & News

Viking Cup win

Above photo: After a hard-played, come-from-behind win, the SJHL Selects won the tournament’s gold medal. Overall, the team had an excellent tournament, considering their first practice as a team was after they arrived in Camrose.

By Nadine Leming

The revival of the Viking Cup was a success. Throughout the tournament, hockey fans got to see some exciting collegiate action on an international level. The games had a good pace to them with passion for the sport on full display by the players. All five teams came to play and put in the effort in hopes to be the tournament winner.

The Midland Warriors from Nebraska played hard despite their record in the tournament. The Czechia Selects and SJHL U20 Selects teams both had strong appearances throughout the week. The Alberta teams, Augustana Vikings and SAIT Trojans, were both middle of the pack with their performances.

Joren Johnson from the Viking Cup steering committee shared a few words of appreciation at the Viking Cup Banquet on New Year’s Eve. He thanked each of the five teams that participated in the tournament and said, “We are truly honoured to have each of you here in Camrose for the 2026 Viking Cup.”

Joren stated, “The reason this tournament feels special – the special atmosphere, the details, the welcome you all felt and received – is because of them (the volunteers). I’m proud to be representing this group of individuals and we are truly grateful that you’ve chosen to be part of the rebirth of the Viking Cup.”

He recognized the history of the tournament in his remarks and commented that they are continuing to build on that legacy of international hockey – connecting players, coaches and communities from around the world. That history matters and Joren took a moment to acknowledge and honour LeRoy Johnson for his dedication to the Viking Cup as a founder and leader.

Throughout the program, the team representatives talked about the generosity of the billet families, the steering committee and the community. Comments made by team representatives spoke about the tournament being more than about hockey. It was about the value of friendship, the spirit of sport, compassion and professionalism.

January 3 had the host Augustana Vikings facing off against the Czech Selects for bronze. The Czech team came out on top with a solid win with a final score of 8-0. Later that day, it was the SAIT Trojans meeting the SJHL Selects to decide who would take home the gold. It was a hard-fought battle that saw SAIT have a 4-3 lead late in the third period, with the SJHL tying the game with only moments to spare, forcing overtime. The extra frame saw exciting action with both teams striving to score in sudden death. It was the SJHL who finally scored near the middle of the frame, taking home gold.
In the closing ceremony, Joren spoke with heartfelt appreciation to all of the participating teams, officials, volunteers, sponsors and fans.

Joren said, “It was their commitment, support and energy that made the Viking Cup a huge success.”

Hockey fans who took in the tournament were witness to some great sportsmanship and exciting action throughout the tournament. Camrose was an amazing host community for this event, with many friendships and memories created throughout the week.

Chester Ronning Centre’s director shares plans for new season

Joseph Wiebe, pictured above, welcomed the guests as he shared his plans of cultivating conviviality for the 2025 to 2029 season.

By Adan Shaikh

The Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life (CRC) at the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus held the launch of its new season with a community gathering on December 16 at Founder’s Hall, outlining its direction for the 2025 to 2029 period.

Founded to explore the role of religion, ethics and public life in contemporary society, the CRC was established as a space where academic research and life experiences connect. The centre was created to serve the university and the community by fostering dialogue around meaning, belonging and public life.

At the December 16 gathering, CRC director Joseph Wiebe said the event was an opportunity to reflect on past work and share the thinking behind the centre’s future plans. “We wanted to host a gathering where we could have our friends and community come and celebrate with us a little bit on the work that we have done on our strategic vision.”

Over the years, the centre has hosted lectures, panel discussions, workshops and community conversations that bring together scholars, students, faith leaders and community members. Its work has addressed issues such as reconciliation, migration, climate ethics and the place of religion in democratic life. The centre has also supported student research and experiential learning while acting as a bridge between academic inquiry and public engagement.

Wiebe framed the centre’s new direction around the risks of institutional stagnation, drawing an analogy from his upbringing in Winnipeg. “As many of you know, I was born and raised in Winnipeg. One of the things this means for me is that I was born with the fate of being a Jets fan. So I know what it looks like when a group of people play not to lose and the inevitable failure that comes with it.

“The mentality of maintain what you have, rely on past achievements and don’t change the system, this can be seen all over the place right now. At institutions like universities, it looks like maintaining current hierarchies, relying on old recruitment models and not changing education delivery. In communities like a small rural city in Alberta it looks like maintaining the same leaders, relying on past rules and not diversifying,” Wiebe said.

The outcome, Wiebe said, is often internal conflict rather than collective problem-solving.

“What happens is that we end up fighting each other over perceived scarce resources,” he said.
Wiebe said the centre’s vision responds to the reality that change and uncertainty are unavoidable.

“It is a truism to say that the only constant is change, that we all live in uncertain times. The question is how do you live not with uncertainty, like a messy roommate, but in it, like it is your home. How do you make a home with risk, exposure and vulnerability,” stated Wiebe.

This idea is at the heart of the centre’s vision for the next five years. “This is what our vision is about and we wanted something a little less sterile than calling it a strategic vision. I want to call it something like cultivating conviviality.”

The phrase is a description of how the centre intends to live out its values.

“What I mean by it, is the intentional, grounded and experiential way to describe how we are putting our values into practice. I mean cultivating in the sense of intention, working with what’s at hand, being part of tradition and culture, knowing where you are and what needs to be done,” explained Wiebe.

Conviviality, Wiebe added, speaks to the quality of community the centre hopes to nurture. Wiebe emphasized that the vision was shaped through extensive consultation.

“This is not something we dreamed up alone. We spent two years listening to religious communities in and around Camrose, to faculty teaching at other units, to staff running operations and to administrators keeping the lights on.”

He said the process focused on understanding “what people actually need, what the real challenges are and how organizations are engaging in public life,” adding that the centre wants its vision “to both reflect and be accountable to the community.”

Looking ahead, Wiebe outlined his hopes for the season.

“So here is what I am hoping for the next five years: that we see a curiosity for collaborations across campus that surprises us, that students discover the meaning of their education, that the wider community experiences Augustana as truly theirs, that when somebody in Camrose faces a challenge that touches on meaning, belonging or public life they think, ‘I’d love to see what the Ronning Centre would do’, that we create space where wisdom and reflection aren’t luxuries but necessities that we practice together,” he concluded.

Ultimately, the centre aims to create shared spaces for reflection and practice. The launch served as a great opportunity for students, alumni, community leaders and members to come together to hear about the faculty plans and to connect with each other over the ongoing community and social topics.

Caring Dads offers Camrose fathers
a fresh start this new year

By Adan Shaikh

The new year brings with it renewed hope and a time for reflection but the dates don’t change our current situations or environments. However, it can always be used as an opportunity for setting new intentions and goals for success and improvement. For fathers looking to improve their relationship with their children and learn more about healthy parenting a new opportunity is on the horizon.

Changing Ways Camrose and District aims to prevent family and gender-based violence through sharing support and resources and their program Caring Dads begins in February. The program provides support for fathers who have used violence or are at risk of using abusive behaviour. Through this program dads can learn coping techniques, find support, and learn how to build safer and healthier relationships with their children.

“Families in Camrose deal with the same pressures as anywhere, and there are not many local options specifically for dads who want to change how conflict and stress show up at home. We hear from men who love their kids but feel stuck in patterns like reacting too fast, escalating arguments, or parenting in ways they regret after. This program gives dads a structured place to take responsibility, learn practical skills, and build a calmer, safer home for their children,” explained Nick Breugom, Men and Boys program coordinator at Changing Ways.

The program will begin mid to late February and will be offered in-person as well as online to reduce barriers and increase accessibility for all who want to participate. Classes will take place on a weekly basis for 14 weeks, and sessions will be two hours long.

“Strengthening parenting and safety means helping caregivers build homes where children feel emotionally and physically safe, respected, and able to express themselves without fear. In practice, that includes learning to recognize triggers, slow down escalation, repair after conflict, communicate without intimidation, and make choices that prioritize a child’s needs. It matters because safety is the foundation for healthy development. When children experience consistent care and respectful boundaries, they have a much stronger chance to thrive at home, at school, and in relationships,” shared Nick.

Through the program fathers will learn how to focus on their children’s needs, the effects of abuse on the family and how to create a fathering plan that builds safe parenting and co-parenting habits.
The first step to reducing violence in any community is to de-stigmatize conversations around it. “Some dads reach out because they can feel themselves sliding into patterns they do not want. More tension, more reacting, more saying things they regret, and then the guilt after. A lot of them were never taught what to do in those moments, and they do not want their kids to grow up around that. Caring Dads is a place to get support, learn real tools, and take responsibility for change,” said Nick.

Changing Ways also accepts referrals from community partners, but fathers can reach out directly to ask about eligibility and intake. For more information and to register contact info@changing-ways.ca or nick@changing-ways.ca or 780-672-2833.

Detillieux owns a 1966 Plymouth Valiant Signet

Leo Detillieux’s Canadian version of the 1966 Plymouth Valiant appears almost the same as a ’66 Dodge Dart.

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Leo Detillieux has owned his 1966 Plymouth Valiant Signet two-door hardtop for about a decade, a period during which the car has remained mostly untouched. Found in great original condition, the Valiant has required little more than routine maintenance and a new set of tires over the years. Its preservation reflects the quality of the car itself and Detillieux’s approach as a hobbyist who values originality over modification and has worked on many projects over the years.

Powered by Chrysler’s Slant-6 engine, the Valiant represents a time when durability was central to automotive design. The inline six-cylinder engine, known for its distinctive angled mounting, delivers dependable performance rather than speed. Paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, the drivetrain allows the car to cruise comfortably and predictably. Detillieux says the car performs well on the road and can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, making it suitable for short drives and longer trips during show season.

The Slant-6 has earned its reputation for longevity and ease of maintenance. Its smooth operation and mechanical straightforwardness align with the Valiant’s role as a practical yet stylish compact car of the mid-1960s. For Detillieux, those traits contribute to the enjoyment of owning and driving a vehicle that performs just as well as it did 60 years ago.

Visually, the 1966 Valiant carries clean, restrained lines, the two-door high-top body style gives the car a balanced profile, with a solid roof-line and low-key chrome accents.

Detillieux’s found this Valiant after selling four collector cars. As a hobbyist, he prefers to drive his cars rather than store them, and the Valiant sees regular use. During car show season, he takes it out two or three times a week.

The car’s consistent presence at shows highlights its appeal as an example of an unaltered classic. While many collector vehicles undergo at least modifications, Detillieux’s Valiant stands out for its mechanical integrity, original look, and road-ready condition.

After 10 years of ownership, the Valiant remains an important part of Detillieux’s automotive life. Maintained rather than reimagined.

Leo Detillieux has owned his 1966 Plymouth Valiant Signet two-door hardtop for about a decade, a period during which the car has remained mostly untouched. Found in great original condition, the Valiant has required little more than routine maintenance and a new set of tires over the years. Its preservation reflects the quality of the car itself and Detillieux’s approach as a hobbyist who values originality over modification and has worked on many projects over the years.

Powered by Chrysler’s Slant-6 engine, the Valiant represents a time when durability was central to automotive design. The inline six-cylinder engine, known for its distinctive angled mounting, delivers dependable performance rather than speed. Paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, the drivetrain allows the car to cruise comfortably and predictably. Detillieux says the car performs well on the road and can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, making it suitable for short drives and longer trips during show season.

The Slant-6 has earned its reputation for longevity and ease of maintenance. Its smooth operation and mechanical straightforwardness align with the Valiant’s role as a practical yet stylish compact car of the mid-1960s. For Detillieux, those traits contribute to the enjoyment of owning and driving a vehicle that performs just as well as it did 60 years ago.

Visually, the 1966 Valiant carries clean, restrained lines, the two-door high-top body style gives the car a balanced profile, with a solid roof-line and low-key chrome accents.

Detillieux’s found this Valiant after selling four collector cars. As a hobbyist, he prefers to drive his cars rather than store them, and the Valiant sees regular use. During car show season, he takes it out two or three times a week.

The car’s consistent presence at shows highlights its appeal as an example of an unaltered classic. While many collector vehicles undergo at least modifications, Detillieux’s Valiant stands out for its mechanical integrity, original look, and road-ready condition.

After 10 years of ownership, the Valiant remains an important part of Detillieux’s automotive life. Maintained rather than reimagined.

Elks donation

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Camrose Elks donated $400 to the Merry Christmas Fund to help families in need during the holiday season. From left, Gerry Czapp, exalted ruler of the Camrose Elks, presented the cheque to Randy Haugen from the Merry Christmas Fund.

Elks donation

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Round Hill Elks No. 71 generously donated $1,000 to the Camrose Merry Christmas Fund. From left, Jason Rasmuson, Elks member, and Morris Henderson, Camrose Merry Christmas Fund.

BRQG donation

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Battle River Quilters’ Guild member Ruth Goodall, right, presented a cheque for $925 to Jaime Ocampos, executive director of Camrose Neighbor Aid Center. The funds will go towards the many services that Neighbor Aid Center provides in the Camrose community.

BRCF supports Camrose Food Bank

Submitted by Laura Young

The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Camrose Neighbor Aid Center Food Bank. “Thank you so much for this generous grant,” said Jaime Ocampos, director of Camrose Neighbor Aid. “This will go a long way in helping us fill our hampers for those in need. Our numbers have significantly increased this year, and we believe this will continue. It is because of the generosity of the community that we are able to continue to do what we do.”

The use of food banks is increasing in our community, our province, and our country. According to HungerCount, the annual report of Food Banks Canada, reported food banks in Alberta saw a total of 210,541 visits in 2025, with 75,968 of these being children. This marks a 21.8 per cent increase in visits since 2024 and a 134.4 per cent increase since 2019. Food Banks Canada writes, “It took decades to reach one million visits in a month (across Canada) and it has now taken half a decade to more than double that.”

The demographics of those utilizing food banks has also changed throughout the years. This includes more single person households, students, and working individuals who still can’t make ends meet. Increases in the cost of living, particularly food and housing, underlie these demographic shifts and the increased use of food banks overall. Food insecurity has changed food banks from an entity used by some to an outright necessity for many, and food banks are feeling the strain.

The grant for the Camrose Neighbor Aid Center Food Bank is provided by the Battle River Community Foundation Community Fund. The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support organizations in east central Alberta that benefit the local communities and positively impact the future.

Kodiaks Retro Night

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Kodiaks recently hosted the Whitecourt Wolverines on their retro jersey night. The game was a highly competitive, action-packed event with the Kodiaks coming out on top with a final score of 6-4.

Quilters donate

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Battle River Quilters’ Guild distributed the funds raised through their Christmas Market to local organizations that are making an impact in the community. From left, quilter Cheryl Mills presented a cheque of $1,233 to Canadian Northern Society’s volunteer Bill McPhail. The annual market took place at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Museum on November 28 and 29.

Having an attitude of gratitude

By Nadine Leming

Anger and resentment cannot exist in the same space at the same time as gratefulness. This is why it’s important to work towards having an attitude of gratitude.

There are four As that help you on your gratitude journey: awareness, acknowledgement, appreciation and action. This involves noticing and recognizing the good things in life, valuing them and acting upon those positive emotions. The goal is to shift focus from negativity to positivity, enhancing overall well-being.

Awareness is taking the time to notice the good things, big or small, that are often overlooked in daily life. This can look like noticing that the days are now starting to get longer, enjoying the laughter of a child or spending quality time with yourself or the people you care about.

Acknowledgement is making a conscious decision to recognize and feeling thankful for these positive aspects. Slow down and enjoy being in the moment. Soak it all in so you can identify and acknowledge the way a positive experience made you feel.

Appreciation is the ability to value the good things and people in your life. Draw upon these times when needed to get yourself out of a “funk.” Take a moment to focus on the now and appreciate the little things that bring joy to your life like watching a beautiful sunset.

Action is taking the time to express your gratitude through kind actions or by communicating your thanks. Consider completing a random act of kindness for someone. That can be buying the person’s coffee behind you in the drive-through, or writing a short note of appreciation to a loved one.

Adopting an attitude of gratitude builds happiness, strengthens relationships, and increases overall well-being. It’s about consciously recognizing and valuing people and moments, even small ones.

Keep a journal and write down three to five positives that you were able to take away from your day. Be mindful throughout the day by shifting your perspective on life. It’s our interpretation and emotional responses that create “good” or “bad” experiences. Instead, look at life’s challenges as an opportunity for growth. Those perceived challenges just might be blessings in disguise.

Support for Lending Place

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Battle River Quilters’ Guild (BRQG) donated $925 to the Battle River Lending Place Society (BRLPS). Pictured above, from left, are BRLPS board president Erhard Pinno, board member Glenys Smith, quilter Eleanor White, treasurer of BRLPS Leona Calhoun, and executive director of BRLPS Julie Girard.

Poppy Fund

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 57 was pleased to receive a donation of $2,706.31 from A&W for the 2025 Poppy Fund. The money raised was from their “round up” event. From left, Comrade George Forbes, Poppy Fund Chair; A&W staff Becca Homan, Sheri Fitzgerald, Judy Nordstrom, Jonas Barani, Joy Patenio, Sheri Paul and Kayla Suligan; and Comrade Lloyd Dool.

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

Making space

It’s the beginning of a new year. Many of us (including me) are thinking about new things we’d like to experience in 2026. A decade-ago book taught me to ask a useful question: Does my life have space for anything new?

Back in 2015, I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo.

The book inspired me to give away about one-third of what was in my closet. It also motivated me to tackle a storage and junk-filled area (formerly known as “guest bedroom”) that had bothered me for a year.

A key point in the book was not to ask, “What do I need to get rid of?” but rather to ask, “What am I willing to keep in my life?” For each item, the question was, “Does this make me feel a spark of joy?” If so, it was a keeper. If not, it was time to let it go. After the first few “let it go” decisions, the process got easier. I started looking forward to how much I could unload.

Many recycle and giveaway bags later, I was amazed at how different I felt. When I opened my closet, it felt spacious and organized. The guest bedroom could now welcome a guest! More importantly, I felt like my mind, emotions and spirit were cleared and expanded.

***

A friend’s story told of a different kind of “making space.” The year before, she and her team decided they would no longer work with a major client.

At the beginning of the project, it looked good. The work was within their expertise, would increase their profile, and would be a profitable revenue anchor for the year. But as the project progressed, the client became more and more demanding and difficult.

The team concluded that, even though the project was an income-generator, they just did not want to work with this client any longer. My friend said, “It took us a day to write the resignation letter.”

And then? My friend said, “I’m not making this up.” She went on to say, “Within an hour of clicking the Send button on our resignation letter, six new opportunities landed in my inbox.”

They had made space.

***

Lately I’ve been aware that I need to make “mental space” for new things I want to experience, by letting go of some habits and beliefs that no longer serve. Someone suggested that I read Your Brain Has a Delete Button – Here’s How to Use It, by Judah Pollack and Olivia Fox Cabane.

The authors explain that when we do or think something often, we build pathways in our brain (“neuro-circuits”). The more you run a neuro-circuit, the stronger that circuit becomes. That’s why practice makes perfect. The more you practice piano, or speak a new language, or drive a golf ball, the stronger those circuits get.

But there’s more to learning than strengthening neural connections. Even more important is getting rid of old ones. It’s called (I love this term!) “synaptic pruning.” Special cells in our brain have the job of seeking out less-used neural pathways and “pruning” them away. The authors say, “This is how your brain makes space for you to build new and stronger connections so you can learn more.”

When does this happen? When you sleep. That old adage to “sleep on it” was even wiser than we knew.
Here’s a sobering point. Repeated unhappy thoughts also create strong brain pathways. I’d like to be better at noticing and switching them to happier thoughts. I’d like all my “strong neural pathways” to be happy ones!

In the meantime, the next time I decide to stop working and have a nap, I’ll say, “I’m activating my ‘synaptic pruner’ so I can think more clearly.” It will even be true!

***

So – what do you want to make space for in 2026?

***

I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, e-mail Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day.