1 bonnieapr2021

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

Security, insecurity, security…

My day was clearly laid out. I knew exactly where to start, what I had to finish and when I’d take breaks. Yep, absolutely clear.
Right up until I opened email. An email from amazon.com said that a laptop computer for $1,249 USD would be delivered to Bob G in Oklahoma City. The email had the amazon.com logo and listed a “help” phone number. The kicker: The laptop was to be charged to my email address. Disbelief. Clang, clang, clang in my head. Heart thudding. I replied to the email to say, “I did not authorize this purchase. Cancel the order.”
I immediately phoned my credit card company to say this was not a purchase I authorized. Fortunately, the order had not yet come to them for payment.
Then I phoned the help number to ensure the order really was cancelled. A nice-sounding man was sympathetic. He’d try to cancel the order, but he needed more information to verify that my order cancelling was legitimate. I’d have to go to a store, buy a Google gift card…
The light dawned. The help number was part of the scam. I ended the phone call and blocked the number so they can never call me again.
I felt grubby and unclean after dealing with that scummy energy. Over the next 24 hours, I changed all my passwords for anything online that could involve money. Fortunately, I did not lose any money. I did, however, lose about two hours of my life.
And something else. I remembered that just a few weeks ago, I’d almost been sucked in to a different scam. Because I’d been sucked in briefly–twice in just a few weeks–I lost confidence in my ability to recognize fraud.
I felt unsafe, like there was danger everywhere; that nothing and nobody could be trusted. The world felt darker and scarier.
Meanwhile, another weird message started popping up on my computer screen. Whenever I opened Word, Outlook, Excel or PowerPoint–any of  my Microsoft Office software–I got a message saying, “There is a problem with your Office license. You may be a victim of software counterfeiting.”
The message continued, “Counterfeit software can be dangerous and poses several risks, including greater exposure to malware and viruses. Help keep your files safe and get robust security with a genuine Office license today.” I could click “Get genuine Office” and “Learn more”.
I knew that was a scam. My Microsoft Office software was installed months ago by my computer maintenance guy. I trust him so much, I allow him to access my computer remotely. Why would my software suddenly become counterfeit? I wasn’t going to click anything that might be malware. But the pop-up was annoying.
I asked my computer guy if he could please take over my computer and stop the message from popping up.
Guess what? Turns out the Microsoft message was legitimate! My computer guy explained, “That counterfeit message comes to one out of 100 Office installations I’ve done. It just gets deactivated, so Windows automatically thinks it was activated with a counterfeit license. I reused the same license now to fix it. It’s a 100 per cent legit Office license. Just Office has a glitch sometimes.”
For a while I felt shaky. I’d almost got sucked into two scams, but didn’t believe a legitimate Microsoft message. Not only was the world scary. If I couldn’t trust my own abilities, that was even scarier. Then I realized. Yes, I’d been briefly sucked in, but I did not lose money. The fraud was recognized in time. So, now I can warn you. Here goes. The scam two weeks ago started with a Facebook message from someone I trust saying a government grant could provide thousands of dollars. Someone had hacked my friend’s Facebook page.
This week’s scam started with an email from “Order Dispatch care@amazonusdispatch.com” with an amazon.com logo and a help number. Now you know. You won’t get sucked in. How cool is that? Hope you feel more secure.
***
I’d love to hear from you! If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send a note to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day.

OLMP requests vintage vehicles

By Lori Larsen

If you own a collector car, truck or even a vintage motorbike consider using it in celebration of Our Lady Mount Pleasant Catholic High School “COIVD-era” grad ceremonies to be held on Saturday, June 26 at 5:30ß p.m.
Come join the parade with your vintage pride and joy vehicle by lining up on Montcalm Avenue just prior to 39 Mount Pleasant Drive before the actual parade of grads drive-by commences at 5 p.m.
Show your support to these hard working grads during an especially challenging year.
5 rotary pavililion

Rotary Club begins construction on Stoney Creek pavilion

The Rotary Club of Camrose started construction on the Rotary Pavilion near the Stoney Creek Centre. From left, MLA Jackie Lovely, City of Camrose Mayor Norm Mayer, Rotary president Jen Stone, Wild Rose Co-op general manager Carol Rollheiser and Rotary member Shirley Rostad marked the beginning of construction on June 14.

By Murray Green

The Rotary Club of Camrose broke ground and started construction on a Rotary Pavilion at the Stoney Creek Day Use Park, June 14.
The 1,872 square foot shelter will be available for individuals and groups and features a great view of the Stoney Creek Valley. It is located east of the current Stoney Creek Centre.
“It’s a project our club has looked at pursuing several times over the years. Carman Mason and I have been at many planning meetings since 2016, visualizing what a redeveloped park would look like. It’s wonderful to see what has already been completed and to finally be working on the footings of our Rotary Pavilion today,” said Shirley Rostad, at the site of the old campground.
At a later date, the club will add a series of 20 panels honouring the human and natural history of the site.
“We promoted this as a building on a solid foundation. Thanks to the City for making a solid, level spot for the building. Thanks to the City, Rotary volunteers and community groups for providing a solid foundation, and the team that visualized what this park could be,” added Shirley.
Rotary members are also working on old archives to research information for the panels that will be added after the construction has been completed next month.
Co-op makes donation
As provinces across Western Canada take steps to reopen, Co-op Community Spaces is funding projects that will help bring our communities back together.
This year, Co-op is providing $30,000 for the Rotary Community Pavilion to add a covered outdoor shelter, where the community can gather, learn and celebrate together.
“We are so thankful to be a Co-op Community Spaces grant recipient for our Rotary Pavilion project. The grant was a huge morale and financial boost for a project long in the planning stage. We are now able to focus on the build, and research, writing and design for the historic panels,” shared Shirley.
Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. As the community begins to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, people are reminded of the value these projects bring in connecting and improving our communities.
“We are so excited to partner with the Rotary Club of Camrose through the Co-op Community Spaces program. The last 15 months have been very challenging time, and it’s such an honour for our Co-op to contribute to creating a space for residents to safely come back together,” explained Carol Rollheiser, general manager of Wild Rose Co-op. “Investing in our community is central to our values as a Co-op. Partnering with community groups on important projects like this is a natural fit. We are creating beautiful spaces for our community to enjoy now and for years to come.”
In 2021, the program is providing $1 million to 15 communities projects across Western Canada. Since 2015, Co-op has supported 147 projects with $10.5 million in capital funding.
For more information about Co-op Community Spaces or to view the complete list of 2021 funding recipients, visit www.communityspaces.ca.

Provincial 55-plus Games planning for future competition

By Murray Green

After a year and a half of no Provincial Games for seniors, plans are now underway to resume competition again.
“We will be having Winter and Summer 55-plus Games close together as we try to catch up on lost time,” said local coordinator Rose Snopek.
Provincial Games for downhill and cross-country skiing will be held on Feb. 8 and 9, 2022 in Edmonton.
Winter Provincials will be held from April 7 to 10, 2022 in Edmonton.
The Summer Games will be held from June 16 to 20, 2022 in Peace River.
Canada 55-plus Games will take place from Aug. 23 to 26, 2022 in Kamloops, BC.
The activities in Winter Games include five-pin bowling, badminton, duplicate bridge, carpet bowling, darts, euchre, floor curling, hockey, ice curling, pickleball (recreational), snooker, Scrabble, table shuffleboard, art and creative writing.
Activities in Summer Games include bocce, contract bridge, cribbage (doubles and singles), cycling, floor shuffleboard, golf, horseshoes, military whist, pickleball (competitive), eight-ball pool, slowpitch, swimming, track and field, photography and crafts.
Zone playoffs will be scheduled to be held in Camrose include bowling, darts, cross-country skiing, ice curling and contract bridge.
Open activities will be held in the sports of tennis and lawn bowling, as they are not part of either Provincial Games, but will be held as an open activity in the province since they are a Canada Games sport. Tennis is being held in Red Deer and lawn bowling in Edmonton.
“All summer events will be held this year, as zone playoff results must be in six weeks ahead of the Games. Winter events will also be held this fall and winter, as results must be in six weeks ahead of the Games. Schedules will be posted around our City and on the Alberta 55-plus website,” added Rose.
“The Alberta 55-plus Provincial Games have aligned their age groups to mirror that of the Canada 55-plus Games, as it became very apparent that was important to our members. Most members enter our games for the opportunity to advance to the Canada Games,” said Rose.

Walk-in clinics open for first-dose vaccine

By Murray Green

You don’t even need an appointment to receive your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Camrose walk-in clinic.
 Full clinic details, including locations, dates and operating hours, are available online www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17295.aspx#walkin.
All Albertans born in 2009 or earlier should be vaccinated as soon as possible. Bring your Alberta Health Care card, if you have one, along with photo ID. You will be required to wear a face mask and use hand sanitizer when visiting the site for your immunization.
Do your part in helping keep our communities as safe as possible. It is vitally important to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19 and to follow public health guidelines at all times. This includes maintaining physical distance and masking.

Augustana celebrates 110 years in the community

By Lori Larsen

On Friday,  June 25, join the University of Alberta Augustana Campus staff and faculty in recognizing the graduates of 2021 during an online Convocation Ceremonies to be held at 10 a.m.
The celebrations are twofold, as the campus winds up a month of celebrating Augustana’s 110 Anniversary.
“Although some may think it odd to celebrate 110 years, for Augustana the timing was perfect to take this opportunity to highlight and showcase the enormous contribution Augustana has made in our community, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally,” commented Camrose Lutheran College Corporation chair Agnes Hoveland. “This celebration came at a time of significant challenges facing Augustana and the University of Alberta. The month-long events have been outstanding.”
Beginning May 25, Augustana highlighted some historical moments throughout its 110 years of serving students from all over the globe, as well as being a major contributor to Camrose and surrounding communities.
Virtual events featuring science, music and student life were shared with community members, illustrating the diversity that makes Augustana an outstanding institution and a leader in educational experience.
“I have been made aware and am thankful that the advocacy done by City council, the Friends of Augustana and many other individuals has played a major role in where Augustana has landed within the University restructuring,” said Hoveland.
The Convocation will feature speakers and messages typical to convocations of the past, but will also have opportunities for graduates and the broader University of Alberta community to interact online, including shared messages of congratulations, gratitude and inspiration with graduates; stories featuring graduates from the Class of 2021; access to Instagram filters/Facebook frames; and the capability of searching a listing of graduate names.
Registration for the convocation is not required. Simply visit ualberta.ca.
While the 2020-21 school year may have been unique in its delivery, the end result is the same:  students proudly moving on to the next path of their journey, with a solid foundation of support under their feet as Augustana alumni.
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Sexton family receives funds to assist with modifications

Parents Candra and Riley Sexton accept $500 from Camrose Elks Lodge exalted ruler Gerry Czapp and $2,000 from the Alberta Elks Foundation to assist with the cost of home and vehicle accessibility modifications for Grade 3 student Chloe.

By Murray Green

Grade 3 student Chloe Sexton received some funds from the Camrose Elks Lodge and Royal Purple to assist with home and vehicle accessibility modifications.
“Chloe is a bright eight-year-old, who also has dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Chloe requires a manual and power wheelchair for mobility, a computer communication device and a low tech  alternative PODD book to communicate. She requires full support to be independent,” said mom Candra.
The Chester Ronning School student requires a full-time educational assistant to help her learn in the classroom.
“Ever since Chloe came home through adoption, we have carried her from our home to our vehicle multiple times a day, which includes stairs. We then carry her wheelchair to load it in the van for wherever we go,” explained Riley.
Her power chair can only be used at school because the Sexton’s home and vehicle was not equipped to handle the power chair. It weighs 200 pounds and can’t easily be lifted.
“We are also concerned about Chloe’s safety and the safety of caregivers when carrying her up and down the stairs. Our worst fear would be to drop her or hurt her/ourselves in the process,” added Candra.
As she grows, it will be harder to keep up with the situation with unless modifications are made to their home and vehicle.
To make all of the necessary changes to the home and vehicle, it is estimated to cost $11,400 for the vehicle lift and wheelchair system,  $6,300 for a porch lift, and $6,500 for deck and home modifications to support the lift and chair, for a total of $23,900.
Together, the Camrose Elks Lodge, Alberta Elks Foundation and the Royal Purple donated $3,000 to assist the family with those costs.

Funding not-for-profits to support recovery

By Murray Green

Twenty-one civil society organizations will benefit from $7 million in provincial funding to support community recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the new Civil Society Fund, Alberta’s government is providing $20 million over three years to expand civil society’s capacity to address social problems.
This year, $7 million will support vulnerable Albertans during the pandemic and help build lasting solutions to pressing social challenges, some of which have been aggravated by the pandemic.
“We have received a tremendous response for Civil Society funding from organizations across the province. The successful projects will be crucial in helping to support vulnerable Albertans as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment is critical to ensuring the needs of all Albertans are met, while sustaining core services over the long term,” said Rajan Sawhney, Alberta Minister of Community and Social Services.
Civil society includes not-for-profit and voluntary organizations, registered charities, informal groups, private sector organizations and individuals pursuing social good.
The Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society identified four main priorities to focus on in order to build capacity and move towards recovery: enhance system infrastructure to enable collaboration; advance civil society research and data to enhance cross-sector collaboration; prioritize organizational transformation for innovative delivery models and more collaborative approaches; support financial sustainability and resilience with innovative fundraising, social finance and social enterprise.
“The Civil Society Fund addresses the needs the Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society heard during our stakeholder engagement. I am pleased to see the diverse array of projects being funded and believe this will have a significant impact on the civil society sector,” added Joel Christie, chair, Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society.
Applications for the first year of funding through the Civil Society Fund closed in January. A cross-ministry review process, led by a committee of staff from the ministries of Community and Social Services, Seniors and Housing, Service Alberta, Children’s Services and Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, reviewed applications for initiatives that could build civil society capacity and promote further recovery of the sector.
Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health care system.
Alberta has more than 26,000 not-for-profit organizations, employing more than 280,000 Albertans.
Each year, 1.6 million Albertans provide 262 million volunteer hours.
Civil Society Fund grants are one time only. Eligible applicants can request up to $1.5 million for their project.
Successful applicants will have 24 months from the date of the grant agreement to complete their grant activities.

Staff shortage in Galahad

By Murray Green

The United Nurses of Alberta declared nursing shortages at the Galahad Hospital are causing delays in surgery.
However, Galahad doesn’t have a hospital, only a continuing care centre.
“Alberta Health Services has never suggested to us that vacations are the problem,” said UNA president Heather Smith.
Smith noted that healthcare employers have the power to cancel vacations in emergency situations, like those in Boyle, Edson, St. Paul, Elk Point, Westlock, Rocky Mountain House, Fairview and Galahad that were mentioned in the Legislature. Smith failed to point out that Galahad has no emergency services.
Frontline staff shortages in Galahad were caused by not finding enough staff in rural Alberta, which is an ongoing problem at the Galahad Care Centre.
The move of Galahad Care Centre residents to other area facilities in early June was made because of staff shortages.
Galahad Care Centre has consistently been one of the best continuing care facilities in the province, according to public reports.
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Ford 1930 coupe was built from scratch

Alan Steinke built his 1930 Ford coupe by starting with a steel frame. He modernized the car to suit driving in today’s conditions with comfort. The Bawlf area resident enjoys building cars and visiting with those who share the same love. 

By Murray Green

Alan Steinke of Bawlf owns a 1930 Ford coupe that he built, including the frame.
Alan has owned the coupe for about 40 years, and he totally 100 per cent built the car from the ground up.
“I started with an original all-steel body and modified it. I built the suspension, the body work and the interior. The roof was chopped by two inches and filled, the trunk was shortened, it has a custom rear roll pan, a recessed firewall and has a full metal floor. The gas cap is frenched,” explained Alan.
“I fell in love with this car back when I was 18 years old, and it finally came up for sale one day. I happened to be in the right spot at the right time. It was barely drivable. The windshield and rad support are original, everything else I had to fix or replace,” shared Alan.
“I built a frame to original dimensions and installed a 383 Chevy stroker engine, a turbo 350 transmission and a Ford rear end. I can pass everything except the gas stations,” he joked. “I had a Dodge 440 engine in it at one time.”
Alan still makes tweaks to his car, as he enjoys driving it at every opportunity that he can. “The fenders are finished, but the body isn’t quite finished. When I’m done, then I’ll paint it.”
“The engine is cooled by a Walker big block blower unit that never overheats. The suspension (lowered), braking, wiring, steering have all been modernized. I added a custom roll bar,” said Alan.
In other words, the car has been completely modified and only resembles the look of a 1930 Ford.
“The hours building this car are countless, I think about a million hours. The best parts of this car are the priceless memories and the people you meet along the way. It is my everyday driver, unless it is raining,” added Alan.
The car is fast, handles well, and he likes to share his memories with the people who appreciate what he has accomplished. “I like talking to car people and sharing information. I don’t go to a lot of car shows, but I like to drive it all of the time. I will go to a few this year, if they have car shows.”
Besides cruising Bawlf, Camrose and Edmonton, the car has made some road trips. “I’ve taken the coupe to Del Shannon and Tommy Row concerts, cruised with my mother and taught my children how to drive in it.
“It is a great feeling to be around people who appreciate unique cars. They are poetry in motion. I’ve been working on cars since I was about eight years old, so I like building cars. I build them all of the time, for other people from Forestburg to Sherwood Park.”
FUN FACTS
In March 1930, Model A sales hit three million, and there were nine body styles available. The 1930 and 1931 models were available with stainless steel radiator cowlings and headlamp housings.
The powertrain usually featured a 201 (3.3L) engine L-head, with a three-speed sliding-mesh manual transmission. Prices for the Model A ranged from $385 US for a roadster to $1,400 US for the top-of-the-line town car. The engine provided 40 horsepower, and the top speed was around 65 mph (105 kmph). The Model A had four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.
The Model A was the first Ford to use the standard set of driver controls with conventional clutch and brake pedals, throttle and gearshift. Previous Fords used controls that had become uncommon to drivers of other makes. The Model A’s fuel tank was situated in the cowl, between the engine compartment’s firewall and the dash panel. It had a visual fuel gauge and the fuel flowed to the carburetor by gravity. A rear-view mirror was optional. In cooler climates, owners could purchase an aftermarket cast iron unit to place over the exhaust manifold to provide heat to the cab. A small door provided adjustment of the amount of hot air entering the cab. The Model A was the first car to have safety glass in the windshield.

Police find stolen truck in Camrose

By Murray Green

The Central Alberta District RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CAD CRU) opened an investigation in an effort to focus on a number of subjects with outstanding matters related to property offences and criminal flight from police in the rural area near Breton.
The investigation identified a subject of interest in their investigation. CAD CRU, in partnership with Camrose City Police, RCMP Air Services and the RCMP Police Dog Service, were able to locate the subject of interest in a stolen vehicle within the City of Camrose, along with two other individuals. The stolen truck that was recovered on June 10 had been missing from Ponoka.
A 38-year-old male from Camrose was charged with two counts of Fail to Comply with Probation, four counts of Operate Motor Vehicle while Prohibited and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.
A 26-year-old male from Winfield was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine).
A 49-year-old female from Drayton Valley was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (GHB).
Following a judicial hearing, the Camrose man was remanded into custody and is scheduled to attend Camrose Provincial Court on June 23. The other two have been released on conditions and are scheduled to attend Camrose Provincial Court on Aug. 4.
“The Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit will continue to identify and target prolific offenders within rural communities as part of our ongoing crime reduction strategy,” said Sergeant Scott Lande, unit commander of CAD CRU.

MLA Lovely recognizes elder abuse at Legislature

By Murray Green

Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely was given the opportunity to speak about elder abuse at the Legislature.
“Mr. Speaker, each year on June 15, our province recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Seniors helped build this province, and are the strength of Alberta. Unfortunately, they are not always treated with the respect they deserve. Elder abuse is a serious issue in Alberta,” explained Lovely.
“Prior to 2020, we estimated nearly one in 10 Alberta seniors were subjected to some form of abuse. Since then, we have heard community organizations are reporting an increase in the incidence, complexity, and severity of elder abuse cases in Alberta,” she continued.
“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an important occasion for us to stand together and raise our voices against elder abuse. It is also important for us to find ways to take action. Earlier today, the minister of seniors and housing announced several new ways this government is working with Alberta communities to prevent and address elder abuse.”
This includes providing $650,000 to 16 organizations in partnership with the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council.
“Alberta’s government will also be undertaking an engagement to update how we respond to elder abuse. It will open up a dialogue with stakeholders and Albertans to better understand, recognize, and prevent it at the community level,” said Lovely.
“Mr. Speaker, we know elder abuse is a complex issue. We know it will take the work of many of us, all across the province, to solve it. This is why we are working closely with community partners to examine it at a local level. I believe if we stand united, we can keep all seniors safe and free from abuse. This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I ask all Albertans to wear purple and stand with me against elder abuse.”
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CWSS presentation on baby wildlife

Baby coots wait patiently on the shoreline for their parents to return for feeding. The parents will dive for plants (like duckweed and grasses) and animals (such as snails and larvae), then bring them to the surface to feed the babies.

By Lori Larsen

Babies are adorable, and no matter what the species, each mother thinks her baby is the cutest.
For humans, the record for the number of babies born at one time belongs to a Malian women who gave birth to nine babies. However, in nature, humans can’t hold a candle to multiple births, as male seahorses are capable of spawning up to 2,000 eggs at one time. That’s a lot of tiny horseshoes to buy.
On Thursday, June 22, join the Camrose Wildlife Stewardship Society (CWSS) for a fun and informative virtual presentation of baby wildlife starting at 7 p.m.
Presenter Katrina Teril will speak about wildlife rehabilitation and how we all can help local wildlife.
For more information or to receive Zoom invitation to any of the CWSS summer virtual programs featured in the Camrose Wildlife Stewardship Society summer programs, contact the City of Camrose Greenspace and Wildlife Stewardship coordinator Rhyleigh Henault at wildlifestewardship@ camrose.ca.
“We had a great turnout for virtual astronomy on June 17, with Rae Metrunec, Hesje Observatory Technician and BSc Math and Physics,” said Henault. “She showed us some amazing star formations and we learned about galaxies, nebulas and star clusters. We also learned about the constellations in the sky and how we can identify them and when the best times are to see them. Overall, everyone had a great time."

War Amps key tag service celebrates 75 years

By Murray Green

The War Amps begins its 2021 key tag mailing to Camrose residents this week with the theme You Are a Part of What We Do, marking the 75th anniversary of the Association’s Key Tag Service.
In a letter accompanying the key tags, parents Tracie and Jeremy describe how the War Amps has supported their family from the day their daughter Michaela Blakslee was born, missing part of her left arm, as well as some fingers and toes.
As a member of the War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, Michaela receives financial assistance for artificial limbs and devices, and also attends regional seminars where Champs and their parents learn about the latest in artificial limbs, dealing with teasing and staring, and parenting an amputee child.
The Key Tag Service was launched in 1946 so that returning war amputee veterans could not only work for competitive wages, but also provide a service to Canadians that would generate funds for the Association’s many programs. The Key Tag Service continues to employ amputees and people with disabilities, and has returned more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys to their owners.
Each key tag has a confidentially coded number. If you lose your keys, the finder can call the toll free number on the back of the tag or place them in any mailbox in Canada, and the War Amps will return them to you by courier, free of charge. The War Amps receives no government grants, and its programs are possible through public support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service.
For more information or to order key tags, visit waramps.ca or call toll free 1-800-250-3030.

Karwandy runs with Maverick Party

By Murray Green

Douglas Karwandy will be the Maverick Party candidate for Battle River-Crowfoot in the next election.
“I was born and raised in Alberta into a family of eight brothers and sisters, where family, church, school and music were the biggest parts of my youth. My father, a veteran of the Second World War, worked hard as a photographer and businessman to support his family, so I learned about community and volunteering from my parents, who devoted their limited spare time to church groups, community groups and engaging in politics with local MLAs and MPs. Ralph Klein, Peter Lougheed, Don Mazankowski, Steve West, Leon Benoit, Jay Hill are the politicians I have admired throughout my life,” said Karwandy.
“In my youth, I traveled to many other countries, exploring people’s cultures, which helped me form my views of the world around us and appreciate the incredible gifts we have here in Western Canada,” he noted. “I also worked in a brewery in Edmonton, spent time hauling oil, tank cleaning in the oil patch, and currently work in the agriculture industry in parts.
“I met my wife while we were both working on a cruise ship sailing out of New Orleans. We have been happily married for 22 years and are continuing to raise our family of four. I was a capital ‘C’ conservative until the election of 2019. I came to realize that our system is broken and no party was willing to fix it. So, I joined the Maverick Party with the hope that my voice could carry the message that the West will be fairly represented or seek independence.”
Karwandy wants what is best for Alberta. “Here in the West, we’ve never been given the option to vote for a party solely focused on serving the citizens of the West. All we’ve had was the limited choice between the Liberals and the Conservatives.
“The story of Canadian politics is a story of no voice for the West, but for the first time in Canadian history, that is about to change.  With the Maverick Party, we will finally have storytellers of our own to champion the West and represent our best interests. We must end the cycle and refuse to vote for the globalist, scandalous Liberals, or the Conservatives who have taken the West’s support for granted.”
Karwandy wants a Western voice in Canada. “I am ready to be that voice and represent the constituents of Battle River-Crowfoot with the Maverick Party as our party.”

Northeastern adds Cha to dean’s list

By Murray Green

Northeastern University recognizes students who distinguish themselves academically during the course of the school year, and Camrose resident Vanessa Cha made the dean’s list.
She is majoring in health science, and was recently named to the university’s dean’s list for the spring semester, which ended in May 2021.
To achieve the dean’s list distinction, students must carry a full program of at least four courses, have a quality point average of 3.5 or greater out of a possible 4.0, and carry no single grade lower than a C- during the course of their college career. Each student receives a letter of commendation and congratulation from their college dean.
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-powered lifelong learning. Northeastern has locations in Boston, Charlotte, London, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Births and Deaths

BIRTHS
- To Violette Wiswell and James Smith, of Camrose, a son on June 12.

DEATHS
- Wilbur Leonard “Len” Ferguson, of Tofield, on June 6, at 82 years of age.
- Daniel Harold McLaren, of Camrose, on June 12, at 62 years of age.
- Joyce Evelyn Elliot, of Edmonton, on June 12, at 89 years of age.
- Judith “Judy” Pauline Brown, of Camrose, formerly of Bawlf, on June 14, at 77 years of age.
- Edith Evelyn McNeil, of Camrose, formerly of Edmonton, on June 18, at 88 years of age.