Columns & News

Sustainable water for Camrose

From left, manager of engineering services for the City of Camrose Jeremy Enarson and Rotarian Shirley Bergsma. Enarson made a presentation to the Camrose Rotary Club about the water systems of Camrose and the plans that are underway to ensure the City has access to sustainable and healthy water in the long run.

By Adan Shaikh

City of Camrose manager of engineering services, Jeremy Enarson shared an informative presentation, on March 10, with the Camrose Rotary Club members on the city’s water system, to commemorate World Water Day.

March 22 is observed globally as World Water Day, and in the Rotary International calendar, March is recognized as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month. In his presentation, Enarson shared about the City’s water system, ongoing challenges and long-term sustainability plans on which the City of Camrose is presently working.

“We receive our water from Driedmeat Lake, which is part of the Battle River water system. We have one station down at the lake, we pump the water to the City of Camrose. We have a water treatment plant that is located just at the south end of the City, and after water treatment, it gets pushed out to a number of water reservoirs and then there are pump stations that pressurize the system and provide the water to the homes,” he explained.

He shared that the City manages an extensive distribution system, which consists of 170 kilometres of pipes around Camrose, that provide water to approximately 7,000 residents, businesses and customers around the City.

Camrose relies entirely on Driedmeat Lake for its water supply. While the City holds licences allowing it to withdraw water, Enarson said the system depends on natural conditions.

“The Battle River is a very limited water source. It meets our needs now, but there are lots of issues that relate to that. Battle River which feeds into Driedmeat Lake is what is known as a prairie fed river. Our headwaters are not up in the glaciers or in the mountains. Everything that goes into the lake depends on how much run-off we have from the melt of the snow as well as any major rainfall events that help fill the lake and maintain it through the summer months,” he shared.

According to Enarson, falling lake levels in recent years have already led to mandatory water restrictions in Camrose. Residents can expect more restrictions in 2026, as another hot summer with limited rainfall is anticipated. He also highlighted conservation efforts such as the City’s Toilet Rebate Program, which encourages residents to replace older high volume toilets with more efficient models.

The City is also exploring long-term solutions to secure a second water source. “We have been working with the Capital Region Southwest Water Services Commission and we have been looking into tying into an original water system,” Enarson said. “This particular system is based out of Leduc, so the option that we are looking at right now is a large diameter water pipe that would go from Leduc across Highway 21 and down towards Camrose. If we ever receive that, it will eliminate the City’s reliance on Battle River and Driedmeat Lake as the commission receives its water from the North Saskatchewan River.”

However, the cost remains a major challenge, with initial estimates projecting a cost of approximately $200 million. “This is something much larger than what the City can handle on its own. We are investigating both federal and provincial grant opportunities and we continue to engage with the commission who are taking the lead on a feasibility study right now.”

Enarson also shared updates on infrastructure monitoring and upgrades. Last fall, the City completed a SmartBall assessment, where a sensor covered ball was sent through the water system to collect data.

The assessment found no leaks or problems at the time. The City plans to repeat the process every five to 10 years. Upgrades have also been completed around the City’s water reservoirs, with additional work planned this year on the south reservoir.

Another emerging issue municipalities across Canada are facing is lead in drinking water. Enarson said Camrose recently approved a lead management policy that outlines how the City will monitor and address the issue.

He noted the City currently has relatively low levels of lead, with fewer than 100 homes affected. Enarson closed by outlining the City’s broader goals for the water system.

“We want to ensure that we are providing the highest quality of water that’s reliable and that’s meeting the needs of our citizens. We also want to be proactive on how we are managing our assets and, finally, we want to ensure that we are delivering our water in a sustainable manner,” said Enarson.

World Water Day serves as a reminder of the indispensable role water plays in sustaining life and health in communities, and the need to appreciate those who work behind the scenes to keep this vital resource available for Camrosians.

Good Grief, university playwrights hit stage

By Nadine Leming

The Augustana Drama Club is a student-led group that allows students to exercise their creativity providing a theatrical outlet for them.

There is a lot that goes into the production of a show both on and off the stage. Students are in charge of all of the roles of stage technicians, stage managers, costume designers, props, lights, actors and directors.

This dynamic group of students will be presenting Good Grief March 19 to 21 at 7 p.m., which will feature three plays that have been written, directed, acted and produced by students. The evening shows will feature the jazz band prior to the plays being performed. In addition to the evening shows, there will be a matinee on March 21 at 1 p.m., that unfortunately does not feature the jazz band.

Audiences can expect three very different plays during the performance. The short play Teddy is about the experience of growing up queer and how that affects family dynamics. The performance also includes a story presented called Natural Causes that will be a little more light-hearted and humorous about the strange ways hamsters die. These two plays were written by AC Capper and Alex Holmgren. Each of the three plays has a unique story to share with the audience.

The Figure is a short play written by first-time playwright Mik Otteson. The theme of this play follows a boy named Sam as he is in a state of limbo and travels through a strange place with his friend Gabby. Throughout the play, Sam is followed by this mysterious dark-cloaked figure that doesn’t speak, it just keeps advancing towards him.

Mik said, “I want the audience to be able to go on the journey of this more internal condition that Sam goes through.” The storyline tries to emphasize an internal experience externally through the use of colour, sound effects, how the characters are dressed and interact with each other.

Her goal is to draw the audience in through all of these features in the play. The storyline takes you on this mysterious journey that eventually leads to the reveal when the figure finally does speak to Sam. The show tells the tale of the dark figure as a representation of death as Sam is coming to terms with it.

The play has two alternate endings depending on which performance the audience is attending. The evening shows have one ending while the Saturday matinee has the alternate ending.

Halden Nicolajen is a student on campus involved in this project. He said, “We also have a playwright class that has been introduced to Augustana.”

He continued, “We hope that in future years we can collaborate with them and perform some of the best plays written by students in this course.”

For people who enjoy live music, live theatre or both, this is an inexpensive way to get out and enjoy the arts. The performances will be held on campus at the little church building next to the parking lot in the Augustana Theatre Centre. Tickets can be purchased at the door prior to each performance.

Brian Cherneske drives a 1957 Chevrolet 150

Brian Cherneske has meticulously crafted his Chevrolet 150 two-door sedan, admiring its aesthetic appeal.

By Adan Shaikh

Brian Cherneske’s 1957 Chevrolet 150 two-door sedan has been a long-term project built piece by piece over many years. Although it’s not the first Chevrolet Cherneske has restored, it’s the one to make him want to settle down.

“I have had a few of them, and I’d get one finished and drive it, then finally I decided, no enough, let’s settle down on one,” he shared.

The classic car, known for its distinctive features like the tail fins and two-tone colours, began as little more than a shell when Cherneske first found it.

“When I found it, it was just one plain body with primer and no fenders,” shared Cherneske.

He started his work on the car about 15 years ago and gradually collecting parts and rebuilding the vehicle, one part at a time.

“It is modified, but not in the sense of anything drastic. It’s just a newer version of the engine and transmission and the body is a two-tone job I picked out myself. I took the chrome off of it. It had side chrome and I took it off so there is just one single spear.”

The vehicle combines modern touches with original features, while keeping all elements as close to stock as possible.

“I started by getting an engine for it, then a transmission and then I ended up getting a rear-end. Then I started restoring the steering and the drive shaft. I re-did all the brakes and from there I started working on the interior,” he explained.

“It’s got a 300 horsepower 350 V8 engine with a three-speed turbo 350 automatic transmission with a B&M shifter. The rear-end in it is a Camaro 10 bolt rear-end but it’s just got 308 gears, the stock rear-end, just for driving, it was never meant for racing just to look good,” he added.

Cherneske then added bucket seats and original rear seats to the car before shifting his focus on to the paint job – the feature that makes the car truly stand out in any crowd.

“I decided to two-tone it with a complete big white stripe on it and orange. Some people call it an A&W car, but I don’t,” he shared.

Cherneske has worked on several vehicles over the years, but this work of art has been with him for over 15 years.

“The car has been a work of love. I have always loved ’57 Chevrolets,” he concluded.

Whenever Cherneske can, he and his group of auto enthusiasts visit as many car shows in Alberta as possible. He values the car’s unique appearance, and so do the visitors who come to admire it.

RoseApolooza 2026

By Nadine Leming

RoseApolooza was born when it came to the attention of local musicians that some people in the Camrose music community were facing health crises requiring some support.

This news inspired a few local bands to volunteer their time and talents to host a benefit for one of their own back in 2016. These local musicians were grateful and humbled for the strong and unwavering backing from fellow Camrosians and the businesses in the community.

Over the years, this event has grown, but one thing remains the same. They continue to raise money for those in the Camrose area who often have no other source of support. The bands also win as it is a great way for local bands to have the opportunity to play in front of larger hometown crowds and all the amazing energy that comes from that.

Right from the beginning, RoseApolooza has received remarkable support from the community. Days Inn Norsemen stepped up to offer their facilities and sponsorship towards the event. As bands came on board, so did the PA gear and sound expertise, all donated. Camrose residents showed up to support these local bands.

From humble beginnings, RoseApolooza is hosting its seventh event on March 20, at the Days Inn Norsemen, beginning with a beef on a bun buffet followed by four amazing bands.

Committee chair Brian McNary said, “Once we met the great folks running the Camrose Helps Foundation, we knew instantly they were what RoseApolooza is all about and the decision to fire up once again and help with awareness and funding was an easy one for us.”

He continued, “We are so grateful for the amazing ongoing support that allows us to keep hosting this special benefit event and we hope Camrose comes out to pack the house once again and enjoy a super fun night of live music!”

This year the community can expect performances by bands like Head Honchos, Black Rose Riot, Rose City Rollers and Magic Power. They are all known for their dynamic high energy shows specializing in making this an unforgettable night of fun while supporting a great cause. Beef on a bun is served from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with the first band hitting the stage at 7:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets, go to www.camroselive.ca

Camrose Arts Society AGM highlights

Artist Carol Cairns, showcased her work at the Art Walk Through the Garden 2025. The planning for this year’s event is already underway.

By Adan Shaikh

The Camrose Arts Society (CAS) has been working on keeping the artistic beat of Camrose thriving since 1979. Through their yearly events and collaborations, the organization continues to deliver on their mission of providing a wide array of arts and culture programming and opportunities to Camrose artists.

For the last few years, the CAS has been going through changes and at their annual general meeting on March 10, the board and administration shared their new plans and goals for Camrose and area artists. The meeting began with the president of CAS, Terry Morley’s annual update where he reflected on the past year. “There’s a sign on my studio wall that says, ‘If it is not a masterpiece, it is a learning piece.’ Looking back, this past year with the Camrose Arts Society – especially in my role as president – has truly been a year of learning.”

He shared how many events in 2025 served as a valuable lesson, including the CAS involvement in the Jaywalkers’ Pancake Breakfast. “The experience made it clear that, as a volunteer-driven organization, we depend on members stepping up – without their help, we simply cannot operate smoothly,” explained Morley.

The highlight of the year for CAS remained their annual Art Walk Through the Gardens, the event set a new record with tickets sales exceeding 160.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Stephanie Lane and her committee for their outstanding work,” said Morley.

Work for the next Art Walk is already under way, with Lane chairing the committee once again.

Morley shared that in 2026, CAS will focus on expanding their offerings to encompass not only visual artists but also musicians, writers, poets, photographers, dancers, actors, and all the individuals who revel in creative expression.

After his report, he introduced the newly appointed executive director of CAS Shauna Chrabaszcz, who brings an extensive set of skills to the role. Chrabasczc shared that as she steps into her new role, she will be focusing on clarifying priorities and leading the organization into strategic directions. She also shared new plans for the year ahead, including restructuring the Makers Space, developing a series of workshops for artists of all skill levels and disciplines, and collaborating with local businesses to host pop-up events and bringing arts into commercial spaces of Camrose.

Elections for the board members for 2026 took place after the reports and the board members elected for the season are: Morgan Adekeye, Roberta Baker, Evelyn Cheung, Alexina Dalgetty, Sheila Dejesus, Mike Hicks, Terry Morley, Cole Olesen, Tish Olsen, Mike Taylor and Helen Teichroeb. Morley was re-elected as president, Roberta Baker will serve as vice-president and Evelyn Cheung was elected to be secretary-treasurer.

On April 11, the organization will be organizing a Back to Bridgerton event, and more information will be shared in the next issue of The Camrose Booster.

ÉCCHS Senior Girls capture Central Zone Championship

By Nadine Leming

The senior girls’ basketball team from École Camrose Composite High School (ÉCCHS) recently defeated West Central High School from Rocky Mountain House with a dominant performance in the league semi-final with a final score of 86-28. They followed that game up with another decisive win over H. J. Cody High School from Sylvan Lake 65-38 to seize the Central Zone Championship.

The Trojans dominated from the opening jump, combining a steady defence with a balanced offensive attack. ÉCCHS dictated the tempo which led the opposition to turnover the ball before quickly fueling the transition into scoring opportunities.

By halftime, the Trojans had a comfortable lead and worked to maintain it and capitalize their advantage through a cohesive, highly-disciplined team effort.

Hayden Smith led the team with 19 points, five assists and five steals. The true MVP was the team’s defence racking up 33 deflections and 35 steals. Eve Sexton established the tone with 11 deflections on her own.

Winning the Central Zone Championship marks another milestone in an already standout season for the Trojans.

The girls are currently ranked sixth in the province among 3A schools on top of a 19 game winning streak. This is an indication of the team’s synergy, cohesiveness, and high energy performances on the court throughout the season.

The ÉCCHS senior girls’ basketball team now look towards the Alberta 3A Girls Provincial Championships in Coaldale from March 19 to 21. The Trojans will be competing for the provincial title over the tournament with confidence and momentum on their side.

They have what it takes to compete with the best in Alberta with all the hard work and continued improvement over the season.

Glass Tiger celebrates 40 years of rock

By Nadine Leming

Glass Tiger is one of Canada’s most iconic bands. They have earned worldwide recognition winning multiple Junos, were nominated for a Grammy for best new artist in 1987 and toured with the likes of Bryan Adams, Tina Turner and Journey.

The band got their start back in the early 1980s in Newmarket, ON, playing the bar scene and gaining popularity quickly. It wasn’t long before the record labels started to notice them. They signed a worldwide record deal with Capitol Records in 1985.

Their debut album The Thin Red Line quickly sky-rocketed up the charts in 1986 to become the fastest selling debut album in Canadian history with five hit singles. Their debut single, “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” has pioneered the way for the band that has become a permanent part of the Canadian music fabric. The album firmly established them as a timeless cornerstone in music history.

In 2023, the band was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame followed by an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2025.

Glass Tiger roars into Camrose for a special acoustic show on March 27, with a 7:30 p.m. show at the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre.

They will be connecting with the audience celebrating 40 years since their debut album. This intimate evening will include hits like “Someday” and “I Will be There.”

Tickets for this memorable show are available at www.camroselive.ca

KODIAKS' DEN
Player Profile – Liam Payne

By Nadine Leming

Liam Payne is a 19-year-old, right-shooting forward for the Kodiaks. In 54 games, he has scored 27 goals with 38 assists for 65 points on the season and is a 1.2 point a game player.

For Liam, playing in Camrose is special with the strong community support, energetic crowds in an environment that is fun and competitive. By his point production on the ice, one of his strengths would be his shot that goes well with his strong skating ability.

In the high pressure situations on the ice, he is the guy who will focus on what he needs to do in the moment, making him a reliable guy on the ice. Liam’s long-term hockey goal is to play professionally in Europe.

One thing Kodiaks fans might be surprised to learn is that his cousin plays for the Drumheller Dragons, which makes the first round in the playoffs a family matter, adding to the intensity of the game.

One song that gets him pumped up is “Think You’re Someone New” by Arden Jones. He’ll listen to it on repeat to get pumped up for the first round. When Liam isn’t on the ice, you can find him either on the pickleball court or the golf course, remaining active. In his downtime, he’s either watching movies or a hockey game on TV.

Playing Junior A Hockey, community engagement is important for players. He enjoys meeting kids in various area schools and helping out in different rooms. To date, his proudest accomplishment in hockey is winning a league championship with the North West Hawks from Vancouver, where he is from.

In regards to some of the best advice he’s ever received, Liam said, “Do the little things when nobody is watching.” That sounds like solid advice for anyone. When giving advice to young hockey players Liam commented, “Have fun first. It’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how you get better.”

The team has spent many hours this season on the bus as they’ve travelled to play on the road. The best part of travelling is talking and having fun with his teammates on the bus. Playing at home is always enjoyable for Liam to play in front of the dedicated Kodiaks’ fans.

The first home game of the playoffs will be March 24 at 7 p.m. First round ticket packages and single tickets are now available.

For more information on the Kodiaks or to grab your playoff tickets, check out their website at www.camrosekodiaks.ca

Update on Highway 21 passing lanes project

By Adan Shaikh

At the Committee of the Whole Council meeting held on March 9, City Councillor Don Rosland provided an update to the mayor and council on the efforts of advocacy to add passing lanes to Highway 21.

He read a letter he received from the manager of Infrastructure of Alberta central region which stated that the addition of passing lanes on Highway 21 is not part of the Budget 2026 Capital Plan. However, they will consider the project for 2029-30, and are currently exploring design work and will contact the City of Camrose later in the spring with an update.

Councillor Rosland raised the issue, noting the volume of traffic and the number of heavy vehicles using the highway between Highways 13 and and 14. “Sadly, we lost another Camrose resident about two weeks ago as a result of a collision on Highway 21,” he shared.

Statistics from Alberta Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors show there were 592 collisions along that stretch of highway between 2014 and 2018. Data collected by the Camrose Fire Department and other responding agencies recorded 73 collisions between 2019 and 2022 along the same section. Combined, the figures suggest an average of about two collisions per week on Highway 21.

Traffic counts provided by the province range from about 4,170 to 7,410 vehicles per day along the corridor. Near Camrose at Highway 13, daily traffic averages about 4,680 vehicles. The counts do not include traffic diverted to Highway 833, which carries an additional average of 3,055 vehicles daily.

City administration has been directed to draft a joint letter with Camrose County requesting provincial funding for additional passing lanes. The letter will be sent to MLA Jackie Lovely and Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen after approval by both councils.

BRCF supports Rosalind Volunteer Fire Department

From left, Wes Campbell, director with the Battle River Community Foundation board, presents the cheque to Assistant Chief Jim Bowie, along with Assistant Chief Adrian Tobler.

Submitted by Laura Young

The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to the Rosalind Volunteer Fire Department Association. According to Assistant Chief Jim Bowie, “The Rosalind Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Battle River Community Foundation for their generosity over many years that has allowed our department to purchase equipment that would otherwise not be available to us to help serve and protect our community.”

The Rosalind Volunteer Fire Department will be using its grant money to purchase a thermal imaging camera. This piece of equipment has a number of uses, including in search and rescue. Thermal imaging cameras see heat signatures through smoke, darkness, and other obstacles, allowing fire fighters to see where civilians may be trapped or where other fire fighters are located.

Thermal imaging cameras can also tell fire fighters where there are lingering hot spots and embers within a structure, so they don’t have to tear into the structure unnecessarily, limiting potential damage. As well, these cameras can help firefighters find the source of the fire and are also valuable in spotting hazardous materials in structures and even car wrecks.

The Village of Rosalind is very happy to have a Volunteer Fire Department as, otherwise, the village and the surrounding area would have to wait for fire fighting services from Camrose in the case of an emergency. The department consists of 14 volunteers who train together every second Thursday. While the department does handle structural fires, it also trains to handle fires in the surrounding agricultural area, such as bush fires, equipment fires, and other farm incidents.

The grant for the Rosalind Volunteer Fire Department Association is provided by the Rosalind Community Fund, the Bernard Vos Memorial Fund, and the Joe and Rosamond Burkard Fund.

U15 Vikings win gold at the Winter Games

By Nadine Leming

The boys U15 AA Vikings kicked off their season with a strong start this year going undefeated at the deadline to qualify for the Alberta Winter Games. Teams that qualified had the best winning percentage in each of eight zones around the province. In Zone 4, it came right down to the last weekend to qualify as Red Deer also had a team with a very high winning percentage as well.

Coach Curtis Bergstrom said, “It was probably early November when we realized that we might have a chance to qualify for this thing (winter games), so we really started pushing. Luckily, we got in, which is an honour to begin with.”

This was Curtis’ first opportunity to coach a team during the winter games so this was an exciting opportunity for him as well as his team. He remarked, “The kids worked hard and earned it.” He referred to his team as an unbelievable group of kids, willing to learn and put in the work.

Curtis spoke to how amazing this experience was from start to finish. Everything was top notch from transportation to lodging to food, it was all very well organized. With the eight best teams in Alberta participating in the winter games, the hockey was excellent and very competitive.

The U15 AA Vikings had a record of 4-1-0 over the tournament. In the semi-final they played their divisional rivals from Strathcona defeating them 4-1 with an empty netter.

In the gold medal game they faced Calgary who had a very strong and talented team. They were down by a goal with six minutes left on the clock in the third period when the Vikings caught a lucky break when an opposing player broke a stick leading to an odd man rush and tied the game.

In the last couple of minutes of the game, the Vikings captain, Mac MacDonald had a breakaway only to ring the puck off the crossbar, leaving him a little disappointed. The coaching staff reassured him that he probably stood a good chance to score again, most likely in overtime.

With eight seconds remaining in regulation, he got a chance at redemption and scored the game winner. Curtis said, “It was very exciting. To win gold is an honour and joy, but to win in the fashion that we did was just icing on the cake.”

He added, “I’m glad it was him (Mac MacDonald) that scored and the way he did it was pretty cool.”

Curtis was pleased with the experience as a whole stating, “I was excited to go, but the way it all played out, I couldn’t be happier. This will be a memory of a lifetime for the players, coaches, family and friends who got to witness the gold medal game.”

A special team camaraderie was created over the winter games. The coaching staff took their phones away so that the team could savour the opportunity they had together. Curtis attributes the team’s success to the players who really had a chance just to play and enjoy each other’s company while getting to know each other better.

This was an experience everyone will remember for the rest of their lives.

BRAED presents to council

By Adan Shaikh

Wayne Button, vice-chair of Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) and mayor of Daysland, shared a presentation with Camrose City Council during the March 9 Committee of the Whole council meeting.

BRAED is a regional economic development alliance that works with member municipalities and partners to support economic development initiatives and regional collaboration.

Button told council the Alliance currently includes 19 member communities and two associate or business members. The region covers more than 26,000 square kilometres and has a population of more than 60,000 people.

The presentation outlined how regional economic development alliances operate and how responsibilities are shared between municipal economic development offices, regional alliances and provincial and federal governments.

Button highlighted some of the organization’s work, including agriculture and tourism forums, partnerships within the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor and investment promotion activities.
“Market penetration is our next goal, basically to collaborate with a number of partners and we see you as a potential major one,” said Button.

The organization is funded through member contributions based on population, provincial funding, associate members and grants or event support.

Button said the Alliance hopes to continue building regional partnerships and encouraged council to consider the benefits of renewed participation.

Catholic Church donation

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church made a donation to Pregnancy Care Canada. The organization is currently working on their goal of establishing a Pregnancy Care Centre in Camrose to help support women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. From left, Denise Zimmel, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church social events team; Megan Howell, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church social events team; Father Kristopher Schmidt; Ross Regan, member of the Pregnancy Care Canada steering committee; Dixie Schielke; and Koreen Cyre, St. Francis Xavier Catholic

City’s CHIF grant not selected

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose City council has been informed that the City’s application to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund has not been approved. City administration had applied for the funding in January 2025. During the March 9 Committee of the Whole meeting, council was told that the application has not been selected.

If approved, the funding would have supported several infrastructure projects tied to future development south of Camrose Drive. Proposed work included extending a 600 millimetre water transmission main through the Stoney Creek Valley and continuing it to the CN Rail crossing between 50 Street and 39 Street, along with connections to parts of the city’s existing water system.

The utility upgrades were expected to support residential growth in the area between the Stoney Creek Valley and the CN Rail crossing, with the City estimating the infrastructure to possibly service about 165 single family and duplex homes, 45 multi-family units and 140 mobile home units.
With the grant not approved, the projects will not move ahead in 2026. However, work for the water and sanitary extensions is still being planned for 2028.

For more information, visit www.camrose.ca

Nordlys donation

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

Nordlys Film and Arts Festival collected donations at the coat check at the festival in February on behalf of the Battle River Lending Place. From left, Lucas Hudec from the Nordlys board presented Julie Girard, executive director of the Battle River Lending Place, $2,500 from the donations.

Girls U13 Hockey at Winter Games

By Nadine Leming

The U13 Wildcats hockey team represented Zone 4 at the 2026 Winter Games in February. Coach Gary Tanton was happy with his team’s overall performance at the winter games held in Bonnyville. He said, “The girls played hard and battled hard.”

The Wildcats are a good, competitive team in the upper third of the league. They were happy to have earned the right to represent Zone 4 at this event after winning two out of three games against Red Deer.

The team went on an emotional journey playing a game where they had to tie to get to the semi-finals leaving the team physically, emotionally and mentally drained leading to the bronze medal game where they lost to the team from Zone 2 with a final score of 5-1.

Gary commented, “Overall they played amazing and they enjoyed the experience.” He continued, “There might be someone who gets to go to the winter games in a different sport at some point, but generally speaking, if you get to go once, you’re pretty lucky.”

His team enjoyed the experience, taking it all in as they battled their butts off. The focus of the team was to make the semi-finals, which is right where they landed, allowing the girls an opportunity for growth and making it a successful weekend for them.

The girls are a great bunch that just enjoyed the time they spent together and participated in all the activities. Gary added, “I think that the events like the opening ceremonies are probably going to stick with them as well as getting the tie to get to the semi-finals will stick with the players.”

He remarked, “For myself, it was really fun. My daughter’s coaching with me this year and it was fun to watch her grow with that.”

As a coach, Gary talked about certain moments like this (referring to the winter games) that can happen in a young person’s life. He stated, “This is one of those moments where you’re put aside and celebrated, so let them enjoy it.”

This was such a good opportunity for the U13 Wildcats. The team got to participate in a competition and did well, they should be proud of that.

Family Thrift Shop donation

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Camrose & District Family Thrift Shop supports non-profit organizations and special personal needs with each request recognized on its own merits. From left, Landon Lewsaw, grade 6 teacher from Hay Lakes, received a $1,400 cheque for the BRSD Celebration of Bands from Joanne Olsen, Family Thrift Shop board secretary.

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

Luck of the Irish

So – are you wearing green today?

Every year on March 17, I scramble to find something green to wear. Every year I put on the same scarf with a few speckles of green. Every year it occurs to me that I don’t have anything green in my closet and resolve to change that. And every year on March 17, I remember that I was going to do that but didn’t.

On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish. You know, O’Hutchinson, O’Schwartz, O’Ferrari, O’Dupont, O’Mah…

I flash back a few decades to the year when Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and President Ronald Reagan together sang, “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.”

***

I Googled “luck of the Irish” and read different versions of how the saying came about. One version said that back in the gold rush days, a few Irish prospectors encountered actual gold when other prospectors did not. That turned into a saying.

And then I encountered dozens of other Irish sayings. Hope you enjoy these.

First, many good wishes. Some were poetic:

“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.”
“For every petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way: Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.”
“May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light; may lucky pursuit find you each day and night.”

Other good wishes were:

“May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.”
“May the roof above us never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.”
“May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.”
“May you be rich in time, wealthy in friendship, and lucky in love.”
“May your bank account be like the tide: always returning with more than it took away.”
“May you never be too old to plant a new seed or too young to harvest a great wisdom.”

Some sayings were wise:

“A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.”
“There’s nothing so bad that it couldn’t be worse.”
“A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea.”
“Even a small thorn causes festering.”
“A little kinship is better than a lot of charity.”
“Time is a great storyteller.”
“He who keeps his tongue keeps his friends.”

These made me smile:

“Everyone is wise till he speaks.”
“You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind.”
“May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.”

I also noticed a fair number of sayings involve drinking.

“May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!”
“Let’s make St. Pat proud! Everybody to the pub!”
“Drink is the curse of the land. It makes you fight with your neighbour. It makes you shoot at your landlord, and it makes you miss him.”
“This isn’t a hangover – it’s the Irish flu.”

***

One day every year, it’s fun to be Irish. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

***

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.