Reflections

<strong>Reflections</strong>

By Bonnie Hutchinson

Living Danishly

I’m having one of most delicious summers in recent memory. Lots of unstructured time. Visits with people I treasure. Reading fiction. Loving our early morning and late evening light. Lots of time outdoors.
In this context, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell. She and her husband lived in London UK. They were doing the stereotypical 30-something professional-career thing of working high-intensity stress-filled 80-hour weeks, non-stop electronic communication, hurry, hurry, hurry, collapsing on weekends (except for work interruptions), no time for family, no time for friends, no time for anything but work.
They both realized that, while they looked like a successful couple rising in their respective careers, when they weren’t too exhausted to simply be numb, they were actually not enjoying life. The author’s husband had the opportunity to work for a year in Denmark.
***
They arrived in Denmark in January, to live not in a city, but a tiny community in rural Denmark.
The description sounded pretty much like January in rural East Central Alberta. Bitterly cold, lots of snow, and not so much as a coffee shop open when they arrived in the community. Talk about culture shock and climate shock. The author wondered, “What have we done?”
But over the next months, once they got over being startled, they began to appreciate “living Danishly.”
People were friendly. People trusted each other. People helped each other. Working more than six hours a day was considered ridiculous. The gap between the highest-paid and lowest-paid salaries in companies was not huge. Working relationships were informal (though very productive). It was expected that everyone would have one or two hobbies or pastimes outside of work that they did for sheer enjoyment. The Danish state made it possible for everyone to experience excellent health care, education, child care, cultural opportunities in ways that had not been possible in the UK.
The couple were introduced to the concept of hygge, a Danish word used to acknowledge a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary, as cozy, charming or special. When they learned that Danes are among the happiest people on earth, they were not surprised. At the end of the year, the author and her husband decided to stay another year.
***
Here are excerpts from among the author’s tips for living Danishly. She says…trust (more). “This is the number one reason the Danes are so happy–so try it. You’ll feel better and save yourself unnecessary stress, and trusting the people around you can make them behave better, so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
Get hygge. “Remember the simple pleasures in life–light a candle, make yourself a cup of coffee, eat some pastries. See? You’re feeling better already.”
Use your body. “Cycle, run, jump, dance, have sex. Shake whatever you’ve got. Using your body not only releases get-happy endorphins, it’ll also make you look hotter, Danish-style.”
Value family. “Family comes first in all aspects of Danish living. Reaching out to relatives and regular rituals can make you happier.” No family close? “Start your own with friends or using tip #3 (the sex part).” Play. “Danes love an activity for its own sake, and in the land of Lego, playing is considered a worthwhile occupation at any age.”
Share. “Life’s easier this way, and you’ll be happier too according to studies. Can’t influence government policy to wangle a Danish-style welfare state? Take some of your cake around to a neighbours, or invite someone over to share your hygge and let the warm, fuzzy feelings flow.”
***
As a teenager, one of my best friends was Danish. I loved going to her home after school on the days her mother made Danish pastry. I also noticed how comfortable it was to be around her family. They just seemed relaxed, and to accept everyone and everything.
Now I understand why. They were living Danishly.
***
I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send an e-mail to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com and I’ll happily reply within one business day.

 

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Reading university underway with largest enrolment ever

Over ninety Grade 2 and 3 students are presently upgrading their literacy skills during a month-long remedial reading program being offered to children in the Battle River School Division who are reading below grade level. Reading University was initiated by the Battle River Community Foundation as a community leadership initiative in 2009. 
Now in its ninth year, it is a joint venture of three partners:
*The Battle River School Division designed the educational component of the program and also recruits and pays staff, provides appropriate logistical support and recommends students who might benefit from the program.
*The Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta provides classroom space for students in the Camrose area, nutritious meals and snacks for students and provides lunch-time supervisors.
*Through the generous support of individuals throughout the area it serves, the Battle River Community Foundation provides 50 per cent of the cost of the project which is almost $2,000 per student or $100 per student per day.
Reading University presently operates on three campuses. The main campus through which all students pass during the month-long program is at Augustana in Camrose. Satellite campuses also operate in Killam and Tofield.
An excited group of students and their guests will gather at Augustana on Friday, July 28 for a luncheon and formal ceremonies to celebrate their achievements.
For more information about the Reading University program, visit www.brcf.ca/reading_university.html or telephone 780-679-0449.

Hoveland is proudly a lifer of Camrose

<strong>Hoveland is proudly a lifer of Camrose</strong>
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster James Hoveland is proud to say he has lived his entire life in Camrose and would have it no other way.

By Lori Larsen

Lifelong resident of Camrose, James Hoveland, can walk down most any street in the Downtown Camrose core and point to a building and tell who lived there or did business there and, most often, a charming story to accompany it.
James’ history in the Camrose area began early when his grandfather on his father’s side settled just east of Camrose in Zion.
“In his (grandfather) first year, he and his two brothers built a log house and then Grandma came up and it had a sod roof,” thought James. “I remember Grandpa saying when it rained out, they were always nice and dry in the house, but then after the sun came out, it rained for three days after because the sod would drip.”
James’ father, the eldest of six kids, moved to town (Camrose) and started a funeral home in 1939 after attending mortuary school in the United States.
James’ mother was born in Norway and came as a baby with her family to live just outside of Ponoka.
“They (mom and dad) came to college at Camrose Lutheran College and met just like many folk. That’s where it started.”
After attending school in the United States, James’ parents moved back to Camrose to run the funeral home, which was located directly behind what is now CIBC.
“We lived in the apartment above the funeral home,” noted James. “I was born in the funeral home, so I am probably going to end up where I started. Not everybody can say that,” he said, with his wonderful sense of humour.
Continuing in his father’s footsteps in 1962, James attended mortuary school in Chicago, working for a funeral home to help with expenses. After graduating, he returned to Camrose to discover his father had sold the business to two gentleman (brothers).
“I didn’t have a funeral home to go to so, for a year, I worked for a funeral home in Edmonton,” said James.
After one of the brothers who purchased James’ father’s funeral home in Camrose left for another business in Kelowna, James bought out that share and headed back to Camrose.
“I didn’t have a whole lot of credit, but a good friend, the manager at CIBC, gave me credit to buy out that one partner, so I worked with the other partner for a few years.”
With the remaining brother moving to Olds, James was able to completely purchase the funeral home. “We also had the funeral home in Bashaw and  Daysland
In 1977, the funeral home in Camrose was sold, followed by the Daysland one in the 90s and then eventually the Bashaw business.
Not one to sit around, James activated his real estate licence and sold real estate for Coldwell Banker for a number of years.
With a desire to ensure Camrose remained strong, James sat on City council for 15 years. During his first term, James was one of the driving forces behind developing the (now) paved trail system around Mirror Lake.
“We had the land for the lake accept for one lot along the (north) shoreline. Dick and Anna Peterson lived there and they had a small place, but they had a big lot along the lake.”
Because the Petersons were friends of James’ parents, he was the natural fit to approach the Petersons about the feasibility of making a deal on their land. This included above appraised value for the land and the ability for the Petersons to remain living on the land for as long as both or either of them wished, both rent and tax free.
“Dick phoned the next day, they agreed and council bought the land.
James was happy to remark that the deal was a win-win for both the City and Petersons. “With the money they received, Dick took Anna on a trip back to Denmark.”
The Mirror Lake paths were one of James’ prouder moments. With a vision to ensure affordable and accessible recreation for all residents, James also pushed for the flooding of Mirror Lake to create the outdoor skating rinks and was part of the deciding council that brought in the (now) indoor swimming pool.
James has also been actively involved in many committees and boards including the St. Mary’s Hospital Board of Governors for nine years and chairman of Camrose and District Support Services.
Stories of the cannon given to Camrose after the war that sat on Main Street, a skating shack equipped with a wood stove and firewood that the children themselves maintained, and the four creameries housed in locations throughout Camrose, including one where the foundation still exists under water on the south side of Mirror Lake, roll from the back of James’ mind into delightful stories of Camrose’s past.
“I have lived here for 75 years and have seen a lot of changes. We are known as a town that is very friendly towards its citizens, whether that be in areas of recreation, education or health care.
“If there is any reason for people to be proud of a place they live in, it isn’t hard for people living in Camrose to find that reason,” said James with pride.
“One reason we have a town as good as we have is that we have not experienced the boom. Then you leave a lot of things that are necessary behind. We have had a well-rounded, gradual growth.
“It really is a privilege to live here,” he concluded with a tremendous amount of sincerity.

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Habitat dedication gives three families a home

By Lori Larsen and Murray Green

Helping to provide a safe and secure home for families in Camrose who may not have otherwise been able is the mandate behind all the volunteer hours put into Habitat for Humanity Camrose.
To help celebrate the next three recipient families of Habitat homes, Habitat for Humanity Camrose was joined by special guests and residents at a home dedication and free barbecue lunch on July 12 at 5214-44 Street.
“We have served four families this year,” said Habitat for Humanity Camrose project manager Brenda Murdock. “Two families in the new duplex and two families who moved into Habitat homes earlier this year.”
The first family is Sameer Eshaq and Falantina Mikhael and 18-year-old daughter Domarena, 14-year-old son Nenmar and 10-year-old son Nowrdel.
The second family is Arlene Alday and 14-year-old son Michael.
The third family is Leslie Moscibroski and her children five-year-old Adelle, four-year-old Dawson and one-year-old Maci.
The fourth family who celebrated their home dedication in May of this year are Brenna O’Neil and her children 10-year-old Chenel, eight-year-old Hailey and four-year-old Kaydence.
“We are also celebrating the 34th Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project happening at Habitats across Canada,” added Murdock.
The 2017 duplex project is the 31st and 32nd  homes built in Camrose. It began in the fall of 2016 with completion this July. The homes are a new two-storey design consisting of 600 square feet on the main floor.
Habitat for Humanity is celebrating Canada 150 by building 150 affordable homes for families in 40 local Habitats throughout Canada as part of the 34th Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
Your family may qualify for a Habitat home and you are encouraged to apply. If your current housing is overcrowded, unsafe, improperly maintained, of if you spend more than 30 per cent of your gross income on rent.
You need to have a good credit history, little or no debt and your household’s gross annual income is between approximately $32,000 and $46,500.
You have to be willing to contribute 500 hours of sweat equity, which is volunteer work done on construction sites and in the ReStore.
Apply online at habitatcamrose.com/apply-for-a-home or pick up an application from the ReStore outlet at 5007-46 Street from Tuesday to Saturday. You can also call  780-679-0369.

 

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<strong>Habitat dedication gives three families a home</strong>
MASTER KEY Murray Green, Camrose Booster City of Camrose Mayor Norm Mayer, centre, presents a key to the new Habitat for Humanity home for Sameer Eshaq, Falantina Mikhael, Nowrdel and Nenmar with councillors Kevin Hycha, back from left, Agnes Hoveland and Camrose Habitat executive director Cody McCarroll present.

Giddy up lil’ cowpoke

By Lori Larsen

If you are looking for a fun way to entertain the little ones this summer, the Camrose and District Centennial Museum is hitching up its annual Everything Cowboy program.
Held from July 26 until 28 from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m., the children’s program  features the pioneer life through crafts and games. Snacks will be served.
Children are encouraged to dress up in pioneer costumes for the program and will enjoy fun activities combined with education to help create an understanding of life during the pioneer era.
Parents or guardians are welcome to stay and enjoy the program along with their children.
Admission is free, but donations would be greatly appreciated.
For more information, contact Camrose and District Centennial Museum coordinator Dariya Veenstra by email at dveenstra@camrose.ca or by telephone at 780-672-3298.

Baseball surges for playoffs

By Murray Green

The midget Camrose Red Cougars split two games with the Edmonton Padres on July 8 in Camrose. Edmonton won the first game 14-5, but Camrose rallied to crush Edmonton 22-3 in the second outing.
The local team travels to Red Deer to take on the Braves on July 19 and then on to Edmonton to play the Barrhead Orioles and Sherwood Park Athletics on July 22.
The Camrose Royal Cougars defeated the Leduc Giants 6-3 on July 9 and edged the Parkland Twins 4-2 at Harry Andreassen  Field at Kin Park. Camrose takes on Drayton Valley, St. Albert and Whitecourt on July 22 and 23.
The Heisler Cardinals play the Edmonton Angels, Grande Prairie Reds, St. Paul Storm and South Jasper Place Jays on July 22 and 23.
Bantam
The Camrose Red Cougars outscored the St. Albert Cardinals 21-18 on July 10. They travel to Sylvan lake to plat the Mariners, Chestermere Crushers and Jasper Bears on July 22 and 23.
Camrose Royal Cougars play the Slave Lake Heat, Grande Prairie reds and Fort Saskatchewan Red Sox on July 22 and 23.
Heisler Cardinals lost to the Wainwright Red Sox 10-8 on July 6.
The Cardinals face South Jasper Place Jays, Lacombe Dodgers, Vauxhall and the Black Gold Giants on July 22 and 23.
Peewee
The Camrose Cougars peewee triple-A baseball team is heating up at the right time. The club has won four straight games.
Camrose defeated Sherwood Park 9-1 at Kin Park on July 12. Pitchers Gavin Galenza and Connor Hoglund shared the duties on the mound.
Galenza went three and two-thirds innings pitched allowing five walks, while striking out eight batters. Hoglund tossed three and a third allowing one run on three hits and a walk, while striking out four batters.
Camrose beat Parkland 24-2, defeated Calgary 17-8 and outlasted St. Albert Cardinals 21-19 on July 7 to 9.
Against Parkland, Camrose scored 16 runs in the second inning to break the game wide open. Galenza hit a homer, while Hogan Jacobsen and Justin Pederson pitched well.
Galenza also homered against Calgary. He started the game on the mound and was helped by Hoglund and Pederson.
Camrose hosts the Fort McMurray Oil Giants at 3 and 6 p.m. in a doubleheader on July 22. The same two squads wrap of a three game series at 10 a.m. on July 23.
In double-A, Camrose Red Cougars lost 23-15 to Sherwood Park, 18-9 to Strathmore Reds and 23-16 to Parkland Twins on July 8 and 12. Camrose plays the Fort Saskatchewan red Sox, Whitecourt Rockies and Grande Prairie Reds on July 22 and 23 in Fort Saskatchewan.
The Camrose Royal Cougars take on the Sedgewick Oilers on July 19. The on July 22 and 23 they play the Wetaskiwin Nationals and Edmonton Padres.
Mosquito
The Camrose Red Cougars play the Oyen Orioles, Black Gold Giants and Whitecourt Royals on July 22 and 23 in away games.
Camrose Royal Cougars go to Edmonton to play the Fort McMurray Oil Giants and Southwest Edmonton White Sox on July 23.
The third team, Camrose White Cougars travel to Edmonton to play the Padres, Foothills Outlaws and Fort Saskatchewan Red Sox on July 22 and 23.

 

Reading University assists students

By Lori Larsen

On July 28, at 11:45 a.m., an excited group of Grade 2 and 3 students from Camrose and area will cross the stage to receive their certificate of achievement from the 2017 Reading University Program.
Ceremonies will take place at the Augustana, Tofield and Flagstaff campuses and are highlighted by all the formality of traditional graduation ceremonies, including a handshake from the dean or vice-dean of the university.
Spearheaded by Blain Fowler, who continues to be a strong advocate of the program, Reading University is a four-week long summer reading program initiated by the Battle River Community Foundation in 2009.
The mandate of the program is to increase literacy skills of children in grades two and three who are not yet reading at their grade level.
Battle River School Division designed the education component of the program and also recruits and pays staff, provides appropriate transportation and invites the students deserving of the program to participate.
University of Alberta Augustana Campus provides  the classroom space, nutritious meals and snacks for students and lunchtime supervisors.
The cost of operating Reading University is almost $2,000 per student, or $100 per student per day, an amount that is split equally by the BRCF and BRSD.
David and Gail Stolee, Berdie Fowler, Ross Huebner, Jack and Irene Wooley, Duncan and Doris Powell, Dave and Cheryl Powell, JPC (Joe and Paula Cramer) Enterprises, the Dan and Cindy Bentley family, Zetsen Master Builders (owners Garry Zetsen and Kevin Lindholm) and the Rotary Club of Camrose have established endowment funds with the foundation in support of Reading University.
As quoted by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”
For more information on the Reading University Program, visit www.brcf.ca/reading_university.html or telephone 780-679-0449.

Kodiaks add Dykstra, sign rookies

By Murray Green

The Camrose Kodiaks acquired Matt Dykstra from the Sherwood Park Crusaders to complete a trade from last season.
Dykstra is a 6’2” 190-pound forward who earned 52 points last season with high-end speed and skill.
“We are excited to have Matt become a Camrose Kodiak. We have just improved as a team in all areas (power play, penalty kill and even strength) and we have not even played a game. We look forward to his arrival in Camrose and to helping Matt get to the next level.”
Dykstra is a character young man who will not only lead the team on the ice, but will help lead the Kodiaks off the ice as well.
The Kodiaks have added two scouts into the organization, Andrew Gilbert and Toni Orsini.
Andrew Gilbert played three years in the AJHL with the Brooks Bandits and then had a successful CIS career in Lethbridge  for five years.
“Andrew is married, is a teacher and will scout the Lethbridge and Medicine Hat area for the Kodiaks. This is huge for the organization to have someone who knows hockey and is able to see the players down south on a regular basis for us. Andrew is a great young man who fits our organization’s values and beliefs.”
Gilbert said, “I’m really excited to be a member of such a successful organization that has a long history of winning and developing players.”
Orsini has 15 years of coaching experience from novice to junior. He is currently the head coach of CAC Major Midget Triple-A in  Edmonton where he was Coach of the Year last season.
“In Orsini, the Kodiaks have a credible and passionate man who loves the game of hockey. He will see many players in the Edmonton area and he also has the values and beliefs of the Kodiaks’ organization,” said Rybalka.
Players have also committed for next season. Tyler Schendel (born in 2000) was welcomed to the organization. He capped off a great season with Leduc midget triple-A. They qualified for the Telus Cup (the national championship for Midget) with the AMHL Championship and the Western Championship added to their title.
“Tyler led the league in scoring in the playoffs. He is a great young man with skill, vision, speed and has a great work ethic. He comes from a solid family background where he has been taught about hard work and respect and he fits the mold of a Kodiak. We are extremely excited for Tyler’s future and look forward to what lies ahead for him,” said Rybalka.
The Kodiaks are excited about the commitment of Drew Coughlin (born in 1999) to the organization. “Drew comes to us from BC, where he played in the VIJHL with the Pennisula Panthers and he led his team in scoring as a 17-year-old. He will bring his speed and skill to Camrose to make our offensive game better. At 6’1” and 180 pounds, he will step right in and be expected to be an impact player.”

Nelson headed north for Canada 150 trip

<strong>Nelson headed north for Canada 150 trip</strong>
NORTHERN CRUISE Murray Green, Camrose Booster Wendy and Rod Nelson from Camrose County completed a journey of a lifetime up north for their special Canada 150 trip.

By Murray Green

Rod Nelson wanted a special holiday during Canada’s 150 year. He purchased a new motorcycle and headed north because he already completed a coast to coast trip in the past.
“Back in 2013 after the crop was in the ground, I had a Harley Davidson, and we (his wife Wendy)went to Vancouver Island and then turned around and headed for St. John’s Newfoundland. We came back through the United States,” explained Rod. “We hit three coasts, so this time I wanted to go north. That winter I met a guy in Edmonton at the motorcycle show, who was from Inuvik. He thought I should go up with the Harley because he rides one. But, I wanted a bike I could pick up off the ground if I dropped it.”
Rod purchased a new Suzuki V-Strom 650cc motorcycle from Camrose Cycle for the trip. “The Dempster Highway is a lot of gravel, so you need a proper bike with good tires. I knew it would be slow going, especially if it rained because it gets greasy. You don’t want to drive double on that ride because the calcium chloride (to keep the dust down) and rain make it a greasy mess if they get a lot of rain.”
Originally, the plan was for Rod to go by himself. Wendy wanted to join him, but not on the motorcycle. “I didn’t want to ride 1,400 kilometers (700 each way) on the back of a motorcycle on gravel under those conditions. I decided to drive behind him in the truck in case he had any problems. It was great. We enjoyed the sites all day and then when we stopped, we talked about what we had seen along the way,” Wendy said.
They both were glad they made the trip to see the fantastic scenery. “The people along the way were great. There were just less people, so it was good and relaxing. I hit a couple of spots were the calcium chloride was wet, but I slowed down to 50 km an hour and got through it.”
The local couple enjoyed meeting characters along the way. “You see a lot more ma and pa businesses and restaurants (less box stores) and that makes for meeting interesting people,” said Wendy. “We hit the Dempster at the right time because it was in good condition.”
After spring break up the road is repaired and June is the driest month, so the timing was perfect for the Nelsons. “The Dempster Highway starts 42 kilometers east of Dawson City, Yukon. It goes north through Fort Pearson and into Inuvik to the MacKenzie Delta. At the half way point there is a place called Eagles Plains Lodge where there is a gas station, repair shop and big lodge. Then we went on our way. There was only one spot of 10 to 12 miles where it was dicey. When I was in Whitehorse, I had more aggressive tires put on. I met two Chinese fellows who were headed to Inuvik. When we rolled into Eagle Plain I noticed there were two bikes sitting there. One was a little worse for wear. It turned out they had never driven on gravel roads before and they bought the bikes just before the trip. One lost control and broke a couple of ribs and banged up his leg, didn’t break it. They turned around and went back. There were quite a few that turned around and didn’t finish. I’m happy that I was able to finish it both ways. I could have thrown the bike on the back of the truck on the way back, but I wanted to say that I completed the trip. That was my goal and I did it,” Rod said proudly.
Rod’s travels are not done yet. “Next time, I want to head north and go west to Alaska. I enjoy travelling and there is so much to see in Canada.”

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Enjoy the City on two wheels

By Lori Larsen

If you would love to see the beauty of Camrose from the seat of a bike, come out and join CWSS on July 20 at Stoney Creek Centre, 5320-39 Avenue, for a tutorial on maintaining your bike by Konrad Schellenberg.
Be sure to bring your helmet for a bike tour of the valley after the presentation.
The July 6th presentation by Chris Clarkson and Kim Vassberg was well received and supplied attendees with a vast amount of information on how to maintain trees and what the City does to keep the trees in Camrose growing healthy.
“Chris Clarkson and Kim Vassberg are very knowledgeable and are doing a great job maintaining our trees,” said CCWS coordinator Carson Hvenegaard. “If you have anymore questions about our trees, you can direct them to myself or to City Parks at 780-672-9195.”
Visit the following Youtube website to view the video mentioned by Clarkson, Trees in Trouble, a 25-minute documentary on the emerald ash borer in Cincinnatti www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM8lgSqCtxo.
Anyone attending a CWSS Thursday event will have an opportunity to put their name into a draw for prizes donated by the community. The draws will be done during the last event held on Aug. 3. The more events you attend, the more times your name goes into the draw.
For more information on the June 13th event or other upcoming events, contact CCWS coordinator Carson Hvenegaard by emailing carsonhv@gmail.com or by telephone at 780-672-0544.
For more information on CWSS, visit the City of Camrose website at www.camrose.ca/168/Wildlife-Greenspace-Stewardship.

Killam RCMP arrest Stettler man for indecent acts

By Murray Green

Killam RCMP responded to a report a man who was found to have committed what is believed to be indecent acts, which occurred over several days from June 30 to July 3 near a school in Killam.
No children or persons were believed to be present in or outside the school when the alleged acts took place. The school year ended June 29 for children.
Following the investigation, police were able to identify and arrest the male on July 7. A 31-year-old from Stettler, was charged under the Criminal Code for committing indecent acts on four counts.
 He was released with a cash recognizance and strict conditions. He will appear in Killam Provincial Court on Aug. 1.
If you have information about these incidents, call the Killam RCMP at 780-385-3509.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).

After-PARTY program in Flagstaff County schools receives grant

The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a grant to FIRST to assist with operating the After-PARTY program in Flagstaff County schools.
The grant is from income from the Roy and Lynn Fixsen Fund, the Martin and Esther Creasy Fund and the Robert and Ruby Moro Fund, all created to support the programs and projects in communities in Flagstaff County.
The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support projects and facilities, such as this, in East Central Alberta, which benefit the local communities and have a positive impact on the future.
Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment funds.  The principal of these endowment funds are kept intact and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations.
Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $4,865,000 to support community facilities and programs operated by organizations like FIRST.

Axemen split games on Canada Day event

<strong>Axemen split games on Canada Day event</strong>
AREA CODE Murray Green, Camrose Booster Cal Zimmer of the Camrose Axemen was called out at first despite the fact the Westlock first baseman couldn’t find the base during a doubleheader at Harry Andreassen Field.

By Murray Green

The Camrose Axemen men’s baseball team split two games in the Tofield Canada Day tournament.
Camrose lost 19-6 against the Holden Blue Jays and blanked the Rosalind Athletics 11-0.
In the victory, Camrose scored seven runs in the first inning and added four more in the fourth to end the contest in five innings.
Kyle Muzechka led the offence with three hits, while Shaun Painter added two hits.
Cal Zimmer pitched a complete game shutout by allowing just two hits, while walking four walks and striking out two batters.
Camrose collected eight hits against Holden, including two each from Painter and Kris Kushnerick.
Things didn’t work out on the mound. Joe Pasychynk and Ryan Burton were hit hard.
The Axemen host the Edmonton Primeaus at 7:15 p.m. on July 19 at the Harry Andressen Field in Kin Park in the next home game.
The regular season ends with the Edmonton Athletics taking on the Axemen on Aug.  2.
The playoff semifinals will be played in Westlock on Aug. 18 and 19. The final series will be in Edmonton on Aug. 26 and 27 on the former Telus Field, now called the Edmonton Professional Field.

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Kodiaks host AJHL Showcase

By Murray Green

The Alberta Junior Hockey League held its 2017 annual general meeting of the AJHL board of governors on Saturday, May 27 in Red Deer to discuss the 2017-18 season.
The AJHL were presented with an application for a change in ownership by two of its franchises.  Details on the ownership status of both teams will be announced in a joint effort by the respective teams and the league in the coming days.
The management committee also heard a proposal from a group willing to purchase the Olds Grizzlys.  The group was granted an extension to June 30 to meet the requirements of the League. Once the requirements are satisfied, an official request for a change in ownership can be reviewed by the board.
Hockey Alberta and the AJHL will host an elite development camp in July, looking to expand upon the success of the inaugural event in 2016. About 80 elite athletes from the Alberta Minor Midget triple-A Hockey League (AMMHL) will have the opportunity to participate in the AJHL Development Camp, July 18 to 23, at the Recreation Centre in Camrose.
AJHL teams will open main camp for the 2017-18 season starting on Friday, Aug. 25. The 480-game AJHL regular season will begin on Friday, September 15. Each of the 16 teams will participate in 60 regular season games, including two games at the AJHL Showcase.
The Camrose Kodiaks will host the 11th annual AJHL Showcase. The showcase will take place from Sept. 28 to 30.  Event details, including scouting packages, ticket prices, volunteer opportunities and game schedules, will be released later in June.
The Western Canada Cup format will not be continued by the AJHL and its three Western partners.  The AJHL champion will advance to a best-of-seven series versus the BCHL champion for the right to represent the west at the RBC Cup National Championship, similar to the Doyle Cup format that was used from 1962 until 2012.
The AJHL will move to a full interlock schedule for the 2018-19 season, in which all 16 teams will play each opponent four times. The board approved the 2019 playoff format with the top 14 teams qualifying for the playoffs, with the top two teams receiving a first round bye.
All series will be a best-of-seven. Round one will feature third against 14th, fourth verses 13th, fifth meeting 12th, sixth facing 11th, seventh taking on 10th and eighth challenging ninth.
The 2017-18 management committee will include Pat Loyer (Calgary Canucks), Kevin Pratt (Camrose Kodiaks) and Al Doll (Canmore Eagles) as the South Division Representatives. The North Division will be represented by Bryan Morrison (Lloydminster Bobcats), David Fitzgerald (Fort McMurray Oil Barons) and Gene Sobolewski (Bonnyville Pontiacs).
The Alberta Junior Hockey League is operating under the direction of chairman Greg Wood and commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk. The staff consists of Fran Gow (vice-president, hockey operations), Charla Flett (vice-president communications), George McCorry (vice-president officiating), Dean Laschowski (video review Manager), Curtis Nichols (supervisor of officials) and Ken Dentzien (referee assignor).
The annual marketing meeting will be held in August prior to the start of the exhibition season and training camps. The semi-annual meeting will take place in Red Deer on Nov. 25.

Births and Deaths

Births
- To Kristy and Garret Jackson, of Forestburg, a son on July 2.
- To Danine and Philip Ziegler, of Killam, a son on July 3.
- To Samantha and Mike Northey, of Sedgewick, a daughter on July 5.
- To Doris Kuffour and George Asafo-Aguei, of Camrose, a son on July 5.
- To Ashley Grosfield and Dustin Cooper, of Camrose, a daughter on July 6.
- To Anna Giedemann and Colby Clements, of Heisler, a son on July 7.
- To Amy and Adam Yakimetz, of Vegreville, a daughter on July 9.

Deaths
- Judith Morris, of Camrose, on July 6, at 59 years of age.
- Todd Severson, of Edmonton, formerly of Camrose, on July 9, at 52 years of age.
- Vernon William Hauck of Camrose, formerly of Edmonton, on July 9, at 70 years of age.
- Ann Berkholtz, of Camrose, on July 10, at 87 years of age.
- Edward “Sam” Jones, of Lacombe, formerly of Camrose, on July 11, at 85 years of age.
- Ann Marie Scherger, of Holden, on July 11, at 87 years of age.
- Terry Gunderson, of Camrose, on July 3, at 62 years of age.
- Janet Marjorie Furnell, of Camrose, on July 5, at 99 years of age.
- John Jeffery, of Ryley, on July 7, at 78 years of age.
- Peter Szott, of Daysland, on July 7, at 95 years of age.