Ladies offer Christmas dinner at Legion

By Murray Green

A Christmas dinner will be served at the Camrose branch of the Royal Canadian Legion from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25.

“This is our fifth dinner we have hosted. Marilyn and I came up with this idea because there are so many people who are alone on Christmas Day, or families have gone different directions, or are far away. This is not a Legion event, but it is held at the Legion and everyone is welcome. We want people to phone in and register so we know how much food to cook,” said co-organizer Jeanne Trachy.

Back in 2019, Jeanne and Marilyn Weber, who both work at the Legion, decided to provide a supper on December 25. Soon they had a lot of volunteers.

“We asked people to let us know if they were coming so that we knew how many people we had to feed. We cooked eight turkeys and fed 180 people the first year. This is for people from the community who want a place to go on Christmas,” shared Marilyn.

The dinner is for families to get together and enjoy turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cabbage rolls, perogies, vegetables and dessert.

“The Legion offered us the space rent free and the kitchen for the dinner, but this is not a Legion event,” said Jeanne. “Once we started talking about it, people were offering us things like a free turkey or ham. They were extremely generous and the community was awesome. We even had volunteers come in on Christmas Eve Day and peel potatoes for us and cook the turkeys.”

The ladies wanted to give back to the community and allow for some fellowship for people who are on their own.

“The amount of donations and volunteer time has blown us away. I’m okay with doing this on Christmas Day because it is a feel-good thing as well. I’m happy people can get together and enjoy a meal,” said Jeanne.

“We receive volunteer help on Christmas Eve Day because there are a lot of potatoes to peel,” laughed Marilyn.

“We get help to decorate the tables too,” added Jeanne. “All people have to do is find a way to get down here.”

The dinner is free, but you must register by calling 780-672-3325 with Jeanne or Marilyn.

Locals put together a Christmas concert

By Adan Shaikh

A Community Christmas concert is being held at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre on December 18th. The doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7 p.m.

This is a free event put together by parents and community members wanting to keep the Christmas spirit alive in Camrose.

“The school my children go to decided this year that they were not going to do a Christmas concert, but many parents look forward to it each year. I started a petition and quickly realized that many parents shared this sentiment. With the help of other parents, local businesses and community members, we were able to organize our very own Christmas concert,” shared Melissa Rozema, organizer of the concert.

In only two weeks, the team of parents and volunteers have managed to put together  an event with over 50 kids already registered to participate and more signing up each day.

“We are keeping it inclusive, the concert is not limited to just school kids. Any children in Camrose and surrounding area can register to perform. We will do one rehearsal before the event to finalize the program,” said Melissa.

This opportunity also invites home-schooled children to participate as well as community members. The guests will be joined by a special guest, local musician Jasmyn Wright.

The event is free of cost, however, donations can be made to help with the costs. Any extra funding will be donated to the Camrose Food Bank.

This beautiful initiative to spread Christmas cheer throughout the community is a great example of how solidarity can create love, hope and joy, which is what Christmas is really about.

“We are so thankful for the support we have received from local businesses and for the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre for opening their doors for us so quickly,” commented Melissa.

To register or donate to this event, Melissa can be contacted at 780-608-9554.

Trojans launch basketball season with classic

5 cchs bbb
ÉCCHS Trojans players Liam Rohatynchuk and Anton Gerner defend against
Holy Rosary during a 61-47 victory on November 29.

By Murray Green

The École Camrose Composite High School (ÉCCHS) Trojans have started its basketball season with the annual Classic on November 29 and 30.

“It is a short turn around from volleyball to basketball. Our basketball teams hosted the senior BP Classic, and our junior teams will host their BP classic on December 13 and 14,” shared Graeme Thain, athletic director.

“We’ve had a successful start up to our basketball season. Our senior teams hosted one of the first tournaments of the season with teams coming from across the province. The girls competed well and finished third, only losing to the eventual champions from H.J. Cody. Our boys played well throughout the tournament. They won all three games they played by more than 20 points each on their way to the championship,” Thain said.

Bruins to take on Kings

By Murray Green

Camrose Bruins had the week off in the North Central Hockey League (NCHL).

Camrose travels to Morinville on Dec. 21 for a contest. The next home game is also against the Morinville Kings on January 18 in the Max McLean Arena at 8 p.m.

Other home games are on January 25 against Lacombe Generals and January 31 against Wetaskiwin Longhorns.
 
Bear facts

Lane Lightning and Carson Welke lead the team in scoring with 12 points each. Carson has six goals, while Lane has five after 10 games.

 

A film friendly Camrose

By Adan Shaikh

Alberta’s film industry has experienced amazing growth since the introduction of the Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) in 2020. According to the Government of Alberta website, this refundable tax credit offers a 22 or 30 per cent reimbursement on eligible production costs to corporations producing films, TV series and other screen-based projects in the province.

“Since its launch, the FTTC has generated over $1.7 billion in production value and created approximately 9,000 jobs,” shared Patricia MacQuarrie, general manager of community development.

Communities like Sundre and Didsbury have capitalized on this boom by establishing the Mountain View Regional Film office, which has successfully attracted both national and international productions.

Inspired by the growth of Sundre and Didsbury, the City of Camrose is now making plans to establish itself as a prime location for filmmakers, offering both rural and urban scenery. The city worked together with a student from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus,  to design a policy for potential economic benefits and filming opportunities.

“Having a university student come in and help us do the research and development of this policy has been very valuable. It has allowed us to finally get this project off the ground and running,” commented MacQaurrie.

The City drafted a film production bylaw and council policy to streamline the process for production companies.

“This project was part of a semester-long community service learning program through my local municipalities class with Dr. Clark Banack. I feel pride and joy in knowing I got to work on something that can bring a positive change to Camrose,” said Jaetta Chambers, a third-year law student at Augustana.

The proposed bylaw includes appointing a film official to oversee and approve permits, with the policy serving as a comprehensive guide. “The goal for our project was to build a regulatory framework that can position Camrose as a film-friendly community and support attracting the emerging industry to Camrose,” said Jaetta.

Important considerations in the draft include managing road closures, setting fee schedules, and regulating the use of firearms and emergency vehicles in productions.

“Because of the unique nature of this industry, there are very specific regulatory framework policies about what you can and cannot do in the city. These policies are meant to give the production flexibility while also protecting the City’s landscape, as well as the safety and integrity of the community,” said MacQuarrie.

Road closures often present challenges due to unpredictable factors, and the City administration outlined three possible approaches: maintaining Council approval for all closures, delegating authority to a film official, or allowing the film official to manage timing after council approval.

The policy also addresses safety concerns regarding firearms and weaponry, permitting their use only under strict conditions and requiring a licensed armorer on set. Council will need to decide if additional measures, such as the presence of a sworn officer, are necessary. While some productions may request the use of City-owned emergency vehicles, the administration recommended against this due to potential liability risks. The Council currently feels that allowing a film official to make the decisions around road closures might be in everyone’s best interest, but they will discuss this further once the final draft is brought back for further reading.

Once a policy is finalized and approved by the council, future efforts will focus on promoting the city as a filming destination, developing online resources, and including Camrose in provincial location databases.

Camrose athletes compete in Orange Cup Rotterdam

9 as swimmers
From left, athletes Ethan Parsons, Kaleb Wilford and Kayla Vogel have just returned from Netherlands after performing very well at the competition. There is always pride to be felt when athletes from Camrose compete internationally.

By Adan Shaikh

Three local athletes were selected from Camrose this year to compete in Orange Cup, on December 7 and 8. This lifesaving skills competition took  place in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

“We had three athletes who were selected and named to the National Development team, they attended this competition under team Canada. I attended as a coach with the national team,” shared Heather Barr, coach for Camrose Tsunami.
The selected athletes were Kayla Vogel, Ethan Parsons and Kaleb Wilford.

“Camrose athletes did very well. They took off a lot of time. Ethan broke two Provincial records in 50-metre  mannequin carry and 100-metre mannequin carry with fins. A total of 1:34.79 of time was taken off their collective races. There were over 740 athletes competing from 45 different countries,” shared coach Barr.

Athletes compete in various drowning prevention competitions.

“Lifesaving sport is a sport rooted in humanitarian principles of drowning prevention. Life-saving sport is a pathway of supporting this principle by teaching the skills of and growing the passion for swimming. Athletes in this sport have the opportunity to compete regionally, provincially, nationally and if selected, internationally. It is a sport for all ages and welcomes all swimming abilities. Not only does it teach swimming, it teaches lifesaving skills that would be used to rescue a person. Our local club, Camrose Tsunami, has 115 swimmers ages four to 72,” commented coach Barr.

Coach Barr sounded proud of the team. There were  only 12 candidates selected in all of Canada and three of them were from Camrose.

Ski Like Ole event

By Murray Green

The fourth annual Ski Like Ole Lap-a-palooza is slated for Sunday, December 29, in person or virtually. The event encourages cross-country skiers to enjoy the trails with friends, family and teammates to challenge yourself.

The virtual event allows you to choose the day that works best for you (or your club). Virtual dates can be from now until January 2. To be eligible for the 102.17-km award, this must be completed and verified in a single day.

Join the Ski Like Ole Lap-a-palooza at the Camrose Ski Club and Stoney Creek Centre.

The official start time is 9:14 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. (Feel free to come and go.) Skiers in Camrose will be rewarded with each loop they complete with a draw ticket (one ticket for each kilometre skied). Special awards will be supplied for anyone completing the total 102-km distance.

Dirksen brings Studebaker back to life

10 dirksen 1960 studa lark
Ted Dirksen wanted a Studebaker Lark because they are not as popular with car collectors and the fact that he drove a Studebaker back when he was younger. The Lark was considered ahead of its time in 1960.

By Murray Green

Ted Dirksen owns a 1960 Studebaker Lark 8   (V8) SS automobile.

“I found this car in a quonset owned by a gentleman who collected Studebaker vehicles. The car was sitting there for quite a while, so he wanted someone to buy it and restore it. I liked the car because it had a V8 and was an automatic,” said Ted.

“These cars generally came with a flathead six motor and a three-speed, three on the tree, transmission. This car has a 259 Studebaker V8 motor. This was a bare bones car. There is no stainless steel around the windows, it has dual exhaust, factory headers, radio delete, dog dish hub caps, rubber mats, so it was the cheapest model you could buy with Studebaker, except for the V8 automatic, which made it very different from other cars with options. There are not too many the same as this car,” explained Ted.

The motor offered 195 horsepower with a four barrel carburetor.

“My first car when I was 16 was a Studebaker Hawk. Then I got married, sold the car and raised a family. Once the children left, I started to look for another Studebaker. I normally won’t put money into a four-door car, but people didn’t see the value in this vehicle,” shared Ted.

The Studebaker Lark was a compact car produced by Studebaker from 1959-66. “This car was in decent shape with the original paint, except for a little in front. I brought it all back to original. The car had no rust and was very solid. The engine and transmission had to be rebuilt, almost everything under the car did as well,” he added.

“I wanted to save a bit of Studebaker heritage and bring this car back to life. I love driving this car. My wife and I went to Kamloops and back last weekend (earlier this past summer) to a Studebaker meeting and she drove just beautifully,” Ted said.

“Normally at car shows there are a few Studebakers. I didn’t change any of the chrome, although it should be changed. You can put too much money into a car and I have already passed the value of the car,” revealed Ted.

“It is a work of passion, a labour of love for most people. I had a good friend that knew these cars well and he helped me, so we spent a winter getting it ready for the road. The difficulty was  all of the time and effort to do it. You can get all of the Studebaker parts you want, they are not that rare,” said Ted.

“We could get parts and they were only three weeks away. We also made a few parts as well. Anyone that wants to rebuild a Studebaker will find that getting the parts is not a big problem,” said Ted.
 
FUN FACTS

Some of these facts are courtesy of Wikipedia. From its introduction in early 1959 until 1962, the Lark was a product of the Studebaker-Packard Corporation. Sales of the Lark were good for the 1959 and 1960 model year, thanks to the fact that Studebaker had obtained dual dealerships with dealers of the Big Three manufacturers that did not as yet have their own compacts to sell.
Initial models included two- and four-door sedans, a two-door hardtop coupe and a two-door station wagon, with two levels of trim (Deluxe and Regal) offered on most. The Lark was the first car of its size to offer a V8 engine—the slightly smaller Rambler American offered only an in-line six, though the slightly larger Rambler Rebel did offer a V8 close to the same size as Studebaker’s and had since 1957.

The lineup grew for 1960, when the company introduced a convertible (Studebaker’s first since 1952) and a four-door station wagon. Two-door wagons were fast falling from favour throughout the industry, despite a minor redesign which made the two-door Lark wagon’s tailgate and rear side windows more user-friendly, and the four-door quickly proved the more popular of the two available wagons from Studebaker.
For 1959 and 1960, Larks were available with either an L-head (flathead) 170 cubic inch six-cylinder engine or the company’s 259 cubic inch V8.

County proposes about three per cent tax increase

By Murray Green

In the proposed interim budget, the average ratepayer living in Camrose County can expect to see an increase of approximately three per cent more in property taxes next year.

Tax levy increases in the 2025 interim budget are due to less provincial government funding and higher overall costs of doing business.

What does that mean for the average ratepayer?  This interim budget projects tax rate increases of five per cent for farmland (same as last year), three per cent for residential and linear (2024 increase was 3.5 per cent) and two per cent for non-residential and M&E (2024 increase was 3.25 per cent).

At the regular council meeting on Dec. 10, administrator Teresa Gratrix presented the operating and capital budgets for council’s approval. County councillors passed the interim budget, which is subject to change until next spring.

“I move that Camrose County council approve the 2025 Operating Interim Budget with a total operating revenue (not including taxes) of $23,118,461, total operating expenses of $39,700,401 to give a total estimated 2025 Tax Levy (operating) of $16,581,939,” said councillor Carlene Wetthuhn.

“The goal for the 2025 budget was to maintain a high level of municipal service to our ratepayers, given the current social and economic climate, based on council’s strategic direction and priority based budgeting principles. The 2025 interim budget reflects estimates based on assessment data for the 2024 final budget and subsequent changes implemented by the provincial government,” explained County administrator Gratrix.

“During March 2025, administration will prepare the final budget for Council approval following the release of the final 2024 assessment data and the inclusion of any adjustments to provincial requisitions for the Alberta School Foundation. The total Operating Levy is very similar to the 2024 levy (within $10,000),” she added.

Based on this proposed budget, the expected property tax increase will be about three per cent subject to change at the final budget stage.

“This would equate to a little more than $64 increase for the average residential property, $29 for the average farmland property and $97 per $100,000 for non-residential properties. This is based on 2024 assessment numbers, which the County expects will increase—potentially lowering the property tax rate at the final budget stage,” said administrator Gratrix.

At the budget meetings department managers recommended to the budget committee several changes or alternatives to services delivery and identified areas where efficiencies can be implemented.

“The final 2025 budget will be brought back to council at the end of March. Administration will prepare the final budget for council approval following the release of the final 2024 assessment data and finalization of the Education Requisition.”
County council approved the 2025 interim capital budget with total capital and project expenses of $9,671,923 to be funded by internal resources (sale of assets, grants, debentures or reserves) of $8,596,423 and a total capital levy of $1,075,500.

Passing of an interim operations budget (MGA Section 242(2)) will allow operations to continue for the portion of the year up until the final budget has been passed by council, at which time the interim budget will cease to have any effect.

“It is important to note that this interim budget includes estimates of Education Tax amounts, LGFF Operating Funds and County Assessment Numbers. These items could impact the final budget and change the expected tax rate increases,” shared Gratrix.

Budget Committee deliberations took place on October 21 and November 18 in which council received information from departments and community groups regarding items in the 2025 budget.

New services/initiatives included in the 2025 operating budget include additional economic development spending grants and videography; changes to the County GPS software system; upgrades to a number of small capital items such as picnic tables, transfer site bins; Round Hill playground re-surfacing; upgrades to the Round Hill Fire Hall such as interior wall finishes and overhead doors.

Budget stressors affecting Camrose County in 2025 are carbon tax increases affecting utility expenses; salary and wage increases; benefit plan increases (six per cent); library contribution increases (five per cent) and election expenses.

“These negative impacts are mitigated by operating funds freed up by the retirement of County debt,” shared Gratrix.

Seed plant to modify catwalk

By Murray Green

Camrose County gave the green light to build an addition to the Seed Cleaning Plant at the regular meeting on November 26.

Administrator Teresa Gratrix reported at the budget committee meeting a request for funding in the amount of $14,000 be included in the 2025 budget for modifications to the Seed Cleaning Plant.

“The contractor who will perform the work will be at the Seed Cleaning Plant prior to the end of the year and it would be prudent to have the work done at that time,” she suggested.

“I move that council authorize the expenditure of catwalk modifications at the Seed Cleaning Plant in the amount of $14,000 to be paid out of Seed Plant Operating Revenues in 2024,” moved councillor Carl Bergstrom.

The Seed Cleaning Plant will cover this expenditure in their 2024 operating budget.

 

Christmas Fund short

By Murray Green
 
Camrose Merry Christmas Fund volunteers will be packing more than 300 Christmas hampers this week, while Food Bank volunteers will be packing about 50 extra hampers to meet this year’s increased call to support those in need in our community. Volunteers wishing to deliver hampers and toys should come to the Fire Hall after 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 21.

“Camrose and area residents and businesses have generously donated to our fundraising needs, but we are about $15,000 short of our $40,000 fundraising goal to pay for the groceries in the hampers. Donations by cash or cheque can be dropped off at the Royal Bank, the Fire Hall, or 3412-61A Street. New this year is the option of Interac e-Transfer to MCHampers@telus.net. All donations made by December 31st will garner a 2024 charitable donation tax receipt in January,” said Merry Christmas Fund chair Morris Henderson.

“The success of the Christmas hamper program is the result of the incredible community support wholeheartedly given year after year. We cannot do it on our own,” shared Morris. Email mchampers@telus.net for more information or to have a donation picked up.
Bonnie

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

Holiday preferences
 
In the past few days, I’ve enjoyed hearing different ways that friends and family members are celebrating this holiday season.

Some are doing traditional things–family time, special holiday food, parties, gift exchanges, Christmas music.

Some friends are travelling to exotic locations and spending Christmas in the tropics. Others are going to a ski resort.

A Jewish friend is looking forward to traditional Hanukkah rituals. This year, Hanukkah begins at nightfall on December 25 and ends with nightfall on January 2, 2025. Each evening, her family’s three generations will light the menorah and read blessings. The celebrations will include four menorahs. Much light indeed!
 
***
 
Traditions change as families change.
 
One friend is–for the first time in her life–not having Christmas Day at her home with her children and now grandchildren. Her family’s gathering was last weekend. She is delighted that all her children and grandchildren could be together, no matter what the day. She’s curious how she’s going to feel on Christmas morning.

I know people who have lost family members during the past year. They feel the loss more keenly during this season. One family, whose husband/father/grandfather died during the past year, decided to change all the family’s Christmas customs. They are going to the mountains for a few days.

Another friend is, for the first time, not hosting their family’s multi-generation Christmas dinner. She and her husband have been invited to have Christmas dinner with their son, daughter-in-law and toddler and infant grandchildren. Their daughter-in-law’s mother will also be there. My friend says it feels weird not to be the one in charge.
 
***
 
Not everyone enjoys traditional ways of celebrating the holiday. One friend is “getting the family stuff out of the way on Christmas Eve.” Then she’s looking forward to several days alone with a stack of books and a fridge full of wonderful grazing food.

Another friend, who has no close family, is spending Christmas day with a colleague. They intend to create a brand new revenue stream. She and her colleague think that will be more fun than traditional Christmas activities!
 
               ***
 
I’m remembering cherished moments from the past. I remember live Christmas trees too big for the space, but nobody cared. I remember sneaking around to keep gifts a secret. I have fond memories of laughter and whimsy.

I’m even cherishing memories of 2 a.m. on a Christmas morning. I was still wrapping gifts to be tucked under the Christmas tree before the kids woke up in the morning–probably at a ridiculously early hour. Then I encountered the dreaded words, “Some assembly required.”

Aaauugh! (It’s funny now.)
 
***
 
Over the years, as family and circumstances have changed, I’ve changed too. There was a time when I could not imagine not having a Christmas tree. I could not imagine not exchanging Christmas gifts with every family member. I could not imagine not being with family on Christmas Day.

Now I’ve had all three of those experiences. I realize that rituals and traditions can mean whatever we choose them to mean. What really matters is the essence of the tradition. We can create new ways to honour the intention of our traditions.

Here’s my holiday season wish for you. Whatever your holiday beliefs and traditions are, whatever form your holiday season takes, may the last few weeks of this year intensify the love, joy, peace, generosity and gratitude in your life.
 
***

I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send an email to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within two business days
 
 
Laurel nadon 2019
Homespun By Laurel Nadon

Homespun

By Laurel Nadon

A mostly wonderful time of the year
 
As a general rule, I like Christmas music. I turn it on while I am wrapping presents or baking cookies to help get into the Christmas spirit.

I don’t even mind hearing Christmas tunes in stores while I’m shopping, even if it begins earlier than necessary. Lately, I’ve been listening to Christmas tunes crooned by Michael Bublé as well as some oldies like Tony Bennett, Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Bing Crosby and Gene Autry. There’s even a line I had never noticed before in the song “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” that says “and mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again.”

I love when “Mele Kalikimaka” comes on because it’s featured in one of my favourite Christmas movies, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This is played in the scene where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is daydreaming as he gazes at his backyard, imagining his relatives enjoying the pool that he hopes to build with that year’s Christmas bonus.

Then I realized that there is one song that I really dislike, and even find a bit distasteful which is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Is it just me, or is that a lot of pressure? Yes, in many ways the Christmas season is wonderful. Visiting with family that you may not often see, playing board games, skiing and tobogganing and then having a cup of hot chocolate. There are special treats and events like school Christmas concerts and staff Christmas parties. Decorations and presents add to the festive feel.

My 13-year-old is eagerly waiting to see his cousin who lives a few hours away, a much-anticipated first boy cousin who is now six. I loved hearing this, because, as a parent, it’s always a priority that the kids aren’t focusing too much on what presents they will be receiving. That’s why we still exchange names for cousin and sibling gifts so that they can practice noticing what someone else would like or need as a gift.

This is all wonderful, but yet there is a not so wonderful side to Christmas too. There are people who are experiencing their first Christmas without their spouse, parent or child. There are people struggling to pay for the extra Christmas expenses. That doesn’t sound too wonderful. It’s a lot of pressure to make the season a magical time, especially for parents with small children. Luckily, I can press skip when “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” comes on and return to my cheerful preparations for the season.

One of these preparations is seeing a new Christmas movie. This year, we saw Red One with Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans and it did not disappoint. When a villain kidnaps Santa Claus (code name Red One) from the North Pole, an ELF (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative joins forces with the world’s most accomplished tracker to find Santa and save Christmas.

This movie keeps the magic of Christmas intact, but what impressed me most was the message that was repeated throughout the movie. There’s talk of being on the naughty versus nice list, and Santa notes that every day, every choice we make gives us the opportunity to be good. That means that our choices, big and small, add up to be who we are, not just at Christmas, but all year. (Though my kids also claimed that the other take away messages were: don’t be a witch, and don’t bake macaroons for Santa.)

Maybe that’s the “wonderful” that the song is getting at–not the presents, the feast, not even seeing loved ones. Maybe it’s each person trying to care more, sharing more, trying to be the best person they can be. Perhaps that is what makes it a wonderful time of year.