Reflections

Reflections
By Bonnie Hutchinson

No time, memory and
mental meandering

You know how you go online for a piece of information and something on a sidebar attracts your attention and that reminds you of something else and then you flip to social media and in “no time” (that is, when you lose touch with the passage of time) an hour has disappeared?
On the way to this column I had one of those experiences. A short CBC item, “Internal Hard Drive: What’s lost when we forget to remember” started it.
The article suggested that we use smart phones as an external hard drive for our memory. We rely on smartphones to remember everything from phone numbers to people’s birthdays. The article said, “Our reliance on portable technology has led some to argue that we’re losing our grasp of memory on a larger scale, and in turn, our hold on the foundations of knowledge.”
Before writing was invented, the ability to memorize was crucial. Indigenous people had oral traditions to preserve tribal knowledge. In ancient Greece, memorizing was the basis of education. Scholars were expected to recite Homer’s epic poems, which would take more than 18 hours to recite. However, memorizing wasn’t just about pulling facts. It was a source for creating original ideas. When the Greek alphabet was created, scholars worried that reading and writing would cheapen knowledge; a method not for remembering, but for forgetting; for creating the illusion of knowledge.
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Fast forward. In the 1960s, Canadian Marshall McLuhan (the medium is the message) wrote about how tools and technology can numb the parts of ourselves that we seek to extend. Example: When calculators were introduced, they were a great convenience. However, some people were concerned (accurately, as it turned out) that if we became too dependent on calculators without understanding mathematics, we’d not only lose our mathematical ability, but gradually we’d no longer be able to tell when a calculator’s answer didn’t make sense.
The CBC article quotes Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains, as saying, “Our ability to remember things seems to be reduced when we’re gathering information through our phones and through Google and off the web…On one hand, we have all this artificial memory that we can tap into…but we’re less likely to form our own personal internal biological memories of all that stuff so it numbs the memory faculty inside our minds.”
Carr says the idea of technologies being “external hard drives” for our memories misunderstands how biological memory works. Our biological memories are rich with connections and associations. Computer memory just stores random bits of information.
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That idea caused me to remember, vaguely, a quote from Nobel prize-winning scientist Albert Einstein–something about not cluttering up our minds with things we can look up. I Googled to see if I could find the original quote and–in no time– I’d meandered through all kinds of interesting things about Einstein. The downside: a couple of hours had evaporated and the column wasn’t started.
In the spirit of sharing (or possibly causing you too to be distracted) here’s the quote, along with a couple of others I really appreciated. In response to not knowing the speed of sound, Einstein said, “[I do not] carry such information in my mind since it is readily available in books.” Three other Einstein quotes I appreciated: “Education is not the learning of facts, it’s rather the training of the mind to think.”
“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.”
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
My take from all this: Technology is a good servant and bad master.
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I’d love to hear from you! If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send a note to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day. read more

Round Hill Battleford trail Crime Watch meeting

By Murray Green

The Round Hill Battleford Trail Crime Watch association will be having its annual meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Round Hill Community Hall.
Guest speaker will be a Camrose County community peace officer to discuss the Battle River Rural Crime Watch. For more information contact Don Olson at 780-672-6043.
 Surface rights
The Battleford Trail Surface Rights Association will be conducting its annual meeting on Thursday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Round Hill Community Hall.
Guest speaker will be Janet Patriquin, the farmers’ Advocate for Alberta.
Discussion will occur on the oil and gas land rental recovery process including how to apply, what to expect after applying and answers to common questions.
For more information contact president Tom Nahirniak at 780-672-6021, vice-president Stephan Hodgetts at 780-672-6494, or secretary Robert Lee at 780-373-3815.

Temperatures drop, vehicle thefts rise

Temperatures drop, vehicle thefts rise
Camrose Police Service warn residents that November and December are peak months for vehicle theft. Always lock your vehicle when it is unattended and prevent yourself from becoming victim to vehicle theft.
By Lori Larsen

Along with the colder temperatures comes a noticeable increase in vehicle thefts, with suspects looking for warm transportation, victims are far too often willing to oblige by not taking extra precautions in securing their vehicle.
“Last year, November and December were the peak months for vehicle thefts in Camrose,” noted Camrose Police Service crime prevention/community relations officer, Constable Kelly Bauer. “Idling vehicles create an easy opportunity for someone to steal your ride.”
In 2017, there were 66 occurrences of stolen vehicles in Camrose. “We are on pace to equal those numbers in 2018,” said Bauer. “Which is twice the number of vehicles that were stolen in our city just three or four years ago.”
Auto theft is one of the most frequent police reported offences in Canada, with a vehicle theft occurring every seven minutes and Constable Bauer indicated that Camrose is no exception, in that vehicle theft is one of the main issues they deal with. “Anyone, anywhere in the City can be victimized and in the majority of the cases it is preventable.”
Bauer explained three of the a main motives for stealing a vehicle include transportation from one city to another, use in committing other crimes such as robberies or break and enters, or for dismantling and selling parts (chop shops).
If you are curious as to whether or not you may be at risk of having your vehicle stolen, Constable Bauer suggests the following will help protect your property.
Always lock your vehicle when unattended.
Remove valuables from your vehicle. “Many vehicles are stolen while suspects are stealing change from the ashtray and find a spare set of keys or press the start button and your key fob is in the vehicle.”
Park in a locked garage (where possible) or a well-lit area and consider installing security lighting around home.
If you park inside a garage don’t assume your vehicle is secure. Remove your keys and lock the vehicle and the garage.
Avoid leaving your vehicle idling while unattended. That minute you take to run into a house or business will be the 30 seconds a thief needs to drive away with your vehicle. You may as well have handed them the keys.
Consider purchasing  an anti-theft device or security system for your vehicle, especially if it is parked outside most of the time.
In some instances you may fall victim merely because of the type of vehicle you drive. “The most commonly stolen vehicle is a 2002-07 Ford F250 or F350,” said Bauer.
“I often hear people say, ‘I leave my vehicle unlocked because if they want it they will steal it anyway,’” reported Bauer.  “In the vast majority of the thefts, criminals don’t want to steal your vehicle, they just want to steal ‘a’ vehicle. So why make it easy for them?”
During an investigation of a vehicle theft a few years back, Constable Bauer traced the suspect’s footprints in the snow where they had walked for a few blocks checking vehicles and garages until they found an unlocked vehicle to steal. “It was an easy victim.”
Relating another incident that occurred last year, Bauer reiterated the importance of securing your vehicle.
“A woman who had left her vehicle unlocked and idling on her driveway for just a minute, returned outside to watch her vehicle being driven away. About a week later the vehicle was recovered in another community. When her vehicle was returned to her, the interior was a total disaster. There were several break-in tools left in her vehicle, stolen property, bottles, food wrappers, cigarette butts and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle clearly had been driven hard, slept in, eaten in, smoked and used drugs in and was also used for criminal activity.
“This woman’s vehicle, which she took so much pride in, had been returned but would never be the same.”
Although you may not be the direct victim of vehicle theft, we all pay in the long run through increased insurance rates and the costs of investigations. It’s estimated that vehicle theft costs Canadians $500 million a year. For more tips on preventing auto theft visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada website. Do your part in protecting what is rightfully yours and help prevent yourself from becoming a victim.  read more

Movember hair raising awareness

By Lori Larsen

Movember, aka November, sees women and men across the globe joining together to raise awareness and funds on men’s mental and physical health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer.
The initiative has men, beginning on Nov. 1 clean-shaven, nix the beards and moustaches, then taking the next 30 days of November to grow, groom then gloat about having the best moustache.
Locally, Camrose Police Service Deputy Chief Lee Foreman was challenged by his sons, Jackson, Taylor and Connor to “face” up to raising funds for this initiative and encourage other men to get on board, to take their health seriously and to build awareness among themselves, friends and family.
“I believe that together we can make a difference in men’s health, whether it be in prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health or suicide prevention. So we came up with ‘The Foreman’s Four Men for Men’ team to do our part.”
The Foreman men encourage people to consider making a donation to assist them, and all Movember participants, in achieving their goals.
Support Movember and be a part of ensuring men’s health remains in the forefront of everyone’s minds.

City funds Handivan, forgives debt

By Lori Larsen

City of Camrose councillors approved immediate funding to the Rose City Handivan Society, including a City grant of $28,113.98 to be funded from the Public Transit Reserve and used towards the purchase of a new van; $61,292 City grant funded from the General Operating Reserve to be used towards the purchase of a new van, and granted $77,717 forgiveness of amounts owing to the City of Camrose by the Handivan Society to be funded from the general operating reserve.
Society president Linda Rowswell made a presentation to City of Camrose Council on Oct. 15, on what the new Handivan Society board has done thus far in an effort to get finances in line and proposed suggestions of support they would appreciate from the City of Camrose, in order to assist in keeping the Handivan service on the road.
“We believe that we are now in a situation that with some support from our partners, we can become a strong organization that provides safe and effective transportation for  community residents who have difficulty with conventional means of transportation,” noted Rowswell.
She indicated that since April this year, the new board has effected changes with staffing including reducing one full time employee administrative staff, hiring a new coordinator (previous one resigned), recruiting two part-time casual drivers in order to increase flexibility and lower overtime costs, using temporary layoff of one full time employee driver during reduced service requirement period (July/August) and resolving many personnel issues.
Councillor Max Lindstrand commended Rose City Handivan Society for years of good work in the City and commented on how he looks forward to future collaboration and cooperation between the City and the Handivan Society. “I appreciate the Handivan Society is having some tough times (financial) and the fleet is getting run down. Public transportation costs money and it doesn’t surprise me that your average rider costs $12–and you are only charging $4.”
Lindstrand indicated that the City has to be prepared to subsidize the service in order for the organization to work and cautioned the Handivan Society to not price themselves out of reach for the people they are trying to serve.
City manager Malcolm Boyd inquired as to whether or not the board had a longer term view (2020-21) of how often bus replacements are going to be required and what portion of those costs would be funded by the Handivan Society, versus what the City should keep in its capital planning. “We are trying to work on a three-year business plan so that information would be important.”
Rowswell indicated that there will be a need to replace more vans on an ongoing basis and that the vehicles typically last between two to three years before needing replacement. She told Boyd that the society will share the information about ongoing van replacement in the grant proposal.
She also indicated that the society is looking beyond the present services offered to residents through the Handivan and possibly expanding to include more hours of operation, in order to fullfil the needs of residents requiring cost efficient transportation.
Councillor Kevin Hycha added that it may mean more than just replacing vans every three years, that there may be the feasibility of adding more vehicles to the fleet  to better serve the growing needs in the community.

BRCF awards grant to Centra Cam Vocational Training

Submitted

The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a grant to Centra Cam Vocational Training Association to assist with the operation of the Emergency Clothing and Furniture Depot. The grant is from income from the Foundation’s Community Funds, established by generous donors who have given discretion to the Foundation’s Board to determine where grants will meet community needs.
The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support projects, programs 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 $5,835,000 to support community programs like Centra Cam’s Emergency Clothing and Furniture Depot.
To learn more about Centra Cam Vocational Training Centre projects, contact Roxanna Skjonsberg, executive director at 780-672-9995.
To learn more about the Battle River Community Foundation contact Dana Andreassen, executive director, at 780-679-0449.

Green wins aggregate at Canadian Finals Rodeo

By Murray Green

Clay Elliott was crowned the saddle bronc riding champion, but it was Layton Green of Meeting Creek who was named the aggregate winner at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer on Nov. 4.
Green rode all six horses he drew at the finals with scores of 80.5, 77, 81.25, 82.25, 82.25 and 79.75 to almost match his winnings up to the finals. He made $21,374 prior to the finals and ended up with $42,029 after the weekend.
Justin Berg of Camrose didn’t fair as well with four rides and two bucked-off rounds. Zeke Thurston of Big Valley had four rides, but had two first place showings and a second.
Clint Laye of Cadogan stayed on five horses in bareback and Bashaw cowboy Jacob Stemo rode all six he got on for about $21,000 for the week.
In bull riding, Layton’s brother Garrett Green of Meeting Creek won the first round, but could only add two more in the week.  He was still able to collect$15,660 for his efforts.
Riley Warren of Stettler roped six calves to place eighth and take home about $13,000. Curtis Cassidy of Donalda only caught three calves, but still paid his bills with $11,600 in take home pay.
Both Cody and Curtis Cassidy of Donalda caught all six calves in the steer wrestling. Curtis picked up $20,000 to place fourth overall on the year. Scott Guenthner of Provost won the event with about $31,000 in earnings in red Deer.
Callahan Crossley of Oregon earned more than $73,000 in the week to win the barrel racing event. Rene Leclercq of Holden turned in a fifth place showing to take home $1,080. Diane Skocdopole of Big Valley cashed in  about $24,000 at the Centrium in Westerner Park in Red Deer.
Camrose brothers Justin and Brett McCarroll earned more than $8,000 each in team roping by roping five of six calves. They had two fourth place winnings.

Harpdog Brown brings uptown blues to Bailey Theatre

By Murray Green

The Rose City Roots Music Society brought in Harpdog Brown to hold a celebration night of blues at the Bailey Theatre on Friday, Nov. 23 beginning at 8 p.m.
Harpdog earned a reputation as a real-deal purveyor of classic electric blues. His Uptown Blues Band has a vintage New Orleans Blues sound featuring slide trombone, keyboards, bass, drums and may include a sax and clarinet. They perform mostly originals, yet they often include great songs of the masters from Louis Jordan, Satchmo, Sonny Boy Williamson, Wynonie Harris, even Duke Ellington.
Vancouver-based blues artist Harpdog has long been called a Blues Evangelist, and that’s a very fitting moniker. “I speak the blues like it’s the truth, and it is,” he said. “I do feel like I’m a servant of the people. A missionary if you will. Music can heal people if they pay attention to the messages in these songs.”
On Oct. 17, Harpdog released new video for the track “Reefer Lovin’ Woman” from his forthcoming album (spring 2019). Timing could not be more perfect for him, as that was the day that marijuana became legal for of-age Canadians.
Harpdog is a gifted vocalist and an imaginative harmonica player who has earned a solid reputation as a real-deal purveyor of classic electric blues reminiscent of the old Chess Records and Sun Records of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s.
Maple Blues Awards have named him Harmonica Player of the Year for three consecutive years. He was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in his hometown of Edmonton. He is a JUNO nominee and still the only Canadian artist to hold the coveted Muddy Award from the Cascade Blues Society.  He is a gifted singer and an imaginative harmonica player and he’s been a pillar of the Canadian Blues scene for over 30 years..
He released his new album, Travelin’ With The Blues in 2018.  This album features some of the greatest blues musicians in the US today, and that includes a duelling harmonica tune with his dear friend  Charlie Musselwhite.
After the release of his ground-breaking album What It Is, Harpdog was named Harmonica Player of the Year.
Front of stage often includes a ‘51 Masco PA and his harp amps are ‘52 Mascos. He often sings through a vintage Turner mic if the acoustics permit. There is simply nobody doing it like this. You’ll hear plenty of originals, but you’ll hear them with that old-school sound. For good measure, they love to include a few songs by the masters as well. And that’s why his audiences rave about the authentic experience this show delivers.

Lindhout inspires others to be strong

Lindhout inspires others to be strong
Amanda Lindhout
By Murray Green

The Bethany Group’s Faith and Aging event had a full house at the Norsemen Inn, listening to guest speaker Amanda Lindhout reveal her kidnapping experience and how faith carried her through her ordeal.
Amanda born in Red Deer, now 37, told her story that led her to write a very moving book. On Aug. 23, 2008, she and members of her entourage were kidnapped by Islamist insurgents in southern Somalia. She was released 15 months later on Nov. 25, 2009. In 2013, she released the book, A House in the Sky: A Memoir, in which she recounts her early life, travels as a young adult, and hostage experience. In 2014, the book was optioned to become a major motion picture.
“I’ve learned that since sharing my story, there seems to be real value for other people. It’s not just a sensational story. I can teach people about resilience and finding the strength that is inside all of us to get through a really hard time,” explained Amanda. “Nobody else in the room has been kidnapped except me, but everyone understands suffering. It might look different, but I think when people hear me talk they end up thinking about their own lives. Hopefully, they leave my talk with tools on how to better deal with that and remind them of their own strength.”
At the age of 24, Amanda quit her job as a cocktail waitress to become a journalist. She used her salary from the bar where she worked to finance reporting trips to various conflict zones around the world.
She began her journalism career in Afghanistan, arriving in the capital Kabul, in May 2007. She later moved on to an assignment in Baghdad, Iraq in January 2008, where she worked on a freelance basis for Iran’s state television Press TV.
 She was taken to the Sadr Party Headquarters and questioned about her political affiliations.
“I knew that I had lived through an extraordinary experience and learned through the resilience that is inside of us. People talked to me about writing a book when I first came back, but I wasn’t well enough physically. A year later, I decided to share my experiences.”
At the time of her abduction in Somalia, she was reportedly not affiliated with any news organization other than the Red Deer Advocate.
On Aug. 23, 2008, two days after having arrived in Mogadishu, Amanda and Nigel Brennan, a 37-year-old freelance Australian photojournalist from Brisbane, were kidnapped along with their Somali translator Abdifatah Mohammed Elmi, their driver Mahad Isse, and a driver from the Shamo Hotel, Marwali.
“When people hear what happened to me, they often say you are stronger than me, I couldn’t have survived that. I don’t think that is true. I had the opportunity to go through it to see what I was made of. People don’t understand that unless they have had to apply it to their life,” shared Amanda.
They were on their way to conduct interviews at an internally displaced person (IDP) camp when they were stopped by gunmen. The abductors were teenage insurgents from the Hizbul Islam fundamentalist group. While in captivity, they were separated and subsequently raped and tortured repeatedly.
On Sept. 17, Al Jazeera featured footage of her and Brennan in captivity surrounded by gunmen. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of US $2.5 million by Oct. 28. On Feb. 23, 2009, the Canadian Association of Journalists urged Prime Minister Stephen Harper to help secure the release of Amanda and Khadija Abdul Qahaar, a Canadian woman who was kidnapped in November.
Elmi and the two drivers were released earlier. The kidnappers later lowered the ransom demand to $1 million.
“Every single time I have the opportunity to share my story, I reconnect myself, in prayer, to share the truth of my life experience. When I’m on stage, I’m vulnerable for me to feel the truth of my own story. Tears come to my eyes, but I know that is a good thing. It’s not just words, I’m feeling what is happening to me and what is real,” said Amanda. 
On June 10, 2009, CTV News received a phone call from a tearful Lindhout who seemed to be reading a statement: “My name is Amanda Lindhout and I am a Canadian citizen and I’ve been held hostage by gunmen in Somalia for nearly 10 months. I’m in a desperate situation. I’m being kept in a dark, windowless room in chains without any clean drinking water and little or no food. I’ve been very sick for months without any medicine. I love my country and want to live to see it again. Without food or medicine, I will die here.”
On Nov. 25, 2009, after 460 days as a hostage, Amanda and Brennan were released following a ransom payment made by their families through a private firm. She was hospitalized in Nairobi for two weeks and treated for acute malnourishment.
On June 12, 2015, the RCMP announced the arrest of Ali Omar Ader, in Ottawa, describing him as the main negotiator in the hostage-taking of her and Brennan. This year on June 18, Ader was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the kidnapping.
“As I tell the story I recall more things to share and I have learned to be okay with sharing that part of my life with people.”
In 2013, Amanda released a memoir, co-written with journalist Sara Corbett, recounting her experience as a hostage. She indicated in the book that her motive for travelling to Somalia in the midst of an insurgency was the dearth of competition from other journalists covering the region, as well as the possibility of documenting unique human interest stories.
“When people come up and give me a hug, or tell me their story, it makes me feel so much better.” read more

Music teacher receives distinction award

By Murray Green

Thomas Schoen received the Royal Conservatory of Music Teacher of Distinction Award.
Edmonton violin teacher and Augustana instructor Thomas Schoen was awarded a Teacher of Distinction Award by Dr. Peter Simon, president and CEO of the Royal Conservatory of Music, at the Royal Conservatory Convocation and Gold Medals Ceremony at Mount Royal University in Calgary on Oct. 28.
RCM Teachers of Distinction are recognized for their leadership as music teachers in their community. They instil a lifelong love of music in their students, provide mentorship to other teachers, and inspire everyone around them.
Teachers of Distinction are nominated by members of their musical community and are selected following these criteria: innovative and exemplary teaching practices; student achievement and engagement; and teacher commitment and leadership.
Thomas was born and raised in Dawson Creek, BC and holds a bachelor of music degree in violin performance from the University of British Columbia.
He now resides in Edmonton where he is an active performer and teacher. Teaching positions include violin instructor at University of Alberta Augustana Campus and the Society for Talent Education in Edmonton. Thomas is in demand around western Canada as a festival adjudicator and clinician.

Nice Horse making a name for themselves

Nice Horse making a name for themselves
Nice Horse consists of, from left, Tara McLeod, Krista Wodelet, Brandi Sidoryk and Katie Rox.
By Murray Green

Nice Horse has impressed so many fans and other artists that they have been asked to open for some of the biggest names in country music.
In Camrose, they will be appearing before the Washboard Union show at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
The Calgary-based band are 2018 CCMA Award nominees who are embarking on a Canadian tour with GRAMMY Award winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and CCMA Group Of The Year The Washboard Union. Coming off the release of their debut album There Goes The Neighborhood, the all-girl country rock band are ready to hit the stage for their fans.
Comprised of Brandi Sidoryk (vocals, bass), Katie Rox (vocals, banjo, acoustic guitar), Krista Wodelet (vocals, drums), Tara McLeod (electric guitar), Nice Horse is the result of four bold women joining forces to create all-girl powerhouse band.
“Playing in Camrose at the Big Valley Jamboree was a pretty special show for us because it was the first full outdoor concert we ever played,” said Brandi. “We were so new, but the people at Big Valley just trusted us to put on a good show and it meant a lot to us. It feels like home here.”
They played two years later with great support again. “It means we did a good job the first time,” added Katie.
“We have been touring like crazy. After playing here the first time we went on a major tour with Tom Cochrane and things have ramped up since then,” said Krista.
Last summer, they opened for Florida Georgia Line. “How cool is that! I think it is amazing and we have been lucky to play some great bands. When you go to festivals, you have the best bands available. Some of those bands inspire us and give us new ideas,” added Katie.
Winners of the CMT Fresh Face Feature Artist, nominated for CCMA Interactive Artist or Group of the Year and making into the top three finalists for Alberta’s prestigious project WILD, the ladies of Nice Horse have shown no hints of slowing down. They have also performed on big stages including the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose.
“The intimate shows in a theatre are great shows too, in a different way. Playing in front of Washboard Union means a lot to us because we toured with them before and they were dear friends of ours,” said Katie.
“Our energy comes across on stage because we have a lot of fun and we are all friends. That comes through whether we are playing in a festival or in a theatre. We love what we do,” said Brandi.
“I find we get to do more story telling in a theatre-type atmosphere because people are relaxed and really want to listen to what we have to say. You get to connect with the audience and you can share the stories that go with certain songs,” said Krista.
Nice Horse plays their own instruments and writes songs as potent as “Jim, Jack, Johnnie & Jose,” the band’s roof-raising single “Pony Up” and the new feminist anthem “Mansplainin’.”
“We’ve gotten to know Camrose and people here and they are like come over for dinner. We feel very welcome here,” said Krista.
“My family lived in Lloydminster for a while, so we have driven through Camrose once a month pretty much my entire childhood. I  also remember the swans in the park. It’s a place I know so well and its great to come back here,” said Brandi.
“When we did the project Wild we met a lot of Alberta artists,” said Krista.
There Goes The Neighborhood was produced by Jeff Dalziel (Washboard Union, Brett Kissel), along with the legendary Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue) on a couple of tracks. The band’s first major tour was as direct support for Canadian icon Tom Cochrane, and they’ve since opened for other industry heavyweights including Gord Bamford and Jess Moskaluke. They like to showcase their signature high-energy live show.
“Our show is evolving all of the time, so we will have some new material for our friends in Camrose,” said Brandi.

  read more

Ed Sullivan Show returns

By Murray Green

Live from the Bailey Theatre studio in downtown Camrose, its the Ed Sullivan Show.
The popular variety show will be returning for two encore shows on Nov. 17 and 18.
The first show last spring was sold out and this version will be even bigger and better. “This year, Dale Adam will be our host and we have a good lineup of local talent in the show,” said Dan Olofson, one of the producers of the show.
Last year, some people who wanted to go couldn’t get tickets, so the decision was made to hold two shows. The Saturday performance is at 8 p.m. and Sunday, it will be the same show beginning at 2 p.m.
The show features local talent on stage in a similar format that made the Ed Sullivan Show famous on television from 1948 to 1971.
Rumour has it that Mick Jagger, Leslie Gore, Patsy Cline, Frankie Valli, and Connie Francis have been booked. Local talent includes Cory Vanderjagt, Brittany Catherine, Kim Meyer, Brian Dumont and Marj Pudlowski.
The performers will be backed by the Ed Sullivan Band featuring Jordan Leden, Jim Hough, Robin Eklund and Dan Olofson. The Joel Gray Horns featuring Don Berner and Joel Gray himself will add a full sound to the band.
Edward Vincent Sullivan (Sept. 28, 1901 to Oct. 13, 1974) was an American television personality, sports and entertainment reporter, and syndicated columnist for the New York Daily News and the Chicago Tribune. He is principally remembered as the creator and host of the television variety program The Toast of the Town, eventually renamed The Ed Sullivan Show. It was broadcast for 23 years and set a record as the longest-running variety show in US broadcast history.
“The funds generated from the Ed Sullivan Variety Show will go towards the Bailey Theatre to assist with costs of keeping the facility operating. The theatre brings in good shows over the year and we want that to continue downtown.”

Berg shares his talents

By Murray Green

Canadian bass-baritone Nathan Berg’s career has spanned a vast range of repertoire on the concert and operatic stage. His recent dramatic work has earned acclaim around the world.
Berg will be sharing his music in Camrose at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, Nov. 21 beginning at 7 p.m.
He established himself as a specialist in the works of Wagner in the 2017-18 season. He is covering the roles of Alberich in the Metropolitan Opera’s complete Ring.
In his vast range of styles and repertoire Berg is in demand by the world’s most distinguished conductors including Kurt Masur, Sir Andrew Davis, Hannu Lintu, Roger Norrington, Hans Graf, Donald Runnicles, Philippe Herreweghe, Vasily Petrenko, Vladimir Ashkenazy, and Michael Tilson Thomas.
As a Grammy and Juno award-winning recording artist he has performed on over 30 recordings of works ranging from the 17th to 20th century with period to modern orchestras. Early in his career, Nathan Berg established his name as an outstanding interpreter of baroque and pre-classical music, both in concert and opera alongside major Mozart roles around the world.
Notable amongst his many early recordings with Les Arts Florissants are Mozart’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah and video recordings of Rameau’s Les Indes Galantes (Opéra de Paris) and Lully’s Armide (Théâtre des Champs-Elysées).
Other noteworthy earlier recordings are Dvorák’s Stabat Mater with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Peter Hall’s Glyndebourne Festival production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola as well as lieder recordings including songs by Othmar Schoeck and the album ‘Lieder Recital’ with pianist Julius Drake.
Soon to be released are Rusalka (Vodnik) in DVD and Donna del Lago (Duglas) in CD.
Born in Saskatchewan, Nathan Berg studied in Canada, the United States, Paris and at the Guildhall School of Music, London, where he won the prestigious gold medal for singers.

About Time Productions lets the Grinch out

By Murray Green

About Time Productions is letting the Grinch out for the holiday season.
The free family event takes place at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre for three shows. The Nov. 23 show will start at 7 p.m. On Nov. 25, two shows will take place with 1 and 5 p.m. start times.
ATP presents a family fun event in its retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Dive into this fantastic Dr. Seuss classic with additional dances and songs, filled with laughter and fun. This cast features actors of all ages and truly captures the magic of Christmas time.
Bring the whole family to this free event. Donations are always welcome. Although this is a free event, you must have a ticket to get in and they are available at the Lougheed Centre.

Washboard Union returns to Camrose

By Murray Green

The Washboard Union have been hits in two different shows at the Big Valley Jamboree.
Now you will get to see and listen to them in an intimate setting in the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre on Nov. 20.
What We’re Made Of is The Washboard Union’s sophomore album following the 2016 release of In My Bones, which spawned the top 10 hits “Maybe It’s The Moonshine” and “Shot Of Glory” which was certified as the band’s first gold record. The second album was produced by Matt Rovey (Zac Brown Band, Dean Brody) in Nashville and Jeff “Diesel” Dalziel in Toronto and Vancouver over the winter of 2017-18.  The album’s first single, “Shine” was the band’s third top 10 country radio hit which they performed live on the Canadian Country Music Awards and walked away with a CCMA Award for 2017 Roots Artist of the Year.
The Washboard Union have defied classification and have become one of the most exciting and talked about new bands in country music. Led by step-brothers Aaron Grain and Chris Duncombe and their best friend David Roberts, the Washboard Union share an innate love for the art of songwriting and storytelling that has resonated with audiences from North America to Europe.
Having grown up in Kelowna, Duncombe and Grain eventually packed up and headed off to Vancouver where they moved in to a 1920s Tudor-style mansion. By coincidence Roberts was himself renting in the same mansion and it was here where all three began writing and singing together. These early sessions were the bones of what would eventually become The Washboard Union.
Roberts would reminisce, “it was like living in a garden gone to seed.”  Grain provided guitar and vocals and Duncombe added his own voice and a banjo. Roberts, a singer and multi-instrumentalist with harmonica, guitar, mandolin and the washboard in his arsenal, became the team’s secret weapon.
Their music and their unforgettable live performances have set them apart as one of the most unique talents in country music today. The band have a full itinerary of festival dates planned from coast to coast throughout 2018.
This year the band took home both Rising Star and Roots Artist of the Year awards at the Canadian Country Music Awards and won three BC Country Music Awards for Group, Songwriter and Roots Artist of the Year. They are an authentic blend of where country and bluegrass are headed next.
You simply have to see them live.

OLMP set to host volleyball provincials

OLMP set to host volleyball provincials
Carson Baker of the OLMP Royals slams the volleyball over the net in tournament action.
By Murray Green

The Our Lady of Mount Pleasant (OLMP) Royals high school girls and boys will be hosting the 2A Alberta Schools Athletic Association volleyball provincials from Nov. 22 to 24.
The games will be played at the OLMP, St. Patrick School and University of Alberta Augustana  Campus gyms.
“We won our league and will be hosting zones on Nov. 17. We are super excited to host both zones and provincials. Our goal at zones is to place in the top two teams. Both Rimbey and Ponoka have good teams,” said Halle Gale of the girls senior high squad.
“It will be interesting to see where we place in the province. Hopefully, we can make it to the quarter-finals and then see what happens after that. This is the first time I have been on a team hosting provincials, so it is going to be exciting and a good learning experience,” shared Halle. “Our whole team is really excited and we are preparing for it all.”
The Royals have played well this year, but they know the competition will be at a higher level in the next two weeks.
“Our strength is being a team and playing as a team. We are working on fine tuning everything because we have the skills. We just need to sharpen it all, so we can execute. We are at the point where we are there, but we need the victories,” said Halle.
“We haven’t had a lot of success in tournaments, typically falling out in the quarter-finals or cross-overs. We have something to prove and we will be going into zones and provincials with more fight to us.”
The girls will be playing at all three venues to showcase the game and players to the younger players, their own classmates and to university students.
“We are opening in Augustana and we have all of the students coming out to watch. The Spirals (skip rope team) will open for us.  We are preparing for it all because it will be a really big deal.”
OLMP has been preparing for  hosting the provincials for a year and a half, ever since they knew they were the winning bid.
“We have been building the volleyball program up since I was in Grade 7. It has progressed quite a bit. I remember in my Grade 7 year, we were at the bottom of our tournaments. Over the years we have come a long way. Grade 8 was my best year in volleyball because we were really improving under Mr. Burns. Then having Mr. (Steve) Enright in high school has taken us to the next level.
“We have gone from being at the bottom to  advancing to quarter-finals and crossovers,” said the Grade 11 student.
“Hosting this year is really going to push us harder next year as well. Once we have been in provincials, we are going to want to go back and push ourselves harder.”
The experience will help not only next year’s team, but inspire other students to play volleyball as well.
“It will help us grow more as a team. Hosting is fun for families and students, but it does put a little extra pressure on us. That’s why we want more fight to us.”
Halle credited her coach for getting the team to zones and provincials. read more

Trojans finish strong with two playoff wins

By Murray Green

The École Camrose Composite High School Trojans football team defeated Rocky Mountain House Rebels 22-9 on Oct. 26 in semifinal action to advance to the final game.
The Trojans defence and special teams gave the offence good field position where they were able to capitalize.
Drew Loosemore found Denton Robertson in the end zone for a touchdown late in the first quarter. Terryl Sherman added the extra point. Aiden Brown picked off the Rebels quarterback on the next drive and Loosemore plunged in behind his offensive line for a second score a short time later. With Sherman’s extra point the Trojans were up 14-0 in the first quarter.
The second quarter had defences settle in and the Trojans drove the field late in the second. On the last play of the half, Terryl Sherman hit a field goal to bring the Trojan lead to 17-0 at half.
In the third, a punt single by Sherman brought the Trojans score to 18. A short time later, the Rebels got on the board with a bust in coverage. They weren’t successful on the extra point and the score was 18-6.
The Rebels finished the third with a field goal to bring the score 18-9. In the middle of the fourth quarter, a Trojan drive was capped off with another Sherman field goal which brought the final score to 22-9.
“Loosemore spread the ball around hitting five different receivers in the game. The defence was lead from the line by rookies Jeff Kimball who had five tackles and Noah Segal on the end with four tackles.”
Final game
This win set up a date with the Drayton Valley Warriors on Nov. 2 in Drayton Valley.
“We got to Drayton Valley and saw the field was covered with a thick layer of sticky snow. It didn’t matter to the Trojans because we had a score to settle with the Warriors,” said coach Adam Belanger.
In an earlier meeting, Drayton Valley beat ÉCCHS 28-7, so they were looking forward to a change for revenge.
“It was a dominant defensive game under coordinator Josh Millang and the Trojans defence kept the Warriors off the score sheet completely. The Trojans won 19-0.”
Terryl Sherman hit a field goal in the first quarter to go up 3-0. Then later in the second, a Trojan drive was capped off by Loosemore finding Brown in the end zone for a touchdown. Sherman added the extra point and at the end of the half, he added his second field goal of the night.
The third quarter was a stalemate, but rookie Justin Smith, in for the injured Brett Beirsto, found the end zone for the first time this year on a short run inside. Lead by the right side of the Trojan line, Kevin Kittler, Evan Kohlman, Carson Fontaine and his lead blocker Dominick Charpentier, Smith stayed tight behind them and was untouched into the end zone. The point after was no good, but the damage had been done and the Trojans drove home ending their season with a win.
Loosemore went 9-21 in the snow for 219 yards passing. Drew Forster had four catches for 140 yards. Brown had four catches for 65 yards and Smith had a catch out of the backfield for 14 yards. Smith also had 60 yards on six carries. Sherman led the defence in the last game of his high school career with six tackles and an assist, along with an interception and a pass knockdown. Brown had four tackles and an assist in his last game and Noah Segal had four tackles.
“The defence as a whole held the Warriors to 32 yards rushing, which is a vast improvement from just over a month ago,” said Belanger.
The wrap-up football banquet will be held on Nov. 29 at the École Camrose Composite High School commons area beginning at 5 p.m.

Charlie Killam Cougars host volleyball tourney

By Murray Green

The Ècole Charlie Killam School Cougars junior high girls hosted their own volleyball tournament on Nov. 2 and 3.
The Cougars played New Norway, Daysland and Tofield in the round robin series.
The Bawlf Wildcats defeated Killam in the final to win the tournament.
On the boy’s side, the Cougars met Daysland, New Norway and New Sarepta in round robin play.
Hay Lakes beat New Norway in the final.

Animal Shelter celebrates a year of finding homes

By Lori Larsen

On Nov. 17, the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter Society is celebrating its first year of opening the doors to the Shelter and an appreciation for all the volunteers who help make it a reality.
Residents are invited to come out to the Shelter, located at Bay 8-4617 41 Street, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and join in, not only the success of the Shelter,  but in showing appreciation for all the volunteers.
Since opening a year ago the Shelter has taken in 241 animals, of which 74 cats, two bunnies and one ferret were adopted.
Shelter treasurer Lynn Horsman, on behalf of the Shelter, remarks on how thankful they are for the amazing and continual community support. “We want to thank the community for their support and we look forward to continuing the good work at the Shelter in the upcoming year.
“We are so fortunate to have such a fused board that share the single focus of ensuring the Shelter is a success.”
Horsman indicated that to date the Shelter has logged 5,474 volunteer hours, a testament of the generous nature of volunteerism in Camrose.
The Shelter will be open for regular hours on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the celebration and residents are encouraged to come out early and visit with the Shelter’s furry tenants. Who knows– maybe one will tug at your heartstrings and find its new forever home.
The Camrose & Area Animal Shelter will be presenting the year update at City Council on Monday, Nov. 19 at City Hall, Council Chambers.
For more information on the Shelter visit them on  Facebook or email camroseanimalshelter@gmail.com or telephone 780-608-0091.

Staal wins trophy before completing his restoration

By Murray Green

Kevin Staal did a masterly job on restoring his 1954 GMC pick-up. So much so, that he is earning trophies before actually finishing his prize possession.
“I bought this truck about 10 years ago for $500 and it was pretty much sitting in someone’s backyard. It was just getting rustier and rustier as the years went by,” said Kevin.
“I fixed all of the rust spots and did all of the painting myself. I did all of the engine work myself. I took an engine out of an 1958 Impala. I put fuel injection on it, electronic ignition and a few modern additions,” explained Kevin.
“I added power steering and brakes, but it is still sitting on its original frame and is a four speed. I added some custom touches here and there. The steering column is out of a 1955 Buick. I hand made the front bumper because I didn’t find one,” said Kevin.
“This style of truck was only made for a year and a half, 1954 and half of 1955 with the one-piece windshield. Then half way through 1955 they changed body styles. I thought it would be rare, but now that I have one, I see them all over the place,” he said about the popular truck.
The 1954 GMC line of trucks included a wide range of half, three-quarter and one ton configurations. The 1954 models featured several improvements over the previous model year, including a new one-piece windshield, a redesigned cargo box, a new rear bumper with a dip in the centre to allow space for license plates and a color-coordinated interior.
“Other than all of that, it is pretty much stock,” he laughed. “The truck came with an in-line 235.5 six cylinder, just like this, only this one is four years newer. I just perked it up a little.”
His colour combination of blue and grey really stands out at car shows. “My brother and dad like going to car shows like me, so it great to get together and show our vehicles,” he added.
“After high school, I got my autobody ticket first, then I went to work for John Deere, 31 years now as a mechanic. I’m just finishing the truck box and I’m thinking about putting an automatic in and maybe upgrade the suspension, but that will be in a year or two. I pushed hard to get the truck here (Round Hill car show).”
The standard transmission was a three-speed manual synchro-mesh unit with a floor-mounted gear shifter. A four-speed manual and automatic were optional. He will be using the vehicle to drive around and collect parts, probably for his next project.

FUN FACTS
GMC (General Motors Truck Company), formally the GMC Division of General Motors LLC, is a division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) that primarily focuses on trucks and utility vehicles. GMC sells pickup and commercial trucks, buses, vans, military vehicles and sport utility vehicles. From 1939-74 GMC had its own line of six cylinder engines, first the inline sixes known as “Jimmy’s” from 1939-59. Less than two ton, domestic GMC gasoline trucks were equipped with Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile V8s—whereas the Canadian models used Chevrolet engines. Beginning in 1920, GMC and Chevrolet trucks became largely similar, built as variants of the same platform, sharing much the same body sheetwork, except for nameplates and grilles–though their differences, especially engines, have varied over the years.
Options for 1954 included power steering, power brakes, two-tone paint, electric windshield wipers, heavy-duty rear springs, heavy-duty radiator, heavy-duty generator and tinted glass. Chrome grilles and bumpers were also an option. The trucks could come with various non-standard rear axle ratios.

Kodiaks tame cats after slow beginning

By Murray Green

The Camrose Kodiaks were down 1-0 after 20 minutes to the Lloydminster Bobcats, but that was all she wrote as far as the visitors were concerned on Nov. 4.
Camrose is riding a four game winning streak and defenceman Zach Vinnell was named player of the week. “The team success is what I worry about and things are going good right now. I come in every night trying to do my best and play my hardest,” said Vinnell. “We have the depth both on the front and back end and everybody is contributing. It is helping us in the long run.”
 Camrose scored seven unanswered goals to win 7-1. Carson Welke scored two third period tallies to put the game out of reach.
Single markers in the middle frame came from Dylan Williamson, Jacob Kendall, Tyler Schendel, Carson Kurylo and Kyler Kupka.
Goalie Roddy Ross stopped 30 of 31 shots he faced. Camrose recorded 48 shots on the Lloydminster cage.
“Our work ethic is a lot better and our mentality is  that when we get down, we don’t panic. We have had some come-from-behind games recently and that is a big thing. We are a hard working team and don’t seem to let up,” added Zach.
It took an overtime period, but the Kodiaks edged Fort McMurray 3-2 the night before.
Damon Zimmer started the Kodiaks scoring on a power play, but Drumheller replied with 32 second left in the period.
Again the visitors, this time the Oil Barons, built up a lead, 2-0, before Camrose went to work.
“We trust each other not to get down and work hard for the comeback. We find a way to get back into the game and have had some success lately,” he said.
Kupka and McKenzie Welke started the comeback to force overtime. Kendall didn’t waste any time in giving his team the win by scoring in the first minute of extra time.
Goalie Bowerman stopped 28 of 30 shots. Camrose fired 28 shots on net.
Zach has committed to attending Merrimack next year in the United States.
 “I committed to go just after the showcase weekend. That is definitely a weight off my shoulders, so I can relax and just go out there and play,” explained Zach. “It’s a good feeling knowing I have hockey and continued to go to school next season. Former Kodiaks have had success at Merrimack. They spoke highly of the Camrose Kodiaks and the players that went there, so it felt like a great fit. I couldn’t be happier going there next year.”
The Kodiaks host Calgary Mustangs on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. and Canmore on Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the net home games.
Bear facts
Zach was named the defensive player of the week in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He had five points from the blue line as well. Tyler Schendel was named the hardest working Kodiaks for October.
A Craft Beer and Wine Fest has been slated for Saturday, Nov. 17. Contact Heather Bratrud at 780-608-5056 or bratrudheather@gmail.com for tickets. Schedule an evening of socializing, music,   silent auctions and sampling of wine and beer and spirits.
A support the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation night is planned on Dec. 7 when Grande Prairie returns to Camrose.

Vikings set volleyball standards

By Murray Green

The women’s Vikings split two matches with the Grande Prairie Wolves winning 3-1 and losing 3-1 on Nov. 2 and 3. The first match leaders were Rae Metrunec with 16 kills, Karen Wagner with 38 assists and Danielle Brockman with 15 digs.
The second match leaders were Metrunec with 13 kills, Sarah Dedrick with 20 assists and Brockman with 14 digs. The 5-3 Vikings are in third place.
On the men’s side, Augustana won 3-2 and 3-0. The first match leaders were Jesse Weber with 17 kills, Logan Pasishnik with 47 assists and Thomas Zimmerman with 16 digs.
The second match leaders were Weber with 16 kills, Pasishnik with 35 assists and Zimmerman with seven digs. Augustana is 6-2 and is in second place.
Hockey
The rest of a bye week helped Augustana as they came back with 6-1 and 7-1 wins over Portage on Nov. 2 and 3.
In the first game, the Vikings scored four goals before Portage responded. Evan Warmington led the offence with two  goals and two assists. Single markers came from Carter Danczak, Owen Sobchak, Adam Osczevski and Travis Mayan.
Goalie Zach DeGraves stopped 13 of 14 shots for the Vikings as Augustana fired 57 at the Portage net.
Warmington and Dillan McCombie garnered two goals each in the second contest. Sobchak, Osczevski and Cody Fiala added single tallies.
Goalie Curtis Skip stopped 19 of 20 shots, while his teammates racked up 34 shots on the opposition. The 5-3 Vikings are in fifth place. The Vikings host SAIT on Nov. 23 in the Encana Arena at 7:30 p.m.
Basketball
The women’s squad won its series with Grande Prairie by winning 68-60 and 66-51. Torey Lauber led the offence in the first match with 17 points, while Jessica Haenni added 11. Haenni led with 16 points  to spark the offence in the second game with help from Mitchell, who netted 13 points. Augustana is in first place with a 7-1 record.
The Vikings men’s team won 114-99 and lost 75-73 to split the series. Mason Hunter exploded with 35 points and Spencer Marion added 16 in the first contest. Bowie scored 22 in the second game and Hunter added 17. The 3-5 Vikings are in fourth place.
Both the women’s and men’s Vikings host King’s Eagles on Nov. 30 at 6 and 8 p.m. in the next home series.

Grateful Grannies Christmas market

By Lori Larsen

Are you looking for that unique Christmas gift or some homemade goodies to offer guests during the holiday season? Come out to the Grateful Grannies Christmas Market on Saturday, Nov. 24 from noon until 3 p.m. at the Bailey Theatre, 5041-50 Street.
“Join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon in the elegant Bailey Theatre, chat with friends and learn about the Grateful Grannies,” invites Janet Galenza, chairperson of the Christmas Market.
The market offers a variety of one-of-a-kind local crafts including the AIDS angels, stained glass items, various knitted and crocheted treasures, quilted items, jewelry and dyed scarves, the extremely coveted Scandinavian gnomes  and, of course, some tempting home-baked treats.
“You can enjoy live music while you savour hot apple cider and some crackers and cheese,” noted Galenza.
All funds raised from the market go towards the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmother to Grandmother initiative.
“The Grateful Grannies are a very dedicated group of grandmothers and grand ‘others’ from Camrose and area who, along with hundreds of other grandmother groups across Canada, raise money to assist the grandmothers of Africa,” explained Galenza. “These grandmothers are raising their orphaned grandchildren, whose parents have died of AIDS in the pandemic that is still sweeping across Sub-Saharan Africa. Millions of children have been left orphaned by this disease, but the grandmothers have provided love, shelter and food as best they can with what little they have. They are truly central to the endurance of communities in Africa.”
The Stephen Lewis Foundation works with community-based organizations to provide food, improved health care, education and support in response to needs identified by the communities.
“Many members of our group recently attended a fall gathering with other granny groups in the Edmonton area and we left feeling energized with new fundraising ideas and renewed dedication to our cause,” remarked Galenza.  “We hope that we can continue to honour our African sisters, not only through our fundraising efforts, but through our solidarity with them and each other.”
For more information on the Grateful Grannies or to donate handmade items, contact Janet Galenza at 780-679-2676.

Camrose Comp students recognized

By Lori Larsen

École Camrose Composite High School is proud to honour the extraordinary achievements of students at the Awards night held on Nov. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the ÉCCHS Student Commons Area. Members of the community are invited to come out and celebrate students’ success.
The guiding principles of ÉCCHS are, “Every student, every day, opportunities for success” and “Be true to yourself” and principal Todd Sieben has utilized both of these foundations to ensure that the school has something to offer everyone.
“High school is a critical time for every student,” noted Sieben. “The students of ÉCCHS know very well that to keep moving and striving in the complicated world of learning, requires finding your gift and determining how you will creatively use it to benefit others.  This year’s program will be acknowledging a wide variety of student accomplishments.”
This year’s award program features stories of students Hannah Gau, Andrew Hohm, Dorothea Niehoff and Erik Pudlowski.
Hannah Gau attributes her success to the French Immersion program and a role in athletics. She is pursuing education to become a bilingual speech pathologist.
Andrew Hohm, valedictorian and French Immersion ambassador, appreciated the education he received at ÉCCHS high school. He speaks about the influence ÉCCHS had on him. “ÉCCHS has shown me how every single person has value, everyone is unique, and the value of any one person should never be underestimated.”
Andrew also commented on the positive impact the FACT program (co-educational course offered as an alternative to the regular physical education program) had on him. “Waking up early every morning has been great to make me feel good, physically and mentally, and to achieve my best in academic classes.” This year, Andrew is pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Alberta.
Dorothea Niehoff has made several contributions to ÉCCHS by immersing herself in clubs and in promoting SAVY (Student Advocates for the Voices of Youth organized by Battle River School Division). SAVY focused on promoting mental health and school spirit. Dorothea was able to accomplish much in her role by participating in the Be The Change club. She made these observations. “I will always remember ÉCCHS as the school that has the most supportive and approachable staff, but most importantly, the place that nurtured my growth into someone not afraid to let their voice be heard.” Dorothea is pursuing a bachelor of science at Augustana this fall.
Erik Pudlowski talked about the exceptional learning facilities ÉCCHS has to offer. “I was very fortunate to go to ÉCCHS because of all the labs, computers and smart boards that are often taken for granted by students.”
During the awards ceremony, guests will have an opportunity to hear about the many successes students at ÉCCHS have experienced.

Births and Deaths

Births
- To Emily Sangster and Greg King, of Camrose, a son on October 31.
- To Maria and Gerhard Braun, of Sedgewick, a son on November 2.
- To Kimberley and Michael Wetsch, of Camrose, a daughter on November 6.

Deaths
- Loeva Marie Coates of Killam, on November 2, at 83 years of age.
- Florence Voegtlin of Tofield, on November 4, at 93 years of age.
- Irvin Burton Bjornson of Camrose, formerly of New Norway, on November 4, at 93 years of age.
- Marlene Ione Pearson of Camrose, on November 4, at 74 years of age.
- Ralph Volk of Camrose, on November 5, at 85 years of age.
- Floyd Erickson of Camrose, on November 6, at 96 years of age.
- Merle Norman Block of Calgary, formerly of Daysland, on November 7, at 52 years of age.