Columns & News

Camrose Air Cadets share update

By Adan Shaikh

The 644 Camrose Rotary Air Cadets presented to the Camrose Rotary Club. Capt. Erin Mitchell shared an update of what the cadets have planned for the year ahead and what they accomplished in the previous year. She shared during the 2025-26 year, the Air Cadets hosted and successfully executed a Sports Day for four other units in the zone, where over 150 cadets participated.

During the summer, 12 cadets attended training, with three of them serving as staff cadets. One of the Officer Cadets has been attested and is waiting to receive his uniform. She shared how the last year allowed the officers to take a less hands-on approach while letting the cadets take over planning and instructing to build their leadership skills.

After Capt. Mitchell’s update, Sgt. Henrose Ante and Sgt. Joel Woodford shared their experience in the program.

Sgt. Woodford shared that the Cadets program has made him more open minded and a better person. He shared that he is grateful for the experiences he has collected throughout the program. To him, being a cadet means working as a team with his fellow cadets, developing his skills, and forming new friendships.

Sgt. Ante shared that the Cadets program has taught her to get out of her shell and become more direct on taking initiative. She shared that she has built patience, friendships and many leadership skills for life. “Without the Air Cadets, I wouldn’t be where I am today and that is why I am so grateful for the program,” said Ante.

For 2026-27, there are over 60 cadets enrolled, which is one the highest numbers in the last few years. In October, the cadets will have the chance to go to Villeneuve to glide and train.

To learn more about the Camrose Air Cadets, visit 644camroseaircadets.ca.

Sgt. Woodford

Sgt. Ante

Kodiaks Den

By Nadine Leming

Don’t miss out! Sign up now for a chance to be a Future Prospect this season. The time is now for future Kodiaks ages six to 12 to skate out on the ice with the team for the national anthem. This is an opportunity to catch the excitement and experience a Kodiaks game day like never before!

The team anticipates welcoming the upcoming Jr. Kodiaks. For more information or to sign up, go to the Kodiaks website and click the “Fan Zone” tab at https://www.camrose kodiaks.ca/futureprospect

At the home opener, Kodiaks fans packed a truck with Food Bank donations. They also collected upwards of $1,100 to benefit a local family.

The Kodiaks are currently wrapping up a five-game road trip and return to home ice on October 16 playing the first of the only two home games in the month of October.

For more information on the Kodiaks schedule or to get tickets, go to www.camrosekodiaks.ca

Local bodybuilder sculpting a championship win

Myra Marshall is a local bodybuilder that has returned to the sport after a 16-year hiatus. Her hard work paid off for a successful return.

By Nadine Leming

Myra Marshall is a local bodybuilder who recently competed in the Masters Bodybuilding (ages 40+) and in the Open Bodybuilding (all ages) categories at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) show in Edmonton.

This was a huge accomplishment for Myra as she overcame some major health challenges to get back into bodybuilding, something she hasn’t done in 16 years.

In the fall of 2022, Myra spent 15 days in the stroke unit at the U of A Hospital. She experienced mini-strokes caused by the main artery in her neck tearing, that formed a blood clot which temporarily blocked blood flow to her brain.

Tests showed her CK (creatine kinase) levels were over 21,300, and she was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare muscle injury where your muscles break down.

She was also diagnosed with an adult onset metabolic myopathy (a rare genetic muscle disease). These diagnoses left her with extreme exercise intolerance and she was told her exercise could consist of light walking.

In November of 2025, Myra consulted local functional medicine practitioner Nicole McKell. She followed Nicole’s recommendations, prayed a lot, and started off slowly on her rowing machine. Under close supervision, she continued to add weights and reps. Over time she was back into bodybuilding.

Between family and work, it was difficult for Myra to be consistent with her workouts. Her work day would finish about 3:30 p.m., when she would get her cardio in, and usually weight trained in the evenings that took her about 60 to 90 minutes.

When asked how she avoided injury when lifting heavy, Myra said, “I have a lot of body awareness, but the use of mirrors is very important to watch form during exercise.” She would also modify her workouts depending on how she was feeling.

She followed a structured menu plan preparing for competition making sure she had enough food prepared and took it with her when she was away from home during meal times. Myra commented, “I do enjoy the foods I am eating though. What makes it easier is having the same foods on repeat so I can basically go on autopilot.”

What kept Myra going on difficult days was gratitude. She added, “I am able to lift weights again and I love doing it.” She continued, “I don’t always feel like doing it, but staying consistent and just doing something is the most important.”

Myra’s long term reason for weight training though is to age as healthfully and independently as possible and to maintain strength, balance, mobility, and bone density as she gets older. She stated, “It’s important to know your ‘why’.”

She put in a lot of hard work, faced challenges juggling family, work and contest prep. After the competition, Myra remarked, “There’s just something about being on stage that makes me want to do it again.”

She walked away from the competition in first place in both of the categories she entered. Myra gives credit to her faith for her success saying, “I give God the glory. I can put in all the work and be fully dedicated, but in the end, He has given me my genetics that determine my overall conditioning when all is said and done.”

She continued, “I am so grateful to have my health back again and, along with that, be able to pursue competitive bodybuilding.”

The pulse of ÉCCHS athletics

By Nadine Leming

In the blink of an eye, September has come to a close with a jam-packed start to fall sports at École Camrose Composite High School.

The football season fired up on day one of the school year with the Trojan football team one and one on the season. They lost their home opener, but followed that up with a win versus Wetaskiwin in the Annual Highway 13 Cup. Trojan football continues through October as they focus on making the playoffs beginning October 23.

All six volleyball squads hit the ground running in September. Busy doesn’t begin to describe the volleyball schedule. The senior Trojans teams participated in three tournaments, highlighted by the Augustana tournament that saw the boys’ team win.

The junior varsity teams headed down to Medicine Hat alongside Strathcona Christian Academy. It was a highlight to hit the road with two buses and four volleyball teams with a total of 53 people.

The grade nine teams kicked off their season at the Saint Carlo Acutis/Our Lady of Mount Pleasant Volley-Mania tournament. Both teams delivered highly competitive performances as they gained important early season time on the court.

League play for both teams is currently under way. The girls are off to a strong start with a 2-0 record while the boys’ team is still seeking their first win of the season with a record of 0-1.

The golf season is very short with the team playing within the month of September. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams competed at the CASAA Zone Golf Championships hosted at the Alberta Springs Golf Course on September 21. Despite missing the cut for provincials, the beautiful weather made it a memorable and fun day for all.

The XC squad has been putting in the miles all month long. They competed in races around the region, including Brownfield, Bashaw and Hardisty. ÉCCHS athletes have established a strong presence in the top 10, highlighting their competitive edge this season.

Energy is high with the work far from over as the team prepares to host the CASAA XC Running Championships on October 7 on Camrose’s elite biathlon trails.

With September being a solid start to the sports season, school athletes are looking forward to seeing more successes in October.

Honouring the past, welcoming the future at Messiah

From left, Joy Berg and Signe Harder are part of the planning committee for Messiah Lutheran’s 125 Anniversary celebrations this upcoming weekend.

By Nadine Leming

Rooted in faith and growing in community has been something that’s been happening for 125 years at Messiah Lutheran Church in Camrose. Three years ago the anniversary committee started planning for this milestone occasion by designing the vision for this celebration.

The theme of this event, happening on Thanksgiving weekend October 9 to 11, is Renew, Rejoice, Reconnect. The weekend kicks off with the Threads of Legacy recital on October 9, at 7 p.m. That leads into the festivities happening on October 10 and concluding with lunch after the service on October 11.

In celebration of 125 years of steadfast faith, dedicated service, and community connection at Messiah Lutheran Church, they warmly welcome members, friends, and community guests to a celebratory weekend of worship and fellowship.
Events include coffee and fellowship on October 10 between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. Coffee and fellowship from 1 to 3 p.m. includes tours of this beautiful church. There will be an evening program at 7 p.m. that is open to the community free of charge.

Joy Berg is on the organizing committee. She commented, “The Saturday evening program will take a look at some of the history of where Messiah has been with its ensembles and some of the new things that are happening too.”

The evening will include both a men’s and women’s choir. Both of these choirs are going to pull in some of the church’s history and reflect on some of the important things that have happened at the church in the past musically.

The program will also feature a ukulele ensemble that has started over the summer at Messiah. The evening will include the tradition of the organ that is still being featured at the church. It will be an evening filled with music, familiar faces and a celebration of both the past and the future.

Sunday will be the highlight of the weekend with Bishop Trish Schmermund participating in the service that will have Breck McCann conducting an orchestra and Denise Griffin leading the mass choir.

One of the pieces that will be featured that morning is a new hymn written specifically for Messiah by early church musicians at Messiah called “Rejoice and Renew” which fits into the theme of the celebration. This new hymn will be performed on both the Saturday evening program and the Sunday morning service.

The 125 anniversary committee are anticipating to see quite a few familiar faces during the weekend from past pastors, musicians and past members of the church. With many events open to the public, and a welcoming atmosphere, it will be a time to Renew, Rejoice, Reconnect.

Autumn air and Buffaloes flair

By Nadine Leming

On September 27 the Camrose Buffaloes U13 and U16 teams played their only home game of the fall season. The U13 Buffaloes claimed the win against the Leduc Cats in the first game defeating the visitors 15-0.

In the second game of the afternoon, the Edmonton Chargers overpowered the U16 Buffaloes with a final score of 26-6. Both Buffaloes teams played in front of the hometown crowd that supported each team proudly, enjoyed burgers and bought both raffle and 50-50 tickets.

The Camrose Buffaloes Football Association is a youth tackle and flag football program in Camrose, playing in the 24th season this year in the Capital District Minor Football Association. This inclusive, no-weight-restriction community football association supplies certified major equipment to players to keep fees affordable for families.

As such, the organization has a couple of fundraisers to keep players on the field. Currently, they are selling raffle tickets with the grand prize either a new furnace or air conditioning unit. This prize has been generously donated by Central Refrigeration and Heating. Second prize is $2,500 and third prize is $1,000. Terms and conditions are posted on their website at https://camrosebuffaloes.com or can be purchased by contacting Buffaloes families or board members (found on their website).

They also have a Pub Night coming up this Friday, October 9, at Overtime Taphouse at 8 p.m. The evening includes a silent auction, 50/50, raffle tickets and a door prize. Music and entertainment will be provided by Allen House DJ with food and drink specials available. Tickets are limited.

For more information on how to purchase tickets for the raffle, Pub Night or to make a donation to the silent auction, contact Melanie at fundraising@camrosebuffaloes.com

Together in memory

Xander Newman, front, and Dayce Newman. The two were headed to the Nisku Bike Night.

By Adan Shaikh

On September 25, Camrose County lowered its flags to half mast as hundreds of friends, family and community members gathered to remember Dayce Newman and his 13-year-old son Xander Newman. The two passed away on September 15, after the motorcycle they were riding collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Highway 21 and Township Road 481 in Camrose County.

Dayce was only 35 and known across the community for his generosity, willingness to help and sense of humour. Friends describe him as someone who would show up, even in a snowstorm, if someone needed his help.

Dayce grew up near New Norway and later built a life there with his wife, Kayla, and their blended family of six children. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Bashaw Fire Department and ran his own business, Hauler for Hire, through which he helped people move, haul and get things done.

His willingness to help others became a defining part of how people remember him.

“I am hearing all of these wonderful stories of how he’s helped so many people and his service showed that, with how many people were there, it was unbelievable,” said Dayce’s mother, Tara Vanderwal.

Dayce and Xander were rarely ever apart. Xander had been accompanying his dad on jobs since he was a baby, and the two developed a close bond through the years. At 13, Xander was already sharing many of his dad’s interests, including a love of motorcycles, often accompanying him for bike nights and rides.

Outside of that time together, Xander was known for his creativity. He enjoyed building with Lego® and creating worlds through Minecraft, while also spending time playing farming simulator games. He loved animals, particularly his cat, Buttercream, and had a fondness for sushi.

“Dayce wasn’t known just in Alberta, he was known across the provinces for helping people, moving people, showing up for them and Xander was always right there with him, glued at the hip,” Vanderwal said.

That closeness was reflected in the moments after the collision, when during his last moment, Dayce was thinking of his son.

The gathering in September brought together people from across the area who had known the Newmans. For Vanderwal, hearing those stories has offered some comfort while mourning both her son and grandson.

Dayce and Xander Newman will always remain part of the story in the community they called home, remembered through the people they helped, the lives they touched and, most of all, the bond they shared.

Remembering Canada’s contributions in World War II

By Adan Shaikh

Award-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster Ted Barris will present a frequently overlooked aspect of Canada’s Second World War history in Camrose. He will discuss the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan at the Bailey Theatre on November 6 as part of The Camrose Booster’s Remembrance Day double feature.

Barris, author of 22 non-fiction books, most of them focused on Canadian wartime history, will base his presentation on Behind the Glory: Canada’s Role in the Allied Air War.

The book is the result of an encounter Barris had nearly 40 years ago with Charley Fox, a former Second World War flight instructor, at a small airfield in Tillsonburg, Ontario.

Barris had gone to the airfield to produce a short CBC Radio documentary about the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, a group restoring training aircraft from the war. Instead, he found the beginning of a much larger story.

“I realized that there was more here than just one guy and this crazy bunch of aviation nuts putting these Harvards back into the air,” Barris said. “This guy was a real story.”

Fox introduced Barris to other instructors who had come to Canada during the war, opening the door to years of research and interviews.

The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) was established in December 1939 through an agreement among Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. The plan placed aircrew training in Canada, where they could train away from the main theatres of war and make use of the country’s vast space and proximity to the industrial capacity of the United States.

Barris’s presentation will examine the people behind the massive undertaking and how the plan operated across the country.

The BCATP included 107 schools and 230 training sites, employing about 104,000 men and women in supporting roles. Thousands of aircraft were used to train pilots, navigators, flight engineers, wireless radio operators, bomb aimers, air gunners and other aviation personnel.

About 225,000 men were trained in Canada during the war, with trainees arriving from across the Commonwealth and Allied nations.

“What I’m going to talk about in my presentation is who were these men and women who trained all these aircrew?” said Barris.

The scale of the program was reflected in its cost. $1.75 billion were spent on the plan, making it one of Canada’s largest wartime investments.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the training plan “the deciding factor” in the Allied victory, while U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt described Canada as “the aerodrome of democracy.”

Barris shared that the story also changed his understanding of Canada’s military history.

“When I grew up, and when I was going to school in the ’50s and ’60s, any connection in my history studies and the stories we heard in classes about Canada during wartime, there was always a sense that Canada was really a post-war military peacekeeping country,” he shared. “Very rarely had I ever heard the words Canada and warrior in the same sentence.”

That realization led Barris to explore Canada’s wartime contributions through a series of books, including Juno: Canadians at D-Day, Days of Victory: Canadians Remember 1939-1945, Dam Busters: Canadian Airmen and the Secret Raid Against Nazi Germany, Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory and Battle of Britain: Canadians in Their Finest Hour.

Barris has received numerous honours for his work, including the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Commendation, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards and the RCAF Association’s NORAD Trophy. In 2024, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for advancing understanding of Canadian military history.

He hopes the presentation will leave audiences with a greater appreciation of Canada’s role in the war, and with a sense of pride in what Canadians did for the world.

Following Barris’s presentation, guests will have an opportunity to watch Captains of the Clouds, a 1942 Canadian film that follows the experiences BCATP intructors during the Second World War and was filmed in part at Canadian air training stations. Starring James Cagney, the film offers a glimpse into the wartime aviation world Barris has spent decades documenting, giving audiences an opportunity to see the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan on the screen.

There is no cost to attend the double feature, however registration for tickets is required. To get free tickets, visit https://purchase.baileytheatre.ca/Events

Borsellino’s 1956 fully electric Porsche Speedster

Steve Borsellino has spent years creating the ultimate EV replica of 1956 Porsche Speedster 356A.

By Adan Shaikh

Steve Borsellino’s 1956 Porsche Speedster 356A looks like a classic luxury sports car, but its power-train is anything but old school. The project started with a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle pan and a fibreglass shell that resembles a Porsche 356.

“I started building it in 2019, and completed it in 2023,” Borsellino said. “I was able to get a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle pan and from that pan, I purchased a fibreglass shell that looks like a 356 and I built a full electric vehicle underneath that chassis by cutting it in half and taking 10 inches out of it.”

The car has a standard four-speed transmission and a 1974 Super Beetle transaxle. It is powered by a Five Tesla Model S/X battery module which provides about 26.5 kilowatt-hours of capacity. The motor is a NetGain Hyper 9 paired with an SAE converter.

Borsellino joked that he built the car because he did not want to smell like gas when he went for a nice drive with his wife. However, building something this unusual came with its own set of challenges.

“This type of hobby is very expensive. When you are doing something, someone else may not have done, it is a lot of time and frustration,” he explained. He shared that the biggest challenge was not getting discouraged when something did not work and continuing to make changes until the idea came together.

One example was the heating system. Borsellino wanted to keep the original look of the dashboard, so he came up with a touchscreen solution instead of adding another hole.

“When I put electric heat in this car and I thought I don’t want to put another hole in the dash that won’t look like the original car, so I will make a touch screen that has the heat and will hide it. But then every time I went to turn on the heat it would zap the other electronics. It was two-and-a-half years of trying to get the heat to work,” he said.

With a project involving thousands of individual jobs, he learned to deal with each one as it came. “When you take on a project this big, there are a thousand things to do, but if you break it into small little pieces and every day there’s a problem to solve, eventually you make it through the list and you get your whole thing done, and that’s how I worked through it,” he commented.

He shared his goal was to spend three to four hours each night working on the vehicle.

“Or I would just tell bad dad jokes and my wife would tell me to get in the garage and work on the car.”

Today, Steve’s attention to detail and dedication is evident in the clean lines of the car, inside and out, and the creative touches that make the experience of driving the vehicle quite unique. His vision has combined the classic look of the luxury car with modern EV touches and creative out-of-the-box elements that make the car stand out.

Fall car care tips

By Adan Shaikh

With the warm days now in the rear-view mirror, it is time to get vehicles ready for icy conditions, which can arrive with little warning. Just like people, vehicles need a little time to adjust to the change in routine and the weather. Batteries work harder in the cold, tires need more traction and engines need extra care when temperatures plunge.

Test the battery, cold temperatures can significantly reduce battery performance. Have batteries older than three years tested before winter to reduce the chance of a no-start.

Install winter tires, consider switching to tires which are designed specifically for winter conditions and provide better traction on snow and ice.

Check tire pressure at least once a month and before longer trips. Pressure drops as temperatures fall, so tires that were properly inflated in September may need attention by November.

Choose the right engine oil, cold weather makes engine oil thicker, making cold starts harder on the engine. Check the owner’s manual for the recommended winter oil and consider a synthetic option if appropriate for the vehicle.

Top up winter fluids, fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid rated for temperatures as low as -40 C. Check the coolant level and make sure the antifreeze is properly mixed for winter conditions.
Inspect the block heater, check the cord for cracks or damage and test the heater before the first deep freeze. A timer can be used to turn it on a few hours before the vehicle is needed.

Test the heater and defroster, make sure the heating system and defroster are working properly before the first major snowfall. A clear windshield is a matter of safety, not just comfort.

Build an emergency kit, keep an ice scraper, snow brush, folding shovel, flashlight, jumper cables, blanket and traction material such as sand or kitty litter in the vehicle. Extra warm clothing and water are also worth carrying on longer winter drives.

Keep the tank at least half full, maintaining a reasonable amount of fuel gives drivers a larger buffer if traffic or weather causes unexpected delays and reduces the risk of running out of fuel during a winter trip.

Prepare now, because it is much better to find out that something needs repairing while the vehicle is safely parked at home than to discover the problem while stuck on the side of a snowy winter road.

Battle River Lending Place celebrates grand opening

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Battle River Lending Place recently completed its building expansion and celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon cutting. From left, Julie Girard, BRLP executive director; Navkirt Kaur, RBC branch manager; Camrose County Reeve Cindy Trautman; City of Camrose Mayor PJ Stasko; MLA Jackie Lovely; Erhard Pinno, BRLP board president.

The Battle River Lending Place president Erhard Pinno gave a touching speech at the grand opening of the new addition. In true Erhard style, his remarks rhymed concluding with, “Today we give thanks for each gift, great and small, for builders and donors and volunteers all. Together we’ve proven what neighbours can do, when kindness and caring are carried on through.”

MLA Jackie Lovely brought greetings on behalf of the Alberta Legislature, congratulating the Battle River Lending Place on their grand opening.

Ron Grue, left, was the general contractor for the BRLP new addition. He donated back a cheque for $30,000 to Julie Girard, BRLP executive director.

The Battle River Lending Place held a Victoria Getaway raffle with the winner receiving flights for two and a three-night stay in Victoria. The winner was drawn on September 26 at the grand opening celebrations. From left, Julie Girard, BRLP executive director, congratulates Jim Arnup and Darlene Anderson on winning the raffle prize.

Mayor PJ Stasko was on hand to congratulate the Battle River Lending Place on completing their addition.

The Bailey Beat

By Nadine Leming

The historic Bailey Theatre has a great lineup for the upcoming season with new shows being added. Tickets for all events can be found at www.baileytheatre.com.

This fall, Dawson Gray brings Bar’s Gone Now Tour to Camrose on October 15 at 8 p.m. This show is all about the places that bring people together and creating lasting memories. Dawson and his band are bound to light up each and every venue they play.

PWR/UP AC/DC is as close to seeing AC/DC without needing to go back in time. The show is filled with all the swagger of the original band back in the ’80s.

This high energy show rocks the stage October 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Truth and Reconciliation Day observed around the City

Ron Pilger, Camrose Booster

On September 30, Camrose joined many communities across Canada to observe Truth and Reconciliation Day – a day for reflection on the Indigenous lives lost and impacted because of residential schools. The University of Alberta Augustana Campus had orange flags across the campus – each representing a life lost or a survivor.

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

The community gathered at the Mirror Lake Gazebo to hear from the Indigenous leaders of the community. The group embarked on a walk to remember and reflect. Organizers Emma Berger and Stacey Wolfe welcomed the attendees and thanked them for joining them in remembrance.

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

From left, Stacey Wolfe and Gus Belcourte led the walk with a flag and drumming. Before the walk, Belcourt went around and offered all attendees the opportunity to participate in a smudging.

Importance of changing brake fluid

By Adan Shaikh

Brake fluid is easy to overlook during routine vehicle maintenance, but it plays a critical role in keeping a vehicle’s braking system working properly.

Unlike engine oil or windshield washer fluid, brake fluid is contained within a hydraulic system and is not something most drivers routinely think about. Its condition can change over time, even when there are no obvious signs of a problem.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. As water accumulates, the fluid’s boiling point drops. During heavy or prolonged braking, moisture-contaminated fluid can boil and create vapour bubbles in the hydraulic system, potentially reducing braking performance. Moisture can also contribute to corrosion inside components of the braking system.

Drivers may assume brake fluid lasts for the life of a vehicle or only needs attention when brake pads are replaced. Service intervals vary by vehicle, however, so drivers should check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended inspection and replacement schedule.

Drivers should also pay attention to changes in braking. The Government of Alberta advises that brakes should feel firm and should not pull the vehicle to one side. Changes in brake performance should be inspected by a qualified technician.

When adding or replacing brake fluid, use the type specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Brake fluid should also be kept clean and stored in a tightly sealed container, since exposure to moisture can affect its performance.

Signs that it may be time to change your car’s brake fluid include a spongy brake pedal, late braking, a burning smell, or dark fluid in the reservoir.

Seniors celebrate with The Price is Right

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Camrose and District Family and Community Support Services, Older Adult Services (CDFCSS), hosted an entertaining game of The Price is Right to celebrate Seniors’ Day. Director of Older Adult Services Kari Cameron dressed up as late Bob Barker’s niece Bobette Barker. The game was set in the year 1961 and contestants had to guess the price in accordance with the economy of the ’60s.

Joyce Norman rolled the giant dice for a chance to win. She had to guess the price of a 23-inch screen TV with three channels and no remote. In the back, Diane Palm watched in anticipation.

Shirley Radawetz had to guess the prices of several different items correctly to win an electric blanket. She won with the help of the audience and will enjoy her new blanket this winter. From left, Shirley, Tia Schnurer, Volunteer and CHOICES coordinator at Older Adult Services; and Lindsay Jansen, Older Adult support worker.

Navigating dark and foggy roads

By Adan Shaikh

Navigating dark and foggy roads first thing in the morning can make driving more difficult. By the end of this month, the sunrise will be as late as 8:30 a.m. The 20 minutes before and after a sunrise is generally the time when fog is the thickest.

Reduced visibility can make it harder to spot other vehicles, pedestrians, wildlife, curves and changes in the road ahead.

The Alberta government advises drivers to use low-beam headlights in fog. High beams can reflect off moisture in the air, creating glare and making it harder to see.

Drivers should also make sure their headlights, taillights, windows and mirrors are clean before leaving. Daytime running lights may not activate the vehicle’s taillights, so drivers should not assume a bright dashboard means all of their lights are on. Transport Canada recommends using full headlights when it is dark or visibility is poor.

Speed is another important consideration. Posted speed limits are based on ideal conditions, Drivers should reduce speed and leave enough distance to stop safely.

It is also worth watching for sudden changes in visibility. Fog can become thicker in low-lying areas, near water and as temperatures change. A clear stretch of highway can quickly turn into a wall of fog.

Drivers should avoid sudden braking, lane changes and passing when visibility is poor. Keep a steady position in the lane, watch for taillights ahead and leave extra following distance.

If visibility becomes too poor to continue safely, find a safe place to pull completely off the road.
Before heading out, motorists can also check 511 Alberta for current road and travel conditions. The service identifies areas where visibility may suddenly drop below 250 metres.

Victim Services donate

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Camrose and District Victim Services Society donated $40,000 to Camrose Helps Foundation. From left, Ina Neilsen, chair of the Camrose Helps board; Jean Martens, board director of Camrose Helps; Romesh Persaud, from the Camrose and District Victim Services Society; Kristy McKay and Lee Kroeger, board directors for Camrose Helps.

The jaw-dropping magic of Darcy Oake

By Nadine Leming

Darcy Oake hails from Winnipeg, MB, and gained recognition around the world coming in fifth on the show Britain’s Got Talent back in 2014.

Camrose is invited to step into a world where the impossible becomes reality. The show is almost sold out with tickets vanishing quicker than one of his slight-of-hand tricks, as of press time.

Darcy is renowned for edge-of-your-seat shows that are considered to be mind-bending. The audience can expect a variety of illusions ranging from amazing close-up magic to heart-stopping escapes that turn him into a sensation wherever he has performed.

This Canadian magician redefines what magic looks like to audiences. This is the perfect show for anyone who loves an unforgettable experience and is a must see.

He brings his show to Camrose on October 16, at the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre at 7:30 p.m.

ÉCKS Terry Fox Run

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

On September 28, École Charlie Killam School held its annual Terry Fox Run. Staff and students got out to enjoy the beautiful weather with two Kodiaks players joining in. Back row left, Jayson Boyson, athletic director; Ryder Forster, Kodiaks forward; Spencer Masters, Kodiaks defenceman; Andrea Gutmann, ÉCKS principal; along with students stopped for a quick photo before continuing on.

“These Dreams” are made to rock

By Nadine Leming

The crowd will be settling in for a night of great live music as people are hoping to hear their favourite Heart hits as tribute band Brigade prepares to hit the Bailey stage. The lights will go down as the band strikes the first chord of “These Dreams” and the crowd will immediately applaud in appreciation.

Dahlia Wakefield, an Edmonton-based singer and performer that some in Camrose may recognize from her previous band, Dirt Road Angels, fronts Brigade. She unleashes her inner Anne Wilson in high energy, entertaining performances.

Attendees of this tribute show can expect a celebration of over 30 years of legendary tracks that defined an era and still captivates modern fans from rock’s original sister act and reimagined by Brigade.

Founded in 2018 by Dahlia, the band includes Karen Claypool who recreates Nancy Wilson on stage. These two veteran performers consider themselves soul sisters that blend their voices with an effortless vocal chemistry that has been refined over years of performing together, going back to their Dirt Road Angels days.

Creating this group of musicians has been a dream of Dahlia’s, so to get up on stage and perform the iconic songs of the Wilson sisters will be a treat for music lovers. Dahlia has performed in Camrose before and commented about her return to town, “I hope that some people come back, we’ve always had a great time there.”

She continued, “Now we’re going to be performing at the iconic Bailey Theatre. I love performing in that theatre.” Dahlia is excited to be coming back, this time with Brigade. Alongside her bandmates, they try to authentically reproduce every single note.

Dahlia talked about her lead guitarist, Glenn Thorpe, who does play note for note and the audience will get to experience the exact guitar solos that were originally recorded.

She commented, “I can’t wait to bring this show to the Bailey. There is something about that whole stage and the amazing talent that has graced it.” She revealed, “I can’t wait to channel that and put on the best show we can.”

Regardless if fans have followed Heart for decades, or their music is new to them, the audience will get to listen to some of rock’s most iconic tunes. Hits like “Alone”, “Magic Man”, “These Dreams” and “Barracuda”, the audience will see why this show has audiences raving.

Tickets for the October 10 show are available at www.baileytheatre.ca

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

Giving Thanks

Next Monday is Thanksgiving Day – a time to stop and reflect on those things in our lives that we appreciate.

We have a roof over our heads, food on the table and clothes in our closets.

We have people we care about, who care about us, whether family, friends, neighbours or colleagues.
We may not have the money we think we need or wish we had and we may not have the job we want, but it pays the bills.

We may be concerned about the price of food or the cost of housing, but we don’t have to choose between groceries or housing.

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Perhaps we should be especially thankful for those aspects of our lives that we take for granted, but which would be envied by people in some other parts of the world. For example…

For the most part, in our towns and cities, it is safe to walk our streets.

Our food is safe to eat. Our water is safe to drink. Our air is safe to breathe.

We are free to live and travel where we want.

We are free to worship (or not) as we please.

We have a say in how our communities, our province and our country are governed.

We can disagree politically without repercussions from our family or friends (though we may choose not to talk politics with one another!)

We may not always agree with how we are governed, but we can speak our opinions out loud in public without fear of retribution.

When we have an election or a referendum, no armed guards are in the voting rooms, and it really is a secret ballot.

Nobody is dropping bombs on us. When we send our children off to school, or adult family members off to work, we don’t have to worry about whether their school or workplace will be blown up during the day.

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A woman named Rhonda Byrne wrote a book called The Magic. The book is about gratitude. At the beginning of the book, she has a few short chapters about the value of being thankful. The remainder of the book has twenty-eight “gratitude” activities, one each day for four weeks.

Each day’s activity focuses on a different aspect of life – work, money, health, relationships, and so on – and an activity to express gratitude for that aspect of your life. Each day you write ten “gratitude” statements about something you appreciate. At the end of each day, you think back over the day and record “What was the best thing about today?”

Every few years, I pull out that book and do the activities every day for four weeks. I’ve noticed that being intentional about looking for things to be thankful for is a mood lifter.

It’s easy to be cranky and critical. It’s not always so easy to look for things to appreciate. Making a point of looking for things to give thanks for is good for body, mind and spirit.

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These days, there are lots of things we can worry about, lots of things we can be cranky about, if that’s where we focus. But let’s not.

To quote Deb Paul (publisher of a weekly paper in the U.S.), ”It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have or wish to have and to think only of the negatives that bombard us. Let’s focus instead on all the good that has come our way and realize that takes us back to appreciating the people who play such important roles in our lives. We’re thankful to those who support us in our efforts to bring you your news every week. We ask that you support our advertisers and encourage others to do so. We are the PBS of print, and we need readers like you to help us in our efforts to maintain and grow our advertising to be able to continue to work for you every week.”

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I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, e-mail Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day.