The Camrose Booster

Bear spotted in Victoria Park


By Adan Shaikh

On May 15, Farrah Hoglund, a resident of Victoria Park neighbourhood, took to Facebook to share the footage of a bear, caught on her doorbell camera.

“I was shocked when I saw the bear walking across my lawn. I had to watch the video a couple times to make sure I was seeing it correctly,” said Farrah.

She shared that she has seen coyotes and foxes in the back side of Victoria Park area before, but never a bear.

In the video, captured at around 5 a.m., the bear can be seen walking around in the family’s front yard. Farrah was quick to reach out to the City to report the sighting. In the afternoon, the City of Camrose issued a warning, informing residents to be vigilant.

Bears can leave their habitat and show up in communities when the food in their current habitat is scarce. The City of Camrose has shared a few ways residents can reduce their risk of running into the bear:
 
  • Keep dogs on a leash and under control. Dogs and even small children can attract bears.
  • Make noise while walking or biking on trails.
  • Stay alert and watch for signs of wildlife activity.
  • Never approach, feed or attempt to photograph wildlife up close.
  • Properly secure garbage, compost, bird seed and pet food.

If you do come across the bear, keep calm and do not run. Bears can run at 40 to 65 km/h and out running them at a humanly speed is almost impossible. Back away slowly while facing the bear and speak calmly so the bear recognizes you are a human and not its next meal. Sudden movements can make the bear go on the offence. Leave plenty of room for the bear to escape. The best way to avoid a bear encounter is to stay indoors and around places with lots of people around.

To learn more visit www.alberta.ca/alberta-bearsmart

Thanking those who save lives


By Adan Shaikh

National EMS Week runs May 17 to 23 with the 2026 theme Improving Outcomes, Together recognizing paramedics for their lifesaving work.
The observance highlights the role emergency responders play in communities, while also drawing attention to the challenges facing the profession, including staffing shortages, burnout and the need for stronger mental health supports for frontline workers.

Central zone wellness facilitator and paramedic, Jenelle Tizzard has worked in emergency response for more than nine years, serving people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
She said the profession is demanding both physically and emotionally, but it is also meaningful work. “I got into it because I was always passionate as a kid, lifeguarding, teaching CPR and completing first aid assessments, it was always something I wanted to do,” said Tizzard.

“No day is exactly the same, the variety of calls, aiding people in their time of need, plus the bonds and connections you make with the different staff, it’s special,” she added. Paramedics respond to high stress situations daily. Long shifts, unpredictable calls and exposure to traumatic events can take a significant toll on workers in the field.

“Taking care of ourselves both at work and at home so we can show up at our best in each space,” said Tizzard.

“We recognize the importance of supporting our mental, physical, and emotional well-being in all aspects of our lives,” she added.

National EMS Week serves as an opportunity to recognize the work paramedics do, and to encourage conversations about the resources needed to support them.

This year’s theme, Improving Outcomes, Together focuses on collaboration between emergency responders, hospitals, communities and health care systems to strengthen patient care and improve outcomes for Albertans.

Tizzard said public support and appreciation can make a difference for frontline workers, especially during difficult shifts.

“Sometimes even a simple thank you can mean a lot,” she said.

While no formal celebrations or public events are planned in Camrose during the week, the recognition remains important for those working in emergency response throughout the region. For residents looking to recognize National EMS Week, Tizzard encouraged people to take a moment to acknowledge the emergency workers they see in the community.
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Professional Advisors gather in support of BRCF


Professional Advisors gathered for the annual Luncheon in support of Battle River Community Foundation. Front row from left, Darcie Sabados of Doane Grant Thornton; Kristy Rau of Olson Rau +  Mohr Law Office; Sharice Harris of Olson Rau + Mohr Law Office; Ashley Radchenko of Garnett Radchenko MacKay LLP; Shelley Moch of Vision Credit Union; and Craig Martin of Edward Jones. Middle row, from left, Bruce Rudosky of Garnett Radchenko MacKay LLP; Hayden Lievers of Doane Grant Thornton; Jared Freadrich of Co-operators; Dustin Eckstrand of RBC Dominion Securities; Clark MacKay of Garnett Radchenko MacKay LLP; Wally Wrubleski of Central Agencies Realty; and Matt Danko of Co-operators. Back row, from left, Stephen Kambeitz of Farnham West Stolee Kambeitz; Dan Cunningham of Co-operators; Matthew Mayer of Central Agencies Realty; Dean Inman of Kroeger Joyce Inman Chartered Accountants; Steven Hansen of Farnham West Stolee Kambeitz; Jeff Spady of Knaut Johnson Francoeur Law; and Luke Kelemen of Co-operators. Additional contributors to the Administration Endowment Fund who were unable to attend were Kirk Laird of Andreasssen Borth; Mike Kelemen of Camrose Insurance Financial Solutions Ltd; Corinna Kavgadoulis of CK Tax & Accounting; Beth Kushnerik of Doane Grant Thornton; Jon Stolee, Martin West and Scott Farnham of Farnham West Stolee Kambeitz LLP; Brandon Kroeger and Joyce Inman of Kroeger Joyce Inman Chartered Accountants; Corey Kudrowich of Kudrowich Nahirniak Quinn & Associates Private Wealth Management; Norm Mayer of Mayer Holdings Ltd. (Western Financial Group); Connie Adam of MNP Camrose; Michael Wetsch of MNW Accounting & Tax Prof. Corp; Debbie Orcheski and Jennifer Orcheski of Orcheski Wealth Management BMO Nesbitt Burns; Corey Bablitz of RBC Dominion Securities; and Tim Vant of Vant Financial.
 
By Adan Shaikh

The Battle River Community Foundation (BRCF) celebrated growth and long-term community impact during its annual Professional Advisors Luncheon on May 13 at the Heritage Railway Station Museum and Park.

Guests gathered over the Foundation’s signature $500 burger lunch, with proceeds directed toward the organization’s Administrative Endowment Fund. Executive director Bobbi Way thanked the supporters and donors before introducing board chair Stephen Kambeitz.

Kambeitz reflected on attending the luncheon for the first time more than a decade ago.

“This event was my first exposure to the BRCF. I attended my first lunch here about 11 years ago. At the time, I was making a little money, but certainly not enough to not think about spending $500 on a hamburger. But I had seen all these pictures in the paper and I had talked to people about the people who attend this lunch,” he said.

“What I found was just a room full of leaders, doing their best to do good things.”

Kambeitz said the administrative endowment helps sustain the Foundation’s long-term work behind the scenes.

“There is a reason why we reach out to you in particular for this lunch and there is a reason that the proceeds of this lunch go towards the Administrative Endowment at the Foundation, because you all know better than anyone how good long-term planning can result in exponential rewards,” said Kambeitz.

“You also know better than anyone else that it is really fun to buy a piece of playground equipment towards a funded charitable program, but somebody’s got to pay the postage and somebody’s got to pay the utility bill and somebody’s got to buy the paper towel,” he added.

Kambeitz explained how the Foundation’s endowment model allows donations to continue supporting charities indefinitely.

“We are an endowment-focused charitable foundation, we invest the donations we receive and then we grant a percentage of the investment to the charity of the donor’s choice. We set the percentage that we grant to the charity at an amount that will allow us to fund that grant to that charity every year forever.”

He concluded his remarks by reflecting on several major highlights for the Foundation. He shared how a new group, Community Foundations of Alberta, is organizing itself into a trade group led by the Calgary Foundation. The group has been in the works for several years and the BRCF is excited to see the opportunities this collaboration will bring for them.

Kambeitz also shared that the Battle River Community Foundation’s endowment is now approaching $32 million. “Since the inception until now, we have granted $10 million into the community,” he shared.

The Foundation’s operational team continues working to improve processes and bring innovation to the organization’s operations.

The Luncheon also featured a video highlighting the Foundation’s impact throughout the Battle River region and how that is made possible. The presentation ended with a message focused on long-term community support and encouraging both large and small investors to contribute to the region’s future. The video can be viewed here:

https://youtu.be/wfvoaf-OkzE?si=U1JX74p4apNZJlMn

The board of directors for the 2026 year are: Stephen Kambeitz, board chair; Carol Rollheiser, vice-chair; Sharleen Chevraux, secretary; Neil Lunty, treasurer; Kevin Gurr, past chair; Blain Fowler, ambassador emeritus; Alex Oliver, director; Ben Paulson, director; Wes Campbell, director; Henry Hays, director; and Bruce Rudosky, director.

Century Meadows Baptist Church youth host garage sale

By Adan Shaikh

Members of the Century Meadows Baptist Church (CMBC) youth group are preparing to return to Mexico this summer for another mission focused on service, outreach and perspective.

The group will travel to Ensenada in July, where students in Grades 10 through 12 will volunteer in the community through soup kitchens, senior centres and Vacation Bible School programs.

“We will take grades 10, 11 and 12 students down to Ensenada, Mexico, in July and we will do missions from there,” said CMBC youth director Lee Derow. “They will go to soup kitchens, they will go to senior centres and VBSs.”

On the trip in 2024, the CMBC youth had the opportunity to volunteer through CMBC’s partnership with El Refugio, a refuge supporting at risk girls and teens who have been rescued from abuse, neglect, prostitution and drug addiction. CMBC has made several trips to the region over the years, working alongside missionaries.

Before leaving for Mexico, students take part in training sessions designed to prepare them for the realities they will encounter.

“The goal of the trip is to get the kids to figure out in their own hearts and minds what poverty is and then come back to their community and affect that community,” said Derow.

For many of the students, the trip will be their first experience outside Canada and their first close look at communities facing real economic hardship.

“It is amazing when you go to a place where they don’t have much – what they do have is relationships,” said Derow. “I feel like here in Camrose, if we don’t want to see people, we don’t have to see people. We can easily isolate ourselves. But in communities like that, all they have is people.”

Derow said one experience from a previous mission stayed with him long after returning home. After the group helped a local pastor, the pastor prepared a meal for them in gratitude. Later, they learned the cost of the meal amounted to nearly two months of the pastor’s salary. He reflected on how the connection with the group meant more to the pastor than the money itself.

The missions are intended to leave a lasting impact not only on the communities being served, but also on the students themselves, to leave them with an experience that helps them reflect on how they can make their own corner of the world better.

The upcoming garage sale fundraiser will be held at Century Meadows Baptist Church from May 27 to 29, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and May 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations will be accepted starting May 18, with community members encouraged to contribute items, shop the sale or make monetary donations. The proceeds will go towards training and travel costs.

“Rumours” around town


By Nadine Leming

The ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute show, “Rumours” comes to Camrose on May 28 at the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre (LPAC). This is an opportunity to relive the iconic music of the band during a time that they flourished between 1975 to 1987.

“Rumours” masterfully executes a show that provides the full Fleetwood Mac experience for the audience. No detail has been overlooked, from accurate equipment and costumes that are authentic to the era, to the authentic portrayals and striking vocals.

This show will transport the audience back to an untamed era of authentic music that was a pure, uninhibited experience when bands knew how to put on a show. The band recreates such hits as “Go Your Own Way”, “Landslide” and “Little Lies” and also covers some of Stevi Nick’s solo music such as “Edge of Seventeen”.

“Rumours” hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. recapturing the electricity and spirit of classic rock. Tickets are available at www.camroselive.ca

New Handi-van

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The newest van in the Rose City Handi-van fleet is officially on the road and ready to assist in serving the community. From left, Mary and Gary Cunningham, Lions Club; Maureen Foss, coordinator (Goddess of Transportation); Lisa Unteriner, Rose City Handi-van vice-president; Barb Steinman, Legion member; Don Simpson, board member; and James Maclellan, driver.

By Nadine Leming

The Rose City Handi-van Society recently acquired a new van in their fleet. It’s a 2025 Transit that seats 10, or up to five wheelchairs at one time, making it the largest van they have.

The Rose City Handi-van helps transport people in the community, such as clients to the Centra Cam Vocational Training Centre, the MORE Program, and the Crossroads Day Program. These are just a few of the organizations that they work with in addition to the call-in service that is offered.

The program specializes in transportation for people with mobility aids and individuals with disabilities who cannot use typical transportation.
Maureen Foss, handi-van coordinator, suggests calling ahead to book appointments to get to the doctor or dentist offices as some days are very busy.

Foss said, “Last year we made about 21,000 stops and 65,000 kilometres total in the fleet.”

Foss is very dedicated to her job and the people she serves and has assembled a very strong team of drivers.

This new van will come in very handy to keep the people they serve moving around the community and getting them where they need to go.

Hall of Famer comes to Camrose


By Nadine Leming

Grammy-winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist Tom Morello is coming to Camrose for a show at the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) on March 3, 2027.

The singer/songwriter best known for his time with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, and a previous six year stint with Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band that he rejoined for Bruce’s recent North American tour.

Morello is known for his innovative guitar solos and booming chords, and is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time. He will be in Camrose with truths being told, stories shared and his guitar unleashed in his One Man Revolution show.

This rock god’s performance at the LPAC will be a night to remember as Morello will delve into deeply personal stories intertwined with his passionate activism, he is unapologetically a badass. This show will weave intimate story-telling with fierce guitar artistry.

Tickets are expected to sell out quickly for Morello’s once in a lifetime stop in Camrose. They are currently on sale at www.camroselive.ca

Steps of remembrance


By Nadine Leming

It’s that time of year again when organizers are planning the 9th Annual Larry Gibson Memorial Walk-Run for Special Olympics Camrose. The inspiration behind this family friendly event was Larry Gibson. He was a cherished supporter and was a passionate champion for Special Olympics athletes. This fun walk/run is the Camrose chapter of Special Olympics’ way to honour Larry’s memory.

Carol Wideman, past chair of the Camrose Special Olympics, said, “Larry Gibson was a community minded man who gave of his time and talents to many worthwhile community organizations. Special Olympics in Camrose was fortunate to be one of them.”

The community is invited to participate in the event and register as an individual or as a team for this enjoyable day on May 30. Registration will be next to the Bill Fowler Centre at 10 a.m. with the walk/run beginning at 10:30 a.m. Participants can choose between the two loops.

The funds raised will stay in Camrose to support local sporting programs. Donations can be conveniently made via e-transfer at larrygibsonwalk@gmail.com. Organizers request that in the notes section of the transfer to include name and receipting information.

Scotiabank Camrose is also accepting donations at their wickets or you can donate cheques and cash during the event registration. Donations of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt.

Fothergill brings her beautiful work back to Lougheed Centre

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Wendy Fothergill shared that approximately 30 pieces will be on display at this show.

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose artist Wendy Fothergill is returning to the walls of the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre with a new exhibition showcasing the breadth of her work.

Fothergill previously displayed her work at Lougheed Centre during last year’s Ravens and Crows show, where she shared her paintings of ravens and crows influenced by how the birds are seen by other animals rather than the human eye. This latest exhibit features a wide range of paintings created with acrylics, oils and at times a blend of both mediums. Texture and layering play a major role in her process, with a detailed focus on the lighting. She often combines acrylic and oil paints in the same piece to create depth and movement across the canvas.

Raised in the Okanagan Valley near Kelowna, B.C., Fothergill’s connection to art began early. At 15, she entered her first art show in Kelowna and sold the only piece she submitted. That same year, she moved to Edmonton. After graduating from the University of Alberta, she built a career working in addictions and mental health as a counsellor.

As work, family life and travel filled her days, painting faded into the background. More than 20 years passed before she picked the brush up again and quickly reconnected with her artistic talents.
She gained recognition in 2022 when the Luxembourg Art Prize recognized her as an artist for her first two works in “The Mountaineers of Alberta” series. A piece she created inspired by her mountaineer friend, standing on top of a mountain in Kananaskis.

Now a Camrose resident of 18 years, Fothergill says she does not limit herself to one subject or style. Her work moves between florals, landscapes, wildlife, portraits and various expressive pieces shaped by her own interpretation of the world around her. She continues to learn new techniques and challenges herself as an artist.

Rather than directing viewers toward a single meaning, she hopes people bring their own experiences, when looking at her paintings. “I would like viewers to feel seen through the painting,” said Fothergill.

The exhibition opens May 21 and runs until July 29 at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre. Several works will be available for purchase.
A meet and greet with the artist is scheduled for July 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of Lougheed Centre and the exhibit can be viewed during box office hours.

Those who are interested in applying to show their own artwork, can contact Jane Cherry, curator of the show at: jcherry62@hotmail.com

de Paz is a man on a mission


By Nadine Leming

Jorge de Paz is a man on a mission and has shown that one man can make a difference. The long-time Camrose resident was born in Guatemala. Since the 1960s, he’s been a supporter of human rights which led him to confront the repressive forces of the Guatemalan government.

During his fight for a better future for his country in the 1970s, many of his friends fighting for the same cause, were brutally killed. In 1982, under the leadership of the many military governments in Guatemala, Jorge was abducted and subjected to brutal torture by members of the Presidential Guard under orders of General Efrain Rios Montt.
Jorge launched legal proceedings against a former Guatemalan head of state for kidnapping and torture, triggering a first-of-its-kind courtroom battle in the country. All of this never dissuaded his passion to fight for what was right, dedicating his life to continue the fight.

His work has no borders and has campaigns in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Guatemala. As an honorary Ambassador of Tourism for Guatemala, he has earned accolades from numerous organizations for his contributions to the betterment of humanity.

Jorge was honoured by the Mexican Navy from Baja California for his work in the human rights movement. He was presented with an Aztec gun called a Macahuitl by Navy Commander, Gabriel Guzman Campara.

Jorge is also known for being a champion for multiculturalism. Most recently Jorge has initiated contact between a local high school in Camrose with a high school in San Felipe, Baja California, in Mexico. It’s a mission he is motivated to get off the ground.

The goal of this initiative is to promote a cultural and sporting exchange with the possibility of students visiting both communities to understand each other’s culture and way of life.

These cultural exchanges would foster an appreciation for the similarities and differences in customs and possibly promote an exchange in language tutoring.

This project is still in preliminary stages, but with a man as motivated as Jorge, it is only a matter of time before it takes off.

Laura and Lanny Burtch hit the road in their 1965 Impala

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Lanny and Laura Burtch can be spotted at many car shows throughout the summer in their matching shirts.

By Adan Shaikh

For 25 years, Laura and Lanny Burtch have been caring for their 1965 Chevrolet Impala convertible, a vehicle that has carried them across Canada and the United States and become an in-demand sight at family weddings and summer cruises.

Powered by its original Chevrolet 283 cubic inch V8 engine and paired with a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission, the Impala has been fully restored by Lanny over the years.

“I completely tore it down, stripped it, then we rebuilt the motor, rebuilt the tranny, rebuilt everything on it. The body wasn’t that bad, but we had a friend completely redo the interior for us,” he shared.

The restoration touched nearly every part of the vehicle. The couple replaced the interior with a replica kit that matched the car while restoring the original drivetrain under the hood.

When the Burtches first bought the convertible, it was painted what Lanny described as a “tool box red”. The shade never appealed to the couple and changing it became one of the largest parts of the project.

Now the Impala wears a Sierra Fawn colour, giving the classic Chevrolet a softer and more distinct appearance than the bright red often seen from that era of convertibles.

During the process he even reconnected with the previous owners to learn more about the vehicle he was working on. The colour change came about when one of the previous owners shared a photo of the car from 1973.

The 283 V8 engine was one of Chevrolet’s most recognizable small block engines during the 1960s, valued for its durability and smooth performance. Combined with the automatic Powerglide transmission, the Impala was designed for comfortable highway driving.

“I love to cruise with it. It’s like sitting on a couch with a steering wheel,” said Lanny.

That comfort is the favourite part about owning the Impala for the couple. Through decades of road trips enjoyed by them, the convertible has become a magnet for attention from fellow drivers and classic car fans.

“All the trips we have taken in this have been nice, people will drive by and give us a thumbs up,” he said.

The Impala has also been involved in family celebrations.

The convertible is regularly used at weddings, where its long body lines, the beautiful colour and open roof make it a popular choice for photos and special occasions.

For Laura and Lanny the car is a symbol of the many special memories they have made on their trips in the car.

Texan roots, Canadian soul


By Nadine Leming

Donald Ray Johnson is an amazing Blues artist and has performed with some of the greats of the genre such as Percy Mayfield and Maurice John Vaughan.

His career has spanned over five decades that has earned him a Grammy and he is also a five time Maple Blues Award nominee. Donald Ray’s career has taken him through North America, Asia and Europe in venues like Madison Square Gardens and Chicago’s Soldier Field.

Blues fans can enjoy his rich baritone voice, on each of his seven solo albums that feature his amazing song-writing talent.

Raised in the rural outskirts of Bryan, Texas, surrounded by cotton fields, Donald Ray would secretly hide side stage at local clubs to listen to legends like Freddie King. As a teenager, he borrowed a drum set and began playing professionally in local juke houses and at live radio shows.

In the '70s, he was part of the band, A Taste of Honey who’s self-titled album and single "Boogie-Oogie-Oogie" went platinum. This album earned the group a Grammy Award in 1979 as Best New Artist, the first African American band to win the award.

Donald Ray said, “It’s something I’ll never, ever forget. That whole day was great.” He continued, “We got the chance to meet some of the biggest names in the music industry.”

In the early ’90s, Donald Ray made his way to Calgary, where he continues to reside and has made his mark on the Canadian Blues scene. Over the years, he’s continued to entertain crowds from small, intimate venues, to large stages with his voice that envelopes listeners’ ears with rich melodies.

Looking back on his career, Donald Ray commented, “I’m really grateful. So many people set out to be successful in the business and for some reason, they’re not able to succeed. I got through all of that and here we are.”

With songs like “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool Ya”, “Girlfriend Blues” and “Change is Going to Come”, audiences are going to be thoroughly entertained.

Donald Ray remarked, “It’s going to be a fun show. We play authentic Blues and try to incorporate the audience into the show.”

Donald Ray is looking forward to performing at the Bailey Theatre as part of the Camrose Blues Festival on July 17.

The Camrose Blues Festival is a celebration of Blues music, bringing together legendary performers, like Donald Ray Johnson as well as rising stars. It’s a weekend long event that will keep you coming back for more.

For more information about the Camrose Blues Festival or to purchase tickets, go to www.baileytheatre.com or camrosebluesfestival.ca

Funkin’ it to the man


By Nadine Leming

Funk the Matriarchy hits the Bailey Theatre stage on May 23. This seven-piece band is fronted by powerful women and their amazing vocals. By amplifying female trailblazers in funk, soul and R&B, this group champions the sounds of some amazing women in music.

The audience can expect unique funky rhythms, danceable grooves in a high-octane performance.
The group promotes a culture of inclusion, fosters empowerment and encourages dialogue on gender equality. Their show is high-energy, getting people up on the dance floor. This tight-knit group is unified to make an impact.

Their performance merges beloved female anthems alongside undiscovered treasures. Funk the Matriarchy pays homage to pioneering women in music and elevating the voices of women. It will be an evening to groove and hit the dance floor with soul-stirring rhythms celebrating feminine power.

The doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at www.baileytheatre.com
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BRLP cheque presentation

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Camrose branch of RBC was happy to present the Battle River Lending Place (BRLP) with a $50,000 cheque. This topped off the fundraising efforts for the BRLP’s new building project that is anticipated to be completed by August. From left, Erhard Pinno, BRLP president; Anna Ji, financial planner at RBC; Monica Macedo, RBC branch manager and Cliff Drever, BRLP vice-president.

Can AI improve efficiency?


By Adan Shaikh
 

Chamber members gathered at the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on May 6 for a discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping workplaces and communication.
The presentation was led by Battle River Community Foundation’s executive director Bobbi Way, who spoke about practical uses for artificial intelligence in business operations and day-to-day work.

“I am a self proclaimed nerd, and I have been teaching others to adopt technology since the ’90s,” shared Bobbi. “The journey that brought me to be talking to you today began about three years ago. I got curious about tools like Jasper and ChatGPT and I started playing around. In my role at the Battle River Community Foundation, I am passionate about stewarding resources of our donors and our community. It has made me hyper-aware of how creating efficiencies in administrative tasks gives me more time to focus on what really matters – people,” explained Bobbi.

She walked the guests through some of the most commonly used AI software platforms used by businesses and individuals, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Canva. She also shared her own experiences with different programs and discussed which tools she has found most effective in enhancing operational efficiency.

She reflected on how most people feel hesitant to truly embrace AI because they are worried about integrity. She shared after looking further into the cause of why many community members and professionals avoid using AI, she found that most individuals felt that by using AI they would be practicing dishonesty or even looking lazy.

“It can save you five to 10 hours on administrative tasks, it can improve your communication quality, it can reduce decision fatigue and it can help you start faster,” shared Bobbi.

Members broke into group discussion during the presentation to reflect on how they are already using AI in their own industries and daily routines. Conversations ranged from administrative tasks and marketing to communication and organization.

One of the most common uses according to most attendees was editing the tone of emails to make them sound professional and effective, when needed.

Bobbi shared how the AI tools only put out what the user puts into them, highlighting that human control and input is still necessary and irreplaceable to ensure quality and accuracy of the projects and tasks for which it is used.

“Ultimately you are responsible not the chat bot,” she concluded.

She focused on the growing role technology is playing in modern business and the speed at which workplaces are adapting to new digital tools.
Bobbi encouraged attendees to approach artificial intelligence thoughtfully and responsibly while exploring ways it can improve efficiency and how it already has been integrated into a lot of the commonly used tools and applications.

The presentation sparked conversation among chamber members about the opportunities and challenges businesses face as technology continues to evolve.
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Western Financial
walks for a cause

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Western Financial Group, Special Olympics Camrose and Centra Cam Vocational Training participated in Western Financial Group’s annual National Walk for Safe Spaces. The groups walked around the track at the Encana Arena. From left, front row, Natalie Lischynski, Karlee Gosnell, Hsu-Min Yang, Jolene Finnegan, Brendan Swanson and Elizabeth Harper. From left, back row, Vicki Lyster, Katie Kendall, Jonathan Coupe, Jayson Billard, Preston Wideman, Carol Wideman, Michaela Illner and Colwyn Hafner.
Bonnie

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson
 
Listen!
 
The instructions were simple. At a workshop, we were invited to find a partner and go outside for a 30-minute walk.

For the first 15 minutes, as we walked, looking ahead and not at each other, one of us would talk about whatever we wanted to talk about, while the other would listen in silence. No comments, no questions, no anything. Just listen.

For the second 15 minutes, we would trade. The second person would talk about whatever he or she wanted to talk about and the first person would listen in silence. Then we would return to the meeting room.

Each of us had the experience of being listened to for 15 minutes, and of listening for 15 minutes.
When we returned to the meeting room, we were asked what that exercise was like. Many of us said the hardest part was to listen without comment. We also felt how powerful it was to speak without interruption. As we spoke without being distracted, we went deeper. We thought of things and discovered things that were not in our mind when we began talking.

We also found that we felt closer to the other person. The experience of listening and being listened to brought us closer as human beings.

I began to remember other times I have observed or experienced the power of listening. Two snippets came to mind.
 
***

Scene: Pre-school program, end of the day. Grown-ups and children are milling around, arriving and leaving, finding each other, putting on coats and boots, the usual noisy chaos. One little boy is crying, “I want my mommy.” Different grown-ups say, “She’ll be here soon,” or “It’s okay, she’s on the way.” He keeps crying, “I want my mommy.”

A grandpa notices and squats down at eye level with the little boy. “You want your mommy.” the grandpa says. The little boy says, “Yeah!” and stops crying.
 
***

Scene: In my position as executive director, I meet regularly with the board chair to review what’s going on, plan our next board meeting and decide on actions. These meetings usually last more than an hour.

My first meeting with a new board chair is done in about half an hour. I’m surprised. Have I forgotten an item? No. The next time we meet, we’re again done in half an hour, even though a couple of challenging matters need to be handled.

I figure out what is different. He really listens. He listens with total attention. He checks to make sure he understands. Then he hones in on the core and we quickly decide next steps.

I decide that real listening is a great time-saver!
As well, I feel supported in my role. Even when the board chair disagrees with me, I feel heard, understood and respected. In this environment, it’s easier to handle differences because I don’t feel the need to defend my position or my worth.
 
***

Three quotes about listening:

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with intent to reply.” – Stephen R. Covey

“The word LISTEN contains the same letters as the word SILENT.” – Alfred Brendel

“God gave us mouths that close and ears that don’t. That’s a message.” – Unknown
 
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One of our greatest acts of respect is to listen in silence – really listen – with our ears and minds and hearts; to hear and understand our family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours … and maybe especially people with whom we disagree. Can’t do harm. And who knows what we might begin to understand?
 
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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.