University of Alberta Augustana Campus Chaplaincy will host its annual What’s Cookin’? Soup Supper on March 1 at 5 p.m. in the Augustana Chapel. “The main purpose of the event is to share and celebrate what the Chaplaincy has been doing, and to raise funds in support of the Chaplaincy’s work,” shared Augustana’s Chaplain Andrea Wilhelm.

The evening brings together community members, students and the chaplaincy for connection and conversation. Each year, attendees enjoy a meal, a silent auction and a guest speaker. This year’s theme, Out There, was chosen thoughtfully to inspire reflection and action. St. Andrew’s Anglican Church’s new Rector, Reverend Christa Eisbrenner will serve as the speaker.

“We chose this year’s theme Out There deliberately, to remind us to go beyond our habitual spaces, beyond the places where we feel at home and comfortable, to be Out There serving the campus community and the wider community. We are discovering community and God in all kinds of places and spaces,” explained Chaplain Andrea.
The theme encourages attendees to consider how they can step outside their comfort zones, engage with the world in new ways and contribute meaningfully to both campus life and the wider community. It reflects a thoughtful and inspiring approach that emphasizes connection, service, and discovery.

This year the chaplaincy will be launching a crowd-funding campaign at the event as well. The province will match 50 cents of every dollar raised, up to $5,000. The chaplaincy hopes to raise $15,000 or more altogether.

“Come join this fun and informative event that gathers friends of the chaplaincy to celebrate the good work which people like you have generously supported throughout the years. The funds add stability and allow for new programing,” shared Chaplain Andrea.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door on the day of the event or online through the University of Alberta Marketplace at https://shorturl.at/JM1tH

The Kodiaks are currently in a playoff position, sitting second in the south division and sixth overall with 12 games remaining in the season as the team is preparing for the playoffs.

The team is excited to have a familiar face return to the team in Ethan Short. Ethan hails from Edmonton and made his first appearance with the team for the 2022/23 season. He split the 2023/24 season between Calgary and Camrose before heading to Whitecourt for the 2024/25 season. Ethan started the current campaign with Whitecourt before returning to Camrose again in early January.

As a seasoned Junior A player, he brings a solid work ethic to the team and is considered a key addition to the forward line. Ethan is excited to be back in Camrose and looks forward to a deep run in the playoffs with the team.

Eric Kroetch, general manager of the team said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Ethan back to Camrose. He’s a big piece for us in adding a mature, experienced player with over 160 regular season AJHL games. Ethan has seen and experienced first hand what it takes to win at the league level and national level, and we are excited to bring that experience to our locker room.”

The team will be hosting the Fort McMurray Oil Barons on February 14. They are currently offering a Valentine’s ticket package that includes two tickets to the game and two beverages in the Bear Den with other drink specials available for the entire game. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. with ticket packages on hand at the Kodiaks office.

Don’t forget to get your name in the draw for the Kodiaks Vacation Getaway Raffle. First prize is an all inclusive trip for two at the five-star Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa. Four other great prizes are also available to win with only 1,000 tickets printed. The draw date is March 7. Email info@camrosekodiaks.ca for information on how to get your tickets.

Like many organizations, volunteers play an important role in supporting the Camrose Kodiaks. If you are interested in joining this dedicated team of volunteers while sharing your passion for Kodiaks hockey, contact Devon at devon@camrosekodiaks.ca

For all things Kodiaks related, follow them on social media and check out their website.

Seniors in our community encounter numerous challenges that often go unnoticed. As people age, they experience significant life changes, which frequently manifest as isolation, lack of accessibility and even as the need to redefine their existing relationships. Camrose is known all over Canada as one of the most senior-friendly communities and has been named among one of the best places to retire for several years now. What most might not know is that this is made possible through the efforts of local agencies who work together to ensure the seniors in Camrose and area feel supported, seen and heard.

One such organization that has been working quietly in the background since March of 1999 is Senior’s Coalition, a community group comprised of members from several local organizations working towards the goal of fostering a safe and inclusive community for the seniors.

The group makes their efforts possible through community engagement, education and collaboration with local agencies to understand the needs of those looking for solutions and support. The group is coordinated by Camrose and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Older Adult Services, with director of Older Adult Services Kari Cameron, serving as chair of Senior’s Coalition.

“It was amalgamated by three committees which is how it began. The International Older Persons’ Planning Committee, the Senior Friendly Project which was a FCSS initiative and the Camrose Interagencies Subcommittee on Senior Issues were the three committees that decided we might as well form a coalition and let’s get to work,” shared Kari.

“Today we have 36 Camrose and area senior serving organizations and people that are in the coalition. We have five volunteer seniors who we call the seniors at large and they serve as our sounding board. Basically anyone within Camrose and area who serves that 55-plus demographic within their professional work can be a part of this. We have meetings once a month on the third Thursday where we sit around and discuss the gaps or trends that we are noticing for our seniors,” she added.

Together, the group organizes local events like Seniors’ Week, Wellness Cafés and programs and courses to educate and support the seniors. Kari emphasized that although FCSS serves as the fiscal agency the events and programs are created entirely by the Senior’s Coalition and the efforts of its members. The Coalition functions as an independent entity, with FCSS being just one component of the group.

For more information on their work or to get involved with the Senior’s Coalition, contact Kari Cameron at 780-673-1388.

Paul Myrehaug returns to Camrose once again as part of The Snowed In Comedy Tour on February 27 at the Bailey Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. show. The self described whimsical sort of comic writes his material that has its roots in real life, then adds his own spin on things, taking it to weird places.

As a true Camrosian growing up in Alberta, he loves hockey and his dream was to be a professional hockey player, but soon realized the new dream was to become a comic.  It has turned out well for him, as this tour sells out every year in Camrose. He’s toured on The Snowed In Tour for the past 11 or 12 years. He ended up on the tour when he was approached at the last minute by fellow comedian and event organizer Dan Quinn, to fill in for another comedian who was filming a pilot in L.A. and Paul’s been on the tour ever since.

Over the years the tour has grown from playing in small venues and bars to filling theatres in 70 cities across Canada. Every year each of the comedians writes a new show so that no one will hear a repeated joke, keeping the show fresh and entertaining. Paul said, “We’re very proud of that. It’s a challenge to write that much material every year, but you can expect a brand new show every time.”

He went on to add, “For me personally, Camrose is obviously a very special show for me. I can probably stand on stage and know about 80 per cent of the audience on a first name basis.”

Paul talked about how nerve wracking that can be. He commented that it is a lot easier to bomb in front of strangers than in front of a family reunion.
He talked about how amazingly supportive his parents have been his whole career. He added, “It’s a very special show for me in Camrose. I love seeing everybody and I feel really proud to be from Camrose. It’s fun to be home with a tour of this size.”

The Snowed In Tour has been great for his career. It encourages him to write new material and has helped him grow as a performer and writer. Paul has lived in Europe since 2012 and this particular tour helps create the material for his European tours. The Snowed In tour takes the comedians to each of their hometowns, but Paul mentioned how incredibly supportive Camrose is, the show sells out every year.

He said, “Not every city supports hometown people like Camrose does. It blows me away every time I stand in the lobby and see everybody. I hope Camrose knows how cool and rare that is to support someone from their own community. It means so much to me, it’s wonderful.”

Limited tickets are available at www.baileytheatre.com

Buying your first home can be exciting and stressful at the same time, the process involves paperwork, decisions about financing, contracts and understanding the requirements before making an offer. When planning to buy a home in Camrose, knowing how mortgages work and what you need to prepare can make the process clearer.

Throughout the month of January Camrose Public Library hosted a series of expert speakers to help first time home buyers understand how to prepare to purchase your very first home. The tri-weekly sessions provided an opportunity for the attendees to ask questions about finances and receive tips and advice.

A mortgage is a loan used to buy property. The lender, usually a bank, credit union or mortgage lender, gives you money to buy a home and you repay it over time with interest. Your home serves as security for the loan.
 
You can apply for a mortgage through a bank, a credit union or a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker works with multiple lenders and can help compare rates and terms that fit your financial situation. You can also apply directly with a bank or credit union if you already have an account and prefer dealing with one institution. The goal should be to speak to an expert, discuss your current finances, explore the options that are available to you thoroughly.
 
Before you start the mortgage process you should, know your credit score and credit history. A higher credit score can help you qualify for better rates. You should have funds saved for your down payment and closing costs. Gather proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax documents, letter of employment to show lenders you can afford the payments. Understanding how much you can comfortably afford each month can be done through any online mortgage affordability calculators but a mortgage broker or financial advisor can also help you navigate that. Once you submit the above documents to your mortgage broker or advisor, they determine the interest rate and amount you would qualify for, this is also known as a pre-approval. This amount also serves as a ballpark of maximum purchase price you can consider when you begin house hunting.
 
Mortgage interest rates change with market conditions and the Bank of Canada’s policy rate. Alberta borrowers today often see fixed-rate mortgages in the range of roughly 4.09 per cent to 5.14 per cent for standard amortization terms of 25 years. Variable rates may be similar or slightly different based on the lender’s pricing and prime rate.
 
The biggest part leading up to the purchase of a home is saving the down payment, and how much you need to save can vary. Federal rules set the minimum down payment in Alberta based on home price. For homes priced at $500,000 or less you must put down at least 5 per cent of the purchase price. For homes between $500,001 and $999,999 the minimum down payment is 5 per cent on the first $500,000 and 10 per cent on the portion above $500,000. For homes $1,000,000 and above the minimum down payment is 20 per cent. According to a report shared by ReMax Grande Prairie in February, the average home price in Camrose is $314,081.91.

The most important action first time home buyers can take when applying for a mortgage is to keep track of monthly spending and debt. Ana Mocci, personal banking advisor at ATB Camrose, recommended that it’s wise to postpone big purchases such as getting a new car through a payment plan until after buying a house. A mortgage that fits your financial reality will make owning your first home more manageable.

Fundraising is a great way for schools to help bridge the gap in funding and often helps cover the costs of field trips, sports equipment, library resources and more.

Fundraising is also a learning opportunity for students that teaches them the value of goal-setting, teamwork and accountability.
Public participation in fundraising can benefit residents by strengthening the bonds between staff, students, and parents  with a shared sense of community.

In the vein of building community, École Charlie Killam School’s band program is participating in a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser with Boston Pizza in Camrose. For a very reasonable price, you get a plate of spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic toast and a non-alcoholic beverage.

Those supporting this unique fundraiser can choose between the 5:30 p.m. or the 7 p.m. sitting. To secure your time and tickets you will have to confirm your reservation name and e-transfer the funds to ckbpfundraiser@gmail.com

Proceeds from this event will go towards the cost of band trips, camps and festivals for ÉCKS students. For more information, contact the e-mail address above.

The Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre has a great lineup planned.

For over 25 years, the Celtic Tenors have been mesmerizing fans all over the world. They bring their intricate harmonies, charming banter and devotion for Ireland to Camrose on February 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Come experience the magic that will leave you spellbound.

Hawksley Workman is a JUNO Award winning singer-songwriter with a catalogue of 17 solo records. His genre defying style weaves folk, pop, and cabaret into his music and has headlined venues like Massey Hall.

This uniquely Canadian artist has built a fan base around the world and will make a stop in Camrose on February 21 at 7:30 p.m.

SHAD is Canada’s most acclaimed voice in hip-hop, he masterfully blends humour and memorable sound with significant themes and will be visiting the Mayer Family Community Hall on February 25 at 7 p.m.

This is your rare opportunity for an intimate conversation with the performer in this pay what you will show.

I have just returned from a two-week gorilla and chimpanzee trek through the mountains of Uganda and have to share some of the lifetime of lessons that I learned (or relearned) from this trip.

1. The fastest way to lose ALL credibility with me is to claim Canada is broken or that Canada is becoming a third world country. I immediately know you do not know what you are talking about economically or socially. Get off your butts and travel to a real third world country before making such claims about Canada!

2. Immigrants are NOT the cause of all problems in Canada. Immigrants come here for opportunities, just like your forefathers did. They fill the jobs that most Canadians do not want or are not willing to work hard at. They willingly work hard to fill your coffee cup in the drive-through because you are too lazy to make your own at home and then they have to suffer your abuse because of the colour of their skin or their accent while SERVING you. They work long hours picking weeds and harvesting vegetables or manning a slaughterhouse floor at lower wages than Canadians will accept. Employers love them because they show up on time, and don’t demand time off to attend a hockey game, or demand longer breaks, etc. They have a work ethic that puts most “old stock” Canadians and their offspring to shame. If you don’t like immigration, the one to blame is not the immigrants, but the person you see in the mirror everyday who shops online instead of local stores, who demands higher wages, not because they have become more productive, but because they simply think they are owed more, and who demand cheaper products on already overflowing shelves in Canada.

3. It is amazing the difference between what we think we need and what we really need. I learned this lesson the hard way when my luggage was lost (and never found) by the first world airline I flew in to Uganda. I was forced to live on the contents of my backpack for two weeks. It wasn’t pleasant, but doable. This lesson also applies to our governments. Governments are not alone to blame for high taxes/inflation. Inflation and high taxes are the cost of ever more demands by voters for services. EVERY party buys votes with promises like lower crime, better health care, better roads, more recreation facilities and the list goes on forever, but every new promise carries a future cost the taxpayer will bear. It is time to ask ourselves what do we really need as a society?

4. Well planned foreign aid WORKS and the costs of NOT helping those in need are real. We truly live in a global village and what we do not provide in terms of help to those truly in need has real impact on our own future. To demand aid programs like providing free vaccinations to third world countries be cut because you believe the negligible risk of vaccine injury outweighs the proven benefits vaccination provide, or you do not trust the science that has given life-saving vaccinations puts the health of everyone on the planet at risk, given a sick person can travel and spread disease anywhere in the world within 48 hours.

5. Education and health care are not commodities to be sold to the highest bidder or to those who have the ability to pay for first. The fastest way to destroy public education is to take government support away from public schools that must serve all children and direct it to private schools which screen the students they accept and demand additional payments from parents for providing an enriched education system. The same goes for the health care system. A two-tier education and health system inevitably ends in decay of the public system most people rely on. I will never forget the words of a Ugandan I got to know quite well: “Government people should be forced to use the public schools and public health system that they are responsible for and not the private schools and medical system they can afford to use.”

Alberta Separatists, instead of showing your ignorance and racism on social media, actually get out and visit a third world country that you claim is what Canada is becoming. And I don’t mean flying into some gated, guarded five-star resort on a beach where everyone is white and financially secure and the only contact with the local population is the hotel waiters and room service. Get out of the resorts and drive the backroads of the country that likely would be considered impassable here. Actually talk to the people of the country and ask them what they want/need and you will be likely be surprised they want the same things you do – family, health, security.

And remember, but for the grace of your God, you could have been born into their shoes/country instead of PROSPEROUS and FREE Canada.