New bus service to Edmonton

By Adan Shaikh

Residents of Camrose will have a new way to travel to and from Edmonton, thanks to a Flixbus pilot program being introduced.

“The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) has been a driving force behind this project from the outset. We initiated contact with FlixBus and even travelled to Los Angeles to engage in detailed discussions. Since then, we’ve worked closely with the University of Alberta, the Augustana Students’ Association, and the City of Camrose to secure funding and promote the initiative. After the Camrose Connector service ended in 2021, Augustana students–whom the UASU represents, alongside all U of A undergraduates–have faced significant financial burdens, often paying up to $150 for a one-way cab ride to Edmonton. This has created a serious strain for students needing to travel for classes, resources, or social connections in the city. Our goal is for the pilot project to demonstrate enough success for FlixBus to continue the route long-term, providing an affordable and reliable travel option. We will be meeting with FlixBus on a regular basis during the pilot project and analyzing ridership data to evaluate the route’s performance and ensure it meets student needs,” said Abdul Abbasi, UASU vice-president external.

The service is set to run every Monday and Friday starting September 27 until November 8. This offers affordable and convenient transportation for the general public. In addition to this, students of the University of Alberta Augustana Campus can travel at no charge by booking tickets using a coupon code which can be found on their UASU Perks app.
This initiative, in collaboration with Flixbus and the City of Camrose, aims to support student mobility and provide a much needed transport link for all citizens.

The City has dubbed this a “use it or lose it” initiative. If there isn’t enough demand, the service will not be extended or made permanent. However, if enough residents take advantage of the affordable bus service, it could become a regular fixture, offering a reliable connection between Camrose and Edmonton in the long term.

According to their website, the bus can be boarded in Camrose from either Duggan Mall or from Augustana Campus Faith and Life Centre and it offers three drop-off points in Edmonton. You can choose which stop at which you would like to get off the bus. Your options are Southgate Transit Centre, University of Alberta Lister Centre or downtown Jasper Avenue.

To book a trip or to find more information, residents are encouraged to visit the Flixbus website at flixbus.ca. This service could be valuable for families and students who don’t have their own transportation to go to Edmonton.

 

Mitts, Bailey honoured at Mayor’s Arts Awards

4 mayor arts mitts
Steve Mitts and Bob Bailey received their Mayor’s Award from City of Camrose Mayor PJ Stasko.

By Murray Green

The City of Camrose Arts Council Mayor’s Arts Awards (MAA) honoured several residents in a special night at the Bailey Theatre on September 19.

This program acknowledges and celebrates artistic achievement and contributions to arts. This initiative supports the arts within the community. It assists the Camrose Arts and Culture Masterplan to foster and support emerging and established artists through programs of recognition.

The Mayor’s Arts awards are intended to increase awareness of the artistic community. The Mayor’s Arts Awards event showcases, acknowledges and honours artistic achievement.

The Mayor’s Arts Awards Program recognizes two categories of contribution. The Creator Award  offered a cash prize and certificate of recognition. It recognizes the achievements of an individual or group demonstrating, creating, practicing and/or performing art. The winner of this award was decided by the Mayor’s Arts Awards Committee.

The Arts Champion Award is non-cash award and certificate of recognition. The Arts Champion Award recognizes an individual, group or business that has made extraordinary contributions to the arts.
The creation and fostering of artistic endeavors, outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism, advocacy, support and development.
The winner of this award was decided solely by the Mayor’s Arts Awards Committee (no nominations or applications required).

Mayor PJ Stasko presented Steve Mitts with his award.

“Since graduating from Camrose Composite High School in 1987, and earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Calgary in 1994, Steve has developed his unique style in acrylics on wood panels, stretch paper and other media. Early in his career, Steve developed a series exploring his fascination with renaissance themes and concepts,” said emcee Charlene Brown.

This work garnered significant attention in that it led to a six-year solo exhibition at the Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton where his work was noticed and acquired by many patrons of fine art. Since then, Steve’s art has reached across the country via countless projects and commissions.

“The pieces in my latest series all originated from something that once existed in another form, 100-year old grain bins, and the wood they are made from comprise the components of recent paintings,” he said.

“The frame, the segments and the very structure of my new paintings are made from the past. It is fitting that the subject matter of the renaissance that has been the focus of my work for over 30 years, is now being explored and displayed in century old presentations,” Steve shared.

As a local artist presenting on the national stage, Steve is not only creating beautiful pieces that connect to our rural landscape and culture and will last for years to come, but he is also inspiring others to be patrons of the arts, and artists themselves. Steve regularly contributes pieces to local organizations for their fundraising and gives of his time and design talents locally. He truly is an ambassador for the arts in Camrose.

Creator Award Nominees were Alex McKeil, Audrey Pfannmuller, Bob Bailey, Camrose Veselka Ukrainian Dancers, Colleen Salahub-Olsen, Darryl Dewalt, Lisa Rootsaert, Shannon Saby, Shannon Subchuk and Sharon Dorival.

Mayor PJ Stasko presented Bob Bailey with the Champion Award.

“Bailey is the truest example of someone who gives back to his community. Born and raised here, he began his music journey at the very school he now teaches at, Charlie Killam,” said emcee Charlene Brown.

A school music teacher for 41 years, Bob has spent the majority of those years spent in Camrose. As a teacher, he has consistently gone above and beyond to provide an exceptional music education to every student that comes through his music room door, universally accepting and meeting students where they are at.

Bob’s ensembles regularly perform for the public and have received countless awards and accolades at music festivals over the years. His passion for music education is unmatched and evidenced by the endless hours of his personal time establishing extracurricular music groups, leading countless extra-curricular rehearsals, spearheading fundraisers, arranging school concerts and other performances, entering music festivals, and arranging camps and tours.

In addition to all this, Bob lends his expertise to community arts projects and organizations. He has established and participates in local ensembles as a musician and supports other musicians and music programs locally and beyond. Bob also continually reaches outside the community to guest conduct, adjudicate and participate on boards that foster music education across the province. Bob has been acknowledged by his peers over the years as an outstanding music educator. The immense impact Bob has made to the musical arts in our community, and to the individual lives of students, parents, musicians, other educators and administrators is undeniable and can be seen at higher levels of learning in the community and beyond.

The MAA committee is comprised of seven members with a range of expertise and perspectives, who are respected, knowledgeable and representative of a spectrum of artistic practices including one member of the Camrose Arts Council board and a member of the City of Camrose, recreation and culture department.

Co-chairs of the Mayor’s Arts Awards committee are Charlene Brown and Steven Hansen, secretary Tanya Pattullo, treasurer Angela Vanouck, members at large Arlo Grundberg and Joel Morello.

Peewee Buffaloes remain undefeated after four games

By Murray Green

The Camrose Buffaloes are competing in the Capital District Minor Football Association 2024 season.

The bantam squad plays in the 12-side Division and have a 1-3 record this fall.

Camrose lost a tough grinding 7-6 contest to the Millwoods Grizzlies on September 21. The Buffaloes outscored the Fort McMurray Ravens 42-22 in its victory.

Camrose also plays the Edmonton Mustangs in Millwoods on October 5 and the Grizzlies in Millwoods on October 20.

The peewee squad plays in the peewee nine-side division in the Capital District and are undefeated with a 4-0 record.

Camrose outscored the SCMFA Wolverines 33-26 on September 21 to preserve its winning streak. The Buffloes also won 56-6 over the Edmonton Chargers, beat Sherwood Park Northstars 41-14 and won 24-20 over the Stony Plain Bombers.

They also play away on October 6 against the Bombers and against Sherwood Park Northstars on October 20.

Flashing lights on 48 Avenue and 56 Street

6 as flashing lights
The City plans on replacing crosswalk flashing lights by Mirror Lake with overhead lights to increase safety for pedestrians.

By Adan Shaikh

When asked to think of the busiest Camrose intersections, 48 Avenue and 56 Street comes to mind almost instantly. The 50 kilometres an hour speed limit, numerous important businesses nearby, and Mirror Lake right off the road makes this one of the most bustling spots to cross the street at any time of day.

In June 2024, the City Council adopted a new Installation of Pedestrian Safety Devices policy. “The purpose of the update to the policy was to ensure that the City’s policy was aligned with national best practices in association with the Traffic Association of Canada,” informed Jeremy Enarson, manager of Engineering Services.

However, it wasn’t feasible to change all road crossing devices at once, which is why it was decided that they will be upgraded as the need arises and as funding allows. The Flashing lights at 56 Street have become a concern for the community. The lights that pedestrians activate before crossing are affixed on top of a pork chop island. While no incidents involving pedestrians have occurred, there was an instance where the device was knocked out by a vehicle, posing a safety risk to residents.

“Administration is recommending that the existing crossing along 48 Avenue and 56 Street be upgraded from a roadside rectangular flasher to an overhead flasher system,” commented Malcolm Boyd, City manager.

It was discussed whether the crossing should be removed entirely to prevent any future incidents, but council and engineering staff agreed that people would naturally want to cross at this location due to its proximity to businesses on 48 Avenue. Banning the crossing could lead to increased jaywalking.

Council ultimately decided that the flashing lights will be upgraded, and this installation will be included in the 2025 to 2034 capital plan.

Kodiaks rebound against Oil Barons

By Murray Green

Camrose Kodiaks bounced back in a big way, winning back-to-back 3-2 games against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) action on September 20 and 21.
In the first contest, Sam Lozinski netted his goal of the year in overtime to give the bears its first victory of the season.

Fort McMurray scored the opening two tallies of the game, before the Kodiaks added some growl to its game. Cole Balkovec scored in the first and Garrett Thom collected a marker in the second to force overtime.

Camrose blasted the Oil Barons with 38 shots on goal. Meanwhile, Kodiaks goalie Carter Capton stopped 20 of 22 shots directed his way.
In the rematch, Fort McMurray again led 2-0 before the Kodiaks grabbed some nastiness and potted three straight goals.

Tyson Murray scored for the Kodiaks in the opening period and then Ludovik Tardif  connected twice on the power play in the middle frame, for the tying marker and game winner.

Goalie Capton turned away 19 of 21 shots, while Camrose peppered the Oil Barons with 34 shots on goal.

Home games in October include Sunday, October 6 at 2 p.m. against Calgary Canucks; Saturday, October 12 at 6 p.m. against Devon; Wednesday, October 16 at noon against Lloydminster Bobcats and Saturday, October 19 at 6 p.m. against Grand Prairie.
 
Bear facts

Tardif and Ian Alonso lead the Kodiaks on offence with three points each. Camrose is in fourth place with five points after four games.

 

Fire prevention starts with the right smoke alarm

7 as jeff knopf smoke alarm
Jeff Knopf, fire and life safety educator, demonstrated how to test your smoke alarm. Install! Test! Replace!

By Adan Shaikh

When it comes to fire safety, many people use the terms “smoke detector” and “smoke alarm” interchangeably, but they actually refer to two distinct devices.

Understanding the difference between the two is essential for ensuring that your home is adequately protected. A smoke detector is a sensor designed to detect smoke and is typically connected to a larger, building-wide fire alarm system. Unlike a smoke alarm, it does not have a built-in speaker to alert occupants directly but instead sends a signal to a central system, which then triggers an alarm. These devices are more common in commercial or industrial settings.

In contrast, a smoke alarm, the kind you would probably find in your home, combines both a smoke sensor and an audible alarm in one unit. When smoke is detected, the alarm sounds immediately, alerting anyone nearby. Smoke alarms are typically used in residential homes, where immediate alert is critical to ensuring that residents can escape safely in case of fire.
When choosing the right smoke alarm for your home, it’s important to know that there are different types of alarms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

“Ionization detectors tends to respond better to flaming fires, the photoelectric detector performs better at detecting smoldering fires. There is potential that both types of fire can occur in residences so there is no right answer when it comes to which type of smoke alarm is best.  As there is no way to predict which kind of fire could occur,” said Camrose Fire Department fire and life safety educator Jeff Knopf.

The most common types of alarms are ionization and photoelectric alarms. Ionization alarms use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize air particles, creating an electrical current that is disrupted when smoke enters the chamber, triggering the alarm. Ionization alarms tend to be less expensive but can be prone to false alarms from non-flame sources like cooking.

Photoelectric alarms use a light sensor that is activated when smoke scatters light into a photosensitive chamber, causing the alarm to sound. While they are generally more expensive than ionization alarms, they are less likely to trigger false alarms from sources like cooking or steam. For homeowners seeking comprehensive protection, there are also combination smoke alarms that feature both ionization and photoelectric sensors. These dual-sensor alarms are effective at detecting both flaming and smoldering fires, providing a higher level of safety in various fire scenarios. Another option for enhanced reliability is the intelligent multi-criteria alarm, which combines ionization, photoelectric, and heat sensors. These alarms use algorithms to determine whether smoke is present, reducing the likelihood of false alarms from non-fire sources like steam or cooking. Although they may not detect fires faster, they offer a significant reduction in nuisance alarms.

Some smoke alarms come with additional features that improve safety or convenience. Voice smoke alarms, for example, emit not only the standard three loud beeps but also a voice announcement that can indicate the location of the detected smoke or any issues with the alarm. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can detect both smoke and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO), making them a good choice for homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

The next thing to consider when installing smoke alarms would be to decide between hard wired and battery-powered models.

Hard wired alarms are connected to your home’s electrical system and typically include a battery backup in case of power outages. If you are replacing hard wired alarms, NFPA recommends you use the same manufacturer, and have a professional install it. Battery-powered alarms are easier to install but require regular battery checks to ensure they are functioning properly. Some newer models feature sealed, long-life batteries that last up to 10 years, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements, but regular testing is still something you should not overlook.

Interconnected smoke alarms are another option for homeowners who want to enhance their fire safety. These alarms are either wired or WiFi connected, so if one alarm detects smoke, all the alarms in the home will sound. This feature can be a lifesaver, especially in larger homes or for people who sleep with doors closed, as it ensures early warning no matter where the fire starts.

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, traditional smoke alarms may not be sufficient. There are alarms equipped with strobe lights or bed shakers that activate when smoke is detected, ensuring that everyone in the household is alerted in case of a fire.

When purchasing a smoke alarm, be sure to select one that has been tested and certified by a recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek. It is also important to follow local building codes and fire safety regulations, especially if you are renovating or building a new home. By understanding the difference between smoke detectors and smoke alarms, and selecting the right type of alarm for your home, you can help protect your family and ensure you are prepared in the event of a fire.

Fire Prevention focuses on smoke alarms

By Adan Shaikh

This year, Fire Prevention Week focuses on an important message: Smoke Alarms, Make them work for you. It’s about ensuring that these life-saving devices are fully functional, prepared to alert you in any emergency. This campaign highlights the importance of installing, testing and replacing your alarms regularly, ensuring your home or business is equipped for any potential hazard.

Recognizing how to do this is important, making sure they’re installed, tested, and replaced regularly is simple. All smoke alarms come equipped with a “TEST” button and a simple click will let you know if your smoke alarm is in good working condition.

“We recommend that smoke alarms be tested once a month,” said CFD fire and life safety educator Jeff Knopf. In partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Camrose Fire Department is emphasizing three critical steps to ensure your safety from fire and carbon monoxide:

 1. Install your alarms both smoke and CO detectors in key locations. “Smoke alarms should be installed close to the ceiling, at least one on every floor” explained fire and life safety educator Jeff Knopf. He advises placing them in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level of your home, including the basement. You also need to be mindful not to place smoke detectors near windows, cooking appliances or ducts where a draft could interfere with their operation. According to the latest NFPA research, the chances of a death during a house fire is decreased by 60 per cent in homes with working smoke detectors.

2. Test your alarms regularly to make sure they’re functioning. Alarms that are installed but not tested might as well not be there. Each month, test your smoke detectors to make sure the batteries and sound are working. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries once a year to avoid any malfunctions.  Another way to stay on top of maintenance is to make sure the smoke detector is not obstructed “Vacuum the exterior of the smoke detector using a soft bristle attachment on your vacuum cleaner,” said Knopf.

3. Replace. Smoke alarms generally have a 10 year lifespan, while CO alarms need regular battery changes, so if your alarm isn’t functioning properly, swap it out right away.

Beyond alarms, another key to safety is having a practised escape plan posted somewhere in the home where everyone can see it. In the event of a fire or carbon monoxide emergency, your household or business should have a clear, rehearsed route to get out, with a designated meeting place outside. If you have children or pets it is important to make sure they understand this plan  as well.

The message from the NFPA is clear, Install! Test! Replace! If you hear an alarm, don’t ignore it, check your escape route, and leave the building immediately.

“Important thing a family can do is have a working smoke detector because typically fires start small and the smoke detector would give the family enough time to get away from it,” noted Knopf.

To kick off Fire Prevention Week, the Camrose Fire Department will also be hosting a Pancake Breakfast at the Firehall from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m on October 6. Remember, staying vigilant about smoke detectors can save you and your family’s life.

Tips for a healthier relationship with your own social media

By Murray Green

Social media and news can help you stay connected. But all that information can also be overwhelming. It can disrupt your day. And it’s easy to form habits you didn’t mean to, according to Alberta Health Services.

Be sure to stay safe while using social media. Be careful with the information you share and who you share it with when you’re on-line.

If someone is harassing or threatening you, unfriend or remove them from your friends list, block them and report them to the site administrator. Learn about how to use the privacy settings on social media and keep your security software up to date.

Know your goal. If you want to use social media to stay up-to-date on community events, log off after you have the info you need.

Notice how it makes you feel. Does seeing what friends are sharing make you happy? Or does it make you feel down? Does the daily news stress you out? When you know how news and social media affect you, you can decide if you need to make some changes to how you use them.

Don’t compare your everyday life to someone else’s on-line life. People usually post about the shiny parts of their lives instead of daily struggles or disappointments. So even if what you’re seeing is a true story, remember that it won’t be the whole story. Add to your life and learning with real-world experience.

Change notification settings. That way you can find information you want when you’re ready for it, instead of letting it find you.

Unfollow and hide feeds as needed. If accounts you follow or friends you have post things that stress you out, get rid of them. If you don’t want to unfriend someone, just change your settings so that you don’t see what they post anymore. They’ll never know.

Follow the feel-good stuff. The news can be heavy. Try to find balance by focusing on things that make you feel happy. Try following social media accounts that are focused on your interests or on things that make you laugh. And sign up for good news mailers. Most major news outlets offer them, or something like it. To help you find balance try tracking how much time you spend on social media or reading news.

Set a time to step away. Make time to disconnect from news and social media. Close your apps and turn off the TV. Read a book, get outside, work on a puzzle, or call a friend. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do. Just make sure it’s something that feels supportive and worth your time.

Read positive newspapers, such as The Camrose Booster, to receive the good news of the community.

Free Makers’ Space by Camrose Arts Society

By Adan Shaikh

The Camrose Arts Society’s mission is to inspire joy and spark creativity through the power of the arts. Embracing artists of every discipline, from painters and poets to musicians, sculptors, and woodworkers, the Society is committed to ensuring that the arts are accessible to all. Now, they are enhancing their community presence by introducing a free Makers’ Space, set to become a creative hot-spot for the people of Camrose. This new program offers a welcoming environment where individuals can explore artistic expression without the constraints of material costs or limited space. The Makers’ Space will be open to everyone, from novices to experienced artists, from children to elders, providing an opportunity to engage with various art forms in a relaxed and supportive setting.

“Come with an open mind; we definitely don’t have any expectations of how experienced you need to be. It’s all inclusive here, so feel free to explore and learn,” advises acrylic landscape and wildlife artist, Samantha Walters, who is also in charge of this project.

Members of the Arts Society will lead complimentary classes, offering instruction in a wide array of mediums. Whether participants are eager to experiment with painting, wax sculpture, or delve into the world of poetry, they will be encouraged to discover new skills and creative avenues. This pilot plan aims to be a melting pot of ideas and inspiration, where individuals from all walks of life can come together, collaborate, and learn. This project aligns with their ongoing goal of nurturing an inclusive artistic community where expression and exploration are celebrated and encouraged at all levels.

“People of all ages are welcome; we do ask that kids under 14 years of age be accompanied by an adult,” added Samantha. The Arts Society hopes this program becomes a permanent fixture in Camrose; however, finding space and supplies has been a challenge. Currently, they are hoping to find more funding to make sure this space can be offered in the long run.

Whether you aspire to master a new skill, discover innovative forms of expression, or connect with artists, the Makers’ Space offers a valuable opportunity for all.

E-Scooters in Camrose

By Adan Shaikh

Driving down 48 Avenue, you may see people on electric scooters swooping down the sidewalk. These electric two wheelers are powered by a motor that doesn’t exceed 500 watts, which poses an important question, are people on these scooters drivers or pedestrians?

In June 2023, the City approved Business Licence Bylaw and Traffic Bylaw to allow for a pilot project involving e-scooters in Camrose. This plan allowed the municipality to run a shared e-scooter program in Camrose until October 30. With the approval of our municipality the speed limit for these scooters was set to 20 kilometres per hour and wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. Users should keep in mind that according to our Traffic Safety Act (TSA) these electric scooters are technically considered miniature vehicles and safety should be a priority.

Many residents are enjoying this service, you simply scan the QR code displayed on the scooter with your phone and it gives you instructions on how to activate the scooter, payment is made through the application associated with the e-scooter. However, as fun and helpful this project has been there have been some complaints as well.

“I have received two phone calls and several verbal complaints around the discarded e-scooters that they are left all over for long periods of time,” shared councillor Agnes Hoveland.

Once a rider gets to their destination what do they do with the e-scooter? They just leave it where it is and they may not need it or want to use it again for their next trip, which means the scooter sits where it was left for days. The City council and community development will discuss these concerns once the pilot project is completed and a follow up is done with the e-scooter company before any decisions are made on how permanent this service becomes in Camrose.

Until then, the council recommends that residents practice riders rules for safety. Always be mindful of pedestrians and give them right of way. Riders must be over the age of 16. Do not exceed the speed limit of 20 kilometres per hour, and lastly, always park in an upright position and in a location where it does not obstruct the street or sidewalk.

MacIssac restores his high school truck

12 macissac 61 ford truck
Tom MacIssac recalled the days in high school when he cruised around in 1960 with a Ford pickup truck. He kept some of those pieces from the truck and added some from similar ones to build his new 1960 truck.
By Murray Green

Tom MacIssac of Millet owns a 1960 Ford F100 truck.

“Most of the truck was done at a restoration shop in Wetaskiwin and I finished the rest. I had one of these trucks in high school, so that is why I wanted one of these. It had some special memories for me and I wanted a similar one back,” shared Tom.
The third-generation of the Ford F-Series is a series of trucks that were produced by Ford from 1957 until 1960.

“I still have some parts and pieces from high school days such as the grille and tailgate. The bumper on this truck is from my original truck. I always wanted to restore a truck just like this,” added Tom.

“Back in 2004, I had a mid-life crisis and bought my first old truck. I ended up getting about eight of them to make one good truck because of the rust and missing pieces,” explained Tom.

In the rear, two types of pickup boxes were offered, starting a new naming convention: the traditional separate-fender box was dubbed Flareside, while Styleside boxes integrated the pickup bed, cab and front fenders together.

“I put it together since 2004, and finally got it on the road in 2012. This truck has a 312 motor and a standard three in the tree transmission,” he said.
Following its competitors at Dodge and General Motors, Ford widened the front bodywork to integrate the cab and front fenders together.

“I like the square look of these trucks. It caught my eye in high school and I’ve liked the look of these ever since then,” stated Tom.

Going a step further, the F-Series integrated the hood into the bodywork with a clamshell design; the feature would stay part of the F-Series for two decades.

“Having the grille, endgate and a few other pieces from on my original truck on this truck makes this a special vehicle to me. A lot of the other pieces rusted away, so I had to get some different ones, but to be able to have some of the original pieces included in the re-build was my dream since high school and it turned out well,” added Tom.

Although offered previously, the optional chrome grille was far more prominent than before.

“My mom worked at Ford, so I was able to get some parts and pieces from her as well at wholesale. I started doing that to keep the costs down. I collected parts for a few years, then in 2004 I started putting it together,” he continued.

“Then he met me,” laughed Deb Castor. “I said get that truck on the road.”

Tom followed her orders and finished the truck that he enjoys driving and taking to car shows in the summer.
 
FUN FACTS

In 1958, the grille was updated; the dual headlights are replaced by quad headlights (the only generation of the F-Series to use them).

In 1959, Ford introduced the option of the F-Series in four-wheel drive. Previously a conversion outsourced to Marmon-Herrington, Ford was the first of the big three U.S. manufacturers to manufacture four-wheel drive trucks on its own. The 1960 Ford looked all-new with twin headlights riding in a scalloped-square front clip. The trucks were completely redesigned in 1961 as the fourth generation of the Ford F-Series. Introducing a lower and wider cab over the previous generation, Ford introduced several design changes to the model line. Along with the traditional separate Flareside beds, Ford introduced unibody trucks. These were originally named as the integrated pickup and consisted of the cab and the bed into one continuous piece, with no gap between them. The design required fewer stampings, such as the back of the cab served as the leading edge of the bed, less complicated assembly, such as the single-wall bed sides were spot-welded directly to the door sills, and the body had a less complicated path through the assembly plant’s paint shop. All models with Flareside beds, continued to use separate cabs and beds. Styleside beds were carried over from the 1957–60 models.

Soccer Vikings bit by Rattlers

By Murray Green

A new season of sports has arrived at the University of Alberta Augustana Campus for the 2024-25 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference season.
 
Soccer

The women’s Vikings team lost 3-0 to the Medicine Hat Rattlers on September 21.

Augustana recorded four shots on goal, while Vikings goalkeeper Alex MacDonald made seven saves on 10 shots.

Augustana also lost 6-1 to the SAIT Trojans with Courtney Kirchner netting the only tally for the Vikings, while MacDonald stopped 17 of 23 shots on goal.

The Vikings host Red Deer at 1 p.m. on October 5 in its next home game.
 
Cross-country

The Vikings cross-country running team is preparing for the fifth event of the series on October 12 in Camrose at noon.

In Lethbridge, Chloe Funnell led the Vikings by crossing the line in 15th place on the women’s side, September 21. Teammate Effie Lockhart placed 24th in the six kilometre race.

On the men’s side, Nicholas Taylor led the Vikings by finishing in 12th place, while Ewan Schellenberg followed close in the number 15 spot.

In Grande Prairie the week before, Lara Birkell led the women’s squad in 11th place, while Taylor led the Vikings in sixth place.

Schellenberg came in ninth, Kunlin Ye was 12th and James Saly was 17th in the event.

The ACAC championships will be held on October 26 at St. Mary’s in Calgary.
 
Hockey

The Vikings shut out the Portage Voyageurs 3-0 in exhibition play, September 20. The next night, Augustana doubled Portage 6-3.

In the rematch, Leyton Smith scored on the power play to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead in the first period. Five tallies were scored in the middle frame with Jacob Biensch and Brayden Koch counting the markers for Augustana.

It was all Vikings in the third period as Biensch, Jordan Bechtold and Lane Kirk scored for the home team.

Goalie Zach Willms stopped 32 of 35 shots for the Augustana win. The Vikings recorded 24 shots on goal.

Augustana hosts SAIT in a two-game series on October 4 and 5 with start times of 7 and 2 p.m.
Augustana hosts the Briercrest Clippers on October 25 at 7 p.m. in the regular season home opener. The next day they play a rematch at 2 p.m.
 
Volleyball

The women’s Vikings beat King’s Eagles 3-1, won over Keyano 3-2, beat Assiniboine 3-1, won 3-1 over Olds and lost 3-0 to Lakeland in exhibition play on September 21 and 22.

The men’s team beat Canadian Mennonite University 3-1, lost to Olds 3-1, won 3-1 over Lakeland and lost 3-0 to Lakeland on September 21 and 22.

They play  at Lakeland on October 25 prior to its home opener on October 26. The home opener is at 6 p.m. for the women’s team and 8 p.m. for the men’s squad.
 
Basketball

Augustana hosts Lakeland Rustlers in the home opener on October 25 at 6 and 8 p.m. Both teams play at Lakeland on October 26.
 
Curling

The Vikings host the first bonspiel tournament at the Rose City Curling Club on November 22 to 24.
Teams will be playing in women’s, men’s and mixed categories.

Centra Cam celebrates another busy year

14 as volunteer of the year
Executive director Tracy Culbert, presented the Volunteer of the Year award to president Doug Macdonald for his outstanding service to Centre Cam.

By Adan Shaikh

Centra Cam Vocational Training Association held its annual general meeting on September 25, when members gathered to reflect on a year marked by transitions, progress, new beginnings and good-byes. President Doug Macdonald welcomed attendees and highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the past year.

“We support each other, we support our clients, we support small businesses, we support socioeconomic to the end, that is just who we are,” said Doug.

As we moved on to reports, it was noted that Centra Cam has experienced a wave of retirements and farewells as well.

“We said goodbye to four long-time members from both vocational and social enterprise divisions. This year was also tinged with sadness as we lost a member from the wood shop and a long-term board member,” shared Wally Wrubleski, first vice-president of the board.

A memorial plaque was unveiled in honour of Dave Chamberlain, who passed away earlier this year.

“There are no words that can adequately sum up his contributions, he sat on the board for 26 years, was the president of the board in all it’s doings for a quarter of a century,” mentioned Macdonald.

Business Development and Long Range Planning Report highlighted that this past year Centra Cam focused on creating a comprehensive planning document that outlines risk management plans, quality assurance checks, performance management insights, and strategies for the future.

“We are fortunate to receive a federal grant from the Community Service Recovery Fund in conjunction with Battle River Community Foundation, it was used to help us develop a record retention schedule and file plan to deal with our overflowing file storage,” shared Rob Hauser, member of the board of directors

“When we take a look at Centra Cam itself, it’s such an integral part of our community, the work that is done in the association itself is so vital to the community as a whole and without our clients our Centra Cam family would not exist,” commented Hauser. “I’ve been in business for over 33 years and I have employed a Centra Cam client in every one of those years and I was recently asked ‘why would I employ a Centra Cam client?’ It is because I see the gratification the employee experiences, he or she now has a purpose and they have a reason to get up every day and come to work,” Hauser continued.

Succession planning also emerged as a central theme, reflecting the organization’s goal of ensuring smooth transitions in leadership and operations. Liz Rolf, board member in charge of the programming report shared how the past year has been incredibly busy for Centra Cam.

“Currently, we have 99 clients involved in our programs. 43 clients are working at paid employment sites, our placement assistant continues to look for job opportunities within the community, this past year she has found two new job opportunities. We are volunteering at 29 placements within the community and we continue to look for new ways to give back to this community,” shared Rolf.

The association welcomed 12 new clients into its services, and the summer was packed with tours and intakes of potential new clients. Rolf also announced that in June, Centra Cam successfully completed its Complex Needs Designation, securing the accreditation for another three years.

Additionally, in March, the organization negotiated and signed a new three-year PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities) contract. The organization has also increased training opportunities for its staff, continuing to focus on improving client services and staff development.
Dean Inman delivered the fund raising report, underlining a successful bottle drive that raised $700 in just two days.

Centra Cam also received three grants from the Battle River Community Foundation. These funds were used to purchase scanners and provide support to their Odd Job Squad, enabling the purchase of electric lawn mowers, batteries, and shovels for the program.

Additionally, the board expressed deep gratitude to Camrose businesses, organizations, and the broader community for helping them raise over $336,000 throughout the year, funds that will significantly impact their programs and services.

As Centra Cam reflects on a year of growth and transition, the organization remains dedicated to its mission of providing valuable vocational training and support services to individuals in the Camrose community.

Members elected for the board of 2024-25 are president Macdonald, first vice-president Wrubleski, second vice-president Kevin Gurr, treasurer  Cameron Lewis, secretary Rolf, and members Hauser, Inman, Brian Francoeur, Darren McDermott and Mark Barrett.

The meeting ended with a recognition ceremony where the board thanked and awarded each volunteer for their service. Executive director Tracy Culbert presented and honoured president Macdonald with the award for Volunteer of the Year. Although the team members of this organization do not care about the accolades, they have worked very hard and have a very meaningful impact on our community and they deserve the recognition they received at this year’s AGM. With new clients, fresh initiatives, and strategic planning in place, the future looks bright for this vital organization.

Trojans back on the field

By Murray Green

The École Camrose Composite High School (ÉCCHS) Trojans are ready for a good year on the field, court and gym in 2024-25.

“Our football team is back playing 12-man football. Lots of key players are back this year from their championship a season ago. They also have a lot of young players on the team, which is great for the future,” said athletic director Graeme Thain.

They have four more regular season games to qualify for playoffs. The next home action is on October 11 when they host Notre Dame from Red Deer.
 
Golf

“We sent six golfers to zones at the Alberta Springs course down by Red Deer on September 16th, it turned out to be a great day for golf. Our boys’ team finished third overall, just out of provincial qualification. Ethan Allen shot a great round earning an individual berth to provincials in Grande Prairie on September 23rd and 24th,” said Thain.
During the two-day competition he was able to keep pace with the front runners, eventually finishing in the top half.
 
Volleyball

September is a busy month for volleyball, ÉCCHS has six teams competing.

“Our Grade 9 girls’ and boys’, junior volleyball and senior volleyball teams have all had their first regular season games and each team has competed in at least one tournament. Some of the September highlights include our Grade 9 boys winning their home tournament while, the junior girls have started their season 2-0. Both senior volleyball teams won the consolation side of the SCA tournament in Sherwood Park. October is just as busy with volleyball. Our junior teams host their home tournament October 4th and 5th, with all six teams travelling for both league and away tournaments.”
 
Cross-country

The cross-country running season is well underway.

“We’ve had some really good results over the first few races. On October 9th, we have the opportunity to host our zone championship out at our challenging biathlon range trails.”

 

Comedy in store return department

By Murray Green

The Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre has a great line-up still to come this season.
God is a Scottish Drag Queen is a comedy act loosely based on the Bible. It is a two-act comedy of biblical proportions from everything from Noah’s Ark to Star Wars. Catch this adult show on Thursday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m.

“The premise is that this big hairy guy in a Scottish dress is commenting on humanity and how we have done. It is really funny and if you are a Christian, you are going to find this even funnier. There are biblical references in the show, but doesn’t get to a place that would be offensive to a Christian,” said Lougheed manager Nick Beach.

Enjoy the family series of circus theatre production for younger audiences entitled Returns Department. It will be featured on stage on Saturday, October 5, at 2 p.m.

“The first show is a bit of a circus. Think of the crazy returns department at Amazon. Just a fun crazy show,” said Nick.

This is a free community event, but you must have a ticket to get in.

Bruins win first contest

By Murray Green

Camrose Bruins dethroned the Morinville Kings 11-1 in North Central Hockey League preseason action in senior hockey, September 20.

The Bruins led 2-0 and 5-1 between periods before exploding on offence in the third frame.

The NCHL expanded its membership to nine teams with the addition of the Stony Plain Eagles and the Innisfail Eagles for this season. Teams will each play a home and home versus every club making for a balanced schedule, for a total of 16 games.

Unfortunately, the Red Deer Rustlers dropped out of the NCHL and all Red Deer games have been eliminated from the schedule.

The league’s two newest teams in 2023, the Wetaskiwin Longhorns and the Camrose Bruins led the league in attendance throughout last season, both averaging over 800 fans per game.

Camrose takes on Devon at home on October 4 in the Max McLean Arena  at 8 p.m.

Other home games are on October 19 against the Stony Plain Eagles, November 2 against Innisfail Eagles, January 18 against Morinville Kings, January 25 against Lacombe Generals and January 31 against Wetaskiwin Longhorns.

BRCF grants school division

18 brsd w.f. macdonaldfamily fund scholarship 8 300 kevin to stephen hoyland ass't. superintendent.
Battle River Community Foundation board chair Kevin Gurr presents a cheque to BRSD assistant superintendent education services Stephen Hoyland.


The Battle River Community Foundation has awarded an $8,300 grant to the Battle River School Division #31 (BRSD) from the W.F. MacDonald Family Fund to be used to fund scholarships.

Proceeds from the W.F. MacDonald Family Fund are used to fund two scholarships: one, a scholarship for a student entering a recognized post-secondary university program and the other, for a student entering a recognized post-secondary technical program. Eligible students will have graduated from high schools in Bawlf, Bashaw, Daysland, New Norway, or from École Camrose Composite High School if living in Camrose or Camrose County.

Mr. Fred MacDonald was a small town store owner in Rosalind with a deep belief in the importance of education. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Rosalind school and served extensively on the school board. Although Mr. MacDonald passed on in 1974, followed by his wife Margaret in 1990, a scholarship fund at the Battle River Community Foundation has allowed his love of education to live on in perpetuity.

According to son Gordon, “Our dad was always very involved in education and believed in continuing on with schooling after high school. It doesn’t matter if it’s university or trades, taking those courses requires money for tuition, books and living expenses. We want to help with that.”

The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support organizations in east central Alberta that benefit the local communities and positively impact the future.

Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment funds. The principal of these endowment funds is kept intact and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations.

Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $9,308,006 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.

Seniors tour the world through VR

By Murray Green
 
Garry Weiss’s childhood wasn’t all about wide open spaces. Sure, growing up in rural Alberta meant he had fond memories of backyard games like Ante I Over.

“Garry was also a curious kid fascinated by new technology. He dove into any job he could find, from farming and pumping gas to retail and construction crews. This fascination with the latest gadgets extended to computers–his first one, a TRS Model 1 from Radio Shack, seemed like a technological marvel with its whopping 4K of RAM,” said Camrose Adult Learning Council (CALC) coordinator Ron Serna.

It was a Model I with monitor and cassette recorder from a Radio Shack catalogue. Garry’s first mobile phone was not the sleek, pocket-sized device we know today. It was a bulky, car-bound contraption that predated cellular networks.

“Garry now resides at RoseAlta Lodge, a Bethany Group care facility in Camrose. With limited mobility, making the adventures of his youth seem like a distant dream. However, thanks to the Immersive Tech Pilot Project, a collaboration between (CALC) and RoseAlta activities, residents like Garry are rediscovering the thrill of exploration through innovative technology,” said Ron in his report.

It aims to enhance lifelong learning and well-being in long-term care, the Immersive Pilot Project partnered with Bethany Group.

“VR offers a new, engaging interface for learning. As traditional methods can become challenging with age, VR creates a fresh way to connect with the world and experience real-life scenarios through gaming and virtual environments,” said Ron.

Studies indicate increased isolation among Canadian residents post-COVID. Recognizing this need, Ron spearheaded the Immersive Tech Pilot Project. He wanted to introduce innovative learning opportunities and combat negative health effects associated with isolation.

A grant from The United Way allowed CALC to explore immersive technologies, leading them to invest in equipment like VR headsets. This project aims to leverage VR’s potential as both a learning tool and a therapeutic intervention to boost mood and social interaction among residents.

Residents like Garry are loving VR. With headsets provided by CALC, Bethany Group facilitators can whisk them on virtual adventures, fulfilling lifelong dreams or simply offering a calming escape.

“It’s amazing,” Garry said. “Like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”

VR transcends the limitations of the care facility, offering endless experiences. Whether it’s a serene ocean vista or a thrilling African safari, VR caters to each resident’s needs. For those experiencing cognitive decline, VR can provide soothing visuals, while others can virtually soar over the Grand Canyon or swim with dolphins.

“Residents love it because it’s fresh and fun. Trying new VR stuff gets their memories joggin’, and then everyone gets to chat about the good ol’ days.” Dianna Carriere said.

As Ron switches Garry’s VR to an underwater shipwreck teeming with whales and exotic fish, Garry’s hand instinctively reaches out, as if yearning to touch or connect with the magnificent creatures.

“I experienced them and I heard them,” Garry says. “You could hear the ocean and I heard them (dolphins) making noise.”

“Revisiting cherished memories can be a powerful emotional boost,” said Ron.

The project’s ease of use–just a tablet and VR goggles–highlights VR’s significant leap from bulky, inaccessible tech to a user-friendly system. This accessibility opens doors for wider adoption across various sectors.

Initially skeptical, Garry watched others use the VR headsets with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The pull of the unknown proved stronger, and he soon found himself joining the weekly VR sessions held in the common area. “Maybe someday,” he chuckled, “They’ll even make a VR version of Red Rover–wouldn’t that be something? To chase after friends again, just like when I was a kid!”

For more information, visit Camrose Adult Learning Council at www.camroselearning.com or phone 780-672-8754.

BRSD enhances classroom learning

By Murray Green
 
Battle River School Division (BRSD) added technology updates to classrooms this fall.
BRSD has ongoing installation of ViewSonic Interactive ViewBoards in classrooms.

These state-of-the-art, interactive flat panels are transforming learning through the creation of interactive student learning environments. BRSD is excited about these digital enhancements that foster success for all learners by encouraging student participation, engagement and understanding.

In addition to the interactive boards, K-6 classrooms have been equipped with sound field systems, which play a crucial role in improving audio clarity for all students. This enhancement aligns with BRSD’s priority of well-being, as clear and accessible communication ensures that every student can hear and engage in their learning, ultimately supporting individual academic growth and confidence.

These features are fundamental, while considering accessibility and inclusion and both initiatives underscore BRSD’s focus on priorities. BRSD aims to ensure that its students and teachers have essential tools and conditions to achieve success.

Forming a Recreation Advisory committee

By Adan Shaikh

Following a recommendation from Councillor Lucas Banack at the Whole Council meeting, it was decided that a Recreation Advisory Committee be formed. The committee will monitor the City of Camrose’s Recreation Master Plan and offer advice on how to collaborate with recreational community groups not currently affiliated with the Community Services department. This initiative aims to enhance communication between the public, community services, and the council, ultimately increasing the involvement of residents in community planning.

Ryan Poole, General Manager of Community Services, advised the council to directly recruit members for the committee. “This would be the least concerning board we’ve had, this community is massively passionate about their sport and recreation,” said Councillor DJ Ilg, expressing confidence in the community’s enthusiasm.
The committee is expected to include two City councillors, two Camrose County councillors, two residents of Camrose County, and about five citizens of Camrose. The collaboration also provides an opportunity for the City and County to work together.

More information on how to apply to be on the council will be announced soon and as the council looks to the future, they are determined to work hand in hand with the public to continue improving the City’s recreational programmes and promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all residents.

Hats off to local heroes

By Murray Green

Each year, the Alberta Community Justice Awards shine a spotlight on unsung heroes whose innovative efforts and outstanding leadership help prevent crime and protect communities.

On the 33rd anniversary of the awards in Camrose on September 13, Alberta’s government honoured 10 community leaders for their exceptional contributions to crime prevention and community safety across cities, towns and neighbourhoods throughout Alberta. This included Camrose.

“These leaders have shown through their actions how individuals and organizations can make a lasting impact on the well-being of their communities. I thank all the recipients for their hard work and dedication in keeping our neighbourhoods safe and hope these awards inspire more Albertans to follow their lead,” said Mickey Amery, Alberta minister of Justice and Attorney General.

“I would like to congratulate all the award recipients on their devotion to keeping our communities safe. The Alberta Community Justice Awards offer an opportunity to express appreciation for this work, and I thank and commend this year’s recipients for their contributions towards strengthening Alberta’s justice system and improving public safety in our province. Albertans are truly grateful for your efforts,” added Mike Ellis, Alberta minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

This year, recipients were celebrated in four categories–Emerging Excellence, Innovation, Service Enhancement, and Partnerships and Collaboration. The newly introduced Enhancing Justice Award also recognized community leaders for their innovative efforts to create a fair and accessible justice system.

The awards were hosted by Alberta’s government in collaboration with Camrose Police Service and the Association of Communities Against Abuse.

Association of Communities Against Abuse (Camrose) was one of the award winners.
The organization addresses sexual violence and other forms of trauma through treatment, support and education.

“This year’s awards recipients truly embody the spirit of the west and the principles upon which Alberta was built. I extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to these recipients for their willingness and tenacity in making Alberta a better place to live, work and play. It is through your tireless efforts that our province continues to grow, becoming home to many Canadians, both new and long standing,” said Dean LaGrange, Chief of Police for  the Camrose Police Service.

The Association of Communities Against Abuse (ACAA) is a not-for-profit organization working in east central Alberta since 1987.

In 2021, the association partnered with the Camrose Police Service to review police sexual assault cases and recommended best practices. This partnership has completed over 100 case reviews and the Camrose Police Service has provided support for the association’s grant.

Camrose Animal Alliance Rescue Society,
Walk with an Adoptable

23 animal shelter
Founder of CAARS, Sonja Marie Bott and Hercules, one of the puppies from her very first rescues has become her best friend. He loves to spend time outdoors.

By Adan Shaikh

In 2020, as the world grappled with the effects of the pandemic, the Camrose community faced an unexpected challenge, a growing population of feral cats. Out of this critical need, the Camrose Animal Alliance Rescue Society (CAARS) was born. What began as a mission to rescue and care for feral cats soon expanded in 2022 to include dog adoptions and puppy rescues. Today, CAARS has become a vital hub for animal welfare in Camrose, known for its unwavering commitment to both pets and their owners.

I had the opportunity to speak with one of rescue founders, Sonja Marie Bott, who shed light on the challenges the organization is facing. With the rising cost of living, many pet owners are being forced to surrender their beloved animals, unable to afford the cost of their care. This heartbreaking reality has caused a surge in the number of pets being given up for adoption.

“We’re seeing more and more people having to make these difficult decisions because they simply can’t afford to keep their pets anymore,” Sonja explained.

It’s a difficult situation, but one CAARS is determined to address with compassion and support. What sets CAARS apart is their unique approach, unlike traditional rescues, they are strictly volunteer-run and foster-based. They rely on the kindness and dedication of local foster families to provide temporary homes for rescued cats and dogs. Currently, CAARS has about 10 dogs and over 13 stray cats in their care and without a centralised shelter, CAARS has cultivated a community-based support system, drawing on the strength of its volunteer foster carers.

Despite being a registered non-profit, CAARS faces certain financial challenges, including the inability to offer tax receipts for donations. However, this limitation hasn’t hindered their mission. Their reach extends well beyond Camrose County to communities like Leduc County, Strathcona County, Sherwood Park, Beaumont, Bawlf, Bashaw, and more. Their ability to adapt and expand their services has been vital to providing care to as many animals as possible.

To increase adoption awareness and offer the community a hands-on experience, CAARS is hosting an event called Walk with an Adoptable throughout October. Every Thursday at 11 a.m., participants are invited to join CAARS on local walking trails to walk a pet that is up for adoption. Each week features a new trail and a new adoptable animal, giving people the opportunity to bond with the animals and see how wonderful they are. Sonja hopes this initiative will help people connect with the pets on a deeper level, potentially leading to adoptions, updates and information can be found on their Facebook page.

CAARS is also hosting a barbecue fundraiser on October 26, sponsored by Broker’s Marine & Sport  The event aims to raise much-needed funds to support the care and re-homing of animals in need. In addition, CAARS also offers classes at Camrose Public Library to educate pet owners on how to take care of their pets. CAARS relies on the generosity of the community to keep their operations running smoothly. Every donation and every volunteer effort directly supports their mission to help as many animals as possible. One of CAARS’ ongoing goals is to find more foster homes.

As Sonja emphasized, “We’re always looking for new foster families. Fostering is crucial to our ability to help these animals. Without enough foster homes, we can’t take in all the animals who need our help.”

Anyone interested in fostering can visit the CAARS website and fill out a foster care form.

Camrose Animal Alliance Rescue Society is a valuable part of our community. Their dedication to solving local issues and their commitment to the welfare of both cats and dogs has created a strong foundation for rescue services in the region. In a world where compassion can sometimes feel in short supply, CAARS reminds us that we can make a difference, one animal at a time.

Recruiting volunteers may be challenging

By Murray Green

Recruiting younger volunteers can be challenging, especially when traditional methods aren’t yielding results.

Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and LinkedIn where younger people are active. Share engaging content that highlights the impact of volunteering and the fun aspects of your organization.

Collaborate with social media influencers or local personalities who resonate with younger audiences.

Provide short-term or task-based volunteer opportunities that fit into busy schedules.
Create opportunities that can be done on-line, allowing people to volunteer from anywhere.
Share stories of how volunteers have made a difference, using videos, testimonials and infographics.

Use compelling visuals and statistics to show the tangible impact of volunteer work.

Host events or meet-ups that are social and fun, such as workshops, networking events, or social mixers.

Offer opportunities that help build skills or provide professional development, such as workshops or training sessions.

Align volunteer roles with the interests and passions of younger individuals, whether it’s environmental issues, social justice, or tech.
Partner with schools, colleges and youth organizations to create volunteer programs or opportunities that fit into their curriculum or extracurricular activities.

Simplify the sign-up process with user-friendly forms and clear instructions.

Offer various shifts or time slots to accommodate different schedules.

Provide certificates, awards, or letters of recommendation that can enhance resumés and profiles.

Publicly acknowledge volunteers’ contributions through social media shout-outs, newsletters, or at events.

Foster a community where volunteers feel valued and connected. Encourage peer-to-peer engagement and create a supportive environment.
Facilitate networking among volunteers and with professionals in the field to add value to their experience.

Engage younger influencers or student leaders who can advocate for your cause and encourage their peers to get involved.

Organize challenges or competitions that encourage participation and offer prizes or recognition for achievements.

Plan events around trending topics or popular culture themes that appeal to younger demographics.

By tailoring your approach to the interests and behaviours of younger individuals, you can make volunteering more appealing and accessible to this group.
Bonnie

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

A horrible fascination
 
“So, what have you been doing lately?” asked a friend I see on Zoom every few weeks.

As someone at a life stage where I don’t have to be at a workplace doing specific tasks for many hours every week, I have a fair bit of flexibility about what I do when. I’m grateful for that. It’s so different from the busy years when every day seemed to have more responsibilities than there were hours to handle them.

I tried to remember what I’d been doing lately.
Well, I had a few fun events, some errands, a few commitments. But mostly? To my discomfort, I realized that for the past several weeks, most days I spent large chunks of time watching and listening to stuff about the U.S. election.

So that was the most important or useful or enjoyable thing for me to be doing?

Hmmm.
 
***

I’m watching and listening to reports about the U.S. election more than I’m watching and listening to reports about Canadian or Alberta politics, both of which have had shifts in the past few months. Not only that, I have some ability to influence Canadian and Alberta politics. I can vote. If I choose, I can contribute time and/or money to political parties or candidates.

Yes, the results of the U.S. election will directly or indirectly affect all of us in Canada. But the U.S. election is something over which any Canadian has absolutely no influence. We cannot make a difference.

Time for a re-think about the best uses of my time and attention.
 
***

So, what’s the attraction? It’s like a circus or a Greek drama.

On one side is a 78-year-old man, a former president. He was born into a wealthy family and inherited $400-plus million dollars from his father’s estate. He still went bankrupt six times, ripping off people who had provided him with products and services. He is a known sexual predator who has bragged about that. He has been convicted of 34 crimes (so far). If elected, he promises tax cuts for billionaires and retribution to people he believes have harmed him.

On the other side is a 59-year-old woman, the current vice-president of the U.S. She was raised by a single mother. As a teenager she worked at McDonald’s. She paid her own way through law school. She has served as a prosecutor, a state Attorney General and a federal senator. She has prosecuted predators and cartels that smuggled guns, drugs and people–and was able to shut them down. If elected, she promises tax cuts to small business and financial assistance to first-time home buyers. Her primary goal is to strengthen the middle class.

As a friend in the U.S. recently said to me, “Everyone voting has a clear choice. Most voters think there’s really only one choice–the candidate they prefer.”

I suspect most U.S. voters have a hard time understanding why anyone would want to vote for the candidate they do not intend to support.
 
***

Okay, that’s all true. But why am I wasting time watching and listening to various commentators and the candidates themselves, when I can do absolutely nothing to affect any of it?

Well, maybe it’s because the drama in our neighbouring country is more interesting than whatever is the current political drama in the Canadian parliament or Alberta legislature.

Maybe it’s because the outcome of the political drama in the U.S. will impact not just Canada, but the entire world.

Maybe it’s because–whichever candidate or party you would vote for if you could–the unfolding drama feels like an olden days good-guys-and-bad-guys story in real life.

Maybe it’s merely because the U.S. political drama is more interesting than my life.

Whatever the reason, I’m finding it addictive. Now I need to find the antidote.
 
***

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