Hospice speakers share resources
on preparing for end-of-life care

By Adan Shaikh

Hospice Society of Camrose and District (HSCD) is hosting a symposium for families and individuals facing end-of-life. The discussion will be hosted on May 8 in the auditorium at the Mirror Lake Centre located at 5415-49 Avenue.

This symposium is open to professionals, volunteers, caregivers and the general public. The event will begin at 9 a.m. with the keynote speaker Jeremy Allen. Allen is a funeral director in Provost and will discuss the topic of death and how to lean into the difficult conversations around it.

“Part of our mission here at Hospice is to provide education, to help people and their families prepare to cope with death. The goal of the symposium is to share that. Jeremy Allen is a great speaker and he focuses on providing knowledge on how people can better cope with situations while being compassionate and present,” shared Sharon Burden, board member of HSCD and chair of the symposium committee.

The afternoon panel will have five guest speakers, who will go over different aspects of grief, death, and legalities to help people prepare for end-of-life.

“In the panel, we have Eric Barstad, who is a lawyer. He will provide education about wills, personal directives and power of attorney, so when there is a death, it is not so overwhelming. It is also a good way that people can let their wishes be known, because quite often people struggle to have that conversation with their families,” said Sharon.

“Then we have Dustin, who is a financial advisor, and he will also talk about some of the things you can do to financially prepare ahead of time, and a little bit about estate planning,” she continued.

“Bart Orr is going to talk about pre-planning a funeral and then Tyler Weber, who is also a funeral director, will talk about what are some of the first things you need to do after the funeral,” commented Sharon.

The symposium will not only focus on coping with death but also provide resources for family and friends of those who are facing end-of-life to prepare for what comes next. Often after losing a loved one, individuals can face financial burdens and a large amount of paperwork. The speakers will help the participants prepare ahead of time for those situations so they can focus on processing through their grief and not be overwhelmed by the decisions and paperwork.

“Caregivers Alberta are going to review what kind of resources they have available to help individuals in rural Alberta. Then all of these participants will have a display table where they can share some of their work and information with the participants,” shared Pam Cummer, vice-president of the HSCD board.

The event will include morning coffee/tea and snack and a hot lunch in the afternoon with more tea/coffee available throughout the event. To register and get tickets for the event contact 780-608-0636 or email admin@camrose hospice.com.

Mother’s Day Market to support Cadets

By Adan Shaikh

The 3068 Army Cadet Corp Support Committee invites the community to support the Cadets by joining them for a special Mother’s Day Market at the Moose Hall on May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event supports local vendors and small businesses while raising funds and awareness for the Camrose Army Cadets, a program that cultivates leadership, teamwork, discipline and respect in youth.

“There will be 30 vendors and artists, not just from Camrose and area, but from Edmonton, Sherwood Park and Lacombe as well. There will be a silent auction, a balloon game and a Mother’s Day themed photo corner. Amazing food will be provided by River Dogs,” shared Monika Roman, executive at large of support committee.

Programs like the Cadets play an important role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders through structured activities and promoting growth and community involvement.

This is not only a great opportunity to support a valuable cause, but also the perfect way to support small businesses of Camrose.

Lyseng adds more power to his ’37 car

10 lyseng 37 ford car
Malcolm Lyseng turned a 1937 vintage car into a powerful cruiser with the addition of a 402 Chevrolet engine and some modern conveniences to make life on the road a bit easier to take.

By Murray Green

Malcolm Lyseng owns a 1937 Ford coupe.
“I found this car on a farm near Barons, Alberta. It was in a lot of pieces and it was rusted. I had to completely restore the car,” said Malcolm.

“It is a street rod, so basically what we have is that the outside of the car looks like a 1937 Ford, as close to stock as possible. I couldn’t find door handles, so it has remote door openers. When you get into the drive train, it is a big block Chevrolet with an overdrive transmission and a Ford rear end,” explained Malcolm.

“It has a 396 cubic inch Chev motor, then bored out a bit to a 402. I smoothed the car over, did all of the body work, welding and paint myself. I also did most of the mechanical things myself. It isn’t quite finished yet. I have yet to do the upholstery. This was a shakedown trip because we just got it on the road. The first time I took it out, I had to bring it back to look at the wiring,” added Malcolm.

“I found a glitch in the wiring. I didn’t want to do any finishing work on the inside until I knew that everything was working well. Now it goes down the road very nice, drives nice. This one has power steering, so it is easy to drive,” Malcolm said.

“I really like the power it has. Over the years, I have always liked to put a big motor into an old car. I still have my 1933 Ford, but the bug was in me many years before that. Building cars like this is really fun. You can go to a big car show and this is the type of vehicle you will see. Really, it is an old car that makes noise. This one has a lot of wind noise, so I have been cleaning that up. It has been a chore,” he laughed.

“The mufflers I have on it are too loud, it really makes a lot of racket. That is what I wanted, but I don’t know if I want that anymore (he is not 18 anymore). Well, that hits me once in a while,” he added.

“The issue has been the trunk lid. The 1937 and 1938 Ford coupes had this size of trunk lid and after that they changed them (to be larger). When I was working on this car, I couldn’t find a trunk lid. Nobody made them. So when I was down in Red Deer for a show, I talked to friends of friends and found out the lid was shaped different, so I had to cut and weld several times to get it to fit right. It was terrible to get to fit, but from a distance it doesn’t look too bad,” said Malcolm.

“It is all pretty much Henry Ford stock though. It has steel fenders and running boards, everything is steel on this car. I don’t have any fibreglass anywhere on this vehicle,” he revealed.

“I want to install air conditioning and then dress up the inside to look like a 1937 Ford. These cars are just a lot of fun,” concluded Malcolm.

RCMP advises to share the road this summer

By Murray Green

With warmer temperatures on the horizon, the Camrose RCMP is reminding drivers to be extra mindful of motorcycles as they return to the roads and highways.

“Spring brings an increase in motorcycle traffic, making it essential for all road users to remain vigilant, follow traffic laws and practice courtesy to ensure everyone’s safety. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, making situational awareness crucial when driving near them,” said Const. Cory Schultz of the Wetaskiwin/Camrose RCMP.

The Camrose RCMP recommends using the following precautions.

“Check twice at intersections–look carefully for motorcycles when making left turns or crossing intersections. Their smaller size can make them harder to spot. Always check blind spots–before changing lanes or merging, do a shoulder check and use your mirrors to ensure no motorcycles are in your blind spots. Give motorcycles space–maintain a safe following distance. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars and tailgating increases the risk of a collision. Be mindful of road conditions–potholes, gravel and debris that may be minor for cars can be dangerous for motorcycles. Allow riders room to maneuver safely,” offered Const. Schultz. “Use turn signals and drive predictably–signaling well in advance and avoiding sudden lane changes helps motorcyclists anticipate your movements.”

If you’re a rider getting ready for the season, take the time to prepare yourself and your bike before hitting the road.

“Wear proper protective gear–a well-fitted helmet, protective jacket, pants, gloves and boots can reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. Stay alert and undistracted–keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions like mobile devices or adjusting equipment while riding. Adjust to road conditions–sand, gravel, and debris left behind from winter can create hazardous surfaces for motorcycles. Ride cautiously, especially in curves or on unfamiliar roads. Avoid lingering in blind spots–position yourself where other drivers can easily see you, especially near large vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings–many motorcycle collisions are avoidable with defensive riding,” he added.

Const. Schultz with Camrose RCMP also said, “We urge all drivers and riders to share the road. Motorcyclists have the same right as every other motorist, but far less protection in a crash. A moment of distraction can change a life forever. Look twice, save a life–because every rider matters.”

For more tips on motorcycle safety follow them on Facebook @RCMP-inAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.

Does planting trees in your yard matter?

By Adan Shaikh

Residents of Camrose play an important role in growing the urban forest, according to the research conducted out of University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus.

The study was led by Luke Beattie and professors Dr. Greg King and Dr. Glen Hvenegaard of the Tree Ring Lab. They surveyed 548 homes in Camrose and found that, on average, residents have planted six trees since moving into their current homes. This projects a net gain of approximately three trees per property after accounting for removals.

“Our results show that Camrose residents actively grow the city’s tree canopy, but urban forest management priorities don’t always align with residents’ tree planting motivations” said Dr. Greg King. “To encourage tree planting and retention we need to recognize the reasons residents plant trees–beauty and resale value–and integrate that into outreach, education, and policy efforts.”

The survey revealed that 96 per cent of respondents own their homes and 64 per cent have lived there for five years or longer. A majority of 44 per cent were between the ages 60 and 79.

The results showed a clear appreciation for trees among the citizens. 75 per cent of residents agreed that the trees enhance the value of their property.

“Trees in residential yards can provide many benefits to individual property owners, including aesthetics of the property, energy savings by planting the right trees in the right places to shade homes in summer and/or provide windbreaks in the winter. Homeowners could also benefit from growing food in their yards, by planting fruit or nut trees and shrubs that can grow well in Camrose. It is really important that the benefits start accumulating in the neighbourhood and in the city where there are lots of properties with trees, especially ones with larger canopies,” shared Dr. King.

While environmental benefits are often emphasized in urban forestry campaigns, the study highlighted that residents are driven by aesthetic and financial considerations when deciding to plant or keep a tree.

The research was supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Internal Research Grant and highlights the great impact all citizens have on the city’s environment as a whole.

As Camrose grows, the researchers hope that the results will encourage more residents to plant trees, and contribute to the City’s green canopy.

Benefits of planting native plants

14 as native plants
The gardens at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Park have been carefully planted, with many native and beneficial plants for the Camrose area.

By Adan Shaikh

As Camrose and the surrounding area grows and changes, more residents are taking an interest in the environmental impact of their gardening and landscaping choices. One meaningful way to support the local ecosystem is by planting native plants. These are the plants that have naturally evolved and adapted to the region’s soil, climate and wildlife over thousands of years.

“The thing about native plants is that they are much more drought tolerant, they have large root systems and they don’t require as much water. They attract the good butterflies, and insects that are good for the ecosystem,” shared Glenys Smith, organic master gardener and member of the Canadian Northern Society.

Planting native species is about more than just the aesthetics, native plants play a huge role in maintaining the balance of local biodiversity. Because they are adapted to the local conditions, native plants tend to require less water, fertilizer and maintenance than non-native varieties. This makes them both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

“We have a huge amount of weeds that are not native and have been introduced to the area, these weeds are invasive and they release toxins that don’t let anything else grow around them. These weeds are destroying our ecosystems. There are birds and good bugs that are no longer coming back to the area, because they have nothing to eat,” explained Glenys.

Unlike imported ornamental plants, which can sometimes disrupt the ecosystem or even become invasive, native plants provide reliable habitat and food for local insects, birds and other wildlife. Many pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, rely on specific native flowers to complete their life cycles. Without these plants, their populations may decline, which can affect everything from crop production to the broader food growing.

“The good bugs eat the bad ones,” said Glenys.
In the Camrose area, the prairie landscape offers a rich palette of native grasses and wildflowers that thrive in both natural and residential settings. Species like wild bergamot, prairie crocus, goldenrod and western wheatgrass are well-suited to the region and contribute to healthier soil and air. Deep root systems found in many native plants also help reduce erosion and improve water filtration–a benefit to both urban and rural areas, especially during heavy rains.

“We even have many native shrubs in our area too, that grow berries that you can eat. We have buffalo berries, Saskatoon berries and native cranberries, to name a few,” commented Glenys.

Choosing to plant native is also a way to preserve local heritage. These plants connect us to the land’s natural history, long before roads and buildings transformed the terrain. For those looking to make their yards more eco-conscious, incorporating native species can be a simple but powerful act of environmental stewardship.

“The first thing to consider when planting native plants, is the health of your soil, does it need amending? Then consider how big is the area you are wanting to garden in and then get a list of native plants that you would like to grow. Make sure you plant something that blooms early in the spring, something that blooms in the summer around late July, and something that blooms in fall, this way your garden will always have something blooming that attracts the good birds and good insects, who support our environment by keeping any pests at bay,” shared Glenys.

In a time when extreme weather and plant diseases are a pressing concern for not only gardeners but the local farmers, returning to native roots may be one of the most practical steps individuals can take. Whether it’s a single garden bed or a full acreage makeover, planting native helps ensure the Camrose area remains a healthy home for both people and wildlife.

Fundraiser to support mental health

By Adan Shaikh

For Every Mind is a fundraiser organized by Forward Frontline and aims to reduce stigma around mental health challenges that many people face. The event will take place on May 3, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at Overtime Taphouse and will feature live music by local musicians, a silent auction, and a 50/50 draw. All proceeds will benefit the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and their programs supporting mental wellness across Alberta.

Although Forward Frontline is organizing this fundraiser the focus is not only on their cause but mental well-being as a whole. Forward Frontline was founded by local licensed practical nurse Destiny Johnston, who is dedicated to making mental health resources more accessible for everyone.

“Forward Frontline was founded by me in November of 2023. I am a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital and I started this project to address the mental health gaps experienced by frontline workers,” shared Destiny.

“The CMHA is a nationwide organization that has a long-standing commitment to providing mental health resources across communities in Canada. Their mission aligns with that of Forward Frontline, which is to foster stigma-free support for mental wellness. I also volunteer with the CMHA when I can, which makes this partnership a deeply personal and meaningful collaboration,” she continued.

The stigma around mental health can make it difficult for many to seek help. Which can then lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Yet most support services are often limited or only offered after a crisis has already taken hold.

After experiencing her own set of challenges and jumping through hoops to navigate mental health support as a nurse, Destiny seeks to build a network of support for her community and encourage a shift in how mental health is viewed by everyone.

The For Every Mind fundraiser is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote compassion for those dealing with mental health issues as well as those saving lives by risking their own. By attending, community members can contribute to lasting change and ensure that mental health care is treated with the same urgency as physical health, ensuring that no one has to struggle alone.

Tickets for the event are available online at Eventbrite at https://shorturl.at/7WVs3.

Junior pickleball program becoming popular

15 pickleball clinic
Camrose Pickleball Club coach Janelle Wallace assists 11-year-old Noah Doucette of Camrose with ball control during an instructional clinic held at Sparling School.

By Murray Green

The Camrose Pickleball Club welcomed about 70 young athletes to its youth clinic that run at Sparling School on Friday evenings.

The local club received a funding grant through Pickleball Alberta and the Alberta Provincial Government to fund the club’s junior membership program.

“The junior program is open to children from six to 17 years old. The program runs Friday evenings at Sparling School. The Every Kid Can Play program gave us enough money to not only run the clinics, but also each player gets their own pickleball paddle to keep. The sessions are at no cost, so lack of funds or equipment is not an issue. They also receive a ball, hat and shirt to keep,” said Jim.

The grant from Sports, Physical Activity and Recreation (SPAR) program supports Alberta’s non-profit sport system to deliver affordable access to sport and recreation opportunities. This is achieved through funding safe and welcoming programs and multi-sport games where Albertans can play, learn, compete and even represent the province on the world stage.

“In 2024, our club completed a very detailed application and budget process and was granted $23,800. This allowed us to run three junior programs ensuring there are no financial barriers to participants learning the game of pickleball. Pickleball is routinely called the fastest growing sport in North America and each year the age of players taking up the game continues to get younger,” explained Camrose vice-president Jim Kennedy.

Parents, grandparents and club members are providing the coaching for the children.

“For our junior sessions we provided the venue, equipment needed as well as coaching and safety glasses. Total number of youth participating to date is 69 and the number of sessions we’ve run is now at five,” shared Jim.

“Each player also receives a free membership to the club. That gives them access to Pickleball Alberta and Pickleball Canada tournaments if they choose to enter competitions or tournaments. Pickleball is also moving into schools, so the idea is that they will become our future players. It has become very popular,” shared Jim.

“Originally, we bought 50 paddles and balls. But then we had to buy more sets for our second and third sessions because of the popularity,” added Jim.

The Camrose club has 241 members from around the Camrose area with Dean Edwards as president. They play in the Field House in the winter and outdoors at St. Patrick School courts in the summer. When the ice is out, they also play at the Max McLean Arena.

“The 10- to 14-year-olds really grasp the game fast and I could see us having a youth division in a tournament in the future,” said Jim.

The Club, along with the Lending Place, will have a fundraising tournament in late May.

Summer series planned for Lougheed Centre

By Murray Green

The Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre is going to have another summer session of great music this year. The Summer Series will be on the Verda McNeill Plaza, which is on the southeast corner of the Lougheed Centre.

The outdoor music sessions begins on Wednesday, July 30, before BVJ weekend. Here is the summer lineup: July 30–The Hello Darlins; August 5–Shooglenifty; August 13–AV and The Inner City; August 20– The Woodshed featuring John Wort Hannam and T. Buckley.

There will be a free community Season Launch Party on Thursday, June 12 at 7 p.m.

Live performances by Jed and The Valentine, as well as AV and The Inner City band will be included.

Chamber of Commerce raising funds to repair Mirror Lake Express

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose Chamber of Commerce will soon begin fundraising for repairs on the beloved Mirror Lake Express.

“The Mirror Lake Express has been a cherished part of the Camrose community for more than 25 years. Over the decades, this beloved miniature train has travelled thousands of kilometres from along the scenic trail system by Mirror Lake to events across the province, carrying tens of thousands of smiling passengers–children experiencing their first train ride, families creating summer memories, and visitors discovering the charm of our city,” shared Aaron Morris, executive director of Camrose Chamber of Commerce.

“While regular upkeep has kept it operational all these years, time and wear have caught up with it. The train is now showing its age and is in need of a comprehensive restoration. This includes repairs to the engine and body, safety upgrades, and a full refresh to ensure the experience remains magical for future generations,” he continued.

The fundraising campaign will aim to raise $100,000.

“This investment will allow us to undertake the major work required to bring the train back to top condition–mechanically, structurally, and visually–while also making important upgrades to improve safety and longevity. We’re inviting individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to be part of this meaningful project. Whether you rode the train as a child, took your own kids for a spin, or simply believe in preserving local heritage, this is your chance to help keep the wheels turning,” shared Aaron.

The train will continue to run this summer, however, it will no longer be available for events outside of Camrose.

“After careful consideration, we’ve determined that the strain of transportation, combined with the risk of mechanical issues and the impact on our dedicated volunteers, is simply too great. This decision will help preserve the train and ensure it can continue to operate safely and reliably within our community,” said Aaron.

Last year, Cargill sponsored the train rides for the whole summer and hundreds of families got the chance to enjoy the train free of cost.

To find out when the train will start running  this year, follow the Mirror Lake Express Facebook page www.facebook.com/MirrorLakeExpress/ or email camrose.visitorinformation@gmail.com.

Habitat awards long-term volunteers

16 habitat charles al
Habitat For Humanity Camrose executive director Jason Diduck, left, presented a prestigious King Charles III Medal to Allan Walkey.

By Murray Green

Habitat For Humanity Camrose executive director Jason Diduck presented two prestigious King Charles III Medals at a ceremony at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre on March 25.

The emcee allowed distinguished guests Camrose County Reeve Cindy Trautman and City of Camrose Mayor PJ Stasko to say a few words prior to the presentation.

“Most of us have a good idea of why we are here tonight and who we are celebrating, except for maybe two people. I would like to let them in on the surprise now. Allan Walkey and Barb Pederson, tonight is all about celebrating you,” added Jason.

“I would now like to call Allan Walkey to the stage, while I say a few words about Allan. We gather here tonight to honour a man whose dedication and hard work have significantly enriched our community: Mr. Allan Walkey. His career with the Alberta provincial government in economic development, tourism and trade spanned many years, during which he tirelessly promoted growth across the province. His efforts were particularly impactful in Camrose and central Alberta, where he played a pivotal role in fostering economic initiatives that have left a lasting mark on our region,” explained Jason.

One of Allan’s notable achievements was his instrumental role in establishing the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED). Founded in 2001, BRAED is a collaboration of 25 communities and affiliate members in East-Central Alberta, working together to drive sustainable regional economic growth. This alliance has been a catalyst for connecting partners, attracting investments, and enhancing the quality of life in our communities.

“After semi-retiring, Allan continued his commitment to community development by serving as the manager of Downtown Camrose, a business improvement area. In this role, he worked diligently to revitalize the downtown core, supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. Beyond his professional career, Allan has been a steadfast volunteer, dedicating nearly a decade to the board of Habitat for Humanity Camrose. His leadership was instrumental in two major leaps forward for the organization. First, he championed the board’s transition from a grassroots working board to a policy governance model–moving from day-to-day operations to setting strategic direction and monitoring progress, with operational oversight delegated to staff. This shift allowed Habitat Camrose to focus on what truly mattered: long-term vision and impact,” continued Jason.

“The second leap, made possible by that governance transition, was the adoption of an innovative new mortgage model–one that strengthened Habitat’s financial foundation and expanded its ability to build homes and serve families. Allan’s deep understanding of policy governance and his decades of experience in economic development made him a calm voice of reason during a period of momentous change. Thanks to this forward-thinking approach, Habitat Camrose remains ahead of its peers across Canada, standing alongside Toronto and Edmonton in mortgage financing innovation. In fact, per capita, Habitat Camrose is the most prolific Habitat home builder in the country. His contributions will impact families for generations, creating stable homes and brighter futures. Allan’s unwavering commitment to economic development and community service has strengthened our region in ways many of us may not even realize. His brilliance and relentless work ethic have paved the way for opportunities and improvements that continue to enhance our daily lives.

“Those who have worked with Allan describe him as a wonderful sounding board, a keen critical thinker, and an ethical decision-maker. Whether leading initiatives, mentoring colleagues, or guiding important conversations, he is known for his wisdom, integrity, and ability to see the bigger picture. He also has a passion for reviewing, creating and writing policy.

“Beyond his professional and volunteer work, Allan is the heart of his family–a devoted husband, a loving father and a cherished grandfather. Just as he has strengthened this community, he has been a pillar of strength and support for those who love him most.

“It is with great pleasure and heartfelt appreciation that we present Allan with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing his significant contributions to our community. Allan, your legacy of service and leadership inspires us all.”

High school play featured at Lougheed Centre

By Murray Green

The Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre has a great lineup still to come this season.

The Lougheed Centre is celebrating its 10th anniversary. That means some of the hottest acts over the past 10 years will be returning to help celebrate the Lougheed Centre milestone.

Camrose Composite Playhouse will be featuring One Stoplight Town theatre on May 6 at 7 p.m. It is a story about people from a town so small that you might drive through without taking a second look.

The Gift is a music event based on the words and music of Ian Tyson that will be featured on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m.

The musicians, including Camrose’s own Tracy Millar, have worked on Tyson’s recorded music for several years.

“This is a celebration of his life and his music. This show features an all-Alberta cast of musicians,” said Nick Beach, LPAC manager.

The Ultimate Tribute to Adele will be shown on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Ashley Borody, who looks and sounds like Adele, will provide the songs she made famous. She captures the essence of Adele’s signature sound, which will leave you breathless. Ashley’s powerful voice is one of the most authentic Adele tributes.

The Legendary Patsy Cline Show will be featuring Amberley Beatty on May 27 at 7 p.m.

The sounds of the Eagles are back with Take it to the Limit on June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music as some of Canada’s most talented musicians and vocalists bring to life your favourite Eagles hits.

The story of Tom Sawyer will be told on June 3 beginning at 7 p.m. This is Our Lady of Mount Pleasant drama department’s version of Mark Twain’s novel that will bring back memories.

Set in a small fictional town in Missouri during the early 1800s, the story follows the adventures of a notorious troublemaker, Tom Sawyer. The play explores themes of childhood adventure, love, mischief, and standing up for what is right. Creative and cunning, Tom often tricks his friends and family to avoid chores, leading him into exciting escapades, while also finding himself in various predicaments.

The annual Season Launch for the 2025-26 season will be held on June 12 at 7 p.m. You can listen to AV and The Inner City, and Jed and the Valentine performances, while finding out the news about the upcoming shows.

A Community Telling of Pawâkan Macbeth will be here on June 17. This is Reneltta Arluk’s groundbreaking reimagining of Shakespeare’s darkest play into Cree history, legend and cosmology.

Simmet, McVee awarded Coronation Medal

17 cnib awards
Camrose Church of God Pastor Evan Whitman presented Randy Simmet, middle, and Joyce McVee, with King Charles III awards with CNIB staff member Sanduni Kandegedarage sharing the duties.

By Murray Green

Randy Simmet and Joyce McVee received King Charles III Coronation Medals at the Camrose Church of God on April 14 for their dedicated volunteering for the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind).

“Our church has been honoured to host the CNIB local support group here in Camrose, which is community led, especially thanks to the dedication of Randy Simmet and Joyce McVee. I have had the honour and pleasure of occasionally dropping in at the end of meetings to say hello, and to steal some of your snacks. I am so happy that we have been and continue to be able to be a meeting place for your group,” said Camrose Church of God Pastor Evan Whitman.

The newly minted King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation on May 6, 2024.

“The recipients, Joyce and Randy, both have the honour of being recognized for their faithful service to this community. This medal is given to people who  have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada. This is quite an honour. In all of Canada, only 30,000 medals were awarded. If you go to watch an Oilers game in Edmonton this year, statistically, there are about 13 other people in that entire stadium who have received this medal. So you are getting a very rare and special honour in recognition of what you have done to serve others, and as your pastor, Randy, and your friend, Joyce, I want to congratulate you both,” Pastor Evan said.

These volunteers with the CNIB put their hearts in everything they do, and the work of the CNIB simply wouldn’t be possible without them.

“By generously donating their time, passion, and expertise, the network of volunteers across the country help CNIB make the greatest impact possible in the lives of people with sight loss both locally and nationally,” he added.

On behalf of CNIB Pastor Evan presented the award to Joyce. “Joyce has been a dedicated volunteer with CNIB for over 30 years. She is the co-facilitator/secretary of the Camrose VIP Peer Support Group, and has been since 1994. She was instrumental in starting the Camrose Walk for Independence in 1999. The walk was renamed in 2010 to the Ron McVee Memorial Walk in honour of her late husband. Joyce started fundraising for CNIB in the mid-’70s by selling eggs and donating the profits. In 1986, she sewed shirts for the VIP bowlers and this is how her husband and her began their journey with the Peer Support Group. Joyce is a warm and welcoming presence to the participants who join the Peer Support Group. She has impacted many people over the years with her efforts towards the Camrose Walk, year end and fall picnics at Peaceful Valley. She brings in her singing group and shares her love of music with those attending. Over the years the walk has raised thousands of dollars for both CNIB and the Peer Support Group. Joyce is passionate about supporting others, volunteering and what they do for the community. She is an outstanding citizen who is deserving of this award,” he continued.

CNIB presented this same award to Randy with Pastor Evan doing the honours.

“Randy has been volunteering with CNIB for over 25 years. He has been part of the Peer Support Group in Camrose since 1998. He is an active participant/facilitator and a great listener to the members of the group. He has taken a special interest in assistive technology and teaching it to individuals and showing them what it can do for them. He is masterful at taking apart old equipment and modifying it. Alongside is co-facilitator Randy–he participates in the Camrose Walk where they raise awareness about blindness or partial sightedness as well as fundraising for their Peer Support group and CNIB. Randy is also a Peer Mentor who mentors individuals who are newly diagnosed with sight loss. Individuals join the Peer Support Group often at a low point in their life and Randy is warm and welcoming. He has a vast amount of experience and knowledge that he is ready and willing to share with the participants. Over the years, there has been so much support given to participants from all walks of life and at various parts of their journeys. Randy has played a huge role in mentoring others and the feedback from the mentees is nothing but favourable about their conversations with Randy. He is genuine and passionate about supporting others and is very deserving of this award,” shared Pastor Evan.

Blues Festival is revived

By Murray Green

The inaugural Camrose Blues Festival will feature eight or nine great bands over three days at the Bailey Theatre August 15 to 17.

“Back in late November 2024, a small group of like-minded fans and musicians of blues music started to discuss the idea of Camrose hosting an all-Canadian blues festival at the historical Bailey Theatre. Soon the group augmented into a committee of 12 members. What resulted was impressive work,” hinted John Person, chair of the committee.

“The Bailey Theatre is planning a sizzling summer weekend for an all-Canadian blues festival with a lineup of blues artists and bands music fans will enjoy. Many of the performers are award winners. One recently took home an award at this year’s Junos for Blues Album of the Year, while another was nominated (Samantha King band),” explained John.

“The festival offers a weekend package for all eight performances. As an added bonus, there will be a Sunday Blues Brunch hosted by the Bailey Theatre.

“The theatre is a historic intimate venue located in the heart of classic downtown Camrose. The theatre has state-of-the-art lighting and sound system and has been host to many world-class performers.

The Camrose Blues Festival is for all ages. “Whether you are a longtime lover of the blues and/ or a newbie to the scene, this festival has loads to offer. Join in the festival and make lasting memories. It’s going to be a sizzling weekend,” added John.

“I’ve been a fan of blues for a long time. I started with rock, like any young person, but steered towards blues over the years. When the Edmonton Blues Festival was cancelled this year, we grabbed the event and are going to hold it on the same weekend it was planned to be on. We checked around to see who was available to play,” said John.

“Blues artists are so approachable because they just love to play. It has been tough on some of the artists since the pandemic. They are so talented, but have struggled,” added John.

“Curtis and I talked about this and we didn’t want to see the Blues Festival go by the wayside. We want this event to ignite other interests for blooming artists by having a younger musicians’ session on Saturday morning. It is a great place to learn from the masters,” shared John.  

The event starts off with Tim Williams (who will share his stories) and his drummer Kelly Kruse at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Then sit back and enjoy Secondhand Dreamcar, a nine-piece band featuring well-known Bailey performer Dana Wylie. A Guitar Rumble will headline the night with a five-piece band led by Jimmy Guiboche. You know Jimmy by the name Jimmy and the Sleepers, who have performed at the Bailey in the past. Interesting to note that he will have Bobby Cameron with him, winner of the Guitar Waz Canada event.

If that isn’t enough great blues, it begins on Saturday at 2 p.m. with Myra’s Blues Corner and the Camberries. Brent Parkin of Manitoba follows at 4 p.m.

Samantha King and the Midnight Outfit hit the stage hard at 6:30 p.m. King can sing the blues with the best of them and was recently Juno nominated.
No strangers to the Bailey, Front Porch Roots Review returns with Dave “Crawdad” Cantera, Gord Matthews, Ron Rault and Bill Hobson performing.
Big Dave McLean headlines the evening at 9:30 p.m. and he will add Guiboche and Cantera to his lineup as well.

On Sunday, the final day, the Sunday Blues Brunch will be hosted by the legendary 72-year-old McLean (2025 Juno Award winner) and local favourite Bessette.

“We hope to sell out in May and not have tickets at the door, so we encourage people to get tickets early.”

For more information visit www.baileytheatre.com.

Demanuele shares her work at Spotlight Bistro

18 as maureen demanuele
Maureen Demanuele has been creating acrylic paintings for over 35 years. She is a member of the Camrose Arts Society and is currently displaying her work at the Spotlight Bistro.

By Adan Shaikh

Centuries from now, when we’re no longer here, the art and literature we create today will serve as windows into our world, sharing the stories of our community with future generations. In Camrose and the surrounding region, artists of all mediums and backgrounds are contributing to that legacy, shaping the cultural narrative with every brushstroke, sculpture and stanza.

One such artist is Maureen Demanuele, an eclectic visual artist based in Ferintosh. With more than 35 years of experience in acrylics and a lifetime dedicated to creative expression, Demanuele brings a deep, thoughtful approach to her work.

“I started in acrylics almost 35 years ago. I was already an artist, but when acrylics were really introduced in the markets, that’s when I started to paint in earnest,” she said. “It’s the process of making art that I enjoy–starting out with nothing and ending up with something that didn’t exist before.”

Demanuele often finds inspiration in everyday moments. One of her most captivating works, a painting inspired by a billiards table, was inspired by a chance encounter with light.

“This was downstairs at the Bashaw Art Club. I had to put an easel away and as I was walking past the billiards table, the light was hitting the billiards pocket. It created this beautiful pattern on the wall, so that’s how I find inspiration–it just sort of catches me,” she said.

Whether it’s birds overhead or sunlight filtering through a window, Demanuele is drawn to the subtle, fleeting details of life. But, she notes that inspiration alone isn’t enough–carving out time and space to create is essential.

“Many artists paint at the table, because they don’t have a dedicated space to just create. But if they can find that space specifically for painting, it can be very beneficial for the creative process. When you can see your work sitting there, then new ideas will come to you as you pass it,” she said.

Demanuele has shown her work at several art shows in Camrose and the surrounding area. Some of her favourite pieces are currently on display at the Spotlight Bistro until the end of April.

For emerging artists, she offers a simple but powerful piece of advice. “When I can, I study the Group of Seven. Four out of the seven of them were commercial artists, so the composition is there — they knew what type of composition worked. Another good study would be Disney. The Group of Seven are a great study for composition, and Disney is great to study for colours.”

Studying the work of others has been an important part of her own journey. She attended the Alberta College of Art in 1992 and describes it as one of the best decisions she ever made for her artistic development.

To learn more about Demanuele’s work, email artist.demanuele@gmail.com.

Access to walking track has been a huge hit

By Murray Green

Camrose and area walkers have enjoyed the free use of the Recreation Centre’s walking track this winter and spring.

The track is busy throughout the day as people try to stay healthier by getting in their steps each day.
The running/walking tracks that have been made available to the public by the City of Camrose has been popular to say the least.

“The tracks are now available to the public, of all ages, with expanded hours. Following several surgeries, I needed to find a safe place to walk as part of my rehab. To my delight, I discovered that the tracks not only provided level, safe places to walk, but gave me an opportunity to meet some wonderful folks of all ages,” said regular user Jack Sparrow.

“On any given day, you could find wheel chairs, walkers, walking poles and active runners. I believe the social interaction is as important as the physical benefits. Thanks should be given to the City of Camrose and specifically the recreation department for providing  the facilities. As well, the health department runs a heart clinic at the track,” shared Jack.

Lemonade Day registration deadline fast approaching

19 as lemmy100
Lemmy was spotted at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Park and shared that over 48 children have already registered in Camrose for this year’s Lemonade Day.

By Adan Shaikh

On June 14, many Camrose sidewalks and front yards will be occupied by young entrepreneurs as they set up shop to sell lemonade to their community. These little business owners go through an extensive process of learning. The free program gives youth from kindergarten to high school ages the chance to launch and run their very own lemonade stand.

Run locally by Community Futures East Central Alberta, Lemonade Day guides participants through every stage of starting a business. Youth register for the program and work through educational resources to help them set goals, design their product and stand, learn how to attract customers, and even acquire a business licence. They’re encouraged to develop their own lemonade recipes and branding – from signage to sales pitch – giving them a sense of ownership and pride in their creations. They wrap up with a session at Lemmy University and they are ready to launch.

Participants are taught the core principles of entrepreneurship: responsibility, goal setting, planning, and financial literacy. They learn to budget, make a profit, and then apply the “spend some, save some, share some” philosophy – keeping a portion of their earnings, saving for the future, and donating to a cause they care about.

By going through the full cycle of creating and running a business, children are empowered to take risks, build confidence, and see the results of their efforts. These experiences help instill leadership qualities and self-assurance that often stay with them long after the lemonade is gone.

First launched in Houston, Texas, in 2007, Lemonade Day has since grown into an international movement reaching over one million young entrepreneurs in more than 80 markets, including six military bases.

It was introduced to Northern Alberta in 2018, by one Community Futures office and has since expanded across the province. In 2025, 14 Community Futures regions in Northern Alberta will participate.

Community Futures is a federally funded nonprofit, and has supported small businesses in rural Alberta for over 30 years. They provide free business coaching, mentorship, training opportunities, and financing options to entrepreneurs of all ages and stages. Youth entrepreneurship is one of their key focus areas.

For families interested in helping their children take the first step into the world of entrepreneurship, registration is now open and the deadline is May 15. For more information and registration visit lemonadedaynorthernalberta.com or call Christina at Community Futures East Central Alberta at 780-608-5591 for more information.

Whether the children dream of becoming the next great innovators or just want to try something new, Lemonade Day offers a meaningful way to kick off the summer–with confidence, community, and a whole lot of lemonade.

Minor baseball opens new season

By Murray Green

The Camrose Minor Baseball Association will be throwing out the first pitch in the new season on May 3.

“The U18 and U13 double-A teams will be hosting all weekend and U15 double-A team is playing an exhibition doubleheader to launch the season,” said Davin Wilcox, secretary and scheduling coordinator for the Camrose Minor Baseball Association.

The U18 squad plays at Harry Andreassen Diamond in Kin Park on Saturday, May 3 at 9 a.m. against the Black Gold ‘47s (Leduc) and 6 p.m. against Parkland Twins and again at noon on Sunday, May 4 against Sherwood Park Athletics.

The U13 club hits the diamond at Duggan Park North on Saturday, May 3 noon against Black Gold and on Sunday, May 4 at 9 a.m. versus Irma Tigers and 3 p.m. against Sherwood Park A’s.

The U15 team will be playing an exhibition doubleheader against SWEMBA at Duggan Park South Diamond on Saturday, May 3 at noon and 3 p.m.

“The U11 double-A team will host games the weekend of May 24 and 25 at Kin 3. The U15 double-A team will host games on May 24 and 25 as well at Duggan Park South. The community league season starts the week of May 5,” Davin explained.
Camrose will have three or four local U9 teams, two U11 teams, two U13 teams, one U15 and one U18 community league team.

CMBA will be hosting a Community League tournament on June 6 to 8 at Kin Park and Duggan Park.

BRCF grants women’s shelter

21 brcf women's shelter society
Alex Oliver, director with the Battle River Community Foundation board, presents a cheque to Nora-Lee Rear, executive director of Camrose Women’s Shelter.

The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the Camrose Women’s Shelter Society (CWSS).

The grant received by the CWSS was directed towards the funding of programming for children. According to executive director Nora-Lee Rear, “About 250 children use the shelter every year. We’ve heard many impactful stories shared by adults in the Camrose area who stayed at the shelter as children in years past. This type of grant and giving affects lives for years to come.”

Children, both in the shelter and in outreach programs, have an opportunity with CWSS to learn to better cope with their situation now and moving forward. This can happen both in groups and one-on-one, through education and support. The ongoing process is important to help to build better futures for every child who participates.

As per their website, the CWSS has been providing emergency shelter and services to women and children fleeing domestic violence, experiencing a crisis, or dealing with homelessness, since 1985. The shelter is open 24/7 and serves Camrose and the surrounding area, a total population of 127,000, with an average of 400 women and children accessing the shelter each year.

Beyond basic needs, the shelter provides supportive counselling, referrals, safety planning, information on domestic violence, and life skills groups. There is an on-site school and a licensed daycare program. The shelter also runs a 24/7 crisis line, an Outreach Program to help in the transition from shelter to community, and a Family Support Program that provides supports around the effects of family violence on children.

The grant for the Camrose Women’s Shelter Society is funded from income earned from the Janis Jesswein Legacy Fund, the Jack and Lily Kirschman Fund, the Vivianne Tremblay Grue Fund, the Darryl and Dyann Schultz Family Fund, and the Battle River Foundation’s Community Fund.

Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $9,891,300 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.
Bonnie

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

A precious right

You’re reading this after April 28–election day in Canada–but I’m writing it before April 28. That means you know the election results and I don’t at the moment I’m writing this. Presumably, I will know the results on the day you’re reading this.
What I do know is that advance polling drew many more voters than usual. That was encouraging to me. It means many Canadians care and are diligent about making sure they vote.

I was one of the people who voted on one of the advance poll days.

I picked a day when I had no other immediate commitments. Lucky thing! I had to wait 90 minutes before I got to the front of the lineup.

That too was encouraging. Since I had no other appointments, it really didn’t matter how long it took. Once I reached the front of the line, I was in and out in less than 10 minutes.

I noticed that about half the people waiting (including me) had grey hair. There were far more older people than younger people. About one-fifth of the voters in line had a walker or a cane and one voter was in a wheelchair.

I’ve read that an estimated 7.3 million Canadians– a record–took advantage of advance polls and cast their ballots over the Easter long weekend.

Elections Canada said, based on its preliminary figures, that is a 25 per cent increase from the 5.8 million electors who voted in advance during the 2021 federal election.

That’s also encouraging to me.
 
***

Waiting in line to vote gave me time to think about how fortunate we are in Canada, and how much we owe to those who came before us.

For example, my dad and his younger brother both served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and were posted overseas during the Second World War. My dad left behind his wife, a two-year-old (that would be me) and a baby (my younger brother).

Neither my dad nor my uncle were drafted. They both chose to enlist because they believed it was the right thing to do.

They were not alone. During the Second World War, out of a total Canadian population of 11 million people, over 1.1 million Canadians, including nearly 50,000 women, served in the army, navy, air force and merchant navy. Of all those who enlisted, 45,000 died and another 55,000 were wounded. That was almost 10 per cent of all Canadians.

They believed they were fighting for democracy. For freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to vote. For Canadian “peace, order and good government” (a phrase found in Canada’s Constitution Act, 1867, which defines the powers of the Canadian Parliament).

Whatever their motivation, men and women put their lives on the line to fight for our country.
 
***

As I was waiting in line to vote, I thought of all the things that had to be put in place–at least, those things I knew about–in order for all who are eligible to vote to be able to do so safely. I thought of how, when results were counted and announced, I would believe the numbers.

I thought of what I’ve read and heard and watched about elections in other countries. How in some countries, some citizens are removed from lists of eligible voters, even though they are eligible to vote. How in some countries, military people with guns are in the polling stations and there really is no secret ballot.

Whatever any of us thought about as we prepared to vote, our right to vote and our physical safety were not at the front nor even at the back of our minds.

It’s worth a moment to feel grateful to those who came before us, who helped ensure that we have the right to vote, and we can count on accuracy in reporting the results.

We are so fortunate!
 
***

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.
Laurel nadon 2019
Homespun By Laurel Nadon

Homespun

By Laurel Nadon

White-knuckled in the passenger seat
 
I have embarked on a new and often terrifying experience that is a rite of passage for parents of teenagers–sitting in a passenger seat beside a new driver.

Sure, she has read the manual, she took her learner’s test and she has been slowly testing the waters since then, mostly by driving around our country block.

As luck would have it, on her first time out of our driveway, a vehicle blew through the yield sign at our main country intersection. I had pointed out to her that the other vehicle didn’t seem to be slowing down, then urged her to slow down. At first, she didn’t want to slow down.

She had read the training manual and knew that she had the right of way; the other vehicle should be yielding. But it wasn’t. If she hadn’t slowed down, the other vehicle would have slammed into us. It was a heart-stopping, but important lesson to learn.

We started off a little too slowly, realizing that her 16th birthday is drawing near and she had only driven in town twice. A friend with an older daughter, who has been down this path before, suggested that my daughter drive every time that we are going somewhere.

If it’s time for church, she drives. If it’s time for afternoon activities, she drives. For the past few weeks she has been assuming she’s driving, adjusting the mirrors lower and moving the chair forward so that I can bang my knees when I drive next.

Sitting in the passenger seat, my heart rate speeds up, I make sure my hands are free and clear my mind of anything else. We turn the radio off and no one in the vehicle can make unnecessary noise. We are focused. I’ve only had to apply my non-existent brakes three times; I find that parking lots add a new element of terror. This is not to say that she’s an unsafe driver; she’s doing an excellent job, but it’s still disconcerting to me to have so little control.

My husband quietly heads to the back of the vehicle each time she prepares to drive. I’m not sure how I got voted in as head instructor, especially given my tendency to mix up words. My family is fairly used to this, though sometimes I see looks of confusion and realize that I’ve said the wrong thing.

It was a bit of a problem when we were coming up to a red light and I said, “Slower. Slower. Faster!” I meant, of course, slow down faster. She somehow understood what I meant and slowed down before plowing into the car in front of us.

She doesn’t always appreciate my commentaries. I like to remind her to look both ways at each intersection including train tracks; I remind her not to assume that everyone will do what they are supposed to do. She asked me to stop with my reminders, but my husband pointed out that after you get hit by a train, it isn’t too helpful to have someone say, “You really should have looked both ways before crossing the tracks.”

As the instructor, I really have to focus entirely on the task at hand when I am the passenger beside her. I am also continually aware that I need to be ready to take over at the drop of a hat. When I was a teenager, my family drove out to visit my older brother who was a lifeguard at a local summer camp.

My younger brother was at the wheel, my dad was front passenger and my mom and I were in the back seats. Suddenly an oncoming vehicle veered across the centre line and into our lane on the highway. My dad took control of the wheel, jerking us onto the shoulder of the road and narrowly escaping a head-on collision. My brother, as a new driver, was under the impression that the other vehicle should move back into its lane. But it hadn’t.

My daughter recently began in-person driver’s training, so I am passing some of the teaching onto someone else. Like many other aspects of parenting, with driving I can teach, instruct and coach all I want, but there’s a certain point where my teenager is the one with her foot on the brake and accelerator.

I can only hope that some of the things I said were helpful. Learning to drive appears to be just another task in the sometimes dizzying list of life skills for my children to master before they are ready to fly on their own. After all, I don’t plan to ever call my home an empty nest, but I do plan to release birds.