Columns & News

Glovers spread joy with their 1991 Chev Caprice

The display can be seen at 6506-30 Avenue. Pictured, from left, are Dennis, Levi, Luke and Brittany Glover. The family of four feels happy to share the Christmas spirit with their community.

By Adan Shaikh

Dennis and Brittany Glover’s front yard has become a bit of a neighbourhood attraction this Christmas. Parked in their front yard is their 1991 Chevrolet Caprice station wagon, wrapped in lights and a giant Christmas tree tied to the roof. Drivers slow down, neighbours take photos, and kids point it out as they pass.

For the Glovers, the display is a reminder of Dennis’ brother, the late Jake Mosher, who owned the car years before his death in 2019. Every Christmas, Jake would cut down his own tree, tie it to the roof of his car and haul it home. The Glovers’ display is meant to honour that memory, while putting smiles on many faces.

“The backstory behind having the car out in the yard is that my brother used to cut down his own tree, tie it around the roof and drive it home. He passed away in 2019 in a vehicle accident. He used to own this car in Ontario. He sold the car to a buddy of his before he passed, but when it came up for sale again, I decided to buy it,” said Dennis.
The display also gives a nod to the popular movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. In the film, Clark Griswold’s oversized tree strapped to the top of the family’s long station wagon has become one of the most memorable holiday scenes. Dennis said the comparison isn’t lost on him or on the neighbours, who stop to laugh and take pictures.

The car itself captures the eye on its own. The 1991 Caprice wagon is a big, boxy family hauler with lots of room and the classic rear-facing bench seat that many people remember riding in as kids. “It’s an eight-seater with the rear-facing bench in the back so you can look out the window. People honk and tell us, ‘cool car,’ because you don’t really see many of them anymore,” commented Dennis.

Getting the wagon to Alberta was its own snowy adventure. “Three years ago, I flew me and my two fathers-in-law, my wife’s dad and stepdad, to Ontario and we did a road trip back. It was around the middle of November and it had just started snowing. The weather was fun to navigate,” said Dennis.

The car also came with some mechanical surprises. Jake had once put it on a dyno to test the power, but the driveshaft blew out and tore through the floor. Dennis didn’t know that when he picked the car up. “We couldn’t figure out why the floor was so cold. By the time we got to Thunder Bay, we realized the car had no brake fluid and the fuel was leaking. It took us 36 hours and four tanks of fuel to get back,” he said.

Once home, Dennis pulled the motor out to check the car, but found sludge under it. He then completely rebuilt the car. He repaired the floors, replaced the suspension and rebuilt the engine. He hopes someday to make the car efficient enough to take his family on a summer road trip back to Ontario.

For now, the wagon mostly sees short drives. “The farthest we’ve taken it is to Mirror to get a nice burger,” he said.

But this Christmas, the car’s job is simple: spread some Christmas cheer to the neighbourhood.

“We’ve had neighbours laughing and taking pictures. It definitely catches the eye, all the flashing going on at night, seeing people stop and enjoy it is nice.”

The Glovers say they’ll keep the tradition going, to remember Jake and hope to make many new family memories in the wagon.

Nominations for Chamber Business Awards of Excellence now open

By Adan Shaikh

Every year, Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce recognizes the businesses and organizations in Camrose for making a positive impact to the economic growth of the region. The recipients of the awards are chosen from a selection of nominations submitted by the community members. The awards ceremony for 2025 will be held in February of 2026 and the executive director of Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce Aaron Morris is encouraging the community to submit local nominations to highlight businesses they believe are promoting growth in Camrose and area.

“By recognizing outstanding contributions across the Camrose region, these awards build community pride, foster a spirit of excellence, and highlight the essential role that both businesses and community-focused organizations play in strengthening our local economy. This recognition also uplifts the contributions of businesses, organizations, and individuals, strengthens community connection, and encourages ongoing growth and collaboration,” said Morris.

“Winners are selected through a transparent, community-driven process. First, businesses and organizations are nominated by customers, clients, and community members. Nominees then complete a detailed questionnaire outlining their achievements, values, and impact,” he explained.

Once nominations are submitted, an independent panel of judges from outside the Camrose area, score the submissions, ensuring fairness and impartiality. The score determines the winners of the award in the 14 categories.

“These categories highlight excellence in customer service, community impact, innovation, leadership, new and emerging business success, nonprofit contributions, and overall business achievement. The variety ensures that all sectors, from small startups to established industry leaders and community organizations have an opportunity to be recognized for their achievements,” commented Morris.

At the 2024 event, a total of 78 businesses and organizations were nominated and a total of 12 received recognition. Nominations are open and can be made by visiting the Chamber website, a nomination form can be found under the events section. Nominations close on January 2, 2026.

The Business Awards of Excellence Gala will take place on February 21, 2026, at the Camrose Regional Exhibition. The gala theme this year is Mardi Gras and The Grand Dueling Piano Show will provide entertainment for guests.

“The gala is open to the entire community, business owners, staff teams, sponsors, community leaders, and residents who want to celebrate local success. Anyone may purchase tickets, and businesses are encouraged to bring their teams to share in the excitement of recognizing Camrose and area’s outstanding achievements,” said Morris.

For more information, submit nominations or to purchase tickets for the gala, visit: www.camrose chamber.ca.

Learn More

A houseful of Christmas magic

By Adan Shaikh

Linda and Stew Weishaar’s home transforms every December into a magically musical display of Christmas spirit, built piece by piece over decades. Linda’s love for the season began when she was young, encouraged by her mother, who collected Christmas snow globes that Linda has displayed, lovingly in her living room to this day.

That early memory has turned into a lifelong tradition for Linda and one that Stew now shares, by keeping an eye out for rare pieces the family wouldn’t find anywhere else. “He goes to a lot of garage sales and keeps an eye out for pieces we can add,” shared Linda.

Among the most cherished is the full Hallmark Snowman Series from 2003 to 2025, with only one snowman missing from the lineup. Another favourite is the climbing Santa, displayed right in the window of her home, so those passing by on 50 Street can see him from the window. Santa climbing the ladder reminds Linda and Stew of when their children were small and would rush to see the wonderful Christmas decorations.

The special display is not about the volume of decorations in the home, instead it is about the joy it sparks. Linda shared that her favourite part is seeing the faces of her visitors and family members light up as they go around the home pressing every button. Even their 21-year-old grandson still makes a point of coming to see everything lit up for the season.

“This one time, my granddaughter was visiting and she started from one point and went around the house pressing every single button she could, it was quite noisy,” shared Linda. “We didn’t put up a tree this year, but we always get a fresh tree,” she said, sharing that in today’s world of artificial trees, the couple still makes a point of putting up a real tree every Christmas.

Each year, Stew and Linda pack the pieces away and bring them back out again, spending hours of decorating and rebuilding the magic that continues to draw family and friends into their home.

Legion Poppy Fund gets a boost

By Nadine Leming

The Poppy Campaign is the largest fundraiser across Canada for the Royal Canadian Legion. The money raised from the donations is allocated for direct assistance for veterans and their families in need. The money funds medical equipment, medical research, home services, and long-term care facilities, and these are just a few of the services that this fund supports.

This year, the Poppy Fund raised approximately $22,000 in Camrose and area.

George Forbes, Poppy Fund chair, said, “The executive committee sits down to discuss how this money will be spent.”

George talked about how they can allocate money towards a service dog for a veteran in need (at a cost of $20,000 to train) as one example.

All Legion Branches in Alberta/Northwest Territories Command that want to donate towards a certain cause, like providing a service dog, send the money to Command and take all the donations from Northern Alberta and make one donation towards a service dog(s). Each local Legion Branch can decide to award bursaries to the children of veterans going to post-secondary education.

According to George’s research, there are about 53 veterans within the Legion Branch itself with another five or six veterans in extended care with additional retired RCMP and Canadian military who don’t belong to a Legion. These people are also eligible to receive help from our local Legion Branch. Legion Branches have diverse options to help veterans under the guidelines of the Poppy Fund.

Two local businesses gave to the Poppy Fund to the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch #57 with Wild Rose Co-op donating $1,520 and A&W donating $2,706.31. This will go a long way to supporting veterans.

Hvenegaard, Mouat and Marshall share new book about Farley

From left, Heather J. Marshall, Glen Hvenegaard and Jeremy Mouat. The trio collaborated on the book that explores Frank Farley’s legacy.

By Adan Shaikh
The University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus hosted the launch of Frank Farley and the Birds of Alberta, on October 28. A new title from the University of Alberta Press, authored by Glen Hvenegaard, Jeremy Mouat, and Heather J. Marshall. The event brought renewed attention to the life of Frank Farley, an early settler, naturalist, and passionate observer of Alberta’s bird life.
Farley was born in 1870 in St. Thomas, ON, and arrived in Red Deer in 1892. He moved to Camrose in 1907 and became involved in business, City council, and community development, all while continuing to write, collect data, and publish his ornithological observations. His 1932 book, Birds of the Battle River, remains a respected reference for many ornithologists in Alberta.

“Frank Farley had become interested in birds as a kid, and his first publication in ornithological text came when he was 16. Two of the leading ornithologists of the country were his good friends around that time, and he often swapped stuff with other collectors of ornithology. He was keen to acquire these books to fill his library shelves and he was specifically interested in one, Coue’s Key to North-American Birds, which was written by American ornithologists, and was indispensable for people who wanted to make their own observations and conclusions about birds,” said Mouat.

“Like other naturalists in town, describing, classifying and eventually conserving the birds of western Canada, Farley’s views were firmly grounded in European understanding of the natural world,” he said. “Farley was the only naturalist back in the 20th century, who went out of his way to get evidence from the Métis and other Indigenous groups and recorded their observations.”

Glen Hvenegaard then highlighted Farley’s role in shaping early Camrose. “At that time Camrose was a hub of activity, railroads crossed over Camrose and it was destined to be a good town and Farley played a big role in its growth,” he said. “He organized the business people in the community to gather together to celebrate Camrose, to invite investment and to invite immigrant people to move to Camrose. He really wanted to put Camrose on the map. As we know he was a strong and passionate bird lover, he recorded observations regularly and many of his contributions over the years ended up in the book Birds of Alberta.”

Farley died in 1949, after years of shaping the community of Camrose. His research helped form the basis of the first full account of Alberta’s birds, published in 1958. The new Frank Farley and the Birds of Alberta book adds depth to the environmental history of Stoney Creek and offers new insight into the life of a man who spent decades documenting the birds and landscapes of the area.

More information on the book can be found by visiting ualbertapress.ca.

Benefit concert for Food Bank

By Nadine Leming

Local couple Jim and Penny Malmberg are new to Camrose, but were looking to continue a long standing tradition they have of giving back to the community by hosting a benefit concert.

They mentioned to John Olson, chair of the Augustana Neighbourhood Association, that they were thinking of hosting the concert in their home.
That’s when John suggested the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and followed up with them. Staff from the train station called them with the generous donation of their venue for the concert.
As performers, Jim and Penny have played at the Bailey Theatre in the past as part of their band Back Porch Swing.

It is that performance background that made the most sense to the couple to host a show as a fundraiser on December 17. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Refreshments and snacks will be available as well.
They will be collecting cash donations at the door, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the food bank. Donations will be “pay what you can” as every dollar counts to restock the shelves after Christmas.

Penny said, “We so appreciate the support we’ve received and we’re hoping the word is getting out and it’s going to be a successful event.”

Joining the duo will be their good friend who played in their band, Kevin Jacobson.

Penny added, “I believe it takes everyone to give as a community to help the food bank. It helps them out this time of year.”

As folk inspired singer/songwriters, the evening will include some original songs. Bring your own singing voice as the evening will end with everyone singing Christmas Carols together.

This will be an enjoyable festive evening supporting a worthy cause. Everyone is welcome to attend this event at 4407-47 Avenue, and get into the Christmas spirit.

Royal Purple Donation

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Camrose Royal Purple donated $500 to the Merry Christmas Fund. Randy Haugen, left, accepted the cheque from Marion Czapp, president of the Camrose Royal Purple. The Merry Christmas Fund works in conjunction with Camrose Neighbor Aid Center to provide grocery hampers to families in need during the holiday season.

Staying safe on icy roads

By Adan Shaikh

As winter settles in across Alberta, drivers are once again facing the familiar mix of icy roads, drifting snow and the yearly realization that last winter’s confidence may have been misplaced. Early snowfall often brings a spike in collisions, and driver educators say most of the collisions and accidents are preventable with a little preparation and a lot more patience.

Dennis Porter, supervisor of driver education at the Alberta Motor Association (AMA), said winter exposes how many drivers still behave as if it were July. “The biggest issue we see in winter is drivers behaving as if the roads are bare and dry. Alberta conditions can change quickly–what’s clear in the morning can be icy by evening. Even a small amount of snow or ice can greatly increase your stopping distance. One stretch of road might have great traction, while the next could be a sheet of ice,” he explained.

Porter started as a driving instructor in 2016 and now trains AMA instructors across Alberta. He said helping new drivers build confidence has always been the best part of the job, though winter tends to test everyone’s confidence equally. “There’s something meaningful about helping someone build confidence behind the wheel,” he said, noting that winter is when even experienced drivers relearn the value of slowing down.

“When the first snow falls, it’s a wake-up call for everyone. Your patience, reaction time, awareness and your tires, will all be tested. The first snowfall catches many drivers off guard, and it takes a few days to adjust to the change in traction and visibility,” said Porter. He encourages drivers to adjust early in the season, rather than waiting to learn from their first unplanned slide.

“Before heading out, take the time to clear all the snow and ice from your vehicle–every window, mirror, headlight, and taillight, plus the roof and hood. Snow left on your car can slide down and block your vision or blow off while driving and create a snowstorm for those behind you. Then check your tires. We always recommend winter tires, and it’s important they have strong tread depth and proper pressure,” said Porter.

“Remember that under that thin layer of snow, there’s often ice waiting to catch you off guard. Roll gently on the accelerator to maintain traction, and give yourself extra stopping distance, and start slowing earlier than usual, ice often will build up around intersections,” he continued.

Speed and space remain the best ways to avoid collisions. “Just because the speed limit says 80 km/h doesn’t mean that’s the safe speed for the conditions. Slow down, relax we all are on the same roads and if you drive safe you will get there. Approach intersections with extra caution, start braking earlier, and always scan for other drivers who might be sliding,” he advised.

“Winter driving really comes down to two key factors: speed and space,” he said. The usual three second following distance often needs to stretch to ten seconds, which may feel excessive but becomes comforting the moment the vehicle ahead begins to fishtail. And finally, be proactive with your vehicle as well as your driving. Have a winter kit in your car, and make the switch to proper winter tires before the snow flies,” he concluded.

Porter said Alberta winters demand patience from everyone on the road. Preparation, realistic travel times and a willingness to ease off the accelerator, are what keeps drivers safe from the first snowfall to the last stubborn patch of spring ice.

BRQG Donation

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Battle River Quilters’ Guild (BRQG) presented 100 placemats to Camrose and District Family and Community Support Services’ Older Adult Services’ Meals On Wheels program. From left, quilter, Cheryl Mills; program director of Older Adult Services, Kari Cameron; quilter, Brandi Ekelund; Comfort Quilt Committee co-chair, Deby Bryan; quilters, Ruth Goodall and Cathie Bartlett.

Veterans remembered

By Nadine Leming

Dave and Jill Jellett moved to Camrose five years ago. For them, Remembrance Day always meant being at the local Cenotaph. This is a tradition they now continue here in our community. Over the last few years, the number of people joining them has grown to about 30, including veterans and young families.

They host a small ceremony that includes our national anthem, a speaker, The Last Post and Amazing Grace compiled by Mike Jaunich. In Flanders Fields and the Act of Remembrance are read by Dave Jellett. The ceremony includes two minutes of silence promptly at 11 a.m.

The ceremony is meant to recognize and remember those who serve our country. They include laying a wreath at the cenotaph and all in attendance lay their poppies as an act of respect.

Dave said, “We honour all current and past veterans of Canada’s wars.”

Holiday Toy Drive

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Western Financial Group has collected over 231 toys for the Camrose Kinettes Silent Santa Toy Drive. From left, front row, branch manager Angela Sheppard and insurance advisor Molly Warkentin. From left, back row, assistant manager Barbie Snell, general manager Norm Mayer, assistant manager Kim Erickson.

Camrose Academy of Dance Christmas Performance

– Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Camrose Academy of Dance put on their dancing shoes for a Christmas performance. The young dancers made stops at Rosealta Lodge and Bethany Meadows on November 29, to wow the residents with their moves. After performing, dancers gathered for the final shows at Chuck MacLean Arts Centre.

Pictured above, the three-year-old preschoolers group, Raeya Hewitt, Collins McFarlane and Rachel Blackwell. The little dancers dazzled the audience with their adorable expressions and perfectly choreographed moves.

Pictured above, the four-year-old preschool group danced at the Rosealta Lodge. From left, Madeleine Biden, Briar-Lynn Binns, Isla McLean, Brynnley Poepping, Finley Wolbeck and Kollins McCarroll. The more experienced dancers coached the junior dancers through the steps.

Dealership gives back

By Nadine Leming

Like many local businesses, Camrose Toyota wanted to do something for the food bank in the month of December. They have decided to donate $100 for every new and used vehicle sold this month.

Pat Boardman, general manager of Camrose Toyota, said, “Christmas is a tough time for a lot of families and I think that in a community like Camrose, it’s important we give back.”

This is also the philosophy of Del and Charlene Bouck who own Camrose Toyota, part of the Legacy Auto Group (Legacy), and are from this community.

Every year, it is important for Legacy to do a charitable initiative. Pat chose the Food Bank as it is always an organization people in need can use. Pat continued by saying, “By the time we give our cheque to them (Food Bank), they’ll really be in need having just gone through Christmas, so we are happy to give them a cash injection.”

Legacy likes to be a part of the community and give back, and Camrose Toyota will be no different. They will be collecting non-perishable food donations in their showroom. The dealership would like to make it fun by stuffing a truck with donations.

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

’Tis the season

It’s a busy time of year. Besides the usual activities that fill our days, many of us have more special events than usual. There are parties and concerts and gatherings with friends, family and colleagues. It’s not just the events; it’s all the errands and preparations for the events.

Some of us (though not me any more) have more intense work activities related to the business year end. For retailers and delivery people, it’s the busiest season of the year, with longer hours and hopes for a burst of increased revenue to close out the business year.

***

’Tis the season of children’s concerts and recitals. Since I am no longer responsible for making any of them happen, I enjoy it. For events that happen year after year, it’s fun to see the progress as children grow and mature in their abilities.

I’m remembering Christmas concerts past. One year, my toddler granddaughter was on the stage in the front row, lifting her dress over her head so it covered her face. She didn’t want to see the crowd of people looking back. She couldn’t see us, but we got a pretty good view of the tights she was wearing.

Another year, I got to attend two piano recitals and a concert on the same day, at three different locations. (Fortunately, the locations were close together.) As a grandparent, all I had to do was show up and appreciate. That was easy. One of the parents involved not only had to be present and appreciate the two children’s events. She also had to perform in yet a third event. That’s asking a lot of a Sunday afternoon!

***

’Tis the season of special food.

Before Christmas, a Ukrainian friend makes hundreds of what I think of as “designer perogies” (they are amazing!). Many families prepare the twelve traditional Ukrainian dishes for Christmas Eve. Others make dishes from other cultural traditions. As part of special food for the season, our family made Christmas cake and shortbread cookies.

Last week, I had an afternoon of exchanging treats with friends. Next morning, in keeping with my practice of eating healthy food in moderation, my “healthy” breakfast included meringue cookies and a homemade chocolate truffle!

***

I’m keenly aware that not everyone enjoys the holiday season. This can be a time of poignant emotions. The hype. The pressure to buy buy buy. The requests for donations. The forced-pretend-happiness. The illusion that everyone is having a jolly time. All that can make difficult situations even more painful.
I know people who dread this season, who wish it would go away, or who go away themselves so they don’t have to be subjected to it.
At this season, we feel more keenly the loss of people we love who are no longer with us. If we’re far from the people we most treasure, the distance seems greater. If we’re having financial pressures, we may feel more stressed. Maybe parts of our lives are less than optimum. Maybe we’re nostalgic for magical feelings we used to have and don’t any more. The contrast between what is and what we wish stands out more sharply.

And so, it seems to me, whatever the hype, whatever the hustle and bustle, it’s a season to be gentle and kind – to ourselves as well as to others. It’s a season to remember and be grateful for the real gifts in our lives – the love and the deeper meaning of all those events.

***

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

Guest Editorial

The gift of giving

By Arnold Malone

It was just over a couple of thousand years ago that three wisemen delivered unto a newborn child three precious gifts. Those gifts began a tradition of giving that has morphed into a massive industry. While history will have its solid believers likely there will be some who will doubt that once there were three wise men.

Nevertheless, those three gifts have caused an accelerated amount of giving every December. Store lights and seasonal music are a powerful pressure to become a material giver. Giving can become more difficult when the pressure is formidable. Real giving, however, arrives without pressure. Likewise, giving can be more meaningful when it arrives as a surprise following a moment of spontaneity.

Giving might occur with a well thought out gift wrapped in neat paper all dressed up with a card and a pretty ribbon. It can also occur in a hundred thousand other ways.

A billionaire who has his/her name attached to a children’s hospital and has a front-page tribute in the daily paper will certainly be seen as a giving person. That gift is not to be diminished. Even if it was easy for that giver. It is nevertheless, a gift to be recognized. It was an act of kindness.

Just as touching, but much less noticed, is the hospice worker who, alone, visits and comforts a dying person. That gift – known only to a few – was a gift without glitter. It was a gift from the heart. A premium moment for someone who had only a few precious moments for connecting with another. This was a gift without paper and a card or a special object but a gift of warmth with intimacy. A few connective moments before life ends.

One thing that my life has taught me is that no one can be a friend if the other will never accept an offer of kindness. Connection that touches is the glue that bonds.

In this month, as it is always, gift giving is a returned compensation. December highlights giving. Lucky for all, giving is possible for everyone. Giving does not require an item to be shared. Giving only requires intent. A word, an expression or an acknowledgment. Giving has a mighty power.
Giving is an innate desire. So much so that we are able to observe animals in the act of giving.

The three elements of giving are: time, talent and treasure. So, treasure – a material item– is not necessary. Time with kindness is a gift.

Giving can also become a nuisance. If you gave a one-time donation to a major charity, you had better withhold your email address. If you did provide your email address you will know the reason that you should have kept it private.

The following are a few wonderful sayings about giving:

“No one was ever honoured for what they received; the honor was for what they gave.”
– Calvin Coolidge

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill

“You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.”
– Robert Louis Stevenson

“No one is useless who lightens the burden of another.”
– Charles Dickens

So, if you are able and have the desire to be a part of something bigger and better start by giving to those nearby: family, friends and community.
Friends and family come first. For community giving there is no better venue that your local Community Foundation. A place where your gift is most efficiently delivered by persons who are local and who best understand the local needs.