Columns & News

ReStore celebrates 20 years in Camrose

From left, volunteers and supporters of Camrose Habitat for Humanity Izzy Ethier, Alex McKeil, Ben Lowen, Diane Lowen, Denny Hansen, Seth Aitken, Julie Aitken and Angie Aplin.

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose Habitat for Humanity is celebrating two major milestones this year. The organization is celebrating 30 years in the community, with its social enterprise Camrose ReStore celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The volunteers, board members and staff gathered on May 26 to host a community barbecue celebrating the many individuals who have supported the organization over the past three decades. Since opening in Camrose, Habitat for Humanity has helped 66 families find secure homes while guiding them through the financial and emotional journey of homeownership.

For board secretary Alex McKeil, the organization’s mission is also personal. McKeil has been involved with Habitat for Humanity Camrose for four years and said the work resonates because of his own childhood experiences.

“I really like the work we do and I mean that as somebody who grew up constantly moving from house to house, and understands what it is like to be really poor, it is nice to be on the side that can help people get houses where the kids don’t have to grow up moving all the time,” he said.

Habitat for Humanity works with families through an affordable partnership model rather than a traditional mortgage system. Families are supported through the approval process and receive education in budgeting, financial literacy and home maintenance to help ensure long term success.

Instead of a cash down payment, qualifying families contribute 500 volunteer hours. Those hours can include helping build homes, volunteering at the ReStore or participating in educational courses. Mortgages are structured around a family’s income to keep monthly payments manageable and reduce financial strain.

The organization’s ReStore has also become an important part of the mission over the past 20 years. The social enterprise sells donated furniture, appliances, home décor and renovation materials at discounted prices, with all proceeds supporting affordable housing initiatives in the community.
ReStore also serves as a place of gathering for community volunteers who are passionate about supporting families in need.

Volunteer Denny Hansen has been with Habitat for Humanity for 14 years and said the people involved have become like family to her.

“I can’t wait to get up in the morning and come work here. The public is amazing too, people from all walks of life come through the door and I quite enjoy it,” said Hansen.

She added that she wishes she could spend even more time volunteering because of how much she enjoys being part of the organization’s work.

As Habitat for Humanity Camrose marks both anniversaries, the celebration reminds everyone of the role not-for-profit organizations play in creating a stable, secure and supportive community for all.

Side by Side for ALS

By Nadine Leming

The ALS Society of Alberta has rebranded their walk and run events across the province. Formerly known as Walk Together for ALS is now Side by Side for ALS. This vital initiative will continue to drive impact in 2026 and move forward under the new name.

This year, the walk takes place at the Mirror Lake Centre on June 14. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m. The funds raised will assist those living with ALS through programs, provide equipment and care.

Side by Side for ALS unites a forward-thinking, modern mission and is rooted in the spirit of their grassroots beginning. The event calls on communities across Alberta to create a lasting impact in the fight against ALS.

This year’s walk ambassador is Conrad Cotzmann. He was diagnosed with ALS last year and is proud to be the 2026 Side by Side Ambassador for Camrose. He first noticed something was wrong while working on his car. After tightening some bolts, he found his hand wouldn’t let go of the wrench. Initially he brushed it off as just a weird occurrence.

About a year later, he saw his family doctor when he noticed more symptoms. From there, it was a journey visiting various specialists until he found himself at the ALS Clinic. The diagnosis of ALS is difficult. Cotzmann said, “Every moment, every breath, every step, every word is a reminder that I have ALS.”

ALS may be Cotzmann’s new reality, but he’s learned a few things since his diagnosis. He’s learned that to truly receive, one must be willing to give first. He always wears an ALS Shirt when he’s walking. To him it’s an invitation to talk, connect and raise awareness.

He feels ALS shouldn’t be a silent struggle, but to push the conversation to the forefront. Cotzmann commented, “ALS is so much more than three letters, it’s about community, loved ones, and togetherness. While I live alone with ALS, no one goes through this alone.”

Whether you live in Camrose or a neighbouring community, Cotzmann encourages everyone to participate in the Side by Side Walk this year. For more information on the walk for ALS, more on Cotzmann’s story or to register, go to www.alsab.ca/event/side-by-side-for-als-camrose

2026 Jaywalkers’ – the tradition continues

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Main Street was packed with visitors, vendors and food trucks. Entertainment on the stage drew the crowds to the Downtown centre, with many talented artists showcasing their skills for a chance to win Jaywalkers’ Got Talent. This year’s first place winner was a band called Too Loud for Grandpa.

Arlene Legaspi, left, and Nicholas Lenete enjoyed their day with rides, popcorn and face painting.

The weather did not hamper the festivities. Although there were multiple weather warnings over the weekend, Camrosians still braved the rain, enjoying their time at Jaywalkers’.

The Fireball ride continued to be a hit with both children and adults. Lineups were long, but moved quickly. Pictured here, riders were suspended upside down. There were rides and activities for all ages, making sure there was something for each person to enjoy.

Isabel, right, and Easton Gulbraa scored at the basketball shootout.

Larissa Irving, right and Leah Leibel spent the morning exploring Downtown Camrose before going on the ferris wheel.

Celebrating the pioneering spirit

By Nadine Leming

Beacon Farms will be hosting Pioneer Day near Daysland on June 13. This is a family-friendly event, pioneer style, filled with homestead workshops and fun activities for everyone. Pioneer Day is an opportunity to honour the past and inspire future generations all while making great memories.

Beth Sitler from Rustic Soul Ranch is co-hosting this event with Beacon Ranch owner Sarah Gibbard. Beth said, “This is the first year for Pioneer Day and we’re hoping that it’ll be an annual event.”

When asked what inspired this event, Beth added, “Agriculture and the way things used to be, way back when, are so very important to both of us. This is a fun way to have families get together and not forget a lot of these traditions.”

There is so much to choose from at this event like games, contests and interesting workshops. Check out the games and races that include everything from throwing horseshoes, gunny sack races and three-legged races. What would a day like this be without a cow-milking contest?

If the hobby horse race isn’t what people are looking for, there are a lot of other choices available. Check out the pie-eating contest, chicken poop bingo or the wagon-packing challenge. Stick around for the live concert at 7 p.m. featuring Jarrid Lee.

Registration for the wide variety of workshops are now open. Workshops range from beekeeping, pierogi and bread making, DIY egg incubators and more.

Immerse yourself in a bygone era and awaken your senses. The market will host local vendors selling crafts, products and more. Imagine fresh produce and handmade goods in which to indulge. There will be food trucks on site to feed the hungry and thirsty.

Grab your family and friends and make the trek to Beacon Farms near Daysland for a full day of family fun activities. For more information or to grab wristbands for the games and to register for workshops, go to www.pioneerday.ca

Big Book Bike Bash

From left, Ashley Nadeau, Hazel Sylvestre and Taylor Macfarlane are excited to bring their creativity and skills to the summer programming at the Camrose Public Library. The trio is looking forward to spending time with the community.

By Adan Shaikh

The Camrose Public Library is hitting the road again this summer with a newly purchased Book Bike, with the goal of increasing accessibility to library services in the community.

The Book Bike takes books, internet library cards and activities to parks, care facilities and community events throughout Camrose during the summer months. This year, the library is rolling out a brand new bike after the previous one reached the end of its lifespan.

“We got donations to get a new Book Bike because the other one was about 10 years old. It had been in an accident and was kind of patched together, so it was not pretty by the end of it,” said Alyssa Martin, director of the Camrose Public Library.

The new model includes an e-assist feature and increased storage capacity for books and resources. Martin said the added support will help summer staff travel farther across the city while reducing the physical strain of pedalling.

Three summer students, Ashley Nadeau, Taylor Macfarlane and Hazel Sylvestre, will oversee the Book Bike and other summer library programming.
This year, the library is also combining its summer reading club activities with the Book Bike program.

“We received donations from Cargill, Allard Foundation and the Battle River Community Foundation,” said Alyssa. “We have been partnering with both of those organizations for years and we are excited that we can keep supporting kiddos with summer learning.”

“In addition to the Book Bike, we also got two new e-assist pilot bikes and the benefit of having those is that our team can now go farther. Before there was a bit of a limit, realistically, on how far away from the library we could get, before getting tired from the exercise. We will now be able to spread our reach and part of it was a new Wi-Fi hub. We will have better Wi-Fi for anybody who comes to the bike and wants some free internet,” added Louis Ducsharm, programmer at the Camrose Public Library.

Alyssa noted transportation barriers remain a challenge for many residents trying to access the library.

“It has been well documented that Camrose has a transit problem. There are people who have a really hard time reaching the library, especially children with working parents, seniors in assisted living facilities and people without driver’s licences,” she said.

“We are basically transporting all the best parts of the library in a compact form and taking it out to the community,” she added.

This year, the Book Bike will operate on a set schedule so residents can easily track where it will be each week and return borrowed books. The bike will make regular visits to parks, senior care homes and pop up events in partnership with Reading University and OSCAR programs.

The library will officially launch the season with a Big Book Bike Bash on June 23 at 6 p.m.

“We are going to have our supporters and funders there to give formal remarks,” said Louis.

Residents are invited to bring their own bicycles and helmets to the event, which will include bike decorating, giant games, a bike parade and pizza donated by Dominos.

For more information on Book Bike schedule, follow their page on Instagram at www.instagram.com/camrosebookbike

Ohcîwin: The Origins – a powwow exhibit at Camrose Museum

By Adan Shaikh

This summer a travelling exhibit celebrating the history and traditions of powwow culture will make its way to Camrose, offering everyone an opportunity to learn about an important part of Indigenous heritage.

“To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6, we have brought Powwow! Ohcîwin: The Origins, a special travelling exhibit from the Red Deer Museum, to Camrose. The exhibit features beautiful powwow regalia pieces and explores the history, significance, and traditions of powwow culture,” said Jayda Calon, recreation program coordinator for the City of Camrose Community Services Department.

The exhibit will be hosted at the Camrose and District Centennial Museum and will include educational programming for local schools before opening to the public.

The exhibit opens to the public on June 21 and can be viewed during regular museum hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will remain on display until September 5. On June 19, in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the curators will be at the museum to lead interactive programming designed to engage local students in growing their understanding of powwow traditions and Indigenous culture.

Developed by the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery, Powwow! Ohcîwin: The Origins examines the cultural significance of powwows, their history and evolution, and the role they continue to play in Indigenous communities today. Through regalia, interpretive displays and educational content, visitors will gain insight into the traditions and teachings that are at the heart of powwow gatherings.

Additional activities and special events will take place throughout the summer in conjunction with the exhibit.

“In addition to the exhibit itself, visitors can look forward to a variety of special programs and events throughout the summer, including activities connected to Canada Day, the 150th Anniversary of Treaty 6, and more,” said Jayda.

For more information on special events and the exhibit, visit www.camrose.ca/recreation-culture/events/powwow-ohciwin-the-origins-touring-exhibit/

Annual Fly-In Breakfast

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Despite the rainy and windy forecast, hundreds of community members attended the breakfast at Camrose Airport. The 67th Fly-In Breakfast is one of the longest running breakfast traditions in all of Alberta.

Although the runway was not as busy as past years, the clouds could not keep local families away from attending. From left, Josh, Donnelle and Marlow Millang, Jonathan Bayliss, Lindsey Allen and Tilly Bayliss.

Volunteers from the Camrose Fish & Game Association prepared the delicious breakfast for guests. From left, Kevin Schielke, Kevin Stang and Robert Gaffney.

The place was packed with families, volunteers and supporters of the Camrose Flying Club. The community enjoyed spending time with each other indoors. From left, Tina Myles, Shayne Lewis and Louise Lewis.

Elmer Wilkie’s 1934 Ford Coupe is a work of love

Wilkie has maintained the beautiful red colour of the car. The shade looks different under different lighting.

By Adan Shaikh

Elmer Wilkie owns a 1934 Ford three-window coupe, a classic vehicle that he has built from the ground up on his own. Wilkie has owned the coupe since 1994 and completed the build in 1998, transforming it into a custom street rod that blends classic styling with modern comforts.

“The frame is a boxed frame and it has rack and pinion steering put in the front end, and a Mustang II front end,” he shared. “The rear end is a nine-inch Ford with a C4 transmission. The motor is a 434-cubic inch small block Ford engine.”

The powerful engine is fitted with CHI heads, a Dart small block and an 850 Holley double pumper carburetor, creating a combination designed for both performance and reliability on the open road. While the mechanical components have been upgraded, the car retains the unmistakable look that made the 1934 Ford coupe one of the most recognizable vehicles of its time.

Finished in a classic Ford Toreador Red, the coupe stands out for its beautiful colour. The paint work was completed by a specialist from Lacombe, giving the vehicle a polished appearance. Wilkie also incorporated modern conveniences into the build, including air conditioning, power brakes and power steering. These upgrades make the nearly century-old vehicle far more comfortable to drive on long road trips while preserving its vintage character.

The 1934 coupe holds a special place in Wilkie’s collection because it was the first vehicle he ever built himself. Since completing the project, it has travelled thousands of kilometres across Canada and the United States.

“This one’s been to Cranbrook, B.C., we went to Rapid City, South Dakota, and Swift Current, SK,” said Wilkie.

Driving the car is one of the most rewarding parts of ownership. Rather than keeping his vehicles tucked away in a garage, Wilkie believes they are meant to be enjoyed on the road. With five road-ready vehicles in his collection, he regularly rotates which one he drives on trips, ensuring each gets its share of time on the road.

His appreciation for Ford vehicles stems largely from their styling. The sleek lines and distinctive proportions of 1930s Fords continue to capture his attention decades after he began restoring and collecting the vehicles.

He enjoys the challenge that comes with every restoration. Building a custom vehicle often requires combining parts from multiple sources, solving mechanical problems and adapting components to work together. He finds satisfaction in taking individual pieces and turning them into a completed vehicle capable of cruising down the highway. Seeing years of effort come together in a finished automobile remains one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby.

Although the 1934 Ford coupe has been capturing attention for nearly three decades, Wilkie is already focused on his next project. Another classic Ford, a 1935 coupe on which he is currently working, is already starting to come together in his garage. He shared if all goes according to plan, it will be ready to hit the road next year, continuing a passion for restoration that shows no signs of slowing down.

Hike for Hospice

By Nadine Leming

The Hospice Society of Camrose held the Hike for Hospice on May 24. This event is held across the country during the month of May in honour of this being Hospice and Palliative Care Week.

Board president Pam Cummer said, “We’ve had a hike in Camrose for about 12 or 13 years. It’s not just a fundraiser, which is important as we don’t get funding from the provincial or federal government.”

She continued, “It’s also an awareness event. We want the community to know what hospice does and all of the services we have to offer.” This event is a vital way they get the word out.

Some of the services they offer include having a Canadian certified counsellor who offers grief support and one-on-one counselling. They also offer a lot of volunteer run programs such as an introductory grief program where people come to learn what grief entails.

The local branch of the Hospice Society also holds a Grief Walk. This group of people meet every Wednesday morning to walk around Mirror Lake when the weather is nice and walk around the track at the recreation centre during the winter. This group is about camaraderie, friendship, and building connections with each other while providing grief support.

They also have programs for families who have lost a child as well as supports for people who have lost loved ones to suicide. There is even a support group that runs for eight week sessions to work through a protocol of dealing with grief.

These are just a few of the programs they offer. Pam commented that there are about one in every four Canadians that are unpaid caregivers for loved ones. She added, “We just finished a caregiver support group (session).”

This is definitely a busy organization. Its mission is to enable our community to support advancing illness, death and bereavement with dignity through education and compassionate care. For more information on programming, go to www.camrosehospice.org

Celebrating the ÉCKS music program at LPAC

The Jazz Band from ÉCKS closed their annual year-end concert in style under the direction of Mr. Bailey.

By Nadine Leming

Bob Bailey has been the music director at École Charlie Killam School for decades, working with students from the Grade Six Beginner Band to the Grade Eight Concert Band and the choral and jazz band students. Their Year-End Concert was held at the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) on May 27.

The Grade Six Beginner Honour Band kicked the evening off with three pieces that they played to a sold-out crowd. They have come a long way in a short time as new musicians with three songs in their set.

Next on the stage was the Grade Seven Concert Band. Their set included four numbers including “Abandoned Toy Shop” by Timothy Loest, bringing the fun by incorporating actual toys into the performance. The students had so much fun with this number and that poured out into the audience.

The evening included a special performance from Halley Bailey, Sarah Ganske and Amber Krawiec accompanied by Tom Spila. These former ÉCKS students started singing together nearly 20 years ago.

The Grade Eight Concert Band came to perform four numbers to showcase their hard work. They played a variety of tunes in their four-song set. These musicians showed what hard work and practice can do as they impressed family and friends with their performance.

The first half of the show concluded with a special tribute to Carolyn Olson and her daughter Tova Olson. These two ladies have been a pivotal and bountiful service to many here in the Camrose area and beyond.

The second half of the show began with a fun and entertaining performance from Carolyn and Tova. The piano duet showcased these talented women. It was just pure magic to the delight of the packed house.

The ÉCKS Grade 6 to 8 Chorus was accompanied by Carolyn Olson. These talented students performed three songs including the song “Can You Hear Me?” by Bob Chilcott. This song was a special moment as it was led by Rylee Damberger in American Sign Language with the performers joining in during the chorus.

The evening concluded with Mira Mendoza and Jeyk-Levy Cruz playing solos leading into the ÉCKS Jazz Ensemble performance to close the program. Erik Zimmerman played a solo on his alto sax and Jeyk-Levy Cruz’s solo on the trombone. The Jazz Band did a wonderful job wrapping up an evening of wonderful entertainment.

Bob Bailey has such a passion for music and shares that with his students, believing that it should be a necessary part of a well-rounded education for every child. It was an amazing event celebrating music with a message that weaved throughout the evening that music is for life.

Band donation

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

École Charlie Killam School’s Music Parent Association started fundraising for new instruments for the music program at ÉCKS. When Camrose Energy heard about this, they wanted to give the fundraising a kick start by matching donations up to $10,000. A cheque for $20,000 was presented June 4. From left, Jason Silbernagel, association president; Bob Bailey, director of music; and Denise Hawkins, Camrose Energy.

BRCF supports Killam

Submitted by Laura Young

The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Recreation Department of the Town of Killam.

Christine Kinzer, director of recreation, states, “The Killam Recreation Board is deeply grateful to the Battle River Community Foundation for their generosity and commitment to our community. Their support of the Killam Regional Aquatic Centre Filtration Project is an investment in the long-term health, safety, and enjoyment of everyone who uses our facility. Thanks to this partnership, we can continue to provide a welcoming, high-quality aquatic experience that supports wellness, recreation, and community connection for years to come.”

The old filters for the Aquatic Centre were far past their prime. The new filters, supported in part by the Battle River Community Foundation, will keep the flow of clean, filtered water more consistent. Also, they stand side by side and not on top of each other, which is better for maintenance. And there is no lack of swimmers who will reap the benefits. The Killam Regional Aquatic Centre is open year-round and, in 2025, they hosted 15,891 swimmers. While some of those swimmers were there just for fun, many others, children and adults, are enrolled in the centre’s programming. Programming provided by the Aquatic Centre includes lessons, competitive swimming, and a Junior Lifeguard Program. There are fitness classes and a Moms & Tots group for the smallest swimmers of all. Killam Recreation has also worked with Flagstaff Family and Community Support Services to get seniors who don’t, or can’t, get out much to bring them down to the pool for a swim and a little chat over coffee.

Those utilizing the Aquatic Centre come from all over, including Flagstaff County, Camrose County, and from even further afield, from places like Amisk and Viking. School groups come often and, in the summer, even kids from large cities like Edmonton, where it can be difficult to get into a swim lesson.
The grant for the Killam Region Aquatic Centre is provided by the Gordon Enghoj Fund, the Ruth and Sid James Memorial Fund, and the Battle River Community Foundation Community Fund.

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 $10,469,392 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.

Mic drop on LPAC season

By Nadine Leming

Saying the upcoming season at the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre is going to be great doesn’t even begin to do it justice. They have set an incredibly high bar that is sure to please everyone in attendance with a great lineup.

There will be some local favourites returning to town and some amazing talent from around the province, country and even the world for their first visit to Camrose.

Coming to Camrose for the first time will be illusionist Darcy Oake. Considered to be the cream of the crop of Canadian illusionists, he will be bringing his full-scale show in what is sure to be an electrifying experience. This won’t be a traditional magic show.

People will disappear, only to reappear inches from someone in the audience. Moments will unfold in real time, making the audience feel like they’ve witnessed the impossible.

Nick Beach, LPAC general manager, said, “This is a show I think people will really love.”

This October 16 show will be unforgettable.

Tenille Townes is a 17-time Canadian Country Music Awards winner and has two Junos to her name. She has shared the stage with icons like Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert and Stevie Nicks.

The Alberta native received a guitar as a teenager, which inspired her to start writing songs that she’s honed into her own unique style that is intensely honest.

Beach added, “We’re really happy to have her.”
Tenille hits the stage promoting her latest album on November 5, fresh off a performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

To kick off the Christmas season, the LPAC is pleased to have Matt Dusk bring his A Very Sinatra Christmas show to Camrose. Dusk is known for his remarkable sound that has been compared to Frank Sinatra. This is the perfect evening for fans of classic music and live entertainment.

Dusk brings his soulful, smooth vocals to timeless Christmas classics like “The Christmas Song.” Beach commented, “If you love that era and the kind of music with that big band sound, this is the show you’re going to love.” Dusk will have the audience feeling the nostalgia while getting right into the spirit of the season.

The upcoming season is sure to have something for everyone, with a large variety of shows that will make audiences laugh, be left in awe, and sing along to old favourites. To find out more about the extraordinary season ahead at the LPAC, the Season Launch is happening June 11 at 7 p.m.

Beats for Mental Health

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Family Thrift Shop donated gift certificates for the Beats for Mental Health event coming up on June 13. The gift certificates will be used for prizes at the event. From left, Emma Berger, Beats for Mental Health and Lani Rivet, Family Thrift Shop manager.

Sold! on a rising star

By Nadine Leming

For cattle auctioneers, winning a championship title for auctioneering is an honour. Livestock Markets Association of Canada (LMAC) hosts the annual auctioneering event that moves around the country. This year the competition was held in Maple Creek, SK.

Livestock auctioneers are judged based on their ability to run the ring, get top dollar for producers and maintain a fast, accurate sale. Judges look for rhythm, clarity and timing, bid catching, voice quality and control, accuracy and expedition as well as product knowledge.

Christian von Platen is from the Camrose area and was one of eight rookie auctioneers from across Canada. Von Platen was one of the top 10 auctioneers who made the finals in Maple Creek.

He said, “I was the only rookie to make the top 10 in Canada. I didn’t even realize it, but one of the guys I work with said, ‘Congratulations on the rookie of the year.’”

He was born and raised in Gwynne and lives just south of Bittern Lake. His family also has a riding arena just west of Camrose. Growing up on a farm, it was something he really enjoyed. He started on the path towards auctioneering working for Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers where he spent a lot of time with auctioneers on sale days, thinking how cool their job was.

He decided it would be fun to go to auction school prior to COVID hitting. During that time, he kept in touch with one of his biggest mentors, Dean Edge, who is currently the World Champion for livestock cattle and an influence on von Platen’s career. Edge asked him to help with a sale that Edge couldn’t attend. The owner of Vold, Jones and Vold (VJV) was at that same sale and ended up offering him a job.
Fast forward to just under a year later, von Platen has landed the Rookie of the Year title in Canada. He commented, “The rookie title was great, and to make the top 10 in Canada against some of the best in the country was a big tip of the hat. I was very humbled.”

For von Platen, he takes his job seriously, appreciating the people who have supported him on this journey.

He wants to continue to represent VJV as well as cattle producers. He wants to be known as a good auctioneer who gets the best price for producers.
He will continue to hone his craft and continue to compete in cattle auctioneering competitions hoping to someday claim a national and world championship title.

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

The Rain in Spain…

If my computer is accurate, you’re reading this on a sunny day. Temperature is about 20 degrees, warm but not hot – a pleasant day. Perfect.

I’m writing this on a grey day. The rain has stopped, but puddles remain. The sky is overcast and the temperature is a cool 15 degrees, dipping much lower at night.

During the days of rain, a drive from Calgary featured non-stop drizzly rain throughout Central Alberta.

I’m grateful that last week’s rainy days featured the soaking in kind of rain. I’m sure the several days of rain were good for the crops; perfect timing.

And now I’m ready for blue sky, sunshine and warmth.

***

You know how sometimes a tune comes into your mind and won’t go away? For three days, I’ve been hearing, “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain…”

The song is from the musical My Fair Lady. Professor Higgins is teaching Eliza Doolittle how to speak correctly; in words like “rain”, “Spain” and “plain,” to pronounce “ay” instead of “eye.”

As the drizzle continues, with patches of glowering grey skies, so does the “Rain in Spain” song continue in my mind.

And that’s taking me to thoughts about rain. I looked up “quotes about rain.” Here are some I enjoyed. Hope you do too.

***

“The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
– Dolly Parton

“The drops of rain make a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by often falling.”
– Lucretius

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
– Vivian Greene

“Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth. Without rain, there would be no life.”
– John Updike

“Rain showers my spirit and waters my soul.”
– Emily Logan Decens

“After the rain, the sun will reappear. There is life. After the pain, the joy will still be here.”
– Walt Disney

“It doesn’t matter if it’s raining and dark. The sun is shining above the clouds.”
– Elie Tahari

“Life isn’t how you survive the thunderstorm, but how you dance in the rain.”
– Adam Young

“I hear the first drops. Like the tapping of a stranger at the door of a dream, the rain changes everything.”
– Karen Hesse

“Some people walk in the rain. Others just get wet.”
– Roger Miller

“No person has the right to rain on your dreams.”
– Marian Wright Edelman

“Everybody wants happiness, and nobody wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.”
– Zion Lee

“A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods.“
– Rachel Carson

“Into each life some rain must fall.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“We feel sorrow we feel pain, but there’s sunshine after rain.”
– Jake Miller

“Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential and fight for your dreams.”
– Ashley Smith

“Let a smile be your umbrella, and you’ll end up with a face full of rain.”
– George Carlin

My computer is suggesting that Wednesday will be rainy! Of course, this forecast could change.

Meanwhile, one last quote:

“Celebrate the rain; it only means that the sun shall shine bigger and brighter than ever.”
– Anonymous

***

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 Column

Canadian Waters

By Arnold Malone

Anyone who has stacked a load of bales on a hot dusty day will know how wonderful water can be. Not only is it a special drink, it favours us in so many other ways. We need water to make ice. Without ice, there wouldn’t be any hockey. Without hockey, Canadians would have little to talk about. We need water for swimming and swimming is fun. Even dogs know the pleasure of a good swim, so much so that they enjoy sharing their wetness.

Long ago, homesteaders searched for good soil along with an easy access to water. The reason was obvious, there is no life without water. Water is so essential for drinking/digestion, sanitization, food production, industrial use and temperature regulation. Water supports all life. Without water, nothing survives.

So, once again, we Canadians are lucky. Here we are with less than .01 per cent of the world’s population and 20 per cent of the world’s fresh water.

Germany has nine major rivers. France has 780 and England has 1,500. Canada, however, has a whopping 8,500. We have a lot of rivers.

Now, when it comes to lakes, all other countries should be envious. Canada has more lakes than the total of all of the other countries. We Canadians have 62 per cent of all of the lakes in the world. Canada has between two and three million lakes.
Russia, a country that spans 11 time zones and stretches more than halfway around the globe, has only 200,000 lakes.

We have so much water in Canada that it makes up more than seven per cent of our total area.

The war in Iran has made us aware that many middle-eastern countries desalinate ocean water. While this does provide potable water, there is the worrisome concern: what does a country do with all of that salt?

It is one thing to have lots of water and quite another to have water in locations where it is easy to obtain while being affordable. In the United States, many of the major rivers – especially those that were once glacial fed – are no longer a reliable source for water.

The country with the worst record for water consumption is Turkmenistan, which consumes 128,228 cubic feet per person per year because of an inefficient Soviet-era irrigation system. Canadians uses only 32,772 cubic feet per year – about one per cent for personal consumption and the rest for industrial and agricultural use.

The 20th Century was one where many economies were driven by oil. It is likely that the 21st Century will be one where most nations will be desperate to source fresh water. There is about the same amount of water today as there was 40 million years ago. Most of that would be ocean water. However, water tables are dropping around the world and some large world cities are now required to import water.

A full 66 per cent of the world’s population suffers from a water shortage. In many situations, nearby clean water does not exist. In parts of the world, people walk for miles with a jug on their head to retrieve a bit of water. That jug contains the water for a family for a day.

We Canadians can be thankful and should feel especially lucky that we have such a bounty of water. Water is the essence of life and it is ours in abundance. In Canada, we need to be grateful stewards of our lucky advantage. Other places look at Canada with envy. Water is a prime resource for us to protect. For most of us, clean water – both hot and cold – feels promised and is just a twist of a tap away.