November 6, 2014

Vol. 37 No. 11 November 6, 2014 Email: [email protected] Ph: 780-868-9221 or 780-446-3088

Submitted by Joanne Paltzat - The Auxiliary to Lamont Health Care Centre have the honor of sharing a trophy for the most new

members with Milk River in southern Alberta. This trophy is given every year at the annual Alberta Health Care

Auxiliaries Convention to the group or groups that have had the most new members join thier organization. In the past

year, Lamont welcomed five new members to join their group and now have a total of 21 members.

Lest We Forget

Back Row L-R: Pat Taylor, Deb Hancheruk, Marilyn Pruss, Vivian Tanasichuk, Ellen Rinas, Nora Gauthier, Mary Richardson, Evelyn Kowalski and Sheila Vilcsak. Front Row L-R (new members): Rose Andruchow, Joanne Boyko, Lil Pewarchuk and Elsie Inkster. Missing: Anne Marie Babich. Missing from pic: Ann Kendall, Ann Rohatynski, Rose Strobl, Helen Hoculak, Stella Stodola, Emily Kostiuk and Loretta Smith.

Auxiliary to Lamont Health Care Centre

Honoured With Trophy

Council Appointments

As required by the Municipal Government Act as well as

Lamont County Bylaw 698.09, appointments for Reeve and

Deputy Reeve must be held every year. Therefore, County

Manager, Allan Harvey brought the County Council Organiza-

tional Meeting to order on Tuesday, October 21 and called for

nominations for the appointment of Reeve.

Without hesitation, Division 1 Councillor, Daniel Warawa

nominated Division 2 Councillor, Wayne Woldanski. Two

additional calls for nominations were made but no other names

were brought forth. With a show of hands, three councillors in

favour and one against, Councillor Woldanski was appointed

Reeve for the tenth consecutive year.

After taking the Oath of Office, Reeve Woldanski called for

nominations for the appointment of Deputy Reeve. Quickly,

Division 4 Councillor, Roy Anaka nominated Division 1 Coun-

cillor, Daniel Warawa. With two more calls for nominations

and no other nominations received, Reeve Woldanski asked for

a show of hands in favour or against. With a vote of three in

favour and one against, Division 1 Councillor, Daniel Warawa

was appointed Deputy Reeve for the ninth consecutive year.

Division 3 Councillor, Roy Bryks, the only one to vote against

both appointments, suggested it could be advantageous to have

other councillors assume the positions, from time to time, in

order to keep council activities and procedures from becoming

stagnant and repetitious. After several other comments by

Bryks, Reeve Woldanski chose to declare Councillor Bryks out

of order.

The Organizational meeting also saw the appointment of

County Auditor, Solicitor, Subdivision Authority and Develop-

ment Authority Officers for a one year period.

Council chose to make no changes from previous years.

Therefore; Hawkings Epp Dumont will remain county auditors,

Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP and Brownlee LLP will

continue to provide the county with legal services and Jane

Dauphinee, with Municipal Planning Services, will act as the

Subdivision Authority. The county’s Director of Planning &

Community Services (position currently vacant) and the

county’s Senior Planning & Development Officer, Tina Cosby

will remain the Development Authority Officers.

Additionally, Policy 3101-Council Remuneration Rates, Policy

3102-Council Meeting Dates, and the Bank Signing Authority

were all unanimously approved with no changes made from the

year before.

Elk Island Triangle, Thursday, November 6, 2014

County Manager, Allan Harvey (L) administers Oath of Office to Reeve Wayne Woldanski (R) at County Council Organizational Meeting on October 21st.

Reeve Wayne Woldanski (L) administers Oath of Office to

Deputy Reeve Daniel Warawa.


town of Lamont responds

The Lamont Town Council made a conscious decision to not become engaged in the recent letter writing campaign regarding the termination of the agreement with the Lamont Ag Society. We felt at that time, and still do, that people are entitled to voice their opinions and speak about issues that affect them.

However, there is a considerable amount of incorrect information being communicated, and we feel we should clarify some critical facts so everyone has a clear understanding of the situation and why it occurred in the manner it did.

The agreement with the Ag Society was cancelled because the current agreement had a clause in it that partnered the Summer Sizzler Rodeo with the Lamont Community Fair Days. Events and actions over the past couple of years, which were more pro-nounced this past summer, forced the Fair Days Committee and Town Council to evaluate that partnership. It was determined after several lengthy discussions that it would be in the best interest of our community service groups and the Town to have the rodeo severed from the fair. The letter sent to the Ag Society explained the agreement was being terminated as per the clause within the agreement that permitted either party to terminate with 90 days’ notice.

The Ag Society was at no time told they had to move their equipment; nor were they told that they couldn ’t hold the rodeo on the existing grounds; they were simply told that the rodeo could not be held the fair weekend as the grounds would continue to be used that weekend for the fair activities as they always have been. They are welcome to rent the grounds another weekend to hold the rodeo, just as they have recently rented the facility for Bullarama 2015.

The most offensive statement was that the Town had asked the Ag Society to remove the Conrad Schinkinger Memorial sign. There was never any mention or demand of that nature, and the Town fully recognizes the contributions Mr. Schinkinger made to the community and would not make that request or demand. Town Council passed a motion at the April 14, 2009 Regular Council Meeting to have the Fair Grounds renamed the Conrad Schinkinger Memorial Grounds. The installation of the sign was noted in the minutes of the meeting, and as such, cannot be removed from the grounds without approval from the Town. These grounds will still be known as the Conrad Schinkinger Memorial Grounds. This miscommunication has understandably caused undue grief to the Schinkinger family.

Another writer noted that the Ag Society had spent several thousand dollars upgrading the arena. It is true that the work was done; it is also true that it was initiated by the Ag Society. However, a matching grant was applied for to finance this project – the Alberta Government, through a grant called the Agricultural Initiatives Program, paid half of the project costs while the Town pro-vided the matching portion. The boards in the arena cost $150,000.00 – the Agricultural Initiatives Program contributed $75,000.00 and the Town of Lamont ratepayers contributed the remaining $75,000.00.

When the Ag Society ran into financial difficulties, the Town of Lamont purchased the Recreation Complex for $1.00, and as-sumed a debenture of $304,414.00 plus arrears. Claims have been made that the Ag Society paid off the debenture on the recre-ation complex in the amount of $50,000. It is true that the Ag Society did contribute this amount towards paying off the deben-ture. However; the Town of Lamont, Lamont Lion’s Club, Lamont Seniors Club and Lamont Catering Club all contributed to paying off this debenture in full, with the bulk of the burden placed on the Town of Lamont rate payers. There was a penalty charged for the early payment of the debenture which increased the amount that was due and payable. This facility is truly a community building and was paid for by all residents in the Town.

Documentation regarding any financial transactions that the Town was a participant in is available upon request at the Town office and all interested parties are invited to come in to review them.

We are not looking to keep this conversation alive; however some of the allegations and comments have been misguided. Coun-cillors have received phone calls and messages from rate payers who have knowledge of some of the events and occurrences that have taken place over the years. Those rate payers have stated it is time for the Town to put this information out to the public.

The Ag Society has made a decision to move their equipment and hold the rodeo elsewhere. This decision was theirs and theirs alone; and one they had been contemplating for a number of years. When the last agreement was signed in August 2013, they indi-cated to the Town that they were looking for their own grounds.

The Town wishes them success and hopes their events continue for many years into the future.

The Lamont Community Fair will move forward with all the events except the rodeo. The first fair meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Town of Lamont

Mayor & Council


May We Never Forget….

The deaths of two Canadian soldiers just over two

weeks ago is, in my opinion, a stark reminder of the re-

spect our men and women in uniform, past and present,

deserve. The shock and sorrow following the deaths of

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent

has resonated throughout the country; two men, who

died on Canadian soil, for no apparent reason other than

doing their jobs.

The freedom we have become accustomed to and, to a

degree taken for granted has, without a doubt, been test-

ed.

As Canadians, we came together. Cenotaphs and war

memorials across the country became sites of impromptu

vigils and shrines filled with tokens of respect. Thou-

sands of Canadians lined the route known as “The High-

way of Heros” to pay respects as Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was

returned from Ottawa to his home town of Hamilton,

while thousands more watched the emotional journey on

televisions across the country – many in tears as we

watched.

Our coming together as true Canadians was not surpris-

ing. When one considers Cpl. Cirillo, a reservist on cere-

monial guard duty, lost his life while guarding the Tomb

of the Unknown Soldier located at the 75 year old Nation-

al War Memorial. The monument commemorating our

war dead serves as the site of our National Remembrance

Day Ceremonies every November 11th.

Our military forces have served as sentries at the Tomb

of the Unknown Soldier since 2007, one year after three

men were photographed urinating on the monument and

others were seen skateboarding and performing bicycle

wheelies in the area as if it were a playground; acts of

disrespect leading to a greater military presence at the

site.

The sentries stand guard holding unloaded rifles, as a

show of respect to those who fought and died for our

country.

Ironically, it was at the base of the Tomb of the Un-

known Soldier that Cpl. Cirillo lost his life. Visions of his

lifeless body, televised across Canada, will be etched in

the minds of many for years to come.

This year, 2014, marks the centennial of the beginning of

the First World War. All of its veterans are gone now and

veterans of the Second World War are leaving us on a

daily basis. Yet this year’s Remembrance Day will see the

solemn honouring of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent,

killed in Quebec in an intentional hit and run on October

20th and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, fatally shot in Ottawa two

days later.

It has been said Remembrance Day is being forgotten

rather than being remembered. This may be true. After

all, the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War

were fought many years ago.

Our younger generation does not see our veterans as

once-youthful military personnel with spring in their

step. (Continued on Page 5)

Editor’s Corner

NEXT ISSUE – November 20, 2014

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, November 14, 2014

The Elk Island Triangle welcomes your letters to the editor, guest editorials, and news contributions with or without pictures

Please include your name and phone number for contact information Remember, this has been YOUR community newspaper for 37 years!


Fred’s Funny Farm Perhaps, with the loss of two young soldiers recently,

Remembrance Day, November 11, may be the right time

to thank the members of our military forces, of today, for

their commitment to serving at home and abroad while, at

the same time, paying respect and remembering sacrifices

and efforts made by members of our military forces past.

Lest We Forget

~ Sylvia

May We Never Forget…. (Continued from Page 4)

Vegreville RCMP Ramp Up

Traffic Initiatives

Vegreville RCMP have ramped up traffic

initiatives on our roads in the area over the past few

days. Since Thursday October 2, 2014, detachment mem-

bers, the Vegreville Detachment Traffic Unit and bicycle

patrol RCMP members have laid over 55 charges against

offenders in the area. The charges vary from seatbelts,

unbuckled children, speeding, possession of illicit drugs,

impaired driving, suspended drivers and non-insured

vehicles as well as Fish and Wildlife offences. 24 hour, 15

day and indefinite driver's license suspensions were al-

so issued to multiple drivers influenced by drugs or alco-

hol.

10 vehicles were towed and seized relating to the

above offences during that same time period. Cst Curtis

HARSULLA of the Vegreville RCMP Traffic Services says,

“It is discouraging to see the amount of drivers who still

choose to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

However, with the creation of the new Traffic Services

section within the Vegreville Detachment we will continue

to see an increase in traffic enforcement to ensure the

roads in and around Vegreville remain safe."


U.S. military funerals with full honours are a given

in my family. All three of my grandfathers - one step-

grandfather in that mix - were given military funerals, all

having served in WWI. My father and my uncle were

also so honored, having served in WWII. And, sadly, my

youngest brother who died in his sleep on his 60th birth-

day this July was given a military funeral. My only sur-

viving sibling lives in Texas where he is the president of

the Vietnam Veterans Association. As you can imagine,

he is very busy preparing for the events that will happen

for Veterans Day (in the States), Remembrance Day here.

Every generation of my family going back to the

Revolutionary War has been of age to serve in a war.

There is a beautiful love story that comes out of the Civil

War that involves one of my great-great grandfathers.

Two families had homesteaded in Kansas - each with

numerous children. When the civil war broke out, the

fathers of these families decided to go fight for the Union

(north). One of these men was my great-great grandfa-

ther.

The older boys in these families were of age to help

their respective mothers with the homesteads. The men

made a pact that if one of them was killed, the other

would take care of the surviving widow and her family.

As fate would have it, this did happen. My great-great

grandfather returned from the war to find his wife had

fallen ill and had been bedridden for some time. She

died. He married the surviving widow combining a fam-

ily of over a dozen children.

I am proud of my heritage of men who fought for

our freedom. Giving two minutes of silence on Novem-

ber 11th is nothing compared to the men and women who

gave their lives - the ultimate sacrifice - and to honour

those still living who served to protect and preserve our

rights and freedoms.

Please take time to remember on November 11th.

May God bless Canada and the U.S. When our respective

homelands are under threat, we stand together! This

thought makes me feel very proud and very safe.

My Thoughts on Remembrance Day

“Nancy’s Notes” by Nancy Mereska


Remembrance Day Message

This Remembrance Day, Canadians from coast to coast to coast remember the sacrifices made through 147 years of

history. We remember the families of Forces members that carry worry, pride and at times grief with them. We

honour the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform, who put their lives on the line day after day to

safeguard the best of what Canada stands for: democracy, peace, the rule of law and freedom for all. And, we

remember the fallen – from South Africa, to France, to Korea, and to Afghanistan – whose service has left a

permanent mark on the fabric of our country. Today, we demonstrate our remembrance, appreciation and

gratitude for all these Canadians.

In this year of important milestones, we mark the centennial of the First World War. Although we were a young

and growing nation, Canada emerged from the conflict as a mature, reliable ally. Whether at the Battle of the

Somme, Vimy Ridge or Passchendaele, the bravery and sacrifice of our troops forged the way to victory and an

identity for our country. It was during that war that the world would come to know the true character of the

Canadian people: brave defenders of freedom and democracy. Today, we remember the over 650,000 men and

women who served, the over 170,000 who were wounded, and the more than 60,000 who gave their lives during the

First World War.

This year also marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of Canada’s involvement in the Second World War. On this occa-

sion, we remember the over one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders who enlisted and the 45,000 who lost

their lives.

Another milestone anniversary to be honoured this year is D-Day. Seventy years ago, on June 6, 1944, Canada,

along with our British and American allies, stood toe to toe with the enemy on the beaches of Normandy.

Canadians suffered the most casualties of any division in

the British Army Group.

As the Prime Minister stated on Juno Beach this past June,

“The men who landed here a lifetime ago also

understood that a curse rests upon the person who,

reluctant to fight for good, denies the very existence of

evil. Peace has no merit if the cost is oppression.”

“Much has changed in our country; much has changed in

the world since these events I’ve mentioned. However,

courage is still courage. Honour is still honour. And the

freedom, democracy and justice for which our Veterans

fought are still Canada’s birthright.”

War is a terrible thing but as we have seen in recent

months and years, the fight for freedom and peace is not a

temporary commitment. The only thing worse is not

taking a stand when it is truly needed. The good people of

Vegreville-Wainwright and Canadians of all walks of life

stand with our troops, past and present. We will support

them no matter their mission and will remember the

immense sacrifice that is made to ensure our continued

way of life.

May God bless and keep our troops.

Lest we forget

Leon Benoit, MP


Throughout history, millions of soldiers have marched

into wars to protect the freedoms of their countries.

Remembrance Day is a solemn time to commemorate

those soldiers' achievements and sacrifices and to pay

respects to soldiers who died in battle.

In the United States, people honor their present and past

military on Veterans' Day. In British Commonwealth

countries and territories, including Canada, November 11

is known as Remembrance Day. Since the end of World

War I, memorials to remember those of the armed forces

who fought in battle and perished in the line of duty have

been dedicated on this day.

Armistice Day origins

Remembrance Day was once known as Armistice Day

because it marks the signing of the armistice that put an

end to the hostilities of World War I. On the 11th hour of

the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, guns fell silent

after more than four years of continuous warfare between

the Germans and Allied troops. The armistice agreement

was signed in a French train carriage at 11 a.m. Later, the

carriage where the historic event took place was placed in

a specially constructed building to serve as a monument

to the defeat of Germany. Although it was moved by

German forces and later destroyed during World War II,

after that war ended a replacement carriage, correct in

every detail, was rededicated on Armistice Day in 1950.

Remembrance Day evolution

Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day after

World War II to commemorate soldiers from both world

wars. It is now used as a way to pay homage to any fallen

soldier. (Continued on Page 9)

Give pause on Remembrance Day

A field of poppies has come to symbolize the soldiers who lost their lives while fighting in battle.


(Continued from Page 8)

Each year a national ceremony takes place at the

Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, a monument erected as a

memorial to soldiers buried elsewhere. The Queen will

lay the first wreath at the Cenotaph, while others will

leave wreaths and small wooden crosses.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in

many provinces and territories. Official national ceremo-

nies are held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

Events begin with the tolling of the Carillon in the Peace

Tower, during which members of the Canadian Forces

participate and congregate at Confederation Square. Simi-

lar ceremonies take place in provincial capitals across the

country. Very often moments of silence are offered for lost

lives.

What about the poppies?

One of the unifying symbols of Remembrance Day is the

poppy that is worn to honor lost soldiers. The bold, red

color of the flower has become an enduring symbol of

those who died so that others may be free.

The poppy became a symbol for a specific reason. Some of

the most concentrated and bloody fighting of World War I

took place in Flanders, a region in western Belgium. As a

result of the fighting, most signs of natural life had been

obliterated from the region, leaving behind mud and not

much else. The only living thing to survive was the poppy

flower, which bloomed with the coming of the warm

weather the year after fighting in the region had ceased.

Poppies grow in disturbed soil and can lie dormant in the

ground without germinating. Without the war, they may

have never come to the surface.

John McCrae, a doctor serving with the Canadian Armed

Forces, was moved by the vision of poppies flowering in

Flanders and wrote a poem titled "In Flanders Fields."

After the poem was published, it received international

acclaim, and the poppy became a popular symbol of those

lost in battle.

Men traditionally wear the poppy on the left side of the

chest, where a military medal would be placed. Women

wear it on the right side because that is where a widow

would wear her husband's medals.

Remembrance Day is celebrated every year, providing

people humbled by the sacrifices of soldiers an opportuni-

ty to remember those soldiers' efforts to secure freedom.


Why Wear a Poppy?

"Please wear a poppy," the lady said, And held one forth, but I shook my head. Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there, And her face was old and lined with care; But beneath the scars the years had made There remained a smile that refused to fade. A boy came whistling down the street, Bouncing along on care-free feet. His smile was full of joy and fun, "Lady," said he, "may I have one?" When she'd pinned it on, he turned to say; "Why do we wear a poppy today?" The lady smiled in her wistful way And answered; "This is Remembrance Day. And the poppy there is a symbol for The gallant men who died in war. And because they did, you and I are free - That's why we wear a poppy, you see. I had a boy about your size, With golden hair and big blue eyes. He loved to play and jump and shout, Free as a bird, he would race about. As the years went by, he learned and grew, And became a man - as you will, too. He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile, But he'd seemed with us such a little while When war broke out and he went away. I still remember his face that day.

When he smiled at me and said, 'Goodbye, I'll be back soon, Mum, please don't cry.' But the war went on and he had to stay, And all I could do was wait and pray. His letters told of the awful fight (I can see it still in my dreams at night), With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire. Till at last, at last, the war was won - And that's why we wear a poppy, son." The small boy turned as if to go, Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know. That sure did sound like an awful fight But your son - did he come back all right?" A tear rolled down each faded cheek; She shook her head, but didn't speak I slunk away in a sort of shame, And if you were me, you'd have done the same: For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed, Though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid! And so, when we see a poppy worn, Let us reflect on the burden borne By those who gave their very all When asked to answer their country's call That we at home in peace might live. Then wear a poppy! Remember - and Give! ~ Don Crawford


THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?" The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough. And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough. But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep... Though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here. They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand. There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod. As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, you soldier, You've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell." ~ Author Unknown


Veterans Affairs Canada

On February 18, 2010, Canada's last known First World

War Veteran passed away. This event marked the end of

an era.

Born on July 23, 1900, Mr. John “Jack”

Babcock grew up on a farm near King-

ston, Ontario as part of a family of 13

children. When he was quite young, his

father died in a tree-cutting accident.

Despite this devastating loss, Mr. Bab-

cock went on to bravely serve his coun-

try in the First World War before mov-

ing to the United States where he

settled in Spokane, Washington.

He was 15 years old when he joined

the 146th Battalion of the Canadian

Expeditionary Force in Sydenham (near

Kingston), Ontario. A few months later,

he arrived in England. He was trans-

ferred to reserve battalions and ended

up with the Boys Battalion (also known

as the "Young Soldiers Battalion") in

1917, waiting until he turned 18 to go to

the front lines. The war ended first. Mr. Babcock would

later move to the United States, where he served in the

United States Army from 1921 to 1924. Mr. Babcock

married Dorothy (Dot) after losing his first wife, Elsie, in

the late 1970s.

Mr. Babcock read voraciously and, in recent years,

completed his high school degree via correspondence

courses. He had also taken local college

courses. He could recite the alphabet

backwards without hesitation and spell

out his name in Morse code. He en-

joyed travelling with his wife and tak-

ing daily walks to keep in good shape.

He took up flying lessons and became

a pilot when he was 65!

In April 2008, the Minister of

Veterans Affairs awarded Mr. Babcock

a Minister of Veterans Affairs

Commendation. Later that year, a

small ceremony was held in May at

Mr. Babcock’s home, where his

Canadian citizenship was reinstated.

Another accolade came in September

2008 when the Royal Canadian

Regiment Association honored Mr.

Babcock with the honorary title of

regimental patriarch. This was the first time the title of

regimental patriarch was given in Canada.

Last Known Canadian World War I Veteran

Where Did All The Poppies Go?

Where did all the poppies go?

Once worn by people, row on row.

No longer seen upon the chest,

In Remembrance of those now at rest.

This symbol of a Nation’s pride

For those that fought and lost their lives

Withers now from year to year,

Not watered by a single tear.

For the Freedoms we protect and love.

Were won by those that shed their blood.

So spare a thought and say a Prayer Wear a Poppy.

Show you care.

~ John Rigby


It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us

the freedom of the press. It's the Military, not the

poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's

the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right

to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the

Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the

flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of

recognition and appreciation for the Military, please

pass this on and pray for our men and women who

have served and are currently serving our country

and pray for those who have given the ultimate

sacrifice for freedom.


Canadian

Children of WWI

Children on the home front

experienced the loss of male

(and some female) family mem-

bers to the war effort, and strug-

gled with their families, friends,

and communities to cope with

everyday challenges imposed by

the war. Thousands of adoles-

cent males served overseas ille-

gally as underage soldiers, but

hundreds of thousands more

experienced the conflict in less

dramatic ways, in school, at

home, or at play.

Teddy Bear

Ten-year-old Aileen Rogers gave this bear to her father,

Lieutenant Lawrence Browning Rogers, before he left for war.

The gift was meant as both a good luck charm and as a

memento of home. Rogers, a lieutenant with the 5th Canadian

Mounted Rifles, was killed by enemy fire at Passchendaele in

1917, as he tended to a wounded soldier. This bear was found

in Rogers' pocket and returned home to his family.

Pictured Right: A WWI Poster for the Canadian Patriotic Fund

CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM

Women at War

Veterans Affairs Canada

During the Second World War, the role of women in

Canadian society changed dramatically. Canada needed

women to pitch in and support the war effort from their

homes, to work at jobs that were traditionally held by

men, and to serve in the military. Canadian women

enthusiastically embraced their new roles and responsi-

bilities and helped contribute to the success of Canada's

Victory Campaign.

During the war, many women took a wide variety of

civilian jobs that had once been filled by men. Canada

had its own version of "Rosie the Riveter," the symbolic

working woman who labored in factories to help the war

effort. Women worked shoulder-to-shoulder with men in

factories, on airfields, and on farms. They built parts for

ships and aircraft and manufactured ammunition. They

drove buses, taxis, and streetcars. This level of female

participation in the workplace was a first for Canada -

thousands of Canadian women proving they had the

skills, strength, and ability to do the work that men did.

Out of a total Canadian population of 11 million people,

only about 600,000 Canadian women held

permanent jobs when the war started.

During the war, their numbers doubled to

1,200,000.

At the peak of wartime employment in

1943-44, 439,000 women worked in the

service sector, 373,000 in manufacturing and

4,000 in construction.

Women's smaller physical size and

manual dexterity helped them develop a

great reputation for fine precision work in

electronics, optics, and instrument

assembly.

With their sons overseas, many farm

women had to take on extra work. One

Alberta mother of nine sons - all of them

either in the army or away working in factories - drove

the tractor, plowed the fields, put up hay, and hauled

grain to elevators, along with tending her garden, raising

chickens, pigs and turkeys, and canning hundreds of jars

of fruits and vegetables.

Women who worked with lumberjacks and loggers

during the war were called "lumberjills."

Canada's Elsie Gregory McGill was the first woman in

the world to graduate as an aeronautical engineer. She

worked for Fairchild Aircraft Limited during the war. In

1940, her team's design and production methods were

turning out more than 100 Hurricane combat aircraft per

month.

During the war, women extended their charitable work

to the war effort. They knit socks, scarves, and mitts and

prepared parcels for Canadians overseas, gathered

materials for scrap collection drives, and helped people

displaced by the war by providing clothes and setting up

refugee centers. To deal with wartime shortages, women

became experts at doing more with less. They made their

own clothes (sometimes even using an old parachute to

make a wedding dress) and planted Victory Gardens to

supply much-needed fruits and vegetables to their

families and communities. In short, women - acting in the

traditional role of homemakers - gave, saved, and made do.


Members of the first contingent of Canadian Women’s Army Corps personnel to enter Hamm, Germany - June 12, 1945 PHOTO: Library and Archives Canada


As part of the war effort, many commodi-

ties in Canada were rationed (a limit placed

on the amount that could be used). Weekly

rations of food included 1 1/3 ounces of tea,

5 1/3 ounces of coffee, 1/2 pound of sugar

and 1/2 pound of butter. Some other

rationed items included meat, whiskey, and

gasoline.

Although household products of every

kind were hard to come by, homemakers -

conscious of the need for aluminum for the

aircraft industry - often donated perfectly

good aluminum cookware to scrap metal

drives.

Many women joined war relief clubs which were

formed to improve the morale of the troops overseas.

These clubs packaged canvas "ditty bags" with items such

as chocolate, sewing kits, and razor blades.

To save fabric and buttons for uniforms, the govern-

ment forbade many 'extras' on manufactured clothing,

such as cuffs on pants, any hem in excess of two inches,

double-breasted jackets, flap pockets, and more than nine

buttons on a dress.

So much of Canada's silk and nylon was required for

the war effort that women could not find the seamed

stockings that were then in style. Some fashion-conscious

women resorted to paint, drawing lines up the back of

their legs, to simulate the look of stockings.

Many Canadian women wanted to play an active role in

the war and lobbied the government to form military

organizations for women. In 1941-42, the military was

forever changed as it created its own women's forces.

Women were now able, for the first time in our history, to

serve Canada in uniform. More than 50,000 women

served in the armed forces during the Second World War.

The collective experiences and accomplishments of all

Canadians, including those of women, during the great

struggles of the Second World War have provided our

country with a proud and lasting legacy that will

continue into the country's future.

RCAF Women’s Division PHOTO: Library and Archives Canada


Corporals Dave Murrie (left) and Andy Jansen chatting with Polish refugees, St. Quentin, France, 16 Aug 1944. This photo is being published as a tribute to my paternal uncles, David, Alexander (Sandy) and Jim Murrie who all served in WWII, my father, George Murrie who was too young but served in the Canadian Militia here at home and Grandfather George Murrie, who served as a military policeman with the Special Constabulary in Scotland during WWI and as an RCAF Military Policeman at home in Canada during WWII. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES & TRIBUTE BY CAROL MARKO

Pictured Right:

This button produced

by the Canadian

Patriotic Fund in

Toronto was distribut-

ed to children whose

father was overseas.

The button bears the

image of a soldier

holding a bayoneted

rifle, with the caption,

"My Dad is at the

Front."


Clubroot found its way into the agenda at the County

Council meeting on October 14, 2014.

The soil borne disease is becoming more prevalent

throughout Alberta and Lamont County is not immune.

Municipalities have been doing what they can to limit its

spread by implementing policies, procedures, inspection

and enforcement programs that align with Best Manage-

ment Practices recommended by the Province. However,

these efforts are currently being hindered because the

Agricultural Pest Act does not contain a mandatory re-

porting and information sharing protocol. As a result;

industry, agri-retailers, crop insurance adjusters, etc. are

not required to notify landowners, the municipality or

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development when

Clubroot is found.

Recently a case of Clubroot was discovered at a location

along the electrical transmission line project in Lamont

County. The developer had taken and tested soil samples

to ascertain if Clubroot was present in the area but did not

report the positive finding to the land owner or the

County.

As a result there has been a delay in putting measures in

place to ensure the Clubroot has not been spread past the

contaminated field. In this instance, better communication

between the developer, the farmer and the municipality

may have insured isolation of the disease.

A review of the Agricultural Pest Act to include manda-

tory reporting is necessary so municipalities can be

effective in ensuring compliance with the Act. Clear

guidelines, like those established under the Animal Health

Act for reportable and notifiable diseases, are needed so

all parties needing to be involved in responding to a new

infestation are notified and a response plan is

implemented.

County Council approved a request for decision

submitted by Ag. Fieldman, Terry Eleniak, on behalf of

the Lamont County Agricultural Service Board, asking for

approval to a Pest Control Act-Clubroot resolution. The

resolution requests that “Alberta Agriculture and Rural

Development review the Agricultural Pest Act and require

mandatory notification to the local municipality whenever

Clubroot is found.”

The request received unanimous approval from Council

and was presented at the Northeast Regional ASB Confer-

ence on Monday, November 3, 2014.

Another Case Of Clubroot In The County


Volunteers Needed for 2014 Operation Red Nose

The Fort Saskatchewan Rotary Club is pleased to be running Operation Red Nose this holiday season. We cannot do it without volunteers. The program will be running starting Nov 28 - so every Friday and Saturday nights 9pm - 3 am and including New Year's Eve. “It takes about 70 volunteers to make the program run smoothly, stated Terry Stacey, volunteer coordinator. We encourage groups and organizations to put together teams and pick a night to sponsor” Operation Red Nose also serves the Bruderheim and Lamont area based on availability and would welcome volun-teers from Lamont County to participate. All volunteers are screened through a criminal record check done by the RCMP.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact us at [email protected] or leave a message at 780-999-7567. To bring this free service to our community we need sponsors and volunteers. Over the past seven years many local businesses and organizations have assisted us in making this program the success it is. Sponsorship is used to defray the costs of running the program, everything from telephone charges, safety equip-ment for our volunteers, printing of promotional materials, and feeding our volunteers during their shifts. We have re-ceived sponsorships from $50 - $2,000, with the majority providing $500 in support.

6th Annual St. Michael Oktoberfest

by Joanne Paltzat

For the sixth year in a row, the St. Michael Ag Society

celebrated Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 25th to a sold-

out crowd of approximately 300 people.

Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, Mae Adamyk

welcomed guests from near and far – far meaning as far

away as Germany!

Drinking beer, eating bratwurst and listening to a

polka band is what most people think of as celebrating

Oktoberfest. According to research on the history of

Oktoberfest, this festive celebration was established in

October of 1810 by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (crowned as

King Ludwig I) in celebration of his marriage to Princess

Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The unusual thing

was that the general public was invited to share in his

celebration. At the time, such a thing was unheard of –

nobles rarely associated themselves with the general

public. However, some 40,000 Bavarians attended the

celebration in Munich on what is now called Theresien-

wiese. Now 204 years later, year after year, the celebra-

tion is held at the same location.

Adamyk also spoke about the traditional Dirndl dress

worn by the women during Oktoberfest festivities, while

the men wear Lederhosen. (Continued on Page 21)


Oktoberfest (Continued from Page 20)

She also directed everyone’s attention to view the large 3

x 4 foot crown that was hanging from the ceiling in the

center of the hall. The crown was crafted from flax, oats,

wheat and barley and took about

eight hours to complete by hall vol-

unteers. The finished crown weighs

approximately 175 lbs.

The supper was served in three

courses – a squash/potato soup was

served piping hot to each guest indi-

vidually at their table along with a

basket of warm homemade Bavarian

pretzels.

This was followed by the main

course served buffet style consisting

of beet pickles, cabbage salad,

creamy whipped mash potatoes,

bratwurst, Kasseler (smoked tender-

loin), and homemade sauerkraut.

The last course was a choice of

delectable homemade desserts in-

cluding apple strudel, poppy seed squares, plum cake,

special dainty squares dipped in Lindt dark chocolate,

delicate apple puff pastry and dark berry filled German

pastry.

Prior to supper, Horst Theil lead everyone with grace

by thanking God for our many blessings and thanksgiv-

ing prayers in German and in English also.

After supper, it was time to “roll out the barrel” and

thoroughly enjoy the great entertainment provided by the

“Bavarian Schuhplattlers” of Edmonton. The lights were

dimmed and they performed several traditional German

dances which included scythes and lanterns.

When it was time for a break, the ladies played tunes,

including “Edelweiss”, using hand-painted cowbells.

There was no time to get bored, as the Schuhplattlers

then involved the children and women guests in a tradi-

tional hat game that was played to German music.

Then it was time for the men guests to get involved

and learn a traditional German dance. Guys were picked

randomly from the audience and called up on the dance

floor. They first had to wear a Ger-

man hat and then roll up their pant

legs to make it look like they were

wearing Lederhosen and were then

given step-by-step instructions to a

traditional German dance. At first

the music was nice and slow, but

very quickly the pace picked up to a

polka style beat and it was very

hard to keep in time with the steps!

It was a great hour (or more) of en-

tertainment for everyone.

Dance music followed with the

band, “Mike & The Relics” and it

was time for all to enjoy themselves.

A late lunch was served which

included: homemade German buns,

beet pickled herring salad and a va-

riety of German lunch meats and cheese. The dancing

continued until the wee hours of the morning!

Bruderheim Daycare Changing Hands

Steve and Vicky Williams have been operating Little Steps Daycare in Redwater for the past four years and are now expanding into Bruderheim. Effective December 1st, they will be assuming ownership of the Bruderheim Daycare and changing the name to Little Steps Daycare. They will be hosting a meet and greet at the daycare on November 15th, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and look for-ward to meeting with members of the community at that time.


This week’s recipe comes from an old friend, Margaret Fill of Mundare. Margaret has sent in many recipes to me (and every one is definitely a keeper)! She says, “This one has a hint of lasagna flavor!” It will go into my file of “going to have to make”… it may be here at home or it may be for my senior friends who I cook for part-time at Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge in Lamont! Do you have a favorite recipe that you would like to share... if so, send it to me: Box 170, St. Michael, AB T0B 4B0 or email: [email protected]

Lasagna Noodle Casserole

2 cups cooked small egg noodles

1 lb. ground beef

2 tbsps. Cooking oil

1 cup chopped onions

¼ tsp. garlic powder or minced garlic (I like garlic and

would use more!)

2 cans (7 1/2 oz. each) tomato paste

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

1 cup sour cream

1 cup cottage cheese

1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Prepare noodles as directed on package. Drain. Spread

on bottom of buttered 1 ½ qt. casserole.

Scramble fry ground beef in oil until cooked. Drain and

discard fat.

To ground beef add: onion, garlic, tomato sauce, salt

and pepper. Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Pour over

noodles in casserole.

Spread sour cream over meat layer and smothering it.

Next, spread the cottage cheese over this layer.

Then spread Mozzeralla cheese over top all ingredients

to cover completely.

Bake uncovered in a 350 degrees F oven for about 30

minutes or until bubbly.

The Cook Book

by

Joanne Paltzat

Fred’s mother, Frozena phoned the school. Frozena: “May I speak to the teacher, Miss Understood? Miss Understood: “Yes, this is I.” Frozena: “I wish you would not embarrass my little Freddy, saying that he’s illiterate. Why, I got married to his father 3 weeks before he was born! And that’s another almost trew story by Uncle Fred.

Two Hills RCMP

Investigating

Break and Enters

in Lamont County

November 3rd, 2014

Two Hills RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in

reporting suspicious activity particularly in the rural

Lamont County area. RCMP members have responded to

and investigated several Break, Enter and Thefts which

are believed to be happening in the overnight hours.

Residents and motorists are encouraged to contact Two

Hills RCMP if they observe suspicious vehicles or

persons as several break-ins have occurred and stolen

vehicles have been observed in the area.

Should you observe suspicious activity in progress, the

public is encouraged to call 911 or anonymously to

Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at

www.tipsubmit.com


780-998-2885 www.dependableprinters.ca

Email: [email protected]

Multi-Part Work Order Forms

Multi-Part Requisition Forms

Multi-Part Invoice Forms

Multi-Part Contracts

Why Pay More For Your Denture Needs?

Upper or

*Some Conditions & Restrictions Apply - Call For Details

Lamont Denture Clinic Mel Lucyshyn, Denturist

Upper & Lower Dentures to Fit

Social Assistance - No Charge

Dental Plans Accepted

Seniors Who Qualify - No Charge

Lower $1000

For Appointments Call:

Relines or Repairs

Same Day Service

New Dentures!

780-984-1775

Ph: 780-895-2349 Cell: 780-220-5405

• Landscaping • Excavating • Demolition

Trevor Schinkinger Trucking Ltd.

Box 412, Lamont, Alberta T0B 2R0

• Sand, Gravel & Top Soil

• Loading & Hauling

PREMIUM GRANITE

“Guaranteed Best Price”

BUY DIRECT AND SAVE 20 - 30% In Home Consultations and Visits on Request

DATE INSCRIPTIONS, MONUMENT RESTORATION

CUSTOM ARTWORK, LASER ARTWORK, CREMATION URNS

Locally owned and operated - 26 years 4217 - 51 Avenue, Vegreville (East of Famous Pysanka)

Ph: 780-632-2054 Cell: 780-966-9191 26 YEARS IN BUSINESS www.forevermonuments.com

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, MEMORIAL PHOTOS, MEMORIAL FLOWERS

Joint RCMP/Commercial

Vehicle Enforcement

Check-Stop

On November 2nd, 2014, Two Hills RCMP and

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement based out of St. Paul,

Alberta conducted a Joint Traffic Safety Check-stop near

Andrew, Alberta. The check-stop was conducted due to

public concerns regarding commercial vehicle infractions.

RCMP and a Commercial Vehicle Inspector interacted

with approximately 200 motorists in a 3 hour period

issuing several traffic safety violations and initiated

several drug investigations including the seizure of a

Semi and Trailer after the driver was issued a

24 hour Suspension for drug use.

Officers engaged in the check-stop received positive

feedback and are happy to report that the majority of

travellers were practising safe driving habits. Two Hills

RCMP remains committed to ensuring safe roadways.

Should you observe unsafe driving or suspicious

activity, the public is encouraged to call 911 or

anonymously to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or

online at www.tipsubmit.com


Based on information provided by the county’s engineer-

ing firm, WSP Canada Inc., Council gave approval to pro-

ceed with renovations to the county’s administration and

public works buildings earlier this year. Council later

learnt the scope of the projects changed when they were

informed the heating, ventilation and air conditioning

(HVAC) systems in both buildings would need to be re-

placed. With the costs revised to approximately $899,000

for the Administration Building and $584,200 for the Pub-

lic Works Building, Council adjusted their original ap-

proval and asked the renovations be sent out for tender.

Council exhibited displeasure during the Tuesday, Oc-

tober 14, 2014 Council meeting when a representative of

WSP appeared before council to provide a summary on

tenders received.

The administration building renovation received only

one tender with a final bid price of $1,575,000. WSP sug-

gested Council not proceed with the renovation as the

Fair Competition Act suggests a minimum of three bids

should be received for consideration.

The public works building renovation received six ten-

ders with final bid prices of $1,498,257, $1,390,000,

$1,297,930, $1,245,000, $1,231,000 and $1,086,597. WSP

pointed out all tenders were relatively close in final bid

cost and recommended Council accept the lowest bid in

the amount of $1,086,597.00.

After reviewing the project tender summaries, Deputy

Reeve Warawa questioned why all the bids were almost

double the estimated costs originally provided to Council.

WSP explained additional building code issues had

been found in both buildings. The mechanical scope of

work for the administration building increased as further

in-depth analysis of the existing systems had to be con-

ducted. A soil analysis had to be done to determine bear-

ing load capacities around both the administration and

public works buildings. A code analysis determined the

need for additional fire protection at the administration

building. Extensive damage to existing equipment at the

public works building resulted in a larger scope of work

being required. The relocation of the Hotsi truck wash

equipment and the creation of a coffee room for shop staff

contributed to the need for more work. The public works

building required additional electrical work due to the

increased mechanical and fire wall requirements and ma-

sonry walls complete with extensive foundations had to

be included as a four hour fire separation was needed to

comply with building codes. It was explained all the

findings added to the increase in costs.

Deputy Reeve Warawa was clearly unsympathetic and

wondered why the county had paid the engineering firm

hundreds of thousands of dollars for their services only to

receive bids for almost double the budgeted amounts. He

went on to suggest he could get a grade six student who

could probably do as good or better a job for a lot less

money. Reeve Woldanski concurred with Deputy Reeve

Warawa and questioned where the additional money

would come from. The Reeve implied it is like buying a

new car-if you don’t have the money-how can you buy

the car. Councillor Anaka questioned whether the bids

included fire sprinkler systems and appeared unim-

pressed when he learnt they were not.

Council thanked WSP for the presentation and accepted

it as information. With a full agenda, Council chose to

discuss the matter further at the October 21 continuation

meeting at which time they decided to postpone the Ad-

ministration Building renovations to the 2015 budget pro-

cess. They also decided to go ahead with the renovations

to the Public Works building and accept the tender from

Vantage Builders for $1,086,597.

County Council Unimpressed With Tender Amounts

November 6, 2014

Documents

Transcript of November 6, 2014