Vision Credit Union

Vision Credit Union Announces 2025/26 Helping Hand Grant Recipients

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:00:12 GMT

44 rural community organizations receive grants totalling more than $250,000 to support capital projects across Alberta

Across rural Alberta, community organizations play a vital role in creating places where people connect, grow and support one another. Vision Credit Union is proud to celebrate that community spirit by announcing the recipients of its 2025/26 Helping Hand Grants, awarding funding totalling more than $250,000 to 44 community organizations in Vision’s rural branch communities.

The Helping Hand Grants program provides up to $10,000 in funding to charitable and non-profit organizations for capital projects that directly benefit local residents. From upgrades to recreation facilities and improvements to community spaces, these projects help rural communities thrive – today and for years to come.

“Helping Hand Grants is one of the most meaningful ways we give back to the communities we serve,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union. “Every year, we’re inspired by the creative and caring ways local groups use these grants to improve life in rural Alberta. These are the projects that make our hometowns better for everyone.”

Now in its fourth year, the program is available to eligible organizations operating in any of Vision’s 24 branch communities. Applications for the 2025/26 intake were accepted through Vision’s online Helping Hand Grants portal and reviewed by the Helping Hand Grants committee. Applications were evaluated based on each project’s benefit to the community and the people who live there.

For a complete list of this year’s grant recipients, or to learn more about the Helping Hand Grants program, visit whatsyourshare.ca/helping-hand-grants .

ABOUT VISION CREDIT UNION:

Vision Credit Union Ltd. is a community credit union with over 38,000 members across Alberta. Over the past 75 years, Vision has evolved from a single branch in Camrose with assets of $178 to become the province’s second-largest credit union, with assets exceeding $2.6 billion and branches in 24 rural Alberta communities. Learn more about Vision Credit Union at www.visioncu.ca .

Proudly Local Business: Paw.PET.ual Friends in Falher

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:47:38 GMT

A pet supply shop buzzing with care and community connections

"We've always had animals in our lives and we do our best to make sure they get the best."

In a small town like Falher, it doesn’t take long for friendly greetings to turn into 30-minute chats between neighbours. It’s a shared experience across rural Alberta – and the owners of Paw.PET.ual Friends on Main Street know this well.

In the short time since Jane McGillis and Paul Cormack took ownership of the store, they’ve created the kind of place where customers aren’t just customers, and pets aren’t just pets. Everyone is known by name.

The couple took over the business in July 2024 after purchasing the distinctive beehive-shaped building that houses the store. The opportunity came somewhat unexpectedly, but it quickly turned into a new adventure.

Originally from Orono, Ontario, Jane and Paul moved west more than a decade ago when Paul began working for the railway. Since 2014, they’ve proudly called Falher home. While neither came from the pet retail industry, their shared love of animals made the transition feel natural.

“We’ve always had animals in our lives, ever since we met,” says Jane. “And we do our best to make sure they get the best.”

Running a small business has been a learning experience, but they’ve embraced it. As many entrepreneurs discover, there’s always more happening behind the scenes than people realize, from keeping up with industry trends to maintaining equipment and managing daily operations.

Today, Paw.PET.ual Friends offers a wide range of pet food, toys, treats and supplies as well as professional grooming services. Jane oversees the day-to-day operations with support from two groomers who help keep pets looking and feeling their best.

Like true animal lovers, the team invested in adaptable hydraulic washing and drying stations that lower to the floor, that allow pets to step up comfortably rather than being lifted.

“We’ve tried to create as stress-free an environment as we could,” says Paul.

That same thoughtful approach carries through the rest of the shop, which reflects the character of the Peace River region. The beehive building once housed a honey business, something Jane and Paul chose to honour by bringing local honey products back into the store. Today, customers can find honey, honeycomb and beeswax candles on the shelves alongside the store’s pet supplies.

In addition, many of their pet products are made in Canada, something Paul says matters to both the business and its customers. “People in this area really want to support local,” he says. “There’s no reason not to.”

That same community mindset carries into how the business gives back. Paw.PET.ual Friends regularly donates dog and cat food to Smoky River Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) , helping ensure pets remain cared for even when families are going through difficult times.

“Everybody gets in a tough spot in their life,” says Paul. “Dogs and cats deserve high-quality food no matter their family’s situation.”

For Jane and Paul, one of the most rewarding parts of running the shop is the people and pets they’ve come to know along the way. Because in a place like Falher, supporting local means supporting each other.

Learn more about the team and the business on the Paw.PET.ual Friends website .

Friendly Faces of Vision: Ariel Haubrich

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:03:40 GMT

Celebrating leadership, community and courage in Wainwright, Alberta

"I’m so grateful to those who’ve gone before and ahead that have given women the trust and opportunity to continue the amazing work we do."

This International Women’s Day , we’re proud to spotlight one of our own community leaders – Ariel Haubrich. A long-time Wainwright resident, local business owner, school counsellor, Town Councillor and Vision Credit Union Board member, Ariel embodies what it means to build community and give back.

Rooted in small-town values and driven by a love of service, Ariel’s leadership journey has been shaped by rural Alberta and the people around her who call it home.

Learn about Ariel’s journey to becoming a prominent member of her community, the power of being courageous and what inspires her to lead.

Wainwright has shaped much of your journey. How has growing up and building your life here influenced the leader you are today?

I grew up in Chauvin as a small child, and was blessed to have been raised, educated and instilled with small town values and a love for our area. I would often make the trip to Wainwright for dance lessons, medical appointments, shopping trips and play dates. From a young age, our weekly trips to Wainwright became a highlight!

Our family moved to town when I was a young teenager. I attended Wainwright High School, worked part-time in our retail and service industries and volunteered with many of our community programs. I built strong relationships with friends, business relationships with local professionals and a lifelong love for our town and its people.

I have always loved the family feeling and connection that living in small towns provides. I have been given so many opportunities by the close relationships that living rural allows for, and it’s a great feeling to work together with friends and neighbours to help us all find our way.

You serve as a counsellor, business owner, Town Councillor and Vision board member. What connects all these roles for you?

The common themes weaving through all of these are those of community building and giving back. I always hope for myself and others to learn and grow and I love being part of organizations and services that help us all come together and work toward that sense of belonging and growth.

I’ve always believed it’s important to give back. Tim McGraw has a line in his song “Humble and Kind” that says, ‘When you get where you’re going, don’t forget to turn back around and help the next one in line.’ It’s always on my mind as a guide in both my life and work.

What drew you to serve on the Vision board and what does the credit union difference mean to you?

I’ve always appreciated and believed in the values that credit unions embody, so becoming involved with the great work of sharing, growth and building communities has been an honour.

I’m grateful to be part of an organization that gives back to its members and communities and supports me as I try to do the same.

As a woman in leadership in rural Alberta, what has your journey meant to you?

I have had the gift of support from so many along the way. The incredible examples of generations before me and mentors alongside have helped me learn, build relationships, take risks and lead.

I’m so grateful to those who’ve gone before and ahead that have given women the trust and opportunity to continue the amazing work that we do, and I hope I can do the same for others.

This International Women’s Day, what message would you share with women and girls growing up in rural communities?

I’m going to share two thoughts. First, find your people. Find those who have similar values and goals to your own and who will support you. You’ll need them!

Secondly, of all the virtues and values we try to have, like kindness and patience, the most important of them is courage. It’s courage that allows us to practice all of the others and accomplish all the things we hope to.

Ariel is the proud owner of a yoga studio in Wainwright, The Welcome Mat . She also runs her own psychology private practice and consulting company in town.

Friendly Faces of Vision: Luisa Davidse

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:10:10 GMT

Camrose, Alberta

"I love the people I work with and I love my members. That's what keeps me going every day."

Luisa’s path to Vision Credit Union didn’t start in finance – it started with a move and a simple to-do list item: open a local bank account. What she didn’t expect was that one ordinary errand would turn into a 14-year career built on trust, familiar faces and the kind of relationships you only find in a close-knit community.

Learn about Luisa’s journey to becoming a Senior Member Services Representative at Vision, where she’s created lasting relationships with members and staff alike.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Vision.

I'm originally from Edmonton and was a buyer for Birks Jewellers for about 15 years. I started while I was in high school. I worked at three different Edmonton locations and became a manager at the last location before I moved to Camrose with my husband.

I worked at a few different places after moving to Camrose, then I found out from one of the tellers at the Vision City Centre branch, where we had moved our accounts, that they were hiring. She asked, ‘Would you be interested?’ and the rest is history.

I’ve now worked at both the Camrose locations for about 14 years.

Tell us about your current role at Vision.

As a Senior MSR, I do a lot of everything. This means opening accounts, handling estate accounts, help with investments, credit card applications and all that. Everything you could possibly imagine on the deposit end, I do it.

What's your favourite part about working at a rural credit union?

This may sound cliché, but I’ll say it anyway: I love the people I work with and I love my members. That’s what keeps me going every day. The building is a building, but it’s the people that make this job meaningful.

You build a bond with your members and become a part of their lives. They’ve definitely become a part of mine, too.

What do you enjoy about the Camrose area?

For me, it’s all about knowing my community and the people in it. When you live in a small community, you constantly run into people you know and get to have a chat in the grocery store with your neighbours. My friend jokes that since I bump into someone I know every 10 minutes while out and about, I should run for mayor!

Visit Luisa and the team at the Camrose West End branch:

Proudly Local Business: Bear Butchering near Pincher Creek

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:26:12 GMT

Carving out space for community connection

"I knew that this business would complement our lifestyle and provide what we need as a family. We started out with that in mind."

For many Alberta hunters, hunting is about more than just the food. It’s about tradition, pride, and the connection between land and table. But getting from the field to the table takes skill—and a trusted butcher who respects the game, understands the craft, and offers truly personalized service.

That’s where Bear Butchering comes in.

For owner Bjorn Anderson, what began as a practical idea has grown into something much more meaningful: a way of life grounded in family, hard work, and community.

A lifelong hunter himself, Bjorn studied meat cutting at NAIT and gained experience working in local butcher shops. When the town’s butcher closed its doors in 2014, Bjorn and his wife Allison saw an opportunity to fill a local need and build something of their own.

“We have a lot of hunting around here, so game processing is in high demand in the area,” says Bjorn. “And I knew that this business would complement our lifestyle and provide what we need as a family. We started out with that in mind.”

That family-first focus has been at the heart of Bear Butchering ever since. The business is run primarily by Bjorn and Allison, with help from their five kids – each of whom has grown up learning the ropes. “They’ve worked here since they weren’t even remotely old enough,” jokes Bjorn. “They’re very helpful, and as they get older, they learn more and more of the skills that are needed.”

During the busy hunting season, neighbours often step in to lend a hand, with as many as five people working in the shop six days a week.

Bear Butchering specializes almost entirely in custom meat processing, working with both local ranchers and hunters. Roughly 60 to 70 per cent of their work comes from wild game. “Hunters will bring an animal they’ve harvested… and we’ll process it how they want – whether it’s fresh cuts or sausage, smoked sausage, pepperoni sticks or jerky.”

The work is seasonal by nature, something the Andersons have come to appreciate. “Sometimes I’m half-timing here. Sometimes I’m full-time. And through hunting season, I’m pretty much double-timed,” Bjorn says. That ebb and flow allows for a balance that fits their family’s lifestyle perfectly.

But the journey hasn’t been without hardship. Years ago, a fire destroyed the Andersons’ home and their original butcher shop beneath it. “It (had) a huge impact on us,” Bjorn says. “It was really a turning point, and we had to decide, ‘Are we going to keep doing this or go in a different direction?’”

With the encouragement of neighbours, friends and loyal customers, the family chose to rebuild – this time with a larger shop on their property. “The support we had after the fire really inspired us to continue on,” says Bjorn. “And the support we received after we built the new shop confirmed it was a good decision.”

That community support has become a cornerstone of Bear Butchering’s story. The Andersons are known not just for their work, but for the relationships they’ve built. “It’s a very personalised and relational service we provide,” Bjorn says. “All of our customers meet me and my family and they can see exactly what we’re doing.”

"One of our biggest enjoyments is the relationships we have with our customers and seeing them happy with the service we're providing."

Bjorn’s pride in his community runs deep. Bjorn’s wife grew up on the same land where they live and work today, and together they’ve become active participants in local life, volunteering at local camps and events throughout town. “It’s a small, close community here and everybody helps each other when they need it,” says Bjorn.

That sense of belonging is what makes the long hours and hard work worthwhile. “I find the work satisfying. I can see the product we’re producing materialise right in front of me,” Bjorn says. “But one of our biggest enjoyments is the relationships we have with our customers and seeing them happy with the service we’re providing.”

Learn more about Bear Butchering on their site: bearbutchering.com

Cyber Insights: Cyber Security Awareness Month

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 22:35:19 GMT

A Q&A with Vision Senior IT Manager, Darin Winder

October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of protecting our personal and financial information in today’s fast-paced digital world. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, individuals and organizations need to stay informed about best practices for safeguarding sensitive data.

To kick off this important month, we sat down with Darin Winder, Senior IT Manager who has over 30 years of experience “keeping the lights on” behind the scenes at Vision and what it means to keep members safe from cyber threats.

Why is cyber security so important for Vision and its members?

At Vision, keeping members’ personal and financial information safe is a top priority. We understand how important it is to protect sensitive data like SIN numbers and account details from threats like identity theft and fraud. That’s why we’ve put strong cyber security measures in place to safeguard members’ assets and maintain the trust placed in us.

Cyber security also helps keep things running smoothly, so members can count on us for uninterrupted service. Plus, by following strict regulations, we ensure we stay in good standing with industry standards. We’re also here to help members stay safe online by sharing tips and best practices so that together we can create a more secure community.

What steps does Vision take to protect the personal and financial information of its members?

Keeping our members’ personal and financial information secure is our top priority. We use advanced security measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive data and only authorized personnel have access to this type of information. We regularly assess our systems for vulnerabilities and keep everything up to date with software updates and patches.

Our employees are trained to recognize potential threats and we have an incident response plan ready to quickly address any issues. Plus, we’re here to help members stay informed and they can trust that we’re doing everything possible to keep their data safe.

What are some common cyber threats that Vision members should be aware of?

Members need to be on the lookout for phishing and vishing scams, malware and ransomware attacks and data breaches to name a few.

Phishing and vishing scams are tricky, often coming through as fake emails, messages, or phone calls trying to get folks to reveal personal or account information. Then there’s malware, which is harmful software that can infect personal devices and steal sensitive data, while ransomware takes it a step further by locking someone out of their accounts until a ransom is paid. And of course, data breaches can happen when someone gains unauthorized access to personal or financial details.

How might cybercriminals target rural communities differently compared to urban ones?

Cybercriminals often adapt their tactics based on their targets and rural communities are no exception. Cybercriminals may take advantage of the close-knit nature of rural communities, using social engineering tactics like phishing or impersonation, where trust and familiarity can be exploited to steal sensitive information. Local businesses, especially smaller ones, are also at risk as they may not have strong cybersecurity measures, making them easy targets for ransomware attacks. Additionally, the agricultural sector, a key part of many rural economies, can be a prime target for attacks on supply chains or machinery.

While rural communities might face different cybersecurity challenges compared to urban areas, awareness and proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk. Individuals and businesses in rural areas need to stay informed about cyber threats and invest in appropriate security measures to protect themselves.

How can members protect themselves from online scams or phishing attempts?

It’s important to always be on the lookout for phishing scams — those emails or messages that ask for personal information. Before clicking on any links or sharing details, make sure to verify the sender is legitimate. It's also important to keep all devices like computers and smartphones updated with the latest software to protect against new threats.

We encourage members to stay informed about cybersecurity and share what they learn with family and friends. By educating themselves and others, members can help protect not only their personal information but also their community.

Are there any common mistakes that members might make when it comes to cyber security?

When it comes to cyber security, there are a few common mistakes that members can make, but being aware of them can help them stay protected. One big one is using weak passwords like "password123" or reusing the same password across different accounts. Make sure to create strong, unique passwords and consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.

Another easy slip-up is ignoring software updates — keeping devices and apps up to date is crucial for staying protected against the latest security threats. It’s important to avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions as those networks can expose personal data. Finally, don’t forget to back up important data regularly and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats. By following these tips, members will be in a much better position to keep their personal and financial information safe.

Are there specific warning signs or red flags that members should watch for when receiving emails, texts or phone calls claiming to be Vision Credit Union?

If folks receive any unsolicited emails, texts or calls asking for sensitive details like their SIN, account numbers or passwords, be cautious — Vision will never request this information out of the blue. Watch out for messages that create a sense of urgency with phrases like “Your account will be closed” or “Immediate action required,” as these are often pressure tactics used by scammers.

To stay safe, always check the sender’s email address or phone number. If it doesn’t look familiar, it’s worth investigating further. Be skeptical of generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of the members’ names — our communications will always address members personally.

If a member is ever in doubt about a communication, it’s best to contact their local branch directly using a known branch number or email us at contactus@visioncu.ca .

In our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. At Vision Credit Union, we are committed to protecting our members’ personal and financial information with the highest standards of security.

However, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and your vigilance is crucial in safeguarding your data. Together, we can create a secure financial environment for everyone.

Learn more about staying safe online by visiting the Government of Canada site, Get Cyber Safe .

Friendly Faces of Vision: Austyn Fowler

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:22:55 GMT

Viking, Alberta

“Everybody who walks through the door here, we all know by their first name. You don’t get that anywhere else. We’re kind of like a little family here.”

Meet Austyn, branch manager of Vision’s Viking branch. He grew up farming alongside his dad and brother on the land that’s been in his family since 1927. With 4,000 acres and 300 head of cattle, evenings and weekends are spent working the land.

But weekdays? That’s all about people.

Learn about Austyn’s journey from full-time farming to financial services at Vision, where he’s found not just a career, but a community in Viking.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Vision.

I went to Lakeland College when I graduated high school and got my business diploma there. That brought me to working at a chartered bank, where I lasted less than a year. I swore I would never go back to banking after that because it left such a sour taste in my mouth, so I went back to working at the farm full-time.

A little while later, a family friend named Terri Sullivan, who had worked at Vision for 25 years or more, convinced me to come for an interview. I got hired as a loans officer and haven’t looked back since.

Tell us about your current role at Vision.

After a few years as loans officer, I worked my way up to branch manager. Basically, my day-to-day is helping everyone else in the branch. We’re a smaller branch, with 10 staff here currently, so I’m helping with lending, investments, phoning members and everything in between when they need it is so important to me.

What's your favourite part about working at a rural credit union?

Everybody who walks through the door here, we all know by their first name. You don’t get that anywhere else. We’re kind of like a little family here… Many conversations we have at the branch are about life outside of business. It’s great, too, because most members we have in Viking are also farmers like me.

What do you enjoy about the Viking area?

Everybody knows everybody in town. The funniest part is, everybody has a story – and if you haven’t heard it yet, you will at some point. I also love how involved everyone is in the community. Everybody at the branch has some sort of community involvement after the branch closes.

Visit Austyn and the team at the Viking branch:

Stories of Alberta: Wainwright Memorial Clock Tower

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:28:34 GMT

Celebrating 100 years as Wainwright's most notable structure

Photos are generously supplied by the Town of Wainwright and the Wainwright and District Museum.

The first time you drive into Wainwright, it catches you off guard. You’re cruising down Main Street when the road suddenly splits – and there it is. Rising up in the middle of the street, the Memorial Clock Tower stands tall, its four faces watching over the town and the heart of the community.

The clock tower was first unveiled on September 13, 1925, as a tribute to the local soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. The project was brought forward by the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire , who requested the memorial be placed right in the center of town.

It was a true community effort. Crafted by a local stonemason from fieldstones gathered by schoolchildren and farmers, the tower also featured a bronze plaque designed in Edmonton bearing the names of the fallen. It was crowned with the finest clocks imported from England. For a century now, through triumphs and tribulations, that same clock has stood the test of time.

The first great test came only a few years later. In 1929, a devastating fire swept through the center of town, destroying 70 businesses and eight homes. Yet, the tower endured, quickly becoming a symbol of resilience. Nearly 20 years later, in 1947, its role as a memorial deepened when a second plaque was added to honour those who lost their lives in the Second World War. Subsequently, additional plaques have been added to recognize those that have served in Korea, Afghanistan and peace keeping missions around the world.

As the years went on, the tower became more than just a landmark – it became part of Wainwright’s story. One of its most notable moments came in July of 1959, when Queen Elizabeth II visited the site, placing both the town and its clock tower firmly on the map.

From that day forward, it’s been hard to imagine Wainwright without it. “It’s been symbolic of Wainwright for as long as I can remember,” says Carley Herbert, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Wainwright . “You drive down Main Street, and there it is. There aren’t many monuments like it.”

Today, the tower remains a gathering place for Remembrance Day ceremonies, its presence made even more meaningful with CFB Wainwright nearby. “With the base here, it means even more,” says Carley. “We know the people who have served, and we honour them right here in the middle of our community.”

To ensure that the legacy continues, the town recently undertook a restoration project to strengthen and preserve the structure for future generations. Specialists carefully repaired the brickwork, refreshed the mortar and removed later additions to return the tower to its original form. “We wanted it to last another hundred years,” Carley says. “Now, it looks as beautiful as it did in 1925.”

The refreshed clock tower gleams at night with new uplighting, its four faces illuminated as a beacon at the center of Main Street, all in preparation for the centennial celebration on September 13, 2025, exactly 100 years since its original unveiling.

The town has planned a ceremony to mirror the original unveiling, complete with a military march led by the Battle River Pipes and Drums , the Strathcona Mounted Troop , CFB Wainwright personnel, cadets and local Legion members. Representatives from the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire will return, as will 18 descendants of Mayor Earl Cork – the town’s mayor when the clock was first presented in 1925.

Whether 500 people attend or 2,000, the celebration will be about more than marking time. It will be about honouring sacrifice, celebrating community, and remembering that some landmarks are more than just brick and mortar. “It’s meaningful in that it’s a tie to history,” says Carley. “It’s also a very meaningful and unique memorial to honour our community spirit.”

Learn more about the September 13, 2025 Centennial Clock Celebration at wainwright.ca

Community Events: Alberta Culture Days 2025

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:58:00 GMT

Events happening in Vision communities during Alberta Culture Days

Alberta Culture Days is all about celebrating what makes our province shine – arts, heritage, diversity and community spirit. For the month of September, local organizations open their doors and bring people together with events and activities that highlight Alberta’s vibrant culture. It’s a chance for all of us to discover, experience, and celebrate the creativity that connects our communities.

Here are some events happening over the coming weeks in a handful of Vision's communities:

Peace River

Peace Among All Peoples

From the organizer: We plan to instruct the next generation of artists in creating murals in their community! The public is invited to watch the artists paint, participate in a public barbeque, and encourage the younger generation of artists to create their own mural to take home.

When: Sunday, September 21, 2025 & Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 9 am - 5 pm

Where: 10018 - 101 Street, Peace River

For more information, contact the ART HUB and Peace River Art Club: www.peacearthub.ca

Pincher Creek

PIIKANIKOAN: Living Under a Blackfoot Sky - A Modern Winter Count

From the organizer: This pop-up exhibition invites audiences to explore Blackfoot (Niitsitapi) cultural heritage through a combination of art, stories, and songs. Through the lens of his own musical journey, Piikani Nation member Ira Provost delves into the significance of Blackfoot music, its origins and its influence on his life story. This exhibition explores Ira’s biocultural heritage, education, career, culture and its place within the southern Alberta landscape through a modern Winter Count.

The Gallery Reception invites audiences to explore Blackfoot (Niitsitapi) cultural heritage through a combination of art, stories, and songs. Through the lens of his own musical journey, Piikani Nation member Ira Provost delves into the significance of Blackfoot music, its origins and its influence on his life story. This exhibition explores Ira’s biocultural heritage, education, career, culture and its place within the southern Alberta landscape through a modern Winter Count.

When: Tuesday, September 16 to Friday, September 19, 2025 | 10 am - 5 pm

Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 1 - 4 pm (reception)

Wednesday, September 24 to Friday, September 26, 2025 | 10 am - 5 pm

Where: 696 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek

For more information, contact the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek: www.thelebel.ca/culturedays25

Cultural Food Market

From the organizer: We would like to invite our community to celebrate all the different cultures in Southern Alberta! This celebration focuses on the different foods and traditions of these cultures by hosting a Food Fest outside of the library in September. This event will include food trucks, live music, traditional dancing/entertainment, and family friendly activities.

When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 12 - 4 pm

Where: 899 Main Street, Pincher Creek

For more information, contact the Pincher Creek Library: www.pinchercreeklibrary.ca

Metis History Through Music and Dance a free community workshop with Juno nominated Metis Fiddler Brianna Lizotte and percussionist Ethan Graves

From the organizer: On Saturday, September 27th folks of all ages are invited to join us at the Town Hall Gym for an afternoon of toe tapping and jig stepping. Passing down the history of the Métis through a musician's lens, these presenters work to form connections between participants' communities and all the communities around us.

When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12:30 pm

Where: 962 St. John Avenue, Pincher Creek

For more information, contact the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek: www.thelebel.ca/culturedays25

Stettler

First Nations/Indigenous Feature Celebration

From the organizer: Join us at the Stettler Town and Country Museum to learn about and celebrate the local First Nations/Indigenous people of our area. Activities will include Elder/Knowledge Keeper talks, trapping and fish processing demos, jigger demonstrations, an Artisan Market, and artifact displays, along with various speakers and workshops that the entire family can enjoy.

When: Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 11 am

Where: 6502 - 44 Avenue, Stettler

For more information, contact the Stettler Town and Country Museum: stettlermuseum.com/upcoming-events

Two Hills

Alberta Culture Days 2025

From the organizer: Two day festival celebrating Alberta's cultural diversity on Mainstreet in Two Hills. In celebrating our community, we are planning to showcase ethic dance, food, art and entertainment. There will be interactive educational displays and workshops available free to the public.

When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | TBD

Where : 4712 - 50 Street, Two Hills

For more information, contact the Stettler Town of Two Hills: www.townoftwohills.com

Vegreville

World's Largest Egg-and-Spoon Race

From the organizer: The Town of Vegreville is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Pysanka with a bold and exciting challenge: an attempt to break the World Record for the Largest Egg and Spoon Race! Join us on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM in Pysanka Park as we aim to bring together 3,000 participants—surpassing the current record of 2,039. This event invites residents, visitors, and curious competitors to be part of history - right beneath one of Canada's most iconic landmarks.

When: Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 2 pm

Where: 4500 Pysanka Avenue, Vegreville

For more information, contact the Town of Vegreville: www.vegreville.com

Wetaskiwin

Summer Send Off - Alberta Days Hoop Dancing

From the organizer: A showcase of Indigenous talent! Come participate in and learn about the vibrant, local Indigenous experience – Hoop dancing, drumming, an artisan educational display, and free food from a local Indigenous catering company! Join us in celebrating and learning about those who live, create, and thrive as Indigenous people in today’s Canada.

When: Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 1 - 5 pm

Where: Ashoro Park (by Parkdale School: 4107 54 Street, Wetaskiwin)

For more information, contact Connect Wetaskiwin: www.connectwetaskiwin.com

Learn more about Alberta Culture Days and see the full list of events throughout the province:

www.alberta.ca/alberta-culture-days

Community Visionaries: The Kinette Club of Stettler

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:04:34 GMT

Flamingos, fun and 70 years of community spirit

"It's really hard to miss a yard full of pink flamingos!"

It could happen to anyone: one night, you go to bed with a freshly mowed lawn and the next morning, you wake up to a sea of pink and dozens of plastic flamingos standing proudly in your front yard. On the surface, it’s a playful prank, a burst of laughter in the neighbourhood. But for the Kinette Club of Stettler , it’s also a clever way to raise funds, bring people together and shine a spotlight on the heart of their community.

Each spring, the excitement builds as folks in the community donate $30 to the Kinettes to prank their neighbour with a surprise flocking. “People are so silly and love the Flamingo Fundraiser,” says Hayley Fawcett, Vice President of the club. “The flockings allow us to raise funds for community projects and highlight our club at the same time. It’s really hard to miss a yard full of pink flamingos!”

That mix of fun and purpose is exactly what has defined the Kinettes for more than 70 years. Chartered in 1950, the club began as the sister organization to the Stettler Kinsmen Club and has since grown into a dynamic organization committed to service, leadership and fellowship.

With just 12 members, their reach extends far beyond their size, thanks to both Stettler’s strong community spirit and the wider support of Kin Canada , the national association of Kinsmen, Kinettes and Kin clubs.

The projects they take on reflect both local and national needs. They’ve raised funds for STARS Air Ambulance , supported the Stettler Hospice Society , donated to the BGC Stettler Heartland Youth Center , offered bursaries to high school students and provided annual contributions to Cystic Fibrosis Canada through their Highway Hold Up fundraiser.

The list goes on.

Their most ambitious undertaking in recent years was the Rosedale Tot Lot revitalization, where they helped build Stettler’s first wheelchair-accessible and inclusive playground in partnership with the Stettler Kinsmen Club. It’s a clear reminder of the organization’s impact on the community, says Hayley.

But for the Kinettes, it’s not just the big projects or hilarious lawn takeovers that matter. It’s the opportunity to bring people together.

Events like Oktoberfest and Ladies Night Out draw crowds of women from every age and background, with neighbours rolling up their sleeves to volunteer, buy raffle tickets or simply show up in support of the next cause. In a place like Stettler, community involvement runs deep, and the Kinettes are often at the heart of it.

That sense of supporting the community is what keeps Hayley coming back to the Kinettes and contributing where she can. “I’m passionate about giving back and leaving this community as a place where people want to be,” she says. “This is the world I’m leaving to my son, and I want it to be one he’s proud of.”

Proudly Local Business: 1908 Barbecue in Wainwright

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:34:56 GMT

Spicing up life in Wainwright and beyond

“Some pals and I got together... The three of us developed a spice blend and after a while, we started selling it in a few other stores in Alberta and it kind of just took off from there."

There’s something special about the smell of brisket in the smoker, ribs on the barbecue and a flavourful spice blend that brings a whole meal together. Marty Yurchak, owner of 1908 Barbecue in Wainwright, knows exactly how to bottle that feeling.

It started back in 2015 when Marty decided to enter a barbecue competition. “Some pals and I got together and we started cooking briskets and pork and all that stuff to practice,” he says. “Through that, the three of us developed a spice blend.”

What started as a fun backyard project between friends quickly turned into something more when Marty recognized a gap in the market for Canadian-made barbecue spices. He began selling that first backyard blend at Armstrong’s Clothing & Sports in Wainwright – another business proudly owned and operated by his family. “After a while, we started selling it in a few other stores in Alberta and it kind of just took off from there.”

By 2019, Marty’s side project had evolved into an official company: 1908 Barbecue . The name, fittingly, is a tribute to the store and town where it all began. “Armstrong’s started in 1908,” says Marty. “So, it’s sort of an homage to the store and the incorporation of Wainwright in June of the same year.”

As the spice blends grew in popularity, so did the need to bring production in-house. That led to the creation of Alchemy Blends – a spice mixing and packaging company that now helps more than 30 vendors across Canada develop and distribute their own products. “We followed the same sort of pattern as the brewing industry,” says Marty. “There were 10 brewers in Alberta in 2009, and now there are over 100. The spice business was very similar, with us being one of the few in Western Canada, and now, instead of being competition, we make their stuff for them and give them an opportunity to enter the market in the spice world.”

While 1908 Barbecue and Alchemy Blends are two separate ventures, they share a common thread: a love of great flavour and a passion for doing things differently. “At 1908, we offer different flavour profiles than most,” Marty says. “Our niche is what we call ‘wing rubs,’ so our dill pickle rub, lemon basil, jalapeño cheddar, jalapeño salt – all sorts of different flavours you wouldn’t typically put on a steak.”

1908 Barbecue is run solely by Marty, but Alchemy Blends operates with a small but growing team. Marty and his business partner, Clay Gosselin, lead the way alongside eight part-time employees, many of whom are local students. “They’ve been marvellous for us,” Marty says. “And I’m proud to offer a workplace where they’re not just pumping gas. It’s an important role where they have to follow recipes and it’s a bit higher end.”

Marty’s passion for mentorship extends beyond the workplace, inspiring young people to see entrepreneurship as a real and accessible career path. “I called our local school counsellor and said, ‘Do you tell students they’re allowed to own a business?’” he says. “You don’t just have to be a teacher or an engineer. While that’s marvellous, entrepreneurship is a cool career too and you don’t necessarily need money. We started from nothing.”

That belief in starting small and supporting one another is something Marty carries into every part of his work. “As a local business owner, you know everybody, and you can depend on your community to help you when you need it,” he says. “And I offer the same thing back. We donate to just about every cause that comes our way, whether it’s offering spices or more major things.”

For Marty and his family, Wainwright is more than just a business location – it’s home. “I’ll always stay in Wainwright… I’m not looking to take over the world. I plan to stay right here and grow my business in this great, dependable and close-knit community.”

“As a local business owner, you know everybody, and you can depend on your community to help you when you need it. And I offer the same thing back."

Vision Credit Union partners with CU Dealer Finance Corporation

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:31:45 GMT

For release July 28, 2025

We’re excited to share that Vision Credit Union Ltd. is now part of the Credit Union Dealer Finance Program, managed by CU Dealer Finance Corporation (CUDF). CUDF is thrilled to welcome us as their very first affiliate credit union in Central Alberta, and we’re proud to be part of what’s considered one of the top dealer finance programs in the country.

We joined this program with our members in mind. We want to make it easier and more convenient for you to access vehicle financing—right at the dealership—while still dealing with your trusted credit union. This new point-of-sale financing option will officially roll out this summer.

Vision Credit Union is a community credit union with over 37,000 members across Alberta. Over the past 75 years, Vision has evolved from a single branch in Camrose with assets of $178, to become the province’s second largest credit union with twenty-four branches and assets over $2.5 billion.

CUDF General Manager Darren Beasley noted, “CUDF looks forward to proudly representing Vision Credit Union members and non-members alike in their local market and throughout western Canada. The addition of Vision Credit Union will greatly increase their brand awareness and offer access to direct dealership financing not previously available to their membership and residents.”

CUDF’s origins date back to 1994 and in 2006, a partnership between Affinity Credit Union, Conexus Credit Union and Innovation Credit Union was formed. CUDF supports many Canadian Credit Unions with their members’ automotive needs in over 1,000 dealerships throughout Southern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Southeastern Alberta and now Central Alberta.

Contacts:

Suzanne Thomas

Senior Vice President of Credit
Vision Credit Union

sthomas@visioncu.ca

Darren Beasley

General Manager

CU Dealer Finance Corporation

darren.beasley@conexus.ca

Community Visionaries: The MAN VAN®

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:59:06 GMT

Bringing men's health to the streets of Alberta

You can’t miss this blue vehicle driving down the street — the bold lettering, the unmistakable message and the simple truth that it’s here to help save lives. It’s called The MAN VAN®, a fully mobile men’s health clinic with a mission that’s changing the way Albertan men access care.

Born from a vision by Calgary urologist, Dr. Bryan Donnelly , The MAN VAN®, operated by the Prostate Cancer Centre in Calgary, hit the road in 2009 as Canada’s first mobile men’s health clinic, bringing prostate cancer awareness and screening directly to men aged 40 to 70 who need it most.

Since then, it has evolved into a lifeline for more than 70,000 men across the province, many of whom aren’t likely to book a doctor’s appointment on their own. The MAN VAN® brings the clinic to them — no excuses, no referrals, no appointments. Just walk up, register, and in about 15 minutes, you'll have taken a powerful step in protecting your health.

The heart of The MAN VAN® is the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test, a simple and effective way to flag potential prostate issues. If a patient’s test is flagged with an elevated PSA level, the Prostate Cancer Centre’s team of healthcare professionals follow up with them and provides direction for further testing. No matter the case, every patient will receive their blood test results directly, even if they don’t have a family doctor.

In early 2020, the team also introduced a mental wellness check to add on to the blood test if the patient chooses. “We know that, unfortunately, the same group of men who can be at high risk for prostate cancer, the ages align with men who are at higher risk for things like suicide,” says Camille Scheible, Director of The MAN VAN®. “We’ve been really excited to offer those services as well.”

The MAN VAN® team is made up of roughly 75 staff, including nurses, medical lab assistants and a few paramedics who run the tests, as well as over 76 volunteers, called hosts, who handle patient registration at clinics around the province. “We have several volunteers with us, if not all of them, who’ve been affected by prostate cancer in one way or another,” says Camille. “A lot of them have even come through the Prostate Cancer Centre because they had prostate cancer themselves.”

One story that has stayed with Camille over her 15 years with The MAN VAN® is that of Wilf, an Indigenous man who watched the vans visit his community year after year. For a long time, he was hesitant to get checked. Then, something changed — maybe it was the familiar faces on the van or the welcoming environment — and he decided to go for it.

That decision saved his life.

Wilf was among the one in six Alberta men diagnosed with prostate cancer, but because it was caught early, he was able to start treatment right away. He later joined a clinical trial, was put on a life-changing drug, and just a couple of years ago, rang the celebratory bell at the Prostate Cancer Centre to mark being cancer-free. “He told us he never thought he’d get to see his grandchildren graduate,” says Camille. “We were able to give him that.”

The MAN VAN® team serves more than 10,000 men annually, from the heart of Calgary to Alberta’s most rural corners and Indigenous communities. In 2024, The MAN VAN® added a third vehicle to the fleet — bigger, better and built for privacy and comfort. “It looks like a massive driving billboard,” jokes Camille. “It’s definitely noticed by others driving down the highway. We get a lot of honks, but it’s been a welcome addition for sure.”

This organization represents the very best of what it means to serve Albertans: meeting people where they are and empowering them to take charge of their health, one blood test, one conversation and one life at a time.

Stop by The MAN VAN® at the 2025 Wainwright Stampede Grounds on Saturday, June 21, from 11 am – 3 pm for a clinic sponsored by Vision Credit Union, Wainwright Stampede and Wainwright Rotary Club.

The mortgage renewal wave: What Albertans need to know in 2025

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:23:22 GMT

More than 1.2 million Canadians are renewing their mortgages in 2025. But what does that mean for you?

More than 1.2 million Canadians are renewing their mortgages in 2025 — and if you're one of them, you're not alone in feeling a little uncertain. With interest rates higher than they were five years ago during the pandemic, many Canadians are worried about what renewal will mean for their monthly payments. In fact, 57% expect an increase in payments, according to a survey conducted by Royal LePage earlier this year.

But here's the thing: a little knowledge (and the right lender) can go a long way in easing the stress.

Vision Credit Union is here to help you navigate this year’s mortgage renewal wave with confidence, clarity and a strong financial strategy.

Understanding the renewal process

Renewing your mortgage means choosing a new term and interest rate for your existing loan. Terms can range from six months to five years, and you’ll also choose between an open or closed mortgage, depending on your goals and how flexible you want your payments to be.

Chelsea Baynham, senior loans officer at Vision’s Wainwright branch, explains how Vision helps make the process straightforward: “We send out renewal letters 60 days before the mortgage renewal date, and our lenders follow up personally to walk members through their options.”

This renewal period is a perfect opportunity to reassess your financial picture, not just your mortgage. You may be able to access home equity to consolidate debt, take on a renovation project, or simply restructure your finances for more breathing room.

Higher rates? Don't panic

Yes, interest rates are higher than they were five years ago, but they’re also stabilizing and returning to more typical, pre-COVID levels. That shift might feel like a shock if you locked into historically low rates during the pandemic, but it’s important to keep things in perspective.

Rather than focusing only on the rate, Chelsea encourages members to consider the bigger picture. “It’s important to review their overall financial situation at the time of renewal,” she says. “If there’s equity in their home, they may want to explore options such as consolidation loans or a home equity line of credit.”

Managing higher payments

If you’re renewing your mortgage with a higher interest rate, there are ways to ease the transition. One effective strategy is to adjust your payment schedule. For example, switching from an accelerated bi-weekly payment schedule to a regular bi-weekly payment schedule can help improve your monthly cash flow, without sacrificing your long-term mortgage goals.

“Every mortgage is unique,” says Chelsea. “Having a conversation with a lender can be incredibly valuable in determining what best suits your needs.”

Pay close attention to your renewal deadlines

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make is ignoring their renewal letter. If the letter is missed and you don’t act in time, your mortgage could automatically be rolled over into a term with a much higher interest rate than you might want. “It’s essential to set aside time to go over everything thoroughly,” says Chelsea. “Having that initial discussion can often ease a lot of the uncertainty and help you feel more in control.”

Members are encouraged to reach out to their local branch at any time, not just during renewal season. Whether you need advice about your mortgage, loans, savings or your overall financial health, Vision’s teams are here to help.

“It's completely normal to feel a bit anxious about your upcoming mortgage renewal, especially in a changing rate environment,” says Chelsea. “The most important thing you can do is start the conversation early. You're not alone in this process.”

How Vision can help:

Year-round personalized and local guidance
Early renewal support to start the process well before your renewal deadline
Competitive, member-first rates with no hidden penalties or charges

Renewing your mortgage in 2025? Start the conversation early and move forward with confidence. Reach out to your local Vision branch today.

Mortgage Matters: What's your right repayment option?

Tue, 20 May 2025 18:53:21 GMT

A little goes a long way with accelerated payments

Buying a home comes with a whirlwind of decisions: What can we afford? Which neighbourhood is best for our family? Should we go for a condo or a house? Can we live with that carpet? By the time you reach the mortgage paperwork, it’s tempting to just sign and get it over with. But don’t check out just yet!

There are still a few important decisions ahead, one is deciding your mortgage payment option. This decision doesn’t just affect how much and how often you pay — it can also make a big difference in what you end up paying over the life of your mortgage.

Monthly:

Monthly payments are the most straightforward and, more often than not, the most common. Your financial institution will withdraw your payment on the same day each month, which means just one payment to consider. If you continue to make monthly payments for your mortgage, you will pay it off at the end of the amortization term.

Semi-monthly:

A semi-monthly payment schedule means you make a mortgage payment twice a month on two set dates. For example, a mortgage payment would be made on the first and the fifteenth day of the month. With this repayment option, there will be a total of 24 payments per year.

Calculate: Take your monthly mortgage payment and divide it by two to see how much each semi-monthly payment will be.

Biweekly:

Biweekly payments mean you make a mortgage payment every two weeks for a total of 26 payments per year. This won’t pay your mortgage off any sooner than monthly payments, but if you’re paid biweekly, this might be more convenient.

Calculate: Take your monthly mortgage payment, multiply by 12 for a year, then divide by 26.

Weekly:

With weekly payments, you make a mortgage payment each week, all year long. This method won’t pay your mortgage off any sooner than monthly payments, but it may be a benefit for your particular financial situation.

Calculate: Take your monthly payments, multiply by 12 for a year, then divide by 52 weeks.

Accelerated Biweekly:

Accelerated payments allow you to pay your mortgage off faster, and therefore save on interest. Accelerated biweekly payments are similar to just regular biweekly payments, but they add an additional two payments over the course of the year.

Here’s how it works: Y ou’ll be paying half of your monthly mortgage payment every two weeks, which results in two extra payments per year. Those two extra payments go directly to paying down the principal on your mortgage.

Calculate: Take your monthly mortgage payment, divide by two and pay this amount every two weeks.

Accelerated Weekly:

Like regular weekly payments, accelerated weekly payments are made each week, but they add four additional weekly payments per year.

Here’s how it works: You’ll be paying one-quarter of your monthly mortgage payment every week, which results in four extra payments per year. Those four extra payments go directly to paying down the principal on your mortgage.

Calculate: Take your monthly mortgage payment, divide it by four and pay this amount every two weeks.

To sum it all up:

When determining your payment schedule, your income and the kind of lifestyle you want to lead while paying your mortgage are important considerations. That said, if accelerated payment options are financially feasible for you, they offer significant benefits:

Shorter amortization: Pay off your mortgage sooner.
Save on interest: The quicker you pay off your mortgage the less interest you’ll be charged, which means more of your payments go towards paying off the principal.

Here’s an example of what you can save:

Biweekly: $400,000 mortgage, 5-year fixed term, 5.19% interest.

Payment (biweekly) $1,093.17 | Interest over 25-year amortization period $310,559.59.

Accelerated biweekly: $400,000 mortgage, 5-year fixed term, 5.19% interest.

Payment (biweekly) $1,184.94 | Interest over 25-year amortization period $259,201.20.

The accelerated option saves $51,358.39 in interest over the lifetime of the mortgage!

Helpful Tools for First-Time Homebuyers

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:33:01 GMT

Government back-up for buying your first home

Given the increased cost of living and high interest rates seen across Canada, the barriers to first-time home ownership seem higher than ever. Fortunately, there are a couple of federal programs to help put home ownership within reach of first-time buyers.

Home Buyers’ Plan

For many first-time homebuyers, coming up with a down payment is a giant hurdle. The Home Buyers’ Plan aims to make this a little easier by allowing Canadians to withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSPs, tax-free, to purchase or build a first home.

There’s a bit of fine print to keep in mind with this program, including:

You must meet the federal government’s criteria for a first-time home buyer. This means that you did not occupy a home that you owned or that your current spouse or common-law partner owned in the four years prior to your home purchase.
You must have a written agreement to buy or build a qualifying home. A mortgage pre-approval does not count.
You must intend to occupy the qualifying home as your principal place of residence within one year  after buying or building it.
You can withdraw funds from more than one RRSP as long as you are the owner of each RRSP account. Some RRSPs, such as locked-in or group RRSPs, do not allow you to withdraw funds from them.
You cannot use any amount transferred from your First Home Savings Account (FHSA) to your RRSP for HBP purposes and you cannot repay your HBP withdrawals into your FHSA.
You must return the amount you withdrew back into your RRSP within 15 years.
You can cancel your Home Buyers Plan participation under certain conditions.

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

A self-directed First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered savings account for first-time home buyers to grow their savings, tax-free for the purchase of their first home.

An FHSA combines some features of an RRSP and TFSA and allows prospective first-time home buyers to contribute $8,000 per year to a maximum of $40,000 over 15 years. Contributions to an FHSA will be tax-deductible like and RRSP. When a qualifying withdrawal is made, the amount withdrawn is non-taxable, like a TFSA.

Similar to a TFSA, unused contribution amounts can be carried forward to the next year, making your yearly savings goals work for you. Once you've purchased a home, any unused savings can be transferred from your FHSA into an RRSP or RRIF tax-free.

The fine print:

You must meet the federal government’s criteria for a first-time home buyer. This means that you did not occupy a home that you owned or that your current spouse or common-law partner owned in the four years prior to your home purchase.
You are a resident of Canada and between the ages of 18 and 71 as of December 31 the year you open your FHSA.
Withdrawals are subject to a few rules:
You must be a first-time home buyer for the purposes of making a qualified withdrawal.
You must have a written agreement to buy or build a qualifying home with the acquisition or completion date of the qualifying home before October 1 of the year following the date of the withdrawal.
You must not have acquired the qualifying home more than 30 days before making the withdrawal.
You must be a resident of Canada and plan to occupy the qualifying home as your principal place of residence within one year after buying or building it.
You cannot cancel a qualifying withdrawal from your FHSA once it has been made.

You can withdraw amounts from your RRSPs under the Home Buyers' Plan and make a qualifying withdrawal from your FHSA for the same qualifying home as long as you meet all of the conditions at the time of each withdrawal.

Learn more about federal programs for home buyers:

Government of Canada | Your CRA guide to taxes and housing benefits

Questions?

Get in touch . We're happy to help.

Stories of Alberta: The Bailey Theatre in Camrose

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:05:45 GMT

An Alberta landmark reborn by community spirit

Nestled among the historic brick storefronts and bustling local businesses on Camrose’s main street stands a theatre unlike any other. With its iconic Art Deco façade and intimate charm, The Bailey Theatre has been part of the Camrose story since 1911 and is the oldest theatre in western Canada today.

But this isn’t just an old building. It’s a heartbeat, a memory keeper, a place where history meets community and the past is always ready to take centre stage.

The story begins with Camille David, a rancher who moved to Camrose in the spring of 1909 and purchased a wine, liquor and cigar store on Main Street. But Camille’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there. A year later, he began building The David Theatre right across the street and on February 23, 1911, Camille raised the curtains for its first-ever live performance.

The theatre quickly became a buzzing hub of entertainment and culture, hosting touring vaudeville acts, silent films, political rallies and even boxing matches. It was ahead of its time, with electric lights, an orchestra pit and dressing rooms beneath the stage. “We have an old photograph of 60 people on the stage,” says David Roth, Director of the Bailey Theatre Society. “It’s a small stage, but it’s seen a lot.”

In 1919, Stan Bailey purchased the theatre and added a 40-foot front lobby and a 120-seat balcony. Though it kept the David name for a few years, the building gradually became known as the Bailey Theatre — a name that would endure for generations.

The Bailey remained at the heart of Camrose’s cultural scene for decades. It hosted dances, live shows and community events, even throughout the Second World War. But after switching ownership again a handful of times and becoming a movie theatre, competition from modern multiplexes forced the Bailey to dim its lights in the mid-1990s.

That could’ve been the end, but instead, it was a new beginning.

2024/25 Bailey Theatre Society board members.

In 1999, a group of passionate community members formed the Bailey Theatre Society and bought the building from Landmark Cinemas for just one dollar. Armed with vision and volunteer spirit, they got to work restoring the space. “When it was renovated, one of the main objectives was that it be a major hub on Main Street,” says David. “When the project first started, Camrose’s downtown was struggling, so bringing the Bailey back as a vibrant activity on Main Street was really important.”

As renovations continued, so did the challenges. “Eventually the money ran out and the pigeons moved in,” says David. But luckily, residents in Camrose never forgot about the fond childhood memories at the Bailey and in 2006, Frank MacInnis, a benefactor who grew up in Camrose, donated $2.5 million to the cause and renovations soon continued.

That gift sparked a swell of support. With funding from the City of Camrose, provincial and federal governments, private donations and a mortgage from Vision Credit Union, the restoration was eventually completed. In 2011, 100 years after its original opening night, the Bailey Theatre reopened its doors.

“It really is a cultural hub in Camrose,” says Colleen Nelson, President of the Bailey Theatre Society. “It’s been that way since the very beginning.”

For both Colleen and David, the Bailey is more than a piece of history. It’s home.

Colleen remembers running down the street as a child with just enough allowance to catch a matinee and buy a snack. “It was a sense of independence and wonder,” she says. “My husband and I had our first date here when I was 15 and we’ve had our entire family here many times over the years.”

Today, the theatre hosts everything from folk and blues shows with the Rose City Roots Music Society to community arts programs, special events and downtown lunches at the onsite bistro. It’s the permanent home of the Camrose Arts Society and a vital piece of Main Street’s revitalization.

It’s not just about the past. It’s about continuing to create memories and connection with the community. “The energy from my childhood is still alive in this theatre today,” says Colleen.

At Vision, we’re proud to support spaces like the Bailey Theatre — places that honour our past, enrich our present and inspire our future. After all, what’s more local than the places where our stories unfold?

Learn more about Vision's 75 years of community building at visioncu75.ca .

Community Visionaries: Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:18:17 GMT

The volunteer dive team bringing peace back to Albertans

"Bringing loved ones home is the most important goal. Not knowing where someone is gives people a terrible feeling of hopelessness. We do what we do to give families closure."

For families facing the unimaginable loss of a loved one in Alberta’s waterways, they’re left in limbo, searching for answers, clinging to hope and dreading the unknown. For these families, closure often comes in the form of a dedicated team of volunteers — trained professionals who navigate the depths, not for adventure, but for recovery.

The Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society (CARDS), also known as the Underwater Search Team, is that team. Since 2013, this group has been committed to bringing peace to grieving families, a mission that extends across 663,000 square kilometres of Alberta’s lakes and rivers.

The genesis of CARDS was a heartbreaking event: the drowning of two young men in Coal Lake, near Wetaskiwin. At the time, Alberta lacked a dedicated dive recovery team, leaving Camrose firefighters with scuba training to attempt the search. When their efforts were unsuccessful, the need for a specialized team became clear.

From that moment, CARDS was formed with a singular purpose: to ensure that no family would have to wait indefinitely for answers. “Bringing loved ones home is the most important goal,” says Luke Jevne, Chief of Operations for CARDS. “Not knowing where someone is gives people a terrible feeling of hopelessness. We do what we do to give families closure.”

These photos were taken during a training exercise with CARDS at Pigeon Lake. The team worked together with Southside Pigeon Lake (SPL) and Mulhurst fire crews to safely recover a vehicle that had dropped through the ice.

As the only certified underwater recovery dive team in Alberta outside of the Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat’s municipal fire departments that only operate within city limits, CARDS answers calls from across the province. “Our team is spread out across Alberta, with some members in places like Airdrie, Cold Lake, Fort Saskatchewan and Millet,” says Luke. Despite the challenge of having a spread-out team without a proper a home base for equipment, CARDS has solidified its role as Alberta’s go-to dive recovery team for law enforcement, having contracts with both the RCMP and Edmonton Police Service.

Unlike traditional rescue teams, CARDS is primarily a recovery unit. By the time their expertise is requested, the window for rescue has often passed. “It’s a sad reality,” explains Luke. “With the distances we travel, by the time we arrive, the situation has changed. We’re there to bring closure, to help loved ones find peace.”

The process of deploying the dive team is methodical and precise. When called by law enforcement, Luke and his team assess availability, gather resources and set out to the site. Before divers enter the water, they scan the area using sonar to identify targets of interest. Once a search plan is in place, the team enters Alberta’s murky waters, sometimes in the dead of winter. “This isn’t beautiful, pristine water,” Jevne says. “It’s cold, it’s dark and it’s dangerous.”

"A lot of our equipment and training comes out of our own personal dollars. When we have a diver in the water, it’s roughly $27,000 worth of equipment and training they’re jumping in with."

Because Alberta remains the only province in Canada without a fully funded recovery dive team, CARDS operates solely through volunteer efforts and community support. “We have a team across Alberta made up of 12 divers as well as a board of five volunteers,” says Luke. Most volunteers come from an emergency services background and work full time as firefighters, police officers or EMS. “When we have a diver in the water, it’s roughly $27,000 worth of equipment and training they’re jumping in with, plus their lost wages and commuting costs,” says Luke.

Despite their critical role, CARDS operates on limited funding, relying on grants and community donations to sustain their work. “Because the funding we receive from the government is a drop in the bucket, a lot of our equipment and training comes out of our own personal dollars,” Luke explains. This year, CARDS received a Vision Credit Union Helping Hands Grant, providing much-needed equipment and resources. “The grant from Vision is going to make a big difference for us,” Luke says. “Every dollar counts.”

For families in crisis, CARDS’ work is invaluable. And for Alberta, this team represents community service at its finest: stepping forward when others can’t, diving into the unknown, and ensuring no one is left behind.

To learn more and donate to CARDS, visit their website: underwatersearchteam.com

Vision Credit Union Announces 2024/25 Community Grant Recipients.

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:00:02 GMT

Grants contribute more than $250,000 to support community organizations across Alberta

It's a new Helping Hand Grants record! Vision Credit Union is proud to announce that 40 organizations across our rural Alberta branch network have received a combined total of $250,000 through our 2024/25 Helping Hand Grant program. This year's disbursement marks the highest grant total and number of recipients awarded to date through this program!

Helping Hand Grants offer up to $10,000 in funding to qualifying organizations in support of capital projects that enhance rural communities in our branch network, helping community groups improve facilities, purchase essential equipment and expand their impact.

“The Helping Hand Grant program is a testament to the strength of rural Alberta,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union. “These organizations do incredible work to support their communities, and we’re proud to give back in a way that helps them continue making a difference.”

Grant applications are evaluated based on their benefit to people and the broader community, with selections made by a committee of Vision Credit Union’s leadership. Since launching the program in 2023, Vision Credit Union has awarded over $630,000 in Helping Hand Grants, reinforcing its commitment to rural Alberta’s growth and success.

For a full list of this year’s recipients or to learn more about applying for a Helping Hand Grant, visit whatsyourshare.ca/helping-hand-grants .

ABOUT VISION CREDIT UNION:

Vision Credit Union Ltd. is a member-owned financial institution serving over 37,000 members across Alberta. With a 75-year history of supporting rural communities, Vision has grown from a single branch in Camrose to 24 branches and over $2.5 billion in assets. Learn more at www.visioncu.ca .

Vision Credit Union breaking ground on new head office in downtown Camrose

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:20:03 GMT

Vision Credit Union is breaking ground on a new head office, as the organization grows to serve the needs of its membership.

The new 20,000 sq. ft. two-story building is designed to house their Corporate Head Office, not a new branch location. The building will feature collaborative workspaces, private offices, a Board room, and a state-of-the-art training room. Importantly, located in downtown Camrose with potential for future expansions if needed. The new space will also eliminate the need for Vision to rent, resulting in future cost savings.

The $10-million-dollar building will take 12-18 months to complete, with an estimated move-in date in 2026. This building will meet or exceed all environmental and efficiency standards. Align Builders, a local Camrose general contractor will be constructing the building, employing local contractors. Five Star Home Solutions are the project managers. Vision Credit Union continues to work within and support the communities it serves. This expansion to the credit union’s growing infrastructure helps keep local decision-making, local.

“This new administration building will help us grow well into the future and give admin staff a healthy working environment to thrive in,” said CEO Steve Friend. “We look forward to construction beginning soon, and completion in 2026.”

Over the past decade, Vision has merged with three credit unions—Caisse Horizon, Pincher Creek Credit Union, and Encompass Credit Union—while also acquiring the Wetaskiwin branch. These mergers have introduced additional administrative needs to support the growth of the organization, which is now the second-largest credit union in Alberta, with $2.5B in assets and 24 branches across 23 communities.

Protecting yourself from fraud

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:51:51 GMT

Over 34,000 people were victims of fraud in Canada in 2024. This marked a decrease in the number of victims compared to 2023, yet the total amount lost to fraud rose from $578M in 2023 to an even more shocking $638M in 2024.

While scams and fraud are not new, the delivery method used changes and evolves over time, especially as new technology becomes available. That's why initiatives like Fraud Prevention Month, which enters its 21st year in 2024, are so important. One of the best ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud is to stay aware and stay educated.

Here are some of the most common scams we covered last year.

Top online scams

In 2023, there were 5,850 reports of phishing and $50.3 million lost to romance scams in Canada alone.

Phishing is when criminals trick you into giving away your personal information or clicking on seemingly “harmless” links on emails, downloadable attachments or even QR codes.

Safety tips:

Real organizations won't request personal info via email or text.
Look out for spelling mistakes.
Go to the organization's official website to verify or make contact, never use the phone number/email from the suspicious message.
Don’t reply to spam messages, click links (even to unsubscribe) and open attachments.

Romance scams happen when a scammer tries to convince you to enter a virtual relationship so they can gain your trust and affection through email and social media. They will eventually ask you for money, to join a business venture or receive illegal money from them.

Safety tips:

Be cautious if they always have an excuse not to meet in person.
Use caution if the person wants to quickly move to a private or different mode of communication outside the dating app.
Don't send money to someone you've never met, especially if they act distressed or angry.

Business scams

A business scam is when scammers target businesses of all sizes to steal information and/or money.

Clones or fraudulent websites and social media accounts are created to trick consumers into purchasing fraudulent products or to gain personal and/or banking information.

Email cloning, compromise and employee impersonation scams happen when scammers use Malware to get into a business’ email server, create an email similar to a business address, or impersonate a business executive to trick other employees or clients into clicking a link, purchasing gift cards or even requesting payroll changes.

Safety tips:

Use caution when interacting with websites and social media accounts. Be certain the site you're purchasing from or clicking on is legitimate. If you're worried, call the business to confirm the website or social media account is trusted.
Change your email passwords often.
Educate employees at every level to be wary of emails impersonating others. When in doubt, call your employer or employee to confirm the email is coming from them.

Identity theft and identity fraud

In 2023, there were over 11,200 reports of identity theft and fraud, making it the number one fraud of 2023.

Identity theft is when a criminal steals someone’s personal information and uses their identity. This information is usually collected by stealing someone’s mail, dumpster diving, phishing and computer spyware. Identity theft usually leads to identity fraud…

Identity fraud is when criminals use stolen personal information to commit another crime, such as logging into a bank account to steal money, applying for loans or credit cards, buying goods or services and even getting passports or receiving government benefits.

Safety tips:

Use caution when receiving unknown e-mails, text messages, telephone calls or mail asking you for personal or financial information.
Check your credit reports and bank statements regularly and watch for unusual activity on your accounts.
Check your mailbox often and shred your personal documents before throwing them out.
Notify your financial institutions or government if you change addresses.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scams

This type of scam happens when someone claims to be an employee of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or Service Canada. They will threaten to have you fined, arrested or deported unless you click a link, share personal information, send money or receive money to gain your banking information. These scams are usually delivered via phone call or text message.

Safety tips:

The CRA will never ask for payment or send funds via text message.
The caller asks for information not associated with the CRA, like a credit card number.
Before giving away personal information over the phone, check to ensure the person is a CRA employee. Ask for their name, phone number and office location then hang up and call the CRA back directly to confirm the caller was legitimate. If they were, call the employee back on the number they provided to further discuss the issue.
Do not provide information to callers offering to apply for benefits on your behalf. You can do so on the Government of Canada website.

Emergency scams

Emergency scams are when a scammer uses someone’s fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble to get money fast. These typically show up in the form of a phone call or text message where the scammer pretends to be a family member or friend who needs bail money, money for a car accident or they’re having trouble returning from a foreign country.

Safety tips:

Hang up the phone and refrain from texting the number back. Instead, call the friend or loved one yourself using a phone number you already have.
If they claim to be a law enforcement official on behalf of a loved one and request money or personal information, hang up and call your local police directly.
Don't just rely on caller ID. Scammers can fake those too!
Be careful what you're posting online. Scammers can use this personal information against you.

Investment scams

In 2023, there were over 4,000 reports of investment scams and $309.4 million lost, making it the number one scam based on dollars lost last year.

Investment scams target individuals to invest in fake or deceptive investment opportunities. These opportunities often promise higher-than-normal returns, but investors often lose most or all their money in the end.

Celebrity endorsements and deep fake scams happen when “celebrities” endorse investment opportunities on social media, but the endorsement videos or images are artificially generated.

Cryptocurrency scams happen when scammers offer you cryptocurrency buy-ins promising a high rate of return in a short amount of time. Instead, the victim will lose their investment and sometimes their personal financial information.

Pump and dump scams are when a scammer promotes a great deal on a low-priced stock, but they own a large amount of it. As more investors buy shares, the value continues to grow. Once it reaches its peak, the scammer will sell their shares and the shares become worthless.

Safety tips:

Don't trust everything you see on social media — it can be artificially generated.
Rather than relying on celebrities, influencers, friends and family when it comes to investments, leave it to the professionals and do your research before investing.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you or someone you know is a victim of cybercrime or fraud, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by phone at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

Friendly Faces of Vision: Sheila Donally

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:36:11 GMT

Edgerton, Alberta

“I like that fact that we are truly rural. We still answer our phones and know members by their names when they come through the door.”

Meet Sheila Donally, a Senior Member Services Representative at Vision’s Edgerton branch. Sheila has lived in rural Alberta for over 40 years and has spent nearly half of that time working in the credit union world, supporting community members and embracing the rural way of life.

Discover her journey from Saskatchewan to Alberta, what she enjoys most about working at a local credit union and why Edgerton will always feel like home.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan and my husband and I moved to Alberta in 1983 when I was eight months pregnant with our first child. Our two children have grown up in the area here since day one. I am also a councillor for the Village of Chauvin where I live, which is about 15 minutes away from Edgerton.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Vision.

I was a stay-at-home mom when my kids were growing up, and once they moved out of the house, I decided to go and find a job. I began working retail at the mall in Lloydminster, but after a short time, I realized I didn’t enjoy that type of work. Lucky for me, a friend of mine found a job for me at a bank in Lloydminster, where I worked for about five years.

I later found another position closer to home in Chauvin at the credit union, which was Encompass at the time. The staff worked part-time in Chauvin and part-time at the branch in Edgerton. When the Chauvin branch flooded in 2021, we brought all the staff and the members over to the Edgerton branch full time and then we merged with Vision shortly after. In total, I’ve been with the credit union for about 16 years!

Tell us about your current role at Vision.

I started off at the credit union as a Member Services Representative (MSR), and today, I’m a Senior MSR. I do a lot of back-end personal, commercial and agriculture lending support, but as a senior staff member, I’m also doing front-line stuff as well. Since the Chauvin branch was closed permanently, we obviously have a lot more members coming to Edgerton, so it keeps us all busy.

What's your favourite part about working at a rural credit union?

I like that fact that we are truly rural. We still answer our phones and know members by their names when they come through the door. I really like helping people and I consider that one of my strong suits, so that means a lot to me. I also enjoy that it’s a slower pace compared to city living. When we have a line-up of five people, at least three of them know each other and all of them enjoy having the time to connect. It’s just a lifestyle that I like.

What do you enjoy about the Edgerton area?

I really love the landscape around here and that the area still has hills and trees. And, of course, the people. I’ve been here long enough that I have a lot of friends in the area who have always been supportive of one another. I was lucky to witness that during the first few weeks of living here, needing help in my final days of pregnancy while my husband was at work. Everyone is community-minded where we are, and I’m happy that my kids have chosen to stay here, too.

Visit Sheila and the team at the Edgerton branch:

Proudly Local Business: Five Star Home Solutions in Camrose

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 22:50:24 GMT

Reimagining Camrose with craftsmanship, creativity and personal touch

There’s a special kind of joy that comes after transforming a space into something truly your own. It’s the feeling of walking into your freshly renovated home and seeing sunlight dance across brand-new hardwood floors or the pride of opening the door to a modern, welcoming office that makes every workday just a little brighter.

Whether it’s a cozy family room or a sleek commercial space, a well-designed renovation or new home breathes new life into the places where we live, work and connect.

For families and businesses in Camrose, that feeling is what Five Star Home Solutions has delivered with every project for over a decade.

“Building is kind of like a marriage. Everyone has to learn to love each other before the project begins and then everyone gets to have a fun time going through the process together.”

Owners Shawn and Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey began 16 years ago when they moved from Medicine Hat to Camrose with their son and two daughters. Armed with Shawn’s background as a journeyman carpenter and experience running a previous carpentry shop, they decided to open a business in Camrose that would bring their unique touch to residential and commercial projects alike.

Five Star offers a wide range of services, from custom home builds to intricate renovations and commercial developments. “We’re very unique in that we don’t just do new construction,” says Shawn. “In the industry, people generally stick to one discipline, but we kind of do it all.”

Doing it all is made easier with the help of 10 skilled and trusted staff members, some of whom have been with Five Star since day one. “We’ve always kept a fairly big in-house staff, anywhere from 10 to 30 employees at a time, and keep it running as a mom-and-pop business,” says Shawn. “With that, we have more control over the quality of our work and build stronger one-on-one connections with our customers.”

Those strong relationships are the foundation for success in Shawn’s line of work. “Building is kind of like a marriage,” says Shawn. “Everyone has to learn to love each other before the project begins and then everyone gets to have a fun time going through the process together.”

For Shawn, the most fun comes from breathing new life into old spaces. “We enjoy the new designs and drafting for new builds,” he says. “But I also still love taking 1920s homes and retrofitting them and making them into something new. It seems we try to reinvent the wheel every time.”

Living and working in Camrose has been a fulfilling experience for Shawn as both a business owner and family man, now with five children in the mix. Over the years, the team at Five Star and the MacKinnon family have been active participants in the Camrose community, supporting various charitable initiatives and lifting other businesses up. “This is a tight-knit community where others can rely on us and we can rely on them, too,” says Shawn. “There are a lot of good builders in the community that we’ll happily recommend if we’re unable to do the job and that’s pretty unique.”

As for the future of the business, Shawn jokes that his daughters have yet to catch the construction bug. But the strong connections he’s built over the last decade will likely come in handy. “Some of the guys on my team have been with me from day one and will hopefully take over and keep it going strong when the time comes.”

At its core, Five Star Home Solutions is driven by family values and a dedication to quality, creativity and support along the way. “People think a new build is going to be scary,” says Shawn. “But it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to take the complication out of it.”

Spoken like a dad of five who knows how to juggle it all with the right foundation.

The artist behind Vision's member cards: Billie Rae Busby

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:22:22 GMT

"Creativity was around all the time, and that has lived with me since."

A journey through the Canadian prairies is like no other. From the open skies and patchwork fields to quaint small towns and towering grain elevators, the simplicity of the landscape in rural Alberta is the essence of its charm.

For years, Alberta contemporary artist Billie Rae Busby has been putting her paintbrush to work to capture this rural charm and transform natural beauty into something tangible.

Billie Rae was born and raised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan — a small city surrounded by farmer’s fields and an economy driven mainly by agriculture. “Even though I lived right in the city, I grew up in a bit of a rural environment,” she says. “A lot of my friends were farm kids who either lived on acreages or farms.”

But even with the influence of her farming friends at school, Billie Rae took after her mother who spent much of her time quilting, sewing and crocheting. “My mom was always doing some sort of craft when I was growing up,” she says. “Creativity was around all the time, and that has lived with me since.”

Later, after graduating from the University of Saskatchewan, Billie Rae moved to Calgary in search of a community with an arts scene that embraced her abstract outlook on the world.

“I love the bigger city, but I had a bit of nostalgia when travelling across the flat open land of Saskatchewan where I grew up."

In those early years in Calgary, Billie Rae’s mother became ill, so she found herself travelling back and forth between Alberta and Saskatchewan to visit. It was on these difficult journeys that Billie Rae found a niche for her artwork. “I love the bigger city, but I had a bit of nostalgia when travelling across the flat open land of Saskatchewan where I grew up,” she says. “I felt a connection to the prairies during my long drives and realized that I missed the openness of the land that allows your imagination to wander.”

She was inspired and set out to find a new way to paint the prairies and bring them to life for others who are longing for the simplicity and openness of a rural landscape.

Using a hard-edged painting technique with acrylic paint and masking tape, Billie Rae layers shapes and lines over one another to play out a scene or a mood. “Sometimes these concepts might come from my imagination, a memory or a photo of a real place,” she says. “And most times, I generally don’t know exactly what I want it to look like in the end. I just start putting the shapes and colours down and let the painting take me in a particular direction.”

For the last few years, Billie Rae has made a name for herself as a full-time artist in Calgary, painting abstract landscapes of the Canadian Prairies. A few noteworthy pieces include a northern lights painting that was made into a carpet design for Canada House in London, England as well as a four-panel installation at the new BMO Centre for the Calgary Stampede permanent art collection. “These pieces are validation that I’ve been on the right track where people liked them so much they wanted to use them as a way to express what Canada is like for visitors to see.”

But one of her favourite pieces to date is a rural skyline piece that captures the colours and essence of the prairies, titled Extended Summer Hours . “To me, this painting shows how it feels when we have those long summer days and how they’re full of possibility,” says Billie Rae. This is the piece printed on the front of Vision Credit Union’s newest member cards.

Since she was a young girl, Billie Rae has taken her appreciation of rural living and the simple landscapes that surround us to new levels with her art, where every person who looks at a piece instantly feels a connection. “I hope everyone who sees my work sees how fortunate we are to live in Western Canada,” she says. “I hope they see a memory or it evokes something that was once special to them like my early life in the prairies was for me.”

A photo of Billie Rae Busby's favourite piece, Extended Summer Hours , as seen on Vision Credit Union's newest member cards.

To learn more about Billie Rae Busby, follow her on social media or visit her website: billieraebusby.com .

To see Billie Rae’s artwork in person, stop by an exhibition at Bluerock Gallery in Diamond Valley.

Camrose Community Visionary: Kelly Schweitzer

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:49:48 GMT

Giving a gift from the heart

"It's just a gift from our hearts."

Imagine being at the Stollery Hospital every day at the bedsides of your two children who are battling a childhood disease. It’s December, but you completely forgot it’s Christmastime and you don’t have gifts or holiday food for your other two children at home.

Imagine being laid off from a well-paying oil field job and then having your wife leave you and your four-year-old son. Suddenly, you’re a stay-at-home single parent overnight and the holidays are right around the corner.

Imagine fleeing Syria to start a new life with your spouse and seven children. You’re starting from scratch, doing your family of nine’s laundry in the bathtub because you don’t have a washer and dryer.

These are just a few of the incredibly moving stories people in the Camrose community have shared with Kelly Schweitzer over the years. Since 2013, Kelly has helped organize the delivery of Christmas food hampers to local families in need, a collaborative effort involving many community groups, including Vision Credit Union.

And it all started with Christmas gifts that weren’t needed.

Like many companies, Vision held an annual Christmas gift exchange between co-workers. Increasingly, these gifts became gags or throw-away items. That’s when Kelly entered the picture with an idea for a much more worthwhile Christmas tradition.

Kelly had just moved from Killam where she had worked at the local Vision branch and was involved with Flagstaff Family and Community Services. Her experience with community support services had given her perspective on the level of need in the community. “It became pretty clear that nobody at the office needed anything,” says Kelly. “So, I thought, ‘Why don't we spend our money and give back to others?’”

Every year since, staff have delivered food hampers to 250 homes on the Saturday before Christmas. These initiatives are truly a community endeavour involving many Vision team members, the food bank and others who donate time, funds and food. “Our two Camrose branches will be taking part in this year’s delivery as well and they’re very excited,” says Kelly.

Others at Vision have taken Kelly’s lead and have led other giving initiatives during the holidays, too. For over 10 years, Vision’s Wainwright branch has been partnering with the local food bank in town to put together roughly 30 hampers every year for those in need. In recent years, Camrose staff member Shaleen Potter has been working with the co-op and other local businesses to donate gifts for seniors in the area. “It’s just another need in our community where we have seniors living on tight budgets and might not be recognized around the holidays,” says Kelly.

The tradition continues with the Camrose teams delivering food hampers to families every year. And it’s all because Kelly saw a room full of community-minded folks who could give back. “It’s just a gift from our hearts,” she says.

Photo taken December 2023

Stories of Alberta: Stettler’s Light the Night

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:42:59 GMT

How the Stettler Town and Country Museum brightens the holiday season

“It’s a way to show community spirit during the holiday season.”

If you’re driving down Alberta Provincial Highway No. 12 near Stettler on a dark December evening, you’ll notice a collection of bright lights against the winter sky. Follow those lights and you’ll discover a Christmas wonderland; a true showcase of the season, the community’s history and its local businesses.

It was 2014 when the Stettler Town and Country Museum began their annual tradition of Light the Night. Karen Wahlund, long-time supporter of the Stettler Museum and now its manager, was inspired by a simple comment that it was too bad the museum grounds weren’t brighter in the wintertime.

So, she got to thinking — why couldn’t they be?

In October of that year, Karen started going around to local businesses to see who’d help them decorate the grounds with Christmas lights and, in turn, they’d promote their business. They ended up with 15 displays. Not only has it become their biggest fundraiser of the year, but the Stettler Museum has also become known as a celebratory destination for the Christmas season.

“Every year we get people coming in to see the displays. They’re maybe from Red Deer or just family visiting family…or they're in town for the Polar Express and they see the lights from the highway and come over to see what it's about. They’re quite impressed for our small community to have such a thing,” Karen says.

The Stettler Museum was created in 1972 by local volunteers. Similar to a pioneer village, the grounds consist of a half-kilometre loop of about twenty-six buildings that house open displays with historical artifacts in the museum’s trust. Light the Night showcases some of that old-time charm with wagon rides led by Clydesdale horses and hayrides towed behind a John Deere Model A from the local Stettler Antique Tractor Club.

New this year, the Stettler Museum is holding its first-ever “Elevator to the North Pole,” where visitors are transported to Santa’s living room for a friendly visit with the man himself.

“It’s just a festive aspect of Stettler; something to do, something to be proud of. It’s a way to show community spirit during the holiday season,” says Karen. It’s also a place where memories are made. One year, they even had a proposal take place in one of their displays, a gazebo all lit up. The Christmas magic worked, says Karen: “They’re happily married now.”

Karen believes that same Christmas magic will continue to shine bright for years to come, continuing to grow and showcase even more local businesses. But they couldn’t do it without the support of their community. “If it wasn't for community volunteers and our county and town supporting the museum, we’d have difficulty performing these events,” says Karen.

And the Stettler Museum supports the community right back. Providing a place to come together, to share in their history and create new traditions. Those bright lights you see from the highway are more than just a symbol of the season, says Karen. “It’s a way for the museum to try to show the community that we’re here and we want to give them a place to be happy.”

Light the Night 2024 — Elevator to the North Pole

A half kilometre loop of festive lighting and displays! Visitors can walk the full route or enjoy it from the comfort of their vehicle.

First three Friday and Saturday evenings, plus December 22, 23 and 24, 2024 from 5:30 - 9 pm.

Santa visits: December 6 at 7 pm, December 14 at 7 pm and December 23 at 6 pm

Cash donations appreciated — all proceeds go towards the Stettler Town and Country Museum.

Food bank donations are also gratefully accepted.

Learn more about the Stettler Town and Country Museum:

6502 - 44 Avenue

Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0

Website: http://stettlermuseum.com/

Phone: 403-742-4534

Email: info@stettlermuseum.com

Friendly Faces of Vision: Rick Tullikopf

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 18:51:44 GMT

Castor, Alberta

"I enjoy the laid-back nature and the small-town mentality of the organization where the focus is on the members."

Meet Rick Tullikopf, a Vision Credit Union branch manager whose career in the financial industry has spanned nearly 40 years and countless communities. From his first role as a teller in Calgary to managing a small but dynamic team at Vision Credit Union in Castor, this branch manager has experienced the evolution of the financial industry firsthand.

Discover his journey, what keeps him passionate about rural banking, and why Castor is the perfect place to call home.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

In 2025, I’ll have been with Battle River, now Vision Credit Union, for 20 years. Prior to that, I was with another financial institution for about 18 years, so I’m pushing 40 years in the banking business and even started out at a credit union in Calgary pretty much 40 years ago exactly, so I’ve had a full-circle career.

On the personal side, my wife is originally from Castor, so I’ve had a few different stints in town and that’s how I sort of ended up connecting here and staying here. My family is made up of my wife and I and our two grown kids who live in the Red Deer area.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Vision.

I’m originally from Three Hills, but I went to college in Calgary for a public administration program. After graduation… I answered an ad to join a credit union in Calgary as a teller. I progressed my way through the industry with two or three years there and then made the switch to a bigger bank. They sent me to Castor a few times over 18 years. Then I moved to Stettler to join the credit union system again as assistant manager at Vision and then moved to Killam to be the branch manager there. When the opportunity came up to become the branch manager here in Castor, I made the move again.

Tell us about your current role at Vision.

We’re a pretty small branch, we only have four of us on staff, so I pretty much handle all lending for our members. I’m currently helping one of our other staff members step into my shoes with the lending aspects of the business, which is nice, but we’re a close-knit staff that can look over one another’s duties if need be. I still enjoy doing the front-line type of work and bring those skills back from when I was a teller way back in the day, so it’s nice to be able to do the full range of work at the branch.

What do you like most about working at a rural credit union?

I enjoy the laid-back nature and the small-town mentality of the organization. When I was with a big bank, it was more sales-oriented whereas the focus with Vision is on the members. I also enjoy being able to pick up the phone and call anybody at head office any time I need, which you don’t get with the big banks, especially today.

What do you enjoy most about Castor?

I’ve been a part of this community for over 20 years and I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of the people here. I also enjoy being able to walk to work every day and of course, as a golfer, there’s a really good golf course here, which also helps.

Visit Rick and the team at the Castor branch:

Proudly Local Business: Pat’s Waterton

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:25:00 GMT

A cornerstone of community and heritage

"It’s just another day at the office for us, but to someone else, it might mean a lot more."

In small towns, the local corner store is more than just a store — it’s where memories are made and community ties are strengthened. Whether it’s a camper swapping trail tales with a fellow adventurer, a family marvelling at the day's wildlife sightings, or a local catching up on the latest town news, every visit to the local store offers a chance to connect.

In the historic community of Waterton, Pat’s Waterton stands as a cornerstone of tradition. Established in 1928 as a modest service station during the rise of automobile travel, it is one of the oldest buildings in town and has remarkably passed through only a few owners in nearly a century.

For Tyler Wammes and his brother Jordan, the journey to becoming the owners of this iconic business began with a family deeply rooted in the area. Their parents, who returned to Waterton after years away, were approached by the previous owners, Pat and Sue, who were ready to retire and looking for the right hands to continue the store’s legacy. “Mom and Dad talked about it and while it wasn’t the right fit for them, they thought Jordan and myself might be interested,” said Tyler. “It kind of came out of nowhere, but we thought it would be interesting to give it a go.”

Despite the challenges of securing funding and navigating the realities of ownership, their commitment to preserving and enhancing Pat’s became a source of pride for their family. “It’s great to have a perspective that Waterton and our community is a destination for people internationally,” says Tyler. “Right now, someone is sitting in another part of the world planning their trip to the Canadian Rockies and they might just be a customer of ours.”

Alongside essentials like fuel and snacks, the store offers souvenirs and clothing designed to stand out from the typical tourist shop fare. Pat’s is also known for its equipment rentals, including its famous four-wheel surrey bikes, a tradition in the park since the 1970s. “The bikes are kind of our claim to fame,” says Tyler.

"Right now, someone is sitting in another part of the world planning their trip to the Canadian Rockies and they might just be a customer of ours.”

But the thing most rewarding to Tyler is sharing in the responsibilities that are unique to living in a remote community. For example, Waterton doesn’t have cell service in over half of the park, so Pat’s acts as the local service provider for AMA. “A lot of times we aren’t just doing our daily job of running the store, we’re out in the community boosting someone’s car or helping to fix a flat tire,” says Tyler. “It’s just another day at the office for us, but to someone else, it might mean a lot more. I enjoy being able to help people, locals or tourists alike.”

Looking ahead, Tyler and Jordan hope to carry on the rich heritage of Pat’s while finding ways to expand the store’s seasonal offerings. Currently, the station isn’t set up to withstand the extreme winter conditions in Waterton, but the brothers have hopes of one day extending their service into the off-season. “We’re always thinking about how we can do more for the community and visitors,” says Tyler. “But in the end, we simply just want to carry on in the community and keep the business alive.”

For nearly a century, Pat’s Waterton has evolved into much more than a place to refuel. Today, it’s a cornerstone of the community, offering visitors and locals alike a unique blend of history, hospitality, and convenience.

Community Visionary: Louise Rellis | Anam Rural Youth Association

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:20:27 GMT

Driving change in the lives of Albertan youth

“These kids need a safety net and I intend to be one for them and get them the support they need.”

When it comes to supporting at-risk youth in rural Alberta, conventional approaches sometimes fall short. When available, traditional counselling services often take place in quiet, structured environments, but many seeking help require a different model — one that meets them where they are, both literally and figuratively.

That alternative approach was exactly what rural Alberta traumatologist, Louise Rellis, had in mind when she started the Anam Rural Youth Association in 2021.

While growing up in Ireland, Louise was fascinated with the idea of helping others. It was an interest inspired by two key influences in her life: an older family friend who spent time travelling every year from Ireland to Moldova to volunteer at an orphanage and her aunt who studied child psychology. “I always thought, ‘When I’m older, I want to be that kind of person,’” says Louise.

Years later, she put those wheels in motion, earning a child psychology diploma while at home with her firstborn child. The experience cemented her calling to help others — a drive that would later guide her toward high-risk youth work.

When her family moved from Ireland to Canada, Louise began her career in Alberta working at the now non-operational Central Alberta Victim and Witness Support Society. “My role at Victim Services is where I found my passion for helping those who have experienced trauma,” she says. “But while working there, I noticed a lot of gaps in the system.”

Louise recalls a young client who, after going through a traumatic experience, became especially attached to her and returned to her office seeking further support. “Our role at that time was to refer our clients to other resources and when I couldn’t personally help that child further in my role, it spurred me to create something different of my own.”

So Louise started the Anam Rural Youth Association with five others who made up the organization’s board. Their goal was to fill some of the critical gaps in rural mental health services with an untraditional approach.

“We don’t have a box for our clients to fit into. We make it as accessible and as barrier-free as possible.”

The heart of Louise’s work is on the road, travelling to over 40 rural communities across Alberta to meet her list of roughly 200 clients aged 13 to 25 where they feel most comfortable. “We don’t have a box for our clients to fit into,” says Louise. “We make it as accessible and as barrier-free as possible.”

This mobile approach removes the burden from parents, who often juggle multiple jobs or transportation barriers, and it places responsibility on the youth and young adults themselves to take ownership of their appointments, reinforcing life skills like accountability and self-reliance. “When I set up meetings with new clients and their parents, I explain that I am not a counsellor or therapist,” says Louise. “I meet with clients to help them navigate their trauma through motivational interviewing and introspective education so they can interpret their own narrative.”

A lot of Louise’s meetings follow a similar pattern: she picks the clients up after school or work, drives them to get a snack and takes them back to where they want to be dropped off once the time is up. “Studies show that the best way to talk to a teenager is in the car while driving,” says Louise. “That’s why most of my meetings happen in the car, where it’s an informal and casual space that gives them an alternative safe space.”

Since the organization is still relatively small and new, Louise and the team collaborate with local organizations like RCMP, school counsellors, addiction services and even the corrections system for referrals for high-risk youth who need guidance that fits their unique situations. “Unfortunately, I've had clients who have experienced being on hold for an hour on crisis lines looking for help,” says Louise. “When they've had these negative experiences, that inhibits them from reaching out for support again which is why I've been successful in travelling to them instead.”

This approach goes a long way toward creating an environment where youth feel seen, valued, and understood. For many, the informal, mobile nature of the program is transformative. Louise has witnessed the power of these connections firsthand, noting that clients often refer their friends to Anam — a testament to the trust and comfort they find in its unique model.

As for the future of the organization, Louise hopes that Anam can grow its staff members to accommodate more clients in need. Luckily for Louise, that reality doesn’t seem too far off. Anam recently received charity status in the summer of 2024, marking a milestone in its journey to support more youth and families across rural Alberta. “These kids need a safety net,” says Louise. “I intend to be one for them and get them the support they need.”

For more information, visit the Anam Rural Youth Association website: anamruralyouth.com

To donate, contact Louise by phone at 403-318-7690 or via email at louise@anamruralyouth.com

Proudly Local Business: Ray-Arc Welding Ltd. in Camrose

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:58:57 GMT

Crafting dreams and welding together a community

“We love bringing a customer’s idea to life."

There’s something about the heat of the torch, the spark of metal meeting metal, and the steady hand required to bring precision to each weld. It’s a craft that demands focus and skill, where every seam is a testament to hard work and expertise.

Camrose’s Ray-Arc Welding Ltd. knows this better than anyone.

For over two decades, this family-owned business has built more than just custom gates and dream firepits — they’ve built a reputation rooted in quality, creativity, and care for their neighbours. Whether it’s turning raw metal into one-of-a-kind pieces or giving back to local causes, Ray-Arc has become a go-to name for welding that goes beyond the ordinary.

Like many entrepreneurs, Ray Law, the founder of Ray-Arc, started his career in someone else’s shop, learning the trade and refining his skills. But deep down, Ray knew he wanted more. “I really wanted to go on a journey and become self-employed,” he says. With his own welding truck and a strong sense of determination, Ray set out on his own and soon launched a 25-year career based on entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship.

Ray later set out to expand Ray-Arc’s services, and with the help of his wife and company co-owner Sherri, he began taking on bigger custom projects. To do so, the couple invested in a CNC plasma cutter, which Ray fondly calls the “dream cutter." This machine lets them precisely cut, shape, and manufacture custom projects with the help of computer-controlled tools.

From intricate, bespoke aluminum acreage gates to custom-made driveway signs and firepits, the team at Ray-Arc thrive on creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. “We love bringing a customer’s idea to life,” says Ray. “And I’m always up for a challenge.”

Over the years, Ray-Arc has made a name for themselves in the community as the “aluminum specialists,” and Ray says that has a lot to do with the number of happy customers they’ve had. “All of our projects are so original, and now that we have the plasma cutter, we’re able to make everything so much cooler.”

Aside from being proud of a project once it’s been delivered, Ray is also proud to be a local business owner with connections in the community. “Camrose is such a small community, so we’ve gotten to know just about everybody here,” he says. “And this makes our projects much more meaningful.”

Ray-Arc has rooted itself in the community, supporting local charities by donating custom pieces for silent auctions and fundraisers, as well as working closely with organizations like STARS , the MS Society of Canada and the Huntington Society of Canada .

Looking ahead, Ray remains focused on what’s important — his customers, his craft, and his community. “Even when I retire, I want to keep a plasma and continue doing custom pieces,” he says. “That will always be here, and I want to continue making people happy with the work I love.”

Ray-Arc Welding Ltd. has always been more than just a business. It’s a cornerstone of the community with a legacy of craftsmanship, creativity and community involvement. Ray and the team are always ready to turn metal into magic, one weld at a time.

"This automatic gate is probably my number one project to date," says Ray about this custom security gate the Ray-Arc team built for a client in Tofield, AB.

See more Ray-Arc Welding Ltd. projects by visiting their social media channels:

Friendly Faces of Vision: Chelsea Baynham

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:56:41 GMT

Wainwright, Alberta

"Our members are like our friends and family. We go visit them and we create real relationships."

The town of Wainwright is the kind of place where community isn't just a buzzword — it's a way of life. Neighbours are more than faces you pass on the street; they’re friends who come together in tough times and celebrate the good ones. Whether it's the Stampede in the summer or the comfort of safety when it’s time for back to school, the town offers a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere year-round.

These same qualities are what kept Vision Credit Union Senior Loans Officer Chelsea Baynham rooted in her hometown, building a life and career right where she started, despite once envisioning a future in a bigger city.

We spoke with Chelsea to learn more about her love for the community she was born and raised in and why she’s proud to raise her family in Wainwright, too.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My boyfriend and I have three kids and two fur-babies (dogs), and as a family, we love to travel. We spend a lot of time in the mountains, camping in the summer and sledding in the winter. I’m a small-town girl and not a big fan of the city. I definitely like rural Alberta.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Vision.

I was a stay-at-home mom when my kids were growing up, and I kind of had odd jobs here and there during that time. I never thought I would be in the banking industry. I didn't think that would be my cup of tea. But about four years ago, I saw an open application, took a chance, and I have loved it since.

Tell us about your role at Vision.

I’ve been with Vision for about four years now. My current role is Senior Loans Officer. I just started in the commercial and agriculture area a couple of months ago, so I'm learning some new processes. Before that, I was working primarily with consumer loans. So far, I’ve enjoyed taking on more of the business and the agriculture side of things.

What do you like most about working at a rural credit union?

I love the people that I work with. I love the atmosphere and getting to know more of the community, and I love how we are out in the community more than any of the other businesses I've worked at. I like the fact that it's very local.

I also enjoy learning about our members, learning their stories and our ability to treat them as a person rather than a number... They're like our friends and family, and a lot of them are acquaintances throughout the town. We get out there, we go visit them, and we create real relationships.

What do you enjoy most about Wainwright?

I like that whenever there's a tough situation in town, we all come together for backup, and we're supportive of one another. Everybody kind of knows everybody, and we have each other's backs. I also like that it's not as fast-paced as the city, and you can walk your dog down the street and not have to be scared of anything.

My favourite thing about Wainwright, though, is that my kids can grow up here and feel comfortable. My kids get the chance at some one-on-one guidance in school and the local sports programs because it is a smaller town. I find it's very family-oriented in Wainwright and that’s been great for us.

Visit Chelsea and the team at the Wainwright branch:

Stories of Alberta: Edmonton International Raceway in Wetaskiwin

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 20:32:29 GMT

Western Canada's only NASCAR-sanctioned racetrack

"We have a lot going on at the track. It's always go-go-go."

The atmosphere at a racetrack is electric. The air is filled with the aroma of gasoline, burnt rubber and the unmistakable scent of deep fried concession treats. The excited chatter and laughter of spectators blend with the occasional sound of engines revving in the pit, creating a symphony that heightens anticipation. From the moment you take your seat in the stands, it’s a sensory overload like no other.

The roar of engines and the cheers from crowds have been a constant echo for decades in Wetaskiwin — all thanks to a small stock car club and two entrepreneurs who built the Edmonton International Raceway from the ground up.

It all started in 1967 when the Wetaskiwin Stock Car Club met on weekends to race just 10 minutes outside the city. What began as a simple dirt track quickly became a favourite for locals, and in 1994, the track was paved to become the only paved oval in central Alberta.

This marked the beginning of a new era for the raceway. In 1995, Loretta Thiering, wife of stock car club member and racer Ron Thiering, received a proposal to take over the track. “I’d just been laid off from my administration job at the University Hospital,” says Loretta. “That’s when Ron came to me and said, ‘Well, why don’t we take over the track?’”

Initially, Loretta said no. But after a few weeks of Ron’s “poking and prodding,” Loretta gave in and the two signed a lease to take over the track and its operations. “At first, I felt like I’d been thrown into the ocean with no way of getting out,” says Loretta.” But after experiencing the business's day-to-day and working out the kinks, the two got a hang of it. “I didn’t know anything about racing, but I knew people. When Ron stopped racing to help me run the business, it kind of just took off.”

A significant step in the raceway’s growth happened 10 years later in 2005 when Ron and Loretta took a trip to Reno, Nevada for a racetrack promoters conference. “We ended up going to the NASCAR banquet and they told us they were looking at moving into Western Canada for NASCAR-sanctioned racetracks,” says Loretta. “We took that opportunity right away and for the next year we worked towards that partnership.”

Pictured: Kevin Lacroix (NASCAR Canada Racer and winner of the 2024 NAPA 300), Alvin Chibi (NAPA), Loretta & Ron Thiering.

The name of the track was soon changed from its original name, Sunset Speedway, to Edmonton International Raceway in Wetaskiwin to allow better recognition across North America. The raceway then became the first and only NASCAR-sanctioned racetrack in Western Canada.

After many more upgrades to the track and the surrounding space, there was only one more thing to do: host an annual signature event. But, like any great success story, there were a few setbacks. “We only had one set of bleachers, which held 1,500 people in the main stands,” says Loretta. “It wasn’t quite enough room for the event we wanted to have.”

So, in 2012, Ron went down to Florida to gather up some used bleachers from another track that was closing and brought every piece, bit by bit, over the border. “We had to do two or three trips down there, but we got two more grandstands to hold a total of 4,500 spectators.”

The first NASCAR Canada Series event was held at the track in the summer of 2014 and has continued every year since. As Loretta and Ron hoped, the event has been a booming success over the last decade. “Our 2024 NAPA 300 event was the largest we’ve seen yet,” says Loretta. “If you count the whole weekend, I’d say we had close to 10,000 people in attendance.”

But the weekend-long event isn’t the only thing spectators can look forward to in the summer. The community in Wetaskiwin rallies together to celebrate “NASCAR Week” — a week to celebrate the local racers, the track and the importance of community togetherness. “We’ve worked really hard to get local business and the community involved with our NASCAR week every year,” says Loretta. “We have a lot of partners in Wetaskiwin and this week is a huge success for everyone involved.”

The raceway hosts smaller events and races every weekend from June until the end of September, with many special events and packages fit for every age and stage. The track is host to a handful of corporate suites, birthday parties, industry appreciation nights and special NASCAR stock car test drive experiences. “We have a lot going on every day at the track,” says Loretta. “It’s always go-go-go.”

Although weekends can be busy at the track, Loretta and the team are happy they can share their success with the community. Every weekend they invite a not-for-profit organization to run a 50/50 draw and have even started providing tickets to local organizations to sell at whatever price they choose as a form of fundraising.

But for Loretta, their involvement with Laps4MD stands out the most. Since starting the partnership about eight years ago, one fellow with muscular dystrophy has been coming out to the track every year to watch the races. “This year we decided to do something special and brought him down to the pits where our racers drove him around for a few laps,” says Loretta. “It’s been so nice watching him grow up and I really enjoyed seeing the look of joy on his face this year.”

There's no question that the track has had an impact on many since Ron and Loretta took over the operations in 1995, but they had no clue how far the impact would reach. “We’re like a family at the track,” she says. “Many of us have close relationships all year long, even while the track is closed for the season.”

Learn more about the Edmonton International Raceway in Wetaskiwin on their website .

Community Visionaries: Armor of Light Recovery Society in Wainwright

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 22:52:02 GMT

A beacon of hope for the Wainwright community

Left to right: Kelsey Hadiuk (Vision), Valerie Roach (Vision), Colleen Auret (Vision), Alan Wells (Vision), Eileen Taylor (Armor of Light), Avery Zajic (Vision), Judy Marchuk (Armor of Light), Hailey Jones (Armor of Light), Chelsea Baynham (Vision), Deanna Lafrienere (Vision) and Marlene Herandez (Vision).

Addiction often leaves individuals feeling isolated and defeated. Relationships fracture, shadows of doubt overcome dreams, and the outside world feels increasingly distant and unforgiving. Shame and stigma associated with addiction build walls around those suffering, making it harder and harder to envision life beyond the darkness.

But within this struggle lies the potential for profound change, where all one needs is a beacon of hope shining bright enough to see through the dark. And in Wainwright, the Armor of Light Recovery Society is just that.

The society was founded in August 2023 by Hailey Jones, a Wainwright community member who had experienced firsthand the struggles of addiction and the long and hard path to recovery. “I fell into addiction myself when I was in junior high,” she says. “That was the path my life was on for quite some time.”

That path was fraught with challenges where addiction was dictating the course of her life, even as she entered motherhood. At one point, children’s services became involved. “That was the breaking point and what started to change our lives.”

“I knew I had to do my part to make a change so others who were struggling in the same way we had wouldn’t feel so overwhelmed and burdened with the decisions.”

But the road to recovery wasn’t as simple as one might think. Hailey and her husband were soon faced with many barriers to accessing recovery support. “There was nothing out there that acted as a central hub for people looking for help,” she says. “I knew I had to do my part to make a change so others who were struggling in the same way we had wouldn’t feel so overwhelmed and burdened with the decisions.”

That’s when Hailey set out to make a difference. She began by earning a diploma in addiction and community health, followed by studies in criminology. With this solid foundation, she took the next step and opened the Armor of Light Recovery Society. Initially focused on providing pre- and post-treatment sober living, the organization quickly adapted to meet the community's pressing needs.

In January 2023, Hailey and the Armor of Light team decided to open an emergency shelter to house those who needed a place to sleep during a particularly harsh cold snap. “In just 12 hours, we had the emergency shelter up and running,” says Hailey. “We had over 40 volunteers who allowed us to run the shelter 24/7 for over three months.”

This show of community support and solidarity inspired Hailey to dig deeper. She started collaborating with other community organizations, such as Wainwright’s Family and Community Support Services, Family Resource Network and the Primary Care Network, to turn the shelter into a hub for various recovery resources. They now run programs such as resume clinics, supervised family visitations and more. They also developed the one-of-a-kind Healing Hearts program, a 15-week course aimed at helping perpetrators of domestic violence learn the tools to change their behaviour.

The impact of the organization and its collaborative programming is consistently seen in the lives it has touched. “We have one client who came to us while living in the shelter who is 65 years old and hasn’t been sober since he was 13,” says Hailey. “And now he provides testimonies at schools affected by gang violence, lives in a sober-living facility in Lethbridge and has rekindled his relationship with his family.”

Hailey hopes to see more success stories as the organization grows and continues to serve the genuine needs of the community — and her vision extends beyond immediate recovery needs. In the fall of 2024, with the help of a $10,000 Vision Credit Union Helping Hand Grant , Armor of Light plans to open an in-patient facility that will offer comprehensive services to men, women and youth needing recovery support.

“It’s a space where people will come together to communicate and offers time to just enjoy being and not have to focus on everything else going on in that moment.”

The largest installment in this facility will be the kitchen, which will not only provide meals for residents but also serve as a place where they can learn teamwork, build routines, and foster a sense of community. “It’s a space where people will come together to communicate and offers time to just enjoy being and not have to focus on everything else going on in that moment.”

The journey of the Armor of Light Recovery Society is a powerful story of transformation and community solidarity. Once touched by addiction, Hailey has become a pillar of strength for many. Her story, intertwined with the support of Wainwright, illustrates the incredible things that can happen when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members.

As Armor of Light continues to grow, it remains a beacon of hope, embodying the belief that anyone can overcome their struggles and find a path to a brighter future with the right support.

To learn more about Armor of Light Recovery Society and their current programs, visit their website .

Donations can be made on the Armor of Light website, sent via e-Transfer to admin@armoroflight.ca or mailed to 1101 5 Ave, Wainwright, AB T9W 1L6 .

Proudly Local Business: Wetaskiwin’s ACT Home Services

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:29:48 GMT

Building up the community one renovation at a time

"We don’t give estimates to our customers, we give solid quotes because we do all the hard work before we swing a hammer.”

“Home sweet home.” It’s a popular saying for good reason. From the moment you get the keys to a new house, you start making lifelong memories. The new puppy learns to sit and stay in the entryway. Babies take their wobbly first steps across the living room carpet. First kisses happen in the dim light of the front porch. And while those enduring memories are the heartbeat of a home, time isn’t so kind to the house itself.

Maybe it’s hearing the drip of the leaky bathroom faucet on a lazy Sunday morning. Or staring at the discoloured spot on the stairs where the dog’s been lying every day for three years. The list of fixes can start to feel endless.

But for those in Wetaskiwin who turn to ACT Home Services when those stairs’ days are numbered, getting back to home sweet home is only a phone call away.

ACT Home Services got its start 25 years ago when owner and founder, Shannon Turkington, started flipping houses on the side of his full-time corporate job. But this side hustle soon grew into something larger, inspiring a career change. “I really enjoyed flipping houses and I had many of the sub-trades I needed for renovations,” Shannon says. “I learned as I went and ACT Home Services was born.”

When he first started in the industry, Shannon noticed that a lot of hardworking tradespeople didn’t enjoy the customer service side of the business. But with local residents wanting renovations and not knowing where to look, Shannon made it his mission to fill the gaps in Wetaskiwin. “I started to help the customers get the best tradespeople and help tradespeople get great projects,” he says.

His tight-knit team of two or three tradespeople from his house-flipping days quickly grew. Today, Shannon employs nearly five times the amount of experts in Wetaskiwin and their surrounding service area. “I’m proud to have 15 families relying on me to keep them employed,” he says. “I’m one of the most significant employers in the area now.”

Being a significant employer isn’t the only thing helping Shannon and ACT grow and make a name for themselves in Wetaskiwin. It’s their commitment to customer service and transparency around how they run their projects. “We simply have better planning processes in the beginning before the project starts,” says Shannon. “We don’t give estimates to our customers, we give solid quotes because we do all the hard work before we swing a hammer.”

Over the years with how much they’ve grown and become a key business in the area, ACT has been able to tackle larger projects. Specializing in residential renovations, both interior and exterior, ACT has carved out a niche in whole-house renovations, major kitchen remodels, bathroom and basement renovations, and full-house exteriors.

The team has also taken their expertise to another level by helping local organizations, like Habitat for Humanity and the Wetaskiwin Theatre Society , with special renovation projects. “The Wetaskiwin Theatre Society’s building is really old and we’ve been able to help them out many, many times to maintain it and keep it up to date,” says Shannon. “We’ve sponsored them for a while now.”

Looking to the future, Shannon hopes that his company’s legacy and dedication to excellence carry on with his sons, whose initials form the company name. “We’d like to do more commercial renovations and start building new houses,” he says. “My boys have been working with me for many years now, they’re probably here to stay and make that happen.”

Nestled in an area with a strong farming community and steady economy, Wetaskiwin provides a solid foundation for ACT Home Services to keep building their business and help homeowners capture and keep that sense of home sweet home.

Community Visionaries: Pincher Creek’s Adaptable Outdoors

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 20:22:00 GMT

A natural world without limits for those living with disabilities

"We need to be looking at everything from a more accessible lens and that means a more inclusive world where people of all abilities are included and can access the same services as everybody else."

As rural Albertans, we’re lucky to find adventure in our backyards. We can take in the sunrise from the top of a mountain at dawn. We can feel the refreshing mist of water from a lake just minutes down the road. We can eat a picnic lunch from a backwoods trail overlooking the patchwork prairie landscape. The opportunities to explore the natural world around us in Alberta are limitless — but there are limits to who gets to experience it.

For many people with disabilities, experiencing nature and being active outdoors is difficult, if not impossible. Not every wheelchair can reach the top of a mountain, and not every person can hold a paddle or cast a fishing line.

But with the help of a local community organization, Adaptable Outdoors , many people living with disabilities in the Pincher Creek area can now see the possibility in previously impossible activities.

It all began when Steve Holly, originally from Manchester, England, moved to Canada in 2012 for an internship with Alberta Parks in Kananaskis. After a few years there, he moved to Waterton National Park to pursue a role with Parks Canada. That’s when he met his now-wife, Sara, who shared his passion for outdoor recreation and adaptable sports.

After moving to Pincher Creek in 2018, the two began volunteering for an adaptive downhill ski program at Castle Mountain run by Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) Lethbridge. “We met some amazing clients who got out skiing in the winter and when I asked one of them, Kevin, ‘What do you do in summer?’ He told me that he counted down the days until winter because there were no summer programs available,” says Steve.

This realization sparked the desire to create adaptive programs to fill the gaps in the summer months. In 2019, Steve and Sara borrowed an adaptive chair that offers accessibility to wilderness areas for wheelchair users, a TrailRider , and rallied a few volunteers to help trial a summer hike with Kevin. “Seeing the impact that experience had on Kevin and hearing about friends of his that could also benefit from something like it was so inspiring,” says Steve. “Adaptable Outdoors just kind of snowballed from that.”

Since then, through the spring and summer months, Steve and the team at Adaptable Outdoors have been offering adaptive hiking, paddling, shore fishing and kayak fishing programs to people of all ages and abilities in the Pincher Creek area. “The people that we work with face unique and varied barriers to accessing nature and the types of activities that we offer, especially in rural settings,” says Steve. “Sometimes it’s a physical barrier that we can overcome with some adaptive equipment, but sometimes it can be a mental barrier where people have been told their entire lives, ‘You can't do that.’”

Steve says making the programs available for people of all abilities requires a mixture of support, encouragement, ingenuity and much-needed adaptive equipment. For example, the adaptive fishing program allows an individual to reel in an electric fishing rod independently with the stomp of a foot, push of a button, flick of the head or even a sip on a straw.

Steve says some of his favourite programs are the ones families get to enjoy together. “We see the impact on the caregivers and the family members of our clients because they come out in the kayaks and hike with us, too,” he says. “Sometimes they see what's possible and what equipment they need to make it happen and it opens a whole new world of that family being able to recreate these moments together for years to come. The impact from one experience is a lot bigger than people realize.”

Today, Adaptable Outdoors is a fully incorporated non-profit organization made up of roughly 40 volunteers, six members on the board of directors (Kevin being one of them) and three staff members including Steve as the executive director and trip leader. “We've received amazing support from the community since we started Adaptable Outdoors,” says Steve. “Pincher Creek is only a small town of under 4,000 people, but the support we've received is quite incredible and speaks to the community spirit of the area.”

To keep growing the organization and reach a broader audience with its unique programming and equipment, Steve knew it needed a new way to transport equipment to neighbouring communities. In early 2024, Adaptable Outdoors was granted a $10,000 Vision Credit Union Helping Hand Grant to help cover the costs of a new truck. “This grant was a huge help for my staff and my clients,” he says. “The amount of people we're going to be able to help in our community and those surrounding us with this vehicle is going to be seen for many years to come.”

Although many people living with disabilities might not get the chance to experience a summer sport all the time, Steve hopes that his organization will create a trickle-down effect in all aspects of life. “We need to be looking at everything from a more accessible lens and to me, that means a more inclusive and fairer world where people of all abilities are included and can access the same services as everybody else,” he says.

Learn more about Adaptable Outdoors and donate on their website: adaptableoutdoors.ca

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here to see current volunteer opportunities at Adaptable Outdoors.

Friendly Faces of Vision: Alissa Craigie

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:13:45 GMT

Castor, Alberta

"Our members really appreciate that we're still here in the branch and I'm proud to be a part of that."

Folks are drawn to rural Alberta communities for their rich history, strong sense of community and natural beauty. This is certainly true for the small town of Castor, which boasts six different museum sites celebrating its rural heritage. It serves as a hub for several neighbouring agriculture communities and is renowned for the stunning waterfowl migration every year.

These qualities and more keep Alissa Craigie coming back, even though she moved away from Castor at the start of 2024. Despite her hour-long commute each way, Alissa is happy to travel to Castor five days a week to enjoy community ties, natural beauty and a sense of purpose in her work as a loan officer at Vision Credit Union.

We spoke with Alissa to learn about her lifelong connection to Castor, from her childhood to her daily visits today.

Tell us about growing up in the Castor area.

I grew up in Brownfield, which is about 20 minutes outside of Castor. My family runs a mixed farm and feedlot operation, and I spent 18 years helping on the farm out there. While I’m no longer living on the family farm, I still have a connection to the ag industry. My partner and I, along with our two young daughters, live in Provost where my partner manages a grain elevator. I got my start at Vision while I was living in Castor, but since moving to Provost in early 2024, I’ve made the hour or so commute to work and to take my daughter to school.

Tell us about your role at Vision.

My official title is loan officer, but being a small branch, I kind of wear two hats. I would say that I'm also the office supervisor. I started as a member services representative like most of us do and eventually took over the loan officer position. I've been doing that for two years now and deal mostly with consumer loans. I'm learning the ag and commercial loan side of things, and then I also help manage everything in the background, the girls at the front and all the cash and those kinds of things.

What do you like most about working at a rural credit union?

I like how things are member-focused. Our members can come in here to talk to us, and they don't have to do online banking if it doesn’t suit their needs. I also like knowing our members and their situations so we can help them as best we can. I think people appreciate that, especially in this area now with everything becoming more digital and the bigger banks pulling out of the area. I think our members really appreciate that we're still here and I'm proud to be a part of that.

We also understand the farming aspect of things, so when a member can't get in here during business hours because they’re working on the farm, I get it. I grew up in it, so I can appreciate that it's difficult for them and we try to accommodate that.

What are some of your favourite things about the Castor area?

I like the sense of community and how everybody knows everybody and can support each other and pull together when needed. It’s also just beautiful out here. There's so much you get to experience with nature and the hard work that the farmers put in. You can see all of it changing through the seasons. I definitely notice that on my long drives into Castor!

Visit Alissa and the team at the Castor branch:

Proudly Local Business: Trademark Pumping Ltd.

Wed, 15 May 2024 16:27:37 GMT

Laying the foundation for community connection in Camrose

“We’re a strong little independent company and plan to stay strong here in Camrose.”

It’s true that local businesses lift each other up, partnering with one another to reach their goals and connect with members of the neighbourhood. But it’s rare to find one that literally paves the way for community connection.

That’s where the folks at Trademark Pumping Ltd. stand out. For nearly two decades, they’ve been laying the concrete foundations for community connection among businesses in Camrose.

Like many great ventures, Trademark started modestly. In 2007, owner and operator Mark Suchy took a leap of faith and sold his first house to finance his dream. “I bought my first pump truck from that and started from scratch,” says Mark. “I was self-taught and everything.”

He spent the next year learning the tricks of the trade, venturing into the concrete pumping industry and began building his business in Camrose. “Being from Tofield where there’s nothing, I enjoy being in a bigger city,” he says. “But Camrose really isn’t very big. There’s still that small-town mentality that I enjoy.”

Over the years, concrete pumping has remained relatively the same, but Mark finds variety and enjoyment in the human connections he makes each day. “Every day we go pump concrete, but we’re always switching sites and meeting new people and dealing with the locals,” he says. “It all goes back to the small-town roots and as a business owner, relationships are important.”

Mark has grown Trademark significantly over the past 17 years, and he’s grateful to the Camrose community for supporting that growth. He says the company takes every opportunity to give back to the community that’s given him so much. “When we donate items or sponsor kids’ hockey, people here recognize our name,” he says. “I’m proud to be part of this community and hire local people who feel the same.”

In early 2017, Mark was inspired to act against prostate cancer after a fellow Trademark staff member was diagnosed with the disease. “When Jim was diagnosed, I started to learn some of the stats on prostate cancer in men and I knew it was time to do something.”

The team had a new pump truck arriving in the spring. They announced that if they could raise $30,000 for prostate cancer research, they’d paint the pump prostate cancer blue to raise awareness for the disease. After a few months of fundraising, they ended up with $35,000 and the truck became a vehicle for awareness and a symbol of support. “Being in construction, we work with many men, so this meant a lot to us.”

As for the future of Trademark, Mark plans to keep on keeping on. He’s proud of where the company is today and hopes to inspire others, showing that big things happen for small businesses when your community is behind you. “We’re a strong little independent company and plan to stay strong here in Camrose.”

Proudly Local Business: Camrose’s The Sweeterie

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:49:13 GMT

Sprinkling joy throughout Camrose one sweet treat at a time

“We’re just thrilled that we can give everybody a little bit of joy through our baking.”

If you find yourself wandering the streets of downtown Camrose, you’re bound to follow your nose to this popular dessert haven: The Sweeterie . Once you step inside and find yourself enveloped in the heavenly scent of freshly baked goods and sweets, you’ll be glad you did.

But the Sweeterie isn't just any bakery. It has humble beginnings as the brainchild of visionary home baker, Tania Greenwald, who never imagined her hobby as a stay-at-home mom would one day turn into a downtown business.

Early days

While on maternity leave in 2013, Tania started making cakes and cupcakes through trial and error at home. “I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but I got bored of that real fast,” jokes Tania. To keep herself busy, she continued to make cakes for family members and her daughter’s birthday every year. Tania’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. Soon, her family and friends started asking her to make cakes for their events, too.

That’s when Tania realized it was time to turn cake-making into a business, so in 2016, Cute & Classy Cakes was born. Tania began making cakes and cupcakes for locals year-round, and soon, her business became too much for her home kitchen to handle. “We got busy enough to the point where we had to build a commercial kitchen on our acreage,” she says.

But in early 2020, the onset of the pandemic forced Tania to change focus. “I suddenly went from supplying 40 wedding cakes right down to about eight,” she says. “All I could think was, ‘Oh my goodness, what are we going to do?’”

But Tania wasn’t going down without a fight. “I just started baking different things that weren’t usually my norm,” she says, and that’s when Cute & Classy Cakes became The Sweeterie.

The Sweeterie story

The first few months of growing her business under a new name meant a gruelling schedule. Tania spent every night baking comfort food items, like doughnuts and cupcakes, that could be packaged individually in her commercial kitchen at home. The following morning, she and her husband would load up coolers for two hours and drive them into town, where she could sell her treats at a local flower shop.

“During those first few months of COVID, we were having over 100 people a day come to pick stuff up. That’s when her husband finally said, ‘We can’t do this anymore, we need our own space.’”

Tania and her husband decided to set up shop on their own. “We put an offer in on an older building and constructed it during the closures of COVID,” she says. In August of 2021, when the renovations were complete, and the COVID restrictions started to lift, The Sweeterie had its grand opening. “We’ve been going strong in that space ever since.”

Tania’s favourite part of being a business owner has been watching people’s excitement when they walk through the doors. “My tagline is, ‘Sprinkle a little joy into your day,’ and that falls to me as a person as well,” she says. “I built this business based on the strong community here. Helping the community, whether it be with our baking or with fundraisers, is the best part of what we do.”

The Sweeterie continues to make a name for itself in Camrose, and Tania isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon. “It would be great to be able to expand our candy section, have a nice café and a space for birthday parties and classes,” she says. “I have this goal to get into a space on main street where we can do what we’re doing now but five times as big.”

While expansion is on the horizon, Tania reminds herself every day of where she started and how far she’s come. “It’s insane that we employ five full-time and four part-time team members when I thought I was only going to have me and my daughter working here,” she says. “That’s pretty cool for somebody who thought they were only going to do $100 a day in sales.”

Whether you're a regular visitor or a curious passerby, this bakery is a place where every bite tells a story of passion, perseverance, and the magic of a small-town community. “We love our community, and our community loves us,” says Tania. “We’re just thrilled that we can give everybody a little bit of joy through our baking.”

Community Visionaries: Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:20:43 GMT

Giving those who are different the opportunity to shine

"VALID continues to impact people who are often living on the fringe of society and who need other people and agencies advocating for them. We’re proud to offer that support."

In the 1950s, when the town of Vegreville’s population was less than 3,000, life for students who needed extra support wasn’t always easy. Many went without a proper education. But that all changed in the spring of 1959 when a handful of parents met to plan for a better future for their children with disabilities.

In 1960, these parents opened a school dedicated to meeting the needs of kids with disabilities children housed in the old Beaver Bennet Scout Hut building. It didn’t take long for surrounding community members to hear about its impact. A few years later, a brand-new school was built to accommodate space for many new students. It has continued to grow, changing the perception of those with disabilities in Vegreville for over 60 years.

The once-small school has transformed into the Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity (VALID) , a non-profit serving 50 to 60 Vegreville area residents at a time.

VALID and its team of 65 staff operate five residential care homes, independent living programs, day programs and a hands-on employment program. “VALID continues to impact people who are often living on the fringe of society and who need other people and agencies advocating for them. We’re proud to offer that support,” says Lana Syms, Executive Director of VALID.

In 2020, Lana moved from an acreage near Olds for the job at VALID — even though she had no clue where Vegreville was on a map. But the organization’s mission resonated with her so much that she bought a house in town and settled down for good. “It’s such a wonderful organization,” she says. “This is where I’ll probably retire. I have become a part of the community and I feel blessed to be in this role.”

Like Lana, the team at VALID takes pride in giving back in a multitude of ways. One of the biggest ways they do it is through VALID’s employment program and its shining star, the Pot o’ Gold Thrift Store , which is operated almost entirely by those who access VALID’s programming. By having a job at the store, VALID’s clients learn tangible skills like pricing and sorting inventory as well as intangible customer service and social skills.

“So many of our individuals work in the store and are recognized in the community for their work,” says Lana. “We have such regular customers coming through the doors all the time to support us. Seeing our individuals thrive in this environment makes it feel like we’re on the right track with our goals.”

But offering an employment program for VALID clients isn’t the only benefit of the Pot o’ Gold Thrift Store. In October 2021, Lana took this community support one step further and started a voucher program designed to spread the positive impact even further.

Since then, Lana has handed out nearly $10,000 worth of vouchers for the Pot o’ Gold Thrift Store to other agencies like Vegreville’s Family & Community Support Services . The agencies then pass the vouchers along to their clients. “This is our way of taking some of our support from community donations and giving it right back to the community,” says Lana. “It has helped create awareness about what we do, but more importantly, it's helping more people in need out there.”

The store itself acts as a hub for kindness and community goodwill among both the staff and those who come to shop. To keep that hub looking inviting, the team has planned some building updates. In early 2024, VALID was granted a $10,000 Vision Credit Union Helping Hand Grant to update the store’s bathrooms. “This particular grant was so fantastic and tied in so much to the need that we have there,” says Lana. “We’re just thrilled.”

Lana’s excitement stems from her dedication to ensuring VALID continues changing lives and spreading positivity in Vegreville. “We’re so involved with the individuals we support and sometimes we’re all they’ve got,” she says. “It’s more than just a job. We’ve become their family.”

Learn more about VALID on their website: www.valid-assoc.org/

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here to see current volunteer opportunities at VALID.

Friendly Faces of Vision: Shrey Kothari

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:36:51 GMT

Camrose, Alberta

"I enjoy building relationships first, and the rest comes after."

When it seems like you’ve lived everywhere, feeling comfortable and welcomed in a community means even more. For Shrey Kothari, who has lived in India, the US, and across western Canada, that sense of welcome has been something he’s enjoyed since he moved to the “friendly and helpful” community of Camrose early in 2023.

These days, Shrey pays that friendly and helpful Camrosian spirit forward when he’s working with clients as a Mutual Fund Investment Specialist at VCU Financial .

We caught up with Shrey to hear the story of his journey from his home country of India to a new life in Camrose where he’s excited to grow and experience all the city has to offer.

Tell us about how you ended up in Camrose.

I was born and brought up in India and when I was 17, I moved with my family to St. Louis, Missouri and that’s where I ended up doing my first year of university. Eventually, I came here to Canada and did my associate degree in computer science in Vancouver and lived there for about two years before I made my way to Alberta and started my career in financial services. I was in Brooks and worked as a financial advisor and eventually moved to Camrose at the start of 2023 to join the Vision team. It seems like I’ve been everywhere!

Tell us about your role at Vision.

What I primarily do as an Investment Specialist at Vision is sit with our members and have a chat about how their finances are doing, what their plans are and what their financial goals are and help them execute that. I try to quantify the life goals for our members and work backwards by asking, ‘Where do we need to start?’ and ‘How can I get to where you want to be?’ and ‘Where can I help?’

For me, my job isn’t about selling investment products. It’s about recommending and giving members that informed and knowledgeable piece of advice based on my experience so they can make an informed decision. I enjoy building those relationships first and being there for members to support them with their investment and the rest comes after. For me, no question is irrelevant and I always encourage members to ask questions to build up their confidence and knowledge. I learn a lot from my members too!

What do you like most about working at a rural credit union?

At Vision, a key part is that we see people as people, not just numbers. At the end of the day, our members are our bosses because they own a piece of the (credit union). So, it’s all about the relationships and the time we put in. It feels good that our members feel as included as I feel. We are here to make them successful in their financial goals and we work together to get them there.

What is your favourite part about living in Camrose?

My favourite part about Camrose is that everybody knows everybody. It’s a small community, and it’s inclusive. People are so friendly and helpful. I also like being here because it’s small and quiet and peaceful, but at the same time, there are a lot of opportunities. It has great parks and a great beach I’m looking forward to visiting in the summer!

Visit Shrey and the team at the City Centre branch:

VCU Financial, in partnership with Aviso Wealth, provides investment and financial planning services to rural Albertans via our experienced, in-house team of advisors. Learn more about our VCU Financial services here.

Vision Credit Union Announces Community Grant Recipients.

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:55:05 GMT

Grants contribute more than $200,000 to support community organizations across Alberta

For Immediate Release

March 14, 2024

Camrose, Alberta – Community organizations across the province are looking forward to a cash infusion totalling more than $200,000, after being selected as recipients of Vision Credit Union Helping Hand Grants. The announcement was made this week following the credit union’s annual general meeting.

The Helping Hand Grants committee selected 26 groups out of the 137 applications received before the January 30 deadline. The geographical footprint of the grant recipients extends across Alberta, from La Crete to Pincher Creek, and represents a diverse range of organizations whose common mandate is to serve their rural communities.

The Helping Hand Grants program offers up to $10,000 in funding to qualifying organizations for capital projects that benefit communities and the people who live there. Through these grants, Vision Credit Union provides more than $180,000 annually on an ongoing basis to qualifying organizations in Vision Credit Union’s branch communities.

“The Helping Hands Grant program is really a celebration of rural Albertans helping rural Albertans. Amazing people and organizations are hard at work every day, helping to make our communities better for everyone,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union. “Vision Credit Union is proud to support their efforts.”

Grant applications were evaluated based on the project’s benefit to people and the community. A special grant committee comprised of Vision Credit Union’s CEO and Board adjudicated the applications.

Click here for a complete list of this year’s grant recipients or for information about applying for the Helping Hand Grants program.

ABOUT VISION CREDIT UNION:

Vision Credit Union Ltd. is a community credit union with over 37,000 members across Alberta. Over the past 74 years, Vision has evolved from a single branch in Camrose with assets of $178, to become the province’s third-largest credit union with assets over $2.3 Billion and branches in 23 rural Alberta communities. Learn more about Vision Credit Union at www.visioncu.ca

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kelly Clemmer

Manager, Marketing

Vision Credit Union

Kelly.Clemmer@visioncu.ca

-30-

Stories of Alberta: Heritage Barns of Flagstaff

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 22:12:10 GMT

Flagstaff County is keeping local history alive one barn at a time

"A barn isn’t just something functional anymore — it’s the heart of the farm.”

The year was 1905 when Martin Ullrickson started building his homestead near Galahad, Alberta. Born in Denmark, Martin had a very similar story as a lot of rural Albertans — emigrating to North America at a young age and working on a ranch raising cattle for sale.

But the history books tell us that Martin’s story isn’t actually all that typical. In 1908, after starting his family, Martin encountered a few notorious cattle rustlers on his ranch who ended up being part of the “worst gang of cattle thieves ever to hit western Canada.” The encounter ended in an old Western-style gunfight and many of the rustlers behind bars.

While the cattle rustler’s story was making headlines for weeks back then, stories like Martin’s aren’t well-known by Albertans today. That’s why Flagstaff County, with the help of a local university student, took on the Heritage Barns of Flagstaff project to document these barns and the local history held within their walls.

The Heritage Barns of Flagstaff project

Flagstaff County is made up of 10 rural communities, including villages, hamlets and towns, with deep roots and a rich history. A big part of the history in Flagstaff County stems from the ranches, homesteads and barns in the area that have stood the test of time and are still standing today. These barns offer locals a glimpse into the past and that’s exactly why the Heritage Barns of Flagstaff project began.

In 2015 a University of Alberta student, Sydney Hampshire, was involved with the Peter Lougheed Leadership College — a program for undergraduate students looking to develop their leadership skills. In between years one and two of the program, students were required to complete a 500 hour leadership project over the summer. While many of her classmates decided to do research or volunteer work in Australia or Europe to fulfill the requirement, Sydney went the opposite route.

“Because I grew up in rural Alberta, I really wanted to learn about leadership here,” she says. So Sydney approached the County to see if she could observe how the government worked in the area. Their counteroffer was a bit of a surprise. The County asked if Sydney would help with updating an online database that was taking inventory of barns and old buildings throughout the province.

After agreeing to the project, Sydney decided to take it one step further and dedicate an entirely new site to barns in the Flagstaff region alone.

“There were a few structures that we had on file from a survey that was done previously, and we knew that a few locations had barns on them, so I began reaching out to the owners,” she says. She then interviewed landowners, took photos of the barns, updated the Heritage Barns of Flagstaff website and pulled old stories and articles from town history books. It was a massive undertaking.

Within that first summer, Sydney completed her 500 hours of required work and gathered the stories of 35 barns and the generations of families who owned them. “The variety of stories we collected to go along with the barns made it seem kind of like a movie,” she says.

For the next three and a half years Sydney continued her work with the County collecting inventory for the website. At the end of the project, Sydney had designed two coffee table books full of photos and stories about the barns and the families who owned them. Flagstaff County held a book launch for each volume in the series and continues to sell the books not only to Albertans but those around the world.

For Sydney, it was more than collecting stories, it was about preserving history. “Many of the people who knew the stories best had already passed on, but with the website and the coffee table books, we have that data on hand if people are interested in learning about the barns in the future.”

Sydney was surprised to learn that this history also changed perceptions about the role of barns in the community’s history. “For the older generations, the barn was always there and it wasn’t something novel,” she says. “But now, they’re looking at them with new eyes and get to share those stories with their kids and grandkids. A barn isn’t just something functional anymore — it’s the heart of the farm.”

"I know this project will be something we really treasure down the road."

Although the Heritage Barns of Flagstaff project is no longer being worked on continuously, Sydney knows that the project will continue to have an impact on the County residents for a long time. “At first, I thought to myself, ‘Are people going to see any value in this?’ but then it was amazing how open and receptive community members were,” she says. “I feel so lucky to have been involved.”

Sydney and Flagstaff County still encourage locals to submit their barns to become part of the online database and keep the history of the area alive for future generations. “Now is the time because as years go on, it gets harder to collect these stories,” says Sydney. “I know this will be something we really treasure down the road.”

All photos are supplied by and credited to Sydney Hampshire and Flagstaff County.

Browse the Heritage Barns of Flagstaff site to see all barn inventory at heritagebarnsofflagstaff.com

Community Visionaries: Camrose Friends of STARS

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:03:38 GMT

How a Camrose organization is helping keep STARS in the sky

Tragedy is a powerful catalyst for change. Western Canada’s Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) knows this all too well, as their origin story is a sombre one. In the 1980s, the founders of STARS were moved to action after a pregnant woman in a rural community died of blood loss during childbirth. They believed this was a preventable loss – that no one should go without critical care, no matter where they live.

Today, there’s no mistaking a red helicopter when it’s flying across rural Alberta skies. STARS is on a life-saving mission, a beacon of hope even in the most remote areas. But that wasn’t always the case. In the first few years of operation, STARS missions were limited due to a lack of funding from the province. This sparked a desire for local community members to get involved and help more missions get off the ground.

And no one does community quite like rural Alberta. That’s why Camrose residents took matters into their own hands in the early 1990s. They created the Camrose Friends of STARS , a local fundraising group with representatives from the local police, fire and EMS departments.

“People in the community saw how hard it was for STARS to be funded and how important it is that people have the opportunity for emergency health care,” says Bob Grant, chairman of the Camrose Friends of STARS and committee member since 1998. “People found that STARS was a good and worthy cause back then, and the organization has continued.”

"It's nice to know that STARS is there for us if we need it."

Over the years, Camrose Friends of STARS has raised roughly $1.4 million in donations to STARS from community members alone through their annual Dine and Dance and silent auction fundraisers. “In Camrose, we don’t have big donation partners like they do in Calgary and Edmonton; our success comes from people who buy a calendar or donate a quilt for the silent auction,” says Bob. “Pretty much everybody is familiar with Camrose Friends of STARS and wants to support it.”

Photos from the Dine and Dance fundraising events held by the Camrose Friends of STARS over the years.

Bob is a retired police officer who’s had many personal connections to emergency services over the years but says the life-saving stories have kept him involved with the organization year after year. “I have neighbours who’ve had to use STARS because of a quadding accident or a motor vehicle collision,” he says. “It’s nice to know that STARS is there for us if we need it.”

As for the future, Bob is hopeful that the Camrose Friends of STARS will live on and continue fundraising for STARS on many levels. “I wish we had endless amounts of money to support STARS to be able to maintain and increase its services, and training to provide that emergency care fast,” he says.

“I’ll always be part of the group because it’s a very worthwhile cause we’re raising funds for. The STARS helicopter flies right over my house to the hospital, so it’s a good reminder that it's one of those things that I might need tomorrow or the next day and contributing to that makes me feel good.”

Vision Credit Union announces $150,000 donation to STARS

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:18:49 GMT

A partnership to support critical care for rural Albertans

"STARS was built by the community for the community."

Camrose, Alberta – Vision Credit Union announced today their commitment to a $150,000 donation over 5 years to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). STARS is a lifeline for patients in rural, remote and indigenous communities across Western Canada, providing critical care in and around the 24 communities where Vision branches operate.

Between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, STARS carried out 1650 missions from their Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie bases, with 188 taking place in Vision’s communities. As a rural-first financial institution, Vision says they are proud to support the life-saving impact STARS has in areas where critical care may not otherwise be available:

“Rural Albertans deserve access to the services they need. Supporting STARS means supporting the communities that we call home, ensuring our neighbours, friends and family have hope if the unthinkable happens,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union.

Since 2017, Vision has donated a total of over $250,000 to STARS, supporting their new fleet of helicopters. Vision hopes their contribution helps STARS continue as a crucial link in the healthcare system, providing life-saving care and transport to those in need – no matter where they are.

“STARS was built by the community for the community. Allies like Vision Credit Union are vital to our operations and help ensure that we can be there for the next patient wherever and whenever they need us,” said Katherine Emberly, President and CEO of STARS.

About Vision Credit Union

Vision Credit Union Ltd. is a community credit union with over 37,000 members across Alberta. Over the past 75 years, Vision has evolved from a single branch in Camrose with assets of $178, to become the province’s second-largest credit union with assets over $2.3 Billion and branches in 24 rural Alberta communities. Learn more about Vision Credit Union at visioncu.ca

About STARS

STARS was born from the conviction that no one should go without the care that could save their life. Operating 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, STARS is your best hope in a worst-case scenario. If you need critical care, our mission is to be there for you—physically or virtually—in whatever capacity we can help. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs us, it’s never too far. Learn more at stars.ca

Media Contacts

Kelly Clemmer

Manager, Marketing

Vision Credit Union

Kelly.Clemmer@visioncu.ca

Natalie Hofstetter

Communications Officer

STARS

mediainfo@stars.ca

-30-

Should you take an RRSP loan? Five key questions to consider.

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:37:45 GMT

Five questions to consider before this year's RRSP contribution deadline

Pictured above: Amber Frisky, Vision Credit Union, Consort

This year’s RRSP contribution deadlines are on the horizon — it’s February 29, by the way — which means it’s time to decide whether to invest in an RRSP for the tax benefits. RRSP contributions can help take a bite out of your taxes. If you’re lucky, they can even net you a tax refund. But what if you don’t have the savings to make a contribution? Should you borrow? Here are some questions to consider before deciding.

1. What is the interest rate on the loan?

Consider how the loan interest rate will impact your payments. In a low interest rate environment — like we have now — loan interest will have less impact. If interests are high when you borrow or if you have a variable loan and they increase over the term of the loan, the interest charges can offset the initial benefit you receive from making the RRSP contribution.

2. How are your RRSP funds invested?

You can place your RRSPs in a variety of qualified investments that provide varying levels of risk. Financial analysts recommend being conservative with borrowed RRSP contributions, (such as an RRSP investment that guarantees your principal) so that you're not putting a borrowed asset into a high-risk investment. If your RRSP portfolio is high risk, borrowing to contribute may not be the right move.

3 . Can you afford to pay back the loan ?

Sometimes, taking a loan for an RRSP can result in a tax refund that covers the amount of the loan. If that’s the case, you’re in luck. If not, consider if you can you afford to make the loan payments on time and to pay the loan back within the year. If you can’t afford to pay the loan back before the next tax season, it probably doesn’t make sense to add more to your overall debt load.

4 . What is your current level of debt ?

Are you currently juggling high-interest debt? If you’re already paying high interest on credit card debts, for example, your first order of business should be paying off this debt — not taking on more debt. If you don’t pay off the loan as scheduled, the cost of the interest accrued can outweigh the tax benefits.

5. Is an RRSP contribution beneficial in your tax bracket?

Talk to your financial advisor about the tax benefits of RRSPs for your income level. For people whose annual earnings fall into lower tax brackets, the tax benefits of an RRSP contribution may be limited.

In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Mike Holden

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 23:26:30 GMT

A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow

When you’ve got the words “agriculture” and “commercial” in your job title, you’d better know a thing or two about growing things – including businesses. Vision’s Commercial/Agriculture Specialists come at their understanding of food production and industry from different angles: finance, crop science, energy and farm supply, but they all have roots in rural Alberta and their hearts in helping grow futures for Vision’s business and agribusiness members.

Mike Holden | Commercial/Agriculture Specialist | Region: Camrose

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on our family farm just south of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Both my parents and grandparents were farmers, so I grew up with a big appreciation for the Ag lifestyle.

Do you live or work on a farm now?

I don’t currently live on a farm, but I do dabble in urban and small-scale agriculture, so things like microgreens, permaculture environments, passive systems and regenerative Ag. I have an undergraduate degree in Ag science as well as an MBA and I’m personally interested in regenerative agriculture and the changing Ag landscape.

How did you come to become an Ag/Commercial Specialist at Vision? What brought you here?

I have worked in agriculture and commercial banking as well as insurance for many years. I love the culture and values that are a big part of food producing. I was drawn to Vision because it’s positioned for a very bright future and I want to support that.

What is your favourite part of the work you do as an Ag/Commercial Specialist?

My favourite part is learning to understand the unique complexities of various farming operations while behaving as a partner who can offer suggestions. I also just really enjoy helping members achieve their goals.

From your perspective, what is the most common challenge food producers face when dealing with other financial institutions?

Some financial institutions generalize and sort clients into categories that often leave them with options that aren’t the right fit. At Vision, we create flexible solutions based on the individual member’s needs, so the solutions work better. We know every member is different – that’s why we make loan decisions locally, based on getting to know the members personally.

From your experience, which services that Vision offers are the most helpful to the farmers and businesses you’ve worked with?

With Vision, we need our members to be successful for us to be successful, so this means we are more invested in the outcomes for our members, whether in Ag, personal banking or small business. We offer that small-town personal banking feeling that members seem to appreciate.

What do you think it is about a farming or ranching lifestyle that makes people carry on doing it, despite all its challenges and hard work?

I think most food producers appreciate the ability to be their own boss and maintain their values, lifestyle and family connections while doing it.

Get in touch with Mike at the Camrose branch:

Learn more about Vision Credit Union's agriculture services at visioncu.ca .

Community Visionary: Jane Ross | Camrose’s Association for Life-wide Living of Alberta

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 21:41:19 GMT

How a Camrose community leader is changing attitudes through possibility

Changing social perceptions about people with disabilities is an ongoing battle, but around the world, advocates are beginning to change those views one step, one word and one attitude at a time. Here in Alberta, Camrose’s Jane Ross has spent nearly 20 years doing just that, by shining a light on the “ability” in “disability.”

Jane is the President of the Association for Life-wide Living of Alberta (ALL). The organization

launched in 2004 when Jane and a few other community members got together to discuss the wellbeing of seniors living in long-term care in the Camrose area. Jane and her colleagues saw that the people living in long-term care, as well as their families, were really struggling.

“There seemed to be a divide between the rhetoric of institutional care and what was actually happening in the lives of individuals,” says Jane. “Something needed to be done.”

On a Sunday evening that November, 46 people gathered to talk about the issues faced by seniors and their families. They formed a support group that very night. Seven years later, in response to community feedback, the group registered to become a society. “We were faced with several things that people felt were really important that weren’t just about long-term care,” says Jane.

“There seemed to be a divide between the rhetoric of institutional care and what was actually happening in the lives of individuals.”

A year later, the Association held its first- ever Culture, Creativity and Place Conference in 2012. The conference brought together rural folks, Indigenous neighbours and key thought leaders from all over Canada to explore new ideas and share meaningful conversations about rural life and what it means to face adversity. “That conference was a real game changer for us,” says Jane. The second conference of its kind was held in rural Australia just four years later, further building on the profound friendships and sharing of ideas that continue to this day.

Throughout those first years as a society, Jane had many meaningful conversations with people of all ages and backgrounds in the Battle River Region. One of the most impactful was a conversation with three long-term care residents whom Jane calls the “three wise women.”

One of these women was Irene Hewitt, a 90-year-old, blind, retired journalist who was eager to find her place in the world again. Irene had “wonderful insights and stories,” so Jane made sure to take the time to listen to her. “When we were looking for a name for our society, Irene said, ‘Oh, don’t call it Lifelong learning. Life gets long enough. Call it life-wide living.’ She was describing the need that people have to live, no matter what their physical or mental state is at their age,” says Jane.

“I think it’s my role to encourage and support and lift other people up and give them a sense of their own vision.”

Over the years, Jane helped Irene and the other wise women write some of their impactful stories. She eventually turned their stories into a book, called Beauty Everyday: Stories from Life as it Happens . “It’s dedicated to exploring adversity and how people deal with adversity and overcome it. And we discovered that in each case, adversity has a counterpart in adventure.”

The idea of adventure in adversity has been a guiding force for Jane and the team at the association. Since then, their focus has been on something Jane likes to call “possibility thinking.”

Simply put, possibility thinking means changing from a focus on what a person can’t do, to the things that they’re able to do. “So, you simply ask, ‘What can you do?’ and the lights start to come on and they will say ‘I can see,’ or ‘I can think,’ or ‘I can sit,’ and it’s remarkable basing recovery and rehabilitation on this strength-based possibility thinking.”

It’s a way of thinking that works with cognitive rehabilitation and physical rehabilitation.

A few years ago, Jane’s husband, Jack, suffered a brain hemorrhage stroke. He has been on his own recovery journey since. For the first five months, Jack was in the hospital and when it was time to leave, the care team recommended long-term care.

Jane, being an advocate for older adults to age in place, made the decision that Jack would recover at home. “That was an enormous task to figure out how to get him by lift into bed and out of bed and to the washroom and you name it,” says Jane. “Not everybody can do it, but we did and thankfully, I had the knowledge and the physical strength to be able to.”

Although it was a tough decision for the couple, Jack’s recovery story has been a positive one. With Jane as his support system at home, Jack has looked at his recovery through a lens of exercising possibility thinking, which helped him to restore much of the life he was told was lost.

In early 2023, with the help of a Vision Credit Union Helping Hand Grant , Jane and the team at ALL were able to obtain a mobile bungee walker to help those with mobility difficulties. Jack was one of the first to try out the new technology and although it took a lot of hard work and dedication, Jack is now learning to walk again with hope that never falters.

The couple remains an inspiration for others in recovery and Jane hopes to encourage others around her to keep living, no matter what adversity they face. “I think it’s my role to encourage and support and lift other people up and give them a sense of their own vision,” she says. “I’ve been privileged to experience a great many things in the world and if I can use my network to help other people, I’m thrilled about that.”

In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Ethan Walker

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 21:30:22 GMT

A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow

Ethan Walker | Commercial/Agriculture Specialist | Region: Wainwright

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I started working as a Commercial/Ag specialist at Vision in June of 2023 after a career working in commercial finance. My wife and I have five kids and three grandkids.

Where do your kids live? Do any of them still live on the farm with you?

Our oldest Jacklyn is a registered nurse and she lives with her husband and their daughter in Leduc, AB. Next is Cassandra who lives on an acreage in Valley View with her husband and two kids. Our oldest son Blake is an electrician who lives in the town near our farm and helps with the farm. Our other son Scott is attending Millar College of the Bible with plans to be a preacher. Last but not least is our youngest, Chantal who is in grade 8 and playing volleyball.

Did you farm/ranch growing up?

I’m part of a multi-generation farming family. There are farmers on all sides of my family tree. They farmed in Britain, Russia, Germany, Australia, North Dakota, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

I currently live on the land that my family started farming in 1940. It’s a grain and cattle operation just east of the Saskatchewan border. I run about 65 head of cattle, and my cousin runs the grain side. I jump on the equipment every chance I get. During harvest, I’ll work from 7 am to 3 pm for Vision and then get in the combine from 3 pm to 11 pm. It makes for long days, but there is a sense of accomplishment for each field that we finish.

This year, the grain side of our family produced enough calories to feed 17,500 people and the cattle provided about 55,000 meals of high-quality beef.

Have you always lived on the farm?

I moved to Calgary for a few years when I was younger, but it wasn’t for me. My grandma always said that once you’ve farmed, the dust gets in your blood and you just can’t stop. I enjoy the genuine people who live in rural areas. We wanted our kids to grow up in a rural environment, to know the value of work and how to produce and fix things.

What drew you to the Agriculture/Commercial Specialist position at Vision Credit Union?

I’ve been in commercial finance for years and I know that industry is what keeps this province going. Vision Credit Union hasn’t forgotten that, but some places have. Businesses in rural areas don’t tend to fit in a box of either agriculture or commercial. Many business owners also have ag operations. I was drawn to this specialist position because I could bring an understanding of both sides, which allows me to be a true financial partner and support the success of our members.

What is your favourite part about the work you do as an Ag/Commercial Specialist?

Vision has a great team working together to support our member’s businesses. I get to work with our members to understand their business and offer financial solutions that make a difference, all with the confidence of knowing that our team is working behind the scenes to keep the accounts and details running smoothly.

From your experience, which supports/services do you think matter most to members?

I think members appreciate that we come to them, meet them on their terms, answer the cell phone outside of office hours, as well as take the time to understand their operation and offer advice.

What surprises your prospects/members about the services you offer?

Prospects and members are surprised I keep overalls and muck boots in the trunk of my Camaro.

Get in touch with Ethan at the Wainwright branch:

Learn more about Vision Credit Union's agriculture services at visioncu.ca .

Stories of Alberta: CPKC Holiday Train

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 19:14:24 GMT

25 years of twinkling lights and giving back during the holidays

If you’ve ever stopped at a railway crossing waiting for a train to pass, chances are you didn’t pull over and put your car in park to watch with awe as the train went by. But for the last 25 years, that’s exactly what many Albertans have been doing when the CPKC Holiday Train chugs through their town.

The CPKC Holiday Train (formerly the CP Holiday Train) first hit the rails in 1999, decked out with twinkling lights and holiday decorations sure to gather crowds from miles away. But a 1000-foot-long train decorated with bright lights, live music and Christmas spirit isn’t the only thing drawing spectators — it’s the powerful message of giving back to those in need.

“People are very generous at Christmas and giving back to food banks makes people feel good.”

In the 25 years since its inaugural cross-country journey, the Holiday Train has raised over $22.5 million and collected more than 5 million pounds of food for community food banks across North America.

Lynne Jenkinson, Flagstaff Food Bank board secretary, says it’s common for people to think about other people during the holiday season, especially in rural communities with the support of farmers and food suppliers. “People are very generous at Christmas and giving back to food banks makes people feel good.”

Over the years, Lynne has watched several Holiday Trains roll through Hardisty, and every year the contribution to the food bank is more than she could have ever imagined. At every stop, food bank representatives are called onto the rail car stage to receive their donation and spectators are invited to donate too. This often leaves the food bank with donations of over $10,000 at the end of the event. “Each time the number grows greater it brings more tears to my eyes,” she says.

The Flagstaff Food Bank donation table was filled at a holiday "Pet Pictures with Santa" event held on December 2, 2023. Over 600 pounds of food (including over 300 pounds of pet food) were donated by the Flagstaff County and the surrounding community.

On average, the Flagstaff Food Bank receives 80% of its yearly donations in November and December. Many of these donations come from the fundraising efforts of the Holiday Train and other holiday-themed fundraisers like the Food Bank’s reverse advent calendar. “These campaigns bring us enough food to last us until July,” says Lynne, “And without them, food might only last us until March.”

This sense of community support around the holidays is especially important this year as many food banks have seen an increase in usage as the cost of living continues to rise. The Flagstaff Food Bank has provided nearly 700 hampers this year, an increase of 23 percent since last year. “This is the worst we’ve seen in 23 years of operation,” says Lynne. Many other food banks are experiencing the same fate, no matter how long they’ve been in operation.

But hope remains. Alice Wagenaar is a board member for the Pincher Creek and District Community Food Centre which opened its doors in 2020. She’s hopeful that the Holiday Train will help the Food Centre meet the growing demand for their services.

“As I see the demand for food increase, especially at Christmas, I’m really looking forward to seeing the food centre be able to meet that demand,” says Alice. “The train visit is short and sweet, but people have really rallied around it in the past and I expect the same will happen this year.”

“The Holiday Train raises awareness about food insecurity, but it also has given a chance for community members to gather together and see that nobody has to suffer alone.”

Melissa Mailman, captain at the Salvation Army Food Bank in Wetaskiwin, says the rallying of support for food banks when the train makes a stop has the most impact. “The Holiday Train raises awareness about food insecurity, but it also has given a chance for community members to gather together and see that nobody has to suffer alone.”

For years, the CPKC Holiday Train has been sparking joy across our province and giving back to those in need in a time when lifting people up is so important. “Let’s spread joy and let’s spread hope that this too shall pass,” says Melissa. “There’s always going to be happiness and joy that is deeply rooted in all of us.”

The CPKC Holiday Train is stopping in four Vision Credit Union communities in 2023:

Town of Hardisty

December 6, 2023 @ 9 pm
Donations are supporting the Flagstaff Food Bank

City of Camrose

December 7, 2023 @ 1:05 pm
Donations are supporting the Camrose Neighbour Aid Centre

City of Wetaskiwin

December 7, 2023 @ 3:25 pm
Donations are supporting the Salvation Army Food Bank

Town of Pincher Creek

December 12, 2023 @ 10:35 am
Donations are supporting the Pincher Creek and District Community Food Centre

See the full list of donation recipients and the Alberta Holiday Train schedule on the CPKC website .

Proudly Local Business: North Star Oilfield Services and Distribution Ltd.

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:12:37 GMT

How keeping it in the family grew this Wainwright business from the bottom up

The town of Wainwright is an east-central Alberta community made up of major oil and gas production and agriculture, meaning a lot of families in the area are immersed in either farming or working the oil fields. But Jennifer and Jason Miller, longtime Wainwright area residents and owners of North Star Oilfield Services and North Star Distribution Ltd, get to experience the best of both worlds with family by their side.

In 1995, shortly after getting married, the couple decided to return to Jennifer’s farming roots. “We moved back to my mom and dad’s farm because we wanted to farm as well,” says Jennifer. But farm life wasn’t all the couple desired for their future. To keep himself busy, Jason took on some contract work and spent a lot of hours on his bobcat doing odd jobs all around town.

Eventually, after making a name for himself, Jason bought a steamer truck to build up some more contracts on the oil fields in and around Wainwright during the winter months. “We just took baby steps,” says Jennifer, and after a while, North Star Oilfield Services was born.

By 1999, the couple had saved up enough from their business to buy their own quarter section of land and a move-in-ready house to suit their growing family and growing business.

"We just kept moving forward, forward, forward."

Since then, North Star has grown into a full-fledged industrial business with a fleet of two one-tonnes, a steam truck, a vac truck, a hydro-vac, an excavator, a grader and a gravel truck. “We just kept moving forward, forward, forward,” says Jennifer.

As their three boys grew older, they joined in on the fun too. “When our oldest son was 14, he started out as a labourer with Jason on the side,” says Jennifer. Their middle son followed big brother’s footsteps and by the time both boys were old enough, they each got their class one license to join their dad in operating the big trucks.

In 2020, the family business expanded even further when they opened their oil field supply store, North Star Distribution Ltd. This was a perfect opportunity for their youngest son to show off his people, sales and customer service skills and join the family business. “He dove right into the store atmosphere,” says Jennifer. “We all just intertwine and help each other out.”

That family-first attitude is something that makes North Star stand apart from other business models, especially in the booming oil and gas industry. “We’re not a corporation where you don’t know your people,” says Jennifer. “It’s Jason and I and our boys and we even consider our employees family too.”

Having these meaningful connections to the Wainwright community all their lives make it even easier for Jennifer and Jason to stay involved with all aspects of life there and pay it forward when they can. “If there’s an opportunity, we’re always wanting and willing to support it,” says Jennifer. “The community is so important to our family.”

Jennifer has high hopes for the future of their business. “Our boys are young and can take it and go who knows where,” she says. “We started this, and they’re the next generation.”

Phone: (780) 842-1518

1902 1 Avenue, Wainwright, Alberta T9W 1L7, Canada

Community Visionaries: Camrose Community Kitchen

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:57:53 GMT

Cooking up change by supporting local seniors and nourishing connection

Left to right: Michael Rostad (Vision’s Camrose West End Branch Manager), Maria Lobreau (Director of Camrose & District Home Support Society), Patricia Zeniuk (Owner of Twists & More Bakery and Restaurant), Lyndel Kasa (Executive Director of Camrose & District FCSS) and Sharon Nelson (Vision's Camrose City Centre Branch Manager).

It has been said that a society can be measured by how it treats its elders. And for many older Canadians, a few basic supports can mean the difference between a rich, independent life at home and having to move into assisted living.

In the community of Camrose, where the population of folks over 65 is even larger than the provincial average, a non-profit called the Camrose and District Home Support Society and a community-minded local baker have teamed up to provide seniors with a Community Kitchen which supports a more social and healthy life. Not to mention fuller hearts and stomachs.

Camrose and District Home Support Society

The Camrose and District Home Support Society, an internal program of the Camrose and District Family and Community Support Services , has been working toward the goal of reducing isolation, increasing food security and enhancing volunteer services to allow seniors to remain at home.

"[Helping seniors] is not just about helping them shovel their walk or navigate their senior's benefits on the online systems.”

The organization has offered home support services such as the Meals on Wheels program since its beginning in 1973, and Homemaker services since 1995, helping seniors to live in a safe and healthy home while they age in place. While these programs have been going strong for 50 years, there was a need, and opportunity, for more.

“It's not just about helping people shovel their walk or navigate their senior's benefits on the online systems,” says Maria Lobreau, director of the Camrose and District Home Support Society. “We’re helping everybody age well in place, but a piece was still missing.”

And that’s when Patricia Zeniuk, Owner of Twists and More bakery and restaurant in Camrose joined the effort.

Twists and More

Patricia began operating Twists and More, offering fresh baked goods and home-cooked meals, at a farmer’s market booth in 2016. Her baked goods were wildly popular among locals, so in 2018, she and her husband opened a brick-and-mortar location.

Things were growing by “leaps and bounds” and in 2022 Patricia won a Small Business of the Year award through the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce . “It has grown faster and bigger than I ever expected,” she says.

Because of her passion for good food and building relationships in the community, the next step came organically for Patricia. In early 2023, Patricia and Maria teamed up to expand the Home Support Program to deliver frozen meals to Camrose County. “I really believe that the seniors are an integral part of our community, that they’re the founders of our community. And food is one thing that they can, and deserve to enjoy,” says Patricia.

After receiving a food security grant from the Alberta Government, the Home Support program used the funds to purchase baked goods and frozen meals from Twists and More, and deliver these to local and Camrose County locations. These meals were able to enhance the traditional meals that had been provided in the past. “This was kind of a pilot project for the possibility of having the bakery be the provider of locally made meals for Meals on Wheels,” says Maria. “And it was highly successful.”

The Home Support Society was able to initially provide 180 meals to seniors in Camrose and 250 healthy fresh meals and frozen meals to the rural community with the partnership. “We saw this as an opportunity to enhance the nutritional aspect of the meals that we provide our seniors, helping to support how they age in place,” says Maria.

Patricia's Kitchen

After a successful trial run, funding was the last piece of the puzzle. In 2023, Vision Credit Union awarded the project with a $5,000 Helping Hand Grant and applied on their behalf for a $10,000 grant through Equitable Bank . With everything in place, Patricia and her husband made the partnership with the Home Support Society official.

Together, they opened a new kitchen with a familiar name — Patricia’s Kitchen. The kitchen will operate as a hub for the Meals on Wheels program where the fresh and frozen meals will be prepared, cooked, packaged and delivered at a low cost for seniors and others in need.

Maria and Patricia have high hopes for the future. They envision the space as a community hub, bringing together local folks in need to connect, learn about nutritious meal preparation and provide support for one another. “It’s going to be an amazing place, says Patricia. “It really is.”

4821 – 51 Street, Camrose AB | Phone: 780-672-0141

Proudly Local Business: Al's Hotshot & Trucking Services

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:23:57 GMT

How a Wainwright business was born from a $1,500 loan and a truck.

A career in hotshot trucking might not be the cushiest — you’re often met with endless hours on the road, near-impossible timelines to get the job done and working through the occasional high-stress situation. But Al Gormley, owner of Al’s Hotshot & Trucking Services in Wainwright, is making the best of his career choice and ensuring those who work with him feel like family in his hometown.

Al grew up in Wainwright and left the town for the first time after high school. He ended up in Estevan, Saskatchewan, working the service rigs and oilfields for a year or so before returning to his hometown.

In the early ‘90s, Al started trucking with H&E Oilfield Services in Wainwright and enjoyed being out on the open road. “I was driving all the time, and I loved it,” he says. That love for the open road would prove to be highly influential, and in 1995, Al started a trucking business himself. “If I was going to do this, I was going to try it on my own.”

There was only one thing left for Al to make this dream of owning and operating his own trucking business a reality — buy a truck.

"If I was going to do this, I was going to try it on my own."

At the time, money was tight and he couldn’t afford to buy a big truck for heavy hauling like he was used to, so he borrowed $1,500 from his mom to lease a 1995 GMC diesel hotshot truck from the local dealership, Denwood Motors . “I was still trucking for H&E at the time, so I’d go do a hotshot in my truck and then come back to work,” says Al.

That’s how Al’s Hotshot & Trucking Services was born.

By working two jobs, Al saved up enough money to buy his first winch tractor. The business took off, and it’s been thriving ever since. Al and his wife, Kim, have grown the business to over 70 employees and have a fleet of over 100 trucks and trailers. Al’s Hotshot & Trucking Services primarily serves the oil field sector in Alberta, and the company has now expanded into Lloydminster and Fort McMurray.

But the company’s growth wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and warmth that comes from within. “I tell everybody, we’re all on the same floor, and we’re really involved with the people in our business,” says Al. “You know, you’re not a number here.”

Al takes pride in having an open-door policy with all his staff and credits his wife for making the business feel like a family. “She’s the rock that holds this all together. I can go out to the field and do the work, but she looks after the office and supports where needed.”

Al is proud to be a business owner in the Wainwright community, holding on to the relationships he’s built since he was a kid. “I’m pretty lucky and fortunate to live here with great people that actually have your back,” he says. “They say if you go through life with one friend, you’re rich, and I’m going through life with multiple friends and family who support me.”

Al makes sure to give back to the community, a “thank you” for all the goodness it’s brought to his life. Multiple times a year, he participates and donates to community programs like 4-H, the Wainwright Food Bank and hockey sponsorships. One of Al’s favourite things is setting up the community’s Christmas tree in town for the local Kinsmen. “I really enjoy supporting the town where I come from,” he says. “I grew up here, so I support here. Wainwright has always been very good to me.”

Though not everyone in Wainwright could use a trucking service regularly, Al and the team at Al’s Hotshot & Trucking Services are happy to be a constant in the community that’s given its owners so much to be proud of.

Call: (780) 842-7990 | Email: dispatch@alshotshot.com

Friendly Faces of Vision: Angela Richmond

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 21:23:49 GMT

Stettler, Alberta

"We want our community to know we're there for them, to support them."

For years, people have been drawn to Stettler in the heart of Alberta for its vintage passenger trains , historic Main Street and Alberta’s fifth-largest pioneer museum .

In addition to being a community of rich traditions, Stettler offers a range of shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and dining amenities, all of which make it a hub for people from nearby rural communities. Thanks to Stettler’s amenities and its friendly, small-town roots, many who visit Stettler decide to stay.

Twenty years ago, Angela Richmond, was one of those people. Today, as a loan administrator at Vision Credit Union in Stettler, Angela is proud to contribute to the community that embraced her and grateful to have an employer that supports that community connection and care.

We caught up with Angela to hear the story of her journey from a tiny nearby hamlet to a life in Stettler where she’s happy never venturing too far from home.

Tell us about how you ended up in the Town of Stettler for good.

I met my husband when I came to Stettler. He grew up south of Stettler in Rumsey and I grew up just northwest of Stettler, close to Alix in a small little hamlet, so we’re both still close to home. We’ve been living here for about 21 years… We really like Stettler.

Tell us a bit about your history working with Vision.

I’ve been with Vision for about 12 years now. I started as an MSR teller for a couple of years and then when the lady in my current position moved on, our branch Manager, Wendy, convinced me to apply for the position of Loans Administrator. And now here I am, and it’s been six or seven years in this role. I can still do MSR teller stuff when one of the girls is gone, but now I mostly help members with their loans, hand over the cheques and make sure all the ‘T’s are crossed and the ‘I’s are dotted.

What do you like most about working at a rural credit union?

I like being around people... I think everyone at the branch gets along pretty well and we all help each other out.

My favourite part, though, is that at Vision, we get to be out in the community. We want to know what’s going on and we want to help out. Vision makes a lot of donations to community groups like KidSport and our people volunteer in the community… events like that. If members come in and say they’re having a curling bonspiel, we’ll do up a raffle basket. We want our community to know we’re there for them, to support them. I think that’s good.

What’s your favourite part about living in Stettler?

I like that everything is right here. I rarely have to leave Stettler. We used to always drive to Red Deer or Camrose to shop, but we have everything here. My husband is from Rumsey where there’s not even a grocery store or gas station, but that community is one of the friendliest. Stettler is similar in that way. I’ve been here for 20 years and I know a lot of people in town. We’re all friendly. You walk down the street and you always run into somebody you know.

Visit Angela and the team at the Stettler branch:

Community Visionary: Rob Lawson | Irma's 4-H Beef Club

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:17:06 GMT

Growing with the 4-H community in rural Alberta

"I wanted to make a life, not a living."

All of life’s lessons are found in agriculture. Between seeds and crops, calves and cows, there’s a spectrum of experience: from nurturing life to accepting loss. That’s what makes the 4-H Club a perfect place for kids to grow.

And those lessons keep growing with you. In fact, many 4-H members find their time in the club so impactful that they return to raise up other future farmers. Rob Lawson, a new Leader of Irma’s 4-H Beef Club, is one of those legacy members.

Growing up in Irma, Rob joined the local 4-H club at a young age. The hands-on learning allowed him to soak up knowledge about beef nutrition, management, breeding, calving, handling, marketing, showmanship and more. For Rob, it was a fun way to gain new skills and keep in touch with friends.

When he grew up and out of 4-H, Rob ended up working in the oil and gas industry after high school. The oil patch was a place to earn money in a way that required “less work” than farm life, Rob says. But he eventually circled back to his early ambitions and where his heart lies — a life in the beef industry. Today, Rob operates a cow-calf operation with his family, saying, “I wanted to make a life, not a living.”

Though the job requires a lot of hard work to reap the rewards, Rob enjoys the challenge. Farming certainly keeps him busy and on his toes. “Just this winter, a horned Hereford bull put his head into a bale feeder to eat hay. I had to cut the feeder apart to get him out — not once, but twice!”

Rob’s hardworking attitude and dedication to the beef industry can be traced back to his humble beginnings in 4-H. He’s a proud parent to a few 4-H members today and the time came when it made sense for him to join the Club again too. After attending one meeting with the club’s leaders, he was granted the title of leader himself.

Since stepping up to the task in late 2022, he’s been hard at work helping at club events and spearheading an unexpected but much-needed building project. In 2021, a steer pulled a significant part of the wall off their meeting place. After that “only in agriculture” moment, the leaders knew it was time to either find a new spot or build one.

To put it into perspective, Irma’s 4-H Beef Club is home to 41 members, making it one of the largest 4-H clubs in Alberta. When you put those 41 members in the same room as 41 calves and steers, it can get tight on space. “The old facility we’re using now, it’s a stable that’s getting old and we’re just outgrowing it,” says Rob.

Since taking on a role as leader, Rob’s been applying for community and government grants to make this dream build a reality. In early 2023, the Beef Club was awarded a $10,000 Vision Credit Union Helping Hand Grant . “This grant helped us get started,” says Rob. “Once we got some money under our belt, we could apply for more grants.”

These grants will help fund a new meeting location where not only the 4-H club can show and sell their beef, but other community groups can use it year-round as well. “Having a nice facility in place that the club could call their home would be a dream,” says Rob. And although there’s still a lot of hard work ahead, he’s excited and up for the challenge.

The future of the Irma 4-H Beef Club is a bright one thanks to Rob’s dedication and perseverance. He’s never forgotten what he learned in 4-H and strives to instill those same values in today’s members. Rob hopes he’s leading by example with the building project and some words of wisdom: “Set goals for yourself and you’ll always have something to strive for,” he says.

Want to get involved with 4-H Alberta? Visit their website to learn more.

Fraud Prevention: Impersonation Scams

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 23:45:42 GMT

Why Canada’s top fraud schemes are so effective

Scammers have thousands of tricks up their sleeves, but there are a few that tend to top the list year after year. Experts say that’s because they prey on universal human emotions such as love, insecurity and fear.

The public are more aware of fraudulent scams today than ever before as a result of awareness campaigns, education efforts and popular culture (think Netflix’s “The Tinder Swindler” which topped the charts in early 2022). However, as awareness increases, so does the sophistication of scams, meaning more people are being targeted.

Based on reports to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) , $530 million was lost to fraud in 2022 — an increase of 40% from 2021.

Impersonation scamming, where fraudsters pretend to be a loved one or authority figure, is a tactic used in several different scams and is becoming easier to do with the increased use of the internet.

“Impersonation scams have become increasingly more sophisticated. Fraudsters have taken advantage of consumers as we've grown more reliant on the Internet to shop, socialize and for entertainment,” says Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition at Competition Bureau Canada .

Most common types of impersonation scams

Investment Fraud

Reported losses from investment fraud in Canada in 2022: $308.6 million

According to CAFC, investment scams were the largest in 2022 based on dollars lost. There’s also been a noticeable increase in cryptocurrency scams as digital currency becomes more widely used.

Fraudsters attempting investment fraud are often impersonating a trusted source online, like a friend or family member, to steal money or personal information.

“These scammers play on people’s desire to make it big and they promise huge returns for investments,” says Carolin Robinson, Manager of Risk at Vision Credit Union. “They make it so tempting, but as soon as you give them the investment money, it’s probably gone.”

How to protect yourself from investment fraud and cryptocurrency scams:

Always be suspicious of unsolicited investment opportunities, high pressure tactics or promises of higher than normal returns.
If you receive a message from a friend about a new investment opportunity, contact them through another channel to confirm their identity.
Ask for information on the investment. Research the team behind the offering and analyze the feasibility of the project. Check the registration and enforcement history.
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) encourages all investors to visit their National Registration Search Tool ( www.aretheyregistered.ca ).

Psychological Manipulation Scams

Most people don’t want to believe they could be duped by fraud, which is probably why CAFC estimates that 90-95% of cases go unreported. This is particularly true of psychological manipulation fraud such as romance scams, extortion and emergency scams.

Unfortunately, no one is safe from being targeted. Age, education, income or any other aspect of personal background doesn’t matter. Fraudsters are very good at manipulating people to get what they want by taking advantage of normal human tendencies and feelings.

“The people who do this are professional con artists, and they’re very good at what they do. They prey on our vulnerabilities, our hopes and the fact that we're often too busy to monitor these things,” says Robinson. “It’s very effective.”

Romance Scams

Romance fraudsters use dating or social networking sites to contact their victims. They research their targets and create fake profiles designed to appeal to their victim. They quickly profess their love to gain their victims’ trust, affection and money. This type of fraud plays on emotions and may last for months, years or until the victim has nothing left to give.

“These romance scams are the least reported because by the time the victim figures out that it’s a scam, they're too embarrassed to admit they fell for it,” says Robinson. If you’ve fallen prey to a romance scammer, you’re definitely not alone. Robinson says this type of fraud has impacted many people in Vision’s communities and it affects thousands of people across the country every year.

Extortion

Extortion fraudsters often claim to be a government agent, bank employee or in another position of authority to unlawfully obtain money, property or services through coercion.

Fraudsters may threaten that if the victim doesn’t speak to them immediately, they’ll be arrested, fined or deported. They may say that the victim’s personal information has been compromised or linked to criminal activity, and request further information like their social insurance number or bank account balance to help rectify the issue.

Emergency scams

In emergency scams, fraudsters will contact victims claiming that a family member was in an accident, in legal trouble or ill with COVID-19. The fraudster will impersonate the police, a lawyer, or even the family member themselves. They’ll then claim that funds are required immediately to solve the problem, like paying a fine or bail.

How to protect yourself from psychological manipulation scams:

If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be or represent a family member, hang up and contact them directly.
If the caller claims to be law enforcement or the government, hang up and call them directly.
Always listen to your inner voice that’s saying, “This doesn’t feel right.”
Be suspicious of any phone calls or emails that require you to take immediate action.
Never provide personal information to an unknown caller, including date of birth, social insurance number or banking information.

Other scam trends:

Email phishing and spear phishing
Service scams
Merchandise scams

If you’re the victim of a scam, fraud or cybercrime, please contact your local police. It’s also essential that you report an incident, whether you’re a victim or not, to the CAFC via their Online Reporting System or by phone at 1-888-495-8501 .

Financial Literacy: Striking a Balance on Your Credit Rating

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:31:18 GMT

How to not sweat having your credit report pulled

"Your credit score is not a measure of your humanity, but it is an important aspect of your financial profile."

We’ve all been there. You’re at a financial institution or a car dealership inquiring about a loan and they announce they need to pull your credit score. Suddenly, you feel as though you’re standing there in your birthday suit, utterly exposed. You don’t know what they’re seeing on that computer screen, but you’re thinking it’s probably the darkest depths of your soul.

Relax. Your credit score is not a measure of your humanity, but it is an important aspect of your financial profile. It may be used to determine some pretty weighty financial factors in your life, such as whether or not you’ll be able to lease a vehicle, qualify for a mortgage or get a student loan.

In Canada, credit scores are calculated by Equifax and TransUnion. They collect information about you from your credit file to determine your credit score. Credit scores generally range from 300 to 900, with scores 660 and up generally considered good, very good, or excellent.

This score can have a pretty big impact on your life, so if you haven’t given it much thought, it might be time to do so. Here are some of the key issues that can affect your credit score:

1. Payment history
Both Equifax and TransUnion say that payment history is weighted the most heavily in your credit score. Late payments or having your account sent to a collection agency has a very negative impact on your credit score.

2. Balance-to-limit ratio
Your Balance-to-limit ratio is the amount of debt you have relative to your credit limit. Equifax and TransUnion suggest aiming for account balances below 25 or 30 percent of your credit limit.

3. Multiple credit inquiries

Both credit agencies recommend applying for credit in moderation. Too many inquiries in a short period of time can sometimes be interpreted as a sign that you are experiencing financial difficulties or overextending yourself by taking on more debt than you can afford.

4. History of accounts
TransUnion recommends people think twice before closing old accounts, because they show a pattern of consistency in your credit history. Having a longer history on your credit accounts earns you more points, so avoid closing your accounts if you may need them in the future.

5. Too few credit sources

Showing a mix of credit products (mortgage, credit card, retail store card, line of credit, car loan, etc.) will procure more points on your file than having only one type of credit, such as only credit cards.

6. Too many credit sources
Having a lot credit accounts, particularly ones that carry balances, is another red flag for Credit Bureaus. If Equifax and TransUnion think you have too much credit, they will deduct points.

What? Too much credit is bad and too little credit is bad? It can be tough to know if you’re striking the right balance with your credit rating. One sure fire way to know where you stand is to pull your own credit report. Trans Union and Equifax both charge to provide credit reports, but online companies like Borrowell, Credit Karma and Mogo will provide your credit report for free, and your social insurance number is not required.

Friendly Faces of Vision: Jennifer Young

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 20:34:56 GMT

Vegreville, Alberta

"I’m a people person. I try to make it so that when people come in, I know their names. Everybody knows everybody here."

Growing up in southern Manitoba, Jennifer Young never dreamed she’d find her future in a close-knit Alberta community – let alone a town famous for its giant Easter egg. But as Jennifer quickly learned, the 31-foot Pysanka symbolizes how the people of Vegreville live: in harmony. And that’s why she fits right in.

Since moving to Vegreville, the pieces have fallen into place for Jennifer. She says the town’s rich traditions, culture and relationships are a perfect match for a people-person like herself. And vice versa. As Senior Member Services Representative at Vision’s Vegreville Branch, she takes care in strengthening community connections every day.

We caught up with Jennifer to hear the story of her journey across the prairies and how Vegreville became the place she’s proud to call home.

What brought you to the Town of Vegreville?

When I was 19, I told my boss at IGA that I wanted to go into grocery management. He encouraged me to go to school and apply at Co-op, so that’s what I did. I took business admin in college, focusing on management and marketing. After a year as a grocery manager trainee in Carman, Manitoba, I found three job opportunities looking for an assistant grocery manager in Western Canada. At that time, Vegreville was the closest to home.

Can you tell us about the journey from grocery management to financial services?

I was the grocery manager at Co-op until 2011, the year my daughter was born. After that, I started working for the Vegreville Centennial Library from 2012 to 2016, and then I had my son in 2017. As soon as maternity leave was over, I started working at Vision Credit Union. I started part-time, which worked well with my son’s schedule when he was little. Over time, I transitioned to full-time and now I’m the Senior Member Services Representative at the Vegreville branch.

What do you like most about working at a rural credit union?

I’m a people person. I try to make it so that when people come in, I know their names. I love having people come in and make time for the small things like asking, 'Hey, how's your daughter doing?' Just making those personal connections. Everybody knows everybody here.

How does the Vegreville branch team get involved with the community?

We’ve done quite a bit… We donate to golf tournaments, we donated to the pride committee recently and local sponsorships, like having our name on the curling rink boards. During COVID, we were involved in the main street trick-or-treat and Harvest for Hope. We got quite a few new members through Harvest for Hope by being one of the few banks participating and just being out there meeting and greeting people.

For the past five years, we’ve organized a silent auction for Vegreville KidSport. We help them raise funds so that kids in the community that wouldn’t normally be able to play sports can. Over the years, we’ve raised about $23,000 for KidSport. It’s been great, and the community support is amazing. We definitely try to get out there in the community as much as we can.

What’s your favourite part about living in Vegreville?

When I first moved here, it was very welcoming. I grew up in Manitoba, so I didn’t know what to expect when I got out here. But I was amazed by things like the parades that we have. The town light-up at the end of November is a good example. Every year, a giant candle on a tower gets lit up, there are Christmas lights everywhere and we have a little parade with festive music. Our fairs are amazing. I’ve immersed myself and become part of the community. I don’t know how to describe it - you just become one of them.

Visit Jennifer and the team at the Vegreville branch:

Community Visionary: Louis Ducsharm | Camrose Public Library

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:58:25 GMT

Bringing digital literacy to the forefront of library programming to create a safe space for all.

New technology can be confusing and uncomfortable for some people, especially older generations. Sometimes, this discomfort leads to people putting modern ways of communicating and learning on the back burner and choosing to do without. On the other hand, when someone grows up in a digital world filled with technology, it’s hard to get by and enjoy time without it. But, every once in a while, the best of both worlds collide to make something special.

The Camrose Public Library has that something special with the help of a staff member who is paving the way for digital literacy, safety and community connections in the city.

Louis Ducsharm moved to Camrose in the fall of 2022 from Peace River. Although he doesn’t come with library experience, his background in event management paved the way for him to join the library staff as an event programmer. “I happened to kind of fall into library programming by accident,” he says. “It’s been really fun.”

His role at the library changes every day, but that’s what Louis likes best. “The library wants to do stuff for a whole variety of people, and that means I get to do a variety of things,” he says. Since his start at the library, Louis has been working primarily with teens, young adults and seniors, running educational sessions and activities throughout the week.

Although Louis plans on beefing up all aspects of the library’s event calendar once a new school year begins in September, he’s already started to implement a couple of programs that suit not only the interests of the community but his own.

“I want to make things more accessible for people and have them be excited to use technology and hang out at the library.”

Louis has introduced many clubs and groups, like Sunday craft sessions, as a way for community members of all ages to connect with one another for free. He’s also gotten a chance to bring his passion and knowledge for technology into the library’s programming. “I was one of those kids that lived on their computer,” says Louis. “Even now, I'm very connected to my tech, and there are so many ways it can help different people.”

Louis and the library have put digital literacy and safety as a focus in their programming recently, especially for the more vulnerable members of the community, like seniors and children. As part of this programming, Louis offers tech one-on-ones to teach individuals how to perform a specific task on their mobile device or computer and gives presentations to schools and other partner organizations to teach media and digital literacy and safety. “Screen time is fun, so why not use it in a more positive manner,” says Louis.

With the help of a Vision Helping Hands Grant, the library plans to purchase ten additional iPads for their tech programs and bring their “Tech Tub” into schools to teach digital design for 3D printing, run music and coding programs and more.

Although technology is fun and educational for many people, especially youth, Louis also recognizes that it can cause a lot of harm. “I think giving people tools to avoid getting hurt is important.” That’s why the library offers digital literacy and safety presentations so youth and seniors in long-term care facilities and the SOS Coalition can understand the dangers of scams, AI and more.

“There's definitely lots of interest and people wanting to see these programs happen,” says Louis, and he’s excited to build on what’s already happening at the library. “As a kid, I remember hanging out at the library for hours on end doing crafts and socializing with people.”

Louis is determined to make the library feel like home for all Camrose residents, just as it felt to him when he was a kid. “I want to make things more accessible for people and have them be excited to use technology and hang out at the library,” he says. “I want them to know that they have a place that is welcoming and safe. There’s so much potential, and I really want to see that happen.”

Check out more of the Library's available programs on their website .

Stories of Alberta: Wainwright Stampede

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 21:47:36 GMT

A look back on the last 70 years of the Wainwright Stampede

Small-town pride is no joke. Year after year and regardless of where they call home, community members work hard to keep their towns' long-standing traditions and history alive, even without the resources more readily available in larger cities.

This is the case for the east-central Alberta town of Wainwright, where they have loads of history to be proud of and celebrate. For example, the town’s Memorial Clock Tower has stood the test of time for nearly 100 years and was the only structure left standing after the "worst fire in the history of small-town Alberta" in 1929.

But the clock tower isn’t the only piece of town history Wainwright is proud of. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the town's crown jewel, the Wainwright Stampede .

Stampede beginnings

It all started in the dead of winter in February of 1954 when a few local community-minded people founded the Wainwright Frontier Days & Exhibition Association. Of course, it wasn’t until things began to thaw that everything started to come to life. Once the cold prairie winter subsided, the group made the trek down to the coulee to cut some trees and begin work on building the corrals, chutes and arena.

The first Stampede was held on a weekend in June of the same year, and although the event was put together in just five months, it drew lots of excitement. “It’s the single-biggest event in town,” says Art Melin, the Stampede’s manager.

Over the first five years, the Stampede gained new fences, a ticket office, an administration building and bleachers. The Stampede started to gain more of a following, and the event facilities grew alongside it. By 1988, the founders’ dreams came true when a covered grandstand was built to seat over 3,500 spectators.

"It's the single biggest event in town."

And those dreams keep coming true, year after year. Today, the Stampede is a four-day event with daily pancake breakfasts and barbecues, a Farmer’s Market, an Agricultural Fair, a midway with over 15 different rides and games for visitors of all ages, a Stampede Parade, live entertainment, a rodeo dance and a cabaret.

A community filled with pride

The preparation for the Stampede isn’t just up to the event organizers — everyone in town lends a helping hand. “Typically, you would paint crosswalks at the start of the school year, not at the end, but they paint all the lines fresh. When we get all those visitors coming to town, we want our town to look the best it can,” says Art. “Everybody takes pride in where they live.”

Art has spent 32 years with the organization and has seen a lot of positive effects, both in his own life and the lives of other community members, from the Stampede. “The event brings a lot of people to town, and it has a nice spinoff effect on restaurants, hotels, service stations, grocery stores and tire shops.”

But the lifelong friendships he’s developed over the years stand out to him the most. He became best friends with a man he met 25 years ago while working at the Stampede, and although he now lives in Burlington, Ontario, Art says the two still talk three times a week.

A post-pandemic push for growth

The community was hit hard by the pandemic and was forced to cancel both the 2020 and 2021 Stampede events. The organizers were a bit wary of what to expect when the grounds opened again in 2022 with a post-pandemic world. “We were a little afraid as to what our crowd would be like and whether they would come back or find something else to entertain themselves,” says Art.

But like usual, the event went off without a hitch by keeping things business as usual. “We didn't make a bunch of changes or go out and spend a bunch of extra money trying something new,” says Art. “Sometimes just pulling it off year after year is exciting.”

Art has high hopes that this year’s 70th anniversary will bring some more new faces and volunteers to grow the Stampede even bigger. “My perspective is you can never be happy with where you're at. You always want to try and improve.”

And improving upon what’s already in place is what the Stampede and its organizers have been doing since the first event in 1954. “Over the last 20 years, we’ve bought a lot of land and acquired land beside us as we've been able to and could afford to,” says Art. “We've got the space, and now we just need the money to build [on it.]”

The future of the Wainwright Stampede is bright. And, like the event’s founders, the community is excited about what comes next and eager to discover just how bright the future can be.

1401 - 1st Ave, Wainwright, AB, T9W 1L1

Vision Credit Union earns Alberta’s Credit Union of the Year award for 2022

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:48:20 GMT

Vision Credit Union previously won the award in 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Vision Credit Union is delighted to announce that the Credit Unions of Alberta have honoured us as Credit Union of the Year for the fourth time in the past five years.

“We’re delighted and humbled again this year to receive this award. We work hard every day to serve our members and be a vibrant part of our communities and the credit union system,” says Steve Friend, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Credit Union.

Each year, the Credit Unions of Alberta assess all credit unions in the province for their financial performance, community support, innovation and business accomplishments.

Vision received top scores in several categories, with the following achievements bringing home the gold for Vision:

Financial performance: Vision has demonstrated strong financial progress which benefited members. In 2022, Vision returned $14.25 million in profit shares to members across Alberta. Our profit share allocation Is one of the highest returns paid by any Alberta credit union.
Support for the community: Over 100 community organizations applied for capital project funding through the new Vision Helping Hand Grant. Through this grant, Vision gives back over $180,000 to our 23 branch communities per year and will continue to do so every year.
Business accomplishments: In the fall of 2022, Vision merged with Encompass, another credit union with a long and proud history in the heart of Rural Alberta. By merging under the Vision Credit Union name, the amalgamated credit union now has over $2.1 billion in assets, 34,800 members, 256 staff and 24 branch locations across the province.

In addition to Credit Union of the Year, Vision received three awards in the following categories:

Community Goodwill
Membership Growth
Best ROA Growth

From management and member services to board members, administrative staff and executives, “Our rural Alberta communities inspire us to work hard every day,” says Friend. “This past year has shown us that our dedication to our communities really does have an impact on our organization’s success.”

Stories of Alberta: Falher’s Honeybees

Thu, 25 May 2023 18:27:33 GMT

Celebrating an industrious northern Alberta community

"We adopted the bee as a mascot…and we still keep it as a point of pride today."

Bees are known to be incredibly industrious insects. It’s a well-earned reputation. About 75 percent of the world’s leading crops depend on animal pollination, which means that pollinators are responsible for one out of every three mouthfuls of our food.

The town of Falher, a buzzing agricultural community in Northern Alberta, thinks bees are pretty neat too. The town is known as the “Honey Capital of Canada” and is home to the World’s Largest Honeybee—a statue crafted by local welder Richard Ethier.

To some, the bee may seem an unlikely mascot. But, as the town’s Chief Administrative Officer, James Bell explains, honeybees represent the spirit of their community.

“Back in the 70s and 80s, this region had a very large apiary presence in the farming community. So there were actual beehives and bee producers/honey processors within the town limits. At the time, the region, and Falher specifically, was the Honey Capital of Canada. (W)e adopted the bee as a mascot…and we still keep it as a point of pride today,” says James.

The Honey Festival / Le Festival du Miel

Thank you to James Bell of the Town of Falher for providing insights and photographs for this story.

Community Visionary: Stettler's Dwayne Grover

Thu, 11 May 2023 17:03:22 GMT

The legendary “Mr. 4-H” and the impact his volunteer work has had throughout Alberta.

“If there was going to be the 4-H acronym on somewhere, I was probably somewhere in the weeds there.”

If you’ve ever participated in a 4-H program in Alberta over the last 56 years, you’ve probably bumped into Dwayne Grover. He’s spent most of his life involved in the organization as a member, a leader, a director, a co-founder and a chairman — Dwayne has really done it all.

His adventure began at age seven when Dwayne became a member of the 4-H club near his hometown of Stettler. As a kid, he got the opportunity to live by the organization's motto, “Learn to do by doing.” Dwayne gained many life skills in his time as a member and had fun doing it all with his friends, both human and animal.

After years of using his head, heart and hands to learn and develop important skills throughout his youth, Dwayne took on a new challenge and became a leader with the organization when he was 21. Although he was excited, his first task wasn’t an easy one. Dwayne started a new group in Byemoor — the Rainbow Riders 4-H Horse Club, which only had a dozen members signed up to start. “When we were done, we had about 65 kids involved. That kept us all really busy,” says Dwayne.

While volunteering as a leader, Dwayne took on numerous executive positions on the Stettler District 4-H Council. These positions allowed him to help expand the organization and its opportunities for youth, like helping to build both the 4-H Rodeo project and the Provincial Horse Classic from the ground up.

Although Dwayne took on a lot of the leadership roles in the organization, his favourite part was always seeing how the kids grew in different ways because of what the 4-H values taught them. “You see the kids grow and expand their abilities,” he says, “but it's also the communication and self-awareness type of stuff that they learn without knowing that they're learning it.”

As he got older and became a father, Dwayne was ecstatic when his children became interested in the 4-H programs. “I was able to see them grow and learn along with all the other kids,” he says. When they were old enough, Dwayne’s children followed in his footsteps, becoming camp counsellors and leaders themselves in the organization.

Dwayne has noticed in the last 50 years that enjoying 4-H isn’t inherited only by his children but by many families across Alberta. “You're seeing kids and their kids, second and third generations that I’m working with. The fact they’re still involved is a pretty good deal, too,” he says. “That’s gratifying.”

Because of his long-standing history with 4-H throughout the province, Dwayne was eventually given the nickname “Mr. 4-H.” Although he laughs at the nickname today, he recognizes his impact on the organization over the years, saying, “If there was going to be the 4-H acronym on somewhere, I was probably somewhere in the weeds there.”

Dwayne’s nickname isn’t the only thing he has to be proud of today when reflecting on his many years of service to the 4-H organization. He was also recently awarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his volunteer efforts, an award given to individuals who dedicate their lives to public service and enhancing communities in Alberta.

While Dwayne is grateful for receiving the medal, he wishes to share it with those he’s bonded with over the last 50 years. “I was accepting it on behalf of hundreds of people I worked with and volunteered with over the years because one person volunteering doesn't really accomplish a lot,” says Dwayne, always humble. “It isn’t like I climbed Mount Everest, you know?”

He hopes that this medal is used for reflection, saying, “When people look back upon their time and involvement, I hope that it's some good memories, cherished friendships and that some of the skills that they learned there that they've been able to carry forth and use in their families and communities throughout Alberta.”

Dwayne remains an active volunteer with the organization today and hopes his story lives on for future generations of 4-H members to keep the organization alive in the province.

Want to get involved with 4-H Alberta? Visit their website to learn more.

Community Visionary: Kathleen Allen | Pincher Creek & District Community Food Centre

Wed, 10 May 2023 20:23:29 GMT

How a local food donation centre is changing the lives of many in the Pincher Creek area.

The pressures of a worldwide lockdown weighed heavily on everyone when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in March 2020. The normalcy of everyday life quickly faded away, and the simple small-town pleasure of a family-style dinner with neighbours was out of the picture — not only because a visit with someone outside of your household was risky but because many people couldn’t afford to put food on the table.

There had always been a lot of turnover with food donation centres in the Pincher Creek area, and being without one during this time simply wasn’t an option. A few locals acted fast, and the Pincher Creek & District Community Food Centre was born.

Fast forward to today, and the Food Centre is going strong and has been growing steadily for the last three years. It’s a non-profit organization primarily run by volunteers handing out, on average, 4950 pounds of food to 66 households a month.

Although donations and volunteers are a big part of the organization’s success, its day-to-day operations wouldn’t be possible without Kathleen Allen, the Food Centre’s Coordinator.

When her dad passed away six years ago, Kathleen made a conscious choice to work in a field where she could give back to her community at the same time. Kathleen became a volunteer at the Food Centre shortly after it opened its doors and was doing just that — giving back to those who needed it most.

“The look on their face when they left with all that food, knowing they didn’t have to worry… It means the world.”

When the opportunity to become a full-time staff member opened up, Kathleen jumped at the chance. “This position found me,” she says. “It was really neat.”

Today Kathleen wears many hats — she runs the administrative side of the organization from her desk and the everyday operation tasks like weighing and picking up donations from the community drop-off locations. “It’s many many many little jobs,” she says, but it’s a job that means so much to so many.

One of Kathleen’s favourite memories of her time at the Food Centre was when a family who had just moved from Ukraine came through the doors searching for help. Although they didn’t speak much English, Kathleen knew they were grateful. “The look on their face when they left with all that food, knowing they didn’t have to worry… It means the world,” she says.

Although many community members rely on the Food Centre when they’re in need, the Food Centre also relies on its community members for help. A big part of Kathleen’s role is engaging the community to donate and spread the Food Centre’s message. “[Donations] are a huge help, but also reducing the stigma attached [with food hampers] so more people will come to the Food Centre when they’re in need,” she says.

Kathleen and the Food Centre’s board members are working on expanding the organization by partnering with a local community garden to reduce the cost of fresh produce for the hampers and applying for as many grants as possible to help more people in the area.

In the early spring of 2023, the centre received $16,800 from Food Banks Canada’s Capacity Boost Grant. The grant went towards purchasing two large deep freezers and two stand-up coolers. “The fridges and freezers have really allowed us more freedom to have holding space, so if we do have a large donation, we can accept it all,” says Kathleen.

The centre recently received a Vision Credit Union Helping Hand Grant for $6,837 to replace the building’s 1960s heating system and install air conditioning to combat the unbearable heat in the summer months. This new air conditioning system will help not only Kathleen and the volunteers stay cool and comfortable when organizing the hampers, but it will help maintain the perfect temperature for food storage as well.

Although the Food Centre has come a long way in the last few years, Kathleen dreams that one day it will be a place for both learning and community building. “I would love to have a kitchen somehow incorporated into this place where we can teach people to make nutritious food that costs less but feeds more,” she says.

Until that dream becomes a reality, Kathleen encourages the Pincher Creek and area community to donate, either money or food, to the centre — and she can’t wait to meet you! “I love getting out there, acquiring more donations, and meeting the donators,” she says. “There are so many kind people in the area. It’s amazing.”

Are you in the Pincher Creek district and in need of a food hamper?

Call: (403) 632-6716 | Email: foodcentrepc@gmail.com

Proudly Local Business: Irma's Spade to Spoon Market and Greenhouse

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 20:20:48 GMT

Keeping the spirit of local business alive in central Alberta.

In an economy that is increasingly digitized and impersonal, businesses rooted in human connection are getting harder to come by.

But when you walk through the doors of Spade to Spoon Market and Greenhouse , a locally-owned, family-run garden market and greenhouse near Irma, you’ll find yourself transported to a time when connection, warmth and expertise were the foundation of good business.

Spade to Spoon Market and Greenhouse owners, Kristal and Janel, are family members, business partners and friends. Their connection initially grew from a love for gardening, but with Janel’s agricultural background and Kristal’s lifelong ties to the area, they soon realized their shared passion could be more than just a hobby. So in 2018, the duo decided to break ground on a greenhouse that catered to the gardening needs of central Albertans.

Fast forward five years, and Spade to Spoon has grown from one greenhouse to five on the property just outside Irma. Kristal and Janel’s hard work has resulted in beautiful and welcoming spaces full of vibrant colours and sweet scents. They’ve also created an environment where people can find trusted, expert advice. Kristal and Janel take time to listen to their customer’s needs and preferences and are always happy to offer personalized recommendations.

“There are lots of other greenhouses in the area, but once people see what we offer, they’ll typically come back.”

Visitors’ appreciation for the care and attention is reflected in Spade and Spoon Market and Greenhouse’s consistently growing customer base. Since opening, the business has drawn both local regulars and distant gardening enthusiasts.

“Most of our regulars are from the M.D. of Wainwright, but we have some customers who were just driving down Highway 14, saw a greenhouse and decided to stop,” says Janel. “There are lots of other greenhouses in the area, but once people see what we offer, they’ll typically come back.”

Time and again, Kristal and Janel have heard that what sets them apart is the personal relationships they build with their customers. But the quality of their products is also a major draw. Spade to Spoon retails perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and preserves like jams, jellies and salsas, all grown and created with care and attention to detail. They’re also priced in a way that speaks to Kristal and Janel’s loyalty to their loyal customers.

“We try really hard to keep our prices reasonable,” says Kristal. "Especially after COVID hit, we saw prices jump and inflation increase. So we're trying to rely more on cutting our costs, getting family to help us out, and putting in extra hours ourselves so that we can keep prices down for our customers.”

It’s clear that Kristal and Janel have poured their hearts and souls into Spade to Spoon Market and Greenhouse, and that their hard work and dedication have paid off. But the business is more than just a place to buy plants and flowers. “Running a business in rural Alberta allows us to build a relationship with each and every customer that walks through the door… [These relationships] allow us to create a lasting experience, not just a sale,” says Kristal. This approach is one of the things that makes Spade to Spoon such a local gem.

At Spade to Spoon Market and Greenhouse, you’ll find plants, good business, and a community of people who share your love for all things green and growing.

Hwy 14 - 82047, 6 miles East of Irma, Alberta, Irma, AB, Canada, Alberta

Stories of Alberta: Perkins Farm | Wainwright | Part 2

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 17:28:43 GMT

Part 2: The making of credit union history

This is part 2/2 of Stories of Alberta: Perkins Farm. You can read part 1 here .

Another thing that separates credit unions from others is their close connection and involvement with the community. In 2018, when Bryan was a member of the Rotary Club, they decided to team up with the health foundation and raise funds to put a CT Scanner in the Wainwright Hospital. They signed a memorandum of agreement with Alberta Health Services that they would raise $2.2M to make it happen. In 2019, as part of a fundraising committee, Bryan volunteered to reach out to what was then the Encompass Credit Union. Someone suggested asking for $30k, but Bryan decided he would ask for $100,000 because that’s what they really needed.

The credit union approved Bryan’s ask and, standing on the grandstand during the Wainwright Stampede , announced the donation of $100,000. “The credit union was investing back into our community. It was something the banks weren’t prepared to do, and what it did was it gave our fundraising a boost. It gave us a great deal of credibility,” Bryan says. “People thought it would be impossible to raise that much, but I was extremely positive we could engage the community. I remember leaving the grounds of the Stampede after making the announcement. I saw a little girl selling lemonade to raise funds, and I just thought, ‘We’re going to get there.’”

In March 2023, after successfully reaching the $2.2M goal, the Wainwright Health Centre held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new CT Scanner. And what is the name of the room the new CT Scanner is located in? The Bryan and Sharon Perkins CT Scanner Room, of course. A fitting end to another great chapter in the history of the Perkins Family.

Stettler Community Visionaries: Felicity Bauman and Nancy Bauman

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 18:46:44 GMT

Hope for hospice

"We have to start somewhere, and we'll start with one room."

In an instant, a seemingly ordinary day can become extraordinary. January 9, 2018 became a life-altering date for Nancy and Felicity Bauman. Nancy came to Felicity’s workplace for a massage and they got to talking during the session, as good friends do. Although they’re related by marriage, they’re friends by choice. Felicity asked Nancy what she’d been up to and Nancy confessed that she had a crazy idea—to open a hospice in Stettler. It turns out, Felicity had been dreaming about the same thing for years. On that day, the Stettler Hospice Society went from a crazy idea, or a far-off dream, to a reality.

Where does the passion for hospice care begin? For both Nancy and Felicity, it comes from personal experiences. Nancy’s father passed away in-hospital from cancer in 2011. “I just thought there could’ve been a more peaceful, comfortable, private way of passing away with more compassion,” says Nancy, “I’m not taking anything away from the nursing staff at all…I know they want to spend more time with patients. But they can't with the pressures of everything they have to do.”

As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Felicity understands those pressures. She started nursing in 2006 and quickly found her passion in end-of-life care. “I always seemed to be drawn to the people that were dying. And I did end up working at the Red Deer Hospice for a short time…It was so beautiful; so family and patient oriented.”

Felicity also lost a loved one in-hospital, her mother. Despite offering to take her to the Red Deer Hospice, Felicity’s mom didn’t want to leave her home. Nancy and Felicity hope that someday it won’t be a choice between home and hospice care for Stettler and area residents. “Having a local hospice here will help people not have to travel far to pass away…For us, it's going to be nice to be able to offer that home-like setting with medical attention in one place,” says Felicity.

And the Stettler community agrees. After their initial conversation, Nancy and Felicity organized a community meeting to present their idea. Over 75 people attended. Now, just over a year later, they’ve had their first Annual General Meeting and are over half way to their fundraising goal of $250,000. These funds will go towards opening their first room, a goal they’re hoping to achieve in 2019.

In the meantime, when they’re not organizing fundraising events, the Stettler Hospice Society is focused on community support, awareness, and education. Everyone’s lives are bookended by birth and death, one’s just more openly talked about than the other. “When you come into the world you're welcomed and praised…it’s a beautiful process,” says Felicity, “Sometimes dying isn’t spoken about. Our big goal is to help people be more comfortable talking about death. Not only amongst family, but within our community too. It's hard to accept death, but hopefully we can be more accepting together.”

Nancy and Felicity’s ultimate dream is to open a ten room hospice facility in Stettler. It’s a serious goal. Jumping through government hoops and crunching hefty numbers have been challenging realities. But if anyone’s capable of breaking through barriers, it’s the devoted army of volunteers behind the Stettler Hospice Society. They’re united by the same passion, belief, and drive that Nancy and Felicity sparked during that first conversation. They’ll achieve their wildest dream by taking it one step at a time says Nancy, “We have to start somewhere, and we'll start with one room.”

Stettler Hospice Society's 3rd Annual Hike for Hospice:

Date:

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Location:

West Stettler Park

Time:

10:00 am (Registration)

11:00 am (Hike starts)

Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/238466785345940

Community Visionary: Remembering Orval Hawthorne | Daysland

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 17:47:17 GMT

Residents reflect on the Dayslander Motel owner and community-builder’s legacy

The Dayslander Motel has been a landmark in the town of Daysland for decades. But it wasn’t until 2010, when Orval and Nelda Hawthorne purchased the Dayslander, that it truly became an institution.

At first glance, there’s nothing out of the ordinary about the red motel on 49th street. Enter its doors, however, and its charm becomes clear. The Hawthornes' welcoming atmosphere and warm hospitality, shared with locals and visitors alike, have turned the Dayslander into a local gem enjoyed by all.

When Orval Hawthorne passed away in December 2022, it was a loss deeply felt by many, including his wife Nelda, three children, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and countless neighbours and friends. But his legacy is one of such warmth and generosity that Orval will continue to inspire and uplift the town of Daysland for years to come.

By all accounts, Orval was a true community-builder, eager to be a part of whatever was going on in town. He volunteered with the Daysland Business Association for years, helping to organize weekly summer BBQs that brought people together. He also auctioneered and was an Elks member for 44 years, volunteering for worthy national and local causes.

“Orval was a very well respected man in our community,” says Ron and Eilene, residents of Daysland. “He didn’t ask for much but gave a tremendous amount back.”

One of the most cherished things about Orval was his morning coffee tradition. For the past seven years, he would open the motel lobby around 6 am each day, for people to sit and chat over a fresh cup of coffee. All were welcome, including motel guests, but a core group of locals would faithfully attend every morning.

The coffee crowd started each day with conversation, sometimes hours of it. Topics ranged from current events to town gossip, but mostly they would share stories — a universal way of connecting people from all walks of life. These morning coffees have meant the world to those who found community in the Dayslander Motel lobby.

“He didn’t ask for much but gave a tremendous amount back.”

“Orval had a huge heart and made everyone he talked to feel like the most important person in the room,” says Rodney and Darlene, old friends of Orval. “So many great memories of his big smile and his wonderful stories!”

Some of these early risers would even help out around the motel. When snow covered the walkway overnight, one would usually bring a tractor or snow blower the next morning to lend Orval and Nelda a hand in clearing the walks.

When Orval passed, Nelda worried this little morning tradition would falter. But the locals still show up every morning, maintaining the beautiful space Orval held for building community.

“Not quite as early, though,” Nelda laughs. “I could never get going as early as Orval could. But they still come by every morning."

The coffee crowd continues to help out with the motel when Nelda needs it, honouring the example Orval set in helping others whenever possible.

People were drawn to Orval because he was so outgoing and friendly. He greeted everyone with a smile, had a great sense of humour, and had a big heart that showed in everything he did.

“It was always a great day when Orval would come into the branch,” says Adele, Vision Credit Union team member. “Every time he'd walk in, we’d say, ‘Hi Orval, how are you today?’ And he’d always say the same thing: ‘Oh, pretty good for an old guy,’” she laughs. “Then, around town, you’d see him driving in his van, just waving to everyone. He was pretty special.”

Orval Hawthorne’s passing was a loss to the community, but the memories he created and the community spirit he shared will live on. His example of kindness, generosity and warmth will continue to inspire for years to come.

“Orval was such a kind and giving man with the best laugh ever,” says Sherry, a friend of Orval. “We have many fond memories of him. Rest in peace to one of the most generous souls I knew.”

Stories of Alberta: Vegreville Pysanka (Easter Egg)

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 17:00:09 GMT

You know you're home when...

Pictured: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visit the Vegreville Pysanka

“It's a symbol of life, of eternity, having no beginning and no end…"

Ask anyone in Vegreville, Alberta what their town is known for and you’ll get a resounding answer: the World’s Largest Pysanka. This giant Ukrainian Easter egg, measuring 25.7-feet long, 18-feet wide and 31-feet high has a story as great as its stature.

Orest Olineck is someone who knows that story well. Like many folks in the Vegreville area, Orest’s family heritage is Ukrainian. He grew up on a farm in nearby Lavoy, and spent his entire adult life living and working in Vegreville. Now retired, Orest remains an active member of the Vegreville Cultural Association and helps organize the annual Ukrainian Pysanka Festival .

He explains that there’s more to the Pysanka than an Easter egg decorated with traditional Ukrainian designs. “It's a symbol of life, of eternity, having no beginning and no end…In some way, the early Ukrainians associated a decorated egg with the resurrection, with the rise of Christ, with the hope of everlasting life,” says Orest. “Pysanka comes from the verb Pysaty, which means to write. And they're really very unique, each one is unique.”

Sembaliuk and Resch really did design something to stand the test of time. The Vegreville Pysanka, a tremendous tribute to the RCMP, has become a world-renowned attraction and an unparalleled showpiece of traditional Ukrainian culture. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip even came to see it with their own eyes, a special memory for Orest and his family. “The community was honoured to have her. They put on a great big show for her. The children Ukrainian danced for her. I remember my children, two of them, were in the dance group at that time. And they remember very fondly how they were there, dancing for the Queen,” he says.

And that’s how the story of the Vegreville Pysanka is intertwined and passed down with the stories of the people of Vegreville. And for their community, it really has become an everlasting symbol of life.

“Of the great variety of projects undertaken to mark the Century Celebrations, none can be regarded as more unique than the Ukrainian Easter Egg, 'Pysanka,' undertaken by Vegreville.

It is spectacular in its contrivance to combine the ancient traditions of one of Alberta's largest ethnic groups with architectural and geometrical developments that represent a 'breakthrough' in modern science, thus linking heritage and progress.”

- Alberta RCMP Century Celebrations Committee, 1975

What does a traditional Ukrainian Easter look like?

Orest Olineck (Vegreville Cultural Association): To Ukrainians, Easter is almost synonymous with the Pysanka, that is the Easter egg. Because, at Easter, they really do a lot of work in making Easter eggs. And that's because it's a symbol of life, of eternity, having no beginning and no end… And so, in some way, the early Ukrainians associated a decorated egg with the resurrection, with the rise of Christ, with the hope of everlasting life.

The art of decorating the egg is very unique because it's creative. And it's become so artistic that it's something to be treasured and loved. In the old days, in the weeks before Easter all households were busy cleaning, preparing special traditional food and making Easter eggs. The children were involved and they wrote these Easter eggs, they dyed them and they wrote symbols, and so on.

In terms of food, one of the unique things is preparing a special traditional bread called a Paska. It’s a round loaf of bread, that's twisted, and it's made round again—round because it's everlasting. There's no beginning or end. And that becomes the centrepiece of a basket of food they'd get ready to take to church for blessing, including boiled eggs, cheese, spicy sausage, baked ham, pickled beets, horseradish, butter, pastries and Pysanka.

Thank you to Orest Olineck of the Vegreville Cultural Association for providing insights and vintage photographs for this story.

If you'd like to safely donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal, here are a few organizations collecting humanitarian aid funds:

Friendly Faces of Vision: Deanna Lafreniere

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:57:48 GMT

Wainwright, Alberta

"I'm one of those people who, when I have the time to phone and find something out, I want to do it now because I have the time. I like that we're able to do that for our members. They feel like we care, because we do.”

With the recent merger of Vision and Encompass, our credit union family grew a great deal bigger! We feel lucky to welcome so many amazing new colleagues into the fold, and we’re excited to introduce them.

Deanna Lafreniere is a prairie-girl, through and through. Growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan, she learned early in life that she felt most at home in small agricultural communities.

And though she loves the independence of the family farm, Deanna realized early in her career that her passion was working directly with people. Even during the years when she and her husband owned their own business, she could usually be found meeting with the customers.

Deanna has always preferred to be connecting with community members and helping them reach their goals — that’s why she’s such a great fit for her role as Member Services Officer at Vision Credit Union in Wainwright.

Read on to experience firsthand her warmth and dedication to members.

What brought you to the credit union in Wainwright?

I’m a Saskatchewan farm girl originally, and my husband and I raised our children in a small community just outside Saskatoon. We moved to Wainwright in 2011 and I started here at the credit union in fall 2012. It was hard to move to a new town, especially with four kids. But we love it and haven’t looked back. A few of our grown kids still live here with their own families!

Tell us what you like about your role with Vision.

I've done everything from lifeguarding to child care to hairdressing — everything’s been customer service or member focused. That’s why the credit union is a great fit for me. I get to help members with online banking, bill paying, opening of new accounts, term deposits, registered products, and so on. Anything really that you would come into the bank for other than lending, we're the ones who are going to help you.

What makes the rural credit union different than other institutions?

I love the fact that we are member focused. We don’t have a call centre or anything like that. When a member wants to talk to me, they can just phone my direct line or reception and they get to talk to somebody right away. I'm one of those people who, when I have the time to phone somebody to find something out, I want to do it now because I have the time. So I like the fact that, for the most part, we're able to do that for our members and get them what they need right away. They feel like we care, because we do.

We also get lots of opportunities to volunteer in the community. I’m glad people know they can lean on us for help whenever they need it. That’s also a big part of the credit union model that I love. We’re here to support our communities…we get out there, roll up our sleeves and make a difference wherever we can.

What has your experience been like in Wainwright?

We love it here. It has all the amenities you need, and a beautiful downtown for shopping, and I get to know my members while out and about too. Looking back at when we first moved here, it was a real learning experience getting familiar with the variety of industries here. You've got oil and gas, agriculture, business owners, and then we've got the military. But all of them are equally part of the community. I just love that.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do?

Well, I spend a fair amount of time with my grandkids; I like to read, play board games, and I’ve also been taking advantage of some learning opportunities through courses. We also enjoy renovating. Well, I don’t know if enjoy it but we seem to do it a lot [laughs], whether it's for our house or the kids.

Visit Deanna and the team at the Wainwright branch:

Vision Credit Union Announces Community Grant Recipients

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 20:34:53 GMT

Grants provide almost $190,000 to support community organizations across Alberta

For Immediate Release

March 16, 2023

Camrose, Alberta – Community organizations across the province are looking forward to a cash infusion totalling almost $190,000, after being selected as recipients of Vision Credit Union Helping Hand Grants. The announcement was made this week following the credit union’s annual general meeting.

The Helping Hand Grants committee selected 33 recipients from more than 100 applications received before the January 15 deadline. The geographical footprint of the grant recipients extends across Alberta, from La Crete to Pincher Creek, and represents a diverse range of organizations whose common mandate is to serve their rural communities.

“We were pleased by the interest in this program and impressed by the amazing work being done to further quality of life in our rural Alberta communities,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union. “We’re honoured to play a part in supporting these efforts.”

The Helping Hand Grants program offers up to $10,000 in funding to qualifying organizations for capital projects that benefit communities and the people who live there. Through these grants, Vision Credit Union provides more than $180,000 per year on an ongoing basis to qualifying organizations in Vision Credit Union’s 23 branch communities .

Grants applications were evaluated based on the project’s benefit to people and the community. A special grant committee comprised of Vision Credit Union’s CEO and Board adjudicated the applications.

Click here for a complete list of this year’s grant recipients or for information about applying for the Helping Hand Grants program.

ABOUT VISION CREDIT UNION:

Vision Credit Union Ltd. is a community credit union with over 36,000 members across Alberta. Over the past 70 years, Vision has evolved from a single branch in Camrose with assets of $178, to become the province’s third-largest credit union with assets over $2 Billion and branches in 23 rural Alberta communities. Learn more about Vision Credit Union at www.visioncu.ca

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kelly Clemmer

Manager, Marketing

Vision Credit Union

Kelly.Clemmer@visioncu.ca

-30-

Stories of Alberta: Perkins Farm | Wainwright

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:17:01 GMT

Part 1: The growing legacy of a family farm

“I really enjoy working with my family and seeing the next generations come along. It makes it fun.”

Lakeland College , an institution founded on agricultural education, gave Bryan a platform to share his experience. Over the seven years he was on their Board, he saw many bright students pass through the doors — including his granddaughter. He saw firsthand all the possibilities the future of agriculture holds; a landscape where traditional and technology meet, where sage wisdom and innovative ideas build off each other.

And when it comes to farming advice for the next generation, who better to ask than a family with a century of experience? Bryan says the secret to success is simple: stay humble, always be open to learn and work together.

“That's how I got to where I am,” Bryan says. “I surround myself and work with people who are both more energetic and smarter than me. And I just try and steer them in the right direction. Because we can do things together that none of us can do ourselves.”

Read Part 2 of the Perkins Farm story...

Proudly Local Business: Bio-Agtive Emissions Farming

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:32:41 GMT

Gary Lewis knows that farmers, food consumers and our environment deserve better than the direction we’re headed — and his ground-breaking new technology is paving the way.

Farming is the lifeline of many rural Alberta communities. Not only is it part of our culture, history and unique way of life, it’s also a source of our global food supply.

But what were once thriving local agricultural economies are being pushed to the brink. Today, many family farmers are being subsidized, nearly 70% are working off-farm jobs, and their children and grandchildren are seeing less livelihood potential carrying on the multi-generational operation.

There are many complex factors threatening the future of family farms and rural communities, but the rising costs of supplies, depleting land and extreme weather caused by climate change are major contributors.

The odds are stacked, but farmers’ creativity should never be underestimated. For centuries, they’ve been the innovators of the world. And as long as farmers like Gary Lewis, a fourth-generation wheat grower from Pincher Creek have anything to say about it, farming in rural Alberta will persevere.

From farmer to carbon expert

The technology

The centrepiece product from Bio-Agtive is the Fusion Tank , which is essentially a system that mounts to the front of any tractor. It takes all the emissions from the internal engine combustion, recycles it into rich plant nutrition, and sprays it into the soil while the farmer seeds, harvests or irrigates.

“What we're doing with this machine is, we’re taking that fire that's under the hood, and people don't realize how hot it is and how much pressure there is there, and we're oxidizing what used to be a plant — it could be coal, it could be diesel fuel, it could be vegetable oil — and putting it right back into the soil,” Gary explains. “And it's perfect plant food.”

The benefits of the technology as it exists today are three-fold: Cost-savings to farmers, more nutritious food for consumers, and carbon-footprint reduction.

1. Farmers save money

The price of all four fertilizer categories – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur – have continued to increase. But it’s nitrogen, the most in-demand and critical to plant growth, that has surged the most. Data compiled by Farm Credit Canada suggests nitrogen fertilizer prices have increased by 148% from $550 per tonne in 2020-21 to $1,365 per tonne in 2022-23. Costs have risen steadily since the third quarter of 2021, reaching levels unseen since the 2008 financial crisis.

As the Bio-Agtive Fusion Tank creates and sprays natural plant food, everything the plant needs to thrive is returned to the soil. This eliminates the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. In fact, since using the technology on his own farm, Gary has not purchased fertilizer for his crops in over two decades.

Gary has saved his family hundreds of thousands of dollars and, importantly, has seen no difference in his yield. Bio-Agtive’s data has shown farming with this method is approximately ¼ the cost of the fertilizers necessary to farm conventionally, while achieving the same quantity at harvest.

2. Reduces harmful emissions

Emissions from farm equipment like tractors are notable but pale in comparison to the destructive gases that are released from the use of synthetic fertilizer. Gary says many people don’t realize that they actually prevent plants from doing what they do naturally, which is pull carbon from the air. This has a cascading effect on the plant’s organic processes, causing the crops to emit millions of tonnes of harmful N2O and CO2 into the atmosphere, and causing the quality of the soil to decline year after year.

“We're practicing it, it's not just an idea. We're closing the carbon loop,” says Gary. “We're causing our landscape to photosynthesize more and taking control of these greenhouse gases. That's why we call it emissions farming.”

3. Grows more nutritious food

The Bio-Agtive method mimics plants’ natural processes by stimulating the microbiome in the soil, enabling them to produce higher-quality food. Even livestock are producing higher quality products because they’re eating more nutritious feed.

“This technology causes wheat to fix nitrogen with a free living bacteria at a faster, higher rate,” says Gary. “So we’ve had 20 percent protein wheat and repeated that on the same land without fertilizer for 20 years. Cows are milking more milk, animals are eating straw as preferential to even hay that's grown with fertilizer.”

BioAgtive: Alberta start-up turned international solution

Currently, Bio-Agtive employs 15 people at the Pincher Creek factory where the systems are built. The sixth generation of the Fusion Tank which boasts quicker installation and improved user-friendliness will be on the market for the 2023 crop season — but Gary couldn’t have gotten to this point of success alone.

They say it takes a village, but in the case of Bio-Agtive, it took an international community to help develop this industry-disrupting product. Gary’s engaged farmers across Canada, Africa and Australia, all facing the same problems and all with the same goal of re-establishing prosperity on the family farm.

“We've travelled all over the world collaborating and working with the creativity of farmers,” Gary says. “Agriculture is super slow. You do an experiment one year, learn from that and try again the next year. The collaboration helps to keep developing it further and further.”

Today, 50 farmers are using the Bio-Agtive method today, covering more than 110,000 acres worldwide.

Breaking new ground

Discover the technology

In the long-term, the company hopes to reignite life in rural communities through farming, to create consumer food products that are nutritious and that restore topsoil season after season, and to take the food and agriculture industry from being the third largest emitter in the world to net-negative. These are hefty goals, but Gary is confident in his innovation and the community of farmers who are ready to take control.

“Things won’t change unless we make a change today. Today we say no more. Today is the day, not 2050.”

To learn more about Bio-Agtive visit their website or attend the weekly Zoom meeting Gary and his team conduct for farmers to tune in, ask questions and hear from other farmers. All are invited to discover the technology!

Join Bio-Agtive’s Zoom call every Thursday at 8:00 AM (MST)

Christmas kindness in east central Alberta

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 22:19:59 GMT

Beth reflects on the meaning of the holidays in rural Alberta

"Our communities look after their own during tough times."

As I write this column, east-central Alberta is immersed in a major blizzard. It’s inconvenient, but it sure is beautiful. Best of all, this snow-covered world brings thoughts back to Christmas, which is a welcome distraction from the newscast airing this evening.

These days, all the news reports seem filled with doom and gloom. One wonders why the world can’t put away the weapons, COVID disputes, political posturing, and personal grudges for a while. They need only look to a little town in east central Alberta during the Christmas season to see what it’s like when folks are kind and generous of spirit.

Our communities look after their own during tough times. In our local grocery stores, food bank donation boxes overflow with staples and the kindness and generosity of neighbours. Churches, schools, and many organizations bring their boxfuls of food and gifts to the Silent Santa Program so that volunteers can make their deliveries before Christmas.

Years back, the foreman and I made these deliveries to homes before Christmas. We never left a home where someone wasn’t tearful and overwhelmed with gratitude for the community’s generosity. When times were better for those recipients, they paid that generosity forward.

The Christmas following the loss of our grandson, the doorbell would ring with someone leaving Christmas baking or flowers, Christmas carolling, or just stopping by to say they were thinking of us. Kindness overflows in a small town during tough times.

We see that kindness in big ways and smaller ones. Folks shovel sidewalks, lend an arm to help someone across the street, pick up groceries for someone struggling to get out during the winter weather, or set an extra place at the table for neighbours who are alone for Christmas.

Several years ago, a group of us donned our warmest winter attire and got on a hay rack pulled by a truck. We went carolling to the hospital and the seniors’ lodge and visited those we knew couldn’t be out and about. It was a wonderful time, and it truly infused us with the “reason for the season.”

The Christmas season in a small town has a certain air about it: the words from an old song by Bob Crosby and the Bobcats come to mind:

“I love those dear hearts and gentle people 

Who live in my hometown

Because those dear hearts and gentle people

Will never ever let you down”

Wishing everyone peace, love, joy and kindness.

Merry Christmas.

- Beth

About Beth:

Friendly Faces of Vision: Alan Wells

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 19:00:34 GMT

Wainwright, Alberta

“Nothing gives me a better feeling than when a member calls me up, even if it’s 5:30 on a Friday, just to check in.”

With the recent merger of Vision and Encompass, our credit union family grew a great deal bigger! At Vision, we feel lucky to welcome so many amazing new colleagues into the fold, and we’re excited to introduce them.

Anyone who’s worked with Alan Wells, Ag Commercial Account Manager at the Wainwright branch, knows what it means to make hard work look easy. He started his career in financial institutions almost 40 years ago, so the world of lending, advising and day-to-day banking is second nature to him.

Alan also has a uniquely open approach to his work and the people he meets. He is kind, patient and easygoing, making him feel more like an old friend than an account manager.

That and the deep appreciation he has for rural living mean Alan is right where he should be, doing just what he was meant to do – helping members in the rural credit union system.

Read on to learn about Alan’s journey, his role at the credit union, and his unique approach to his work.

Did you grow up in the Wainwright area?

I’m originally from Manitoba. My dad was in the military so I was an army brat. When I was 18 I followed my brother to Alberta because he was working out here I got a job with a financial institution and have been in banking for 40 years now.

Tell us about your journey to Vision.

I was with ATB for 18 and a half years and worked in 15 different communities during that time, everywhere from Edmonton to Fort Macleod. Then I went to Synergy Credit Union on the Saskatchewan side, then to Canadian Western Bank. I actually opened up their branch in Lloydminster. Then two years ago, I came over here to Encompass/Vision.

What do you like most about the work you've been doing for the credit union in Wainwright?

I made my way up to the management level at previous companies, but it meant I couldn’t work with members anymore, which is what I love to do. I’m so happy to be working directly with members here.

Tell us about your day-to-day.

Let’s see. I wake up, I have a shower…oh you don’t mean that? [Laughs]. Well, it’s hard to explain because whatever my members require is what I do in a day. Whether it’s phoning them or going out to visit them. I much prefer not to be at my desk, I like to be out. But, of course, there’s something called paperwork [laughs].

What's your favourite part of the job?

A couple of things keep me coming back. And that is, I truly believe in the values of the credit union system. But I also believe in helping people. 90 percent of my members have my personal phone number, and nothing gives me a better feeling than when a client calls me up, even if it’s 5:30 on a Friday, just to check-in. Their business is not a 9 to 5 thing, so I keep myself available for their schedule. I tell everybody, including my wife, even at my age to be able to build those relationships and still want to build those relationships after forty years…I still have that fire in my belly.

What makes rural credit unions different than urban institutions?

When I worked in Edmonton, it was just a different attitude. In the big city, if you have to turn down a loan…you don’t see that person in the Safeway. You don’t see that person on the street. In a rural community, it’s a different feeling. There’s a recognition that people sometimes struggle, and you have to have more heart. I much prefer the rural areas because you build more friendships, and you get to know your members better. It just fits with who I am.

How do you get involved with the community?

Oh my gosh, there’s no way I could remember all the events we’ve donated to and volunteered for. Basically, anytime there’s a request for volunteers, we help out, whether serving food at the legion, cleaning up at the golf course, or delivering baskets to the seniors’ home. I just recently came back from the Fireman’s Ball. I try to do the majority of them.

What do you like about Wainwright?

The people here are just so darn nice, and very helpful. They seem to come to bat for people in need. All the surrounding communities too, just that sense of community. I love what I do and who I do it for.

Visit Alan and the team at the Wainwright branch:

Community Visionaries: Canine Love Dog Rescue

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 19:25:47 GMT

Local woman seeks support for Flagstaff County’s first dog rescue.

Debbie Reynolds holds a five-week-old puppy in her arms at her rural home near Daysland, Alberta. The tiny brown pup with floppy, asymmetrical ears, is listless and weak.

Just days earlier, Debbie rescued a litter of puppies in very bad health. To Debbie, the most important thing was giving these tiny creatures a better chance at life than they’d been given.

Despite her best efforts to nurse them back to health, the puppies died, one by one. She held the sole survivor close and pleaded for him to stay alive. Three times that night he died in her arms, but as if revived by her love and care, he would come back, open his eyes and give Debbie a tiny kiss. As morning dawned and it seemed the puppy would pull through, Debbie thought of a fitting name. She decided to call him Trooper.

Debbie and Canine Love

Debbie Reynolds, manager of Canine Love Dog Rescue , has always had dogs in her life. Even as a child, she’d watch as her father raised and trained labs. One even became a world-renowned championship dog.

“His name is Lean Mack because my maiden name is McLean,” says Debbie. “If people go onto Google, they can still find his grand puppies breaking records all over the place. So I’ve had dogs in my blood since I was young.”

Debbie’s father, Jock MacLean, always dreamed of opening a dog rescue. And when Debbie suffered an injury that prevented her from continuing her job as a healthcare aide decades later, she knew it was time to carry on her father’s legacy and make their shared dream come true.

Anyone who knows Debbie knows that once she sets her mind to something, she can’t be stopped. She requested funding from Towns in the Flagstaff area with no luck, but she didn’t let the speed bump keep her down. Instead, she and her partner Chris Cleland started hosting events and auctions to raise the funds needed to convert their acreage into a fully operational rescue facility.

That was two years ago. What was once Debbie and Chris' pig barn is now a heated shelter with 14 pens, and what was once their barnyard is now 16 outdoor pens and a dog run. Canine Love has rescued over 450 dogs to date and they've had as many as 42 dogs at once — all with no staff or funding. The facility is fuelled by Debbie’s determination and help from family, neighbours and friends.

About the dogs

Debbie and Chris typically learn about dogs in need, pick them up and bring them to the rescue just 30 minutes from Camrose. They’ll nurse them back to health, get them vaccinated, and if funding allows, get them spayed or neutered before putting them up for adoption. When they’re ready, Debbie will then post photos and a description of the dogs on her Facebook page in hopes of finding them loving homes.

As you can imagine, Debbie has seen some heartbreaking situations. But the sad stories quickly turn into happy ones the longer the dogs stay at Canine Love. She says the job is especially rewarding when, as a result of a safe and healthy environment, the dogs transform from skin and bones to healthy weights, timid to exuberant, and homeless to being adopted by a caring family.

Support from the community

Although Debbie and Chris have been the muscle and innovators behind Canine Love, they haven’t done it alone. Neighbours and friends help out with feeding, socializing and cleaning up after the dogs.

They’ve also seen incredible support from locals. Pet stores in the area donate food they don’t sell, local groomers and trainers have offered support and the nearby veterinarian college students have offered to spay/neuter a few dogs a month.

Debbie couldn’t be more grateful for the help. She says people don’t realize how expensive it is to just feed the dogs, let alone pay for the vet bills to get them healthy and ready for adoption. Recently, she rescued one dog who needed almost $5,700 in vet services.

You can help

Canine Love is always looking for volunteers and donations. The dogs waiting for homes get lonely, so volunteers are needed to spend time with them at the rescue just half an hour from Camrose. If you love dogs and have a little extra time in the day, contact Debbie.

Canine Love has also just opened a store in Daysland called House of Pawz where they collect donations and sell items from local artisans with a portion of the proceeds going to the rescue. Debbie is also in need of volunteers for the store.

Please call Debbie at 780-695-9229 or message her on the Canine Love Facebook page to enquire about adoptions, donations or volunteer opportunities.

Follow them on Facebook.

Proudly Local Business: Hardisty's Lakeview Liquor

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:19:09 GMT

The table is set, the food is steaming, and the enticing aroma does all the work of herding everyone to the dining room. There’s nothing quite like Sunday dinner with the family in rural Alberta. The final touch? A cabaret sauvignon thoughtfully recommended by Ernie Ziegler, owner of Lakeview Liquor in Hardisty, Alberta.

Having owned Hardisty’s largest liquor store for almost two decades, Ernie knows his beverages. From imported wines to local beers to customary spirits, he prides himself on providing what the community wants. But it wasn’t until later in life that Ernie fully realized his dream of settling down as a business owner in a small town.

A match made in heaven

Originally from Drumheller, Ernie Ziegler is a rural Albertan, through and through. His work for a supply company in the 80s brought him to Hardisty temporarily, but he was quickly charmed by the small-town atmosphere. As he started getting to know the locals, he found himself imagining building a life there with his wife and two daughters. Then, as if fate stepped in, he found out the local liquor store was going up for sale.

In 2008, Ernie became the new owner and operator of Lakeview Liquor. And since then, he’s expanded the stock, built a walk-in cooler with the latest technology and created a community around delicious beverages.

More than a liquor store

One of Ernie’s favourite things is catching up with regulars. As he helps them pick out a wine and rings up their items, family, current events and sports are among the many topics of conversation.

“I'm a pretty easygoing kind of a guy, so I get along with most everybody,” Ernie says. “I get people coming in and they'll pick up their bottle of rye or whatever and they stay and visit for 10 minutes or so. It's nice just to socialize and get to know the people.”

But not all Lakeview patrons are regulars. Hardisty is always bustling with oilfield activity, so Ernie meets workers from all over Canada and the States. One thing he’s heard from locals and visitors alike is that they appreciate the variety of products his store carries.

Rural Albertans deserve good selection

In fact, word-of-mouth has made Lakeview Liquor known far and wide for its selection. That’s not an accident. Ernie takes pride in his stock, thoughtfully pouring over the ordering catalogue each month. His shelves currently hold over 200 kinds of wine and a 14x16 walk-in cooler’s worth of both domestic and local craft beers, a variety not often seen in small-town liquor stores.

Ernie gets particularly excited about bringing in new products for people to try. Knowing what the community likes, he often orders and showcases new items at the front of the store. “The odd time you're wrong, so sometimes I’m stuck with a case of something for a while,” Ernie laughs. “But I put it on sale and eventually it goes out the door.”

The next time you’re in the area, whether you’re just stopping through, visiting relatives or working on a job, be sure to check out Lakeview Liquor. You’ll be met with a smile, a friendly chat, and an extensive selection to choose from, and you’ll leave with a feeling of being welcomed in this small rural town.

Lest We Forget

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 22:07:19 GMT

A call to action for Remembrance Day

"Canada’s heart and soul has its roots in those sacrifices. I am grateful, not just on November 11th, but every day, for those who served our country."

Local photos courtesy of Beth Elhard

About Beth:

Trick or Treat

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 16:36:58 GMT

Beth reflects on memorable Halloweens of her life in rural Alberta, and how the holiday has changed over the years.

"When I was a kid, costumes came from our imagination, not from the store. The family bed sheets became a ghost, a devil’s suit was made up of your dad's long red underwear. If you were lucky, you had a mother who sewed."

Halloween is coming. The night all the little ghouls (and some big ones) come out of the woodwork. It doesn’t seem that long ago when I was the one coming out of the woodwork…

When we were kids out on Halloween night, we would double dare each other to go up the long lane to a spooky, old house set back in the trees. “Trick or Treat” we would yell, the door would slowly creak open and a very ancient person (it seemed to us) would hand out candies as we stood trembling on his doorstep. We would back away so that we could keep an eye on him in case he would attempt to drag us into his den of horrors. As we grew to adulthood, we realized that he was just a kindly, elderly bachelor who kept to himself.

Even before we had children, the foreman and I loved Halloween. Living on the farm, we didn’t have many trick-or-treaters to occupy us, which left us time for dressing up and going to town to pester friends and family.

One Halloween, sister a spate of vandalism the previous year, the local firemen were helping to patrol the town. The foreman and I were strolling down the street, he in one of my dresses stuffed with pillows and I in a pair of his coveralls, each of us with a ghoulish plastic mask. The truck pulled over beside us and the fireman rolled down his window and asked, “Aren’t you two a little too old to be out?” He was a friend of ours, but he clearly didn’t recognize us, so we shook our heads and kept quiet so he wouldn’t recognize our voices.

He offered us a ride. As we climbed in, he gave us a sidelong nervous glance and started the truck. After half an hour of nervous chatter and patrolling the streets, we pulled off our masks and revealed ourselves. There were lots of laughs as he dropped us at our vehicle and we headed home.

As we neared our farm, we noticed our neighbours still finishing chores by their yard lights. With hijinks in mind, we pulled into the end of their drive, got out of the truck and crept up their lane, only to have our trick turned around on us. Our neighbours had seen us coming and hid behind some bushes so they could jump out and pounce on us!

When I was a kid, costumes came from our imagination, not from the store. One had to improvise. The family bed sheets became a ghost, a devil’s suit was made up of your dad's long red underwear. Witch costumes were hard to come by unless you had a surplus of black cloth and if you were lucky, you had a mother who sewed.

By the time our children and grandchildren were out on Halloween night, costumes were vastly improved – everything from Batman to Barbie to Dracula and the occasional Hippie. Now at our door, we meet Elsa from Frozen, a zombie from who knows where, a dinosaur, Dalmatians, and even Yellowstone Cowboys!

Whatever the costumes, for me, Halloween will always be a time for fun. Soon we will hear the crunching of the leaves on the sidewalk, the chatter of children’s excited voices and the call of Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

- Beth

About Beth:

In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Skyler Brown

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 21:12:28 GMT

A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow

When you’ve got the word “agriculture” in your job title, you’d better know a thing or two about growing things. Vision’s Agriculture Specialists come at their understanding of farming and ranching from different angles: crop science, farm equipment sales and farm supply, but they all have their roots in agriculture and their hearts in helping grow futures for Vision’s food producing members.

Skyler Brown | Vision Agriculture Specialist | Region: Pincher Creek

Did you grow up around ranching operations?

Always. We moved from Manitoba, where we raised rodeo livestock, to Alberta in 2005. My dad managed a cow-calf operation west of Nanton. I’ve been around agriculture my entire life. I was on a horse before I could walk – that’s my first memory.

What effect do you think growing up on a ranch has had on you?

I think the best thing about living in the agriculture world is that you learn responsibility at such a young age. You get to learn the circle of life, seeing things be born and die. You also learn that you have to get up to feed and take care of the animals, and it doesn't matter if you're not feeling great or if you're tired or whatever else... That helps a person develop a good work ethic, which sticks with you for life.

How did you end up working in the credit union system?

After I graduated from high school, I went to Lakeland College in Vermillion and took my agribusiness up there… And then straight out of college, I started working in the financial world with credit unions.

What was it about the credit union system that made you stick around?

I've always been a part of the credit union system. My first bank account was a Fat Cat (credit union) bank account. The thing I like the most is that it's real people, local people managing and making the decisions. We (credit unions) are still very relationship focused, versus other (financial institutions) where it’s just check the boxes and if you fit within the box, you're okay. If you don’t fit, then you’re out of luck.

What drew you to the Agriculture/Commercial Specialist position at Vision Credit Union?

I had the ad sent to me by a friend who saw it and the combination of agriculture and banking grabbed my attention. That’s my background and it’s what I know. It’s also that I think the financial service industry is in a position to be help (food producers) through this tough time.

What do you mean when you say financial institutions can help agriculture through this tough time?

Between some of the severe drought situations, higher input costs and cattle prices being so volatile – whether it's in the feeder market, or cow calf market… As a producer, you need a financial partner who understands the finance world and the actual production side of the business …someone on your side.

I also think it's really beneficial to have someone you hopefully feel comfortable enough to talk to openly about your operation’s finances, the good and the bad; someone who actually understands your business and can help.

Why do you like meeting your members who are food producers in their homes?

I find people are more comfortable in their homes or on their operations and with a financial relationship, you want them to feel comfortable... I also like that when I visit, members get to show off their operation and show their pride in what they have built.

You mentioned that you want members to feel comfortable talking to you about their financial situation. How do you garner that trust?

That goes back to being real people. Because, you know, we've all lived it. I’ve lived high feed expenses, drought, high input costs and all the other things that keep you up at night. I understand the industry because I’ve spent my whole life in agriculture in one way or another. I just take the time to make sure people know that I do understand and I don’t judge.

Get in touch with Skyler at our Pincher Creek branch:

Harvest Time on the Prairies

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:00:44 GMT

Beth beautifully captures the meal-time traditions for farm families during harvest.

“The meal in the field is an important part of the harvest tradition. It’s time to reconnect face-to-face with those working towards the same end. A moment to chat, unwind and enjoy the company.”

This has been a good year for crops. The rain came down when it was desperately needed, as did the sun and the heat. The sloughs and creeks that had dried-up the previous year have been replenished, shining blue once again amid the yellow of the canola crops in bloom. The hay fields are lined with bales and the grain crops are ready. It’s that time of year again: harvest time across the prairies!

It's time to get out the coolers and the cardboard boxes and get organized for portable meals in the field; time to throw the lawn chairs in the back of the half-ton and get ready for meals on wheels.

It's that time of the year when farm families will eat off the plates on their knees and talk about how the grain is running while they watch the skies and check on the latest weather forecast.

Gone are the days when women just trucked or ran grain tests and delivered the food. These days, they’re just as likely to be running combines and swathers as they are to be preparing and delivering harvest meals.

Many partners are just home from an off-farm job, picking up kids from grandma's place, and heading to the field with the food box. A time to catch up with the combiners and truckers, stash the empty box in the truck and take their turn behind the wheel.

Lunch kits and thermoses did the job at lunch, but come evening, everyone is ready for a meal. Beef on a bun, potato salad, hamburgers, a pot of stew. Something sweet and delicious for dessert. And coffee in the big thermos for the long night ahead.

The meal in the field is an important part of the harvest tradition. It’s time to reconnect face-to-face with those working towards the same end. A moment to chat, unwind and enjoy the company. The kids can fill Mom and Dad in on school, beg to ride with the truckers and run through the swaths.

When the meal is finished, and the plates are back in the food box, the combine operators and the truckers can close their eyes and relax their shoulders for a few moments before the evening’s work begins.

Many a Thanksgiving meal has been spent in the field beside the combines. What can be better? A bountiful harvest with family.

Have a wonderful, plentiful harvest.

About Beth:

Meet the neighbours: Encompass Member Services Supervisor, Marija Rodgers

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 19:10:40 GMT

Wainwright, Alberta

“We know the members, and they know us. It’s so much easier to help them with what they need when you know who they are.”

As we prepare for the upcoming merger of Vision and Encompass credit unions, we're excited to welcome the Encompass team members to the Vision family. That’s why we sat down with Marija Rodgers. Read on to learn more about her journey, her role with Encompass, and what she thinks makes Wainwright such a great place to live and work.

Introducing Marija Rodgers

When she was 15 years old, Marija and her family immigrated from Bosnia, a small country in central Europe. Unsure of what to expect, the family settled in the quiet rural Alberta town of Wainwright.

After a tiring journey and long immigration process, the family was grateful to find that the town welcomed them with open arms. They felt supported right away, with members of a local church going so far as to help her parents find work to get the family on their feet.

Fast forward 25 years, and Marija and her family are still in Wainwright. And as the Member Services Supervisor at the local credit union, Marija leads a team that puts the community first by volunteering at local events and donating to local organizations. Through her work, Marija is able to give back to the place that welcomed her — her hometown of Wainwright.

How long have you been with Encompass?

I have been with the credit union in town for 17 years. I think that makes me a lifer, right? What’s the cut-off? [Laughs]. I’ve been here a long time and through lots of changes. That’s why this merger with Vision is really exciting. I was here before the merger with Encompass when the branch was just the Wainwright Credit Union. So I’ve seen a lot of change, but it’s all been good change in my experience. Good things always come out of it.

What's your favourite part of working here?

Oh, there are many things. One big thing for me is the involvement with the community. We volunteer with events like the Wainwright Stampede for example, and donate to organizations and initiatives that benefit the town. And now anywhere we go, people know us [laughs]. They're like, “Oh, you're part of the credit union!” We get comments from members too. They’re like, “You do so much, it's so nice to see you guys out there.” And within the credit union itself, we have a lot of really great people working here. You become sort of a family, where you can have so much fun together at work and outside of work. It doesn’t feel like a job. So that's always a really good thing.

Do you think the experience of working at a rural credit union is different than at an urban institution? How?

I would say it’s different, yes. I’ve never worked in a big city institution, but we’ve had some staff who have, so naturally, you hear things. I think in smaller communities, we can be more people-oriented. In the city, it would be hard to get to know everybody. So it’s just that sense of community. We know the members, and they know us. It’s so much easier to help them with what they need when you know who they are. Every rural community is different too, so I like how credit unions can just adapt and integrate into the area they’re in.

What's your favourite thing about your community?

Wainwright is a close-knit rural community, but very very welcoming. We have a lot of family farms here, so many families have been here for generations and generations. On the other hand, we have the military base here too, so we have some people who only stay for a short time. For me too, we moved here from a completely different continent. We started with nothing when we moved here, and we had so many different organizations and people help us out and make us feel welcome. But that’s the reason we stayed, right? And I’ve heard that from military families too. They come here temporarily, then move back permanently because they felt at home here. I think that says something.

Visit Marija and the team at the Wainwright branch:

Not Running Out of Money 101

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 21:18:05 GMT

Money management prep for new post-secondary students

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X

It’s the heart of summer and most students would rather poke themselves with a sharp stick than think about going back to school. But for students who are embarking on post-secondary studies this fall, it’s time to study for the subject that every student needs to pass: Not Running Out of Money 101.

Here are five pieces of money management wisdom for college and university students to study before heading to class.

The “B” word:

Plan a manageable budget that also gives you a little money for fun. This means calculating your “needs” expenses like tuition, housing, books, utilities, phone, laundry, groceries and transportation, and estimating your “want” expenses including entertainment, travel, dining out, new clothing, gifts, etc. Next, calculate your funds from all sources of income, such as scholarships/bursaries, student loans, savings, work and parental contributions. Subtract your total estimated expenses from this planned income and determine if you need to cut expenses to make ends meet.

Be sure to prioritize needs over wants in your budget:

It sounds obvious, but if your income doesn’t look like it will cover your expenses, make sure you look to the “wants” column to scale back. Things like extra cell phone plan features, eating out and transportation can make the expenses column add up quickly.

Pay yourself a salary:

If you’re starting the school year with a lump sum of money from student loans, bursaries or savings, deposit all these funds in a separate savings account. Then, once a month, pay yourself what you’ve budgeted for your monthly expenses. This will help you manage your budget so that you don’t run out of money towards the end of the year.

Think about your financial future:

Avoid credit that you can’t afford. It’s tempting to go into debt when you’re strapped for cash, but it can definitely bite you after the fact. Small items purchased on credit can add up really quickly and the compound interest can build a financial burden you might not be able to manage.

Work smart:

If you don't have to work your way through school, thank your lucky stars. You’re one of the fortunate few. If you do need to carry a part time job while you study, you can make things easier on yourself by figuring out when and how much you can feasibly work before applying for jobs. When you apply for work, be sure that your employer is aware of this schedule so that you’re not signing up for more work than you bargained for. If you really want an employer who understands student life, apply for jobs on campus. You’ll also save time and money on transportation.

Proudly Local Business: Pincher Creek's Ruffles Boutique

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 21:23:02 GMT

Amber Scott has always loved fashion. Back in high school, she remembers getting up early in the mornings to meticulously select pieces of an outfit based on texture, fit and how it expressed her personality. She also remembers bonding with her mother and grandmother while shopping at Ruffles Boutique, a small clothing store in her hometown of Pincher Creek. At that time, Amber had no idea how big of a role the humble shop would play in her future.

While working at a senior’s home in Pincher years ago, Amber realized she needed a creative outlet to cope with a difficult job. She would visit Ruffles on her lunch breaks, play in the clothes and chat with the owner. She even volunteered to come in on Sundays to build high-fashion displays guaranteed to entice window shoppers. Being surrounded by pretty things in Ruffles felt like an escape for Amber — a safe place to be herself.

The owner of Ruffles was impressed by her keen eye and passion. She asked Amber if she wanted to be next in a line of entrepreneurial women to own the boutique. Amber was surprised by the idea, but couldn’t turn down this once in a lifetime opportunity to do what she loves in the town that she loves.

“I went to the bank and got all that stuff set up and ready. And then I got to go to market, which was crazy. I was like a deer in the headlights,” Amber jokes. “But then I thought, well, this is like a second home for people. So I'm just going to run it like my household. And it's worked. October will mark my tenth year.”

Ruffles Boutique has been in Pincher Creek since the 1990s. But when Amber became the third owner nearly a decade ago, new energy seemed to radiate from the shop, as it grew into so much more than a clothing store.

Born and bred in Pincher Creek

Amber has lived in the town of Pincher Creek all her life. These days she spends her time off with her partner and kids, and enjoys fishing in the local rivers and lakes.

Amber is grateful for her community, and ensures she shows her gratitude by supporting local events and initiatives through Ruffles, such as the pro-rodeo and curling rink construction. As a result, Amber has even earned herself the charming nickname of “Queen” from neighbours and friends.

More than just a clothing shop

When you first walk into Ruffles Boutique, the first thing you’ll notice is the inviting scent of new clothes and the brightly coloured displays. The second is Amber’s warm smile as she welcomes you in, eager to help find your next perfect outfit. Whether it’s formal wear, graphic tees, designer jeans, jewellery, handbags, activewear, or pyjamas, Ruffles has it. And with a committed staff team of two other community members, this little shop is the ultimate representation of a Pincher Creek gem.

A legacy of inspirational women

But Amber and Ruffles Boutique are not in isolation. In fact, they are one of a dozen local downtown businesses in Pincher Creek that are all owned by women. Not only do they use each other’s services, but they’ve become close friends too.

“From the hair salon to the little yoga studio to the coffee shop to the jewellery shop, we all do the best we can to support each other,” Amber says.

And with Ruffles being owned exclusively by women since its establishment 30 years ago, Amber is proud to be part of this inspirational and entrepreneurial legacy.

The future of Ruffles Boutique

While Amber is happy with how things are at Ruffles, she knows there’s always room to grow — especially after the pandemic hit their sales hard. “It’s been tough, I’m not going to lie. When everything closed we made up packages for people to pick up, but the hardest part was keeping everything clean and everyone safe.”

Amber and her team are relieved to see the shop filling up with shoppers again. Amber muses that one day she’d like to have a section of the store called Ruffles Junior, which she’s already shorthanded to “RJ’s.” But for today, Amber says she’s just grateful to her clients and the community for supporting her.

“I would say I'm very content here with what I'm doing. And I just hope to be able to maintain and keep providing a great service — to be helpful, happy, healthy and do the best I can.”

Always Family Season: Dedicated to Farmer Fathers

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 23:34:42 GMT

Beth Elhard reflects on what it means to be a father who’s also a farmer

“The ones who not only feed our bodies, but our souls.”

In farming families, family life and work life are interwoven. With father’s day approaching, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be a father who’s a farmer.

This one I dedicate to the farmer fathers on Father’s Day, the ones who not only feed our bodies, but our souls.

The changing seasons of a farmer…

Seeding time:

Calving season:

Repair time:

Fencing time:

Haying season:

Harvest time:

Market time:

Wintertime:

All year round...

Playing hockey, curling, snowmobiling. Camping, golfing, or playing ball. At the local coffee shop sharing stories, involved in the community. Coaching, volunteering at Casinos and fundraisers. Community and leisure time.

A man who spends quality time during the changing seasons with his children. A man who helps make supper, changes the baby’s diaper, and explains to his son how the baler runs.

On a snowmobile pulling a toboggan with two rosy-cheeked children behind. A sand castle on a beach. Working with 4-H calves. A picnic at the campgrounds. A grandfather with a grandson riding beside him watching the bales roll out.

Always family season.

Always a farmer.

Happy Father’s Day!

- Beth

Elhard family photo courtesy of Beth Elhard

About Beth:

Members of Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union Vote in Favour of Merger

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 15:35:49 GMT

Merger to create a stronger credit union for future generations, says Vision Board Chair.

“We see this union as an opportunity to ensure Vision and Encompass members continue to benefit from financial services by rural Albertans, for rural Albertans.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Camrose/Wainwright, Alberta – The Boards of Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union are pleased to announce that members have voted in favour of the proposed merger between the two neighbouring credit unions. Members cast their ballots at a Special Meeting of Members held on June 1 for Encompass members, and June 2 for the Legacy Vision membership, and returned a majority vote in favour of the union. The final tally saw 264/267 of Encompass members present and 174/176 Vision members present voting for the merger.

After years of collaboration as neighbours, the Boards of Directors of both credit unions launched a comprehensive due diligence process early in 2022 to explore the viability of a merger. This membership vote followed the Board’s approval of that business case. Subject to government approval, the two credit unions will combine their operations on November 1, 2022, under the banner of Vision Credit Union.

“We’re thrilled members of both Encompass and Vision credit unions put their trust in us with this vote,” said Glenn Friesen, Board Chair for Vision Credit Union. We pursued this merger because we believe that we can build a stronger credit union for today’s rural Albertans, and for future generations.”

Doug Callaghan, Encompass Board Chair added, “Uniting as one credit union provides the opportunity to take advantage of shared technology and member services, while continuing to focus on the specific financial needs of the people in our neighbouring regions. This merger will help us deepen our partnership with our members, employees and the communities we serve.”

“By bringing these two well-established and values-based credit unions together, we are positioning ourselves to succeed in today’s competitive environment,” said Kelly Longley, President and CEO of Encompass Credit Union.

“As financial services in this province continue a trend of consolidation, we see this union as an opportunity to ensure Vision and Encompass members continue to benefit from financial services by rural Albertans, for rural Albertans,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union.

If the merger receives the required regulatory approvals, the amalgamated Credit Union – Vision Credit Union – will have $2.1 billion in assets, more than 34,800 members, 256 staff members and 23 branch locations across rural Alberta.

About Encompass Credit Union:

Encompass serves approximately 8,800 members with an employee base of 65 full-time equivalents. As of fiscal year-end 2021, Encompass had approximately $540 million in assets with branches in the communities of Wainwright, Irma, Hardisty, Hughenden, Edgerton, and an Agency in Consort. The Wainwright branch of the credit union serves as its administrative centre.

About Vision Credit Union:

Vision serves approximately 26,700 members with an employee base of 164 full-time equivalents. As of fiscal year-end 2021, Legacy Vision had approximately $1.5 billion in assets with branches in the communities of Camrose, Sedgewick, Two Hills, Vegreville, Daysland, Stettler, Wetaskiwin, Viking, Killam, Castor, Alliance, Pincher Creek, Falher, La Glace, Peace River, Manning, and La Crete. Camrose also serves as its administrative centre.

Media Contacts:

Kelly Clemmer

Manager Marketing

Encompass Credit Union

kelly.clemmer@encompasscu.ca

Paulette Robinson

Manager of Marketing & Communication

Vision Credit Union

probinson@visioncu.ca

-30-

Community Visionaries: Bags of Love, East Central Alberta

Tue, 03 May 2022 21:11:58 GMT

Wherever they’re needed, this small non-profit shows up for Alberta kids.

The day a child goes into foster care may always be remembered as the hardest day of their life.

Every case is unique, but in Alberta, Children’s Services places kids into foster care when their current situation is no longer safe. But when a child is told they can’t return home, they tend not to see it that way. They’re often crying, confused and scared.

Jewel Lien saw this pain up close as a teacher’s aid and foster parent in Ryley years ago. She saw the hurt on kids' faces as they were going into care, and to make matters worse, they often couldn’t even return home to pack their belongings.

In complex situations like these, Jewel felt like there was nothing she could do. But she was determined — and she believed in the power of her small community to make a difference.

Bags of Love East Central Alberta (ECA) is born

Besides love, what’s inside a bag?

A bag from any Bags of Love might include necessary items for their first few weeks in the foster home, like a toothbrush and toothpaste. They might also include a note that reminds the child they’re loved, and that everything in the bag is meant to give them comfort in a troubled time. At Bags of Love ECA, the note also asks that the child one day pay the kindness forward.

“We’re very careful about not victimizing the kids,” Jewel says. “We want to empower them to stay strong because they will get through this. And when they do, they can brighten their own lives by being kind to others.”

Items in Jewel’s bags are largely dependent on what they receive in donations. But no matter what, there are two items that can be found in every single bag prepared at Bags of Love ECA: a teddy and a handmade quilt.

Quilters from all over Alberta create age and gender appropriate blankets for Bags of Love ECA. “The teddy and quilt are most important,” Jewel says. “Often we hear back from social workers that when a child opened the bag, they said, ‘How did they know just what I wanted?’”

Bags of Love ECA distributes about 600 bags per year with the support of social workers. And not just in Ryley. While the team started working in surrounding areas like Camrose, Vegreville, Wainwright and Lloydminster so many years ago, they now provide bags to 33 Children’s Services offices in Alberta.

More than just kids going into foster care

Most recently, Jewel and her team even sent bags to refugees coming to Alberta from Ukraine.

“What we do is what the people come to us with.” Jewel says. The partnership with Siksika grew out of a social worker needing help with a family who had no heat in their house. The children from Ukraine received a bag because the Sherwood Park School were welcoming students whose families were fleeing the war.

You can help

Whether it’s purchasing and donating teddies, creating beautiful handmade quilts or identifying areas in the province where they could help, the way east central Alberta has rallied behind Bags of Love is inspiring. Because of their hard work and dedication, thousands of kids have received a small token of love in a very difficult moment of their lives.

“I’m not a quitter, I’ll tell you that,” Jewel laughs. “It’s a deep, deep passion that I just will not give up on.”

But the need is high and they can’t do it alone. Jewel envisions a future where there are Bags of Love chapters serving Children’s Services offices all over Alberta. And you can support this vision.

Anyone can start a Bags of Love chapter, but there may already be one in your area. Just like Bags of Love ECA, they’re likely looking for volunteers and donations from generous community members like you.

Contact Jewel and her team to find out if there’s a Bags of Love near you. If there isn’t and you’d like to start a chapter, Jewel can also give you firsthand advice on how to make it successful in your community.

Visit the Bags of Love ECA website for more info, contact details, stories and more.

Follow them on Facebook.

Proudly Local Business: Stettler Brewing Company

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:37:26 GMT

Will Roberts is building the first micro-brewery in his small hometown

Will always knew he wanted to open a brewery in his hometown of Stettler. Now, after studying as a brewmaster and seeing potential in a local liquor store for sale, his dream is finally becoming a reality.

In August 2021, Will and his father began the journey of converting the Growler Guy, a popular liquor store, into a fully operational micro-brewery.

“The Growler Guy was started by a couple here in town called Dan and Ange Hiller as a side project,” Will says. “I heard that they were looking to sell it, so I thought maybe that'd be a good place to start.”

That’s when the Stettler Brewing Company was born. Supply chain disruptions associated with the pandemic have slowed construction, but Will aims to be brewing and selling his own signature beers this summer.

Micro-breweries employ about 3,000 Albertans, but not just in the big cities. From Lacombe’s Blindman Brewing to Lundbreck’s Oldman River Brewing, rural micro-breweries have become a beacon of hope and pride for struggling local economies.

Today, there are more than 130 micro-breweries in Alberta, and because of Will’s commitment to his hometown and passion for great beer, the Stettler Brewing Company is the newest one on that list.

Just like no two Alberta towns are exactly the same, neither are any two micro-breweries. That’s because so many are created and operated by everyday Albertans with origins deeply connected to the area. Each building, recipe and menu tells a story that reflects the communities in which they’re born. Oftentimes ingredients for the beer themselves like grain are sourced from local farms.

This rings true for Will.

"I want to be very locally focussed. The big advantage that the local brewery has over Budweiser or whatever, is that you can put a face to the name. There’s a location you can go visit and give feedback. So I want to cater to the local community and to the surrounding villages.”

Will has received a lot of support and encouragement from the town so far. And with the building being situated between the rodeo grounds and the community centre, he’s confident his menu will attract folks as they’re participating in other activities. He also hopes to become a household name when it comes to weddings and other events.

Will’s love for his hometown is clear, just like his vision for the brewery becoming part of the culture. “I grew up in Stettler. I went out and learned how to run a brewery, and now I want to do what I love in the place I grew up.”

As he waits patiently to launch, Will’s been busy dreaming up all kinds of ideas for his initial offering. But narrowing it down is easier said than done.

When asked if he has a favourite type of beer, he said “Oh, that's like asking somebody who’s their favourite kid. There's definitely a favourite one, but you're never going to admit it.” Will may be keeping his personal favourite a secret, but he says the first beer brewed at the Stettler Brewing Company will be a lager for all to enjoy.

Vision Credit Union Awarded for Excellence in Marketing

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:50:28 GMT

Receives Twelfth National Marketing Award Since 2016

Camrose, Alberta: Vision Credit Union was honoured with Achievement in Marketing Excellence (AIME) awards from the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA), announced last week on the CCUA’s website and social channels.

Vision took home awards in both of the categories it entered and was recognized for excellence in Integrated Marketing and Direct Marketing for 2021. Both entries centred around the stories of actual staff and members of Vision Credit Union and focussed on the authentic impact of rural credit union values and service.

The national credit union association hosts the AIME awards as part of its annual conference, to showcase the most effective and creative marketing and communications campaigns.

Vision is honoured to be recognized nationally for these achievements, and proud to serve members and the central, northern and southern Alberta communities we call home.

AIME Award: Direct Marketing (We're Farmers Too)

AIME Award: Integrated Consumer Marketing (Invested in Rural Alberta)

A Spring Day Drive

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 18:27:21 GMT

Beth Elhard takes us with her on an April drive to the farm.

"Out in the country, the pussy willows are fluffing out after their winter sleep, bringing beauty to the trees. The gophers peek out of their winter vacation spots, looking for more soft places in the earth to dig their holes."

Spring is in the air and with it comes the awakening of new life and new beginnings. With the need to refresh our souls from the winter and the troubles in our world we head for a spring day drive to the farm.

The longer April days have vanished the snow that has blanketed the land. Now, in the places where drifts had lain deep, tufts of green grass push up towards the sun. The deer that regularly mill about our front lawn throughout the night have begun to wander further afield, seeking out tender new growth for nourishment. Out in the country, the pussy willows are fluffing out after their winter sleep, bringing beauty to the trees. The gophers peek out of their winter vacation spots, looking for more soft places in the earth to dig their holes.

On our route to the farm, we pass by Lane’s Lake, a small lake named for early pioneers in our area. It was parched last fall after a hot, dry summer. Today, runoff from snowdrifts in a nearby pasture has replenished it enough to create a small body of water that’s big enough to be a resting place for hundreds of white cranes pausing on their route south. We stop the truck along the roadside to watch and roll down our windows so we can listen to the chorus of the birds.

When we arrive at the farm, signs of spring are everywhere. A red-breasted robin on a nearby fencepost tilts his head as he sings his morning song. We watch a lively group of new calves, their tails and heels in the air. They chase through the pasture, glad to be out of the confines of the corrals. Nearby their mother’s munch through the remains of the morning feed while keeping an eye on their young ones.

A tomcat passes through the barnyard, reminding me of the many litters of kittens that have lived out their lives in our barn loft. They’re all descendants of the original farm cats that made their home here in our early days on the farm, so many years ago. The original pair are long gone, of course, but their lineage continues in the kittens mewing in the upper sanctum of this barn.

I scruff the pasture with my foot and loosen some dead grass, revealing the beauty of a simple crocus starting to open. It has survived the long winter months and as it emerges, it brings with it the promise of the coming season. The hope of new beginnings in a world that has endured so much.

Happy spring, everyone.

- Beth

About Beth:

Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union Announce Plan to Merge Operations in Fall 2022

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 23:44:38 GMT

For Immediate Release:

March 15, 2022

The Boards of Directors of Encompass Credit Union (Encompass) and Vision Credit Union (Vision) confirmed today that after a comprehensive due diligence process the two organizations have approved a business case in support of a merger. Subject to membership and regulatory approvals, the two credit unions plan to combine their operations effective November 1, 2022.

Both Encompass and Vision have long proud histories of support to rural Alberta. Each has a strong base of loyal members in the communities that they serve. By combining resources Encompass and Vision can leverage their strengths to increase the value that they provide their membership.

Doug Callaghan, Encompass Board Chair comments, “The Board and Management Team of Encompass are inspired by the opportunities available to our membership through a merger with Vision. One opportunity is the ability to grow our successful PlanWright wealth management division into new communities, serving new members." Alan Fielding, Vision Board Chair also sees opportunities. “Vision and Encompass share a commitment to rural Alberta and the hardworking people who live here. Our combined credit union can serve more members including larger businesses than either could on its own." Both Boards are unanimously recommending the merger, and are encouraging members to participate in the vote to confirm the merger.

Information about the merger can be found at www.whatsyourshare.ca/rural-first-banking or from any branch. Information meetings for members will take place during April, leading up to membership votes to be held in June 2022.

ENCOMPASS CREDIT UNION:

VISION CREDIT UNION:

-30-

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kelly Clemmer

Manager Marketing

Encompass Credit Union

kelly.clemmer@encompasscu.ca

Paulette Robinson

Manager of Marketing & Communication

Vision Credit Union

probinson@visioncu.ca

The rural Alberta Rock n’ Roll revolution

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 17:00:38 GMT

Beth Elhard reflects on the glory days of the fifties in Castor

Photo: Beth Elhard in the fifties

“Move over world, these Alberta kids were going to rock n’ roll with the best of them!”

During the most recent long, cold Covid-19 spell, I came upon a stash of records. Those old, dust-covered black vinyl 33s, 45s and 78s gave me pause to reflect on the glory days of the fifties. Yes, those days have come and gone, but honey, I was there when they happened….

By the 1950s, Alberta had survived the end of prohibition, women in the workplace and the introduction of television, but was this province ready for the cultural revolution that was Rock n’ Roll?

To be a teenager in the fifties was to be in the vanguard of a new culture, and music was fueling that culture. As teenagers, we were ready. Our parents were not. We wanted excitement and new freedoms and rock n’ roll would lead the way!

When Elvis Presley, the King, hit the scene, adults were incensed. Alarming! they said. Outrageous! He should be banned! The more they complained, the more we loved the King. We swooned over his black ducktail hairstyle, long sideburns and seductive sneer. We bought his records – Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog and Blue Suede Shoes – and felt wild and rebellious as our parents condemned us to a life of degeneracy. Soon, we were branching out, be-bopping to Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others.

Move over world, these Alberta kids were going to rock n’ roll with the best of them! We taught ourselves the new moves. We swivelled our hips, knocked our knees, zinged through our partners’ legs and rolled over their backs. The older generation raised their eyebrows and shook their heads in dismay.

Radio stations were a major influence in our lives. One year, our high school held a big dance and we rocked with CJCA’s Wes Dakus and their station band, the Club ‘93 Rebels. We called them Line Dance Parties because schools from ‘down the line’ bussed in for the dances.

For our generation, rock n’ roll was more than music. It was a look. For the boys, the ultimate outfit was strides/drapes (pants that were baggy at the knees and narrow at the ankles) and a pink dress shirt with a charcoal collar. Their hair was slicked back into an Elvis-style ducktail, put in place by heroic effort and a bucket of hair cream.

Girls wore sweaters or white blouses with full skirts, typically aided in their fight against gravity by crinolines. On our feet: bobby socks with saddle oxfords, penny loafers or pedal pushers – styles that made it easy to dance.

Our little local café, later known as Andy’s, was the gathering place after school. There, we plugged our money into the jukebox, learned to smoke in the back booth, and drank cokes. Occasionally we would even try to dance, but the proprietor would emerge from behind the swinging doors, looking annoyed and uttering what we could only assume were threats in Chinese. In retrospect, we must have sorely tested his patience.

In the fifties, cars became critical for our teenage lives. We began to cruise on Saturday nights. Radios blared the Hit Parade as we’d loop up and down Castor’s main street endlessly, enjoying each loop as though it was the first.

Then, before we knew it, life took charge. We got older, went on to school, married, worked and raised our families. But when the days were busy and times were hard, we could stop and hear the music in our heads. A smile would cross our lips and our step would seem lighter. Sometimes, when our babies were sleeping, we’d kick off our shoes and dance in the living room.

Back in the fifties, our parents wondered what would become of our generation. Now, we’re the top half of the generation gap and we wonder why our teenagers wear jeans with half the legs torn out, or why they would listen to songs with words that make no sense. But when the kids ask me about the ‘old days,’ I think, how could they be the old days? It was just yesterday, wasn’t it?

See you later Alligator. After a while Crocodile.

- Beth

About Beth:

Fraud: A $350+ million market in Canada

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 21:09:44 GMT

A historic year for financial losses proves that fraud can happen to anyone

“We see cases of fraud in all our communities, even the smallest ones… It’s everywhere and it can happen to anyone.”

The idea of being taken in by a fraudster sounds implausible to many Canadians. Fraud is something that only happens to people who are gullible / isolated / elderly / wealthy / not technologically savvy, right?

Dead wrong, according to Chris Lynam, Director General of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit of the RCMP. "Fraud is having real impacts on individuals, businesses and organizations. Many don't think it could happen to them but last year's jump in reported financial losses demonstrates that that's not true,” he said in a press release published by the RCMP.

From Canadian consumers to big corporations, everyone is a potential target of fraud. Recent statistics from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) show that Canadians lost $379 million to scams and fraud in 2021. That's a 130% increase compared to 2020. And the actual impact of fraud is likely much larger. In fact, the CAFC estimates that 95% of fraud cases go unreported in Canada.

Carolin Robinson, Manager of Risk at Vision Credit Union, says people’s perception that they are immune to fraud is one of the things that make us vulnerable. Robinson, who spearheads fraud reduction initiatives at Vision, says she’s seen con artists successfully target everyone from ages 18-80.

“We see cases of fraud in all our communities, even the smallest ones… It’s everywhere and it can happen to anyone,” says Robinson.

From romance scams to e-transfer interceptions to cheque fraud to fake rental properties, Robinson has seen it all. She wants people to know three very important things:

fraud can happen to anyone,
if you fall prey to fraudsters, it’s not your fault, and
you can take steps to protect yourself.

“The people who do this are professional con artists, and they’re very good at what they do. They prey on our vulnerabilities, our hopes and the fact that we’re often too busy to monitor these things,” says Robinson. “It’s very effective.”

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada

Watch for our series of articles on how to protect yourself from fraud with advice from Robinson and other experts. For more tips on how to prevent yourself from falling victim to scams, check out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre .

Proudly Local Business: Lady's Hat Farm | Castor

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 18:47:35 GMT

Nikki Wiart returned to her roots and is carving her own path as a farmer in rural Alberta

“I wanted to be out on the land, in the dirt.”

Nikki Wiart left her family cattle ranch just outside the town of Castor to pursue an education, establish a career and never look back. Like many wide-eyed and obstinate high school graduates, Nikki could never have imagined that she’d be called back to her roots — and discover the fulfillment she’d been seeking all along.

The road that led Nikki to farming wasn’t a typical one. Despite being born into a lineage of generational farmers, Nikki was determined to carve her own way. After completing a Bachelor of Communications degree in Journalism at MacEwan University, she went on to produce the eleven o’clock news for Global Edmonton. After a couple of years, she decided to make the move to Ottawa to pursue her Master’s in Journalism at Carleton University.

During her Master’s studies, Nikki began a research project on first generation farmers in Canada. She travelled across the country interviewing people, many of whom were young women who had chosen farm life despite not having an agricultural background. Their inspiring stories led Nikki to an epiphany.

Nikki was aware that she'd been finding covering the tragedies of the daily news very stressful. She knew that would take a toll. She also realized something else about herself. “I wanted to be out on the land, in the dirt,” she says. “I was so fortunate to have a farm waiting back home for me, to be able to work outside and make a lifestyle change for myself.”

Pincher Creek Community Visionary: Christy Newcomen-Randal

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 20:12:24 GMT

The Pincher Creek Minor Hockey Association's treasurer knows the true value of volunteering

“ I like being community-minded. I like my kids to see that it’s important to participate in community service. And it just feels like the right thing to do.”

Across the country, from September to March, community arenas teem with the sights, sounds and locker room smells of minor hockey. For many Canadian kids, playing minor hockey is a seminal part of childhood. But before a single player can lace up his/her skates and hit the ice, legions of volunteers need to step up. Off the ice and on, it takes an army of volunteers to keep the game in motion.

If minor hockey runs with an army of volunteers, then Christy Newcomen-Randal should be a general by now. More than eight years ago, she enlisted as the treasurer for the Pincher Creek Minor Hockey Association where her two sons play hockey. She’s been the treasurer ever since. It’s an experience that Christy says has been as rewarding as it’s been demanding.

“I think I would feel lost without it at this point,” says Christy. “There are definitely days when I shake my head at what I am doing, but most of the time it's really rewarding and I'm happy that I'm involved in it.”

As the association’s treasurer, Christy is responsible for handling registrations, collecting and depositing concession funds, banking, distribution of funds, tracking of income and expenses, and providing financial reports. During the busy weeks around hockey registration, it’s a 25-hour-a-week job. On the quiet weeks, when it’s just a matter of collecting, depositing and balancing concession funds, it might just take two or three hours.

“I did keep track of the hours one year and then I decided I didn't want to know,” Christy jokes.

Fortunately, experience makes for efficiency, and after all this time, Christy has plenty of experience. That wasn’t always the case. Back when she first volunteered, she’d had no background in accounting or bookkeeping. These days, though, Christy can spreadsheet like a pro. It was a steep learning curve, but that was part of the reward, she says. Another part of the reward was helping to change the association’s financial future.

Christy joined the association’s board at a time when many of the board members were new to their positions. The team gelled and worked together from all angles to improve the financial situation.

“There was a tangible reward to seeing our bank account grow and not have to worry about how we’d manage next season or the season after that,” she says. “We kind of have a good system going financially that the board has established as a team. So, it's been rewarding that way.”

Next year, Christy’s oldest son will age out of minor hockey, and her second son isn’t far behind. When this happens, Christy says she might take the opportunity to hang up her well-worn treasurer’s hat. She’s not sure exactly what she’ll do, but she knows volunteering will be part of her future.

“I have some ideas that I want to follow through with… I like being community-minded. I like my kids to see that it’s important to participate in community service. And it just feels like the right thing to do.”

Proudly Local Business: Daysland’s Rusty Daisy Gift Co.

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 19:10:58 GMT

Mandy Spiller's small business is in full bloom thanks to her community

“I’m going to try my best to revitalize and support our small town.”

There’s no hiding Mandy Spiller’s passion for small towns. When she talks about her hometown of Daysland, Alberta, her eyes light up. Nine years ago, she bought a local flower shop on Main Street. Not because she was a florist, but because she saw the potential; in her town, the shop and herself.

Big ideas and big leaps of faith are second nature to Mandy. As she was running her successful 500-square-foot shop, the Rusty Daisy Gift Co., she learned that the owners of the Home Hardware next to her shop had decided to retire.

“Their family had owned the Home Hardware for 50-some-odd years. I was their neighbour for nine years and they were the best neighbours…” she says. “I was so sad to see them go.” That’s when her neighbours suggested she buy their retail space and expand her flower shop.

Mandy thought about it. And thought about it some more. Then, it was all she could think about. That’s when she knew it was an opportunity that she couldn’t afford to miss. Just as she’d done nine years before when she bought the flower store, she jumped in headfirst. “Nine years later, during a global pandemic and life changes, I just decided to go for it again,” she says.

Financial resolutions worth making in the new year

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 19:02:28 GMT

How to prioritize your financial health in 2022

“In 2021, 38 percent of Canadians considered money to be their number one cause of stress.”

It’s a new year and you know what that means — it’s resolution time! When considering New Year’s resolutions, diet and exercise typically spring to mind, but did you know that there’s another form of health and wellness you may be overlooking? Your financial health.

In 2021, 38 percent of Canadians considered money to be their number one cause of stress according to a survey conducted by FP Canada. In fact, financial concerns outranked personal health, work and relationships.

If 2022 is your year to focus on improving your overall health, addressing your finances may just be the most transformative resolution you can make. Here are four ways to sustainably improve your financial health:

1. Set SMART goals and visualize their outcome

Setting goals based on pie-in-the-sky daydreaming can lead to disappointment. When it comes to financial planning, setting SMART goals can help you define what’s realistic and attainable..

SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Here’s an example: For the next 30 days, I’ll track my spending to identify where I can cut back and start saving money month over month.

Once, you have your SMART goal, visualize what the outcome could be. In the above example, the money saved could go towards an annual vacation in the sun or the down payment on that vehicle you’ve had your eye on.

2. Be mindful when making financial decisions

When it comes to spending, there’s definitely a difference between a want and a need. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have both. That’s where a budget comes in. A budget helps you to be mindful with your day-to-day and month-to-month spending habits.

If you’re new to budgeting, try the 50/20/30 rule. It works like this: 50 percent of your after-tax income goes to needs – rent payments, mortgage payments, groceries, debt servicing, insurance, utilities, car payments, etc. Wants, such as entertainment, dining out, electronics, fancy clothes and other non-essentials should account for 30 percent of your income. Finally, the remaining 20 percent of your income goes to savings, which includes long or short-term savings, investments and paying down extra on debts.

Obviously, the portion of your income that goes into the needs category will vary, depending on your earnings. Set up your ‘buckets’ to fit your financial situation and be consistent every month.

3. Take small steps and don’t give up

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” This sentiment can apply to many resolutions, including money matters. What’s most important is that you’ve made the decision to prioritize your financial health and make meaningful changes.

From budgeting to goal setting to brushing up your financial literacy, there are a lot of facets to money management and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Do some research to discover what aligns with your thought processes and lifestyle.

And when things inevitably don’t go as planned — don’t give up. Any resolution worth making is going to take effort to truly see the benefits.

4. Talk to a financial expert

Whatever your financial health resolutions are, remember that you’re not alone. Our financial experts are here for you and happy to provide guidance along your journey. Together, let’s make a plan to support your 2022 financial goals — and build healthy habits to carry with you beyond this new year.

Christmas Memories

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 19:52:52 GMT

Castor's Beth Elhard takes a stroll down a candy-cane-striped memory lane

Oscar Wilde, Irish poet and dramatist once said:

“Memory really is the diary we carry around with us.”

My diary is full of beautiful Christmas memories.

Here are a few of my more memorable entries:

A page from an earlier, magical time in our small town…

The wind swept down main street swirling the snow around the decorated light standards. Snow drifted off the roof tops, down past brightly lit store windows that framed scenes of tinsel, candy canes and shoppers sharing the warmth of hometown shopping. Christmas carols played on the store speaker while neighbors visited over last-minute purchases of teddy bears, dolls, toy tractors and trucks. Over at the local hardware store, shelves were stocked with crazy carpets and toboggans for thrill seekers, tools for the handy son and a popcorn popper for the University student home for Christmas.

At the grocery stores, shopping carts bulged with turkey and treats for Christmas meals to come. The food hamper and Silent Santa boxes overflowed –a sign of the kindness and generosity of the community.

The post office bustled with stacks of Christmas cards and parcels coming and going. Neighbours chatted and shared new photos of family that arrived in their Christmas card. No Instagram or Facebook then!

People would stop and ask each other, “Are you ready for Christmas?” or “Are the kids coming home for Christmas?” Hugs and handshakes all around.

And the diary page turns…

Christmas concerts! Nervous, giggling children in their new Christmas clothes! Churches and school gyms filled with parents, babies, aunts and uncles and proud grandparents. Everyone waiting with eagerness to hear the Christmas songs, the recitations and the pageants. And then, there was always that one child who liked to provide an extra bit of ‘entertainment’.

So many pages…

I remember singing Christmas carols with family and friends, seated on a hay rack pulled by the truck. Or singing carols in the hallways of the local hospital and the nearby seniors’ lodge.

The candle lighting service on Christmas Eve at church was always magical. At the conclusion of the service, we all would gather around the sanctuary with our candles and sing Silent Night.

After church we would drive around town looking at Christmas lights. When we returned home to the farm, the car lights would sweep down the freshly plowed lane and shine off our old farm home.

Memories of stories by the family patriarch who told us every Christmas that if we went to the barn at midnight, the cattle would be kneeling. We never went to check because we didn’t want to spoil the thought.

The nativity scene that the foreman made for me on our first Christmas. Glued with love from wall board paneling. It still sits under our tree at Christmas.

Reading to the children on Christmas Eve: first the Christmas story from the Bible followed by ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Gathering around the table on Christmas day: grandparents, aunts, uncles and children flushed with excitement and over tired from rising in the early hours to see if Santa had arrived!

Wait…how did the pages in the diary turn so fast….and when did we become the family seniors?

I have so many more memories to share and cherish – new family members, babies, first Christmases at our children’s homes, card games and board games, hockey games on the dugout after the meal with a bonfire nearby, family time together at Christmas dinner with laughter and moments of sadness for one that we will always miss.

A diary entry courtesy of my grandson, a few years back. He said, “We don’t care what we eat, we just want to be together.” That’s a page to visit every year.

I hope this holiday season brings you many wonderful memories for the pages of your diary.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

- Beth

Stettler Community Visionary: Len Hoac

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:10:49 GMT

Gear Up Kids and the power of sports

“When you play a team sport, you learn about teamwork, commitment—all those things. I want that opportunity to be available to all kids if they want to play.”

When he was five years old, Len Hoac’s family immigrated to Hannah, Alberta. His parents kept busy working in the restaurant business and, for the most part, Len kept to himself. It wasn’t until an individual got him involved in sports that he really began to hit his stride.

“Hockey got me into the community more,” says Len. “Through sports, I’ve gained friends that I’m still friends with to this day — and we don’t even live in the same town anymore.”

Today, Len resides in Stettler and owns the local Brick. Sports played a big part in shaping who he's become. Len wants all kids in the Stettler community to have that same opportunity. That's why he founded Gear Up Kids . The mission of the volunteer-run organization is to provide new, donated and refurbished sports equipment to kids in need at no cost.

“Being active is important,” says Len. “I want every kid to enjoy sports and enjoy the recreational side of being a kid.”

Gear Up Kids carries an assortment of sports equipment — from hockey skates and helmets to soccer cleats, golf clubs, baseball gear and bicycles — all collected by donation. Although they carry equipment for team sports, being on a registered team isn’t required.

“I think we're the first of our kind… where we don’t just cater to kids that want to join team sports. We can also help the individuals who just want to partake,” say Len.

To apply for equipment, Gear Up Kids follows a simple four-step process. First, a child gets referred to the program. After a referral is received, applicants schedule an appointment to get outfitted. Then, they’re free to take the equipment out on the field, ice, court — wherever they play. Once they outgrow their equipment, it’s re-donated or exchanged for a larger size to keep the cycle going.

“The application process is really simple,” says Len. “And we’ve never declined anybody. The only time we can’t action an application is if we don’t have the particular item they need.”

Len explains that inclusivity is the main goal for the organization. Outside of their annual Christmas Gala fundraiser, Gear Up Kids focuses heavily on equipment donation as opposed to monetary contributions. “We don’t want to compete with other established charitable groups,” says Len. “We do one fundraiser a year where we put on a gala and host company Christmas parties.”

Despite not being able to host their annual Gala this year, Gear Up Kids hopes to renew the tradition next Christmas and are even brainstorming new ideas to ramp up their inventory. Len believes 2022 will be full of achievements for the organization. Why? Teamwork, of course.

“I couldn’t do it without the help of my team,” Len says. “Everybody plays their own role in keeping Gear Up Kids running.”

To donate or refer a child in need this holiday season, visit gearupkids.ca .

Photos courtesy of Len Hoac and Gear Up Kids.

In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Terry Krahn

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 21:34:56 GMT

A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow

Terry Krahn | Vision Agriculture Specialist | Region: La Crete, Manning

Did you grow up on a farm?

My family didn’t, but my grandfather had a farm. I started helping out on his farm when I was 12 or so, usually driving the tractor.

How did you come to be an Ag Specialist at Vision?

I worked at UFA for a number of years. Between that and my experience in farming and my other work experience, working as an Ag/Commercial specialist for Vision just seemed like a really good fit.

What's the best part about the work you do as an Ag Specialist?

I really like going out to see our members. I enjoy getting to know them and their families and spending time learning about their operations. Lots of companies don’t give you the freedom to go out to build relationships, but Vision does. It’s an important part of what I do.

From your experience, what’s the most common challenge food producers face when dealing with other financial institutions?

Lots of the banks tend to look at a farmer’s financial statements just a year at a time. If the farmer has had a bad year, the loans folks say ‘no, we don’t want to deal with you.’

With Vision, we look at the big picture — things like what was going on that year, how the operation has done in previous years, what are the projections for future years — so we’re able to help farming operations through the tough times.

What’s the most helpful service you offer to Ag members?

Our members really like that we come out to their farms. It’s less time away from their operation when they have banking to do and it’s much more comfortable to talk money around their combine or kitchen table than it is to sit in a little office at the branch. Members also like that when they pick up the phone, they’re not getting a call centre. They can talk to me.

Get in touch with Terry at our La Crete branch:

In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Laine Gray

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:33:15 GMT

A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow

Laine Gray | Vision Agriculture Specialist | Region: Northern Alberta

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in High Prairie, Alberta. In 2010, my wife and I moved to Manning where her family runs a 9,000-acre grain farm.

What was your background in agricultural before Vision?

I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I’ve always been interested in agriculture. Back in 2007, I took an entry level position with a grain company. I worked my way up to a sales rep, then site manager, and then in 2012, I got promoted to territory manager, selling canola seed and chemical.

How did you end up in this field?

I took finance in post-secondary school and I wanted to do something different. When I saw the Vision Credit Union posting for an Ag/Commercial specialist, I thought it was a perfect combination of that agriculture experience and financial services together. I was pretty sure I couldn’t find a better fit than that!

Tell me about what a what a typical day looks like for you.

Basically, there's no two days that are really the same. The workday can happen anywhere and it's definitely not a 9 to 5 job, which is a good thing, because that's kind of the way I work, too.

What do you like best about the work you do?

Definitely the relationships. I like to be with members at their farm. Sometimes, that means sitting at the kitchen table, sometimes, it’s on the combine… I think that's kind of what sets us apart from other financial institutions — we go to where their business is. We don't rely on members walking in our front doors.

I think that going out to the farms or ranches shows that we're not just interested in our member’s financial portfolio. We're interested in their entire business, and lots of them have become pretty close…we’re part of the operation. I've been here for 3.5 years now, and I honestly can't imagine going to work anywhere else.

How is banking with Vision different than dealing with other financial institutions?

I used to deal with a commercial bank, for years, and they had no idea who I was. I was just another number to them. With Vision, we know our members and the ins and outs of their operations, because we build relationships with them.

With some members, I'm at their house probably once every three weeks, and we definitely don’t start by talking about banking. I’ll go over to make a crop plan for next year and see how we can assist them with that. What's the best plan for them in regard to purchasing their inputs for the next year? How can we structure their payments to work best for them? Things like that.

Why is being “mobile” a service to members?

It’s convenient and saves members time, for sure. But the biggest thing I think members appreciate is that we're dealing with the financial issues at their home where they're most comfortable. For some people, there’s a privacy thing with coming to the branch. They don’t want their neighbours to think they're in trouble because they’re in a loans office. This eliminates that worry.

What do you hope members think when they see that you’re calling?

For lots of producers, the bigger guys, too, when they see the bank’s number show up on their phone, they automatically assume it's bad news. I like to think that when I'm phoning people, they aren't scared to answer the phone. They know we phone to find out good things – just to connect. They know if there is a problem, I’m phoning to talk about options and a way forward. We phone with solutions, not problems.

Get in touch with Laine at our Manning branch:

In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Dan Szott

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 20:35:47 GMT

A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow

Dan Szott | Vision Agriculture Specialist | Region: Central Alberta

Where did you grow up?

Bawlf, Alberta. Right where I live now.

Did you grow up on a farm?

I've been involved in farming in some way, shape or form throughout my whole life.

When I was growing up, I worked for neighbours and usually helped my uncles who had a farm not too far away. Before I started with Vision, I was an agriculture equipment sales consultant. Now, I work with a former colleague on his farm, with about 2500 seeded acres in production. He has a sprayer co-op, and I assist in the management and operations of that side of business. I also have a small cattle farm myself.

How did you end up becoming an Ag Specialist at Vision?

It’s a funny story, actually. My wife works for Vision Credit Union as well, in Head Office. I had stopped by her office because I needed somewhere to change my clothes to go for a job interview somewhere else. Steve (Friend, Vision’s CEO) saw me dressed for the interview and asked what I was up to. I told him, and he said, “Well, if you don't get anything there, look me up.”

Three weeks later, when I was informed the other position had been filled, I went into Steve’s office and said, “What have you got?” He told me about the Agriculture specialist position and asked if I was interested. I told him “absolutely”, and I’ve never looked back.

What’s the best part of what you do in your job?

Honestly, I like being able to help the members. We do character lending, which no other institution really does. I pride myself on getting to know the people, getting to know their operations and its needs. It’s more than just financial statements, dollars-in, dollars-out. I believe there's a trust factor there as well.

I have a story. Not too long ago we heard from a producer who had accounts with other financial institutions. He had a time-sensitive issue he needed to get settled and he was in contact with this other institution multiple times, and they indicated it would be 2-3 weeks to even get into an appointment to meet someone. The manager at our branch was able to line up a farm visit with the member a few days later, we went out to his farm and the following week, we had an approval in place for him. This was the difference between him being able to act on the option and not!

Tell me about how Vision serves its members in a way that’s different than other financial institutions?

I’ll give you an example. In certain areas, weather conditions have really created poor cash flows for some farmers in recent years. A lot of other institutions don’t look beyond this cash flow statement and previous years’ financial results. One member told a story about how a chartered bank listed all the farms in a specific postal code, an area where the weather had been very challenging for a few years, and it called the loans for the farmers in that area! That would never happen at Vision. We do everything we can to help our members keep going forward, to support their success.

What do you bring to financial services that’s different?

Agriculture is my passion. I farm myself and because I'm involved so heavily, it makes it so easy to relate to and to talk to the producers, whether cattle or grain. I understand their world, because it’s what I do, too.

When I go to a farmer's house, I’m honestly not going there as a banker. A lot of times, we’ll just sit and talk. Banking doesn't even come up until I’m almost out the door! It’s great.

Get in touch with Dan at our Camrose City Centre branch:

The Prairie Elevator

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 18:09:36 GMT

Beth Elhard remembers the hustle and bustle of the local grain elevator

"Those days, elevators weren’t just for storing and handling grain. They were the local hub for farmers to gather with a cup of coffee in hand."

If you’re of a certain vintage and you grew up in a rural prairie community, chances are the local grain elevator is inextricably linked to your memories of home. Just about every town had grain elevators. One always knew when they were close to home when they could see their town’s elevator etched on the skyline in the distance.

Those days, elevators weren’t just for storing and handling grain. They were the local hub for farmers to gather with a cup of coffee in hand. It was there that they discussed local and world events, the price of grain, whose crop produced the most bushels per acre and the weather forecast announced on the radio that morning.

During harvest, it was often the stressed farm wife’s task to bring the sample of grain in a coffee can to the elevator agent testing. This job would fall somewhere between hauling grain, taking supper to the field, and picking up kids from the school bus. A seasoned elevator agent knew to be as sympathetic as a marriage counsellor when he gave a farm wife the news that the grain was dry, and they could start combining the field.

Diplomacy was a big part of the job of an elevator agent. They had to be wily enough to convince a producer that his grain should have been a number one, but he had to give it a number three.

During harvest, the elevator agent was central dispatch for an entire community of busy, weary, sometimes cranky farm families. He could test grain moisture samples with his eyes closed, late at night, and on weekends. And he had to be patient enough not to recommend any other places the customers could put their grains when they suggested that a competing grain buyer would probably give their grain a better grade.

I remember marveling at our agent’s composure. One time, I watched as he calmy worked while three half-tons were backed up to the feed shed, twenty-five grain trucks were waiting to unload, and the spout loading grain cars had fallen and was unloading grain on the tracks.

Grain agents had to be the ultimate multi-taskers. When loading grain cars, our agent could run down the length of three grain cars, climb down the ladder and answer the phone as though he had been sitting there at his desk filing his nails.

He would never get confused and answer the computer, weigh the customer or put the scale to his ear.

These days, there’s just a sprinkling of grain elevators dotting the prairies. It was a sad time in many towns when first the railway tracks were removed and then the elevators, one by one. In most communities, the tall wooden structures have been replaced by large, centralized cement grain terminals located out of town.

Fortunately, thanks to the foresight of our local Castor & District Museum Society one of Castor’s elevator’s survived and is being restored to its 1917 era. The Alberta Pacific Grain Elevator still stands tall in our community to welcome you home.

About Beth:

Celebrating International Credit Union Day: How we’re helping to build a brighter tomorrow in our community

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 17:05:50 GMT

Habitat for Humanity Camrose wins National Sustainable Funding Award for new home financing initiative in partnership with Vision Credit Union

Pictured: Trudy Iftody, Assistant Branch Manager, Vision Credit Union West End Branch and Cody McCarroll, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Camrose

"We’re grateful for the local cooperation of Vision Credit Union and thank them for their support of Habitat’s homeowners."

When we unlock the front door and step inside our homes, we enter our own little worlds. These walls contain our memories, they keep us sheltered from the elements and they’re a safe haven from everything else going on outside. From hearing laughter echo from the other room to quiet homework sessions at the kitchen table, home is where we truly live — it’s where our hearts are.

But for many in the Camrose community, the comfort and security of owning a home is beyond reach. And the cost of appropriate rental housing is a financial burden. In fact, 800 Camrose families are in need of affordable housing. That’s the equivalent of one family on every block. Those numbers include at least 500 local children, equaling the enrolment of one of the city’s largest schools.

Habitat for Humanity Camrose’s mission is to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable home ownership. They’re working to lower those statistics. Last year, they found a way to double the number of local families accessing their services each year and they enlisted Vision Credit Union’s help to do it.

Over the years, Vision has supported a variety of Habitat Camrose initiatives, such as the annual Snow Golf tournament. So, when Habitat Camrose approached Vision with the idea of a new mortgage model that could help more people in our community, the Vision team couldn’t wait to get to work. “We understand the challenges that first-time homeowners face. We’ll always strive to provide assistance and look at new ways to expand the services available to our members,” says Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union.

The new mortgage model will allow four to six families per year access to affordable home ownership, in comparison to the previous two to three families served annually. Here’s how it works: qualified homeowners will receive their first mortgage through Vision and a second mortgage from Habitat Camrose. Sharing the financing increases the cash flow available to Habitat Camrose. And that means more new builds and the ability to buy back more homes from program graduates. All in all, that equals more roofs over more heads.

Because of this innovative new financing approach, Habitat Camrose received the Habitat Canada Sustainable Funding Award for 2020. This national award recognizes a Habitat affiliate that’s demonstrated excellence in increasing the resources available to help build more homes for local families.

“We’re grateful for the local cooperation of Vision Credit Union and thank them for their support of Habitat’s homeowners,” says Habitat Camrose Executive Director, Cody McCarroll. “These honours are shared with the staff and management of Vision, without whom we couldn't implement this new opportunity.”

Two community-minded organizations working towards building homes, and brighter futures, in Camrose.

About Habitat for Humanity Camrose

Habitat for Humanity Camrose builds decent, affordable homes in partnership with families and the community. In lieu of a down payment, partner families contribute 500 volunteer hours to the organization by helping build their own homes and well as homes for other families; and by helping with other Habitat fundraising functions like the ReStore. Habitat homes are currently available in Camrose to qualified partner families.

Do you know a family that could benefit from this life-changing opportunity?

Information and applications are available online at habitatcamrose.com .

International Credit Union Day is on October 21, 2021!

Learn about the credit union difference here.

Camrose Community Visionary: Cherilyn Sharkey

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 23:27:34 GMT

The Camrose Association for Community Living and the power of kindness

Pictured : Cherilyn Sharkey and Kelsey Winterhalt

“In a world where you can be anything, be KIND.”

To Cherilyn Sharkey, these words on her email signature are more than an inspirational quote. They’re words that she lives by every single day. In her role as Public Relations Manager for the Camrose Association for Community Living (CAFCL), Cherilyn knows just how powerful kindness can be and how it can positively impact lives.

Cherilyn also knows that kindness can come from understanding and education. It’s something she has experienced firsthand during school presentations by CAFCL individuals. One individual with cerebral palsy does a presentation on body confidence. “It's cool for the kids to see the things that she can do, like bowling and swimming, even though she's in a wheelchair,” says Cherilyn.

CAFCL is a registered non-profit charitable organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities, people with acquired brain injury and families facing barriers to healthy child development. From housing to day camps to education and community outreach, CAFCL does it all. They even have an inclusive community choir, SingAble, in partnership with the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus.

With such a robust offering, CAFCL is able to maintain and expand their programs through a mixture of government funding and fundraising. When Cherilyn started at CAFCL 10 years ago, her main job was planning and organizing the Charity Auction—their biggest annual fundraiser—that she continues to spearhead today. Due to the pandemic, the past couple of years has taken the auction online as a virtual event. But Cherilyn knows she can count on her community’s support.

“We have such a good group of faithful sponsors—people who are behind us every year. I send an e-mail and they send me a cheque…even after telling them that we're not doing an in-person event,” she says. “I appreciate them so much.”

Throughout her years at the CAFCL, Cherilyn has often witnessed the power of kindness in action. One of her favourite examples happened a few years ago during the organization’s #Accepted campaign. Craig, a CAFCL’s client who volunteers with the local Camrose Kodiaks junior hockey team had been featured in the campaign with a couple of Kodiaks players. Craig was scheduled to make an onstage appearance at the Charity Auction, so Cherilyn contacted the team to see if a couple of the Kodiaks could join him on stage. That evening, the whole team showed up.

“It was a really powerful moment,” Cherilyn says. “Our vision is that each person is an accepted and participating community member… We want people to know that they're included in our community and we want them to be able to give back when they can.”

Camrose Association for Community Living

Online Charity Auction 2021

Contact CAFCL

In Conversation with a Vision Agriculture Specialist: Kevin Sliger

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 21:30:57 GMT

A Vision Q&A series rooted in agriculture and helping members grow

Kevin Sliger | Vision Agriculture Specialist | Region: Falher

Did you grow up in a farming area?

I grew up farming in this area (Falher). I was born and raised here. I don’t farm these days, but I help out at a friend’s farm during harvest, so I keep my hand in it.

What did you do before you came to Vision?

I’ve been with Vision for more than a year, but before that I sold farm equipment for 21 years. That’s how I came here. I knew Dan Szott (Vision Ag Specialist) from back when he was a farm equipment salesman in Camrose. About three years ago, he started talking to me about coming to Vision, and eventually I made the change.

From your experience, what’s the most common challenge food producers face when dealing with other financial institutions?

It's understanding their business. That's what I believe. You can’t take a 12-month snapshot of a farm operation and understand the business. The costs aren't related to one year, per se. Annual cost/income statements are how banks are used to doing business, but farming doesn't really work that way. At Vision, we use some pretty good programming to get a real picture of a farming operation.

What do you like best about your work with Vision?

I like that I get to work with people I’ve built relationships with over the years. Now, I’m dealing in financial services and before, I was selling ag equipment, but ultimately, it’s all about relationships and trying to help. That’s what I do.

How do you build those relationships with members?

One of the best parts is visiting members on their farms, just to see what's going on, and talk about different aspects of farming and financing and whatnot. I'll probably go out four or five times a month to say hi to members… I’ll stop by for coffee or go out to the fields and they’ll put me to work running equipment because that’s what I used to do. Then at lunchtime we might get to talking about financial needs. There’s nothing better.

What do the farmers think about you popping out and helping out?

Well, I think they get a pretty good kick out of it. But at the same time, they're very open to learning different things. Farmers are progressive by nature. They’re always looking for opportunities to be more efficient, or save time, or improve their farms — whether it’s farm equipment or financial products, they’re looking ahead. They’re very open to learning about (financial) options that are available that they might not have known existed.

Get in touch with Kevin at our Falher branch:

Proudly Local Business: Pincher Creek Shell Station and Downtown Liquor Store

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:50:49 GMT

Jigna Patel shares how Pincher Creek is the perfect home for their family and their business aspirations

"We want to serve our customers for a lifetime, not one time."

When you come across this kind of business, you can tell the difference from the moment you step through the door. It’s the well-stocked shelves and the inviting product displays, the cheery lighting, the scrubbed surfaces and the warm welcome. It’s what a business looks like when it’s being operated with pride, care and an eye to the future.

Hiren and Jigna Patel own two such businesses in Pincher Creek – the Shell gas station off Highway 6 and the Downtown Liquor Store on Main Street. For Hiren and Jigna, both of these neat-as-a-pin retail businesses are an investment in their community and in the life they want to build for their family.

Back before Hiren and Jigna moved their family to Pincher Creek, both were employed by WALMART in Calgary. Hiren was the assistant store manager and Jigna, a licensed optician, worked in the optical department. While the couple saved and soaked up management lessons from their employer, they planned for a future of owning their own business. Eventually, they heard about an opportunity to purchase a gas station on a prime location in Pincher Creek.

“We…wanted a place that would be busy year-round; where there was opportunity,” says Jigna. “We noticed that Pincher Creek was a tourist area, and that demand for services seemed to be consistent.”

The couple also noticed that Pincher Creek was the kind of community where they wanted to raise their son. “It’s a small town and people are really friendly. We liked the beautiful surrounding area, attractions and mountains and all the outdoor activities.”

Stories of Alberta: Pincher Creek’s Lebel Mansion

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 19:06:27 GMT

Preserving history and shaping the future through a Southern Alberta cultural hub

“It’s really about supporting people who are building, making and creating.”

The Lebel Mansion has been part of the town of Pincher Creek for over 100 years and, with the recent care it’s been receiving, it may very well be there for 100 more. While the old home on the top of the hill still holds much of its original charm, it’s evolved throughout the years; serving the needs of the town from generation to generation. And if the walls behind the Lebel Mansion’s red brick exterior could talk, they’d sure have some stories to tell.

Originally built in 1910 by one of the town’s founders, Timothee Lebel, the mansion was privately owned for 14 years before becoming a Catholic hospital in 1924. 50 years later, the Alberta Government purchased the building and reopened it as a municipal hospital. In 1976, after lobbying by local citizens, the mansion was declared a provincial historic resource.

Despite its historic status, the Lebel Mansion was abandoned in the early 80s and laid dormant for two years. That’s when the town of Pincher Creek stepped in, purchasing it from the government for one dollar in 1984. It was this year that the Allied Arts Council (AAC) proposed to manage the building as a community and cultural centre. To this day, they remain the stewards of the building, responsible for the preservation and restoration of the Lebel Mansion.

The AAC is a non-profit arts organization. If you would like to support one of their upcoming projects, such as the Amphitheatre Project, visit thelebel.ca to see how you can donate money or time toward their community initiatives.

Photos courtesy of the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek and the Town of Pincher Creek

A Walk in the Country

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:02:42 GMT

Remembering the past through Alberta’s rural cemeteries

Hopefield United Church Cemetery (Castor, Alberta).

"If you look carefully, [country cemeteries] are filled with stories about the people who once lived in the community and the historical events that shaped their lives."

There’s nothing like a country cemetery.

Call me morbid, but I actually enjoy a day spent wandering through country cemetery grounds. If you look carefully, they’re filled with stories about the people who once lived in the community and the historical events that shaped their lives.

The Foreman’s grandparents are buried in quiet country cemetery overlooking a coulee not far from our home. We visited there not long ago on a beautiful sunny day. As we paid our respects and a gentle breeze rustled the grass in the nearby pasture where a herd of cattle grazed, he said, “They came a long way from Bessarabia to this hill side.”

That journey from Bessarabia to central Alberta had been a long harrowing trek. We remember that part of our family history each time we visit this beautiful spot on the prairie.

Zion is the name of this cemetery. Zion meaning “a holy place.”

It is because of these grandparents that we often wander the backroads of our county and find these old cemeteries, sites founded by the generations that went before us. Many of them are now maintained by family members from distant generations later.

There is something so serene about these country cemeteries where history tells tales on the headstones. A cluster of the same date across plots reminds us of an earlier epidemic: the Spanish Flu of 1918. And in older areas of the cemetery, erosion causes inscriptions from a long ago to fade into the stones, fading the stories of the occupants over time.

On this day, we wander up into another part of the county to yet another cemetery. There is no sign identifying this cemetery, except the one pointing in the direction of the Notre Dame de Savoie, the weather beaten, former Catholic church across the road. It was built in 1916 by a French-Canadian community of parishioners and it served this congregation for fifty years. The roof and the walls have fallen victim to time and soon the church will be no more.

The cemetery is fenced off and the entrance has a beautiful black wrought iron gate. Two large headstones flanking the large cross in the centre of the cemetery tell a tale about the status of the occupants; prominence maintained even in their final resting place. Several other headstones of various shapes and designs are scattered throughout the cemetery. The quiet is of this place is broken by the song of a meadowlark on a nearby fence.

We leave this spot and travel east to a main highway and come to another cemetery just off a main highway. It’s completely surrounded by a dense hedge, which muffles the sound of the passing vehicles and adds to the sacred, peaceful feel of this place. It was developed in 1926 by the German settlers who had settled in the north part of the county.

At its entrance is a beautiful, new sign – Hopefield United Church Cemetery – an indication that present day descendants of those early German settlers remember the stories of past generations in this cemetery. And they want folks like me and the Foreman, who are passing the day exploring country cemeteries, to take note of these stories too.

About Beth:

Friendly Faces of Vision: Branch staff stories

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 19:32:18 GMT

Wendy Desjarlais, Pincher Creek

"My members know me and I know them. And we can all just be ourselves...There's no reason we can't all have a good laugh while we're doing banking, right?"

It’s fitting that Wendy Desjarlais chose Pincher Creek as the place to call home. It’s a place where the prairies meet the mountains, where ranching meets wind energy—and everything in between. It’s the perfect place for someone as passionate about beating her own national bench press record as she is about growing tomatoes.

Wendy’s always up for an adventure, whether its hiking in the mountains or becoming Branch Manager of the local credit union in the midst of a merger. What she brings to her newly minted role with Vision is a big love for both her community and credit unions. And what her members value most about her is that she’s authentically Wendy.

We caught up with Wendy between excursions for a chat about who she is, her favourite things about living in Pincher Creek and what she values most about her work. Here’s what she had to say:

Did you grow up in Pincher Creek?

No…I’m a newbie because I've only been here for 15 years! If we don't know your grandma, you're not from here. I grew up in Saskatchewan on a ranch out there. I went to college in Medicine Hat like most kids from southwest Saskatchewan do. In 2003, after graduating college, I got involved with the credit union in Medicine Hat. And then from there, I took a bit of a promotion and moved to their branch in Lethbridge. I hated living in the city, so much. When there was an opening out here in Pincher Creek in 2006, I took the job and made the move.

What makes you successful in your role at the branch?

Being relatable is probably my biggest thing. I can connect with my members on a personal level. I don't feel the need to be on a pedestal as a banker. My members know me and I know them. And we can all just be ourselves. I think people respond really well to that. There's no reason we can't all have a good laugh while we're doing banking, right?

With nearly two decades of credit union experience, what do you value most about credit unions?

Oh, everything. The biggest thing is that we know our members, we care about them as people and we care about their successes… For us, helping our members is number one.

I've always been a credit union kid. I had a fat cat account in the local credit union when I was little. It just makes sense to me. I’ve always loved how credit unions give back to the community. And everything stays in the community; our profits go back right back into the community as well.

What’s the team dynamic like at the Pincher Creek branch? Are you close-knit?

Yes. There's only eight of us in the whole branch now. We definitely all have a friendship, inside and outside of work, which is nice. Most of our team has all been here for five-plus years at this point, so we all kind of talk the same language and understand each other. It works out really well.

How does the team feel about the merger with Vision this summer?

The challenge is that a lot of us are starting fresh because we have three senior staff members who are all the exact same age and they’re all retiring. That's basically half our team! So, for the rest of us, there’s a bit of the unknown. But there’s definitely excitement because everyone we've talked to with Vision has been awesome. And it just seems like a really laid back, positive organization. We're excited about that.

What do you love about living in Pincher Creek and the community?

Well, Pincher is kind of like (the best of) both worlds, both geographically and people-wise. We’re right on the edge of the mountains. We've got mountains and prairie, depending on which direction you're facing. And then there’s the people…There are people who have lived here for generations and then there are a lot of people that have moved to the area, too… so there's a lot of diversity in our town. We're a part of the most beautiful place in the world, in my opinion…as long as you can handle the wind.

How do you get involved or give back to your community?

I like to do fundraisers through my gym where I’m a part-time coach. Last fall, I ran a Deadlifts for Cancer fundraiser where we just lifted a lot of weight and raised a bunch of money. And now we're doing another one. I called it Sit-Ups for Pups. Everyone in our gym has to do as many sit ups as possible in the month of June and I get pledges towards the SPCA. I get to wrap that up soon and see how we all did. So, just kind of fun things like that.

When you’re not at the branch or in the gym, where would we find you?

In my garden and my greenhouse. That's my happy place. I do a lot of gardening, growing all different vegetables. A lot of tomatoes—which is funny because my husband hates tomatoes, but I grow a ridiculous amount of them. This year, we got a few cows. I'm really enjoying having cattle around on our little acreage…Otherwise, I'm out with my friends doing adventures and shenanigans, like hiking or axe throwing... I’m always up for anything.

Visit Wendy and the team at our Pincher Creek branch:

Wetaskiwin Community Visionary: Diane Sauer

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 23:52:26 GMT

Volunteer-run Medi Lend Society lends a helping hand in their community

Diane Sauer pictured center with fellow Medi Lend volunteers.

"The first thing we want people to know and to feel is that we care and that we want to help."

Walk through the doors of the Medi Lend Society on 50th Avenue in Wetaskiwin, and you’re sure to get a warm greeting from one of the organization’s friendly, knowledgeable volunteers.

“The first thing we want people to know and to feel is that we care and that we want to help,” says Diane Sauer, chair of Medi Lend.

Back in 2016, when the small city’s home care services faced challenges with provisioning and managing medical equipment, it looked like residents may have to travel to Edmonton or Red Deer to get the short-term loans they needed. That is, until a small group of community members stepped up with a homegrown solution.

“It became very clear as we talked to our community members that it was important for this service to be available here,” says Diane. “We knew that if people had the equipment they needed to be safe and comfortable – whether it’s a walker, a bathtub bar or a bath seat – that it would make a difference to their quality of life.”

So they formed the Medi Lend Society, a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization to provide short-term loans of medical equipment free of charge to residents of the County and City of Wetaskiwin, the Town of Millet and surrounding areas.

In 2020 alone, Medi Lend’s volunteers dedicated more than 2,600 hours to serving clients of all ages – some recovering from surgery or injuries and others who are aging and need equipment to adapt their homes to meet their changing circumstances.

A number of Medi Lend’s volunteers come from medical backgrounds, like Diane, a retired home care nurse, while others have cared for aging parents or partners. While volunteers come from all walks of life, says Diane, they have a lot in common.

"Our volunteers are all very caring and capable people who have wonderful skills. They are proud of what we do at Medi Lend, take great pleasure in providing this service for our community and are committed to making a difference.”

And there is certainly no question that they make a difference.

“When we’re able to provide the equipment someone needs, and we are also able to make them feel like someone was there to listen to their concerns – that means a lot. It’s really special,” says Diane.

Wetaskiwin Medi Lend Society

Your Volunteer Firefighter

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 20:11:18 GMT

Castor's Beth Elhard recognizes the courage of our local heroes

"Being a volunteer firefighter isn’t easy, and we owe these folks a debt of gratitude."

In small communities across Alberta, people know that when sirens blare and firetrucks drive by, the firefighters in those trucks are more than likely volunteers. They could be your husband or wife, mom or dad, son or daughter, neighbour or friend. And they’re helping to safeguard their communities through their courage and commitment to serve.

In Alberta, 77 percent of firefighters are volunteers – about 2300 of them – and they protect over 90 percent of Alberta communities. That’s a lot of people with good hearts and courage to spare. Being a volunteer firefighter isn’t easy, and we owe these folks a debt of gratitude.

My heart towards volunteer firefighters go back to my childhood when my Dad was a volunteer firefighter. There were no two-way radios on the hip in those days. I remember what it was like when the siren would ring in the middle of the night, alerting the firefighters to a call. Everyone in the house would hit the floor when we heard that siren and Dad would run for the old fire hall up the street. My brother and I thought it was exciting. Later, when we were older and noticed the worried look on my Mother’s face when Dad left, it occurred to us that it was a dangerous job and he might not return. That thought really hit home years later when the local fire chief didn’t make it home from a fire. It was a sad time in our community.

About two years ago, when the foreman and I were driving along the highway, we came upon an accident that involved a horse trailer and horses. Someone had called 911, so while we waited for them to arrive, my husband went to help at one end of the scene, and I flagged traffic on the other. I was never so grateful to see our local volunteer firefighters and to hear one of them calmly and quietly say: “Thank you for your help. I can take over now.”

When Stars Air Ambulance lands at our local hospital, our volunteer firefighters are there to block the roadways. When nearby towns need assistance, they are there. When families are in distress, they provide comfort.

If it isn’t enough that they protect us and those who pass through on our highways, they also fundraise for needed firefighting equipment, take courses to upgrade their skills and practice rescue procedures. During this COVID-19 pandemic, firefighters have led the way in many communities – doing “drive-byes” at hospitals, long-term cares, lodges and special birthday celebrations.

To be a wife, child, parent, family of a volunteer firefighter also means sacrifice. They never know when their family member will get called away to serve. Firefighters often have to drop whatever they are doing – their jobs, family parties, school concerts, weddings, harvests, you name it – to go and protect us or to help someone in distress.

Next time you see a local volunteer firefighter, stop and shake their hand and thank them for keeping your community safe. Better yet, seriously consider if you could join them in their service.

- Beth

Thank you to Martin Rowland for providing photographs for this story.

About Beth:

Vision Credit Union earns Alberta’s Credit Union of the Year for third year in a row

Fri, 28 May 2021 19:00:55 GMT

"To us, this award means that we’re serving our communities well and doing right by our members. And that’s always our goal."

Vision Credit Union is thrilled to share that our peers have honoured us as Credit Union of the Year for the fourth time in six years, and the third year running.

“We’re humbled and pleased to receive this honour for the third year straight. We work hard every day to serve the members who trust us to be their financial institution,” says Steve Friend, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Credit Union. “To us, this award means that we’re serving our communities well and doing right by our members. And that’s always our goal.”

Each year, the Credit Unions of Alberta assess all credit unions in the province for their financial performance, community support, innovation and business accomplishments.

Vision received top scores in several categories among its peers, with the following achievements tipping the scales in Vision’s favour:

Support for community: $150,000 donation to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in support of a mental health initiative for children and youth.
Support for community: all Vision Credit Union branches remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to serve members with no reduction in hours or staffing.
Business Accomplishments: Completed branch renovation, West End Camrose branch
Business Accomplishments: Received four national Achievement in Marketing Excellence Awards from the Canadian Credit Union Association.
Financial performance: Best Loan and Deposit Growth (year over year)
Financial performance: Best Return on Assets ROA (three-year average)

Whether for community service or financial growth, Vision’s success stems from the effort of all members of Vision’s team, from management to member services, from board members to administrative staff to executives, says Friend. “Over the past year, we’ve seen the strength of that team as we’ve pulled together to successfully support our communities and responded to the challenges of COVID-19. We’re looking forward to supporting our members and communities as they move forward and prosper.”

Friendly Faces of Vision: Branch staff stories

Thu, 06 May 2021 20:10:36 GMT

Anick Trudeau, Senior Loans Officer, Falher

"Our members appreciate when we accomplish things for them…It’s fun to be part of that process."

Anick Trudeau admits being a little on the shy side, but that doesn’t stop her from creating immediate and long-lasting connections with those around her. Anick’s warm nature makes her a trusted Senior Loans Officer at Vision’s Falher branch—her impeccable organizational skills help too.

Whether she’s at the branch, pitching in on the family farm or out in the community volunteering, Anick likes to keep busy.

We were lucky enough to catch up with Anick for a friendly chat about who she is, what she values most about working at Vision and what community means to her. Here’s what she had to say:

What was unique about growing up in Falher?

I was born and raised in Falher and I attended the French Heritage School. I grew up in a French-speaking home (and) when I went to school, from pre-school to grade 12, it was all French. And then from grade three to grade 12, we had an hour of English class per day. I just kind of learned English by being out in the community and doing sports as a kid.

What led you to start working at Vision?

When I graduated from high school, I moved to Grande Prairie and went to the college there. I took a two-year program in business administration. After I graduated, my husband and I moved back to the area and that's when I saw the ad for a Loans Administrator at the credit union in Peace River. I started there in August of 2009 and was there for about five years. When I saw there was an opening at the Falher branch, I took the transfer and came back home. It kind of all pieced together.

Was your career something you envisioned growing up?

As a kid, some people play in the garden or whatever. But, for me, it was always paperwork. I always loved doing paperwork and working with numbers. So it’s just kind of funny that, growing up, I used to play office with my friends and…here I am today!

What do you think makes you a successful Senior Loans Officer?

I’m very specific on how I like my files and my paperwork organized. Organization is key, especially working in a banking environment. I always have my files and everything labelled. We’re busy here at the Falher branch, so organization is number one for sure.

What do you find fulfilling about working at Vision?

I value the relationships that I've built over the years. I’ve been here coming up on 13 years. Because we’re a small town, people know who I am. They get comfortable with dealing with one person. From those relationships, people put their trust in me with all of their financials…Even just helping a member with a mortgage to purchase a brand-new home, they’re so excited…Our members appreciate when we accomplish things for them…It’s fun to be part of that process.

Are there any credit union values or initiatives that you connect with?

Vision is very supportive of the community. For our Falher branch, we always sponsor the local Smoky River minor hockey and the local honey festival that we have every year…If we volunteer at a senior hockey game…we all go and we wear our Vision coats and everybody's like “The Vision girls are here!” It's acknowledged. It's nice to see that we're involved in the community. Because it’s a small town, people recognize that.

When you’re not at the branch, what do you enjoy doing?

As an individual, I'm really involved with my kids’ school events. If they need a parent to volunteer to tie skates at the arena, go on a field trip or help with after school sports, I'm always involved. I volunteer with my daughter’s gymnastics club and I've been a treasurer on the board for my son’s hockey team for two years now. So just little things like that. I'm involved in the community.

I'm also really an outdoor girl. I like camping, fishing, quadding, working in the garden—anything that has to do with outside. My husband's family are longtime farmers and we live about four miles from their farm, so for the last five years, we've been really involved in the family farm. Plus, I'm working full time and our kids are in school. Life is very busy; there’s never a dull moment!

Visit Anick and the team at our Falher branch:

Getting From Giving

Wed, 05 May 2021 16:32:35 GMT

Six ways volunteering improves your health

"Volunteering goes beyond being something fun to do; it decreases stress, too...And happiness is healthy."

Anyone who has ever lifted a ladle in a soup kitchen or coached a little league team will probably tell you that volunteering just feels good. Study after study shows that people who volunteer are happier and feel more socially connected. But the benefits of giving one’s time for a cause goes beyond boosting your mood.

A growing body of evidence suggests that people who volunteer might also be rewarded with better physical health. Here are just a few of the health benefits you can achieve by doing good.

Lower blood pressure:

Researchers have identified a strong correlation between volunteering and a reduced risk of high blood pressure. A study by scientists at Carnegie Mellon University in the US tracked more than 1,100 adults over a four-year period to determine what effect volunteerism might have on their blood pressure and various other factors. They found that those who reported at least 200 hours of volunteer work per year were 40 percent less likely to develop hypertension than non-volunteers.

Longer life span:

Researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK reviewed 40 studies from the past 20 years and found those who gave up their time had a 22 percent lower mortality risk. A similar study, published in the journal, Psychology and Aging revealed that even when external factors like medical history and social support network were taken into consideration, volunteering still reduced risk of death by 25 percent.

Reduced dementia risk:

The social interaction that characterizes most volunteering endeavours can significantly reduce the progress on Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. According to a study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, people with higher levels of social interaction were significantly less likely to develop dementia.

Diminished stress:

Volunteering goes beyond being something fun to do; it decreases stress, too. By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have learned that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel. And happiness is healthy. In a study on chronic stress and its impact on health published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, researchers show that stress is a predictor of accelerated aging and disease.

Better fitness:

In 2016, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), released the results of a survey on volunteering that showed that 25 percent of people who volunteer say the experience helped them become more physically fit. In some segments, volunteers were a whopping 2.6 times more likely to be physically fit than non-volunteers.

Reduced depression:

Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression, particularly for those 65 and older. Depression has a myriad of negative effects on our physical health, including increased risk of heart attack, weakened immune system and fatigue. Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests — both of which have been shown to decrease depression.

Want to get involved? Learn more about volunteering during Covid-19.

Volunteer Alberta:

https://volunteeralberta.ab.ca/programs_services_resources/people/volunteer-opportunities/

Getting The Shot

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 17:50:15 GMT

Castor's Beth Elhard reflects on surviving her youth and feeling hopeful for the future

"We didn’t have product recalls, helmets, safety warnings, car seats or time-outs. But we survived."

Someone once told me that we baby boomers should never have survived. They had a point.

We started out by coming home from the hospital without a car seat. Next, it was a seatbelt-less childhood. We bounced around on the front seat of the car or the farm truck with only an arm flung out to protect us.

We survived doses of cod liver oil and other horrid cures. Because I was puny, I was given some wretched concoction called Neo Chemical Food to increase my appetite. (It was a miracle potion. It’s still working.)

We drank water from garden hoses, ate dirt encrusted carrots and radishes from the garden and we shared bottles of pop with our friends. We survived without cell phones. We ran with terror in our hearts when the nine o’clock curfew siren wailed because we knew that the elderly policeman in town in his little old Austin Healey car was coming to get us.

At Halloween, we double dared each other to go up to the creepy house set way back off the street. On Saturday afternoons, we sat in the front row of the local theatre and cheered when Roy Rogers on his horse Trigger, saved the heroine, Dale Evans.

We skated, played hockey, pump-pump-pull-away and kick the can. We rode bikes without helmets, fought each other, fell out of trees, tormented each other with reptiles and put baseballs through the neighbor’s kitchen window. If we got in trouble at school, we received it twice as bad at home.

We had no TV, no computer and no video games — just imagination, friends and books. We were never politically correct. More often than not, we were just plain mean.

We didn’t have product recalls, helmets, safety warnings, car seats or time-outs. But we survived.

We survived our youth, our teen years, our mid-life crisis and whatever else life has thrown at us, to become the “75% of Alberta’s most elderly now vaccinated against Covid-19.” (Really, we are “most elderly”? How did this happen so fast?)

There was no discussion in our household about whether or not to get The Shot. There was no debate. We just booked The Shot. Then we traveled a hundred miles to a provincial vaccination centre to get it done.

Inside the well-organized centre, we were treated with respect and kindness by each of the cheerful nurses and staff whose job it was to repeat the same litany to each person being vaccinated.

After The Shot, while waiting our mandatory fifteen minutes to ensure we didn’t start frothing at the mouth, I thought about how lucky we are. I looked around at all the other people having their turn and I thought: we are so lucky to be able to receive this vaccination. It has been just over a year since this illness came to our communities, and here we are. I felt so grateful that there are brilliant scientists and people who can manufacture the vaccines that are going to help save many lives.

When we returned home that day we stopped at the farm. The pussy willows had opened bringing with them the promise of spring and of hope.

Stay well, everyone.

- Beth

About Beth:

Proudly Local Business: Castor's Dark Knight Electric

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 22:18:44 GMT

Dane Jackson shares how he found big opportunity in his small hometown community

"I think now, more than ever, there’s opportunity to work...in smaller communities...It’s worth taking a leap of faith."

For decades, statisticians have been predicting the death of the small town. The exodus of young people in search of opportunity in cities meant that small, rural communities were getting smaller and smaller. Lately, thanks in part to sky-high urban real estate prices and more remote work opportunities, that trend seems to be reversing.

Recent statistics show younger Canadians are not flocking to urban centres like they once were. In fact, a new report from Statistics Canada shows that in 2019 and 2020, a record number of young people moved from urban areas to smaller communities. Many of those people, like Castor’s Dane Jackson, have chosen to return to the rural community where they grew up and launch their careers in their hometowns.

At 30 Jackson left his hometown of Castor to complete his electrician’s ticket. He studied at NAIT and apprenticed in Stettler. Traditionally, young people like Dane would have taken those credentials straight to the city in search of opportunity. For Dane, it was opportunity that brought him back home to Castor.

“A lot of the electricians in the area were on their way out. A lot of them were older and retiring,” said Dane. “My dad, who's an electrician as well said ‘there’s work out here, you’ve just got to take the risk.’”

And that’s what Dane did. He returned to Castor, started working and the work just kept coming. Then, at the start of 2020, Dane took an even bigger risk, taking over Castor Sheet Metal, a second-generation local business that had been in operation since 1957. The shop, which Dane rebranded as Dark Knight Electric, offers electrical, plumbing and gas fitting services, and has a sheet metal fabrication shop and storefront with equipment rental services.

Taking on an established business was a steep learning curve for Dane, who had previously worked out of his garage to offer his electrical services. That curve was made even steeper by the fact that Dane decided to do his plumbing and gas fitting apprenticeships at the same time. Fortunately, Dane had the opportunity to work with the previous owner of the shop, Brian Fiss, prior to taking over in 2020.

“I learned a lot from Brian. When you step into a new industry, and it takes time to get a feel for everything, right? Working with Brian really helped with the finer details of everything because he’d been doing this around here for many, many years,” says Dane. “He knew whose house was whose and what kind of furnace was in there. He knew the history behind it.”

Dane says his knowledge isn’t quite as encyclopedic as Brian’s, but he’s surprised how much he remembers about the work he’s done for customers.

“I don't know how it is that I can't remember my sister's birthday, but I can go to a job and know exactly what we did there and where the line is buried,” jokes Dane. “It just gets ingrained in you for some reason.”

It’s the kind of knowledge that can only happen in a smaller community, says Dane, who was born and raised in Castor. He talks about other benefits of life in a small town too. The slower pace of life, people stopping by just to shoot the breeze, knowing everyone so that a trip to the grocery store is a social outing, for example. “You get to have a personal relationship with a lot of people because we all know each other and we're comfortable. It's just kind of friendly like that.”

That way of life is important to Dane, who believes strongly in the economic and social opportunities that small towns can offer younger people. “I think now, more than ever, there’s opportunity to work remotely and work in smaller communities. It’s a more viable option these days,” says Dane. “It’s worth taking a leap of faith.”

Get in touch with Dane at Dark Knight Electric

Vision Credit Union and Pincher Creek Credit Union memberships approve merger

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:18:29 GMT

"Vision Credit Union shares our roots in serving rural Alberta and this merger offers the opportunity to expand the services available to all our members."

Members of both Vision Credit Union and Pincher Creek Credit Union gave their approval at their annual general meetings, held March 17 and 24 respectively, to join operations in summer 2021.

“Both management teams and the provincial regulators see the value and the opportunity in this merger,” said Vision Credit Union CEO Steve Friend. “It is a business decision that I am very comfortable calling a win-win for both Pincher Creek and Vision Credit Union members.”

Joining these two reputable credit unions to form a stronger, larger credit union allows them to provide their members with specialized expertise and increased product offerings, and also creates more efficient and effective operations across their combined branch network.

With the votes of both membership groups, and work on finalizing the legislation pieces almost complete, the Pincher Creek Credit Union will become Vision Credit Union on August 1, 2021.

Pincher Creek will become the southern Alberta “hub” of Vision Credit Union, creating a stronger organization that’s well-poised for opportunities. The amalgamated Credit Union will serve over 26,000 members at 18 branch locations, with more than 185 staff members and approximately $1.4 billion in assets.

“Pincher Creek Credit Union shares cultural similarities with Vision and we believe these similarities are a solid foundation for a successful merger. We’re excited to start working with the Pincher Creek team and to serve the membership and trade area,” said Alan Fielding, Vision Credit Union President. “Vision Credit Union is rooted in rural Alberta and committed to providing financial services to the people who live here.”

Stuart Schramm, President of Pincher Creek Credit Union, said “Vision Credit Union shares our roots in serving rural Alberta and this merger offers the opportunity to expand the services available to all our members. We are looking forward to Vision becoming part of the community that PCCU has served for the past 76 years.”

Members that have any questions or concerns are encouraged to call 1-833-VCU-TALK (1-833-838-8255) to speak with Vision Credit Union CEO Steve Friend, or Pincher Creek Credit Union General Manager Vicki French at 403-627-4431.

Looking for more information? Click here to view our most frequently asked questions >>

Media Contacts:

Paulette Robinson, Manager of Marketing & Communication
Vision Credit Union Ltd.
780-672-1175
probinson@visioncu.ca

Vicki French, General Manager
Pincher Creek Credit Union Ltd.

403-627-4431

vicki@pinchercreek-creditunion.com

About Vision Credit Union

A lot has changed since 1950 when Vision Credit Union opened its first branch in Camrose with 21 members and $178 in assets.

Today, Vision Credit Union is the third largest credit union in Alberta. We serve over 24,500 members at 17 branch locations, with more than 178 staff members and approximately $1.34 billion in assets.

What hasn’t changed is Vision’s commitment to serving its members and to providing financial solutions rooted in an understanding of the communities we serve.

About Pincher Creek Credit Union

Pincher Creek Credit Union was established in 1944 by the local Victory Committee who saw a need for a grass roots financial organization for neighbors to help neighbors. Small beginnings of 11 founding members and assets of $275.

Today we are still a single branch with over $73 million in assets serving over 1,700 members with a staff of 8.

For 76 years our members are and always have been the roots of our organization and community, our commitment to support both the members and community will continue.

Fraud Prevention Month: Are you protected against cybercrime?

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Seven online practices to boost your personal cyber security

In 2020, the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre (CAFC) received 101,483 fraud reports involving nearly $160 million in reported losses. March is Fraud Prevention Month, a period when the CAFC reminds Canadians to guard against the various types of fraud.

These days, there’s a lucrative black market for financial or personal data. Credit card numbers, names, addresses, passwords and more are all coveted by unscrupulous data thieves who make a living off cybercrime. And with so much of our personal and financial information stored on our devices and computers, being cybersecurity-aware isn’t just for tech professionals, it’s a crucial practice for almost everyone.

Here are seven critical cybercrime prevention strategies to add to your online practice:

Up your password game

Have you had the same password combination of your birthday and your dog’s name for the past five years? It’s time to change that. Upping your password game is the first and most obvious step to being more cyber secure. Consider employing a passphrase instead of a password. A passphrase is several word phrase that includes spaces and punctuation. The length and complexity of a passphrase make it nearly impossible for hackers to breach. The best passphrases are easy to remember but contain a personal connection or detail that makes them unique to you.

Use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication requires a second verification step, such as the answer to a secret question or a personal identification number (PIN). In the event that a hacker guesses or cracks your password, two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security. Always opt for two-factor authentication when given an option.

Protect your mobile device

Use the passcode lock on your smartphone/devices to make it more difficult to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique.

Keep software updated 

Those computer updates can be a pain when you’re waiting for them to load, but they often provide important cyber protection updates for your devices or computer. Turn on automatic updates to prevent potential attacks on older software.

Watch public wifi connections

Never use a public network for banking, online shopping, or any private work activities. If you’re out and must do any of these activities, use your phone’s data connection instead.

Check website security

Before buying something online or performing any online banking, check to make sure that the website begins with https:// or contains a padlock icon beside the address bar. This means the website is secure and information you provide to the website is encrypted.

Practice safe shopping

There are hundreds of thousands of online retailers, known as e-commerce vendors, and some are definitely more credible than others. Always opt to shop with an established retailer that you know, rather than smaller, unfamiliar sites that could merely be a facade for credit card theft.

Learn more about what Vision is doing to safeguard you from fraud and how you can protect yourself.

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada

Fraud Prevention Month: For love and money

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 21:07:23 GMT

Why Canada’s top two fraud schemes are so effective

"These romance scams are the least reported because by the time the victim figures out that it’s a scam, they're too embarrassed to admit they fell for it."

Scammers have thousands of tricks up their sleeves, but there are a few that tend to make their way to the top of the list year after year. Experts say that’s because they play on typically universal desires: love, financial security, social belonging, etc.. Last year was no exception. Love and money scams were at the top of the list (dollar-wise) in 2020.

LOVE: Romance Fraud

Reported losses from romance fraud in Canada in 2020: $18.5 million

Most people don’t want to believe they could be duped by fraud. That’s probably why the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) estimates that just 5% percent of fraud cases are reported. This is particularly true of romance scams, the costliest of all fraud types in Canada in 2020.

“These romance scams are the least reported because by the time the victim figures out that it’s a scam, they're too embarrassed to admit they fell for it,” says Carolin Robinson, Manager of Risk at Vision Credit Union. If you’ve fallen prey for a romance scammer, you’re definitely not alone. Robinson says this type of fraud has impacted many people in Vision’s communities and it effects thousands of people across the country every year.

Romance fraudsters use dating or social networking sites to contact their victims. They research their targets on these platforms and create fake profiles designed to appeal to their victim, with background stories that provide a plausible reason for not being able to meet in person. They quickly profess their love to gain their victims’ trust, affection, and money. This type of fraud plays on emotions and may last for months, years, or until the victim has nothing left to give.

How to protect yourself from romance fraud:

Never send intimate photos or video of yourself as they may be used to blackmail you.
Never send or accept money under any circumstances. You may, unknowingly, be participating in money laundering, which is a criminal offence.

Red flags:

Online romantic contacts who quickly profess their love for you.
The person claims to be wealthy but needs to borrow money.
The person avoids or consistently cancels in-person meeting. (If you do have an in-person meeting, meet in a public place and tell someone where you’re going.)

MONEY: Investment Fraud

Reported losses from investment fraud in Canada in 2020: $16.5 million

Who wouldn’t love to get rich quick; to get the inside track on a profitable venture and finally say goodbye to money worries? “These scammers play on people’s desire to make it big and they promise huge returns for investments,” says Robinson. “They make it so tempting, but as soon as you give them the investment money, it’s probably gone.”

At $16.5 million in losses reported to the CAFC, investment fraud was Canada’s second costliest type of scam in 2020. Investment fraud is a deceptive, misleading or fraudulent investment opportunity, typically offering higher than normal monetary returns. Victims often lose most or all of their money and run the added risk of having their identity stolen, accumulating losses for unauthorized withdrawals on their credit cards and incurring high interest payments on investments that do not exist.

Popular investment fraud scams

According to the CAFC, pyramid scams, which focus of on generating profits by recruiting other investors, had a resurgence in 2020. One popular version took the form of a “gifting circle”. Participants gift a sum of money to join and ultimately must recruit others to make their money back. These schemes may offer products, but they usually have very little value.

Drafting off the success of Bitcoin, with its well-publicized investor success stories, the virtual currency market is constantly growing and adapting. New virtual currencies are developed monthly. Like an Initial Public Offering (IPO), an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) is an attempt to raise funds to help a company launch a new virtual currency. In an ICO fraud, the fraudsters solicit investment opportunities with fake ICOs. They provide official looking documentation, use buzz words and may even offer a real "token." In the end, everything is fake, and you lose your investment.

How to protect yourself from investment fraud:

Prior to investing, ask for information on the investment. Research the team behind the offering and analyze the feasibility of the project. Check the registration and enforcement history.
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) encourages all investors to visit their National Registration Search Tool ( www.aretheyregistered.ca ).

Red flags:

They ask you to provide personal or financial information to reclaim your investment profits.
The investment is supposed to offer higher than normal returns.
They pressure you to make an investment so that you don’t “miss out.”

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada

Winter works projects

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:48:12 GMT

Beth Elhard's do-it-yourself plans for the farmer in winter

"The Foreman is a good farmer and great with building corrals and fences, but in household carpentry operations the Skilsaw becomes unskilled."

Since we downsized the farm from cattle and crops to just haying in the summer and loading and selling bales in the fall and early winter, the Foreman has struggled with how to occupy himself throughout the winter.

Typically, he’d busy himself with the local coffee shop crowd and twice-daily updates on life and local happenings, but this winter, with COVID restrictions and a month so cold even the rocks show signs of winter kill, socializing was at a stand-still. Other than daily trips for a farm fix when he moves the bales from one side of the field to the other, the Foreman, was in the “off” season.

Many days during the cold spell, after he returned from the farm and the frost began to seep out of his pores, the Foreman would sit down with the newspaper. I’d watch as his eyes would begin to glaze over. Then with a blink one second too long at the newspaper in his hands, he would tip over, sound asleep. As the chaff sifted out of his pockets, he dreamed of high bale prices.

One day while the newspaper over his face rose and fell, and strange sounds emitted from underneath, I came down with a severe case of closet clean-out-itus. It was one of those minus 34 days and I had cabin fever from being house bound.

While the Foreman napped, I leaned on a closet shelf as I pondered what to discard. Unfortunately, I pondered too long, and the six-foot shelf collapsed on me. The startled foreman found me under three layers of clothes – the ones I might wear someday if I lose weight – and released me from a cardigan sweater hostage taking. It was clear from the broken brackets that this closet cleanout crisis was now a renovation project.

After extricating the contents of the closet, we proceeded to install new brackets in place of the broken ones. A simple task, you say. The Foreman is a good farmer and great with building corrals and fences, but in household carpentry operations the Skilsaw becomes unskilled and the hammer becomes a bent nail straightener.

Household renovating with the Foreman has taught me a thing or two. The dead battery holder, also known as the cordless drill, will have to be recharged and a great many tools will have to be fetched. If we had a construction company, it would be called “Could you get me the…” company. I know from previous experience that the job is almost finished once every tool we own is in the same room at once.

After an intense discussion, it was decided we should put in an extra bracket for support in the middle of the rod. I had to discourage the Foreman from using a corral post.

The new bracket decision brought about the inevitable stud location turmoil. After several minutes of knuckle pounding and measuring, (our lost stud locator was the only tool not in proximity of the closet) the location of the stud was decided upon. The Foreman proceeded to drill a new hole for the bracket with the now charged drill. The knuckle pounding and measurement proved to be wrong. It was a millimicron out. I muttered under my breath that we now have a destruction company.

The brackets and shelving eventually got installed and I thought, while I had him captured, I could get the Foreman to sort the clothes on his end of the closet.

Then there is his jeans drawer. GWG closed in 2004. They could reopen if they had access to the Foreman’s jeans drawer. And there are the ten thousand files for the farm business and the promo cap shelf in the other closet and the town files…

Winter works projects for another day.

About Beth:

Peace River Community Visionary: Julien Bergeron

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 18:02:00 GMT

Fighting fires and running to remember

"Chuckegg Creek wildfire kicked my butt...So I decided that I'd go back and kick it's butt."

Julien Bergeron has built a career around having the courage to run towards things like burning buildings, motor vehicle accidents and wildfires. These days, Julien's running for a cause with Northern Trek, an annual fundraiser for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) spanning around 200 kilometres through northern Albertan communities.

Julien, Deputy Fire Chief for Northern Sunrise County , says the urge to help is something that's deeply rooted. “It's something that I got from my parents and my family. They've always been generous, with their time or whatever they could, to give back to the community.”

Growing up in the Northern Alberta community of St. Isidore, Julien’s desire to help translated in a keen interest in emergency services. His curiosity piqued each time he heard sirens and saw an ambulance, police car or fire truck racing by. In 2006, Julien made his childhood dreams a reality by volunteering to help fight a large outdoor fire in the area. “I've been hooked ever since,” he says.

Julien trained to become a professionally accredited firefighter and in 2013, he earned the title Fire Prevention Officer with the county. In his current role as Deputy Fire Chief, Julien leads fire prevention programs and training initiatives, but he also provides leadership in other ways. “I try to lead by example by keeping myself healthy. Then, I encourage my members to do the same,” he says.

In 2017, Julien participated in an online challenge to run 1,000 miles over the course of a year. The challenge's $20 registration cost was donated to charity. That got Julien thinking—why not plan a run through northern Alberta communities to raise funds for a cause close to him and his comrades? “I had an idea and ran with it—pun intended,” he says. “I wasn't sure how it was going to be received by the regions, but they just devoured it.”

And that's how Northern Trek for CFFF was born. Over the past three years, Julien has run over 550 kilometres escorted by fire departments and supported by local businesses and community members. To date, he's raised around $45,000 for CFFF. Last year, he became a CFFF ambassador. He says the role of the foundation “is to honour those members that made the ultimate sacrifice. And along with that, to make sure that they're remembered and that there's support for those left behind.”

Northern Trek 2021

Friendly Faces of Vision: Branch staff stories

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 18:58:08 GMT

Alex Lehmann, Member Service Representative, Camrose City Centre

"I think it really, really helps to laugh at things—it keeps things light."

Alex Lehmann doesn’t take her connections with others for granted. Growing up in Camrose, Alex knows that being recognized around town comes with the territory of being from a close-knit community. But she views it as a privilege, not a nuisance.

As a Member Service Representative at Vision’s Camrose City Centre branch, Alex truly values the relationships she’s able to build within the community. Whether it’s her face lighting up when a member walks in the branch or the laughs she shares with fellow coworkers at a Kodiaks game, one thing’s for certain: Camrose is lucky to have such a vibrant and caring community member.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Alex to get the inside scoop on who she is, her favourite things about Camrose and what she cherishes most about her work and the connections she’s made along the way. Here’s what she told us:

Did you grow up in Camrose?

Alex: Yes, I've lived here my entire life. Most of my family is here and I don't leave Camrose much. To this day, I actually don’t even have a passport. Hopefully that'll change. I have family in England that I haven't met yet, so it’d be nice to travel there someday.

What were you like growing up? How would people describe you as a kid?

Do you think you're still like that today?

Alex: Oh yeah, but I'm a little bit better at holding my tongue. I think that tact has definitely come with age… I think some people may disagree now that they work with me and I like to play little pranks. I'm very mischievous. I have a good sense of humour and that's how I defuse every situation. I think it really, really helps to laugh at things—it keeps things light.

When did you start working for Vision and what led you to apply for your job?

What's your favourite part about your job?

Alex: When the members come in, it's the best. And with COVID, it’s one of the only kinds of personal connection we have anymore... I'll never forget the first member I had that passed away. She called us her friends. Going into your job, you never think you'd have that much of personal connection, especially in banking. But for her to come in and say that and give us hugs (before COVID), we were able to be there for her. And she really valued that. I think that's the best part, the people and how important the members are here.

What are some of the branch initiatives that you enjoy being a part of?

Alex: The profit share day is always nice because, I mean, who doesn't like handing people money and making them smile. Vision also really wants us to be involved in the community... If it wasn't for the community, our doors would be shut, so I think the fact that we’re encouraged to go out and volunteer and give back to the community is wonderful.

What do you do for fun outside of work?

What do you enjoy about the Camrose community?

Alex: I've lived here my entire life, so it's really hard for me to go absolutely anywhere in town without somebody knowing me, my grandma or my dad. I mean, it has pitfalls because everybody knows everything. But it's really nice to be able to walk into a place and be recognized.

Another thing I absolutely love about Camrose is our downtown. The Main Street is wonderful with all of the small businesses…We have really, really good businesses. Even the large ones have great employees because they've been here forever, they know your name. It's that personal touch that I think we all like.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Camrose?

Alex: I really enjoyed going to the Kodiaks hockey games, when we were able to. I go with my co-worker, Shelley and we go in on 50/50 tickets with another former Vision staff member, Liz, and a couple of other ladies.

What’s your favourite local restaurant?

Alex: You have to go to Pan Flame . If you want the absolute best Indian food, you go there…When the Christmas bonus comes out, that's what I do the first night, go to Pan Flame. It's been my own little tradition for the past couple of years.

Visit Alex and the team at our Camrose City Centre branch:

Local Family Day activities for connecting with your cohort

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 23:28:09 GMT

Celebrating Alberta's winter wonders with your loved ones

"We’ve compiled...locally-based, COVID-safe Family Day activities to inspire you to seize the day and celebrate your family bubble."

Family Day right is around the corner. Thanks to COVID-19 regulations, many of us have had the better part of a year spending time with immediate family. And with options for activities and socializing seriously limited, one could be forgiven for thinking there’s nothing new left to do on Family Day with our families to mark the occasion.

Not so fast. We’ve compiled a smattering of locally-based, COVID-safe Family Day activities to inspire you to seize the day and celebrate your family bubble.

Stettler, Castor and area

Stargaze

For millennia, people have been captivated by the mystery of the stars. On Feb. 15, bundle up with your bubble, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, a flashlight and head far from the city lights where the dark sky makes the stars and planets much more visible to the naked eye. In the Stettler area, you can find that dark sky nearby, on the beautiful Willow Canyon hiking trails adjacent to the village of Donalda. If you’re really lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis dancing across the Alberta night sky.

Celebrate your community

Take a family photo tour of Stettler, snapping shots of your favourite sites, folks and locales for the Town Life Photo Contest. Contest winners will receive $100 Heart of Alberta Dollars to be spent in the community. Photos can be submitted to townoffice@stettler.net until the deadline of February 26, 2021. Judging will take place at the Stettler Trade Show in April.

Settle in for story time

Cuddle up with your wee ones and take in the Stettler Public Library’s Read and Rhyme time live at 10:30 am on Read and Rhyme Facebook . Call 403-742-2292 for more information.

Camrose, Wetaskiwin and area

Toboggan at Tuck’s Hill

Grab the sleds and head to Tuck’s Hill at Golden Jubilee Park in Camrose for some tobogganing. Follow it up with a hot beverage at one of the many fantastic Camrose cafes.

Skate in a winter wonderland

Pack a winter picnic and head about 25 minutes north to Miquelon Lake Provincial Park where, weather permitting, you’ll be greeted by a pristine winter landscape filled with frosted aspen, fir and birch. Lace up and glide along the 600-metre skating path. If you stay into the evening, you can savour a clear view of the February celestial wonders, more visible in Miquelon’s dark sky preserve.

Not in the mood to venture out for skating? There’s plenty of great skating nearby. Check out the skate trails and rinks in Wetaskiwin here . In Camrose, there are ten community rinks available for public skating .

Hit the slopes

Just a short drive from Camrose and Wetaskiwin is Gwynne Valley Ski Hill, a great option for Family Day fun, without the usual heart-stopping lift ticket price tag. Full day lift passes are just $20.25 for adults, so you can take the family skiing or snowboarding without breaking the bank. Make sure to purchase your passes online — Gwynne Valley now has a mandatory online lift pass booking system. https://www.gwynnevalley.ca/

Vegreville, Two Hills and area

Snowshoe and stargaze

Take your sweetie on a Parks Canada guided snowshoeing tour of Astotin Lake in Elk Island National Park after dark. The park is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and is a perfect place to experience the stars and planets above. Times 7 pm to 9 pm. Cost: $29.80 per person with a valid park pass. Includes: guide, snowshoes rental, warm snacks and refreshments. Call 780-992-2965 to register or email pc.interp.elkisland.pc@canada.ca .

Only in Vegreville

Skate under the world’s largest Pysanka on the spacious Elks Pond rink on 43 St. Plenty of room for social distance here.

Peace Country

Hit the slopes for free

Manning Ski Hill is offering free lift passes from Feb. 13 – 15. Enjoy five perfect runs from beginner to expert and warm up afterwards with coffee and hot chocolate inside. North of Secondary Highway 691 on Range Road 224

Be Canadian

Bundle up, lace up the skates and take your family for a glide on an outdoor skating rink. It’s a rare Peace Country town that doesn’t have an outdoor rink. In Peace River, the offerings include Riverfront Park Skating Area on 100 Avenue, Spruce Court Skating Area on 98 Street and the Baytex Energy Centre Outdoor Rink on 73 Avenue.

Dine under the stars

Pack up the family unit, ice auger, fishing rods, licenses, lantern and a big thermos of cocoa and head out to one of the Peace Country’s deep lakes for some ice fishing. Grill up your catch with a Coleman grill to enjoy fresh fish under a dazzling skyscape of stars and aurora borealis. Stocked lakes include East Twin Lakes, Figure Eight Lake, Ole’s Lake, Running Lake, Stoney Lake (Montagneuse Lake), and Sulphur Lake. For more information on stocked lakes, go to https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/fish-stocking/stocking-maps.aspx?listing=1

Cross your hearts

Take in the magic of a quiet, winter forest. Strap on your cross-country skis and enjoy the groomed public-access trails at Cummings Lake and the Sand Hills (20 km of trails altogether), which are maintained by the Dunvegan Nordic Ski and Cycle Club.

Proudly Local Business: Stettler's Party Maxx

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 17:41:12 GMT

Small is beautiful.

“I soon realized that there's nothing cooler than being a mom-and-pop operation.”

Ask almost any small business owner and they’ll tell you their small business is a big deal to them. For Danny Missikewitz who has spent the better part of his adult life owning and operating a retail store in downtown Stettler, his small business is more than a big deal, it’s a substantial part of who he is and how he sees a changing world.

Danny hung his shingle on his first store, Dandy Variety, more than 20 years ago. The discount store on Stettler’s main street was his first foray into a world of business he hoped to take by storm.

The Dandy Variety business model worked well at first, but as big box, bricks-and-mortar stores started taking market share, Danny needed to reposition. He pivoted, started carrying more mid-range items and then changed the product focus to party favours and giftware. That was the birth of his current store, Party Maxx .

These days, online retailers like Amazon have taken a big bite out of the party supply market, and Danny has maneuvered around that, focussing on craft supplies and giftware — a wise move in a pandemic that’s keeping people at home, eager for something to do. Owning a retail business means being agile and ready to pivot, says Danny, who’s no stranger to the fickle ways of retail.

Danny’s father and his father before him worked in department stores, so he knew a thing or two about retail before opening his store. “The pace of change is just so different than previous generations. My father is no longer here, but if he was, he would say more has happened (in retail) in the last 15 to 17 years than the 60 years preceding.”

Danny’s grandfather worked for Simpson’s Sears. Danny’s father worked for Kresge’s from 1949-to 1965 or so. All of his siblings own stores. “I guess you could say it’s in our blood,” he says. In many ways, Danny followed in his father’s footsteps when he opened his first store in 2001. But by 2010, he was ready to shake off the small business label and grow his operation. “If I were to be totally honest, I was out to prove something. I wanted to try and do something that my father wasn't able to do.”

Danny opened two new stores in Camrose and started dividing his time between the three stores, navigating the complexities of staff, stock and stores over three locations in two towns. He learned very quickly that spreading himself thin wasn’t his thing.

“I thought that the mom-and-pop operation was something that I needed to grow out of. I thought the point was to get more stores and a bigger company,” he says. “I soon realized that there's nothing cooler than being a mom-and-pop operation.”

For Danny, the experience of realizing ‘bigger isn’t better’ taught him about who he is and the kind of businessperson he wanted to be. “I always say, when I had two stores, I didn’t have time to bend over and pick up the gum wrappers on the floor. I had to learn to ignore them and look at the big picture. I can't do that and I'm okay with that.”

Danny has settled into being a one-store man and he relishes focussing on creating a good place: a store that serves his customers and the community as well as his staff. “Customer service is a top priority for me…but my staff comes first, and customers come second because the customers are only looked after if you take care of your staff.”

Over the years, Danny’s focus has shifted from business growth to something more lasting. He takes pride in being hands on in the store and helping customers as well as helping out in the community. In fact, last month, his store was able to raise almost $10,000 for a local Christian camp in one day.

“Ultimately, I hope that when I’m done working, I’ll be able to stand back and look at my years with the business and know that I had a part in making the community a little bit better.”

Get in touch with Danny at Party Maxx

Vision Credit Union and Pincher Creek Credit Union Discuss Plans to Merge Operations in Fall 2021

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:43:46 GMT

The Board of Directors of Vision Credit Union and Pincher Creek Credit Union confirmed today that they have entered into formal discussions to investigate the possible amalgamation of their two credit unions.

The next phase will require both credit unions to complete due diligence to ensure that the amalgamation will benefit all stakeholders. If due diligence is approved by both organizations, Vision would welcome the members and staff of the Pincher Creek Credit Union into their operations no later than October 31, 2021.

Both Vision Credit Union and Pincher Creek Credit Union are well-established, well-respected and well-trusted in their respective rural Alberta geographic areas. Both have a strong base of loyal members and have grown in terms of membership, volume and reach of service area. Having previously collaborated on various projects, the two credit unions also have an existing connection.

If members of both credit unions vote in favor of this growth opportunity, and the required regulatory approvals are received, Pincher Creek would become the southern Alberta “hub” of Vision Credit Union, creating a stronger organization that’s well-poised for opportunities. The amalgamated Credit Union would serve over 26,000 members at 18 branch locations, with more than 185 staff members and approximately $1.4 billion in assets.

“Pincher Creek Credit Union shares cultural similarities with Vision and we believe these similarities are a solid foundation for a successful merger. We’re excited about the possibility of working with the Pincher Creek team and about serving the membership and trade area,” said Alan Fielding, Vision Credit Union President. “Vision Credit Union is rooted in rural Alberta and committed to providing financial services to the people who live here.”

Members who have any questions or concerns are encouraged to call 1-833-VCU-TALK (1-833-838-8255) to speak with Vision Credit Union CEO Steve Friend, or Pincher Creek Credit Union General Manager Vicki French at 403-627-4431.

Looking for more information? Click here to view our most frequently asked questions >>

Media Contacts:

Paulette Robinson, Manager of Marketing & Communication
Vision Credit Union Ltd.
780-672-1175
probinson@visioncu.ca

Vicki French, General Manager
Pincher Creek Credit Union Ltd.

403-627-4431

vicki@pinchercreek-creditunion.com

About Vision Credit Union

A lot has changed since 1950 when Vision Credit Union opened its first branch in Camrose with 21 members and $178 in assets.

What hasn’t changed is Vision’s commitment to serving its members and to providing financial solutions rooted in an understanding of the communities we serve.

About Pincher Creek Credit Union

Today we are still a single branch with over $73 million in assets serving over 1,700 members with a staff of 8.

For 76 years our members are and always have been the roots of our organization and community, our commitment to support both the members and community will continue.

And it's a new year!

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 18:50:12 GMT

Beth Elhard reflects on how community can brighten even the toughest years

2021! So long 2020!

On New Year’s Eve in Castor, the Foreman and I spent the evening watching fireworks, safely distanced in our vehicles, along with hundreds from the community and area. It was a treat. So many community businesses and local people had worked together to brighten the end of a tough year. With each new dazzling display that shot up into the night sky, one couldn’t help but feel optimistic about the new year arriving in a few hours.

2020 has been a year to remember — one most would like to forget. But we are certainly not the first people to have endured hard times in our country.

I think of those who suffered through two terrible wars, one followed by the pandemic of 1918. I think of early settlers who travelled to Canada from other countries to make a new life, many to survive alone out on the prairies in sod shacks. Then there was the hardship of the dirty thirties, the polio scare, residential schools, and the list goes on.

Our ancestors had to be tough, and over the past year we’ve also learned that we too are resilient. We have endured, learned skills and found strength within ourselves and our communities.

We have had to learn new technological skills. We learned to run meetings by Zoom or Skype. My husband, the farmer who can take apart and put back together farm equipment, is not computer savvy. He had to learn that if you roll your eyes on a Zoom call, other people on the call can see you!

Children, parents and teachers went to school online. Not an easy feat and especially hard for those children who find school a safe place to be and who were missing their friends. But on the upside, after this year of school, everything will be easy!

We have had to find ourselves. We have had to learn to be alone. We have had to pour that cup of coffee and call a friend. We have learned to downsize our busy lives. We learned to relax over a good book, do a jigsaw puzzle, play games with our families and learn new hobbies.

The challenge has also brought out the good in many: neighbours helping neighbours, groceries brought to doors by caring friends. Letters, cards, flowers and outdoor entertainment brought to senior’s lodges and drive-by birthday parties for young and old.

In Castor, our local fire department even did a Halloween drive-by, throwing treats out to children who gathered (distantly) on sidewalks. They did it again on Christmas Eve with the help of local citizens and Santa Claus.

In 2020, people made an extra effort to support local businesses and locals held online auctions and raffles help with the fund-raising needs in the community.

With each spiral of exploding sparks from the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, I celebrated our wonderful front-line workers. I have been moved so many times and buoyed by their courage and strength. The doctors, nurses, care workers, police, firemen, and EMTs, who leave their families at home because they are needed to protect and help others. They alone give us a reason and hope to celebrate each day.

Happy New Year, everyone!

- Beth

About Beth:

Proudly Local Business: Stettler’s Fresh Wife Collective

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 01:47:13 GMT

A fresh approach to small town retail blending community and craftsmanship

“Every single person has a story, every product in the store has a story, and that matters to me.”

In a time when the fastest growing, most profitable companies on the market (Air BnB, Doordash, etc.) produce apps to sell other companies/people’s goods, companies that actually make things are increasingly rare. Companies that actually hand make things are rare as hens’ teeth. But for every trend, there is the exception to the rule.

Enter Stettler’s The Fresh Wife Collective.

Launched in 2019 by Shawna Benson, The Fresh Wife Collective on Stettler’s main street sells handmade goods by Canadian makers — everything from pickles to soap to home decor. Although the mix of wares is eclectic, Shawna’s mission for her store is sharply focussed on outcomes like supporting artisans, building community and benefiting the local economy.

“We like to say that what we have is well made, meaningful goods. And so, every time you make a purchase from our store, you're actually contributing to our local economy,” says Shawna.

The Fresh Wife Collective is an offshoot of a natural soap company that Shawna launched five years ago with business partner Stephanie Plaetner. Part of growing that business, The Fresh Wife Soap Company, meant traveling to craft markets and trade fairs around the province to sell their products.

“We met all of the other wonderful people who make things, people who pour their soul into what they make. It occurred to us one day: wouldn’t it be awesome if we could share all of the wonderful things made by these amazing makers in a store in our own community?”

And that’s exactly what Shawna did. She leased a space, made a business plan and reached out to artisans. Two years ago, Shawna hung up her shingle on Main Street in Stettler, confident that she was embarking on this venture in the right place. Her experience with the soap company had shown her that Stettler supports local businesses. You just have to look at all the small businesses downtown to know that the community supports its own, says Shawna.

Community is a central theme when Shawna talks about her shop. Her connection to her rural Alberta roots is foundational for her. It has fueled her efforts to invest her business efforts locally.

“I grew up in Endiang, a tiny community not very far from Stettler. It was amazing. That’s the reason why I choose to raise my children in a small community and why both my husband and I operate businesses in a small community.”

Shawna sees her store as way to connect community in Stettler, as well as a way to connect Stettler with people in the “maker” community. Because she personally selects the hand made goods in her store, Shawna gets to learn the stories of the makers whose products she sells.

“I often tell these stories to people when they pick up their products,” says Shawna. “Every single person has a story, every product in the store has a story, and that matters to me.”

It’s a mindful approach that has been part of Shawna’s vision for The Fresh Wife Collective since its inception.

“From the beginning, we hoped that the store would do more than fulfill your shopping needs,” says Shawna. “We hoped that it would provide a space where people can feel part of a community and part of something bigger than just a purchase.”

Get in touch with Shawna and Fresh Wife Collective

A Christmas Pageant to Remember

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:25:29 GMT

All was calm. All was bright. At first...

Photo submitted by Ken Valgardson in our 2020 Rural Roots photo contest

"To this day it was the best Christmas pageant ever."

It was the first Sunday school Christmas pageant for our three-year old grandson. Outside the church, snowflakes gently fell. All was calm. All was bright…

Inside, the church was filled to capacity. The entire right side of the church was composed of our grandchild’s proud parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone with a remote genealogical connection to the family.

In the church entrance, where the Nativity cast had assembled, noise levels had reached a fevered pitch. The Nativity was getting restless. Canes borrowed from elderly grandparents for shepherd props were being used in sword fights and one of the sheep had escaped the flock and was headed for the row where his parents were sitting.

Meanwhile, a piercing yell from the adjacent room cut the din. It was the Sunday school teacher. The door opened and we were accorded a brief glimpse of her Dante’s Hell as she wrestled the last of the children into their costumes and into formation.

More carols.

At last, the Nativity cast was ready. The mother of Baby Jesus tiptoed on stage and placed her pride and joy in the manger.

The grade-three narrator was in her place. Baby Jesus was sucking on his soother in the manger. The assorted animals were gathered around the manger. Mary was elbowing Joseph to stop picking his nose. One of the angels had bent her halo down over her eyes and was looking out into the audience through the circle with her nose scrinched up.

Our grandson was chosen to play a bull, one of the many stable animals. The other bull was another three-year-old. Both were cast for their excellent acting skills and because the bull horn headbands fit their little angelic heads.

Our grandson looked wonderful. We beamed our admiration. A star would be born this night.

The narrator began.

“She gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manager.” The teacher whispered to the narrator. “Manger. Not manager,” said the narrator.

“There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were watching their flocks by night.”

The shepherds in this story were not watching their flock by night. The shepherds, with their grandmother’s canes, were standing behind the herd of cattle, testing whether or not the canes would wrap around the cattle horns.

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them.”

One of the beautiful white robed angels spread her wings and said, “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth and goodwill to all men!”

Just at that moment, the other bull realized he’d had enough of “peace on earth and goodwill to all men.” He lowered his head and poked his horns into our little bull.

Our little bull retaliated. He lowered his head and poked his horns into the other bull. It was then that our bull noticed his mother shaking her finger at him from the audience. He had to decide — face a fearsome mother or fight the other bull. He contemplated momentarily and then moved back from the bull. There. He’d done the right thing. But the other bull persisted. This was too much! Mother’s finger-wagging aside, our bull went into fight mode.

Back and forth they went. Horn to horn. Then the shepherds set into action, trying to separate the two bulls with their canes. The angels took off their halos and used them as shields.

Joseph, being the oldest cast member, assumed leadership. He marched up and took the canes away from the shepherds and placed some angels between the bulls. The organist tried to rescue the situation and began to play “Silent Night Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright…”

It didn’t work. The wise men continued to tousle and landed in the straw next to the manger, waking Baby Jesus who began to cry. His alarmed mother marched up on stage and took her Baby Jesus back to where she was sitting. The narrator stood frozen at the podium and the Sunday school teacher began to weep.

When the dust from the hay settled, the front of the church was a mash-up of halos, canes and the discarded robes and towels of shepherd costumes. Our grandson picked up his horns, announced “I’ve had enough of this” and marched to his parents who made no attempt to acknowledge him.

The audience, which had previously been quietly laughing, was now out of control. I laughed so hard that I snorted while the grandfather of this bull wiped his eyes with his hanky.

The parents of the little bull cast a cold eye on him and spoke to him through clenched teeth. I later heard that the Sunday School teacher was “resting comfortably” after the Nativity pageant.

To this day it was the best Christmas pageant ever.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

- Beth

About Beth:

Wetaskiwin Community Visionary: Marilyn Conner

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 21:48:08 GMT

Her journey with the Wetaskiwin and District Association for Community Service

“It’s about making a stand and standing in front of it.”

When opportunity knocks, some people can’t wait to open the door. For a mindful and strategic person like Marilyn Conner, opportunity had to knock a few times before she turned the door handle.

Twenty-five years ago, Marilyn was working for the Government of Alberta within the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program in Wetaskiwin when she was recruited by the Wetaskiwin and District Association for Community Services (WDACS). She took an interview for their Executive Director position but didn’t take the job.

“I went through the interview because it was a good learning opportunity. But I had no intention of being the successful candidate. And I was. So I turned down their offer,” says Marilyn.

WDACS filled the role, for a short time, but it wasn’t a good fit. They circled back to Marilyn and, again, she turned the position down. But this time they found a compromise. Marilyn took a part-time secondment from her government position to help the association out during the recruitment process. It turns out, Marilyn was the right fit all along.

“I didn’t feel as qualified for the job as I wanted to be,” she says. “But after recognizing the opportunity for learning, challenge and community service — I threw my hat in the ring.”

And that’s how Marilyn became the Executive Director of WDACS. A role that, from the very beginning, she didn’t take lightly. In fact, shortly after starting she also began studying to receive her Master of Business Association degree. “It felt important to me to improve my business skills with a view to not-for-profit sustainability for WDACS,” she says.

Both the organization and the individuals it serves have benefitted from Marilyn’s compassion, business savvy and tenacity. She’s a bold leader, clearing pathways for her staff and the people they work with. “My position is really about empowering our teams to increase the quality of life for the people we serve,” Marilyn says. “It’s about making a stand and standing in front of it.”

It helps to be a part of a generous and supportive community too, Marilyn says: “We’re grateful to provide services in a community like Wetaskiwin that values inclusion.” Fundraisers like their recent Annual Pumpkin Ball have funded facilities, a fleet of vans and even a new accessible home. But Marilyn and WDACS know that giving is a two-way street. The association strives to shop locally for their purchases and, with support, their individuals give back through volunteering.

Like most organizations, WDACS is facing new and unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19 restrictions. One of the association’s cornerstone programs, Connections, was temporarily suspended in March on provincial orders. Connections focuses on physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, often bringing individuals out of their homes and into the community. WDACS is working towards a gradual relaunch. Recently, Marilyn was reminded of the significant impact of these programs as she welcomed back one of their individuals. “He walked through our facility and had tears of joy. He was so pleased to be back in something meaningful and be with the people he had so clearly missed,” she says.

Despite the uncertainty of what the future holds, Marilyn will navigate whatever comes next with the same compassion and dedication she’s built her career on. “Although I never set out to work for a not-for-profit, I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” she says.

Learn more about the Wetaskiwin and District Association for Community Service:

5211 - 54 Street
Wetaskiwin, Alberta T9A 1T2

Website: https://www.wdacs.ca/

Email: info@wdacs.ca

Phone: 1-780-352-2241

The Cooperative Principles

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 17:34:34 GMT

What is a cooperative, anyway?

Pictured: Jackie Walkey, Senior Member Service Representative, Camrose West End Branch

Cooperatives are excited about what they do and they want to spread the word.”

In honour of National Co-op Week, we’re shining a light on some interesting facts about cooperatives and how they work.

Did you know that credit unions are financial cooperatives? That means that credit unions align with the cooperative values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.

But cooperatives wouldn't exist without their members. Members of cooperatives share the values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Here are the cooperative principles that put these values into practice.

Citations:
"Values & Principles." Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada, 2020.

Talking Turkey

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 16:46:21 GMT

Beth Elhard's advice for first-time Thanksgiving hosts

"Somewhere around 4 am, you’ll need to start looking through the recipe books...

Then send a panicked e-mail to Martha Stewart."

Thanksgiving has arrived. Time to give thanks, enjoy nature’s bounty and do battle with a Thanksgiving turkey. If you’re a beginner to the world of domestic bliss and hosting the Thanksgiving meal, get ready — it’s a big deal. I equate it with cooking for Camp Wainwright.

Don’t be deterred; just follow these instructions step by step.

Somewhere around 4 am, you’ll need to start looking through the recipe books. By 5 am, you’ll have to progress to math: calculating how many pounds of turkey you need per person and how long you cook the turkey per pound. Then send a panicked e-mail to Martha Stewart.

By this point, you will have completed the defrosting process. (You HAVE defrosted the bird, right?) Back in the day, we could leave the bird out in the sun for three days, toss it in the oven and call it the flu when we got sick. Now we have to defrost it slowly in the fridge, cook the turkey to a precise internal temperature and give any illness resulting from our culinary misstep an exotic name. But I digress…

So there it lives. The bird. It sits on the counter with wings projected slightly, looking like a headless turkey that’s trying to hide. It’s a pathetic sight, truth be told. There’s no time to get emotional now. It’s time to cook that turkey!

Step 1: Prepare the bird. The frozen neck will be wedged in the neck cavity tightly and can only be removed with by a stick of dynamite. If, like me, you find yourself without dynamite at 6 am on Thanksgiving Day trying to remove the neck of the turkey, simply brace both your feet on the turkey and pull. Hard. Be forewarned: By the time your husband gets out of bed there will be blood stains on the wall, cleaver marks on the counter, and the kitchen will resemble a scene from a Stephen King novel. At this point, you and the turkey should now be sitting side by side on the kitchen floor, whimpering. (You, not the turkey.)

Step 2: The Stuffing. Here’s where the real fun begins. No matter how much stuffing you put in the turkey, it will spit it back out. I used to sew the cavity shut, but my sewing skills left something to be desired. By the time I was done, the turkey looked like a nervous surgeon had done a triple by-pass. A word of advice from personal experience: masking tape and staplers don’t work either. Never fear! There are skewers! Skewers were invented for people who are stuffing-challenged.

Step 3: Mid-way through the roasting process, remove the bag of frozen turkey hearts, kidneys and the like from inside the bird. Scrape out the melted plastic bag and save it for next week’s casserole.

Step 4: You must be prepared for these last stages. Have a turkey thermometer at the ready. (I have no idea where to stick it or what the turkey’s fever should be, but have it ready.) You must have a baster. (It’s that device that looks like it’s designed to give the turkey an enema.) You should also have a turkey lifter so that the turkey can slide out onto the floor when you lift it from the roasting pan.

Now, simply place what remains of the turkey onto the counter, say goodnight to your guests, go to bed and be thankful that Thanksgiving only comes once a year!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

- Beth

About Beth:

The Credit Union Difference

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 19:16:51 GMT

What sets credit unions apart from banks?

Pictured: Debbie McRae, Member Service Representative, Camrose West End Branch

“Being a credit union member isn't just beneficial for you, it means you're also helping to strengthen and support your community.”

Currently, around one in five Canadians are credit union members. But there are still a lot of people out there who don't know what credit unions are or how they differ from banks. With International Credit Union Day coming up next week, it’s the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the credit union difference.

Credit unions offer the same financial services as banks but the way they're owned and operated is what really sets them apart. As financial cooperatives, credit unions are community-based and owned by their members. That's right — when you bank at a credit union, you're an owner. And as an owner, you get a share of the profits in the form of annual member dividends.

Being a credit union member isn't just beneficial for you, it means you're also helping to strengthen and support your community. In fact, just last year, Vision gave back over $130,000 to our communities.

Take a look at this direct comparison between credit unions and banks to see the credit union difference for yourself:

Interested in the credit union difference?

Learn more here.

Have questions or want to become a member?

Get in touch today.

Signals of change: Harvest time past and present

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 22:04:20 GMT

Beth Elhard finds humour in her harvest time memories

Photo submitted by Murray Phillips in our 2018 photo contest.

"There’s a lot about harvest time that has been the same for generations, but there’s also a lot that has changed."

It’s harvest time across the prairies; a time when leaves turn to gold and farmer’s stomachs turn and churn. It’s the annual harvest tradition of long, hard days and nights to get the crop into the bins on time, of meals eaten in the fields off the tail gate of the truck, of lawn chairs gathered around the hampers. With a cup of coffee in hand, grain chaff sifting off the combine, farming families will talk of weather forecasts, how the grain is running and whether to switch bins.

There’s a lot about harvest time that has been the same for generations, but there’s also a lot that has changed. Gone are the days when women only trucked, ran grain tests and delivered food. Today, women are operating combines and swathers so big and technical that a mismove could launch a satellite. In fact, today’s combines are so giant that a satellite could probably take a pretty good picture of one from space!

Speaking of satellites, cell phones have changed how we communicate between equipment at harvest. It’s easy now, but I remember pre-cell phone days when the Foreman and I communicated by hand signals. There were moments when reading his hand signals that almost led to property settlements.

The Foreman’s signals consisted of forward and backward hand motioning with a lot of finger waggling. One time, he threw in a wide sweeping waggle while I was backing up the grain truck. I thought he was swatting mosquitoes and continued backing up through a line of fenceposts. The splinters flew! Over the years, the Foreman improvised other hand signals for me to learn. For example, if he held both hands in the air and ran backwards with a look of stark terror on his face, it meant we were having a close encounter!

These hand signal translation issues were minor problems compared to the day I got the grain truck stuck in the field. There was rain in the forecast and we still had a hundred acres left in the wheat field.

Somehow, I had managed to find the only pothole in the whole field. As I hit it, my back tire gurgled. After the truck listed to the right and went down for the third time, the Foreman unhooked the tractor from the pull type combine and headed to the front of the truck.

It was my job to give the hand signals to the Foreman as he backed the tractor to the truck’s front bumper. After much hollering and hand signalling, accompanied by some expressive expletives when the power take-off shaft on the tractor emerged through the front bumper of the grain truck, we were hooked up.

I adjusted my clutch foot and hunched over the wheel. The chain tightened. The Foreman nodded. The back end of the grain truck gave a heave and a slurp and just as things were starting to look good, I killed the motor.

We started over. Things were looking good again until I read his newest hand waggle wrong – he turned north and I went south. The chain snapped and we all parted company. When I hit the brakes, the truck slid slowly into the drainage ditch at the edge of the field. The tractor windows steamed up so much that I couldn’t see the Foreman in the cab, which was okay, because I was pretty sure we were done with the hand signals for that day anyway.

Have a safe and bountiful harvest everyone!

- Beth

About Beth:

Stettler Community Visionary: Amanda Churchill

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 18:29:33 GMT

Growing up and giving back through the Heartland Youth Center

“I want to...make sure that all the kids in our community have somewhere to go and somewhere to feel welcome.”

It has been said that, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Stettler’s Amanda Churchill strongly relates to these words — and for good reason. She definitely has the heart, and it’s in the right place.

When Amanda first walked through the doors of Stettler’s Heartland Youth Center (HYC), she couldn’t have imagined the significant role it would play throughout her life. She started off attending HYC summer programs as a child, got her first job there at 16 and became a Big Sister at 18. Even when Amanda moved away to attend college, she returned regularly to volunteer at HYC fundraising events. For the past nine years, after moving back to the Stettler area, Amanda has been on the HYC Board of Directors and became Board Chair five years ago.

From childhood to adulthood, Amanda has experienced first-hand the importance of the HYC. That’s why she’s committed to helping maintain the organization. “I want to be an advocate for it and make sure that all the kids in our community have somewhere to go and somewhere to feel welcome,” says Amanda.

HYC is a non-profit charitable organization that runs local chapters of both the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters, all under one roof. The organization utilizes programs to help foster life skills and support youth aged 6-18 and their families. It’s a mission that Amanda wholeheartedly believes in. “They’re our future. Giving kids opportunities and skills they might not otherwise get is definitely important if we want them to become people who contribute to our community,” she says.

Learn more about the Heartland Youth Center

HYC Awesome Auction 2020 Bids for Kids - COVID Edition

Vision and Lakeland Credit Unions Announce Merger Discussions

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 21:10:03 GMT

CAMROSE/BONNYVILLE -- On August 21, 2020 the Boards of Directors of Vision and Lakeland Credit Unions announced they have begun formal merger discussions.

The first step of these discussions was to sign a mutual Letter of Intent to set out terms and allow the two credit unions to begin the due diligence phase. This phase includes sharing information and developing a plan to create a partnership for employees and member/owners of the two credit unions.

“We’re excited about the possibility of working with the Lakeland team and about serving the membership and trade area,” said Alan Fielding, Vision Credit Union President. “Vision Credit Union is rooted in Alberta and committed to providing financial services to the people who live here.”

“By choosing to have two highly successful credit unions come together we will add great value and advantages for our member/owners and communities, which both remain our top priorities. Lakeland Credit Union is therefore delighted to have the opportunity to set the course for a strong future with our close partners at Vision Credit Union,” said Charmaine Code, Lakeland Credit Union Board Chair.

Serving central and northern Alberta from La Crete to Camrose to Cold Lake, the two credit unions have loyal community support through the member/owners. Both credit unions are considered to be in strong capital positions according to accepted worldwide financial standards.

In addition, membership growth in the two credit union coverage areas has been consistent. The coverage areas neighbour, they do not overlap.

To inform members, staff and the overall communities Lakeland and Vision will be hosting both virtual and in person town hall meetings — as COVID-19 restrictions allow. In addition, an information site www.ruralvisionab.ca , will be updated on a regular basis with the latest information about the merger talks.

Vision and Lakeland Credit Unions plan to bring the proposed merger to a vote of their memberships in fall 2020. The ultimate goal is to provide a united credit union to serve rural and northern Alberta — areas strong in credit union values.

If members of both credit unions vote in favor of this growth opportunity and the required regulatory approvals are received, the amalgamated Credit Union, under the banner of Vision Credit Union, will serve more than 35,000 members at 19 branch locations, with more than 269 staff members and approximately $1.9 billion in assets.

Members who have questions or concerns are also invited to call 1-833-VCU-TALK (1-833-828-8255) to speak with Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union or call 780-812-3601 to speak with Kelly McGiffin, CEO of Lakeland Credit Union.

Wait five minutes

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 16:25:24 GMT

Tall tales of weather in Alberta

Photo submitted by Don Yaremko in our 2020 photo contest

"I make sacred promises...that if lightning doesn’t strike me this time, I’ll quit sweeping crumbs into the corner."

Rural or urban, young or old, weather unites us all. Perfect strangers bond over complaining about bad weather or celebrating clear skies. And if one stranger has a terrible weather story, odds are, the other will try to top it. “You think that’s bad? One time it snowed goats here in August!” And so on. I’ve added a number of those tall weather tales to my arsenal in 2020.

It has been my experience that weather is either too hot, too cold, too dry, or too wet. One thing about reaching a seasoned age, I’ve gotten to experience all kinds of weather. When the topic of the weather comes up with people my age, our conversations begin “Remember the summer of/the winter of…”

In east central this year, we’ve had an unusual amount of rain. At the start of the rain, I was quick to remind anyone complaining that “You can’t have too much rain. Remember the terrible drought of 2002 when it was so dry that birds built their nests out of barbed wire?”

But then the weather had to go and prove me wrong. In fact, it has rained so much this year that the other day Noah called me from his Ark and said, “I’ll pick you up in ten minutes!”

Recently, after a particularly drenching rainstorm, as my husband (the foreman) and I were sitting on the roof of our house watching the neighbours boat by, I inquired: “When does the rain stop being good for the crops, the hay, and the garden?”

Then there’s the storms. I don’t like those extreme weather warnings. I get nothing done. I spend the entire day with one foot on the basement stairs holding my emergency bag packed full of chocolate, just waiting for disaster to strike.

Lightning doesn’t bother the foreman. While he goes about his business unconcerned, I make sacred promises to Saint Jolt. I promise fervently that if lightning doesn’t strike me this time, I’ll quit sweeping crumbs into the corner and learn to patch without glue.

I don’t leave all my safety up to the Saints, however. I observe all the rules about what to do during a lightning storm. I don’t go near the chimney, plumbing, stove, fridge, windows or doors. That leaves under the bed.

Recently, during a vicious lightning storm, I crawled under the bed. As I laid there on the hard floor in the dark, the rumbling overhead intensified. I held my breath. The rumbling got louder, then it sounded…familiar? It was then that it dawned on me — the rumbling was coming from on the bed. It was the foreman snoring. He rolled over, shifting his weight above me and my hair got caught in the springs. After half an hour of trying to untangle my hair, I gave up and left three patches of grey.

Lately, I’ve begun to question the wisdom of seeking shelter under the bed. During the last bad storm when I crawled under the bed, I met a banana peel and slid through 54 inches of dust balls. Then three extra sets of eyes glowed at me in the dark. Two sets of eyes snuggled up on either side of me, purring. The third, I couldn’t account for. Then I realized they belonged to the kid we couldn’t find when the last batch of company left. He says he doesn’t like storms either.

Don’t worry, I told him. “It’s Alberta. Just wait five minutes and it will change!”

About Beth:

Vision Credit Union Recognized for Excellence in Marketing

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 16:48:40 GMT

Receives multiple awards in national marketing categories

Camrose, Alberta: Vision Credit Union was honoured with Achievement in Marketing Excellence (AIME) awards from the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA), announced this week on the CCUA’s website and social channels.

Vision took home awards in four of 14 categories, and was recognized for excellence in Brand Awareness, Direct Marketing, Social Media and Content Marketing for 2019. The CCUA received more than 100 submissions from credit unions across Canada for these awards.

The national credit union association hosts the AIME awards as part of its annual conference, to showcase the most effective and creative marketing and communications campaigns. The awards are traditionally announced in May during the CCUA national conference but were postponed and delivered digitally this year.

Vision is honoured to be recognized for these achievements, and proud to serve members and the central and northern Alberta communities we call home.

Check out all of the AIME Award winners here:

https://aime-awards.webflow.io/

Camrose Community Visionary: Michelle Stinson

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 17:28:44 GMT

Planting seeds of kindness and watching them grow

Michelle Stinson is a strong believer that if you plant a seed, it will grow. It’s a simple notion that has sprouted a community initiative designed to foster kindness in Camrose and beyond. That movement, called the the Community Unity Project, was conceived in the blink of an eye in response to a seemingly overwhelming challenge.

It all began on a short drive to Tim Hortons, when Michelle was talking with her partner about how she’d like to come up with a way to help the community feel united during COVID-19. She then made a heart symbol with her hands—and the rest is history. In that moment, she pictured the Community Unity Project and the heart hands gesture that became their symbol. “I got so excited. I thought that (seeing those heart hands) would be like this huge community hug from out of nowhere,” says Michelle.

Learn more about the Community Unity Project

The Family Farm

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 01:00:42 GMT

Beth Elhard explains the true meaning of farming for families across Alberta

Photo submitted by Jayme Cote in our 2018 photo contest

"It’s about seeing your crop sway in the afternoon breeze...knowing you are home."

Farmers’ roots are planted deep in the soil they work. That network of roots grows out for generations, linking great grandparents to today’s children through a sense of place and purpose.

Across the prairies there are signs of the seeds of those roots. Derelict windmills standing on the prairies, silent sentinels of earlier family farms. These were the homesteads of the many who had come from across the world to find a better life in Canada.

Since those early settlers, family farms have been places where sweat, hardship and sacrifice, laughter and joy, good seasons and bad co-exist. And through it all, the farmer and their families love the land and what they do, continuing to feed the world through wars, drought, economic depression and now, pandemic.

My grandparents came west in the good years but lost their farm during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Their children never forgot the sorrow of this loss. My father, who only ever wanted to farm, had to leave when the bankruptcy firm put the FOR SALE sign on the gatepost. In later years, the family would drive out to the place where their farm had been and talk about the good times while tears ran down their cheeks.

For people who have never farmed, this kind of connection with a life that extracts toil and offers so much uncertainty must seem utterly mysterious. Let me explain.

The family farm is not just about profit and loss or big equipment. It’s about 4H shows and kids who know the value of hard work because they helped grind the feed and fork up the hay to feed the animals through rainstorms and blizzards. It’s about walking down the lane holding hands with your young son or daughter after a day in the field. It’s about stopping the tractor to move a duck’s nest. It's about sweating while out fencing and drinking from the water jug or pausing to watch a sunrise as you move the cows to pasture. It’s about working together, riding along in the equipment with Mom or Dad and having meals in the field off the tailgate of the half-tonne at harvest time.

The family farm is about hot summer days spent baling hay for the winter and teaching your children and grandchildren to run the equipment. It’s about seeing your crop sway in the afternoon breeze from your kitchen window and watching the cattle graze in the distance, knowing you're home.

About Beth:

Vision Credit Union selected as Alberta’s Credit Union of the Year

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:19:22 GMT

Receives top scores for community connections, service innovations for members and financial performance

"If we’re succeeding as a credit union, that means we’re serving our members well."

Vision Credit Union is proud to announce that it has received the Credit Union of the Year award for the second year running, the third time in the past five years.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by our peers as Alberta’s Credit Union of the Year,” says Steve Friend, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Credit Union. “If we’re succeeding as a credit union, that means we’re serving our members well. We believe in our loyal members and we work hard to help them.”

Each year, the Credit Unions of Alberta assess all credit unions in the province for their financial performance, community support, innovation and business accomplishments.

Vision received top scores in several categories among its peers, with the following key achievements tipping the scales in their favour:

Service innovations for members: Vision continually upgrades services to members. In 2019, Vision introduced frictionless digital, in-branch account opening processes.
Community connections: Vision is a strong community builder year-round, providing local initiatives such as in-branch food bank drives, other financial donations, and assistance for Vision’s La Crete members during the wildfire evacuation and branch closure.
Financial performance: Vision has demonstrated strong financial progress which benefited members. In 2019, Vision returned $12.5 million in profit shares to members across Alberta.
Vision was successful in the conversion of branch members following the acquisition of the Wetaskiwin credit union branch

In addition to Credit Union of the Year award, Vision also received awards for growth. These include:

Best Loan and Deposit Growth (year over year)
Best Return on Assets ROA (three-year average)

Whether for exceptional service or growth, Vision’s success stems from the effort of all of members of Vision’s team, from management to member services, from board members to administrative staff to executives, says Friend. “Over the past year, we’ve seen the strength of that team as we’ve pulled together to successfully bring the Wetaskiwin branch on board and more recently, as we’ve responded to the challenges of COVID-19. Moving forward in these tough times, we intend to do our best to help our members and communities recover and prosper.”

Proudly Local Business: Manning's Aurora Theatre

Sat, 30 May 2020 16:04:26 GMT

Brandi and Ian Fedorowicz's famous popcorn is keeping them connected to their community during the COVID-19 pandemic

“We have a strong following for popcorn.”

It’s opening night of a big blockbuster. You wait in line, anxious to get to the concession and make it to your seats before the previews start. Tickets in hand, the lobby buzzes with sounds; people chatting, popcorn popping, a symphony of booming noise coming from the auditorium. You juggle your fountain pop and snacks as you navigate the crowds. Safely in the theatre, you push down the foldaway seat, taking in the feeling of excitement and the familiar smell of buttered popcorn in the air. Then, the lights go down.

Since COVID-19 has altered our normal day-to-day lives, it’s nearly impossible not to feel nostalgic about the social experiences we’re missing. But, realistically, traditions like “going to the movies” have been slipping away for a while. Brandi and Ian Fedorowicz own Aurora Theatre in Manning, Alberta; a local institution since 1949. They’ve been operating the theatre since 2011, unable to ignore the correlation between their decline in foot traffic and the explosion of at-home streaming services and direct-to-digital releases.

“We have our steady customers, our usual ones that come to visit, bring their families and everything. But there have been times that it's been tough. There'll be some weekends that are really slow, and we just get by. And then the popcorn is what keeps our doors open,” says Brandi. “We have a strong following for popcorn.”

Die-hard popcorn fans are the reason that the Aurora Theatre has remained operational during the pandemic. Initially they debated closing the concession as well, but the high volume of popcorn inquiries let them know that there was still demand—a lot of it. “We’ve had a line-up down the street. It was a little crazy, but it was awesome to see,” says Brandi. “So that kind of opened up our eyes, that maybe we do need to stay open. As long as the two of us are healthy, we'll continue.”

Brandi and Ian started off just offering popcorn on certain evenings at the theatre. Now, they’re also making their famous popcorn available to neighbouring communities, like Deadwood and Hotchkiss, through deliveries. “It's been a huge success. It's just comfort food, I guess,” says Brandi. And community members agree, Brandi and Ian have received donations to deliver those striped bags of comfort to places like small businesses and their local senior’s lodge. “They’re pretty excited…It gives them something to smile about,” Brandi says.

Brandi and Ian have something to smile about as well, with the overwhelming community support they’ve been experiencing. The Aurora Theatre isn’t just a part of Manning’s history, it’s also a big part of Brandi and Ian’s family story. Like many in Manning, they had their first date at the theatre. But unlike many, they also had their wedding there. They purchased the theatre shortly after. Now, their six-year-old son, Marek, helps out with vacuuming and taking tickets. Brandi and Ian hope to pass the theatre on to him someday.

Brandi’s hopeful that the pandemic has shown us that our historic, small local businesses need us—and we need them. “We've just got to stick together,” she says. “And we've really noticed more commitment to shopping local…That makes a big difference and we'll see changes, hopefully. We need to rely more on our own community and our country…we’ll see.”

Aurora Theatre

#102 4th Avenue SW

PO Box 1271

Manning, Alberta

T0H 2M0

Phone: 780-836-3228

Website: https://auroratheatre2011.wixsite.com/auroratheatre2011/about-us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auroratheatre2011/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/auroratheatre2k

Photos courtesy of Brandi Fedorowicz

The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)

Mon, 25 May 2020 16:10:39 GMT

Emergency financial relief for eligible students and recent graduates

Similar to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) distribution, the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides emergency financial relief to eligible students and recent graduates who are unable to work, unable to find work or working but making under a certain amount, due to reasons related to COVID-19.

Direct deposit allows students to receive the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) quickly and securely. You can register for direct deposit through your local Vision Credit Union branch.

Who's eligible to receive CESB?

The CESB provides emergency financial relief to students and recent graduates who are unable to work or unable to find work, due to reasons related to COVID-19. It's also available for those who are working but making no more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period you're applying for.

Students, including those studying abroad, are eligible for CESB if you are:

a Canadian citizen, including dual citizens;
a registered Indian under the Indian Act;
a permanent resident; or
a protected person.

Are there age restrictions for CESB?

There are no age restrictions for eligibility of the CESB.

What information is needed to apply for CESB?

Students will need to have a social insurance number to apply. When applying, you must attest that for COVID-19 related reasons, you are:

unable to work; or
seeking work but unable to find it; or
working but unable to make more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period you're applying for.

For those seeking work but unable to find it, you must continue to actively look for a job to be eligible to receive the CESB. If you're still unable to find work due to COVID-19, or unable to earn more than $1,000, you can re-apply for each CESB period that you're eligible for. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may ask you to provide information later on to verify that you've been looking for work during the eligibility period(s) that you applied for.

In addition, students are not eligible for CESB if you're receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance benefits for the same four-week period as your current application.

What's the application process for CESB?

For students who have never filed a tax return: create a profile with the CRA by calling 1-800-959-8281.
Call the CRA (1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041) or register online for a CRA My Account to complete an application.
Register for direct deposit through your local Vision branch .

Have questions or need assistance?

Please contact your local branch with questions or for more information.

Stay well and remember — we can weather this together.

To the Graduating Classes of 2020

Thu, 14 May 2020 20:37:48 GMT

An open letter from Beth Elhard to Alberta's high school graduates

"Your family, your neighbours, your communities, recall the nurturing that helped you flourish. The laughter and tears. The worry and the love."

I write this today to all the graduates who are missing out on prom dresses, suits, corsages, dates, speeches, awards, dances and parties, and all the special events that go along with a graduation.

We, your families, friends and communities, feel your loss. We wanted to celebrate with you. We wanted to hug you, to shake your hand, shed a tear or two and burst with pride as you crossed the stage on your special night. But most of all, we wanted to wish you the best in your future.

We have watched you grow into the fine young people you are today, and we reflect upon the care and worry that went into that growth. Because most of you are from rural communities or farms, I make the analogy of comparing your lives to the raising of a crop.

You grew from tiny seeds, tender and trusting, reaching tentatively for the sun and the rain while nudging other seedlings for space to grow. As you began to grow tall and strong, you and your families weathered storm clouds on the horizon and worked hard to keep out the wild oats. You became stronger and more resilient.

Your neighbours watched you closely, knowing that healthy crops are good for communities.

Your family fertilized and nourished the soil to help you grow. Then suddenly, before we knew it, it seemed as if you grew too fast and harvest was set to begin.

Your family, your neighbours, your communities, recall the nurturing that helped you flourish. The laughter and tears. The worry and the love.

And now, after all is said and done, we know the pride in who you’ve grown into — the bumper crop who are ready to take on the world.

I wish everyone of you all the best and good wishes on your future plans.

Congratulations, grads of 2020.

- Beth

About Beth:

Castor Community Visionary: Nikki Wiart

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 17:37:13 GMT

Community kindness in full bloom

“Flowers are like food for the soul. They brighten people’s day and...really showcase the potential and beauty in Mother Nature.”

Springtime with its patches of green grass, buds opening to blossoms on trees and the signature scent of dirt with notes of new growth, brings with it the excitement of a new season; a reawakening. This year, that excitement has been tempered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the strange, often unsettling times of our new reality. But we can always find a little light in the darkness; a little hope in the hardship. And more often than not, we find it in each other.

Castor’s Nikki Wiart is one of the many whose life and livelihood has changed because of COVID-19. She’s a farmer and a florist who supplements her income in the off-season with part-time communications work. Recently, she’s been laid off. Rather than retreating inward, Nikki chose to shift her focus outward toward others. She set out to bring a smile and a bit of spring to people in her community who need it most.

Nikki grew up on a cattle ranch just outside of Castor. Over the years, she’s gotten to know almost everyone. So when she heard that Castor’s Extendicare and Paintearth Lodge had restricted visitors to guard against the COVID-19 outbreak, her heart went out to the residents. “I realized that (they may) not be able to visit with the people they know, their loved ones…There must be some way to brighten their day or make them smile,” says Nikki.

Learn more about Nikki's farm

The Canada Emergency Business Account for Small Business (CEBA)

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:43:34 GMT

Applying for a CEBA Loan

The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) provides a $40,000 loan for eligible small business and not-for-profit organizations. This federal program is designed to help cover operating costs for organizations experiencing temporary revenue reductions.

If your small business qualifies, the Canada Emergency Business Account provides access to a $40,000 loan that is interest free until December 31, 2022. Principal payments can be made voluntarily at any time without fees or penalties. If you pay 75% of the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022, the remaining balance of your loan will be forgiven (you can read the CEBA Guidelines to determine if you qualify here ).

If any part of the balance is not paid by December 31, 2022, the remaining balance will be converted to a 3-year term loan at 5% annual interest, paid monthly, effective January 1, 2023. The full balance must be paid no later than December 31, 2025.

Applying for a CEBA Loan

Qualifications for application:

Total employment income paid in 2019 must be between $20,000 and $1,500,000
You must have authority to attest on behalf of the business

If you wish to apply for a CEBA loan, e-mail your request to CEBA@visioncu.ca . Your e-mail must include the following information:

Legal business name and "operating as" name, if applicable
Signing authority name(s), phone number(s), and e-mail address(es)

Upon receipt of your e-mail request you will be contacted by a Vision Credit Union lending team member. Please have the following information ready:

CRA Business Number (BN 15 characters - 9 digits, 2 alpha, 4 digits)
2019 T4 SUM (Box 14 of 2019 T4 SUM)

Once we have all of the required information, you will receive an e-mail from "DocuSign CA System" with a CEBA Schedule A - Attestation and CEBA Term Loan Agreement. You will sign the documents electronically.

Please contact your local branch with questions or for more information.

Stay well and remember — we can weather this together.

Only in a Small Town

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:04:55 GMT

Beth Elhard shares a small town perspective on a global pandemic

"Life drifts by with everyday events...Then, the unbelievable happens."

There are some things that can only happen in a small town.

The phone rings. It’s Bill from three blocks over, which is nice, but he meant to call his son who lives across the creek. It doesn’t matter that he has the wrong number, you discuss the weather, his impending golf tournament and how his arthritis is affecting his swing.

Your paper ends up in the wrong mail box. Mary from the west end of town is on the phone. “I’ve got your Western Producer by mistake. When I’m done with it, I will drop it off or you can pick it up!”

The fire trucks go racing by, sirens blaring. As you race out to the street, pondering aloud where it’s going, your visitor from the city stares at you incredulously.

Only in a small town are the consultants to the mayor the guys from the coffee shop. They share their opinion whether it’s solicited or not. Good humour abounds and when the matter is serious it is treated as such. If the town crew is working on a project, they also have several senior consultants who will offer advice on the project.

Life drifts by with everyday events like these.

Then, the unbelievable happens. A world-wide pandemic. The town goes into shut-down mode. Our busy world grinds slowly down. Day after day, we adjust to the new normal and stay home.

People observe the social distancing rule. It’s hard for those who hug. We worry about and are grateful to those of our families and friends who are front line workers – the doctors, nurses, hospital staff, firemen and EMTs. But mostly, we do what small towns do. We look out for each other.

The local grocery stores start a delivery service to those shut in, leaving the groceries on their doorstep. The drug store delivers to the locked down senior’s lodge.

The local florist/farmer does a fundraiser and delivers beautiful bouquets of flowers to the senior’s lodge and extended care to brighten their days.

Churches hold emergency meetings and close their doors, but come up with plans to deliver online services. One local church provided “church in a bag,” hanging the Sunday service on the doorknobs of those without internet access.

All the fundraisers planned, cancelled without a word of complaint from organizers who have been working and planning in some cases for a year.

The young people end their sports seasons. For some of those it is their last year of playing school sports, hockey, dance. Graduation dresses and suits already bought hang in closets with the hope that they can be worn in the future.

Teachers deliver lessons online, dedicated and worried about their students. They fret not just about academics, but about their lives. They know that for some students, school is a sanctuary.

Sadly, planned funerals are canceled, leaving the families without much needed closure. People send letters and make phone calls to the families and leave parcels of food on doorsteps, sad that they can’t be with the families who are grieving.

My young neighbour across the street has decorated her windows with works of art. People have put on their Christmas lights. And everywhere, sidewalks are chalked with words of encouragement.

The towns remain optimistic and compliant, banding together even in our physical isolation, sure that better days lie ahead.

Stay safe everyone.

- Beth

About Beth:

COVID-19 Scams: What to Watch Out For

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 16:42:56 GMT

How to recognize fraud and cybercrime during the COVID-19 pandemic

It’s hard to think that anyone would take advantage of others during a global pandemic. Unfortunately, fraudsters view times of vulnerability as their ideal opportunity. From phone calls to emails to websites, scams of every variety have been popping up in relation to COVID-19.

So how do you protect yourself? Knowledge truly is power when it comes to recognizing fraud and cybercrime.

What to watch out for: 

Fraudsters posing as government agencies, healthcare authorities or private companies

Scam phone callers who say you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and ask for personal and financial information, like your health care number and credit card details.
Fraudsters posing as government health officials who offer to sell documents listing people in your neighbourhood infected with COVID-19.
Scam companies offering to sell rapid result COVID-19 tests.

Rule of thumb:

Better safe than sorry. If you’re uncertain who you’re talking to, never disclose personal or financial information.
Only legitimate health care providers can perform COVID-19 testing. Don’t be fooled, there are currently no vaccines or prescriptions available for the virus.

Unsolicited contact offering advice or demanding urgent action/payment

Scammers posing as utility providers who threaten to disconnect your services unless you issue a payment for erroneous “past due” accounts you’re not aware of.
Scam emails offering unsolicited, unsubstantiated advice related to COVID-19.

Rule of thumb:

If you weren’t the one to reach out, and you don’t recognize who’s contacting you, there’s a good chance it’s a scam.
Don’t respond to suspicious emails and be careful not to click any links or open attachments. It could be a phishing email, which could infect your computer with malware and gain access to sensitive information.
Never provide your personal or financial details. Reach out directly to your service providers if you have questions about your accounts.

Fraudsters posing as known charities or creating unauthorized charities to request donations

Fraudulent charities requesting monetary donations for victims, products or research.
Scammers who falsely represent themselves as known charities, like the Red Cross, offering high-demand medical products, such as masks, in exchange for a donation or shipping fee.

Rule of thumb:

Be sure to always verify that a charity is registered and legitimate before making any donations. You can search registered Canadian charities here: https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyBscSrch
Check the websites of registered charities. Many have online resources about misinformation and scams.

Suspicious or deceptive offers

People who bulk-buy high-demand items to sell them at inflated prices. Buying products from these kinds of scalpers only encourages the behaviour. Their items may also be expired, ineffective and/or dangerous to your health.
Scammers who offer miracle cures, herbal remedies or COVID-19 vaccines.
Scammers who pose as financial advisors offering financial aid or pushing investments in stocks related to COVID-19.
Online advertisements from unrecognized retailers peddling high-demand products like hand sanitizers and cleaning products.

Rule of thumb:

Don’t let scammers deceive you. According to the World Health Organization, there’s currently no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19.
Remember this old adage: “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Sources

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm

Calving Time

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:00:37 GMT

Beth Elhard shares some lighthearted truths about calving season

"She would wait until all the others are done and the Foreman had gone to the nearby town for repairs and then decided it was a good day to have a backwards calf."

When you live in a rural community, farming is part of everyone’s life in one way or another. Either you have a farm, you’re related to a farmer, have friends that are farmers, have a business that depends on farmers, or, as in our case, are semi-retired from farming.

As a result, you can always tell when it's calving season in a rural community. The farmers have bags under their eyes and yawn when you talk to them. The roads are filled with trucks pulling stock trailers on their way home from the Vets.

Over the years my husband (affectionately known as the Foreman) and I have observed a few other truisms about calving season:

Calving is not an exact science, but we could schedule the arrival of the first calving heifer for 6 pm on a Saturday night if we made plans to go the Agriculture Supper at 6 pm that evening. We’d both be dressed for dinner, the truck would be running and that was when the heifer that had eloped the pasture in June and had sinned with the neighbour’s new 2400-pound bull, would prance by with a “now is the time" look to attract the attention of the Foreman. If the Foreman made it to the Agriculture Supper, it was usually in time for the toothpicks.

A March blizzard was certain to bring on a stampede of calves in the nursery. Sometimes when the snow was three feet high and rising, the pregnant heifers would just stand in line waiting their turn. And no matter how deep the bedding was in the shelters, it was a given that some heifers just had to have their birthing moment out in the privacy of a snowdrift. They considered it their right to see how far the Foreman would wade in the snow to have to bring them into the barn.

The early calver would be the auction market cow with the April preg tag on her back. She was the one who would decide to get the whole thing over with in the January deepfreeze. The late calver was the one that liked packing around the calf that was just getting bigger and bigger. She would wait until all the others are done and the Foreman had gone to the nearby town for repairs and then decided it was a good day to have a backwards calf.

In calving season, it also wasn’t uncommon to have a shivering calf in the basement making attempts to bond with the deep freeze. One had to be casual when they were entertaining and an occasional blat echoed up the cold air pipes. The company would suddenly begin to leave sentences unfinished and stare off into space.

There was always the mother cow that became bitter should you venture too near her calf. It was one of those mothers that provided me with one of the most exciting times in our marriage. I had just finished reading Putting the Excitement Back into Your Marriage when I happen to glance out the window. The Foreman was up the loading chute waving frantically at me in the house. Happy that he had taken time out to wave. I waved back. The waving continued for a time. After several moments of what I took to be courtship, I noticed the cow at the foot of the loading chute, pawing the ground and looking menacingly at the Foreman. As I headed for the truck to rescue him, it occurred to me that this was not quite the kind of excitement I had hoped to put back into our marriage!

So should you run into your farming neighbour and he is incoherent, just remember it is calving season and buy him a cup of coffee!

About Beth

Beth Elhard is a writer, farmer’s wife, mother and grandmother of five grandsons, and was a school librarian for eighteen years. She is an avid reader, church and choir member, volunteer, sports fan, aqua sizer, exerciser (not so much) and believes in giving back to her community. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Born (1941) and raised in Castor, Alberta, she and her husband Richard lived on the farm for thirty years and have lived in Castor for twenty-six years. Beth says, “We have had the best of both worlds – rural and urban.”

Beth’s column, “Wildoats and Roses,” was published regularly in Grainews and The Castor Advance. She was the editor of Castor’s history book, Beaver Tales from Castor & District, in 2012.

A Message for Our Members

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:13:20 GMT

Supporting our community means everything to us.

During difficult times, our natural instinct is to come together. But, for now, the best thing we can do for each other is offer our support from a distance.

Following the recommendations of Alberta Health and the Government of Canada, we ask that our members please limit in-person visits to our branches. Although our branches remain open, we request that members only come in if absolutely necessary. Please call us first if you’re unsure whether your request requires an in-branch visit.

During this time, we can continue to be here for you in different ways:

Call us: You can call your branch to connect with a member service representative with any questions you might have and we can best direct you from there. Use our branch locator to find the phone number of your local branch:   https://www.visioncu.ca/Personal/ToolsAndCalculators/FindBranchATM/

Use our mobile app: You can download our mobile app by searching "Vision Credit Union Ltd.” on the App Store and Google Play. Through the app, you can check your balance, pay bills, deposit funds, transfer funds, manage payments, and more.

Deposit your cheques remotely: Using our app, you can deposit cheques by taking a photo (remote deposit capture).

Login to your online banking: Many day-to-day banking services can be completed online, such as: checking your balance, paying bills, transferring funds, managing payments, and more. To login to online banking, please visit: https://www.visioncu.ca/Personal/OnlineBanking/

Pay your bills remotely: You can pay bills online by logging into your online banking or using our mobile app. You can also set-up preauthorized bill payments, so that your specified bills are automatically paid each month.

Use our ATMs: ATMs will remain open so that our members have access to automatic teller services, including cash withdrawal. Rest assured, we’re keeping our ATM surfaces sanitized through frequent and thorough cleaning.

Our focus is finding the best way to support our members while maintaining a safe and healthy space in-branch for our Vision team members.

We see banking differently, but we’re all in this together.

A message from Steve Friend, Vision Credit Union CEO, on support from Vision during the COVID-19 pandemic

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:27:14 GMT

These are extraordinary times. We know that during this time of turmoil resulting from COVID-19, financial concerns are top of mind for many.

We want our members to know two very important things:

Your money is safe. Your deposits are 100% guaranteed by the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation. This means both the money you put in and the interest earned is safe and secure - up to any dollar amount.

We’re here for you. If you’re directly impacted by COVID-19 and facing financial difficulties as a result, please reach out. Contact your local branch to discuss financial relief options, including the deferral of mortgage, line of credit,
loan and car payments.

Stay safe everyone and please please continue to visit us at visioncu.ca and on Facebook @VisionCreditUnion for updates as they become available.

Sincerely,

Steve Friend
Chief Executive Officer, Vision Credit Union

A Vision Q&A with the Irish Cultural Society of Central Alberta

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:24:29 GMT

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit — Happy St. Patrick's Day to you

"So many areas of Irish heritage are intertwined and work all together to make the Irish who they are, no matter where they are."

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, we reached out to the Irish Cultural Society of Central Alberta to learn a bit more about Irish culture in this province and on the Emerald Isle. Michelle Gorman, the society’s secretary, was kind enough to share her insights into St. Patrick’s Day traditions, the history of Irish-Albertans and some lesser known facts about Irish culture. Here’s what she had to say:

Can you tell us a bit about the history of Irish-Albertans?

The earliest known people from Ireland living in Alberta were ranchers near Fort Macleod in the 1870s and 1880s. By 1916, Alberta had around 6,500 Irish immigrants.

The Canadian government promoted the Western Prairies as the main area of settlement and gave new settlers 160 acres of land for free. That’s an unfathomable amount to someone from Ireland—the farm my Grandfather grew up on was only 20 acres!

Settlers of Irish origin in Canada maintained a unique position between the English and French: while Ireland and England shared a common language, Irish and French settlers shared a religion…and an ancient dislike for the English.

Emigration from Ireland definitely increased during times of political or economic unrest; with surges of Irish people coming to Alberta during the Irish revolutionary period from 1910 to 1921, post World War II, and during the economic recessions in the 1980s and late 2000s.

In Irish history, what’s the origin of St. Patrick’s Day?

The Irish for St. Patrick’s Day is Lá Fhéile Pádraig, meaning "the Day of the Festival of Patrick.” It’s a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17th, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Saint Patrick was born about 385 AD in the United Kingdom. When he was 16 years old, he was kidnapped and forced to become a slave in Ireland. After six years of being a shepherd, he finally escaped to France and became a priest, then later a bishop. When he was about 60 years old, Saint Patrick returned to Ireland to spread the Christian word. He used the shamrock as a symbol to explain the concept of God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

Over the years, St. Patrick’s Day evolved from being a religious holiday into a celebration of all things Irish. Until the 1970s, all of the pubs and bars in Ireland were actually closed on March 17th.

What are some authentic St. Patrick’s Day traditions?

Most people will attend a parade, festival or celebration of some sort within their local community. They usually have entertainment, face-painting for kids, etc.

St. Patrick’s Day is a Holy Day, so those people who attend mass will go in the morning. As a child I remember the Priest blessing a bowl of shamrock and everyone would get a little bunch of real shamrock to wear.

St. Patrick’s Day badges and buttons are very popular in Ireland. We wear green—and white and gold—but mostly green. If you’re planning on going to a pub, you need to be there by noon. Pubs and bars in Ireland are packed like nothing you could imagine on St. Patrick’s Day. There’s generally lots of live music and entertainment.

Can you share some facts about Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day that may not be well-known?

Irelands national symbol is the harp, not the shamrock as many people think. And Irish people do not drink green beer!

The easiest way I can explain St. Patrick’s Day to people is that it’s our version of Canada Day. It’s Ireland’s national holiday, there is no Ireland Day. It’s a day to feel proud to be Irish and explore facts and information about our little island.

There is no St. Patty. Overseas, it seems the name Patty is often more common than Paddy. You can say St. Patrick’s Day, St. Paddy’s Day, Patrick’s Day or Paddy’s Day—but please, please, please not Patty!

Ireland is home to the European headquarters for Google, Instagram, Airbnb, PayPal, Indeed, Twitter, Ebay and LinkedIn. Dublin is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Europe. Ireland is also home to 24 of the world’s top biotech and pharmaceutical companies, such as: Johnson and Johnson, Roche, Pfizer, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer and Stryker.

In your opinion, what is it about Irish heritage that’s special?

So many areas of Irish heritage are intertwined and work all together to make the Irish who they are, no matter where they are; a sense of family, a sense of community, an abiding love of the land, a love of laughter, our rebellious streak, our poets, writers, storytellers, musicians and singers, our hospitality and our food.

Today, about 70 million people claim Irish heritage or ancestry worldwide, according to the Irish government—quite a number for an island of only 6 million people!

About Michelle Gorman

Michelle was born and raised in County Cork on the south coast of Ireland. Michelle’s a true Irish-Albertan; she moved to Canada with her husband in 2009 and both of their children were born in Central Alberta. They’ve attained their Canadian citizenship and their family is here to stay. They love calling Alberta home.

About the Irish Cultural Society of Central Alberta

In 2008, the Red Deer Gaelic Athletic Association was formed to facilitate Irish sports in Central Alberta. This allowed the Red Deer team ‘Eire Og’ to play in tournaments across Western Canada. In recent years, the number of individuals wanting to play Irish sport in Central Alberta has lessened to the point where there hasn’t been a team for the past few years. However, there has been an increase in individuals and families with young children seeking to maintain their Irish culture and heritage within the region.

In January 2019, the decision was made to change the focus of the society to encompass all things Irish. This prompted the decision to change the name to the Irish Cultural Society of Central Alberta. Anyone with an interest in Irish culture is welcome to attend ICSCA events.

Their mission is to foster a community where people with an interest in Irish arts, culture and heritage can come together to respectfully collaborate, explore, and make recommendations to enhance the identity of the Irish and Irish-Canadian people in Central Alberta.

In 2019, they hosted a number of family friendly events: a children’s Christmas party, a summer BBQ, a large St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Bower Kin Hall and a sold out Irish Traditional Night at Bo’s Bar and Stage. They also liaised with the Red Deer Irish Dance Academy to financially support two terms of Irish dancing lessons.

This year, their 2020 goals are to continue supporting the Irish dancing lessons and to host day camps for kids to explore Irish sports, language and music. They recently hosted another Irish Traditional night at Bo’s and are planning another large event for August. They’re also hoping to host some smaller impromptu events as opportunities arise.

Irish Cultural Society of Central Alberta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irish.cultural.soc.central.ab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IrishAlberta

Photos courtesy of Michelle Gorman and the Irish Cultural Society of Central Alberta.

A Statement from Vision Credit Union About the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 22:55:47 GMT

At Vision Credit Union, we take the safety and health of our members seriously.

With the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) being top of mind for many, we’d like to take this opportunity to reassure you that we’re taking steps to ensure that you, as well as your money, will remain safe in the event of an outbreak in any one of our communities.

Although the current risk level in Alberta is low, we’re closely monitoring the guidance of Alberta Health, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the spread of the virus. We’re focused on ensuring that we can continue to meet your banking needs.

Vision is proactively implementing the following measures:

Ensuring our janitorial staff pay heightened attention to all common areas, teller wickets, door handles, ATMs, desk surfaces, keyboards, telephones, light switches, etc.
Staff will ensure all high touch point areas such as door handles, countertops, ATM surfaces, etc. are kept disinfected throughout the day.
Sick time and remote work options are available for Vision staff.

In the unlikely event of a total branch closure, Vision is creating contingency plans to ensure members will have access to core banking services. These plans include:

Access to full banking services at any other Vision branch.
Fully operational ATMs.
24/7 online banking portal

For further reading about the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please click the link below:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

For further questions, please contact your local branch:

https://www.visioncu.ca/Personal/ToolsAndCalculators/FindBranchATM/

Stories of Alberta: Castor's Golden Crown Restaurant (Andy's)

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

You know you're home when...

“I firmly believe that Andy’s, for years, was the hub of our local community.”

Every so often, an unassuming little corner of a town becomes a lasting part of that community’s folklore. For the town of Castor, Alberta, that place is known to former patrons as Andy’s. The historic grey brick building still stands on the corner of Prospect Street, a few bricks scant, with a well-worn sign from another time that reads “Jessie’s Café.” A new sign stands out against the faded paint, a “For Sale” sign, indicating the unknown future of this building. But the people of Castor know very well the history and the memories that were made within those walls—and that the magic lives on no matter what comes next.

You’d be hard pressed to find someone as connected to Castor as Beth Elhard. She was born there, raised her family there, built her career there—her husband has even become the town’s mayor. If you want to know something about Castor, you ask Beth. She remembers the Golden Crown Restaurant, better known as Andy’s, vividly. “I firmly believe that Andy’s, for years, was the hub of our local community…And everybody loved the place. [There’s] a lot of folklore, stuff that evolved within the community. And Andy...we all miss him,” she says.

Andy Wong, the namesake of the community gathering place, has become a Castor legend. He no longer lives in the town, but he and his restaurant are far from forgotten. In fact, many grew up eating at Andy’s and it became a sort of rite of passage. “The school kids at noon hour would flock there,” says Beth, “He always had this deal of a hamburger, fries and a pop for five dollars…But then, when they graduated, they had to pay the regular adult price.”

Kids and adults alike were mystified by Andy’s ability to feed a full house. “Nobody knows how you'd get it. He never had any help back in the kitchen,” says Beth. Apart from his school kid special, Andy was well known for his exceptional Chinese cuisine. "Andy's was the best Chinese food ever,” says Beth. He even won over what Beth refers to as the “meat and potatoes crowd.” The food, and the atmosphere, was loved by all.

All good things must come to an end, and the Golden Crown Restaurant was no exception. In 2017, Andy made the decision to pack up and move to Saskatchewan. The folks in Castor didn’t let him leave without a proper send-off. “I think that was the biggest crowd we've ever had in the hall. Kids came back for it. It was quite heartwarming,” says Beth. Andy, a man of few words, closed the evening with just one: “Thanks.”

What was it about that old grey brick building? “I think more over time, especially when Andy took over, that's when it became a really popular place,” says Beth. “He made it. I don't know what it was, but it just became Andy’s.” And now it’s a part of Castor’s history. A time, a place and a person, all woven into that community’s folklore, forever.

Beth Elhard remembers Andy's...

This cafe was once the vibrant heart of our community at Castor, Alberta. It was built in the early 1900’s and passed through many owners and many names until it came to be fondly known as “Andy’s”.

If you were a stranger passing through our town of Castor, Alberta, you would probably reject the grey building standing on the corner of Prospect Street as just another empty, small town, derelict building. Though the print is worn and faded and the letters barely distinguishable, the faded ancient, red and silver sign hanging above the front door indicates it was once Jesse’s Cafe.

If those old walls could talk they would tell tales of the first time Chinese food came to a growing prairie town. A change of culinary taste for the meat and potatoes crowd! Today those
walls would tell how Andy’s Chinese food became the best in East Central Alberta.

Andy himself was a quiet sort. He went about life raising his children, living above the
cafe, unobtrusive, working hard. Occasionally when he needed time off, one would see pasted on the outside of the door, “SORRY CLOSED.”

Andy was a magician in the kitchen. At noon the students would invade and Andy would be ready for them. A hamburger, fries and a pop for $5.00! This price would be, until the day they graduated from school. Paying adult prices at Andy’s was a Rite of Passage.

Then there was the coffee crowd! If only those embossed tin ceiling and worn down tables could talk! Business deals were made around the tables in that cafe. Politics argued. Hockey wars fought. Insults traded in good fun. Strangers would stare in alarm if they happened into the café at 10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., at the rowdy matching wars over who would pay for coffee. Then to further the war they would add the “numbers game”. More often than not, when
the stranger went to leave he would find that his coffee had been paid for by one of the coffee drinkers.

Andy was loved by all. When he closed his doors for the final time in 2017 one of the biggest crowds ever to gather in the local community hall, came to say goodbye to Andy Wong.

“SORRY CLOSED.”

Photos courtesy of Beth Elhard and Shelly Pals.

Camrose Community Visionaries: Leona Calhoun & Cindy Olesen

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 18:48:59 GMT

Putting Up a House and Finding a Home

"People are afraid, or don't know enough, or they feel like it's shameful. I own my own house, there’s no shame in that…Nobody handed anything to me, I worked really hard for it.”

On the evening of Dec. 13, 2017, Cindy Olesen was sitting outside of a local church waiting for her daughter’s Girl Guides meeting to finish. Her phone rang and, in that moment, she had no idea that this call would change her life forever. On the other end of the line was Leona Calhoun, Partner Family Liaison for Habitat for Humanity Camrose. Leona was calling to do more than wish Cindy a Merry Christmas, she was delivering the news that Cindy’s family was about to receive what they’d been wishing for most — a house to call home.

Leona Calhoun has successfully established two professional careers throughout her working life, in banking and real estate. Now retired, she’s been applying her background and expertise as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Camrose for the past 18 years. “At first I thought I'd like to go and help on the builds. I never did that. But I got on the selection committee and I found out that's where my passion lies,” she says.

Leona has volunteered in many different roles within the organization over the years, from the Board of Directors to the selection committee to the Snow Golf Tournament. But for Leona, her work with Habitat really comes down to one thing: helping people. “It’s to give families that wouldn't otherwise be able to get into a conventional mortgage the opportunity to have a safe, comfortable, good home to live in,” she says. “It’s to help families. It's a hand up, it's not a handout.”

Becoming a partner family and receiving a home through the Habitat for Humanity program certainly doesn’t involve handouts. There’s a rigorous application and screening process, followed by a commitment to 500 volunteer hours. “There are three criteria that they must qualify: they must have need, they must have the ability to pay and they must be willing to partner” says Leona “For every 20 to 25 applications, we're lucky if we get one that comes even close to qualifying. It’s tough.”

Cindy Olesen’s was one of the rare qualifying applications that crossed Leona’s desk.

And with good reason. As Leona can attest, there are two things immediately apparent about Cindy: she’s a hard worker and she’s a devoted mother of two girls. Despite these qualities and her best efforts, Cindy and her girls had fallen on tough times. “We’d been struggling. I was living in a house that was way too expensive for me. I was working three jobs to try to take care of my kids and I was barely making it...I was exhausted and I was never getting further ahead,” says Cindy.

Initially Cindy shrugged off a friend’s suggestion to apply to Habitat for Humanity, thinking the program wasn’t for her. Time passed and things weren’t getting any better, so Cindy decided there was no harm in walking through the Habitat doors. She walked away with an application and met Leona shortly after. “Within four days, I actually had everything back to them. Leona told me that's the fastest they've ever had it back…But I thought, you know what? If you're going to do it, you might as well do it ,” Cindy says.

Cindy vividly remembers the evening Leona called her to let her know she’d been accepted and that her family was receiving a house. It was a powerful, emotional moment. “It has changed our lives. It has afforded us savings. It has afforded me time with my children—which is priceless. It has afforded me less stress because my payments are now not so extraordinary that I can't take care of them…I can't stress enough how amazing this has been for us,” she says.

Now, Cindy’s on a mission to generate awareness about Habitat for Humanity and dispel misconceptions about how the program works and who it’s meant to benefit. “If it's pride, just swallow it,” says Cindy, “People are afraid, or don't know enough, or they feel like it's shameful. I own my own house, there’s no shame in that…Nobody handed anything to me, I worked really hard for it.”

Cindy’s volunteer hours have long been fulfilled but she currently meets weekly with Leona and the other volunteers on their Snow Golf Tournament committee, organizing the biggest fundraiser of the year. Both women have gained so much from Habitat from Humanity Camrose, including a special friendship. They're both believers in paying all that goodwill forward. “I'll never stop. I’ll continue to be a volunteer, a supporter and an advocate for Habitat for the rest of my life,” says Cindy. Leona echoes that sentiment: “It's my passion. I’ll continue doing it until I no longer can.”

Habitat for Humanity Camrose

Annual Putt Up a House Charity Snow Golf Tournament

The Snow Golf Tournament is Habitat for Humanity Camrose's biggest fundraiser of the year — plus it's a whole lot of fun!

Taking full advantage of our Alberta winter, Snow Golf is played over snow rather than on grass. There are 18 holes set up across the City of Camrose sponsored by local businesses, your car is your golf cart, a foam stress-ball is your golf ball and you can get as creative as you'd like with your clubs. From kooky costumes to uniquely themed holes, Snow Golf is an event like no other. Don't miss it...

Snow Golf information: https://habitatcamrose.com/news/puttupahouse-snowgolf/
Snow Golf registration: https://puttupahouse-snowgolf-habitatcamrose.eventbrite.ca

Habitat for Humanity Camrose
Website: https://habitatcamrose.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HabitatCamrose/

Valentine’s Alberta style

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 17:38:41 GMT

Love doesn’t have to hurt your wallet

Shortly after stores clear out the Christmas decorations, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates begin appearing on the shelves and the Valentine’s heat is on. Studies show couples feel pressured to spend extravagantly on Valentine’s Day. In fact, Canadians spend about $37 million on Valentine’s Day romance each year. February 14 is big business. But you don’t have to blow your budget to on expensive gifts and fancy restaurant dinners to demonstrate your amore. It just takes a little planning, a bit of imagination and a great community.

Here are some ideas for unique, budget-wise Valentine's dates in an area near you:

Cost per person:
$ - Free to $10 | $$ - $11 to $21 | $$$ - $22 to $40 | $$$$ - $41and over

Stettler, Castor and area

$ NERF it out | Nothing says ‘I love you’ like pelting your partner with foam bullets. Take your sweetie to the Stettler Public Library for the adults Valentine’s Day NERF Massacre after hours event. Enjoy a helping of NERF supremacy and a slice of pizza. BYONG (Bring your own NERF Gun). Feb. 14. Call 403-742-2292 to register.

$ Stargaze | For millennia, people have been captivated by the romance of the stars. On Feb. 14, bundle up with your partner, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, a flashlight and head far from the city lights where the dark sky makes the stars and planets much more visible to the naked eye. In the Stettler area, you can find that dark sky nearby, on the beautiful Willow Canyon hiking trails adjacent to the village of Donalda. If you’re really lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis dancing across the Alberta night sky.

$$$ Gift from the heart | Embrace your artistic side and give the gift of your own handmade pottery this Valentine’s Day. Head to Remedy Art Studio in Stettler for drop-in pottery night to create a one-of-a-kind gift for your heart’s desire. Call (403) 741-9233 for information. 4919-53 St., Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L2

$$$$ Party with purpose | Make your Valentine’s Day spend count by attending the Hearts for Hospice soirée in support of the Stettler Hospice Society. Dinner, dancing and live music by veteran Canadian rock band, the Chevelles. Feb. 8, from 5 pm to 11:55 pm at the Stettler Community Hall. $60/per ticket. For tickets, call Gayle at 403 740 6990 or Marg at 403 742 7733.

Camrose, Wetaskiwin and area

$$$ Take a cultural tour | Treat your valentine to a dose of fun and culture at the
Nordlys Film and Arts Festival at the Bailey Theatre in Camrose. Award-winning films from around the world, special guest filmmakers and live music. Valentine’s evening tickets $30. Visit   www.nordlysfestival.com for info.

$ Toboggan at Tuck’s Hill | Embrace your partner’s inner child and head to Tuck’s Hill at Golden Jubilee Park in Camrose for some tobogganing. Follow it up with a hot beverage at one of the many fantastic Camrose cafes.

$ Skate in a winter wonderland | Pack a winter picnic and head about 25 minutes north to Miquelon Lake Provincial Park where, weather permitting, you’ll be greeted by a pristine winter landscape filled with frosted aspen, fir and birch. Lace up and glide along the 600-metre skating path with your special someone. If you stay into the evening, you can savour a clear view of the February celestial wonders, more visible in Miquelon’s dark sky preserve.

$ Open up at open mike | Serenade your sweetheart or just enjoy from the audience at the Manluk Theatre in Wetaskiwin. Aspiring actors, stand-up comics, poets, musicians, and more are welcome to try their skills at the mike. Audiences are treated to a new show each time. Feb. 15, 7:30 pm, admission by donation at the door.

$$ Hit the slopes | Just a short drive from Camrose and Wetaskiwin is Gwynne Valley Ski Hill, a great option for Valentine’s fun, without the usual heart-stopping lift ticket price tag. Friday evening lift passes are just $18, so you can ski under the stars on Feb. 14 without breaking the bank. https://www.gwynnevalley.ca/

$ Ride the wave | Surfing isn’t typically on the agenda in central Alberta, particularly not in February, but the surf’s up in Wetaskiwin. Donne your board shorts/bathing suit and head to the Manluk Centre with your Valentine to ride the waves on the centre’s unique Board Rider surf generator system. Aquatic centre admission $10 per person. 4514 50 Ave, Wetaskiwin, 780-361-4444

Vegreville, Two Hills and area

$$$ Snowshoe and stargaze | Take your sweetie on a Parks Canada guided snowshoeing tour of Astotin Lake in Elk Island National Park after dark. The park is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and is a perfect place to experience the stars and planets above. Feb. 15, 7 pm to 9 pm. Cost: $29.80 per person with a valid park pass. Includes: guide, snowshoes rental, warm snacks and refreshments. Call 780-922-5790 to register.

$ Snuggle at the show | When the weather is cold and the nights are long, there’s nothing like cuddling over a box of popcorn at the movies to warm one’s heart. Check out the offerings at Vegreville’s Capitol Theatre for a cozy Valentine’s Day outing. Adults $10. Call 780-632-2808 for movie listings.

$$ Roll with it | Romance and rented shoes go hand in hand at the bowling alley. Take your Valentine to Vegreville Lanes for a little fun, friendly competition and Friday night glow bowling. 4913 51 Ave, Vegreville, 780-632-7665

Flagstaff County

$$$ Hit the slopes | Nestled in the Battle River Valley, southwest of Alliance is the Valley Ski Club, a great option for Valentine’s fun and activity. The evening of Friday the 14th, they're serving a $40 steak dinner for two from 5 pm to 8 pm and skiing from 6 pm to 10 pm. All of the romance of both a dinner date and making tracks under the stars together, without breaking the bank. https://www.valleyskihill.ca/contact

$$$ Get the blues | Get a jump on celebrating Valentine’s Day and catch Canadian Gypsy blues duo Blue Moon Marquee  at the Forestburg Community Centre on Feb. 8. Tickets $30 adults. 7:30 pm. Contact the Village Office 780-582-3668

$$ Catch a flick | The Daysland’s Palace Theatre features movies on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Savour the silver screen with your sweetheart in this unique, historic Flagstaff County theatre. Call 780-374-2403 for movie listings. 5012 50 Street, Daysland

Peace Country

$ Gift from the heart | Romance your Valentine with a hand made card. Drop into the Grimshaw Public Library on Feb. 12 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm to try out their card making station. They supply the materials; you bring the love. 5007 47 Ave, Grimshaw, AB

$ Be Canadian | Bundle up, lace up your skates and take your sweetheart for a glide under the stars on an outdoor skating rink. It’s both romantic and very Canadian! It’s a rare Peace Country town that doesn’t have an outdoor rink. In Peace River, the offerings include Riverfront Park Skating Area on 100 Avenue, Spruce Court Skating Area on 98 Street and the Baytex Energy Centre Outdoor Rink on 73 Avenue.

$$$ Embrace the language of love | You don’t have to be French to enjoy the Carnaval de St. Isidore, an annual celebration of Francophone culture in Northern Alberta. The Carnaval showcases Francophone artists and French-Canadian dishes and offers sleigh rides, snow sculpting, shinny, and much more. Feb. 14 to 16. Weekend Pass: Adults $35 Youth (6-17) $20 Day Pass: Adult $25 Youth (6-17) $10. http://centreculturelstisidore.ca/en/carnaval-de-st-isidore-2/

$ Dine under the stars | Pack up your partner, ice auger, fishing rods, licenses, lantern and a big thermos of cocoa and head out to one of the Peace Country’s deep lakes for some ice fishing. Grill up your catch with a Coleman grill to enjoy fresh fish under a dazzling skyscape of stars and aurora borealis. Stocked lakes include East Twin Lakes, Figure Eight Lake, Ole’s Lake, Running Lake, Stoney Lake (Montagneuse Lake), and Sulphur Lake. For more information on stocked lakes, go to https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/fish-stocking/stocking-maps.aspx?listing=1

$ Cross your hearts | Savour the quiet of a winter forest with your Valentine. Strap on your cross-country skis and enjoy the groomed public-access trails at Cummings Lake and the Sand Hills (20 km of trails altogether), which are maintained by the Dunvegan Nordic Ski and Cycle Club. Contact from Bob Walsh at dunvegan.nordic@gmail.com or 780-835-4652 for information about current conditions.

Confessions of a former AGT operator

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 18:02:50 GMT

Number please...

"In truth, telephone operators were the original wire tappers. I confess that on a slow evening shift, one would have a tendency to open a key and listen to a conversation. We called it 'rubbering' at the time. In retrospect, it was just plain snooping!"

The other day, while on hold with my landline provider who outsources our problems to call centres in faraway lands, I paused to reflect on just how dramatically telephone service has changed over the years.

Back in the day, telephone offices were local things. Every small town in the province seemed to have a local Alberta Government Telephones (AGT) office. The only outsourcing then was to a larger center up the highway where they transferred long distance calls.

In 1960, not long after I finished high school, I got a job at the AGT office in Castor. Working in the little red building on the corner of Main Street was a dream job. I could talk all day!

As a local operator, I memorized every telephone number on the switch board. Visualize, if you will, four switchboards with flat, round buttons called keys. These had every number in Castor on them. When a key rang, we plugged in a red cord and said, “Number Please.” Then, we’d connect the other end of the red cord to the key that matched the number the caller gave us and ring it using a switch on our board. Now that’s personalized service.

Sometimes the job was part personalized service, part detective work. I recall telling one caller who’d tried the same number several times that there was no point continuing to call. “They aren’t home,” I said. “I just saw them drive by!”

I wasn’t the first small town Alberta operator who added sleuth to the job description. One of Castor’s original telephone operators, Elsie Highet, took charge of the Castor AGT Office in 1920. Our local history book, Chatter Chips, describes her detective talents. “By some manner of intuition, she seemed to know how to locate almost anyone at any time, so farm women who had forgotten to tell their husbands to pick up some extra groceries merely phoned “Highet” and she delivered the message.”

In truth, telephone operators were the original wire tappers. I confess that on a slow evening shift, one would have a tendency to open a key and listen to a conversation. We called it “rubbering” at the time. In retrospect, it was just plain snooping!

Another exciting facet of being a telephone operator in a small town was that the telephone office was in charge of the fire siren and calling out the firemen. We were 911! We’d sound the siren and everyone in town would call in to find out where the fire was – and we would tell them! No FOIP then!

In our town, the siren wasn’t just used for fires. We rang it at noon for lunch hour and at nine o’clock to signify curfew time. As kids, when the nine pm siren rang, we ran for home for fear the local constable would arrest us!

In 1964 the little red building on the corner closed. A modern new building with modern automated direct dialing technology replaced most local operators. At that time, we could hardly believe how much things changed.

As I waited on hold with my landline provider, I wondered what I would have thought back then about today’s high-tech smart phones. Then the voice of the call centre agent from across the globe interrupts my thoughts.

“Number please,” he says.

About Beth:

One cup at a time: Helping employees embrace the company vision

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Real People. Real Insights.

“By staying connected with what our vision is and not letting ourselves stray from that, we won’t become stagnant.”

Sami Smith has a vision — a noble, heartfelt vision. And she’s executing it one cup of coffee at a time.

Sami is the owner of G.O.A.T. Coffee Co., a 300-square-foot café on the east side of Camrose, where she and her team of nine baristas serve up coffee with a dedication to making every cup and customer interaction as good as possible.“(T)o that person, it’s maybe the only cup of coffee that they're going to have that day,” says Sami. “And even if we're making 200 cups of coffee, to each person, that's the one that matters.”

Creating an environment around quality and care is Sami’s vision for her business, and it’s one that her staff has gotten behind. Together, they ensure the small business operates smoothly day-to-day as they continue to build their own distinct culture and community. “By staying connected with what our vision is and not letting ourselves stray from that, we won’t become stagnant,” she says.

Sami’s experience of building a team that’s committed to her company vision is not all that common. In fact, getting everyone on the same page with corporate goals can be challenging. Even the best employees with the best intentions may need guidance to align their work with the company vision. But as Sami’s experience has shown, when a team pulls in the same direction towards the goals of a company — be it a large corporation or a 300-square foot coffee shop – the results can be amazing.

Here are three key benefits of getting employees on board with your company vision:

More engaged, more productive employees

When employees understand how their individual goals relate to the company goals, they tend to become more engaged with their work. Once employees see how they can make a direct contribution to your company's success, they begin to focus on finding ways to work smarter and more efficiently. This naturally leads to increased operating margins and profitability.

Increased focus on what matters

When everyone in the company is focussed on a vision and how to achieve it, redundant, “busywork” business initiatives tend to fall away. Team members have clarity on how their responsibilities align with specific goals.

Reduced employee turnover

Studies show that absenteeism, low productivity and high turnover are hallmarks of a dissatisfied workforce. Conversely, workforces that feel engaged in achieving company goals are much more likely to be satisfied and productive. In short, people want to feel that their work matters and if they do, they’re much less likely to leave.

G.O.A.T. Coffee Co.
3805A-48 Ave
Camrose, Alberta
Phone: (780) 781-1631
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoatcoffee/
Instagram: @g.o.a.t.camrose

Photo courtesy of Sami Smith

Proudly Local Business: Killam's Coldstream Photography & Film

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:11:39 GMT

Shaina George and Nick Dunn are telling their rural community's stories through photography and videography

“My favourite parts are the stories I get to tell and the people I get to meet and…how powerful a photo is. It's something that you can look back on forever…And I love that I get to create that.”

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a good photographer must also be a really great storyteller. One of the most important elements of a story is the setting. Among the pale yellow fields of grain, aging barnyards and expansive prairie skies, Killam’s Shaina George found her inspiration to pick up a camera. Now, Shaina and her partner Nick are defining what it means to tell stories through photography and videography as young entrepreneurs in a rural community.

Shaina started taking photos at a young age as something to do around her family’s historic farm outside of Killam, Alberta. At around the age of fourteen, she began snapping photos of her family and her love of photographing people blossomed from there.

Shaina’s partner, Nick Dunn, has always been passionate about technology. This, combined with his creativity, ultimately led him to explore drone photography and videography. Photography was an interest the couple shared, and both had ambitions to pursue it professionally.

“I already had a [photography] platform going and he was actually going to branch off and do his own with drone photography and videography,” says Shaina, “But then we were thinking, why don't we join them?”

That’s how Coldstream Photography & Film came to be. Like all great partnerships, Shaina and Nick complement each other in their skill sets and their love for the craft. “It’s so convenient and so much fun being on the same wavelength and knowing how each other works,” says Shaina. “With both of us being so passionate about it, it works really well.”

Coldstream Photography & Film offers both photography and videography but the team believe it’s their drone services that really sets their business apart. “It just adds a whole new perspective to everything,” Shaina says.

Technology isn’t the only thing that makes their business special. Both photographers have a passion for learning about people and a genuine desire to capture moments to remember. For Shaina, it doesn’t get any better than that as a photographer. “My favourite parts are the stories I get to tell and the people I get to meet and…how powerful a photo is. It's something that you can look back on forever…And I love that I get to create that.”

Shaina has plans to travel for her craft, but she says photography will always bring her back to the place where it all started. She has strong roots in Killam and the local support holds special significance for Shaina. “I’m inspired by people, by my community. I think that drives a lot,” she says.

About Coldstream Photography & Film

In the early 1900s, Shaina George’s great-grandfather and his brother came from Washington to settle on a farm in Killam, Alberta. Shaina’s grandfather, Lloyd George, eventually took over the family’s Coldstream Farm. Lloyd converted a barn on the property to a dance hall in 1947 and it’s been a legendary landmark of Flagstaff County since. Growing up, the farm and Coldstream Barn were Shaina’s main subjects as a budding photographer. Later, her partner Nick worked for years alongside Shaina’s father on the Coldstream Farm. When it came time to name their photography and videography business, it was an honour to carry on the historic Coldstream name. It represents something that is so special to them and powerfully connects them with their community’s past, present and future.

Coldstream Photography & Film
Website: www.coldstreamphotofilm.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coldstreamphotofilm/
Instagram: @coldstreamphotofilm

Photos courtesy of Shaina George

Deck the Halls

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:21:04 GMT

Castor's Beth Elhard shares her family's magical (and sometimes messy) Christmas memories

Every year at the start of the Christmas season, I go into the deep confines of our basement and begin pulling out boxes of decorations. Like a seasoned dumpster diver, I emerge with sprigs of holly up my nostrils and mistletoe where you wouldn’t want to kiss!

Out comes the tree with its color-coded branches. No matter how many times I put the branches in the color-coded holes, the tree comes out looking like pine beetles and spruce bud worms have had a turf war.

One year, the tree got put into its stand and stood naked for a week or two before anyone had time to decorate it. During that period, one little grandson came and went a few times, each time eyeing the tree. After several trips, he stood with his hands on his hips and said in a little voice of outrage, “You know Nana, at our house we put things on our tree!”

One time I circled the tree with a train set, like they do in the movies. When I turned it on for a practice run, it went berserk, left the tracks and climbed the tree. Bulbs flew and garland trailed behind the caboose while it chased me across the floor! I was so traumatized that I still can’t watch The Polar Express.

We didn’t always decorate an imitation tree. Years ago, we’d go frolicking off to the forest to get our tree (no mean feat in a prairie area). Young and naive, I envisioned how our family would joyfully gather around the tree, sipping hot chocolate and listening to Christmas carols as we decorated. The children would be perfectly behaved and smiling, while my husband and I would revel in wedded bliss.

Like I said, I was young and naive.

Here’s what actually happened: We’d return home with the tree and my husband would carefully lay out the string of Christmas lights and plug them in to see which ones needed to be replaced. In the meantime, the children would get bored while waiting to decorate. Then, they’d begin to wrestle. Strands of wire would entangle under their feet and bulbs would shatter as we separated the all-star wrestlers. The tree, nervous, would shed its needles.

Next came the decorations. The right-brain part of me wanted to gently place each ornament and icicle on the tree with perfect precision. The rest of the family preferred a more left-brained approach: stand back and throw decorations at the tree like darts at a dartboard. The ornaments would all gather on one side, causing the tree to lean perilously throughout the holidays.

Each year I trot out the Christmas village and look to the beautiful villages on Pinterest for inspiration. But try as I do, my village always looks like it should have a state of emergency declared! When the grandchildren were little, they loved the Christmas village. They would lay on the floor arranging their little toys and the buildings. I’d find farm equipment toys wedged among the delicate porcelain and cattle grazing in front of the buildings. It was magical. I loved it. I miss those days.

There is more to Christmas than decorating, of course. For me, it’s a celebration of faith, of family and of friends. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
- Beth

About Beth:

Born (1941) and raised in Castor, Alberta, she and her husband Richard lived on the farm for thirty years and have lived in Castor for twenty-six years. Beth says, “We have had the best of both worlds – rural and urban.”

Beth’s column, “Wildoats and Roses,” was published regularly in Grainews and The Castor Advance. She was the editor of Castor’s history book, Beaver Tales from Castor & District, in 2012.

Proudly Local Business: Camrose's G.O.A.T. Coffee Co.

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 16:51:58 GMT

Sami Smith is creating connection and community through coffee

“We want to keep in mind that to that person, this may be the only cup of coffee that they're going to have that day...that's the one that matters. And every person is the one that matters too.”

When the snow’s falling and that winter chill settles into your bones, you want somewhere warm to go where the conversation’s good and the coffee’s hot. If you live in the Camrose area, you can find that at G.O.A.T. Coffee Co. When you think about Camrose, coffee culture may not be the first thing that springs to mind. But G.O.A.T. Coffee’s owner Sami Smith is quickly changing that. Her approach to business is all about connection and community. And it’s proving to be her secret to success.

The continuing growth of G.O.A.T. Coffee Co. and Sami’s savvy business sense give the impression that she’s a seasoned expert. Sami is the first to admit she’s learning skills like bookkeeping and business logistics as she goes. “I also have lots to learn in being a leader. I care a lot about being a leader that’s good and helpful to the people that I'm leading.”

Sami’s genuine care for people is her secret sauce; it’s the foundation for creating a community and culture through her coffee shop. Her focus on relationships isn’t surprising. In addition to being a small business owner, Sami is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in counselling. It’s an ambitious workload, but Sami believes counselling skills and business skills go hand-in-hand. “Part of a counselling degree is that you're learning…how to be helpful in a mentorship role. And that’s so helpful for me as an employer, as somebody who cares about my employees and cares about my friends. Sometimes it’s a lot to balance, but it's so worth the juggle.”

By design, G.O.A.T. Coffee is a place that brings people together. The space is intimate at less than 300 square feet, inviting a genuine sense of connection. A similar sense of connection that a cup of coffee sparks, says Sami. “I’ve always loved the connection that coffee brings…It calms people down and slows people down…It’s a medium for connection and relationships.”

Under G.O.A.T. Coffee’s roof, that sense of connection brings the people of Camrose together. “It’s a community meeting place,” says Sami. “Because of the nature of the small space…it just has that feeling that draws you in…You’re a part of the conversation that's happening and part of the community that's being built.”

And that community is growing. G.O.A.T. Coffee has expanded into an adjacent space to accommodate special events, including their own Community Night. So far, they’ve hosted photography clinics, colouring nights and paint nights. They also support and showcase local talent through their popular open mic nights.

Staying on top of G.O.A.T. Coffee’s growth is important to Sami. It’s something she couldn’t do without her staff, a team of nine passionate individuals who Sami considers friends. Together, they ensure the small business operates smoothly day-to-day as they continue to build their own distinct culture and community. “By staying connected with what our vision is and not letting ourselves stray from that, we won’t become stagnant. That applies to everything: who works here, the types of products we're offering—even decisions about how we're decorating and how we're expanding,” says Sami.

But it’s not all about the big picture for Sami. Her caring nature extends to her craft and each cup of coffee is a labour of love. “We want to keep in mind that to that person, this may be the only cup of coffee that they're going to have that day. And even if we're making 200 cups of coffee, to every person, that's the one that matters. And every person is the one that matters too.”

G.O.A.T. Coffee Co.
3805A-48 Ave
Camrose, Alberta
Phone: (780) 781-1631
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoatcoffee/
Instagram: @g.o.a.t.camrose

Photos courtesy of Sami Smith

Castor Community Visionary: JD Johnson

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 22:44:10 GMT

It All Comes Around Full Circle

"I teach them to pass and I teach them to shoot...But I'm hoping at the end of the day, I also teach them to be a better person."

When you live in a smaller community for a good while, you’ll often get the privilege of seeing traditions and values be passed down from generation to generation. From the love of hockey to taking over the family farm, things just seem to come around full circle. As a father, coach, and volunteer, Castor area’s JD Johnson has experienced it firsthand; and he’s grateful to continue the cycle by paying his positive experience forward.

JD Johnson grew up on a farm in Halkirk, near Castor, Alberta. After a brief time living in Calgary, he returned to the farm, got married, started a family and began volunteering. Like the responsibilities of adulthood and parenting, lending a hand within his community felt like a natural progression. “I just try to help out, try to do my share…There were people before me and there'll be people after me. I figure it’s my turn,” he says.

JD wears a lot of different hats. He’s the President of both the Halkirk Curling Club and the Halkirk Community Hall board. He coaches youth hockey and softball, helps out with community functions in and around Castor and emcees from time to time. He’s even the local rodeo clown. People tell JD he’s giving back to the community, but he’s not sure if he’s actually giving or receiving. “Half of me says I need to give back and half of me says I really like this,” says JD. “I'm there anyways. I might as well help out.”

Team sports hold a special place in JD’s heart. He’s grateful to have played hockey from childhood until his 30s. “I want to make sure that everybody has the same opportunities that I’ve had,” says JD, “When you're a 14-year-old boy playing hockey, you don't realize the time and effort that coaches, managers, and everybody else puts into it—until it comes full circle.”

It certainly did come full circle for JD. He encouraged his three daughters to get involved in sports, leading him to coach hockey and softball. It’s given him a different perspective on gratitude and how the smallest actions, or words, can have a big impact. For JD, the greatest gift is hearing ‘thank you, Coach.’ “That's all they need to do. As soon as you hear that, it validates everything you've done all practice or all year.”

JD’s grateful for the opportunity to be a positive influence within his community. He says he became the person he is today with support he received growing up and he hopes to pay that forward. “Every time I see a kid that I coached…and I see them on the right path or I see that they're very likeable kids, I like to think that I had some small part in it…When I go to practice, I teach them to pass and I teach them to shoot and all that. But I'm hoping at the end of the day, I also teach them to be a better person,” he says. Now that really would bring it all full circle.

Pictured above (from left to right): Sandra Johnson, Toryn Johnson, and JD Johnson.

A Small-Town Window on the World

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 18:25:39 GMT

Alberta history and the heart of the Castor community

"There have been a lot of changes over the years, but many of the important things have stayed the same...Castor is a warm and caring community."

When you’ve lived in a small town as long as I have, you’ve seen history play out on a local level. The hard part of that is that you have to take the good historical events with the bad; the fun part is that you see history play out in the faces and places of your little town.

Take my hometown, Castor, for example.

Castor was built by brave pioneers who came from all parts of the world. They brought with them a strength and determination that built schools, a hospital, churches, businesses and farms. They raised their families here. Many of their young men and women went off to wars and fought for their country. Many of them never returned.

My parents came to Castor in 1940. My dad bought Castor Billiards, also known in some quarters as the Den of Iniquity. The local ladies didn’t dare enter Castor Billiards and they could only enter the local Cosmopolitan Hotel bar room through the entrance, “Women and Escorts.” The “Men Only” side was taboo.

The pool room was frequented by local retired gentlemen who would line up on the creaky wooden benches on the east wall, near the spittoons. These East Wall Gang members were the experts on all things in the community.

The pool room was just one part of our small prairie town. There were machinery and car dealerships, garages and hardware stores, a hotel, a bakery, a drug store, grocery and clothing stores, a theatre, a dance hall, elevators, restaurants, trains and a Greyhound bus. Schools and a hospital ensured the health and the education of the children. Saturday Night meant late night shopping. Nothing was open on Sundays; only the churches, which were full.

These days, there’s no Castor Billiards. Time passed, owners changed, and it closed. The East Wall Gang moved on and the building is now part of one of the local grocery stores. It’s just one of many changes in Castor over the years. We’ve seen young people leave to work in the cities and then return home to their roots to raise their families, many “commuting” to work from behind laptops. We can find stores open on Sunday and ladies can enter the Cosmopolitan Hotel through any door they want!

There have been a lot of changes over the years, but many of the important things have stayed the same. Castor is still a beautiful town found within the County of Paintearth, with its winding creeks, beautiful parks and treelined boulevards.

And just as it has always been, Castor is a warm and caring community. Neighbors help neighbors, farmers and oil patch workers labour side-by-side, and young and older work together, helping where they’re needed, when they’re needed, in their hometown.

“I love those dear hearts and gentle people who live in my hometown.

Because those dear hearts and gentle people will never ever let you down.”

- Bing Crosby

About Beth:

Born (1941) and raised in Castor, Alberta, she and her husband Richard lived on the farm for thirty years and have lived in Castor for twenty-six years. Beth says , “ W e have had the best of both worlds – rural and urban. ”

Beth ’s column , “ Wildoats and Roses , ” was published regularly in Grainews and The Castor Advance . She was the editor of Castor’s history book, Beaver Tales from Castor & District , in 2012 .

Stories of Alberta: Killam's Coldstream Barn

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

You know you're home when...

"Growing up, it was always this big, beautiful thing that I looked at in awe...I think the magic of the dance hall lives on in all of the stories."

Every hometown has a history and if your family has lived there long enough, your surname just might be part of it. Shaina George knows very well what it’s like to be immersed in both her family and community’s history. And it’s all because of a big, old red barn.

In the early 1900s, Shaina’s great-grandfather and his brother came from Washington to settle on a farm in Killam, Alberta. Shaina’s grandfather, Lloyd George, eventually took over the family farm and that’s where this particular story begins.

In the early years when Lloyd was a young boy, the barn housed horses that were utilized in daily field work. Later, as technology began to eclipse animal power in many farming practices, Lloyd George dreamed up a way to turn his newly vacant barn into a vibrant social spot. That’s how the Coldstream Barn, or George’s Barn, became a dance hall and a legendary landmark of Flagstaff County.

On July 16, 1947, the very first dance at the George’s Barn was held. The dances showcased local musicians, brought the community together and created a social hub in a rural area. “For all neighbouring towns, that was the place to be…They always made it sound like there was a pile of people there,” says Shaina.

The barn isn’t only a part of her community’s history, it also played a critical role in Shaina’s family history. Her grandparents actually met at the barn, where her grandmother fell for Lloyd’s somewhat mischievous nature. “He’s such a hard worker—but definitely a goof ball. He likes to pull jokes and he's always light-hearted,” says Shaina. In fact, Lloyd wooed his future bride with a bit of a practical joke, the first of many throughout their marriage. “That’s just how they were, too! Grandpa would do something silly and Grandma would just shake her head and laugh,” Shaina says.

The George family aren’t the only ones with fond memories of dances at the Coldstream Barn. Shania says older people will often share their personal stories with her when they learn her family name. “It’s the best feeling ever… When I tell them my last name's George they literally just light up because they used to dance in the barn…I think that's really special.”

Shaina feels fortunate that her family has such a special connection to the community and that the barn still stands on her family’s farm. “Growing up, it was always this big, beautiful thing that I looked at in awe,” she says, “I think the magic of the dance hall lives on in all of the stories.”

Past:

Present:

Current photography by Shaina George ( Coldstream Photography & Film ) and past photos provided by the George family.

Ready to Grow Your Buzzing Business?

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Real People. Real Insights.

"The hardest part of owning a small business is going from the point where you do everything to the point where you hire staff and you oversee things."

Ron Greidanus’ bare hands are wrist-deep in a beehive as he chats calmly about the challenges of running a honeybee farm. One of the key issues? It’s not the bee stings — though he gets plenty of these — it’s keeping up with his growing operation.

“The hardest part of owning a small business is going from the point where you do everything to the point where you hire staff and you oversee things,” he says.

The former mechanical engineer-turned-bee keeper started his honeybee farm in Stettler in 1998. He’s continued to develop his venture since. Today, he has hives on 120 locations (64 on each) which produce between 500-600,000 pounds of honey per year. A few years ago, Ron got to the point when he knew his operation was more than he could handle alone, but he struggled with deciding on the right time to hire staff.

As a small business owner/operator, Ron is definitely not alone in agonizing over when it’s best to add staff. In fact, small business owners report that deciding when to hire is one of their biggest worries. The debate goes something like this: If you hire too early, you'll likely bring on cash-flow problems, a worker who has nothing to do and the added stress of management. But if you hire too late, you could miss the window to grow your business and be overwhelmed with work that you can’t accomplish.

So how can a small business owner know when the time is right? Unfortunately, there’s no cookie cutter answer for that question, but small business expert Neil Patel from Entrepreneur.com says businesses should consider the following when determining whether it’s time to hire.

Hire when you have a clear sense of what the employee’s responsibilities will be.

If you’re just overwhelmed and you don’t have a clear set of responsibilities and expectations for your new hire, don’t hire anyone. Bringing on staff at this stage will be counterproductive.

Hire when you know that an employee can earn money for your business.

If your employee’s efforts can improve productivity and increase revenue, they’ll be paying their own salary and helping you build your business. That can mean marketing and sales support, production or customer service.

Hire when you know who you’re looking for.

It’s nice to think about hiring an employee who can jump into any part of the business the way you do as an owner, but it’s unrealistic and unlikely to expect that from an employee. The more clarity you have about the skill set you need, the better your chances of finding the right person for the job.

Don’t hire an employee when what you need is a contractor.

If your business is seasonal or your needs will change in the near future, tap into the gig economy. Instead of hiring a full-time employee, hire a contractor who meets parameters you’re looking for in an employee. If both parties know what the terms are before the work begins, contract employment can be advantageous for both employee and employer.

That win-win scenario is an experience that Ron has enjoyed on his honeybee farms. In recent years, he began hiring seasonal agricultural workers. He provides clear terms, steady, seasonal employment and housing, renovated with financial backing from Vision Credit Union, and he receives qualified labour when he needs it, which helps keep his hive operation buzzing.

“I didn’t want to hire someone for the summer and have to lay them off again at the end of the season, so I was reluctant to hire,” Ron says. “Having (the staff) there when the work is there is helping me to make the most of the season.”

Beware: Spooky Statistics Ahead

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:00:27 GMT

Canadian Halloween costs by the numbers

There was a time when Halloween meant ghost costumes made from old white sheets, a single jack-o-lantern on the front porch and candies dropped one at a time into trick-or-treater pillowcases. Not so today.

Halloween has become something of a ghostly extravaganza, with Canadians spending more per capita on Halloween-related expenses than almost every other nation. The pressure to have an Instagram-worthy Halloween, along with the growing commercialization of almost all holidays, have made Halloween big business in Canada. How big? You won’t believe your eyes.

$28.7 million — the estimated value of pumpkins harvested for Halloween in Canada in 2017

3,924,041 — the estimated number of children in Canada of prime trick-or-treating age in 2017 (those 5 to 14-years-old)

$381 million — amount Canadians spent on Halloween treats in October 2017

$178 — the average that Canadians spent on Halloween candy, décor and costumes in 2015

$169 — the average that Canadian party hosts spent on a Halloween party in 2015

11% — portion of Canadians who dress up their pets for Halloween

$59 — amount Canadians who dress up their pets will spend on a costume for them

53% — portion of people from Alberta who claim they felt pressured into buying the best candy for Halloween

$1 billion — the amount that Canadians spend on Halloween-related expenses

Sources:

Statistics Canada
Retail Council of Canada
Angus Reid poll
Consolidated Credit Counselling Services of Canada

Daysland Community Visionary: Mandy Spiller

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 16:44:07 GMT

Right Where She Belongs

"In Daysland...We have each other's backs."

There are a lot of words for the phenomenon: fate, chance, karma, destiny, serendipity. Whatever you call it, life can seem to put things in your path for a reason. That’s certainly been Mandy Spiller’s experience. She didn’t know exactly where life was going to take her, but she feels like she’s ended up where she belongs. And many residents of Daysland, Alberta would enthusiastically agree.

Mandy was born and raised a small-town Alberta girl. She’s dabbled in city living and travelled to exotic places, but something brought her right back to the prairie fields and close communities characteristic of rural Alberta life. That doesn’t mean she’s settling down or settling into anything. Her energy and passion for small towns drives her volunteer efforts and innovative ideas, breathing new life into her community.

Mandy grew up in Bashaw, but she’s travelled as far as Australia. After returning from her adventures down under, she intended to go back. It turns out, life had other plans for her. “When I found a farmer in Daysland, an hour away from my hometown, it was pretty perfect,” she says. She married that farmer.

When Mandy found herself living in Daysland, she was faced with the question of work. Fortunately, another one of those kismet moments struck. A flower shop on Daysland’s main street went up for sale. Mandy bought it and decided in that moment that she’d learn floristry. That’s the type of person Mandy is; she believes in herself and she believes in community. It’s been a winning combination.

Mandy’s passion for small towns extends to local shops and services. “I love small businesses in small towns. I feel like in a city, a little store of 500 square feet would get swallowed up. In Daysland, people are proud of it, so they support it. We have each other's backs,” she says. As a small business owner herself, it was a no-brainer to join the Daysland Business Association. The group organizes a number of local volunteer initiatives: from barbecues to parades, from markets to free kid’s movie nights. The funds raised go back into the Business Association or towards community projects.

When Mandy’s not at her shop or volunteering, she’s busy being a visionary; constantly dreaming up new ideas to refresh and revitalize her town. Mandy cites her “claim to fame” as her idea to start a “Ladies’ Night” at the Daysland Palace Theatre. “Mandy’s Movies” have been hugely successful. They’ve had eight showings already, with no less than 100 women in attendance each time. "The one sellout was 220 women…Word is getting around so much that people are coming from Bashaw, Camrose, Killam, Sedgewick—it’s bringing other communities to town,” says Mandy, “I have so many ideas like that, I just have to execute them. I will. Hold me to it.”

Whether it’s fate or karma, Mandy believes she’s right where she’s meant to be. She truly loves every aspect of her life and contributing to her community is a big part of it. She encourages others to get involved too: “Just get up, do it, and see how your soul feels. If your soul feels good, do it some more…Making people feel good is so fulfilling. And we all need fulfilment in our lives.”

Wetaskiwin Community Visionary: Phil Nash

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 17:48:10 GMT

Time Well Served

"Everybody has a story about their life. And the more you get to know, the more you understand about them."

In 2011, after 42 years, Phil Nash earned his way out of the provincial corrections system. Three years later, he was back.

It wasn’t anything sinister that brought Phil back to the world of courtrooms and prison cells, it was his genuine interest in others and his commitment to social justice.

Phil’s career as a probation officer spanned four decades. Today, he’s putting his experiences and expertise to good use by supporting youth in the justice system and helping people from all walks of life through community programs.

As an individual, Phil’s curious mind keeps him open to new experiences and hungry for knowledge. It’s not surprising that he ended up choosing an interesting and somewhat unorthodox career path.

“I got hired in 1969 by the government of Alberta,” says Phil, “I didn't have much idea of what a probation officer was at the time, but it seemed like an interesting job. And I had no idea how interesting it was actually going to be.” His career took him across Alberta: from Lethbridge, to Lac la Biche, then to Vegreville. In 1980 he settled in Wetaskiwin, where he worked until his retirement.

In 2014, the Wetaskiwin Youth Justice Committee was established. This was made possible by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, a Canadian statute allowing the province to designate committees of citizens to assist in the administration of the Act. The committee receives referrals from the local probation office, then interviews young offenders to learn more about who they are and the offence they’ve committed. The committee can offer the youth the option to dispose of their charge through extra judicial sanctions; meaning without a judge, or outside of court. Phil’s background made him an ideal candidate to join the committee.

Back when he was a probation officer Phil developed an interest in how vulnerable people were treated in the judicial system. Today, he helps offset that power dynamic through his work with the Wetaskiwin Youth Justice Committee, which allows young offenders the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions and positively contribute to their community: “I think it's a better way of dealing with people, especially young people…It’s a way of finding local solutions to problems.”

Community is important to Phil and he stays connected through volunteering. In addition to the Wetaskiwin Youth Justice committee, he’s worked with ESL students as a literacy instructor, helped seniors learn new technology, participated in Meals on Wheels, volunteered at the Wetaskiwin Museum—the list goes on and on. “When I worked as a probation officer, I got to meet people and see what other people's lives were like. It was way outside my experience. It's almost like traveling to another culture or another country. And it's the same with volunteering,” Phil says.

Throughout his life, Phil’s discovered that helping others is never a one-way street. If you take the time to listen, you have the opportunity to grow as an individual too, he says: “Everybody has a story about their life. And the more you get to know, the more you understand about them. Over the years of working and volunteering, I've learned so much from the people that I was supposedly helping.”

Budgeting tactics for budget haters

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 21:15:25 GMT

Don't be a hater, be a saver instead

If the idea of keeping track of every dollar-in and dollar-out makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. Just 47 percent of Canadians report using a budget to plan their spending, according to Practical Money Skills, a financial literacy resource by Visa. But given that 90 percent of Canadians report higher debt levels than they did four years ago, some kind of money management strategy is probably a good idea.

Here are three straight forward budgeting tactics for the 53 percent of Canadians who haven’t cottoned to tracking income and expenses in a detailed budget spreadsheet or app.

Ratio budgeting

Ratio budgeting simply means allocating a portion of your after-tax income to certain financial ‘buckets’ every month. One popular one is the 50/20/30 Rule. It works like this: 50 percent of your after-tax income goes to needs – rent payments, mortgage payments, groceries, debt servicing, insurance, utilities, car payments, etc. Wants , such as entertainment, dining out, electronics, fancy clothes and other non-essentials should account for 30 percent of your income. Finally, the remaining 20 percent of your income goes to savings , which includes long or short-term savings, investments and paying down extra on debts.

Obviously, the portion of your income that goes into the needs category will vary, depending on your earnings. Set up your ‘buckets’ to fit your financial situation and be consistent every month.

Remainder budgeting

Remainder budgeting is the kind of planning you can do on the back of an envelope or napkin, and in fact most people do some form of this already.

Just add up all of your bills for a given month and subtract that total from your after-tax income. Then, subtract a set amount for savings. You’ll want to put this savings directly into your savings account. How much should you save? Make sure it’s an amount that’s going to be feasible every month. One easy way is to save about as much as you have to freely spend. So, if you have $400 left over after paying your bills, save $200 of it and use the remaining $200 to spend freely.

Pay-yourself-first budgeting

The pay-yourself-first budget is another simple budgeting method that’s unique in that it puts saving at the front of the budget line. It is exactly as it sounds. Before you pay your bills, before you buy groceries, before you do anything else, set aside a portion of your income for savings. What's left is what you have to pay your bills, your rent/mortgage and all your other expenses. By doing this, you can prioritize your savings goals and make do with whatever is left over.

Typically, people seem to pay themselves last, meaning that they receive their paycheques, pay their bills and other discretionary expenses, and save the remainder, which usually is far less than what they could save if they had paid themselves first.

The Story Behind the Scenes

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 00:24:10 GMT

Laura Girvan | Community Visionary

"I get a lot of joy out of seeing the show come together...and all the little details that go on in the background, that's where my heart is."

In 2006, the historic “old waterworks building” in Wetaskiwin was destined for the wrecking ball. The Wetaskiwin Theatre society altered that bleak fate when they bought the building from the City of Wetaskiwin for a loonie. It was kismet, the theatre group needed a home and the building needed life breathed back inside of its brick walls. Together, they’re now writing a whole new chapter of history in the Wetaskiwin community.

Laura Girvan became a part of the story when she moved to Wetaskiwin in 2001. Upon her arrival, she began searching out volunteer opportunities. “I’ve always been involved in community. That was just what you did in rural Alberta—you were part of the community and you helped out wherever you could…Community and volunteering were part of our growing up,” she says.

Laura’s daughters were involved in Ukrainian dance, giving her a glimpse into all of the elements involved in bringing together a stage performance. Her youngest daughter went on to participate in theatre in high school and that’s when the seed was planted, says Laura. “When I moved to Wetaskiwin, my children were gone by then; grown up and on their own. And so I thought that theatre would be a good fit for me and a good place to start to find some like-minded folks—here we are almost 20 years later.”

Volunteering with the Wetaskiwin Theatre Society is a perfect fit for Laura, she’s able to be a part of an ever-evolving process. “I like to see things come to fruition,” she says, “I’m kind of a backstage kind of person…I get a lot of joy out of seeing the show come together...When all the stars line up: the sound is right, the lighting is right, the audience has a really good experience, the performers have a really good experience—and all the little details that go on in the background, that’s where my heart is.”

The building and the performances aren’t the only things growing and evolving. Laura understands the positive influence of theatre on individuals, she’s seen it in action. “Theatre changes people…You depend on each other… It’s a huge thing to put yourself out there in front of a bunch of people. For a lot of people, it’s really challenging, and yet the confidence that they gain being able to do it is just astounding. And the friendships that people make during that time are quite amazing,” she says.

In revitalizing a historic building, the Wetaskiwin Theatre Society has given their community access and exposure to a wide variety of performing arts. It has a significant impact on both the performers and the patrons. Even big name performing artists comment on how special the space is, says Laura, “Parts of the building are a hundred years old. And so it’s become a very unique facility and it’s been a very grassroots project… It’s a really neat cultural space in Wetaskiwin that we’re very proud of. We saved this building from the wrecking ball and restored it to a point where it could continue to be used.”

So what’s next for Laura, the Wetaskiwin Theatre Society, and their building? Laura hopes the next chapter will be penned with youthful exuberance: “I’ve found it gratifying, volunteering and being a part of how the theatre has evolved to this point. I’m really quite proud of our accomplishments and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings. And seeing what a new generation of folks, that will take up the lead and take up the reigns, where they’ll go with it. There are so many possibilities,” she says. The story of Wetaskiwin’s Manluk Theatre is far from over.

Manluk Theatre:

http://manluktheatre.com

Wetaskiwin Theatre Society:

https://www.facebook.com/WetaskiwinTheatreSociety

Four tips for budget-friendly family road trips

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 20:46:05 GMT

Hitting the road doesn't have to mean a hard hit to the wallet

School’s almost out, the temperature is rising and the open road is calling. It’s time for that venerable summertime ritual — the family road trip. You’re ready, but is your wallet?

There was a time when inexpensive roadside motels, cheap fuel and simple, affordable attractions were the mainstay of summer getaways. These days, ground costs seem to have ballooned. The average hotel room in Canada last summer was $181, and larger family hotel rooms tend to be even more expensive. Tack on gas at $1 per litre, three restaurant meals per person per day, as well as entertainment costs, and you’ve got yourself an awfully expensive holiday!

Don’t hang up those keys just yet. Affordable family road trips are possible with a little planning, ingenuity and old-school spirit.

Weigh your a ccommodation options

On most road trips, lodging is typically the biggest expense. The simplest way to cut down on costs is to stay outside of urban centres and major tourist towns, where accommodation costs are higher. If your heart is set on those locations, try looking for an affordable Airbnb that will fit your family. Typically, Airbnb suites offer kitchens, so this can also help you cut down on dining out costs.

Alberta is made for camping and there’s no shortage of campsites across the province. Provincial campsites run from $5-$26 per night for unserviced sites, which makes for a pretty cheap night’s sleep.

If roughing it isn’t your thing, consider glamour camping (glamping). Alberta offers a number of locations with luxury outdoor camping sites that take the work out of camping. Typically, these include more permanent structures, like safari tents or yurts, comfy beds, running water and sometimes even heat. Predictably, glamping is more expensive than camping, but tends to be less expensive and more family friendly than the average hotel. Check Travel Alberta for a list of glamping providers across the province

Prefer a getaway with your home in tow but you don’t own a trailer or motorhome? There is a rash of new Airbnb-type companies offering RV’s at discounted rates. Providers like Wheelestate, RVEzy, Outdoorsy and even Airbnb provide peer to peer services, that make RV rental much more affordable.

Track down gas deals

Each spring, as temperatures start to rise, so do the gas prices. Starting in April each year, refiners are required by federal law to produce gasoline that’s less susceptible to evaporation during higher temperatures. That means refiners need to add expensive components in their fuel processing, and that cost gets passed onto motorists.

Given those high summer gas prices, pit stops can really add up—even for the most fuel-efficient cars. Take some time to suss out deals on local gas prices using a site like GasBuddy, which provides information on the lowest gas prices in the area. If you’re really feeling organized, you chart the cheapest gas prices along your route.

Enjoy some old school, affordable attractions

Road trips are supposed to be fun, but that doesn’t mean every stop has be an explosion of entertainment. Balance the big-ticket draws with stops at provincial parks, beaches, local festivals or small-town attractions. Word has it, Alberta is chalk full of giant bumble bees, sausages, Pysankas, gophers, lanterns, dinosaurs and more to delight and amaze the kids.

Pack a cooler

Eating out is often the silent killer of many family travel budgets. Nip that in the bud by bringing a cooler filled with snacks and quick meals. You can shop along the way and keep it filled with affordable grocery store food.

Called to the Court

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 18:26:21 GMT

Julia Dyck | Community Visionary

Being a teenager isn’t easy. There’s no roadmap, and everyone’s journey is unique. Navigating high school can turn into a search for a place to belong. The people and places you discover shape who you become—for better or worse.

Julia Dyck found her haven on her high school basketball team. And it had such a positive impact on her, that she came back after graduation to volunteer as a coach and help guide other young women along their paths.

For Julia, playing sports at the Bawlf School gave her a safe space to blow off steam and escape the pressures of being a teen. “I was okay at school, but sports were kind of my thing. It’s something that takes your mind off things,” she says, “You could get away from school and life, and just play and not think about anything.” Everything melted away when she walked onto the court.

Being on a team shaped Julia’s social life and connected her with like-minded people. “All of my friends weren’t from the school part; they were from the sports part. And playing got me out in the community, to other towns, and making friends through that too,” she says. The impact of being out in the community has left a lasting impression. It’s inspired Julia to work at a credit union. She contributes to her community and volunteers whenever she’s able, through her job and in her personal time.

But she always makes time for basketball. Julia’s positive relationship with the sport called her back to the painted lines of the court with the hope of facilitating equally enriching experiences for other young women. “I love to help those girls because it’s such a young and vulnerable age…Sports helped me so much to get through school…And I wanted them to have that same outlet,” she says.

Julia is familiar with the choices teenagers face, and she hopes that playing sports will help them make better decisions. “I think that especially nowadays, the girls that aren’t in sports can become involved in other things that fill the role that sports could,” she says, “I just think that all girls can play. And if they have the opportunity to play, they should.”

Perhaps Julia’s become such a strong role model because of her own high school coach: her dad. “Volunteering is important to me because of my family. My dad has volunteered for the last 15 to 20 years… I think I wanted to keep that going in the next generation,” she says.

Despite her love of being on the court, Julia may forgo coaching next season to watch her nieces play junior high basketball. It sounds like volunteering isn’t her family’s only legacy.

Eight tips for a lucrative garage sale

Thu, 16 May 2019 23:53:25 GMT

How to really clean up this spring

It’s that beautiful time of year when the brown grass of early spring finally gives way to bright green blades; when garden perennials push through the soil to remind us that we all survived another winter; when sunshine beams through our windows and illuminates all the mess that’s accumulated while we huddled indoors. It’s spring cleaning time.

Nothing helps with spring cleaning like a purge of clutter at a garage sale. But did you know that with a few simple tricks you can do more than tidy and declutter with a garage sale? You can financially clean up as well. Here’s how:

1. Get the word out

Don’t spend money on advertising, but do be sure to market your sale. There are a variety of free advertising resources, including Craigslist, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. Be sure to check for possible advertising opportunities on your community or neighbourhood association website as well as for notice boards at nearby libraries, grocery stores or community centres. Experts say that adding a short video or a few photos of some of the more desirable items you plan to sell will help garner attention and more customers.

2. Signs, signs, signs!

It’s true: the humble cardboard sign has made (or broken) many a yard sale. When it comes to signs, experts say it’s important to think about two things.

What they look like: signs should be consistent looking, easy to read, have a great headline (i.e. HUGE multi family garage sale!) and a directional arrow.
Where they’re placed: draw a rough map of your area to plan where your garage sale signs will need to go. Don't forget to cater to traffic going in both directions. Generally speaking, do as many signs as is possible and permitted in your area. When you place signs, put them in a location so that drivers have enough time to read them and then turn. Be sure each sign has an arrow pointing towards your sale. Don’t forget to clean up the signs after the sale is over!

3. Get organized

Too many garage sales are a haphazard collection of stuff dumped in the yard. If you pile your sale items on a table or the ground like junk, that’s what people will assume they’re worth. Be sure you have enough tables to display items and don't be afraid to merchandise in a way that makes what you’re selling look appealing.

4. Be first out of the gate

The early bird gets the customers. Start your sale on Friday afternoon, not Saturday. There will be less competition from other sales on Friday. If you have enough items left, hold it again on Saturday morning. Plan on starting early on Saturday: You’ll have bargain-seekers there at the crack of dawn.

5. Be ready to roll when the sale begins

Make sure all of your items are clearly priced on the day of the sale. Most dollar stores sell stickers that work well for this. Not sure what to charge for larger items? Try checking out other garage sales before your scheduled sale date or go to Statricks , which aggregates pricing data from online auction sites such as eBay and classified sites like Craigslist. Don’t forget to have a float with small bills and coins to make change for your customers. You don’t want to lose sales because you can’t break a $20.

6. Bundle items

People who shop yard sales are looking for deals. Offer discounts for buying in multiples, like three for $5. Look around for ways to make a deal. If it’s the end of the day and you really want to move your items, let customers fill up a bag with items for a $5 or $10 flat rate. It’s a win-win. Customers get a deal, and you clear out the things you don’t want to bring back into the house.

7. Play music

There is a long history of studies showing a positive correlation between background music and retail sales. Why not add this tool to your yard sale toolkit? Pleasing background music will make the experience better for you and your customers may be more inclined to shop for longer.

8. Be friendly

People are far less likely to buy from someone who is surly or talking on a phone. Greet customers when they arrive and be available to provide information and negotiate (but don’t hover). Build goodwill among your customers by finding something to give their kids for no charge or throw in freebies for folks who buy a lot of stuff.

A Higher Purpose

Thu, 16 May 2019 17:14:08 GMT

David Friesen | Community Visionary

"Life is a community effort...I see the need that people have, and I just want to help them meet that need."

Dianne Friesen wasn’t exactly shocked when her family started the day off as a two car household and ended it with one. It’s just the sort of thing she’d come to expect from her husband David Friesen. David had met a family that needed a vehicle, his family had two cars, so he gave them one. Simple, right? For David it really is. “I gave it away. The family drove that car for a long time like I hoped. And they were very happy. They were very appreciative about it,” he says.

In his teachings and his actions, David’s devoted to the welfare of others. Not only is he a Minister at the Camrose Church of Christ but he’s also been a dedicated volunteer with Camrose Neighbor Aid for over a decade, acting as the organization’s Treasurer. When he’s not preaching or volunteering, he’s probably somewhere helping someone because—as Dianne would attest—that’s just who he is.

Neighbor Aid is a perfect fit for David. The non-profit organization was founded in 1997 and now has the positive power of 20 churches working together. They provide necessary services and support to the Camrose area including food hampers, soup kitchens, emergency funds, breakfast for school children, and more. “I think the community relies on us a lot,” says David.

Through his ministry, David became aware of people’s struggles in the community and he wanted to help in as many ways as possible. “I believe that's how God made us…to help each other out, to work with each other, and be there for each other. I teach that and I think that I should live it too,” he says.

It’s not just about helping people it’s about empowering and supporting others so that they can stand on their own two feet says David: “Life is a community effort…Lone wolves don't make it. I've always been a person that likes to help other people because I don't like to see anybody in a bad position. I see the need that people have, and I just want to help them meet that need.”

And it all comes full circle—those who get through tough times with the help of their community are often inspired to give back. “We’ve had a few people that Neighbor Aid has helped, and they've got going, got on their feet, and they come back and help out. They offer to help us serve,” says David, “One of my goals now is to help younger people to have the same attitude, the same desire to help others and to serve in the community.”

It wouldn’t be surprising to see David on the side of the road next to someone’s broken-down car or buying a cup of coffee for a stranger who’s down on their luck. His beliefs, teachings, and actions are all rooted in gratitude and the genuine desire to do good. “I’ve been healthy all my life. I’ve never been in need for anything. And I appreciate that,” he says. Now that’s paying it forward.

Camrose Neighbor Aid:

https://www.neighboraid.ca

Camrose Church of Christ:

http://camrosechurchofchrist.org

Photo by Ron Pilger of The Camrose Booster

Vision Credit Union Purchases Wetaskiwin Encompass CU Branch

Mon, 13 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Encompass signs offer to purchase

Camrose, Alberta: The Board of Directors of Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union confirmed today that they have finalized the sale of the Wetaskiwin Encompass branch to Vision Credit Union. Kelly Longley, President and CEO of Encompass signed the offer to purchase on May 3. The signing of this contract follows a month of due diligence and public consultation to ensure the sale will benefit all stakeholders.

Over the coming months, Vision and Encompass will work together to transition Wetaskiwin Encompass members to Vision Credit Union. Vision will continue to reach out to members with information about the sale and to help educate them on the many benefits of membership with Vision Credit Union.

“The due diligence phase completed by both credit unions has proved that the sale of Wetaskiwin to Vision is in the best interest of the members and staff in that area. I would like to thank the board members and staff from both credit unions who have worked hard to get us to confidently make this decision,” said Doug Callaghan, Encompass Board Chair.

“Encompass and Vision worked together to make sure quality service will continue in the Wetaskiwin area. The Board and Executive of both organizations have found an innovative way to co-operate amongst cooperatives, keeping the cooperative principles at the forefront of this transaction,” said Kelly Longley, President and CEO of Encompass Credit Union.

Once the sale is completed, Encompass Credit Union will focus support on its 9,000 members and seven locations in East Central Alberta. Encompass’ head office is located in Wainwright, with 70 staff and approximately $500 million in assets.

“We’re delighted that the purchase of the Wetaskiwin branch has been finalized. We believe that this acquisition will benefit members of both credit unions,” said Alan Fielding, Vision Credit Union President.

Following the closure of this sale, Vision Credit Union will serve over 26,000 members at 17 branch locations, with more than 175 staff members and approximately $1.16 billion in assets. Vision Credit Union is the third largest credit union in Alberta.

“Given the proximity, Wetaskiwin is a natural fit for Vision. We’re looking forward to serving our neighbours there and to adding to the strength and vitality of Alberta’s credit union system,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union.

Members who have any questions or concerns are encouraged to call 1-833-VCU-TALK (1-833-828-8255) to speak with Vision Credit Union CEO Steve Friend, or visit our information site at www.whatsyourshare.ca/wetaskiwin

Media Contacts:

Paulette Robinson, Manager of Marketing & Communication
Vision Credit Union Ltd.
780-672-1175
probinson@visioncu.ca

Kelly Clemmer, Marketing Manager
Encompass Credit Union
780-842-1714
kelly.clemmer@encompasscu.ca

Five financial benefits of small town living

Thu, 09 May 2019 21:17:26 GMT

Small town, big savings

Away from the hustle and bustle of Alberta’s urban centres lies a different kind of place. A slower, tighter-knit community where friendly chatter between neighbours and well-grooved, familiar rhythms are the soundtrack of day-to-day life.

Life in a smaller community definitely has it advantages. In fact, a 2018 study of Canadian communities by researchers at McGill University in Montreal and the Vancouver School of Economics found that people living in non-urban communities were significantly happier than their city-dwelling counterparts.

The happiness of residents isn’t the the only edge that smaller towns have over cities. Typically, smaller communities offer a lower overall cost of living. Here are just a few of the ways life is cheaper outside the city.

Cheaper housing

Home buyers can stretch their dollars further buying a home in a smaller community versus a city. For example, in 2018, the average house price was $1.3 million in Greater Vancouver, $767,000 in Toronto and just over $478,000 in Calgary. In Wetaskiwin, the average price for a home in 2018 was about $258,000. In Peace Country, homes sold for about $299,000 last year.

Lower car insurance rates

Statistically, fewer drivers means fewer accidents. As a result, automobile insurance rates are generally higher for drivers in urban areas than for those in rural areas. Residents in less congested rural areas tend to benefit from lower premiums.

No fuel-guzzling gridlock commute

In smaller towns, the daily commute to work is typically a quick and painless trip. In Canadian cities, the average commute takes 26 minutes each way. That’s 4.33 hours of every week; a whopping 207 hours per year (depending on your holidays). A person can burn through a lot of fuel in that length of time on the road.

General services are cheaper

A lot of times in the big city – corporations with lots of overhead costs can “run the show” which can lead to higher costs all-around. In towns, there are typically more small and medium sized operations with lower overhead and more invested in keeping your business.

“The Joneses” tend not to live in smaller communities

Smaller communities tend to have less “small.” There are likely no four-diamond restaurants, designer clothing stores and high end art galleries to set the bar incredibly high. If you live down a gravel road, you’re probably not going to buy a Porsche. In other words, there’s less pressure to keep up with “the Joneses!”

Four simple ways to teach kids to save money

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 16:24:53 GMT

Help them prepare for their financial future now

Every April, the ABA Education Foundation sponsors ‘Teach Children to Save Day’ to highlight the importance of teaching young people about financial management. Financial experts say that we set children up for success when we teach them financial literacy skills.

 A year-long study showed members of Junior Achievement Canada’s financial literacy program were three times more likely to save more, borrow less and spend less than they earned.

Financial literacy is a learned skill, but it doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective for children. Here are four simple financial literacy techniques to help your kids prepare for their financial future:

1) Show them that a budget can be simple .

Many people grow up feeling intimidated about budgeting, so they never learn. You can make budgeting straightforward for children by using the four-jar budgeting technique.

One for short-term savings goals (30 percent of income)

One for long-term savings goals (30 percent of income)
One for spending (30 percent of income)
One for donating (10 percent of income)

If you give your child allowance or chore money, be sure to provide it in small denominations, so it’s easy for them to divide between their jars.

2) Illustrate their savings goals.

Break out the art supplies with your child to create an image of their savings goal. Having a visual reminder of their savings goal will help your child stay focussed on the prize.

3) Help them learn the differences between needs and wants.

Use examples they can relate to; look around the house and discuss your family's choices and the things that you could live without. This process will help them to make more informed spending decisions in the future.

4)  Set up a children’s savings account at a financial institution.

While the four-jar budgeting method is effective, it should work in conjunction with an actual savings account. Set a threshold for the amount in the long-term savings jar ($20, for example), and when your child reaches that threshold, make a big deal about depositing his/her savings in an account where that money will earn interest.

Vision receives Alberta Credit Union of the Year award

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:52:26 GMT

Receives top scores for community service and financial performance

We’re proud to announce that Vision Credit Union has received the 2018 Credit Union of the Year award. This honour, bestowed by our peers at the Credit Unions of Alberta, is based on financial performance, community support, innovation and business accomplishments.

Vision received top scores for all of the financial performance categories for our group, with the following key achievements tipping the scales in our favour:

Service innovations for members: Vision continually upgrades services to members. In 2018, we launched a fast, secure and free tool that lets members move recurring payments and direct deposits to a new account.
Community connections: Vision is a strong community builder year-round, supporting local families in need through initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity sponsorships and holiday food hamper deliveries. In 2018, Vision donated $100,000 to STARS Air Ambulance.
Financial performance: Vision has demonstrated strong financial progress. In 2018, Vision exceeded $1 billion in assets for the first time.

In addition to Credit Union of the Year award, Vision also received awards for growth. These include:

Best Loan and Deposit Growth (year over year) – Vision with 5.92%
Best Return on Assets (ROA) Growth (year over year) – Vision with 0.17%
Best Return on Assets ROA (three year average) – Vision with 1.56%

Vision is honored to be recognized for these achievements, and we’re proud to serve our members and the central and northern Alberta communities we call home.

Four vacation scammer red flags

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 16:11:49 GMT

Don't let travel fraud steal your sunshine

Ah… springtime. It’s the time of year when many Albertans’ thoughts turn to getting away from well… Alberta. After months of winter and a slow-to-show spring, many folks feel desperate for the sight of green grass and the feeling of sun on their shoulders.

All that yearning for sunshine can make a person prone to believe almost any offer that promises a warm vacation, even if that offer is a scam. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, scams centring on travel are a growing issue. The best way to protect yourself and your vacation savings? Recognize the tells of a vacation scammer.
Here are four types of holiday scams the fraudsters favour:

1. Free or discounted vacation scam

This variation involves fraudulent offers of free or discounted vacations using company names like Expedia, Air Canada, Transat, WestJet and others. The fraudster will call and say that you’ve won a destination vacation or that as a preferred customer, you’ve been awarded a credit or discount on a destination vacation if you book immediately. Once you proceed with the call, you’ll be asked for personal information to book the vacation and a credit card number to make a deposit/payment to guarantee the trip.

Warning signs to watch for:

An unknown caller tells you that you've won a contest that you didn't enter.
You receive a call saying that you've won a free vacation but have to provide a credit card number to cover taxes before receiving the vacation.
You ask for the caller's name and for a call back number and they won't provide one.

2. Ticket re-sell

In this scam, fraudsters post an ad selling a purchased vacation (airline tickets and accommodations) on websites like Kijiji and Craigslist. If you contact the “seller” and agree to purchase the package, the fraudster will urge you to pay in full before the tickets are transferred into your name. On the departure date, you arrive at the airport and learn that the tickets are fake.

Warning signs to watch for:

The seller refuses to meet in person and most communication is done via text or email.
The vacation is offered at a price that seems to good to be true.
The seller is in a big hurry to complete the transaction.

3. Points scams

This scam involves offers from fraudsters claiming to be from Air Miles or another points rewards company. You would receive an automated telephone call advising that you’ve won prizes worth thousands in reward points or that the caller has information on the status of your points account. You would then be asked to provide personal information, your collector account PIN and your credit card information. Once this information is provided, the fraudster then steals the cash or your reward points.

Warning signs to watch for:

An unknown caller tells you you've won a contest you didn't enter or wants to update your account.
You are asked to provide personal, credit card, or account related information over the phone.

4. Vacation rental scams

This scam involves fraudsters posting a destination property for rent online using common sites like Kijiji and Craigslist. Fraudsters list accommodations in desirable locations for far below the typical rental cost. When you call to enquire about the rental, the scammer will ask you to provide a deposit for the rental, typically via wire transfer. Once you arrive at the rental property, you’ll realize that the rental either doesn't exist, the condition has been misrepresented, or the property was never available for rent.

Warning signs to watch for:

The ad doesn't give the address of the rental.
The same property is listed several times with different contact people.
Payment is requested via wire transfer, money order, or cashier's cheque. Credit cards are not accepted.

Encompass CU to Explore Plans to Sell Assets of Wetaskiwin Branch

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The Board of Directors of Encompass Credit Union and Vision Credit Union confirmed today that they have entered into a formal Letter of Intent for Vision to purchase the Wetaskiwin branch from Encompass. The initial discussions included Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation to determine if this type of transaction between credit unions can occur. Once the credit unions understood what was required for the sale to take place, the Letter of Intent was signed on March 15, 2019.

The next phase will require both organizations to complete due diligence to ensure that the sale will benefit all stakeholders that will be impacted by the sale. In partnership between Vision and Encompass, town hall meetings will take place in the Wetaskiwin area for membership to learn more and ask questions. If due diligence is approved by both organizations, Vision would welcome the members, branch and staff of the Wetaskiwin branch into their operations no later than October 1, 2019.

“Encompass Wetaskiwin shares common ground with Vision, not just geographically, but in its understanding of the character and financial services needs of our collective region. We’re excited about the possibility of working with the Wetaskiwin team and about serving the membership and trade area,” said Alan Fielding, Vision Credit Union President. “Vision Credit Union is rooted in this part of Alberta and committed to providing financial services to the people who live here.”

If the transaction is approved, Vision Credit Union will serve over 26,000 members at 17 branch locations, with more than 175 staff members and approximately $1.16 billion in assets. Vision Credit Union is the third largest credit union in Alberta.

“Bringing Wetaskiwin into the Vision family will immediately create a stronger and more robust organization. Wetaskiwin would be Vision’s 5th largest branch, the closest outlying branch and will contribute to building strength for the benefit of members, communities and staff,” said Steve Friend, CEO of Vision Credit Union

“The board of Encompass voted unanimously in favor of exploring a sale of the Wetaskiwin branch to Vision. We feel that this will provide the membership and the staff in the Wetaskiwin area with greater access to support of a head office that is only 20 minutes away,” said Doug Callaghan, Encompass Board Chair.

“This is a great example of collaboration between credit unions that we can make a decision that is mutually beneficial to both organizations and its members. We feel that Vision will bring an enhanced level of support to the members, community and staff of the Wetaskiwin branch.” said Kelly Longley, President and CEO of Encompass Credit Union.

Members that have any questions or concerns are encouraged to call 1-833-VCU-TALK (1-833-828-8255) to speak with Vision Credit Union CEO Steve Friend, or visit our information site at www.whatsyourshare.ca/wetaskiwin

Media Contacts:

Paulette Robinson, Manager of Marketing & Communication
Vision Credit Union Ltd.
780-672-1175
probinson@visioncu.ca

Kelly Clemmer, Marketing Manager
Encompass Credit Union
780-842-1714
kelly.clemmer@encompasscu.ca

Vegreville Community Visionary: Jerrold Lemko

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 21:06:52 GMT

In support of sport

"No child should have to stand on the sidelines because they can't afford to play."

When Jerrold Lemko was a boy in Holden, Alberta, his dad stepped up to coach an enthusiastic group of young hockey players on a makeshift outdoor rink. The fact his dad had never learned to skate and had absolutely no experience playing hockey himself was of no concern.

“Back then, in a small town you’d always help out wherever you were needed,” says Lemko. No questions asked. Whether that was shovelling snow from the steps of the church, volunteering with the local fire department, participating in a community clean-up, or coaching sports. “You’d help out because that’s what makes a community grow and thrive.”

Over the years, Jerrold has contributed his time as a coach, a volunteer firefighter, a referee and board member. He has stepped up again and again to help his community thrive. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2015, he received a Governor General’s Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

The relationship between volunteerism and the vitality of a small town hasn’t changed much since Lemko’s Dad stepped onto the rink to coach, though people like Lemko now bring considerable experience and expertise to their volunteer roles.

After many years serving the local minor hockey league, Hockey Alberta, Hockey Canada, and Alberta Sport Connection with the Canada Winter and Summer Games, Lemko agreed to sit as Vice-Chair for KidSport Vegreville, the local branch of a national organization dedicated to removing financial barriers for young people wanting to participate in organized sport.

“No child should have to stand on the sidelines because they can’t afford to play,” says Lemko. KidSport Vegreville is focused on fundraising to make sure every child who wants to participate in any kind of organized sporting activity (e.g. baseball, hockey, soccer, martial arts, dance) has the opportunity to do so.

“Kids get so much value from being involved in sport,” says Lemko. The immediate, individual rewards of fresh air, exercise, goal setting, discipline and social bonding are just the beginning.

There’s subsequent and significant value in knowing you’re not alone.

“Kids who are involved in sport aren’t all about themselves,” says Lemko. “You can really see the long-term benefits to the community as well. They’re just more well rounded, more giving, more engaged. They grow up to be potential leaders in the community, volunteers in the community, part of the bigger picture – part of a team.”

“If you’re involved in sport, you know why,” says Lemko. No questions asked. The same might be said about volunteering — or supporting such a worthy cause.

KidSport Vegreville:

Website:

http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/vegreville/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/KidsportVegreville/

Five red flags that it might be fraud

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 23:56:49 GMT

When it comes to fraud, knowledge is your power

Each year, thousands of Canadians lose millions of dollars to fraudsters. It can happen to anyone and the impact can be devastating. When it comes to fraud, knowledge is your power. Here are 5 clues from the Competition Bureau Canada’s Little Black Book of Scams that the person you’re dealing with may be running a scam:

Wire transfer: Has a supplier requested payment via wire transfer service, like MoneyGram and Western Union, or with a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin? Many scammers favour these payments. Proceed with caution. Money sent through these services is like sending cash — once picked up, it’s almost impossible to get your money back.
Spelling/grammar mistakes: Is an email offer riddled with grammatical or spelling errors? Be wary. Examine the email and web address of the sender to ensure they really are who they say they are. Often there are subtle mistakes or differences in the web/email address that show if the sender is valid.
Personal information request: If someone asks for copies of your passport, driver’s licence and social insurance number, be very suspicious — especially if you don’t know the requestor. Fraudsters often ask for more personal or financial information than is required for the transaction or discussion.
Unsolicited calls: It may be a call from someone claiming that you owe taxes, have a computer virus or that your bank account has been hacked. Legitimate organizations seldom make direct calls like these. Hang up and call the organization yourself using a number from your files or from the company’s website.
It’s just too good to be true. As the old adage goes: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Astonishing deals, unbelievable discounts and unreal rates may signal that the offer isn’t quite what it seems. Cheap prices typically mean cheap products, or counterfeit goods.

Building a Better Tomorrow

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 22:33:00 GMT

Courtney Hughes | Community Visionary

“If I know that I’ve made a positive difference, then I feel good…It’s about making things a little better than what they were.”

Nature is endlessly humbling and inspiring. Gazing up at a mountain or down at an expansive river valley, reminds us that we’re a part of something bigger. Peace River’s Courtney Hughes not only feels that macro connection, but she also understands the responsibility that comes along with it.

During the day Courtney is a Conservation Social Scientist working full-time as the Biodiversity Specialist in Peace Region for the Government of Alberta. After hours? You’ll find her anywhere from Misery Mountain to Belize: organizing fundraisers, educating children, saving animals, lifting weights, breaking the laws of time and space—she does it all.

Helping and being involved come naturally to Courtney. “It’s just part of who I am. I strongly believe in service. Whether that’s for other people or furry friends and critters of the earth,” she says. She’s currently volunteering with five local organizations as well as supporting four international initiatives. Balance isn’t exactly her goal. “I think if there’s a need, I’m probably one of the first people to put my hand up…It can be challenging balancing—because there’s not really a balance. It’s just a matter of…what you’re going to put your energy into,” she says.

Time is something Courtney uses to her advantage. We all have the same 24 hours, but she knows how to maximize each moment. “When people say they don’t have the time, I think a better way to look at it is: how am I going to prioritize my time in doing things that I want to do? It’s about making the time for the things I think matter,” she says, “I feel like I have a more rich, full life because I do more.”

Her impressive mind and skill set allow Courtney to accomplish a lot—but it’s her heart that truly guides her. "I love the feeling I get when I help. If I know that I’ve made a positive difference, then I feel good. If I can see someone smile or…know that an animal’s not suffering, and that they’re healthy and cared for…Then that’s what it’s about. It’s about making things a little better than what they were,” she says.

When you consider Courtney’s personal and professional body of work, the idea of building a legacy comes to mind. She’s creating a brighter future, multiple endeavours at a time. “When it comes to animals, wildlife and conservation, or human welfare, I think it’s really important to be part of that. And that’s what I want to leave on this earth if I’m not here anymore,” she says.

Growing your tax return: Deductions for agriculture businesses

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 16:35:59 GMT

Deductions for agribusinesses

Farming can be a tough business. Fortunately, as a full-time Canadian farmer, you qualify for a number of tax deductions to help you maximize the earnings you keep. In addition to the usual tax breaks other businesses can claim, farmers can leverage unique agribusiness tax deductions that can have a significant impact on your return.

Here are some examples of the specific agribusiness deductions for farmers. Be sure to talk to your tax accountant or go to cra.gc.ca/farming for more details on these and other tax deductions.

Operations expenses: Generally, farmers can deduct any reasonable current expense incurred to earn farming income, including interest on loans, the cost of fertilizer, feed, veterinary fees, and materials to pack and ship goods. Other eligible expenses may include machinery rental, electricity, insurance, and motor vehicle expenses.

Income losses: If you had a farm loss for the year, you might be able to deduct up to the full amount of your loss. Full-time farmers can deduct income losses from their net income going back three years or carry forward up to 20 years. For example, if your farm ran a deficit two years ago, but has made a profit this year, you can deduct that loss from this year’s income on your tax return.

Livestock tax deferral: Owners of breeding livestock who are forced to sell all or part of their breeding herd due to drought or excess moisture and flood conditions, are eligible for a one-year tax deferral on a portion of the income from those sales. This helps eligible producers replenish breeding stock in the following year. In the case of consecutive years of drought or excess moisture and flood designation, producers may defer sales income to the first year in which the area is no longer designated. Eligible producers will be able to request this deferral when filing their income tax returns.

Capital Cost Allowance: This program replaces the eligible capital property (ECP) system. It provides an annual allowance to cover expenditures related to property that has no physical existence but provides a lasting economic benefit. Some examples include milk and egg quotas, franchises, concessions, or licenses for an unlimited period. The price you pay to buy this kind of property is an eligible capital expenditure.

Apprenticeship tax credit: If you employ an agricultural equipment technician or other qualified Red Seal trade apprentice, you likely qualify for the apprenticeship job creation tax credit. This non-refundable tax credit is equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices. The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice. Any unused credit may be carried back 3 years and carried forward 20 years.

The Winning Spirit

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 16:47:39 GMT

Carol Wideman | Community Visionary

"When every single athlete stood up on that field and clapped for them...you were just covered in goosebumps...It's about friendship."

Participating in sports teaches us a lot about life. Every home run, gutter ball, high-five, and skinned knee carries with it a lesson. We learn dedication, teamwork, confidence, friendship, and so much more. Carol Wideman knows the positive power of sports, she sees it come alive in Special Olympics athletes year after year. Carol herself is the perfect example of a team player. She knows that small moments have big impacts; that the winning spirit really lives in the experience rather than the outcome.

Carol and her husband coached softball for many years, from their three older daughters’ teams to the Special Olympics team of their youngest child, their son, Preston. That’s how Carol first got started with the organization. She’s now been volunteering with Special Olympics Camrose for about 16 years.

When the former Camrose Chairperson moved away, Carol took up the torch and ignited substantial growth. “It just seemed natural to step in,” she says, “We’ve grown it now to 14 programs. And we’ve gone from about 45-50 athletes to over 130. We have an incredible affiliate. We created that shortly after I took on Chair because there were just so many areas to fill. Any one person can’t do that [alone].”

Since becoming Chairperson, Carol’s won the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2018 Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. She says she accepts these honours on behalf of her team: the volunteers, the affiliate, and the athletes that make it all possible. “I always find awards difficult. There are so many winners here, there really are…to be singled out, it seems a little unfair to me because I think we’ve got so many that are very deserving,” she says.

Teamwork and friendship go hand-in-hand, something Carol’s had the joy of experiencing over the years. Once after coaching a softball game in St. Paul, Carol watched as a lower ranking team went to accept a sportsmanship award and the other athletes reacted with a standing ovation. “When every single athlete stood up on that field and clapped for them…you were just covered in goosebumps. And you saw how they were so closely knit, so closely bonded with one another…It’s about friendship,” she says.

The bonds Special Olympics Camrose are building extend into the community as a whole. “The Camrose community is not only just on board with Special Olympics, but they’re a part of it now. They’re embracing these athletes as their own,” Carol says, “They’re awesome athletes but they’re great people too.” Carol herself goes for coffee with an athlete at least once a week.

Carol is a dedicated volunteer but family always comes first. And it’s all coming full circle with her son Preston. He’s a Special Olympics athlete who also volunteers, assisting young athletes in the Active Start and FUNdamentals program. For Carol, it’s all about supporting those around you. “I believe we all have responsibilities on this earth…Your family and your community, absolutely,” she says.

Special Olympics Camrose:

https://www.specialolympics.ca/alberta/camrose

Tax season is coming: Look busy

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 18:35:16 GMT

Tips for organizing deductible expenses

Tax season is officially here and will soon be in full swing. The window for filing taxes opens up in late February, so the time to start tracking down receipts and documentation for tax deductible expenses is NOW. Experts say early preparation is key to getting the most from tax deductions. As the old saying goes – $1 saved is like $2 earned.

Throughout February, we’ll be providing financial tips on deductible expenses and tax credits to help you save as many of those dollars as possible.

EXPENSE #1: CHILDREN

According to the CRA, if you pay for childcare in order to go to work or school, you can likely claim those expenses on your tax return. Each year, for each child, you can claim up to: $8,000 for children under age seven, $5,000 for other eligible children aged seven to 16 and $11,000 for children who qualify for the disability tax credit.

Some of those deductible services include:

caregivers providing child care services;
day nursery schools and daycare centres;
fees for child care services offered through educational institutions;
day camps and day sports schools where the primary goal of the camp is to care for children (an institution offering a sports study program is not a sports school); or
boarding schools, overnight sports schools, or camps where lodging is involved.

Remember to keep all your receipts and other supporting documents so you have them in case the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) asks to see them.

RESP: Tax deduction or not?
It’s never too early to start saving for your child’s education, but there are no immediate tax deductions for RESP contributions. However, benefit programs such as the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada learning Bond offer incentives for saving for your child's post-secondary education through an RESP.

Fueled by Hope

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 17:05:25 GMT

Shirley Lyster | Community Visionary

“I feel that I’m accomplishing something. There’s got to be some good to come out of this.”

Shirley Lyster’s mission began in the wake of an unimaginable tragedy. In March 2017, her 20 year-old son Cam passed away, after being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis less than a year before. It was a shock that changed Shirley’s life.

Like most Canadians, Shirley and Cam weren’t aware of Crohn’s and Colitis, despite the fact that 1 in every 140 Canadians is diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)—the highest rate in the world. “Cam and I knew nothing about Colitis. We had no idea what it was about. And if it doesn’t affect you, you don’t know,” says Shirley.

Today, Shirley is determined to share her awareness of the risks of IBD. Her efforts are fueled by hope; the hope that sharing her son’s story and educating others in her community, and beyond, can open up conversations around a “silent” disease.

IBD is considered a “silent” disease because people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about bowel movements. Frequent bowel movements and extreme fatigue are prominent IBD symptoms. Shirley hopes that through education and awareness IBD will one day be taken seriously and openly talked about—but someone needs to start the conversation, she says. “It’s got to be brought to people’s attention. We had a little boy at school with muscular dystrophy and that’s not a common thing either. But through the work that him and his parents did, it educated our communities. And that’s what I think we need to do too…” she says.

Shirley has worked as an Educational Assistant in the Camrose area for over two decades. Last year, she gave a talk to local high school students about Crohn’s and Colitis. “I told them that they’re ambassadors now…They can support friends that may be diagnosed…or for them themselves, they’ll have a bit of a background in it. Perhaps if it shows up in them, having this information will get them diagnosed sooner,” she says.

Every opportunity Shirley gets to spread awareness, she takes it. “It’s funny because I’ve never been a public speaker. I’ve always tried to avoid it. But I don’t find myself nervous doing these things. I guess it’s because I feel strongly about it,” she says. She’s been working alongside the Edmonton chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada to participate in speaking engagements, do interviews, and fundraise for their annual Gutsy Walk.

Shirley refers to the chain of events since taking up the cause as a “snowball effect.” It’s growing and changing before her eyes, and she’s embracing every new opportunity with open arms. “I feel that I’m accomplishing something. There’s got to be some good to come out of this,” she says.

Learn More and Get Involved:

Shirley’s Gutsy Walk 2019 team page:

https://crohnsandcolitiscanada.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=17912&mid=9&pid=3849285

Remembering Cam Lyster:

http://crohnsandcolitis.ca/News-Events/News-Releases/Remembering-Cam-Lyster,-and-the-seriousness-of-inf

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada interview with Shirley:

https://youtu.be/bG9TBNCR_kg

A Bigger Sense of Purpose

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Rose Wesner | Community Visionary

“We give a lot of support to a lot of places...I think it means a lot to the community.”

Superfluity Thrift Store has been operating in Stettler, Alberta for 38 years. There’s something special behind that kind of staying power. It’s called community.

Superfluity might just embody the perfect small town business model: a bricks and mortar store with no hard costs for staff, inventory, marketing or distribution.

Community members drop off that which they no longer want or need. All in, about 100 volunteers commit countless hours to sort the goods and arrange them for resale. Customers from all walks of life come inside to shop. The used is reused.

And the money collected — six-figure earnings annually — is redistributed to support organizations and programs that underpin the community. Everybody wins.

Rose Wesner is one of Superfluity’s many committed volunteers. She started working in the store 11 years ago as a way to keep busy in her retirement. The busy, work of “making things neat and tidy” helped fill her time, but the bigger sense of purpose warmed her heart.

“My heart is with Superfluity and I just love it,” says Rose.

Five years into her volunteer career at the thrift store, Rose stepped up to serve as Board Treasurer, which brought extra responsibilities — and joy. The role includes helping to process requests, and distributing the proceeds to support multiple charitable organizations throughout town.

“It does feel really good, especially when you’re the Treasurer and you get to go hand out the cheques.”

Recipient organizations include local schools and their breakfast programs, the seniors lodges, Stettler Handibus, Stettler Child Care and what the Board fondly refers to as “the body parts,” meaning the Alberta branches of the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heart), the Canadian Diabetes Association (kidneys), the Canadian Liver Foundation (liver) and the Canadian Lung Association (lung).

“We give a lot of support to a lot of places,” says Rose. “I think it means a lot to the community.”

It clearly means a lot to Superfluity’s many volunteers as well. Inside the humble walls of the town’s thrift store they are a proud community within the community. “We all really enjoy what we’re doing and feel that it is worthy.”

Free / Almost Free Festive Fun

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 17:58:49 GMT

Budget-wise holiday activities in your area

With gifts, entertaining and other expenses, costs during the holiday season can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fill the next few weeks with festive fun and hardly spend a dime. Here are some of the budget-wise activities in Vision’s regions.

NORTHERN REGION

Cadotte Lake | Kids Cookie Decorating | Free

December 18

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Join Cadotte Lake Community Services for an afternoon of cookie decorating

Mamowintowin Hall

Cadotte Lake | Christmas Open House Tea | Free

December 20

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Join Cadotte Lake FCSS for a Christmas Open House Light snacks and refreshments will be served

Mamowintowin Hall

Grande Prairie

The Northern Spirit Light Show at Evergreen Park | $15 per vehicle/ $5 for wagon rides

December 7 – 24

6 pm – 10 pm

Christmas light displays, horse-drawn wagon rides and hot chocolate around the fire in Evergreen Park. Wagon rides run from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Grande Prairie

Ugly Sweater Skate Party | Free

December 22

1 pm – 2:45 pm

Bring your skates and wear your ugly festive sweaters to the Dave Barr Community Centre’s Annual Ugly Sweater Party. Enjoy family skating and an afternoon of holiday fun!

Dave Barr Community Centre

9535 Prairie Road

Grimshaw

Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Community | Free/nearly free

December 15

3:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Parade starts at 3:30 heading north to south on Main Street. Followed by the 3rd annual Christmas In the Community event at the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex and Grimshaw Shared Schools Facility. Event activities include the following: Turkey Bingo (3 cards for $2 per game), Community Supper ($5 per family), Free Skate in the Arena 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Bonfire with hot chocolate by the outdoor skating rink and other family activities.

4609 50 Street

Peace River

Peace Playland Christmas Party | $5/family for members - $10 for non-members

December 15

10 am – 3 pm

Games, snacks, crafts and photos with Santa at Peace River’s indoor children's play facility geared at kids aged 0-6.

9403-94th Avenue

Wembley

Holiday picture with Dino Santa! | $5 min donation

December 13 – 16

1 pm – 3 pm

Get your holiday picture with Dino Santa at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum

9301 112 Ave

Whitelaw

Old Fashioned Christmas Festival | Free

December 15

5 pm – 8 pm

Wagon rides, caroling, photos with Santa, hot dogs, cookies and hot chocolate

Whitelaw Community Hall

SOUTHERN REGION

Holden

The Paragon Theatre Presents “Guess Who's Coming to Christmas?” | Free

December 13-15

2 pm – 3:30 pm

Paragon Theatre

5019-50 Street

Stettler

Light the Night | By donation

December 14-15, 5 pm – 8 pm

December 20-24, 5 pm – 9 pm

Half a kilometer of light displays, plus hay rides and a bake sale

Stettler Museum

6502 – 44th Avenue

Stettler

Buffalo Lake Nature Club Christmas Bird Count and Pot Luck Dinner | Free

December 16

1 pm – 7 pm

Help the Buffalo Lake Nature Club conduct a bird count in the Stettler area then gather for a potluck dinner and Christmas get together. For information, contact Chris Pfeifle - 403-740-3636

St George's Anglican Church

4817-51 Street

Stettler

Skate with Santa | Free

December 22

11 am – 1 pm

Enjoy a festive skate with the big man, himself. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate

Stettler Recreation Centre

6202-44 Avenue

Tofield

Tofield Special Christmas Farmers' Market | Free

December 14

2 pm – 5:30 pm

More than 40 vendors and a visit from Santa.

Toefield Community Hall

Main Street, 5309-50 Street

Vegerville

Christmas Story Time | Free

December 19

2 pm

Bring the little ones and join us and a Special Guest at the Vegreville Centennial Library

for a Christmas themed Story Time.

Vegreville Centennial Library

4709-50 Street

Wetaskiwin

Grinch Movie Night | Free

December 15
11 am – 3 pm

Check out a Christmas movie classic at the Wetaskiwin Public Library. Free popcorn and treats. All ages event.

Wetaskiwin Public Library

5002 51 Avenue

We're in this Together

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 18:25:14 GMT

Esther McDonald | Community Visionary

“Community makes my job easy...We can do the great and important things that we do because of the community’s willingness to embrace our organization and the people that we serve.”

In 1962, a group of rural Alberta parents were frustrated by the rules of a school system that precluded children with disabilities from receiving a formal education. They recognized a need, combined their energy and resources, and took action to make life better for everyone involved. Today the organization they founded, now called the Camrose Association for Community Living, continues to do great work in east central Alberta.

“Our programs have changed over the years based on need,” says CEO, Esther McDonald. She’s worked for the organization in different capacities for nearly 35 years. “We have evolved and expanded to help people with varying disabilities and individuals with acquired brain injury. We also work a lot with families at risk, providing one-on-one support as needed.”

What hasn’t changed over the years is the fundamental principle behind everything they do. “It’s very much around community inclusion,” says McDonald. “Our vision as an organization is that each person is an accepted and participating community member.”

Their latest project embodies the spirit of inclusion like no other. A partnership with The University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus, the SingAble choir represents an opportunity for individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to come together to explore and develop their musical talents.

“As an inclusive choir, it is open to absolutely anybody in the community, with the idea that people with disabilities can attend and express themselves through song,” says McDonald. Even those without a voice are able to actively participate. “Percussion instruments are provided for those who are non-verbal.”

Public interest in the choir sings its praises. More than 100 people came out to participate in the first session in October.

“Community makes my job easy,” said McDonald. “We can do the great and important things that we do because of the community’s willingness to embrace our organization and the people that we serve.”

All in the Family

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 19:08:22 GMT

Ashley Bodnarchuck | Community Visionary

"It all starts with just one hour a week. I laugh at that. Who doesn't have one hour a week?"

There are people who seem to have a gift for circumventing linear time. They somehow manage to keep it all together despite spreading endless good will in multiple directions. What’s their secret?

“No matter how busy our lives may be, we can all find time and invest the effort in the things we believe to be important.” These words are flush with meaning for Ashley Bodnarchuck of Vegreville. As a wife, mother of four children under 10, active community volunteer, and full-time accountant, priority setting is relatively straightforward. It’s about defining what’s important, and family comes first, always.

Except Ashley’s definition of family goes far beyond her already large familial pod: “Family is people that help you grow. It’s people that want you to succeed. It can be a very big group, like people in the office or in the larger community. It’s your support system and everyone in it.”

Twelve years ago, before she was married and had children of her own, Ashley committed an hour a week to an endearing little boy in grade one through Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Vegreville. Ashley and Jesse clicked instantly. Hours rolled into years. The bond they struck evolved along with her mentorship and supporting role. Board games gave way to Slurpee runs, cheering together at Junior B hockey games and eventually, a cheering squad of his own as Jesse got involved in sports. “He’s definitely part of the family,” says Ashley. “He always will be. Absolutely.”

This coming June, Jesse’s “Big Sister” will be there to watch him graduate from high school. She couldn’t be more proud of the man he’s become. “To see him now as a confident, caring person, applying to post-secondary institutions, pursuing sports…beating all the odds… He’s got such a big family in the community. He’s going to live a great life.”

And that is the reward for Ashley’s long-term investment of time and energy and caring over the years. “When you get involved in these volunteer initiatives, you see what’s important in life and how helping others is so crucial to your own intrinsic growth,” says Ashley.

“It all starts with just one hour a week. I laugh at that. Who doesn’t have one hour a week?”

Shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 17:31:20 GMT

Four finance-savvy tips for clarity in the chaos

If you haven’t been hiding from civilization, you probably know about the big holiday shopping discount days today and Monday. Black Friday (retail sales) and Cyber Monday (online sales) occur each year on the Friday and Monday bookending American Thanksgiving, kicking off the holiday shopping season.

In Canada, retailers and shoppers have embraced this US phenomenon. In a recent survey by IPG Media, more than half of all Canadians—or 19.3 million people—said they planned to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, and 1.2 million said they would call in sick to work to partake in deal hunting.

While rural communities offer fewer bricks-and-mortar shopping venues for Black Friday deals, statistics show rural residents are more likely to travel to nearby urban centres for bargain shopping and are just as likely as urban dwellers to dive into Cyber Monday sales. And why not? Who doesn’t like a good bargain, especially with the holidays around the corner?

The danger with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, according to financial advisors, is that the bargains, the crowds, the ads, and the one-day time frame all create a sense of urgency around shopping. This makes it easy to overspend and can lead to a nasty financial punch in January. Here are four financial tricks that let you take advantage of the deep discounts without submarining your financial goals:

Tip #1:
Breathe before you buy. If you’ve found a deal you think you can’t refuse, pause for a moment before heading to the checkout. Take a few deep breaths and consider the purchase. Ask yourself: Do you need it? Were you planning to buy it anyway? Are you actually saving money on this?

Tip #2:
Plan what you’re going to buy before you get there. Make a list of who you’re buying for and what you’re planning to buy.

Tip #3:
Make sure that deal is really a deal. Once you have a sense of what you’re buying, comparison-shop online before you start or while you’re shopping.

Tip #4:
Leave your credit card at home. Set a Black Friday budget for yourself and withdraw that much cash before heading to the stores. Once the cash is done, so is your shopping trip. Cash won’t help on Cyber Monday, of course. While you’re shopping online, jot down your max budget, then subtract the cost of each purchase from that budget amount.

Proudly Local Business: Falher's Healing Reins

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 16:59:38 GMT

Nancy Carter is helping to heal hearts and minds through horses

“I love what I do and how it helps people. It’s one of those things that you can try to explain, but you don’t really get it until you experience it.”

Horses respond to the presence of humans with unbridled honesty. These majestic beasts instinctively mirror our emotions, responding in kind to our strengths and our weaknesses. They instantly pick up on feelings like trust, trepidation, anger, anxiety and self-doubt, and project these back in their behaviour towards us.

Horses can teach us a lot about ourselves if we know how to read them. Nancy Carter has an uncanny ability to read horses. She combines this knowledge with true compassion and a genuine will to help others.

Trained and practised in the principles of Equine Assisted Learning, Nancy founded Healing Reins in Falher, Alberta, just about six years ago. “I grew up with horses so this became a natural thing for me to do,” says Nancy. Her clients range in age from six and up. Their specific needs are equally diverse.

“Oh, my goodness. I have clients with Downs Syndrome, Asperger’s, Cerebral Palsy, selected mutism, difficulty with anger management, low self-esteem, social anxiety, relationship struggles....”

Website:

https://healingreins.webs.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/HealingReins.EAL/

Financial management tips for farmers

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 22:20:42 GMT

Five key elements of a cash flow statement

Let’s face it, most folks don’t go into farming because they want to manage the books. But as most farmers know, capable financial management is critical to running a successful agricultural business.

Farm financials can include complex income projections and more, but it’s straight-up record keeping that forms the foundation of good fiscal management. A key part of record keeping is a basic cash flow statement that will tell you how much money is coming in and going out — and where it is going to or coming from. Here are five things to include in your farm’s cash flow statement:

What you bought and sold
Capital purchases are things you spend money on for the business to improve your long-term assets. These can include: land, breeding livestock, buildings, machinery and equipment and titled vehicles for farm use. Capital sales would be any sales of these long-term assets. These should be tracked on an annual basis.
Money in (from the business)
This category includes your business’ immediate sales for the year, such as market livestock, crops and product sales. Keep a record of what you sell, how much you sell, and how much you sell each item for. Other farm income can include custom work, government and insurance payments, property insurance payments and other miscellaneous income.
Money out (for the business)
With agricultural businesses, there’s no shortage of expenses to track. By having a clear sense of where your money is going can help you cut unnecessary costs. Expenses can include seed, fertilizer, insurance, storage, hauling and trucking, marketing, livestock feed, veterinary expenses, livestock supplies and bedding, contract workers (foot trimmers, grain haulers, custom raising). Operating expenses can include loan interest, fuel and oil, repairs (machinery, buildings, fences, etc.), hired labor and payroll, land and building rent, machinery leases, utilities and taxes.
Personal income and expenses
If you’re an owner operator of an agricultural business, it’s easy to blur the lines between home and business. Know your family's living expenses and identify the income you need to draw from the business in order to cover those expenses. Record inheritances or cash gifts.
What’s in your inventory
Managing inventory can help you to managing expenses. Keep records of breeding stock, feed and seed supplies and grain stored so that you know what you need and what you have on hand

Source s :

1.  Ohio Farm Business Analysis and Benchmarking Program, Ohio State University

2. “Module 5: Preparing Cash Flow Statements,” Comprehensive Guide to Farm Financial Management, Saskatchewan Government.

When plastic is prudent: Four smart credit card purchases

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:30:41 GMT

Four purchases that are wise to make with a credit card

As the Bank of Canada interest rate continues on its trend of modest increases, financial analysts are raising alarms about growing levels of debt nationally. Credit cards, with their higher rates of interest and easy availability, are a source of one of the most alarming growth areas for consumer debt, say analysts.

But not all credit card use is imprudent, of course. There are benefits to paying with credit if you use your cards wisely. Depending on what you’re buying, using a credit card can earn you special discounts, rewards or added protection for your purchases.

Here are just a few purchases that you may be better off making with plastic.

1. Online Shopping

Online shopping is convenient — particularly in rural areas where there are fewer bricks-and-mortar stores — but it also comes with risks. Credit cards can help with this. Credit card issuers typically offer some type of fraud or identity theft protection if your information is stolen. When shopping online, paying with a credit card is one of the safest ways to go.

2. Travel Plans

When it comes to booking a flight, making hotel reservations or reserving a rental car, credit cards offer a number of advantages. Many card issuers provide perks like travel insurance, trip cancellation service, emergency services, medical assistance and rental car insurance at no additional charge.

If your credit card offers benefits like cash back and travel rewards, you could also be earning points towards your next vacation by paying for the one you’re currently taking!

3. Tax-Deductible Expenses

Tax deductible expenses can provide a nice break on your annual return, but keeping track of records for the CRA can be a major time burglar. Using a credit card to pay for deductible expenses such as business expenses, charitable donations, health care expenses, childcare expenses and qualified education expenses, can be a helpful method of record keeping. Be sure you hold on to your statements each month so you’ll have the records you need at tax time.

4. Major household purchases

Got your eye on a new stainless-steel fridge with all the bells and whistles? Is time to update your furniture-sized TV with the rabbit ears? Then paying by credit card can be a smart choice. Many credit card issuers now offer complimentary extended warranty programs for your purchases. Programs vary in terms of coverage and length, but generally, they can be used to repair or replace an item if it’s damaged. Some credit card companies even offer purchase protection, which covers loss and theft, and price matching for the things you buy.

Knowing what you should or shouldn’t buy with credit cards can help you get the most out of your card in the long run. But if you’re spending money you don’t have on credit, the cost almost always outweighs the rewards.

Saving for your Child's Education: Federal grants for RESPs

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 17:16:58 GMT

Learn more about federal grants for RESPs

Post-secondary education is a goal most parents have for their children. But the rising cost of college or university has many parents concerned about their ability to afford their child’s education plans. Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) can be an effective way to save because they offer tax benefits and allow you to take advantage of federal government grants.

In Canada, the federal government offers two grant programs that can help you grow your child’s RESP:

Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)

Available to: All parents

Lifetime limit, per child: $7200

Each year, the CESG provides 20% of the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) contributions of up to $2,500. That means the CESG can add a maximum of $500 to an RESP each year.

Children from middle- and low-income families might be eligible to get the Additional amount of CESG. If eligible, that means an extra 10% or 20% is added to the first $500 contributed to an RESP each year.

The Additional amount of CESG may be:

up to $100 if the 2021 adjusted income is $49,020 or less ($500 x 20% = $100)
up to $50 if the 2021 adjusted income is greater than $49,020 and up to $98,040 ($500 x 10% = $50)

The maximum amount of CESG, including the Additional amount, a child can get is $7,200.

Example: A child named as the beneficiary in an RESP, who is born in 2014 and from a family with an adjusted income of $32,000, could be eligible to get the CESG, plus an additional amount of CESG of 20%.

Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

Available to: The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is money that the Government adds to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for children from low-income families. A child is eligible for the CLB if they are from a low-income family , are born on or after January 1, 2004, are a resident of Canada, have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and are named in an RESP.

Lifetime limit, per child: $2000

Eligibility for the CLB is based on the number of qualified children in the family, and adjusted income of the primary caregiver , including the income of a cohabiting spouse or common-law partner .

Learn more about opening an RESP. Contact a member specialist at Vision today.

Inviting generousity

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:56:48 GMT

Ralph Sorenson | Community Visionary

It’s been said that we don’t find happiness through what we get; we find it through what we give. That’s certainly been Ralph Sorenson’s experience.

For 22 years, Killam’s Sorenson has been inviting people to participate in an annual charity auction that he organizes. Each year, citizens and businesses from across Flagstaff County respond to his call for donations to be sold or auctioned off. Others jump at the invitation to out-bid their neighbours and go home with a prize.

The biggest winners may appear to be the 20 or so charities that share in the proceeds, but this kind of thing nurtures community spirit, and that benefits everyone.

Like most homegrown initiatives, it started out small in 1996. “My wife Jean and I thought we would have a garage sale at our place and give all the money raised to charity,” says Ralph. They placed an ad in the paper that caught people’s attention, and donations of goods and money flowed in. That first sale made $900. “It was a great success and we were urged to do it again.”

“My wife Jean and I thought we would have a garage sale at our place and give all the money raised to charity.”

The next year, Ralph started asking area businesses to donate new goods for auction. He created an opportunity for business owners to give back to the community. They kindly obliged, and have continued to do so year after year.

“I collect from 200 businesses in about 14–15 towns,” says Ralph. “I never specify what they should be giving. I just say if they want to throw in something, we would appreciate it.”

This open arms approach invites plenty of variety — and surprises, on auction day. Men’s clothing, tools, litres of oil, cases of herbicide, collectable toys, birdhouses, household fixtures, tie downs, lounge chairs… The list reads like a department store catalogue and takes a team of three auctioneers about three hours to get through on auction day.

By all accounts it’s impressive. This year alone local charities split about $17,000 between them. “Every year the total has gone up,” says Ralph. “This was our best year.”

It may also have been the last.

“I’m starting to feel my age,” says Ralph, who will turn 92 on his next birthday. “I’ve been here my whole life. The community has been good to us and I enjoyed giving something back.”

He’s given back in spades… and countless hours, groceries, cake pans, truck tires, ice skates, picture frames…

Giving the time of her life

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:23:40 GMT

Doris Doyle | Community Visionary

Having fun pays off.

Ask anyone who’s really, really good at something how they do it and they’ll almost always say they don’t exactly know. They just started doing it because they thought it might be fun. Then, well, one thing led to another.

Thirty-five years ago, Doris Doyle of Falher, Alberta found her joie de vivre in fundraising. Having agreed to help raise money for charity work in Zaire, Africa, Doyle organized local children to perform in a music recital of sorts, and then invited their families to attend — with cash in hand.
The community came out in droves. They paid without complaint. It was fun and by all accounts a resounding success. So Doris did it again the next year, and the next, and the year after that.

Five years in, feeling encouraged, Doris was ready to ramp things up and localize the benefits. “Now I’m going to help my own,” she decided. “And I’m going to change it to galas!”

And so every year for the next 23 (through 2012), Doris, with the help of her committee of five like-minded women, would plan, recruit, organize, promote, stage and sell out a gala event that promised to be bigger than the last.

“Every year it would get fancier and more beautiful,” says Doris. “The meals were unbelievable, and the music!…the music was always local people. I think that’s why it attracted so many.”

How many? The grandest of all galas had upwards of 700 guests complete with a sit-down dinner. “I can’t even explain to you what it was like,” says Doris. Just talking about it makes her vibrate. There’s pure joy at knowing the scope of her contribution to the community, at helping others and remembering the fun in it.

“I know I gave hundreds of thousands of dollars, but never kept track. I was so happy to give it away. It was just plain fulfilling!”

It would seem that’s the real bottom line here. Getting people excited about something. Giving them a chance to give of themselves for a good cause. Celebrating the community’s talents and good fortune. Strengthening the community.

“I have to say I’m selfish,” said Doris. “I knew it was going to help somebody, of course — but I did it because I loved it. It was the best time of my life!”

Vision Credit Union

Vision Credit Union Announces 2025/26 Helping Hand Grant Recipients

44 rural community organizations receive grants totalling more than $250,000 to support capital projects across Alberta

Proudly Local Business: Paw.PET.ual Friends in Falher

A pet supply shop buzzing with care and community connections

"We've always had animals in our lives and we do our best to make sure they get the best."

Friendly Faces of Vision: Ariel Haubrich

Celebrating leadership, community and courage in Wainwright, Alberta

"I’m so grateful to those who’ve gone before and ahead that have given women the trust and opportunity to continue the amazing work we do."

Wainwright has shaped much of your journey. How has growing up and building your life here influenced the leader you are today?

You serve as a counsellor, business owner, Town Councillor and Vision board member. What connects all these roles for you?

What drew you to serve on the Vision board and what does the credit union difference mean to you?

As a woman in leadership in rural Alberta, what has your journey meant to you?

This International Women’s Day, what message would you share with women and girls growing up in rural communities?

Ariel is the proud owner of a yoga studio in Wainwright, The Welcome Mat . She also runs her own psychology private practice and consulting company in town.

Friendly Faces of Vision: Luisa Davidse

Camrose, Alberta

"I love the people I work with and I love my members. That's what keeps me going every day."

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Vision.

Tell us about your current role at Vision.

What's your favourite part about working at a rural credit union?

What do you enjoy about the Camrose area?

Visit Luisa and the team at the Camrose West End branch:

Proudly Local Business: Bear Butchering near Pincher Creek

Carving out space for community connection ﻿

"I knew that this business would complement our lifestyle and provide what we need as a family. We started out with that in mind."

"One of our biggest enjoyments is the relationships we have with our customers and seeing them happy with the service we're providing."

Cyber Insights: Cyber Security Awareness Month

A Q&A with Vision Senior IT Manager, Darin Winder

Why is cyber security so important for Vision and its members?

What steps does Vision take to protect the personal and financial information of its members?

What are some common cyber threats that Vision members should be aware of?

How might cybercriminals target rural communities differently compared to urban ones?

How can members protect themselves from online scams or phishing attempts?

Are there any common mistakes that members might make when it comes to cyber security?

Are there specific warning signs or red flags that members should watch for when receiving emails, texts or phone calls claiming to be Vision Credit Union?

Friendly Faces of Vision: Austyn Fowler

Viking, Alberta

“Everybody who walks through the door here, we all know by their first name. You don’t get that anywhere else. We’re kind of like a little family here.”

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Vision.

Tell us about your current role at Vision.

What's your favourite part about working at a rural credit union?

What do you enjoy about the Viking area?

Visit Austyn and the team at the Viking branch:

Stories of Alberta: Wainwright Memorial Clock Tower

Celebrating 100 years as Wainwright's most notable structure

Photos are generously supplied by the Town of Wainwright and the Wainwright and District Museum.

Learn more about the September 13, 2025 Centennial Clock Celebration at wainwright.ca

Community Events: Alberta Culture Days 2025

Events happening in Vision communities during Alberta Culture Days

Peace River

Peace Among All Peoples

Pincher Creek

PIIKANIKOAN: Living Under a Blackfoot Sky - A Modern Winter Count

Cultural Food Market

Metis History Through Music and Dance a free community workshop with Juno nominated Metis Fiddler Brianna Lizotte and percussionist Ethan Graves

Stettler

First Nations/Indigenous Feature Celebration

Two Hills

Alberta Culture Days 2025

Vegreville

World's Largest Egg-and-Spoon Race

Wetaskiwin

Summer Send Off - Alberta Days Hoop Dancing

Community Visionaries: The Kinette Club of Stettler

Flamingos, fun and 70 years of community spirit

"It's really hard to miss a yard full of pink flamingos!"

Proudly Local Business: 1908 Barbecue in Wainwright

Spicing up life in Wainwright and beyond

“Some pals and I got together... The three of us developed a spice blend and after a while, we started selling it in a few other stores in Alberta and it kind of just took off from there."

“As a local business owner, you know everybody, and you can depend on your community to help you when you need it. And I offer the same thing back."

Vision Credit Union partners with CU Dealer Finance Corporation

For release July 28, 2025

Community Visionaries: The MAN VAN®

Bringing men's health to the streets of Alberta

Stop by The MAN VAN® at the 2025 Wainwright Stampede Grounds on Saturday, June 21, from 11 am – 3 pm for a clinic sponsored by Vision Credit Union, Wainwright Stampede and Wainwright Rotary Club.

The mortgage renewal wave: What Albertans need to know in 2025

More than 1.2 million Canadians are renewing their mortgages in 2025. But what does that mean for you?

Understanding the renewal process

Higher rates? Don't panic

Carving out space for community connection