The long lingering autumn of 2023 is finally over. Significant snowfall and lower temperatures across the Lakeland over the weekend have brought a sense of normalcy and a bit of relief to the region. The lack of snow cover had raised concerns of a serious moisture deficit, with potentially disastrous consequences for farms and forests. […]
I had the great pleasure of meeting with Lynn Varughese over coffee last week. Lynn had nominated her late husband Tom for the Cold Lake Hall of Fame. Tom will be inducted into the Hall January 13, along with landscape artist René Richard. Tom is nominated in the Builder category. He could as easily have […]
Cold Lake Library presents explorer John Dunn Many of us have travelled the length of the Trans-Canada Highway. Some start in BC and go east, some start in Newfoundland and travel west. In either direction it’s a terrific drive. John Dunn has seen this country too, but he goes where the highways won’t take you. […]
There’s a special warmth that comes with a big supper at the community hall. The Ardmore Community Society put on its annual Christmas dinner Sunday, and the place was packed. Volunteers cooked and served meals for approximately 250 people. The hall was decorated for the occasion, including a chair of honour for Santa Claus to […]
The City of Cold Lake will induct two new members to its Hall of Fame on January 13. Tom Varughese (1950 – 2017), whose love of soccer inspired players, coaches, and children for years, will be inducted in the Builder category. Besides his passion for the sport, Varughese was a beloved educator. René Richard (1895 […]
You won’t recognize the Clancy Richard Arena if you visit between January 24 and 28. The arena, home of the St. Paul Canadiens and host to all levels of local hockey, will be transformed into a championship curling venue for the 2024 Sentinel Storage Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the provincial women’s curling championship. “The […]
When Sparkle in the Park first opened up last year, a lot of people didn’t really know what it was. Then word got out. Sparkle in the Park is a community celebration along the roadways and campsites of the M.D. of Bonnyville’s Cold Lake campground. Local businesses and nonprofits reserve a spot and create glittering […]
It’s one thing to present an ambitious project like The Nutcracker. It’s even more challenging to keep it fresh and new for a decade. The St. Paul and District Arts Foundation knows the challenges, and has risen to meet them for 10 years with their production of the beloved Christmas ballet. The Nutcracker offered three […]
Quirky places make interesting destinations. The homogenization of the world can make for dispiriting travel. One destination starts to look exactly like another, and global brands, identical shops, and “authentic pedestrian zones” litter the world’s branded destinations. However, there are still plenty of places where you can escape this monotony, and the island of Cyprus […]
“It’s so great to be back.” Lynn Smid, director of the St. Paul Regional FCSS, was obviously pleased with the huge turnout at the Santa’s Seniors Festival in St. Paul November 15—the first in four years. Approximately 225 seniors attended the revived annual festival, which offered pertinent information as well as games, gifts, and entertainment. […]