November 7, 2018 –
Students in a number of health-care disciplines visit Smoky River region to take part in skills training weekend
The Smoky River Region played host to 24 students studying in a variety of health-care professions who came to the region to participate in Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) ‘Health Professions Skills Weekend’ event.
The students from University of Alberta Foculté St. Jean in Edmonton, the University of Calgary and one Smoky River resident studying nursing at Grande Prairie Community College were in the region from October 26 to October 28.
The Rural Health Professions Action Plan of University of Alberta – Foculté St. Jean, the Smoky River Regional Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (SRRPR&R) and Alberta Health Services, sponsored the weekend event.
Along with the medical skills training at McLennan Medical Centre, the bilingual Francophone students also participated in a variety of activities.
November 14, 2018 –
Turkey and tourtiere dinner in Guy
There was an atmosphere of anticipation during the evening of November 4, as approximately 200 people sat down for dinner in the Guy Community Centre.
It was the St. Guy Parish’s annual turkey and tourtiere dinner, courtesy of the efforts of 25 volunteers, who spent two days preparing the meal and the hall.
President Robert Maisonneuve welcomed everyone and offered grace prior to the meal.
He appreciates the support of all who helped with the meal and those who attended.
“It’s our big fundraiser,” says Maisonneuve. “We get a lot of people who come year after year. We get lots of support.”
The meal was $15 per person. There was also a 50/50 fundraiser and a bingo for prizes.
All proceeds will go towards the maintenance of the St. Guy Parish.
November 21, 2018 –
The soldier above all others prays for peace
Remembrance Day 2018, was a day of special significance and poignancy as it marked the centenary of the end of the First World War.
While the commemoration ceremony at the McLennan Elks Hall unfolded with the usual formalities and solemnity, remembering all veterans who fought in all conflicts, there was also, of course, a special thought for those who fought and those who lost their lives in the so-called “war to end all wars.”
Brian Whelen, former signals operator with Canadian Forces was the first guest speaker. He spoke about how Canadian soldiers, made up of citizens and new immigrants eventually became one of the most formidable forces on the Western Front and in the process helped forge Canada’s national identity in the trenches of Europe.
Francis Lessard, spoke next, making a special mention of the G.P. Vanier “No Stone Left Alone,” event and elaborated on the itinerary of the Battlefields Tour in Europe happening this spring.
Speaking of an earlier school trip to visit war memorials, battle sites and cemeteries of Canadian soldiers in Europe, Lessard talked about how many of the students put poppies on the tomb of the unknown soldier and when he asked why they did that he was surprised by the answer he received.
“Probably no one ever comes to visit him or her, was their answer,” says Lessard, “I was very moved about that and the recent ”No stone left alone,” reminded me of that.”
November 28, 2018 –
Celebrating 90 years of the Paroisse Notre-Dame de Lourdes
The Paroisse Notre-Dame de Lourdes in Girouxville was the scene of a special service during the afternoon of November 18.
Hundreds of people attended the church’s 90th anniversary celebration, with Mgsr. Charles Lavoie, Deacon Reg Bouchard and Father Christian Ogbanna leading the spiritual event. It was held in both French and English.
Two families, the Sylvains and the Blanchettes, made the offering of food, symbolic of giving thanks to God for a bountiful harvest.
The spiritual leaders also held communion with guests. Later, Bobby Brochu and Jessie Sylvain read several verses of scripture.