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To the unsung community heroes

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 01:01:55 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
As 2025 unfolds, it enters a tranquil phase marked by a brief lull in community
programs and activities, providing a moment for reflection and respite after the bustling
holiday season. With the joyous celebrations of Christmas and New Year’s now behind,
communities experience a welcomed pause, allowing individuals to catch their breath
before the flurry of events begins anew.
This quiet period offers an opportunity to contemplate the many successes of the
past year—events that brought people together, fostered connections, and enriched
lives. These cherished moments were made possible through the tireless dedication
and countless hours volunteered by members of the community. Whether a local
festival, charity drive, or community service project, they all rely heavily on the
generosity of those who offer their time and talents without any expectation of
compensation.
Volunteerism serves as the backbone of every successful community. It ensures
that the wheels of various organizations turn smoothly, thanks to the selfless
commitment of individuals who invest their efforts. This enthusiastic participation not
only enriches the community but also provides a unique sense of fulfillment for the
volunteers themselves. Engaging in acts of kindness and service can significantly
enhance one’s mental well-being, creating a fulfilling bond between the act of giving and
personal happiness.
The impact of volunteering extends far beyond the immediate benefits it brings; it
cultivates a spirit of positivity and interconnection that permeates the community. The
tireless efforts of volunteers do not go unnoticed, organizations and not-for-profits
consistently express immense gratitude for the indispensable contributions of their
volunteers. Each event carried out, each new endeavor launched, collectively
celebrates the dedication of all those involved, acknowledging the unsung heroes who
work behind the scenes and on the front lines.
Volunteers shine brightly with the joy that comes from knowing they play a vital
role in nurturing a rich, thriving community. Their contributions serve as a testament to
the incredible power of human kindness, illustrating that, together, they are capable of
creating positive change. In every sense, volunteers are indeed the heroes of
communities, deserving of admiration and heartfelt thanks for their unwavering
commitment to service.

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Soup’s on

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 01:00:14 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
What began as a creative fundraising idea in the fall of 2024 is set to start up
again, commencing on January 27. Spearheaded by the Thorhild Lions Club, they
began a luncheon program last fall that offers more community involvement
and opportunities and will share its fundraising profits with the Thorhild Drop-In Centre.
The monthly lunches will take place on the last Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to
1 p.m.
For the modest fee of $8 per person, everyone can enjoy a plentiful serving of
delicious, homemade soup—a selection that rotates to include a variety of flavors
crafted to comfort and satisfy. Complementing the main dish will feature a bread and
always a delectable dessert, hand-made and donated by skilled local volunteers willing
to share their baking talents, ensuring there’s something sweet for everyone to indulge
in. These lunches are not only about the food; they present an opportunity for residents
to come together, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
As the winter season progresses, this lunch program is a refreshing antidote to
the frost, inviting community members to step out, reconnect, and enjoy the soul deep
kind of warmth that one can only get with a hearty bowl of home-made soup. The
luncheon fundraiser runs from October through April, carefully timed to meet community
needs.
Additionally, there will be options for take-out meals, allowing those who can’t
stay to still partake in the comforts of home-cooked food. Guests will also have the
chance to purchase any leftover meals at the end of service, ensuring that no delicious
soup goes to waste.
For large groups planning to stop by the Drop-In Centre for lunch, kindly contact
one of the Thorhild Lions Club members ahead of time. This will help them adequately
prepare and ensure they have ample supplies to accommodate everyone’s needs. Each
meal not only represents a home-cooked, prairie-style culinary experience but also
embodies the spirit of generosity and community support.
On January 27, a stop by the Thorhild Drop-In Centre is not just to relish the
warming flavors of soup but share the joy of community connection that, hopefully,
brings a little extra warmth and happiness to the local area!

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Grab a book!

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:58:51 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
It is time to head to the local library and grab a stack of books. January 2 marked
the launch of the Northern Lights Library System’s Winter Reading Program, aptly
named “Midwinter Mysteries – Read Beneath the Surface.” This theme encourages
library patrons to dive in and lose themselves within the pages of literature. Each library
is a vault of adventure and mystery, a journey into the unknown, a chance to learn
something new. Individuals and families alike can immerse themselves in books, letting
their imaginations run wild as they explore the myriads of stories waiting to be
discovered.
This year’s theme emphasizes the adventure and intrigue that reading provides,
transporting readers on journeys to far-off places and into the depths of complex
narratives. Each library within the Northern Lights Library System serves as a treasure
trove of knowledge and excitement—a gateway into realms of mystery and adventure,
offering patrons the chance to learn and grow through each page they turn.
Running through the end of February, this program aims to counter the winter
blues by providing an engaging alternative to outdoor activities that many might find less
appealing in the colder months. While winter sports like skiing, tobogganing, and
snowshoeing are undoubtedly enjoyable, the program highlights the importance of
maintaining an active mind during this season of hibernation. Encouraging a culture of
reading helps combat sedentary habits, fostering literacy and keeping communities
engaged with their local libraries.
Since its inception in 2011, the Northern Lights Library System has thoughtfully
crafted this winter reading program, offering participation to all 47 libraries within its
expansive network. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly
positive, with libraries granted the flexibility to design their own unique implementations
of the program. This allows each library to tailor activities and events that resonate with
their local patrons.
Throughout the course of the program, readers can look forward to a variety of
enticing prizes and fun activities, enhancing their reading experience. More details,
including additional reading activities and games, can be found on the NLLS Reading
Programs website, making it easier than ever for patrons to get involved.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Winter Reading Program is the friendly
competition that ensues among local libraries. Each library tracks the reading minutes
logged by its patrons, aiming for the title of the library with the highest recorded reading
time. This spirit of competition not only motivates readers to read just one more page,
but also cultivates a sense of community pride and connection among the libraries. So

grab a library card, head to your nearest library, and lose yourself in the captivating
world of books this winter!

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Thorhild County

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:11:31 +0000

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Smoky Lake County

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:10:59 +0000

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Sturgeon County

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:10:19 +0000

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Town of Smoky Lake

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:09:44 +0000

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Smoky Lake County

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:06:16 +0000

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Glen Kondro

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:04:35 +0000

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Town of Redwater

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:03:45 +0000

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