By Brandie Majeau
With recent heat wave bringing the arrival of (much) warmer weather, Lemonade
Day is fast approaching, and young entrepreneurs across the region are preparing to
showcase their business skills and refreshing recipes. In Thorhild, siblings Myles and
Maisy are leading the charge with their M&M Lemonade stand, set to serve up
delicious, cold drinks at the Thorhild Ball diamonds on June 13.
Lemonade Day is an annual event designed to teach children the fundamentals
of business ownership, from budgeting to marketing, all while having fun and engaging
with their communities. This year, as of the end of May, Myles and Maisy’s M&;M
Lemonade is the only officially registered stand in Thorhild. The siblings have been hard
at work perfecting their “secret thirst-quenching recipe,” and they are eager to welcome
customers during the upcoming ball tournament.
They are so excited to be back! The pair last hosted a lemonade stand two years
ago and have spent this spring preparing for this year’s event. Their stand will be
located at 302-7 Avenue, situated for both local residents and visitors attending the
games at the ball diamonds.
Organizers of Lemonade Day encourage everyone to support young business
owners by visiting local stands, whether in Thorhild or neighbouring communities. While
M&M Lemonade is currently the only stand in town, event coordinators remind would-be
customers to consult the Lemonade Day map online to discover other participating
stands in the area or in other local communities.
For Myles and Maisy, Lemonade Day is a little bit more than selling drinks. It’s a
lot of fun and this brother and sister duo also get to learn a lot about running a business
and working together. The siblings have divided up responsibilities, from designing eye-
catching signage to managing their finances and mixing and serving up their signature
citrusy beverage. This year they will be donating 75% of their proceeds to the Thorhild
Field of Dreams project with the other 25% going toward themselves to buy something

special after all their hard work.
With their enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit, Myles and Maisy are an
inspiration for other kids in Thorhild to participate in Lemonade Day in the future. As the
community gears up for one of Thorhild’s first big summer event, all thirsty taste buds
will be welcome at M&M Lemonade.
Be sure to stop by the Thorhild Ball diamonds on June 13 to sample what may
just be the best lemonade in town and support the next generation of local business
leaders.

Residents gathered at the Redwater RCMP detachment earlier this month as Citizens on
Patrol and local RCMP members hosted a community barbecue in celebration of National
Police Week.
Held May 13 at the detachment parking lot, the family-friendly event welcomed residents
for an afternoon of food, conversation and community engagement. Guests were invited to
enjoy free hot dogs, pop and chips while learning more about policing initiatives, crime
prevention and local volunteer programs operating within the community.
Visitors had the opportunity to meet local RCMP officers and speak with members of
Redwater Citizens on Patrol during the afternoon event. A Citizens on Patrol information
display was set up onsite, and promotional material for the barbecue noted that police
demonstrations and displays would also be part of the celebration.
One of the highlights for many families was the appearance of RCMP Safety Bear, who posed
for photos with officers and guests during the barbecue.
Members of Redwater Citizens on Patrol were present throughout the event, sharing
information about the volunteer-based crime prevention program and its role within the
community. Citizens on Patrol works in partnership with local RCMP detachments to
promote community awareness and assist with public safety initiatives.
The organization plays an active role in Redwater and surrounding area through patrols,
public awareness efforts and participation in local events. Volunteers help serve as
additional “eyes and ears” within the community while encouraging residents to remain
informed and involved in neighbourhood safety.
National Police Week is observed annually across Canada and is designed to strengthen
relationships between police services and the communities they serve. The week recognizes
the work of police officers, civilian staff and volunteers while also highlighting the
importance of crime prevention, education and community partnerships.
Communities across the country mark the week through open houses, school visits,

educational demonstrations, barbecues and family-oriented events aimed at encouraging
positive interaction between residents and law enforcement agencies.
Events such as the Redwater barbecue help create opportunities for residents to connect
with officers outside of emergency situations and everyday policing duties. Organizers say
those informal conversations and community interactions are an important part of building
trust, communication and public awareness.

The event also showcased the strong partnership between local RCMP members and
community volunteers, emphasizing the role collaboration plays in maintaining safe and
connected communities.
Judging by the turnout and positive response shared online following the event, this year’s
Police Week barbecue was a successful celebration of community spirit and local
engagement.

Pedgerachny contacted his insurance company soon after discovering the damage. An adjuster
later inspected the property.
“He told me they were fresh cracks from the earthquake,” he said.
According to Pedgerachny, the estimated repair costs are around $130,000, although that figure
could increase depending on engineering assessments and possible asbestos removal.
He later learned his insurance policy does not include earthquake coverage.
The earthquakes in the area were reported as induced seismic events connected to industrial
activity, something Pedgerachny says has been difficult to accept while dealing with the
aftermath.
“I’m wondering how many other people out there have damage like this,” he said. “This is
something that’s happening and causing a lot of damage to people.”
He described the experience as frightening and unlike anything he has ever experienced before.
“I’ve never gone through something like this in my life,” he said. “Just the noise alone was
scary.”
Two of Pedgerachny’s neighbours also felt the tremors. One initially believed a vehicle had
crashed into his home because of the force and noise of the shaking, although neither neighbour
reported any visible damage.
For Pedgerachny, however, the aftermath has brought ongoing uncertainty about the condition of
his home and what steps come next.
“My insurance company told me if I think the house isn’t safe, I should find somewhere else to
stay,” he said. “But how do you just get up and leave your home?”
He said the experience has also made him realize how important it is for homeowners to fully
understand their insurance coverage before a disaster occurs.
Pedgerachny is encouraging residents throughout the area to review their insurance policies
carefully and confirm whether earthquake-related damage is included in their coverage.
He also hopes others who may have experienced cracks, shifting, or other damage following the
earthquakes will come forward and share their experiences.
Residents wishing to contact Pedgerachny can reach him at 7802978341.

County release. “But we know we’re more prepared, better informed and stronger because
of the steps we’re taking together.”

watched her work tirelessly, push through challenges, and pour her heart into every step.”
“She is becoming such an amazing young girl, and seeing her achieve this is very special.”

The community will have an opportunity to support Emma’s journey during Redwater’s
town-wide garage sale on May 23, where the family will be hosting a fundraiser featuring
hot dogs, popcorn and lemonade from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4628 49 Avenue in Redwater.
Funds raised will help cover travel and competition expenses for the trip to Ireland.
Amanda said the encouragement Emma has already received from the community has
meant a great deal to their family.
“It not only helps make Emma’s dream of competing at Worlds possible, but also shows her
that her hard work and dedication are recognized and celebrated by the community,” she
said.
“Your encouragement means the world to us and gives Emma extra motivation to shine.”

Still, Marr believes the real reason clients return is simpler than convenience.
“We listen, and we care,” she said. “We take the time to build trust—with both the dogs and their
people.”
That can mean extra patience with an anxious pet, sharing advice with an owner, or even coming
in on a day off when needed.
Back in the grooming space, as another song drifts through the room, a once-nervous dog stands
a little more at ease.
At Marrvelous Mutts, it’s not just about the haircut—it’s about the moment a dog relaxes, leans
in, and feels right at home.

By Brandie Majeau
As winter recedes and spring emerges, agricultural regions face the annual
challenge of springtime flooding. This natural progression of a change of seasons,
driven by melting snow and seasonal rains, often causes rivers and streams to overflow,
inundating fields and sometimes entire farms. The melting snow, (and this past winter
has brought with it an abundance) begins to melt and the resulting moisture is retained,
pools, or runs into naturally lower areas.  While flooding is a predictable aspect of the
spring thaw, it sparks ongoing debate about responsibility, preparedness, and recovery
within rural communities.
Farmers are among the first to feel the impact. Flooded fields can lead to crop
loss and delayed planting, raising concerns about reduced yields and financial strain.
The saturated ground not only hinders machinery and planting schedules but also
poses risks to livestock, prompting ranchers to move animals to higher ground or secure
clean water sources.
Soil health and erosion emerge as critical issues after the waters recede.
Floodwaters can strip away topsoil, deposit debris, and alter the long-term productivity
of farmland. Discussions among farmers and agricultural experts often focus on how to
restore soil health and reinforce fields against future erosion.
Beyond the fields, infrastructure damage is a common consequence. Rural
roads, bridges, culverts, and drainage systems may be damaged or destroyed,
disrupting daily life and access to farms. This leads to conversations about funding for
repairs and the need to improve infrastructure resilience in the face of increasingly
unpredictable weather patterns.
Financial relief and insurance are also central topics. While some losses may be
covered, many farmers express frustration over paperwork, delays, or inadequate
coverage. Government disaster relief programs are available, but navigating them can
add stress during an already challenging time.

Spring flooding has the potential to both unite and divide communities.
Neighbours frequently support one another, sharing resources and assistance during
challenging times. However, the stress and emotional toll of severe flooding can lead to
disputes over watercourses and whether water is following its natural path. Such
disagreements may escalate, with neighbours and adjacent farms sometimes accusing
one another of redirecting floodwaters onto each other’s land.
Environmental concerns are also not overlooked. Floodwaters can carry
fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste into local waterways, impacting water quality
and prompting debates about best management practices and environmental
regulations. Looking forward, some in the agricultural sector question whether spring
floods are becoming more frequent or severe, potentially linked to climate change. This
has fueled discussions about long-term adaptation, such as improving drainage,
restoring wetlands, and altering planting practices, to increase resilience.

Ultimately, spring flooding in agricultural areas is a shared challenge requiring
collective responsibility. Farmers, local governments, and communities all play a role in
managing risk, responding to crises, and planning for the future. The annual thaw is a
reminder not only of nature’s unpredictability but also of the need for ongoing
cooperation and adaptation in rural life.

As the region moves into the warmer months, cooperation and vigilance across the community
will play a key role in reducing wildfire risk and keeping residents safe.

By Brandie Majeau
The Kinette Club of Smoky Lake recently played host to the “Zone C” Spring
Zones, drawing enthusiastic participation from Kinettes representing Vegreville, Fort
McMurray, and Lac La Biche, as well as Kinsmen from Fort McMurray and Smoky Lake.
The event, dedicated to fostering education and fellowship among members, also made
a significant contribution to the local community by raising over $1,000 for the Smoky
Lake Food Bank. Organizers credited the generosity and collaborative spirit of all clubs
involved for making the fundraiser a resounding success.
A highlight of the gathering was the Kinette Club of Smoky Lake’s win of their
very first Kin Award. The club was honoured with the Boake Award, a prestigious
recognition bestowed by Kinette Clubs under the umbrella of Kin Canada, a national
service organization. While the details and criteria for the Boake Award may vary by
club, it is generally presented to a Kinette club who has demonstrated outstanding
volunteerism, leadership, and commitment to the ideals of the organization. The award,
often named in honour of a significant figure within the Kinette community, serves to
highlight and inspire service excellence among members.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Hilary Derksen
(Governor), Shandelle Gorestski (Vice Governor), and Theresa Potts (Deputy
Governor), whose presence was warmly acknowledged by the hosts. Additional thanks
were extended to local businesses and individuals, Old Fashioned Bread Bakery, Red
Chimney, Smoky Lake Curling Club, Amy Cherniwichan and Eric Plumb, for their
contributions to the event’s success.
The “Zone C” Spring Zones not only strengthened bonds among Kinette and
Kinsmen members across the region, but also reinforced the spirit of community service
that lies at the heart of Kin Canada. With fellowship, recognition, and generosity on full
display, the Smoky Lake event set a positive example for service clubs throughout Alberta.