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.

months before the pandemic.
“This is home,” they said. “We live here, our family was raised here, and even our own kids
had their first jobs at Rainbow.”
Employing approximately 16 local staff members and supporting community groups
through sponsorships, raffle donations, and other local initiatives, Rainbow continues to be
deeply rooted in Redwater. The team says giving back to the community that has supported
them for so many years remains one of their top priorities.

Looking ahead, the team is also preparing for its 5th annual Mother’s Day brunch buffet on
Sunday, May 10, an event that has become a well-loved tradition and regularly draws
families from Redwater and surrounding communities. The annual brunch has become a
highlight for many local families and is expected to once again bring together generations of
residents for a special celebration.
As dining habits continue to change, the team says they remain committed to growing
alongside the community while keeping the familiar feel that has made Rainbow a Redwater
staple for generations.

By Brandie Majeau
The Thorhild Arena brought its winter season to a joyful close recently, hosting its
much-anticipated annual Paint the Ice Day that sends young skaters’ home with bright
smiles and colourful memories.
The event marked the end of a busy and successful season at the arena, which
played host to a wide range of activities throughout the winter months. From competitive
hockey tournaments that drew crowds of cheering parents and fans, to public skating
sessions that welcomed all community members, the arena proved itself to be a winter
cornerstone of local recreation. Learning-to-skate programs also drew strong
participation, helping a new generation of children find their footing on the ice.
But it was Paint the Ice Day that gave the season its send-off. Armed with bottles
of brightly coloured water, children took to the ice and transformed the rink into a
sprawling canvas of swirls, splashes, and splattered designs. Laughter echoed
throughout the arena as kids embraced the rare opportunity to make a glorious
mess…all in the name of fun.
The day drew an excited group of young participants who were each eager to
leave their mark on the ice before the season came to a close. For several, it was a
chance to let loose and celebrate the friendships and skills built over months of skating.
And of course, grab a free cup of hot chocolate and a hot dog.
For the staff and volunteers who keep the Thorhild Arena running, Paint the Ice
day serves as a fitting tribute to a winter well spent. The smiles on the children’s faces
make every early morning Zamboni run and late-night hockey game worth it.
As the ice was cleared away and the arena settles into its off-season activities,
the memories made this winter will carry everyone through the warmer months ahead.
And if the excitement surrounding Paint the Ice Day is any indication, anticipation for
next season is already beginning to build.

By Brandie Majeau
Every Easter season, kitchens across Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and other
Slavic nations fill with the warm, sweet aroma of two time-honored breads: Paska and
Babka. Though often confused — or used interchangeably, these two Easter breads
each carry their own rich history, distinct character, and deep cultural meaning.
Paska is the more ceremonial of the two. A large, round loaf with roots in the
Byzantine Empire and the traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism,
Paska is made from a rich, fluffy dough lightly sweetened with milk, butter, eggs, flour,
and sugar. What sets it apart is its elaborate decoration: intricate dough ornaments
adorn its surface, with a cross as the central motif — a symbol of abundance and divine
blessing.
In Ukraine, the bread plays a starring role in one of the favourite Easter rituals.
On Holy Saturday, families fill woven baskets with Easter eggs (pysanky), paska,
sausage, butter, salt, and other ceremonial foods and bring them to church. After the
Easter morning liturgy and the blessing of the basket, families return home to break
their Lenten fast with the sacred meal.
Babka tells a different story and it begins with its name. In Ukrainian, “baba”
means grandmother, and “babka” is its affectionate diminutive. The name is said to nod
to the bread’s tall, round, skirt-like silhouette, which some say resembles a
grandmother’s full skirt. Where Paska is round and ornate, Babka is tall, airy, and sweet.
Richer than its counterpart, it often features dried fruit, nuts, and flavourings like
chocolate, cinnamon, or apple, topped with a glossy icing glaze. There are no dough
ornaments, Babka lets its dramatic height do the talking.
What is the secret to that height? The dough is so light and airy that it triples in
size during baking, requiring a tall container to support its spectacular rise. Traditionally
baked in cylindrical European molds, Babka found an unlikely new baking pan once
immigrants found their way to the western world…that of the humble coffee can.
When Eastern European immigrants brought Babka to new shores, they adapted
with remarkable resourcefulness. The cylindrical shape of 1- or 2-pound coffee cans
proved functionally perfect for the dough’s dramatic upward rise, and during the Great
Depression, when nothing was wasted, the tradition of baking Babka in coffee cans was
born. Bakers would fill the cans only one-third of the way, allowing the dough room to
triple and crown above the rim in its signature shape. It was a thrifty, practical solution
that happened to work beautifully and the coffee can Babka became a tradition in its
own right.
While Paska and Babka are distinct in form and function, the line between them
blurs depending on region and family custom. In Western Ukraine and other parts of
Eastern Europe, Babka is considered more of an everyday bread, while Paska is strictly
reserved for Easter. Elsewhere, the two names are used interchangeably, passed down

through generations with as much variation as the families who bake them. However,
both breads represent the same thing, the joy of Easter, the warmth of tradition, and the
enduring power of food to connect to one’s heritage, one fragrant, golden loaf at a time.

The well-attended event brought together more than 20 Rural Crime Watch Associations from across the province, reflecting a strong and growing commitment to crime prevention in rural communities. During the symposium, President Rosemary Lindsay introduced the 2025–2026 Board of Directors and celebrated the achievements of local organizations. The prestigious John Fuga Farmers Advocate Award was presented to the Sturgeon County Rural Crime Watch Association for its innovative youth-focused initiatives, which encourage positive decision-making through school and community programs.

Smoky Lake Rural Crime Watch, along with Vilna/Bellis Citizens on Patrol, was recognized as the previous year’s recipient of the same award for its impactful anti-bullying puppet show program promoting kindness in local schools.

The symposium also featured presentations from several guest speakers addressing key rural crime issues. Topics included wildlife enforcement, crime reduction strategies, retail crime, and the growing concern of copper theft targeting major railway infrastructure. Speakers emphasized that copper theft remains a serious and persistent issue, often accompanied by limited consequences for offenders.

Over the past year, Smoky Lake Rural Crime Watch has remained active and engaged in a wide range of initiatives. The organization held its Annual General Meeting in April 2025, welcoming new and returning board members. Despite lower attendance due to a conflicting election event, the group continued to move forward with its programs and partnerships.

In support of local law enforcement, the association began funding a yearly subscription for surveillance cameras to assist the RCMP detachment. It also expanded its visibility in the community by replenishing roadside signage and ordering new promotional materials, including keychains, magnets, and branded hoodies. Plans are underway to further grow this inventory as additional funding becomes available.

Community outreach remained a key focus throughout the year. Members participated in three local parades, contributed to the Town of Smoky Lake’s Cultural Flourish Festival and Street Fair, and supported the “Law and the Wild” BBQ event alongside RCMP and Fish and Wildlife officers. The organization also played a significant role in the Great White North Pumpkin Fair, assisting with event logistics and organizing a fundraising auction.

Efforts to engage new members included contributions to the local Welcome Wagon initiative and ongoing promotion of the association’s work. Additionally, Smoky Lake Rural Crime Watch sponsored an RCMP colouring book for local youth, further strengthening its connection with families in the community.

While part of the funding allocated for the puppet show program was returned due to changes in grant criteria, the association has preserved the initiative by creating a digital version of the performance. Plans are in place to make the video available on its website, ensuring continued access to its positive messaging.

Looking ahead, the Smoky Lake Rural Crime Watch Association will hold its next Annual General Meeting on April 28, 2026. Guest speaker Julia Matthews, a certified fraud examiner, fraud protection educator, consumer protection expert, and former senior investigator with the Government of Alberta’s Consumer Investigations unit, has been invited to return, with hopes of drawing increased community participation.

The association extends its sincere appreciation to the Provincial Board, event organizers, and fellow Rural Crime Watch groups for their dedication and collaboration. Their collective efforts continue to strengthen rural communities across Alberta.