WELCOME TO 2013! As the traditional wish goes: “May all the good that Life can offer be bestowed upon you: many joys and blessings!”

Positive thinking can sometimes be a challenge… But let’s try it together, shall we? Whatever challenges we faced in 2012, we can tackle them with a stronger stance this year… Whatever hurts and sad moments we experienced, we can try to forgive, even forget, to focus on more anticipated hopes and joys. Whatever losses we have lived through, let’s plan for triumphs and interesting challenges in the New Year. It might sound difficult to some of us who have felt heartache and deception, but God does not expect us to suffer and weep every day, on the contrary… He wants us victorious and joyful, so let’s try to accomplish that! 

I have seen some unbridled joy this Holiday Season…. Newborns making an appearance at Christmastime, other families attending concerts and Christmas plays, in schools and communities… Couples getting away for a little warmth in the midst of our cold Alberta winter... Kids and pets getting adopted, finding a forever home… residents passionately supporting causes to generously benefit the less fortunate… youths who vocally promoted sobriety while driving… new winter sports being embraced… yes, there were good things to witness this Holiday Season!

In my family, one of the most joyous moments of the Holidays was the return “to the fold” of our oldest son Troy Vrolyk, a graduate of Calmar School, now a thirty-something single dad. Having moved to Stettler two and a half years ago with Hailie, our oldest grand-daughter, Troy created for himself a successful Insurance career: he has recently secured a new position in Beaumont (Co-operators Agency just got a great guy!), and has become a homeowner in Devon. His new home is a bright and spacious bungalow, and I am thrilled that Troy and Hailie will be so close to the rest of our family, and that they will discover this dynamic town, with all the sports and outdoors activities it offers. A special New Year wish of Joy and Good Health goes to my friend Roxanne Gaetz, the Leduc Co-operators Agency owner, who has also come back to “the fold’ in the recent past. 

Hailie loves the great outdoors, bicycling, skating, swimming and discovering nature…This grandma can’t wait to introduce her to snowshoeing! I will now have a renewed interest in the life and dynamics of the Town of Devon: a town I know well, as we operated the Devon Luge Club for several years on the site of the old Ski Hill, and also because I know several wonderful people who call Devon home. A special “New Year hug” to Ann & Terry Turner, Gordon Groat and Michael Laveck and families, Anita and Sheila, the team at Leduc #1 and the hard-working, congenial Lions of Devon… and so many other great peeps, now Troy’s new neighbors! 

Devon’s Lions Campground and the Voyageur Park in the River Valley are awesome. Since Troy is also an ‘occasional’ golfer, I am hoping I can join him on a journey to develop that skill, having such a fantastic golf course in town. New home ownership is an exciting step in life, and discovering a new town, new neighbors and attractive amenities will be an exciting adventure. So…Welcome to your new home, Troy and Hailie! 

I received a note on New Year’s Day from an old friend in Leduc who stated: “I decided to start the New Year with a dynamic step: I will purchase a new home”. Well, that’s the spirit, Scott M.: all the best with that plan! And remember, I am always game for a little landscaping advice- and help! lol

In this New Year, we will hear of the hopes and dreams of many ‘good causes” and I feel fortunate to be able to bring to your attention several causes I admire and support. The New Year will allow me to bring them into the spotlight, with the blessing of our Pipestone Flyer Publisher, Ted Okkerse, a man with a big heart for these communities we serve.  

So, here I go.  Best Wishes for continued success and prosperity to: Riseup House in Leduc (devoted to empowering and educating victims of domestic violence), STARS and the Canadian Blood Services (“Blood, it’s in you to give!”), Boys & Girls Clubs of Leduc and Wetaskiwin, our local Food Banks (tirelessly working all year round), LINX, Horizon and similar agencies catering to the developmentally challenged and all the Pet Rescue Societies and Animal Shelters we are connected to …

 

I welcome your friendly notes, tips and feedback at dominique@pipestoneflyer.ca. I want to wish you & your Loved Ones a Wonderful New Year, filled with Joy, Love and Good Health!