Compiled by Étienne Thevou
Rural Crime Watch recognition
Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association volunteer webmaster Greg Harrison received a plaque and a heartfelt pat on the back during the association’s last meeting of 2010. Harrison (left) received recognition from Roger J. Nykipilo (right) for Harrison’s efforts in creating and maintaining the association’s website at www.sturgeonruralcrimewatch.org/news.htm.
The Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association will hold their next meeting Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Morinville Provincial Building. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
A proud graduate
Gunner Kevin Lafleche was home to Alexander for the Christmas holidays, fresh from his graduation ceremony in Shilo, Manitoba at the Land Force Western Training Centre Detachment Shilo.
Gunner Lafleche left Alexander in September of 2010 for Gagetown, New Brunswick where he officially began his military career after 14 months of waiting for his posting. Lafleche’s decision to join the military began in the summer of 2009 when he, along with 84 other Aboriginal youth, graduated from the Bold Eagle Program at CFB Wainwright, 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
The six-week program provides Aboriginal youth with summer employment that combines military training with First Nations cultural awareness. Graduates of the program are enrolled in the Canadian Forces Army Reserves and are given the option of an honourable discharge at the end of the program or continued employment with the Canadian Forces. The decision was an easy one for Lafleche, and he credits the Bold Eagle program with helping to guide him on his career path.
Gunner Lafleche has returned to his posting but leaves behind a proud community and family in Alexander.
Money for Belize
Morgan Allen, president of the Rotary Interact club at MCHS tells us the Santa Cause children’s event her club held at the Seniors’ Rendez-Vous Centre Dec. 18 raised $400. The Christmas craft and entertainment festival was a fundraising initiative for the Interact Club’s efforts to help with education in Belize.
Allen said at the time of the event the club is hoping to send three people to Belize in 2011. Although fundraising from the Santa Cause will help towards trip cost, participants will be paying the bulk of the money to travel to the Central American country where they will help paint and maintain schools. They are also hoping to see first hand where the club may be able to be of service with future projects.
