Festival Champions
Champion Petfoods President and CEO Frank Burdzy presented Morinville Festival Society Chair Paul Smith with a $20,000 cheque Thursday afternoon, the first of five cheques. The local pet food manufacturer did a telephone survey this summer to help determine where it should be investing its community dollars. The overwhelming response from that survey and from Champion’s own team of employees was to sponsor family activities. The $20,000 per year commitment will go a long way towards supporting the Morinville Festival Society’s goal to have four separate festivals in Morinville, one per season. – Stephen Dafoe Photo and Graphics
A hearty cheque
First Choice Tree Nursery & Garden Centre owner Debbie Cherdarchuk presented, on behalf of her family, a $5000 cheque to Beth Ratzlaff Manager Fund Development Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute Friday night at the opening of the 4th Annual A Very Cherdarchuk Christmas. In 2010 Ron Cherdarchuk was treated at the hospital after a heart attack and earlier this year Debbie Cherdarchuk contracted Hantavirus and needed the life- saving machines at the hospital. Friday night’s cheque represented funds raised from the sale of the Loving Hearts ornaments the family has sold at their store. – Lucie Roy Photo
Santa’s Place
Santa Claus enjoys a few laughs with Gavin and Kaden at the 4th Annual A Very Cherdarchuk Christmas event held at First Choice Tree Nursery & Garden Centre Friday night. – Lucy Roy Photo
Silent auction has begun
Morinville Community Library Assistant Manager Cheryl Pasechnik poses with a few of the many silent auction items available for bid at the library this week. The auction began Monday and runs until Saturday. – Stephen Dafoe Photo
Christmas trees for sale
Members of 1st Morinville Scouts began selling Christmas trees at Home Hardware this weekend. Scouters will be on hand evenings and weekends to sell the trees. – Stephen Dafoe Photo
Sounds of the season
Higher Grounds Espresso Bar was packed Friday night for the coffee house’s annual Christmas open mic show. This year’s event drew a wide variety of local talent to ring in the holiday season with some festive songs. Performers included Emma Barrick (above) and Riley Quinn and 10-year-old Rowan McVittie (below) as well as several other regular and new faces. – Stephen Dafoe Photos
A letter to Santa
Legal Mayor Lisa Magera and her daughter Chloe were busy writing a letter to Santa at the Legal Craft N’ Trade fair & Town of Legal Christmas Festival held Saturday. – Lucie Roy Photo
