What a year this has been?!

We had so many great plans for 2020. A better quality of life, to love more, travel more, more time to rest, more time to relax, more time allocated to spend with family, to reconnect with loved ones and old friends, to exercise more, to eat healthier foods, ... It was about acquiring a deeper spiritual connection with The Lord and ultimately living the life...., (the usual good intentions and aspirations with an impending new year)

And then along came Covid-19!!

Social distancing, wearing masks in public, sanitizing ourselves and our homes constantly, no hugging (I'm created to be a hugger), being confined to our homes, no visiting our loved ones that did not live with us, no travelling, no church or corporate worship and fellowship!!

We adhered to lockdown rules diligently and sanitized constantly. We wore our face masks and greeted one another with a courteous nod or a supersized smile. We kept in touch with our family and friends through WhatsApp Video Calls and 'attended' church services and prayer meetings via Zoom and other social media platforms. And yet, still many of our loved ones tested positive for the virus. Some precious friends and family members died; some being asymptomatic and several of them, after a few weeks of agonizing treatment in hospital....

Then the fear set in…

Being placed in a situation beyond my control tested several of my abilities and strengths. It left me feeling vulnerable, exposed and extremely sensitive. I was testy, irritable and occasionally antagonistic. After a while, I viewed any random person a threat to my family and I.

“Please Lord, keep my parents safe, keep my spouse safe, keep my children safe, keep my siblings safe. I'll do whatever it takes Lord!”.....but still, I had that niggling, gnawing voice deep within my very core that whispered "It can be you, it can be your husband, it can be your children, it can be your parents, it can be your siblings" Faith and trust in The Lord is my source of sanity and my sustenance when my emotions are bordering on paranoia.

I believe that God alone is in control. He loves us deeply and works all things together for our good, therefore in life we have blessings and lessons….

Covid-19 has taught me that it knows no boundaries. It does not respect your race, your social standing, your religion, or your financial status. Covid-19 has also taught me to be still, to be comfortable being alone, to make do with what's available... Covid-19 has taught me to be grateful! To treasure our loved ones, to be thankful for our meals, to appreciate our homes, to savour the beauty in our surroundings, to relish and be passionate about life.Covid-19 has taught me to live in the present, to accept the now.

We have no guarantees of tomorrow. We have the promise of today. Life is so precious, such an awesome gift. We are blessed with so much: The kiss of sunlight, the caress in the gentle breeze, the sweet whispers of trickling water, the melody in the laughter of our children!

Life is for the living. As long as we have life, we have hope. As long as we have hope, we can light the way in our darkest moments… so let hope brighten your path ahead!!!

On behalf of my family and I, we wish you all the miracles of Christmas (love, laughter, hope, joy, peace and safety) and a fabulous 2021!!!

Love always, Niri

Covid-19: Science, Politics and Religion converge

The current times are difficult to all of us, and not since the pandemic of 1918, has the world seen such loss and destruction. All of us have had to change our way of life, our way of thinking, and more especially, we had to raise our level of tolerance to each other.

Science has indicated that this problem, the Corona Virus, is one that is understood by the people that are in charge of our medical structure. Scientists, and scientists alone, not politicians or religious leaders, should determine the various steps society needs to take to try to get this virus under control. Therefore, I am very proud that the centers for disease control started a vaccination which will help to go a long way in flattening the curve, a curve that has been the scourge of mankind for the past several months. Scientists have done enough study and research to warrant a better understanding and better dissemination of information that has to reach the community. All of society is grateful for the work that scientists have done, and those that are at the forefront of scientific accomplishments deserve a very humble thank you.

The politicians are facing tremendous challenges in that they have to balance the will of the people, and their respective freedoms, with their health, safety and welfare. Politicians, throughout the world, have had to make some tough decisions and regardless of what steps have been taken, they incur the wrath of some people for taking away their personal freedom, and gratitude from others for implementing steps to ensure our safety. Right now, as a town councilor, I feel the strain in our community and the hairline fractures that are caused, due to political decisions. I am hoping that society at large, and communities everywhere, will appreciate and understand the challenges faced by politicians. It is not for their egos or that they are self-seeking, but it is for your own safety, that these strong steps are needed. Together we can achieve success.

Here is something close to my heart! As a Christian, I believe that God is in control, and has not fallen off His Throne, despite the difficult times we face. I know that there are those that refuse to wear a mask purely based on what they interpret as biblical instructions. I, on the other hand, believe that we, as Christians, should submit to the authorities whom God has placed in positions of influence to guide us through difficult times. As an elected official, I feel that it is not the intent to take away your freedom, but rather to enforce what the Bible says “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God, what is God’s”. While this phrase is used more for tax purposes, it is also important that laws are created and have been created for all of mankind. God gave Moses six hundred and thirteen laws on Mount Sinai, in addition to the Ten Commandments, and I think that one of my strongest reasons for believing in wearing a mask, social distancing, etc, is that one of the greatest commandments The Lord gave to us reads “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. If I truly love my neighbor, I will do everything I can to ensure that he is not infected because of my carelessness. I will adhere to protocol and the Laws of our land.

Finally, I pay tribute to our business community, who during these challenging times are providing goods and services, often at a risk to themselves. We all stand-in awe of you. To all our essential workers, including frontline workers, grocery store clerks, truck drivers, and everybody that is involved in dealing with the public, we as a community stand as one to say that our gratitude comes straight from our heart.

Precious readers, we are in this together, and we will come through this together.

May God bless you!

Twenty years ago, my father came to Two Hills with little more than the clothes on his back and a dream. His decades of experience in journalism behind him, he endeavored to provide a community newspaper that would showcase the beauty of Two Hills and highlight the issues that mattered most to our readers. After moving to Two Hills myself, I immediately fell in love with a community founded on strong family values. At that point, I realized I was home. With this relaunch, we intend on continuing that proud legacy of hard-hitting community-centered news.

The end of every year usually allows us time to reflect on our accomplishments and obstacles we have overcome as we form our resolutions for the year to come. This year, however, has tested us beyond imagining. With millions of people infected and the numbers climbing internationally, we all have good reason to be cautious and play our part in minimizing the spread of the virus by simple means such as wearing a mask and washing our hands.

Beyond the health implications of such an outbreak, the financial toll has been devastating. Businesses and individual finances have been strained more than in many previous years or even decades. Many businesses were forced to close their doors. Thousands of people laid off. Some have had their hours reduced. People all around the world have been in constant prayer for health and safety.

It is said that light shines the brightest in the darkness. In all of this chaos and uncertainty, the glimmer of hope remains - humanity.

We have been witness to individuals, businesses, celebrities and political leaders all working together to help those affected. Sadly there are still many who are in need, and with the arrival of Christmas, as we hurry about trying to get our last shopping done, there are many who are just hoping to put a meal on the table. At this time of year, we are reminded that it is better to give than receive. In this spirit, I appeal to everyone to keep those affected in our hearts and prayers. While it is not always feasible to donate, sometimes just a home-cooked meal and a sympathetic ear to a local family is more meaningful.

Thank you all for your love and support. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2021.

Since Chinese Health Authorities first alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31 2019 of numerous pneumonia cases in Wuham City in the Hubei Province in China which had no apparent cause, the mystery disease now named COVID-19 which started out as a scare, turned out to be a living nightmare. From the moment of its identification, COVID - 19 has infected many countries. As the numbers climbed, concerns grew over a massive global outbreak.

Many countries, for fear of a healthcare collapse due to mass influx of positive cases, instituted extreme lockdowns closing schools and any business deemed inessential. Yet despite the joint efforts of political leaders and health care authorities, the numbers continued to climb as did the casualties.

At this point, the current confirmed cases globally is sitting at 72 851 747 and 1 643 399 (WHO) deaths. In Canada, confirmed 486 424 of which there have 395 000 recoveries and 13 844 deaths as at December 17, 2020

In the County of Two Hills there have been 94 total cases, 38 active cases with 54 recoveries.

With the rise in cases and a higher mortality rate, authorities stress the importance of wearing a face mask and sanitizing regularly. Anyone experiencing symptoms are urged to quarantine to minimize the spread of the virus.

The Public Health Agency of Canada expects to have enough vaccine by September 2021 to inoculate every Canadian who wants a shot. “Based on current data, by the end of September 2021, Canada projects having sufficient member doses to be able to offer a vaccination to every Canadian,”a spokesperson for PHAC said in a statement to CBC News.

Healthcare professionals urge the public to remain vigilant as it may be some time before the vaccines become readily available and the resurgence is proving to be more difficult to manage than the first wave.

During these very challenging times in Alberta, the pandemic has taken another local life. Myrnamites are saddened and shocked by the passing away of Ronald David Metrunec. He passed away peacefully at the Two Hills Health Centre on December 15, 2020, at the age of 81. Ron is survived by his children: Tracy (Clint) Curle of Selkirk, MB, Rhonda (Ryan) Morey of Two Hills, AB and Mitch (Sherry) Metrunec of New Sarepta, AB; his grandchildren: Timothy, Abigail and Noah Curle; Sara and Anastasi a Morey; Rae and Jill Metrunec and Lee (Scott) Alcorn (nee Metrunec); his siblings Carol (Marko) Mihajlovich of St. Albert, AB, Vivian (Orson) Gadowsky of Edmonton, AB and Gerald (Anne) Metrunec of Leoville, SK; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Steve and Mary Metrunec, sister Dianne and former wife Judy

Ron was born in Myrnam, Alberta on February 20, 1939. He completed a high school in Myrnam, making lifelong friends along the way. He enjoyed playing sports (hockey and curling), was an avid participant in Boy Scouts and worked at the garage. He left Myrnam for a short time, working with the Department of Highways in the High Prairie region, but “the garage” was calling his name. He joined his father’s business ‘Metrunec Motors Ltd.’, eventually taking over management. Ron met his wife, Judy Willard, a nurse at the Myrnam hospital. They married in November 1965 and set down roots in Myrnam. Tied to the community, he remained there for the rest of his life.

Metrunec Motors was an integral business in Myrnam and Ron’s second home. It was a General Motors dealership, Moto-ski snowmobile outlet, AMA towing service, full-service gas station, as well as an automotive/tractor repair and auto-body shop.

Operating a GM dealership did have its perks. He had the opportunity to drive many different vehicles. In fact, it was his way of remembering different events through life by what vehicle he was driving at the time. “Remember that time we went down to California?” “Yeah, it was in summer of 1977 because we were driving that beige ’77 Suburban.” Ron was a pillar of the Myrnam community. He was always willing to help someone out or pitch in to make an event successful - that was Ron. He did a great deal of volunteer work, including being treasurer of the Myrnam Elks Lodge for over 50 years. He was a Boy Scout leader, founding member of the Myrnam Agricultural Society and served on the Village Council for multiple terms. He was involved in the Myrnam United Church and the Myrnam Community Church, as well as helped out in other organizations.

In his retirement years, Ron enjoyed church and seniors’ functions, watching sports on TV, visiting his elders in various seniors’ facilities and other activities. He helped organize “Myrnam Alumni Fellows If Able”, a group of men with roots in Myrnam meeting quarterly in Edmonton or at Jack Fish Lake to visit, share a meal, and catch up over a few drinks. He honed his skills in the kitchen on some unique dishes: homemade soups, studenetz, dills and beet pickles. (He was his own worst critic, but they always tasted great.) He took pride in his garden, growing many of his own ingredients. Gido really enjoyed time with his grandchildren. He was so very proud of them all and would attend their different events: Ukrainian dance performances, piano recitals, Christmas concerts, and sporting events.

When we think of Ron, we think of a dependable, thoughtful and friendly person. He was diligent, resourceful and detail-oriented. He was conscientious toward others and stuck to his principle of always being fair. One of his favourite expressions was “What’s fair is fair”. Ron had many frequent sayings. The most common was “You get what you pay for.” This saying doesn’t apply to material things only - what you invest into life, community and family, is reflected by what you gain in experiences.

Former long-time mayor of Myrnam, Ed Sosnowski, paid tribute to his friend Ron Metrunec. “Our families were friends for many years. We graduated from New Myrnam School together and he was my best man. Ron was a good friend and man of integrity.”

Over the last few years, Ron persevered through several health struggles and major surgeries. He was recently hospitalized in Edmonton for complications from his latest surgery. Unfortunately, he contracted COVID-19 which lead to his death. Rest in peace Ron.

A private family funeral service is planned for December 31. It will be lived streamed and a recording of the service will be available. Please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com for details.

The Canadian Space Agency announced on Wednesday December 16 2020, that Joshua Kutryk is among four Canadian Astronauts, who could be selected to fly around the moon in 2023 on the Artemis 2 Mission - the first crewed mission of Nasa’s Artemis Program, which will test the Orion Spacecraft in lunar orbit in preparation for the landing in 2024. The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 16 2020, following an agreement between the CSA and NASA. Canada has agreed to provide robotics to NASA, in exchange for the opportunity for Canada to fly lunar missions.

“As Canadian astronauts, I think that we’re particularly proud to be representing Canada in this context,”Kutryk said in a press conference. “We’re also proud to have built here, at the Canadian Space Agency, our core of highly trained and ready professional astronauts, all of whom are ready for these missions and the ones that will follow”

CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk undergoes NBL training2018- 04-12 – CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk is in a spacesuit prior to underwater spacewalk training at NASA Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). (Credit: NASA/David De-Hoyos)

Apollo 50: Celebrating Moon exploration across Canada. 2019- 11-01 - On July 20, 2019, Canadian Space Agency astronauts were in science centres across Canada to celebrate 50 years since the Apollo 11 lunar landing. CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk hosted the local event at the Johnson Geo Centre in St. John's as David Saint-Jacques and Robert Thirsk connected by video link to discuss the proud history and unfolding future of lunar exploration. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)