GOOD NEWS ONLY with Mike Jones
First off, congratulations to all my friends and neighbours who have received their first or second vaccine in the last few days. It hasn't been perfect across the province, but it sounds like they have a great system in place at the Curling Rink.
The Tempo gas station in Wandering River has set up a fenced dog park area! This is great news for folks who bring their furry friends down to Edmonton with them to allow the pub a chance to stretch and use the facilities without needing to be leashed.
In under two weeks, the RMWB Census has already passed 10,000 entries! If you haven’t filled yours out check your mailbox for your unique code.
Great to see local businesses adapting to the latest restrictions! Paddys had the space heaters on the go and Brewskis have set up a temporary patio in the parking lot! There are other bars currently working on temporary patios too. Brand Connect is temporarily donating 60 round tables to any business in need of a summer patio.
A shoutout to the Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre, which has been running several amazing events celebrating Indigenous culture virtually over the past year. These free events are open to everyone. Tuesdays they have a virtual Pow Wow dance and several craft lessons are posted on Wednesday. Check their Facebook for the weekly lineup which also includes cooking lessons on Fridays.
“Forgiveness is Divine but never pay full price for late pizza”. If that quote makes you think of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles you’re gonna wanna head over to Gibbler’s page to see their latest cover! Gibbler features Abandin All Hope drummer Steve Crowe and Fort Mac ex-pat Shane Alyward (currently singing for The Highsides in Vancouver).
This week marked the beginning of Ramadan. Wishing a blessed and generous month to all who are observing. Markaz-Ul-Islam, Fort McMurray Islamic Center have a wonderful greeting to the community on their Facebook page.
A shoutout to Crystal and her friends who organized a large clean-up of Birchwood Trails! Check out the hashtag #TrashTag to see some photos and some inspiration if your family also wants to chip in and help!
Eagle Ridge is getting a new pharmacy! The Commons Pharmacy is set to open near Landmark Cinemas - directly across from Plantlife Cannabis and Mr Lube!
We had a fantastic meeting this week for Alberta Culture Days in Wood Buffalo, which will take place in the entire month of September! Happy to announce, pending restrictions, work has started on the third instalment of Rock The Rails!
Boomtown Casino is getting a facelift and a name change to Rivers Casino and Entertainment Centre! Work is underway on their 7,000-foot expansion. They are currently seeking input from artists on a new mural project for the facade of the building. Check out Arts Council Wood Buffalo for more info!
Next Tuesday, April 20th is the official re-opening of possibly the best patio in town at the Bear & Buffalo. In other Fort McMurray Golf Club news they received funding from Council to host the Golf Canada Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship in 2021.
Popped into Sobeys Liquor to stock up for a barbecue this week and was excited to find a ton of great Alberta beers including Death Wave Mexican Lager from Sea Change Brewing Co. which is a fantastic summer beer. Sea Change has some great Fort McMurray connections as well!
There were tons of great birthdays this past week in the local arts scene including musicians Shantelle Davidson, James Johnstone (Crosswind), Paul Cooke (3 Fat Daddies) & Matty Parlee, as well as actors Sheri Reed (Mamma Mia!, What Time Does the 3 O'Clock Parade Start?) and Humberley Gonzalez (Netflix's Ginny & Georgia).
Got some good news you want us to help spread? Email Mike at mjmikejones39@gmail.com
