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YOUR LOCAL PAPER
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 Vol. 43, No. 47
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Mission Accomplished Local senior in her 90s drives electric car
Patricia Harcourt Editor
It was an exciting time for a local senior whose wish to drive an electric car was fulfilled last Friday. Eunice Gulbraa wanted to span the years from driving a Model T when young to an electric vehicle just two days shy of turning 94. Eunice celebrated her birthday on Sunday. Her wish was fulfilled thanks to the help of several people who went out of their way to make a dream come true. The drive itself was easily accomplished as she still operates her own vehicle while residing at Vialta Lodge. “I’ve never been a nervous driver,” she said, speaking of the big event Friday morning. Her own vehicle is handy for her to drive around, attend events, or visit the farm. And those driving days began as a girl behind the wheel of her brother’s Model-T. From then on, Eunice has driven many different kinds of vehicles including cars, tractors, combines, three-ton trucks, and more. How she got to drive this latest type of vehicle, an electric car, was thanks to the help of a shuttle bus driver and an obliging Wainwright couple. Kerri Davis has been driving the seniors shuttle bus for some 10 years now, with Eunice often on board. “It’s pretty cool the vehicles she’s driven,” said Kerri, who jumped at the chance to help Eunice, who she thought was only in her 80s. But she leaped into action upon hearing Eunice say: “Before I say goodbye, I want to drive one of those electric cars.” Kerri put the message on Facebook asking if anyone could help Eunice fulfill her wish, and Sara and Shane Mascarin stepped up. Sara, a nurse from Wainwright, had purchased a Chevy Bolt EV in the summer after her gas car was wrecked in an accident with a deer. It was agreed the Mascarins would come on Friday to make Eunice’s wish come true. “There were tears in her eyes when I told her,” said Kerri. “She was super excited, too, because the electric vehicle is the same colour as her own car, blue.”
Eunice smiles as she prepares to pull out for her drive, just after learning the ropes of how to drive the electric vehicle. Friday morning before the event took place, Eunice couldn’t believe how many people knew about her adventure. “It’s turning into something bigger than I expected,” she said. She explained that the idea came to her the day of the grand opening of the new Irma School last year. Having grown up there and raised her own family in the area, she was accustomed to attending local events in the community, and this was no exception. “I parked beside the electric car plug-ins in the parking lot,” she said, thinking: “I hope someday I can see an electric car there or drive one myself.” She added: “I don’t want to be showing off but everybody says to me, ‘Eunice this is something special. You’re a woman of 94 for one thing and you still drive, for another.’” She heard that driving the electric car is similar to driving a golf cart with its two pedals, something else she has driven in her time. “This is why I’m so excited by that,” she said, because “I don’t know. It’s going to be an interesting day with so many people wanting to fulfill the wish of this old senior.
“I come from longevity,” she said, and got her driving spirit naturally. She recalled how her father drove right up to the day before he died at 97. “I think that’s why I had this drive,” she said. “My Dad always told me, ‘Keep trying, there’s nothing you can’t do.’” Her son and daughter, Harold Gulbraa, who farms at Irma, and Lorraine Thirsk, who lives in Wetaskiwin, attended to see their mother fulfill her wish. Neither were surprised that she was accomplishing this wish at her age, knowing her spirit very well. When the Mascarin’s arrived, Eunice said: ”I’m so looking forward to the drive.” Sara sat in the passenger seat and showed Eunice how to operate it. With Eunice behind the wheel, they pulled out of the drive and hit the streets of Viking to tour around. Eunice drove seamlessly. When they finally returned, it was learned that the two had driven north on Highway 36 with Eunice briefly going almost 100 km/hr. When they pulled back into the parking lot, Eunice gave a thumbs up and said: “Mission accomplished. See ELECTRIC CAR P8
Page 2 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Carena activities affected by COVID measures Patricia Harcourt Editor
New targeted measures by Alberta Health Services for several areas placed under enhanced status due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic have indirectly affected activities at the Viking Carena Complex. Town of Viking CAO Don McLeod reported to council November 16 that enhanced status areas are shut down for sports activities in Edmonton and sur-
rounding areas, Calgary and surrounding areas, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, and Red Deer. These shutdowns will be in place until Nov. 27. As a result, the Hockey Super League (HSL) that usually comes to Viking every weekend is also shut down and will not be coming to the Carena for the next two weeks. Local hockey will continue for the time being. Speaking of AHS and Chief Medical Officer
Irma News
IRMA NEWS By Marjorie Lawson
Members of the Irma 4-H Beef Club held their weigh-in on Sunday afternoon. Our thoughts are with Randy MacDonald who has been hospitalized recently. We extend condolences to Russell Welch and family after the passing of Betty Welch at the age of 90. Irma family and
friends send best wishes to Eunice Gulbraa who turned 94 on Sunday. Congratulations and best wishes to Landon and Delanie Hellekson on the arrival of a son, Walker Landon on November 13. Very proud grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Hellekson of Ryley and Bob and Cammie Allen of Irma. Walker is another greatgrandchild for Arnold and Faye Lien. The community Remembrance Day service was held at the United Church on November 11. Due to the social distancing rules, there was a smaller crowd in attendance but many people also viewed the service online.
of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, McLeod said: “We have followed their recommendations from Day 1 and we will continue that.” Minor hockey will continue to practice and there will also be skaters from the local skate club still using the facilities. “It’s okay in town for the local teams,” he said. “HSL will be back in two weeks.”
Main Street Viking, AB
6th Annual Jingle Bell Shop
Fresh Christmas Greens Swag Classes Wed., Nov. 25
6 pm Class & Sat, Dec 6 from 10 am - 5 pm Friday, 6 pm Class In-store specials and discounts for this day Dec. 7:40 Store Specials!
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Regular Cattle Sales every Tuesday at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27 @ 10 a.m.
BRED COW & HEIFER SALE www.vikingauctionmarket.ca/ calendar-details.php?eid=309 Cliff Grinde 780-336-6333 Darcy Sheets 780-336-6485 Robert Kunnick 780-336-6301 Mel Pydde 780-933-0048 Ed McCormack 780-787-0083
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The Weekly Review, Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - Page 3
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