The Community
th
Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 116 Issue 18
www.thecommunitypress.com
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 s
Talented taxidermist and artist takes up residence in area Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Colin Starkevich is an artist of some renown who has recently started up an avian taxidermy business out of his residence near Rosalind. In 2023, Starkevich moved to the area, ending up about 10 miles southwest of Rosalind, along the river. He says it’s the perfect spot, as it is part of the northernmost area of the grasslands of Alberta, one of his passions as an artist. Starkevich grew up around taxidermy, as his father Brian runs Starky’s taxidermy in Edmonton, and has done for the past 40 years. “I learned how to do it as a kid, then later I started specializing in birds.” He says if you’ve had a bird mount done from Starky’s in the past 10 years or so, it is likely his work. Now he’s branched out on his own, specializing in bird taxidermy, while he also concentrates on his artwork. “This part of the country is bird hunter’s paradise,” he says. Not all of the work he does comes from hunters, however. Starkevich says much of his work comes from road kill or electrocution, where people have found the birds, obtained the necessary permits from Fish and Wildlife, and brought them to him for preservation. Starkevich has also been pursuing art for most of his life, he’s a wildlife painter of some renown, and has been portraying the Canadian prairies in his artwork since his teens. He’s realized some big achievements through his art work, he was personally invited by world-renowned artist Robert Bateman to attend a seminar he was teaching for master artists at age 21. By age 25, Starkevich debuted his work at his own show, in a 2,500 oneman exhibition at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, making him one of the youngest artists to have a solo exhibition at a provincial museum. He’s had a number of shows since then, including one in Lethbridge in 2020 that included both his artwork and taxidermy pieces. Starkevich also holds a diploma in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and a degree in Environmental Sciences. He says it’s important to him to
raise awareness of the Canadian prairies through his artwork, and now, also through his taxidermy. He says he’s always viewed taxidermy as an art form in its own right. This summer he got to spend time in the arctic and sub-arctic area near Hudson’s Bay assisting in research taking place on Canada, Atlantic Brant, and Lesser Snow Geese. “That was very interesting for me. Everything I learn and experience works hand-in-hand with both my art and taxidermy. “As a taxidermist, I have to know birds very well, so mounts can be as realistic as possible.” Often bird mounts can include a small diorama, and his outdoor experience allows him to make those as accurately as possible. He also paints a lot of birds in his art, and feels like taxidermy gives him an inside edge when it comes to anatomy. Through the spring and summer, when he’s not working, Starkevich says he likes to take art-based camping trips. A lot of his work is done or started in plein-air, which means painting right on site. “What I love about this area is that I’m close to family, and just by going outside I’m in my happy place all the time.” He says he’s looking forward to painting some of the mule deer who are constant visitors on his land. Starkevich is finding his taxidermy is getting busier as people find out he’s around, and through referrals from his father. “I think I’m one of the only avian taxidermy specialists around.” He’s also preparing for a new show to be held at some point in the future, compiling new art pieces. Starkevich says he’s looking forward to spending more time around home this winter, and taking photos for future artwork. He works in both acrylic and oil. Starkevich says when friends ask him how he ended up ‘in the middle of nowhere,’ his response is this: “It’s not in the middle of nowhere; it’s in the middle of everywhere.” Certainly everywhere he wants to be, and he’s looking forward to getting to know the area better in the months to come as he searches for subjects for his art.
Colin Starkevich is a taxidermist located in the Rosalind area who specializes in birds, like this owl pictured to the right.
Starkevich in his workshop surrounded by some of his many mounts. He’s been specializing in taxidermy for the past decade, and worked with his father Brian at Starky’s Taxidermy since he was a kid.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 1, 2023
BRSD schools end second month of new year on a high Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The school year’s second month has come to a close, and the Battle River School Division is reflecting on all that has taken place in the last month. BRSD has 5,398 students from Grades 1 to 12, and 411 kindergarten in 19 school locations, with two outreach schools and 10 colony schools. “BRSD students have truly embraced the spirit of participation in extracurricular activities, and the engagement in these opportunities is nothing short of impressive,” says Rhae-Ann Holoien, Superintendent. “Throughout October, students have competed in a broad range of sports, from cross-country and golf to volleyball and football. The dedication and teamwork of our students is outstanding, and their action is driving even more inspiration.” She says music enthusiasts among BRSD’s students have been
presenting melodious talents through the divi-
sion’s band programs. Schools continue to sup-
port drama students while they share their passion for performing and prepare for upcoming performances. Holoein says, “As Thanksgiving weekend approached with beautiful weather, BRSD paused to appreciate the extended time for outdoor activities, and to reflect on the importance of gratitude. “The Board of Trustees is thankful for staff dedication, for diversity of student successes, and for the tremendous amount of community
support.” The BRSD Board hosted four community engagement events to gain in person feedback during its review of division attendance boundaries, which stretch across 6,300 square km. Family and stakeholder feedback about current boundaries is a critical component of this process. An online survey was available on BRSD’s school websites from Oct. 19 to 28 to gather data from families unable to attend the boundary review meetings.
“Looking ahead, BRSD is excited and hopeful about the endless educational possibilities that will arise during upcoming months. “BRSD is committed to providing an environment where students can explore, Every Student, Every Day, a Success learn, and grow - both inside and outside the classroom. “October has offered many reasons to be proud! BRSD thanks the community for sharing in the success of its students and staff members.”
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just want to see what’s going on in real estate, we’ll make sure you feel right at home. Stop by for a coffee and chat! We’re excited to meet you.
11 am - 3 pm
5032 - 50 St., Daysland
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTO
Daysland School student teams built some pretty realistic scarecrows last week, participating in the community’s Scarecrow Contest. One of those was “Stanley the Cup Stalker” shown here.
2023 FLAGSTAFF
SHARING PROGRAM Contact Phone 780-385-3976 Once nce again again, the Flagstaff Food od Bank B Ba will bee co coordinating oor the Christmas Sharing Program in Flagstaff. This tradition serves residents of the Flagstaff Region for Christmas. This program is for anyone that is having financial challenges and needs assistance making Christmas special. Clients are asked to refer themselves to the program by filling out an application form available at the Flagstaff Family and Community Services Office in Killam or at the Flagstaff Food Bank, or by phoning 780-385-3976 to have them mailed to you. If you are aware of families in need living within the Flagstaff Region, encourage them to phone 780-385-3976 to submit their names for the Flagstaff Christmas Sharing program. All information will be handled with the strictest confidence.
Applications must be returned no later than Friday November 24th, 2023 to FFCS at 4809 49th Avenue in Killam or by mailing it to Box 352 Killam, AB T0B 2L0. This year we will be running the program out of the FFCS building using primarily a coupon-based program which will enable clients to have choice in planning Christmas for their households, while shopping locally. This program is focused on assisting those less fortunate, within Flagstaff, during the holiday season. As in the past years, the success of this program is due to the generosity of Flagstaff residents who continue to show the true spirit of Christmas in their giving.
Thank you from Flagstaff Christmas Sharing
WWW.COLDWELLBANKERCAMROSE.CA
780-672-7761
ANNELIE 780-226-7653
NICOLE 780-678-0442
The Community Press, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 3
Killam RCMP having colouring contest for Christmas Leslie Cholowsky Editor
For the fourth year in a row, the Killam RCMP Detachment is holding a poster contest for kids of all ages.
There are three categories, nine and under, 10 to 13, and 14 to 17. Winners of each category will not only win some great prizes donated by local sponsors, but will also have their poster design featured in the official detachment
Christmas card. The contest is open to everyone living within the Killam Detachment area, which extends west to Daysland, east to Amisk, and south to Alliance, Galahad, and Forestburg.
The key to the contest is designing a winter or Christmas-themed card that includes RCMP or police in the design. Full contest details will be announced soon, so sharpen your crayons and get creating!
DIGITAL DROP IN Need Computer help?
Artwork by Luke Freadrich, 8
The first year of the Killam RCMP’s Detachment Christmas Poster contest saw Luke Freadrich’s winning poster used as one of the Detachment’s Christmas cards that year.
Sabres start season with a win over Hughenden Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Friday marked the start of the East Central Senior Hockey League, with the Forestburg Flyers starting the season at home against the Delburne Outlaws. The Flyers scored their one and only point in the first period, with Delburne knocking two in to go up by one. In the second period, Delburne scored to make it 2-1, and in the final period Delburne scored
three in a row for a 6-1 final. The Sedgewick Sabres travelled to Hughenden on Saturday to take on the Jets. The Sabres came out flying, with four goals in the first period to the Jets one. Starting the second up by 3, the Sabres scored a single, while the Jets got their second and third goals to make it 5-3 for the Sabres heading into the third period. Three more unanswered goals from the Sabres put the final at 8-3.
In other games, the Provost Combines beat the Irma Aces 4-3, the Stettler Imperials beat the Oyen Eagles 9-3, and then Delburne played against the Coronation Royals for a 4-2 win. This coming Friday, Nov. 3, the Flyers will hit the road to Provost, taking on the Combines. On Saturday, the Jets will be gunning for a rematch against the Sabres, this time in Sedgewick, the Sabres home opener. Game time 8 p.m.
Budding Ideas & Paw Prints Invite you to their
Free Wi-Fi, computer, and printer use available. Call for appointment Ph: 780-385-3712
What do you want to learn? Open Tuesday - Friday 9-5 5023 50 (Main) Street, Killam
780-385-3712 visit: fcal.net
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OPEN HOUSE Saturday, November 4 10-5 Sunday, November 5 12-4 5008 - 50 (Main) St., Killam
Get your Flu Shot here! Book your appointment today!
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780-385-3598
Killam, Alberta
Serving Town & Country since 1962 Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
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The Community Press, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 15