Thursday, 29 December 2016

Relaxation During the Hustle and Bustle

The holiday season can be so busy, you may get caught up in the bustle and bustle.  It is important to take time for yourself so you don’t feel overwhelmed.  Enjoy the small things.

Put together a holiday playlist with some of your favourite tunes.  Music is a great way to help you relax. A quote by Plato really captures the power of music, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, and life to everything.”  Take time to enjoy some music over the holidays.


Maybe a family colouring night is in the books this year.  Colouring is a great way to de-stress and bring out your creativity.  There are colouring books in numerous styles, making it easier to find one that suits each member of the family.  As well, there are many sites which offer free printable pages such as: http://www.crayola.ca/free-coloring-pages/ ; http://www.supercoloring.com/ ; and http://www.canadianfamily.ca/colouring-pages/ .  Dig out some pencil crayons, crayons or markers and have some fun colouring!

It might be a good time to start reading a new book.  Reading a well-written book can help by taking you away from the busyness of life.  According to Readers Digest, the following are the best new books for December 2016: 

  • 99: Stories of the Game by Wayne Gretzky
  • Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
  • Canada by Mike Myers
  • The Whistler by John Grisham
  • Appetites by Anthony Bourdain
  • A Game of Thrones: The Illustrated Edition by George R. R. Martin
  • Live by Night by Dennis Lehane
  • Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham
  • Cooking for Jeffrey by Ina Garten
  • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling.  

You can find a brief description of each novel here. If one of these sparks your interest, why not visit the Wood Buffalo Regional Library and check one out? For those exceptionally cold nights, reading is a great way to pass the time! 

Find some time to relax.  Enjoy the festive lights. Reward yourself with time just for you.

Tuesday, 27 December 2016

Reserve Your Booth for the Multicultural Expo

Did you know that people come to Wood Buffalo from all over Canada and all over the world? The Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo (MCA) is a great first contact for new residents, especially those coming from other cultures. 

The MCA offers a variety of programs, workshops and services to help people who are new to Canada learn more about living in our region. By strengthening our cross-cultural understandings, the MCA also helps to foster a more compassionate and unified community. 

One of the many events that the MCA hosts that truly brings the cultures of Wood Buffalo together is their flagship event: the Multicultural EXPO. 


The Annual Multicultural EXPO is a celebrated event that educates and engages citizens and visitors alike. Showcasing a plethora of vibrant customs including dance, fashion, and culinary delicacies, patrons are always delighted to explore the cultures of the world…right here in Wood Buffalo!

If you are interested in sharing the splendours of your culture, then register to host a booth at the EXPO. At a booth you are welcome to display information, offer activities, sell and/or teach traditional crafts, sell customary foods and more! 

Click here to register for your booth. Act fast as the application deadline is January 16th, 2017! 

The 2017 Multicultural EXPO will be taking place at MacDonald Island Park on February 18, 2017 from 11:00am – 8:00pm. Entrance fee is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for children of 5 years and younger.
More information can be acquired by visiting www.multiculturefm.org or, contact Rodas Ardres, Events and Volunteer Coordinator of the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo at events@multiculturefm.org or call the office and speak with Rodas at 780-791-5186


Photos courtesy of Greg Halinda.

Friday, 23 December 2016

Recreation Culture Calls

If you want to know about what's going on around town, then check out Recreation Culture Calls!

This electronic newsletter showcases local recreation and cultural events, job postings, as well as volunteer and funding opportunities, and much more.

If you would like to have your email added or removed from this list, or would like to submit information about an upcoming opportunity please send your request to recreationandculture@rmwb.ca. 

To find out what's going on this weekend, please visit the Recreation Culture Calls page on the Municipal website or click here