Up Front - Smoky River region will always be home

Emily Plihal
Express staff

I am often critiqued in my position with the Express for not having an equal coverage for the different communities in the Smoky River region.

People from McLennan think I cover Falher too much, people from Falher think I cover too many McLennan stories.

I have a little beef with this intra-regional argument that stirs occasionally. I am, and have always been, a Smoky River region girl. I do not have a favourite community, I think they are all amazing in their own way.

To me, I would love to cover stories in Guy, Jean Cote, Donnelly, Girouxville, Falher, McLennan, Tangent, Eaglesham, Wanham, and all the farm residences in between. However; unfortunately I follow the news not my heart.

I have a prime example of what an impact this community (I group all the villages and towns into one community) has on those who’ve visited or grown up here.

A friend and former boss recently visited from Edmonton with her three children. She explained their excitement as they were close enough to see the grain terminal in Falher.

Although they are quite young, and only lived here for a small portion of their lives, the friendships they’d made while living in our community will always be their primary childhood memory.

There is something special about growing up in a small community. I wish individuals would see the benefits of having other small communities within such close proximity.

When I was just three years old, I remember taking piano lessons with a lady in McLennan. While my sisters were at their piano lessons with her, my mom would bring me to the library in town. One of my fondest memories was spending the few hours with the librarian Mrs. Limoges.

Her life experiences and vast knowledge of the world always astonished me, even as a tiny tot.

Girouxville, in my not so humble opinion, has the best museum that I’ve ever been to. The artifacts collected over the years are amazing.

The people in Girouxville, McLennan, Falher, Donnelly, Guy, and Jean Cote are kind, considerate and welcoming.

Our small town mentalities ensure each traveller is not only welcomed, but we ensure they enjoy their time in our local communities.

We should be very proud of all the events that take place in our region. Each community has some type of event that is entertaining and special to attend each year.

My mom moved from the region four years ago, but still calls Falher and all the surrounding communities home. She explains that as soon as she sees Guy as she’s travelling from Edmonton, she gets very excited.

Every one of my friends and family members that have had to move for employment, family matters or other reasons still call this their home.

I lived in Edmonton for almost five years and felt the only place I wanted to be was in the Smoky River region.

I missed the kind people, the strong sense of community and the calm lifestyle.

Sure, I can no longer go to as many hockey games, concerts, street parties or other big city attractions, but I have awarded myself in the best way possible by coming home.

After all, where in the city can you go where everyone knows your name and actually cares about your well being?

Thank goodness for our beautiful region and thank you all for being such kind-hearted people.

Copyright © 1999-2009 Smoky River Express. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster