We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thoughts and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.

Thomas S. Monson

Do you remember a time when you expressed gratitude to someone for their support, help, or just being there for you?

How did you feel at that moment? Probably awesome, right?

Is there a time in your life when someone gave you something, something you did not buy or ask for – just to show their appreciation? I bet that also felt good.

Here’s the thing with gratitude, though. The person you’re showing gratitude to actually benefits you more than they do. Your desire for more will decrease when you feel thankful, grateful, and content with your own life and experiences. It will make you feel more satisfied with what you have already achieved and where you are in life.

‍Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.

Brian Tracy

“Never doubt that a small group of thougtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”

Margaret Mead

Excited to have Janet Sochatsky, owner of Trendz Optical on this week's The Park In The County show on Sound Sugar Radio)

Janet and I will be chatting about the Christmas In July 2026 initiative supporting our local Strathcona Christmas Bureau

#TPinTC #episode190 #ChristmasinJuly #guestinterview #supportlocal #shoplocal #shpk #strathconacounty

Have you witnessed someone being bullied or treated disrespectfully? Did you say something, or did you remain quiet and try to ignore the situation? Maybe you were part of speaking up for the other person?

Have you ever had to call someone out about their problematic behaviour? It can be a daunting task.

In this episode, you'll learn effective techniques for calling someone out and the possible impact of doing so.

Here’s to building a world where we can all communicate openly, address issues constructively, and grow together.

After all, isn’t that what life’s all about?

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

Plato

Excited to have special guest, Bill Roberts, founder of the RavenWood Music Festival on The Park In The County on Sound Sugar Radio

Get the inside scoop on the upcoming RavenWood Music Festival happening July 10/11th in Sherwood Park.

Purchase your tickets to this amazing Music Festival before they are all sold out: www.ravenwoodexperience.com

#TPinTC #episode189 #GuestInterview #RavenwoodMusicFestival #localtalent #supportlocalmusic #shpk #strathconacounty #yegandarea

A special tribute to all Dad’s here and in Heaven

on this Father’s Day.

• To all the wonderful, loving, supportive Dads

• To anyone who has lost a dad or father figure

• To people who have difficult father relationships

• To those who happily stand in as fathers

• To fathers who have lost a child (or children)

• To anyone who can’t be with their dad today

• To new fathers, still adjusting to fatherhood

• To those longing to be dads but aren’t (yet)

• To fathers who are doing the best they can

• To anyone feeling pressured into fatherhood

• To those who don’t feel like ‘traditional’ dads

• To single fathers raising their children alone

• To foster dads caring for kids with kindness

• To those who will soon be first-time fathers

• To stepdads lovingly co-parenting children

• To anyone who needs a little extra love today

“Never underestimate the difference you can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out, and help. Reach out to someone that might need a lift.”

- Pablo -

The Strathcona County Awards of Excellence, occurring every two years, recognizes individuals and groups for outstanding achievements and contributions in Strathcona County. 

Learn about the 2026 celebration that spotlights the trailblazers who are revolutionizing our community with remarkable achievements! Some are visionary leaders who need no introduction, while others are unsung heroes selflessly crafting a brighter, safer future for our collective well-being.

Sincere appreciation and warmest congratulations to all the esteemed recipients of the Awards of Excellence, for embodying the spirit of excellence, demonstrating unyielding passion, and uplifting our world with dedication and courageous leadership.

““Never underestimate the difference you can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out, and help. Reach out to someone that might need a lift.”

- Pablo -

The Strathcona County Awards of Excellence, occurring every two years, recognizes individuals and groups for outstanding achievements and contributions in Strathcona County. 

Learn about the 2026 celebration that spotlights the trailblazers who are revolutionizing our community with remarkable achievements! Some are visionary leaders who need no introduction, while others are unsung heroes selflessly crafting a brighter, safer future for our collective well-being.

Sincere appreciation and warmest congratulations to all the esteemed recipients of the Awards of Excellence, for embodying the spirit of excellence, demonstrating unyielding passion, and uplifting our world with dedication and courageous leadership.

“A healthy self-love means we have no compulsion to justify to ourselves or others why we take vacations, why we sleep late, why we buy new shoes, why we spoil ourselves from time to time. We feel comfortable doing things which add quality and beauty to life.”
-Andrew Matthews-

When you nurture your soul, you do more than survive; you create the conditions for hope to return, for joy to take root, and for peace to gently find its way back home.

So take the walk. Watch the sunset. Read the book. Share time with those who love you well. Cry if your heart needs to cry. Rest if your body needs rest. For the way you care for yourself today becomes the strength, wisdom, and light you carry into tomorrow.

“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.”
-Parker Palmer-

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”.

-Margaret Mead-   

Playing great tunes and chatting about amazing organizations and awesome people in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County.

Celebrate Pride Month with the following local organizations.

The altView Foundation - https://www.facebook.com/altview

Strathcona County Diversity Committee - https://www.facebook.com/StrathcoDiv

Strathcona County Museum & Archives - https://www.facebook.com/StrathconaCountyMuseumArchives

Strathcona County Library - https://www.facebook.com/StrathconaCountyLibrary

Learn about upcoming events hosted by local not-for-profit organizations like the Strathcona Food Bank www.strathconafoodbank.ca, the Ravenwood Music Festival www.ravenwoodexperience.com, the ARAS 79th Parade - Ardrossan Recreation and Agricultural Society - www.ardrossanrecagsociety.ca

and much, much more.

Thanks for listening :-)

Indigenous people made huge contributions to this country. The biggest is in sharing the land and resources. People need to see that, understand that. Indigenous people should be viewed as the founding peoples of this land.

- Perry Bellegarde

During the month of June, we celebrate Indigenous History month and Indigenous Peoples Day.

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.

Brené Brown

It is also Pride Month, sometimes specified as LGBTQ Pride Month, is a month-long observance dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ pride, commemorating the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer culture and community.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”.

-Margaret Mead-   

Playing great tunes and chatting about amazing organizations and awesome people right here in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County.

Thanks for listening :-)

“Good manners reflect something from inside - an innate consideration for others and respect for self.”

Emily Post

In this digital age, the Internet is a pretty unavoidable part of everyday life. And, because we interact with others online so much, it’s especially important to be aware of digital etiquette, also called “netiquette.” If you want to learn more about digital and email etiquette, you’ve come to the right place.

The tunes in this episode include “Onward, “ a new release by local band The Kids Are Running Wild.

Written and performed by Amy Bull, this song is a reminder of all the amazing things that await us in life, especially as we move forward with the people we love by our side. In this life, new adventures always await!

Check out “Onward” by The Kids Are Running Wild wherever you prefer to stream music!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”.

-Margaret Mead-   

Playing great tunes and chatting about amazing organizations and awesome people right here in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County.

- Saffron Centre - Consent event - 2/5K walk or run on March 23rd at Broadmoor Lake Park.

- Elk Island 1st annual Traditional PowWow, March 23, Lakeland Ridge School

- Josephburg Agricultural Society Cattle Show - May 23rd at The Pointe

Are you interested in homelessness in our community? Attend the Strathcona County Housing Action Group Community Consultation on Wednesday. May 27th at County Hall - 6-8:30pm.

Have you purchased your tickets yet to the Ravenwood Music Festival happening in Sherwood Park, July 10-11th? Tickets and Festival info at: ravenwoodexperience.com

- Fem Haven Boutique - Women's Boutique featuring Canadian-made Clothing & Goods, striving to be inclusive in all capacities, including sizing from XS-4X, located at 321 Kaska Rd. Across the Street from JACEK Chocolate Couture. The 2nd Birthday SALE is on May 20-23rd.

Thanks for listening :-)

“Peace is not when everyone agrees.

It is when we can respect our disagreements

and still play in the sandbox together”.

Ghandi

Most people dislike dealing with conflict, but it is part of life.

Do you react immediately with emotion, or do you take time to reflect and give meaningful thought to the situation before responding?

“The difference between reacting and responding is like night and day.

A reaction is instant, a response takes time –

And that time is where growth happens”.

Unknown

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”.

-Margaret Mead-   

Playing great tunes and chatting about amazing organizations and awesome people right here in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County.

- Strathcona County Museum & Archives - strathma.ca for more info

- Brookville Community League Spring Market -March 16th - Brookville Hall

- Saffron Centre - Consent event - March 23rd at Broadmoor Lake Park

- Elk Island 1st annual Traditional PowWow, March 23, Lakeland Ridge School

- Josephburg Agricultural Society Cattle Show - May 23rd at The Pointe

Wholly Handmade Market March 23/24th- Agora - Community Centre

- Mark your calendars for the 3rd week in Sept. for the Art Society of Strathcona County’s 10th annual Artist Home Studio Tour.

- Fem Haven Boutique - Women's Boutique featuring Canadian-made Clothing & Goods, striving to be inclusive in all capacities, including sizing from XS-4X, located at 321 Kaska Rd. Across the Street from JACEK Chocolate Couture.

Thanks for listening :-)

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”

— Agatha Christie

This Mother’s Day, we honour the extraordinary women whose love has shaped lives in ways both seen and unseen.

To mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, godmothers, bereaved mothers, mothers-to-be, foster mothers, mothers-in-law, caring aunts, guiding mentors, spiritual mothers, and every woman who has ever nurtured a soul with tenderness, wisdom, and unwavering love, this day celebrates you.

Wishing a beautiful Mother’s Day

to every heart that beats with a Mother’s love…

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”.

-Margaret Mead-   

“To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero – Philippics

May 3rd is International Bereaved Mother’s Day

This day serves an important role in not only honouring the memories of lost children but also in providing a source of comfort and support for mothers who are struggling with the grief of their loss.

A mother can lose her baby to a variety of causes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or death. There may also be mothers who struggle to get pregnant. These grieving mothers can feel hurt, unworthy, lonely, and isolated. In response to that, we celebrate International Bereaved Mothers’ Day so these mothers feel important and loved by the world. On this day, people from all over the world engage in various activities to make the mothers of the bereaved feel special.

Wishing a gentle bereaved Mother’s Day to every heart that beats with a Mother’s love…

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”.

-Margaret Mead-   

“I want everyone to feel what I felt when I put on that first piece of special jewellery.”

Rachel Mielke,

founder and CEO of Hillberg & Berke

Episode 222 was inspired by an exciting occasion I experienced, the opening of a Hillberg & Berk store at Sherwood Park Mall, where I reside, in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

www.hillbergandberk.com

www.sherwoodparkmall.com

I knew the founder was a woman entrepreneur who, through her business Hillberg & Berk, supported women’s issues.

I also knew how much I LOVE the stunning sparkly jewellery I have purchased over the years from Hillberg & Berk.

Listen to learn more about an incredibly remarkable woman, Rachel Mielke, founder and CEO of Hillberg & Berk.

“Don’t ever set a limit on what you can do.”

Rachel Mielke