Keeping all the people of the Okanagan, B.C., those who have left their homes and businesses because of the wildfires, those who have lost their homes/businesses, and all the firefighters and first responders- and the helpers, in our thoughts…

Communities thrive when people support one another. Whether it's offering a helping hand to a neighbour, volunteering your time, or simply showing kindness to someone in need, even small acts of generosity can create a meaningful and lasting impact. These everyday moments remind us that we're all connected and that our actions have the power to make life better for those around us.

Helping others doesn't just benefit the people receiving support—it also enriches your own life.

Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.

“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-

Listen to hear more about these upcoming events and community initiatives:

Miracle Treat Day - Aug 13th - stop by DQ Baseline Sherwood Park and show your support the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation

WESeniors Strathcona Road Show - upcoming dates/locations

Saturday, August 15 - Pay What You Want Sale hosted by Neighbourhood Hoarding Solutions Inc.

- The altView Foundation summer Drag Revue on Aug. 22nd at Gratitude Coffee

- Sherwood Heights Community League "Community Day" Sunday, August 23rd

- 13th Annual Lemonade Stand Day, August 30th in support of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation

- 'Skies Over Strathcona County: 100 Years of Flight at Strathcona County Museum & Archives exhibit and Strathma's Aviation Speaker Series

- Savour returns on Sept. 13th at the Strathcona County Community Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit

- The 10th anniversary of the Artist Home Studio Tour hosted by the Art Society of Strathcona County - Sept. 19-20th

- Volunteer Strathcona celebrating 50 years of connecting community and volunteers

Strathcona Food Bank - Tile fundraising campaign for the new Nourish Centre

and more.

If you have to evacuate, would you know what to pack?

Do you have an evacuation list?

Have you got a bin or box ready with items you would need?

Are you prepared?

Listen to learn important things you need to prepare in case you ever need to evacuate.

It can happen to anyone!

Keeping all the people fleeing wildfires, those who have lost their homes/businesse, and all the firefighters and first responders in our thoughts…

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; it’s the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

Lots of events and community initiatives to chat about:

- WESeniors Strathcona Road Show - upcoming dates/locations

- Strathcona Food Bank - Tile fundraising campaign for the new Nourish Centre

- Miracle Treat Day - Aug 13th - stop by DQ Baseline Sherwood Park and show your support the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation

- The altView Foundation summer Drag Revue on Aug. 22nd

- Sherwood Heights Community League "Community Day" Sunday, August 23rd

- 13th Annual Lemonade Stand Day, August 30th in support of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation

- 'Skies Over Strathcona County: 100 Years of Flight at Strathcona County Museum & Archives exhibit and Strathma's Aviation Speaker Series

- Savour returns on Sept. 13th at the Strathcona County Community Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit

- The 10th anniversary of the Artist Home Studio Tour hosted by the Art Society of Strathcona County - Sept. 19-20th

- Volunteer Strathcona celebrating 50 years of connecting community and volunteers

- Terry Fox Run in Sherwood Park - Sept. 20th. Volunteers needed.

and more.

If you have to evacuate, would you know what to pack?

Do you have an evacuation list?

Have you got a bin or box ready with items you would need?

Are you prepared?

Listen to learn important things you need to prepare in case you ever need to evacuate.

It can happen to anyone!

Keeping all the people fleeing wildfires, those who have lost their homes/businesse, and all the firefighters and first responders in our thoughts…

n this episode, we remember Parker, a precious little boy who gained his wings far too young. Love to Parker’s parents, family, and friends.

Thank You to every person who never gave up looking for Parker…

#foreverloved #neverforgotten

“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-

Listen to learn more about these community events:

- Christmas In July 2026 hosted by Trendz Optical and 14 local businesses in Sherwood Park, in support of the Strathcona Christmas Bureau

- Sherwood Park Highland Gathering - Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, volunteers and community for the Highland Gathering, and incredible Celtic event. Our thoughts are with everyone who was impacted by the storm.

-Volunteer Strathcona - connecting community and volunteers. Open House - 1st Thursday of each month (Aug. 6th)

-Upcoming 10th Annual Artist Home Studio Tour 2026 hosted by the Art Society of Strathcona County

and more…

In a wicked storm, your home loses power for many hours, your wifi goes down for many more hours, and all you have is your mobile phone using data!

(for those who have one)

Are you prepared?

Listen to learn important things you need to prepare for when the power goes out! (Prior to it happening)

Helpful Tip - Remember to keep the fridge and freezer closed during the power outage!

What if your wifi goes down too?

Learn a few helpful tips on how to check the modem and your wifi/internet settings.

Helpful Tip - Know what’s in your ‘Settings’. Important things like your Network and Internet, and other valuable info when computer stuff isn’t working properly.

“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 chat about these community events:

2026 Alberta Summer Games - July 16 - 19 in Sherwood Park. Congratulations, Strathcona County, on hosting the Alberta Summer Games!

- Christmas In July 2026 hosted by Trendz Optical and 14 local businesses in Sherwood Park, in support of the Strathcona Christmas Bureau

- Sherwood Park Highland Gathering - July 25/26 in Sherwood Park.There will be music, highland dance competitions, Scottish heavy games, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer garden, community market, and a Ceilidh!

- Ice Cream Fridays for Kids at Sherwood Park Mall (12 and under)

-Festival Place Qualico Patio Series - Wednesday’s until Sept. 2nd.

-Volunteer Strathcona - connecting community and volunteers. Open House - 1st Thursday of each month.

and more…

Congratulations, Strathcona County, on hosting the 2026 Alberta Summer Games!!

Hoping all the youth athletes, coaches, parents, and families had the best time with memories to last a lifetime!

Thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors, staff, and the community.

“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 chat about these community events:

2026 Alberta Summer Games - July 16 - 19 in Sherwood Park

- Christmas In July 2026 hosted by Trendz Optical and 14 local businesses in Sherwood Park, in support of the Strathcona Christmas Bureau

- Ice Cream Fridays for Kids at Sherwood Park Mall (12 and under)

- Billeting for our Sherwood Park Crusaders 2026-27 hockey season.

- WESeniors Strathcona Roadshow - rural locations

- Strathcona County Men's Shed - for senior men in Strathcona County

- Shoutout to the RavenWood Music Festival organizing committee, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and everyone who attended.

- Sherwood Park Highland Gathering - July 25/26 in Sherwood Park.

- Fem Haven Boutique - Summer Blowout Sale - 40% off summer clothing.

- Neighbourhood Hoarding Solutions Inc. - Do you need help with decluttering or hoarding behaviours? NHS offers compassionate janitorial and organizing services.

Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation sincerely and without expecting anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.

-Ralph Marston-

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to run an event ‘behind the scenes’?

On any given event day, various teams are responsible for different parts of the experience, moving at different paces, and making decisions that affect everything else happening around them.

Take a step back and ponder upon all the moving parts of the last event you attended. Was it a concert? Maybe a large convention? Go beyond the ‘opinion’. You may be surprised when you take the time to review all the balls in the air and how it all comes together. It’s with a team that communicates and stays focused on the mission, together…

Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation sincerely and without expecting anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.

-Ralph Marston-

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to run an event ‘behind the scenes’?

On any given event day, various teams are responsible for different parts of the experience, moving at different paces, and making decisions that affect everything else happening around them.

Take a step back and ponder upon all the moving parts of the last event you attended. Was it a concert? Maybe a large convention? Go beyond the ‘opinion’. You may be surprised when you take the time to review all the balls in the air and how it all comes together. It’s with a team that communicates and stays focused on the mission, together…

“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 chat about these community events:

• Ravenwood Music Festival - July 10/11 www.ravenwoodexperience.com

• Strathcona County - Alberta Summer Games

• https://asg2026.com/

• Christmas in July in support of the Strathcona Christmas Bureau

• www.strathconachristmasbureau.com

• Local business - Sherwood Park Soups

  www.sherwoodparksoups.ca

  And more community organizations and special events.

  The Park in The County airs weekly on Thursdays on

  soundsugarradio.com

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.