Bill 1 to legislate workers' compensation coverage for Alberta's first responders

The Alberta government has introduced new legislation to streamline the process for Alberta’s first responders to receive Workers’ Compensation Board coverage for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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Throne Speech outlines plans for province's future

Investing in families and communities, securing Alberta’s economic future and advancing world-leading resource stewardship are among government’s plans to enhance Alberta’s future outlined in the Speech from the Throne, delivered by Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Ethell on May 24.

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Arts council established for Wood Buffalo

A community-based non-profit corporation, the Arts Council Wood Buffalo, was set up by the arts community at the request of Mayor Melissa Blake to work with regional arts organizations to strengthen and promote the arts in the region.

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Eight intentionally set wildfires along Highway 63

On May 17, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development and the RCMP were called out to eight intentionally ignited wildfires along

Highway 63 in various locations between House River and Marianna Lake.

Evening wear trends Part One

Part One of oir three part series on evening wear is out! Find it in this weeks' Connect in your mailbox or in newsstands around Fort McMurray.

Fort McMurray knows how to through a party, and in the next several months there are plenty of galas, fundraisers and holiday parties to attend.  In the next few weeks, we will be showing you some of the hottest evening looks. As always we used local models to showcase fashion available here in town.  Connect is excited to debut local model Rhiannon Clark, runner up from the Chan International model search.  Judging by her poise and comfort in front of the camera, it's hard to believe this was her first fashion shoot.  We would like to thank Mary Chan who introduced us to two other Chan International models from Fort McMurray-Kathryn Kohut and Kale LeMoal. 

Thank you to the following contributors

Clothing and Accessories

Drop Dead Darlings

Frost by Mucharata

Helen Arong Fine Fashions

Nisa Collection by Uzma Syed  

Makeup

Hina Khawar - The Face Maker 780-880-0386

Hair: Nargis Khan, Cloud 9  780-743-1664

Models: Alexandria Wiemer, Amy Arendt, Andrew MacLean, Chelsey MacGillvary, Kale LeMoal, Kathryn Kohut, Ryan Arendt

Photography: Courtney Palmer

Faux Fur Fabulous

Faux fur was shunned by high-stree fashion for years. Over time, as the world has become more aware of animal cruelty, faux fur technology has advanced to create soft touchable fashion, that even the most style conscious fashionistas have learned to love. 

To find a good quality faux fur, look for ones made of fine acrylic fibres, because these acrylic fibres are not only flame-resistant, but they can be dyed to resemble the colours and patterns of real fur.  Although we still see real fur coats on the runways, there has been a decline.  Some faux furs are so high in quality, that it can be difficult to tell the difference, however they are not as warm as real fur.  If you are looking to stay cozy this winter, make sure the liner is warm enough.

Short or long, this animal friendly trend is not only warm and practical for our northern weather, but it’s also ads pure luxury to your night out on the town.  Structure and tailoring of the coat is essential because of the fur’s ability to add extra bulk to your silhouette.  For an elegant way to pare down some of the bulk, try belting your coat. Fur and leather is a natural pair, so enhance your look with knee length leather boots or leather leggings.

Long Black and grey coat: Simon Chang $575

Mid Length White or black coat: Simon Chang $420

Little Black Dress

The little black dress (LBD) will always be a wardrobe staple. It should be your go- to dress that can make you feel sexy and glamorous for any occasion. The LBD is timeless piece and should last you years. So it’s important to invest in a good one with great structure and tailoring. It is easy to keep current year after year by adding a few of the season’s trendiest accessories.

 To keep your LBD from blending into the crowd, look for one with detail, such as embellishments or lace.

Add a splash of colour by wearing coloured pumps or a belt. 

Metallic accessories help polish your look. 

For cooler months, wear your dress with black tights or lace stockings. 

*Tip, wear black undergarments, in certain lighting coloured or white underwear can show through.

Lace Up

When I think of lace dresses, and gowns, I think of the classices by Valentino, Prada, Giorgio Armani, and Chanel--all technical geniuses'. We’ve seen lace grace the backs of Hollywood’s finest this past year, reminding us that this romantic classic will never fade. 

This trend with its classic elegance and antique style is hot for Fall/Winter.  It’s romantic, feminine and gorgeous. 

There are several types of lace from vintage lace to delicate sensual patterns.  Find one that best suits you, your look, and personality. 

One hot trend on the runway was sheer lace, either worn over top of a garment, or under a sheer dress or blouse.  If you are going to wear lace under a sheer dress be sure that the lace is solid and not thin like lingerie, it may have worked on the runways, but it doesn’t translate tastefully in real life. 

Bylaw enforcement begins on motorists disobeying “No Stopping” signage on Thickwood and Hardin

The warning period is over and Bylaw officers and RCMP are now ticketing motorists disobeying traffic signage along the eastbound lanes of Thickwood Boulevard between Signal Road and Ross Haven Drive and on Hardin Street between the Highway 63 exit and MacDonald Avenue, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo announced recently.

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Tumour Survivor now Faces Battle for House and Home

Shane Wambolt is alive now, and feeling better than he had in years.

However, the surgery that saved his life last November might cost him not only his home, but his parents’ as well.

‘Tale Lights’ tells the Human side of Fort McMurray’s story

A group out of Keyano College wants the world to take a second look at Fort McMurray.

Produced by four visual arts students and their professor, the short film ‘Tale Lights’ challenges the image of the municipality as an industry town where money is king.

The film was first screened at the 2011 InterPLAY Film Festival, and the team of Carli Gaudet, Paul Neiman, Alex Rushdy, Sora Han, and professor Garry Berteig ended up winning the festival’s inaugural Best Picture award.

Penhorwood Crisis Grinds On

It’s been nearly six months since residents of Fort McMurray’s now-infamous Penhorwood condominium complex were evacuated from their homes, and a legal resolution is many months, if not years, away, according to a spokesperson for the Penhorwood Condominium Association.