Craving something quick in the middle of the day?

It’s easy to reach for chips, cookies, or candy — but these processed snacks can spike your energy and then crash it, leaving you tired and craving more.

A simple, small change — a Snack Swap — can make a big difference for your energy, gut health, and overall wellness.

Why Swapping Snacks Works

Processed snacks often contain:

• Excess sugar

• Unhealthy fats

• Minimal fiber or protein

Replacing just one processed snack per day with a fruit, a handful of nuts, or other whole foods can:

• Stabilize blood sugar

• Keep energy levels steady

• Improve digestion and gut microbiome

• Reduce cravings later in the day

How to Do a Snack Swap

1. Identify Your “Problem Snack”
Notice which snack you reach for most often — mid-afternoon chocolate, chips with lunch, or late-night treats.

2. Choose a Healthier Alternative
Some easy swaps:

• Chocolate → Apple slices with peanut butter

• Chips → Roasted nuts or seeds

• Candy → Mixed berries or dried fruit (unsweetened)

3. Prep Ahead
Keep your fruit, nuts, or veggie sticks visible and ready to grab. Out of sight = out of mind for processed snacks.

4. Make it Enjoyable
Pick something you genuinely like, and savor it. Mindful eating helps you feel satisfied with less.

Quick Tip

Start with one swap per day. Once it becomes a habit, you can increase healthy choices naturally. Small, consistent changes are more sustainable than overhauling your entire diet overnight.

Takeaway

You don’t need to give up all treats to feel healthier. A simple Snack Swap — replacing a processed snack with a fruit or nuts — is an easy, sustainable way to boost energy, support gut health, and feel better throughout your day

One of the world’s most valuable office supplies began as a happy accident.

In 1968, Spencer Silver at 3M was searching for a super-strong adhesive but instead created a gentle, reusable glue that could easily peel off surfaces.

At first, this weak glue puzzled everyone.

Years later, Art Fry, another 3M innovator, struggled to keep bookmarks in his church hymnal.

Suddenly, he remembered Silver’s invention and tried it on small paper slips—creating the first removable bookmark.

After testing, the Post-it Note debuted in 1980 and soon transformed office culture worldwide.

Initially called “Press ’n Peel,” the product only caught on after rebranding to Post-it.

For those in Sherwood Park, local retailers stock a wide variety of 3M office essentials like Post-it Notes for everyday needs.

Strathcona County RCMP is ramping up efforts to tackle a spike in break-ins targeting businesses and homes in Sherwood Park and nearby rural areas.

On January 28, officers recovered 13 pieces of stolen equipment worth nearly $18,000 during a search of an Edmonton residence, resulting in the arrest of Hoang Son Tran, 47, now facing charges related to stolen property.

These actions follow two break-ins at a local business earlier in January, sparking a proactive investigation.

Meanwhile, a rising trend in residential break-ins near Range Road 233 and Township Road 523 has locals on alert, as suspects continue to strike in the early evenings by breaking windows or doors to gain entry.

The RCMP invites the community to a safety meeting on March 5, 6 p.m. at County Hall, sharing prevention tips and updates.

Sherwood Park has recently experienced a noticeable uptick in vehicle thefts, pushing the Strathcona County RCMP to boost their response efforts.

On February 12, officers located a stolen vehicle outside a local home. As two suspects emerged and entered the car, police swiftly acted, resulting in their arrest.

A 42-year-old from Edmonton is now facing charges for possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, with a court appearance slated for March 4.

Just five days prior, an early morning crash on Highway 21 revealed more troubling news — the driver, showing clear signs of impairment, was trapped in a stolen SUV linked to a violent assault on a ride-share operator.

A 22-year-old Edmonton man now faces serious charges, including robbery and impaired driving.

RCMP urge locals to stay alert, safeguard their property, and report suspicious behaviour.

Alberta is making a significant move to boost wildfire protection by investing $400 million in new waterbombers.

The province has signed a deal with De Havilland Canada for five aircraft, which will be built locally and support wildfire response teams across Alberta.

These waterbombers can scoop water from lakes and quickly douse flames, working alongside existing planes that release fire retardant.

Currently, 18 airtankers operate from 13 bases across Alberta, but the new aircraft will further strengthen community protection as wildfire threats intensify.

Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that this investment not only enhances safety but also supports the local economy by creating hundreds of jobs.

The initiative adds to Alberta’s $160-million annual wildfire response budget, with the first new waterbomber expected by spring 2031.

The province aims to respond faster and more effectively as wildfire seasons grow more severe.

Strathcona County is now accepting submissions for its 2026 Annual Art Acquisition Program, inviting artists to apply online from February 9 to April 26, 2026.

Selected works will join the County’s Permanent Art Collection, a vibrant display of over 400 pieces representing diverse media, including painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and mixed media.

Art is curated by the Art Collection Advisory Committee through a juried process, celebrating local creativity and artistic excellence.

Applicants must have a connection to Strathcona County, live within the region, identify as equity-seeking on Treaty 6 Territory, or have participated in public art initiatives locally.

The County is also promoting local art with the 2026 Alberta Summer Games Mural Jam and a Student Art Competition, allowing young artists to showcase and sell their work.

These initiatives highlight Strathcona County’s dedication to nurturing and celebrating the arts within the community.

Sherwood Park welcomes the Building Bridges event on February 25, spotlighting the ongoing collaboration between Strathcona County RCMP, A Safe Place, and the Saffron Centre to support survivors of family violence.

At Council Chambers, leaders from each organization will share both their roles and strategies to aid survivors, followed by an open discussion on addressing trauma-informed care and enhancing agency partnerships.

Attendees aged 16 and up will gain insight into local resources while participating in a transparent, community-driven dialogue.

Building trust is essential—when agencies unite, barriers to help are lowered and survivors feel less alone.

Refreshments and on-site support from Saffron Centre staff foster a welcoming atmosphere, with options for in-person or online attendance.

This initiative aims to empower families to envision safe, supportive futures and reinforces the message that no one should face family violence in isolation.

Women entrepreneurs in Sherwood Park have a wealth of opportunities to connect and grow their businesses through upcoming networking events.

On February 20, 2026, the Womanition Connect Group will host its monthly luncheon at Headquarters Restaurant and Bar, located at 100 Granada Boulevard.

This event offers a platform for like-minded women to share experiences and foster business relationships.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a door prize, which provides an opportunity to introduce their business to the group.

There is no membership fee; participants simply pay when they attend.

Professional attire is recommended to maintain a business-focused atmosphere.

For more details, visit the Womanition website.

For more information, visit the Leadership and Life website.

These events provide valuable platforms for women in business to build connections, share insights, and support each other's entrepreneurial journeys.

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, participating in these gatherings can be a significant step toward achieving your professional goals.

On February 5, 2026, the World's Longest Hockey Game will begin at 52269 Range Road 220 in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Forty passionate players will hit the ice, backed by hundreds of volunteers and enthusiastic fans, all united in the fight to end cancer.

This extraordinary challenge sees participants striving to play hockey for over 11 straight days, aiming to set a new Guinness World Record.

Past marathons in Chestermere, Alberta, have already made history—like the 262-hour Hockey Marathon for the Kids in April 2024, raising more than $1.4 million for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Earlier this year, young athletes aged 10 to 16 played for 72 hours, generating nearly $400,000 for childhood cancer trials at the University of Alberta.

With every game, the community’s commitment and spirit grow stronger.

Organizers encourage everyone to cheer, attend, or donate as we skate toward a cancer-free future.

• Food Collected: 9,536 pounds.
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• Monetary Donations: $4,196.15.
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• Partners: Strathcona County Transit, Save-On-Foods stores, and Strathcona Food Bank.
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• Impact: Helps address significant need in Strathcona County, with donations supporting the community through the following year. 

There was a huge turnout for the Stuff A Bus Event, a cornerstone of local charity that sees our community step up for its neighbours.

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., residents were called to action once again.

Buses from Strathcona County Transit were be parked at all Save-On-Foods locations across Sherwood Park, Edmonton, and Parkland County, ready to be filled.

This initiative, driven by the very transit operators who serve our community daily, is one of the most significant annual drives for the Strathcona Food Bank.

The campaign was its 30th year and has historically been one of the largest food drives in Strathcona County.

The goal for 2025 was to surpass last year's incredible effort, which saw the community donate 8,668 pounds of food and over $1,600 in cash. Which we did surpass it in a Big Way.

If you were unable take part in the Stuff A Bus Event. You can still make a donation at the Food Bank itself.

The Stuff A Bus Event is a chance to make a tangible difference and ensure no one in our community is left behind.

Thank you for your loving generosity.