airdrielife fall 2016

FALL 2016

®

FREE IN

ARTEM SIDE: 2016 G BER U IDE

THE 6TH ANNUAL

ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE EAST

MEETS

WEST IN THE KITCHEN

THE ART OF THE SPA | TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE | BACKYARD BLISS | THE LUCK OF THE IRISH

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The only thing more important than what we build, is who we build it for.

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

COPY EDITOR

Vanessa Peterelli

DESIGN MANAGER

Kim Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Seline Badel-Wong, Melanie Beingessner, Sergei Belski, Matt Carre, Sara Chamberlain, Ayesha Clough, Jennifer Cormier Alex Fraser-Harrison, Ellen Kelly, Lori King, Kurtis Kristianson, Laura McKenny, Vanessa Peterelli, Kristy Reimer, Kent Rupert, Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, Wyatt Tremblay

ADVERTISING SALES

Wendy Pratt

PRINTING

Mitchell Press

DISTRIBUTION Sharie Tanner CONTACT US

EDITORIAL sherry@frogmediainc.ca

ADVERTISING wendy@frogmediainc.ca

WHERE TO FIND US airdrielife is delivered to all homes in Airdrie and surrounding areas. If you do not receive an issue please contact sherry@frogmediainc.ca airdrielife is also available at more than 100 locations around the city.

You can also find airdrielife in every showhome in the city and at more than 100 locations in Calgary. airdrielife is published quarterly by Frog Media Inc. with the co-operation of the City of Airdrie Economic Development Department.

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 3

ISSN 1916-355X

Contents copyright 2016 by Frog Media Inc. May not be reproduced without permission. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher.

(403) 948-9595

EDITORIAL POLICY airdrielife editorial is not for sale. Editorial is completely independent from advertising, and no special editorial consideration or commitment of any kind can form any part of the advertising agreement. All editorial inquiries must be directed toward the editor. A copy of Frog Media Inc. Writers’ Guidelines can be downloaded from the editorial page on our website. airdrielife does not accept unsolicited submissions. Freelance writers and photographers interested in assignments are asked to send an inquiry, with samples from at least three published magazine articles, to editorial@airdrielife.com

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

7

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Look for this NEW icon throughout the magazine

editor’s note

Yes, it’s me. I am back on this page where I began 13 years ago. It’s exciting to be back overseeing the stories you are reading in this issue. As publisher I am always involved in the day-to-day operations of airdrielife and have always had a strong sense of what would appear on each page, but with the departure of Anne Beaty, whom we treasure and wish all the best, and with Wendy Pratt managing all the sales, I am able to take up this mantle and I am quite surprised at how much I enjoy being back in the role. Especially this issue – my favourite because it’s all about arts and culture, something that we at airdrielife have always made it a mandate to promote. When I get to turn an entire issue over to the arts, well … let’s just say it always makes for a more colourful publication.

The cover is so amazing – thank you Wyatt Tremblay. I met Wyatt when he completed his work experience with us as a SAIT student this past spring. Finding out he was a budding journalist and an experienced cartoon artist had me brainstorming from the get-go about how we could collaborate on the arts cover. I think Wyatt did a tremendous job highlighting some of Airdrie’s cultural venues and events, something that placemaking (see page 90) is all about.

I wish we had an extra 50 or so pages to tell more arts-related stories because Airdrie is definitely making inroads with the amount of talent that lives and breathes right here, and the enthusiasm that organizations like SLAM (page 96) and Creative Airdrie (page 92) bring to the table. We found creativity all ‘round us and down the street for this issue – check out the backyard oasis created by a local couple (page 52), the wine cellar of a tasting enthusiast (page 60) and the works of art that give a local spa its “aahhh” factor (page 76).

I am also pleased that we have brought back Rural Roots, honouring our rich agriculture community. Read about the Bilbens and their legacy of generational farming (page 106).

One of my favourite things to hear people say when they meet me and find out what I do is “I had no idea ‘such and such’ was in our city until I read it in airdrielife!” I hope we give you lots of great aha moments this month. And don’t forget to follow us online – we add extra features (and more pictures) from stories on airdrielife.com and we do lots of shout-outs on social media for local events. We even give away some great prizes, so join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Use #airdrielife in any of your posts and you could be winning gift cards from our advertisers.

I hope this issue gets your creative juices flowing!

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt Editor and Publisher

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

110 On the

Cover This awesome illustration was created for airdrielife

by Wyatt Tremblay, an award-winning cartoonist and one of our feature writers.

25

52 COLUMNS & REGULAR FEATURES

10

32 Events 44 Healthylife 46 Petlife 48 Parentlife 71 Homelife 74 Businesslife 88 Financiallife

airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

SLICE OF LIFE

16 20 21 24 26 30 36 38

Singing Crows Vocal Coach Inked Spice Boys Colouring Book Live at BCT Meet the Challengers Mom Gets a Makeover

HOME LIFE

52 58 60 64 66 68 70

Backyard Oasis Renos for a Cause (Part Three) Cellared Builder Profile Developer Profile Showhome Parade Showhome Map

Mattamy Offers You The Very Best Of Airdrie When we discovered the natural appeal of Airdrie, we made sure you’d be able to get the most out of it. In Southwinds we used plantings from the original farmland to reconstruct the protected 4-acre reserve and 6-acre pond. We built Osborne Park, so you’d have a central place to play or just get together with your neighbours.

The Gates At Hillcrest also features its own protected environmental reserve, with many walkout lots available.

SOUTHWINDS • Village Townhomes • Single & Double Car Garage Detached Homes • K-8 Public School Planned for Fall 2017 THE GATES AT HILLCREST • Manor Townhomes Maximize Space • Front Drives Allow Private Backyards • Option Of 2-Bedrooms Plus Loft • No Condo Fees

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101 ·BRUNCH·

·LUNCH·

·DINNER·

WORK LIFE

76 78 82 84

Artful Spa Workplace Designs In a Lather Smart Start (Part Two)

LOCAL LIFE 403.980.8123 For Reservations haylofton8th.com

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

106

90 Citylife 92 ARTember 2.0 94 AIRdirondack 95 Recognizing Talent 96 SLAM Evolves 98 Ones to Watch 101 Art Educators 104 Airdrie Irish 106 Rural Roots – The Bilbens 110 About the Cover

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slice of life W H AT T O S E E , D O , E AT, L I ST E N T O A N D M O R E

Singing Crows 16 • Spiced Up 24 • The Challengers 36

SLICE OF LIFE MUSICIAN PROFILE

These Crows Know 16

Clockwork Crows rocks out alternative sound with first album

airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY PHOTOS BY KURTIS KRISTIANSON

T

.com .com

.com

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Get the link to the Clockwork Crows EP Clockwork Crows band members – (from left) Marshal Wolff, Neal Janewski, Adam Styles and Kristofer Schofield – hang out under a local area landmark.

“We all listen to too many different types of music to be nailed down to one genre”

here is no shortage of aspiring young Albertan rock bands frenetically vying for space on digital playlists, but what sets Clockwork Crows apart from this mêlée of wannabe rock stars is their head-nodding, satisfying blend of original, catchy tunes.

This four-member Airdrie/Calgarybased band has been building a following with a sound that’s familiar, yet clearly distinct. They’re sometimes rock, sometimes blues, and sometimes a mash-up of rock and alternative reminiscent of the Foo Fighters, but that’s just the way they like it.

“It lets us play what we want,” says lead guitarist and vocalist Neal Janewski, 27, during an interview with the band.

The group had its beginning in 2013 when two longtime Airdrie friends – Kristofer Schofield, 26, who plays bass guitar and sings, and Janewski – advertised for a drummer on Kijiji. Calgarian Adam Styles, 23, auditioned, and the three became the core of Clockwork Crows.

They added a fourth member a few months ago, when Styles asked his friend, guitarist Marshal Wolff, also from Calgary, to join. He accepted and has been busy learning the band’s set list.

“It was time for a hobby anyway,” jokes Wolff, 23, who has a degree in neuroscience from the University of Calgary.

Why the name Clockwork Crows?

“The name – awful,” Styles answers, laughing.

Janewski explains: “It was me just going, ‘Do you like this name? How about this one?’ There really wasn’t any mythos behind it.”

The band’s distinctive sound, which can run from ballads to straight-up rock, to a light-metal sound with the odd rap lyric thrown into the mix, originates from their own individual musical tastes.

“We all listen to too many different types of music to be nailed down to one genre,” Styles says.

“And it gets boring, too, if you just stick to one,” Schofield adds.

Janewski writes most of the lyrics and music, but invites input from his bandmates.

“Neal (Janewski) is very good at being collaborative,” Styles says. “If he brings us a song, any one of us can say, ‘what about this?’ Or, ‘what about that?”’

Janewski’s songs are penned from personal experiences, like the ballad Cascade Road, named after the street on which his mother once lived, or Reverse Elephant, an alternative-rock jam based on something a friend said.

“What’s cool about Neal’s lyrics,” Styles says, “is he has to tell you what they’re about.”

“I like to be vague, because then it opens up the songs to different interpretations,” Janewski explains.

Schofield and Janewski now live and work in Calgary, but brag about Airdrie being the birthplace of the band. Both have diplomas in sound engineering, but Schofield works in construction, and his friend is a chef. Styles and Wolff grew up together in Calgary, but Styles is employed in oil and gas logistics, and Wolff is currently working toward his PhD in neuroscience.

Their first full-length album is set to be released at the end of August, and will include 14 original songs, recorded and mixed by the band. With the album and their growing repertoire, Janewski feels Clockwork Crows is heading in the right direction.

And where might that be?

“Hopefully gigging more frequently,” Styles says.

“I should have learned all the songs by then,” quips Wolff.

The band will be “hard-core” promoting its album in the coming year, Schofield says, and after that, “We’d like to record a music video.”

“We’ve got some good ideas,” Janewski hints, but they’re not revealing anything just yet. life FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

17

FALL IN

st

The colours we’re LOVING this fall are burgundy, forest green and rich blues

L NTO

Follow us on social media for the latest fashion arrivals every week!

tyle Simple leather and precious metal accessories transition easily from work to PLAY

TheStoreUpstairs @storeupstairs

SLICE OF LIFE VOCAL COACH

All the right notes K

“Your music teachers become more than just teachers.

You’re showing them your soul.”

20

STORY BY ELLEN KELLY | PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

aren Yackel, artistic director and founder of the Airdrie Children’s Choir and the Airdrie Women’s Choir, moved to Airdrie seven years ago to teach music at Good Shepherd and Our Lady Queen of Peace schools. Due to health issues, Yackel only spent a year there, but after recovering and spending time contemplating her direction she says, “I think after all these years I might be getting back to feeling like myself and feeling like I want to do things the way I feel I need to do them.” Hence, the Airdrie Children’s Choir was born.

Yackel’s musical journey began in Grade 3 when she took group piano lessons offered at her school. She loved it and continued taking lessons, eventually reaching Grade 9 piano. At 14, she began taking singing lessons with a teacher in her neighbourhood, then took lessons from teacher/mentor Blaine Chapman. At the University of Calgary she studied with Donald Bell.

“Your music teachers become more than just teachers,” she says. “You’re showing them your soul.” Yackel has a B.Ed. with a minor in music and is a certified teacher of Music for Young Children.

She taught in Cranbrook for eight years while also conducting the Kootenay Chamber Orchestra Choir (later the KC Singers) and considers the choir a career highlight. She has taught/directed groups that have won festivals in both Alberta and British Columbia. “I like to have quality in whatever I do – I’m a bit of a perfectionist,” she says, “but it’s so important that it’s fun at the same time.”

‘Musical moments’ are her greatest joy. “A musical moment,” she says, “is when everybody knows the piece and everybody is pulling together. You can feel it resonate in the room. It’s an emotional thing you can’t explain but everybody feels it.”

“Music has been with me for so long it’s just part of who I am,” says Yackel. She has tried other things but always comes back to music. “I love teaching people about my passion for music,” she says. She wants the choirs to be comfortable, friendly and non-judgemental. “I want people to get to know each other and accept each other,” she says. “I want the group to be cohesive because that’s when we can make music.”

Yackel has both performed in and directed .com musical productions and teaches piano in her home studio. Her daughters are musically talentGet more online ed and will be helping Join a choir – find with both choirs. life

.com

the links here

airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

.com

SLICE OF LIFE ARTIST PROFILE

“For me it’s a huge form of flattery if someone is letting you put your art on them permanently”

Hall of Ink & Art STORY BY ELLEN KELLY | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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GENERAL DENTISTS

Partn

yD Famil

ers in entist

ry

sinc

e

1994

403-948-TOOTH

nosecreekdental.ca

E

lizabeth Hall grew up in Cape Breton where, she says, “everything is art oriented.” Her first mentor was her grandfather. “If he bought a card from the store, he would decorate it and change it and make it his own,” she says. Hall also admired an uncle who would visit and draw things he had seen out West for her.

“I guess it’s the visualization of story,” she says.

Airdrie became home six years ago when Hall’s husband, a retired army veteran, was released. “I like the small-town feel even though there are lots of people,” she says. She loves how Airdrie businesses embrace the arts.

Hall is almost fully self-taught but has taken courses in drawing, painting, graphic design, illustration, art history and religious history. “I have a great love for art history,” she says, “especially religious art. I find the storytelling of that kind of art really fascinating.”

Acrylics and watercolour are her favourite mediums. “The more modern watercolours are loose and freeing. You have an idea but don’t know where it’s going when you start,” says Hall. “I love acrylics for the planning out and the specific creation of the design.” The medium she chooses depends on her mood – watercolours are her quick fix and acrylics work when she has more time.

Hall has an eye for detail, enjoys doing portraits, and loves elderly hands because they show so much personality. Her watercolours are loose sketches of women’s bodies and most of them have a tattoo. “I keep it a little alternative because it’s my lifestyle.

It’s me,” she says.

Hall has a 5x7 watercolour travelling with the Imago Mundi collection sponsored by United Colors of Benetton, and recently won the Time Travellers Car Show poster contest. Her art was auctioned for women’s services at V-Day (The Vagina Monologues) and she has illustrated a children’s book called Always Together, written by Kim Cheel.

Tattoo art, which she has turned into her homebased business, is Hall’s favourite art form. “For me it’s a huge form of flattery if someone is letting you put your art on them permanently,” she says. “Everybody they come in contact with is getting to see your piece of art.”

The artist has been tattooing for 12 years and most of her clients are women who have been through life-changing experiences. Hall believes people consider tattoos to be a form of self-expression, “giving a little piece of their inside to their outside.” life Watch for Hall’s AIRdirondack chair on display this fall. Her art can be seen at Hall of Ink (Tattoo Studio) and Hall of Art (Artwork), both on Facebook.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

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SLICE OF LIFE CHEF PROFILE

Spicing things up

at A Fine Balance Café

New chef and organic focus breathe fresh life into Airdrie mainstay

STORY BY AYESHA CLOUGH | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

Chefs Deepak and Nash approach cooking from the philosophy that food should not only nourish the body, but nurture the soul.

W

ith gentle but powerful strokes, Chef Deepak Kalsi stirs a vat of hot red curry that’s been simmering overnight in the Fine Balance kitchen. In his smart white chef ’s uniform, and a turban wrapped around his head, the young Sikh chef massages the curry with a giant wooden spoon.

It will soon become the smooth creamy sauce for the café’s No. 1 bestseller – butter chicken, served with a saffron basmati rice and oven-fresh naan bread.

“The first chef I trained with was my mother,” says 29-year-old Kalsi, a native of Punjab. The northwestern Indian state is known for its rich spicy curries and flaming hot tandoors (clay ovens). “Even now, I consult her when I want to cook something new,” he says.

Firing up the tandoor was one of Kalsi’s first moves when he joined Chef Nash Visram’s team at one of Airdrie’s favourite food spots – A Fine Balance Café and Catering, located on Main Street beside the courthouse.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

“How do you know when the tandoor is hot enough?” he asks with a twinkle in his eye. “When my beard catches fire,” he answers with a laugh.

For Kalsi, a qualified yoga instructor with a lifelong passion for food, A Fine Balance felt like a perfect fit.

“Yoga is all about health and good living, and food plays a major role in that,” says Kalsi, who moved to Canada after he married a Calgarian he met at yoga school.

Visram, the founder and owner of A Fine Balance, has always been a strong believer that good food is all about spreading love, joy, health and good karma.

“When we prepare food with love and good energy, the person who eats it will smile and feel good,” Visram says. “That’s what good food is all about.”

Bringing in the energetic young chef has allowed Visram to serve new tandoor dishes like tender chicken tikka, succulent

beef kebabs and fluffy potato kulchas (stuffed naan bread), in addition to all the regular curries.

There’s also a vegan line for health-conscious customers, and frozen meals-togo that are gluten-free, preservative-free, additive-free and low on salt and oil.

With Kalsi manning the kitchen, Visram can pursue his love affair with fine organic spices – the latest passion for the Kenyan-born chef who originally trained in Western cuisine in the U.K. some 25 years ago.

“In classical cuisine, you just need your basic spices. But in East Indian cuisine, there are dozens of spices you have to play with to make a dish good,” Visram says.

The chef already has a small line of spice blends, but now he’s all about organic.

“A lot of the spices you find in the market have fillers, pesticides and additives,” he says. So, last year, Visram embarked on a weeks-long tour of India, criss-crossing spice plantations up and down the country, sourcing only the purest organic spices.

“Just a little gives you all the flavours you need, and it’s also good for your health,” Visram says.

He’s currently working on a new line of 100 per cent organic spice blends with Kalsi, sourced from India and certified organic by the USDA. The pair will soon introduce custom blends for organic garam masala, butter chicken, tandoori chicken, beef vindaloo and lamb korma.

“When we prepare food with love and good energy, the person who eats it will smile and feel good” Ancient concepts of Ayurveda, traditional health remedies, family recipes and scientific research all inform the cooking and blending of spices at the little Airdrie café.

Something as simple as butter chicken has two main ingredients – garam masala and curry powder – but those in turn are made up of 18 different spices, Visram explains. Throw in the eight other spices that the pair adds in small quantities, and you’ve got a complex mix of 26 ingredients – each with their own flavours and health properties.

“Our job is to keep experimenting with the different blends … we want customers to get the right level of heat along with all the flavours they need,” says Visram.

A Fine Balance’s new chili-lime samosa chips have been called “addictive” by customers, much like the cinnamon-sugar version of these light and crispy treats – another result of recent experiments by the innovative chef duo.

Keeping these mad scientists in check is Zainab, an Iraqi-Kurdish grandmother who has mastered the art of making pakoras (spicy vegetable snack balls) and samosas (stuffed pastry triangles) by the hundreds.

Prepping the next batch of butter chicken, she expertly douses a box of chicken breasts with the café’s proprietary tandoor spice blend, piles on some freshly-minced ginger and garlic, and adds a sprinkle of red chili powder.

“I don’t need to measure,” Zainab laughs. “It’s all in my head now.” A quick mix with her gloved hands, and the aromatic spice-laden chicken gets loaded into trays and popped in the charbroiler.

While that’s cooking, she climbs up a ladder in .com her floor-length gown to clean the giant range hoods in this small but busy commercial kitchen.

Underneath her black gown, the normally shy and retiring cook is wearing shiny silver pantaloons. Get more online It would seem that everything – and everyone – in Find Chef Nash’s butter chicken the café is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. life

Nash’s line of ‘Chef Organic’ spices are directly sourced from 24 Mantra, an Indian supplier of pesticide-free organic spices grown using sustainable farming principles.

.com

.com

A Fine Balance family meal typically consists of samosas for starters, curry dishes for mains, freshly baked naan and saffron basmati rice.

recipe here

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

25

SLICE OF LIFE ARTIST PROFILE

Colouring

Canada STORY BY ELLEN KELLY | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

A

n artist for many years, Brenda Jean Campbell now wonders if she might become best known for her Canadiana colouring book. With her large body of work, which includes fine art, public art, commercial art and design, and much more, that is unlikely. but her adult colouring book, with detailed designs representing all things Canadian, fills a niche in the colouring book market.

Many of Campbell’s paintings have bold outlines so the idea of developing a colouring book came naturally after a series of events piqued her interest in colouring. Campbell, who works at Aspen Crossing, was exhausted after a busy Christmas season last year. A friend gave her a colouring book hoping it would help her relax.

“I started colouring one night and couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed it,” she says. “It isn’t like me to waste time and for me to sit and colour is really unlike me but I think I really needed it.”

After Christmas, Campbell drove north with her daughter to help her settle into a new job in Chateh, Alta., then caught the bus back home in High Level. She found herself on a 10-hour bus trip with nothing to do so Campbell unpacked the colouring book, took in the scenery and had a lightbulb moment. There were no

26

airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

.com .com

.com

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WIN your own copy of the Canadiana colouring book

colouring books with Canadian content so she decided to design her own. “I started thinking on the bus,” says Campbell, “what is Canadian – a moose, a bear, a maple leaf, a beaver.” She came up with a list of images.

She spent January and February housebound, helping her husband recover from surgery. It afforded her time to design the colouring book. She came up with 16 images and a legend providing the history behind each design (her son’s brilliant idea) on the back. Her good friend Suzanne Murison designed the cover. The pages are good quality paper ensuring that felts won’t bleed through and each picture is easily removed and suitable for framing.

Campbell’s first modest run of 250 books sold out immediately.

They are currently available at several outlets including The Store Upstairs, Indigo at CrossIron Mills, Real Deals in Strathmore, Beiseker Hardware, Aspen Crossing and the ATB in Irricana.

About the colouring books, Campbell says, “I hope people enjoy them.” She believes they are inexpensive therapy in our stress-filled world. Upon hearing that Justin Bieber colours to relieve stress, she sent him her book to remind him of where he came from. “Even Justin Bieber needs a colouring book,” says Campbell. life

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It’s Better at Bayside!

Fall at Bayside is a great place to be – from great meals, a relaxing cup of java or sip of wine to the latest fashion finds.

Peppercorns Airdrie’s go-to restaurant for fine dining is offering lots of great incentives to dine with them this fall. Wednesday nights are half-price wine nights (or free corkage). Tuesdays, receive one free kid’s meal (under age 10) with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Fridays are for seafood lovers! Chef Umesh is promising a delightful list of seafood specialities including Singapore Chili Crab, tuna carpaccio, ceviche and fresh oysters. Plus each night has a daily special – follow Peppercorns on Facebook for the updated mouth-watering details every week.

Sorso Coffee Social Sorso Coffee Social is a locally owned coffee/wine bar that ensures every sip or bite is ethically sourced. The establishment uses top-of-theline equipment to showcase all the best roasters from coast to coast, and offers wholesome farm-to-table food all made in-house. Locally made Kombucha on tap, 30+ teas, daily specials like $3.99 breakfast Egg Mack Daddys or half-off bottles of wine. Beer on tap complemented by an awesome evening menu. Check out Sorso for yourself. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Rethink Coffee. Independent. Local.

Showcasing Canada’s top roasters Kombucha on tap 30+ organic teas Wine bar/evening menu Beer on tap Breakfast and lunch menus

Friday Nights are for

Seafood Lovers Oysters Singapore Chili Crabs Tuna Carpaccio Ceviche and more!

Follow us on

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for more weekly specials

airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

Sullys Lifestyle Sullys Lifestyle has been Airdrie’s No. 1 snowboard and skate shop since 2003 and 2016 is no different. With their move to Bayside they have been able to step up their service and give Airdrie access to even more name brands and product than ever before. This winter you’ll find a huge selection of snowboards, boots, bindings, jackets and winter accessories for the entire family. Sullys is also pleased to provide a full wax and tuning service on boards and skis throughout the season. Visit Sullys in Bayside and let them help you prepare for a great season on the hills!

Harder Homes

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Ask us about our 2016 Promotions and flexible building options.

Specializing in: • Acreages • New Home Construction • Renovations & Basement Developments

COME VISIT US AT

620 Coopers Crescent Mon -Thurs: 2-8pm Weekends & Holidays: Noon-5pm CONTACT US AT

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www.harderhomes.ca

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

29

PHOTOS COURTESY BERT CHURCH LIVE THEATRE

SLICE OF LIFE ON STAGE

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings kick off the 2016-17 season Oct. 2.

Eclectic and exciting mix of shows at BCT STORY BY JENNIFER CORMIER

B

.com .com

ert Church LIVE Theatre (BCT) is excited to present a wide array of entertainment choices for the citizens of Airdrie. The 2016-17 season brings three separate series to the stage: family, professional and a new theatre offering, along with a special presentation by East Coast rockers The Trews on Monday, Nov. 21.

BCT surveyed patrons and the feedback resulted in the addition of the new theatre series

along with the presentation of more well-known musical acts while still maintaining “something for everyone.”

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings kick off the season on Oct. 2 with their Juno-Award-winning alternative country sound. The inaugural theatre series show Accidental Humour: Cowboy, A Cowboy Story takes to the stage Oct. 7.

The theatre has a few offerings to make the holidays festive, with Canadian icon Fred Penner and the Airdrie Children’s Choir performing Nov. 26, and The Celtic Tenors set for Dec. 8.

A few returning artists will have completely new shows this season. The incredibly talented Chase Padgett presents Nashville Hurricane, which combines some phenomenal acting mixed with unforgettable guitar playing, and International Guitar Night will be back with a new set of guitar luminaries that are guaranteed to dazzle.

Country star George Canyon plays on Feb. 10, and popular DuffleBag Theatre’s rendition of Peter Pan takes place March 5. The ever-popular Prairie Mountain Fiddlers return on April 1.

Canadian powerhouse The Leahys will showcase their East Coast singing and dancing in the last show of the professional series on March 9. The theatre series closes out on April 8 with Peter N’ Chris: The Mystery of the Hungry Heart Hotel.

The Nose Creek Players will wrap up the season and the family series with their presentation of the story of the beloved East Coast red-haired girl, Anne of Green Gables.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

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WIN tickets to BCT shows throughout the season

Performing Arts for Kids

In addition to fabulous entertainment, Bert Church Theatre (BCT) also offers the very popular P.A.C.K. (Performing Arts Classes for Kids). Due to the overwhelming demand, this program will be offered in three sessions this season. Students will take to the BCT stage beginning Sept. 8. Two classes (junior: age 7-10; senior: age 11-16) are scheduled to run Sept. 8 to Nov. 7; Nov. 14 to Jan. 30; and Feb 6 to April 10. Depending on the child`s age, the class will run for two hours on either a Monday or Tuesday evening and culminate in a public performance at its conclusion.

P.A.C.K. registration is available online at thebertchurchtheatre.com

Your Halloween Headquarters!

Costumes Make-up Home Decor EVERYTHING you NEED for Halloween

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

31

SLICE OF LIFE EVENTS

Fill Your Calendar with Fun! SEPTEMBER CROSSFIELD FARMERS MARKET Banta Park (Crossfield) Open Thursdays, 3:30-7:30 p.m. to Sept. 29, this outdoor market focuses on fresh, local and handmade ingredients and products. Enjoy weekly entertainment and demos as well.

AUG. 30 ‘LINKING THE COMMUNITY’ FESTIVAL 125 Main St. Join Community Links for this event and enjoy contests, games, live music, a barbecue and more! Supported by Community Investment Funds, City of Airdrie. 2-6 p.m.

SEPT. 10-11 STEAM AND STATIONARY ENGINES Pioneer Acres (Irricana) An event that highlights several stationary and portable steam engines as well as a 65 HP Case steam tractor, among other exhibits of interest.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER AIRDRIE FARMERS MARKET Plainsmen Arena Open Wednesdays, 3:30-7 p.m., rain or shine, to Oct. 5. Offering something for everyone, including fresh produce; homemade perogies, sausage, bread and pies; handcrafted art and original quilts; natural soaps and lotions; and much more.

SEPT. 10 AIRDRIEFEST City Hall Not-for-profit and business groups showcase their services and products at this outdoor market-style festival. Enjoy free family fun, live entertainment, kids' games and community registrations. A great opportunity for Airdrie residents to see everything the city has to offer. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

SEPT. 17 ART OF THE HARVEST Airdrie Ag Park Hosted by the Airdrie and District Agricultural Society (ADAS).

Horse teams and vintage equipment will be used to harvest the grain planted in spring. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Weather dependent – check website before event.

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER ART IN THE LIBRARY Airdrie Public Library Throughout the year, Airdrie Public Library (APL) plays host to local, regional and travelling art. Upcoming exhibits include: September-October: Reclaimed, Becky Kundert + Ken Vickets; November-December: Pebble Creations, Cher Nicholson + Delree Dumont

SEPT. 10 10TH ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS ARTS FESTIVAL Airdrie Food Bank This family-friendly celebration of community in the Airdrie area brings awareness to local hunger issues and raises funds for Airdrie Food Bank. Enjoy live music, local artists, pottery demos, kids’ activities, a silent auction and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

SEPT. 17 SLAM ON AIR CONTEST Bert Church Theatre Enjoy this live show event featuring top local songwriters and performers.

Bad hair-days are inevitable.

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SEPT. 25 5TH ANNUAL DRIVE-IN FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Town and Country Centre (parking lot) Enjoy the Halloween hit Casper, presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie and sponsored by Terri Stephens and Sherry Jenkins. Sweet and salty treats available to purchase, with all proceeds going back to children and youth programs.

A great night sure to delight even the youngest movie fan!

Suggested donation is $10 per family of five. 7-10 p.m.

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 2 ARTEMBER East Lake Park Airdrie’s arts and culture celebration includes live art challenges, live music, kids' crafts, face painting, an artisan market, the AIRdirondack Art Project and more. See page 92 for more info.

OCT. 2 BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS Bert Church Theatre The 2016-17 show season kicks off with this band’s Juno-Award-winning alternative country sound. Admission $49.95. 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 7 ACCIDENTAL HUMOUR: COWBOY, A COWBOY STORY Bert Church Theatre An innovative theatre show blending live-action antics with high-octane video projection, this dusty romp through a wild frontier features gunfights, train robberies and shameless innuendo. Admission $16. 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 4-5 AIRDRIE CHRISTMAS SHOW Town and Country Centre Airdrie Farmers Market hosts this show featuring regular market vendors as well as baked goods and holiday-themed crafts and gifts. Open Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

OCT. 7 AUTHOR VISIT Airdrie Public Library C. Alexia Lane, author of On Fracking. Refreshments and entertainment from Christian Hudson.

NOV. 5-6 CHRISTMAS MARKET Crossfield Community Centre Hosted by the Crossfield Farmers Market with a focus on fresh, local and handmade ingredients and products, this is a 70-table market featuring seasonal vendors and product plus regulars from the summer season. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

OCT. 20 AIRDRIE BUSINESS AWARDS GALA Bert Church Theatre Enjoy an evening of celebration, sharing success stories of business in Airdrie. Details and tickets online.

.com .com

OCT. 20-30 (ASSORTED DATES) AIRSCARES HAUNTED ATTRACTION Presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (with all proceeds directly supporting the club). This 5th annual haunted house attraction offers new tricks and frights sure to scare! NOTE: not for young children. Dates: Oct. 20, 21, 22, 23, 26-30; details and tickets online.

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Find more Airdrie happenings in our Eat Play Stay Guide

Bad teeth-days can be a thing of the past.

Dr. Jennifer Buchanan

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY: 403 948 3342

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YouFirstDental.ca FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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SLICE OF LIFE EVENTS NOV. 11-13 MRS. CLAUS’ SHOP HOLIDAY MARKET Town and Country Centre See what local crafters, bakers, artisans and small-business owners have to offer over the holiday season. Santa will be present for pictures. Presented by Hat’s On Productions.

Admission is free.

NOV. 25 AUTHOR VISIT Airdrie Public Library Leanne Shirtliffe, author of Don’t Lick the Minivan, and Other Things I Never Thought I’d Say to my Kids. Refreshments and entertainment from Storm.

NOV. 21 THE TREWS Bert Church Theatre A fully electric rock show! Judging by the boldness of their choices, you’d never guess these East Coast rockers are 10 years, five studio albums and thousands of gigs into their highly celebrated career. Admission $45. 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 26 FRED PENNER CHRISTMAS, WITH THE AIRDRIE CHILDREN’S CHOIR Bert Church Theatre Welcome the holiday season with this legend of the North American family entertainment scene. Admission $20. 2:30 p.m.

10th Annual

Saturday Sept 10, 2016 11 am - 3 pm Airdrie Food Bank 20 East Lake Way

Live Music Local Artists Pottery Demos Kid’s Activities Silent Auction and more!

Free soup lunch thanks to Airdrie restaurants!

Buy a keepsake pottery bowl (Suggested $20 donation!)

emptybowlsairdrie.com This event is made possible through funding provided by the City of Airdrie

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

SLICE OF LIFE WELLNESS

Meet the Challengers! airdrielife is pleased to partner with U Weight Loss and Tri Fit Training to bring you the 2016 edition of our Last 20 Pounds Fitness Challenge. It’s more than a weight-loss contest; it’s about finding balance and a healthy lifestyle and making changes that last. Follow along as we take three Airdrians on a new health journey. .com .com

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Track our challengers' progress here!

JESSICA Age: 32 Height: 5’8” Weight: 188 lbs

L ARM: 13”

R ARM: 13.25” CHEST: 40.5”

L ARM: 15.5”

WAIST: 36.75” MIDSECTION: 40.5”

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R THIGH: 24”

airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

R ARM: 15.5” CHEST: 46”

L ARM: 13.5”

R THIGH: 24”

CHEST: 40”

HIPS: 41.5”

HIPS: 42.5”

L THIGH: 23.5”

R ARM: 13”

WAIST: 39.5” MIDSECTION: 40”

WAIST: 41.5” MIDSECTION: 42”

HIPS: 44.25” L THIGH: 24”

LANA Age: 47 Height: 5’9” Weight: 180.5 lbs

JAY Age: 34 Height: 5'3" Weight: 202.8 lbs

L THIGH: 27.5”

R THIGH: 27.5”

Lana Lou Cochrane says she generally has healthy habits: she eats well, drinks water and walks three miles three times per week.

Despite her good choices, Lana feels tired all the time and craves the energy she once had. She feels like she has hit a plateau with this last 20 pounds and doesn’t know how to break through it. This challenger’s goal is to boost her energy and feel good looking in the mirror.

Jessica Janes has been on a journey with her body over the past few years. She was delighted to welcome a son but disappointed and upset when unable to add to her family again. Jessica’s worked through her emotions and is ready to love her body once more. This challenger is happy in her life and knows losing weight and feeling great is the last piece of the puzzle for her.

Jay Restar is a registered nurse with admittedly no exercise routine – in fact, he calls it a “Couch Potato” routine! He has bravely battled his weight and wants to win for himself and his family. Jay doesn’t want to follow in his family’s history of diabetes and cardiac problems; instead, this challenger wants to be a father who is full of energy and excited to play with his son.

Each of our contestants expressed a desire to learn healthy habits they can take with them through their lives. They want to build routines and knowledge, not only to life a healthy and happy life for themselves, but for their families.

The team at U Weight Loss will provide challengers with top-quality supplements to ensure their bodies get what they need, as well as nutritionally balanced recipes that use real food from the grocery store. During their weekly coaching meetings, challengers will talk with their health coach about what has worked well and where they need more guidance.

Tri Fit Training will work with the challengers once a week in a private training session as well as encourage them to attend their group classes throughout the week. The goal of the physical training isn’t just to lose weight, but to build muscle and strengthen the body. Tri Fit puts focus into technique and form to ensure a strong foundation from which to build.

– Michelle Carre, U Weight Loss

Seeing things differently is cool.

102 2nd Ave NE 403.912.0999 AirdrieEyecare.com FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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SLICE OF LIFE MAKEOVER

After-baby style STORY BY SELINE BADEL-WONG PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

A

s a personal stylist, I speak to so many women who feel great in their skin when they’re pregnant but, as soon as the baby arrives, they suddenly feel overweight. Who among us doesn’t still have a few extra “baby” pounds or a body change from childbearing?

Although our makeover candidate Patricia Browning had a baby just five weeks prior to our photo shoot, and looked fantastic, she wanted to accelerate the weight-loss process. I urged her to be patient with herself and her body; to focus on enjoying this time with her baby and to keep her goals healthy and realistic. It does take nine months to put it on!

Ultimately, you need to be at a good weight to be healthy, but you also need to enjoy life. That means eating, sleeping (when you can), taking breaks and socializing enough to provide a healthy, positive atmosphere for your newborn.

It’s important to feel good about you – and having an adaptable, appealing wardrobe is a big part of that. You don’t need a large number of items, and the key word is transitional, meaning quality pieces that adapt to your body changes and work in multiple ways within your wardrobe.

Patricia already has two children, 10 and two, so she definitely knows the motherhood drill. She also has a great support system in place with her husband, four sisters and some good girlfriends.

This active mom spends time outdoors and for fun likes to garden and play baseball. But even before her last pregnancy, she says, she was stuck in a rut of jeans, tank top and a zip-up hoodie. She would like to get out of that rut and adopt a more girlish style.

I let Patricia know that we can find some transitional clothing that will boost her image and mindset right now, while still being wearable after some weight loss.

Though Patricia lives on a farm just outside of Airdrie, she is often in town and certainly wants to keep up with family and friends. Together we decide that Patricia really needs four categories of clothing: meeting a sister or a friend in town, with kids in tow; date night or a girls’ night out without the children; staying home with kids; and an outfit to attend an upcoming wedding.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS

“You don’t need a large wardrobe … the key word is transitional, meaning quality pieces that adapt to your body changes and work in multiple ways within your wardrobe”

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FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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SLICE OF LIFE MAKEOVER .com .com

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Want a makeover?

Apply online now

Thank you to our makeover partners: Main Image Hair Design The Store Upstairs

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Shopping at The Store Upstairs, which offers plenty of options both casual and dressy, we find great clothes that meet Patricia’s needs.

The first thing I grab is a classic blue-and-white-striped top. This kind of basic is a fashion staple and transitional as it can be styled in multiple ways. You can dress these stripes up under a blazer or wear them casually with ripped jeans. Stripes are also one of the easiest prints to use as a mix with other prints. If you like the look of mixed prints but lack the confidence to put them together, mix a striped top with any floral, paisley or other pattern that includes the colour of the stripe.

For Patricia, I decide on a casual approach and use the striped top under this terrific gray, asymmetrical front-zip jacket. Both stylish and comfortable – the perfect blend for a new mom on the go – it’s easy but looks more polished than a worn-out old hoodie. The jacket’s also flexible and figure forgiving, able to work with jeans and leggings, making it another great transitional piece in her wardrobe.

I also choose these sleek, black Svelte leggings. They fit snug but are so comfortable to wear. They make one more transitional piece for Patricia while she pursues her weight loss goals, and can be paired with everything from tunics to workout wear. I pair them with black booties, a graphic top and a trench coat for a great day look. A trench is a great figure-fixer because it glides easily over curves but the belt (even open) still defines the waist. You can purchase a coat that’s a little smaller and wear it open (as shown), then once you’ve lost the baby weight, also wear it done up.

I then pair the Svelte leggings with this fun, mesh jacket and pink racer-back training top for exercise or staying at home. By day, these pants are flexible enough to crawl after a little one on the carpet; by night, they can be dressed up with heels and a leather jacket, too. One item that works in several different ways in your wardrobe means stylish alternatives.

Finally, Patricia is going to a wedding and wants to amp up her feminine side. I find this gorgeous black-and-pink dress that outlines Patricia’s silhouette in black and emphasizes her yummy-mummy curves with delicate pink sequins. I pair the dress with some sleek patent pointed pumps that move her look up a notch on the glamour scale.

The experts at Mane Image Hair Design in Airdrie take care of Patricia’s hair and makeup. Tricia gives her a great new cut, then Vanessa uses an amazing colouring technique called balayage. (In French, the word ‘balayage’ means to sweep or paint.) The technique is to sweep or paint the hair, allowing a sun-kissed, natural-looking hair colour similar to what nature provides. This gives our makeover winner a very soft and pretty, updated style. On the day of our photo shoot, Vanessa applies makeup accentuating Patricia’s big, beautiful eyes, and Tricia and Deidra look after the styling.

With her new look, Patricia can keep working toward her goals and enjoy her day-to-day. She no longer has to worry about looking good when she dashes out of the house for appointments or to meet up with friends. As a bonus, most of her new clothes are transitional and will help get her through her body changes while keeping her style fresh. life - Seline Badel-Wong is a personal stylist at thefashion-fix.com

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SLICE OF LIFE COLUMN

healthylife

WITH DR. MELANIE BEINGESSNER

The Family Spaghetti Challenge

T

he citizens of Airdrie are a creative bunch!

We have artists, musicians, writers, quilters, crafters and people finding new ways to have fun. This is such a great place to live and work.

This month’s issue is about creativity. I would like to take this time to talk about the function of our right brains and how important it is for overall good health.

The right brain is creative, and it helps us to see the big picture of what we are doing. It also provides our feelings and embraces all that is new. In contrast, the left side of our brain helps us to be more organized, break down big tasks into smaller ones, calculate figures and learn languages.

Most North Americans have a more-dominant left brain. We have deadlines, schedules and assignments that need to be completed at work and at home.

Left-brain-dominant people like routine and order.

They crunch numbers and accomplish tasks … and they might possibly forget to have fun.

As more dominantly left-brained people, we can all use right-brain stimulation to improve our life quality.

The more we stimulate our right brains, the more we see the big picture, feel emotions and open ourselves to creativity itself.

There are many ways to stimulate your right brain: listen to varied music; take a new route to work; try

’DA KINK September 6 to October 1

IN MY HAIR

by Trey Anthony

Directed by Marion J. Caffey A Co-Production with Canada’s National Arts Centre, Ottawa

“A TON of

HEART” now magazine

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something unfamiliar; eat lunch at a different restaurant; colour, draw or paint; play with Play-Doh; and try the Family Spaghetti Challenge.

The spaghetti challenge is one of my favourite activities for family gatherings.

Here’s how it works: 1. Make a big pot of spaghetti; 2. Have everyone sit in a different chair at the dining room table; 3. Use your non-dominant hand to hold your fork and eat; 4. Have an awesomely fun time eating supper.

All of these activities create right-brain stimulation. The spaghetti challenge combines them all in one activity: a different seat, a different perspective and a different hand to do an activity that is taken for granted. I promise that it will be messy and I promise that you will have fun. Your children will love it … and that’s what the right brain is all about! life - Dr. Melanie Beingessner is a chiropractor and owner of Blessingways Family Wellness

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Get your glow on!

Register NOW as a volunteer for our 2016 season.

SLICE OF LIFE COLUMN

petlife

WITH DR. LAURA MCKENNY, DVM

savings SECRETS

Has your cat been to the vet lately?

T

here are more cats than dogs in Canada, however two-thirds of cats do not receive regular vet care compared to their canine counterparts.

This disconnect may be due in part to the solitary nature of cats, which means owners are slower to notice signs of illness in them than in dogs. Another major barrier is that vet visits are stressful to the cat and the owner. As a result, many cats are only seen by a veterinarian when they are sick or suffering, so these cats are not getting the preventive health care they deserve.

THIS OUTFIT BRINGS OUT THE LOOK. YOU KNOW THE KIND. THE COY SMILE AND DEVILISH GRIN. I GIVE IT RIGHT BACK. NOT BECAUSE I THINK HE’S CUTE. BUT BECAUSE HE HAS NO IDEA HOW LITTLE I SPENT TO LOOK THIS GOOD.

“Cats are masters at hiding signs of sickness, so by the time the owner is aware of a problem it may be more advanced and challenging to treat”

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Cats are masters at hiding signs of sickness, so by the time the owner is aware of a problem it may be more advanced and challenging to treat. The average adult cat should have a physical exam at least once a year to screen for disease, and senior cats (eight years and older) should be examined every six months.

iStock

OPENING SOON

Any changes from normal should also be investigated, such as: urinating outside the litterbox; weight loss or gain; changes in food and water intake; lack of grooming; changes in behaviour or vocalization; vomiting or diarrhea; and bad breath.

The first step in taking a cat to the vet is to invest in a sturdy plastic cat carrier. Ideally the carrier should be left out in the living area for a few days, and some toys, treats and blankets placed inside so the cat can get used to it. Cats are highly sensitive to scent, so wiping the inside of the carrier with a pheromone wipe (Feliway®) is comforting. Another suggestion is to withhold food (but not water) for a few hours prior to the vet appointment to reduce motion sickness in the car. Some owners put a calming ThunderShirt™ on their cat to ease the stress of car rides, or you could ask your veterinarian about a mild tranquilizer.

Our goal as veterinarians is to minimize stress and to educate owners on the value of preventative health care to improve quality of life and extend life expectancy. At a Cat Friendly Practice®, cats are kept completely separate from dogs and placed in a cat-only exam room that reduces stress, noise and unfamiliar smells. Every effort is taken to make vet visits a positive experience for both the cat and the owner. life

– Dr. Laura McKenny is a veterinarian at Airdrie Animal Health Centre

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SLICE OF LIFE COLUMN

It ain’t easy being practical

parentlife

WITH VANESSA PETERELLI

G

rowing up in a family whose standard parting phrase was “be careful” (to the point where you became superstitious and feared you may forget to utter the words), it should come as no surprise that I led a pretty safe, sheltered young life.

Risk-taking and spontaneity are traits I’ve only come to understand and acquire in adulthood, particularly since marrying someone with a bolder life approach (true to the opposites-attract phenomenon) and then having children together.

I’ve learned some interesting lessons along the way, some of them while pulling my hair out in the lineup at Costco, others more organically.

Gimme shelter Be it blisters, cavities, hurt feelings, a bruised knee or a bruised ego, life happens. We can only protect our kids from so much before they have to have their own authentic experiences, take some chances and learn from their own mistakes. There is only so much lecturing and sheltering a parent can do before a child stops listening.

Enhance your calm You get what you get and you don’t get upset, or more accurately, there’s no point in getting upset. Fitting words I’ve learned to repeat to myself while raising a six-year-old who is incredibly sensitive, passionate, unforgiving, temperamental, sweet and caring all rolled into one.

Honestly, there are days I’m ready to throw in the towel. (Is giving my two weeks’ notice and quitting this parenthood gig an option?) Our eight-year-old-daughter, meanwhile, shares most of the same traits, but in a more reserved (and palatable) package. She has a quiet way of observing the world around her, but also a fun-loving, carefree spirit that I hope stays with her for life.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

A middle ground Be responsible, reliable, well-mannered and sensible; follow rules, plan ahead, stay organized; make healthy choices and sound decisions … naturally these are important life skills to teach our children.

But, as I’ve come to learn, child rearing – like life in general – is about balance. It’s okay to be a little impulsive and impractical sometimes; to let your children have a playdate with your Inner Child.

Of course it’s not sensible to stop for an ice cream on the way home when you have a car full of groceries to put away, an open bedroom window when the forecast calls for rain, and wet clothes waiting to be put in the dryer. You already have ice cream at home, you mutter, and it’s not the ideal snack before swim lessons….

But then you stop yourself and take in the moment. To a six- and an eight-year-old, sometimes it’s alright to make a choice just for fun.

As parents, there’s only so much we can control when it comes to our kids. We feed, clothe and house them; protect, support and encourage them; teach them right from wrong; and above all, love them. In the end, we hope we’ve given them the tools to find their own path in life. To be bold, take some risks, keep their passion for the little things and find their own happiness and fulfillment. I hope to be along for their journey; maybe we’ll even stop for some ice cream on the way.

I guess I’ll keep this gig; the hours are long and the pay isn’t great, but the benefits are priceless. life

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homelife

IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT

Oasis 52 • Caring Construction 58 • Cellared 60

HOME LIFE OUTDOOR LIVING Starting with a completely empty canvas, Airdrie residents James and Rachelle weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to transform their plot of backyard dirt into an amazing oasis.

Their goal was to create a gathering place where neighbours and friends could relax together.

With a yard that now boasts plenty of seating plus a pizza oven, their neighbours must be regular visitors!

Backyard Oasis

BY KRISTY REIMER

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HOME LIFE OUTDOOR LIVING

The yard’s most unique feature is the pizza oven, a great visual focal point and a fantastic way to cook while entertaining outdoors. The oven kit was purchased at Home Hardware and assembled onsite.

The herb garden planter contains garlic, shallots, chives, basil and oregano. A great source for fresh herbs to top that pizza going into the stone pizza oven!

Two extra seating areas are great places to read a book or enjoy a morning coffee outdoors.

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All of the woodwork, including the pergola, dining set and low deck, was completed by James. When the drapes are drawn, the pergola creates a great shady space in this sunny backyard.

HOME LIFE RENOS FOR A CAUSE

The home that love is building PART THREE IN OUR SERIES

STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON | PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

“What a blessing to have such people within our community – they haven’t met us, yet they’re eager to jump on board and be a part of this … it’s amazing” 58

airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

O

ver the past few months, more than 100 local tradespeople, contractors and others have volunteered to retrofit a home to meet the needs of two little girls fighting a very adult-sounding disease.

Now the work is nearing completion, giving Kadence and Addison Foley and their mom a strong start in a new 1,870-square-foot home that has been future-proofed as the two kids fight Friedreich’s ataxia (FA).

“I’ve always volunteered for a lot of different things, but a project of this magnitude was a new one for me … when it comes to kids, it’s hard to say no,” says Ken Crossley, a veteran tradesperson who, alongside Mark Fowlie of FINELINE Drywall and several others, helped install much of the home’s drywall, giving up whatever free time they could spare.

“We were both doing it in the evening and weekend, maintaining full-time work, so it was spread out over a couple of weeks,” says Crossley. “I tried to come in and put in a couple hours here and there.”

Calgary-based Casa Flores Cabinetry has donated all the cabinets that will be in the house, and general manager Jolanda Slagmolen-Flores says when she put the call out to her suppliers looking for materials, hardware and paint, they volunteered to donate everything.

“I was quite floored – it was a really good feeling to come back and say we could donate all of it,” says Slagmolen-Flores, who first heard about the project last December. “When we went to the house to measure [for the cabinets], the kids had done a bunch of posters saying thank you to the volunteers.”

Slagmolen-Flores says her designer tried to make the cabinets as accessible as possible, with higher toe kicks so the wheelchairs can get in closer. All sinks are open underneath to allow easier access, as well.

“We had seven people volunteer to build the cabinets, and we had another company that does [the painting] … JECO Finishing’s team volunteered to spray all the cabinets,” she says. “A lot of companies contributed.”

FA, for which there is currently no cure, is a disease that damages the nervous system, impacts mobility and can cause potentially life-shortening heart conditions.

Kadence, 12, and Addison, 9, were both diagnosed with FA last year. Knowing the challenges facing them – most kids with FA eventually need wheelchairs – their mom, Shanna Leavitt, determined their old home in Fairways would soon become unsuitable for the girls’ changing needs and, with the help of a family friend, a new home was procured in Woodside.

But the home required major renovations for accessibility. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover the costs and assist with other FA-related expenses that may arise moving forward.

Leavitt says her family has been overwhelmed with the support they’ve received.

“What a blessing to have such people within our community – they haven’t met us, yet they’re eager to jump on board and be a part of this … it’s amazing,” she says.

One aspect of the new home the family’s excited about is how it’ll improve the girls’ independence. “I think Addison is definitely looking forward to it,” says Leavitt.

“She’s having difficulty with the stairs and getting around … to be able to do a lot more on her own will be huge.”

Leavitt says the girls are sad to be moving out of their neighbourhood, but Woodside has already been very welcoming as the family prepares to take possession of their new home (at press time, anticipated about mid-August).

“We’ve been very blessed – the people are great,” Leavitt says. life For more information about the family’s story, FA and to donate, visit ampossible.org

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

59

HOME LIFE PERSONAL DESIGN

W

hen you collect something that isn’t meant to be fully enjoyed for years – decades, even – you want to have a place to store and display it that’s uniquely your own.

Wine cellars are a must for serious oenophiles, and, when Derek Britton built his new home in Cooper’s Crossing, the plans included a 70-squarefoot room for displaying and storing his collections of whites, rosés and reds.

“This was my only input into the house; the rest my wife did,” Britton jokes.

Half storage room, half tribute to family history, Britton’s wine cellar is dominated by three large lacquered steel racks (total capacity: 360 bottles) that he had fabricated with the aid of Trevor Adair of Olds.

The design of the racks was inspired by a visit to Mission Hill Winery in Kelowna.

The design appealed to Britton because of the way the bottles were presented – easy to access, yet kept in such a way the corks remain wet. “I felt you could get more [bottles] in an area, versus just stacking to the ceiling,” says the pipeline company manager, adding the steel look is in contrast to his previous wine cellar that used all-wooden racks. “I wanted to change things up.”

Britton uses the three racks to divide his collection into eras. “This first rack are my

Well Cellared

STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

Meet a man and his collection of fine wines

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Recharge your mind, body and soul.

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HOME LIFE PERSONAL DESIGN

“Everyone has a different palate. Wines I like today may not be the wines I’ll like tomorrow – the fun of this is trying the different wines.”

‘drink nows,’ the [middle] rack are my five to 10-year … and [on the third rack] these are ones I’ll drink 30 years from now – the older French, the big Australians, things like that,” he says. The walls around the racks are decorated with wooden crate-ends from wine cases.

The room is kept at 45-60 per cent humidity, and it’s located on the lower level near where Britton plans to install a small bar.

Adding character to the room are artifacts reflecting family history, such as a 1910-vintage oilskin map taken from his grandfather’s one-room schoolhouse near Eston, Sask., and another

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map drawn by his grandmother. A copy of a history book on the Britton family lies next to a growing scotch collection. The family coat of arms takes pride of place, and Britton plans to install a memory box to hold his grandfather’s sheepskin bomber jacket from the Second World War, and other mementoes.

Britton’s interest in wine has been honed as a member of a wine club called Companions of Old Wine. “Everyone has a different palate,” he says. “Wines I like today may not be the wines I’ll like tomorrow – the fun of this is trying the different wines.” life

Derek Britton’s

top 10 wines As a member of Companions of Old Wine, Derek Britton has honed a palate for appreciating the different styles of wine, expressing a current interest in Okanagan wines, French Chardonnays and French rosés.

Here are his top picks: WHITES: 1. Pouilly-Fuissé, French Chardonnay 2. Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley 3. Louis Jadot Bourgogne, Chardonnay 4. Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc, Okanagan Valley ROSÉS: 1. Montrose, French 2. Whispering Angel, Côtes de Provence 3. Quails’ Gate, Okanagan Valley REDS: 1. Saltram Shiraz, Barossa Region, Australia 2. Belle Glos Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Calif.

3. Walter Hansel Pinot Noir, Santa Rosa, Calif.

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

63

Building better homes

HOME LIFE BUILDER PROFILE

BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON

The gorgeous Verona showhome

by Lifestyle Homes.

I

n today’s economy, buyers are becoming more careful with their money and homebuilders are challenged with raising their game.

Lifestyle Homes, one of the builders in Airdrie’s Cooper’s Crossing, is staying the course. Which in its case means not just building homes that are attractive and functional, but also by focusing on what’s under the floors and behind the walls – things that will keep a home energy efficient, safe and reliable long after the next turnaround.

“What we put into our houses and use for specifications and building materials, we know we’ll never be cheaper than the other guy,” says Brenda Gould, director of marketing and client services.

Lifestyle was established in 1997 and began building in Cooper’s Crossing three years ago. “We saw Airdrie as a very attractive place for families … Airdrie is growing like mad and the amenities are so good,” she says.

Gould describes Cooper’s Crossing as Airdrie’s premier community, and the “Signature” specifications that go into Lifestyle’s homes strive to live up to this.

For example, floor joists are made from PinkWood PKjoists, explains construction manager Mike Babisky. “It’s mould-, moisture- and fire-resistant,” he says. “And the reason it’s ‘pink’ is because

a little [of the sales] goes to breast cancer.” The fire-resistancy can add valuable time to escape in the case one breaks out.

“We actually introduced [TV home-improvement guru] Mike Holmes to PinkWood,” Gould adds.

Babisky says other energy-efficient touches include the use of recirculation pumps that allow for instantaneous hot water on demand, “so you’re not holding the tap open with your hand under it waiting for the hot water. On the environmental end … water-wasting is a thing and everyone has water meters on their homes and those things don’t stop.” Every hot water line is also insulated, reducing heat loss between tank and tap.

Other features include ice and water protection on all roof leading edges (which Gould says eliminates ice-damming), furnace systems with 96 per cent efficiency (compared to the 92.5 per cent industry standard, Babisky says), and little touches such as brushed concrete with exposed-aggregate front steps.

“If someone is looking for a less-expensive house, they won’t be getting these things,” says Gould. “You have to consider what’s going on behind the walls and under the carpet – that’s what makes your home better.”

Lifestyle’s homes in Cooper’s Crossing start in the $470,000s, Gould says. life

“You have to consider what’s going on behind the walls and under the carpet – that’s what makes your home better”

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RBC Financial Planning is a business name used by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by RMFI. RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. © Royal Bank of Canada, 2015.

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HOME LIFE DEVELOPER PROFILE

PHOTO COURTESY GENESIS LAND DEVELOPMENT

An Airdrie legend, Genesis grows with the city “The vision we have for our communities is to be able to have everything linked and connected by either water or open spaces”

STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON

Y

ou might know the name Genesis from the popular Airdrie recreation centre that has its name (Genesis sponsored the naming rights back in 2010), but the company itself has been helping to develop Airdrie communities since the late 1990s.

Since 1998, Genesis Land Development Corp. has been involved in creating three unique neighbourhoods on Airdrie’s west side: Canals, Bayside and Bayview.

“The vision we have for our communities is to be able to have everything linked and connected by either water or open spaces,” says project manager Peter Jensen. “In Airdrie, we have the largest comprehensive open-space network in the city … 60 acres of open space, not including the [water features].”

When Canals launched, the idea of approximately six kilometres of waterways – suitable for canoeing and kayaking – winding through a neighbourhood in a small city was considered a novelty. Today, it’s one of Airdrie’s jewels and anchors Genesis’ adjacent developments.

“We’re in our last phase in Canals Landing,” notes Jensen. “The remaining lots are mostly our country estate lots – 75-by-100-foot lots with side-drive garage.”

To the south, Bayside wraps about the canal system and is anchored by a boutique shopping centre overlooking one of the

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legs of the canals. Genesis is developing Phase 11, dubbed Pier 11, featuring walkout lots backing onto the water, and Bayside Estates, which can be accessed off Eighth Street. “The majority of those lots have direct water access from the backyard,” says Jensen.

“This layout is very unique from almost any [other community] in this region.”

To the west of Bayside is brand-new Bayview, which is being developed in an urban cottage style. “It’s a bit of a divergence from our usual Maritime theme,” says Jensen, adding the first homes are now under construction. “We’ll be having a large central park adjacent to the pond and we’re planning a creek water feature, large gathering spaces and lots of landscaping,” he says.

Jensen says giving back to the community is just as important to Genesis as developing neighbourhoods, and, with recreation a major aspect of the Airdrie lifestyle, it made sense for the company to give its name to Genesis Place. “We have long been a staple in Airdrie and we plan to leave a legacy here, so community involvement is very important to us,” he says.

Builders in Genesis’ Airdrie neighbourhoods include Airdrie-based McKee Homes, ReidBuilt Homes, WestView Builders, Crystal Creek Homes, DS Homes and the Genesis Builders Group. life

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HOME LIFE SHOWHOME

THE JEWEL OF COOPER’S

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Emerald New Homes brings fresh townhomes to the streetscape If townhome living is what you’ve been hoping to find in Airdrie’s premier community of Cooper’s Crossing, then you are now in luck. Emerald New Homes (a division of McKee Homes) has opened 12 townhomes ranging in size from 1,705 to 1,810 square feet. With three floorplans available, each home features an attached garage, three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, master ensuite, upper-floor laundry, fireplace and a large kitchen with island.

Prices start at $425,000. The showhome is located at 115 Cooperswood Place.

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

69

Airdrie and area Show Home Map A quick guide to those advertised projects now selling in the area!

Bayside Pier 11 featuring McKee Homes, Genesis Homes and ReidBuilt Homes. See ad page 53 Bayview featuring Genesis Homes. See ad page 53 Canals Landing featuring Crystal Creek Homes, McKee Homes, Genesis Builders & ReidBuilt Homes. See ad page 53 The Chateaux by Cove See ad page 65 Coopers Crossing featuring Crystal Creek Homes, Lifestyle Homes & McKee Homes See ad page 112 Creekside Village See ad page 42 Hillcrest by Apex featuring Excel Homes See ad page 5 Kings Heights by Melcor See ad page 63 Midtown featuring Shane Homes & Excel Homes See ad page 14 Ravenswood featuring McKee Homes See ad page 56 Southwinds by Mattamy Homes See ad page 11 Vista Crossing featuring McKee Homes & ReidBuilt Homes See ad page 111 Williamstown Gateway Townhomes by Vesta See ad page 4

Legend Townhome /Duplex Condos .com

Rear Lane

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Get more

Check out the interactive version of this map online!

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Front Garage

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Estate

HOME LIFE COLUMN

What you do in your

home is your business, finding you one is mine.

homelife

WITH MATT CARRE

Keeping it real

R

eal estate is always such a popular topic. Doesn’t matter if the market is incredibly hot, or sadly slow. Everyone wants to talk about it, educate themselves or simply feel like they are in the know. Of course that makes perfect sense because for about 95 per cent of us, real estate is the No. 1 source of our current or future net worth.

Sometimes we talk about really low home prices in certain parts of the country while other areas are experiencing all-time highs.

We talk (or reminisce) about crazy-busy markets and lament over the slower times. What always remains most important are the facts about what is happening in our local market.

So far this year we have seen a decrease in the number of sales year to date. As of the end of July, we are down 12.7 per cent.

However, it’s interesting that even though the number of actual sales is lower, prices haven’t dipped a lot in detached homes. Condos have taken a bit more of a hit which could be attributed to the amount of multi-family complexes being built. This could be a great opportunity for investors though.

The real estate market is always a topic of conversation and it’s always changing. It’s important to enjoy the broad picture sometimes but when it comes to decision making, focus on what’s happening in your city.

With that you have to remember it’s still all relative when you are buying or selling in the same market. When your home is up in value but it’s time to find a different home here in Airdrie, that homeowner, too, will have enjoyed the successes of owning real estate. life – Matt Carre, The Carre Group RE/MAX

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WORK LIFE COLUMN

Pokémon GO phenomenon and its real-life applicability The

businesslife

WITH KENT RUPERT

O

ver the summer, a tech application exploded onto the market, only to be downloaded more than 30 million times within the span of three weeks. Pokémon GO became a global phenomenon in short order, with Apple stating the app holds the record for the most first-week downloads ever, and more than 11 per cent of Android users in the U.S. using the app. It has also been cited that the app is estimated to generate more than $750 million in revenue this year.

Even with this unimaginable short-term success, the game is not without its critics. Aside from the classic argument that phone apps (and smartphones in general) are removing its users from reality, some critics are more concerned about etiquette. Between crowds gathering to “catch ‘em all” in cemeteries and memorials, or entering library quiet zones to “battle” against opponents, and individuals bumping into one another in busy shopping centres, there is no doubt the Pokémon GO craze has stirred up some emotion in the masses. Despite these criticisms, it can be argued that the game has actually set a precedent as a New-Age way to build community.

In Airdrie, Pokémon GO has brought out the best of what we hope to achieve as a community. First and foremost, the game has brought people together – from multiple generations, creeds, ethnicities, backgrounds – for a common interest.

In many cases citizens have banded together to create Pokémon GO meetups, ultimately resulting in real-life conversations with new people. That, in its rawest form, is community building.

The game has also provided an avenue for citizens in Airdrie to discover their own community. From Poke Stops drawing people to places such as City Hall and Airdrie Public Library, to gyms bringing people together at Miller Paint Park, and groups gathering to catch Pokémon at Nose Creek Park, Fletcher Park and Bayside Commercial, Airdrie citizens are seeing large portions of the city they may not otherwise have visited. While walking through Nose Creek Park I met a middle-aged couple who was exploring and trying to catch these Pokémons; the woman was excited to tell me that she had already walked six kilometres just that day!

Genesis Place has recognized the value of the app in achieving its goals of providing a variety of leisure, recreation, and wellness services, opportunities, and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in and around Airdrie. This was achieved through their recently completed “Gamer Walk,” which sought to bring a group of people together to catch Pokémon by walking throughout the community.

Together, these activities and gatherings contribute to a strong sense of community pride. They create opportunities for Airdrie citizens to be tourists in their own city; to discover new places to love, and at which to gather. They help us tell the story of what makes Airdrie unique, and of areas we could improve upon. The app has assisted in bringing people to businesses they didn’t realize existed, parks to which they’ve never been, civic spaces they may have misunderstood. Most of all, it has brought people together.

Next time you think these apps cause “isolation by phone,” take a second glance, and see the beauty of community-building happening all around you. But remember: it does not need to take an app to explore your community or to connect with a stranger. So if you are chasing computer-generated figures or just exploring our community, get on out there, and discover why you love our city of Airdrie! life

(With contributions from Shay Barker)

“ 74

airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

In Airdrie, Pokémon GO has brought out the best of what we hope to achieve as a community

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WORK LIFE BY DESIGN

The Artful Spa

BY KRISTY REIMER

Sky is depicted with a moon and starry-night-sky theme.

A massage under the stars would be amazing!

“The ambience of the rooms uplifts the moods of our clients and creates positive energy”

Hoffman’s painting of water makes you feel like you’re under the sea! Blue lighting was added for extra atmosphere.

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K

al and Anna Sadra, owners of Anna’s Spa & Wellness, had a vision for their wellness rooms when they started renovating their popular spa oasis in downtown Airdrie. They collaborated with contractor Ed Randall of Springdale Homes and muralist Shawnee Hoffman to bring to life the five elements of Vastu, an ancient Hindu science of architecture, and turned simple treatment rooms into breathtaking landscapes. Clients are now inspired by the themes of earth, water, fire, sky and air.

Each room took Hoffman about a week to complete.

“The ambience of the rooms uplifts the moods of our clients and creates positive energy,” says Kal. Kudos to a local business bringing art into the workplace on a whole new level. life

This fire ambience was created with a sunset painting, a volcano with fibre-optic lava and rocks with red “hot” lighting. The fireplace finishes off the look and cozy feel.

Earth is depicted through Hoffman’s foggy mountain landscape painting while Randall added rocks and green lighting.

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77

WORK LIFE GLOBAL FOCUS

ADJUSTING FOR SUCCESS

JO-RO Manufacturing makes the case for furniture that fits STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON | PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

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“We looked at the marketplace and, at the time, ergonomics was the buzzword.

So we were able to produce a niche product that was not necessarily readily available in the marketplace [when we started].”

W

hen JO-RO Manufacturing Co. Ltd. opened in Airdrie 20 years ago, adjustable office furniture was a relative novelty, but the family-run company was ahead of the curve.

“The pushback was always, ‘I have a keyboard tray, I have an adjustable chair, what more do I need?’” recalls general manager Johnny Mattar, who was involved in the creation of the company that today sees its products shipped to clients as diverse as the Northwest Territories and Key West, Fla. “Education was the biggest challenge … that even though you and I might both be six feet tall, our proportions are different.”

Mattar presses a switch on his desk, raising it up nearly 52 inches using JO-RO’s FlexDesk mechanism. If he wants to, Mattar can stand and work, or he can just raise the desk to be more comfortable for his chair height. The metal arms used to raise and lower the desk are usually hidden away in the legs, invisible until a button is pushed.

JO-RO’s plant on East Lake Green N.E. manufactures the mechanisms used to raise and lower desks, chairs, tables – even cabinets and shelves.

“Our background is we are a family of engineers with knowledge in general construction and manufacturing,” says Mattar.

“We looked at the marketplace and, at the time, ergonomics was the buzzword. So we were able to produce a niche product that was not necessarily readily available in the marketplace [when we started].

“Adjustable tables were even less readily available – you had to look at the European market to get any product, so we took a leap of faith. We manufacture all the mechanism components, and anything involving woodwork we source out or we sell the mechanisms to other manufacturers who add their own unique designs to it.”

JO-RO has since expanded into other segments of the adjustable furnishings market, such as the Pro-LIFT line for use with digital boards and projection screens in classrooms and boardrooms.

“A challenge was thrown at us by one of our furniture clients,” Mattar explains, adding the client was looking for something to use with whiteboard and projection systems at a trade show, and, through this challenge, JO-RO saw an opportunity to create a line of lift mechanisms for use in schools and offices.

“Our newest segment is accessibility in homes for barrier-free living,” Mattar says. “The premise is to develop something compact and easy to use. So you buy an adjustable mechanism from us and add your own cabinets, or you can adjust a countertop for wheelchair access," he says. "As we age it just gets harder to reach higher up the cabinets.”

Mattar demonstrates one of the ReachTec systems installed on a kitchen cabinet that, with the push of a button – either on the side of the cabinet or on a remote control – raises and lowers. A safety mechanism prevents the cabinet from lowering onto an object beneath. The system can be used for storing things out of the way or for lowering for easier access.

Mattar’s staff of 10 work out of an approximately 9,000-squarefoot facility across the street from JO-RO’s original location, which had been outgrown within a couple of years of going into business.

Drawing employees from both Calgary and Airdrie, Mattar says he enjoys coming up with solutions to challenges that present themselves. “There’s a new challenge every day and you don’t get stale in terms of doing the same repetitive things to provide solutions,” he says. “It keeps us engaged. And our interaction with our customer base … at the end of the day, they drive our innovation.” life FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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WORK LIFE MANUFACTURING

In a Lather STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

W

hen Lara Lamb talks about recipes, she’s not talking about dinner.

Instead, her recipes are for products like soap, bath balms, lotions, scrubs and body butter.

Lamb launched sales for Lamb’s Soapworks in March 2015 and has since seen her products on store shelves across Alberta – including locally at The Store Upstairs – and into B.C. “I started dabbling in it in December 2014, but didn’t really start selling till March – I took a bit of time to play with and perfect some recipes,” she says.

“I have some culinary roots and I really wanted to go back [in that direction] and do something creative,” says Lamb.

“But I didn’t want to go back and work in kitchens … it’s a pretty rough life, not very conducive to family life.”

Instead, Lamb turned her attention to handcrafting artisanal soap and natural bath and beauty products in her kitchen at home, using unrefined vegetable-based pure oils and butters.

“This is kind of like cooking,” she says. “You’re blending

“Everything you put on (your skin) enters your bloodstream and affects your health”

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flavours and I use botanicals to top my soaps. There’s a lot of plant-based material and I wanted my product to reflect that.”

Consumers are looking for “natural alternatives” to factory-produced soaps and bath products, says Lamb, adding that skin is the body’s largest organ. “Everything you put on it enters your bloodstream and affects your health.”

Lamb balances her work as a school librarian with long hours spent in the kitchen creating her product and perfecting her recipes. After filling a mould (she might make up to 28 pounds of soap at a time), it can take up to six weeks for the soap to cure.

“The production gets a little mad in our kitchen,” she says, adding it’s become a family affair; her daughter assists with packaging and shipping when she’s not at university, and her son helps with deliveries.

Among Lamb’s most popular offerings (which, she says, depend on the season) is a lemongrass mint soap.

“People love it, especially at this time of year, because lemongrass is part of the same family as citronella, so it keeps the bugs away a little bit,” Lamb says.

In the fall, gingerbread and pumpkin scents are popular.

Her advice for people looking to start their own homebased business: “Do your homework.

“This is my baby. I started from scratch and fought really hard to get it to where it’s at and build relationships with customers and our community.” life

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Smart Start 2.0

WORK LIFE TRAINING

STORY BY SARA CHAMBERLAIN | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

PART TWO IN OUR MEET-THE-SMART-START PARTICIPANTS.

Twenty-one entrepreneurs representing 17 businesses are busy working their way through the 2016 SMARTstart program.

The program provides passionate, budding entrepreneurs with online business skills training, in-person workshops and mentorship. Connecting the entrepreneurs with a local mentor is one of the most important aspects of the program.

Jennifer Benner, Mentor Age: 38 Business: Benner Database Designs Years in business: 7 Growing up I wanted to be: Writer My first year in business: I really struggled with evaluating my time properly – both in management and in value.

Best advice you ever got: Know your numbers.

A clear understanding of cash flow and resource requirements are your best indicators.

Proudest achievement: Chairing the 2016 Mayor’s Night of the Arts Event What’s on your desk/laptop right now: Google Docs, Dropbox and OverDrive I define success as: Being able to learn from my mistakes so that I am constantly improving.

I am paired with: Beckie Lower (BL Fitness Coaching) Beckie Lower, Entreprenuer Age: 36 Business name or business idea: BL Fitness Coaching Years in Business: 6 months Dream/goal for your business: To become a full-time personal trainer and open a gym What I hope to learn in SMARTstart: Creating a dynamic business plan that allows me to build a strong business. I also want to build on the strengths I have to make me a strong entrepreneur.

My biggest obstacle: Business planning and accounting Why I am an entrepreneur: I have a passion for success, I am able to create the dynamic future to nurture my commitment to helping others through fitness.

I start each day with: My positive affirmations and hugs from my children.

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This year’s participants have already completed a draft of a business, feasibility or strategic plan. By the program end in October, that plan – along with pro forma financial statements – will be complete, providing the entrepreneurs with a solid foundation from which to launch or expand their business.

Learn more at smartstartbusiness.ca

Jennifer

Beckie

Kari Lines, Mentor Age: 36 Business: Budget Blinds of Airdrie Years in business: 8 Growing up I wanted to be: Airline pilot My first year in business: I learned a lot.

Best advice you ever got: Don’t take things too personally, and keep negativity out of your life.

Proudest achievement: In 2015 we were the No. 1 franchise in Canada out of more than 100 locations.

What’s on your desk/laptop right now: Lots of paperwork! And my calendar I define success as: Running a responsible, profitable,and ethical business that is not dependent on me being there every day.

I am paired with: Shannon Marier (Koko FitClub)

Shannon Kari

Shannon Marier, Entreprenuer Age: 39 Business name or business idea: Koko FitClub Years in business: N/A Dream/goal for your business: Five clubs in five years What I hope to learn in SMARTstart: I hope to minimize first-time business owner mistakes by learning from the mistakes of my mentor. Gaining more knowledge about marketing and social media will help increase brand awareness. Support from Kari Lines of Budget Blinds with human resources will be invaluable help in hiring our new staff.

My biggest obstacle: A true entrepreneur is an innovator. When I come up against a perceived obstacle, I find a way.

Why I am an entrepreneur: I feel compelled to provide personal assistance to help others make good decisions. Being an entrepreneur enables me to have the independence and freedom to continually grow and challenge myself. Through sharing my vision, I inspire the lives of others.

I start each day with: Gratitude.

Brent Swain, Mentor Age: 69 Business: Innovative Marketing Solutions Years in business: 35 Growing up I wanted to be: Fighter pilot My first year in business: I was hired by Imperial Oil, given an office and created my own job in the marketing department.

Best advice you ever got: Listen more, talk less, be straightforward Proudest achievement: Developing and facilitating my own sales and management training course What’s on your desk/laptop right now: Numerous programs used to aid companies in marketing I define success as: Enjoying what you do.

I am paired with: Lorne Osborne (Provision Athletics)

Lorne

Brent

Lorne Osborne, Entreprenuer Age: 30 Business name or business idea: Provision Athletics Years in Business: 3 Dream/goal for your business: To have a million users and over 1,000 clients What I hope to learn in SMARTstart: How to create and execute my long-term plan; marketing and to get business help in the form of mentorship My biggest obstacle: Marketing and letting people know about our program Why I am an entrepreneur: Love being able to make changes, set my own schedule and have the ability to create my own life; being able to help people worldwide.

I start each day with: Breakfast and a workout.

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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WORK LIFE TRAINING

Mentor: Gary Armstrong Age: 57 Business: Empowered Employee Education Years in business: 9 Growing up I wanted to be: Police officer My first year in business: I discovered that sometimes it is best to hire an expert.

Best advice you ever got: It’s called ‘show business’ for a reason. The show is only half of it.

Proudest achievement: My family What’s on your desk/laptop right now: An introduction to business course I am developing I define success as: Casting my own shadow.

I am paired with: Michelle Carre (U Weight Loss) Name: Michelle Carre Age: 34 Business name or business idea: U Weight Loss Years in business: 1.5 Dream/goal for your business: I want to be the go-to place for health and wellness for our clients and all Airdrians.

What I hope to learn in SMARTstart: I hope to gain new perspectives and new knowledge. I want to talk through ideas and have a method for testing them out to see if they are a fit. I want to develop a plan for the future that aligns with who I am and what I’m good at.

My biggest obstacle: Knowing where I stand with my current agreements and where I have movement Why I am an entrepreneur: I love business and

leadership and being a business owner allows you to do both of those things. I love the fact that I get to be a Jack of all trades being involved in the various aspects of running a business, from strategic planning to branding and marketing to finances. As the business

grows you can put people in position to do some of those jobs (probably better than you) while you focus on the things you do best.

I start each day with: Getting the kids off to school and usually a meditation.

Danielle Coulter, Mentor Age: 57 Business: Tutor Doctor Years in business: 6 Growing up I wanted to: Work in a lab or on a construction site My first year in business: I nearly paid off my business loan, but worked 18 hours a day, seven days a week as a Jack of all trades Best advice you ever got: Reach out and ask for help. No need to reinvent the wheel! Most folks love to share their tools and ideas.

Proudest achievement: Winning our company’s sales award (President Circle) three years in a row What’s on your desk/laptop right now: Lots of photos and travel itineraries I define success as: Being able to go on a holiday again!

I am paired with: Karine Ruiz and Christelle Hitimana Uwamahoro (Meals Made Easy)

Christelle Hitimana Uwamahoro, Entreprenuer Age: 40 Business name or business idea: Meal Made Easy Years in Business: 8 months What I hope to learn in SMARTstart: Marketing skills and business management: cash flow and human resources, decision-making and their impact on the business, sales and customer relationships My biggest obstacle: Money is the obstacle that is stopping us from having a storefront.

Why I am an entrepreneur: I realized I have a flair for good opportunities. I’m able to start from a simple idea and make it bigger. I have the passion to talk with people about all topics and to select ideas that I can use in different ways. I believe that an entrepreneur never stops learning or considering themselves self-sufficient. An entrepreneur has to be open-minded because business is not a straight line, business is an adventure and you need to be flexible to be able to keep up and enjoy what you do.

I start each day with: A prayer to thank God for another day.

Group photo on page 73, pictured from left Karine Ruiz, Entreprenuer Age: 40 Business name or business idea: Meals Made Easy Years in business: 8 months Dream/goal for your business: A storefront!

What I hope to learn in SMARTstart: What we need to get a loan for a storefront, marketing/branding, organize/budget financials, when to go to wholesalers and who to contact, making our website user-friendly.

My biggest obstacle: Money Why I am an entrepreneur: I love to be my own boss, love dealing with people, love being creative and thinking outside the box. Motivated by challenges and not scared to take risks. Also, I want to provide a service that will impact people’s lives in a positive way. The satisfaction of knowing that you can make an idea a business and make it succeed is exciting and scary all at the same time!

I start each day with: Checking my messages, shower and inspirational music, prayers.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

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WORK LIFE COLUMN

Know your options

I financiallife

WITH LORI KING

n today’s increasingly complex financial marketplace, knowing what pension options are available to you is an absolute must.

If you’re retiring from or leaving a federally registered business or company and you’ve been a member of the firm’s registered pension plan (RPP), you have the option of accepting a pension from the RPP, transferring your accrued pension amount to another RPP with another company or transferring your pension amount to your own individual registered savings plan, called a locked-in retirement account (LIRA). Depending on your personal, financial circumstances the LIRA could be your best choice. Here’s why.

Transferring your RPP cash to a LIRA allows you to own the assets rather than leaving them with your previous or new employer. The obvious advantage of doing so is selection and control of the investments you choose for your cash. Unlike an RPP which restricts the securities you can choose, a LIRA offers you the opportunity to select from a wide variety of different investments. By doing so, you can tailor your investments to your investment profile, whether your investment goals are wealth accumulation, wealth preservation or income generation.

Where an RPP does not normally allow for lump sum cash withdrawals, some provincial and territorial jurisdictions in

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Canada do allow lump sum capital payments from a LIRA. The best income option provided by a registered pension plan is a fixed sum that is paid you on a monthly basis. A LIRA can be a better deal.

The big financial advantage of a LIRA, however, rests with the life income fund (LIF). When the time has come to access your cash, you convert your LIRA to a LIF. This conversion generates a stream of periodic pension income that is similar to a regular registered annuity or pension. The LIF differs in that you can choose between a minimum and maximum payout at the beginning of each year. In both cases, regardless as to whether you elect to take the minimum or maximum LIF payment, all of the assets of your LIRA will be paid out by the time you reach age 90, but not before. The reason for this stipulation is to make sure that income recipients continue to receive registered benefits throughout their retirement, and have no liquidity advantage over regular members of an RPP-driven pension.

As attractive as the LIRA is over a regular RPP, regulations and rules for this locked-in plan differ across Canada. Be sure to contact your financial advisor for full details. life

– Lori King is a financial planner with BMO Bank of Montreal, Kingsview Market branch

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LOCAL LIFE CIT YLIFE

A place to love STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON

WHY PLACEMAKING MATTERS TO AIRDRIE

Part of the park was closed at the end of May as work began on replacing washrooms and its pavilion, adding a covered picnic area and a built-in concession, as well as multistall washrooms.

The work, at press time scheduled for completion this fall, is to be followed by a second phase of redevelopment that will see a brand-new covered amphitheatre built in a new location alongside the park’s pond.

The amphitheatre, planned for completion later this year, will have a larger seating capacity than the old facility. Phase 2 will also see extensions to the boardwalk, which is expected to make accessing the pond for skating and fishing easier.

Michelle Lock, director of Community Services for the City of Airdrie, cites Nose Creek Park as an example of placemaking in action.

“That is a thriving piece of Airdrie’s identity that people are proud of,” Lock says.

The 40-acre park has long been a popular venue for community events year round, including the Airdrie Festival of Lights, car shows, ARTember (which has been relocated to East Lake Park this year due to the reconstruction) and fundraisers.

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CITY OF AIRDRIE

Nose Creek Park is undergoing upgrades aimed at keeping it one of Airdrie’s prides of place.

E

very community strives to establish its own identity and identify what makes it a good place to call home.

Airdrie is no different, and the City is embracing a concept known as “placemaking” as it evolves.

Placemaking is defined as “a multifaceted approach to planning, design and management of public space” in a way that enhances and capitalizes the “assets, inspiration and potential” of a community.

“There are three overarching qualities in placemaking: social offerings, openness and esthetics,” says Paul Schulz, city manager with the City of Airdrie, which recently hosted a visit by Dr. Katherine Loflin, an internationally known placemaking expert, to discuss the topic with staff and administration.

“For me, [placemaking] is how individuals identify with their community,” adds Michelle Lock, director of Community Services. “Is there an opportunity to have their individual or family needs met through connections with people in places they feel good about – where they have a sense of pride?”

Lock says the concept of placemaking isn’t new to Airdrie – in fact, the core of the City’s vision statement, “connecting people and places,” ties in directly with the idea. But, she says, the research done by Loflin and others has helped hone what aspects of placemaking work best.

“It has actual science behind it,” Lock says.

“There is data that says communities that are resilient have these factors, communities that grow have these factors – what this whole exercise has done is marry what we know and now we can say there is science behind it.”

So what does “placemaking” look like for the average resident?

“It can be in the shape of a building, a park, or just a treed area … people remember it,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “Through our economic development strategy, we tried to pull this together – how you can incorporate culture and placemaking and commercial and business and residential to create this wonderful place. It’s certainly a struggle when you’re growing as quickly as Airdrie is, but it can be as simple as [providing] good transportation and mobility.”

A video still of Roel Suasin and his C.W. Perry dance crew.

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“It’s certainly a struggle, when you’re growing as quickly as Airdrie is, but it can be as simple as [providing] good transportation and mobility”

Can’t Stop the Feeling, Airdrie!

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Examples of Airdrie placemakers, Brown says, include East Lake Park and the spray park at Chinook Winds. “The placemaking is when the people come down and congregate and create that place with their friends,” he says.

Schulz cites the city’s pathway and transit systems as other placemakers. “My greatest satisfaction in Airdrie comes from the parks and pathway systems … on a summer day, you’ll see people pushing strollers, riding bikes; that is what I think about,” he says.

Lock says placemaking can also include events: “Look at the Festival of Lights … the Canada Day Parade, the rodeo … ARTember.

“If you ask people what they bring [visitors] to and are most proud of in Airdrie, it’s those venues and events and festivals,” she says.

Well-defined placemaking also plays a role in promoting business development, “allowing us to leverage the community’s assets as an economic engine,” says Lock.

“Let’s look at our authentic identity and say Airdrie is a place that’s open and inclusive. Let’s showcase and identify the cultural assets we have and package all of that so you can use it as an economic engine to promote the advantages that exist here.”

Lock and Schulz say placemaking concepts will inform current and future municipal plans, such as the civic master plan, economic development strategy, the Great Places Plan (a 10-year master plan for the city’s open spaces and parks) and the transit master plan.

Lock says more information related to placemaking will be posted to the City’s Airdrie@Work business newsletter at airdrie.ca, and there will be stakeholderengagement opportunities for businesses and the general community in the near future. A social media campaign is also being developed. life

A study in placemaking happened this summer thanks to a catchy tune and a lot of dancing Airdrians.

When Justin Timberlake released the video for Can’t Stop the Feeling, communities across North America got into the feel-good vibe of the song and started creating their own versions. At airdrielife we were just as enthralled by these feel-good videos and decided Airdrie needed one too! We put the shout-out on social media and received a resounding YES from Creative Airdrie and Rob Ing Productions.

Deanna Hunter, Rob Ing and I came up with a basic list of locations at which we wanted to stop that provided an overall feel of Airdrie, capturing all ages and dance skills. James Thompson from Voartec Aerial joined us to provide some cool aerial shots.

A priority was the C.W. Perry School with their awesome hip-hop crew; they were outstanding. We hit the Airdrie Fire Department, Chinook Winds Park, Airdrie Farmers Market, Genesis Place, Airdrie Public Library, City Hall (check out City manager Paul Schultz!) and even happened upon a baton dance recital.

We also popped into a lot of local businesses including Sorso, Sullys, Good Earth Coffeehouse, HairBenders Salon, Specs Optometry, A Fine Balance Café and Catering, AIR 106.1 FM and Cream Body and Bath.

A thousand thank-yous to all the people who when asked to dance did so with spontaneous joy.

– Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, airdrielife publisher (and behind-the-camera dancer)

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY CREATIVE AIRDRIE

SLICE OF LIFE EVENTS

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Admission to ARTember events is free, except for tickets for the Rock the Rails mainstage evening performances on the Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $20 for the Brad Sims show on Sept. 30 and $45 for Gin Blossoms on Oct. 1. (Kids under 10 get in free to both concerts.) To order tickets, visit artember.ca

ARTember 2.0 airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

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“Instead of 16 days, ARTember will be a weekend – but have the same amount of stuff and more”

ach year, Airdrie’s arts community gets together during ARTember to celebrate the creative spirit of this city. Now in its sixth year, the festival is getting a makeover for 2016.

Instead of running for two weeks, the event has now been condensed to three days to coincide with Alberta Culture Days Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

“It’s like ARTember 2.0,” says Deanna Hunter, chair of ARTember’s organizing committee and Creative Airdrie Society. “Instead of 16 days, ARTember will be a weekend – but have the same amount of stuff and more,” she says. “Some of the changes came from feedback we were hearing … we heard [visitors] didn’t connect it all into one experience. So we wanted to create a real experience.”

The venue has also shifted. Due to Nose Creek Park getting a facelift, the festival will now be held at East Lake Park, including the first Rock the Rails mainstage concert series on the Friday and Saturday featuring headliners Brad Sims and Gin Blossoms.

The main event on Friday will be Schooled in the Arts, an outdoor party for local junior and high school students. Over the

weekend, highlights will include a performance by members of SLAM in Airdrie (Supporting Local Area Musicians); a Street Art Installation Challenge; a kids’ craft area called Global Van Gogh’s; face painting; a Makers’ Market featuring local artisans; and, of course, the ever-popular food trucks.

Hunter says the popular, artful AIRdirondack Art Project – transforming Adirondack chairs into one-of-a-kind pieces of art – is back, but with a twist. “We’re not doing a gala this year. Instead, we’ll have the chairs [on display] in the park, and then we’ll have a silent auction and anyone can get in on the auction,” she says of what is the major fundraiser for Creative Airdrie Society and ARTember.

“We’re also going to have buskers this year,” Hunter says.

Organizers hope to see as many as 4,000 people come through the park over the weekend.

Hunter adds she sees ARTember continuing to grow into a major social event for the region. “I can imagine this growing bigger and better every year. life

ARTEMBER FAST FACTS

Hours: Friday 3-6 p.m., primarily for the Schooled in the Arts event (gates open for Brad Sims at 6 p.m.); Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (gates open for Gin Blossoms at 6 p.m.); Sunday 12-4 p.m.

As the arts festival enters its sixth year, the landmark cultural event is shaken up and reinvented STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON

Events (mostly happening on Saturday-Sunday) include: Schooled in the Arts after-school party for local students, with DJ, decal-making and dance troops (Friday only); Rock the Rails concert series featuring Brad Sims (Sept. 30) and Gin Blossoms (Oct. 1); Airdrie SLAM reunion performance (local songwriters) (Sunday only); face painting; Global Van Gogh’s kids’ craft station featuring local vendors; AIRdirondack Art Project display and silent auction; Street Art Installation Challenge (two artists have 24 hours to create an original piece between Saturday and Sunday); Piano in the Park (watch a piano painted by a local artist and sit down to play a tune); Makers’ Market (local artisans); Nosh Pit (food trucks); and beer gardens (as part of Rock the Rails)

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE CREATIVE FUNDRAISING STORY BY SHERRY SHAW-FROGGATT | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

AIRdirondacks 2016 If you want to sit on it, you need to BID on it!

Self-taught artist Kelsey Knock is using pyrography (wood-burning tools) to create her chair.

Contemporary artist Zachary “The Zaé” Abbott is pumped to be back designing a chair, working with aerosol paints, acrylic and hot glue to create a stained-glass-inspired look.

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ruer words were never spoken – and this year anyone can get in on the bidding action for the 2016 edition of the AIRdirondack Art Project. There is no gala this year; instead, Creative Airdrie has created an online auction and anyone can get in on the bidding action Sept. 9 through Oct. 2 at creativeairdrie.ca This is Creative Airdrie’s only major fundraiser of the year. In past years the chairs have raised upwards of $24,000 for the arts organization that created and organizes the annual ARTember Festival.

All 12 chairs will be available for viewing in person during the month of September, starting at AirdrieFest Sept. 10, and around town at various locations including Airdrie Public Library and City Hall. All chairs will also be on display at Culture at the Creek Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

This year, the artists represent an eclectic mix of genres which means the chair designs offer plenty of options on which to bid.

There are 10 adult-sized chairs, featuring the work of artists Zach Abbott, Kirk Dunkley, Kelsey Knock, Erin Brekke Conn, Ellis Bartkiewicz, Elizabeth Hall, Deepa Mittimani, Beau Ryan, Shawn McPherson and Brenna Miller.

Back by popular demand, renowned special effects artist Amanda Tozser, who is licensed to reproduce Marvel and Disney characters, is creating two

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youth-sized chairs. Watch for a prehistoric theme for boys and a Disney villain for the girls!

The chairs give their creators a new medium on which to practice their talents and the artists are excited to share their work.

Calgary graphic artist Beau Ryan (and top-10 finalist in the Big Rock Eddies) is creating a chair that has a “gorgeous night sky with the Milky Way overhead and silhouetted trees all around. My hope is to fill people with a sense of wonder only a star-filled sky can.”

Airdrie artist Brenna Miller is roaring back (literally) with her third chair featuring a tiger theme. “I feel lucky to get to paint a third chair for this project.

This year I’m showing a very different side of my painting style so I’m very excited to share that with everyone.”

Another Calgary artist, Deepa Mittimani, is bringing monarch butterflies to her chair, while Airdrie tattoo artist Elizabeth Hall (featured in this issue on page 21) is creating a modern watercolour inspired by tattooing nature. “I was ecstatic to hear I had been chosen this year! I love Airdrie and its growing support of the arts, and to be a part of that and share my art with our community is wonderful!”

Erin Brekke Conn, another artist previously featured in airdrielife, creates funky pointillism works of nature and her chair promises to be no exception in its vibrancy. life

2016 Qualico Emerging Artist Award winner Christian Hudson performs with 2015 recipient Brad Fleischer at the 2016 awards night.

Honouring Talent Nominations are open until Oct. 7, 2016, to celebrate and honour Airdrie’s brightest stars, professional to youth, in all genres of the arts at the TD Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts (AMNA).

This is the community’s opportunity to showcase the wide variety of talented musicians, actors, singers, dancers, artists, writers, film makers and more who make Airdrie an increasingly vibrant place to live.

Finalists in all five categories will be announced Nov. 14. A new category this year, the Arts Educator Award, is designed to recognize the role that arts teachers play in building creative careers.

Winners will be announced Jan. 28, 2017, at the annual awards night which features local and regional talent performances. life

PHOTO COURTESY CREATIVE AIRDRIE

SLICE OF LIFE RECOGNITION

Third Annual TD Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts now accepting nominations

AMNA AWARDS CATEGORIES

Patron of the Arts Award This is a category designed to recognize a business or individual in the community that has made outstanding philanthropic contributions to an Airdrie arts organization, therefore enhancing the entire arts community.

Champion of the Arts Award This award recognizes an individual in the community who has made outstanding contributions through a variety of non-financial ways, such as volunteering and mentoring; supporting the arts in Airdrie and therefore enhancing the entire arts community.

Youth Artist Award This category is designed to recognize an individual 21 years of age and under who has shown exemplary discipline, effort, talent and promise in their chosen artistic endeavours. In addition to the award, the youth recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Emerging Artist Award An award designed to recognize an individual who has been a part of the Airdrie arts community for less than five years and who has demonstrated excellence and creativity in their work.

Professional Artist Award This category is designed to recognize an individual in the arts community respected by their contemporaries for advancing and enhancing the arts through their exceptional talent and body of work.

Arts Educator Award This award is designed to recognize passionate, dedicated and innovative educators who have made outstanding teaching contributions in the Airdrie arts community.

To read all of the nomination guidelines and nominate an Airdrie artist/performer, go to creativeairdrie.ca

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LOCAL LIFE MUSICAL CAUSE

Live music: where to find it If music is what feelings sound like, then Airdrie is a feeling community. Country, rock – you name it, we have it – and we love it live.

“We are very fortunate in that our city has a great pool of talent to enjoy,” says Carmel Squires, whose husband Craig performs with Airdrie’s party rock band Blakkstone Hexx.

With an exciting roster of acts on tap, the only question is, where do you hear them?

Krave Steakhouse and Bar on Main Street, and Babytooth Bambino’s on Summerfield Boulevard, offer a regular Monday night open mike from 5 to 8 p.m., followed by live bands.

The Good Earth Coffeehouse on MacKenzie Way, Standard Tap Public House on Main Street, and Sorso Coffee Social on Yankee Valley Boulevard, are also moving toward live events.

“We’re aiming for two nights a month to feature live acts,” says Sorso’s owner Dmitri Martini.

“We don’t have a lot of space but it’s what we want to do.”

Besides these venues, there is a robust billing of larger events from the likes of George Canyon to the Kirby Sewell Band that appear regularly at Bert Church Theatre on East Lake Boulevard, and at the Town and Country Centre on Jensen Drive N.E. “We also have ARTember in September which showcases (arts and music) in various locations around the city,” says Squires, who also manages several web pages dedicated to the Airdrie music scene.

Not to be left out, Grade 9-12 students can perform at the Boys and Girls Club Café on East Lake Crescent Friday nights during the school year.

And if you don’t mind a short drive, you can also catch live acts at the Jack ’n’ Throttle Bar ‘n’ Grill in Crossfield, Lazy Ace Saloon in Beiseker, and Barley’s Pub in Carstairs.

-Wyatt Tremblay

SLAM 96

STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

turns up the volume airdrielife.com | FALL 2016

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ou can’t talk about Airdrie’s vibrant music scene without giving props to the grassroots influence of SLAM (Supporting Local Area Musicians).

This non-profit society has been providing the means and opportunity for local musicians to promote their work for several years, but now it’s “spicing things up,” says its new marketing director, Steve Gilliss.

“We’re actually bringing things that would normally happen in Calgary to Airdrie,” he says.

“Originally, SLAM was musicians themselves who were on the board, working with musicians.

But now, we’re trying to open it up to music lovers and the people who support musicians,” says Steve’s wife Samantha, who recently took on the role of society president and calls herself “one of the music lovers.”

The Gillisses, who moved to Airdrie 10 years ago from Calgary, became involved on the board last year. Steve has played guitar in several bands, but connected with the industry side of his craft about two years ago, when he and Samantha attended a Rock and Roll Fantasy camp in Las Vegas.

The camp wasn’t just about performing with and learning from members of iconic rock groups like Quiet Riot and Black Sabbath; it also taught them the business of making music.

“Seeing the industry side of things inspired us,” Steve explains.

With a new board and support from past president Jay Stoudt, who founded SLAM and is still active, the society is exploring several new or expanded initiatives.

One of these initiatives was the Spotlight Benefit Concert held in February featuring Canadian rock star Sass Jordan. The concert was a fundraiser for Guitars for Vets, a Canadian charity that matches guitar instructors with veterans, but it was also a showcase for local talent.

“It put our local musicians right out there,” Steve says. “People came to see Sass, but they also got to see our own.”

Another involves expanding the number of spotlight clinics. These events bring in industry professionals as instructors, which also leads network connections that benefit participants, Steve says.

The latest was a guitar-and-songwriting clinic held in June featuring Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, and Calgary guitarist Ralph Boyd Johnson.

“Learning from someone like Thal,” Steve says, “who has been in the industry for 40-plus years; what a perfect person to bring to town for these guys to come learn from.”

“We hope to do four a year, and each clinic will have a different focus,” Samantha explains.

An example, she says, was an acting clinic in July that featured actors and directors from the American soap opera The Young and the Restless.

“SLAM’s primary focus is music and musicians, however we are looking into ways we can support all up-and-coming entertainers in several different disciplines,” Steve adds.

Another event that saw some significant changes this year was the popular annual SLAM on Air, an original songwriting and performing contest. Online pre-judges – Ron Thal, Nick Catanese of the Black Label Society and Sean Kelly, who has played with Nelly Furtado and Lee Aaron – narrowed down the contest’s submissions to the top six.

These six will compete in the live show event at Bert Church Theatre on Sept. 17 before judges Ralph Boyd Johnson; musician, filmmaker and SAIT instructor Richard Harrow; and Calgary-based promoter Bryan Taylor. airdrielife, as a major sponsor of the event, will profile the winner in the winter issue.

“This way we can get our local musicians’ music into the hands of these people,” Samantha says.

Every show or clinic, Steve explains, will give a local artist an opportunity to work with someone in the industry. “It’s all about networking, about connections. It’s just bridging the gap between local (performers) and industry people,” he says.

It’s a model Steve and Samantha say can be used anywhere in Canada.

“What’s our big goal? This is what it is, offering what we’re doing here as a model. Okotoks, here it is. Cochrane, here it is. It’ll work as long as you have the support system around you,” explains Steve.

“For this last guitar clinic, we had people (from) as far away as Vancouver and Cold Lake. It’s not local anymore. We could have one of these (SLAM) in every community.”

The society is also gearing up for a new membership drive. This is where non-musical people like herself can get involved, Samantha says.

“I love music, but I’m not a musician. We need people like me involved. Music is something we all enjoy.” life FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE MILLENNIAL TALENTS

Ones to Watch 2016

STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTOS BY KURTIS KRISTIANSON

Charlotte Eriksen

Connor Wilde

Multi-Talented Musician

Future Jazzman

Charlotte Eriksen was five years old when she watched her brother play in his high school concert band; the moment was pivotal for her.

“It was mind-blowing for me,” she says. “I just knew that music was something I wanted to do.”

This 18-year-old Airdrian, who recently graduated from St. Martin de Porres high school, is a gifted musician and definitely someone to watch.

Eriksen sings soprano and plays several genres of music, handily switching between clarinet, trumpet, trombone and the moredifficult bassoon.

“Honestly, the main reason I chose to play the bassoon … was because my band teacher at the time was a bassoonist, and when she said it was a super difficult instrument to play, I was all for it.”

Eriksen has performed with the Alberta Honour Band, won numerous school awards, including the Linda Bennett Memorial Music Award for Grade 12 student leadership and musical involvement, and successfully auditioned for the University of Calgary’s music program where she hopes to join the orchestra. As well, she’s joined the Ambrose University chamber orchestra, and plans to pursue her passion for jazz.

“I can’t wait to meet and work with many more talented musicians.”

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Connor Wilde began playing the trumpet in Grade 6 band because it was difficult to play.

“That’s how I am,” he says. “I don’t like not being able to do something.”

The 18-year-old Airdrian, who recently graduated from Bert Church High School, already has two firm career goals: perform and teach music.

He attributes these aspirations to his mother, who introduced him to piano when he was five, and to his trumpet instructor, Johnny Summers, director and founder of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra.

“He’s my inspiration. I saw him (play) and said, ‘That’s what I want to do.’”

Wilde is entering the University of Calgary’s music program this fall, specializing in trumpet. Though piano was his first instrument – he recently passed his Grade 10 Royal Conservatory exam – trumpet is his passion.

“I like the free-ness of jazz,” he says. “Classical, there’s one way to do it, but jazz, you make it up as you go.”

Wilde, who teaches piano, says he would like to also teach school band someday.

But for now: “There’s university … and I plan to find various jazz bands to play with.”

Keep your eye on this young jazzman.

Meet five aspiring artists and performers who are taking their talent to the next level

Emma Gallaher

Michelle Orsten

Energetic Actor

Exceptional Visual Artist

Ask Emma Gallaher how she got into acting, and she’ll tell you it all began at the age of 10 with a drama class in which she felt too shy to participate.

“As soon as I got up on stage, though, I felt incredibly confident. It just had one of those magical energies around it,” Gallaher says.

That energy led this 21-year-old, who grew up and lives in Airdrie, to spend a year in Los Angeles studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and then to join Calgary’s celebrated Scorpio Theatre.

While at Scorpio, Gallaher and several other actors formed the Arcturus Players, who recently toured the Canadian Fringe Festival circuit in places such as Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton performing Searching for Party, their original play about gamer culture.

“It’s been a pretty wild couple of years,” she says.

Gallaher’s “end-goal” is not to be famous, but to perform on a local main stage, where acting is more about “the craft, the art and the people.”

Ultimately she wants to do acting workshops for kids who are shy and may feel they don’t have a voice or the opportunity to express what they feel.

“Acting brings out the magic in people.”

Michelle Orsten is a young, unpretentious artist with the ability to translate her interpretation of the world into stunning visual pieces.

Her art, which ranges from pencil to multimedia, from dark and emotional to mystical and intricate, is largely inspired by her feelings and what she wants to say.

“I’m not sure when it began. I’ve always drawn,” she says.

This 18-year-old Bert Church High School graduate was 11 when she sold a piece of art for $700 as part of a fundraising auction.

Using that money, her father, who is an auctioneer, bought five prints from Okotoks artist Bernie Brown, and a year later, together with a piece from Orsten, they raised $15,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

“It felt really good, because I knew the money was going to a good cause,” says Orsten.

Several artists inspire her, but her fine arts teacher, Lisa Tschritter, has been Orsten’s mentor.

“She takes me to art shows and she’s always really supportive.”

Orsten would like to find work in the art industry, but for now she’s enrolled at the Alberta College of Art and Design.

“I’d like to experience more before I think about what I’d like to do for a career.”

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE MILLENNIAL TALENTS

Ones to Watch 2016 Kieran Clarke

Voice for the Shadows

Kieran Clarke, a.k.a. rapper Shadow in the Dark, has received a lot of press lately, but he isn’t looking for fame.

“My goal is to help people. I could be a therapist, but this works a lot better,” he says.

Clarke, who is 16 and attends W.H. Croxford High School, says he has been bullied for years.

His experiences are reflected in his original lyrics as well as his rapper name, which came to him when a student was threatening, “to come find me and hurt me.”

Clarke thought to himself, “Good luck with that, I’m like a shadow in the dark.”

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It’s a word play, he says, but it describes the issues of bullying, selfharm and depression that students often face alone.

“You don’t see a shadow in the dark; it’s invisible.”

His love of rap has led Clarke and a friend to create Airdrie Rap Battles, a performance venue for young rappers, and he’s also signed with Airdrie’s Patriot’s Art Group, where Clarke and rapper Delion Patriots are producing his first album.

This will add to his already impressive list of material, which can be found on YouTube.

“I never thought I’d be here. It’s a real confidence booster.” life

LOCAL LIFE ARTS EDUCATORS

“There’s always something going on … always a buzz in the class about something someone is making”

Metal Maker

Art Class

STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY PHOTOS BY KURTIS KRISTIANSON

Meet 6 Airdrie teachers who inspire their charges every day to think and live creatively FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE ARTS EDUCATORS

Sharing the experience of creating art

Happy feet, happy kids

Airdrie middle school art teacher Alison Turner had an idea for an event, but she had no idea it would be a hit.

Convergence launched in 2014 as a gathering of 100 arts students from Rocky View Schools (RVS) who had one day to design, create and finish an art piece. It’s become an annual event.

“It’s snowballing on us, it’s just going,” Turner says of what she and her husband Mark, also a teacher, developed.

Turner, who moved to Airdrie five years ago, was born and raised in Calgary. An art major, she was hired at Muriel Clayton Middle School in 2008 where she teaches humanities, and art option classes, including art metal, for Grades 7 and 8.

Art metal, where students design and create jewelry out of sheet metal, is one of her favourites.

“There’s always something going on … always a buzz in the class about something someone is making.”

It’s this passion to share the creation of art, whether its painting or dance, that inspired Convergence, says Turner.

“It’s about coming together to create and meet people,” she adds.

Each middle and high school in the RVS division nominates four art students to attend.

“We limit it to 100, so people have a chance to get know one another,” Turner says.

Last year, Calgary’s Ambrose University partnered with Rocky View to provide the venue and support.

“They were really excited about how it went, and they want to try it again next year and make it even bigger,” she adds.

Airdrie’s C.W. Perry Middle School’s popular dance team is the result of a serendipitous coming together of three talented teachers.

Grade 6 teachers Roel Suasin, Krissa Donahue and Stephanie Wilson guide and mentor the school’s energetic dance team. Formed in 2015, the 30 Grade 5 to 8 students perform hip hop, jazz and lyrical.

“Dance is a part of everyone’s life, and it’s an anomaly that it’s available at this extent in a public school,” says Suasin who, despite having had a successful career as a dancer in Los Angeles and New York City, came from a “have-not” family.

“Not everyone can afford to take dance,” he says. “This is a story about accessibility … about giving these kids a chance to have what they otherwise might not.”

Both Suasin and Donahue come with considerable experience. The former, a Canadian with dual U.S. citizenship who moved to Calgary five years ago, has performed with the likes of Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado.

Donahue, who grew up in Belleville, Ont., is a licensed dance teacher with a passion for youth engagement.

Their paths crossed when Donahue interviewed for her position in the school’s office and noticed a newspaper article about Suasin pinned to a bulletin board.

“I was like, ‘Are you kidding me? The one thing I can offer at a school is dance for students, and he’s already here? Where is this guy?’”

The two quickly became co-directors and choreographers of the newly created dance team, recruiting Wilson in the process for the “background stuff.”

“My job is to get the kids involved in working on fundraising, so all our initiatives are coming from and through them,” says Wilson, who lives in Airdrie, but originally came from the Ottawa Valley.

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Step it up

“It’s exciting to see the kids take the initiative. It really is driven by them,” she explains.

One of the program’s goals is to take the dance team to Los Angeles in 2017 where they will experience a “day in the life of a professional dancer” in studios where Suasin still has connections. It’s an exciting opportunity for the school, he says, because the three teachers have the chance to establish a long-term dance program that could eventually see alumni returning as guest performers and instructors.

“So that’s kind of where we’re going. But it’s only our first year.”

Noteworthy A noteworthy musical passion

Suzanne Lowry has taught music to children for 23 years, 15 of those at Airdrie’s Muriel Clayton Middle School, and she still loves it.

“It’s a passion of mine; it’s not really a job,” she says.

Lowry, who comes from a musical family, and who has an education major in music, split her duties at Muriel Clayton between general teaching and music instruction until two years ago, when she was asked to take on concert-band duties. This led to a full-time position as music teacher for Grades 5 and 6, and for options such as choir, chimes, bucket drumming and band.

“I’d never taught band before, but it’s my second year and I’m loving it,” she says.

Lowry instructs about 450 students, which can be challenging, but “my goal is to convey and instill a passion and love of music. I try to do my program so that everybody can do it.”

Students perform in school, but also in competitions like the Rotary Festival of Performing Arts held at the Bert Church Theatre where her choir recently won Best Junior Choir.

Working with children has its rewards, Lowry says, who has seen quiet, self-conscious children become outgoing and engaged.

“Maybe they’re underachievers in school, but in music, they just come to life.”

She’s also encountered past students who have thanked her for introducing them to music.

“We don’t think about it, but music is a part of everybody’s life.”

Talented teacher making a difference at Croxford Vern Gray is a talented visual artist with a passion for drawing and sculpture. He also happens to be a teacher at Airdrie’s newest high school.

Gray lives in Didsbury with his wife and three children, but has been commuting to W.H. Croxford – where he teaches fine arts and communications technology – since the school opened in 2014. He doesn’t mind the drive.

“The opportunity to teach something that you’re passionate about; you can’t have a better career than that,” he says.

Gray, who has a fine arts degree, has been teaching for 21 years, but art has always been his “go-to” subject. His classes are structured on the basics, he says, but by the time students near graduation, they have freedom to explore their own interests.

“There are some really strong painters, or sculptors, or some who have a real passion for drawing … they’re more independent artists.”

While not every student will become an artist, Gray hopes he can instill a lifelong passion and interest in art.

Recently, he received an email from a past student who was graduating from Vancouver Film School.

“She said, ‘We really did learn something from you.’”

Gray entered a short film she had made in his class in the youth division of the Calgary International Film Festival. It won first place, and he believes that inspired her to go further.

“You hope you’ve made a difference, but it’s great when it does come back to you and you see a person succeed.” life

Gray Matter

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LOCAL LIFE SPORTS

The Luck of the Irish STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

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“We want our guys to get involved in the community and take pride that we have Airdrie on our logo and in our name … Airdrie is a great football community”

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t least one good thing came out of the massive flood that hit Calgary in 2013 – it sparked the creation of Airdrie’s very own semi-professional football team.

The Airdrie Irish Football Club is now in its second season in the Alberta Football League (AFL). Team president Matt Squires was playing with the AFL’s Calgary Wolfpack when the June 2013 flood hit.

“There was some damage to Shouldice Field – the stadium had heaved,” Squires recalls. “We had a playoff game coming up between us and the Calgary Gators and we were without a field.”

A friend of Squires’ suggested the game be played in Airdrie at what is now Ed Eggerer Athletic Park, behind Genesis Place. “We had the playoff game there and besides it being a good facility, it was the amount of fans … a lot more fans than we expected came out,” Squires says.

The next season, the idea was hatched to expand the AFL and add an Airdrie team.

“I did my due diligence and, corporately, Airdrie has the highest corporate growth of almost any other city in Canada, so I thought it would be really good from a sponsorship opportunity,” says Squires, who is also AFL president. “We wanted to bring a team to Airdrie and have some really good football in the city.”

The appeal of semi-pro football is the excitement of having seasoned veterans with university and even Canadian Football League experience playing alongside athletes fresh out of school.

“We want our guys to get involved in the community and take pride that we have Airdrie on our logo and in our name …

Airdrie is a great football community,” says head coach Sean Stewart, who played for almost 30 years. “We’re not just there to play football. Being a newer franchise, we have to develop that foundation.”

For offensive line right guard Brent Scherschel, now in his first season with the Irish, the team offered him a chance to get back into the game after taking several years off to recover from a torn shoulder.

“It’s something we want to help build with the community,” says the former University of Calgary Dino who, when he isn’t playing in Airdrie, can be found coaching at the high school and midget level. “That’s the main reason I joined. I talked to Coach Stewart and said I want to be part of something – I had my opportunity to play high-level football and I just want to have fun. I’d love to mentor kids in Airdrie.”

Linebacker Gunnar Godhe, whose day job is communication consulting, came to the Irish after several years with the Calgary Wolfpack.

“We’ve had our challenges – there are a lot of new guys to the league – but I feel like I’ve enjoyed it quite a bit,” says Godhe, who is now in his 20th season playing football. “It’s an absolute love for the game. I’ve played all over Canada and the U.S. and played junior in university.”

Godhe says he hopes to be able to pass along his experience to a new generation of players. “I do coach high school in Cal-

gary, and we’re looking to try and start an annual camp for kids in the Airdrie area – non-contact, and no experience required,” he says, adding there wasn’t enough lead time to get a camp going for 2016, but he hopes to see one next year.

Squires says he sees the Airdrie Irish as “kind of a family.” Indeed, the players’ wives, known as the Blarney Babes, come out to entertain the crowd and host events like a bake-sale fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation that raised $500.

Above all, Squires says, “It’s really good, family-oriented football.” life For more information, visit airdrieirish.com

Where did the name Airdrie Irish come from?

Team president Matt Squires says the Irish background of himself and some of the other founding members inspired the moniker.

“If you think about Irish football, you think Notre Dame and Notre Dame’s core beliefs are foundation, family and structure,” he says. “We wanted to start with a sound football organization that has really good beliefs, is really good in the community … not flash and dance and guys who get into trouble and do stupid things.

“I want my guys helping out with charities, helping out in the community coaching – that’s what the Irish is about.”

FALL 2016 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE RURAL ROOTS, PRESENTED BY CAM CLARK FORD

A Family of Farmers STORY BY ALEX FRAZER-HARRISON | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

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“We’re fortunate our parents farmed and passed it down to us. Generational farming.”

airdrielife is pleased to bring back Rural Roots, a regular feature on the agricultural community that plays such an important role in the growth and vibrancy that is Airdrie.

W

hen you approach Bob and Norma Bilben’s home off Highway 567, just west of Airdrie, you have to pass between two rows of extremely tall trees. They’ve no doubt stood sentinel off the highway for years, and in many respects they represent how this family has itself stood among Rocky View County’s farming community.

Bob says on his mother’s side, his family has been farming in the region since the late 1800s. “And my dad came from Claresholm and moved up to the Beddington area in the 1940s,” he says. “My dad’s folks purchased my grandmother’s farm on my mother’s side … I guess that’s how they met and why we’re here!”

Norma’s own grandparents homesteaded east of Airdrie, and she and Bob grew up about seven miles apart, becoming sweethearts when they attended George McDougall High School. They’ve now been married 42 years.

The Bilbens, along with their children and in-laws, represent something you aren’t seeing as much of today as you used to: generational farming.

“I grew up on the farm and worked with my dad when I was younger and I guess when we got out of school, we just stayed on the farm,” says Bob. The couple has three daughters and a son. Holly and her husband, Jason, help with their properties near Airdrie; Carly and her husband, Mike, take care of a property in Big Valley that was purchased seven or eight years ago; Heidi and her husband, Brian, live in Airdrie (“They help us during busy times,” says Norma); and son Cody works in computers, but also helps out on the farm part time.

Bob says altogether, his family owns approximately 7,500 acres, breaking down to about 2,400 around Airdrie, 3,500 at Big Valley, and additional land they lease out. Originally, the home base was closer to Calgary on farmland that is now part of the city’s Beddington region. “We saw an opportunity to expand up to Airdrie, and we [later] had the opportunity to buy the ranch at Big Valley,” Bob says.

Most of the Big Valley operation concentrates on beef cattle, while grain farming is the other main aspect of the family business. “We try to grow malt barley, and that’s a specialized market,” says Bob. “We also try to raise replacement heifers and sell them off and that’s also a bit of a different specialized market.”

With multiple generations of farming behind them, the Bilbens have seen markets rise and fall. “We’re used to that – that’s happened our whole life,” says Bob. “Sometimes you have good markets, sometimes poor markets, and you learn to live with that and you just work around that.

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LOCAL LIFE RURAL ROOTS, PRESENTED BY CAM CLARK FORD

“I think in this area, you have to rely on generations. The land has to be passed down through generations; that’s the only way to keep the farms going because you can’t come in and buy the land, really, and start from scratch … the land is expensive.

“We’re fortunate our parents farmed and passed it down to us.

Generational farming,” Bob adds.

Community involvement is a traditional part of the farming lifestyle, and the Bilbens are no exception. Bob is currently the president of the Airdrie & District Agricultural Society, which he and Norma joined about 10 years ago after being invited to sign up.

Norma says one of her favourite events hosted by the Ag Society is Art of the Harvest in September, where folks get to see how harvesting was done in days of old. (This year it goes Sept. 17 at the Airdrie Ag Park.)

Bob says farming has been transformed, with new skills and technologies. “The biggest change is probably the way we do our daily business,” he says. “The [machinery] is bigger, computerized, there’s GPS and all the modern mechanisms.”

Adds Norma: “It used to be anyone could jump on a machine and run it, and that’s not the way anymore.” Still, she says, advances have made it at least physically easier to get the work done. “I can remember Dad coming off the combine and being covered in chaff,” she says. “Every time it’s harvest, I sit on the combine and I thank whoever invented the cab. [The chaff ] is all swirling around you [outside] and I’m all, ‘I don’t know how my dad did that!’

“Mentally, it’s harder, but boy the physical part of it is a lot easier than it was back then.”

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The couple has also been involved in other aspects of community life. Norma, for example, spent more than a half-decade on the board of GoldenRod Community Hall, while Bob’s involvement with the industry side of things saw him serve on the boards of the Balzac Seed Cleaning Plant and Airdrie Gas Co-op, the latter of which supplied propane to the rural area.

“That’s how you get out and meet people,” Bob says of community involvement. “You create a lot of friendships that way.”

Adds Norma: “You like to contribute to your community, to keep it all going. It’s always been important to us. I think over the years it’s changed … now it seems like people are busy running around with their kids and they’re too close to the big centre. It’s harder to get people to commit. People are just busier now.”

Although running a farm is hard work, the Bilbens know the importance of play. Over the winter, you’ll usually find them in Palm Springs, and they’ve also taken a number of “agricultural holidays” through Foothills 4-H, visiting farms from Brazil to Scotland.

Golfing is another passion, and Norma and Bob say they also spend a lot of time with their eight grandchildren.

For the Bilbens, farming is truly in their blood, and they can’t imagine doing anything else.

“Bob has never filled out a resume or had a job interview – there’s not a lot of people who can say that. He loves what he does and never felt the need to pursue anything else,” Norma says.

“What does that tell you about me?” Bob laughs. “It’s a way of life.” life

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SLICE OF LIFE ON THE COVER

Wyatt’s World T

“Ever since I was a child my brain worked in a twisted way – not dark and twisted, but I saw the world differently”

STORY BY ELLEN KELLY | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

his issue, airdrielife took advantage of the considerable talent of one of its own, cartoon artist/journalist Wyatt Tremblay, by having him illustrate the cover. He was honoured and says it was a lot of fun. “I drew the people first and then added the other things … the chairs, the lamp posts, the banners.… I just kept adding in and it started to flow.”

After living in the Yukon for 41 years, Tremblay moved to Airdrie three years ago after he met his wife online. He says that although the traffic was a little overwhelming – there are almost twice as many people in Airdrie as there are in the entire Yukon – he loves it here.

Tremblay also recently completed the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) journalism program. After writing fiction for pleasure, as well as designing all of the editorial pages (with the exception of the classifieds), writing sports stories and the occasional feature, and drawing the political cartoon twice weekly for the Yukon News – his employer since the 1980s – Tremblay wanted “that official piece of paper that says you’re legitimate now.”

In addition to writing, Tremblay is also a self-taught artist. He has been drawing as long as he can remember but “got serious” about his art at age 12. He was fortunate to have had renowned Canadian artist Ted Harrison as his high school art teacher but unfortunately Tremblay was most interested in drawing superheroes at the time, and says Harrison was not impressed. “He was inspirational though,” says Tremblay. “He allowed me to see that someone could make a living at [art].”

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Tremblay continues to cartoon for the Yukon News. Over the past 25 years, he has been awarded 27 times for his work. “Ever since I was a child my brain worked in a twisted way – not dark and twisted, but I saw the world differently.” He has never been too harsh as a political cartoonist. “You have to live and work with these people,” he says.

His philosophy has paid off. His first cartoon for the Yukon News, in the 1980s, placed third, the honour given by the B.C. and Yukon Newspaper Association. A long list of awards led to this year: he won first in the B.C/Yukon Newspaper Association Awards; first in the Canadian Community Newspaper Awards; fifth in a competition sponsored by the North American Collegiate Newspaper Awards for a cartoon drawn in The Weal (SAIT); and his Canada Day cartoon went viral.

Tremblay says the arts community in Airdrie “blows him away,” and he loves the multicultural nature of his neighbourhood.

“There are all different cultures and everybody gets along. It’s phenomenal,” he says. Tremblay’s art can be seen at the Yukon News and The Weal online. life

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